Let’s analyze the pattern in the sequence of letters:
- First letter: C, E, G, __, K
The letters are increasing by 2 positions in the alphabet:
- C -> E -> G -> I -> K.
- Second letter: M, O, Q, __, U
The letters are increasing by 2 positions:
- M -> O -> Q -> S -> U.
- Third letter: M, O, Q, __, U
Again, the letters are increasing by 2 positions:
- M -> O -> Q -> S -> U.
Following this pattern, the missing term is ISS.
Thus, the missing letters are \( \boxed{ISS} \).
Therefore, the correct answer is \( \boxed{3} \).