A/N I wrote this chapter before I heard the sad news about Nichelle Nichols. It's purely coincidence that I had mentioned her iconic role on Star Trek. She was a ground breaker, and I was madly in love with her as a teen. I've never done this before.

I dedicate this chapter to Nichelle Nichols in thanks for the joy she added to my life. Live Long and Prosper Nichelle, wherever you may be and whatever that may mean to you now.

A Heart Torn

A Charah Tale

By Lord Rapier

Edited and guided by CliffM

Chapter 22:

Natasha

Or The Fan is Still Hungry

Mrs. Sawyer pops her head in the door, "Boss, I'm going to take a quick break, can I bring something back for you? Would you like me to bring someone up to cover the phones?"

Chuck shakes his head, "I'm good. No need, I think I can handle it."

Mrs. Sawyer nods, "Okay, I won't be gone long."

Chuck is working on his computer when his private line rings, "Carmichael Industries, how can I help you."

A husky feminine voice says in a heavy Russian accent, "Dis is Charles Carmichael, his very self?"

Chuck's brow furrows, "It is, and with whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

The voice sounds breathless, "I am, how you say in your country dahling, an admirer. I have long vanted to vith you meet. vould that be possible?"

Chuck is getting suspicious, "Well Ma'am, perhaps if you tell me which of our services, you're interested in. I can direct you to the right department.?"

The voice grows angry, the accent heavier. "NYET, I Vill deal only vith you. I must have the very best. Cost is of no concern to me."

Chuck is about ready to press the emergency alert for security. "Well Madam I can hardly discuss cost if I don't know what it is you need from me."

"Da… dat is reasonable," her voice softens, but the accent remains. "I have an urgent matter that only you can help me vith. I am vearing a short, tight red dress and I cannot find my, how you say, panties. I must have my toes sucked, immediately. Is a matter of life and death. I had dem painted just today. It vas a gift from mine lover, and dey are lonely and vant to be vorshipped."

Chuck realizes it's Sarah and quietly, cracks up laughing, "I see, well you picked the right time. You see my wife is out for the day, and she won't be back for a couple of hours. Let me give you, my address. I can meet you there in say… ten minutes. However, I have to warn you, it will be costly. My wife can be very jealous. If she catches me sucking another woman's toes… let's just say she's a dangerous woman, she's been known to kill."

The woman sucks in a deep breath (still Russian), "I do not care, no risk is too great. I am told you are the vorld's greatest toe sucker. I must have you… I must."

Chuck is smiling from ear to ear. He's loving that Sarah is being playful. "Very well then, ten minutes…"

Sarah interrupts him, still in her Russian accent, "Vait, there is more. Dere is a spot behind my knees. You must pay close attention to it. But you must not let my toes know vhat you are doing. Dey are to get very jealous. If it should happen, that while you are paying that spot behind my knees attention. Vhile you are kissing me there… if you should hear me moan, you mustn't stop. I vill endure this… I must for the sake of the vorld. Yes, it's true, only by this action can ve save de vorld. It is imperative that ve do dis together. Ve must, so many lives are at stake. HURRY! Dere is no time to vaste." The phone goes dead.

Chuck is laughing hard when he pokes his head out the door, "Ah, Mrs. S. good you're back. I'll be leaving for the day. I'll have to get your souvenirs to you tomorrow. Ms. Walker just called. It seems there's an emergency that requires my immediate attention."

Mrs. Sawyer looks at him, "Uh huh, an emergency. You've had a lot of emergencies since Ms. Walker arrived."

Chuck smiles, "That's true, but I think this might be the good type of emergency."

His P.A. laughs, "Seems to me that smile on your face tells me they've all been the good kind of emergency."

Chuck heads back into his office. "See you tomorrow, you dirty old lady."

Mrs. Sawyer yells at him, "Excuse me young man, who are you calling old? Dirty maybe, but old… watch it buster."

"Hmmmm that was rude, my apologies. I guess my mind is elsewhere, bye, gotta go. Almost forgot, would you ask the driver to pick us up in the garage at six thirty please? Tell him we'll be going to El Compadre, then out for drinks and dancing."

Chuck rushes through his office to his private elevator. He's bouncing up and down, "I swear this is the slowest elevator in the world." Finally, he gets the door open and Chuck's jaw drops. Sarah is standing there, wearing a tight, short, low cut, red dress as promised. Her shoulders bare, her breasts move as she breathes deep, her thighs barely covered. Her feet are in candy apple red four-inch stiletto heels. Her lips bright red, her make up done perfectly to accentuate her features. Her hair swept up on top of her head. "Oh my God, Sarah you're, you're… incredible… I… I…"

Sarah screams at him in a heavy Russian accent, "WHO IS THIS SARAH? I am Natasha, dangerous Russian espionage agent." She wiggles her finger at him, "Come American spy, you vill suck my toes and I vill tell you all of mine secrets."

Chuck approaches her as if in a trance. He falls to his knees and kisses her right foot. Sarah smiles, "Yessss, dis is good, you vill vorship Natasha's feet." He begins to slowly kiss his way up her leg, caressing her calf. His lips touch that spot behind her knee. Sarah shudders and sucks in a deep breath through her teeth. She puts her left foot on his shoulder and pushes him away. Chuck falls on his butt. Sarah looks down at him, (still Russian), "NYET! I am hungry. You vill feed Natasha. Later you vill finish to vorship me."

Chuck stands up, he looks into his bride's eyes. He takes a deep breath and blows it out. "Baby, I will never finish worshipping you."

A tear starts to form in Sarah's eyes, "Nyet, I do not wish to hear your lady feelings. Now you vill feed me. Let me varn you American spy. You will feed me vell, or I vill not tell to you, mine secrets."

Standing up, Chuck takes her face in his hands and kisses her tenderly. "I want to know all your secrets. Every one of them. I promise to protect you and them with my life."

Sarah sighs and takes him in her arms, in her own voice, "Chuck, you're making it very hard to stay in character. I wanted you to have fun, to show you I can be fun."

Chuck holds her close, "I am having fun. Let's go have dinner. You know, I was trying to figure out what was wrong with you, if it was that you're not funny, or that you're a cannibal." Sarah laughs at the memory.

Chuck pulls out his Tranq gun and hands it to her. "Baby would you mind, I plan on having a couple of drinks, so just in case." Sarah puts the gun in her small purse and hands Chuck her wrap. He puts it around her shoulders then takes her hand and walks with her to the elevator, "I have a very special place in mind for dinner. If you don't like it, we can go anyplace you want."

As the elevator door closes, "Chuck, as long as I'm with you, anyplace is exactly where I want to be."

The elevator arrives at the garage level. Clifford is standing at the car holding the door open. Chuck helps Sarah into the car catching a glimpse of her bare bottom. He turns to the driver, "Clifford I'm sorry about the late night. I plan to do some drinking and prefer not to drive. You'll have tomorrow off."

As Chuck slides into the car next to Sarah, "No problem, sir, I appreciate that. I'll be sure to get the two of you home safely tonight."

Once in the back seat of the car, Chuck reaches over and puts his arm around his wife, pulling her close. "I'm sorry I interrupted our roleplay. Can we pick it up again after dinner. For right now I really want to be with the former Sarah Walker. Seems we both had special treats in mind for tonight. Did you have a nice day today with Alex?"

Sarah tilts her head up to smile at Chuck, "I did, Baby that was such a nice gift. It helped me relax so much. Your voice mail was the cherry on top. Did you actually work things out with Ellie?"

Chuck's voice gets soft, "No Sarah, that's still on you. But I did get her to the point where she will hear you. She's still in protection mode. Remember my parents didn't just leave me. She wasn't that much older than me when I got dumped on her. Even before he left, my dad wasn't really there. She was forced to take on a lot of responsibility for the house, and for me. I'll always be grateful to her. I doubt there's any way I can ever repay her for that. Maybe returning her little sister to her, will help. Perhaps, maybe a niece or nephew or two also."

Sarah sits up to look in Chuck's eyes, "I promise I'll do my best to heal things with her, whatever it takes. Do you think it will help if she gets to help plan our wedding with the First Lady? Before I forget, Alex loved your gift too. She said to tell you thank you. You should have seen the look on her face when the cleaning crew said they would be coming back every two weeks. She actually threatened to steal you from me. Um… I hope you don't mind. We did kind of go a little overboard on the shopping."

Chuck smiles and leans down to kiss the top of her head, "Hon, it's your money, spend it anyway you like. I don't think you have too much to worry about. Alex is madly in love with Morgan. Sometimes he forgets to show how he feels about her, so I help out."

Sarah takes a deep breath, "You're a good friend. Actually you may want to give him a call and remind him to say something nice about her new clothes."

Chuck smiles as he reaches into his inner jacket pocket. "Good idea," he starts to text… Morgan, Alex got new clothes today, make sure you make a fuss over them. "There that should help him stay out of the doghouse."

The car stops and Clifford opens the door. Chuck gets out and helps Sarah to the curb. She looks up, sees the sign for El Compadre and smiles wide, "Sweetheart, our first, first date. You're such a romantic. How did I ever get so lucky?"

Chuck takes her hand, "Once again, I will remind you, I'm the lucky one. Just ask Natasha. She knows all the secrets."

When Sarah and Chuck step inside the crowded restaurant, the people and the noise fade away as the rush of emotions overwhelms them both. Chuck turns to Sarah, "We've been through so much together. The best part is we have so much more ahead of us. I love you, Sarah."

Sarah looks at him, and in her Russian accent, "Stop, you make, dangerous Russian espionage agent, Natasha, to cry."

Chuck is laughing when the Maître D' approaches them, he catches them staring into each other's eyes. He clears his throat, "Ahem, Señor, Señora, may I help you?"

Chuck continues to look at Sarah, he nods, "We have a reservation, for the Bartowskis."

The Maître D' nods, "Yes of course sir, right this way." He shows them to the same booth they had their first meal in together.

Sarah starts to shake her head as the tears come, "I can't take it, how did you arrange this?"

Chuck waits until she's seated on her side of the booth before he sits, "Baby, I wish I could take credit, I can't. I guess it's the same fates that threw us together."

Sarah lets the tears happen. "I love you Chuck Bartowski, I want you more than the air I breathe. I've wanted you since the first day I met you. Please my love, don't ever doubt it. I swear to you, it's true."

Chuck smiles shyly, his emotions welling up inside, "So, tell me Sarah Walker, am I any good as a baggage handler, better than Bruce maybe?"

Sarah laughs, "You handle my baggage way better than anyone ever could. Nobody but you will ever touch my baggage again."

Chuck looks at her deadpan, "We're talking about two things, you mean your sexy bits too, right?"

Sarah laughs so hard the other patrons turn to look her way. "Oh Baby, I'm all yours. All the bits… sexy, crazy, scared, all the bits. But mostly… my heart, nobody could ever touch my heart the way that you do. Nobody."

Sarah and Chuck talk about lighthearted things. Sarah goes on and on about how much she loves the twins. How that was the most time she has ever spent with children. How she wants to be a mom. Now more than ever.

"I had such a good time with Alex today. We made it official and adopted each other as sisters." Sarah's voice gets low and soft. "Baby, she was wonderful. She held my hand, literally and figuratively. She helped me figure out why I'm so frightened of you."

Chuck tenses and sits back shocked, "Frightened! You're frightened of me? I'm so sorry, Sarah."

Sarah shakes her head, "No Sweetheart, never. I said that all wrong." Chuck relaxes and leans in to hear what she has to say.

Sarah takes a deep breath, "I was frightened by what you were offering me. Love, honesty, trust, but the scariest thing of all was safety." Sarah hesitates, "I… I… was terrified because I felt safe with you. I didn't understand what I was feeling, it scared me. To be honest, Alex helped me realize that I'm not real clear on a lot of what I'm feeling, it's all so new. One thing I know for sure, I love you.

Alex pointed out, that there's a likelihood that we'll hurt each other. That it's all part of sharing my life with someone else. She helped me understand that if we trust each other and don't run from the hurt, we will get past it.

You were right Chuck. We can do this. I understand what you were trying to tell me. It's kind of a two-edged sword for me though. I've never been part of a family and it's freaking me out a little. At the same time, I've never felt so safe. I'm surrounded by people who love me.

Mr. Bartowski, you did this for me. You melted my heart and made me this puddle of tears. I will be forever grateful, for your patience, your devotion, and for your wonderful giving heart. My Handsome Magical Nerd Wizard, you've cast a spell upon me. I am forever your prisoner. I was trapped in a tower that only you could climb. I may have been separated from you for a while. But you were always with me. You were teaching me lessons. Whispering in my ear. Filling me with love.

Chuck is dumbstruck as he listens to Sarah's declaration. He stares into her eyes, finally able to speak, "I'm reminded of a story my mom used to read to me when I was little, 'Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair so that I may climb the golden stair.' Sarah, I don't know what to say, except…thank you for letting me climb into your tower, trusting me to be with you. Thank you for loving me." They hold each other's hands staring into each other's eyes, allowing the moment to last.

A few minutes pass and Sarah picks up her spoon and feeds Chuck some ice cream, getting whipped cream all over his nose. She giggles, and he smiles at how much he enjoys seeing the little girl in her.

Chuck fills Sarah in on how it went with Ellie. He reminds her that his parents didn't just abandon him, that his sister has some sore spots too. He reassures her, "I think things will work out okay. You may have to hear some stuff that's hurtful. Ellie will need to get her pain out of her system. I'm sorry that you'll bear the brunt of my parents actions again. However, I'm sure when all is said and done, she'll remember that you're family. Sometimes family screws up, but we don't stop loving them."

Sarah smiles, "It's okay, I think some of that pain belongs to me anyway, and it's not like you don't "handle my baggage," daily." They both laugh.

Chuck's phone chimes, it's a message from Morgan. He reads it aloud to Sarah, "Thanks for the heads up, buddy. SO not needed. Thanks for being so good to Alex. I'll be picking up that cleaning bill. I should have thought of it long ago. Live long and prosper."

Sarah laughs, "That's what you said to Captain Kirk. That reminds me, Alex bought the silliest outfit. It was a short red uniform thing with black pantyhose. It had this weird badge on the chest."

Chuck looks up from the fried ice cream that they're sharing, "Oh my god, she bought the Uhura, Star Trek costume?"

Sarah is still laughing, "Yes, that's it. That's what it was."

Chuck is shaking his head, laughing, "Baby, you're about to become an aunt again. Alex knows her husband."

Sarah looks at Chuck puzzled. "You mean she bought that to seduce him?"

Chuck raises an eyebrow, "No Hon, we bought that to seduce him. Trust me, I did not need to give him a head's up. I'm betting the kids got put to bed early and… well you know."

Sarah takes his hand, "Would you like me to wear that costume for you?"

Chuck smiles, "Baby all you have to do, to seduce me, is look at me. I am yours anytime, anywhere, in any way that you want me. Besides, I have a different fantasy."

Sarah takes his hand, "Tell me Baby, tell me. I want to please you."

Chuck smiles knowingly, "Sorry Princess, that's something you'll have to figure out on your own. Plus, you already please me. In the meantime, however, I am intrigued with what secrets Natasha will pry out of me. Based on our last conversation she was saying that we have to save the world again."

Sarah brings her voice down low and in her Russian accent, "Tell me American spy, have you ever had love before in a limousine?"

Chuck's nostrils flare as he shakes his head no.

Sarah smiles, "I see, den perhaps ve should direct the driver to take the very, very, long vay back to your secret headquarters." She sits back, "After, of course, you take me to dancing. I do not vish you to think I am cheap. Easy da, but nyet, I am not cheap. You vill pay for your pleasures tonight."

Chuck rests on his elbow, staring at his wife as she sleeps. He thinks, she's beautiful, even in her unkempt look. It was a long night of drinking, dancing and love making. Her blonde hair splayed around her head on the pillow like a golden halo, her eyes still closed in sleep. He couldn't help but feel the love he has for her. Her eyes open slowly, and a smile immediately crosses her lips, "Watching me sleep, not too creepy." She spreads her arms, "Kiss me husband." Chuck lowers his head to kiss her gently. Sarah sighs, "Mmmm, I love waking up with you, cuddles, Pleeeaaase."

Chuck takes her in his arms and holds her close, "Did you have fun last night?"

Sarah nods her head against his chest, "Uh huh, but not as much fun as this morning in the limo, and again after we got home. Baby, did you hear that, after we got home. Tell me the truth original Bartowski, how do you make all us women fall so in love with you?"

Chuck laughs, "There are other women? I only see one. When she's around, everything else is a blur."

Sarah looks up and kisses his chin, "There it is, that Chuck charm." Sarah sighs, "I guess I'm going to have to keep a close eye on you."

Chuck smiles, "Sounds good to me, the closer the better. As a matter of fact, we'll be working closely together today. I need to pump you for info. For right now, I want to use my hands to wipe all those suds off you."

Sarah looks at him like he's crazy, "What suds?"

Chuck kisses her, "Oops, I missed a step, bath time, let's go." Sarah is laughing when Chuck jumps out of bed, picks her up and throws her over his shoulder, her legs kicking.

Sarah is still laughing when Chuck puts her down, she feels the cold bathroom tiles on the bottom of her feet. "Tell me sir, did I marry Batman, or Caveman?"

Chuck feels an overwhelming rush of love and pulls her into his embrace. "I told you, I'm whomever and whatever, you want me to be."

Sarah pulls her arms tight around him and says into his chest. "And I already told you,you're exactly who I want you to be, my husband. Of course, right about now I wouldn't mind if my husband knew how to get me all soapy, everywhere."

Chuck looks down at her, she lifts her face to look at him, "Sarah are you saying you want me to get you all soapy in the office?"

Sarah looks at him and smiles, "Is that what you superheroes are calling it these days? then yes, Baby I want you to get my "office" all soapy."

Chuck smiles as he walks over to fill the bathtub, he notices all kinds of new bottles and containers spread around the room. He looks up at Sarah, "I guess you did have fun shopping."

Sarah smiles as she walks over, takes a bottle, and pours a thick liquid under the running water, "Sorry Honey, you don't live in a bachelor pad anymore. Hope you don't mind, I had to steal some of your closet space too." Bubbles begin to form in the tub as Sarah drops her flimsy nightgown to the floor.

Chuck leers lustfully at his wife's naked body, "Well closet space is a big price to pay. I guess I'll just have to suffer."

In her Russian accent, as she strokes the back of her hand across the side of his face. "Yes, my foolish American spy. I vill make you to suffer. Dis is only the beginning of years of torment. You have gotten your vish, and now you vill never be free of me. You vill give to me many children. They vill keep you up at night. They Vill poo poo and pee pee on you. You vill suffer."

Chuck laughs as he turns off the water and helps Sarah into the tub, "Have you no mercy Natasha?"

As Chuck slides into the warm water Sarah follows, leaning back on him. "Nyet, you fool. I have you now in my power. You vill never be free," She laughs an evil laugh, "And vait American Spy. Just vait until you see de college bills come rolling in. Then you vill know how truly evil I am."

Chuck laughs as he puts his arms around her and pulls her close to him, "Natasha, I've decided to leave my wife and run off with you."

Sarah slaps the water. "NYET, I vill not have it. You are merely a plaything for Natasha. I vill keep you only for a short time, maybe fifty or sixty years, no more. Vhen you are no longer useful, then she can have you back… vhen I am done vith you. Mmmm, tell me my American spy. Do you think your toe sucking vill get better vhen you have lost your teeth?"

Chuck laughs so hard Sarah is tossed up and down. Sarah starts to laugh with him and the water sloshes everywhere. She turns around and kisses him, "Thank you for loving me husband."

Chuck sighs and holds her tight, "Truly my pleasure, wife, truly my pleasure. Now we have proof, definitely funny. Must be a cannibal."

After a leisurely soak with lots of "soaping", the couple gets dressed. They eat a quick breakfast consisting of coffee, orange juice, and a toasted bagel with cream cheese and lox. Grabbing a handful of packages, they head to the elevator and down to Chuck's office.

They walk out into the outer office. "Good morning, Mrs. Sawyer, Ms. Walker, and I will be in conference for a brief period, but we are available if needed. I'm going to need some time alone after she's left. I have some programming that needs done. Before we get to work, Mrs. S., we have some things for you." Sarah hands her a bag.

Mrs. Sawyer pulls out logs of cheese and meat, "Thanks Bosses. I'll bet these will be yummy."

Chuck pulls a box out of another bag and hands it to her. She opens the box to find a tall slim crystal bud vase. "Holy cow, this is gorgeous. But Boss, it had to cost a small fortune."

Sarah smiles as she pulls out another long box, "I picked that vase out for you, to go with the gift Chuck picked for you." She hands the box to Mrs. Sawyer.

Mrs. Sawyer lifts the lid off the box and opens the tissue paper. Nestled in the protective wrap is a porcelain long stemmed red rose. The green leaves and thorns are exquisitely detailed. The rose bud is accented with gold. She gasps, "Oh my God, Boss this is the most beautiful thing I've ever owned. Maybe the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, after my children." She cradles it carefully. "Holy cow, I'm afraid to touch it. Bosses, this is too much."

Chuck smiles, "She's right Sarah, take it back."

Sarah laughs when Mrs. Sawyer carefully moves it away from her, "Not on your life, wise guy. You gave it to me, it's mine. Where can I keep it? I'm terrified someone will knock it over and break it."

Sarah takes out the final package and unwraps it. It's a glass box. A protective case for the rose and vase.

Mrs. Sawyer is staring at her gifts, "Bosses you are way too good to me." She turns to Sarah, "Young lady, if you don't consider yourself the luckiest woman alive, you'd better rethink. This is a good man, not because he gives me gifts. His mind is sharp, his heart is good, and he's not bad to look at. Guys like him are hard to come by, you'd better not let him get away again."

Sarah turns to Chuck, with a pleading look on her face. He sighs and throws his hands up, "Why not?"

Sarah gets serious, "Mrs. Sawyer, I'm about to tell you something that you may not repeat, hint at, or in any way disclose. Do we have your word?"

Mrs. Sawyer, puts her right hand up, "You have my word Ms. Walker. If I break it, I will resign immediately, and my son will disown me for pissing off Mr. B."

Sarah gets a big smile on her face, "Mrs. S., the name is Bartowski, Mrs. Charles Bartowski."

Mrs. Sawyer stares at Chuck, he nods his head. She stands up and looks him in the eye, "I can't believe it, you got married, without me there." She turns and looks at Sarah, "Good job, Mrs. Bartowski, congratulations." She throws her arms around them and squeezes, "I'm so happy for you. I'm even happier that I can stop making believe I don't know."

Chuck and Sarah both exclaim, "WHAT?"

Mrs. Sawyer laughs, "Come on, do you really think I can't spot a couple of honeymooners. Mr. B, that lightning bolt ring is ridiculous. Mrs. Rabb told me. She said her son was on the Ford and there were rumors flying all over the ship about a couple who got married in the wardroom. A computer expert and a blonde woman. Scuttlebutt flies faster on a Navy ship than a supersonic jet."

Chuck gets concerned, "Mrs. Sawyer, my office please."

Mrs. Sawyer walks into Chuck's office, Sarah follows. Chuck walks in last and closes the door. He motions to the chairs in front of his desk, "Ladies, please have a seat." He takes a seat behind his desk and presses a series of buttons. One turns on a signal jammer, another turns on a white noise generator outside each door, electronic locks click closed. The last closes the shutters on his window. Mrs. Sawyer jumps. He leans back and rubs his eyes."

Sarah leans forward, "Hon, I'm sure it's all right. No need to get all worried."

Chuck sighs, "Casey was right. We are terrible at keeping secrets."

Mrs. Sawyer is getting visibly upset, "Boss, what's wrong? What did I say?"

Chuck puts his elbows on the desk, laces his fingers together and rests his forehead on them. He takes a deep breath and blows it out. Sarah puts her hand on Mrs. Sawyer knee. "It's okay Mrs. S., Chuck is worried that you may have heard things you shouldn't have. Things that can put you in danger."

Chuck reaches for the phone, "Sarah, I don't have a choice." He dials a number, "John, do you have a minute, Yes, right now, my office." He looks at Mrs. Sawyer, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to scare you. Do you remember, I explained to you that some of our work is classified?" Mrs. Sawyer nods. "Well, the fact that we were on that ship falls into that category. Rabb should never have mentioned any of that to his mother. Mr. Casey will be coming up shortly. He'll be taking you to a secure interview room and asking you lots of questions. It's important that you're as honest with him as you can be. Tell him everything you know about my trip."

Mrs. Sawyer is clearly frightened, "Is Thomas in trouble?"

Chuck shakes his head, "Thomas, who's Thomas?"

Mrs. Sawyer look at Chuck like he's crazy, "My son, Thomas Sawyer."

Chuck laughs, "Oh, you mean Buzzsaw," he smiles, "Let's hope not Mrs. S.. We'll know more after you talk with Mr. Casey." There's a knock at the door. Chuck presses a button, and the door unlocks.

Casey walks in. He can sense the tension in the air. Chuck locks the door. The white noise machines start up again. "Boss?"

Sarah gets up and walks over to place her hand on Mrs. Sawyer's shoulder. "Good morning, John, it seems that Lt. Commander Rabb told his mother about a computer expert and a blonde woman getting married in the wardroom on board the Ford. Mrs. Rabb passed it on to Mrs. Sawyer. We thought it would be good to know what else he may have told her. Just to be safe."

Casey grunts, "No biggie, come on Mrs. Sawyer let's have a chat. I'm sure we can get all of this cleared up." Chuck unlocks the door and Mrs. Sawyer steps out into the outer office. Casey turns to look at Chuck, "You know you have to make that call, ASAP."

Chuck looks up at him, "Let's see what she knows. I'm not ready to destroy his career."

Casey scowls at him, "If you don't call Jim now, I will. In case you haven't figured it out yet, he knows enough to put us all in danger. He knows what you did. I never liked that mouthy one." Casey walks out and closes the door. Chuck relocks the door and reengages the security system.

Chuck is shaking his head, Sarah walks around and hugs him, "How bad is it Baby?"

Chuck shrugs and makes a disgusted face, "He knows I'm Batman, he knows I piloted that jet. He's Mrs. Sawyer's son's RIO (Radar Intercept Officer). This could be really bad. Just calling his commanding officer could destroy his career. He leaked info he shouldn't have been discussing. On the upside she said he only discussed the rumors he heard on the ship. On the downside that puts us on the Ford."

Chuck takes a deep breath. He pulls out his cell phone and hits speed dial. The phone rings, "Hi Chuck I'm a little tied up right now, can I get back to you?"

Chuck sighs, "Diane, we may have an issue."

Beckman hears the seriousness in his voice, "On a scale of one to ten?"

Chuck responds, "Eight, maybe nine."

Beckman takes a deep breath, "Give me five minutes, I'll call you back from a secure line."

Sarah slides into Chuck's lap, "Did he know, to keep this to himself?"

Chuck nods, "I warned him. Plus everyone involved was cautioned and had to sign a letter of understanding."

Sarah purses her lips, "So why call Beckman?"

Chuck sighs, "It's her world, if anyone can keep him from getting hung out to dry, it's her. Of course, if anyone can hang him out to dry, it's also her. If I call Jim, he has no choice but to shoot it up the chain of command. Not to mention it could put him in jeopardy. If there was a breech it happened on his watch."

The office phone rings. Sarah gets up and walks around to sit on the other side of the desk. Chuck pushes the speaker button, "Bartowski."

Beckman sounds harried, "Okay Chuck, this better be important. I just chased three senators out of my office."

"Diane, I'm really sorry to bother you, Sarah is here with me, you're on speaker and we're in a secure space."

Beckman sounds happy, "Hello Sarah, I hope you're doing well. Is he right? Is this important, or will you be a widow shortly?"

Sarah laughs, "To be honest General, we're not sure. It could be really bad, or it could be a hassle. We decided to let you figure it out."

Beckman takes a deep breath, "Okay, hit me."

Sarah describes the situation with Mrs. Sawyer passing on the rumor from Mrs. Rabb. She then adds, "Chuck doesn't want to ruin his career if it's nothing. The concern is, he's one of only two people who know for certain that Chuck is Batman. Which means he knows that a man who never flew a plane, flew a Hornet, and landed it on a carrier."

Beckman is pissed, "Damn it, you would think a Lt. Commander would know better than to spread scuttlebutt, Damn it. Chuck, you know you need to call the CO."

Chuck sighs, "Yeah that's what Casey said, I was hoping you might know a way to save his career and keep Captain Kirk out of yet another disaster. Here's the thing Diane, what if it's just harmless rumors floating around on the ship."

Beckman sounds sympathetic, "I get it Chuck, you don't want to hurt Mrs. Sawyer or her son, or Rabb. But Rabb showed a lack of discretion, sharing that with his mother. By the way, I give this a solid eight. It could put your whole family at risk. Where's John now?"

Chuck is crestfallen and slumps into his chair, he mumbles under his breath, "I hate this spy shit."

Sarah answers, "He's debriefing Mrs. Sawyer in a secure space."

Beckman is quiet for a minute, "Okay, I'm going to call the Ford and have Sawyer and Rabb, segregated. I'm also going to call Justice and have them bring Rabb's mother in for a talk. I'll wait to hear from Casey before I move further. Guys, I know you don't want this, but Rabb's career is over. I want to be clear, he did this, you didn't. He put people I care about in danger, my people."

Chuck sits up, "Diane, what if other sailors told their families back home, are you going to send them all to Gitmo?"

Beckman uncharacteristically stays calm with Chuck's question, "Chuck how many of those other sailors can tie you to Carmichael Industries, or to Batman? I'm sorry Chuck, you and Sarah are too important to me to take that risk. Tell John to call me when he's done, I'll be in my office. I have to go brief the President. He is not going to be happy." The call is ended.

Chuck sits quietly, slumped behind his desk, tapping a pencil on the glass top. Sarah is watching him. She knows how much he's hurting. She knows what it does to him when he harms people. Taking a deep Breath, "Chuck, Diane is right, this is not on you. You didn't do anything wrong."

Chuck nods, "I know Baby, thanks. To be honest that doesn't help as much as you would like it to. People are still getting hurt around me. I have to call Jim. I need to give him a heads up."

Chuck picks up the phone for his secure line and presses the numbers to dial Captain Kirk. The phone rings three times, "Kirk."

Chuck is sullen as he says, "Hi Jim, it's Chuck."

"Chuck how are you, how's that lovely wife of yours?"

Chuck groans, "Jim, Sarah is here with me. I'm going to put you on speaker."

Sarah sounds sad when she says, "Hi Jim, seems like forever since we were together."

Kirk laughs, "It's only been a few days, but I guess that's how it feels when friends miss each other. Speaking of friends, you tell the General I'm still pissed he stole my chef, but at least Child landed well."

Chuck is struggling to bring up the purpose of the call, "We saw Master Chief. The President loves him. He's happy in his new job."

Kirk sounds surprised, "You saw him… with the President?"

Sarah can see Chuck struggling, "He's fine Jim, but that's not why we called."

Kirk's voice changes, "Sounds serious, what's up? The plant is running great. We've had people from all over, coming to take a look. Chuck, you did great work, is that the problem?"

Sarah takes a deep breath, "Jim, you're going to get a call from Washington. There's been a leak, it's been traced back to your ship."

Kirk sighs, "How bad?"

Chuck speaks up, "Jim you have no idea how hard this is for me. I hate hurting friends."

Kirk reassures him, "Chuck, knowing you, I'm sure you played no part in whatever this is. What's up?"

Sarah relates the rumor that Mrs. Sawyer told them. Kirk curses, "Shit, hold on please I'll be right back." In the background they can hear Kirk talking, "I need a twenty on Commanders Sawyer and Rabb, then get Chief Master at Arms Malloy up here, ASAP. Also contact CAG, tell him to bring his pooper scooper. Kirk returns to the phone. "You know those two aren't even assigned to my command. They're just here to pick up their Hornet, DAMN. Are you guys, okay?"

Chuck speaks again, "I'm really sorry you got drawn into this. We're okay. We have some concerns with my cover being blown. It could put me and Sarah at risk."

Kirk responds, "Don't worry about me. This is what I signed up for. To be honest I've been toying with putting in for retirement. The wife is all for that. Hold on a second." Kirk's voice gets distant, "Malloy, find Commanders Rabb and Sawyer, I want them isolated from the crew and each other. They are not under arrest."

Chuck and Sarah can hear Malloy's voice. "Are there charges Skipper?"

They can't see as Kirk shakes his head, "Negative, they're being detained for questioning."

Malloy's voice gets lower as he moves away from the phone, "On it Skipper, I'll report back as soon as it's done."

Kirk returns to the phone, "Sorry folks, things got a little hectic all of a sudden." A phone rings in the background. The Bartowski's listen in when Kirk answers it, "Kirk. Yes, General, this is a secure line. Yes, General I'm on the phone with the Colonel, and Agent Walker right now. Both men are being detained. No, General I had not heard these rumors. Yes, Ma'am I will clamp down on it immediately. General, these men are not assigned to my command. Yes, General I understand your people are at risk, and it happened on my watch. No, General I see no reason to bother the President with this crap. No General, I'm not saying that what you're saying is crap, you called it crap, Ma'am. Yes, General, you'll have a full report by EOB (End of Business). Yes General, your time not mine. Of course, General I understand the concerns you have. Ma'am, they're my friends too. I'll get to the bottom of this. Yes, General I'll make sure to touch base with General Casey, yes Ma'am."

Kirk speaks into the phone, "Whew, I officially have no ass left, it has been completely chewed off. I don't know who that woman is, but I feel like I just kissed a chainsaw."

Sarah laughs, "Sorry Jim, I'm guessing that was General Beckman. She was our Commanding Officer for four years."

Kirk is amazed, "You nailed it. It was her. How the hell did you survive?"

Chuck laughs, "Did we?"

Kirk laughs, "Listen folks, I'm really sorry about this, I'll get right on it. I understand that General Casey is dealing with it at your end."

Sarah reminds him, "It's just John now, he's retired. He's the Head of Security at our firm. Oh Chuck, not a Colonel, and me, not an agent."

Kirk laughs hard, "Well, he said he had connections with the Head of Security. He'll always be the General to me. How's he doing? You guys move fast, it hasn't even been a week."

"Casey is doing good. He's liking his retirement." Chuck, pauses, "As to moving fast, I guess you could say we were on special assignment. Jim, we're gonna go now. Let us know when you make the final decision on that retirement. We can always use a good man on our staff. I'm sure John will call you soon."

Kirk's voice gets soft, "It was good to hear your voices. Next time feel free to call when the crap isn't flying."

They both laugh, Sarah adds, "Well, then how would you know it's us?"

Kirk laughs, "Bye guys." The phone goes quiet.

Chuck leans back and sarcastically says, "Well aren't we having fun?"

Sarah smiles, "Yes Baby, we are. No need to spiral. My guess is Mrs. Sawyer's son is in the clear. Remember she said she heard it from Rabb's mother, not Buzzsaw."

"Yeah, I know Casey didn't like him. He was a big mouth, but he was kind to me. Now the question is not about his career. The big question is will he disappear, to protect me? I should have just let Casey fly the damn jet."

Sarah walks around the desk and sits on the floor in front of Chuck, "Chuck, I know this upsets you. But Sweetheart, think what Shaw could have done with those precious hours you saved. You didn't force Rabb, or ask him, to run his mouth. He put us at risk, that was his choice." Sarah lays her head in his lap, "I would disappear him and a hundred more like him, to protect you."

Chuck caresses Sarah's head, "I know you would Baby. I understand what you're saying, and I love you for it. Do you understand how much I hate that you might have to?"

Sarah lifts her head to look into his eyes, "Chuck in your short life you have saved millions. That's women, men, children, people who will live out their lives because of you. I hope you don't mind if I add that one of those lives was mine. You, Charles Irving Bartowski, are a hero." She stands up and climbs into this lap, "You're my hero. You're my Chuck."

Chuck shrugs and pulls her in tight, "It's not like I had a choice."

Sarah smiles and kisses his cheek, "Don't you get it Sweetheart, that's what makes you a hero. You did have a choice, each and every time. You had a choice. Yet it never occurred to you to do anything but the right thing. Starting with the little girl you helped in the Buy More, ignoring the hot blonde who was hitting on you." Chuck chuckles. "That was the same day you disarmed a bomb saving thousands of people. That was the day you became my hero, the day I fell in love with you. You always had a choice, and you always made the valiant one. Chuck, with or without the Intersect, you are an extraordinary man. I will not allow anyone to keep you from being an extraordinary husband and father."

Chuck shrugs, "Okay, you can stop sucking up now, I'll marry you."

Sarah laughs and kisses him passionately, "Thank you for loving me, Husband."

Sarah stands up and walks around to the other side of the desk. Now, let's put this to rest, until we hear from John. Even then it's out of our hands. So, what was this information you wanted to get from me?"

Chuck smiles, "Wow, I wasn't sure you were listening."

Sarah shakes her head, "Tsk, tsk, a good spy always listens to her mark, and a good wife always listen to her husband."

Chuck nods his head, "I see, do you tell me which I am, or do I have to guess?"

Sarah smiles. Chuck pulls out a laptop, "Tell me about Ryker."

A/N I hope you liked this chapter. I have no idea where it came from. Thursday is almost over but look at all the stuff hanging over their heads. Will they ever get a break? Mrs. Sawyer, Rabb, Ryker, Carina the wedding. Sheesh Chuck needs a break. We get to see Ellie again on Saturday. Chuck and Sarah will have a long flight getting to Chicago. I wonder what they'll do to kill time. Maybe Sarah will play with Chuck's joystick, Nintendo's have joysticks, right?

Hey, I just had an idea, the next chapter will be Chuck and Sarah doing a jigsaw puzzle, the angst will come in when Alex and Morgan come over with the twins and they knock the whole thing on the floor. That's it, that's what you want to read. Gotta, go I need to type that up before I forget it. Thanx for reading, I would love to hear what you think. LR

I think the puzzle's gonna be an English cottage, lots of flowers. Maybe a little old lady with white hair. Gosh, where have I seen that before?