Chuck vs. The Cerebral Assassin
When we last off Chuck was sitting in the recreation room playing call of duty reflecting on the two women currently in his life...Sarah and Dr. Burke. His thoughts are suddenly interrupted when he meets Karl and they inevitably become fast friends. When it comes to Sarah she doesn't particularly like Dr. Burke especially the phone she received from her. So she take out her frustrations on Bryce who she ends up being choking out by her and she feel better afterwards. Finally Beckman is informed of situation. So what happens next? Read to find out.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment please leave a comment for this this one as well. Tell me what you think and I hope you enjoy the read.
I don't own Chuck but I do own the characters that I've made up.
Doctor Knows Best
XXX
Its around 8:15 p.m. as Sarah and Casey stand in front of Castle's main computer. They were notified by General Beckman to convene for a meeting that was deemed a matter of importance. From the tone in her voice, the two of them knew it had to be serious even though every matter that she considers in her eyes is important when it pertains to matters of national security. After a brief moment, the screen turns on with the image of Beckman on screen.
"What is the matter of importance you need to discuss with us General?" inquired Casey.
"Does it involve Chuck?" questioned Sarah furrowing her eyebrows. "Is he any danger?" she added with great concern.
General Beckman shakes her head concerning Sarah's question. "Negative Agent Walker." she responded. "My people have heard some chatter that I find disturbing." added Beckman.
The word disturbing put the two seasoned agents in a heightened state of alert. They both knew that whatever Beckman is about to share with them would be a very serious matter. For Casey, he would have no problem in putting all his concentration on the possible mission at hand but he didn't know about his partner who is currently going through a personal matter of her own.
A matter in which a former partner of his is making things quite difficult for the two people who have been through hell and back. As he said before to Dr. Burke, he made a promise to Chuck's father that he would watch over and protect them. He is not going to let him down and hopefully she got the message after talking with her earlier. If there's one thing you don't mess with is and that is their relationship.
His thoughts are quickly set aside as he responds to Beckman. "Who or what is it?" Casey gruffly asked.
"Apparently, an update version of the intersect has been created." she firmly stated. "Intersect 2.0 to be exact and it has capabilities in which the host is not only able to flash on classified images but also contains unknown enhanced capabilities as well."
Casey and Sarah's eye completely go wide upon hearing the news of a new updated version of the intersect being created. For Sarah, the new intersect could very well make Chuck obsolete and if there ever were a face to face interaction between he and whoever would be downloaded with it especially with the fighting capabilities integrated into the design the results would be disastrous for him.
The one thing that she knew had to be done was to find and stop who not only is behind the entire operation but who is also creating the new intersect. The creation of it could very well be a way to sell to the highest bidder and if it falls into the wrong hands then they would put them at a great advantage. As much as she is concerned about Chuck right now, there are much bigger priorities and the mission could help keep her mind of things for a while.
"Are there any leads?" asked the blonde C.I.A. agent.
"One." responded Beckman. "A man by the name of Manoosh Depak." A picture appears on the main screen of the man in question. "Manoosh Depak is a trained computer engineer and software genius but he dropped out of MIT. From the information gathered he was contracted by a mysterious organization to build it which has possibly going on several months maybe even years."
When Beckman first heard about this organization she immediately thought it was Fulcrum but after going through the data she surmised that the organization could be a far greater threat than imagined. Its an organization with not only considerably deep pockets but may possibly operate outside the intelligence community with a high degree of autonomy.
"Has a trace been done on his bank account?" questioned Casey.
"Affirmative Colonel." retorted Beckman. "We know there have been large amounts of money that have been transferred to an account but we don't know if it is his." she added shaking her head. "Whoever these people are, they're covering they're tracks and the trail is seemingly impossible to trace."
"Do we know of his current whereabouts?" asked Sarah.
"Somewhere in the Los Angeles area." she replied shaking her head. "He's doing his best in keeping a low profile. That doesn't negate the fact that a mistake can be made on his part." added Beckman. "One piece of information that could be handy is that he has an infinity for something called a nacho sampler. You've got your work cut out for you."
As she says that, Bryce stumbles out from the corridor still somewhat disoriented after being locked in a triangle choke hold by Sarah. All 3 individuals, watch as he shuffles his way towards the conference table and leans over the first chair he can get his hands on. They can see that he is trying to get his bearings straight as he shakes his head in order to clear the cobwebs that are in there. A smirk appears on Sarah's face as he glances at Casey who exudes a smirk of his own as he glances back at her.
"Agent Larkin!" The sound of Beckman's voice causes Bryce to straighten up and turn in the wrong direction causing her to try once again. "Agent Larkin, turn around." she emphatically stated.
Bryce turns around to face Beckman as he tries to focus his eyes on her. The look on her is one of absolute displeasure at the moment as she stares at a seemingly drunk agent stumbling around in front of her. "Yes general."
"May I ask what happened to you?" questioned Beckman.
It takes a moment for Bryce to think about it and as he glances over at Sarah he responds. "I was sparring with Sarah and…"
He doesn't get to finish the sentence as he is immediately cut off by Beckman. "I don't even want to know." she replied turning her attention from Bryce to her two best agents. "When Agent Larkin regains full consciousness I need him and you two to get on this. That is an order." she firmly stated as the main screen goes off.
XXX
"Dr. Burke, how are things progressing with Mr. Batowski?" asked Dr. Vale.
"He is at an early critical stage and I think my treatment will bring him towards the road to recovery."
The clocks reads 10 p.m. as the two colleagues sit in Dr. Vale's office chatting about the newest patient to the facility. His introduction to Chuck on the first day was brief and he didn't have time for further pleasantries as he received an important phone call. Now that things have pretty much slowed down, he is getting the full rundown from his friend and associate concerning one Charles Irving Bartowski.
"Has there been any sort of resistance on his part in the course of his treatment?"
Dr. Burke shakes her head in response to her colleagues question. "No." she responded. "He has been working hard doing his mental and physical exercises which is a good sign. I also gave him a black journal to write in like I've done with all my patients so he could write down any thoughts, images, bits and pieces of information that may help him in his recovery."
"Excellent." he stated. Dr. Vale notices that his colleague is preoccupied with a particular thought as she's sitting down on the other side of his desk. "Is there something wrong?"
"As you know, the recovery process is one where a patient like Chuck has to be eased into it. Once his memory begins to be restored little by little, the rate of recovery often appears to be much more rapid." she stated. "However, many problems may persist for a long time. These may be problems related to movement, memory, attention, slowness of thinking, difficulty with complex thinking, difficulties with speech and language, behavior problems and personality changes." Dr. Burke added.
"Do you foresee any kind of problems?" questioned Dr. Vale?
"Not on his part but I did experience a problem with his fiancé Agent Walker." she said. "I think I was able to get her to understand she lacks the training or knowledge like skilled practitioners such as ourselves. "
A questionable look appears on his face as he responds to Dr. Burke. "How so?"
"She took it upon herself to treat him without informing me or any of the staff that he was having a reaction to a particular conversation they were having." she answered. "She could have very well harmed rather than helped him in my opinion." added Dr. Burke shaking her head.
"It's understandable in what she's going through. Its scary for her and the emotional stress can take its toll not only for her but his family and friends." said Dr. Vale. "However, he's your patient Leslie so I trust your judgment." he retorted. "You know what's best for your patient."
"Yes I do." she replied.
XXX
Its late at night as Sarah returns to Casa Bartowski. It has been an emotional rollercoaster as of late for the blonde agent in the past 3 days and just when things are getting better concerning Chuck something or in this case someone happens that pulls the rug right from under her. As she walks through the door, she finds her father sitting back on the black leather couch in the dark and watching tv in the living.
She drops her belongings on the coffee table and then plops herself next to her father not saying a single word causing her father to express a look of concern on his face. "I know that look." he said. "What's up?"
There is a brief moment of silence as Sarah closes her eyes and lays her head back breathing out of a sigh of frustration as she rubs her forehead. "Would it be wrong if Casey and I abducted Dr. Burke from her home and subject her to emotional, as well as mental torture?" she asked. "I know it would make me feel a whole lot better."
Sarah's father responds with a hint of laughter upon hearing what his daughter just said. "Sweetheart, I don't think that would be a good idea and besides she's a former agent as well so she may be resistant to torture of any kind."
"You're right." she responded back. Sarah is silent for a moment and pitches another idea to her father. "How about I just kick her ass?"
"DeAnna Lisa Wexler…" Wexler softly said. Sarah glances up with a look of innocence on her face. "…no to torture or beating her up." he firmly stated.
"Fine." she huffed expressing disappointment.
"Tell me what's going on."
The youngest Wexler daughter shakes her head considerably confused. "I thought I was helping Chuck when he started remembering bits and pieces of his past." she said. "She called me earlier today while at work and apparently I'm making matters worse because I'm not a trained medical professional like her." added Sarah with air quotes.
Jeremiah Wexler doesn't have to actually see her daughter to know that she is hurting right now. He reaches over and wraps his right arm around his youngest daughter holding her close and kisses the top of her head. "Do you know what I think?" he said rubbing his daughter's left arm glancing down at her.
"What?" she softly staid.
"Regardless of what Dr. Burke said, you did the right thing and from what you told us Chuck really appreciated your help." Wexler answered with a smile on his face. "Trust me when I say, he'll remember you helping him and that counts for something during his road to recovery."
Sarah sits there cuddling up next to her father on the black leather couch and ponders over what he said. He's right she thinks to herself. In her mind, Chuck will most definitely remember her being a big help to him in being able to recall the most important day of both their lives. It's a small victory that Dr. Burke can never take away from her no matter what she says. "Thanks dad." she said leaning up to give him a peck on the cheek. "You always know the right thing to say."
"No problem kiddo." he replies. "Are you still going to visit Chuck on Friday…" he says look at the time on the clock. "...which is today."
"I planned to but General Beckman has a mission for us and to be perfectly honest I think I need this." she responded. "It will keep me busy and hopefully Chuck will understand why I'm unable to be there to visit."
"He will." he said hugging her tightly.
XXX
Chuck is sitting in Dr. Burke's office the next day for another session. From the look on his face, he spirits are high as he prepares for what his doctor has planned for him. In his lap, is the black journal she gave him so that he can write down anything that comes to mind, which he has been doing. After a few minutes of jotting down notes on a yellow legal pad, she begins the discussion.
"How is your mindset right now Chuck?" questioned Dr. Burke.
When Chuck first arrived at the facility he was afraid and somewhat apprehensive because he didn't have any idea what was going on. He had the shock of his life when he found out that he works for the C.I.A. as an analyst and it seriously freaked him out. What freaked him out even more was when he looked in the mirror and didn't have any idea who was staring back at him.
If it wasn't for Sarah calming him down reassuring him that he's amongst friends and promising him that nobody would hurt him. Even though she was a complete stranger to him he had a feeling that she was telling the truth. Now after being here a couple of days and making one new friend he feels that he'll be able to get the best treatment available by the best doctor who is sitting in front of him.
"Still strong." he responded. "I'm determined to get my memory back and I'm going to work hard to do it." Chuck firmly stated with a strong resolve.
Dr. Burke expresses a smile as she glances down to jot down a few notes and then returns her attention to Chuck. "That's good to hear and just to let you know you're not alone in this because I'm equally as determined to get you on the road to recovery." she stated. "I am going to try to get inside your mind and get to the seed of your memory." The accomplished doctor gets up, walks around, and sits in the chair next to him. "Together, we'll make that seed blossom and it will require absolute trust and honesty on your part. Can you handle that?" she asked reaching over holding his right hand.
Chuck glances down to see her hand holding his and then looks up at her to see her smiling at him. "Yeah, I can handle that." he responded with a smile of his own.
The two share a brief moment until Dr. Burke retracts her hand, stands up, and as she turns around to gather herself she makes her way back. She sits down momentarily looking down at her notes and then resumes the session. "Let's talk about what's been on your mind." she said. "Have you written anything down as of late?" Dr. Burke asks.
"Yeah I have." he replied holding up the journal in his right hand.
"Would you care to share it with me?" inquires Dr. Burke.
There is a bit of reluctance on Chuck's part but he decides to do it as he opens up his journal to a particular page. He glances up to his doctor sitting across from him and then back down commencing to read what he has written.
Who am I? That is the question I have been asking myself since I opened my eyes. Yet, it seems like my eyes are still closed and the familiar faces that I'm supposed to remember are unfamiliar to me. It's like I'm stumbling around in perpetual darkness but I know there's a light at the end of the tunnel for me so that I can return to the person I am. When it comes to the unbelievable events and situations I've gone through they are not my own but of a man who lived them as he felt what it was like to experience them. A man who by all accounts is considered a hero. When I look in the mirror I don't see a hero but rather a man trying to find his way back from the unknown. How long will it take? Days? Weeks? Months? Years? Who knows but I do know one thing for sure I'm not throwing in the towel no matter how frustrating it gets. Its not going to be an easy journey but I know there are people that are supporting me who are watching my back as I try to find my way to who I am.
Chuck briefly exhales after reading what he wrote in his journal. After closing it, he looks up to find Dr. Burke with a distant look on her face. "Leslie…" he says leaning over and waving his hand in front of her. "…Earth to Leslie." added Chuck.
Dr. Burke snaps out of it and quickly composes herself. "That was deep and heartfelt Chuck. I'm glad you shared that with me." she said.
"Well, it was either that or show you the drawing I made of a very weird dream involving Call of Duty."
"I wouldn't mind seeing that." she answered with a bit of laughter.
"It's in stick figure form so not really much to see." he said with a wry smile.
The two share another humorous experience together leading Dr. Burke to look up at the clock. "We'll break for lunch and then convene back here at 2 p.m. okay?"
"Cool with me." Chuck gets up and as he is about to leave with journal in hand he suddenly spins around to face Dr. Burke. "I was wondering."
"Yes?"
"Is it possible to have Chinese food delivered to my room?" asked Chuck. "The food here is good but I just want something different. I have money in my wallet."
"Sorry Chuck. I advise not to because if I did that for you then I would have to do it for all my patients." she replied. "I hope you understand."
"That's okay." he said with a disappointed look on his face. "It was worth a shot. I'll see you later then."
"Okay, see you soon." she responded with smile as she watches him leave out her office.
XXX
The time is 7 p.m. as Casey and Sarah are sitting at Castle's computers while a fully conscious Bryce is looking through files regarding one Manoosh Depak. As he searches through the files, the two partners at the computers are busy intently eyeing through not only surveillance footage but security feeds of particular restaurants that tend to serve the nacho sampler in order to locate him.
The seriousness of the situation is suddenly interrupted by the sound of a cell phone ringing leaving all 3 agents to check and it ends up being Sarah's. He sees the Chuck's name on the small screen and a smile appears in the corner of her mouth. She immediately looks at Casey who is just a few feet away from her knows who is on the other end of the line. "I'll be right back."
Chuck and Bryce watch as Sarah disappears out of sight. She finds a secluded spot so the conversation can be private between the two of them. "Sorry I couldn't make it to visit you Chuck." she said. "We've been assigned a mission and it's considered top priority."
"I understand." responded Chuck. "The life of a spy and all." he added expressing laughter.
"So what do you want to talk about."
Sarah hears a brief moment of silence on the other end of the line that causes her to become concerned until she hears his finally speak up. "It's about you and me."
Her eyes suddenly widen upon hearing that and prepares herself to try to not to say anything that could cause him harm mentally. "Oh." she softly replied. "What do you want to know exactly?"
Chuck knows it's a now or never situation on his part and he wouldn't ask the question if it wasn't for his new friend Karl encouraging him to ask. Like he said at the recreation room, what does he have to lose. "Uh…if you weren't engaged do you think you and I would have worked out?" questioned Chuck. "I'm only asking because we've been in a cover relationship and have known each other for 3 and half years."
The question Chuck asks causes Sarah to tear up as she struggles to hold herself together. "Chuck, if I wasn't engaged to the greatest guy in the world I think you would have a shot." she replied as a single tear falls down the right side of her cheek.
"Really?"
"Of course. Your handsome, sweet, kind, and not to mention funny. I know there's a special woman for you who is dying to marry you someday." she said sniffling as more tears begin to fall down her cheek.
"Are you okay Sarah?" asked Chuck. "It sounds like you're crying."
"I'm fine. I caught a little bit of a cold." she responded.
"Well take care of yourself and while on your mission too." he said.
"You too." she replied with a smile on her face wiping away the tears. "Oh before you go, do you need anything?"
"I'm okay. Just craving some Chinese food at the moment."
"You know sizzling shrimp is your favorite." she quickly said.
"Awesome. That's something that's definitely going in my journal." he says. "Anyways, I'll just have to make due with the cafeteria food. I'll talk to you later.
"Bye Chuck."
"Later Sarah."
As Chuck's line clicks off, she closes her phone and immediately has a plan in mind. While she walks off in order to make that particular plan happen within the bowels of Castle, Dr. Burke is at the front desk of the facility moments later signing her name on a few charts before she leaves. When she turns around a delivery man passes her and as she walks away heading towards the front door she hears the delivery man's voice. "Delivery for Chuck Bartowski." the man said.
This causes Dr. Burke to immediately stop, turn around, and catch up to the man who is going up the stairs towards Chuck's room. "Excuse me!" she stated stopping the man.
"Yes ma'am."
"What's in the bag?"
"2 orders of sizzling shrimp." he quickly replied.
"May I ask who ordered it?" questioned Dr. Burke.
"A lady by the name of Sarah Walker ma'am."
A look of disbelief appears on her face upon hearing that. Its at that point, she take matters into her own hands. "I'll take it."
As Dr. Burke deals with the delivery man, Chuck is sitting in his bed reading one his comics that Sarah brought him. His concentration is broken when he hears a knock at the door. He looks at his watch and then gets up to go open the door. When he opens it, he finds Dr. Burke standing there. "Leslie, what's up?"
"I thought I would come by and see if you would like to share some Chinese food with me?" she said holding up the brown paper bag.
"Sure." he said. "What kind?"
"Sizzling shrimp."
"Awesome, my favorite." replied Chuck. "Come on in."
"Really? I didn't know that." she responded walking into his room.
XXX