Don't own Chuck

Chuck sat back and got work on the flight over. He pulled out the information on the people he'd was meeting when he arrived. He had to mix Carmichael business with this mission or they'd either get kicked out of the country or thrown into prison or both. He didn't mind getting kicked out of the country as long as he was able to get Ellie and Alex out first. However, to do that he had to find out where Ettore was going to hole up and unfortunately there was only one place he could think of to get that information. However, as he was pondering how to do the impossible he got a break when Beckman called.

"Chuck, look alive the General's on the horn," said Casey as he came over with a tablet in his hands. But Chuck had a bottle of Rombauer next to him scrolling through screens.

"You've got who on the horn. This is going to be a challenge but I think I can pull this off," said Chuck as he studied some lines of programming script.

"I hope you're study your get out of jail plan," said the General. "Because from where I'm sitting you're dangerously close to spend some time in an eight by twelve."

"General, you called us quicker than I anticipated. I guess news travels quickly these days when people are having fun," said Chuck as he sat his tablet aside.

"I'm glad you're having fun. But you do realize that when two of my top agents defect to a foreign government… communist at that. It reflects poorly on me."

"Ma'am, you know me," said Casey. "I'd rather be dead than red. We're not defecting but we're going to get our people. Chuck's got a plan just let him explain it."

"Okay but first why are you flying to Guangzhou and not Shanghai? That's where the Chenxing was supposed to dock?"

"I have it on good authority that was a ruse. Ettore's submarine will break off from the other two subs then head straight into port. He can't afford to wait it out because his mental faculties are deteriorating too rapidly for him to wait."

"Would you kindly share where this intel comes from and how you can be so certain about where Ettore is headed?"

"I can tell you about his mental state from what Devon reported to me seeing and hearing Ellie say. Believe me when I tell you we don't have much time before he goes into critical melt down and that won't be a pretty sight. If Chinese scientist only had a hint that the intersect was real then they'd do everything in their power to get a hold of it."

"Very well say I go along with your plan. I could send in the Colonel and have him take out Ettore. There is no need in risking our intersect falling into their hands."

"General, while I'm not doubting John's abilities to get the job done. What we need here is something quiet… something that cannot be traced back to us… something under the radar if you like. The last thing we need to do is to justify any wild claims he's made or shared with the Chinese…"

"Has he already told them about the intersect? Is that why they're so foolhardily backing him? I should have all three subs blown out of the water."

"And risk world war III over something we're not sure of? General, don't forget afterwards you're going to have to justify to the rest of the world why you did what you did and there are some secrets we don't share even with our closest friends."

"I'm willing to give you two days after you land to handle this matter but if Ettore isn't taken care of by then Colonel Casey you have orders to terminate Ettore with prejudice. We can't afford for him to share our nation's secrets."

"The needs of the many outweigh those of the few," said Chuck. "We'll keep you advised as best we can. But it might be difficult and maintain our cover."

"I understand but if I don't hear from you within two days I will but a kill order out on Ettore on the dark web so I recommend you work quickly. Everyday he's above ground the more time he has to sell our secrets. If there's nothing else Beckman out."

"Chuck, why didn't you tell her that Rebecca is the one who told us that Ettore was going to sell our secrets? You should've told her and maybe she could've done something with it?"

"You mean like going to the JCOS and getting them to sink all three subs. John, Alex and Ellie are onboard and besides I didn't want Rebecca's name mention in anything written. Once it's written down who know who might read it. We need Rebecca out and loose and above all on our side. We're about to land in the most populated country in the whole world it's nice to know at least one of them is on our side."

"I hear you there," said John as he received a text message on his phone. He looked down at it then put it away in a hurry. Then he walked over to the bar and pulled out a bottle of Johnny Walker black.

"What's the matter John? You aren't going to tell me what additional orders Beckman just gave you," said Chuck as he looked at him over his tablet.

"How'd you know it was her?" said John as he poured himself a drink. He motioned to Chuck if he wanted one but he shook his head and held up the bottle of Rombauer. "So how do you know it was her and why would she be giving me secret orders?"

"This whole thing has to do with secrets and I won't hold it against you. Beckman told you that you are to terminate me if it looks like the Chinese are going to take me. She doesn't want our secrets to fall into the wrong hands and that means also from me. The Johnny Walker black is kind of a gave away. Wasn't that what you told me you drank when you had to burn an asset?"

"But you're not an asset any longer and let's not let it come to that."

"John, if I'm captured I'll be a liability and that's worse. Just tell Sarah and the girls I love them then you can make up a story. I won't be there to hear it so you can tell them anything you like."

"Well this let's drink that I never have to find out if I'll go through with those orders," said John as he lifted his glass and downed it. "I hope Grimes is having a better time rooting for his plane."

"At the speed, we're flying at we should both land about the same time. But you're going to get off before we touch down."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Morgan's flight from LAX landed at the Pudong-Shanghai International airport. The passengers got up and slowly deplaned through the jet bridge. Herded into the terminal to claim baggage then customs. Morgan and Anna made their way through the airport following the rest of the passengers from their plane. It was early morning in Shanghai and so the people was moving like zombies half asleep and the other half not awake.

"Geez, just look at these people around us," said Morgan. "They could shoot the living dead here and cut on production costs."

"Yeah, you're right. Morgan, I've got to do something now so don't freak out. I'll meet up with you on the other side of customs," said Anna as she disappeared into the masses then was gone.

"Wait up a minute," yelled Morgan but she was gone. "How am I not supposed to freak out? Now this is a fine pickle you've gotten me into," he said as he retrieved the bag he'd checked in off the carousel.

"Crap, now what?" he said as he began following everyone else towards customs. "Geez, what do I tell them if they ask me what's inside? Anna prepared it. Just follow everyone else smile and bow… no bowing is a Japanese thing. Carp, I'm so dead."

"Please have your customs form, airline ticket, passport and visa ready," played from an overhead sound system in English and Mandarin Chinese.

"Next please in line," said the customs officer as he waved. Morgan stepped up and handed him all the documents he had. "Is your visit for pleasure or business?"

"I'm here to meet my wife's family. We just got married you see and this trip is so I can be introduced to my new in-laws."

"And just where is your lovely bride… oh," said the man as he looked back in line. There was an elderly woman standing there with a cane. She smiled at them with black teeth.

"No that's not my bride. We got separated in the zombie apocalypse after we picked up our luggage. I thought she would've found me by now but I'll catch up with her on the other side."

"The zombie what? Never mind. Losing your wife isn't going to make a very good first impression with her family. People don't usually go around losing their new brides… some people might even call it careless."

"I know that's why I really need to hurry along and find her. Maybe I can get to her before she meets Big Auntie. If that happens it will be a disaster and I might as well get back on the plane."

Every family has a big auntie in it. And you're right she's someone you don't want to tick off. Not if you don't want to relive your failure at every family occasion. Nothing like having to hear for the millionth time how you dropped the dumplings at every Chinese New Year. You just want to watch the lion dance but no you have to hear that story again and again. Hell, I was only five at the time. You know what it's like growing up being call 'Chubby Fingers'? So, I had a weight problem. Maybe a few less dumplings an I would've been all right? But no…"

"I feel for you buddy. I really do so you can see why I need to hurry this along and find my wife before disaster strikes."

"Okay let's move you along… hey wait a minute if you're just meeting your wife's family now how do you know about her big auntie?"

"This is the first time I'm meeting them face to face but we've talked before on the phone," said Morgan. The truth was Liu the owner of Sizzling Shrimp got to know Morgan and talked to him about his family. So, the big auntie Morgan was talking about was Liu's aunt.

"Okay, I just need to ask you if you prepared your bag and has it been in your possession since then except for the time it was in the cargo hold on the plane?"

"Yes, of course it has," said Morgan. He was sweating bullets now and didn't know how to stop because he had no idea what was inside. He could only imagine what Anna had hidden inside. There might be some of her jade darts or who knows what kind of weapons. There might even be a Chinese broadsword.

"You look a little nervous," said the customs officer. Years of working at this job when someone starts sweating like Morgan meant they usually had something to hide. "I'm going to have to look inside."

"Really? Oh, I can't seem to catch a break anymore. I think I see my wife passing now. I really need to run if I'm going to catch her."

"You can run after I look inside," said the Officer and from his tone eh wasn't going to change his mind. "Please open it or I'll have to call someone over and believe me if you are in a hurry you don't want me to do that."

"Okay, but I really don't think this is necessary," said Morgan as he popped the latches. "Please don't let there be a broadsword," he mumbled to himself as he opened it. Inside the suitcase was filled with women's clothing and undergarments.

"Crap, we bought matching luggage. My wife must have mine. Now I really need to find her or I'm not going to be able to change my underwear."

"Just a few moments," said the man as he gave Morgan a look then felt around the inside. After that he pulled out a wand and did a drug swipe. All came back negative.

"What's taking so long here," said the man's supervisor as he walked over. Morgan took that he was concerned about how slowly the lines were moving. It was now early morning and they been there most of the night. Everyone in the airport now was there for this flight and they all had the object to go home so they could go to sleep. The agent's supervisor was no different and from the bag under his eyes he just wanted to take them home and put them both in the closet.

"Everything is order you can go on," said the man as he stamped Morgan's passport and visa as Morgan closed his suitcase. "Next in line please."

"Xièxie," said Morgan then quickly moved along. "Anna was going to have to do some serious explaining," he said to himself as he followed the crowd out of the terminal area.

"Now what do I do," he said as he looked around. He started walking towards where the train and buses left for the city center.

"I can't believe I'm here," he said as he realized he was in China. Maybe we'll have time to visit the Shaw Brothers Studio or go to Foshan, I can see the Wong Fei-hung memorial. But first, where is Anna," said Morgan as he started walking around the platforms looking for her.

"Crap, while I stick out like a sore thumb Anna can blend right in. I'm never going to find her here," said Morgan as he looked around. But just then man approached him.

"You look lost," said a well-dressed oriental gentlemen. "Or are you looking for someone? Maybe I can help you?"

"I appreciate the assistance but my mother told me never to talk to strangers," said Morgan but as he was talking another man came up behind him and shoved a gun in his back. "I don't guess that's your friend being happy to meet me?"

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to insist you come with us. My name is Ricky and my boss wants to have a word with you. Just follow me and everything will be all right."

"You don't look like a Ricky to me," said Morgan as the man behind him poked him with the barrel again. "Hey, take it easy with that thing. I hope you've got the safety on. You go poking me in the back then squeeze the trigger and that would just ruin my day as well as my suit."

"Funny, if you keep on moving there won't be a problem," said Ricky as they started walking for the street exit. "Come on we've got a car waiting outside."

"Chalk another one up for the bullet magnet," said Morgan as they walked towards the glass doors. Ricky turned and looked at Morgan.

"It's nothing. I'm just tired it was a long flight," said Morgan as he noticed a police officer standing near the exit. This was his chance and he was going to take it.

"Sir," said Morgan. "Can you tell me the quickest way there is to get to Foshan? I want to see the Wong Fei-hung memorial. My friends here say it's too far away but what are a few miles when one has an opportunity like this?"

The policeman looked at the men not knowing what to make of them. The man behind Morgan had his hands in his pocket and he didn't like the looks of Ricky standing in the front.

"Identification please," said the officer as he took the safety catch off his holster. He said something to the man behind Morgan which Morgan took as take your hands out of your pockets, you ugly moron. But that was a loose interpretation.

"You tell him officer," said Morgan stepped back away from everyone easing himself towards the doors. He had every intention of making a break for it.

"Stop right there," yelled the policeman in English but as he did the man behind Morgan pulled a weapon from his pocket. But before he could fire Morgan jumped on him knocking him to the ground. Ricky drew his piece but by then the cop had his service weapon out and put to rounds in Ricky before he could get any off. The man on the ground charged the cop knocking his weapon out of his hand then the two of them went at each other.

"Geez, it's like watching a Shaw brother film in real life," Morgan said. "Sorry guys but I can't stay to see the end," he said. He wasn't going to wait around and see what the outcome was. Morgan got to his feet then scrambled out the doors as fast as his feet could carry him leaving his suitcase behind.

"I got to get out of here," he said to himself as he ran through the doors. "Ouch, stupid mosquitos," he said then he looked down and stick out of his chest was a tranq dart.

"Crap, I really can't catch a break," he said as he collapsed on the sidewalk. A black sedan, that had been waiting outside, pulled up and loaded Morgan in the trunk then sped away into the dark.

[Not far away watching everything that went down was Anna and her team. Morgan was the goat for their tiger trap.]

"He almost got away," said one of the men on the team. "He's more resourceful than you led us to believe. Are you sure you're okay with us putting him in harm's way like this?"

"Of course I am, this is the only way. He'll lead us straight to Ettore then we can get this job over with. He wants what we want too to end Ettore plus he gets to rescue his girlfriend."

"We could've cut him in on the plan," said another one of her people as the woman broke down the gear so they could pick up and move.

"We can't risk him giving anything away. Morgan's got a big mouth and I can't risk him blowing this. We're operating behind lines in enemy territory. If we get caught there will be no cavalry charging over the hill to save the day. Worst case scenario we get a bullet in the back of the head or if we don't we get live in prison with forced labor."

"And just when I thought things were going to be bad," said the one man. But they were wasting time and the longer they waited the more time the people who had Morgan had to get away.

"Shut up and let's move out. Everyone get in the van now or be left behind. How are we doing with the tracking signal?"

"Signal is coming I loud and clear. They are driving towards the People's square. They're probably going to ditch the car in case it was seen."

"Tap into the CCTV feed in the square. One thing good about being here they have eyes everywhere. Have you got them yet?"

"Yeah they just got on subway line 2 Guanglan Road. They're headed Hongqiao railway station but where are they going to go from there?"

"I don't know keep looking for them. Let's go to the train station," said Anna. They drove as fast as they could, keeping within the speed limits. "There they are," said one of her people as they pulled up at the Hongqiao train station. "They're on foot."

"They're headed for the Wuhan train station. Let's drive there and we can head them off. David, you're with me. We're going to grab the train with them. We'll keep in contact via phone then when we get to wherever we get to we'll regroup."

"Are you sure about this? It sounds a little risky. We could just as easily follow the tracker signal without risking being caught."

"And if for some reason they change trains at the last minute and head off in the opposite direction what do we do then? It will be too late to do anything and we risk losing our chance at finding out where Ettore is camped. I know what you're all thinking that my judgment is clouded because I had feelings for the asset. Well I can assure you that's not the case. Now if we're done discussing the ludicrous let's get this van moving. We've got a train to catch."

Anna looked out the van widow into the dark night. She didn't like doing what she was doing but this was the only way or that was what she told herself. She just hoped Morgan would see it that way. But the needs of the mean outweigh the needs of the few. Morgan would appreciate the Mr. Spook quote. He and Chuck used them enough.

"Okay we're here. David follow me. The rest of you… well I already told you what we're going to do. Whatever happens Ettore must die."