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

So far Elise's plan has worked brilliantly. But can she save Chuck Junior? He's out there all alone on a semi-suicide mission. And how about Casey? Janice is plenty frantic.

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.

The Big Rock

x-x-x-x-x

Kate had to fight the overwhelming urge to run to Alex and throw her arms around him. But they were still in grave danger.

Alex took the keys from the unconscious guard and handed them to Kate. "Free your dad," he said. "I'm going to find Elise. Hopefully, she has found the rest of the team."

"Please don't leave me," Kate said. "Not ever again."

"Don't worry," Alex said. "I won't – ever again. I'll be back in thirty seconds."

Alex ran down the hallway. He could see Elise standing in front of a cell. When he got there, he found Sarah and Senator Casey.

"We need to find some keys," Elise said frantically. "Casey has been shot."

"We have some," Alex said. "The guard was in with Kate and her dad. Kate is freeing him right now. I'll go get the keys."

When Alex got back to Kate's cell, Chuck was just finishing securing the guard.

"Let's go," he said to Kate. "Your mom and Janice are down the hall. I think that the Colonel has been shot."

Chuck took the still unconscious guard's weapon. "Don't worry," he said to him facetiously. "I'll be right back. After all, we had a deal. You held up your end. Now it's time for me to hold up mine."

When they got down to the others, Sarah was waiting – not all that patiently. They quickly unlocked the three cells. Janice immediately went to check on Casey. He was barely conscious – but his pulse was still strong. So that was a good sign.

"Come on," Elise said. "We still have some work to do. We have to go save Sparky."

"Where's Sparky?" Janice asked.

"He's out front," Elise said. "Do you hear all that gunfire? That's him creating a diversion."

"By himself?" Sarah snapped. "You left him all alone out there to create a diversion?"

Elise turned briskly to face Sarah. There could be no mistaking the anger in her face. "Hey," she said. "There were three of us. Me and two kids to attack an armed facility. How many should I have spent to create a fucking diversion, Miss Super Agent? Let's go. He's not going to last much longer."

Chuck knew that this was an argument that he needed to stay out of. Sarah would calm down once she thought about it. So he handed Sarah the weapon that he had taken from the guard. Elise handed Janice the weapon that she had taken from the guard downstairs.

"We don't have any more real guns," Alex said to Chuck. "I have an extra tranq gun."

Chuck just shook his head. "I don't want a weapon,' he said. "It would just be something to bog me down."

"Okay," Alex said. "Let's go. Sparky is in trouble."

"No, Alex," Sarah said. "You and Kate need to stay here. Kate, you need to keep pressure on Casey's wound. We need to slow the bleeding as much as possible. Alex, we need you to protect them. Shoot anyone who comes down this hall and ask questions later. We'll yell before we come back."

Alex nodded. He really wanted to go help Sparky. But Sarah's order left little room for interpretation. He had never heard that tone from Sarah before – but he knew that it wasn't a request.

Sarah turned to Elise and grabbed her hand. "I'm so sorry," she said. "You're right."

Elise just shook her head. "For right now, let me keep my rage," she said as she poked her finger into Sarah's chest. "It will help me fight. We'll make up later. But you need to understand something. You don't love him a bit more than I do. Now let's go save his heroic ass."

x-x-x-x-x

Chuck Junior's position was getting more and more desperate by the minute. At first, it was fairly easy. It took a few minutes before they were even organized enough to return any fire. He was even pretty sure that he had shot three of them. And hidden behind the outcropping of big rocks, whatever shots they were taking simply were stopped harmlessly by his cover.

But now, there were clearly more and more bad guys. The shots were whizzing around him so frequently that he couldn't dare lift his head to look. He was now reduced to firing blindly. Splinters of rock were regularly flying at him. One had even caused a gash in his left arm. But that was actually a good thing. He knew that he was doing his job. The more men that were out here trying to kill him meant that Alex and Elise would have to face less inside.

Chuck Junior knew that it was only a matter of a few minutes before they would flank his exposed right side. When that happened, he would lose his cover of rocks. And he would be either forced to surrender or killed.

It was hard in the mountains to hear where the shots were coming from. After all, the echo made it seem like shots were being fired in all directions. But Chuck Junior could swear that some shots sounded like they were coming from his right. If that was true, he was done for. So he tried to look over there. Indeed, he could see flashes – but when he looked closer, he could see that it was his Uncle Joe. He even saw him wave.

Chuck Junior really didn't know what to do. He had no idea how Joe got there, how he knew where they were, or who he was shooting at. But it would be wrong to look a gift horse in the mouth, right? So he just waved back.

x-x-x-x-x

"Oh my God," Kate said. "Alex, sweetie, you're bleeding."

"I know," Alex said. "The guard at the entrance had a knife. Don't worry. I don't think that it's too bad."

"Take off your shirt," Kate said. "I want to look at it. I would help you but I need to keep pressure on Uncle Casey's shoulder."

Alex very gingerly took off his shirt. Indeed, there was about a three inch gash on his left upper arm.

"That's going to need some stitches," Kate said.

"That's not going to work," Alex said. "I'm afraid of needles." He was trying to keep the mood light – but it was actually true. He didn't like needles much.

But Kate didn't laugh. "I knew that you'd come," she whispered. "I told my dad. I said that my Alex would find a way – and you did."

"Okay, Katie," Alex said softly. "It's not time for that yet. If we go there right now, I'm going to break down and lose my edge. We're still in danger - your brother and Colonel Casey, especially. We need to stay on guard for just a while longer."

"Okay," Kate smiled. "I can wait. But you just wait until we're safe and I get you alone. Then your ass is mine."

Alex laughed. "You can't scare me," he said. "After all, now I'm a warrior."

Kate knew that it wasn't time to get emotional. So she blinked the tears out of her eyes. "You look so tired," she said.

"That's funny,' Alex said, "because you've never looked more beautiful. You look like you're getting ready for a model photo shoot. You always do. Throw on a bikini and you could be on a calendar. But actually, I've never felt better in my whole life. I'm just so happy to see you again. I was afraid that I never would."

x-x-x-x-x

Sarah quickly developed her strategy for dealing with any potential adversaries that they came across. Shoot anybody in the head who looked like they might possibly pose a threat and don't bother to ask any questions. She and Janice had already executed that strategy about a dozen times. They had accumulated quite a cache of weapons taken from the bodies.

"Keep your eyes out for Shaw," Sarah warned the team as they cautiously worked their way towards the main entrance. "He's a sneaky bastard – and he's mine."

"It's a good sign that we're still hearing gunfire," Elise said. "Sparky must be holding his own."

x-x-x-x-x

Chuck Junior had no idea where Joe came from. Last thing that he knew, Joe was in Denver – with Robbie. But one thing that he had to admit, him being there was really helping. Not only did it draw half the fire away from him – but now the bad guys had to worry about shots coming from two different angles. That meant that they wouldn't be able to flank then nearly as easily.

Still things weren't going all that well. Chuck Junior's arm was starting to hurt like hell. And he was almost out of ammo. Elise had told him to surrender when that happened. But that would just expose Joe. That would never do.

Fortunately, things didn't get that far. Suddenly, out of nowhere, an armored personnel carrier drove up the road – and stopped directly next to where Chuck Junior was crouched. As if by magic all the gunfire stopped. It left an eerie silence. Chuck Junior was just starting to think that he was imagining things when a window opened and a solder in uniform stuck his head out. The eagle insignia of a Colonel was clearly visible on his chest. "Son," he said. "Please identify yourself."

"Charles Bartowski Junior, sir," Chuck Junior replied smartly. At least he knew military protocol – thanks to his Uncle Casey.

"Thank goodness," the solder said. "My name is Colonel Blum. We've been looking for you. General Beckman sent us. Where are the other two members of your team?"

"They are inside, sir," Chuck Junior said. "I don't know their status. My friend Joe West is deployed approximately thirty yards to your right. We believe that several members of my extended family are being held here against their will."

"That's what I understand," Blum said. "Why don't you climb in here where it's safe while we find out what in the hell is going on at this God forsaken place?"

When Chuck Junior got to his feet, he noticed for the first time the formation of solders in full combat gear with their weapons trained towards the building. As soon as Chuck Junior was in the armored vehicle, Joe quickly followed.

Colonel Blum picked up a microphone. "Attention, unlawful inhabitants of this facility," he said over the loudspeaker. "This is Colonel Blum of the United States Army. You are under arrest. Immediately drop any weapons that you are holding and place your hands on top of your head. Anyone who disobeys that order will be treated as an enemy combatant in a field of war."

Of course, most of the men had already done that, even before Blum made his announcement. After all, they could plainly see the overwhelming force facing them. And none of them was all that eager to die.

The battle was over - almost .

x-x-x-x-x

Sarah and the team were almost to the front entrance when they heard the gunfire stop. For a horrible moment, they thought that it meant that Sparky had been captured – or killed. Then they heard the announcement. So they dropped their weapons and pushed their way outside. They put their hands on top of their heads – just to be sure that the solders didn't mistake them for enemies.

As soon as they were outside, Joe tapped Chuck Junior on the shoulder and pointed them out.

"Sir," Chuck Junior said. "There are several members of my family, including my parents. Permission to join them, sir?"

Blum just smiled. "Son," he said. "You don't need my permission. You're not in custody. Let's go talk to them."

As soon as they got out of the vehicle, they walked to where the team was standing. "Mr. Bartowski," Blum said. "Would you please introduce me to your team?"

It took Chuck Junior a long moment to realize that Blum was talking to him. After all, Mr. Bartowski was usually his dad. "Yes, sir," he finally replied. "These are my parents, Chuck and Sarah Bartowski. Senator Janice Beckman and Agent Elise West. You've already met her husband, Joe West."

Blum went directly to Janice. "Senator Casey," he said. "It's an honor to meet you, ma'am. I've served with your husband. How is he?"

"Not well," Janice said. "He's been shot. He is still on the third floor with two other team members. Did you bring medical personnel?"

Blum was already barking orders for a medic to get to the third floor.

"We'd better go with them," Sarah said with a relieved grin. "We have a guard posted with shoot to kill orders."

x-x-x-x-x

The news was good on Casey. The medic started a blood transfusion right away. "There is nothing that looks life threatening here," she assured Janice. "I've ordered a medivac chopper. It should be arriving in thirty minutes or so."

Blum turned to Janice. "Senator Casey," he said. "I assume that you'll want to accompany the Colonel. Who will be in charge once you leave?"

Janice could hardly keep her voice from breaking from the relief with the news about Casey. "CIA Senior Agent Sarah Bartowski was always in charge," she replied.

Blum turned and looked at Sarah for a moment. Then the light of recognition went on. "Oh my God," he said. "You're Sarah Walker."

"I used to be," Sarah said with a smile. "It's been Bartowski for a long time now - twenty-two years, in fact. Have we met?"

"No, ma'am," Blum said. "But I certainly recognize the face and the name. I was stationed in Italy during the coup attempt. I mean no disrespect – but your face was pretty famous with the men at the time. You almost assuredly saved my life. I'm very honored to finally meet you, ma'am."

"Well, Colonel," Sarah said with a smile. "If I saved your life all of those years ago – today you totally paid me back. Let's call it even. For the record, I was treated very well on our base in Italy. There was no sign of disrespect. They were all very sweet. Could you have your men find Director Shaw and deliver him to me? He is our main perp."

"Of course, ma'am," Blum said.

"Thank you," Sarah said. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have some heroes to hug."

Sarah went directly to Chuck Junior. "Young man," she said firmly. "Are you out of your freaking mind? Do you know how close you just came to being killed? Explain yourself."

Chuck Junior just sighed. "I'm sorry, Mom," he said. "I just did what I had to do. And the honest truth is – I'm not really sorry. I'd do it all over again if I had too."

Sarah wrapped him up in a bear hug. "I know," she said. "I'm just teasing you. I've never, ever been as proud of anyone in my whole life. You're a hero."

Chuck Junior didn't know what to do. He normally would be very embarrassed by having his mom openly hugging him in front of other people. That was a pretty rare occurrence. After all, Mom didn't get this emotional often. And the longer that she held him – the more emotional she was getting. But he had to admit, it felt fantastic. So he simply squeezed her back, at least as hard as she was squeezing him.

"But, here's the deal," she finally sighed. "If you're going to insist on being a hero, you need to get some training. Otherwise you just get dead. I'm going to have Elise teach you some minimal skills – like maybe how to punch someone without breaking your hand. Maybe Joe can help."

"Why can't you teach me?" Chuck Junior asked. "Uncle Casey says that you're the best."

"Trust me, sweetie," Sarah said. "You don't want me teaching you any spy skills. I'm way too intense. Ask your dad. You'd end up just hating me. Elise will do a lot better job – and you'll enjoy it more."

"Yes, ma'am," Chuck Junior smiled. "I really can't see me ever hating you. I do wish we could talk sometime. I'd really like to hear the story of your mission in Italy. I understand that you saved Europe."

Sarah grinned at him. "Trust me again," she said. "You don't want me to tell you that particular story either. We'd both be embarrassed. Maybe your dad can tell you someday. As soon as we can get away for a whole day, I promise to tell you all about me and your dad like I told Kate in Vegas. That's juicy enough. Okay?"

Chuck Junior just nodded.

"Now," Sarah said with a sigh. "Your arm is really bleeding. Let's get it looked at."

x-x-x-x-x

Alex's cut took eleven stitches. It's funny how dramatically your life can change. Two weeks ago, getting eleven stitches would have been a very traumatic experience that would have required at least a week of bed rest. Today, with Kate holding his hand, he barely felt a thing.

They were sitting on the bed in the open cell that Sarah had been previously held in. Kate had her head resting gently on his shoulder. She was gently kissing his neck. It may have been the very best feeling in the whole world.

"How are you feeling?" Kate asked.

"Actually," Alex replied. "I'm a bit nervous – jumpy even."

"It's the antastedic," Kate said. "It will wear off."

"Trust me," Alex said. "It's not the antastedic. I need to talk to you."

Kate just showed a look of concern.

"You know," Alex began. "When we were driving here, all I could think about was what would happen if you were already gone. Katie, I never, ever want to feel like that again. So, I decided in the car that if I ever got the chance to talk to you again, I wouldn't waste it."

"Waste it? Kate asked.

"Yes," Alex said as he got up and then kneeled down on one knee in front of her. He took the box out of his pocket and opened it. "Katie, I know that this is quick. People are going to call us fools. But I don't care. I love you. I never want to be apart again – for the rest of our lives. I don't know how our lives together are going to work out. Hopefully, things might calm down a bit. But however they turn out - I can promise that I will always cherish you. Katie, will you marry me?'

Kate smiled – through her tears. "Well planned, check," she said. "Romantic, definitely a check there. Sappy, more than enough. Big rock, it looks like you have all the bases covered."

"Well?" Alex asked.

Kate laughed. "Of course," she said. "You're waiting for an answer. Yes, of course, yes. It seems like you're always taking care of me. I want you to know that you can depend on me to start taking care of you too. It may not seem like it. But you can depend on me as much as I depend on you."

"I love taking care of you," Alex said as he slid the ring on her finger.

When the kiss broke, Kate looked up. It seemed like there were a hundred people in the hall all looking directly at them. It looked like a crowd at a sporting event. So she did the natural thing. She held up her left hand – and stated the plainly obvious.

"Look, guys. We're engaged."

x-x-x-x-x