~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was four o'clock, and Jack sat close to the fireplace. He was quietly looking at photos of himself and Sydney. He didn't care what time it was, or that he had to be up in two hours. For Jack had never really had a decent amount of sleep in over twenty-five years. In fact the only times he did, was when he had a full bottle of Scotch in him, but he wasn't going to allow himself that privilege. Suddenly, the phone rang.

"Hello?"

"Dad, it's me. Did I wake you?"

"No…is something wrong?" Jack asked worriedly.

"No, not really. I couldn't sleep and…Dad, it's about Will. I'm worried that Devlin might recruit him. I mean, he said he wouldn't… but Will's pretty unpredictable."

"So you want me to talk to Devlin for you?"

"Yes…Dad, I can't have Will do this. He doesn't deserve this life."

Jack stayed silent for a brief moment before answering in an almost sympathetic tone, "I understand, Sydney. I'll take care of it for you."

"Thanks, Dad...good night."

"You too."

As soon as Sydney hung up, Jack resumed what he was doing. He came upon a picture of Irina and himself under a tree. At the site of this, Jack briefly remembered the times when he was happy. The times he actually loved someone. He quickly threw away that thought, as well as the picture. Jack felt utterly disgusted with himself. How could he have allowed himself to be so easily deceived? To have a child with a women who was merely doing her job. All of a sudden Jack had a sudden urge to pour himself a drink, but instead found himself glued to the floor. Watching the picture burn, watching his old life burn.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixon and Sydney patiently waited for Jack to brief them.

"Dixon, I had your present delivered to your grandmother."

Dixon looked puzzled as to what Sydney was saying but soon picked up, "Oh, so she got it then?"

"Yes, just a few days ago."

"Well I hoped she likes it. My grandmother's a little picky."

"Trust me, I'm pretty sure she will. She might have a little trouble opening it, considering it's a rather big present. But I'm sure when she takes a good look at it, she'll think that it was sweet of you for thinking about her," Sydney said, smiling.

Dixon let out a short laugh, "Ok."

Jack then entered the room, "Sorry I'm late. I've just finished assembling the extraction team."

"So Jack, are we all set?"

"Yes. I've taken the liberty of having this made," Jack said, spreading a large blueprint across the table. "There are 12 cameras placed around the building. You, Mr. Dixon, shall pose as their newly hired guard and enter in here," Jack said pointing to the middle. "You are to make a left when you see the staircase; after that, you'll be led into a long corridor. Go straight, until you get to the last door and you'll be led into the control room. We've made an exact replica of all the rooms that are heavily watched over. You play this tape, so that Sydney can safely make her way in."

"How will I know if Sydney's in or not?"

"With these. These glasses allow you and only you to see what the cameras are really capturing. Tap the side to switch to a different camera."

Jack soon turned his attention to Sydney. "Now Sydney, once you've entered, you must be very careful because there are guards positioned throughout the entire building. But I'm confident that you shall surpass that. The only area of the building that I want you to look out for, is the restricted section. This room is equipped with major security sensors that aren't transparent, so you'll need these," Jack said handing Sydney another pair of glasses. "Just tap the side of that as well, and you'll be able to see them. Now listen, Sydney, the security sensors go by a pattern that changes every thirty seconds. So memorize it; after that, use the code scrambler that Marshall gave you to unlock the door. Once you're in, grab the book and you and Dixon get out of there."

Sydney and Dixon looked confused, "What about Irina?"

"That, Mr. Dixon…I'll take care of."

Sydney gave her father a worried look, but he ignored it, "Now that you both have been briefed, I'll meet you at the take off point in three hours."

Dixon left the conference room and Jack and Sydney were alone.

"Dad, what are you doing? You can't possibly take on Mom by yourself; it's suicide, and I won't let you."

"Sydney, I'm not going to be alone. I have plenty of backup with me. I figured it will save us a lot of time of time. You retrieve the book, I capture Irina."

Sydney stared at her father for a moment, as if trying to figure him out. Sadly though, she could not. For Jack had one amazing poker face that could hide just about anything. Sydney wondered how deep Jack's secrets really went, and if he'd ever share them with her.

"Dad…just be careful, all right?"

"I will."

"Ok."

Jack exited the room, while Sydney watched him slowly walk away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mr. Devlin, Agent Jack Bristow is here to see you, sir."

"Send him right in."

Jack entered the room, and quickly came to his point, "Ben I need to talk to you about Will Tippin."

"Oh yes, that's right, Sydney's friend. Well, I already let him go."

"Yes, I'm aware of that. Sydney tells me that you might recruit him?"

"Well, that was one of the options that I gave him. And believe me, he wasn't too taken with the idea of him being in the witness protection program."

"Ben, I need to ask a favor from you."

"Ok, what is it?"

"I need you to pull Tippin's file."

"But Jack…then that would mean that he was never in our custody to begin with. We'd be lying to the CIA."

"Yes, I know that Ben. But I assure you, Tippin won't talk."

"Really Jack, how can you be so sure?" Devlin screamed.

"He and Sydney are very close. He's promised her that he wouldn't."

Devlin remained silent and stared at Jack, "Ben, Tippin isn't a threat to us. Just let him go…please."

"Jack, you know, you really need to get your priorities rearranged," Devlin said, dialing the phone.

The phone rang three times before a woman picked up. "Yeah, this is Devlin. I need you to pull a file out for me."

"And what file would that be, sir?"

"Will Tippin, case # 302."

"One moment, please."

Jack watched Devlin as he patiently waited for the woman to return.

"Sir, I've found the file. Should I have it brought up to you?"

"Uh…no, just dispose of it."

The woman on the other line seemed confused, "Dispose of it, sir?"

"Yes, it's no longer of importance to the CIA."

"Yes sir, right away."

"Yes, well thank you," Devlin said, hanging up the phone.

Devlin turned to face Jack, "Well Jack, it's done."

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"If you want to repay me, Jack, I suggest you see Bartnett. I'm a little worried about you these days."

Jack nodded in acknowledgement, "Yes, well I think I'm quite fine. Thank you for your concern though."

Devlin sighed, "Any time, Jack."

Jack shook Devlin's hand and thanked him one last time before exiting his office.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack was on his way to the take off point, when his cell phone rang. Jack picked it up, "Yes?"

"Jack, it's me."

"Hold on," Jack said, attaching a small device to the back of his phone.

"All right, we're good to talk. Vaughn, what is it?"

'It's about Dixon, Jack. I've kept a watch on him, and he hasn't done anything suspicious. I think it's pretty much safe to say that he's telling the truth."

"Even so, I want you to watch him until I say so. We never know what kind of surprises might turn up."

"All right."

"I'll meet with you when I get back," Jack said, hanging up the phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack arrived to find the extraction team already there. He approached one of the ranking officers. "We're all set, sir. Will it be long till Agent Bristow and Dixon arrive?"

"No, I'm sure they'll be here shortly. Have you looked over the blueprints that I had sent to you?"

"Yes, sir. We've also memorized all the possible escape routes."

Jack looked pleased, "That's good to hear."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dixon, how long till we're there?"

"Not long…maybe ten minutes more."

"Oh…ok."

Dixon looked at Sydney, and gave her a brief smile before returning his attention to the road. "So Sydney, how long have you known your friend."

"What…oh, I see. Well, maybe a little over a year now."

"Really…so do you…"

"Of course not," Sydney said, gently smacking his shoulder. "Well I mean, I invited him to a hockey game once."

"And?"

"And…well, we had that little situation with Cole and…and well, we didn't pursue it."

"Oh…well, sometimes being lonely just goes with the job, Syd. But don't worry, there's still plenty of time for a social life. And who knows, maybe one day you and your friend can still make that hockey game," Dixon said, smirking.

They soon arrived, and Dixon parked his car next to Jack's. Sydney and Dixon made their way over to where Jack and the extraction team were standing.

"Sorry we took so long, Jack," Dixon said apologetically.

"It's quite all right, you're just in time anyway. Well, now that you two are here, suit up."

Sydney was strapping her vest when Jack walked over to her, "Sydney, I just wanted to go over where the cameras are positioned with you again," Jack said unrolling the blueprints.

Sydney could tell that her father was nervous for her, but said nothing.

"Dad, really, I don't need you to go over them again. I've memorized exactly where the cameras are."

"Even so, Sydney."

"Dad, trust me, I'm sure."

Jack rolled the blueprints back up, "All right then. Are you wired yet?"

"Yeah."

"Good, then we're all set."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Irina, what exactly does this thing do?"

"You'll see once it's complete," Irina paused for a moment, just staring at Devlin. "So, are you aware that Jack and Sydney will be joining us soon?" Irina asked, now focusing her attention to the device being made.

Devlin was shocked by this, "He is?…Are you certain?"

"I'm a little displeased that you aren't already aware of this. Well, it doesn't matter. I'll soon see if you're as loyal as you say you are."

Devlin had a look of deplore on his face, "Of course…what can I do?"

"Nothing for now. But when the time comes, you'll know. And I do hope that you won't deny me my request, Ben, because the one thing I hate is to be denied. Especially by a man."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Irina gave Devlin a malicious smile and walked away, leaving him alone.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, Sydney sat by herself, contemplating whether or not her father was the best person to be on this mission. She was certain that her mother was too much for him to handle. The mere mention of her name made his lip twitch a bit. Although Sydney knew Jack would never admit it. To her or to himself.

Jack was also thinking about Irina. Although it was quite different from what Sydney was thinking. For Jack had revenge on his mind. He wanted to punish Irina. To make her scream. He wanted to hear her plead for her life, but most of all he wanted to see her bleed. He wanted her to suffer just like he had suffered. Although Jack knew that wasn't enough. It still didn't satisfy him. Jack knew the only way he would ever be satisfied, was if Irina were dead; and tonight he was going to end his suffering once and for all.

They soon arrived in Zurich and were all set to go. They drove to the restaurant and parked four blocks down.

Jack was busy checking all the surveillance while Sydney took in deep, nervous breaths. Dixon had a look of concern on his face, "Syd, you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine," Sydney lied. In fact, Sydney was more nervous than ever. She had a strange feeling, although she couldn't quite explain it.

Jack began to speak, interrupting her thoughts, "All right, everything's all set. You ready?"

Sydney turned to face Dixon, and watched him reply, "Yeah, I'm ready."

Dixon opened the van door and headed out. Jack and Sydney carefully observed him through their surveillance equipment. Dixon soon entered through an open door located in the back of the building. As he entered, he made a left and was led to a long corridor. Dixon then came to the very last door and entered the control room. As he entered, he caught the attention of the two men there. Both men extended their hands for Dixon to shake.

As they shook hands they introduced themselves, "I'm Ernst," the taller man said. "And this is Lubitsch," who was much shorter and pudgier than his colleague.

Dixon responded speaking fluent Schwyzertütsch, "I'm Johann Picard."

The taller man spoke up once again, "Well, we all better be getting back to work, before Livingston comes back again." He headed back to his desk.

As soon as their backs were turned, Dixon slyly pulled off one of the cables.

"What…what happened?"

"Lubitsch, Johann, help me see what's the matter!" he ordered.

Lubitsch and Ernst were quickly searching for the problem, while Dixon popped in the tape. He then re-plugged the cable and the picture soon came back on. Dixon placed the glasses on and said, "It's on," causing the two men to look at him.

Sydney and Jack knew it was time, so Sydney quickly exited the van and carefully entered the building.

"What happened…how'd you fix it?" The men asked, looking puzzled.

"The cable must have come loose, so I plugged it back in."

Ernst eyed him with suspicion, while Lubitsch wiped the sweat that came from his forehead.

"Really… and how do you suppose that happened?"

Dixon shrugged his shoulders, "I must have accidentally pulled it with my foot."

Ernst still did not take his eyes away from Dixon, "Oh, I see…well, don't do it again."

Dixon again apologized and turned his back away from Ernst.

Libitsch walked over to him and tapped him on the shoulder, "Don't worry, he's like that all the time, ever since they hired Livingston for head security."

Dixon had heard this name before but couldn't quite remember who it was, "Livingston?"

"Yes, a big grouch if you ask me. Flew all the way from France for that job."

Dixon looked puzzled, "Livingston…doesn't sound French."

Lubitsch gave Dixon an almost quiet laugh, "Oh sorry. That's because he's actually Scottish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I should keep a watch on these cameras, and so should you."

Dixon nodded in acknowledgement and sat back down, turning on his glasses. As he watched Sydney make her way through the building, he soon remembered where he had heard that name before. Livingston was highly sought for by the CIA for the most notorious crimes, such as being hired to assassinate politicians, ambassadors; blowing up buildings filled with innocent people…and the list went on. In fact, he's been known to decline payment sometimes. Just as long as his task was worth it. Killing was definitely his sport, and Dixon now knew that Irina meant serious business. All he could do was pray for Sydney, and hope that she didn't have to meet up with him.

Dixon was busily looking through each camera, when he noticed Jack in the building…alone. He quietly whispered under his breath, trying not to catch the attention of the other two men with him, "Jack what are you doing…and why are you here alone?"

Jack ignored Dixon, and placed his ear and transmission piece inside his pocket.

"Jack, Jack…hello?" Dixon was now starting to worry, so he carefully contacted Sydney. "Syd, there's a problem."

Sydney was now in the restricted section, and had just about memorized the sensor pattern when Dixon interrupted her, "Dixon what is it?"

"It's Jack…" Sydney soon cut him off. "What about him…did something happen?"

"No, nothing like that," he said, trying to reassure her. "But he's in the building alone, and right now, I don't think it wise of him to be here by himself, no matter how capable your father may be."

Sydney knew that Jack was going after her mother, "Right, I'll get him."

"No," Dixon said, almost catching Ernst's attention.

"What did you say?"

"I didn't say anything."

"I'm quite certain that you did."

"It's all right Ernst, he didn't say anything."

"Shut up Lubitsch! I know what I heard, and I'm pretty sure he was speaking to someone."

Lubitsch stared at Dixon, and Dixon stared back at him dumfounded. "Ernst, calm down. Why don't you go outside with me? It's nearly break time. You'll watch the cameras, won't you Johann."

"Yes, of course."

"There, you see. Now, come Ernst," Lubitsh said, opening the door and motioning him out.

Ernst hesitated for a while, but soon realized he was a bit tired, and decided to go with Lubitsch. But before doing so, he warned Dixon, "Don't try anything. For your sake."

"All right, all right. We'll be back in fifteen minutes," Lubistch said, smiling.

Dixon nodded and turned his head. Ernst watched him before being shoved out the door.

Sydney heard this and continued to speak to Dixon, "Everything all right now?"

"Yeah. Just get the book," Dixon said, looking over his shoulder.

"Dixon, what about my dad? I have to get to him."

Dixon knew he wouldn't win this debate, so instead he decided to compromise, "Fine, I'll get him. You just get the book…and hurry."

"All right…but Dixon, what about Irina?" Dixon didn't know that Irina was Sydney's mother, and she thought it better that way.

"Don't worry about that. Just worry about getting the book."

"Fine…Dixon….just be careful."

"I will."

Sydney took a minute to memorize the pattern, and soon enough, she got it. She knew it was quite difficult to get through, so she took a moment until the pattern had changed again. Then, finally leaping into the middle. Just like hopscotch, she thought to herself. Sydney leaped again and again until she was almost at the door. She took one more leap and almost lost her balance, but luckily she took ballet as a child, so she quickly stopped herself from falling. Sydney walked over to the door and placed the code scrambler on top of the electronic lock. She waited ten seconds until the lock granted her access. As Sydney entered the vault she found that there was nothing there. She contacted Dixon, "Dixon, there's nothing here," but sadly, there was no answer. As Sydney turned, a man stood in front of her pointing a gun.

He gave her one malicious smile. "Surprise," he said, before pulling the trigger.

Sydney was fully conscious and aware that she was being carried by a man she recognized from somewhere. She tried to move, but found that she was in a paralyzed state.

"Who are you?" she asked, but the man remained silent. "Ok, not much of a talker, huh?" Still, no answer.

He soon stopped in front of a door and dropped Sydney. Sydney injured her wrist at the sudden drop. He soon picked her back up and carried her inside. He laid her back on a chair and started to tie her up.

"Is this really necessary? I mean, I'm sure you're aware that I can't move."

The man gave Sydney a smile, which surprised her, "You talk too much, Miss. Bristow."

Sydney noticed that his accent was Scottish and soon became aware of who he was, "You're Robert Livingston aren't you?"

"Why, yes, I am."

"So…how much are they paying you to do this? Whatever it is, I'm sure we can come to some agreement. Just name your price," Sydney lied.

"Actually, Miss. Bristow, I'm not getting anything. Well, Ms. Derevko has been very generous, but I kindly declined her payment. I find her tasks to be quite rewarding as it is." Livingston glanced at his watch. "If you'll excuse me, I'll go and announce your arrival. I'm sure you'll be quite surprised to see who's here."

Livingston exited the room, and returned with Irina, and to Sydney's surprise…Devlin.

"Devlin….no, you can't be?"

"Can't be what, Sydney? The mole?"

Livingston had a big grin on his face, but soon wiped it off, when Irina began to speak.

"Sydney, I'm sure you know Ben?"

Sydney gave Devlin a cold stare, "Yes…unfortunately, I do."

Devlin turned away from her, thus catching Irina's attention.

"Sydney, I've been very patient with you, but now I need an answer to my question. Will you join me? Think very hard, Sydney. Don't be stupid."

"Or you'll what…kill me, just like how you killed Vera. You'll excuse me if I don't nominate you for Mother of the Year," Sydney said bitterly.

Irina had a look of complete rage on her face. Devlin saw this and decided to break the tension in the room.

"Sydney, think about what your mother is offering you. Don't be foolish enough to turn this down. For your sake, just accept it."

Sydney turned to face Devlin, and then her mother, "I'd rather die first."

Irina looked furious now, "Very well! If you think that I'm going to play these games with you, Sydney, you're mistaken. I've kept myself under control when dealing with you, but now that you've made your answer clear to me, you're…"

"Irina, wait!" Devlin exclaimed, a pure look of horror on his face. "Give her a while to come around. Can you honestly tell me that you're willing to kill another one of your daughters?"

"If I have to…yes. Ben, I'm starting to think…" Irina was soon cut off by the sound of a sudden ringing. Livingston picked up his cell phone and talked in a hushed tone.

"Livingston?"

"Sir, we have something that might interest you."

"What is it?"

"We've caught two men roaming the building. One says he works here. The other…we're not so sure about."

"I'll be there right away," Livingston said before hanging up.

"Problem?" Devlin asked, looking concerned.

"Nothing that I can't handle."

Irina turned to Face Livingston, "So, I hear more of our guests have arrived."

"Yes, it seems one works for us as well."

"Hmm, well then," Irina said, turning her attention back to Sydney. "We'll take care of that problem."

"What about this one, Miss," Livingston said, pointing to Sydney. "What shall I do with her?"

Irina had a huge grin on her face now. "Nothing yet. But be patient, Robert, you'll have your chance soon enough."

Sydney was utterly disgusted by Irina. She hated everything about her. She didn't even know why she had admired this woman for so long. Now she felt like the foolish one. Irina was nothing like the woman she had called mom. Sydney regretted the fact that she had even referred Irina to that. For Irina was nothing like a mother; she was cold and ruthless, and cared for no one but herself. Sydney just stared at her for a moment, and as Irina came closer, Sydney spat in her face. Devlin and Livingston looked shocked, but were even more shocked to see that Irina had remained so calm.

Livingston handed her a handkerchief, and she kindly accepted it. Irina faced Sydney. "It's a pity…for a moment, I actually regretted my decision to kill you. It doesn't matter. I honestly don't need you. I just thought that maybe I could share this with my daughters. But clearly that won't be happening. As you Americans say, if you want the job done right you have to do it yourself. Isn't that right, Ben?"

Devlin nodded in agreement.

"Well then, I believe I'm finished with you, Sydney. It's been a…pleasure to have met you. But now we sadly must part." Irina now turned to face Devlin, "Ben would you be kind enough to watch Sydney while Robert and I take care of our unwanted guests? Don't worry, you won't have to watch her for long. I'll send someone shortly to retrieve her."

"Why, of course."

"All right then. Come, Robert."

Livingston and Irina left the room, and Sydney and Devlin were alone. Devlin quickly came to her side.

"Listen, Sydney what I'm about to tell you is very important."

Sydney looked confused, "What are you doing?"

"Sydney, just listen to me," he said, trying to keep his composure. "I'm here under cover." Sydney looked shocked, "Does anyone know about this?"

"Yes, a few do."

"Does my father?"

"No, he doesn't. Sydney, you have to understand what I'm doing here. I need Irina to trust me enough so that she can tell me what she's planning on doing with this Rambaldi device. And the only way I could do that, was to pose as the mole. It's a perfect cover."

"Don't worry about the device. I took care of it."

"Yes, I'm aware, but Irina is rebuilding it again. We don't know what it's for yet, but there's another Rambaldi book in here. That could tell us what that thing's for. And she almost trusts me enough to show it to me. But you showing up here is leading to disaster. Why didn't you tell the CIA you were coming here?"

"My father suspected there was a mole. We didn't know who to trust."

Devlin paused for a moment trying to get his thoughts together.

"All right, Sydney, I'm going to untie you. After that, you're on your own."

"I understand."

Chapter 25

Sydney made her way through the many long corridors of the building, until she was stopped by a guard.

"Hold it right there," he said, picking up a two-radio. Although he made one fatal mistake by briefly removing his eyes from Sydney. Before he had a chance to react, he was on the ground unconscious, allowing Sydney to strip him of both his guns and radio. Sydney then dragged him into a custodian's closet, and left.

Jack and Dixon were tied and strapped with chains to a chair. Dixon slowly regained consciousness to see Jack viciously pulling at the chains.

"Jack…what happened?" he asked absently.

"Well, from what you can see, we've been caught."

From Jack's tone, Dixon could tell that he was bitter, but he didn't want to get into that. Especially with Jack.

"Where's the extraction team, and why weren't they with you?"

"I told them to stand-down until I've inspected the building."

Dixon looked confused, "Inspect the building for what? Our objective was to retrieve the book and capture Irina. Unless there was something else planned that I wasn't aware of."

Jack gave Dixon a glare. "I was trying to take pictures of the Rambaldi device, if you really must know".

"For the CIA?"

"Yes," Jack lied.

In fact, taking pictures was the furthest thought from his mind.

"Jack, I understand you don't trust me, but…"

Jack soon cut him off. "This is not the time to be talking about this."

"I understand that, but I'm pretty sure you won't give me the time or day. So, you're just going to have to bear with me."

Jack raised an eyebrow, "All right."

"Jack I understand your concerns about me, but I can assure you that I will never hurt Sydney. And I'm telling you the honest truth when I say that I've never known the real truth about SD-6, or whom I was really working for, for that matter. When I found out the truth about SD-6, I felt betrayed, but most of all, I felt shame. I was actually working against my country," Dixon paused for a moment. "But now I have a chance to fix all that…that is, if you'll give it to me."

Jack looked at Dixon and seemed content with his words, "Your request won't be official until I run it by Devlin, the CIA director. So I wouldn't get my hopes up if I were you. If and when they accept your proposal, you will be closely observed. So I suggest you don't try crossing us."

Dixon seemed satisfied with Jack's answer. After all, he was speaking with Jack Bristow and this was as much of an acceptance as he could get from the guy.

Irina and Livingston soon interrupted the two of them, "Hello Jack. Nice to see you again."

"You know her?" Dixon asked, muttering under his breath.

Irina overheard this and answered him, "Of course he does. We've been very good…friends in the past. Well then, let's discuss this visit of yours."

Dixon and Jack remained silent. "All right, then…Tell me what old Arvin is up to these days? I've heard about that little incident with his wife. Quite unfortunate isn't it?" Irina sighed. "Still not speaking are we? It doesn't matter…I'm tired of these conversations. Robert, if you please." Irina said, grinning.

Livingston too, had quite a large grin on his face. He turned to face the two men in front of him. "With pleasure," he said, rubbing his hands together .

As he was opening a metal suitcase, he suddenly felt the coldness of metal on his neck.

"I don't think so," Sydney said, pointing a gun at Livingston and Irina.

"Sydney!" Dixon exclaimed.

"Are you guys all right?" Sydney asked, making sure to keep her eyes on both Livingston and Irina.

They both quickly answered her, "Yes, we're fine."

Sydney quickly instructed Livingston and Irina to place their weapons on the table. Once they did, she instructed them to stand by Dixon and Jack.

"Ok…you two, untie them. And if you try anything, I will kill you."

The seriousness in Sydney's voice shocked Dixon and surprised even Jack. Irina and Livingston carefully untied the both of them. As soon as they were both free from their restraints, Jack and Dixon walked over to the table and each took a gun.

"Did you get the book?" Dixon asked.

"No, it wasn't there."

Irina laughed and Sydney looked irritated, "What can possibly be so funny? You're not exactly in the position to laugh."

Irina stared Sydney straight in the eye, as if telling her she wasn't frightened. "That's because it doesn't exist anymore. I had it destroyed after I discovered that SD-6 had confirmation that we had it."

"Really?" Jack said, eyeing her with suspicion.

"Yes, I…" but a guard that entered with Devlin soon interrupted them.

"Hold it right there," Dixon said, pointing a gun at him. "Set the gun slowly on the ground and stay where you are."

As the guard set his gun down, Dixon quickly walked over to him and knocked him unconscious.

Devlin looked quite battered, and Jack looked at him questioningly, "Ben what are you doing here?"

"It's all right, Dad. I'll explain this to you later."

Little did they know, Livingston had just released tear gas. He easily passed by Dixon and out the door, leaving Irina in their possession.

"I'm going after him!" Sydney yelled, just before exiting the room.

Jack kept a close eye on Irina while speaking with Dixon, "Dixon, help Devlin out and then contact the CIA. They'll come and extract him. Then get a hold of the team waiting outside and tell them to secure the building."

"Jack, wait," Devlin interrupted. "The CIA needs Irina."

"All right. I'll take care of this," Jack lied.

After Dixon and Devlin left the room, Jack and Irina were alone. Jack closely watched her every move, not taking his eye off her for even a second. The tension the two of them were creating was very intense. The silence was too awkward, even for Irina. She wondered what he was thinking or if he was even thinking of her, but somehow, she knew. No matter how hard he tried to hide it, she knew. His face told it all.

"Jack," she, and paused, leaning on the table. "I know what you may be thinking. How can I use you? Leave you and Sydney behind? I know those questions must have entered your mind. All you need to do is ask and I'll gladly answer," she said, smiling.

Jack glared at her and firmly answered back, "Shut up."

He never once put the gun down. Instead, he steadily pointed it at her.

She smiled at him, as if his response didn't bother her. "Jack," she said, slowly walking to him. "I know a part of you still wants me. You hate to admit it to yourself, but you know I'm right. I remember the times when we…" Jack soon cut her off, and by the sound of his voice he was outraged. He cocked his gun as she moved closer to him.

Irina had quite an amused look on her face, "Jack what do you think you're doing? You know you can't bring yourself to do that." She was now even closer.

Jack raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? You'll be surprised as to how many things have changed. I can kill you before you can even blink."

Irina laughed, "Now, if you had been more like this, we would've had a longer marriage."

She was now so close that their bodies were touching. Jack somehow couldn't back away from her. He questioned what was happening, and why he hadn't killed her already. As she kissed him, the sound of a gun went off, and everything started to blur.

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Sydney closely followed Livingston from behind. She watched him turn a corner and quickly followed him. When she was hit from the side, causing her to drop her gun. Sydney was now facing the ground. As she attempted to stand, Livingston struck her shoulder with a hammer. The powerful force sent her back down and caused her shoulder to fracture. Sydney was now crawling away from Livingston, but found it useless. She stopped by a stairwell and tried helplessly to pull herself back up.

"What's a matter, Miss. Bristow?" Livingston asked, tilting his head. "Have nothing else to say now?"

He kicked her once again, causing the air to be knocked out of her. Livingston then left Sydney for a moment to retrieve the gun that she had just dropped. This gave Sydney just enough time to slowly run up the stairs. Livingston found this amusing, and laughed at Sydney's attempt to escape. He then cocked the gun back and pulled the trigger.

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Within moments Dixon had spotted the CIA extraction team heading their way.

"Alright, looks like they're here. Do you need me to wait with you?" Dixon said, looking concerned.

"No, that won't be necessary. You do what you have to do."

As Dixon left, one of the ranking officers approached Devlin.

"Sir, we've captured Ms. Derevko and her accomplice. We're taking them back to the U.S. as requested."

"Were there any problems regarding her capture?"

"Just one sir…" the agent cleared his throat. "It appears that Ms. Derevko and her accomplice were boarding a taxi cab. Clearly we didn't detect her presence since….we…"

"Yes, I understand. She doesn't seem like the type to ride a cab, now, does she?"

"No sir, she doesn't. The situation was further complicated when a civilian alerted one of the local officials. We had a little difficulty trying to explain the situation to them without SD-6 getting a hold of the information. So we simply said that she was an American posed as a citizen, and that we're taking her back to U.S. under confedential reasons. They seemed to believe the story so we've asked them not to fill out any reports or even report this matter to anyone. "And since they're Swiss…" the agent said laughing. He soon stopped when Devlin gave him a weary look. "Sorry sir"

"It's quite all right. Just cover up any traces that we were ever here".

"Yes sir, right away".

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