Let us do something, while we have the chance.

Still don't own Chuck.

"Sometimes it helps to know that you got something to lose."
--Agent Walker Episode 3.4

Chapter 12—the Country Wide

Casa Bartowski

A select set of addressees received the Presidential finding stating that organizations involved human trafficking are conducting terrorist like activities against the United States in order to destabilize law and order and establish criminal activities. Chuck, Sarah and Casey were in the list of Secretaries, Directors and Chiefs of Staff receiving the finding as an action addressee.

Chuck and Sarah received a subsequent email from the Honorable John H. Wabash. The email was a forwarding email:

"Chuck,
We need you to be the head of this operation. We believe you are the only person capable of collecting and correlating the necessary information to complete the planning and operation in the short period of time we have. We will not allow these organizations to use terrorist operations to destabilize and begin their evil criminal activities. We believe that we have a maximum of three days before they either gain an upper hand in critical areas or go back into the shadows to re-plan for another attempt. We have tomorrow for correlating the information, the next day to plan, and the third day to conduct the operations.
But first, and expect Doc Adams and others will agree, I need you to rest. Suggest you read the email below which outlines your authority.
Once again thank you.
JHW"

The following email outlined the authority as the Director of the Interagency Task Force on Trafficking. Chuck was given the authority to obtain support of law enforcement agencies and direct the activities of the units assigned. It also gave him access to all intelligence and the authority to task collection. Then there was a full paragraph describing available support from the armed forces.

Chuck finished reading and said, "Casey, I'll need more information about the last paragraph. I know what you can do now. But is this different and or more? Don't know if this is a lawyer thing or not. When we start the planning, I'll need to know."

Chuck looked at Sarah. She had been reading over his shoulder and knew what he had seen. Chuck said, "I am a little better. At least I am not stuck feeling like I have lost my breath. And I can tell that Dorothy still wants me to get the heart rate down even further. I'll do what the boss wants. I expect we probably won't get much sleep after that. But I want you to get some sleep too." He smiled at her, "That's a request." He looked at the screen and saw that the teams were reporting in. "Do you want me to go up to the bedroom?"

Sarah kissed him, "We'll go up to the conference room. If you need anything, call. But please sleep." Sarah knew that she needed to check on her teams and get everyone ready for what would be coming. Sarah went over to Mary, "Everyone making it?"

Mary nodded her head, "Yes, they are almost at the rally point. Do you want them to stay at Burbank?"

Sarah did not want to, but she knew he would have the best answer, "Chuck, I promise I will let you sleep. But you heard Mary. Where is the best place for Melina?"

"Well, without putting her into one of the fabulous bunkers, best place is probably the FBI at Salt Lake. They should have a safe house. Ask them to meet at the airport and transport her. Send Tom and Vera. I still need the answers to those questions," Chuck raised himself at little. "And it is going to take a little before I go to sleep. How about sending Dad, Liz, Kristen and Eldie down? And I'll need Mr. Wiggins on the phone." He saw the looks, "I might as well get the data set up in the model so it will be easy to analyze."

Sarah looked at him and shook her head, "You sure?" He held his thumb up. "Dorothy, monitor him. If his heart rate does not level out or starts going up, put him to sleep." She went back to Chuck and took his hand, "Are you going to be okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. Go on, make sure everyone made it and is safe," Chuck smiled at her. "Go on, it's fine."

Sarah bent over the bed and kissed him. She turned and went with Casey and Mary up to the conference room. The teams were completing their reports and all but the rear guard had pulled into the parking lot at the Burbank FBI Substation. Even though their teams had pulled away from the Safe House, Sarah and the others in the conference room were still surprised when they saw several vans pull up outside the Safe House and armed men begin to go through the wreckage.

Sarah cleared using the Safe House at Salt Lake City with the FBI Director and local SAC. She found that things were working smoother now that the Presidential Finding had been issued. Casey started working the transportation of Melina to Salt Lake City. Mary and Alice began checking the safety of the other girls. Alice explained what had happened with Melina to Special Agent Henry. He was in charge of the diplomats' girls and had already doubled their protection details twice. He assured Alice that they were as safe as they could be.

Back in Chuck and Sarah's apartment, Chuck was online with Mr. Wiggins and he expected most of Sarah's staff. Steven, Liz, Kristen and Edlie were there too. Chuck knew that his dad would understand. Liz would pick it up easily since she was one of Sarah's expert analysts. Chuck was hoping that Eldie would get it. At least he knew what tricks were needed to input into the model. He would be able to identify easy methods of inputting the data. Kristen was also no problem. She was a computer wiz for the IRS and could easily understand the dynamics of database exchanges and the architectures involved. Chuck began outlining the how he wanted the data presented in the model. He showed them how he wanted the initial integrations and geospatial data display.

Chuck and Steven wrote an email to John explaining what would likely happen, and some of the problems that could come up. John wrote back that even a few centers would be a good start and that if they had to they could try it incrementally. After Chuck and Steven discussed a software change Steven suggested that they had enough to work on and that Chuck should get some rest. Dorothy was more than happy to take the signal from Steven. She helped usher everyone out of the room. Dorothy went to Chuck, "Now is there anything more that you have to do now?"

"I can see the itchy trigger finger of yours. You wanted to inject that all day," Chuck laughed. "But I do need one thing. I need to go to the restroom."

After helping him back in bed Dorothy said, "This should keep you till dinner. Then Doc Adams can check you and get you ready for tomorrow. I think you are doing better, but the more rest you get, and I mean solid sleep, the better you will be."

Chuck said, "Okay," while he was typing out one last email, "Sarah, Last email. I am going to sleep. See you at dinner. Forever Chuck" Dorothy gave him the sedative and he was asleep in less than a minute.

Sarah was in the conference room and saw the email. She hoped he would be asleep, but sent a reply, "Great. See you at dinner. Love Sarah"

Sarah was happy that Chuck was finally getting back to sleep. She had received confirmation that Melina was in the air and headed to Salt Lake. Doc Adams had finished his job at the FBI substation and was headed back along with the other details. Casey had made arrangements for Melina's protection at the Salt Lake location and was busy ensuring that additional protection was put in place for the apartments and the rest of Sarah's team members.

Mary received an email with Phillip's itinerary. He was coming in tonight at the LA airport. She past the note over to Casey so he could get it set up and told Sarah, "My uncle is coming in tonight. Casey and I will go down and get him. A few of the Rangers from the ranch are going up. The group of them will be over at the Maison23. Casey will be adding a detail over there."

"That sounds good. Do you want to bring him over tonight?" Sarah asked.

"Well, it will be kind of late, probably around nine. Is that okay?" Mary asked. She knew they were trying to get Chuck some rest.

"Oh, that's fine," Sarah noticed the concern in her face. "I'll get Chuck to take a nap after dinner. That and this afternoon, he'll be fine."

The remainder of the afternoon was spent working details and finalizing data schemes. Sarah did check with Steven. They were making progress and had arranged that data bases would be liked together. Director Wabash had augmented Sarah's team with over a hundred analysts and data base specialists. Steven had spent most of the time providing direction to them and working with Kristen to design the scheme that would work for Chuck.

Sarah saw an email from Chuck and replied, "Sounds good." Doc Adams was back. Sarah went down to the apartment to see how Chuck was doing. Ellie and Devon were there too. Their shift was over and they had stopped by to see how Chuck was doing. Between the three of them they gave Chuck a thorough examination.

Chuck told Doc Adams, "There's one last thing to do. You'll need to summarize your results and send them to the boss."

Ellie thought that was a bit different and asked, "Why does he need to do that Chuck?"

Devon was a little curious too, "Yeah, why did we show IDs to get in the apartments?"

Chuck hesitated until he saw Sarah nod, "Well, we were attacked today at one of our safe houses. About the same time I got a new assignment."

Ellie was starting to become a little concerned, "Do you have to go somewhere? You really aren't ready to travel."

Sarah decided to intervene, "Chuck has to analyze, plan, and execute an operation that will take place around the country." She saw continued confusion on their faces, "We are going to take down every Human Trafficking center that Chuck can identify. And do it all at once."

"Wow, that's awesome. Really great, Bro," Devon exclaimed.

Ellie was still not sure this was really that great, "So, what is the extra security for?" She looked at Chuck for an answer.

"Like I said we were attacked today at one of the FBI safe houses. No one was supposed to know about it. But the bad guys found out. So we have extra security." Chuck thought for a second, "Actually stating tomorrow, you will too. I'll make sure they know to stay out of your way."

Ellie looked around the apartment, "Okay, well."

"It's okay Ellie. By the way I just ordered in. Would you like to have dinner with us?" Chuck smiled.

Ellie looked at Devon and said, "Sure, we'll go change and be back."

After they left, Chuck and Sarah were alone in their apartment. Chuck said, "Hey, was dinner okay? Doc came in. He made a comment about being hungry and not getting lunch. And well my stomach was a rumbling."

"Sure, good idea. We should have thought of that for lunch. Actually, I don't think anyone had lunch," Sarah felt bad about that. No one said anything, they just all kept working.

"You know, we should check about getting some support. I mean we could ask Rebecca, Kelly's secretary, what to do," Chuck replied.

There was a knock at the door. Sarah got a couple of the bags. Chuck had ordered Sizzling Shrimp and more for everyone. The remainder of the order was taken up to the conference room. Ellie and Devon came over. Steven said he needed to finish the model. He, Liz, Kristen, Eldie, Alice and most of the team finished off the boxes.

Casey and Mary did get back to the apartments. It was a little after nine. Phillip came in and gave Sarah a polite hug. He had made Casey stop along the way and offered Sarah a bottle of wine. He also had a smaller bag with a grape soda for Chuck. After filling everyone's glass he gave a toast to Mary and Casey's engagement.

Phillip said, "We'll work tomorrow. Carlos and I were copied on the emails. Carlos will continue to complete his current court cases. He has made arrangements to support you during the final planning and operations. Please accept his apologies, he really did want to come, but he was obligated to stay for the hearings."

Chuck held up his hand, "I completely understand. He is welcome just as you anytime you can support our merry little band."

Phillip smiled, "Little band." Phillip had seen the emails before he left. Chuck's organization was growing. But he remembered Mary saying that Chuck had to get some rest today. Casey had explained the problems Chuck had.

Mary explained once again what their engagement day activities included. Casey even suggested that Phillip stop by his apartment to see the statue that Mary got him. Mary also explained that Chuck and Sarah were going to get married at the chapel on the ranch. They began talking about what they would need to do at the ranch to get it ready.

Phillip started to yawn, "Oh, please excuse me, some long hours. And I know we have some more ahead of us. I am happy that you are finally got some rest today. May I suggest that we all need to turn in for the night. Thank you once again for being so gracious to have us."

Phillip shook Chuck's hand and gave Sarah another light hug. Phillip, Casey and Mary headed out the door.

Sarah went to Chuck, "This really had been a long day. Did you get enough rest?"

"Oh yeah, with the sedative I slept really well through the afternoon. Actually, I only got up because I had to go to the restroom. But hey, I am good," Chuck smiled at Sarah. "I am even better getting around." He demonstrated that by getting off the bed and grabbing the IV. "See, already to head up stairs."

"Great, well let's get going." When they reached the bedroom, Sarah helped to the restroom and went to get ready for bed. When she met him at the bed, she sat beside him and put her arm around him. "Chuck, what are you planning for tomorrow? I mean do you expect to flash a lot?"

"Okay, don't freak out on me, but it will be about the same as before the roundup. I expect to read the results of the model and then use the Intersect to fill-in anything the model missed. I'll add that back to the model. I have not talked with Dad yet on how many there will be, but if he is working late. Well, I don't know yet," answered Chuck.

Sarah was visibly upset, "How are you going to do this? Those flashes you had today and especially the one when you identified the locations put your heart rate past the limit. Back when you were just trying to identify those people before the roundup you were getting headaches or migraines. Chuck?"

"I know there could be a problem. Actually, I don't even know if this will work. After I talked with Dad, I sent an email to John that outlined the problems. I copied you on those emails?"

"Well, I guess I didn't think you were going to try to kill yourself," she was getting more agitated.

Chuck took her chin with his hand to look into her eyes, "Look, I love you. I want more than anything to be with you forever. Understand," Chuck eyes were concentrated on her. "Killing myself does not seem to be an option to get to that point. Dad and I put together a plan that should work. The changes we put in the model should cut down the longer bad flashes." He leaned over and gave her a kiss, "But most of all I know I need your help with this or I won't be able to do it. Help me?"

"Chuck, you know I always will. But I am not willing to risk you either. If the alarm goes off and your rate stays up or looks like it is still climbing, I'll order Doc Adams to put you to sleep. Okay?" she asked almost pleading.

"Good," Chuck kissed her and they stayed wrapped in each other's arms through the night.

The next morning Chuck and Sarah were ready for Doc Adams and Dorothy when they knocked at the apartment door. Chuck was in a bathrobe, having already showered. They began to work him over. Dorothy changed the bandages after Doc Adams inspected the wounds. Chuck got in position in the bed. Doc Adams pronounced that he was okay and his heart rate was down. Chuck was thinking that this was a bit formal but told Sarah that he was ready and began to review the data from the model.

The model was set up as Chuck instructed. The first city to analyze was LA. It seemed to be working. The three points that Chuck had identified the day before were still the only centers for LA. The model had refined numbers based on the after action report at the safe house.

Next Chuck looked at San Diego. That seemed to fall in place. He did flash when he looked at the data for the upcoming shipment and the receiving area. The receiving area was Halverson's and the Fulcrum building was next to it. The Fulcrum location was the one that had been under surveillance. The flash pulled him into a sequence, which raised his heart rate but not over one hundred beats per minute. He was able to identify a Ring location about two blocks away from the Halverson area. In each case he was able to identify the location and the number of agents assigned or possible. Chuck rapidly input the data he was able to gather from the flash.

The sequence was the same through San Francisco, Portland and Seattle. There was enough information in the models to identify two or three sites and Chuck would flash and either add information or another site. The planning was taking place at the same time. Chuck would add notes to each location specifying the necessary force and support required. As a city was completed the members of the team would contact the principle agent, generally a FBI Senior Agent in Charge (SAC) for the city. The concept was for the principle to refine Chuck's information and put together a plan for the take down of the location. They were to have it ready for review the next day for review by Chuck.

Sarah was beside him, watching and holding his hand through each of the flashes. She watched the monitor and knew he only went above one hundred once. She let his hand go as he made the inputs, only to worry about the next time. When he got done with the West Coast group, Sarah put the lid down on the laptop, "Chuck, we need to start a rest cycle like we did before. Come on ten minutes of rest. You know that it will build up and get worse if we don't do this."

Chuck patted her hand, "I know. And you do remember what we did last time?"

"Yes, I had something like that in mind," smiled Sarah.

"Doc and everyone, please excuse us. I am going to try and relax for a little. We'll let you know when I start up again. Sarah is right. It will get harder if I don't," Chuck asked everyone in the room.

With the room cleared, Sarah kissed him and began to massage his shoulders. She worked around his neck and massaged his temples. She continued to massage him while he closed his eyes and tried to drown out the thoughts of what he had seen in the flashes.

They continued the procedure through several states with big cities that matched the West Coast. Working through three more hours, Sarah said that they were going to take a lunch break. Sarah gave him a message and helped him with a quick snack. Doc Adams asked that he try a short nap.

When he woke up he pressed on, the procedure lasted again until dinner. Have another break they continued until almost eleven. Chuck had covered sixty cities and close to one hundred locations. Some were no more than a house where the traffickers held girls. The others held a sizeable number of hostiles like in LA. It was the smaller ones where Chuck had a problem. For reasons he was still complaining about, the smaller ones were linked with too many horrific pictures of torture or worse.

While Sarah was checking with the team members, Chuck took a shower and was re-bandaged by Dorothy. Doc Adams checked him one final time and sent out his report.

Chuck was ready waiting for Sarah when she came out of the bathroom in her pajamas. She crawled into bed with him. Kissing together and holding each other they drifted off to sleep.

A/N Hope you enjoyed. Back on the road again, had a few problems trying to get to the internet. Think that has been solved. Please review.