Guldrin’s Gluttony: Family Bound by Speed & Food

Early in the morning, Chuck Bartowski shuffled into their underground base, conveniently named Castle, all while clutching a cup of lukewarm coffee and wearing an expression that teetered somewhere between bemusement and mild terror. This was his life now: computer geek by day, reluctant spy by… well, all the time.

Today, however, felt particularly nerve-wracking. The operation Beckman had briefed them on the previous night wasn't just another garden-variety spy mission. 

This was something bigger. The mysterious Goldbloods, a name whispered in the kind of circles where conspiracy theories and classified intel overlapped, had been a white whale for intelligence agencies worldwide. And now, thanks to a twist of fate and the Intersect, Chuck was smack in the middle of it whether he wanted to be or not.

He barely had time to set down his coffee before the central monitor buzzed to life, revealing the stern visage of General Diane Beckman. Her no-nonsense expression practically radiated through the screen, setting the tone for what promised to be an intense briefing.

"Good morning, team," Beckman began, wasting no time. "As you are all aware, today marks the implementation of Phase Two in our operation to infiltrate the Goldbloods' domain."

"I personally like, Operation: Amateur, Spying On Two Geniuses While Trying Not to Get Caught," Chuck said and Casey grunted, while Beckman stared at him unamused.

Clearing her throat, she continued, "Bartowski, this phase is critical. You'll be installing advanced surveillance devices sporadically throughout their living quarters and shop; pretty much anywhere they could be. These devices are state-of-the-art, designed to operate seamlessly under even the most sophisticated scrutiny."

Chuck nodded, 'sneaking surveillance equipment into the home of a super-intelligent child and his equally sharp companion felt like a surefire way to get caught. And then what?'

Beckman's voice cut through his thoughts. "The objective is twofold: secure 24-hour surveillance coverage while earning their trust. The Goldbloods have remained an enigma for decades, evading even our most sophisticated tracking efforts. Guldrin, being their lost scion heir, may be the key to unlocking their secrets; what makes them tick, why they are dangerous, and it might give us an in with them. Do not underestimate him; even if he doesn't remember his past, Goldbloods are different. And whatever you do, do not raise suspicions."

Casey leaned against the wall with his usual arms-crossed scowl. "Sounds like a cakewalk," he deadpanned, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Just butter up a couple of geniuses while planting enough gear to make the NSA jealous. No pressure, Bartowski."

Chuck shot him a weak smile. "Funny, I was just thinking the exact opposite. You know, because everything about this screams high pressure."

Sarah Walker, perched gracefully at one of the consoles, chimed in with a reassuring smile. "You'll do fine, Chuck. Just stick to the plan and keep it casual."

Beckman, apparently unamused by the exchange, cut in sharply. "Focus. Bartowski, you'll have Morgan Grimes assisting you as part of the cover. Given his unique approach and behavior, he will draw all the attention from you and what you are doing, and he will be oblivious to the true nature of the mission. Walker and Casey will remain on standby in case of emergency. However, understand this: extraction will not be easy and will ruin everything. Once you're in, you're on your own until the mission is complete. Do I make myself clear?"

Chuck's mouth felt dry, but he managed a small nod. "Crystal clear, General."

Beckman's gaze lingered on him for a moment, as if assessing whether he truly grasped the weight of the situation. Satisfied, or perhaps resigned, she continued. "The devices you'll be installing include multi-spectrum cameras, audio recorders, and internet sweepers. Each unit has been designed for stealth. However, you are entering a highly unpredictable environment. Guldrin and his companion, Shiro, are not ordinary subjects. Their intelligence and resourcefulness will be a real challenge if your team's reports are accurate.

Chuck suppressed a groan. No pressure, indeed.

Casey, ever the pragmatist, stepped forward and placed a sleek black case on the table. "This is your kit," he said, opening it to reveal an array of inconspicuous devices. "Cameras disguised as screws, audio bugs that look like dust motes, and… whatever the hell this is," he added, holding up a gadget that resembled a miniature air freshener.

"That," Beckman interjected, "is a multi-spectrum sensor capable of detecting everything from heat signatures to electromagnetic pulses. It's also equipped with an auto-destruct feature in case of compromise. Use it wisely."

Chuck's eyes widened. "Auto-destruct? Is that really necessary?"

Beckman just deadpanned at him, as if to say, 'What do you think?' and Casey smirked. "Welcome to the big leagues, Bartowski."

Ignoring the banter, Beckman pressed on. "Remember: subtlety is key. These devices must be integrated without drawing attention. You'll be posing as a Technician and installer of the 'Buy More Tech Makeover Lottery,' a cover designed to provide plausible access to their home. Your mission is to install the equipment under the guise of a routine upgrade. Any deviation from the plan risks compromising the entire operation."

Chuck's mind raced. The home, and he uses that word loosely, is a hybrid of a garage, and café. He could already imagine Shiro's piercing gaze dissecting his every move, her sharp intellect picking apart his feeble excuses. And Guldrin? The kid practically radiated suspicion. 

Was this plan even accomplishable? 

"One more thing," Beckman added, her tone grave. "Failure is not an option. This mission represents years of effort and resources; we have given you a no-limit budget, just get the job done. The Goldbloods' trust could provide invaluable insight into their enigmatic operations and possibly secure an alliance that's eluded every intelligence agency to date. Do not squander this opportunity."

Chuck gulped, nodding mechanically. "Got it. Don't fail. No pressure."

Beckman's image flickered off, leaving the room in tense silence. Chuck turned to Casey and Sarah, his nerves getting the better of him. "So, just to recap: we're infiltrating the home of two borderline geniuses who probably invented a lie detector more advanced than anything the CIA has, or are one. We're planting surveillance gear while trying to make friends with them, and if we, or should I say, I, screw up, it's game over. Did I miss anything?"

Casey's smirk widened. "Just that your face is already screaming 'guilty.' Better work on that."

Sarah placed a reassuring hand on Chuck's shoulder. "You'll be fine. Just remember to breathe and keep it casual. If anyone can pull this off, it's you. It is just a simple Buy More tech installation, you have done this before, it is your job, just act natural."

Chuck gave her a weak smile, though the knot in his stomach remained. "Right. Casual. Like I'm not a walking bundle of nerves with a bag full of spy gear."

Casey closed the equipment case with a decisive click. "Time's wasting, Bartowski. Let's get this show on the road."

Chuck took a deep breath, steeling himself for the mission ahead. As he grabbed the case and prepared to leave, a single thought echoed in his mind: What could possibly go wrong?

Unfortunately, he already knew the answer: everything.

—

–

-

Chuck arrived with a spring in his step and Morgan trailing behind him, an oversized toolbox slung over his shoulder. The first thing, Morgan and Chuck noticed, was the fresh smell of coffee mingled with motor oil, a strangely comforting combination that hinted at the unique world this family had built for themselves.

The Buy More van was parked conspicuously outside and stood out like a sore thumb against the backdrop of finely tuned muscle cars. Chuck adjusted his tie nervously, clutching a clipboard filled with forms and schematics as though they might serve as a shield. Morgan, on the other hand, seemed entirely at ease, his eyes alight with curiosity and a touch of mischief.

Morgan, of course, was oblivious. He carried an oversized toolbox with an air of exaggerated importance, eyes darting around the space with barely contained excitement. His usual wide-eyed curiosity was on full display, as though he'd stumbled into a real-life episode of Pimp My Ride: tech version.

Inside, the kitchen buzzed with low conversation. Letty leaned casually against the counter, her arms crossed in a way that conveyed both authority and annoyance. Mia stood opposite her, eyebrows raised in a mixture of skepticism and curiosity. They seemed engrossed in whatever they were discussing, though their conversation came to a halt the moment the door chimed.

Shiro sat at the far end of the room, her small frame dwarfed by the oversized hoodie she wore. Her attention was split between a Game Boy in her hands and a laptop displaying what looked like an MMO leaderboard. Chuck caught a glimpse of her sharp gaze flitting toward him briefly before she returned her focus to the screen. 

Guldrin, perched on a stool nearby, worked intently on a mess of circuit boards, his fingers moving with a precision that belied his age. The faint hum of a soldering iron punctuated the room's quiet, adding to the sense that Chuck and Morgan had just walked into an entirely different world.

The two men froze for a moment as all eyes turned to them. Letty's sharp gaze practically pinned them in place, a silent assessment that made Chuck's palms sweat. Mia offered a polite, if guarded, smile, but her stance mirrored Letty's wariness.

"Uh…hi there!" Chuck finally managed, his voice a touch too cheerful as he raised his hand in a feeble wave. "I'm Chuck Bartowski, Buy More's, uh, top-notch representative. This here is Morgan Grimes, my best friend, partner, colleague, and, uh, toolbox carrier extraordinaire. We're here for the tech makeover installation! You know, from the 'Buy More Lottery' sweepstakes?" His grin was as lopsided as ever, and the words came out in a nervous jumble.

Morgan, blissfully unaware of the tension, set the toolbox down with a loud thud and looked around with an open-mouthed grin. Letty's eyes narrowed further, her posture radiating skepticism. "The store said closed," she said bluntly, her voice low and edged with suspicion. "You just let yourselves in?"

"Oh, no, no, no," Chuck stammered, raising his hands as though to ward off her rising irritation. "We talked to Guldrin yesterday! He- he said today would be perfect for the installation. Didn't he mention it?"

Guldrin didn't look up from his work but shrugged nonchalantly. "I might've said something," he murmured, his tone deliberately vague. Chuck couldn't tell if the boy was messing with him or genuinely indifferent.

Shiro glanced up then, her dark eyes locking onto Chuck's. The intensity of her gaze was unsettling, as though she were peeling back layers to examine his true intentions. She said nothing, but the corner of her mouth twitched upward ever so slightly, an enigmatic expression that made Chuck's nerves buzz.

"Fine," Letty said after a long, tense pause. "But no funny business. Do your job and get out."

"Absolutely! No funny business at all!" Chuck assured her, his voice cracking slightly as he gave a thumbs-up. He elbowed Morgan, who had wandered dangerously close to Guldrin's workstation.

'No funny business, just let me install these bugs and cameras… How did I get stuck with this? Oh yeah, my ex-best friend sent me an email with a supercomputer that downloaded into my brain!' Chuck thought to himself as he tried to calm down.

"Dude," Morgan whispered excitedly. "Did you see those circuit boards? That kid's like a mini Tony Stark!"

Chuck forced a laugh, desperately trying to steer the conversation back on track. "Well, we'll just, uh, get started then. Where would you like the equipment set up?"

Guldrin finally looked up, his piercing blue eyes landing on Chuck with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "Anywhere you won't break something," he said with a faint smirk before turning back to his work.

"Got it," Chuck replied, nodding so vigorously he nearly dropped his clipboard. He motioned for Morgan to follow, the two of them awkwardly maneuvering past Letty and Mia, who watched their every move like hawks.

The morning sun filtered through the blinds of the Toretto shop, casting warm streaks of light onto the walls of the café-garage hybrid that Guldrin and Shiro called home. It was an eclectic mix of roaring muscle cars, high-tech gadgets, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, a place that screamed both chaos and order. Chuck Bartowski and Morgan Grimes stood outside the garage, armed with toolboxes, crates of high-end tech, and what they hoped was enough charm to navigate this bizarre yet intriguing mission.

"Alright, Morgan, let's keep it professional," Chuck murmured as they unloaded the equipment. He adjusted his tie, which felt out of place in such a casual environment. "Remember, we're here to install the Buy More Lottery tech makeover. Nothing else. Got it?"

Morgan, ever the social butterfly, grinned and gave a thumbs-up. "Relax, buddy. It's just a few gadgets, a few laughs, and some bonding time with our new favorite customers. Easy-peasy."

Chuck sighed. Morgan's ignorance about the true nature of their mission, covertly installing CIA surveillance equipment, was both a blessing and a curse. 

On one hand, his genuine enthusiasm was disarming; on the other, it made Chuck's job infinitely more stressful. He shot a quick glance at the shop, where Letty stood leaning against the door frame, arms crossed, her skeptical gaze drilling into him.

"You boys gonna stand there all day, or are you actually gonna work?" Letty's voice was sharp, but there was a hint of amusement buried beneath her gruff exterior.

"Of course, ma'am! We're on it!" Chuck stammered, nearly tripping over a toolbox in his haste to appear competent.

As they entered the garage, Morgan's eyes lit up. "Whoa," he breathed, spinning in a slow circle to take it all in. "This place is amazing! Is that a Chevelle SS? And what is that… some kind of… futuristic coffee machine?"

Guldrin, seated at a workbench with wires and tools spread out like the aftermath of a tech tornado, barely glanced up. "It's a prototype for an automated espresso system I whipped up yesterday. Neither are finished yet, but the SS runs," he said, his tone casual but precise.

Morgan's jaw dropped. "Kid, you're a genius. You ever think about interning at Buy More? We could use someone like you in the Nerd Herd."

Shiro, perched on a stool nearby with a book in hand, snorted softly, masking her laughter with a feigned cough. Chuck shot her a nervous glance, unsure if she was mocking Morgan, him, or both.

"The Buy More, Nerd Herd… Could be interesting?" Guldrin spoke to himself, but everyone heard him, each person taking it in their own way. 

'Maybe it would let me learn more about those people who chased us? I mean, Chuck works there, so I assume they would too? But that blonde looked like she was in a German-inspired outfit; so maybe not? But the military guy, he wore the green employee shirt.' Guldrin's mind raced as he made some ill-thought-out plans.

"Alright, let's get started," Chuck said, trying to focus. He opened one of the toolboxes and began unpacking the first set of equipment. 

Hidden within the sleek casings of smart devices and home automation gadgets were multi-spectrum sensors, audio bugs, and micro-cameras. Each piece was meticulously designed to blend seamlessly into its environment. The challenge now was installing them without arousing suspicion.

"So," Morgan began, addressing no one in particular, "how'd you guys get so lucky with the lottery? I mean, I work at Buy More, and I've never seen anything like this tech makeover before."

Letty arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, funny how that works," she said dryly.

Mia, ever the diplomat, stepped in with a softer explanation. "Guldrin likes to try new things. He probably entered on a whim. Right, Guldrin?"

The boy shrugged, his focus never leaving his work. "Sure, let's go with that."

'I filled out a satisfaction review… As if I would win a lottery, I saw nothing about… This is a ruse.'

Chuck's hands moved quickly but carefully, installing a camera disguised as a smoke detector. He could feel the weight of Letty's gaze on his back, as if she could see through the device's innocuous exterior to its true purpose. His heart raced as he reached for the next piece: a smart speaker with an embedded microphone.

"That's a lot of fancy equipment for a simple tech makeover," Guldrin remarked suddenly, his voice breaking the relative quiet. He turned his sharp gaze toward Chuck, his expression neutral but his eyes gleaming with curiosity.

Chuck's laugh came out a little too loud as his eyes darted around. "Oh, you know how it is," he said, waving a hand dismissively. "Buy More always goes above and beyond for our lucky winners!"

"Yeah!" Morgan chimed in, oblivious to Chuck's rising anxiety. "Customer satisfaction is our middle name! Chuck here is, like, the king of it. Seriously, if there were a Customer Satisfaction Hall of Fame, he'd be in it."

"Uh-huh," Guldrin replied, his gaze lingering on Chuck for a moment longer before returning to his project. Chuck let out a silent breath of relief, though his nerves remained frayed.

As the day wore on, the tension began to ebb slightly. Morgan's endless enthusiasm seemed to chip away at Letty's guarded demeanor, and Mia even joined in on his banter, laughing at his self-deprecating jokes. Shiro remained mostly quiet, though her occasional sharp, witty comments caught Morgan off guard and left him grinning sheepishly.

Meanwhile, Guldrin's curiosity got the better of him. While Chuck and Morgan were busy setting up a high-tech Bluetooth thermostat, the boy sneaked over to the pile of equipment they'd yet to install. With deft fingers and a keen eye, he carefully disassembled one of the devices, his suspicions growing with each hidden component he uncovered.

"Interesting," he murmured to himself, examining a tiny microphone embedded in what should have been a standard circuit board. He quickly reassembled the device, leaving no trace of his tampering, and returned to his workstation as if nothing had happened.

Back at the installation site, Chuck felt a strange sense of unease, as if he were being watched. He glanced over his shoulder and caught Guldrin's gaze for a split second before the boy looked away, a faint smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. Chuck's stomach dropped. 'Does he know; he can't know, right?' he thought, panic bubbling just below the surface.

Morgan, blissfully unaware of the silent chess match unfolding around him, continued chatting. "You guys have an amazing setup here. Seriously, this garage-café thing? Genius. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were running some kind of… I dunno, secret something or other"

Letty's eyes narrowed. "We're not. Just so we're clear."

"Totally clear," Morgan said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying, it's cool."

"Just the best of both worlds, my bearded friend; Cars, and Food, what more could you want?" Guldrin said while watching Chuck like a hawk after scribbling, 'Bugs' on a napkin and sliding it to Shiro who tore it up after reading.

Hours passed, and the workday finally drew to a close. Chuck and Morgan packed up their tools, ready to make their exit. Chuck could feel the weight of Letty's scrutiny as she watched them load the van.

"Alright, all done for today," Chuck said, forcing a smile. "We'll be back tomorrow to finish up."

"Great," Letty replied, her tone still wary. "Now get out."

Chuck didn't need to be told twice. He and Morgan climbed into the van, Morgan chattering excitedly about how cool the job was and how much he'd learned about espresso machines and classic cars.

As they drove away, Chuck couldn't help but glance back at the house. The knot of anxiety in his gut refused to loosen. The mission wasn't over; it was just beginning. And as much as he hated to admit it, he couldn't shake the feeling that Guldrin and Shiro were already one step ahead. Somewhere in that garage, hidden beneath layers of youthful curiosity and unassuming innocence, was a mind far sharper than Chuck had anticipated.

Meanwhile, outside the garage, away from the newly installed devices, Guldrin turned to Shiro with a sly grin. "So, what do you think? Should we let them keep playing their little game, or should we make it more interesting?"

Shiro smirked. "Let's see how far they're willing to go. Tomorrow, let's add to what they are going to put in. Let's break their bank, our setup needs tuning, I miss my old setup in the other world, and I am confident that we can remove all the bugs and backdoors that they put in, or at least bypass them. Depends on if you want to alert them or not." They continued to scheme and plan as Chuck drove away, completely oblivious to the Hell they had planned for the poor man.

(Give me your POWER, Please, and Thank You! Leave reviews and comments, they motivate me to continue.)