Chuck vs The Wayward Legionnaire
Chapter 7: Future's so bright/Unexpected visitors.
April 20th, 2009, Hotel Azur. Marseilles.
Oisin Murphy looked at his young friend, "Are you hungry? We can order up some room service?" Chuck smiled, shook his head." I'm fine, Denis fed us well on the Colibri. I'm a little tired but I really want to know what we're doing next." That was understandable, the Irishman thought, there was some more preparation to do, but that could wait, there was a small celebration to be had.
He nodded to Roisin, she went to a desk with some paperwork, "I didn't fully introduce myself before, I'm Roisin. I look after the legal and financial side of things at Anomaliz." She extended her hand, Chuck took it, she had a grip as firm as her brother. For her part Roisin also enjoyed the gesture of shared friendship.
Chuck Bartowski was not that hard on the eyes, and as for his eyes, well they were just two pools of warm chocolate. He was well proportioned; she figured his near month training with Sean's pal had paid off. She focused though, like her father she was delighted to able to play her part in some good news for him and God knew he could use some.
"So, Chuck, as per my dad's request for the time when you helped him with a product, he was working on…" Here Oisin couldn't help but jump into the conversation, "lad, you saved my ass, that product, you may remember it, Cerberus?" Chuck had; he had been in a funk that year, but even with his expulsion from Stanford he was too connected to the tech world not to have kept abreast with latest developments.
Oisin went on, "I had been seriously stuck, a lot had just happened, I missed a lot of deadlines, our whole marketing strategy would have been for nothing if you hadn't of helped." Chuck hadn't missed a look between Sean and Roisin at Oisin's words about "things happening", but he filed it away for the moment. Cerberus had been a monster success for Anomaliz.
"I can attest to that Chuck," Roisin spoke again," he nearly collapsed from the stress, you really came through for us at a very critical time. Once we realised the success we had on our hands, Dad wanted to make sure you were rewarded for your part in it Chuck. "She paused.
"Of course, we had no idea who you really were, so we had to find a way to put you on the books so to speak". Oisin spoke again, "I really wish you had of taken my offer back then lad." There was a note of regret in his voice.
Chuck was a bit bewildered, "It was a privilege to help a fellow hacker, Oisin, you knew my plans for after college…" Oisin nodded, "Yes, of course I did, I hoped I would see you out there running your company. My God Chuck, you should be the next Gates, Kapor or Roark!" Chuck reddened, he knew he was good, but it had been a long time since anyone had praised him for his software skills.
Oisin pressed on, "My biggest surprise in all this Chuck was seeing how you missed out on that, I know you told me how you were cheated out of your degree, I'm glad they at least managed to rectify that mistake, but to not let you use it Chuck, well, you may as well have deprived the world of Mozart and his music!"
Roisin smiled, "So in recognition of all you did, we put something aside for you, we couldn't credit you properly like a normal employee or contractor, but Dad was adamant that you benefit from your input, so I did a bit of creative accounting and …" She handed Chuck a piece of paper, puzzled he took it, it was a bank account statement, when he saw the balance at the bottom of the page his hands shook. It was five million Euro!
His shock was evident on his face, he put his hand to his face as he tried to process. "I really wish you had of signed up with me back then Chuck, trust me that amount would be in multiples…" Oisin said, he smiled, he took great joy from this moment himself. He had been insistent on this with Roisin, the account had been added to every year, and they had enjoyed 3 years of profit off that product. It had added up!
Chuck felt tears in his eyes, "I don't know what to say except thank you, I feel like I should be giving you this for all you have done, that must have cost you a lot, Oisin".
"Thanks to you Chuck, my friends and I and you are all free, what price can you put on that? Now when we spoke online in LA, I said I wanted to talk to you about your future beyond the Legion, or even if that doesn't work, what happens going forward".
He indicated Sean, "To the next week then, Sean here is going to work with you on your backstory, and tighten up anything Denis might have missed, you're going to Paris to the recruiting centre there, Fort de Nogent, we've made the arrangements, so don't worry".
Sean smiled, "Piece of cake mate!" Chuck smiled back, "What do I do about this? I can't use it in my name."
Sean walked over and took the statement, "You're right, but at Selection you're going to get a new name, when they do that, Roisin can set up a bank account here in France or back home in Ireland with that alias."
Roisin nodded, "There's actually a few options Chuck, we'll discuss them further." Chuck was still in a state of shock over his sudden wealth, he murmured, "Thanks Roisin, Sean".
Oisin spoke again, "You'll remember I spoke to the group about banding together, and you'll also remember I said we needed to provide for ourselves, I take you know of the EFF founded by Mitch Kapor and a few other luminaries?" Of course, Chuck had. The Electronic Frontier Foundation. In the wake of a Law Enforcement crackdown in the 1990's there had been a spate of wrongful arrests and accusations and misinformed cases brought against hackers by the US government. In most cases some might have ended up with a lot of innocent parties and companies jailed or fined with intellectual property been seized as the means of promoting hacking such as the GURPS Cyberpunk gamebook by Steve Jackson games.
There had been a lot of ignorance by the authorities on what constituted a crime, it had been a learning process, the EFF had been borne out of making sure that the government didn't go too far in curtailing civil liberties and dealing with court cases against hackers.
"As you can imagine, we, the "Ghosts"", he winced a bit at the name, "Are well past that stage, we wilfully hacked a lot of places we shouldn't have. I did it to test defences, the others likewise and also curiosity, the X-Files generation."
Chuck who had been part of that, smiled, "I wanted to test myself, I never took anything, I just wanted to see if I could."
Oisin grinned, "I know lad, some climb mountains just because they're there, we were no different, hackers in the original meaning of the word, not the ones that think they're someone out of a Gibson novel." They both smiled at that.
He turned serious, "We've lost a lot of good people Chuck, Mike wasn't kidding about Castor and Pollux, there was also Aesir and Vanguard…"
There was a gasp from Chuck as he flashed:
A bird, a flower, computer imagery,
Aesir, Paul Howard, 34, Computer Scientist
Location Miami, Taken by unknown party December 2008
Vanguard, Jennifer 'Jen' Brody 29, Programmer Microsoft
Location Seattle, Taken by unknown party October 2008
Both are ongoing FBI investigations Missing Persons/Cybercrime Divisions.
His eyelids stopped fluttering as did his monotone delivery of the information the Intersect had supplied, his vision returned, and he opened his eyes to the astonished looks of the Murphy family.
"Was… was that a flash Chuck?" Said an amazed Oisin. Sean and Roisin could hardly stop gaping, but it was Sean that recovered first, "Jesus, that's very JOE90 mate!"
Chuck rubbed his temples but managed a laugh at the reference to the old Gerry Anderson show. "It's not as fun as it looks Sean, but yes, that was the Intersect, they weren't on the list Oisin." There was a pained note in his voice. Roisin realised it had taken a toll on Chuck, she reached into her bag and pulled out a strip of tablets. She offered it to Chuck, he eyed them, "Hedex, painkiller, I stare at a computer screen all day, looks like you could use them."
A grateful Chuck filled a glass with some water and had a couple. "Yeah, it can take a lot out of me, that was a surprise, I hadn't flashed in a month. Rusty, I guess."
Oisin had been quietly digesting the news that another two of his friends had 'disappeared', he debated asking Chuck about more of the group, but Chuck's reaction to the flash concerned him. "I didn't realise there was a side effect to the process lad. I'll be pushing Akio on more research into the material we found, did they ever discuss that with you?"
Chuck knew exactly who they were, he shook his head, "Would you Oisin, if you had an advantage like me?" It was an excellent question from the young man, "Putting on my business head as the owner of a company, no Chuck, I would use every resource at my disposal to maximise my company's profits, however, it wouldn't be ethical, and I guess that's how I differ from most."
Chuck shot him a surprised look, he continued, "We're a mid-sized company, I could have taken us public years ago, but I always worried about losing control of my products or at least how they would be used."
"I made my wealth at an older stage in life, with a family already started, I thought about the world I would leave them, I had made enough, more than enough, secured my family's future, which is why I am desperately trying to ensure the groups future. I see you playing an important part in that Chuck."
"When you changed the security on the satellite for our first meeting, that surprised us, we figured out why once we saw your code, it took us three days to break it, and that was the best of us, some of us took longer!".
Chuck was surprised at that. "I've had a lot of experience hiding from my handlers and their organisations devices Oisin, I thought at the beginning that they had figured out about my shady past as Piranha."
Oisin agreed, "I think if Beckman or Graham had of known exactly who they had Chuck, they would have had you arrested and bunkered with no chance of release! This brings us full circle; they robbed you of a life Chuck. I think if you marketed that software you used, you would make a fortune, it's a potential game changer."
There was a pause, the two of them thought about that. "I can't though." Said Chuck. "You can't, but Anomaliz can.", agreed the older man with a grin.
"Here's the thing Chuck", Oisin said," I'm bowing out, not by choice, I'm afraid my health woes are finally catching up to me."
He spoke plainly, he didn't emboss the situation. Chuck had noticed the oxygen breather and the table of medications when he entered the room. From behind him he heard the breathing of Roisin and Sean quicken, as they tried to control their emotions in front of their parent. He felt his own eyes sting, he realised he had only just met the man but already he thought so much of him. He waited for the older man to speak again.
"I've provided for my family Chuck, but I admit there's another creation of mine I'm worried for now, the one I poured nearly thirty years of my life into, I'm being selfish I know, but I want it to continue and grow and I think the only way I can ensure that, is to have someone who can carry it on after…" He trailed off.
"What about your own family Oisin, can't they?" Oisin sighed, "Roisin is my right-hand lad, she's more than capable of running the financial side and marketing, legal too, my sons chose other paths, and that is fine, I supported that fully." He smiled at his son who looked crestfallen.
"None of that Sean, you followed your heart, her heart, and it was one of the proudest days of my life when you did. What happened, happened." Sean acknowledged his father with a nod. Chuck again realised there was some story here, but he couldn't, wouldn't pry.
"You are my hope Chuck, with the resources of the company behind you, you can release your own creations and secure your future beyond the Legion when you have your new identity and citizenship."
Chuck looked at the other man, "Like I said, I'm in Oisin, I'm in, all the way." Oisin was delighted, the smile on the older man's face was like the moon's crescent. "Are you sure, Chuck?" he asked, as if unwilling to believe his ears.
Chuck smiled back, "Ever since this began, I was at a loss as to how I could repay all of you…"
"You did, Chuck, you did, but for you, we'd all be locked away by our countries authorities assuming that was the kindest outcome!"
"I know, but I do have a way and I was hoping you might propose something like this, so I came prepared." He produced from the duffel bag his laptop, he booted it up and sat down beside Oisin.
"I know I had a bad time after I was expelled from Stanford, but you remember how I was when I was Piranha, I had already begun writing my own software, even with that setback I still kept writing and refining, what I placed on the satellite was one of my more recent programs, I have many more…"
For the next hour the two software virtuosos explored the depths of Chuck's Alladin's cave. It was with some reluctance that they finally stopped their discussions, although Sean and Roisin were glad, the other two men had lost them from the moment Chuck went into overdrive on the detailed descriptions of what he had written over the years. His excitement was palpable, there was a joy that his true work was on display and that a respected peer was reviewing his creations.
Oisin beckoned Roisin over, Sean made an excuse and left the room, his father's eyes followed him, there was a sad look on his face, he shook himself and turned to the other two, he smiled again. "Chuck, Roisin has paperwork you need to sign, you are about to go into partnership!"
There was a sheaf of documents that she pulled from her briefcase and arrayed on the desk. "Looks like I owe you after all, Dad." She spoke. Chuck was a bit lost, seeing that she gave him a smile and indicated her father. "He was adamant he could persuade you to join the company. So, here's what we propose…"
The next morning. Old Harbour.
The two young men sprinted hard to the finish line, a water feature, they were in a small park called Longchamp, some young and more mature female office workers followed them with their eyes, a few sighs of approval could be heard, and more than a couple of eyelashes batted coquettishly, Chuck blushed furiously much the amusement of Sean.
"Oh yes mate, the ladies aren't shy in this part of the world", he noticed Chuck's face showed some discomfort," not really a ladies' man, eh?" They walked at a fast pace towards a small patisserie Chuck had noticed on the way in, he'd been surprised that morning when Sean had come bursting through his room door. There had been a hurried change into some of the training gear he'd kept from the Colibri, a quick stretch and they were off.
"No Sean, not really, truth is, if they weren't blowing hot or cold the past two years they were probably trying to seduce, kidnap, torture or kill me." Sean stumbled as he tried to process that. "Fuck me!", he muttered.
He shook his head and laughed to himself drawing a look from Sean. He was somewhat amazed to find he enjoyed exercising, the journey across had helped him put on nearly a stone of weight, his body fat had been blowtorched and his musculature was defined in a way that his previous near twenty-eight years of existence would have been ashamed of. He thought of Devon and grinned even more.
They made it to the small bakery; Chuck threw off the rucksack the other man had given him but not before he handed them a towel each from it and they wiped themselves down as they sat on a small bench and ate a couple of croissants. Chuck paid as he lost the race, there was a bit of good-natured haggling, but Sean had pointed out that somebody in their vicinity had just made five million euro the day before. "Point taken", admitted a contrite Chuck, Roisin had given him a new wallet stuffed with some 'walking around' money.
They ate the pastries slowly, Chuck savoured the difference from what he had enjoyed in Burbank, Sean had suggested that they hit a few stores for a kit that would carry him through Selection and basic training.
He explained, "I'd have already sorted out some, but you're gonna drop that weight before the training is done", Chuck found that surprising, "It's a tough course mate, don't worry after you earn the White Kepi, you'll put it back on, but it's an endurance course, ok?"
"Do you think I can make it, Sean?" He asked earnestly.
Sean Murphy looked at the other man thoughtfully, "It's gonna be the hardest thing you ever done, it's a crucible. The Legion wants men who can march like a mule, run like a deer and climb like a squirrel on crack cocaine! You gonna be pushed to the limits, but I made it and so did Dad, you want it, you'll do fine, main thing is to break you down individually and then mold you into a team, once the trainers see cohesion between you and the other recruits happening, and it will, things will get better."
They made their way back to the Hotel courtyard where Sean produced some sparring gear, "Right! Let's see what you got, Chuck!". They had a half hour of slightly bruising contact, Chuck noticed Sean wasn't confined to Savate, he had some other systems he used, it made things tougher but also taught him some. As they rested again Sean told him he'd had training in Taekwondo and Kenpo Karate. "…. none of that WTF ballet stuff, ITF all the way, old school" He grinned.
After that they showered, changed, and made their way to Oisin's room, where he, Sean and Roisin challenged Chuck on every aspect of the legend that they had created for him. Oisin also had a computer degree created for him, "Makes sense lad, may as well play to your strengths. They might send you to the Bureau Operations and Instructions unit at the RCC, the Regiment's Command Company, not too shabby and extra training in operational planning, situation analysis and other assorted goodies, given your experience." He added the last part with a wink.
"But let's get you in first and see how it plays out. Roisin and I must return to Ireland, unfortunately the company won't run itself and it looks like we have some projects to start." He tapped Chuck's laptop.
Roisin smiled, "As things develop, we'll keep you informed through Sean", she nodded at her brother, "but for now, you need to prepare for the selection." She had said that in French, Chuck nodded his understanding, surprising himself. He was improving.
They all had dinner that evening in the room, in the morning Oisin and Roisin were heading back to Ireland, Sean was spending the few days prior to Chuck's appointment at the recruitment centre polishing the cover. Then he too had to return to his duties, Chuck was on his own for a day or two, he would keep himself busy.
Sean's words echoed in his mind, "It's a good time to sign up, there's a new unit being set up, the officer they're sending to head it up is a young get-goer out of Saint-Cyr, think West Point France, mate," he added seeing Chuck's confusion. "One thing about the military in any country is the NCO telegraph, we know what's going down before a lot of officers, they issue the orders but we," He indicated his rank on his uniform, "carry them out, there's a push by the General to get in on the action from a military intelligence perspective. He's tired of his buddies in the Regulars singing the praises of their special forces and wants the Legion to have their own. He wants his own bragging rights."
"So that means the latest Selection will be a lot different than the ones before, be prepared for anything, Chuck. Through Dad and his mates, I've managed to get assigned to the training cadre of instructors at Castel, the Farm. We're getting trained too. The next three weeks will be hard, you're on your own, focus mate, ok?"
Chuck nodded, they had prepared him as well as they could, it was on him now. But he wasn't the man that left Burbank, and he wasn't the man broken by Stanford. He had skills now. He was ready.
The following morning saw Sean depart for his new unit, the 4th Regiment Étranger which was stationed at Castelnaudary. Chuck was alone for the first time since his adventures began. He thought of home, he thought of Ellie and Devon and Morgan, mostly he thought of her. Sean had taken their pictures for safekeeping. Chuck didn't need them for his dreams were full of Sarah Walker. The sheen had come off though, like Casey in his dreams on the boat, she was hunting him….
April 24th, 2009, Fort Meade. Maryland. 08.25am.
The large man stood in the outer office of his superior's, it was a warm day, made warmer by the dress blues he was wearing, he had spent the night before preparing for this meeting, something was up so creases were the last thing he wanted as he examined an old set of mounted WW2 pictures on the wall.
The Aide de Camp returned to the office, he had disappeared after confirming the Major's appointment, now he too was dressed in his dress uniform, John Casey was puzzled. However, a lifetime of service and duty had prepared him, so he bided his time.
At approximately 08.30 there was a buzz from the phone on the Aide's desk and he answered promptly, "Yes Ma'am, I'll send him in." He hung up and faced Casey. "Major, the General will see you now". About time thought Casey but his face betrayed nothing. He marched to the door and the Aide opened the door, he marched in and stopped at attention.
The Aide did not withdraw, he entered and closed the door behind them. The room was half full of other uniformed men and women and CIA director Tom Emerson. There was a dais in the centre of the room and behind it stood General Beckman, Casey's eyes widened but he waited for an order.
Diane Beckman indicated the spot in front of the dais and Casey promptly crossed the room and stood smartly at attention, the two officers saluted each other.
She spoke "At ease Major". He automatically took the at ease position. The rest of the room snapped to attention; Tom Emerson stood to attention too.
Beckman looked at the room, "As a commanding officer and Director of the NSA it is my great pleasure to recognise and reward the performance of Major John Casey for his commendable work and hereby promote him to the rank of Colonel and the privileges bestowed with this position…."
Feeling surprised Casey watched as the Aide opened a small case containing the rank insignia which he handed to the General as she removed his former rank and replaced them with the eagles.
There was brief a congratulatory from the assembled guests before the room emptied, leaving just the newly appointed Colonel and the two Directors. Beckman indicated the seats around a small coffee table, Casey chose a single armchair and they sat together at opposite ends of a large sofa. Beckman looked over the top of her cup at the most senior agent of her agency.
Casey for his part was still processing the events she noted, "John, this was already in the works for what you have accomplished in the past year and a half. Present situation notwithstanding, I would be remiss as your superior officer to deny you what you earned."
He grunted at that, clearing his throat, he asked, "And Walker, she is part of the team too." He locked his gaze on Emerson, "I don't see her here, she did just as much as me".
Tom Emerson returned Casey's look, "Agent Walker is subject to my discretion, Colonel Casey. Lately her performance hasn't met the standard."
Casey looked at Beckman who had sat gazing at her cup during the exchange, well he had expected that, it had been a shitshow lately, in fact, he had thought this morning's proceedings were about assigning blame for the latest mission that had occurred a couple of nights ago.
A simple meet to tag a Fulcrum agent had gone to use the popular phrase, "ka- ka". The intel had indicated that there was a meet going on with a low-level Fulcrum operative in a L.A. hotel, it was decided that Walker was to get close to the guy and plant a bug on him so they could trace his movements and find out who the new players were since the capture of Leader.
Casey was playing barman again, everything had been going fine until a Comicon group from a convention had snuck into the lounge, Walker had been about to slip the bug when a tall curly haired geek had crashed into the bar and she'd froze, eyes glistening.
The mark had nearly caught her, forcing Casey to improvise spilling a drink across the bar causing the mark to jump back to where Schaeffer had been providing backup, he managed the drop, hitting off the mark from behind and distracting him with fake outrage at his clumsiness, before slipping the transmitter in a pocket.
The mark had looked suspiciously at Walker for a moment, but Casey had swept in and throwing apologies, had attempted to clean down the mess he had made, Walker had snapped out of it and made an excuse to disappear to the restrooms.
The ride back in the van to Castle had been silent, the other NSA strike team members had said nothing, it had been a successful mission but only just! The mission video relays back to Langley and Meade were real time so there was no opportunity for Casey to alter things. The after-mission briefing had been subdued, Beckman had pointed no fingers, but Casey had been sure the repercussions were sure to follow.
Now it seemed that Emerson was playing hard and fast with Walker's job, it was no secret that Graham had beat him to the punch in securing the top role at the CIA, there had been rumours that he had fought hard against Graham when Walker hung his protegee Rizzo out to dry, but that was between them, Casey was pissed off that a good agent was paying the price for Emerson's predecessors assholeishness.
He grunted his disproval, but he noticed Beckman wasn't joining in, her staying neutral was a surprise. Still, he had to say his piece, "That's bullshit, and you know it Director, with all due respect, half of what we uncovered about the mor- Bartowski's running was a result of her efficiency as an operative. And she earned just as much as I have."
Emerson's own anger at being called out was palatable, his nostrils flared in indignation, but he couldn't deny the facts, heck, Walker had spent an hour at 4Sight and found the path Bartowski had taken, she found the bag containing his uniform, what a moment that had caused when the bugs rebooted and popped up on the NSA radar! It wasn't until they rang in the find and stopped a strike team inbound to their exact location that things calmed down again. Beckman had not been amused.
Still, within ten minutes after that she had bullied the parking building security into confirming that no decorators had been booked and another new lead had been established, it was their last. A few days later a LAPD cruiser found the abandoned van, when they turned up it was to witness two of the LA's finest retching on the carpark ground, they had popped the door to discover the surprise Travers had left, they called in forensics but the shared look between them told them that the chances were minimal of any DNA traces. Even CCTV of the area was fruitless. It had been down.
Standing, Emerson turned to Beckman, "I have matters to attend to, you have my support in your proposal, going forward it's your operation, keep me in the loop, Walker's yours. The new asset has passed the medicals and will be en route to the facility for implantation as soon as you're ready. Good day Diane, Colonel." He shook hands with them both and departed.
Sighing, Diane Beckman thought that it could have gone better but she knew John Casey was a man of loyalty and that Sarah Walker had more than earned that loyalty. She stood and smoothening out her skirt walked back to her desk.
"There's going to be some changes Colonel, as of today I am assuming full control of the Intersect Mission which is why your promotion also went through." Casey's eyebrows raised in surprise, he had suspected a team change and prepared for it, but this was not what he expected.
"So, Walker is staying on the team?" he tentatively asked. "Beckman nodded, "Bartowski's going has opened up some opportunities for a more professional outlook, there's going to be a new Intersect," she picked up a file and passed it across to the seated man. "Bartowski showed us that the human Intersect is possible, this time we're making sure that it goes inside one of us. An agent."
Casey was already starting to get an uneasy feeling about this change, sure he knew the importance of the mission and the kid's role in it, after Graham's death and the deaths of his main Intersect prospects, he had figured there wasn't many candidates left, he was obviously mistaken, but who…. He opened the folder and groaned.
Beckman knew the hard sell was now on, "John, we need an Intersect…"
"I know General, but HIM!?," The cocky smiling face of Bryce Larkin lay staring up at him, "you know what their history is! She's not going to like this! HELL! I don't like this!"
Beckman knew exactly what Casey meant, "Well Colonel, as the new Team Leader, I expect you to run a tight ship, all necessary resources and personnel are at your disposal, we expect a great deal from you and your new team." Her tone of voice made it clear there would be no changing her mind, still he had one trick up his sleeve and now was the time to play it!
He grumbled, "All right General, I'll make it work, but if he's the best candidate we got, I want another on the team and it's my pick." He looked her straight in the eyes, unwavering. The General smiled, well, she had expected as much. A little horse trading to seal the deal. "Ok John, who is it? Remember, it has to be someone who is already known to us. Without the Intersect to vet, I can't give Fulcrum the opportunity to place an agent on the team."
John Casey smiled, on a normal human being that was usually comforting, on him it was a promise of menace, in one word he fulfilled that. "Miller".
It was Beckman's turn to be stunned. "Carina Miller? Colonel are you out of your mind? She's not even CIA or NSA!", she blustered.
"If it's my team, General…" He went on, "… besides, she'll be good for Walker, balance out the asshole factor, plus when you send us after Bartowski, I'll need all the help I can get."
Beckman's head snapped up at that, she should have known Casey would see through her machinations. Of course, she was going to order the capture of Chuck Bartowski, with that there was no way she was letting Sarah Walker out of her sight, she trusted her beyond doubt on missions, but when that nerd was about…
No, she needed a functioning team right now. Miller besides Casey were probably the only two people that could corral Walker and keep her mission focussed.
She reached for her phone, the Aide answered, "Get me Seagram", she waited, looking across at Casey she snorted, "Eyes are going to be on this Colonel, I suggest you make sure that you keep a tight hand on the reins, no showboating. You understand me?"
Casey nodded, he stood up and saluted. All in all, it had been a good day and a better result than he had hoped for, he left the office and headed to a SCIF. Once inside he drew his burner and dialled a number, one he had once hoped he'd never have to dial again. The call was answered, "You're in". There was a throaty laugh from the opposite end of the line. A question was asked.
"Yeah, she's in the same place." A pause. A request. "Ok, I won't tell her you're on the way, but Miller?" There was quiet from the phone again, "Bring your A game, this is the Big Leagues now, none of the wildcard crap, ok?" There was an outburst of fake outrage from the burner, he hung up.
Sighing, he sat down heavily, Bartowski, he thought, wherever the hell you are, nothing personal but I'm going to find you and put you in a hole so deep you'll forget what fresh air smells like….
April 27th, 2009, Fort de Nogent. Paris.
The young man had taken a taxi to a run-down suburb of eastern Paris, as he made his way through the urban sprawl a sense of unease spread over him, he found he had forgotten the precise directions he had been given, nerves he supposed, he stopped and asked an elderly man for directions, with rheumy eyes the pensioner studied the young man for a second, then he shook his hand and in a croaky voice uttered, "Honneur et Fidelite!". He released the hand and shakily pointed in the right direction.
A few minutes later, the man paused as he took in the looming fortification, it wasn't that old, built in the 1900's but it was grey and cold to his sight, built more, to his mind, to keep those in rather than those out. He passed through some massive gates to a closed oak door. He gathered himself and knocked. A hatch shot open almost immediately, the gaze of a Legionnaire guard swept over him.
"I wish to join the Legion Étranger." he managed to say, there was a snort from the guard, "Passeport!" he barked. The precious document was handed across and the guard studied it momentarily, "Americaine?" he asked in some surprise. "Ready to give up five years of your life?"
"Yes" came the curt reply, the hatch closed, and a smaller door opened in the gates to allow the man access, the Legionnaire motioned him through and pointed to a small room next to the duty station he was guarding. He checked the man was sitting and then disappeared.
He returned a few moments later and ordered the man to empty his jacket and pants pockets on the table, asking if he had any weapons, the man complied but he was still frisked, and his bag checked before a Caporal Chef appeared and shoved the man in the direction of a small bureau. The man was surprised at the harshness of the welcome, but he had been prepared. He offered no rebuke at his treatment.
His belongings were quickly checked through, his documentation was examined with interest, the small Caporal, a Burmese with pidgin English ordered him to strip to his underwear, anything deemed personal was unceremoniously dumped in a wastepaper basket beside his desk. The small amount of money he had was taken, counted and sealed in an envelope, finally a sheet of paper was pushed across the desk, and he was asked to print his name in full on it. "You are here because of crimes in America?" The man shook his head. "You make baby with girl?" Another shake no. "Why you come here?" The man took a breath, "I am looking for adventure." Sean had decided to change Denis' approach, "too fucking cliché, mate…"
The Caporal rolled his eyes, he had pulled a sheet with some written questions on it. He pointed to the first box. "I hear same shit before, occupation?" "Computer Software Engineer" replied the man.
"Developpeur" said the Caporal. He glanced at the sheet the man had printed his name on, "Jean Rameau….", he opened the screen on the computer on his desktop, he entered the man's details, there was a pause and then he wrote something on the sheet, The man looked down, it was his new name, John Robie. He almost laughed! Hearing his stifled giggle drew a sharp look from the Caporal.
He threw a vomit green tracksuit at the man and told him to dress quickly, he then thrust a sheaf of papers across the desk at the man, "You sign now, Foreign Legion is a 5 year, you understand?" The man did, it was his last chance to back out at this stage, but he took a proffered pen and after a moments glance at the forms, signed them all. With a grunt the Caporal checked each one, then taking the man and the few belongings he was allowed keep, showed him to a room full of others that had arrived that day.
He sat down at a small desk, he had glanced around as he entered, there was about eighteen other men in the room, a large Dutch guy introduced himself as Erik Vanderlaan, he smiled," …or at least, it is now". The man now known as John Robie smiled back and introduced himself. There was an incredulous look from the Dutchman, and he started laughing. A Taiwanese man about Morgan's height but somewhat more athletically built joined in, he was now Philip Chen.
A cigarette butt came out of nowhere and hit Robie on the chest, he turned to look in the direction it came from, it was made easier by the coarse laughter that had accompanied it.
There was a large group of men lounging at the back of the room, the other prospects had given them a wide berth and now with the openly hostile looks they were shooting at Robie, the rest looked away, equals parts happy and relieved that the attention was off them.
The door to the room shot open and another Caporal came in, he quickly surmised what had happened, marching up to the group of men he grabbed one and flung him in the direction of the butt, "PICK IT UP OFF MY CLEAN FLOOR, NOW RECRUIT!"
With a scowl the man did as he was bid, the Caporal surveyed the room, "You lot better realise you belong to us now, and if you want to be in the Legion, you better behave, or the culling starts NOW!" He turned, "Robie?" The man nodded, "Follow me, medical."
They left the room, the Caporal led the way, "It's a basic one, there's a more detailed one at Aubagne, understand?"
"Yes Caporal", the man replied, they rounded a corner, the Caporal motioned him to a small office, his demeanour changed, in a very British accent he continued, "Right Cary, I'm a mate of Sean's, Dave Wilkins, he asked me to keep an eye on you, there's another at Aubagne, Caporal Leo Kessler. Sorry about your name, could be worse, Jamaican kid came through here a few months back, Jasper Benson, I'll give you one guess what name he ended up with!" He begun humming the iconic 007 theme tune.
The two men laughed quietly, "It's an old, outdated program mate, works off initials and sometimes nationality, I reckon it's fucked; however, it makes the higher ups happy and well, you can apply for rectification after a year alright?"
The man nodded; he could resume his identity as Jean Rameau if he wanted. The Caporal spoke again, "Sean told you there's a special Selection on?" They walked to a window, outside by a tree in the yard there was an officer smoking a cigarette, "That's Lt. Alain Delon, he's the man picked for this unit, your eventual boss, the fact he's even here at this stage is something unusual." Robie took in the hawkish features of the smoking man.
"Why?" he asked. The Caporal offered him a cigarette, he declined, "Normally you won't meet your C.O. until you've completed basic and been assigned by the Castel Colonel in charge, so they're doing something new. There's a grading system, you're marked up to 20, it accounts for everything, medical, IQ tests and the physical tests you do in Selection, my advice?" he looked at Robie, "get as high as you can, he's looking for the cream, ok?"
"Come on," he extinguished his cigarette on the windowsill, "Doc and his team are busy guys and Delon is already cutting men".
The man followed the Caporal to the door, "One last thing mate, that group of assholes is a mix of Russians and Ukrainians, they were working in some Nuclear power station in Ukraine, got the chop because Russia's broke". He raised a mocking eyebrow.
"The Ukrainians aren't bad, their top lad Maksym is ok, he filled me in, but he's stuck doing the bidding of that prick Pavel, the tall Russian one? He was the one I made pick up the butt. He's the Russian's de facto top boy, looks like he already marked your card. Stay out of his way, I'll do what I can, but there's a few Russian NCO's about, they'll do you no favours, understand, there'll be a dirty tricks campaign against you now."
"For so little?" asked Robie. "Mate, you're American and breathing, that's reason enough, he's going to try and get all his boys through, he promised them that, they've got nothing to return to. They're pretty desperate and desperate men do silly things…" He eyed Robie meaningfully.
They arrived at a door marked with a red cross, "Doc will be sharp, don't bullshit him, ok?" Robie nodded, "Thanks Caporal", he said sincerely.
The Caporal grinned back, "tell that mick bastard he owes me a round, good luck, next time we speak, it'll be as your superior. Now strip to your kaks...underwear and wait for old De Botton to call you, there'll be another to take you back." The man entered the small waiting area and did as he was bid.
When he returned to the room a video on the Legion and its mission was running. Philip Chen saddled up beside him, "You're the only one to return so far, Erik went a few minutes ago, but there's been a few cuts already", he pointed out the window, there was a few faces that he recognised from earlier making their way out of the gate. He gulped. Sean had been right, Wilkins confirmed it. This was no ordinary Selection.
He looked at Chen carefully, he remembered Denis's observation about him from the ship, he could use some allies, he glanced behind and met the cold eyes of the Russians. May as well start now, he shared what Wilkins had told him, Chen's eyebrows raised. He whistled lowly. "I need this, thanks for the heads up Robie." Robie nodded, "Tell Erik if you see him first."
Chen laughed quietly, "That guy will probably finish as top recruit." Robie grinned too, the giant Dutchman was in great shape, like Chen, they both seemed highly intelligent. They were all in fate's hands now, but he felt sure the two of them were going to make it, he just had to ensure he did so himself.
The rest of the day carried on the same, by that evening they had been assigned quarters and had been shown to the canteen, to their surprise they were shown some supplies and left to get on with it, Robie caught on first, he remembered Sean's word, cohesion, he helped out where he could, turned out Philip Chen, who had also made the preliminary medical, had some culinary experience, he whipped up a stir fry that everybody managed to enjoy.
The NCO's turned up later, Delon in tow, they said nothing but ensured the canteen was left as the aspiring recruits found it, sparkling. The group was then assigned minor cleaning duties around the centre, those who slacked found the punishments outweighed the 'crime' by a considerable margin. Corvee was to be respected.
They were led to a supplies room and kit issued to those who needed it, Robie needed little, some personal toiletries as his had been taken, underwear and socks he had kept, they were deemed to the correct standard, others moaned as the ones they were issued with were as cheap and coarse as the green tracksuits. Once the Quartermaster NCO lost his temper, though, it was agreed that they were the finest Paris fashion, Robie marvelled how a hundred push ups could free the mind from complaint!
They were taken to some large dormitories, there they were sorted into groups of sixteen per room, at that point the Burmese Caporal showed them the correct way of storing their kit. He noted with surprise that the American came pretty close to his standard. They were allowed a 5-minute smoke break and then it was lights out, it was 10pm. Delon appeared in the doorway of each room and informed them that they were heading to the main Selection centre in Aubagne in the morning. There, things would get more serious. There was a subtle shift in the mood of the rooms. He advised them to switch on and follow orders, they were potential Legionnaires now. Game time was over.
April 30th, 2009, Maison 23. LA. 03:00.
The approach had been challenging, minor changes had been implemented from the last time they had run an infiltration here, the operative wasn't deterred though, under the black hood, their eyes glittered with merriment and their lips were curled in a smile. This was going to be fun!
Gently they lowered themselves to a window ledge outside the room, after checking for any surprises, they uncoupled from the climbing line they had run down and edged slowly to the window, the latch was a momentary piece of work, but they took their time, the mark was notoriously difficult to get the drop on.
They eased the pane open and slipped inside the apartment, they paused allowing their eyes time to adjust to the rooms lack of lighting. They noticed the smell first, under the mask the operative's sensitive nostrils twitched as they recognised a heady mixture of fast food and …alcohol?... lingering in the air.
The room slowly came into focus, there was a rustle and a soft snore from the sleeping mark, or was that two? There was an extra outline in the bed, gingerly the operative crossed the floor, that was a surprise, who could it be?
Their eyes adjusted further, and they could make out some detail, they blinked and then blinked again. The blonde woman was expected, the jiu-jitsu dummy with a … Stanford shirt on was not! And was that a wig attached to the head? The surprise of the find made the bewildered operative momentarily forget their situational awareness and they bumped off the side of a pile of pizza boxes, they started to topple, cursing silently the operative reached out quickly to prevent them falling, had they been quiet enough?
THUNK! The knife slamming into the side of the doorframe next to the operative answered that question and had their eyes widening in surprise, but that wasn't as alarming as the sound of a Smith and Wesson 5906 being cocked behind them. They turned and gazed into the icy blue eyes of Sarah Walker as the bedside lamp was switched on.
Sarah Walker looked at the black clad figure trying to juggle the empty pizza boxes, "Oh hi Carina, what are you doing here?", she flopped back on her bed, suddenly her eyes opened back open in sudden realisation and she shot up again with a surprised expression on her face, her right hand shot out sending the dummy and some pillows hurtling to the floor, "CARINA?!….WHAT..WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?!" she yelled, as she yanked the duvet cover up to her chest.
Taking the black hood off, a cascade of red hair fell about her lovely head as an amused Carina Miller stood up, letting the boxes fall, she walked to the opposite side of the bed, with her boot she gently pushed the dummy aside and picking up a pillow, plumped it out before motioning Sarah to scootch over. She lay down with her back against the headboard and surveyed the now fully lit room.
"The answer, dear Blondie, is that I am now a part of the Intersect team, Casey and Beckman read me in today, and it looks like I arrived not a moment too soon!"
Groaning from her prone position, face down on her bed Walker knew exactly what Carina meant, she had visited Sarah's Washington apartment on two occasions, each time she'd barely stayed long enough to coax Sarah into a slinky number and drag them both out the door to some DC club, complaining that she'd been in emergency rooms less sterile.
Something Carina had just said finally registered with the other woman, spinning around to face Miller, Sarah's face betrayed her surprise at hearing the other woman mention the Intersect. "So, you know…" she began. "Everything Sarah, Bryce, Casey, you, Chuckles and the Intersect." Carina raised a knowing eyebrow. She was enjoying herself; it wasn't often she had the advantage on one Sarah Walker, and she was determined to savour the moment.
She looked reproachfully at the other woman. "So now I know why I had to endure a month of unanswered calls and emails. I thought we were friends Sarah. I thought you wanted my help?"
The younger woman's eyes glistened, and she bowed her head, in a whisper she replied, "He's gone Carina, and I never even had the chance to tell him how I feel…."
Carina draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled the other woman closer to her, the tears fell freely, and Sarah sobbed quietly, almost embarrassed that her reputation as the fiercest espionage agent of modern time was now a façade, she had had her heart breached by one Chuck Bartowski.
Her best friend sighed and stoked Sarah's hair softly, she'd been here herself. Quietly, under her breath she swore a dire fate for the nerd. She waited for her friend to compose herself.
Eventually the sobbing eased, looking up at her friend, she asked, "Carina, you didn't answer my question, why are you here, and why did they read you in?" She sniffled. Looking around, Carina spotted a box of tissues, she snagged it and offered the box to Walker.
"Beckman is finally in charge of the whole project; you heard about Casey's promotion?" Sarah nodded her head, blowing her nose. "There's a new Intersect coming online tomorrow, an agent. With that, Beckman wanted a more professional team."
"That doesn't answer my question, Carina."
"Ask better ones, Sarah, like who is the new Intersect?" Walker's eyes narrowed, "Who is the new Intersect, Carina." It was a silly question really, after the bombing last year, the pickings were slim, aside from Chuck there really was only one other candidate with the requisite qualities and also an agent, she couldn't bring herself to confirm it and say the name though.
Carina had no such qualms, "Larkin. And I thought he was dead?" She delivered the last part scornfully. Walker stiffened beside her. "Are you sure, Carina?" Miller sniffed in disdain, "Casey told me himself, he's not happy about it either, but Beckman wants an Intersect, Casey's leading so he got to pick his team, et voila…" Raising both her arms, Carina turned her hands, index fingers pointing inwards at herself.
She beamed, "So it's you and me, Walker. Besides, Casey told me about the last mission." Sarah turned away. "I can't do that anymore Carina."
The other agent nodded. "Well, don't worry. I can handle the seduction. And run interference for you against Larkin." She watched Walker carefully on that one. She wasn't disappointed.
"If he comes near me expecting the Andersons... why I'll…", she growled. Carina laughed; the tension eased from the air. "Easy there tiger, we'll handle it CATS style…"
The two women shared a laugh together at the remembrance of the cock blocking routines they ran for each other against persistent marks or their lackeys.
Carina climbed off the bed, "Come on, let's tidy up around here." Sarah Walker moaned, "It's my place and I like it like this…" Carina Miller grabbed the edge of the mattress and spilled the pouting Walker onto the floor. "CARINA!".
"Oh, calm yourself, Walker, we've a briefing at 09.00 hours today, I want some rest and I'm not sleeping in this sty!" A growing feeling of unease started to envelop Sarah Walker, "Carina, where are you staying?"
Pirouetting in a circle, Carina made her way to the apartment door, opening it she grabbed a suitcase she had positioned there earlier. She paused for a moment, "Why here, I managed to make a good case for saving some money in letting us shack up together, just like the good old days!" She grinned and then looked thoughtful, "Although…do you think we can get the colour changed? I'm thinking something in red…."
Sarah Walker collapsed back on her bed cursing the name Chuck Bartowski….