A/N: Hey guys, so I know I said that I would have something up by this past weekend, but I got a case of writer's block and only managed to break through yesterday. I also know that this chapter is a lot shorter in comparison to my previous chapters, and so I apologize for that as well. I was happy with the way this chapter turned out and that's why I decided to end it shorter than usual. Of course, a BIG thanks to uplink2 for his advice on how to overcome writer's block, his suggestions on how to improve this chapter, and catching the overuse (7 times to be exact) of a word in a small amount of text lol. One thing I can promise you guys is a much more normal length chapter next time. I can't promise when, but it will be good! I can't stress this enough but thank you all for your patience and comments; keep reading and reviewing Oh yeah, forgot this last time, but I don't own Chuck… sadly. Until next time!

April 2nd, 2010

Somewhere in Europe (Exact location unknown)

9:59 A.M.

"Council, we're going to have delay."

"I don't understand Mr. Director. Last time we spoke, you said that everything was going according to plan." A small woman spoke from behind a podium in the center of the room.

"I've just become aware of some new information. We think the CIA may be knowledgeable in our plans regarding the Omen virus. Launching a full frontal attack would not be smart right now. If they even suspect us, they're security will be air tight and we shouldn't risk being caught. According to Daniel, they have absolutely no knowledge of our whereabouts or even your identities. It would be safest if we just fell back until the next available opportunity."

"Next available opportunity? It's been two years already! The 'next available opportunity' may not happen for a long time Mr. Director. A lot can happen in between then." This time it was a very tall and gruff man speaking from his own podium situated near the far left of the room.

"This is unacceptable! We had everything calculated, how the hell did they find out?"

"How do we know they're not closing in on our location right now?"

"Only 9 people in the entire knew about this. Us, you, and Daniel. It was highly sensitive information."

The Ring director was standing in one end of the room while dim lights shone above 7 separate podiums across the room. By now the elders had given up taking turns and were shouting out demands and questions.

The director could feel the sweat forming on the back of his neck and his tie getting tighter around his neck.

"There was a slight complication during the exchange at the Prime Minister's palace-"

"What do you mean 'a slight complication'?"

"The intersect was able to come in contact with Ms. Walker. It was for a very brief period of time though. It is my advice that we take precautions and wait until a more appropriate time."

A fist slammed against the wooden podium and its sound echoed throughout the room.

"How was Ms. Walker ever allowed to come in contact with the Intersect? Or any member of the CIA for that matter. I thought she was being held in France."

"Well, we thought it would be a better idea if she made the exchange because-"

"You directly disobeyed orders! This had been decided long ago. We can't delay anymore. The Ring has spent too much waiting around on the sidelines. The Omen virus is ready and we are prepared to infiltrate the CIA database. After we've successfully gained access to all of their top secret files, we'll not only be able to build our own intersect, we'll also be able to determine the location and identity of the current intersect. But unfortunately, it seems we entrusted the task of overlooking this project to the wrong person."

The small woman in the center lifted up her right hand and held her index and ring finger up. She motioned for someone to step forward.

The director could feel an ominous presence appear behind him and the cold steel of a revolver was placed on the back of his head.

Ping Ping

A small ping noise came from the director's pocket and he pulled out his phone. He took a quick glance and a small smile appeared on his face. He tried to keep his cool before speaking once more.

"Council, it seems we won't have to delay any further. I've come in contact with someone who has a very important piece of technology that will allow us to penetrate the CIA's security without their knowledge. This technology will allow us to keep our identities and location a secret."

The small woman placed her hand back up, signalling the man behind the director to stop.

"And you're sure of this?"

"I'll be meeting with him at 6 today. A small winery just outside of Rome. Everything should go according to plan and then we will be back on schedule."

The 7 elders began to converse among themselves and several nods of agreement were made as they reached a decision.

"We've discussed it and we believe that-"

The gruff man spoke up for the second time during that meeting and interrupted the small woman who had started to speak.

"You have 48 hours. Do not disappoint us."

April 2nd, 2010

A Villa in Rome, Italy

12:12 P.M.

"Good afternoon gentlemen, I hope you've had a goodnight's sleep because our team here in Washington has been working around the clock to try and make some sort of connection with your flashes from last night. We were successful. Chuck, you flashed on the ring that the elder was wearing during the party and we were able to trace it back to its origin. Since there are 7 elders, 7 rings were produced in a different part of the world, and as appropriate, distributed to each Ring elder. Although we weren't able to use your flash to discover the identities of the other elders, we do have a plan that will lead us to the identities and whereabouts of the Ring, the elders, and hopefully Shaw and Sarah. We were also able to link the emblem on the USB that Chuck flashed on to a communication line belonging to the Ring director, and we've set up a meeting with him." General Beckman turned to face Morgan, she had a hesitant look on her face, and it didn't take Chuck and Casey long to figure out where she was heading with this.

"Absolutely not General! There has to be someone else. He doesn't have the training, skills, or brains."

"We have no other choice Colonel Casey. The Ring knows both yours and Chuck's identity, he's our only choice. It's going to take much too long to train and brief someone else."

All eyes in the room seemed to be on Morgan.

"I don't get it guys, what's going on?"

"Mr. Grimes, you will be posing as Eric Humber, an international arms dealer who has a very important piece of classified technology. You will be meeting with the Ring director to trade this piece of technology with him. We've created a virus that will be able to intercept all messages sent in and out of that communication line. We're hoping that this will be able to give us a more secure location on the whereabouts of the rest of the elders, and Shaw and Sarah."

"W-w-what? You want me to take point GB? Well if my country needs me, I can't let it down." Morgan was bursting with excitement while Casey just headed off towards the armory muttering something about how this mission was already a failure.

"Mr. Grimes! Your mission is simple. Say as few words as possible and make the exchange. Nothing more. Is that clear? This mission is extremely sensitive and we only have one shot at this. Is that understood?" General Beckman was shooting Morgan a deadly look but she looked as doubtful as Casey.

"Hey no problem! I can handle anything. Ooo! Can I have an accent? 'Ello Mr. Ring Director. What do you think guys?"

General Beckman rubbed her forehead and sighed loudly. "I'll forward the information of the meeting. Good day gentlemen." And with a click the screen went dark.

"Whoa Chuck! I can't believe it! I get to take point. Take that Mr. John Casey. Ok first things first, we need codenames. I'll be… Black Cobra! Chuck, you can be-"

"Hey numbnuts! This is serious. Stop screwing around and go get ready."

"Sounds like someone got bit by the green monster, called jealousy!" Morgan was clearly enjoying his new role in the team and had no problem gloating and even antagonizing Casey.

Casey turned to face Morgan and let out a growl, causing Morgan to take a step back.

"Uh, he's right. I better get ready, see you guys!" Morgan ran off before Casey could take another step forward.

"He's just excited Casey." Chuck let out a weak smile.

Morgan was his best friend and he loved him, but he himself felt as unsure of Morgan taking point as Casey and General Beckman let out. If the Ring got wind that the CIA was onto them, they would sprint in the other direction and they would lose Shaw and Sarah. He shook those thoughts away and headed for his room. This had to succeed, failure wasn't an option. Failure meant losing Sarah and that wasn't something Chuck was going to let happen.

April 2nd, 2010

Enroute towards Italy (Exact location unknown)

12:12 A.M.

"Shaw, what the hell are you doing?" Sarah couldn't hold back any longer. Shaw had completely lost it and that made him unpredictable. She hated unpredictable.

"If the Ring wants to hide from the CIA until it's an 'ideal' time, they can go right ahead. But I'm not waiting any longer. The US government took my wife from me and for that, they're going to pay. I'm done beating around the bush, I'm going to hit them right where it hurts, their most valuable asset. One Mr. Chuck Bartowski."

"Chuck has nothing to do with this!"

"Oh but he does. If the CIA no longer as him, they're weak. The intersect is their most valuable asset, and without it, they're valuable. It's their security blanket, and the moment it goes missing, they're in a panic. Just think about it, the amount of top secret information, at the hands of some of the world's most dangerous."

Sarah knew everything that he was saying was true. He was the most valuable thing to the entire US government and if something happened to the intersect, that's where they would re-focus all their attention. Just the thought of something happening to Chuck or even his family, made Sarah both angry and vulnerable. She also hated feeling vulnerable.

As Shaw began to focus his attention on his laptop, Sarah let out a swift kick, making sure her heels dug into Shaw's legs. To her surprise, Shaw didn't retaliate physically; he just threw her feet off of him and began to rub his legs. A menacing glare began to appear on his face and this caused Sarah's stomach to drop.

"If I didn't need you, you'd be left for dead on the side of this road."

"Might as well drop me off now, because I won't do anything to help you hurt Chuck."

"The moment you stop cooperating Agent Walker, I kill you. And Chuck's family. And then when I find Chuck, which I will, I'll kill him too. Nice and slow. But since I no longer have the support of the Ring, you're going to help me find Chuck. In fact, you're going to bring Chuck to me."

Shaw let out another grimace and with one blow to head, Sarah was knocked out.

April 2nd, 2010

Small Winery outside of Rome

5:58 P.M.

*BZZZ*

"Ok Grimes, don't screw this up, or I'll kill you myself."

"Have a little faith Casey. I got this!"

*BZZZ*

Casey turned to Chuck, who seemed as if he was ready to drop dead. All the color had left his face and he was fidgeting with some files. He placed a firm hand on Chuck's shoulder and squeezed it.

"We're gonna find her Chuck, don't worry. If anything goes wrong inside, we just intercept the director as he makes his way out."

The meeting place had been set inside a small winery just outside of Rome, it was the perfect place. Practically in the middle of nowhere, and very few witnesses to take care of in case something went wrong. Morgan had already made his way inside and was waiting for the Ring director to show up. Casey and Chuck were installed in a 'delivery' van just outside of the actual winery, ready to provide backup if needed.

Chuck turned his wrist over to check the time.

"It's 6. They should be here any minute." He took a deep breath and put on his headset, completely ignoring John Casey's words.

*BZZZ*

"Ok Morgan, they just pulled up. Remember, keep it simple. Say as little as possible and just make the exchange."

"Chuck, buddy, don't worry, I've got your back. Won't let you down! Ooo they just entered, should I-"

"Stop talking into your watch moron. Do you want them to know you're talking to the CIA? Idiot."

Chuck was just typing away furiously into his laptop.

"Ok Morgan, we're tapped into the security feed. Good luck buddy, we're counting on you."

*BZZZ*

Chuck was trying his hardest not to show his impatience or anxiousness. He knew that Morgan was just as nervous as he was and he needed to be strong for Morgan's sake. At this moment, Sarah's future rested on Morgan's shoulders. He took a deep breath and just tried to stay focused. Thinking like that only increased his anxiousness and stress levels, and a stressed out Chuck was never good.

He started tapping his foot against the metal floor of the van, just staring through the front doors of the winery. As the minutes passed, worse and worse thoughts began to fill Chuck's head.

What if they discovered Morgan was really working for the CIA?

What if they killed Morgan?

What if they managed to escape and Sarah was gone forever?

Chuck became lost in his own thoughts. He had never been this nervous before in his life. It's as if an elephant was sitting on his chest. Breathing became harder, and the small compartment of the van started to close in on him. Thank god he was sitting or he would probably be sprawled all over the floor right now.

A small nudge from an oblivious Casey brought Chuck's attention back to their mission and his breaths began to regulate.

"Deal went through." He nodded his head towards the security feed. Chuck saw the Ring director shaking hands with Morgan and then heading towards the door, virus infected USB in hand.

Chuck let out a long breath.

*BZZZ*

"See told you guys, it was no big deal. I got this." Morgan made a thumbs up sign towards the camera and Chuck smiled. His best friend had pulled through for him.

"Oh Mr. Humber? One last thing." The Ring director's voice was faint but Casey and Chuck could see that he had re-entered the room.

The Ring director reached into his breast pocket and before Casey and Chuck even had time to react, he pulled out a silencer. With two quick shots to the chest Morgan was down on the ground and the director was already speeding off from the winery.