Thanks goes out to my many fans. Thanks for sticking around. I want to thank baldcolder, uplink2 and Wilf21 for their suggestions and answers to my questions. I greatly appreciated their input. Thanks for reading and leaving your comments. This story takes place in early S3 prior to the introduction of Shaw. Mssupertigz
Ȼħꬰᵽꝉꬴꞧ 1
Sarah unravelled herself from her cocoon and for the second time since arriving in LA she threw a knife at her alarm clock. Crawling back under her covers, she replayed the conversation she had with Beckman after Chuck had been gassed while retrieving that gold case that Carina needed. Facing the screen Sarah listened to Beckman. "Sarah, I need to keep Chucks emotions in check, so the Intersect will work. He listens to you but he's an unstable element."
"Do you think he's dangerous?"
"Very, but he's worth the risk. For the last two years we have protected Chuck from the world but now we have to protect the world from Chuck."
Falling back to sleep she woke up in a cold sweat, fearing that her dreams would be her end or the fact that she always put her feelings aside more times than she could count and this time was no exception. Knowing over and over that she was so close to having it all, with Chuck. But when Chuck left with Casey this time to Camp Pendleton and not somewhere like Prague, Sarah chose to stay back, telling herself that distance was a good thing. It had been a few months since the debacle in Prague and her failed attempt to get Chuck to run away with her. She couldn't really blame him for not wanting to leave with her but the fact that he chose training over her, after all that they had gone through was harder for her to accept. 'Maybe, Chuck was tired of waiting. But what about all they had promised to each other. The timing was perfect.' Sarah said to herself.
Sarah drove to Castle, promising herself to catch up on the work she missed and to check in with Casey. But this time, there was no communication or messages left. Not too concerned, things happen, she grabbed a coffee, and attended to her paper work. Working at a pretty good speed she was interrupted when she heard and saw the sliding doors open from the top of the stairs, only seeing Casey. She assumed that Chuck was not far behind. Dropping his gear down on the floor next to her, he sees her looking up at him.
"He should be here already?"
Sarah looked at him. "Who?"
"Chuck." Like there was someone else arriving.
"Yeah he was supposed to be here yesterday. He said that he got a text from Buy More about an install that needed his immediate attention. So, I assumed he came home early for that. Plus, he wasn't too thrilled to be at Pendleton, so I don't blame him for coming home early."
"Well Casey, he's not here."
"Strange."
"No, this is Chuck we are talking about."
But again, it was Chuck so the two of them went back to their respective jobs. But as the afternoon turned into evening, Sarah got curious or more like worried but never tell her that.
Scratching her itch or her worriedness, Sarah opened the feed to Buy More and scanned the store. No sign of Chuck. Checking his GPS on his watch, it had him at home, but they had been down that road before. Dialing his number, it rang and rang, finally going to voicemail.
Hanging up she walked over to Casey who was cleaning his guns. Looking up. "You said that he got a text from Buy More."
"Yeah."
Sarah dialed Buy More and got Morgan on the phone. "Morgan, hi. It's Sarah. Is Chuck there?"
"Chuck, no. He said that he had do something for you, and it sounded important. And that he'd be gone for a few days."
"REALLY?"
"What?" Casey whispered.
"He didn't have anything to do for you?"
Sarah couldn't blame Morgan for Chuck's choices so she added. "No, I remember. I forgot, me bad. Do you know when he called you?"
"Yeah around lunch time, yesterday."
Casey got on the phone and tracked the incoming calls to Buy More.
"Thanks Morgan."
Sarah hung up and was less than thrilled.
"Where is he then?"
Casey came back in to where Sarah was standing. "Looks like he called around 11:50 from home."
Sarah went to the apartments feed and rewound back to around 11:50 yesterday. As they watched they noticed Chuck was in his apartment but left shortly after that. Hailing a cab, he headed north. Casey put a track on the cab and watched it till it dropped Chuck off at the train station.
LATER THAT DAY
Taking the cab as their only lead. Casey headed to the cab company. As Sarah grabbed another cup of coffee, she replayed her conversation with Beckman, and the longer Chuck was 'out' there alone her fear could become reality. Sarah headed back to Chuck's locker to see if there was anything that would explain his sudden and lengthy unsupervised departure. Opening the door, she found not much except his mission bag which was empty and a return receipt and one of his lap tops. Grabbing the last two items, she sat down at the table. Logging onto it using his one and only password Tr0nn4ever she scrolled his inbox only to see emails from Morgan, Ellie and some forwards from his dad. Scrolling further one subject line got her attention. Clicking on the email a link popped up that lead her to a DOS command that required a password. Clicking on the password link a line came up on the screen in white font that read 'The terrible troll raises his sword'.
Not recognizing who the sender was and not having a clue about the phrase, she knew that whatever Chuck clicked on, he had to know the answer and if so what did he get himself into by clicking on the link. Typing in random quotes, it denied her and each time warnings came up that would lock her out of the link entirely. Frustrated she walked over to Buy More with the computer in hand. Morgan greeted her and noticed Chuck's lap top. "Hey, Sarah. What's with Chuck's computer?"
"I need your help."
"Sure anything, for Chuck's girl."
Smiling back, she flipped open the screen only to show the link and nothing else. "Chuck decided to surprise me with a little scavenger hunt, for our date later and I forgot the answer to this riddle."
Showing Morgan, the riddle, he looks at Sarah. "I know that one. Bryce sent that one to Chuck years ago on his birthday. The terrible troll raises his sword. Yeah Chuck and Bryce back in the day created their own version of the video game Zork using the TRS80 computer. And this troll…"
"Morgan!"
"Yeah sorry, what did Chuck write."
By now Sarah was losing her patience, as Morgan tossed phrases back and forth."
"You know one more wrong answer this link is locked."
"I KNOW MORGAN!"
"Ok, raises his sword with, no um, attack troll with nasty knife. He had a satchel with his weapons he would use to kill the troll. Attack troll with nasty knife."
Morgan was just about to press the link when Sarah grabbed the computer. "Thanks Morgan, I can take it from here."
"Right! Chuck. For your eyes only. Bond reference."
"Yes Morgan, I am well aware of that reference. Thanks."
Slipping into the Home Theatre room, Sarah slipped down into the tunnel back to Castle. Calling for Casey, she waited for him to return. Upon his return, Casey sat down beside her as Sarah clicked the link. Up on the screen a series of patterns emerged then a page of matrix sequence of 1's and 0's came on till the link finished scrolling.
"Well, is that it?"
"There has to be more that would be big enough to lure Chuck out of here."
Sarah replayed the link and the more she watched it the more she thought that she was seeing things. Grabbing a pen, she wrote down what she believed where numbers flashing under the 1's and 0's. Looking at the numbers, she typed them into the computer. The computer brought up what looked like coordinates. 36 53 56 40 117 1 19.20. Refiguring the numbers, the computer pin pointed the location. Casey got up. "Not again."
"But why?"
"Who sent this email?"
"There's no sender."
Sarah did an IP address search and watched as the address bounced from server to server. "Who ever sent this, they didn't want to be found."
"So, I guess we are heading back to Blackrock?"
"Maybe, but why would Chuck head to the train station? When he could have driven there?"
Casey and Sarah grabbed their gear and headed out. Chuck had almost a full day head start, so Casey did his best to make up the time. Pulling into the parking lot, they ran into the station and did a perimeter search. Finding, nothing. Sarah walked over to the ticket office and asked when the last train to Blackrock left and when would the next one be leaving?
Coming back towards Casey. "The train had a late departure, and the next one won't be till tomorrow. Casey looked at his watch. "We can get there, but we won't beat the train?"
"Well let's go."
Chuck looked at his phone and the instructions left by the sender. Stepping off the train, he grabbed his bag and a cab. The driver was surprised to hear where he wanted to go. But it was a fare. Chuck paid and stepped out. Seeing that Sarah had called he, chose not to answer it but suffer the consequences later. It had been over 8 months since he last stepped foot on the grounds; trying to rescue his father. Walking around, there wasn't much left that indicated that it was a drive-in theatre or the fact that it was a secret Fulcrum base for that matter. The area looked like it had been swallowed up with caution tape blowing in the wind. Walking around he looked at his phone and sat down, only seeing Sarah's and Casey's number.
"Ok Bryce, you got me here. And unless the dead can talk, what am I doing here?"
Sarah tried to find out when the email was sent while Casey drove as fast as he could, he looked over at the screen. "Anything?"
"All that I can get is that this email was time stamped about 8 months ago na dCHuck's not answering."
"8 months ago?"
"So why now? Why Chuck?"
Casey sped up trying to get there.
Chuck reread the instructions. 'Take train to Blackrock, head to drive-in, wait for delivery of package. Further details will follow.'
Chuck looking up, nothing. "So, Bryce who is coming, UPS, Local mail delivery, no better yet a drone who is going to swoop in dropping whatever you have for me right here in my lap."
Getting ancy, Chuck stood up. Tired of waiting and not sure how long he'd have to wait he pondered leaving a note, but what would he say to whomever was supposed to meet him here.
A car drove up and flashed his lights. Chuck got up and tried to shield his eyes from the bright lights. Chuck kept his distance just in case. Watching the car door open, the driver stepped out carrying an envelope. "You, Chuck?"
"Who's asking?"
"He figured that you'd say that?"
"Who figured that?"
"Bryce."
"And you are?"
"Just the delivery guy?"
"Just the delivery guy?"
"Yes. I was told to drop this off to you exactly at this moment."
"What a Back to the Future reference."
"He's said that you'd say that too?"
The man walked closer and extended his hand. Chuck took the envelope. The man walked back to his car. Chuck flipped it over. All it said on it was his name.
The man stopped with one foot inside his car. "Chuck."
Chuck looked back up, still shielding his eyes from the car lights, Bryce told me to tell you stick around and its important that you take this information seriously. Something to do with what you have been responsible for."
The door closed and the car sped down the dirt road. Chuck grabbed his bag, stuffing the envelope into one of the pockets, he knew of the one place that he could feel somewhat safe. But debated whether he should call Sarah. He knew that he was in a lot of trouble for lying and leaving plus he hadn't been one of Sarah's favourite people as of late. Especially when he chose Prague over her. At the time it sounded like a great idea but when it failed miserably, maybe he should have made a run for it when he had a chance.
Remembering another place that brought back memories was the lone Motel around the bend. Seeing the Motel's neon sign, he walked up to the office and got a room. Finding his room, they all looked the same so he didn't know if this room was theirs or not. Walking in, the room replayed that morning. 'Sarah's hand grasped his and as she played with his fingers, Chuck woke up to stare into her eyes, their lips met and the urgency and emotions bled through their veins. Picking her up and kissing her and her returning his kiss, the moment sped up as he placed her back on the bed. Feeling their bodies, they knew that the wait was over….'
Chuck tossed his bag on the bed and walked out. Walking across the parking lot to the diner, he grabbed something to eat and headed back.
Casey drove to the drive in and called out for Chuck but there was no response, seeing fresh tracks, they knew that someone had driven a car passed their car tracks very recently. Sarah shone her flash light on the tracks and instantly noticed Chuck's foot prints. "Casey."
Casey walked over. "Chuck was here."
Following his tracks, it led Sarah to the main road and out towards the one place he'd probably go. And looking at the time, it was getting late.
Sarah got back in the car as Casey followed taking one last look before closing the door. "I wonder who or what got him to come here of all places."
Chuck finished his burger and fries and got took the last few slurps of his drink. Walking past his bag he tossed the idea of taking the envelope out, but decided not to. Finding something on TV he continued to stare at envelope on the table.
Casey drove up to the office and Sarah did what Sarah does best and got the room number that Chuck was in. Casey got out and grabbed his gun ready to fire if needed. Sarah placed her hand behind her back ready to grab her gun. Looking at the numbers, each looking like the rest, she had a hard time figuring out which room was theirs. Knocking on the door, she waited with Casey on the other side of the door. Chuck looked up to hear a knock that, he gets up but grabs the nearest thing that he could use as a weapon which ended up to be the ice bucket. Unlocking the door, he opened it as Casey charged in pushing him to the bed. Chuck flew back as Casey did a quick search and Sarah kept an eye on Chuck. Coming back Casey let Chuck have it. Grabbing him. "What's your pathetic excuse for being here?"
Trying to get his breath as Casey's large hands were wrapped around his neck. Sarah looked at Chuck. "Casey, ease up. I bet he has a very good reason." Looking at Chuck. "Well? Do you?"
Casey eased up as Chuck slumped over. "Well hello to you as well?"
"Well do you?"
"Do I what?"
"Have a good reason why you're here?"
"Yes and no."
"Well which is moron."
Chuck stood up. Closed the door then walked over to the table. Casey sat at the table while Sarah leaned against the dresser. "I don't have a reason per say to why I am here but I did
have someone telling me to come here."
Sarah and Casey looked at each other.
"Chuck, can you tell us why you're here and why you didn't say anything?"
Looking at Sarah. "First, how did you know that I was here?"
Sarah told Chuck what she found out and impressed he answered her. "I got an email from someone, maybe Bryce."
"He's dead."
"Yes Casey, stating the obvious but somehow, he was able to send me an email, cause who else would have known the phrase and the other information, if it wasn't Bryce."
"What other info?"
"Sarah, he sent the email then he sent a text, that told me to take the train to Blackrock and that someone would meet me at the drive in."
"Did they show up."
Chuck turn slightly and pulled out the envelope. "Yeah and he gave me this."
"What's in it?"
"Don't know, haven't looked at it and he told me to stick around."
"For how long?"
"Don't know, maybe till I recieve whatever I am supposed to get."
"What did this guy look like?"
"I didn't flash on him, so I'm guessing he's somewhat safe and he knew Bryce by how he talked about him."
"Anyone could figure that out?"
"Maybe, that's what I thought but, the things I said, he answered by saying, Bryce said that I would say those things."
Casey looked at Sarah. Then shrugged his shoulders. "Maybe?"
"Guys, if it was anybody else maybe I would be a bit more cautious, but Bryce proved himself worthy in the end and he also answered a lot of my questions but he also made new ones." Chuck looked at Sarah. Placing the envelope in his hands. "Whatever is in this envelope will hopefully have the answers."
Chuck undid the butterfly clip and lifted the flap of the envelope. Reaching in he pulled out a pile of papers, stapled together. Looking at it, Chuck couldn't make sense of it. Sarah walked over. "May I?"
Chuck nodded and passed the papers over. Sarah took a quick glance. Casey and Chuck looked up. Sarah put the papers down. "It's a list of name, by the looks of things, some names are repeated."
Putting the papers down on her lap. "If Bryce sent you this, then he had his reasons but why?"
"That's what I would like to know. So, I have to wait here for the next set of instructions."
Casey looked at his watch. "Well I would love to but I have a shift at the Buy More which now sounds like a better way to waste my time than being here."
"Walker you coming?"
Sarah looked at Casey then Chuck. "No, I better stay, might need at least one of us here just in case."
Casey got up and passed his gun to Sarah. Walked out then returned with his bag and hers. "I'm leaving you with the essentials?"
"Snacks?"
"No, weapons."
Chuck shook his head, which made Sarah smile.
"You going to be okay with him?"
"I'm still in the room."
Sarah glanced slightly at Chuck who was unsure of the whole thing.
"I'll be fine. If there is any truth to this, then one of us has to be here."
"Okay, I'll be back in a few days to pick you guys up."
"Sounds good."
Chuck followed Sarah out to say goodbye. Then headed down the walk way towards the office.
"Chuck where are you going?"
Chuck turned around. "To get you a room?"
Sarah taken a back. She was either insulted or thankful for his chivalry that he would offer to get another room.
"Chuck, get back here."
Chuck walked back. "There's no point in getting another room. Until we know what is happening, then you're still a target."
Chuck headed across the parking lot. "Now where are you going?"
"Getting you something to eat, and I'm still hungry."
Sarah closed the door and followed Chuck. Grabbing some food, they headed back to the room. "I'm sorry for not telling you. Its not everyday that you get an email from a dead friend and have to find reasons to justify the why's and how's and…."
"You should have said something."
Finishing his bite. "So, how did you find me again?"
"I snooped and found your computer, checked your emails and found one that didn't look right. Then when the phrase came up, I took it to Morgan who actually knew the answer, then Casey and I clicked on the link. I had to watch it a few times till I saw the numbers flashing. I wrote them down and typed them into the computer and it led us here."
"Morgan huh."
"Yeah."
"He was there, the first time, that Bryce sent me an email, which started this whole wonderful adventure and the phrase was a line we used in the remaking of the video game."
"So, maybe it is Bryce? But how did he know that you would receive the email, at this exact moment."
"There has to be some significance for this date?"
Sarah got up from the bed and grabbed the papers. Sitting back down cross legged, she read the list. "Duncan, Vincent Smith, Bill Bergey, Lizzie Shatai, Javier Diaz, Elita Natalija, Koray Omer, Galina Bryant (Pegagus), Brandon Stacy (Rommulus)"
Sarah looked up as Chuck was in a full blown flash. Chuck blinked then looked at Sarah. "Who else is on that list?"
Sarah continued reading. "Vanessa White, Bernie Ominsky, Lt. Frank Mauser, Tommy Delgado, Alexis White, Ted Roark, The Five Elders…" Seeing the frequency of the flashes, she stopped. Grabbing a cold face cloth, she wrapped it around his neck.
"You ok?"
"What kind of list was that?"
"I recognized the names as well."
Chuck closed his eyes and took a deep breath. Getting up, he fumbled slightly as Sarah reached for him. "Thanks, going to go have a shower, this brain is done." Grabbing his bag, he headed for the bathroom. Sarah took a deep breath as well, as she hated when he flashed on large amounts of information. Cleaning up, she put the list aside and drew down the bed. Looking at the time it was getting late, crawling into bed, she flipped on the tv and clicked on the few channels there were. Chuck dried off and changed, heading out, he stood there then walked over to the so call chair grabbing a blanket. "Chuck what are you doing?"
"Going to sleep."
"Chuck, get into bed."
Chuck sighed, then slid in under the covers and rested his head. "The list."
"Chuck." Rolling over to face him. "We will talk about it in the morning."
"Its seems like old times."
"Yeah it does."
"Well this time keep your hands where I can see them."
"Good night Chuck." Leaning over kissing his forehead.