I still don't own Chuck. Not sure who does at this point. Maybe Subway.

This is the story of Chuck and Sarah's eldest daughter Kate's struggles on her own. The main goal is to keep Janice from becoming President. But there are also other agendas at play. Chuck and Sarah have their own enemies.

Kate is lucky. She has lots of people who love her. Right now, she could use a friend - someone who likes her - someone that she can share a laugh with – and maybe more.

I'll be sure to post warnings on chapters that have violent or sexual situations. I'm going to keep this T – but I might dance on the edge for a bit.

If you enjoyed this or any of the stories on this site, please take a second and send the author a review.

Memories

x-x-x-x-x

Doctor Phil Jones sat uneasily in Director Shaw's kitchen. The Intersect project had been officially cancelled some fifteen years ago. That meant that there was no longer any funding for any further research. There hadn't been for many years now. And that meant that the bean counters had to get creative. Whatever research was being conducted had to be hidden under other projects – or lumped under 'General Research' – and the funding for that was very limited.

Jones had to admit to himself, the subject matter was fascinating. He was now the only person left from the original Intersect Team. But there was no lack of enthusiasm from the current crop of scientists. They all wanted to be involved in the research – even knowing that it was almost certainly never going anywhere. And to their credit, they had managed to slowly move the ball forward. That was reasonably impressive given the scare resources they were able to commit.

The biggest issue that was holding them back was the lack of any field experience. Without testing, this was all pretty much just theory. Bartowski was the only candidate for any testing – and he had been labeled as strictly hands off for years now. At first, they tried to, at least, keep him updated. But after a few years, they even gave up on that. After all, he never went on missions. So it was hard to get feedback on how effective the intersect was. It simply wasn't being used – except for perhaps the Bartowski's sex life – if the rumors were to be believed.

It wasn't a project – not even an unofficial one. But everybody knew the potential. Normally, it would be very unusual to meet at night in the Director's home. But given the unofficial status – and the sensitivity of the topic, it made some sense to keep it out of the office.

"Let me understand," Shaw said as he held the two compact discs that Jones had just handed him. One of these is a regular intersect information update. One is our special mix. How confident are we that this will work?"

"We're very confident, sir," Jones said. "Naturally, we haven't been able to actually test this on a live subject – but all of our computer modeling is conclusive. We've prepared the exact scenario that you specified."

Shaw couldn't keep the excitement out of his voice as he leaned forward. "In every detail?" he asked.

"Yes, sir," Jones replied. "Once Bartowski receives this special mix, he will have memories that are every bit as real as anything that has ever happened to him. He won't be able to distinguish our false memories with any of his real experiences. He will remember his wife's affair with you. He will remember catching you and she in the act of making love like it was yesterday. He will clearly remember overhearing her pleading with you to run away with her. He will know for certain that the only reason that his wife stayed with him is because you rejected her – and that she would leave with you at any moment you asked. He will also remember his rebound affair with Agent Walters – and her pleading with him to run away together."

"Excellent," Shaw said with a smile. "This should provide a very realistic test."

"Excuse me, sir," Jones said. "But there is something that has been bothering me and my team. What practical use could this have? The scenario that you requested seems potentially very destructive."

"It was Sarah Bartowski's idea," Shaw said. "She is looking for ways to contribute. After all, they have been on the CIA payroll for the last twenty years while doing practically nothing. If this was effective, it could possibly become an offensive weapon. But there is no way a project like this could get funded without a dramatic demonstration. She figures, and I agree, that her relationship with Mr. Bartowski is the closest emotional bond one can imagine. If this process could cause their marriage to have problems, it could do anything. It's the most extreme test imaginable. And the legitimate update would reverse the effects anyway, right? It's practically risk free."

"Yes, sir," Jones said. "The regular update would take away all of the false memories. He would remember everything that happened while he was under the influence – he would realize that the memories were false."

"See," Shaw said. "This is risk free."

"Yes, sir," Jones finally said – reluctantly. "Nothing is completely risk free. I can't express how dangerous these discs are. If they fell into the wrong hands…"

"Don't worry," Shaw said. "I'll place them in my safe right away. Be sure to thank your team for their hard work. It may be about to pay off. I'll let you know how the testing went."

That was clearly telling Jones that the meeting was over. After he left, Shaw put the two discs in his safe. Then he grinned into the darkness.

"See, Chuck? I told you that I was going to take her away from you - just like you remembered it. Let's find out what she'll be willing to do to get her husband back. After she's broken, then we'll talk about my revenge. That's when the pain will really start."

x-x-x-x-x

Kate was beyond ecstatic. "Dad," she said as she threw herself into his arms. "Why are you here? How did you get in here? Where's Mom?"

Chuck grinned as he held his daughter. "Wow, Katie," he said. "You have a lot of questions – for a Beltway Babe."

As happy and relieved as Kate was to see him, she also noticeably winced. If her dad had heard that story – then Chuck Junior certainly had. And that meant… great, it was now a lifelong nickname.

But even that distressing prospect was flushed out of her mind as soon as the bathroom door opened. And there was Mom – with the biggest grin that Kate had ever seen.

"Hello, sweetie," Sarah said as she quickly took Chuck's place. She was holding Kate so tightly that Kate was struggling to breathe - not that Kate wasn't clinging to her mom just as tightly. "How is Washington treating you?"

x-x-x-x-x

Doctor Jones sat in his car trying to decide what to do. The smart thing would be just to let this go. After all, he was plainly following orders. And the CIA Director did have a broad range of discretionary authority. But that just didn't sit well with him. He was old school. Daniel Shaw may be the new Director – but nobody really liked or trusted him. Not only that – but his story didn't make a whole lot of sense.

Jones didn't know how to go about checking out Shaw's explanation – or even if he should try. But he knew someone who, at a minimum, could apply the smell test. Naturally, she had retired a long time ago. Moved to Las Vegas. She said that the weather suited her better. Jones heard that she had some health issues. That was too bad – because he liked her. Not many people did – she was a tough cookie. But Jones always knew that she was going to do the right thing. And, after all, it was only seven there. So he pulled out his phone.

"Hello, General," he said. "This is Phil Jones."

"Yes, ma'am, I'm doing very well. I hope you're feeling better. I understand that you've been a bit under the weather."

"I'm glad to hear it, ma'am. The weather is much nicer there. Congratulations on your daughter. I understand that she now is a Senator. That's very impressive.

"Yes, ma'am, I actually have something to run by you."

x-x-x-x-x

Kate was so grateful that her mom and dad were here. The best part was that she got to talk to them about Paul. After all, they had been through a very similar situation when they were young. They certainly knew all about jealousy.

"I don't know what to do," Kate sighed. "Mom, it's like he's a different person. He's acting like I'm a possession." Then the tears threatened again. "He actually accused me… he accused me of encouraging them."

"He's just lonely," Chuck said. "And now, he gets to sit alone at night – and imagine the worst. Trust me, Katie. I once had a girlfriend who looks like you. I had to watch other men hit on her. I was jealous every time that she was out of my sight."

Sarah looked at her husband with a soft smile. "But at the end of the day," she said, far more to Chuck than to Kate. "He has to trust her. He has to realize that he has nothing to be jealous about. She would never do anything to hurt him."

"Of course he does," Chuck replied, again far more to Sarah than to Kate. "Paul's smart enough to know how men act around Kate. He knows that they're constantly sending her drinks and trying to pick her up. What do you think that those guys have in mind? How about a shot at nailing the newest Beltway Babe? Maybe we should cut Paul some slack."

Kate couldn't keep the grin off of her face. This was as close to arguing as her parents ever did – at least in front of anybody. Then it struck her. What her dad just said was almost word for word what Alex had told her at the club. Alex really was just like him. And there sure as hell could be a lot worse person to be just like. She owed him a huge apology. "I was thinking," she said. "Maybe I could ask Elise to talk with him. She's been through the same thing. Do you think she would?"

Sarah's eyes narrowed. "Why Elise?" she asked.

Kate immediately knew what Sarah was thinking. So she grabbed her arm. "Come on, Mom," she said softly. "You can't talk to Paul – not about this. It would be too tense. He would just get defensive. Paul wouldn't even be listening to you. He would just be trying to get out of the room still alive. Paul would feel different about Elise. He might even think that she was impartial."

Sarah let out a cleansing breath. "You're right, sweetie," she said. "I'm sorry that I got jealous. Elise would do anything for you. You know that. Do you want me to ask her for you?"

"That's okay," Kate said with a grin. "I'm not fifteen anymore. I can ask her. I've already sent Chuck Junior to talk to him. Who knows how that will go? It might be like trying to put out a fire with gasoline."

Chuck and Sarah sat talking with Kate until close to midnight. But finally Sarah insisted that Kate get some sleep.

Kate grinned. "You really do think that I'm still fifteen," she said.

Sarah's face got noticeably red. "Sorry, sweetie," she said. "I understand that you're a grown woman. But please don't ask me to stop being your mom. It's just, with the ridiculous schedule that you've been telling us about, you really need some rest."

Again, Kate had to blink away the tears as she stepped into the arms that Sarah was holding out as an invitation. "I never want you to stop being my mom," she whispered.

Chuck and Sarah already had a hotel room, but Kate pleaded with them to stay with her. she wanted every second with them that she could get. So they finally agreed. They were very familiar with the surroundings. After all, it was the same building where Sarah had her own apartment – some twenty years ago.

Kate insisted that her parents take the bed. She slept on the couch. It was a good thing that Uncle Casey had helped her take the plastic off of it earlier. It had been a long time since Kate had slept on the couch. She really couldn't remember the last time. But it was the best night's sleep that she had in – wow – a month.

Kate really hated to leave in the morning – but she already had an interview scheduled with one of the early morning news shows. Given the way that Aunt Janice had carved up the host of Hardball last night, this was a prime opportunity to draw attention to it. Besides, the opponents had picked up on the Retro-Queen-and-Her-Court moniker and were using it to poke fun. It was the perfect time to make them pay. She would mention it this morning and follow up with a series of press releases.

This first one would compare her Aunt Ellie's life accomplishments to the Senator from New Jersey's who had started the first attack. Let's see, a woman who put herself through medical school on her own while raising her brother and was now a world renowned, board certified neurological specialist versus a pompous spoiled rich kid who barely graduated. Where did these guys learn about political strategy – from watching old reruns of Night Court? This was going to be fun.

Sarah told Kate that she didn't know if they would be back by for a while. After all, who knew what Shaw had in mind? They might be on some sort of mission. She promised Kate that they would be by again if they could.

Chuck and Sarah were just settling in to watch Kate's interview when there was a knock at the door.

"Chuck," Casey said as he stepped into the room. "Walker…"

Sarah could only sigh – with a smile. For the first few years, she tried to correct him. But it was pointless. So, finally she gave in. Casey was the only person who was allowed to call her Walker.

"Hey, Casey," Chuck said good naturedly. "You're just in time to watch Kate's interview. Or did you just come over for more pointers on how to stay in the boat?"

Casey smiled – inwardly. He was never going to live down falling out of that boat. But at least his news would give him ample opportunity to regain the upper hand. Bartowski would be smiling out of the other side of his mouth in a second. "Actually," he said with a smirk. "My mother-in-law just called."

"Really," Sarah said. "Is she feeling better?"

"Some," Casey said. "But that's not why she called."

Something about Casey's tone got Sarah's attention. After all, they had been partners for a long time. She could read him like a book. Something was up.

But Casey just grinned.

"We have to talk."

x-x-x-x-x

Kate couldn't keep the silly grin off of her face as she rode back to the office. She had just hit a home run – and she knew it. In politics, there was almost no such thing as a perfect interview. They always got some shot in at you. But this came as close as it ever got. Even the interviewer was having a hard time keeping her composure as Kate deadpanned comparing the two resumes.

This was a theme that they would now keep alive for the rest of the campaign. Kate was already working on a stump speech that would allow Aunt Janice to gently poke fun at them. It was an excellent political opportunity. It allowed Janice to be funny and relaxed – all the while using their opponents own words to make them look petty, mean spirited, rich and privileged, and even stupid– but most of all – out of touch with how real people lived.

When Kate walked into the lobby of their office building, people actually applauded her. It was funny – and a little embarrassing. After all, there were people from both parties there. But they were all political professionals. They all could appreciate a well executed strategy.

The mood in the office was nothing short of festive. Even usually reserved Jennifer was laughing out loud. The phone was ringing off the hook all morning trying to book Janice and Kate for interviews. Janice was already on her way to a studio to do a follow-up interview. It was clearly going to be one of those days.

Kate hoped that the press would let Aunt Ellie alone. After all, she was incredibly busy. It was only seven in the morning there. The last thing that she needed was to be pestered to be interviewed. After all, this wasn't her fight. Ellie was always uncomfortable with anything partisan. And there were many issues where Ellie and Janice didn't even see eye-to-eye. But Aunt Ellie was always on board with putting a sexist pig in his place. It was one of her favorite things.

There was one thing that Kate knew that she had to accomplish this morning before she let the craziness consume her. So she walked directly over to Alex's desk and waited for his phone call to end. He was definitely very smooth on the phone. And he was also more than a little cute trying to avoid catching her eye. So before he could answer the next call, she quickly spoke. "I'd like to see you in my office," she said. "As soon as possible." She hated to pull rank on him – but they needed to talk privately. She had to make sure that he was listening. The last thing that she wanted was for him to shut down. She was going to be willing to do whatever it took to get him to forgive her – up to and including some serious groveling.

When Alex knocked on her door and stepped into her office, Kate quickly jumped up from her desk where she was trying to catch up on the tons of emails and came around to face him.

"You wanted to see me," Alex said.

Kate was having a hard time figuring out his mood. Was he angry? Hurt? Embarrassed? Maybe it was a little of all three. But he also clearly had enjoyed this morning's interview. There was a bit of sparkle in his eye. "I want to apologize for last night," she said.

"You don't have to apologize," Alex said. "I understand. It's how things are."

That had Kate scratching her head. He was already turning to leave. But Kate had decided – this wasn't going to end like this again. His lack of self-esteem was getting frustrating. So she did what she had to do. She grabbed his wrist and pulled him back into the middle of the room. "I don't think that you understand squat," she said – maybe not angrily – but with a definite edge.

Pure surprise caused Alex to look into her eyes – for the first time.

Kate told herself that she wasn't going to cry. She wasn't going to be that girl who cried to get men to melt. So she took a deep breath. "I'm very, very sorry that I hurt your feelings last night," she said quickly. "But you're just wrong. Yes, I did think that you had a crush on Senator Casey. She thinks so too. But it's not pathetic. Lot's of men do. She always thinks that it's cute. She even encourages it – to an extent. It's a game with her. But she is never going to do anything to cheat on her husband. That's all I was trying to tell you on that dance floor. I've seen her reject men – lots of times – and it's never pretty. I just didn't want to see that happen to you. I'm very sorry if you read more into it."

"I don't have a crush on her," Alex said. His own frustration was becoming apparent. "That would be stupid. Seriously, Kate… can you see someone like me with Senator Casey? That's absurd. I admire her. I admire her a lot. She represents the very reason that I'm interested in politics in the first place. I like what she stands for. I'd love the chance to work with her. Just like I admire and would love to work with…"

Kate grinned for the first time. She could tell by the red that was already well into his face what he almost said. And she suddenly realized that she was still holding his hand. It felt… natural. He must have felt so too – because he made no move to pull away. "Alex," she said in mock seriousness. "Tell me. What am I going to do with you? When are you going to realize what you have going for you? You saved my life last night. At first I'll admit – I had my guard up. I was worried that you were hitting on me. After all, everybody else in this city has. But that was unfair. You were just trying to be my friend. So, I'm sorry that I misjudged you."

"You thought that I was hitting on you?" Alex sighed. "Come on. How stupid would that be? Even if you didn't already have a boyfriend… You're in the majors and leading the balloting for rookie of the year - I'm sitting on the bench on a High School team. The newest Beltway Babe? I'd have a better shot at Senator Casey."

Kate smiled at the sports metaphor. It was something that her dad and brothers would say. It was usually designed to gently poke fun at Mom. Mom would never have gotten that Alex had just said that Kate was out of his league. But little did Alex know that Kate had years of practice. She could 'Sports Metaphor' with the best of them. "And that's where you're wrong," she said. "Alex, why are you so hard on yourself? You're a high draft choice who the big club has their eye on. Currently you're in Double A – because you need to play every day and get some confidence. You could get the call to come up to the show any day now. Metaphors aside, you have as much to offer a woman as anybody that was in that club. I was actually having a good time with you last night – until I spoiled it. So what is it going to take to get you to forgive me? I'll do anything for a second chance."

Kate knew that saying that was a calculated risk. Whenever a woman told a man that she would do anything – there was one thing that always popped into their head. And indeed, Alex's head shot up.

"That's right," Kate said. "I said it. I'll do absolutely anything to get you to forgive me. Do you know why I can say that?"

Alex just shook his head.

"Because I trust you," Kate said. "I know that you won't ask me to do anything that would hurt me. Please tell me that I'm right."

Alex's nod was almost imperceptible – as was his smile. "Will you put in a good word for me with Senator Casey?" he asked softly.

Kate had to struggle to not show the relief on her face. But she was very relieved. Her big bluff had paid off. If she had made that offer to any man that she had met in Washington, there was no question what they would have asked for. It was a little more manipulative than she would normally have liked – and she wasn't really sure what she would have done if he had called her bluff - but he needed to know that she trusted him. And now she had a new friend – one she knew that she could trust. "Of course I will," Kate said. "But Alex, I would have done that anyway. We would love to have you on the staff. I'm talking about something personal - something that a friend does for a friend. How about this? You and I are going to that same club tonight. You did a great job as my beard – tonight I'm going to be your wingman."

"Why would you do that?" Alex asked. "You don't have to do that. I forgive you, okay? I don't need your pity."

"It's not pity, jackass," Kate said quickly. "It's what friends do for each other. I need a friend, Alex - someone who I can trust. And the simple truth is - I like you. So… I'm asking for a second chance - a second chance to prove to you that I can be your friend. I promise that I'll do better."

Alex actually smiled. "I like you too," he said. "Do you really think that I would have a chance at a club? Those women always act like I'm invisible."

"I don't think," Kate said. "I'm positive. Believe me when I say, I can be a great wingman. I have a lot of experience. I've gotten my brother more dates than he can count. And, trust me. You're a much better catch than he is. Of course the moron can't ever hang on to any of them. He thinks that he's a player."

"How does this work?" Alex asked with the smile growing – a bit. "I've never had a wingman."

"We'll pretend that we're dating," Kate said with a wink. "Trust me. Every woman in that club will be all over themselves for the chance to steal a man away from a Beltway Babe. Our biggest challenge will be to pick the right one."

Now Alex was actually grinning. Kate literally breathed a sigh of relief. It felt so great to see. And, if Alex was cute last night… He was simply adorable now. She really wanted to hug him. But that might be too much. Yup, this is going to be fun.

"You were unbelievable this morning," Alex finally said. "I'm so proud of you. I've gotten ten emails this morning from people I barely know, asking me to introduce you to them. You're a celebrity. We're going to have to get you and Senator Casey on Saturday Night Live."

"Thanks," Kate said as she matched his grin. That actually wasn't that bad of an idea.

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