Chapter 5

Now, using both of your DNA, I've made the serum that cured Agent Vaughn the last time he was exposed to the gravitational radiation, Marshall stated. Now this won't cure you this time as you'll be exposed to 100 times the radiation you were then. But it will buy you some more time. So, I've calculated that you both should have approximately 9.3 months. But that's only an estimate, because as far as I know no one has ever time traveled before, so there's no way of testing my assumptions.

Oh, another thing, Marshall rattled on, you don't want to run into your former selves. I'm not really sure what would happen. I mean in Back to the Future II, when Jennifer runs into her old self and they both faint. Doc suggested that it would be that or it would end the world. But that doesn't really take into account parrell universes. But it's probably a good idea to avoid your counter self. Just in case of... yeah.

Sydney replied. Vaughn and Sydney had been in Marshall's office for 3 1/2 hours, preparing for their mission. It was long and tedious. It's not that Sydney didn't love Marshall, but 3 1/2 hours of Marshall talking about time travel could be considered cruel and unusual. She would gladly give up any secrets she knew now, if it meant leaving Marshall's office.

Just then, a beacon of hope walked in, in the form of Jack Bristow. Sydney, nor Vaughn, had never been happier to see him.

Jack said, are you done here? There are other areas that Sydney and Vaughn need to be prepped in.

Yes, I think I've taught them the majority of what I know about time travel, Marshall replied proudly.

Jack left Marshall's office with Sydney and Vaughn in tow. They entered the briefing room again. Sydney stretched her arms and decided to stay standing, as did Vaughn.

There was something Kendall didn't want to tell you. I thought it would only fair if you knew.

What is it? Sydney asked, looking at him questioningly.

Rambaldi's last journal, along with the specs for the circumference, had another prophesy in it. It seems now it would be about the two of you.

Vaughn asked, shocked.

Jack replied simply. He handed them each a CIA report translating the second prophecy.

__________________________________________________________________

Bench il viaggio possa essere difficile ed il successo non sia
garantito, ci sono due chi potrebbe cessare gli sforzi della donna
rappresentata. Questi due sono collegati per sempre a questa donna. Il
loro amore per uno un altro è che cosa determinerà il demise di
questa donna. Bench richieda l'ultimo sacrifichi.


Though the journey may be difficult, and success is not guaranteed, there are two who could cease the efforts of the woman depicted. These two are connected to this woman forever. Their love for one another is what will bring about this woman's demise. Though it will require the ultimate sacrifice.

__________________________________________________________________

Well that sucks that success isn't guaranteed, Sydney replied after she read the report. She wasn't sure how to react that Rambaldi was yet again in her life, talking about her. The last time the government thought that, she was taken into custody.

What are we suppose to do with this? Vaughn asked, ignoring Sydney's statement.

Jack replied, I just thought you should know. You two are volunteering for this suicide mission, it wouldn't be fair to withhold information from you.

Thanks Dad.

Oh, and one more thing, Jack said, as he stopped at the door, Vaughn brought up that the Alliance still exists in 2002. Though you two look somewhat different now, you will have to be careful not to show up on their radar. Especially together.

Right, obstacles, Sydney said sarcastically. Thanks for the warning.

I'll see you two later. Jack stated as he walked out the door.

He left Sydney and Vaughn alone together for the first time in fifteen years. Neither one of them was sure what to say to make them less uncomfortable. It was such a sharp contrast to the familiarity they had once had with each other fifteen years ago. There was a long silence where the two of them looked everywhere except at each other.

Can I ask you a question? Vaughn finally asked quietly, breaking the harsh silence.

Sydney looked up to see him looking at her. She responded softly,

Why are you doing this?

Couldn't start with an easy one, could you? Sydney laughed slightly, more out of sadness than joy. Vaughn didn't give a response, as none was needed or asked for. Sydney sighed, trying to collect her thoughts into coherent sentences. To answer his question truthfully, she would have to swallow her pride. But she didn't have that much more to lose, and honesty was the only thing she could give to Vaughn.

The biggest regret I have is betraying you, Sydney said, tears welling in her eyes. She swallowed her sobs down so she could continue. Everyday I regret my actions. If I could change anything I've done in my life, that's it. I'm not sure how I would have dealt with her death back then, but I... thought she loved me. I wasn't so sure how you felt about me. I'm still not. Besides the fact the Derevko is the bad guy, letting her go ruined my life.

And I don't mean being fired from the CIA. Sloane and Sark were dead, I was going to quit anyway. What ruined my life was you walking out. Which I don't blame you for. And, after what I did, I could never expect you to forgive me. I know that I could never make up for what I did. I should never have betrayed someone I love. This is my chance to rectify that mistake and maybe give us another shot. And maybe this time I'll get to hear the L' word from you.

Vaughn stared at Sydney, trying to decide if she was telling the truth. But deep in his heart he knew, he always knew, how Sydney felt for him, despite the fact she had chosen Derevko. It was a choice that he was glad he never had to face, if the situation had been reversed and he had to choose between Sydney and his father. He wasn't sure if he would have chosen any differently than Sydney. But it didn't make her betrayal any easier to swallow.

Well, since you aren't going to respond, Sydney said nervously and irritated, can I ask you a question?



Why did you volunteer for this mission?

Vaughn wasn't sure how much he wanted to give away just yet. He thought back to a time when he had seemingly told Sydney how he felt about her and her response. Vaughn decided to respond the same way, Me too.

Sydney smirked, No, I'm sorry I just poured my heart to you and all you can say is me too.' I don't think so. I'm putting everything on the line for you, capturing the moon so to speak. So I need to hear the words.

You haven't said the words exactly, Vaughn responded.

Fine, I love you Vaughn. Happy?

A little, Vaughn replied. A lot if he was honest with himself. His heart had actually leapt when she said it. He had tried to convince himself that she didn't matter to him anymore. But hearing those words from her, the truth of his feeling for her became clear. Listen Syd, I can't forgive you for what happened. I can't just forget that you let my father's murderer escape. This was the second time I might add.

Sydney just rolled her eyes, waiting for the words she had requested. She wasn't sure how those words would effect her, but she knew she needed to hear them. Whatever the consequences may be.

So, one reason for my volunteering is to get justice for my father's death. But the other reason is so I don't have to wish I could forgive you. So we have a chance at happiness together. So yes, Sydney, I love you. I always have.

A tear rolled down Sydney's cheek. She couldn't believe how incredibly good that was to hear. She had been waiting sixteen years to hear it, and it was glorious. And though it was wonderful, it was also bittersweet. She knew she would not be the one to enjoy the life of happiness with Vaughn, but rather her younger counter self. She hoped her counter self knew how lucky she was.