Don't own Chuck

In the early morning hours before dawn two guards walked the perimeter around the hangar that housed the Hypersonic. Pass down was given that no one was to enter the hangar except a refueling detail that had long come and gone. Now two base security personnel were walking their post guarding the hangar until the flight crew and passengers arrived. The mid-watch was quickly becoming long and boring.

"Hey do you mind if I go use the lavatory quick? I really need to go. I'll be right back and besides nothing is going on here."

"I told you to lay off all that coffee. You know were not supposed to leave our post. But okay you can duck inside I guess just make it hurry up. The flight crew is supposed to be here anytime so if you're going to go make it quick."

"Gee thanks maybe your right about the coffee. But things are so boring I needed something to keep me awake. I don't see how you can do it."

"It's easy I don't complain. Well if you get caught you're going to get an article 15 for abandoning your post and don't expect me to help you out there. For that one you're on your own."

"Oh you're such a worry wart I'll be right back," said the man as he ducked inside. Even with all the lights off and the doors closed he could make out the silhouette of the bird. She was impressive. He couldn't help but stand there for a little bit admiring her before going off to do his business. But on his way out he thought he heard a noise on board the plane and he was about to investigate when his partner yelled inside.

"Get back out here now I hear people coming. You're going to get us both court martialed and you can go move in with my mother-in-law."

"I'm coming already... I'm coming. Just calm down my Lord how you get worked up over nothing. I thought I heard something. Did you hear anything?"

"The only thing I heard was the firing squad housing the round they're going to use on us if you don't get out here. I see head lights."

"Gez calm down," said the man as he came out. "You went from NJP to court martial to firing squad almost all in the same breath. I don't know how your wife puts up with you. You need to take it easy and learn to smell the roses before life passes you by."

"I don't mind smelling the roses as long as they aren't daisies and I'm too busy pushing from underneath to smell them." The other man just looked at him and shook his head. A post vehicle pulled up with official plates and two officers got out a Lieutenant Colonel along with a Major both in flight gear.

"Morning Sirs," said the one airman as they both saluted. The officers returned the salutes as they walked up to the two airmen from out of the shadows.

"Anything to report?" asked the Major as the one airman checked their credentials against the access list for the hangar.

"They're good," said the airman as he handed them back their ID cards. "No sirs it was long and boring, nothing to report. Refueling was done before we started our watch that was in the pass down but other than that nothing out of the ordinary."

"Son, your face says you don't agree with your partner in crime here," said the Lieutenant Colonel. "Do you have something to say?"

"Well, it's probably nothing but I did think I heard a noise coming from on board the plane but that was probably just my imagination playing tricks on me."

"If you heard a noise on board the plane that would mean you were inside. Your post is here so how do you explain that?"

"I'm sorry, but I needed a latrine and if I used the one inside it wouldn't be like I abandoned my post because I still would be here."

"I'm not sure that line of logic would hold up if you went before the old man. Next time lay off the coffee," said the Lieutenant Colonel then he and the Major went inside to start the pre-flights and prepping the plane for flight.

No one saw before they entered the hangar a dark figure disappeared out the back. Hanging in the dark then taking advantage of the fact everyone was at the front so the back was unguarded. The man became a shadow himself as he slipped out avoiding all the security cameras.

"Sir, what do you think," asked the Major as they walked up the ladder and on to the plane. Lying in the middle of the floor just inside between the crew compartment and cabin was an oily rag. The Major picked it up and dropped it in the trash bin onboard.

"I think someone needs to pull the ears on these people from the refueling detail about picking up their crap after they're done. We're lucky that didn't stain the carpet. Can you image the fuss they'd make back home about it. All that money spent of this aircraft and refueling stains the carpeting."

"I was talking about what the guy from security said about hearing something on board. Maybe we should get some people in to look over the plane before we leave?"

"No there's no time. We'll do a diagnostic check before we do our pre-flights that should tell us if anything is out of whack with our girl. The General we're flying today is a special so when she says she needs to be somewhere by a certain time she means she needs to be there. If it makes you happier you can start the check while I make coffee."

"Sir you can start the check I'll make coffee. I don't..." said the Major but the Lieutenant Colonel interrupted him waving him off.

"I just came from a tour at the Pentagon. There full Colonels make coffee so I've gotten my quals signed off on the coffee maker. I'm just happy to get out from behind a desk and do some real flying again."

Outside the base in the basement of a parking garage two late model sedans parked side by side. A man got out of one then got in the other. Everything was done far from where anyone could overhear.

"No names, is it done? Were you able to install the device?" asked the driver as soon as the other man closed the door.

"Yes, it's in place like you asked. And per your instruction I attached it to the planes onboard computer so as soon as they're in the air you'll be able to monitor it and at the appropriate time interphase. However, I almost got caught," said the man and the other gave him a look.

"Did anyone see you? You should've told me that before I agreed to meet you. What if you're being followed?"

"No, no I got in and out clean just one of the security personnel had to make a trip inside while I was working."

"Are you sure we don't have to take any action here? The last thing we need is for this to come back and bite us later on."

"Well if I got the box in place what does that say?" said the man. He couldn't understand what all the fuss was over. "Look at me and read my lips there's no problem. Now where's my money, I want to go."

"Okay but I don't see what your hurry is if no one saw you then you should have all the time in the world. That is if you told the truth about getting out unseen."

"I don't want any trouble. There's no need in haggling the price was already establish. I just want you to give me my money and I'll be on my way.

"Very well I don't have it in the car with me," the driver began to explain but the man in the passenger's seat rolled his eyes. "Hey just hold on, what I meant was it's in my trunk. I'll get it for you" said the man as they both got out.

"Hold up a minute," said the one as he drew a pistol. "Throw me the keys and stand where I can see your hands. I'd advice against any sudden moves."

"What's this? You don't trust me? You did us a job now you're getting paid for it. I don't see what's gotten you so worked up."

"Let's just say I'm keeping everyone honest," said the man as he opened the trunk.

Inside was a metal case and a Glock nine. "What's this?"

"With that much money I had to carry insurance too. You wanted your money there it is. Open it and count it if you like it's all there.

"I sure," said the man as he opened the case to find it filled with Euro. "It looks to be all there. I don't need to count it I trust you... well maybe a little bit so you won't mind if I take this too," said the man as he slipped the Glock in his belt. "I wouldn't want to get accidently shot in the back."

"We can't have that so be my guest. Now you've got what you came for you can take it and go but stay in touch me might have other work for you soon," said the man as he smile.

"Sure, you know how to get in touch with me," said the man as he took the case and put it in his car then holstered his weapon. "Give me a fifteen minute head start." The man got in his car and started to leave while the other man pulled out what looked like a fob for a car alarm.

"I said we might have work for you what I meant to say was that you were the work," he pushed the button and the man's car exploded in a ball of flames. The anti-incendiary system kicked in as the sprinklers came on with jets of water. The man got back in his car turned on the windshield wipers then left driving by the burning hulk. He could already hear sirens in the distance as first responders were on their way to his location.

Once out he passed a series of vehicles with lights and sirens on. He drove calmly getting on the motorway. While he was driving he reached over and took his phone out of the glove compartment. He glanced down then dialed a number in memory putting the call on speaker before placing the phone on the dash so he could talk hands free and not worry about getting pulled over.

"It's me," said the man as the person on the other end answered. He knew someone was there because he could hear him breathing even though the party didn't utter a sound but just listened. "You can pass along everything is ready for 'the initiative' to begin. There was one problem but I took care of it. I had to terminate our friend for cause. He got sloppy and was almost caught or that's what he said. We couldn't take the risk so I dealt with it."

"I concur." That was all the person said on the other end before the line went dead.

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Chuck and Sarah headed back to the sleeping quarters to check on Sam. They had gotten everything they could get done and now were just waiting for the General to arrive. Chuck put his arm around Sarah as they walked about in the hangar before heading up the stairs to the compartments that had been converted over to a sleeping area. The bay doors were open and a sultry tropic breeze blew in carrying the perfume of a thousand different flowers.

"Look up at the stars," said Chuck as he pulled Sarah in to him and pointed out a falling star. "Now close your eyes and make a wish."

"I don't have to I've got everything in front of me I could ever want," she said as the kissed him. "You know if you want you could tell me the same."

"Well I don't know. Do you mind if I think on it," said Chuck as he smiled back at her then tried to kiss her but she put her hand over his mouth.

"Just hold on there a moment buster. You give me an answer like that then expect a kiss. Well you've got another thing coming."

"What I meant to say was I already made my wish a long time ago and what I wished for came true in you and Sam. My life is complete I couldn't want more."

"Not bad for a quick save," she said as she kissed him. "Everyone will be up soon so this is our only chance to be alone for a while."

"Then let's sit on the steps and watch the sunrise together. The General will be here soon if she left at sunrise there."

"I know. Chuck I have to ask and don't get me wrong but I had the feeling you were interrogating me back there with Casey. That was my impression but it certainly felt that way."

"I'm sorry and maybe I was a little curt but I wanted to see something," said Chuck as Sarah gave him a look. "I know it sounds worse than it actually is but... well, when was the last time you flashed?"

"I don't know I really can't say. I'm sorry I don't remember actually. Was that the reason for the million and one questions?"

"Yes and they weren't a million and one. The things I asked you, you should've been able to flash on but you didn't."

"What? You think something's wrong with my intersect again. But I don't feel as stressed out as I did before when this happened and my governor is working fine. Maybe we should talk to Ellie about this she might be able to find out what's wrong with me?"

"I don't think there's anything wrong with your intersect. Actually I think it's working fine and is doing what my father designed it for to help people… to help us."

"Then what's wrong with me?" asked Sarah as she looked at him. She read his look like a page from a book with babies on the cover. There was no need for words. "Oh no we talked about this Chuck."

"I'm just saying the Doctor you ought to see isn't my sister but Gwen your OBGyn," said Chuck as he put his arm around her.

"Chuck, Sweetie like I said we talked about this and you know why that can't be. We agreed not to talk about this until we got back but everyone keeps bringing it up. I feel like everyone is staring at me expecting something I can't give."

"Don't get me wrong but no one is expecting anything other than you use that test. If you use it I'll personally go around and tell everyone to shut up. I promise but you've got to use it."

"But this could change everything. This could change us. I don't want to change us I'm happy and content the way we are. Sam is too. What am I going to tell her?"

"Right now we don't know what to tell her because you haven't done the test. If you had then we'd know what to say. She'll be happy with a real bunny as well as a baby sister. She was adamant about not wanting a brother though but brothers can be cool too. Like well they can... well they can... Oh I don't know you need to ask Ellie but I'm sure there's something."

"I know what you're doing, you're trying to make me feel better about this and I appreciate it," said Sarah as she laid her head on his shoulder.

"I guess I just don't see all the problems you do. If you are that's wonderful and if you're not well status quo nothing changes. Besides remember Beckman said she wanted you to have one done by the time she gets here."

"And I'll tell her where she can shove that. This is me we're talking about and in this she has no say. I don't care if she is the General this is our problem..."

"Is that it? You just can't see it as being anything other than a problem? We talked about this yes and we both said we wanted more children or have you been lying to yourself and to me?"

"No, of course not, I don't even know how you could ever say something like that. Okay then let's go do this," said Sarah as she grabbed Chuck by the hand and led him up to the communal bathroom outside the sleeping quarters. "You wait here while I do the test."

"Do you think you need any help?" asked Chuck. Sarah gave him a look then walked in and closed the door behind her. It slammed in his face. She hadn't been in five minutes when Casey walked up with the current issue of 'Guns and Ammo'.

"Are you supposed to be on sentry duty guarding the toilet paper or can a person have a little quiet time inside without being bothered?"

"John, the restroom is occupied. There are others down below that are free if you're in a hurry. If not you'll have to wait your turn."

"You finally talked her into it, didn't you? Sarah's inside doing the test. Well it's about time. Maybe we finally can get things back to normal around here if it ever really was." Just then Ellie and Devon came out carrying toothbrushes.

"I take it the line forms here? Or are you guys talking about the weather outside... well John are you waiting for the John?" said Devon. He was the only one to laugh.

"Yeah, Captain Awesome I'm not sure if that qualifies as a joke or not but the restroom is occupied. If you want you can go downstairs and use the restroom close to the office."

"Oh Man, no way Dude, not cool. You know how many bacteria there are down there. Hun, maybe we ought to just use bottled water and spit in the artificial plant inside."

"Now that's an idea," said Chuck. "Afterwards, when someone asks why it smells like toothpaste you can say it's a florid bush."

"Funny little brother, almost as funny as Devon's John joke. Why are you two standing out here like you're waiting? Oh don't tell me Sarah's inside doing the test, finally."

"That's what I said," added Casey. Chuck rolled his eyes was there anyone else left to ask what was going on.

"Okay guys, Sarah doesn't need and audience so can you all just go about your business and take a hike. We'll tell you the result later on."

Suddenly Clara and Sam walked out. Sam had her bunnies tucked under her arms following Clara. They walked up to Chuck looking puzzled.

"Don't tell me that you two need to go to the bathroom too," said Chuck as the both looked at him like he was strange.

"Why is everyone standing outside the bathroom?" asked Clara looking around she noticed Sarah was the only one missing. "Is Sarah sick? Mom and Dad said she had morning sickness. Is that like the flu? I really don't want to catch the flu? One my friends, Marlene caught the flu then gave it to her mother and her mother gave it to her father. Are we going to catch morning sickness too?"

"No, I don't think that's going to happen," said Chuck as he looked at Ellie and Devon. "So much for trying to keep this from the girls," he whispered to them. They just shrugged their shoulders.

"It's changing, it's changing, it's changing," Sarah yelled out. "Sweetie, I'm glad we finally decided to do this."

"We are too," yelled Devon. Casey joined in agreeing too. Chuck wanted to tell them all to keep it down but it was too late.

"Gez, how many of you guys are out there," asked Sarah. "Whatever, I'm still waiting. Is it supposed to take this long? I don't remember waiting this long before."

"It takes what it takes," yelled Ellie as she got close to the door. "Do you want me to come in and help you interpret the reading? I'm a doctor so…"

"No… Absolutely not, everyone stay out," yelled Sarah. "For everyone's information I brought my purse with me so I'm armed. Here we go. What is that… an equal sign, an arrow? A peace sign? Is that an option? Um Uh, okay." Then there was silence.

"Sarah, Love, are you all right in there," asked Chuck. He got close to the door, knocked then as he was about to reach for the knob, the door opened. Sarah grabbed him yanking him inside slamming the door shut after him.

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The missing Russian Boreli class submarine was nearing her destination. She had eluded detection and was safely passing into the Southern hemisphere. Once below the equator the danger of being found diminished greatly as all the fleets were crowding the North Sea joining in on the hunt.

"Helmsman, bring us up to periscope depth," said the Captain Lieutenant. "Comms Officer here is another message to be sent out. You already have the bandwidth. Tell them we expect to make the party tomorrow confirm Byron Sound. Hurry and send this."

"Sir we're at periscope depth deploying antenna," said the Helmsman. It was always dangerous to run at this depth but it was the only way to get messages back and forth.

"I've sent and received," reported the Comms officer over the ships 1MC. "I'll be right there with the answer."

"Helmsman, take us back down," said the Captain Lieutenant as the Comms office walked back on the bridge.

"They confirmed the location and are waiting to receive us with our reward."

"Good, good, Helmsman, steady as she goes, resume course and speed."