The choices we make

by mssupertigz

The jist of the story is Chuck and Sarah Casey too are team up but General Meriweather has other plans. As the team tries to justify his actions, they are given their final answer that doesn't sit well with any of them especially Sarah. Will the team get back to their glory days or will their final decision be their last?

5. Chapter 5 Simplicities of Life

Chapter Five – Simplicity of Life

Chuck sat up as the last 72 hours had been time he had not wanted to relive. Chuck waited till the room was quiet as he struggled to slide his limbs into the clothes of a solider he had just knocked out. He leaned in as he grabbed the gun and a few magazines along with a set of keys he hoped would get him out of the bunker. Chuck painstakingly pulled the soldier up onto the bed and covered him up. He was thankful that he still had the ability to flash and that Meriweather hadn't touched that gift. But he knew that he had to be looking for something that Chuck had within the Intersect. Chuck turned the lights out and unlocked the door to the hall.

OUTSIDE THE BUNKER

Casey had parked the truck up the hill and waited for any sign of Chuck, he had been parked there for the last few nights waiting. He hoped that Chuck would make it as the last report he got wasn't a good one. They had lost Chuck for a short time as his vitals dipped and he had to be resuscitated. Casey looked behind into the back seat to make sure that he had Chuck's gear. Chuck had asked for a new passport, change of clothes for a month and his files and computer and a few miscellaneous items such as a bag of cheezies. Casey was glad that he was able to grab the computer when he was escorted out of the bunker. Casey sat in the dark with the only light coming from his cigar.

BUNKER

Chuck headed down the hall and noticed that his living area was closer than he thought. Chuck marked the area with a marker so that he could find his way back if he got himself turned around. Walking a few feet he noticed a docking area. 'This is too easy' Chuck thought to himself. 'This whole time the exit was this close.' Chuck investigated a little further. 'Too good to be true'. Chuck shook his head and trudged on. His pain killers were running out and he needed to rest but he had to not focus on that now. Chuck felt that he had been going in circles but he had not come in contact with his markings that he had left. Happy that he was getting somewhere Chuck slid into an office where he managed to find another set of computers. Chuck broke in and clicked on the any recent files that had been saved or activated since he had arrived. Chuck found a list of files that read more like a shipping log or something to do with the Navy. Double Helix, Crysis, Oblivion, Skyrim, Fallout, Aquascape, Olympia, Poseidon, Atlantis, Cornith, Horseman and Seamanship, Artemisia, Perseus Project. Chuck flashed on a few that he wished he hadn't. The amount of data at one time and the fact that he had not flashed like that in a long time he knew he had come into something big. He printed the list and deleted his trail, slipping out the back door. The remaining halls looked the same till he came to an open area. The main area had a set of large meshed satellite dishes, and a lot of out dated equipment. Two large probe type machines, which reminded Chuck of the scene from the movie Howard the Duck where the Dark Overlord had activated the lasers to bring down more Overlords. Walking around he, quickly took a visual list of the items. Whatever Meriweather was up to was much more advanced that Chuck had originally thought but with this outdated equipment he wondered how far he could get.

Voice over the speakers…..

Lock down all exits Security to the Infirmary…..

Chuck saw the red lights and knew he had to get out. Chuck looked around and saw a ladder. 'Ladders always go up'. Chuck pushed a crate as close as he could to the first set of ladders. He climbed up but his very sore fingers made it hard to grab onto the rungs of the ladder. Chuck used his fore arms and elbows to climb the ladder till he approached the first adjoining bridge to take him to the second set of ladders. He looked down and saw the room full of Meriweather's men. "He has to be here, he has not left the bunker. Find him!" The lead soldier yelled. Chuck leaned back against the wall of the bunker as the soldier scanned the area. He waited till the soldier left and slowly made his way to the second ladder. Chuck had climbed to the next set of steps to take him to the next ladder but looked up and for the life of him he couldn't climb all those rungs. He had to find another way.

OUTSIDE THE BUNKER

Casey waited but saw that the bunker had put on its house lights, so he knew that Chuck was well on his way, he hoped that he was. Casey was far enough away not to cause any suspicions or give his location away. Grabbing his binoculars he opened the door and closed the door quietly just in case. He scanned the area and saw no one coming his way. He scanned the area near the truck nothing. He just hoped that Chuck would hurry up as dawn was a few hours away.

BUNKER

Chuck heard some commotion from below or so he thought when from above what looked like to him to be an elevator box heading down from overhead. Chuck knew that it had to be the one that took him down here in the first place. It was going pretty fast. By the speed he knew that if he took the box back up he could get out or end up dead trying. But the speed and his condition did not add up to a successful jump. He quickly thought of Sarah and if he didn't make the jump. He couldn't die without telling her in person and in his words from his own heart that he loved her. Even after all these months he knew that she hadn't stopped loving him either. Chuck heard the box start up again. He visualized the distance and flashed on the schematics of jumping and landing safely he hoped. Chuck saw it coming and as his flashed ended he leaped onto the top of the box. He hit his landing but didn't take into consideration the wind speed of going that fast that he slid off the edge. He grabbed and held onto the edge of the rim of the box. His fingers were quickly giving out. Chuck used his long legs that finally came in handy and swung his legs over but that took several attempts to get on top. Chuck laid face down as the as the box continued to speed upwards. Chuck was glad that he didn't pay for that ride. He laid low till the area was quiet. Chuck slid down from the top and shimmied out from under the elevator box. He peaked out hoping that the area was clear as he made his way to the nearest door.

Looking at the soldiers watch he turned on the walkie talkie to hear where everyone was. Not knowing the bunker well he hoped that they were a long ways away. But he knew that they could be tracking him as well so Chuck got rid of his only means to keep track of them. Chuck tossed his gear into a corner and just kept the shirt, pants and boots on. Moving slowly along the walls he watched both ends of the hall. Coming to the last door, he hoped was the door that would lead him out of here. As he reached for the door he heard someone go psst. Chuck knew that it wasn't someone who wanted him but someone who was willing to help knowing that he could get caught in the process. Chuck turned around hoping for the latter. When his eyes focussed on a short looking man he knew it had to be Will. Will motioned for him to head his way and follow him. Will led Chuck past a few doors and a set of hall ways till he reached the last one. Chuck looked at Will.

"Why are you doing this?"

"Cause I knew that this wasn't what I signed up for. I thought that I was helping the government. Helping you? But the more I did what I was told I knew that it was not right. So I am hoping that this makes up for that."

Chuck knew that Will was sincere, this was the second kind gesture that he had done, knowing that this one could get him killed. Will pointed to Chuck's left.

"Take this hall and you'll reach a large vent that's on your right. Open the vent and climb up. It's the only way out of here without being caught on camera. Once out lay low as the house lights are on. If you stay low enough you can run to the far buildings. Get to the second from the gate, inside is a bench that slides forwards. This bench is built into a fake wall that leads out of the bunker. Once inside, there is a lantern and some matches. Use the lantern to help you find your way out. You'll reach a fork in the road, head left till you reach a culvert. Hopefully the culvert door hasn't rusted shut."

Chuck shook Will's hand and started walking. He barely got to the vent when he heard Will directing the group of soldiers to head down the opposite hall. Chuck looked back as Will tried his best at saluting him as vent door slid shut.

Chuck followed Will's instructions to a tee and ended up at the culvert. The culvert door was rusted shut. Chuck couldn't head back, he had come this far and the hill was just beyond his reach. Chuck reached into the soldier's pant and sighed when he found a jackknife in the side lower pocket of the pair. Chuck opened to the biggest blade and chiselled away at the rusted hinges. Chuck chipped away till he was able to jimmy the door open. The door barely budges but Chuck laid down and squeezed his long frame through the opening.

Casey decided to scan the area once more and as he brought his vision into focus a tall framed silhouette got his attention. Casey smiled and shook his head. 'The boy did it, he really did it.'

Casey ran to meet him half ways and helped him to the truck. Casey started the truck and drove off.

LA HAVANA

She assumed that they did but assuming and knowing were two different things. Would it make sense to find out, now after all these months? What would she say? Who would she call? Placing her hand on her child, their child, did she want to make that call? Did she want Chuck to know? Those words rang through her mind as she slept. Waking up in a cold sweat, then falling back to sleep but the last time she felt strange. She knew it wasn't the baby but that feeling she had before told her that something wasn't right. Walking over to the window Sarah opened the French doors. The sun had just popped its head over the blanket of dark blue. Sarah hadn't felt like that in a while, a feeling that she only had when they were on missions. That feeling in your gut that told you that something wasn't right, that your spy instincts were telling you to go one way but you decide to go the other way. Chuck had done that several times. Sarah admired that quality about him because she had his back but if this was Chuck why would she feel what he was feeling, how could she feel Chuck? She looked out to the horizon and wondered. That's all she could do unless she made that call to find out how he was, where he was. But knowing how 'they' played this game they would ask questions that she wasn't ready to answer. She herself didn't really know how to answer them. The fact that she had slept with her asset and got pregnant and had broken every rule that a spy knew not to break and even breaking one of her own rules. These lines were crossed, blurry for the most part and full of many shades of grey.

Sarah walked back in closed the doors and curled up in her bed.

NOON

Rosa walked up and tapped lightly on the door, when she heard nothing she turned the knob and saw that Sarah was still sleeping. Closing the door she walked back down where Alfie was standing at the bottom of the stairs. "How is she?"

"Still sleeping, so we will let her do that."

"So she told you what was bothering her?"

"The baby's father and yes."

"So where is the father?"

"She doesn't know?"

"Wouldn't you think that if he was in the same line of work as she he would be here?"

"I'm not sure?"

"Sarah wouldn't have gotten herself into this predicament if she knew the outcome?"

"Sarah, knows that if this Charles is a civilian then she crossed the line, if he is like her then maybe that is why she ran?"

"But she left before she knew that she was pregnant?"

"Yes, but until she opens up again we need to wait and wait we will ok?"

Alfie wasn't like Rosa. He knew not to rock the boat but Rosa would do whatever she could to make things right. But this time she herself didn't know how to fix this.

Sarah awoke, showered and walked downstairs. She headed towards the counter and kissed Alfie the Rosa on the cheeks. Grabbing a glass she poured herself some water. Alfie pulled out a stool as Sarah sat staring at the clock. She had not replaced her own so when she looked at the time she blushed.

"Wow it's that time?"

"I guess you needed the rest?"

"I guess." As she finished off her glass. Rosa motioned to see what she would like to eat. Rosa tossed between what to give Sarah. She held up cold cereal, hot cereal, pancakes and even toast. Sarah settled on toast. Rosa hurried with her back towards Sarah preparing the toast. Alfie poured her a glass of juice as Sarah smiled.

"So what does the pretty lady want to do today?"

"I wouldn't call me being pretty, bloated more like it."

Alfie smiled. "Las mujeres embarazadas son siempre bellas." Sarah looked up.

"A pregnant lady is always beautiful."

"Thanks Alfie. I might just go for a walk, head to the market?"

"Ok, sounds good. You need to keep your mind off of things."

"Alfie?" Rosa giving Alfie a stern look.

"No, he's right. It's going to be a long 5 or so months so I better get used to the idea of doing this alone."

Sarah finished her toast and headed out the door. The sun was hotter than usual but she needed to clear her head despite how she was felt. She walked down the side streets, admiring the sights and the sounds of La Havana. She laughed as a little girl ran past her and her dad running after her. Sarah recalled one of the last times she had been here with her dad. She didn't have much memories of her childhood but the few she did have she tried really hard to remember them. Every detail, right down to the smells of the ocean and local restaurants. Her parents had arrived with Sarah in their arms when Sarah was about three. Rosa loved when they visited every winter. Rosa was so proud of Sarah and called her one of her own. Sarah's grandmother and Rosa were best friends from the old country. So Sarah's mom made sure that Sarah knew her and trusted her. Sarah's mom died when Sarah was about six. Her dad made arrangements to bring her here to live with Rosa and Alfie while he tried to make a life for them back in the USA. Sarah had spent most of her young life playing on these streets, and only moved back when she entered high school. Sarah embraced this and many other memories as she walked.

Walking through the market Sarah's the Spanish was coming back to her. She hadn't really used it while with the CIA, but it was nice to know another language. It allowed you to feel a part of the surroundings you were in. Sarah picked up a few melons and brought them to her nose. She remembered Rosa telling her to smell the fruit to see if it was good enough to buy. Sarah grabbed a basket and tossed a few melons, a carton of strawberries some bananas, some tomatoes and few other items to bring back to her place. Sarah walked up to the counter and placed her basket on the counter. Paying for the items she nodded and grabbed her bag.

"Is that all senorita?" The man at the counter spoke.

"¡gracias."

Sarah headed to the door. She looked up the street and didn't feel like tackling the hill to head home. Even her training as a spy didn't prepare her for child rearing let alone a hill when you had no energy. She opted to take another route. She headed towards the ocean and found a small table overlooking the bright teal blue ocean.

She sat down at a table with two chairs and opened up a small bottle of Havana's version of Sprite and allowed the bubbles to tickle down her throat. She ripped open a box of crackers and by the time she had the cheese out the box was almost empty. She laughed, if Chuck was here there would be a fight over the box of crackers. Sarah sat back and placed her legs up on the spare chair as her thoughts went straight to Chuck. She wrapped her arms around her baby, their baby and wondered what Chuck would do if he knew.

She had been battling with that question for weeks but for some reason she didn't know what to do. It had been over 4 months since she left and as far as she knew no one was looking for her. No suspicious tailing or phone calls. She took one phone with her, a Castle issued burner phone and the last time she checked it – no incoming calls or texts we found. Did they forget about her? Was she not important to find?

INTERSTATE 295 SOUTH to INTERSTATE 95

Casey headed south and tried to avoid the main roads out of Washington. The bunker was situated outside Washington in an abandon drive in theatre. From the road it looked abandoned but when you drove further the only buildings were that of the concession stand and a decrepit building that at one time housed the projectors. Casey couldn't believe that Chuck had been so close but yet so far for all these months. No one would have thought that 100 feet down was one of American's top secret bunkers.

He was glad that Chuck was safe, but for how long. Casey drove as the sun started to appear over the flat American landscape. Chuck had slept most of the way till Casey slowed down as a state trooper drove past them. Chuck being startled sat up and looked around.

"A boogey at our nine."

Chuck sat and turned to look out the back window. The state trooper turned around and sped up behind Casey. Casey kept his foot at 65 and waited. The trooper came up fast and worry set in for both of them. As their blood pressure raised so did the lights of the trooper's car. But as the lights were seen in the rear view mirror the State Trooper drove past them and drove out of sight. Casey took a deep breath. Chuck admired that man even more now as Chuck knew that Casey was taking a big risk in getting him out of the area.

Casey turned off the main route and drove into a truck stop and turned the truck off.

"Time to re fuel."

Chuck wanted to keep moving but his stomach was telling him otherwise. Chuck undid his belt and followed Casey into the diner.

Several moments of silence, Casey got a first-hand look at the damage he did to Chuck. Chuck was bruised in several areas on his face and the several butterfly strips above his left eye told him how hard he had hit him. Chuck had a few of his fingers taped indicating that they were broken. Chuck looked at Casey and Chuck saddened that he had hit Casey but was proud at the fact he stood his ground without flashing and using the Intersect. Each apologizing as they waited for their order.

"So what's the plan?"

"Don't know? We go as far as the truck will take us. We cut ties till this blows over and then we bring down Meriweather."

"You think that what he has been up to is that important for the CIA to get involved?"

"Casey, he shut down many of the CIA departments so that he could get his hands on." Chuck pointing to his head. "He wants something that he thinks I have but I have no idea what that can be." The waitress brought their food and refilled their cups.

"Did you find anything on the word Ascension?"

Casey pulled a piece of paper out of his jacket. Chuck took his napkin and wiped his hands and lips then opened the paper. "All Beckman could find was an old mission about 65 years ago called Black Rain."

Chuck instantly flashed on Black Rain several land and underwater images - 800 – the year 1957 – Hans Jacob – Aquascape – Blind mans' Bluff – USS Scorpion June 5, 1968 -

Chuck snapped out of his flash as Casey leaned in.

"And?"

"Not sure, but we may have a reason to look into this further."

Chuck finished his meal and headed out towards the truck as Casey lit a cigar. Chuck sat with the door open facing outwards looking at his files that he had Casey take from the bunker. Chuck reached for the picture of the canteen and the words written on the back. Was this a clue to finding Sarah and if so where would he start? Chuck put the picture inside his jacket pocket and closed the file. Casey got in and started the truck. "So where to?"

Chuck looked up at the road signs and saw that Richmond Virginia was nearby but settled on a small place outside called Manchester. If he needed to he could drive back into and catch a train or plane once he had a plan.

Casey drove and settled on small talk as they drove the rest of the trip. Pulling into Manchester at night fall gave them some sense of secrecy. Chuck opened his room with his key card and tossed his bag that Casey had brought him onto the bed. Casey bunked next door. Chuck sat on the bed staring at him in the mirror. Casey stood at the door and tapped the door with a bottle of Johnny Black, a case of beer and a large pizza. Chuck looked up. Casey kept the door open, he knew that Chuck had missed the fresh air and many other things being held up in the bunker and all you could see for days on end where walls, fake lighting and fake promises fake.

Casey grabbed two glasses and tossed a few ice cubes into each glass. Chuck moved from the bed to the table and leaned his head against the wall. As they ate and finished off the bottle of Johnny Black and a few bottles of beer and most of the pizza Chuck was ready to call it a night. Casey knew that in the morning they would go their separate ways. Chuck was quiet on the big picture and his plan but he knew that Chuck had learned a lot – so staying safe wasn't a concern but not being there by his side was something that he had to let go and accept.

Chuck shook Casey's hand but Casey gave him a slight hug. "Stay safe Bartowski."

"Thanks Casey, and thanks for rescuing me."

"You would have done the same for me."

Casey walked out as Chuck followed him to the door. "I will be in touch."

"Yes you will or I'll find you and it won't look pretty."

Chuck smiled and watched Casey. They had come along way and Casey was man that had his back no matter what.

MANCHESTER VIRGINIA

Chuck had crashed for most of the day and waking up when he did he did not feel that well but blamed it on the alcohol. Chuck looked at the motels clock then walked to the window and saw that Casey was gone. He opened the door to get some fresh air and noticed a box leaning against his door. Bending down he saw the large print on the top of the box. USE IT TO SAVE YOUR LIFE OR ELSE

Chuck brought the box in and placed it on the spare bed. Casey had left him a few tricks of the trade, a wad of bills and a few fake ids and his bag of cheezies. He also left him a few burner phones to use then thrown away after a few days. Chuck smiled and tossed the items into his duffle bag.

Chuck walked to the bathroom and stared at his reflection. 'Ok Chuck now what?' Chuck ran his hand through his scruffy beard and messy hair. He unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall to the floor. His ribs were still taped up. He ran his hands around the sides and felt the tender spots. He walked back into the main room and grabbed some meds to ease the pain, then heading back to take a shower. He let the hot water cascade down his tall frame. The water relaxed him as this time he didn't have to fear being watched as he was in the bunker.

Chuck grabbed the motels hospitality of shampoo and soap and rang his finger well his good fingers anyways through his thick curly hair. He started to like his hair this way. It reminded him of the first day he met Sarah at the Buy More. He had it cut several times after that cause his sister told him it was making funny animal shapes. But Sarah didn't mind it in fact she loved that she could run her fingers through his hair, some days he wasn't sure it is was because she felt the need to make their fake relationship look real or the fact that her feelings were more than a scripted plan.

Chuck combed his hair and dabbed some deodorant under his armpits, brushed his teeth as he secured a towel around his waist and lay back on the bed. Chuck grabbed one of last beers and a few slices of pizza from the fridge, watched some TV then fell back to sleep.

The next morning….

Chuck walked to the front desk and grabbed some maps. He asked the desk clerk where the bus and train stations were. The clerk informed him that the train left regularly on the hour and heads north to Washington and south to Florida. The buses run three times a week but you could drive into Richmond to catch a flight. Most flights pretty much take you anywhere in the USA but overseas travel you would have to fly to DC or New York. Chuck thanked the clerk and headed across the street to Denny's. Chuck grabbed a place mat and started planning his next trip. He made a list of the Canteens or Cantina's if you wanted to be politically correct on the back of the place mat. He had found out that most of the Cantina's with Rosa as a name were located in the southern USA, Hawaii, Spain and one had with it a Laundromat in Cuba. Chuck took out his map and scanned the roads while he ate. Chuck had spent most of the morning trying to come up with a plan. What he didn't finish at Denny's he completed at the motel. Deciding to rent a car he would drive to the first location in El Paso Texas, then Williams Arizona, Temecula California, then off to Laguna Beach California but decided not to head back home or even enter the state as Meriweather would have his people out looking for him and Sarah would never go back there even if it meant that she was close to home. So Chuck crossed Laguna Beach off his list. Chuck also planned to fly out of Nevada and head to Kailiea Hawaii then out to Cuba.

Chuck's mind was raring to go but his body wasn't. He slept a few hours but they ran into the next morning. He figured that he had not really slept the whole time he was in the bunker, and like the shower this was first time he had been able to do that.

A diesel semi sat idling in the parking lot awakened the sleepy Chuck. He took it as a sign, get up and get moving. He showered and changed and packed the few belongings he had. He grabbed his jacket and walked to the lobby. The clerk had made arrangements for Chuck's rental and it was waiting for him in the parking lot. Chuck was surprised to see what car he had. He was thinking that a small compact car would be sufficed but the loaded Lincoln Town Car made his day.

"Wow, nice car."

"I thought that you would like it. We don't get many customers renting cars out here in Manchester so we went all out."

The clerk gave Chuck the keys and Chuck tossed his stuff into the back seat and settled in the front seat and drove off. Debating to stay off the main roads Chuck took his chances, he wanted to make some progress on his list. Driving for two days and sleeping when he could on the side of the road he drove into El Paso. He drove to the first location but knew he had been 20 years too late. Rosa's Cantina and Taco Barn had closed. Chuck frustrated he moved on to his next location. The next two locations weren't successful either, but in Williams Arizona Rosa existed but she had been sold the Cantina to a bar for bikers. Chuck sat down at the bar, feeling a little out of place as he sat and sipped his drink quietly. He chuckled to himself as he recalled one mission where he had to be a thug for hire. He had to prove to a couple of mafia guys that he was legit. He laughed when he had to pull of one of Casey's teeth to show that he meant business. And the fact that Sarah was there to calm his over excited heart from racing out of his chest. The waitress filled his glass again.

"You're a long way from home?"

"You talking to me?" Chuck looking up to see who was speaking.

"Yes, there's no one else here?"

"You can say so, but home is where the heart is."

"So I am guessing your heart is taken."

Chuck looked at the waitress. His heart was indeed taken, and several times over. He just hoped that she felt the same.

"You can say that. Just driving through."

"Well all the best with your journey."

Chuck finished his drink, paid and left the waitress a nice tip.

Getting back into his car he crossed another Rosa off his list. 'Why am I doing this? It is obvious that you don't want to be found?' The more Chuck battled with his gut and his heart – his heart would always win. He promised to tell Sarah in person that he loved her. Take his chances and move on. He owed himself that much. Even if it didn't work out personally she still would have to protect him. Chuck started the car and headed west.

La Havana

Sarah walked out of the doctor's office. She was happy with her five month checkup. The baby had popped as she called it almost overnight, a slight bump was showing. Sarah wondered what made the baby react like it did. It almost felt like the baby was waiting for something big to happen or someone to arrive. The sonogram was nothing that Sarah ever expected to see or experience. She stared at Chuck's and her baby growing and sleeping in its cozy cocoon. Chuck's baby, she thought. She placed he hand on her stomach; your dad would be so proud of you, can't wait to meet you.

Sarah walked back into the Cantina where Rosa waited for the update.

"All is good about 5 months now, baby is growing and healthy."

Rosa folded her hands and brought them to her face. She was so happy for the healthy report of the baby but overjoyed because this was the first time in a long time that Sarah was happy. Rosa felt that she had something to live for to focus on, that something big was about to happen.

Sarah hugged Rosa and went to work. Working in the Cantina was different than the Weinerlicious and the Orange Orange. One her clothes didn't smell like hot dogs and she didn't have to contend with brain freezes challenges when Chuck was around. She tended to her job with care and attention cradling her baby as she went.

Flight to HAWAII/CUBA

Chuck had crashed in his hotel room. He had enough of searching for his Sarah. He wanted to enjoy this time but all he was given was missed opportunities and no Sarah. She had to be 'out there' but where. His training as a spy, he knew that he was on the right track; his gut told him that he was on the right track but his heart was chipping away ever so slowly each time he thought that he was getting somewhere. 'May she doesn't want to be found? Did you ever think of that Chuck?' Chuck leaned against his pillow as his ribs ached again, but the pain he felt with that was nothing compared to his pain for Sarah. He had to finish his mission – if not for the challenge but for the hope for seeing her again and wanting to know why she left.

Chuck awoke early just in case he was going to miss something. He walked down to the promenade and approached the Cantina. It looked nothing like the picture that Chuck had folded and refolded several times throughout the last 5 months. But it could have had a makeover. Chuck opened the door and took off his sunglasses and walked to the nearest booth. He scanned the room and saw locals and lots of tourist. He opened his menu and browsed the list of items. A young waitress came from behind the counter and pours some water into the empty glass. Chuck could see the hand and knew that it was a woman. He saw the contours of the fingers to the wrist then his heart started to flutter. He looked up hoping to find what he was looking for but the owner wasn't who he wanted her to be. The waitress had brown hair, brown eyes and was nothing like Sarah but he could have sworn that those hands were hers. He had held them many times. Disappointed he went for the jugular, why not he thought to himself.

"Hi, do you have a Sarah working here?"

The waitress batted her eyes back at Chuck and with a sincere reply she said no. Chuck's fragile heart just cracked once again. He ordered and when the food arrived he dug at it taking small bites here and there. His hunger wasn't for food. He paid for his meal and headed out the door. His flight wasn't till the next morning so he had the day to sight see. Instead he perched himself on the beach. He took his shirt off and unzipped his cargo pants turning them into shorts. He took his socks and shoes off and dug his toes in the sand. Leaning back onto his elbow he watched the waves come in back and forth taking away little particles of sand. The dance between water and sand seemed to lull himself to one thought, one person.

Chuck mentally went over his list, he had two places left. If Sarah wasn't in either of them he'd have to go back to square one. This was the only clue he had, he could break into her computer but that would mean that he had to go back to Castle and with his luck Meriweather was watching the place. Chuck knew that they couldn't enter Castle after Beckman gave him the key card. Chuck had calibrated and changed all the codes. As far as he knew Castle was still safe, minus a few computers. He grabbed his stuff and put his shirt back on as onlookers were staring at his taped ribs. Chuck looked up 'Ya, but you should see the other guy!"

Chuck laughed and headed back to the hotel, stopping by a corner store grabbing a few items. The hotel had cheap rooms but the room service was pricey. Casey had given him some money but he knew he had to stretch it for another flight or two. Chuck tossed the bags onto the bed and opened up a box of crackers and a beer. He tossed a few crackers in his mouth and walked to the patio doors. He wished that he was sharing this box with Sarah, as they often 'fought' over the boxes of crackers in Castle. He grabbed another handful and took a swig of his beer. Walking over to his bag he pulled out the file that he had found in the security room. Sitting down as the noise from the street was behind him. Chuck laid the file down on the patio table.

FOR AUTHORIZED PERSONAL ONLY

SUBJECT – Chuck Irving Bartowski , age 27, Born Burbank California 1978

FAMILY – Sister Eleanor Bartowski – Parents – Unknown – presumed dead

EDUCATION – Milton Elementary; Philmond High School; University Degree Engineering Stanford

WORK – Buy More – Burbank California

ASSET – Analyst CIA – Human Intersect – downloaded from email sent by Rogue Agent Bryce Larkin

Prior tests were completed by Dr. Zarnov to confirm that he was indeed the carrier of the Intersect. Dr Zarnov's findings encourage retraction of the Intersect from its current home to agents under the supervision of General Meriweather. This was not followed through due to the unforeseen circumstances of Dr. Zarnov death.

Mr. Bartowski's knowledge and ability to hold the enormous amount of information with the Intersect has surprised the committee. No other individual has been able to host the Intersect. A file pertaining to who created the Intersect is only known by the name Orion. (Chuck flashes on the name Orion)

Orion and his group created the Intersect under the Project Name Omaha. Orion has not been seen or heard from since the completion of the Intersect

Bryce Larkin stole the Intersect files from the DNI and sent the files to Mr. Bartowski whence from there he downloaded the data.

Mr. Bartowski was under the protection of Agent Sarah Walker and Major John Casey prior to General Meriweather taking over. Both Agent Walker and Major John Casey failed to protect the Intersect citing lack of training and proper care for the Human Intersect life and his existence. General Meriweather felt that change was needed to protect the future of the Intersect. Agent Walker and Major John Casey were reassigned as Mr. Bartowski was transferred to Washington DC (Yeah right they weren't transferred – they were forced – I was forced and Sarah left)

General Meriweather, Agent White, Agent Henry resumed care of Mr. Bartowski upon his arrival to DC.

Standard Tests were administered as to the condition of the Intersect:

Retinoscopy

A retinoscope was used to project a streak of light into Mr Bartowski's pupil. A series of lenses were flashed to study the light reflex of the pupil. Based on the movement and orientation of Mr Bartowski's retinal reflection, we were able to retrieve several rates of measurement. By having this starting point we were able to fine tune the refractive correction in order to use other testing methods. In skilled hands, however, retinoscopy can be extremely accurate.

Pupil Testing

Mr Bartowski's ability to control the amount of light that enters his eyes proved that when flashing images embedded in the Intersect were most likely to be retrieved when inquiring was used.

Future Tests will determine if said file/data is retrievable.

Files to retrieve: BLACK RAIN; AQUASCAPE, USS SCORPION, , BLIND MAN'S BLUFF, CODE DFS OLYMPIA, ASCENSION DFS 1844z

Cc Anthony Walker Jr, Admiral David Lamar McDonald

Chuck scanned the rest of the papers. Many of the tests that followed were in inclusive. Chuck hoped that the result told him more than what they did but was glad that at least he had an idea of what they were looking for. But what did the names at the bottom mean – Anthony Walker Jr and Admiral David Lamar McDonald, and the only one that was familiar Ascension. Chuck recalled the Spanish speaking man mentioning that name, and what were the two men listed at the bottom. Until he could make contact with Casey and General Beckman he had to sit on what he had discovered, hopefully it wouldn't be too late.

Chuck closed the file and sat back in the lounger and stared at the picture of the cantina. Would tomorrow turn things around?

PACIFIC OCEAN ENROUTE TO CUBA

When Chuck arrived at the Honolulu Airport; flights to Cuba weren't those of first class. In reality they weren't much of anything. Chuck described the ordeal: 'We can take you there but if you guard your life swimming might be safer.. .'

Chuck boarded a 1990D Beechra. It seated 19 but looked more like a condensed submarine. Chuck hoped that his brief but painful flight would be over as soon as it had started but living to tell about it.

Chuck was glad to see the bluest of blue oceans and the land mass that soon would hold his feet. The Beechra came to a sudden halt on the runway of a local airport. Chuck grabbed his bag and walked the runway in. He put his sunglasses on and waited for a cab. The taxi pulled up a 57 ford. Chuck entered and waited to tell the driver where to go. Chuck really didn't know where to go. In fact he didn't have an address to go on. The taxi driver turned to face him. "Senor where to?"

Chuck pulled out the picture. "Do you know where this is?"

The driver looks and smiles. "It's you lucky day."

The driver flipped his sunglasses down and sped forward. Chuck rolled down the window, one thing he missed while in the bunker. The warm sea air rushed past his face and through his hair. Chuck leaned back and watched the buildings, people and sites pass by him. The ride took longer that he had expected but mentally he was preparing himself for another letdown. Chuck tried to make conversation with the driver, commenting on the make and models of the car he was in. "They don't make cars like these anymore do they?"

Not a response from the driver.

"Are we close yet?"

Just as Chuck was about to say something else the taxi pulled up to Rosa's Cantina and Laundromat. Chuck got out and paid for his ride and walked up to the door. He pulled out the photo – it was the building in the photo, aged somewhat but the same. From the faint colors of turquoise blue and lime greens to the French doors of the rooms above. The Laundromat off to the left of the building hadn't changed since this picture was taken. Walking up to the door, this could be his last chance of hope. He had searched for Sarah since he left the bunker nursing his wounds along the way. His determination was the contributing factor that kept him going. It had been over 4 months since he'd seen her and what would he do if he did? Chuck took a deep breath and walked in with his soldier's bag as he put it over his shoulder.

'When you ask Casey to pack for you he forgets that not all men weren't in the army but he had the necessities; a change of clothes, underwear and a toothbrush.'

Chuck walks in to find a quiet canteen. He looked at the clock it just turned a little past one. He must have just missed the dinner rush, if this place even had one. Scanning the room he noticed younger male cleaning tables. Taking off his sunglasses, he heard a voice coming from the kitchen that didn't sound familiar at first. Otherwise the place was very quiet. Walking up to the counter the younger male spoke to him in broken English.

"We are closed till supper señor."

"That's ok just looking for someone, but could I get a glass of water." The owner of the voice he heard from the kitchen entered the main room with tray of plastic pitchers. Sarah looked up to see something that she thought that she'd never see again. Chuck turned around as their eyes met. Sarah's heart raced as Chuck swallowed hard. Sarah adjusted her apron and came out from behind the counter. Looking at her - with all the love he had for her but didn't expect to find what he saw. Chuck stood there mouth opened in shock.

"Hi Chuck? What are you doing here?" 'She knew darn well why he was there.'

Walking up to him she planned to kiss him on the cheek but instead Chuck swooped her up and she kissed him hard. Sarah kissed him back and nothing else mattered for that moment. Sarah didn't want to break their reunion but stepped back and grabbed his hand and took him upstairs. Closing the door behind her she knew that Chuck would eventually react to her physical appearance and she didn't want to cause a scene, a big scene. Chuck was a very smart man but some things he couldn't quite comprehend quick enough like people should. Sarah held his hand as they climbed the side steps up to her room. Sarah walked in as Chuck found a chair and sat down. He started to hyperventilate but as Sarah walked towards him he raised his hand informing her to back off. Sarah leaned against the counter as she waited for him to adjust to his surroundings and the sight. Chuck looked up. "Is it mine?"

Sarah quickly walked over and knelt in front of him. Placing her hands on his knees.

"Yes Chuck it's yours."

Chuck looked at her with angry confused eyes, but how could he be angry at her.

"What? How? When?"

Chuck got up as Sarah followed. Chuck walked out towards the street through the French doors. Chuck stood facing the street leaning against the balcony, when Sarah strolled in behind him placing her hand on his shoulder. She ached to finally to touch him.

"I'm so sorry that you found out this way?"

"How else would I have found out? You weren't going to tell me where you?"

Sarah put her hand down. She walked in front and faced him standing between him and the railing.

"It's not whether I was going to tell you it was when to tell you? I didn't know where you were?"

Sarah paused to finally realize that Chuck was standing in front of her and she was face to face with the man.

"Wait a minute. How did you find me? AND WHY ARE YOU NOT IN THE BUNKER and why do you look the way you do?"

"Hey don't change the subject."

"How can I not, you not exactly the person I would have ever have seen walk through the doors, and looking like you were just in a fight."

"Well not every day you whatever you are to me are standing in front of me looking like this." As he motioned to her appearance.

"It wouldn't have been my first thought of you after all these months. You could have written a letter or called."

"And who would I call?" Frustrating tone to her voice.

"You left!" Voice very angry.

It hurt Sarah to admit "Yes I left; yes I did leave you Chuck." Chuck walked back in.

"It wasn't one of my better choices. I had to leave I couldn't stand to see you leave me so I left you.

"So leaving me made you feel better."

"NO! Its wasn't to make me feel better if I left you. But having me out of the picture one day you would forget about me."

"I hardly doubt it. You were the only thing that got me from one day to the next. And it was what got me to find you today. But why did you leave?"

Sarah had played this conversation in her head millions of times and each time it was the same, she didn't really know. She felt that Chuck going in the bunker was because they were involved in more ways than one and that she let her guard down. And their last night together sealed the deal.

"Chuck it's my fault that you ended up in the bunker."

Chuck looked up. His warm brown puppy eyes staring back at her. "Is that what you thought?"

Sarah sat down on the couch. Chuck walked over to her. Sarah needed to be updated or the stress itself would break her.

Sarah's chuck held her hand. "Meriweather used that as bluff. He knew that my emotions would get the best of me especially when you were concerned."

Chuck knew that they needed to talk but they had wasted too much time. He caressed Sarah's face and held her hand. Taking Chuck's hand she placed it one her stomach. Chuck's whole hand encased her stomach. She ached for his touch especially this one. She had dreamt of it for months. Moving his fingers up and over her belly, she felt a tear land on her hand. Taking her hand and with her thumb resting on his lower jaw she wiped the tear away. She brought her face to him, kissed each eye lid, and then went back to caressing his lips. Kissing Chuck had been a long time in coming. Sarah grabbed his shirt and started unbuttoning it.

"You know the last time."

Chuck lifted her on to his lap and untied her dress straps over her shoulders. He kissed both shoulders before settling his head on her chest. Sarah examining his wounds but Chuck let it go at least for now. Moments passed as Chuck slid his arms under her legs and stood up carrying her to the bed. Sarah continued to kiss him, feeling what his lips felt like and tasted like. Placing her carefully bed Sarah sits up removing his shirt. Chuck semi startled by her forwardness he moves closer to her trying not lay on his child. Chuck allowed Sarah to guide him as they kissed on the bed. Chuck settled beside her kissing and caressing her skin. Sarah sits up the best she could struggle with his belt. Chuck was glad that he had retired his chucks, one less item to struggle out of. Sarah managed to remove his pants as Chuck tossed her dress.

Sarah welcomed Chuck under the sheets.

"Be gentle my last experience was."

"I know what your last experience brought."

Chuck gently lay beside Sarah and as they become one once again. The last 5 months seemed just like yesterday. All the passion and energy had not left them from their first time. Their first attempt not a successful in their eyes, but Sarah managed to encourage Chuck to make it work. Chuck didn't want to intersect his love making so he let Sarah take the reigns

Sarah straddled Chuck as he lay on his back. This worked for both of them. As the afternoon fell into night, their love making progressed with a lot of creativity.

The next day

The sun peeked through the horizon, awakening Chuck he pulled the covers down over Sarah's stomach, he looked in amazement even after the initial shock had worn off that the baby was his, he was carefully not to hurt the baby. Bravely he goes and caresses her skin rubbing his fingers up and over her little baby bump. From his fingers came his whole hand. Sliding down he placed his lips on his baby. More tears came to his eyes, if only he knew. Even if he did he couldn't do anything anyways being locked up. Chuck bent down and kissed his baby and placed his face down. Whispering 'I love you.'

"Even if I don't know you I want to thank you for taking care of your mom. I am sorry that I wasn't around but one day it will make a great story."

Sarah opened her eyes and was surprised that she had slept so long. She looked down to see a flock full of brown curls lying next to her belly. Placing her hand on his forehead she brushed his hair back. Chuck looked up and Sarah noticed the tears that had filled his eyes. She brought his face up to hers and kissed him. She missed kissing him and he missed kissing her. Even if their time was brief it made a lasting effect on both of them. Kissing led to more kissing and before long they were entwined in a love making marathon. As Chuck put it 'They had to make up for lost time and practice makes perfect.'

Mid-day Sarah unwraps herself from the man she loves and heads to her small kitchen. Grabbing a glass of water, she turns back to stare at Chuck sleeping. She loved seeing him lying there and sexy as ever seeing how the sheets just covered enough. Sarah finished her glass and walks back bringing one back for Chuck. She sits down beside him and finger brushes his long curls over his ears. Chuck wakes up and smiles. He sits up and Sarah gives him the glass. Sarah walks over to the other side and sits back down leaning against the head board. Chuck studies his child then Sarah. Chuck hadn't stopped grinning.

"It's yours."

"I know you keep telling me that but still it's so new."

"Now you know how I felt when I found out."

"So when did you find out?

"About two months in, I wasn't feeling the greatest, but when I knew why I wasn't I was….and to think that it happened our first time."

Chuck wasn't listening he kissed her stomach then moved down her legs and back up to her mouth. Sarah held his face to hers as he studies the best way to make love to her again. Sarah leaves Chuck to do what he does best, well the second thing he did best. Time didn't matter anymore.

Sarah holds his hand as they move as one, moving to their own rhythm, and making up for lost time.

The next morning Chuck walks out of the shower in a towel hoping for some loving entering the kitchen singing 'Feeling good' when a voice sings back to him in Spanish and it's was definitely not Sarah's. Sarah enters from the outside door laughing as Chuck is now face to face with Rosa.

Sarah walks up to Chuck who is still in a towel "Chuck I would like you to meet Rosa."

"Rosa this is Chuck."

"Oh señor Charlie. I have heard so much about. Bollos agradable."

"Rosa!"

Rose laughs.

"What did she say?"

Sarah trying not to laugh. "She says you have nice assets."

Chuck leans again the counter and overs up his frontal area with his hands. Rosa smiles and continues dropping off a tray of food.

Chuck shimmies to the bathroom grabbing his bag and changing. Chuck returns as Sarah greets him with a kiss as he formally introduces himself to Rosa.

Rosa had made them breakfast as Sarah washed the fruit she had grabbed from the market a few days ago.

Rosa had heard from the young boy that an American male had arrived the other day, so she waited till now to come up here.

Chuck and Sarah ate while Rosa headed down the stairs. Rosa was so happy that Sarah was happy now that her Chuck had arrived.

Chuck and Sarah head down the stairs to meet the rest of the 'family'.

Rosa sits down beside Chuck as Sarah busies herself behind the counter.

"Señorita Sarah has told me a lot about you. I didn't think that baby's daddy existed but the more she talked about you the more I started to believe it myself."

Chuck wondered if Rosa knew about Sarah's past.

"Chuck you love her?"

"More than you know." As they watched Sarah.

"I fell for her the first day she walked into the Buy More."

"He's quite handsome." As Sarah walks past him and Rosa.

"Yes he is."

"You picked a good one Sarah."

Sarah blushed as Rosa continued to comment on the man that Chuck was.

"You never gave up on her. She never gave up on you."

"If only I knew."

"And if you did what could you do, she left."

"Yeah but I would have come for her."

"But you did finally find her. You were determined to find her."

"I am learning how she ticks. She is a very private person."

"Yes she is but, she let you in and that rarely happens. You must have done something right?"

"Yeah getting her pregnant."

"The child she's carrying was meant to happen. She needed to focus on someone other than her life her quest. You have given her hope something to look forward to. This has settled the inner beast. She needed to experience the simplicities of life which you have given her.

Chuck wasn't sure if he should go with his next question, but the way he had read Rosa he knew Sarah wouldn't have told her half the amount of stuff she had if she didn't trust her 100%.

"You know what she does?"

"Always did. When her mother died I wanted to help her dad. Sarah's mom was like a daughter to me. Her mom and I were friends from the old country. They came to visit every winter no matter what. We learned that family didn't have to be blood related."

BUNKER

Meriweather storms the security room looking for the file. He scolds everyone even Alexis and Thomas, for not doing their job.

The phone rings, which silences the heated room.