Chuck vs. The Courtyard Bench
Well, in the previous chapter: The return of Chief Administrator Diane Beckman to Westside Medical Center is considered a welcome sight, especially for Chief Operating Officer Sarah Walker. Meanwhile, something happens for Chuck and Sarah as they day progresses. During a meeting with Ted Roark, he mentions knowing his father Stephen Bartowski, which stuns Chuck. As for Sarah, the arrival of her father of Jack Burton throws her for a loop. How will Sarah react and interact with Jack knowing the tumultuous relationship they have or the lack thereof. What will Chuck learn of his father that it ends up involving Ted Roark? Read and find out! Anyways, 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.
Haunting Reminder
XXX
"What no hug or warm welcome for your old man?" questioned the professional political spin doctor with open arms.
Sarah stands there a moment trying to rationalize why her father, who she hasn't spoken to for a number of years, in Los Angeles of all places. Miles away from his stomping grounds of Washington, D.C. It's that particular thought in which she shakes her head. A part of her is trying to stay stoically composed as best she can, knowing the man who is responsible for practically screwing her up in every sense of the word is standing just a few feet away. A man, who when she was growing up, took pleasure in teaching the finer point of how to read someone instead of reading her bedtime stories. That job was left up to her mom, which she is profoundly thankful for, knowing how Jackson Burton wasn't much of a father to begin with.
"What are you doing here, Jack?"
"Jack? Just a second ago, you called me dad." he retorted, with a slight grin towards his oldest daughter.
"I was caught off guard. Not going to make that mistake again." she firmly stated, eyeing the man who nearly brainwashed her into becoming him. "You didn't answer my question. Why are you here, other than turning my life upside down right now?" she added, emphatically crossing her arms.
It's at that point, Casey takes a step forward and talks to Sarah while glaring at the man known as Jack Burton. After briefly glancing at her hulking partner, she knows all too well that him being in Los Angeles is not by chance or that fact that he may have been sought out by Mayor Garretty to get himself re-elected. When it comes to infamous Jackson Burton, his reputation for being the best at what he does can certainly spread far and wide. Yet, what can also be spread far and wide are his highly unscrupulous, questionable tactics and not to mention exploits involving the dirty mental mind games of politics. Unfortunately, it's a mentality where the sole purpose is to undermine how an opponent is viewed to the point where he or she is potentially less favorable and not to mention inclined to place their vote for.
In other words, being paid a sizeable fee to speak their own form of the truth while smearing the public image of their opponent. A truth that can lead a campaign to start off with a course of friendly fire to out right bombing one's opponent with absolute malicious intent. It's that kind information bombardment that if you're not personally, mentally and emotionally prepared then the impact will most likely cause a major physical degradation in a negative way. True, she has first-hand knowledge because he groomed, or in this case brainwashed, her to think like him to the point where she actually accompanied him on a number of campaigns in the past. Campaigns in which he taught her the mental manipulation ropes of turning a disadvantage into an absolute advantage by putting something out there that may not necessarily be true.
Essentially, it has to be repeated so many times that eventually it picks up enough steam for someone to actually believe it so much so that it's considered something controversial. The person who started out as a "good guy" ends up turned into the quintessential "bad guy" all because of something that really wasn't anything to begin with. What it boils down to is manipulating public perception and Jack Burton is the master at it. While standing there, Sarah knows Jack is always playing a game of chess and mentally trying to stay 3 steps ahead of his opponent, even if his opponent is his own daughter, she thinks to herself. A haunting reminder of their entire relationship, which wasn't really viewed as simply father-daughter.
Instead, it was viewed by the blonde beauty as more like a mentor and student, which is a sad commentary as to the sad reality of how truly broken she was or partly still is. The focus she has on her thoughts are broken up when the sound of a somewhat gravelly voice breaks her concentration.
"I'm heading in Walker? Beckman may be wondering where we are. You coming?" he asked, with his full attention on Sarah's father. After a few seconds, he glares at the salt and peppered man who is clearly expressing an air of arrogant smugness, which is rubbing him the wrong way. It then leads him to second guess his decision to join his auburn haired boss. "I can stay. Just say the word." he faintly growled.
Sarah is momentarily silent but then gives her response. "I'll be fine. Thanks Casey. Go on inside." she firmly stated, turning her head towards him. The two colleagues acknowledging each other in a respectful way. "Just let the Chief know I'm handling some business on my end."
"Are you sure?"
The 2nd in command to the Chief Administrator gives a quick nod to her hulking partner. A tight, tipped lipped smirk shot his way afterwards. In that instance, Casey gives a nod back and makes his way forward, but not before giving a clearly audible grunt as he passes Jack. Speaking of Jack, his nonchalant attitude concerning their entire interaction so far is predicated on him having control of the situation. A situation where he's continuing to radiate arrogant smugness evident by the way he is standing there with both hands now in the pockets of his pants. It's that type of control that can't be taught overnight. A skill that has to be masterfully crafted and honed over time, which doesn't and hasn't broken by way of Casey's mere presence. A presence that gradually disappears out sight into the front entrance of Westside Medical Center.
After briefly turning back and shaking his head. His attention on the rather large man turns back to his daughter. "What's with copface?" wondered Jack, expressing a slight smirk towards the hulking figure standing next to his daughter.
"His name is John Casey..." retorted Sarah, continuing to cross her arms. "...Head of Security. He's just looking out for me."
"Are you two dating? He doesn't seem your type." questioned Jack shrugging his shoulders. "He's not like Cole Barker."
In Sarah mind, she knows that he's doing his very best to get her unbalanced, especially mentioning the name of her ex fiancé. She's well aware how Jack was momentarily sizing up Casey earlier trying to get a good read on him. It's what he does best in his line of profession, she thinks to herself. Of course, the student was taught very well by the teacher. Too well if you asked her. To her, the one thing that can completely throw off any father is the guy she's dating. Two can play at that game.
"What if I am? It wouldn't be any of your business now would it?" Sarah calmly shot back. "Plus, Cole has been in my rear view mirror for years now. So, whatever you're thinking, stop. I know how your mind works." she added, quirking her right brow towards her male parental unit.
Jack gives a slight tilt of his head forward as he looks somewhat impressed at what his daughter believes in regarding being able to mentally anticipate every move he makes. "Do you know? Here's the thing though..." Jack pauses for a brief moment the continues on. "... I haven't taught all that I know. You really want to do this?"
The oldest daughter of Emma Walker is momentarily silent. She then shakes her head and refocuses. "Whatever mind games you're wanting me to be sucked into playing with you right now, I don't have time for. I have a job to do." It's at that point, she steps forward and before walking passed him she says one last thing. "You should do the same." she firmly added walking off. While doing so, she briefly closes her eyes and breathes out a sigh of relief after being able to hold it together and get through the tough interaction with a man who she practically spent part of her life being molded into his own mini me.
As she heads towards the main entrance of the hospital, Jack slowly turns around on his heels. Hands still in his pockets. While standing there a devilishly, sly grin is expressed as he inevitably takes a step forward then makes his way towards the front entrance to join not only Sarah, but the man who paid him to become Mayor again.
XXX
Chuck is about to respond when Roark hold up his right hand. "Let me clarify. I knew him in the sense that we were merely..." The software tech CEO pauses to mull over the correct word to use. After a few seconds pass by, he speaks up. "...acquaintances." he added, with a considerable emphasis on the word.
A mixture of confused bewilderment is expressed on Chuck's face after hearing the type of relationship between Roark and his father. He shakes his head and gives his retort. "How did you and my father meet?"
"It was around April of 1990..."
In that instance, Chuck interjects. "That's 4 months after my dad got up and left. Haven't seen him since." The abrupt interruption causes the youngest Bartowski sibling to be considerably embarrassed. "Sorry for that. I didn't mean to...it's just that..."
Roark expresses a faint tight lipped smile in response. "It's fine. I figured there was a reason behind it. He contacted my secretary to schedule a meeting and was going to give an explanation as to why. I was intrigued by his request. Plus, it was pointed out to me by my IT specialist you challenged and were able to get past..."
"Vali Chandrekaren." chimed in Chuck.
"Yes. That's right." nodded Roark. " As I said, I was quite intrigued so I did some research and found that he was a mathematician professor-writer. He was also a published author who theorized how the use of mathematics can locate, stop and solve criminals." he thoroughly shared. "Nothing best seller material. No offense."
"None taken."
The renowned mogul continues on. "His work with the local and federal law enforcement is absolutely fascinating, which I don't have to tell you." he shared, providing a courteous compliment Chuck's way.
"Thanks."
While sitting on the balance ball, Chuck experiences quite a shocking surprise to his system to have someone who actually knows his father or had come in contact with him for that matter before completely disappearing out of sight. When it comes to Stephen Bartowski, referring to him as a "very unusual man" is an understatement. Looking back, he would tell Chuck and Ellie that he'll be going out, which meant he'd be gone for hours on end. It's something they'd never question because of the seemingly fragile nature of his father's mental and not to mention emotional stability at the time, he thinks to himself. In their minds, as long as he came home safely was all that mattered to them and thankfully he did. Yet, in the back of our minds we always wondered where he'd go for hours on end and now we know. However, there is a one nagging question that grips his mind.
"How does Vali know my dad?"
"Well, apparently your father became a mentor to Vali during the few short months he was here. I'm sure he would have more answers for you than I could ever really provide. My apologies."
A shake of head is given by Chuck. "No. You've actually given so much in this whole meeting than the last 20 years. I'm grateful to you for that at least."
"If you need anything, feel free to ask. I know how much this means to you, all things considering."
"Would it be possible to set up a meeting between Vali and I? I'd like to actually meet the guy who gave me such a challenge when it comes to hacking your system. I'm sure he would too." questioned Chuck, with a sense of innate curiosity.
Roark is about to response when his office phone rings. After motioning and then turning his attention from the young man sitting across from his desk to his office phone, he picks it up and answers it. "Yes? Okay, send him in." he requested, inevitably hanging up the phone and placing back on its base. A second later, Roark stands up with Chuck sliding around on his balance ball as his office door opens with Roark's secretary stepping in then aside. In doing so, someone walks in leading the software tech CEO to speak up.
"There is no need for me to make any formal introductions..." Roark stated. "...since you both sort of know each other. I'll just give you this before you both head off." he added, retrieving a pass attached to a lanyard.
"Chuck." nodded Vali.
Chuck nods back. "Vali." After both men reciprocate first taps, Chuck's attention on Vali, is averted to Roark who is standing by the two men as he hands the pass attached to a lanyard to the nerdy business owner. "What's this for?" he wondered, taking the pass from his idol.
"You'll be free to walk around as long as you have that pass. Also..." Roark takes out a card from his left front shirt pocket and hands it to Chuck. "My number in case you need to reach me. So, don't lose them both." he firmly reiterated pointing at Chuck.
"Awesome. I won't. Promise you that Mr. Roark."
It's at that point, Vali reaches out lightly patting the right side of Chuck's shoulder. "You ready?"
"Where are we going?"
"Your dad's office. Well..." he answered, briefly shaking his head. "...my office actually. We ended up sharing it." he added, shrugging his shoulders.
In that moment, being able to find out what Stephen Bartowski has been up to for the last few months before completely disappearing seemingly off the face of the earth will shed some unresolved light for not only him, but Ellie as well. Of course, what he finds out may be nothing or it may end up leading to something. To him, any way he looks at it, it's a start of what could very well help in finding out where his dad actually is, he thinks to himself. His thoughts concerning the matter subsequently end leading to a slight grin being expressed.
"Lead the way." he stated, as he follows Vali out of Roark's office. Before he does, he glances back giving a quick wave towards the man who has possibly opened the door to a memory or memories for that matter that have haunted him for so long that he was able to gradually close the door on no longer having those memories constantly plaguing his mind. How will the experience turn out? It's a question that he will have to answer and endure for himself to the point of being fully prepared for what he might find, he thinks to himself.
XXX
10 minutes later a door opens and the light is turned on revealing the confines of an office. Vali's office to be exact. After entering he suddenly stops in his tracks because of what he sees before him. In that moment, he's absolutely dumbstruck at the sheer size of the office itself to the point where he does a 360 degree while moving further in to the room. In a way, it sort of resembles the bridge of the Starship Enterprise, the Next Generation version, but with one exception, he thinks to himself. The only exception is there isn't a giant screen to receive visual transmissions from Roark if and when he needs to contact Vali for anything important, which would be an awesome way to be contacted. Yet, it would also freak any person out if suddenly woken from a deep sleep, which wouldn't be awesome at all.
As he continues to take it all in, he can't help but be absolutely dumbstruck knowing that quite possibly his business Kessel Run Technologies can very well fit in this entire space and then some, he thinks to himself. It leads him to shake his head and express a toothy grin that reads how impressed he is due the fact that it's possibly the result of his position at Roark Enterprises. A position that most definitely pays him the big bucks in regards to keeping the entire network of Roark systems from being hacked, which is a thought that just boggles his mind.
"First, I got to say...your office..." he said holding up both his hands. "...awesome. Second, you're Mr. Roark's IT specialist. Is it just you as his main gatekeeper? If it is that's just totally baddass. Like in a Gandalf "you shall not pass" kind of way." Chuck added, holding up his hands as if he gripping a stiff. A bad British accent of the iconic Lord of the Rings character added as well.
Vali is briefly silent after Chuck mentions Gandalf. He then clears his throat and speaks up in a British accent. "You're late." he stated, crossing his arms.
Chuck quirks his right brow but soon realizes what Vali is doing. It's the introduction to Gandalf in the 1st move, The Fellowship of the Ring. "A wizard is never late, Frodo Baggins. Nor is he early. He arrives precisely when he means to." he responded back, using the bad British accent once again.
The two men share a laugh afterwards leading Vali to shake his head. "I'm not going to jump on you and give you a hug."
"That's a relief."
"Anyways, to answer your question if it's just me as Mr. Roark's main gatekeeper..." he repeated, from the earlier conversation they just had. He shakes his head in response. "...no. It's not just me. There's more of us. I'm the head IT specialist and thanks for the compliment by the way." He then looks around his office. "Yeah, Mr. Roark provided me with a sweet set up."
"More like one large studio apartment that looks like The Bat Cave if you ask me, but without all the bats and darkness for that matter." A look of absolute wonderment in the eyes of the proprietor of Kessel Run Technologies.
Vali nods. "Even though it's not considered Wayne Manor, I do feel like Mr. Roark's Alfred Pennyworth when it comes to the tech side of things." chuckled the expert IT specialist. "Plus, I do sleep here on occasion whenever I don't have the energy to go home. There's a spot set up where I can zonk out." he shared, motioning towards somewhere in the room.
"Awesome." he retorted in sheer amazement continuing to glance around.
After a momentary silence, Vali suddenly snaps his finger causing Chuck's focus to turn towards him. "Oh yeah, wait right here."
"Where are you going?"
"Going to get something. There's a reason why I brought you here in the first place." he stated, backing up then turning around towards a nearby room.
For Chuck, he believes it's the spot within this rather space office/large studio apartment where he sleeps from time to time. As he makes his way further into Vali's office, he notices a book shelf and his interest is suddenly peaked leading him to head in that direction. When he reaches it, he notices an assortment of reading material from computer manuals, anime manga, autobiographies, and one novel that he actually has in his book shelf at home that isn't filed. Instead, it's just lying flat on the shelf in perfect condition, which in Chuck's mind it should be. The book...Y: The Last Man. A post-apocalyptic science fiction comic book series published by Vertigo from 2002 and 2008.
"A fellow Vaughn and Guerra fan too. Awesome." he breathes out.
It's at that point, Chuck gives another impressive nod acknowledging the fact that Vali is not just a possible hacker like himself and a pop culture nerd like himself, but a fan of the T; The Last Man series as well. To him, he would love nothing more than to pick his brain about the book series. However, his thoughts involving the book series are suddenly set aside when he turns around and locks his eyes on something. That something is a row of large consoles that help run Vali's systems.
"Oh Wow. I can't believe I'm this close to an actual DU97. Freon cold. Reconfigurable 30 teraflop architecture with modules for crypto analysis and video processing." Afterwards, he lets out a soothing sigh while gradually expressing a faint smile. "She's so beautiful." he added, taking that moment to reach out to gently stroke the console's outer façade.
It's at the point where Chuck briefly looks around then suddenly leans forward slowly to where the side of his left cheek is just barely hovering against it. As he closes his eyes to savor the moment, he can feel the warmth from the console itself, whereby giving him a warm feeling within his happy, nerdy little heart. Unfortunately, the moment between him and the DU97 is broken up by the sound of a clearing throat.
Chuck opens his eyes to see Vali standing with an amused smile on his face. "You two want to be alone. I can leave if you want. She is rather beautiful, isn't she." Vali proudly nodded, leaning forward on the handle of the rolling cart. "I'm not jealous or anything." he chided in amusement.
"Yeah, yeah. I just nerded out a bit. That's all." The youngest Bartowski sibling chuckled somewhat embarrassed by his actions. His embarrassment doesn't last long as his focus is directed to a number of boxes on the roll cart. "What are those?"
"They belong to your dad."
It's those 4 words that make a significant impact as it relates to Stephen Bartowski's past. A past in which he spent the better part of 4 months here with Vali at Roark Enterprises. Doing what exactly? It's a big question that he hopes to find out involving those boxes on the rolling cart, he thinks to himself.
XXX
One hour has passed by within the confines of Westside Medical Center. Things seem to be slowly winding down as shaking hands, kissing babies, visiting a number of children out the children's wing, etc. all while grabbing a few video, as well as sound bites with Mayor Garretty in the process. Of course, the obligatory pictures with staff happens to show that he's a man of the people, which doesn't sit too well with Casey who has been keeping a watching eye from a distance. His people as well. Speaking of Casey, he's standing next to Sarah, Chief Beckman, and Scooter who are standing off to the side watching Ellie and Devon getting photographed with Mayor Garretty when he expresses a faint, but clearly resounding grunt.
"It's almost over, Casey." reassured Sarah, trying to calm her hulking partner down.
"Yes John..." chimed in Beckman. She turns to face her hulking head of Security "...as much as I have to deal with playing politics with the Board of Directors it's a necessarily evil sometimes. Just have to focus on the positive. Garretty is shining a light on our stellar work here at this hospital."
"Yes ma'am." softly growled The Colonel. A nod acknowledging that he hears his boss loud and clear.
Once the photo ops are done with the Woodcombs, it's Scooter who gets Beckman's attention when Mayor Garretty's campaign manager, Brady Prescott, who seems to want to discuss something with her. In that instance, Beckman nods then readies herself by putting on a professional smile leading her to head towards the mayor and his campaign manager with Scooter and Casey following as well. It would leave Sarah standing by herself and keenly watches/observes as Prescott is seemingly doing all the talking to Beckman with Garretty just standing there twiddling his thumbs. In her mind, Garretty is merely a puppet whose strings are being pulled by not only Prescott, but by one other person as well. It's that person whose presence she can somehow instinctively feel.
"What do you want, Jack?"
"What makes you think I want anything?"
In that instance, Sarah turns to face her father. The arrogant smugness still exuding all over his face. "I know you. There's a reason for everything you do. You..." she briefly pauses in order to keep her composure together. "...have ulterior motives. Always. Plus, the fact that you don't waste your time on small stuff like elections for something like running for mayor. You get paid for bigger fish like governors, senators and even Presidents." she firmly stated, eyeing the man standing in front of her.
"What if I told you that the reason I took this job is because I wanted to be closer to you? Closer to your mother and sister Molly."
"Then I would say it's all a load of bullshit."
In response, Jack shakes his head. "I'm hurt you'd say that."
While standing there, Sarah can feel the anger building up within her to the point where if she if she reaches her boiling point, she could very well explode. Fortunately for her, the saving grace comes in the form of her cell phone going off. When she retrieves it, a sudden smile is expressed on her lips when looking at the screen of her phone. A smile that Jack clearly notices as he leans forward a bit to see the name on it. "Who's Chuck? Sounds like the name of a real schnook."
Sarah doesn't say a word. Instead, she turns around and walks off to a safe distance in order for her to speak with Chuck privately. "Hey, how'd everything go with Ted Roark?" she inquired. A sense of much needed relief coming over upon receiving his phone call.
"I got more than I bargained for."
"Job offer?"
"Well that too, but I didn't take it. That's not it though. It's something big."
"What is it then?"
"It seems my dad spent the last 4 months here at Roark Enterprises before leaving. I've been looking through some boxes and there's tons of stuff. It's pretty overwhelming."
For Sarah, the last 3 words are considered pretty impactful when it comes to her own situation so much so that the next words she speaks just comes out of her mouth. "I'm sure it is. Do you want me to let Ellie know?"
"Would you? Tell her things are going well on my end. Don't tell her about what I found out though."
"Why?"
"The last thing Ellie told me before my dad left was that he was going out for waffles. He never came back. So, I want to break it to her slowly."
"That's so sweet of you. Looking out for your older sister as a younger brother should. Have I told you how much of an amazing man you are?" smiled Sarah.
"This morning before I left. Hey, I'll take amazing from you any time?" It's at that point, Sarah breathes out a sigh in which Chuck immediately zones in after on hearing from his head. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"What makes you think anything is wrong?"
"Come on Sarah. I know you...maybe not really well...but I know you. That's the sound you make when you either stressed or have something on your mind. So, spill."
After hearing that, Sarah briefly glances back noticing her father speaking to one of the 2 other fellow staff members possibly over strategy or whatever involving their mayor campaign. "You remember me talking about my dad, right?"
"Sure. Jack Burton."
"Yeah, well...he's here..." Sarah pauses briefly taking in a momentary deep breath. "...at the hospital. He's part of Mayor Garretty's campaign staff."
"Wow. You okay?"
"For the most part. He's up to something, I just know it." she said, shaking her head.
"Listen, I'll back you up. Whatever happens, ok?"
"You don't have to. With all that just landed in your lap, I don't want to burden you with it."
"I want to. I want to be there for you, especially knowing your dad is there. We both have our issues. Yet, yours is considered far more important than mine." There is silence on Sarah ends as she becomes emotionally overwhelmed by what Chuck's intentions are knowing what he's possibly going through emotionally when it pertains digging up the past involving his father. "Sarah?"
"There you go again, being the great guy I know you to be."
"Just call me Captain Marvel. Hey, I got to go. My new fiend Vali just brought out more boxes of my dad's stuff. I'll talk to you later."
"Thanks for calling Chuck. You don't know how much I really needed it."
"No problem."
Afterwards, the other end of the lines hangs up with Sarah lowering her phone. Her whole attitude and demeanor changes after talking with her nerd. While standing there, she knows that her father has something planned up his sleeve, so in order for her to get it out of him, she has to actually play the game. However, she's not going to play his game but rather play her game instead. So, she takes the initiative to make the first move leading her to walk up to him, but before she could say anything, Jack speaks up.
"How about I take you out to dinner. Just you and me. I'll pick you up. It gives the both of us the opportunity to catch up." he smoothly shared. A charming smile flashed towards his beautiful blonde daughter. "Is tonight good for you?"
Sarah immediately shakes her head then. "Not tonight." In her mind, she needs to take control of the where and when if she's going to play the game against the great Jack Burton her way. "How about Wednesday and I'm bring someone along."
"Chuck?"
"Maybe. Also, I'd rather meet you for dinner. At the restaurant of my choosing. C3. It's considered neutral territory. Okay with you?"
"Fine by me, darlin." Jack responded, giving a slight head nod towards his daughter.
"Fine."
Sarah turns around walking off in order to join Scooter Casey, Beckman, Ellie and Devon. She briefly glances back noticing her father shooting the same smug, arrogant smile then walks off in order to rejoin his team. One thing remains perfectly clear to the Chief Operating Officer of Westside Medical Center, she's not along in this when it comes to confronting and trying to figure out what her father is doing here in Los Angeles.
XXX
NOTE: So, what do you think of this version of Jack Burton? Plus, what do you think are in the boxes that Stephen Bartowski left behind? I pretty sure it's not any inventions like in the series. Anyways, Sarah is not going to play by the rules of Jack's games so she's going by her own set of rules. The next chapter is Sarah and Chuck meeting up with Jack at C3. Who knows what will happen when all 3 meet up. Actually I do but still. As always, leave a comment and share your thoughts. I greatly appreciate you support whenever you leave such awesome comments. To NEVR, I tip my hat to you my dude as my go to Beta reader.