Chapter 5
A/N: These parts, coming for this chapter and maybe the next, aren’t all parts of the dream but leaps my brain made. I hope it works. We’re getting close to Heaven, and some of you are very close in your guesses as to what’s going on. Like I said, it was a CRAZY dream. Warning I think this chapter…it got fluffy….I didn’t mean to but it’s me, so who’s shocked. Ch. 5, Exponentially.
Disclaimer: I don’t own Chuck, Terminator, or Norse Mythology, and right now, with all apologies to Tom Petty, I’m trying to run down a dream….
Now
They walked quietly for hours. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but Chuck could tell Valkyrie was preoccupied.
“Thinking about Molly?” he asked. She was slightly in front of him, and he couldn’t see her face well, but he saw enough, and he could see the irritation. Whether it was with the question, that he figured it out, or both, he didn’t know…but he thought it was both. “It’s okay to care about someone.”
“That gets you killed,” she replied, not looking at him.
“Or it makes you pick up a sword and fight off some crazy, huge machine,” Chuck said, thinking he might have pushed it too far as the words came out of his mouth.
“It was a T-800,” she grumbled. With those words, Chuck grabbed his head and screamed. Light flashed in his eyes, pictures zipped in front of him and he tried to follow them, his eyes moving rapidly. He thought his head would explode. Valkyrie rushed to his side, but before she could get there, his eyes stopped moving and he fell straight backwards, landing on the ground. Sarah stood there shocked.
“Cyberdyne Systems Series 800, equipped with a Neural Net Processor CPU or learning computer within the endoskull and protected by inertial shock dampers,” Chuck said, still lying there. “The T-800 is the first in the line of Series 8xx.” He opened his eyes and saw Sarah kneeling beside him, brushing his hair away from his forehead, and staring in his eyes. He got a goofy grin on his face. “Anyone ever tell you, you look like an angel.”
“Had a guy once call me the angel of death,” she quipped, softly, concern covering her face. “I can’t figure out this other guy though that does.”
“Really?” Chuck asked. “What’s his problem?”
“He keeps calling me Angel, but he also says I’m going to be the death of him,” she replied.
“Oh, poor fool is so enthralled by you strength, grace, kindness, inner beauty, and humor that he thinks he may just explode from happiness just being around you,” Chuck said. Sarah raised an eyebrow.
“Inner beauty?” Sarah asked. “You don’t think I have any outer beauty?”
“I mean you’re a’right,” Chuck said grinning. “Blue eyes that will haunt your dreams, silky smooth skin that men would give their live to touch, let alone kiss, I mean some would say you’re physically perfect…if you’re into that sort of thing.” Sarah nodded.
“I think you have a concussion,” she said.
“I must, otherwise why would I ever say any of those things, that or I think I’m dying,” Chuck replied.
“Do you think you’re dying?”
“No, it hurts too much for me to be dying,” Chuck replied. Sarah thought a moment.
“That has to be the dumbest thing I ever heard,” Sarah said. Chuck gave her a goofy grin.
“Hang around me, I’ll say dumber,” he replied. She appeared to think for a second.
“Okay, that’s an offer I can’t refuse,” she replied. Chuck swallowed.
“Are you ever going to let me win one of these?”
“Nope,” she said popping the “p”. “You have to earn everything with me.”
“If that’s the way you want to play it,” Chuck said, with a smirk. Heat rushed into her cheeks. She may have gone too far.
“We need to get moving,” she said. “It’s still daylight.” Chuck nodded, and with her help, stood up. He moved around gingerly. “Any idea what happened?”
“My brain just exploded with knowledge is all I can tell you, and it hurt,” Chuck replied, wincing. “Hurt so bad, I wanted to yell, but couldn’t.”
“You screamed, but it wasn’t what you call girly,” she said, as they slowly began to walk.
“You know we can just talk and not have to hide behind all this banter,” Chuck said softly. She turned at him and grinned.
“Oh, I know,” she said, and then, knowing she probably shouldn’t but wanting to, continued. “But I like it,” she said and kept walking. Chuck’s mouth dropped. After a moment he gathered himself.
“That’s Valkyrie 1 and Chuck 0,” he muttered.
“It’s Sarah to you, and it’s much more than 1, more like 856,” she said.
“We’ve only known each other a little over a week,” he protested.
“And that’s how bad you’re losing,” she countered, as they continued walking and bantering toward the Western Badlands.
}o{
Two days before the T-800 attack.
“It will be alright,” Sarah said, reassuringly.
“You keep saying that,” he muttered.
“Have I let you down yet?” she asked, adjusting Molly in her arms.
“No, but you have to admit there have been some close calls,” he huffed. Sarah had to agree. In Bowling Green, she was approached with a lot of money for a night of big fun, Casey had fixed that issue immediately, and they fled. She and Chuck barred themselves in their hotel room the entire night, and raced back on the train the next morning. After that, Casey made them stay in the train car. They had been so close to each other physically the past few days that it should have been wearing on them. It hadn’t been, and that was starting to worry Sarah…Valkyrie. She glanced at Chuck. Ever since she met him….she hadn’t told anyone her name since…training. In those close quarters, she sometimes found herself moving one of his curls out of his face, placing her hand behind his neck to comfort him, and the bed… She didn’t know when she had slept better. No matter how they started out, they always ended up with her in the crook of his arm, her head on his chest. If this wasn’t a hellhole…she couldn’t think like that. She was Valkyrie, and she had to protect him. She grinned for a second and knew something that would get his mind off of what was in front of them.
“It’s all part of the Sarah experience,” she said to him. Chuck blinked at that, and slowly turned his head toward her, a goofy grin on his face. She knew she shouldn’t but she couldn’t help herself, and she gave him a wink.
“Valkyrie, keep it in your pants, let’s go,” John said, coming by and catching them both unawares. He was ready to get through the wastelands.
“Hogun, I know you want to go, but it took longer than we thought to get here, we already lost several hours of daylight, and we need to double check our supplies.” Valkyrie said. Casey thought for a second and nodded.
“Then let’s get some lodging so you and the kid can mix your chocolate and peanut butter one last time before we hit the Wastelands,” Casey said, taking off. Chuck leaned in toward Sarah.
“What does that mean?”
“I have no idea,” she lied, trying to contain the blush that threated to take her cheeks.
}o{
Molly was down in the crib. All the supplies were ready to go, and the party was leaving at first light. It was early but they all knew they needed to get rest. Chuck came out of the bathroom, just as Sarah was getting into bed. You would think as many times as the two of them had shared a bed, Chuck wouldn’t be so uncomfortable. You would be wrong. Chuck got in bed, staying on his side, and felt two eyes boring into him.
“Really?” she asked, taking his hand and putting it on her hip the way she had for several nights. Chuck didn’t say anything, but decided he was tired of always being messed with, and for once, he was getting even. He gently squeezed his hand twice on her hip, and sparks flew up Sarah’s skin, her eyes snapped open, and she had to control her emotions.
“You know I know over 4,829 ways to kill you, right?” she asked, trying to hold back her grin and failing.
“You do know that number keeps growing?” he retorted. She raised an eyebrow, and he carried on, not one bit nervous, to both of their surprise. “Also after about 20, it’s not as effective. There isn’t an exponential growth to each way you could kill me.” She just studied him for a second.
“You’re such a nerd,” she said, closing her eyes.
“You love it,” he said, closing his as hers popped open, and a slight grin crossed her face.
“Good night, Chuck,” she said with the least amount of emotion in her voice that she could. Her voice did not match the look on her face.
“Night nerd lover,” he said, almost asleep. She closed her eyes and never felt more at peace and confused in her life.
}o{
They were off at first light. They past the man-made walls and entered the Wastelands. The guards at the gates looked stunned seeing not only three adults but a baby enter the ungodly land. They walked all day, Casey trying to make sure they got in a minimum of three miles each hour, but by the ninth hour, it was obvious Chuck was struggling.
“He’s a civilian, Casey, he can’t keep this pace forever,” she said softly to him during one of their breaks.
“This was my biggest worry,” Casey muttered. “We have to push on at least three more hours while there is light.” Sarah nodded.
“If we get a mile an hour, that’s three more miles under our belt,” Sarah said, glancing over at Chuck. “You know he’s doing the best he can.” Casey nodded.
“I’m not pissed at him, Valkyrie,” he replied, looking at her. “I’m pissed at this situation. These two have no business being out here. Hell, we have no business being out here.” Sarah nodded and turned to Chuck.
“We need to press on,” she said. Chuck nodded. He double checked his socks, now realizing why Casey had stressed to wear the thicker socks even though it was summer. He stood, took his pack, and offered to carry the baby. Casey shook his head. Chuck was willing to do his part, but Casey would gladly take on extra if it got them out of there quicker.
They set-up camp, and that’s when things went wrong. Chuck insisted on taking the middle watch, since he had it “easiest” all day. Sarah and Casey didn’t agree, but he argued and argued. When he fell asleep, Valkyrie told Casey to wake her for the middle shift. Chuck was asleep in a way she couldn’t get close to him. He had Molly between himself and a rock formation, protecting her. Sarah knew what he was doing, but she didn’t like it. She went to sleep. When it was time, Casey woke Chuck. Deep down he knew he shouldn’t but he made the choice of Valkyrie being mad and quiet all day, and possibly yelling a little, than the kid sulking, moping, and fighting with Valkyrie all day.
They had been watching, and knew exactly who the weak link was. When Chuck took over the watch, he started out well, but as the night went on, and it got darker and darker, his eyelids drooped, until he was asleep again. That’s when they attacked. Hogun and Valkyrie woke up quickly sensing something was wrong, but they had Chuck and as good a fighters as they were, there was no way they could get though twelve bandits before they killed Chuck while protecting Molly.
The leader had a sword, and kept threatening to cut Valkyrie’s face with it, if she didn’t do what he wanted. Chuck feared the worst.
“Please, don’t rape her,” he said, softly. The bandit smiled.
“Rape, please, I’m civilized,” the bandit replied. “We have an agreement with the machines here. We just have to give up a human every so often, and it’s time. We just need one of you, so you decide which one it will be, and we’ll let the other three go.”
“I’ll do it,” Casey spoke up. Sarah looked over as if to argue. “Come on Valkyrie, between me and you, who’s more likely to watch the kid…and the baby.” Sarah lowered her head, when she looked up, she had acceptance in her eyes and nodded.
“I’m sorry,” she said.
“See, that wasn’t so hard,” the bandit said. “We infect him with the technovirus, the T-800 picks him up, and it’s all good.”
“No,” Chuck whispered. Casey’s eyes widened, Sarah whipped her head around.
“Chuck, it’s done,” she said dangerously.
“No,” he said looking up at her. “They’re going to do the same thing to me in Heaven so why not just cut out the middle man.”
“Chuck. Shut! UP!” she screamed.
“Heaven?” the bandit said, grinning evilly. Valkyrie was working hard on her bonds. She had a chance of breaking free, but what good it would do, she had no idea. “Heaven’s going to sacrifice you? If I sacrifice a techno geek that will be worth 3 or 4 regular humans.”
“He’s no one!” Valkyrie screamed. “He’s got a death wish, we’re trying to get him to Heaven to get him help!” The bandit walked over to Chuck and looked at the cover on his arm. He pulled it open to see the computer. The bandit shook his head.
“I don’t understand,” the bandit said. “I’m letting you live, why do you care about him?” Valkyrie was fighting back tears.
“Listen to me very carefully,” she said. “If you do this, I’ll kill every. Single. One of you.”
“Honey, if you don’t shut up, we’re each going to take a turn with you,” he retorted.
“Sarah, it’s over,” Chuck said, his eyes blazing. She just stared back at him, and shook her head.
“I’m supposed to protect you,” she said softly. Chuck nodded.
“I know, but I’m deciding to protect all of you,” he replied. The bandit leader grabbed Chuck and headed with him toward a dark spot on the ground. In the middle was a hole.
“I’d tell you it won’t hurt, but I’d be lying,” he said. “They are going to enter your body, and slowly transform you.” Chuck nodded.
“Keep your word,” Chuck said, with as much courage as he could muster.
“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry,” the bandit said. Chuck looked at him. The bandit laughed. “Not that it’s going to change anything, it’s me or you, and it sure ain’t me.” Valkyrie was fighting with her bonds, she was nearly out. The leader had left the sword off to the side, and all the bandits were watching this abhorrent integration that was about to take place. The bandit stepped away out of the circle, and watched him. In front of Chuck, electricity seemed to spark in mid-air. “Open your mouth!” he yelled. Chuck looked at him.
“Don’t!” Sarah screamed.
“Do it or we take turns with her!” the bandit said.
“Chuck, don’t!” she screamed again.
“I love you, Sarah,” he said, and opened his mouth, suddenly his head jerked back and he began to thrash.
“ARGGGHH!” Sarah screamed as she broke the bindings, everyone was watching what was going on in front of her. She grabbed the sword and took out four of them before they even realized what was going on. The other eight didn’t last long, as they were so scared they couldn’t even get their guns up before she was on them. She quickly freed Casey and ran to the circle, mouth closed, dragging Chuck out of it. His body convulsed and jerked. She felt more than heard measured steps, and then she turned. There it was, the thing of nightmares, a T-800.
}o{
Heaven, now
Frigga read the screens again, just to make sure. She looked over at the cylinder like tomb.
“He’s had his first one,” she said.
“He flashed?” the screen read.
“Is that what we’re calling it?” she asked.
“He told me it all came to him in a flash, and I kinda liked it,” the screen read. Frigga shook her head. “Did she protect him?”
“He seems to be fine, other than falling backwards,” Frigga said.
“The original is ancient compared to the current,” the screen read. “This type of reaction is not unexpected.”
“Are you even human anymore?” she muttered.
“I heard that,” the screen read. “And, to answer your question, I don’t know, but I’d like to think so.” Frigga nodded.
“How far will she go?” Frigga asked. Frigga swore the words that came up were a smile, maybe there was humanity left in him.
“I don’t think anyone will go farther,” the screen said. For some reason, Frigga was comforted with those words.
}o{
Wastelands, now
“Okay, you need a break,” Sarah said.
“Nope, I’m good,” Chuck replied. Sarah eyed him
“Uh-huh, the last time I heard that you ended up in great shape,” she countered, shaking her head at his stubbornness.
“Sorry,” he said. “I know I’m the weak link.” She turned and walked up to him.
“You aren’t the weak link, this just isn’t you’re specialty,” she said. A slight grin came on his face.
“And just what is my specialty?” he asked.
“Thinking you’re funny,” she said, pulling away to find a comfortable spot to sit down. She sat, and patted the ground beside her. Chuck, came over and sat. She looked at him for a minute, reached over, and gently, but forcefully, put his head on her shoulder. He shut his eyes.
“I think this is a little more than what Beckman ordered you to do,” Chuck said.
“One of these days that mouth of yours is going to get you in trouble,” she said. She felt the cheeky grin.
“Promise?” he asked. She snorted and shook her head. She sat there a minute, sighed, and decided to address what had been bothering her.
“Chuck, I heard what you said.”
“Which time?”
“Right before the nanobots,” she said, wondering if they were really going to play this game.
“Oh,” he said. “Well, I thought you deserved to know that there is love in this world, and I meant it.”
“Thank you, Chuck,” she said softly. “I haven’t heard that….well, since well before all this craziness infected this planet.”
“Now, would saying it more often help? I really think you would see exponential increases. You know how you keep increasing the amount of different ways you could kill me?” Sarah just turned to look at him.
“Seriously, you want to do this now? We’re in this Wasteland, in this terrible situation, and you want to talk about love?” Chuck opened his eyes and studied her a moment, the grin still on his face. The grin left, but it was a look of love and adoration that replaced it. Sarah knew she should be uncomfortable, but she wasn’t.
“Sarah, my live is literally in your hands. You know 9,730 ways to kill me,” she chuckled at the increase in the number. “If in this moment, with the woman I love, I can’t talk about this, then when can I?” She slightly shook her head, and then laid it on top of his.
“Go to sleep, Chuck,” she said.
“You can’t watch all night,” he said, tiredly.
“Shut up, Chuck.”
“Good night, Sarah.”
“Good night, Chuck.”
“I love you, Sarah,” he said. There was a pause.
“Damn it,” she said softly.
“What?”
“You were right,” she said, making him lift up his head, grinning. “It does work exponentially.”
“I’ll make a nerd out of you yet,” he said grinning. “Wait that means I got a point!”
“It’s still 1243 to 1,” she said. He got a look on his face.
“I think you’re cheating,” he said.
“Prove it,” she said challengingly. He shrugged and then laid his head back on her shoulder. She looked over at his curly hair, shook her head, and kissed him gently on top of his head.
“Awww,” he said. She lightly slapped his chest. “It’s okay, Sarah, I know.”
“You don’t know anything,” she said teasingly. He lifted his head again and looked her in the eye.
“I know,” and winked at her, closed his eyes, and laid his head on her shoulder.
“Damn,” she muttered.
“That’s 2.”
A/N: I’m well aware that nanobots don’t need you to open your mouth to enter. I’m trusting the dream…well, unless it does something that I find inappropriate…..Workin’ on a mystery, goin’ wherever it leads. Take care, see you soon
DC