Chuck vs. Where Loyalty Lies
Here's another new chapter for you folks. This chapter mainly focuses on trying to lighten the mood. How better than to lighten it by having Chuck meet with Jeff and Lester concerning a possible song deal for Jeffster. Will it work out for them? Plus, apologies for a lack of Charah. Anyways, I think you'll enjoy it. Enjoy the read peeps.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment please leave a comment for this this one as well. Tell me what you think and I hope you enjoy the read.
I don't own Chuck or any of the copyrights as well.
Inconceivable
XXX
It's Friday morning meaning 2 days have passed by without any incidents whatsoever. There hasn't been anything or anyone for that matter that has threatened the lives of any of the former members of Team Chuck, their friends, as well as family members. Yet, the situation would still be there sitting in the back of their minds, especially with Chuck as he sits behind his desk at his place of business Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. The door is closed. He isn't alone as his bearded best friend and employee is sitting in a chair across from him. They're in the middle of discussing the events of a couple days ago in the parking lot with Morgan inevitably asking his childhood friend a question.
"Does Sarah still think Eddie is in on this somehow?" he inquired quirking his right brow towards Chuck.
In response, the lanky business owner shrugs his shoulder. "At first yeah, but now…" He briefly pauses then continues on. "…no." Chuck answered shaking his head.
"Since Sarah isn't here, I'll ask you. What sold it for you?" he wondered.
It takes a second for Chuck to answer as he lets that question sink in a bit. Afterwards, he gives his response to his best bud for life. "The way he reacted while sitting in the car. You can't fake that kind of fear. It was genuine and in my opinion absolutely real." explained the father-to-be.
Morgan nods. It then leads to the two men to briefly sit in silence in the office. It doesn't take long for the silence to broken by the former green shirt of Buy More. "Who do you think is behind this?"
Chuck shakes his head as he leans forward placing his hands on his desk. "I don't know buddy. One thing is for sure is that he has the means and the financial backing to almost get the job done." the father-to-be answered.
For Morgan, the thought of a mysterious and possibly wealthy unknown figure trying to take down a team that has been out of the spy game for at least 2 months is quite disturbing. True, he may not be part of the team but it doesn't mean that he or she for that matter is going to stop at nothing to use anyone, as well as anything to claim victory. Of course, he can't help but feel considerably weary about the fact that the attacks aren't solely focused on one particular person or team for that matter he things to himself.
In his mind, it started with Travis and Chuck supposedly breaking up a robbery or assault in progress of a young women but it ended up turning out to be a complete set up. Thankfully, his two friends were able to take those 6 guys down and to even think what could have happened if they accomplished what they were paid to do is absolutely inconceivable. In a way, it's like they're being put through a gauntlet like in the movie The Princess Bride but in sort of reverse order. It's that particular thought that leads him to bring it up to his lanky best friend.
"I know this is way out there…" stated Morgan. He leans forward placing his hands on the front side of Chuck's desk. "…but I have a theory." he firmly added.
"Fire away Morg." retorted Chuck leaning comfortably back in his swivel chair.
It takes a few moments for Morgan to gather his thoughts then shares his theory. "Well…" he started. "…I'm thinking whoever this person is he or she putting us through some kind of test or gauntlet like what happened with Wesley going after Buttercup in the movie The Princess Bride." Morgan pauses for a moment witnessing the intent stare he's being given by his boss and best friend. Noting that he's not being stopped, he continues on. "Think about it dude. Each and every one of his tests he had to go through or pass were against the three supposed villainous characters Wesley had to contend with."
In that moment, Chuck furrows his eyebrows then raising his right finger. Once he does, he waves it around up next to his head. "I think I know where you're getting at." he responded.
"You do?" replied an astonished Morgan. "Would you explain it to me because I was just thinking out loud here." he added with raised eyebrows. "That's pretty much all I got."
Chuck couldn't help but express a bit of laughter on Morgan's expense. After the laughter subsides, he leans forward giving Morgan's possible interpretation of what he meant. "Listen, we all know it started off with the fight against 6 thugs then possibly a mental test with the bomb planted in Travis's car."
"I'm with you so far." the bearded man replied with a nod. He sits there listening intently to what his best friend has to share with him.
"Awesome to know." he grinned. "Anyways, when it came to the movie itself, it started off with the skill of a sword at the Cliffs of Insanity against Inigo Montoya played brilliantly by Mandy Patinkin. As you know, he was seeking revenge…
Instantly Morgan interjects. "Revenge against the 6 fingered man who killed his father. It wasn't Wesley that's for sure." he stated. It's at this point, Morgan continues on. "After knocking Montoya out he comes up against legendary WWF wrestler Andre The Giant's character Fezzik. That was basically a test of hand to hand combat." he explained.
"You know…" Chuck's eyes immediately narrow. "…it's eerily similar. Though not in exact order. The test of hand to hand combat then the test of skill with a blade. The third test was matching wits against Vizinni." the brown haired business owner shared.
"Yep." nodded Morgan. "If that's the case, I wonder what's gonna happen next. A debate? A chess match?"
In response, Chuck shakes his head acknowledging his hetero life partner. "Who knows buddy. We just got to be prepared for what's coming. Are you ready?" he asked.
"Honestly?"
"Yeah." he wryly smiled.
"Nope…" he answered shaking his head. "…but I have your back all the way dude." Morgan firmly stated.
"I know you are buddy. I know you are."
Upon saying that, Chuck's office phone buzzes. Once it does, he leans over to his right in order to press the button with his finger. "Yeah Bev. What it is?"
"Your 11 a.m. appoint has arrived sir." she answered back.
"Thanks. Send them both back."
"Yes sir."
After pressing the button to his office phone once again, he turns his attention to Morgan who has expresses a look of concern on his face. He has those exact same concern on his own but as a boss and not to mention business man he has to exude a poker face even when he knows he's taking an absolute risk. "Are you ready?"
"Are you?" retorted Morgan.
Chuck didn't have any time let that question sink in because the two men suddenly hear a knock on his office door. Instantly Chuck and Morgan stand up turning their attention to the office door. "Come in." announced Chuck.
The door to Chuck's office opens with Beverly Kim appearing first. She steps forward then announces the two people who are there to see the owner of Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. "Mr. Bartowski, Mr. Patel and Mr. Barnes are here to see you."
"Thanks Bev." nodded Chuck towards his secretary.
For Jeff and Lester, they emerge into the office all dressed up with cd player/boom box in hand. The two men are so dressed up in fact that they both have their hair combed back. They seemingly look all professional but at the same time are completely nervous judging by the deer in headlights look the two witness in their eyes by both of them. For Beverly, she nods back then makes her exits closing the door behind her. When it comes to Morgan, as much as he wants to scare the living daylights out of the two them he knows how important this potential deal is to them. Instead, he simply welcomes them in.
"Guys…" he smiled. "…awesome to see you. Have a seat." Morgan added. He motions for them to sit down in the two vacant chairs in front of Chuck's desk.
Chuck takes a cue from Morgan and acknowledges the two men standing across the room from him. "Welcome gentlemen…" he firmly stated watching the two men walk forward. "…let's get down to business shall we." the father-to-be added going into business mode.
XXX
"Guys…" said Chuck sitting comfortably sideways in his swivel chair. He's facing Morgan standing to his left who reaches over pausing the portably CD player/boom box they brought with them. "…I got to be honest. I'm not liking what I'm hearing so far." he added shaking his head.
For the past 10 minutes, Chuck and Morgan spent the time listening to the predetermined song selections that Jeff and Lester chose to possibly have used in a computer game. Unfortunately, by the looks of disappointment on both their faces the two inspiring superstar duo weren't living up to not only Chuck's expectations but their former bearded employee as well. Yet, that didn't break their resolve as they continued to sit there believing they would most definitely get a shot at the big time.
"I agree with Chuck." chimed in Morgan. "It's basically cover songs you've done over and over even when we were at Buy More. Plus, I'm pretty sure Chuck would get sued for copyright infringement." he firmly stated with both arms crossed.
Jeff and Lester are briefly silent. They then turn to each other having a somewhat loudly whispered and considerably animated huddle with one another. As they do, Chuck and Morgan exchange glances with each other knowing full well they would have to pull off an absolute miracle when it comes to a song that catches their attention. A song that would most definitely get him to not only want that song but actually fork over money to two men who spent practically their Buy Mores lives hustling money…illegally. His thoughts concerning his former co-workers abruptly end when they both turn towards him with Lester always the spokesman for the singing duo.
"Mr. Bartowski…" stated Lester straightening up in his seat. The confidence pouring out of him as he begins pitching in favor for the duo known as Jeffster. "…we go way back…"
Instantly, Jeff chimes in. "You owe us."
In that moment, Chuck and Morgan quirk their eyebrows directly towards the two men sitting down across the desk. For the two men, they can't believe they are playing the blackmail card because quite frankly they don't have any material to black the business own with.
"For what?" inquired the bearded employee shaking his head in disbelief.
"Remember boys, a situation involving Buy More or anything Buy More related is null and void. Plus, if there wasn't a witness or written, signed agreement between you gentlemen and I then it didn't happen." explained Chuck. "Do you have any evidence or documents for that matter to substantiate your claim?" he asked eyeing both men.
There is momentary silence on Jeff and Lester's part. The two schemers turn to each in a quick huddle once again for a brief confab then inevitably turn towards the business owner. As always, Lester once again speaks for the duo. "After consulting with my business partner, we take back what we said about you owing us. We express our humble and not to mention sincere apologies sir." he answered bowing his head.
"Yeah…" added Jeff. "…we were just trying to play hard ball." the other half of Jeffster said shrugging his shoulders.
"Not an awesome way to play guys." remarked Morgan shaking his head. "How did you guys even prepare for this meeting anyway?"
The duo briefly turn to each other then turn their attention back to Chuck and Morgan. "We watched Dog Day Afternoon."
A look of absolute disbelief is expressed on the two men's face upon hearing that. "Seriously?" responded Chuck. "You prepared for this meeting by watching a movie starring the great Al Pacino and Charles Dunning." he added.
"You do realize Al Pacino's character Sonny ends up spending 20 years in jail. Plus, his partner gets shot in the head at the end of the movie." Morgan explained.
"Granted, it's not the ending we expected for this meeting." Jeff stated shrugging his shoulders.
"It's still early." chimed Morgan lowering his head for a brief moment.
"However…." interjected Lester. "…it was indeed a Pacino movie. It helped pump us up." replied Lester expressing a sheepish smile.
In that moment, Chuck and Morgan turn to each knowing this particular meeting has gone from bad to worse. It's at that point, the man who took a chance in hearing them out decides to end this before it gets any worse. He turns his chair forward in order to face the two upstart singers who want stardom so bad they can taste it. He leans forward placing both hands on his desk with a serious expression on his face.
"I'm sorry fellas but I'm going to have to pass. It wasn't a tough decision for me to make." he explained.
"Sorry guys." responded Morgan. He expresses a sort of sympathetic expressing towards the two men who attempted to try their best but their best wasn't good enough.
Jeff and Lester are completely silent. However, the one person who they thought would make a scene didn't because it would be Jeff who instantly stands up making his voice known causing Chuck, Morgan, and not to mention Lester taken completely by surprise.
"Listen…"
Lester quickly stands up in order to stop his partner in crime. "Jeffrey, now is not the time."
"No!" he firmly stated. Jeff takes a deep breath then turns to Lester with absolute seriousness in his eyes. "We are not leaving. Sit down or I will cut you." he emphatically added pointing to the chair behind Lester.
Chuck and Morgan watch in awe as Lester complies with his much taller friend. After taking a seat and remaining quiet much to the surprise of the two men sitting/standing across the table from them. Afterwards, Jeff takes a moment to calm himself down the turns back to the man who holds all their dreams in the palm of his hand.
"Listen, have you ever had one shot…one opportunity. To seize everything you ever wanted." At that same time he's making this heartfelt speech, Morgan is putting his right hand over his face not believing what he's hearing. As for Chuck, he too can't believe what he's hearing knowing full well what movie and not to mention song it came from but continues listening. "One moment. Would you capture it? Or would you just let it slip?"
"Jeff…"
"Please, let me finish." Chuck begrudgingly allows Jeff to continue on. Once given the go ahead, he turns his head to peer down at Lester who peers up at him. "Partnership means trust. I know we can do this. We believe in Jeffster. We believe in our dream even if never comes true. So I'm asking you Chuck…" Jeff reaches into his right front pocket and takes out a CD. "…give our dream one more chance." he added handing it over to Chuck.
Upon saying that, Chuck sits there behind his desk witnessing the genuine sincerity in Jeff's eyes. His attention on him is briefly averted to Lester who is witnessing extreme desperation in his eyes. In that moment, he locks eyes with Jeff once again and when he does he stands up now locking eyes with Mr. Barnes. He reaches over taking the CD in his right hand then gets his best friend's attention.
"Morg."
"Yeah." he said stepping forward.
"Stick this in."
Morgan reluctantly complies taking the CD and then steps over to the CD player/boom box. While he replaces the CD a concerned look is expressed on Lester's face causing him to quickly confer with Jeff.
"What CD did you give him?" he whispered
"The song you decided to leave off." answered Jeff.
Lester's eyes instantly shoot wide open. "Are you crazy Jeffrey. That song is not Jeffster material." As Jeff and Lester are in the middle of a discussion, Chuck and Morgan are listening to the said song. "We were just jamming and besides we wanted to impress Chuck not make him fall asleep." he quickly blurted out. "You've just made the biggest mistake to my band"
"You mean our band."
"Yeah…" Lester shakes his then looks away from Jeff waving him off. "…whatever." he added shaking his head in absolute disappointment.
As he says that, Chuck gets the older man's attention. "Jeff.." He turns his head facing the successful business owner. "..what's the name of this song." he wondered with both arms crossed as is Morgan as well.
"Never Give Up." softly answered Jeff. Afterwards, he expresses a smile towards the two men.
Chuck nods then turns to Morgan who nods as well. While they are conferring together, Lester stands up and makes a decision right then and there. "Jeffrey, because of your costly mistake Jeffster is over!" he animatedly stated.
"I like it." announced Chuck.
"We're back together." instantly corrected Lester. A confused and not to mentioned surprised look is expressed on his face after hearing what Chuck said so much so he asked to repeat it. "I'm sorry come again. I thought I heard you said you liked it. Is this a joke?" he blurted out once again.
Chuck expresses a bit of astonished laughter then responds to the two men. "It's not a joke guys. The song has a great tempo and not to mention the lyrics go great with the computer game we're developing right now." he explained.
Morgan nods then steps forward in front of the two men. "Yup. I can't believe I'm going to say this…" he said shaking his head. After briefly glancing at Chuck he returns his attention to the two men who he at one time in the past actually took part in the game mystery crisper. "…this song is awesome. Is it an original song?" he added with a smile of disbelief.
"Yeah. Yes. What does this mean?" wondered Jeff with Lester grasping at his left arm. He's grasping his left arm to the point of actually climbing up him.
"This mean guys…" Chuck walks around his desk and approaches Jeff and Lester who look as if they're heads are about to explode. When he finally stands in front of them, he extends his right hand. "…you've got yourself a deal." he added flashing a smile.
In that moment, Jeff and Lester are absolutely speechless. The two men turn to Morgan who continues to smile at them. "Congratulations. Your song will be in one of the games Chuck's company is going to create. What do you have to say?"
For Jeff, he can only come up with two words that best express Jeffster's gratitude. He reaches over shaking the hand of the man who made their dreams happen. "Thank you."
"No problem Jeff." grinned Chuck. "You proved me wrong." His attention on Jeff is averted to Lester who for once has nothing really to say. "Lester, you should be proud of yourselves. It's a step forward to making your dreams come true."
Chuck and Morgan expect Lester to say something but nothing is coming out. It prompts Jeff to turn to his partner in crime in order to speak up. "Hey, we did it. Say something. Or at least do something. Anything."
Lester nods then step forward turning his attention to Morgan then Chuck. He looks up at Chuck who is about to open his mouth and say something when he suddenly passes out falling backwards. Luckily though, Jeff catches him and places him gently on the chair he was sitting on. It's at that point, Chuck responds by looking over at Morgan.
"Morg, go get some water will ya."
"I'm on it." he replied.
Morgan scampers over inevitably opening the office door then quickly shoots left disappearing out of sight towards the break room. While he goes to retrieve some water, Chuck and Jeff are left to check on a passed out Lester who quite possibly couldn't take the positive news that they'll actually be rewarded for their hard work. It's a situation that is totally inconceivable for not only Chuck, but for Jeff as well who is using his tie to fan his Canadian singing partner.
XXX
It's 12:55 p.m. and a 2011 4 door Honda Insight pulls into the parking space reserved for one Chuck Bartowski. A total of 4 individuals get out of the car. Morgan Grimes from the front passenger seat and behind him is Kesandra Torres. Across from getting out from behind the driver's side passenger seat is the newest intern to the Whiz Kid System, Inc. family Brandon Crenshaw. A 19 year old Junior out of USC as well majoring in Computer Science. He's 6 ft tall, brown eyes, and sporting scraggly brown haired spitting image of a young Chuck Bartowski so much so he too not only favors Chuck Taylor high tops but enjoys playing Call of Duty on Xbox.
For Morgan, he clearly pointed this out to his best friend the first time he saw him step through the front door and after he was interviewed for the position of being an intern. Speaking of Chuck, he is the last to exit his vehicle. Once he does and after pressing the locking mechanism on his key chain all 4 individuals head to the front door. As they are about to enter, it's Brandon who speaks up causing the foursome to briefly stop near the front entrance.
"Thanks for lunch Mr. Bartowski." he said raising his large cup filled with Dr. Pepper from Subway.
"Yeah…" nodded Kes taking a sip of her diet Coke. "…thanks a bunch." she added flashing a smile towards her tall and lanky boss.
In that instance, Chuck nods acknowledging his young subordinates. "You're welcome and Brandon please call me Chuck." he insisted reaching over to pat him on the left shoulder.
"That's right Brandon." responded Morgan taking the last remaining sips of Moutain Dew. Afterwards, he throws the cup away in the nearby trash receptacle then returns his attention to the young man standing in front of him. "I know it seems wrong to do but that's what he wants it." he added raising both eyebrows.
Brandon glances at Morgan then to his boss. He then turns his attention to the one person who was in his shoes when she started as an intern for Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. "Kes?"
Kes glances at her boss continuing to express a smile up towards him. Her attention then turns to Brandon. "It was weird for me when I started, but you get used to it. Chuck's an awesome boss." she stated.
Upon saying that, Chuck can't help but express a wide smile knowing he has the best employees working for him. After taking a sip from the last remaining cup filled with Sprite, he too throws it in the trash receptacle. "All right…" he said clapping his hands together. "…let's get back to work." the former nerd herd leader ordered.
"Yes sir." all 3 employees responded unison.
After stepping through the entrance, Kes and Brandon head down the hallway towards their respective area work stations. As they do, Chuck and Morgan stand in front of the receptionists desk where Beverly Kim is currently sitting behind.
"Hey Bev, any messages?" he asked leaning over the front desk.
"Yes sir. Michael Tucker wants you call him. He says it's urgent." she replied.
Instantly, Chuck and Morgan quirk their eyebrows upon hearing that. "Hmm. I wonder what Big Mike wants that's so urgent?" wondered Chuck.
"I don't know Morg. I'll find out right now." he retorted. "Thanks Bev."
Beverly nods at her boss and watches as Chuck reaches for his cell phone in his right front pocket. For Chuck, since leaving Buy More he never really deleted his contact from Buy More, especially Big Mike's number. Call it nostalgia or whatever but he continued to keep them just in case. After finding and highlighting Big Mike's name, he presses it inevitably dialing the man himself. He waits for a few seconds and then the other line picks up.
"Bartowski?"
"Hey Big Mike, what's up?"
"Are the two numbskulls there?"
Chuck immediately knew who his former boss is talking about. "Sorry. Jeff and Lester left about an hour ago. They're not at Buy More?" he wondered.
"No! I bet they are Bennigans. I will stick my foot up their asses."
"I'm sure they'll be back at work Big Mike. Do you want me to call Bennigans for you?"
As the conversation continues to go between the two, Morgan glances at Bev who simply rolls her eyes causing him to chuckle a bit. His attention on her would be averted back to his best bud.
"That's why you were my best employee Bartowski. Always on the ball."
Chuck expressed a bit of laughter upon hearing that. "All right. I'll give Lester a call." As soon as Chuck says that, he receives another phone call. When he checks the screen, he sees the image of Lester on it. Once he sees it, he gets back on with his former boss. "Big Mike, I let you know what I found out."
"Please do."
The conversation between Big Mike and Chuck ends. He's about to accept the call from Lester when the dialing suddenly ends. He's about to return his call when he notices that he's got a voice mail message probably from Lester. Morgan and Bev continue to watch as Chuck listens to the voicemail message to the point where they notice his demeanor turn from easy going to absolutely serious. Once the voice message is over, Chuck begins scrolling down in order to find another number causing much concern to Morgan and Beverly.
"Sir, anything wrong?"
"What's up buddy?"
Chuck doesn't say a word. He simply holds up his left finger as he places his cell phone against his right ear. After waiting for a brief moment, the other end of the line picks up. "Trav, we got a situation." he firmly stated. He turns facing both Morgan and Beverly with his eyebrows furrows and eyes narrowed.
XXX
As quickly as he could, Chuck arrives at his intended destination…Museum of Contemporary Art. It's located on S. Grande Ave near the Civic Center. He's alone and upon exiting his car, Travis arrives parking right behind his former teammate. However, he isn't alone as he has his brother-in-law Eddie is with him causing Chuck to wonder why. He's about to question why when Eddie responds.
"I thought you might need some back up. You never know dude."
Chuck doesn't say a word. He simply motions for the 2 men to head in to the Museum that looks as if it's under renovation. Unfortunately, it's locked but Travis uses the opportunity to show off his lock picking skills. After a few seconds of waiting, it's unlocked leading all 3 men to cautiously enter into the building. When they do, they can see everything covered in order to protect the art that inside. They continue to trek forward making sure to be highly aware of their surroundings. As they make their way deeper into the Museum weaving around/in between works of art, it's Chuck who suddenly sees and knows the reason why Jeff and Lester never returned to Buy More.
Travis and Eddie finally notices as well. They approach a large open area where it seems a large chess board is the floor with a few large chess pieces scattered here and there. On the other side, is Jeff and Lester tied back to back to a chair with dark black bags covering their heads. From their view, it seems they're conscious but it's uncertain from where they are standing. Chuck briefly glances at Travis and Eddie who know what he's thinking.
"It looks too easy." Travis stated.
Eddie nodded. "I know."
"Just keep an eye out." Chuck said carefully looking around.
As he says that, he steps forward but once he does the brown haired business owner inadvertently steps through a invisible non lethal laser causing a moving laser grid to activate all around the chess board. Instantly, Travis gets Chuck's attention keenly noticing something since he has an expertise in the area.
"Oh, he's good. Whoever he is."
"What is it?" wondered Eddie.
"He's rigged this area to explode if any part of your body touches the laser grid." he explained. Travis specifically points to the explosive charge located where the base of the white laser grids are located at.
"Where is the disarming mechanism?" inquired Chuck.
All three men search for the aforementioned disarming mechanism. It takes a moment until Eddie pipes up.
"Are you kidding me?
"What? Where? Do you see it?" asked Travis.
In that instance, Eddie points directly across from them the location of where the disarming mechanism is…underneath Jeff and Lester's chair. All 3 men are in absolute disbelief at what lies before them. It's at that point, Eddie shares his concerns about the situation.
"How in the hell are we getting across there?"
There is a brief moment of silence as Travis and Chuck shake their head. The silence would be broken by Chuck as he steps forward.
"Not we…" he stated turning his head to both men. "…me." Chuck added. For Chuck, he quickly reflects back on the earlier conversation with Morgan concerning the movie The Princess Bride. He turns back to the huge task at hand that lies before him repeating one word over in his mind. Inconceivable.
XXX
NOTE: I THOROUGHLY ENJOYED WRITING THIS CHAPTER. SO WHAT DO YOU THINK?