Sark was left alone with Sydney. Allison had gone to give the video and audio manipulations to Sloane. Sark only had a few moments, but he had to let Sydney know what was going on. If he didn't give her some idea, it would never work. He bent near her on the table, in case any of Sloane's minions were about. "Sydney, you have to listen to me. I need to tell you what is going on. I was able to get Sloane to agree that you needed to believe that the CIA had you for those two years instead of him." He ignored her shocked looked and continued. "It was the only way that I could think of to get Sloane to let you go. If you pretend to believe in what we show you, he's going to think that you will come to his side. He will free you in exchange for your cooperation."
Sydney was taking in all that Aidan said. She couldn't quite follow him, but he was speaking urgently, so she realized that he didn't have much time. "Wait, I'm trying to sort this all out. You got Sloane to agree that if I thought the CIA was behind my disappearance I would work with him?" She tired to control her anger because she realized that Aidan was right. It was the only way right now. She knew that from the concern in Aidan's eyes that it was imperative that she go along with the plan.
Sark nodded and took Sydney's hand. "I'm sorry that it has to be done this way and I'm sorry that we will have to work with Allison, but I can't see any other way to save you and your parents." He thought that she would rebel against this and was surprised when she nodded her head. He looked into her eyes and saw that they were brimming with unshed tears. "It will be ok," he said, trying to reassure her.
Sydney was a little comforted by his words and the feel of his warm hand squeezing hers. She didn't want to talk about Allison or Sloane. She just wanted all of this to be over and for them all to be safe. "Have you heard anything about my mother?" she asked, her voice full of apprehension and eyes full of worry. Please let her be alive, she thought. I can't lose her all over again.
"She is stable. Sloane had a doctor here and she is with him." Sark had been surprised that Sloane had made the effort, but he knew that the man had kept Irina alive for a reason. He just didn't know what. He almost smiled at the sigh of relief that Sydney let out. "She will be ok, Sydney. Your father is a few rooms down. Sloane gave him a tranq too, and he is still out. I'm sorry, but I have to go now." He let go of her hand and moved toward the door. "Be strong. We will get through this." He turned and walked out, leaving her alone.
As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder how this would all play out. He wanted Sloane dead. But, before that, they needed answers about he prophecy. As for Allison, he couldn't let himself have much trust in her. He realized that her words rang true, that she seemed to want Sloane dead as much as Sydney and himself, but he couldn't rely on his instincts with her anymore. He had loved her once, and still cared for her, but it wasn't enough. For now, he would work with her.
Sydney's mind raced once she was alone again. Aidan had explained what she needed to do, so she tried to steel herself to play the part that she needed to. This was the final act. If she failed, they were all as good as dead. If Allison chose to use her knowledge against Aidan, Sloane would not hesitate to kill him. She did not trust her, but she had not told Sloane yet. She wasn't sure what Allison had up her sleeve, but it had to be something. The woman was evil. But, Sydney recognized the look in Allison's eyes as she looked at Aidan. Love. No one can fake that unmistakable look. Not even the best of them. Allison loved him. The thought made Sydney's stomach turn. She wondered if Aidan returned the feeling and her stomach sank farther. At least for now they could use it to their advantage.
****************
Sark walked in on Allison and Sloane. They stopped talking and looked at him when he walked into the room, making him immediately suspicious. He stood in front of them, his cool blue eyes raking from one to the other. "Did I interrupt something?" Allison flashed a warning look at him. Sloane did not notice it, but Sark did. He knew her well enough to know that she had something up her sleeve. Well, for her sake, it had better be double-crossing Sloane.
"Not at all," Sloane replied. Allison and I were just discussing the best way to introduce Sydney to these videos. Allison thought it best if she do it. She feels that since Sydney knows what she is that she might believe her the most. Sydney will realize that Allison has no reason to lie to her."
Sark looked at Allison suspiciously as he noticed the smirk on her face. What was she planning? Was she going to use this as an opportunity to goad Sydney? He wouldn't put it past her. Her dislike was evident, even two years ago when she first went in as Francie. But, he couldn't exactly oppose Sloane's suggestion so his reply was simple. "When will you start, Allison?" He looked at the woman that he hardly knew anymore and was chilled when he saw the evil look in her eyes.
Allison's brown eyes surveyed Sark as he asked her the question. He didn't let any emotions slip into his expression, but she knew that he was not happy about this. Too bad, she thought. She realized now what she had suspicions of all along. He had feelings for Sydney. She was going to enjoy this. "I think now is a good time, don't you?" She addressed Sloane as she spoke. He nodded and handed her the tapes that she and Sark had manipulated. She walked out of the room leaving the two men behind. Yes, this was definitely going to be fun.
Sydney looked over as the door to the room opened once again. Damn. Allison. What the hell was she doing here again? Since there wasn't much she could do about it, Sydney turned her head and pretended the woman didn't exist. Maybe if she just ignored her, she would go away. That didn't happen. She stared straight ahead as the other woman started to speak.
"Hello, Syd," Allison said, knowing the intimate nickname would irritate Sydney. Her dark eyes sparkled as she saw Sydney's jaw tighten. "I thought you might like some company. After all, I was your roommate once. You know, it's too bad about Francie. I was just doing my job you know." She laughed as she spoke. "She seemed nice enough. She was just in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Sydney had listened to enough. "Listen, you bitch. I don't care what you say, I don't trust you. Don't ever speak to me about Francie again or I will kill you." Her voice held cold menace as she looked Allison right in the eye.
"Well, let's see. Right now, I don't think you are in the position to do anything about it, you know. But, there are other things that I want to talk about anyway. Sark, for instance." Allison looked at Sydney and knew that she had struck another nerve. "Do you really think he'll change? I know what kind of person he is much better than you. I know him." She left her implication hanging in the air.
Sydney immediately understood what Allison was getting at. She was obviously trying to mark her territory. Well, let her. Sydney knew a side of Aidan now that she hadn't before. And, she also knew that he didn't take betrayal lightly. "What I think, Allison, is that you don't know Aidan at all. But, you would like to." She watched Allison's features tighten and her eyes grow cold. It was a direct hit. "What's the matter Allison? Afraid of a little competition?"