Mission on the High Seas

Chapter 6

Mary stands up as Chuck and Sarah return. She looks at her son. "Can we talk? Alone?"

Chuck looks at Sarah then nods. Sarah leans in and gives him a kiss. Chuck walks a few seats ahead and sits across from his mom. Mary looks at her son. "Your hair still makes those crazy animals shapes." Chuck laughs.

"Ellie tells me that all the time, but I don't mind it." Painstaking seconds go by.

"So. So your dad said you went to Stanford?"

"I did but we both know how that turned out." As Chuck glances out the window. "We didn't want it to end up that way and we didn't want you to become a spy?" "Well look where we are now!" Now it was Mary's turn to look away.

"You talk to Bryce?"

Chuck got serious. "Bryce died a year and half ago protecting me from the 2.0."

Mary changed the subject. "So, Ellie is married and is a doctor?"

"Yeah she did it. Devon is great guy. Heart surgeon."

"I knew he was a doctor but not a heart surgeon."

"Yeah he just started actually. He was working towards it and when they got married it became official."

"And you? Still, at the Buy More and your sleeping with your handler, whom is an CIA agent?"

"Yes, I am still at the Buy More. It's more like a cover job now than my full-time job. And Sarah and I are a couple that do couple things. And to make it clear to you, we just made that official, recently as well."

Chuck stopped spiralling and focussed. "Well you sure know a lot about me, why don't we address the obvious questions, that you, know that I am going to ask." "Where to start?"

"The beginning?"

Sarah leaned into the aisle as Casey sat down beside her facing the same direction. Trying to get a glimpse of what was going on but couldn't hear or see much. Sarah sat back. "He's fine, he needs to do this on his own."

"I know that's what scares me." Sarah fidgeted with her fingers.

"You were eight and I had just finished drying the dishes when I got a call. I didn't get many calls, most of my missions were dropped off by mail or in person if I was getting groceries, for example. But this was the first one in a long time. I answered and the voice was familiar, and they wanted to meet. So, I quickly gave your dad the look. He got you two fed and washed up and I promised to be back to read you a bedtime story. I met with my contact. He told me that they got wind of a man named Alexei Volkoff. We had been looking for him for years, even as far back to when I first joined the agency and they wanted me back in to take him down. They said that it would be a quick in and out. I believed that what they told me was true. I got my mission file and came home and opened up the file in the driveway. I read it and it looked like an in and out mission; locate Volkoff and get intel. But they never said anything about capturing him. I walked in the house and read you a story. The Snow Queen."

"Yes, now I know why you read that to me every time you left."

"I was hoping that one day after I heard that you uploaded the Intersect and were placed on this mission you would remember."

"I did that is why we are here."

"I left you, your dad and Ellie and told your dad I'll be back. But when I arrived in Russia it quickly wasn't what the report said. I basically had to start from square one, I had to get new intel. Get into his circle, gain his trust and have his entourage trust me. By then months had gone by. Your dad kept busy with his research and when he finished the early version of the Intersect, he felt that he needed to be with me. So, he took his research and moved it to the CIA. But it wasn't just the research and me that made him leave you two it was the fact that someone put a threat on you two."

Chuck sat up. "Do, you remember my brother coming by?"

"Uncle Gerald, yeah." Chuck looked up. "He wasn't your brother was he?"

"No, he was my handler then my partner. He promised to watch over you and Ellie, after he heard about the threat."

"He did, he even drove Ellie to pick me up at the train station when I came home from Stanford."

"So, I truly felt that because he was there, we didn't abandon you two."

"But you did! You let this mission dictate that."

"Chuck once I was in it was hard to leave."

"And now?"

"Now? Maybe I can come home. What you and your team have found out and you being here is what your dad and I prayed for this whole time."

"What does me being here, help you to come home."

"I could never get the intel I wanted in order for the charges to stick. Your dad said that the answers were put into your head after the last upgrade. When you found Hydra and where it was?"

Chuck looked at her and looked away, he knew that anything he would say to his mom, she already knew. They were quiet for some time. Chuck continued to look out the window and Mary fidgeted with her fingers.

Chuck looked at his mom, he had seen the wear on her face, though she still looked like his mom, she was older and along with the regret in her eyes, her heart was in the right place. "So, let's say that I can bring him down. Why me? You could have figured this out long ago."

"Maybe, but I wasn't an agent anymore."

"Because you went rogue."

"Officially no. But I had to make that choice. Just in case he found out who I was, who your dad was and because of you and Ellie."

"So why didn't Beckman find anything on you."

"It's there. But if you're not looking for it you won't see it. Mission named Lapland."

Chuck instantly flashed on a repeating series of numbers, war stats, schematics of the Russian north, the North Pole radar imagery; bombs, fighter planes, early blue prints of Volkoff attempts. Lapland code name, then images of the Polarstein. Chuck snapped out of his flash and Sarah saw him slump over and rushed to his side. Mary had never seen a flash like this one before. "What's wrong with him?" "Casey!" Sarah shouted. Casey picked Chuck up and carried him over to the bench next to the door as Sarah crouched down beside him then looked up and back at Mary. "What happened?"

"He wanted to know why the CIA couldn't find my file. And when I said the name of the file Lapland he flashed."

"It must have been a lot of data." Casey leaning forward. "What would be in that file?" Mary looked up. "Probably everything that I was able to send to his father." "He must have put everything in there and when certain words or phrases were used."

"His dad usually put in those triggers." Sarah wiping his brow.

"Does he usually pass out?" Sarah stoked his face and Casey slipped him some smelling salts. Chuck jerked, then flared his arms. He looked at his mom then at Sarah. Chucks breathing tapered. Sarah looked at him. Chuck whispered to Sarah. "It was a big one."

"I know." As she placed her hand on his face. Casey brought him some water as he tried to sit up. Mary was concerned. Chuck looked up at her. "Couldn't dad figure out another way to have these flashes?"

Mary smiled, then kissed his forehead. Mary walked back with Casey as Sarah sat down and Chuck laid his head on her lap. "Wanna, know what I flashed on."

Sarah looked down at him. "In a bit."

She caressed his chin and neck then settled her hands on his chest. As the train roll down the track Chucks eyes closed. Sarah leaned back and rested her head along the back of the bench.

Sarah woke up to find herself laying flat on the bench. Sitting up she looked for Chuck. She saw him sitting at a table with a bottle of aspirin and a note pad. Sarah walked up to him noticing that his mom nor Casey were around. Chuck looked up as Sarah's lips touched his. "I guess they went for a bite. I woke up and they were gone, and you looked uncomfortable leaning against the bench." "Did I?" Sarah sat down next to him. Grabbing the note pad, she saw what he wrote down from what he had flashed on. Sarah was impressed at the amount of detail that was written on the paper.

"So your talk with your mom?"

"How did it go?"

"I kinda of get why she left, with being in this line of work and what you have told me about living a life as a spy, but for 20 years. I don't think that I will be able to get over that. She said that she had to stay away due to a threat on us, but then she said that she stayed so that Volkoff wouldn't be able to find out who she was. So why the threat? And who was threatening us? She also told me that she had her brother a man we called Uncle Gerald come around, at the time we never assumed anything other than it was her actual brother coming by to make sure we were ok, not knowing that he was her CIA partner the whole time." "I don't know what to say, major over load of information."

Sarah looked at Chuck and reached out her hand. "We can look into him if you want, but I have to say that you turned out pretty good. And if this didn't turn out the way that it did, we probably wouldn't have met."

Chuck looked at her then leaned forward as Sarah grabbed his face and kissed him. "That was nice."

"Wanna find a spot and you know?"

"Tempting, Bartowski." Sarah gave him a sexy smirky smile.

Chuck sat back down. "When do we arrive?"

"An hour or so? You better go and get a bite." Chuck never looked back up. Sarah knew Chuck wasn't going to leave so she figured she grab something and come back. As Sarah got up and kissed the top of his head and headed to the door. She looked at him. She had seen that look of concentration on his face before, the determination to prove himself before and because of all that focus, she almost missed out on what they have now. Casey and Mary sat near the front of the eating car at a table motioning to Sarah. Sarah walked by the buffet and grabbed some fruit and a coffee. "How's Chuck?"

"Back at it?"

"Doesn't he rest."

Casey looked up. "Not when he focused, that's one thing that I admire him for. He didn't ask to be who he is now it was placed upon him."

Sarah looked at Casey. She had said that to him as well. Sarah nodded then took a sip of her coffee. (sometime later) "He's onto to something. I better get back and bring him something to eat." Sarah got up and grabbed Chuck a plate and grabbed another cup of coffee for herself. Walking back, she hoped that this mission was going to move quickly now, but now that Chuck knew that his mom was alive. He had to deal with that on top of trying to figure out what to tell his sister. And if this threat was legit. Sarah put the tray down shy of the door to their car and grabbed her phone.

"General, Sarah here. We are on our way to Okhotsk. But why I am calling is I was wondering if you could send us a file or files on a mission named Lapland L-a-p-l-a-n-d. It was the mission that Chuck's mom was on and that is why we were not able to find it. Also, Chuck flashed on some intel that his dad had uploaded into the Intersect as of the last upgrade."

"The 2.0?"

"Yes, Mary said that Chuck's dad put everything in the upgrade that she had sent him all those years before. Also, Orion knew of his wife's location and her whereabouts. But we can talk about that later, what got me and has Chuck concerned is that Mary said that there was a threat against Chuck and Ellie, years ago, probably around the time of her disappearance and that a man named Uncle Gerald was there for Chuck and Ellie."

Sarah could hear Beckman typing. "Uncle Gerald was Mary's handler then partner. His name is Richard Gerald Hanson. He was an active agent until the mid 90's then retired. He resides in Arizona, widowed and looks like there are no children."

"Thanks, General."

"When do you think you'll be back?"

"I am hoping soon, we'll need a vacation after this."

"Duly noted Agent Walker. I am still in St. Petersburg and will be heading to London in a few days then back to DC. Keep me posted and I will send you those files within the hour."

"Thanks."

Sarah put her phone away and grabbed the tray and walked back in. Hoping that their coffees and his food hadn't cooled too much.

Chuck ate and appreciated the gesture. Chuck leaned forward again and kissed Sarah. "Thanks."

Chuck passed Sarah his plan. Sarah looked it over. "And this will work?" "If he's where Mary says he is." This was the second time Chuck addressed his mom by her first name. She hoped he wasn't building up another wall.

Casey and Mary returned. They looked at the plan. "We need to get Volkoff to admit his involvement." Chuck looked up. "It won't be easy." Casey spoke. "That is what I was thinking. Maybe he has a way of opening his files." Sarah answered. "He checks his files often, for years he never used the same password. His password for his network were usually number sequences, then he used words/phrases." Mary putting the note pad down. "We will head to a safe place and you three can work from there. I need to get back to Alexei and come up with a reason why I am left early."

Hours later - Okhotsk

The train stopped and the four grabbed their things and walked into town. Mary walked the sidewalk like she had been there before. Chuck looked up to see a dimly lit entrance that had a run-down wooden sign above it. It read Okhotsk's whistle stop. Mary opened the door and walked in. The room was very dark compared to what they were used to. Mary nodded to the bar keep and slipped down a few stairs to a sitting room that had a pool table and dart boards. Mary walked past a few tables and slipped under the stairs. A door appeared and Mary pushed it open. Chuck, Sarah and Casey followed. The room was surprisingly cozy. It had a small kitchen, sitting area and a room off to the side. The three looked at each other. "You guys can stay here; I will be back. Henry is the man we walked by. He's on our side and will give you whatever you want. I suggest a hot shower and a hot meal, I will let you know if there is anything new." Mary walked by and shook Casey's hand and Sarah's but when she came to Chuck, she hesitated but kissed him on the cheek anyways. Chuck stood there with his hands in his back pocket. Mary headed to the door and left. Casey followed her.

Sarah took their bags to the back room. Chuck walked the room. It reminded him of a cabin they had gone to when he was a kid. But this room also had a few items that were definitely not in the cabin that he had been in as a kid. Chuck kept moving and sees an old ham radio. Being curious, he checks the frequency dials and after looking at it, is convinced that it could be the same frequency that was left on the one at the Black Op site. He was about to get up to find Sarah when he noticed on the wall a picture of him and Ellie. Sarah walked up to him. Sliding her arms in beside him. Showing her the picture. "It proves that she was kept informed about you and Ellie." "Looks like it."

"When was this taken?"

"When I about was in grade 6 or 7 and Ellie was in high school. She got her first job. Uncle Gerald got her a job working at an animal shelter. I even got to work there some weekends, mostly playing with dogs, but Ellie and I were together."

Chuck turned around and Sarah placed his hands around her waist. "Hi?"

"Hi." Chuck leaned in and kissed her softly. Chuck brought her close. As they kissed, they wanted to take it further but a few feet away Casey could walk in anytime. "So, you want to take this to the bedroom?"

Sarah smiled and grabbed his hand. "Hi oh?"

"Cool your jets Bartowski." Sarah showed him the bedroom. There along the wall was what looked like a murphy bed and on the outer side that was visible was a row of computer and gadgets. The Sarah showed him the bathroom. It held a curved pipe with shower head and a shower curtain. The sink had seen better days and the toilet looked like an out house. All basic necessities, enough to do the job but nothing else. Sarah turned to face him. "It's not happening and even the thought of having a shower in there freaks me out. But I would die to have one." Wrapping her arms around him. "And the other thing." "Yes." "Yes I do, but not here and I promise when we do if will be worth the wait." Chuck kissed her and walked back out and grabbed the kettle and filled it with water. Sarah sat down and watched him. Chuck then opened all the cupboard and drawers till he found a basin. He rinsed it out and found some towels and face clothes. Once the water was boiled, he grabbed the basin and the kettle and walked over to the bathroom. He placed the basin on the counter and filled it to just the right temperature. He motioned for Sarah. "Your bath awaits."

Sarah saw the counter. She smiled then grabbed herself a change of clothes and stepped inside. "Thanks. Love you." "Love you."

Chuck closed the door and let Sarah enjoy her sponged bath.

Chuck headed into the bar area and sat down beside Casey. "Where's Walker?"

"She's enjoying some quiet time."

"Yeah I went outside."

Chuck laughed. "It's not the Ritz?"

"No this is what a mission should look like. Your mom is hard core."

"Speaking of hard core. I found a ham radio and I checked the frequency and guess what." Casey turned to face Chuck. "It's the same frequency as what Jefferson had used."

"What are you saying." As Casey grunted. "Your saying that your mom could be the one that Jefferson was talking to? That she is Casablanca?"

Chuck took his drink. "Right now, nothing is what it appears to be."

Chuck got some food and went to see Sarah. Sarah changed and felt like a new woman but wished the Chuck made her feel that way instead. Chuck slid the food onto the small table, and they enjoyed their food. Sarah filled their glasses full of cheap wine and walked the room. "So, you think that your mom sat here and talked to Jefferson?"

"How do you explain that the frequency on here is the same as the one I was using?"

Sarah looked at Chuck. "What else are you thinking?"

"What do you mean?"

Sarah turned to face him. "I'm not taking sides, nor playing the agent or girlfriend card here, but can we trust her, can you trust her."

"I know your trying to watch my blind side and I know that its there. She's my mom, but she is also a stranger that has been living with what we can only describe this man as a terrorist. And the fact that my dad didn't say anything to me when he found out who I was and that he was Orion. He could have said something then. So many secrets, I don't know what to believe. She will have to prove herself and it can't be because I have it in the Intersect. It has to be something that only she and I know."

Next day

The three filled their cups with more Russian coffee. Their sleeping arrangements made it for a very long night. If you call it sleeping. They brought their plates to the bar and Chuck and Casey decided to play darts, then pool and were both out matched by Sarah. It had over 10 hours since Mary left, and the team felt that it had been too quiet. They gave each of them that look. Grabbing their jackets and some weapons from Mary's collection, they decided to go and do some snooping. They headed to the lake and scanned the area. Casey looked over the area. "So if Volkoff has a place here and he is able to keep an eye on the Bearing Sea where is it?"

Chuck walked off hoping that he wasn't wrong in coming here. Chuck slipped into the trees and came upon a radio tower. Chuck looked up and saw it's height and started to climb. Sarah and Casey noticed that he was gone. Calling out, they hear his voice faintly. Casey mumbles under his breath. "His ass is mine."

Sarah smiled and followed Casey to where they heard Chuck. Casey called out and when Chuck called down Casey looked up. "You come down I ain't coming up."

Sarah looked up and started climbing. Casey grunted then followed. Sarah reached Chuck. Chuck moved to the side and climbed up so Sarah could see. Casey climbed and stopped shy of Sarah's feet and looked to take a peek. "What are we looking at." "Look to the east."

"Yeah well that's the Bering Sea. And over to your right just shy of the jut out is the perfect place for a perfect view of any ship coming down from the North." Sarah looked at Chuck. "I guess we go there." Sarah climbed down as Casey took one last look. Chuck followed and jumped down. Casey came down shortly after. Heading up the shore Chuck is Chuck and starts rambling annoying Casey but entertaining Sarah. He turns walking and talking backwards and doesn't notice what was behind him. Sarah looks up to see that the path stops. Chuck stops and turns around and looks in her direction. Casey gets his gun and Sarah does the same. Casey motions with his hands for them to lay low. Casey walks through a hedge like wall and reaches a door. Sarah pushes Chuck in a way then walks behind him. They reach a door. Looking for a handle or knob but without any light makes it harder for them. Chuck grabs his phone and shines the light enough to shine it in Casey's direction. Casey runs his hand across the metal door. But doesn't see a handle. Turning to face Chuck and Sarah. "Must be an exit. Maybe how Mary gets out?" Chuck didn't agree or disagree. Casey looking around. "We'll come back, let's get out of here." Chuck and Sarah head out and Casey follows. They walk back on the path that they came from. Sarah hears a vehicle coming. They crouch down into the bush and see an entourage drove by. Chuck sees an arm hanging out of the window as the car drives by. Chuck sees the face of the man that they now know as Alexei Volkoff. Chuck walks out as the entourage turns the corner. "Who did you see?" "The man himself."

Casey and Sarah stood beside him, staring into the darkness. "So, we are close." Chuck paused slightly. "I guess we are." Casey padded Chuck's chest. "Let's go we'll come back with more guns."

Mary watched from a live feed of her son, Sarah and Casey outside the door and continues to be surprised but her praise for her son and his team is shaken when she hears Volkoff coming and deletes the footage. She fakes a smile as Volkoff enters the room. "Frost so glad to see you. How did you get here?" Volkoff comes up to her and embraces her. She fakes another smile while he hugs her. "Remember I told you that I was leaving early. I took the train. Didn't want to sit around while you had your meetings." "You left the Gala early." "Yes, sorry had too much to drink and not eating I felt a bit under the weather."

"But you feel better." "Yeah I do thanks."

Volkoff hung up his coat and walked back into the room. Mary stood and pivoted on her heels, keeping her eyes on him. "So how did your meeting go?"

"Just splendid. Everything is going as planned."

"Is it?"

"Yes, I got word that something that I have been looking forward to has come into view."

"Your expecting a parcel?"

Volkoff turns to face her. Expanding his arms and grinning. "Much much bigger. I am so close to getting my planes in the air. Well their babies."

Mary watched as Volkoff walked over to his desk and brings up what she believes is Hydra. The files are displayed in 3D imagery. Mary watches and catches as much as she can by looking at the reflection in the window behind him. She sees the name Contessa and Polarstein. Trying to see more Volkoff swipes mid air and the files disappear.

Mary takes notes on what she did see. She noticed that he typed in a password. She just had to find a way to figure out his keystrokes. And only one person she knew could possibly figured that out.

The three head back and sit by the fire warming up with some drinks. Chuck sees Sarah get up and is hoping to catch her some alone time but is stopped by his mom walking in. Chuck calls for Sarah and Casey gets up. "I don't have much time. He is back and we need to move fast. I was in his office and he was looking at his files. I saw the names Contessa and Polarstein." They look at Chuck, but he doesn't flash.

"Any ways Contessa is not a ship or a plane, it's a train." Chuck couldn't believe it. "Why a train?"

"Don't know, but this time he accessed his files by typing in a password. Chuck do you think you could figure out what his keystrokes were?"

"I guess I could if I had enough time."

Mary walked to the door. "Be at the side door, you were at in three hours. He will be asleep, and the office will be yours."

Three hours later

As promised Mary had the door open for them. Casey went first keeping Chuck very close, Sarah took the end. Mary waited to greet them and slipped them into a side entrance. "His desk is in there." As she pointed to the door on the right. "His security has already been through here. I have to go back to my room. You have an hour before they make their rounds again."

"Any alarms?"

"No, Casey I have redirected them to comeback on in one hour. You'll then have to be outside."

Chuck looked at his mom. "Thanks, then slipped inside. Sarah and Casey followed. Mary shut the office door and headed back to her room.

Chuck slipped behind Volkoff's desk and needed to get into his computer, but there wasn't a physical computer on the desk. Chuck looked under the desk, then waved his hand in front of him. Nothing, then he ran his fingers over the desk itself and instantly a keyboard appeared. Chuck clicked on the space bar and a screen appeared in front of him. He could see Casey standing by the door. Chuck looked at the screen and knew what to do. It was like he had done this before. Chuck finally opened the files and copied Volkoff files like he did with the Black Op files to his cloud. He then brought up a report on keystrokes. When he found what he was looking for he tried to print the page but there was no printer. Grabbing his phone, he took a picture and snapped a photo. Unbeknownst to him the flash from his phone caught the attention of security outside. Mary was alerted of the breech and rushed back. "Their coming."

"My phone."

Casey and Sarah waited by the door as Chuck logged off and put the computer back to sleep. Mary knew they didn't have must time. She led them down the hall and told them to head down this vent to the basement then take the left tunnel. They ended up at the door they came in. Mary rushed back to her room and laid on the couch and covered up as security came in and turned on the lights. "Frost you okay?"

Mary sat up. "l was still I was rudely awakened."

"Sorry ma'am, we are just checking on things, we saw a light on in Mr. Volkoff's office."

Mary got up and followed the men to his office. "You said that you saw a light?"

"Yes, no more than 15 minutes ago?"

"Mr. Volkoff is sleeping, and I was too? Was it one of your men?"

"No ma'am we had just checked his office."

Mary watched as they walked around the desk. By now, all the commotion woke up Volkoff. He came in wearing his robe and slippers. "What is going on?"

"I think that someone was in here boss."

Mary looked at him. "I was sleeping."

Volkoff walked over to his desk and swiped the desk and brought up his keyboard and screen. Typing into it he checked to see if anyone had been on it. Checking his last log in. Mary held her breath. Just as he was going to check the time stamp, a light dance across the window. Volkoff looked up. "Alexei, that must have been the light, they saw."

Alexei walked to the window and saw the light moved across the room. Mary could see that the wind had knocked one of the lights outside making it shine into the office every time that the wind blew through the tree.

"Your right Mary."

Mary took a deep breath. "All is good?"

"Yes dear."

Mary knew that Chuck wouldn't have had time to change the time stamp and she wasn't sure he could.

The three slip out and headed back to the tavern. Chuck tossed his coat and took out his phone and plugged it into one of the computers bringing up the photo. Casey and Sarah sat down and waited, thinking that it would be awhile, but Chuck turned to face them. "Guys!"

Casey and Sarah join Chuck. "His system is vast, I'm not sure how many files he has, but it looks like he has modified the original plans from Ratner and has created a mini versions. He has stored those files in a shipping container, and the min version must be close by. And, if they are indeed on a train, they could easily be directed to any location or target. Casey, I need to get in touch with Polarstein and have them stand down. I mean stay quiet or whatever the term is. Polarstein has to be the target."

"If it was he target the whole time, then why wasn't it taken out long time ago?"

"Maybe they wanted to start with the things that they could control, like a building or stationary target. The Polarstein is constantly moving and highly guarded, except for the intel that was leaked, so maybe it was hard to locate it as a target before Fletcher took what she did, but now that he has the Intel he's ready."

"And you want me to tell them to stay dark, they'll be a sitting duck."

"Yes and no, if they are dark, there won't be a heat source or indication that they are out there."

"What about the other ships?" Sarah placing her hand on his shoulder. "We can see who's out there but if they plan to come down through the Bering Sea, they'd toast. Hopefully they are far enough away from turning into the sea."

Casey grabbed the SAT phone and called Jennings. "Commander, Major Casey here with Agent Walker and Mr. Carmichael. We have a request and it may sound ridiculous, but it is for your safety and the crew of Polarstein. Where are you and you need to go dark."

"We are North West of the Alaska, a couple more hours we will turn into the Bering Sea. And you want us to stay dark."

"Yes, we have intel that the Polarstein has always been the target and if you come into the Bering Sea there is target on the ship."

"Then what?"

"We will isolate the target, then your crew and the ship can arrive here safely."

"That is asking a lot, but I will do my best. And the other ships in the area?"

"They will also get the alerted but from we know they are not the target. Volkoff wants to destroy your ability to monitor the Arctic, he found out your true purpose in being there, thanks to Petty Officer Fletcher. They take you out then they can control the waters."

"Okay, I will let you know when we are completely dark."

"Thank you."

"No thank you Major, and please thank the rest."

Casey put the SAT phone on the table and walked back to Chuck.

"I guess we wait."

It was a long hour before Jennings called back. Casey also let him know about Fletcher and that the leak was contained.

Volkoff's compound

Chuck looks into the Contessa and flashes but keeps the images to himself for the time being. 'The Contessa based on the images is one of Volkoff's envisions to create a mobile targeting system. The F-22 will continue to to their job in the air but the Contessa would be able to transport and reach any target(s) at a different rate.' Chuck remembered what the train looked like and it reminded him of the training Back to the Future. 'The Contessa was a mobile naval base.'

Chuck walked into the bedroom and crawled into bed with Sarah. Sarah laid on her side as Chuck slid in behind. He needed the rest and the company wasn't bad either. Sarah covered them up and kissed his cheek then closed her eyes.

A few hours later Sarah woke and up and tiptoed out. Casey had just woken up as well. Sarah looked up at Casey trying to be quiet. "You don't need to be quiet on my account, I know that you two are…."

"We were going to say something."

"Why would you have to. The way that looked at Chuck when Hannah came onto the scene was exactly like it was with Jill. And Chuck isn't the worst guy that you ended up with."

Sarah smiled. "It's still new and we are trying to figure it out."

"What's to figure out, you're exactly the same two people, you were before, its now all the other stuff. And he's worth it, and you need to be happy."

"Thanks Casey."

Sarah walked over to the chair and put her boots on and saw Chuck's laptop. "Hey Casey, come and take a look."

Casey walked over. "The Contessa is a train?"

"Looks like it."

"Did he find out where it is?"

Just then Chuck came out. "Hey guys."

"Is this correct?"

"Yeah, Sarah. I flashed early this morning and didn't want to bother you, so I looked it up on the files I saved. Hydra is the main file, but it looks like it is divided into sections or other files and Contessa is one of them. Polarstein is another, the Black Ops sites and so on. And other files include, businesses and industries that Volkoff owns or wants to own. Right now, he wants control of the Arctic Waters. He gains control of Polarstein he can monitor any ship, radar or communication that goes through or to the Arctic. That gives you access to the Russian North, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Alaska, Canada, Greenland and Iceland. He needs the Polarstein."

"So why blow it up?"

"Maybe that's not what he is planning to do. I looked into the where the Contessa could be and it looks like whatever is in those shipping containers is a smaller version of the F-22 and once they are released they are to swarm the Polarstein and supposedly disabling it long enough to overtake their controls."

"So, it has to be near the jut out we saw the other day?"

"If there is a rail line then yes."

Casey looks up. "Anyone want to catch a train?"

They waited till it got darker. The moon glistened on the fresh fallen snow, which left their tracks visible and them vulnerable to Volkoff's security. They walked up hill from the tower which allowed them to see the valley below and lake Okhotsk. Chuck crouched down and grabbed his binoculars. He scanned the valley not seeing anything till he saw what looked like train tracks, but they didn't seem to be a main line. He called out and the three slid down an embankment and reached the hidden tracks. They ran along side the train and Chuck wasn't far off when he pictured the train to look like the one in the movie. On the back of the train were several shipping containers and two that were only tarped. Looking under the tarp, Chuck shone a light underneath, then crawled under along with Casey and Sarah. Underneath they found what looked like mini versions of the F-22. About the size of a mini coup. They all agree to get rid of them at whatever costs. Slipping out Chuck covers them back up and heads uphill. They walk a mile avoiding security and arriving back at Volkoff's compound.

Chuck stopped and grabbed a stick. "Hey guys hang on." He started drawing in the snow. "So, here is Volkoff's compound, the lake and the Bering Sea. Polarstein is somewhere up here. This is Siberia. Casey and Sarah looked down then looked at each other. "Ok Bartowski, enough of the geography lesson."

"Okay, so if he plans to use the F-22 then he has to move the train out from where they are right now. Wait till the Polarstein floats into the Sea, then sends out the mini versions to hover over the ship while they freeze the ship, Volkoff can send in whatever he wants based on the plans that he has on the Polarstein, access all their files and Intel and take over the ship before they realized that they had been targeted. Once they have what they want they could easily bomb the ship."

"So, the Black Op bombings were."

"Target practice, yes but also to disable any retaliation from UK or USA navy ships."

"So, we could easily shut him down like right now?"

Chuck looked at Sarah. "It looks like it unless…."

Casey heard someone coming and reached for his gun but the end of another gun was felt on the back of his head, preventing him from doing that. Sarah reached for hers but had a gun pointed to her back. Chuck dropped the stick and raised his hands. Chuck quickly kicked the snow causing his drawing to vanish. As Chuck kicked the snow, Sarah and Casey turned and dropped their guns in the snow.

The three were forced inside and with their arms raised were walked down a hall similar to the one they had walked through hours before. They reached Volkoff's office and knew that they couldn't stay there long, knowing what they knew and that Volkoff could act on his threat at anytime. Volkoff walked in with his charm radiating off him, along with the three men that came with him, Mary stood by his side. Mary froze mid walk when she saw who breeched his compound. She gained her composure and stayed in her role. Standing by Volkoff like she had probably done many times before. To her this was different and her worst fears coming true. For Chuck, it wasn't only him that worried but he had to worry about Sarah whom he loved more than the world itself and his friend Casey. This mission wasn't supposed to end up like this, how one thing led to another, and now this. Chuck now empathised with his mom, that missions don't always go as plan.

"Welcome, if I knew that I was going to have guests I wouldn't have brought out such a heavy-handed welcoming committee."

The three stayed quiet. "You must be professionals, cause I didn't see you come nor hear you till tripped the alarm just shy of the hill."

Volkoff walked around and stood in front of Casey. "You must be military." Then he walked to Chuck and said nothing, looking him over. Then he walked over to Sarah. "You must be CIA, maybe MI6, Interpol?" Sarah never flinched. Then he walked back over to Chuck. "You, I'm not sure, who you are, but by the looks of things these two look out for you. Maybe you are the one in charge?"

Mary stepped forward but Sarah motioned with her hand to stand down.

"You seem to know us? Who are you?" Chuck asked with confidence.

Volkoff stood back. Opened his arms. "I am Alexei Volkoff and you have just trespassed onto my property."

"Where just tourists. This is my girlfriend." Sarah stepped forward. "I'm Sarah and this is my brother John."

Volkoff walked back around and sat down. "You want me to believe that, but if you say that your just tourists then can you explain this?"

Volkoff brought up a security feed of the three by the train. "If you're tourists your very curious. This train was hidden from the main roads and could only be seen from a high distance or if you were snooping."

Mary's calm voice spoke. "Alexei, maybe they are just tourists?" She walked up to him and caressed his arm. Chuck took a deep breath. "Alexei, maybe they are just tourists and they just happened to find the train. You did have your men move it and maybe they got it too close to the road. And if your tourists a train would be something they would take. They sound American?"

Alexei cover her hand with his. "You maybe right dear." He looked at the three and they tried to look the part.

"She's right, we are just some tourists that got lost, we mean no harm to you or whatever you have going on here."

"That may be, but you have seen my operation and I can't take any chances, not now." Alexei motioned for his men to take them. "Alexei, let me take them. As your head of security, it's my job to protect you so let me take care of this for you and you can focus on your…"

Alexei looked up. "Your right I got a job to do."

Mary walked up to Sarah and slipped her a gun. They headed out with two men and headed down the hall to the elevator. Chuck went in first then the first guy then Sarah, Casey, Mary and the second guy. Mary pressed the button, then slipped Casey a gun when she turned to face the doors. As the doors open Chuck flashed and took out the one guy as Casey grabbed the second guy and knocked him out. Sarah grabbed their guns and looked at Mary. "Thanks."

Chuck stepped over the guy he took out and looked at his mom. "Thanks mom."

Mary smiled. "It's not over yet. You need to get back to that train and disarm it. As soon as Alexei logs on its activated."

"But he won't have a target."

"The Polarstein is not arriving and it won't till we tell it too."

Mary sighed a huge relief. But she couldn't go back up without something. "I need Alexei to believe that there was a struggle here. I need you to hit me."

Chuck looked at her. "What! No! Your crazy."

"Son you need to get out of here and it won't happen unless it looks like you over took me."

"I'm not doing it."

Mary looked at Sarah. "It's okay. I can handle it."

"I know you can. And I'm sorry."

"Chuck." As Mary turned. "I'll see you when this is done." She walked over to him and held him close. Chuck put his arms around her. He hadn't hugged her in a long time. Mary backed off and looked at Sarah. "Okay ready."

Sarah looked at her and swung a right hook, Mary fell back into Chuck's arms. Chuck fell to the floor. He caressed her cheek as it started to turn pink. He bent down and kissed her forehead and laid her gently down on the floor of the elevator. Casey grabbed his arm. "Now Chuck, we got to go."

Chuck looked at his mom as he turned the corner and ran out with Sarah and Casey. They headed back down to the train and pulled down the tarp by now the moon had danced across the sky and the sun was peaking up slowly. Casey shot at the door of the one container opening it so that Chuck could slip inside. He sat down at the computer and started figuring out how these mini worked. Sarah stood beside him as Casey watched from the outside. Chuck starts hacking. "How long will it take?" Chuck looks up at Sarah. "Hours, days?" Its full of encryption codes." "I need my mom."

Sarah sits down beside him. "You can do this, your dad put the information into the 2.0, its there you just need to trust yourself." "What can I do?"

Chuck looked around. "See if there is a remote or a way to fly these things. They must be built to work on auto pilot but there has to be a way to manually fly them as well. Sarah got up and opened drawers and cupboards and slid open what looked like kitchen appliance garages. Sarah came up behind Chuck and lifted the last one and found a manual flight simulator. Chuck typed into the computer and looks to see if he could bypass the last person that logged on. Chuck clicked a few keys and somehow accessed the Wifi device which allowed him to access the MAC address media access page then he was able to access any and all files, thanks to whoever logged in using this address. Smiling at Sarah, he pressed enter and up came up a password protected pop up. Chuck closed his eyes. Just when he thought that he had gotten somewhere. Chuck looks around trying to figure out a password. After a few attempts. He remembers the story that his mom read to him and those words that his mom repeated several times when she read to him the Snow Queen. He types in Frost, figuring the obvious but when he pressed enter it didn't work. Then he typed in Snow Queen, nothing again. "How many chances do you have?"

"Don't know?"

"Is there a hint somewhere? Your mom had to convince Volkoff to use certain passwords that your mom then was able to send to your dad?"

Chuck looked at the screen, then thought back to when he was 8 and his mom was reading to him. "She was the Frost Queen."

"The Frost Queen that saved Lapland and its kingdom, the King is my dad and the prince is me. Then the Frost Queen returned home."

Sarah was a bit confused but knew that the story that Mary had read to him all those years ago was he way to show him, one day she'd return and it up to the prince, Chuck to do that." Chuck looked at the screen then his keyboard. His mom's voice rang through his head. "The answers have always been here, your dad put them there. Chuck typed in Frost Queen and pressed enter. The screen went black then lit up. 'ACES CHARLES.'

Sarah looked at the screen then at Chuck. "It's something that my dad use to say to me. Aces in a card game can be either a high or low card depending on what card game your playing."

Back at the compound

Alexei ran down to where Mary was when he heard that Mary and the two others had been taken out. Alexei caressed Mary's cheek and could tell that she was still groggy. "How are you?"

"Where did they go?"

"You mustn't move?"

"I need to get them."

"I sent my men out to find them."

"You were right Alexei, they weren't tourists and I am sorry."

Alexei helped Mary up. "You always want to see the good in people and I admire that."

"So now what?"

"We need to get to the train, Polarstein should be entering the Bering Sea anytime now."

Chuck opened the manifest for the minis after looking in several files but the more he looked the easier it got. As if his dad and mom knew every step and key stroke Chuck took. Chuck felt some peace that he had not felt in a long time. He could feel his parents beside him. Even if it was all in his head.

Alexei and Mary jumped into an all-terrain vehicle and drove down to the train. Casey could see up on the hill that someone was coming. "We have company and their coming in fast."

Sarah left Chuck to ward off whoever was coming and give him some time to finish. Casey and Sarah start firing when they came close enough. Casey managed to hit one of drivers making that car roll down the hill. Casey runs out of bullets and jumps inside looking for more. Thanks to Sarah he was able to see what was inside the cupboards. Grabbing a few guns he left. Chuck quickly typed and disarmed all the mini's and as he walked out. He glanced over and saw that the undercarriage of the train was hot. He turns and calls out to Sarah and Casey to run. Chuck jumps out and shields Sarah as the bomb goes off. Alexei and Mary arrive and step out but are thrown back against the side of the hill due to the blast.

Mary screams. "Chuck!" And gets up. Alexei looks at her. Then looks at Chuck getting up and for that split-second, this guy Chuck, that Mary just called out to, reminded him of someone in Mary's past. He looked back at Mary. "You lied to me. You been in contact with your husband this whole time. He's not, your right, he's not a tourist, he's your son. He's Stephen's son. You led me on."

"I did nothing. One day I told myself that I was going to find a way to stop you and now I have."

Mary started to move. Alexei raised his gun. "You betrayed me."

"You betrayed yourself."

"You hurt me I hurt you!" He moved his arm and fired two shots hitting Chuck. Chuck fell back, Sarah screamed. It was all happening so fast yet felt like it had happened in slow motion. Mary watched as Alexei pulled the trigger and fired. Mary grabbed her gun and turned and fired hitting Alexei. Alexei fell into the snow. Casey kicked the gun out of his hand. Sarah turned and fell fast. She ripped open his jacket. Chuck whispers. "So cold." Sarah fears the worst. Sarah continues to check Chuck out and sees blood but doesn't know where it is coming from. She ripped his shirt and saw the vest, but where is the blood coming from. She lifts him up. Mary joins her and takes his coat off. "He's hit but I don't know where." Mary checks him out and sees that the bullet grazed him just above the waistline. The other was stopped by his vest.

Sarah rests her head on his as Mary holds his hand. Casey cuffs Volkoff and calls it in. They wait to the side as the train continues to burn. Smoke and flames could be seen for miles. Casey calls the Polarstein and to their relief they start up and within a few hours arrive in the Bering Sea, minutes from turning into Okhotsk. Volkoff is taken away and the four wait the arrival of Polarstein. Jennings walks out and shake hands with Casey, Sarah and Chuck. He turns to Mary. "Frost it has been awhile."

"It has Jennings."

"Thank you. All of you for what you've done. Our security system is still intact and safe. We can continue to protect the North."

"So, when will you head back out." "In a few hours, then we head to Japan and turn around. Your all welcome to ride back with us."

"Thanks, we will let you know."

Jennings walked back to the ship. Casey slipped his arm around Chuck and headed back to Volkoff's car. Sarah got in as Mary drove them back to the tavern. Chuck laid back on a a bench while Sarah took care of him. Mary went to the bar and grabbed a bottle of Johnny Black and four glasses. Sarah had just finished taping up his side and removing the vest where it left a huge welt above his heart. Casey grabbed some ice and towel and gave it to him. Chuck nodded a thanks. Mary poured four glasses. "Thank you all for what you did for me and putting an end to this long overdue nightmare."

The four raised their glasses. "Frost." Mary looked over to the bar. "Phone."

Mary excused herself.

"So how are you feeling?" As Casey sat down. "Like I did when Bryce shot me but ten times worse."

"So, we can put an end to this mission."

"Looks like it guys. So you want to head back with the Polarstein and fly out of Japan to LA?"

Chuck looks at Sarah. "We could, make sense when we are on this side of the world."

They enjoyed their drinks when Mary returned. Chuck knew that she was not staying by the look she gave him. "I want to say that it has been an honour to work with you three and most of all to see my son again."

Chuck sat up the best he could. "I need to go."

Chuck stood up. "Mom you can't."

Mary walked up to him. "Chuck, I have to head back to DC and come clean, now that I have all the proof I need, even if it took 20 years. Plus, I have to meet your father." "What about Ellie?"

Mary looked at her son. "I promise to see her, but I have to do this first. I will come back." She placed her hands on his face and kissed his cheek. Chuck wrapped his arms around her. Sarah and Casey smiled. Mary walked over to Sarah. "Thank you for loving my son and taking care of him." "It's been my pleasure. Take care."

"I will." "Major Casey, it has been an honour. Thank you for what you do for our country and most of all what you do for my son."

"It is an honour Agent Frost and I'm the lucky one."

Mary walked back to Chuck and kissed him one more time. "If you two don't head back home on the Polarstein I have a place that you might want to visit before you head back to LA. Here are the directions. My treat."

Mary walked to the door of the tavern and in her petite style turned and gave a warm smile. Chuck had the same smile. Holding his side, he waved with his free hand. A gust of cold air blew in and Mary walked out. Sarah looked at the piece of paper. "It beats sleeping on a ship for a week?"

Chuck winked at her. "Casey." Casey looked at him. "We are going to check out this place that Mary has recommended. Then we will meet you back in LA."

"Figured that you two weren't up for the high seas."

"One mission on the high seas is enough for me." The three laughed, Chuck held his side.

Hours later

Casey boarded the Polarstein and would call Beckman once they got out to sea. Chuck and Sarah walked back and saw that Interpol had been busy as the compound was overtaken with Interpol agents. Mary had arranged a helicopter to take them to their location. Chuck wasn't a fan of choppers but after this mission they were becoming tolerable.

It was early morning when they arrived at the Ivalo Airport in Lapland Finland. Sarah gave the airport's desk clerk the piece of paper and a car drove up. The driver grabbed their bags and drove them to the Kakslauttanen Igloo Arctic resort. It was still dark even for the early hour that it was. The driver drove down a snowy path and stopped outside what looked like an igloo. The driver got out and grabbed their bags and headed up two freshly shovelled steps and deck.

The driver unlocked the door. The heat from the room hit their faces. Their bags were placed on the bench. Chuck slowly walked up the stairs and saw the look on Sarah's face. Chuck slipped the driver some cash and he gave Chuck their keys. Chuck closed and locked the door. Sarah walked in and took her coat off. The far windows looked like an igloo and the view was breath taking. Under the windows was a day bed with thick quilts and blankets covering it. To her right was a small kitchen and sitting area then off to the side was the bedroom. Sarah walked into the room and saw the larger than life sleigh bed. Walking out she headed to the bathroom and saw a bathtub and walk in shower. Chuck slipped his coat off and laid it over Sarah's. They met in the middle of the room and let out a huge sigh as they embraced each other.

"This beats the Polarstein." "It sure does." As their lips met, it had been a long journey for both of them and it had progressed quickly, but it took a lifetime to get to this point. Chuck held her close as he put everything, he had into kissing her and Sarah appreciated.

Chuck let go and it was his turn to walk around and checks out the digs. Sarah figured that he needed sometime. Sarah looked at him, he didn't expect to have his mom leave again. She watched as he touched his chest and though he was in pain, he felt peace, she could see it on his face. Chuck walked to the igloo style window and saw Sarah lying down. He slipped in beside her and noticed that she had fallen asleep. Chuck grabbed one of the quilts and covered them up. The day came and went, and Chuck woke up to find that he was alone. There were fresh logs in the fireplace and the bathroom light was on. Chuck grabbed his things and went to have a long overdue shower. When he walked out he saw Sarah sitting in a hot steaming bath. Chuck grabbed a towel and sat down beside Sarah in the tub. "You feel better?"

Chuck sat down on the floor and laid his arm across the rim of the tub. Sarah's wet hand encased his. "Yeah, I even smell better too." Chuck looked up. "Oh, the other thing. Not sure what to feel. But I am done trying to figure it out. Like you said I turned out pretty good without my parents being around and we you and I have found each other." "You did, we did."

Sarah slid her fingers in his. Chuck looked at her. "How are you?" "Glad to be done. And happy to be here with you." Chuck leaned forward and kissed her hand. "Would you like me to wash your back?"

Sarah reached for the washcloth and the bar of soap. Chuck got up and sat up on his knees and leaned over lathering the soap in his hand then grabbing the cloth. He lathered the cloth and placed it on her back. Wiping long and short strokes and covering her shoulders, he took his time. Sarah sat with her knees close to her body arching her back. His hand let loose of the cloth as Sarah felt it fall. Chuck slid his wet hand over her wet naked body. Edging her waist and hip bones then sliding upwards to her neck. Chuck grazed her left breast that made her shiver. Chuck rinsed her back then leaned back. Sarah leaned back as well sliding further into the water. Chuck leaned forward and rested his arms on the rim then rested his head on his arms. Sarah saw his side. "Bandages sticking?"

"Yeah. Feels not bad." Sarah ran her fingers through his wet hair, then rubbed his neck. Chuck looked at her, Sarah turned to face him and extended her arms. Chuck got up as Sarah grabbed the end of his towel and slipped his towel off. Without missing a beat Sarah brought him closer touching his warm lips. The water slipped over the edge as Sarah held him close. Chuck kissed her hard as his arms moved over her. Chuck sat back on his knees bringing Sarah up and forward. Chuck turned in the large tub making Sarah sit on his lap more comfortably. Chuck's long arms held her close as they stayed closed. They just sat together in the water, holding each other closely.

Sarah got up and figured that they had enough in the bath tub. She grabbed his towel and one for her. Then found two bath robes and put them on. They walked into the kitchen to see what they could eat. Chuck found plate of cheeses and fruit. He found a box of crackers, some champagne and two glasses. "I guess we can order in, later if they have that sort of thing here?"

Sarah poured them some champagne and they enjoyed the tray. Chuck took his last sip and noticed the lights in the sky. Walking over they looked out the window to see the sky dancing with green, purple, and blue lights. "Aurora Borealis, this is one thing you don't get to see in LA."

Sarah crawled onto the bed and sat on her knees. Finishing her glass. Chuck walked back and grabbed a bottle of wine and joined her. "Now I see why the windows look like they do." They watched for hours, sipping wine and kissing on and off. Chuck laid on his back with his feet facing the main room. Sarah put her glass down and sat beside him. Chuck rested his arm behind his back exposing his chest. Sarah slid her hand inside his robe. Caressing and dragging her fingers over his chest. She opened up his belt and let the material fall to the side. He was still wearing his towel which Sarah ran her fingers along the side opening the towel but not removing it. Rising she climbed over him straddling his waist. Chuck brought his arm out from behind him and placed them on her upper legs. As the colors faded into the dark sky it was now the stars turn to dazzle them. Chuck sat up as Sarah removed his robe from his shoulders. Chuck grabbed her robe and kissed her expose chest. Chuck slid her robe off her shoulder kissing her bare skin. Dragging his lips across her neckline. He opened her robe and slipped the towel open at the same time. Chuck lifted her and laid her down on the bed. Giggling, Sarah bit her lips as Chuck's hands seemed to have a mind of their own. She didn't expect to react as fast as she did, but it felt amazing. Chuck slid in between her legs as Sarah held him close. Chuck lifted her hips slightly as they both gasped as they became one. Sarah fell back into his arms as he embraced her, as he moved towards her. Sarah was amazed by his strength and all that he had gone through the last few days. Chuck and Sarah made love, continuing into the next day. By the third day they figured that they needed some fresh air.

Spending the morning outside, walking and checking out the resort they walked back in and ordered lunch. Sarah went to hang up their coats when Chuck heard his cell. Walking over to the table, it read an unknown number and that it had called several times. Chuck answered cautiously. "Chuck? It's your mom."

Chuck changed ears. Then snapped his fingers to get Sarah's attention. Sarah came by as Chuck put the phone on speaker. "Hi mom."

"You two enjoying your little holiday?"

"Very much, we just got back from going for a walk. So, where are you?"

"Still in DC, it's been a long few days. I meet with General Beckman and some other CIA officials in a few hours. Your dad says hi."

"Tell him I say hi as well, we both do."

"You have more questions?"

"Yeah, I do."

"In time, I will tell you everything." But Chuck couldn't wait.

"Mom, where you Casablanca?"

Mary paused. Chuck looked at Sarah. "Yes, I had to find out what Volkoff was planning and who was receiving the stolen intel from Polarstein. When Jennings let me know of the threat to Polarstein, I used Casablanca as a code name so that whoever Volkoff had on the inside would think that they were talking to one of Volkoff's men. So, I used Bogart and Casablanca, because it was one of your dads and my favourite movies. And it worked."

"What about the soldier that was shot?"

"He was picked up and sent to Germany."

"He lived?"

"Yes. But the third person that Jefferson took care of didn't. We lost too many but no more. I better go, but we will see each other soon. The Snow Queen will always come back for her prince. Love you."

Chuck paused and breathed the words as Mary hung up. Sarah slid her arms inside his and brought him close. Chuck rested his chin on her shoulder.

2 days later LA - Castle

Chuck headed downstairs like he had done before and the last time he was there, he had just broken it off with Hannah and Sarah had ran after him. He prepared himself to see Shaw. But Castle was empty. Casey came in shortly after and Sarah arrived about a half hour later. The three looked at each other wondering where Shaw was. Beckman came on the screen. "Welcome home team, I am guessing that you want to know where Daniel Shaw is. Well because the last mission took longer than we expected he was called back to DC to rejoin the team he was on before he came to Castle." "Awe shucks I was hoping that he had an accident at Pendleton."

"Sorry Major, but if it is any consolation, he wasn't impressed that he was sent there." The three chuckled. "So again, welcome back. Please sit."

"We were able to shut down all of Alexei Volkoff's organizations, thanks to finding Hydra. The F-22's have been located and destroyed along with the mini's that were destroyed in the blast."

"What about my mom, General?"

Beckman stayed silent. "Frost continues to meet with CIA officials and."

"Will she be reassigned?"

"That will be up to the CIA and her."

"When will I get to see her?"

"Chuck, team. Honestly, I can't I say, how long these things will take. She was gone for 20 years and there are 20 years of questions that must be answered."

"I understand that General, but what about the question I still have and my sister. Do I tell her that our mom is alive?"

"That is up to you, but if you do tell her the truth you will have to tell her your secrets as well. Is that what you want to do?"

"Do I have a choice? If I do tell her the chances of me going to a padded cell in some dark underground bunker is most likely to happen?"

"Chuck, I don't see that happening. What you three have done and how you work together, I can't see that they'll consider sending you underground. Telling your sister might be what we all need. Now that you mom is back, Ellie will find out sooner or later and it will be better to hear it from you. So yes, your sister will know that you have the Intersect and that your parents both work for the CIA. In regard to your security, I think that it is taken care of." Beckman looking at Casey and Sarah."

"Thank you General." Casey and Sarah replied.

Sarah walked up to Chuck and slid her hand into his. General picked up on it, smiled slightly and said goodbye.

Sarah turn to face Chuck. Casey leaned on the table. "So, what's the plan Chuck?"

"How do you want to tell them?"

A week later

Casey greeted Ellie and Devon outside the Orange Orange. They both looked at each other. "John."

"Devon, Ellie, thanks for coming. Chuck and Sarah will be here shortly."

Casey opened the door which surprised the two of them as he unlocked the door. The three walked in as Casey locked the door behind him. Devon and Ellie stood against the wall then look up as Chuck and Sarah came out from behind the counter. They were holding hands that got Ellie's attention. Chuck let go of Sarah's hand and hugged Ellie and Devon. "So, your probably wondering why you're here."

"I guess we are, it's not everyday that your asked to meet your brother at a yogurt shop, this early in the morning."

"I need to show you something and tell both you something even bigger. Come with us."

Sarah walked back around the counter and through the back door, the four followed as Chuck walked passed Sarah and looked into dome shaped scanner that Sarah had pulled down. It scanned Chuck's eye, then the panel opened up. Ellie and Devon cautiously followed Chuck and Sarah down a flight of stairs into lower Castle. Chuck motioned for them to sit down. Ellie and Devon sat down. Chuck, Sarah and Casey stood in front of them, then sat down.

"Chuck what's going on and what is this place?"

Chuck looked at Sarah and Casey then at Ellie and Devon. Sarah squeezed his hand. "This might sound way out there, and maybe hard to believe, even crazy. Trust me been there done that." Chuck started started talking.

"It started almost three years ago. The night of my birthday party. I was in my room and Morgan noticed that I had received an email from Bryce Larkin, whom I had not heard from since he got me kicked out of Stanford. Morgan left and after opening the email, I clicked on it and what it looked like could only be described as thousands of pictures flashing in front of me. This went on for some time, then I passed out. When I woke up, I was able to retrieve a lot of data and knew things that I knew that I shouldn't. With in a day or so Casey and Sarah arrived. I didn't know till things got dicey that Casey worked for the NSA and Sarah was a CIA agent." Ellie and Devon were speechless.

"I found out that Bryce had stole some files well a lot of files that were embedded into a larger file called the Intersect. And that Sarah and Casey were hired to find these files and return them to DC, but when they found out that all those files were in my head, they couldn't do that. So, for the last three years they have been protecting me and my family, while I help them with cases that need the intel that I know. A year ago I was very close to going into a padded cell because my identity was found out and some bad people came looking for me. Thankfully, Sarah and Casey prevented that from happening. After that I wanted to know everything I could about who created the Intersect, I secretly did a search and I found him, then you wanted to have dad walk you down the aisle. In short, I found out who created the Intersect which also led to me finding dad."

"Dad?"

"Yes, our dad created the Intersect, and had the files safely hidden in the CIA but when, our dad found out that they were going to be used for evil he had Bryce steal them from the DNI, also Ellie, Bryce had me expelled from Stanford because, Bryce was a spy and that Stanford was going to recruit me into the CIA. When our dad found out, he and Bryce got me expelled to protect me from joining the CIA. Then felt that sending me the Intersect was the safest place for them, hence Sarah and Casey being here to protect me."

Ellie looked at Devon then at her brother. "There's more?"

"Yeah. I am a spy, well not officially with a badge but I work along side with a General Diane Beckman in DC."

"General Beckman, I saw her name come up on your tv screen. I came into your room to thank you for finding my key card and when I said the name Agent Carmichael, her name popped up."

"Surprise! So, the General gives us missions to go on and we basically save the world. We just came back from one and Ellie when I found out what I did I was shocked, but it answered a lot of questions. You will have a lot more as you were older and you were left with a lot of responsibility while we were growing up. Ellie, when I found our dad, he didn't want to be found, but I found him and he felt obligated to see us, see you. He was always around but we never knew that. And you remember how you felt and how you found peace knowing that dad was back in our lives. I want you to do that same with what I am going to tell you."

Ellie squeezed Devon's hand. "Ellie, I found our mom and I know where she has been for the last 20 years. Most of it can be explained but there is a lot more that I want answers for as well. She has promised to tell me, tell us." Ellie started to cry. Sarah wiped her cheek. "Ellie, our mom is a spy, dad's a spy and she have been on a mission for the last 20 years and is now finally able to come home to us."

Ellie looked at Sarah and Casey and as they nodded, she knew that Chuck wasn't kidding. "Where is she?"

Chuck got up and walked over to Ellie as Ellie started to cry uncontrollably. Chuck held her. He let her vent as he did when he found out. Chuck tried to answer her questions the best he could. Sarah and Casey and Devon let the two have some time. Sarah heard one of Castles phone ringing. She went to answer it and returned. "Chuck, can I speak to you?" Devon walked back in and held Ellie.

"Phone?"

"I can't."

"You might want to take this one?"

Chuck walked over to the phone and picked it up. Chuck looked at Sarah and motioned for her to head upstairs. Chuck hung up as Sarah ran upstairs. "El?"

Ellie lifted her head. "I need to show you something."

Ellie's eyes were swollen and red. Devon walked her out as Sarah came down the stairs. Ellie and Devon saw two sets of legs coming in behind her. Ellie looked up. Sarah stepped out of the way as Mary and Stephen came into view. Ellie looked up and looked at her parents. Chuck didn't know what to say or did he know what Ellie was going to say or do. Chuck hugged his dad then his mom. Ellie watched as her mom walked closer to her. Stephen stood by Chuck, Sarah and Casey. "Eleanor? My beautiful daughter."

Mary saw Ellie's arm leave her side. Mary embraced her daughter for the first time in 20 years.

Thanks for stopping by, let me know what you thought. Take care…..Mssupertigz