Flashback

"I still have a hard time believing Chuck would do something like that." The brown haired woman ran her hand over Bryce's chest with partially feigned appreciation, "You sure, he didn't do it help out a fellow student."

While Bryce was finding an answer through alcohol in his system, She took in the small flat Bryce recently shifted in. It was pretty small but still more than enough for two people to live in. It had very expensive and stylish furniture, a large TV and everything about it screamed "bachelor pad" . It had many windows, however all the binds were down already. Bryce decided to stick with basic colors which wasn't something she was fond of. She preferred lively colors just like the man she was in love with.

"I don't know...I feel bad for the guy but I didn't have much choice in regards of that matter." The woman frowned. He was lying through his teeth. She was damn sure about that.

"Oh, I know baby!" She had worked for a long time to get through his guard without using any artificial means. She also knew she only had a few minutes before the kisses wouldn't pause enough to let her speak. She messed with the clothings in order to buy herself some time, pretending fumble with his belt as she pushed him on his bed, "It still sounds kinda fishy though. Don't you think?"

Bryce tried to focus on her face, trying to read her true intentions. However she was trailing kisses along his chest, distracting him and hiding herself. Under normal circumstances she wouldn't have let any other man touch her like that but the life and career of the man she loved was at risk, and in order to save him, she was willing to go all out. She wouldn't have came here in the first place if she wasn't. "It was Fleming. He wanted to make Chuck...part of a military project. This was...the only way to make sure that didn't happen."

"How did a hunk like you pulled it off?" She tried to make the question light and flirty, but it wasn't. She could feel his back stiffen. In her haste to help out her boyfriend, she had pushed too hard. Ok, maybe her acting wasn't that perfect like she tended to think.

"I filmed...him ...while he was having affair with a...student." Bryce's voice was starting to become less distracted. He was probably beginning to suspect that she might have some ulterior motives about spending the night with him. It was time to remove that suspicion.

Taking out a syringe from her bag, she plunged it into Bryce's neck. Sighing in relief once he began breathing rhythmically. She had to pay a hefty sum to buy the illegal drug used by DEA to interrogate notorious drug peddlers. Even though the manufacturer claimed about its effectiveness, she knew better. No matter what you do drugs always left telltales behind. However if that really worked like the seller promised, that'd be more than worth her money.

One down, one more to go

"Now honey, tell me, where did you keep that clip?" She asked while caressing him gently

Flashback End

...xxxxxx...xxxxxx...xxxxxx...

"So what exactly did you and General Beckman talked about?" Sarah started grilling Chuck moments after he reluctantly admitted about the recent "presentation" he made in front of NSA director and her favored la...associate.

On the outside, Chuck was the picture of cool, calm and collected man giving off an unsurpassed aura with full of self assurance and confidence.

On the inside, he had started to...freak out.

Back in his student days, one of his favorite hobbies had been singing and acting. He performed on several occasion both at his high school and Stanford, nothing too serious, but still something he enjoyed. He'd also participated in few small plays in high school and a couple of musicals at Stanford.

Stage fright was a terrible thing, but it was a fear he had thought conquered long time ago.

Chuck sighed as he slightly leaned backwards. "It's not like I have to hide anything about that Besides my real secrets are still safe with me." Chuck asked himself reviewing his meeting with General Beckman and trying to remember if she mentioned anything noteworthy except suggesting that he might have to work under constant supervision for his own safety. In the end he gave up and decided to tell her a somewhat edited version because that seemed easier than the alternative.

"If you have any future plans of working on projects like that, then it would be a good idea to negotiate and make it so that it either gives you a greater advantage or to make your payment less ambiguous. " Sarah grimaced once he finished. "Agreeing to an errand like that especially when it is given to you directly from people who are way above, not knowing everything beforehand can be significantly risky. But right now, you don't need to worry about any of that." Sarah hurried to reassure Chuck since he started looking a bit nauseous as his imagination provided him just how he might end up spending his next birthday in side a bunker, situated in some remote part of Alaska. "If you were to disappear just like that it'd cause a shitstorm neither General Beckman nor Director Graham would want to be part of. Though that won't stop them from using other methods to try and get you."

"Oh? Enlighten me." Chuck replied casually, his voice filled with amusement. He didn't really care, but he was trying to take his mind off of things for a bit, and Sarah's usual haughty rant mixed with concern for him , was the perfect way to escape the reality.

"Deception. Making them believe in a false sense of security and leave them open for attack. Seduction, a target will feel less threatened and more likely to agree, if they believe that a beautiful woman seeks comfort and pleasure by making themselves vulnerable to them." She sounded like she was lecturing him like a school teacher.

"I am just going to focus on that program . Nothing less, nothing more. " Chuck said wisely, nodding his head , left hand scratching his chin " As if being forced to work on this top secret high risk project isn't enough, I join you , or NSA and I wind up on a lot of people's shit list."

Whilst the Charles of yesterday would have probably accepted this with nothing more than mere surprise, the Chuck who now stood in front of her was not so naive as he used to be.

"Okay, you have made your point. Are you really just going to stay neutral in this? " Sarah rolled her eyes and groaned, " People that lead organizations like this aren't exactly ones who like taking no for an answer. Just know that if you think catering to others will get you what you want, then you are effectively their tool. Besides right now you are locked into the government's rigid pay grades and policies, even though you deserve a lot more If you want to leverage a very good deal with the agency in return for your services, this is your chance. " She suddenly brought up, making an offer once again

Chuck nearly bit his tongue. Even though not many knew about it, He did receive a decent signing amount from NGA. And all those research grants Ellie received through indirect assistance from Admiral really helped in reducing her sizable student debt. Besides at the end of the day, this job was just his cover so he could freely work on understanding the computer inside his head and how to safely take it out or at least suppress it so he would be able to return to his normal life someday. He didn't know if getting entangled with NSA or CIA was a good option for him. Especially considering his current situation and who his father was.

I can't seem to make up my mind, regardless of what I saw in those "visions" I quite like her and most of that was part of her job anyways. But I must convince her to back off so I can visit Dr Dreyfuss and figure out what actually happened inside my brain a few hours ago.

"Look Sarah, I believe you have no malicious intent towards me. Even though you always had hard time opening up to people, you are someone who values those who are close to you. That's something I have always found quite admirable about you." He spoke out softly as his eyes bored into her startled ones, She was quite surprised and flattered from how high he built her up. "If your agency or NSA found out about our connection, they might use it to manipulate the situation to their liking and as your friend, I would really hate to put you in a situation like that. Just let me deal with this on my own, there must be a way out without all these complications." He concluded with a reassuring smile, hoping to put her heart at ease

Sarah found herself completely at loss. Her mind in even more of mess than it previously was. She didn't want to lose Chuck, not because he was a prized engineer capable of rebuilding the Intersect back to its former glory, not because it would have allowed her to get out of accursed predicament her career was in, both thanks to Bryce and her exploits in that particular mission involving "Molly", but rather because she wanted to know him more and especially to not disappoint his expectations of her.

She didn't want that look to- that expectation from one of the very first individuals who had, upon their initial meeting, seen her as something more than emotionless husk she tended to consider herself.

Furthermore, that feeling of trust, that feeling of fondness she had felt towards the former nerd herder was still very much intact, even after all these years, despite the fact she had been in a relationship with someone else.

Rather than follow the orders as Graham's loyal enforcer, as she usually would ( because even Sarah had to admit she typically followed her agency's guidelines), she wanted to prove herself to him.

It was an odd feeling, one that was foreign to the CIA agent and former conwoman, only time she felt somewhat close to this when her dad used to ask her to help out.

Sarah put her warm hand on top of his, squeezing his arm caringly and Chuck immediately knew twenty other men in the room wished to be in his shoes. "Chuck my job is to make sure you are safe and sound. As such I will be staying with you until I am told otherwise. It's the least I can do for a friend" She insisted with a fierce look of determination in her eyes, flashing a bright smile which put the dazzling rays of sun to the shame.

"Huh?" He wanted to blurt out, "You sure you have the right person?" Chuck let out a sigh of frustration "Riigght.". This wasn't the way things were supposed to go, "I really wish you weren't involved in all this."

"What?" Sarah blinked in confusion, noting the disapproval in her tone. "You can trust me Chuck, I won't betray you." She promised him once again in a gentle yet firm tone.

"Yeah, sure. I know you won't. I am the creator of this technology so the NSA can't do much about me even if I somehow ended up on their shit list, But if General Beckman figures out you are involved in this, it might put your life in danger. ." Chuck closed his eyes , taking a long breath as he figured that was the end of it

"Geez, what are you? My mother?" Sarah joked, nudging him with her elbow, "I will be fine Chuck. Remember that I've been doing this for years. And I like to think I am pretty good at doing my job" She retorted with a playful wink as she patted him on his shoulders.

"I guess you will alway be the tougher one a between us." Chuck laughed nervously offering a goofy grin. Sarah smiled at this, happy to see Chuck was back at his normal self

"By the way," Sarah started as she ceased her laughter, "So what are you planning on doing for rest of the day?"

"Why is it everytime I see her, I want to gulp?"

"Hmmm..." Chuck hummed, tensing up in embarrassment. He wasn't quite sure why, but it was quite hard to decided his next move. Initially he had it all planned out, but he was not taking into account that Sarah Walker of all people would turn out to be a CIA agent and he would be left with so little to go on. Finally he sighed and accepted his fate, smiling as he looked up at her.

"I will leave that up to you. I owe you a treat anyways."

"What about those pictures with Bryce, though and why they seemed...so close?" A voice inside him asked.

...xxxxxx...xxxxxxx...

Roark knew it was difficult for him to accept it. But until the agencies stopped looking more into Larkin's failed attempt at stealing the Intersect, FULCRUM had to act cautiously for the time being. "Those bastards...they know nothing better to do than just snoop in unnecessarily."

At the same time, however, he knew what he had to do. He should be using this time to make his corporation much more efficient in terms of making more profit and technology.

"May be I should use this time to advance our reach within government offices as well."

Making his way to his office and he could feel it in a new way. It seemed much bigger to him now.

"It's time to take everything under my control, as it should be."

There was a certain task, which he couldn't keep out of his mind, no matter how much he tried to do so. " Carmichael. I must figure out what this engineer knows about Orion's designs and how did he manage to handle the downloading process, Whoever he is, his life is going to be in my hands pretty soon. I have to survey his life one second at a time."

He pressed a button on his phone system stationed on his desk, "Yes, Mr Roark." his secretary spoke up from the other end.

"Get me Augusto Gaez on the line." a causal Roark said.

...xxxxxxxx...xxxxxxx...

Dr Zarnow let out a sigh, wondering if made a mistake. He really needed to finish this task though. Which meant that he needed to climb his way back on Ted Roark's good side. And this was definitely accomplishing that. However he couldn't help but feel he was contributing to the ruination of a defenseless young man with bright future ahead of him.

"What's wrong?" His wife Emily, came up from behind, placing a gentle hand on his shoulders.

Zarnow's head dropped, "The price I am willing to pay to get out of the FULCRUM business is quite steep one."

"What do you mean?"

Zarnow took a seat on the sofa, "I don't...know how to say it but here goes...Roark is trying to get his hands on a top secret military project called the Intersect but his men failed to do the job and somehow all the intel was locked up inside a PDA. A young man- some sort of specialist from NGA was called in to access that information before the self destruct protocol deleted everything. And working with this program, had changed him. All the information is now inside his brain like a computer."

A lot to let sink in.

Zarnow continued further, "I tried to follow him but before I could get a good look on his face, he started mentioning all the intel I stole for FULCRUM. I panicked and ran away. Once I informed everything to Mr Roark, he offered me a deal. If I can get this young man for him, he will allow me to retire from the double agent business and leave the country with a sizable amount, enough to last a lifetime."

"You feel guilty." His wife concluded

"Yes." Zarnow took a deep breath, eyes staring forward, elbows on his knees, hands folded, "I should have handled myself better back then. I should have paid more attention when my Busgang asked me to help out with that mission all those years ago. If only I knew what he was planning...and now I feel everything is my fault."

"It isn't." His wife corrected him, "You shouldn't say that. You will only make yourself sick."

"That's why I doctored the clip before handing that over to Roark but that's not enough." He said, "I feel like I should do more. Make a difference but I dunno how."

"It's out of your hands Jon. You have already done more than enough." She agreed with that, "If you want my advice, I think you should step aside and let FULCRUM and NSA do their respective jobs."

"The kid, Emily." Zarnow said aggressively, his fists clenched in anger and frustration "I can't just turn the other cheek while he is fed to the wolves!"

"I understand. " Emily nodded, "But it's a dangerous world out there. Changes are being made everyday. We are all just being swallowed up in the spy drama. I want my husband to be safe. I need my husband to stay out of harm's way. I need my husband to step aside and remember that he has a wife and daughter who loves him deeply."

"I love you too." Zarnow returned, hugging his wife and giving her quick kiss on the lips. "So okay, I will do what you tell me. But if Roark crosses a line...

"One step at a time." She said, kissing him, "One step at a time."

...xxxxxx...xxxxxx...

"Theodore Roark." The largest crime lord in the world greeted in his deep voice, a cigar between his fingers, "I was wondering if a call from you was forthcoming."

"Gaez. I appreciate your willingness to contact me on such short notice." Roark returned his greetings

"While I consider friendships a weakness, I like to think our working relationship is quite healthy." Gaez said with a smug grin, " That being said, I hope you would do the same for me if needed."

Roark was forced to take a breath for a moment, "Yes, well...I suppose I share that thought as well."

"Good to hear, Roark. Good to hear. Now, how can I be of service?"

"It is imperative that I must get the technology which can fully decrypt the Intersect and the man who created it as soon as possible." Roark explained the dire situation, "It's very important that I have this Carmichael under my thumb before NSA ends up taking him away forever."

"I see."

"I know you are a man of deep pockets and even deeper resources. I am also well aware you have a lot of contacts within the government agencies as well."

"That is true." Gaez chuckled, knowing very well thanks to his close contacts within the RING that Roark would never dare to sell him out.

"Can you help me?"

"Yes." Gaez was quick to assure him, "But, first I am in need of assistance as well."

Roark cursed under his breath, he knew it! The catch! There was always a catch. He waited to for Gaez to explain what it was that he needed.

" Long time ago, A pretty wild thing from DC came to my city. A woman of great anger and strength. She impressed me with her rampage and caused me a significant loss in my manpower and territory before I ultimately managed to drive her out. However, her informant network is still quite sound and causing me a lot of trouble, almost eating away my business from inside. If you really want my help in getting Carmichael...Then you need to hunt down a wild cat for me."

Roark sharply narrowed down his eyes, immediately putting two and two together.

"You mean a clandestine agent? With all due respect, are you out of your mind? You want me to kill a government sanctioned assassin for you? How is that going to help you anyways?

Gaez was always cool, laid back, composed at all times, brimming with confidence, "Because if I fail to kill her this time, she will surely come after me. She is definitely planning to do so for the longest time and if I don't deal her with soon enough, I may not see her coming this time around."

His usefulness aside, there was still the matter of taking down this highly skilled clandestine agent and not make a mess while doing so. This could prove to be tremendously difficult, even for someone like him.

"And how would you propose I go about this?" Roark wondered.

"Your intelligence and resourcefulness rivals mine, Roark." A compliment or a taunt, Roark couldn't be much sure about that, "I am pretty sure you can come up with a satisfactory tactic to use."

That only strengthened Roark's disgust for the vile man. However there was no denying the advantages it managed to produce for the time being. Having Gaez on your side was certainly better than having him competing against you. Besides he could get most information on anyone he wanted through his connections. It was much healthier to be with him rather than against him. So Roark would continue to play nice...

For now.

...xxxxx...xxxxx...

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