Chapter 11: Nemesis, Part I
A/N: I know...the chapter title sounds diabolical...and I know there was an episode called Nemesis in S1...but... Just. You. Wait. Let the fun begin!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share a review, and I hope the story continues to entertain you. My thanks to charahkids for fantastic beta services! Enjoy!
Castle
Bryce took a seat, and Orion stayed standing. Orion took a moment to organize his words before speaking. When he spoke, his words were calm, yet direct.
"Bryce...for the life of me. If I had to do it all over again...I never would have agreed to help you. I didn't realize you were so reckless, arrogant, and self-centered."
Bryce shrugged. "I did what needed to be done, Orion. I won't apologize for that."
"You should." Orion said, his tone sharp. "Ruining Chuck's life wasn't the answer. He spent 5 years in a slump after Stanford. Did it ever occur to you that having him expelled was something he may not recover from?"
"He needs to grow up." Bryce said calmly. "He's too naive. He always was. Bad things happen to good people every day. He should have dusted himself off, and moved on."
"So, you sending him the Intersect was a way to help him move on?" Orion asked, shaking his head angrily.
Bryce shrugged again. "No, I sent him the Intersect because I knew he could handle it, and I needed his help. Fulcrum was winning...meaning, the Ring was winning. If Casey hadn't shot me, he would have been my asset. With my help, we could have already taken down Fulcrum, and been half-way through taking the Ring apart."
Orion couldn't believe his ears. "Do you honestly believe the words coming out of your mouth? You honestly believe you, alone, has what it takes to take down two major domestic terror syndicates, with hands reaching deep into our very government? Are you that damn stupid?"
"I got closer than anyone. Even you." Bryce said confidently. "With Chuck, I could have taken them down single-handed."
Orion paused, sighing heavily. "Bryce, you really are a sad, narcissistic little twerp. The entire federal government hasn't been able to take them down. But, while you've been saving us all from the clutches of Fulcrum and the Ring...I've got news for you. My son...is the one making the difference. My son, who is not a spy."
"That's why he needed me. He wouldn't have survived without me."
"He wouldn't have survived, had it not been for Sarah." Orion retorted angrily. "With you, he wouldn't have survived. That much I am sure of. Sarah recognized his potential after one night. She is the one who advocated keeping him out of a bunker, and she is the one who has kept him alive. And she had help. Casey, has kept them both alive. They are the ones who took Fulcrum apart. Not you."
Orion glanced away, then leaned forward. "Chuck surprised even me, Bryce. He's not a spy, but he is the epitome of bravery. Sacrifice. Honor. What he lacks in training, he makes up for in his willingness to do what needs to be done. It's in his genes. He has more heart than any of us. The funny thing about it...he has also kept Sarah and Casey alive too."
"I could have done better." Bryce said in an arrogant tone. "Sarah is a good spy, but she was better with me as a partner. We were the best."
Orion laughed softly. "I know the missions Graham sent you two on. Those were tough...but pales in comparison to what Sarah, Chuck, and Casey have accomplished here. Bryce...read the damn reports. No one could have pulled off what they've accomplished. Even the President considers them the best."
Bryce laughed. "The President is a politician, not a spy."
"He's a retired four-star General who earned three Purple Hearts, four Bronze Stars, and the Medal of Honor in Vietnam, smart-ass. He was also my Company Commander, and saved my life when my platoon got cut off by the VC, and pulled me out of a malaria-ridden swamp when a RPG nearly killed me!" Orion spat.
"The President may not be a spy, but he knows all about sacrifice. Honor. Doing the right thing, even when it's not popular. You could learn a lot from the guy." Orion said, his tone sharp.
"So we're clear...I intend to get Sarah back as my partner, and we're taking Fulcrum, and the Ring down. Chuck can stay here with Casey and Barker as his babysitters for all I care. It's not my problem he won't grow up. I don't regret making him an asset. It'll be good for him to do something with his life."
Orion's eyes turned primal. "Let's get something straight. It's not just Chuck you put in danger, you also put my daughter in danger. This has gone far enough. Do what you think is right. Try to convince Sarah to leave with you." Orion chuckled sarcastically. "Good luck with that, by the way." Orion turned serious. "We'll finish this assignment. Then, I want you gone. I never want to see your face again, and if you even think about coming around my son again...I haven't fired a weapon since Vietnam. I swore I would never pick up another after what I had to do over there. But, in your case...I'll make an exception. Are we clear?"
Bryce waved dismissively, and stood up to leave. "Fair enough. It's sad you can't see I was right about Chuck all along. It's just a shame I couldn't have been the Intersect. The world would have been a safer place with me protecting it." Bryce left after the comment.
Orion sighed. "Quite the opposite. The world would be in real danger." Orion smiled. "The world is safer because of my son. He really is the right man for the job."
Echo Park
Sarah hadn't said a word all evening. Chuck knew she was pissed, and didn't really know what to say to her. He sat in the recliner, waiting patiently for her to speak. He knew this look. When Sarah was in deep thought, it was best to give her space.
Finally, like flipping a switch, Sarah got up, and moved to the opposite end of the sofa, taking Chuck's hand.
"Chuck, I need you to be perfectly honest with me. Do you have even the slightest inkling of feelings for Colette?" Sarah's tone came out soft, but her eyes intense.
Chuck sighed. "Okay. Let's clarify that. Define feelings. If you mean, do I find her attractive? Yes. I do. And, for the record, I'm sorry if that hurts you…but it shouldn't. I don't love her. I love you. With you, beauty is more than skin deep. I love your heart. You're not simply attractive...you are so much more. I'm thinking something along the lines of a goddess. Now, if you're asking if I consider her a friend, yes. I do. A good friend. Now, I know where this is going, and please let me clarify something else. If you're jealous, please don't be. She's not a threat to you."
"That answers my question. Now I have another. Will it bother you at all if I have to cozy up to Bryce tomorrow?"
"Yes. It was torture watching the two of you kiss in my room, of all places, and that…display on the Von Hayes mission. Sarah, I wanted to die watching you with him." Chuck said softly.
Sarah swallowed the lump in her throat, and blinked away tears. "I am so, so, so…sorry that happened in your room. As for the Von Hayes mission…you got it all wrong. That display…was me worried sick about you. I turned up the heat to make sure all eyes were on me and Bryce, and no one would pay attention to you."
"Feelings get you killed." Chuck shook his head after the statement. "That's what Bryce told me after you didn't take the shot at that train station. He said our feelings for one another would get us killed."
"And that's why you broke up with me." Sarah said softly.
"Not my finest hour, and for the record…completely idiotic on my part." Chuck said in frustration. "It tore my heart out what I did that night by the fountain. I'm sorry."
Sarah choked back a sob, and smiled. "When I told you…you would forget all about me…and…the look in your eyes when you told me…you wouldn't…Chuck, I've never seen you more hurt. I started to…say, to hell with the surveillance. I should have said something…to…let you know how I really felt. But I couldn't."
Sarah stared at the ceiling, and sighed. "I was such...a fool."
"We both were fools." Chuck said softly. "I actually believed him…because you got hurt."
Sarah didn't even hesitate in her response. "The reason I got hurt is because I let Bryce try to talk me out of helping you, and going after that disk. Chuck, Von Hayes was already in a fucking sports car, and half way across the city by the time I pulled my head out of my ass, and remembered my priority…is you."
"Was…not, is…past tense." Chuck corrected.
"No, is…as in…always. Forever. Past, present, future…and even the next life." Sarah said passionately. "Nothing is ever going to keep me from being with you. Ever."
Sarah glanced away, and sighed. "Tomorrow is going to test us both. We have to pretend to be in love with someone else. I'm not sure if I can do that."
"Me either." Chuck said sadly. "Sarah…is Beckman up to something?"
"I'm pretty sure she is. I think she's testing me."
"How? You've more than proven yourself." Chuck said angrily. "This isn't right."
"Chuck…once upon a time…my duty always came first. My instincts were to do the job, and move on to the next mission. I think she wants to make sure I'm not going anywhere. That…what we have is real. You're the most valuable intelligence asset in the world. I see her angle here. If I decided to leave with Bryce, she wants Colette to take my place as your protector. Problem is, that's not happening. Chuck…I admire Colette for looking out for you. I do. I think she can be a very strong ally. However, she wants you. That's a problem for me. I'm not into open relationships. That's how most spies think. I'm not willing to share you with anyone. So…my question for you is..."
Chuck stopped Sarah from going any further by kneeling down in front of her. "Okay. Stop right there. I know when you stepped in my life…our polar opposite worlds collided. I get it. Sarah…I don't give a damn what happened before we met. Yes, Bryce drives me crazy. That's something I'm working on getting over. I also recognize Colette wants me. Why? I don't know. It doesn't matter. I'm in love with you."
Chuck took Sarah's hands. "Standing next to you…Colette is pretty plain to me. Yes, she is an attractive woman. Yes, she has treated me with kindness. Yes, I consider her a friend…but know this. Anyone who tries to drive a wedge between us…isn't a friend. That includes Bryce."
"Bryce was always pretty sure of himself. Too sure. I think that's why Graham partnered us together. He wanted Bryce controlled. That's where I came in." Sarah took a steady breath. "This might be the hardest thing I've ever told you…but I think you need to understand something. I was young when I was recruited by Graham…and when I became a spy…I was just as arrogant as Bryce. Our…sex life…was more about convenience…and stability. Stability for us, as a team. Adrenaline-fueled lust…often after partying between missions. We were both young, and wanted to take advantage of being in such a…glamorous lifestyle…that was anything but glamorous. Death lurked around every corner…and everything we did was carpe diem. That's why we took things to an intimate level."
Sarah paused to wipe away her tears. Chuck listened intently, not interrupting. Sarah could see the pain in his eyes, and it broke her heart saying these things…but it needed to be said. He needed to understand.
"With you…" Sarah trailed, her tone breaking. "I realize how foolish I truly was back then. I didn't care if I lived, or died. The…sex was purely an escape from reality. Sex without meaning. Each and every time you and I make love…it's…so real…so…magical." Sarah paused. "I know this sounds strange…but…feeling our bodies connect…I know we were meant to be…you're the only guy I've ever been with that I didn't even consider using protection with…and I was a virgin up to meeting Bryce."
Sarah took Chuck's face when his face fell. "But…I lost my true virginity the first time we made love. You…were so perfect, Chuck. I have never felt my whole body explode like that. And…each and every time…it just gets better, and better. You amaze me how each time feels like the first time…and how I love losing control with you."
Sarah leaned forward, and wiped Chuck's tears with her thumbs, and kissed him softly on the lips. "I'm not the same after meeting you. I never want to be that person again. I will never again…cry over feeling like I've lost you. You...made an arrogant, heartless assassin fall in love with you. In essence...because of your love...I'm liberated. I know who I really am. I found myself through your friendship, and I know what love truly is thanks to you. You...saved me, Chuck...and I love you with all that I am."
Chuck finally spoke, his tone hoarse. "I can't even put into words what you mean to me. Saying I love you...just doesn't do it justice. Furthermore, it is my duty to protect you too...so tomorrow...I need to make sure Bryce doesn't get his way." Chuck grinned. "He really is a moron, isn't he?"
Sarah looked intrigued. "What do you mean?"
"He thinks he can just swoop in, drag you away, and everything will be hunky dory? Well…I told you I won't sit on my ass and do nothing. So…do you trust me?"
"Always." Sarah said without hesitation. "Chuck…what are you thinking?"
Chuck kissed Sarah with so much passion, she moaned…then practically growled when Chuck broke the kiss. "I'm thinking during tomorrow's…mish…I'm calling an audible. To hell with the mission. I am going to hack the hell out of RI, and get what we need, and then I'm showing Bryce Larkin he's not much of a spy. I am also making it plain and clear to Colette…I'm a one woman kind of guy, and that woman's name is Sarah. Her name is etched in my heart, and she is going to be my wife, the mother of my children, and we're going to grow old together."
Sarah's eyes shined. "Take me to bed right this instant, Chuck."
"You got it." Chuck said, then swept Sarah in his arms. Sarah's eyes dilated the moment she went airborne. Chuck power-walked to the bedroom, and Sarah swung her body out of Chuck's arms, and pinned him to the door. Panting, she feverishly removed Chuck's clothing in between kisses. Sarah then yanked Chuck to the bed, and fell to her back, pulling Chuck with her. Sarah paused for a moment, and bit her lip. Chuck stopped momentarily when Sarah spun herself around, and splayed herself spread-eagle on the bed. Chuck's eyes widened when Sarah whipped her head around, and gave Chuck an inviting grin.
Several minutes later, Sarah found herself resting on top of Chuck, with her face resting against Chuck's chest, staring deep in his eyes. Chuck was still trying to process what just happened.
"Sarah…was…" Sarah silenced Chuck with a finger. "No, sweetie. I have fantasized about doing that for a long time. It was perfect."
"That was…pretty intense." Chuck said, pulling Sarah to his face, and brushing her hair gently with his hands. "I'm…not normally that…aggressive."
"I know." Sarah smiled. "But, we're going to work on that."
Chuck nodded in understanding. "It sounded like you were enjoying yourself."
Sarah snorted. "I was. And, uh…I think it stands to reason we should…spice things up a bit every now and then. Me on top, or you on top all the time can get old."
"No it doesn't." Chuck said solemnly. "Each time we do this…It's like a dream. I have to pinch myself that we're actually together."
Sarah sighed in content. "I knew you would say that. That's one of the many things I love about you. You're an absolute bombshell lover, yet you are so considerate. Trust me. I wanted to do that, and I want to do it again very, very soon." Sarah smiled, tracing Chuck's jaw.
Chuck made eye contact, and lifted himself to a seating position, pulling Sarah to him. She immediately sat in his lap, and her breath hitched when she felt their bodies connect.
Sarah thought she was going to faint. Chuck stared longingly in her eyes, as he gently rocked her in his lap. She moaned softly, as Chuck gently kissed her on the lips. His pace agonizingly slow. Sarah let Chuck control the pace, and suddenly…her whole body tensed. Sarah cried out, but kept her eyes fixed on Chuck, who watched in awe as she cried out…their faces inches apart. With tears strolling down her cheeks, Sarah let herself go. Her body twitched, and Chuck held her face, her own hands locked on to Chuck's hands like a vice.
And…it didn't stop there. Chuck slowed his pace as Sarah recovered, and then sped up. Sarah's eyes rolled in the back of her head as a second throw of passion consumed her, and Chuck together...as one.
Sarah rested her head on Chuck's forehead, gasping for air. "Oh my God…Chuck that was…Oh my God…"
Sarah was now bawling. "That was…so…perfect…beautiful…"
Chuck held Sarah close, as she cried in his arms. "I love you, Sarah."
"Oh, Chuck…" Sarah trailed, trying to catch her breath. "I love you too."
Chuck took a steady breath, rocking Sarah gently in his arms. "Don't worry about this mission. Trust me."
"Okay." Sarah said softly. "Just…hold me…please…"
"Always." Chuck said softly.
Sarah ran a hand through her hair, and laughed softly. "Just when I think things couldn't get any better…wow. I can't wait to see what else you've been holding out on me."
Chuck winked. "You ain't seen nothing yet." Sarah gasped. She believed every word.
Roarke Instruments, Day 1
Chuck nearly burst into laughter when he saw the way Sarah was dressed. She decided to lay the law down, and opted for a baggy pant suit, that was clearly a size too big for her. She wore a belt to hold up her baggy trousers, and opted for a pair of plan black flat pumps. Her hair was pulled in a ponytail, and she wore very little make-up.
To Chuck, however, she was beautiful. To prove it to her, Sarah gasped when Chuck kissed her soundly for a good five minutes before they left the apartment.
Separating at the entrance, the couple strolled casually to their perspective offices. Sarah was given a small office, and noticed Bryce was positioned a few doors down…in an even smaller office. Chuck was given a cubicle, and had yet to make contact with Colette. Once at his desk, Chuck was briefly introduced to his supervisor, some guy named Shannon, who looked like his momma dropped him off at work.
Chuck knew RI had all kinds of security…but it was child's play compared to what Piranha could do…and Piranha was hungry.
Chuck quickly found something…odd in the RI database. A lot of research and development resources had been pumped into a project simply called 'Top Secret.' Not very subtle, at all…but Roarke was a bit of an egotistical eccentric. Opening the file, Chuck forwarded the financial stuff to Sarah through an encrypted PTP program he put on a USB drive for her that morning.
Chuck began downloading the encrypted file with the technical details, when someone sat on top of his desk, and placed a cup of coffee in front of him. That someone, was Colette.
Chuck stopped typing, and his eyes landed on her boot-clad legs, and slowly made their way up to the hem-line of her black skirt…which barely covered critical areas of her mid-section. From there his eyes darted to her blouse, which was opened enough to give him just a glimpse of her bra. Colette lowered her glasses to her nose, and gave Chuck a wink when their eyes quickly met.
"Morning sweetie. I brought you coffee." Colette said in a sweet, American tone.
Shannon appeared next to the cubicle, and looked like he would faint. "Uh…you must be Colette."
Colette smiled, and lifted herself off the desk. "You must be Shannon. I see you've already met my boyfriend, Chuck."
"This…this is your girl?" Shannon panted breathless.
Chuck shrugged like it wasn't a big deal. "Sure. We were lucky to get assigned to R&D together."
Colette smiled. "Well. I'll be at my desk it you need me. I'll see you at lunch." Colette smiled, then kissed Chuck softly on the lips, sauntering away.
Chuck turned back to his computer, and frowned. He didn't like the kiss, but knew he hadn't had a chance to talk to Colette about some ground rules on the cover. She was a spy, playing her part. He couldn't fault her, and she didn't really go overboard.
"Wow." Shannon said in awe. "You're one lucky bastard, Chuck."
"You have no idea." Chuck said, thinking of Sarah.
Chuck approached Colette's cubicle after Shannon left, and leaned forward. "Colette…I think I found the files we've been looking for. Just sent the financial stuff to Sarah. It will take a while to go through these files for anything definitive…but I think I hit the jackpot."
Colette turned in her chair, in deep thought before speaking. "I have a question, and please be honest with me. Are you a computer hacker? Chuck, I've already found security on these systems equivalent to both of our agencies."
Chuck sighed. "Can, uh…we have that discussion later? Sarah…" Chuck paused when Colette's eyes flashed anger. "Chuck, I am your handler. It is my job to know your abilities." Colette paused. "Okay. Fine. We'll have that discussion later. In the meantime, stay on those files. I'll keep digging into this…new operating system RI is releasing in a few days."
"Why? Something wrong?"
"Beckman contacted me this morning. Our field agents picked up some chatter about this new OS being able to take over any computer it is installed on. They believe it's a Trojan Horse program." Colette paused. "I hope the kiss wasn't too much earlier. You looked uncomfortable."
"Just a tad. But…I understand we have to kiss for the cover, but please. Closed mouth. I have to answer to Sarah, and she's already going to be pissed." Chuck said sadly.
Colette leaned forward. "Chuck, this is for the cover. I know where I stand…but I'm not going to lie to you. I'm going to enjoy it. If we can't be together, at least I can have this one mission pretending to be your girlfriend. Sarah will have to kiss Bryce too."
Chuck shook his head. "I really don't want to think about that."
Colette smiled sympathetically. "Chuck, listen to me. It's all smoke and mirrors. What the two of you have at home…is so much more." Colette paused. "I'm envious of Sarah. I won't deny that. But, I won't do anything that hurts you. That won't stop me from reminding you that I'm still here, and I care."
Colette paused again, in deep thought. "I'll have a chat with Sarah. It might not be a happy one…but it's something she is going to have to get over. I'm not a threat to her. I won't cut in…but if I want to kiss you, that's too bad. The only thing I'll promise, it'll be closed mouth, and nothing overboard."
Colette noticed Shannon staring, and grinned. She grabbed Chuck, and kissed him rather hard, but quick on the lips. "You'd better head back to your desk."
Chuck nodded. "I don't see a problem with friends sharing a friendly kiss. I'll concede that point. But…Colette…please don't try to drive a wedge between us. I am begging you."
Colette smiled. "I won't. Just know that…I care about you…and I will never do anything to hurt you. That includes your relationship with Sarah."
Chuck nodded, and returned to his desk. Colette smiled at his departing form, and went back to work.
Later that day…
Sarah managed to dodge Bryce twice during the morning. She was too immersed in the financials Chuck sent her way, while handling a few other tasks her supervisor sent.
Sarah had already left her office when Chuck arrived on the floor. Chuck grinned when Bryce exited his office, with a smug look on his face. Chuck walked behind Bryce, waited for him to get close, then shoved him in an empty conference room…before grabbing Sarah in his arms…ducked back into her office…and planted a searing kiss on her lips.
Sarah moaned in Chuck's mouth, and her knees went wobbly. Chuck ended the kiss, and attacked Sarah's neck, using the motion to whisper in her ear. "I'm still digging through the technical stuff I found. Did you make any sense of the financials?"
Sarah pinned Chuck to the wall, and kissed Chuck's neck. "Millions of dollars were pumped into that project. Chuck…we're getting close." Sarah attacked Chuck's neck, then moved her lips close to Chuck's. "You are a genius." Sarah kissed Chuck furiously, not caring her door opened, and Bryce walked in.
"What the fuck are you two doing? You're blowing our cover!" Bryce spat. Chuck and Sarah both replied with the one-finger salute, their lips still attached.
Sarah ended the kiss, and bore daggers at Bryce. "You've got precisely one second to walk out that door, or I'm really going to blow our damn cover! I'm saying 'hi' to my boyfriend, asshole!"
"Fine." Bryce said in disgust, and exited.
"Ohhhh, he looked pissed." Chuck said with a goofy grin, then his mood turned forlorn. "We, uh…need to talk about Colette."
"She texted me." Sarah said, handing Chuck her phone.
Chuck read the text, and nodded. "Talk to me, Sarah. How do you feel about this?"
"Hey, that's my line." Sarah said with a grin. "Honestly? I'm not mad at her for being up-front, and honest. And…as much as I want to not like it…I don't have a problem with it. She does care about you, and I don't have a problem with her kissing you. Closed mouth." Sarah said the last part with a warning look.
"Do you feel like this is cheating on you?" Chuck asked softly.
Sarah smiled in adoration. "You really are adorable, Chuck. No, this isn't cheating. Ellie sometimes kisses you close to the mouth. People kiss their friends. I don't see a problem with it."
Sarah grinned. "I called her, and told her not to kiss you on the mouth in front of me. I also told her tomorrow morning, she better wear clothing a little less revealing." Sarah approached, and kissed Chuck…using a lot of tongue. "That was for not staring her down. She admitted you looked upset, and she was sorry. We had a nice chat."
"I'm glad. Sarah, she told me…" Sarah silenced his rambling with a finger. "She recorded, and played back the entire conversation. Chuck…she means well. I think she and I needed to have that talk. In fact, we're going out for drinks after work. We need to lay some ground rules about you. I…also need a friend, and so does she." Sarah kissed Chuck again. "You really are something, you know that? She went on and on about how proud she was to be working with you."
"Sarah…Colette understands us both. And…I really do hope she can find a guy who makes her happy. You and I have found our happiness."
Sarah melted at Chuck's words, and rested a hand on his cheek. "Chuck, you are too sweet for your own good."
Chuck leaned forward, and kissed Sarah softly on the lips. "Just one question…do you consider Bryce a friend?"
Sarah furrowed her brow. "Have you lost your mind? No. Chuck, Bryce is my nemesis. I loathe him. I wouldn't kiss him again if he was the last guy on the planet. I'd kiss a thorn bush first."
Chuck snorted. "That would hurt. So, let's make sure that doesn't have to happen." Chuck grabbed Sarah's face, and kissed her with such intensity, she nearly fainted.
"Stop teasing me, or I am screwing you right here on this desk." Sarah said breathlessly.
Chuck gulped. "Okay...with that thought, I'd better get back. Colette is working on this operating system. I take it Beckman called you?"
"She sent a text letting me know. Just focus on those files, and keep me posted."
"I love you." Chuck said, then gave Sarah a quick kiss. Sarah yanked him back to her, when he turned to leave…a devilish grin on her face. "Oh, no you don't." Sarah pulled him close, and bit her lip. "I love you too." Sarah gave Chuck a very wet, very hot kiss. She grinned at the look on Chuck's face when he left.
Chuck passed Bryce's office, knocked on the window, and flipped him off on the way back to R&D.
Castle
The team was all seated around the table silently while Beckman went through page, after page of files Chuck recovered the first day of infiltrating RI.
Stunned, Beckman removed her glasses, and gave Chuck a coy look. "Nice work, Chuck."
"Nice work? General, he blew our cover!" Bryce protested.
"What cover?" Sarah retorted. "Oh, you mean the one where I was supposed to enjoy having you paw at me like a damn pervert?"
Colette leaned toward Bryce. "What's the matter…Bryce? Never seen a real spy in action before?" Colette gave Chuck a wink. "That was amazing, Chuck. I've never seen anyone hack into anything that advanced."
"More like idiotic." Bryce retorted. "Now, we can't go back in."
Colette rolled her eyes. "Oi! Get over yourself you tosser. What Chuck did today, was brilliant."
Bryce was now furious. "This was a three-ring circus! Chuck was not supposed to visit Sarah, and he was supposed to find the cube! Not hack their system!"
"That's how he found the files related to the cube, moron!" Sarah said through gritted teeth. "He also found evidence RI funded the Meadowbranch Intersect beta testing. Just the financials I went through today alone is enough to implicate RI with Fulcrum, the Ring, and even several major Federal Trade Commission violations."
Casey, who finished eyeing the files, finally spoke. "Larkin, you wouldn't know good spy craft, if it jumped up, and bit you in the ass. Bartowski saved us a lot of work, but your ego can't acknowledge that fact because you didn't get to play grab-ass with Walker. Do us all a favor. Shut the fuck up."
Beckman stopped Bryce from speaking, by speaking over him. "Agent Larkin. Mr. Bartowski seized the initiative on this one."
Casey's eyes lit up. "Are we going to put RI in the rock-pile business?"
"It's too risky. We may use the information Agent Walker recovered, and hand it over to the FBI. We need to go about this quietly. Roarke is well-connected to several Congressmen." Beckman said calmly.
Casey pouted. "Dammit. I wanted to see some shit blown up."
Orion, who remained quiet, studied the cube schematics carefully. "I'll be damned. Chuck was right. That entire campus is designed to power the Intersect computer…but they haven't quite finished it."
Chuck looked curious. "What was missing?"
Orion grinned. "Me. That's why they were after me. They didn't have the program coded properly. Had they tried to use this, it wouldn't have even powered up."
Chuck smiled. "Then it was a win-win either way."
"Looks that way…but judging by the code…they were about a year from figuring out the sequence."
Colette's eyes widened in horror. "That means…Chuck stopped them."
"Looks that way." Sarah said through a broad smile.
"We still have to find the cube." Orion said with a smile. "Looks like we need to gear up for round 2. Chuck…this time…I'll be on comms with you, Sarah, and Colette."
"What about me?" Bryce said arrogantly.
"What about you?" Orion said with narrowed eyes. "All you've done is whine and bellyache this entire mission. As far as I'm concerned, you can sit on your ass like you did today."
Bryce grinned. "Actually, I got to meet Roarke. We're playing golf tomorrow."
"Well, give you a fucking cookie. How is golf going to get the intel?" Casey snarled.
Bryce glanced at Sarah. "Because I told him I have a smoking hot girlfriend, and he invited us along. You see…Roarke's weakness…is younger women. He's been known to date models."
"Then you'd better find a girlfriend, Bryce." Sarah said confidently.
"I did. You."
"I'm not going." Sarah said calmly.
"I'm afraid you don't have a choice. I pointed you out. He's expecting you." Bryce said, then folded his arms.
"You sonofabitch." Sarah said through narrowed eyes.
Bryce shrugged. "Spy craft, Sarah. Go to the source. Files are often circumstantial. The source, is concrete."
Chuck stared at Bryce calmly. "Bryce, the files look pretty substantial to me. We've already uncovered the Intersect schematics. We just have to find the cube."
"Roarke is more valuable. If we can get him to admit what he's doing, we can bag him. Once he lawyers up, we'll get buried in technicalities." Bryce said with a smug look. "Chuck…leave the spy work to the professionals. This isn't a job for amateurs."
Casey was the one who reacted. Sarah had already drawn one of her knives, and Chuck grabbed her hand…when Casey knocked Bryce out cold from his seated position next to Bryce.
Beckman gave Casey a smirk. Casey shrugged. "Bastard was boring me."
Casey turned his eyes to Chuck. "You're no amateur, Bartowski. Next time he calls you that, I'm nailing him upside down on that far wall by his nut sack, and using his head as a damn Pinata."
Colette raised her Glock from under the table, and sat the weapon in front of her. "Dammit, Casey. I was about to shoot him in the bollocks."
Beckman shrugged. "Alright. Agent Walker…as much as I hate to say it…you'll be joining Bryce tomorrow on the golf course. Although Agent Larkin is a pompous jackass…he does have a point. Mr. Bartowski, Agent Barker…it will be up to you to find the cube."
Chuck folded his arms. "Don't worry, General. Colette and I will find the cube." Chuck winked at Sarah. "Score an albatross. King Douche-Bag over there consistently shoots bogey's…in golf, and life. He's always one step behind."
Sarah let out a wet laugh. Colette and Beckman snorted.
Casey grunted amused. "Permission to just shoot him, General?"
Beckman rolled her eyes. "Denied…for now."
Colette got up, and walked over to Sarah. "Sarah, let's have that drink. I've got an idea."
Sarah nodded, and glanced at Casey. "Casey..." Sarah never finished. Casey nodded. "Bartowski, you're staying at my place until Walker gets home. I need a word."
Chuck glanced at everyone, who looked like they were hiding secrets. Sighing, Chuck agreed. "Sure, Casey."
A/N: The next chapter will be an intermission between Nemesis I and II...Bryce may think he got the upper hand...but has he? I wonder what Colette and Sarah will cook up? Stay tuned!