A/N: This was an AU that I had started some time ago, I wanted to see if anyone had an interest in it and whether I should continue it. I want to also look at completing some of my other stories. But I think what I will do is take them down edit, finish and repost. As I am not happy with the quality of those stories, especially Highschool Reunion, I have about 4 more chapters ready for editing but I think I need to revisit the whole story first.
Oh … I don't own Chuck
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Three CIA agents were in the middle of Yellowstone National Park, well camouflaged using the very dry branches and leaf matter lying around them.
They watched what appeared to be a camp of approximately 20 middle eastern individuals. The team had observed them doing physical training and going over maps or blueprints. Unfortunately, trees protected the main central area from above, and they had not been able to get any visual confirmation of what the blueprints were off.
"Tell me again, why the hell am I out in the middle of Yellowstone with you two idiots on what has to be the hottest day in years?" asked the blonde agent.
"I am here because I am the only one that knows anything about this terrorist group. Why you saw it necessary to bring your boyfriend, I have no idea," responded the raven-haired agent.
"Bryce is not my boyfriend Shaw, and what business is it of yours who I am with anyway," asked the blonde
"What business it is of mine is I don't want you or your boyfriend to blow this op because of your feelings or relationship," he responded.
"Shaw, the only thing that will blow this op is if we are seen because of the size of your ego," said the blonde.
"Sarah, I knew you sneaked a look in the shower, it is nice, isn't it?" responded Shaw.
"Shaw, I have seen larger appendages on gorillas. Bryce, why are you still silent? You enjoying this conversation?" asked Sarah.
Bryce looked at the smile on Shaw's face. The shorter man at one stage was jealous of the height advantage he had but now shook his head and smiled.
"Firstly, I have been quiet, because I have been thinking about how exposed we are here, and two Shaw wipe the smile off your face, you realize gorillas have the smallest penises amongst primates?" asked Bryce.
The raven-haired agent looked like a six-year-old, told there was no Santa Claus, while the blonde, blue-eyed amazon could only smile
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Meanwhile, an agent from another Federal Agency is close by but unknown to the others.
"Major Casey, please provide current status."
"General, the CIA team are still bunkered down in the brush. Looks like just watching the bastards," responded Casey.
"Major, stay out of sight and try getting eyes on the target. We need to get as much intel as possible about the upcoming attack. The CIA have already blown it back on 9/11, what is happening in the camp?" asked the General impatiently.
"General, earlier this morning looked like they were doing PT, but with the temperature increase, they are now under shelter reviewing maps or something similar," answered Casey.
"Major, would a drone or a satellite have an angle to view?" asked the General.
"Negative, whether it's because of the sun or thwarting those attempts, they are undercover with no viewing angle because of the trees.
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While the four spies were hiding, the rest of the park continued about its normal day.
"Bob, not liking the look of this, we have several wildfires in this corner of the park with the temperature expected to well exceed 100 and the winds blowing, I think we could be in for a really bad one," said Annie.
"Annie, alert all the crews and get the extra birds up in the air. Get an extra couple of operators to watch out for changes in wind readings and infrared reports. May as well give a heads up to NIFC too," said Bob
"Bob, you know what today is, right?" asked Annie.
"Annie, yes and I know what is happening tonight in West Yellowstone, the fireworks. However, I think you should let them know it is likely that they will have to cancel," said Bob.
"Bob, it's not just the official ones we need to worry about in the campsites. We need to make sure everyone knows, maybe start spot searches on those people entering the park," said Annie.
"Ok, ok, make it so," answered Bob
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Meanwhile, in the terrorist camp, plans are being discussed.
"This action will bring the infidels to their knees. We shall remind them that all Americans are not safe no matter where they are, Takbir" said Ayman
"Allāhu Akbar," they all chanted.
"We will pay homage to al-Amīr," said Ayman
"Allāhu Akbar," they all chanted again.
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"You getting this?" asked Sarah.
"Yeah, al-Amir," responded Bryce.
"Shaw, you didn't tell us these guys were Al-Qaeda," said Sarah.
"I wasn't sure," responded Shaw.
"In fact, I think that guy is Ayman al-Zawahiri" responded Sarah.
"Oh shit, we need to tell Graham," responded Bryce.
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"So what's the plan for getting support into the team on the ground, if the shit hits the fan?" asked Graham.
"Director, we have been looking at options, the original plan was to fly a team in by chopper but with the fires in Yellowstone today, the park has its own birds flying around the park. So I guess to people in the park, it will not appear strange, but with the increase in traffic, questions would be asked by the park," responded the operations support analyst.
"What other options do we have?" asked Graham.
"We could start moving a team in from the ground if needed, but we could tip the cell off," responded the analyst.
"Director, I have Agent Walker for you," added Robert, the communications analyst.
"Agent Walker what have you got for me?" asked Graham.
"Director, it appears that this cell may be Al-Quaeda, and we have a possible identification of Ayman al-Zawahiri," said Sarah.
"Walker stay covert; do not make any moves against targets, I will get back to you ASAP," responded Graham.
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Meanwhile, in Redding California, a tall dark, and curly-haired nerd is chatting with his friend on the phone.
"Morgan, like I said, I'm on call today. I cannot come up to Burbank. We can have a game of COD online, but I need to be able to respond to a call," said Chuck.
"Chuck, it's the 4th of July besides, I'm on call too," responded Morgan.
"Morgan, being on call for the Buy More and what I do are slightly different," said Chuck.
"Maybe, but as I have said before Chuck, what you do really doesn't make much sense," said Morgan.
"Morgan, it makes perfect sense," responded Chuck.
"Not only do you jump out of a perfectly good airplane, but you also jump out of a perfectly good airplane into a fire. How ridiculous is that?" responded Morgan.
"Morgan, well, if I'm doing my job properly, I am not jumping into the fire I'm jumping next to it," said Chuck
"Chuck, fire means warm air, which means updrafts. Who knows what happens," said Morgan.
"Morgan, I think I understand the dangers of my job, buddy. Besides, you enjoyed the tandem jump we did earlier, " answered Chuck.
"Chuck, we landed in the middle of a field without a tree in sight. So I think it's a little different," said Morgan.
"Where is this all coming from?" asked Chuck.
"Chuck, we are hetero-life partners, and besides, Ellie gives me a hard time about it every time I see her," said Morgan.
"How often do you see my sister Morgan?" asked Chuck
"Not every week," said Morgan.
"What?" asked Chuck.
"Well, I get hungry, and she can really cook," answered Morgan.
"Have you and my sister been comparing your, we miss Chuck stories?" asked Chuck.
"Chuck, I tell you it's only a matter of time, and she will give Awesome the flick and I'll be there to pick up the pieces," said Morgan.
"You developing a bromance with Awesome?" asked Chuck.
"No, Ellie and I are meant to be together," responded Morgan angrily.
"Morgan, sorry to burst the bubble buddy, but Devon told me about his intentions last time I was in Burbank. He is going to ask Ellie to marry him," responded Chuck.
After several moments of silence, "buddy, you ok?" asked Chuck
"Knew I should have made my move sooner," said Morgan.
"Morgan, no matter when you made your move or what the move was, Ellie would not be interested," said Chuck.
"What are you saying Chuck?" asked Morgan.
"Morgan, I am saying the same thing I have said every time we have had this conversation, you and Ellie.. not going to happen," said Chuck.
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"What is wrong with the weather, it's got to be over 100?" asked Shaw.
"Yeah, I think they forecast 102 for today, the previous maximum was like 92," said Sarah.
"Well, Sarah if you feel the need to strip off, don't let me stop you," responded Shaw.
"Is that smoke I can smell?" asked Sarah.
"Probably Larkins brain thinking about you stripping," responded Shaw.
"Might be a campfire?" answered Bryce ignoring Shaw's barb.
"Dunno doesn't smell like a normal Camp Fire," responded Sarah.
Grabbing her phone, she quickly made a secure call back to the operations team.
"Robert, this is Agent Walker, can you check the status of any fires in the park as we are starting to smell some smoke?" asked Sarah.
"Agent Walker, there are several fires at different parts of the park; the park administration has several birds flying around checking fires. I do not have a report close to you, but you would likely smell smoke as smoke is covering a large section of the park causing complications to aerial surveillance. But will check the closest fire to your position. Please hold on," said Robert.
Sarah waited on the phone until she heard Robert again.
"Agent Walker, are you there?" asked Robert
"Yes, Robert?" asked Sarah.
"Um, there seem to be a couple of fires while not close to you are decent-sized," said Robert.
"Do we need to take action?" asked Sarah
"No, I will keep an eye on this fire and let you know of any changes," said Robert.
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"Everyone, what is the strategy to get our people out if trapped by fire?" asked Graham.
"Sir, we do not have any options," reported the intelligence analyst.
"What, we just let our people burn?" asked Graham surprised.
"Might I suggest we contact the National Interagency Fire Centre, DHS is a major contributor; maybe they give us some options," responded Robert.
"We need to do this without raising alarms. Go through our DHS liaison but make him understand the request's critical and sensitive nature, " answered Graham.
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"Director, I have the DHS man at NIFC on the line, Robin Thorne," said Robert.
Graham took the phone.
"This is Director Graham from the CIA. We have a situation and need your help," said Graham
"What can I help you with Director?" Robin responded.
After taking a deep breath, "Obviously this is classified, and many people's lives are in the balance. We have an operation ongoing in Yellowstone, and we have people on the ground that we now consider may be in a dangerous situation due to natural fire dangers. Do you have any strategies or plans for rescuing individuals that may be caught in the path of the fire?" asked Graham.
After a couple of seconds, "Can you tell me where in the park your people are? We have refuges and supplies throughout the park, but would need to know a location to determine the closest to your people?" asked Robin.
"There is a suspected terrorist activity in the park, and we cannot afford to alert them of our presence," said Graham.
"I appreciate that, but you need to tell me where so I can see what options we have," said Robin.
After Graham gave him the approximate location, Robin was quiet for several seconds.
"Director, it seems that area of the park is not covered, the only option would be for us to drop smokejumpers with emergency supplies into the area. But we would need accurate GPS location; otherwise, the jumpers could drop the wrong side of the fire," said Robin.
"How many are we talking?" asked Graham.
"We generally talk about 20 or so in a crew, and we usually drop them in teams of two," said Robin.
"Who is your best, we need to keep the knowledge to a minimum?" asked Graham.
"Well, we have 21 capable jumpers out of West Yellowstone," said Robin.
"No, I asked who was your best?" asked Graham.
"Our most successful Rescue SmokeJumper I know of is based in Redding," answered Robin.
"Hold on," stated Graham.
"Robert organise an F15 out of Beale to pick up a jumper at the airport in Redding, and take him to the Jumper Base at West Yellowstone," said Graham.
"Robin, we will have an F15 at Redding airport to transport your jumper to West Yellowstone. How long will it take him to get to the airport?" asked Graham.
"If he is on call, he will be at the accommodation wing in the base at Redding airport. He could be anywhere if he isn't on call," responded Robin.
"What's his name?" asked Graham.
"Chuck.. ah Charles Irving Bartowski Director," responded Robin.
"Make sure he is there, he will not miss the F15. He needs to make himself known to the pilot," said Graham.
"Um ok," responded Robin as Graham disconnected the call.
"Russell, give me a background Check on Charles Irving Bartowksi and make sure the F15 pilot has his details," said Graham.
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Chuck sitting in his room at the jumper base in Redding, got the call.
"Bartowski, you need to get your jump gear, including fire and rescue, out on the tarmac, there, you will meet your F15 transport. Good luck," his supervisor said.
"Hang on, what do you mean by designation F15?" asked Chuck.
"A USAF F15 is on or will be on the tarmac to transport your skinny ass for a priority one extraction. Do you wish to have the F15 wait any longer?" he asked.
"No sir will be there ASAP," responded Chuck.
Chuck quickly took his phone and sent a text message to Morgan
Gotta work Sorry
Disconnected the gaming console, quickly dressed in his jumpsuit and grabbed his chute and gear, and headed off to the tarmac as he walked out the door of the offices he noticed the F15 taxiing towards the terminal, he set out for a slow jog to meet the pilot.
"You are?" asked the pilot.
"Chuck…Charles Bartowski," answered Chuck.
"Commander Reynolds, I am your USAF supplied transfer to West Yellowstone," said Reynolds
"West Yellowstone?" Questioned Chuck.
"Come aboard and strap in, I'll tell you what I know on the way." said Reynolds.
After Chuck was all strapped in the pilot started taxiing for his take-off.
"You all strapped in," asked Reynolds
"Yeah familiar with the harnesses," responded Chuck.
After only another sixty seconds the F15 was airborne again and on its way to West Yellowstone.
"My instructions are to pick up a smokejumper and take him to West Yellowstone for a classified operation, and no one is to know who I transported or where to or from," said Reynolds.
"West Yellowstone has 21 Jumpers. So why do they need my help?" asked Chuck.
"This request has nothing to do with the base at West Yellowstone, and I don't think they know you are coming yet. NIFC is supposed to be informing them. All that is known is that it is a DHS operation," said Reynolds.
After another minute of flight
"Bartowski, I have a priority one communiqué inbound for you, isolating comms," said Reynolds.
"Mr Bartowski is it?" asked a female voice.
"Yes ma'am, with whom am I speaking?" asked Chuck
"This is General Dianne Beckman of the NSA, I believe you are on your way to West Yellowstone," said Beckman
"Ah yes ma'am, do you have instructions for me?" asked Chuck.
"Well, yes, but this is to remain between the two of us; the hacks at the CIA have organized for you to fly in to provide extraction capability for a team on the ground in Yellowstone," said Beckman.
"Um, ok do you have details of this team?" asked Chuck
"Of course I do, but that is not my problem. I also have an operative on the ground with the CIA team under surveillance. Unfortunately, if the CIA pukes get into strife, Major Casey will likely need assistance too," said Beckman.
"So you want me to extract your agent without making the CIA aware?" asked Chuck surprised.
"Precisely, thank you for your co-operation. I will send coordinates to you when I know his position," added Beckman.
"Wait, I…um. I understand the sensitive nature of this, but I will not put any of the parties in danger to keep this secret. So if I can extract without exposing I will, but my first priority is the safety of the individuals involved," said Chuck.
"I appreciate your candor Mr Bartowski but please know the active operation in Yellowstone may be responsible for thwarting an event similar to 9/11. Jeopardizing could endanger a lot more than the people on the ground," responded Beckman.
Then she was gone….
"Another Priority One communiqué, Mr Popular," said Reynolds.
"Mr Bartowski, this is Arthur Graham I work for an arm of the Federal government, I know what has happened today seems very strange, but we need your help?" said Graham.
"Yes sir, what can I do?" asked Chuck.
"We have an ongoing operation critical to national security within Yellowstone. I have been told you are the best at rescue and extraction. Unfortunately, due to the worsening conditions within the park, we may need your assistance to extract our team," said Graham.
"Yes, I have been involved in many rescues. Almost all of the rescues have been for trained firefighters that have been caught when conditions have changed, not individuals without training" responded Chuck.
"Believe me Charles, these agents are the best of the best and have been trained in many survival technique's," said Graham.
"That's what concerns me sir. Thinking they know what to do in those situations and being wrong will get them killed. Do not underestimate the power of a firestorm. It is more dangerous and more powerful than any conventional army," said Chuck.
"Are you refusing to help?" asked Graham.
"Of course not sir. I will do whatever I can to save your people if necessary, but please understand I can make no promises with untrained individuals, if they have the opportunity to leave the area, they should," said Chuck.
"Charles, I think the time to walk out of the park has passed. They will either have to wait till the fires burn out, or we will need to go in," said Graham.
"How many people are we talking about?" asked Chuck
"Two male agents and one female agent," responded Graham
The mention of a female agent brought back flashes of a memory that he had been trying to forget for years.
"Are you ok son, you went all quiet?" asked Graham
"Yes sir, the only person I have lost was a female smokejumper. Can you give me the names?" asked Chuck
"No son, but when you land in West Yellowstone you will be given an information packet to help you identify the agents," said Graham.
"Is there anything I need to know that is not in the packet?" asked Chuck.
"The female in the team is like a daughter to me..." said Graham.
"I understand sir, I will do what I can to make sure they all come home," said Chuck.
"Thank you, also if there is any intelligence they have with them, please make sure it makes it out even if they don't," said Graham.
In Chuck's mind, Graham went from a concerned father to a monster in two seconds flat.
"Know the safety of your people will be paramount in my mind, but I also acknowledge that the fate of more than the individuals I am saving could be involved," exhausted Chuck.
After the discussion with Graham, he was dreading what was coming, he would be taking responsibility for the safety of four individuals that would likely not listen to him because they think they know more about surviving a fire, three of them are not to know about the fourth and if that wasn't enough if he fails the responsibility of an incident like 9/11 could be in his hands.
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"I think it's getting hotter the last few minutes," said Sarah.
"Will you ever stop complaining about the heat?" asked Shaw.
"Shaw I am not complaining about the heat, but normally a change in temperature could signify a change in environment. Like a fire getting closer," said Sarah.
"If a fire gets too close I'll be there to help, so don't worry," said Shaw smiling arrogantly
"Shaw, if a fire gets anywhere near us I suggest to stay away from me," responded Sarah.
Sarah decided to check in with operations.
"Robert, how are those fires, seems to have increased in temperature in the last ten minutes," asked Sarah.
"Agent Walker, a fire has gotten closer. We are looking at some options from this side, and will let you know when we have a plan."
"Robert, what does that mean? do we need to move?" asked Sarah.
"Operation is still active at this time, moving you would also be problematic, as path out is currently cut off," said Robert
"Are you saying we are trapped?" asked Sarah worried.
"Agent Walker, you are safe at this stage, but the concern is that a wind change could push the fire towards you. You are uphill and the only direction you could move to is to move into the terrorist camp, or into the fire," said Robert.