Notice the very similar opening, did that on purpose!

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"What kind of a stupid question is that?"

"well, I can get a better idea of your personality if you tell me why you joined the NSA in the firstplace."

Casey let out a loud grunt, and Matt consulted the 'cheat sheet' that Chuck had given him yesterday.

"Skeptical with a side of annoyance?"

Casey grinned "Damnit Bartowski! You got any booze?"

"Scotch ok?"

-----

After Casey had gone through almost half the bottle, he began to open up to his biographer.

"Well, after Desert Storm I got bored so I transferred to the NSA. My goal in life has always been to protect the American dream, whatever the hell that is. Then again, how well do you think I could cope with a wife, kids and a minivan?"

"You're telling me that you will jump out of a plane into a gun battle without hesitation, and yet having a family scares you?"

Casey chuckled. "Yeah, that sounds about right. To some degree, I already have a family. Walker is the mother, and Bartowski is the son. Only problem with that is they have a very un-maternal relationship."

"Have you ever thought that you might be jealous of Chuck? Don't even try to tell me you don't find Sarah attractive; I saw a picture."

"Well, since we're getting all deep here, I guess I am, sorta. But not for the reasons you think. Frankly I've never been attracted to Walker. It's not that she's not pretty, she's drop dead gorgeous. But sometimes I think it's good to setup boundaries. She's the best partner I've ever had. Sarah thinks on her feet, and makes connections quick. By all means she's way out of Bartowski's league. But I am jealous of him, of them, because they managed to find somebody, even working for the government." Casey's voice slowed to a drawl, and he took a longing glance at the now-empty scotch bottle.

"I don't really have anyone to talk to, ya know? And most of the time, that's a good thing. But it's nice to know that somebody's there for you… I've only had relationships that were physical. Never really any emotional connection present. I guess that's my way of trying to protect myself from getting hurt, but sometimes I just wish." By this time, the hardened agent was on the verge of tears, when confronted with his own venerability.

"How do you feel about Chuck and Sarah's relationship?"

"Honestly?"

"Yep, honestly. I won't tell."

Casey snorted. "you're writing a book on us as a team, how could you not tell?"

"See? I put down my pencil."

"Well, ever since operation moron began, those two had a special connection. I don't know what it was for Sarah, but for Chuck, well, it's obvious. And frankly, it's stuff o' legend!" Casey let out a hearty Chuckle. "Computer geek in a sucky job gets the stunning, smart, caring girl. However, it hasn't been until the last couple of months that they really have gone overboard. Walker has two modes, girly and agent. 'Girly' is when she acts, well, normal. She tries to empathize with Chuck, and even me sometimes. Agent mode is when she's focused on the mission only, almost oblivious to the consequences her actions might have. And until about August, agent mode has reigned supreme. But there was this mission when she thought, for a fleeting second, that Chuck was dead. And I think that that scared her into realizing that what they have hardly ever happens in this job. I'm a great example of that. Emotionally constipated, self-destructive." At this point, Casey stopped, and began to look out the window.

"So, what's with your Ronald Regan obsession?"

"My what? Oh yeah. Well, everybody's gotta have a role model right? Think about it. Whether you agree with his policies or not, you can't help but admit the guy was a success. Hollywood star, California governor, President. He helped bring an end to the cold war. In fact, he basically defines the Republican party as it is today. I never wanted to be an actor or a politician, but I did want to do my job, and do it well. Got to shake his hand once, back when his library opened in 91. Best day of my life."

Casey's thought was interrupted by the ringing of Matt's phone.

"yeah."

"Miss Walker here to see you sir."

"Send her up. Well, Casey, It's looks like we're out of time. Really enjoyed talking with you."

"Thanks for the booze! Oh and by the way, look at the nose."

"what's that?"

"Her nose. To avoid being, uh, overwhelmed by Walker, look at her nose. And for the love of god, don't stand up."

"Heh, thanks for the-" Matt's though process was interrupted by the opening of the door.

"Hi Casey! And good morning Matthew." Casey let out a deep throaty grunt. Sarah rolled her eyes and took a seat directly across the desk from her interviewer. Meanwhile, Matt pulled up his cheat sheet once more. The closest he could come to was #63: 'Red blooded male, dead ahead.' Miss Walker, it is a pleasure to finally meet you!"

The nose. Look at the nose. Look. At. The. Nose.

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And so it goes…. Remember, like before, reviews= chapters. I realize Casey was a bit OOC, but I'm writing that off to a liberal (actually republican, this is Casey we're talking about here!) amount of booze. Comments? Questions? Concerns?

Up next: Will Matt survive the interview with Sarah?