Hi to all those who are actually reading (and hopefully) enjoying the story so far. This is part 2 of (possibly) 13 parts. Thanks so much for those who have reviewed/given feedback. it really does help me write faster :)

I don't own Chuck but have decided to create a few characters to interact in that universe. The plan moves forward but things go slightly awry...

Chuck vs The Art of War

II Waging War

Canton of Zug, Switzerland (11.32am, 26th October 2009)

Rainer Benkhofer was born the first son of a minor German aristocrat and his common law wife forty two years ago. He spent his idyllic childhood near the Black Forest always noting that his younger brother had his father's approval in all things. It made Rainer work harder and do more just to ensure even a bit of attention and it was only when his father had been killed, did he finally realize that attention was not always a good thing. From then, he had worked his way up the organization, always keeping his head down while accomplishing tasks as set out by the Circle. He had graduated top of his class at Oxford, worked at the World Bank and then subsequently was seconded to the UN where he still held an undersecretary position working in the Census bureau. All as per their plan but he also had his own ideas, He accepted that his father was killed because he had failed the Circle in some way. Rainer was not going to let that happen to him or to his brother. He accepted that his younger brother was his responsibility and molded him to follow in his footsteps, as his father never did. For twenty years, all was going according to plan, Rainer would ascend into the Circle and Rudolph would take his place as their primary enforcer. it had all been ordained until Sarah Walker chose to end his brother's life.

Her dossier provided to him was still rather thin, a number of missions in Latin America with a Bryce Larkin. Fulcrum had recruited Larkin to steal the Intersect only to have him download it into himself and then suddenly go off grid. It had taken over a year to finally track him down and kill him. Roark's Intersect cube project had been successful and it was all suppose to come together but yet again, this Agent Walker had intervened, stolen the intersect and uploaded it. Prior to appearing on scene, she had apparently been seconded to a domestic detail with either the FBI or the NSA. There were additional Fulcrum reports of incidents in California with an operative fitting her general description but apart from confirmed failed missions, there was little else of note. It all came back to her. If he looked at the data objectively, her link to Larkin, the failed missions in California would completely suggest that she was involved with the Intersect project from the start. The last page though gave him pause, she had changed her beneficiary in the CIA database from closest living relative (to be identified on death), to one Charles Irving Bartowski, entry level analyst working in California. This was possibly the information most valuable to him. A personal connection, like his brother was for him, could be used to ensure maximum co-operation and induce pain for the Intersect.

His last message to Metzger had indicated his preference to take custody of the Intersect in two days. The money was currently being transferred from their Singapore account and he had made all the arrangements to receive and hold her at his Schwarzwald compound. With the new information, he also needed to initiate surveillance and capture of one Charles Bartowski.

He reached for his phone, "Alexei, I have a job for you, a retrieval in California, you have to leave immediately."

Dongles & Things, Burbank (4.37pm 26th October 2009)

"Morgan, you're not the boss of me. You may be my boyfriend, but you can't tell me who to serve or not" Anna whispered furiously. She had been mortified when Morgan had interrupted her sales technique (which legitimately included minor flirting) with the cute European guy. The guy had been really nice too, introducing himself in a sexy Russian accent. Even his name was pretty cool, Alexei Orlov. She couldn't believe that Morgan had the audacity to march over and drag her away without even acknowledging the customer who at this point was way across the store being served by Jeff.

"You were flirting and Chuck put me in charge" Morgan realized it was his fault really. Anna was a passionate girl and between worrying about Chuck these past few weeks and listening to his mom go on about her fights with Big Mike, he had neglected his Anna Banana and now, here she was, acting out by flirting with the first tall, suave, foreign guy she sees.

"Morgan, you wouldn't recognize flirting if it bit you on the ass. Alexei is a customer and since when are you in charge" Anna loved Morgan, she really did but its times like these where she has to remind herself constantly of that particular fact. She knew he was stressed by his mom and by Chuck being all weird and secretive but things were looking up considering that Sarah was finally back. It was doubly great that John Casey had offered them his uncle's cabin in the Poconos to have their long awaited honeymoon. Now Morgan could stop worrying about Chuck and start paying attention to her and not her sales technique. They're still talking in hushed voices although she can see how agitated Morgan is and knows he's about to make one of his declarations. She only hopes its not about his prowess in bed.

"Anna, for all intents and purposes, I am Chuck Bartowski" Morgan finishes with a loud flourish and hitting his chest with his fist. Chuck had so put him in charge when he left. Morgan had specifically asked him who Chuck thought was the most responsible and the answer Chuck had given was "The one who thinks most like me" which in Chuck's mind meant Anna but in Morgan's mind did not. Hence his loud declaration.

Jeff knew he was close to an actual first sale. He was more stoked that he should be considering that Chuck did not pay them on commission but it was nice to actually sell something. "Yes, this particular phone model has the ability to store two SIM cards, here, I've put in yours and you'll be able to use it." This guy wasn't even paying attention, to the price or anything, he seemed more interested in Anna (who wouldn't be) but regardless, he was playing with the phone and even testing the messaging functions.

Alexei Orlov always liked America and especially California. The sun was always shining, he could get a tan and things seem to always fall in his lap. Right now, he had just sent a message to Herr Benkhofer confirming target identification and initiation of retrieval process. His private jet was due in two hours which gave just enough time to visit his favorite tanning salon.

Military A330 Jet, Somewhere over the North Atlantic Ocean (9.32pm 27th October 2009)

It's relatively quiet in the cabin and Chuck's laid out across three seats, with Sarah tucked in next to him. It's not the most comfortable position for him but he does not want to wake her. He knows that she's still in some pain and that her ribs need another six weeks to heal but like before, time is not on their side. He knows she's taking pain meds but he also knows she's not taking enough. He wonders if he'll ever stop worrying for her. Intellectually, Chuck knows she's beyond competent and can look after herself, its just that he's her husband and he will never get use to seeing her hurt. That if it came down to a choice, he'd take her place without doubt, only he can't do that here. Sarah has to do this without him and it scares him beyond belief. He knows its their only avenue though. They need to fight the Ring on their grounds and from within and the only way to do this is to once again put Sarah's life on the line. He doesn't want to think like that though so he calculates how long they've been in the air and wonders if they get frequent flier miles using military aircraft. He's pretty sure that he's racked up enough points in the past week to get him and Sarah two tickets to Cancun at least. They never did get a honeymoon and when they get done with this, he knows he's going to plan for one. His official government pay checks are not big by any means but he really hasn't been spending much (most of his travel seems to be courtesy of the US government anyway) so he knows he'll really be able to take her someplace nice.

"You should get some sleep." Sarah's always had the ability to sleep anywhere. it's been ingrained in her to grab rest where she can on account of needing to be operationally ready at any given time. Chuck's training has not reached that stage and she's unsure of whether she'd like it too. She's happy that he's filled out physically but she wonders if he'll lose his Chuckness. She can't really define it but she can recognize it anywhere. it's his ability to make you feel safe (like he did with the ballerina, the day they met) and loved.

"What?" he knows she's thinking of something relating to him. She gets this look in her eyes and he used to think it was a figment of his imagination but more and more (and he's thought about it plenty since she left), he's realized that he has to read between the lines with her, that she's been brought up to speak in the language of cons and codes. That what she says is not always what she means, but asking her, sometimes allows her to express what she truly wants.

"Don't change" she whispers, like if she expresses it too loudly, it loses its meaning. She wonders if he really understands what she's asking of him. That for the longest time, her cornerstone had been her duty to the CIA and her decisions all driven by the ends justifying the means. She was always expected to change, identities, roles, allegiances. But ever since she's met him, he's been the one constant and she's finally found her own identity.

"I won't." It's the smile that clinches it for her, whatever happens she knows that he's her moral compass and that they're get through this together. For his part, he holds her tighter and closes his eyes, wanting to grant her first request.

SIS North London Secret HQ (10.32pm 27th October 2009)

Felix Temple Villiers was not in a good mood, especially as he'd been taken off active duty and relegated to babysitting an injured man whom he was told not to talk to. The fact that he was not the most sober currently and owed Cole a favor made him keep his mouth shut and wait for the Americans that were suppose to arrive. He had not even been told how many to expect but just to inform Barker when they arrived. He wasn't even privy to the discussions currently going on between the Chief and Cole except that they were planning an operation with the Americans to take down the so-called Ring. It had always been one of those urban legends amongst his set, a secret cabal of rich powerful people only dealing in information and using it to control everything from the price of Oil to the near collapse of the Financial Markets. Their main focus though, was not to take over the world as that would be too bourgeois, it was simple economics. It would seem that all they wanted was to amass as much money as they could and that was something he could understand.

"Felix?" Cole was tired, he had spent the past forty eight hours first being debriefed and then arranging for a task force to assist Casey and Chuck in their plan. it wasn't difficult convincing the Chief especially when there seemed to be a rivalry of sorts going on between him and General Beckman. Overall though, he was still worried about Sarah. He knew she would be involved despite her injuries and he wanted to make sure that his team were well prepared to handle anything. Now all he had to do was brief Felix on his part.

They had been friends since their training days. It amazed him that they had got along so well despite their obvious differences. Felix had been admitted straight out of Cambridge, an easy entry due to his degree in High German, a penchant for adventure and the fact that his grandfather was one of the original SOE officers. Cole on the other hand, had opted to skip university and had enlisted in the SAS as soon as he turned legal. Despite that, they had become fast friends and had risen through the ranks together. it was still rumored that Felix would eventually inherit both his peerage title and the Chief position at the same time and Cole was happy to have him watching his back.

"Cole, about bloody time. I was beginning to think that I'd reach sobriety before you showed up. Now why am I watching over an injured mid level thug and waiting for some damn Americans?" Felix always liked Cole. unlike the other officers who showed him respect because of his name as oppose to his talents, Cole had always judged him sole on his own merits.

"We're waiting on Agent Walker and her associates" Cole saw Felix smile as the mention of Sarah. He knew Felix had guessed that he had been with Sarah for the past three months and that she was the one who had caught his eye when he had gone Stateside. "She's taken by the way, married." He had almost come to terms with that, realizing that her friendship was just as important to him. Over the past three months, she had shown that she did care for him as a friend and confidant and although it would never quite be enough, it was her choice and he had to respect that. At least, he liked Chuck and even though he still did not have the whole story of why Sarah and Chuck both were intersected, Chuck's actions in Germany showed how much he loved Sarah too.

"Too bad" Felix had seen the way Cole had reacted three months ago. He had been immensely surprised at the speed in which he had arranged to take indefinite leave and also his willingness to throw away his career. But he had meet Agent Walker and found her both attractive and definitely competent. "So what's my role in this menage a trois?"

"Metzger's given us all the information we need but he's not going to co-operate physically"

"You want me to assume his identity? To what end?" This was getting intriguing, perhaps he would finally get to meet the Ring.

"We have reason to believe that tomorrow night, a meeting has been arranged to take place in a compound in the Black Forest" Cole did not agree with Casey on this part when the Colonel has requested that no one beyond Cole be involved in the mission. He could still hear Casey's snide voice in informing him of his ability to take on Metzger's identity. Cole had taken great pleasure in pointing out that although Casey spoke German, he did not sound German and that would put Sarah in more danger than not. On hearing that, Chuck had immediately concurred with Cole and agreed to include Felix in on the plan.

"And what will I be doing at this meeting?"

"Carl Metzger will be transferring one Sarah Walker into the hands of someone whom we think has links to the organization known as the Ring" This was the part of the plan that both Cole and Chuck were most uncomfortable with. In effect, they were going to deliver Sarah to the enemy. Chuck had vehemently protested doing this, had suggested that they do something else. As usual, Sarah had been the voice of reason, had pointed out that she wasn't going in alone and that Casey, Chuck and Cole would all be close by. Furthermore, they were all working off the premise that unlike Metzger who had a sadistic streak, the Ring would be for a short time, more interested in Sarah's well being, as the only human Intersect (Cole had purposely interrupted Sarah here pointing out that that was not necessary correct), that the Ring knew of, Sarah finished. She didn't really like the fact that Cole now knew about Chuck once again.

"I'm just going to hand her over?"

"More or Less.." Cole trusted Felix with his life and therefore convinced both Chuck and Casey that Sarah's life was in good hands. "Metzger has always been a free agent and this would be his biggest pay out. The possibility of more money…"

"You want me to pledge allegiance to the Ring and accompany Agent Walker on the inside" Felix finished, finally seeing the whole picture.

"I know its dangerous but it's the only way we can wage war from within" Cole's injuries and his non-fluency in German had ruled him out of going in with Sarah and he knew it was asking a lot of his old friend.

"Cole, old chap, why do you think I joined the service. it would be an utter delight to work with Agent Walker. I might even try and change her mind about you"

Cole laughs at the notion that Felix could ever change Sarah's mind. For three months, he had thought that despite the fatigue of being on the run, she was still a stunningly beautiful person. But even he could not deny the way she absolutely lit up when she saw Chuck at the schoolhouse. Granted, she was also incredibly angry but the way she held on to him and her total belief in his ability to save her spoke volumes. Sarah Walker may have had some interest in him initially but even then, it was probably more denial of her feeling for Chuck so he'd just rather settle for them naming their first born after 'd have to work on that though as god forbid they'd ever decide that Casey was better.

"Not going to happen mate. Let's go and get a drink before the yanks show up. I've a feeling it's going to be the last one you'll have for some time"

CIA Safehouse outside Baden Baden (10.02am 28th October 2009)

Chuck's never been to Europe until four days ago and now within the span of a hundred hours, he's been twice. He wants to ask Sarah how many times its been for her but realizes he doesn't care. Its their first time coming together and that's all that matters. Except that he also knows that in ten hours or so, she would have to leave him again. They're sitting outside, huddled together in a small loveseat overlooking an overgrown garden.

He's still so worried about her injuries. She's finally relented and used the sling for her shoulder only because it gave her an additional place to hide her knives. Her ribs are still taped and Casey had given her a few cortisone shots to help with the healing. She has some pills stashed somewhere on her person but he knows she doesn't like taking them. She's been relatively quiet throughout the flight and subsequently during the briefing in London and seemed comfortable just always being in contact with him (her palm over his, her calf pressed against his thigh).

She'd left the questions to Casey and listened to Cole's briefing all the while just sitting next to him like she'd always be there except he knows she won't. Chuck's not sure what to do, he knows that this time, she's not going in alone, that Felix will be there and the sub-cutaneous tracking device courtesy of the SIS would always pinpoint her exact location. Adding to that, Cole's got military back-up on demand and Casey's armed like his off to war. He still does not want her to go though because nothing's guaranteed and even if he can now flash on demand, it still does not guarantee her safety. He's let her go before and he nearly lost her, he's not sure he can do it now.

He still thinks they do not know enough about Rainer Benkhofer. All their information seems to point to him being somewhat involved with Ring activities, an apartment leased by Orbis International, his current job allowing him to travel to various countries under diplomatic immunity and the added coincidence of various unexplained incidences in those same countries just before or after his arrival. Like the stolen plans for a self guided next gen missile from Russia or the purported sale of a highly contagious toxin in Shanghai. Chuck could see the linkages from the Flash in his head but just could not fully identify any other members of the Ring's inner Circle. They needed Rainer to point the way and therefore, he needed to come to terms that Sarah had to go in again.

Sarah's knows she should feel totally exhausted. Her injuries, the fight with Metzger, the past six months all seem to have faded away in the presence of Chuck. She wonders about the fortune he's make if he could learn to bottle his Chuck-ness but she's also glad that perhaps she's the only one it will work on. Not Jill or Lou but Sarah, just Chuck's Sarah. He's looking anxious again and she can guess why. He's always treated her with respect and has never questioned her ability to do her job but he can't hide his fear for her safety. She does not want to lie to him but she knows she may have to bend the truth because if he actually asked her to say, she's not sure if she won't acquiesce. She still needs to b the strong one here. "The plan's going to work". It's an old spy trick, to keep repeating something until it becomes familiar, until it rings true.

He really wants to believe that, would give anything for it to come though but he knows what's at stake and he's not sure he wants to take that chance. "We could just run." They had done it before and he's almost sure Casey would not find them this time. She does not answer, just turns her body such that she's looking into his eyes and he can see the question she's not articulating (is that what you really want?).

"I don't want to lose you" he answers honestly.

Again, she makes a choice, "I'm not planning on getting lost." She does not want to die but knows it's a possibility. She also knows that running will not end it. They've won before, managed to take down most of Fulcrum and remove the Intersect. They're stronger now, the both of them and this needs to end so that their life (real life) can begin. "I want to have a life, a family with you. Not on the run or in hiding. This is a chance for us to end it."

He knows what she's saying but the fear is still there. "What if.." he can't finish the sentence. She holds his face in her hands and their foreheads touch. His eyes close voluntarily and he can feel her tears (or is it his) on his face.

"I won't.." she whispers.

It's as good a promise as he's going to get. He trust her to do everything in her power to get back to him and he knows she trust him to do his duty. He knows they're done talking when he sees her smile as she rises and takes his hand and leads him back to the house. Casey had told her to rest and she can' t think of a better way than to do so in her husband's arms.

Twenty miles outside Chateau Haute Rhienstein, Schwarzwald (7.40pm, 28th October 2009)

Chuck watches as Casey ties Sarah's hands together, in front of her, ensuring that the bonds look tight but knowing it's not going to constrict the blood flow to her hands. it's about to begin, Felix is already on the driver's seat and they are just waiting for Sarah to get in. Sarah has the implanted tracker and Felix is wired for audio, the tiny transmitter in his inner ear, working perfectly. Chuck knows that they are as prepared as they're ever going to be and have all had way more experience than he has in the field. They discussed various contingencies and know what to do. Still, he can't shake the feeling that they have not thought of everything. He sees Sarah looking at him, "I'll be no more than twenty miles away at all times, I promise", he tells her and sees her smile in return.

Sarah's torn between wanting Chuck there and worrying for his safety. He's looking more and more like the spy she thought he could be. All dressed in black and wearing a hidden holster, albeit only holding a tranq gun. "Good luck kiss?" she asks and he obliges, her tied hands going over his head as she pulls him close. She knows Felix is waiting for her and reluctantly pulls back. She nods at Casey who surprisingly salutes back. Cole opens the back door for her and adjusts her blindfold. "Take care of him" she states, knowing Cole won't answer but will accept her request.

Felix is trying to avoid as many potholes as he can but its difficult considering the road they driving on hasn't been paved in over twenty years. He knows he's on the castle grounds but appreciates that it will be at least another five minutes before he can see the building. He notes the four guard posts at five hundred yard intervals as well as the cameras mounted along the road. He wants to apologize to Sarah for the bumps but knows that Carl Metzger would not care and right now, that's who he is such that when he finally stops the car and alights, he does not acknowledge her low voice as she wishes him good luck.

She can feel rough hands pulling her out of the car and pushing her forward and into the house. She knows Felix is in front of her, talking in German and demanding his reward. She knows what he intends to do but is still caught off guard as he pulls her towards him, his gun pushed against her temple and he repeats in German for his money.

"Herr Metzger, you have delivered so rest assured, you will get your reward" Rainer is not surprised at the audacity of Metzger and if he wasn't in such a good mood, he would have given the order to kill him. But he knows that people like Carl are a necessary evil, and in this case, also his most important ally. This was the man who has brought him the Intersect and therefore his entry into the Circle.

"And if I want more? You seem to have done well for yourself, I may be able to help you do better" Felix knows he needs to convince this man of his value.

"You're saying the money offered is not enough?" Benkhofer does not hide the annoyance in his voice.

"Not at all, I'm offering you my services, perhaps in ensuring her (her pushes Sarah in front), co-operation"

Rainer smiles, "You are too kind Herr Metzger but I think I do not require help in that department." Alexei had confirmed the retrieval and was at this time preparing the guest for his debut. It would have been preferable to have both of them under his roof but the Intersect was still too valuable and abducting a CIA analyst, no matter how low on the totem pole could still result in some retaliation. Hence Alexei was to keep Charles Bartowski at his apartment in Bonn. A video link will show her why she needs to co-operate and also ensure that she will know what losing a loved one feels like. He wants to see her face when he tells her of his coup.

Sarah feels her blindfold being removed and blinks in the brightly lit room. The man before her is flanked by two guards, She knows Felix still has his gun trained on her back but knows if she moves, he could have a clean shot. However, it's his next words that keep her rooted to the spot.

"Agent Walker (he grabs her chin and forces her to look at him), you have cost me and I intend to collect. Your friend Charles Bartowski will soon understand the meaning of pain and I assume his presence will be enough to ensure your full co-operation" Rainer gestures to his guards and they pull Sarah towards the stairs. She looks at Felix, and he knows she wants him to go and protect Chuck. Only he can't do that, he's promised Cole he would stay and guard Sarah at all cost and he shakes his head in response.

"Herr Benkhofer, perhaps I can be of help in other areas. Your reward has been most kind and I do feel I can still be of use to you" Felix sees him nod and knows at least he's done his job. He sees Sarah's worried expression and hopes that Cole and Casey are protecting Chuck.

The End

Next Up Chuck vs The Art of War- III. Attack by Stratagem

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