Chapter four – thanks for reading and coming back. I hope that you are still going to hang around. Sorry for the delay, life, and everything else took over. Let me know what you think. Mssupertigz

Chuck sat down with Sarah as she slid her hand down his thigh. He gave her a look and she smiled as she put a strawberry in her mouth. The four enjoyed the quietness of the morning as it had become a regular tradition since this whole thing started. Their solace was interrupted when Bryce entered the main area. Chuck looked up and was transported back to the early mornings in the cafeteria back at Stanford when Bryce would make his entrance. It was always a show, at first Chuck felt pretty okay with all of it as he was now part of the Larkin inner circle and when Bryce asked him to move into the club house as he called his house. Chuck, who never had a whole lot of friends, jumped at the idea. But as the months progressed, he was getting tired of the Bryce show and it wasn't just the mornings, it was a 24/7 thing. And this morning was one of them.

Bryce filled his plate and woofed down the first helping getting up for another helping before Chuck finished his eggs. "Man, Alexander this is amazing, much better than some of the places that I had to eat in." Alexander nodded then took a sip of his coffee. He looked at Sarah giving her a Larkin smile that made her stomach twist but when Chuck lowered his hand and squeezed hers, she felt better. The five continued to eat until Casey got up and brought his notes to Chuck. Chuck wiped his fingers off with his napkin and grabbed his notes. Chuck scanned the first page." So, we have an idea so far who our players are, and Bryce confirmed a few. We have Alexis White and Tommy who we now know were recruited by Fulcrum around the same time he stole the files. He said that he was in a closed meeting with a few others, and they were discussing the direction that the CIA was taking." Bryce interrupted. "Anyways, I was in this meeting and Beckman comes in briefly only to leave then Clyde Decker arrives. Not sure why Beckman was there. Maybe to see who we all were. But I know that she was watching somewhere. The meeting starts and there are about eight of us. Decker, Alexis Winters, Bill Bergey, Bernie Ominsky, Tommy Delgado, Brandon Stacey, Dennis Barry who was standing in for Dr. Howard Busgang and Dr Jonas Zarnow and myself. Bergey, he was responsible for recruitment and Bernie Ominsky was known as uncle, the rest are at this point former CIA agents. We sit down and Decker starts on this rant about how the CIA has not been doing their job and it is about time that we did something about it. My sources tell me that there is a way that we can make the changes we want to happen, and still do what is best for the agency. He then introduced the new name, selling it like he would sell something on the home shopping network. That is when Fulcrum was born. He continued to talk about this new innovated piece that brought in Dennis Berry."

"That's the name I found." Sarah looking at Bryce.

Chuck was now making more connections. Sarah continued. "So, what does Berry have to do with this?"

"He was working for Busgang and Zarnow. Busgang was also working with a man named Orion. Bryce looked at Chuck, almost as if he was waiting for him to react. When Chuck didn't respond Bryce continued. "Berry is an engineer with a background in chemistry and that they had created what we know now is the chemical makeup of how the intersect works. They were focused on the science part while Decker was only focused on how many millions he could make if this thing actually worked. The only hurdle was that Orion didn't see it as a money maker, he saw it as a tool for agents. To better equip them in the field. When I found out what their intentions were, we decided to go the route that I did. I broke into the DNI and took the files, where Casey met me and shot me. I figured that Beckman made the call to alert people like you Casey, with some sad story that threatened the security of the US of A." Casey sat back and kinda grunted. "She made it sound important."

"It was but if I didn't do what I did, not only would Orion's work be lost, Decker and his minions would be living very large right now and the CIA would look very different."

"You keep saying we. Who else besides you knew of this change? I am guessing that you were on our side and that you just happened to join this meeting."

"Yes and no, Chuck, I was debriefed by Graham after he had suspicions that his department was getting an overhaul after 911 and that the NSA led by Beckman was taking over. They agreed to share intel and the Intersect was the end package. Decker got wind of this and asked to be a part of this. So as far as I know what I stole made them mad and made them go back to the drawing board. I am guessing that Decker sent Tommy to go after me after I made them believe that what I stole I uploaded it. But instead, I sent it to you."

"And they have me killed."

"They didn't need two of you, let's just say that your version was CIA, and their version was Fulcrum. Similar but some of the intel of course would be different and that is what they wanted. They wanted to control the intel, to control every aspect of it. So, Beckman got Casey to do what he did."

"So, this Fulcrum version. What do you know about it?"

"Sarah as far as I know this data and intel is still being created. The cipher that Colt came after you guys for was just the intel part. The chemistry and the science are what Busgang and Zarnow were working on."

"But Zarnow came after Chuck months ago."

"Yes, and he failed to report that Chuck not me was the one with the intersect. Then when word filtered down, I don't know how."

"Beckman." Casey grunted.

"Maybe, after my fake funeral, then I reappeared, they sent Tommy still believing that I had it."

Chuck turned to face the group. "We know that Beckman, Graham and the people in this room were the only ones that knew that I was the only one, so why would she send Longshore or even Tommy for that matter."

"To keep up appearances."

Sarah said. "I was sent on behalf of Graham to retrieve the files and bring them back for safe keeping. He made no indication that the NSA was doing something different. They sent Casey but I figured that it was just a competition on who's team could get the files faster but when we both found out that wasn't the case, they decided to work together?"

"Sarah, they had no choice." Bryce looked at Sarah. "If one team showed that they were out for something else then too many fingers would be pointed at the CIA and then Fulcrum wouldn't be able to operate under the radar. I bet that the agency doesn't know that they exist. They don't, that is why I left to look into Fulcrum full time after Tommy was taken out. We had to make Fulcrum believe that the Intersect was not with Chuck but that I was the only one who knew where it was."

"Again, that was Beckman that set that up." Chuck folding his arms.

Chuck sat back and Alexander excused himself, leaning over Casey. "I'll leave you guys." Casey nodded then grabbed some more coffee.

Casey took a sip then looked at the three. "Okay, we were all taken in by Beckman in one form or another, not saying that Graham is innocent in all of this either. So, from now on – we trust no one other than the people in this room in regard to Chuck being alive. We will make Beckman and Graham believe that Sarah and I are doing our thing and Bryce is being Bryce. We will keep Chuck dead as along as we can. Our goal now is to find out the why? And I am guessing now that we have a little background, it was Decker who didn't need any loose ends and forced Beckman to follow through on his orders. But what gets me is why would Beckman cave in for someone like Decker." Casey grunting. Then they all looked at Bryce.

"I don't know, honestly, I don't know why she caved or whether she has both feet in this. But it does look like she is playing both sides and is seeing which one will benefit her in the end and which one will not. And if that is the case there could be others."

Sarah looked at Chuck, who looked lost. If she felt that all of this was too much information to process, she couldn't imagine what it was doing to Chuck.

Later that morning, Chuck sat at the computer and his makeshift system when he heard his ring tone. He looked around, he hadn't thought about his phone since this all happened. He figured that having Sarah here he didn't need it. He looked up and seeing Casey placing it on the table as he was adjusting the volume. He looked at it. "How?" Casey took the cell and showed him what he had been doing. "Ellie called about a week after you left. And learning a few tricks from you I sent her a quick message as if she missed your call." Chuck sat down and listened to his sister's message. It was like he was really talking to her. She had called a couple more times so maybe it's time to actually talk to her. Chuck was full of emotions at this point. He looked up at Casey. "Thanks for thinking of my sister." Chuck took a deep breath and called his sister. He put it on speaker. "Hey sis."

"Chuck?"

"Yeah, sorry I missed your call."

"How are you?" Hearing his sisters voice, had been missed. He paused slightly reaching instinctively to his shoulder.

"Been good." Sarah sat down and grabbed a pad of paper jotting down what he could say. Sarah scribbled down install. Chuck looked at the pad. "Yeah, another install."

"And you two?"

"Busy. Learning lots and we have had a few days to go sightseeing."

"Great."

"How's Sarah?" Chuck grabbed her hand.

"She's great as always, and Casey is too."

Sarah wrote down Buy More picking up shipment. Made a short holiday. Chuck looking confused. "Well actually Ellie, Casey and I are on a buying trip. Big Mike wanted some new product so Casey and I are in?"

Sarah wrote down San Diego. "We are in. San Diego."

"Is this new?" Chuck looked up. "Very, saving the middleman. We got the product from the wholesale and we save on shipping if we do it ourselves. But we are still shipping it back. So, I'm not sure if it is a win-win situation." Ellie laughed.

"Well enjoy your little holiday. Got to run Chuck good to finally hear from you. We should be home in a few weeks."

"Sounds good."

"Miss you."

"Miss you too Ellie." Chuck hung up. He subtly wiped a tear away as Sarah reached over and gave him a hug then quickly put her arms down as Bryce walked in. He sat down like he owned the place. "So, what's up Chuck?"

His timing was impeccable as always and his nonverbal skills lacked for being a spy. Sarah spoke for Chuck. "We were about to talk about the people involved maybe get a plan in place." Sarah smiled at Chuck. When Bryce was right there with an answer. "Yeah, sounds good. What do we want to do with him being dead and all."

Chuck got up and left. Sarah looked at Bryce. "Really?"

"What?"

The next morning

Alexander looked up while reading his book and smiled as he watched Chuck and Sarah heading to the showers. He continued to smile. He had enjoyed having those two here as it had been very quiet these past years. And when Casey had called, it was the sound of his son's voice that made him instantly feel something for the kid. The way his son spoke of him and how they had become friends despite what he had to do to him. With all the fatherly advice, Alexander couldn't see any other way to make this look like he was dead. Casey had told him that they were watching, something that Chuck learned to live with, so it was hard to pull the trigger.

He goes back to reading his book when he flipped to the next chapter seeing Larkin walking around, obviously looking for something or someone. He kept his nose in his book when Larkin stood in front of him. "Have you seen Sarah or Chuck?"

"No."

Larkin left and went inside the main area.

Chuck placed his lips on Sarah's shoulder then settled inside her neck. It was a bit crowded with the two of them in the stall but big enough for them to have some time together. This was all new to them and finding time to spend together was limited as Bryce was always hanging around. Sarah ran her hands down his chest grabbing the soap but settled on just being in his arms. Chuck lifted her up into his arms as she smiled at his strength. He continued to kiss her. Things were progressing nicely.

Alexander saw Bryce moving inside and knew he had to warn the kids. He remembered that the kids didn't want Bryce to know about them, just from what he had seen between them and what Chuck had told him about their situation/ relationship.

Things were progressing when Chuck braced himself not to knock over the stall when they heard a knock. They froze. "Sorry, Alexander here, heads up. Sorry. Larkin is looking for you two." Chuck looked at Sarah as she hid her face in his chest. As Chuck answered for the two of them. "Thanks."

Alexander walked away. Chuck looked down at Sarah. "I guess this will have to wait." Sarah looked up at him. "Not this time." Chuck smiled then kissed her. Chuck lifted her up again as she wrapped her legs around him. It was quick, quicker than they wanted it to be but they weren't going to stop just because Bryce was looking for them. Chuck shut the water off and wrapped a towel around Sarah as he grabbed one for himself. Sarah quickly dried off as Chuck snuck out the back of the tent and around the back to come up behind his tent. Sarah got dressed then came out of the shower as Bryce came down the path. She finished putting her hair in a messy bun and headed towards the main area. "You seen Chuck?"

"He's in his tent." Bryce was sure that he wasn't but he went to check again. Chuck slipped on a cap, wearing it backwards to hide his wet hair. As he laid on the floor of the tent looking like he was doing sit ups when Larkin knocked. Chuck stood up. "Oh, you are here."

"Yeah, just working the shoulder." Larkin walked in and sat down. Chuck grabbed a towel and dapped his face.

"What do you want Bryce?" It was evident that he didn't want anything in particular and Chuck was glad that he and Sarah had their time together. Sarah walked down towards Chucks tent not liking the urgency of anything Bryce wanted. She came up to the tents door when she saw Bryce looking at Chuck's shoulder. Chuck knew he was looking at the wound and knew that there would be a remark coming shortly. "It seems that we both ended up at the end of one of Casey's guns." Sarah walked in. Sarah wanted to say something but Chuck raised his hand, letting Sarah know that he was ready for this one. "Very observant. I didn't get shot because, I stole something. I got shot because you stole some thing and gave it to me. You got shot because you felt that this had to be protected."

As he pointed to his head. "If you want to dissect this psychologically or even mathematically hear this. Two bullets one problem equals you." Sarah got a huge smile on her face as Bryce headed to the door, her facial expression changed. Bryce stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Casey wants to debrief in 10."

Bryce walked down the path with his tale between his legs as Sarah walked in further into the tent. Chuck grabbed a t shirt then froze. "How dare he!"

Sarah gave Chuck a hug. "I think he got the message."

Sarah kissed his cheek. "Proud of you. I know that was hard to do."

"It's not that. He's always been like that. Even at Stanford he had to make it look and sound like it was his idea and nothing else mattered. No matter who was involved." Chuck sat down and slipped his shoes on. "Yes, he sent this to me knowing why? That is what I want to know."

Sarah sat down beside him. Chuck continued. "Why me? If he knew that this could happen."

"I'm not agreeing with him and what he did, but maybe he didn't realize what was to come. He was acting in the moment. Yes, he could have told you months ago when he came back and answered your questions then, but maybe we need to find out the answers ourselves."

Sarah pulled Chuck's face towards hers as she kissed his cheek. Chuck turned to meet her lips. As he kissed her, he spoke. "The only good thing in all of this, was I met you." He kissed her again. "Love you." Sarah got up grabbing his hand. "Love you too."

Chuck and Sarah entered the main area not seeing Casey or Alexander and by the looks of things there was no meeting. Chuck and Sarah grabbed a drink and tended to a few kisses. Bryce walked in, as he sees Sarah wiping her lips and her cheeks are flushed. Chuck walked off sitting by the computer. Sarah headed to the back to check on her laundry. Bryce followed. Sarah sees him in the corner of her eyes. "Now what Bryce."

"You and Chuck, not a good idea."

"It's none of your business."

"It is. You'll jeopardize his life. People think he's dead."

"I can live quite nicely off grid."

"But can he?" His tone quite sharp.

"Why did you come here? You could have just called. You coming here not only changes things but it makes things worse. Now not only the fact that they are coming after me they are coming after you which means they will be coming for Chuck. And who I love is none of your business."

"You and Chuck together is putting his life in danger."

"Really! Who's calling the kettle black. As far as they know he's dead and I rather keep it that way and be happy than have him alive and hunted. You leave Chuck alone and we will deal with this like we have been doing this whole time. We don't need your help now."

Sarah grabbed her wet items and walked out.

The next day

Bryce lets Casey know that he is leaving. Casey asks Alexander to drive him back to town and make sure he leaves. Bryce looks back at the main room then walks out with Alexander. They drive off when Bryce sees a message. He listens to the message then looks at Alexander. "Graham is dead."

"What?"

"The upload cipher was a dud. We need to turn around, I need to tell Chuck."

"No, it will sound better coming from me."

Alexander drives into town and drives Bryce to his car that he had parked days ago.

Alexander returned walking up to Casey and telling him what had happened. Casey then motioned for Sarah to come over. "Bryce got a call, Graham is dead."

Sarah tried not to respond to get Chuck's attention. "I guess the cipher they put in this trial was a dud. The whole thing, including Graham and the rest blew up."

"We need to tell him."

"I know Sarah, we don't need this right now."

Sarah started to walk away. "No, we don't."

She walked over to the table and called over to Chuck. "Chuck, can you come here." Chuck got up from sitting in front of the computer. "Bryce gone?"

Sarah nodded. "Chuck sit." Chuck sat down as Sarah gave him a kiss. He smiled. "What was that for?

"I have something to tell you."

"Alexander drove Bryce into town and he had a message on his phone."

"What now? What else could he tell us."

Sarah looked at him with mournful eyes, then she hugged him. Chuck at this point very concerned. "What's wrong?"

Casey and Alexander walked closer to the table. "Graham is dead. The cipher they uploaded was a Trojan horse. Blew up as soon as it came online."

Chuck held her tighter as reality kicked in. Graham was their only inside person to all this mess and now he was dead. Sarah sat back and looked at Chuck. He tried to smile but she knew he was done. Their hopes in all of this gone. Chuck got up and headed back to the computer. Making Casey take notice. Chuck started typing. Casey walked up to him. "What doing Chuck?"

Chuck started typing and somehow got into testing. Casey and Sarah sat down. The two watched him type away. Impressing Casey and adding to the level of love Sarah had for him. "I'm wondering if we can find out who administered the test. There has to be an engineer someone to monitor the results." Chuck eventually found a code. He pointed to the screen. "This person logged in remotely and switched the cipher."

"Someone switched the cipher." Alexander came in from behind. "It looks like it. It looks like the one they took from you was legit. It was fragmented from the version you have and the files that were originally created by this Orion fellow." Chuck cleared his throat. "They could easily make one similar to what I have."

"So why the switch?" Sarah looking at Chuck. "I'm guessing that was the only way that Fulcrum could take control controlling all the intel that I have. Now they don't have competition either by me or by Graham." The three got quiet.

Casey and Sarah walked away. Sarah looking at Chuck then at Casey. "So now what? Graham is dead that lead is gone."

"But Chuck found out that they switched the cipher they took from me and putting in their own data in it creating a dud, a Trojan horse. Once it went online it blew up. Now Fulcrum thinks that their version is the only one left."

Alexander padded Chuck on the shoulder then joined Sarah and Casey. "Guys, just wondering what is this Intersect?"

Casey looked at Alexander then he looked at Sarah. "It's up to Chuck."

Chuck turned around hearing the three talking. "You three are the only ones I trust. And I don't think Alexander would say or do anything. He's too loyal. Like someone we know." Casey knew they knew. Sarah faced Alexander. Once she got an okay from Chuck, she told Alexander. "The intersect was a set of files, intel a smorgasbord of government files that were combined with technology to be uploaded into agents. It was developed as a tool where an agent would be self sufficient out in the field. This Orion fellow created it along with Busgang and his team. When Bryce found out that it was not going to be used for good. He stole the files and gave it to the only person he knew could take care of it. Someone that no one could find." Chuck walked over to Sarah and grabbed her hand. "So, a year ago Graham sent me." "And Beckman sent me. Casey responding. "Looking for what we thought were files on a hard drive." Alexander added. "Like a computer drive?"

Sarah continued. "That is what we thought they were but when we found out that it was much bigger than a file and that it was uploaded it changed everything. We were no longer there for the files but to protect the person who now housed those government files. I became his handler and Casey was the muscle." Alexander looked at Chuck. "Thank you, not many people would be able to handle that amount of data. It almost makes he think that you were destined to have this." The three looked at each other. They had always wondered why Bryce picked Chuck besides the only person he trusted but how did he know he'd be able to handle that amount of data.

Alexander slid his hand into his pocket. "Hey Chuck." He walked up to Chuck. Chuck turned around. "Bryce gave me these, he said that he didn't need them anymore." Chuck looked at them then took them from Alexander and placed them on the table. Then went outside. Sarah watched him for awhile. She hated seeing him struggle. She was trained for this and even after a year of watching him, he still saw the good in people and this world was not his. He never asked for this and now the one person he thought he'd rely on was now dead by possibly the other people he had some trust for.

Chuck walked in and saw the glasses and they were obviously designer made, slick black frames and wide arms if Bryce had them. He grabbed them then twirled them by the one arm and headed outside again. He stopped looking up at the sky which for that split second shone down the brightest sun beam he had seen in awhile. He slid the glasses on and to humor the situation he voiced 'Charles Carmichael.' Instantly he stood up and shown images and flashes of lights that made his body start to sway. His eyes flickered and adjusted to thousands of images still running its course. The lights stopped and the images slowed down and everything went black. He stood for what seemed like hours then fell backwards. Sarah returned to check on Chuck, he wasn't where she last saw him. She walked outside and saw him fall backwards. She yelled "Chuck!" "Casey." Casey came running out with Alexander behind him. Sarah ran to him tossing the glasses off his face. She saw his eyes still flickering. Casey picked him up and carried him to his tent. Sarah grabbed a towel and wiped the sweat off his face. Alexander looked concerned even more than Sarah and Casey were. Sarah touched his face. "Chuck wake up." Worriedness over taking her as she had never saw this happen to him before. His eyes still flickered till they finally started to settle. Sarah continued to call out to him. Half hour later Chuck opened his eyes. "I hate Bryce Larkin." Chuck sat up as Sarah adjusted his pillows. "What happened?" Sarah still tending to him. "I'm guessing that the glasses were some form of an upgrade." Sarah and Casey looked at each other thinking the same thing. Alexander watched the two of them exchange glances like pros. Alexander itching to answer the obvious question that they were all thinking. "Okay, but how would he happen to have an upgrade as you call it on him, if he thought that Chuck was dead."

Chuck looked at Alexander. "Good question Alexander. Good question."

Sarah gave him some aspirin and some water. Chuck laid back down. Sarah kissed his cheek then the three of them walked out. "Does he always collapse?"

"This is the first time we've seen this happen. I am guessing that it was similar to the first time he uploaded the files. Chuck once said that he was out for a very long time." She looked back. "We will let him sleep." The three headed back into the main area and wondered how Bryce had an upgrade on him if he had just happened to hear that Chuck was dead. And if so, who told him.

Casey paced the room. "Why would Larkin have an upgrade on him, a coincidence or was it planned?" Sarah leaned against the table. "He had to hear from someone that he was dead. Maybe Decker's group were told at the same time."

Casey stopped and looked at Sarah. "Sarah, it doesn't make sense. Besides finding out that you were recently at the safe house, where was he? And if he were still undercover, looking into Fulcrum why would he have an upgrade and who gave him that upgrade. It couldn't be Graham."

" Could it be this Beckman?" Alexander pulling up a chair.

Casey turned to face Alexander. "Maybe not. I don't think she knows how exactly this thing works. It has to be someone on the inside, someone that gave the glasses to Bryce and the same person who gave him the info about the Intersect in the first place."

A few days later

Sarah tossed and turned rolling to her side. 'Sarah walked up to the door anticipating their supper date after another date that failed. Well at least they almost got to dessert and almost another kiss. She remembered him talking about all the secrets he had and how close he was. She could smell his cologne. A smile came to her face as she slept. She knocked on the door then entered. Not sure why she just walked in as he always opened the door for her. The room was dark except for a faint light that shone on two figures. Sarah entered the living room seeing Chuck. He smiled at her then his face turned to terror. Out from the darkness was a gun and Casey staring at Chuck. The gun went off. Sarah watched in slow motion the bullet hit Chuck and him falling forward. By the time she reached him he was lying in his own blood.' Sarah woke up screaming. Chuck turned to face her trying to console her. Casey and Alexander ran inside. "Is everyone okay?"

"Sorry guys." Sarah trying to get her breath. "Just had a nightmare. Was wondering when another one would come."

Casey and Alexander looked at the two as Sarah brought Chuck's arms tighter around her. "You two going to be okay?" Chuck looked up. "Yeah, thanks Alexander, Casey." The two headed out as Chuck laid back taking her with him. The tent was quiet again except for the noises outside.

"Want to talk about it?"

Her silence gave him his answer. He covered her up, holding her close still feeling her shake. Sarah eventually spoke. "Just hold me." Chuck brought her close and kissed the top of her head. He flipped off the light.

Later that week

Sarah walked into the main area, looking for Chuck. Since the nightmare she had been overly aware of the fact that her nightmares were more that she wanted to accept. Though she now knew that he was alive, that fear that someone else was still lurking around the corner and behind all of this. She wanted answers but not what she heard as she walked in seeing Chuck and Casey talking. Sarah caught the end of their conversation and it freaked her out, storming off, surprising Chuck off guard. Chuck called after her, running after her. She finally turned around. "Why would you want to do something like that."

Casey and Alexander could hear them back at the tent. Casey went to the door. But Alexander stopped him. "Let them figure this out son."

"But."

"No. They need to talk."

They watched as Sarah stormed into their tent. Chuck followed. Sarah turning around. "Why?"

Chuck looked at her. "Sarah it's all we have. We have to find these people. Wouldn't you want to know who wanted you killed?" Sarah never really thought about it that way. "There has to be another way." Sarah's voice softened.

"What is there? We have no one on our side. Bryce is who knows where." Both remembering the upgrade. "He comes and leaves a big mess for us to fix. That includes this upgrade and why would he just happen to have an upgrade if he thought that I was dead." Sarah wondered that too. "So, no we can't rely on him. And now Graham is dead. Even though he wasn't my favourite person he could have been some help. And Sarah we don't know how deep Beckman is in with Decker. So, honestly, we have nobody but us."

They looked at each other for awhile till Sarah faced Chuck. "Okay when do we leave?" Chuck went quiet. "When do we leave Chuck?" As she walked towards him. "You're not coming."

"Funny Chuck." She met his eyes. "It's not safe for you to come."

"Not safe! You got to be kidding."

"Sarah it's just Casey and me. You're not coming. Because you're not suppose to know that I am alive. I am dead to you and everyone else and if you show up not only is your life in danger so is everyone else's. You're not suppose to know. What would DC say if you showed up asking questions. People will talk then eventually Beckman and Decker will find out. Casey and I have to go in alone." Chuck placed his hands on her shoulders. Chuck started to talk, his voice soft and caring. "I would move heaven and earth to have you come and I wish you could be by my side. But this is how it has to be. We go in for the answers we need then we can shut this down."

"What then if you get the answers you want. There will be others."

"Maybe but right now one threat is all we can handle."

Chuck moved his one hand and placed it on her face. "I appreciate all that you have done and where we have come from." Sarah looked at him anticipating what was about to happen. When his lips met hers all that was said seemed minor. Sarah slid her hand around the back of his head bringing him closer. Breaking the kiss. "You promise to come back, still breathing. "Always." He kissed her again. Sarah led Chuck to the cots and sat him down. She faced him. She stroked his face and pulled back his hair over his ear. He let her have her moment. He slowly unbuttoned her shirt removing it off her shoulders. He leaned toward placing kisses on her stomach. Her breath hitched. Chuck slid his hand up from her waist to her neck. They fell back together, making the rest of the night theirs.

Hours later

Casey quietly entered their tent and carefully tapped Chuck on his shoulder. "It's time to go." He leaves as quickly as he entered. Chuck rolled over and kissed her shoulder as she rolled to face him. "It's time." They got dressed in silence and headed out driving back to town then to an airstrip. Chuck held her close. "It's just for a little while." Sarah knew the risks of entering a country for normal op reasons but when you're supposed to be dead and people think you're dead makes it harder. But she knew he needed to go and she trusted Casey despite what he did. Casey said goodbye to Sarah then walked over to Alexander. "We'll let you know when we touch down." Alexander nodded. Casey slipped inside the plane. Chuck kissed Sarah a few more times then walked towards the plane as Alexander held the door open. "Keep her safe."

"Will do, and you two stay safe."

"We will, we'll call on the burner when we arrive." Alexander held the door open as Chuck stepped inside closing the door behind him. Sarah stood watching the plane start up. She knew that Casey's plan made sense but she wasn't ready to let him go again not knowing what could happen and anything could happen. The plane started to move down the runway. Sarah wiped a tear as the plane ascended into the early morning sky. When it disappeared, Alexander put his arm around her. "They will be okay. Let's go get something to eat and have a good cup of coffee." Sarah looked into the sky not seeing the plane feeling completely empty and not being able to do anything.