Jack shifted in the chair and sighed. "Agent Vaughn...."

"Do you think I have some kind of bizarre death wish?!" Vaughn asked. He then wondered what was worse, the thought of not complying with Jack Bristow's orders or risking his personal safety going into the SD-6 offices.

"If you'd just let me explain. I met with The Alliance members and they told me that I have just three months in charge of SD-6 before they monitor my progress. If Dixon and Marshall know the truth then it will be much easier for all of us when Sydney goes on missions."

"How am I meant to get past SD-6 security section?" Vaughn asked.

"Since Sloane's death has changed so much at SD-6, they aren't watching me as closely as they should. So I can use this opportunity to create a bogus profile saying you were sent on behalf of The Alliance and add it to the SD-6 security database."

"Okay, but why do you need me to help you convince Dixon and Marshall and why can't they just come to the CIA offices instead?"

"If I tell them Dixon might think I'm doing it because I'm just trying to get even more power within SD-6. We can't afford for either of them to doubt the truth and report me to security section."

"Has Devlin agreed to your plan? What about Sydney? Will they find out that she was a double all this time?" Vaughn asked.

"I've already spoken with Devlin and he reluctantly agreed. I think Sydney should decide if she wants Dixon to know the whole truth." Jack replied.

"Very well." Vaughn eventually said.

"Good. I'll be in contact tomorrow once I've set everything up." Jack stood up and without saying goodbye left Vaughn's office. Vaughn picked up his phone and began to dial Sydney's phone number.

~~~

Vaughn arrived at the warehouse as the sun began to set. While he waited in the warehouse for Sydney to appear, he took Irina's old faded photograph out of his pocket and gazed at Jack and Irina's faces. Vaughn couldn't believe how different Jack looked, his eyes shining with joy and pride and there was a big grin on his face. Vaughn's eyes then moved onto Irina holding Sydney in her arms. She too seemed content as she gazed down at the new-born Sydney. They really did look like a happy family just as his own family had done in pictures before his father had died. Vaughn wondered when Sydney's family had turned from an apparently loving family into one full of lies and secrets. He also questioned if Irina was really capable of such evil acts and was able to love Jack and Sydney at the same time.

Vaughn heard Sydney approaching and quickly put the picture back in his pocket. He was still debating if he would give the photo to her. He thought that it could cause her more pain and that was the last thing he wanted for her.

"Hi Vaughn."

"Oh hi." He replied falling out of his reverie.

"You looked like you were deep in thought." Sydney commented.

"Erm, no. Not really." Vaughn lied.

"So why am I here?"

"I spoke with your father earlier. He wants me to go to SD-6 tomorrow to tell Dixon and Marshall who they really work for. I finally agreed that it was a good idea."

"What?! Are you both insane?!"

"Your father wasn't impressed when I said the same thing to him! But now I understand his reasoning. We need both their help, especially now. He said it was up to you if you want to tell Dixon that you've been a double."

"Okay." Sydney said.

"There's something else."

"What's wrong?" Sydney noticed the change of the expression on Vaughn's face.

"Your mother asked me to do something. I don't know if I should, but I don't have the right to make the choice for you."

"Whenwhen did she ask you?" Sydney asked.

"You had already left the room and she stopped me before I walked out of there."

"What do you have to do?"

"Give you this." Vaughn found the photo and passed it onto Sydney. "It's your parents and you, just after you were born." Vaughn explained. It took Sydney a few moments to fully take in the image in front of her.

"And she wanted me to have this?" Sydney asked still staring at the photo.

"Yes, she said that she wanted you to see a time when your family was happy."

"She's carried this photo with her all this time." Sydney said quietly.

"Apparently."

"I don't want it." Sydney handed the photo back to Vaughn, but he could see her hand trembling.

"Sydney, maybe you should keep it, for a while at least. Just think about it." Sydney nodded her head in agreement so Vaughn returned the photo to her.

"You'll be okay?"

"Yeah. You should go. You have the meeting at SD-6 tomorrow."

"Something I'm looking forward to!" Vaughn joked. Vaughn turned around to walk out of the warehouse, leaving Sydney standing there as she looked at the photo once again. He knew he couldn't say anything that would comfort her and it was something she would have to work out for herself. As he drove back to his apartment, his mind turned to the meeting at SD-6 the next day. He realised that there was so much depending on his being able to convince Marshall and Dixon of the truth.