The next installment, thanks again TO ALL OF YOU for reading and reviewing. Many thanks to MsRomanceWriter for her time in editing this chapter and her suggestions. She wanted more but I need to save something for the next chapter – don't I?

I don't own Chuck man I am tired of repeating that one…..ENJOY!

Chapter 4

Getting it right the first time

Alfie sat in the car as Rosa and Sarah walked into the Dr. Office. Rosa went to the counter as Sarah sat down amongst the other expectant mothers; each at their own stages of pregnancy. Rosa walked back and passed the clipboard onto Sarah. She looked up as a thank you and grabbed the pen. After filling out the forms with her fake info she sat back wondering how she got herself into this situation. But as she tried to comprehend she faintly heard her name being called. Sarah got up and walked to the back of the room. Rosa watched as she walked into the closed area and was ushered to a smaller examination room where there were an assortment of diagrams and images of expectant mother at different stages. Sarah looked to see where she could fit into this equation, but again her thoughts were interrupted. Sarah felt that someone was preventing her from thinking about the evitable but most importantly thinking about Chuck. The doctor introduced herself. Sarah pegged her as being younger than she looked but looks could be deceiving even after the dear doctor gave Sarah her history.

"So Ms. Gibson looking at your chart you have omitted a few questions."

"Yeah I move around a lot and right now I am between places. I am staying with Rosa Santiago. She's my aunt."

"So you're on holidays?"

"You can say that." 'If only you knew doctor'.

"OK let's check you out first then we can start to make a plan." Sarah had never felt so scared in her entire life. With all the missions and spy work that she had been on and dealt with, this was going to be the hardest mission ever. Sarah laid her head down on the long paper towel cover as her heart raced a mile a minute.

"Ok Sarah you can sit up."

Sarah tried to cover herself up with the one size fits all gown. 'One size fits all yeah right'. Sarah thought to herself.

"Well, now the news." The Doctor sat down on the stool facing Sarah. "Well you're indeed pregnant about 9 weeks. Everything looks good. Any symptoms?"

"Some nausea but otherwise I've been feeling pretty good."

"Health wise?"

Sarah knew that she was very healthy from the results from her last physical before and after she started working with Chuck.

"Good, last check up less than a year ago. It was a job requirement."

"Ok any family history problems?"

Sarah knew little of her dad's side and her mom's side even less than that. And for Chuck she knew that he was healthy based on his medical tests that were done after Bryce had sent him the Intersect. Plus Ellie would have made sure that her little brother was healthy in more ways than one.

"Sorry I don't know much about my parent's health history. As Sarah tried to calm herself down. "But from what I can remember they seemed to be healthy."

"Ok.' As the doctor continued filling in her notes.

The doctor looked up to see that Sarah had strangled the gown as much as she could without taking it completely off; as the excess material was dampened in a wad in her hand, the doctor continued with her questioning.

"The father, is he around?"

Sarah looked up as she tried to hold a tear back but the quiver in her voice said it all.

"No, the father isn't around, not sure if he will ever be."

The Doctor looked up. Knowing that she had hit a soft spot, she quickly scanned the rest of the papers and gently placed her hand on Sarah's knee. "We'll take one thing at a time."

The doctor's words were comforting and less demanding like they should have been almost something Chuck would have said and done. In times of crisis he always had something reassuring to say.

"You can get dressed now, I'll leave some information at the desk for you, and a list of vitamins to get."

Sarah stepped off the little stool and reached for her clothes. She watched as the doctor left but thanked her in passing.

Rosa looked up as Sarah came walking towards her. Rosa gave her a hug which Sarah needed.

BUNKER

Chuck sat in a room full of scanners and eye charts. He felt like he was in an optometrist office. He knew that Meriweather was definitely looking for something; 'you don't use this kind of equipment unless you needed to find something important' Chuck thought to himself. Chuck got up and went to the door. This was the first time that he was out of his 'room' in the last two months. Chuck opened the door. He peaked to the left then to the right of his door. For all he knew he was in an office building and not a bunker. The halls were plain and the dropped ceiling didn't tell him a whole lot except that there was a camera situated in the corner and one of those large round mirrors which gave him some idea of what the halls really looked like. He listened for some movement some type of sounds, anything, and something. But, all he got were sounds of the venting system and later some voices that were coming closer. Chuck closed the door and sat back as if he was sitting there the whole time.

Meriweather walked in with Alexis White and Thomas Henry, Chuck held back the flash as he didn't want them to know that he had again flashed on all their secrets. Chuck brought his hand out and shook the two agents' hands.

"Good, now that we have met officially, Chuck we just want to say that it is a privilege to work with you. And your willingness to help us out to maintain the vital role of the Intersect you don't know what it means to us."

Chuck tried not to bring up his lunch, but he knew that he had to listen carefully. He knew from the conversation he had with Casey that Meriweather might be up to something and now that these past and present agents were amongst him, he knew that chances of getting out anytime soon might be delayed. Even though it went against his better judgment he had to give in. Even if it harmed him, the intersect had to be protected.

Beckman's Office

Casey sat back looking at the files that Beckman had 'borrowed' as she put it from Meriweather's division within the CIA. The CIA would have cared less with all the turmoil and confusion with all the departments closing down where the files went, and the DNI would love to be able place a nail or two in Meriweather's coffin if they could. Beckman finally sat down and was hesitant to ask Casey where they were at. She looked up as Casey was about to speak.

"It would be a lot easier if Chuck was here to flash."

"Yes but he's not so we have to do it old school. We need to find out what Meriweather is up to before something happens to Chuck. Hopefully Chuck finds out something soon as well – we need to continue to keep him informed."

"But how?"

"Well yesterday I was able to leave him a note in one of the magazines that I gave him. He's supposed to look around. If he is able I am hoping that what he finds will be what we need to get him out."

"But we don't know where he actually is."

"Well I have an idea. I am hoping that he is able to go outside. When we are outside I'm going to try and slip tracker on him. Once the tracker is on him you'll be able to track his whereabouts and hopefully we can get a location on him. I also want you to try and place a tracker on the car that picks you up. Either way one should work for us."

"But what about these files?"

"Until we get a name that we can use we just have to hold onto these files."

Casey put down the files that he had looked at on the floor and the new ones that he still had to look at on the table. He turned around.

"Any word on Walker?"

Beckman stood up and walked to the window. "Not a word and my contacts haven't been able to find her either. I am thinking that she is deep underground as you guys put it."

"I am surprised that she hasn't been in contact. I mean…"

"We don't know what was or if there was anything between Agent Walker and Chuck. But if we did know that there was something going on and people found out."

"Yes I know but do you think that it was the real reason why Chuck was sent to the bunker in the first place. Meriweather found out?"

"That was just a bluff, I think he needs something that only Chuck can give him and he knew how to use Chuck's emotions against him."

"So you're saying that Chuck gave up too soon?"

"NO! I am saying that Chuck is doing this to make things right. He knows that Meriweather can't be trusted and his feelings personally or not for Agent Walker will have to be his driving force to get him out. I am surprised that nothing was going on between the two of them. They made the whole fake relationship look so real."

"Yeah, too bad I didn't catch them red handed, I mean they were alone many times."

Beckman laughed and Casey gave a slight chuckle. "I guess time will tell."

La Havana

Sarah walked to the beach, each step reminded her of the first time she had met Chuck and they had ended up meeting early that one morning after Chuck had been given the intersect. They sat on the beach staring out to the blue yonder wondering what the future held for them. Who knew that in less than a year she would let her guard down, fall in love and carry his child? The two things that she swore she wouldn't do had happened. Sarah found a spot and sat down. She had noticed that when she stopped to catch her breath, the world seemed to speed up. She placed her hands on her stomach, rubbing her belly as tears formed in her eyes. I know nothing of being a mom. Why me? How could I let this happen? Chuck where are you?

BUNKER or Elsewhere

Chuck shivered as his body reacted to something. Spooked by the feeling, he tried not to let it bother him. Meriweather continued to explain what he wanted Chuck to do. Chuck agreed to the proceedings which seemed to make the others very happy. Chuck sat back as Alexis hooked him up to the monitors. Chuck followed the steps and started recalling the answers from the questions he was asked over the headset. The next hour went by very quickly but as they approached the second hour Chuck noticed that things were not as coherent as they once were. Chuck started to slur words and his vision was becoming unfocused. He knew that something wasn't right but as he called out his body became numb. He heard the voices but couldn't make out any of the faces. He knew that the people in the room had doubled just by the changes in the amount of voices. The last thing Chuck heard was the voice of a Spanish man talking about the word ASCENSION.

The next day Chuck woke up with a banger of headache which he wasn't sure if it was due to the flashes or the testing or the drugs that were used. Sarah and Casey had trained him well when it came to what certain drugs tasted like, and this one was definitely one that could knock you out. Chuck sat up and rubbed his neck, his muscles were tight and sore. Chuck looked at the clock which read 8:30 then he looked at the date. He wanted to make sure that he had not missed another two weeks like last time. But what got to him was how he ended up back here and still in his clothes from yesterday when the last place he remembered wasn't this room.

Chuck got up and grabbed his towel and such and headed to the bathroom. He walked a few feet and heard Alexis White on the phone with someone. Chuck leaned back. 'We won't know for sure till the results come back. I know, we are running out of time, Meriweather keeps reminding me. But we can't go too or Chuck might catch on.' 'Bingo!' Chuck thought to himself. 'They're up to something but what?' Chuck tried to listen more but Alexis must have been listening to the other person. Chuck knew that he had to pass Alexis to get to the bathroom, so he composed himself as if he had just woken up. Stretching he made his way to the main room, pretending to keep busy. Chuck watched as Alexis quickly put her phone away and greeted Chuck with a good morning.

"Good morning to you too."

"Sleep well?"

"Kind of, how did I get back here?"

Alexis knew that Chuck had been carried back after the drug had taken affect so she had to come up with something that Chuck would hopefully accept. "You were very tired after the testing. So we called it a night and you headed back here. Don't you remember?"

Chuck watched as Alexis waited for a response but declined and smiled as he headed to the bathroom.

Weeks later

Beckman had arrived in style and not quietly. She examined her Chuck to make sure that Meriweather was keeping his side of the deal. Casey had successfully planted the bug on the car that picked him up. They had a rough idea where Chuck was being held but not an exact location. The bug that they had planted was interfering with a lot of static which threw off the bugs location. Casey believed that the bunker had to be in or around some telecommunications towers to have that much feedback. Beckman had convinced Meriweather to allow Chuck to get some fresh air. But of course it had to be on his terms which Beckman agreed. Beckman scanned the area as she waited for Chuck to join her outside. She knew that Meriweather took all precautions as she noticed that they had set up thick netting around the perimeter of the space. The only open area was the sky. Beckman figured that the netting was at least 30 ft. high. Beckman heard the door open as Chuck stepped out, cautious at first. He had felt like a trapped animal that had been locked up and finally set free to leave. Even though his taste of freedom was a costly one he was forever grateful. He stepped onto the section of grass that had not seen a drop of water for some time. He looked up to see Beckman standing in the middle of the field. Chuck inhaled the smells old and new ones as the thought of what fresh air felt was like was becoming a distant memory. Chuck looked up and saw Beckman holding his black Buy More jacket. "I thought that you might not have a coat to wear."

Chuck put it on and zipped it up then stood looking around. The stars were out which were some comfort as Chuck had always had an interest in astronomy and spending time with his dad as a boy. Chuck scanned the area. He noticed the high netting and the guards nearby. Beckman whispered as Chuck continued to look around. "Head over to your 10 o'clock."

Chuck walked over as Beckman followed. "We don't have much time, this spot is the only spot that the eyes are not watching you so I need to make this quick. Have you found out anything?"

"Besides being drugged and forced to go through testing?"

"Testing?"

"Yeah they are searching for something. I had kind of the same test as Dr. Zarnov gave me, but they went a little further. The next thing I knew I was back in my room. I have been missing chunks of my days. I have been keeping track of the amount of times I leave my room and when I return and log in. The bunker must be only part of this compound. Coming up here took no time at all but I could tell that we were in a fast moving elevator. The hallway in which I was taken down for testing had a dropped ceiling. And now here outside we have to be in the North West."

"How do you know that?"

"The dippers General."

Beckman looked up. Chuck was right but that still was placing him in a large haystack and him as the needle.

"Anything else?" Beckman knew her visit was coming to an end.

"Yeah does the word Ascension mean anything to you?"

Beckman tried to answer as the guards started to move. "Let's walk."

Beckman and Chuck walked the area as Chuck figured that it had to be less than a city block that they had walked. "No I haven't heard of the word but it's something to go on. How have you been?"

"Ready to leave?"

"We are trying. Anything else?"

"Where are you on the WITSEC guys? Alexis White and Thomas Henry are up to their eyeballs on this and it sounds like Alexis is not too pleased with Meriweather. It's a love hate relationship by the sounds of it. I'm guessing that if you find out who the other two guys are or where I am it might help us and get me out of here."

"Chuck something big has to happen in order for any chance of an escape."

"You want me to break out?"

"If it comes to it yes!"

Chuck knew that he had to find out what was going on and fast.

LA HAVANA

Sarah walked into the Canteen as the room was sparsely filled. She resorted to taking a lot of walks since she found out that she was pregnant. Sarah had felt freer than she had been in years, no missions, no running from and with the law and no obligations no rules no lies. But she didn't know how to enjoy it. Something was missing in this equation and that something was Chuck. Rosa walked towards her as Sarah motioned that she was ok. Rosa looked at the clock which read 8:30 pm. Sarah grabbed a stool and sat down. She wished that she could have a drink to drown her sorrows but that wasn't possible. Rosa slipped her a cup of tea with honey and a plate of food. Sarah nodded.

Rosa continued to clean the Canteen as Sarah finished her meal. Rosa sat down knowing that Sarah was ready to talk.

"What's on your mind sweetie?"

"Who else?"

"Does he have a name?"

Sarah wiped a tear. She was never a crier even when she was hurt really bad but since falling in love with Chuck as Chuck put it 'her girly feelings were coming out.' "Chuck."

"Chuck?"

Rosa had never really heard that name before so Sarah had to clarify. "His name is Charles but we call him Chuck."

"Charlie, so where is he?"

"Does he know where you are?"

"No, no one knows where I am and I am going to try and keep it that way."

"Wouldn't he want to know?"

"More than you know but it would never have worked out for either of us. Especially now! Chuck would move mountains if he knew but it's not possible."

"Why not?"

"CAUSE!" Sarah got up and struggled to grab her things. Rosa put her hand on Sarah's.

"Cause I don't know where he is." Sarah kisses Rosa on the cheek and heads upstairs.

Sarah fell to her bed with her face flat to the mattress. She looked up and saw Chuck's shirt hanging on the edge of the bed. She reached over and placed her arms inside. Each arm she slid into his sleeve she wished that it was his arms holding her, embracing her. Sarah laid back as the moon began its dance across the room.

Sarah tossed and turned, not sure if it was the changes within her body or the fact that it had been the first time since she left him that she had really thought of him. Even though he wasn't far from her thoughts this time it seemed different, she really missed him. She didn't know where he was and if they actually sent him to the bunker. She assumed that they did but assuming and knowing were two different things. Would it make sense to find out, now after all these months? What would she say? Who would she call? Placing her hand on her child, their child, did she want to make that call? Did she want Chuck to know?

BUNKER

Chuck grabbed his shirt and made his way down the corridor. He knew he had a brief but open window till the next batch of thugs I mean security guards came by. He had been tracking those people since Beckman gave him the note. He knew that Meriweather left the bunker at precisely 9:15 each night and Alexis White and Thomas Henry came on duty after that. But the whereabouts and the voice of the fourth man still rang through Chuck's mind. Recalling he used the word Ascension, he didn't know what it meant. Answers to that and where he was would have to wait till Casey came by unless...

Chuck waited till the last camera switched its focus. Chuck ran then slid on his knees to reach the door of the security room. He had 8 minutes to get out. Chuck laid low as he scanned the room. Chuck was in awe of the amount of computer equipment. He turned to his left and froze when he saw the beauty of all beauties. "Oh wow I can't believe that I am this close to a DU97 freeon cold reconfigurable 30 teraflop architecture with modules for encrypting analysis and video processing" as Chuck ran his fingers over the processor. "She's so beautiful." Chuck snapped out if his thoughts to see that his time was running out. He had to get out and get out fast. Chuck looked around and as he headed to the door he saw a reflection of someone on the other side. "Yeah the time you decided to come to work early it had to be this day.' Chuck looked up and jumped onto the desk and poked his head into the dropped ceiling. "I guess this is the only way out." Chuck grabbed a beam and hoisted himself up as the door opened his left foot was all that could be seen. Chuck quietly maneuvered overhead but stopped when he passed a grate in the ceiling. Chuck looked down to see a file on top of the filing cabinet with his name on it. He poked his head down to see if anyone was around. He reached down hoping that his long arms could come in handy for once. Chuck laid flat as he reached down. As he reached for the file, Chuck quickly pulled back as a coffee mug was placed onto top of the file. Chuck tried to stay still but the dust had been disturbed and was not being kind. Chuck shifted and plugged his nose as he felt a sneeze coming on and the last thing he needed was to get caught. Chuck squeezed as he watched his chance of getting the file slip away. The owner of the cup had to be Will. A voice called him back as Chuck went once more in reach of the file. As Chuck reached down dust particles followed and fell into the cup. Will reached for the cup and took a slip. Chuck tried not to toss a few. Chuck again reached for the file. "This time don't forget the file." The voice spoke again.

'I need that file'.

Chuck made his way through wires and low beams back to his room. As he descended he slipped and knocked over his dresser. He knew that someone would be there to find out what the noise was about. He had to act fast. As the footsteps were coming closer Chuck decided to go all Casey like and started tossing the few items he had in his room. A few grunts and screams made it look somewhat believable even to him. The guards stood outside his room. Chuck looked up "WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?"

"Sorry Mr. Bartowski, we just."

"I am having a bad day. Can't anyone have a bad day?"

Chuck tossed another chair across the room. This alarmed Meriweather as he approached Chuck's door.

"Everything ok?"

"AS I TOLD YOUR MINIONS I AM HAVING A BAD DAY, SO IF YOU DON'T MIND I WOULD LIKE TO BE ALONE, REALLY ALONE!"

Meriweather motioned for the guards to leave. "Ok Chuck we'll give you some time." Meriweather turned around and left the area.

By this time Chuck felt better but in more ways he felt worse. He slid down beside his tossed bed with his knees bent. He looked at the mess that he had created. It represented his life to a tee. Throughout his life he had been tossed back and forth. And just when it was starting to make sense he ended up here. Chuck reached over and grabbed the tipped box that Casey had brought from Castle. Chuck reached in and smiled at some of the items in the box. 'Casey must have grabbed and run. Some of these are Sarah's. Chuck looked at the items; some of his toys were in the box, some tokens from one of their missions when they parachuted into Las Vegas. A few menus from Chinese restaurants. Chuck smiled as he recalled how they made the delivery guy leave the food outside Orange Orange and how they watched him try to figure out where the money came from. Chuck continued to look into the box. He pulled out a few photos that he had not seen before and some that he had seen. Chuck assumed the ones he hadn't seen were old surveillance photos of missions but as he looked carefully they weren't of any missions that he had been on personally. Chuck flipped the picture over then back again. It was a photo of a Canteen somewhere warm by the looks of it. And all it had were the words Rosa on the front of the Canteen. Chuck flipped back, in pen were the hand written words 'someday soon' 1998.

Chuck tossed the items back in the box, the files he would look at later just for old time's sake and to kill a few minutes here and there. Chuck stood up but each item tore at his heartstrings. Chuck's thoughts were brought back to the last night he had spent with Sarah. Chuck recalled every moment, every touch and how it ended up and as he continued to remember that night his reality found its way breaking the moment. Chuck cleaned up his room the best that he could and headed out. Meriweather looked up from inside the server room. "Looks like our Chuck is ready?"

"We need to move fast."

"I know time is running out but if he continues to have these…."

"I don't care, your life and mine are on the lines here, and they won't wait much longer. You promised to have the information they need when you came up with this whole scam to keep Team Bartowski separated. To get the intersect alone. So far we have nothing."

"That's not true; we know that we are close."

The other man placed a hand on Meriweather's shoulder and squeezed it. "You promised us that this guy Chuck would be the one to help you, so far I have seen nothing to prove that. Unless this guy has a computer in his head, we need results. Or like I said your life and mine…well you get the picture."

Meriweather turned around. "Marcello, if I have to go to extremes I will. You can tell them by the end of the week."

"Good thanks for getting it right the first time. Also they wanted me to thank you for deleting their WITSEC files. I will be in touch by the end of the week." Marcello exited the side door as Meriweather took a deep breath. "Will!"

Will ran into the room. "Yes sir?"

"Prep for stage two, we are moving forward."

"But sir he's not ready and it hasn't been enough time given between the last set of tests."

"I know but we are running out of time and if you want to keep your job you'll do what I ask."

Will knew that Meriweather was pushing too hard but he had no choice. Will sat down at his desk and started prepping for stage two.

Wednesday

Meriweather sat down as Chuck was prepped. Meriweather knew that explaining to Chuck what his plans were would have some resistance so he opted to tranq him. Again against Alexis's better judgement. But Alexis needed her job so she didn't have much choice, she had invested too much into this plan. Alexis grabbed the needle as Chuck eyed the syringe. He was trapped and strapped in a chair. The first drug he knew was the immobilizer the second he wasn't sure. Meriweather needed Chuck to be awake but controllable. He knew that he had to sedate but keep him alert. Chuck didn't know what training would be helpful now. What were they looking for? Chuck tried to speak but his words were lost. He could hear himself talking then screaming but as the second needle hit his arm his cries were silenced.

Casey waited outside as he was told to wait so he decided to walk over to Chuck's room to buy him some time as he waited. Casey had found his computer and knowing how Chuck liked his games he decided to play a few. Casey opened the laptop and saw a file that read WWCD – being curious Casey clicked on the thumbnail as a log in box appeared. Casey took a chance and logged in thinking like Chuck he managed to 'break in' I mean logged in. The file read WHAT WOULD CASEY DO. As Casey read the file he learned that Chuck had been logging his time away from his room and his findings. They made for an interesting read. Chuck had found out that they were looking for some info that they assumed he had. The test read like a science experiment gone array with Meriweather and White as the mad scientist. He knew he had to get Chuck out but how?

Chuck awoke to find himself still confined to his chair, though not strapped as he thought he had been. He saw Will in the next room and asked for some water. Will came by carrying a load of files. Chuck recognized the one that he had been trying to get a week ago. Chuck knew he had to make his move now, he knew that whatever just happened they weren't going to stop now. As Will left to get him some water Chuck tried to sit up. He swung his legs over and managed to stand up but as he took the first step his legs didn't want to cooperate. Chuck could feel his body falling, but he had to get that file. Chuck turned slightly and fell towards the pile of files. As Chuck fell he grabbed the pile as it came down with him. Chuck quickly grabbed the file and slid it into his shirt. Will came back and saw Chuck lying on the floor. Will helped Chuck up and sat him back down. Will quickly cleaned up the files. Chuck was eyeing the glass.

"Sorry Chuck, here's your water." Chuck took the glass and slowly drank it. The water tasted a little funky but Chuck knew that it had to be the drugs. "So Will what did they find this time?"

"They were…."

"That's okay Will we'll fill in . Carry on we'll make sure he is taken care of." Alexis ran her finger across Chuck's face. "Too bad Will had to leave; he's such a willing young man. Always wanting to help."

"Yeah I get that."

"So can you tell me what's going on?"

"All you need to know is that we thank you."

"Yeah you seem to be saying that a lot. I would like to know what I have done in order for you to be SO thankful."

"In time, but right now we need to get you cleaned up. You have a visitor."

Chuck knew that he had let his appearance falter a bit. Since being captured he had let his hair go and he preferred the scruffy facial hair look. But whoever was waiting for him, they needed to make Chuck look good.

Chuck walked out and saw that it was Casey. Casey knew that he had been through something. His face was pale and the dark circles under his eyes and his bloodshot eyes he knew that he had been drugged. Chuck sat down as he saw his laptop in his hands.

Casey leaned in. "We need to move now."

Chuck sat back. He had to find a way that would allow him to get out, either he had to walk out the front door so to speak or find another way out. He looked at the elevator then the server room then he felt the file under his shirt.

Chuck leaned in again. "Let's get some fresh air.

Once outside Chuck walked to the spot where the eyes were not on him. Chuck reached into his shirt. "I have a file that has my name on it." As Chuck pulled it out he folded it and gave it to Casey. "Save this for me and you're not going to like what I am thinking."

Chuck told Casey of his plan. "You got to be kidding I am not going to do it."

"We don't have a choice. A few bruises and broken bones are nothing to what is going to happen to me if I stay here. I need to get out, we need to bring them down and I need to find Sarah."

This was the first time that Casey had heard Chuck mention Sarah in that tone. Maybe there was something going on between them or maybe he needed to have the team back together. Casey looked at Chuck, "Are you sure?"

"No, but I know you won't kill me. So after you leave, meet me outside. They'll have to take me to the infirmary or something close to it. From there I will make my way out. I will head up from where I am. It would have to lead to ground level eventually. Here is a list of what I need. Once I am out we will separate and hook up later elsewhere. Tell Beckman as little as possible. The less she knows the safer she is. Once I am in the clear we cut ties."

Casey nodded but hated himself for what he was going to do and Chuck had to fight against his triggers and not turn on the Intersect. He had to be Chuck the guy and not Chuck the owner of the Intersect. He had to make them think that their testing had interfered with the Intersect. Why else would he fail to protect himself?

Chuck pushed Casey back and Casey didn't want to make the next move. "Come on Casey do it!"

"No!"

"You have to, for us for America."

Chuck knew that one of the two would get Casey motivated he just hoped that the first reason the main one. Casey threw a punch that startled Chuck but scared Casey. Chuck managed to stand up the best he could. Chuck threw one back and the fight began. Hard punches and blood spattered Casey's knuckles. Chuck had fought hard not to react intersect wise and he surprised himself that he was able to. Chuck threw a left hook then a right. The last shot hit Casey hard in the ribs. Casey knew how to hurt a man but not enough to kill him. He knew how much Chuck could take as well. Casey knocked Chuck to the ground and hit him hard in the ribs as well. The guards finally reacted as Casey made it look good. Chuck looked up defeated but it was his plan.

Chuck could see the guards coming. "Okay buddy last one make it a good one."

Casey shook his head and whispered "So sorry." Casey lifted Chuck by his shirt and nailed his faced with his fist knocking Chuck to the ground. As Chuck fell the guards tried to tackle Casey pulling him away from Chuck. The guards yelled for a medic as Casey was hauled out. Casey watched as they took Chuck out on a stretcher.

SECURITY OFFICE

Casey nursing his wounds as Beckman and Meriweather came walking in. Beckman saw the look in Casey's eye and knew he had a good reason for what he did, so she hoped but she had to be the General and not Beckman the team mate. Meriweather was furious as he lambasted Casey for beating up a fellow agent. Casey grunted and spit. He chuckled as Meriweather's choice of words.

"Do you realize what you did?"

"Yeah the boy had it coming. I mean how soft one can get. The bunker life is supposed to make you tough but seriously what a wuss. And the hair? What soldier wears his hair that long?"

"Major Casey if you weren't a man of high honors I would have you arrested. But if Chuck doesn't' make it, your ass is mine."

Meriweather walked out and slammed the door. Beckman motioned for him to follow. They left the room and were escorted back to the DNI.

DNI

Beckman poured Casey a drink and Casey slowly sipped. Chuck had done some damage despite not using the Intersect.

"So you're telling me that this was Chuck's idea?"

"Yeah, So now what?"

"We wait; look into this word ASCENSION I guess that Chuck gave you. I need to go and pack his gear."

"Casey rest for now, Chuck isn't going anywhere from what I have seen so we have some time. And by the look on Meriweather's face he's wondering what went wrong with the Intersect and why Chuck couldn't defend himself."

"So how bad is it with Chuck?"

"From what the doctors told me, he has a few broken ribs, lacerations. Dislocated fingers. You did a number on him."

"I know, and I hate myself for that…."

"We need to trust that Chuck knows what he's doing. There's more isn't there?"

"Yes but I am not telling you like Chuck said the less you know the safer you are." Casey finished his drink and headed back to his hotel. Beckman stared out her office window. 'I hope you're right Chuck.'

INFIRMARY BUNKER

Sarah's warm body covered Chucks as they embraced each other throughout the night. Each caressing each other, each passionately kissing each other. Chuck leans back as Sarah falls into his arms. Nestled in his strong arms she knows that she is safe. Chuck knows that he doesn't have to run anymore. Their future is with them now….

The nurses run in as the monitors fire a chorus of high pitched squeals. Each frantically trying to find out the reason.

'Chuck can you hear me? Chuck wake up can you hear me…'