Don't own Chuck
Jack rode the elevator back down to the ground floor thinking about who to call. Then it hit him as the doors opened up so he darted straight for his office. A few heads turned as he made his way through lobby and casino. They hadn't seen Jack move that fast since... well since the last time he'd gotten himself into trouble. He broke out his rolodex and look for a number he needed.
"Everybody running around with their IPads, IPhone and Iwho-knows-what. What happens if you lose it or it gets stolen," said Jack as he looked through his numbers. "You can download it off the cloud would be what Chuck would say. Well this is in case there's a sunny day without a cloud in sight. Here we go," he said as he picked up the receiver and started dialing.
"Crap I just thought what if he's dead," he said as the call rang and rang. Finally, there was a click and a voice came on. "Yes, I think I'm looking for your grandfather. ... who am I? My name is Jack Burton but he may not remember me. Tell him I'm Chuck's father-in-law and he needs his help. ... that's right Charles Carmichael. I'm Sarah's father. ... okay I'll hold." Jack put the call on speaker then went and got himself a cup of coffee then spiked it with a drop of brandy. "Good morning Montenegro and hello Vecchia Romagna."
"Dobor dan Ševo Djokivic drago mi je," said a voice on the other end of the receiver. Jack went back over to his desk.
"Good morning Mr. Djokivic. My name is Jack Burton and as I told your man I'm Chuck's father-in-law... Sarah's father..."
"I know who you are Mr. Burton. Chuck has told me about you. So what is it that you or he needs from me?"
"I'm not sure what he's told you about me but I'll take it that it was good," said Jack as he paused. There was silence on the line. "I take it not then... well it doesn't matter. Chuck and Sarah are gone and I have their children here and I know what your people feel for children..."
"Mr. Burton, can we cut to the chase. I'm a busy man. You of all people should know how the contraband market goes... somedays good, somedays not so good and some days you just break even so please..."
"Okay, okay to the point," said Jack. The old Serbian man reminded him a lot of himself. "I just need a moment of your time," he said as he explained the situation. Ševo listen quietly to Jack then afterwards he remained silent. "So what do you say are you with us?"
"I'll have to think about this. If there's one thing I've learned in all these years is never rush into something," said Ševo. "I'll get back to you."
"Well don't think about it too long. We're on the clock here," said Jack. He couldn't help but wondering if this hadn't been a waste of time. "We'll be waiting to hear from you."
"I'll be in touch," said Ševo. Then the line dropped. Jack walked back over and poured himself a proper drink. There was a knock on the door then Margo walked in. She stopped when she saw him holding the whiskey decanter in his hand and a glass.
"Aren't you going to tell me it's a little early for this," said Jack as he finished pouring his glass. "If you are I know but I don't care. I guess after our conversation above you're here to check up on me."
"Actually I was going to ask you to pour me one and if you're asking does that mean I need to check up on you? But no that's it why I'm here. I want to give you this," said Margo as she laid down a Beretta Bobcat 21a next to the decanter.
"Here you go," said Jack as he handed Margo the glass he'd just filled for himself then slid her back her pistol and poured another one for himself. "I've never had any use for those. I've never been in a situation that I couldn't talk my way out of and I don't see that changing."
"Jack, take this and keep it nearby. This is different," she said as she took a sip. "If you're worried because you don't know how to handle it I can take you down below and show you a thing or two."
"Just a thing or two... ha that will be the day," said Jack as he picked up the pistol pushed the clip release button on the handle then flipped the barrel release. The barrel came up and he took the round out of it then set it on the counter. After that he cocked the hammer back and pulled the slide off completing the field stripping then he put it back together dry firing a couple time in both single and double action. He popped the barrel back up dropped the round in it then locked it back down and after that slide the clip in. He handed it back to her.
"I said I never had any use for them not that I didn't know how to use one. I've spent enough time looking down a barrel to know my way around one and that they're not for me."
"Well the latest intel I got says that group of so-called 'businessmen' are headed here so if you reconsider just ask and it's yours."
"Thanks but no thanks.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Sarah and Morgan hustled down the passageway to the control room. If Abu had sent men looking for Morgan, there would be more and soon so it was imperative that they get out of sight. Sarah punching in the code control panel while Morgan kept an eye out. Then the doors opened up making a whooshing sound like those of the Buy More but the smell that came out wasn't the same.
"Wow just like Star Trek and this time I get to keep my clothes on. The air's kind of stuffy in here there's no air conditioning. I see it's the maid's day off and boy you could us an air wick... maybe a hundred in here."
"Because everything is shut down but we'll be safe in here at least for now and that's what's important. Find a place and finish your list while I try to get this thing up and running."
"I can help if you want me to just tell me what you want me to do and I'll get it done. You know I have to admit I'm kind of handy with tools."
"That's all right this is really a one gal job. I've got this but thanks," said Sarah. "Chuck told me what I needed to do last night when I was with him so you can go ahead and work on your list. I'm sure there are other things you'd like to add."
"Oh, I get it now you talk with Chuck and he told you about the black out. I want you to know that was never proven and I'm going with it being ConEdision's fault not mine. What can a few thousand lights do… and a life size Santa Claus… flying reindeer… elves in their workshop and…" Morgan started to say nut stopped when he caught Sarah's look. "Okay so it happened while I was wiring the Buy More but that doesn't prove anything. I think it was Lester and Jeff who did something then tried to blame it on me."
"Then the story about the singed beard and it taking time for it to grow back out was what? Or were Lester and Jeff somehow responsible for that too?"
"You know my jaw is really starting to bother me. I think I'll go sit over there and work some more on my bucket list if you don't mind."
"No Morgan go ahead. You might add take a class in how to wire," said Sarah as she started work pulling cards and moving them around.
"Funny, you sure you didn't take a lesson on humor from Casey," said Morgan. But she ignored him she was too busy trying breakers and watching. Slowly everything began to come back to life.
"Okay now I need that audio file from Castle," said Sarah as she watched the counter tick off the download to a hundred percent. "Now we just play it." They heard Alexei Volkoff's voice.
"'Death is the solution to all problems.' It's a quote from my favorite poet and humanitarian - Joseph Stalin." 'System access granted', flashed across the screen.
"That voice kind of gives you a cold chill up the spine and to think that was Hartley. The intersect did a number on him."
"Yeah it did one on all of us," said Sarah as she looked down at her governor. "Okay now I shut it down partially putting it in sleep mode and then we tap into the CCTV feeds. This way we can see what's going on outside and react if we have to."
"I just wish we knew what was going on with Chuck," said Morgan. "I've got this twin thing going on. You know where I can tell he's eating something icky and disgusting..."
"Like yoghurt," said Sarah. Morgan gave her a look. "Never mind, I'm going to tap into the topside cameras and there we go." On the monitor they could see Chuck on the pier with Abu and Ettore.
"Abu doesn't look too happy, does he? I wish we could hear what they're saying."
"If they're talking about you it's probably better that we can."
[Meanwhile down in engineering]
"What the heck," said the Machinist. "Yell down to the plant and tell them to crank out more power. We need it now," he said as he pointed to the gauges.
"You're right what's going on? I thought they were supposed to warn us before they hooked up the shore power cables."
"Yeah that's what I thought too," said the Machinist. "But something just took a lot of our power. I have half a mind to go up there and tell them a thing or two. They can't get away with this crap."
"You do that and you'll end up like our radioman. I saw them dump his body overboard just before we pulled in. No service... no nothing just over the side like a bag of trash thrown in the dumpster," said the man as the phone rang.
"So much for service pay," said the Machinist as he answer. "What? Yeah, we're ready... what do you mean you're about to connect the cables? You haven't connected them yet," said the Machinist as he looked over at his watch partner.
"Shush, don't say a word and just say okay. We don't know what kind of game they're playing. They could be testing us or just covering themselves."
"Yes, we're ready anytime you are," said the machinist nodding to his partner who gave him a thumbs up back then called down to the plant to tell them to stand by.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Chuck was led off the ship and down on the pier where Ettore was waiting with the rest of the welcome party. Chuck looked back and saw them opening the hold and preparing the crane to lift the containers out. He guessed this was in anticipation to place them on a barge tied up on the other side of the pier. This meant they were to be taken somewhere else for assembly. Chuck hadn't counted on this.
"I wish I could say it was a pleasure but I'd be lying," said Chuck as he met Ettore. "Oh I've got a good one for you. Did you hear the joke about the centipede with on bum leg? Ninety-nine thump."
"Yes Chuck that's an old joke. But why are you people looking at me like that? What's wrong do I have spinach between my teeth or something?"
"They met Morgan onboard is what happened so they're not sure you are you. Here I can help you out," said Chuck as he kicked Ettore in the prosthetic leg. Ettore didn't flinch then Chuck kicked him in his good leg.
"Ouch! What the heck! That was my good leg," he said as he had to lean on one of his assistants so he wouldn't fall down. Abu's goons stifled laughs.
"I just wanted to demonstrate the difference. We're still cool right?" said Chuck. "I was just helping you out dude. I would've thought you'd appreciate the save."
"No, I would not and what's this about Morgan being onboard? Alex wasn't with him was she," said Ettore as he suddenly forgot about his leg.
"Sorry from what I understand it was Morgan, Casey and Banai. I don't think you know him he's with the VAJA..."
"Now that's a strange combination. Abu you bring out the very best in people and get enemies to work together to hunt you. It shows true evil to pull something like that off."
"Enough of this chatter," said Abu. "I want to know is it ready for testing? You've had plenty of time… too much and I'm in no mood for excuses so you'd better have results for me."
"No need in getting bent out of shape. Of course it's ready, my guys just finished it. Chuck, I'm sorry to tell you but once we've tested this and it works your assistance on this project will no longer be required. Do you know what that means?"
"You're going to lay me off... make me redundant. If you want me to leave here I've got no problem with that and don't worry it won't hurt my feeling one bit..."
"No you're not going anywhere until we launch the missile and then it won't matter," said Abu. Ettore coughed loudly. "What? I wasn't supposed to tell him? He knows we have the missile and warhead what do you think he's thinking we were going to do with it? Maybe fireworks for New Year's..."
"Actually, I was rooting for the fourth of July," said Chuck. "But if the machine you're talking about is the intersect I would warn you not to use it. The program you have is flawed. It will make you psychopathic maniacs... or well… what you are now."
"Nice try Chuck and you almost look sincere but we can see you're lying. You don't want us to use it because you know what we can do with it. Your father had a good idea too bad he let it go to waste."
"You have no idea what my father did or didn't do and I'm warning you... both of you, you'll regret it if you chose to use it. I don't know what I have to do to prove to you that I'm not lying other than to tell you the thing just doesn't work."
"Just wait and see what we do with it. We're going to bake a batch of agents afterwards that will help me take over the world. I'm talking new world order with me at the top…" It was then Chuck figured out Abu had eaten a little too much hashish and was a raving lunatic.
"Oh Abu and what does the Old Man in the Mountain have to say about this? Or have you even told him what your real plans are? I willing to bet no."
"We'll program the fidā'iyyūn the faithful to follow me and only me. Then when the time comes I'll be able to pull of my coup just like when Hasan-i Sabbah took the fortress Alamut and no one will be able to stop me not even you Chuck."
"Are you throwing down the glove? I always like a good challenge," said Chuck as they walked down the pier to a waiting launch.
"Maybe I should just cut my losses and shot you now," said Abu as the stood on the pier next to the launch. "It certainly sounds like the smartest thing I could do."
"It certainly would be but you still need your missile assembled and tested. You think you're just going to be able to slap our warhead on top of the thing and think it's going to work. And all that's the easy part because then you're going to have to program it or do you plan on just launching it in the general direction and hope that it lands in the ballpark. By the way what is your target?"
"Wouldn't you like to know… you'll find out when the need arises. Now everyone onboard so we can shove off," said Abu. "We've wasted enough time chitchatting."
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
The men on the pier casted off the lines and the boat pulled away from the pier. What they didn't see was Casey and Banai with Lieutenant Marsh and his men sitting on a ridge looking down at them. Casey and his team took off from the Mason making an indirect approach. They flew towards the contested area then dove under the radar going into stealth mode. The only thing shore radars saw was now they were and now they weren't. They circled back and sat down on a grassy knoll overlooking the port. Casey and the rest jumped out. The Lieutenant's men set of a defensive perimeter while they unloaded he chopper then it took off heading back to the ship.
"Well we're into now and there goes our way home so like the Foreign Legion it's march or die. One good thing the island is so sparsely populated no one saw us come in."
"I've got a visual on the Contessa Colonel," said Marsh as he looked through his binoculars. "On no, we've got a small problem. Have a look Colonel," said the Lieutenant as he handed John his binoculars.
"Thanks but I brought my own," said Casey as he took his out of his pack and had a look. Since John passed up the binoculars Banai borrowed them.
"Oh crap! We're on the wrong side of the bay," said Banai as he watched the launch take off with Abu, Chuck and Ettore onboard. They came around the Contessa then double back then crossed open water disappearing from sight.
"We're going to have to go down and commandeer some sort of boat... maybe a fishing boat from the fleet over there off to the left of the pier. We need to do some humping to get there but our best bet is to grab one just after sunset and follow them. The fleet will be in then and the boat will be easy to grab."
"Then we need to start walking if we're going to get there," said the Lieutenant. His men got their gear together and started down from the knoll.
"This reminds me of when I was in the Army and humping packs. Everything weight a ton back them but I shared the load with my men. I believe in leading by example. My men... my friends and I we had a blast together then we were thrown into the war. But the war wasn't all bad we had our good times too. I guess that has a lot to do with hindsight."
"Do you ever wished you'd stayed in? This life as a spy sounds glamourous but I bet it's not all James Bond is it?"
"Not at all, the Colonel can tell you better than I can. But you're always pretending to be something or someone you're not and people are never people. The world is divided into assets and targets but as far as do I miss the Army and Army life... well I had a good career and some people even told me I could've made General."
"But you don't really think so, do you," said Casey as they came to a stretch of pines. They were no longer out in the open so they could breathe easier.
"No not with a mouth like mine I would've been shot in one of the purges and I owe my Director thanks because he puts up with me. I guess you could say I'm a bit liberal in my views while most of the other agents in the VAJA have a more conservative outlook on life."
"Does that matter that much in your organization? If it did here we'd all be in trouble," said one of the men. "Especially Kowalski here."
"Hey, leave me out of this. I only have one thing to say I never met a beer I didn't like," said the petty officer as they broke out of the woods.
"Keep the yapping down noise carries far here. Look down there is a boat house by the shore. We can hole up in it until after sunset then we make our way over to the fishing boats and take one," said Casey. "The fishing boat is ideal because no one will notice it and we can blend in." The Lieutenant held up his fist and them men hunkered down.
"Over there," said Marsh in a low voice. They saw what looked like a patrol on quads driving up to where they landed. "Give the word and we can take them out."
"No, we need to stay down and keep an eye on them. If we take them out when they don't report in someone will send more out and then we're up a polluted stream."
"What if they're on to us already," said Banai. "They're headed up to where we landed."
"If they were on to us they would've fanned out and started combing this area. Just sit tight and wait we've still got plenty of time." At least Casey hoped they did.