Author's Note: Written for my dear friend, Ali, for the Inaugural Secret Santa Exchange at JELLIE Shippers (see my Author page for the website).

Timeline: Between "Chuck vs. the Sensei" (2.09) and "Chuck vs. the DeLorean" (2.10)

Disclaimer: Disclaimer: I don't own or buy/sell/process this mindcrack - I just abuse the hell out of it.

"Major Casey, a moment if you please," General Beckman commanded as soon as Walker and Bartowski had left his apartment.

John Casey snapped to attention. "Ma'am!"

"Did I or did I not order you to take personal time during this mission?" the general demanded.

Her tone indicated that she already knew the answer to the question and John involuntarily straightened his spine. "Yes, ma'am, you did, b– "

"You disobeyed a direct order, Major."

"Yes, ma'am."

"I do not take kindly to having my orders disregarded."

"Yes, ma'am."

"You do realize that this is grounds for suspension, if not outright dismissal, from the NSA?"

"Yes, ma'am."

General Beckman sat back a little, satisfied with the level of humility that her agent was displaying. "However, in light of the satisfactory resolution of this matter, I am willing to overlook your insubordination, provided that you take the vacation for which you were originally scheduled."

John's eyes went wide. "Ma'am?"

"Three days 'shore leave', Major Casey," the general explained. "No computers, no Blackberry, no e-mailing, no satellite uplink, nothing remotely connected to any sort of mission or accessing of government information. Only rest and relaxation permitted."

"But, ma'am, what if the Intersect flashes?"

"Agent Walker will see to any developments with regards to the Intersect."

"Ma'am, I'm not sure she's qualified to handle a mission by herself," John objected.

"Well I am." General Beckman folded her hands as she watched her operative intently through the video link. "Let me make myself perfectly clear, Major: if you attempt to access any of our databases, I will be forced to take appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including ordering your immediate termination. Do I make myself clear?"

"Yes, ma'am," John replied, bowing his head slightly.

"Good. Now enjoy your vacation, Major, because it's effective immediately."