Chuck vs. The Hacker's Challenge
INT. BUY MORE - MORNING
Chuck is working at the Nerd Herd desk when a CUSTOMER approaches.
CUSTOMER: Excuse me, I can't get my laptop to connect to the internet. Can you help?
CHUCK: Absolutely, let's take a look.
As Chuck begins to look at the laptop, he notices a USB drive plugged in with some strange writing on it. His Intersect is triggered, and images and data begin flashing through his mind. Regaining his composure...
CHUCK: Uh, we'll need a bit more time to figure this out. Can you come back later?
CUSTOMER: Sure thing. Thanks!
INT. THE CASTLE - LATER
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey are discussing the mysterious USB drive.
CHUCK: My Intersect picked up on this code. It says: 'The Hacker's Challenge'.
CASEY: What the hell is that?
CHUCK: It's a notorious hacking competition held in secret. Hackers try to crack military, corporate, and government systems to prove their skills.
SARAH: So, we need to find out who plugged this into that customer's laptop and what they were trying to access?
CHUCK: Not just that. We need to stop the competition and track down the organizer nicknamed 'The Sultan of Cyber'.
INT. CHUCK, MORGAN, AND ALEX'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
MORGAN approaches Chuck while he's on his laptop.
MORGAN: What's up, dude? You look like you're trying to crack the Da Vinci Code.
CHUCK: Close, Morgan. We have to stop an underground hacking competition hosted by 'The Sultan of Cyber'.
MORGAN: The Sultan? You mean the ultimate hacker? That is so cool!
CHUCK: Yeah, except it's causing a dangerous game that could compromise national security.
EXT. STAKEOUT LOCATION - NIGHT
Sarah, Chuck, and Casey have tracked down a potential competitor who they suspect is involved in the competition.
CASEY: (looking through binoculars) I see our target, 'CaptainC0de'. He's making his way into the building for the competition.
CHUCK: Let's move!
The trio infiltrates the building, tracking down CaptainC0de only to find several other hackers competing.
CHUCK: (whispering) We need to locate 'The Sultan', stop this competition, and get the hackers out of here without causing a scene.
SARAH: (whispering) Agreed. Let's split up.
INT. HACKER'S CHALLENGE LOCATION - MOMENTS LATER
Chuck comes face to face with CAPTAINC0DE.
CAPTAINC0DE: You must be here for the Sultan. Well good luck!
CHUCK: That's exactly what I'm here for. But I'm not looking for luck, I'm looking for information.
TO BE CONTINUED
Chuck: Episode X
INT. BUY MORE - DAY
The store is bustling with CUSTOMERS and NERD HERD employees helping them with their electronic needs. CHUCK BARTOWSKI, the main character and store manager, talks to his best friend MORGAN GRIMES.
CHUCK: (smirking) Morgan, guess how many extended warranties I sold today?
MORGAN: (feigned excitement) Oh, please, enlighten me.
CHUCK: Twelve! That's a new Nerd Herd record!
MORGAN: I bow to you, oh warranty selling wizard!
EXT. BUY MORE PARKING LOT - DAY
SARAH WALKER, a beautiful CIA agent and Chuck's love interest, waits for Chuck by her car.
INT. BUY MORE - DAY
DEVON aka CAPTAIN AWESOME, Chuck's brother-in-law, enters Buy More and heads straight for Chuck.
DEVON: Chuck, need your help, man. Ellie needs the laptop fixed for her research project, like, yesterday.
CHUCK: Sure thing, Captain.
EXT. BUY MORE PARKING LOT - DAY
Chuck exits Buy More and notices Sarah. As he walks towards her, he spots a shady looking man watching him. The man disappears into the crowd.
SARAH: (concerned) Is everything okay?
CHUCK: Yeah, I just thought I saw someone watching me.
SARAH: (serious) We'll keep an eye on it. In the meantime, we have another mission.
INT. CASTLE (SECRET CIA BASE) - DAY
CASEY, the tough yet sometimes soft-hearted NSA agent, briefs Chuck on their new mission.
CASEY: (gruffly) We have intel on a potential terrorist attack on the city. Your mission is to infiltrate their base of operations and retrieve critical information.
CHUCK: (nervously) Uh, do I get any reinforcements?
SARAH: (smirking) We're your reinforcements, Chuck.
INT. ELLIE AND DEVON'S APARTMENT - DAY
Ellie, Chuck's sister, and Devon are working on their respective projects. Ellie's laptop breaks down and the screen flickers.
ELLIE: (frustrated) Not now! I need that data!
DEVON: Don't worry, babe. Chuck's on it.
Ellie's laptop then displays mysterious encoded messages.
EXT. SUSPECTED TERRORIST BASE - NIGHT
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey prepare to infiltrate the base as they observe their surroundings.
CHUCK: (scared) So, uh, what's the plan?
CASEY: Simple, we go in, extract the information, and get out.
As they approach the building, Chuck has the sudden urge to FLASH. His eyes widen as he receives a new set of information.
SARAH: (worried) Chuck, are you okay?
CHUCK: (determined) I am far better than okay. I just got intel on how to crack that encryption code from the flash.
INT. SUSPECTED TERRORIST BASE - NIGHT
The trio makes their way through the base, disabling SECURITY GUARDS and dodging traps. Chuck manages to reach the main computer.
ELLIE'S LAPTOP SCREEN: Cut to Ellie's laptop, which is now displaying the same encryption Chuck is cracking at the suspect base.
INT. SUSPECTED TERRORIST BASE - NIGHT
Chuck successfully decrypts the message.
CHUCK: (shocked) This is not a terrorist message. It's a...TO BE CONTINUED.
Chuck Versus the Unlikely Alliance
INT. BUY MORE - DAY
We see Chuck at the Nerd Herd station. He is speaking with a paranoid client who is convinced that her computer is being spied on.
CLIENT: (whispering) You have to help me. I'm being spied on, I'm sure of it!
CHUCK: (skeptical) Well, it's highly unlikely, but we'll take a look just to make sure.
Morgan walks up to Chuck, excited.
MORGAN: Dude! You won't believe who just walked into the store!
CHUCK: (distracted) Who?
MORGAN: Daniel Shaw!
Chuck freezes, his face tensing in panic.
CHUCK: (nervously) Are you sure, Morgan? You know what happened last time...
MORGAN: Positive. He went to the Home Theater room. Go check it out.
Chuck nods and excuses himself from the client.
INT. BUY MORE - HOME THEATER ROOM - DAY
Chuck cautiously peeks into the room, and sure enough, Shaw is browsing for DVDs.
CHUCK: (clears his throat) Uh, Shaw? What are you doing here?
SHAW: (smirking) You look nervous, Chuck. Relax, I'm not here for revenge.
CHUCK: (apprehensive) Then what?
SHAW: I need your help.
CHUCK: (scoffs) Yeah, like I'd ever trust you.
SHAW: (serious) It's not a matter of trust, Chuck. You interfere with this, a nuclear warhead will detonate at an undisclosed location. Thousands of lives will be lost.
Chuck swallows hard.
CHUCK: Alright, what do you need?
SHAW: (smiling) Good choice. Your first task, sneak me into Castle.
INT. CASTLE - DAY
Chuck and Sarah gear up.
SARAH: Do you really think we can trust Shaw?
CHUCK: (conflicted) I don't know, Sarah. But if what he says is true...
SARAH: (nods) That's why we have to keep him on a tight leash.
They look at each other, determination in their eyes.
int. BUY MORE - DAY
Chuck, Sarah, and Shaw enter Buy More, moving towards the stockroom.
Morgan and Casey look on from the Nerd Herd counter.
CASEY: (displeased) This is a bad idea.
MORGAN: Yeah, but if this goes south, I got a plan.
Casey raises an eyebrow, and the unlikely trio disappears into the stockroom.
TO BE CONTINUED
Chuck: The Return of Volkoff
INT. BUY MORE - DAY
Chuck is organizing a stack of new video games, as Morgan approaches him.
MORGAN
Dude, have you seen the sales charts? We're crushing it this month!
CHUCK
(smiling)
Yeah, Morgan, we're on a roll.
Suddenly, Casey enters the store, still dressed in his Buy More attire. He walks up to Chuck and Morgan.
CASEY
Bartowski, we've got a mission. Let's go.
MORGAN
(hesitant)
But we're on our lunch break, Casey.
CASEY
(glares at Morgan)
The country is depending on us, Grimes.
Chuck looks at Morgan and nods in agreement, then follows Casey to the back room.
INT. CASTLE - DAY
Sarah and General Beckman are already present, waiting for Chuck and Casey to arrive.
SARAH
(to Chuck)
There's been a security breach; someone has Intel on Intersect's whereabouts.
GENERAL BECKMAN
Your latest mission is to protect Intersect and get more information on who leaked its location.
CHUCK
Do we have any leads?
CASEY
We have one. It's Alexei Volkoff. We thought he'd been put away for good, but it looks like he's back in the game.
INT. A DINER - DAY
The team has settled down in a booth, discussing their plan of action.
MORGAN
Let me get this straight, we're going after Volkoff. Again? How do we plan on infiltrating his organization this time, girls in bikinis?
SARAH
Something like that. We have a contact inside who's been close to Volkoff...
CHUCK
And that is?
SARAH
(whispers)
Mary Elizabeth Bartowski.
Morgan and Chuck exchange surprised glances, as Casey rolls his eyes.
INT. VOLKOFF INDUSTRIES - DAY
The team enters its main office, dressed in black tactical gear. Stealthily, they make their way to the server room, where Sarah hacks into the system.
INT. SERVER ROOM - DAY
SARAH
Almost done... Just need to find the Intel.
Suddenly, Mary Elizabeth enters the room, surprised to see them.
MARY ELIZABETH
What are you doing here? This is highly dangerous.
CHUCK
Takes after her son, doesn't she? We're here to help you, Mom. Let's take down Volkoff together.
MARY ELIZABETH
I appreciate it, but I can handle Volkoff on my own. I didn't want to get you all involved.
CASEY
Too late for that, Mama B. We're in this together.
Just then, the alarm goes off, and guards begin entering the room.
MORGAN
Uh, guys, we've got company!
CHUCK
(to Mary)
Let's go! We'll protect you!
The team starts fighting off guards and makes their way to the exit. Chuck flashes and disables the security systems.
TO BE CONTINUED
Chuck Versus the Double Agent
INT. BUY MORE - MORNING
Chuck is arranging TV displays when Morgan sneaks up behind him.
MORGAN
Morning, buddy! What's new in the world of espionage?
CHUCK
Morgan, I've told you before, I can't talk about that stuff. I'm just a regular Buy More employee, remember?
MORGAN
Yeah, yeah, Chuck... the 'ol cover story. Anyway, you never know when you might need some tactical support, a sidekick of sorts. I'm ready and waiting, man.
CHUCK
Well, I appreciate the enthusiasm, but for now, those displays won't arrange themselves.
Suddenly, Chuck's PHONE beeps with a text message. He checks it discreetly.
TEXT: 'Meet at Castle ASAP. - Sarah'
Chuck looks worried. He glances at Morgan and then at the text.
CHUCK
Um, Morgan, I need to go... attend to some... personal matters.
MORGAN
Say no more, Chuck. I've got your back.
Chuck nods and hurries away. Morgan watches him leave with a suspicious smile.
INT. CASTLE - DAY
Sarah, Casey, and General Beckman are waiting for Chuck. He arrives, slightly out of breath.
SARAH
You made it. General, he's here.
GENERAL BECKMAN
Listen up, team. We have a dangerous situation developing. We believe there's a double agent within the CIA, and Chuck, we need the Intersect to uncover them before they cause any more damage.
CHUCK
A double agent? What have they done?
CASEY
(sternly) Multiple agents have been compromised, intel stolen, and operations sabotaged. This person threatens the entire organization.
Chuck looks nervous, but determined.
CHUCK
Alright, I'll do my best.
GENERAL BECKMAN
Good, remember, be cautious and trust no one. I've sent you a list of possible suspects. We'll be in touch.
The screen goes blank. Sarah smiles reassuringly at Chuck.
SARAH
We'll figure this out, Chuck.
INT. BUY MORE - LATER
During his break, Chuck goes through the list of suspects, discreetly flashing on each one to gather information.
Suddenly, he sees Agent Michaels, one of the main suspects, entering Buy More.
CHUCK
(sotto voce) Uh-oh. It's go time.
Chuck rushes to inform Sarah and Casey, completely unaware that Morgan is secretly following him.
INT. CASTLE - DAY
Chuck enters Castle, followed closely by Morgan, who hides behind the door as Chuck informs Sarah and Casey of Agent Michaels' presence. They hatch a plan to approach him undercover and extract intel.
Morgan, listening from his hiding spot, can't resist the urge to help his friend, unaware of the impending dangers.
TO BE CONTINUED
Chuck Versus the Techno Wizard
INT. BUY MORE - DAY
CHUCK (late 20s, likable and tech-savvy) is standing at the NERD HERD counter, helping a CUSTOMER with her computer.
CHUCK: All right, Mrs. Perkins, it looks like you just had a simple virus. I've installed some antivirus software to protect you from future attacks.
MRS. PERKINS: Thank you, Chuck. What would I do without the Nerd Herd?
CHUCK: (smiles) It's what we're here for, Mrs. Perkins. Have a great day!
Mr. Perkins walks away. MORGAN (Chuck's best friend) approaches.
MORGAN: Another satisfied customer, huh, Chuck?
CHUCK: Yep, Morgan. Saving the world, one computer at a time.
Suddenly, an ATTRACTIVE GUEST (female, 30s) enters the store, catching the attention of both Chuck and Morgan. She approaches the counter.
ATTRACTIVE GUEST: Excuse me, can you help me with upgrading some new software?
CHUCK: (smiling) Of course. We'll take a look at it right away.
INT. CASTLE - LATER
CASEY, with his signature scowl, SARAH, smart and tough, and GENERAL BECKMAN, stern as ever, are present on a video call.
GENERAL BECKMAN: Agent Carmichael, Agent Walker, we've just received intel that a rogue hacker known as 'The Techno Wizard' has stolen a highly advanced cyberweapon. It's imperative that we find him before he can use it.
CHUCK: Sounds dangerous, General. What do you need me to do?
GENERAL BECKMAN: We believe The Techno Wizard is hiding in plain sight, working for a computer gaming company not far from you. Your mission is to go undercover, discover his identity - and stop him from using the cyberweapon.
SARAH: We'll stop him, General. Don't worry.
INT. COMPUTER GAMING COMPANY - DAY
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey are posing as employees, while Morgan is dressed as a nervous IT Guy.
MORGAN: Guys, I'm not sure I'm cut out for this. I'm sweating through my suit!
SARAH: Relax, Morgan. Just stick to your cover and stay alert.
INT. BREAK ROOM AT COMPUTER GAMING COMPANY - DAY
Chuck and Sarah making small talk with employees, trying to gather more intel about The Techno Wizard.
CHUCK: So, do you think there's a chance anyone here could be connected to the recent cyber attacks?
EMPLOYEE #1: (laughs) Oh, Chuck, you're such a joker! No way anyone here would do that. We're all too busy trying to beat each other's high scores!
SARAH: (to employee) How about the guy in the corner? I haven't seen him leave his desk all day.
Employee #1: Oh, that's Joe. He's a little eccentric, always listening to techno music. But harmless, I think.
Chuck gets a flash from the Intersect - a series of images about The Techno Wizard and an encrypted message. His eyes widen.
CHUCK: Guys, I think I just got a hit - TO BE CONTINUED.
Chuck: The Mysterious Code
INT. BUY MORE - MORNING
Chuck is working at his Nerd Herd station. Morgan stops by.
MORGAN
Did you get any sleep last night, man?
CHUCK
No, can't stop thinking about that mysterious code that General Beckman showed me. I feel like I'm missing something.
MORGAN
Well, it's your day off tomorrow. Why not head to that Comic Con thing in the city? Take your mind off it.
Chuck's phone rings. He checks the caller - it's Sarah. He picks it up.
CHUCK
Hey Sarah, what's up?
SARAH (V.O.)
We've got a mission. Meet me at Castle in 20.
EXT. CASTLE - MORNING
Chuck goes down the secret entrance to Castle.
INT. CASTLE - MORNING
General Beckman appears on the screen with Sarah, Casey and Chuck in front of her.
BECKMAN
Good morning, Team Bartowski. We've received word that the mysterious code Chuck saw last week was transmitted by Fulcrum's top agent, known as The Magician.
CASEY
That doesn't sound good.
BECKMAN
It's not. Your mission is to attend the Transnational Technology Expo and retrieve that code at all costs.
The team gears up.
EXT. TRANSNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EXPO - DAY
Chuck, Sarah, and Casey arrive at the event in disguise. Morgan joins them, disguised as a security guard.
MORGAN
I can't believe I'm missing Comic Con for this.
CASEY
This is more important, Grimes.
CHUCK
We need you here, buddy. Now, let's find that Magician.
INT. TRANSNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EXPO - DAY
The team splits up to search the Expo. Chuck sees a magician performing a trick and, as he watches, he flashes on it.
CHUCK
I've found him. He's dressed as a magician, naturally. I'm going after him.
SARAH
Be careful, Chuck.
Chuck approaches The Magician.
CHUCK
Excuse me, sir? Can I have a word with you in private?
THE MAGICIAN
(laughs) What's the magic word?
CHUCK
(typing on his phone)
We need to talk. It's urgent.
The Magician looks at Chuck's phone and nods, leading Chuck into a back room.
INT. TRANSNATIONAL TECHNOLOGY EXPO - BACKROOM - DAY
Chuck confronts The Magician.
CHUCK
I know about the code, and you're going to help me stop it.
TO BE CONTINUED
