This is my first story, one thing I learned when writing this chapter, every story hits a point where there is no turning back. For me, this was that chapter. From this point going forward, the story flows quickly from story to story. You'll read lots of baby related themes in this chapter. Also, Morgan resumes his role as Sarah's go to guy, in the area of her and Chuck's relationship. Babies get conceived, on 3-9-2012, that conception will weigh into the final two chapters of my story, and will impact several characters in the story, not just Chuck and Sarah. And someone who got pregnant on the cruise ship, announces she is pregnant in this chapter. The Gepetto vs the Bartowski's battle has heated up by the end of this chapter, the first of a four chapter war.
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Chuck and Ellie / 5am, 3-9-2012 / Carmichael Industries
Ellie and Chuck were stumped. Manchurian kept growing, and no amount of BS that they threw at Manchurian slowed the growth down.
"My last estimate of one to three weeks looks accurate Ellie. I'm running out of ideas, we are now down to a couple of days worst case. BS isn't making any progress in halting the growth of Manchurian." Chuck looked at his sister for help.
"Chuck, remember Dr Young's words on the tape Jill gave us, that you must 'find Stephen's work and complete it'?" Ellie asked. "Could there be something else dad was working on, something that you missed?"
"Ellie, the only thing of any relevance I found was BS," Chuck replied.
Ellie continued, "Chuck, I see what you've been doing to stop Manchurian's spread. Whatever Manchurian is doing to infect the Internet, it gives birth at a faster rate than you can kill it. Using the current philosophy, we won't win. Why don't I take your spot in this delay tactic? I can do it. Then, why don't you review dad's notes again, and see if you missed something, or see if you can find some inspiration somewhere else. Knowing our dad, he had something cooked up to win, like there was more than one part to his plan, he was always thinking three or four steps ahead. Let's think as if part one was to delay the virus, part two to destroy. Or maybe even parts three and four need to be in the plan." Ellie was not sure if she was right, but she had faith in her father in these matters, and she knew her brother had the ability to be his father.
Sarah had been pretending to be sleeping on the couch in Chuck's lab. Sarah tried to never be alone, even if that meant she slept on Chuck's lab couch when he worked all night. She was frightened over the possibility of losing her memory, or herself again, so she made sure she was around Chuck, Ellie, Morgan, Casey or Alex nearly all of the time. So this morning she was sleeping on the couch, while Ellie and Chuck worked through the night.
At this point, she sleepily joined into the conversation, "Chuck, now that we have Joe, how does Gepetto command Manchurian? Are all the commands done in advance and programmed into Manchurian, or is there a second program, that allows her to give Gepetto commands, one day making us walk around like Zombies, the next changing the command to make us wire transfer funds to her account?"
Chuck looked over to Sarah in astonishment, "That's a great point. I kept looking for something to defeat Manchurian, which seems nearly impossible, as Manchurian seems to have become a near life form, and moves around the Internet like a ghost, impossible to catch and destroy. "
Alex walked in with impeccable timing as usual.
"Hi guys. I found something you need to know about. I was accessing the computer records on Dr Young's system, and found that right after Dr Young broke into the lab and sabotaged BS, he spent the night in the main lab, working on his computer. He worked all night long on something, not identical to the research you've been working on for Sarah, but from what I can tell, he did something to his mind like what we have planned for Sarah. He didn't change any of Sarah's files, he was working out of his own file. If I had to guess, he was either trying to mind wipe himself again, or cure his mind? He worked all night on his computer, right up to the time we caught him," Alex handed the hard copy of the access log for Chuck or Ellie to read.
Chuck grabbed it, while Ellie read it over his shoulder.
"Ellie, I think it's about time Dr Young and I had another chat. Do you think it's possible, that once he sabotaged things, he cured himself?"
"Or at least tried to cure himself?" Sarah interjected.
"I don't know Chuck, and even if he did, how could we trust him, after what he did?" Ellie was shaking her head no as she spoke.
"I'm not saying I trust him, I'm saying I want to talk to him. I'm looking for a little inspiration Ellie, some Manchurian level 'art supplies' to save the day with. Come on, you all can listen in the observation room." Chuck was upbeat for the first time that morning.
The ladies all looked at each other and nodded their approval, as they saw a spark in Chuck that had been missing.
The gang headed toward Casey's office.
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Casey's Office / 6am, 3-9-2012 / NSA field office
Chuck called ahead, and Casey was expecting them. They walked into Casey's office.
"Come on in, sit. I hope you have good news, I can use some." Casey said.
Chuck noticed Casey seemed different. He was becoming a well rounded leader. All his troops admired him, and when he walked into a room, everyone noticed. He commanded respect, and got it. He had his paperwork neatly organized in his office, and he seemed very much in control. A couple of young soldiers walked in and out during the conversation, looking for a five second read and approve nod and grunt.
Chuck began, "Casey, It's possible that Joe may have worked on his mind after he sabotaged BS. Also, Sarah came up with a suggestion about how Gepetto interfaces with Manchurian, that I want to explore by interrogating Joe. With your permission, I'm going to ask him some questions to see if he maybe can help me. I wish I didn't have to resort to possible placing trust in him yet again, but I think I must. I'm looking for clues to help me defeat Manchurian, with my current way of thinking, I'm afraid we will lose."
Casey response surprised the team, "Listen, these are desperate times. They call for desperate measures. If you heard some of the things being considered by Washington, nothing you'd ask for would seem off limits. We need to solve this and soon, or the world as we know it, will change."
Chuck solemnly nodded, "Good, I want to see Joe alone. You guys can tape it and watch live if you wish. I want to ask him a few questions myself."
"Fine," Casey said, "Let's talk once you are through with him.
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Joe's cell / 6:05 am, 3-9-2012 / NSA field office
Chuck walked in. Joe was being held in reasonably comfortable accommodations. He had a table, a couch, and a cot in his room. A few books were strewn around. He was given a yellow pad and a few pens.
Joe looked up, "Chuck come in, I was hoping you'd come. Please sit."
Chuck was surprised, "You know who I am?"
Joe pulled his chair up, "Yes I do, you're Charles Bartowski, Stephen and Mary's son. I'm glad you're here Chuck."
Chuck then fired off a few questions, "Have you known me all along?"
Joe answered in a very even tone, "No. I modified the memory retrieval system Ellie and I were working on for your wife, Sarah. And I used it on myself. I did not cure all of myself, but I'm better than I was. I would not recommend trusting me, but at times, I'm quite lucid."
Chuck continued to gather info, "Do you know how to stop Manchurian, and if so, would you tell me how?"
Joe didn't bat an eye, "I will tell you all I can. What you are doing with BS, that is only slowing Manchurian down. Your father also had an idea to keep Gepetto from Manchurian, but I didn't see any of that when I looked at your files. But a few things about Manchurian. First, it continues to grow and multiply, it is self sustaining now. Manchurian needs nothing but time to complete its saturation, and a command. But, it will not be usable, until it is 100% complete. Gepetto still will have to program commands to Manchurian, Manchurian does not command itself. I completed the command program months ago. Gepetto has everything she needs in that regard. The program Gepetto uses to control Manchurian is called 'Stalin'. Stalin is always active, interfaced to Manchurian. So if you can modify Stalin, in a manner to affect Manchurian, the changes would take place in the root files immediately. And to repeat, I have not written a line of Manchurian code in almost four years. Manchurian programs itself to grow and spread, as well as to hide its root files and defend them. Since it can think faster than we can, Manchurian essentially can't lose, even as BS wins battles here and there."
"Dr Young, I haven't been able to find Manchurian's root files, as you said, they are a ghost. But I have never looked for this Stalin. Do you know where Stalin is?" Chuck was getting excited, he seemed to be on a productive line of thinking.
Dr Young looked gravely at Chuck, "Finding the IP address for Stalin is almost as complex as Manchurian, I have no idea how to find it. And even once you found it, hacking into the system would be near impossible, there are only three or four men in the world who could, and you are looking at one of them, and I'm in no shape to help."
Chuck smiled, knowing full well Dr Young was looking at another of those three or four men. Chuck suddenly switched gears, as if he heard enough. He asked, "Are you safe here?"
Joe was startled by the question, "What a perceptive question Chuck. You are Stephen's son, aren't you? No, Gepetto will come back for me. Now that my mission is complete, she will want me back."
Chuck again switched, "Can Sarah's mind be fixed, so she can recall both current memories, and past ones, do you know how?"
Joe for the first time looked forlorn, "Not that I know of Chuck, if we get her last five years back, she'll lose the last two or three months. Although, your sister is smarter at the brain's inner workings than I am, if anyone can fix Sarah, it's Ellie. I gave her the communication and interface tools she needs to help Sarah, but Ellie needs to get the brain part right for it all to work."
Chuck got it, although he was not sure what to make of it, "Is there anything else, you'd like to say?"
"If you see your mother, tell her I'm sorry we did not get to meet again. Tell her I miss her and Stephen so much. And, apologize to Sarah for the kiss I gave her, that was highly inappropriate." With that Joe hung his head, he looked ready to cry.
"Hang in there Joe. I will beat this, and once I do, I will help you beat whatever it is inside of you that is tormenting you. Take care." Chuck got up and left in a hurry, as if he had a clear path already plotted.
Joe looked up at Chuck, "Thank you," Joe's whispered as he flashed a small smile through his anguish as Chuck disappeared through the door.
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Casey's Office 2 / 6:20 am, 3-9-2012 / NSA field office
Chuck walked out of the interrogation room, and straight into Casey's office, where he met Casey, Ellie and Sarah, who arrived back to the office from observing.
"What do you think?" Casey asked.
"What do I think? I think the world as we know it will end in a few days I think I don't know how to stop it, nor does anyone else in the world. I think Joe's explanation is flimsy, but most the tangible proof I have, meaning Jill's tape, Alex's discovery of Joe's use of the system, the general time line of events, at least gives us the possibility that Joe might be telling the truth, that he was brainwashed into helping Gepetto, and now on a limited basis, he is trying to help us. Based on what he said, I have a plan formulating in my mind. Chuck looked ready to go get to work on something.
"The alternatives on our government's desk right now are catastrophic in nature. Chuck, you are our best hope. It sounds like Joe gave you something to think about. Use him in any way you see fit." Casey was not batting an eye, staring right at Chuck.
"I have a couple of ideas Casey, I need to dig into some of my father's notes. I'm pretty sure I there was a whole series of work on patches to programs that I could never figure out what they meant, I think now I do. Somehow, none of that matters, unless we can somehow figure out the right IP address, where the program is executing from." Chuck said, trying to cut the conversation short.
"Good luck Chuck" Casey called to Chuck, as he and Ellie walked out the door.
As they walked to their lab, Ellie asked "Chuck, I recognize the look. You got this figured out, don't you?"
Chuck didn't hesitate, "I think so El. I think so. I'll tell you all about it while we get to work. The problem is, because I figured out, doesn't mean I can fix it."
Sarah, you got this whole thing going with your question, how does Gepetto command Manchurian? Then Joe talked about Stalin, and how one would need the IP to get to Stalin. I'm almost sure Dad has the patch to Stalin written already, which would corrupt Manchurian through Stalin. But then it dawned on me? It is so simple. Each of the baby Manchurians, which are spreading into every IP in the world, they all communicate back through the network to Manchurian. Even if I don't know how to get to Manchurian, they do. Rather than kill the offspring, I have to reprogram one, using something like my dad was planning on using with Stalin. Then, I let the offspring corrupt Manchurian. It's simple really."
Sarah laughed at Chuck, "If you say so."
Ellie laughed at Sarah, as she said, "Chuck can that work?"
"Guys, I think so. Piece of cake. Ellie, why don't you keep buying as much time as you can with the BS. Sarah, go see Casey, and get his people looking for Stalin's and or Gepetto's IP address. And, I'll work on this new plan."
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Devon's Training / Noon, 3-9-2012 / Local Gym
When it came to challenges involving physical effort, Devon Woodcomb was the man for the task. Beckman's calling out of Devon's ability to fight like a black ops soldier, hit close to home. Devon was a natural born fighting machine. His calm, sort of goofy demeanor gave him the jump on even the trainers, who at first made the mistake that his niceness, joking around, and laughing meant he did not take the training seriously. Devon felt like he was training to save Ellie and Clara's life, and maybe Chuck and Sarah's too. He worked relentlessly at the new challenge.
Although Beckman spent a few lunch hours training Devon. Most of the task went to the men and woman on Casey's team. This particular noon hour, Ernie and Dave were serving as the trainers.
"Devon, please, concentrate, this is serious." Ernie seemed ready to strangle Devon, as Devon seemed bored by all the detail on nuance of the martial arts. To Ernie, fighting was a by the book series of moves and counter moves that needed to be made, no exceptions or excuses.
"Ernie, let Devon be, he understands what you are getting at, but he naturally reacts, he looks at the whole picture and values the result, over the veracity of the journey to get there. Who cares if he holds his hand at a forty seven degree angle on his follow through or not? As long as the attacker is out cold, Devon did his job?" Dave was irritated at his best friend's insistence that the 'book' was always right, and was more practical in his outlook.
"Guys, guys. I don't want to get in the middle of this. But I have a suggestion. Why don't I go for a walk around the block, and one of you jump me and try to take me out. Kind of like that Pink Panther movie that Chuck made us all watch the other night. The star of that movie reminded me of Chuck, and that little dude, Kato, he was Morgan." Devon was babbling, hanging around Chuck and Morgan too much he thought.
"Sounds like a great idea, so you want to be the Pink Panther, and one of us should be Kato. Got it." Dave said.
With that, Devon took off for a walk.
About mid way through his walk, he spotted Ernie coming at him out of the corner of his eye. Although it was too late to avoid taking a blow, Devon deflected it enough to survive, and was able to quickly make the right moves to Ernie's satisfaction. Ernie was not trying to win, simply to show Devon the lesson, which was coming.
Devon was helping Ernie up, and they both turned to walk back to the gym laughing and having a good time, when Devon saw Amy walking toward them.
"Hi Amy, great to see you. What are you doing here?" Devon had a big grin as he spoke those words.
Amy did not answer, she simply raised her hands which had been hidden in her coat, and fired a single shot. TAP. She used a silencer. It hit Ernie, who went down. Devon was stunned. Amy then said "Bye, bye Devon", and fired again, TAP. This one hit Devon, square in the heart, a CIA sanctioned kill zone.
With that Amy burst out laughing, Dave emerged from around the corner too. Ernie got up, and was completely laughing, harder than the rest, since this was his plan.
Devon shook off the cobwebs and said "What? A paint ball gun. You guys. Amy, you are in on this too."
Ernie, Dave, and Amy all helped Devon up.
"There's so much more to staying alive than being able to win a sparring match Devon. Let's get back to work." Dave was smiling at his older, but not wiser in the ways of fighting, friend.
"You'll get it Devon, today was a good step forward in your journey. A teachable moment, is what I like to call it. Never underestimate anyone, always be ready." Ernie added.
Devon started laughing, "You guys got me there, next time, I'll be more ready. Thanks for that lesson. Let's get back to work."
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Sarah and Morgan's mission / 1 PM / Carmichael Offices
Money for Chuck and Sarah was no longer an issue, as the Bartwoski's were starting to accumulate money quicker than some third world countries. Added to the mega millions they started with, were the government Omaha contracts that came in steadily. Additionally, several of the security gadgets Chuck designed as a hobby while growing up, were becoming standard issue in secure government facilities. Morgan operation's assignment was becoming a large task, keeping all of the new business on track, hiring staff, and expanding. In addition, Devon was using his medical contacts to get small contracts that were adding up, and Sarah used her international contacts to do the same. Finally, Jack Coleshaw's medical division seemed to have a small contract coming through the doors nearly ever week, as well as new leads on customers for Sarah and Devon to charm. So money was no object in Sarah's next mission.
Sarah wasn't sure of what exactly Chuck wanted, so she walked into the intersect on Chuck's office to ask for help. "Morgan, how would you like to join me on a special mission to surprise Chuck?"
Morgan was quite pleased, "You mean like old times?" Morgan perked up. He was feeling a left out of Sarah's inner circle since the accident. Prior to the mind wipe, they had gotten to be great friends and now Morgan missed her. Sarah had many new things going on, new friends and responsibilities, such that recovering and catching up on old memories was going slowly, and maybe somewhat awkwardly. "Any time, you name the time and the place, I'm there for you Sarah."
"How about now?" Sarah, new or old, once she decided something, she went for it.
"Whats the mission?" Morgan would walk through a wall for Sarah.
"Xena sits on Chuck's lap, everywhere we go. We need another car, something for Chuck. Any ideas?" Sarah sometimes had a look of nativity, that seemed irrational, given her career as an ex-world class spy, that look was in play here.
"I know exactly what he wants. Let's go." Morgan was up and ahead of Sarah going for the door.
Sarah called out, "Hey, don't forget me." as she ran in her heels to keep up with Morgan.
"Do you mind driving, my automobile situation is in a bit of flux?" Although his automobile situation is in flux, the thing said about money for Chuck and Sarah, the same could be said for Morgan and Alex, but on a smaller scale. For Morgan and Alex, working at Carmichael industries was starting to put them in a great financial situation versus their own past. Morgan in particular, by working on Sarah's staff, was being paid quite handsomely. Additionally, Stanley was putting in place an employee stock option plan, such that most of the original staff would retire as mega millionaires if business kept booming.
"Not at all Morgan. Do you want to drive?" Sarah nonchalantly asked Morgan.
"Your kidding me, right?" Morgan had to shake his head to make sure something wasn't caught in his ears.
"No, go ahead. It's just a car. And anyhow, driving the Porsche will make you happy, won't it?" Sarah was serious.
"I don't think so Sarah, you go ahead and drive. I like being the passenger when you drive your Porsche. Seems cooler, like getting to ride along with James Bond. But thanks for asking." Morgan really like that she asked.
"OK, then I'll drive. Let's go. Where are we going?" Sarah trusted Morgan's judgment on this, with some limits of course.
"Sarah, we only need to make one stop. Chuck showed me what he wants. We'll have my boy all taken care of, and we'll be back to CI on the hour to surprise him." Morgan was clearly excited about this.
"You remember we have to consider Xena in this little project? Right?" Sarah was checking, knowing sometimes both Chuck and Morgan could stray from logic, her trust extended only so far.
"Oh yea, room for Xena and two or three kids on top of it. Chuck said that was required."
"He did? He really said that. That's so nice. Since my accident, I thought maybe he didn't want to have children with me. He doesn't talk about it at all, even when I hint." All of a sudden, Sarah's memory was jogged about a picture Chuck had drawn, with a house, Chuck, and her holding their child.
"He thinks about it all the time. He keeps quiet about kids, because he doesn't want to scare you by going too fast." Morgan loved this conversation, felt like old times, Morgan helping Chuck and Sarah move forward.
"Well, it took me about ten minutes from the point I kissed him to believing in us as a married couple, in spite of my spotty memories, I'm positive I can handle anything he throws at me. And next time you to talk, you tell him that." Sarah was getting fired up, like she was ready to hit someone.
Morgan thought, Yesssss. That's my, I mean Chuck's old Sarah, getting me to tell her what Chuck's thinking, and then bossing me around. What a great day this has been. "Oops, turn right, back there."
Sarah made the right hand turn with room to spare.
"See, that's why you drive. You and maybe a handful of professional race car drivers are the only people in the world who can make that turn. Now turn into that driveway. I had Fast Eddie put it out front. Do you see it?" Morgan was still excited over the turn.
"Oh Morgan, wow." Sarah parked, jumped out of her car and ran. "That's what Chuck picked out?"
Fast Eddie met her on her way. "Whoa there lady, that one's sold. But I have a whole flock of these, let's go inside and talk."
Morgan had caught up to Sarah by now. "No, the lady has it right, this one is hers. I'm Morgan Grimes, we spoke on the phone a few times."
"Oh YOU. You are the most persistent, annoying customer I ever met in my thirty years in the business. You make sure no one else hears about the price I gave you. Let's wrap up this deal, so I can go back to actually making money." Fast Eddie was sweating, he did not like giving out such great deals.
Within minutes, Sarah and Morgan had closed the deal and walked away with Chuck's surprise.
"Morgan, I'll get Chuck to meet you in the parking garage, wait till you see us, then bring his surprise to him." Sarah was quite pleased.
With that, they both headed for CI.
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A few minutes later at CI
Sarah found Chuck. "Chuck, I have a surprise for you. Come with me."
Chuck had been busy all day, going through his father's original work, as well as diligently reviewing the information Joe had given him, as well as staring at his white board, which was full of scribbled notes, theories, connections, and ideas. Chuck was pretty close to going to work on the next phase of his effort to stop Gepetto. "Sarah, I'm really busy. I shouldn't"
Ellie looked up, "He hasn't left his desk since we returned from Casey's, early this morning, make him go with you, he could use a break for a few minutes.
Chuck knew he needed a break. He said to Sarah, "OK, I can't win when you both gang up on me, can Xena come?"
Sarah was delighted that Chuck asked as she wasn't sure if Chuck cared for Xena the same way she did, or if Chuck felt Sarah had forced Xena on him, "Of course she can. Come Xena, you want to see Sarah's surprise, don't you girl?"
Xena never was one to disappoint Sarah, "Ruff. Ruff. Ruff." was her reply as she jumped up looking for some affection from Chuck.
Chuck looked happy, but still managed to say something stupid as Xena, Sarah, and he were heading for the parking garage, "I suppose Xena being along rules out you having found a new supply closet?"
Sarah slowed up and gave him a kiss, "She could always stand guard."
Xena noticed Chuck getting affection, and let Sarah know about it, "Ruff. Ruff. Ruff." as Xena moved in to break up the affection.
"I guess she doesn't like that plan," Chuck and Sarah both laughed at Xena, then Sarah was back to the races, pulling Chuck along with her.
When Sarah arrived at the right spot she stopped and looked up, as if by accident, "Chuck, oh look, there's Morgan, he's pulling up in a new Hummer." Sarah looked for Chuck's reaction.
"Wow, my favorite. Black. It's perfect. Morgan's so lucky. He and I both always wanted that exact model," Chuck responded. "Is this your surprise, Morgan bought a new Hummer for himself?"
Sarah only laughed as Morgan pulled up right to Chuck and Sarah.
Morgan opened the door and blurted out before Sarah could give the little speech she prepared, "Chuck, Sarah and I wanted to surprise you with your new Hummer, black and all the options, like you wanted. Well, Sarah really surprised you, I helped, you know what I mean." Morgan was the perfect person to enjoy this surprise with Chuck and Sarah, he was almost as happy as they were, not only about the surprise, but because he was included.
Chuck responded, "Morgan, Sarah, I don't know what to say. I've always wanted a big vehicle to kick some serious butt in. Sarah has her own baby, now I have mine. A big, black, Hummer, who could ask for more? Plus, there's plenty of room for everyone. This is awesome. Let's go for a ride." Chuck was somewhat speechless. He never really let on, but down deep, he really wanted a 'man car', one that Casey would approve of.
Xena let everyone know she approved, "Ruff. Ruff. Ruff."
"Good job man, you have the big time job, the gorgeous wife, the dog, the car, now all you need is kids." Morgan slapped Chuck on the back, while he winked at Sarah.
Sarah nodded back her approval to Morgan.
Chuck balked at that comment, "Morgan, that's really funny, Xena is our baby, we are quite content with her for now. And thank goodness Xena doesn't have to sit on my lap anymore when Sarah drives."
"Chuck, when we take your vehicle, you drive. I'm ready to sit in the passenger seat in our new family vehicle. As far as that other subject goes, let's keep all our options open. You know, I'm already thirty years old. My biological clock is ticking. Speaking of that, do either of you two know why that statement reminds me of torturing some fat, old guy?" For one of the first times with these thoughts, Sarah blurted out her memory, rather than kept it to herself to ponder.
Morgan ignored the fat guy comment, but he pitched in with, "I'm with Sarah on this one Chuck." Morgan knew when it came to Chuck and love, Sarah was the intersect on Chuck, and Morgan knew to stay on her side.
Chuck ignored all the comments, and got in his Hummer. Everyone jumped in, and he took his wife and their two de facto kids for a joy ride. At least for five minutes, the weight of the world was not on his shoulders.
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Chuck's Briefing – A battle won / 4 PM, 3-9-2012 / Carmichael Offices
Chuck walked in with a huge smile and began immediately, the room had the regular gang in attendance, along with Beckman monitoring the meeting remotely. "I have great news. I am happy to report, we stopped Gepetto from using Manchurian, I severed the ties between the two, Gepetto no longer can use Manchurian to dominate the world. Today I tried a new approach. It all started with asking the right questions. Sarah asked the right one this morning to get us going, after that, this puzzle fell together piece by piece, with some help from Joe, and then finding a missing piece from my father's past work. I put it all together this afternoon, right after I took a little break, and it came together quickly after that. For now, Gepetto is stopped from using Manchurian. Any questions?"
Alex asked, "Chuck, will your plan defeat Manchurian one hundred percent?"
Chuck wished he had a better answer, but he did his best to answer, "So far, my software patch into Manchurian was meant to keep Gepetto from commanding Manchurian. Now, I will work to destroy Manchurian. We have time, maybe years, before we have to worry."
Sarah asked, "Chuck, when did your plan become operational, that was really quick?"
Chuck smiled at Sarah, then replied, "I uploaded it right before this meeting. I had a total mind block, after the short break we took, I finally understood a little subroutine my father had written by hand, and never coded. It was dated, the day he died. I think he was that close to defeating Manchurian back then." Chuck stopped for a moment, his eyes welled up with tears. "But anyhow, Sarah, together we all stopped Gepetto, and can sleep peacefully tonight, and live to fight the next battle."
Casey asked, "How can you tell it worked?"
"Casey, that is a great question. The program did get a response from Manchurian, indicating the code was loaded and accepted. But, I suppose the only way we can tell for sure, is if we are around again tomorrow and the next day. The data bots only know that Manchurian is spreading out which Manchurian continues to spread, not whether or not they are carrying out a mission. OK, maybe a second way of telling will be if Gepetto reacts towards us, either attacking us or in some sort of vindictive way. At this point, one mission at a time." Chuck nodded to everyone, and the quick briefing was adjourned.
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Dinner date? / 5 PM, 3-9-2012 / Sarah's office
Jodi called the offices at CI, wanting to speak to Sarah.
"Mrs Bartowski, Jodi Coleshaw on line two." Amy Armstrong announce to Sarah.
"Thanks Amy. Put her straight through." Jodi was far from a normal lady, yet, she was the start of a life for Sarah outside of Chuck's circle of influence, yet still connected to Chuck closely. Jodi was the perfect friend in that regard.
"Hi Jodi, so nice to hear from you. What's new?" Sarah was free for the rest of the day, and in a great mood, since
"I was wondering, if you weren't busy, if you might be free for dinner tonight at my house, I have a few things I'd like to discuss with you. I need someone to talk to, a friend, would you mind?"
"Jodi, I'm afraid Chuck is still tied up with his research project, so we have not had much time to socialize."
"Jack's not here either, that's one of the reasons I invited you, I wanted to talk to you in private."
"Oh, I see. Sure. That would be great. I have a favor to ask?
"Sure, ask away."
"Chuck and I inherited a new family member. A rather large, a bit menacing, German Shephard named Xena. Can I bring her. She hasn't been among strangers real much, can be a little protective. Rescue is such a great dog, and he's her size. Plus, you have so much room for her to run free, she's really cooped up with us right now."
"By all means Sarah, bring her. Rescue's great with other dogs. A natural charmer. We can't wait to met her. How does 7 PM sound?"
"Seven it is, we'll see you then."
Jodi, Sarah and Babies? / 7 PM, 3-9-2012 / The Coleshaw's
Sarah arrived at 3100 Willow Pond Road in Bel Aire, the Coleshaw's address. Sarah was in awe as she pulled up to the Coleshaw's estate. All the homes in the neighborhood were huge, on lots that were equally large. The entire community was gated, with access controlled by a guard, as were many the individual homes.
As Sarah pulled up to the gate, she buzzed the Coleshaw's buzzer, and talked into the video camera.
Fred answered and he recognized Sarah, "Sarah. How nice. Mrs C told me you were coming. Come on in."
With that the gate swung open.
As Sarah pulled up in her Porsche, Fred and Rescue came to meet them.
Rescue was barking, and Xena did not look real happy. Xena was growling, not a ready to fight growl, but a nervous one. Rescue seemed to ignore it, as he glided around the Coleshaw's yard like a king. Sarah finally opened the door as Rescue instinctively backed away a bit, and the Xena took off running out of the car. After moving about fifty yards into the lawn, she ran back at Sarah, barking and running, seemingly have the time of her life.
Fred looked at Sarah and Xena and said, "the both of you need to get out more, look at how much fun she's having."
"Are they OK outside like this alone?" Sarah asked Fred.
"Sure, they'll be fine, our property is completely fenced in. Rescue plays outside all the time." Fred, like usual, had a beaming smile on his face watching the dogs romping around the yard.
Then Fred walked Sarah into the house. Jodi was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on a platter of appetizers for her guest.
Fred saw his boss doing his work and gave her a dirty look, "Mrs C, that's what you have me for. Now, leave me be, and you two go out onto the patio, and enjoy the remainder of daylight."
With that, Jodi and Sarah went out onto the patio, and began to talk.
"This is a remarkable view." Sarah was enjoying everything about the Coleshaw's house. She noticed that Xena and Rescue were running around the yard, no hostility at all present.
Jodi leaned over and touched Sarah's hand, "How are you feeling my dear? It 's been six weeks since we met Are you adapting to your memory issues? Any side effects? Are you forgetting any new things? Remembering old things?"
Sarah was surprised. She was with all her family and friends each day, and some of these questions were asked, but it was so nice to have a friend of her own who was this concerned. Someone that she could talk to about the normal parts of having lost memories, rather than how it all was related to the intersect.
"Thanks Jodi. I've been great. I don't know how I was the last five years. But the last six weeks, nearly any random minute of any day, is better than my best minute I can recall from my prior life. I remember pictures of the past, but not complete memories, or much context. I constantly ask Chuck or his family to fill in the details." Sarah was apprehensive as she spoke, yet happy.
"It'll come, you are fine. A little different question for you. Sarah, what do you do with your free time?" as on the cruise ship, Jodi had a few issues she really wanted to talk to Sarah about.
Sarah answered, sort of thinking that yet again, Jodi was making her think about things she normally didn't, "I don't have that much time, but usually I hang out with Chuck. Plus, when Chuck is gone, I now have Xena, I love to hang out with her, train her, walk her, and she's great company in the apartment, but I try to never be alone. Sometimes Alex or Ellie and I go shopping. And Morgan, you remember, the little guy that was sitting on your lap during the party, he and I sometimes hang out. When Chuck is not around, Morgan and I will watch TV or movies or even play video games, he's nearly identical in his interests as Chuck, hence he's good company, when I miss Chuck."
Jodi was now getting to her point, "Sarah, I think it's time to get you 'other' interests. It's OK to be devoted to Chuck and his family and your job, but you also have to make new friends, have your own interests. That is the secret to having a happy life with your husband."
Sarah was listening and learning, "I never thought of that. My whole life has been devoted to the agency, now Chuck, and the work that CI does. I haven't really had a life of my own. As I said, I don't have that much time, but I would like to grow into more of a normal woman. Could you help me?"
Jodi smiled, "Of course I can. I know you are adjusting to your memory loss. And even with no memory loss, adjusting from the life of a secret agent, to a normal person would be difficult. I was hoping to get you involved in some of my projects. I know you are very busy, but I often find the busiest people, have the most time."
Sarah looked hesitant, "That sounds a little scary. I'm sort of intimating to new people."
Jodi knowingly nodded her head, "You are Sarah. But then again, I'm the wife of a billionaire, so I know of what you speak. If I can do it, you can do it."
Sarah then asked, "What did you have in mind?"
Jodi now looked down and a bit hesitant, "Well, I believe in karma. Let's go with pets and kids as the first two projects you get involved in, since they are sort of the theme of today's get together."
Sarah looked confused, "Pet's that I understand with our two dogs and all, but kids, I'm not pregnant."
Jodi now looked up at Sarah and a big grin broke out on her face, "No Sarah, but I am!"
Sarah rose up in the air to hug Jodi, "Jodi, that's great. Congratulations. What did Jack say?"
Jodi got serious, real suddenly, as she sat back down, and she answered, "I only found out this morning, I haven't told him yet. At my age, with all the travel, and adventure Jack and I do, I'm afraid to tell him. We live a dangerous life as amateur detectives, one we both enjoy. Is it fair to subject kids to our lifestyle? Jack and I have discussed kids often, and we decided not to have them. I don't know Sarah, I'm afraid for so many reasons. Plus, the thought of walking around weighing forty or fifty pounds more while pregnant, I don't like that. Yet another objection, I'm not sure I want to be home taking care of kids, yet I don't want my kids being raised by strangers. I don't know, I don't know, I don't know ….. " Jodi started crying on Sarah's shoulder.
Sarah continued to console Jodi, while she was thinking how this conversation was very close to home, except Jodi really was pregnant, while Sarah was only thinking about it. "Jodi, Jack loves you, whatever you decide, it will work out fine."
Jodi cheered up slightly, as if a weigh had been lifted, "I wanted to talk to someone for practice, before I actually talk to Jack. Thank you for being here Sarah. I'm ready to talk to Jack when he gets home tonight."
The pair of friends, settled in for the evening on the patio for the next hour or two, enjoying the sunset and sharing a pleasant meal. Sarah left a little while after dinner was served, Jodi had given Sarah much to think about, watching Xena enjoy the yard and another dog's company, the thought of getting involved in her community, gated, secure estates, and the very real downside of having kids, as well as the joy and upside that Sarah could see in Jodi's face.
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Orion versus Gepetto / 3-9-2012 / Gepetto's Lair
Allies of Gepetto were falling like dominoes in the weeks since Mary left the conference room at CI. In each case, the assassin's identity remained a mystery, except for a business card lying on top of the victim's body, containing o-o-o. This was a sign from Orion to Gepetto, letting her know exactly who was committing the executions.
Number One: "Our organization is becoming crippled Gepetto. Our remaining allies and agents are afraid for their lives. Whoever is killing them, is like the night, dark and silent."
Gepetto: "No matter Number One. In a week or even less, Manchurian will be operational, and nothing our enemies do will matter. The moment our enemies look at their computer screens, they will be assimilated."
Number One: Gepetto, I have grave news. We no longer have access to Manchurian through the Stalin program.
Gepetto: What do you mean, we can't access Manchurian? That's impossible. Dr Young assured me, our sight was safe, unfindable. And Manchurian is infallible. Nobody can beat is. Your equipment must be mistaken.
Number One: I tried to poll the software to find out how close Manchurian was to being totally loaded. Manchurian would not answer. I could see Manchurian on the Stalin tool bar, the communications was dead.
Gepetto: What? That's impossible. Any idea what happened?
Number One: Well. I thought at first a hacker got into our system. But, I have no evidence of it. From what we can gather, it is as if Manchurian stopped listening.
Gepetto: Boot up the Stalin backup system, that will work for sure. I have dozens of backups, one measly attack won't stop me.
Number One: We've already tried two backup systems, from what I can tell, the problem is on the Manchurian end, not on ours.
Gepetto replied: "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO."
Gepetto started throwing things and stamping her feet. She pulled on her hair. She hit the suicide protocol button so hard and so fast, that she shorted it out. She then screamed, "That's it, I've been too soft. First Mary is killing my agents and allies. Now that wimpy little boy of hers is interfering with my baby. This is war. It is about time my enemies realized they are dealing with the greatest villain of all times. Gepetto. How about we go on a prison break? I want Dr Young back. I need Dr Young back to fix this. How does that sound? And, while we are in the neighborhood, let's kill everyone at Carmichael Industries. I don't think even the great Stephen Bartowski's stupid little boy, can bother me from the grave, now can he?"
Number One, who did not die before the suicide protocol failed , answered, "We will get right on that ma'am?" Number One hurried off before Gepetto figured out he was still alive.
Gepetto was going to attack Carmichael Industries, on USA soil. This was war.
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Good night Sweetie / midnight 3-9-2012 / C&S's apartment
"Chuck, I'm scared about getting my memory worked on again. I don't want to lose my new memories. And I'm really afraid something will go wrong. Something will make me forget you again, forget how much I love you. This 'new' me, understands quite well how that feels." Sarah was buried as close to Chuck as she could get as they talked.
Chuck was rubbing her shoulder as he answered, "Sarah, you didn't exactly forget. Most people can't believe in your love for me, our love together, and are saying things like that's not possible that she loves him again, or other weird things. You've handled all of this really well."
Chuck had been so busy, that Sarah hadn't told him about her plan to make sure she doesn't forget about him again, "Chuck, I'm starting to make dozens of tapes of the present. I'm taping everything. I'm explaining exactly how I felt this last time. Even though I told you I didn't feel it, I did last time, and those mission tapes made me feel so in love, I couldn't show it. I lied last time. I felt it, and this time, I'll hopefully have my old 'in love self' to talk me out of anything foolish. And trust me, I'm making lots of tapes."
"You aren't taping us when we do it, are you?" for some reason, Chuck blurted strange things out around Sarah.
"No silly. You don't want me to, do you?" Sarah always had an answer for Chuck's foot in the mouth disease.
"AH NO. Can you imagine Morgan getting hold of such a thing. Or Jeff and Lester?" Chuck looked horrified at the thought.
"Ehhhhh. Morgan watching tapes of us. Ehhhhh. I can't remember Jeff and Lester, but they sound pretty perverted. No Chuck, when it comes to our sex life, you will have to rely on your Bartowski charm to remind Sarah 3 of what a stud you are. Plus, I'm pretty sure Sarah 1 has plenty of memory of that herself, assuming she has a say in how Sarah 3 reacts to the mind monopoly going on inside her brain." Sarah was now really getting confused.
"Sarah 3, is that what you are calling yourself after the memory fix? No wonder you are scared?" Chuck was starting to understand. "Speaking of Bartowski charm, did I ever properly thank you for your present today Mrs Bartowski?" Chuck was now smiling ear to ear as he moved in close to his wife's neck and began kissing her softly.
"Why Mr Bartowski, I don't believe you have. And I counted three different supply closets on our trip back to the main offices from the parking garage after our ride with the family." Sarah was giggling.
With that, Chuck and Sarah made love into the early hours of the morning, and no known tape of the events were made.
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I have five chapters remaining, assuming I don't split anything up, which I don't think I will. The next two chapters are about Gepetto taking the fight to the Bartowski family. Joe is the pawn in the next episode, while Daniel Shaw is the man that everyone wants a piece of in the chapter after that.