A/N: I apologize to all of you loyal fanfic readers. Put simply, life happens. So much has happened in my life the last few months that it's been crazy. But, I promised that I would finish this story and I intend to keep this promise. Here's the latest chapter of the story.
Usual disclaimers: Chuck – NBC property; Army Wives – Lifetime TV property
Chuck vs. Army Wives Chapter 2
Despite Chuck and Sarah's nonstop love-show, Colonel Casey did manage to survive the long flight. As they landed in Charleston, they were briefed ahead of time by General Beckman to watch for special military sentinels that would be waiting to take them directly to Fort Marshall. Upon recognition of the aforementioned guards, the trio walked silently to a military transport vehicle to their new mission.
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey observed the panoramic views outside of their windows. One could see an eclectic mix of old Southern charm along with contemporary architecture in the jeweled city known as Charleston, South Carolina. Without warning, Sarah leaned her head upon Chuck's right shoulder and held his right hand. Chuck reciprocated the gesture by putting his free hand upon Sarah's head and playing with her shiny blonde hair. Somehow, Sarah's honeymoon suggestion was looking more brilliant with each passing moment.
The vehicle began to slow significantly which signaled that their destination was near. Sure enough, the trio could make out the shape of a home directly in the distance. Although this was an Army base, this particular abode looked far superior to the others they saw (undoubtedly fit for a general). The guards parked just mere feet from the front door, and they slowly opened the doors to allow Chuck, Sarah, and Casey to exit the vehicle. The sentinels then crisply saluted which Colonel Casey was all too glad to reciprocate. With the salutations complete, the trio took the last remaining steps onto the front porch.
Casey knocked twice on the door. A few seconds later, a man dressed in Army tees and trousers opened the door.
"Yes?" the man asked.
"General Holden?" Casey inquired in return.
"I'm General Holden. Colonel Casey, I presume?"
"That's right, General. These are Chuck and Sarah. The three of us were sent here to help you."
"Yes. I was briefed that you would be coming. Please come on in and make yourself welcome".
"Thanks."
"Everyone, I'd like you to meet my wife, Claudia Joy. Claudia Joy, these are Chuck, Sarah, and Colonel Casey. "
A tall, stunning, brunette woman came to greet each of them in turn. "Very nice to meet all of you", she said. "Please have a seat!" She led them to a fancy couch in the living room. On the coffee table next to the couch were appetizers, three empty glasses, and beverages awaiting consumption. The trio made room on the couch while General Holden and Claudia Joy sat across from them.
"So, I understand that there may be a national security situation here at Fort Marshall?" General Holden posited.
"Yes, General. Have you ever heard of Fulcrum or the Ring?" Casey asked.
Both General Holden and Claudia Joy nodded their heads in the negative.
"Well, these groups are known to affiliate with some of the world's worst terrorists, arms dealers, just overall bad guys". Casey noted the last few words with a hint of a growl.
"Wow! Would-be terrorists here at Fort Marshall!" General Holden slumped back into his seat and looked as if he had been shot in the heart.
"Especially after . . . after", Claudia Joy said. Suddenly, her eyes became overwhelmed by water and soon silent teardrops began to fall. Soon, General Holden leaned over to envelope his wife in a great hug. "It's OK, Claudia Joy. It's OK".
The trio sat in awkward silence for a few moments. Then, Chuck cleared his throat and began to speak.
"General and Mrs. Holden. It's OK. We were informed about Amanda. And we are so, so sorry about what happened to her. I can only imagine what it must feel like to lose someone you love dearly in that manner. I'm really sorry". Sarah reached over and held Chuck's hand tightly in reassurance.
"Thank you, Chuck. I apologize to all of you for breaking down like this. I should be a better host than this" Claudia Joy mused.
"We understand, Mrs. Holden. But, we are also here to help you!" Sarah offered.
"That brings me to my question. Just how are you planning on recognizing any would-be terrorists here on base? Undoubtedly, they'd be disguised as fellow soldiers. I'm not sure I can identify them if I tried".
Casey and Sarah immediately turned their gaze onto Chuck prodding him to explain.
"OK. General and Mrs. Holden, I know that what I'm about to tell you is going to seem farfetched. There are days I think it's farfetched. But, you have to believe me that what I'm telling you is true. " With that, he sighed briefly and told them all about the Intersect, its capabilities, and his success using the Intersect in capturing some of the worst people in the world. After he concluded, the silence was palpable. The looks of shock and disbelief rode on General and Mrs. Holden's faces as if they'd seen apparitions flying right past them.
"Chuck, you're asking us to believe you about this?" General Holden asked with a hint of incredulity.
"Yes, General. Again, I know that it feels like going out on a limb. But, the Intersect is real. More importantly, its powers are real. The three of us can attest to that". Casey and Sarah nodded in agreement.
"Well, disbelief or not, what real choice do we have, Michael? I mean, if Chuck can really do these things, then we should at least let him try." Claudia Joy reasoned to her husband.
"This will require suspension of disbelief, that's for sure. I'm still not sure about this." General Holden said with an air of sarcasm.
"So, what is your plan, General Holden?" Casey asked.
"Well, I'll take you to my office tomorrow and have you meet my staff. Perhaps Claudia Joy can show Chuck and Sarah around the base."
"OK. We'll go with that for now."
"Great. I'll have my driver pick the three of you up from your hotel tomorrow morning at 0700 hours." General Holden stated.
"Can't wait, General"
With that, they bade adieu to their gracious hosts and were escorted back to their hotel near downtown Charleston. Despite the gravity of their new mission, Chuck couldn't help but feel a little impish as he turned to face his lovely bride.
"So, Sarah, how do you like our honeymoon so far?" Chuck asked with a teasing grin.
"Oh. Shut up and kiss me, you goofball!" Sarah grinned in return.
"Get a room! Get a room! Get a room!" Casey had never quite growled so long in his life.