Chuck was getting used to the routine of having Morgan cover for him and Sarah when "installs" were in progress. This last mission was very hard. They were trying to capture Professor Zardoff. Unfortunately, the professor was kidnapped by Fulcrum. Chuck was weary and Sarah looked even worst. This was the first time in a very long time Fulcrum had beaten them to the object of the flash. This was very worrisome to Chuck. He sat at the Nerd Herd station just staring into space. Chuck then got up and went into the TV lounge. There was always something soothing about staring at a TV screen. The screen went Green. Chuck knew it was another download from Orion. Chuck was getting used to these periodic downloads. It did not even place him in a catatonic state anymore. Chuck's brain assimilated the download and then a connection was made. Chuck opened the secret panel to Castle then left the tv lounge.
Getting to the middle of Castle Casey was there talking with the General.
The general noticed Chuck enter the frame.
"Agent Carmichael? Do you have anything to report on this situation?" The General asked.
Chuck had accomplished his agent training in a very quick time and was granted full agent status.
"Yes General I think I know why Fulcrum had gotten there first. They have an Intersect!" Chuck said.
The general looked worried.
"Now it is not as powerful as ours since Orion did not work on it. But it is going to make it harder to stop them. I think I know where it is located too" Chuck said.
Casey intrigued stood to the side as Chuck took control of the keyboard.
Soon there was a map of the LA area and a red dot was showing over a suburb called Meadow Brook.
"There general is the place where their Intersect is housed" Chuck said matter of factly.
"Ok Chuck you need a vacation. Take two weeks off from the Buy More. You need to infiltrate that community, find and destroy their Intersect." The General said.
"Very good General I have noticed that there is a home for sale. I suggest Agent Walker and I start from there." Chuck said.
In a very short time Chuck had become the leader of Team B. The General was mighty impressed over his abilities.
"Very good Chuck. I give operation Homestead a go" The general said.
Chuck satisfied with his plan returned to the Buy More and sought out Sarah.
Sarah was back in her office doing admin work. She looked up and saw a smiling Chuck.
"Guess what we are on vacation" Chuck said.
Sarah smiled then frowned.
"What sort of vacation Chuck?" Sarah asked.
"A working one unfortunately. But will fill you in over dinner" Chuck said.
Sarah looking up it was already 5.
"It is quitting time now I'll race you to the Porsche!" Sarah challenged.
Sarah knew it was a ridiculous challenge. Chuck's longer legs always beat her but her spirit of never say die would not let her admit it was a losing proposition.
"Ok you are on!" Chuck said while dashing to the time clock and punching Casey, Morgan, Sarah and himself out. Chuck thought that would give Sarah enough of a head start.
Sarah rushed out of the Buy More and she did not even see Chuck close to the car. Maybe this time I will beat the Nerd! Sarah thought.
However, out of nowhere Chuck passed her and was sitting in the passenger seat when she got there all out of breath. Chuck was not even breathing hard. It took a few deep breaths before she could speak.
"One Day Bartowski I will beat you!" Sarah wheezed.
Chuck only smiled.
The drive to the apt was quick and soon they were sitting at the dinning table. Ellie had place a mouth watering pot roast on the table. Soon they were enjoying the fruits of Ellie's creative spurt. Captain Awesome was on call so he was not joining them tonight for such a fine repast. Chuck got up and turned on the jammers and now the conversation with the general started in earnest.
Ellie, Casey, Sarah and I are off for two weeks from the Buy More. We are going to be house sitting for a friend. In a place called Meadow Brook. Chuck said.
Casey just grunted #12 which meant quit stalling and get on with it.
"It is a place where we believe that Fulcrum has their Intersect." Chuck said.
Ellie was alarmed over that news.
"Chuck could a download of their Intersect be compatible to you?" Ellie asked.
At that point the TV screen shimmered. There stood Orion in the living room. Chuck remembered seeing Orion doing that back in Stanford but nothing recently. All communication was through downloads.
Charles, Ellenor, Agents Walker and Agent Casey or should I call you Team B? Orion asked.
Casey was astounded by this floating hologram. Sarah suspected that was available tech since she found Chuck's cloak in the bedroom when she first moved in.
"Hey Orion. Ellie was concerned about multiple Intersects in the same brain." Chuck said.
"They are compatible since they use the same storage techniques." Orion replied. "However, if you do download their database I need to send you a watch. It will lessen any problems you might have Chuck. I call it a governor. You should receive it before you start your move."
With that said he shimmered away.
The rest of the evening was spent in a planning session on how to infiltrate this tight knit community. Once a plan was established Casey left and thanked Ellie for the pot roast. Ellie sort of blushed getting a compliment from the big man.
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Secure in Chuck's room Sarah and Chuck were beginning to have pillow talk.
"Sarah? Are you ok with this plan?" Chuck asked.
"Of course I am who wouldn't love to be married to the man of her dreams!" Sarah said as she kissed him.
"Sarah this only pretend" Chuck admonished.
"Consider it a dry run" Sarah said kissing him again.
Chuck thought about that for awhile after Sarah had fallen asleep.
When Chuck was in a drowsy state one face became very clear to him. Bryce. He IS alive. Find him Charles! The voice of his father commanded.
Chuck was mumbling in his sleep then he was speaking out loud that awoke Sarah. She heard Chuck say that Bryce was alive!
She must have been dreaming until she heard Chuck say he would find him.
Sarah was worried. What would happen if Bryce was found alive? She was desperately in love with Chuck. Bringing Bryce back would cause major complications. Chuck would want to step aside for his friend out of loyalty. This can not happen. She needs to show him how much she cares and loves this Nerd. It has been 2 years since Bryce was supposedly killed. She has found her true love in Chuck. Sarah made up her mind. In this op she would tell Chuck she loved him. Feeling satisfied over her decision she snuggled closer to Chuck and fell back asleep.
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In the morning Operation Homestead was in full swing. Sarah and Chuck was a newlywed couple moving in to their dream home.
As they drove up Sarah handed Chuck the rings. Sarah's breath was taken when Chuck slid on the ring on her finger. Chuck had the same reaction when Sarah placed his ring on too.
Chuck got out of the car and opened the door for Sarah then he whisked Sarah's feet out from under her and caught her bridal style.
Sarah recovered quickly and smiled then kissed him as they crossed the threshold. Chuck's acrobatics were seen. Several Neighbors had appeared to watch the newlyweds move in.
Chuck closed the door and proceeded to carry her up the stairs to their bedroom. There he deposited her gently on the bed with a kiss then withdrew to see Casey smirking at them by the doorway. He was dressed as the cable repairman.
"Are you done showing off Moron?" Casey asked then grunted #111 Kids these days!
"What do you think Casey did I attract enough attention?" Chuck asked when he got busy setting up his computer surveillance and listening bugs. Casey and Sarah were in awe of what Chuck had created. Sarah thought the rest of the CIA should have this tech but they just could not chance it. Fulcrum has Moles everywhere.
"I guess I did. Sarah go downstairs we are about to be welcomed to the neighborhood." Chuck said.
Sarah got to the door and opened it as the welcoming committee was about to knock. Chuck appeared just behind her looking out at the assembled crowd.
"Hi neighbor I am Fred Gard I am the captain of the neighborhood watch. The first man said. This is my wife Wilma and her friend Betty and that is her husband Barney. Over there is Mr. Slate and his wife." Fred explained.
Sarah being the gracious hostess asked them all to enter and Chuck tried to hide his flashes.
The neighbors all were happy to learn of the Nielsons moving in.
Chuck was asked what did he do by Barney who Chuck knew was a computer scientist.
"I run my own software company. Carmichael Industries we are small but growing rapidly." Chuck said.
"Strange name Carmichael? Why that since your name are Nielson?" Fred asked.
"Ask the wife it was her idea!" Chuck said shrugging.
All the men started laughing and Chuck joined in.
Sarah on the other hand was entertaining the wives. They were all swapping recipes and techniques to keep their men satisfied. Sarah a student of seduction was surprised on some of the women's techniques. Soon the little meet and greet was over then everyone left.
Chuck switched on the jammers and moved upstairs where Casey has ensconced himself. Sarah decided on a midnight snack and made sandwiches for all of them then going up stairs. Casey and Chuck were in discussion. Sarah's sandwiches were most welcomed.
Chuck had run a power consumption trace. There was an underground facility which encompassed the whole subdivision. This was a major find. It was a fully functioning Fulcrum base.
Casey decided later he would look into how to get into the lower levels. So he bid the two newlyweds good night.
Chuck and Sarah spent their first night in their new home making love for the first time. Chuck was an exceedingly gentle lover and sent Sarah over the top several times before he lost control. They both fell soundly asleep.