A/N - Here is the next chapter in our story and the start of the cruise. A build up to what happens in the next few chapters. Thank you again to charahkids for your help with this story. Standard disclaimers apply - I don't own Chuck. Please let me know what you think.

Chapter 3

August 31, 2017

Devon and Ellie Woodcomb pulled into the driveway of the Bartowski residence excited about their Caribbean cruise. After getting out of the car they went up to the front door and rang the bell. A few seconds later Jack Walker opened the door. "Devon, Ellie, come on in." Jack said as he stepped aside to let them in. "Chuck and Sarah will be ready in a minute. Have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

Ellie said "No thanks. I just need the bathroom." Jack said "You know the way." and she headed down the hall. The patter of little feet were heard running into the room. Lisa Bartowski ran up to her uncle and said "Unca Deva" and held out her arms. Devon picked up Lisa and swung her around. She squealed with delight. Charlie came into the room "Unca Devon, do that to me what you did to Lisa." Devon laughed and picked up his nephew and swung him around, Charlie laughing all the way.

Sarah and Ellie emerged from the hallway and entered the kitchen. Sarah saw what was happening and said "Don't wear out Uncle Devon, Charlie."

Devon chuckled. "Don't worry sis. I'm used to it. That's one of Clara's favorite games too." He looked at the amount of luggage the two ladies wheeled into the room. "Carrying all that luggage however, just might."

Ellie came up to her husband and gave him a kiss. "We're bringing just as much sweetie. One of the perks of flying in a Gulfstream." She gave Devon a wicked smile and whispered in his ear. "I had room for all your favorite nighties and bikinis. One for each day of the cruise. There's a bedroom on the plane Chuck and Sarah said we could try out on the flight over. I'll put one on for you early if you're good."

Devon looked coyly at Ellie "A trip on a private plane with a bedroom making you a little caliente Mrs. Awesome?"

Ellie patted him on the chest with a grin "Maybe. Let's help get all this stuff loaded in the car so you can find out."

Chuck was last to enter the room with his computer equipment. Jack raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going on vacation Chuck."

"Well, I thought it would be a good idea to bring this stuff so I can do some work while Sarah is in the conference. I'm the only non-doctor of the group so I'll have something productive to do while these three are otherwise occupied. I've got an idea for another game to write."

"Really? What's it about?" Jack asked.

"It's about a super spy couple who use their day jobs as a cover for their spy life. They won't work for any government agency but will help them out on a free-lance basis whenever they can. Sometimes they will inadvertently get dragged into some situations and have to get out of them. It'll be kind of like Hart to Hart meets I Spy. Hopefully it will be fun to play."

Sarah came over and gave her husband a hug and a kiss. "With your track record sweetheart it will be a number one best seller. Are you ready to go?"

Chuck nodded and kissed her back. "Let's get the car loaded. Where are Kate and Landon?"

"Here," said Emma as she walked in the room with the twins. She had been changing their diapers. Chuck picked up Kate and gave her a big kiss before giving her to Sarah to do the same. They did the same with Landon. Charlie and Lisa were next for their goodbye hugs and kisses.

Chuck said "Bye Bartowskis. We'll see you in a little over a week. Be good for grandma and grandpa. We love you."

After saying goodbye, they loaded the car and headed to John Wayne airport. Their Gulfstream was ready to go when they arrived with a fully stocked galley and after stowing the gear Chuck and Sarah entered the cockpit for the preflight check. A few minutes later they were airborne headed to Ft. Lauderdale Florida to pick up the cruise leaving the next day. It was a very pleasant flight, especially for the Woodcombs and they made good use of the bedroom on the way over. Ellie was in fact, muy caliente.

After arriving at Ft. Lauderdale and checking into their hotel near the port, they went to an expensive restaurant on the ocean for a nice dinner. After piloting the aircraft cross county, Chuck and Sarah were a little tired and went back to their room to go to bed. Sleep however, was not on their minds until after they spent a considerable amount of time showing how much they loved each other.

xxxxx

Upon boarding the Crystal Queen, the Bartowskis and Woodcombs were greeted by the ship's purser. His nametag said Smyth. "Welcome aboard the Crystal Queen. May I direct you to your cabins?"

Chuck handed him their reservations. "Ah, you are on A deck in the finest suites we have. You are next to each other. Mr. and Mrs. Bartowski, wait… I feel like I know you from somewhere. Have you sailed with us before?"

"I'm afraid not. This is our first Caribbean cruise." Sarah responded.

Purser Smyth paused for a minute and then snapped his fingers. "I remember, you're those figure skaters who won the gold medal at the last Olympics."

Chuck and Sarah nodded. "Guilty as charged. Are you a winter sports fan?"

"Very much. Do you still skate?"

I've retired and became a doctor. That is why we're here, for the medical conference. Chuck is back playing ice hockey with the Ducks." Sarah answered.

Smyth nodded. "Welcome. I'll have someone help you with your bags. My name is Burt Smyth. My friends call me Chip, short for Chipmunk. If you have a few hours I'll tell you how that nickname came about."

Chuck and Sarah smiled and chuckled. "We just might buy you a drink and hear that story."

Smyth turned his attention to the Woodcombs. "Welcome to you doctors. I hope you have a very pleasant stay with us. If you need any assistance I'm here to help."

Devon and Ellie said "Thank you," and they all headed to their suites.

xxxxx

An hour after they settled into their suites the ship disembarked for their first stop in Nassau in the Bahamas. The cruise was scheduled to stop in the Bahamas, Jamaica, Puerto Rico and Grand Cayman before returning to Florida. The medical seminars and presentations were scheduled for the times when the ship was at sea or in the evenings when the ship was in port. Sarah was scheduled to be the opening night speaker and give two breakout presentations. Ellie was scheduled for two breakout presentations.

After calling home to check on their kids and parents the Bartowskis and Woodcombs decided to take a tour of the ship before dinner. They walked by one of the entertainment rooms and glanced at the sign. The four of them did a double take before stopping dead in their tracks.

Sarah looked at Chuck. "No way."

Devon looked at Ellie. "It can't be."

Chuck said "Impossible."

Ellie said "I'm leaving the ship at the next port."

The sign said 'Nightly featured entertainment in the Gold Lounge at 9pm and Midnight JEFFSTER.'

Chuck put his arm around his wife while leading her away from the room. "This is one lounge we're staying out of all week."

xxxxx

After checking out all of the amenities on the ship and going through an evacuation drill, they all went back to their rooms to get dressed up before going down to eat dinner. Since Sarah and Ellie were featured speakers on the cruise they got to sit at the Captain's table on the first night. When he came to the table the Captain introduced himself. "Good evening, I'm Captain Stubert . Welcome aboard." He asked everyone around the table to introduce themselves and shake their hands. He got to Chuck and Sarah last.

"Mr. and Dr. Bartwoski, it is a pleasure to meet you. I saw that you are the featured speaker at the opening of the conference tomorrow night, Dr. Bartowski."

Sarah nodded. "Thank you. It's nice to meet you too, but when I'm around my husband I'm Mrs. Bartowski. It's wonderful to be a doctor but it pales in comparison to be married to this wonderful man next to me. And please, call me Sarah and my husband, Chuck."

The Captain nodded. "Thank you, and I will. I also am a big fan of figure skating and ice hockey being from Canada. I remember you both from the Winter Olympics in both Vancouver and Sochi. Congratulations on winning two gold medals."

Chuck and Sarah a little surprised said "Thank you."

"So Chuck, are you going to let my Maple Leafs win the Stanley Cup this year?"

Chuck laughed. "Not if I can help it. I rather like bringing home the Cup each year."

"Yeah, five times in the last six years, but who's counting." Captain Stubert said with a smile.

Chuck smiled back. "Well I can say that I would look forward to playing the Maple Leafs in the Stanley Cup Finals."

The Captain smiled and raised his glass for a toast. "To the Stanley Cup, and a wonderful cruise."

They all toasted him back.

xxxxx

After a wonderful meal Chuck took Sarah dancing in the ballroom. Ellie and Devon decided to check out the casino. Chuck took Sarah into his arms for a waltz, leading her expertly around the floor. One thing he did when they were apart due to Sarah's medical school was take dance lessons. Chuck knew how much she loved to dance and wanted to make sure he could take her onto the floor and not step on her feet. He actually became quite good at it and now he took her dancing whenever they could on date night. It was another thing Sarah loved about her Chuck.

After a swing and box-step, the band struck up a tango. Sarah grinned broadly as Chuck took her into his arms and pulled her body tightly against his. Their bodies melded into one as they glided across the floor. The other couples stopped dancing and moved to the side to let them have the entire floor. Staring into each other's eyes Chuck and Sarah became one with the music and when it stopped Chuck pulled Sarah up from the dip into his arms where their lips met in a very passionate embrace. The other couples started applauding them and they broke their kiss, looking a little embarrassed at the attention they were receiving. When the music started again Sarah grabbed Chuck's hand, pulling him back to their suite. Chuck was having a little trouble with the key as Sarah was busy running her hands over his body. Once the door was open Sarah stepped inside the room pulling her husband with her to the foot of the bed where she helped him off with his suit jacket, tie and shirt while kissing him on the lips, cheek, jawline, neck and down his chest. Chuck decided to let Sarah just take charge and soon he was lying naked on the bed and Sarah was standing there looking absolutely stunning in her blue floor length backless dress with a plunging neckline and a thigh high slit. She took off her shoes as Chuck eyed her hungrily. I'm without a doubt the luckiest man in the world. Sarah looked down at her husband lying naked on the bed as turned on as she was. I'm without a doubt the luckiest woman in the world. She started swaying to some imaginary music and slowly slipped her dress off standing there wearing only a blue thong which joined her dress on the floor a moment later. Chuck reached out with his hand which Sarah took as he gently pulled her toward him to join him on the bed. Lying side by side they kissed and caressed each other making love like it was their first time even though they had countless times before. Afterward they lay there spent, full of joy, contentment and love snuggled in each other's arms.

Breathless Chuck said "That was fantastic as always Mrs. Bartowski. I love you."

Sarah snuggled into him with a kiss before saying "You sure are the master of understatement Mr. Bartowski. It was wonderful not have to worry about getting interrupted by any or all of our four kids. And I love you too."

After setting the alarm so they could take the shore excursion to Nassau at 9am, Chuck and Sarah fell into a deep and restful night sleep.

xxxxx

Chuck and Sarah reluctantly got out of bed to head into Nassau. Ellie and Devon had already gone ashore and would meet them at the market a little later. Before they left the ship the Cruise Director told them to be sure to be back on board by 4pm and to stay near the harbor. Chuck was wearing a pair of light slacks and Hawaiian style shirt with a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses. Sarah had on a floral sundress that stopped mid-thigh, sandals and sunglasses. She also sported a wide brimmed hat for sun protection. After walking down the gang plank Chuck said "The cruise director sure looks familiar."

Sarah cocked an eyebrow. "Really? Where from?"

"I'm not sure."

"What, you have a thing now for petite brunettes?" I thought you were partial to blondes."

Chuck laughed. "I am extremely partial to one particular blonde. In fact, she is the only one I'm partial to, unless you count an eighteen month old who looks just like her gorgeous mom."

Sarah chuckled. "What about Kate?" She's a brunette."

"You got me. There are three lovely ladies in my life, two of which are the result of my love for you."

Sarah grinned. "And two wonderful sons. So where do you think you've seen her before? You never forget a face, unless you drink some jungle juice."

Chuck chuckled and nodded. I can't believe that Jeffster is on our ship. Wait….. That's it. She was the bartender at Jeffreys when I went there a few years ago.

"I remember you telling me about her. But I thought her last name was Roberts or something like that."

"That's right, Jill Roberts."

"But the Cruise Director is Jill McCoy. Are you sure they're the same person?"

"If not, she's got a twin sister. Maybe she got married or just changed her name. I don't know if I'd work at Jeffreys under my real name."

"You've got a good point." They continued down the harbor until they reached the outdoor market where a variety of food, clothing, souvenirs, and other items were sold. Chuck stopped at a bikini stand. Sarah bumped his shoulder. "I brought three bikinis with me on the trip. Do you think I need another one?"

Chuck picked up the top of a very pretty floral print bikini that advertised it was tan through. He held it up for Sarah. "See, this one allows you to tan through the suit." He gave her the Bartowski eyebrow dance. "No tan lines."

Sarah grinned at her husband as she took the bikini top, setting it down. "I thought you liked my tan lines. But if you want me to get an overall tan I've got a better idea."

Chuck raised an eyebrow. "What's that sweetheart?"

"We have a very private balcony on the ship. I can work on my overall tan by leaving my bikini off." She leaned in and whispered in his ear. "But if I do, I'll need my handsome husband to make sure I have all the sunscreen I need on certain places."

Chuck gulped loudly, his eyes glazing over as he imagined his gorgeous wife sunbathing naked on the balcony. Sarah chuckled and kissed him on the lips. "Let's head back to the ship right after we have lunch with Devon and Ellie. I definitely feel the need to work on my overall tan this afternoon."

Ellie and Devon were waiting for them at the restaurant bar sipping on Mimosas. Chuck and Sarah ordered ice teas and joined them. Sarah didn't want to drink too much because she was the featured speaker that night. "What have you seen so far?" Sarah asked.

"We stopped at the museum over there but it didn't take long to visit and hit a few of the stores. What about you?"

"Just the outdoor market before we came here," said Chuck. The waitress brought their drinks and took their food orders. Ellie and Sarah ordered salads and Chuck and Devon had fish tacos. "What are you going to talk about tonight Sarah?" Ellie asked.

"It's top secret," Sarah joked. "Not even Chuck knows."

Ellie laughed. "No, what really are you going to do?"

"They asked me to talk about the latest trends in eye care and surgery. And for some reason they want to know the process I go through to come up with all these ideas I have. I can't tell them it's because I have great sex with your brother."

Devon laughed "TMI Sarah."

"My point exactly. It's literally because of this incredible bond I have with Chuck. There is no formula to share and pass along."

Chuck spoke up "Then just share some stories of what you were faced with and how you fixed it. You don't really need to get technical until the breakout sessions."

Sarah leaned over and kissed her husband. "See, he just did it again. I know, when they ask how I do it I'll just introduce Chuck and sit down."

They all shared a laugh. Devon said "I know I'd be interested in those stories although I've already heard most of them. It would make a great presentation."

"Then that's what I'll do. I'll scrap the 50 page Powerpoint presentation. "

That got another laugh. Their food arrived and they dug in. Sitting in a table at the far end of the restaurant was a man with a French accent who spoke into his phone.

"Is everything set up?"

The voice on the other end of the call said "Yes. Delivery will be made with the supplies before the ship leaves port. Is our person in place?"

"Oui. Everything is in place. What about our friends in the islands?"

"Ready and waiting for the ship to get within range."

"Excellent." He disconnected the call.

xxxxx

After lunch and exploring more of Nassau with Ellie and Devon, Sarah and Chuck returned to the ship. They called home to check on their kids and Sarah's parents. Everything was fine back home. Sarah was looking through their bags with a puzzled look on her face. "Honey, have you seen the sunscreen?"

"It's in the blue plastic bag with the extra plastic containers."

Sarah looked up at her husband, "Oh no, I took it out and left it on the plane. All I thought was in there was the plastic containers and that we didn't need it."

Chuck walked over to give Sarah a kiss. "No problem, I'll go right now to the gift shop to buy some. I'll be right back."

Sarah had slipped off her sundress she had been wearing so she was only clad in her underwear. After kissing Chuck lightly on the lips she said "Hurry back. I don't want to get burned while you're gone." She teasingly lowered the shoulder strap of her bra.

Chuck gulped and said as he headed out the door "As you wish."

While at the gift shop he purchased a large bottle of sunscreen and some drinks to take back to their suite. As he left the shop he almost bumped into Purser Smyth. "I'm so sorry Mr. Bartowski. I need to do a better job of watching where I'm going. Are you having a pleasant cruise so far?"

"Yes, thank you. I should do a better job of watching where I'm going too."

"I really need to get going. I need to check on the shipment of supplies coming on board right now. Have a good afternoon Mr. Bartowski." With that he was gone.

Chuck returned to their suite expecting to find his wife going over her presentation. Instead he saw her bra and panties on the floor leading a trail to the balcony. The sliding glass door was ajar. "Sarah?" Chuck called out.

Sarah answered "Out here sweetheart. Did you get the sunscreen?"

"Right here."

"Good. I need it."

Chuck walked to the door, slid it open and stepped outside. His jaw dropped open. There was his gorgeous wife on her stomach lying on a towel on a chaise lounge wearing only her wedding rings. She was going over her speech that was on the ground in front of her. Chuck was left momentarily speechless. Sarah rolled onto her side to look at him which also gave him a view of her front. She chuckled, inwardly pleased that she still had this effect on her husband after seven years. Sarah reached out her hand to take his, breaking him out of his stupor. "Sweetheart, I need you to put the sunscreen on me, not just leave it in the bottle."

Chuck grinned. "Oh, right. Seeing my gorgeous wife wearing only her wedding rings made my brain freeze for a minute." Sarah chuckled before rolling back on her stomach. "Make sure you do a good job. I don't want to get burned." Chuck opened the bottle, poured some into his hands and rubbed them together a little to warm up the sunscreen. He reached out and applied the sunscreen by massaging Sarah's shoulders before working his way down her body. Sarah purred at his touch, enjoying the massage with the application of the sunscreen. "Are you all ready for your presentation sweetheart?"

Sarah answered "Yep. I hope you don't mind but I'm going to introduce you to the group."

"Really? Why?" Chuck had started on Sarah's feet and was working his way up her legs.

"Why? You're my husband, the most wonderful man in the world and the most important person in my life."

Chuck had worked his way up to Sarah's perfect bottom, giving extra attention to the area with the sunscreen. "And you're the most wonderful woman in the world, the most important person in my life too. I'm proud to be your husband and if you want to introduce me that's fine with me."

Chuck leaned down to kiss his wife on the cheek. Sarah rolled over onto her back and kissed him hard on the lips. Sarah gave Chuck a wicked grin. "You haven't done my front yet but I think that can wait for a few minutes." Chuck raised an eyebrow. Sarah reached out and pulled Chuck's shirt off over his head before pulling him down for a toe curling kiss. "Enough talk sweetheart. My speech practice can wait." And it did.

xxxxx

On a small private Caribbean island once owned by Alexei Volkoff was a small compound with several buildings, a dock with two high powered cigarette boats tied up to it and a larger military type vessel anchored offshore. There was a white two story main house nearby and a separate low slung wooden building that served as a barracks for a small army of pirates. A third domed structure was situated away from the other buildings. A constant hum emanated from the building due to the high powered air conditioning units keeping the equipment and occupants cool inside. Satellite dishes of various sizes were everywhere on the island.

Trained by the Somalis, these pirates were planning to hijack a cruise ship as it came closer to their island in a few days. There were three potential targets but they were waiting for word from their informant and insider as to which ship they would actually be able to board. The head pirate loved the lore of the sea and took up the name Captain Jack. In all twenty pirates lived on the island that had a beach on one side and was covered with palm trees. A large basement was dug under the main house that was connected by a tunnel to another underground storage area near the dock. It was filled with guns, ammunition, and shoulder launched missiles. Captain Jack was hopeful he wouldn't need to use any of the missiles. They were really expensive. His secret weapon though was not his weapons but his computer hacking team called the Collective who work out of the domed structure. For a small island it used an inordinate amount of energy generated by its own power plant on an even smaller island next door. Rumor had it they were the best of the best, or at least they thought they were. Hackers had been known to travel to the island never to return.

xxxxx

Purser Smyth headed down to the cargo area to oversee the arrival of the shipment. He examined the paperwork and compared it to the labels on the boxes. Everything looked in order as these items were the food staples and other supplies normally used by the ship while at sea. There was one large box that was out of the ordinary brought on board. He looked at it and compared it to the list. He smiled. Everything was in order. He signed off on the shipment and headed back to his office.

Meanwhile in another part of the ship a cell phone rang. It was answered on the first ring. "Hello"

"The shipment is in place. Everything is on schedule." A voice spoke on the other end.

"Good. Operation Bermuda Triangle is a go."