Only the people closest to her noticed the slight tick of Frost's right eye, "I'm sorry you must be mistaken, I'm sorry young man, I am not your mother."
"I suppose since you abandoned your children 20 years ago, you can't rightfully call yourself our mother, at least from a caretaker aspect, at least for me that honor fell to Ellie," Chuck's face gave no indication of the emotions boiling beneath the surface, although, Sarah's hand, which was clasped in his, was feeling the effects of his attempted restraint, "However, biologically, you are in fact my mother."
"I think you are mistaken," Frost tried to evade the claim.
"Oh please, Ellie is the spitting image of you, just as I have a clear resemblance to Dad," Chuck rolled his eyes, "I spoke to him last night, by the way, and he confirmed your identity and mission here."
"Cole, Dear, you may want to help your friend find some professional help," Frost turned to Cole with a fake sympathetic look, "He clearly has some deep-seated issues."
"You aren't wrong," Chuck gave a small shrug, "And why wouldn't I when both my parents left me by the time I was finished with junior high school? Thank God the health and emotional services available to UCLA students can be extended to their family. There are a lot of really good counselors coming out of their Psychology programs. Thanks to them, both Ellie and I got the talk therapy we needed to overcome our abandonment issues."
A look of guilt flashed over Frost's face in the course of a nano-second, she recovered quickly, but not quick enough that the four young adults surrounding her didn't notice. She looked as if she were about to offer another protest when Vivian spoke up.
"Aunt Mary, Dad, well his Volkoff personality, at least, is off plotting world domination with his cronies," She pointed out, "But we're not alone here. Perhaps we should take this elsewhere so as to not be overheard by anyone else."
The use of the familial term, one that Vivian hadn't uttered to her in nearly two decades, along with the fact her son who she hadn't seen in just as long, and the fact her own husband had confirmed her location, all caused her to relent. With a slight nod of her head, she followed the young adults out of the ballroom.
Nary a word was said all the way to the room Sarah and Chuck were sharing, all five of them aware that Volkoff's men could have bugged any where in the building. The approached the double door to the suite and Chuck removed his key from his back pocket, sliding it into the lock and waiting for the telling beep and click indicating the lock disengaging. Chuck motioned to the sitting area with one hand while Sarah slipped into the bedroom, returning a moment later with bug sweepers. After Chuck and Sarah had completed their sweep, ensuring their suite was secure, Chuck set to offering and pouring drinks for their guests.
"Mom?" He looked toward her, "Wine or Scotch?"
"Wine, I suppose," She gave a small shrug.
"Allow me to help," Cole offered, heading over to the bar where Chuck was pulling out the wine and high-ball glasses and grabbed the wine glasses, uncorking a bottle of Riesling and filling the glasses for the ladies, as Chuck poured their double scotches, neat. Cole handed the glasses to the women and accepted his Scotch before joining his bride-to be on the love seat. Frost had claimed the armchair, leaving the couch for Chuck and Sarah.
"Chuck," Mary sighed, there was no point denying her son's identity now, "What are you doing here?"
"We actually came to investigate and potentially turn an arms dealer by the name of Victor Federov," Chuck explained before turning a smile to his friends, "We heard he was a guest at a wedding, but were pleasantly surprised to find it was Vivey and Cole who were the happy couple when we ran into them at the cocktail hour our first night here."
"I thought you were an electrical and computer engineer," Mary looked at her son confused, "At least that's what my sources tell me. Why would you be looking into… Oh God, Charles, tell me you didn't…"
"I really didn't have much of a choice at first, Mom," Chuck shrugged, "How much about me do you know, what did Dad tell you?"
"Honor student throughout school, full-ride scholarship to Stanford," Mary shook her head, trying to remember all she had been told, "Expelled for cheating in your last semester, a gross overreaction, but your father shouldn't have gotten your roommate to frame you in the first place. Trust me, he got an earful from me on that one."
"As he should have," Sarah agreed.
"He mentioned something recently about you finally getting your degree and being absolved of all charges," Mary continued, "Something about proof that you were framed being brought to the attention of the University."
"That was Jen's doing," Chuck gave his girlfriend a warm smile, "She found out what had happened and set the wheels in motion to allow me to finish my degree, Stanford instead opted to just issue the diploma since I'd already met and exceeded the proficiency needed to complete my double majors. I also have a standing offer of a full scholarship at the University of my choosing if I wish to pursue graduate school, we're still thinking that part over."
"That doesn't explain why you are here," Mary pointed out.
A moment of silent communication passed between the CIA couple, before they turned to their guests. "Since Mom was technically read in to the program a long time ago, and Vivey already is aware of our families' connections and how Volkoff came to be, Cole we are trusting what we are about to say will not leave this group, as it is classified at the highest level." Chuck spoke directly to his new friend.
"Understood," Cole nodded.
Chuck and Sarah began to explain everything starting from Bryce going rogue to Chuck getting his degree back, and on up to their current mission and the side mission they decided to embark on to try to save Hartley and liberate Frost – and by extension Cole and Vivian.
"Let me get this straight, Mate," Cole gave Chuck a puzzled look, "You have some kind of Intelligence Database in your head? Not only that, but Volkoff has the same thing in him and it's corrupting him?"
"Well, corrupted him is more like." Chuck shrugged, "We have two different versions, but the base programming is essentially the same, which is why we enlisted the help of my father, since he was the original designer and creator of the program. It was his idea, his baby, his greatest creation."
"Aside from your sister and yourself, that's what he always said." Mary pointed out, a soft smile on her lips at the memory, "But we've been down this road before, trying to deactivate the Agent X programming, it didn't work."
"I'm aware of that," Chuck nodded, "Dad sent me the original program's infrastructure as well as the infrastructure of the override attempts along with his notes. Honestly, it was more than I'd asked for, but supremely helpful, nonetheless. I got a jump on my attempt earlier today; between Dad's notes, the CIA and NSA archives, the Omaha Project, and a little of my own bit of tipety-tipety..."
"'Typety-typety?'" Mary raised an eyebrow at her son.
"You ever heard of Piranha?" Sarah asked, then nodded at her boyfriend as the other three intelligence agents looked at him in disbelief.
"I don't know if I should be pissed off at your or impressed," Mary mused, "I know how long that hacker tag has been in use, Charles Irving. Please tell me you never."
"Not to worry, Mom," Chuck assured her, "I only used my powers for good, not matter how many times Morgan begged me to change his grades. All I ever did was hack in to prove I could, fix the hole I was able to exploit, leave a message, and get out."
"You could have been conscripted to the NSA against your will!" Mary reprimanded.
"Well, it wouldn't be conscription if I went willingly," Chuck pointed out blithely, earning him a chastising look from his mother, "And in the end it didn't much matter, I outed myself to the CIA and NSA when I willing joined Sarah and Casey's team."
Almost as if summoned, Major Casey stormed into the room, "What gives Bartowski, decided to have a little pow-wow without me?"
"Just figured I'd keep it in the family for a little bit before bringing you in," Chuck explained, "Would you like me to direct you to a nearby china shop? I mean, that was a pretty remarkable impression of a raging bull you did storming in."
"Can it, Numbnuts," Casey growled, then spotted Mary sitting on the chair, "Who's she?"
"Major John Casey, this is my mother, Mary Bartowski, or as she is known around these parts, Frost." Chuck gestured to his mother, who rose and shook Casey's hand.
"Ma'am," Casey grunted.
"Major Casey," Mary nodded to the man, "Is there anyone else here from this ragtag group of interagency personnel? Morgan, perhaps, or – God forbid – Ellie?"
"Only Ilsa," Chuck offered, "But we're letting Casey handle her."
"I just bet you are, Mate," Cole snickered, "What was it she called you? Ah yes, that's right; "Sugar Bear.'"
Casey gave his number 5 grunt, irritation with a side of reluctant acknowledgement.
"If we can get back on task, children," Mary's parental undertone quieted the younger agents, "Major, if you'd care to take a seat Chuck was just explaining his plan."
"Same one we briefed you on this morning." Chuck filled in.
"Did you make any headway?" Casey turned to Chuck.
"Some," Chuck shrugged one shoulder. "I was able to establish a foundation to build upon. I have a little more coding to do tonight and hope to start running simulations." He turned to his mother, "My, admittedly overly optimistic, goal is to have the program up and running and the glasses reformatted in time to give them to you no later than the reception. And since Volkoff is insisting on following tradition and having the reception the day after the wedding, it gives me an extra day to work on it."
"Just don't forget that we are still having a wedding dinner for family and close friends immediately after the ceremony," Vivian reminded them, "Since we're not touring the city. "
"We wouldn't miss it for the world, Viv," Sarah assured her
"Let's stay on track," Mary reminded them. "What is my part in all of this?"
"You need to get him to put the glasses on, preferably willingly," Sarah supplied, "We figured he would be more likely to trust them coming from you."
"It's sound reasoning," Vivian added, "He usually dons what you say, unquestioningly. You give him a scarf to wear and he immediately uses it; same with a coat or hat. Even when you advise he wear a tie, which we all know he hates to do, he almost instantaneously ties one around his neck."
"Are you absolutely positive the glasses will work?" Mary looked to her son.
"Well considering I only just got Dad's notes and coding files early this morning, no." Chuck admitted, "And it's not like I can test them out on myself short of uploading the Agent X program, which I have absolutely no intention of doing. Honestly if I'm successful in eliminating the Volkoff persona, I am locating Dad and destroying all copies of it. I know he spent years creating it, but it is way too dangerous."
"Agreed," Mary nodded, "If you are able to pull this off, I will help you find him. I may have a few ideas as to where he may have disappeared to."
"I'd appreciate the help," Chuck nodded, "Well, that's all we needed to address with you all. Mom is there any way I can contact you?"
"It would probably be best to avoid direct contact as much as possible." Mary advised, "I don't think he remembers I have children, it was hard enough to convince him that Vivian was, in fact, his daughter, but I don't want to run the risk of triggering anything that would put you or your sister in danger."
"You have a point," Chuck nodded.
"We've already established your cover as a University mate of mine," Cole pointed out, "You getting a hold of me shouldn't raise any flags if you need to make contact with Frost. I'll give you my burner number, the one that is unknown and untapped by Volkoff. Codeword sensitive, in case someone sees outside of this circle."
"What do you propose?" Chuck questioned.
"If you need something passed to Frost text me that you have a bottle of Statesman you promised," Cole suggested after thinking it over a moment, "I'll ask you Whiskey or Rye. Whiskey will be information that need to be passed, Rye will be to notify Frost that the glasses are ready. We can set up a rendezvous from there."
"How appropriate on so many levels," Chuck smiled at the suggestion, "Are you sure no one will understand that?"
"I doubt anyone outside this room would get the reference," Cole shrugged, "The series isn't very well known outside of British Territories and the Colonies. Even then, it's not terribly well known."
"Great," Chuck grinned, "Oh and if you to pass something off to me, shoot me a text saying that you have the information for your tailor on Saville Rd. I'll ask you Oxfords or Brogues, Oxfords for information, Brogues for items." Chuck and Cole continued to discuss communication methods, occasionally straying off to the source from which their code words were pulled.
"How did we wind up with such nerds?" Sarah turned to Vivian with an eye roll.
"Just lucky, I suppose," Vivian shrugged with a small giggle.
Casey shot Mary a look that clearly meant, 'Do you know what they are talking about?' To which she simply shrugged and shook her head.
"If you all don't mind, some of us are getting married tomorrow and need our sleep." Vivian interjected, "Cole, Darling, we should go."
"Of course, Love," Cole nodded before shaking hands with Chuck pressing a kiss to Sarah's cheek, and following his fiancée out the door.
"I should be on my way as well," Mary added, rising from her seat, "Before Alexei starts to question where I've wandered off to. It was good to see you again, Chuck."
"You too, Mom," Chuck pulled her in for a brief hug.
Mary took a few steps toward the door before turning back, "I do have one question, though, are you two…"
"No," Chuck shook his head, catching onto his mother's meaning, "At least not yet. Maybe someday, but it's just a cover for now."
"And Ellie?"
"Not yet," Chuck confirmed, "Although that will probably be changing soon, so we should try out best to resolve this as quickly as possible."
"Understood," Mary nodded and extended her hand to Sarah, "It was nice to meet you, take care of my son."
"I will," Sarah confirmed, shaking the older woman's hand.
"Casey," Mary nodded to the NSA agent.
"Frost," Casey grunted and opened the door for her to exit. Once the door was closed, he turned on his heel, "Walker, Bartowski," not acknowledging them wising him a good night as he exited through the connected door to his room.
Sarah slipped her arms around Chuck and laid her head on his shoulder, "So that was your mom?"
"Yeah, that was Mom." Chuck confirmed, pressing a kiss to his girlfriend's head, "I'm sorry you couldn't have met under better circumstances."
"It couldn't be helped," Sarah sighed, "With any luck, the mission will go well, and she'll be free to return home with us."
"That would be nice," Chuck smiled softly, "I'm sure Ellie would love to have her around again."
"Do you think Ellie will be able to forgive her?" Sarah checked.
"I hope so, it may wind up depending on if we are able to read her in on the project," Chuck shrugged, "Technically the Agent X project was the precursor for Omaha and the Intersect. So, if we are able to bring her in, we can tell her about all that Dad, Mom, and Uncle Hartley were up to all those years ago. Maybe knowing all that will help her come to terms with why they had to leave and will help her forgive them."
"Will you be able to forgive her?" Sarah looked up to meet his eyes.
"Knowing the reason that she left helps," Chuck admitted, pulling her closer, "It will be a long road, I think, but eventually, yeah, I think I can. I mean, I would like to be able to put it all behind us."
They stood there, silent in each other's arms while longer before Chuck broke the silence. "Can we promise ourselves something right here right now? That we're in this, together, no matter how bad a mission or assignment goes, or where this life takes us, in or out of our current jobs. I don't know what I'd do if you went out on your own for a mission and disappeared."
"I don't know what I'd do ether," Sarah stepped back and took his hands in hers. "Do you, Charlie Bartowski, promise to be all-in with me, no matter what the future brings in both our real life and the spy life?"
"I do," Chuck smiled down at her, his eyes reflecting the seriousness of his pledge, "Do you Jenny Burton, promise to be all-in with me, no matter what the future brings in both our real life and the spy life?"
"I do," Sarah's soft smile matched his, love and devotion shining in her eyes at the vow.
Chuck lifted her hands to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to the back of each hand, squeezing her left hand in his right. "One day, you will truly wear my rings, not these gaudy imitations," He whispered low in his throat.
"I'll look forward to the honor of wearing them," She replied softly as he wrapped his arms around her waist, puling her in for a kiss the held the promise of all the love he had and would give her for the rest of their lives.
"If we have any hope of getting to that point, I really should get to work," Chuck sighed, reluctant to let his girlfriend go.
"I guess you're right," Sarah nodded, "But we should probably change into something a little more comfortable. I have a feeling this is going to be a long night."
"You're probably right," Chuck agreed, releasing his hold on her so they could prepare for the long night and day of work that was ahead of them.