So, here's the next chapter as promised. This one contains spoilers for S3E6 Animus and S3E16 Awakening. Enjoy.

Disclaimer: I do not own Sanctuary or any of its characters.

Chapter 4:

(Library, Old City Sanctuary - 2010)

Natalija and Vladimyr push open the doors to the library only enough to allow them entrance. After stepping into the room, they quickly close the doors behind them. Both of them stand in awe at the site before them, their faces alight with astonishment and curiosity. The holographic city stretches out across the library floor, beckoning them to explore its wonders.

"Good Heavens!" Natalija breathes out.

"It's even more amazing than Mother described it," Vladimyr reverently whispers, as his eyes sweep the room not knowing where to look first.

They both take a couple of steps forward and Vladimyr reaches out towards one of the nearby buildings. He draws his hand back rapidly, when it comes in contact with a seemingly solid surface. Once again, he stretches his arm out and gently places his hand flat against the structure. He turns to his sister, face beaming like a child that just found his most treasured toy he had thought lost.

Natalija can't help but smile back at him, as he says, "Well, I guess we know why Mother and Father are so enamored with it."

She nods her head in agreement, "Yes. Speaking of Mother and Father, we should get what we need and leave quickly. There's no telling how long the two of them will be gone."

"Right," Vladimyr agrees reluctantly. "I still cannot believe Mother willingly let all of this be destroyed."

Natalija smiles wistfully at her brother, "Would you rather she allowed Afina to kill Father and possibly herself?"

Her brother looks at her a little in shock, "No! Of course not! What kind of question is that?" He runs a hand through his hair and breathes a sigh, "It's just a pity that it has to be destroyed."

"Well, if that device of yours works as well as you say it should, at least we will be able to save the database," she points to the case he is holding.

"After you," Vladimyr bows slightly and indicates the table where the map and crystal paperweight sit.

"Why thank you, brother dear. You are such a gentleman," Natalija responds as sweetly as she can and gives a little curtsy.

Her brother rolls his eyes and swats her arm lightly, "Just get going already."

The twins quickly make their way to the table. Vladimyr sets the case down gently on the table and opens it. He proceeds to remove a tablet computer and a device that resembles a glass dome resting on a large silver plate. Wires and circuit boards can be seen inside the dome. Natalija watches with pride and a bit of curiosity, as her brother connects the synchrotronic light source to his tablet via a USB cable.

"I understand how it can 'speak' to the crystal, but how is it going to save the database?" she inquires.

Vladimyr smiles at his sister, "I've modified the design so that it will also act like a network hub, I hope. In theory, it will link the crystal to the tablet."

"Allowing you to transfer a copy of the database to the tablet," Natalija concludes with a grin.

"Precisely," her brother answers. He picks up the tablet, "All ready to go."

His sister hesitantly reaches up to place her hand on his shoulder, "Are you certain this will work? The thought of blowing ourselves up is rather unpleasant."

"Mother assured me that it worked just fine for Father and herself. Don't you trust my abilities?" he teases with a wink, trying to bolster his sister's confidence.

Natalija gives a half-hearted smile, "I trust you and your abilities completely, Vlad. It's that pretty Praxian bauble over there I'm having trouble with."

Vladimyr turns to face his sister. He looks her straight in the eye, "I promise it will work, Tali. Nothing will happen to either of us. You just need to keep track of Mother and Father. I'll take care of the rest."

She takes a deep steadying breath, "Ok."

Vladimyr nods, then envelopes them both in an EM shield. As he starts typing out commands on the tablet, Natalija shifts her focus to her parents, making sure they are nowhere near the library.

I know I originally said this story arc would span two or three chapters, but it may actually span more. Blame my muse, she keeps whispering these things in my ear. Anyway, tell me what you think. Thanks for reading. Until next time.