True Lies

part 2 of 3

sequel to 'The Road once Taken'

Author's Note Well, this was/is going to be an AU type trilogy, but so far I guess I'm sort of staying close to 'reality'. So this is an AU fic, but there are still 'spoilers' as far as the show goes. Basically, this one is the main turning point. In other words, no North Korean capture. Also, Syd never slept with Will, but they still went on the mission together.

Chapter 1

Sydney looked at Kendall with disbelief and put her hand over her no-longer mysterious scar. "The Covenant took my EGGS?! But, why me? Why not my mother? And-wait a minute. You knew where I'd been? You knew about Vaughn and Lauren and never told me?! After everything I've done for you-"

He cut her off sharply. "Ms. Bristow, I have already told you, you asked me NOT to! That was the whole point of erasing your own memories! Now, if it's not too much to ask, there's something else I need to tell you.

"Fine. Whatever. I can't believe you didn't at least tell me about Vaughn, though." Angry tears began sliding down her face. "We were gonna escape, you know. He was going to take me to Santa Barbara for the weekend. We were going to be normal people, for a few days at least..." she trailed off with a sad smile to Kendall. "Sorry, go ahead."

"I was planning on it. It's funny that you mention Agent Vaughn. What I have to say directly affects him." Kendall scowled and shook his head. "He is going to report down here as soon as he is done in Medical Services. Up until he walks in the door, everything said in this room is between us. You are not to divulge any of the extremely sensitive details to anyone. Perhaps a broader spectrum, but no more."

Just as Kendall finished his sentence Vaughn burst in. He looked rather pale, and there was a sheen of sweat covering him, making his shirt stick to him slightly. At the sight of Sydney however, he relaxed. It was then that he noticed the man who was also in the room.

"Holy sh-"

"Vaughn! Sit down, Kendall apparently has some juicy tidbits to share."

Vaughn took a seat next to Sydney, stealing a nervous glance before looking into Kendall's unblinking eyes. "Um, hi, sir. Sorry about my entrance."

Kendall chuckled softly to himself. "That's quite alright Mr. Vaughn. Although I do not doubt that you will have more than a few choice words when I'm done. Both of you, actually."

Sydney grabbed Vaughn's hand before nodding to Kendall. "Go ahead. I think we've been kept waiting long enough."

"Mr. Vaughn, you are aware your wife-excuse me- ex wife is pregnant?" Vaughn nodded. "You are also aware that the child is not yours, correct?" He nodded again. "You also need to know a detail of Sydney's missing two years, specifically regarding her scar. Would you like to explain, Ms. Bristow?"

"Of course." She turned to look into the clear jade eyes that were swimming with confusion. "There's really no easy way to say this, so I guess I'll be blunt. Vaughn, the scar... the Covenant stole my eggs."

"Oh my God, Sydney!" He reached as if to embrace her, but she held out a hand to stop him.

"I know. Not now, okay? I think we both need to hear whatever it is Kendall has to say. I must admit, I'm actually quite curious," she said, turning to look at Kendall once more.

"Thank you, Vaughn, Sydney. I assume you are both familiar with Anna Espinosa?"

"Oh, that little Rambaldi slut? The one that caused me and Dixon to nearly be killed in Argentina? Yeah, I think I remember."

Kendall looked at Sydney cautiously before proceeding. "Right. Well, she has made contact recently. Her information regards your eggs," he nodded at Sydney, "and your ex-wife."

"What?!" they said in unison. They each began talking quite rapidly, fighting to make themselves heard.

"How does Anna know about this?"

"Lauren's a part of this? How?"

"You better tell me what's going on right now!"

Kendall held up a hand. "ENOUGH! I assure both of you, given I'm not interrupted every other minute, that you will soon know why this is so important. Understood?"

"Yes, sir."

"Yes, of course."

"Thank you. Ms. Bristow, the vial of Rambaldi tissue you and Mr. Tippin recovered was stolen during a transport. Lauren Reed was a part of the ambush team, as was Anna. All I'm telling you right now is what Ms. Espinosa has told us. They were simply retrieving the second vial, as to make sure we didn't figure out its purpose. They have had the first one for over a year, and have known its use for almost six months. The 'tissue' is sperm. The 'power unto utter desolation' that the manuscript spoke of is a child."

Sydney chose this time to interrupt. "Excuse me, did you say a child?"

"Yes, Miss Bristow, I'm afraid I did. You see, the eggs of the 'chosen one', that's you, Sydney, are to be fertilized with the sperm of Rambaldi. According to Ms. Espinosa, Lauren was chosen as the surrogate mother to your child. That explains her pregnancy for you, Mr. Vaughn."

He nodded silently, while Sydney began to cry. "S-so, Lauren is carrying m-my child, that was fertilized by Rambaldi's s-sperm?"

"I'm afraid so. Now, Anna has made it clear that this child MUST be born, but Lauren cannot continue to carry it, nor can it end up with the Covenant. We only have one option, and a risky one at that. In order for this baby to be born, and fulfill the prophecy, it has to be born to the chosen one. We have been informed that Lauren will be at a party in London on Saturday night. She will be at Club 67 to meet up with a high-ranking Covenant operative. You two will go in and get her before the meeting. Once you are back in the States, you will go IMMEDIATELY to the Naval Hospital where myself and several others will be waiting. After meeting with us, Sydney, you will go into an emergency surgery to transfer the baby to you. It will be quite lengthy, for your part at least. Once they are finished with Lauren she will be transferred to Camp Harris for unrestricted interrogation. With any luck, she will tell us the location of the Covenant's lab so we can retrieve your eggs and such. Got it?"

Sydney nodded, squeezing Vaughn's hand for support. "Uh, Mr. Kendall, it's Friday afternoon."

He smiled slyly. "I know. Marshall has your op-tech and disguises. Your flight leaves at 5:00."

Vaughn looked at Sydney, and the smirks began to spread. They thanked Kendall and left quietly. Once they had reached Marshall's desk, Vaughn whispered into Sydney's ear, "You in party wear? I can't wait." She furrowed her brow in mock anger and slapped him lightly on the arm.

A minute later Marshall bounded into view with a large box perched precariously on a clipboard. "Hi! Well, today at Marshall's Spyware Emporium, we are having a sale on British rave clothes. You see, this place-Club 67 is it? Yeah, well it's very...modern. Needless to say, I kinda went costume crazy. This," he said, pulling out a dark blue wig with platinum blonde roots, "is for you, Syd. Now, as is the current style there, it should reach to the middle of your back, so don't freak out if you get loads of compliments. I know, I'm that good. Vaughn, don't freak out, but, uh, here's yours." Sydney suppressed a snort. It was bleach-blonde, but basically the same as Vaughn's real hair.

"Um, Marshall, couldn't we have just bleached the hair that Vaughn has now?"

Marshall's grin broadened. "I had his best interest at heart. I figured he would rather have a wig, y'know?"

"Marshall, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for that."

Marshall chuckled. "Well, I figured for you we could kind of do a Spike type thing. You know Spike, from Buffy the Vampire Slayer, right?" He looked to see them nodding. "Good. Also, I got you a fake diamond earring and this man-ring here. I thought a little bling-bling would be nice."

"That's great, Marshall. Now I must confess, I'm curious to see what you've got for Sydney." He grinned evilly and winked at Marshall.

"Of course. Well, I didn't have a real icon, but here's what I came up with." He plunged his hand into the box and pulled out a pair of knee-high combat boots. The soles were at least 2 ½ inches thick. Sydney rolled her eyes as she saw the buckled that went all the way up. Next came a hot pink vinyl bra and a black fishnet shirt. "The black thing can go over or under, whichever you like." Sydney sighed and looked over at Vaughn, who was grinning wickedly. A black leather miniskirt followed, complete with a skull and crossbones belt.

"I swear, Marshall, one of these days I want to see you get into one of these outfits. Well, maybe not see you, but you get my drift."

Marshall laughed again. "I'm not finished." He pulled out a choker with metal rings going all the way around. "Look familiar?"

"Taipei," Sydney breathed.

"Yup. All the same hardware, well I guess that's because it's the same one." He also pulled out faux diamond hoop earrings. "You like?"

The pair nodded and collected their things.

"Vaughn, are you okay with all of this?" Sydney asked once they were out of earshot.

"Yeah, I just always thought any child you had would be mine. Not some 15th century freak's."

"Don't worry, my next one will be."

He gaped at her for a second before grabbing her hand and whispering, "I love you, Sydney."

"I know. I love you, too."

The plane ride was uneventful, mainly due to the deep thought each agent was immersed in. My child, Sydney thought. Lauren is carrying my child. How could this happen? She looked over at Vaughn, who was absentmindedly staring out the window. Poor Vaughn. I wish I could make it all go away. She wondered if she had spoken her last thought out loud, because right at that moment he came over. She stood up to meet him, and was quite startled when he pulled her into a kiss. Vaughn pulled back and rested his forehead against hers.

"Sydney, I'm scared. What if something goes wrong?"

"Don't worry about it. Anna is going to be there, and ..."

"Yes?"

"My mom."

"Sydney, how do you know all this?"

"Anna called me. She was with my mom. I don't know why, but I trust them."

He nodded. "We'll get her. And we'll get your baby back."

This time it was her turn to nod. She smiled and kissed him passionately. Sydney pulled back and checked her watch. "We touch down in fifteen minutes. Unfortunately for us, we're gonna have about three hours before we have to be there."

"Three hours?"

"The party officially starts at 11, but we're on the list to get in at 8."

"Oh, I get it. So, what are our names?"

"Well, I'm Selena Portcullis, and you're Alex Shay."

"Alex huh? Okay, cool."

Vaughn walked out of the small hotel bathroom shaking his head and grinning sheepishly.

"Lemme see! Lemme see!" Sydney squealed with delight, bouncing on the bed. When Vaughn came around the corner, a wild shriek escaped from her lips, but was quickly muffled by her fist, which was rapidly making its way into her mouth.

"Oh thanks. So glad you approve. Now I believe it's your turn? I have to finish my whole Billy Idol thing out here."

"I think it's Spike, but whatever. Toss me my bag?" He threw it at her lightly, causing it to fall a foot short. "Great job, Agent Vaughn." She stuck her tongue out at him as she rummaged through her bag to find the stuff she needed to put on her wig. Once everything was collected she went into the bathroom, laughing at Vaughn's obvious loathing of his new hair.

Sydney emerged a few minutes later blowing her bangs out of her eyes. "Well this is new. I don't think I've ever had a wig this long." She was glad that she didn't need to wear contacts today; they had always bothered her.

Vaughn whistled as she spun around.

"It's only a wig, idiot. I'm still in my work clothes."

"Yeah, I guess." He was sitting on the edge of the bed. His black leather trenchcoat was hanging over the back of a chair. He was wearing a tight black T-shirt, black jeans, and of course his bling-bling.

Sydney smiled. "So, whaddya think? Bra on top or bra underneath?"

"How about on top? I'd like to see you channel a bit of Gwen Stefani."

"On top it is."

Vaughn was still sitting there when she began to change. She had the fishnet top on and was adjusting it slightly. It felt a little weird on her bare skin. "Vaughn?" she called. "Could you hook the bra for me?"

"Sure."

After the bra, the rest of the outfit was easy. The boots took awhile to buckle, and the skirt took some persuasion, but soon she was ready to go. Marshall had given Sydney more of the blue tranquilizer dots so she wouldn't have to injure the baby Lauren was carrying on accident. This made Sydney happy, but she still wanted to beat Lauren senseless.

Vaughn broke the silence. "Don't you think it's funny how much these costumes resemble the ones from Taipei?"

"Yeah, let's just hope we don't run into giant disease filled balls or a Suit and Glasses wannabe." Sydney laughed darkly and turned to the mirror. "You don't know how lucky you are, Vaughn."

"How am I lucky?"

"You don't have to put on loads of makeup." They both laughed as Sydney grabbed the eyeliner.

After an hour long drive they were finally there. There was already a large number of people there, milling around in front of the door. The sounds of Flogging Molly were currently filling the air. Sydney noticed a girl with shocking-pink hair that couldn't have been more than fifteen with a cigarette in one hand and a bottle of Vodka in the other, She looked at Vaughn and shook her head sadly. They arrived at the door to find a bouncer, who was eyeing Sydney eagerly. Vaughn cleared his throat loudly. The bouncer cracked his enormous knuckles threateningly before looking back at Sydney.

"Names?"

Sydney spoke first. "I'm Selena Portcullis, and this is Alex Shay." She smiled slightly and looked at Vaughn. The bouncer lifted an eyebrow and flipped through his list.

He nodded and said, "Alright, go ahead. Have fun." Sydney smiled again as she stepped over the threshold.

Vaughn looked at her and shook his head. "I can't believe Lauren would come to a place like this. I mean, can you imagine a pregnant woman here?"

"Not really." Sydney stopped in the middle of the dance floor. "I don't see her yet, but look over there." She gestured toward the bar. There sat Anna, in all her glory. Her hair remained undyed, and was set in loose waves. She wore a red leather tank top with laces up the back, and low rise black satin pants. She lifted her glass, and Sydney nodded in response. "Do you see her?"

"Yeah, should we go talk to her?"

"Probably, but maybe not directly. Let's go over there anyway. I'm getting thirsty."

Weaving in and around the crowd, they slowly made it to the bar. Sydney and Vaughn took a seat on either side of Anna. She was the first to speak. "Thank you for coming, Sydney. Your mother is watching the entrance for Ms. Reed, but I'm sure she will join us soon." Sydney merely nodded in response, and Vaughn ordered a drink. "Aren't you going to introduce me to your friend?"

"Oh, this is Michael Vaughn." Vaughn held out a hand and she shook it.

"Vaughn you say?" He nodded curtly. "Aah, you must be Lauren's ex husband. She spoke of you often, though I must say it was rarely pleasant."

"I can imagine."

Just then Sydney felt a hand on her shoulder. She was quite prepared to attack when she heard a voice in her ear. "Hello, Sydney."

"Mom?"

"Yes, but we cannot talk now. Lauren has just arrived."

"Where is she?"

"By the door. You'll know it's her; she is just beginning to show."

Sydney nudged Anna, who in turn got Vaughn's attention. She glanced at the door. Vaughn got the hint and turned his head slightly. There she was, with pink highlights scattered in her limp blonde hair. She was wearing a black lace camisole top and white pants. Her stomach was barely round, but still noticeable. She began heading toward a door on the opposite side of the room.

"Let's go." slowly and stealthily, Sydney crept up behind her. Vaughn made a minor scene by 'accidentally' spilling Lauren's drink by bumping into her. While she was stopped, Sydney brushed by, placing a dot on Lauren's neck. She passed out immediately, and Vaughn caught her before she hit the floor. Quietly he snuck out a side door while Sydney made her way back to where Irina and Anna were sitting.

"Good work, Sydney. Tell your father I miss him, and will see him soon."

"I will. I have to go. Both of you need to know, I will help you however I can to bring down the Covenant."

"We know, Sydney. I just find it funny that you are the chosen one, yet I bear the symbol of Rambaldi."

"Me too. Goodbye." As quiet as a shadow, Sydney turned on her heel and left. She made it to the van unnoticed, where Vaughn was waiting. Lauren was lying down in the back, handcuffed and gagged. She got into the passenger seat beside Vaughn.

"Ready, Syd?" She nodded. "Okay then! Let's roll!"

They were all in their party wear when they arrived at the Naval hospital. Kendall, Dixon, Jack, Weiss, and an unnamed man were all waiting. Weiss spoke first.

"Hey, Mike, nice hair!"

"Bite me, Eric."

"Nice to see you, to. Oh, Syd, ditto on the hair. Blue is a great color for ya. By the way, LOVE the bra."

"Eric," Vaughn said warningly.

"What? Oh, fine."

Jack stepped out to help get Lauren inside. "Are you okay, sweetheart?"

"Yeah, dad. I'm fine. No butt-kicking needed. Oh, mom says hi, and she'll see you soon."

Jack looked slightly taken aback, but said nothing.

"I guess I should follow her, shouldn't I? To the surgery, you know..." She let the sentence hang. Vaughn sidled up behind her, grabbing her hand.

"Good luck, Syd. I'll try to stay with you as long as I can, but I thought I'd say it now."

When they got inside, a man came up and shook Sydney's hand. "I'm Dr. Ramirez, I'm in charge of your surgery. I'd like to warn you that this procedure is experimental, and possibly very risky. I realize this is extremely important, but there is no guarantee of success. If all goes well, however, you will be pregnant!"

"I understand. Thank you, Dr. Ramirez." She then pulled Kendall aside. "Do you realize we'll have to take this child to Mt. Subaccio?"

"Yes, I suppose. For the same reason you went, I'm guessing? To 'calm the fire within'?"

"Yeah, but how are we going to get a baby there?"

"Well, unlike you were, it won't be a fugitive, so I guess we could use a chopper."

Sydney sighed with relief as she pulled off her wig. "Okay."

"Miss Bristow?" It was Dr. Ramirez. "We need you to change into your hospital gown. We're going to start soon." He smiled reassuringly and walked over to Lauren, who was beginning to wake.

Vaughn noticed this, as did Sydney. They walked hand in hand to the gurney where she was laying, still handcuffed and restrained.

"Where-MICHAEL!" she screamed. She turned her head slightly and noticed Sydney. "And you!" she snarled. "What's going on? Why am I here?!"

Sydney smiled bitterly. "You see, Lauren, the thing about being a double agent? You have to be working for the good guys, because we always win. And the thing about Rambaldi? He's unpredictable. So next time, make sure you know what you're doing before you try to get pregnant with MY baby."

At that Lauren let out an unearthly scream and began struggling against her restraints, desperate to attack Sydney. Sydney laughed quietly and muttered, "You have so much to learn."

Vaughn had said nothing through this whole ordeal, but was surprised by how Sydney seemed to read his thoughts. He ran his fingers through his hair, and realized he was still wearing his wig. He ripped it off violently, instantly wishing he hadn't. He touched the back of his neck gingerly; a few hairs had been ripped out. He turned down the hallway leading to the OR, right behind Jack.

The last thing Sydney saw before she went under was Dr. Ramirez looming over her.

"Sydney, I want you to count back from 100, okay?"

"100, 99, 98, 97..."

She was standing in a room, with black walls and a black floor. The ceiling was too high to be seen. There was a small window opposite her. She edged toward it nervously. The closer she tried to get, however, the further it seemed to be. "Oh come ON!" she yelled. It was as if the room had been waiting for those words, because after walking a little more she was there. The window was slightly larger than a CD case. She pressed her face against the glass, and unexpectedly fell through.

She was standing on a beach. The sky was grey, and the wind was cool. She looked across the sand and saw a group of people. She stopped, though, when she heard the voice floating on the wind.

"... A wonderful woman, and a superb agent. Taken far too soon by the combined forces of evil and nature. Sydney Bristow will be missed by everyone. Let it be known that love does not stop, even for death. Agent Vaughn, would you like to speak before you spread the ashes?

Sydney found herself running toward the voice. She didn't stop until she found the group. There stood Kendall, Dixon, Jack, Marshall, and Vaughn. Vaughn was holding an urn, but he clutched it even tighter as he went to stand with the priest.

"Umm, I remember when I first met Syd, she had that bozo red hair, and I thought 'What a beautiful woman.' I love Sydney with all my heart, as does anyone who knew her. I-I can't help but think, 'Why did this happen? It wasn't her time, she had a long life ahead of her! A long life with me.' She may be gone physically, but she lives on, in my heart-in our hearts! Let no one ever forget Sydney Anne Bristow."

Sydney reached out to Vaughn, to hold him, but her hand simply passed through him.

"Thank you, Agent Vaughn. You may spread the ashes."

He walked slowly toward the crashing waves. He bowed his head and removed the urn's lid. Sydney watched as the grey and brown ashes swirled in the wind before settling on the water. When he turned around Sydney saw his face was shining with tears. He quickly wiped his face on his sleeve before returning to the group.

By instinct, Sydney reached up to her cheeks, and was startled by their wetness. She turned to go beck to the mysterious room, but it was no longer there. Instead there was a dark brown van. She walked toward it cautiously, hesitating before passing through the doors. As her eyes fell upon the sight before her, an inaudible scream tore from her lips, silently splitting the calmness that surrounded.