Notes: Thanks to Giz who betaed this chapter for me. This chapter is different than I
planned. There are two POV's in it. One being Sark's.
~
As she fell to the floor, he grabbed her and started making his way out of the museum. The
mission was not planed to be as such but his goal was simple, not only get the coin but the
girl too. His employer was not about to let such an opportunity slip through their fingers.
They have been waiting for this too long and holding off on it was a risk. It had to be done
while it was of still fresh.
It did not matter if he was seen, since he was wanted for far worse actives than kidnapping,
as long as he avoided him. Their was backup that could take care of any problems he may face
with people trying to stop him.
~
Meanwhile....
Sark was becoming increasingly irritated with the situation. There was no way it should have
taken this long and being blind to what was happening was infuriating him. One of the plus
sides to being a field agent for him was the control he held over the outcome of the
missions, but now he was left to wait for the result like some paper-pushing desk jockey.
He should have found a way to go with her, something which was far too late to do now. An
overly forthcoming Russian man, Iosif Sokolov seemed to attach himself to Sark and was
currently talking his ear off about 4th century Corinth art while the others in the room
looked on. Under other circumstances he may have enjoyed the conversation but for now his
mind was completely occupied with Sydney's welfare. As skilled as she was, he was worried
something had gone wrong. Even the finest spies ran into trouble at one time or another.
Perhaps he should take the risk of being noticed to make sure she was okay. Sark's forehead
wrinkled with frustration as he glanced at his watch.
"Becoming impatient I see," the man said, his words sounding more like a question than a
proclamation. The group's attention shifted towards Sark as if they were waiting for a
reaction.
Sark paused pensively, licking his lips and answered, "Slightly. This is taking longer than
expected but isn't that always the way?" Two of the ladies smiled with understanding as he
gave a small laugh that feigned amusement. With the focus off of himself, he then added with
a courteous nod, "Excuse me. I need to make a phone call."
Sark was appalled to find the man had rudely dared to grab onto his arm, and he jerked away
in defiance. Before either could act further, an uproar from the hallway caught everyone's
attention.
The group filed into the hall to see one of the guards frantically talking to the curator,
Mr. Cornelius, who was doing his best to calm to guard. As the robbery and Sydney began to
be described, Sark took the opportunity this distraction gave to leave.
Fast paced towards the car, he looked over the surrounding area hoping for some sign of her.
Nothing. No clues of something gone wrong were apparent either. It was hard to act when he
had no knowledge of the situation. She could be anywhere by now.
Sark got into the car, tossing his glasses in the seat next to him, and tightly gripped onto
the wheel thinking over his options. He could look over the area but knew it would likely be
fruitless. If she had wanted to disappear she would have by now. Just as true, anyone who had
her would be well hidden by now. There was no doubt her absence was caused by someone within
the spy world. Just who was the answer he lacked. Waiting around was becoming too much of a
risk. Regretfully he stared over the parking lot one last time, started the car up and left
to see if he could find anything elsewhere.
~
Two days later at SD-6 offices
Sark walked into the SD-6, exhausted after the last two days. His so-called co-workers already
knew of Sydney's capture, so he veered straight to his destination to avoid all the angry and
disappointed eyes aimed in his direction. Sark knew full well that they all would rather have
him in Sydney's place but he could not blame them; he did too. Besides she was Sydney and he
was Sark. People's opinions on both tended to be justifiably polar opposites.
Sark knew she wouldn't have just run off. Sydney was not what he would call trustworthy but
she was reliable. They went on the missions, she got the information for the CIA and he for
SD-6. Yes he knew about her CIA connections. He knew her purpose and held the knowledge close
for when it might be needed. As long as she did no major damage to his plans it did not matter.
It was a battle of the wits they shared. Each hiding information from the other, normally
ending in him winning. It was only the advantage of knowing her secret which kept him ahead.
She was good but unlike her Sark knew his opponents motives. To bring down SD-6 in the name of
the CIA and some long dead fiancé. Very noble and somewhat less selfish than his own but not
quite. Though she could not see it, he knew their motives were driven by the same desire.
"Sark!" He turned to see Jack standing behind him. For a man who gave off so little emotion,
he looked immensely angry.
"Mr. Bristow." He tried to sound sincere and as calm as possible to pacify the upset man. "I
assure you that you will have my unsurpassed effort in assisting in find your daughter."
"I am sure you will," he replied in a taunt voice. "And it would be in your best interest if you grace me with the same information that you give Sloane."
"Of course. I have nothing but Sydney's welfare at heart." Jack appeared uncomfortable at his comment and Sark could just imagine how he would react if he learned the details of what took place the night before the mission. "I searched throughout the area before the plane's departure. There was no trace of Sydney."
"I see," Jack said unimpressed.
"As for the rest, you will have to wait to hear it later. As for now, I have a meeting with Sloane. Excuse me."
Sark continued on to Sloane's office and began waiting for him to arrive. He could not help but to feel a regard towards Jack Bristow. He was very protective of his daughter and worked tirelessly for his country as Sydney did. He wondered if it was possible for both sides to reach their goal. Sark had felt some guilt in sleeping with a woman whose objective he had undermined more than once. He took solace in the fact that Sydney had not only compromised his own but also that he suspected she would somehow approve of what he was trying to accomplish. It is not that in the end he cared about the fate of SD-6 but he knew full well that if she was to complete her task first the last two years would have been wasted. Both goals would have a worthy end and at times he felt as though they would be lucky if either of their aims were ever completed.
Sloane strode into the room with an eerie silence. Sark placed little confidence in the mental stability of this man who had allowed his lust for Rambaldi's mystery to overtake all else. It had once been to Sark's advantage but as it rapidly deteriorated over the last two years he began to worry.
"Intel said that the mission had not gone as planned. Do you have any ideas who is behind taking the coin?"
"Sir, Agent Bristow-"
"I did not ask about Sydney, I asked you about the coin."
Sark's eyes filled with shock at the obvious disregard over Sydney's fate. He had been almost as protective of her as Jack in the past. This was a man who steadily lost touch with all that once mattered to him.
"No sir, I have no knowledge of who took them."
Sloane steely eyes sparkled at his words. "So you are so sure Sydney is with the coin. Where were you during all of this?"
Sark had contacted SD-6 straight after this happened so Sloane knew the story already. He appeared to be testing Sark's account of what happened.
"The curator did not follow-"
"I already know that," Sloane snapped. "You're a smart man. That is the only reason I complied with our agreement. You must have seen something."
"There was a man, Iosif Sokolov whose behavior was irregular. He seemed determined at holding
my attention."
"Tell me about him."
"Around, forty, 5'11, black hair, green eyes, Russian accent most likely from a Northern
region, possibly Vologda."
Sloane frowned at him and Sark knew well enough what he was thinking. It had been a slow
process gaining his trust. Now that he had done so he did not want to risk losing it just
because some man may be from an area Irina recruited her people from. Still he needed to let
this information out in case it had value.
"I am being honest. If I was really working with Derevko still do you think I would have just
told you that piece of information?"
"Perhaps."
Sloane's phone rang and he waved him away to continue the discussion at another time. Sark
knew Sloane would not let him off that easy.
~
One Month Later At SD-6
Sark was calmly sitting, staring at the monitors on the wall of his office. It was a common
enough occurrence. Sloane was busier than ever these days and expected him to make sure things
were running as smoothly as possible on the main floor, on top of his already increased work
load. This time though, Sark's focus was not on the workers as it should have been but an
empty desk, which had gone long untouched in the absence of it?s owner.
The last month had been torture for Sark. It was more than Sloane's constant questioning over
the situation in Greece. Sydney was missing, presumed dead by many, and there had been no
knowledge as to who had her. This had been yet another harsh reminder why it was best not
become attached to people. It always ended horribly in this line of work.
There were few days in his life that caused more of a shock to his system than that one. It
had started normal enough, him flying half way across the world on yet enough mission.
Nothing strange there. He had been gradually introduced into this life since he turned
thirteen. It was almost a rite of passage for him, leaving behind one life for another.
Sydney's desire to talk, stood out as odd though. Suspect? Yes, but nothing he could not
handle. Their interaction had never been of the ordinary kind and he found the change
pleasing. The only thing he found upsetting was her wish to call him by his first name. No one
addressed him as such any more and those who once did were the people closest to him in life.
He could not see letting her be an exception.
The dinner was entertaining. It was not her suffering that delighted him but the fact that the
thought of them being more had crossed her mind. He saw her struggle, which was more obvious
now than in the past, and thought nothing would come of it. His glimpses of it before had
taught him that she was nothing if not loyal to her cause and she would not let it go beyond
veiled flirting.
Standing on that beach, he had been glad to admit he was wrong. That night he had been able to
let three years of pent up passion go. He drew it out as long as he could. Maybe even at the
time he had known it could not last. The morning after tainted the memory though. He rarely
regretted but that morning he did. He regretted every moment he had spent in her presence. He
wished that they had never met that day in Denpasar, that he never heard Irina Derevko talk
about her particularly talented child left behind in America, and more than anything he
regretted that he had ever trusted her, even though it had been only for a night.
But what clearly stood out was the feeling of finding out Syd was missing. As devastated as he
was at her response after all that happened, knowing she might have been harmed was worse.
Sark had held out hope though when others let go. Sydney was as strong as himself and he had
suffered though torture for periods of time. It was with a sigh of relief that word came that
Sydney was alive and well as could be expected after a month of capture.
End of chapter 10
planned. There are two POV's in it. One being Sark's.
~
As she fell to the floor, he grabbed her and started making his way out of the museum. The
mission was not planed to be as such but his goal was simple, not only get the coin but the
girl too. His employer was not about to let such an opportunity slip through their fingers.
They have been waiting for this too long and holding off on it was a risk. It had to be done
while it was of still fresh.
It did not matter if he was seen, since he was wanted for far worse actives than kidnapping,
as long as he avoided him. Their was backup that could take care of any problems he may face
with people trying to stop him.
~
Meanwhile....
Sark was becoming increasingly irritated with the situation. There was no way it should have
taken this long and being blind to what was happening was infuriating him. One of the plus
sides to being a field agent for him was the control he held over the outcome of the
missions, but now he was left to wait for the result like some paper-pushing desk jockey.
He should have found a way to go with her, something which was far too late to do now. An
overly forthcoming Russian man, Iosif Sokolov seemed to attach himself to Sark and was
currently talking his ear off about 4th century Corinth art while the others in the room
looked on. Under other circumstances he may have enjoyed the conversation but for now his
mind was completely occupied with Sydney's welfare. As skilled as she was, he was worried
something had gone wrong. Even the finest spies ran into trouble at one time or another.
Perhaps he should take the risk of being noticed to make sure she was okay. Sark's forehead
wrinkled with frustration as he glanced at his watch.
"Becoming impatient I see," the man said, his words sounding more like a question than a
proclamation. The group's attention shifted towards Sark as if they were waiting for a
reaction.
Sark paused pensively, licking his lips and answered, "Slightly. This is taking longer than
expected but isn't that always the way?" Two of the ladies smiled with understanding as he
gave a small laugh that feigned amusement. With the focus off of himself, he then added with
a courteous nod, "Excuse me. I need to make a phone call."
Sark was appalled to find the man had rudely dared to grab onto his arm, and he jerked away
in defiance. Before either could act further, an uproar from the hallway caught everyone's
attention.
The group filed into the hall to see one of the guards frantically talking to the curator,
Mr. Cornelius, who was doing his best to calm to guard. As the robbery and Sydney began to
be described, Sark took the opportunity this distraction gave to leave.
Fast paced towards the car, he looked over the surrounding area hoping for some sign of her.
Nothing. No clues of something gone wrong were apparent either. It was hard to act when he
had no knowledge of the situation. She could be anywhere by now.
Sark got into the car, tossing his glasses in the seat next to him, and tightly gripped onto
the wheel thinking over his options. He could look over the area but knew it would likely be
fruitless. If she had wanted to disappear she would have by now. Just as true, anyone who had
her would be well hidden by now. There was no doubt her absence was caused by someone within
the spy world. Just who was the answer he lacked. Waiting around was becoming too much of a
risk. Regretfully he stared over the parking lot one last time, started the car up and left
to see if he could find anything elsewhere.
~
Two days later at SD-6 offices
Sark walked into the SD-6, exhausted after the last two days. His so-called co-workers already
knew of Sydney's capture, so he veered straight to his destination to avoid all the angry and
disappointed eyes aimed in his direction. Sark knew full well that they all would rather have
him in Sydney's place but he could not blame them; he did too. Besides she was Sydney and he
was Sark. People's opinions on both tended to be justifiably polar opposites.
Sark knew she wouldn't have just run off. Sydney was not what he would call trustworthy but
she was reliable. They went on the missions, she got the information for the CIA and he for
SD-6. Yes he knew about her CIA connections. He knew her purpose and held the knowledge close
for when it might be needed. As long as she did no major damage to his plans it did not matter.
It was a battle of the wits they shared. Each hiding information from the other, normally
ending in him winning. It was only the advantage of knowing her secret which kept him ahead.
She was good but unlike her Sark knew his opponents motives. To bring down SD-6 in the name of
the CIA and some long dead fiancé. Very noble and somewhat less selfish than his own but not
quite. Though she could not see it, he knew their motives were driven by the same desire.
"Sark!" He turned to see Jack standing behind him. For a man who gave off so little emotion,
he looked immensely angry.
"Mr. Bristow." He tried to sound sincere and as calm as possible to pacify the upset man. "I
assure you that you will have my unsurpassed effort in assisting in find your daughter."
"I am sure you will," he replied in a taunt voice. "And it would be in your best interest if you grace me with the same information that you give Sloane."
"Of course. I have nothing but Sydney's welfare at heart." Jack appeared uncomfortable at his comment and Sark could just imagine how he would react if he learned the details of what took place the night before the mission. "I searched throughout the area before the plane's departure. There was no trace of Sydney."
"I see," Jack said unimpressed.
"As for the rest, you will have to wait to hear it later. As for now, I have a meeting with Sloane. Excuse me."
Sark continued on to Sloane's office and began waiting for him to arrive. He could not help but to feel a regard towards Jack Bristow. He was very protective of his daughter and worked tirelessly for his country as Sydney did. He wondered if it was possible for both sides to reach their goal. Sark had felt some guilt in sleeping with a woman whose objective he had undermined more than once. He took solace in the fact that Sydney had not only compromised his own but also that he suspected she would somehow approve of what he was trying to accomplish. It is not that in the end he cared about the fate of SD-6 but he knew full well that if she was to complete her task first the last two years would have been wasted. Both goals would have a worthy end and at times he felt as though they would be lucky if either of their aims were ever completed.
Sloane strode into the room with an eerie silence. Sark placed little confidence in the mental stability of this man who had allowed his lust for Rambaldi's mystery to overtake all else. It had once been to Sark's advantage but as it rapidly deteriorated over the last two years he began to worry.
"Intel said that the mission had not gone as planned. Do you have any ideas who is behind taking the coin?"
"Sir, Agent Bristow-"
"I did not ask about Sydney, I asked you about the coin."
Sark's eyes filled with shock at the obvious disregard over Sydney's fate. He had been almost as protective of her as Jack in the past. This was a man who steadily lost touch with all that once mattered to him.
"No sir, I have no knowledge of who took them."
Sloane steely eyes sparkled at his words. "So you are so sure Sydney is with the coin. Where were you during all of this?"
Sark had contacted SD-6 straight after this happened so Sloane knew the story already. He appeared to be testing Sark's account of what happened.
"The curator did not follow-"
"I already know that," Sloane snapped. "You're a smart man. That is the only reason I complied with our agreement. You must have seen something."
"There was a man, Iosif Sokolov whose behavior was irregular. He seemed determined at holding
my attention."
"Tell me about him."
"Around, forty, 5'11, black hair, green eyes, Russian accent most likely from a Northern
region, possibly Vologda."
Sloane frowned at him and Sark knew well enough what he was thinking. It had been a slow
process gaining his trust. Now that he had done so he did not want to risk losing it just
because some man may be from an area Irina recruited her people from. Still he needed to let
this information out in case it had value.
"I am being honest. If I was really working with Derevko still do you think I would have just
told you that piece of information?"
"Perhaps."
Sloane's phone rang and he waved him away to continue the discussion at another time. Sark
knew Sloane would not let him off that easy.
~
One Month Later At SD-6
Sark was calmly sitting, staring at the monitors on the wall of his office. It was a common
enough occurrence. Sloane was busier than ever these days and expected him to make sure things
were running as smoothly as possible on the main floor, on top of his already increased work
load. This time though, Sark's focus was not on the workers as it should have been but an
empty desk, which had gone long untouched in the absence of it?s owner.
The last month had been torture for Sark. It was more than Sloane's constant questioning over
the situation in Greece. Sydney was missing, presumed dead by many, and there had been no
knowledge as to who had her. This had been yet another harsh reminder why it was best not
become attached to people. It always ended horribly in this line of work.
There were few days in his life that caused more of a shock to his system than that one. It
had started normal enough, him flying half way across the world on yet enough mission.
Nothing strange there. He had been gradually introduced into this life since he turned
thirteen. It was almost a rite of passage for him, leaving behind one life for another.
Sydney's desire to talk, stood out as odd though. Suspect? Yes, but nothing he could not
handle. Their interaction had never been of the ordinary kind and he found the change
pleasing. The only thing he found upsetting was her wish to call him by his first name. No one
addressed him as such any more and those who once did were the people closest to him in life.
He could not see letting her be an exception.
The dinner was entertaining. It was not her suffering that delighted him but the fact that the
thought of them being more had crossed her mind. He saw her struggle, which was more obvious
now than in the past, and thought nothing would come of it. His glimpses of it before had
taught him that she was nothing if not loyal to her cause and she would not let it go beyond
veiled flirting.
Standing on that beach, he had been glad to admit he was wrong. That night he had been able to
let three years of pent up passion go. He drew it out as long as he could. Maybe even at the
time he had known it could not last. The morning after tainted the memory though. He rarely
regretted but that morning he did. He regretted every moment he had spent in her presence. He
wished that they had never met that day in Denpasar, that he never heard Irina Derevko talk
about her particularly talented child left behind in America, and more than anything he
regretted that he had ever trusted her, even though it had been only for a night.
But what clearly stood out was the feeling of finding out Syd was missing. As devastated as he
was at her response after all that happened, knowing she might have been harmed was worse.
Sark had held out hope though when others let go. Sydney was as strong as himself and he had
suffered though torture for periods of time. It was with a sigh of relief that word came that
Sydney was alive and well as could be expected after a month of capture.
End of chapter 10
