Don't own Chuck
When Sam came down the hall to get them from the bedroom talking about Chuck they had assumed that Morgan had done something to her white bunny she called Chuck. She named it Chuck after Chuck and Sarah gave her another one she called Sarah. It was black but it had a pink head band with a yellow flower so it made sense to call it Sarah while the Chuck bunny had a black bowtie.
"Morgan, you oughtn't tease Sam with her rabbit. You're supposed to be the adult and she's the kid remember. I know sometimes you forget," yelled Alex as she and Sarah walked back down to scold Morgan. But as they walked down they heard he was talking to someone.
"Chuck," yelled Sarah as tears welled up in her eyes. Sam looked up at her like she was crazy with a look that said of course it's Chuck what did I just say. There was Chuck on the monitor talking from inside a tent. He was bundled up with a heavy parka and a wrap around his head covering his wound.
"Sarah love, I'm sorry for what I put you through but there was no other way," said Chuck. "General, Kat I want you to know Casey's with me and he's fine. We're getting ready for battle and he's helping me move my troops around."
"Agent Carmichael, there are people in Washington that will have a field day with this. That is if they find out about it."
"Oh I'm sure they will but I can't worry about that now. We're standing in the Hot Gates and for my plan to work we must win. If it makes you feel better Casey thinks I'm crazy."
"And how's that supposed to make me feel Chuck. You were you all along and you couldn't get word to me?
Love my father told me before he was killed if you stay, everyone you love will be in danger. You have to choose who you want to protect: you or her. I asked him not to go then he told me, Charles! You have to run to protect her. Do you remember what I told you? I said, I'm sorry, Sarah…"
"I'm sorry, but if I have to choose, I will always choose to protect you. Yes I remember. Oh Chuck there had to be another way."
"I wish there were but sometimes you have to run to keep the ones you love safe. I'm putting you all at risk making this call now but Casey told me you went to Pasadena and I needed to know what you found out."
"Nothing much," said General Beckman. Chuck could see this was hard on Sarah and that was ripping him apart inside but there wasn't anything he could do. He listened to Beckman's description about what they found and what happened at the cabin. She told him about Riccardo Jones and his attempt on them. Chuck flashed. "…So like I said we came away empty handed."
"I wouldn't say that you came back with quite a lot actually. Look into Jones military record I think you'll find out we have mutual acquaintances."
"We know Casey was the one that brought him up on charges. The Director already was made aware of that."
"I'm sure he was so he wouldn't look at the rest of the court martial board. Take a look at the jurors in particular the senior member and you'll find we know the officer quite well. The two drones have the Director impound them. I don't care what he has to do to grab them. Their flight recorders probably have been erased but I'm interested in the GPS transponder. It will have the time and IP address of the server that Twentynine Palms passed control over to. That should still be recorded in their memory if they haven't been reused. Have the Director tell the DoD that since they malfunctioned we want to use them to bust a smuggling ring of drone parts. I bet when the people over there hear that the drones are being dismantled they'll be tickled pink and fall all over themselves to help."
"Chuck, it seems you know we have a mole and who it is. Do you mind sharing with the rest of the class? Or do I need to order you?"
"General, all I have are hunches and I don't want to sound crass or rude but your orders right now aren't really that valid. I'd like to but if I do I put you all at risk, so for now I need to play this close to my chest."
"Chuck, what about our pact no lies and no secrets. What about that or have you thrown it out the window? You realize we're going to have to talk this out when you get back."
"I know, believe me I know but put yourself in my position. Don't tell me you wouldn't have done the same. I'm sorry for our pact but I'm not sorry for what I've done. I love you and that will never change."
"Chuck, there will be tribunal when you get back. You know that," said the General. "I'm sorry there won't be much I can do to head that off."
"I know and don't worry I understand. I look forward to having my day in court," said Chuck as Casey stuck his head in the tent.
"You need to come we've got three T-80s and some BTR-60s moving in. The mouth is already cut off but we've got everyone out before they showed up," said Casey then he saw who was on the monitor. "Oh General, Kat I'm sorry. Chuck, you've got to sign out they need to move the comm gear to the new location."
"I understand. Sarah, I love you Sam take care of you momma for me. Your daddy loves you a lot," said Chuck as he heaved a sigh. "Ō ksein', angellein Lakedaimoniois hoti tēide keimetha, tois keinōn rhēmasi peithomenoi," said Chuck then he signed off. The monitor went black Sam just sat in front of it like she was hoping Chuck would come back.
"What was that," asked Morgan.
"Go tell the Spartans, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie," said Sarah as she walked over and picked up Sam hugging her. "It's the epitaph for the Spartans who held back the Persian army."
"But didn't they all… well didn't they all…" Morgan started to say but Alex cut him off seeing Sam looking over at him.
"Yes Morgan they did," said Alex as she looked at Sam so Morgan would understand. "But we're not going to talk about that because it's not going to happen."
"That's right," said Sarah. "General you need to get on the phone to the Director so we can get those drones. I flashed and I understand who Chuck is talking about at the Jones' court martial but we'll need to get the court records. Chuck is right there's a lot of supposition but very little in the way of facts."
"Well I hope he's got a plan to get that," said Beckman, "because crap is about to hit the fan when he takes those troops into the field."
"General, Chuck always has a plan," said Sarah more for herself than for the others. She had to believe it because without it she was lost.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Roan arrived at the airport outside of Moscow then was whisked by motorcade to Lubyanka square. There he was met by Stefan who opened the door for him handing him a visitor badge then escorted him directly inside. They walked straight through security and to the elevator. But haste didn't stop Roan from admiring the Russian receptionist with coal black hair and icy steel blue eyes.
"If I were Igor I could use a secretary like that in my office," said Roan. "Zdrah-stuit-eh Kahk ti-byeh zau-voot [Hello what is your name?]"
"Come along Roan," said Stefan as he hurried him along before he got into trouble. "Her name is Nadia and she's the daughter of one of our best interrogators. Take my word he's a daddy you don't want a spanking from."
"Oh she could spank me if she'd like maybe a little caviar and champagne first," said Roan as Stefan moved him along to elevator. But not before he smiled and waved at her. She smiled back.
"Roan I heard stories about you and women but anyone every accuse you of being a philanderer?" asked Stefan as he got him on the elevator.
"All the time," sighed Roan. "I don't know I think it's professional jealousy. But what can I say some people have it and I'm one." The girl was smiling at him until she caught the looked from a man walking by her heading straight for them. "Let me guess that's her father."
"Very perceptive," said Stefan a he half smile, "and he's coming along with us." Roan swallowed then smiled as the man shoved Roan in the corner as he got on the elevator.
"khoroshaya pogoda [nice weather]," said Roan but the man remained immobile. "Is he human or a cyborg?"
"Roan, he speaks English," said Stefan as the man turned to Roan towering over him he growled down at him. Roan retreated back further into the corner. "Now Petro the man's the Director's guest so play nice. He didn't know Nadia was you daughter."
"Are you sure she's your daughter?" said Roan. Petro moved towards him so Stefan got in between. "I'm sorry it's just she looks… well she must've taken after her mother."
"Yes, she did," said the huge man as he began to sniffle. Roan couldn't help but notice tears in the junior mountain's eyes began pouring down like streams then rivers.
"What's going on," asked Roan seeing the man's reaction. "Did I say or do something wrong? If I did I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
"It's his wife she ran off with this American musician. He was touring through Russia with another guy a gay Indian lesbian and his ferret. I don't remember the group's name Jeff something or other."
"I tried to win her back," said the Petro the mini mountain. "I thought I'd poison him. He looked like the druggie type but…"
"That's one way to get rid of a rival not very original but effective and permanent. I take it that it didn't work. Did you get caught? Let me guess the FSB had to bail you out?"
"No, the poison just got him stoned but it killed his ferret. Then he wrote a ballad about it 'Rosce ain't here no more'." My wife loved it and she left me for him. She's now a guppy." That had Roan scratching his head until it came to him.
"I think you mean groupie," said Roan as the doors to the elevators opened and Anatoly was there to meet them. He took one look at Petro and knew.
"You asked him about his wife? Gez Petro pull it together do something constructive. Throw yourself into your work. The Director may have something for you to do so you can break something or cut something off that will make you feel better. Now get your act together and follow me. Roan that goes for you too and keep quiet you're here to just observe."
"Is it too much to ask for if someone can tell me what I'm observing? Usually I prefer to participate if you know what I mean."
"You'll see. Now come along. The Director's waiting."
They walked down a long wooden paneled corridor lined with photos and paintings all with a Russian patriotic message. This was the wing that was still out in the cold even the temperature in that section of building seemed markedly colder. They came to a nondescript door opened and there was Igor's secretary sitting behind his desk in the outer office.
The man was obviously cold working with his over coat on and stabbing away at a type writer. Nothing classified was typed on a computer that could be intercepted. The man was banging away this was the first time it hit Roan how difficult I must be to use a Cyrillic keyboard.
"Go right in the Director is expecting you," said the man as he looked up from his work for just a second then returned to his banging.
"I don't suppose it would be possible to get a martini, three olives. I'd even take a vodka martini and I guess the olives could be optional." The secretary just rolled his eyes.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
General Thomas received Diane's call and went to work on it straightaway. Calling his Aide the Major at home he had him start the ball rolling to get their hands on the two drones. The next day he was greeted by Connie with a cup of coffee and the service jacket of Sergeant Jones. He was sitting at his desk reading through the complete file when his Aide walked in with a cup of coffee in hand.
"We got the two birds with no problem. You were right when I told them we were going to tear them apart for a sting operation they fell all over themselves to help."
"I hope you didn't let them touch them and please tell me our techs are working on them as we speak," said Tank as he took a sip.
"Yes, I told them that we have to make the pieces look like they came from wreckage so it would be better if our techs took care of them."
"Good thinking that way they won't question why I wanted out techs to work on them. That was a smart move... you know Diane's taught you well. Can you guess what I've got here," said the General. "This is Jones service jacket. I tried to find his trial recording only to discover it's missing."
"That's strange if Jones had appealed in a civilian court we'd have a hard time defending whatever sentence he got. Some personnelman's head should roll for that."
"That's just it. According to his service jacket he was kicked out for insubordination with a BCD but there's no mention of a trial or anything. We only know what happened because of the intersect."
"Black ops, he was recruited by someone to do some off the books work that they didn't want traced back to them."
"That's what I'm thinking someone needed wet work done and looking at some of the things this guy did he wouldn't have any qualms about getting his hands dirty. You've got an idea," said the General as he noticed the look on the Major's face.
"Yes, I've served on court martial boards before and once they convene one they like to max its use. The government has to pay per diem and other costs so sometimes these boards will work a number of cases one after the other. Especially if they've got a few open and closed they need to knock out. It's just cheaper and besides if the JAG is going to court it's almost certain the person is guilty."
"So much for innocent until proven guilty I know for court martials the burden of the proof is on the defendant. Let's hear your idea."
"It's easy we check to see if there were other trials around the time Jones' case should've been heard. That will give us a list of possible jurors and one of them might remember the case."
"That's not a half bad idea. I think Beckman should've been thinking about promoting you not busting you. Well, it's your idea run with it," said the General as Connie stuck her head it. "No don't tell me."
"I'm afraid so she's on line one and she wants to speak to you. Good news I heard she put in her papers she's stepping down."
"Unless that step is in front of a bus I have a feeling we're not out of hot water yet. Major…" The General started to say pointing back at the Major's chair.
"I know you want me to stay to listen in," said the Major as he went back over and had a seat
"Now you're starting to become clairvoyant," said the General. "Okay, patch her through Connie. I have a feeling I know what she's going to announce."
"Agnes, what can I do for you this morning? I'm still nursing my first cup of coffee and you hit the deck plates early don't you?"
"Seems earlier than some," she said. "What can you tell me about your sting operation? My people told me your guys wanted our drones. I want you to know we're always glad to help out."
"I can't say much right now other than it's an ongoing investigation. Once it goes down you'll be able to read about it in my courtesy copy that I'll send you."
"Well, it'll have to go to my relief. As of tomorrow I'll be a congresswoman and I'm stepping down effective today. I'll still be around until all the paperwork goes through but my governor wanted me in now. Seems you won't be getting rid of me anytime soon, I'm being put on your oversight committee."
"That's nice I'll have a friend on Capitol Hill," said the General as he made a face knowing good and well what she was up to.
"Oh my God that's all we need," said Connie from outside. The Major had to stifle a laugh when he heard her.
"Well I was going to arrange a special tribunal for your agent Carmichael in absentia but I think I'll wait. Instead I'm going to arrange a senate committee hearing to look into this matter. General, we're going to have to look into the way your agency is being operated and managed."
"Why not you say what you want to say and be done with it? You want to get rid of me? That's what you've wanted all along."
"I have to admit you've been a disappointment for me. I thought after Beckman you'd be more, how do I say this…"
"Manageable is that the word you're looking for? I look forward to meeting you on Capitol Hill. You name the day and time I'll be there. These things are usually done at dawn with a second."
"Funny, well I've got to go you know places to go people to visit. Who knew starting a second career would be so demanding. You should start looking around." With her last remark the line dropped.
"Major, follow your lead and get on those techs I want that information from the GPS transponder on my desk today. If I can pull data her people couldn't then I'll have something I can wave in front of her face." The Major smiled and nodded his head. This time he got to the doorway when Connie called.
"General, I have the situation room on line on for you." He waved for her to patch it through and answered the call as the Major stayed standing.
"Sir this is the watch officer, I'm calling with a heads up. Roan Montgomery was just seen in Lubyanka square going into the FSB building. He was greeted by a SVR agent at the door then escorted inside. According to our records he's supposed to be in Montenegro."
"Thanks for a heads up I'm sorry but I forgot to update the locator. I sent Roan to Moscow on a fact finding errand. Nothing for anyone to get alarmed at, don't worry about logging in the sighting," said the General as he hung up.
"When did you do that? You never told me," said the Major confused.
"Because I didn't, I just found out. What the hell is he up to? Am I the keeper of an insane asylum where the inmates have taken over?"
"Sir, this may have something to do with the Russian military attaché being recalled. I heard about it from a friend the other day. He said he was suddenly and abruptly escorted to the airport under guard."
"And you didn't think about sharing that information with me? Now I see why Beckman threatened to demote you. I bet he was recalled right after my talk with Igor. I hope the guy chokes on his raw meat back home."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
They were warned armored vehicles had lined up at the valley entrance but for Chuck's trap to work he had to pull Nikolai's men inside and he knew they wouldn't just walk in without figuring what this was a trap. So he needed a way to hit them then slowly retreat back into the gorge. This would take finesse and courage. He had to engage them then slowly drop back. It would be the only way they'd come in and before they knew it the trap would spring that'd be sealed inside with no hope of escape and just one option surrender.
Looking at one of the Kalashnikov PKMs Chuck had an idea. Casey watched him run from one machinegun emplacement to another.
"What the heck," he said to himself as he watched Chuck drive stakes on both sides of the barrel making sure they were in the ground sturdy. Chuck then ran a zip tie between the trigger and hand grip. After setting up five a couple of Borz lieutenant had to ask what he was doing.
"Easy, I placed the guns on pivots then I yank the zip tie back the gun will start shooting until it runs out of ammo and being on a pivot the firing action will cause the gun to oscillate back and forth so the stakes will keep it trained in the direction I want."
"So you've setup unmanned gun positions," said one of the men as they admired Chuck's handy work walking around inspecting it.
"Here let's improve on your design," said Casey as he sat a soccer ball with a helmet on in the mud behind the gun. "They advance get hit from fire then target the helmet. If might not do much, but we can make them waste a few rounds. The more rounds they waste the fewer they have to use on us."
"I like it," said Chuck.
"Kolonel" said one of the men and both Casey and Chuck turned their heads. "I'm sorry Kolonel Sheshenkov. I just got word from out scouts the infantry is about five minutes out from rendezvousing with the armored vehicles."
"Get the word out engage then fall back. John I need you…"
"I know where I need to be you don't have to tell me." Chuck watched Casey disappear back through camp then out of sight. Suddenly he heard the first gun fire and knew the time had come to dance.