A/N: It's nice to see how much you liked the plot twist at the end of the previous chapter. I think it made up for the repetition of the pilot events and lines. Now, Chuck's alter ego appears for the first time. I originally wanted to include some action as well, but that would have resulted I an overly long chapter, so the beginnings of Operation Bartowski should suffice for now. The action will come in the following chapters.
Chapter 4 – Carmichael, Charles Carmichael
Once Casey's men got their act together after having gotten their butts kicked by Sarah earlier, they carted off the Colombians and handed them over to the cops. In the relative peace of a park near the hotel Sarah and Casey resumed their argument.
"He's coming with me," each one of them insisted.
"What if this was a fluke?" Casey said.
"What if it wasn't? What if he can stop something bigger?" Sarah countered.
"Fine. Let's drop him in a psych tank and let him stare at four rubber walls for a decade. My job is to get the secrets back to DC. These secrets are in his head, which means that this head of his is coming with me."
"We don't know how this works, what triggers the memories. He'll crack wide open."
"Not my job. I break things, I don't fix 'em. I got my orders and I'll carry them out. Let someone else take it from here."
"What about his job, his friends? What do we do about his sister?"
"What about my sister?" Chuck asked as he joined them.
"Nothing," said Sarah. "We were just discussing…"
"No, no, no, hold on a second," Chuck interrupted her. "You have to leave my family and my friends out of this."
"We'll see," said Casey smugly, leaving the threat hanging.
"Look, Bryce sent that email to me. I'm the one remembering your secrets; which means you have to listen to me, both of you. And right now I'm gonna go home."
"No you're not. Nuh-uh." Casey grabbed his arm.
"You need me," he bluntly told them, extricated his arm from Casey's grasp and left.
"We can't have him running around unsupervised," Casey said.
"Let's follow him. Discreetly," Sarah said.
"He's taking a bus!"
"Tell me you have another car! We can't lose him!"
"Do you know his phone number?"
"Hold on." She took her phone out and found Chuck's number. "Here it is."
"Time for some NSA magic. I'll just put a trace on his phone. Wherever he goes, we'll know it. We'll get a car in two minutes." He made just one phone call and sure enough they had a car two minutes later. They followed Chuck to Santa Monica, where they found him sitting on the beach, lost in thought.
-o-
"Trust me, Chuck." Sarah's words echoed in his head as he went to bed. She and Casey had been watching him all night before she had a little chat with him on the beach at dawn. Ellie had been frantic about him being out all night and not calling (she had even had Morgan come over and grilled him relentlessly as to her brother's whereabouts), but he just told her that he had been having a great time with Sarah. He also asked Morgan to hold the fort at the office for the morning, as he needed to get some rest.
There is no rest for the wicked as the saying goes. It certainly applied to Sarah and Casey. They exchanged their sedan for a van and were sitting in it outside Chuck's place.
"What?" Director Graham boomed. "Are you sure he wasn't already trained in martial arts?"
"He quit kung-fu in the third grade," Casey said, reading from a file on another computer.
"How do you know that?" Sarah asked.
"Please, Walker, give me some credit. I work for the NSA. I know everything there is to know about Bartowski."
"That leaves us with only one possibility," Beckman said. "Larkin must have added the expansion pack to the data."
"What expansion pack?" Sarah and Casey asked in unison.
"What you are about to hear is classified far above and beyond top secret. We are only telling you because it is pertinent to your assignment. General?"
"Thank you, Director Graham. The program Mr. Bartowski has in his head is called the Intersect 2.0. The third and most advanced version of the program, the cornerstone of the Omaha Project."
"I thought that the Omaha Project was a myth."
"No, Agent Walker, it's real. It was preceded by the Intersect 1.0 and the Beta Intersect. There was always the aim of uploading agents with the program, but the system requirements included a capacity for subliminal image retention very few people possess. Otherwise the download can be dangerous or the data can be corrupted during the process. Therefore the use of the Intersect was limited to searching for patterns in the information entered into the computer. Until now. Until Mr. Bartowski."
"Chuck appeared to have no problem with it."
"We'll look into the matter," the General promised. "Anyway, the data in the 2.0 version is more streamlined to facilitate the upload process and recently our scientists completed what can be called an expansion pack, to use computer terms. Its purpose was to give an agent enhanced skills. You two witnessed it work. There is a research team investigating the feasibility of utilizing it as a standalone skills Intersect and see, as far as a person's retention capability is concerned, if it's easier to upload the skills only instead of the full package."
"General, ma'am, this is all very interesting, but you still haven't told us what to do about Bartowski."
"Major Casey, the Intersect was a joint CIA-NSA venture. And it will remain under the auspices of both agencies. We'll contact you again with our decision on the matter." The two directors signed off in order to discuss the implications of what had happened and what they were going to do about it.
"How long do you think we'll have to wait for them to make up their minds?"
"As long as it takes, Walker." Casey then unfolded a reclining beach chair in the spacious interior of the van. "Get some rest. I'll wake you for your shift."
"Thanks." She took her boots off and sank in the chair, throwing a light blanket over her body. She was asleep in minutes. Casey sipped some coffee and alternated between watching the CIA skirt and the Bartowski residence, trying to figure out which of the proposed courses of action would work best. Casey woke her up a couple of hours later for another briefing with their superiors.
"We have reached a decision regarding Mr. Bartowski's status," Graham said. "Given his efficiency in interpreting the intel from his flashes so far and his acquired proficiency in martial arts and quite likely other skills, we have decided to use his services in a hybrid capacity. He will have to be an asset, in which case you will be his handlers. You'll protect him and act upon any intelligence he provides. But he will also have to become an agent. You two will be his mentors and guide him through the process of learning to properly utilize the Intersect 2.0, so make nice. You are partners! Do you understand?"
"Yes sir," they chorused.
"Which brings us to the question of your covers," General Beckman said. "You, Agent Walker, will pose as Mr. Bartowski's girlfriend. Get him to hire you as an employee in his company as well."
"Yes ma'am."
"As for you, Major, we can arrange you to either start a business or get a job close to Mr. Bartowski's company in order to provide surveillance and advance warning."
"Can't I go to work for his company as well?"
"We considered the option, but it will be hard to justify suddenly hiring two new employees and in addition early warning of any danger can spell the difference between success and failure for Operation Bartowski. We will also arrange for you to take up residence in the same apartment complex where Mr. Bartowski lives. As a neighbor you'll have the perfect cover to provide him with the necessary protection. Just make sure to say that he suggested the apartment for you after you two met at work."
"I understand, General."
"Excellent. That will be all for now. You can brief Mr. Bartowski on the new developments when he gets to work."
"General?"
"Yes, Agent Walker?"
"We need to replace his computer and his car. It's the right thing to do, since we are responsible for their destruction and to keep up appearances, especially regarding the car issue."
"Duly noted, Agent Walker. Good thinking. We could add a few custom mods to his new car, too," Graham said.
-o-
After getting some rest, Chuck took a quick shower, had some coffee and went to take the bus for work, since his car had been totaled. As he approached the bus stop someone called out to him.
"Going somewhere, Bartowski?"
"I do have to go to work, Casey. Morgan's all alone there."
"Get in. I'll drive you."
"Okay." He got in the van. "Where is Sarah?" The blonde CIA agent was nowhere to be seen.
"I sent her to get some proper rest. She'll have to baby-sit you for most of the day while I take care of certain things."
"Oh. Well, my office is…"
"I know where it is."
"You do?"
*grunt* (I work for the NSA, Moron.)
-o-
In her hotel room Sarah got ready for bed after a refreshing shower. She sat cross-legged on the bed, and sniffed the flowers Chuck had brought her the night before. Then she got her personal phone out and scrolled through the pictures of her and Bryce taken during their last vacation together, looking at them with tear-filled eyes. Afterwards she curled up in a ball and cried. She cried for Bryce, who had been a good partner, friend and caring, by spy standards, boyfriend. She cried for Chuck, an innocent man who had suddenly been dragged against his will into a world of danger and deception. She cried for herself, as she thought about everything she'd given up to serve the greater good. Soon, she drifted off into sleep.
Her alarm clock woke her up. She checked the time and saw that it was early enough. She could visit Chuck at work to talk, so she quickly got dressed and hopped in her Porsche. During the drive to the office building which housed Orion Games & Software she tried to get her thoughts in order.
-o-
"Sarah, hi! Did you get a good rest?" Chuck said brightly when he saw her at the door.
"Yes, thank you. We need to talk."
"Step into my office. Morgan is out on company business, so we have the place all to ourselves. Can I get you anything?"
"No thanks, I'm fine. Did Casey tell you about our orders?"
"He explained everything. I know it's just a cover, but, frankly, we could use your help in here. Your Harvard degree should come in handy."
"How do you know about that?"
"Casey told me. Morgan loved the idea of having you working with us, by the way."
"Well, I must say that this should become my favorite cover job. The last two had me posing as a food service employee… Chuck? Are you all right?"
"Uh, yeah. I just flashed."
"On what?" She was curious now as to what operation his flash would initiate.
"On you, Sarah."
"What? On me? You flashed on me?" She felt violated and scared. There were things in her file she didn't want anyone to see, ever. Things she wasn't proud of having done. She feared that Chuck would be disgusted by this side of her.
"Actually, I flashed on a part of your file when you mentioned that thing about previous cover jobs. You really were a Wiener Girl? I always loved the uniforms they have." In fact the Intersect had given him information on all the uniforms Sarah had worn while working as a food service employee.
"I only worked at a Wienerlicious for two weeks. Danke dass sie uns in Wienerlicious besucht haben," she said in German, reciting the standard line used by employees of the hot dog franchise. They both laughed. "And I burned more food there than all other employees combined. I also had to serve frozen yogurt at an Orange Orange."
"I know. And then there was that other thing at a Hooters, totally hot, by the way. Which job did you like best?"
"It's safe to say I preferred the Double O. My clothes did not smell like sausage and I had no drunken customers trying to cop feels there. Let's get back to business now. Are you comfortable with our cover?"
"No. Please don't take it personally. I'm flattered and honored to have you as my girlfriend. But it's not real and I don't like to pretend."
"It's never easy. But it's necessary. You are the most valuable commodity in the intelligence business now, Chuck. This arrangement is the best to ensure you remain protected at all times."
"I'll have to go along with it, since I don't like the bunker option. But I can take care of myself now, I just have to find out what makes me tick, as Casey phrased it."
"I've been meaning to ask you… How did you flash on martial arts last night?"
"When that guy pointed his gun at you, I found myself wishing I knew how to save you. I wanted to kick his ass real bad. The rest, as they say, is history."
"I'm certainly glad things took that course. Now, what do you want me to do, boss?"
"I'll give you the grand tour. Then we'll see about setting up a proper office for you."
-o-
In the meantime Casey was through with the paperwork for the lease of the apartment across the courtyard from Chuck's and was waiting for the movers, who were in fact an NSA crew. He even ran into Devon, who welcomed him to the apartment complex.
-o-
Fortunately the tasks Chuck had given Morgan kept the latter away from the office for the rest of the day, so Chuck and Sarah could talk freely. For security reasons the CIA didn't send people to help set up Sarah's office, but she picked up the computers and other equipment herself, while she was also granted funding to buy her office furniture. While they were working on remodeling a spare room into a functional office, she and Chuck discussed the details of their cover. They decided to keep it simple by telling people that they had met for the first time in San Francisco and then again in LA. They became a couple and were taking it slow.
"You do realize that sooner or later you'll have to face the Ellie inquisition, right?"
"No disrespect to your sister intended, but I've lied convincingly to seasoned spies when my life was on the line. I think I can hold my own."
"You haven't met Ellie," he said cryptically while fiddling with her computer. Sarah started wondering where she had gotten herself into. For the moment she changed the subject.
"You'll need a cover name. As I said, you are too valuable to be compromised in any way. Your file with the CIA and the NSA absolutely cannot include your real name."
"I have something in mind."
"I'm all ears," she said. He rose from his seat.
"Carmichael, Charles Carmichael," he said in a Sean Connery-like Scottish accent. He then switched back to his normal voice and sat back down. "Simple, dignified…"
"Easy to remember and not far off from your real name. I like it."
"Graduated with honors from Stanford University, runs a hugely successful software company, semi-retired and he's considering entering America's Cup."
"Have you done this before?" She was definitely impressed by the comprehensive background Chuck had come up with for 'Charles Carmichael'.
"Let's just say that Mr. Carmichael and I share a small kinship." He smiled widely and winked at her.
"How's that?"
"When I first entered Stanford it's kind of where I envisioned myself being right now. Except for the sailing part, I don't really know where that came from. Basically, it was a private joke I used to share with Bryce. Of course, I hadn't taken into account the need for a substantial start up capital back then. So, my plans got a little delayed while I was trying to scrape together enough money to launch my business, but they are back on track. At least they were until I got the email with all the government secrets that are now locked in my head, keeping me in a constant state of fear, danger and anxiety."
"I'm sure it won't be that bad," she said placing her hand on his.
"Do you see me complaining?"
"Your hand's a little moist."
"It does that when I'm freaking out."
"Don't worry, Chuck. I'll be with you every step of the way. Eventually, you'll learn how the Intersect works and you'll be able to use it at will and then you won't need Casey and me to protect you."
"I was kinda hoping it'll never come to that."
"Why, what do you mean?"
"Sarah, I may have all these secrets in my head, not to mention the skills, but I'm not a real spy and I never asked for all of this. Someday, hopefully soon, your people will manage to find a way for me to get the Intersect out of my head, so that I can go back to living a normal life. And you will go back to doing what you do best and not have to watch over some computer nerd."
"You still don't get it, do you? Chuck, last night you saved a lot of people. You also saved me and Casey. If anything, I'm proud to be working with Agent Carmichael."
"Agent Carmichael," Chuck echoed. "I like the ring to it."
"Just don't get too cocky. In fact you need to keep a low profile for now. So, when the job necessitates meetings with other agents, we'll be introducing you as an analyst and computer technician."
"Again, that's not too far off from the truth. It should help the cover."
"You're learning fast."
"Thanks. Any news from Casey?"
"Yeah, he called me when you'd gone to the bathroom. He said that he'll open a business across the street."
"Really? What kind of business?"
"He didn't tell me. I only know is that it will be a cover job, for surveillance. Your safety is of the utmost importance, Chuck."
"Thanks, I guess. You didn't tell me, how do you like your new office?"
"It's adequate."
"Is this all you have to say, adequate?"
"It's OK for the job. As Sarah, I can say that I like the way you decorate the company offices, mine included. It makes for a warm and friendly atmosphere."
"Now you're talking."
"I'm starving. In fact I could kill for a cheeseburger."
"No need to resort to such extreme measures. I know a place, not far from here, where they make the best burgers."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!" Sarah grabbed him by the hand and led him outside, where she paused. "Uh, which way?"
"That way," he said and took the lead. He paused only when he saw a blue Ford Focus parked in front of the building. It was identical to the one destroyed the previous night, right down to the license plates. "Is that my car?"
"It's the replacement for your car. Here, take the keys."
"Thanks." He looked inside and noticed the Autobot insignia hanging from the rear view mirror. He flashed and she noticed.
"Chuck?"
"I'm OK. I just flashed on the special features. The CIA sure went all out on the extras."
"You know how to…?"
"Thanks to the Intersect I do. Come on, our burgers await."
-o-
After lunch - where he learned that she was partial to medium-rare cheeseburgers with extra pickles - and until closing time Chuck showed Sarah the ropes of his business, although technically he didn't have to, as her job there was just a cover, but she insisted that she would have to do some actual work there to ward off any suspicion, especially on Morgan's part. She agreed with his earlier statement that her Harvard degree would help. Plus, the less he had to worry about his day job, the more efficient he would be in the spy business.
Later, the three convened in Casey's new office. It had a direct view to Orion Games and Software as well as the street, making it ideal as an overwatch position. The cover was that of a security consultant, which also made it easy to explain absences. The biggest screen came to life.
"Who are they?" Chuck asked of the two people who appeared.
"Shut up, Moron," Casey whispered.
"Chuck," Sarah said, "meet my boss, CIA Director Graham and Casey's boss, NSA Director General Beckman."
"Sir, ma'am," he said respectfully. "Should I go?"
"He can stay," said Graham. "Mr. Bartowski, we need to verify the extent of the absorption of the Intersect data into your brain."
"Can you also find a way to get it out?"
"We'll see. Right now we'll send one of the scientists who worked on the encoding of the images to examine you."
"He's one of the NSA's best scientists," Beckman added. "His name is Dr. Jonas Zarnow." At the mention of the name, Chuck's eyelids fluttered, his eyes lost focus and rolled upwards into his head.
A classic car
NSA records of employment for Dr. Zarnow
A photo of him meeting with an Asian man
The record of senior North Korean agent Sung Il Ban
Bank transactions
A classic car
"Mr. Bartowski?" Graham and Beckman said together.
"Um, sorry ma'am, I just flashed," Chuck said. "According to the Intersect Dr. Zarnow has been selling US science and technology to North Korea for years."
"Are you sure? This is very serious."
"I'm sure, sir."
"I'll arrange for his arrest immediately," said the General. She disappeared from view for a few minutes and returned with some news. "Congratulations are in order, Mr. Bartowski. You helped plug a dangerous leak. Who knows what damage he would have caused had he gotten wind of the existence of a Human Intersect. You, that is."
For the rest of the meeting the details of the cover assignments for Sarah and Casey were discussed, as well as the need for a secret base that would double as a training facility for Chuck. The latter would take some time to plan and build, so it was agreed that at first Chuck would be limited to analyst duties.
When the teleconference ended, Chuck walked Sarah to her car. He was very impressed when he saw the sleek Porsche.
"Wow, I must be paying you a lot more than I thought."
"Very funny."
"You know I'm a funny guy."
"Kiss me."
"Wha- What?"
"Chuck, we are supposed to be a couple, it's our cover. This should come naturally," she patiently explained.
"Yeah, I understand, but you see, I'm not really that comfortable with PDA."
"We'll take it slow then," she said and just hugged him. "See you tomorrow," she added after giving him a kiss on the cheek.
"See you tomorrow, Sarah." He looked at her departing form longingly, admiring her figure as she got in her car and drove off. She was one hell of a girl and he would gladly give anything to have a chance at a real relationship with her. She had made it clear, however, that any intimacy between them would be for the all important cover. To him the Intersect was both a blessing and a curse. It had given him the chance to see her again and have her in his life on a daily basis, but it would also prevent him from acting on his feelings towards her.
He sighed and went to his new car and drove back to Echo Park. Casey was already there, Chuck could see the lights on in his apartment.
"Ellie, Devon, I'm home," he called as he went to his place.
"Chuckster, how was your day, dude?"
"It was fine, Captain."
"Morgan's here. He's waiting for you in your room."
"Chuck!" Ellie said as she came into the living room.
"Hey sis."
"Dude, you're back!" Morgan said coming up behind Ellie.
"I'm back, little buddy."
"Good. I finished everything you told me to take care of."
"Thanks."
"So, how was Sarah's first day at work?"
"Sarah?" Ellie interrupted. "Are you talking about the same Sarah Chuck went out on a date with yesterday?"
"The same," confirmed Chuck.
"How come Morgan has met her and I have not?" She didn't wait for a smartass answer from either Morgan or her brother. "You must bring her over for dinner. I'm dying to meet her. And I'm so happy for you, little brother! You're finally dating again!" She squealed happily and went to the kitchen to serve dinner.
"Ellie can never understand our bond, brother," Morgan told Chuck.
"I also met our new neighbor," Devon said, handing Chuck and Morgan a beer each.
"Casey moved in already?" Chuck said, feigning surprise.
"You know the guy?"
"Yes, Morgan, he just opened a security consultancy business just across the street from us."
"He looks like a nice enough guy," Devon said. "Doesn't talk much and he tends to be rather uptight, but he's polite and just minds his own business."
"Uh-huh."
"So, when are we gonna meet this new girlfriend of yours?"
"Soon, Captain, soon."
"You can invite her here tomorrow," Ellie said as she was setting the table. "Both Devon and I have the day off from the hospital."
"Ellie, take it easy on her. She just got settled down here. Before I forget; Morgan, we turned the room next to my office into an office for Sarah."
"Noted."
"What is she going to be doing for your company?"
"She's going to be in charge of marketing and public relations."
Across the courtyard Casey was watching the scene inside the Bartowski/Woodcomb residence on the surveillance. Sarah joined him after she entered through the back of the apartment.
"He's doing great, Walker. So far he's kept to the cover story."
"He told me he played Perchik with success at his high school's production of Fiddler on the Roof," she said with a smile.
*grunt* (the Moron should know that preserving a cover is not that easy)
"Cut him some slack, Casey. He'll do fine. I'm going back to my hotel. Call me if anything comes up."
"Roger that."
Sarah left but could not suppress the feeling of longing for a normal life that started growing stronger in her after witnessing the scene inside Chuck's place. But then again she had somehow known from the start that this would be an assignment unlike any other she had ever undertaken.