A/N: I know you're sick of hearing it but I am truly sorry for my delays in posting. I am trying but still struggling with work right now. This takes place during Chuck vs. Dream Job.
Wanted to give a heartfelt thanks to those that have nominated this story. I can't express to you how much that means. Thank you.
I also wanted to give credit to my beta, Gladius. I know he gets tired of my constant mistakes but I am grateful he has stuck with me and keeps me in line.
As always, I don't own Chuck or anything in this story.
Chapter 15 - Orion
Chuck and Casey were both going over blue prints in the NSA agent's home. The blueprints were the ones that Orion had sent Chuck not too long ago. To Chuck, it seemed strange but when he had gotten back the next day after the date night with Sarah, it seemed as if the blue prints had been rearranged. He had no idea how it could have happened, but as he took a closer look at the schematics, it made more sense. Chuck believed he had been given the plans for a new Intersect at Roark Industries.
Casey was also browsing the designs that Chuck had organized on the agent's coffee table. He had to admit, it definitely looked like it could be an Intersect. "What does Walker think?" Casey looked up at Chuck who was currently pacing back and forth.
"Well I haven't told her anything yet. She'll be over shortly but I wanted to talk to you about it first."
Casey had to admit, he was a little surprised by this. Sure he and Chuck had gotten a lot closer lately. Matter of fact Casey had never let anyone in as close as he and Chuck were since he had become an NSA agent. Still, for Chuck to come to him first meant a lot to him. Ever since the gift that Chuck gave him from Mrs. Reagan, Casey hadn't felt like the fat kid always getting picked last anymore. "I agree with you Bartowski, it definitely could be an Intersect. And after what we have seen the past two years, I wouldn't put it past Roark Industries to somehow be in cahoots with Fulcrum." Casey instinctively felt the hard metal surface of his sidearm. "I think this definitely requires a covert mission to gather some more intel."
Chuck stopped pacing knowing that he needed to talk to Casey about something else that was very important. Sure he and Casey were the best of friends now but discussing anything remotely related to lady feelings was still extremely frowned upon. Either way, it was worth a shot. "Casey, can I talk to you about something?"
Casey grunted as he had a feeling this was coming. "Sure kid, but it better not have anything to do with you and Walker's sex life."
Chuck shook his head. "Fair enough." Chuck went and sat down on the couch, rubbing his hands together as he mentally prepared his talk with Casey. 'No need to sugar coat anything,' Chuck reminded himself. "Casey what if I didn't want the Intersect removed?"
Good thing Casey had not been drinking anything or else he might have just have spit it all over his living room floor. Of all the things he expected to hear, this wasn't one of them. It wasn't like they found a way to have it removed, the plans they had were just for another Intersect. No need for the kid to get all worked up about it. "Bartowski, you can't be serious? How many times in the past have I had to hear you moping and whining about getting the damn thing out of your head? Now you want it left in?"
Chuck rubbed his hands over his face. "It's not like that. I just… It's just since you guys have been training me, I don't want what I thought used to be normal. Normal for me sucks and I want what we have now. I want us to always be a team trying to make a real difference out there, you know?"
Casey was getting real uncomfortable where this conversation was heading. Of course he wanted what was best for Chuck. However, of all the horrible things he has faced, of all the death and destruction he has encountered throughout his life, nothing compared to what he would face if he said the wrong thing and pissed off Walker. No, he had to be careful here. "Pay attention Chuck because this moment may never occur again. You are and will be one of the best spies with or without the Intersect. The things I have seen you do without flashing is ten times better than most agents out there." Casey could see the shock in Chuck's eyes but he wasn't finished yet.
"Bartowski, we know right now as a clandestine agent, you probably are not quite there yet. Although, with the training Walker and I have been giving you, you could soon be…maybe. Even so, the physical side…the lethal side of the business just isn't for you. With that said, there is not one analyst in the world that can do what you can do. I have worked with some of the best and none compare to you."
Chuck could only sit and stare at the NSA agent in shock. John Casey, was someone he respected but also knew he saw the world differently and brutally so. To hear the reassurance was unexpected.
"The thing is Chuck, with the Intersect; you will always be under the Government's control. You will never be Chuck Bartowski to the powers that be, you will be the Intersect. Plain and simple. So when the Intersect becomes unreliable, then they will just get rid of you or throw you to the curb."
Chuck looked down to the floor as a feeling of despair came over him. "You mean you would have to kill me…" Chuck practically yelped as he was lifted off his feet by Casey.
"You listen to me and you listen good. Till the day my last breath leaves my body I will protect you from something like that. A few months ago, maybe it was different, but not anymore. And don't even get me started on what Walker would do." Casey growled out in conviction.
Chuck saw the absolute truth in Casey's eyes. It was at this moment that he knew he'd never have that fear of a kill order again. He would never be able to explain the finality of how he knew it would never happen. Maybe it was the absolute brutish conviction in Casey's eyes or the undeniable knowledge of what Sarah would do to protect him. Whatever it was, that fear in his heart was instantly erased. It was then he was lowered back to the ground and released from the vice like grip of Casey.
"I'm sorry for doubting you John. But thank you. Thank you for talking to me about this."
Casey was still on the edge. He knew Bartowski had every right to question before but if Chuck just had an ounce of knowledge of what Casey would do to keep him safe, the kid would never fear anything again. Chuck had stopped being an asset months ago and not only to Walker. He was family now and that was something Casey took very serious.
"And so you know Bartowski. The reason Walker wants it out so badly is because then you two would be free to choose your own path. As I said before, as long as you are the Intersect, you will have no real choice."
That was sure a lot to contemplate and Chuck could finally see why Sarah had been so adamant about finding Orion before and why she was so upset when he died. He now understood what it meant. He felt his fear well up from within him and just hoped that if by some miracle he could get the Intersect out of his head, she would still love him even without the super computer in his brain.
"Thanks again Casey. I am really glad we could talk about this." With that he placed a friendly hand on Casey's shoulder and to his surprise; his hand was still intact moments later as Sarah finally arrived.
{Back at Castle}
After their meeting at Casey's house, it was determined by the team to inform Beckman about their plans. To all their surprises, Beckman had been adamant about keeping this off the record. It surprised Chuck the most about why she would do this. It seemed like a legitimate mission but for whatever reason, the General wanted it off the books. Chuck even swore that it might have been due to personal reasons the way the General kept looking at him. She even referred to him as Chuck during the meeting which totally caught him off guard.
After Beckman disconnected, Chuck went back in the staging area with Casey to finish up packing their mission gear. Casey was finished with his gear when he turned to Chuck. "Going to bring these up to the van. Soon as Walker is ready, meet me upstairs." Casey then grabbed the bags and headed up the stairs.
Chuck was finishing tightening up his tranq gun holsters when he heard Sarah approaching from behind. He turned to greet her and his mouth dropped wide open. He had always wondered about the term 'eyes bugging out' but he knew at this moment, his were doing just that.
Sarah saw the expression on his face and tried not to smile too big. Okay, maybe she wasn't exactly wearing 'proper' mission gear, but this was Chuck's mission and she wanted to do something special. "What is it Chuck?" Oh she knew exactly what it was.
Chuck was speechless as he stared at what could possibly be construed as the sexiest thing he had ever seen her wear. Standing in front of him was what could only be described as a black leather clad goddess. The leather so tight it looked like it was painted on and those high heel black boots that seemed to go all the way up were just amazing. The way her blonde hair just stood out with her perfect face in contrast to the all black attire was the most inviting thing he had ever seen. "Uh… Uh…" Chuck was speechless.
Sarah felt like she was on cloud nine. Sure they were preparing for a covert mission, but that didn't stop her from wanting to get Chuck's attention. And she was definitely getting his attention. "You ready Ch…" Sarah never finished as Chuck grabbed her hand and pulled her into the supply closet. She was actually somewhat surprised at his strength as he shut the door and positioned her with her back against the door.
"Sarah Walker, do you even have a clue what you are doing to me by wearing that outfit?" Chuck was really close to her right now. He was beyond turned on.
"Chuck, it's just my mission gear." Sarah seductively moved into him as she reached to touch his cheek.
Chuck actually jumped at her touch. His body felt like it was on fire and her hand literally sent a shock through him. He suddenly turned his back to her taking deep breaths. He had to pull it together; they had an important mission after all.
Sarah pressed her body up against his back making sure her breasts rubbed against him just right. She leaned her head closer to Chuck's ear as she took a quick nibble and then whispered in his ear, "Chuck sweetie, you have to calm down. You have so much tension. Could I possibly help you release some of that tension? For the good of the mission of course."
That was all Chuck could take. The feel of her body against his, the warmth of her breath and lips against the side of his face, the outfit, the excitement of where they were at and what they were preparing to do, it just all overwhelmed him as he turned to her and attacked her lips. Chuck was on fire and he needed Sarah to cool him off.
An aggressive Chuck turned Sarah on so much as her breath was taken away by the urgency in Chuck's action. It caught her momentarily off guard as she was pinned against the door with his warm lips crashing into hers. His tongue was going wild as the taste of Chuck just pushed her over the edge. She was so close to the edge as Chuck lifted her onto him as he continued his wonderful loving assault on her body. Her last thought was, 'I guess he really liked the outfit.'
{* * *}
"Uh, you missed a spot." Casey said as he made a motion to the side of his mouth as he glanced at Sarah who was now getting in the van along with Chuck.
Sarah, sitting in the passenger side, flipped down the van mirror on the passenger side to have a look as she wiped the smudged lipstick from the side of her mouth and began reapplying some makeup.
Casey just shook his head at the two love birds as the team prepared to leave. "Did you two finish up your pre-mission briefing?" Casey then started the engine.
"I think we were able to bang out some last minute… Ow! That hurt." Chuck was rubbing his arm where Sarah just punched him.
"And to think I had a part in bringing you two together. I must have been crazy." Casey growled out yet smiled as they headed off towards Roark Industries Corporate Headquarters.
{* * *}
"You're kidding me right?" Chuck was beyond pissed at his two 'handlers'.
"Chuck you have to be our eyes and ears in there. It is imperative that you run surveillance from the van." Sarah was trying to make him understand this wasn't about his lack of field experience. She knew he wanted so badly to go inside but it only made sense that he was the most knowledgeable of the layout that he be the one in the van. Okay, that and the fact she knew it would be safer for him, but that was not the only reason.
Chuck was not satisfied as he shook his head as Sarah was talking to him. "I see how it is." Chuck knew he would not get anywhere with his two handlers so he just got back inside the van. Not a goodbye or another word said to Casey or Sarah as they were preparing to go inside the Roark building. He just sat quietly in front of the monitors making sure they were set up and everything was working. 'Glorified Nerd Herder' Chuck thought as he sat in front of the surveillance system.
Sarah could see the hurt in his eyes and she just couldn't let this go on. She climbed in the back of the van and kneeled next to Chuck. "Casey could you give us a minute?"
Casey eyed the two suspiciously. "Don't you get the van dirty, last thing I need is to report why bodily fluids are all over place."
Chuck leaned back so he could look at Casey. His anger was evident in his response. "Trust me John, you won't have to worry about that." He then looked at Sarah like you can count on nothing happening.
"Hey!" Sarah was not pleased with Chuck's response as she grabbed his chin so that he would look at her. "I don't deserve that Chuck."
Chuck tried to look away but damn was she strong.
"Chuck you have to know this isn't about whether you are ready to go in or not. I'll admit a part of it is I want you to be safe, can you really be mad at me for that?" Sarah put both hands on each side of his cheeks. "I love you Chuck. I want you in there with me but I need you out here for this mission okay. You're the best at this I need you to help keep Casey and I safe."
Well Chuck had never actually thought of it like that. He was the best at the electronic and surveillance side of things and maybe Sarah was right. He could be just as responsible for keeping them both safe as anyone. That thought definitely added a different perspective on things. "I'll stay in the van but I want to be there in there with you. Did you ever think I love being with you on missions too?"
"I know Chuck and you already know how much I love having you with me. But for this mission just stay safe and keep us safe. When we get the information then we'll see what Beckman wants us to do." Sarah couldn't resist as she leaned in to give him a loving kiss.
Chuck could feel the urgency in Sarah's kiss and it surprised him considering how close they were to the mission. He always assumed 'Agent Walker' would be out in cases like this. After pulling back a little, definitely not because of Sarah, he had to ask. "Aren't you supposed to go in Agent Walker mode or something like that? You know, all mission, no play, balls to the wall, and lethal enforcer?"
Sarah just looked at him like what the hell was he talking about. "Are you serious Chuck?"
"Well I assumed you had to put on 'Agent Walker Mode' or something."
Sarah almost laughed at how ridiculous Chuck was being. "What are you talking about Chuck? Do you think I have a split personality or something?" She at first thought he was joking but the stunned look on his face told her he was serious. "Chuck, I am Sarah always, all the time. It's not like I go into some kind of killer mode, like code name Valkrie or something. This is me. Agent Walker, if you want to call it that; but she loves you just as much as Sarah Walker. Matter of fact, who do you think fell in love with you first. It was Agent Walker." She actually felt silly talking like she was two different people but she hoped Chuck would catch on.
"I just. I don't know, I just assumed big bad Agent Walker always had a conflict with sweet innocent Sarah Walker and… Ow! That really hurt…again."
"I swear I don't know what I am going to do with you 'Agent Carmichael'." Sarah put up hand quotes as she was definitely mocking him. "Or am I talking to nerd extraordinaire Chuck Bartowski? I would also like to know who I made love to in the supply closet. It better have been Chuck Bartowski, if not 'Agent Walker' is going to be really pissed."
"Okay, okay. I get it. I'm sorry for bringing it up. Geez." Chuck was starting to smile now. His anger at being left in the van almost completely gone. He let out a sigh, "Damn do I love you Agent Walker."
Sarah looked at him and almost replied before they both started laughing.
"I think I hear sleigh bells you two." Casey yelled from outside the van.
Sarah kissed Chuck one more time and gave him a hug. "You bring us back safe okay? I love you." Sarah could not believe how great this was to be on a mission with her and Chuck as lovers. She knew he had to run surveillance this time but if the feeling she had now was any indicator what it would be like on future mission, there was not place she rather be than right here with Chuck by her side.
Just as Sarah was exiting the van, she turned to Chuck and with her best Austrian accent said, "I'll be back."
Chuck just shook his head as he rolled his eyes. "You are so far gone you know it Walker."
Sarah smiled. "Yeah I know, and I love it." With that she was out the van shutting the door behind her.
. . .
Chuck was bored out of his mind. It had been almost thirty minutes and Casey and Sarah had found nothing. It was almost midnight and so he was outside in the barren parking lot near the building in the dark all alone. He had so far helped Casey and Sarah a few times find their way or help them with security but that was about it. 'Man if this is the spy life, I think I'll stick to the Buy More' Chuck mused to himself. He kept thinking of how nice it would be to have some kind of mobile surveillance unit. Or better yet, a computer that you could take with you that gave you full access just like a normal laptop would. Chuck even thought, what would be awesome if somehow said computer could be worn around the wrist. Now that would be awesome. He was so excited about his idea that he was about to start jotting down some design details when he noticed movement in one of the hallways on the monitor. It was nowhere near Casey and Sarah and it wasn't the movement that caught his attention. It was who was doing the moving.
"Dad?" Chuck questioned out loud as he zoomed in on the footage. "Oh crap." Chuck hissed as he watch his dad walking around aimlessly inside Roark Industries when at any moment there could be a shoot out. Not to mention his dad was heading in the direction of a secured zone with guards with weapons.
"Sarah. Casey."
No response, just static on the coms.
Chuck could see the position his partners were in. They would be okay, but his dad. He had to do something to help his dad.
Chuck checked his tranq guns, grabbed his mobile com, and secured his gear as he ran out the van and into Roark Industries.
. . .
Chuck was just about to his dad's location when he saw his dad suddenly become surrounded by five security guards. Chuck ducked into a room as he thought about what he needed to do. There really was no choice as he heard his dad struggling with some of the guards. He pulled out both tranq guns and made sure the clips were loaded. He closed his eyes and counted to three as he heard the commotion pass his door.
Without thinking Chuck burst through the door and let the tranq guns fire. Duck Hunt really paid off as all five men slumped to the floor as his dad now stood alone in the middle. "Dad… What are you doing here? Chuck was heading his way when the secured doors in front of his dad opened and a guard with a loaded gun stood pointing it right at his dad's head.
"We've been waiting for you." The man with the gun spoke ominously yet casual.
Chuck raised his tranq's to fire when he saw his dad kick the guy in the gut and then quickly type something on his wrist. The doors instantly closed leaving the gun wielding guard on the other side.
Chuck stood and stared as his dad, who was now standing a little taller for some reason. His dad turned to him, rolling up the sleeve to reveal the electronic device on his wrist. Chuck instantly flashed on the device and he was speechless as he finished the flash.
"I guess I owe you an explanation son." Stephen placed a hand on Chuck's shoulder.
"Orion? You're Orion?" Chuck was standing there in disbelief. How in the world was that possible?
"Well technically, yes I am Orion. But to you I'm still Dad, I hope."
Chuck shook his head at the odd statement from his dad. He was about to ask further when the realization hit him. As he always could do, he replayed the events of the past few weeks and then even from his childhood. All the computers in their old house. The way his dad and mom acted together. The fact his mom was a spy. The way his dad had been acting since Chuck had found him. As well as the reason he had been so hard to find. Chuck and Ellie both had such a hard time due to the fact their father had abandoned them. But knowing now that his dad was Orion somewhat lessened the pain from his childhood. Not to mention, his dad being Orion was actually pretty cool.
"So I take it you're here to check out the Roark Intersect, Dad?" Chuck was reloading his tranq pistols.
"Actually son, I am here to help you remove the Intersect from your head. I feel it's the least I can do for you." Orion was punching some data into his wrist band.
Chuck had that sinking feeling again at the thought of losing the Intersect. It had become so much a part of him that he was a little hesitant about removing it. But he remembered the conversation with Casey and he also knew how much it meant to Sarah. And what Sarah wanted was what he cared the most about. He would do this for her and is that not the coolest wrist computer? Chuck thought as he was mesmerized by the technology on his father's wrist. It was very similar to the design he was thinking about in his head not a half hour ago.
"Hurry son, we need to go." Orion was already on the move.
"Wait a second Dad. I need to let Casey and Sarah know." Chuck was trying to com with his partners but no luck.
"Charles, your com's won't work in here. I have already sent a message to Sarah though, they will be able to track our location once we get to the Intersect Cube."
Chuck trusted his dad although he really wanted to talk to Sarah. He definitely wanted her to be there for the removal and he prayed that she would get there on time when and if it could be done.
. . .
Chuck was seated across from his dad as the so called Intersect cube rotated in front of him. He was amazed by the technology stored in such a small device.
"Okay Charles, you ready?" Orion was typing in some final commands.
"You sure we can't wait for Sarah and Casey to get here?" Chuck look at his watch and then at the door, hoping that they would show up any minute.
"No time Charles. We have to hurry."
Chuck took a deep breath as he swallowed hard. "Well, this is it I guess." His stomach was turning as his nerves over took him.
"Here we go…" Orion put on his glasses and hit the enter key. Nothing happened. "Fudgesickles."
"What is it Dad?" Chuck looked around the cube to see his dad deep in thought as he was typing frantically on the computer in front of him.
"Something's wrong in the code. I just need to make a few…"
"Well, well, well. If it isn't my old compadre Stephen Bartowski. How the hell have you been, or should I call you Orion?" Ted Roark roared in laughter as he and about ten of his heavily armed men came storming into the room from the door across from Chuck.
Chuck could see the instant hatred in his father's eyes and that surprised him. His dad was usually so mild mannered at least what he could remember. Not now however.
"Who's your friend here Stevie?" Roark was pointing right at Chuck. "Oh, it doesn't really matter. Just shoot him."
The men raised their weapons as Orion stood up and yelled to stop. "He's my son! Please leave him out of this."
Roark was in complete shock. "Are you kidding me? You met someone that allowed you to spawn offspring? I never thought I'd see the day."
Orion jumped towards Roark almost catching him except that the guards got there in time to subdue him.
More of the guards now had Chuck secured and brought him towards Roark.
Orion knew this was hopeless at least for now. "Don't you dare touch my son!"
Roark contemplated this. "You know what. I'm in a good mood. I'll shoot your son later…" He was interrupted as Sarah and Casey broke through the door at the far end of the room.
The two agents had there guns raised and Chuck could see Sarah had a deathly glare in her eyes. 'Oh man I am in so much trouble.' Chuck knew he had to try and explain so he nodded towards his dad and then over to the Intersect cube.
Sarah covertly followed his gaze and realized what he was telling her. This only angered her more that they were so close. She saw Chuck mouth he was sorry.
"Well, well, well. Who do we have at our party now? Agent Casey and the famous and very sexy, Agent Walker. What an honor to make your acquaintance." Roark then turned deadly serious. "You two make another move and its bye, bye Bartowski's."
Casey was already calculating his kill shots. The odds were not in his favor yet so he had to comply with Roark for now. "Just hand over the kid and his dad and we'll pretend like nothing happened."
"Nope. Not going to happen. You see I hold all the cards." Roark noticed Agent Walker taking a step closer to the Bartowski kid. "Hold it right there Miss Walker. " Roark could tell that for whatever reason, this kid must mean a lot to the female agent. The whore never once looked at Orion, just his kid. This told Roark everything he needed to know. This gave him an idea to show his men that he was the king no matter what. It was time to reward his subjects.
"Tell you what Miss Walker. Since you seem so adamant about getting your boy back here. How about a trade?" Roark licked his lips as he stared at the leather clad goddess before him. "You provide a…well a service to one of my men here and I'll let the kid go."
"Seems like a fair trade doesn't it Miss Walker? I mean you're a spy and sex is just a common tool you use. Your greatest weapon so to speak. Just think of this as a seduction mission." Roark nodded to his head guard who was smiling form ear to ear.
Sarah didn't say a word as she lowered her gun and handed it to Casey, nodding in agreement to Roark.
"Good, now that wasn't so tough. Now let's see what they teach you at the academy."
The lead guard approached Sarah pure lust in his eyes.
Chuck just shook his head and barely whispered, "You're really not going to want to do that." He tried to warn them.
The man was right in front of Sarah as he eyed her lithe and lethal body up and down. He figured he would start at the breast, and why not, they were so inviting and the tramp wasn't even going to put up a fight. He reached forward with his right hand and that's when he screamed as his hand was grabbed and twisted upward breaking it instantly. He doubled over in pain as a foot came crashing into his groin. Then he fell unconscious as a leather clad knee crashed into his nose. A bone chilling crack reverberated throughout the room as the guard collapsed to the floor.
Chuck was a little squeamish as he turned his head towards Roark. "I told you that was a bad Idea."
Roark was losing control. Why the hell would a female agent risk so much for this kid? Wasn't sex their greatest ability? Sure he had always treated woman like tools. Being rich and successful, along with being such an important member of the Ring definitely had its perks. Woman practically begged him to let them do his bidding. This blonde whore in front of him should be no different. Who the hell does she think she is? Roark wondered. "What the hell do you think your doing Agent Walker? You do realize by not complying with my demands I will have no other choice than to kill the kid here. After all it's just sex; I thought you female agents enjoyed that sort of thing."
Sarah could not be quiet any longer. "You don't understand what this man means to me Mr. Roark. I love him and he loves me. I would do anything to keep him safe but not at the cost of hurting him emotionally. You see this body is his and his alone. No man besides him will ever touch it and I will never allow another man to get near me in that manner. I promised him that I would be his and I will never break that promise. I would rather die than break that promise whether it means his safety or not. His love will always mean more to me than anything. Besides…" Sarah rolled her eyes. "…what type of girl do you think I am?"
Chuck was stunned into silence. He never would have thought Sarah would feel that way so intensely. Well okay in his dreams maybe…most definitely but in real life? He looked at Sarah his deepest fears retreating even more as he smiled.
Casey could see it was obvious this Roark guy was delusional and it was quickly becoming apparent the man was out of his mind. Casey was actually surprised Walker hadn't put a knife in him already. With everyone's attention on Walker, Casey was able to position himself to get a better shot at the remaining men. Now with two guns in his hands, the odds had greatly increased in their favor.
Roark had had it. He was losing control in front of his men and he had to bring a stop to it. Roark nodded to one of his men near Chuck. If this female agent thinks she can deny the will of the great Ted Roark, then she would see the extreme consequences of such an action. Roark smiled as his henchmen turned towards Chuck and punched the kid hard in the gut.
There was another loud scream as the man that had punched Chuck fell to the ground, trying to grab the knife that was protruding from his back. He died moments later.
Chuck was doubled over in pain but still had to cringe at the man lying dead at his feet. He and Sarah had come a long way since the Christmas where she killed a man to protect him. Chuck had grown a lot since then. While the loss of human life, any life, saddened him, he was not naive enough not to know what happens in the real world. It is no different than police or the armed forces killing for the sake of freedom and protection of those they are called to protect. Chuck still never thought he could take a life, but at least he had come to terms with what his partners needed to do and what they were called to do. In the simplest form, Sarah was protecting him and he would never think any less of her for doing so. She knew how he felt and he trusted her to always make the right decision.
So much for portraying confidence, Roark thought as worry and fear now started to settle in. It happened so fast he couldn't even be sure who threw the knife. But the blonde had a look on her face that would make the bravest man crumble in fear and that was exactly what he was doing.
"I will only say this once. Anyone else touches Chuck and they will die. Lay a finger on him again and you die." Sarah was never more determined than she was right now. She had such an effect on the men in the room that a few actually backed away from Chuck.
Orion knew this would never end well. He had to do something to save his son and his friends. He knew there was still some programming left to do on the cube to help Chuck. He also knew right now that Roark was the only man with the necessary equipment to do this. "That's enough. No more bloodshed. I will go with you just leave my son and his friends alone. Then and only then will I finish your Intersect."
Roark had a brief thought about just opening up on the two agents and hoping for the best, but there were too many variables. The biggest variable was that he could die and the second one and the deciding one was that the Elders really wanted the Intersect up and running. They were already grumbling at the continued delays. He knew a motivated Orion was better than one that had no hope. "Agreed. Now let's go. I got shotgun."
Roark motioned for his men to leave as they threw Chuck towards Sarah and Casey. They then dragged Orion out the door as Casey and Sarah pulled a frantic Chuck into the elevator. "NO! DAD NO!"
Orion looked at his son. "It's going to be okay Charles. I know you and your friends will figure out a way to find me." With that he was gone as the door slammed shut and the Elevator soon followed.
"Guys we have to go get him, they'll kill him."
Sarah was holding onto Chuck trying to calm him down. "Chuck we can't right now. Your dad knows what he's doing."
Chuck just stared in horror at what Sarah was saying. How could she just let his dad go? "Sarah. Why are you doing this?"
Sarah reached up and hugged him close. "It's going to be okay Chuck, I promise. Look." Sarah then let go of him and showed him her phone. A message displayed saying:
I'll be fine.
Need Roark equipment to finish Intersect and help Chuck.
See you in a few.
O.
Chuck realized then why Sarah didn't pursue further. He was so upset about his dad but he knew this would be the only way. They'd just have to find him some other means to bring him back. He laid his head against Sarah's neck and shoulder as he felt a strong hand placed on his own shoulder.
"Don't worry kid. We'll get your dad back. That I promise." Casey knew he would go through hell and back to keep his promise.
Chuck had a hard time controlling the emotions playing within him as he stood in the tender embrace of the woman he loved, and in the presence of one of his closest friends, John Casey. He knew with them working together, they would find his dad. He just prayed that it wouldn't be too late.
A/N: A very special guest will make an appearance next episode. Oh will Sarah be so pleased.