Chapter 2: It's about Time
A/N: Still don't own Chuck or STV. I have written the dates in the way I am accustom to: day/month/year. This story is very AU and from this point on will not be close to cannon. Some parts of cannon maybe used but the times will vary. Thanks to BDaddyDL for the Beta.
They say things happen in slow motion as you are about to meet you maker, that you can see your life flash before your eyes. As Sarah started to drape herself over Chuck, she saw a knife handle appear on the foreheads of her two attackers as their bodies start to fall. They hit the floor almost at the same time she comes to rest on Chuck. Knowing the direction the knives came from she turns her head in that direction. Over fifty feet away, she spots Gabriel standing there a hand around a man's neck holding his feet inches off the ground. She has seen death many times, and she knows the man being held has taken his last breath. The next move astonishes her more that what Sirella had been able to do. With what seemed to be flick of his right wrist Gabriel tosses the body twenty feet from where he is standing. He glances over at Sarah and gives her a nod letting her know he had taken out her two assailants. She is good with knives, but the skill it would take to hit two targets at that distance with such accuracy was unheard of. Standing in the doorway she spots Casey. She has never seen much of an expression on him, but now he has a look of what must be pure admiration. She has never witnessed such destruction in such a short period of time. The only thought on her mind is I hope they are on our side.
While monitoring the surveillance equipment in the van, Casey heard the beginnings of the confrontation, then it all went quiet. He knew there was going to be trouble, and with Walker having no weapons, he called in the back up team. At least he tried to. His signals were being jammed.
Fuck it! Chuck never stays in the car, Why…Should…I!
Felling like he doesn't have a choice, he rushes in to the party to help his partners. What greets him stops him dead in his tracks. Sarah is on her knees cradling Chuck. A half naked female is taking on three attackers, with two bodies already on the ground. A man in a long black coat has just dispatched one of the agents with a blow to the throat. Only seven agents remain of the twenty that had arrived. Bodies litter the floor around the man, their blood making his footing difficult. One of the agents makes a move on the man in the coat. Punches are traded for several seconds and it looks to be an even battle. The agent tries a left hook to body. With a speed that Casey has never seen before the coat guy steps into the blow causing it to miss. He pins the arm against his side with his right arm, and then turned a half turn to the left, effectively dislocating the elbow, and bending it ninety degrees from normal. The pure guttural scream of pain from the injured man almost makes Casey cringe. His pain is short lived as the coat guy delivers a punch to the side of his attackers head. The sound it makes reminds Casey of a melon hitting the floor. He knows the man is toast.
Gabriel, like his spouse, is now in full battle lust, except it is Borg in nature. Cold, calculated, precise and logical. Two men are now attacking him, his cortical node taking just nanoseconds to devise a defense and eliminate the threat. Both hands fly out and grab the fronts of his attackers. Using his Borg enhanced strength he lifts both men over his head. In a wind mill motion he brings his right arm down while turning it over. This move turns the attacker over on his back in mid air. He slams the body to the ground with such force all the internal organs rupture and blood erupts from the mouth like a geyser. Using his enhanced hearing he knows this attacker is no more. He repeats the process with the one still in the air.
Only two remain and they look unsure of how to proceed. Off to his left he hears something and he recognizes it as the sound of a slide being pulled back, and a round being chambered into a pistol. He quickly calculates how much time he has before the agents attacking the people he is supposed to protect are killed. Their death is an unacceptable outcome. With speed and precision born from his days as a drone, he unleashes two knives that had been pulled from his sleeve. He sees Sarah start to cover Chuck as his missiles strike true. One of the remaining attackers is now gone, a victim of his wife. He knows she is deep in the haze of battle lust. Grabbing the last remaining attacker he ends it quickly by breaking his neck. Sending a small nod to Sarah to let her know he saved her ass, he carelessly flings the lifeless body to the side to see it land twenty feet away.
Sarah still kneeling on the ground cradling Chuck, motions for Casey to come over. He makes his way to Sarah and Chuck trying to avoid the dead bodies and blood that are littering the floor. He notices for the first time the damage done to the attackers. Several had their throats cut, most still attached buy the smallest amount of flesh. Stab wounds on some told Casey the coat guy had hit the femoral or brachial arteries. These people are pros, he knows exactly where to strike a lethal blow. When he finally reaches Sarah, Chuck is starting to come around. Knowing Chuck and blood do not go well together, Sarah turned his head away to keep him from looking.
"You really don't want to see this." She whispers in his ear and hugs him.
Gabriel and Sirella made their way over to the trio, arms looped around each other like they were walking in a park. He brushed his lips against hers before turning to the group. "You need to leave, now!" he hissed. He reached down pulled his knives out of the bodies. After wiping them off on the dead man's clothes he stands back up. Turning, Gabriel and Sirella, exit out the side entrance as the sound of the police sirens got closer.
"No Shit! Come on Walker we need to move. Help me get Chuck out of here." They help Chuck up and leave the same way as Gabriel and Sirella.
An hour later, the team was back at the castle to give Beckman the report. They had only been seated a short while when the screen turns on and the General appears. "How did the mission go Agents? Were you able to make any inroads with Mr. Jones?"
"Chuck and I have an invitation to have dinner with Mr. Jones and his wife later in the week. He was pretty impressed with Chucks gaming and I got on well with his wife. I think we made headway tonight."
"Very good Walker, we need you to get close; we believe he has ties to the cell in Philadelphia. We pulled the security tapes from the yacht club's ball room where the party was held and our analysts are going over them now. We noticed a…. disturbance before the party ended." Sarah snorted disturbance my ass. "Agent Walker you did a good job tonight of not getting involved. Chuck what else can you tell us about the men you flashed on?"
"The initial flash said the agents used to be Fulcrum, but are no longer with them. Further investigation shows that they were listed as dead or MIA. My initial thoughts are they've splintered and gone rogue, or they may have moved up to the parent organization. Either way, I'm still not sure."
Sarah thought it was time she brought up the couple that had caused all the devastation they had witnessed. "Ma'am there was a couple at the party that I think we need to check out. I believe they are some kind of agent. General, I thought I was good at hand to hand, but this couple scares me. I watched the woman, in less than a minute, kill five agents with her bare hands. I have never seen speed and power like that before."
Casey carried on "General, when I got there, the man already had a pile of bodies surrounding him. Two agents had circled behind Walker and Bartowski and drew their weapons. Walker tried to cover Bartowski who was down, that's when he threw two knives that hit the agent's dead center of the forehead. He was at least fifty feet from them. Then, after he broke a guy's neck he tossed the body twenty feet as it was nothing. Ma'am, I hate to say it but if they aren't working for us, we could be in trouble."
"Casey's right Ma'am, especially if there are more of them," Sarah joined back in.
Pondering the information for a few seconds, Beckman carried on "Since Chuck didn't flash on them, we may not have any intel on them. Then again, it has been a while since you downloaded the intersect. Chuck, I'll have an update emailed to you by tomorrow evening. Did you get their names?"
"Yes we did general, his name was Gabriel and her name was Sirella. They are probably aliases anyway," answered Chuck
The General paled slightly at this information. The reaction does not go unnoticed by the team. She recalled the meeting in her office when Gabriel said they were sorry asses. If he is that good, he has a reason to criticize. Walker and Casey are a couple of our best agents and they don't scare easy. Walker says she's scared of the female then with what Casey says, Gabriel must be much better. I am Glad they are on our side. Well I think anyway, Quickly schooling here emotions she decided to wrap it up "Chuck looks worn out from all the flashes so I'll wrap it up. Get some sleep, dismissed" and the screen went blank.
Sarah and Chuck went in her Porsche and Casey in his Crown Vic. When they got to the apartment they told Ellie and Devon about the date they had been on. To keep their cover up the couple retired to Chuck's room in his sister's apartment. With Chuck still suffering from his massive headache brought on by the numerous flashes, the couple changed for bed and snuggled into a blissful slumber.
20 Sep 2008
General Beckman sat back in her chair and thought over the events of her team's last mission. To say she was amazed by her new team member's performance would be the understatement of the year. Laying her head back she went over the events that lead to her gaining their new status, as well as their "new friends."
11 Sept, 2008 0730 Ft Meade Md
"It seems like you have me at a disadvantage Gabriel, so let's discuss you plan."
Conversation flowed back and forth, with final arguments yet to be made. It had been decided that the NSA would get all credit from the ops the new team would have to complete. That left the one sticky point. Gabriel chocking his head brings it light, "The relationship between Walker and Bartowski has got to change starting now. They are ineffective as it stands now."
"I couldn't agree more, I will have Walker reassigned immediately and get another agent to replace her. It would cause me less headaches." The General moves to grab the phone to make her call but her hand is grabbed by Gabriel.
"Touch that phone, or try that stupid idea you just spouted, and you'll lose my help as well as theirs," Gabriel snarled. "I will have them picked up so fast your head will spin. There is no where you can hide them that we cannot get to them. No General, what you will do is sanction their relationship. My wife and I have been working together for years. We are the best in our… agency. The fact that I got into you office, without anyone noticing me, should be proof enough. If that's not enough, some of the data you have on Fulcrum and rogue agents was placed in the first intersect by us. Fulcrum is just the tip of the iceberg. The group that we are going after is not your typical bunch of rogue agents. They value family. That is how they have gotten so many of your agents to join. Of the agents we have discovered, more than seventy five percent have families. That's why many of the missions you send pretend couples on fail. This is better than anything you have ever seen."
Beckman took in the information given to her by Gabriel, an agent if that is what he is, and if so who does he work for? A clearing of a throat breaks her from her thoughts. "Where and when is their next mission and what is its scope?" questions Gabriel.
The General gives a detailed breakdown of the op they will be tasked with. "Very good General, I do not want them informed of the changes that will be made before the op. My wife and I will be there to monitor it. Do not worry they will never know we are there, unless the shit hits the fan. Two more things, before I fly my happy ass to California. First, is when you tell them, do it in person, not over the video conference. Second, do not ever try and bull shit me. I will know. I will know where you are and where you should be, and if you cross me, you will be dead within an hour, and I will be the one doing it." Gabriel said the last part in a deadly tone that left no room to deny the intent of those words. Beckman knew if she crossed this man her life would last no longer than a day. "Good day General I will see myself out." And with that he was gone.
That last memory startled the General out of her thoughts. She needed to get on plane and fast. She had her Aide get her on the first flight out of DC.
20 Sep 2008 Casa Bartowski
Chuck and Sarah were sitting on the couch watching a movie. They had just finished having dinner with Chuck's sister Ellie and her husband Devon. Chuck calls out "Hey Ellie" to his sister who's in the kitchen with Devon cleaning up after dinner
"What are you and Devon planning to the rest of the night?"
"Nothing really, we both have off tomorrow and were thinking of going to the new club that just opened. One of the doctors I work with said they have a very good lounge singer. Plus, he said it has an intimate atmosphere. You guys should come."
"What do you say Sarah, care to join them?" Chuck asks, using his puppy dog eyes hoping to get an edge. Come on say yes, it will be date but not a date. This sucks having to lie to Ellie and I hate having to lie to myself.
This will be as close as I can to a real date with him. I finally find someone who makes me happy and I can't do shit about it. Might as well grab what I can. Maybe one day I will actually be able to tell him I love him. "I'd love to Chuck"
"Hey Ellie, were in!"
Before Ellie can respond there is a knock at the door. Chuck hurries over to open it and finds Casey standing there. Casey signals over to Walker to have her join them. When she gets there he informs them "We have an emergency briefing with Beckman in thirty minutes at Castle. I asked her why we could not link up at my place but she said it had to be at the castle."
"Damn Casey, we just told Ellie we would join her and Devon for a night out." Whined Chuck
"Don't worry Chuck, I got this" grunts Casey "Sorry to barge in like this. Chuck must have forgotten to tell you that he and Sarah were supposed to join me tonight." John Casey said keeping the lie as simple as he could.
"Yeah John, Chuck can be like that. Don't worry. Chuck we'll take a rain check." Ellie calls back.
"No problem Chuckster." Devon adds putting his two cents in
"Thanks Guys. Sorry I forgot. Casey lets go."
"Ellie, Devon I'll see you later, and thanks for dinner," Sarah chimes in.
"Sarah, why don't you just stay overnight here instead of heading back to your place?" Ellie asks.
"I'm sorry I can't I have something I need to take care of later." Answers Sarah as her and Chuck leave to join Casey.
"Devon, I just don't get those two. What's taking them so long to move to the next level of their relationship?"
"I have no idea babe, no idea at all"
Their Goodbyes said, the trio exits Casa Bartowski and heads to the castle. Passing through the security points they head to the briefing room. What awaits them there sends cold tendrils of fear up their spines. Seated at the table is none other the Brigadier General Diane Beckman, Director of the NSA. All of team B had the same thought Oh, crap this is bad. Great just great. Well now I know why Casey's place was out. "Take your seats." Commands Beckman
Chuck sits first, then Sarah to his left, and finally Casey to his right. Stealing glances at each other, wondering why the General would come here. And what is the size of the ax she would be using. Their torment is short lived as the first strike comes, swiftly and without remorse.
"As of this minute the intersect mission as you know it is over" calmly states the General. "You've compromised yourself with the asset Agent Walker." The blow strikes Sarah hard, her head lowers toward the desk and her eyes close waiting for the ass chewing she is about to get. Her face drains of all color, knuckles white as she clenches her fists together. Turning her face towards Chuck seeing complete devastation in is soulful brown eyes. "You let your asset get to you. We've suspected it for a while now. That said, Agent Walker, you will be reassigned immediately to Langley, report there no later than 1500 on the 25th."
Shaken to her core Sarah steeled herself to make her argument on why she should stay, but she can only get out a meek, "Ma'am, I have never let my feeling for my asset stop me from doing my job." Sarah's thoughts start quickly running through head, shit that's something I didn't expect. I wonder what the General has up her sleeve, Bunker or termination order? Well it won't be me. Chuck means too much to me to do it. We'll run, no that won't work. Maybe they will let him be an agent? Gotta think, gotta think. I can't lose him!
The general holds up her hand, and fixes Sarah with an icy glare that silences her. "Enough" the General barks out. Beckman pauses reading the second strike of the ax. It also strikes hard and fast with no remorse and just as accurate.
"Major Casey" Barks the General "you are to report to Ft. Meade no later than 1500 on the 25th" Casey's reaction is different, his face sports a never seen before grin, making him look less like the cold blooded killer he is and more like a kid that just got the best Christmas present ever. Casey's immediate thought there is a God! About time I got out of that loony bin, maybe now I can do something more to my liking Casey's smile slowly fades as his thoughts change. Maybe they decided to put Chuck in a bunker after all. Poor kid he does not deserve this. Damn, Walker was the best partner I ever had. This shit ain't right. What the hell is she thinking? We have the best record out of all the teams out there.
Beckman was also lost in thought for a second. That got their attention! Damn I'm good! I just hope it gets Walker to admit her feelings about Chuck and we can move this along. Just as she starts to continue on with the briefing Chuck jumps in, "General what about…"
"Shut it Bartowski. If I want to hear from you, I'll let you know. Now stay quiet until I finish my brief. When I am done you will have all the answers you need." But Chuck does not like that answer and begins to talk again. Casey silences him with an elbow to the ribs before he can get started.
Casey leans and whispers in to Chuck in a tone that could freeze ice, "now's not the time, just let her finish" Sarah slips her hand under the table and gives him a reassuring pat on the leg, and a small smile in an attempt to calm him down. These actions don't go un-noticed by the General. Getting the feeling that the situation is slowly getting away from her she starts again.
"Agent Walker, I would like to congratulate you on keeping your professional attitude while dealing with a very difficult situation. I feel the situation between you and the asset has gotten out of control and needs to be rectified"
"Thank you Ma'am." Replies Sarah, wow did not see that coming. Sarah's is in a panic, her features don't show her inner turmoil. Her years of being an agent allow her to school her emotions, going into what Chuck calls agent mode. She not sure where Beckman is going with this, but she is sure it is not good. Please let me at least have the chance to tell Chuck how feel about him before they separate us. I wasted so much time pretending he didn't matter when I could have been with him.
The General nods her acquiescence, and continues on "I have always firmly believed that there should not be any feelings between asset and handler. Emotions diminish the agent's ability to perform their duties, they make them question their decisions and cloud their judgment. Recently it was pointed out to me that this is the not the truth in some cases. Love" upon saying the word love, the General can feel a warmth rise in her chest "can make an agent better, make them work harder than an agent that does not care if the asset lives or dies. It makes them more willing to give their life for the asset without a second thought. Conversely it makes the asset better; all you need to do is look at Chuck."
'Uh what look at me, why? All I ever do is mess up are the thoughts going through Chucks mind.
"I am sure Major Casey will agree with me on this, if Chuck was not in love with you Agent Walker, do you really think he would have jumped off the roof of that building to save you? The reason he never stays in the car is because he can't stand the thought of you getting hurt, he believes in his own mind that he can help you despite never having been trained. Just look at Chuck, being in love can give you an inner strength you never thought you had. All that being said, Chuck because of your importance, I wish you'd stay in the damn car!"
Can she be saying what I hope she is? Sarah wonders I have never felt like this about anyone else before.
Is she saying I can have a relationship with Sarah, does Sarah even want one with me? By this point in the briefing Chucks mind is reeling.
Giving the group a few moments to compose themselves the General continues on, "Agent Walker I need the answer to this question, and don't screw with me on it. I want the truth, not the company line understood? Before you answer consider this, it's not the truth that will set you free, but the lie."
"Yes General"
"Do you love Chuck?"
Looking over at Chuck Sarah gives him the largest grin he has ever seen on her face, unshed tears appearing in her sky blue eyes. He's looking back at her with liquid browns eyes wide with excitement, and she can see the love he feels for her radiating off his face. The happiness that she has been denied for so long in her life finally has a chance to break through the walls she has built around her heart. Her love for Chuck's shattered those walls, and pours outward from her heart infusing her body with a sense of warmth and calm she has always wanted to have, but she thought could never be hers.
Still looking at Chuck, she knows this is it. This feeling is what has been missing from her for as long as she can remember. She owes it all to the tall curly haired man sitting across from her, who snuck into her heart by chipping away the walls she had carefully erected around it. Not by any grand gestures or gifts, but by the small almost insignificant things, his knowing she hates olives, her favorite flowers, the music she likes most after a tough mission. It was the bracelet that used to be his mothers, and most of all not bugging her about the past. A man with a heart of gold, who has, on many occasions, risked his life to save hers, despite her objections, A person who put her first unlike all the other men in her life who always looked out for themselves first then her. She knew he would gladly give his life for hers, and not think twice about it. Now with the utterance of a single word, three measly letters, the one word that has the ability to change the dynamics of the team for good, will give her everything she has denied herself for so long. One word will change her life forever.
With a confidence in her feelings she did not think she had, she turns and looks at the General and says in a voice that sounds almost lyrical, "Yes, with all my heart." A small smile appears on the Generals face. When it does, years seem to fade from her face, and it makes her seem more human.
"Great, and now for you Mr. Bartowski, I have no idea why I am asking this, because if the tears in your eyes and the smile on your face are any indication; the answer is obvious. Do you love Sarah Walker?"
Chuck, caught up in the revelation that Sarah loves him, barely registers that the General is speaking to him. A guy so far out of her league that if he was playing ball for his high school team, she would be in the major leagues. She's like a panther, sleek, agile, quick and deadly, yet her beauty compares to that of Aphrodite. From the first time he saw her, he knew she was the one. He trusts her completely with his life, and now with his heart. The questions that have been plaguing him for months have now been answered there will be no more, "it's complicated" when talking to Ellie about their relationship. One lie he has been telling his sister has just been removed from his life. His dream of having a real relationship with Sarah has just been handed to him on a silver platter complete with the serving set. Fueled by the knowledge that Sarah loves him and the fact the General seems to be on board with it; his mind is made up. Chuck turns to face Sarah and takes her left hand in his right. Using his left hand he gently reaches towards her face placing his palm gently on her cheek and brushes away the tears with his thumb.
Chuck kept his eyes focused on Sarah's as he answered, "The question General should have been, when haven't I loved Sarah. Yes Ma'am I do, so speaking for the both of us; thank you for giving us this chance to be together." Sarah could only nod her head in agreement as she was still trying to come to grips with what had just transpired.
Casey, looking over at the couple, graced them with a small smile and a nod of approval. Realizing that this was not the main reason for the briefing turned to the General and raised the question, "Ma'am, you just reassigned Walker and me, what does this mean for the team?"
"I will get to that in a minute. Agent Walker and Agent Bartowski," seeing the shocked looks on the new couple's faces she continues on, "You heard correctly Agent Bartowski. The only way I will officially sanction this relationship is if, and only if, you are both agents. It's a game of give and take Bartowski, you scratch my back, and I'll scratch yours. Well I just scratched yours, now you can scratch mine. You have the option to join the CIA or NSA. Which will it be?"
Sarah and Chuck turn to look at each other and silently communicate with each other. Their eyes darted back and forth, words exchanged but not spoken. After several seconds Sarah nods and gave his hand a squeeze of insurance, "Well General since my girl friend is CIA" giving her one of his lopsided grins, "I think I'll keep it the family. The CIA Ma'am"
"Very well Agent Bartowski. When you three report in, we will have you do the proper paperwork. Now that the issue is put to bed, we can address the main reason I called the meeting. The mission you are about to embark on is going to be a long deep cover assignment that may last several years. The operation itself will be mostly here in the states. You will relocate to Philadelphia, but will require extensive travel abroad"
"General?" Chuck quips nervously, "Umm… how am I going to explain this at work or to Ellie? Most of our missions have been here and I can get away. You don't know Ellie, Ma'am; she will not just accept the fact that I quit Buy More and rolled off to Philadelphia."
Casey shoots Chuck a glaring look that says "suck it up!" Sarah mean while just looks at Chuck and gives him a look that says don't worry. We'll figure it out and it will be all right.
Letting out a small sigh, Beckman thinks "damn he must think were idiots" before going on with her answer, "Tomorrow you and Casey are to begin your first mission code named, 'operation quit the Buy More.'" Shocked faces stare at the General for a few seconds, and then slowly look at each other. "Start acting like you're unhappy at work, and hint that you are looking for other jobs. Prior to your relocation you can give your two week notice. With the changes that were just made, and the scope of the mission you be embarking on, it is imperative that all family ties continue, as well as the ones with your friends."
Chuck just stared at the General like she has two heads, ok something's wrong here. Beckman has finally lost it. Maybe she's been abducted by pod people. There is no way this is the same person that tormented me for the past two years.
Aw crap, Big Mikes gonna be pissed I'm just up and leaving. I hate screwing him over. Then there's Morgan what the heck is he gonna do? Oh well Anna's just gonna have to get him through it. But the good part is, no the great part is I'm out of there. Shit, what about a job. I need a reason to give Ellie for just up and leaving. Better ask that one.
"Mr. Bartowski, in the near future you will receive, via the mail, a job offer from the government to work in their software development department based in Washington," Continued Beckman.
"On paper you will hold a pay grade and position of a GS 12. You will receive all the back pay from when you became the intersect," Beckman pauses for a second before continuing, "In reality you will be working for us as you have been, you will be drawing a check from the CIA. During the down time between missions you will receive small arms and self defense training from Walker and Casey. In addition to that, you will spend time at one of the CIA's training locations to work on basic spy craft, with the additional skills you may at some time in the future be able to draw from the intersect; you should be able to achieve full agent status in a decent amount of time. That should take care of the job and Ellie issue, correct?"
"Yes General"
"Before we started this briefing I finished a meeting in which I was given the intelligence information on a group of terrorists that has plans to attack a major location in Europe. Much of the information is sketchy at best, no determined location, no method of attack and no timeline, just the overall consensus it will be in Europe." Beckman pauses to observe the three team members, seeing the nods of understanding, she continues,
"The only solid information we have is the cell's main base of operation is located in Philadelphia, operating under the business name of Trans World Shipping Inc. Analysts from the CIA, FBI and surprisingly the IRS, traced their money trail to shell companies in foreign countries. Most are located in the Middle East and South America. Using this information they were able to figure out that most of the businesses were fronts for drug trafficking, money laundering and prostitution. Intelligence data from our field agents in the respective countries were able to determine that this money was then rerouted to the various terrorist training camps around the world. Any questions before I continue?"
"General, that's not much to go on." says Casey "How did they come to the conclusion the attack will be in Europe?"
The general purses her lips and pauses a moment before replying, "I know" she replies, answering the first part of the question. "A lot of chatter has been picked up over cell phone communications, and some hand held radios. Our agents have also managed to get their hands on some low level terrorist computers. From there the analysts put it all together. Does that answer your question Maj. Casey?"
"Yes Ma'am."
Beckman continues "Walker and Bartowski will be posing as the Carmichaels, a married couple. That is until they actually decide to actually get married. Chuck's cover will be that he comes from a wealthy family, but he has more the tripled his wealth on his own. He developed the latest encryption software used by the Government as well as several video games. He will have an extensive stock portfolio, mostly blue chips."
"Sarah, will be a former fashion model now working in the financial sector," Beckman had never been this long winded before needed a drink. "I figured it was about time we put the money we spent on sending you to Harvard to good use. They will be looking to invest their money in the shipping industry. Trans World Shipping is holding a large gala hoping to entice investors to finance their company."
"Major Casey, you will be acting as the couples body guard. Invitations have already been sent to you and should be at Mr. Bartowski's house within a couple days. Agents, you will relocate to Philadelphia by the end of the November. We would like you to head the Philadelphia at the beginning of the month and buy a house. Make sure it is near an air field or has a small landing pad on the property. In keeping with his status as a wealthy businessman we will provide you with a small plane. That way when Chuck needs to head in for his training you three can fly there. Remember this all on the CIA and NSA so make sure the house reflects his wealth."
"Won't it be a waste of Chucks abilities if we only use him for one assignment?" queried Sarah
Beckman gave her answer. "One of the benefits of this long term mission is it will allow your team to travel to where you are needed. It will be one of the many changes that will be made to your current method of operations. As I stated before, we need to keep Chuck involved with his family and friends. We plan on keeping the castle operational and staffed with Agents that Walker and Casey hand pick. That's the reason they have to report in on the 25th"
"Did this answer your question from earlier Major Casey?"
"Yes Ma'am"
Checking around the table to be sure the Agents are still with her she continues, "When intelligence is uncovered out there that pertains to Fulcrum or any other of the rogue cells or know enemies we may need your help. You will fly back and join up with the teams in place to eliminate the cell. Trips back here will be made often using the guise of business trips. With Chucks cover being a wealthy investor, he will have business contacts all over the states. Plus it will allow him to visit his sister and whomever else he chooses."
"The other thing I was enlightened about was the importance of family. When it was pointed out to us from past mission files, an unacceptable number of missions failed, or were less than successful due to the lack of family interaction. Some of those involved you, Sarah didn't they?"
"Yes" Sarah replies thinking of one of her missions that had gone south. It had failed because she and Bryce were undercover as a married couple trying to get information on a drug cartel. They had repeatedly been asked to attend social functions that involved family members. The leaders grew suspicious when they were constantly rebuffed with the answer of we aren't close to them. When the tensions got to high and they thought they had been discovered she had no choice but to scrub the mission.
"To prevent that from happening again on this mission, we will require a full disclosure to your family. You have our permission to inform your sister and her husband that you work for us. Use caution and do not reveal the intersect to them. Make sure they understand the importance of what you do. They have already been cleared and will need to come in and sign the standard non-disclosure statements."
"One last thing Chuck, there are a lot of very good hospitals near Philadelphia. Should you find yourself missing Ellie and Devon too much, we could arrange to have them moved out there and be a part of the team behind the scene. It would be good to have a couple of doctors on call that we can trust. That's all people let's make it happen, dismissed." The General rises from the table and exits the castle escorted by her security detail.
As soon as the General exits the castle Sarah throws herself at Chuck, wrapping her legs around his waist and arms around his neck. Chuck response is immediate. He grabs her waist pulling her closer and crashing his lips against hers. It not any kiss, it's a kiss that releases all the emotion they have been denying each other for months. As they break apart they hear a loud grunt then Casey's voice "Get a room you two, you deserve it! Now can somebody please explain WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED?"
"Casey I have no frigging idea, but if you think for one minute I'm going to try and find out you're out of your ever loving mind!" screams an excited Chuck "I finally have the ok to be with the woman I love more than life itself. And on top of that I can stop lying to Ellie. So if you actually think I care if Beckman slipped a gear or went bat shit crazy, you're nuttier than she is! As an added bonus Ellie and Devon may be able to join us. I need to take all of this in. Then we can tell them everything at a later date."
Sarah's body still wrapped around Chuck just burrowed her face deeper in his neck and laughs. Not a small giggle, but a full throated belly laugh, the kind that makes your ribs hurt and brings tears to your eyes when you're done. Chuck knows this is the best sound he has ever heard. He pulls back so he can look at the woman he loves and is rewarded by the smiling face of one Sarah Walker.