Don't own Chuck

Sam sat on the charter looking out the window with Bunny sitting across from her trying to get her attention. Sam turned around and began making faces at her sister which made her laugh. Mary walked back and handed Sam and Bunny a fruit juice then sat down next to them. Bunny was more attracted to the sippy cup then the contents and began to play with it.

"You know she's going to make a mess," said Sam as she watched Bunny agitate the cup then laughing a drops of fruit juice landed on the tray in front of her.

"I know but she's got a bib on and that's what paper towels are made for. So, are you ready to go back to school? You know if you don't want to go back to Barnum Memorial we can find you another school. Maybe a nice private school where they can take better care of you and your needs."

"Needs? The only need I have is to learn to write then move on to bigger and better things like becoming a doctor. I did research on the internet and the majority of graduates from Barnum go on to become professionals that is if they don't end up drug dealing. However, in a certain way that's a profession too."

"I guess you're right but not a very safe nor secure one. Anyway, you have to go to high school first and graduate then to university and graduate there too."

"I haven't thought about high school yet but as for university. I've decided I want to go to Stanford like Chuck. I thought about Harvard like Mommy but that's on the East coast and I want to stay here where I can look in on you guys when you're old and decrepit."

"Who are you calling old and decrepit? I'll have you know I won't need you to check up on me but if you want to drop in you'll always be welcome," said Mary as Sam laughed which caused Bunny to laugh too.

"You laugh like you know what we're talking about," said Sam. "You don't think she's mentally challenged do you? I mean should she be talking by now?"

"You took your time too so no she's not mentally challenged and back on your choice of universities. Well Harvard is a good university, but I won't deny I like your choice. However, when you get old and I mean much older than you are now you might find a boy you like and things could change."

"I'm not changing my mind. If I do meet someone then he'll have to change for me but as it stands right now I have no use for boys. The ones I've met so far other than Chuck have seemed a little… well like Bunny mentally challenged."

"Your sister isn't mentally challenged and boys… well, they have their uses. I wish you could've met your grandad Stefan now he was a keeper. He always knew how to make me laugh and he was the smartest person I ever knew. Chuck gets his intelligence and wit from him. But are you sure you want to go back to Barnum Memorial after your last experience there? It wasn't the most spectacular."

"I don't run from anyone or anything," said Sam as she sipped from the straw in her juice box. "Besides, I have a feeling things are going to be different."

"We'll see then," said Mary as she pulled out some tissues from her bag. "You are a messy little Bunny," she said as wiped Bunny's face and cleaned her tray. Bunny laughed as she cleaned her.

"Don't laugh too much when I get old and decrepit like your sister says you'll be doing this for me," said Mary. Bunny stopped and looked at her.

"Don't worry it will be a long time from now," said Sam. "I wonder what Bunny wants to be when she grows up?"

"Only time will tell but maybe an artist. She likes to finger paint. You know since your parents won't be back for your first day in school so you could use the back pack I bought you."

"But I have the one Aunt Ellie gave me," said Sam but she caught Mary's look. "Or do I? I don't remember seeing it when they came for our luggage now that you mention it."

"I think I might've forgotten it in the hotel. I'll make sure it gets sent to you later. I guess old age is setting in and my memory isn't what it used to be."

"Yeah, I'm sure that's it. But if it makes you happy, all right I can use it for school. However, I want Ellie's bag back. She gave it to me and it's mine."

"See this is what happens when you become decrepit. Maybe you can wear some of those clothes I bought you too."

"Don't push it," said Sam as she finished her juice box. "I know what we can do. How about we play a few friendly hands of poker since we're going to be in the air for a while?"

"Okay but first you wouldn't be thinking about taking your Nana to the cleaners, would you?" said Mary as Sam smiled back.

"Who me?" said Sam as she put on an innocent look and pointing at herself. "I'd never do anything like that the same as you wouldn't leave my backpack in the hotel on purpose."

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[On another plane]

Luiz and his mother were sipping champagne after Roan had been taken back and shackled with Casey. Donna Rosenda's plan to get revenge for Pablito was working perfectly. In a few hours they'd be on the ground then taken into their secret jungle base. There they could rekindle the flames of the revolución from it's now dying ambers.

"We're almost there Luiz. Revenge for Pablito will be our rallying call. We'll take this fight back to those capitalist Yankees up north and this time we won't lose."

"I have to say it was genius of you to have me record Roan as he blabbered. I'll have one of our people edit what he said then we can use it against them."

"It doesn't matter if he doesn't want to say what we know is true on video. Señor Roan will come through for us one way or another."

"All we have to do is to have him present. We show him in a few clips of the video without a mark on him then play our message."

"You mean his message. The recording will be in his voice and no one will be able to deny it nor will they be able to accuse us of torturing him. Then there will be the trial and they both will be found guilty and executed by firing squad."

"I don't want to sound like I'm doubting you but what do we do if the people don't flock to you like you think they will. Is there a plan B?"

"Oh, ye of little faith," said Luiz's mother. "We'll remind them who Pablito was and what he did for his people. The people will remember and they will come."

"I'm sure they will," said Luiz. He didn't know how to tell his mother that already he was having difficulty raising men to escort them into the jungle. He was rethinking if he'd been right to blow up their boat with their people onboard.

"How are we with getting things ready at our base camp? It will be good to see some of our old friends again," said Donna Rosenda as she finished her glass of champagne.

"I'm sure they'll come but we're finding it difficult to contact them. Some of them have passed away and others have moved. However, we're doing our best."

"It has been a while but it couldn't be helped. Don't worry about wasting too much time trying to contact them. As soon as they hear of our arrival and see our little video they will find us. That was the way it was before, people would just walk in and take up arms and the cause. You should've seen it," she said as her eyes welled up.

"Yes, you told me that over and over again. However, in the beginning I'm going to have to rely on thugs for hire. We're going to have to invest a good portion of what we made these years as Black Bart to make this happen…"

"Shush," she said cutting him off. Don't mention that name, you know it brings bad luck," said Donna Rosenda. Luiz looked at her trying to figure out if she was serious or not.

"Mother, you do realize we created that story about saying his name was bad luck? Black Bart is dead and gone now for over four hundred years."

"In a certain sense he was a freedom fighter too. He fought against the system that tried to keep him and his crew down. On the high seas they were free and equal as equal as anyone can be."

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others," mumbled Luiz under his breath then downed his glass.

"What did you say?" she said. "I wish you'd speak up when you talk. You're going to have to give speeches soon that will move people and this is no way to talk."

"I said let me get you a refill," he said as he stood up and took her glass from her. "We should be landing soon."

"I can't believe it after all these years everything is finally coming together," she said as Luiz brought her back her refill. "I just wish Pablito could see this."

"If he were still alive then we wouldn't be here," said Luiz as he took a sip of champagne standing over his mother.

"As sad as it makes me to remember but you're right," as they were talking the fasten seat belt light came on and the pilot announced they were about to make their approach at Puerto Lempira airport.

[Meanwhile in the back of the plane]

Roan explained everything that had happened and what he had said as well as the reactions of Donna Rosenda. In the end Casey agreed with Roan something else was going on but neither of them had enough intel to know what it was.

"I think we're missing a big piece of the puzzle. I'll deny I ever said this is you tell Chuck but if he were here I'm sure he'd be able to figure it out."

"But he's not here and we've got to work together to get out of this mess," said Roan as Casey gave him a look. "Okay, so I might have caused some of this but you can't blame me for everything Colonel Shoot 'em up."

"You know I wish I had let that guy give you that smile with his Bowie knife then I wouldn't have to put up with you now and I wouldn't be in this situation. And since we're talking, the one thing you needed to do you didn't."

"And what was that," said Roan. He was getting angry with Casey for what he considered his consent complaining. "You know the next time I get captured I want to get captured with someone else."

"Personally, I hope there isn't a next time. But mister smooth talker when you were putting the moves on Donna Rosenda did you happen to find out any more about Beckman? I thought you were going to give them an out-out but no, you forgot all about her."

"It wasn't like that… things didn't evolve that way. And besides, I was busy defending you so I didn't have a chance to mention Diane."

"You know what I think," said Casey. "You know I can feel your eyes rolling through the back of your head. But I'm going to tell you this anyway, because you need to hear it. I think they whacked Beckman when we left Saint Thomas if she didn't escape. Think about it you said there was small arms fire then we left in a hurry and now they won't let you talk or see her. One and one add up to someone being dead."

"You think I'm being played. Maybe you're right but how can I be sure? One of us needs to escape and get help."

"That's a good idea and I'm kind of surprised you came up with it. From what you said Donna Rosenda wants me so you should go for it. They might not give you too much of a chase if they still have me."

"They want to execute you so if you make a run for it then it would give me more time to try to talk sense into Donna Rosenda. I know I could turn this whole thing around if I had more time with her."

"Well short of resurrecting Pablito, I don't see that happening and if I run they're liable to execute you instead. They just want someone to shoot and they really don't care who it is. No, you need to go for it. When they transfer us from the plane to wherever it is we're going that will be your chance. Break your thumbs then slip the cuffs off after that make a run for it and don't look back."

"But I don't think…" Roan started to say but Casey cut him off by head butting him from behind. "Ouch! That hurt."

"Roan, you shouldn't be thinking. That's what got us in this situation to begin with so just shut up and listen for once. This is our only chance and I'm counting on you so make it count. You can go for help and make it back in time hopefully before they try to make me into Swiss cheese. Personally, I don't like the stuff. My go to cheese is American there's something about it that reminds me of victory."

"Okay Kilgore, I get it. You like American cheese and the smell of napalm in the morning," said Roan as he shook his head because it still hurt.

"Go ahead and laugh but you know they say a country is great when they have a cheese named after it and don't bring up Swiss because it's really called Emmental. But American cheese is a processed cheese which means it's a mix of other cheeses… like the rest of us in this great melting pot we call America. We all come together and we all become Americans."

"So what are we… we're cheese and freedom. I've said I'd kill for some Limburger but that was only figurative."

"Cheese and democracy that's what we're defending. I couldn't have said it better."

"You ever wonder if your cheese hasn't slipped off its cracker? I'm just saying not that I mean anything by it but…"

"Shut up Roan or I might have to hurt you and that would put a monkey wrench in our plan," said Casey as the pilot announced their descent. "Get ready it won't be long now."

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Anatoly and Stefan arrived at the Puerto Lempira airport. Their charter taxied over and was tucked away out of sight in a private hangar. There to meet them was a team sent in from the embassy to offer assistance. As soon as they opened the hatch it felt like the air was sucked out of them. It was hot and humid and they weren't dressed for this type of weather.

"Geez, I hope you guys brought us a change of clothes or you've got the A/C cranked up in your vehicles," said Stefan as he and Anatoly shook hands with their fellow agents.

"We brought you something," said the lead agent as she looked them over. "Tatiana Romanoff," she said as she pointed to the one black Seat utility vehicle. Stefan started stripping before he walked behind the vehicle with Tatiana smiling at him as she handed him his clothes.

"Really? You expect me to wear this? Knee socks and short trousers? I haven't worn clothes like these since my days as a young pioneer."

"You were complaining about the weather. Just put them on and remember we need to blend in. Agent Romanoff, what can you tell about our target's arrival?"

"She's on her way here. Our people picked her up when she landed from Helsinki and they followed her to her departure gate for here. She's currently waiting on her connecting flight and our people have orders to watch her until she boards."

"I hope they're out of sight because this target is good. She's one of us so she knows our playbook and the way we operate. If they get too close… well she's shown she's not going to let anything keep her from getting here."

"What are the Americans up to? Have they landed yet?" said Stefan as he buttoned up his shirt. Tatiana couldn't help herself she let out a stifled laugh looking at him. "What? You picked this out not me so you have to bear some of the responsibility."

"No, she laughing at your shoes. Dress shoes in that get up is… well is something that one of those evil bad guys would wear in those American films during the forties."

"I want to see what you look like and you never answered my question about the Americans. They had a jump on us so I expect they've already landed and set up base."

"Yes, they've reactivated the old CIA compound they used before to train troops to fight the Sandinistas in Nicaragua. It's just outside of town past the market."

"Good then let's do a drive by and get the lay of the land before our target arrives," said Anatoly as he came back around from behind the Seat.

"Hey, this isn't fair," said Stefan looking over Anatoly. "Why does he have sandals and I didn't get any?"

"I was also told to give you these," said Tatiana as she handed Anatoly and Stefan weapons. She gave them both Makarov 9s. Stefan too his and checked it but he didn't look happy. Tatiana looked at Anatoly for an explanation.

"Don't pay any attention to him. He's just upset because he had to give up his Grach MP when we left Saint Petersburg…"

"And I'd better get it back when we go home. I had to pull in a lot of strings and call in favors to get my hands on it. I really liked it and besides it's mine."

"Well, I think we can load up," said Tatiana. "We can start that windshield tour of the city. Maybe you can explain to me what your target is doing coming here? This isn't exactly a place where tourists flock to come and visit."

"I'm not sure if I believe why the Director thinks she's coming here. But I guess we'll know for sure in a few hours."

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The two Generals got HQ up and running with the assets they could spare from the CIA listening post in Panama. One of the largest embassy compounds in the southern hemisphere it was the cover for Echelon back in the day when the NSA was data mining. They listened in on friends as well as foes believing in equal opportunity when it came to ease dropping.

"General, I'm going to take a walk around town with Sarah," said Chuck. "I want to see what I can find out from the locals."

"Okay, that might be a good idea. I think we can handle everything here but don't venture off too far. I don't need anyone else being taken hostage."

"Maybe we can come with you too," said Alex. "I'm getting bored of doing nothing around here and sitting on my hands."

"You can take Alex with you and I'll stay here with Morgan," said Sarah. "I want to call Echo Park to see how things are going with Sam. She goes back to school tomorrow and her last experience at Barnum Memorial wasn't exactly the best."

"Don't worry," said Chuck as he kissed her on the forehead. "I mean what could go wrong. Mom is with her and she'll take care of her."

"That's exactly what I'm worried about. No, it's better if you two go out on recon. Morgan and I will hold down the fort here."

"Come on Alex, let's go see what the natives are up to," said Chuck. Then the two of them walked out and grabbed the keys for one of the Ford Broncos. A few minutes later there were parking next to an open-air market. Chuck and Alex started walking through the market looking at what the vendors had for sell.

"Look fresh mangoes," said Chuck. Alex looked perplexed at him. "What? Don't you like fresh mangoes? The ones we get back home are always over rip. You need to try theses. I'll take two," said Chuck in Spanish then handed the man way too much money.

"I thought we were here to find leads not stuff our faces," snapped Alex. Chuck ignored what she said as he started talking with the vendor. He praised the man on his fruit then they talked about the weather. But after that he showed the man photos.

"You wouldn't happen to have seen any of these people. They're friends of mine and I'm trying to find them."

The man shook his head then started to turn around when the man's wife who'd been standing behind him waved for Chuck to let her see the photos.

"I'm the one who normally works the stand while he's in the fields taking care of our crops. Let me see those photos. Yes, I know this one," she said.

"Are you sure you know this one," said Chuck in Spanish. The woman nodded her head then went on to explain how.

"Muchas gracias," said Chuck then he took another half dozen mangoes paying extra for the information. "That's how you get intel," said Chuck as he took a bite out of his mango.

"Can I get a bit of that," said Alex. Chuck smiled and handed her a slice. "Now what do we do? Do we go back and get reinforcements or do we go kick in doors?"

"What do you think?"

"I've got my 'door kicking in' shoes on."