CHUCK VS A NEW BEGINNING

EPISODE 21: FIRST BLOOD

CLUB APOCOLYPSE / SAN DIEGO, CA

Hailey brought Chuck and Devon around to meet various friends, including people that had worked with her father for many years. Devon still couldn't believe not only was Chuck married to Hailey, but the number of people she knew that had all kinds of connections. While they were going navigating through the club, Casey kept a close watch planning on how to proceed. The only chance he'd have is to isolate them, but needed to find Walker to get both of them. He watched as his asset and the woman he's spent the last few days with dancing, now was the perfect time to strike. He walked up slowly behind Chuck to use a tranq gun, when Hailey's eyes alerted Chuck. He turned around to see Casey standing there.

Chuck: "Casey! What are you doing here?"

Casey: "Numbnuts, what do you think I'm doing here! The bosses have issued the orders to place you into custody, consider yourself bunkerized Bartowski!"

Hailey: "Listen here you big ape! You're not taking my husband anywhere! Your bosses don't have the jurisdiction like they think they do, and you're definitely on the wrong side in this."

Casey: "I wouldn't be getting involved if I were you, it's also been ordered that you're joining your new husband here in the bunker as well. Of course, it's not going to be the same one. Moron, you've should've played ball instead of having this free life fantasy. You've disobeyed orders and broke protocol too many times. Now let's go, you can kiss your wife good bye!"

Chuck: "Sorry to disappoint you Casey, but those days are over. You can tell Beckman and Graham both, to sit on it and rotate. They're no longer going to use me for their game, I'm done being their puppet and I've cut the strings to your masters. Good bye Casey.

Chuck jerked his arm free from Casey and walked away with Hailey. Casey's left standing there with his frequent mask of anger, time to end this recklessness. He brought up the tranq gun and took aim at his two targets, what happened next was unexpected.

Wildfire: "Gun! Everyone take cover!"

Chuck and Hailey heard the warning before hitting the floor with his body covering her's, they looked back to see Casey aiming a gun. Not sure if it's his regular gun or just a tranq, the next sequence was a blur as the gun was shot out of Casey's hand. The blow was enough to distract him from his intended target, seconds later he's getting crushed by a massive football spear from one of the security members that Chuck recognized was Christian Samsonov. Chuck knew from the impact that Casey's ribs would be sore for a while after that. The giant man was built like a house. Speaking of houses, he comes the man who owned said house. Doomsday had thundered his way over, making Samsonov look even smaller standing next to him. Chuck didn't envy Casey at all as they easily towered over the NSA agent.

Doomsday: "What's the meaning of this! Who do you think are bringing a weapon into this place you sumbitch!"

Casey thought it's time to act like the tough guy he always projected.

Casey: "Federal Agent asshole. It's none of your business so stand down, or I'm gonna have a team in here so fast you and your friends will be locked away for the rest of your life!"

Doomsday didn't like the attitude coming from Casey. He decided to make this so-called Federal Agent see eye-to-eye with him, by a more direct approach. Shocking Casey and Chuck with the power and quickness for a man his size. Doomsday grabbed Casey by his throat and lifted him up off the ground, until Casey was literally eye-to-eye with the club owner!

Doomsday: "Look asshole! This is my club! Anything that goes on in here IS my business. Does your small dinosaur-like pea brain understand that, or do I need to speak like a caveman for you to understand what I'm telling you?"

Casey: "I'm under orders to detain those two, and bring them back to D.C. immediately. By any means necessary!"

Doomsday: "It'd be in your best interest to leave this establishment, and never return here again until you can conduct yourself in a civilized human way."

Casey: "You're going to regret this, you're interfering with a federal agent and a sanctioned action by the government. I can have you people brought up on charges and assault!"

If Casey's looking for an answer, he didn't get the one he was expecting.

Casino: "It's our word against your's Agent Casey, I don't think it's what you want. We also have video of you brandishing your weapon, and threatening to target one of our guests."

Casey: "Bartowski's unders government orders, that he willfully disobeyed! He's in serious trouble as it stands for that, and you people can be added to that list for assaulting a Federal Agent that can land you all in custody!"

Doomsday let loose a devastating right hand as a loud crunch echoed in the room, Casey was on the ground bleeding from his now broken nose. Doomsday stood over him with a wicked grin across his face.

Doomsday: "We don't take kindly to games or threats little man! You've already been told to leave, it appears that you also have the same need to disobey orders. Now I think my friend here would gladly assist in you leaving."

Casey turned around and gasped to himself wondering just where the hell do they find these guys? He knew that he was cold-school and enjoyed being the bully to his victims to get the information needed, it definitely looked like Karma was coming after him with bad intentions.

Doomsday: "Agent Casey, meet the one and only 'Dr. Doom'. Frankie, would you care to take out the trash? Feel free to inflict any methods you desire, you can bomb him or rack him."

Looking up into the face of a seven foot monster, the guy that nicknamed 'Dr. Doom' was perhaps the biggest monster Casey's ever laid eyes on. This guy's Frankenstein on steroids!

Casino: "I have a better idea. His partner and Chuck's sister are sitting in one of the secure rooms, until we figured what to do with them. After all they're supposed to be guests. They turned around and tossed our invite back into our faces, with their own agenda even though we've warned them about it. Perhaps we can show them the error of their ways."

Doomsday: "Excellent idea Moneybags! Frank, take this man to their holding area and have your brother on stand-by while we alert the bosses. We're going below deck, see you in five."

They walked over to check on Chuck and Hailey, Devon noticed what happened and looked them over making sure everything was fine.

Devon: "Hey bro, you two okay?"

Chuck: "I'm fine, I just can't believe Casey would've stooped that low. I'd been used to Casey's abuse, my main concern was Hailey."

Hailey: "That's sweet of you really Chuck to shield me from harm like you did, regardless of no self defense training. You just acted on instinct and reflex alone, two things to consider in the future though. I've been trained in several martial arts styles and numerous special forces type of hand-to-hand, among other training from these guys. I think you'll benefit for what I have in mind. What do you think? We can start off slowly with some early morning jogs on the beach everyday?"

Chuck: "I'm not the most athletic guy in the world as you can see, and all the running I've ever done was escaping for my life from a beating. I'm always out of breath from it too."

Devon: "Chuckster, you know I've always invited you work out. Now you have the chance."

Chuck: "What do you mean Devon? I thought you'd be heading back to L.A. and work things out with Ellie, plus you both work at Westside Medical?"

Devon: "Chuck, I warned her when we had the drama at the apartment. You predicted that once Sarah arrived that she would blab everything, and you were right on the money. She was hysterical that she had no idea where you were headed, and Sarah joined her side naturally. Claiming I had no right to hold back such vital information, because Ellie's your sister."

Chuck: "Thank you Devon. You've had my back through it all. I'm really sorry that it caused a rift between you and Ellie."

Devon: "That's just the tip of the iceberg. Sarah tried laying a guilt trip on me, that I didn't care about Ellie or hurting Ellie's feelings. I yelled at her for questioning it, and told her she didn't have room to talk. Especially how she treated you, she thrown a wine glass at me too. Thank goodness I was standing next to the wall in the kitchen, and used it to shield myself."

Hailey: "We didn't mean to put you in that situation Devon, I'm sorry that you and Ellie got caught up in the middle of this drama."

Devon: "We were having problems before this. There's an experimental drug therapy trial that we're trying at the hospital, I was awarded the fellowship for the clinical trial program and she went ballistic. Accused both me and the medical board of having gender bias, because she wanted this so much and upset they chose me instead. Knowing fully well that I was already experienced in the trials, before she even submitted her application for the program."

Hailey: "Maybe we can help you out Devon. Your family to us, and family always looks out for one another. With your experience and background, you shouldn't have any issues."

Doomsday and Casino came around to the group, they invited Devon to meet some more of their associates. Hailey told them what just happened with Devon, Casino told him he'll check around in the morning with his connections and not to worry. Devon felt a little better before shooting some pool with some of their friends while business needed handling. Doomsday escorted Chuck and Hailey to a side entrance that lead to an authorized access elevator, they piled in before feeling the movement move down. Once the doors opened, everyone stepped out to reveal the basement of the club. It's like a secret underground base with computer systems and monitors around the back of the walls, Chuck thought he was in Nerd Heaven!

Chuck: "Whoa! This is some setup you have here, it's like being inside the Bat Cave or something like it."

Doomsday: "More along the lines of, welcome to our evil lair."

Chuck: "Does that make you Dr. Evil?"

Doomsday: "Nah. I'm much smarter than him, and better looking too."

Prodigy: "Don't mind him Chuck. He over-fed his ego, it's cutting off circulation to his brain. My bad his head, I forgot he's been brain dead for years."

Doomsday: "Keep it up and I'll plug you into an outlet head-first!"

Chuck still can't get over the banter these guys have with one another, he sees what Casino was talking about with their antics. Some of them are worse than the others, but he's got a feeling he hasn't seen anything yet. Chuck and Hailey were directed to seat themselves at a corner of the long conference table, when another side door opened. Stepping out from behind the door to reveal Casey and Sarah being brought in looking none to pleased followed by Doom and his brother Death. The two agents were forcibly being seated since their wrists were zip-tied.

Casino: "Looks like the gang's all here, Chuck anything you like to say your handlers?"

Chuck looked at both Sarah and Casey. He knew that they're doing their job, as was ordered. He was also subjected to their abuse most of the time, despite they're sworn duty. They abused him more than protected him, they only cared about the computer he carried in his head.

Chuck: "While I certainly understand you're under orders to protect me. It's certainly nice to have a couple of days of peacefulness. Without having to look over my shoulder, or being monitored like I'm a criminal."

Casey: "Listen here Numbnuts! You know you're not supposed to go off galivating on your own! Especially without either of us accompanying you! Get that through your thick skull Bartowski!"

Chuck: "I told you the other day in the Buy More where I went! I was on a legal job for Buy More, handling a computer emergency for Mr. Casino here down at one of his resorts. Off-site installs and computer emergencies were part of my job with Buy More! You know that Casey, even you can't accompany me on that without blowing your cover. More importantly, it's even mentioned that I was going to be in San Diego for the next month doing work here."

Sarah: "For crying out loud Chuck! You didn't fully explain to Ellie where you've been, or where you're going. She's worried sick about you, because she had no idea where you're going!"

Chuck: "Devon knew the entire time what's going on and where I'd be staying. I confided in him because it's way less drama, and I would've been able to relax before starting on Monday. As we can see right now, that idea was blown away! What we're doing right here, and what happened upstairs when you and Ellie confronted me and Hailey was EXACTLY why I didn't want her to know! She wasn't worried about me at all. She just wanted to dictate what I can or can't do without my input. Much like you two love to impose! Where's the crime in me wanting to have a say in my own personal life?"

Sarah: "We're worried about you Chuck. You're not acting like yourself for the past week, these people are turning you into something you're not! Don't you understand, we care about you and your well being?"

Chuck: "I'm not acting like myself? I'm turning into something I'm not? Maybe because I'm taking charge of my life, and finally cut the strings loose from the damn puppet masters! Do you honestly think I enjoyed being a weak submissive slave of a robot to you people? You say you care about me and my well being? I call bullshit on that Sarah!"

Sarah: "That's not true Chuck, I've always cared about you and always looked out for your best interests! That's why I wanted you to trust me."

Chuck: "You asked me for your trust, and I gave it because that's how it works. You're supposed to give trust in return. Something you never like to do, because your too worried about the protection of the so-called greater good! Trust isn't a one-way street, despite what Graham and Beckman fill your heads with! I never would've found out about Bryce. Carina explained it to me, once she saw I was having an issue with your mixed feelings."

Sarah: "I can't believe what I'm hearing from you Chuck! All of these people are filling your head with nothing but lies! You believe Carina and all of these people over me!"

Sarah was feeling the angry rage build up in her, Chuck was tired of hearing the words coming out of her mouth as were the others in the room.

Casino: "That's rich coming from you Blondie, pot meet kettle if you will. Was that one of the newest lines they teach you up at Spook Central? One thing's for certain, it's never ever listen to a word that comes out of an agent's mouth. Most in particularly if it's the CIA!"

Sarah: "You have no idea what you're talking about, we can have you arrested for holding Federal Agents hostage!"

Doomsday: "Holding you hostage? Listen here you little witch! First of all, we're not the ones holding you hostage as you claim. Second, you had Chuck wearing government issued tracking devices. You're monitoring his whereabouts, like he's a wanted criminal! Chuck's an American citizen! No ties to any terrorist threats, or any prior record of arrest or crimes! So why's he being treated like a domestic criminal wanted by the government?"

Casey: "Classified information that you don't need to know. Now you either release us and Bartowski, or you're going to have a government strike team take all of you in for kidnapping. It's your choice, either way we're getting out of here."

Doomsday: "You're strike team wouldn't even make it through the doors little man."

Casino: "Chuck, please answer us honestly on this question. Did you volunteer to work for the government of your own free will, or did they forcefully conscript you into working for them?"

Chuck: "That's a complicated answer A.J."

Hailey: "Sweetheart, just tell them the truth. You're handlers can't make you suffer anymore backlash while you're here. It's really important for our friends to help you, and me too."

Chuck looked into his wife's eyes, seeing that she's speaking the truth. Feeling the squeeze from her hands to offer moral support. He closed his eyes and felt her forehead lean against his while he breathed deeply. Sarah and Casey both watched their interaction, it's really obvious to them that these two had developed a bond that's unbreakable. This wasn't going to be good news to their bosses. Chuck released the breath he was holding and opened his eyes, it was time to answer the question.

Chuck: "I worked with them. Even though I've never been paid, and I was constantly living in a worried case of fear that I could be placed in a bunker or terminated at any given moment."

Doomsday: "Does your sister and Devon know you're doing this type of work?"

Chuck: "I'm under orders not to involve them, because of the endangerment to their safety. I also needed to point out something else you need to know. Hailey and me were in a long distance relationship since March, I had just spent two weeks with her and we started making out plans for the future. Because of the dangers my life was in, I had to end our relationship without her knowledge to keep her safe. Our relationship was kept private from my family and friends, which is why the government had no previous knowledge of it."

Casey and Sarah were stunned. Chuck had a private relationship with this girl, that nobody knew about? He never told Ellie or Morgan for that matter? Knowing how Ellie's behaviour's always been when Sarah came around, the constant questions and the nagging about the progress of the relationship plus she demanded to meet for that first dinner. No wonder Chuck had kept Hailey away, if they had seven months invested into a relationship and had to end it for her protection. Of course he would act like a scared and depressed puppy! Casino's next words brought them out of their thoughts, and back into the fire.

Casino: "That sounds like forced conscription to me. Correct me if I'm wrong, but that's an illegal action in this country."

Doomsday: "What would be the government's excuse? Especially if you were placed in a bunker, or terminated once you're no longer useful to their needs?"

Chuck: "They would fabricate some cover story. Saying it's either a fatal car accident, or a brutal mugging gone bad. Either way my body wouldn't be found. Casey and Sarah, you know I speak the truth for that. You forget what I have access to."

Hailey gasped in shock at the horrible fate that would've happened to her husband if their friends never intervened, she also never would've reunited with this uniquely wonderful man. The rest of the group assembled in the room directed hostile glares at Sarah and Casey. They knew Chuck pretty much spelled out the exact details of what they were thinking. If the looks they were giving to Casey and Sarah were anything to go by, it's clear they're not happy.

Doomsday: "Chuck and Hailey, head on back upstairs. Find Devon and enjoy the rest of the night. We're going to break here for a few minutes, to see how we're gonna proceed. As for you agents, we're going to release you tonight. Remember this though, stay away from Chuck and Hailey. That's in your best interests, if you want to remain above ground and breathing!"

Doom and Death walked over to them. Once their severed the ties off their wrists, they guided them out one of the side doors to exit the premises. Casey and Sarah looked at each other wondering what's next. First they found a taxi to take them to the airport, for a flight back to Los Angeles empty-handed. Casey realized one thing, he never even had the chance to contact the teams. He didn't even have time to tranq Chuck before he was taken out, these people were not messing around. They warned them before and stopped them twice, after what happened in Vegas didn't help matters. He saw the looks in their eyes, and knew they meant business. This was their final warning and if they didn't listen, they'd be golds stars on the wall!