A/N: Thanks again for all the reviews and the PM's. You guys are an inspiration and one of the main reasons I love writing about Chuck. This will be the last "Setup" Chapter and then we'll hit the ground running.

Thanks again for my beta Gladius, and a big thanks to Supesfan who's helping me with one of the later chapters. Please check out his stories if you haven't had a chance yet, he was one of the main motivations for me starting writing on this site.

As always, I don't own Chuck or anything else that might get me in trouble in these stories.


Chapter 3 - The Real Worth of a Man

{August 26th 2006 07:00}
{Ellie and Chuck's Apartment}

Whatever Chuck's life had been up to this point; even though he knew he had not been close to his sister due to his own self-loathing; when he told his sister that he wanted to make a change, that he had hired his new friend from the other night as a trainer and needed his sister to help him too, the emotion his sister expressed made him realize without a doubt that he had made the right decision. He was scared, no doubt about it. You don't just flip a switch after five years, but his 'support group' was steadily growing and he knew with their help, he could do this.

He loved his sister more than anything and it wasn't until this moment, seeing the emotion being let out like a dam breaking, that he realized what these past five years must have done to her. He was so caught up in his own depression and woe is me attitude that it never dawned on him just how hard it must have been for really the only family he had. It broke his heart to see his sister crying uncontrollably as she hugged him so close.

Ellie knew this would be a long road to recovery for Chuck. She would never be able to understand exactly what Chuck was going through but she knew that every minute of every day she worried about him. She was always on edge, waiting for that horrible phone call to come, always checking on Chuck at night to make sure he was still breathing. She would never tell Chuck the hell she had been going through, worrying so much about him, that was last thing her brother needed right now. But the fact that she could see in his eyes that something had changed. It almost felt like she had finally got her baby brother back and it was the most wonderful thing ever.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 07:15}
{Agent Walker's Hotel Room}

Sarah was many things, complex in personality, complex as a human being, but the one thing she that wasn't complex was the fact that she did not like waking up early. She could go days without sleep, and she had, but once the lights went out and the day was done, it was her time. Her special time to just step out of the world of spy craft and manipulation, and just be herself and be… well be as comfortable as a spy could be.

There had been many an alarm clock that had been destroyed because anything that interfered with her special time was an enemy and enemies needed to be dealt with without prejudice. However, this morning was different. She actually looked forward to getting up early this morning as evidenced by her springing out of bed and if she didn't know better, it was almost like the alarm clock let out a relieved sigh, knowing that it would live another day. She laughed inwardly realizing how foolish that was, alarm clocks don't have feelings. But still…

. . .

{August 26th 2006 08:30}
{Traveling to Ellie and Chuck's Apartment}

The plan was that Chuck would break the news to Ellie first about hiring Sarah as his trainer. Ellie knew Sarah was the one Chuck went out with but she never met her face to face. So Sarah would come over later to meet the family and introduce herself as Chuck's new personal trainer. The Government had already set up a private cover training facility where the old Weinerlicous used to be near where Chuck worked, and that would be where they would 'train'. There would be government plants to make it not look suspicious in the training facility but other than that, it would be a place for just Chuck, Sarah, and Casey when they wanted to exercise and train.

With Sarah being right there close to him at work and Casey in the same building as a new Buy More employee, there would always be twenty four hour protection, after all, being a trainer wasn't just about exercise.

Sarah was almost to Chuck's apartment and if she really had to admit to herself, this was possibly one of the most intriguing cover jobs she had ever had. It wasn't about the mission, it wasn't even about the cover for her; it was about changing another human beings life for the better. Sarah looked in the mirror, telling herself it's not to make sure she looks good for Chuck, nope that wasn't it at all she tried to convince herself. She couldn't help but smirk. She knows deep down that there is not a soul in the CIA that knows who she really is, not even close. She was proud of herself for putting on the hard core ruthless agent act because no one deserved to know the real her. The real reason why she wanted this assignment.

She momentarily remembered a previous mission of hers. It was the last mission she had with a handler, that jerk Ryker. Oh he thought he had her all figured out, that she was just some ruthless killer. Her ability to hide her true self from everyone was what allowed her to figure out what a double crossing piece of garbage Ryker truly was. As if there was a chance that she would ever let harm come to a helpless child. That was who Sarah Walker truly was. It was also the reason she sacrificed a possible benching or worse from the CIA to protect the child. Her mom was the only one that ever truly knew what was inside Sarah. That is why she risked everything to have her mom care for her… for her little sister.

And now Sarah had the chance to save another life. Sure Chuck wasn't a child, but he was a lost soul that she would do everything to make sure he found his way back. She would be the one that would bring the real Chuck Bartowski back to the world. She had done her research and knew from his past history what kind of man Chuck was. She also knew what caused his spiral into darkness and it made her sick to her stomach. All the pain he must of went through with his parents leaving then everything that happened in College just made her heart break even more for him. She despised Bryce for what he did to Chuck and if he was still alive, she wouldn't hesitate to put a bullet in his head. She also swore if she saw Jill Roberts, she was going to beat the living crap out of her. But now wasn't the time for that, this time was for helping Chuck. Oh and also doing what the CIA expected of her.

No, she would not let Chuck down and she would use the guise of a CIA agent protecting her asset to help save him. The world needed more men like Chuck Bartowski and she would make sure till her dying breath that this little part of the world would have him back.

She nodded her head as she parked her car smiling as she realized she had never been this excited about a mission before. It was crazy to think in just the short time what an impact Chuck had made on her. What the hell would it be like to spend the next few months with him? She couldn't help but feel a burst of energy come upon her. She might not know what it was going to be like, but she damn well was looking forward to finding out.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 08:45}
{Ellie and Chuck's Apartment}

Chuck had spent all morning talking with Ellie and then Devon too. He was reluctant at first with Devon because he knew how Devon was and really he didn't want to deal with all that awesomeness. Boy how wrong he was when Devon very stoically and subdued walked up to him and gave him a big hug after he heard Chuck's plan. It was so unlike Devon that Chuck was not sure how to react. It was even more confusing when Devon quickly excused himself, saying something about allergies.

Although last night was full of uncertainties and fear, Chuck was already feeling so much better this morning after talking with Ellie and Devon. He hadn't even started yet and it felt like this was the best decision of his life. It made him feel… feel good. And as fate would have it, that feeling of goodness multiplied exponentially as Chuck heard the knock on the door. He knew who it was and he couldn't hide the smile and feeling of exhilaration that over took him.

Ellie too couldn't help her excitement as she quickly ran to the door, anxious to meet Chuck's trainer.

Sarah did one more look over hoping that her tight spandex pants and halter top was okay. She would have met Ellie yesterday but Chuck insisted on meeting Sarah at the street. She wasn't quite sure why he didn't want her to meet his sister yesterday but today was a different story. She didn't know what to expect meeting Chuck's sister but if his sister was anything like him; she knew this would be a good day.

It didn't take long for the door to fly open after her knock and although Sarah was expecting a warm welcome, she wasn't expecting to be embraced in a loving hug by a very emotional Ellie Bartowski.

"Thank you so much." Was all Ellie could say as she held tightly to the woman who could possibly bring her brother back.

Chuck couldn't help but smile seeing the look on Sarah's face as she had a warm, heartfelt smile on her face. She winked at him and Chuck knew without a doubt that he had made the right decision. Today was the end of the worthless piece of garbage that for the last five years had inhabited his body. Yeah, he could do this.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 9:00}
{Ellie and Chuck's Apartment}

Sarah, Chuck, Devon, and Ellie all sat in the living room as Sarah explained what was going to happen over the next few weeks. She knew from experience what was needed, playing the part of a trainer on one of her previous missions with the old C.A.T. Squad not to mention her hours of research last night. It was important to not go into this blindly. The CIA had to be satisfied that she was doing this for the 'cover' otherwise she might be pulled off this assignment and that was something she wasn't going to allow to happen. Quelling a revolution was just going to have to wait.

"Okay, I'm going to need you to make sure that Chuck adheres to the diet I've given him." Sarah looked towards Ellie and Devon. "As both of you well know the diet is the make or break part of his training. If it's too difficult or too much of a sacrifice, this could all be for nothing. We need to make sure Chuck understands this isn't about being on diet, it's about changing his way of life."

Wow, Chuck thought to himself. She's really good at this cover stuff. He knew he was an important asset, and he knew the government had sent their best, but still. Damn was she good.

Sarah couldn't help but pause as she looked over to Chuck who had a look of shear admiration on his face looking directly at her. Oh he is so adorable she thought. It took her a second to collect her thoughts, mentally kicking herself for being distracted. "So if I can count on you two to handle helping Chuck with the diet side, I will handle the physical side." Once again she had to pause as she saw the redness fill Chucks face. That's it she thought, she's not looking at him again or she will never get through this. That's when it hit her why he was blushing. Oh he's going to get it she laughed to herself.

"We'll start with just an hour a day for light exercises until Chuck can build up his endurance. I will need you both also to monitor his health to make sure there are no problems on that front. Now as far as his biometric readings, you need to make sure the results are logged. It's important to track his progress and relying on a stupid scale will not be how we operate. " Sarah had made sure his weight, along with measurements of his waist, arms, and chest were logged because it was important that they do not rely solely on a scale. That could be the most damaging as weight has a tendency to fluctuate even when you're doing your best.

Ellie and Devon were no strangers to health and fitness. Not to mention both are renowned doctors in their field, each knowing already pretty much what Chuck's trainer was telling them. Still, they both couldn't help but listen attentively, almost as if they had never knew a thing about health and fitness. This conversation was more than that. This was about saving Chuck and it did not take a genius to figure out that Sarah was extraordinary at what she did.

"What is this gonna cost? Devon and I want to help Chuck in whatever we can." Ellie sincerely asked.

Sarah could not deny being a little intimidated by Ellie. It wasn't in the physical sense, it was much deeper than that. She knew that Ellie cared and loved Chuck immensely and it was that same feeling Sarah got upon meeting Chuck that she could feel from Ellie now. The feeling that this was someone special, someone that defied the norm. It was the only explanation she had for what she said next.

"Actually Ellie, I work for a Government sponsored training facility and it is my personal mission to take care of Chuck and help him anyway I can. Their will be no charge for my time." Well it wasn't exactly the truth but it wasn't a lie either. She actually felt pretty good about that and judging from the thankful look on Chuck's face, so was he. Sarah knew it would eat at Chuck to have to lie to his family, this way, it lessened the strain of having to lie.

After finishing up, Sarah looked back to Chuck. "You ready for our first day?"

Chuck took a deep breath, realizing the magnitude of what was about to happen. After looking to his sister and Devon, seeing the brilliance of their happiness all over their faces, Chuck could only say one thing. "Let's do this."

. . .

{August 26th 2006 10:00}
{Workout Training Center}

"I'm so sorry Sarah." Chuck was bent over trying with all he could to catch his breath. "I feel like such a weakling."

Sarah was not going to let that self-deprecation continue as she strolled right up to Chuck, bending over slightly so she could look him in the eyes. "Chuck don't you dare say that. I told you this was going to be a slow process. You did great Chuck, I'm so proud of you."

Even though his self-doubt was trying to creep back into his mind, there was no denying the ability of Sarah to inspire him. "But Sarah, it was five minutes on the tread mill and five minutes on the elliptical and I feel like I'm dying."

"But you did it Chuck." Sarah was truly very proud of him and there was no acting on her part when she relayed this to him. "Just think Chuck, you did 10 minutes of cardio. That's 10 minutes more than you've done in five years. Am I right?

Chuck couldn't argue with her logic. "I guess you're right."

"You better get used to saying that." Sarah couldn't help herself as she playfully bumped her hip against him. She couldn't control her giggles as Chuck made such an act as he flailed about like he was hit by a truck.

"You really want to kill me don't you?" Chuck laughed too as he loved joking around with her. Joking around was just one more thing that had been absent the past five years and he had to admit it felt so damn good to have it back.

"Trust me Chuck, I know over a hundred ways to kill somebody and my hips are not one of them." Okay if she really thought it through, that might have been a little too suggestive. And it was obvious Chuck felt the same way as he had that 'shut down' look on his face. Was it sad that she already had a name for the look that she could playfully call upon when she accidentally… okay maybe it wasn't exactly on accident because his 'shut down' look was just one of the many that she really liked seeing.

"Come on Chuck, let's do some stretches and then we can take a shower." Sarah laughed again as the look was even longer now mentioning showering. "You big oaf, jeez what am I going to do to you?" Okay now she was just being mean. She loved it though as she grabbed his hand pulling him towards the back of the gym where the mats were set up.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 11:00 - 413 lbs.}
{Buy More}

Chuck actually had a little skip in his walk, well as much a skip as a 413 pound man could have. He couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration. He spent the morning working out with Aphrodite herself, and although he was starving, the proverbial 'click' in his head already happened and he was not going to waste the effort of the CIA's best. He was going to do this, diet, exercise and all. Of course Sarah promising to come over after work to give him a massage and have dinner with his family sort of helped also.

It was time now for work and to work with the other side of his protection detail. He was a little worried as he walked through the doors to the Buy More and saw Casey standing there almost as if he was waiting for him.

"How'd it go?" The big NSA Agent asked.

Chuck almost cringed waiting for the snide remarks to come. To his surprise they didn't and in actuality, Casey seemed really interested. "It went good. I think I can do this."

"Way to go kid, keep up the good work." Casey gave him an approving clap on the back. "Now we have a meeting later tonight to go over how were doing."

Before Chuck knew what he was doing Chuck asked, "Hey Casey, we're having dinner tonight at my place. I know it's going to be diet food, but you're welcome to come over if you'd like. I really want you to get to know my family since you are going to be a big part of my life now."

Casey actually paused. True he was a hardened man; you just don't get over the things he's seen throughout his life. And to admit that he thought he was going to be treated like the fat kid always getting picked last was an understatement. After all, the CIA don't send the blond's for just anyone. This was not what he was expecting. "Sure kid, that'd be great."

Chuck just nodded his head, pleased with himself as he headed to the Nerd Herder desk. Yeah today was a great day.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 20:15}
{Ellie and Chuck's Apartment}

Chuck was laying down in his room staring over at his Tron poster, reflecting on the past 12 hours. He couldn't help but smile as he thought of what happened. Working out, working with Casey, having a really nice dinner where both Agents got along extremely well, as if he had a doubt, with Ellie, Devon, and even the bearded one.

He blushed a bit thinking of the insistence of Sarah wanting to give him a massage. She of course reasoned with him that if he didn't let her, he could suffer debilitating cramping later in the night and that would be just horrible. So of course he gave in because that woman could be just so damn persistent.

Yeah today was a great day Chuck thought and to top it all off, General Beckman and Director Graham seemed to be more than pleased with the efforts and the quick establishment of the assigned covers. It was odd too, Chuck knew that the agents were the best, and had probably numerous opportunities to do missions much more exciting than babysitting. But if he really reflected and analyzed what was happening, he could swear on his life that Casey and Sarah really were not acting, that they actually seemed excited to be doing this. Of course he wasn't ready to give in to that thought quite yet; the last five years couldn't be erased that easily. But still, it was definitely a step in the right direction.

. . .

{August 26th 2006 22:45}
{Casey's Apartment}

The two agents were meeting at Casey's house, their asset safe not fifteen yards away.

Casey was holding a beer in one hand, a lit stogie in the other as he was sitting comfortably in his recliner while Sarah had an orange juice sitting across from him on the couch.

"So what do you think of all this? Of Chuck, the Intersect, our assignment?" Sarah was treading carefully but she had to make sure the NSA's elite was all in.

"I think this kid is like no one I've ever seen. He's had a streak of bad luck, that's for sure." Casey paused realizing that he did sort of understand what the kid was going through. He lived with it for more than 17 years until he joined the Armed Forces. "I think this team has potential but it won't be easy."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "I've never seen anyone quite like Chuck either. If ever there was an analogy of don't judge a book by its cover; that more than applies to Chuck."

"Damn right and I want to make sure that kid gets all the help he needs because you know how this could play out."

Sarah felt a slow unnerving feeling grow in the pit of her stomach. The CIA or NSA for that matter was not against sacrificing the few to save the many. She knew the darker side of the government. That is why she was just about to suggest…

"We have to make sure the government sees the worth of Bartowski, not just the Intersect." Casey said, taking a long slow swig of his beer, contemplating what his words really meant.

Sarah almost choked on her juice. She was just about to say the exact same thing and it was a minor miracle that her new partner was so attuned to her thoughts.

"You know what this means Casey, are you sure you're ready for this?" Sarah felt a slight excitement grow inside of her, replacing that feeling of dread.

Casey took a deep breath. "Damn right I am. I've done enough 'cleaning up'. It's about time I do something that down the road I can look back and realize I did some good for someone that didn't involve killing. Something I can be proud of."

There was not much more to be said. In the past 48 hours a man neither of them knew had already broken through even the toughest of walls. There was no rational reason to do this based on their training and what the government expected. But there again this wasn't about the government. This was about why each of them joined the CIA and NSA to begin with. This was about making sure that Americans, no matter where or who they were, had a chance to live in freedom and without fear. This was about protecting this country from tyranny even if that tyranny came from the very government that promised them freedom. They were done being the 'tip' of the proverbial spear the government used to clean up their messes. No they were not about to let that happen on this mission. For once the constitution of this great nation was going to be something more than a piece of paper to hide behind. No today will be the day that the big bad bully got his due and the good guy finally had a fighting chance.