Don't own Chuck
Casey got Alex and Morgan through the house when suddenly their assailants broke off their attack. Something wasn't right and Casey could feel it. Why had they broken off now that they'd have to cross the garden in the open. Anyway he thought about it he didn't like it but there was no time to do anything else so he opted to go for it.
"Let's get out of here on the double," yelled John as he got Alex and Morgan. They dashed across the open garden to the first golf cart they could find then he loaded them up and took off as fast as the electric motor would take them.
"John, let up there's no need in breaking our necks our attackers are gone. You've done it we're safe," said Morgan as he looked back up at the house.
"Don't fool yourself something isn't right and we need to get out of here. For all we know they could be regrouping," said Casey as they got to the parking lot.
"Everyone out and in the Escalade," yelled Casey. "Chuck can you hear me we can't wait around see you back at the plane."
"John do you think Chuck heard you," asked Morgan as he looked back up at the house. "Where could he be?"
"I don't know on both accounts. I hope he's having trouble transmitting and can receive incoming. But right now we've got another problem. The gate's down and it looks like your men are climbing back over.
"What are we going to do? Pull over and let me talk to them," said Morgan. "Alex keep your head down they were sent out to look for you."
Morgan and Casey got out of the vehicle. Grimes walked over to his men as they were grouping while Casey went to the back of the Escalade.
"What's going on here," yelled Morgan. "Why isn't this gate up? I need to go right now," said he said trying to act like Ettore.
"It's that impostor that Paolo warned us about," yelled one. "Get him." They started shooting Morgan turned and ran as fast as he could as bullets whizzed past him.
"John, I think we overstayed our welcome and that would be a no on the gate," yelled Morgan as Alex laid down cover fire for him to get back in the Escalade. "Thanks but I'm still mad at you," said Morgan as he jumped back inside.
"Will you give it a rest? I've got the key right here," said John as he came out shouldering a RPG. He fired the rocket at the gate blasting it open and scattering the men around it. John tossed the launcher inside at Morgan then jumped in.
"Hold on and stay down," he yelled as he drove through the breach. The guards were knocked off their feet and as they got up they began to fire on them as they drove away. They had cleared the compound and went around a bend in the road when they heard a loud explosion from behind them. The ground shook making Casey swerve.
"Geez what the...," yelled Casey as he tried to hold the vehicle on the road as fiery debris fell around them. John pulled off they got out to look back and saw a large fire ball leaping up into the night sky where the ranch house used to be.
"John do you think..." Morgan started to say but John cut him off.
"I don't know and we shouldn't think about it until we're sure," said John. They got back in the vehicle and continued on leaving the jungle and driving through the Ciudad. The Ciudad was empty. There wasn't a soul on the street not even a wild dog foraging for food. It seemed like everyone had decided to take the night off.
"Guys, I don't want to say anything but where are we supposed to meet Chuck," asked Alex. But her question was met with silence. "Dad, what did you say about leaving no one behind?"
"We're not. He told us to go ahead and that he and Zondra would make it out on their own. We'll wait for them on the jet."
"John that was before the compound blew up. But this is Chuck we're talking about he would've found a way out even if he didn't know the place was going to blow up right?"
"He's probably going to be waiting for us when we get back to the plane with some wild tale how he and Zondra got out," said John. "I wonder where everyone is at," he said as he continued driving through the desolate empty streets.
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Back in Langley the General was in the situation room monitoring the events at the ranch house. She had a bird moved over head and was watching from above. They all held their breath when they saw the wet team go into action. There was a general sigh of relief when they saw Casey drive out of the breach and to safety.
"Well they made it," said the Major as he handed the General a cup of coffee. "We can wrap this mission up a success."
"Don't be so quick to count your chickens," said Beckman as she took a sip. "We've still got two agents unaccounted for and we don't know where the real Ettore La Barba is."
"If the wet team broke off their attack that probably means they took him out," said the Major as he took a sip of his coffee.
"Or it can mean something else," said the General. Suddenly there was a bright light that engulfed the house and when it was gone there was a massive crater where the house once stood. From above they could see fires raging and men walking aimlessly about in shock.
"What just happened," yelled the General. "Watch officer report. Give us a clearer picture of the ranch house."
"General it's gone. The whole compound is a raging inferno. I don't see how anyone could've survived that."
"What do you want us to do," asked the Major. "We could fly in the 11th MEU from Camp Pendleton and seize the site."
"Not without violating Colombia's sovereignty plus State would eat us up alive besides... look," said the General as they saw a column of scavengers and looters heading from the Ciudad to pick over the remains. "By the time it takes us to get boots on the ground there won't be anything left. I want the Colonel wheels up as soon as he gets on that plane. The last thing we need is to be caught down there that's a quick way to catch the blame for this mess."
"What about Chuck and Agent Rizzo? What do you want to do about them? Shouldn't we put together some sort of extraction plan?"
"You said it yourself when you said you don't see how anyone could've survived that but if anyone could it would Chuck. Contact the NSA and have them bring in the big ears on Bogotá. I want to monitor all the local chatter have them see if they can get us a better handle as to what's happening on the ground."
"Yes ma'am right away," said the Major.
"I'm going up to my office as soon as the Colonel's on that plane I want to talk to him. I need to know if I have to place a call to L.A."
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Chuck stood at the top of the ladder dressed as Juri Sheshenov with a H&K MP5SD3s waving them to come aboard. Ettore and Paolo came on board to discover both the pilot and co-pilot had been taken out. This was a huge problem because the helicopter pilot couldn't flight this type of aircraft.
"Don't worry I've got this Natasha can be my copilot. Everyone find a seat and get situated while we go through our prefights. Last man in secure that hatch," said Chuck.
"Take these guys and toss them in the back. Once we're in the air I want to talk with them," said Ettore. "Maybe I can find out who's after me. Juri, I have to admit you and I we make a great team together."
"Yes you certainly do," said Zondra as she gave Chuck a look. "Kolonel you and I have some work to get done in the cockpit."
"Oh and don't forget once we're in the air Natasha you can come back here and tell me how sensitive I am," said Ettore as he smile at her. Paolo just rolled his eyes.
"You heard the boss," said Paolo. "Put the woman in the seat then let's get these men secured in the back. Nifty gun you've got there Kolonel but why don't you use real bullets?"
"Because I don't trust myself and I made a promise to never become that person to someone I care very much about. Come on we need to go," said Chuck as he got Zondra alone in the cockpit.
"Have you lost your mind!" said Zondra. "Chuck waved for her to keep he voice down. "Chuck do you know what aiding and abetting means. You're dangerously close right now. You should've let Ettore run into the ambush and all of this would be over."
"Yes and they would've carried Sheila into the middle of the ambush. I couldn't let that happen. Listen you just have to follow my lead and trust me. I know what I'm doing now let's get this bird in the air."
"And just how do you plan on sneaking Ettore into the United States? We can't exactly land at Bob Hope."
"I don't know exactly but we've got ten hours to come up with something. For now we can file a flight plan to Mexicali then modify it to get us across the border."
"Would it do any good if I told your plan sucks lemons?" said Zondra. Chuck gave her a look as he got in the pilot's seat and Zondra buckled in the copilot's.
"Probably not but you're allowed to have your opinion," said Chuck as they started running through the checks. "Well if you don't like mine then let me hear an alternative."
"Just tell me this you did all this to save that female Interpol agent but what about the men you just tranq'd? What do you think about them?"
"What do you mean what about the men and by the way that Interpol agent has a name, Sheila Swanson, Chief Inspector."
"Does it make a difference that you know her name? What do you think Ettore has planned for those men once we're airborne? Maybe invite them to have a midnight snack with him by candlelight? We're going to be dropping mercs from here to Mexico without parachutes and that's on you."
"They choose their way of life and what happens to them now is a consequence of that choice," said Chuck. He heard himself and he didn't buy it any more than Zondra did.
"Oh no, I'm not letting you off that easily. You gave me crap about dropping that guy in the hotel," said Zondra. Chuck looked over at her as he flipped some toggle switches. "Okay his name was Martin LaBlanc but isn't this the same thing except mine was one guy and it was over quickly you've given that monster how many men to toy with before he ends them."
"Okay I see what you're saying so what do you want me to do go back and take them all on? I could try to but I can't guarantee the outcome."
"No you big idiot I don't. First of all Sarah would kill me and secondly... Well there isn't a second. I guess I just want you to realize that when I pulled that trigger it wasn't as easy as I let on."
"I appreciate you telling me this. I'm sorry if I came across being judgmental. Now let's get this bird in the air," said Chuck as he pulled the throttle back and the plane began to taxi out on to the runway.
"Putting on the fasten seat belt sign," said Zondra. She looked out of the window and saw blue lights heading their way.
"DC 9 this is Tower Control power down. You are no longer authorized to take off. Prepare to be boarded."
"Thank you Tower Control for the lovely time and as everything must come to an end I hope I don't see you again," radioed Chuck as he opened up the throttle and began his run. Police and military vehicles invaded the runway but Chuck wasn't stopping.
"I like playing chicken too but we're running out of runway," said Zondra as the vehicles tried to cut him off.
"Help me pull back on the yoke, work the flaps," yelled Chuck. The DC 9 rose slowly off the deck its tires bouncing off the top of a police car taking out the blue light and popping all four tires. The plane gained altitude quickly then Chuck retracted the landing gear.
"Okay now we bank left and hide in those mountains hugging the ground," said Chuck. He switched on the intercom and called Ettore into the cockpit.
"Yeah Juri I have to say that was cutting it close back there. I think Paolo is going to need new pair of pants..."
"Well we all might need them before long. Tell me did you sell any stingers to the FARC?" Ettore didn't have to answer his face said it all. "Well this is the radio you can set the frequency now you need to call them and tell them not to shoot us down."
"But it's not that easy," said Ettore. He started to balk and drag his feet. "We've got protocols in place so they know it's me and well..."
"Well nothing this is the situation we're going to have to fly at low altitudes to avoid being picked up on Colombian radar because the sharks that were protecting you smell blood in the water. That means they won't think twice about sending up an F-21 to bring us down. Now let's talk about protocols."
"Okay, okay I get it," said Ettore as he took the mic from Chuck. "I guess a little privacy is out of the question?"
"Sure if you can fly this plane," said Chuck. "I'd like to go back and get a cup of coffee and stretch my feet. But that's not happening is it?"
"Okay I get your point," said Ettore.
"Do you? Natasha, keep an eye out for columns of smoke we won't have much time to out maneuver any incoming. But good news once we get out of Colombia we should have clear skies for the rest of the flight."
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Sarah had camped out on the sofa next to her was her glass of sparkling water with lemon and next to it was the bottle. Although as the night progress she wished it was something with a little more kick to it. Ellie had offered to stay with her but Sarah had picked up from Devon that he was interested in doing a load of laundry with Ellie which made her the third wheel.
"I'm fine I can do this by myself," said Sarah. "You guys can go back home and I don't mean just next door. It's not fair for me to keep you guys here when you've got work waiting for you back in Chicago."
"We'll leave you by yourself tonight but as far as going home we can talk about that after you talk with Chuck."
That was four hours before now she was curled up on the sofa with the throw wrapped around her wondering what was taking so long. If everything went wrong she should've gotten some word by now.
"I'm sorry Baby Walnut," said Sarah. She felt the baby tumbling around. "I know you feel my stress but there's nothing I can do about it. I'm worried about your father. If I don't hear from someone soon I'm going to call Langley."
Finally as she started to doze off the screen flickered waking her up. She immediately sat up expecting to see Chuck's face but instead Casey came on the screen with Alex standing behind him.
"John what are you doing calling me I was expecting Chuck? Oh I get it he's getting out of his Juri getup because the last time I told him he looked like Einstein. Well I see the mission was a success. Alex I'm glad you're out. That was some quick thinking calling me so I could ping your location good job," said Sarah but she noticed Alex looking away.
"What is it? John, I promised I wouldn't tattle on you to Beckman and I've kept my word. I still think she's pissed at you two but I didn't tell her anything. If that's what you guys are worried about."
"I could give a rat's posterior how Beckman feels. She's been in touch with us and ordered us out of Colombia…"
"Well it's good you finally followed orders that might smooth things over with her a little. Let me talk to Chuck I want to hear how he's going to write this up. You know maybe he could put in a few plugs for you guys that will help mellow the General out."
"Sarah can you be quiet for a moment," said Casey.
"No it will be better if I tell her," said Morgan as he pushed his way forward. "After all Chuck was my best friend."
"Was? I know he was a little mad at you Morgan but I don't think he'd let this come between your friendship. Chuck's not that type of guy."
"Boy, you're not making this easy. Sarah, we're on the Learjet returning home and the plane is on autopilot everyone you see here is everyone who got out."
"I don't understand what are you saying?"
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Ettore got off the horn with his FARC contact who guaranteed their plane safe passage through Colombia but only after Ettore turned over the location of a stash of arms. Ettore wasn't too happy with the deal he thought they should've given him more but there was little he could do about it given their circumstance. He handed the mic back to Zondra smiling at her.
"Maybe we can talk in a little bit about how sensitive I am after I jettison some of the rubbish we have in the aft compartment."
"Hold up a minute," said Chuck. "Let me tell you what I know. To start with there's a new player on the table that goes by the name of Mr. Big. He's formed a council of various criminal leaders and elements that goes by the name Terror Inc."
"That's good to know but how's that going to help me with the trash in back?" said Ettore as he hovered behind Chuck.
"Probably nothing but do you really think that lowlifes like what you have in the back will actually know who this Mr. Big is? I'd think they'd be too far down on the food chain. But there's one question you need to ask yourself. How many people knew about this emergency exit plan of yours?"
"Not many I guess. The pilot and copilot maybe but they only knew to be ready to fly a VIP out not that it was me. Then Paolo knew about it and that's about it. Why? What are you trying to get at?"
"Well to be a closely guarded secret Mr. Big knew about it or he wouldn't have been able to send those men in the back to greet you. That means someone talked."
"It could've been the pilot or the copilot," said Ettore as he started thinking. Chuck could tell he had him hooked now he needed the reel him in.
"Yeah like that went really well for them. What were they paid with, lead? No, I find it hard to believe that either one of them was your snitch and besides like you said they didn't know who their passenger was. With everyone you had at the ranch it could've been any one."
"What are you saying that Paolo sold me out to this Mr. Big? No, I don't believe it he's like a brother to me. We go way back, way back to the very beginning. We've been through a lot together… no it's crazy talk to think he's the snitch. It's just impossible. This Mr. Big had to have found out about my plan from someone else. I know he must've hacked into our computers and figured it out from there."
"That could be true. But if you want to know for sure you need to give me access and I can looked for the hack. It would help clear the air and you could know who you can trust."
"What's going on in here," asked Paolo as he stuck his head in the cockpit. "I thought you'd like to know your other girlfriend is waking up. So who are you now?" asked Paolo. Both Ettore and Chuck turned around. "We need to get this straight are you Ettore or Morgan come on before she wakes up." Chuck let out a deep breath.
"Jealous are we that I've got women falling all over me," said Ettore. "At least I didn't let one almost kill me then let her get away."
"I explained that I've got an allergy. You have too many testosterones for your own good. If I remember correctly that other Interpol agent you picked up arrested you and if it wasn't for me you'd still be sitting in a prison cell in Rome eating pasta three times a day."
"Paolo you should watch how you speak to me. Remember I'm still your boss," said Ettore. Suddenly the temperature felt like it dropped twenty degrees in the cockpit.
"What's gotten into you? We have always talked like this now all of sudden you don't like it? Do you feel all right? Maybe you bumped your head on the way out of the ranch house."
Zondra looked over at Chuck and smiled. She understood what he was doing sowing the seeds of discontent and they seemed to have taken root.