"Chuck vs the Aussie"
AN1: Hey! Sorry for the delay, work was killing me but here's lucky 13… chapter wise that is. We are past the half way point and the Games… well swimming events are coming to a close soon in chapter 16. There was a solid response to last chapter and my unexpected move with Bryce. Now, I was originally planning on cutting that out – it is simply Bryce's motivation beyond jealousy. I have decided (tentatively) to leave it, which some may not like, but keep in mind it is only motive and you can simply ignore it if you don't like it (yes I know this is weak, but it is just a bit of detail and hopefully doesn't ruin the story for anyone). I do hope everyone sticks it out because huge developments are coming and I keep telling the reviewers how special I think the ending of this story will be (hopefully I am not lying and do it justice!).
***Update - I had a great review from ventavon who wanted to see the girls on the podium - I slapped my head because this should have been in the original so I wrote the scene and added it here to make it right - so there is an added scene towards the end!
Also, thanks go out to Ripe who really helped me get the events down and kept me from going completely unrealistic – all mistakes are my own (no beta's harmed), but a big shout out to Ripe – you are awesome!
Disclaimers – I don't own Chuck or the Olympics (additional disclaimers in AN2).
Italics will always denote character thoughts and once again keep an eye on the time shifts and dates.
And thank you to everyone who has provided feedback – you have no idea how much I appreciate it! I always PM reviewers. I will never beg for reviews, but feedback is so useful and now more than ever are reviews appreciated - the time that is spent reviewing really lifts a writer's spirit. So to those who review thank you so much and to those who read thank you and I hope you continue to enjoy this story.
Chapter 13: Day 4 – Arrested Development
Jill's Hotel Room
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
7:00 hrs BST
Bryce arrives at Jill's Hotel room eager to finalize the plan to finally get his vengeance despite the moral doubts that subtly tug at his conscience. He pushes down his doubts and strengthens his resolve as he knocks on Jill's door. She swings the door open and smiles widely at the handsome Irishman before ushering him inside quickly before peaking her head out of the doorway, checking the outside to the left and right before turning quickly and closing the door.
Jill approaches Bryce who paces with clear nervous energy penetrating his visage. He quickly asks, "The concoction is ready?"
Jill gives him a pointed look, "I told you already! Yes it is ready, we just have to dose him and he won't be able to complete… the nerd might even drown."
Bryce raises an eyebrow, "Really?"
Jill sighs, "It is a strong dose, but he will not drown in front of the crowd you dummy."
Bryce's face snarls angrily and Jill immediately raises her hands and curses her stupidity.
"Calm down Bryce, we need to plan this out or we will end up getting caught," Jill quickly says fearing a violent outburst from her rugged and admittedly unstable boyfriend.
Bryce takes a cleansing breath and his rage subsides, "Fine, but ya' best be watchin' your tone there girly!"
Jill nods, "Got it… so the plan?"
Bryce's brow furrows as he ponders the best way to poison Chuck, "What about using the same method as before, you poison his water?"
Jill's face scrunches as she plays with her black rimmed glasses as she thinks, "No… that didn't work last time… I think we need to be more direct…"
Bryce raises an eyebrow curiously, "What did you have in mind?"
Jill starts, "Well, we should let him compete in the heats and wait to dose him before the 4x200m race when he arrives at the Aquatics Center. I can distract him and you can bump into him from behind and inject him with the sedative derivative. I have an injector that is pain free so he won't even realize he has been poisoned. All we have to do is distract that blonde bitch he's always with… they're all over the news and all sickeningly sweet," Jill says while making a disgusted face.
Bryce ponders thoughtfully, Yes that could work… and I would be the one to finally stop Chuck Bartowski! And at least I wouldn't have to look him in the face when I poison him…
Bryce breaks from his reverie, "That works… we will just have to wait for that Aussie witch to be distracted for a moment and then we can strike. I owe her some payback later for that episode at the pool, but we will get Chuck first."
Jill smiles and nods eagerly, "Sounds good!"
Bryce nods and smiles charmingly at Jill as he thinks, Soon this will all be over…
Scotland Yard (Auditorium)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
7:05 hrs BST
Inspector Angel stands before the large assembly of the team leaders of the police, military and Olympic security elements of Chuck and Sarah's protection detail as he finishes his briefing.
He booms loudly, "Okay men, we have gone through the plan in detail, but I will sum it up for our slower members once more because failure is not an option! The world is watching boys! First, Colonel Casey has a primary team acting as a covert shadow of the two assets. His men are from what I have been told highly versed in this kind of protection detail… and before you ask, yes I have heard the rumors that they are Yank spies and no I cannot confirm that. Moving on, we plan to have rotating secondary security elements. This means we will have an increased presence of Olympic security personnel and military and police units. There will be two teams – team one will follow the original overt security plans laid out for the Games. Team two will be added security and will appear to be following the original security plan or covertly disguised as athlete's, trainers or IOC personnel, but in fact will be shadowing the assets covertly. That will take care of the venues and the Athlete's Village. Now, the biggest risks will come during transport and outside of the protected Olympic security areas. As such, we will have a covert police and military security detail that will follow the assets as they are driven to the venue from the Athlete's Village. Drivers, remember you are covert – do not make it obvious you are guarding the vehicle; we don't want to create a panic. We have a little leeway due to the fame the couple has gained, so part of Colonel Casey's transport detail will be overt and in keeping with the security expectations for these famous swimmers. That said, I want the covert cars to cycle from behind the convoy and ahead of the convoy in order to insure we have a tight protection net. Finally, we have five sniper teams that will be posted up around the venue and another five that will protect the Athlete's Village in order to provide cover for the couple. We are not expecting a direct or violent gorilla attack, but I want us prepared for anything. We are finishing up the drafted plan and that will be emailed out as soon as the IT team finishes fixing the damn system… again. So study up and make sure we do this right – the world is watching and we cannot fail! Understood!"
The room choruses back, "Yes sir!"
Inspector Angel nods confidently, "Good, now get to it!"
Later in the IT section of Scotland Yard…
In a basement area the off white walls and dark tile floors are surrounded by servers and a large wall unit that houses three 22 inch monitors, which acts as the interface for the Metropolitan Police Service's computer system. The area is dimly lit by harsh florescent lighting that illuminates the room and the wires and coax cables that run from the servers to the monitors and trace a path alongside piping out of the room to the various computer terminals around the building.
A slender and pale man with sandy blond hair works diligently on the computer system. He is dressed in a white short sleeved dress shirt and a light grey skinny tie with nerdy wire rimmed glasses. He sits in a small cubicle and types feverishly on the key board of his Sony Vaio laptop that is interfaced with the system via cable connectors as he tries mighty to repair the system in order to send out the protection plan for Chuck and Sarah.
He curses for the hundredth time as his phone buzzes as he gets another angry text from his boss demanding the system be fixed forthwith so the plan can be disseminated to all branches of the protection detail.
The young computer technician is flustered as he battles to reign in the virus corrupting the system in order to follow his orders. He is so desperate he even contemplates calling in the London branch of the Buymore Nerd Herd for god's sakes!
He grumbles to himself, "Damn Irene Demova! The hell was some flatfoot idiot thinking when he went on that damn site. He's going to get me fired! Bloody hell!"
He types furiously once more as he repairs the code and tries to reboot the system in order to send out the protection plan. He closes his eyes and hits enter as he says to himself, "Well, here goes nothing…"
The system begins its reboot as code dances across the screen as the technician waits with his eyes eagerly glued to the screen as he silently prays for his troubleshooting to have worked.
His fingers cross and seconds later the operating system boots up and the screen lights up with the Metropolitan Police Service logo. The logo is a shield with coat of arms lions on each side and a knight's helmet above said shield, while there is a crown is above the knight's helmet finishing off the logo.
The technician smiles and whoops in triumph while pumping his fist excitedly at his success. His rejoicing is short lived as he pulls up the plan and begins the process of sending the plan to all the members of the protection team.
As he sends the documents he sees an odd little glitch, but dismisses it, simply thankful the system was up and running and his job was now safe. Unbeknownst to him that tiny glitch altered one line in the plan, which now shows six sniper teams at the Aquatics Center (Teams Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, Echo and Foxtrot) instead of the planned five sniper teams that were to surround the venue.
The technician smiles widely as the document sends and he grabs his coffee and heads off to get his due of the credit for fixing the system, not knowing the extra sniper team designated in the plan would lead to an unforeseen security beach.
Driving on Loop Road (to the Aquatics Center)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
9:35 hrs BST
Chuck and Sarah were surprised… and impressed by the high level of security that met them at the Athlete's Village and guarded them as they safely made their way to the Aquatics Center for Chuck's 4x200m freestyle relay heats.
On the car ride over they talk nervously about the specter of an attack and the big day facing both of them in the pool. In the front seat one of the members of the security detail folds a newspaper after touching his earpiece, clearly is getting reprimanded for being distracted.
Chuck sees the paper and asks, "Hey buddy, do you mind if I take a look at the paper?"
The man in the dark suit hands the paper back to Chuck and says, "Not at all Mr. Bartowski."
Chuck smiles, "I know it might be against your rules, but feel free to call me Chuck… both of you guys can," Chuck adds including the driver.
The security guys nod simply as Chuck begins to unfold the copy of the Guardian Newspaper. Sarah sits holding Chuck's hand as she lazily looks out at the passing view of London as the vehicle moves towards their destination.
She is broken from her reverie when Chuck laughs while looking at the paper. She looks at him with a slight smile and a curious expression, "What's so funny Chuck?"
He only shakes his head and shows her the front page of the paper. On the page is a large series of photos of Chuck and Sarah in a lip lock between events in the secure area of the Aquatics Center.
Sarah sighs and lets out a little chuckle, "Wow, with everything going on the media is still all over us aren't they?"
Chuck smiles widely at her, "Yep, kinda seems less important in the grand scheme of things, but hearing all those clicks and the added pressure still is a pain."
Sarah smiles back, "Agreed… we should have expected this when we heard that damn click when we were kissing… there is no bloody privacy is there!"
Chuck laughs, "Apparently not, but I maintain you enjoyed the audience… or was that the kiss?" He says with a wry smile.
Her face twists in a mix or mirth and faux insult. Her face turns playful as she decides to turn it back on him, "The kiss was serviceable… but of course I was just waiting for the camera man to appear you know…"
Chuck's face falls as his own insecurities rise quickly to the surface, "Oh… I should have expected that…"
She looks at him appraisingly before gasping slightly and slapping his arm, "Chuck! You know I am joking right? You are so easy to tease, but common! Have a little faith!"
Chuck beams a huge Bartowski grin that makes Sarah glad she is sitting as her legs turn to goo.
"Thanks Sarah, still working on my confidence… you are a kick ass ninja swimmer after all."
They share a serious look before both burst into a deep and satisfying laughter as the tension of the threats and the pressure of the media and the competition fade away as they become lost once more in each other's company.
Warm-up Area at the Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
10:41 hrs BST
Chuck and Sarah made it safely to the Aquatics Center and Sarah is adamant that she escort Chuck to the warm-up area in order to protect him and help him prepare for his race.
Sarah leaves Chuck alone for a minute to grab a bottle of water and when she returns she sees a sight that makes her blood boil. Standing with Chuck looking amorously at him is her nemesis – Amy. Sarah bits down her rage and the distinct desire to throw a knife at the blonde traitor as she stomps toward Chuck and Amy.
When Chuck sees Sarah his face lights up, "Hey Sarah! Do you know Amy? She part of your team right?" Chuck naively asks not knowing Sarah and Amy's sordid past.
Sarah tries to bury her anger, yet a little bitterness bleeds through, "Yes she is… in fact we went to university together…" The sadness and hurt in Sarah's voice is subtle, but Chuck instantly picks up on it and is confused, not knowing the story.
Amy smiles at Chuck with unsubtle 'bedroom eyes' before she continues, "I was just talkin' to Chuck and getting to know him better."
Sarah visibly flinches at that as she thinks, Don't kill her! Don't kill her… god I want to kill her!
Amy smirks at Sarah and then turns to Chuck, "Well I would love to be friends and hang out, if you'd like Chuck?"
Chuck smiles not knowing the history, "Sure, any friend of Sarah's is a friend of mine."
Sarah's face falls, but Chuck does not see this before Sarah schools her expression. Chuck smiles at Sarah, "I have to go prepare for the race… you going up to the seats to watch?"
Sarah smiles, "Yes, you're going to do great." They share a look before Chuck kisses her on the cheek before heading into the back rooms to change and prepare for the race.
Amy looks at Chuck's assets as he leaves and a predatory grin grows on her face. She turns to Sarah and says, "Well he's a hot one! I look forward to getting to know him better."
Sarah's icy and deathly glare sends a shiver through Amy.
Sarah coldly responds, "Stay away from him," before turning and leaving Amy dumfounded and a little afraid.
As Chuck prepares for his afternoon heats Sarah makes her way with her security detail towards the stands in the Aquatic Center to sit with Mary, Morgan, Ellie and Emma in order to watch Chuck compete. Sarah works hard to contain her hurt, anger and jealousy over Amy's conversation with Chuck. Sarah knows Chuck means well, but not knowing the history between the two led to that awkward encounter. Sarah huffs out, "I am going to have to tell him about the betrayal… god I didn't want him to find out!"
As she makes her way to their seats she is stopped and blindsided by and NBC interview crew.
"Miss Walker, Miss Walker! Can we have a quick interview?" A pretty brunette female interviewer in a summery, yet stylish pale blue pantsuit with a knee high skirt asks quickly.
The camera instantly is in her face and she recoils clearly uncomfortable. She replies nervously, "Um… I have to get to my seat…"
The interviewer replies smoothly, "It will just be a minute. Are you here to watch Chuck compete?"
Sarah sighs before speaking, "Yes, I don't get many chances to see him from the spectator's area, but my race is not till tonight so I wanted to show my support."
The interviewer smiles, "That is great! What is it like to date such a handsome guy, who is potentially the most highly sought after man here in London?
Sarah looks at the interviewer uncertainly, suddenly feeling self-conscious in her track suit and less than glamorous sporty appearance. Sarah takes a steadying breath, "Well I don't know about the sought after thing, but Chuck is a great guy and I am lucky to have met him."
The interviewer smiles, "Well I know that I would LOVE to be in your position! Those pictures of him without his shirt on are to die for!"
Sarah's brow creases as anger and jealously begins to grow in her veins. She reins in her anger and levelly responds, "He is a gentleman and a good guy, what he looks like is not what matters. I need to go and watch him swim."
Interviewer shoots Sarah a fake smile, "Thanks for talking to us and good luck in the 200 meter IM later tonight."
Sarah gives a forced smile, "Thanks," before turning and heading off to her seat.
She sits down heavily and let's out a huff as she crosses her arms with a sour expression gracing her soft, yet beautiful face. The other ladies instantly notice her demeanor and look at one another curiously. Ellie bravely asks first, "You Okay Sarah?'
Sarah looks up at the beautiful brunette and mutters under her breath, "Damn brunettes…"
Ellie scrunches her brow and asks, "What was that?"
Sarah breaks from her jealous fuelled and frustrated thoughts, "Hmm… oh nothing! Sorry, I just had an interviewer that was drooling over Chuck and asking personal questions…"
The women nod in understanding as Ellie continues, "Sorry, it must be tough all this media crap and the inane and probing questions about you personal life."
Sarah sighs, "Tell me about it… it is just a lot to take and I just wish we would be left alone, but my wishes aren't coming true."
Ellie smiles kindly, "Sorry sweetie, no cure for this kind of fame, but you two will be fine."
Sarah smiles at Ellie, "Thanks Ellie… that means a lot."
The group's attention soon turns to the pool as the heat 1 begins for the 4x200m freestyle relay with the French freestyle team posting a solid time leading the way and finishing first over the Germans, South Africans and Hungarians all of whom qualify for the final.
Meanwhile, Chuck is in the warm-up area talking with his teammates as he loosens up and prepares for heat 2. Of the USA Team members in this heat, Chuck is the only member slated to compete in the finals and as such he takes the final leg of the race.
Sarah, Ellie, Mary, Morgan and Emma cheer loudly as the Americans take to the pool and lead wire to wire. In fact, Chuck's speed helps the Americans frankly crush the other relay teams by over 3.75 seconds in an impressive display without Phelps and Lochte in the race. The Aussie team finishes in second, while the Chinese and British teams, including Shaw, also qualifying for the final. Despite Bryce's talent in the pool he is simply not enough to make up for the deficiency in skill from the Irish swim program, which results in Team Ireland not qualifying, much to Bryce's dismay.
Chuck then does a quick poolside interview, once again being peppered with questions more to do with his relationship than his skill and exploits in the pool. He takes it in stride and does his best to deflect and keep his and Sarah's private life … well private. Once he is able to escape the interview he quickly makes his way to the cool down facility in order to prepare for the remainder of his events.
Once he is showered and ready he meets up with his team for a brief meeting before finding Sarah and his family. Soon after they head back to the Athlete's Village for what had become known to everyone as 'Chuck and Sarah time,' much to their respective families' amusement.
Chuck's Apartment at the Athletes Village
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
1:28 hrs BST
After some humorous and teasing comments by Chuck and Sarah's family and friends they made their way to their transportation, while the security detail covertly and overtly protects the couple. The trip back to Chuck's room went without issue and soon they were beginning another nerd lesson.
Sarah enters his little Olympic apartment and flops down on the couch with a little smile as Chuck looks wryly at his girlfriend.
He chuckles with a joking, faux serious look on his face as he asks, "What! Have the nerd lessons become so boring that you are ready to laze around on the couch?"
Sarah giggles, "No of course not, I was just soooo tired from watching you swim… being a spectator is hard work you know."
Chuck can't hold a faux serious expression as both he and Sarah burst out laughing at their joking give and take.
Sarah recovers first, "So wise one, what is on the agenda for today… nerd wise?"
Chuck beams at Sarah's obvious enthusiasm, "Well, I was thinking about showing you some coding, or how to program Zork on a TRS-80, but alas I am useless without my thinking juice so I have another plan."
Sarah looks at him blankly before attempting to respond, but she pauses flummoxed before finally finding the words, "I have no idea what any of those words mean… and what is thinking juice?"
Chuck laughs out loud, "Sorry went a bit too far there nerd wise, you're not ready yet. Oh and thinking juice is what I call chardonnay… I drink some when I am in the zone and am working on the computer programming or typing out code."
Sarah smiles, "Thinking juice eh? Do you drink the good stuff or a plonk (cheap wine)?"
This time Chuck looks at Sarah with a confused stare, "Um… what? What's a plonk?"
Sarah giggles, "Ah that would be what we call a cheap wine in the ever so wonderful land down under."
Chuck smiles, "I see, well I have never been one to pass on a decent chardonnay… I might have to start trying the Aussie options." He adds a little eyebrow dance that makes Sarah blush.
She smiles back, "Well I can help you find the good Australian wine for your computer wizardry."
"Much appreciated, now on to my plan. Since you showed me that awesome classical music I thought it was time to rectify what is in fact a crime against science fiction…"
Sarah's eyebrows raise, "Um…"
Chuck smiles eagerly at her, "The fact you have never seen 2001: A Space Odyssey! Then we can watch the other great movies with classical music to make sure you are properly educated in pop culture... it is about time really," Chuck says finishing with a teasing smile.
Sarah puts on a faux shocked and appalled face, "I am so educated! Fine, bring on the Sci Fi geek!"
Chuck raises a hand and softly, but confidently states, "Nerd… always nerd."
Sarah chuckles, "Fine my hot nerd; now let's watch these movies before we have to get back to the pool!"
Chuck smiles at her excitement, "My pleasure!"
Chuck and Sarah have a blast as she watches 2001: A Space Odyssey before beginning the Fifth Element as she talks animatedly with a very excited Chuck. The time passes quickly as they are lost in the films and their deep conversations.
Sarah watches with rapt fascination as the movies play and she sees some of her favorite musical pieces played to some of the iconic scenes in cinema and science fiction. She has a huge smile on her face as she watches both of the scenes with the two Strauss' music playing perfectly against Stanley Kubrick's iconic science fiction film.
Throughout the film Sarah comments on the complex film and the great villain that is the Hal9000 and her overall interest and impressions of the movie. Chuck takes all this in and honestly watches Sarah and her reactions more than the movie itself.
After an enthusiastic discussion of '2001: A Space Odyssey,' Chuck jumps up and plays the Fifth Element for Sarah. Once more she's lost in the minutia that is science fiction as she takes in the fantasy that is the films version of a future Earth and scenes of alien worlds in the film. She is entrapped by the sheer imagination that must have gone into this art that is this often unappreciated, by the classical art connoisseur, and at the very least she begins to realize what she has been missing. She smiles throughout the re-imagining of classical music in the film, but more importantly she is lost in the story and the visually stunning action.
She thinks to herself, I don't know why but this Fifth Element story really strikes a chord with me… I wonder why? It is so interesting to see the protection of something so special, so important, so perfect, yet so fragile in the Leeloo character. Hum… it is like I can relate to the Korban Dallas character about being instructed to protect a being that is pure good and in so doing save the world. And yet I also feel an odd connection to Leeloo, when she kicks ass… though I wish I would look like a supermodel while doing all that action and impressive martial arts. Weird, it is nothing like my life… it sounds more like a TV show about some crazy technology that turns the lead characters life upside down… hum that is a good idea for a show…
As the movie ends Chuck smiles widely and looks into Sarah's eyes, with an unasked question as he thinks, I wonder if she liked it. And I hope she had as much fun as I did listening to classical music yesterday.
Sarah has always been naturally perceptive… Chuck's ninja and spy jokes are in fact rather apt in describing her unique skills and attention to detail. She immediately reads Chuck's expression and responds without prompting, "I loved that Chuck, so much imagination and such a compelling story!"
Chuck's grin lights up the room as he is lost in his joy for a moment. Sarah smiles back at him once again glad she is seated as she thinks, God help me if he ever realizes the effect THAT smiles has on me! Oh who am I kidding, Chuck could never use his superpowers for evil… heck he doesn't even realize how special he really is half the time.
Sarah then asks, "Do we have time for one more?"
Chuck is about to respond when he is interrupted by the sounds of their alarms going off. They share a knowing look as Chuck speaks once more, "Another time I promise to show you more… as long as you have fun…"
Sarah smiles widely, "I plan on holding you to that!"
Chuck rises from the couch and extends his arms in order to help Sarah to her feet. She grasps his strong hand and pulls herself up and unexpectedly grasps Chuck in a tight hug. She sighs wistfully, "Thanks Chuck…"
Chuck smiles softly as her golden hair dances on his face and her wonderful citrus scent invades his senses. He finally replies softly, "Anytime…"
Too soon they have to head out, but both want to get to the pool early for their important races, Chuck's 4x200m freestyle relay and Sarah's huge 200m IM versus her friends Zondra and Carina and her enemy Amy. They reluctantly shut down the TV and make their way to their transport and security detail.
Outside of the Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
19:20hrs BST
Chuck and Sarah are so relaxed after their nerd-out session that all thoughts of the potential threat to Chuck's safety are far from their minds as they enter their transportation and are driven to the venue.
Meanwhile…
At the Aquatics Center Inspector Angel coordinates the security elements and begins to prepare the teams for the impending threat. He calls out teams and sends out the five sniper teams made up of both military and police marksman to the preselected vantage points with clear lines of sight in order to provide over watch for the couple.
As he continues his work the snipers set up and prepare for the couple to arrive. In all the busy preparations and the confusion of coordinating the protection, the mistake in the actual number of sniper teams goes unnoticed, as a simple computer glitch creates the smallest of windows for a motivated criminal to accidentally slip into.
Unbeknownst to the security team, Justin is able to enter one of the buildings with a moderate vantage point of the Aquatics Center that just so happens to be one of the only locations without a police presence. It is honestly sheer dumb luck that he avoids literally running into the large security presence in the area, but like all operations no plan survives the first engagement, which allows Justin to enter the security zone.
Justin quickly moves into position and finds the rifle bag that Shaw had stashed in the abandoned area of the building before making his way into a shooting position. As he grabs the rifle bag he lets out a stuttering breath as sweat drips from his face and a ghostly, fearful expression graces his tough face.
He sets up in a window and tries to steady his shaking hands as he assembles the illegally attained Remington rifle. He snaps on the scope and takes up his position before surveilling the area. As he takes in the large contingent of security buzzing around below him and he sucks in a deep, unsteady breath as he begins to panic. He thinks to himself, damn that is a lot of police! Damn! I am about ready to run and say to hell with this and take my chances… no use getting arrested or killed over this.
As Justin looks nervously through the scope the sniper teams are already in position and are scouring the area for threats.
From position Alpha one of the two Royal Marines of Forty Commando (battalion) talk about inane subjects, including the Games as the rifleman searches through his scope for threats, while his spotter looks through his ranging scope.
The spotter asks, "So we're lookin' out for them swimmers eh, Sergeant?'
The sniper/rifleman nods slightly as he checks his scoped L115A1 rifle, "That's right, now stay focused Corporal."
The Corporal responds, "Yes sir, but have you seen that fit Aussie bird!"
The Sergeant huffs, "Yes, Corporal now back to work… we don't want anything happening to her, yeah?"
The Corporal stiffens, "Right."
The Sergeant smiles wryly, "Besides… like you have a shot! You seen that Yank!"
The Corporal huffs, "Pretty boy swimmer… bastard! Some guys have all the luck!"
"To right," The sniper responds as he scans the surrounding area before settling on a building. He checks his scope again before asking, "Hey Corporal, I have a rifle at 10 o'clock, third floor."
"Got it… I don't have a full view, but let me check the protection plan. Got it, we're good that must be sniper team Fox, the sixth over watch team."
The Sergeant has a puzzled look on his face as he turns to the Corporal, "Six sniper teams? I thought there were five?"
"So did I, but they must have added a team since it is here in the final action plan."
The Sergeant nods, "Call it in to be safe."
"Will do…"
As the Sergeant continues to scan the area the Corporal calls in to verify the sniper team. After a few minutes on the radio he pipes up, "We're good, the other guys were confused, but we called into the Inspector running the show and a member of his staff said it was part of the plan… though he said he didn't need to bother Inspector Angel with the question, damn coppers.
"Alright, I am going to keep an eye on them anyway… probably a police marksman so I don't want a friendly fire incident from those boys, Afghanistan was sporting enough I don't need cops shooting at us!"
Meanwhile…
Chuck and Sarah arrive and exit the car and Chuck immediately helps Sarah out and holds her hands as they walk towards the venue.
All members of the protection detail are on high alert as the couple makes their way towards the relative safety of the Aquatics Center security zone. As the security personnel, both overt (in uniform) and covert (disguised as IOC volunteers, athletes and other staff members) watch Chuck and Sarah, so too does Justin from his vantage point with the crosshairs of the scope dancing around Chuck's body. In addition, Bryce and Jill wait patiently for their chance to strike.
As the couple continues to walk while taking in the vibrant blue sky and the warm inviting weather and scenery around them they are startled by the sound of Sarah's phone ringing.
She smiles and grabs her mobile and answers it, "Hello?"
She talks on the cell phone for a moment before taking it from her ear and turning to Chuck, "Hey Chuck it's my Mum… is it alright if I take this?"
"Of course I will wait here while you talk then we can head in together."
Sarah smiles, "You can go on ahead if you want…"
Chuck grins, "Nah, I'm good waiting. Take your time, while I enjoy the sun," he says while closing his eyes and smiling up and the stunningly blue sky.
Sarah chuckles as she brings the phone back to her ear as she turns and walks away while talking with Emma.
As Sarah moves off and Chuck is distracted Jill and Bryce move into position under the watchful eyes of numerous security personnel and Colonel Casey's covert protection detail.
Jill smirks as she predatorily makes her way towards Chuck. Her dark hair flows in the wind as she approaches in her extremely tight yellow tank top and a white skirt that is well above knee level, which exposes a significant portion of her long legs as she walks in a stylish pair of white strapped sandals. She moves directly in front of an unsuspecting Chuck and begins her shock and awe distraction.
She coyly calls out to him, "Hey Chuck."
Chuck opens his eyes quickly and is caught off guard by Jill's proximity and attire. His eyes wander for a second before he regains his composure and looks respectfully at Jill's face as warning signs go off in his head about her demeanor.
"Oh… hi Jill… how are you?" He thinks to himself, Be cool Chuck… everything will be fine. Who am I kidding! Jill being nice to me, yep things are about to get bad… really bad.
Jill smiles shyly, "I'm good… I wanted to congratulate you. I know we lost touch after Stanford, and me missing out on being with you has always been a regret of mine… I had a huge crush on you…" Jill smirks internally, Ha! The nerd never knew what hit him! I will have him so hot and bothered he won't even know what's going on when Bryce bumps into him and injects him. It is all going according to plan!
Chuck grimaces and looks around briefly before responding, "Oh… that's nice Jill, but I should be going…" Chuck thinks to himself, Yep definitely about to be attacked, I sure hope security is on their game… at least Sarah is out of harm's way.
As Chuck and Sarah talk Colonel Casey is barking orders to his team via a radio as he coordinates with Inspector Angel and the sniper teams in order to ensure they get the evidence of the attack, but more importantly to ensure Chuck's protection.
Casey barks loudly into the radio, "Larkin is on the move, repeat, Larkin is on the move! It's show time! Get ready to take that Mick bastard down!"
Chuck tries to move away, but Jill grabs his wrist and begins to stroke his arm, making Chuck very uncomfortable as he tries to escape without letting out a girlish scream as he is tempted to run from this dangerous situation.
Jill coos at Chuck, "Come on Chuck I know you wanted me at Stanford, now's your chance."
Chuck's face flashes with anger as his fear disappears, "Jill, you may have had a shot before I figured out what kind of girl you really are. Besides, I am dating Sarah and I would never leave her for you – ever! I don't want to be cruel, but I have no interest."
Jill's face flashes red with rage, but contorts into a predatory grin as Bryce approaches, "Fine, suit yourself! You have no idea what you are missing Chuck!"
As Bryce rapidly approaches the injector becomes visible and both Casey and Inspector Angel yell for the covert protection team to take him down.
As Bryce reaches to inject Chuck while 'accidentally' bumping into him, Bryce is suddenly hammered to the ground by a bone crushing high/low flag tackle by two rather large men disguised as trainers.
As Bryce hits the ground, hard, a sickening snap is heard as his arm folds unnaturally as it breaks and dislocates from the force of the blow, which flips him in the air before hammering him into the unforgiving stone ground.
Bryce's shock is only matched by the searing pain that registers immediately as the injector gun falls harmlessly to the ground.
Suddenly the area explodes in activity as seven covert security personnel begin securing Bryce in zip ties as twenty plain clothed security guards, police and soldiers rush in as support as the net closes on Bryce and his plan.
In all the confusion as Bryce is roughly subdued, Jill is able to rush away from the activity, though her capture is all but guaranteed.
Sarah sees the commotion and instantly panics. She quickly tells her Mom over the phone, "Chuck needs me! I got to go!"
She hangs up before Emma can get out a word. Sarah then takes off in a dead sprint and sees Bryce being manhandled while the police and security detail guards Chuck. Sarah lets out a deep breath as she thinks, Oh thank god! I would have never forgiven myself if I wasn't there to save Chuck… I better check to make sure he is OK.
As Sarah begins to rush over to Chuck she sees Jill and instantly remembers the briefing on the Bryce/Jill threat and Jill's involvement. She makes a split second decision as she looks toward Chuck and then at Jill. Sarah's face turns cold and angry as she seethes and thinks, There is no way I am letting her escape! She tried to hurt Chuck and now I think it is time to introduce her to the Giant Blonde She-male!
Sarah runs to intercept Jill as the brunette is clearly panicking and trying to escape the repercussions of the poorly conceived and morally reprehensible plan. As Jill makes her way away from the mass of security personnel around Bryce she thinks for a moment all is well and that escape is a possibility.
However, she is shocked when Sarah steps purposefully into her path. Jill stumbles to a stop, while taking heavy, labored breaths as sweat drips from her brow. Jill looks at Sarah with venom in her eyes as she spits out, "Get out of my way blondie!"
Sarah's cold look causes a shiver to run down Jill's spine as Sarah eyes the brunette with a callous, yet terrifyingly blank stare.
Jill yells out again, "Move or I will move you!"
Sarah smiles slightly at that as Jill attempts to move around her. Sarah blocks Jill's every path causing the brunette women to shake in anger, frustration and fear.
"I said move!" Jill yells out as she throws a poorly coordinated punch at Sarah's face. Sarah uses her superior skill to dodge all of the attacks Jill levies at her.
Sarah smirks before goading Jill, "That all you got!"
Jill rushes Sarah once more in a fit of rage and Sarah acrobatically summersaults out of the way before once again taking a defensive posture. Sarah thinks, I've had my fun… time to end this!
Jill nearly screams in frustration as she once again charges Sarah thinking the blonde will not strike back. Jill is proven ever so wrong. Sarah spins into a perfectly coordinated and devastatingly powerful jump spin hook kick. Sarah leaps into the air and rotates her hips while spinning with her leg swinging in a high arc that connects directly and with deadly precision into Jill's vulnerable jaw.
The impact is fast and devastating as a sickening crack echoes as Jill drops to the ground like a puppet with the strings cut. Jill is unconscious with a severely broken jaw before she hits the ground and even before Sarah gracefully lands on the ground in a perfect stance ready to follow up her attack with another vindictive blow.
Sarah looks at Jill's still form and says levelly, "No one hurts my boyfriend!"
As Sarah looks up she sees four police constables rush toward Jill. They zip tie her arms… after verifying that she was in fact still alive. The four young constables look at Sarah in awe as she begins to move towards Chuck to ensure he is fine and safe. The officers finally recover and call an ambulance for the injured brunette, who really should not have picked a fight with the blonde swimmer with impressive martial arts skills.
Sarah rushes to Chuck's side and hugs him tightly before inspecting him for damage. She rapidly asks in a worried tone, "Chuck! Are you Ok? Did they hurt you? Do you need a doctor? Should I call Ellie? Argg! I should have killed that Jill bitch when I had the chance!"
Chuck pulls her tight, "I am fine Sarah… Don't freak out," he whispers softly into her ear and she instantly relaxes.
In a quiet and vulnerable voice she says, "When I saw the commotion I was so scared Chuck… I thought the worst…"
Chuck moves his finger to her cheek and catches a single tear before smiling at her, "I am fine and safe… we're both going to be safe…"
Sarah sucks in a deep, cleansing breath before pulling him tighter and inhaling his scent and feeling his muscular body against hers in order to quell her fears and convince herself that he is really safe.
As Chuck and Sarah share a moment after the harrowing experience, 200 yards away Justin continues to watch the scene through his scope.
Justin shutters as he thinks back to the capture of the two attackers and as he watches Chuck and Sarah's embrace with the crosshairs focused on Chuck. Justin finally makes a decision.
Justin stands and drops the rifle before disassembling it and hiding it in a false wall in the abandoned building and then makes his way out of the building. As he leaves he thinks to himself, To hell with this! There is a bloody army protecting Bartowski and I am not getting caught or killed for that wanker Shaw. I better run and hope to escape the police, Shaw and his employers… god damn mess is what this is!
As Justin escapes into the city of London before the security teams sweep the area to ensure all threats are contained, not knowing how close to disaster they were over the smallest of computer glitches.
As the security buzzes and the media begins to arrive in droves, Chuck and Sarah share a gentle kiss before making their way to the Aquatics Center in order to try to mentally prepare to race after the madness they had just experienced.
Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
20:40hrs BST
Despite the fact that both Chuck and Sarah have independent preparations for competition, this time Sarah refuses to leave Chuck's side in order to mentally prepare alone. As a result, both Chuck and Sarah talk, calm one another, stretch, warm up and overall mentally prepare for their big races.
Despite the change in preparations, which should have disjointed both of the highly regimented athletes, they were completely at ease and calm as together they gained strength and motivation from one another.
An IOC volunteers informs the ladies that they need to prepare to be called for the 200m individual medley soon. Chuck takes the opportunity to turn to Sarah and say in a confident voice, "You're going to win."
Sarah smiles widely as his confidence infuses her with a strength of will and determination that she has never felt before. She says softly, "I will win it for you… but you have to win the relay for me…"
Chuck smiles, "Done."
They share a passionate kiss as the young female IOC volunteer looks at them with a wistful look and a deep sigh. The young woman shakes herself from her reverie before calling out, "Miss Walker, you are up next… make your way to the entrance to the main pool."
Chuck looks at the volunteer and smiles and the young woman blushes deeply before seeing the warning look on Sarah's face, which causes the volunteer to turn tail and run thinking to herself, damn that Sarah Walker is scary! That look nearly gave me frostbite!
Sarah hugs Chuck once more before heading out to the pool and her biggest race so far, against both friend and foe.
The news and media had picked up the story of Bryce and Jill's capture, but overall the details were sketchy and incomplete. However, the buzz caused by the media reports had created a further frenzy in the Aquatics Center.
As Sarah enters the pool area she pauses by the screen adorned with her name and an Australian flag, the crowd erupts in a massive cheer for the blonde swimmer. Still not accustomed to the unexpected support, Sarah tries to hold down a blush as a shy smile forms on her beautiful face as she waves to the crowd and makes her way to her lane.
Sarah reaches lane 4 and sees to her left Zondra in lane 3 and to her right Carina in lane 5. The friends give one another a supportive smile and a nod before Sarah turns an icy expression towards Amy in lane 6. Sarah thinks, It won't make up for all the hurt and pain you caused, but I am definitely going to beat you Amy… count on it!
Sarah takes her mark on the starting block and inhales a deep steadying breath as she looks up at the huge crowd, while adjusting her yellow Aussie swim cap. She takes one final opportunity to think of her friends and family's support before her thoughts fall to Chuck and their promise to win and she smiles widely. She thinks, Well... I better keep my promise…
Sarah readies on the staring block and waits until she hears the beep before leaping with all her strength into the pool. She hits the water and dolphin kicks hard as she glides under the water before rising to the surface and into a strong butterfly as she races towards the end of the pool. She was a little slower off the blocks and trails in forth place behind Carina, who uses her superior butterfly skills to take an early lead followed by Amy, Zondra and then Sarah in fourth and Vivian Volkoff in fifth place.
Sarah touches the wall and spins and kicks off hard as she propels herself under the water before entering a perfectly timed backstroke. She quickly closes the gap and passes Zondra and Carina as she sets her sights on Amy who now leads the race by the smallest of margins. As Sarah reaches the starting wall she just passes Amy using her superior skill in the backstroke as she touches the wall and rolls and kicks off into the third leg of the race.
Sarah once again surfaces from a powerful dolphin kick and begins her breaststroke portion of the race with a small lead. Zondra picks up the pace and passes Amy and then passes Sarah into first place as Carina makes her own push and moves neck-and-neck with Amy in third place.
As they reach the wall Zondra touches first, followed by Sarah and then by Carina, while Amy and Vivian Volkoff battle in fourth place. Sarah kicks off hard and into a powerful front crawl as she briefly thinks, I love you Zondra and Carina, but this race is mine!
Sarah puts everything she has into her perfectly honed front crawl strokes as she powers through the water increasing the gap on Carina and the others as she quickly matches Zondra's pace. Soon Sarah pulls away from Zondra into first place as she swims as if she is possessed. Zondra looks over at Sarah to gauge positioning and is in a little awe as Sarah moves ahead. Zondra pushes hard trying to catch the blonde Aussie, but alas she is unable to close the gap and Sarah touches the wall first, followed soon after by Zondra. Carina makes a hard push as Amy and Vivian push to take the Bronze. Carina pushes harder than she knew she could, the desire to win a medal after the crushing feeling of finishing just off the podium in her last race still stinging in her mind. She pushes ahead and finishes in third ahead of Vivian who finishes in fourth, while Amy falls to a disappointing fifth place finish.
As the swimmers tread water Sarah looks up and the scoreboard and covers her mouth with her hands as she laughs happily. Zondra and Carina are smiling widely as the announcers add color to their commentary as they excitedly tell the world that the three friends have just sweep the podium in the 200m IM.
The girls exit the pool and Sarah, Zondra and Carina share an excited hug, as Carina and Zondra joke with Sarah before humbly congratulating her for her first individual Gold.
Chuck, not able to contain his enthusiasm uses his charms to enter the pool area in order to congratulate his friends and most of all Sarah. Sarah sees Chuck and like déjà vu she rushes towards him. They hug and Chuck laughs, "Congratulations!"
Sarah smiles widely and moves in for a kiss, but Chuck hesitates and says, "I thought we were going to try and be a little lower key?" He says as he looks around at the frenzied crowd. He looks back at Sarah and sees her unimpressed expression and he asks with a shy smile, "Shut up and kiss you?"
Sarah beams and nods and the two share a gentle kiss, much to the satisfaction of the crowd that cheers loudly at the public display of affection.
As the kiss breaks Chuck congratulates Zondra and Carina, "Hey great swim Zondra and Carina!"
They both smile, "Thanks Chuck!"
Before Chuck can add to his praise of the girls an older woman clears her throat and glowers at the young people, "Mr. Bartowski, you are not authorized to be here and your race is up next – back to the warm-up area."
Chuck smiles nervously, "Um… sorry?" Chuck squints and looks at her name tag, "Laura Turner…"
He turns back to the girls, "Sorry, gotta go, but congrats!" He turns and runs back to the warm-up area under the watchful eye of the IOC volunteer.
A little while later…
Chuck makes his way out of the warm-up area with a big smile on his face alongside his 4x200m freestyle teammates: Ryan Lochte, Connor Dwyer and finally Michael Phelps. Once again Chuck and the Americans get a loud cheer from the crowd as the American fans loudly profess their support for the team.
Chuck takes his position at the starting block as he strips out of his gear as he stretches out a final time as Ryan Lochte makes his way to the starting block. Lochte will start the race, followed by Dwyer, then Chuck goes and Phelps finishes the race with a little history on the line as he (Phelps) chases his 19th medal and another record.
Lochte takes his place at the start and waits for the beep as he confidently prepares to leap. The beep sounds and Lochte launches himself head long into the water with an impressive reaction time. He kicks hard underwater before surfacing and into a powerful front crawl. Lochte is a man possessed looking to make up for his poor finish in the 4x100m freestyle relay. He takes and early lead as he touches the far wall first and heads back to the start. The Aussies are in second place, while the Germans start out in sixth place, but make a move in the first 200 meters and move up into third place. South Africa starts out strong in third place during the first 100 meters, but fall to eighth by the end of the first 200 meters. Lochte quickly completes his first lap and reaches the start and flips and heads back for his final lap he has put some serious distance between himself and second place. He uses his powerful form to reach the far wall for the last time in first place before kicking off the far wall and powering himself back to the starting wall.
Lochte touches the starting wall, completing his 200 meters of the race and immediately Connor Dwyer leaps into the pool. He kicks hard under the water using a dolphin kick before surfacing into a strong front crawl. Germany moves into second place, but Dwyer holds the significant lead that Lochte earned in the first 200 meters. Meanwhile, the Aussies fall to third, while the French battle in fourth place.
Dwyer does his two laps of the pool (from the start wall to far wall and back twice) and holds the lead and touches the wall clearly in first place. As soon as Dwyer touches the wall Chuck leaps into the air and into the pool. He hits the water perfectly penetrating the water directly into a dolphin kick. He rises to the surface and begins his perfect front crawl as he aims to add to the lead and chase the World Record. The Germans hold onto second place for 100 meters of the third leg of the race, but the French are just too much and move into second place behind Chuck by the end of this leg of the race. Meanwhile, as Chuck increases his lead the Aussies fight in fourth place, while the Chinese hold onto fifth place. Chuck makes it quickly from the far wall to the starting wall for a final time. He does not slow as he uses his well honed and powerful technique to touch the starting wall giving Phelps a huge (over 2 second) lead of over two body lengths over the second place team.
Chuck touches the wall and Phelps instantly leaps into the pool chasing his 19th medal. His lead is such that only a disqualification would ruin his chance at Gold. As Phelps powers towards Gold, the talented Frenchman Agnel makes a valiant effort to lessen the gap between the Americans and second place. He makes up time and space, but the American lead is insurmountable. As Phelps makes the final turn in his 200 meters he uses all his strength to propel himself to the finish. Behind Phelps there is a large gap then the French in second place, while the Chinese move into third after Sun Yang swims an amazing 100 meters moving them from fifth into third place, while the Germans fall to fourth after great start, but are still ahead of the Aussies who follow in fifth place. In the end Phelps touches the wall first with a time of 6:59:70, which is short of the World Record, but good enough for Gold and his 19th medal. Agnel touches the wall next over 3 seconds later (a huge margin in swimming), while the Chinese finish in third followed by the Germans and Australians in fourth and fifth respectively. After Australia, the Brits (including Shaw) finish in sixth, followed by the South Africans and the Hungarians in seventh and eighth respectively.
Chuck and the team have huge smiles on their faces as Phelps revels in the victory and his record in the pool before shaking hands with Agnel, who swam a great race. The Americans have a moment to congratulate one another and Phelps for the first time tells them about the 19th medal and the record. Chuck of course did the math before hand and new this race was really important, but was kind enough to keep quiet and allow Phelps the opportunity to tell the team and enjoy the praise of a great career at the Olympics.
Like Chuck, Sarah charms her way to the pool area not caring about the scrutiny as she runs and hugs Chuck happily. Chuck beams as he spins her around with a joyous laugh as Sarah giggles happily.
Chuck's teammates look on with small smiles at the scene before them.
Lochte turns to Phelps and says, "He really doesn't get the whole being famous thing! He should be mastering the art of the hook-up because things are going to get crazy when the events are done."
Phelps chuckles, "Ah he's fine, from what I know Chuck is not the hook-up type so the crazy partying and girls would be lost on him. I'm happy for him."
Lochte smirks, "Yeah, Yeah. More ladies for me!"
Meanwhile, the NBC commentators are busy talking about not only Phelps's amazing record number of medals, but also about the double Gold day for Chuck and Sarah. The topic shifts from Phelps to Chuck and Sarah as Chuck is pulled into a poolside interview alongside Michael Phelps. Chuck tries to keep the subject on Michael's amazing accomplishment and politely steers the conversation away from his love life or Sarah's and his 'double Gold day' or the intrigue over the arrest of Bryce Larkin and Jill Roberts.
By the end of it all Chuck is exhausted not only physically, but mentally due to the media effect and the stress of the Bryce and Jill situation.
Aquatics Center (London Olympic Venue)
London, United Kingdom
July 31, 2012
21:11hrs BST
After Chuck's great race it is once again time for Chuck and Sarah to cool down and get ready for the all important medal ceremonies. After all their work over the past few years and the insanity that has been the London Games for the two young athletes it was time once more for them to be crowned for their stunning achievement.
Sarah shook with excitement as she waits for the medal ceremony to begin. Zondra and Carina look on with wide smiles on their faces at Sarah's intense excitement.
Sarah looks over at the mirth filled expressions on her friends' faces and smiles while trying her best to look serious as she asks, "What?"
Both Carina and Zondra chuckle, "Come on Sarah you are so giddy!" Zondra says with a laugh.
Sarah gives her a faux serious look, "Hey, you already got your Gold for the day in the 200m freestyle! I just couldn't let you win!"
Zondra smiles, "I thought I had you, but man did you ever take off! I didn't think you could front crawl that fast… you really should think about doing some more freestyle events next time."
Sarah smiles, "Maybe… but Carina, I thought you had both of us during the butterfly! And thank you so much for beating that bitch Amy!"
Carina smiles, "Honestly, I am just so glad I got to the podium… though I really wanted to win. But if someone else had to win Gold I am glad it was you… especially after all the crap you've been dealing with. And was my pleasure to keep that witch Amy off the podium, serves her right!"
Sarah smiles appreciatively, "Thanks… you both are great friends… I am really lucky."
Carina and Zondra share a look before smirking at Sarah and saying as one, "Yeah you are!"
The three shared a laugh before being interrupted by the IOC volunteers who began ushering them towards the pool area and the large podium.
A woman in a purple dress leads Zondra who is followed by Sarah who is followed by Carina out to the pool area and over to the large purple podium. Zondra is wearing her grey Team USA track suit with the American flag on the shoulder and the black stripe across the chest, while Sarah is adorned in her bright yellow track jacket and green pants, while Carina wears her bright blue Team Sweden track suit, which has a yellow left arm and a thick stripe of yellow angling over her chest.
The three friends share a look as the media personalities rave about the amazing results of this race, Sarah's romance and of course the intrigue over Bryce Larkin's arrest. The girls are glowing as the announcements begin and the IOC representative, Juan Diego Renaldo of Spain, begins his presentation.
Over the speakers the Bronze medal winner, Carina Hansen of Sweden is announced along with her race time. Carina smiles widely as her biggest fans and best friends clap loudly, smile and cheer their friend.
Carina steps upon the podium and waves to the cheering crowd before Juan Diego Renaldo places the purple necklace with the Bronze medal over her head.
Juan Diego says smoothly, "Congratulations my dear, you should be very proud."
Carina touches the medal reverently before smiling widely and posing for a few pictures.
Zondra leans toward Sarah and says, "Damn, that girl missed her calling! She should have been a model!"
Sarah giggles involuntarily, completely content at the moment and enjoying the experience with her friends.
As Sarah and Zondra laugh Carina is given her flowers and Mr. Renaldo makes his way toward Zondra on the left hand side of the large purple podium, which sits behind the large teal colored wall with the large white Olympic rings painted upon it.
Juan Diego smiles as Zondra takes her place upon the podium and receives her well earned Silver medal. He says simply, "Excellent race senorita, you should be very proud. If not for your friends performance you would have certainly won."
Zondra smiles widely at Sarah before looking back at him, "Yeah, but I am Okay being beat by that kind of performance… and at least she's my best friend!" Juan Diego smiles and nods as Zondra receives her flowers.
He then moves to the middle of the podium and Sarah takes her place atop the podium to the loud cheers of the supportive crowd. As her Gold medal time is announced, Juan Diego places the Gold medal over her head and says simply, "Miss Walker, that was an amazing swim… there is little else to say other than congratulations and enjoy this moment with your friends as they are fleeting."
Sarah nods with a wide smile as she receives her flowers. She waves to the supportive crowd with a huge smile as the commentators over at NBC Sports rave about her performance and once again fall all over themselves over Chuck and Sarah's relationship.
The three nation's flags are raised as the Australian national anthem plays as the ceremony comes to an end. Sarah is so excited she only allows a few individual photos of herself before she pulls Zondra and Carina to the top of the podium for a series of group pictures.
The three friends then do their circle of the pool for pictures and interviews as they all rave about one another's performance and all those in the media are given a true example of what the Olympics are meant to be – a coming together of people from around the world for a friendly competition and make lifelong friendships though these great sports.
Soon after Chuck and his team make their way to the podium and receive their well earned Gold medals. Once again Chuck is exhilarated by the experience, but soon after begins to feel the weight of the world as the interviews and the events of the day begin to grate upon him.
Most of all, Chuck takes solace and is content that Sarah is happy and that for a short time they are on top of the world and had forgotten about the media madness and the whole Bryce/Jill mess.
As soon as they could Chuck and Sarah rendezvoused in the Aquatics Center and shared a soft, but powerful hug before they turned and prepared to leave hand-in-hand. As they are about to leave they hear two thunderous shouts one after the other:
"CHARLES IRVING BARTOWSKI!"
"SARAH LISA WALKER!"
Chuck and Sarah cringe and look at one another nervously not wanting to turn around and face the music. Sarah bits her lip and grabs Chuck's hand as they turn slowly to face the wrath that is sure to face them over keeping their families out of the loop about the threat to Chuck's safety from Bryce and Jill.
Chuck and Sarah respond as one, "Mom, I can explain…"
Meanwhile…
Shaw is dejected that the British team did not succeed in the 4x200m freestyle relay and he knows that his shady employers will not look kindly on this failure.
Shaw calls Justin immediately as he drives his black Lotus towards his central London flat.
After three tries Shaw curse out, "Damn coward fails me again and now won't answer his phone! The wanker probably ran! No matter, I will have to come up with another plan for Chuck Bartowski…"
AN2: Another big chapter – hope was enjoyable. Couple things, the security at the Games was great, but here I had a small computer glitch create a small opening. Justin's heart was not in it and seeing Bryce and Jill get taken down made him run and not look back. He plays a part in Shaw's fall and you will see more soon and again I can't wait for chapter 17 – it will be fun. I go for realism so hopefully this makes sense from a security perspective, while the story evolves. Sarah's race was a fun one for me – it will be one of the only races in this story that is not based on reality as there were so many Chuck characters in it – but this allowed me to have a Sarah, Zondra and Carina sweep the podium, which I thought was perfect.
Next chapter will have the family asking some hard questions over all the lying and more fun at the Olympics. Thanks for everyone who sticks with this and for the understanding of the week delay – you all are awesome!
Disclaimer 2 – Don't own anything related to NBC