Note: This is the final chapter for this story. It's very short as well. If you suffered through this story then my apologies. My intention has been to explore some ideas that I had in regards to Chuck.

Act 18: Debrief At The Compound

In a small room at the compound Casey and Sarah are sitting at a desk. Files are neatly piled to one side. Casey and Sarah are looking expectantly at the blank screen of monitor. Suddenly an image flashes on the monitor – the face of General Beckman.

General Beckman asks: Colonel Casey and Agent Walker, thank you for waiting. I've just finished reviewing your report. Is it all true?

Casey says: Yes General.

General Beckman: Did forensics discover anything wit the bodies?

Sarah says: Yes. There was significant alterations done to Peirs face. It was clear that a lot of work went in to making him resemble Jacob Anderson.

Casey adds: It was a very professional job.

General Beckman muses: If he hadn't been identified he would have been the new project head for the intersect. The damage he could have done would have been irreparable. Our intelligence gathering would have been subverted for Fulcrum's gain.

Casey adds: And our missions compromised.

A slight pause occurs as everyone reflects on what could have been.

Sarah: General, has Jacobson been located?

General Beckman: We believe so. A body has just been pulled out of Kowloon Bay. Given the state of the body, it is difficult to say, but my analysts think it is Jacobson.

Casey growls: It's a pity we couldn't take one of those men alive. There are things we don't understand about this attempt.

General Beckman: Your report wasn't very clear on a couple of points. How did you figure out Jacob Anderson wasn't who he said he was?

Casey quickly glances at Sarah. Sarah nods imperceptibly.

Casey says: When we looked at his identification paper back at the airport some irregularities were detected. We then went along with it until we could ascertain for certain that something was wrong.

General Beckman: And what was Mr Bartowsky's role in all of this? I thought we had finished with him.

Casey say: General, We utilised Chuck in a technical capacity. We were a man short and the mission was too important. He happened to be at the airport so we requested his assistance.

General Beckman: And that's all he did.

Sarah: Yes, general.

General Beckman: What does he know about what you were doing?

Casey states: Absolutely nothing. We kept information to a minimum.

General Beckman says: Then thank him for his efforts. He keeps proving to be useful. Perhaps we will need to involuntarily recruit him.

Casey glances at Sarah. Sarah is frowning.

Sarah asks: So now what?

General Beckman says: We still need for someone to head up the intersect project. I'm reviewing the candidates. This continual effort by Fulcrum shows how serious they are in trying to obtain it. We can't let that happen.

Casey asks: What do you want us to do?

General Beckman responds: It is clear that without both of you doing what you have been doing then we would have lost the intersect. Your orders are to stay where you are.

Casey responds: Yes general.

General Beckman says: That will be all.

Monitor switches off *

Sarah says to Casey: She got one thing wrong. Without Chuck the intersect would now be in Fulcrum's hands.

Casey nods: I know.

Sarah asks: So what do we do now?

Casey says: I think we better have a talk to Chuck.

Act 19: Pancakes

At Echo Point Chuck is lying on his bed staring at the ceiling. A knock occurs on the window. Chuck opens up the blinds to see Sarah and Casey.

Sarah says: We need to talk.

He opens the window and Sarah and Casey come through.

Chuck says: You know, you could have just knocked on the front door. Elle's not here.

Casey says: Old habit. Besides I like coming through the Morgan door.

Chuck asks: So what's this about? I'm sure you're not here for pancakes although I could do with some.

Sarah says: The General has been briefed on the incidents at the compound and the airport.

Chuck points out: So she knows I am an intersect again?

Casey says: Not yet.

Chuck with a puzzled look asks: Why not?

Sarah explains: Those details where omitted from the report.

Chuck asks Casey: Why would you do that?

Before Casey can respond Sarah says: We want you to have your old life back. You tried so hard to get it back but, in the end, gave it up for us. We don't want you to be cheated out of it.

Casey says: Besides we have another intersect.

Chuck: Beckman won't like it if she finds out.

Casey says: Then make sure she doesn't find out dumb ass.

Chuck continues: So that means, only you and Sarah know that I am a intersect.

Sarah nods: Not even Beckman knows.

Chuck ponders over the implications for a second.

Chuck says: That's a big risk that you are taking.

Casey: However I … we will keep it a secret on one condition.

Chuck: Which is?

Casey: We still have a job to do and we need all the help we can get. From time to time we may need your help in an unofficial capacity.

Chuck: I don't understand. You now have a dedicated intersect so there is no need for me.

Casey: Two intersects are better than one - even if one of those is a moron.

Chuck says: Ok, I accept the condition. Now, how about those pancakes?

Sarah says: Sure.

Chuck: Good.

Act 20: Foreshadowing The Future

Sarah and Casey exit Chuck's house to the sounds of Chuck saying good night.

Sarah says to Casey: That was a very good thing that you did. Chuck was right though. You are taking an awful risk in withholding this information from the General.

Casey says: I know.

Sarah prods: Eventually she will find out.

Casey admits: I know. We will deal with it then.

Casey continues: I wouldn't say it to him but Chuck's earned his break. It's going to get much more difficult and he needs to be ready when we call on him.

Sarah nods as they walk off.

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