Don't own Chuck
Casey finished packing then went up through the Buy More where he said his good byes to Alex. Sam was sitting in the corner of Morgan's office playing with her rabbits. Casey couldn't help but wonder if Alex had been the same when she was little. Somehow Sam could tell he was going and she came over to him and held her arms out to be held. He made the concession and she kissed him on the cheek.
"Bye bye Casey," she said as clear as day then he sat her down. He looked at Alex and she just shrugged her shoulder.
"I don't know it's like someone turned on a light switch. I called Mom, she's waiting outside. She wants to ride with you to the airport." Casey smiled but shook his head looking at the ground.
"I didn't want to bother her so I didn't ask," said John but Alex knew deep down under that rough exterior he was happy Kat came. One of the hardest things Alex Coburn ever did was leave her at that Buffalo station.
"I don't think Mom thinks it's a bother. See you when you get back," Alex said as she kissed him then hugged. "You stay safe or I'll come and get you. That's a promise."
"Grimes, you've got the watch while I'm gone and if anything happens to anyone… well I hope you've got a good hospital plan."
"John, you're a little late Sarah already threatened to kill me so I've already been properly intimidated. But joking aside I got this you don't need to worry about a thing." Casey grunted but before he could reply Alex reminded him that Sam was present.
"I'll see you guys when I get back," said Casey as he walked out. He looked back over his shoulder as he left then he headed out. Kat was waiting outside next to his Crown Vic. She kissed him then she got in on the passenger side.
Naturally Morgan and Alex were at the door watching as they drove off. Morgan smiled at Alex and she smiled back.
"They looked nice together, didn't they," said Morgan as he took Alex by the hand. "You know I think we look good together too and I'm not just talking about the height thing. I think we're good together. Well maybe that's what I just said but we are… that is good together."
"Morgan you're forgetting something," said Alex as he pulled her close. Casey wasn't around so he could get away with this.
"What am I forgetting? I've got my gal who could ask for anything more. Sounds like a song," said Morgan as he kissed her.
"Morgan no, we're in public," said Alex as she pulled away. "Morgan you're forgetting we're supposed to be watching Sam. She's in your office alone."
"I'm dead," said Morgan as he ran back into the office but Sam was gone. The only thing on his desk was her white rabbit. "Crap she's gone I'm dead what am I going to tell Sarah? She's going to kill me then Casey's going to break my legs."
"Morgan don't freak out. Think about it if you're dead does it matter if Dad breaks your legs? You won't feel it."
"Thanks, I'm worried about getting beaten and killed and you're making jokes. This is serious Sam is missing on my watch and I just started my post."
"Well she wouldn't have gone far without Chuck." She saw Morgan's puzzled look. "Chuck is the name of this Rabbit. Sam called the other one Sarah."
"Oh but I'm still going to die when the real Sarah finds out. I'll go check home theater and the break room. If she climbed on a Subway Sub Big Mike could've eaten her. You can take the back and…"
"Morgan you're spiraling. Let's go down to Castle and use the video cameras. It will be faster and quicker. Just breathe in and breathe out everything will be okay."
"You're beautiful and smart," said Morgan as he kissed her. Looking at the rabbit then at his desk he suddenly realized where Sam was.
"Watch this," said Morgan as he sat in the chair in front of his desk then tossed the rabbit in the middle. It activated the trap door and he found himself sliding down a chute into Castle. When he landed he found Sam sitting in front of him laughing.
"Again Morgan," she said with her arms stretched up. "Sam go again," she said as she laughed and giggled.
When Alex got below she found Morgan had come up with a compromise. He had given Sam colored markers and she was coloring in Casey's weapons manual diagrams. Sam was coloring away working intensely trying to stay within the margins. When she saw Alex she looked up and smiled then brought her work to her for her to look at.
"Yes, you've done a nice job," said Alex as she caressed Sam's face. "Morgan, Dad's going to kill you when he gets back. You know that."
"Come on those old diagrams were drab and boring" said Morgan. "You have to admit. At least now she's livened them up a bit."
"Dad's still going to kill you."
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Sarah drove up on Campus with General Beckman and there to meet them was Dr. Bonhomme. He stood on the sidewalk next to the visitor parking lot when Sarah pulled in and parked. He came over and opened the door for General Beckman holding it so she could get out.
"Good day General I'm surprised to see you. Dr. Dreyfus told me that Agent Carmichael would be coming but I didn't know you'd be coming with her. I don't have to tell you that since you're retired you only have access to all our unsecure facilities."
"That goes without saying. Maybe you can start off by showing us the way to the Doctor's office then while Agent Carmichael is with the Doctor we can get a cup of coffee and chat about how you've changed things. Colonel Casey told me you've been very busy."
"In a certain sense I owe my job here to you," said the Doctor as he began to walk them over to a set of buildings that were removed from the rest. "I got this when they fired Dr. Beech."
"Even though he got fired I heard the agency still has him working here. He's working the Hammer of Thor project, isn't he?"
"I really can't comment but yes he's kind of taken it on as a sort of penance for what he feels he let fall through the cracks. He took this whole thing rather hard I'm afraid."
"I'm sorry to hear that," said the General as Dr. Bonhomme opened a door to a building then lead them down a hallway to a door. On the outside of the door there was written Dr. Leo Dreyfus, the Doctor knocked opened then waved them to go inside. When they went in they found the Dr. Dreyfus arranging books on his bookshelves behind his desk. He turned hearing the knock to greet them.
"General, Sarah please come in. I'm sorry, but this is a satellite office the agency gave me for now. It's still a bit untidy please pull up a seat. I heard there's a problem with Chuck?"
"I'll let you two talk," said the General as she backed out. Sarah didn't like this it was as if she was being set up and she could spot an ambush. "Let's go get that cup of coffee. You wouldn't happen to know Doctor Parker would you? It's a shame everything that happened," said the General as she disappeared out the door. Dr. Dreyfus walked over and closed the door.
"Doctor, I'm not here to be examined but I have a few questions about what happened to Chuck. Is it possible that this other personality has taken over?"
"It could be," he said as he paused. "But it could also be that Chuck is Chuck and he's gone on a mission to protect you and your daughter. General Thomas sent me the case reports but like I told him I'd have to talk to Chuck to know. One question to ask is has he flashed and if he did how did Juri Sheshenkov react?"
"I don't know but I assume he has. How else would he be where he's at now if he hasn't flashed so you think Chuck is Chuck?"
"I don't know. What do you think? You know him better than anyone else. You think Chuck is Chuck or this Kolonel?"
"I brought you this," said Sarah trying to sidestep the question. She opened her purse and pulled out a plastic bag with the African bowl in it. "I noticed you have these kinds of things in your office so I thought you might like it for your collection."
"Yes, I was missing this thank you. You know what this is," said Dr. Dreyfus as he took the bowl from her and examined it. "This is an African fertility totem. It's usually give to a woman when she gets married by an old aunt. There's supposed to be water in it. The bowl represents the womb and the water abundance wishing the woman many children."
"Well I think I'm coming up a little short in that department. You've obviously been talking with the agency doctor that visited Chuck and talked to me."
"And you've obviously avoided going to see your OBGYN like he recommended. Is there a problem here we need to talk about?"
"I'm not the one with the problem and the only person I have a problem with right now is Chuck. I need to get him to come home."
"So Chuck's a problem? Is that what you're saying? You and Chuck are having problems. Is it because he wants more children and you feel pressured?"
"No nothing like that. If anything Chuck is the one telling me we're good the way we are. But I don't know, I'll admit at first I wasn't sure but now I'd like to have other children; however, to do that I need Chuck and he's not here."
"Why isn't he here? Chuck has a strong sense of family much like his father. Isn't he out trying to make sure you and your daughter are safe?"
"Yes, well maybe… I don't know. He's after Izad and the result is the same. But what does this have to do with Stephen? I'll agree he and his father are a lot alike and they both wanted… want what was, is best for their family. You're getting me confused I don't even know what tense to use."
"Stephen's becoming Orion isn't much different from Chuck becoming the intersect is it? They both downloaded it for much the same reasons, wouldn't you agree? Maybe you'd feel more comfortable lying down and we continue talking," said the Doctor as he motioned her to his couch.
"Oh crap," she said under her breath this wasn't what she wanted.
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General Thomas drove up to a bistro in Germantown. Located in Maryland forty miles away from the D.C. it was an ideal location where to meet people without being seen. It helped that the bistro was normally closed at this hour but for the agency it opened in exchanged the IRS looked the other way when it came to taxes. The two men walked in and were taken to the back while their men sat out front. Marcel the owner served and cooked.
"I'll have the porterhouse and a salad," said the attaché. "Make my steak rare. I like it a little bloody although I know some people tell me it's not safe but I hate over cooked meat. It loses all its taste for me."
"I saw some cows on the way here you could take it straight off the hoof. I'll have the same and bring us a bottle of merlot."
"Merlot a bold choice I like it. I find merlots are often under rated and overlooked in the wine world. I wonder if your taste in wine has to do with the way you see yourself in your new job. Beckman would've gone with a Pinot Noir and played it safe."
"I'm not here to talk about my predecessor or wines I'm here to find out what's going on with my operative."
"Blunt and to the point," said the attaché as Marcel brought them their wine. Pouring each a glass he left the bottle on the table then went into the back. "You know there's a dish call chi kufte it's made in Armenia similar to steak tartare you should try if you like your meats rare."
"What I like is my information hot so if you don't start talking soon I'm going to take this steak knife and make a steak tartare out of you. What's going on with Agent Carmichael?"
"Now we add violent. You're not going to last long in this job I'm afraid," said the man as he took a sip from his glass. "Not bad, but I was expecting better." The General reached for his knife. "All right Kolonel Sheshenkov is fine, well almost fine. I was told he was being treated for septic shock caused by a bad infection from a head wound. He is operating in the border area between Chechnya and Ossetia after crossing over from Georgia. The Director is in contact with a local leader that is providing the Kolonel with manpower and resources…"
"You mean your Director. You're SVR and you report to him as well. We know who everyone is that works in the mission."
"Very well my Director there's nothing wrong with admitting that since you already know I'm a spy like you Agent Carmichael but Borz Maribek doesn't. That's the man who's giving him assistance.
"What is his role in the region? Is he viable and most importantly is he reliable," asked Tank as they were served.
"As reliable as any of the other warlords are in that area. With the break down in social order and chaos splinter groups have battled it out into a stalemate. We had hoped they'd all come to see that and agree to put down arms. But your weapon has destabilized the situation giving this man Nikolai the upper hand over his adversaries."
"This device that was used is not our weapon or it is ours but it's not a weapon or it wasn't supposed to be a weapon."
"That knife you use to eat you steak with isn't supposed to be a weapon but you threatened to cut me up with it. My Director would like to know when are you going to tell him about this particle beam you people have lost?"
"It's not a particle beam and there's nothing much to explain. What I do know is classified so I'm sorry."
"We're sorry too. So far we've looked the other way but it has been used twice in the Soviet… I'm sorry in the Russian Federation but if it's used again we'll demand an investigation by the United Nations to look into the United States violation of at least two UN resolutions specifically 1348 (XIII) Question of the peaceful use of outer space and 1472 (XIV) International co-operation in the peaceful uses of outer space. If you veto the request in the Security Council it will be like an admission of guilt then we go from there. Aren't you going to finish eating," said the man as Tank set down his silverware.
"I think I'm going to have to go this meal just didn't sit well. Maybe I should've stuck with the Pinot Noir like my predecessor or gone with a cabernet."
"That would've been a bold move but maybe too bold for this dish."
"Give my regards to your Director," said Tank as he got up and left. His driver came round and he climbed inside. The first person he called was Diane then he called the White house.
The attaché was left alone to finish his meal. He pulled out his phone while he was waiting for his slice of Black Forest cake.
"It's done I told him now all we have to do is get Izad to deploy that thing one more time there. We'll protest and the Americans will be embarrassed. … I have to give it to you it was a stroke of genius to turn our loss around into a gain. We'll make a fortune off the political instability that this will create. ... I can't talk right now I'll call at our appointed time. Who says Americans and Russians can't work together?" said the man as he hung up. "This looks delicious Marcel."
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General Beckman walked with Dr. Bonhomme back through campus to get that cup of coffee. On the way they chatted about the challenges he faced in his new job and what directions he wanted to take the laboratory in.
"That's all very interesting," said the General. "Sounds very similar to some of the ideas I read in the Dr. Parker's notes."
"Really, I didn't know him very well. I always thought he was a little strange not that any of us here are really normal. But he always seemed paranoid like someone was trying to steal his research. However, now that everything's come out maybe he had reason to be."
"Is his lab still sealed off I've read so much about it I was wondering if I could take a look. You know out of curiosity?"
"You could but you won't find anything. The first thing I did was have the place cleaned out and refitted. There's no reason to keep a monument to murder around for people to gawk at. Not that that was what you wanted to do General."
"Please call me Diane, and I guess you're right that was exactly what I wanted to do. Now that you pointed it out it does sound a bit morbid. I guess you did the same with the other labs in that building too considering that's where Ryder, Shepherd and the rest worked."
"Yes, gutted the whole building and having it redone from the roof to the basement. If they came back today they wouldn't be able to find their way around inside."
"That's just great," said Beckman as she caught his look. "I mean it's great you took such swift action. I'm sure if Beech had done something similar this would've never happened."
"I don't know they had us all fooled. You want to know something sad," said Richard as he opened the door to the break room. "Dr. Parker used to have them all over on the weekend to his cabin in the San Bernardino National Park near Twin Peaks. He said it was so they could all recharge their batteries before coming back into the city."
"Sounds like a nice place to get away from work and soak in nature. No neighbors for miles… could be relaxing if you like that sort of thing. Personally I'm a city person but even I can see the appeal."
"I don't know if they actually did any nature soaking because from what I understand Parker had his own private lab up there," said Richard as he made them coffee. "I think what he meant about recharging batteries was to get away from the distractions of the city. But for dinner they still called Dominoes for delivery. How's your coffee?" Diane tasted it.
"Very good and informative. Thanks. What time is it?" said Diane as she looked at her watch. "Sarah should be done by now and will be looking for me," she said then downed her coffee. "I need to get back."
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Riccardo sat waiting just outside campus. He parked close enough to keep an eye on Sarah's car but far enough away not to be picked up by campus video cameras. This was the part of his profession he hated the waiting and stalking all seemed so tedious as well as time consuming. If he were getting paid more he'd hired someone else to do this but already he wasn't making much so he had to do his own surveillance. Finally he saw them come out and get in Sarah's Lotus she pulled out but instead of heading back to Burbank they headed towards San Bernardino. As they were driving along Riccardo's phone rang he put it on speaker so he wouldn't get pulled over.
"I suppose your calling me to tell me you got Casey out of the picture. Too bad, I was thinking about saying hi and getting caught up. My Beretta would like to talk to him."
"Yes he's flying out of country as we speak and should be gone for a while if he ever comes back. I think this will make you happy he's flying into Russia and I had them tipped off."
"Diabolical but speaking of tips, your people here spent the morning at the labs in Pasadena. I don't know what they were doing and now instead of heading back to home base we're heading towards San Bernardino."
"That's odd, do me a favour, follow them and tell me where they're going while I make a few phone calls. You've got a green light but try to wait until they show you where they're going. I don't like this detour."
"So what are you saying if I have a shot I should wait until when? You know time is money and if I'm waiting I'm not available to accept other contracts. What I'm saying is you're costing me money like this."
"Just think how much money you'd be collecting if you had been convicted at your court martial. I forget how much prisoners get paid at Leavenworth but I'm sure it's not much."
"Okay, okay I hear you and I'll stop my whining for now and just to let you know we passed San Bernardino now we're driving into the San Bernardino National Park looks like we're heading towards Rim of the World highway."
"I know where you're headed I've been there as few time. Crap! Let me know if you head towards Twin Peaks. I need to let you go I've got to get something organized. You said people send me a pic of the person with my mark."
"I don't have to, it's General Beckman I met her once."
"If you have the opportunity, take them both out."
"But the kid isn't with them."
"I don't care take them both out Diane's meddle in my affairs once too often."