Don't own Chuck

Chuck left the Premier and Devon where he thought they'd be safe then made his way down to the front gate. With only one man on guard duty it wasn't going to be hard to take him but it wasn't going to be easy either. He worked his way down in the bushes and trees as far as he could. But that still left a hundred yards of open ground and plenty of time for the guard to see him coming and press an alarm button.

"A hundred yard dash piece of cake," he told himself then he observed the guard continually going back inside the guardhouse. Then he heard it, he heard the sound of a soccer match. The national television company had gone to playing telenovelas and soccer matches to help keep the population indoors during the coup.

"Come on I need a goal," said Chuck then he heard the roar of the fans from the TV and that was his window of opportunity. The guard stayed longer inside to watch the replay which gave Chuck plenty of time to cover the distance.

"No, no are you blind," Chuck heard him yelling inside. "Idiot, he was offside. My blind grandmother could see that. Where were the referees, asleep?"

"You do know that's only a rerun," said Chuck. The man turned and Chuck darted him. He yanked the cord from a lamp and tied him but as he was tying him the man's radio squawked.

"José radio check," said the voice then the voice repeated the same except this time his voice sounded more demanding.

"Yeah, yeah," said Chuck as he tried to muffle his voice. "I'm here everything is fine except for the referee. I couldn't believe they allowed that goal. I think they were paid off. I'm feeling a little horse from screaming at those caj..."

"I get the picture but I've told you a thousand times and especially now no watching football or television for that matter while on guard duty. You need to look alive there's some sort of convoy heading our way. I just talked over the radio with a General Rodriguez whose leading them. He's supposed to be a pain, anyway he said they were part of a search team so look sharp and switch off that television. Oh and make sure your uniform doesn't look like you slept in it."

"Roger that," answered Chuck. "Crap they're tracking us," Chuck said to himself he hoped Devon and the Premier hid the Rover well enough but now he had to hurry. There was only one way into the base and if he couldn't raise an army then they would be caught between two fires and burned in the process.

Chuck made his way over to hangar one staying in the shadows. There were two guards that walked the perimeter of the hangar. To get the men out he had to take out both. The two crossed paths in the front then walked past each other. Chuck hung in the dark so after they met and parted Chuck darted the one then ran over the top of him and as the other was about to turn Chuck darted him too. He dragged the bodies out of sight and hid them the best he could then he made his way to the hangar door. He saw two more walking around the prisoners who were bound and forced to stay seated on the floor in the middle.

"Okay two more we can do this," said Chuck as he rolled in darting both but as he got up the prisoners told him to look out. There was a third guard he hadn't seen standing next to the door. The man punched Chuck knocking the dart pistol from his hand. Chuck staggered back as the man went for his weapon but Chuck flashed. He slid in underneath him doing a scissor take down. When the man dropped his pistol went flying but he pushed Chuck off coming up with his knife. The man slashed at him a couple of times then lunged. Chuck side stepped the stab checking the arm then in a great circular motion caught the arm and used the man's forward momentum to throw him. He made a loud thud when he hit and as he tried to get up Chuck put him in a choke hold hanging on to him until he passed out, Lucha libre style.

"Okay," said Chuck as he recovered the knife and his dart gun. "Who's the senior man present? I have your Premier outside the gate and there are more of these guys' friends coming." The prisoners looked at each other.

"I'm the Commandant of this base," said one man as he stood up. "But how do we know this isn't some sort of CIA trick and we won't be executed the minute we step out that door."

"Take their weapons, check them if you like. I'm walking out that door with you. You see when all this went down my wife and daughter as well as my sister were in the palace. I haven't heard from them since then so I'm going to go get them and I won't let anyone stand in my way. So you're either with me or get out of my way."

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The search and destroy team was on the trail of the missing Rover. After finding the two without the bodies of the Premier or the Americans they divided and started hunting. It wasn't long before they found the Rover's trail then regrouped. This led them in the direction of Los Perdutos air base.

"General, why didn't you tell the new garrison Commander we were tailing the Premier and Americans in his direction. He's one of us and could've started looking from his end."

"And if they've got access to a radio they'd know we're coming. Not to mention that Los Perdutos doesn't have many of our people and if they pull them to go searching then the Premier could get through. If he got his hands on a chopper then he could be gone and we'd never find him."

"The road now is one way into the base so they won't be able to drive out. Not unless they take to the jungle that is so we've got them boxed in."

"I want us to slow down now. Have the men fan out and walk the road to the base in case they parked the Rover and did like you said and took to the jungle. Get the word out to the men there's a four hundred dollar reward for the head of the Premier and two hundred for the heads of the Americans."

"Yes sir nothing like offering a little incentive," said the General's aide. He got out of the BTR 40 and went to the other two to organize the troops then he came back.

"Have they restored communications with the Capital yet?" asked the General as they started moving slowly. "I don't like not knowing what's going on."

"No, whatever the problem is it's affected all our communications. It looks like we'll have to rely on radio for a while," said the aide as a message came in over the radio.

"Team leader this is blue team leader. We found something, it looks like a vehicle parked by the roadside hidden under foliage. We're investigating now..."

"No let us..." yelled the General but before he could say 'regroup' automatic weapons fire was heard both from the outside and over the radio. Each man wanted to be the one to collect the reward.

"Hold your positions and let us all converge on you," yelled the aide but then they heard the loud gunfire of the Browning M2. It cut down trees as well as men.

"There they are," yelled the driver. "They're on the road in front of us running for the base. We've got them."

"The rabbit's run out of its hole at last. What are you waiting for? Signal the others to pursue. Let's get this over with once and for all."

"Yes sir," said the driver as the BTRs began to speed up and a man climbed up in the gun turret. But as the lead vehicle was about to open fire it was peppered by both armor piercing and explosive rounds fired from the back of the Rover. The BTR exploded and burst into flames blocking the road ahead and taking out a good deal of their men who were trying to board.

"Push that junk out of the way," yelled the General. "We've got them on the run now. Don't stop return fire they can't get away now. Come on let's move it."

In the Rover...

"Keep on driving Devon. Head straight for the front gate," yelled the Premier trying to be heard over the sound of the M2.

"I hope you guys know what you're doing," yelled Devon back as bullets whizzed past the Rover and bounced off its armor plating. The Rover had better armor than the old BTR40s but it was still a race between Clydesdales. Both weighed down by their weight each took time to get up to speed and in the meantime each was shooting at the other. The Rover not only had the better armor but also the better engine which was proven when Devon began to pull away.

"That's it I'm out," said Alejandro as he closed the back doors then climbed up into the passenger seat. "Looks like this could be the end of line. On the count of three you jump out and I slide over. You can roll into the brushes. They'll follow me so you can try to get away."

"What is it with you guys?" said Devon as he looked over at the Premier. "You guys carry that little black cloud around with you."

"Because we know that someday we'll be called on to make that sacrifice. It's not that we want to of course and that we live less actually we live more. Listen there's no need for you to go down with me. I've already got enough people on my conscience as it is."

"No Chuck had a plan and we're going to see it through. Besides I could break my neck if I jump out at this speed."

"If the people chasing us catch us they're likely to do that for you at the end of a rope. We're about to run out of jungle so if you're going to go for it, it's now or never." When Devon didn't reply Alejandro switched on the radio in the Rover. "Let me see if I can't make a deal where one of us can walk away." As the Premier turned up the gain on the radio they hear Chuck.

"General Rodriguez, lay down your arms and surrender. Resistance is futile. Comply or face destruction."

"What do you call that idle threats? Nice bluff but I expected better," radioed the General back. "I've got an offer for you. You surrender the Premier to me and I'll make sure this gets done quickly and relatively painless."

"Idle threats we'll see," radioed Chuck as two Mi-14 helicopters dropped out of the tree lines strafing both sides of the road. "Tell me something, did you find them imposing? Go ahead, you can be honest. I was going for imposing. Well, my next pass will be with AT-2 Swatters this is your last warning. Stop your vehicles get out deposit your weapons beside the road then kneel in the middle of the road and then hands up to imply that your hands are empty. So we know you surrender. The base commander of Los Perdutos will escort you to detention. Oh and bonos díes Señor General."

Devon drove through the front gate and there to greet them was the base commander with his senior officers standing at attention saluting the Rover as he pulled up.

"Beloved Premier, Colonel Ferdinando Garcia at your most humble service," said the man as the Premier got out of the Rover. Alejandro embraced the man much to the Colonel's embarrassment.

"Colonel, tell me what we have and how soon can we move out," asked Alejandro but before the Colonel could answer they were interrupted.

"Colonel… Colonel come quickly you need to see this," said one of his men running up from the guardhouse. "Sorry but Sirs…. Premier… augh…."

"Just spit it out man what's the matter?" said the Premier. "Don't tell me Turrini's sent a division to attack us here?"

"No beloved Premier it's your wife sir," said the man looking at the Premier. "She's on television making an address to the nation to rise up against that traitor Turrini and his Generals."

"That's my woman what passion. She was always the first over the barricade and always by my side. Speaking of by my side where's Chuck? I wanted to the thank him."

"Premier your American friend didn't return to the base."

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Things weren't going the way Turrini expected in the Palace which put him in a foul mood. He saw the way people looked at him as he walked past and he knew they were talking about him behind his back. He just knew they were all plotting against him which caused him to throw tantrums where he threw things about and yelled at everyone. He knew someone had stolen the strawberries.

"I want Hortencia found and I want her found now," yelled El Comandante at Luis. "I don't care if you have to tear down this palace brick by brick I want her found."

"Yes El Comandante, I need to tell you one thing before you go…" Luis started to say but El Comandante cut him off.

"I can't wait I've got to meet with my Generals they're inside. We need to come up with a strategy on how we're going to bring the provinces in line." El Comandante had set the meeting to be held in the palace in an hour that was two hours ago but when he opened the doors on the conference room no one was there.

"That's what I was trying to tell you. They all called to say they were too busy looking for the Premier and reordering things in their offices to come. They sent their apologizes and asked if you would please understand."

"I understand all right. They're all like rats on a sinking ship trying to scurry off before it goes down. I want them all executed. Have them rounded up and shot then promote our senior Colonels to General. Tell the new Generals I want them to meet me in an hour and they'd better not keep me waiting."

"I think they'll get the lesson," said Luis as he walked out. After he left Turrini picked up his phone and dialed a number putting it on speaker as he went to the window to look down on the city. It looked worse than it did after the revolution that brought the beloved Premier to power. The phone began to ring when he looked down in the courtyard where Luis was lining some of his Generals against the wall. He heard the clicking sound when Frank picked up but it was partially cancelled out by the sound of gunfire from outside.

"Frank, I've been rethinking your offer of safe passage. Maybe you're right a strategic withdrawal is in order. I'm cleaning house right now but I was thinking about getting out as soon as I could."

"I think that's a wish choice for everyone concerned. For your information I've overheard that Premier Goya has safely made it to Los Perdutos air base. It seems the base commander is giving him support. Already they've been in contact with some of the other outlying facilities and one by one they're lining up with him. It won't be long before they're at your door."

"Then I need to get out of here. But if people see me leave they're liable to stop and arrest me," said Turrini as he started working out what to do. "However, if they think I'm dead then no one will come looking for me. I can lay low for a while then say I was wounded and unconscious…. Yeah I was dragged away by loyal men to keep me from being captured… I fought gallantly to the end."

"You might even be able to wrap that into something that might in the future get you back in country to continue your fight for power."

"Something like that it wasn't my fault for taking power it was thrust upon me by well-meaning but demented followers who wanted a change. I didn't know what was going on until it was too late then I had no choice but lead. It was the only way I could save innocent lives."

"Not bad… Now if you had listened before maybe this could've had a different outcome. I'm sorry let's not look back on who did what but to the future on who will do what."

"That's not a bad line. Do you mind if I use it?" asked Turrini thinking that maybe as early as a couple years he could be back but with a different outcome.

"Sure you can. I need to run to get things ready for you. Remember take the Yak-40 it requires a shorter runway and can set down on any surface." With that the line dropped. Turrini went to the balcony window and leaned out.

"Luis," he yelled but he had to yell again over the gunshots. "Luis, I need you to come up on the double I've got a job for you." Luis ran straight up.

"I'm sorry but I haven't had a chance to look for other passages yet," said Luis as he walked in on Turrini. "I'll get right on it."

"No forget about that. I want you to plant explosives throughout the palace. If we can't find her we'll bring this down on her head. I want you to take care of this for me while I'm gone. I've got to do a troop inspection at the airport. After you're done you can come and meet me there but take your time and do a good job I want the whole palace brought down."

"You can count on me I know what to do," said Luis. "I'll go down to the arsenal they should have everything I need a little C-4 and detonators this will be child's play."

"Good but like I said take your time and do a good job. I've got to go now so I'm leaving this up to you. I know you won't let me down."

"Hasta la victoria!"

"Siempre," said El Comandante as he left Luis. He couldn't help but wonder if that wasn't the sendoff Ernesto got when he left for Bolivia.

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Chuck was a few miles out heading into the city. Before he left he got the recognition codes from the base so he'd be able to fly straight in. He plan was to radio in an emergency at the last minute then land in the square in front of the palace from there he'd make his way into the palace then down to Sarah. He could then bring everyone up and load them on the chopper then fly them out of harm's way as the Premier advanced on the city. Chuck heard Hortenica's appeal over his radio and was afraid that Turrini would be searching the palace from top to bottom looking for a way to get at her which meant also everyone else.

"Tower control, tower control," radioed Chuck giving them his call sign but he got nothing back. He tried again but again there was just silence. It wasn't that they were ignoring him they were ignoring everyone. Other aircraft called in and were greeted with the same silence. Chuck realized whoever was supposed to manning the tower had abandoned it. Once over the square he went into autorotation dropping the chopper in the middle.

"Okay now for my final touch," said Chuck as he grabbed a signal flare lighting it inside so smoke bellowed out then he opened the side staggered out coughing. Chuck had a Costa Gravas pilot's jump suit on with helmet. He had the visor pulled down so no one could see his face.

"Hey you all right," yelled soldiers who came running from the palace when they got close to him, he tranq'd them. Chuck ran into the palace to find it almost empty. He dropped two men just inside then crossed the courtyard. Making his way in he noticed C-4 charges placed on load bearing structures so as he made his way through he yanked out the detonators without them the C-4 would bet like gum someone stuck to the wall.

"What the…" Luis said when he caught Chuck pulling the detonator and he kicked him across the room. Chuck's ribs ached but he rolled out the door as Luis drew his pistol and fired at him.

"You know Brian De Palma could be looking for you," yelled Chuck as Luis chased after him firing at him as he ran through the palace. Two men appeared in military uniform Chuck dropped both then ducked as a round whizzed past his ear.

"You every thought about doubling for Frankenstein," yelled Chuck. "You're only missing the bolts in the neck but you've got the scar."

"Why you… I'm going to enjoy killing you," yelled Luis as he emptied his pistol into the column Chuck ducked behind. Chuck rolled out shooting him with his last tranq but instead of going down Luis just grunted then pulled it out then tossed it away.

"Oh Momma," said Chuck as Luis pulled his knife and grabbed Chuck up lifting him off the ground by his neck.

"Got any last words mister big mouth before I gut you like a fish," said Luis smiling with his tobacco stained teeth.

"You know you could use a teeth whitener or maybe just spray paint" said Chuck as Luis growled and pulled back his hand. "Okay… Okay hold up a second. Do you have the time?"

"What?" said Luis as he looked down. Chuck had reset one of the detonators for ten seconds then dropped it with a little C-4 down Luis' pants. Luis let go of Chuck as he tried to dig it out but he had this pants dressed in his boots so he couldn't shake it out. Chuck dove behind the column again as Luis exploded all over the room.

"Sarah, got to get Sarah," said Chuck as he got up and started running his ears were ringing but he had to get them out before the palace blew.