A/N: Ok, so here is Chapter 2. Thank you for all the kind words. I hope that the next installment goes down as well. Unfortunately, I have no beta, so all mistakes are my own.
I Don't Own Chuck…
Chapter 2
Graham calls their DHS liaison.
"Robin, this is Director Graham; Charles Bartowski should be arriving at West Yellowstone momentarily, be advised that an agent will arrive at West Yellowstone around the same time; she will be Mr. Bartowski's direct liaison moving forward. She will also contact you if she needs anything; please make sure that the necessary preparations are made, including a secured room, where they can discuss sensitive details. Please ensure that she is looked after for both yours and Mr. Bartowski's sake," said Graham.
"What is this agent's name, Director?" asked Robin.
"Her name is not important; she will have the appropriate documentation. You make sure those out at West Yellowstone stay out of her way and give her whatever she asks," responded Graham.
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Screaming across the sky is an F15 containing Smoke Jumper Charles Bartowski, still young in the Smoke Jumper ranks but more experienced than most, and the things that he has done, not many of his peers could come close to. It started eight years ago when he was 22.
A Smoke Jumpers season starts around May/June and ends in September; while some years he has volunteered to help in other parts of the world, in his down season, he does also have another passion, but Smoke Jumping is his way to give back.
A smoke jumper's job is primarily to control fires like any typical wildfire firefighter but in those hard-to-reach locations. But just like anyone that tries to control nature, it sometimes goes wrong, and those people sometimes need to be rescued. So, any season that Chuck hasn't needed to save anyone is a good one. But, unfortunately, some are bad ones, like last season, he had three rescues and lost one of his fellow smokejumpers; she died when a freak event caused a tree to fall on and trap her as the firefront was approaching.
Chuck could see the quickly approaching smoke plumes rising just before he heard his pilot come on his comms, "Mr. Bartowksi, we are just making our approach to Yellowstone."
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Meanwhile, a tall redhead arrived in West Yellowstone via chopper, and all the staff in the office could not keep their eyes off her.
"Word is she is here on some super-secret deployment that Bartowski from Redding is coming over for?"
"Bartowski, what's he got that we don't?" asked smokejumper 1.
"How about an Honor Award and twice Firefighter of the Year Award, for starters," answered smokejumper 2.
"He just showboats and is in the right place at the right time," responded another.
"Yeah, and that is part of the job knowing where to be, based on the conditions, you idiot," responded another.
She came up to the group of four."One of you Bartowski, or know where I can find him?" asked the redhead.
"He isn't here; he is at another base. So what do you want with that poser anyway?" asked the closest.
Another pushed him out of the way. "Ignore that old fart; he doesn't like being shown up. Bartowski isn't here, but we believe he is on his way," answered the second guy.
"Good, he is coming in on an F15. If you know anything about them, not the easiest to get into and out off. Do you have a ladder we could use?" she asked.
"Let me see if I can help you love," he responded, walking in the direction of another office. He came back quickly, pushing another gentleman along.
"This guy here is Keith. He will help you with whatever you need," he added, walking off with a smile and a wink.
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Chuck could see the ground rushing by as the jet came down quickly and touched down smoothly on the runway. The pilot taxied to the Smoke Jumper offices, and the canopy rose. Chuck was able to take off his harness, but when he looked over the edge of the jet and saw what looked like a metal spike, he looked back at the pilot.
"You are kidding; how am I supposed to get down that? How am I even supposed to get down to it?" asked Chuck.
"Yeah, not very good those ladders, but what are you gonna do? Unfortunately, we don't carry big ladders strapped to the roof racks. But there is a recessed foothold and a folded handhold," he showed Chuck by pulling out the handhold. "The foothold is a bit lower and towards you, but maybe best if you contact someone in the office to bring a proper ladder; I'm sure the bosses wouldn't be happy getting you here, and then you falling out and hitting your head taking you out of commission," he laughed.
Chuck could see two people bringing over a ladder that looked a little better; when they got closer, Chuck recognized one of the admin guys, Keith, and what could only be described as a redheaded runway model smirking at him.
"So, you're our superhero?" she asked.
"Um, well, I'm smoke jumper Bartowski," he responded.
"That'll do, you have people counting on you, and I am not the kind of person you want to piss off, so you better keep me happy," She responded.
"Yes, Ma'am," Chuck replied, coming down the newly provided ladder.
"Now listen here, handsome, you can call me sexy or just Carina, your choice, but drop the Ma'am schtick," she responded.
"Understood, Carina," said Chuck.
Carina sighed "Yeah, Ok, but you better work out another way of making me happy," she responded.
"I am your liaison; you are to take whatever I say as coming directly from the Director," she said.
"As they walked towards the building, Chuck tried to take it all in. "I believe you have some info for me," asked Chuck.
"Well, yes, I do; it's inside, in our recently liberated office. But, you need to know that Sarah is out there, and she is my best friend; nothing is more important than getting her back safely," said Carina.
"Keith, can you get me a report on the current status of the fires around the drop site?" asked Chuck
"Sorry, Chuck, we haven't been given any locations," answered Keith.
Chuck just looked at Carina.
"Listen, if you really are concerned about your friend's safety, I need to depend on the resources back here. I cannot operate out there without any information. Surely you understand that. Besides, people know something is going on, so it's not like knowing the location will expose your operation anymore from the targets," asked Chuck.
Carina only rolled her eyes "fine, let's go talk to the kids and give them the location,"
"Keith, I also need to get some gear. I brought my chute and a few personal things, but I will need to borrow some other equipment, including a Pulaski and five emergency shelters. Food and water for two days for five people and some medical kits," said Chuck.
"I will also need some kit," spoke up Carina. "Woah, hold on a second; you are not jumping with me," responded Chuck.
"Yes I am; as I said, that is my best friend out there," she responded.
"You have no training to survive in those conditions. If I must worry about keeping you safe, it will be harder keeping the rest of them safe," said Chuck.
"Listen, Chuckles, I am a trained operative. I can look after myself."
"That is the exact attitude that will kill you and them. I will jump alone or not at all," added Chuck.
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"Director Graham, I thought you may want to know that we found references to Charles Bartowski as an instructor on several fire survival camps run by different groups. Even some of our clandestine services operatives have attended some of these camps.
"Ok, so he is obviously good at what he does great, is there another point to this conversation?" asked Graham.
"Only that his loyalties may be elsewhere," he responded.
"Still not sure what difference it makes but see if you can dig more into his past and see if there are any other surprises," answered Graham.
"We do know that his number one focus will be on rescuing our team, and beyond that, he would not do anything to jeopardize a larger operation unless necessary. Even if he works for someone else, his loyalty will be to the USA," added Graham.
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Major John Casey is starting to get concerned about the temperature and the smoke hanging around his hide. He still has a visual of the terrorist camp and the CIA agents, he hasn't received any further orders but is very concerned that a path out of this mess will be difficult.
If only he could remember those fire survival classes, he was forced to take a couple of years ago. He recalled that when he started the course, he was not taking it seriously but, as time went on, found out that things taken for granted were wrong. That things he had believed about fire survival would likely have killed him.
He was trying to remember the instructor's name, nope, but he can remember that goofy face, he could sure use him out here and some of that gear he was showing us how to use.
His satellite phone started ringing; he was unsure how much longer it would work with the growing smoke.
"Casey secure, but not sure how safe,"
"Major Casey, the CIA is currently working with a wildfire specialist, and he is preparing to enter the park. I have spoken with him and informed him of your presence, I have requested that he keep your existence quiet, but I am not sure if that is a priority anymore. We are concerned that a fire that isn't that far from you would put your and the CIA team in danger if it changed direction. If you see this individual with the CIA team, you are to approach, and if necessary, you can announce your presence to the CIA team. Keeping you hidden from them is not worth your life Major," said General Beckman.
"Understand General, and thank you," responded Casey
Casey ended the call and started watching the CIA team again and listening in with his directional microphone.
"So Larkin, how long have you and the Ice Queen been an item?" asked Shaw.
Casey could see Walker's head drop down to the ground in disgust through his viewfinder.
"I think Walker made it clear that we were not together," said Bryce.
"Yeah, you think I will believe anything she says about her personal life, and I know you two have had to be cozy in previous missions; it's only natural that it would happen," said Shaw.
"Stop behaving like a child Shaw; what do I have to do to prove that Larkin and I are not involved?" asked Sarah.
Shaw smirked, "Kiss me and depending on how committed to that, I'll know," responded Shaw
"My lips will never come anywhere near yours even if my life depended on it," said Shaw.
"Proves my point, doesn't it?" responded Shaw.
"Shaw, you idiot, I'd sleep with you before sleeping with Sarah; I thought you knew I was gay. "
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Back in the West Yellowstone operations center was abuzz.
"Chuck, I've got that latest report from the zone in question, and unfortunately, it is not looking good," said Keith bringing up the map of the valley and showing where the active fire was superimposed.
"Carina, can you put the two other areas of interest on the map? I need to know exactly where they are," asked Chuck.
Carina stepped forward and circled an area, "this is where the suspected camp is," and placed her finger on another location, "this is where the team is,"
Chuck stood up "This fire here, it's currently burning in this direction, which is ok, but the prevailing wind in this part of the park will normally come from this direction in the afternoon. Likely in the next 30 minutes. If that happens, this front will spread here, and then it can have a clear run straight up the valley to where your people are and the camp is. Give it 2 hours at most, and those locations will be fully involved. I suggest we get airborne, and if we see the front starting to spread in this direction, I'll jump in, and depending on what is happening, I'll either try to contain the spread, so it stays in this valley, or I get to your team, and we will try and get them out," said Chuck.
"I need to know what we do about the suspected camp. Are we to provide aid?" asked Chuck.
"No, we believe they are well-armed, and from this, they can exit the valley ahead of the fire as long as they don't wait too long," answered Carina.
Chuck sighed "Ok, I am not happy, but I understand that if we just show up, they will likely not take it positively," answered Chuck.
"Chuck, I need to inform my bosses that we will be moving in under suspicions that the weather conditions will change, putting our people at risk. I will also let him know that we will have up to the last minute to pull the pin and that we will only jump if your predicted wind change comes through," said Carina.
"Ok, I will finish my preparation for the jump, I will have my radio comms and a satellite phone for updates," answered Chuck.
Chuck went back to pick up the gear he would be taking; he carried the emergency shelters himself but had some other equipment that would be airdropped, but it is likely that the additional bag would be lost or unable to retrieve before action.
He was dressed in firefighting gear with his jumpsuit over the top. And chute on his back. His reserve chute is on his chest, and his gear bag is attached underneath. He is carrying a separate bag that will attach to his harness when he jumps.
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Carina and Chuck boarded the Dornier 228, along with his spotter, and before they could get into their seats, they started moving towards the runway.
"So, Chuckles, tell me why did you become a Smoke Jumper?" asked Carina
"So, is this where we tell each other our life stories?" asked Chuck
"Well, this is where you tell me all about yourself, but you will not hear anything about me," Carina Responded.
"That hardly seems fair," said Chuck.
"Life isn't fair, Chuckles," she said and pointed the finger at herself, "Spy, here,"
"You may find it surprising, but I have worked with a few spies before," said Chuck.
"Oh really, like who?" she asked.
"hehe, if I tell you who, then you will suspect that I would say something about you, but if you don't, you will not believe me," said Chuck.
"Sounds like a real pickle," said Carina.
"I don't know who they work for, just first name, but I have had some good conversations about their experiences. I have instructed some fire survival courses that the DoD and three-letter agencies have sent operatives," said Chuck.
"Tell me some of the stories then…" asked Carina.
"Nice try," answered Chuck.
"Then tell me why you became a SmokeJumper?" asked Carina.
"That is a pretty complicated story," said Chuck.
"I didn't have the easiest childhood; my sister mostly raised me from 8. Then, my mom disappeared, and Dad didn't take it that well, He was around physically for a few years, but Ellie did all cooking and cleaning. When dad left a few years later, he said he was going out to shop for ingredients for pancakes and never came back."
Chuck nodded his head a few times to keep going.
I worked hard at school, got good grades, and was able to earn myself a full-ride scholarship to Stanford."
Carina let out a whistle," that was impressive, but that still doesn't tell me why."
"We graduated, and we all went up into the mountains; we were in this cabin far from civilization. We could only get there by hiking through the trails and mountains,"
"It was a beautiful night, but lightning struck somewhere near us and started a fire. So soon, it was this big wildfire that was coming toward us. We had a radio, and the aerial went up this tower; we contacted the forestry service, and they said there was nothing they could do. Because they couldn't reach us by land and their smokejumper program had cuts to their funding, they had no one that could come to us," said Chuck.
Carina could see tears starting to run down his cheeks.
There were ten of us, seven of us left the next day via Helicopter pickups, but another two died due to the severity of the burns.
"That next day, I said to myself I would do something, do my bit to help people in similar situations, not like some people," said Chuck.
"Chuck some people? Who are you talking about?" Asked Carina.
Chuck stared down at the plane floor for several seconds like he was working out what to say.
"One of the students believed dead in the fire was my roommate Bryce Larkin. But thanks to your information, I now know he just left to go and become a spy."
"Did you become a firefighter because you thought Bryce died?" asked Carina.
"No, not just him… even if I knew he had survived, I think I would have still followed the path I did. When we first smelt the smoke, Bryce was there, and I didn't see him after that. I don't know if he was burnt or if he just left us all to die," said Chuck
"Um, from what I know, Bryce doesn't have any serious burns on his body. You seem ok, did you suffer any serious burns?" asked Carina.
"No, but I was trying to help those burnt or died. He was nowhere; he just disappeared, didn't help anyone," responded Chuck.
"So you gave up the future you had worked so hard for to do what you do?" asked Carina.
"I didn't give everything away; there are times like now where everything is go go go… but I do have a life outside the firefighting," said Chuck.
Carina's eyes went up …" But that is a story for another day," said Chuck.
"Bartowski, call for you on the radio," was yelled out from the cockpit. He picked the closest headset up, "Bartowski here."
Carina sat with bated breath while waiting for Chuck to finish on the radio.
"What's going on?" asked Carina quickly.
"We are approaching the coordinates you gave us, and the wind has changed as I feared, and conditions are all adding up to the development of a firestorm… It is go now or say goodbye to your team," said Chuck.
"Chuck, you get to Sarah, and you make sure she is ok, and you tell her she has to survive, because we need to have one hell of a girl's night after all of this is over," said Carina.
Chuck attached his secondary bag to his harness, approached the door, sat down on the edge, and pushed himself out into the smoke-filled sky. Carina wondered if this would be the last she would see of Charles Bartowski.
A/N2: I hope those worried about how Bryce and Shaw fit into this story are comfortable with the developments. Please review if you can; it helps to motivate me to get the next chapter out. For those that think it doesn't help, it certainly does.
So now you know part of the back story that Chuck and Bryce were still at Stanford; the framing never happened because Chuck never took Flemings class and was therefore not on the CIA's radar. So that and the fire were the two events that triggered this change in Chuck's back story.