It had been a little over a month since Ellie had started reviewing Chuck's brain scans and comparing them with the limited records they had from the Agent X project and concluded that her brother had a singularly unique brain structure that was able to support the Intersect. Whether or not it was due to his receptors being 'primed' by the accidental download he'd gotten as a child, was still unclear as there were no medical records for her father pre- and post- Intersect download. While the Intersect did seem to be spread through the usual memory centers of the brain, it appeared that Hartley's upload had damaged his amygdala. As it turns out, Volkoff started suffering severe migraines several years ago, and his private physician had some scans done for diagnostic purposes. Frost was able to get copies of the scans sent to Ellie to review, which was how she discovered the damage to his amygdala that had developed over the years, which may account for the erratic behavior that the Volkoff personality was known for. One thing was for sure, when she and Chuck figured out a removal protocol for the Agent X Intersect, Hartley would need to go through extensive therapy to assist in his recovery post-removal, whether he remembered his Volkoff days or not.

She had started developing a hypothesis on how the programing was able to integrate itself into the human brain and hoped to implement her findings into Chuck's removal algorithm simulations to see if her theories could result in a successful removal of the programming. As much as she would love to develop a successful removal protocol within the next month, she knew that, like with all experimental medical treatments – especially involving a neurological component – the path to successful resolution was likely to be a long one. She was finishing her most recent report on her research when she heard a tap on her office door. Looking up, she saw her brother and smiled.

"Hey, Chuck, what can I do for you?" She inquired as she saved her work.

"Could you join Sarah and I in my office?" He gave her an unsure look, "Dad just reached out saying that he and Mom had some information for us."

Despite the line of communication that was now open between themselves and their parents, it was still awkward for the Bartowski parents and adult offspring. While Chuck and Stephen had two-way secure communication, the only way to have contact with Mary was for her to reach out, and only when it was safe for her to do so without blowing her cover. For her to be reaching out, it usually meant she had information of vital importance.

"When?" She asked.

"Fifteen," Chuck stated. At his sister's nod, he left to return to his office.

Ellie sighed and closed her report. Since it was nearing the end of her allotted lab time, she collected her purse and jacket before locking her office and lab before heading toward her brother's office suite. When she arrived, she found he'd already activated some of the security protocols. The windows were now opaque, and she suspected he was waiting to activate the sound dampeners until after she and Sarah were in the room. She knocked on the door and was greeted by Sarah who closed and locked the door behind them. Chuck looked up from the small conference table where he was working to establish a secure connection to the server through which their parents communicated, and tapped a button in a remote beside him, activating the last of the security protocols.

Sarah took her usual seat beside Chuck and Ellie took a seat across from them as the monitor came to life displaying a split screen with their father on one side, and their mother on the other.

"It's good to see your faces," Stephen's customary greeting was accompanied with a warm smile which was not as awkward in appearance as it once was.

"Hi Dad," The Bartowski siblings greeted him as Sarah gave the older man a small smile.

"I have come across some information that may be of interest to you," Mary, as usual got right to the point, "Especially for you, Agent Walker as it pertains to one of your most recent missions before you were assigned to protective detail."

Sarah's eyebrows shot up, her interest clearly piqued, as she waited for the older agent to continue.

"A rogue agent recently reached out to Volkoff Industries for assistance in locating a package that slipped through his fingers several months back," Frost continued, "As it is my responsibility to vet such things, I engaged him directly and involved no other operatives from V.I. It helped that agents Barker had heard whispers of the botched operation during which the package was disappeared and had made mention that, in hindsight, the operation seemed questionable at best."

"Would I be correct in assuming the individual who reached out to you was Kieran Ryker?" Sarah inquired.

"It is," Frost confirmed, "I have him in a holding pattern while I 'research' the matter, and have his movements and communications being monitored. What I don't know is if you want to handle this yourselves, as, if I'm not mistaken, the mission has a personal component to it, much like the one you are currently on."

"Sarah, what is going on?" Ellie looked at her brother's girlfriend.

"It's a long story, Ellie," Sarah sighed. "I told Chuck about it the night we reconnected again. The package your mother is referring to is a child. Ryker had her parents killed so he could claim her inheritance. I didn't realize what was going on until I found the package. I managed to smuggle her out and she is now hidden away with someone I trust."

The look that came over Ellies face left little doubt that her mother was the operative commonly known within the espionage community as The Frost Queen. Her eyes shot to Sarah, "As a doctor, it would go against my oath to go after this man."

"Don't worry, Ellie," Sarah gave her a knowing look, "Some of us don't have such restrictions." Turning back to the monitor, "Can you keep him on ice?"

"Solid copy," Mary's determined look matched Sarah's, "Am I to assume that Major Casey will be accompanying you?"

"Once we brief him, I don't think there is a way to keep from releasing the Casey," Chuck scoffed, "He'll have Vera, Jolene, and Henrietta locked and loaded within minutes and be on his way to catch the next soviet-bound transport."

"Very well, I'll keep you updated with Ryker's coordinates," Mary nodded, "Release the Casey, Mama Bear and Piranha may want the support."

"'Mama Bear?'" Ellie inquired, shooting a look to Chuck and Sarah.

"Part of the long story, Elle," Sarah stated, "One I will clarify once we complete our mission objectives."

Ellie gave her a look that made it clear that she would hold Sarah to that promise.

"Where do we stand on our other project?" Orion not to subtly changed the topic.

"I have some theories as to how the intersect was able to so deeply imbed itself into Chuck and Uncle Hartley's brains," Ellie advised, "It would be helpful if I could get some of your scans as well. Is there any way you can come in?"

"No, Eleanor, I have to stay off the grid for your protection." Stephen shook his head sadly.

"Dad, what if I set it up so that the security in the building and office would wipe records of you being here?" Chuck suggested.

"I could run the tests under a John Doe," Ellie added, "Every little bit of information I can get helps in figuring how to fix the three of you."

"Charles," Orion sighed, "See what you can come up with and I will consider it."

"I'll update you as soon as I can," Chuck confirmed, "I'll set up the security protocol and upload it to our secure server for you to access once you are clear to wipe the records."

"Aces, Charles," Stephen smiled.

"Do we have an ETA as to when to expect you in Moscow?" Frost inquired, trying to get back on track with the original reason for the call.

"From the sounds of it, Chuck and Ellie have some things to discuss," Sarah looked toward the Bartowski siblings for confirmation and was met with nods from both, "I would say we can expect to be departing no later than tomorrow afternoon."

"Understood," Frost nodded, "My time is nearly up. I will set up a dead drop where I will leave you a burner loaded with a tracking application. I've already tagged Ryker using radioactive nanobots slipped into his food when we met to discuss the assistance he was requiring."

"Thank you for your assistance," Sarah's small smile backed up the sentiment.

"You're welcome, Dear," Mary gave her a soft smile, "Family must always come first, I know that seems counterintuitive considering Chuck and Ellie's history with Stephen and I, but please believe neither of us thought it would result in us being gone so long from their lives."

"That's something we can work out once you're home again," Chuck's tone making it clear the topic was closed for the time being.

Sarah had become aware over the past few months of working with all of the Bartowski family that Chuck and Ellie were very much the children of Orion and Frost. Especially when their usual warm and open demeanor was turned reserved and cool like their mother or when they were fixated on their work as their father was inclined to do.

"My time is up," Frost advised, "Keep me apprised of your progress on both fronts."

The Burbank-based trio nodded their understanding before Frost's side of the screen went black. "I must be on my way as well," Stephen added, "Give you some time to do what needs to be done on your end before mounting your operation to Russia."

"We will, Dad," Chuck nodded, and Orion signed off. He then turned to his sister, "I already have a security protocol in place to protect Dad coming by the office. I figured you would eventually try to get him to come in to do your Frankenstein's monster thing."

"You're not funny," Ellie rolled her eyes, "And may I remind you that, had you not opened that stupid email, we wouldn't be in this situation."

"True," Chuck nodded, "But we also wouldn't have the opportunity to save Uncle Hartley and bring our family home again," He pointed out.

"I guess you have a point," Ellie huffed, "And on that point, I want to talk over my theories with you."

Sarah excused herself to do what she could to prepare for their mission to deal with Ryker. She was undecided if she should just capture him or shoot him where he stands. Why not both? Her inner voice questioned, What was is that Shepherd guy in that show said about kneecaps being a fuzzy area on the scale of right and wrong? Sarah smirked and went back to setting up transport and lodging for their trip before calling Casey and asking him to join them at the office for a debrief.

Ellie was leaving Chuck's office just as Casey arrived. A plan was made for a family dinner that night before Chuck, Sarah and Casey left the next day before the women went their separate ways.

"Come on in and take a seat," Chuck smiled at Sarah and nodded to the conference table where Casey now occupied the seat Ellie had recently vacated. "I'm just finishing up the simulations for Ellie's theories, see if any of them get us any closer to our goal." He typed a few more moments and hit enter, "Done!"

"What is this mission you called me in for?" Casey asked, looking between Sarah and Chuck, who had joined them at the table. "I doubt you wanted me to just sit here while the moron typed away on his computer."

Sarah ignored his comment, "Have I ever told you about my mission to Budapest?"


Dinner had been a comfortable affair, one that had become tradition for the central team of their office prior to engaging in a mission. Alex and Morgan were invited, although Morgan was not informed it was yet another send-off dinner for Chuck, Sarah, and Casey in order to reduce his excitable response.

As it always did, the meal and family time passed a bit too quickly for their liking and soon hugs and wishes of safe travels were exchanges among the Bartowskis, Casey, and Alex before they made their way home.

That night Chuck and Sarah packed before retiring to their bed to make love, the expression made more poignant considering the personal nature of the mission upon which they were to embark the next day. They cuddled together in their post-coital bliss dreaming of what their future might hold and what their next steps would be once their mission objective was successfully completed.

"Are you sure that's what you want to do?" Chuck asked softly, looking down at her.

"Yes," Sarah sighed, "As much as it pains me to say, and as much as I wish things would be different, I think it's the best way of handling this."

"I understand," Chuck sighed, "As much as I hate to say it, I agree with you. We can make the arrangements when we get back."

"Okay," Sarah nodded, snuggling into Chuck's chest, "Chuck?"

"Yeah, Baby?" He hummed.

"Hold me until I fall asleep?" She whispered.

"Always," He promised, pressing a kiss to her lips before he felt her shift.

The both rolled onto their sides, Sarah scooting back to press up against his front in the little spoon position reveling in the feelings of peace and security that being in his arms sparked in hers. She felt him press a kiss to her shoulder and relax on their shared pillow as they both drifted off to as peaceful of a sleep as they could get before their mission.


Before they set off to meet up with the Strykers, who had once again been pegged as their pilots, at the airfield, Chuck and Sarah stopped at the office to check on the simulations that had been left to run overnight. He emailed the results to Ellie and copied a file to his secure laptop to review as they journeyed eastbound.

Casey and the Strykers met them at the private terminal of the Burbank Airport. After greetings were exchanged and baggage handed off to the ground crew to load up in the hold, they all boarded the plane. In order to get around FAA flight time and duty day regulations, Sarah and Casey would be flying from Burbank to New York-JFK while the Strykers rested in the berth in order to be legal to fly the second leg to London where they would overnight before continuing on to Moscow the next day.

Seeing as he would essentially be alone for the next five hours or so, Chuck set up in one of the chairs by the small conference table. Ted and Elaine took seats on the loveseat nearby and would move into the berth once they were airborne. Casey, who was flying the left seat, called out that the flight plan to JFK was approved and Sarah, having completed the walkaround and check list, closed the boarding door and took the right seat in the cockpit. The chalks were pulled, and the break disengaged and soon they were taxiing to the runway. They had to cede the runway to a couple mainline and regional jets, but soon the turbine engines were spooling up and they shot down the runway and began to climb.

It only took 10 minutes to reach their cruising altitude and the Strykers retired to the berth to get some rest while Chuck pulled out his laptop and began reviewing the data from the most recent removal simulations, a couple had been more successful, but they weren't quite there yet. He connected to the secure inflight Wi-Fi and sent his analysis to his sister to review to see if she agreed with his suggestion to combine a couple of the more successful methods to see if that improved the chances of success. Seeing that he still had a few hours to kill, he headed toward the galley, stopping by the cockpit first to see if Sarah or Casey wanted anything before whipping up a quick snack of sandwiches for the three of them. Having delivered Casey and Sarah's sandwiches and bottles of water, he returned to the seating area to eat his quick meal. He spent the rest of the flight enjoying the most recent issue of Justice League which he'd picked up a couple days before.

About a half hour before they were due to land in JFK, he heard a phone alarm go off from the berth and soon the Strykers emerged, looking well rested, and resumed their seats on the love seat and engaged Chuck in casual conversation as they waited to land. Once on the ground in JFK, Sarah and then Ted did a walk-around while Casey filed his paperwork and Elaine calculated their weight and balance and called in the fuel order. Sarah had called in a commissary order when they were on approach and as soon as it was delivered and Ted had filed his flight plan, they were off again.

Casey prepared and distributed the meals before joining Chuck and Sarah to formulate a basic strategy of attack with the limited information they'd been given. Once plans were made and dinner consumed, Chuck and Sarah retired to the berth to get some sleep while Casey converted one of the seats into a sleeping area and nodded off himself.

They woke with a few hours left of travel and Chuck suggested a movie for entertainment. The credits for "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly," rolled just as Elaine announced they were about to make their approach into London. As soon as they were on the ground, the Heathrow VIP service met them planeside, collected their passports and luggage and shuttled them to their private lounge to clear customs and immigration. Nearly an hour later a porter, who identified himself as the resident MI:6 contact, informed them they were cleared and good to go before escorting them to their private transport to the Doubletree where three rooms were reserved for them.

Upon arrival to the hotel, they were surprised to find that the VIP treatment extended to the hotel as they were met by the concierge who greeted them warmly before handing them their room keys. She gave them a brief overview of the services provided at the hotel and how to contact the front desk and room service and confirmed that the VIP service from Heathrow would be arriving the next morning to collect them and escort them through to their departure the next day. As per their directions, all three rooms were on the same floor, but Casey had requested to have at least one room between himself and either one of the couples with whom he was traveling. A porter had unloaded their bags and was waiting for them by the elevators to accompany them to their rooms.

Since there were 3 rooms and 5 sets of luggage to contend with, they assured the porter that he didn't need to unpack them at every room, simply hand them their luggage and move on to the next. The porter looked a little uneasy, as if concerned he would get in trouble for not giving them the VIP treatment, but the large tips he received from the Strykers, Casey, and Sarah and Chuck along with their promise to give him a positive review alleviated his concerns.

The first room was Casey's who gave them a grunt and, claiming his suitcase, disappeared within the confines of his room to not be seen for the rest of the night. The Strykers were in a room across the hall and down a few doors, they thanked the Porter for his assistance, claimed their bags, and bid Chuck and Sarah goodnight. The final room which was at the very end of the hall by the exit stairs was Chuck and Sarah's. The room was well appointed for a midlevel hotel and had a view of the south taxi and runways of the Heathrow airport. Being a pilot, Sarah enjoyed watching the afternoon arrivals touch down, and felt Chuck sidle up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist as he joined her in the watching.

"So, we have about 16 hours before we take off for Moscow," He kissed her cheek, "Is there anything you want to do while were here?"

"I can think of one thing," She gave him an impish smile over her shoulder.

"I was thinking more sightseeing," Chuck rolled his eyes, "Maybe take the train into the city proper and tour the Globe Theater, see Big Ben, Tower of London, The Eye?"

"You want to do all that, and sleep all in the next 16 hours?" She challenged.

"No," He chuckled, "Maybe pick two or three things and go with that?"

"Are you sure you can handle the Eye?" Sarah asked, "It is the largest ferris wheel in the world and didn't you have a minor freak out on that one at the carnival in college?"

"I knew I shouldn't have told you that story," Chuck groaned slightly, "I should be fine, they are completely enclosed so it should be no worse than being in a glass elevator or an airplane."

"Alright, so let's start with the eye, which will give us a view of Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, then we can indulge your inner theatre nerd and check out Shakespeare's Globe before hitting the Tower of London?"

"Sounds good," Chuck agreed, "But maybe we can start with a shower, we essentially took a red eye out of Philly an I don't know about you, but I could use a good freshening up."

"Just to freshen up?" Sarah smirked.

"Well, I wouldn't be opposed to more," He growled against her neck as his lips traced a path from her jaw to her shoulder causing her to shiver against him when he hit an especially sensitive spot. "What do you say?"

"Race ya," She crowed, pulling out of his arms and dashing toward the bathroom, her boyfriend hot on her heels.

"Gotcha!" He grinned triumphantly as he entered the bathroom and wrapped her up in his arms again and began to kiss her, nibbling here and there along her jaw, her throat, and as he freed her from her shirt, her shoulders and collar bone.

Sarah soon joined him in the fun, quickly relieving him of his shirt and jeans and stepping back to shimmy out of her own jeans as he bent to untie his high-top All Stars. When he looked up again, she was standing in front of him in a lacy bra and panty set that did very little in the way of concealment.

"Have you been wearing that the whole time?" He gulped.

"Mmm-hmm," She nodded, grinning at his reaction.

"My God, Jen, that's just not fair," He groaned.

"I think little Charlie begs to differ," She giggled, spotting the way his boxers were beginning to tent up.

"Well, I can't be held responsible for him," Chuck shrugged and watched as she walked over to the shower and started the taps bending over to engage the showerhead.

Seeing the way her barely there lingerie hugged her ass made him groan. "I spoke too soon, now it's just unfair."

"Well, how about I do away with the distraction?" She gave him a cheeky grin as she reached behind her, releasing the closures of her bra and letting it drop to the floor followed by her panties. The way his eyes took in all of her, full of awe, wonder, and above all reverent love and devotion and perhaps the slightest glimmer of lust was so satisfying to her. "Well what are you waiting for, Charlie? Coming?"

Chuck swallowed thickly, "Give me a minute," He watched as she slid the curtain closed and, with a salacious wink, disappeared behind the frosted fabric. He quickly slid off his boxers and joined her a half second later.


An hour later, after making sure no patch of skin was missed by their soapy hands, they were dressed and ready to head out. They stopped at the concierge's desk and got directions to the Tube and how to get to the London Eye by way of the rail system. There was still snow on the ground, so they bundled up against the winter's chill and headed out into the early London afternoon.

Several hours had passed and the sun had long since set by the time they'd seen the sights they'd hoped to see, got something to eat, and returned to their hotel. They knew that they would have to hit the ground running when they arrived in Moscow and agreed to do away with their usual nocturnal activities, especially after their multiple indulgences in the shower that afternoon and simply get some sleep. Chuck let them in to the room and they quickly changed into their pajamas that they'd laid out for themselves when they'd gotten dressed after their shower.

Chuck wore his normal standby of red plaid pajama pants and a Stanford t-shirt while Sarah had opted for yoga pants in deference to the colder European weather and, much to Chuck's surprise and delight, the Quantum Leap t-shirt he'd worn that first day on Coronado Beach all those years ago. He'd long since grown out of it, but had never been able to part with it, the item holding significant sentimental value to him.

"Oh boy," He whispered.

"Is there something wrong?" She asked, pulling back the covers and sliding into the bed.

"Jen, that's… That's the…" He stammered.

"The shirt you were wearing when you stole my heart?" She finished for him, "I know, now come to bed, Charlie, I need you to keep my feet warm."

"As you wish," He slid into the bed and pulled her close to himself. It didn't take long before the need for rest and the jetlag hit them, pulling them in to a deep satisfying sleep.