A/N: Thanks for continuing to read this story and particularly to those of you that took the time to review or PM me about it. I really appreciate the feedback.

Once again, I thank Captainrick944 for kindly beta'ing this for me.

The team is now in place and now start their cover and agency jobs. This chapter is loosely based on S1E2, "Chuck Versus the Helicopter."


Piranha vs The Intersect

Chapter 4: Expert


Being in this relationship with Sarah Walker was amazing. Chuck woke up and there she was, her naked body draped over his.

He couldn't believe how his life had changed since finding out Bryce Larkin was a spy. That led him to finding Sarah, cyber-stalking her, but then talking with her. Now Sarah was his live-in girlfriend, and here she was in his bed, their bed now. He hadn't slept with a girl for five years and now he had a live-in companion.

He was sure that being naked in bed when sleeping wouldn't be realistic every night, and they may not make love every night, either, but last night was just perfect in all ways imaginable.

He cast his eyes around the room. Still very much a single, gamer's room. That ought to change now, so he needed to decide what to move to give her some space. He wasn't sure he would have time for comics and gaming now, so maybe some of that stuff should be boxed.

He felt Sarah stir. She tensed and then relaxed. "You awake, Beautiful?"

She snorted. "Was there a comma there? If not, I suspect waking up beautiful is unlikely." She sat up and covered herself.

"Oh, you are so wrong," he said as the sight of her took his breath away.

She smiled. "Keep it up, Charmer. I might stay."

"We both know you're staying," he responded. "Part of your job now." He knew that was the wrong thing to say, with the hurt look on her face. "Sorry! That was supposed to be funny."

"Uh uh. But you're forgiven because you look so good yourself." Sarah looked at the clock. "6:38. Time enough for showers, and a quick breakfast before going over to Casey's. You can't eat or drink for eight hours before the scan."

Chuck was going to suggest something different, when her phone rang. She hurriedly answered. "Walker."

"I'm sure Major Casey will have told you, we have a call at 8am, your time," Graham told her.

Sarah put it on speaker. "Yes, sir."

"I'm sorry about the cover job. Best we could sort out at such short notice. Apparently, the manager is not there all the time, so it will be easier to get away quickly."

"Unless I'm knee deep in sausage-eating customers," she grumbled.

He ignored that comment. "I don't want all calls shared with the NSA. Can Bartowski set up something in your room or shall I send in some CIA specialists?"

"I don't want amateurs messing with my home systems, Director. I was going to ask to set it up anyway."

Graham chuckled. "Amateurs, huh? I'll get the details sent to Sarah. Let me know when it's done."

"Sir?" Sarah asked before he hung up. "Now that he's used the Intersect, his sister wants to run some neurological tests on his brain."

"Sounds sensible," he replied.

"Could that happen today? As close to its use as possible."

"Certainly. Nothing planned for today other than you and Casey settling into your jobs. Maybe we could get him to, what did you call it? Flash, when he's with her."

"Good idea, sir. Can you send me something to show him?" Sarah replied. "I'll tell my new boss that I have an appointment at the hospital today, so that I can take him."

"Will do," Graham replied. "Talk at 8."

"We'll tell Ellie to plan something for this afternoon," Chuck said and went to get clean clothes.

Looking at his naked form made Sarah desire contact with it. She walked around the bed, still naked herself. "Can we just have a snuggle before we get up?" she said, surprised that she even used the word.

He turned and opened his arms to her. His eyes were not looking into hers. Maybe a very quick shower today?


Casey opened his door to them at 7:55. "Come in. Just getting it set up."

"Need a hand?" Chuck asked.

"Nah," Casey replied as he walked away from them.

They followed him in and found him in front of a large monitor with speakers either side of it. "Impressive," Chuck commented.

Casey just grunted.

Sarah stood next to Casey and Chuck the other side of her.

"Be better with you between us, Bartowski," Casey said. "Otherwise, the General will start the call in a bad mood."

Chuck and Sarah swapped over, just in time as the call started.

As before, the screen was split with Graham in his office on the left and Beckman in hers on the right."

"Good morning, team," Graham said.

"Good morning, Director, General," the three replied.

"Good that you are all together," Beckman said.

"Cover roles have been found for both of the agents," Graham said. "You both start today. Can you be around for Casey's introduction to the Buy More staff, please, Mr. Bartowski?" he added.

"Certainly," Chuck replied.

"Tomorrow, we will be sending the foremost expert on the Intersect over to assess how well Mr. Bartowski is doing with it," Beckman told them. Graham looked slightly uncomfortable about this.

"I would have thought that was unnecessary, considering how well it went yesterday," Chuck said.

Beckman looked at him. "And that simplistic view is exactly why Dr. Zarnow is coming over."

Chuck didn't like the woman's attitude, but felt Sarah squeeze his hand and he kept his mouth shut.

"Agent Walker should still take you to have our on-site neurologist assess how your brain is coping with it today, though," Graham said. The general looked surprised and was going to say something, but Graham continued. "The NSA scientist isn't a medical specialist, after all."

Beckman visibly clamped her mouth shut, but didn't look happy.

The call soon ended.

"They don't seem fully aligned," Chuck commented.

"Neither used to sharing governance," Casey said.

"Hopefully, they will align after time," Sarah said.

The three of them headed out to the parking lot. Casey to a taxi and Chuck and Sarah to the Nerd Herder.

After driving for a few minutes, Chuck looked over at the beautiful woman next to him. "I don't always have a car. Sometimes I have to use the bus."

"We can change that, Chuck," she said.

"Are you two getting cars, then?" Chuck asked.

"Mine is being shipped over," Sarah replied. "Should be here in time for me to take you to the hospital today. I presume Casey will be getting his soon, too."

"What do you have?" Chuck asked.

"One I bought myself from a second-hand dealer," she replied. She looked nervously at him. "A '91 Porsche Carrera in black metallic paint."

"Wow! Won't that look odd for an employee at the Wienerlicious?"

"I'll tell people how I got it," Sarah replied. "If they ask, that is. She's my baby and I am not living here without her."

"Fair enough," he replied and grinned. " I look forward to riding in it."

She beamed at him. "A small part of me worried that me driving that, would affect how you feel about me."

He chuckled. "I'm not a man who thinks he should drive a better car than his girlfriend, if that was worrying you."

"A small part of me did, but you are so much better than that, Chuck."

"Hell, the hottest woman in the world is my girlfriend. I am on top of the world. Nothing could knock me down. Besides, I am not a car enthusiast."

She leaned over and kissed his check. "Sorry, but I am."

"You're perfect in every other way, Sarah. You are allowed this vice."

She grinned. "I am also addicted to Chuck Bartowski."

"Not a vice. Perfectly understandable." His grin suggested he was teasing.

"You're right, of course," she replied and sat back and watched him drive into a parking space outside the Buy More, next to other Nerd Herder vehicles.

They kissed and got out of the car.

"I'll try to get over for some food," he said.

"Hopefully I will have mastered making it by then," she replied as she headed over to the Wienerlicious.

Chuck went into the Buy More, and headed directly into the manager's office.

"Well enough to work?" Big Mike asked.

"I do need to go to the hospital for a brain scan this afternoon," Chuck told him.

"Brain scan, huh? Must be bad, or is that just your sister overtreating you?" The big man questioned.

"Dunno," Chuck replied honestly.

"Need someone to take you?" was Big Mike's next question.

"No thanks, I've got a lift sorted," Chuck said, hoping that was the case.

"We've got a new starter today," Big Mike said. "He'll be in sales, but introduce him to your crew."

"Poor guy. Working for Harry," Chuck commented.

"We'll see how he copes." It wasn't clear whether he meant Casey or Harry.

Chuck walked out of the office.

"Where've you been, man?"

Chuck looked down at his bearded friend, now walking beside him. "After the party I met the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Morg. That's why I took the day off. Then, I had a terrible migraine overnight. Worst ever. She looked after me the next day until Ellie took over. She's living with me now, Morg!"

Morgan looked shocked. "And you only tell me now?"

"Morgan, I'm sorry. It's been crazy."

"So, no more game nights?" Morgan stated rather than questioned.

"No. Sarah wants to learn," Chuck answered.

"I like this Sarah already," Morgan replied.

"Wait until you see her," Chuck said. "My girlfriend is stunning."

Morgan walked off shaking his head, not really comprehending what had happened to his friend, and so quickly, too.

Harry Tang walked up to Chuck. "I've got a new starter today. Make sure your idiots don't put him off staying."

"Oh, I won't worry about that, Harry," Chuck replied. "You'll do the job." He walked off, leaving Harry standing there.

When Chuck got to the Nerd Herd desk Jeff and Lester were looking intently at a monitor. "What is it this time?" he asked.

"A real babe just started over at the Wienerlicious," Jeff said.

"Shhh! Don't tell him!" Lester hissed.

Chuck walked around and entered the area. He looked over Jeff's shoulder at the image frozen on the display.

Sarah was being shown around the outside of the food shop. She had changed into what must be the brand uniform. An extra saucy version of a German dirndl, with a white blouse that exposed a lot of cleavage, and a very short skirt with a high waist. Her legs very much on show. Her hair was braided into two ponytails. Chuck had to admit, she looked fantastic. "Stop ogling her," he told them. "She's not for you."

"Oh, and you think she'd be interested in you?" Lester sarcastically responded.

"Well, she moved in with me, so the answer must be yes," Chuck replied.

Lester was shocked. "That hottie, interested in you?"

"Sure is," Chuck grinned.

"Good for you, Chuck," Anna said, as she walked up beside them.

"She is," he replied.

He saw Casey walk onto the floor from the lockers. He had one of the green Buy More polo shirts on and a deep scowl on his face.

"He doesn't look happy to be here," Anna commented.

"That must be Harry's new starter. I wouldn't want to cross him," Chuck stated. Wouldn't want to, but probably frequently would.

"Scary," Jeff and Lester said in tandem.

Harry walked Casey around the store, introducing him to the sales staff and to the various sales areas. Eventually, he brought the man, who was towering over him, to the Nerd Herd desk. "And these idiots are the so-called tech experts. They are supposed to fix things. This," he pointed to Chuck. "Is their boss, so any mistakes they make are his fault."

Chuck reached out his hand. "Hi, I'm Chuck."

"Casey," the older man grunted.

"These are Anna, Jeff and Lester," Chuck said. He then pointed to the desk. "And this is where to send people with tech problems."

"'Kay," Casey replied.

Harry took him away.

"Man of many words," Lester commented.

"Good for him," Anna said, and walked to the back of the store.

Chuck wondered how Casey was going to get on in here. He was sure that Sarah would've done much better.


Sarah's first morning had been ok. The uniform was ridiculous. Being dressed like this was just to attract young men and boys into the shop. They probably would buy food, but only so they could look at her. She was used to being looked at, but this was, quite frankly, way over the top. Having said that, she couldn't help wondering what her boyfriend would think when he saw her. She would probably undo the top two buttons of her blouse when he turned up.

When Scooter showed her how to cook the wieners, it all seemed easy, same for the fries. She shouldn't have any problems, other than the smell.

It wasn't long before the first customers came in, just wanting coffee to take outside. The hot food wasn't available until 11:30, so that was a relief.

Sarah had informed Scooter about her hospital appointment in the afternoon.

"Already taking sick leave?" he asked.

"This was booked before I was asked to start here. I would have started tomorrow but was requested to help you out this morning. I don't have to be here."

He huffed. "No, it does help. I need to be away from here until later."

"Okay. I will leave at 2pm," she told him. "If you're not back by then, I will lock up with the keys you've given me."

"I'll be back," he grumbled.

Trade picked up slightly at 11:30 but not hugely. However, the boys that came in were definitely interested in Sarah. She suspected they'd be back and probably in greater numbers.

Of course, the highlight was when Chuck came over from the Buy More at noon, with his bearded friend in tow.

Both men stopped and stared when they walked in. She smiled at them. "Welcome to the Wienerlicious. What would you like?"

"You, of course," Chuck replied.

She chuckled. "Later. What would you like to eat or drink?"

He grinned. "First of all, this is my friend, Morgan. Morgan, this is Sarah."

"Hi, Sarah," Morgan said. "I used to be his best friend, but I guess that's you now," he added morosely.

"I'm his girlfriend, Morgan. You're still his best male friend."

Morgan nodded, looking a bit brighter. "I hear you want to start gaming."

Sarah looked at Chuck who just shrugged. "Maybe once a week, once I have gotten the hang of it, but I'm not sure how long it'll take for me to get there."

"Okay," Morgan said. Morgan ordered a hot dog and went to sit down. Chuck couldn't have anything, but happily just watched his girlfriend.

As it was quiet, Sarah brought the food over and sat beside Chuck. All eyes in there had been on her legs as she walked over.

"God, you look hot, Sarah," Chuck whispered to her.

She leaned closer. "Only hot for you, Chuck."

"Not in here, please," Morgan said.

"Any news on your car, or do we get a taxi?" Chuck asked.

"Not yet, but I'm still hopeful," she replied.

Her phone notified her of an email. She quickly looked. It was from Director Graham. "Here's a photo of Zarnow. Chuck should flash on him. See what he finds out."

Then she got a text message,

Car arriving in one hour

"Oh, that's good. The car will be here in an hour." She looked at Morgan. "I miss my baby."

"What is it?" Morgan asked.

"A Porsche," Chuck said.

"Wow! Fancy," Morgan said.

"Blew all my money on her a few years ago," Sarah said. There was an element of truth in that statement.

"I can relate," Morgan replied.

More customers came in, so Sarah had to go and serve them.

"Wow, Chuck. Just wow!"

"I can hardly believe how lucky I am, Morg," Chuck stated, while still looking over at his girlfriend.

"Seems like her affection isn't all yours, though, buddy."

Chuck thought about that. He didn't say it but thought that Sarah only rode in her Porsche, but on him. God, did she ever!

Sarah came back and told Chuck she would pick him up just after 2pm. "I need a quick shower before we go to the hospital."

Chuck knew how quick she could be, so didn't complain.


When Chuck walked out of the Buy More at a minute after two, he paused for a second. Seeing Sarah sitting in a black Porsche was so hot.

Sarah loved seeing him looking at her like that, but they didn't have much time. "Get in quickly," she told him.

Once he was in, she set off. They reached the apartment in record time. It was only then that Sarah noticed Chuck clutching the door handle. "Sorry. I drive fast."

"I'll just sit here and get over the ride. You'll probably be back before I recover."

She grinned. "Then off for another ride."

She rushed in and within ten minutes was back at the car. Her hair wasn't completely dry, but she looked great.

Once they reached the hospital and parked, Sarah turned to Chuck. She had driven slower this time, but still a bit fast for the ultra-cautious Chuck. "Want to recover again before we go in?"

"Yeah. Get my heartbeat closer to normal."

"I have a photo for you to look at, and hopefully flash on, so that Ellie can get before and after readings."

"So, Graham sent something through?"

"Yeah. He did."

They walked into the hospital. Chuck knew exactly where to go, so led Sarah there.

Ellie greeted them on arrival.

"My first time here as a patient," Chuck said.

Ellie handed him the ubiquitous blue hospital gown. "Strip off and put this on, Chuck. Then come and lie down over here," Ellie said and waited for him to do that.

"Now, Chuck. I know you don't like needles, but I need to put a cannula into your arm to get the contrasting agents to your brain."

He went white as a sheet. "You didn't tell me about this, El."

"If you don't let me do this, the scan won't be effective and I might as well not be on the team. It's important, Chuck," she replied. "Sarah, can you distract him while I do this?"

"Would kissing him be allowed?" Sarah asked.

Ellie chuckled. "He will be lying down, so safe."

Chuck lay down and Sarah sat beside him. Then, she placed her cool hand on the side of his face and tenderly kissed her boyfriend. A long kiss. Chuck was totally focused on Sarah and only felt a small pain from his other arm.

"Done," Ellie said. "But don't look, Chuck."

Their lips had separated and Chuck's head instinctively started to turn to do just that, but Sarah's hand stopped him. She kissed him again and he relaxed into it.

They had to wait for the contrasting agents to reach his brain but he was soon moved within the device.

The other two went behind a screen. Chuck had earplugs in, so they could talk to him.

"Okay. Starting now, Chuck," Ellie said.

"I have an image for him to look at after the first scan. Should trigger one of his flashes. Then, another scan?" Sarah suggested.

"I'll cut down the length of the scans, then. Don't want to expose him to too much."

"Will that reduce its effectiveness?" Sarah asked.

"The changes between the two scans are probably more important," the older woman replied.

After the first scan, they slid Chuck out just enough for Sarah to hold Zarnow's photo in front of him.

Chuck instantly flashed and they slid him back in before rushing back behind the screen and starting the second scan.

"I'll check the results as soon as I can," Ellie said. "Maybe a couple of days?"

"The NSA has a man coming to check on him tomorrow. We really could do with the results before he arrives."

Ellie sighed. "Okay. I'll work late on it tonight."

"Thanks, Ellie."

Once the scan was complete, they slid Chuck out and got him off the table and removed all the trappings and Ellie put a band-aid on his arm. He quickly changed, and this time put on deodorant.

"Results tomorrow," Ellie said as Sarah led him out.

"Thanks, El," he called back.

Sarah soon had him back to the car and in a heated kiss.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"The sight of your ass in that hospital gown reminded me of grasping it while we made love," she replied.

"Want to do that again?"

"You bet," she replied and started her engine.

In no time it seemed, they were back at the apartment, in their bed and making love again, recreating the events she had been remembering.


"I've just remembered the flash, Sarah," Chuck suddenly sat up in bed. They had both been basking in the afterglow of their love making.

She'd forgotten about it. "So, what did you learn about his past?"

"His past was masked out by his recent actions. He's been feeding American science to North Korea for years."

She sat up. "We have to tell Graham and Beckman. Have you got the link set up yet?"

"Been a bit preoccupied," he said.

"How long?" she asked.

"No more than ten minutes."

"Get dressed and do that, Chuck. I'll call the director and tell him we're going to have a video call."

"I'd suggest you dress, as well," he joked.

She grinned. "Something easy to remove?"

"I want you to change into that uniform after the call," he said.

"Only if you stroke my bare legs when I'm in it," she replied. "I was thinking about you doing that the whole time I was in the Wienerlicious."

"Don't wear panties and I'll do so much more," he said, looking at her.

She shivered and quickly put on clothes for the call.

"Graham," the director immediately answered.

"Are you still in your office?" Sarah asked.

He groaned slightly. "Yes, probably an hour more to do here."

"Chuck is setting up for a video call and will be about ten minutes maximum. Would a call be okay?"

"Fine," he replied.

Seven minutes later, Chuck initiated the call.

"Good evening, Bartowski, Walker," Graham answered.

Chuck immediately told him about Zarnow. Graham's brows furrowed. "And you're sure about this?"

"Positive. I didn't get to see about what he'd done in the past, because this was more recent. I suspect he wants to get a hold of the Intersect and sell that too."

"That's bad news," Graham said. "The general won't know about that. I'll talk to her. If he hasn't set off, we'll capture him here. Otherwise you and Casey need to trap him there."

Chuck looked at the time. "5:20. Casey should be on his way back from his first day at the Buy More."

"Will he be grumpier than normal?" Graham asked, with a smile just showing.

"Probably," Chuck replied.

"Good luck, then," the director said. "Wish me luck with the general." He then ended the call.

"Casey's not a bad guy," Chuck said.

"He is if you get on the wrong side of him," Sarah replied.

Chuck spotted the man they were discussing walking past the fountain on the way to his apartment. "Come on. He's here." Chuck rushed to the door. "Casey," he called.

Casey had just unlocked his door. "Better be important, Bartowski," he growled.

The two followed Casey into his apartment. "Well?" Casey demanded.

Chuck told him the news.

"Graham's letting the general know," Sarah added.

"She might not believe it," Casey said. "She certainly won't want to. A reminder that the NSA isn't clean."

"Graham said he hoped they could stop him in D.C. but that we should be prepared if not."

"The general told me he was driving over but not from there," Casey said. "He's based in Austin."

"That's still over twenty hours of driving," Sarah estimated.

"Less than fifteen at the speed you drive, Sarah," Chuck commented.

Casey almost smiled. "Been scaring him in your car?"

Sarah smiled and nodded. Then, she looked serious. "So, Zarnow's our problem."

"Him and however many men join him here," Casey replied.

"How about setting up the Buy More as a place he can test Chuck?" Sarah suggested.

"Yeah. Out of sight," Casey responded.

"There better be no needles involved," Chuck said.

Casey raised a brow.

"Misunderstanding this afternoon with his sister," Sarah said.

"No misunderstanding," Chuck said. "She deliberately withheld information."

"Sounds like your sister will fit in nicely," Casey commented.

"Well, I'm gonna shower and wash the Buy More off of me," Casey said. "Let yourselves out."

They headed back to their apartment. Sarah went to the bag she'd brought home and took it into the bathroom. When she came out and walked into their bedroom, she was wearing the Wienerlicious uniform. Chuck's jaw dropped. "God, you look so sexy in that, Sarah."

"This is the clean one for tomorrow, so we can't get it dirty." As she walked toward him, she deliberately undid the top three buttons on her blouse, allowing her breasts to show more. It was clear that she wasn't wearing a bra.

She walked up to him. "Well? What are you going to do with your Bavarian girl?"

He turned her around, and flipped up the back of her skirt.

"Ahh, good. No panties!" he breathed into her ear.

"As agreed," she replied, somewhat breathlessly.

He led her to his desk and got her to place her palms on it.

What he did then was sudden, and breathtaking. She would be dreaming of this whenever she was in the shop.


Devon stayed at the hospital with Ellie, getting takeout for their meal. Chuck and Sarah did the same at the apartment. Both were too tense to cook anything.

When Ellie and Devon finally returned home, all she wanted to do was collapse, maybe drink some wine, and then go to bed.

"I haven't finished yet," she told Chuck and Sarah. "But from what I have seen so far, when you flash, certain parts of your brain become far more active. Not surprisingly, those parts involved in memory are included. the amygdala, hippocampus and, to some extent, the hypothalamus. Both frontal lobes do, too, particularly the right. This seems to get more activity than the left.

"None of this is particularly surprising, but the intensity of the activity in the lower part of the right lobe is far more extreme. I suspect that's where the Intersect data is stored but is also being used for analyzing what the Intersect returns. I suspect that activity is what triggers the headaches."

"So, should I worry?" Chuck asked.

Ellie sighed. "I don't know what that increased activity causes long-term. I will want to check regularly to see if it causes any damage."

"So, what do you have left to do?" Sarah wanted to know.

"Mainly, just writing up what I have found," Ellie replied.

"Can you join our call at 8am tomorrow?" Sarah asked.

"I can, but now I need to sleep," the brunette answered. Devon swept her up and carried her through to their bedroom.

Sarah looked at Chuck. "Sorry you'll be getting more scans, Chuck."

"I expected it," he replied, shrugging his shoulders.

"What do you want to do now? I think loud sex might be cruel."

"Want to put on headphones and start to learn to play games?" he asked.

She grinned. "As long as we get some sleep too. Maybe an hour?"

They walked through to the bedroom and he introduced her to "World of Warcraft." Not surprisingly, Sarah was very quick to pick it up. Chuck could imagine her being great going forward. One thing very different about her, though, was her ability to know when to stop. Almost exactly on the hour, she put the controller down. "Times up, Chuck."

He could easily have just continued, but she was right. Tomorrow was going to be a long day with Zarnow arriving in the evening. He closed the game down and they took it in turns to go to the bathroom.

They both stripped and snuggled together under the covers. They made love, slowly, tenderly and quietly. It was still wonderful.

Chuck had to stop himself from expressing how he was feeling about her. The feelings had been increasing as they spent time together. The sex was amazing, but he didn't want her to think that was causing him to say those three words. Everything about her made his heart sing. He would tell her when all this tension about their forthcoming visitor was over. He couldn't hold it in much longer. He doubted she would express the same. She had said that both her dad and the CIA had drummed thoughts of love out of her. However, he was sure she did love him. Everything she did and said, along with the looks she gave him, told him that she felt the same as he did.

Although he didn't say anything, he couldn't help showering her with kisses. She returned as many as she could.

Sarah didn't know what had come over Chuck all of a sudden, but she loved how he made her feel. So wanted, so loved.

She was sure that he loved her and was only keeping it to himself because of her words about it before. As she thought about her feelings for Chuck, they were stronger than anything she had experienced before. They had joked about her loving him, but it seemed that it was actually true. She was sure that she did, crazy though that sounded. Of course, saying it was a different matter. She would have to overcome twenty years of indoctrination to do that.

They ended the kissing with them both just clinging to each other. A moment perfect for those words, but neither spoke them, even both thought them.


The following day, Ellie did join the 8am call. She stated her findings and her concerns. She was succinct. For her it felt like one of the ward rounds when she was training. When she finished, both Graham and Beckman asked questions.

"So, you think you should monitor the impact on his brain going forward?" Beckman asked. "But not stop him from using it."

Ellie sighed. "I can't see how we could stop him using it, other than blindfolding him. It'll just happen."

"Is there anything you can do to minimize the impact on him? I'm thinking about the headaches, particularly," Graham said.

"Not at the moment, but that's something I want to follow up on," Ellie said.

"Thank you, Doctor," Beckman said.

"We look forward to your reports," Graham said.

"Can I go now?" Ellie asked. "I really need to get to the hospital."

"Certainly," Graham responded.

When she'd left, the conversation turned to Zarnow.

"I've instigated a full check on Zarnow's activities over the last few years. You're right about his link with North Korea," Beckman stated. "It is imperative that he is caught." She looked at Casey and Sarah. "This is up to you two. We can provide additional resources as required."

Sarah was surprised to hear the woman say it like that, acknowledging that they were a team.

"Yes, General," she replied.

"We will only need assistance if he has a large team," Casey said. "If we can have men on standby, that is sufficient for now."

Beckman then said, "We should still find out what Zarnow thinks of the Intersect in Bartowski's head. So, you should let him do the tests before you capture him," Beckman replied.

"If he brings men with him, that will threaten Chuck's safety," Sarah argued. "Zarnow's testing alone may."

Beckman glared at her. "Are you saying you're not up to the job of protecting him?"

Sarah glared at the woman. "I'm saying we don't know what we're dealing with here. Putting Chuck in danger is not what we should be doing."

"I trust you and Casey to protect me," Chuck said, not wanting this to escalate.

"NSA support has already been agreed," Beckman added.

"We do need to know if it is working for you," Graham interjected, looking at Chuck.

"Yes, sir," Chuck replied, with more confidence than he really had about this testing.

Sarah felt outnumbered. "Very well. We will have to plan this carefully."

"Thank you, Agent Walker," Graham said.

After the call, they discussed how to set things up for the test. They all agreed there was no reason for the man to see Chuck. Casey agreed to set the A/V room up for Chuck. The blinds wouldn't be opened and Zarnow would work outside with the two of them present.

If Zarnow turned up with a team, that alone wouldn't work, so Chuck would access traffic cameras to check on that, so that they could utilize the NSA support.


The day at the Buy More proceeded like most did for Chuck. The high point being the trip to see his girlfriend.

For Sarah, she spent her time behind the counter, thinking about what Chuck had done to her the day before when she'd worn this uniform at the apartment. Those thoughts certainly took her mind off how much she disliked the smell of this place.

Of course, she was happier still when Chuck came over for lunch. He had agreed to come later to avoid people needing her attention. That proved to be sensible, as the lunch period was busier than the day before. Sarah watched him crossing the parking lot. She beamed at him when he entered. He visibly faltered for a second. Sarah loved that she had that effect on him. If she didn't have such strong control, she would probably react to his smile more than she did. It did affect her, but she managed to hide it better than Chuck. "Hi, Chuck, what would you like?"

Chuck had scanned the shop and seen it empty. He still got close before saying, "You, bent over that counter."

In spite of her control, those words still made her gasp, immediately wanting that herself. "Not in here, Chuck, but as soon as we're home and showered."

They stared at each other longingly, before he finally snapped out of it and told her what he wanted to eat.

They sat and ate together. Neither mentioned Zarnow. Chuck felt no need to talk like he usually did, but just drank in the beauty that was his girlfriend until he had to leave to get back to work.


After a quick shower and that pleasurable reenactment, the couple dressed for the evening and joined Ellie and Devon, who had just returned, for a quick bite to eat.

"I'm not happy that you are going into a danger zone to capture this man," Ellie said.

Sarah wasn't happy about it either, but had to allay the older woman's fears. "Casey and I will keep him safe, Ellie."

Ellie looked at the blonde, "And what keeps you safe, Sarah?"

"Ten years of experience," Sarah replied.

Zarnow was to arrive at the Buy More at 9pm, so Chuck, Sarah and Casey got there at 8pm.

"I wish I knew the car he was arriving in," Chuck complained as he tapped into the traffic camera system. "I could've monitored him from much earlier. As it is, it'll just be as the car, or cars, enter the plaza."

"There may only be one," Casey said. "But, if not, the NSA support team can be here in ten minutes."

"That's a long time for you two shooting it out with the bad guys," Chuck said.

"We'll be fine," Sarah told him.

Chuck walked with her into the A/V room. "The room has been rewired for the test. When the images start, just say what they are. I'll have painkillers and water for you when he's gone."

At 8:55, a lone car arrived and parked in front of the Buy More. A solitary person exited the car, and retrieved a case from the rear seat. Sarah went to open the doors to let him in.

"Doctor," she greeted him.

"Agent Walker, I presume," the man spoke with an Eastern European accent.

She led him to where Casey was standing. "Dr. Zarnow?"

Zarnow nodded. "Agent Casey."

"Thank you for meeting us at a neutral site," Sarah said.

Zarnow took what he needed from his case. "Let's begin." As he prepared to start, he added, "I don't understand why I can't see my patient."

Sarah replied, "For your safety, we're keeping patient X's identity a secret."

Zarnow looked around. "Does patient X work here?"

Casey scoffed at that. "Patient X, who knows all the Intersect secrets, works in a Buy More?"

Zarnow nodded. "Ridiculous. Of course." He finished his prep work. Speaking into the microphone in front of him, he said, "After the tone, the test will begin."

Chuck started seeing images quickly appearing and changing. He called out what he saw. "Uh, dog…. Hippopotamus…. Fat guy…. Ugly building…. Really beautiful woman at the beach."

He flashed on the next one. "Cardinal One is the top Moscow spy in the White House office of.…

Another image appeared. "The plot to assassinate President Carter was orchestrated by.…"

"Northrop Davies voting computers have been approved by the DNC, MC and CIA…."

"Oceanic flight 815 was shot down by surface-to-air.…"

This continued for several minutes until Chuck said, "Okay, well, that's just a picture of a turtle."

Zarnow looked at the two agents. "Your patient is phenomenal. We never imagined this."

Sarah asked, "What didn't you imagine?"

Zarnow shook his head. "One person seeing all the Intersect images. All our secrets in one mind." He really looked amazed.

Casey asked, "Can you remove the secrets, Doctor?"

Zarnow thought for a moment. "Yes. I think I can." He didn't realize that that was the wrong answer.

He packed his case and was about to leave, when Sarah stopped him. "Thank you for that, Doctor, but you can't leave."

Zarnow put his case down and was reaching for his watch when Casey grabbed his hand and removed it. Then, he cuffed the doctor.

"You are making a terrible mistake," Zarnow said.

"No. You did when you started leaking secrets," Casey snarled. He turned to Sarah. "You take patient X. I'll take this one."

Sarah watched Casey lead the man away. Once they were out of the store, she took the painkillers and water to Chuck. He looked pretty bad after so many flashes. "I hadn't expected to flash that many times," he said. "I guess I know what to expect if I go into a room full of spies now."

"Casey's taking him to be shipped off for interrogation. I'm taking my boyfriend home."

"Just hearing you say those words makes me feel better," Chuck said.

She pulled him up and then kissed him before taking his hand and leading him out.

"What about resetting the room?" he asked.

"Casey will do that," she replied.


Neither were surprised to find Ellie waiting anxiously on their return to the apartment.

Sarah let the older Bartowski fuss over her brother and gratefully took the glass of wine Devon held out to her.

There wasn't anything visibly wrong with Chuck and Sarah suspected that all he needed was rest. Rest that he wasn't getting with Ellie fluttering around him like that, but Sarah said nothing and just relaxed while sipping her wine.

Eventually, Chuck was released from his sister's clutches and said he was going to bed.

Sarah finished her wine and followed him.

After what he had gone through, Chuck went straight to sleep when he got into bed.

Sarah, however, lay there thinking about what Zarnow had said, particularly in response to Casey's question.

She wondered if it would be possible to remove the Intersect from Chuck's head if it started to become a problem for him. She knew that if he started to suffer, she would do whatever she could to remove it, in spite of what the two agencies might want.


A/N: No helicopter or Sarah and Casey suspecting each other. Sorry if that took all the excitement out of it for you, but this is about Chuck, and his Piranha persona, take on the role of an analyst, not a terrified asset that is constantly thrown into danger against his wishes.

Please drop me a review if you have any thoughts on this chapter and the way the story is shaping.