For disclaimer and other information, see chapter one.
As is the case with most in the espionage profession, Michael C. Vaughn despises surprises. Such things are either life threatening or grievous annoyances that distract from his assigned task. And so, he makes every effort to avoid being surprised.
Which made Jack Bristow's speech extraordinarily unfair. How was he supposed to avoid something that clearly was not normal?
It would make more sense if I was still in Taipei, he thinks fuzzily. They say the dying hallucinate, after all.
To make matters worse, his soon-to-be father-in-law was clearly waiting for an answer. Vaughn resists the urge to close his eyes.
What am I supposed to say to that?
It's not that he wasn't touched. On the contrary, Jack's speech had sent bliss through him because the man rarely gave approval to anything. Knowing Sydney's father felt so highly of him meant the world. But it also shocked the hell out of him.
"Thanks, Jack," he stammers finally. "I really appreciate that."
Jack nods thoughtfully. "I certainly do not claim to be an outstanding father," he says quietly. "But it would honor me, Mr. Vaughn, if you would allow yourself to think of me as an ally. Not just Sydney's, but yours as well."
Vaughn couldn't reply. Standing by his father's grave, all he could do was note the very paternal tone that had entered Jack's voice during his speech.
"After all, the two of us are the main reason why my very reckless daughter managed to survive the past few years," Jack continues. "I suspect that we will need to work together in an alliance of sorts, even after your marriage, to curb her occasionally foolish instincts to ensure that she continues her survival streak. Especially if you make taking off alone a regular event."
Vaughn stares. Did Jack Bristow just make a joke? Two jokes? Well, things are already abnormal. Guess it fits.
"Granted, there have been times when I would have happily watched as you were demoted for your impetuousness and inexperience. And, of course, I would have willingly shot you during the marriage debacle. But you seem to have grown in wisdom with time, as I once predicted."
He pauses, frowning as an utterly stupefied Vaughn continues to stare at him. "You never did thoroughly explain to me what that marriage was about, Mr. Vaughn."
Come on, Mike! You're a spy! Say something to dodge the subject!
"You know," he chokes out at last, seizing the first thought that comes to mind. "If you really want us to be allies, maybe you should call me Michael. What is it with your family and the fixation on my last name, anyway? Besides, I call you by your first name and…. 'Mr. Vaughn' makes me seem, well, old."
It was Jack's turn for a blank stare. "Are you implying something, Mr. Vaughn?"
Great distraction, Mike!
So where did I go? I didn't die! lol
I saw a couple days ago that I had 34 reviews when I was gonna post, so I thought heeeey, why not wait until I have 35? Nice round number, right?
Had I known it was gonna take two days to get that one review, I wouldn't have waited. LOL
So anyway, see y'all Saturday. Happy Fourth! I expect twice as many reviews since you got 2 chapters. :winkwinknudgenudge:
Reviewer Responses
Stephanie: :blushes: Thanks much!
Charmedgal005: Thanks much and yes I am! I just finished proofing those chapters and cried like a baby, so hopefully you like them. ;)
Webmistress Eh?: LOL, love the name!
Kingsgal: Another vote for Christopher! Where are y'all seeing this? lol
Jaryn: No, that would be bad. He's aiming it at Vaughn. He's Mr. SuperSpy, so if someone aims a gun at him, he's gonna return the favor. Not to mention the fact that I'm betting he enjoys taking the little hotshot down a notch or two. ;)
Arcana: Will do!
Kiki: Yeah, that part is where I started wondering why Vaughn was one all the sudden. Maybe the CIA counted all his impromptu missions with Sydney as field training and reclassified him based on those?
Kat27: What, you didn't like my attempt at a cliffhanger? I enjoyed it! :ducks:
Carrie: Awesome, thanks for reading! I love the interaction between Jack and Vaughn; they're so different, yet so similar, ya know?
Cooljenk: Awesome site, thank you very much!
LadyRex: LOL, I ask questions like those all the time. Bold and italic are just normal HTML tags, actually.
