CHUCK VS AN EXTREMELY NEW BEGINNING

EPISODE 6: ADVENTURES IN DATING BEGINS (PART 3)

LOEWS HOLLYWOOD HOTEL / HOLLYWOOD, CA

Chuck Bartowski felt like a new man, waking from his best night of sleep in years. He was comfortable and didn't want to get out of bed any time soon. He slowly became aware that something was holding him down. Opening his eyes, he realized that he wasn't in his room. Scanning the area, he saw that he was in a luxurious hotel suite. Looking down, he saw Hailey snuggled up against him, sleeping peacefully.

His brain finally caught up to him, and he remembered what happened last night after coming back from their date. Hailey invited him back to her room to watch some movies on Netflix while they ate popcorn and cuddled on the bed. Noticing his attire, he was startled to realize he was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of navy blue sweatpants with the Navy logo on them. Where did these clothes come from?

It slowly dawned on him that Hailey handed him the shirt and sweatpants last night, after insisting he change into something more comfortable. She was so cute as she worried that his clothes might get wrinkled if he didn't change. Chuck's gaze shifted, and noticed the pink tank-top and white basketball shorts she wore for sleeping.

Turning to look at the clock on the bedside table, his eyes went wide. It was 8am, and he needed to be at Buy More in an hour! He groaned, knowing he was so screwed. He didn't have his work uniform with him, and knew he needed to get a shower too.

Hailey felt the change in Chuck almost immediately. Opening her eyes, she saw him on the verge of freaking out. A quick glance at the clock told her the likely source of said freak out. She gently grabbed his face, and made him look in her eyes before she spoke in a soft soothing voice.

"Chuck, just breathe okay. Tell me what's wrong."

Chuck was panic stricken, "I'm going to be late to work. I don't have my Nerd Herd uniform, and I need to get a shower. I'm going to be in so much trouble!"

"Chuck, calm down and it'll be okay. You go in there and take your shower. I'll take of things, trust me."

Chuck wasn't sure how Hailey could possibly solve his dilemma; but he did trust her and so did as she asked and made his way into the bathroom. Once she heard the water began to run, she grabbed his phone and searched through his contacts to find Morgan's name. Quickly dialing the number, she held the phone close while pulling on a pair of sweatpants over her shorts.

Morgan picked up on the second ring. "Hey buddy, didn't expect you to call so late. Where are you?"

"Hey Morgan, this is Hailey."

Morgan sounded confused, "Hailey? As in the Hailey who came to see Chuck?"

Hailey quickly became irritated, "How many other Hailey's do you know Morgan? Listen, we got a real emergency here. We just woke up, and Chuck's freaking out because he doesn't have his Nerd Herd uniform. How fast can you get to his things at the apartment?"

Morgan's tone changed when he heard the seriousness of the situation, "Just walking into the courtyard right now. I can climb in through what we call 'The Morgan Door' and avoid Ellie. That way she won't think anything's wrong."

Hailey relaxed after knowing Morgan was on top of things, "Thank you, Morgan. Chuck's finishing up in the shower right now. Once he's ready, I'm going to swing by there to scoop you up while he heads to the Buy More. I know time's working against us, but it'll be alright. Give me a few minutes to get there."

Morgan shifted to missing details he wanted info about, "Sounds like a plan. So, how did it go last night? Obviously well, since he stayed the night."

Hailey became slightly annoyed again, "We had a fun date, if that's what you're asking. We came back here to watch some movies and fell asleep. Nothing happened, if that's what you're thinking Morgan. Got to go."

Hailey ended the call before throwing a t-shirt on. When Chuck emerged from the bathroom, she grabbed the set of keys off the table and her purse before checking the clock.

They needed 45 minutes to get to Echo Park and then the Buy More. Knowing time was short, she placed her hands on his face so he would focus on her, "What I need you to do Chuck, is relax. While you were in the shower, I called Morgan using your phone so he would pick up immediately. He knows you stayed here with me last night.

I want you to go straight to Buy More in your Nerd Herder while I swing by the apartment and pick him up. He'll have your work clothes gathered up for you. Once we get to Buy More, you can change into your work clothes. If your boss gives you any problems, I can take care of it. He knew that we spent the day together yesterday.

Now give me a kiss before you leave. After all, it's not polite to leave your girlfriend without a goodbye kiss." Chuck wasn't going to disagree with her logic, not when she insisted on a goodbye kiss. Leaning down as she requested, he gave her a soft tender kiss on the lips which she returned with equal passion.

Breaking contact, Hailey looked in his eyes, "Now get going. I need to pick up Morgan if we're going to make it on time."

Chuck gave her a smile before they left the hotel. After watching him climb into the Nerd Herder, she climbed into a black 2006 Corvette Z06, and headed to Echo Park.

CASA BARTOWSKI / ECHO PARK, CA

Morgan Grimes was sitting at the fountain waiting for Hailey. He couldn't believe what he'd heard. Chuck not only spent the night, but Hailey called him using Chuck's phone as well. From what he could gather, they fell asleep watching Netflix. Given the late hour after their date he could understand that happening. Looking up after he heard the closing of a door, he saw Devon and Ellie coming out of the apartment, wearing scrubs.

Devon was his usual laid-back self, "Hey Morgan, fancy seeing you here."

Morgan tried getting to the point, "Yeah it's a crazy story, Chuck had a bit of an emergency."

Ellie was immediately frantic, "What do you mean Chuck had an emergency? Is he okay? Where is he?" Devon and Morgan could see Ellie going into "Mama-Bear/Over-Protective Mode."

Morgan had no choice; he had to explain Chuck's mysterious disappearance. Making a silent apology to Chuck, Morgan spilled the beans, "Chuck had a date last night."

Devon could not contain his enthusiasm, "Really! That's awesome!"

Ellie was quickly accusatory, "What do you mean he had a date last night, and why wasn't I told this? I can't believe he would do something so irresponsible. There's no way he'll be able to pick you up from who knows where he's at and get to work on time! Just wait until I see him!"

Morgan took advantage of Ellie getting winded, "He didn't want me to tell you, he knew how you'd react if you found out. Anyway, they had a fun time and went back to her hotel to watch some movies. They apparently fell asleep and just woke up not too long ago. He's supposed to be at work this morning and started freaking out because his work clothes were here. She called me and explained the situation, that's why I came here to get his stuff. It's folded up neatly in my bag here. He'll be there in time since he has the Herder."

Devon tried to help Ellie calm down, "Easy there babe, I'm sure he didn't plan on spending the night with this girl. Calm down El, everything will be okay."

Ellie recovered, just as pushy as before, "That's easy for you to say, Devon. You know how forgetful my little brother can be!"

Before another word was spoken, they heard then saw a black Corvette Z06 pull into the complex. Hailey spotted Morgan standing there with two other people. She assumed they were Chuck's sister and her boyfriend. Hailey beckoned Morgan to get moving, "Morgan! Let's go, time's a wasting!"

Devon and Ellie were shocked to see a beautiful female behind the wheel of the high-powered car. What surprised them even more, was she apparently came to pick Morgan up. Could this be the girl that Chuck had the date with?

"That's my ride, see ya later!" Morgan ran over to the car, climbed into the passenger seat, and buckled up as the Corvette sped down the road. Ellie and Devon were speechless, looking at each other in confusion.

Ellie had a dazed look "Did Morgan just get into a nice car with a beautiful girl?"

Devon was glad he wasn't seeing things, "You saw that too? I can't wait to hear this story. Come on, we're going to be late."

Ellie nodded in agreement. This was too much to take in!. She was determined to find out about this mystery girl that just picked up Morgan, and why Chuck kept his date last night a secret from her. Tonight, she would make a surprise dinner, and make sure Chuck brings his mystery date with him. She hated not knowing about her brother's whereabouts and having a date without being consulted. She will get her answers tonight!

LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL / SANTA MONICA, CA

Chuck's eyes snapped open. He was scanning his surroundings when he looked down and saw Hailey was indeed snuggled up against him. Upon closer inspection, he realized both of them were wearing the exact same sleepwear.

He was still thinking more about how crazy everything appeared. That was some dream, or was it a nightmare?

From what he could tell based on appearances, everyone in the dream was in their 20's. Ironically, he and Hailey seemed to be following in the same pattern that was in his dream. The nightmare part of it was he was still working at Buy More in that time period, and Ellie was upset about him not telling her about Hailey. Could it be a vision of the future, or could they potentially cross paths later in life?

Hailey began stirring next to Chuck, her right hand that had been laying on his chest moved up to his face and started caressing his cheek.

"Chuck, sweetie, you're thinking too much again. I can hear the wheels turning. Go back to sleep baby. It's too early."

Chuck had to fight the grin threatening to break out. His new girlfriend seemed to be in tune with him. Silently he joked to himself that she was "force-sensitive" like a Jedi and could read his thoughts. He was kissing her forehead when he was interrupted by his vibrating phone. He frowned to see Ellie was calling.

"Hey sis, kinda early for a wakeup call isn't it?"

Ellie answers back in a no-nonsense way, "As a matter of fact little brother, it's not. You know it's already 8am, I bet you're still in bed too."

Chuck had to ask, "Is there a reason why you're calling so early El?"

Ellie fired back, "When are you coming home? You do know that the fall semester is starting soon and you have to move to Stanford and to get your supplies for your classes and learn your way around campus."

Chuck couldn't believe what he was hearing. He was enjoying his time with Hailey, and now Ellie calls early morning just to nag. He loves his sister dearly, but this is becoming too much. He decided to end things quickly.

"Look, El, I need to get off the phone here. I will talk to you later."

He ended the call before his sister could respond with any type of comment. He laid back on his side and wrapped his arms back around his sleeping girlfriend before dozing off.

UNION HEADQUARTERS / CRESCENT CITY, CAPAWELLA

The Bakers arrived at Union Headquarters. Anthony and Benjamin entered the chambers of the leadership known as the Union Cabinet, and then stood at attention.

Benjamin, being the older and senior officer, belted out, "Captain and Commander Baker reporting as ordered sirs!"

Admiral Samuels waved them off, "At ease both of you. Please take a seat everyone."

The head of Union Squadron, Vice-Admiral Jonas, welcomed Angel formally, "Welcome Ambassador Baker. We hope everyone had a safe trip."

Chuckles were heard around the room as Angel smiled, "Thank you Admiral Jonas. The trip was short and very safe, despite the fact Anthony drives like a maniac, as everyone knows."

Anthony looks offended, "Hey! My driving isn't that bad, especially compared to some people out there."

Benjamin piled on, "You're right Anthony. Compared to flying in a Falcon, your driving isn't that bad...It's just suicidal."

Anthony fired back at his brother, "Ha ha ha, laugh it up why don't you, old man."

Benjamin gave a parting shot, "Of course I will, you cocky little brat."

Two of the more esteemed Vice-Admirals had enough of the antics from The Baker boys. Their father Liam and grandfather Jan both put them in their place.

Liam chastised, "If you boys are quite through with your childish behavior, we can continue this meeting."

Liam's glare intensified after a brief pause before he finished, "Or do Gramps and I need to take you both over our knees right here in front of everyone?"

An equally peeved Jan finished the point, "Don't either of you think you're too old for us resorting to those tactics. Now zip your lips and open your ears!"

Anthony and Benjamin quickly shut up and got down to business, Anthony had to ask the question, "Admirals, what's the situation? How critical is it?"

Samuels briefed them, "Intel reports The Confederates increased the already hefty bounty on your heads after the most recent problems you caused them. It appears they're gearing up for another shot in their conquest of taking over the world. As you know, we're at the top of their list. If they take us out, it's a major step towards their objective."

Benjamin spoke up, "What about Angel's duties in the UN? Lockness will most likely be inquiring into her whereabouts during this crisis."

Jonas simply answered, "We've already taken that issue into account when we planned this meeting. Deputy Ambassador Palmer will handle those duties. You've been placed on emergency leave, effective immediately after this meeting."

Angel had a bad feeling something else was going on, "Does this have anything to do with the latest dealings within the UN?"

Jan confirmed, "I'm afraid so Angel. Our sources reported that a member of the UN is, in fact, aligned with the Confederacy. According to the report, they targeted you as well."

Liam added on, "The Confederacy will stop at nothing to remove the threats you pose. Angel's influence gathers a lot of political support, Anthony and Benjamin continue to be a major thorn in their side. However, we have another issue. As you're aware, we've been on auxiliary status since the last war ended. The UN's forces are at 80% capacity , however, we've been unable to recover to that level and our forces are only at 50%.

Benjamin asked, "What about our allies? Are they not helping us?"

Jan stated, "Our allies are in the same situation as we are. Everyone's struggling with the rebuilding of their military forces, even more during this peace time. The problem with the Coalition is they serve directly under Lockness. At this point, we can't trust him. There have been an enormous amount of protests and bickering between everyone involved at the UN, which hasn't helped the situation any."

Liam finishes, "Anthony and Angel, it's been decided that during your time away we're asking you to recruit additional assistance from unknown allies. If you know of anybody that can render us at least some assistance in this crisis, it will be greatly appreciated."

Angel fully knew the score, "The main reason for this classified mission is that we're on the brink of war. I'm going because of my diplomatic immunity and credentials, whereas Anthony will act as my escort and bodyguard."

Jan grinned, "You've always been a smart girl. Maybe you can teach Anthony a thing or two about diplomacy. We can hold off on other things until later. Dismissed."

Anthony and Benjamin followed Angel out of the chambers, the three of them all looked at one another.

Benjamin asked Angel, "Are you gonna make the call?"

Angel smiled, "Not really, just drop in unannounced. Probaby not gonna be happy to see me either, especially when he finds out why."

Anthony cheekily adds, "Yet, everyone says that I'm the troublemaker."