Chapter 16: Surprise, Unsurprise

A/n: Thanks for the reviews! Sorry if people are a little OOC in this chapter. And I admit I lied a little... The Francie pairing won't be announced in this chapter (y'all can vote again if you want). It might not be announced until the sequel (but most likely this story, I'm hoping). Which reminds me... There's only two or three more chapters left! And just so you know, the next chapter I have been planning since I started this fic. Seriously. Well, only the end.

Disclaimer: Alias belongs to JJ Abrams; the most evil genius the world has ever seen. However, I found a JJ quote that said something like, Vaughn and Sydney could get back together in the second episode this season, or they couldn't get together at all.' Yeah, that's JJ for you.

* * * * * * *

It had been nearly a month since the news of Jack's donor had occurred. Sydney was on her way to see her mother. The guard told her that Irina could be found on the roof, and Sydney smiled and headed for the roof. As her long climb began, she started to reflect on the last month.

Though Jack's condition continued to worsen, the decline had slowed vigorously. He was tired and sleeping most of the time, but when he wasn't he was smiling with his daughter and recalling some of their happy memories from Sydney's younger years. The leukemia had changed Jack very much, other than physical appearance. Besides his obvious pain, there was a happy aura about him when he was sitting with his daughter and son-in-law. His usual stonewall had fallen, and Sydney hoped that he wouldn't try to rebuild it. Both of them were happily awaiting his coming surgery in the beginning of July.

Sydney and Vaughn's marriage was running smoothly. Occasionally they would take days off together saying they were sick, when love sick was more like it, as Weiss had once put it. Vaughn was very supportive of Sydney's energy and anticipation for Jack's bone marrow transplant to happen. Even Donovan could sense the excitement about his apartment, and he would actually lift his head from the couch to show he had caught something in the air.

And last but not least, the only factor that bothered Sydney, was that Sark had not been sighted and scarcely any news had been heard concerning him. It wasn't until recently when something somewhat big happened, which was why Sydney was going to see her mother.

She shut the roof door behind her and found her mother basking in the sun above her, absorbing its warmth into her body.

It's the little things like this that you miss the most, she told Sydney as she approached. She whisked her hair to one side and smiled at her daughter. It's good to see you.

Sydney sat down on the ground next to her mother. We have news on Sark.

You know his whereabouts?

No, but we may know someone who does. Are you familiar with Boris Vladmir?

Irina thought for a moment and nodded. Yes. He was KGB when I was. I hated him... He was such scum.

Well, we think he may know where Sark is. Vladmir is in Greece now, and the CIA plans to have me pose as a – Irina began to shake her head violently. No? What, Mom?

The CIA cannot send you. If you go you will get absolutely nothing from him. He only talks to people he trusts.

For example...?

Sydney nodded in understanding. It's nothing personal, dear, but I remember him well, now that I think about it. He wouldn't let anything out if you went.

Sydney stared up at the sky for a moment. I'll see what I can do. Kendall will probably say yes, but ask me to consult Dad. And Dad will say no... Then they'll argue for a while, until Kendall gives Dad a good reason, though they might just skip the arguing because Kendall doesn't want to stress dad out in the hospital –

In other words, don't consult your father on this one.

Sydney blushed.

She sighed and looked back up at the sky, but Irina eyed her daughter carefully. Sydney, are you feeling all right? she finally asked.

Sydney continued to stare up at the blue heavens that lay above her. Small wisps of clouds slowly floated through the air. I think I've come down with a small flu, but it's nothing much... Why?

Oh, just wondering, Irina said, smiling smugly at her daughter for a reason Sydney could not understand.

No, what was it? Mom?

It's nothing, Irina said, a smug smile still covering her face. Sydney still didn't look convinced. Let's just say it's something only a mother would know.

Staring at her mother suspiciously, Sydney stood up. I'm going to go now. I'll, uh, tell Kendall about your thoughts, and I'm just going to ignore what you just said because I'm totally confused.

Irina laughed and said good-bye to her daughter, still smiling smugly. Sydney, however, remained confused, but soon forgot her thoughts when she found her husband in a nearby hallway. She told him about what Irina said and together they addressed Kendall. The director agreed to send her on the mission, and to keep Jack in the dark. For all that Jack knew, Sydney was simply meeting someone in Greece. Nothing dangerous. He had no idea that Irina was involved.

Sydney, Vaughn, Weiss, Irina, and a few other agents were aboard a CIA owned jet headed for Greece. Sydney had fallen asleep against the window and Irina was observing the clouds out the window behind her. Vaughn and Weiss were talking away from them.

I'm so tempted to ask her what it's like being a United States criminal, Weiss said. Oh, and what it's like to murder your son-in-law's father.

Shut-up, Eric, she's still kind of my mother-in-law. I mean, I don't really look at it that way, he whispered back. And you will not ask her any weird questions, okay?

Weiss looked taken aback. Me? Ask weird questions? Never! he added for sarcasm.

Vaughn rolled his eyes and went to wake up Sydney. They were almost to Greece by now, and they had to go over several ground rules for Irina. Syd, honey, time to wake up, he said sweetly, rubbing her arms then gently leaning down to brush his lips across hers.

Syd's eyes slowly opened. Are we there yet?

Not quite, but we have to get ready. Weiss, go get the bracelet. Weiss stepped away quickly and returned with a square box. He walked next to Irina and pulled out a bracelet, and slipped it around her wrist. This bracelet has a tracking device inside. It's also lined with C-4, and we have a control here to detonate it if we think you're doing anything suspicious. You will also be wearing a camera on you. Hidden in this pin. Weiss pulled out a pin shaped, oddly, as an Amish person. Irina gave him a strange look. I didn't pick out the pin. But there's a camera in it, and if you disengage the camera from it I will not hesitate to detonate the C-4, are you clear?



Vaughn nodded authoritatively. Good. Now here's what you'll do. Vladmir thinks he's meeting an old friend in a private tea room. You will have tea with him and just chat with him. Do not, under any circumstances, tell him you are CIA cooperative. If he asks about the CIA and you being in custody, tell him you escaped. If you can, try to work in a conversation about Sloane and Sark. Keep him talking about Sark for as long as you can. Get all info on Sark that you can from him. Do whatever it takes to get the info.

What if I have to take off the camera to get the info? she asked, raising one eyebrow.

That's not an option. And, since you're Irina Derevko, if you somehow manage to remove the bracelet and the camera, we are going to inject you with a tracker so you can't get away. Irina nodded and stuck out her arm, as if it would already prove her loyalty. Weiss reluctantly injected the needle into her arm, along with a tracking device.

Before they knew it, Irina was about to meet up with her old KGB mate and the other three agents were watching from a nearby van. Other agents surrounded the area in case of an attempt to escape. Weiss, Vaughn, and Sydney were squished uncomfortably together in the back of a white van, all staring at the feed from Irina's pin camera. Vaughn was in the middle.

I still don't get why you're in the middle, Mike, Weiss said. If anything it should be Sydney, here. Vaughn elbowed him hard in the stomach. Okay, point taken. But you have to admit, the thought of a threesome in the back of this van is kind of kinky.

Weiss, if you don't shut-up I'll get Sydney to kick your ass, Vaughn said through gritted teeth; he was clearly annoyed.

Oh, don't worry, I'd do it if you didn't ask me to, Sydney added. However, I'm not against a quick twosome, Michael.

Oh God, I'm not going to have to sit between you two, am I? Horror struck Weiss's face.

Sh! Derevko's heading in. Vaughn said seriously, trying to ignore the hand slowly creeping up his thigh. he whispered, almost groaning.

I mean it, I'll separate you if I have to!

All three heads were now watching the screen intently, for Irina had just opened the door to reveal a fat, Russian man in his mid to late fifties. She sat down across the table from him.

Irina Derevko! How many years has it been? he asked, speaking Russian. He lifted her hand and kissed it for a moment too long.

she replied, also in Russian.

Dammit, I don't speak Russian, said Weiss, immediately receiving a loud SH!' from both Syd and Vaughn.

Irina was now drinking from the teacup in front of her. Her left hand rested comfortably outstretched on the table. Vladmir licked his lips. Last I heard, the CIA had you.

Yes, and I escaped during a transfer. It was wonderful. Of course, that was before they got hold of Arvin Sloane.

I heard of that too. Such a shame, that man being a prisoner. He was such an inspiration. Sydney couldn't help but laugh sarcastically. But tell me, Irina, what has become of you and that American man the KGB had you marry? His thumb was now rubbing across the top of her outstretched hand.

Ew, ew, ew he's hitting on my mom, he's hitting on my mom! Sydney said, covering her eyes. Now I'm especially glad we didn't tell Dad. She spread her fingers slightly and peered at the screen through the gaps.

He's still around. Sick, but still around. Actually, I heard it was Sloane's associate, Sark, who got him sick.

The three agents in the car leaned forward.

Ah, that is news to me. Sark was once my student, you know.

Really? Well, I must say I'm quite impressed.

Sydney rolled her eyes. Please, stop flirting, please, stop flirting...

Yes, I hope I taught him well, Vladmir continued. I only wish I knew where he was.

Even with Vaughn's broken Russian, he understood this sentence.

What? What happened, what'd he say? Weiss asked.

He doesn't know where Sark is, Sydney said more angrily than she meant to, getting back to the screen.

Irina, would you care to come back to my hotel room? We can order room service, spend some time... alone... Sydney was horrified.

Look, Mr. Vladmir –



Boris. It's really not safe for me to stay in one place for too long. I can't have the CIA catching me again, Irina said, a slight giggle in her voice. You do understand, Boris?

Yes, yes. Both of them stood up and Vladmir made his way around the other side of the table. Sydney suddenly became aware that she could not see his hands, and that disturbed her. You will stay in contact with me now.

A bit of hesitancy was found in Irina's voice. Of course. Lovely seeing you again!

You too. He leaned in to kiss her once on each cheek, all while receiving an icy stare from Sydney.

Weiss, who was sitting against the sliding door, fell out when Irina pulled it open a few minutes later. Ouch! Oh, you're back, he said, staring up at the United States prisoner.

I hate that man, she replied, stepping around Weiss and into the car. Did you see where his hands were!?

No, actually, said Sydney, moving aside to let her raging mother by.

Good, because it definitely was not an appropriate place. God, he's such a slime ball! She looked back up at the three agents, one of which was rubbing his sore back, another disgusted by the fat Russian man, the last somewhat terrified of his mother-in-law. Sorry we couldn't get the Sark info.

* * * * * * *

A few days later, Sydney was at home on a much needed sick day. Her case of the flu had taken an extremely bad turn that morning. She had been feeling better in the afternoon, and decided to go visit her father. While at the hospital, she had a realization and called Vaughn and told him to get to the hospital as quickly as he could.

He finally arrived to find a worried Sydney outside her father's room. Syd, what is it? Is something wrong? She looked up at him teary eyed.

I'm not going to be able to be my dad's bone marrow donor.

Vaughn sat down next to her. Why not? What? Really, Sydney, what happened?

Vaughn, I'm pregnant.

I'm – you're – we're – what?

We're going to have a baby. Now... Now the transplant isn't going to happen, and I've ruined everything.

I'm... going to be a father?

I haven't told my dad yet... I can't even imagine what he'll say.



Vaughn, how could we let this happen. It's so soon...



It's all my fault that this happened. I'm sorry, Vaughn.

He paused and stared deeply into her chocolate brown eyes. Don't be sorry, Sydney. There's nothing to be sorry about. He took her hands in his, and kissed her fingers gently. It's not your fault at all. It takes both of us, right? But just think about it, Syd, we're going to be a little family. I'm going to be a dad, he added with a broad smile.

So, you're not mad? she asked innocently.

How could I be? We're going to be parents soon. I love you, Sydney.

I love you, too. She wiped away her tears. Wow, we're going to be parents.

I know. It's incredible. He patted her belly. Truthfully, he couldn't wait for her to start showing, and he smiled at the thought. And remember, you're dad has a second bone marrow match.

That's right. We're going to find out who it is now. Well, come on, now that I'm excited for this baby we better tell Grandpa in there. She tilted her towards Jack's room. Let's go... Dad. She led her husband into Jack's room and found him sleeping. Should we wake him or should we tell him later?

I'm awake, Jack said. I was just... resting my eyes. He yawned. So what were you going to tell me later?

Sydney looked at Vaughn quickly. Dad, I'm not going to be able to be your donor. I'm pregnant.

That's... wonderful, he said with a smile. I'll be a... grandfather. Congratulations, Sydney.

She hugged her father tightly. I'm sorry I can't be your donor anymore.

It's okay... I have another... donor.

Doctor Anderson walked into the room, pleasantly surprised to find Sydney back with her father. Hello again, Mrs. Vaughn. Mr. Vaughn. He scratched the top of his head.

Dr. Anderson, we need to know who the other match is. Sydney's pregnant now, so she can't be the donor.

Well, congratulations! When are you due? He turned to a nearby file cabinet, still looking at the family.

Um, the end of February.

Again, congratulations. Here we go. He pulled out a folder from the cabinet and quickly scanned it's contents. The second match... Irina Derevko.

Excuse me? Jack asked, suddenly becoming less tired and the color draining from his face.

Irina Derevko is your bone marrow match. His pager beeped. I have to go. I'll set up appointments with Director Kendall, then?

I suppose so, Sydney said as the doctor left.

I absolutely refuse to take that woman's bone marrow! Jack exploded with the most feeling in his voice that Sydney had heard him use since before his leukemia.

Dad, you can't just not go through without the surgery.

Well, I'd rather die than let her save me.

Dad –

No, Sydney! She's lied to me, she's lied to all of us, she's killed his father, she's been an enemy of the United States for I don't know how many years, she's abandoned us... I'm not about to let her hold this over my head!

Dad, we're not going to let you die.

How did she get tested anyway?



Sydney, you didn't, he asked, groaning, already seeing the answer on his daughter's face.

I wanted to be sure we found a match. And Mom... She wanted to be tested. I didn't think it could do any harm and, I mean, there was barely a chance for her to be your match.

It didn't exactly work out that way, now, did it?

Stop being so stubborn! Sydney shouted. Why couldn't he understand? I know you don't want her to save your life. But if you don't let her you will die. Soon. We don't want our baby to grow up without any grandfathers. Vaughn wrapped his arms around her torso, standing behind her.

Jack stared at the floor for a moment. Fine. But only for the sake of my future grandchild.

Thank you, Dad. She could still see the reluctancy in Jack's face. He really didn't want Irina to be his bone marrow match. In fact, if he could have made a list, she was sure Irina would be on the bottom, along with Sloane and Sark. Surely Jack could try to look at Irina as Laura...

Francie and the others will probably want to know, Syd, and it looks like Jack's about to fall asleep on us.

Sorry... I get spurts of energy, and then I'm... he yawned, Out like a light. Bye, Sydney, Vaughn; take good care of my daughter and grandchild.

Always, sir, Vaughn replied, giving Sydney an extra squeeze.

Bye, Daddy, Sydney whispered to him as he drifted off to sleep and she shut the door. Now I can't wait to tell Francie and Will and Weiss and Marshall and Dixon and –

Whoa, slow down, Vaughn laughed. I'm sure everyone will know soon enough.

Sydney smiled. It's just so exciting now that I realize everything that's going to happen. Michael, we're going to have to pick out a name, and buy all these adorable baby clothes. Oh, and we're definitely going to need to buy a house.

A house?

A house. They suddenly found themselves at their car. Please, please, please can we go tell Francie? she asked sweetly.



I can't wait to see the look on her face.

Vaughn's smile was growing by the minute. Boy, you sure do change your mind quickly.

Sydney turned to look at him seriously. Oh my God. I'm going to be a mom. I... I have to tell my mom. And we have to tell your mom. And we have to tell my mom about the bone marrow thing.

Okay, seriously, I think we need to take this slowly and one step at a time. Sydney looked at him blankly. Or perhaps not because you have everything under control, as usual.

That's right! And don't you forget it! She laughed, lighting up the car, street, and entire city of Los Angeles.

The next two weeks flew by very quickly. Sydney, eager to be ahead, had already started the house search for the growing Vaughn family. She made appointments with Doctor Grummon, who was located just a floor above her father. Most of all, Sydney was awaiting her father's upcoming surgery. He finally came to terms with the fact that the woman he hated – yet still secretly loved – had to save his life. And Irina, now privately reveling in the thought of her position, was rather amused when she learned that she was Jack's second match. She was also very pleased to hear of that she would soon become a grandmother.

Finally the day of Jack's transplant arrived. Sydney and Vaughn were sitting anxiously in the waiting room. Sydney was shaking.

Sweetie, it's okay, Vaughn cooed, putting an arm around his wife.

I'm just so... I don't know. Scared? Nervous? Excited? I can't tell. They're all just jumbled up inside of me, battling with each other. God, I'm getting a damn headache.

Sh, sh, calm down. Just try to relax. She shifted her weight to lay her head in his lap; he stroked her hair. He's going to make it through this, you know.

I know. But there's still that worry at the back of every thought. He has to make it. She slowly drew in a breath, and closed her eyes as she exhaled. Something still doesn't feel right

The line in Vaughn's forehead creased and he raised one eyebrow. However, he couldn't blame her for being worried. Even he was worried; he didn't know how he appeared to keep composure. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. Suddenly Sydney shot up from his lap. Syd, what is it? He face contorted quickly.

Ow, I don't know. It's my stomach... Vaughn, I've never felt this before. Ouch, ouch, Vaughn, it hurts. She stood up, but quickly sat back down. I think something's wrong. I need Dr. Grummon.

Okay, let's go. Come on, he helped her up, and let her lean all her body weight on him as he led her up to see her doctor. They finally approached the desk on the third floor. Hi, I know we didn't make an appointment, but this may be an emergency. Sydney explained to the nurse at the desk what happened, and she took her back to a room.

Vaughn, please go check on my dad, Sydney shouted to her husband before disappearing behind a door. Vaughn wanted to stay with her, but he knew she would continue to pester him about her father. He ran to the elevator and waited impatiently as it took him one floor lower. He found Dr. Anderson in the hallway.

Dr. Anderson, Dr. Anderson! he called, chasing after him. How's the surgery going?

Well, so far, he said in confusion while Vaughn caught his breath. I was just about to tell you and Mrs. Vaughn in the waiting room. The first half of the surgery is complete, and Ms. Derevko is okay. We still have the actual transplant to do yet, which we will do soon.

Okay, thank you, Vaughn said, turning to run back upstairs. Again, he boarded what had to be the slowest elevator in the history of the world and ran into the room he saw Sydney go into earlier.

He found his wife sitting on the bed in a hospital gown, her knees curled up to her chest. Vaughn, it hurts. He moved to embrace his wife. They think it could be a miscarriage. Make the pain go away... she said, wincing. Tears were beginning to well in her eyes, and Vaughn couldn't tell if it was from the physical pain or the thought of losing their child. He felt like a lost cause in the room; and Sydney seemed helpless. Vaughn hugged her tighter. So how is my father doing?

Vaughn almost smiled. Despite the pain, both mental and physical, she managed to still be curious about her dad. I guess so far everything is going well. Your mom is all right and they are done with her.

She'll probably want to... OW! Talk to me. She held one of his hands with a death grip. Finally the door opened and the doctor came in.

Hi, Sydney, she said, clearly less formal and more friendly then Dr. Anderson. How are we holding up?

Not so good, Sydney said, grimacing again in pain. I don't think my husband's hand can hold out much longer, she added, weakly smirking before another bout of pain surged.

Dr. Grummon gave Vaughn a sympathetic smile before taking a seat in a turquoise swivel chair. I'm going to apologize in advance because I only have bad news for you. There is a very great chance that you are having a miscarriage. The stomach cramps and spotting are signs; you said you had both. But just to make sure I'm going to give you an ultrasound. Okay? Sydney nodded and reluctantly set her legs in the stirrups, each hand gripping the side rails. Her head and neck bobbed back and forth as another attempt to ease the pain. The doctor rubbed the cold, jelly stuff on her stomach and ran a piece of machine over it. Everyone eagerly looked at the screen. See this little light spot here? She pointed. That is your baby. It hasn't taken a fetus form. See how it's just a sack? She turned the machine off and put everything to the side of the room. I'm really sorry, Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn. Try not to be discouraged. Next time you conceive, if you choose to, you still have a great chance that this baby will make it. Vaughn nodded and the doctor left the room for Sydney to change.

She didn't speak at all while changing or the car ride home. She was still silent when she went to the bedroom to change into her pajamas. Vaughn sat down on the couch and swiped the bottom of his nose. He was devastated, though he tried to be strong for his wife. He had to tell a nurse to give Dr. Anderson the message that they would be heading home, and to be called when the surgery was finished (A/n: see note at bottom**).



It was the smallest, shyest, most hurt voice Vaughn had ever heard in his whole life. He turned his head to find his wife standing in the doorway, tears on the verge of falling were settled on her eyelids. Finally she ran to him, fell into his lap, and let the tears pour down her face, and he did likewise.



A/n: Sorry it's so depressing, and you all probably hate me, but it had to happen. You're really going to hate me when I say that I've been planning the miscarriage since chapter 6. BUT PLEASE DON'T FREAK OUT! EVERYTHING WILL WORK OUT IN THE END!

However, if you feel you *must* flame me, go ahead. I'll be prepared. But most importantly, REVIEW!

**On a happier note (ahem), Jack's surgery went okay, so I won't leave you hanging on that one. Both him and Irina are all good.

Until chapter 17 (which I'm sooo excited to write),
~Whitelighter Enchantress