And how it all began

Chapter 2

Sarah walked out and the agent by the door motioned at her. "He just fell asleep, you might as well get some as well."

Sarah nodded and walked into the living room portion of the room. Sleep wasn't a bad idea. She slipped her gun out from behind her back and sat in a chair next to the window facing the door. She slipped her gun along side her leg and the arm of the chair, then grabbed her suit jacket and used it as pillow. It didn't take long for her eyes to close.

She was startled slightly and instinctively grabbed her gun but when she brought it out into view, she saw that Chuck was up and he looked liked he had maybe caught as much sleep as she did. She stood up to find him looking at his meagre belongs. She got up from her chair and sat down beside him. "Hey?"

Chuck looked up. " Hey?"

"How are you? I know it's not what you want to hear."

"Despite having a supercomputer in my brain and not sleeping and the constant anxiety that I now have. I'm doing great."

Chuck looked at his box and as he pulled items out, Sarah quickly got an idea of what kind of guy Chuck was. He was definitely smart, and he was simple. A very solitary type person. Liked to be helpful. As she saw by some of the photos he stared at. Chuck passed the framed ones to Sarah. "This is my older sister, Ellie. There's five years between us. She's a doctor in LA, engaged to a doctor and this is Morgan Grimes. He's my best friend."

"Morgan?"

"Yeah his parents found him at the circus." Chuck broke a smile which made Sarah's heart take an extra beat. Then Chuck pulled out what looked like a group photo of a class or small study group. Chuck tossed it back as quickly as he picked it up then got up and walked away. Sarah reached over and pulled it out of the box. She stared at the photo then flipped it over. Chuck, she assumed had written on the back. Jefferson Davies, Heather Cook, Jill Roberts, Bryce Larkin and me. She looked up at Chuck and professionally was against with what Bryce's choices had caused but she had to find something good in all of this. Something that would be worth this nightmare. Chuck walked back into the room, she looked up and saw that there was something mysterious about this Chuck, but it's wasn't the computer in his head it was something more.

Sarah heard the doors click open and along with a new face there was breakfast and Major John Casey. Sarah walked near Chuck and subtly touched his arm. "He's here."

Chuck either forgot who was coming or he didn't pay attention but as Chuck looked up and saw this middle-aged man. He knew who he was. Casey dropped his gear and walked stoically toward the two of them. "Agent Walker."

"Major Casey nice to finally meet you in person."

"Likewise." They shook hands.

"Chuck." Sarah turned to face him. "Chuck Bartowski, this is Major John Casey of the NSA."

"Major Casey, Chuck Bartowski."

Casey extended his hand and Chuck took the firm but determined handshake which made the Major notice the character of the young man. "How was you flight?"

"Long buts it's nice to be back on American soil. I was feeling a little pasty."

The three sat down as Sarah set up a laptop. She grabbed a quick bite as Chuck woofed down his breakfast. All the running earlier made him very hungry.

Sarah dialled in and waited. Chuck stood in the middle of the two and watched as he set eyes on the General. Chuck's eyes popped open as the little red head with the determined face acknowledge the group. "Morning General."

Chuck gave a slight wave. "Major Casey and Agent Walker and Mr. Bartowski."

"Call me Chuck. Mr. makes me sound old."

Then he looked at Casey making Sarah chuckle slightly. "Ok Chuck. I have been in touch with my officials and Agent Walker, Mr. Graham send his regards." Sarah acknowledged. "We feel." Chuck instantly felt nauseous. He had heard of top nerds and hackers being locked up in cells in some under ground military facility never to be seen from again. But he also wanted to be optimistic, he figured that because he was the only one, he might be useful somehow. Chuck stared at the screen and

waited. "Chuck because we are unsure how this works with you and that you were able to identify the men that were after you. And because we are not sure on so many levels of the many whys regarding this Intersect file, as well as Mr. Larkin's reasons for sending it to you. We will let you head home to LA where Agent Walker and Major Casey will be your shadow. I mean shadow. We know that you live with your sister and her fiancé and that you were an exam short of graduating thanks to what happened with Bryce. We don't want you to have that as a reminder of this whole ordeal. I am personally looking it to make sure that you do come out with your degree."

Chuck looked up. "Thank you General. You don't know what this means."

"Chuck, this means a lot to us as well. We need you as much as you need us." Chuck tried to hold back his tears. "I am stating this now that you three will need to work together. Chuck you will need to listen to Agent Walker and the Major. They are your eyes and ears. Your protective muscle so to speak. And you will work with us. Agent Walker will head back with you on the train as you have already planned to do that. We will try to make your life as normal as we can. What did you tell your sister?"

"I told her that I was coming home."

"Did you tell her that you were kicked out?"

"Kinda."

"Ok all she needs to know is that it was a terrible prank that had gone wrong and they located the problem. The marks were uploaded incorrectly causing your final grades to not be filed. And because of a that terrible prank, they believed that you cheated. So, they gave you the option to wait it out or take the grade you had going into the final exam. This at least allows you graduate."

Chuck looked at Beckman then at Sarah and Casey. "Seems reasonable and highly probable."

"Chuck, no one needs to know that Bryce had anything to do with it. But we will find out why. Larkin is good but he not that good."

Chuck thanked the General again and walked off leaving Agent Walker and Major Casey with the General.

"What do we do when we arrive in LA.

One of you will move in near by and watch him and you two will take turns. If the need arises, we will use him on your missions. Think of him as an asset. I will look into something to call a home base. Maybe get him looking for a job that keeps him in the public eye. Tell him its a just a cover and not part of his five-year plan. If he asks. I will try and locate Larkin and find out those why's."

"Yes General." Sarah and Casey logged off. Sarah walked over to Chuck." You ready to go?"

"I guess."

"Major Casey will join us in a few days. Then the plan is one of us will move in near by and we will shadow you. Beckman suggests you find a job to be as a cover. Stay visible." Chuck nodded slightly and grabbed his things.

The train ride was bittersweet. Sarah stood up with her one bag. Chuck looked at it. "I hope that you have more than that if your planning on staying?"

"Oh my bag. It's just my mission bag. I will head back to DC and get the rest of my things."

"You're from DC?"

Sarah just nodded. "Sorry I guess your not suppose to fraternize with the help." His comment stung a little as Chuck walked to the exit. He saw his sister. Sarah noticed the resemblance and hoped for Chuck sake this part of his life wouldn't be affected. "How will I explain you?"

"Leave that to me."

Chuck exited the train and saw his sister. His sister ran up to him and hugged him. Chuck. "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay. Didn't plan to be home this early."

"So why?" Chuck looked at Sarah who stood off to the side and shook her head not to let her know who she was. Chuck picked up on it and continued as if she wasn't there. But Sarah kept her eye on him as he had his little reunion with his sister. "There was a computer glitch and a terrible prank that back fired and our final marks were affected. So, we had the option of staying and waiting for it to be fixed or take the grades we had before the final and go."

Ellie looked at Chuck. "Will you still graduate?"

"Yeah. Whether or not I stayed and not to brag but I couldn't go any higher. I am okay with my grades."

Ellie then noticed the tall blonde-haired vixen wearing a blue pant suit standing fairly close to Chuck, very interested in her brother. Ellie gave her the once over then looked at her younger brother. "Chuck who is that girl, more like woman and are you going to introduce us?"

Chuck swallowed hard, then looked at Sarah and opened his eyes really big. Letting her know that he needed help. "Oh sorry. Ellie Bartowski. This is Sarah Walker." Sarah smiled and like a pro she extended her hand. " Hi Sarah. Chuck's girlfriend. Chuck choked on his breath. Ellie jumped for joy. "You said girlfriend right?"

"Yes I did."

"Oh boy Chuck. Now this is a surprise. What happened to Jill not saying your choice in girls wasn't the greatest."

Chuck kept quiet. "Chuck and I met at a job fair. I am originally from DC and was at Stanford recruiting possible graduates to work at our Architectural branch in DC. I am heading back to DC in a few days, so I thought I'd come to LA and fly out from LAX."

Ellie grabbed Sarah's arm. "So, you and my brother. Honestly, I didn't think he had it in him. And when he told me that he was coming home early, I thought the worse like he was caught cheating or something, even though he said he didn't. He always likes to play with my head."

Sarah shook her head. "No, it was just a terrible prank but he's a smart guy and he was able to make that decision while others might not have been so lucky."

Chuck put his things in the back of Ellie car and grabbed Sarah's bag and placed it beside his then laid the Tron poster on top. He opened the door for Sarah, and he jumped into the back. "Where's Awesome?"

"Devon is working, and you know he doesn't like it when you call him Awesome."

"I know but it has been since Christmas since I saw you two."

Chuck sat back and rolled down his window and rode the rest of the way in silence. Ellie drove up under the tree in the back of their apartment that Sarah instantly liked its charm. She did a visual check and kept close to Chuck. Chuck grabbed their bags and her closeness was a bit uncomfortable but when Ellie looked at them Sarah kissed Chuck's cheek. Chuck looked at her and tried to turn but his legs wouldn't move. Sarah leaned in. "Remember, we are boyfriend and girlfriend. If there is one thing you need to remember is to trust me and the rest will fall into place."

Chuck looked up. The word trust coming from her actually was the first thing since this all started that actually made sense. And even pretending to have her as a girlfriend wasn't a bad way to end the last 24 hours.

Ellie walked inside and headed to Chucks old room. Devon and I had your room painted and gave you new sheets. Everything is as it was."

Chuck took the Tron poster and hung it up on the wall. Ellie smiled. " Dads poster."

"Yeah. I still have it."

"Sorry Sarah, if knew that you existed, we would let you to have our room."

"No worries. I think this bed will do, much better than those dorm beds."

Chuck instantly blushed. "Just kidding. Chuck has been a perfect gentleman."

Chuck opened his mouth. "I will sleep on the couch."

The girls laughed. Sarah and Ellie walked out towards the kitchen. Chuck followed. They sat down and drank some beer and ordered some pizza. "So, you and my brother? You're taking it slow?"

"We are, with me living for DC I didn't want to start something then try and have one of those long distant relationship things go on. So, we agreed to take it slow and see where it went. I need to head back, but I am planning to come back here. We are trying to finalize a building here in LA as well. Our architecture firm had eyes on LA or San Francisco so I am hoping for LA."

"Well I hope that LA does work out. You two look so cute together."

Devon came walking in and froze when he saw Chuck and a blonde sitting on the couch. Chuck got up and got a huge bear hug from Devon. Chuck landed on his feet. "Devon Woodcomb I would like you to meet Sarah Walker."

"His girlfriend." Ellie shouting from the kitchen.

"Way to bro! Ms. Walker."

"Devon, nice to meet you."

Ellie came back with a beer and a plate for Devon. The four chatted till Chuck was trying to stay awake. Sarah noticed and got up. "It's late, we have had along day and Chuck is ready to collapse."

Ellie got up. "Sorry, I didn't see the time. I need to get to bed as well, early shift."

Sarah grabbed their plates and headed to the kitchen then followed Ellie down the hall. Chuck walked to his room. Ellie had just left with a pile of towels and face cloths. "The bathroom is across the hall. They have their own so you can use it."

"Thanks." Chuck grabbed his suitcase and placed it on the chair next to the window. "I'll just grab a few things, catch quick shower and the room will be yours."

Sarah grabbed her bag and placed it on the bed. She wasn't used to the hospitality and the honest family vibe she was getting from his family. Chuck grabbed a pair of shorts and a clean shirt, then grabbed one of the towels and slipped across the hall. Sarah walked his room and in no time, he came back, just wearing his towel. "Sorry I forgot my shirt."

Sarah looked at him and what she had seen all day was nothing like she was looking at right now. His chiselled chest and just the right amount of chest hairs was how she like a man to look like. Chuck slipped back out and returned to the bathroom. Sarah grabbed her toiletries and grabbed the other towel. Chuck heard a faint knock as he had just slipped on a pair of shorts. "Hey, its all yours. The hot water tap is a bit tricky, but you can figure it out." "Thanks."

"If you need anything let me know."

Chuck picked up his wet towel and tossed them into the clothes basket and walked to the door. "If don't see you before you head to bed, sleep well and thank you."

Sarah looked at Chuck. "Good night Chuck and your welcome."

Chuck closed the door as Sarah slid her hand making sure that it was closed then leaned against the back of the door. It was the second time her heart fluttered and all he said was sleep well and good night.

She showered and it felt amazing. She walked back drying her hair and walked into the living room as she stared at him as he looked so peaceful. She turned around and returned to his room grabbing her gun and slipping it under the pillow. She changed and slipped under the covers and looked out the window. Maybe this wasn't as bad, as missing a week or two in San Tropez with Carina.

Sarah rolled over as the sun hit her face. She hadn't slept that hard in years. She heard some noise and crept to the door and watched as Devon and Ellie snuck by bedroom door. Sarah opened it quietly and watched as they snuck by Chuck as he slept on the couch on their way to the door. Ellie stopped and stared at her baby brother and smiled. Devon grabbed her hand and they left.

Sarah looked at the clock and for the first time didn't care. She closed the door and crawled back to bed.

Chuck woke up and made some coffee and grabbed the box of pizza and opened it up to reheat it. When a sleepy Sarah walked in dressed in casual jeans and a

t-shirt, much different than her professional blues.

"Morning Agent Walker."

"You know you can call me Sarah."

"I know."

Sarah sat down. "Morning Sarah, did we sleep well."

Sarah looked up. "I did. I haven't slept like that in a long time."

"Good."

"Sorry about taking your bed on your first night back."

"That's okay. I'll sleep there soon enough."

"So, what's for breakfast?"

"We have leftover pizza; toast, dry cereal." Chuck opened the cupboard doors. Then faced Sarah. "I guess I need to go for groceries and get some normal food."

Sarah laughed.

"Coffee?"

"Definitely."

Sarah drank her coffee as Chuck left and got ready. He stayed close to home which helped Sarah out. She sat down as he brought her something to drink as they sat out on the patio. She wondered if he wanted to make it easier for her to watch him in a strange city. Either way she liked the quietness.

By noon she checked in with the General as she convinced Chuck to show her the neighbourhood. Chuck waited by the fountain as he gave her the apartment to make her call.

A half hour later Sarah came out and sat down at the fountain. "So? I still need to be babysat?"

Sarah gave Chuck a nudge. "Casey found the two men that were following you. "

"And?"

"There not talking."

Chuck didn't know what to say.

"That doesn't mean it's a bad thing. They will eventually talk. They usually do?"

"So, who do they work for?"

"Its hard to say. Beckman said that only a few knew about the Intersect and they are looking into their where abouts."

"You think that Bryce is working for them?"

"I don't know, but he knows more than he is letting on. When I was chasing you, he stopped me."

"He was there too?"

"Either going after you or after those men or even working along side them. Casey hasn't been able to find him."

Chuck rubbed his hands on his jeans.

"There's not much we can do now, so let's go for that walk and get those groceries and enjoy the rest of the day."

Sarah stood up and knew that not hearing where Bryce was made Chuck an even bigger target. If Bryce was behind this, stealing the Intersect, sending it to Chuck, he'd know how to use it or let others know about it. But the chance that he did it for the right reasons was going to be a tough one to prove, and an even bigger battle to gain the trust back of his best friend.

Chuck and Sarah arrived back to the apartment and chilled while Chuck was happy in the kitchen making supper. Devon and Ellie arrived home to the smells of Chuck's chicken pepperoni. Devon was able to actually see his soon to be brother in law interact with a girl and though he showed his enthusiasm Ellie told him to keep it on DL. She knew her brother and that he didn't like to advertise or show his feelings like others like to do and Sarah also picked up on that. She added more to her profile on him. 'He preferred staying at home and he seemed to keep his friends close.' Sarah added more to her profile at dinner when Chuck was telling Sarah about this Morgan fella. She could tell that he and Chuck were very close friends.

The next morning, Sarah walked into the living room as Chuck was folding his sleeping bag. Sarah sat down and padded the couch. Chuck sat down.

"How are we today?"

"Slight headache and my ears are ringing."

Sarah looked concerned. "Anything that I can do?"

Chuck gave her that look that she saw back in Stanford. That look that he wanted this nightmare to be over.

Sarah squeezed his leg. Chuck flinched slightly. Sarah removed her hand. "Beckman wants you to find a job, this job will be like your cover, I guess mine is an Architect. So, what would you want to do?" Chuck looked at her. "I was talking to Morgan earlier and he was delighted that I was home and he hoped that I would work for the Buy More but, I can't see myself working for 11 dollars an hour."

Minutes later…

"Well think about it." Sarah turned and got up. "Casey's here."

Chuck looked up and wondered where a guy like that would blend in, in this neighbourhood. Chuck looked outside his door and couldn't see the soldier. Sarah walked outside and around the corner to an empty apartment. Sarah knocked and the door opened. Chuck followed and looked around. It was smaller apartment than his place and knew the old guy that lived must have died in order for it to be vacant this quickly. Casey came out from the back. "This will do. It's actually a lot nicer than some of the places I had to stay in."

Chuck looked up. "Your moving in here? I thought."

"You thought that the blonde was going to move in here. She probably already convinced yourself sister that you two are a couple."

Chuck gave him a goofy grin. "I guess I got my answer. Walker will find a place near by, so don't worry she'd won't leave you."

Casey looked up at Sarah. "When do you leave?"

"Soon. But I'm just going back to grab some things and check in with Beckman."

"You taking a taxi?" Casey looking at her.

Sarah looked at Casey then at Chuck." No Chuck offered to drive me."

Chuck liked the thought. "Ok let's go." Casey grabbed his jacket and followed them to his car. "Can't wait till my car arrives."

Chuck laughed, "You have a car?"

"Yes, a Crown Vic fully loaded and detailed."

Chuck nodded then slipped back over to his place and grabbed Ellie car keys. They arrived at the airport and Chuck grabbed Sarah's bag. Sarah grabbed his arm." You can trust Casey. He looks all tough but some where deep down, deep down he's a decent guy. I'll be back in a few days."

Chuck extended his hand but as Sarah moved in and kissed him. She didn't plan on doing what she did but when Chuck kissed her back. It surprised the both of them.

Echo Park

Casey snapped his fingers as he made Chuck follow him back to the other apartment. Chuck walked in and sat down on the stairs and watched the Major. "Any of the flashy thing that your doing, get it over with. Walker told me that you flashed as she called it, whatever that means. My life is an open book."

Chuck didn't want to tell the Major that he flashed on him the other day as soon as he walked in the room. So, he sat there staring at him a bit longer. Chuck finally got and walked the apartment.

"Now what?"

"Any decent Chinese take out and liquor board stores near by?"

Chuck surprised, he answered him quickly.

"Both actually and they both deliver."

"Even better."

Chuck went to the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Going back to grab a menu and the number for your alcohol?"

"Okay but come right back."

"I live like right next door."

Casey walked up to Chuck. "True but there are 45 steps from my door to yours, a clear sight line from the entrances of the courtyard to your front door and your roof is a great place to hide due to the number of trees that cover it."

"Ok then. I'll be right back?"

Chuck returned as he ordered, and Casey laid the cash on the counter. When the doorbell rang Casey cocked his gun and walked to the door. Chuck grabbed the cash and held the Major back. Casey looked through the peephole as Chuck opened the door and paid for the food and box of random alcoholic bottles. Chuck passed the box to Casey as he closed the door behind him. Casey locked the door and followed Chuck into the kitchen. They grabbed an assortment of cartons. Casey sat on the step that divided the dining room from the living room and Chuck sat on the hearth of the fake fireplace. Chuck grabbed a beer and heard a phone ring. He looked into his jacket pocket and pulled out a new cell. He looked at the screen and it was not a number he knew. He cautiously answered it. "Hey Chuck?"

Chuck sighed a huge sigh of relief. "I'm so glad its you? What's with the new phone?"

"It's one that we can monitor you and track you if we have to. I slipped it into you pocket when we were at the airport."

Chuck smiled. "Creepy but thanks. So, you back in DC?"

"Yeah, its colder here."

"I bet."

"So, what are you and Casey doing?"

Chuck looked up. "I am currently watching him clean his guns. Then he said that he was coming back with me to put some cameras in my place. I don't think that it's a good idea."

"Chuck we are trying to make this less painful than it already is. But your safety is more important that a few cameras. And they won't interfere with your life and your sister and Devon. They will be there for your security when we can't."

"I guess."

"Don't worry, he'll be in and out and you can finally sleep in your own bed."

"So then what?"

"You wake up?"

"Funny. No what's next?"

"I meet with Beckman in the morning and I plan to be back in LA by the weekend hopefully."

"Okay."

"I see you soon."

"Thanks for calling."

Sarah was right, Casey was in and out and Chuck finally was able to sleep in his own bed. He laid down and knew that he should change the sheets, but he rolled over to the side that wasn't slept on and slid under the sheets. By morning he had rolled over to her side. Chuck woke up to a tapping at the window and as he focussed, he saw his little bearded friend and the Major holding a gun behind him. Chuck waved Casey off as Morgan looked behind him. Chuck got up and opened the window. Morgan crawled through and gave Chuck a huge hug. "Man ol' man the Stanford graduate finally comes home."

"It's good to see you to buddy."

Morgan walked around as Chuck crawled back to his bed and leaned against his headboard. Chuck watched his bearded friend walk his room. Morgan was making sniffing gestures as he was walking around making a mental note of something. "Dude, did you have a girl in here and you definitely need to get an X box."

Chuck looked at him. "An Xbox, yeah buddy."

"The girl?"

"No girl."

"Ok, it just smells nicer in here."

Morgan slipped Chucks suitcase on the floor and sat down. "So where is your computer?"

Chuck looked at Morgan. "It crashed, nothings left."

"Bummer."

"Yeah."

"So, how's work?"

"Its work?"

"I see that the Buy More colours are still green and yellow."

"Yeah, Big Mike likes to stay true to the company. You gotta come by?"

"I will, I need a new computer, or I might make my own."

"You're the coolest."

"Why?"

"Cause you can build you own computers? Or better yet wouldn't be cool of we have one in our heads, I mean all the stuff we would know, all the scientific lingo and Government conspiracies."

Chuck felt instantly sick and his head started to hurt. "Hey man you ok?"

"Yeah, just need my caffeine and you need to go to work."

Chuck got up and walked over and watched Morgan crawl through the Morgan door. Chuck turned and there stood Casey. "You okay?"

"What?"

"I heard that your head?"

"Did you bug my room?"

"Tiny bug, but I could have put in a camera."

Casey stepped inside. "Still figuring this whole thing out. I'm going to grab some aspirin and some coffee. You want some?"

Casey followed Chuck into the kitchen.

Chuck felt a bit better by mid morning as he spent it with Casey and then the two headed to the Buy More. Casey even did a bit of shopping grabbing some kitchen appliances, while Chuck had his reunion with the Nerd Herd and Green shirts. He ordered a new computer system and a large flat screen for his room. Morgan added the latest X Box to the pile. Chuck smiled. "So, you want to work here?"

Chuck didn't want to hurt his little buddy. "I am keeping my options open."

"Good so it's not a no."

Chuck walked over to the check out counter. They rung up his items and they asked if anyone helped him today. Chuck looked at Morgan. "Morgan Grimes."

"Your total is…."

Morgan smiled then slipped away to help another customer. Casey walked towards the counter and dropped his items off. Chuck looked at the cashier. "Morgan also helped this customer as well."

Chuck looked at the items. There was a blender, coffee maker, kettle, toaster, microwave oven.

"I guess someone is staying?"

Casey grunted. "Do you deliver?"

"Yes, we can have these items delivered later today?"

Chuck looked at his pile. "Add mine to his."

The cashier looked at Casey. Casey nodded.

"You fill it out I am going out to have a cigar."

Chuck filled out the delivery form and joined Casey outside. Casey looked around the parking lot. "I need furniture."

Chuck looked across the parking lot. "There's Furniture Place, that's about it, then Large Mart."

"Perfect."

Casey grabbed Chuck by the back of the neck and headed towards Large Mart. Casey grabbed a cart. He loaded his cart with batteries, rope, wire, tape, tool set, assorted lights and bulbs, two foldable tables and two lawn chairs. Then he got one of the workers to bring down one of the queen size mattresses and have it delivered to his place. Then he grabbed some towels and sheets, jugs of water, propane, the list went on. After awhile Chuck wondered if he was preparing for the end of the world with the items he was getting. Chuck walked towards the till and set his eyes on old friend. He hadn't seen them in a long time. He walked up to them and grabbed it cradling it in his arms. "Casey do you know what this is?"

"Cheese puffs?"

"No, not just cheese puffs, but the ultimate cheesiest puffs there are. The Buy More use to sell them but the Large Mart snatched them up."

"Wow, something that I didn't need to know about."

Chuck grabbed two tubs and followed Casey to the till. Chuck slid his tubs next to his items and watched them get scanned.

Chuck walked out. "You owe me $7.58 for the cheese puffs?"

Casey grunted again. Chuck stopped and reached into his pocket and realizing he had no cash on him. Casey looked at Chuck. "Don't worry my treat."

Chuck headed back over to his place when Ellie and Devon came walking towards him. "Hey Chuck?" As they saw where he came from.

"What are you doing?"

"Me?" Looking guilty.

"Nothing, not a thing."

"Chuck do we have a new neighbour?"

Chuck looked behind him. "Neighbour uh….."

Ellie walked over to the apartment and peaked in as she knocked. Casey came to the door and saw Chuck waving his hands.

"Excuse me, hello?"

"Hello."

"Hi, I see this place finally got a tenant. Welcome. I am Ellie Bartowski and my fiancé Devon Woodcomb. You have met my brother Chuck."

"Yes, Chuck I have, he was very helpful."

"And you are?"

"Oh sorry, John Casey."

Ellie extended her hand then Casey shook Devon's hand. "Man do you work out?"

Casey looked at Devon. "My job keeps me on my toes."

"Nice."

"So where are you from?"

"I move a lot with work, but I come from east coast."

"Funny, my brother's girlfriend also comes from the east, DC actually. Right Chuck?"

Chuck looks up. "Yeah."

Casey grins then looks at his new neighbours. "It was nice meeting you, but I better get back to unpacking. Chuck, maybe you can help me with those computer issues that we were talking about?"

"Yeah, I'll be by later."

Casey nodded and walked back into his place. Chuck walked back into his place and no sooner than he closed his door the doorbell rang and his items from the Buy More arrived. Ellie smiled as boxes were sent to Chuck's room. "I see we went shopping?"

"Yeah, got to start somewhere."

"Well I am going to have a nap then we can eat and catch up."

"Sounds good." Chuck heard his phone ring. He pulled it out. He saw the same number as yesterday. "Sarah?"

Chuck looked up. "Yeah."

"Tell her I say hi."

"I will."

Chuck said hello as he closed his door. "Hey?"

"Hey."

Sarah smiled inwardly hearing his voice but changed her tone when she got down to business.

"Still no word on Bryce's location and one of the men finally talked."

"And?"

"He said that he was hired to find Bryce as he said that Bryce owed his boss something. And that something we think might have been the Intersect. We also think that there may be another one out there. When the Intersect was initially set up, it had a back up that was inactive but when the files were stolen it must have had a override switch or duplicate itself."

"So, there is another Intersect file out there. No, I don't think so but if someone with the right knowledge and background was hired, they could easily create a new one, whether it would have the same affect as the one you have."

"So where does that leave me?"

"Still being watched and protected by us. That won't changed. As long as you are the host, we can't let you out of our sight."

Just then Casey came to the window and slipped inside. "Casey's here."

"Okay. I don't want to talk too much if you're at home, so can we meet at Casey's in 10. Beckman wants to talk to us as a team."

"Okay, 10 minutes."

"See you."

"Yeah."

Chuck put his phone into his pocket and followed Casey back to his place.

Casey logged on and waited. Chuck looked around and was surprised that he had most of his place unpacked. He did receive a few crates full of stuff that must have come while he was back at home. Chuck took a peek and saw some pretty sophisticated military software and monitoring equipment. Casey whistled as Chuck walked back and saw the General and Sarah on the other side of the screen. Chuck smiled but as subtle as Sarah's smiled was, she was glad to see him.

"Major, Chuck. We want to make sure that these meetings are as secure as we can. Major Casey how is your place coming along?" " I figure a week or so to get it to where we can temporarily have this as a home based till we can find a location that will meet our needs. I have a team coming in from Pendleton later today to set up the security features you asked for and a few of mine, General."

"Excellent, I will let you know, whether we use a facility that we already have up and running or start from scratch. Chuck how are we today?"

"Not bad, my head still feels full, the ringing has stopped but, words and phrases keep me seeing images or facts, nothing top secret but when Sarah mentioned that there could be a second file I flashed on the word cipher and a blurred image of a disc, maybe military?"

Beckman looked at Chuck. "Can you describe it?"

"Obviously round fits in your hand, needs a drive to run. Almost like back in the day when floppy disks were popular, mini compact disc?"

Beckman grabbed a file and showed Sarah the file then grabbed the top sheet and showed Chuck and Casey. "Like this?'

Chuck saw the image and flashed. His eyes rolled back, and his head started to move back and forth. Casey turned but as quick as it happened it was done. Chuck looked at Casey, then sat down.

"You okay Chuck?"

Sarah tried not to react, but him flash totally freaked her out. Beckman looked more into the screen.

"Major, what is going on?"

Casey quickly got Chuck to sit down as even the veteran Agent got spooked. He left and came back with a glass of water. "Chuck!" As Sarah's words echoed through the screen.

Chuck sat back and looked around, finally coming out of whatever he was just in. "Chuck, are you okay?"

Chuck looked up at the three worried faces. "Yeah, I'm okay I think."

"What happened?"

Chuck took a sip of water but quickly downed it like he had not drank for some time. "What do you remember?"

"Looking at the picture then seeing its makeup and people behind who made it or were involved, I didn't get any names but there were four of them and how this cipher was put together, like I was watching the diagram or installation happen."

Beckman stood back still worried but had to stay in her role.

"Chuck, I hope your feel better but this is a clear reason that what you possess is beyond what we thought would ever become a possibility. Since 911 we tossed back and forth ways to keep our intel safe and it took our engineers years to come up with this intel to for our Government files to keep them safe etc…but now that I have seen it in action, with what looks like flashes that you have. I fear that this might be bigger and very Sci fi. And even to try to justify that this could be used as maybe a weapon (a slight pause). Until we know for sure it is imperative that your protected now more than ever. Agent Walker will be there tomorrow.

Beckman signed off.

Chuck got up and headed home. "Going to lay down."

Casey never questioned his reasons. Casey quickly went back to getting his place ready.

Next day

Sarah exited her plane and headed towards the exit as she hoped that Chuck and Casey got her message that she was taking an earlier flight. She had never had the urge to hurry back to a mission like this before but this whole thing was not like any other mission or task and it was not taught as a typical mission at the farm. She grabbed her load of suitcases as she had brought everything, she owned with her and rented out her apartment. Her car would be delivered in a few days by train, now she just needed a place to stay. She saw a place that was advertised in one of the magazines at the airport on where to stay while in LA. They had suites that you stay in that gave you the same benefits as a hotel room but half the cost and if this mission was going to take a while, she needed a decent place to stay.

She rolled her trolley passed the security desk towards the outside doors, when she heard her name. She turned around hoping that it was who she hoped it would be…..she turned around to see….