Don't own Chuck

It was nighttime in Costa Gravas the sun had set and evening had past. The scents from the nearby jungle filled the air with perfume as Chuck and Sarah stood out on the balcony to enjoy the evening air. Sam wanted to stay next door with Clara so Sarah gave her blessing. She agreed only because they were in the adjoining suites with a shared balcony, the very balcony where they were standing now.

"Listen to that," said Chuck as they heard music being played in the distance. "There's a party somewhere. May I have this dance?" asked Chuck as he held out his hand.

"What? Are you kidding," she asked but she saw he wasn't. "Sweetie this is hardly the time. We need to make a plan for tomorrow maybe another time."

"There may not be another time but there most certainly will be another mission. Just take my hand and put your hand on my shoulder. I apologize before we start if I step on your feet. We can talk as we dance."

"You're impossible," she said as he pulled her in tight and they started to move to the music. "Okay you should pack light for tomorrow and not over pack like you usually do. Remember your malaria medicine. I've got everything already prepared for you."

"Thank you," he said as he dipped her. "I'll try to get El to stay inside the palace grounds until I get back. You could contact the RSO at the Embassy and ask if he could free up a couple Marines to help you keep a tight formation."

"I thought about that," she said as she spun out then he pulled her back. "But I'm afraid they'd stick out in the crowd and I know the RSO Mike Carver. He dresses worse than Casey."

"I didn't think that was possible," said Chuck as he laughed she looked at him as he held her close. "I mean he's got that G-man assassin look down pat."

"Well, Mike came from the FBI and no one ever told him the days of Hoover were over. If you see a man in a black suit and tie with a white shirt sweating like a pig that'll be him."

"Gez, I think they need to add stinking to the ugly American with him around," he said dipping her again.

"Just promise me you'll be careful in the jungle. You should take something besides just your tanq pistol. It's not going to do much against a jaguar."

"I'm not Casey, besides the Premier and his guards will be with us so there will be nothing to worry about. I just hope Casey didn't meet up with any jaguar."

"Don't worry, John can handle himself," said Sarah as she laid her head against his chest as the music slowed down. She could hear his heart.

"I'm not worried about John. I'm worried about the jaguar, they're an endangered species and I think it would clash with Kat's furniture."

"Oh stop," she said as she laughed. He stopped brushed back the hair from her from her face then kissed her.

"Way to go bro," they heard Devon say behind them. "I know what you two were up to out here. Looks like Costa Gravas makes everyone run a little more caliente."

"I'm sorry," said Ellie coming out after Devon. "I tried to stop him but he came out anyway. The butler or whoever the man is in the uniform came and told us dinner was ready."

"Ellie where are the girls?" asked Sarah expecting to see them behind her but they were nowhere to be seen.

"They've already gone down to eat. Hortenica stopped by just after the butler and asked if she could borrow them. They're waiting for us in the dining room."

"Let's go," said Sarah as she ran back through their room grabbing her purse on the way, observing the thirty foot rule.

"She's just a little hungry," said Chuck as he darted out after her leaving Ellie and Devon on the balcony.

"You know it's a shame to leave and let this view go to waste," said Ellie as she took Devon's hand. "Maybe we could be a little late."

"We should really go but how do you feel about taking a tour of some of the darker corners of the palace afterwards?"

"Maybe we could find your statue?" said Ellie as she kissed him then whispered something in his ear and he smiled.

"Babe is nine-foot marble me making you a little caliente? If so way to go, marble me," said Devon as he kissed her.

Chuck had to hustle to catch up to Sarah and even then it wasn't easy. He grabbed her by the arm and stopped her.

"Hold up what's gotten into you? Sarah you need to slow down. Sam and Clara aren't in any danger not here inside the palace."

"Chuck, you don't know that. I know it's not Ellie's fault she doesn't know everything that's going on. I should've never let Sam stay over with them this is on me if anything happens."

"It's not on anyone because nothing has happened. Come on let's go together but catch your breath first. The last thing the General wants is for you to take out Hortencia or finish Casey's previous mission here."

"I can't promise anything," said Sarah as they went into the dining room to find only the Premier. There was no Hortencia or the children. Sarah began to open her purse but Chuck reached over and closed it.

"Please sit down. I apologize if my wife kidnapped your children but she needed a child's perspective and yours were the only ones we know."

"Perspective? I don't understand," said Chuck as they sat down. Sarah yanked her purse free and gave him a look.

"We'll talk about this later," she whispered to him. Chuck knew he was in the doghouse but at least there was no political assassination.

"Oh I can't wait I have to tell someone but you have to promise when my wife announces this to the Woodcombs you have to act surprised. We're going to have a niño or a niña, my wife está embarazada. I'm sorry I'm getting excited my wife is pregnant, we're expecting."

"Congratulations," said Chuck and Sarah as they got up to shake the Premier's hand but instead he pulled them in and gave them a big bear hugged. However, in the jubilation he suddenly stopped and looked at Sarah but before he could say anything Hortencia and the children came in each carrying a doll.

"See what Mrs. Goya gave us," said Clara as she and Sam showed Sarah and Chuck their dolls as soon as they came in.

"Now what did I tell you my little treasures what are you to call me? From now on you two can call me Tití and I'll be your auntie," said Hortencia. Then she looked at her husband and knew. "You told them didn't you? You couldn't wait could you?"

"I'm sorry mi amor perdóname por favor. I just couldn't wait anymore," he said as he took her hands. Just then Devon and Ellie walked in. "You can tell them while I get the champagne ready."

Hortencia told them while the Premier poured and he handed out glasses to everyone even to Clara and Sam which caused his wife to protest.

"What are you doing? They're children I've got fruit juice for you and for me," said Hortencia as she substituted the glasses. "You have to forgive my husband he's not thinking well these days."

"I think we've both been there and done that," said Devon as he looked at Chuck who nodded his head.

"I was worse," admitted Chuck. "I had Sarah's OBGyn travel with us to make sure she was taken care of. On more than one occasion she even treated me."

"I hadn't thought about that. Chuck you and I need to talk while we're on our trip to the interior tomorrow," said the Premier. "Let's eat then turn in we're leaving at first light tomorrow."

The conversation switched back to babies and baby things as the girls mainly Clara described the nursery Tití Hortenica had shown them. Then Hortenica talked about things she was going to add and how she wanted Sarah and Ellie's input. They had dinner then retired to their apartments.

"Ellie, if you don't mind I was thinking why doesn't Clara spend the night with us. We've got a double bed in Sam's room and the two of them can have a pyjama party."

"Oh say yes, can I please," implored Clara as Sam held on to her hand. They were two peas in a pod or one tall and the other one short.

"I don't know Chuck has to get up early," said Ellie as she looked over at Chuck and Devon. She understood Devon's look. He was thinking about earlier.

"Come on El why not? It's no big deal and besides Awesome has to get up early too. The girls want to spend time together so why not?"

"And we can go explore what we were talking about before… You know about taking a tour of some of the darker corners of the palace."

"Please filter; I don't need that image in my head… Gez now how am I going to get that out? Can someone get it out?"

"Well Ellie you know the Premier is a public figure so there are guards that patrol the building maybe it would be better if you two just stayed in your suite."

"Yes and used the rooms the farthest away from us for… well for whatever it is you want to use them for as long as they're out of my hearing range."

"Chill out bro you know how things go or Sarah would be in the…" Devon started to say but both women gave him looks that could kill. "What I meant to say was Sam wouldn't be here if you two hadn't…" This time it was Sam and Clara looking at him with puzzled expressions. "You know it's really late we should all get to sleep."

"I agree," said Ellie. "Let's go I have to help Awesome take his foot out of his mouth.

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Earlier in the back alley outside of Pedro's Parrot a couple of high ranking military officers got out of an unmarked car. They walked through the front door and looked around like they were casing the joint. Luis recognized them; they were friends of El Comandante. When they saw him they recognized him too so they walked over.

"No names just take us to see Turrini it's urgent," said the one as the other continually looked around.

"Is there something wrong with your friend," asked Luis. He was making him feel nervous and a little uneasy about taking them back.

"No, I just realized where all the crap from the city ends up at. Who inspects this place waste management?"

"Just take us to Turrini," said the other man. "Like I said it's important we've got news about tomorrow he's going to want to hear."

"Okay follow me and try not to dirty up the place," said Luis looking at the guy's partner. They walked back down the hallway towards El Comandante's office and on the way they noticed a room with the door open. They caught a glimpse of Casey lying on a cot and the Doctor with him. The Doctor saw the men and recognized them too.

"Is that the Angel de la Muerte everyone is talking about?" asked the one but Luis was silent so the other one asked the same question.

"If you're curious ask El Comandante," said Luis as they walked by the two guards posted by the door. He knocked then stuck his head in. "Señor Boss you've got a couple of friends visiting from the palace. They say it's important they talk with you."

"Have them come in," said Turrini as he got up and greeted them as they came in. "Please sit down can I offer you anything?"

"No we can't stay long or we'll be missed. We came about tomorrow we know you've got that big rally planned outside the palace but we thought you should know the beloved Premier won't be there."

"He won't? Where's he planning on going? Do you know if he's planning on leaving the country? That could work in my… I mean our favour."

"No it's nothing like that the cover story is he's taking his two American guests into the interior to see the flora and fauna of our country but the true mission is they're going to look for the man you have in the other room."

"The door was open and we saw him in there as we walked by. That is the Angel de la Muerte or la Vida, isn't he?"

"Yes he is. He's a part of my little rally tomorrow evening. Don't look at me like I'm crazy I know what I'm going. Can you slip men into his detail? I'm assuming he's going to take men with him."

"Yes he's taking a ten man detail. I can get five in with no problem but shouldn't you reschedule your rally for when the Premier is at home. With him gone I can't see it being of much use."

"Yes, I agree. You should re-schedule so you can get the most publicity out of this if you want it for the elections. With the Premier being gone there won't be much coverage just another disgruntled office worker ranting. Sorry, but that's how the press will spin it and you'll probably be stuck somewhere in the back pages where no one will see it."

"He's right; you'll do well to get published in the National Enquirer that is if someone hasn't seen Elvis in the produce section of a Supermarket. No television station will show this."

"No, things have already been set in motion you don't know about. We make our move tomorrow like planned. I want you guys to get out and beat the bushes. I need for as many of our people as you can get in the crowds."

"What about the guys on the trekking expedition? What do you want me to tell them? I assume you want them to do something?"

"Yes, you can tell them the Premier and his American friends go out but they don't come back. Tomorrow evening after they set up camp and everyone turns in for the night they can make their move. Then as far as I'm concerned they can feed them to the piranhas."

With that the men got up shook his hand then left. He escorted them to the door then motioned for Luis to see them out then to come back after he was done. When Luis came in El Comandante handed him a drink.

"Is everything all right they seemed nervous? I wouldn't trust them very much if I were you. If they're caught they won't hesitate to give you up."

"I just need them until tomorrow evening and everything is moving better than I expected. I might even see another way to power without having to worry about the elections but we'll have to wait to see what tomorrow brings. Salud," said El Comandante as he raised his glass and smiled.

"Hasta La Victoria Siempre," said Luis in return.

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In the Palace Sarah got the girls in bed which wasn't easy. It was overcrowded with two girls, two bunnies and two patch work peasant dolls. But Sam absolutely refused to let the rabbits sleep anywhere other than with her. Clara though didn't seem to mind she like the company which was something she rarely had. Finally after turning the puzzle around a few times Sarah was able to fit everyone in. She turned out the light then went to their bedroom.

"I think disarming a nuclear device is easier," she said as she walked in then started to get ready. "I have to be honest with you part of me was hoping I was pregnant. I see Sam with Clara and think that's the life I want for her."

"We can't have children just to make Sam happy we have to want them too. But I know what you mean. I would love it if you were but why are we talking about this? I thought the topic was off limits until we get back home?"

"I know, I know… But I don't want it just for Sam, I want another baby too. First it was what you guys kept telling me now Hortencia. Finally I found this," she said as she handed him a scrap piece of paper with what looked like Clara's handwriting.

"What is it," he asked as she got in bed then snuggled up close to him. He looked at it better. "It's a list of names but who are these people?"

"That is a list of names for possible brothers or sisters Clara and Sam put together. I think it was more Clara than Sam considering some of the names are complicated."

"Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin. Thumbelina… did they do research with the brothers Grimm to come up with this list?" said Chuck as he looked it over. "I guess this means they overheard us talking. How does this make you feel?"

"Inadequate," she said as she looked up at him with tears in her eyes. "How am I supposed to tell her that this dream of hers is impossible?"

"First it's not and before you say anything there is always the possibility of adoption. I realize it might be remote…"

"How about near impossible. Sweetie, I appreciate you trying to make me feel better, I do. But let's be realistic what court is going to give us a child? We'd have to perjurer ourselves when the judge asked us what we do or worse the child could be used as a form of blackmail against us. No, I'm sorry but adoption isn't an option for us. Chuck, just hold me."

"I don't know what to say," said Chuck as he held her close. "I want to do something but I don't know what to do."

"Chuck, Sweetie, I learned a long time ago some problems just don't have a solution," she said as she rested her head on his chest.

"Maybe sometimes the problem needs to be turned around until a solution can be found. You know what they say there's more than one way to skin a cat but why anyone would want to do that is beyond me. What did the poor cat ever do to deserve skinning?"

"I love you," she said as she raised up and kissed him.

"I love you too," he said then he reached over and turned off the light.

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Across town lying face down on his cot Casey slept. His fever broke and he was starting to come around enough to know he wasn't in the jungle anymore. He had a vague recollection of what happened to him but for the time being the best thing he could do was to try to gather more strength and wait to see what happened next.

"How's the patient," asked Scar Face sticking his head back inside. Now it was Luis' habit to every hour stick his head in. Sometimes he didn't ask he'd just look inside then left. But this time he asked.

"He's doing better and now he's sleeping easier. His fever has broken and I see no reason why he shouldn't be ready for tomorrow."

"Good El Comandante will be happy. I'll let him know the next time he calls me back to report in. He'll be happy with you Doc."

"I'm sure he will… you know you really don't need me anymore here. I could leave all his medication laid out so you could give him the shots he needs and I could go. I've been away from my practise and patients long enough."

"No, El Comandante was quite clear you're to stay here until tomorrow no questions asked. What are you saying? You want to get rid of us so quickly after everything. Doc I'm hurt."

"I'm sure you'll get over it. Well, just do me a favour the next time you go to brief him let him know I'm ready to go whenever he's ready to cut me loose."

"Believe me Doc that will happen soon," said Scar Face then he walked out heading back to the bar. The Doctor got up checked on Casey the left too leaving John alone in the room.

What he heard was enough for him to realize the Doctor was playing with fire and was close to getting burnt. He tried to raise himself up but he was too weak and he realized he wasn't in any shape to fight his way out at least not yet. He just hoped he had enough time to gather his strength or if somehow he could get word out to Chuck or Sarah. Then he heard a voice outside.

"Doc what are you doing out here and not with your patient? If you need anything, just ask and I'll have it brought to you."

"I just stepped out for a moment to get a breath of fresh air and to stretch my legs. I'm heading back now no big deal."

"Just make sure he's ready tomorrow and after that you'll have all the fresh air you want," said El Comandante.

Casey laid there pretending to still be out but that voice he recognized. El Comandante the man who used to stand over Hortencia while she slept and plotted against the beloved Premier, Juan Pablo Turrini. If he was involved in his abduction then this couldn't be good. He had to play along for now and wait but when the time came he'd need all the strength he could muster up. But one question bothered him, where was Chuck and Sarah?