A/N: Thanks for finding and reading this through FanFiction's continued failure to issue email reminders. Thanks, obviously, to those that left reviews doing even more.

A quick reminder that the characters are not exactly the same as in canon, so their backgrounds are not exactly the same and nor are their thoughts and expectations. You're learning about them as the story unfolds, something common in Chuck AU stories when they are predominantly focused on other things. Anyway, for Sarah here, she's wary of the concept of marriage, and even living together, having seen the disaster of her parents' experience.

One person was surprised that Piranha isn't contributing quicker. I thought it worth mentioning here that Chuck's experiencing something quite different to twenty-first century IT systems, so hacking isn't exactly the same. He's having to learn afresh, whereas in his own time, he'd already gone through that.

As usual, thanks to MicroGirl1225 for the pre-read of this chapter.

No beta, so PM me if you spot anything you feel needs correcting.

Sarah finally meets Thoth and enlists his help…

Chuck vs Egypt

Chapter 8

There had been no spooning last night. Sarah had slept sprawled across Chuck. Her previous nights here had been restful. This was less comfortable physically, but mentally? Wow!

She woke remembering everything and it had all been wonderful.

However, they needed to get up and start the day.

She gave him a kiss and left the bed.

Chuck moaned but she wasn't going back, even though she wanted to so much. There'd be more time for that when the day was over.

"Come on, sleepyhead," she called out.

"I've probably got an hour," Thoth said as he sat down in front of Sarah.

"Thanks for this, Thoth," she replied.

He waved for her to get on with the interview.

"Tell me how Horus knew all about Chuck and I, and that we were the ones needed."

Thoth looked at her. "I wasn't expecting that. Have you not asked Horus?"

"I thought it best to ask the Ennead that must have made it possible," she replied.

He nodded. "You're both sharp."

"Well?"

"I'd been fascinated with the future for some time. I invented a portal. A viewer first, then developed it further. I'd already invented a way to, shall we say, assess humans remotely, individually and as a group."

"Assess?"

Thoth nodded. "Personality, abilities and skills."

"Why did you do that?" she asked.

He sighed. "When we first arrived, I was worried that some humans may become a threat. I wanted a way to detect such a threat. We found that we could do that at close range but that didn't mean a group couldn't be a problem."

That sounded odd. "How could you do that at close range?"

Thoth was quiet for a moment or two. "We can read their surface thoughts."

Sarah's jaw dropped. "Mind reading aliens," she said quietly. Then, the implications for what she was doing sprang to mind. "So, you can read our minds? Chuck's and mine?"

Thoth shook his head. "No. I said you were both good for this because of your minds. Inward looking, but also strong minds. The crystals had another effect on you. It strengthened your mind's shielding. We can't read your minds at all. That should help you with your questioning."

"Damn right," she responded.

Thoth continued to tell her about group control. "I developed a way to prevent that mob threat becoming a reality."

"Is it still active?"

"It is. It creates something like a barrier around areas we live, but there are smaller versions that individuals can wear when out. If a threat approaches, we're alerted."

"And then what?" she asked, imagining gods smiting down individuals.

"We inhibit them." He obviously wasn't going to say more and she realized she didn't want to know.

"So, you adapted the assessment technology to select suitable candidates?"

"Essentially, yes. It was more complex than that simple statement. We were also searching through time and space."

"Across the globe?" she questioned to make sure she understood what he meant.

"Indeed. Obviously the search expanded from here, Thebes. We were lucky that the two of you were already physically here when we reached your time."

"From what time did you search?"

"I'd already watched the development of computers, so I knew we wouldn't find someone like Chuck until they had been in place for some time. I started when hackers were first discovered."

"Hold on. You 'watched the development of computers?' And you 'discovered' when hackers appeared?"

He shrugged. "I'm a scientist as well as an inventor. More technology used to watch human development. My interest in technology meant I observed computer development."

"So, you know how it'll develop beyond our time?"

He tightened his lips before answering that one. "I do, but I can't tell you."

She snorted. "Worried we'll change history?"

"You personally might not, but Chuck could."

"And you don't think us returning from this time would affect it?"

"Who'll believe you?"

Shit! He's right!

She moved on. "I'm guessing you have no opinions about the case we're working on."

"Correct. Either could be guilty of anything. I cannot read the minds of any Ennead, unfortunately."

She thought of something else, though. "Can you locate an individual Ennead?"

"That's easy using their communicator. If they don't have that with them, then their biosign is the alternative, just harder."

"What about Nephthys?" she asked.

It was like seeing that light-bulb moment occur for Thoth. "Ahh. You want to find her. Do you want to interview her?"

She leaned forward. "If I could."

Thoth thought for a moment or two. "If she doesn't have her communicator, it might take me a couple of days, but I should be able to locate her."

"Why has no one else thought of this?" she asked.

"When she left, everyone dismissed her."

"Out of sight, out of mind?"

"A phrase from your time?" She nodded. "Appropriate," he said.

"Could you get me to her?"

He shook his head. "I wouldn't, but Horus could. In one of our flyers."

She smiled. "Perfect."

"Shall I go and see if I can find her? Communicator first."

"I'll come with you," she said.

As they walked into his lab, Thoth pointed to a door on the side of the main area. "Chuck's in there. I want to make a quick check on his progress first."

She expected him to walk over there, but he turned to a monitor which showed a series of lines and boxes. A blue circle was slightly off center. Thoth pointed at it. "That's Chuck."

"What are the red dots moving toward him from the left?"

"He calls them bots. They're the defenses he's managed to get past that have located him again. He has to fend those off while also trying to progress to the right."

"Past the orange line representing barriers?"

"Correct. He also has to get into the boxes and retrieve information."

"Looks like it's a significant challenge."

Thoth nodded. "It is. He's doing well, though." He looked at her. "Let's see if we can find Nephthys."

He moved to the right side of the lab and sat in front of a computer. He wasn't as fast on the keyboard as Chuck, but quite fast.

It didn't take him long. "Her communicator isn't responding. She's probably destroyed it to prevent detection."

Sarah was disappointed, but said, "So, you'll have to look for her… biosign?"

"I will. You'll have to leave me to do that. As I said, it'll probably take a couple of days. If she's still alive."

"Let's hope," she said. "Can I wait here for Chuck to finish? I'm not seeing anyone else until this afternoon."

"Certainly. Although he may not finish before you have to go. The replicator is over there." He pointed to a corner of the lab. "Toilets are near it."

"Thank you."

Sarah had stayed for a couple of hours with no sight of Chuck, so she had to leave. She was disappointed and also a bit worried about him working without refreshment for so long. She'd eaten while in the lab.

Thoth was now engrossed in what he was doing, so she left the two of them stuck on computers. She wondered if this would be life with Chuck in the future.

Once back in her interview room, she prepared for the next interviewee, Aten. He wasn't terribly significant at this time, but that would change later. He would become the only god worshiped during the reign of pharaoh Amenhotep IV after being the sun god for his father. The sole deity status didn't last. Tutankhamun reduced him back to just the sun god, one of many gods. However, he intrigued Sarah and she wanted his take.

The door burst open, but it wasn't Aten. An angry Set stood in the doorway. Anger seemed to personify his being. He was a very imposing figure. Tall, probably nearly Chuck's height. Dark-haired and his frowning brows and eyes, equally black.

"Why haven't you interviewed me yet?" he demanded.

Sarah didn't often feel fear, but did at that moment. She imagined this god's reputation. His angry expression was just what she would expect.

She did, however, stay calm, or at least projected it. "Because it's not your turn yet."

"You haven't even given me a time," he snapped.

She realized he hadn't entered the room. He was holding the door frame, almost vicelike. He was obviously holding himself there, trying not to enter or, therefore, hurt her.

She sighed. "Set, I haven't set up interviews with Osiris either. That's not the way I work. I'm interviewing others first."

That seemed to ease his tension slightly. "Why? Isn't it better to interview us first?"

She shouldn't have to tell him, but chose to. "I build up profiles of those involved before interviewing them."

His frown deepened and his shoulders slumped. "Then I'm fucked. Nobody likes me."

"That's not true," she said. "And I cut through the bullshit. I know some seem to see him as the personification of good, which is just-"

He finished her sentence, "Like worship?" The sarcasm was very clear.

"I was going to say ridiculous, but that works too."

"And I'm evil?" He seemed sure that others would believe it.

"Not many think that," she replied. She straightened her back and looked firmly at Set. "Let me do this my way. I don't want to hold this appearance against you."

That sank in and he released the frame.

"You shouldn't be here!" Horus was standing behind Set.

"I'm just leaving," Set replied. He looked at Sarah, still not happy, but less threatening. "I look forward to my interview."

She nodded. "So do I." And she found that she actually did.

As he walked off, Horus looked in. "Both he and Osiris have been told to keep away."

"He was just concerned that he didn't yet have an interview. No biggie."

"Interesting comment," Horus replied. "Do you want protection?"

She laughed. "From the way he looked at me at the beginning, but probably more from Osiris." Horus looked confused. She added, "His eyes were undressing me."

He shook his head. "Have you seen Aset?"

"So, she's my protection? She may be in league with Osiris."

He rolled his eyes and left her. He wasn't going to get drawn into that conversation.

"Should I wait?"

Sarah looked at the new Ennead who had arrived. "No, Aten. Please come in."

Aten was a quiet Ennead. You could almost say unassuming. He exuded confidence, as much as the others had, but seemed a bit more subdued. "I'm not sure why you're interviewing me," he said. "I don't have anything to do with Osiris or Set."

"You become the sun god," she stated.

He rolled his eyes. "Oh, not that again?" She raised a brow in question. "Since Thoth discovered that in the future, I've been teased about it quite often."

"Why'd you think it will happen?"

He spread his hand, in a very human-like gesture, and said, "I have no idea!"

She brought it back to the present. "You work for Amen. One of those responsible for humans in the towns near Thebes."

"Correct."

"Do you spend much time with him?"

Aten replied, "Only to discuss my Egyptians in our monthly reviews. They're a fairly happy group, so that doesn't take long."

"So, you have monthly reviews?" she asked. This was something new.

"All of us do with our direct leader."

"And do they with theirs?"

"I know Amen does with Osiris," he said.

That hadn't been mentioned before. Sarah noted it. She would make a point of interviewing others that reported to both of the men in question. Possibly repeat interviews with ones she'd already seen.

She didn't get much else from Aten, so the interview ended quite quickly.

She was tempted to wish him luck as a mono-deity, but thought it cruel, so didn't.

She called Horus. He smiled as he appeared on her communicator screen. "I didn't give you that so you could pester me."

She smiled. He put her at ease. "You never mentioned monthly reviews with leaders. Specifically, yours with Osiris."

He frowned. "I didn't think it was important."

"What do you discuss?"

"Any issues my Egyptian group has. If there are any, troublemakers, too. He talks about the general feeling amongst his reports. He tells me if he's heard any reports of my performance. I'm sure you have similar sessions with your boss."

She did remember those.

"So, the general feelings?" she asked.

"All was going well until recently. There is a growing feeling of unrest, probably this situation with Set and Osiris causing it."

That surprised her. "How do the Egyptians know about that?"

He looked at her as if she was being stupid. "You don't think their Ennead's moods affect them?"

She frowned. "Can't you all hide that? Control your interaction with them?"

He snorted. "You think we're gods?"

She laughed with him. "Okay. Point taken, but I would expect more control. I do it when doing my job back in my time."

"I doubt that's common," he replied.

He was right, of course. Zondra was much more volatile.

"I want to speak to all that report directly with Osiris and Set," she said.

"I'll pull together a list," he replied.

Sarah wasn't sure whether her next interview was the best choice now.

In the mythology, Ma'at was the goddess of truth, justice, and order, but was she a direct report of either of the other two? Did her views even matter?

Sarah had also thought Ma'at to be Thoth's wife, as in the Egyptian mythology that she remembered, but that wasn't the case. Thoth was married to Seshat, who was known as the goddess of writing, wisdom, and knowledge. Quite a good match for her husband.

Sarah briefly wondered if she and Chuck were a good match. Their experience was so different. Was it true that opposites attract? She and Chuck definitely had, but were they compatible for a long term relationship?

She sighed. Such thoughts weren't helpful. They may not even be relevant. The pair of them might find their incompatibilities while still here, or when they finally got back. Her past could well put him off.

The knock on the door drew her out of starting an introspection. "Come in," she called.

Ma'at was beautiful, of course, but it was marred slightly by her stern expression.

Sarah was concerned, so asked, "Have I dragged you away from something important?"

Ma'at frowned. "Why'd you ask that?"

Sarah realized she had gotten it wrong. "You seemed serious."

"Life is serious," the Ennead replied. Then she sighed. "My expression as I entered?" Sarah nodded. "And you thought that?" Another nod. Ma'at seemed to ease her expression and looked more approachable. "I've learnt to look stern to get others to know I'm serious about seeking the truth. It's become my default look."

Sarah felt emboldened. "It felt like I was in the presence of a schoolteacher, and maybe even in trouble."

The laugh changed Ma'at's face completely. Here was the truly beautiful woman she really was. "I like that." She sat opposite Sarah. "No, I'm here to help in any way I can."

Sarah suddenly felt a kinship with this woman. Law keepers, in a way, but both also more complex than on the surface. "In the mythology you're-"

Ma'at cut her off. "Don't say it! I have never been with Thoth other than working together."

"So, you've seen it? The future belief?" Sarah asked.

Ma'at rolled her eyes. "Thoth didn't want to let me see it, but my friend, Seshat, thought it was hilarious and she showed me."

"His wife?"

"For as long as I can remember."

Sarah frowned. "So, why d'you think people believed it?"

Ma'at explained, "He and I work together on a lot of my cases. His technology and skills are invaluable. He helps me solve a lot of them."

"Then, why-" Sarah started, but stopped. "The need for the independent assessment?" Ma'at nodded.

"So, how can you help?" Sarah asked. "Am I allowed to review what I find with you?"

"Probably, as long as I don't give my opinion or seem to sway your decision."

Sarah snorted a laugh. "Unlike everyone else."

Ma'at frowned. "They shouldn't."

Sarah thought about her plan. "Ma'at, I suspect you're not forming an opinion, one way or the other." Ma'at agreed. "It's the right thing for someone who upholds the law," Sarah commented.

Ma'at persuaded her to talk about her role in the future. She finally said, "Like-minded."

Deciding to trust her, the blonde said, "Thoth is finding Nephthys for me."

Ma'at smiled. "You're going to interview the woman at the core of the problem."

"I won't ask why it hasn't already been done," Sarah said. "Not independent enough." Ma'at nodded. "Would you be willing to take me to visit her?"

Ma'at didn't hesitate. "Yes."

Sarah was overjoyed, but her expression stayed calm. "He's hoping to locate her by tomorrow."

A smile crept across Ma'at face. "He's using her biosign?"

"He is," Sarah replied. "What do you know about it?"

"His biosign detector is exactly what the name implies. He used it, or something similar, to find you two, but that was a more generic search, not knowing your specifics.

"He's a great scientist. His search for the truth in the universe gets applied to humans. It's why we know so much about you all. This is probably the first time he's used it on an Ennead, though."

"I'll contact you when he's located her," Sarah said, letting some of her excitement creep out in her voice.

Ma'at grinned. "Well, she'll have little chance of hiding things from two hard-faced law-enforcers. I suspect your piercing eyes will see right through her."

That surprised Sarah. "I'm told my eyes do get hard sometimes."

Ma'at nodded. "Icy." She smiled. "I like you. I think we'll work well together."

Sarah gave her a flat expression. "As long as no one thinks you're influencing me."

The peal of laughter showed just how much Ma'at had changed as their discussion had progressed. "I suspect that only the truth could do that."

Sarah smiled and nodded.

"Although I hear your man could probably influence you quite a lot." That wiped the smile off Sarah's face. "As long as the two of you get to the truth, that won't matter," the Ennead added.

After a moment of silence. Ma'at said, "I look forward to meeting the man who was able to break through the icy detective's walls."

The words were so close that Sarah admitted, "I was known as the Ice Queen in the FBI. Both with how I dealt with criminals and suitors."

"I'm not surprised. I'm known as the Breakwater. Waves of law breakers crashing unsuccessfully against me." Ma'at smiled. "Suitors too. I'm not interested in relationships."

Sarah smiled back. "I look forward to us working together."

Ma'at stood to leave. Sarah stood and reached across to shake her hand. It felt right for this working relationship. Ma'at was quick to understand and wrapped her cool hand around Sarah's squeezing firmly. Sarah smiled, not giving away the surprise at someone having colder hands than her.

That was all the interviewees for the day, along with a surprise visit. A significant day. Sarah sat quietly writing up notes about all of it.

After she'd been there for probably half-an-hour, her communicator vibrated. She reached for it and found a message… from Chuck.

It felt weird seeing words in the Ennead language from her boyfriend, a twenty-first century man. However, receiving a text from him definitely brightened her day. She read what he'd said.

* Failed again. Back home. Miserable. Sorry. *

Oh dear.

She quickly finished what she was doing and headed out to comfort him.

"I don't want to talk about it," he said as she walked in. "I just wanted to warn you that you were going to have to be with Mr. Grumpy."

She sat beside him. She didn't say a word, but cupped his face as she leaned in to kiss him. It was a long, tender kiss. It wasn't a sympathy kiss; it was a loving, supportive kiss.

He felt the tension in his neck ease. He wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her back.

The long, lingering kiss had to end eventually. With his forehead against hers, he quietly said, "You make everything better."

"You do for me too, Chuck. We're good for each other."

They both sat quietly in that position thinking about her words.

"I know you don't want to talk about the test, but what did Thoth say after you… finished?" she asked.

Chuck frowned. "He was preoccupied with something and just muttered, 'Try again tomorrow.' Was he like that when you talked to him?"

"Ahh. His preoccupation is my fault," Sarah admitted sheepishly. "I asked for some help and it was something new for him."

He narrowed his eyes. "Are you bewitching all the nerds?"

She could tell he was teasing her, but she responded, "My nerd has put a spell on me, not the other way around."

He shook his head, but grinned. "I've been under your spell since the first moment I met you."

Sarah gave him a quick kiss, then told him about Thoth's task to find Set's wife. "He thinks he'll be able to pinpoint her tomorrow. Then, I'll be able to go and interview her."

"Cool," he said when she'd finished. "Can't wait."

She pulled back. "You'll be busy here. You won't be coming. And, sorry, I'm not sure how long I'll be away."

He looked surprised for a moment or two, and she thought he was going to insist on coming. "Who're you going with?" he asked. He looked tense.

She kissed him again. "You have nothing to worry about. You're the only one who I'll be kissing." He smiled and nodded, but raised his brows indicating he still wanted an answer.

"Ma'at. She'll take us there, wherever it is, and will help me interview Nephthys. She has the skills to help."

She realized the words chosen weren't the best when he looked down. "Unlike me."

She placed a hand on his arm. "You don't know how to interview people. She does."

"I've interviewed people before." She just gave him a flat look in response to that. He sighed. "Ok. Job interviews aren't the same. Is she a detective of some sort?"

Sarah explained Ma'at's role here, on top of the human interactions she had to carry out.

"Ok. So, she'll go with you, but just in a supporting role?" he asked.

"That's right. I'm in charge."

He grinned. "So, you're telling at least two Ennead what to do now. Thoth and Ma'at."

She smirked. "Well, actually more than that." She told him about Set's dismissal and her telling Horus to provide a list of direct reports to Set and Osiris.

"None of them frighten you, do they?"

She hadn't ever explained her role in the FBI to him, and didn't feel like it currently, so just said, "I've had a number of men try to intimidate me in the past. I've learned how to handle them."

"Thank goodness." He meant that but also felt he had to tease her. "I wouldn't be on this fun vacation extension if you hadn't handled me!"

She smirked. "So, I was just a ticket to Ancient Egypt for you?"

"Yup."

"Good to know," Sarah said. "I guess we'll just be sleeping in bed tonight."

She burst out laughing at the mock look of disappointment on his face. She then grabbed his hand, stood and pulled him up. "Let's get dinner, Chuck."

He pulled her into a kiss that lingered. It was a reminder that they didn't need sex, just to be with each other.

Sarah hooked her arm in his and they walked through to the kitchen.

She knew the following day was going to be very different. The investigation would be stepping up a notch. Then, she'd leave Egypt for a while. She and Chuck could be apart for more than just a day. She didn't want to think about that. He'd become such an important part of her life. She didn't like feeling so dependent, so she squashed such thoughts. For this evening and night, they'd just enjoy each other's company, whatever that entailed.

A/N: So, a significant discovery and a way forward for Sarah.

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