A/N: From what I see you enjoyed the twist of the previous chapter. This is what follows. I'm sorry it took so long to update, but it couldn't be helped, especially not with yesterday's glitch that afflicted the site. At least you won't have to wait long for the next chapter.
Chapter 18
"Did you guys see that? We won!" Molly bounced excitedly up and down. She was completely justified in doing so. She had scored the winning goal just before the game ended.
"Not only did we see the whole thing, but we captured it all on high definition video," Chuck said, hefting his Orion video camera. "Your Mommy and Daddy will be able to watch the game when they get back."
Molly jumped on Chuck and threw her arms around his neck, giving him a sloppy kiss on the cheek. "Thank you, Chuck!"
"Who's in the mood for some ice cream?" Emma asked.
"Rocky Road?" Molly asked hopefully.
"What else, sweetie? Come on, let's go."
"She's really got the same taste in ice cream as you do," Chuck whispered to Sarah as they walked holding hands to his car.
"It runs in the family," she replied. "Her Mom, my Mom and Carina, all like Rocky Road, too."
-o-
The fun weekend over, they were all, and by all meaning the expanded CIA team, on Stephen's Gulfstream private jet, flying east for the meeting with Graham. At the Director's request, one more passenger was on the plane: Major John Casey.
"Anyone up for a game of cards to pass the time?" Morgan asked, holding up a deck.
"This isn't one of the marked decks we use on missions, is it?"
"Chuck, buddy, relax. I'd never misappropriate government issued gear. Besides, we returned all our equipment when we left the Agency."
"Apparently, not all," Sarah commented, pulling her jacket aside to reveal the holster with the Smith & Wesson 5906 9mm automatic Chuck had given her.
"This was Chuck's. He once bought several guns for Orion Computers, both for use by their security guards and for the development of aiming and training aids, as well as special ammunition," Bryce explained.
"You know, I was pretty shocked to discover that he has an arsenal under the couch," she said, taking a seat at the poker table. "He said something about always keeping weapons handy. Was it the ten or thirty foot rule?"
"And, as I told you, there's no need to worry about Molly finding it by accident."
"You certainly put my mind at ease, considering how much time she'll be spending at your place while we're gone." Chuck had once again pleasantly surprised Sarah by telling her little niece that she could use the gaming system in his living room even while they were away on business. Ellie, Devon and Alex Casey would let her into his apartment any time Emma agreed to bring her over.
"So, Casey, any hints as to what awaits us in Langley?" Bryce asked.
"Your guess is as good as mine, Larkin. General Beckman just told me to get my ass over there ASAP for a joint op," Casey replied. "Cut the deck and I'll deal."
"We should get something to drink. Obviously, it's too early for booze, but I believe ice tea will be an acceptable substitute." Morgan poured ice tea into several whiskey glasses and brought them to the table. Casey stuck a huge cigar in his mouth, but didn't light it, since no one else smoked.
Playing cards kept them all entertained throughout the flight. The conversation also included speculating about the mission they had been called upon to undertake. But not even Chuck and Sarah, who had the specific details uploaded into their brains, had any clue as to what it might be. Stephen had told them that these files were locked and would be accessed only when Graham gave them the key.
-o-
Chuck paused as he looked at the CIA headquarters building. He never expected to see it again so soon, not as an agent at any rate. He'd rather see it as an Orion Computers rep. Sarah must have sensed his discomfort and supportively gripped his arm.
"I didn't expect to find myself here either," she told him. "I rejected Graham's job offers twice and yet here I am, about to officially become an agent, at least temporarily."
"There is a bright side to it. We'll be together all the way in this."
"You can say that again. By the way, I had this fantasy for a long time: you and I, spying together. I'll finally get to live it out."
"Can I confess something, too?" Chuck asked. She nodded. "I had the same fantasy ever since we first worked together."
"Guys, come on," Bryce interrupted their private moment. "Graham is waiting for us upstairs."
They were all issued special passes at the security desk and made their way up to where the Director's office was located. His secretary looked up from her desk and smiled as she recognized them.
"Good morning guys. The Director is expecting you."
"Good morning Sydney," Chuck replied.
"Couldn't stay away for long, could you?"
"Nah, it's just for a short time. We'll go back to being civilians again, soon."
"You know he's going to do everything possible to make you change your mind, right?"
"Come on, who do you think you're talking to, Sydney? I can read the Bossman pretty well."
"You can go right in."
Graham rose from his seat to greet them as they entered his sanctum sanctorum. "I trust you had a pleasant flight," he said.
"It was fine," Chuck replied.
"Care to explain the mysterious summons, Boss?" Bryce asked.
"I will in due time. Did Chuck happen to mention that it's his fault you're all here?"
"He didn't go into details, but yes, he kind of did."
"Good thing he did. I wanted you to hear it from me and hear it straight."
"We're all ears, sir."
The intercom on Graham's desk crackled to life. "Sir, General Beckman is here."
"Show her in, Sydney."
"Right away, sir."
"Sorry I'm late," NSA Director Brigadier General Diane Beckman said.
"On the contrary, you're right on time."
"Thank you Director Graham. Shall we begin?"
"By all means. As you may have guessed, this is going to be another joint project. I requested Major Casey specifically, given how well he worked with you on the Zurich assignment."
"I have been fully brought up to speed on the very special nature of your assignment, and I'm talking about Agents Carmichael and…"
"Burton, General," Sarah supplied. "I'm Jenny Burton."
"You told me their, um, participation was rather accidental, right?"
"But fortuitous nonetheless," Graham said. "You know about Carmichael, and Burton is just as good. She has all it takes to do the job." He was only partly exaggerating. He'd seen what Sarah could do and he was damn certain that she'd make a great agent, if only a temporary one.
"Could someone please tell us too something?" Bryce asked. "All we know is that Chuck and Jenny uploaded something called the Intersect into their brains."
"Certainly. But first, there is something that needs to be taken care of. Chuck, Jenny, take a look at this." Graham held up a card. It had a strange design on it.
"And?" Chuck asked.
"Yes, what was that about?"
"Does the name Fulcrum ring a bell?"
The CIA emblem
Tasking order for the creation of a special section called Fulcrum
List of operations undertaken by the Fulcrum Section
Its disbandment order
Notable agents assigned to it
Illegal operations undertaken by Fulcrum personnel following disbandment
The CIA emblem
"Fuck me sideways," Chuck muttered.
"The card I showed you unlocked the files you uploaded," Graham explained. "Now you can access them."
"It was like having the CIA's entire file on Fulcrum flashing before my eyes," Sarah said.
"Well, I saw it with my own two eyes," Beckman commented. "It works."
"Of course it does. The people behind it are the best," Graham informed her.
"So, Boss, our mission has something to do with Fulcrum having become a rogue cabal?"
"Yes. Had they limited their membership to former CIA personnel, it would have been a matter for law enforcement. They do, however, have several active agents, analysts and other personnel in their ranks. They even recruited from the NSA and other agencies. We keep tabs on those we know for certain that are involved, but they have yet to lead us to the big fish, Fulcrum's actual leadership."
"I suppose you checked the original higher chain of command in the section," Sarah said.
"We did. And they all checked out. As best as we can tell, though without concrete evidence, the idea to keep Fulcrum alive and turn it into a mercenary organization originated close to but definitely below its original leadership. The problem is that there is too large a suspect pool."
"We have foiled a number of their plots over time," Beckman added. "And we have captured a number of their operatives, but we were unable to find anything about the people pulling the strings. This is where you come in."
"Certain leads turned up recently. The NSA and the CIA both picked up chatter from various sources about a big deal going down soon. Make no mistake, this is serious. We have the unique opportunity to decapitate Fulcrum by taking out its leadership."
"Boss, there might be a problem," Chuck interrupted. Beckman shot him a funny look over the informal manner, but kept quiet.
"Tell me."
"You said Fulcrum has both retired and active CIA and NSA people on board. We can't use any of our known aliases, or use Carmichael Enterprises as a cover. Jenny is new, so there is no way in hell they know her. But the rest of us, Casey included, have been in the game for quite a while now."
"Surely, you must have at least one unused ID," Chuck.
"As a matter of fact, I do. So does Bryce, I believe."
"I've never used an alias, but I have a few identities ready just in case," Morgan added.
"Same here," Casey said. "I have a couple of aliases to choose from."
"Then the matter is considered settled." Graham was satisfied. He was optimistic at the operation's prospects.
"One more thing, Boss," Chuck said. "Jenny mentioned something about the files flashing before her eyes. I, of course, experienced the exact same thing. Therefore, I suggest we refer to these recalls and any activations of the Intersect as 'flashes' from now on."
"Agreed. Now, we haven't been able to ascertain exactly what Fulcrum is currently up to, so you'll have to find out. But we know where it's going down." Graham paused for effect. "You're all going to Paris."
Chuck and Sarah turned to look at each other and smiled. Perhaps they could blow off some steam in the City of Love after the mission was over. It didn't escape the General's attention. She looked quizzically at Graham, who merely shrugged. She didn't press the issue. If Graham was OK with it, and on top of it all she knew of Carmichael's excellent reputation, she had no problem either.
"What's our cover going to be?" Casey, ever the pragmatist, asked.
"General Beckman and I believe it's better for you to go as tourists. You'll be less liable to attract any unwelcome attention that way."
"The files agents Carmichael and Burton uploaded have every scrap of intel we have on Fulcrum and its activities so far. We canvassed all our resources for them, so we believe you stand a good chance of accomplishing your mission." She handed out some folders. "Here you'll find the latest information you'll need, including a list of possible meeting places compiled from the most recent communications intercepts. In addition, you'll be given money and you're also expected to take care of all details pertinent to your covers. To his end, we have arranged for you to have the support of people we can trust implicitly. Good hunting, people."
The team left Graham's office. Sydney handed them envelopes containing money and other necessary items. Like General Beckman had said, they would have to take care of the details of their cover identities themselves, revealing them only to Graham and Beckman. All communications would be direct, handled by a select few staffers who had been with the two directors for years.
-o-
"Tell me, Chuck, who are you going to be for this mission?" Sarah asked.
"Obviously, I won't be Charles Carmichael. But I decided to become Chuck Charles."
"Chuck Charles? Not Charles Charles?"
"It has a better ring to it."
"That it does. What about you, guys?"
"I'll be Tom Anderson," Bryce replied.
"Showoff," Chuck muttered.
"Huh?" Sarah was confused.
"The Matrix," Chuck replied. "Tom Anderson was the lead character in the movie series."
"Figures," she said.
*grunt* (Get serious, people)
"What about you, Casey?"
"Meh, I'll just use an identity I've been keeping in reserve for just such an eventuality. I'll be Alexander Coburn. That just leaves Grimes."
"Morgan Grimes is no more," Morgan said. "From now on I'm Martin Grissom."
"Grissom… sounds familiar," Sarah said.
"Of course it does. Morgan's alias was partly inspired by Cyrus 'The Virus' Grissom."
"Like in the movie we watched together last week?"
"Exactly like in the movie," Chuck confirmed. "But Casey should be The Virus."
"Has he really killed more people than cancer?"
"No, but he's getting close," Bryce laughed.
"You can laugh about it all you want, but when the shit hits the fan, it's firepower that will save the day."
"We were not making fun of you, Casey," Sarah assured him. "We have our aliases now. So, what comes next?"
"Graham put us up in a motel. Once we get there we'll go over the package the Boss left for us in my room. Remember, from now on you're Jenny Burton."
"Chuck, I have used aliases before, you know."
"Good. Then all we have to do is book tickets and hotel rooms in Paris. We'll also take care of the weapons and other gear. You won't have to worry about them at the airport."
-o-
The motel was nothing special, but at least it was clean. Chuck and Sarah ended up sharing a room, as did Morgan and Bryce. Casey had a room all by himself. Chuck and Morgan went to get them all something to eat, as the establishment did not offer room service. Sarah stretched out on the comfortable bed and sighed. They had been traveling all morning and she was in desperate need of a massage by her boyfriend. At least she could count on him to get her something nice for lunch. There would be time for other activities later. As expected, he got her one of her favorite take out meals. They all met for lunch in Casey's room. While they were eating they used their laptops to book tickets to Paris and reserve hotel rooms. Using the Orion Computers jet was ruled out at first, as they didn't want to be seen arriving together. But then Morgan had an idea. They could land at a regional airport and make their way to Paris by car. Eventually, they settled on the airport at Rouen, which was close enough to Paris, yet not close enough to arouse suspicion by arriving together.
That night, Chuck and Sarah also decided on their cover. They were going as an engaged couple wanting to spend a romantic vacation in France. The others were also going to pretend to be tourists. They had even gone to the trouble of booking rooms at different hotels.
"How long do you think this mission is going to last, Chuck?" Sarah asked at one point, as they were cuddling together, watching TV, after having diligently studied the files with the latest information Graham had given them.
"I don't have a clue. It all depends on how fast we'll be able to identify the Fulcrum operatives and their objective, why?"
"I want us to spend some time together in Paris. No work, no mission, just the two of us."
He realized what she was hinting at. "Valentine's Day in Paris… sounds really good to me."
"Uh-huh. Think about it, Chuck. It's not going to be just good, it'll be perfect."
"We'll also have to get souvenirs for everyone back home."
"Sure. I'd hate to break the tradition. I want to get something nice for Molly, too. I could tell she'll miss us."
"We are spoiling her, Sarah."
"It's Jenny, Mr. Charles," she corrected him with a smile.
"So be it. You want to get in character early. I respect that. It shows dedication."
Chuck had already called his father and arranged for them to have the use of the Gulfstream. Stephen and Mary also asked them to meet with a client or two, but only if it didn't interfere with their mission.
"Chuck?"
"Yes, Jenny?"
"I just had an idea. It's about the mission."
"Tell me."
"You remember my French alias, Elana Truffaut, right?"
"Let me guess; you want to reuse it."
"Not necessarily, but I did pack my fake IDs in my stuff. So it's available for use if we actually need it. Besides, it may be better to appear as a Frenchwoman than as a tourist in certain situations."
"I agree. We won't draw any unwelcome attention that way."
"Since this small matter has been settled, there is another small matter requiring your attention, Chuck."
"And that is…?"
"I've started having symptoms of Chuck withdrawal," Sarah said huskily.
"Then we have to remedy that. You're liable to be cranky and unfocused otherwise and it simply won't do."
"Just be sure to give me enough to last me until we get to our hotel in Paris. Somehow I don't think we'll be able to join the Mile High Club on tomorrow's flight."
"Somehow, I think we won't have a problem joining the Mile High Club, babe."
"Don't. Call. Me. Babe."
"Have it any way you want, Jenny. Or is it Elana?"
"You'll meet Elana in France. Right now you have to keep Jenny happy."
"She'll be happy, all right. The promise comes with a money back guarantee," he joked.
-o-
The morning was cold and wet. Fortunately, there wasn't much traffic on the roads, so they made good time to the airport. The Orion Computers jet was fully fueled, a flight plan had been submitted and the crew was waiting for them. Using Stephen's plane had several advantages. Not only was it equipped with the latest in communication and entertainment suites, plus a well stocked wet bar, but it wasn't owned by the CIA or any of its front companies. This way, Fulcrum's moles could not track the movement of CIA and NSA personnel and warn their accomplices in France.
By the time they reached cruising altitude, Casey was already snoring away, wanting to get as much rest as possible before the actual mission began. It was a wise move, as he couldn't know beforehand how much sleep, if any at all, he would be able to get on any given day. When Morgan and Bryce also decided to grab some shuteye, Sarah saw the opportunity and took Chuck by the hand, dragging him to the lavatory. After a very nice little romp, he took her to the small partitioned and well soundproofed private room. Stephen had hired a top interior designer team to customize the cabin layout and they had performed wonders.
"Wow, your plane has a bedroom!"
"It's not big, but it's all ours for the entire flight."
"You really know how to show a lady a good time, Chuck."
"And it's going to get better. This is way more comfortable than the restroom."
"It has a lot more room, too. Joining the Mile High Club the traditional way was fun, but it was a bit cramped. I swear I almost pulled a few muscles in there."
"Then allow me to offer my services as a masseur, in addition to my boyfriend duties."
"I'd like the full package, please. By the way, what are we going to do until we finally get to Rouen?"
"Well, there is the in-flight meal. We'll also play poker, for good luck."
"I also want to talk to you about the release of the game."
"We'll squeeze it into our schedule."
"Kiss me," she said hungrily. He obliged her and soon they were rolling together on the bed, shedding articles of clothing.