Sighsofmiscomm3
A/N: leaving and won't update for a bit but had this finished and forgot to send it with Chpt 2. No cliffies and no nekkidness … yet.
Armor-Plated-Rat
Casa Bartowski
After a nice dinner and good conversation, Judith Lodge dropped her asset off at his apartment and headed to the residence hotel. She called Casey and informed him that the asset 'was all his for the night'.
Chuck went into his room and sat on the bed and opened the letter from Sarah. He didn't unfold it right away because he was afraid that one of his 'sample letters' might be waiting for him.
Taking a deep breath he unfolded the letter and began to read.
I love you, Chuck Bartowski, with all my heart. That was as far as he got in her letter when he suddenly couldn't see very well. She loved him, with all her heart, and he'd sent her away.
Casey wasn't sure but he thought he heard the muffled sounds of sobbing on his bugs but he wrote it off as background noise from Ellie's television program. Chuck was in the shower and it must have been the TV.
Istanbul, Turkey
After a dinner in a quiet restaurant in Istanbul, Sarah and her UN colleagues walked back to the Hotel Metropol for a night cap and bed. It had been a frustrating day. The local harbor police had intercepted a huge cache of arms being smuggled through the Straits but the smugglers escaped into the teeming harbor traffic after a brief firefight.
The Italian representative thought they might have been Albanian or Chechen rebels but the majority of the Europeans believed they were bound for Lebanon because of some documents found on board. The crew of Filipinos was being held pending further investigation but for Sarah the frustration was the total lack of cooperative intelligence. They were supposed to be sharing information but the only thing shared were opinions.
She needed the intersect and it's data capabilities. Actually, she needed Chuck but any excuse would do. The only concern she had was for his safety. She could go without seeing him so long as she knew he was safe and sound sitting in Burbank with a team guarding him. She slept better knowing he was well taken care of.
Venice, CA
Warehouse District
"Damn it, Chuck, I told you to stay in the damned van. Why won't you ever listen?"
"Because, sweetie, they blew up the frikkin' van and if I hadn't seen the damned RPG team setting up I'd be toasted Chuck right now." He ducked another fusillade of bullets and checked out his partners. Casey was grinning like an idiot and was up front firing slowly as targets became available but Chuck couldn't see any bodies. He ducked again as another burst of automatic weapons fire struck the crate he was hiding behind.
Judith Lodge was trying to keep one eye out for enemy targets and one eye on her asset. When she heard the whoosh of the RPG followed by the explosion she had almost run from the fire fight to check on Chuck but then she saw him slither in through the partially open warehouse/chopshop door and she went back to killing bad guys. So far she had 3 down.
Both Casey and Lodge were handicapped because the weapons dealer and his thugs had barricaded themselves behind wooden boxes and crates containing Stinger missiles and their component parts. Hitting a Stinger warhead was not a recommended solution to their current problem.
The buyers were a group of home-grown terrorists who had an agenda that started with shooting down passenger jets from LAX as they passed over poorer sections of LA county laying the blame at the feet of Latino separatist groups living in barrios lining the flight paths. They had taken cover behind their SUVs effectively catching the agents in a crude crossfire.
Chuck noticed an oxyacetylene cutting rig and maneuvered himself behind a stack of fenders and pulled the rig towards him by the torch hose. He lowered the rig down onto the cement floor and unlatched the oxygen tank from the carrier and lifted the tank so that it sat on the base of the rig like a torpedo pointing at the SUVs.
"Hey, Judith, you and Casey might want to take cover. This should work but you never know about these things." Casey looked at Judith who looked at Chuck who had pulled a Glock from out of his jacket pocket. 'Oh, shit, he's not going to…' thought Casey just as
Chuck shot the valve stem off the neck of the tank.
The tank took off like the rocket it became and impaled itself in the side of the nearest SUV rupturing its fuel tank. Chuck stood and fired at the growing pool of gasoline and it caught fire with a loud whooshing sound and the terrorists ran from the flames. Casey and Judith picked them off, one by one.
Chuck started maneuvering the rig so it was pointing at the cases of Stinger assemblies when he noticed the RPG team coming through the door preparing to fire at his partners' exposed position. He fired off the remaining rounds in his weapon hitting the RPG man and sending the other one scuttling back through the door.
'Hmmm, an RPG beats an acetylene tank all to hell,' he thought and ran towards the door and the wounded thug. He was trying to eject the magazine from the Glock and load another when he had a terrible thought: I don't know how to shoot a damned RPG!
He picked up the launcher and studied it, heedless of the occasional bullet that struck the corrugated tin of the warehouse wall and door. It didn't seem that complicated. Point, aim and pull the trigger. He hefted it up on his shoulder and aimed at the wall immediately behind the dealer and his remaining gang. It was lined with car doors and window assemblies. Good. Shrapnel.
Judith saw what he was going to do and screamed at him. "Chuck, back-blast, back-blast!" but he was so focused that he couldn't hear her. He pulled the trigger on the shoulder-fired launcher and was shocked by the amount of searing heat that enveloped him. He was on fire! He dropped the launcher and rolled on the ground, putting out his flaming clothes and then he knew no more.
Istanbul, Turkey
Sarah Walker was starting her latest letter to Chuck when she got the call from Ellie.
"Sarah, Ellie. Chuck's in the hospital. He was burned on a mission. I'm on my way in to the hospital so I'll call you when I know more. Don't say anything, Sarah. I know all about things. Chuck broke protocol but it was the only way to explain the letters and his new partner. I'll call when I know more, I promise. Oh, Sarah, now I understand why it was so complicated and I'm so sorry for not being more supportive of you guys. I have to go."
Sarah knew Ellie was a doctor. She knew she had nerves of steel and for her to have fallen apart like that…
Sarah picked up her pad and began to write.
My darling Chuck, why, oh why won't you learn to stay in the damned van where you're safe? Ellie just called and I'm terrified of her next call. All she said was that you'd been burned on a mission and were in the hospital and she had to go. I won't even broach the breach of security in telling her about us but I love you for it. It makes it seem more real that Ellie knows and approves.
I'm in Turkey and you're in pain and I can't stand not being there. I don't care if you have scars as long as you're alive. I want a live husband not a dead hero. Please stop throwing yourself in front of the proverbial train. I don't know what happened but I'll bet you did something to help or save your partners.
I have to take a break now. I can't see the page for the tears. There, satisfied? Real tears and I'm not there to watch you cringe. God, how I miss you and want to be with you, especially now. Your t-shirt is a poor substitute.
Your Sarah
Castle Facility
Burbank, CA
Judith Lodge and John Casey were looking at General Beckman's image pale. "He's burned? How badly? My God, how did this happen? You need to tie him to the seat in the van, Major Casey. Or maybe we need another team to watch over Bartowski since you people seem so damned inadequate for the task." Her volume was nearly a shout. Casey couldn't remember the last time he'd seen the General so upset.
"Ma'am, he was in the van and it was attacked. He barely escaped an RPG rocket that destroyed the van while Agent Lodge and I were in the chop shop shooting it out with the arms dealer and his customers. It was all done according to protocol, Ma'am, and there is no fault with anyone. He'd be dead if he stayed in the van. We didn't have enough assets to cover every contingency although we asked for backup repeatedly and never got it."
"That will be thoroughly investigated and remedies applied. I will not have teams in contact go unsupported when they ask for backup. Now, how was he burned? In the van?"
"No, M-General, he took out part of the group using an oxygen tank as a missile and then he saw and intercepted the RPG team coming from our rear and took them out. He used the RPG to fire at the glass and metal covered wall behind the remaining group and took them out. Major Casey and I engaged and eliminated the survivors. I yelled at him to watch the back blast but he was too focused to hear me. Part of the exhaust from the RPG went out the partially opened door while the rest enveloped Bartowski in flames after bouncing off the metal wall. He dropped and rolled, putting out the clothing that was on fire and we called for a medevac."
Beckman looked at her two agents and saw no blame there. It was the luck of the draw. However, she could make sure something never happened again to the asset.
"When Mr. Bartowski returns to duty, Agent Lodge you will continue fire arms training. Major Casey, I want you to familiarize him with all weapons systems and explosives used by US and foreign forces. Had he known about the back blast this would have been another picture-perfect mission and for that, I take full responsibility. See to it that he learns, people."
Venice General Hospital
Burn Unit/ICU
Venice, CA
"Dr. Woodcomb, your brother is one fortunate individual. His clothing was almost totally cotton fibers and he followed standard procedure for burning, stop, drop and roll. It surely saved him skin grafts and scarring. As it is he'll need to stay here for a day or two because of the possibility of seared lungs. So far, so good but we want to be careful with him."
"Normally I'd transfer him to a specialty burn clinic but his employer has specified that this hospital is where he'll receive the best treatment. A team of burn specialists arrived in the last hour and have taken over his care. I'm impressed with what I've seen so far. He should be out and about in a few days."
Ellie waited until she was in her car before calling Sarah Walker. It had been 7 hours since she'd spoken to her last and all that time had been spent pacing the halls worrying about her little brother. Would he need skin grafts? Would there be scarring and if so, where and how bad? She wanted these questions answered for herself and for Sarah Walker.
"Sarah, it's Ellie. He's OK. No skin grafts and minimal scarring. The only thing they're worried about is searing of the lungs. Casey and Lodge haven't come up with a good excuse to explain this yet. It should be interesting. Barring any complications, he'll be out in two to three days."
"Oh, thank God, Ellie, I was so scared. I kept trying to figure out how to get back there. I was so scared. Are you sure he's all right? Explain lung searing? Sounds terrible. Is he in pain? Is he conscious? Have you seen him, Ellie? I was so afraid."
"Sarah, he's sleeping and he has a pain drip. Searing is when someone inhales superheated air. I don't think this is the case with Chuck. There's no blistering around the mouth or nose, just no hair. It's all gone, Sarah, just gone. But it'll grow back, don't worry. He'll have those curls again."
"I'll write him everyday, Ellie, I promise. I'd love to talk to him but it's too risky right now. I'll talk to you later. I have to catch a plane to Budapest. I love you guys."
'Sarah:
I'm so sorry to have sent you away. That sounds trite but it's true. Sorry doesn't begin to come close. I had no idea and yeah, I guess that was your fault but considering the way we were living, I could see that there was no other option than silence.
I misinterpreted your sighs. I thought you were longing for action, to get back in the game, to go where you could make a difference. I was so wrong. Can you please forgive this stupid nerd who loves you more than life itself? Please?
I'm having some trouble holding this pen. My hands are a little blistered and the goo that comes out makes the pen all slippery. I have a surprise for you in the big envelope you should be receiving with this one or in the next few days.
Hint – it's a freshly Chucked one.
I love you, babe and I always will. Don't do anything stupid like trying to save the world single handed. That's my job. [That's a joke, Sarah.]
And I did stay in the van until some asshole blew it up with an RPG. Neener neener.
Your Chuck'
Hotel Magyara
Budapest, Hungary
Sarah Walker ripped open the large padded DHL envelope postmarked Los Angeles and shrieked with delight. She held it up to her nose and inhaled and was instantly transported to his room and into his arms.
A t-shirt, freshly Chucked. She couldn't stop laughing, sniffing or crying. She was so incredibly touched and happy. For just a few seconds she was home.
Castle Facility
Burbank, CA
"Welcome back, Chuck. I see the Howie Mandel look is popular." Judith Lodge was tickled pink that her partner and asset was back and in good shape. She'd been so worried that she'd called her mother for the first time in years for something other than money or a favor or to pull her ass out of a jam. It was a memorable conversation.
"Mom, it's Judith. No, nothing's wrong. No, I don't need money. No, I – Mother, please! I just called because I was so scared today. My partner got burned and I fell apart. I got him medevaced but then I just quit doing anything and just sat down and cried. How unprofessional is that?"
"Yeah, I know I did the job and then flaked out but I was so scared. There was nothing I could do but still, I'm responsible for the big klutz and I let him down. He got hurt because I wasn't doing my job."
"Thanks, Mom. I'll be home for Thanksgiving if I can swing it. How're Sis and the kids doing? Yeah, having the three of them there must be great. I miss all of you. Mom, it's not the same. A picture or a DVD is just not the same as being there, nor is an internet on-line video chat."
"He's going to be released tomorrow and I'll get to see the Great Hairless One for the first time since it happened. I just couldn't face him after letting him get hurt. Yeah, I know, I did my job and there's no room for sentimentality but you did it for Dad and don't deny it."
"OK, I gotta go. Love you."
"Chuck, can I get a hug, please? I was so scared. I popped those thugs and then got to you as quickly as I could but you were out cold. Casey called in a medevac and you were gone in 15 minutes. No more 'Chuck is toast' comments, partner, please? I don't need the reminder."
He gently took her in his arms and held her against his chest. It stung like hell but they both needed the contact. Where she hadn't shown up at the hospital he thought she'd been hurt or worse and then he worried she was mad at him. Now he understood that she was just afraid.
"Hey, Jude, I found us an apartment near here. It's got 2 bedrooms and TWO baths so I won't have to see your dainty unmentionables hanging off the shower curtain. One of the nurses needed a sublet and I got the key and we can go see it this afternoon if that's all right?"
She squeezed him in appreciation not realizing that he would have scream if he could have caught his breath.
"Oh, my God, I'm so sorry, Chuck. Sit down, please. I'm so sorry. I forgot. Please say something."
He just sat there looking stunned and finally got his breath back. "Don't do that for a while, OK? I don't think I can stand another hug until the stuff heals. Don't worry, just please don't touch me."
They picked up the sublet on the apartment and planned their move. He really didn't have that much and she had…almost nothing and that surprised Chuck.
"Jude, you don't have pictures of the family, any books or keepsakes, nothing that is personal? Is that a job requirement or is it just personal preference?"
"I got rid of everything I couldn't pack in one suitcase. Makes life a lot easier. And yes, I have 'keepsakes' and they're safe at home with my family and no, I don't want to talk about it anymore, please?"
"Fine. Be a putz. And remember, no touching until the hair is back. That's the only way I can be sure you don't maim me."
"Asshole."
"Malignant dwarf."
Budapest, Hungary
"You darling man. I got your package. Freshly "Chucked" indeed. God I needed that. I couldn't be with you when you were hurt but every night I get to spend time with you in my dreams thanks to your t-shirt. I figure you'll run out of t-shirts before I run out of need.
Work is going so poorly. We just don't have the intelligence info we need to connect the dots and find out who's supplying the weapons and the route they're taking so we can get the locals to wrap them up in a strike. It's times like this I realize how much we depended on you and your brain for answers and dot-connecting.
Anyhow, I had my fortune told today by an old Romany lady, a real gypsy. I'm going to go gray before I'm 50 and have children and a long loving marriage. She said 'your man is tall and has no hair but he will have hair soon and that makes no sense to me so I must be wrong about everything. Keep your money.'
Now that's spooky, Chuck. Stop singing the theme to The Twilight Zone, Chuck. I know you're doing it.
I miss you guys terribly and with the fall coming I know those important Bartowski holidays are just around the corner. I wish I could be there with you but I don't think I can swing it. Of course if you weren't so damned important you could come over here but I don't think that's possible either.
I love you, Chuck, never doubt it. These letters are a poor substitute for what I want to show you but please be patient.
Your Sarah
Castle Facility
Chuck had just reread Sarah's letter and was embarrassed because he had been whistling the theme to The Twilight Zone but it was freaky what the old gypsy lady told her.
Chuck reviewed the dailies for any references that he could flash on and had no luck. The HQ summaries were also duds. He felt he needed a refresher and emailed the General to get her opinion.
His response was not long in coming.
"Mr. Bartowski, I agree with you. Intel is worthless if it's old and some of the stuff rattling around in your head was old when I was young. I'll send your handlers details on when and where the update will be performed. Good thinking."
Other than 'Good morning, General', Chuck had nothing else to say. "My God but she's one abrupt lady. I hope she's better with her grandkids."
Judith Lodge looked at Chuck and asked, "Why in the world would you say something like that, Chuck? I don't think she's married."
"Well, she's got at least one grandchild, Allison. I 'met' her the night I, well, a week before you were assigned here. Our General Beckman is a doting grandmother to an infant but I wonder if she's patient with her older grandchildren? Oh, well, none of my business."
Chuck and Casey caught a flight out of John Wayne airport and flew first class to Reagan International in Washington. They were met by NSA agents who drove them out to FT Meade and the Intersect Project Headquarters.
"Casey, this must be like a homecoming for you? Anyone you want to see while I'm tied up?"
"Nope. And I can't leave your side, Chuck, General's orders. We don't know who might be compromised by Fulcrum and can't take a chance. Besides, there's no one here I'd like to see. No one at all."
Chuck felt sorry for Casey. As far as he knew, Casey was all alone in the world and that sucked.
A/N: Abrupt ending but I have to leave. APR