Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench

Well, in the previous chapter: Chuck and Sarah met with Executive Producer Alexis White concerning an upcoming project involving the newly engaged couple. At the ending of the meeting where Sarah requested White for contracts to be drawn up before they agreed to be a part of the project, she found out one of the cast was Sarah's former classmate. A classmate that she tormented in a mean girls way and she regretted it for years. Sarah shared the unfortunate story with Chuck and wants to make amends with her with the support of her friends, as well family. Meanwhile, Casey encountered someone from his past that was greatly influential to the Colonel. The hulking Head of Security was in absolute disbelief at the man he knew back then to what he saw standing several feet away from him after getting into a brief altercation. So, what happens in this chapter? Here are the who, what, where, when, why, how's? Who shows up to the waiting room area to help assist Beckman, Casey, and Forrest? What symptoms did Bennett show after being assessed by the highly qualified person that showed? Where did Casey go on his day off to relax? When does Casey reveal Sarah that he has another way of finding out how to get information knowing the medical file Sarah was no help. Why does White call Pollack a method actor? How Sarah react when Heather finally shows up? 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.

Losing Touch

XXX

The situation in The Trenches of the Westside Medical Center's emergency room settled down after Casey was able to get through to the homeless man. It was that same homeless man who had a surprising past connection with the hospital's Head of Security and referred to him by a completely different name. Of course, it was considered an interesting turn of events as the intense situation unfolded for those within the emergency room, especially for Head Nurse Alex Forrest and Chief Beckman. In any case, Casey was able to eventually calm the man who he recognized as a fellow marine and his former commanding officer, Ty Bennett. Afterwards, he would be taken to the waiting room area within the emergency room where he was seated and examined by Forrest, with Casey right there by Bennett's side.

For precautionary measures, Greta and Tang were posted outside, just in case they were needed at a moment's notice if Bennett was suddenly triggered. Thankfully, he wasn't. Once the examination was finished, Forrest made her way to and stood beside Chief Beckman. In any case, Beckman and Forrest watched Casey making sure Bennett was absolutely comfortable as he handed over some beverages, a couple snacks from the vending machine, and switched the television to an entertaining program. After briefly checking on Bennett and seeing that he wasn't considered a serious threat at the moment, Casey made his way towards the two women waiting to talk to him.

"I'm sure the both of you have questions," he softly grunted.

"Too many to choose from," stated Forrest, shaking her head in disbelief.

"I just have one," Chief Beckman responded. She crossed her arms and furrowed her eyebrows at Bennett. In her mind, she set aside being Diane Beckman, Chief Administrator to Westside Medical Center. Instead, she was just Diane being there for her friend John. "When was the last time you saw him?" she inquired.

"24 years ago," Casey answered back.

Forrest mentally did the math in her head. "1989."

Casey nodded. "I had a year under my belt in the Marines before I met Sensei," he added, reflecting back on his past.

"Sensei?" questioned Forrest, arching her right brow. She expressed an amused soft chuckle under her breath.

The amused soft chuckle was ignored by Casey. "Nickname. He was like Yoda." He paused then turned his head to face Beckman. "You know from Star Wars," he clarified.

"I know who Yoda is, Colonel," retorted the Chief Administrator. She shook her head then peered up at her Head of Security. Afterwards, she expressed a faint smirk. "I'm actually surprised you do."

Casey responded with a low but clearly audible grunt. "Hanging around Bartowski and Grimes for too long will do that," he said, sounding thoroughly annoyed and irritated. "Sensei," He stopped and gathered his thoughts before he continued on. "He taught and trained me to control myself mentally and emotionally. The Marine Corp took care of training me physically." he freely shared with Beckman.

"Is John Casey even your real name?" wondered Forrest.

"Affirmative," he replied, with a firm nod.

The auburn-haired Chief Administrator quickly chimed in after he answered Forrest's question. "And the name Alex Coburn?"

Silence was the response Casey gave, as he stood there with his jaw momentarily clinched. After what seemed like a long silence as he continued to stand in front of Beckman and Forrest, he finally spoke up. "I can't go into further detail, Chief."

"Can't?" A quizzical look was instantly expressed on Beckman's face. "Or won't?"

"It's," Casey briefly glanced at Forrest, then returned his attention back to Beckman. "Classified."

Beckman was about to respond after hearing the word classified but stopped herself. Essentially, this was the first time she was given any insight when it came to Casey's past. Granted, his background in the military seemed credible after she contacted the references that were listed on his resume. Plus, he was always spoken very highly of being in the Marines, which showed such a tremendous loyalty and how much deep respect he continued to have for the branch of service that he served under, she thought to herself.

Thinking back when Beckman initially hired Casey, he provided her with a standard, but a truly impressive resume that wasn't too padded. Fortunately for her, he arrived at a time when the former Head of Security was retiring, and Casey's references spoke very highly of him. In her mind, the security at Westside Medical Center truly did need a major upgrade since the majority of them were reaching or were about to reach retirement age. So, after hiring Casey she inquired if he knew anybody that not only needed a job working security, but were highly skilled as well, when it came to having background in the military.

Of course, Greta and Tang were the first recommendations offered up by Casey to Beckman for the replacement security positions. Both had backgrounds in the military as well. Similar to her Head of Security, they also provided her with a standard resume that was impressive, and again, not too padded. True, it wouldn't be just those two joining the Westside family as the much-seasoned security team would eventually be replaced with a team who was considerably more focused, skilled and disciplined. However, she kept a couple security members after she had a discussion with Casey who viewed them as absolutely promising. In any case, when it came to the security of the hospital itself there was a complete turnaround in just a few short months in not just the efficiency of problematic issues were reported, but on how quickly those issues were handled as well.

Ultimately, Casey and his security force were considered the best team she had ever employed. They've certainly turned the morale within the hospital from negative to incredibly positive, knowing how much of a presence they exuded in every area of the hospital, which was sorely lacking with the previous security team. A security team that the Board of Directors spoke very highly of because they were notified of how security was changed, especially when VIP's either made a special appearance or were checked in for medical reasons. Beckman's thoughts concerning Casey's impactful influence changed the attitude and atmosphere of Westside Medical Center were set aside when she turned to face her Head Nurse.

"You can go," she ordered.

At first, Forrest thought Beckman was joking when she breathed out a soft chuckle. However, she wasn't joking, which Forrest noticed from her peripheral vision that her boss was visually locked on to her. "Seriously!?" she retorted, turning to face her boss with astonished disbelief. "Just when it's getting good?" Forrest replied, sounding disappointed.

"Forrest," Beckman firmly stated. She shot a stern and authoritative, serious glare towards the veteran female head nurse who was allowed to stay until that very moment. "You can go," she firmly repeated the order again.

This time, Forrest begrudgingly complied, after she saw the seriousness in her boss's eyes. She left the waiting room area then headed back into The Trenches of the emergency room, but not before passing Greta and Tang on the way out who were posted outside the door. Afterwards, Beckman turned back to Casey, then suddenly directed her attention over to Bennett. Why? Beckman, along with her Head of Security, saw the disheveled military veteran who was wearing tattered clothing repeatedly hitting the right side of his head in a frantic and anxious manner.

"Alex!" he cried out. Bennett's voice sounded irritated and angry, but at the same time lost and uncertain of his surroundings.

Casey reacted instinctively after being called out, as if the sound of Bennett's voice awakened part of who he was in the past. Before he headed over to Bennett, Casey turned his head and looked back to Beckman for the go ahead. She stood there for a moment, briefly glancing back and forth at both men. A few seconds later, she turned back to Casey and peered up at him. She gave a simple nod to the man who made every employee that worked within the hallowed halls of Westside Medical Center safe since he was hired in 1995. She intently watched and listened to the conversation that both men were having from where she was standing.

"It's ok, Sensei. They are friendlies."

"Is the…is the AO clear?"

"Affirmative. Area of Operation is clear."

As the conversation between Casey and Bennett continued on, Beckman heard the waiting room door open. When the individual in question stood beside her, she briefly glanced at him and saw it was the hospital's clinical psychologist, Dr. Howard Busgang. A man that, according to Chuck, drew a somewhat striking resemblance to the Emergency Medical Hologram or EMH doctor from the popular science fiction series set in space, Star Trek Voyager. She didn't have any clue who the character or the television show was.

In any case, he was also referred to within the confines of the hospital as Perseus, which stuck. Of course, it was once again Chuck who unofficially dubbed the experienced clinical psychologist of 40 years that famous name of not only one of the greatest heroes of Greek mythology, but the slayer of monsters before the days of Hercules.

Beckman found the reason why a bit humorous. Although her esteemed colleague outwardly didn't have the physical attributes of a Greek demi-god warrior that fought numerous battles, he helped fight battles in a metaphorical way by slaying the mental monsters that his patients have fought with and struggled to overcome for a number of years.

"Howard," Beckman acknowledged.

"Diane." Busgang nodded. He briefly glanced at Beckman standing to his right. "My newest patient I presume,." he stated, reaching up to adjust his glasses.

XXX

"His name is Ty Bennett," she stated. Afterwards, she turned to face her friend and colleague and then took notice of something. "Howard, what happened?" she inquired, with concern peering down.

Busgang broke his focus on his newest patient and looked down at the walking boot around the lower half of his left leg. He was also using a cane to help alleviate the pain he was experiencing as well. He shook his head and responded. "I was out of town attending a dinner party and I sprained it."

"How serious?" questioned Beckman.

"Not serious. It was a freak accident," answered Busgang, shaking his head. "I was walking down a flight of stairs and I felt like I got shot in my lower left leg. Now, I'm hobbling around like Dr. Gregory House, according to Chuck," he added, shaking his head. His attention is then directed back to his newest patient. "Whoever that is. I saw Chuck earlier today," he added, rolling his eyes.

Beckman cracked a faint smile after she heard that. Afterwards, she cleared her throat and averted her attention to the area where Busbang was looking. "Have you encountered a situation like this before?"

"I have, but it can be considered quite challenging," replied Busgang. "Especially when it involves mental health and trauma for military veterans." He then took a step forward and made his way to where Casey and Bennett were located.

Before Busgang approached their location, Casey did the best he could and prepared Bennett to avoid being triggered in any way. The hulking Head of Security nodded and acknowledged Busgnang's presence as the hospital's clinical psychologist cautiously made his presence known.

"Mr. Bennet, it's a pleasure to meet you?" he said, in a soft, playfully upbeat and eloquent tone of voice. He then expressed a non-threatening smile. "I'm Dr. Howard Busgang at your service."

Unfortunately, Bennett immediately had his guard up and his attention cautiously darted between Casey and Busgang. "Alex!? Who is this?" he stammered out with a mixture of uncertainty, worry, and fear.

Casey softly grunted in response. He knew that Busgang was the type of clinical psychologist who would do something out of the ordinary in order to put patients at ease. He either did or said something that totally confused the patient at first but somehow mentally maneuvered his way to the point where he got him or her talking, which he just did. Casey respected him for that, despite Bennett's defensive reaction. In his mind, Busgnag would have been deemed a great asset because of his highly valued skill set and certainly there would be an offer on the table to be part of a PSYOPS team for classified military missions.

His thoughts concerning the value of Bugsbang's skills were set aside as Casey's attention was averted to Bennett. "Sensei, he's another friendly?"

"Are you sure?"

"Affirmative." Casey firmly nodded.

Although Busbang never really had an extensive amount of experience dealing with trauma involving military veterans, he was ready for it. It was part of his training when he pursued a career in the medical field in the area of clinical psychology, especially when it came to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. P.T.S.D for short. During his training, he learned that soldiers developed anxiety after an individual was exposed to a traumatic or overwhelming life experience. In addition, the human body returned to baseline levels after experiencing high stressful events and those experiencing PTSD continue to release stress-related hormones, as well as chemicals.

Among the things he learned concerned posttraumatic stress that were characterized by the four basic types of symptoms. The first symptom that was touched on during training was Reliving the Event, which focused on repeatedly experiencing one of a number of specific events in flashbacks. Flashbacks of memories in the battlefield that can certainly be intrusive and most definitely upsetting, Busgang thought to himself.

"What's your rank, soldier?" carefully questioned Busgang.

"Gunnery sergeant," Bennett answered. He instinctively saluted with his right hand afterward.

"Have you been experiencing any nightmares, Gunny?"

"A lot of them," answered Bennett.

"Is there a specific nightmare that you can remember?" Bennett nodded. "One that was so intense that you couldn't go back to sleep?" wondered Busgang.

Bennett nodded again and took a moment to gather his thoughts before he answered. As he did, Busgang carefully observed Bennett's facial expression and overall body language in order to gradually assess his patient. A read in which he mentally checked off certain boxes that fit the criteria to get properly diagnosed, even though there is a 100% certainty he was suffering from P.T.S.D. Busgang's thoughts were interrupted when Bennett spoke up.

"I'm leading a mission in Iraq. It's going smoothly, but…"

Busgnag and Casey saw the struggle Bennett was having with himself. It was as if there was an inner, painfully tortuous mental battle going on that he hasn't been able to free himself from. It's that freedom Bennett desperately yearned for, that Busgang wanted for him, but the man had, as yet, never gotten. "But what?"

It's at that point. Busgang knew he reached the next symptom that characterized post-traumatic stress, after noticing Bennett repeatedly shaking his head. That next symptom was Avoidance. Thinking back on his training, what happens during avoidance is that soldiers stay away from people, places, or even thoughts that remind them of the event. Also, they experience emotional numbness to the point where Bennett had probably gone through feelings of detachment.

"Gunny," Busgang calmly and softly said. "What year is it?"

It took Bennet a moment for Busgang's question to sink in. All three individuals in the room didn't wait long for the answer.

"2007."

"A year after Operation Desert Shield," softly breathed out Casey. He was absolutely shocked that a man who took him under his wing and was mentally, as well physically, fit had been homeless for the better part of 4 years.

Speaking of Casey's former commanding officer, he sat there scratching his head truly believing the year was 2007. Meanwhile, Beckman continued to stand by the waiting room entrance door. She intently listened and watched her colleague do what he was trained to do.

Bennett's answer deeply impacted Casey. For him, it was like being hit at full speed by a freight train. As much as he wanted to jump in and say something, he restrained himself and allowed Busgang to keep going without him interfering. While Casey sat there next to his mentor, he listened to questions being asked that concerned memory problems, any loss of interest in every activity, being emotionally guarded and any feelings of hopelessness. It was that question about feeling of hopelessness that nearly had him outwardly express his lady feelings. However, he pushed those lady feelings down and slowly stood up.

"Doc, can I talk to you?" Busgang nodded. He gingerly wobbled off with cane in hand to where Beckman stood since she arrived in the waiting room.

Before Casey walked off, he made sure to inform Bennett that he was not going to be very far. Fortunately for Casey, he was able to get Bennett to understand. Afterwards, both men joined Beckman by the waiting room where the concerned Marine spoke in a whispered tone.

"Give it to me straight, Doc. How bad is it?"

Busgang took a deep breath and didn't sugar coat it for Casey. "It depends on the level and the type of event that precipitated his trauma," Busgang whispered back. He then placed his cane in front of him and both hands on the top curve of his cane. Afterwards, he leaned down on it a bit.

"In English, Doc," Casey whispered, sounding annoyed and irritated.

"Calm down, Colonel," Beckman softly said. "I know how personally connected you are to Bennett."

After Casey sounded of a soft grunt worthy response, Busgang gave a more simplified answer that could be best understood. "He's lost touch with reality." He paused momentarily, to let what he just shared sink in for Casey and Beckman. "In the short time I've talked with him, I can clearly tell he's dealing with additional issues of Hyperarousal and showing signs of negativity pertaining to his thoughts, moods, as well as feelings."

"Hyperarousal?" questioned Beckman.

Busgang shook his head. "It's nothing sexual related. It means since I've entered the room Bennett has constantly been scanning his surroundings for any signs of danger. Also, I noticed that he has problems concentrating that has led to increased irritability." After he said that, a noise that sounded like a muffled crash was heard from outside the waiting room. It caused Bennett to suddenly jump and get instantly triggered. Casey quickly made his way to his former commanding officer location to calm him down.

As the hospital's clinical psychologist and chief administrator stood there watching Casey calm Bennet down, Busgang continued on. "He's easily started and I'm guessing erratic sleep patterns are also problematic symptoms that Bennett's suffering from as well.

"And the negative thoughts, moods, or feelings?" Beckman inquired.

In that instance, Busgang stepped forward and then turned around to face Beckman.

"Feelings of guilt, otherwise known as survivor's guilt. Criticizing or blaming other individuals for what happened. If Bennett was the only surviving member of the team he led, then that caused his downward spiral, which happened in 2007." Busgang shook his head after he said that. He then looked over his right shoulder and briefly returned his attention to Beckman. "Excuse me, Chief."

Busgang made his way back to where Casey and Bennett were. Fortunately, Casey was able to calm his former commanding officer and fellow Marine down. As for Beckman, she stood there for a moment before she turned towards and made her way out the waiting room area door, but did it in such a careful way she avoided causing Bennett to get triggered again. Before she left, the Chief Administrator briefly instructed Greta and Tang to keep her posted if anything changed in Bennett's attitude or behavior, which they acknowledged with a firm head nod. Afterwards, she took one last look inside and then headed off to make a phone call that would probably help shed light on Bennett's overall health.

XXX

It was a Wednesday afternoon, and the sun was shining in Los Angeles. Sylmar, CA to be exact, which was located within LA County. In any case, it was Casey's day off and he needed to blow off some steam after all that had happened yesterday. A blast from his past literally stepped back into his life under unfortunate circumstances. It personally affected him, knowing it had been years since he last saw and spoke with a certain number of his fellow grunts that he was assigned with on missions, especially Bennett. In his mind, losing touch was sometimes considered normal because the life of a soldier meant being relocated from one duty station to another unless you were specifically chosen to join and be part of a highly exclusive elite group.

An elite team that was considered classified, so they didn't actually exist, Casey thought to himself. It's that thought in which he needed to have a clear and calm mind because of the way he saw his former commanding officer, who he referred to as Sensei. Bennett's overall mental and physical state deeply troubled him to the point where it significantly impacted him. Of course, what helped provide him a much needed distraction was going to ShootSoCal Firearms and Training. A gun range that was always considered his playground and he truly loved the smell of gunpowder in the air.

After firing off a few rounds from a BCM Europearms F Class sniper rifle at a target that was approximately 900 yards away, he lay completely motionless for a moment on top of the mat to avoid getting dirt all over his clothes. He looked into the scope at the target and a few seconds later, a satisfied smirk was expressed in the corner of his mouth when he saw where his last shot hit. It was a direct bullseye. Casey sounded off an accomplished and pleasurable grunt knowing he still got it. Instead of reloading the chamber to take another shot, he switched the weapon's safety from off to on. He then removed the ear protection he was wearing and, when he did, he heard numerous sounds of sporadic gunfire.

When he left the ear protection hanging around his neck, Casey briefly averted his gaze off to the side as if he knew there was presence behind him. He was right.

"What are you doing here, Walker?" he softly inquired. Casey pushed himself up into a standing position, brushed himself off and turned around. When he did, he saw that she wasn't alone. Chuck was standing right beside her and both of them were holding hands. He also noticed a file tucked underneath her left arm somewhat covered by her purse. He then lifted his sightline and spoke up once again. "You two are joined at the hip. More than usual since the both of you got engaged."

Sarah expressed a smirk. "It's our lunch break." She paused for a moment then continued on. "We heard what happened yesterday. Plus, Beckman wanted me to check on you."

"Let me guess," Casey crossed his arms and spoke with a more gravelly tone to his voice. "You want me to share my lady feelings?" he added, furrowing his eyebrows towards both individuals.

"It will help, big guy, since this Ty Bennett was a big part of your life, which is apparently classified. That's awesome to know by the way,." Chuck said, expressing his toothy smile towards Casey.

"Beckman told you," grunted Casey.

"Forrest," Sarah answered. "She said she was kicked out of The Trenches' waiting room by Beckman before it was getting good,." she shared, shrugging her shoulders. Casey stood there in front of Chuck and Sarah. He was momentarily silent after he heard that Chuck learned of his classified past and what Forrest shared with Sarah after she was ordered to leave by Beckman. "Where is Bennett now?"

"I took him to New Directions and got him settled in. It's housing for homeless veterans," shared Casey. He then shook his head thinking about Bennett's mental and physical appearance. "I'm headed over there after I get done here."

The nerdy couple expressed a smile after they heard that. To the both of them, there was something considerably heartfelt and touching knowing Casey went out of his way to help Bennett. It's at that point, Chuck suddenly spoke up.

"Is it true?"

Casey furrowed his eyebrows at Chuck. "Is what true?"

"The name Alex Coburn. Alias or codename?" Chuck inquired, with a tone of excitement in his voice. "I'm thinking you were part of a top-secret, high-level clearance, clandestine, crack commando unit put together by the government like the A-Team. Only, you didn't get sent to prison for a crime you didn't commit and ended up escaping from a military stockade to become a soldier of fortune. To help those that feel absolutely helpless,." he uttered, in one single breath. Chuck was completely out of breath when he was done.

"If I told you…"

"You'd have to shoot me," Chuck immediately chimed in, responding in a joking way.

A sinister smirk was expressed by Casey after Chuck said that. That smirk told Chuck he wasn't joking at all. It led Sarah to get Casey's attention in which she tilted her head to the right.

"Let's talk, partner."

"I'll go look around," Chuck said, before walking off. Sarah nodded.

"Don't get yourself shot, Bartowski," warned Casey.

Chuck's eyes widened then turned his attention to his beautiful blonde fiancée before venturing off to explore the shooting range. The sound of gunfire echoing all throughout the area. That left Sarah and Casey to head to a nearby table just a few yards away from the spot where he was shooting his targets. Casey sat across from Sarah, who was sitting with her back facing the spot where Casey was shooting. A brief moment later, Sarah handed Casey the file that was tucked underneath her left arm.

"It's Bennett's military medical file," Sarah said. "Beckman made a call and requested a copy of it." Sarah watched as Casey opened it and scanned the first few pages before he flipped through it. "As you can see, there's not much there to read because it was blackened out."

"Redacted due to classified material," he retorted, as if he knew it would be that way. "The answer as to what actually happened to him won't be found in his medical file." Casey shook his head after closing the medical file. He then tossed it off to the side because it wasn't of any use to either of them.

"Where then?" questioned Sarah.

"I know someone that may have the answers," Casey shared.

"Who?" Casey doesn't say a word. Sarah shook her head and then expressed an amused chuckle. "Let me guess," she added, quirking her right brow. "It's classified."

Casey responded with a soft grunt then expressed a visible smirk. Afterwards, his attention is directed to the spot where he was previously doing some target practice before he was interrupted. He saw Chuck putting on the ear protection and picked up a gun. However, it wasn't just any gun. It was his baby. The Colonel's pride and joy. A silver 50 Cal Desert Eagle with attached scope.

"He's dead," softly growled Casey. Sarah heard that and directed her attention to what he was seeing behind her. "Bartowski's got my gun," he deeply breathed out, from his nose. His nostrils were flaring, and eyes shot an icy death glare towards the nerd.

"Relax, partner?" Sarah stared at her hulking partner.

"It's Bartowski," Casey firmly emphasized.

Sarah rolled her eyes then turned to look behind her once again. They both sat there and watched Chuck twirl Casey's Desert Eagle as if he was a cowboy in the old west. The weapon suddenly slipped out of Chuck's right hand index finger causing it to be flung in the air. Casey and Sarah continued to watch as the nerd fumbled with it a few times then caught it before the weapon nearly hit the ground. Chuck stood there for a moment holding the Desert Eagle in between his hands. The two continued to watch as the wannabe nerdy cowboy looked absolutely relieved that the weapon didn't end up breaking or hitting the ground that a shot prematurely went off. Fortunately for Chuck, the safety was on because if it wasn't he would have shot himself or someone within the area, which Casey always did whenever he switched weapons. Chuck carefully placed the Desert Eagle back down where he picked it up from, briefly looked around, and then walked off like nothing happened.

XXX

It was the day before Bash at The Bench, and the usual preparations were underway with the stages set up. Casey and his security made sure all areas were safely secured before tomorrow's show, which they do again the day of. Jeffster was on the main stage doing mic check when it came to the electric keyboard and drums for not only their instrumental performance, but for Chuck's as well. Meanwhile, Morgan and Sarah stood by Chuck on the camera stage who was typing away on the laptop they've always used for the show.

The nerd briefly stopped to write something down on a notepad and then returned to the laptop. A few seconds later, his focus was abruptly interrupted when he heard the sound of a clearing throat. All three individuals turned around and saw Chief Beckman. She wasn't alone. There were four guests with her. One stood beside the Chief Administrator and the other three were standing behind both women. The Administrator of Westside Medical Center then spoke up.

"Chief Walker, Mr. Bartowski, Mr. Grimes, "introduced Beckman. "I would like you to meet Heather Chandler and Steven Pollock. You've already met the executive producer, Alexis White."

Speaking of Alexis White, she gave a nod then stepped forward and made her presence known. "We meet again, Chief Walker," she greeted., White wore seemingly expensive sunglasses that were adorned on her face. "And Mr. Bart…" She stopped and corrected herself. "Chuck." White pointed at the youngest Bartowski sibling who smiled, then nodded back at her. Her attention is then directed back to Sarah. "We received the contracts you signed.?"

"I'll hold you to those contracts," firmly reiterated Sarah.

Both women locked on to each other. The tension between the two of them could be cut with a knife. Fortunately, her fiancé was able to ease some of the tension.

"And you are?" inquired Chuck, descending down the stairs. He stopped and took a seat on the steps and directed his attention to the nerdy looking man wearing glasses who stood behind her. A brown leather man purse or murse was draped over his upper torso. To Chuck, he sort of resembled Corey Matthews from the show he grew up watching as a kid called Boy Meets World.

"Mark Ratner," he answered.

White interjected, "He's one of my assistants that will be here for Heather and Stephen if they need anything," she shared. The trio and Beckman acknowledged what she conveyed to them.

Chuck was about to say something, when the male lead, Steven Pollack, suddenly asked something that completely threw him and everybody else for a loop.

"What's your motivation, bro?" he asked. Pollack reached up and raked both hands through his hair. He then expressed a Derek Zoolander magnum-type look towards the nerd. "What drives you?"

"Bro?" repeated Chuck, His eyebrows raised quizzically. For the life of him, Chuck didn't know how to respond. Thankfully, White stepped forward and spoke up.

"Don't mind him," White shook her head. "He's a method actor," she added, rolling her eyes.

After White said that Team Bartowski briefly looked at each in disbelief. Unfortunately, the look of disbelief was quickly gone as the group suddenly found themselves joined by two people who ran up then stopped abruptly in their tracks. It was Jeff and Lester. Beckman immediately stepped towards two the two men and held up both hands in front of her.

"What do you two think you're doing?" she stated, with authority. Her right brow arched menacingly at Jeffster.

"Heather Chandler's autograph," both men responded simultaneously, as they were completely fanboying out over the actress.

It's at that point, Casey appeared, seemingly out of nowhere, and snatched both men by the back of their shirt collars. A growling grunt was expressed by Casey, as Beckman shook her head in utter embarrassment. The Chief Administrator of Westside Medical Center then turned back to look back at the aforementioned actress who stood behind her. "My apologies, Ms. Chandler…"

"It's no problem," Heather chimed in. A soft smile was expressed after she stepped forward. She hid behind some rather large sunglasses. Instead of dressing up like a typical Hollywood actress, the short-statured woman dressed down in a black top, jeans with visible tear exposing both knees, and white sneakers. Apparently, she didn't want to draw attention to herself, but was somehow easily recognized. In any case, she looked over her left shoulder and directed her attention to her personal assistant. "Mark."

Mark quickly jumped in response. "Yes, Ms. Chandler." He opened his brown leather murse, briefly dug through it, and retrieved not only a small note pad, but a pen as well. Afterwards, he handed both over to her.

In that instance, Beckman nodded at Casey who begrudgingly released the grip he had on the back of two shirt collars worn by those he considered moronic nuisances. Afterwards, the sound of Morgan's voice is heard. "How do you two know her?" he inquired, descending down the stairs as well.

Lester answered Morgan's question. "Reality star turned actress,." shared the self-proclaimed Hinjew.

Sarah knew that stardom wasn't instant for Heather. The reason she knew that was because she kept up with her career ever since she broke into the business with sporadic stints in several reality shows from 2001-2005. Although those reality shows weren't considered the proverbial steppingstone that catapulted her to instant stardom, it served a purpose. That purpose eventually led her to star in lesser-known roles that lasted for one or two episodes for television series that ended up being canceled.

After a short hiatus, Sarah learned, from following Heather on social media, that she took a risk and transitioned into movies. Although the majority of those movies were of the horror/thriller type where her character ended up being killed in a brutally gruesome way, it was a paying gig. Hey, you gotta start somewhere and it's usually at the bottom, Sarah thought to herself. However, after being in what seemed like countless movies that were either C or D rated, there was suddenly buzz going around when she received recognition after being in a low budget independent movie in 2005 called The Simple Life. For Heather, it was a supporting role that certainly made waves in Hollywood.

Essentially, that role became the catalyst of having her labeled as a potentially rising star in the making. Sarah recalled that in a few short months after that, Heather Chandlers found herself in a whirlwind of interviews where she talked about never losing touch with your fans because they were an essential part of the reason for her success. Also in those interviews, she discussed future opportunities that involved upcoming projects that she looked forward to going over with her team. In any case, her thoughts concerning how proud she was of how Heather was able to turn a negative experience that she was responsible for into a positive, were broken when she heard her voice.

"Who do I make it out to?"

"Jeff and Lester," Lester happily squealed out. Both excitedly jumping up and down in front of her. As they did, the much older half of Jeffster stopped jumping and asked a question.

"Is it true you dated Joel Madden from Good Charlotte?"

As Sarah watched Heather sign autographs for Jeff and Lester, the Chief Operating Officer knew she had to keep a watchful eye on those two troublemakers for not only the actress' safety, but health as well. In that moment, she made eye contact with Casey who instantly knew what his partner was thinking. Afterwards, she also made a mental note to contact Big Mike and keep those two knuckleheads as far away from Heather for her own safety, she thought to herself. In her mind, the last thing the hospital needed was not only bad publicity, but also getting an ear full from The Board Directors.

Her thoughts concerning what could go wrong were set aside, as Sarah watched Jeffster get a photo with Heather. She also watched as the two overly excitedly orderlies were getting too close into her former classmate's personal space and that's an experience that will haunt anyone to their core. Plus, it would seriously put a damper on being able to set things right with her, she thought to herself. Her attention on the potential restraining order waiting to happen was then directed to Casey who she signaled. However, before her hulking partner took action, she stepped forward and caught their guests' attention.

"Ms. Chandler," Sarah got the attention of both individuals. "Please join Chief Beckman and myself as we show you how Westside Medical Center is run." Her attention is averted to the man who White said is trying to be a method actor. "Mr. Pollack, you can stay here with Chuck and Morgan. You can watch and learn what's involved before the big show tomorrow."

"Cool," stated Polling, with a wink. He then shot finger guns towards Sarah.

Afterwards, she returned her attention back to Heather. "Ms. Chandler, I'm sure you'll want to take notes and be familiarized with what the position entails for your role as Chief Administrator," she thoroughly shared.

"That would be great," she responded, as she broke away from the Jeffester selfie fest.

Heather followed Sarah, with Mark right behind her. Chief Beckman and White followed as well. All 5 individuals headed into the hospital leaving the remaining guys in the courtyard. Jeff and Lester were still fanboying over what just happened. Speaking of Jeffster, they were about to follow Heather, when Casey snatched them up by their shirt collars again, then dragged them over to the nearest courtyard bench to have a word with them. Meanwhile, Chuck and Morgan stood awkwardly in front of Pollack before the nerdy host spoke up.

"Would you like to take a tour of the pediatrics hospital?"

"Will I catch anything from them? Do I wear some type of bubble suit or something?"

In that moment, Morgan crossed his arms then reached and covered his mouth with his left hand. A muffled "oh boy" was faintly expressed and could be heard by Chuck. Afterwards, the bearded best friend of Chuck Bartowski lowered his left hand and bit his lower lip before he responded.

"Like John Travolta in the movie The Boy In The Plastic Bubble?"

Chuck was so floored and couldn't believe what Pollack just said, which was considered absolutely insulting for him to hear. It left him not really listening to Morgan and Pollack talking. However, instead of reacting to the insult, he brushed it off and expressed his trademark toothy smile.

"I don't think you have to worry about that," Chuck retorted, motioning for the actor to follow them. "Plus, if you're shadowing me, you'll be getting a glimpse into my life with my Rockster Rebels," he shared. All three men headed off to meet with some truly special kids and hopefully Pollack doesn't say or do anything that comes off as insulting.

XXX


NOTE: How did you like the additional characters from the series shows up and in completely different roles. Mark Ratner as one of White's assistants and Dr. Howard Busbang as the hospital's Clinical Psychologist. Also added the cane and limp from the episode of Chuck vs. The Lethal Weapon. In any case, the initial meeting with Heather was awkward but the face to face between just the two of them will happen in the next chapter of the following chapter. Pollack is totally different from the character from the series in which he was introduced in Chuck vs. Murrrder. So, what do you think of this chapter? Share your thoughts and leave a review because they're considered an incentive for writers to keep on going. As always, thanks to NEVR for doing the beta!