Don't own Chuck
Neither Chuck or Sarah liked the idea of leaving the girls behind but for all they knew they could be flying into a snake pit filled with vipers. The General had the Major monitor the suspect Lear's progress but the State department balked at putting boots on the ground to intercept the jet when it landed.
"I tried to get those desk jockeys back in D.C. to go along with us at State, but without absolute certainty that our people are onboard they don't want to risk an international incident. The last thing we want is to look like we're interfering in the region."
"You mean like we used to do? And used to is like as of this morning," said Beckman. "What they're saying is we don't want to get caught with our hands in the cookie jar."
"You know as well as I do the Constitution of Honduras does not permit a permanent foreign presence in Honduras. All we have there is a 'handshake' agreement between us and Hondurans that allows JTF-Bravo to remain there on a 'semi-permanent' basis. The bottom line is they don't want to risk it and frankly I agree and if Roan weren't on that plane you would too."
"Do you think they'd change their mind if we told them we're going on the hunch of a six-year-old," said Morgan as he sat down with a grape soda in hand.
"She might be six but she's already better at this then some," said Beckman as she gave Morgan the look of death by raising her eye brow.
"General, I need to make something perfectly clear" said Sarah as she beat Chuck to the punch. "Our daughters are to have nothing to do with our spy life or we walk."
"I think you need to have that conversation with them but I agree. The agency doesn't and won't recruit children as long as I'm in charge and how long that will be depends on this mission. Agent Carmichael… Chuck, I need for you to look at something for me and tell me what's wrong with it."
"What's wrong with it? That sounds like a challenge and I do like a good challenge," said Chuck as Beckman handed him a flash drive.
"This intel came from Director Trotski who obtained it through Natasha. Call it a gut instinct but this has something to do with what's going on now and I know it does but no one seems to be able to tell me how. However, I've learned to listen to my gut and it has gotten me out of a number of close calls and it's screaming at me now, but I don't know what it's trying to tell me."
"Have you tried an antacid," said Morgan. "You know I get that way sometimes. Especially if I eat Chinese late at night before I got to sleep. I think it's the sesame seed oil they fry in it that doesn't agree with me."
"Right, well be that may," said Beckman as she ignored Morgan. "Chuck, I want you to look at that and let me know what you see. Don't feel any pressure just the life of Roan and the Colonel are on the line here and so far we've got squat."
"Like you say no pressure," said Chuck as he took the flash driver and looked at it. He felt everyone looking at him. "Yeah, sure no pressure. I'm going in the back of the plane and look at this. Love, I could use your help if you don't mind?"
"Sure, let me get us both a cup of coffee and I'll meet you in the back," said Sarah as she went forward and made them coffee. Chuck went to the back of the plane and set up his tablet downloading the video file to the mainframe at Castle then up loading it on the tablet but as he was doing this Morgan began hovering over him.
"Okay Morgan, you want to say something out with it. Once I start this I don't want to be interrupted."
"Well, it's probably nothing and I shouldn't even mention it," said Morgan as he started to squirm around and wring his hands, oscillating in place.
"Morgan, how long have we known each other? Since elementary school and you were there for me when I was in my darkest moments. You don't have to say anything to Alex and considering what you just told the General it's probably better you don't."
"What's that mean? I was the only one concerned with her health. You know she's under a lot of pressure and acid reflux or a spastic colon are just some of the things she needs to be careful to not to mention..."
"I get the picture but you were there for me and we shared a cherry cheesecake and played Legend of Zelda. That's what I needed in that moment just someone to be with now go do the same for Alex and stop your fidgeting. You know what you need to do so go do it."
"Thanks Chuck, I needed to hear that," said Morgan. He walked back and sit next to Alex as Sarah came back with their coffee. She noticed Morgan as he passed her then she watched as he sat down next to Alex.
"What was that all about," she asked as she handed him his coffee then sat down. Chuck took a sip and motioned for her to watch. Morgan put his arm around Alex and she laid her head on his shoulder.
"That was what it was all about. How's Alex holding up? I saw you two talking up by the coffee pot. I hope this is over soon."
"I do too but she's hanging in there and now she's got a little bit of hope. So tell me, are we ready to look at this thing? I don't know what Beckman expects us to find if the Russians and our people have gone over this and come away empty handed.
"We'll let's see," said Chuck as he started playing the video. They both flashed on Pablito sitting in a bar in Havana playing a guitar and singing 'El cuarto de Tula'.
"You know this would be better if we had a date stamp on this. But all we can tell is that it's around noon and he had a pretty good voice. Not bad on the guitar too but I've heard better."
"That's it," said Chuck as he smiled like the cat who ate the canary. "Yes, you've heard better and I played it for you on my Buena Vista Social Club record in my vinyl collection."
"But if that's there... I don't understand which came first? Wait a minute are you saying what I think you're saying?"
"That's exactly what I'm saying," he said as he leaned over and kissed her. "I think we need to go and brief Beckman."
"I think we can wait on that for now," she said as she grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him back into her then she kissed him. "We can do this or would you like to go talk to the General?"
"I think it can wait on the back burner for now."
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Anatoly and Stefan sat quietly on a Finnish Air flight they had to catch at five in the morning. That was the first flight out after they'd waited and waited for Natasha to show. However, she didn't and the flight for Havana took off on schedule. After that they had to kick around in the airport until this flight boarded and now they were over the Baltic soon to reach the Gulf of Finland.
"Okay, you were right and we were wrong but the Director couldn't take the chance. Besides it doesn't matter we'll still get there before she does."
"You don't know that. Those ferries have a tendency to be early especially in good weather and if she does then what?"
"We wait in the airport for her. She'll come to us and we'll get her before she boards her plane. Ivan is checking the passenger manifests now for names of people who don't exist."
"I just hope our people from the embassy show up with weapons. I didn't like having to leave mine behind. We know she's armed and I have no doubt she'll use it if she thinks she's cornered."
"Nor do I and I hate to think what she might do if she felt someone on that ferry was getting too close to her. We should've radio the ferry and warned them about her."
"Then an idiot tries to something heroic and we have a massacre to explain. No, this time I agree with the Director, but I would've liked to leave her in play a little longer. There's something else going on here. I don't know if there are more people involved or what but this would give us an opportunity to see."
"But we don't know that for sure," said Stefan as he caught the attention of the flight attendant. "My friend and I will have some more tea if possible and could that come with something to eat."
"You have to excuse him he's always hungry. Sometimes I think he's got a tape worm or something but he never gains weight."
"Your friend is lucky. I can get you the tea and maybe some crackers or mini pretzels. This is a short flight so we don't usually serve meals and at this time most passengers are asleep."
"That will be fine for us and we appreciate it Olga," said Stefan smiling as he read the woman's name off her nametag. The flight attendant smiled back then left.
"See that's what you need a good woman to straighten you out. I didn't notice a ring on her finger. You should see if she flies to Moscow and arrange something."
"You mean you want me to end up like you and straighten out… really. We're going to go there, mister who was about to disobey orders and hop on that earlier flight."
"The result would've been we'd already be in Helsinki and could've scouted out to see if anyone was there waiting for her. I'd prefer to root these people from their dark lairs before they come after us when we're not prepared."
"You're starting to sound a little paranoid," said Stefan as the flight attendant came back carrying a tray with two cups of hot tea.
"Here's your tea. I was able to find some tea biscuit. They're digestives I'm sorry. Would you like cream or lemon with it?" asked the woman as she smiled at Stefan.
"The biscuits are fine and we appreciate," said Anatoly as he nudged Stefan. "She found cookies for you so you should say thanks."
"Oh thanks, I'm sorry and cream will be fine. I was a little distracted I was thinking how I wanted to get this business trip over so we can get back to Moscow. My wife doesn't like it when I'm away for too long."
"Your wife?" said Anatoly and the flight attendant in unison. She splattered a little cream in both cups then dropped them on their trays and left.
"What was that all about? You're not married and there's no wife waiting back in Moscow other than mine. I might share a lot of things with you but there's a limit to everything."
"I don't need a wife and can you really see me settled down? I've got the perfect relationship with yours. She feeds me and you both take care of me. What else do I need?"
"You're our third child," said Anatoly as he dunked his cookie in his tea. "At least you didn't insult her until after she brought us our tea but I wouldn't ask for anything else. There's no telling what might be floating in it."
"I just want you to know I think you're right. We should leave Natasha in play a little longer but orders are orders and if they weren't they'd be call suggestions," said Stefan. Just then the fasten seat belt light lit up and the pilot announce they were about to make their approach at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
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Natasha's ferry pulled into the port of Helsinki early. Tugs came out and helped pull the ferry into the west terminal or Länsiterminaali 1. Shortly after they had lines over and the ship was safely tied up the gangway went over. Natasha was already on deck waiting when the announcement was made that passengers could debark.
"Thank you for sailing with us," said one of the ship's crew as Natasha started to walk across the closed brow into the terminal. It was more like getting off an airplane then a ship.
"This way, tervetuloa... welcome," said a man as he waved to her and to the others as she followed the flow of passengers into the terminal. "Customs is down at the end and there are taxis outside the terminal. If you need further information there's an info point just past customs.
Natasha was well aware that she had Aramas' suitcase in her hand but that she already had an excuse ready if she had to open it. However, she had a plan to make sure that didn't happen. The line moved along relatively quickly and as it did she counted the number of passengers the officer let through before he asked to search their luggage. As random as they wanted to make it there was always a pattern.
"Okay, now to make sure that I can get through," she said to herself after she found the pattern she walked back in line letting people go ahead.
"Excuse me," she said as she bumped into the man who was now in front of her. "I wish people would look where they're going or at least apologize after they almost knock you over."
"Don't worry about it and I feel the same way. Some people can be so rude," said the man in front of her as he smiled back. However, the spell was broken when the customs officer called for the man to step up.
"Please come along we've got a lot of people to check. May I see your passport and ferry ticket please," said the officer as he motioned. The man had no sooner walked up when the drug dog went off on him barking and sniffing him.
"You wouldn't be carrying any illegal drugs or explosives with you, would you?" said the officer but the man shook his head and adamantly denied any sort of possession. "Well, I'm going to have to look inside your suitcase then you're going to have to follow my colleague who will search your person."
The agent next to the officer was a tall female officer who looked like a wrestling champion. She smiled as she put rubber gloves snapping them after she slid them on.
"This has to be some mistake," said the man as he protested. "I don't know what's going on. I haven't done anything."
"If I had a penny for every time I've heard that," said the officer as he searched the man's belongings. But there was nothing to be found.
"Come with me. Don't worry I promise to be gentle," said the female agent as she smiled at the man. He took a big gulp then followed her away.
"Next in line. Passport and ferry ticket please," he said as he waved to Natasha. "Come along miss the entertainment is over. Let's move along smartly."
"And he looked like such a nice young man," remarked Natasha as she shook her head. "What is this world coming to?"
"I don't know. I just know I can't have breakfast until I get all of you processed. Are you here for work or pleasure?"
"I'm here to take care of a sick aunt who lives in Lavlo," said Natasha as the officer looked at her over her passport. "I know the photo isn't very flattering."
"You need to get a new one as soon as you can. This one doesn't have the electronic chip inside that is required now."
"I was told that in Saint Petersburg but my aunt got sick and I had to come as fast as I could and this is what I had on hand. As soon as I can I will I just need to go so I can grab a train."
"Flying would be faster if you are in such a hurry," said the officer. Natasha didn't have to think that fast because she was expecting this question.
"I hate to admit this but I'm afraid of flying so yes, it is urgent but no that urgent. If you know what I mean. I'd really have to get doped up then I'd be like the guy before me."
"We wouldn't want that. Okay, you need to go. There might be something going directly to Lavlo from the central train station but if there is there won't be many. Here's your passport and ticket back. Welcome to Finland."
"Thank you," said Natasha. As she hurried off she noticed the man who'd been in front of her gesticulating at a couple of customs officers. She smiled as she headed for the exit and just before leaving the terminal building she tossed a vial of female dog estrogen into the trash bin. She'd dosed the man when she'd bumped into him and it caused the dogs to go off on him.
"Now to get to the airport and to lose this stuff on the way," she said as she exited the terminal. She could've taken the taxi but she risked being recognized later so she opted for the tram then train. On tram five she noticed a man who seemed to be stealing glances at her but he got off a few stops before the Ylioppilastalo stop.
"You're almost there and they have no idea where you are so you don't have to be so paranoid," she said to herself as she got off at her stop. As she walked through Citykäytävä she looked around to make sure she wasn't being followed. She did the same thing as she bought her ticket for the train checking for familiar faces in the reflection of the people behind her in the protective glass at the ticket booth.
"See you've got nothing to worry about," she said to herself as she hurried to the restrooms. She made a quick look around then ducked into the men's. There she put Aramas' watch and wallet next to the sink then put his phone on top of the hot air hand dryer. She then left almost bumping into a man coming in as she was leaving. He did an immediate double take then checked the door to make sure but by then she was long gone.
"One last thing to get rid of and I can do that on my way to the airport," she said to herself as she ran through the train station to find her platform. Once there she had to wait for either train I or P that would take her the twenty-two kilometers to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
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Roan and Casey were still in the air looking out the window at the blue ocean below. It was now day out and they were nearer their destination. Luiz walked back to check on them and to gloat a little but his mood changed when one of his men came back and whispered something in his ear.
"Well, look here," Luiz said. "Who would've ever believed this. Two of America's finest spies tied up like the Christmas turkey. I don't have to tell you how bad this makes you people look."
"Just having a bad day but don't worry things will change soon and when it does I'd look out Pedro. Because I'm going to put a serious hurting on that pretty face of yours."
"First of all, my name isn't Pedro but Luiz and you Señor... you killed my father Pablito and for that you're going to pay. I bet you never thought after all those years someone would come gunning for you?"
"Actually, you're not the first to come looking and I don't suspect you'll be the last either. I should warn you that it didn't end well for the last guys who tried."
"We'll see how brave you are when you're standing in front of a firing squad looking down their barrels. But only after a fair trial and you're found guilty. We could move this along quicker if you'd be as cooperative as your friend and could confess to your crimes on video."
"Look Pedro, I've taken a lot of people out, sure, but everyone I've taken out deserved it and to tell you the truth I don't even remember your daddy. But if he was a red commie insurgent then he was fair game and you know what? I'm glad I did so you're just going to have to live with that."
"I told you before my name is Luiz and no, I don't have to live with it. You have to die because of it that is the difference," said Luiz as he turned red in his face and got angry.
"Well, if you've already made up your mind then why all this hassle? Why don't you just get it over with or won't your Mommy let you? Is that it? Mommy's still in charge because she doesn't trust you?"
"I'd suggest you watch your mouth. To stand trial you don't have to be in one piece," said Luiz as one of his men barged in and whispered something in his ear. "She wants what! That's what she said?" The man nodded.
"Mommy beckons junior," said Casey. Luiz had had enough and he couldn't take it anymore so he slapped Casey across the face. John just smiled back at him.
"My grandmother hits harder than you do," said John as he spat blood. "Do you want to try again while I can't move. After all that's what cowards usually do."
"Señor Roan come with me. My mother wants to talk to you and as for you," said Luiz as he looked at Casey. "I'll deal with you later and don't worry I know where I can find you."