Without You Chapter Five

Let's begin….Mssupertigz

Chuck leaned back in his seat, after looking out the window and losing sight of her. He knew he had to go through this, one, to clear his name or rather raise himself from the dead and secondly find out who wanted him dead. He didn't want to think that Beckman of all people had something to do with this or even agreed to something like this when he assumed she wanted him to succeed with the Intersect. And another thing that was eating at him was why Bryce had an upgrade on him when he knew that there was a kill order on him. Both laying heavy on his mind.

Casey sat across from Chuck staring at him knowing exactly what he was thinking. He waited till Chuck made eye contact with him. "We will get the answers your looking for." Chuck took a deep breath. "I know, its just a whole lot of what ifs right now and not a whole lot of people we can trust.

Sarah headed to the kitchen long after they arrived. Alexander watched her and remained quiet as she grabbed a cup of tea and something to eat. He looked up as she walked out towards her tent. For a veteran spy he could see, there was no mistaking that this one was starting to wither away at her but they had to stay focused and quiet till Casey and Chuck got back into the states and hopefully could find those answer.

Casey stood up and gently shook Chuck out of the so called sleep that he just gifted himself. Chuck looked up slightly startled. "We're here, load up." Chuck had heard those words before and knew that he had to grab a parachute. Casey had tossed options of how to get them back into the states and this was the easiest and the fastest. The red light spun indicating that it was time to jump. Casey gave a thumbs up and walked to the top of the stairs as the cold air encased the cabin. Casey looked back as he voiced into his helmet. "See you at the bottom."

Chuck nodded and followed the steps to the bottom step only seeing darkness and clouds. There was some sense of irony in what he was going to do. Months ago he was shot and death was a breath away and now he going to jump. His senses would come alive giving him a refreshing incredible perspective on the world. But once he landed his fears would be waiting for him. Chuck let his body fall to the darkness watching his wrist for the right time to deploy his parachute. He could faintly see a black dot in the distance below him whose owner was the only life line he had right now as his thoughts went to thinking about Sarah. His wrist blinked forcing him out of his thoughts. He reached for the pulley and in seconds his shot back into the air then levelling off. Grabbing the ends he guided himself to where he saw Casey waving a glow stick. It was still dark when they landed with a faint streak of sunrise coming up over eastern DC. Chuck gathered his chute and walked over to Casey. Casey then gave a whistle and waited. All Chuck could see was darkness and more shadows. Casey whistled again which sounded like a distinct bird call which gave a response from somewhere to the west of them. Then he whistled again giving him a specific direction to walk towards. The closer they got Chuck could see a faint red light similar to what they used when they entered a home or office and didn't want to be seen from the outside. Casey walked ahead greeting someone in the dark then in sequence faces were lit up with headbands allowing Chuck to see the faces of the man that Casey was talking to. Chuck flashed instantly flashed on him. Captain Reynolds Ranger division served with Casey on four deployments through out his career. "Reynolds, Chuck. Chuck Reynolds." Chuck extended his hand giving the man a firm handshake. Reynolds looked him over hearing the a bit of his story from Casey. "I got what you asked for." Reynolds took Casey to the back of the truck and hearing a slight grunt of approval coming from Casey. Chuck sat down across form the two taking off his gear and running his hands through his hair. Casey continued looking through the gear grabbing a stat phone.

Alexander poured himself another cup of coffee waiting for that call, telling home that they had arrived safely. When the call came his fatherly thankfulness overcame him. "Casey?"

"We made it, just going through the next steps."

"Who do you have on the ground?"

"Reynolds."

"Good choice. And the boy?" Casey looked up and over to where Chuck was sitting. "He's probably going to say that he is fine but I know him too well. He's freaking out? And you two?"

"Good now that we have heard from you. What's next?"

"Try and get into the building and the fourth floor. Unless they have moved everything. If they wanted Chuck dead they could have closed up shop. Need to find a way or find someone we can trust."

"Whose left?"

"Don't know? If Beckman is behind it or not we can't bring her in yet or even think of trusting her until we know for sure that she is not involved or how involved she really is. She did give the kill order."

Casey sighed deeply regretting following that order.."

"And Sarah?"

"She's been quiet."

Alexander looked up and walked down towards her tent while still talking to Casey. Casey walked over to Chuck and at the same time they both spoke to Sarah and Chuck. "There's someone who wants to talk to you." Sarah got up and took the stat phone from Alexander while Chuck opened his hand to take the stat phone from Casey. In seconds they both put the stat phone to their ears. "Hello?"

Casey watched as Chuck he smiled knowing that she would be the only person that he needed at this moment.

Sarah giggled slightly as she heard his voice and her heart skipped at beat or two when she heard him say her name.

"Sarah."

"Chuck?"

"Yes it's me, miss you."

"Miss you too. Where are you?"

"Not sure. Maybe outside DC? Casey called one of his buddies, a guy named Reynolds? Ranger?"

"Never heard of him, did you flash?"

"Yeah. Doesn't seem like a threat. Plus Casey would be extra cautious at this point."

Sarah could hear in his voice that he was tired and she was surprised he was still wanting to go further with this. She wished that she was there but she knew she had to stay out of sight for the time being.

"You doing okay?"

"Better if you were here."

"I am there with you, you have my heart."

"Wish I had something else."

"Chuck!"

Chuck laughed then got serious. "The sooner we start the sooner I'll be in your arms."

"I can't wait.

Chuck quickly picked up on Sarah being very quiet. He flashed back to when she felt his face and recognized his voice and the intense emotions that she must have been feeling at that moment. And now not being able to help when she desperately wanted to. Chuck wasn't much for nicknames but he felt that maybe saying one now would calm her for the time being. "Babe." Once we find out a little more at this end you can come back to the states. They mustn't know that you know that I am alive. Maybe Beckman will reach out and …". Chuck looked up. "Sarah got to go. Will call when I can. Love you." "Love you too." Sarah wanted you to say more but when the line went quiet she held those words close to her heart.

Chuck got up and passed the phone to Casey as he slipped it into his inside jacket pocket. The three slid into the truck and drove off. Reynolds dropped them off at the far end of the DNI building, to Chuck it looked like a back alley. Casey got out as Chuck slid it from the back. He grabbed two bags and closed the hatch. Reynolds rolled down the window. "Let me know what else I can do?" "Will do and thank." Reynolds leaned forward into his steering wheel. "Good luck with all of this. It's not always easy coming back from the dead with the CIA. Some still believe that I am still dead." Chuck quickly looked at Reynolds then back at Casey. Chuck knew that Casey wouldn't just give this job to just anyone. "Thanks." Reynolds put the truck into drive and drove off leaving the two of them alone.

Sarah walked in carrying the stat phone placing it on the table. Alexander had made some coffee and slid a cup towards her. She sat down hesitantly. "I bet it was nice to hear his voice." Sarah looked up as she stared her coffee. She smiled softly. "It was."

They enjoyed their coffee in some what silence till Alexander said something that got Sarah thinking. "Wished that they had someone they could trust on the inside. That would make a whole lot of difference."

Sarah got up. "Maybe it's not who knows them that can help them but maybe someone who knows me? " "Sarah, what are you thinking?" "Don't start worrying now. I'm not even sure it will work." Sarah walked over to the makeshift computer table that Chuck had put together. Alexander followed. "I need to get on the internet." Alexander grabbed a chair and flipped a few switches then seemed to wait for something longer than Sarah wanted it to be. Alexander watched the screen and clicked on the dial up. That sound reminded her of Chuck. "We had to wait for the satellite to come in sync."

Sarah placed the keyboard in front of her and clicked and typed at a few links till she got to job offers with the CIA. Alexander sat down wondering what she was doing. Sarah continued to click and type. "I am trying to find a link that we once used years back to stay in contact with each other when out in the field." "Your searching Botany?" "It was the only one thing we could agree on but this link hasn't been used in while and I am not even sure if anyone is still using this."

"Who else is on this?"

"There were a few of us that worked together on a few clandestine missions but I haven't talked to her in years."

Sarah clicked on a link that she had used before. Alexander watched as it led her to an inbox. Sarah quickly typed a message, then sent the email off. She hoped that the email would be read in time.

DC

Chuck followed Casey into the recesses of the back of the building ducking when a car drove by or one of Casey's senses were triggered. Casey tapped Chucks shoulder as they reached a sub panel the first panel accessible to the outside. Chuck slipped his back pack off and pulled out a monitor. Casey opened the panel as Chuck searched for any sensors or alarms. Chuck did a quick search and then looked up. "This is just an electrical box for the outside sprinkler system." Chuck slammed the door shut and stood up. He scanned the area. "It's not going to be easy, we can't just walk in." Casey looked at Chuck. Casey said nothing. It was getting lighter out and Casey didn't want to be seen, especially when he didn't have a plan. We better regroup and come back. Chuck looked around, he was so close to finding some answers but knew they couldn't be seen yet.

They entered the motel room ready to make a new plan. Casey figured that whoever was in charge now would have changed all the access points that they could enter or they could try to enter. Chuck tossed his bag and sat on the bed and stared at Casey. A thought crossed his mind. 'I have to leave it up to Casey.' Chuck propped up a pillow and laid his head back in seconds his eye lids closed. Chuck woke up to Casey's voice. He watched as Casey as he paced the room of the hotel talking to someone. He waited till Casey saw that he was curious to whom he was talking to as he covered the receiver. He motioned to the stat phone. "Call her. It might make you feel better." Chuck scooted off the bed and grabbed the stat phone and slipped outside. He covered his head with his hoodie and sat on the curb, his senses peeked just in case. He looked at his watch, it was little past five. He was surprised that he had slept that long but he guessed he needed it. He stared at the stat phone then pressed the redial button and waited.

Sarah refreshed the link for the million time and still nothing. Maybe hoping for a miracle it was not going to happen any time soon. And who knew if they even looked at the website let alone their old email addresses. It was a long shot but one she felt she had to take it for Chucks sake. In her silence she heard a faint buzz. She looked up as Alexander motioned to the phone. He didn't get up so it had to be Chuck calling. She got up and said hello. She felt his arms around her instantly even though he was miles away. "Sarah?"

"Hey."

She couldn't tell him what she was doing cause she didn't want to jinx it just in case it was going to work out. "No, just sitting here. So what's happening there?"

"Dead ends whoever is in charge has changed the security and Casey's looking for a way to get me in. I'm thinking he'll have to go in the front doors and then get me in. I am worried that if they see him now, they might ask questions. He hasn't reported since he got the kill order."

"Maybe going in might be a good thing."

Sarah could hear the worry in his voice making it harder not to get in a plane and be there for him.

"Chuck maybe going in the front door will bring out those who might be behind this or it might give you an of who doesn't show up.

"Maybe."

"Where are to two now?"

"A motel he's on the phone with someone."

Their conversation slowed down, with that awkward pause. "I miss you."

"I miss you too."

Chuck hung up and walked inside not seeing Casey at first. He came out of the bathroom. "I ordered Chinese."

"Good, thanks."

Chuck knew they weren't going to get any more sleep tonight and Chuck was glad he got what he did.

"I think I might walk in the front door."

Chuck wasn't surprised but he wasn't a hundred percent sure either way. "We need to get inside and with the changes on the outside I need to see what changes have been made on the inside. And as far as they know, you're dead and I haven't been in contact since. Not totally out of the ordinary as my last contact with them it had me on a black ops mission. So, once I am inside I can work on getting you in."

"Then what? Walk up to the kill order section of the CIA and ask them why they wanted me dead?"

"Yes."

"What?"

"Chuck, beside Beckman who gave me the order six months ago and told me not to get comfortable to just weeks ago when she followed through on that order I was thinking it was just her but she had to be following orders from someone else. Who gave her the order and why, and then who got Graham killed. A Trojan horse maybe but it was murder plain and simple. They were covering their asses and any loose ends. That's where you come in Chuck. There has to be some paper trail files emails etc.. talking about this order and why? You were a threat, and now that they think the threat is taken care of they won't see us coming. They won't expect to see a dead man raising some flags."

Hours later there was a knock at the door. Casey drew his gun as Chuck hid in bathroom. Casey opened the door and grunted. There stood Reynolds and two others. "Chuck we're good."

Chuck came out. He saw Reynolds which he already flashed on but the other two he did not flash on so he figured that they must have been civilians.

Chuck noticed what they were carrying, two garment bags and four medium size suitcases. They plopped them onto the closet bed and opened them up. Chuck walked up to the first case and saw what looked like a makeover kit. Chuck looked up. "You can't go in looking like you." Casey grunted his response.

Chuck ran his hands through his longer locks and knew Casey was right.

The younger of the two civilians grabbed a chair while the other one waited for instructions. Reynolds introduced the ladies then left. Casey looked at Chuck. "I know that you're not thrilled to be here but in order to get the answers you need." "I need to look different."

"It would help. Reynolds will be back to take your picture so that he can make up a temporary pass that will get you inside the main doors, the rest will be up to you."

Chuck sat down and watched the girls get to work. Chuck saw the scissors and knew his looks had to start with his hair. He finally agreed to go short a style that he hadn't had since he was in his teens. Chuck watched as his curls hit the floor and his looks started to change. Chuck looked over to Casey as he flipped through the clothes that were spewed across the bed. He grabbed a few pieces and in seconds he had put together attire that squeezed out an impressive grunt. Chuck slipped into the bathroom and looked at his hair. It was cropped short on the sides and slightly longer on the top. He jumped into shower and started drying off. He heard a knock. "I have some clothes for you to try on." Casey calling from the other side. Chuck opened the door covering up the best he could with hotel towels. He grabbed the white shirt and dark pants ensemble giving a thanks then closing the door. The three waited for Chuck to come out and when he did they all approved the new look. Chuck was surprised that the clothes fit and he did look different but would this difference be enough to fool them. He looked at the room then wondered if Sarah would like this new look.

Reynolds showed up with another suitcase and as he placed it on the table the girls got up and left. Their part in this was done and now it was up to Reynolds to make Chuck look good.

Chuck slipped on the tie and jacket minus his socks he looked like an agent. Reynolds set up a fabric screen and made Chuck sit down and face the camera. He took a few head shots then fed the shots to a computer program then worked on making a ID pass that they hoped would get him inside as least. They didn't have time to create a background dossier and they hoped that no one would want to start digging or ask questions. All they needed to do was to get him in on the inside. Reynolds packed up and looked at Chuck as he undid his tie walking to the door. "Give me a day or so to make this look good." "Take the time you need."

Casey shuffled around trying not to wake up Chuck who had just got to sleep. He took the opportunity to make some calls and come up with a convincing story to where he had been this whole time. He left Chuck a note which didn't sit right with him but he had to continue to protect him even if it was to let him sleep.

Casey left the room meeting Reynolds outside and as they drove to the DNI office, Casey hoped to have some answers for Chuck.

Chuck rolled over thinking of Sarah. He opened his eyes to see that the room was empty. He saw the note not liking what he read. He got up and grabbed his suit and put it on and called a cab. He wasn't going to let Casey to do this alone.

Chuck paid for his fare and stood across the street looking at the DNI building where it all started almost two years ago when Bryce stole the Intersect files and sent them to him. He slipped on a pair of sunglasses and was about to cross the street when he heard a familiar voice. "I'm surprised that you weren't here sooner."

Chuck raised his head seeing Casey in his peripheral. "I'll blame the cab driver."

Casey grunted as he passed Chuck his new ID badge. Chuck turned it over seeing the new look. "It will only get you inside and maybe some other areas. We are only going in today to see how far we can get and no more. (slight pause) understood."

"Understood."

The two walked across the street and followed a small group of people walking in. They followed keeping their heads down. Casey went first scanning his card passing the security desk and reaching the other side. He turned to face the entrance waiting for Chuck to walk through. Chuck nervously slid his card holding his breath. Chuck heard no bells or whistles going off or guns pointed at his head. He walked through finally able to breathe. Chuck sighed deeply as he stopped just in front of Casey.

Chuck spun on his heels when he heard someone calling Casey's name. Chuck turned the other direction as Casey greeted the man. "Good to see you Major, what brings you in today?"

Chuck flashed on the voice and the name Proctor. He wasn't a threat or someone that could report Casey to Beckman but just the same they had been inside for less than five minutes and already someone knew him. Casey cut the conversation short and nudged Chucks arms as he started walking. Chuck followed reaching a coffee area. Chuck quickly sat down as Casey grabbed a chair next to him. "What is going on, we barely get inside and…"

"I know, didn't expect that one. Don't worry he won't tell anyone."

"I know, I flashed on him."

"Right. And anyone else?"

"No one else."

"Good. Casey sat back. We are going to sit here and observe and figure out where we can go from here."

"Can we eat?"

Casey looked at Chuck.

"Well I wasn't expecting to be here was I."

Casey got up and returned with two coffees and some Danishes.

Chuck had learned to observe like a spy from two of the best agents he knew, well the only two agents he knew. One that would do anything for him and was still risking his life to protect him and the other who had his heart and was wishing she was there.

Chuck made some mental notes on when security changes were made. What exits were used more than others and how frequent the cleaning staff made their rounds. Chuck also spent the afternoon, watching a few that just walked around and were obviously packing making him move from seat to seat not to cause a scene. "So what do you know?"

Chuck pointed to the two guys making their rounds once again. "Those two are packing and are not in the Intersect."

"So new blood?"

"Yes and each exit needs a key card. The maintenance crew seem to go in the far door using key cards as well."

"So they changed everything."

"It looks like it."

Chuck took a sip of his coffee. "Those coming down the stairs now just came out of nowhere. Most that walk down those stairs came out of the west wing side assuming that they were in offices but these guys just showed up and joined these others."

"Blending in, so there might be a hidden door or access point."

"We need the schematics of this building." Casey took the last bite of his Danish. "I can cover that." He got up as quickly as he swallowed his last bite.

Sarah refreshed the page and finally she saw what she had prayed for. She quickly replied hoping a quick response and in seconds she got her answer 'Can take it from here' Sarah wiped a tear knowing that at least they would have someone to help them out.

Casey headed up the stairs with Chuck in toll moving towards the spot where Chuck said that those few men had just appeared. Casey watched the side of the hallway on his right as Chuck watched the left. In seconds the same maintenance crew walked by, Chuck coughed slightly alerting Casey. Casey looked up and like as if they had practiced Casey followed the crew as they seemed to unlock a door out of no where and a hand full of agents exited the spot as Casey motioned to Chuck and Chuck grabbed the door before it closed. They followed the maintenance crew trying not to be seen. The maintenance crew seemed to do a round about then exit back out the same door. Casey and Chuck stepped back checking out the area then motioning to each other. Chuck slipped in beside Casey still keeping an eye on the area. Chuck crouched down beside Casey. "What is this place?"

"Not sure, its like those two wait for a few people then lead them out bringing in others?"

"For what purpose?"

"Nothing makes sense."

Chuck got tired of waiting and slipped out in front of Casey making Casey take a second look. He whispered. "Bartowski."

Chuck increased his steps walking through the main floor area that housed cubicles of desks. He grabbed the first thing he saw which was a clip board tossing another one back at Casey. The two slipped into the first empty station as Chuck sat down at the computer. He scanned the desk looking for something. He placed the clipboard down grabbing a binder. He opened the binder scanning the pages. Coming up empty he returned the binder and grabbed another. He flipped through the pages and stopped. He flashed alerting Casey. Casey leaned over Chuck's shoulder. "This place might be a processing zone for the new Intersect. It looks like data is collected here."

"What did you flash on?"

"Specs."

"That doesn't tell us much."

Chuck got up. "No but if it is in my head then who ever created this in the first place might have had know that this could happen, that someone would try to change or get rid of their work and try to create their own. Whatever version they are trying to create its not going to be the same and maybe they know that."

"Decker?"

"Decker, Winters, Bergey, Ominsky, Delgado, Stacey, Barry, Dr. Howard Busgang and Dr Jonas Zarnow."

Chuck moved out of the cubicle and looked up flashing again. He turned his face towards the wall avoiding a small group of men in white coats. He waited till they were gone. Casey looked up. "Brandon Stacey and Dennis Barry."

"Yeah the scientists." Casey looking around hoping no one else was walking their way. "Then we are in the place."

Chuck nodded then started to move again.

They followed Stacey and Barry as far as they could without alerting anyone. Chuck looked at the panel hoping to flash on the system. "Nothing, it needs a key card."

They headed back to where they started and followed the maintenance crew leading a small group of workers out of the space. Chuck and Casey followed and reached the main stairwell blending into the crowd. They found a seat, and sat down to regroup.

"We need to get access past those doors."

"No, Chuck we need to get eyes on the whole floor. Yes we can get past those doors but we don't know what is on the other side. We can't get caught and even being in one spot too long will eventually cause someone to take notice."

"I need to find the security room."

"That's on the main floor behind the front desk. Too many people."

Chuck didn't like the answer he was given. He got up and headed down the stairs eyeing the front desk. Casey tried to grab his shoulder to slow him down but he couldn't blame him for doing what he could. Chuck reached the front desk not getting any assistance like he need any but he had to get through that door. He could see the word maintenance written in black. Chuck moved towards the door. Casey followed closely blocking anyone else seeing Chuck crouched down staring at the keypad. Chuck looked at the keypad hoping that somewhere in the Intersect there was a passcode he could use. He blinked then hoped, but in his silence four words snapped him out it. "You must be Chuck."