Don't own Chuck

The Sun was up now and so was Sam. Sarah knew she was up by the sound of her little feet pounding on the ground as she hit the floor running. There was no slow for Sam she only had one speed. Sarah was dragging along with Kat they had spent the whole night up. Maybe if Sarah had gotten some sleep she'd been able to head Sam off but she wasn't thinking. Sam naturally assumed Sarah was in her bed so the first place she ran to was the bedroom.

"Oh no," said Sarah as she looked at Kat then turned. "Sam no, I'm here. Sam wait," she said trying to speak loud enough for Sam to hear her but not loud enough to wake anyone else up. She made the dash down the hall to head Sam off but she was too late. Sam had already jumped in bed.

"Sam no come on I'll feed your breakfast. Guys I'm so sorry she got away and I just didn't think," said Sarah as she stood in the doorway with her back to them not wanting to embarrass Alex or Morgan.

"It's okay," said Alex, "you can turn around. What did you think we were doing? We told you we were going to sleep." Sarah turned around to find Sam sitting in the middle of the bed in her pajamas between Alex in a light pink flannel nightgown with a Little Mermaid pattern and Morgan in Buzz Lightyear pajamas. She couldn't help staring.

"I don't know what I was thinking," she said as she stifled a laugh.

"What?" said Morgan. "My pajamas with horses is in the dirty clothes at home. At least we sleep in clothes."

"Shush Morgan," said Alex turning red. "Have you heard anything?" Sarah just shook her head no. "Did you sleep at all? You didn't, did you?"

"Your mother and I stayed up. The General came over to tell us the battle was fought and they won. Chuck's plan worked. They destroyed the chip production facility but…" That's when Sam looked up at Sarah. "Let's eat breakfast shall we. I've seen Chuck make pancakes now let's see if we can make them on our own."

"But what about…" Morgan started to say but Alex put her hand over his mouth. He looked back over at her. "What? I was just going to ask…"

"I know who and what you were going to ask but we have little ears present. I can help you with the pancakes," said Alex as she climbed out of bed to hug Sarah.

"Well, if you want you can give input but I need to learn how to make them. So I guess that makes you guys my guinea pigs."

Sam looked at her strangely then climbed out of bed ran to the bathroom. There she climbed on a stool and washed her hands. Sarah and Alex followed her to see what she was up to. They both laughed as she looked up with soap on her face with a menacing expression.

"No love, I didn't mean you were dirty," said Sarah as she grabbed her up and Sam started giggling. Then she dried and hugged her more. "So what are we going to have for breakfast?"

"Pancakes!" yelled Sam without hesitating then she kissed Sarah on the cheek.

"Well then let's let Sarah get started," said Kat as she came in. "Munchkin, come with me and I'll change you while your mother cooks." Kat took Sam and disappeared back into her bedroom. Sarah heard Sam laughing through her door.

"Okay what's the story you didn't want to say in front of Sam. You said they won the battle so what happened to Chuck? Is Dad all right?"

"Casey's fine as a matter of fact he's the one that reported in but Chuck..." She said as she took a moment. "Chuck is missing. They split up in the plant. Chuck went to track down Izad and the two Scientists then he sent Casey away."

"And Dad listened?"

"You've got a lot still to learn Alex, like when you have to tap someone it's best if there are no witnesses that can be called to testify."

"You think Chuck did what? You think he went after them to execute them?" said Alex as she looked back down the hall. Morgan was still in the bedroom.

"That was his endgame all along. Identify the threat then eliminate it. Alex that's what we're trained to do. This part you don't have to tell Morgan. He's Chuck's best friend I don't know if he'd understand. I don't know if I do but… well those pancakes won't get cooked on their own."

"Sarah," said Alex trying to call her back but she got up and left wiping her eyes as she went to the fridge to pull out eggs and milk.

"Am I missing anything other than flour?"

"You're going to need butter for the skillet."

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Chuck was put in a holding pattern over the Khoy International Airport as the Hydra plane landed. He could only imagine the surprise and terror that Izad was going to experience shortly. The two Americans well this was going to be worse than any horror movie they'd seen. He just hoped there weren't any unforeseen changes to the conclusion. He finally got permission to land and he brought his plane down carefully following their every command. He was sure there were elements that did not appreciate or like his presence being there. Taxiing off the tarmac onto the apron he was signaled to power down. As he opened the canopy his two Iranian escorts made a low pass and he waved back.

"Welcome to the Islamic Republic of Iran," said a familiar voice as he climbed out of his MiG. He turned around to find Banai standing there.

"As-salāmu `alayka," said Chuck, as he put out his hand to greet him. Banai seemed reluctant at first but then he took it.

"Wa `alayka s-salām," said Banai. "I was worried at first that you might not come. We being enemies and this being well my home turf as you Americans say."

"You invited me and I believe there are laws that cover hospitality. I am your guest and I brought you this plane as a gift."

"I think the owner of that MiG might have something to say about that but you're right you're my guest because you helped me avenge my cousin's brutal murder. Come follow me inside I took the liberty of having tea prepared for us."

"Thank you from what you said I take it Izad is no longer with us."

"Tea first then business," said Banai as he led Chuck inside the airport to a private lounge where they could talk alone. He waved at a waiter who brought them their tea. Chuck picked his up and sipped.

"You do make the best Jasmine tea here," said Chuck as he sat it back down. "Banai, I don't mean to be rude but these people you're holding they sent assassins after me and my family. They sent killers after my daughter and she's not even three."

"I see so this is personal for you too. Very well as you guessed Izad is dead. I shot him down like a dog as soon as he got out of the plane. You should've seen the look on his face. My only regret is I didn't make him suffer more."

"Be careful my friend hate is a strong beast and difficult to rein in once you've let it out. To use one of your tales that's a genie that's hard to put back into the bottle but I understand and the two Americans?"

"The central government just sent me this communique saying they want them shipped to Tehran to work with our scientist on this new invention of theirs." Banai saw the look on Chuck's face. "I see you do a better job than I do in containing your anger but I can see it in your eyes. You have the beast too. You know it's too bad this letter got here after their execution what a shame."

"Yes a shame indeed. Banai I still nee…" Chuck started to say but Banai cut him off.

"I know your famous ten minutes. Okay you've got your ten minutes with them then we're going to hang them from the second story railing."

"That's all I need," said Chuck as Banai motioned one of his men to escort Chuck. "Oh could I see their personal effects after I'm done?"

"I don't see why not but everything stays here. I'm already going to be in hot water because I executed them so I have to show something or I could join them."

"Somehow I doubt that but I'm your guest and I appreciate whatever you offer," said Chuck as Banai's man escort Chuck to the holding cell.

They walked through the airport in silence. Chuck was trying to formulate questions in his head he wanted answers to. However, the truth was they had no incentive to answer, their fates were sealed. Nothing short of a miracle would change that and it looked like their luck had finally run out. Chuck found himself almost sorry for them which was strange after everything they had done to him and his family. But his empathy was also what made him great and the part Sarah loved.

"Sarah," he said out loud. The man escorting paused looked back at him then continued to walk. "Nothing my wife... I was thinking about my wife she's probably going crazy."

"It's normal," said the man as they approached the cell. "Every time I have to take someone for their final walk I think about what I have and what I'd lose if roles were reversed. I always wonder why these idiots didn't think about that until it was too late. Here we go Agent Banai said ten minutes but you need to be quick because it will be a fast ten for you but a slow ten for them." The man opened the door for Chuck and he walked in.

"Chuck, thank God you're here," said Ryder. "They shot Izad through the face right in front of us as we got off the plane. My God I think I'm going to be sick. Listen this has all been a big mistake…. We… we were forced to go with Izad. Right Holter… tell him. Tell him we were forced at gunpoint. Chuck, you've got to get us out of here. It wasn't out fault…" Chuck cut off his begging.

"Parker filmed you murdering him so if you're hung here or given the needle in the States the end is the same. Actually because of your connections to terrorists you'll probably be tried by a military tribunal and they hang so the end is the same. Here the jury has already handed in the verdict."

"Ralph, you're wasting your time. Can't you see why he's here? He's not here to get us out," said Shepherd as he walked over and leaned against the wall. "No you're here to watch, right Chuck? I bet you're getting a kick out of this."

"I'm here to ask you who your Hydra contact is. We know about the secretary in Dr. Beech's office. She was your handler in Pasadena. But she had someone she reported to. She or they work in Washington and Izad was in contact with them. I want the name of the person in the Pentagon you worked for."

"It sounds like you already know who," said Shepherd as he walked up to Chuck. "There's no reason we should tell you and as you pointed out our fates are sealed. How long do we have anyway?" Chuck looked at his watch.

"Maybe six to seven minutes but there are different ways you can go. They can hoist you up and you dangle until you choke to death. You'll probably end up biting your tongue off and your eyes will pop out of the sockets. Or I can make sure they drop you off the balcony snapping your neck in the fall. It's quick and painless the choice is yours. I'm waiting," said Chuck as he took his flask out of his jacket pocket and sat it on the table. "This might help."

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As the Russian Lear neared the airport at Vladikavkaz they were immediately cleared to land. They touched down then taxied over to the apron where they were met by Colonel Casey and a Russian Air Force Kaptain. Roan assumed he was the one they'd talked with via phone Kaptain Konstantine before departing. The hatch opened and Anatoly was ready to get to work.

"Roan come on," said Anatoly. "You need to come with me I may need you to help with Casey. He's not going to like what we have to tell him."

"You think. Colonel Shoot'em up is going to have a cow when we tell him we've got to make a small detour. Just wave for them to come onboard it's too cold outside and it's too far from the bar."

"Colonel, Kaptain come on board we need to talk," yelled Anatoly as the flight crew disembarked walking past them.

"What gives? Am I supposed to fly the plane all the way back alone?" asked Casey as they came inside then Anatoly waved them into the cabin.

"No, thank God," said Roan as he sipped on a Martini. "The Kaptain is supposed to fly this plane for us so we can recover their missing MiG."

"That's right," said Anatoly. "You're flying this aircraft Kaptain. The Director arranged this with your chain of command and your General. They've all signed off on this. If you're wondering what I'm supposed to do I'm to work with your assistant until your return. I understand you've got Borz the wolf in your office waiting to talk with me about a possible peace treaty that he thinks is fair for all parties."

"Be careful," said Casey. "One thing I've learned about Borz is I wouldn't buy a used car from him if you know what I mean. But he cares about his people."

"That's good to know. Maybe we can draft something everyone can finally sign off on. I think I've just become a diplomat."

"Okay but what's going on?" asked the Kaptain. "Where are we going? I guess I should call my wife and tell her I won't be home for lunch."

"That would be a safe assumption," said Anatoly looking at his watch. "But you'll be back in time for supper if that's any consolation."

"Okay so where are we to fly to?" asked the Kaptain. "I need to file a flight plan and go through pre-flights. Do we have enough fuel on board or do I need to have my people do a quick refueling?"

"It probably wouldn't hurt to top off. You're flying to Khoy," said Anatoly. "Kaptain, you've got to fly our MiG back home and the Colonel and Agent Roan you two are to pick up Agent Carmichael."

"Where is Khoy anyway? I was going to ask before but I was mixing," said Roan. "I thought I knew my way around here but when I was working out of the Embassy in 89 I never made it down in this neck of the woods."

"I don't think there was a reason to back then," said Anatoly thinking how much things had changed in such a short time. "Khoy is the capital of Khoy County in the West Azerbaijan Province ..."

"Iran," said Casey, "as in the Muslim Republic of Iran. I was there in 1999 on my way with a team to do a little work in the Zargos Mountains about a ten hour drive to the South. I remember the bus terminal, the biggest bus terminus in North West Iran. Of all the God awful places to end up at how did Chuck end up there?"

"The two Iranian fighters you picked up Kaptain forced him and the Lear down there," said Anatoly. Casey gave him a look.

"Let's get this piece of crap up in the air," said Casey. "Kaptian go get us up I'll come up after we're in the air to help out and get familiarized but I've flown this class of aircraft before. Anatoly you've got a despot to debrief."

Anatoly looked at Casey without saying a word. He knew he was up to something but he didn't know what. That fact was he had his hands full and he had his mission to take care of. Casey basically shoved him off the plane but that was Casey. Truthfully whatever Casey was up to he was probably better off not knowing. Soon the engines were revving up and they were moving then taking to the air.

"Okay John now that we're in the air do you mind telling me what that was all about? You basically gave Anatoly the bums rush and you threw the Kaptian in the cockpit."

"Roan, I've seen Chuck fly," said Casey as he spoke softly so as not to be overheard. "Don't you see there were only two MiGs they were all the same class."

"Okay so they were all evenly matched." Roan obviously didn't know anything about flying or about what Chuck was capable of doing in the cockpit. "So what?"

"So what? Chuck, could've taken on a whole squadron and come out of it unharmed. If he's in Iran he's there because he wants to be. Did you bring your comm gear?"

"Yes, why? I reported in already. The General knows I was coming to pick you up… I didn't tell him about Chuck being in Iran I figured I'd get you first…

"Then let me tell him. I guess Igor was the one who came up with the idea that we could just prance right in and pick Chuck up."

"Well yes he did as a matter of fact. He said he'd clear everything with the General and by the time we got there everything would be arranged."

"You'd better hope so or they'll shoot us out of the sky and then go have tea."

"So what are you saying we should call the General and report in? If we wait a little bit longer he won't be able to say no. We'll be in Iranian airspace."

"It's not that you forgot to tell him, you intentionally didn't tell him so he couldn't cancel this mission..." said Casey then he paused. "Way to go Roan let's bring Chuck home."

"Bravo my Colonel. I think on this we can see eye to eye it's time for Chuck to come home. Now do you still want the comms gear?"

"Yes, I want to talk to Sarah she needs to know what's going on and she might know why Chuck agreed to go there."

"You know when the Admiral finds out she's going to have a field day with this."

"She might and she might not but I really don't care. Let's get logged on."

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General Thomas had already been briefed where Chuck was. Igor called him as a part of their new glasnost policy. So he was already expecting a blast from his favorite ex-Admiral. He and Connie had a bet going on how long it would take before she screamed. Connie said she'd be on the horn within the half hour he said she was quick on the draw but not that fast. Then on the thirty minute marker he got a phone call.

"I'll call it a draw," said Connie as she put his cup of coffee on his desk. "The Admiral is on line one or should I say Senator."

"I've got another title for her but I'm trying to be civil," he said as he put her on speaker. "I was wondering how long it would be before you called."

"Funny, too bad State doesn't see it that humorous. I just found out your favorite agent is in Iran. General, Iran! My God what kind of office are you running over there?"

"If you have to know, the Iranians forced his jet down but he's been released and is on his way home. I don't suppose you were told that? Do you mind telling me who your source is so I can correct them before they continue to hand out misinformation?"

"Well my informant is confidential and what I told you wasn't false. He was in Iran and I expect you'll have him arrested as soon as he's back in the States."

"And you assume wrong. That's not going to happen. First I'm going to let him debrief me then we go from there. He took out the chip production facility and he stabilized the region."

"Under Soviet dominance…"

"You mean Russian but that's cutting hairs. What he did was clear out a breeding ground for terrorist groups that could've struck home so I'm comfortable with the outcome and you should be too."

"I hope you wrote that into your testimony before my sub-committee. Carmichael should be arrested as a traitor."

"There are a lot of traitors floating around Agnes but Carmichael isn't one. Did you know someone sent an assassin after Roan in Moscow?" There was a pause on the line. "I take it your source didn't tell you about that. Don't worry Roan's safe. He and Casey are picking Chuck up and heading back to the States. They should be arriving in Dulles tomorrow morning a.m. early."

"Good it's about time this thing comes to a close. Do we know what happened to the Iranian and the two Americans?"

"I waiting on a phone call now but if the Iranians got a hold of them… Well the turncoat probably got lapidationand the Americans are most likely six inches longer. Bye Agnes," said Tank as he hung up. "Major, I hope Chuck knows what he's doing. Did he say why he wanted me to tell her when he'd be arriving?"

"No but it's probably for your own good. You know plausible deniability and everything. I also got for him that Sat phone he asked for. He was very specific about the make and model even color."

"I've got to get another job or buy a company that makes antacid. My stomach is killing me."

"Around here maybe that's about the only thing that won't."