The Davincci
By clementine
Disclaimer - None of these characters are mine. No really, it's true.
A/N - I hope you like it.
*****************
The Warehouse - meeting place of Sydney and Vaughn ~
"Do you have any idea what's on the disk?" Vaughn asked, his head down, taking notes.
She shook her head. "No. When I entered the conference room it looked like they were discussing a mathematical configuration of some type of landmark. I can't be sure it had any relation to this mission, though. They didn't continue their conversation after they saw me."
"Interesting," he remarked, looking up. "Well, we're going to want a copy of this disk so we can analyze it ourselves. Give me the scope of the mission and I'll see what I can come up with."
****************
Flashback to a.m. conference meeting at SD-6 ~
Sloane, Sark, and Sydney are seated around the conference table.
"Retrieving the disk will be complicated," Sloane explained.
"Why?" Sydney asked, looking up. "Will security be a problem?"
"Security measures will be in place, but that isn't our greatest concern. It's imperative to future operations that we protect the sanctity of Mr. Sark's cover. In order to do so, we've devised a rather elaborate plan to steal the disk, copy it, render it illegible and then return it to its place all within the timeframe Sark meets with Korin. Sydney, you will be handling the disk, Sark will handle Korin."
Sydney looked briefly over at Sark and he met her gaze. She quickly turned her attention back to Sloane.
"The meeting will be held at the Chateau Davincci," he continued, "Korin's favorite getaway. The Davincci is an exclusive resort catering to the various whims and fetishes of its members. Very private, very discreet. Even we don't know a whole lot of what goes on there. I'm not sure we want to. Sydney, you will be accompanying Mr. Sark as his guest. Mr. Sark?"
"Yes," Sark straightened slightly as he began to speak, "when Mr. Korin made me the offer to purchase the disk he extended an invitation to spend the evening at The Chateau Davincci as well. And while I make it a point never to mix business with pleasure it came to me that this could be an opportunity to infiltrate their security with little suspicion. I have worked up what I believe to be a viable mission profile. Sydney, you will be accompanying me as my girlfriend, .. of sorts."
"You're what?"
He continued, ignoring her. "While I am meeting with Mr. Korin, you will break into the safe located in a private office he maintains there. This is where he keeps the disk. You'll make a copy of it and erase the original. Marshall has developed a computer virus you'll then install in his computer that will muddle up his entire system. He will believe the information to have been lost and that will be the end of our transaction. Any modifications to this plan we can make on point."
Sloane picked it up from there, "Sydney, Marshall will get with you on tech, all other information will be loaded onto your panel by the time you leave. You can study it on route. You leave this afternoon. Sark will have the lead on this one. Any questions?"
All eyes turned to Sydney. She shook her head no.
"Good." Sloane excused them. "That will be all."
****************
Back at the warehouse ~
"He wants you to pose as his what?" Vaughn asked, incredulous.
She rolled her eyes. "His girlfriend. I know. Let's hope the food is good."
"Well, from what I hear the place isn't exactly known for its food."
"So I've heard. What do you know about it?"
"Basically the same as you, only maybe a bit more. The Davincci is known for providing private entertainment to very wealthy men. Fantasy fulfillment leaning towards the depraved..bizarre. Receiving an invitation to the Davincci is known as an enormous compliment in the business sect, given only to a select few."
"Sounds like Sark runs with the big dogs," she joked lightly.
"Apparently. Will Dixon be your back-up?"
"No backup. Sark feels it would be better to rely only on each other. He thinks it'll arouse less suspicion."
Vaughn sighed heavily. "Well, I can't say I like it, but we have to work with what we've got." He stood up and began putting his notes away. "I'll work up your counter-mission and get back to you. What time's your flight?"
"Three."
"Okay, I'll get back with you before then."
****************
Sydney went home to pack. Sark had insisted he provide all mission specific garments. That didn't leave much for her to bring, just her personal incidentals and maybe some comfortable traveling clothes. He'd also stipulated that she would be leaving the her hair natural. This made her uncomfortable and she had told him so. His cryptic answer was that this sentiment would only heighten the effect of her cover. 'Whatever that means,' She'd thought to herself, remembering their earlier conversation .....
"Don't worry," he'd assured her, sensing her hesitation, "you'll be scripted."
"I don't do 'scripted'," she snapped.
"Alright Sydney," he sighed, relenting, "but I will have a general schematic you will need to follow in order for this to work."
"I think I can figure it out."
"Sydney," he explained irritably, "I am well acquainted with Mr. Korin. I know how he thinks. The Chateau Davincci is a.. how shall I say it? It's a unique environment. The men who patronize it are a 'unique' breed. You'll have to trust me on this one, I know what I'm doing."
"Trust you? That's almost funny." She snickered. "Almost."
He eyed her seductively. "You may find you actually like working with me," he teased.
"I seriously doubt that," she spat, turning on her heels and storming away, leaving him to smile to himself in satisfaction of having gotten to her.
"Oh Sydney," he whispered, "this is going to be fun".
****************
When she walked through the door of her apartment, Will greeted her with a beer and a smile.
"Hey," he said, "I was just thinking about you. Francie and I are gonna catch a movie later, wanna come?"
"I'd love to, but I can't." She said irritably, accepting the proffered beer, "I have to go pack."
"Where are you off to this time?" He asked, "Or do I want to know?"
"You definitely don't want to know," she answered, trudging down the hall back to her bedroom. "I don't even want to know."
Will followed behind and sat on her bed to talk while she packed.
"You don't look happy." He observed, and then asked tentatively, "Is Sark going to be there?"
"Yeah," she sighed, "you could say that."
"Does Vaughn know?"
"Yes, he knows, but Will ..."
He could see the concern in her eyes. "I know, it's better I don't know," he stopped her. "I just want you to be safe."
An hour and a half later when Sydney got the call, she was packed and ready to go. She hugged Will goodbye and left a note to Francie about canceling their gym date in the morning. She wasn't looking forward to this mission, but she wanted to get it over with.
****************
Back at the warehouse ~
"Okay," Vaughn began, "this is what we're going to do. You'll make an additional copy of the disk for us and after you leave Korin's office you'll pass our copy to an agent who will be in the room located directly across from yours."
"How will you manage that?" She asked, taken aback.
"Leave it to me.. Actually," he clarified, "I'm still working on it."
Sydney smiled. "Sounds good."
She turned and started to leave. "I'll see you when I get back."
"Oh, Syd?"
"Yeah?" She answered, turning around.
"About working with him, are you worried?"
"I can handle it," she said quietly.
He nodded. "Good luck in Austria."
She started to flash him her special "for-Vaughn-only-Sydney-smile" when she remembered and quickly lowered it. "Thanks."
****************
From the warehouse Sydney headed directly to the small airport where Sark kept his private jet. Since she was to be traveling as his girlfriend, there was no need for them to travel separately. She'd wondered what profile she would have in a place of that repute. She was reasonably sure Sloane would never sanction any action on her part that fell along the lines of requiring her to.. would he? No, Sloane had an affection for Sydney that likened to a daughter. She felt confident he wouldn't allow Sark to place her in an awkward position. She'd just have to wait until they were on the plane to receive the full schematics. At least for once she wouldn't be riding on military transport. And while Sloane usually arranged for her to fly commercial, a private jet could be a nice change. As long as she didn't have to make idle conversation.
She didn't. After reading over the profile, which seemed simple enough, Sark had suggested she sleep, which she did. Surprisingly, Sark himself piloted the plane for several hours after which he too slept in a private sleeping quarter located in the rear of the plane.
Just prior to landing he emerged from his room, freshly showered and changed. He was gratified to find Sydney also ready and looking every the part he'd outlined her to play. More so really, it was as if she'd read his mind. He marveled at her ability to grasp the necessary subtleties in a character so well that it caused even he to momentarily doubt she could ever be any different from the person she appeared to be at that moment. It impressed him. Even her expression was softened to match her persona.
****************
Upon landing they were met by Mr. Korin's personal driver who expressed his employer's "sincere wishes" that they enjoy their stay and that he looked forward to meeting with Mr. Sark at the appointed time. Sydney only smiled shyly, her eyes turned down, holding on to Sark's arm. The driver, for his entire attempt at discretion, watched intently through the rearview mirror, throughout the drive, making conversation between them all but impossible. It was obvious to Sydney he was looking to report any anomalies back to his employer. Sark didn't seem to mind. He immediately pulled out his laptop and began working, all but ignoring her in the manner of a man used to her presence and not feeling the need to entertain her. Sydney passed the time looking out the window taking in the countryside. Occasionally she would turn to find him watching her with a small, affectionate smile on his face. She thought it was odd how it made her feel.. safe, protected. 'What am I thinking?' She chastised herself. Then she would smile back demurely, reflexively, as she instinctively felt he would want her to.
When they arrived at The Davincci they were met by various hotel staff as well as the proprietor, a man Sark apparently knew. He seemed delighted to see Sark and he told him so.
"Mr. Sark," he reached out to him with a firm handshake, "I was so pleased, very pleased, you finally accepted my invitation to Chateau Davincci. When Mr. Korin informed me you would be staying, well, it is an honor Sir."
'Good grief', Sydney thought from inside the limo, 'he's fawning all over him.'
"Thank you Maurice," Sark replied.
"I have, of course, prepared your room to your exact specifications. If I can offer you any, uh....service, or if you have any special requests, I assure you the 'Davincci' is a place where a man may find any entertainment he desires. You have only to ask, and it will be provided. Should you desire, a partner or partners are available, in accordance to your preferences of course." The man gave him a conspirator smile. "I think you will be very satisfied with the services we offer."
Sydney thought he seemed somewhat overly enthusiastic about his "services".
"That's very gracious Maurice," Sark responded easily, "but I have taken the liberty of bringing along a guest." He turned back to the car. "Enya?" he called to her.
He reached his hand into the car and she took it, allowing him to usher her out. He was chivalrous and gentle and she even feigned a small blush to go along with her shy smile as Sark introduced her.
"Maurice," He said tersely, drawing her closer to him and draping a protective arm about her waist, "this is Enya."
Maurice was obviously very taken aback. He probably had never seen Sark with anyone other then his personal security detail before.
"What a lovely surprise," he stammered.
"Yes," Sark responded softly, looking over at her "isn't she though?"
Then he paused, searching her face, and he looked at her with such love that Sydney was momentarily stunned; as was Maurice, who just starred at them in astonishment. This was obviously not the Sark he knew. He didn't seem to know how to respond, so, collecting himself, he went to embrace her in the European fashion.
Sark's expression changed dramatically then as he stepped forward. Sydney turned her face into his chest. "Maurice," he said severely, "do not touch her. I do not like her to be touched or spoken to by anyone other than myself. Do you understand?"
Maurice stepped back immediately. He wasn't perturbed by this little outburst. He understood perfectly. If anything, it made him more comfortable to see Sark wasn't as doting as he first appeared but was in fact as depraved as the rest of them. In fact, it gratified him immensely. He was used to seeing the deviant side of the wealthy clients of the Davincci. That was what he catered to. Yes, he understood completely.
"Of course, Mr. Sark, please accept my apologies," he purred. "I meant no offense to your lovely......uh, to your guest." He flashed him a knowing smile. "I am here merely to serve. If there is anything I can get for her- "
Sark cut him off. "Whatever Enya requires, I alone will provide." Then he added, "You will inform your staff she isn't to be disturbed in any way."
"Of course, Sir. Once again, my apologies."
************************
By clementine
Disclaimer - None of these characters are mine. No really, it's true.
A/N - I hope you like it.
*****************
The Warehouse - meeting place of Sydney and Vaughn ~
"Do you have any idea what's on the disk?" Vaughn asked, his head down, taking notes.
She shook her head. "No. When I entered the conference room it looked like they were discussing a mathematical configuration of some type of landmark. I can't be sure it had any relation to this mission, though. They didn't continue their conversation after they saw me."
"Interesting," he remarked, looking up. "Well, we're going to want a copy of this disk so we can analyze it ourselves. Give me the scope of the mission and I'll see what I can come up with."
****************
Flashback to a.m. conference meeting at SD-6 ~
Sloane, Sark, and Sydney are seated around the conference table.
"Retrieving the disk will be complicated," Sloane explained.
"Why?" Sydney asked, looking up. "Will security be a problem?"
"Security measures will be in place, but that isn't our greatest concern. It's imperative to future operations that we protect the sanctity of Mr. Sark's cover. In order to do so, we've devised a rather elaborate plan to steal the disk, copy it, render it illegible and then return it to its place all within the timeframe Sark meets with Korin. Sydney, you will be handling the disk, Sark will handle Korin."
Sydney looked briefly over at Sark and he met her gaze. She quickly turned her attention back to Sloane.
"The meeting will be held at the Chateau Davincci," he continued, "Korin's favorite getaway. The Davincci is an exclusive resort catering to the various whims and fetishes of its members. Very private, very discreet. Even we don't know a whole lot of what goes on there. I'm not sure we want to. Sydney, you will be accompanying Mr. Sark as his guest. Mr. Sark?"
"Yes," Sark straightened slightly as he began to speak, "when Mr. Korin made me the offer to purchase the disk he extended an invitation to spend the evening at The Chateau Davincci as well. And while I make it a point never to mix business with pleasure it came to me that this could be an opportunity to infiltrate their security with little suspicion. I have worked up what I believe to be a viable mission profile. Sydney, you will be accompanying me as my girlfriend, .. of sorts."
"You're what?"
He continued, ignoring her. "While I am meeting with Mr. Korin, you will break into the safe located in a private office he maintains there. This is where he keeps the disk. You'll make a copy of it and erase the original. Marshall has developed a computer virus you'll then install in his computer that will muddle up his entire system. He will believe the information to have been lost and that will be the end of our transaction. Any modifications to this plan we can make on point."
Sloane picked it up from there, "Sydney, Marshall will get with you on tech, all other information will be loaded onto your panel by the time you leave. You can study it on route. You leave this afternoon. Sark will have the lead on this one. Any questions?"
All eyes turned to Sydney. She shook her head no.
"Good." Sloane excused them. "That will be all."
****************
Back at the warehouse ~
"He wants you to pose as his what?" Vaughn asked, incredulous.
She rolled her eyes. "His girlfriend. I know. Let's hope the food is good."
"Well, from what I hear the place isn't exactly known for its food."
"So I've heard. What do you know about it?"
"Basically the same as you, only maybe a bit more. The Davincci is known for providing private entertainment to very wealthy men. Fantasy fulfillment leaning towards the depraved..bizarre. Receiving an invitation to the Davincci is known as an enormous compliment in the business sect, given only to a select few."
"Sounds like Sark runs with the big dogs," she joked lightly.
"Apparently. Will Dixon be your back-up?"
"No backup. Sark feels it would be better to rely only on each other. He thinks it'll arouse less suspicion."
Vaughn sighed heavily. "Well, I can't say I like it, but we have to work with what we've got." He stood up and began putting his notes away. "I'll work up your counter-mission and get back to you. What time's your flight?"
"Three."
"Okay, I'll get back with you before then."
****************
Sydney went home to pack. Sark had insisted he provide all mission specific garments. That didn't leave much for her to bring, just her personal incidentals and maybe some comfortable traveling clothes. He'd also stipulated that she would be leaving the her hair natural. This made her uncomfortable and she had told him so. His cryptic answer was that this sentiment would only heighten the effect of her cover. 'Whatever that means,' She'd thought to herself, remembering their earlier conversation .....
"Don't worry," he'd assured her, sensing her hesitation, "you'll be scripted."
"I don't do 'scripted'," she snapped.
"Alright Sydney," he sighed, relenting, "but I will have a general schematic you will need to follow in order for this to work."
"I think I can figure it out."
"Sydney," he explained irritably, "I am well acquainted with Mr. Korin. I know how he thinks. The Chateau Davincci is a.. how shall I say it? It's a unique environment. The men who patronize it are a 'unique' breed. You'll have to trust me on this one, I know what I'm doing."
"Trust you? That's almost funny." She snickered. "Almost."
He eyed her seductively. "You may find you actually like working with me," he teased.
"I seriously doubt that," she spat, turning on her heels and storming away, leaving him to smile to himself in satisfaction of having gotten to her.
"Oh Sydney," he whispered, "this is going to be fun".
****************
When she walked through the door of her apartment, Will greeted her with a beer and a smile.
"Hey," he said, "I was just thinking about you. Francie and I are gonna catch a movie later, wanna come?"
"I'd love to, but I can't." She said irritably, accepting the proffered beer, "I have to go pack."
"Where are you off to this time?" He asked, "Or do I want to know?"
"You definitely don't want to know," she answered, trudging down the hall back to her bedroom. "I don't even want to know."
Will followed behind and sat on her bed to talk while she packed.
"You don't look happy." He observed, and then asked tentatively, "Is Sark going to be there?"
"Yeah," she sighed, "you could say that."
"Does Vaughn know?"
"Yes, he knows, but Will ..."
He could see the concern in her eyes. "I know, it's better I don't know," he stopped her. "I just want you to be safe."
An hour and a half later when Sydney got the call, she was packed and ready to go. She hugged Will goodbye and left a note to Francie about canceling their gym date in the morning. She wasn't looking forward to this mission, but she wanted to get it over with.
****************
Back at the warehouse ~
"Okay," Vaughn began, "this is what we're going to do. You'll make an additional copy of the disk for us and after you leave Korin's office you'll pass our copy to an agent who will be in the room located directly across from yours."
"How will you manage that?" She asked, taken aback.
"Leave it to me.. Actually," he clarified, "I'm still working on it."
Sydney smiled. "Sounds good."
She turned and started to leave. "I'll see you when I get back."
"Oh, Syd?"
"Yeah?" She answered, turning around.
"About working with him, are you worried?"
"I can handle it," she said quietly.
He nodded. "Good luck in Austria."
She started to flash him her special "for-Vaughn-only-Sydney-smile" when she remembered and quickly lowered it. "Thanks."
****************
From the warehouse Sydney headed directly to the small airport where Sark kept his private jet. Since she was to be traveling as his girlfriend, there was no need for them to travel separately. She'd wondered what profile she would have in a place of that repute. She was reasonably sure Sloane would never sanction any action on her part that fell along the lines of requiring her to.. would he? No, Sloane had an affection for Sydney that likened to a daughter. She felt confident he wouldn't allow Sark to place her in an awkward position. She'd just have to wait until they were on the plane to receive the full schematics. At least for once she wouldn't be riding on military transport. And while Sloane usually arranged for her to fly commercial, a private jet could be a nice change. As long as she didn't have to make idle conversation.
She didn't. After reading over the profile, which seemed simple enough, Sark had suggested she sleep, which she did. Surprisingly, Sark himself piloted the plane for several hours after which he too slept in a private sleeping quarter located in the rear of the plane.
Just prior to landing he emerged from his room, freshly showered and changed. He was gratified to find Sydney also ready and looking every the part he'd outlined her to play. More so really, it was as if she'd read his mind. He marveled at her ability to grasp the necessary subtleties in a character so well that it caused even he to momentarily doubt she could ever be any different from the person she appeared to be at that moment. It impressed him. Even her expression was softened to match her persona.
****************
Upon landing they were met by Mr. Korin's personal driver who expressed his employer's "sincere wishes" that they enjoy their stay and that he looked forward to meeting with Mr. Sark at the appointed time. Sydney only smiled shyly, her eyes turned down, holding on to Sark's arm. The driver, for his entire attempt at discretion, watched intently through the rearview mirror, throughout the drive, making conversation between them all but impossible. It was obvious to Sydney he was looking to report any anomalies back to his employer. Sark didn't seem to mind. He immediately pulled out his laptop and began working, all but ignoring her in the manner of a man used to her presence and not feeling the need to entertain her. Sydney passed the time looking out the window taking in the countryside. Occasionally she would turn to find him watching her with a small, affectionate smile on his face. She thought it was odd how it made her feel.. safe, protected. 'What am I thinking?' She chastised herself. Then she would smile back demurely, reflexively, as she instinctively felt he would want her to.
When they arrived at The Davincci they were met by various hotel staff as well as the proprietor, a man Sark apparently knew. He seemed delighted to see Sark and he told him so.
"Mr. Sark," he reached out to him with a firm handshake, "I was so pleased, very pleased, you finally accepted my invitation to Chateau Davincci. When Mr. Korin informed me you would be staying, well, it is an honor Sir."
'Good grief', Sydney thought from inside the limo, 'he's fawning all over him.'
"Thank you Maurice," Sark replied.
"I have, of course, prepared your room to your exact specifications. If I can offer you any, uh....service, or if you have any special requests, I assure you the 'Davincci' is a place where a man may find any entertainment he desires. You have only to ask, and it will be provided. Should you desire, a partner or partners are available, in accordance to your preferences of course." The man gave him a conspirator smile. "I think you will be very satisfied with the services we offer."
Sydney thought he seemed somewhat overly enthusiastic about his "services".
"That's very gracious Maurice," Sark responded easily, "but I have taken the liberty of bringing along a guest." He turned back to the car. "Enya?" he called to her.
He reached his hand into the car and she took it, allowing him to usher her out. He was chivalrous and gentle and she even feigned a small blush to go along with her shy smile as Sark introduced her.
"Maurice," He said tersely, drawing her closer to him and draping a protective arm about her waist, "this is Enya."
Maurice was obviously very taken aback. He probably had never seen Sark with anyone other then his personal security detail before.
"What a lovely surprise," he stammered.
"Yes," Sark responded softly, looking over at her "isn't she though?"
Then he paused, searching her face, and he looked at her with such love that Sydney was momentarily stunned; as was Maurice, who just starred at them in astonishment. This was obviously not the Sark he knew. He didn't seem to know how to respond, so, collecting himself, he went to embrace her in the European fashion.
Sark's expression changed dramatically then as he stepped forward. Sydney turned her face into his chest. "Maurice," he said severely, "do not touch her. I do not like her to be touched or spoken to by anyone other than myself. Do you understand?"
Maurice stepped back immediately. He wasn't perturbed by this little outburst. He understood perfectly. If anything, it made him more comfortable to see Sark wasn't as doting as he first appeared but was in fact as depraved as the rest of them. In fact, it gratified him immensely. He was used to seeing the deviant side of the wealthy clients of the Davincci. That was what he catered to. Yes, he understood completely.
"Of course, Mr. Sark, please accept my apologies," he purred. "I meant no offense to your lovely......uh, to your guest." He flashed him a knowing smile. "I am here merely to serve. If there is anything I can get for her- "
Sark cut him off. "Whatever Enya requires, I alone will provide." Then he added, "You will inform your staff she isn't to be disturbed in any way."
"Of course, Sir. Once again, my apologies."
************************