Don't own Chuck
Gertrude got everyone in her Range Rover and drove out to the M2 to Mpulungu. There they stopped for a bite to eat at a local restaurant. Chuck looked over at Sarah who was trying not to laugh as they watched Roberta and Julie eyeing everyone who was sitting in the restaurant. They looked like fish out of water and suddenly they didn't feel so hungry. Gertrude didn't wait she already had a Dr. Livingstone's lager beer, a plate of nshima and what looked like a stew. Sarah nudged Chuck.
"These are your people you know how to talk to them," she whispered in his ear. Then she ordered the same thing as Gertrude except she got fish instead of stew. Chuck had the same.
"Ladies, you need to eat something. The team will bring in C-rats with them but for today we have to forage off the land."
"That's what we're afraid off. Are those people eating grasshoppers over there?" asked Julie with a disgusted look. "I've heard of eating insects but this is the first time I've seen them served."
"Don't knock until you're tried it," said Gertrude. The girls stared at her as she began eating with her hand. "What? God gave us these before he gave us forks and I know where they've been. Plus I'm the only one who's eaten with them."
"What our friend is trying to say is it may not look hygienic but using your hands might be cleaner than the eating utensils you'll find lying around. If you want to ease into the local cuisine try the nshima. It's like a corn porridge and staple dish here. Try that if you like and as far as anything else goes stick with meat or fish but thoroughly cooked nothing rare. The problem with vegetables is you don't know what water was used to wash and to cook them. Not to mention they use natural fertilizers. Here in the restaurant everything is okay but if you're out and about you should always have you foods served piping hot."
"Wow thanks," said the ladies so they both tried the nshima and split a fish. Chuck still had to take the head off for them because as one pointed out; fish fingers don't look back at you. "Chuck, how do you know so much about Africa? Do you guys come here often?"
"No, this is my first time. I read a lot and watch Animal Planet," said Chuck. His answer seemed to satisfy the women or they were just hungry, anyway they started to eat.
"Okay Gertrude, now can you tell us why we stopped here. I assume it was more than an opportunity to sample the local cuisine," said Sarah. But Gertrude was too busy licking her fingers to answer. "Need I remind you we contracted you so you work for us?"
"No, I work for the same people you do. There's a difference and as for your question. We're waiting for our boat. The road into the mission site was washed out during the last rain storm so any and everything has to go in by boat."
"How are we going to get in all our heavy equipment," asked Julie after she tried her first taste of Dr. Livinstone's Lager and found it wasn't that bad.
"Don't worry I've got a ferry lined up that will be here tomorrow to boat the cargo over. The only thing is it might take three trips so this will be a half day if not all day affair once we start."
"As long as the ferry is here when they arrive," said Chuck as he began thinking over the security problems this would cause. "You have vetted the Captain and the crew?"
"Take it easy Ward, of course I have. This isn't my first dance they all check out and before June says anything. I can stay here and watch the trucks get loaded then you two can ride the ferry back and forth."
"Chuck, I think you should stay at the mission site with the team and let me ride the ferry. We don't want anyone wandering off into the wild."
"June's got a point," said Verbanski. Gertrude's sarcasm was starting to wear thin on Sarah and before she could respond Chuck cut in.
"Let's go take the boat to the site," said Chuck. He got up and covered the check then they all left. "How did you ladies like you first meal in Africa?"
"It was good," said Roberta. "But if you hadn't helped us I don't think we would've tried anything." Julie nodded her head in agreement as they walked down to the port.
"I could get jealous," teased Sarah. "But I feel more like shooting Gertrude at the moment. Her quips are starting to get under my skin. But I think you could tell."
"Hey you two can you cut that out," yelled Gertrude and keep up. "I don't want to have to send a search party out after you."
"Tell me I can shoot her, please. Okay if I can't shoot her can I at least wound her a little," said Sarah. Chuck smiled then put his arm around her waist and kissed her.
"Yuck, if you two can come up for air for a moment we're here. I know it's not the SS Minnow but it'll have to do."
"Gertrude, will we have this boat throughout the mission?" asked Sarah as they boarded. There were some loose planks on deck and it definitely had seen better days. "It could be a good way to run people back and forth without having to run the ferry."
"Sure I guess, but once we have the cargo on site I have two ferry runs a day scheduled morning and evening. I'll have my man talk to the guy we rented the boat from and see if he'll let us rent it for longer but I don't see why not."
"Who's the Captain? Charlie Allnut," asked Chuck when he saw the name of the boat was 'The African Queen'. "I guess that makes you Rose Sayer."
"Funny Chuck," said Gertrude as she took them up to the flying bridge where she introduced them to the Captain. "This Adama, he's my right hand man in our operations here. They want to know if we can keep this boat throughout the mission. Can you ask the owner?"
"I don't see why not but I'll ask anyway. Oh and nice to meet you all," said Adama as he shook their hands then he yelled to his men to cast off and they set out across the lake. "I'm your go between. If you need the workers to do anything for you just tell me and I'll make sure it happens."
"The men don't speak English?" asked Sarah. "I'm sorry I don't understand why we need a go between."
"It's not that they don't speak English," explained Adama. "It's just some of them are kind of odd and they don't like taking orders from women so just come and get me that way everything will run smoothly."
Sarah didn't like this arrangement one bit and wondered why Verbanski tolerated it or if this was the price for operating in this place. Whatever the reason was she didn't like it and if the need arose she'd vocalize her feelings then let the chips fall where they may.
"I see you're upset," said Chuck as he took her aside.
"I have my own translators Mr. Smith and Mr. Wesson for those who don't want to listen. When they speak everyone listens."
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The next Morning back in Burbank the day started early. First Casey drove to Travis and made sure the team got off on the C-17. When he got there some of the team members began complaining because the twelve palettes of cargo filled the center of the plane so the team had to sit on the sidewall seats. But John had the solution.
"Hey I don't know if I can sit like this the whole trip," said Herman. "Holter, you think something can be arranged. I don't know maybe we can sit up with the pilot or something." Dr. Shepherd walked away.
"I'm sorry but only the aircrew is allowed in there," said the Load Master. "This is the best we could do considering all the gear you people are transporting."
"Herman's right I don't know if I can fly like this either. How long a flight is it ten or twelve hours? What if there are turbulences," said Stan. "I think I'm feeling airsick."
"Airsick? The plane is still on the ground. Here let me give you something for you airsickness," said Casey as he looked around. The only person looking was the Load Master. He pulled out one of Chuck's tranq guns and shot both of them. "They should be good for the rest of the flight."
"Colonel, do you mind if I borrow that I'll give it to your people when we land in Africa. You know just in case our princesses wake up."
"Be my guest, as light weight as this group is, one dart should be enough and I guarantee they won't bother you for the rest of the flight. If they're still out when you set down just throw them on top of crates. The stuff in the dart also makes them forget the last twenty-four hours so they won't even remember being darted. If I were you I'd tranq the whole lot before you go wheels up."
"Dad you didn't," said Alex as she took the darts out of the two sleeping doctors. "You can't do this."
"That dart in your hand begs to differ," said Casey as the rest of team started to find seats. "Besides you have to crack a few eggheads to make an omelet. Okay everyone find a seat and buckle in. I'll turn you over to the flight crew listen to the Load Master."
With that Casey turned everything over to the aircrew then he and Alex deplaned walking back to his Crown Vic. They sat inside until the giant jet rolled out onto the runway then took off. It banked then disappeared into the night.
"Let's go home. I should have time for a shower before I have to go into the Buy More," said Casey as he started his car. Alex was yawning when her phone began to ring.
"This is the mainframe," said Alex as she caught Casey puzzled look. "I set it up to send me an alert when it found a hit. I've got him. I've got Carlos at the border he's just northeast of Tucate on Campo Road."
"Well I guess I don't have time for that shower after all. Send the info to our downtown office and organize a rendezvous. But before you do that move eyes over the top of him we don't want him to get away and you might want to call the Troll to tell him you're not going to make lunch."
"Would it hurt so much if you called him by his name Dad?" Casey grunted as he drove off base.
"I'm hungry let's go grab Mexican."
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When Morgan got up Alex was already gone. She left a post-it next to the coffee pot telling him that she'd gone with her Dad to Travis to see the team off but that she should be back by lunchtime. Good he thought he could get a little work done in the Buy More. There was inventory that needed ordering and he was behind on his stock checks. Going out with Alex for lunch would be the perfect break from the work he knew that had to be done.
"Why do I always get stuck covering the Buy More," said Morgan as he poured himself coffee in his to-go cup. "I'm an agent too after all. I could've gone with Chuck to Africa." Then he laughed. "This is Africa Toll," said Morgan imitating Casey. "It's no picnic and the last thing we need is another Ace Ventura." He was starting to freak himself out so he left home and a little while later he was pulling into the Buy More parking lot.
"Morning son," said Big Mike as soon as he walked in. "You wouldn't have had a chance to look over that catalog would you?"
"No I'm sorry but I really didn't have time and as a matter of fact I think I misplaced it. I know I let you down..."
"Don't worry about it. Skip and Fernando helped me pick out a hot little item and I underline little. You should see it, man oh man. It's not only see-through but it also magnifies too."
"I'd prefer not to," said Morgan as he noticed Skip and Fernando snickering. "Well I've really got to get some work done. Big Mike we need to coordinate lunches. I've got Alex coming in so…"
"You should surprise you lady with something like what I got your momma. I can see why you might feel bashful about talking to your new Daddy…"
"No let's not go there," said Morgan as he tried to get away but Big Mike grabbed him and made him stay.
"Then your new papi."
"What are you trying to say? I've really got work to do," said Morgan desperately wanting to get away.
"Well, if you don't want to talk to me you could always talk to Skip or Fernando. Skip might be tall and lanky of build but he knows fashion." Morgan looked over at Skip.
"I'd rather stick a fork in my eye. Big Mike I have to do some stock checking and order some backlogged merchandise would you like to help me?"
"You know I would like to but I just started this new Danielle Steel novel. Let me tell you it's a real page turner. Will you look at the time? Hey you two goldbrickers get to work," said Big Mike as he quickly disappeared.
"I should've known if I mentioned work you'd disappear," said Morgan. Then he noticed Skip and Fernando were still hovering around him. They were up to something but what was it?
He went to his office then turned back around quickly. The two started looking at the ceiling. Fernando began whistling off key and they both put their hands in their pockets. Yes, they were up to something. Morgan turned and went inside that's when he saw it. Sitting in the middle of his desk was a stuffed toy chimp holding a real banana. When he picked it up there was a typed note attached.
'Morgan, look what I found in Africa your twin brother, Chuck.'
He picked it up and stood in his doorway then looked around for Skip and Fernando. He didn't have to search far. Fernando elbowed Skip to look at Morgan standing outside his office.
"Thanks guys, I didn't eat breakfast this morning," said Morgan as he ate the banana and held up the ape. "I was looking for something to give to Alex."
"How'd he know it was us," said Fernando as he shoved Skip. "You said we wouldn't get caught and that he'd never figure it out."
"All the stock in the back needs to be inventoried by the end of today. Plus the trash can in the baby station needs to be emptied. Have a good day. Oh and I could use another banana if you've got one. I think my potassium level is low," said Morgan as he turned around and went back in his office. One thing was sure with those two around his blood pressure would never be low.
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Mr. Brown was sitting in his Escalade as rode back across the border. Carlos had really ticked him off this time. Calling him telling him he had to meet outside of Tucate and that the border was too hot for him to cross. He only agreed to the meet because he had the man he wanted. Afterwards he was seriously thinking about terminating with extreme prejudice their working relationship once and for all.
"I want a sniper nest set up to cover me," said Mr. Brown to his men as he checked his weapon. "Then I want you guys to stay inside and let me handle this."
"Do you think that's a good idea? I don't want to say anything…" But Mr. Brown cut him off before he could finish.
"No you shouldn't say anything, what have I told you? I'm in charge now and this is the way I'm running the show. Carlos is too stupid to try anything. So do what I tell you and we'll get along," said Mr. Brown. After he dealt with Carlos it was time he took care of his own laundry too.
As they drove down in a valley the Escalade stopped and a man got out. He took up a position on the ridge were he had a clear shot at everything that moved down below.
"Boss we just got word the eagle's in the nest," said the man next to him. Mr. Brown nodded his head.
"Good, okay let's go see what Carlos has for us," said Mr. Brown as they drove down the winding road to the bottom of the valley. There Carlos was waiting standing next to a van with a couple of his men. Mr. Brown had his vehicle stop then he got out.
"Señor Brown I have something for you inside," said Carlos as he motioned for him to open the back of the van.
"Was he difficult to get? Did he put up a fight? I hope so," said Mr. Brown. Then he took a deep breath. "I only have one question for him then you can take him out in the desert and get rid of him."
Mr. Brown opened the back and all hell broke loose. In the back was one of Carlos' men with a M134 minigun. He opened up on Mr. Brown's Escalade at 2,000 armor piercing rounds per minute. He peppered the vehicle reducing it to a sieve as Mr. Brown fell back to the ground. Carlos drew his pistol and pointed it at Mr. Brown.
"Don't try anything. We've got our own man in your nest now. You're mine," said Carlos as he smiled at him. That was the first time he noticed Carlos had a gold tooth.
"Go ahead shoot me but know my people will hunt you down and your family and put an end to your line of traitors."
"Traitor, that what you're calling me? I have something for you to listen to before I end you," said Carlos as he played Mr. Brown a conversation he taped on his phone. Mr. Brown immediately recognized the voice. It was Mr. Robinson.
"Carlos, Mr. Brown has become a liability. I want you to free the man you took. Set him loose tell him it was a mistake. Then you need to deal with Mr. Brown. I'm sorry if some good men have to go with him but he's gone too far this time and people here are asking the wrong questions. I know your rate and I'll get the money to you." Then the conversation ended.
"The SOB," said Mr. Brown as he began to curse in Farsi. "If I could get my hands on him I'd…" But Carlos cut him off.
"Yes you would but too bad because you can't. Oh and I didn't have to kidnap that guy to find out the information you wanted. I overheard some people outside the building talking about a break out. It wasn't difficult to put together that was the information you wanted. Anyways there was a Colonel John Casey and an Agent Alex McHugh who were responsible for gunning down your friends. You're never going to believe but this John Casey works at the Buy More in Burbank. Can you image that? And I have to tell you the men sounded quite proud of what they did."
You SOB," said Mr. Brown as he literally growled. "I should've ended you as soon as I was put in charge."
"Yes you probably should've. I don't know if you want to pray or anything before I end you but go ahead and take a few minutes."
But as Carlos was about to executed Mr. Brown all around them lit up with flares and the van explodes into flames reduced to a burning hulk. Carlos was knocked down to the ground as his men on both sides of the van disintegrated in the fire ball. Mr. Brown scrambled to his feet and ran as Carlos tried to shoot but a sniper on the ridge hit him dead center mass. He looked down at the gaping hole where his heart used to be then fell to the ground. Mr. Brown looked back only to see Carlos drop and smiled as he ran away. Soon afterwards two Blackhawks touched down and men jumped out to secure the site.
"Over hear Colonel," yelled one of the men. "Carlos the Butcher is here. Looks like our snipe dock his clock one good."
"Yeah that's him but the General isn't going to be happy," said Casey as he stood over the top of the body. "We were supposed to take him alive. But no used worrying about him now. What about that other guy we saw here? Anyone know where he disappeared to?"
"Colonel, I'm afraid he got away. He disappeared in that direction," said the man. "He stopped a passing motorist and took their car. We've got a bolo out on it but as of now he's gone into the wind."
"What do you think was going on here," asked Alex. "Something just doesn't add up. The Escalade looks like it was peppered but not by us. I can only think Carlos had some sort of trap set for these guys."
"Probably come sort of drug deal gone bad," said Casey. "Someone said something the other didn't like the whole thing degenerated in a gunfight."
"Maybe we don't have enough left to really understand the dynamics but if it was a drug deal then where are the drugs? Or was that the problem?"
"I want everyone identified as quickly as possible and let's see if we can track down that guy that got away," said Casey as his phone rang. He looked down and it was the General.
"Gez what am I going to tell her," said Casey standing over Carlos' body. He took a deep breath then answered. "Evening General. We neutralized everyone. … Yes that means Carlos got taken out. … I know you wanted him taken alive but in the heat of the battle our sniper caught him center mass and with a .50 caliber you can image what Carlos looks like. At least it wasn't a head shot. … No General, I'm not trying to be funny. … Yes I'll file a report as soon as I get back. … Roger that," said Casey as he hung up.
"How'd she take it?" asked Alex.
"Really good I think."