Chapter 6
5 days later

The team, minus Dixon, was in Taipei ready to send Sydney and Vaughn on their mission. Everyone was anxious to say the least. Marshall was making last minute calculations to make sure he hadn't missed anything. The younger Kendall was yelling at some green agent for whatever made up reason. Weiss was talking with Vaughn, as Jack was talking with Sydney.

You are aware how much this sucks that I'm losing my best friend, right? Weiss asked semiseriously. He didn't like the idea that his friend was going on a suicide mission to make his alternate self's life better.

I know Eric, Vaughn responded, but you know I have to do this.

Yeah, I do Michael, Eric stated. Your dad would be proud.

Thank you, Vaughn managed to say. He hoped Weiss was right. Then his whole life wouldn't be in vain. The two friends gave each other a hug, knowing it would be their last.

By the way, if you happen to run into me, Weiss started, maybe you could help me place a few bets?

Shut up, Weiss.

I'd tell you to be careful, but I'm not sure if that is part of the plan. I'll miss you.

Me too.

Jack looked at his daughter not sure how he was going to let his little girl go. He logically knew that this was the best thing, but his heart was having a hard time believing it. Remember to keep a low profile. If you can't steal any Rambaldi artifacts, don't worry about it. Keep in mind the main objective.

I know Dad, Sydney said gently. She knew this was hard on him. They had grown closer over the years, despite her betrayal. It was difficult to say goodbye to him. And his unreadiness to talk about the underlying emotion was adding to the difficulty.

You know I love you Sydney, right? Jack asked tentatively.

Of course I do Dad. I love you too, Sydney managed to say before two tears escaped on to her cheeks. She took a step closer to her father and put her arms around his neck for a hug. He put his arms around her and hugged her tightly, not wanting to let her go. The last time they had hugged like that was right after Laura Bristow's death, before Jack learned of his wife's treachery.

I'll miss you, Jack admitted.

Me too.

Alright people, Kendall shouted, gaining everyone's attention, It's time for Bristow and Vaughn to go back. Marshall they were injected with the serum?

Yes, sir, Marshall replied quickly. They'll be fine, though I'm not sure exactly what they'll experience during the actual time traveling. I would guess it would be dizziness and perhaps some nausea. Sorry.

Sydney gave Marshall a grateful smile. She hoped he wouldn't feel guilty for not being able to prepare them more for their trip. He, as usual, went far beyond what was necessary to prep them.

Alright, are you two ready? Kendall asked impatiently.

they both replied at the same time. They both walked into the clean room where the Circumference was and positioned themselves between the curve of the metal and the big red ball and held on to each other's hand. They were both nervous, hoping they would survive the trip and be able to carry out their mission. The unknown was scary, and they were jumping head first into the middle of it.

Marshall pressed some buttons in the control room and activated the device. He put his calculations into the computer, and held his breath as he pressed the final button.

Sydney and Vaughn felt as if they were being thrown forward, backward, left, right, up, and down all at the same time. They also felt a spinning sensation as if they were preparing for the space program. Marshall had been right about both the dizziness and nausea. It was incredibly bright, and they were forced to close their eyes. It was eerily quiet though. Neither one of them could hear anything.

Just when they weren't sure if they could take anymore, it stopped. Like someone had just flipped a switch and turned the device off. It took a moment for their stomachs to go back to their original places. After a minute they were able to open their eyes. They both recognized it as the warehouse they were just at.

But there was no control room, and their team was no where in sight. It was also darker than it had been before. They looked at each other, wondering if it had really worked, neither one sure.

They heard a door open, and quickly hid behind a crate both on high alert. A guard came in looking around the Circumference. Sydney recognized him as the man who had thought she was her mother in the hospital, when on a mission with Jack. The guard wasn't only alive, but the same age as when Sydney had seen him. The guard, not finding anything, left the room.

I have a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore, Sydney replied.