Chapter 15: Sark on Your Honeymoon

A/n: Thanks for all the reviews guys! Sorry it's been so long. I was on vacation for a week in Canada with my friends, their family, cousins, aunt, uncles, and sister's boyfriend. It was fun. There was this huge rock, and on it someone spray-painted This rock is dedicated to JJ' and it made me think of JJ Abrams. Then Anna jumped on the rock and started dancing, so I kind of forgot about for a while.
~Lilie- No, I don't write for Charmed, but my Harry Potter fic is a sort of crossover with Whitelighters and Elders and all that jazz.
~Jade- Wow, that was a LOT of reviews. THANKS!

Disclaimer: I still don't own Alias or Vaughn. I do own a pack of gum.

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It's so great to have you back! Francie squealed as she hugged her best friend. Only a short while ago, Vaughn and Sydney had returned from their honeymoon in Europe. They spent a week and a half of luxury in Italy and France, and returned just in time for Christmas. she said raising her eyebrows.

We had fun, Sydney smirked. Guess what we bought Eric? Francie shrugged. In the hotels we stayed in, they had these boxes of condoms...

Oh my God, you didn't!

We did. Two foreign boxes of condoms for Weiss. Not like the chance for him to use them would ever come along.

That's hilarious. I can just see the look on his face when he gets them, Francie grinned. I'm so glad you guys came back before Christmas. What are you're plans?

We're going to go see my dad and his mom. But most definitely your place for dinner. Who's all coming?

Will, and Weiss. I think that's it.

Not James? The new hot boyfriend? He came to the wedding.

Oh, we broke up. Things were really not working out. You know, me being his boss and all. It was just too weird. So can you stay for a coffee?

Actually, I have to be getting into work. Kendall's probably going to have a heart attack from a lack of two agents for a week and a half. See you later. Sydney hugged her friend good-bye and headed for her meeting with Kendall.

When she arrived at work, she was surprised to find most of the agents hanging around outside. She did notice, however, that the only agent in the meeting room so far was Kendall.

Hey, Weiss, Sydney said, calling Weiss's attention, have you seen my sexy hunk of man flesh anywhere?

God, get a room. Oh wait, you've already had one for a fricken week and a half! Weiss looked thoroughly disgusted. Kendall sent him to do something...

She smiled in remembrance of his present. And you'll get your gift that we bought you on our honeymoon tomorrow at dinner.

You guys actually bought me something?

Well, not so much bought it as it came in the rooms.

Great. It's towels or a bathrobe or something. He rolled his eyes. Oh, looks like the meetings starting.

Sydney and Weiss walked in the room together and each took their seats. Soon Vaughn came in and took his seat next to his wife. She grabbed his thigh under the table.

None of you are going to like this... began Kendall, an obvious bad sign. There's been a sighting of Sark, began Kendall, drawing Vaughn and Syd's attention away from each other. In fact, Agents Vaughn, he was sighted in your hotel.

In our hotel!? Vaughn shouted.

Yes, in your hotel. Our sources still have no understanding of his exact objective. Vaughn looked at Sydney with concern in his eyes. However he's gone into hiding again, and there were no human witnesses to his crime.

Which hotel? Sydney asked.

The one is Paris, replied Kendall, a picture of it showing up on one of the television screens. Vaughn sighed quietly and rested his head in his hands, rubbing his eyes.

What exactly was he doing when he was spotted? asked Sydney.

Kendall picked up a remote control. We have it on surveillance. After he flipped a switch on the remote, static came over the TV. Then there was the image of Sark walking down a series of corridors, each lined with rooms to the suites. With each step he took, an article of clothing was removed (no, he wasn't stripping – just taking off his disguise). He reached a door labeled B25 and began to pick at the lock.

said Sydney, casting him a nervous glance.

I know, I know. It's our room.

Sydney finally looked back at the TV screen, to find that Sark had disappeared in the door. She saw the door open slightly, with a dark shadow seen through its crack. Then Sark crept out the door, stuffing something into his pocket, and he was soon out of sight.

Whoa, can we zoom in and see what he had in his pocket? asked Vaughn eagerly.

Marshall stood up. It seems to be a bag of some sort. Not like a purse or anything cause that would be kind of... that might suggest that Mr. Sark was... um... it's a plastic bag but it was too blurry when we zoomed in to tell what it was.

Weiss leaned over and whispered to Vaughn. You guys weren't in your room when he was there? Damn. If it was my honeymoon I would never have left –

Kendall coughed loudly. As Mr. Flinkman said, we know he had a plastic bag. Did either of you have anything of importance with you?

Both agents shook there heads. Weiss muttered very quietly so only Vaughn could hear, Only each other, and added a corny grin.

Very well, continued Kendall, pretending that he didn't notice Weiss's snide remarks. There must have been something in the room that he wanted... Marshall, I want you to try to get rid of the blur and figure out what was in that bag.

On it, sir, he replied, standing up quickly and leaving the room.

Kendall stared at Sydney and Vaughn, waiting to see if they had any last remarks. However, Sydney was staring up at the television screen in disbelief and Vaughn's angst-ridden eyes stared angrily at the floor. Finally he said, Meeting dismissed. Other agents carefully gathered their things and exited the room as quickly as possible. Weiss, hesitated for a moment, looking for a moment at the Vaughns, but left to assume other work.

Vaughn ripped his gaze to Sydney, who returned it. I'm going to kill him.

Calm down, she tried.

I won't! And I'll kill him if I have to. Syd, what if we had been there when he came? We very well could have been lying in bed completely unarmed when he just came barging through –

Agents Vaughn, Kendall said in his deep controlling voice. The two agents had momentarily forgotten his presence. Might I suggest going to visit Derevko and Sloane? Or possibly your father... he added the last part more quietly.

Sydney nodded. Yes, their input could assist the situation. She looked at a pouting Vaughn. We're on it. She took Vaughn's hand and pulled it through the many corridors until she found herself in the presence of her mother.

her mother greeted. And Agent Vaughn, she added more politely. A wave of guilt washed over her body whenever Vaughn came to visit. Irina had never truly regretted her life with the KGB, but when she looked into her son-in-laws eyes, he saw his loss.

Mom- Sark's been sighted again.

The lines in her forehead creased. After this long? She averted her eyes as a complex puzzle lay in pieces before her mind. He must be up to something big. But I really wouldn't know anything. Sloane, however... Sydney frowned. The mention of Sloane's name still made her want to throw up, eat it all, then throw up again. He was that vile. her mother continued, connecting her gaze with Sydney. She immediately recognized this so.' It was the tone of voice Sydney heard when her mother wished to talk of things outside the CIA. How was the wedding?

Sydney turned to look at Vaughn, who beamed back at her. It gave him the most wonderful feeling in the world when he was reminded of his marriage to Sydney. Both women made a mental note that this was Vaughn's first smile in proximity to Irina.

Vaughn said, surprising them all with the sound of his voice.

I only wish that Dad could have been there, Sydney said, looking to the floor. Vaughn lifted her hand and pressed it gently to his lips.

Speaking of Jack, Irina added softly, how is he doing, really?

I haven't heard or seen him since before the wedding, but I know he's been permanently hospitalized. Sydney felt her hand being squeezed by her husband. No one noticed the empty look reflecting in Irina's eyes.

Will you... tell him, that, that I want him to get... better? Irina asked timidly.

Sydney looked back at her mom. She recognized the look on her face... Where had she seen it before? It was the very same worried, pale face that her father had had when Irina was sick. She smiled at her mother. Of course I will.

Thank you. And, Sydney, she leaned toward the glass and continued in a whisper, You married a good man.

Sydney's grin grew broader. I know, Mom, I know. She waved good bye to Irina before trudging over to Sloane's cell, now with her muscles tensed. Her hand that was squeezing Vaughn's was now practically breaking it. She tried all she could to keep from screaming at the evil creature that loomed behind the glass in front of her.

Ah, Sydney, come to visit me again, have you? And I see you brought your boyfriend with you, he sneered.

I'm not here to talk funny business, Sloane, Sydney said, her voice like ice. You know Sark was at our hotel.

Sloane rubbed the stubbly beard on his rat-like face. Slowly he glanced from Sydney's stone face to her left hand, and particularly her ring finger. My mistake... you brought your husband with you.

Just tell us what we want, Sloane, she said through clenched teeth. Why was he there?

So how long have you been married? Was it before or after your father's illness got the best of him?

Sydney breathed heavily. STOP! JUST GIVE ME THE ANSWER!

He's dying, Sydney. And before you know it, he'll be gone.

Sydney was ready to charge at his cell when Vaughn pulled her back, and pushed her into her mother's cell, shutting the gate so she could not leave. VAUGHN, LET ME AT HIM!

Not now, Syd. Vaughn walked up to the glass where Sloane now stood opposite of him. He suddenly slammed his fist on the glass. May I remind you that if you don't cooperate with the CIA that the most extreme penalty will be used, in your case the death penalty? Sloane stared coldly back into Vaughn's green eyes. Tell us why Sark was at our hotel in Paris.

He needed to get something.

Vaughn rolled his eyes. What did he need to get?



Dammit, I'm not going to play this game with you! What did he take from our rooms?

I don't know, it could have been a plethora of things. Hairbrushes, clothes, toothbrushes, something from the wastebasket, anything of value.

You know very well what he took. It was in a plastic bag. What was he taking from our room?

Sloane grinned. Were you on your honeymoon, perhaps? What a lovely Christmas present; Sark on your honeymoon!

Just answer the damn question! Vaughn's voice began to rise.

I told you, it could be any of those, or even something else. All part of the master plan, yes. Sydney finally stopped fidgeting to open the gate and stared at Sloane in wonder. There was the mention of the master plan' again. First was the mention of the project in Sark's note, then when he told Jack about it while torturing him, and now this. Sydney's fascination of Sloane's plan was growing by the minute.

Sydney whispered, causing him to lose his strong gaze at Sloane.

he whispered back, edging closer to her.

His master plan. Sark said it was part of the master plan to eliminate my father. Just then he said it was part of it to take something from our room. What on earth?

Vaughn sighed. I don't know. But it doesn't look like we'll be able to get it out of Sloane.

So if he continues to not cooperate, he'll get the death penalty?

Probably not, now that he's the only person we have contact with that knows about the master plan. But we'll get it out of him, Syd, even if we have to torture it out of him.

she replied. I'm calm now, you can let me back in.

Vaughn smiled. I'm not falling for that. No matter where you are you are probably thinking of the most painful ways to kill this guy.



He turned away from his wife and back to Sloane. What is the master plan?

He laughed. You think I'm going to tell you?

You made a promise to the CIA that you would cooperate with them in exchange for your life. I would think you'd want to keep that promise, but if you don't that can be arranged.

Sloane's grin erased from his face and he turned his back on Vaughn. Part of it was to get rid of Jack...

We know that already. What were the other parts? Sydney demanded, trying to hide her hatred for this man.

He was silent.

Come on, Syd, let's leave. We have Sloane's funeral to plan, he said as the gates opened and he took Sydney's hand.

* * * * * * *

Hi, Daddy, Sydney said sweetly as she opened the door to Jack's room, Vaughn following closely behind her. How are you feeling?

He turned his face towards Sydney and she was taken aback. In merely two weeks without seeing her father, the disease was already consuming him. Jack was frail and fatigue had worn his body. His hair in many places was thin as opposed to his usual thick head of hair. His features had changed. A certain warmth and kindness was noticeable in his eyes. Sydney, Michael, he greeted, his voice raspy with weariness. I'm just tired. Sydney grasped his hand lying at his side. How was the wedding? I still feel awful –

Dad, it's okay. Whatever it takes for you to get healthy, right? And it was wonderful... Bridgette Vaughn taped it, so you can see it tomorrow morning when we visit.

He smiled weakly at his daughter. I'm... really tired... he added, eyes drooping.

All right, Dad. I love you, Merry Christmas.

Merry... Christmas...

His eyes closed shut and the rise and fall of his chest evened. Sydney leaned over and kissed her father on his forehead. Vaughn's brow furrowed as he watched his wife struggle to keep composure.

I'm ready, Vaughn, she whispered after staring at her sleeping father for a moment. After they entered the hallway and shut the door, Sydney seemed to calm. Maybe we can tell him about Sark tomorrow. Hopefully he'll be more awake.

You okay?

I think so. It's just... hard for me to watch him suffer like that. Do you kind of understand? He nodded. Well, let's go home, and have a nice Christmas Eve. She raised her eyebrow.

Vaughn grinned. That's what I was hoping you'd say!

* * * * * * *

Syd! Michael! Francie shouted, appearing in the doorway, a red and white Santa hat settled on her head. Merry Christmas. You guys need help with any of that?

I think we have it, replied Sydney from under a pile of presents. Already they had seen Vaughn's mom and Sydney's dad, and now it was Will, Francie, and Weiss's turn. Michael, hurry up, it's cold out here.

I'm trying! I can't find the last one. It must have slid under the seats... He leaned over so his torso lay flat against the car floor. Sydney smiled at Francie, lifted her leg and sharply tapped it to his butt.

What? I was just standing here when your butt came and attacked my foot.

Vaughn pulled a bag out of the car and found an innocent faced Sydney staring at him. I found it. So it's all my butt's fault, is it?

It's just so gosh darn cute!

Quit your flirting and hurry up, it's cold! Francie shouted from the door. Once they were all inside and presents and things were set aside, Francie announced that dinner was almost ready, and Eric and Will were playing video games in the other room.

You're cheating, Weiss said, punching the buttons on his controller. Sydney and Vaughn took seats near them.

Will asked.

I don't know. But you're cheating.

You're only saying that because he's winning.

Shut-up, Mike. Do I get my honeymoon present soon?

Sydney smiled. After dinner, with the other presents.

Will continued to kick Weiss's butt for several more minutes when Francie called them all to dinner. The five friends ate together, all letting the CIA affairs or other matters slip their minds. Finally presents time came...

Weiss... This is for you, Vaughn said, handing a package to Weiss. I hope they're put to good use. Just don't tell me when.

Weiss raised his eyebrow in confusion, while Vaughn, Syd, and Francie smirked. Slowly he unwrapped the paper until he reached it's core. Foreign condoms! How did you know? That's exactly what I wanted. And don't worry, I'll give you a detailed explanation every time I use them. Vaughn's smirk changed into horror.

Get on with the rest of the presents, Will whined.

In a matter of minutes, wrapping paper, boxes, and bags were scattered out along the floor. Each person had their presents piled in front of them. The men all had opened their presents, Francie had one more, and Sydney had two.

Oh, Michael, it's beautiful! exclaimed Sydney after opening a diamond necklace from her husband. I love it, thank you!

Here, I'll help you put it on. Sydney turned around while he latched the back. So you ladies each have one left? How do you make them last?

Sydney and Francie looked at each other. For one, we buy each other more gifts than we do you. And we have patience.

Crap, it's the will power... said Weiss, now sporting Francie's Santa hat. Oh, just hurry up.

At the same time, Sydney and Francie pulled open the last boxes – from each other – only to find an almost identical gift.

Look, we match, said Francie, holding up her new green sweater and Sydney holding up her gray one. Thanks, twin.

Welcome, twin.

Will stood up. Guys, want to go play that new Playstation game I got? He had been addressing Vaughn and Weiss, who both nodded. The women, however, retired to the kitchen and decided they'd clean up the living room later.

This was a good Christmas, Sydney declared after much thought. Sure, my Dad was in the hospital, but we haven't had the best holiday history, and we had this one together. We watched my wedding... France, he cried. Cried! But we're on good terms, and that's what matters, right?

Yeah. He cried? Freaky...

Tell me about it. Plus, I had to tell him that Mom wanted him to get better. His reaction was priceless. But I don't want to talk about what cancer's done to my father. Let's talk about... Any suggestions?

How about my new crush?



Francie's serious face turned into a goofy grin. She leaned towards Sydney and whispered, I kind of have a thing for W –

interrupted their conversation. However, Sydney still could make out the name on Francie's lips. She smiled. You guys would make an awesome couple. I may have to play cupid, Sydney added slyly, but let's go see what the guys are up to.

* * * * * * *

Slowly, four months passed. These months could have been considered the quietest and loudest months at times; uneventful in some ways, and crazily hectic in others.

Francie's crush remained a secret only between her and Sydney.

Jack's condition worsened steadily.

There were no further sightings of Sark, let alone information of the master plan.

Irina continued to cooperate with the CIA, and was slowly earning more freedoms as she did so.

Vaughn and Sydney were home one evening eating dinner when the phone rang. She sprang up from her chair and lifted the receiver to her ear.

Mrs. Vaughn? This is Doctor Anderson from Oncology, I'm calling about your father.

Yes, what is it? Sydney replied eagerly. Could something terrible have happened? Was he dead? All the worst scenarios flew through Sydney's mind as she waited for the doctor to speak again.

Your father currently has an infection and we have transferred him to the ICU. The doctor said this too calmly and it made Sydney think twice.

Is there anything I should worry about? Vaughn had crept into the kitchen and was standing behind Sydney, who had not yet noticed.

No, actually. Sydney was taken aback. Why would the doctor just call her for no apparent reason? See, after his infection heals he will be eligible for a bone marrow transplant. He wanted to call you himself, but at the moment he is too weak. Sydney's lips curled slowly into a smile across her face. A bone marrow transplant! There was much possibility of his survival with a transplant... If nothing went wrong. He was hoping you could get any and all people who were willing to be tested as a match.

Of course. Where would we go for that?

Oncology desk. It wouldn't take longer than fifteen minutes.

Thank you, Doctor Anderson. You have no idea how much this means to me. She hung up the phone and turned around to find a confused Vaughn.

I'd assume it's not bad news from the look on your face, he said.

Sydney laughed and threw her arms around his neck. Well, he is in ICU right now.



No, no, that's not it. After he's out he'll be able to try for a bone marrow transplant! This means so much for him, Michael. I'm almost tempted to go get tested right now.

She smiled widely at him and went back to her dinner. Vaughn hesitated before returning to the table, but paused in the doorway. You know, Syd, they might not find a match. And don't give me that look because you've known from the beginning that finding a match is the hardest part. You're the only one who's alive that's blood related to him. If you aren't a match, then there might not be anyone out there.

She sighed. I have thought a lot about that, actually, she said. It's just from the beginning when we first learned about the possibility of a transplant I had this feeling. I felt that if he could make it this far, then he was going to make it all the way. Please don't take that away from me.

I don't want to, he said with sympathy, but I just wanted to make sure you weren't setting yourself up for disappointment.

I'm not... But I've learned over the years to trust my instinct. That's all. Vaughn gave her a look that told her that he still wasn't convinced, however he took his seat once again and went on with his dinner. I have tried to imagine the worst, Vaughn.

Ouch, thought Vaughn. He now almost hated hearing her call him Vaughn. It made him feel like everything in the whole world was his fault; hearing his last name made him feel guilty; but most of all, it made him feel that he had to make it up to Sydney, whatever it was, and help her. He of course knew in the back of his mind that it wasn't his fault (most of the time), but the fault of Sark, Sloane, and the yet to be revealed master plan. It was strange to think now that he once yearned for his last name to be spoken from her lips. It was also strange to be married to the woman he once could never have. I'm only concerned.

I know. And I love you for it.

I love you too. This part always made him feel better, no questions asked.

The very minute Sydney heard that her father was out of ICU, she began telling everyone she could about becoming a bone marrow donor. When at work, she would ask all the agents she could talk to to go help a senior agent in need (to some she added how he had probably saved their asses at one time or another). She asked all of her close friends to get tested, and they all agreed unanimously. She even made almost daily announcements at Francie's restaurant asking people to get tested, and perhaps save a life.

Finally, it was the middle of May when Sydney was called into the hospital. She and Vaughn were in her father's room; the prior gripping her father's hand. All three were awaiting in anticipation. Sydney was sure they had found a match, and she could feel it down to her bones.

She heard the click of the doorknob and turned to quickly glance into her father's eyes. She had only recently begun to come to terms with her father's appearance and actions. He was now left with only a few wisps of gray hair on his head. His body was weak and his movements, slow. And something that hit Sydney the hardest was the dark yet mysterious gleam in his eyes had disappeared and been replaced with an empty, pining look.

Doctor Anderson shut the door. I have good news, and good news. Which would you like first?

Sydney smiled at the doctor. Age and stress had worn down his middle-aged face and grayed the roots of his hair. His medium, rounded glasses were set at the middle of his nose and he looked up expectantly at the family before him. We'll take the good news, Sydney finally mused.

Ah, yes, he said. The good news: we've found a match. Sydney's, Vaughn's, and Jack's eyes all brightened.

Who is it? Vaughn asked eagerly.

Doctor Anderson paused for dramatic effect, which made Sydney want to burst. Jack's match is none other than Mrs. Sydney Vaughn.

That's not good news... That's great news! Sydney leaned in to hug her father tightly, then to the other side to kiss Vaughn on the cheek. Thank you so much, Doctor Anderson.

Wait, don't you want to hear the other good news?

Sydney's eyes widened as if she was a six year old and it was Christmas morning all over again. You mean there's more? I thought those were the good news.

He shook his head. Well, the second good news came as quite a shock. I don't think I've seen this sort of thing happen before. It's quite a rare feat... Sydney stared from Jack to the doctor in wonder. Not only did we find Jack a match, but we found him two matches.

That's even better!

I haven't gotten everything worked out yet, but we're planning the surgery for late June, early July, he said, smiling.

Thank you, we'll clear our schedules. The doctor gave one last smile before exiting the room and leaving the family alone to celebrate the good news. Dad, this is wonderful!

I know, Sydney, and we haven't even felt the whole effects of it yet.

She hugged him again, burying her face into his shoulder. I just knew it wasn't my time to lose you, not yet.

A happy silence followed but it was quickly broken by an overjoyed Sydney, grabbing Vaughn by the hand and dancing around the room. She and her husband had to hide their surprise when they discovered Jack laughing at them (Jack + laughing = WHOA). Sydney recorded this moment as one of the happiest in her life and would treasure the memory for years to come.

said Vaughn finally as an afterthought after leaving the hospital, we didn't ask who the other match was.

It doesn't really matter now, does it? I mean I'm a match and we're definitely going through with the surgery.

Vaughn shrugged. Yeah, I guess you're right.



A/n: Sorry about this chapter guys... It was pretty much only there for informational reasons (and of course fluff). I still have to warn you that some future chapters will have scenes jumping months apart. And again sorry if the leukemia stuff is inaccurate – I learned all of it from a soap opera and a website.

But now I need your help. That's right- YOU, my loyal reader. I was originally pairing Francie with that James guy, but it turned out that I didn't like him all that much. So now, you get to vote! What should the official Mission Rescue Francie pairing be?
~Francie and Weiss
~Francie and Will
The results will show up in the next chapter, so please vote in your reviews or in an e-mail (I'm at spunky31@comcast.net nowadays). Which reminds me... REVIEW!!!!
~Whitelighter Enchantress