Chuck vs. Where Loyalty Lies

Here's another new chapter for you folks. Sorry for the delay. Last chapter, the appearance of Eddie warranted a bad sign. In this chapter, will he get the package he was sent to Los Angeles for? Once again, it's getting intense my Chuck peeps. Anyways, I think you'll enjoy it. Enjoy the read peeps.

Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment please leave a comment for this this one as well. Tell me what you think and I hope you enjoy the read.

I don't own Chuck but I would like to meet the cast.

Forgive And Forget

XXX

The rest of the weakend was pretty much mundane for not only the Bartowski clan but for their friends and family as well. Unfortunately for Casey, it didn't turn out that way as he continues to be strapped within the confines of not only a dingy, smelly cell, but in a chair by his wrists and ankles. The person responsible for putting him there…Zondra. Speaking of Zondra, the supposed rogue agent stands with her arms crossed looking out a large window without any glass whatsoever. The broken, jagged, glass stained outer shards remain signifying the building itself has not been inhabited for quite some time.

As she continues to stare out into the balmy Monday morning air in Istanbul, she can feel the humidity saturate her soft but tough, thick skin. Skin that has been metaphorically hardened because of what the job has done to her personally, mentally, and not to mention emotionally. In any case, the perspiration inevitably turning into beads of sweat causing it to not only glisten but slide down her forehead, as well as her chest area. For her, she's used to the atmospheric climate since she is or was a government agent who has been sent all over the world and had to adapt no matter what to her surroundings.

Zondra's thoughts concerning being a world traveler inevitably turn the tumultuous relationship or lack thereof she has with one Sarah Walker. A woman she once not only deemed as a friend, but as a trusted teammate as well. She shakes her head a bit at that particular thought knowing at one time the two of them were considered close friends, especially when they were in a well establish 4 woman team known as the Clandestine Attack Team or C.A.T Squad for short. The team itself consisted of Sarah, herself, Carina, and Amy.

Unfortunately, the team dynamic crumbled due to accusation of mistrust and betrayal warranted by Sarah towards her leading the 4 women to part ways. The accusation involved their nemesis and founder of terror organization for hire known as The Gentle Hand Augusto Gaez. It's during their attempted capture of Gaez, Sarah found a hidden transmitter in the heel of her boot and thus she was branded a traitor in the eyes of Langston Graham's best agent. The two of them haven't spoken to each other since but that doesn't mean she kept tabs on her concerning the missions she has been on.

You have to in her line of duty. Call it the competitive nature in the spy game. The last she heard about her former teammate's whereabouts, she got assigned to Los Angeles for a mission. She never imagined that she would not only end up falling in love but settling down by getting married Zondra thinks to herself. The one person she truly never thought would actually fall in love was Sarah. Granted, there was the relationship with Bryce but to her it was more of a spies with benefits type of deal between the two of them. In her mind, she definitely broke the number 1 rule of being a spy…never fall in love.

To her of all people, the great Agent Sarah Walker broke a long standing rule within the agency. Yet, the one question that comes to mind knowing she did is how was she able to still be with the agency? Protocol states that if you become compromised you're no longer useful in the field. A couple questions begin to run through her mind. Who is the guy she married? What type of guy is he? When did she fall in love with him? How was she able to avoid being reassigned? For its those question and countless more that weigh on her mind but she won't be able to ask them face to face. Her former partner has a new life of her own and hopefully one day they will be able to talk things out. Try to find figure out who really betrayed the team. Once that happens, forgive and forget. Easier said than done she thinks to herself. As for her she'll continue with the mission at hand. She wouldn't be able to delve any deeper as her thoughts concerning the matter are consequently broken.

"Ma'am." stated a male voice.

"What is it Rashid?" she responded turning her head to the right.

"The preparations have been made for Agent Casey ma'am." he replied expressing a sly smirk.

Zondra knew that what was about to happen next needed to be done for the expressed purpose of keeping her cover. As much as she has become accustomed to taking care of business by any means necessary without any emotional involvement getting in the way, a part of her can't help but feel bad for what Casey will go through. Of course, he's a pro and has been through this countless times before she thinks to herself. In her mind, he knows they both signed up for something that isn't a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. In that moment, the supposed rogue agent takes a deep breath, furrows her eyebrows, narrows her eyes, and then gives a slight nod towards her subordinate.

"Let's go." she firmly stated.

It didn't take long for the two of them to reach an area in the broken down facility that resembles the showers. True, it has been through years of wear and tear but one of the showers is working evident by the sound of running water hitting the grimy tile floor. As the two approach another set of Zondra's subordinates, they see the NSA agent tightly strapped down and sitting underneath the shower getting soaking wet. They didn't come empty handed either as Rashid wheels behind him a rather large battery with jumper cables attached. It's what's attached to the jumper cables that causes Casey to express a defiant scowl towards his captors…mainly Sarah's ex teammate.

It's at that point, a soaking wet Colonel of the United States Marine Corp expresses a smirk towards Zondra. "A shower and a sponge bath. Don't I feel special. Will I get a happy ending afterwards?"

Casey's responses causes Rashid to immediately step forward and back hand him right across the side of his right cheek. The remnants of water splatter behind him towards Zondra but don't get on her. "You do not dare speak to her that way." he angrily stated waving his right finger dripping with water.

For the experienced government agent, it's something he's gotten used to over time to where it's merely a tickle to him. He takes a brief moment then returns his attention back to Zondra who stands there with a icy expression. She is briefly silent while her arms are crossed but then speaks up. "Listen Colonel…" she stated stepping forward. "…do yourself a favor and tell us what we want to know." Zondra added narrowing her eyes towards him.

As the stream of water from the showerhead above cascades down on Casey's head to every part of his body, he knows he's going to be in for a long day. A painfully long day to be exact but in the back of his mind he hopes that Zondra has a definite plan to keep him alive rather than toying with him until his eventual death.

"Fine…" he said spitting out water from his mouth. "…I'll tell you."

"Good." smiled Rashid. "Your cooperation is most helpful. And they say you have a reputation for being difficult Colonel." he added with a nod.

There is a momentary pause as he deals with the water washing over his face. "Well, the reason I'm here is…" Casey pauses knowing full well what he's about to say next will lead him to experience enormous amounts of pain. "…I'm looking to get a nice tan. What better place than Turkey right?" he amusingly added.

Instantly, Rashid rears back with his right hand and is about to back hand him again. However, it's Zondra who puts a stop to that. "Rashid!"

Rashid quickly turns his attention to his boss. "I should cut out his tongue." he retorted back.

"If you cut out his tongue…" responded Zondra stepping forward. "…then he wouldn't give us the information we need now can he." she added placing her right hand gently on his left shoulder. Zondra's subordinate is briefly silent as he turns his attention from her to Casey who is expressing a sly smirk towards him. In that instance, he slowly backs away letting his boss continue on. "You leave me no choice Casey."

"Bring it sister." he growled gritting his teeth.

Zondra turns her head towards Rashid then gives him a nod. Her right hand man, steps back then pulls the large battery sitting on the dolly just a few inches away from the proud marine who is soaked from head to toe. He reaches down turning on the device, picks up both jumper cables with some type of loofa sponges attached to it. Once the device is ready, he expresses a devious smile as he steps in front of Casey to fulfil some sick and twisted torture in which he will thoroughly enjoy. As for Zondra, she can only stand there as she watches and listens to the sound of searing pain expressed by a growling/grunting John Casey.

XXX

It's 9:15 a.m. Morgan Grimes walks in through the front door of Whiz Kid System, Inc. ready for work on a Monday morning no less. Unfortunately, he's 15 minutes late and at that very moment he formulates a plausible excuse in his head to tell hit boss, as well as best friend Chuck Bartowski. However, he doesn't get that chance when he finds himself staring at a cluster of people around the front desk where Beverly Kim mans the helm. Upon closer inspection, it's mainly women and he has no earthly idea why. As he continues to stand there, his thoughts concerning the matter are abruptly broken by the sound of a familiar voice.

"Morgan." The bearded little man becomes a bit startled to the point of nearly jumping out of his own clothes. His attention immediately turns to his left where his fellow employee Trip Barclay is standing there with his arms crossed. As for the aforementioned Barclay, he stands there amused at the near heart attack he gave him. "Dude, lay off the caffeine." he jokingly stated.

It takes a moment for Morgan to regain his composure. He then responds to Trip. "How long have been standing there?" he wondered.

"Not long." answered Barclay shaking his head. "About 5 minutes or so." he added shrugging his shoulder.

In response, the hetero life partner of Chuck Bartowski shakes his head and reaches up towards his neck with his finger to check his pulse. It's quite a humorous sight for Trip standing off to Morgan's left. "You know what, you're a regular Kwai Chang Kane dude."

Trip quirks his right eyebrow concerning what he said. "The movie or the tv series?"

Morgan take a brief moment to think about being it is considered a relevant question. "The tv series when David Carradine was older and had hair. Much cooler, awesome, and mysterious."

"You got that right." retorted Trip.

"I got the series on DVD."

"Can I borrow it?"

"Sure. I trust you." nodded the bearded little man.

"Thanks. As long as I get back my Dr. Who DVD's you borrowed from me last year." he retorted back.

"Yeah…responded Morgan with a wince. "…about that…"

Trip snaps his head to the right towards Morgan with absolute concern on his face. "Morgan, what did you do to Dr. Who?"

"Listen…" Morgan replied turning his head towards his tall workmate. "…the thing to remember that between friends it's always good to forgive and forget."

"Dude…"

The conversation/impending argument about the condition of Trip's Dr. Who DVD's is abruptly ended by the commotion of relatively high pitched female awwws. It's that point both men turn their attention towards the receptionist desk. Once they do, they see a very familiar and not to mention tall man rising up from within the crowd of women. That person…Chuck Bartowski. They watch as he suddenly holds up the sonogram photo of his 2 month old fetus/child in the air causing both men to nod their head as they briefly turn to each other acknowledging what's happening in front of them. When their attention is refocused on their mutual boss, he suddenly spots them standing near the front entrance.

"Hey…" waved Chuck with a bright smile towards them. "…what's up guys!" he added giving a firm head nod.

"Chuck." both men responded in unison.

He briefly returns his attention back to the ladies congregating around Beverly Kim's desk. "All right ladies, break time is over. It's been fun but time to start the day and get back to work."

As the group of women disperse, Chuck makes his way around the receptionist desk and needles his way through his female employees. Once he does, he stands in front of Trip and Morgan with not only a smile on his face, but a sense of exuberant energy, which the two men clearly witness.

"You've been handing out copies of your baby pictures haven't you." stated Morgan quirking his right brow.

"What if I did. Is that a crime Morg?" questioned Chuck shrugging his shoulders.

Morgan is about to respond back when Trip chimes in. "Are we going to expect this every month until you baby is born?" he inquired.

"Who signs your paychecks?" asked the owner and C.E.O. of Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. "You guys do know it's pay day this week." he firmly added raising both eyebrows.

The two men briefly look at each other in silence. They then return their attention towards their boss with Morgan responding to his best bud. "It's not a problem. I enjoy hearing stories and looking at pictures not only outside of the office but inside as well." he replied with a sarcastic smile.

"Yeah…." nodded Trip. "…what he said." pointing at Morgan standing beside him.

In that instance, Chuck stands there eyeing his two employees for a moment. He expresses a faint smile then gives his response. "Awesome. I'll gladly overlook that you two were late today and not take it out of your paycheck."

Instantly, Trip nods then walks past his boss without saying a word. As Chuck turns his head to the right looking over his right shoulder, he watches his 20 something employee disappear out sight down the hallway. While doing so, he hears the sound of Morgan's voice doing an oh so familiar Star Wars character impression.

"Young he is. Much to learn, the boy has."

Upon hearing that, the proud papa-to-be returns his attention to his best bud and employee of Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. He doesn't say a word. Instead, he stands there quirking his right brow with his arms crossed. For Morgan, he's always been the type of guy to be intimated by strong confident figures and not to mention very attractive women. Yet, when it came to Chuck he wasn't because he never had a reason to be…until now. In that moment, the bearded man begins rocking back and forth on his feet then clapping his hand together from side to side. The silence between the two of them is palpable to the point where a nervous Morgan Grimes doesn't say a word. He just takes a step to his right then walks off inevitably passing the front reception desk where Beverly Kim is currently sitting behind.

As Kim leans out from behind her desk looking down the hallway to see Morgan duck into his station, she turns to her boss who walks up to the right corner of her desk. "I really enjoyed watching that Mr. Bartowski."

Chuck could express a hint of amused laughter after hearing that from his loyal secretary. He shakes his head then taps Kim's desk with his right hand. "I'll be in my office Bev." he stated walking down into the hallway.

"Yes sir." nodded Beckman's former secretary. As she says that, the phone rings leading her to not only answer it but begins the Monday morning work day.

XXX

It's around 11:45 a.m. PST and Travis Riley is sitting at his desk in his office/man cave in confines of casa Riley located downstairs. He is focused on paying bills online and at the same time listening to music on the local radio station in Brentwood. Of course, he's not really listening to it for the simple reason that he hates quiet and it pretty much helps drown out the deafening silence that once blanketed the room he is currently is in. In any case, after several minutes of staring into the computer screen he leans back placing both hands behind the back of his head. Travis leans his head back then momentarily stares up at the ceiling. Once he does, he raises his head inevitably focusing on the picture frame placed on the right side of his computer several feet away.

The picture is of he and his brother-in-law Eddie. A picture of the two of them while they were still under the command of his mentor Tobias Carter. As he leans forward, he begins reflecting back on the moment he knew that his best friend wasn't fit to be out in the field.

"Are you sure you're up for this?"

Travis and Eddie are in the trenches of the training facility within the Zeitgeist headquarters in an undisclosed location. Both are dressed in their fatigues and full body armor. It has been at least 4 months since Eddie's return from being nearly killed by an enemy shooter who was targeting Travis. It was a traumatic experience for the older Haschal sibling to say the least but he had physically worked his way back in tip top shape. Unfortunately, when it came to his mental state there had been a few incidents here and there that Travis keenly noticed causing considerable concern on his part.

"Hey…" firmly stated Eddie armed with a semi automatic weapon. "…like I said before. I can do this. Just need more time. That's all." he added narrowing his eyes towards his best friend armed with the same weapon.

While crouched in a kneeling position, Travis clearly saw the persistent stubbornness he's known so well for and grown to appreciated. It's that same quality that his baby sister has, which is the reason why he not only fell in love with but married her as well. What he also witnessed was him kissing the bullet that's around his neck that was turned into a necklace. The same bullet that nearly killed him. It's at that point, he expressed a faint smile towards him then responded.

"Just checkin' bro." In that moment, he took a brief moment to pop his head up from the trench they're in to give a quick scan of the area of the course they were currently in. Once he's finished, he ducked back down then eyed Eddie. "All right." firmly nodded Travis. "Like always. You hit'em high and…"

"I hit'em low." chimed in Eddie with a smirk.

Afterwards, the two blood brothers smashed forearms then in a matter of seconds the two men emerged from the trench heading into the simulated training exercise. An exercise where mass chaos ensued and their fellow soldiers/teammates were the "enemy". True, the two of them had aced that exercise in the past working together as a team but that is a whole new set of circumstances with Eddie attempting to fully come back to his old self. As they set off towards their mission to finish the course without one of them getting "killed", all seemed to go well with Travis and Eddie working in sync. While one was dealing with targets, the other was watching their back taking out an "enemy" and this would go on for quite some time with both men switching roles from time to time.

It wasn't until they neared the end of the course, that things suddenly fell apart. Tobias, without their knowledge, added something new to their training course that it not only took Eddie completely by surprise, but Travis as well. The protégé of Tobias Carter found himself flying through the air and landed flat on his back weaponless. A well placed and not to mention hidden spring board caught him off guard and the next thing he knew he was looking straight up at the ceiling. It's not the only thing he saw as the sight of his brother-in-law came into view. Eddie knelt by his side then reached down to grab and pull him up into a seated position.

"Thanks dude!" hollered Travis.

Unfortunately, they wouldn't have time for pleasantries. As he helped him up an "enemy" emerges in the distance that Eddie spots with a laser sight trained on Travis. Instantly, Eddie completely froze up as if he's going through a sudden flashback to which he didn't raise his weapon. Fortunately, Travis notices his best friend's hesitance and the fact the trembling/shaking of his right hand was a dead give away. Added to that the reflection of the laser sight from Eddie's goggles causing him to quickly take action by grabbing Eddie weapon then spinning around to take out the "enemy". Travis' quick action saved him from being shot but it didn't save Eddie as he was taken out by a surprise "enemy" who targeted him from behind him. Upon getting hit, the training simulation immediately ends evident by the voice on the loudspeaker.

"Team Alpha: Failed"

The world "failed" stung pretty deep. A disappointed Travis hangs his head. He then stood up and walked over to retrieve his weapon that landed a few feet away from him. When he turned around he saw Eddie not even acknowledging the fact he'd been hit. Begrudgingly, he made his way to him eventually where he stood face to face with him. "Eddie…" he said placing his left hand on Eddie's right shoulder. "…you okay? Can you hear me dude?" Travis added looking into eyes as he shook him a bit. While he stood there, Travis clearly saw it in his eyes the look of fear, doubt, and absolute uncertainty.

The momentary trance he was in inevitably broke leading him back to reality. It took a few seconds for him to refocus looking all around then turned his attention to Travis. "What happened?"

"We lost bro."

"What? How?" wondered Eddie clearly disappointed. He threw his hands in the air in utter disappointment.

After a series of incidents involving Eddie, Travis knew all-too-well what he must do. It was a difficult decision to make but it was for the sake of the team. He shook his head concerning that particular realization and afterwards he reaches over hooking his right arm around his neck. "Let's go. Beer's on me."

"Sorry bro." he retorted shaking his head.

"Don't worry about it." grinned Travis shrugging his shoulders. He held both weapons in his right hand by the straps as they exited the training course.

Don't worry about it. Those were 4 words that have haunted him since Eddie made his unexpected arrival. He basically lied to his best friend because the very next day would be considered in his mind the worst that he has experienced in his life. To see his brother-in-arms and blood brother leave with his sister in tears made it all the more difficult. True, Eddie never forgot what happened to where he knew that it was him who talked to Tobias about him not performing up to par. Thankfully, he was able to get his forgiveness and it's that particular thought in which it leads to a hint of a smile on his lips. It's at that point, he suddenly hears his muffled name being called out within the 1st floor of the Riley household.

"Duty calls." he whispered to himself. The former member of Team Chuck pushes himself off his desk chair, reaches over to turn off the radio, then heads out of his office to undertake his husband or fatherly duties expected of him by the boss of the house.

XXX

"Good night Mr. Batowski." said Beverly Kim standing in Chuck's office doorway.

It's around 9:15 p.m. and the only two people left in the building of Chuck's successful business is him and his secretary. The work day for him was pretty smooth without any headaches whatsoever as all the employees including his best bud Morgan Grimes stepped it up a notch on a Monday no less. In any case, the head honcho of Whiz Kid Systems, Inc. would ultimately be the last person in the building because he needed to finish some important paperwork relating to the newest computer game being developed.

"See ya later Bev. Drive safely. " he replied sitting behind his desk.

"You too and don't stay too late sir." she responded back.

Chuck smiled in response. "I'll try not to."

After giving a wave to Beckman's former secretary, he watches her disappear out of sight to the point where he hears the front entrance door open then close. Chuck then returns to the important paperwork sitting in front of him. It would be 30 minutes later, that his concentration would be broken by the sound of his cell phone ringing. He peers down over to his right to check the screen and when he does a soft smile appears on his lips. Afterwards, he picks it up and presses accept then places the communication device up against his right ear.

"Hey babe, everything okay?" he wondered with a bit of concern.

"I'm fine. When are you coming home?"

"I'm thinking' late. Gotta finish up this paperwork. So you don't have to wait up for me." he retorted leaning comfortably back in his chair.

"Okay. The baby and I are going to go to bed early anyway. I've just been feeling tired all day."

"I know baby. The both of you get some sleep and I'll try not to disturb you when I get in tonight.

"I will and I miss you. It's not the same without you here right by my side."

The husband of Sarah Bartowski expressed a wide smile after hearing that. "Ditto. At least you have Peaches there to keep you company while I'm not there."

"You're right. See you in the morning honey."

"Goodnight Sarah. Sweet dreams." he softly said.

In that instance, Chuck could clearly hear his wife express a audible yawn over the the phone then responds. "Bye."

The conversation between husband and wife would inevitably end. He sets down the phone and briefly takes a moment to express a sigh of contentment knowing how lucky a guy he truly is. The moment would end leading him to finish up the rest of his paperwork. One hour later, he steps out of the front entrance of the his building with suitcase in his left hand and suit coat draped over his left forearm. In his right hand, is not only his cell phone but the master key to lock up the building attached to a millennium falcon key chain with the rest of his keys. Of course, before stepping outside he made sure to arm the security system.

Once he does, he heads over to his car located just a few feet away to his left. It takes a matter of seconds before he unlocks the passenger side door then opens it placing his brief case, suit coat, and cell phone on the driver's side seat. After shutting it, he walks towards the back of his car then makes a quick right turn. In doing so, he suddenly startled by the sudden appearance of someone who he thought left town 2 days ago.

"Eddie. You scared me there dude." he said catching his breath.

"Sorry about that. I guess I'm like a ninja."

From his point of view, he's not dressed like one wearing a black shirt, blue jeans, brown shoes, and dark brown leather jacket. "Indeed." retorted. "Like Storm Shadow or Snake Eyes from the old G.I. Joe Cartoons." he added with a nod.

Eddie expresses a hint of laughter upon hearing that. "I was more keen on Storm Shadow. It's much more enjoyable to play the bad guy."

"Sure but later in the cartoon series Storm Shadow turned into a good guy."

In that instance, Eddie shrugs his shoulder. "He should have stayed on the side of evil. He lost his edge when he sided with the Joes." The two men stand there in momentary silence leading it to be awkward more for Chuck than for Eddie. It's at that point, the proud papa to be notices the necklace around Eddie's neck. "Is that a bullet?"

"Yeah…" he answered peering down. "…it is." Eddie reaches up placing it between his thumb and finger to show Chuck. "The same bullet that nearly killed me. I consider it my lucky charm." added the eldest Haschal sibling.

"Awesome." responded an amazed Chuck. He was truly in awe of a keep sake that nearly caused Eddie's demise. Afterwards, he breaks his focus on the bullet hanging around the man's neck in order to wonder why he's shown up out of blue after leaving with any word whatsoever to his family. "I thought you left."

"I did…" replied Eddie. "…but I'm back."

Oh…" Chuck walks past Eddie making his way around the back of the car towards the driver's side. "…awesome. Travis and Shannon will be glad to hear that."

"I'm actually here for a package."

Chuck stands beside the driver's side door with keys in hand. "What package?" he inquired quirking his right brow.

In that moment, 2 dark S.U.V.s pull up causing Eddie to turn around and back up. He stands side by side with Chuck. As for the occupants inside, a number of men dressed in black and masks over their head get out. A total of 8 seemingly menacing brutes stand ready to fight. Instantly, Chuck turns to Eddie with a serious expression on his face.

"Stay behind me. I got this." he said stepping forward.

As Chuck is about initiate a flash, he hears from behind him the following words: "No, you don't."

In that moment, Chuck turns back only to be hit with a tazer shot to the neck. He doesn't go down right away as the former nerd herd leader lunges forward grabbing hold anything he can to keep himself on his feet. What he does grab hold of is the bullet necklace from off his neck and in doing so the sheer excruciating pain of the electric voltage from the tazer is too much causing him to pass out inevitably falling to the ground. Once he does, Eddie stands there still holding the tazer in his hand. He takes his hand off the button, then places the tazer into his pocket. His attention on Chuck then turns to the 8 men standing in front of him.

"Get him in the S.U.V." he ordered. "I have a package to deliver." added the eldest Haschal sibling.

Instantly, 2 of the 8 men rush forward picking up the prone and seemingly lifeless body of Chuck Bartowski. The rest of the men get in the S.U.V.s along with Eddie who gets into front passenger seat of lead dark S.U.V. After being informed the so called package is safely secured, they drive off into the wind like ninjas but before they do Eddie gives off one more order.

"To the airport."

"Yes sir."

Unbeknownst to Eddie, something is left behind that will unknowingly aid the one person whose loyalties will be truly tested…Travis Riley.

XXX

NOTE: SORRY THE DELAY. LIFE JUST GOT IN THE WAY. I PROMISE MORE CHAPTERS WILL BE POSTED FREQUENTLY. REVIEWS!