Don't own Chuck

Mary was waiting at the airport when the SH60 landed with Agent Marley standing by her side. She wasn't sure how Chuck had managed to pull this rabbit out of his hat but she was happy he had. Stephen had always said Chuck was aces but she didn't have to be told that she'd known it all along too. But being Chuck's boss and being his mother were two different things and she had to be careful not to be seen as playing favorites. However, with the General's return that seemed to be behind them now.

"Diane, it's good to have you back," said Mary as she went out to greet the General as she got off the chopper. "But first things first, we can get you back to the hotel where you can freshen up and get into some clean clothes. I have one of your uniforms hanging in my room for you."

"That sounds good and thanks but first I want to be briefed about what's gone on. I was informed that you lost the Colonel. Can you explain how that was possible? As far as I know that's only happened once before," said Beckman as she looked over at Chuck.

"Why are you looking at me? I wasn't even there I was in the chopper with Sarah and General Thomas rescuing you," said Chuck as Sarah elbowed him. "Ouch! Well, to be honest it was kind of my idea to use Casey as bait..."

"Charles, let me finish my briefing," said Mary as she turned back to Beckman. "Ma'am, it wasn't anyone's fault. We were caught by surprise. You see they had a mole in the hospital and he orchestrated the escape of his cousin…"

"That would be the perp who was injured at the shootout in the elementary school? Agent Carmichael briefed me on that."

"Yes," said Mary as she looked at Chuck and Sarah wondering what they'd said. Mary was especially concerned about what Sarah might've said but it was too late to worry about that now. "He was an orderly in the hospital but they didn't get very far. You know what they say about there being no honor among thieves? Well, it has never been truer. We found the two men shot dead in the morgue and the Colonel missing."

"I want this island shut down immediately then I want every rock turned over from one end to the other. I want everything in the water search from dugout to mega yacht that also goes for the airport. These people are here somewhere. I know it and we're going to find them."

"General," said Marley as he broke into the conversation. "This island, doesn't really do shut down. You see there are boats and seaplanes that come and go all the time. We lack the manpower to shut all that down."

"What Agent Marley is trying to say Ma'am is that although we're short on manpower we're using technology to make up for it," said Chuck. What Marley was saying was true but not what the General wanted to hear and Chuck knew that.

"Yes Ma'am, that's right," said Sarah. "We've got a bird overhead and a couple of drones we're using to circle the island to take low level photographs. When we find suspicious activity, we go out and inspect it."

"We couldn't bring in a full detail General without people like General Thomas becoming suspicious and we didn't want the Omega protocol initiated… not unless it was absolutely necessary."

"I have to commend your loyalty to your General," said Tank. "But you need to keep in mind we deal with something that's more important than just us. That being said I got suspicious anyway when everyone came running down here and your excuses were pretty lame. Next time you should use something a bit more feasible."

"There will be no more next time. If this is what happens when a person tries to go on vacation then I think I should stay in the office. Now let's get to the hotel, I think these clothes have gone well past their best used by date. When I get out of the shower I want to get in touch with the Major and find out what's been going on in the office. But when I'm done with Langley Agent Marley, I want to see those sat images and those drone photos. All I can say is I had better be impressed."

"Yes Ma'am," said Marley as he looked over at Chuck. He wondered if Chuck hadn't thrown him under the bus with the talk about satellite images and drone photos. But Chuck signaled for him to relax which made him feel a little bit better but it was his neck on the line.

"Mom, you take the Generals in the lead vehicle," said Chuck. Mary gave him a look. "What? Right, I mean 'mother'", he said as he gave her a look back. "Sarah and I will ride with Marley in the chase vehicle."

"That's a good idea," said Tank as he smiled. "I'm dying to hear about how you've been running this merry band of misfits." He was so happy with himself that he didn't even notice the word pun he'd made with 'Mary' and 'Merry'.

"Now that's called throwing someone under the bus," said Sarah as she got in the vehicle with Chuck and Marley.

"What? No, Mom can handle herself with those two and worse comes to worst she can blame me or you and we won't be there to defend ourselves."

"What! She wouldn't do that... No, you don't think... I swear if she does I'm going to get even," said Sarah as Chuck smiled at her. "You're teasing me, aren't you?"

"Probably, but it doesn't matter. What matters is that we get Casey and Roan back safe and sound," said Chuck as Marley broke in.

"What matters is how am I going to come through with what you promised the General? I don't want to be stuck on an iceberg off the coast of Alaska looking at the Russians through binoculars and my only friend being a polar bear who'd like to invite me to lunch."

"That's pretty vivid as a story. It almost sounds like it happened to someone you knew. But don't worry we'll put something together that will make you look good.

[Meanwhile back in Langley]

The Major basically moved into the General's office. Connie asked him to keep her abreast of the situation in Saint Thomas and this was a way he could avoid the phone on his desk. He had to be smart how he involved the people in the situation room. If too many people found out the General was missing then the word would get back to the very people he was avoiding.

"Any word from the islands," said Connie as the Major walked in. "I know I ask you that a lot but I'm worried. Shouldn't we know something by now?"

"I am too but no, nothing yet. We have to trust that Mary knows what she's doing and that Chuck and his team will keep us informed. But until we know something we have to keep this up or... well, let's not talk about that."

"I understand and I agree but this waiting and not knowing is eating me up inside. I don't know how you do it? How can you remain so cool with all this?"

"That's just on the outside on the inside I'm a mess. You have to compartmentalize it's the only way to make it work. If this goes sideways my career is over and even if it doesn't go belly up General Thomas doesn't impress me as the forgiving sort."

"Don't say 'belly up' that conjures up thoughts and images I'd prefer not to think about right now," said Connie. "Here give me your coffee cup and I'll fill it for you."

"Thanks, but you know you don't have to I can get it myself," said the Major as they played tug of war over his cup. However, in the end he let her have it.

"I know but this keeps me busy even for a little bit but in that bit, I'm not thinking about where the General is or what could be happening to her," she said as she filled it then turned back to him. "Here you go just like you like it."

"Thanks," said the Major as he took it from her. "This is stressful on all of us but don't worry we'll get through... we always get through because we have no other choice."

"Do you really believe that or are you just trying to make me feel better," said Connie. "After all look where we're at. This is the office of clandestine services where people are paid to be pathological liars..."

But before he could answer they heard the General's phone ring in her office. But no just any phone it was the phone that was connected with her Russian counterpart, Director Igor Trotski in Lubyanka square.

"I think I need to take that," said the Major as he sat down his coffee cup and walked into the General's office.

"I think you were saved by the ringtone," said Connie after he left. He turned and smiled looking at her as he picked up the receiver then put the call on the squawk box. He wanted Connie to listen in if nothing else he needed a witness to the conversation.

"Director, if you're calling for the General, I still have no word on her. The Acting Director is out of town in Saint Thomas which leaves me here in charge." The Major could tell by the Director's pause he was hesitant to speak. "Can I help you?"

"I guess you'll have to do. I'm going to send you a web address and I'd like you to run your facial recognition software on it..."

"I don't understand," said the Major interrupting the Director. "You have your own facial recognition software. Why do you need us to run ours when you have your own?"

"Just humor me on this and do it. I'm running down another lead that might shed some new light on your General's disappearance and might facilitate getting her returned unharmed."

"I appreciate the assistance but I have to ask why are you helping her... us? You didn't seem very much in the mood to help after our last conversation?"

"My dear friend nothing in this game we play is as it seems. The sooner you realize that the more you'll be able to see past the weave of lies and half-truths that go along with this world. If you can do that you might be able to survive to... well, to arrive at an age older than I will admit I am. I'll keep in touch if my lead pans out. Good luck finding Diane," said Igor and with that he hung up.

"What do you make of that," said the Major as he looked over at Connie. "I don't know how I'm supposed to feel but it seems I'm now Trotski's friend."

"I wouldn't repeat that too loudly around here or people might get the wrong idea. And what's that web address he wants you to use facial recognition on?"

"I've got it here on my cellphone it just arrived," said the Major as he held up his phone. "How the heck did he know my cell number?"

"I don't know but if I were you I'd toss that phone in the trash and get a new one along with a new number too. This could be the excuse you need to get that new IPhone."

"Are you crazy? They cost what I pay in one month's rent. I'll just change out the SIM and have the people in IT crack it open and look around inside. They should be able to tell me if it's clean or not."

"But what are you going to do about that website? Are you going to run facial recognition on it like he wants you to do?"

"I don't see why not. We can't help them look for the General any more than what we're doing now. Beside, there's nothing we have to lose by doing it and the worst thing that can happen is we find Elvis or Jimmy Hoffa. This also gives me some busy work like you with your coffee to keep my mind off other things."

"I can understand that."

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Alex and Morgan were studying the map on the TV as Sam finished her ice cream. Bunny was in the other room fast asleep. She'd played hard with Sam and her friend before. The babysitter had a little trouble getting her to lay down for a nap because she was so excited but it was lights out as soon as her head hit the pillow.

"Play hard and sleep hard is Bunny's motto. That's my sister for you," said Sam as she poked her head in the bedroom to check on her. "Have you guys found anything yet?" she said as she walked back over to the sofa.

"Nothing yet," said Morgan as Alex gave him a look. "I mean nothing that I could tell you because kids aren't supposed to know these things."

"If that's the case then I guess you don't want my two cents worth," said Sam as she plopped down on the sofa and smiled at them with a chocolate smile.

"You know you'd be a little more credible if you washed the ice cream off your face. But okay I'll bit out with it if you've got something to contribute that's useful."

"Well, if I were these people I don't think I'd be using the obvious places to pull my boat into. I'd look for someplace remote or someplace no one would think to look."

"You're stating the obvious. We've looked over the coves and ports on the other side of the island where the population isn't as dense but we found nothing there."

"Yes, but there has to be someplace else like with the story of you know who. He could disappear and reappear as if from nowhere..."

"No, I don't know who you're talking about," said Morgan as he smiled at her. "Maybe if you told me his name I'd know who..."

"Very funny but I told you what I was told about... well you know who and if he could appear and disappear why can't these people?"

"You don't really believe in ghosts, do you? You aren't a fraidy cat are you," said Morgan as he smiled at her. "Well, are you?"

"Look at me, I'm a kid. I believe in Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy so why shouldn't I believe in ghosts. However, being a kid is my excuse so what's yours?"

"I don't know what you're talking about? I don't believe in ghosts. They are just a produce of an over active imagination."

"Really? Then you won't have any trouble in saying you know who's name. You don't believe in ghosts so it shouldn't be a problem."

"I don't have to I don't have anything to prove... so let's look at this map," said Morgan as he quickly tried to change the topic."

"That's what I thought," said Sam as she started to shake her head. "Don't worry Morgan, I'll protect you from you know who. I ain't afraid of no ghosts."

"If Chuck were here he'd tell you that's a double negative and you don't use a double negative in English. But wait a minute," said Alex as she looked at the map running her finger over it. "Yes, that's it... just like Black Bart..."

"Shush," said Morgan and Sam in unison. Morgan started looking around the room and Sam couldn't resist. She poked him in the side and yelled 'boo'. He jumped up off the sofa landing on his feet. For a moment flight or fight mode kicked in and he was facing the door.

"That's so not funny," said Morgan as he felt his heart pounding in his chest. "You know people have gotten heart attacks from less."

"Our hero, now who's the fraidy cat," said Sam as she laughed. "We're going to have to paint the ceiling now. I think you made a hole in it when you jumped up."

"Can you two keep it down before you wake up Bunny," said Alex as she thumbed through one of the books about Black Bart. "I know I read about this somewhere in here. There's an explanation about how..." said Alex as she almost mentioned the name but both Sam and Morgan coughed in unison.

"I think you two should see a doctor for that cold," said Alex as she turned to the index and started looking up what she needed to find. "Here we go. I knew I'd seen it and it's on page ninety-seven," she said as she turned back in the book in a hurry.

"Here we go. It says Black... right," she said as she looked up over the book at Morgan and Sam looking back at her. "Right, well it says that you know who had a system by which he could lower his masts then rig oars. This allowed him to sail up navigable rivers and streams where he could launch a surprise attack on places far removed from the coast, and where the people thought they were safe."

"That's rather ingenious of you know who but this boat we're looking for doesn't have sails so there are no masts to take down."

"No, but there are navigable streams they could sail up and hide out of sight," said Alex as she started circling them on the map. "Let's start by pulling up sat images of these locations and see what's there. After we do that we'll need to have them checked out."

"What are we waiting for? This sounds like a road trip to me," said Sam as she jumped up off the sofa. "They've got uncle Casey and we need to get him back."

"True, but I can't take you. Your mother would kill me as well as you grandmother. No what we need to do is one of us stays here and the other one goes and check out these places."

"I don't know if I like this plan but okay, I'm all in. When I get on site I'll call in and let you know what I've found. However, before I go I think I'm going to need a sidearm. You know for personal protection and maybe body armor after all I am the bullet magnet. Yes, rethinking this I'm definitionally going to need body armor."

"No, Morgan, you don't need any body armor...," said Alex as she started to explain to him but he cut her off before she could finish.

"Maybe you're right. Body armor would just get in the way and slow the Cobra down. I need to think about being stealthy and slipping and slipping out without being detected. Okay then I'll call as soon as I've made contact."

"No, Morgan that's not what I meant and you won't need a firearm either because...," said Alex but he did it again as she was explaining he cut her off.

"But if they start shooting at me I'm going to need more than stern words and an iron will," said Morgan as Sam started to laugh. "What are you laughing at? You're looking at the Cobra here and the Cobra always gets his man... or woman. Oh you know what I mean."

"Man or mouse," said Sam as she tried to stop laughing. "I'm sorry but you were so serious and I think Alex has something else to say to you. That is if you ever let her finish talking, Mr. Cobra."

"What is it," said Morgan as he looked at Alex. From her look he immediately knew what she wanted to tell him. "No, absolutely no... you're not... No way, it's not safe."

"Morgan, it only makes sense. John is my father so I should go and get him back. Don't worry I'll be careful... I promise I will. Once I get on site I'll call in like you said. In the meantime, you can use sat images to guide me to the locations these people are most likely to be holed up."

"No, you can't take these people on by yourself and you know as well as I do that it's always a bad idea to split up the team. Just look at any horror movie and you'll see what happens to the guy who wanders off on his own. Besides they're a lot more than just you and they've proven they'll do whatever it takes so no. And no means no."

"Come on you know I have to and I promise I won't engage them. Once I've scouted out their location, I'll call in for back up. Morgan, you know I have to do this alone. We don't have any other option here."

"I know but I don't have to like it. Alright, I'll go along with the plan. I'll look at the sat images then send you the locations, but you are not to engage them in anyway. You find them call it in and then wait for back up to arrive."

"Don't worry, I'll help him," said Sam. "Now go and bring Uncle Casey home and kiss Morgan before you leave. If you want I won't look," said Sam as she put her hands over her eyes.

"You know she's looking through her fingers," said Morgan as Alex kissed him.

"I know but I don't care," she said as he kissed her back. "Don't worry I'll be alright. There's nothing to worry about."

"You know that's not possible and you'd better be back or I'll come looking and when I get a hold of them they won't know what hit them. You can tell them they can take that to the bank."

"I'll tell them to watch out for the Cobra that should make them quake in their boots," said Alex as Morgan put his arms around her. It felt nice and she didn't want him to let go.

"No, you tell them they need to watch out for Morgan Grimes. If they touch my girl that's the same as messing with the bull."