Don't own Chuck
Doctor Greg came to in some sort of basement. It took him a little while for things to come in focus. His head felt like someone had taken a jackhammer to it and tried to open his skull. Looking around he had a hard time seeing because of the dim lighting. His throat felt like he'd tried to swallow a mouthful of sand. Then he remembered he was kidnapped he tried the get up but found he was tied to a chair.
"Good you've finally come around," said a man in an Armani suit standing in front of him. "I was afraid they'd given you too much."
"Where am I? What do you want?" said the doctor as he fought against his restraints. "You can't keep me here against my will. I want to go."
"I have to apologize for the way you were brought here but when you tell me what I can and can't do with you your current situation seems to beg to differ. If you promise to behave I'll cut you loose."
The man in the Armani suit nodded to another man behind him. He came forward pulled a very long knife waving it in front of Greg's face making sure he could see it then cut the zip ties on his wrists. Greg rubbed them to get the circulation flowing again as he looked up at the man.
"Don't be stupid and stay seated. You're going to do something for me," said the man as he went and got a chair then set it in front of him.
"Why should I do anything for you? Especially after what you've done to me," said Greg as he looked around to see if there was an exit he could make it to but he just couldn't see that well in the dark.
"A very simple and selfish reason… self-preservation," said the man as he pulled a Glock 9 holding it in his hand across his lap.
"Hey wait a minute what are going to do with that thing," said Greg. His brain was racing as he tried to figure out what kind of trouble he was in.
"That depends on your answer. You see the man you've been curious about was exposed to a little virus I'm trying to sell. Surprisingly he's not dead which is bad for my business. You see part of its appeal is the fact that there's no cure..."
"You're worried the CDC doctor with synthesize a cure from Chuck's blood," said Greg as he looked at the man sitting across from him. "What kind of virus are we talking about here?"
"Does that really matter? Okay say for argument's sake we're talking about a weaponized version of a VHF strain. I assume you know what that is?"
"Of course I do," said Greg as he turn this around in his head. Suddenly the why for all the precautions and safeguards the CDC put in place became clear. "Okay so he's going to cost you money but what do expect me to do about it? I'm not like you or your people. My business is saving lives not taking them and I assume that's what you want me to do?"
"You see that's where you're wrong. You know all about triage and prioritizing patients. I think you know it's in your own best interest if you put yourself ahead of this Chuck person."
"I don't know if I can do that. It goes against everything I've sworn to uphold and believe in," said Greg hoping to get a way out.
"Well if that's your final word then... well I guess we'll have to go with plan B and find someone else more cooperative," said the man as he raised his weapon.
"Wait a minute can we rethink this. People have relapses all the time and people we think are out of the woods can take a turn for the worse."
"I think I like the way this is going. Here's a syringe that will help that along," said the man as he handed it to Greg. "All you have to do is get into his room and inject that in his IV then the job is done and you'll be 500k richer. That will go a long was to easing your conscience."
"So I just have to figure out how to get in the quarantine ward but the hazmat suit will protect my identity…"
"I like the way you think doc. You sure you haven't done this before or is that it you've helped a patient move on."
"I'm not Dr. Death and I've not to do with Kevorkian. I've never done anything of the kind and I resent the accusation."
"The lady doth protest too much. Whatever, anyway you've got two days to get this done or we go to plan B. Oh and don't think about telling anyone or going to the authorities you wouldn't like the consequences"
"How do I know you won't whack me as soon as I've done what you want? What guarantees can you give me?"
"You're alive now aren't you? As far as guarantees go I can guarantee you that I won't kill you today. There are no guarantees in this line of work but I know once you whack that guy you won't want the authorities to know about it. If you did go to them that would be a quick way for you to get the needle. My men will take you back to the parking garage and remember what I said about going to the cops."
The hood went back over his head and stayed on until he was literally tossed from the back of the speeding van.
"Geez next time you could at least slow down," yelled Greg as he got up and dusted himself off. Then he checked the syringe, the last thing he needed was for it to have been broken in the fall but it was safely protected in a small metal. He got in his car then looked at himself rear view mirror.
"Are you really going through with this," he said to himself. "If you do this there's no coming back."
"It's not like you've got a real choice if you don't do it then there might not be a tomorrow," he said answering himself. "These people play for keeps. Come on I'll take you out to get hammered."
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Morgan limped over the Casey's the General was milling about looking through his things as Alex made her a cup of coffee. The General looked at her watch wondering what was taking so long to round Grimes up then she noticed Casey's photo of Reagan hanging on the wall. She laughed then just shook her head.
"If you're wondering what I'm laughing at. Well people are going on about us getting our first female president when we already had one," said Diane as she took her cup of coffee from Alex. "Maybe we should've elected Bonzo at least he would've stayed awake during briefings."
"General were all present and accounted for," said Casey as he looked at her then at his photo. "You wanted to address us?"
"Yes just next time I'd like to know if Agent Grimes needs to shower, brush his teeth and change his clothes. I have other things to do besides standing around and reminiscing on the past that never was. With that having been said Agent Carmichael boarded the hypersonic this morning her time and is en route here as we speak. Jamil Al-Bayati is traveling with her to be reunited with his family…"
That's great news," said Morgan. He hugged Beckman without thinking about what he was doing. She responded by turning different shades of red.
"Agent Grimes, for goodness sakes get a grip on yourself man and get off me," said the General as she pushed him away. "I'm not asking for much at least pretend to be professional."
"Sorry General, I guess I got a little carried away," said Morgan as he caught Alex's look. "But that's great news. The band will be back together soon."
"Grimes pipe down and let the General speak," said Casey as he put his hand over Morgan's face. Morgan broke free then retreated behind Alex.
"I'm calling a foul for palming the ball," said Morgan. Alex just shook her head. "You might know it as carrying."
"Come over here and I'll let you take your free shot. That is if you've got the guts?" But when he didn't move Casey grunted. "I didn't think you did."
"I just don't want to hurt you with this big mission coming up, said Morgan. Casey shook his head and cracked his knuckles.
"Children if I can get your attention for a little bit longer then you can return to the playground and I can get out of here with only a slight headache. I expect this kind of behavior from Sam not you."
"It's Grimes he pushes my buttons sometimes," said Casey as Morgan stuck his tongue out. Casey responded by taking a grape soda can and crushing it with his hand. "You were saying Ma'am."
"Right there's one more thing I need to say but let me preface by saying this in no way changes anything we've got planned for our mission on board. Ettore La Barba escaped from custody after killing a guard and dressing up as a magistrate. He and an accomplice took a private jet to North Africa where they disappeared. Interpol is hot on their trail as we speak."
"Are you crazy? This changes everything. What am I going to do if he strolls up on board the ship? What am I supposed to say? This is my evil twin that I didn't know I had? Or how about 'uè Gumba' or 'ciao paesan'?"
"You leave that for me to handle," said Casey as he cracked his knuckles. "This is turning out to be a great mission. I get to whack-a-troll I feel like I won the jackpot."
"John can you promise that when you're whacking can you please make sure you're whacking the right beard?"
"I'll do my best but you know how things go in the heat of the moment all bearded trolls look the same. Darn the bad luck and who's to say it isn't. You got any other wise remarks to make?"
"Come on big guy can't you take a little kidding. We're just having a little fun... joking around. You know blowing off a little steam and all that."
"General, Morgan isn't wrong. This mission is too important to leave it up to chance if the real La Barba shows up. We need some safeguards in place."
"Well, I don't think there's much chance of him showing up. The latest Intel we have on him has him flying to his base of operations in central South America. But I have people on the look out here for him. They'll let us know if he shows up…"
"Let us know if he shows up! No they need to take him out. Are we forgetting that this guy took out his own puppy?"
"Grimes that was something you invented in Moscow," said Casey. "The man is a cold blooded killer but he's not wanted by the ASPCA."
"I read it in his folder when I was getting into character as the people in theater call it. But I studied it to get into my character's head and it says it there in black and white."
"Ettore had a run in with a man everyone call 'dog face' because he was a former soldier turned merc. He was his first partner and well Ettore ended the partnership with a slight nudge out of a helicopter."
"I had every right to," said Morgan getting into character. "The man took the last Chinese dumpling. No one takes Ettore La Barba's last dumpling and lives to tell it."
"When on board stay away from me whoever is running this will probably be watching me closely. We can't risk blowing your covers."
"But we can use that to throw attention to other guests," said Alex. "You could mingle with the other guests dropping a word here and there which could help us."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. Now that is the way to conduct yourself during a briefing Agent Grimes," said the General. Morgan pointed at himself then at Casey with a puzzled look. "Well if there's nothing else I have my Major waiting in the car."
"I hope you left the window cracked and placed a dish of water inside for him. If not the ASPCA will be after you," said Morgan.
"One moment General I'd like a word in private," said Casey. "Alex take Grimes next door and check on the girls."
"You mean Ettore, and don't you forget it," said Morgan as he poked Casey in the chest with his finger. "Ouch your chest hurt my finger."
"Just think about what your face would do to my fist. Alex, please take Ettore and make sure everything is okay next door. Tell your mother I'll be right over.
"Come on Morgan or Ettore, Sam's waiting for her favorite patient," said Alex as she pulled him out of Casey's and into the courtyard."
"Colonel I know what you're going to say and I just don't have anyone else I can send. You trained him and considering what you had to work with you've done a good job. He's as ready as he's going to be. Now is the time to cut him free and see what he can do.
"General you know as well I do to take on a cover and go in deep isn't easy for a seasoned operative let alone someone like Grimes who's for all practical purposes still a novice."
"Colonel if I didn't know any better I'd say you have feelings for Agent Grimes but seeing as he will be your future son-in-law is understandable."
"General with all do respect I'm concerned about the mission."
"I'm sure you are and keep telling yourself that. I'm sorry but your request is denied."
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Sarah had tossed and turned throughout the night wondering what she'd find when she got back home. In the end she got up deciding to try the sofa instead. She wished Chuck would call her she had a longing to hear his voice. The decision to get on the plane was the right one for everyone else but she wasn't sure if it had been the right for them. She told herself second guessing wasn't good but still she couldn't help it. In the middle of her soul searching Walnut put in her two cents.
"Oh ouch," she said as Walnut kicked her hard. She automatically turned to reach out for Chuck then she remembered where she was. Her first reaction was to take out her phone to call him but then she'd have to call the ward and so on and so forth. In the end she talked herself out of it.
She was already up still holding her phone in her hand when Cole gave her a wakeup call. So after rousing Jamil she went to find something to eat and discovering there wasn't much for breakfast so she settled for a box of dried cereal. Sitting in the kitchen she ate handful after handful trying to figure out how she got here with Capt'n Crunch keeping her company.
"You want some," offered Sarah when Jamil he walked into the galley. "There's not much else I'm afraid. Normally we'd have the barge serviced but there wasn't time."
"No but a cup of tea would be nice if we've got time." Sarah sat her box down then got out two cups put water in them then placed them in the microwave. Until Cole arrived they spent the morning in silence each with their own problems to think through.
When Cole arrived they loaded up then drove to Mildenhall where the hypersonic was waiting in a hangar. Sarah had to do some explaining to get Jamil on board but after a few phone calls to Langley they were buckled in and ready for takeoff.
They were just finishing crossing the North Atlantic and about to start the transit across Canada when the copilot came back to tell Sarah she had an incoming communication. The monitor flickered then Chuck appeared.
"Hey babe I'm sorry if I didn't call earlier," said Chuck. "But I think I set a new sleeping record. You look tired did you get any rest on the barge?"
"Some but it wasn't very restful. Walnut gave me a good kick but I think that was because I'm here and you're there," said Sarah she looked over at Jamil. He was asleep so she could talk. "Tell me I did the right thing getting on that plane?"
"Of course you did. I know at the time I might not have been happy but things seem to be working out. I really can't get into it right now but it looks like we've got a lead on the rest of the canisters."
"That's good but I can't wait to be home with you and Sam. Any word about when they're going to take you out of isolation?"
"I hope soon staring at these walls all day is making me a little crazy. I talked with Sam she wants to see me but I told her she couldn't. I don't know how much she really understood."
"I talked with her too. She needs her mother... Chuck tell me am I doing the same thing mine did to me abandoning her with her father," asked Sarah as her eyes welled up. "Is there something wrong with me and worse I'm going to do this to Walnut too?"
"Hey where's this coming from? So you left Sam with me. That's not really the same as leaving her with Jack. At least I hope you don't think so? You were gone a couple of days that's not ten years. Believe me I know what abandonment feels like and this isn't it. Samaa is going to be united with her parents thanks to you and Sam knows that. She's proud to have a badass mother who can save the day…"
"And father," added Sarah. "Don't forget yourself. I knew I needed to talk to you; you always make me feel better. I love you."
"I love you too. That's what I'm supposed to do... it's in the contract. Husbands are supposed to support and love their badass wives. If you want I can show you it one of these days."
"I think I'd like to see that," said Sarah as she yawned. "Oh I'm sorry."
"I think I need to let you go so you can get some rest before you land. Listen I got an idea let me run it by you quickly before I let you go," he said as he explained it and she smiled as she listened.
"See that's why you're a good father. I'll make it happen," she said. They talked for a little bit longer until Sarah was too tired to stay awake. However, this time when she went to sleep she got rest.
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Interpol agents waited at the airport in Bogotá out of sight. They'd received a tip that the notorious arms dealer and fugitive was flying in on a private plane. They weren't going to take any chances that Ettore was going to get away again so everything was planned out in detail. They had extradition papers in hand and a special prisoner transport plane standing by on the tarmac to whisk him away before anyone could interfere. The trap was set now they just needed the mouse to take the bait.
"Team leader this is control," radioed a man from a surveillance vehicle. "Tower control just authorized the target's plane to land."
"Roger that we've got men in place to work ground control. They'll bring the plane to us then we'll board it. Be ready with transport."
"Roger that I've got a transport vehicle ready. You need to be fast or the locals might try to interfere and the last thing we need is a jurisdictional squabble that gives the target an opportunity to escape."
"Roger that will do," said the Team leader as he was speaking to Control a man came up to him and passed him a note. "Hold up Control, I just got notified that a jet with our wing number has just landed. I've got it in sight now. Okay, gold and blue teams look alive it's going down now."
A Learjet dropped out of the sky onto the landing strip then taxied off onto the apron. There it was met and led towards the hangar. Men in bright yellow vests and lit batons directed the aircraft inside. Once they had the plane in the hangar the jet was ordered to power down then the agents sprang into action.
"Get this ladder up against the plane," yelled the Team leader as he and a couple of his men where pushed up next to the plane. They opened the hatch tossed in flash grenade then breached. There was mass confusion on board as the agents poured onboard pulling the pilot, and copilot off but as the smoke cleared it became evident the person missing was Ettore.
"What's going on," radioed Control. "Team leader report in. Crap! I've got the extraction vehicle on standby. Can I send it in, acknowledge."
"That would be a negative," radioed the Team leader back. "Target not onboard, I repeat target not onboard request permission to interrogate the flight crew."
"We don't have time for an interrogation," radioed control, "this was a bust, round your men up and let's go before the locals show up. I've already got chatter between the airport security, the police and the military."
[On another Learjet]
"Our contacts confirm that your plane was boarded in Bogotá. With egg on their face from this fiasco Interpol will think twice before doing another raid. This should give you a little breathing room."
"This was almost as good as the move I made I pulled on Volkoff. You don't know this but he developed a DNA weapon he called the Norseman. The device once it was programmed with your DNA would hunt you down and eliminated you. The beauty was there was nothing that you could do to stop it. When I found out about it I realized he intended to eliminate his competition. Funny but it was used after Volkoff fell I figured Riley wanted to take over the business but no... well whatever I should actually thank him he cleared a path for me."
"Well I guess the device didn't work that well you're still with us," said Paolo as he got them a drink then came back.
"That's what I thought but I went ahead and had a contact substitute my DNA sample. Odd thing is one day the mail man stopped showing up. Can you imagine what it would be like to possess a device like that? Find out from the pilot how much longer before we reach L.A."