A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews. I certainly do appreciate them, and keep them coming. I know the story feels like it takes a while to get going, but it's only a few hours after it started and on the same day…Our two favorite characters finally meet in this chapter, but how will that meeting go with the stressful situation?
I apologize for any inconsistency in spelling, I am from Australia, and while I try to 'correct' my spelling, some always slip through.
As always, I do not own Chuck.
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Chapter 3
Sarah was taking her turn looking through the scope; she had the headphones on but had muted the directional microphone while checking some movement in the far corner of the camp.
Bryce saw Shaw looking at Sarah's ass while lying prone on the ground, and Shaw noticed that Bryce was shaking his head.
"What, you can't tell me that an ass like that does nothing for you?" said Shaw.
"Look at it? Don't you want to take both hands and grab each cheek and give it a good squeeze," he added.
"Shaw, just leave her alone; you can't treat her that way," said Bryce.
"She has no idea what we are talking about; she is listening to something in the camp. She probably wishes someone would grab her cheeks and start fondling," said Shaw.
"You make one move towards me, Shaw, and no one will be able to find all the appendages that I have liberated from you with one of my many hidden knives," came from a stationary Sarah Walker. While still looking through the scope.
"BBBut how can you hhhear me?" said Shaw, stuttering.
"You idiot, I muted that feed while investigating what appears to be camp residents packing up and leaving," said Sarah.
"What do you mean leaving," as Bryce laid down beside her and took the scope. "Yeah, she is right; not everyone is leaving, but maybe half of the camp population looks to be leaving." Said Bryce.
Sarah grabs the satellite phone and makes a call.
"Director, we have movement here; what looks like about half the camp is currently packing up and heading out in the opposite direction of us and the fire," said Sarah.
"Agent Walker, does this looked planned, or are they panicking about the fire?" asked Graham.
"Hard to tell, but they are packing up equipment to take, so it does appear to be an organized activity," said Sarah.
"I understand; keep an eye on the remaining camp population and tell me if you see anything unusual." Said Graham.
"Sir, do we have any word on a plan for our evac?" asked Sarah.
"Yes, Sarah, a decision has been made to send in a wildfire survival expert with equipment to help get you out," said Graham.
"We appreciate that, Sir, but how does this expert plan to just appear in the middle of nowhere?" Asked Sarah.
"He will drop from the heavens… a Smoke Jumper, and he is confident that he will be able to come down in the adjacent valley to avoid his chute being seen by the camp. He has been coordinating with Agent Miller from the DEA," said Graham.
"Why is the DEA involved? I am not sure if sending more people into this situation is the smart play," said Sarah.
"No need for that kind of talk; I have been assured that this Charles Bartowski is the best of the best, and if anyone can get you all out safely, it will be him. Agent Miller was in the area, and I needed someone I could trust to have your interests in mind, not just the mission," said Graham.
"How will he find us? Are the DEA now involved?" Asked Sarah.
"The plan is for him to see if he can somehow change the path of the fire away from the valley you are in, and if that doesn't look like it will succeed, you will have to send someone to meet him. The DEA is not involved; I only told them that it was a personal matter involving you," said Graham.
"Understood, so you will contact us, sir?" Asked Sarah
"No, you will likely be dealing with Agent Miller, All the best, Sarah, you will be in our thoughts," said Graham before disconnected.
"What, they're sending someone else into this mess?" Asked Bryce, almost panicking.
"Yeah, some Wildfire survival expert named Charles somebody, he is jumping in with equipment, and we will likely have to meet him," said Sarah.
"Great, that's all we need someone who doesn't know what they are doing," said Shaw.
"No, someone that does; besides, we already have someone that doesn't have a clue," responded Sarah.
A confused look came over Shaw as he alternated looking at Bryce, Sarah, and then back again.
"She means you, Shaw, and yes, I agree with her," said Bryce.
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As Chuck was coming down, he quickly identified the topographical features and where the fire was from the map back in the office. He always could absorb information quickly and then use that information when out in the field. It was an important skill when he didn't have an office computer or laptop within reach.
He used his radio equipment that's frequency was catered explicitly for wildfire environments ensuring excellent penetration through smoke and the trees in the forest.
"This is Bartowski coming into LZ; I will report when I've engaged the fire line." Said Chuck.
He came through the valley, picked his point of contact, and came in carefully. Chuck was not used to the extra weight in his packs affecting him on his landing and went down a little rough and face-planted.
The main job of the wildfire fighter is to remove the fuel from the path of the fire and then stir up the fire with the dirt to suffocate the fire. Throwing dirt on top of small fires is a good way of starving an active fire of oxygen but this only works on fingers of the fire where embers spread and start grass fires ahead of the main body of the fire.
Based on the topographical environment, Chuck knew where the fire would likely progress and how to implement a fire line and fire break. He could already feel the radiating heat coming from the fire front at this distance and the howling convective winds that almost looked like tornado whirls.
If Chuck were to have any chance to redirect this fire, he would need to remove enough of the fuel to counter the impact of the radiating heat and whirling winds; he was working hard but was not feeling too optimistic.
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Sarah was sitting down while Shaw took his turn on the scope, reporting to Bryce and Sarah what was happening. Bryce could see something was on her mind.
"Walker, what's going on in that head?" asked Bryce.
"Guess I'm just thinking about what my life has come to; I am just a weapon to be pointed at the enemy, expendable. So you know we will probably die here," she said.
"I thought you said they had a specialist coming in?" asked Bryce.
"Yeah, they do, but he will probably be another expendable life as far as the agency is concerned," said Sarah.
"I know it's hard, but we decided to serve so others can live without knowing what we have to do," said Bryce.
Sarah only snorted. "We all know you do this because of your ego," said Sarah.
"What, and you chose this life to be selfless? Yeah, right, we all have our reasons, but we chose this life, and we need to honor that choice," said Bryce pumping his chest out.
"You really are an egotistical tosser, aren't you?" Said Sarah.
"You may have chosen this life, but no, I had no choice; I have lived this life because it was made clear I didn't have a choice," said Sarah.
"That's just a cop-out; we all have a choice in what path we take," said Bryce. "You can't tell me that the recruiter came to your college and put a gun to your head," said Bryce.
"No, my fathers and I was still in High School," said Sarah.
"What recruiter would go into a High School?" asked Shaw, scoffing.
"Graham, that's who," said Sarah… "And now, with what may be my last act on this earth, I think I deserve a little introspection."
Sarah saw Shaw finish a bottle of water. "Shaw, where did you get that water from?" asked Sarah.
"It was just in the bag," Shaw pointed at the supplies.
Sarah felt the dread and had to confirm.
"Shaw, have you been drinking all our water?" asked Sarah.
"Well, it's hot, and I have been thirsty," he responded.
"You bastard, that was our last bottle," she responded, collapsing back on the ground.
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"Base, this is Bartowski. I have done what I can, but I do not think I will have achieved much; I have bought us a little time in the best case. We have a Firestorm out here, and it is stubborn, and it will get to go whatever way it wants. I think it's time to get to the team on the ground. Can you give me a heading and distance to the meet?" Asked Chuck.
"We hear you, Bartowski; we are currently working from your location and will shortly have a heading and direction." Base reported.
After several moments Chuck had his heading and distance, and he had what gear he could carry. However, he left his chute and reserve behind to carry more supplies like food, water, and medical supplies. They were lucky that he could recover one of the dropped supplies.
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He started making his way cautiously. He knew that the agents that were out here were here because of some terrorist camp, and the last thing he wanted to do was alert them that he was in the area; he covered his Pulaski to make sure it didn't reflect the sun.
He made half the distance, and he could hear a noise out of place in the wildland ahead of him and off to the right. His hearing was tuned to changes in the environment, which could signify a change in conditions. He listened carefully and was sure he could hear someone making their way down on an intersect course with his. He slows down and watches from a distance as the approaching person comes out into an opening; through his binoculars, he can see a single male; he appears familiar when he sees the face. He does not look like someone who would participate in foreign terrorist activity; he is more likely a federal agent.
He continues his journey and approaches the man, aware of Chuck's approach, and could only watch as he closed the distance.
Both men could tell each other were trying to be quiet and waited until they were within three feet.
"Don't your mob have anyone else for wildfire survival?" asked Casey.
"I could say the same big guy, so you are General Beckmans lost boy?" Asked Chuck.
A grunt was the only sound he heard.
Chuck snorted, "I forgot about your extensive repertoire of grunts, but I take that as a yes,"
"I know you are supposed to be hidden from both the other team and the camp, but this fire looks more like a firestorm every second. I did what I could, but in the best case, I have slowed the fire's progression into this valley, but it's still coming, and I would be more comfortable trying to keep us alive if I had everyone together. Besides not sure how much they know about fire survival, you would have retained some knowledge from our training." Said Chuck.
"Walker is probably the only one worth saving, and the CIA can afford to lose the other two." Said Casey.
"Hang on, I will have to get the ok from the General," added Casey.
"Good luck with that.. Look, I will give you an emergency fire shelter and hope you remember how to use it and some water. But if you are not going to join me, I'll have to leave you on your own. But this fire will not be enjoyable. Constantly changing conditions and how the fire responds while taking in the surroundings, I give you a 10% chance of survival." Said Chuck.
"And what's the odds if I join you in babysitting the pukes?" said Casey.
"Close to 50%, I will have to move on; we don't have time to debate, join me or not," said Chuck.
"All right, all right, don't get your panties in a bunch. I'll come with you, but if that Idiot Shaw tries something, I'll end him and use him as a firebreak." Said Casey.
Casey moves out in front of Chuck, "settle down, smoke eater, behind us is the fire in front of us are dangers that I am familiar with," said Casey.
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They are almost at the location where they were going to meet the CIA team, when from out of nowhere, Chuck sees a foot slice out of a shrub, collects the NSA agent across the jaw, and goes down with a thud.
Chuck puts his hands up and stops moving.
From out of the trees, Chuck sees a vision, a blonde-haired, blue-eyed goddess, and she has a gun pointed right at him.
"Who are you? Identify yourself?" she demanded.
Chuck recognized her from the photo Carina had shown him, but that photo did not do justice to the creature in front of him.
"Bartowski, Ma'am Firefighter, sent here to help you make it through the fire," responded Chuck.
"What are you doing with this burnout?" asked Sarah pointing at Casey.
"Well, you see, I was also asked by the NSA to help him survive the fire," responded Chuck.
"What, he was already here? Doing what?" asked Sarah.
"Yeah, I guess watching you and whatever you were watching," responded Chuck.
"Good Damn NSA, can't they just mind their own business?" said Sarah.
"Well, at least they can operate domestically," responded Chuck.
Sarah just gave him the coldest stare.
"Maybe we start again, Chuck Bartowski at your service," he said.
"Your parents hate you? What kind of name is Chuck? I know only one decent Chuck, and that's Chuck Norris," responded Sarah.
"While I would love to discuss the etymology of my name all day, we have a firestorm that will come up this valley not too far in the future. Can we move on?" Asked Chuck.
Chuck walked over to Casey and roused him back to consciousness …
"Woah, big guy she has made it clear she is not messing around, so get walking with your tail between your legs. Maybe you should bring up the rear," said Chuck.
They were walking carefully through the trees and foliage to stay out of sight, and Sarah would occasionally look back at Chuck to make sure he was following her.
"I have a message for you, Agent Walker, Carina says you have to survive this because you two are going on a girls' night." Said Chuck.
Chuck could also hear Casey groan as he mentioned Carina's name.
"How do you know Carina?" Asked Sarah.
"Um, I just met her; she is my Agency Liaison," said Chuck.
"Agency, what for the DEA?" asked Sarah.
"Um, no, for this rescue," answered Chuck.
Chuck could see Sarah nodding her head, and a look of disappointment came and went just as quickly.
"Good ole Carina, you be careful of her; she is unpredictable, and you'll likely end up in handcuffs," said Sarah.
Casey let out a snort.
"Ok big guy, you got something to say?" asked Chuck.
"Don't know if she has had one before but knowing Carina, she will have had a smokejumper before the end of this adventure." Said Casey
"Had experience with Carina, have you, Casey?" asked Sarah.
"Let's just say I'm familiar with the handcuffs," said Casey.
"I will ensure to stay well away from Carina," said Chuck.
"Well, if you are on a first-name basis, it's probably too late," said Sarah, the last part quieter than the beginning.
"Well, she gave me two options, sexy or Carina; no way would I call her sexy," said Chuck.
"Oh, so you don't think she is sexy, don't imagine many gay firefighters," said Sarah.
"Wha… hang on, I'm not gay, not that anything is wrong with that. I'm sure plenty of us are gay. But, not exactly the type of conversation you have with a bunch of guys you are bunking with," said Chuck.
Sarah laughed and had to cover her mouth to stop from making too much noise.
"Besides, I didn't say she wasn't sexy, just not my type, I guess," said Chuck.
"So it's not because you have a little missus at home you are trying to stay faithful for?" Asked Sarah.
"No little or big missus at home; I guess I'm more after the quieter shy girls that maybe want breakfast rather than disappearing before breakfast," said Chuck.
"Can you both stop flirting up there? We all have more important things on our minds than mixing chocolate and peanut butter," said Casey.
"No flirting going on here, big guy; you are not missing out on anything," said Chuck.
"Keep telling yourself that smoke eater; maybe you'll eventually stop staring at her ass," said Casey.
"Walker, you can stop swinging it before you hypnotize the poor boy," said Casey.
They both decided it would be best to stop talking about anything but what they needed for survival. "How much further to the rest of the team?" asked Chuck.
"About another 5 minutes. How long until we have to get moving?" Responded Sarah.
"We should get moving back that way as soon as we can, while the fire will still come through that way," pointing in a direction away from the fire but closer to the camp. "We should have a better chance for survival based on ground features and the amount of fuel," said Chuck.
"How close will we be to the camp?" Asked Sarah.
"Not that much closer and hidden by a ridge, though it does mean we will lose sight of them," answered Chuck.
"Um, you didn't happen to bring any water, did you? My idiot teammate drank the last of the water without telling anyone," said Sarah.
"Here, but drink it sparingly. I have two bottles for each of you, " responded Chuck.
"You say the better chance of survival, but what are the odds like?" Asked Sarah.
"I'd say 50/50; listening to me will only improve those odds," said Chuck.
"Walker, this guy knows his stuff. He taught an agency-arranged fire survival course I attended a few years ago. He is the only reason I am out here with you rather than taking my chance by myself," said Casey.
They finally made it back to the rest of the team, and Casey decided to wait back rather than introduce himself to the rest of the CIA team, at least not yet.
"Finally back, Sarah; I thought you got lost, and we would have to go out there and save you," said Shaw.
Chuck stepped into view.
"Oh, I see what took the time you were getting to know our supposed expert via a little one-on-one." Added Shaw.
"What the hell are you talking about, Shaw? Is the heat getting to you?" Asked Sarah.
"No, but maybe to you, is that why you undid those extra few buttons on the shirt, or was it just to give fire boy over there a thrill," said Shaw.
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A/N2: So they have met, and when and how did the extra few buttons come undone on Sarah's top? What happens when Chuck meets Bryce again? These questions and more will get answered in the next chapter of Sarah vs the Firestorm.
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