Don't own Chuck
Sarah and Casey waited in the ventilation shaft listening to what was going on below. Sarah was not wired for waiting and what she told Ellie in the parking lot was true. She often felt if she ever stopped it'd be over. That was just the way she was brought up. He father with his famous sayings, a thief has to run out of town but a conman can leave whenever he wants. How often did that really workout? It was more the exception than the rule. Then there was the agency and that didn't really help her. She had travelled the world but had only seen the inside of hotel rooms and the view from what she could see looking through a snipers scope. Now what she had was different and she liked it. No, she wasn't going to let it get away.
"John I'm going in you can stay up here," said Sarah as she started to crawl forward. But Casey grabbed her by the belt a dragged her back.
"Chuck said the wait. If you drop in on him you could compromise everything. Start acting like a spy and not like the girlfriend."
"Get your hands off me, I'm his wife and I think I know what I'm doing," said Sarah trying to justify herself not only to Casey but also to herself. Suddenly John's phone began to vibrate. "You better answer that."
"You don't move," said Casey as he pulled it out. "It's the Troll. Grimes this isn't really a good time… Yeah she's here ... Okay I'll put you on speaker but you're going to have to talk softly we're in a ventilation shaft above Sarah 2s base." Sarah gave him a look.
"Morgan the woman's name is Nee-san let's get that clear," said Sarah. "That's what we call her from now on. Everyone got it!"
"Wow you even sound scary on the phone. But technically speaking you're not Sarah either I mean that's not your real name just one you go by. I mean technically speaking."
"Morgan is there a point to this phone call," said Casey. "Do I need to reach through the speaker and strangle you?"
"Dad, this is Alex what we called you guys about is there's some suspicious activity going on. We tracked a signal from a location in Ichigaya from the Japanese Defense Intelligence Headquarters to one of their spy satellites telling it to monitor your location. Someone is doing recon on you from big brother. We've tapped into their feeds and are watching what they're watching. Dad they're right over head. Sarah can you tell us how to take control of their satellite that way we could blind them."
"Not yet, wait let's think this out," said John as he turned to Sarah. "If they do that then this Tokugawa guy will know we're onto him."
"We don't know it's him but I agree it probably is after what Chuck told us so partner what do you want to do?"
"Partner huh… Okay Alex, Troll let them watch while we look over their shoulder when the time comes we'll pull the plug on them then they'll be blinded. I'll explain what you need to do," said John as Sarah gave him a look. He muted the phone. "What? I've been watching Chuck too you know. Sure I still prefer to break them and don't you dare mention a word of this to him. Now I think you've got reason to go talk to him. I'll be down in a minute let me finish up this briefing."
"Thanks John," said Sarah as she crawled off dropping in the same supply room that Chuck had come down in before.
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Takeo was sitting in his office in the Tokugawa compound looking at satellite feed being relayed to him from the Defense Intelligence Headquarters in Ichigaya. He had his mole transmit the CCTV feeds from the port and the traffic cams on the roads that led out of town. That was how Takeo knew the report they had gotten from their men at the port had been exaggerated. He told them that or at least to their heads that were lined up on pikes out in the courtyard.
"Have we found them yet," asked Larry becoming impatient. "I can't start moving against the council until this is taken care of. If I move now I'll be a laughing stock." Larry didn't want to wait for Takeo to report to him so went to Takeo's office. "We pay this guy enough he had better produce or the next money we send will go to his widow."
"We've found them Tokugawasan. Here look at the monitor," said Takeo as he turned it so his boss could see.
"Good for a minute I thought I was going to have your head put front," said Larry then he started laughing. "You should see your face… You though I was serious."
"Okay you got me," said Takeo wondering how much was really a joke. "See all that activity around that tunnel. That's where those gaijins had that lab, don't you remember the circle I believe they called themselves."
"No it was the Ring and then there was that crazy man who was in charge. You remember the lunatic."
"Yes you wanted to kill him but you changed your mind at the last minute," said Takeo realizing he had said too much by the look on his boss' face.
"He had friends in high places if you must know. I had no choice. When this goes down I want you to take everyone out. I want the whole lot exterminate and that goes for dogs and cats too. I want everyone killed. Do you understand I don't want anyone walking away?"
"What about the girl? I thought you wanted to show her to the council then kill her yourself?" Takeo was having trouble keeping up with his boss' demands the last time he mentioned the woman he had wanted to take her alive.
"I want the council called tonight and I want to have them meet here. I'll impress them with my shock and awe. They can watch everything like we're watching now. I'll put the fear of God in them. Once they see I have the strength and the knowhow to rule the show then they'll fall in line."
Do you think that's wise with all you men committed? You should keep a contingent here as bodyguards. What if the men on the board move against you? I should stay and protect you."
"They're a bunch of old men, toothless lions. I appreciate the concern… Okay, leave the thinking to me. I'll keep four or five men with me but you take the rest. I want you out front leading them. I know with you in charge this can't fail."
"But boss shouldn't that honor go to someone younger than me. I'm a little old to be jumping over battlements yelling bonzai and the like. A younger man wouldn't have the same problems."
"That's exactly why I want you there. The last thing I need is to push some kid up who later decides he should be giving orders rather than taking them, and worse the other men following him. No I need to be here and you need to be there. Don't worry; with all the men you'll have this will be a walk in the park.
"Domo arigato gozaimasu, thank you for the honor," said Takeo as he bowed. But he couldn't help thinking the last time he went for a stroll in the park no one shot at him.
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Chuck looked inside the metal cabinet standing there staring at the contents. He reached out and touched the video tapes marked 'Subject Alpha Test/Interrogation Quinn/Lee'. It was as if he could feel Sarah's pain all filmed and documented. This was something he had to make sure Sarah never saw. The longer he stood there the deep his rage burrowed into him and in that moment the only feeling he had was anger and if Jill hadn't killed Lee he would've with his own bare hands. He would've ended him for what he'd done or let done to his Sarah.
"Chuck nothing good can come from you watching those," said Jill again as she tried to put her hand on his shoulder but instead he shoved her away. "Come on let's close the doors and walk away."
"Jill it would be better for you if you stayed away from me for a while," said Chuck in a voice she didn't recognize as he stood there with his back to her. "I'm having trouble trying to remember why I'm your friend… My God did I ever really know you?" Chuck was trying to come to grips with Jill's involvement even if it was unintentional.
"Chuck, Dr. Roberts, I need you both to come quickly," said Kenji as he ran into to get them. He noticed there was a silence in the air the moment he walked in then he saw the open cabinet. "Come she's asking for you and her fever is spiking," he said as he closed it.
Chuck didn't say anything he just followed Kenji back to the stasis room with Jill following behind. Kenji felt the tension between the two of them. Chuck figured the way Kenji closed the cabinet he knew what was in it. But this was something he just didn't want to know.
"Let me check the panel," said Jill as she brushed away the dust to get a clear reading. "She's pushing a temperature of 106F. The chamber's internal cooling system should kick in but it hasn't. I don't know why."
"Let me look at it," said Chuck as he pried off one of the back plates. "Here's the problem. One of the cards seems to be fried but I think I can bypass it. If I can just…" Chuck was talking to himself. As he reached inside feeling around. "Yes there it goes," said Chuck as lights lit up inside and a ventilation fan came on.
"Yes, it's working. Good her temperature's dropping but it's still hovering around 101F," said Jill. "Way to go Chuck we make a good team." But Chuck ignored her and looked away.
"Is this her," said Sarah as she walked in silently. She walked in while Chuck was working on the chamber so everyone was distracted. Now suddenly they found her standing there next to them. Kenji stopped and stared then did a double take to look inside to make sure Nee-san was still there.
"Yes," said Chuck as held out his hand and brought her over. "Nee-san this is Sarah." In that moment memories came back she gasped as if she couldn't breathe but she stopped Chuck with her hand before he became alarmed.
"I'm all right but we've already met, haven't we?" said Sarah as she looked through the glass. "I remember you now. I'm sorry but my memory… I forgot a lot. But I met you when you were younger with your sisters. You called me… my God you called me…"
"Mother… we called you mother then you left us. I'm sorry I was angry. Dr. Lee told us you'd abandoned us for him," said Nee-san. But her voice from inside the stasis chamber took on a little girl sound.
"Me," said Chuck. "That's why you were so mad at me when we first met and that's why you wanted to take me because you knew Sarah would come back."
"Yes, I'm sorry mother, Sarah but… I don't what to say. If this doesn't work at least I got to talk to you one last time."
"Do you mind if I stay with you?" said Sarah. "You can tell me about yourself and your sisters. I'd like for you to help me remember the way Chuck helped me remember my life before."
"If you really want to know I'll tell you but it's not a happy story. You used to cry a lot when that man showed you those pictures."
"Quinn," said Sarah with distain. The mere mention of his name gave her a sick feeling. "I need to tell Chuck and Kenji something then I'll be right back. Jill, monitor her."
Sarah led Kenji and Chuck outside as Casey walked out of the supply room then came over to join them. The men all looked at each other with dumbfounded expressions wondering who they were supposed to keep out if everyone kept dropping in.
"Ventilation shaft you need to post someone so no one else drops in," said Casey before Kenji could say anything. "Have you told them?"
"Not yet," said Sarah as they huddled. "Listen Morgan called with intel saying someone's put a Jōhōhonbu satellite overhead and is watching you guys. Morgan is watching the same feed we think this is probably a prelude to an attack."
"Tokugawa," said Kenji. "That pig has men everywhere. This might be the showdown he's been looking for.
"Yes that's what we're thinking," said Sarah she noticed Kenji was having difficulty looking at her. Everything considered she understood why. "Chuck can she be moved?"
"Not without killing her. I've got an idea. Kenji does everyone around here know this was a laboratory?" He nodded his head. "Good I need tanks, oxygen tanks any kind of tanks… lots of them."
"You've got a plan," said Sarah as she smiled then kissed him. He didn't have to say anything she could read it in his eyes. "Good tell me about it later I need to get back inside you understand," Sarah said as she started back but Chuck took her hand then kissed it.
"Love as much as both of you might want it you're not her mother."
"I know but she thinks I am and that's what's important right now," said Sarah. "Sweetie I don't know what we are. The only thing I know is she needs me."
"I understand," said Chuck as he let her go.
"I know you do and that's why I love you," she said as she kissed him and then touched foreheads. "Chuck I don't know what I'm feeling. I all confused inside I just know that I need to be with her."
"I know you do but remember whatever happens you're not to blame. Go, Casey and I can take care everything out here."
"That's right," said Casey then he waited for Sarah to leave. "So what's the plan? Chuck, tell me you've got a plan."
"John, I've always got a plan. First we need to put NFPA 704 fire diamonds on the sides of the tanks then label them 'Sarin' in English and Japanese with some skull and cross bones."
"That'll get some attention," said Casey. "I get it like the Tokyo subway attack. Yes, the tunnel is a confined space. Very un-sportsman-like, I like it. We're going to need gas masks for the guys inside but once the herd stampedes they won't be paying much attention who has or hasn't got them."
"John, take one of the Kenji's men and find the canteen."
"You mean the mess hall. You want something to eat? I'm sorry if I hogged my cookie but it was too good and I needed to keep up my strength."
"I'm sure you did. No, I need for you to find me some red pepper or dried wasabi powder. I want to tape it to the side a few of the CO2 tanks. Then all we need are a few flash grenades then even the bravest will turn tail and run. Kenji, can you pick someone to go with Casey? Kenji, are you listening?"
"Geez, you know it's your skins we're saving so a little attention isn't too much to ask for," said John with his usual delicacy.
"What? Sorry, sounds like a good plan considering the lack of manpower we have. Meiyo," called Kenji, "I need for you to go with Casey and give him whatever help he needs."
"Come on Mayo," said John, "Show me the way to the chow hall."
"Do you speak English?" asked Meiyo as he looked back at Chuck and Kenji with a puzzled look on his face.
"Sometimes," said Chuck trying to hold in a laugh. "But mainly he speaks Casey."
"Oh just show me were the food is," said Casey as he shove the man along giving Chuck a look as they disappeared in the darkness of the tunnel.
"Kenji what are you really thinking," said Chuck realizing Kenji was weighing options and strategies because it would be what he'd do. "I have an idea what I'd be thinking if I were you."
"This will never end unless Tokugawa goes away. When he sends his men he'll have the council meet to gloat I know him and that will be when he'll be at his weakest. His retainers will be gone; he'll have committed everyone here."
"Kenji I hear what you're saying but let's rethink this. You can't go in by yourself to face him. He might not have all his men with him but he'll have enough. This isn't Edo Japan where you can challenge him to a duel; his men will cut you down where you stand."
"You're right. Alone I don't have a chance but if someone came with me then maybe just maybe we could end this once and for all. If he was challenged in front of the council then…"
"He'd have to answer or lose face which would mean he'd never be able to head the council ever again. You expect me to go with you and leave everyone here to fend for themselves?"
"No Chuck not you. I need Sarah to come with me."
"I will drop you where you stand. If you think I'll let you risk my wife's life you've got another thing coming. If you try and take my wife with you," said Chuck as he got up in Kenji's face. "It'll be over my dead body."
"I think you two need to talk this out," said Kenji as Chuck felt Sarah's touch on his shoulder. He hung his head and closed his eye.
"No, no, no you can't go it's too dangerous. I won't let you. Nee-san played on your feelings now you think you're obligated. No you can't go."
"Chuck, Sweetie she didn't try to talk me into anything. You should know me by now that I would never let that happen. She actually tried to talk me out of it but like this I can end this feud."
"Then what? Nee-san becomes the queen of the Japanese underworld and we put her on the throne. Is that what we do now create another Alexei Volkoff?"
"Sweetie you're angry and you don't know what you're saying," said Sarah as she put her arm around him. "Please understand I feel like I owe her this. If you were me you'd do the same and you know it."
"And you'd be telling me you don't want me to do it. You said Morgan and Alex are back at Castle watching from above?" asked Chuck as Sarah nodded. "I'll agree only if Tokugawa commits his men without that this would be a suicide mission and on that I won't budge."
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Back at the Tokugawa stronghold preparations were being made for the assault. Takeo was inspecting his men making sure they had body armour on and their weapons were ready. This was to be the decisive battle that would put Larry on the throne. Already members of the council were beginning to show up. They were a little cautious after what happened to Hiro but if Larry did win the war there'd be nothing stopping him from taken vengeance on anyone who dared to not show up, so limousine after limousine pulled up in the gravel parking lot.
"Chuck, Sarah," said Casey. "I've got Grimes on the phone. Here I'll put him on speaker so he can tell you what's going on."
"Hey guys I just wanted to report in that we've got movement at the Shogun's place. Limousine after limousine are driving up and these old guys are getting out. Alex ran them through facial recognition and they're the who's who of the Yakuza."
"That's the council they're meeting at Tokugawa's waiting for the attack."
"Morgan did you see any troop build-up," asked Chuck. He had to be certain they were coming before he'd let Sarah commit. "Anything going on that would make us think an attack is imminent."
"The ant hill certainly is active," said Morgan.
"Zoom in there," they heard Alex say. "Send me that image Morgan. Chuck I'm running a facial now and yes. I've been reviewing the Tokugawa file along with members and affiliates. Well I've got the clan's number two man getting in a black SUV."
"Yes Chuck and I've got ten SUVs headed your way with him in the lead. Do you want me to call Beckman? She could provide backup?"
"No Morgan it's bad enough we're here, we can't get the agency involved. We got this, but you can wish us good luck," said Chuck as hung up then looked around to find Sarah and Kenji were gone.
"John did you see where Sarah and Kenji went?"
"I saw them ducking out while you were on the phone with Morgan. I thought you two agreed on this plan?"
"Yeah we did I just got a lot on my mind right now," said Chuck. He felt hurt she didn't say was leaving but in all honesty if she had he would've tried to stop her again. "Well let's get ready the party is about to start."