Chapter 19: The Future Remains


A/n: Just a couple of notes... Did I say a couple? I lied. Because THIS IS THE FRICKEN LAST CHAPTER! Look for the sequel, to be titled The Return to the Island. Also, for those of you who wondered, Jack is still recovering (the chapter goes into further detail). And I make a reference to the Ascendancy, which is my little evil organization like the Covenant. But mostly, I have to thank everyone who ever reviewed this because without you guys this fic would be nothing, as corny as that sounds. So, without further ado, I want to thank each of you who's ever reviewed this:
MiniBristow47, chatnoir, Moose-girl, twin*muse, Kimmers, mandi, Jenni, Kelli, Nicol, mary, nicki, star16, Sarah, Alias23, Secret Agent Girl, Ryanne, Colly E., AnnaSun, Brine224, HoneyBee1, fan_kitty, rws, will's future wife, Lara25, Brittany and her 5 aliases, anonymous, Kiki, Jade-Tessier, Love-Is-War, Angel, MONI, Wibin ForNumen, Nancy O., raina Elizibeth
This one's dedicated to you guys. ENJOY!

Disclaimer: Not mine, but JJ's. Why did he make her stab Vaughn!? There's a quote in here that Irina says, which is from Christian Bovee. (By the way, I have no idea if 619 Brewster St. exists... Kudos to you if you actually live there!)

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I absolutely love it! Sydney shouted with glee as Vaughn shut the front door. The Vaughns and baby had just finished moving all of their furniture into their new house. It had been a few weeks since the True Love Island mission, and Sydney had cheered up since then. She took time off of work to stay and take care of the baby, but also helped with research for the CIA in the meantime. It was a relief to her to finally be fully moved into the house on 619 Brewster Street.

As for the baby boy, very little new information had been discovered about him. From the medical reports, they concluded he was around seven months old, with a birthday of February the second, 2005. He had not been harmed in any way, except for a small abrasion on the back of his neck. He was a quiet baby; hardly cried, didn't yet speak, but occasionally would mumble innocently after waking up from a nap. Sydney felt a little guilty for him not having a name yet, but he technically did not belong to her either. She and Vaughn hoped to adopt him, however.

Bridgette Vaughn adored the child, as would any almost grandmother. And Jack, who was still kept in ICU for the long recovering process, couldn't be in more anticipation to hold the baby. Every time Sydney or Vaughn brought the baby for a visit and held him in the window for Jack to see, the largest smile could be seen on Jack's face. So far, Jack's recovery was going quite well, and he was expected to leave the hospital in the coming weeks. Sydney thought it was wise for the time being not to tell Irina; at least not until an adoption could be finalized.

Vaughn wrapped his arms around Sydney. Look at all these boxes... How are we ever going to unpack everything?

I have no idea, she said while leaning into the nearby playpen and picking up the baby, settling him on her hip. What should we do, Baby? she asked him in a playful voice. She grinned as he lifted his large, tired, green eyes to meet hers. Aw, we should get you to sleep. Sydney rocked him gently as she headed for the stairs; looking around at the house that was perfect for their little family. First, after entering through the front door was the small foyer, with the living room adjacent at the right and an office to the left. The foyer extended into a hall, with a stairway and door to the dining room, and at the end a door to the large kitchen. After that, a sliding door to the back porch and big, grassy, backyard. Upstairs, there were four bedrooms and two bathrooms, not to mention a half bathroom on the main floor and another in the basement (which Vaughn planned to turn into the biggest entertainment room known to mankind).

Sydney lay the baby boy down into a crib they bought after returning home. He stayed in the bedroom closest to the master bedroom, and Sydney had of course demanded that his room be finished as a nursery on chance that they could adopt him. She leaned down and kissed his head softly while Vaughn's arms wrapped around her stomach.

Sydney sighed. Tomorrow's the day, she whispered dryly. This could be our last night with him.

Don't think like that. Kendall told us his adoption was in our favor. Anyway, we're CIA, even if we don't get him – for some strange reason – then we can pull that string and he'll be ours that way. Sydney still looked skeptical. Don't worry, Syd. He paused. We better let him sleep. He's got a big day tomorrow.

* * * * * * *

Sydney's face beamed as she held Vaughn's hand at one side and a baby carrier at the other. They walked – no – glided down the halls of the CIA Joint Task Force Center headed for Vaughn's office. She knew everyone who merely glanced in their direction would have peculiar thoughts, but it didn't matter. Sydney couldn't help but smile; everything she wanted was finally handed to her on a silver plate, and she had taken with great enthusiasm.

It wasn't until she was in Vaughn's office when she was reminded of the consequences that came with it.

Michael, we did it! she announced when he shut the door. She set the baby carrier on his desk, picking the baby up into her arms. You're my little boy, now, yes you are, she cooed.

Vaughn smiled, coming closer to his wife and new son. And we didn't even have to pull the CIA trick. They already thought we were the best caregivers for him.

Well, he has been living with us for over a month now. And I did find him... She sighed contentedly and let her eyes settle on her son, who looked around the strange office, inspecting. This is where Daddy works, she said to him, before turning to Vaughn. Come on, Dad, show your son around, she added with a grin.

I will, he replied, Sydney blushed at the new title with honor. But not right now. I think there's something we have to do first... Are you ready?

She paused for a moment, gently bouncing the baby on her hip. I think I've been ready for a long time. I've had the forms filled out since we brought down SD-6, just after you recovered... She handed over the baby to his father and fished through her purse until she reached a file of papers.

He watched her grip them firmly in her hands, but added, Are you sure you can do this?

She turned to face him confidently. I have to... for our family. She stepped closer to Vaughn and the baby, letting their son grab his hand around one of Sydney's fingers. We ought to name him now, shouldn't we?

Yes, but you're just stalling.

I know, she sighed, meeting his gaze.

Okay, let's do this.

No, I need to do this myself. Vaughn nodded curtly and kissed his wife's forehead before she marched out the door. She barely had time to prepare what to say when she found herself in front of Director Kendall's desk. He seemed deeply enraptured by his work, not showing any sign that he acknowledged Sydney's presence. A pen scribbled it's way across the paper he was writing upon, seemingly uninterrupted.

She tossed the packet of paper onto his desk, covering his work. What's this? he asked, clearly upset by the disturbance.

My resignation papers. All that's left is for you to sign it and I'll just become another civilian. She breathed heavily, as if letting the words out exhausted her.

From the look of pure emotionless shock on his face, Kendall was not ready for this moment. Agent Brist– Agent Vau... Sydney. I'll be blunt. You are one of the best operatives this Agency has seen in decades. And I'll be damned if we lose you unless you give me one good reason.

With confidence, she stared back at his menacing eyes. She knew what she had to say; she had known for a long time. I now have a son to take care of, protect, raise. I want him to be able to grow up with a normal life... He won't have that if Agent Vaughn and I are constantly going on missions, risking our lives wherever we go. We already talked about this. I know about that double agent from the Ascendancy – Anita Russell or whatever her name is – and I know you want Vaughn to be her handler. He told me he's already accepted it, and I respect that. He accepted because he couldn't always be a field agent anymore. Yet he's still CIA and at risk of danger. Which is why I must resign.

I did everything I came here to do, she continued with growing confidence, I completed my mission. Sloane's behind bars, which was my ultimate goal when I joined. I'm ready to move on with my life; I need to move on with my life. So please, sign for my release and I'll have my things gone by five.

He would have to sign after that monologue, Sydney decided to herself. She noticed the pen still gripped in his fingers, just twitching to write something. Sign, Sydney urged them, sign. I take it you haven't heard the new intel on Sloane. It may sway your decision for the time being. Sydney raised her eyebrow, not willing to accept anything verbally, but still curious enough to want him to explain further. The only thing she could imagine that would make her stay would be the escape of Sloane or her mother, neither of which she believed possible by looks of the office today. He's agreed to cooperate more with the CIA if we don't give him the death penalty.

Sydney nodded in understanding, however believed that Sloane deserved to die anyway. And he offered this after he learned that we didn't catch Sark? Kendall nodded. Well now that Sark's conveniently hidden safely, sure he'll rat out his old Alliance pals... she mumbled. But there's a catch, right? He'll only talk to me, won't he?

To Sydney's surprise, he shook his head. No catch. He'll talk with anybody, however I thought this information would spark your interest. I can give you more time to think about your resignation decision if you prefer...

Only a moment's hesitation delayed her from making the statement, No. I'm leaving for the good of my family. And even if I wouldn't be working in the field anymore, I refuse to stay for that man.

That was it; there was no more intel to argue, no more persuading to be done. She knew she had cornered Kendall into signing those papers. An awkward moment of silence settled in, and a staring contest began. Sydney felt her eyes watering, but knew if she blinked then Kendall would win. She would win; she had to... Very well, he finally said, turning his attention to the papers in front of him and sloppily signing his name along the dotted line. He slid the packet towards Sydney and continued to work on what he was writing before Sydney bothered him. Turn it into my secretary and be out by five.

She gingerly picked the papers up into her fingertips and blankly walked over to Kendall's secretary, handing her the papers as if in a daze. She was no longer CIA. She was no longer CIA? She was no longer CIA!

Sydney wished she knew how she was supposed to feel. What she felt was a jumble of sadness, confusion, anger, and joy all at once. The life of lies was over, she knew, but didn't anyone care? Should her coworkers not say goodbye, thank you, or we'll miss you? If she was one of the best agents in decades then why did she feel so unimportant?

Slowly, she found her way back to Vaughn's office. I have an hour, she canted.

I can't believe you're going through with this.

Our family is my priority right now. I have to, Michael. Come on, let's go clean out my desk.

Vaughn set the baby in the carrier while Sydney led the way, moping somewhat, to her neatly organized desk. As they packed her things into cardboard boxes, onlookers whispered amongst each other suspiciously. Was Sydney Vaughn leaving?

All right, let's take this stuff out to the car, Vaughn said when they finished.

Actually... there is one more thing I have to do. She bit her lip as she took hold of the baby carrier. Vaughn nodded, knowing what she wanted to do, and began taking the boxes to the car himself in the meantime.

Sydney slowly wandered the halls, hoping her sluggish pace would prevent her from what she had to do; something she wasn't sure she wanted to do. She waited impatiently as the barred gates moved aside for her to pass. She crept passed Sloane's cell, eager to avoid his snide remarks. He was sleeping. Good. It only made this slightly easier. Finally she came into Irina Derevko's view, complete with her son and all.

Irina asked, confusion taking over.

This is going to sound sudden, and maybe a little crazy, but I want you to meet your grandson. Michael and I just adopted him. Irina's eyes welled with tears as she saw Sydney unlock the door to her cell, enter it with the baby, and take him into her arms. We haven't named him yet, she said, handing him over to Irina, but I'll make sure someone tells you when we do.

Though captivated by the child in her arms, Irina noticed the shakiness in her daughter's voice. Tears were already flowing down her leathery face as she gazed into his dark green eyes. She kissed his cheeks and tiny hands, knowing this opportunity would probably never come again. Why would someone have to tell me? she managed to ask.

I just turned in my resignation papers. This may be the last time I... I ever see you.

Both women attempted to blink back the tears as Irina reluctantly set the baby back into his carrier. He's beautiful, she continued as if she didn't hear Sydney's last comment. I love him and I wish I could spoil him rotten like other grandmothers. She added a weak smile to Sydney, then brushed her thumb across her grandson's forehead. She then met Sydney's gaze. Goodbye, Sydney.

Sydney wanted to cry as she lifted the baby carrier. She felt so alone... Not even her mother cared that she was leaving the CIA. Reluctantly, she turned and headed for the thick metal door of the cell when Irina spoke once more.

When all else is lost, the future remains.' We will meet again. I am sure of that. Sydney whipped her body around and pulled her mother in for a rapturous bear hug; something she hadn't done since she was six years old. For the moment, they forgot the past twenty-something years, let the painful memories slide away, and simply let themselves live in such an exuberant instant. Sydney couldn't let go; refused to let go.

I will miss you, Sydney whispered insecurely, causing her tears to finally spill over and streak down her face. Irina gently rocked her as she cried, attempting to acquiesce the future to come.

I will miss you too. And I love you... Never forget that.

At last, Sydney reluctantly released from the hug as her weeping eased. Irina ran her fingers across her daughter's face, wiping the remaining tears. She nodded in such a way that suggested it was time for Sydney's departure. Grabbing hold of the baby carrier once more, her eyes cast to the floor, Sydney exited the cell, locking it behind her. She waited for the barred gate to move aside as Irina spoke once more.

Three years ago... Why did you save me?

I had to, Sydney replied without hesitation.

Yes, but why? she asked, her final words to Sydney.

Because I love you. The gate had opened, and she briskly marched forward, knowing she could peacefully reminisce in the memories of her mother.

She was finally approaching her desk, on top of which Vaughn sat patiently waiting for her. Before she knew it, Vaughn stood up and began to clap. Soon an explosion of claps surrounded her from every angle. Turning her body in a circle slowly, she saw her entire office standing and applauding... They were applauding her! Almost half of them weren't even from her office, simply people coming in from all directions, swarming the area and suffocating the normal urgency of the atmosphere.

Vaughn came closer to her, taking the the baby from the carrier and holding him at his side. People really appreciate you here, Syd. They're proud of what you've done for our country.

Sydney could almost cry all over again. Did you do this just for me? Vaughn nodded, his face reddening slightly. Thank you, thank you so much, she whispered in his ear, wrapping her arms around his neck. When she pulled away, his eyes were settled behind her. She turned, finding a huge crowd enclosing on them, each person offering their hands in gratitude, congratulations, and goodbye.

There were so many people it was overwhelming! There were of course the many she recognized and had worked with during all her years at the CIA and some from SD-6, but also the agents who had only heard of Sydney's legacy. She found it extremely difficult saying goodbye to Marshall and Dixon, even though she knew perfectly well she would be in constant contact with them.

Finally, Kendall came to shake her hand. I wasn't lying when I said you were one of the best agents we've ever had, he stated. This agency will certainly miss you.

Sydney nodded in awe of Kendall's words to her. Before, when he said them, she disregarded them completely, believing to have caught him in an off guard moment. However, now he had perfect choice of words, and yet he chose to repeat them. She now felt ashamed of thinking no one cared she was leaving. She wasn't unimportant; she was going to be missed by her coworkers.

So what will Sydney Bristow embark upon now? Dixon said, somewhat mockingly, adding, Join another rogue agency? for good measure.

She smiled. There's a high school near our house... One of the teachers in the English department is going on maternity leave later in the year. I'll be her substitute for the rest of the year, and then... And then we'll see where I go from there. But I'll be teaching.

She remained talking for a few minutes longer, however it was hard to stay and converse for long, as Vaughn decided they should head home for the baby's sake (also possibly hiding the fact that Sydney needed to escape the CIA once and for all).

She held Vaughn's hand and the baby as he carried the empty carrier down the last trek of hallways. I can't believe it, Michael. Haven't I only worked here for four years? It's so hard to leave it all...

I know. But I'm proud of you. He approached the next question with caution. How did it go with your mother?

She sighed, letting everything roll off her chest. Better than I expected. I told her that someone would tell her when we named the baby.

We really should do that sometime – I don't think the name Baby' will go over so well when he's older.

She grinned. Sydney admitted, I've been thinking about it for a while. And I know that you wanted to name your son after your father, but please hear me out. I think we should name him Jason Michael Vaughn. Jason – it means healer. Because that's what happened when I found him. He healed me. He filled that empty place inside of me. And of course, I want his middle name to be Michael after you. Everything I've accomplished since I met you has been because of you. You rescued me whenever I didn't know I needed to be rescued. So I want to name him Jason Michael. But if you completely object, I'll understand.

I couldn't object to that. Sydney, I love the name. They stopped briefly, each looking at the baby. We hereby name you Jason Michael Vaughn. He turned to Sydney. It's got a good ring to it.

Sydney said when they reached the exit. Michael, Jason, it's been a hectic four years... Let's go. With a final glance around, she kissed her son's head and vowed never to return. They then left together as a family; husband, wife, and son.

Little did Sydney know, she would return to her old office in fifteen years...

~Fin~


A/n: THE END! Oh my gosh, I can't believe it's over. But since I have to let go, I wrote my reviewers a song (naturally with a little help from Marshall). *You're the megas in my chip, you're the gigas in my byte. I think about you, reviewers, every morning, noon, and night; morning, noon, and night... (Mad drum solo!) REVIEWERS! I SHOULD BUY YOU SUSHI! I'll keep writing, can't you see, if you keep reviewing me. Thank you...*
~Whitelighter Enchantress