Title: Inebriety

Author: CG

Feedback: Please.

Disclaimer: Alias is owned by ABC, Touchstone and is the creation of JJ Abrams and Bad Robot Productions. Nor do I own any lyrics or name brand used.

Summary: Third installment of series (Unexpected Prospect, No One Knows)  – Still Sydney/Sark. A year has passed since the last chapter of No One Knows. Some things have changed – some things haven't, but are about to. There are no known spoilers here, but some speculation. If it happens to come true, I can't help that.

Rating: R but will reach NC- 17, which of course will be posted elsewhere.

Classification: Drama/Romance

Distribution: Sarkgasm and Dark Enigma yes, all others please ask.

Thanks Rhien for the beta.

Ch 1 – Reflections of One Year

Time goes by quickly, when you're having fun.

Sydney wholeheartedly agreed with the first part of that statement. The past year sped by and she wondered where it went sometimes. But the latter part of the statement was inaccurate in her case, since the past year was anything but fun. Sure, there were parts that had been exciting, and worth being thought about with a level of endearment, but if she had to weight the entire year on one word, fun would not be it.

The graduation day that had seemed so far away finally arrived. Sydney would always look back to that day as bittersweet. When she first stood in front of the mirror, and admired her black cap and gown, she felt a great sense of accomplishment. She had worked so hard for this and it had finally happened. Sydney Bristow could finally step closer to her dream of teaching, the same profession she chose due to the fond memories she used to keep close of her mother, Laura Bristow.

Her mother.

Irina Derevko. The woman Sydney thought she would actually get the chance to know. The woman whose brilliance had outshined anyone at the CIA and helped shut down Cuvee's access to the Echelon. The woman who manipulated her way to attend Sydney's special day, only to finally make her getaway.

She remembered looking out over the crowd as she approached the podium. The first glance she took to tally the crowd, found her father, Francie, and Will. Then with a second look, she found her mother, seated as far away as possible from those who were in Sydney's life daily. Nothing could ruin her day, she thought at the time. Especially when she spied a surprise guest in attendance, as he stood partially behind a tree.

But then it happened. It was ruined. Just as Sydney stepped down from the stage, it began. The distant sound of a helicopter grew closer. The fifteen men dressed in black garb, their faces covered with ski masks, all found their way to their target. She could do nothing about it, either. The cover she kept so well would have been completely blown if she had tried anything. All she could do was watch in horror, as one of the most wanted people in the world slipped right through the CIA's fingers.

Her mother had accomplished what she had set out to do. Rid Cuvee of the power he had over her, the Echelon, and capture the data for her use. Plus, she gained information on the Rambaldi flower, a much needed tool, they assumed, to continue with her unknown plans. Three CIA agents were killed the day she made her escape. Nobody was wise to her well-devised plan, except for one man.

Prior to his daughter's graduation, Jack Bristow made plea after plea to anyone that mattered – pleas that unfortunately fell upon deaf ears. Her father had always disclosed what he thought about Irina Derevko's loyalty, and how much of a danger it would be if they continued to rely on her. Sydney wasn't surprised, but he was right. As much as she wanted her mother back, she never would have her. Laura Bristow was gone forever.

Her father was never told about the pictures that had been taken in Prague. Only one person knew of that still, Michael Vaughn. The day that he brought them to her attention was the last day she saw the man. She heard talk of him being transferred to a different state, but her interest in knowing details was no longer there. Even though he told her to call if she needed anything before he left her house, she was sure he felt the same.

Even though a year had passed, many people still did not trust Sark. Top of the list was the CIA, who still had no idea the reasoning behind his alliance with SD-6.

No one knew, but him.

Sydney was surprised that Sark had stayed on at SD-6 after her mother's flight from the CIA. Most everyone else was too. The man that was considered obedient to "The Man", showed just the opposite with her freedom. She remembered that first day following her graduation so well, and how quiet he was. The entire night was spent with her in his arms, as he softly stroked her hair. He made mention of being tired, but she knew that wasn't the entirety of it. To this day, she never did ask why. It would be futile if she inquired, he probably wouldn't tell her anyway. Business was business, and she figured what he knew was none of hers.

Since her graduation, communication of Irina's whereabouts had surfaced. Rumors of the mastermind as she continued her quest, leaving few, if any, witnesses. Sloane had sent Sydney out on quite a few missions with hope that she'd reach the target before Irina. Most times, Sydney would be accompanied by Dixon and Sark, and would prove to be successful. The times that weren't a success though, seemed to overshadow those victories.

Today brought another meeting, along with another mission. Nothing different about it, her days seemed to move like clockwork now. It was just another Tuesday under her belt.

"Holsteinsborg, Greenland." Sloane began as he pointed to a satellite picture of the desolate island. "On Thursday, a cruise ship is due to dock there around noon. Along with the hundreds of tourists will be famed explorer, Martin Schroeder."

Sloane moved to the next slide, which brought a picture of the familiar face. Just as Jacques Cousteau was to the depths of the ocean, Schroeder was to land and ancient myth. His history showed that he first began his exploration in his early twenties, just after his father died doing the same. In his latter years, Schroeder had become obsessed with the works of Rambaldi. It was rumored that he was a descendant of one of Rambadi's closest friends, but that would be difficult to prove.

"Sydney," Sloane turned his attention toward her, "Sark has been put in charge of this and has laid out the details before you." She shot a look of disbelief back in his direction. "Sark?"

Sark took the floor from Sloane, "Our main objective will be to confiscate all data Mr. Schroeder is carrying with him." He changes the picture on the monitor to a tall brick warehouse. "This is where Mr. Schroeder will go after he leaves the dock, I figure it will be best to do what needs to be done there."

As Sydney looked through the op details, she shook her head. Sark must have noticed, for he stopped talking to the room. "Is there a problem Miss Bristow?"

She looked up from her reading and stared blankly into his eyes. "You've managed to find the most difficult way to access the building."

"I've found the fastest way into the building." Sark reaffirmed his choice.

Sydney closed the folder, and threw it on the table. Her action brought questioning looks from Dixon and Sloane. "We could access the third floor from the fire escape, and then make our way down to the ground floor where he'll be. At least that would be a lot less dangerous, since the majority of security will be near the basement access you plan to use."

"I don't know what you thought you'd signed up for when you began your career here, Miss Bristow, but our jobs do require a certain degree of danger." Sark's tone showed his impatience with her continued disruption.

"Danger I can work with. Recklessness, on the other hand, is a completely different story." Sydney raised her voice after digesting his condescending reply.

Before the conversation could get out of hand, Sloane decided to interject. "Sark, everyone here appreciates the work that you put into this." He transferred his gaze to Sydney as he continued, "We'll do our best to ensure that it's followed, down to the last detail. Now, if there are no further questions, I have a conference call to attend." Sloane looked around the table to the three faces in front of him. No one had anything to add to the conversation.

Satisfied with their silence, Sloane picked up his copy and left the office. Sydney also picked up her folder and stood with Dixon to leave the room. When she came close to exiting, Sark spoke again.

"Will the day ever come when you'll place some trust in me, Miss Bristow?"

Sydney hesitated for a moment, but decided against it. His question sparked too many witty comebacks, and she felt that continuing with the conversation would be pointless. Instead she mumbled, "Will the day ever come when you'll remove your pompous head from your ass, Mr. Sark?" Her words were spoken loud enough that he probably heard them.

Once they had cleared Sark's earshot, Dixon spoke. "That was a bit harsh Syd, don't you think?"

Sydney didn't respond. When she reached her desk though, she allowed a small smile to form on her face. It was only present for a moment, since there was much prep work that needed to be done before she left for Greenland.