Chapter 9: The Friend Zone
A/N: Man...I am blown away by your reviews! Uh...no pun intended considering the plot in this story...but thank you all!
Action you say? Well, here you go...and there's more on the way! Enjoy!
Carina and Zondra checked in an hour after heading to the drop point. It was a shell company in Erith, on the south bank of the Thames River.
They never made it inside the warehouse used as the drop for the nuclear device. It was crawling with Fulcrum.
After reporting in, Sarah and Casey decided to assault the warehouse, with help from DEVGRU and the SAS. They hoped to find something, anything to locate the bomb.
The plan was to go in soft, and catch Fulcrum by surprise. Casey would lead the assault, while the SAS troop provided security, and a QRF in case things got out of hand.
After scans of the warehouse did not reveal the heat signature of a nuke, the team got in position.
There was one catch. Chuck spotted explosives all around the warehouse. It would be up to Chuck to deactivate the explosives. Once the snipers took out the sentries, it would be his job to move in, and render the explosives safe.
Sarah wasn't going to be separated from her guy, so she would provide security while Chuck worked on the explosives.
Once the go order was given to terminate the sentries. Chuck and Sarah moved in.
"Sarah…stay close. Step where I step, and do what I do." Chuck said, moving slowly toward the warehouse.
Once at the gate, Chuck quickly cut the wire to the first set of explosives, then keyed his mic. "Alpha 1...gate secure. Moving to the compound."
As Chuck turned, he heard two shots ring out from Sarah's suppressed M4A1 rifle. Chuck spotted one additional person approaching, and raised his suppressed HK416...the man stepped into view. Chuck saw the weapon in his hands, took a breath, let it halfway out...and squeezed.
Chuck felt the recoil, and the percussion of the round leaving the barrel. He heard the thud of the round hitting the man in the head. The man went down.
Chuck closed his eyes briefly, then opened them, the sigh leaving his nostrils. Sarah turned and gave Chuck a nod. Chuck answered with a nod, and the pair proceeded to the compound.
Sarah held up a hand to halt the pair, and slung her M4A1 down to her side, drawing a knife. She approached a guard with his back to her, grabbed his mouth, and embedded the knife in his throat, pulling him down. Chuck scanned the area as Sarah gave a hand signal to continue.
The pair arrived at a door, and Chuck gently inspected the frame.
"It's wired." Chuck whispered, removing his cutters. Sarah took position behind him to provide cover.
Once the wire was cut, Chuck pat Sarah twice on the shoulder, opened the door, and cleared the area before going in. Sarah was right on his heels, scanning for threats as she walked in.
Chuck held up a hand, pointing to a device on the wall, and made an explosion animation with his hands. Sarah nodded, and moved with him to the device. They could hear voices in an adjacent room.
As Chuck and Sarah approached, Sarah was grabbed from behind. Chuck spun to help Sarah, but stopped as two guards rounded the corner in front of him, stop, and raised their weapons.
Chuck raised his weapon, and fired, advancing at an oblique pattern as he engaged both targets. The first guy went down soft. The second, got a shot off before Chuck fired two rounds, killing him.
Chuck turned to help Sarah…but it was clear she didn't need any help. He watched in amazement as the woman he loved, broke the bad guy's hold, disarmed the guy, and killed him with his own knife. The commotion got the attention of the people in the other room, and they were now heading to the hallway.
Unable to transition back to her suppressed M4A1, Sarah rolled to her side, drew her Glock 19, and emptied the magazine into the room. Chuck ran toward Sarah, engaging another guard moving on Sarah from her right. After dispatching the guard, he arrived at the door.
Chuck swung his primary weapon in the door, and shot the last guy in the room as Sarah performed a magazine change, holstered, and transitioned back to her primary weapon.
Sarah shot to her feet, pointing the barrel down the hallway as Chuck dropped his magazine, and loaded a new one, pushing the forward assist to send the round in the firing chamber. Chuck scanned the opposite side of the hall, then swung around. Sarah was now engaging multiple guards, and Chuck joined in.
By this time, Stone, running point, burst into the hallway. "Looks like you two started dancing early. You don't mind if I cut in, do you?"
"Be my guest." Chuck replied, dropped his magazine, and loaded a fresh one.
Stone's slid on his knees to a stopping position between Chuck and Sarah, and began laying down fire.
Chuck smirked as Stone jested. "Hell yeah! Like shootin' ducks in a barrel!"
Chuck, drew a knife, and quickly cut the wire to the control box for the explosives.
"Alpha 1…the explosives are down! Execute!" Chuck said, taking a moment to check Sarah. She had a slight cut on her arm, but otherwise she was fine.
Casey was the second in the hallway, with the SEAL platoon and the CATs right on his heels.
"Somebody call an exterminator?" Casey jested, then moved around the corner to engage bad guys.
"This shit hole is crawling with insects." Stone quipped.
Casey took in the scene, then turned. "Alright…Commander Saville…take your platoon and clear the second floor. Me, Bartowki, and the CATs will clear the first floor."
"On it." Saville said, leading his men to the stairs.
"I'll take point. Lieutenant...watch for explosives." Casey said angrily, clicking the safety off his M4A1. "Payback time."
"Stack up!" Sarah shouted, and she and the CATs stacked up against the wall. Casey took point, with Chuck behind him. Sarah hugged against Chuck, providing close protection.
"Set?" Casey said over his shoulder.
"SET!" Sarah shouted.
"MOVING!" Casey said, swinging around the corner. Chuck watched the left as Casey led the group down another hall. Shots rang out in the front, and Casey shouted. "DOWN!"
Casey and Chuck fired bursts into a room ahead of them, then dropped to a knee.
As the team dropped down, as shots could be heard zipping overhead. Casey removed a hand grenade.
"FRAG OUT!"
After the grenade exploded, Casey jumped up, firing into the room ahead of the group. Chuck pushed to the opposite wall, with Sarah moving over behind him.
The team moved in two groups down the hall, and stopped. Casey peeked down the opposite hall, and the hallway burst into gunfire.
"Fuck!" Casey said, then popped back around to fire a couple of bursts. Chuck was hugged against the all, bullets tearing into the wall close to his left. He gently pushed Sarah back.
Sarah looked at Zondra. "Z…20 mike mike!"
"On it!" Zondra said, swinging a 20mm grenade launcher, from her side, loading a high explosive grenade. Casey transitioned to the middle, dropping to one knee. Chuck turned, readying to fire from his position, with Sarah ready to fire from her knee. Casey looked at Zondra, who counted with her fingers. 3…2…1
Casey, Chuck, and Sarah swung out, and fired down the hallway, as Zondra fired the grenade from the launcher. The group ducked back to cover, as the percussion of the explosion filled the hallway. Screams could be heard down the hall.
"MOVE!" Casey shouted, then stepped in the hall. No shots rang out as the group cleared the section of the hall. Casey approached the room, and one bad guy was frantically trying to operate the charging handle on his weapon.
Casey stopped. "Hey…dumbass!"
The guy turned, and Casey fired two rounds into his chest, with a final round to his head.
Turning, Casey had a sadistic smile on his face. "Next!"
Sarah heard crushing glass down the opposite hall, and swung her weapon around. She saw a raised weapon, and fired a burst. The team turned, as muzzle flashes erupted in the hallway. Sarah moved down the hallway, firing bursts from her weapon. She heard a click, transitioned to her Glock, and shot the last two men in the chest.
"Wow…." Chuck said in amazement. "Is she a ninja?"
Carina slapped Chuck on the back. "Is she like that in bed too?"
Chuck smirked, swinging his weapon around to cover Sarah.
Casey scanned the rest of the area, and keyed his radio. "Alpha 2…this is Alpha 1…sitrep."
Second floor clear. Five enemy KIA.
"Solid copy." Casey said, then narrowed his eyes, pointing to a room.
"Movement." Casey said, as Carina swept down the hallway, kicked the door open with the team right behind her, and froze. There was a blonde woman down behind a desk, her hands raised.
"Please don't shoot me! I'm not armed!"
Carina rolled her eyes. "Cover."
Behind her, Zondra held the woman at gunpoint. "Covering!"
Carina yanked the woman to her feet, spun her around and checked her for weapons. Satisfied she wasn't armed, she placed the woman in zip ties.
Casey keyed his radio. "Bravo 1…this is Alpha 1, warehouse secure. One prisoner coming out."
Solid copy, Alpha 1. Perimeter secure.
The assault lasted all of 30 minutes. Stone and Saville were busying themselves with taking pictures of the now deceased Fulcrum members, with Stone saying. "Say cheese" or "Come, on. Show me them pearly whites" before snapping pictures.
One Fulcrum member survived the assault. A female that wasn't even armed. Carina and Zondra escorted the prisoner back to HQ to interrogate her.
As Chuck and Sarah arrived back at the van, Chuck removed his helmet, and a Tasmanian Devil of blonde hair tattooed herself to his lips.
After coming up for air, Sarah smiled. "That was for taking care of that guy during my reload."
Chuck shrugged. "I'm sure you had it under control. Almost feel bad for that guy that grabbed you. I think he died more from embarrassment than from what you did to him. That was just…brutal."
Sarah snorted, but stopped when she saw Chuck sigh. "Chuck…what's wrong."
Chuck cleared his HK416, and placed it back in the case. "I hate killing."
Sarah grabbed Chuck's face so their eyes met. "I know, sweetie. We have got to find Ilsa and that nuke."
"I know." Chuck said stoically. "You'd think after three combat deployments…I'd be used to it. I don't think I'll ever get used to it…not that I want to."
Sarah rested her hands on Chuck's neck, massaging his tension. "That's one of the things I love about you, Chuck. Your compassion. Just…don't let it change who you are."
"I won't." Chuck said. "It's naive to think I won't have to pull the trigger in this line of work. I get that. Doesn't mean I have to like it when I do."
Sarah nodded in understanding. "That's your conscience reminding you that you're human. It's natural." Sarah paused. "Or, let me put this another way. What we have learned about Fulcrum is scary, even to me. They have butchered entire families to send messages…including children. Personally…I'm going to sleep like a baby tonight knowing these bastards can't hurt anyone else. That doesn't mean I don't respect…and admire you for your compassion."
Sarah kissed Chuck softly on the lips. "It's okay, Chuck. You did what you had to do."
Chuck nodded, and glanced off in the distance. The city lights illuminated the night sky.
"You're right, Sarah. We have to stop these people. All these innocent people…deserve nothing less from us."
Chuck sighed, as the images of 9/11 passed through his mind, and the vow he made so long ago. "If you want peace...prepare for war." Chuck said softly.
Sarah, smiled sadly. "Come on. Let's get some rest. I have a feeling we have a long couple of days ahead of us."
Chuck nodded. "Agreed. Thing is...I think these will be the longest days of our lives."
Sarah joined Chuck in the observation room the next morning as Zondra and Carina continued their interrogation of the captured Fulcrum woman. Her name was Sylvia. It was her job to manage Fulcrum's finances.
Chuck had his hand resting on his forehead, as he compared what Sylvia was saying to what they already had.
Sarah sat a cup of coffee next to Chuck, who thanked her with his eyes, and a small smile.
"Anything new?" Sarah asked, taking a sip from her cup.
"Just that Sylvia is a cougar. Likes younger men. Has the sex drive of a 16-year-old, and traded her posh…but apparently boring life as an accountant's wife for a life of terrorism, mayhem, blackmail, extortion, money laundering…and all the Twinkies you can eat."
Sarah snorted, nearly spitting coffee on the observation glass. She swatted Chuck playfully, heaving with laughter. "Are you always this funny?"
Chuck shrugged, folding his arms. "Sorry. It's in my DNA. And I'm dead serious about the Twinkies part. She loves Twinkies."
Sarah rolled her head back, laughing. It was even funnier when Chuck pointed at Sylvia, who was opening another Twinkie, going on and on about how much money Fulcrum laundered in the past year.
"She is cocky, I'll give her that." Chuck said, taking a sip of his coffee. "And I'm surprised her heart isn't screaming for help with all that sugary, creamed filled goodness clogging those arteries."
Sarah heaved in laughter. "I'm surprised she kept that hourglass figure. She must get plenty of exercise with those…um…spry, younger guys, huh?"
Chuck gave Sarah a goofy grin. "I guess. She must have a very active metabolism. I've already seen her consume half a box."
Sarah gave Chuck a coy look. "She must really enjoy that…cream filling."
Chuck nearly choked on his coffee, snorting.
Sarah bounced a shoulder. "I know a lot of agents like Sylvia. Adrenaline-filled sex between missions. I think that's how they decompress."
"I take it you're describing Carina?" Chuck asked seriously.
Sarah nodded. "Carina, Zondra, and our former partner Amy loved clubbing between missions. Sometimes I would go just to…dance and have a good time. Carina often tried to set me up with guys…but I'm not that kind of girl." Sarah sighed. "I wasn't going to let my first time be the result of a one night stand...and the guys she selected were too full of themselves. Carina and Zondra liked the no strings attached kind of guy." Sarah sighed. "I was waiting for you, and just didn't know it back then."
Chuck reached over and took Sarah by the hand. His tone was soft, and sincere. "I can definitely relate. Ellie tried to set me up on dates after Jill…" Chuck sighed heavily. "Jill…was my first time. I wish I had waited for you, Sarah."
Sarah smiled. "Chuck, don't feel bad about that. You were engaged. You were planning your future together. It was natural for that to happen."
Chuck pondered Sarah's words. "That's just the thing. After we got engaged…there was no discussion whatsoever of planning a wedding. I think she was already sleeping with Bryce by then…and enjoyed stringing me along."
Sarah smiled sadly. "I'm so sorry that happened to you. For the record…Jill is a piece of shit. I love you. I see a future with you…and I am really looking forward to it."
Chuck smiled. "So am I. We just…have to work around our careers." Chuck paused. "Sarah…if it gets…hard…I would resign my commission if I had to."
Sarah's eyes shot to Chuck. She covered her mouth, tears threatening her eyes. "You would do that…for me?"
"Anything. I would do whatever it takes to be with you." Chuck said softly.
Sarah cupped Chuck's face, and placed a soft kiss on his lips. "I would do the same to be with you, Chuck. In fact…I think it would make more sense if I resigned. Deep cover assignments aren't conducive to a healthy relationship."
Chuck sighed. "I couldn't ask you to do that."
"You wouldn't have to ask." Sarah said softly. "You mean more to me than my job, Chuck. I love you. Nothing will ever change that."
Chuck kissed Sarah softly on the lips. "I love you too. You are my joy, Sarah."
Sarah caressed Chuck's cheeks. "And you are my heart, Chuck."
Chuck gave a lop-sided smile, pointing at Sylvia. "Our Twinkie munching Fulcrum bookie reminds me of Katie from Scary Movie 3."
Sarah looked confused. "Scary Movie 3?"
"It's a movie. You…haven't seen it?"
"I, uh…haven't watched very many movies lately." Sarah said, taking a sip of coffee.
Chuck frowned. "Have you ever seen a movie?" Chuck asked softly, not wanting to embarrass her.
Sarah perked up. "I do like Mannequin."
Chuck's frown grew to a slow goofy smile. "Really? You mean the Ice Queen…the worst nightmare of bad guys…and bad girls worldwide is a fan…of…Mannequin?"
Sarah sighed. "You think that's corny, don't you?"
"No, no, no…I'm impressed. That's all." Chuck said excitedly. "Did you see the sequel?"
Sarah smiled happily. "Mmhm. The original was better."
"I agree." Chuck said through a smile. "Well…I think I found our first choice for movie night."
"Movie night?" Sarah asked curiously.
"Well…Ellie, Awesome, sometimes Morgan, and I have a tradition. We have movie night at least once a week. The night depends on everyone's schedules. So…yeah. Movie night."
Sarah smiled. "I can't wait. And…I mean that." Sarah turned coy. "The thought of cuddling up with you watching a movie is a…nice thought."
Chuck smiled. "Then we…Miss Walker…will schedule our first movie night once we save the world from…" Chuck pointed to Sylvia. "Twinkie eating terrorists."
Sarah laughed, leaning her head into Chuck's shoulder. "I'm holding you to that promise, Chuck."
Sarah smiled devilishly. "And, uh…I'm looking forward to…um…spending a little quality time with you in our bed."
Chuck coughed nervously. "Uh…our bed?"
"Mmhm." Sarah said, touching the tip of Chuck's nose. "Our bed."
"Okay…yeah…uh…serious question?"
"What is it?" Sarah replied curiously.
"Do you snore?" Chuck grabbed his arm when Sarah pinched him on the shoulder.
"Come on! That's a serious question!" Chuck said, laughing.
Sarah, not laughing, grabbed Chuck by his shirt, and planted a searing kiss on his lips. "Doesn't matter. I don't plan on doing much sleeping in…our bed. You got that?" Sarah said in a sweet tone.
"Uh, huh." Chuck wheezed.
Sarah grinned. "I have a serious question of my own. Do you fart in your sleep?"
Chuck burst into laughter. Sarah shrugged. "You asked for it."
"Yes, yes I did." Chuck said, coming down off his laughter.
Sarah turned to face Sylvia, and Chuck grinned. "Regarding...our bed...you're talking about sex…right?"
Sarah burst into laughter, and the door opened. It was Casey.
"We got a hit off one of the numbers on the cougar's phone." Casey said, handing Sarah a file.
"Unregistered number…this could be it."
Sarah handed the file to Chuck. "You think Piranha can nibble his way to finding this number?"
"Num, num." Chuck said, standing to leave the room.
Chuck followed Casey down to the conference room, took a seat, and opened his laptop. He popped his fingers, and his neck…and went right to work.
Casey began looking over a few files on his own laptop…and froze. Chuck was biting his lower lip, his fingers flying across the keyboard.
Suddenly, Chuck stopped. "Got it."
"Huh?" Casey said confused. "That quick?"
"Yep. Ilsa purchased a burner from a kiosk chain called QuickMobile. 5000 minutes and up to 100GB of mobile data. Paid with cash." Chuck replied, then tapped into CCTV at Heathrow Airport, where Ilsa purchased the phone. Once he had the footage, he turned his laptop to Casey.
"There she is."
Casey grunted. "Okay. Walk me through how you did that."
"I tapped into the UK's telephone registry, and found the company that matches the cell number. From there, I traced the number to which cell carrier that had the number registered…and tracked it to the exact kiosk where the cell number was logged. They put the phone serial number and cell phone number on the receipt, along with the transaction date. Once I got the receipt, the rest was cake."
"Impressive. And I'm annoyed I can't call you dumbass anymore." Casey grunted. "Now we can track her ass down."
Chuck nodded, and started typing again. "I'll have her location in just a sec."
Using cellular towers, Chuck was able to track the phone's location.
"Waterloo Station." Chuck said.
"Let's go." Casey said, and the pair were out the door.
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey crossed the street and saw the entrance to Waterloo Station. About 50 feet behind them, the CATs, Saville, and Stone maintained their distance to provide security.
Sarah wore a black coat, with a MP5 on a sling under her coat. Casey drew his M45 MEU(SOC) from his holster, and began attaching a suppressor. Chuck walked slightly ahead of the trio, inspecting everything he saw that looked out of place, or odd.
The trio walked briskly through the entrance, and proceeded to the platform.
After descending to the platform, Chuck paused. It wasn't rush hour yet, but there was still a significant crowd. He walked slowly through the crowd, and glanced at his phone. The signal appeared to be coming from behind a service door. Chuck pointed to the door, and Sarah moved first, reaching under her coat to grip her MP5.
Chuck swept the door to look for a wire, but did not see one. Sarah removed her lock picking kit, and had the door unlocked in seconds. Sarah had her MP5 at the ready, as Chuck opened the door, and entered with his Glock 19 at the ready. Casey held back and scanned the crowd to provide cover.
On a chair, was a cell phone. Chuck checked for a wire. Satisfied it was clear, he picked up the phone, and sighed.
"She's screwing with us." Chuck said.
Sarah turned, and addressed Casey. "All clear."
Just then, the phone rang. Unknown Caller. Chuck answered.
"Hello, Ilsa…or should I call you Sheba?"
Ilsa laughed softly. Well…since we've been properly introduced, Ilsa will do. I'm impressed, Lieutenant Bartowski. I didn't think you would find my phone this soon. It's refreshing having an adversary that is my equal.
Chuck motioned to the phone, and Casey got on his phone to trace the call.
"I'm honored you think of me as your equal, Ilsa. Why don't you come in, and we'll talk about that over coffee? My treat."
That's considerate of you, Chuck. I'm afraid my schedule is booked. I will take a rain-check. Mind if I call you Chuck?
"Not at all. All my friends do. Are we friends?"
I'd like to think so. Just because we're on opposite sides doesn't mean we can't be civil. By the way…I'd like to apologize for shooting you. I had Sarah in my crosshairs, and what you did was very noble in saving her. I'm glad you survived. And...I'm glad Sarah did too. Yes...I know you're lovers. I'm happy for you both.
Chuck took a deep breath. "I forgive you. Yes, Sarah is very special to me. Why did you try to kill her?" Chuck already knew the answer, but he hoped she would give away a clue.
She killed my mother. Not that I loved my parents. They raised me to be what I am. I can't fault them for that. But…neither of them cherished me as a child. They thought of me as a weapon. It was nothing personal. Just business. I had to defend my family's honor. Just imagine if it were your sister…yes I know all about your sister, Chuck. Tragic really. Two children orphaned and forced to fend for themselves. You have my respect.
Chuck's blood ran cold. "Ilsa…please leave my sister out of this."
Sarah jerked her head, and dialed a number. Chuck heard her say, "Director…I need security on Lieutenant Bartowski's sister ASAP."
You misunderstand me, Chuck. I would never harm your dear sister. That's why we are talking.
Chuck narrowed his eyes. "Thank you for that. Okay…I'm listening."
You're welcome. You're a good man, Chuck. So considerate. I like that. I wouldn't waste my time talking to you if I didn't hold you in high regard. So…let me explain to you what is about to happen. And have no illusions…there will be nothing you can do to stop it.
London has been burned before. A lot of people in the greater London area are going to die. Fulcrum needs to send a message to the entire world…that no place is safe. A new day is dawning…with Fulcrum taking the place of all the world's corruption…and replacing it with a regime that will rule justly. People must be controlled. They can not control themselves. After London…it will just be the beginning, until all the world's leaders fall to Fulcrum's knees. Fulcrum's glorious empire will rise from the ashes. London will be a monument to Fulcrum's greatness.
"Ilsa…I'm asking this as a friend…why kill millions of innocent people? There are other ways to send a message without doing something so drastic."
I admire your compassion, Chuck. I do. Unfortunately…the world is not a compassionate place. I consider you a friend. So, here is my warning to you. Walk away. Go home to your sister, and enjoy your life. You can even take Sarah with you. Enjoy you lives together.
Chuck closed his eyes. "You know I can't do that. I have to try and stop you. I think you already know that."
Sadly, I do. I won't like it…but I won't hesitate if you get in my way. I will mourn your loss, Chuck…and say a silent prayer for your sister's grief…and even Sarah's. But, I won't hesitate to kill you.
Chuck looked at Casey, who shook his head. They didn't have the call. Chuck glanced down at his personal phone, and handed Sarah the phone so she could read what he was about to say.
"That's a shame, Ilsa. I thought we were friends."
Chuck…we are friends. That's why I want you to walk away.
"A friend wouldn't threaten a friend, Ilsa. Or would they try to kill the very person they sent to kill their own mother. You turned over the information to your superiors that resulted in the CIA termination on your mother. That's hypocritical."
How…how did you…
"I just know. I also know your parents abused you at an early age, and Fulcrum planted you in French Intelligence. They ordered you to have you own mother killed as a test of your loyalty. They considered you damaged goods." Chuck paused. "Ilsa…as your friend…you need help. Please…tell us where the bomb is, come in, and you have my word I will help you."
I'm sorry, Chuck. I can't do that. The bomb will go off during the NATO Summit. After all…a promise…is a promise.
Ilsa hung up the phone, and Chuck approached Sarah. "Well…at least she told me when. During the NATO Summit."
Sarah handed Chuck's phone back, an astonished look on her face. "You found Fulcrum's servers…and hacked their files?"
Chuck winked. "I got bored."
Sarah snorted at their inside joke.
Casey grunted and pointed to the entrance to the platform. Agent Barker arrived, and had a concerned look on his face.
"Zondra informed me you had a lead on Ilsa Tranchina. Is she here?"
"It was a bust. She left a burner. Wanted to have a word with Chuck." Sarah said, handing Cole the phone.
Cole addressed Chuck. "What did she say, Chuck?"
"Oh, just your typical chat. She wanted to be friends, but she is still going to vaporize London. If you are hoping she was going to be the typical villain and disclose her diabolical plans…I'm afraid the only thing she did offer is timing. During the NATO Summit. I must be losing my touch. You know…getting friend-zoned by a deranged terrorist." Chuck said, shrugging after the statement.
Cole smirked. "You have a morbid sense of humor."
"Comes with the territory. That, and I didn't have my morning coffee. I am trying to switch to decaf, but my body is organizing a revolt."
Sarah snorted, giving Chuck a playful glare. She was already laughing after the friend-zone comment.
Cole laughed low, and addressed Sarah. "So far we have every available agency combing through the London Underground searching for the device. Nothing so far."
Casey glanced at this clock. "Well…that leaves us with less than 12 hours to find the damn thing."
Chuck clapped his hands together. "Welp. Looks like an all-nighter. Thought I left those days behind me at Stanford. Guess I should have picked a different career, huh?
"Colonel Casey…do you mind making the coffee this time? I need to crush a revolt."
Casey grunted. "Idiot."
Sarah leaned close, whispering in Chuck's ear. "I can think of a few ways to wake you up."
Chuck's eyes widened. "Yep! That did it!"
A/N: Coming up next...can Chuck and Sarah find the nuke in time to save the free world?