A/N: I don't know what is considered a long wait when it comes to fan fiction, but it felt like this Chapter took me forever...if it's any consolation it is huge, and I made sure the wait was worth it! There's an Easter Egg of sorts in this Chapter; I'll be interested to see who spots the reference, especially those fans that frequent CHUCKTHIS! anyway, there is sexual content in this chapter, but it is perfectly suited for T rating (I worked hard to tone it down) so enjoy this Chapter.


Chuck and Sarah

Chapter 3

It was 8:00 am and extremely quiet. Sarah awoke abruptly next to Chuck. The strange phenomenon had occurred again, but it was clear to Sarah that it had been much more intense this time. She felt immense beads of sweat rolling down her face, her breathing was heavy, and she felt an overflowing amount of emotions as blood pulsed in her head. This time, it wasn't just pieces of memory, it was much longer, and as the started to contemplate it, her eyes started to well with what she knew were tears of happiness. Sarah looked over at Chuck aware that she felt an ever-increasing desire to give herself to him and even though she knew that this was a result of having relived her admission of love to a distraught Chuck, the terrifying events in Paris that he ultimately rescued her from which led to the consummation of their relationship and their subsequent "honeymoon," but she did not care…she'd finally remembered that chain of life-changing events and it was like getting the other half of herself back—the one she'd known existed thanks to her Mission Log DVD-after weeks of searching. Chuck stirred, gently opened his eyes, and Sarah smiled at him, causing him to flash his childlike grin.

"Well somebody is happy this morning?"

She wore an energetic grin. Her voice was casual and sarcastic. "Let's just say I met Mr. and Mrs. Charles last night, among other things; very nice couple acted like a bunch of hillbillies though…captured the wrong targets and nearly let their partners get killed."

Chuck's eyes widened, and he sat up abruptly, "Hiyo, Sarah…you remember that it was when-"

Sarah silenced Chuck by kissing him; it was small but very tender, and when she pulled back a minute later Chuck noticed that her eyes were brighter, "I remember everything, Chuck; you asked me if I loved you and I remember hesitating to answer because—"

"Spies don't fall in love…" He finished flatly.

She sounded more and more like she believed, in at least her feelings for Chuck. What was a mystery was getting used to how Chuck affected her life. She understood it but could not seem to accept that her life was so happy for so long.

Her voice glowed with clarity as she continued. "Exactly…but then you made that comment about how you were in your underwear holding a plastic guitar and in that split second, I knew I'd fallen for you when we met…and that the job wasn't going to stop me from being with you and I had to make sure of that, epically after you saved me from Shaw. The following morning and month for that matter were as normal as I have ever felt…I just can't believe I didn't remember until last night…"

His smile was evident as he touched her face, "You can't get it all back at once; I'd say you're doing well."

Sarah tilted her head and gave a small smile as she made to get up. "I guess you're right…I'm getting in the shower, won't be too long."

Sarah showered in fifteen minutes, and when she joined Chuck in the living room, he was very agitated but became distracted by how beautiful she was…her hair was still wet and because she'd let it down again he was even more hypnotized, Sarah always had that effect on him. She had chosen to wear a blue shirt and beige pants. Chuck had helped her into those clothes back at the hotel immediately after rescuing her from Shaw in Paris; luckily Sarah never knew this. The drug she'd been dosed with combined with how terrified she was, caused her to pass out shortly after being rescued and she didn't wake up until morning.

Chuck grinned and pulled Sarah in close before he spoke, "Wow you look amazing…"

She smiled, but her expression was dismissive. "I'm not dressed up at all…"

Chuck grinned as he threw his arms around his wife. "That doesn't matter, you always look amazing…anyway, Ellie called a few minutes ago, our appointment with Dr. Dreyfus is in half an hour.

She frowned slightly. A therapy session was the last thing she wanted to do right now. "9:00 a.m. that's earlier than I thought but alright…"

II

Chuck and Sarah stepped inside Dr. Leo's office just after 9:00 am, he was affiliated with the now GISA but ran a private practice in Burbank. His office exactly was as Chuck remembered, it an old era but very comfortable looking room.

They took a seat next to each other, and after reading his clipboard, Dr. Leo greeted them in his usual sage manner. "Well I'll start by saying that this will be a three-hour session, I'm pleased you too agreed to come here…your sister has brought me up to speed on the current situation and Sarah I'm sorry that this happened to you at all, how long has it been, how are you both doing lately?"

Sarah's tone was flat. "About a month I think…"

Chuck looked carefully at Sarah and then gave an inquiry in response to Dr. Leo. "Okay…I know Sarah's been trying to remember the last 5 years, I told her about the option to implant her memories into her brain using the Intersect…would that work, if she decided to do it?"

Dr. Dreyfus looked thoughtfully at Sarah and Chuck, "That could obviously work, but there's no guarantee you'd have the same emotional connection to the memories you once did…my suggestion would be to create new memories with Chuck, after all, it wasn't that long ago that you came to my door seeking help for Chuck while he was ailing due to The Intersect…your confession of love was very heartfelt and ultimately saved his life…my point is Sarah, that attraction isn't based on a strict set of circumstances, you fell for Chuck because of the kind of person he was and he is still that person so whatever might be holding you back try to let go of it."

Sarah sighed from the irony. "It's funny you're the third person in the last two days to say that…"

He gave an amused smile. "Really, well then I think an interesting question to ask yourself is if you still attracted to Chuck?"

Chuck smiled at her shyly, "You can say no, I won't mind."

The surprise was clear in her expression and tone. The inflection as she spoke was as though she got slapped or highly offended. "Yes, I am what kind of a question is that?"

Dr. Dreyfus laughed, "Well, if nothing else it proves that attraction isn't the issue here, so the question is what is holding you back?"

Chuck grabbed Sarah's hand, "If you need to talk in private I could leave?

Sarah shook her head, "No that's not necessary Chuck, I should have told you this sooner, but I remember more than I've let on about the last 5 years…I just played it off like the headaches and nausea were from the pregnancy, but the truth is I can't tell the difference…"

He held her hand and smiled, "I figured, I could see it in your eyes."

She let her head rest on his chest and closed her eyes with a half-smile, "Why didn't you say anything?"

He was modest. "It's not my place to be pushy; I knew you'd bring it up when you were ready…besides, I've been pushy and stubborn before, and it didn't help…"

Sarah gave a broad grin and then sat up, "Yeah, like arguing with me before a bomb was thought to explode…protecting you was my priority, you should have run. I think that was when I realized we were more alike than I was willing to admit, and I was frustrated that my job didn't allow me to be with you, so I decided that if we were about to die, then I wanted you to know how I felt but then…"

He finished her thought. "It didn't go off, and you panicked because handlers aren't supposed to compromise themselves…"

Sarah nodded solemnly. "Exactly, that's why later when you confronted me about it I brushed it off…I was at war with myself, and I'm sure that wasn't the first time, I'm sorry if it helps I'm glad I kissed you, and I'm glad we cleared the air at the Buy More Christmas party, you were a very cute dancer…"

Chuck shook his head and wrapped Sarah in a gentle hug laughing dismissively, "I'm a terrible dancer…

Dr. Dreyfus had been scribbling on his clipboard as Sarah and Chuck spoke, but he finally stopped and raised his eyebrows, "hang on let's deal with one thing at a time…did I hear that correctly, you're pregnant?"

She squeezed Chuck's hand and nodded. "Yes, I am."

He made an assumption bluntly. "I take it conception occurred before your amnesia?"

She had a sharp tone again. "Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

He did not take offense and continued gently. "Sarah that information tells me that what has been holding you back is guilt from the fact that your child will not be born into the life you expected it to be…correct me if I'm wrong, but you had an unstable upbringing with a con artist father?"

She faltered, unable to meet his gaze. "Yes, I did, he made me run everyday con scams with him…"

He seemed to continue without notice. "Then you were recruited into the CIA which treated you like a soldier until Langston Graham sent you to investigate the theft of The Intersect which subsequently put you in regular contact with Chuck…"

She was getting irritated with the refresh of her past. "Yes, I was assigned as his handler shortly after we learned The Intersect had been subliminally uploaded into his brain."

He talked as though trying to bring to light Sarah's hangups. "Well, then it makes sense…Chuck changed your life because you had never experienced what it was like to be normal until you met him…I'm curious what the first thing was that reminded you of your prior life?"

Sarah's irritation turned to deep thought; it was somehow easier to answer these questions when she was not asking them herself. "Well…honestly, my Mission Log DVD…Casey brought it to me shortly after Quinn confessed to turning me against Chuck…it was surreal watching myself go through that realization in person and then watching another version of myself struggling to make sense of her feelings and deal with how Chuck was changing me…the difference between then and now is I don't have the same type of emotional connection with Chuck; it's still there obviously…just different, does that make sense?"

The doc smiled at her comprehension. "Yes, it does, it was your job to protect Chuck from pretty much everything including himself…and those memories were buried, you knew how to do your job but that's over, and now you feel guilty because you were tricked despite being trained by the agency and your father to recognize false intentions. Chuck is no longer an asset or novice spy that needs protecting; he is simply your partner both professionally and personally, and you're still figuring out how to be that person, I'd say that ironically you're where Chuck was five years ago, do you remember feeling this way, Chuck?"

Chuck smiled and then nodded in agreement, "Yes, you helped me get used to it eventually, and Sarah, all I can promise you is that I'll try to do the same for you."

"Thank you, Chuck, I really appreciate that." They kissed momentarily as Dr. Dreyfus spoke again.

"Listen, I would like to know what you did after stopping Nicolas Quinn? As you can probably tell, I like to draw parallels when I am helping couples and think it would be of good use for this situation."

Sarah sighed and took a deep breath as she tried to remember. "Well…I had just remembered the name of the virus Chuck had apparently used to disarm a bomb the same day I met him, and I was still very confused, so I told him I needed time to think…the next day I decided to leave California…I had packed up and gotten in my car, but when I reached the exit I couldn't leave…instead, I decided to find a place to clear my head, so I turned around and drove…eventually, I followed the outskirts of Malibu to the heart of its beach…it was mesmerizing so I got out of my car, walked to the edge of the beach and sat down staring out at the ocean…"

"Interesting…lets pause here to draw a parallel…Chuck, how much of Sarah's story feels familiar to you!?"

Chuck smiled more broadly still, "All of it…I wanted to get away; I tried to get away…my life was in a major flux…"

Dr. Dreyfus smiled scribbling on his clipboard until he spoke again, "Sarah when you sat down on that beach what was it you hope for?"

A light bulb moment. "Clarity…nothing made sense, I remember thinking that, I'm a nobody and I can't even go back to the job I thought I knew how to do because of what I'd done…I was hoping for some help…and then Chuck showed up. Call it whatever you want, but I thought that if he found me on a whim in the middle of this beach…then clearly he wasn't there to help himself, he was my help, so I decided to stay, and I'm glad I did."

He continued, "My next question is what allowed you to get to this point and accept the process of trying to rebuild your life?"

Sarah smiled and squeezed Chuck's hand, "It was Chuck…he said he'd hoped I'd be there, on the beach because…it was where I'd found him after our first mission, struggling with how complicated his life would become…so I took it as a sign when he asked me to trust him and said he'd be there no matter what…and then we talked, and now somehow I've gotten here…" She put her hand on her stomach, gave a lipped smile and sighed.

Dr. Leo had a profound expression now. "Life is funny, isn't it? You ended up on that beach on intuition and Chuck was there because of intuition and maybe a little hope. I think if you two should keep in mind anything it's that if you're both willing, you can rebuild your relationship. Now, Sarah, I want to talk about what to expect should the both of you upload the new Intersect. I'm sure you already know that V4 will link the brains of those who upload it?"

They shrugged looking uncertain. "Yeah, but that shouldn't matter too much?"

He sighed with a cautionary look. "I must insist that you both understand what this means, you will essentially become one mind, or a super brain if you will. Therefore, testing is crucial…it is unknown how skill flashes will cause you to interact with one another, and your thoughts and emotions will be open knowledge to each other. Thus it might take a little adjusting before you get used to it. This effect is likely to vary depending on if you're in regular contact with one another…it will always be heightened when you perform skill flashes…now in normal agents, such a thing would likely cause rapid fatigue, but something tells me that it won't be nearly as much of a problem for you two. Ellie will work to minimize this problem nonetheless."

Chuck and Sarah had swallowed before the latter spoke again, "How is that possible?"

Dr. Dreyfus scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Well, the human brain is a truly incredible thing…neurologists and behavioral therapists like myself have been studying it for centuries, and still we understand very little. What we do know is that it's essentially a supercomputer; it relays messages to the entire body and allows us to function as a result. This new Intersect will sync to the electrical impulses of the user's brains and essentially act as a network does for computers linking them together. I also have a feeling that you two will have a higher level of brain power, much higher than the 10% that the average person uses but time will tell."

Sarah nodded in deep thought again. "Well I still want to upload the Intersect, but my memories seem to be naturally returning, so I don't want to hardwire them into my brain…"

He continued moving to a related subject. "Probably a smart decision…now let's spend the latter half of this session talking about your memories…what exactly happens when you remember specific events from the last 5 years?"

Sarah put a hand on Chuck's face, "When I get these memories back its an out of body experience…like I'm reliving each one, and when it's finished I collect a piece of myself…I don't know how else to explain it…"

Chuck had a comparative look on his face as he spoke, "…It's like Astral Projection…"

Sarah gave a slight chuckle and surveyed Chuck with a look akin to loving amusement, "Except I can't do it at will and instead of happening when I'm meditating it only happens when I'm sleeping… "

Dr. Dreyfus scratched his chin thoughtfully, "Your explanation is proof that the memory centers of your brain are perfectly fine if anything they're just a little stressed and confused and as a result, I'd say your memories surface because your brain uses your daily emotions as a catalyst to activate them when you sleep…visceral moments in your life spark your suppressed memories."

Chuck held Sarah's hand tightly smiling at her, so you really remember all about our first kiss?"

Sarah smiled brightly and let her head rest against Chuck, "Yes I do, and I remember our first date and the mission that followed and the next day when I found you on that beach in Malibu…even though you didn't say it, I knew you were scared, that's when I knew I had to protect you no matter what…that's also why I disobeyed Beckman when she decided that you had become "unruly" and went AWOL to help you find your father…I hated that your life was so controlled, you just wanted to be normal, and I had to try to give you that…"

Chuck smiled from nostalgia, "that's what you said in the motel that night when I asked you why you committed treason…I felt special, the CIA's best agent risked her career to helping a nerd who worked at Buy More, not to mention she was—and still is to this day—the most awesome and beautiful woman I've ever met! I'm just glad that you're doing better, nobody deserves to have 5 years of their life buried and then tricked into believing it never happened and treated as a soldier…lord knows you've been through the latter enough already especially working for the CIA—or I guess it's the GISA now…I really don't trust them with an Intersect.

She was in full agreement. "we'll just upload the new program when it's done."

He nodded, and then curiosity took over, his grin was obvious. "Sounds good to me, oh one more thing, it's just something I'm curious about…on our first date, what did I say when you said that you just came out of a long relationship and might come with baggage—something I regret ever saying?"

Sarah looked Chuck in the eye and a grin formed on her face, "Well I could be your very own baggage handler"—and it was very cute! Ironically that is what you became. The point is I remember how you make me feel: normal, special, happy and I remember what an amazing person you are; somebody with so much light and kindness in them that it spreads to everyone you meet, your good nature rubs off on people, and it definitely rubbed off on me."

Chuck kissed Sarah and addressed Dr. Dreyfus again, "Doc, nothing we say leaves this room, right?"

"That is correct, even though I am with the GISA patient/doctor confidentiality still applies and nothing we've discussed today or may discuss in the future will leave this office. Before we end, I wish to discuss one more aspect of Sarah's trauma from the faulty Intersect. One that may or may not manifest given certain triggers, PTSD."

Sarah looked at him absurdly; her eyes were wide and mouth ajar. "I am a trained spy; you have to be joking?"

Dr. Dreyfus sighed not in an overly worried manner, but realistic. "I'm afraid not, the mind is delicate Sarah, and yours was violated in such a way that will likely trick yours into reliving the most agonizing moment of your life."

Sarah responded dully blunt, "Which one would that be…I have lost count of them."

His expression turned extremely sympathetic, "The mental torture you endured at the hands of Quinn. It was not anything the mind should be put through. The body has layers of protection that the mind does not. You may not remember the torture, but triggers could cause you to perceive that it is happening when in fact it is not. A serious enough trigger could freeze your mind to the point that becomes your reality. Much like soldiers that revisit their war environment with triggers in their surroundings after they return home."

Sarah was downcast as Chuck held her hand, "So I could turn into a headcase and just quit on my surroundings?"

He continued kindly, "This is not something to be ashamed of Sarah…there is ever increasing evidence the mind is an individual thing especially in humans. Enough trying experiences can scar the mind where it fractures, not every fracture is the same, and the outward effects can vary with the flow of life and time, but I make a safe assumption that yours is cracked because Quinn's torture was the last of what your mind could take without outward effects potentially leaking into your daily life in some compacity. Has this happened to this point?"

Sarah was squeezing Chuck's hand so hard it seemed to shake as she gripped his. She spoke as though in pain, "The day Quinn brainwashed me, I almost killed Chuck…twice; the second time was so close I could not think straight after Quinn gave up the ruse. That moment haunts my sleep. Nothing else, yet…"

Chuck was irritated, "Doc why are you mentioning this?"

He smiled apologetically, "I do not do so to add more to Sarah's already heavy burdens, Chuck. The mind is a bucket that collects our life experiences It is more than memory; it is to think and perceive our lives as they happen, to know reality. Sarah, you are a tremendous person whose life has been full of many more downs than ups. Hardships and horrors others can scarcely imagine. I am going to ask you a difficult question but simple…I ask you to answer honestly can you do that? Sarah nodded.

He continued calmly, "Your memories prior to meeting Chuck five years ago. Can you recall them?" She nodded again.

He fixed her with his penetrating stare, "Can you remember any moment big or small from before you met Chuck where you were happy in your life, and not in a fleeting way or something that came and went, but something that gave you long-term happiness?"

Sarah considered his question carefully. "No, Chuck is and has been the only real happiness I know." Her expression was a melancholy smile.

Chuck's heart broke for his wife. He loved her dearly and on a cosmic scale how much he loved her could break the cosmos itself. But he at least knew happiness prior to meeting her…before his parents had disappeared, after with Ellie, Morgan and later Devon, and before his dreams were cut short at Stanford with Bryce and Jill and their shared circle of friends. Not to know anything of that nature, his eyes wanted to shed tears, but she seemed to accept the flow of her life, so he steeled himself.

Chuck gave a small smile, "I had no idea, Sarah…"

Sarah smiled weakly, "Yeah well…I don't like to talk much."

The doc did not press the moment but chose to continue absent of hearing it, "Your answer is why I brought up what is very probable to be a lifelong thing you will have to deal with. I did not want the onset of PTSD to overwhelm you and affect your current or more importantly, future happiness with the family that you've built since first meeting Chuck. There is no way to know for sure how or when symptoms will start to manifest though I anticipate what I discussed earlier is likely given how much your mind was tortured. Truthfully, I recommend you upload the intersect so that your connection with Chuck can help ease any potential PTSD you will experience, and his mind has not suffered to the extent that yours has so he can quell what you feel in that regard."

Chuck thought he was missing info, "Um doc the phase three incident and the tooth?"

The doc smiled, "I am aware, however…in both those cases Chuck, things moved slow enough for your mind to resist fracture. It saddens me to say that Sarah was not so lucky. The extent of what Quinn did will leave a scar within her mind. She is not weak, but in the same way that a loud, high-pitched noise that prolongs causes the glass in an area to shatter...she endured hours and hours of repeated mental torture with not the slightest break in between, plus emotional manipulation afterward. This is on top of the other trials and tribulations she has already been through both physically and mentally in her life. The Intersect naturally effects the mind during flashing under regular circumstances, and your most recent trauma was the kind of thing that would make a lesser person snap completely. you are far from weak, but it would be foolish if I did not make you aware."

Chuck was irritated again, "Easy doc, pilling on here."

Sarah shook her head, "It's okay Chuck. I understand sir."

He nodded, "Please know that the PTSD may be as minimal as in woven into your dreams or it could show up in a fully awake state as I discussed earlier, but there is no way to know until it shows up. Your memory seems to be working itself out; I sense fate has plans there anyway. Do not let what I have said dampen your spirits, Sarah. Your mind may be less steeled than it was, but your will offers great compensation. I think the immediate future will be okay, but you're free to return if you need it.

They both stood up gratefully, "Thank you!"

As they stepped out of Dr. Dreyfus's office, Chuck's phone started to ring, and the display showed general Beckman's stern face. Chuck reluctantly accepted her call, "…Yes, general what do you need?"

Her tone was quick and in a hurry. "Seeing as your appointment is over could you please go to CI, Manoosh and the team escorting him will arrive at 2:00…I have updated their credentials, and they are now fully affiliated with this company which means the safety of the former falls to you. Also, you will notice regular activity inside the building; they are the recruited staff to help sell its cover. Original team members are already aware of these details, and on their way to CI as well, I gave the address, now if you'll excuse me I have things to do…"

Chuck sighed with a casual smile. "Well, it looks like Manoosh was already transferred, we have to meet him at CI…let's go.

III

Chuck and Sarah arrived at Carmichael Industries an hour before Manoosh was scheduled to be escorted there. Ellie's minivan was already parked; on its right was Casey's, Crown Victoria. When they entered the lobby, Ellie was already waiting for them along with Morgan, Alex, the tall frame of John Casey and finally his girlfriend, Gertrude Verbanski a dome haircut brunette. She was essentially a female Casey. Like him in every way including their sniping ability which made the two of them a scary couple. They all passed through the security entrance in pairs, and when Casey entered the base his jaw dropped dramatically—much to Chuck's satisfaction—and then his eyes immediately spotted the armory and shooting range along the left side of the room, he stayed idle momentarily and then reluctantly followed everybody to the conference table but choose instead to stand against the nearby wall with Verbanski and when everyone was seated Chuck spoke first.

Chuck rubbed his neck; it was stiff from the session "I wasn't expecting everyone to show up, but Beckman is on top of things…"

There was a collective murmur of "yup" before Ellie spoke, "Chuck, I have been gathering any leftover information I could find about dad's research and mom sent me designs; she went back to his cabin to clean it out and found that he apparently already wrote designs and coding for the kind of Intersect that links human brains."

Chuck was shocked; his eyes were wide. "What, but he didn't design V2 so how's that possible?"

"V2 was classified by active skill flashes; apparently he designed a program that syncs two Intersects together but strictly to communicate information and merge brain activity…we'd still, have to include active skill flashing, but things will be much easier now. Casey needs to run continuous surveillance, GISA isn't getting what I'm now calling Cerebrum Intersect it's too dangerous…they'll get a watered-down version, which means I need to remove the one you currently have."

Chuck had a dumbfounded expression, "Hang why are you giving this one a nickname and why that nickname?"

Ellie smiled shrugging, "I thought it was time to change things up instead of just a version number. The cerebrum is the main portion of our brain that is respnsible for the fuctionality of our body so it seemed fitting.

Ellie pulled out several research files and what was unmistakably a suppression device from a bag. Chuck was completely surprised. "Wow El, when did mom send you this stuff!"

"Right before we left Chicago yesterday, something tells me she knows what's been going on…anyway, are you ready Chuck?"

"Yes, let's get this over with…"

Ellie got up, stood directly in front of Chuck and carefully fitted the suppression glasses over Chuck's face. A split-second delay and then Chuck felt his eyes fix in the middle of both lenses as he heard that distinct electronic hum while the program was extracted from his brain…the screen flashed INTERSECT EXTRACTION COMPLETE, and Chuck was left in a small daze as she removed the glasses…

Her voice was unsure, "Feel okay Chuck?"

Chuck blinked several times slightly disoriented, "Yeah…I just forgot how unpleasant it is to have an Intersect extracted…" Chuck turned to everyone else, "Beckman probably told you already, but the company entered into a new government contract."

Casey spoke in a rough voice, "Yeah, I know all the details, I suppose I could tolerate babysitting Grimes…if you let me use that shooting range, how about it Bartowski?"

Chuck grinned at Casey, "Fine but I know Alex hates being left behind…"

His eyes narrowed, "What are you getting at?"

Morgan cut in when Chuck gestured in his direction, "If you let Alex join Carina and Zondra in the CAT Squad…"

Casey's expression was almost comical as Alex spoke with a fast-rising temper and tears slowly failing, "it's not funny, I am always worried sick about everyone…you go off on these multi-day covert missions without calling, and I sit at home wondering if you're dead or not! If Morgan had not gotten through to you, the last time you probably would've ended up dead and I never would have heard from you…I already spent most of my life thinking you were dead, that was supposed to end when I found out you were alive, but it's just gotten worse…come on dad, I'm capable and if Morgan can do this then so can I!"

Verbanski put a hand on Casey's shoulder to calm him and whispered in his ear, "John…I think you're out of luck here…"

Casey gave a subtle grunt that turned into an exasperated exhale and then addressed Sarah, "…Walker, can you be her handler?"

Sarah looked sideways at Chuck and then back at Casey, "I'm sorry John I can't do it."

Casey looked surprised, "But you're the best, and I need the best…your memory still on the fritz; so, my gift was useless…I'll tell you, Walker, I wish you never would've put that damn thing in your head. I literally screamed at you not to do it too…"

Sarah did her best as she tried to reassure Casey that she was doing okay, "That's not true, what you did is the reason I decided not to run from my problems when Chuck reached out to me again, and my memory is still spotty, but that's not the reason…"

Casey sighed with a grunt, "What is it then?"

Sarah looked down and placed a hand on her stomach, "I'm pregnant, we found out yesterday."

There was a loud murmur of congratulations all around the table: Casey shrugged and gave a half smile; Morgan mentioned that this probably meant the end of trilogy night but seemed happy nonetheless, especially when Chuck mentioned that he was a serious consideration for godfather, although he wondered how Chuck could possibly have anyone else in mind. Sarah apologized up and down to Alex and Casey; both of whom insisted it didn't matter.

Casey was trying to work out what led to this news. "You can't be someone's bodyguard if you're carrying Chuck's kid…but how did this happen especially with what you've been through?"

Sarah was relying on intuition. "It happened before that, or maybe in the middle of it, on the Bullet Train…"

Casey gave a smirk and then smiled, "…Wait a minute; I remember it took nearly half an hour to get a hold of you. Damn, even during that mess you managed to…wow…that's fate for you, something tells me you'll be back to 100% soon Sarah!"

Sarah smiled and then placed a hand on Alex's shoulder. "Thanks, Casey; Alex, I'll contact Carina, I'm sure she'll do it!"

Alex hugged Sarah and perked up, "I guess it would be fun to train with the members of the CAT Squad and she already backed off Morgan…okay!"

"I'll do it right now!"

Sarah grabbed her phone and dialed a number, after few seconds a sarcastic female voice answered. Carina's usual, "Well, well I was wondering if I'd ever have heard from you again Walker, or are you going to Bartowski following your wedding to Chuckles!?"

Sarah's voice was awkward as she spoke. Fielding a memory loss Q&A with people was starting to get irritating. Sarah felt like she had a sign saying pitiable amnesia victim on her forward around everyone except Chuck. "Sorry Carina, I haven't been in touch because…well, let's just say that the last time I really remember talking to you is shortly after the CAT Squad broke up…"

Carina's shocked was audible over the phone, "Sarah that was nine years ago and we've seen each other three times since then, and I was at your wedding, now what the hell are you talking about?"

Sarah trailed off quickly. "…I can't, really remember that…"

Panic was in Carina's voice now. "You're joking right; please tell me you're joking?"

There was a dullness in Sarah's voice. "…unfortunately, I'm not joking…but that's not why I'm calling. I'm putting you on the speaker; there we go, can you still hear me?"

Her impatience came across. "Yeah, I can hear you, what's going on?"

Chuck addressed Carina with a laid-back voice. "Hey Carina, are by chance you busy at all?"

She was caught by surprise. "Wow, a little bold aren't you, especially with Sarah in the ro—"

Chuck was not in the mood for Carina Miller's empty advances. "I'm not asking you on a date! Dammit, Carina can you just get serious for once, we don't have time for you to discharge your sexual energy, we want you to join Carmichael Industries.

Carina laughed jokingly "Aw Chuckles, you know I'm only kidding; besides you already turned me down after we cleared up the Wookie incident, twice if I recall, but I digress so serious it is. Carmichael Industries…that name started popping up late last year, and I heard recent rumors that it was entering into a contract with the GISA; likely siphoning a huge amount of field work from other agencies…this must be why the DEA let me godammit I can't believe you work for that company…what'd they do persuade, you to recruit me and what do you mean, we?"

Chuck scoffed into the phone, "Carina you really should do your homework…I don't just work for Carmichael Industries; I AM Carmichael Industries. Sarah and I started it after being fired from what was the CIA, and the DEA let you go because Beckman terminated your affiliation with them…other agencies have no real idea of the contract…"

Carina scoffed back but when she spoke her voice seemed impressed and energetic, "Your company…wow, Chuck, this type of underhanded manipulation is something I didn't expect from you and seems more like the sort of thing I would do…I like it!"

"Good, I want the CAT Squad so make sure Zondra is on board too…

Her curiosity peaked, "Who is she exactly?"

Chuck motioned to Morgan sliding the phone his way, "Hey Carina…"

Carina had a mock tone to her voice. "…Martin, from what I remember you're not a girl, although you certainly squeal like one…"

A vein pulsed in Morgan's forehead while he spoke trying to keep his temper in check as Casey sneered a few feet from him, "Actually it's Morgan…remember?"

She sounded flat. "Right, sorry—so who's the new member?"

"Alex McHugh, my—"

"I'm his girlfriend!" Alex said crossly cutting him off, as Casey stated threateningly from behind, "And my daughter!"

Carina showed comprehension as she spoke again, "Right I remember, I thought I heard you earlier Johnny, I wouldn't imagine that you—or Morgan for that matter—would be okay with this…"

Alex spoke somewhat defiantly from beside Morgan, "Oh they weren't but I insisted…I'm done being left behind!"

Carina was impressed, "You've got fire kid… and I definitely enjoy the fact that you stood up to Johnny boy, you even remind me quite a bit of Sarah, she never took crap from him either; Casey scoffed loudly suggesting otherwise, and Sarah and Chuck shared a knowing look. Over the years Casey spent quite a bit of time getting under their skin because of their feelings for each other. Something Sarah remembered rather easily in recent days. Too many shots to count, kind of like the low moments in her life; slide the phone back to Chuck!"

They slid the phone back toward Sarah and Chuck, and he addressed Carina quite bluntly, "So, can we count on you two?"

Her tone wanted answers. "If when we get there, you and Sarah tell us what the hell is going on with her memory."

Chuck sighed into the phone and briefly looked sideways at Sarah before he spoke again, "That's too long and complicated of a story to talk about over the phone…"

Carina was a little egotistical when she spoke again, "Hmm…lucky for you guys we're not that far out; specifically, D.C, but one more question Chuckles…what's the pay?"

Chuck shot back with persuasion. "Money; more than you were making before. I know you like your personal time. Plus, you'll get a private flight…it will probably be available immediately so get here ASAP, Alex is ready for training."

She was sold, and it was obvious. "Sure Chuck, see you soon!"

Chuck sighed, "Goodbye Carina, you'll be contacted by Beckman shortly."

Chuck summoned the video monitor, connecting to Beckman…she was buried in a ton of paperwork; Chuck addressed her bluntly, "Sorry to bother you General but we need to talk."

Her expression was also blunt, "What do you need Chuck?"

He spoke pointedly, "The CAT Squad has agreed to assist us; they're in D.C right now…we need a private flight, so they may get here as soon as possible. Secondly, Ellie has something to say regarding the new Intersect."

Ellie folded her hands and sighed before she spoke, "…Diane, I have given this a lot of thought, and I believe that the new Intersect should not be provided to the GISA anytime soon. I will, however, provide you V3 as it was already removed from Chuck but not until we build the new one."

Beckman furrowed her brow looking momentarily angry, but then she sighed as though this news was completely expected, "I see…while I'm not thrilled about this it certainly makes sense. The new version must be handled properly, and if you feel it is best left solely in the hands of the those who have had the most experience with it; both good and bad, then I have no right to say otherwise as none of you are technically employed by me; per the details of our contract. I do, however, ask that you provide me with consistent updates on your progress…as for Chuck's prior request, I'll make the arrangements immediately; Carina's prior records have been terminated, and as of this moment she and Zondra Rizzo are Carmichael Industries employee's and make up the secondary field team, I recommend adding a third member to the Cat Squad though."

Chuck grinned, and Casey grimaced, grunting almost sadly, "Actually general we already have that covered…"

Casey was angry, "if Carina keeps her safe, otherwise I'm ending her loose ass myself!"

Alex stood up, attempting to reassure Casey, "Come on dad, I won't be trying to be a hero or anything, but I can't be left behind anymore…

Casey addressed Beckman bluntly, "I want the same clearance as Bartowski and Walker and my old rank back…"

Beckman gave a half smile and then spoke again, "Obviously that all goes without saying…your prior record will apply, but this contract is not known to the rest of the U.S or international governments; the departments of Defense and Homeland Security are merrily figureheads at this point…basically, Carmichael Industries is the unofficial head of all U.S counter-terrorism operations—cyber and otherwise."

Chuck shrugged and folded his hands, "Well that was a general idea right? Silently try and fix the mess that this country's government has turned into."

Beckman had a stern look, "I'll pretend I didn't hear that Chuck, but yes—that was the point…very well, get the Intersect up, and running…things are quiet on all fronts with our enemies now, so we need to use the time while we've got it…I'll make sure the other members of the CAT Squad arrive ASAP… Manoosh should be arriving there shortly; agent Barker has agreed to join you. However, he cannot do so for roughly three months; he must finish his current undercover assignment for MI6…I gave him your contact information, and he will contact you when he is able…now, if you would please excuse me I must go…"

The connection terminated, and Chuck banished the video monitor into the ceiling before addressing the group, "it looks like Manoosh will be here soon let's see…Morgan, escort him down here."

He jumped up eagerly, "Alright dude, be back in a bit."

Casey addressed Chuck a few seconds later, and there was envy in his voice, "Damn Chuck you're building a reputation as quick as anybody I've ever seen…I've worked for the U.S government for 20 plus years, and it took me pretty much that long to earn respect…in 5 years you went from an underwhelming intelligence asset to one of the government's three best spies, earned the respect of our government's finest intelligence general; convincing her to turn the company you founded into a de-facto government agency, and now you've convinced agents that are ordinarily solo to join the company…I'm impressed!"

Chuck waved his hand in acknowledgment and laughed sarcastically, "Thanks, Casey, but you work with me now, not for the government-not technically anyway-and the truth is you and Sarah are my team, and it's the best damn spy team in the world!"

Casey gave a grunt of approval and then inquired rather enthusiastically about the armory and shooting range, "So…can I store my guns in here? My trigger finger needs exercise…"

"Yeah, there's plenty of space and distance to practice."

The wall at the entrance rose slowly, and Morgan reappeared, accompanied by Manoosh Depak. In terms of appearance, he hadn't changed at all. Short and skinny with dark brown hair that looked like a little more than a crew cut but still relatively short. He had a Woodland Hills accent that left him a bit nasal when he spoke. Casey would say that Manoosh was a poor man's Chuck Bartowski; Goofy, and admittedly more socially challenged than Chuck (he could not start conversations with women and at the time had never been noticed by anyone popular in his life) before Chuck's association with the government. Manoosh was likable a nerds nerd and a gifted computer engineer. All the more reason Chuck hated the necessity of having to develop and then burn him as an asset as part of spy training two years ago, after he created the first portable Intersect; unwittingly reverse engineering the one that was turned into a bomb by Fulcrum and caused Graham's death, for the corrupt organization known as The Ring; his safety risk from torture he needed to be brought unground and that was the last time Chuck saw him until now.

Manoosh surveyed the room with enthusiasm before taking the open seat on Chuck's left and addressing him in a very laid-back manner. "Chuuuck, how are you, wingman."

Chuck looked surprised; such a friendly greeting was the last thing he expected. "Uh, shouldn't I be asking you that question…"

He laughed dismissively, "Man, there's no need, turns out when you have my engineering skills government lockdown just means building for the good guys so the other side can't kill me as they tried to back then. They stuck me in a lab, but I got spoiled; all the nacho samplers and things a guy could eat plus I kept myself busy with various jobs and even got outdoors time a few times a month."

Chuck tone was uncertain, and his shoulders slacked. "But you couldn't talk to anybody…"

Manoosh shrugged and waved his arms with complacency. "Chuck; I never had friends…I get lost when I make technology, its fine really. I studied the Intersect technology for the CIA or NSA or whatever they are these days…speaking of that, I hear you're building a new one, and that's why I'm here."

He nodded turning his attention elsewhere. "Yeah, naturally it's at the request of the GISA but this time I'm taking the reins of the project, or rather we are—Manoosh, this is my sister Ellie—she's head of the project—and you remember Sarah, we'll be the ones who upload it when it's finished and ready for testing. I'm sure you remember Casey—he and the rest are members of the company—except for the woman he's standing next to; his girlfriend, Gertrude Verbanski."

Verbanski was persuasive when she spoke, "I haven't ruled out joining…you are quickly making any espionage company or government agency obsolete…"

Chuck grinned while Manoosh addressed Ellie, "it's good to meet you, Ellie, Beckman already filled me in on the details of the Intersect we'll be creating—not easy but certainly possible; can I look at those designs?"

Casey shrugged, yawned and then weakly motioned to Chuck, "Bartowski I'd say if you three are about to go all super nerd then I'm going to hit the road, it's been a long flight in from Dresden, and I am exhausted…Grimes, you two coming or what?"

"Yeah, we are, later Chuck! Alex shrugged as Morgan leaped up and ran toward the exit, she said goodbye to everyone else and then walked up the stairs with Morgan and Casey putting her arm around the latter while Verbanski brought up the rear.

Alex was smiling wide as she met her dad's eye "he is a man-child. Listen, Dad, thank you ."

He smiled in acknowledgment and then whispered in her ear, "Please don't turn into Carina, that's the last thing your mom needs…"

Just as the wall rose into place again, Chuck mentioned dinner at his place later to which they all agreed, after the wall slid back into place he turned back to the other three and suggested they move things into the tech lab, and everyone agreed.

IV

They sat in the section with open tables and chairs and Ellie handed Manoosh the pages of designs, and he looked over them thoroughly before speaking again, "well this all looks relatively manageable…we'll have to include AI so that it could learn Chuck and Sarah's individual neurological makeup but I'd say linking them shouldn't take anything more than writing a special syntax for the existing programs script…it would help if I could study the current program though."

Ellie gave Manoosh the glasses that contained the V3 Intersect and then reached into the bag on the floor next to her and pulled out a Roark 7 computer, "this was our dads, it should help us be able to build the new Intersect…It's the only thing with any of his research left in it."

He had a grateful tone and expression. "Thanks, this should help a lot…Chuck, could I get a USB cable to connect these glasses?"

After a minute or two Chuck returned to the table, they were sitting at and handed the USB device to Manoosh, and he connected to the glass. Chuck grabbed Sarah's hand and kissed her forehead stroking her hair, "You know you could have gone with everybody else right?"

Sarah nodded shrugging. "I know, but my mind wanders when I am alone, and given what we learned today I don't feel like being by myself. I am hungry, though."

"Stay here; I'll be back in a minute."

Chuck returned with a ton of food and four bottles of water causing Sarah to light up and eye Chuck suspiciously, "What the…where did you get all this?"

There's a fridge in both of our offices; you didn't notice?"

"No, but at this point, I don't care where it came from I'm starving…god, are those blueberries and strawberries…and…okay, just give me all the fruit!"

Ellie withdrew her attention from what Manoosh was doing and watched Sarah scarf down every bit of fruit that Chuck had brought with him so quickly that she burped when she was finished, Chuck gave Sarah water, and after one long sip, she smiled looking apologetically at everyone.

Ellie smiled and laughed, "well I guess we know what you're craving, it's a good thing that was all pre-packaged and pre-sliced. Appetite and pregnancy, sometimes it feels like you are never full. For me it was meat; chicken, steak, deer…does not matter I ate it all."

Chuck grinned and kissed Sarah again, "Whatever she needs!"

Manoosh had been stuck deep in analyzing the Intersect, but even he broke concentration at that point, "I didn't even know you and Chuck were together back then…"

Chuck laughed and then spoke sarcastically, "Well we weren't, but we got together shortly after, although it felt like 12 weeks of misery before that happened…looking back I'd say that when you came into the picture was the halfway way point, anyway: several near death experiences, an engagement, a wedding, two faulty Intersects, a bullet train, mind and brain torture, a five year memory loss and a pregnancy test later and here we are; did you not want him to know Sarah?"

Sarah shook her head, holding Chuck's hand, "Actually it's okay I'm sure he can help them come back even faster."

He had a clarified expression. "Wow…I'm glad I didn't have to watch all that, I'd feel sorry for anybody that did…be glad your lives aren't on TV. Wait I was wondering why you didn't recognize me, Sarah, so you don't remember anything?"

She tilted her head a bit. "Well, it's come back somewhat, especially lately—oh, you mean about meeting you-no…I don't…"

Manoosh was clearly disappointed as he turned his attention back to the computer, "Oh well, that's definitely for the best…anyway, Chuck, it might be complicated to build this Intersect, but since we aren't starting from scratch, we'll still have an advantage."

Chuck had a serious expression. "Will uploading it cause any harm to the pregnancy?"

Manoosh shook his head. "No, you will have to upload it at the same time though and obviously Sarah, you'll need to use your own judgment when executing active flashes and plenty of testing will need to be done to gauge if there are any lasting effects in relation to your merged brain activity, Chuck, can you write the coding for V2 software?"

"Yeah let's see lots of code; Chuck was in his element now. Sarah found his tech babble amusing. She recalled her confusion when watching him set to locating The Key; thrown off by the fact that he used alcohol to fuel his hacking missions. A bright smile came over her face from being able to think about recent memories of Chuck. She clasped her arm to his as he seemed to switch to auto-pilot; that's not an issue I probably won't even have to rewrite it, we aren't altering existing software, so I should be able just to copy and paste it in; at most I'll have to write new syntaxes to direct anything we add into the systems script. Likely assign specific strings within the code so the Intersect can recognize both of us; separately and together. In this case, mine and Sarah's personal biology make up, and I suppose another string where the value is sync and is controlled by conditional statements. We will have to write several sheets of code for the AI too, and run several different types of apps for both. Visual Studio has an entire library of applications and programming languages Does that make sense Manoosh?"

He nodded in agreement, "Microsoft may be annoying for the average user, but in terms of software, visual studio is a dream IDE for us tech nerds. That takes care of the code. Now the hard part making it freely recognizable to the brain within the Intersect itself, because the code will be run by the latter, but must be recognizable to the brain and match up neurologically for both Chuck and Sarah. I will need your help with this Ellie; I do not understand the brain as well as you and that is more important here."

Ellie nodded in unison with both, "Brainwaves and electrical impulse activity will be key I think. I wish Dad was here he would know."

Manoosh was optimistic but realistic "I think a timetable is unrealistic because we still need to figure out how to compress the encoded images that store the Intersect files to decrease the upload/access rate; basically we need to make flashing as easy as breathing, and I also want to eliminate the natural side effects that occur in the brain without wearing an electrical impulse regulator-or governor, sorry I speak all high tech…I'm trying to dumb myself down, but it's habit to break…Ellie, Chuck, Sarah I'll need your help with that in every possible way."

Chuck sighed and then addressed everyone, "I think the four of us we can get this Intersect built: Ellie make sure you continue studying neurological brain chemistry it will matter when it's time for us to do field tests; Manoosh and I will work on, building, programming and making the Intersect as safe and functional as possible. Sarah, once you're 3 months along, I don't want you stressed at all…"

Sarah nodded and let her head fall on Chuck's shoulder. "You don't have to worry about that. Protecting things is my job."

Manoosh agreed, "That's a must, past that point we can't have you doing active flashes until after the pregnancy…one last thing Chuck, where is your Intersect white room?"

Chuck made to guide him there having stood up glad to be moving since he sat for so much of the day. Sarah stood up and put her arm around Chuck as he pointed the way. "At the front of this room; I call it the quarantine zone though…do you have a place to stay?"

Manoosh got up too. "Yeah, I'm staying in a hotel."

He grinned, "Alright, thanks for coming on board and I'm sure we'll get this done, I'll adjust security, so you can come and go as you please."

Manoosh grinned back. "Thanks a lot, Chuck." They shook hands, and Chuck adjusted security; before locking down things for the day.

V

Nobody had paid attention to what time it was since this morning, so Chuck was a little surprised to learn that it was already 6:00 by the time they finally got home. Devon came over with Clara because Ellie insisted she cook the meal for everyone but wanted to see her husband and daughter in the process, and Sarah insisted on helping Ellie cook so that she could spend time with them. Devon and Chuck were talking about the events of the day and when the latter mentioned Alex joining the CAT Squad Devon was quite enthusiastic.

He had a broad grin and was full of excitement. "So, Alex stood up to Casey and is going to be working as a field agent huh…awesome!"

Chuck's hands were aiding a pump the breaks expression as he chuckled "Whoa, not right away man, she'll go through combat and firearm training and even then, it's only as back up."

Devon casually leaned back in his chair and put his hands behind his head laughing, "Oh come on bro she's Casey's daughter, and something tells me she'll pick it up in no time."

Chuck grinned in agreement, "you're probably right, but I'm taking it slow. Otherwise, Casey will choke me…"

Devon's expression and voice became mocking as he spoke in a somewhat low voice, "…Yeah, I notice that's not the only thing you're taking it slow with…"

Luckily Sarah was in the kitchen, so she didn't catch what Devon was implying, but Ellie—who had just joined them at the table with Clara in her arms-and Chuck certainly did. "Dude, that's up to Sarah to decide when she's ready again, why are you bringing this up?"

Ellie looked shocked. "Yeah, Devon this isn't anybody's business but theirs!"

Devon leaned forward and spoke bluntly to Chuck, "Look, bro, it's nice that you're being "Mr. Respectful" but come on already…all I'm saying is take some initiative-who knows, she might surprise you!"

Chuck looked extremely uncomfortable, and that got worse when Ellie's expression changed into a slow grin, "Actually Chuck, I get what he's saying…you'll want to go for it because trust me, pretty soon you won't have the chance, besides it could be great!"

Chuck became exasperated, "guys…can we change the subject please…"

Devon punched Chuck lightly. "Sorry bro, just trying to give you some advice!"

Ellie sighed and changed the subject, "…How'd therapy go Chuck?"

He shrugged casually, "Pretty well, speaking of that how come you didn't mention that there were effects attached to this even when not flashing, I originally thought that we would only be connected when using Kung-Fu…and then we hear from Dr. Dreyfus that we'll be a "super brain," I wish you would have said something…"

She sighed apologetically. "I'm sorry Chuck, I only found out late last night while studying the new designs, so I contacted Dr. Dreyfus early this morning hoping he could better explain the true extent of the effects…creating this version has been complicated…lots of neurological nuances to take into consideration, and it's still a computer program which means it runs off a script that's much more complicated than any previous versions. Trying to pack all the encoded images into a compact system that allows for quick upload of, and later access to the stored data and various active skills has been well, tedious to say the least, thank god, I still have dad's computer and that Manoosh is here to help. I'm a brain scientist that determines how The Intersect technology interacts with our brains, not a computer scientist or technician but between the three of us, I know we can get this off the ground. Well, I should get back in there and help Sarah finish cooking, everybody else will be here around 7:00."

Devon took Clara and then turned back to Chuck while Ellie went back into the kitchen, "So, you nervous about being a dad?"

Chuck sighed and folded his arms, "Yeah…I'm not sure what to expect."

Devon laughed and when he spoke his voice was full of irony, "I wasn't either, but we all figure things out pretty quickly, we kind of have to…just expect to deal with a lot of crying and sleepless nights, but all in all it's the best thing that will ever happen to you! As for the rest of the pregnancy, what will help a lot is if you can anticipate what Sarah needs."

Chuck smiled. "That won't be a problem."

Devon raised his eyebrows. "Oh right, the new Intersect…how do you think that will work?"

Chuck took a sip of beer and then shrugged. "We won't know until we test it, but it'll be fine, Manoosh said that by the time he's through it'll be the best version ever."

Devon raised his beer. "I don't see how it could get any more awesome…"

VI

Ellie and Sarah talked off and on while cooking about how the latter was doing. Sarah mentioned that she was still curious about the Intersect and how it would ultimately affect her but took comfort in the idea of being neurologically linked to Chuck. Ellie mentioned that it would be likely to eliminate the negative side effects that the Intersect usually had on the brain because of the link that would exist between them but was glad Manoosh would still take other precautions. Eventually, there was a knock on the door, and everyone else showed up; Morgan smelled the food immediately and took a seat at the table.

Alex shrugged as Morgan ran past and then greeted Chuck, "Hey Chuck…sorry Morgan does not care for small talk does."

Chuck sighed dismissively, "Not when there is a meal. Trust me I'm used to it…hi dinner is almost finished."

Alex joined Morgan at the table taking the time to hit him upside the head. Casey gave a very audible chuckle as he stood in the doorway to greet Chuck. His tone was annoyed, "I hope you're prepared for some additional company…"

Chuck started to question Casey but stopped as he and Verbanski moved inside, revealing who was left standing in the doorway, Carina Miller, and Zondra Rizzo. Both women were as close to what Sarah could call friends in the spy world. Chuck had met both on several occasions; they were tall and attractive women.

Carina was a long-haired redhead; sarcastic, and free-spirited, whom regularly flaunted her looks and made advances. Chuck had been the target of her advances on her first trip into town, but he'd rejected her on both occasions and when he inquired about why she targeted him it turned out that she knew Sarah had genuine feelings for him, and "loved taking what Sarah wants." Subsequent interactions had led Chuck to believe that she had for once, recognized defeat and since then pleasantly sarcastic was her default setting around him.

Zondra was more casual and laid back with similarly long, but brown hair. She was not the flaunting type instead preferring to keep to herself. The truth was that Chuck preferred Zondra more, perhaps because he helped repair the rift between Zondra and Sarah when the former was mistaken as a traitor to the CAT Squad until last year when it came to light that the true culprit was not her or Carina but the other member Amy. The events ultimately led to the breakup of the CATS. Since then both women had attended Sarah's wedding and helped save Sarah from near death due to a specialized poison, and they were on very good terms.

Carina responded brightly with the kind of pleasant surprise she seemed to reserve only for Chuck. She was wearing a very fancy black dress, telling Chuck they came from a spy mission of some kind. "I hope you've got the room for us, although you are the only person to ever turn me down without a girlfriend—at least officially-attached to your hip, so you tell me?"

Chuck scratched his head, "Carina, four years of knowing you, still more intimidated than flattered, but come in; it's good to see you both." They both smiled and stepped inside. Carina's became a grin as she passed Chuck.

Chuck closed the door and joined everyone at the table before addressing Carina. "So, when did you guys get in?"

Carina was leaning forward watching Chuck with casual interest and responded to his question with a light-hearted snap. "It's funny we landed half hour ago, private flight makes things much faster. Anyway, I called Morgan, and he said that everybody was headed over to your place for dinner, so we invited ourselves."

Zondra looked at her with a sideways smirk and narrowed eyes, "you mean you pestered him until he let it slip. She tilted her head sighing at Chuck with a passive expression. Sorry, she likes to crash the party."

Chuck banged his hands together dismissively, wearing an agreeable expression, "it's fine. Besides, dropping in unannounced; sounds about right. Carina, I honestly don't know if it's good or bad that you haven't changed at all; but let's eat."

Casey gave a stiff grunt that implied the latter just as Ellie and Sarah brought the food to the table. The spread looked amazing: Chicken, corn, asparagus, and potatoes with sour cream and plenty of fruit. Morgan was plating his food so fast that he was practically shoving people out of his before finally sitting down at the table where everyone else joined him.

Alex scoffed as she sat down next to him with her food, "Babe do you have to be so rude?"

Morgan had already started stuffing his face and struggled to speak through a mouthful of food, "…Sorry babe, it's just so…good!"

Casey shot a disgusted look at Morgan and let out another threatening grunt before he griped at him, "Why are you still so damn immature? Grimes, you give me a bigger headache than Bartowski ever did, at least he grew up! I'm seriously considering letting some other agency sap put up with you!"

Alex shot a warning look at Casey, Chuck, and Sarah before stating emphatically, "No female handlers!"

Carina and Zondra smiled at Chuck and Sarah then Carina addressed Alex with a mock, "That's a smart move, Chuck and Sarah prove what can happen when a nerd is assigned a female handler-no offense, Chuck!"

Chuck raised his arm and put it around Sarah who was eating what seemed like endless amounts of food-specifically the fruit-but unlike Morgan, she managed to conduct herself with sufficient etiquette, "none taken…that's what happened!"

Morgan grinned mischievously at Alex; a decision he immediately regretted when she gave him a look of death that made him flinch a mile in his seat causing him to reassure her that there was nothing to worry about frantically, "Alex, you know nothing would ever happen."

Casey assumed his most threatening tone as he spoke through a near silent but deadly grunt, "Oh you can bet your furry beard that nothing will happen because otherwise, I'll rip it off your obnoxious face personally!"

Carina and Zondra were watching Sarah with raised eyebrows; they noticed that her expression was blank and almost nervous, "Okay Sarah, you promised you would give us an explanation so what the hell is going on with you?"

She sighed looked sideways at Chuck, took a deep breath and then went into an explanation; making sure to leave out the true cause of her faulty memory because of whistleblowing possibilities.

When Sarah finished the story, Carina and Zondra's jaws were hanging open, and their faces had slowly gone pale. Zondra couldn't say anything, and it took Carina several minutes, but she finally spoke first. Her tone was somewhere between pity and sorrow. She was visibly crestfallen.

"Damn Sarah…you've been put through the ringer in the last five months…I help Chuck deliver an antidote past a corrupt CIA official to save you from a massive DNA linked radioactive metal poison and then not even a full year into your marriage you get your memory blitzed because of torture…" She eyed Chuck with extreme sadness.

Sarah scanned both their expressions as though intuition told her that Carina was different because of her interactions with Chuck and then she registered the last part of what her friend had said. She turned to question Chuck with raised eyebrows, shock behind her voice. "I was poisoned?"

Chuck sighed deeply with a whisper, "More of the trauma the doc talked about today, like most things you've been through lately it was my fault…enemies with a vendetta against me, go after the people I love."

Carina seemed to know she put her foot in her mouth and made to move things along. "That's another long story Chuck can tell you some other time…how's your memory?"

Sarah seemed to feel herself shaking inside. Soon it progressed to her hands, the tremors were small, but they made her wonder if this is what Dr. Dreyfus meant; PTSD symptoms. She latched onto the most recent form of happiness. It tumbled out of her mouth amid her response, "Still spotty obviously but Chuck is helping me. Listen to me you two; I'm pregnant!" The tremors stopped a few minutes later.

Carina went silent, and Zondra exclaimed loudly, "Your pregnant…but how…especially when…oh never mind, we don't want to know. Chuck's bun in your oven huh, well it looks like your hormones will erase any nerves you're feeling, we were wondering why you were scarfing so much fruit—good for you two but for heaven's sake, here's hoping you get some peace and quiet!"

Ellie raised her glass, and everyone else followed, "Yes, here's to Chuck and Sarah, to my future niece or nephew and to a new beginning full of joy and happiness, something that is long overdue for the both of you…"

They're glasses all connected, gently, one at a time as Chuck said, "Aw, thanks, El."

They spent the rest of the meal talking about their exploits in the last month: from the setup of Carmichael Industries to the steady closure of the Buy More to Casey and Verbinski's vacation in Dresden, or The Awesome's likelihood of splitting roots between Chicago and Burbank, at least for the foreseeable future and Alex joining The CAT Squad.

Chuck mentioned that Castle still existed and that it would merge with what used to be the Buy More but was now a fully equipped clubhouse: a full dojo much larger than the one at Carmichael Industries while the other half was a kitchen and living room. What used to be the break room was now a server room, but the shortcut into Castle still existed, it was just hidden behind the wall where the employee lockers used to be and could be accessed via the hand ID scanner in the lower left-hand corner of the room.

Chuck talked amid sips of beer, "You guys are welcome to train there that's what it's for, and as the secondary field team you'll be there most of the time anyway, luckily it's been outfitted so you can contact the main hub at any time."

Zondra and Carina were very enthusiastic, "We'll make sure to train you right, so you can fight and handle any situation you might need to!"

Alex grinned, "I'm definitely ready!"

They bumped her on the shoulder. "Good because we don't mess around!"

Ellie and Devon didn't seem to have an issue with the possibility of commuting between Chicago and Echo Park, and the latter really seemed to enjoy the government accommodations, "As far as I'm concerned we've got a great deal, and that's awesome!"

Casey shot Devon a warning look to prevent him from accidentally revealing top-secret details and then motioned to Sarah, "Hey Sarah, give me a hand with these could you?"

Sarah was taken aback but agreed nonetheless, "Um sure I can…let's go."

Sarah and Casey had done most of the dishes when the latter spoke with the slightest air of concern in his voice, "How are you doing Walker?"

She tried to remain stoic, "What are you talking about?"

Casey gave a slight smirk, "Don't try playing dumb, except for a few brief moments you haven't said much all day."

Sarah grew stiff and fidgeted with her hands, "You mean you can tell?

Casey laughed momentarily and then looked at Sarah with complete seriousness, "Listen, Sarah, the fact is that what happened to you didn't change a scrap of your personality, you were brainwashed, but Chuck does not give up on his friends when they're in tough spots. I realized quickly he wasn't going to give up on his wife…now I'll ask again, how are you?"

Sarah looked shyly at him tilting her head slightly and sighing, "I'm managing, but it's difficult, five years of experiences and relationships just buried…sure I remember a lot about Chuck and me, but everybody else is still a blur…"

Casey placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder and smiled consolingly, "Listen…I think deep down you know what you want and how you feel about everyone. Chuck won't push you into anything, but he will bend over backward for you. If I have one thing to say its trust yourself and what you're feeling."

She sighed deeply. "I guess this makes you the fourth person in the last two days to tell me that…but what if I can't?"

Casey chuckled and gave a sigh, "something tells me your hormones will take that possibility out of the equation, add to that the new Intersect that will basically make you and Chuck one person and you'll be better than before Quinn blitzed your memory."

She had a profound smile, "Listen, Casey, you helped me."

Casey seemed taken aback but gave a curt nod, "Sure but what with?"

Sarah's eyes started to well very slightly as she spoke, "The mission log DVD…it's the reason I'm here now, and why I didn't run when Chuck found me last week, so I had to thank you."

"No need Walker it's not a—"

Sarah gave Casey an unexpected hug, and he padded her gently on the back, "You're welcome, it's good to see the Sarah we all know working her way back. As far as your memories of everybody else: Grimes is the same as he's always been, so you aren't missing anything there, Alex doesn't feel awkward at all so neither should you, Gertrude basically only knows your reputation and me…well, as far as I'm concerned Chuck is what you should focus on; that's why I gave you the DVD in the first place.

She smiled, "You told me he didn't kill the mole too."

He grunted but in a reflective way. Then spoke laid back, "Yeah well, I knew you loved him and Chuck avoids pulling the trigger unless necessary, you just needed to be reminded of that…Look, Sarah, I knew four years ago and still know, you love that nerd, you fell for him quicker than you throw knives!"

Sarah found a grin of sorts. "Really, I wouldn't have thought that especially after Bryce…and because Chuck was an assigned asset…"

Casey laughed sarcastically, "Okay, first, Larkin was a fling that you were amused by, and you never gave your heart to the guy and you know I'm right! Second, cover relationship my ass! When it came to Chuck, you let him in from go and were protective of him both professionally and personally and went way beyond with the latter!"

She was interested in someone else's viewpoint of her relationship with Chuck and seemed to fidget anxiously. "Was I really that obvious?"

Casey "Yes, you were…I knew a "cover relationship" was total BS, Chuck was and still is so in love with you and you him, you have always put his well-being above everything and everyone else even when he was under protective detail. I remember we were on a mission once to secure a chip containing an Intersect update and Chuck got pinned at gunpoint and you had a chance to take the kill-a shot you've made plenty of times before by the way- you couldn't take the shot; granted it was 40-60 feet, and you had recently sustained a concussion while saving Chuck the day before, but the point is you love Chuck, and I knew it even three years ago. "

Sarah sighed at the end of Casey's statement. "it's funny, that's what Ellie said…"

He raised his eyebrows. "Ellie said that…hang on you've been here for a while, haven't you?"

She spoke with a smile, "Yeah, I've been here for over a week…she got back yesterday, said I need to trust myself to let him in again…"

Casey nodded in agreement. "Well, she's definitely right! I know you, and something is holding you back, what the hell is it, Walker?"

She was melancholy again. "Guilt, amnesia aside I was fooled by a power-hungry maniac nearly killing Chuck, Morgan and you …but you're right I don't really have time to dwell on the past. Still, it is not easy; I was informed today that I would have spontaneous PTSD of varying degrees for the rest of my life…"

Casey looked at Sarah empathetically. He spoke softer too, "Something I know about; there is a reason I lose my temper easily, talk in tactical speak and have a jumpy trigger finger."

Sarah smiled sadly, "I thought that was just you?"

Casey gave a calm grunt and continued with his eyes closed, "The truth is my mind drifts regularly. Situations trigger certain unpleasant moments, not like a memory but a separate reality. I can't stand the quiet; it's worse when I am alone."

Sarah was quiet and sad in a blunt way, "The same doctor that saw Chuck two years ago says I will have the same thing. That what Quinn did was like a prolonged high-pitched noise that makes glass shatter. My mind will have a permanent fracture where the rough spots leak through."

Casey grunted very deeply, "You have had a rough life, Sarah. Your mind may have simply reached a point where the rough spots will become very real at times, and unfortunately, that sadistic SOB was the iceberg to your Titanic. Not that I buy all that shrink babble but, I'm living with PTSD, going through similar things. You can too, besides you're doing better with everything else and Chuck won't leave your side. Now let's go…"

Sarah smiled, "Casey, thank you…" He nodded kindly. And as he walked back into the living room, Sarah placed a hand on her stomach and smiled before following him in.

VII

Everybody was now in the living room looking ready to pass out, and as a result, they all decided to go home; well after 10:00 o'clock, exiting one by one. They knew that disaster could come at any moment and wanted to be prepared to face it, which meant Carina and Zondra would take training Alex very seriously. After saying goodbye and closing the door behind them, Chuck and Sarah went back to their room, collapsing together onto the bed.

Sarah had a peaceful and reflective expression. Her eyes shut with a heavyweight. After a minute she turned to Chuck with a smile somewhere between content and sadness, "That was normal, I wish the feeling was as familiar as the way I feel when you are around, it isn't. To be honest, I'm a little freaked out. Pregnant, with an extremely spotty memory, and I have little idea how to be a mother…how to be normal."

Chuck squeezed Sarah's hand, with a grin, "We kind of had an unspoken agreement. I told you one half of it already; you taught me how to be a spy. The thing I left out was I taught you how to have a normal life. It took you quite a while, but you came around. You were the one who wanted to quit spying."

Sarah was wearing a similar look to her realization that she'd kissed Chuck when going after the bomb that was not a bomb. Her face was trying to comprehend what she heard. He smiled gently with a consoling inflection in his voice, "how are you feeling? The pregnancy starting okay?"

Sarah chuckled and put a hand on Chuck's face, "Chuck it's only been a day." She shrugged grinning at him. "I feel…okay, and you're right we can figure this out together."

Chuck considered Sarah's eyes. Her memories may not have been fully intact, but the doubt, confusion, longing for her memories and anger over losing them were all gone. she seemed to be at peace with all that had happened on that terrible "third-last mission."

He touched her forehead with his "How're your symptoms, any nausea or headaches?"

She had an amused smile taking his ring hand in hers, "One-day Chuck."

He rubbed his head nervously fidgeting, "Are you cold, hot?"

Sarah had a deep stare, "Chuck, you are spiraling, don't freak out."

"Shut up and kiss me already!"

He smiled and thought back to what Awesome said three hours earlier before closing the bedroom door and locking lips with Sarah while they let themselves fall slowly back onto the bed locked in the most amazing kiss; in fact, it echoed how they felt during their trip AWOL to find Chuck's father. Something Sarah was absentmindedly thinking about now. They considered one another's eyes. Chuck paused with his hands gripping Sarah's shirt; there was concern showing in his eyes.

He was quiet and hesitant. "Sarah you've remembered a lot…more than I ever could've hoped for and sometimes I wonder if I accidentally forced your recovery…"

Sarah put a hand on Chuck's face smiling at him, "Chuck you haven't forced anything I didn't just get these memories back I've felt them again. Now I'm tired of talking; remember. I don't like it much."

Chuck smiled, and slowly removed Sarah's pants and footwear. She lifted her shirt off over her head, tossing it on the floor before doing the same with Chuck's clothes as she swiftly removed them. He smiled and then removed Sarah's undergarments; as Chuck looked at his wife's nude frame, all he could do was smile at her because Sarah Walker was the most stunningly beautiful woman he'd ever laid eyes on. They merged instantly into each other, first kissing slowly, while Sarah felt Chuck run his hands through her hair; which felt like gentle silk in his fingers. Soon he locks lips with her in a kiss so passionate that Sarah felt a calm completely wash over herself as they surrendered themselves to each other.

After a highly memorable display by Sarah; at the end of which Chuck was in a haze, he eventually felt her lips touch his as she grinned playfully, "About time, I was worried I put you in a permanent coma," she said, turning her head and sharing a soulful kiss with him."

Chuck's smile was bright and ironically full of energy. "Sarah Walker…god, I love you so much!"

Sarah responded by throwing her body and lips onto Chuck as they rolled around underneath the sheets until he finally decided to show Sarah just how much he loved her. After a gentle build up, an amazing climax, and then finally a steady reprieve. Sarah gazed at Chuck with a smile on her face during his display, rapidly breathing as she tried to get over the shock of the prowess with which he made love to her. Sarah had finally caught her breath but was left with the realization that she'd completely underestimated the depth of his love; it went way beyond this physical act, to the point of accepting death to keep her safe…she had always been alone, but Chuck had changed that, he made her human and gave her a soul and Sarah knew now that Chuck made her normal and without him she wouldn't have the normal life.

She finally left her thoughts and put a hand on Chuck's face looking deep into his eyes. "Wow Chuck, that was amazing…better than in Paris, almost; our first time, all night after that, and the five or so times in that train compartment were the happiest I have ever felt in my life."

Chuck grinned with nostalgia running fingers through her hair "I am glad you remember."

Sarah shared a tender kiss with Chuck that lasted several minutes, when they separated again she heard an inner voice screaming inside her head, trying to encourage her to speak as the struggle showed on her face, "Chuck I…"

Water started forming in Sarah's eyes, and her jaw hung open for several moments before Chuck placed a hand on Sarah's face to calm her. He whispered softly with a tender smile. "I love you too."

She smiled that tight-lipped smile and let the tears fall from her eyes before kissing him again. Chuck knew that even though Sarah couldn't say it, she was feeling it and that was more than enough for him because Sarah put everything she had into the kiss…when they separated several minutes later Sarah laid her head on his chest holding him tightly, knowing that this was the last night of intimacy they would share for a long time because of the pregnancy and their transition into parenthood and for that reason Chuck was very glad he'd taken Awesome's advice, as they eventually drifted off to sleep. It was no coincidence that Sarah's PTSD was nowhere to be found on this night.


A/N: I recently updated this chapter with a crucial detail, Sarah's PTSD. We all watched the show. Con man father and upbringing of lies and deceit. Shunned in high school. Rock and a hard place CIA recruitment. CAT Squad betrayal, betrayed by Bryce, abusive handler, the chaotic rescue of the orphaned baby, cut ties with mom…shot god knows how much, almost suffocated to death, drugged and almost tossed off a bridge, poisoned, nearly frozen to death, I don't think I forgot anything, but let's face it Nicalos Quinn was a real SOB, so PTSD for Sarah Walker is not that big of a stretch. Plus I thought that iceberg to Titanic analogy was sadly appropriate