Let us do something, while we have the chance, partner.

Still don't own Chuck.

"That is all her."
-Chuck episode 3.17

Chapter 14—the Telegraphers

Chuck, Sarah and Lisa were in the 'engineering car' at the Cheyenne train station. Chuck looked at Sarah thinking about her last comment. She wondered whether they could use all the maps Chuck had to find Fulcrum and the people who leaked the information about their trip. "Well, that's a part of what I was hoping. I have ordered a safe for installation in the car. I mean if we could collect the right information…"

"I know, that's what Langston says all the time," Sarah smiled at him.

Chuck looked back out the cars window, "Yeah that would be nice. So, how are things here?"

Lisa was first, "We really needed you."

Sarah understood. It was not like San Francisco. The Pinkerton agents tried to control everything. She motioned outside the car, "They have been doing a very, very good job protecting us. We have not been able to do much."

"Your reports indicated that there was nothing around here that seemed to be Fulcrum related. I guess that's good. It seems strange that we lost them," Chuck looked at Sarah for an answer.

"I know. But I don't have an answer." Sarah shrugged her shoulders.

"Well, let's get going. They still have to take this over and fix it up. Let's stop by the telegraph office and send this," Chuck held out a sheet of paper he had in his pocket.

Sarah read it, "Are you going to encode it? We have been ever since the… ah accident."

"Sure," he held up the other sheet. Sarah smiled at him. He put the real message in the wood stove at the end of the car. Holding out his hand to show the way, they exited the car.

Chuck thought for a moment, "Agent Johnson?" He saw him nod. "We need to send this message and then we'll head back to the hotel." He looked down the line for the engineer and shouted out, "Thanks Ben, see you next time."

Sarah took the encoded note into the Telegraph office. Sarah came back and helped Chuck to the carriage that was waiting for them. He didn't need that much help, but he decided it was too nice to pass up. The carriage was nice too. He had his arms around a girl on both sides.

Chuck could pick out the stake outs on the street as they went to the hotel. There were four men ahead of the carriage and four behind. He thought it was a bit unnecessary. But then thought, 'It must be working. They have been safe.'

Reaching the hotel, Chuck saw a familiar face. He got out of the carriage and helped the girls down. When he turned around, he heard a familiar voice.

"Bar.." the hand went up in a salute.

"Charles Carmichael, sir. On a mapping mission…" Chuck smiled and returned the salute.

General Stanfield nodded. He smiled watching Chuck take the arm of each girl, "Well, glad you have something to do. Hopefully, you'll be able to entertain these young ladies."

General Stanfield had been his commanding officer through much of the war. A mapping mission for the engineers was a normal part of their duties. In most cases those operations were conducted behind Confederate lines. The General, only a one star back then, would provide the overview of an upcoming operation and his engineers would go out to get the maps ready. Each time the engineers used different names and clothes of the area. Had they been caught, they would be shot as spies.

The General took Chuck's hand and shook it, "If you need anything at all, let me know. And if you have time I am sure the entire staff here would like to see you."

Sarah watched the exchange and the reaction from Agent Johnson. She knew that Lisa was right. They really needed Chuck. Whatever Chuck had done before, had been obvious to the Agent. His expression turned to awe. She was sure that anything they wanted now would be forthcoming.

Chuck smiled, "Well sir, I would like to get out of these smelly clothes, take a bath and get some clean clothes on. I am sure getting rid of the smoky smell would make these ladies happier."

Sarah laughed, "We'll have your clothes up in your room waiting for you."

"Okay, I guess I have my first orders. Excuse me, ladies and sir." Chuck walked to the stairs.

The bath was down the hall from the rooms. Chuck scurried through the hall in a hotel robe after the bath and shave. He felt better and knew everyone would be happier. When he got to his room he was a bit embarrassed. His clothes were laid out on the bed for him. He wondered whether Sarah had done it.

Dressed and armed, Chuck checked the mirror. He was happy. The doctor was right. Those new splints did work nice. They were thin enough that his pant leg fit over them and they were not that visible. He used his walking stick to move out of his room and to Sarah's.

Sarah opened Hiram's door and looked down the hall, "Chuck, we are waiting over here. Would you like to get breakfast?"

His smile brightened her day, "Certainly."

At breakfast, Lisa convinced Chuck that they needed to see a little of the town. The General gave them some ideas on where to go. He explained were the shops were located and how to stay away from the saloons. The day went fast. After dinner Chuck and Casey went back to check on the progress of the 'engineering car.' It was finished.

They went back to the Station Master and set up the trip for the next day. Chuck was able to make a deal. He was going to work a problem at the switch yard and if successful, their cars would be the only with that engine. Chuck told Casey to head on back, this would take an hour or he would not have a solution.

Casey went back to the hotel and told the girls what was happening. Chuck's problem turned into the event of the day. The four of them, the General and most of his staff went over to the switching center to see Chuck at work. Agent Johnson's men spread out around the yard but became overwhelmed by the good citizens of Cheyenne who thought some kind of contest was in the making.

The Station Master turned into the Ring Master. He explained the problem and the time remaining to solve and fix the problem. And by the time they got over to the train yard there was only fifteen minutes left. As the Station Master explained it, the problem was that Engine Number 5 had approached the round house and only got half way on to the table. The problem included getting the engine out of the way so that Engine Number 22 could be moved out in the morning and be used the next day. By the time the Ring Master had explained the problem bets were being made. As the time was ticking down, the audience could see Chuck going between the train and the wheel house engine. With two minutes to go Chuck had three burly men with crow bars line up on the other side of the turn table. The wheel house engine was pushed to its limit and at Chuck's signal all engaged. The wheel was moved approximately two inches which was enough to relieve the pinched wheels of Engine Number 5. At almost the same time Engine Number 5's wheels began to spin and move ahead. Chuck explained the gearing problem to the wheel house manager. Turning he saw Sarah and waved. The crowd that had gathered sent up a cheer. Taking a bow with the best he waved to the entire audience.

Chuck walked over to the Station Master and shook his hand. Waving at everyone again, he went for it. He walked over to Sarah and gave her a kiss. The crowd erupted again. He smiled at her, "Ready to go?"

Sarah smiled at him and pulled him back down for another kiss, "Now, I am." Sarah took his arm to help him. Casey took his walking stick and they headed back to the hotel.

When they got back to the hotel, Chuck stayed at the counter to say hi to Danny. The others went up stairs saying they would meet him in Hiram's room. The General came up to the counter, "Now that they are busy, could we have a second of your time?"

Chuck nodded, "Yes sir, anything you want."

The General asked, "Please join me in the dining room for a farewell drink." Chuck was surprised by the turn out. The General's staff was there. With drinks in everyones' hand, the General toasted the hero of Weldon's Railroad. Chuck smiled but was torn by the toast. It had been his worst and best day. He knew that his actions that day saved hundreds of Union troops, but he also knew that his actions took out a Confederate position that held nearly as many. The day ended with him in a trench covered in dirt with a gash that ran the side of his chest. Big Mike had been there to pull him out and Danny helped take him over to the medical station.

Chuck returned the toast, "To the Union and our President. And to all of you and those who cannot be with us. I thank you." Chuck drained his glass and went around the room and shook everyones' hand.

The General took Chuck to the lobby, "I am glad that you came. If you ever come back this way, please stop by. And God speed on you mission. Keep them safe."

"Thank you, sir. I will. Please excuse me." They shook hands and Chuck went up to their rooms.

Knocking at the door to Hiram's room, Casey opened the door. Chuck asked, "Everyone ready to go tomorrow?"

Lisa answered, "Yes, but that was fun tonight."

Hiram smiled, "Yes, it was." He patted his pocket with his wallet. "A few of the town's folk did not know you as well as we do."

"Granddad!"

Hiram continued to smile and offered Chuck a drink, "That was very good tonight."

"Well, it will be a lot easier tomorrow. The dedicated engine for our trip to Denver will cut the trip to close to five hours. We will not have to stop," Chuck took a sip.

"Yes, I do thank you for that. With the exception of staying at your sister's and the brief period at San Francisco, we have been traveling for two months. It will be good to get there," Hiram nodded.

"Everything should be set for a nine o'clock departure. Agent Johnson's men are getting everything set," Casey stated.

"Hum, good. I told Gus, the Station Master, how I wanted the train cars arraigned." Chuck added.

"Well then, to the morning. Good night, ladies," Hiram finished his glass.

Chuck realized that the hallway contained far too many Pinkerton agents. Sarah saw Chuck trying to figure it out and his face drop when he saw how many there were. She nodded in agreement. He took her to her room. Holding her hand and then her waist, he whispered in her ear, "I missed you more than anything." He held her close, "You know out there I only thought of you." He kissed her.

He might as well as been spinning her on the dance floor, Sarah felt so good. She wanted to hold and keep him all day. These kisses were going to be it. "I missed you too. I could hardly go to sleep until I found you were…" she started to sniffle.

Chuck held her tighter. After kissing her again, "Well, have a good sleep tonight. I'll see you in the morning." Chuck opened the door and let Sarah in the room and went to his room.

Sarah went into her room and fell back on her bed. It was special. He was special. Her rider was what she wanted. She slept well.

Lisa was surprised the next morning at the train. She had expected the engine, wood car, and Chuck's car. The Station Master had set it up as Chuck asked. After the engine and wood car came a passenger car for the Pinkerton agents, the 'engineering car', another passenger car, a baggage car, a stable car for the Pinkerton horses, and a caboose. After getting everyone into their cars, Chuck went around and said hi and introduced himself to the engineer, fireman, porter and conductor. After a final hand shake with the General and the Station Master, Chuck waved at the engineer and got on the train.

The trip was easy and fast. Chuck pointed out as they went along, "Don't forget the mountains are in the west now, not like back at Los Angeles." He saw everyone look at him, "Okay, that's more for me to remember."

Chuck had sat at his desk across from Sarah who sat on the other side. He was putting all of the Telegraph messages in a stack. "You have any to add?"

Sarah opened her satchel and passed over the ones they got at Cheyenne. "Here they are."

Chuck looked at them and saw the one listing all the people who knew about the trip. "What was this about?"

"Well, we were trying to figure out why Fulcrum always knew where we were. So, we made a list of the people who knew when we were leaving from San Francisco. We got an answer on most of them yesterday. Nothing from that seemed out of place. The Telegraph with their names and locations is here." Sarah pointed it out.

Chuck did not get it in his hand, he started to flash:

Circle within Circle bisected by straight line extending above the circle, dot in bottom left corner of circle

An eagle with its wings spread

A map with major cites shown and lines between the cities

Ellipse bisected by straight line extending above the circle, dot in top left corner of circle

Eagle with the crescent and cross

A cross over the lines on the map

"Chuck, are you okay?" Sarah was a little shocked. She had almost forgotten what the flash did to Chuck.

"Yeah, fine. Need the maps." He went over and got a stack of them. "Tell me what you were doing after the …ah accident." He saw she did not understand. "I mean how did you start the search. I assume you did, because I gave the authentication code to the railway people."

"Well, Casey sent a message out to the local law enforcement. Here's a copy of that. Then I encoded one for my boss to be passed on to yours. And Hiram sent one which had something at the end for Mister Stanford. Here's that one." Sarah looked at him. The others were starting to pull their chairs over to the desks. "Why?"

"Well, I only sent coded messages to the boss. And the ones to you never said where I was." He thumbed through the rest, "The rest were encoded or did not reveal much."

"Yes, that's right. But what are you getting at? From the message with names and locations we go to encoded messages. So?"

Lisa smiled, "Well, with the names and their locations we could put them on the map and see where the intersections is." She pointed at a couple cities on one map and then drew imaginary lines between the cities. She made a little X and pointed to it. "Like that."

"Right we want to find the intersection. Only we want to use a special map." With all the diagrams Chuck had requested and got from the two railroads, a copy of the Telegraph line map, was not a problem. It was made available when they put the Telegraph on board. Chuck thought initially even with the flash that it could not be this simple. Lisa showed how simple it really was.

Chuck pulled out the map and spread it on the desk. "Here it is. So here we are in San Francisco. Here's Graham Langston." Lisa called out the names and location. Chuck marked the map. Chuck then started following the Telegraph lines from point to point. When he marked the lines that would be used, all of them went through Denver. Each person reporting to their boss and getting directions had their traffic routed through Denver. There were only two that had not gone through Denver. The messages to Judge Thompson and to Leland Stanford went west to San Francisco and on to Sacramento.

Chuck looked at the map and then asked, "Casey, Judge Thompson's boss would be back at the new Department of Justice?"

Casey grunted, "Yeah."

"Okay, that brings another line through Denver. The intersect is Denver's Repeater Station. There is a very good possibility the station is being used to capture our traffic and send it to Fulcrum." Chuck saw Sarah look at him, he nodded. They would not tell Hiram that his flash had given him the information about Fulcrum. Lisa watched the exchange and knew.

"Let's have lunch and we'll talk about what to do," Sarah said.

"Good plan," responded Hiram. "You know you can stay at our house and certainly use my offices?"

"That would be fun. While you figure this out, I could show you around," Lisa was excited.

"Granddaughter of mine, have you been to Denver and not told me?" Hiram asked.

"Well no, but while they are not working on this it would be so nice if we could going exploring together," Lisa countered.

Casey put the picnic basket on the desks. "Right."

Sarah opened the basket, "You agree?"

"Oh, I don't think we have a choice. The enemy, in this case Fulcrum, always knew where Hiram was headed. And knows we are too. So, they could already have people in Denver. As a matter of fact we will need to vet Hiram's staff to make sure it has not been infiltrated. To make matters worse, we probably should not count on Pinkerton that much. They have been too obvious," Casey concluded. He reached for the slice beef.

Chuck looked at Casey, "You're right. We might as well have a troop out on the parade field. We'll just have to figure out a way to use them." Chuck got a slice of bread.

Sarah asked, "So what are we going to do?" She got out the glasses.

A/N Okay Partners, little history.

Several references in Wikipedia and Google provided background for the Engineers. At first they were used primarily for maps.

Okay, to those Civil War history buffs, this was a little imagination. Part of the Siege of Petersburg included a series of battles over the rail lines. The Weldon railroad was a major part of the offensive target to cut the supply lines to Petersburg. See Wikipedia.

After a lot of study on the Telegraph (this was IT at its earliest), there were repeaters. The rest is a little imagination. See Google Telegraph Repeaters.

Hope you enjoy.

Partner, it is the prairie dogs. They are coming I know. Only way to hold them off is with reviews. Don't forget to write.