Roswell Fanatics

Here's a new part for you guys. After the weekend I had I need the feedback. My husband, son, and I took a car trip that was only supposed to be 4 hours long and ended up being 9 after construction, wrong directions, and being rearended. So I am not a happy camper this morning. Luckily, I had set up to tape the Alias finale or I'd really be screaming.

PART 40

It was late and she was aware that her mother was probably sleeping, but Sydney didn’t care. Her mother’s comfort was not her priority at the moment, getting answers was. So she left her father with the lab technicians who were conducting a hurried DNA profile of Sark’s hair, and headed down to the subbasement to see her.

Her father had told her that it was pointless but Sydney knew that if she asked and her mother did tell the truth, Jack wouldn’t believe her until he had hard evidence. Until he saw the profile that would tell them the truth. Despite the absurdity of the situation, Sydney was beginning to believe it. It made some kind of ridiculous sense. But that didn’t mean that Sydney didn’t want to see the proof for herself as well as hear it from her mother’s mouth.

The night guards were surprised to see a visitor so late, but did nothing but their job when Sydney stated that she wanted to see the prisoner. One operated the gate controls, while the other switched on the overhead lights although at a lower setting then normal. Sydney nodded to them before striding down the corridor, the gates sliding down and locking solidly behind her, and she headed straight for the glass partition of her mother’s cell.

Inside her mother sat calmly on the bed, Sydney was sure that the lights had awakened her but she looked as collected as ever. Sydney wished she could say the same thing about herself but she took a deep breath before asking, “Of all the things to keep from me, from us, you chose the most significant. Why? Why didn’t you tell us the truth about who Sark was?”

Irina showed no shock at Sydney’s revelation, why should she? She had been the one to plan the whole thing. “So Julian has finally divulged the truth of his identity to you?”

“Julian?” Sydney repeated, taking a moment to realize that they were talking about Sark. “God, this is such a mess. I find out that Sark is my brother and yet I didn’t even know his first name until now.”

“Tell me something Sydney, are you more upset that I kept the secret of your brother’s existence to you or the fact that Sark is that brother?” Irina asked.

“Don’t turn this around on me, I asked you a question and I demand an answer.” Sydney declared.

“There are many various reasons why I did not reveal Sark to you. His security being the primary one. If Sloane was to find out who he was, it might have ruined what we were planning not to mention endangering his life. I have no doubt in Sark’s abilities, but Sloane is not to be underestimated either.” Irina explained. “As for the secondary reason, I did not believe that anyone most assuredly your father would believe me. He would assume that it was a ploy of some type. ”

“I can’t imagine why he would think that of you.” Sydney retorted. “Tell me, did you know you were pregnant when you faked your death?”

“Yes.”

“But you didn’t tell Dad.” Sydney half asked, half stated.

“I learned of the pregnancy only days before I received the instructions that I was to be extracted, and decided it was best to not advise your father of my condition.” Irina declared.

“And when your KGB superiors found out?”

“Once they agreed to not terminate the pregnancy, they saw it as an opportunity. They had a child with ideal genetics for them to rear and educate into the perfect operative as well as use as leverage over me.” Irina explained simply.

“It seems they both succeeded and failed.” Sydney commented. She stepped back from the window and walked to the end of the partition before walking back, organizing her thoughts as she did. “I want you to tell me the whole story, from the time of your ‘death’ to now.”

Irina hesitated for a moment but pushed any reluctance away, if Sydney had the information she may accept the reality better. And then things would function smoother. “After I was brought back to KGB headquarters, I gave a complete briefing to my superiors. I did not relay my condition at that time, however it was discovered later when a medical exam was administered. After which I was sent to a KGB sanatorium until I gave birth.”

“Then what? I can’t imagine the KGB letting you simply live a normal life with your child.” Sydney inquired.

“You are correct in your speculation. I was allowed three weeks with him, before he was taken and delivered to a children’s home run by the KGB. I was allowed one visit a month, which I made use of until his first birthday.” Irina stated.

“Why did the visits stop then?” Sydney asked.

“I was not satisfied with the arrangements and come to the decision then to renounce the KGB and leave, taking my son with me.” Irina stated. “However I was discovered. I was deemed a traitor and I was sent to prison for my crime.”

“Kashmir.” Sydney responded. “That’s why you were a prisoner there.”

“Yes.”

Sydney was floored by her mother’s revelation. When she had heard her mother’s declaration in Kashmir that she had been a prisoner, and not an officer at the prison, Sydney had just assumed it was for something malicious. But it wasn’t. Her mother had been imprisoned because of her devotion to her child. She had not wanted him to be brought up by the KGB and used as one of their playthings.

Sydney had to admit that she felt mildly jealous of the information; Irina had not tried to do anything similar to get her daughter back. But she refused to show her resentment as she said. “So you gained knowledge of the prison and it guards so that you were able to escape.”

“Yes.”

“And Sark?” Sydney asked.

“Julian was moved to another facility, away from Russia and to a manor in Ireland where they retained an academy that carried out Project Christmas on young recruits.” Irina stated.

“They used the Intel you acquired from Dad on your son.” Sydney said.

“Yes. There were half a dozen such institutions spread throughout the world although every facility worked separate of each other, none knowing the location of the other. This made it more difficult to follow a line of investigation to find him. I realized early on that I needed resources beyond what I currently possessed to find him. With my attachment to the KGB no more, I came to a decision then to establish my own organization. With the aid of several former contacts, I was able to achieve just that.” Irina explained.

“How old was he when you extracted him from the school?” Sydney asked.

“Almost twelve years old and as eager to leave as I was to take him.” Irina answered. “The damage to his mentality had already been established and irreversible. He yearned to do what he had been taught to do, so I granted him the opportunity. He worked hard and advanced quickly in my organization. It was not favoritism, he did not need favoritism to succeed. Which proved to be a positive aspect so that no one became suspicious of who he was. It is why he uses the name Sark, after the island we took cover on after his extraction.”

“So you used what the KGB had done to him for your own gain.” Sydney confirmed as she shook her head. She might not be fond of Sark, but she could identify with him. They had both been used by their parents and their freewill taken from them, a matter that led them to where they were today.

When Irina did not argue against her daughter’s words, Sydney decided it was time for her to leave. She turned away from her mother and signaled the guard that she was ready to leave. When she finished passing through the gates and upstairs to the hub of the command center, Sydney saw her father standing there, studying the monitors that displayed her mother’s cell. “Did you hear all of it?”

“A majority of it.” Jack answered.

“Although I know I shouldn’t fall for her story, listening to her, I can’t help but believe her Dad. And worse yet, I can empathize with Sark.” Sydney stated. “So is there any news from the lab?”

Jack nodded. “The profile has been completed. They are telling the truth. Sark is my son.”

Here's the next part, it's a Liz part. But don't worry, we'll get back to Irina and Jack in a little bit.


PART 41

After several hours of sleep, a long hot shower and some breakfast, Liz felt as if she had come to terms with everything she had learned the night before, about SD 6 and the Bristow family, and had adjusted to it. Now she had to play the waiting game, waiting to see what Sydney and Jack were going to do once they were convinced who Sark was, and their next move, not to mention what would happen next between herself and Sark.

Liz knew that something had happened between them the night before, and she had to figure out what she thought about it. He had confided in her what could be considered his biggest secret and it wasn’t something that she would take lightly. It was information that she had been longing for, information about his past. True, when she had asked him about it, she had never imagined what the truth had been but she still found herself delighted that he had told her.

Liz flopped her head back onto the cushions of her couch, in spite of her defenses she knew that Sark had weaseled his way into her heart. The thought made her blood boil. And what was worse was the fact it wasn’t only in irritation at herself for not stopping the thing with Sark before it had a chance to begin; but she found that arousal was mixed in there too. Sark had that affect on her, to cause her body to become taut with sexual frustration by only being in the room with him. And the notion that she cared about him increased that feeling ten fold.

After falling in love with Max and these new emotions for Sark, Liz came to the conclusion that not only did she like hazards in her work but in her love life as well. It was the only explanation for why she kept picking the wrong guys and why the nice ones, the ‘normal’ ones just didn’t hold lasting appeal.

The ringing of the doorbell stirred her from her thoughts. Liz pulled her head up from the cushion and looked towards the front door. The angle in which she was sitting in didn’t allow her to see the person at the door completely but she was able to spot a mass of brown hair and had a feeling she knew who it belonged to. And when she opened the door, her guess was confirmed. “I’m surprised to see you here.”

“My truck kind of drove itself here.” Sydney explained. “Can I come in?”

“Sure.” Liz said pushing the door open to let her in. “Are you okay?”

Sydney half shrugged, half nodded as she walked in. “I was sitting in my apartment, Will and Francie were talking about something and I don’t remember a word they said. I was thinking too much about my own troubles. Francie didn’t notice but Will did. Ever since he found out, I’ve been able to talk to him but I couldn’t tell him about this. How do you tell your best friend that the man who had him tortured is your brother?”

“I don’t know.” Liz replied truthfully. She wasn’t at all surprised that Sydney now accepted the fact that she was related to Sark, with the labs she had access to the DNA profile would have been completed and her and Jack would have hard evidence to prove Sark’s statement of his relation to them.

“I don’t either.” Sydney said.

“Do you want some coffee?” Liz asked.

“Yeah.” Sydney answered. Liz headed for the kitchen to make a fresh pot of coffee while Sydney lingered in the doorway to the kitchen watching her.

They stood there for several minutes before Sydney broke the silence. “I spoke to my mother.”

“And what did she tell you?”

“She backed up everything Sark told us, and told me a little more about what happened after she faked her death and Sark’s birth.” Sydney declared.

“And you believe her?” Liz asked.

“Yes, I believe her. Even before my dad supplied me with proof.” Sydney answered. “So how much did he tell you?”

Liz realized that Sydney was referring to Sark and said, “A bit. Like that he didn’t have any contact with Irina, at least that he could remember until he was twelve. That up until then he had been raised by the KGB to become an agent, and that after he left them, he went to work for Irina and has been there ever since.”

Sydney nodded. “That’s pretty much what my mother told me, except adding in bits relating to her organization and when she was separated from Sark, like her being imprisoned in Kashmir for trying to kidnap him.”

“He left out that part.” Liz said as she handed Sydney her cup of coffee. “Probably decided to just tell you his point of view of the story.”

“Yet he trusted you enough to tell you any of it.” Sydney reminded her. “When did things start between the two of you?”

“I guess things started early on but nothing happened until the night we came back from Austria. He showed up here, we were talking or arguing depending on how you look at it. I asked him to leave and he kissed me.” Liz explained. “It kind of snowballed from there.”

Sydney looked directly at Liz as she asked. “And you’re with him?”

“As much as someone can ‘be’ with Julian I guess.” Liz took a sip of her coffee as she continued. “I never planned to have any type of relationship with him, let alone the one I have.”

“So why?” Sydney asked not understanding.

“I want to say that it is purely because of sexual attraction.” Liz answered with a shrug. “But I’d be lying. It was also because with him, I don’t have to hide anything. There was no lying about where work was really sending me or why I had a bruise the size of a grapefruit on my ribs or whatever injury I have at the time.”

“I can definitely see the appeal.” Sydney stated honestly, after all being completely open with someone was part of the reason why she had told Danny the truth. And Liz would have the added advantage if she were involved with Sark that she wouldn’t have to worry about the repercussions of him knowing like she herself had with Danny. Sydney pushed thoughts of Danny out of her mind and concentrated on the subject of their discussion, Sark. “Do you have feelings for him?”

“That’s a good question.” Liz replied. “One I was thinking about before you got here as a matter of fact.”

“And what did you come up with?” Sydney asked.

“That despite the fact that he is egotistical, amoralistic, pain in the butt not to mention guarded as hell, there is a softer side to him. A side that I’ve managed to get a view of and I like what I’ve seen. And now, knowing how he grew up, I understand him a lot more. So I guess my response is yes, I do having feelings for Sark.” Liz acknowledged. “A reality I must say scares the hell out of me.”

“I can imagine.” Sydney stated. It was strange, ever since she had found out the truth about how Sark was connected to her, Sydney had looked at Liz’s relationship with him in another light.

“Okay, enough talking about my screwed up love life.” Liz shook her head to clear it. “Now I know that you are trying to adjust to this but how’s your dad doing?”

“I honestly don’t know. We haven’t talked, really talked about any of this. He eavesdropped on my mother and mine conversation through the surveillance cameras so he knows what she told me but all he said was that everything was true. That Sark was his son. After that, he clammed up.” Sydney answered. “Dad’s just doing what he has always done, he’s compartmentalized his feelings to the furthest reaches of his psyche and throws himself into his work. He’s probably working with our director at the CIA, discussing Sark’s proposal.”

“Do you think they will go for it?” Liz asked hopefully.

“Yes. Getting rid of the Alliance is one of the CIA’s top priorities. It’s just the trusting Sark part and his terms that they are having trouble with.” Sydney stated. “They want another meeting with him.”

“I figured.” Liz nodded. “If they meet with him, he’ll be untouchable right? It won’t be a trap?”

Sydney shook her head. “No, it won’t be a trap, he’ll be safe.”

“Then I’ll let him know to contact you personally.” Liz stated. Sydney finished her coffee and left shortly after while Liz picked up the phone to call Sark.
[/b]

Here's the next part. I hope you all have a good weekend. Today is my son's 6th birthday so I'm going to have a busy weekend. See you on Monday.

PART 42

Liz dialed Sark’s cell number, knowing that it was the safest and easiest phone number to reach him at. He had modified the phone so that it could not be traced nor could the conversation be eavesdropped on. Which made it far better than trying to contact him at his office at SD6 where she knew that security section would listen in. The phone didn’t get a chance to ring twice before she heard his voice. “Sark.”

“It’s me, are you able to talk?” Liz asked, she might be safe from listening devices but that didn’t mean that Sark was. His office was most likely bugged to listen in on his conversations.

“Elizabeth, you should know that I would not be so lax as to not pulse any bugs that may of found their way into my office the moment I stepped inside.” Sark replied.

“Good.” Liz stated. “I just had a visit with Sydney, she came by to talk.”

“And what did my dear sister have to say?” Sark said cheekily.

Liz rolled her eyes but didn’t comment on his sarcasm. “She as well as Jack now acknowledged that you were telling the truth about who you are.”

“Then the profile on my DNA is complete no doubt.” Sark stated.

“Actually, Sydney said she went to talk to Derevko first. She said that when she confronted her, she corroborated what you said and Sydney believed her before she see even saw the proof.” Liz explained. She didn’t think she should tell Sark the other stuff her and Sydney had talked about; Sydney had came to talk to her about her peculiar family affairs not Sark. What they had talked about was personal stuff between the two of them.

“Interesting.” Sark responded. He found Sydney’s actions indeed very fascinating, he had assumed that she would be more difficult to convince. She has always been hostile towards him, not that he could condemn her for it, and he thought that even after having proof, she would not accept it.

“Sydney also told me that the CIA wants to meet with you. I told her that I would tell you to contact her.” Liz informed him. She knew that Sark had the upper hand in these circumstances and would be able to set the perimeters of the meeting to his liking and the CIA would consent to them.

“Then I will contact her without delay.” Sark replied.

“I want to be informed of the arrangements for the meeting.” Liz declared.

“Elizabeth…”

“No, I’m not going to let you cut me out of this now that my part is supposedly completed. This meeting affects me, since it has to do with put an end to the Alliance.” Liz explained, not adding that it affected her because of Sark’s involvement as well. She might have admitted her feelings to Sydney, but she wasn’t going to admit them to Sark. Not yet, if she ever did. He had stated in the beginning that their relationship was not based on affection but of desire and convenience.

“I was not going to argue with you.” Sark stated truthfully. He was going to require Elizabeth’s assistance to implant the virus in the Alliance’s server so he had no apprehensiveness about her attending his meeting with the CIA.

“Oh.” Liz said, caught completely off guard by Sark’s agreement.

“I will contact you as soon as the arrangements have been agreed upon.” Sark stated

“Face-to-face or by phone?” Liz asked.

Sark smirked. “Do you have a preference?”

“I think you know what it is. See you soon.” Liz said in answer before disconnecting the call. She knew that it was silly to have Sark come all the way over when he could simply call her with the details but she wanted to see him. And now she just had to wait for him to arrive.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Like his daughter had hours before, Jack Bristow walked down the tiled hallway through the gates as they rose or slid away until he came to his destination, the isolation cell that held the country’s worst enemy, his ex-wife. While he made a conscious effort to avoid talking to her, this was one time when he knew he could not afford it. He had questions that he wanted answered, questions that only Irina could answer.

Irina of course had heard his approach and was waiting for him. She stood in the middle of her cell facing the glass wall in expectation. When he moved to stand right in front of her, she tilted her head slightly and looked at him through narrowed eyes. “I’ve been expecting you to visit, I knew your curiosity would not be sated by only what you overheard from my conversation with Sydney.”

“When I learned of your betrayal so many years ago, I was disgusted by what you did. To me and to Sydney, and yet at the time, I had no idea the magnitude of your treachery.” Jack said harshly. “You stole my son.”

“Our son,” Irina emphasized, “Who was taken from me just as much as he was taken from you.”

“But you got him back. You at least knew of his existence.” Jack bit out.

“And now so do you.” Irina stated. “I won’t attempt to justify my actions or my decisions, but remember Jack, your record as a parent isn’t exactly spotless.”

“I may have lead Sydney down the career path she is on now, but I always made certain that she stayed a person with a conscience, a heart.” Jack explained. “But our son, he’s a sociopath. You might not have made him a criminal but you are just as responsible for our son currently being charged by of the United States government for espionage, terrorism, and assassination.”

“Sydney is not unblemished either. She has conspired to kill in cold blood. That isn’t exactly the choice of an indisputably moral person. Something you are not above yourself. Julian is no better or worse than any other member of this family.” Irina answered. “Furthermore I did not fashion him to be an agent, Jack. I did what I could to extract him as soon as possible.”

“But the damage was done, damage that could have been avoided. You knew what your superiors would do when you returned pregnant. If you had confided in me…”

“You would have what, Jack?” Irina interrupted.

“If you had disclosed the entire situation to me as soon as you found out that you were pregnant, I would have done whatever possible to ensure my child’s safety, both of my children. Despite the fact that I would have had to continue work with you.” Jack stated. “Anything would have been better then our son and daughter trying to kill each other when they first met.”

”Do you think I took pleasure in those occurrences?” Irina asked. “Because I assure you, I did not. Julian did what he could to guarantee that Sydney would not be fatally wounded when he could.”

“A consideration I’ll make sure to pass along to Sydney.” Jack retorted. “Something I am still pondering is why are you admitting to all of this now? What benefit does it bring you?”

“You do not believe that I am simply trying to mend my family back together?” Irina asked simply.

“No, I do not.”

“Then believe in my loathing for Arvin Sloane and the damage he has done to our daughter.” Irina acknowledged.

Jack stared at Irina in surprise. She sounded so sincere, but the past allowed him to doubt her. Was this just another ruse designed to achieve some yet unperceived objective? Did it seem plausible because he wanted to believe it? Did it even matter if the Alliance was finally disposed of? He hated the way that he always felt the need to second-guess his own evaluation of any situation that involved Irina. At the moment, he would regard what she said as truth, and watch to see what her next move might be.

Since today is a holiday and I'm not at work, I almost forgot to update. Sorry for the delay.

PART 43

Time alone with Sark was not in the cards for Liz for the reason that when he arrived at her apartment, he informed her that they were leaving. The meeting with the CIA was scheduled to take place within the hour and they had to be in place. Sark wanted to reach their destination ahead of the others to gain the advantage. And on the way he informed her of another plan he had as well as the particulars of the meeting.

The meeting was towards the outskirts of the city, where the road led up to the mountains at a turn off used for a scenic view of the city. There they could almost guarantee that they wouldn’t be overheard, unless someone was following them. Sydney would be there as well as her handler Vaughn and Jack Bristow; the three of them would be functioning as the CIA liaisons to make the deal. Sark had insisted that he would work with no one else. Liz and Sark had only to wait a few minutes before two cars arrived and the three of agents began to exit the vehicles.

“Why did you insist on Agent Vaughn being here?” Liz asked in a hushed whisper.

“Because Sydney fancies him.” Sark answered.

Liz was not completely surprised by his statement; she had seen how protective Vaughn had been of Sydney when she had confronted them, a protectiveness that did not stem solely form a handler watching over his asset. “But that cannot be your sole reason for asking him here.”

“You are correct. I also requested his presence because the CIA will consider him to equalize the negotiations because he had no familial ties with me. He abhors Irina as well as me.” Sark explained.

“Why does he hate Derevko?” Liz asked.

“Because she killed his father.” Sark answered.

Liz was unable to respond because the three agents came within hearing range just then. Out of the group, Jack was the first one to speak. “We arranged this meeting to discuss the possibility of a temporary coalition of our resources to bring about the end of the Alliance.”

“Straight to business, no time for family bonding?” Sark inquired.

“You smug bastard.” Vaughn snapped. He was still recovering from the revelation that Sydney had sprung on him on the drive over.

“I’m only a bastard in the colloquial sense Agent Vaughn.” Sark retorted. “You see, despite what my father may desire, my parents are still technically married.”

“Stop letting him bait you.” Sydney rolled her eyes before looking at Sark. “This is not a family reunion or any other type of social gathering. We’re here to discuss terms and that’s it.”

“I’ve already conveyed to you my terms for my assistance.” Sark stated.

“As I told you, the CIA would not agree to granting you a full pardon.” Jack spoke up.

“And their counter offer?

“They did come to an agreement that if you accomplish the mission of downloading the virus into the Alliance’s computer, consequently rendering the security systems of the various cell inoperable, allowing the CIA and other agencies to infiltrate them, then they will grant you leniency against punishment for your crimes against this country. You will serve a prison term of no less than five years after which you will be released on assessment of how great a risk you pose, and the terms of your probation will be determined.”

“Two years.” Sark countered.

Jack did not look surprised by Sark’s negotiating; he had not expected the young man to agree without an argument. “Four years during which time you will brief the agency on any and all terrorist groups you have knowledge of as well as any other nefarious dealings.”

“Three years and I will give over the information you requested.” Sark stated.

Jack contemplated Sark’s compromise, he knew that the CIA wanted Sark to serve the rest of his life in prison but because they saw the value in working with him, had conceded to five years with the requirement that they would be able to monitor his activities afterward through his probation. That management over the young operative was the closest thing to control that the CIA hoped to have over Sark.

With the newest revelation that Sark was indeed his son, Jack found himself reviewing the situation with slightly changed eyes. He wasn’t in opposition of Sark being incarcerated, but looked at it as an opportunity. An opportunity to learn more about the stranger that was his son. Because Sark was as much his child as Sydney was, despite the fact that Irina had kept him hidden away.

But now he was here, and about to join his mother in a CIA prison. Sark’s motives for aiding them in taking down the Alliance were still a mystery to him. At first, Jack had assumed that Sark was doing it so to eliminate the competition the Alliance posed but that assumption did not hold because Jack did not believe that Sark would willingly go to prison, even for a short period of time just to eliminate a competitor.

As he contemplated Sark’s motives, Jack’s attention switched to the woman standing next to him. Elizabeth Parker was herself quite a puzzle. Sydney believed that her loyalties lay with the CIA and hoped to become a legitimate agent once the business with the Alliance was complete. And yet it appeared that she had been having a relationship of some type with Sark as well as aiding him in securing a meeting with himself and Sydney.

Jack wondered briefly if perhaps if she was the reason that Sark was willing to go to prison. Perhaps he had fallen in love with Liz Parker and was seeking some kind of redemption for his crimes, men did strange things for love, he knew that reality first hand.

Knowing that he was expected to respond to Sark’s suggestion. “Those terms will be suitable.”

“I thought they might be.” Sark stated. “How much time will the CIA require to set up the assault?”

“We will need at least ten hours to coordinate with various agencies.” Jack answered him. “After you’ve uploaded the virus, a team including those present will infiltrate the building and take into custody Sloane as well as the other operatives.”

Sark nodded in agreement. “Then at precisely ten o’clock tomorrow morning, I will upload the virus. Within five minutes, the security and its auxiliary systems will be down and your people can move in. You did bring the necessary paraphernalia I will need to launch this little adventure did you not?”

Jack and Sydney both looked to Vaughn, who after a brief hesitation extracted the topic of their discussion from the briefcase he had brought with him. Sark quickly took it and it disappeared into the inner pockets of his expensive suit.

As he did, Sydney asked. “As soon as you download that into the computer at SD6, Sloane will be alerted via his computer. How are you going to avoid that?”

“I’m going to distract him.” Liz announced. She knew they hadn’t expected her declaration, hell she hadn’t even known about it until Sark approached the subject on their way there. While on the surface, it appeared to be a simple assignment. But it wasn’t. If Sloane figured out at any time what they were doing, he wouldn’t hesitate to kill her. But of course Liz was going to make sure that that didn’t happen. “There will be no audible alarm so as long as he is not looking at his computer screen, he won’t know what’s going on.”

“Given that the details have been settled, we should disperse.” Jack instructed. He as well as Vaughn turned to go back to the cars but Liz saw Sydney dawdle for a minute, as if she wanted to talk to Liz for a minute.

Liz smiled at her partner, “I’ll see you tomorrow Sydney, we can talk again after this is all over.”

“Okay.” Sydney said as she returned Liz’s smile. She watched as Liz walked back over to Sark’s Mercedes and climbed inside. She wondered what they would be up to that night after all, a lot would be happening the next day if it all went according to plan. Then she found herself cringing when she realized that their activities for the night was not something she wanted to think about. Liz had told her enough for her to know that they had a sexual relationship and she didn’t want to think about it. So she pushed it out of her mind and went to join Vaughn and her dad, they had work to do.

Here's a new part, and I'm sorry to say the last one for this week. I will be out of town Friday and unable to post. But I will be back on Monday.

PART 44

When the meeting ended, Sark dropped Liz off at her apartment with the assurance that he would return in a few hours. Liz knew that he had a few matters to take care of, making a return appearance at SD6 being one of them, so she did not question him. Instead she used the time to arrange a few things herself. After all it was going to be the last night she spent with Sark, or at least it would be for a long time. She didn’t know what would happen later after he got out of prison if anything would.

Once dinner had was prepared and put in the oven to keep warm as well as other particulars taken care of, Liz went to her bedroom to get herself ready. She had already washed her hair that morning so she opted to take a bath, despite the fact that she knew Sark would be arriving soon. So she turned on the water until the steam started to swirl around the tub, added some bath oil then stripped off her clothes and sank into the hot water.

Sark made his entrance through Elizabeth’s bedroom window, and once he saw that it’s occupant was not nearby, concealing the attaché case he had brought with him underneath Elizabeth’s bed. Once he was sure it was hidden, he stood up and looked around the room for Elizabeth. But instead of hearing her walking around the apartment, he heard the sound of the bath water running and knew that Elizabeth was once again in the bath.

Sark moved forward until he was in the doorway of the bathroom. He was in the same position as the last time he had watched her in the tub. Except this time, he knew what those lavender-scented bubbles covered up and he felt his blood start to thicken in arousal. Knowing that this time he did not have to idly stand by, Sark stepped inside the steam-heated bathroom.

"It looks like you're wearing too much clothing and are on the wrong side of this tub." Liz said opening her eyes to look at him, she had known he was there and watching her. The water was hot and nice but it would be a hell of a lot nicer if she were sharing it with him. She turned so that she was leaning against the side of the tub with her, elbows resting on the edge, waiting for him to take off all of his clothes and join her.

"All in good time." Sark stated as he slipped his suit coat off, hanging it on a nearby hook before sitting on a dry fraction of the tub’s ledge and rolling up his sleeve. He reached down and dipped his hands into the hot water, his fingers brushed against her thigh for a scant second.

At the feel of his touch, Liz’s eyes slid shut and let out a very, deep, steadying breath. She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “What are you doing?”

“Good things come to those who wait.” Sark answered.

“Do you realize how aggravating your avoidance tactics are?” Liz asked. But instead of answering, Sark picked up the bar of her scented soap with one hand while pushing against her shoulder with the other one so that she was reclining.

Sark lathered the soap in his hands and Liz found herself mesmerized by the twirling, swirling action. She could smell the scent of lavender filling the air, filling her senses. And before she realized it, he was touching her again. He ran his hands wet down her chest lathering the suds over her breast, around her side, before rubbing up and down her back. Her breathing became heightened as his fingers wound about her throat. She arched her neck and surrendered to his ministrations.

Sark took advantage of her submission and leaned down to press a quick kiss to her lips before releasing her. Liz exhaled a shaky breath. Sark’s ministrations were stretching her limits of control. Her gaze remained locked upon him as he set the soap down and placed his hands upon the side of her hips. He stroked the outside of her legs for a minute before moving down her legs, circling her ankles beneath the water.

At that moment Sark’s hands went up her body again, gathered up the soap still on her legs as he slid his fingers against the inside of her calves, up to her thighs. Her hands were clenched at her side and her breathing was heavy but a strangled groan still managed to escape her throat. "Julian."

“Shh.” Sark said as he removed his hands from her, stood, and unbuttoned the front of his shirt. Elizabeth watched him intently as he shed the tailored shirt, hanging it with his suit coat. Next he slipped out of his Italian shoes and discarded his socks.

Liz found herself licking her lips in anticipation when he pulled his undershirt over his head and his bare chest came into view. She could swear he was teasing her by prolonging the removal of his clothes but she said nothing for fear he may stop all together. Thankfully he did not stop his progress and soon his pants and boxers joined the rest of his clothes.

Returning to the edge of the tub, Sark reached out to cup her cheek and brought her lips to his. His mouth opened as his upper lip stroked her bottom lip. Softly, he suckled on her lip, his breath mingling with hers. Her tongue slipped out, searching hungrily for his and he felt the groan tremble from her as she was denied greater access to him. Soothing her with his lips, he dropped his hand under the water to rest against the small of her back.

Liz became too impatient. She rose to her knees and with an enthusiastic tug, pulled Sark over the rim of the tub and into the water with her. Sark settled himself on the bottom of the tub as she moved to straddle his lap, the water swelling well past their hips. She moaned as she felt his hard thighs pressed under her bare flesh.

Sark reached forward; wrapping his arms around her and began stroking her back, causing her to shiver. She leaned in and kissed him, slipping her tongue into his mouth to war with his. This continued for several minutes before, he pulled back and began placing licking kisses down her neck to her breasts.

As he began licking and sucking first on one then the other, Liz’s head fell back and she moaned his name. She began slowly circling her hips and moved against his throbbing shaft. Sark’s own moan was buried in her skin as his lips moved up to her throat for a minute. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, her hands clinging to his neck before she brought her fingers up to entwine in his hair.

"Julian," Liz whispered softly in a half-sigh, half-moan as he palmed the soft pillow of her breast in his hand; his mouth fastening upon one hardened peak once again. Sitting up straighter, she tightened her grip about his shoulders, her fingers clutching at his hair, his name a constant cry upon her lips and that cry growing in fervent need which he responded to.

Pulling back Sark reached over to retrieve the condom he had placed conveniently close, sheathing it on himself quickly before moving his hand under the water. He grabbed a hold of her thighs, pulling her to straddle him again. He parted the folds of her flesh before pushing into her, a cry wrenching from her lips at his intensity. She leaned forward and began licking her way down his chest nibbling as she went.

Looking at him, Liz gloried in the look upon his face, savoring the wild glitter in his eyes as his hips thrust upwards, his hands on either of her hips holding her in place, the water splashing all about them. Liz’s legs were wrapped around him and with every upward plunge, she settled more firmly upon him, grinding into him, urging him to go harder and faster, harder and his hands tightened against her hips.

Liz was close…so close…with each stroke the tension in her body grew tighter until she felt like her body was going to snap. Her eyes closed of their own accord, her face flushed as his chest rubbed against hers, his body pressing against and into her. She arched, her whimpers rising in pitch until he drove into her one more time and she snapped, shuddering, the waves of pleasure radiating up through her body. She distantly felt Sark tense underneath her as he reached his climax as well but was too concentrated on the pleasure in her own body to focus on him.

Everything slowly spun back into place as Liz fell back, her breathing coming in shallow gasps as she carefully steadied herself, hands falling from his shoulders, resting on either side of the tub. She didn't move; her eyes were still closed as the tremors ran through her body, ripples of pleasure weaving through every part of her.

When Liz finally felt like she could move, she opened her eyes to see Sark watching her, a smug smile on his face. “When I planned to take this bath, this was not what I was expecting.”

“Always expect the unexpected with me Elizabeth, always.” Sark commented as he brushed a piece of her damp hair away from her face.

Liz reached up and ran her hand down his chest, noting the faint goose bumps that came up under her fingers. “The water will be cooling soon, we should get out.”

Sark gave a short nod before using his hands on her hips to lift and help her to climb out of the tub before climbing out himself. Liz retrieved two towels for them and after disposing of the used condom; Sark wrapped the towel around his waist while waiting for her. But after drying herself off, Liz discarded the towel for the silk robe before looking back at him.

Seeing Sark’s lean form clad in nothing but a towel, his blonde hair tousled and damp, curling around his ears and his skin also damp and flushed from the bath and their activities, made Liz want to drag him into her bedroom and rip the towel off of him. But she thought perhaps they should have some sustenance first.

“You might want to get dressed…to be more comfortable.” Liz stated.

“Do you not believe I am already comfortable?” Sark asked simply.

“Yes, you look very comfortable, however I do not think that you want to dine in only a towel even to antagonize me.” Liz stated.

“As enjoyable that would be, you are correct.” Sark agreed, tugging gently on the towel causing it to fall on the ground. Liz watched appreciatively as he dressed before heading for the kitchen.

Sorry for being gone for so long but here's the new part. It's ADULT well the second half of it is anyway and I hope it makes up for not posting on Friday.

PART 45

To keep herself thinking about the charming blonde man who was standing so close to her, Liz busied herself retrieving the food from the oven and preparing the meal. Once she got everything dished out and ready to serve, she located the bottle of wine she had bought for the occasion. However the fact that the bottle was expensive, it didn’t make it any easier to open.

“Would you like my assistance?” Sark asked. He looked supremely sexy in nothing but his slacks and his white dress shirt. The shirt was only half buttoned, which allowed Liz to see an amble amount of his torso but she had to admit that while the sight was alluring, it wouldn’t have been as bad as if he was still in only the towel.

“No, I can get it.” Liz said working the corkscrew harder until it opened. But when she pulled the cork off of the corkscrew, Liz sliced her hand with it. “Ouch…sh*t!”

Sark caught her hand and pulled it towards him. “Let me have a look at it.”

As Sark began to inspect her hand, Liz asked. “Why is it that stupid little cuts like this always hurt like hell? And make you feel completely foolish?”

“You are not foolish, simply accident prone at the moment.” Sark declared with a smirk. “It is a small wound that simply needs to be cleaned.”

Liz allowed herself to be led over to her sink and Sark to wash her cut. Normally she would have simply done cleaned it herself but Sark was handling her hand so delicately and tenderly that she dare not squander his touch. Despite the fact that the wound was small, it bled quite a bit. Her hand was caked but Sark quickly had it cleaned off.

Sark rubbed Elizabeth’s hand gently to ensure that it was completely cleansed. As he did, he noticed a large scar an inch or so next to the fresh one. It started at the fleshy part between her middle and ring finger and ran down the length of her hand almost to her wrist. It looked to be several years old but he had not noticed it before. “Where did you get this?”

Liz felt his finger run down the old scar on her hand to illustrate what he was asking about. The caress sent a shudder up her hand and into her arm, causing her to yank away. “It’s just an old scar, nothing exceptional about it.”

“Then why did you react so strangely when I ask?” Sark asked extremely curious as to its origin now. He had a feeling it was a clue what he had been searching for. In spite of the fact that he and Elizabeth had spent many hours together, he still had not discovered the shadow that resided in Elizabeth’s gaze. Sark had not given up; it had just taken a lower priority. But with the opportunity appearing out of the blue, he would take it.

“I didn’t react anyway, it tickled when you touched it and that’s why I pulled back.” Liz lied. Damn him for seeing the scar after so long. And damn his curiosity.

Sark’s right eyebrow quirk up at her in disbelief “I sincerely doubt that.”

Liz poured the wine into the two waiting glasses. She handed one to him as she took a sip of her own while he said. “You should probably let the wine breath.”

“It’s dead, just drink.” Liz commented before asking. “You’re not going to let this go are you?”

“No, I am not.” Sark answered.

Liz knew that Sark would dig and dig until he maneuvered the story out of her so she decided to give him an abbreviated if not edited version. “When I was sixteen, I was working at my parents café when a gun went off. I was right in its path and it would have killed me…but a customer saved in the café saved me. He pushed me out of the way and the worse I ended up with was a large ketchup stain from when I fell on a ketchup bottle.”

“And that’s from one of the bottles?” Sark asked.

“No.” Liz shook her head. “I didn’t get the scar from that, the shooting was just the catalysts. The guy who was my rescuer was a guy I knew from school, my biology lab partner actually. I had never really known him but after the shooting I was given the chance to and we became friends and eventually more than friends. I fell in love with him.”

“And I assume the feeling was not returned?” Sark asked.

“No, it was returned. To hear him tell it, he’d been in love with me since he first saw me when we were eight years old.” Liz explained. “No love wasn’t the problem, we had bigger issues. At first, his siblings didn’t approve and gave us difficulties. We even took a bit of a break when he felt like he was neglecting his family responsibilities.”

“Family had always been a big thing for him, especially for his siblings. But eventually we worked it out and them plus two of my friends became close over the next few months when we were hit with hard times. I can’t tell you everything that happened in those months, you wouldn’t believe me even if I did but it changed us and we grew up. Then when everything seemed to be going well, she came to town.”

“Who?” Sark asked.

“His…ex.” Liz answered. “She thought that they belonged together and did whatever she could to get him. He fought her advances, insisted that he loved me but eventually it became obvious to me that she was right. They were ‘destined’ so to speak. Yes, I know you’re thinking that we were young and dramatic but it was more than that.”

“I wouldn’t dismiss your feelings regardless of your age.” Sark commented.

Liz smiled at him for his consideration before she continued. “Once I came to the realization that he was no longer mine, I became the bigger girl and gave him up. I kissed him good-bye and walked away. That’s when I got this scar; we were on a rock formation out in the desert that day. As I was climbing down, I lost my footing and sliced my hand up on either some cactus or rocks. I didn’t even realize it was bleeding until I had walked back into town.”

“Did he listen and let you leave him or did he fight for you?” Sark asked.

“He tried to talk me out of it when I got back into town, I had left to visit my aunt for a few months after to try and get away but I resisted. He didn’t make it easy, he really poured on the romance and such. I almost gave in, but then I had what you could call an epiphany and took the steps needed to push him away for good.” Liz stated. She did not tell Sark that the epiphany had came in the form of a future version of her love.

Liz paused to drain the wine from her glass then refill it; she looked over and saw that Sark’s glass was still half full. His attention had been primarily on her so he had not drank as much. She picked the glass up but did not immediately bring it to her lips, instead continuing her tale. “I went to a friend, a male friend that I trusted and with his help, I set up a phony situation where my ex would catch the two of us in my bed.”

“It seems that even at that time you had a knack for subterfuge.” Sark observed.

“I don’t know if in that situation I would consider that a compliment or not.” Liz remarked truthfully. “But it did work, he saw us and the damage to his heart was enough that he stopped pursuing me after he came to terms with it. We became virtual strangers and within a few months things were too unpleasant so I decided to leave. I went back to my aunts, finished up high school and went to college, then was recruited by the Alliance. The last time I saw him was over three years ago when I returned home for my father’s funeral.”

Liz looked over at Sark who was watching her intently and shrugged. “So that’s it, that’s the story behind the scar.”

However Sark could see through her façade and knew that that was indeed not the whole story, and that Elizabeth was holding back still. He identified with her need for concealment so he would accept it and not push instead picked up his wine glass and tapped it to hers in toast. “To life altering events, they are what made us who we are.”

Liz couldn’t argue that his words were not true so she simply nodded and took another drink of her wine to complete the toast. Her relationship with Max had help lead to who she was and where she was now. She wondered what Future Max would think about that if she were to run into him now. After all, she was with a human, just like he had recommended however she did not think Sark was what Future Max had had in mind.

Sark saw that Elizabeth was behaved as if something else was occupying her mind so he decided to bring her attention back to him. He closed the small distance between her lips and his own, eyes melding shut as he made contact. His lips moved in silence against hers, teeth brushing her swollen lips. Sark pressed his body more firmly against hers, his muscles rippling with the action. He could feel the hardened nipples of her breasts rubbing against his chest through the soft silk of her robe.

The feel of his lips against hers as well as his hard body opened up the floodgate of Liz’s desire for him and she kissed him as enthusiastically as he kissed her. Deciding that the food could wait, Liz urged him out of the kitchen and towards her bedroom. Although Sark was the one to instigate the situation, he allowed her to take control and push him into the bedroom. He felt her bed hit him behind his knees and he dropped onto the bed.

Liz pulled away and opened her eyes, gazing at him as she pushed his chest, telling him with her actions to lie back on the bed. He did not deny her request. His toned back hit the soft mattress as she straddled his hard stomach, undoing the buttons. He watched her sitting on top of him, his hardness tenting his slacks. Her gaze was probing as her hands explored his chest, running them over his nipples, which hardened at her touch. He fought the urge to move his hips instead concentrating on her ministrations and how beautiful she looked.

Elizabeth bent over and kissed him square on the lips, trailing down his six-pack, hands scaling the hardened curves of his muscular arms. She roamed her way down to the edge of his slacks, looking up at him with desire-laden eyes. Sark knew what she planned and he was not going to stop her.

Liz pulled the soft material of his slacks away from his waist and down his legs. She moved to kneel in between his naked legs, smoothing her hand up and down his inner thighs, stroking the hair that grew there. Sark watched her intently, not wanting to miss a thing. He barely masked the gasp when he felt her silky touch on his straining heat. His hips involuntarily jumped at the contact and his eyes clamped shut.

His heartbeat quickened its pace when he felt her mouth enclose over his erect hardness. She took him all the way in her mouth, sucking and stroking, using that talented little tongue of hers to draw out his pleasure. Sark had to stop her because he felt the hot flash of an orgasm coming. His hands sought the sleek brush of her hair as it tickled his inner thighs with each of her ministrations. He stopped her moving head and her blessedly moving mouth, his eyes pleading with her to stop, to understand he wanted to come with her.

Liz just sat and stared at him, fully understanding. Her tongue swiped out and licked the musky taste of him into her mouth. He was fascinated with the redness of her lips, wanting to taste her and him. Giving in to his desire, he kissed her lips, his tongue once again taking up its exploration. He moved his lips to her neck, gently nipping at the delicate skin there. He kissed her neck, running his heated lips up and down her lean neck as he flipped her over onto her back.

Sark did not stop when he came to the base of her neck, instead he pulled the robe away and followed an imaginary trail down between her breasts, along her stomach until he reached the junction where her legs met. He could smell her strong, musky scent invading his nose. He bent her knees into position, spreading them far apart to reveal what lay behind the moist brown curls. His eyes flickered to hers and he saw her lick her lips in anticipation.

Liz couldn't wrench her eyes from him, the sight of seeing him go down on her pulsating through her, adding a little bit more to the intense desire he sent through her body. Liz felt his tongue penetrate her, lapping at her juices like a newborn kitten. A loud cry tore from her lips at the contact. He stroked her with his tongue, in and out, in and out, driving her that much more closely to madness. Her hands grasped onto his hair as her chest heaved, seeing the white spots appear behind her eyes. She thought she was going to come when she felt the loss of his hot mouth on her.

His body slid up hers, kissing any skin he touched. Sark kissed each of her breasts, playing with them, pulling her nipples, and squeezing them, watching her every action as he tortured her more and more. He was amazed as her head thrashed from side to side, her hands gripping and clutching at the sheets.

After covering himself with the necessary contraception Sark placed a hand on either side of her face, his own control rolling away. He held his body weight up, each muscle tight with need to be released. He held down the urge to jerk his hips, waiting until she looked up at him. He wanted to see her eyes when his hard, swollen member entered her.

Feeling his gaze on her, Liz looked up at her lover. He gave her a soft kiss as he entered her, slowly, slowly inching more and more until he was fully inside her. At first, he just held himself that way, imbedded in her, relishing the feel of his cock in her narrow grasp. Holding became not enough and he slowly rocked inside of her. He pulled out and thrust deeply into her, each thrust pulling him and her closer to that sought for edge.

He watched her eyes shut, feeling her orgasm on the verge as her inner muscles began tightening around him. Sark did not what to dissatisfy her. His hand slid in between them and with a few flicks of his fingers on her swollen clit, she came hard, the loud scream of his name on her lips. As soon as he felt her inner walls clamp down on his cock, he too flew over that edge, seeing the tiny spots dance around his tightly shut eyes.

Once Sark had shifted his weight off of her and her breathing returned to normal Liz looked into his eyes and kissed him one last time before saying. “Maybe we should just have dinner in bed.”

“I think that is a very good idea indeed.” Sark stated in agreement.

Here's a new part for you. The first part is a Sydney/Vaughn part and if it's mushy, I'm sorry. I'm not a big fan of that couple anymore but for reasons of the story, I had to have them together. Enjoy.

PART 46

Most people would find the idea of going to the pier at nighttime foolish. The area was not well lit so safety could always be an issue, and everything that the beach bum crowd would find appealing was closed, but Sydney loved to go any time of day. She would like to lean on the railing or sit on one of the benches and watch the waves roll in. Which is exactly what she was doing when Vaughn found her.

The faint creak of the boards under his feet alerted Sydney to his approach and she turned in his direction, smiling slightly as she did. “What are you doing here? Nothing’s wrong is it?”

“No, nothing’s wrong, everything’s still on schedule.” Vaughn assured her. “I just wanted to see how you were. I tried calling you, Will recognized my voice and told me that you weren’t there.”

“You didn’t have to go on another hunt for me did you?” Sydney asked remembering when Will had been kidnapped and Vaughn had tracked her down at the train station.

“Yes, but lucky me, this time you were at the second place I looked.” Vaughn answered. “Is it okay if I sit?”

“Oh, yes. Please.” Sydney said, moving over so that he had room on the bench beside her. “With everything going on tomorrow, I was too edgy to be at home. Didn’t want to make Francie suspicious or keep her and Will awake.”

Sydney turned her gaze away from Vaughn and out to the rolling waves. “It’s so hard to believe that this time tomorrow I might be able to tell her the truth. That by this time tomorrow all of the work that I’ve done over the last year and a half deceiving Sloane and practically everyone else I know will come to an end. The Alliance will be gone, and Sloane will be in the deepest darkest hole that the CIA can find to throw him in.”

“And your mother and Sark will be partly responsible for being there.” Vaughn commented as if he had to remind her. “How do you feel about that?”

“I’m not happy about it but if it means that Sloane is taken down, I’d make a deal with the devil. Of course, I’m coming close to it.” Sydney acknowledged

“Hopefully Sark keeps his part of the agreement.” Vaughn declared.

“He will. I have every confidence that Liz will make sure of it.” Sydney said with a nod. “You know, as I’ve been sitting here thinking over everything, the encounter in Moscow between Sark and me has been sticking in my mind.”

“What about it?” Vaughn asked.

“I think he was trying to negotiate a partnership with me to launch the plan against the Alliance without trying to bring Sloane into it. Or maybe to win me to his side before he approached Sloane.”

“It’s possible, but only Sark would know for sure.” Vaughn stated. “Soon he’ll in the position that you’ll be able to ask him any question you want.”

“True.” Sydney agreed knowing that Vaughn was referring to Sark’s pending prison term. Not wanting to talk about it, Sydney switched subjects. “So now that you’ve seen that I’m okay, you can head on home. I’m sure Alice is waiting for you.”

Vaughn shifted in his seat restlessly, “Actually no, she isn’t waiting for me. Alice and I are not seeing each other anymore.”

“Oh.” Sydney replied, making her voice sound as if she were sad for him when in reality she was delighted “Was it a mutual decision?”

“I was the one to break it off.” Vaughn answered. “I didn’t feel like it was right to be with her when I couldn’t be completely honest with her.”

Sydney nodded, thinking of when she met Alice when Vaughn was sick. The agency had not permitted for anyone to tell her what was really wrong with him, instead giving her a phony condition. “I can understand why the secrecy we have to deal with with work could cause problems.”

“I wasn’t just talking about my work with the agency.” Vaughn said looking her in the eyes. “Alice is a great person, and she shouldn’t have to settle for someone who is in love with someone else.”

Sydney’s mouth dropped open in shock. Vaughn had not actually said she was the one he was talking about but the look he was giving her said it all. “Vaughn…”

“I know what you are going to say…that it’s not safe but it’s like you said, by this time tomorrow, it could be. SD6 and Sloane will be gone and we can be seen together in public. And I want to be, to be seen together.” Vaughn confessed.

“But it’s still a could be…” Sydney said but was silenced by Vaughn as his mouth smashed onto hers. Sydney was shocked at the sudden feeling of Vaughn’s lips on hers but recovered quickly. She wrapped her hands up around his neck as he pulled her closer to him.

As he did, Vaughn deepened the kiss by running his tongue along her bottom lip, causing her moaned slightly. Vaughn used it to his advantage to slip his tongue in and explore her mouth. Their tongues caressed one another, familiarizing themselves with each other’s taste. When oxygen became necessary, the two pulled apart.

Sydney felt as if she was in a dream, a familiar dream that she indulged in before but still a dream. No matter how much she denied it, she had always felt a connection with Vaughn that went beyond that of a handler and his asset. She looked at Vaughn and opened her mouth to speak but Vaughn hushed her again, this time with his finger to her mouth. “We don’t need to talk about it now, that was just to let you know that I’m serious.”

Sydney nodded. “Okay, we’ll talk about it when this is all over.”

Vaughn walked Sydney back to the parking lot where their cars were parked. “See you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, tomorrow.” Sydney said in a wistful voice before climbing into her truck and heading for home, wondering what the next day would bring.

~*~*~*~*~*

After they finally ate dinner, consumed the bottle of wine in its entirety and engaged in two more bouts of lovemaking, Elizabeth had surrendered into a peaceful slumber. However Sark was awake and alert and once he was sure that his absence would not disturb her, he slipped from her bed. He pulled on his slacks again before he retrieved his case from its hiding place and withdrew the laptop within.

Sark knew that Elizabeth could wake at any moment but he still had one last chore to complete before the events of the next day unfolded and it necessitated him to work on it now. So he took a seat in Elizabeth’s lounger on the other side of the room from the bed and booted the laptop up.

He worked quickly and quietly and almost two hours later, his task was complete. As he burned the files onto the DISC, Sark looked up at Elizabeth’s sleeping form. She was facing him lying in the fetal position, hugging the pillow tightly against her. The sheet was pulled high but still allowed a naked shoulder to be visible. Her hair had fallen over her face so he could only see half of it but what he could was a mask of calmness. She looked disheveled and tousled but beautiful.

As he stared at Elizabeth’s still form, he started to reflect on the fact that getting involved with her had not been the wisest of decisions. Not that he did not enjoy her company that was the problem actually; he was too fond of it. In the past, he had always been able to remain aloof when he was with women. He treated each liaison as he did a business deal, organized and controlled without allowing sentiment interfere.

Sark knew that in the beginning he had approached his relationship with Elizabeth in the same way, making the most of the situation. Satiating his desire for her as well as using her as an avenue to get Sydney to trust him and have her and Jack willing to meet with him. And while he had accomplished those tasks, he had failed in staying aloof during the events. He had realized not long ago, before Elizabeth journeyed to Bangkok that he begun to feel affection for her beyond lust. However Sark could not allow his feelings to interfere with what had to be done. Too much was at stake for that. No, everything would go on as it had been planned.

With everything done that he needed to do, Sark ejected the disk before shutting the computer down. He stashed the computer away before studying the gold disk he held in his hand before stowing it too away. He crawled in bed next to Elizabeth with the intention of sleeping a few hours with her before leaving to return to his apartment and begin his final day at SD6.

PART 47

Liz fully expected to wake up to an empty bed and apartment so she was surprised when she felt someone shaking her awake and saw Sark when she cracked her eyes open. She bolted upright, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing is wrong.” Sark replied calmly as he resumed dressing.

“But you’re still here and the sun is up.” Liz stated, it came out more cynical then she meant it too, she didn’t want Sark to think she was upset at that arrangement merely surprised.

Sark finished buttoning up his shirt before he sat down next to her on the edge of the bed. “An accurate evaluation but we still have one last piece of business before we set the day in motion.”

Liz leaned up on one elbow and watched as Sark pulled a small white box out of his pocket and handed it to her. Liz wasn’t sure what he was up to, but opened the box. Inside was another box, the type that jewelry would normally come in. It was the size that would house earrings or a ring.

Liz felt her heart constrict at the thought but still managed to flip open the lid and revealed what looked like a pair of diamond stud earrings. “They’re beautiful.”

“They are custom made, underneath the stones are tiny microphones that work in sync to allow for a range of fifty yards. However they are only one way” Sark explained to her. “If you pull the sheath out of the box, you’ll find a earpiece that works on the same wavelength that will allow me to communicate with you to let you know when I’ve completed the introduction of the virus. It is small and will not be seen. I did not want to alert Sloane that you are wired.”

“Oh…” Liz said somewhat taken aback. She had taken the earrings solely as a gift, never thinking that they would have a practical use. “That’s good.”

Despite her attempt to hide her disappointment, Sark still saw it and found himself amused at her response so he decided to toy with her a bit. “For someone who adamantly refused my last gift, you seem disappointed that I did not give these to you for purely frivolous reasons.”

“No, it’s not that.” Liz stated feeling suddenly stupid. “It’s just I saw the box…and then I opened it and they are so shiny…can we just forget it?”

Sark nodded in understanding before asking, “Just to satisfy my curiosity, what do you plan to converse with Sloane about to keep him occupied?”

Liz smiled, “Don’t worry, I grew up with one of the best ramblers in the world. I won’t have any problem keeping Sloane busy for as long as you need me to.”

“Be watchful of Sloane and leave him if he has any suspicions.” Sark said before he leaned and kissed her hard on the mouth. His mouth molded over hers hard and persuasive, parting her lips with the thrust of his tongue as he ravished her mouth with his. She brought her fingers up and tangled them in his hair, caressing the nape of his neck. When she started to lower herself and him backwards onto the bed, Sark broke the kiss.

As he pulled away a few inches, Sark whispered. “Before I forget, they are real diamonds.”

And then he was gone, leaving a stunned Liz sitting on her bed, gaping at the box in her hands. She stared at it for several more minutes, he had definitely shocked her with his last little declaration. After he told her that they were a concealed comm. link, Liz had just decided that the stones were imitations. But knowing that they were real made Liz uneasy about wearing something so expensive, she better not mess them up.

~*~*~*~*~*

In spite of what she knew was going to occur within the next few hours, Liz felt strangely calm as she sat at her computer in SD6. Sydney was not there of course, she was at the CIA headquarters along with Jack working with the tactical team on the raid. Of course the people there at the office thought she was at the university doing schoolwork.

Sark was at his desk in his office; Liz had seen him through his door when she had entered the office almost an hour ago. He must have made quick work of getting ready once he left her apartment to return to her own. He had not spoken to her, in truth he had not even left his office the entire time she had been there. But as the time drew near, she heard his silky voice in her ear. “Elizabeth, time for you to move into position.”

Liz didn’t give off any outward indication that she had heard Sark’s instruction, only minimized the windows she had on her computer before rising from the desk. She smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles in her suit pants before stepping around her desk and heading for Sloane’s office.

Liz knocked firmly before cracking the door open and slipping her head in. Sloane looked to have just ended a phone call, an important one if the fact that Sloane had been pacing was any indication. But when Liz opened the door, he stopped in mid-stride as she said, “I’m sorry to barge in but I was wondering if I could speak to you for a minute?”

Sloane studied her for a moment before he nodded. “Of course, please sit down.”

Liz closed the door behind her, before walking to one of the visitor chairs and sat down. She had a brief sense of déjà vu from when she had been in this office the first time. Had it only be a few months before that she came into this office so naively thinking that she was serving her country?

Once she was settled, Sloane, who was still standing asked. “What can I do for you?”

“I realized that I’ve been working in this office for months but have not taken the chance to thank you.” Liz stated. “Everything has been beyond expectations and if it wasn’t for our meeting in Paris, I would have missed out on this opportunity.”

Sloane’s lips quirked in a half smile as he came around the desk to sit next to her. “The quality you’ve put behind your work is all of the gratitude that I need.”

On the other end of Elizabeth’s comm., Sark picked up the volume increase of Sloane’s voice and knew that it was because of his closer proximity to Elizabeth, which meant she had succeeded and that he was away from his computer. Sark quickly assembled the prototype and hooked it into the computer on his desk. His fingers worked quickly on the keyboard to gain access to the hidden server while he continued to listen to the conversation at the other end but first let Elizabeth know his progress. ‘I am in the server, initiating download now.’

“I’m delighted to know that my work is up to your high standards. With a partner as proficient and talented as Sydney, one has to make sure they are at their best.” Liz acknowledged, at the same time she heard Sark’s voice in her ear.

Liz noticed that Sloane seemed to think over her words for a minute before saying. “While you are here, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you.”

Liz was surprised by the statement as well as the seriousness in his voice, but she didn’t let the slight alarm she felt show. “It sounds serious.”

“I hope not.” Sloane stated. “I’m curious if you have noticed anything odd about Sydney’s behavior or actions while on missions? As if she has another agenda in mind then the mission.”

As he waited for the programming to finish, Sark listened to Sloane’s probing and was not surprised by it. Sloane had approached him at the beginning of their partnership about the possibility of having a mole in the office. Sark of course had feigned lack of knowledge that any of his agents worked for outside parties despite the fact that he of course knew of two in the office besides himself. He waited to see how Elizabeth would handle her answer.

Liz knew exactly what Sloane was alluding to; Sydney had done something in the past with her counter missions that caused suspicions in Sloane’s eyes. If Sloane had asked her a month or even a week ago, Liz would have been the first one to help him to find out what Sydney’s loyalties were, but now she knew the truth and she was not about to help Sloane unless it was into a cell. “No I can’t say that I have, sir.”

“You are certain?” Sloane asked.

“Yes. Sydney is nothing if not a patriot and a servant who will do anything for her country. ” Liz declared. Sloane studied her again, in that calculated manner than he always did and Liz held her face expressionless so not to give anything away. Her last sentence was completely true so he would not find any deception in her words.

Sark finished downloading the program into the server and confirmed that it was working, as it should. And it was, attacking the security system, as it was suppose to, as well as giving him control over the system. He made sure that nothing would alert Sloane if he know looked at his computer before quickly dialing Sydney’s cellphone to inform her of completion as he spoke to Elizabeth once more. “Elizabeth, delivery is complete.”

With Sark’s announcement, Liz knew she should leave the office. She smiled at Sloane and said, “Well as I said, I wanted to thank you for everything and now that I’ve done that I should get back to work. Unless there is anything else?”

Sloane shook his head slightly, “No, that is it. I’m glad we had this chat.”

Liz nodded before rising and leaving the office. She headed back to her desk and sat down, and saw that Sark had forwarded SD6s security controls to her computer. She would handle this office while Sark took over the other Alliance offices. As she delved into the program, she looked at the clock on her computer. The CIA would be busting in momentarily and she had a feeling that all hell was going to break loose.

I'm kind of nervous about posting this next part. Not exactly sure why considering I've written a lot of action scenes and stuff in the past but these next few parts are a little different, I hope you like it. And there are three parts and a short epilogue left in this story.

**Disclaimer: Some words and sentences in this section come from the Episode ‘Phase One’ from Alias Season Two. I did not write them and am only borrowing them. **

PART 48

SAME TIME AS LIZ AND SLOANE’S CONVERSATION
CONFERENCE ROOM-JTF HEADQUARTERS

Sydney watched as Assistant Director Kendall moved into position to address the tactical team. Her father was at the front of the room as well, while Vaughn and Weiss stood next to Sydney off to the side. Everyone was dressed in battle gear and ready to move as soon as they received word but that did not mean that Kendall could not start to relay orders.

“As many of you may be aware, the CIA recently received the break that they have been looking for in our effort to bring down the Alliance. Through an outside party, we have previous unavailable details on the inner workings of the Alliance not to mention acquired the ability to render their failsafe security system inoperable, allowing us to force entry inside. Therefore, as soon as we receive word from two insiders at SD6, the CIA in conjunction with the FSB, the BAP, the MI5 and the Shin Bet will conduct simultaneous raids on all Alliance facilities.”

“Our tactical team will surround the Credit Dauphine building, which houses the target SD-6 office and advance inside and down to the sublevels. The security system will not alert any of the staff inside to our presence. Once the operational leader has determined that it is safe to proceed, teams around the globe, including yours, will raid all SD offices, Alliance headquarters, and partners' residences. Now, most SD6 agents are desk-trained and won't fight back. But their security team will respond with lethal force. And they're the ones you'll want to take down.”

“All of you have been given tranquilizer guns in addition to your standard firearm. The tranquilizers are to be your primary weapons but if needed, you are allowed to retaliate with lethal force. All SD6 agents not killed or tranq are to be taken into custody save for the two people whose pictures you have all been given, Sark and Elizabeth Parker. They are working in conjunction with us to bring down the Alliance.”

“I will be here overseeing the reports as they are relayed in from the various raids. Agent Jack Bristow will be in charge of comms. In regards to the SD6 assault team while Agent Sydney Bristow will be leading the team inside. As many of you know both Bristows have been working as double agents inside SD6 and therefore are the most informed of the building and office.” Kendall informed the tactical team, finishing up the briefing just as Sydney’s cell phone rang.

Sydney quickly pulled the phone from her pocket and hit the talk button. “This is Sydney.”

“The virus has been uploaded and Elizabeth and I have complete control over the Alliance’s systems.” Sark’s voice reported back to her.

“Any suspicions?” Sydney asked. She knew how great of a risk they were taking by consenting to this plan where they had to rely on Sark but the payoff was too great to pass up.

“No, you are clear to proceed and move your teams in now.” Sark said curtly before disconnecting the call.

Sydney lowered the phone and saw Kendall, her Father, Weiss and Vaughn all looking at her expectedly. They knew what the phone call had been about and were waiting for her signal. “We have a go.”

“Okay everybody, let’s move.” Kendall ordered.

~*~*~*~*~*

Four SUVs filled with CIA agents pulled up in front of the Credit Dauphine building. The lead vehicle drove down the ramp that led to the parking garage while the latter ones idled out of sight. When the lead vehicle reached the garage door, the driver used a key card to open the door.

As soon as the door rose high enough to clear the door, the SUV zipped through it and towards the guard’s office. It skidded to a halt outside of the door before the driver’s door was thrown open and Sydney jumped out. Vaughn did the same from the door behind her as they rushed the office. The guards were in mid-reaction as they came through the door, but Sydney managed to subdue them quickly by landing a dart in each of their necks.

While Vaughn checked to make sure that the guards were completely unconscious, Sydney went to the guard’s controls. She opened the gate at the same time as that she radioed the other vehicles that it was clear to enter before speaking into her comm. “Base camp this is Mountaineer over.”

“Mountaineer this is base camp what is your status?”

“We have breached the perimeter and have secured the garage.” Sydney stated. “Are about to contact the inside and precede with entry.” Once she was done, Sydney rang Liz on her cellphone. It was the only way they had to contact her.

“This is Liz.” Liz said in greeting.

“We’re in the building and have gained control of the garage guards. We’re ready to move in.” Sydney said updating her on the team’s process.

“I’ve looped the feed so security section won’t spot you in their monitors. I’m running control of the elevators to you.” Liz said in a lower tone. She quickly typed in a few additional commands before adding. “All doors are in lock down mode including Sloane’s office.”

“What can you tell me about the positions of the security team?” Sydney asked.

Liz looked around guardedly so not to give herself away, she had been checking the positions of the security personal regularly but it never hurt to double check. “One agent by the elevator door, five inside the security section office along with McColland, and one left fifteen minutes ago to make rounds, he’s in the northeast access corridor is almost back in the office.”

“Copy, ETA in three minutes.” Sydney replied before ending the call.

Without moving her mouth, Liz muttered. “Sark, I don’t know if you are still listening but our company will be arriving in three minutes.”

“I am still here Elizabeth.” Sark said smoothly.

“How are things going in there?” Liz asked.

“Just as planned, I sent the necessary messages to notify the essential parties that the other cells are secure to enter and should be proceeding.” Sark stated. “I’m going radio silent.”

Liz said nothing in reply of course, instead opened the drawer where she kept her bag. She reached inside and withdrew her service pistol. When not out on assignment, SD agents were not required to carry their weapons but Liz found herself doing it most of the time, she knew how quickly something could happen and wanted to be prepared. The same reason why she had made sure to bring it with her today.

Sydney tucked her phone away in her vest, and then addressed the team. “These elevators will take the occupant directly down to the sublevels of SD6. There is also an emergency stairwell that leads to multiple corridors surrounding the offices. I will lead one team on that course while Agent Vaughn will take a team down the elevator. There is one guard flanking the elevator and a total of six more in the security office, which is twenty yards to the right of the elevator. The access door that my team will be approaching through opens on the other side of security office thus allowing us to surround them. Once everyone is in position, we move in on my signal.”

As the team moved out, Sydney glanced over and took a last look at Vaughn as he led his team to the elevator doors and down to the sublevel before they would stop the progress. They would wait there until Sydney reached the access doors that way they would cross the threshold together. He too looked at her, giving her a faint smile before she disappeared through the door to the stairwell with Weiss right behind her. As they moved, the teams pulled on ski masks to protect their faces. A short time later, they reached the access door and Sydney once again talked into her comm. “Okay team, go!”

Elf wrote:Oh come on!!!! You cant leave it there!! Someone once called me evil cliffhanger queen and i happily accepted the title.

But now i fell that title is yours. *Whines* Come back
Elf

That's my title over at the Crossover board. Ironic huh?

PART 49

Because she was following their progress through the security cameras, Liz knew when the CIA teams would be storming in and she waited with baited breath for the rest of the office to became aware of the visitors. So far, the office appeared as it always did, not as if it was supposed to be invaded. Of course they weren’t supposed to know. Liz knew that she didn’t have long to wait for all of that to change once the door to the elevators slid open. And when the doors did indeed open, Liz wasn’t disappointed by what she saw play out.

Sydney’s handler Vaughn stepped out, and immediately brought the butt of his semi-automatic rifle down against the elevator’s guard’s head and knocked him out. While the tactic enabled the guard from alerting the rest of security, Vaughn’s ploy was unnecessary because as soon as Sydney and her team stepped out of the access door, security knew that an opponent was in the building.

Shooting between the CIA teams and SD6’s security team broke out immediately, with the other SD6 employees ducking for cover. The automatic rifles ammunition flew everywhere, destroying everything that they hit. Computers, lights, papers, and sparks rained down everywhere. The team made it half way across the office, taking the SD6 employees they encountered down along the way before they were brought to a halt.

Liz finished locking down the security before she too dipped behind her desk, gun raised in her right hand. She quickly accessed the situation, despite being outnumbered the security team was holding their own and keeping the CIA from taking over the office. Most of the SD 6 agents were in shock and staying out of the way. But it seemed like the shock was wearing off and they were starting to get ideas.

A few feet away, one of the younger male field agents started to aim his gun at one of the CIA agents but Liz quickly interceded. She hopped over her desk feet first, and kicked out with her right one. The kick was aimed at his shooting arm and it effectively knocked the gun out of his hand. He was totally surprised by her action, which gave Liz the opportunity to land an elbow to his jaw and subdue him. He fell to the floor while Liz took his position except instead of firing at the CIA agents; she took aim at the security section team.

Liz managed to shoot one of the security agents in his arm and another in upper chest and shoulder before the team identified her as a target and started shooting her way too. The desk provided adequate cover while Liz snatched up the unconscious agent’s gun before crawling between the desk to keep make herself a moving target instead of a stationary one. Luckily the shots that were aimed at her kept hitting the desks and computers instead of her.

Sydney continued to fire her automatic while calling out orders to her group. Several of the SD6 agents that had field rating had united with the security team against the CIA so they were having trouble obtaining complete control over the office but that was soon coming to an end.

Once they finished with the security team, Sydney was sending part of her team to lock down the surrounding hallways and offices. She had yet to see Sark or Liz but knew that they were close by, as was Sloane. The first place she was going once they took care of security was to his office. She knew that Liz had locked down his office but that cage would only hold him for so long. Given enough time, she knew that Sloane could find a way out.

As she crawled swiftly, Liz found herself in front of Sark’s office. Well not exactly right in front, it was still about ten feet away but she was still facing it. At it was right at that moment that the door swung open and Sark materialized in the doorframe gun in hand. He fired off half a dozen shots taking out two agents, before ducking down and settling down next to Liz.

Liz gave Sark a hello nod before saying. “Good of you to finally get off of your ass and join us.”

“Forgive my tardiness, but I was a tad occupied.” Sark retorted sarcastically before popping up over the desk and emptying the rest of his clip.

Liz handed him the gun she had just taken off the agent, which she had just reloaded before reloading Sark’s and firing both his and her gun simultaneously at the security team. “How were things looking at the other cells?”

“All Alliance facilities have been infiltrated or are in the process of being raided. My services were no longer needed so I decided to help out here.” Sark explained before rising from the behind the desk, twisting around to face the shooting and discharging all the bullets in his gun while Liz did the same.

Sydney had seen Sark entrance onto the scene, it was hard to miss considering it left two dead security agents on the floor. But those two agents weakened the security teams’ defense and Sydney saw an opening. Yelling into her comm. so that the rest of her team as well as Vaughn’s would hear over the gunfire, Sydney gave out orders. “On my mark I want all agents to rush the security office and subdue all hostile forces.”

Sydney waited half a minute to allow everyone to prepare before yell. “Move out!”

On cue, the CIA squad rose from their places of safety and stormed forward, leaping over desks and debris as they charged the security team. Sydney watched as several were hit with gunfire but most of the team made it through the shooting and found themselves in hand to hand with the SD 6 agents.

Weiss tackled one of the larger agents while Sydney herself took down an agent by the name of Michael Taylor, something she found pleasure in for the simple fact that he had been one of the agents that Sloane had made take her into custody when Dixon had reported her.

Liz heard several pairs of boots shuffle across the floor as well as shouts, debris crashing to the floor and several guns cocking. Liz and Sark both looked over the desk to see the CIA agents rush forward and finally overtake the SD6 agents. When they saw that they were in control, the two stood up and headed for Sydney.

As they walked forward, several agents led the handcuffed SD6 agents pass them, Marshall and Dixon among them. Marshall’s face was twisted in an expression of fear and confusion, he had no idea what was going on not to mention what Liz, Sark and Sydney would have to do with it.

Liz tried to offer a smile of comfort but it didn’t seem to sink in so she said. “Marshall, everything is going to be okay, you’ll understand what is going on real soon.”

Marshall still looked panicked but calmer as he was pulled out of the office. Liz looked around and saw that Sark had disappeared. She finally located him, next to Sydney and Vaughn in front of Sloane’s office door. Two more CIA agents with blowtorches were working on the door. When Liz had locked down Sloane’s office, security blinds had come down and covered the glass windows. They were installed to keep people out but also served to keep Sloane in. She could raise them easily if her computer hadn’t been destroyed in the seizure of the office.

Liz picked her way through the wreckage on the floor towards the office. They had just finished dismantling the shields away from the door when she reached them. And as the metal came off and they were able to see through the glass they did not see what they thought they would. Instead they saw an empty office. Sloane was nowhere to be seen.