Six Months Later...

Tuesday 6:40 a.m. 1996

1473 E. 35 Rd. Apt. 13

Georgetown, Virginia



The darkness enveloped his vision, something had stuck Alex on the back of the head. No, he thought, someone had slammed him back into the dirt. He tried to stand once again but suddenly, there were many men upon him, holding him down. Krycek was on the ground, where he had awakened, attempting to free himself from their grasps. The glint of a blade, a knife, burned red as it was removed from the nearby fire. He had believed that these men could help him escape, but now they were trying to kill him, or so he thought. Alex struggled once again, a muffled scream escaped his lips as the heated knife was brought ever closer to his exposed left arm. The feel of hot metal was upon him, burning and searing his flesh until finally...



Alex awoke in a cold sweat, his heart feeling as if it would burst from his chest. Perspiration beaded on his forehead... he knew the nightmare may never end. Sitting up in bed, Alex Krycek clicked on the night stand's lamp.

"Damn it..." he whispered, running his right hand over his face.

It was twenty minutes before seven, he had slept late once again. Alex had been expected to appear at a secret meeting of the Syndicate and it looked like he would be just a bit late. Actually, he did not plan to show, it wasn't his responsibility after all. Krycek owed nothing to the Project, least of all his life. Six months ago he had met Bria Thompson and his entire way of living, no, his whole personality, had changed.

Alex sighed, "Bria's right... I can't keep this up. I'm tired of doing that Cancer Man's dirty work, tired of everything about the Project. It's time I finally left the Syndicate for good."

Throwing the covers from his bed, he stood, putting jeans on over his boxers. Just then, there was a knock on the door. Krycek opened it slowly to reveal Bria, looking as if she was ready to leave for work.

"Alex... are you alright?" she asked, concern written all over her face.

He smiled at her, a bit self conscious about just having woken up, "Yeah, I'm fine." it didn't even sound convincing to him, let alone her.

Bria raised an eyebrow, "Now that's a lie. I could have sworn you yelled something."

A hint of red rose on Krycek's face, It's nothing, I just couldn't sleep."

Bria nodded, the concern still in her eyes, "Alex, please tell me what's wrong. I know you haven't been getting rest lately. I'm just worried about you."

This kind of talk, at one time, would have woken a deep anger within him. Krycek had always been on his own, no one ever worried about him. But there was no anger this time, he couldn't be angry with her, not Bria.

"Alex?" the women placed a hand on his left shoulder.

The daze passed and as Krycek looked to her, the turmoil in his soul shone through.

He drew in a breath, "I just haven't been feeling well, that's all." with a smile, he hoped she would buy his act.

Bria returned that smile, "Alright then... I guess you should get ready, I believe you had a meeting to attend. Remember?"

"Yeah well, I'm not going to make it."

Her eyes lit up, "You're quitting... aren't you?"

Krycek nodded, for once there was no regret in his decision.

Suddenly, Bria threw her arms around his neck, "Oh Alex, you're doing the right thing. I'm so relieved."

He stood there speechless, not quite sure what to say.

"I've heard awful things about the men you work for. I'm so glad to know that your life won't be in that kind of danger again."

With his right arm around her back, Krycek looked into Bria's eyes questioningly, "Who told you this?"

She grinned, "I am one of the Bureau's top agent Alex, I have my sources. You would be amazed about the number of things I know."

This took him by surprise, "And you still let me move in with you? After knowing the things I've done in the past?"

She released Krycek's neck, now holding onto his shoulders, "Alex, everyone needs a second chance. Besides, the past is the past, it can't be erased."

With these words, Bria walked back down the hallway and picked up her jacket. Moments later, she was on her way to work. The women left Alex, standing in his doorway, pondering her words.