A/N: I can't thank everyone enough for reading my stories and comments that encourage me to continue these epic tales. Cendella, I thank you for the help on editing and phnxgr for giving me sage advice and ideas. As we get to the second hurdle of this tale, we now survey the damage and gather in strength for the final confrontation… I can wait.

Chapter 10 – The Knight's Aftermath

"Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang." This was the sound they heard from inside the elevator as one of Shaw's thugs fired at the control panel causing everyone inside to drop to their knees. They all thought it was directed at the elevator itself and not the outside controls when suddenly it came to a complete stop.

"Well, I guess it's comforting that their aim sucks and didn't hit inside." Sam announced with relief.

Michael had to shake his head at Sam's unique banter at stressful situations. But on a side note, it had been worse before; all the times they had been shot at and he was sure Chuck's crew had their own fair share of close calls. Like the shot heard outside which shattered glass from over head. That didn't reassure anyone but forced him, Sam, Jessie, and Casey to rush inside.

"They weren't trying to hit us. They were stalling us. Casey, help me with the doors."

They were able to get the main doors housing the elevator open with a slight strain. They could see some damage on their side where the panel was. It looked to be the reason for the abrupt stop. Sam and Casey stepped up then pulled the doors apart and climbed over the two foot gap where the elevator stopped on the landing. Turning around, they reached back in then helped the others out. Once out they looked around on the now quiet third floor. Spreading out, they each took a section. Casey the offices, Sam the conference room, Jessie the back hall and stairwell, with Michael moving back to the lounge. He noticed an unconscious Fiona lying prone. Michael knelt next to her then checked carefully for signs of a bullet or trauma. She had a slow pulse, and he noticed a welt on her neck and immediately he knew she had been tranked. Looking over the lounge, he saw no one in the room.

"CHUCK?" Michael yelled.

Chuck tried to mass the strength to pull him up but fell short expelling a strongly inhaled gasp of air with sound.

"Humph!" Chuck emitted, still dangling above the ground.

Michael's attention turned abruptly as the sound of Chuck's gasp ventured inside. He moved to check for any snipers on nearby buildings then he looked down at Chuck who had quite the flushed face.

"What happened?" Michael asked.

Chuck took a chaste breath, still trying to get back inside.

Panting, he asked, "Shaw was here. Now, can we talk about this when I'm not holding on for dear life?"

Michael rolled his eyes and extended his hand just as Sam and Jessie came into the lounge.

"Mikey, nobody is on the level, Casey is…" Sam said spying Mike on the edge of the window.

Michael turned his head to look at Sam then braced himself with the window frame. They both rushed over to help. Sam grabbed Chuck's other hand then started to pull him up with a great deal of effort.

"Damn Charlie, for a skinny nerd and former spy, you are a heavy bugger…"

Sam's foot slipped loosening his hold on Chuck's hand causing him to swing wildly. Jessie grabbed Michael to hold him steady as Chuck accessed the Intersect 3.0 for the gymnastic ability then looked at Michael.

"Swing me." Chuck said.

Before Michael could question his reasoning, Chuck started to swing a bit and with his help he gained more momentum, then he was free in the air spinning over the three of them. He landed in the lounge, rolling next to Fiona before stopping. He rose to his feet as they walked over then helped Fiona who was still out onto the couch; it was a better spot than the floor.

Jessie looked at Chuck then rubbed his shaven head. "That's a hell of a trick there Chuck, how the hell did you manage it."

Chuck took a breath as he noticed the attention of not only Jessie, but Michael and Sam as well. He looked to the lounge door where Casey had just entered, who had seen the feat and nodded as he understood its meaning.

"That's because the Intersect 3.0 that I said had been destroyed actually was downloaded into me before I destroyed the glasses. I needed it to stop a terrorist named Quinn. It was the only way. I'm sorry I lied about it being gone." Chuck said.

Michael simply looked at his friend with a stern gaze. It was upsetting that he didn't tell him that he had the new Intersect after explaining what the other versions could do. Michael wondered with that kind of resource now at their disposal could it be possible to find Larry and Shaw? He had to know just how much intel it actually held.

He advanced on Chuck. "When we first met, did you know of my burn notice? And more importantly, do you know anything about Anson Fullerton?" Michael asked, his tone accusatory.

Chuck's eyes fluttered for a moment then he saw a large collection of info on the organization that Fullerton and the person know as "Management" had set up under the umbrella of The Ring. He also saw Larry's info and all connections with the ring. For a moment, he took a step back as all the information was a bit overwhelming. It was more than he had previously seen. There was one piece that he saw which made him a bit leery that begged a closer look. Someone else in the CIA had selected Michael who was still at large, a name only: Recruitment. Chuck looked back to Michael then nodded.

"Yea, I knew of the burn notice but only the file that the CIA had in its possession at the time. Since then I have seen the full details on those involved with the burn. How far up the ring it went? Well, that's a lot of info for me to process. I will give you all I can to help you with this Anson. You have my word." He solemnly stated.

Michael looked toward Sam and Jessie. It felt like being handed the keys to a prized automobile that cost more than most homes. It was a full access to all the details on his burn notice from the very beginning. Both his friends were clearly stunned to hear what Chuck said. Casey marched over to Chuck then turned him around.

Casey marched over to Chuck then turned him around, hissing in his ear. "Are you insane Chuck? That info was to be kept quiet…We don't need everyone knowing that there is still an Intersect out in the world. And to tell Michael that you'll give him all the details on his burn notice; might was well throw up a sign to Shaw saying: Intersect still at large."

He knew Casey meant well with his argument. The Intersect needed to be kept secret and if too many knew one still existed, they would be thrown back into the mix. But it was far too late to be concerned about that. Sarah and half his family were in the hands of two monsters. Michael was willing to assist. If it helped get them back that gave their friends a fighting chance to put that business behind them. It was a price worth paying.

Chuck implored to his friend, "Casey, I know the dangers and you know damn well I will risk my very life to get Sarah and my family back safely. Michael is our friend and we owe them for keeping the Miami mission a secret. If it helps him get past the burn notice that has caused him and his friend so much trouble it's a fair trade."

Casey took a breath then gave his patented grunt of uncertainty at last nodding in agreement. Chuck turned back to Michael and inclining his head, gave his approval.

Just then, Fiona began to stir. Michael knelt next to her, gingerly helping her to sit up.

She was still dazed as she groaned. "I'm gonna kill the bastard that hit me… Oh God… Sarah!" Fiona gasped wondering where her friend had gone.

Michael touched her chin then looked her in the eye.

"Shaw has her, but we'll get her and the others back." Michael said trying more to convince himself than her.

Michael helped Fiona to her feet then turned to Chuck.

"Let's get to work."

Larry applauded with an overzealous smile as he saw Shaw walking into the hideout with Sarah in tow; restrained and blindfolded. From reviewing both her CIA and Ring files; it was apparent Sarah Walker Bartowski was a formidable woman. However, her greatest weakness was her husband and they had the bull by the horns. Now all that had to be done was to take it, then put it down.

"Well done kid… that's showing initiative. We have the nerd's Achilles heel and he'll come running into the crosshairs… but where is Glenanne?" Larry asked.

Tomlin, one of Larry's hired muscles lowered his head in shame. It was he who was supposed to collect Fiona then bring them both back.

"Sorry boss, I clubbed her but didn't bring her back. After Shaw kicked that guy out the window, I figured we didn't need her." Tomlin stupidly said.

Larry's face flushed a deep red. He was fuming. He liked people doing as they're told. This oaf had done neither. He reached into his jacket then drawing his gun, he fired hitting Tomlin in the chest with one slug.

Sarah jumped at the sound of the shot, and of someone hitting the floor. She hoped it was not someone she cared about. Footsteps drew closer to her as the blindfold was pulled off. She squinted at the sudden spray of light in the room. She was now face to face with the architect… Larry Sizemore.

"So this is brazen former CIA skirt that took down The Ring? Such a waste of talent, to think she has been squandered, by a nerd. I trust that issue was dealt with? Or at least given the message?" Larry asked.

Shaw responded with a ruthless grin.

Larry sneered. "Good! So we let them scurry about trying to find us. That would give them hope to save you all and then my favorite part: put all you worthless dogs down."

Larry leaned down to look Sarah in the eyes. When he spoke, Sarah spit in his face; a slap to the face by Shaw as her punishment. Larry stood up and used a cloth to wipe his face as he eyed his pupil.

"Normally I am touched when my protégé takes the initiative. We must not damage the goods too much… at least not until we spring the trap and kill all the dead weight. Put her with the others then gather the men; I suspect we have little time before the lambs come to slaughter."

Shaw smiled as he grabbed Sarah by the hair, pulled her to the back room and pushed her inside slamming the door behind him. Trapped in semi darkness, Sarah pounded on the door. She could not see anyone by what little light there was. As her eyes adjusted, she could make out a mass in the corner of the room. She couldn't be sure if they were people or something else. Then, without warning, the lights flashed on, blinding everyone inside. Sarah turned back to the door, seeing Shaw's hate filled eyes through a slot.

His words were menacing. "Take your last hours to reconnect and bond, it will be your last chance."

Then the slot closed. Sarah looked back to see Ellie, Molly and her mother huddled in a corner shaking with fear. She moved over and placed a tentative hand on Ellie who jumped from the initial contact. Sarah waited quietly as she looked up and saw the wave of relief cross over her sister-in-laws features. Overcome at the sight of Sarah, wrapped her arms around her, and spoke through broken tears.

"Oh my god… Sarah. They got you too… Oh God… Chuck, Devon, Clara; are they ok?" Ellie asked in her rapid fire manner.

Sarah tried to smile but her emotions were so far rattled. Especially seeing Chuck kicked out the third story window. She did not know what happened to him.

"Devon and Clara are fine and are more than likely at the hospital. My father was shot and Devon went to help take care of him. Chuck and I were back at the office, when Shaw jumped us and…" Sarah began to explain then broke into tears. Ellie pulled her into a tight embrace.

"What happened?" Ellie asked.

Amongst the sobs and shaking, Sarah managed to speak.

"Chuck… tried to save me from Shaw, but he was kicked out… a window…" Sarah replied in between the sobs.

Ellie froze in place. She was still holding Sarah when she began to breakdown herself.

"I don't know if he's alive and I'm scared to think…" Sarah continued.

Ellie pulled Sarah up to her feet. She had to be strong for her; even though she herself was on the brink of giving up.

"He's alive, he has to be, and he will come and save us from those monsters. Casey, Morgan and your friends will be there when Chuck kicks in that door to rescue us. Hold on to that thought and there is always hope."

Sarah hugged Ellie as her tears continued to fall. She felt just as bad when Chuck was kidnapped by the Belgium three years ago. Then Sarah heard the voice of her mother.

"Sarah… what happened to your father?" Emma asked shakily.

Back at C.I., Michael had assembled everyone into the conference room. In the middle stood a map of Burbank where he'd circled the places where the kidnappings had happened: Mrs. Walker's home, the airport and C. I. None of them were close together, so there was no point of origin.

"So far from these three locations it doesn't suggest where Larry and Shaw may have set up shop. We need to look at any places that they could be watching, or where Shaw may feel relaxed. Chuck, where did your team set up shop before here?"

Chuck stood up then took the marker from Michael. He circled The Buy More, Castle Spy Café and Grill, the hotel where Sarah had lived before living with Chuck, the Echo Park apartments, the old Ring HQ, and Shaw's old apartment.

"It's not much to go on, but these were the big places we had dealings with Shaw and where my family lived at for a time. The Grand Ambassador was the site of a few missions, so we might want to check there also, but…" Chuck said stopping in mid sentence.

Chuck thought about Shaw which got him to wonder what he was doing to Sarah. With her pregnant, she wouldn't be able to withstand too much punishment. Casey slapped Chuck's arm to snap him back to reality.

He apologized. "Sorry… just lost myself there; for a moment."

Gertrude sat up and looked to Michael. "I have my assistant looking for any info on possible hideout locations that Shaw or Sizemore might use that can give them a sizeable advantage. With the info I have on both of them, it seems to center in the business or warehouse districts. If more comes in, I have standing orders to have it relayed to us." She stated very business like. Chuck liked that about her nothing ever fazed her.

Michael gave a thank you nod to Gertrude knowing the resources that a security ops group would have gave them an invaluable edge. It was a start but not the spotlight they would need.

"We need more options. These seven possible watched positions are not enough to go on. We've already checked around Chuck's home. Larry, will normally go to high class hotels and resorts but given the fact that Shaw is presumed dead, it would be too much of a red flag." Michael stated.

Sam took a sip of his beer then looked at the map then pointed out. "I hate to say it Mikey, but we may need to contact Pearce to see if the CIA can point us in the direction. She's been a reliable source so far."

Michael shook his head in protest to Sam's idea. "Drawing Pearce into this would cause too much chaos and that might draw the agencies' attention back on him.

That's when Chuck spoke up, offering to contact the red headed General. "Beckman, we can check in with her; since she is now a director of both the CIA and NSA. She could help us out with some details."

Casey smacked the back of Chuck's head as he gave a distasteful grunt.

"And tell her what? Shaw is alive and kidnapped your family, plus you have tech that was thought to have been destroyed? Sink your own ship Bartowski, not everyone else's." Casey said.

A knock on the conference room door interrupted them. It slowly opened; Morgan's peering head the first thing inside. Entering, he stopped at the edge of the table; everyone's attention focused on him.

"WOW! I feel like I'm barging in on a Justice League meeting" He quipped.

Chuck had to smirk at his best friend's nerdish response to the tense situation, but knew he had to be here for a reason.

"What's up buddy?" Chuck asked his bearded friend.

Morgan cleared his throat as he examined the room full of spies.

"You have some visitors waiting to see you and…" Morgan started to say but couldn't finish.

Chuck hung his head. He wasn't in any mood to be hospitable to guests. Then, door opened and three surprise guests walked in behind Morgan; Mary Bartowski, Carina and Zondra. Mary stepped next to Morgan as she regarded the room.

Mary's eyes focused on her son, "Figured you needed reinforcements…." in that determined way she was known for.

Chuck was beyond words as he leapt up to hug his mother. Before he could do or say anything Mary held up her hand to stop him.

"There is someone else downstairs that wants to speak with you. In private..."

Chuck swallowed hard. He peered over at Casey who had a look of shock and disbelief.

"I'll be right back…"

Walking past the new arrivals then out the door, Chuck exited the stairwell then entered the lobby where a short red headed woman in military dress stood facing the C.I. logo. He moved closer to the woman, she turned on Chuck. Her face stern, displaying unyielding eyes.

"Hello Agent Bartowski, I hear you're having trouble with ghosts." The General stated.

A/N: Holy Crap! How is that for a chapter ending? My girlfriend described it as a cold chill of fear/excitement going down the back. Maybe she is right, since this draws four allies into the mix. I have ideas for a few more, but want to know what you think of adding them first. Chuck and Michael could use all the help they can, at this juncture.

Granted when the endgame begins, it will stretch a few locations besides the docks. But where…? Wait and see, but ideas are always welcome and comments too. Until the next chapter.