Chuck vs. The New Recruits

Here's the newest chapter for you folks. The appearance of General Beckman is quite a surprise for everyone but not really. Washington D.C. isn't that far away from Walter Reed National Medical Center. Will she be speaking to A.J.? Who else will be speaking to Chuck and Sarah's son? Read and find out! 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 one as well. Tell me what you think and I hope you enjoy the read.

Outside Looking In

XXX

"So that's General Beckman." stated Moore standing beside Moxley. "I imagined her being…" she pauses for moment. The newly appointed government agent squints her eyes a bit while tilting her head to somewhat off to the right. "…taller." she softly breathed out.

Moore isn't the only one who had an entirely different vision of who General Beckman would be. True, each one of them knew the seemingly intimidating authority figure is in fact a female but when it came to an accurate description of her let's just say it was somewhat exaggerated. The person responsible for placing that particular seed into their young minds and metaphorically letting immense fear to grow is their former instructor Colonel John Casey. He built her up in such a high esteem that it left little doubt in their minds that her expectations are considerably high, especially when they were taught and not to mention trained by her right hand enforcer.

"She's a tiny woman. Oompa loompa tiny." Moxley said with his arms crossed.

"Which one?" chimed in Clayton. He adjusting his glasses immediately standing up along with Hansen and Balor to his left. "The Gene Wilder classic Oompa Loompa or the updated version starring Johnny Depp Oompa Loompa?" he added expressing curiosity.

"Does it really matter?" responded Balor shaking his head. A mixture of annoyed embarrassment is expressed on his face because of how inept the top of conversation has become comparing the height of a superior officer to a fictional movie character. He is about to lean over and say something when the man who he thought he supposedly took out speaks up.

Hansen shrugs his shoulders. "I've never seen Johnny Depp's version. Is it any good Mox?"

"It's different." he answered back. Moxley then turns his head in order to look directly at Clayton in order to answer him. "Nothing beats a classic though dude." grinned the former leader of Team 3.

"I'll take your word for it." nodded Clayton.

It's at this point Moore takes the initiative to shush her fellow agents. In doing so, she glares at them to where she motions with her head for all 4 individuals to refocus their attention back to the conversation presently going on involving the aforementioned tiny woman in question.

"I wanted to take the opportunity to see how your son is doing?" Beckman said expressing a smile of encouragement towards Sarah and Chuck.

"Let me guess…" Carina said. The red headed vixen glances over her right shoulder towards the man she truly loves to get under his skin. "…Casey notified you." she added quirking her right brow."

"Affirmative." Beckman firmly nodded stepping forward away from the doorway. "He contacted me once they arrived at the hospital. I'm glad he did because I wouldn't miss the chance to be introduced to the newest member of Team Bartowski now would I." the tiny red headed woman added giving a nod towards Casey.

After reciprocating a head nod back, Chuck briefly glances at his former teammate with a slight grin knowing full well he's done more than enough for both he and Sarah. In his mind, he knows he has a big heart and tremendous soft spot when it comes to the relationship the 3 of them share together. Of course, it's a relationship that started off on shaky ground but would eventually grow to become one of the most stable relationships he has ever had. It's a type of stable relationship that he knows Casey absolutely cherishes because it something he never wants to ever lose.

It's that particular thought that brings a faint smile to his lips as his attention is averted back to Beckman. "I'm sure A.J. would want to meet his Aunt Diane." he said causing the tiny woman to react with a smile after hearing the word Aunt in front of her first name.

"Chuck's right." chimed in Sarah with a soft smile. "You have been a part our lives since the very beginning. You were on the outside looking in but that relationship has changed…" nodded the blonde mother. "…and you know it's true. You have become part of our family."

Beckman stands there for a moment letting Sarah's words sink in. For her, the relationship between Chuck, Sarah, and not to mention Casey has drastically changed since the fateful moment when she found out The Intersect was downloaded into a mere civilian. A civilian that she, along with the late C.I.A. Director Langston Graham, could control and manipulate in order to piece together vital intel. Unfortunately, they would find out controlling and manipulating the likes of Chuck Bartowski would be a difficult task to undertake at times. She can't count the number of times she's suffered countless headaches and quite possibly high blood pressure for not cooperating fully.

Yet, despite all the headaches suffered and endless amounts of frustration encountered in the past, she wouldn't change a thing from a team that was well known for using unorthodox methods to get the job done. Fast forward to now and former spy couple is married with a child who is currently fighting for his life. A child, that if he were her own child, would do everything in her power to provide the financial resources to help him get better no matter how much it costs. It's that thought in which she continues on.

Beckman smiles. "I'm honored and if you both need anything…" she stated eyeing both parents. "…just name it and it's yours no questions asked. A.J. is worth it."

Chuck and Sarah stand there for a moment staring blankly at Beckman. They then turn to each other somewhat speechless at what has just been offered to them. After silently verbalizing with each other, Sarah turns to her long time's partner's superior officer and is about to say something when Carina puts her 2 cents into the mix expressing a smirk.

"Since you're feeling generous General…"

Instantly, Beckman gives her retort to the red headed DEA Agent. "My generosity doesn't extend to you Agent Miller. It's for their son A.J. do I make myself clear." she firmly stated eyeing Sarah's best friend.

The smirk fades to express a bit of seriousness because after all she's the type of person who shakes things off very quickly. "Yes ma'am." the other red head in the room said quirking her right brow.

Sarah can't help but express a soft chuckle knowing Carina has that innate ability to push so far before crossing the line or at least approaches it, especially when it involves attempting to negotiate with General Beckman. The blonde beauty also knows she's not the only one possibly getting a kick out it as she glances over her right shoulder witnessing a satisfied smirk expressed by Casey standing next to another former teammate Travis. Her attention on two former members of Team Chuck is broken by the sound of her husband's voice.

"That's awesome. If we think of anything General, we'll let you know."

It's at that point, Sarah briefly glances at her husband then turns around facing the rest of the group in the private waiting room. She looks down at the piece of paper in her hand that has the visiting schedule written down on it. After taking a quick scan, she raises her head to call out the next names on the list.

"Moxley and Moore…" she announced within the private waiting room. "…you're up next to visit A.J." nodded the blonde beauty.

Upon hearing their names, Moxley and Moore didn't waste any time in making their way towards the front avoiding any kind of personal contact like hand holding since General Beckman showed up completely unannounced. After maneuvering their way through the crowd of people, they make it to the door but before they step outside someone decides to tag along with them.

"If it's okay…" stated Beckman looking at Chuck and Sarah. "…I think I'll join these two." she added much to the surprise of Moxley and Moore. The two are absolutely wide eyed after hearing that and truth be told who would be crazy enough to stop her from doing so?

XXX

For Moxley and Moore, having General Beckman accompany them to visit A.J. felt considerably unnerving. To both of them, it would seem as if they would have to walk on egg shells, in a manner of speaking, conducting themselves in a more professional manner, especially with a high ranking officer in their presence. It didn't help any matters any that while on their way to go see Chuck and Sarah's son they avoided walking close together or making eye with each other for that matter. Essentially, it would be a totally uncomfortable and awkward experience getting to the NICU room. Fortunately, being in the NICU room with A.J. would be considered a much different story altogether.

"Why don't you two go first." nodded Beckman to the newly appointed agents.

Moxley and Moore briefly look at each other leading the former leader Team 3 to repond. "Are you sure ma'am? We could wait while you…"

Beckman instantly interjects raising her right finger. "I happily insist." she firmly stated quirking her right brow towards them.

In that instance, Moore elbows Moxley in the ribs causing him to briefly wince in pain. For him, he would usually respond in his own unique way but with Beckman in the room with them he opted to behave and comply with the tiny red headed woman standing on the other side of the breathing chamber. After giving her a nod, he briefly glances at Moore standing to his left then peers down at a seemingly helpless A.J.

While standing there momentarily shaking his head he has no idea what he's going to say. So, he shoots from the hip.

"Hey A.J…" he said with a faint smile. "…you don't know me but my name is Dean and this…" Moxley points to Moore to his right. " …this is Tricia. We're friends of your mom and dad."

Moore gives a slight wave expressing a bit of a smile as well peering down at A.J. "Hi."

"Anyways, you have the most awesome parents and do you want to know why?" Moxley pauses briefly then continues on. "They said we're part of the family even though we don't feel like it. They hardly knew us. Complete strangers at first and to say something like that is mind blowing."

It's at that point Moore speaks up. "Of course, it didn't start off on the right foot when they first arrived. Balor, a teammate and friend of ours, challenged your dad to a fight. He basically wanted to see if the legend lived up to his name."

"She's right." nodded Moxley. "Long story short, your dad stood tall. Be proud in knowing that little guy." He pauses once again clearing his throat in the process. After briefly looking up noticing Beckman keenly observing him with an eagle like stare that somewhat throws him off, he forcefully tears himself away from looking at her and glances at Moore. Upon getting a soft smile from her that gives him a sense of calming comfort he continues on. "Listen, you just came into the world and right now it's not starting off so good for you. That doesn't mean it won't get better. You are going to be a part of it someday. You'll learn from it practically every day. Sure, you'll make mistakes but that's life." In that moment, the former leader of Team 3 expresses a grin as he continues on. "You'll also meet and make great friends along the way."

"The right friends." Moore chimed in pointing down at him. "Keep that in mind A.J."

Upon hearing that, Beckman can't help but express a hint of smile. Afterwards, she continues standing there listening as Moxley speaks up once again. "Also, you'll meet someone as wonderful like your mom." It's at that point, Moxley leans down. "By the way, your dad is one lucky man dude." Afterwards, he gives the okay sign to him causing Moore to instinctively elbow him in the right side of his ribs. He responds with a look of absolute innocence on his part expressing a soft smile towards Moore. However, he and Moore soon realize that Beckman is standing on the other side of the breathing chamber leading to the two of them straighten up. Moxley returns his attention back to A.J. "Anyways, when you're not a little boy anymore and world has taught you to become a man you're still going to make mistakes. That's when your friends and family have your back."

"Rely on them. Cherish them. Don't take them for granted A.J." responded Moore shaking her head.

"What she said." smirked Moxley motioning his head towards her. "I'm not going to lie to you dude. The world can be a harsh place sometimes to live in. It's people like us and General Beckman that are trying to make it a better place…" He then points down to the newborn baby. "…for you. There are going to be so many life lessons you'll experience. Some hard. Some easy and everything in between. Even though it may seem the world is going out of its way to teach you these hard lessons it's the same world that has given you your family and friends. You know." Moxley takes a deep breath briefly looking up and scanning around the room at the other parents watching with loving worry their child in the same situation as A.J. He then returns his attention to the most luckiest kid in the world. "You're going to have this innate belief that the world is going to protect you too. It may not make sense at first but it will…" he said gently placing his hand on top of the breathing chamber. "…just you wait and see."

A soft smile is expressed by Moore after hearing that coming from Moxley. Her attention on him would inevitably be averted to A.J. as she gives her final words to Chuck and Sarah's son. "He's right." she confirmed motion with her head towards the man standing to her left. "Don't let the world scare you. It may be confusing and totally crazy at times but it's your world. One day, you'll have the power to change it. Trust me on this kid."

Afterwards, there is moment of silence letting the words of Moxley and Moore sink in. Yet, that would subsequently be broken by the voice of Beckman speaking up.

"Very thought provoking words you two."

"Very kind of you to say General." responded Moore with a tightly lipped smile.

Moxley nodded. "Thanks and much appreciated." Of course, much of what he said came from the memorable series finale of Boy Meets World where Corey Matthews spoke to his little brother Josh. In his mind, having the ability to retain tv/movie lines and reference at any given moment comes in very hand, especially at a time like now. Plus, it seemed appropriate for a particular situation such as this he thinks to himself.

"You're welcome." she nodded back. "Well, I guess it's my turn then." added the tiny red headed General.

XXX

"Hello A.J. My name is Diane or as your father put it Aunt Diane." she softly said peering down at the seemingly fragile baby with the breathing chamber. "I've known your mom and dad before they even met." she explained.

While standing there talking to A.J., Moore and Moxley are leaning against the observation window keenly watching what is going on before their very eyes. For the two of them, it doesn't seem at first a General of the United States military is talking to a baby; instead it's a normal human being and woman shooting the breeze with a very important member of the family. A family member who truly needs encouraging words and not to mention prayers to get better in order to start his life the right way.

"I have to honestly say, both your parents are hard headed and gave me considerable headaches over the years. Yet, the one thing that I proudly admire about the two of them is that is their willing to not only fight for each other, but fight for others as well." she firmly added. "You do the same and fight to get better…" She pauses leading a hint of a grin expressed. "…and that's an order little mister."

Beckman pauses. She momentarily recalling countless moments over the years that Chuck and Sarah have fought for each other, as well as complete strangers. In her mind, it's both commendable and out right curse when it comes to doing the right thing, especially in a line of business where the lines becomes blurred when it comes to doing "the right thing". In any case, they've most definitely made it interesting for her and for the late colleague C.I.A. Director Langston Graham. I'm certain he would be most proud of where the two of them are now from where the first started from years ago she presumably thinks to herself.

"Truth be told A.J…" she said shaking her head. "…when I first found out about the relationship between your mom and dad I didn't approve of it at all. I did everything in my power to break up the relationship."

It's that revealing statement that leads Beckman to hear a faint gasp of astonishment coming from Moore and Moxley. She immediately refocuses her attention back to the newborn within the breathing chamber before her.

"Fortunately for them, your mom's dad…your grandpa… used his power of persuasion to not let that happen. Your grandpa can definitely play hardball, which is why I consider him a great friend." she grinned. It's at that point, Beckman refocuses the one sided conversation back to A.J.'s parents. "Like I said, you're parents are fighters and there have been plenty of times in the past where they stopped at nothing to save one another. They have risked life and limb to get each other back from certain doom. That's been the story of their lives young one. It's something to be proud of that will be passed down to you." she added softly smiling down at A.J.

In that instance, she slightly peers up with her eyes keenly noticing the controlled awkward and uncomfortable interaction between Moore and Moxley. She knows the two of them are very similar to the situation that Chuck and Sarah went through years ago but with a very different set of circumstances. In her mind, she decides to let them off the hook knowingly full well that she can be considered a very intimidating figure by her mere presence as an authoritative figure.

"Take Dean and Tricia for instance." Upon hearing their first names being mentioned, their eyes completely go wide not knowing what is going to happen next. "They are a lot like your parents. They clearly love each other and I'm fairly certain they would fight for each other. I'm not saying they are but I could be wrong." Beckman firmly nodded once again. "I eventually accepted the inevitable that the relationship between your parents has been built on a strong foundation of love and respect. It's unclear if that same foundation is built within theirs. Who knows."

Moxley is about to say something when Moore instinctively elbows him in the right side of the ribs again causing him to wince in pain. As much as he wants to verbally respond to Moore, all he can really do in the presence of General Beckman is give the woman who he really cares for a glaring stare. The stare down between the two of them would be broken up by a visibly amused Beckman continuing to speak.

"All I'm willing to say A.J. at this point…" Beckman keeps her attention focused on A.J. as her words are directed towards Moxley and Moore. "…I hope that what they hopefully have is just as strong as what your parents have. From what I've seen from your parents is that they've fought hard to make their relationship work. I'm certain they'll fight hard to make their relationship work as well knowing the business that they're both in truly tests a relationship. Trust me on this. Time can only tell."

Did she just approve our relationship? It's the first thought that popped into Moxley's mind after hearing what Beckman said to A.J. even though it's meant for their ears. It would most definitely be the same thought running through Moore's mind as well as they simultaneously turn to each other with absolute surprise expressed in their eyes. As much as they want to smile they restrain themselves from doing so as they hear Beckman continue on.

"I'm sure that just like your parent's relationship, their professional relationship will bot get compromised. Granted, your father is quite different than anyone I've come across and it made for a different working relationship, as well as team dynamic. If you are wondering what I'm talking about, speak with your Uncle Casey and he'll gladly share it with you." she stated shaking her head with a bit of amusement. "Anyways, I hope we've come to an understanding…" she said briefly peering up at Moxley and Moore. "…because this is the only time I'll be speaking of it."

It's at that point, Moore steps forward on behalf of the two of them. "I'm sure A.J. heard you loud and clear."

Moxley immediately chimes in stepping forward as well. "If A.J. could talk he would say…" He pauses briefly glancing at Moore then returns his attention back to Beckman. "…thank you." he happily nodded.

Beckman is momentarily silent then speaks up. "Just know I'll be keeping a watchful eye."

"We understand" answered Moore with a smile. In that instance, Moxley is attempting to put his arm around Moore but once again she instinctively elbows in the ribs causing great pain to him. Once again, he expresses wide eyed non-verbal communication to the only female of Team 3, which is an amusing sight to witness for Beckman standing on the other side of the breathing chamber.

"Excellent." firmly nodded Beckman. She then turns her attention from the couple non verbally arguing with each other, to A.J. just below her. "My prayers are with you young one." she softly whispered down to him.

XXX

For the past 9 days family and friends would spend time visiting A.J. Bartowski. They sat and talked with him in order to show how supportive they are when came to getting him better. The conversation consisted of Morgan challenging him to a game of Call of Duty, to Awesome promising him to take him skydiving, and everything else from the people that love/care about him. Every night, Dr. Ensley would check on the progression of A.J.'s health and he would inform Chuck and Sarah that the medication being given to him was helping but not in a major way.

Fortunately, Dr. Ensley wasn't the type of doctor to give up to easily and assured A.J.'s parents that he won't rest until he gets better. In the meantime, he encouraged the visits and talks to happen more because he honestly feels that verbal therapy will certainly play a major part in their son's recovery. It's on the 9th night at around 11:30 p.m. that Chuck and Sarah stand in front of their son's breathing chamber. They are the only one within the semi lit NICU room. A look of continued hope mixed with worry expressed in their tired filled eyes.

While standing there, Chuck places both his hands on his wife's shoulders momentarily massaging them in the process. Afterwards, he wraps his arms around his wife embracing her tightly as they both peer down at their son.

"Come on son…" softly breathed out Chuck in an encouraging way. "…we want to take you home. In order to do that, you have to get better." he added releasing the tight embrace on his wife. He then places both hands gently on the breathing chamber.

"Your daddy is right A.J." smiled Sarah restraining herself from crying. For her, she has been an emotional rollercoaster for the past 9 days but has had the support of everyone, especially those who called and texted who got word of their situation. It's texts and calls that she has received that have been truly uplifting not just for her, but for her loving husband as well. "We want so badly to have you in our arms and shower you with kisses. I know Peaches want to meet you."

Chuck instantly smiles upon hearing that. "That's for sure. She's been excited and anxiously waiting ever since she found out she's going to be a big sister." It's that particular thought that tears begin forming in his eyes but restrains himself from allowing the tears to fall. It takes him a moment to compose himself and then continues on. "I know Peaches is looking forward to meeting you and I know you want to meet her too. You two will be the best of friends."

"Awesome friends" chimed in Sarah expressing a somewhat forced smile.

The parents of A.J. Bartowski stand there in silence as they helpless watch their son in the breathing chamber. They know all they can do now is hope and pray that the medication being given will do its work to the point where he makes a major recovery by tomorrow morning. The sound of silence would end up being broken when the sound of someone yawning fills the room. The source of the sound is coming from one Sarah Bartowski leading Chuck to respond.

"Time for you to get some rest." he insisted.

"I'm not tired." Sarah answered shaking her head.

"Yeah, you are…" Chuck retorted back. "…I am too. We've both hardly slept these past 9 days." he explained. He reaches down taking both of her hands with his. After raising them up, he leans down to kiss the top of her hands then locks eyes with hers. "We'll come back tomorrow like always."

Chuck steps back making sure to look behind him first in order to not bump into anything before leading his wife towards the door. He can feel his wife resisting at first knowing full well she wants to stay by their son's side. In his mind, they have to get some rest for their own sake or they'll end up going insane due to the lack of sleep. As he continues his efforts to pull Sarah towards the door, one sentence from Sarah stops him in his tracks.

"What if it doesn't work?"

It's those 5 words that cause Chuck to momentarily speechless as Sarah turn to face him. He can clearly see the absolute uncertainty in her eyes and emotional, as well as mental pain she's going through within. It's that same emotional and mental pain that he's exactly going through. In that instance, he steps forward releasing the hold he has on Sarah's hands and slides his hands up towards the sides of his wife's arms. He softly rubs them to the point where he gently pulls her forward locking eyes with his partner in crime.

"It will work babe. You just to need have faith." Chuck replied with a reassuring smile. "God works miracles every day and he'll work a miracle on our son."

Sarah lets those words sink in. Afterwards she takes a look back at their son in the breathing chamber. The sight of their son causes her to shed some tears leading her to reach up to wipe them away with the sleeve of the light blue scrubs. It's at that point, Sarah nods the gives her response to Chuck.

"I believe you."

Sarah turns back to her husband. Once she does, the parents of A.J. Bartowski step into a warm and comforting embrace that seemingly lasts forever. It's not long before the embrace is over leading the couple to exit out of the NICU room leaving the room relatively quiet. A few minuates later, the door quietly opens and someone steps inside making their way towards the breathing chamber but first stands in front of the observations window. The individual in question makes sure nobody is around then turns around stepping forward in front of A.J.

"Hey kid."

The person in question is none other than Colonel John Casey.

XXX

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