Chuck is feeling very discouraged. His 5 year plan did not include getting kicked out of Stanford! It is totally unfair. If Stephen Bartowski was around he was sure those smart mouth administrator would never though of doing such a thing without a full investigation! They had buildings with his name on them for Chris sake! I'm a legacy member they should not be allowed to do this! Chuck thinks as he boards the train to Burbank.
There is one big light in his now gloomy world. That is Ellie Bartowski a medical genius and his sister. She would make him feel safe and confident once again. Chuck notices that the train car from SF is quite empty. It is strange this car should be filled with people heading to LA. Chuck groans then selects a seat. It will be a long train ride. He berates himself on not taking the easy way by plane right into Bob Hope Airport in Burbank. Though, this train would stop closer to Westside Hospital where Ellie works. He did not want to make Ellie's trip to retrieve him any longer than needs be.
Chuck thoughts now go toward his brilliant sister. It was she who kept the family together by getting a scholarship to USC first for Undergrad study at only 15 and half. Her determination made her finish with her BA in biology in under 2 years. He was quite proud of her academic achievement. Ellie then did get another full scholarship to attend UCLA Medical School. It was there she met the Captain then fell in love. Chuck could only smile on seeing those two together.
Chuck's thoughts are broken when a Tall African American Man sort of materializes next to him. Chuck thinks it is a bit strange. Plus his Mother's and Ellie's training kicks in and then he observes this man very closely. Being a Bartowski has certain risks. Chuck knows this well. It has been drilled into his head from the beginning.
When the Frost Queen disappeared Chuck knew she might never reappear. Then later when their absent Father disappeared the risks must be much higher. Ellie took him aside. Chuck remembers her words.
"Chuck it will be ok…Remember your training. We are Bartowskis! Right?"
Chuck smiles again then recalls what he sees. The first item was the leather jacket it is quite warm in Cal right now so that was so out of place. Next was the eye patch. It reminded him of the All Seeing Father of Odin in Norse Mythos. Next he observed the tell tale bulges of certain weapons. Those were easy to spot. Next was the smile on his face. That certainly looked out of place. Chuck seeing the wrinkles in his face shows he was more apt to scowl.
Chuck not wanting to be impolite, smiles at him.
"Hi I am Charles Bartowski of the late Stanford University and you are?" Chuck asks while holding out his hand.
Nick Fury has heard many things of the Son of Stephen Bartowski. However, friendliness was never included in any of those files nor was fearlessness. He took a liking to this young man immediately.
"So Charles I am Nick I am pleased to meet you. I know your Father. I am sure you have been in touch with him lately? If not more the pity…" He says with a smile grasping the out stretched hand.
Nick? Chuck immediately recalls a picture in his Father's place of Honor. It is his Father, Ted Rourke, Nick Fury, Margaret Carter and his Mother all standing around a Howard Stark invention. Howard must have been the one taking the picture. This recall ends quickly.
"I know who you are Mr. Fury. My Father spoke often of you. It is a pleasure to meet you." Chuck says.
"He did well that is good so I do not need to make my introduction speech then. So Charles you know who I am and what I represent?" Nick asks with his one eye showing so much emotion.
"Yes, you used to work under my Mother's friend Margaret Carter. Though, I hear she is retired? I remember her telling tales of old LA and that of Leviathan. I also know of Jarvis though I heard he has died?" Chuck asks.
"Yes you are correct on all accounts. I understand you have left Stanford in well lets say less than honorable conditions? I do not believe such nonsense myself. You my boy were set up. Though, the CIA's loss could be your gain." Nick says still smiling.
Chuck is taken back by this knowledge. Truly Nick Fury is not only looks like the All Father of Norse Mythos but acts like him too.
"So how did you…" Chuck asks.
"Tut tut Charles you already know that answer. I am here to offer you a place at the SHIELD Academy. It will be intensive but I know you would thrive in such environment Piranha is it?" Nick says Chuck's hacker name.
"So you know about that too?" Chuck says feeling uncomfortable in Nick Fury's gaze.
"Oh I know all about your searches for Alien life. This is one of many reasons I would want to contact you personally." Nick says.
Chuck just stares at his Father's old friend.
"I want you to think about my offer. This is my station you just need to call this number and arrangements will be made. Good luck in your endeavors Chuck it is good to see an old friend's Son." Nick says as a room full of agents materializes next to the tall man to escort him out.
Chuck hears one of them call Nick Director. Chuck did not realize he was visited by the Director of SHIELD himself. Just wait until he tells Ellie. The train continues with stops until it reaches Calabasas that was his station. He exits the train with his suitcase and is immediately engulfed into a big Ellie Hug.
"Hi Ellie It is good to see you too. I just wish it was with a diploma in my hand though." Chuck says.
"Chuck, you know a diploma is not all that is cracked up to be in this world. You have the knowledge I am sure you will fall on your feet. It just might take a bit of time." Ellie brightly says.
"Ellie, it might not take that much time at all. I could go to work for Stark Industries. You know they are always need bright technical people there. Or perhaps Rourke Industries I have a in with both places you know." Chuck says.
"Yes I suppose you could but I hear you have other news I can see it in your face. Do not forget my Padawan, I am your master and your thoughts betray you!" Ellie says in the best Darth Vader imitation.
This makes Chuck laugh. It is so good to be home especially with SDCC just around the corner.
"So Ellie, what are you going to cosplay this year?" Chuck asks.
"Well my young Padawan I figure going as one of the 501st. They have an opening!" Ellie says brightly. "However, this ruse will not work. You can not use your Jedi Mind trick on a mind as strong as I."
"Well El, it was just a try. You can not blame a guy for trying?" Chuck says with a grin.
Oh young Brother it is so good to see you smile! Come on the rest of the crew is waiting to see you back at the house. Ellie says as the jump into Ellie's 4x4 Bronco which was bequeathed by their Dad. He usually kept it up at their Cabin. With his disappearance Ellie decided to use it as her all around beater.
"Ellie, you are making good money so why are you still driving Dad's old beater?" Chuck asks as he places all his belonging in the back then jumps in the rear seat since the shotgun is currently occupied by her Fiancée the Captain Awesome.
"I've been asking her that myself too Chuckster welcome home!" Devon says from the shotgun seat.
"Babe, you know we discussed this. I brought this because I know my brother. He would have half and again more stuff than your Lexus could handle. It fits fine in this great example of American automotive technical know how." Ellie says grabbing a kiss from the Captain as Chuck looks on.
"Thanks Devon It is great to be here too. Though, not as I would have liked." Chuck says.
"Don't worry about it Chuckster you will land right. So did El tell you the news? I've got a Chewbacca costume! It is awesome!" Devon says as he lets out a Wookie Roar. "San Diego is going to be great. I hear that Disney is bringing something interesting this year."
"Disney at Comic Con what in the world are they going to be there for?" Chuck asks expectantly. "Are they going to show a new TRON film?"
"No I am shocked you have not heard the news George Lucas is retiring… Lucasfilm is up for grabs! The Front runner is the Mouse factory itself and Stan Lee is offering his collection too. Something is happening in the land of nerdom I say." Devon says showing how much of nerd he is too.
Devon Woodcomb is this brilliant Cardiologist who his sister snagged in their first year at Medical school they have been inseparable ever since. His nick name is Captain Awesome as an homage to his hero Captain America. Just like that captain Devon is awesome at well everything. Soon they are back at their home in Echo Park. The drive passes the tree lined roads. Chuck starts the laborious task of dragging all his belonging into the house through the Morgan door. He pauses to look at the neighborhood it has not changed…Or has it? Looking down the road he spots the SHIELD standard vehicle the Chevy Tahoe Black in color and the logo of SHIELD on its side. That must not be a coincidence.
Chuck turns around then enters the room to be surprised by all his Geek friends.
Welcome Home Chuck says the banner stretched out between the Like size statute of Han pulling his Blaster pose and Chewie holding his bowcaster.
"Surprise!" yells the nerd crowd as everyone welcomes him home as the conquering hero. Chuck is overwhelmed by the love and affection of all his and Ellie's friends in the Nerdom.
"Thank you all for being here to welcome me home but I just had a long uninteresting train ride and I am tired. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart." Chuck says.
Chuck departs for his room as the assembled guests mingle a bit then leave. Only one person stays that is Morgan Grimes his best friend.
"Not now Morgan" Chuck says from behind his closed door.
"Chuck I am always amazed how you know it is me behind the door." Morgan says opening the door then entering.
Morgan has no idea of privacy or propriety. Chuck groans as the light spills into the room from the hall. Morgan looks around the room. Chuck's TRON poster is proudly still displayed.
"Morgan, I said not now!" Chuck exclaims as he rolls over in his bed then places the pillow over his head.
"Come on Chuck do not be such a Debbie Downer… The gang just wanted to see their fearless leader being at home once again. You can not fault the guys. I mean you attended Stanford University. You were near the holy grail of Apple…I mean to those guys that is something impossible. For you it was destiny in your Stars being the Son of the great Stephen Bartowski that makes you nerd royalty." Morgan says.
"Yeah but Morgan standing there I felt so much like a fraud like what the university has labeled me. I got kicked out Morgan…" Chuck says.
"So what it is all lies I never liked that douche Larkin. He is the one who did this to you? You are my Han and I am your Chewie together we will succeed." Morgan says so earnestly that makes Chuck sit up in the bed and laugh.
"You sure know how to cheer up a guy. How about playing a game of Call of Duty?" Chuck asks.
"Now you are talking Bro! I will get it all set up you just sit back and relax…So what is your plans for Comic Con? I know Ellie is going to be part of the 501st squad I've seen her costume Boy is she one fine storm trooper!" Morgan says as the game is about to begin.
"Somehow I can not picture her in a Storm Trooper outfit. I think I might dust off my Blaster then come as the Bounty Hunter Boba Fett?" Chuck asks.
"Boba Fett…? Chuck have you fallen to the darkside?" Morgan asks missing the shooter with kills him which Chuck plays on nonplussed.
So Demonrat 44 it looks like you need a new partner. Mind if I can tag along?" A sexy female English sounding voice asks.
"Are you sure you can keep up I am Chuck by the way… Sexy CamelCall14 that sounds like an Halo name do you play that too?" Chuck asks.
"Yes I am good at that game too…Watch your Six!" She says shooting the sniper taking a bead on Chuck's ranger.
"Oh thanks for that save boy you are good." Chuck compliments.
After a few hours of Chuck chatting with his newest gaming companion he yawns.
"Well Chuck it is time for me to get some sleep my Biology classes are such a bear in the morning." She says.
"Well I am on vacation so do you have plans to attend San Diego Comic Con? I did not get your name either." Chuck says.
"My name is Jemma. It is nice playing with you Chuck. You are very good at gaming it is like you sense it before it happens. Are you sure the force is not guiding you somehow? SDCC well maybe I would need to check my schedule… Of course I am going to be there. It is a very fun event. I hear Disney is going to announce something awesomely good." Jemma says.
"Jemma, that is a pretty name I will see you around Jemma do not hit the books too hard now." Chuck teases.
Morgan having passed out from all the pizza and grape soda is snoring in the corner as Chuck sets down the controller. He rolls him over on the Morgan's bed which is stashed in the closet.
"Good night little Buddy" Chuck says as he rolls over in his bed letting the game be replayed in his head as he sleeps.
\\\\
Elsewhere Jemma Simmons looks up from her gaming console.
"Did I do well Director?" she asks.
"Cadet Simmons you did exceedingly well I look forward to your graduation into a full SHIELD agent." Nick Fury says with a smile.