Don't own Chuck

As Troy and Spike were talking they made their way down to the pier. The sun was past its zenith but it was still hot and humid with no signs of letting up. It was hot enough that both men were covered in sweat by the time the three masted schooner, the Annabel Lee, came insight. Some of the crew were hard at work loading supplies onboard that had just been dropped off.

"Hey Spud come over here," yelled Troy waving for one of his men. Spud put down the crate he had in his hand then walked over.

"What is it Skipper? We're kind of busy as you can see. Barry, the fish monger just dropped off the provisions we ordered."

"This won't take long. Spike will be acting as my First Mate on this cruise. Get him squared away and up to speed on how we're doing with our supplies..."

"Well, I can tell you both right now that it was a bear finding all those fresh oysters but we got them along with those lobsters. That's why I need to get back over and help the guys get them below. We don't want them sitting on the pier too long."

"No, you're right. I don't want our charters to end up spending their time with the good doctor in his surgery instead of enjoying our sights. That's not good for business."

"Well, if I were you I wouldn't worry too much about the sights with that kind of food they'll be spending most of their time below decks with the door to their cabin closed and the do not disturb sign on the doorknob."

"I see you've got French champagne sitting over there on the dock too," said Spike as he pointed at the crates. "You need to get that below deck in the chiller as quickly as you can. I see we've got quite a bit that needs to be moved in a hurry so you can worry about finding me a rack later. That French stuff doesn't like our climate that well so let me give you a hand and we can move it before it goes bad too."

"Spud, you heard the man. Spike, I'll see you later up by the wheel so we can go over those charts I was talking about with you. I guess this is welcome aboard the Annabel Lee."

[Not faraway]

What no one noticed was a non-descript delivery van parked on the pier with darkened windows. It had been parked there for some time but with all the supplies that had been delivered everyone was too busy to noticed it. Inside was a woman dressed in black with a black veil draped back over her hair. The woman was about Beckman's age sitting with binoculars watching all the activity on the pier. She took notice as Tory went onboard followed by Spud and Spike each carrying a case of champagne.

"Are we sure this is the right boat," she said in Spanish. "I don't want any screw ups. I've waited a long time for this moment and I don't want anything going wrong now."

"Si, Siñora. Our people were told this is the boat the Americans have chartered. They should be here the day after tomorrow. However, I've placed men at the airport already to keep an eye out just in case they arrive early."

"Good thinking. You also need to put out to the men failure is not an option and will not go unpunished. I will finally get revenge for my poor Pablito and I'm going to make them pay for what they did to him. Oh yes, will they pay," she said as she laughed. "I've seen enough let's get out of here before someone sees us and gets curious. Post men down here too, I don't want anything happening without us knowing about it. Nothing can fall through the cracks and I mean nothing."

"Si, Siñora but that won't happen down here because we've got our man onboard. As a matter of fact, he's supposed to make contact with us this evening and give us a copy of their charts with the course they've plotted."

"Then we can pick a place to intercept them. Very good but I don't need to be here for that. You can meet him but make sure he knows that he'll be fish food if he screws this up or tries to screw us over. I don't think his friends would be too happy with him if they knew about his past."

"I'll make sure he understands," said the woman's lieutenant as they drove away from the pier and back in town.

"Is everything ready at the restaurant? What time is it?" she said as she glanced at her watch. "I don't want to be late for my date."

"Everything is taken care of... just I'd wish you'd let me come with you. This could be dangerous and you won't have any back up."

"I appreciate the concern Luiz but I can handle myself and besides this is something I need to do alone. If you or my men show up and he sees you he could get nervous and run. No, this is best left up to me. I know what I'm doing."

"I hope you do because you are the thread that holds all this together. If anything happens to you then it all comes apart."

"Luiz, there is a line between employer and employee and you need to remember on which side of the line you stand. I don't want to get upset with you... not tonight and I have a lot to thank you for," she said as they pulled up outside the Waldron International. "So, tell me how do I look?" she asked as she pulled her black laced veil over her face.

"You look like you're dressed to kill."

"That is the general idea."

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Chuck and Sarah stood over the two backpacks with Mary and Sam while the rest looked on. There was a deafening silence as each side studied the others wear looking for defects and flaws. But in the end, there was just silence because neither side wanted to be the first one to begin. It was like two cats, the same size, circling each other looking for an opening to pounce but neither finding a weakness.

"Is this going to go on all evening or are we going to eat?" said Morgan as he cracked open a grape soda. "If so Chuck, you don't have enough grape soda dude."

"Well, I think the only way out of this dilemma is for Sam to pick the backpack she wants to use for school. So Sweet Pea it's up to you. I don't want you to feel any pressure just decide which one you want to be seen with."

"And you call that no pressure," said Mary. "Sweetie, you pick which ever one you want and don't let new-fangled movie heroes that are here today and gone tomorrow weigh in on your decision."

"And what do you call that? We're talking about positive role models for a whole generation of girls and you call Wonder Woman a fad?"

"Will you both just calm down and take a step back," said Sarah. "Sam, don't listen to either one of them. Just decide which one you like or you can even alternate if you want."

"I don't want to get anyone mad," said Sam as she looked at the two of them and started swinging side to side like she was having a hard time deciding.

"Look, we love you no matter what. A backpack isn't going to change that and starting school, making new friends is stress enough and is far more important that what you carry or what you wear."

"That's exactly what I meant," said Chuck. He caught Sarah's look. "Okay, I'm shutting up but just one last thing. What your mother said is exactly right," he said as he took Sarah's hand. "The choice is up to you kiddo."

"Well, while I do appreciate both I have to choose neither. You see before aunt Ellie left she gave me a backpack," said Sam. She went to her closet and pulled it out. "See it says Doctors Without Borders written in French. Ellie was given this when she went to Africa and gave it to me because I want to be like her... a doctor who helps people. I don't need superheroes I live with them every day… you guys."

"Come here and let me give you a hug," said Chuck as he picked her up. "I think you made the best choice," he said as he gave her a big kiss on the cheek.

"Now that is done and the free world is still safe. Kate and Alex have dinner ready over at my place so we need to get a move on it or you're going to have to order takeout from Sizzling Shrimp."

"I think I've had my fill of Chinese for a while," said Chuck as he put Sam down then they started walking over to Casey's.

"I don't know the chicken feet weren't bad… not something I'd want every day but not what I was expecting."

"Well, there won't be any chicken feet tonight," said Alex. "You guys need to hurry the General is on the horn."

"Crap, we just got back," said Chuck. "What does she think we are robots… Casey, no jokes about the computer skin job."

"You took the words out of my mouth. You know when I was in the jungle we lived the mission for months at a time with no breaks. When you live like that you're thankful for the hour or two you get. What I'm saying is be thankful for what you have because a lot of idiots don't have that."

"Thanks John, you know that has to be the nicest thing you've ever said to me. I knew there had to be a heart in there somewhere."

"Keep it in your pants Bartowski. Shut up and keep walking, before I forget there are children present," grunted John.

When they entered Casey's apartment they were greeted with General Beckman's smiling face from the other side of her desk on the monitor. Chuck noticed it right away she didn't have the usual pissed off look and if he had to describe it… it was almost a happy look. But he couldn't ever remember seeing it on her so he had no term of comparison. However, that didn't stop him from jumping into it with both feet.

"General, I have to protest. We just got back and I mean just like a few hours ago. It's too soon to turn us around for another mission. There are things we need to get done here. I'm sorry but the answer is no we can't go."

"Well if you're done now maybe I can speak and we can get this overwith. You know everything isn't always about you. We do have other agents. Which gets me back to why I called. Mary, I assume Roan has been in touch with you?"

"Yes, we have talked and I told him my requirements. Is that what this call is about? Have you decided to activate the mission protocols?"

"That is affirmative if you are comfortable with the assignment. I don't think it's anything you can't handle or haven't done in the past."

"That's affirmative so how much time do I have before the mission commences? I assume I'll have full resources."

"That's affirmative. You will have complete clearance and the full agency at your disposal. My Major will be flying out to brief you tomorrow and turnover mission folders. If there's nothing else…"

"Hold on a moment, what's going on? Not that I need to know every mission you send my Mom on but I thought she'd be around at least until… Well never mind," said Chuck. He looked at Sam and didn't want to give voice to what he felt inside.

"What are you going on about now? If you have to know I will be out of the office for the next two weeks. I need the time off after your latest antics and no one is buying Wang's sudden convenient heart attack. In the files I'm sending you Mary is an autopsy report. You might interview the last person who saw…"

"Excuse me General, but we have civilians present and some of them are underage," said Sarah as she jumped out of the front of this. "If you don't mind me asking where are you going on vacation."

"Very well, Roan… Agent Montgomery has arranged a getaway to Saint Thomas. We're going cruising so Chuck, I'd appreciate it if you could try to stay out of trouble for the next two weeks until I get back."

"I'm not promising anything but I'll do my best General."

"I'd appreciate it if you could do better than your best. I think we're done here. Beckman out." The monitor went blank.

"Well, what do you think about that? The General and Roan on vacation together… well good for them. I think they deserve this."

"What do you think they're going to be up to?" said Morgan. "I mean the two of them on a romantic cruise. I wonder where she wears her stars on her bathing suit."

"On that rude note, you come with me mister," said Alex as she grabbed Morgan and took him away to the kitchen.

"Sam, go with them and see if they need help," said Sarah. Both Sam and Chuck knew he was in the doghouse. Sam looked at him and shook her head as she left.

"I'm kind of hungry now that I think of it. Maybe I should go give them a hand too," said Chuck as he tried to make his escape.

"Just hold it right there buster. What is this about Wang and his sudden demise? Why does the General think you were involved? John, do you know something?"

"You really need to ask Chuck. You know I think I hear Kat calling my name. I really have to go," said Casey as he quickly beat feet.

"So, what do you have to say for yourself? I won't invoke the no lies, no secrets pact because I'm not sure I want to know. But what are they going to find in the autopsy?"

"They aren't going to find anything other than an elevated level of nicotine caused by his chain smoking which was supported by some of his friends…"

"The ones who didn't want his death investigated I presume. Everyone knows he was done in but no one wants to point a finger for fear about what an investigation could bring to light."

"Something like that. He came after you, the girls and Ellie. He was going to send a kill squad into the consulate after Alex, Morgan and Ellie…"

"But he had a heart attack first and when Mary asks that's the way you're going to explain it. Let's go eat, I don't know about you but I'm hungry and that smell is making me even hungrier."

"It smells like Kat has made her famous Cottage pie."

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In a restaurant near Long Bay off Yacht Haven Marina a man sat a table looking at his watch. The person he was supposed to meet was late and he was beginning to wonder if they were even going to show up. He waved for the waiter to come over and had him freshen his scotch. However, scotch and the tropical climate didn't go well together.

"Sir, would you like to order something... maybe an appetizer while you're waiting. I could have the chef put something together for you... maybe some fried calamari, steamed mussels and shrimp, or some seafood brochette?"

"Thanks, but no thanks, I don't like seafood. Let me finish this and if my guest hasn't showed up by then I'm going to leave."

"I'd like to point out that we do have a New York strip that I can have prepared to your liking," said the waiter.

"I have to give you an A for effort and if my guest shows up I just might take you up on that but like I said...," the man started to say but stopped when he saw a woman come walking in. He followed her with his mouth open as she walked straight over to his table.

"I'm sorry if I'm late but I got held up. I'm happy to see you waited for me," she said as she stood next to the table. "I'm sorry but this is point where you get up and pull out the chair for me to sit down."

"Yes... yes of course," said the man as he got up and pulled the chair out for her. "It's just... well you're not the person I was expecting to meet tonight or for that matter ever."

"I'll take that as a compliment. Now what's good on the menu tonight," she said. "Let's begin with a little white wine. Your scotch is a little heavy in this climate. Bring us a mojito pitcher and a mix grill."

"Your friend was just telling me he doesn't like seafood so I recommended a New York strip for him. How would you like that?"

"Make it medium rare with a green salad on the side. I have to eat light and pace myself," said the man as he smiled at his dinner companion. The waiter took their orders then left. "I'm sorry for before. The agency you work for usually sends me... well older women."

"I see. Sorry I guess you'll just have to put up with me. So, I was told you're down from the pentagon. You must be a very important man," said the woman as she leaned over to get close to him. She was near enough for him to smell her perfume.

"Important," he started to say then his voice jumped a few octaves when she placed her hand on his thigh. "Well, maybe before. You see I just retired from the Army... a Brigadier General. I spent most of my career in Special Ops."

"Wow, I knew you were special. So, tell me what do you want to do after we eat? We can go club hopping and check out the nightlife... but you don't impress me as someone who likes night maneuvers."

"On the contrary, I spent most of my military career working at night and in the dark but I can't go into specifics or I'd have to kill you."

"Oh, that does sound dangerous and terribly naughty. Let's eat then we can go back to your room for a night cap and do a little night maneuvers of our own. How does that sound?"

"That sounds like a plan to me," said the General as the waiter brought their food. "Your steak just the way you wanted it. Madam, your mix seafood grill and the mojito pitcher. Call me if there's anything else you'd like and bon appétit."

The waiter disappeared as they started eating. Nothing much else was said for the rest of the meal other than a few pleasantries and the General stealing glances at his hot date. He couldn't believe his luck. He thought for sure he'd died and gone to heaven. He had no idea how right he was... if heaven is where he went afterwards.

After dinner and after finishing the mojito pitcher, with inhibitions down, the Ex-General and his escort date made their way back to his room in the Waldron. They laughed as they entered the hotel so loudly that the night clerk behind the desk noticed them but he was paid to look the other way. They went straight to the elevator then went up to the General's floor. They went down the hall and to his door.

"Here let me open the door then we can really get this party started," he said as he opened the door with his key card. The light on the lock turned green and they went in. The only problem was he found that someone else was already in his room waiting for him.

"Who the hell are you?" he got out before he felt a bee sting in his chest then everything went black. When he woke up he was lying on bed his bed in his underwear. He tried to move but couldn't. He wanted to yell for help but even his jaws were paralyzed.

"You're with us finally General Fry. Good, I was afraid I might've given you too much and I want you awake to see this. You needn't try to move that's the effect of the tranquilizer I used on you. It should wear off in a few more hours but you won't be around when that happens. Let me introduce myself. My name is Donna Rosenda that should jog your memory some. Your people killed my Pablito and now I'm going to kill you. It's that cut and dry."

"I think my part is done," said the girl in the room with her. "I did what you paid me for now I think I should go. You don't need to be here for this."

"Oh, but your part is just beginning my dear Juanita," said Rosenda as she took a Colt .45 from her purse with suppressor and fired a round. The girl fell backwards onto the floor then Rosenda tossed the General's wallet next to her.

"See this is what happened General. You brought a prostitute back to your room. She tried to rob you and you shot her," she said as she removed the suppressor then but the weapon in his hand. "It's really a shame so young and so pretty. I was like that at one time but one doesn't think about those things when one is living in the jungle."

Fry was desperately trying to get his body to move. He was beginning to get feeling in his finger tips and toes. If only he could grip the pistol then maybe he had a chance. He watched her as she went over to the poor woman's body and placed a knife in her hand getting her fingerprints on it. Then she took up a position where the woman had been standing before she shot her.

"Sorry if I'm a little rusty at this," Rosenda said as she raised the blade getting ready to throw it.

[In the room next door]

The couple next door was about to enjoy the rest of their evening with some champagne in bed when they heard a loud gunshot come from next door. A bullet came whizzing through the wall lodging in the wall opposite their bed.

"My husband, he's traced us here," yelled the woman. She grabbed the sheet off the bed, wrapped it around her then ran out of the room leaving the man she was with to fend for himself with only a pillow to cover himself.