Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: It's Molly Walker's Junior High Prom and Devon is her date. He rents a limo to take her in style. Thankfully, he didn't come alone as Ellie, Sarah, Morgan and Alex go as well since they are chaperones. Chuck, on the other hand, makes a pit stop before he heads to the Junior High Prom. He signed out Jack with the approval of Chief Beckman and they have a discussion between the two of them. One of those discussion is marriage and how Jack think he's doing this to get his approval or blessing, which Chuck disregards. He's doing this for Sarah knowing they've been in a good place. At the prom, Sarah and Jack have their father and daughter dance where the two have a heart to heart to talk. Afterwards, Chuck and Sarah find themselves strolling in the school's parking lot having a chat when they stumble on the limo leading the nerdy couple to finally get physical intimate with heir relationship. Thus ends the 2nd arc. So, what's in store for this chapter and the start of the 3rd arc? Here's the who, what, where, when, why, and how of it. Who does Morgan relate in regards to iconic pop culture reference characters when it comes to teamwork? What was one of the games did Morgan say that's considered one of the best selling games? Where is the mystery crisper located at the Big Mike talks about? When did Big Mike's prized possession get kidnapped? Why is Casey being stared at after he points out something feature on the rising star's manager? How does Chuck greet the rising star he finally is able to see face to face? Read and find out! I hope you enjoy the read and leave a comment to share your own thoughts on this particular chapters. As always, reviews are awesome.
Again, if you enjoyed reading my stories and left a comment I truly appreciate it. Please continue to do so as it gives me the incentive to write more chapters.
I don't own Chuck.
A Visual Emotion
XXX
"What do you think?" Chuck asked, standing in front of the small conference room flatscreen.
In the past 6 months, things have certainly progressed for Chuck. His business has been on a steady rise thanks to the CEO of Roark Enterprises, Ted Roark. It would then lead to a meeting with another heavy hitter in the business world who invested in the company, James Strickland. Professionally, the nerdy business owner has been making positive strides in getting to the next level. A level he wouldn't be able to reach if it weren't for his other two teammates backing him up, Morgan and Kathleen.
"I like the cover on the left. The images stands out more with the bright color scheme and just catches your eye." Morgan answered, taking a sip of grape soda afterwards. His head titled slightly to the right and arms crossed. "It has that video game feel to it." he added, shrugging his shoulders.
"Ok." nodded the nerdy business owner. His attention is then directed to the person standing next to his bearded hetero life partner. "Kathleen?"
"The cover on the right. It's far less distracting. A simple image of the character looking at you." she thoroughly shared. "I feel as if I'm somehow being pulled in by the character's eyes."
Chuck nods. "Yeah. That one image has heavy meaning within the story of the game. It captures what it feels like to play the game." he said, standing there contemplating his decision afterwards.
For Chuck, having a business dealing in the creation and production of computer software games that's not only fun, but helps stimulate the brain as well to the point where you're learning as well. So far, he's had great success in knowing what his audience enjoys and not rehash the same concept when creating a completely different computer game altogether. In his mind, he has to think creatively, analyze, and get in the mind of the player who is playing as the central character in the story. Essentially, the central character is vitally important and moves the story along, which has so many possibilities to choose from.
Of course, the awesome thing about being part of Westside Medical Center is that his computer games are being used in the Children's hospital, especially those who aren't able to leave due to their medical condition. It gives them the opportunity to be given some much needed distraction and focus on playing a computer game that was created by someone who has been looking out for them like an older brother. In a way, he has his own focus group at his disposal to let him know what works and what doesn't work whenever he stops by for a visit.
In any case, whenever he starts the process of developing a new game he always goes by following 3 essential principles: 1.) Be simple rather than detailed or complex. 2.) Identify and define the feel of the game. 3.) Remove any distraction from the main message. From what he's able to learn, the goal is capture the feeling of game and should be able to hit with one simple glance at what it possibly feels like to play it. In other words, as a creator of these games his job isn't to create just a picture that entices you but has the ability to visually stimulate you in a more positive than negative emotional way.
That's how it goes with movies and certain characters that hit you in such an impactful way whether it's positive or negative, he thinks to himself. In that instance, Chuck can't help but think about Star Wars: A New Hope and how the simple image of Luke looking out into the distance as Tatooine's two setting suns makes him smile on the outside, as well as on the inside. Why? It's a scene that has always resonated with him because that scene from the original trilogy is part of his childhood growing up. Plus, it's a scene that no matter how many times he watches it, it makes him feel like a little kid again. In a sense, he wants that same type of feeling when it comes to playing the games being created from his company.
"Let's go with the cover on the right." Chuck announced, pointing to Kathleen's choice. "No offense, Morg. Plus, the last cover had a video game feel to it."
"Codename:Sandstorm. One our best games to date." Morgan noted. He then continues on. "No worries. I'm cool with it. It's not like a competition or anything." Morgan retorted, taking out his wallet. He then retrieves $5 dollars and hands it to Kathleen, which she gladly takes.
Chuck can't help but express a grin and softly chuckle at what just happened. As much as he considers Morgan and Kathleen part of his awesome team and not to mention family, they're also co-workers who can be considerably competitive, especially when it's time to pick out the final cover for a computer game.
"Awesome." he said, clapping his hands together. "So, we're done with that. I'll email the final cover specs to our guy to have printed."
"It's all coming together." Morgan proudly stated.
"A team effort every step of the way, buddy." nodded Chuck.
"We're like the 3 Musketeers. Better yet, the 3 Amigos. An awesome movie by the way starring Martin Short, Chevy Chase, and Steve Martin. Oh! How about we all do…"
"We're not doing the 3 Amigo's salute." interjected Chuck, shaking his head.
A look of disappointment is expressed on Morgan's face after hearing that. True, this particular moment does calls for a celebration and the 3 Amigos salute is considered one of the iconic 80's pop culture references that just stick out next to Pee Wee Herman's Tequila dance. However, he feels that even the though the game is nearly completely they may very well end up jinxing the entire thing so he doesn't want to run the risk of doing just that. Instead, he would rather give credit to where credit is due when it comes to the hard work that's been put into the project.
"Listen, I greatly appreciate the both of you for your help. I don't know where I'd be without you two having my back."
"Like you said, we're a team." Kathleen proudly reiterated. "It's been a tough and at times stressful 6 months, but got through it. I'm proud of you Chuck. The both of you boys."
"Aww shucks…" Morgan responded. He waving her comment off with his right hand not in a dismissive manner. "…thanks Ms. K." he added, briefly feeling like a little kid.
Kathleen's absolutely right, Chuck thinks to himself. The tough and stressful times, along with the lack of sleep, during the past 6 months have been all worth it to get the latest computer game called Sandwall completed. His bearded best friend stepped it up on his part knowing there have been times early in the past where he's slacked off with his responsibilities. Thankfully, the addition of Kathleen to the Kessel Run team was something they truly needed as she kept not only Morgan in line, but was able to keep them focused on the tasks at hand whenever they ended up getting distracted.
It's at that point, what sounds like a dying whale is heard leading Chuck to place his right hand on his stomach. "Time for lunch."
"Sizzling shrimp?" suggested Morgan, raising both eyebrows.
In response, Chuck arches his right brow. "Again? We had that yesterday." He makes his way towards the open doorway of the small conference room. He stops to let Kathleen out first since he is a gentleman after all.
"How about Subway?" chimed in Kathleen, with her suggestion. She acknowledges Chuck's courteous gesture as she steps out of the small conference room and disappears out of sight.
"I could go for a $5 dollar foot long." smiled Chuck, walking out into the hallway. He disappears out of sight as well.
Morgan stands there for a moment within the open doorway quite possibly thinking he's lost out another suggestion from Alex's mother. He then speak up. "Hey Ms. K, can I have my $5 dollars back!?" he called out. He takes one more sip of his grape soda then drops in the trash can before disappearing out of sight.
XXX
"Big Mike, I just wanted to touch base with you on Jeff and Lester's work performance in the past 6 months. Evaluate their progress taking into account any improvements when it comes to their duties as orderlies." Sarah stated, sitting behind her office desk.
For Sarah, one of her responsibilities in the position of Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center other than dealing with paperwork is build performance reports in order evaluate employees. Of course, Jeff and Lester were far less motivated before they were given an ultimatum by Chief Beckman's second in command then offered an enticing incentive to basically stop all their shenanigans. It would be an offer they instantly accepted and much to everyone's shocking surprise they were able to fulfill the requirements of the contracts they signed that were put together by Chuck's family attorney Hartley Winterbottom.
"I can't believe I'm going to say this, but…" Big Mike said, shaking his head. A sense of disbelief in his voice. "…they've become focused and driven." he proudly added.
"It certainly sounds like they've made some positive steps in improving themselves as employees."
"Oh, don't get me wrong, Chief. Those two are still knuckleheads." he retorted back.
In response, Sarah arches her right brow. "Could you elaborate?"
"Every once and a while they have a tendency to fall back on their usual shenanigans." He pauses for a moment, then continues on. "Lester daring Jeff to eat something that's been left in the mystery crisper for God knows how long. Nothing to be majorly alarmed about."
"Mystery crisper?"
"It's where the food that are just left by the orderlies go to die."
"We really need to have that fridge cleaned out." Sarah softly muttered to herself. In her mind, she mentally takes note of sending janitorial down to the orderly's breakroom and dispose of what could be deemed biohazardous material.
"How do I not know about this?"
"It's located in the orderly's breakroom. It's like a whole other world in there."
"How and in what way?" she asked with cautious curiosity.
'Have you ever seen the movie Mad Max?"
"The one with Mel Gibson? Yes."
'Imagine that, but a lot weirder."
A sudden chill runs down her spine after mentally visualizing a seemingly dystopian world or in this particular case break room that's already in societal collapse. Granted, even though it's a movie about warring tribes and a shortage of critical resources, the comparisons to the 1979 movie and 2 other movies that came after to the possible thunderdome like atmosphere may be a bit of an embellishment on Big Mike's part. As for the individual who had her back during Chief Beckman's vacation, the next words that come out of his mouth causes Sarah's eyes to bug out.
"Last week, they kidnapped Norman."
"What!? Why wasn't I informed about it? Chief Beckman? Casey?"
"I didn't want you or the two of them involved."
"Why?"
"I thought I could handle it."
"It's a kidnapping involving a hospital employee and not to mention considered top priority." In that instance, she retrieves her cell phone and presses the intended contact. As it's ringing, she asks Big Mike a very important question. "Who's Norman? A new orderly?"
"Not exactly."
"What is he then?"
It's at the point, the other end of the line picks up. "What's up, Walker?"
"A marlin." In that instance, Big Mike sees Sarah's eyebrows rise up expressing puzzled confusion causing her to blink repeatedly at him. He continues on to further explain. "4 feet long with a spear like nose. He's hanging on my wall in my office. Well, he was hanging on my wall."
"False alarm, Casey. Apparently, just a misunderstanding." she responded, shaking her head.
"I know about the fish."
"And?"
"Didn't care. Still don't."
Sarah softly breathes out a sigh. "I'll call you back later."
"Roger that." With that, Casey hangs up on his end.
After setting her phone down on her desk, she's briefly silent taking a moment to rub her forehead. A few seconds later, she speaks up. "Do you know for sure they took..." Sarah briefly trying to comprehend what she's hearing and trying not to laugh at the same time because of the visual she has in her head right now. "…Norman?"
"I don't..." He pauses then slides up to the edge of the chair. Afterwards he leans forward. "...but those are the only two geniuses that are dumb enough to pull off something like this."
"Take a deep breath, Big Mike."
Big Mike complies and after gather his thoughts he continues on. "You know, Norman broke in half after I placed him back up on the wall in my office. It turns out he was glued together in some desperate attempt to hide the unspeakable crime." The sound of disdain and anger clearly evident in his voice.
"I'm sure Norman can be fixed."
"That fish cost me $200 on EBay!" he angrily spitted out.
Sarah is left speechless after hearing that response. She takes a moment to gather her thoughts and then speaks up. While sitting there behind her desk, she can clearly tell the job, as well as being in charge of people like Jeff and Lester has been a tremendous undertaking to say the least. As she observes the big hearted man sitting in front of him scoot back in order to sit comfortably then reach behind with his right hand to rub the back of his head, she can't help but wonder if he had full head of hair. In her mind, he may have lost it due to the stress of dealing with those two knuckleheads. It's at the point, she makes the decision to wrap it up because they've somehow ended up way off track. However, before she even opens her mouth Big Mike chimes in before she can say anything.
"Did you know I used to be in a band?"
"You?"
"Ever heard of Earth, Wind and Fire?"
"Of course. Wait…"
In that instance, Big Mike takes a moment to reflect back. In doing so, he reaches behind him and takes out his wallet. After a few seconds of searching he finds what's he's looking for and hands it over to Sarah.
"For a short time in 1988, the band was called Earth, Wind, Fire and Rain. I was Rain." he shared, gesturing to the wallet side photo she's holding. Afterwards, he sits there with a look of reflection as if he's reliving his days as a member of an iconic and not to mention legendary band.
It's a photo that is so remarkably unbelievable that she doesn't know if it's actually a prank being played on her since she still considers herself relatively new to the Westside family. However, when it comes to Westside Medical Center, she hasn't fully gotten accustomed to how truly different this hospital is among the other hospitals in the surrounding areas and this includes her old stomping grounds in D.C., Langley Memorial Medical.
XXX
The meeting with Big Mike was most definitely eye opening and not to mention interesting for Sarah. Fortunately, the evaluation performances that were scheduled after his were fairly normal with the exception of the hospital's head of I.T., Lazlo Mahnovski. His performance evaluation was held in the bunker instead of her office, which was considered a whole other world. According to Chief Beckman, it was easier that way and she didn't press the matter further after noticing the seemingly exasperated look on her face. In any case, other than having a late lunch she knew one thing could make her day better after crossing off several performance evaluations off her list.
"Norman was one thing, but learning that Big Mike used to be the 4th member of Earth, Wind, and Fire as Rain is another. As Devon would say, that's a big brain stamp."
"But an awesome big brain stamp." There's a brief pauses on the other end of the line before he continues on. "Besides, Jeff and Lester aren't crazy enough to touch Big Mike's most prized possession."
In that instance, Sarah's right brow arches up. "Norman broke in half."
"That's unfortunate. He was probably mishandled by some weasel caught completely by surprise."
"Mhmm." grinned Sarah. The following two words suddenly popping into her mind: plausible deniability. After a few moments of successfully suppressing laughter, Sarah speaks up. "By the way, I finally met Lazlo."
"I'm sorry."
Sarah couldn't help but laugh after hearing that. "I can see why he'd rather be in the bunker. Not much of a people person."
"Laz is a good guy. He can be an ass at times, but a good guy. Plus, he's a computer genius who created and developed software specifically for the hospital's database mainframe. If someone was crazy enough to try to hack the hospital, Lazlo would know and make them pay." Chuck shared, sounding like a proud friend over the phone.
"I'll take your word for it." smiled Sarah.
"He helped out big time during Bash At The Bench. That time Morgan took over hosting duties and Lazlo was behind the camera. I had to take you home per Chief Beckman's orders."
"I remember. Not my finest hour." she answered back, reflecting on the unfortunate moment in time.
"You had your reasons."
"I wanted to rip Jack's head off."
"That was then. You and Jack are on good terms now. How is he by the way? Have you heard from him?"
"Not lately." she replied back, shaking her head. "He has a great place to live. It's not The Westin Bonaventure Hotel, but it will do.
"Is he taking care of himself?"
"And as far as I know he is. He should be sticking to the regiment that the kidney specialist provided him with. If he doesn't, I threatened to kick his ass."
"I'm sure you would." he responded, chuckling with amusement.
"I do have my worries he'll fall back to his old ways. I know he gave his word that he's going on the straight and narrow, but…"
"I know." chimed in the nerdy business owner.
For her, those two simple words mean so much to her because Chuck does in fact know. They've been able to establish a much stronger connection together, especially after what happened between the two of them in the limo at Molly's Junior High Prom. One of the things that stands out most for her after joining as one is the smile on his face as he was staring up through the sun roof into the night sky filled with stars. A cute, goofy looking smile on his face. He told her later that the best way he could describe the way he smiled was by comparing to how Arnold Schwarzenegger's character Julius Benedict smiled in that scene in the movie Twins where he experienced his first time with Kelly Preston's character Marnie.
Of course, it wasn't the first time for Chuck since he was in a previous relationship with that woman who shall never be named. The one who ended taking his mojo causing his to hide within himself for a number of years until she made her presence known in the courtyard. An awesome first impression, she thinks to herself. Despite that, he was vulnerable and tender but at the same time very passionate with her. She recalls he wasn't overly aggressive with her to the point of making her not only absolute safe, but comfortable as well. Thinking about it further, he was there for her and focusing on what she wanted instead of the other way around, which was completely different from her past relationship experiences.
In her mind, it's was a truly intimate and heavenly moment between the two of them to the point where she can't help but blush and become flustered. Why? It's a level of intimacy she's never truly experienced before until that particular night with Chuck. Speaking of her nerd, she forces herself to refocus back on the conversation she's having right now with him.
"How about you? The search for your dad?"
"It's still going. Hartley's keeping me in the loop with what information he's received from Longshore's contacts. The leads have been promising."
"At least it's something." she retorted, reassuringly.
"It's better than nothing at all."
"What's next? What are you going to do?"
"I know what I'm not going to do. Sit and wait. I still have a business to run and a computer game to finish. It's 95% done."
"What's the title of game you've been working on again?"
"Sandwall."
"How many of the games that have been created have the name sand in them?"
"Just two. Why?"
"No reason. Just curious." Sarah responds, briefly shrugging her shoulders. "Anyways, I'm so proud of you."
"I can't take all the credit. Morgan and Kathleen have been a big help as well."
"I'll make sure to let them know too." There's a brief pause before Sarah continues on. "Pick me for lunch tomorrow?"
"You buying?"
"A gentlemen always pays, Mr. Bartowski." Sarah playfully answered back.
"It's a good think I like you, Ms. Walker."
"Like?" questioned Sarah, quirking her right brow.
"Love. I love you. Happy?"
"That's better. I love you, too." Sarah happy replied, expressing a smile. "See you tomorrow." she added, ending her phone with her nerdy boyfriend.
XXX
The following day Chuck arrives to pick up Sarah for a lunch date. As the two emerge out of the front entrance of Westside Medical Center hand in hand, both of them notice 3 individual standing at the far end of the covered entry way. The nerdy couple eventually make their way to that location to find Chief Beckman standing there with Casey by her side. The 3rd individual is Head Nurse Alex Forrest. A wheelchair by her side. Curiosity gets the better of the two of them to where they greet the trio before heading to Chuck's vehicle.
"What's up Chief? Casey. Forrest." Chuck nodded, acknowledging their presence. "Rolling out the red carpet I see?" question Chuck.
"Mr. Bartowski." acknowledged Chief Beckman, with a nod back. "You could say that. I received a call from the Board of Directors to expect an arrival of an injured patient. An athlete to be exact who was working out at a local training facility here in Los Angeles. A facility that is owned by one of the board members by the way."
"Isn't that convenient." sarcastically responded Forrest.
"Let me guess. That particular board member was notified about the situation and graciously suggested Westside Medical Center to get our soon to be patient looked at?" questioned Sarah, arching her right brow.
Beckman doesn't say a word at first. Instead, she shrugs her shoulders knowing the unfortunate position she's put in whenever the powers that be make a call that she doesn't necessarily agree with. "I should be receiving a call from the manager at any moment."
"I don't envy the position you're in, Chief." retorted Chuck. There's a brief moment of silence before he speaks up again. "What does the hospital get in return?"
"In return, the Board of Directors wants some good press for the hospital, especially since this particular individual has been training for the upcoming 2012 Summer Olympics. Plus, an ambassador of the Youth Olympic Games according to the manager. From my understanding, the athlete in question has been considered a rising star before his unfortunate injury." Beckman further shared.
"Rising star and ambassador?" Chuck said, shaking his head. "A regular Gordon Bombay."
"Who?" Forrest questioned quizzically.
"Emilio Estevez? Mighty Ducks movie trilogy for Disney? Flying V?" Chuck listed off. "Quack, Quack, Quack? Knuckle Puck." he added, referencing the nostalgic 90's flick.
"I know what you're talking about, Chuck." Sarah said squeezing his hands, with supportive encouragement.
Chuck expresses a soft toothy smile in response as he returns his focus to the subject at hand. "Listen, I'm no athlete…"
"That's pretty obvious, Bartowski." interjected Casey, expressing a faint smirk.
"Anyways…" responded Chuck, briefly eyeing The Colonel. "…if this rising star is coming our way should the drop off point be considered private? Like the side entrance heading into the courtyard?" he added, in a questioning manner.
"Chuck's right. Keep his anonymity intact since he's considered a celebrity athlete who is a rising star?" noted Sarah. "What's are we expecting when it comes to transportation? Arrival by ambulance?
"Celebrity." softly scoffed Casey. His soft sounding response would cause all 4 individuals to direct their attention to the hulking head of security. He expresses a notable grunt then speaks up. "That would be the standard operating procedure, Walker. As for transport, it's not by ambulance but by personal vehicle." shared the hulking head of security.
"From what I've been told, they're arrival will be generally low key." Beckman shared.
"Do you have any idea who it is?" questioned Chuck.
"No clue. Chief said the patient is to be treated as a V.I.P." Forrest stated, with air quotes. "That's going to be fun. My nurses catering to every whim of an ego driven athlete who's probably never heard the word no before. " she added, rolling her eyes.
"The Board said that Forrest…" corrected Beckman. "…not me." she added, shaking her head. "Despite whatever your feelings and thoughts of this individual who will be given special treatment, it's not going to deter us in providing the best service possible this hospital is known for. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, Chief." responded all 4 individuals simultaneously.
It's at the point, Beckman receives a call causing her to immediately answer. After a having a short conversation with whoever is on the other end, the phone call is ended. "That was the manager."
"What's their 20, Chief?" inquired Casey.
After saying that a dark S.U.V is seen pass the front right of the hospital to where all 5 individuals witness the vehicle make a U-turn in order to approach the drop off point. This leads Chief Beckman to answer Casey's question.
"Now." answered Beckman.
The dark S.U.V. finally stops right by the spot where all 5 individuals are standing. Once it stops, the passenger side door opens and man with dark hair dressed in a dark suit hops out. He takes a moment to adjust his suit coat then turns to the group that have been waiting their arrival.
"Chief Beckman?"
"You must be the manager Mr…" questioned Beckman reaching out for a handshake. While doing so, she takes a moment to size up the man in front of her.
"Delgado." he shared, reciprocating the handshake. "Tommy Delgado."
"Impressive scar." remarked Casey, noting the scars on top and below the manager's left eye. In that instance, all 4 individuals turn to the hulking head of security and just stare at him in disbelief. Undaunted, the Colonel disregards the stares and continues on. "Military?"
"You'll have to excuse my Head of Security." she chimed in, briefly glaring up at him.
A slight nod of acknowledgement is given as Tommy returns his attention back to hospital's head of security. He then points to his scars a bit amused. "MMA." Tommy replied, with a smirk. He then provides the information concerning the type of injury his client is dealing with. "My client suffered some kind of knee injury during track practice."
"We'll take excellent care of him, Mr. Delgado." Beckman then gives a nod to Forrest who positions the wheelchair by the back passenger door, which begins to open up. As it does, the Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center speaks up. "This my head nurse, Alex Forrest. My 2nd in command and Chief Operating Officer, Sarah Walker." Both women taking the moment to shake Tommy's hand.
"And him?" questioned Tommy, directing his attention to the tall and lanky individual.
Chuck is about to say something when Casey speaks up. "Chief Walker's assistant. He's mute." the Colonel smartly remarked. He would instantly be thrown an enforcer like death glare from his blond headed partner, but completely ignores it.
The nerdy business owner is about to respond back to Casey when he suddenly notices Tommy's client being turned around in his wheelchair. When the person in question is in full view it certainly causes a visual emotion to the point where Sarah is visibly concerned causing her to reach over in order to squeeze his hand. A few seconds later, Chuck speaks up after being rendered momentarily speechless.
"Hab SoSll' Quch!"
"quvHa' Hegh SoH vineH." Tommy's client answered, shaking his head.
"I'm impressed you still remember Klingon..." Chuck replied, shaking his head. He briefly glances at everybody wondering what's going on. "…Bryce." he added, staring at his former Stanford roommate.
XXX
NOTE: Well, what do you think of the appearance of Bryce as the rising star athlete training for the 2012 Olympics? I have several scenarios in the pipeline concerning what could happen, which includes other appearances from well known characters. It's tough to choose which one to go with, but I'm sure you all with enjoy what I write regardless. As always, share your thoughts, comment, and let me know what you think on the beginning of the 3rd arc for this ongoing story. Plus, tip of the hat to NEVR for doing to beta. You rock dude!
