Chuck VS A Heart Torn

by Lord Rapier

Chuck and Sarah were meant to be, sometimes people get in their own way, but the fates will always win.

2. I'm Batman?

A/N: Sorry for any inconvenience. I am editing and posting as I go. Once I am caught up on Wattpad and FF I will be posting AHT on Tuesdays.

To the military enthusiasts that may be reading this, I tried extremely hard to research the info I used, I just couldn't find certain specs, so I apologize if some of my numbers are off. What I couldn't find I adjusted to make my story work. Some things I fudged to keep it from getting boring. I hope that doesn't ruin the story for you. I also had fun with the radio talk, not very professional but hey, I had fun.

There is a glossary for some of the terms used at the end of the chapter.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 2

I'm Batman?

The walk out to the aircraft feels both exceptionally long and way too quick for Chuck. His entire body feels like it's vibrating. His thoughts are all over the place, I can't believe I'm about to get in a jet, piloted by Casey. To fly overseas fasterthan the speed of sound. To deal with some crisis, with no idea what it is. I'm wearing a military uniform, dealing with people who speak in a strange language. I left this life behind. I gave up the woman I love to avoid this. All of this happening without Sarah, the one person who knows how to calm me down. I'm absolutely freaking out.

Approaching the aircraft Chuck starts to feel his stomach churning. Running quickly, he moves away from the officers and pukes his guts out. His brain is swirling as he stands bent over in an attempt to keep the mess off his boots. He feels a hand on his back.

A familiar voice speaking in a very unfamiliar soothing tone, Casey asks, "You okay kid?"

Chuck shakes his head vehemently. Casey keeps his hand on his back. "Come on Chuck, we've been through tougher stuff. You're the guy that prevented a nuclear war by beating an arcade game. You saved L.A. from a nuclear disaster, with a juice box. Remember me? I'm the guy who always catches you when you fall."

Chuck tries to stand up straight as another wave of nausea washes over him. He starts to dry heave. "I can't do it John. I can't do it without her. I can barely breathe without her."

Casey keeps his hand on Chuck's shoulder, "I know kid. I get how hard this is for you. But you are gonna do it. Because that's who you are. That's why she fell for you, and that's why you're my best friend. It's just who you are."

Chuck looks up, "I'm your best friend?"

Casey nods as he lights his cigar, "Yeah, but if you tell anyone I'll deny it."

From across the tarmac Rabb yells out, "All due respect General the smoking lamp is out in the Navy."

Sawyer grabs his arm, "Are you insane? He'll eat you for lunch."

Casey turns and shows his middle finger, "Let me know when the report is ready, I'll sign it."

Turning to Chuck, he hands him his handkerchief. "Here kid, clean yourself. Let's saddle up and save the world again. You can keep the hanky."

Casey puts his arm on Chuck's shoulder as they walk back toward the aircraft, "You, mouthy one, fetch some breath mints, ASAP."

Rabb runs off as the pair approaches the Super Hornet. Casey crushes the cigar out on the ground and puts the remainder in his pocket. "Okay Sawyer, let's get that qual done."

Chuck walks around the aircraft as Casey finishes his final requirements. He marvels at the sheer enormity of the craft. All this to carry two men to God knows where, to do God knows what. I've got to get ahold of myself. I lived without her for years before Bryce e-mailed me. It's over two years since I've heard from her. I'll probably never see her again. She's done with me. I've got to be done with her.

Rabb runs up to Chuck and hands him a package of breath mints, "Thank you Commander, I appreciate it." Chuck pops a mint in his mouth.

Rabb offers him a cellophane package, "I brought you some crackers Sir. It'll help. You don't want to fly with an empty tank."

Chuck smiles, "Thanks Hammer. Sorry about the mess."

Hammer points back in the direction Chuck came from. "No sweat Sir. The G U elevens are on clean up duty."

Chuck follows the point and sees a flock of birds surrounding the spot where he puked. "G U elevens? They look like birds."

"Yes Sir, G U eleven is the unofficial designation for seagulls. Get it? G U 11."

Chuck laughs, "So that's the skinny. I get it. Thanks, I needed a good laugh."

Casey's voice interrupts the conversation, "Let's go Colonel. Time to mount up."

Chuck walks around to the portside (Left side) of the aircraft. He listens carefully as Sawyer explains how to use the ladder and footholds. He also explains what to do once he's in the cockpit. Chuck climbs up and sits in his seat. Sawyer climbs behind him and buckles him in, checking all of his connections. Chuck's eyes are closed tightly. Sawyer sees him, "It's alright Sir, you're safe and tight."

Chuck opens his eyes, and his eyeballs roll up into his head as if he is remembering something. He shakes his head, "I need to talk to General Casey. Right away!"

Sawyer climbs down, "General, something is up with your nugget (baby pilot). His face went all weird and he demanded to see you ASAP."

Casey exclaims "Shit!" as he reaches for the ladder and climbs as fast as he can. Reaching the cockpit, he looks in to find Chuck looking over the controls and touching the displays, "What's up Boss?"

Chuck makes a face, "I'm not your damn Boss. General, I'm carrier qualed."

Casey's face does nothing to hide his shock, "Well what the hell am I supposed to do with that?"

Chuck shrugs, "This is your world. I'm just visiting."

Casey climbs down, "Sawyer get me to a secure line, ASAP."

Sawyer runs towards the hangar, "This way Sir."

As Casey runs to catch up to Sawyer, "Hammer, get him out of that cockpit, and to a head. This may take a minute."

Sawyer leads Casey to an office where he sees a red phone on the desk. "Sawyer, is that phone secure?"

Sawyer nods, "The tightest we have General."

Casey sits behind the desk, "Good, you're dismissed."

Sawyer is surprised, "General?"

Casey growls, "Get your ass out of here. I don't want you breathing my air." Sawyer departs as Casey picks up the phone and hears, "Operator."

Casey recites a phone number, the operator responds, "That number requires identification."

Casey recites "Niner, Lima, zero, Victor, five, India, Lima, Sierra, five. Authenticate; Casey, John, General USMC."

The operator responds, "Identification authenticated. Voice print authenticated. One moment please Sir."

There is a click and Casey hears, "This is a secure line how can I help you?"

Casey says, "How's Mary doing."

"One moment Sir, he's with the Joint Chiefs. I'll let him know it's you."

Two minutes pass as Casey leans back and chews on what's left of his cigar, "Yes General. How can I help you?"

Casey sits up, "Sorry to disturb you Mr. President. Chuck says he's carrier qualed. It'll save us hours if we fly right to the Ford."

The phone is silent, "Is this a joke General? The man has never flown a plane. Much less a Super Hornet."

Casey shakes his head, even though there is no one there to see it. "Sir, I would stake my life on this man. Sir, I am staking my life."

The President sounds unsure, "There are over four thousand souls on that carrier."

Casey is calm as he responds, "Mr. President, we'll have no arms load. We'll be catching the wire with close to bingo (zero) fuel. The only real risk here is for me and Chuck. Yea or nay Sir. It's 1330 hours here Sir. If we get in the air, we can land with the first light of day. The clock is ticking. We can't even begin to work until we're briefed. Every second could make a difference."

The President takes a deep breath, "Very well, go for it. The CNO is with me now. I'll inform him. Oh! he's gonna love this. I better get your vote next time around General."

Casey laughs, "You got it last time too Sir. I vote for the man or woman not the party. Thank you for your confidence, Mr. President. See you on the other side."

Casey hangs up the phone and opens the door to the main hangar, Sawyer is just outside the door and pops tall, "Let's go Buzzsaw we've got places to go, people to see. Answer your phone."

As if on cue Sawyer's phone rings and he answers. "Sawyer… Sir are you sure? Yes Sir. I understand. The CNO. Yes Sir, on it. Aye, aye Sir.

Sawyer runs to catch up to Casey, "General, Sir is this a joke? The man's never flown a piper much less a Super Hornet."

Casey is running at full speed, "Yeah and he never defused a nuke, until he did. You didn't hear that, just follow your orders."

Sawyer is out of breath, "How the hell?…"

Casey looks back over his shoulder, "Ask me no questions, I'll tell you no lies. Just make sure you remember, everything you see and hear today is Classified, Top Secret. We were never here. Make sure Hammer is aware of that."

Running through the hangar Casey spots Chuck and Rabb sitting at a picnic table. "Let's go Chuckster, your license has been approved."

The two men jump up and join the running men. All four of them head for the tarmac.

The men are breathing hard as Rabb asks Sawyer, "What the hell is happening?"

Sawyer answers, "Don't ask me why or how, but the nugget is flying our girl."

Rabb stops short as the men run away from him, "What the fuck…"

Casey wastes no time in climbing up and into the back seat, buckling in and hooking up.

Chuck climbs into the pilot seat and Sawyer gets him settled in, checking all his connections. Chuck starts to flip switches and read displays. Sawyer is concerned when he asks, "Colonel, are you sure you know what you're doing?"

Chuck smiles, "Nope, but I've never let that stop me before. If we go splat tell your mom, I said bye. Let's get a gas station in the air. I'm taking her ballistic. We'll will need a drink at angels (angels denotes thousands of feet) 30, probably somewhere over Nevada."

Sawyer stares at Chuck, "How the hell?"

Chuck smiles, "Buzzsaw, if you don't get down, you're going to wind up with one hell of a road rash."

Sawyer climbs down and removes the ladder as the canopy comes down on the cockpit.

"Hardcase, Chuckster, comms check."

Casey responds, "Chuckster, Hardcase, I read you five by five. Good luck. If you're going to kill me, give me time to light my stogie."

Chuck laughs, "Aye, aye General, the smoking lamp is lit sixty seconds prior to impact."

"Tower this is… what is our designation?"

A voice comes over Chuck's ear, "Chuckster, you have been designated WAAP1."

Chuck asks Casey, "Hardcase what's WAAP?"

Casey responds, "No idea."

"Tower, Chuckster what's the deal on WAAP?"

"Chuckster, Tower, CNO has designated you Wing and a Prayer one, WAAP1."

Casey clicks his mic, laughing, "Tower, Hardcase, WAAP1. That's a good read."

"WAAP1, Tower proceed to runway one-niner Starboard."

Chuck flips some switches, and the jet roars to life, "Atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed…"

Casey comes over the radio, "Carmichael what the hell are you yammering about?"

Casey is silenced when the radio comes alive, "Batman, Tower. You're good to go Caped

Crusader, your runway is clear. You are officially redesignated Batmobile. Hardcase you are officially redesignated as Robin the Boy Wonder." The headset is filled with laughter.

Casey growls, "Carmichael if we survive this, I'm gonna to kick your ass."

"Tower, Batmobile coming right to runway one niner starboard." Chuck releases the brakes and lets the idling engines break inertia and move the heavy craft slowly forward, flaps half down. Chuck maneuvers the Super Hornet to the head of the runway.

The radio comes alive in Chuck's ear, "Batmobile, tower you have a 10-knot head wind. No crosswinds apparent but watch for that shear. You are cleared for takeoff. Heard you're out to save the world, Godspeed."

Chuck slowly eases the throttle forward. The jet shivers as it starts to roll down the runway. Airspeed hits 173 knots. When Chuck feels the craft lift, he gooses the throttle, pulls back on the yoke, then brings the flaps up. He pushes the throttle still more bringing power to 42 percent. Flipping a switch, he retracts the landing gear. He maintains a five degrees nose-up pitch. At approximately 1400 hours California time, Charles Bartowski pilots an aircraft for the first time.

Watching from the hangar Sawyer bumps Rabb with his elbow, "Hammer, we've officially gone down the rabbit hole, and we are in Wonderland. I can't believe I can't tell my mom about this. Bah, she wouldn't believe it anyway even if I could. Then again, she just might. Remember this whole thing is Top Secret."

Chuck switches to internal comms, "How ya doin' John?"

Casey snorts as he answers, "Hanging in there Batman. RADAR (RAdio Detection And Ranging) shows clear weather patterns over CONUS."

"Good to hear partner. I want to kick in the afterburners at angels 10. How about checking on the status of that gas station."

"Aye, aye," Casey goes to external comms, "Mugu tower, Batmobile, update on our tanker, over."

"Batmobile, Mugu tower, high test waiting at angels thirty. Bearing 090, speed 250 knots. They want to know if you want them to check the oil and wash the windshield?"

"Negative Mugu tower, but I could use a cold one."

"On it Batmobile, the topless waitress will bring it out on arrival."

Chuck comes up on the radio, "General time to mask up. Check oxygen flow."

Casey comes back, "O2 flow good Batman. RADAR shows clear skies. Kick her in the ass."

"Tower, Batmobile at angels 10, firing afterburners." Casey and Chuck are pushed into their seats as the hornet accelerates and shoots up into the sky like a bullet. Eating up the 20 thousand feet and fuel quickly.

"MUGU, Batmobile leveling at angels 30. Coming to bearing 090, showing fuel at 9,000 Lbs. Where's my gas station?"

Casey comes up, "I have the tanker on RADAR Batman. Maintain your bearing 300 miles. Bring speed to 250 knots."

Chuck eases back on the throttle and slows his speed to 250 knots, "Batmobile, this is your tanker, special designation Riddler. Riddle me this Batman who's thirsty and who's got a juice box?"

"Riddler, I have a visual, I hope I have more luck with your straw then my usual juice box. I always make a mess."

"Be careful Batman, napkins cost extra."

"Batmobile, Mugu Tower switching control to Nebraska Tower. We'll miss you, don't forget to write."

"Batmobile, Nebraska Tower welcome to our friendly skies. We have you at angels 30. The skies are clear, perfect day to catch a tan. We show you on level approach with Riddler. Best of luck, let us know if you need us."

"Nebraska Tower, Batmobile. We read you five by five. Thanks for the warm welcome. We're going express could use a tanker waiting in say, two hours."

"Batmobile we copy. Keep us apprised of your fuel situation. We will accommodate."

"Batman, Hardcase. Range 100 miles, maintain airspeed at 250 knots."

"Copy Hardcase, maintain airspeed at 250 knots."

"Batmobile, Riddler, dropping hose, standby for insertion. Batmobile we're ready for you, be gentle it's our first time."

Casey comes up on comms, "Riddler, Hardcase you may be joking, but you're about to get Batman's cherry."

"Roger, Hardcase we got the update. We'll try to make it good for you."

Chuck takes a deep breath, "Riddler, Batmobile. Commencing approach."

Chuck slowly brings his aircraft up on the tankers rear. He feels some rocking as he enters the tankers airflow. Breathing slowly, he eases the probe mounted on the nose of his plane into the basket hanging at the end of the hose.

"Batmobile we have a green light, good lock, standby to receive."

Chuck watches as his fuel gauge changes quickly, "Riddler showing eighteen thousand pounds, twenty-five…"

"Check Batmobile. Slowing flow."

"Riddler we are at twenty-seven, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, hold flow."

The Tanker unlocks and moves off to starboard, "Best of luck Batman, Hardcase, our prayers are with you. By the way Batman, you're the best we've ever had."

"Thank you Riddler, you're not bad yourself, the only thing missing was the cuddle."

"Nebraska tower, Batmobile, going to Mach 1.5 climbing to angels 36."

"Roger Batmobile. Minimal turbulence reported at angels 36. Safe travels."

On board the Ford the crew is all abuzz. Teams are moving all flammable materials and aircraft off the landing strip and surrounding area. On the bridge the Captain is raging. "CAG (Commander Air Group), don't stand there telling me some asshole stole an F-18 and is planning to land it on my deck. An asshole, I might add, who has never flown a jet. No wait, any aircraft in his life."

The CAG nods his head, "Um, one little correction Skipper. He didn't steal it. The CNO gave it to him."

The captain throws his hands up and screams, "The CNO gave some jackass, who thinks he's Batman driving the Batmobile, a seventy-million-dollar aircraft? Now he wants me to let him land it on my ship?" The entire bridge crew turns to look at their enraged Commanding Officer as his voice rises.

The CAG looks up seeing the turned heads and yells, "As you were!" The crewmen turn back to their tasks.

A familiar blonde hears a commotion outside her stateroom. Opening the door, she finds crewmen scurrying around, and wonders what's going on. She stops a sailor walking past her door, "Petty Officer, what's going on?"

The Petty Officer First Class stops for the striking woman, running his eyes from head to toe taking it all in, "Not sure Ma'am. Scuttlebutt is some guy who doesn't know how to fly stole an F-18 and plans to land on our deck. We have to clear the landing strip for an emergency crash landing."

Sarah shakes her head, "Watch the eyes sailor, mine are up here. That sounds bizarre. How could a guy who's never flown, get a fighter jet off the ground? Not to mention get past security. Any idea where he stole this jet from?"

The sailor shrugs his shoulders, "Word is Point Mugu, in California."

Sarah's eyes go wide as she exclaims, "FUCK!"

The sailor backs up at the explosive manner of her declaration, "Excuse me Ma'am?"

Sarah looks at him and realizes what she just said, "Oh, sorry Petty Officer, that wasn't intended for you. Thanks for your help."

Turning back into the room, "Zondra, any word yet on that cyber expert being brought in?"

Zondra Rizzo shakes her head, "Negative Sarah. Seems like it's above our clearance. Which makes it sky high. No guessing on this one."

Sarah bites her lower lip, "Yeah, I may have a guess. Zondra, my guess is that more shit is about to hit the fan than you can possibly imagine."

Back in the air: Casey relaxes as the dangerous operation goes without a hitch, "You're doing great kid. Way better than I could have done. He speaks into the mic attached to his helmet. "Nebraska Tower, Batmobile going radio silent, thirty mikes (minutes), still have ears on, how copy? Over."

Batmobile, Nebraska Tower, "Good copy. Radio silent thirty mikes over.

Casey flips the switch turning off the external comms, "Chuck, switch on autopilot and relax for a few. I'll watch the screens. How about you finish telling me what happened with Walker."

Chuck is pissed and responds sarcastically, "Thanks John, I had a whole hour without thinking about her."

Casey snaps back, "Quit your whining. Talk."

Chuck sighs, "Fine, you may remember we were supposed to get married and at our rehearsal dinner Sarah was poisoned. I went to Russia to try and save her… which I did. We delayed the wedding for a few weeks so she could get her strength back. We were sitting in our living room when her phone rang. She answered, and that was it. Everything went to shit. It was the CIA Director. He wanted to reward her for her part in exposing Decker. It forced him to go on the run. Investigating him they found the connection to Shaw.

Casey growls, "I know all this numbnuts, get to the Walker part."

Chuck hesitates, "Sure, the Walker part. The reward he offered her was Station Chief. That started a discussion that quickly escalated into a fight. She accused me of refusing to support her career. I reminded her that we agreed to start a family. I won't go into detail. It wasn't pretty. It ended up with her packing her bags and walking out. That was just over two years ago. I haven't heard a word from her since."

Casey is quiet for a few minutes, "I remember, that was rough for you. Why do you think she left?"

Chuck spits out, "Because I wasn't enough. I'm never enough."

Casey is shocked into silence. Finally, "She loves you. Did you know that she calls Mrs. Sawyer and Alex to check up on you?"

"What, why doesn't she call me, or even you?"

Casey snorts a short laugh, "Come on kid, she knows I'm going to protect you. Knowing her, she's terrified to hear how bad she hurt you. She likes to come across all icy and tough, and she is. But she does have a kryptonite, just like the rest of us."

Chuck snorts, "Yeah like something can hurt Sarah Walker. What could possibly get through her armor."

"Only one thing kid, only you. The thought that she could let you down cripples her. She was terrified she couldn't give you the family you wanted. When you rescued her without the intersect, it rattled her. She knew you didn't need her to protect you. She had nothing left, in her mind, to offer you. She did what she does best, she hid inside. Went back to being the perfect spy."

Casey can see the back of Chuck's helmet move as he shakes his head, "No way. She just didn't want me as bad as she wanted to be Station Chief. The first female Station Chief in Agency history, whoopie."

Casey growls, "Listen up you self-centered little twerp. If you hear only one thing I say, you make it this. That woman loved you. Loves you. Now you may never see her again. But wherever she is; whatever she's doing, she's thinking of you. Just like you're thinking of her. Just like I'm thinking of Ilse. She loves you, asshole. Now I'm going to open comms and take a nap. Wake me for the refueling. Nebraska Tower, Batmobile comms check."

"Welcome back Batmobile how's your fuel?"

"Tower, Batmobile. Showing twenty thousand pounds."

"Understood Batmobile, two and four zeroes estimate refuel one hour. We'll be turning you over to, Dayton Ohio just before refueling. Smooth sailing."

Chuck leans back into his seat confident the auto pilot will do its job, but just to be sure he keeps his eyes on the displays. His mind wanders to the last time he saw Sarah, was he wrong should he have stuck with her, supported her? No way. We both agreed the spy life was eating us alive. For god's sake she almost shot the paperboy. What happened? Is Casey right? Does she love me, and I somehow screwed things up? No, I was done with the spy life. I almost lost her because of it. Then I lost her anyway because of the damn spies. I don't want to be here right now, flying a fighter jet. How the hell did this happen?

He lets his mind wander. We got ahold of one of Dad's computers. Between Ellie's knowledge of brain physiology and my coding we got it working the way Dad wanted it to. As a training tool. We made the intersect work, no more side effects, no more gut-wrenching flashes. We also made the decision that I would be the one and only intersect. I encrypted that computer and program so tight, even I would have to work to gain access. Then we hid it. To protect Ellie, only I know where. I think I did the right thing, telling Diane Beckman that I had it back. We agreed that only the President would know my secret. For emergencies like this one. Of course, John knows. He really has become my best friend. I mean Morgan will always be my brother, but I've really come to rely on Casey. Shit! I do not want to be here. But Casey is right, it's who I am. This is why I told Beckman, just in case."

Chuck's headset comes to life, "Batmobile, Nebraska Tower, wakey, wakey, we show you level at angels 36, moving smooth at Mach ( Mach 1 is the speed of sound, 767.269 miles per hour) 1.5, getting ready to hand you off to Dayton, Ohio, how's your fuel?"

"Nebraska Tower, Batmobile, I'm looking at twelve thousand pounds, getting a little thirsty."

"Good copy Batmobile, tanker special designation Catwoman is prowling at angels thirty.

Five hundred miles from your position ready to feed her kitten. Safe journey Batmobile. You have our prayers. Go Huskers."

"Thank you, Nebraska Tower. Dropping to angels 30, slowing to 250 knots, thanks for the support and the prayers."

"Batmobile, Ohio Tower: welcome to the Buckeye state, home of the finest football team ever. Catwoman is standing by for your approach."

"Batmobile, Catwoman, we have you on our RADAR at four hundred miles and closing. Let's not be pussy footin' around now. I'll bet you're hungry and I have a nice picnic lunch packed just for y'all. Good day to eat outside. Catch some rays."

"Catwoman, Batman, I appreciate the hospitality. Do I hear a southern accent?"

"That's affirmative Mr. Batman, Commander Victoria Kirkpatrick at your service. Nashville born and raised. I show you on approach at three hundred miles."

"Catwoman what's a nice southern belle like you doing in a place like this?"

"Mr. Batman are you out to embarrass me? Riddler went on and on about how you handle that probe of yours. I just had to find out for myself."

"Catwoman, Batman. You're about to get your chance. I have you visual, matching speed to two hundred fifty knots, commencing approach."

Casey jumps into the conversation, "Catwoman, Hardcase. Don't encourage that alley cat, no telling what he'll do once he's on your six."

"Oh! my Mr. Hardcase, aren't you the gentleman, warning me and all. This little kitty has claws and can take care of herself."

"Catwoman I'm coming up on your hose moving my probe into your basket."

"OH! MY! Mr. Batman you do know how to make a girl blush. I show a green light. Good lock Batmobile. Standby to receive. Starting flow."

"Aye, Aye Catwoman. I have flow. Showing eleven thousand pounds, fourteen, eighteen, twenty-two, twenty-five, slow flow, twenty-eight, twenty-nine, halt flow."

"Batmobile, Catwoman disconnecting. Mr. Batman, if you're ever in Dayton, you make sure to stop by for some real southern hospitality. Godspeed Batmobile." The tanker moves off to starboard and waggles its wings in a goodbye wave.

"Catwoman, Batman, that's an offer I can't refuse, thanks for the lunch. It was very filling. Ohio Tower, Batmobile, climbing to angels thirty-six bringing speed to Mach 1.5, appreciate a top off when we go feet wet (fly over water)."

"Batmobile that's a go, let us know when you get thirsty, you got rave reviews from Catwoman. She says she forgot to ask if there's a Mrs. Batman."

"Ohio Tower, Batman, that's a negative. It's just me and Robin."

There is a loud interruption with a strong southern accent, "Hot dang, he best be calling me. What do you mean my mic is hot. Shoot."

"Batmobile, Ohio Tower. We show you level at angels 36, moving at Mach 1.5. Talk soon. Go Buckeyes."

Casey gets on the radio, "Ohio Tower, Batmobile, going radio silent ten mikes."

"Good copy Batmobile. Radio silent ten mikes."

"Chuck, remove all of your patches put them in your pocket. Name, rank, anything that can identify you. When we deplane, keep your visor down and don't speak to anyone. We don't want anyone to know which of us flew this baby. Let them think it was me. Don't give anyone reason to doubt that, and don't agree to it, copy? If anyone asks, just act like they're crazy. You don't know how to fly."

"Good copy Hardcase, thanks for having my back yet again."

"Keep your thanks kid. Just make it so I walk away from this little trip. Bringing comms back online."

"Ohio Tower, Hardcase. Batmobile has ears on."

"Good copy Hardcase, we read you five by five."

Chuck speaks up, "Hardcase I'm going to auto pilot."

The next three thousand miles sail by uneventfully with successful refueling with Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, and the Joker.

At approximately one thousand miles out from the aircraft carrier USS Ford, "Batmobile, Ford, we have you at angels thirty-six, moving at Mach 1.5, tanker temporary designation Alfred cruising at angels thirty, speed 250 Knots. How's your fuel?"

Ford, Batmobile. We could use five dollars' worth and a clean restroom. Dropping to angels thirty, airspeed 250 knots."

In a terrible British accent, "Batmobile, Alfred, good evening, Master Wayne. I trust that you and Mr. Hardcase are doing well. We'll be serving shortly. I've laid out your dinner clothes. It is my honor to see you well fed and home safe."

"Alfred, Batman, thank you Alfred. I can always count on you. We have you on RADAR closing at angels thirty. Coming up on your hose, moving my probe into your basket."

"I show a green light. Good lock Batmobile. Standby to receive starting flow."

"Aye Alfred, I have flow. Showing eleven thousand pounds, slow flow, fourteen, eighteen, halt flow."

"Batmobile, Alfred. Disconnecting."

"Alfred, Batman. Thanks for the swell meal, appreciate the escort."

"Cheers Batman. Breathe easy. SAR (Search And Rescue) will be in the air. By our count you have enough fuel for one bolter (missed landing) if required. The Carrier Strike Group Commander, CO and CAG are looking forward to meeting you. You and Hardcase will be guests of honor, in the Captain's Mess for breakfast."

"Copy Ford. Thanks for the company."

"Ford, Hardcase. Request Ford actual (the Ship's Captain) on secure net, over."

"Batmobile, Ford. You have Ford actual go."

Casey softens his voice, "Good morning, Captain. I hope you don't mind; I have a few requirements. Feel free to verify with CNO."

"I'm listening Hardcase."

"I would appreciate if the deck were clear of all non-essential personnel. No one is to approach us from the time we step on your deck, until we are in your Captain's mess with you, the Admiral and CAG. I would appreciate if you could meet us and get us there. All passageways from the deck to the Captain's Mess will be clear of personnel.

There will be six people in the Captain's Mess, the three of you, the two of us and an CSC (Culinary Specialist Chief (cook)) or higher, with eyes only clearance. All, and I mean all, recordings of this flight are to be marked EYES ONLY CNO. Gathered immediately, no review, and delivered ASAP. All personnel involved in this mission will be debriefed, cautioned, and monitored. Any leaks could be catastrophic to national security. Captain, I don't mean to be pushy; you're actually more aware of the situation than we are. What I do know is this, Batman and I would not be here if there were another option."

"Hardcase, Ford actual, aye, aye, the deck will be clear of all non-essential personnel. No one will approach either of you from the time you step on my deck. I will greet you and get you to my mess with the Admiral and CAG. All passageways from the deck to my mess will be clear of personnel. There will be six people in my mess, the three of us, the two of you and a CSC or higher with eyes only clearance. All recordings of this flight are to be marked EYES ONLY CNO. Gathered immediately, no review, and delivered ASAP. All personnel involved in this mission will be debriefed, cautioned, and monitored. Did I get it all General?"

"You did Captain. I know this is way outside normal procedure, but from what I understand so is the threat. One last thing, if we scratch your deck, I will personally grind it, sand it, and repaint it myself."

The Captain laughs. "Copy Hardcase, and Ford actual will supervise. See you when you get home Hardcase. We show you with an ETA 0700 hours local. I'll put a candle in the window and have a fresh pot waiting for you. Ford actual out."

Chuck takes a deep breath as he runs through his final checklist, his brain running through information as fast as he can learn it.

"Batmobile, Ford Tower. We have you on final approach"

Chuck drops his tailhook and checks his AOA (Angle-of Attack) indicator, adjusting as needed to keep it in the yellow. Bringing the aircraft astern of the ship. Reducing throttle maintaining a 250-foot-per-minute rate of descent. Descending, increasing rate of descent to 400 feet per minute. Adjusting final approach heading. Lining up on the extended center line that runs down the landing area on the flight deck.

"Batmobile, LSO (Landing Safety Officer). You have the ball (A light that helps the pilot line up his landing)."

Chuck sees the meatball and watches as it rides up and down. Chuck watches his AOA and the ball adjusting as needed to keep the AOA yellow and the ball centered. "LSO, Batmobile, I have the ball." Fifteen seconds later Chuck and Casey are jarred as they feel the aircraft hit the deck. Chuck pushes the throttle slowly forward to full power. The F-18 stops all forward motion as the tailhook catches the arresting wire and holds. Chuck chops power and breathes a sigh of relief.

"Batmobile, LSO. Poetry in motion. You grabbed the number three, Bravo Zulu. Sawyer, and Rabb can unclench now. Shut down. We'll park her for you. Give us a minute to clear the deck."

Casey switches to internal comms, "Chuck, remember when we had that virus scare and you laid one on me?"

Chuck laughs, "I do. I thought you were gonna to kill me. Thank God you were weakened."

Chuck can't see Casey smile, "Well kid you just earned that kiss. Well done. Did you clear your patches?"

Chuck checks his uniform, "Taken care of."

"Good. Now follow my lead, keep your yap shut and let me do the talking."

Chuck leans back in his seat and thinks, Holy shit! I just landed a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. I hope you're proud Dad, you made this happen. I felt you with me all the way."

I hope you enjoyed this new story arc, right now I'm thinking it will be 12 chapters, Then on to the next story. (written 6 months ago) (Make that 18 Months ago).

Boy was I wrong. My estimate in the first chapter was 10, then 12. Actually, I'm working on Chapter 30 and reediting this story from the start. (Actually the story is finished with chapter 40+). I'm a total amateur. There were so many errors it took me almost as long to make corrections as it did to write it originally.

Speaking of corrections; The guy who taught me what my mistakes are and continues to watch my back is CliffM. Thanx Doc. I know trying to teach me is like pulling teeth.

In any case I hope you like it, please let me know if you did maybe click the vote button. (on Wattpad). I am also open if you didn't enjoy it. Let me know why so I can use the info to get better. If you just want to badmouth me, look in the mirror, that's the only person listening. LR

Why is the speed of sound called Mach?

Where does Mach 1 come from? The use and name of Mach numbers was proposed by Swiss engineer Jakob Ackeret in a 1929 lecture in Zurich. Ackeret named the number after the physicist Ernst Mach, who conducted an experiment photographing an object moving faster than the speed of sound in 1887

Knots

Until the mid-19th century, vessel speed at sea was measured using a chip log. This consisted of a wooden panel, attached by line to a reel, and weighted on one edge to float perpendicularly to the water surface and thus present substantial resistance to the water moving around it. The chip log was cast over the stern of the moving vessel and the line allowed to pay out. Knots tied at a distance of 47 feet 3 inches (14.4018 m) from each other, passed through a sailor's fingers, while another sailor used a 30-second sand-glass (28-second sand-glass is the currently accepted timing) to time the operation. The knot count would be reported and used in the Sailing Master's dead reckoning and navigation.

This method gives a value for the knot of 20.25 in/s, or 1.85166 km/h. The difference from the modern definition is less than 0.02%.

Why is fuel measured in weight?

Jet fuel is measured in pounds because the volume of the fuel can change based on temperature, whether it's Jet A, JP-4, etc. This is especially critical at high altitudes where the temperature will be minus-40 to minus-50 degrees Fahrenheit. Further, fuel is burned by mass, not by volume

What is the meatball?

An optical landing system (OLS) (nicknamed "meatball" or simply "ball") is used to give glidepath information to pilots in the terminal phase of landing on an aircraft carrier.

From the beginning of aircraft landing on ships in the 1920s to the introduction of OLSs, pilots relied solely on their visual perception of the landing area and the aid of the Landing Signal Officer (LSO in the U.S. Navy, LSOs used colored flags, cloth paddles and lighted wands. The OLS was developed after World War II by the British and was deployed on U.S. Navy carriers from 1955. In its developed form, the OLS consists of a horizontal row of green lights, used as a reference, and a column of vertical lights. The vertical lights signal whether the aircraft is too high, too low, or at the correct altitude as the pilot descends the glide slope towards the carrier's deck. Other lights give various commands and can be used to require the pilot to abort the landing and "go around." The OLS remains under control of the LSO, who can also communicate with the pilot via radio.

What is AOA (Angle of Attack)

The FAA along with the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) is promoting Angle of Attack (AOA) indicators as one of the many safety initiatives aimed at reducing the General Aviation accident rate. AOA indicators will specifically target Loss of Control (LOC) accidents. Loss of control is the number one root cause of fatalities in both General Aviation (GA) and Commercial Aviation. More than 25% of General Aviation fatal accidents occur during the maneuvering phase of flight. Of those accidents-half involve stall/spin scenarios. Technology such as AOA indicators can have a tremendous impact on reversing this trend and are increasingly affordable for GA airplanes. The purpose of an AOA indicator is to give the pilot better situational awareness pertaining to the aerodynamic health of the airfoil. This can also be referred as stall margin awareness. More simply explained, it is the margin that exists between the current AOA that the airfoil will stall (critical AOA).

An AOA indicator can have several benefits when installed in GA aircraft, not the least of which is increased situational awareness. Without an AOA indicator, the AOA is "invisible" to pilots. These devices measure several parameters simultaneously and determine the current angle of attack providing a visual image to the pilot of the current AOA along with representation of the proximity to the critical AOA. These devices can give a visual representation of the energy management state of the airplane. The energy state of an airplane is the balance between airspeed, altitude, drag, and thrust and represents how efficiently the airfoil is operating. With this increased situational awareness pertaining to the energy condition of the airplane, the pilot will have information that they need to aid in preventing an LOC scenario resulting from a stall/spin.

Short answer: It assists the pilot in being aware of the position of his aircraft to avoid stalling, due to loss of lift.