Chapter 9
A/N1 – Song recommendation – “Take a Byte” by Janelle Monae
Disclaimer – I don’t own Chuck.
CHAPTER 9 – Operation Job Offer
Burbank, CA
Castle
After privately discussing Chuck Bartowski’s situation and future, General Beckman and Dr. Holland returned to Castle after privately discussing Chuck's future.
General Beckman stood at the head of the conference table. For several moments, she simply looked at Chuck.
Not as the Intersect, not as an asset, but simply as Charles Bartowski.
Sarah noticed the difference immediately. So did Casey. Even Edgar remained silent.
Finally, Beckman spoke, "Mr. Bartowski, Dr. Holland, and I have spent the last several days reviewing everything you've accomplished."
She glanced toward Dr. Holland.
"Not simply your mission reports, but Project Edgar.”
"Your software, your engineering, your cybersecurity research, your analysis of the Intersect, and the creation of Edgar."
Dr. Holland nodded and said, "I've also reviewed your work. I expected to find an exceptionally talented programmer. I did not expect to find someone solving problems my own researchers have struggled with for decades."
Chuck looked genuinely embarrassed. "I just kept working on it."
"I know," Holland replied, "That's precisely what impressed me."
General Beckman then came to the heart of why they returned to Castle.
"For more than three years, you have repeatedly risked your life. You have protected this country. You have protected innocent civilians. You have protected Agents Walker and Casey, and until recently I believed you were simply the Intersect, and an asset."
"I was wrong."
The room became perfectly still. Sarah looked toward Chuck. Even Casey appeared surprised.
General Beckman rarely admitted mistakes.
"I failed to recognize something: the Intersect made you valuable, but it never made you exceptional. You were exceptional long before the Intersect."
Chuck didn't know what to say. Neither did Sarah nor Casey.
Dr. Holland folded his hands, "Chuck, I knew your father…"
Chuck looked up.
"….He was one of the greatest engineers I ever met.”
A small smile crossed Holland's face. "But I can now say something I never thought I'd say. Charles, you've surpassed him."
General Beckman continued, "The government classifies people according to the role they perform. You were originally classified as an asset. That classification is no longer accurate."
Dr. Holland nodded.
"You're not merely assisting intelligence operations. You are designing intelligence systems. You are evaluating intelligence. "You are improving national security. You are creating technology that the government cannot create without you."
Casey folded his arms, “The General’s right."
Chuck looked at him.
Casey shrugged, "You've become one of us."
Sarah smiled quietly.
XXXX
General Beckman reached beside her chair and opened a classified folder.
"I would like to correct that mistake."
She removed a single document.
"Charles Irving Bartowski… I am formally offering you a civilian position with the United States Intelligence Community."
Chuck blinked, "What?"
Dr. Holland smiled, "You've earned it."
General Beckman continued, "The position is,"
She slid the document across the table.
SENIOR INTELLIGENCE ANALYSTDEFENSE INTELLIGENCE / DARPA JOINT PROGRAM
Chuck stared at it, "I… Seriously?"
"Yes, you will work as a contractor for DARPA, continuing the research you already started with Edgar. DARPA can set up research grants and funding, so that you can start a company to continue your work."
General Beckman then continued with what the job entailed.
“This gives the position much more weight to what you have been doing the past three years, and what we would like to do in the future.”
Lead technical development of Edgar.
Continue advancing Intersect research.
Provide intelligence analysis.
Advise CIA, NSA, and DARPA on emerging technologies.
Design cybersecurity systems.
Develop future intelligence software.
Assist mission planning when technical expertise is required.
Train future civilian analysts.
"The position will allow you to stay in Burbank and continue to work with Major Casey and Agent Walker. You would no longer participate in field operations except when your skills are needed in the field to assist them."
Dr. Holland added, “DARPA will send scientists out to Burbank to work with you from time to time, and you will be expected to visit the DARPA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, from time to time.”
Chuck blinked, "So, I actually get to stay behind a computer?"
Sarah said, "I think that's your dream job."
Chuck laughed, "It has been since high school."
XXXX
Chuck scratched the back of his neck, "So, I hate to ask, but…”
General Beckman knew what Chuck was thinking and replied, "The salary is equivalent to a senior federal intelligence analyst. Also, you will get back pay for the last three years of work."
Chuck looked confused, “What does that mean?”
Dr. Holland laughed, "It means you'll never need to work at the Buy More again."
Chuck leaned back, "I've imagined quitting since my first day. My sister would lose her mind when I tell her I quit."
General Beckman continued telling Chuck more about the position,
"When you are not assisting Agent Walker and Major Casey, you will oversee Project Edgar, and you will report directly to Dr. Holland.”
"You will determine Edgar's future development. You built him, so I believe you should continue leading the project."
Chuck looked genuinely honored. "You trust me with that?"
She replied, "I do, Dr. Holland and I will share management duties. I will continue to be your boss regarding intelligence work, and Dr. Holland will be your boss when you work with DARPA. You will have access to the resources of whatever national intelligence and DARPA have available."
XXXX
Edgar finally interrupts:
QUESTION.
Chuck laughed.
HAS THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT OFFERED CHUCK BARTOWSKI EMPLOYMENT OF HIS OWN FREE WILL?
Dr. Holland smiled, "Yes."
DOES ACCEPTANCE REQUIRE CONSENT?
General Beckman answered herself, "Yes."
Chuck slowly smiled.
IF CHUCK ACCEPTS.
IS HIS SERVICE NOW VOLUNTARY?
Nobody spoke for several seconds. Finally, General Beckman answered, "Yes, entirely voluntary."
Chuck looked toward Sarah, then Casey. Then Dr. Holland and finally back toward General Beckman.
"For three years, I served because I believed I didn't have another choice."
He looked at the offer one more time, "But today, I do, and I'm choosing to stay."
He extended his hand, "It would be an honor to accept."
General Beckman stood and shook it.
"Congratulations, Mr. Bartowski, welcome to the United States Intelligence Community."
Edgar spoke up again.
SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER CHOICE DIFFERS FROM SERVICE PERFORMED UNDER COMPULSION.
CONSENT CHANGES BOTH THE LEGAL AND MORAL CHARACTER OF SERVICE.
CHARLES BARTOWSKI IS NO LONGER AN INVOLUNTARY ASSET.
CHARLES BARTOWSKI IS A VOLUNTARY CIVILIAN ANALYST.
Chuck laughed and looked toward the ceiling speakers, "Thanks, Edgar."
XXXX
The room remained unusually quiet.
Chuck still held the employment folder General Beckman had handed him.
For the first time in over three years, it represented something he had never been given before.
A choice.
Sarah glanced toward him, unable to hide the smile on her face.
Casey folded his arms, "Congratulations, Bartowski."
Chuck laughed softly, "Thanks, I still can't believe this is real."
Dr. Holland smiled, “You've earned every bit of it."
General Beckman closed her folder, "I believe we've accomplished everything we came here to discuss."
Then every monitor in Castle suddenly flickered.
Sarah immediately recognized the pattern, "Oh…"
Chuck sighed, "Edgar?"
QUESTION.
Chuck leaned back in his chair. "What is it?"
Several seconds passed. Edgar was processing, and then:
GENERAL, CHUCK BARTOWSKI IS NO LONGER CLASSIFIED AS AGENT WALKER'S ASSET?
General Beckman nodded, "Correct."
ASSET/HANDLER REGULATIONS WERE DESIGNED TO PREVENT COMPROMISED PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT.
"Also correct," General Beckman replied.
CHUCK BARTOWSKI IS NOW A CIVILIAN INTELLIGENCE ANALYST.
"Correct."
The room became noticeably quieter. Everyone sensed where Edgar was heading.
DO THE ASSET/HANDLER RELATIONSHIP RESTRICTIONS STILL APPLY?
Nobody answered immediately. Sarah's eyes slowly drifted toward Beckman. Chuck looked down at the table. Even Casey seemed interested.
Finally, Dr. Holland spoke, "Legally? No."
General Beckman nodded once, "No."
Edgar processed that answer for several seconds. Longer than usual.
WHY NOT?
General Beckman replied, "Because Chuck and Sarah are now professional equals. He advises missions, and Agent Walker and Major Casey conduct them."
"Neither supervises the other."
"There is no handler, and there is no asset."
THEN THE PRIMARY REASON CHUCK BARTOWSKI AND SARAH WALKER HAVE NOT FORMED A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP HAS BEEN REMOVED.
Complete silence.
Chuck nearly stopped breathing.
Sarah looked down at the floor.
Casey quietly cleared his throat.
General Beckman removed her glasses, and Dr. Holland fought back a smile.
Finally, Beckman spoke, "Technically, that is correct.”
FOLLOW-UP QUESTION.
Chuck buried his face in his hands, "I knew there'd be one."
Sarah laughed quietly, "What is it, Edgar?"
DOES EITHER PARTY DESIRE A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP WITH THE OTHER?
Nobody moved. Nobody spoke.
Chuck looked like he wanted the floor to open beneath him.
Sarah's cheeks turned pink.
Casey grunted and said, "I suddenly miss gunfights."
Dr. Holland chuckled, and General Beckman remained perfectly composed. Although even she seemed mildly uncomfortable.
Chuck finally found his voice, "Edgar, I don't think that's an appropriate question."
Several seconds passed.
EXPLANATION REQUESTED.
Chuck rubbed the back of his neck. "Because feelings are personal."
PREVIOUS RESEARCH INDICATES HUMANS ANSWER PERSONAL QUESTIONS TO ASSIST MY UNDERSTANDING OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR.
INTERVIEWS REGARDING LOVE HAVE BEEN PROVIDED BY:
ELLIE BARTOWSKI.
DEVON WOODCOMB.
JOHN CASEY.
MORGAN GRIMES.
ANNA WU.
SARAH WALKER.
CHUCK BARTOWSKI.
CURRENT RESEARCH CONTAINS AN INCOMPLETE DATA SET.
Chuck frowned, "What data is missing?"
THE FEELINGS OF THE TWO PEOPLE WHO MOST FREQUENTLY DEMONSTRATE THE OBSERVED BEHAVIOR.
Sarah laughed despite herself, "Oh my God."
MISSION REPORTS INDICATE:
MUTUAL TRUST.
MUTUAL SACRIFICE.
MUTUAL PROTECTIVE BEHAVIOR.
MUTUAL EMOTIONAL SUPPORT.
PROLONGED EYE CONTACT ABOVE BASELINE HUMAN AVERAGES.
PROBABILITY THAT CHUCK BARTOWSKI AND SARAH WALKER POSSESS ROMANTIC FEELINGS FOR ONE ANOTHER: 98.73 PERCENT.
Casey gave a satisfied grunt, "Edgar is usually right."
Chuck looked at him in disbelief, "You're helping?"
Casey replied, "I'm observing. Besides, Edgar has been very accurate in our military exercises and simulations."
Dr. Holland smiled, "I have to admit the analysis appears thorough."
General Beckman looked from Chuck…to Sarah…and back again. Then, for the first time in years, the General allowed herself the faintest smile, "I believe the government has interfered enough in both of your personal lives."
She closed the classified folder. "What you choose to do from this point forward is entirely your decision."
The room fell silent once more.
Only two people, and the courage to finally tell each other the truth.
XXXX
After a break, the room had finally relaxed.
Chuck had accepted the government's offer.
General Beckman was preparing to end the meeting.
Dr. Holland closed his notebook.
Casey stood.
Sarah smiled at Chuck, and Chuck smiled at Sarah.
For perhaps the first time in years, everyone felt hopeful.
Then every monitor flashed, and the speakers crackled. It hadn't even been thirty seconds since they returned to the conference room.
QUESTION.
Casey groaned, "I knew it."
Chuck sighed, "What now, Edgar?"
The monitor displayed a familiar chart. This time it wasn't mission statistics. It was a flowchart.
Across the top appeared:
HUMAN HAPPINESS MODEL VERSION 14.2
Chuck blinked, "Version fourteen?"
Dr. Holland leaned forward, "It has revisions?"
Edgar answered immediately.
YES, PREVIOUS MODELS WERE INCOMPLETE.
Sarah smiled. "What changed?"
A new box appeared.
PRIMARY HAPPINESS VARIABLES
Family
Friendship
Purpose
Choice
Home
Love
Another box appeared underneath.
CHUCK BARTOWSKI
Purpose X
Friends X
Family X
Home X
Choice X
Love O
Chuck frowned, "Hey."
Sarah covered her mouth to hide a laugh.
Another box appeared beside it.
SARAH WALKER
Purpose X
Friends X
Family X
Home X
Choice X
Love O
Sarah looked at the monitor and immediately stopped laughing. "Seriously?"
BOTH SUBJECTS ARE MISSING THE SAME VARIABLE.
Dr. Holland slowly smiled, "I don't think I like where this is going."
Casey muttered, "I do."
Another graph appeared.
OBSERVED INTERACTIONS
Chuck risking his life for Sarah.
Sarah refusing orders to abandon Chuck.
Chuck making Sarah laugh.
Sarah smiling at Chuck.
Castle security footage.
Mission reports.
Hospital records.
Voice stress analysis.
Heart-rate comparisons.
Hundreds of images.
Thousands of data points.
RECOMMENDATION
BASED ON CURRENT DATA
THE MOST EFFICIENT METHOD OF IMPROVING THE HAPPINESS OF BOTH SUBJECTS IS TO INITIATE A ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIP.
Silence. Absolute silence.
Chuck closed his eyes.
Sarah buried her face in her hands.
Dr. Holland laughed first. Casey followed. Even General Beckman looked like she was fighting a smile.
Chuck looked up.
"Edgar, you can't recommend that."
WHY NOT?
"Because…” Chuck struggled, "…that's personal."
CORRECTION.
IT IS ALSO STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
MISSION SUCCESS INCREASES.
STRESS DECREASES.
LONG-TERM HAPPINESS INCREASES.
LIFE EXPECTANCY INCREASES.
OBSERVED SMILING INCREASES.
Chuck blinked, "You measured smiling?"
YES.
Sarah looked at Chuck. "I told you it watches everything."
Chuck pointed accusingly at the nearest camera, “That's even creepier than being under surveillance in my apartment.”
NEGATIVE.
IT IS THOROUGH.
Casey grunted, "Edgar’s got a point."
Chuck stared at him. "You're enjoying this."
"A little."
Edgar continued.
CURRENT OBSTACLE IDENTIFIED.
BOTH SUBJECTS APPEAR RELUCTANT TO INITIATE CONVERSATION.
PROPOSED SOLUTION.
Chuck slowly stood. "No."
Edgar ignored him.
RECOMMENDATION:
CHUCK BARTOWSKI SHOULD ASK SARAH WALKER TO DINNER.
Chuck pointed at the monitor, "No!"
Sarah was laughing so hard she had tears in her eyes.
General Beckman actually smiled.
Dr. Holland quietly applauded.
Casey folded his arms. "Seems reasonable."
Chuck looked around the room. "Seriously?"
Nobody came to his rescue.
Edgar wasn't finished. Another recommendation appeared.
SECONDARY OPTION.
Chuck groaned, "There are options?"
YES.
SARAH WALKER MAY ALSO ASK CHUCK BARTOWSKI TO DINNER
Sarah's cheeks turned bright red. "Oh!"
Chuck looked over at her.
She looked back.
For a brief moment, neither spoke.
Edgar interpreted the silence.
BOTH SUBJECTS APPEAR TO BE EXPERIENCING ELEVATED HEART RATES.
Casey grunted, "I think the machine's winning."
Then came Edgar's final masterpiece.
MATCHMAKING STATUS IN PROGRESS.
Chuck looked up at the speakers, "You know what?"
WHAT?
"I've created a monster."
THANK YOU, CHUCK BARTOWSKI.
XXXX
End Chapter 9