INT. CIA JET - LATER
Vaughn is sitting in the middle of the plane reading up on the mission. Weiss is toward the front taking a nap. Jack and Sydney are toward the back reading some files. Jack looks up at Syd and then down again. He's obviously debating whether or not to speak. He makes a decision.
JACK
So the two of you were able to talk?
He's trying to be conversational but it's Jack Bristow conversational, which means kind of but not quite.
SYDNEY
Yeah. We decided to try again only this time we're going to take things slow.
JACK
I see.
SYDNEY
What? We're going to wait until after the divorce.
JACK
That's probably the best course of action.
SYDNEY
You don't think we should get back together at all, do you?
JACK
What I think is irrelevant.
SYDNEY
Like hell it is.
JACK
I already told you, the only time I concern myself with Agent Vaughn is when he affects your life. If he makes you happy we don't have a problem. If he hurts you...
SYDNEY
What? You'll shoot him in the face?
JACK
I respect Vaughn for the risks he's taken for you but the fact remains that he's already let you down once. Fortunately you survived but I will not allow him to fail you a second time.
SYDNEY
Dad, you don't have to protect me.
JACK
I'm your father and while I have my deficiencies the one area in which I pride myself is my ability to keep you safe. If I am unable to do anything else I will continue to fulfill my obligation in that regard.
SYDNEY
Is that how you see it? An obligation?
JACK
Yes, I do. It is the most important assignment any father has and it is one that I am more that happy to carry out. Michael Vaughn is under no such obligation.
SYDNEY
And yet he's still here.
JACK
Which is why I've tolerated him. (beat) Sydney, it's not that I don't trust your choice to be in a relationship with him it's simply that I don't trust anyone else to do what is essentially my responsibility.
SYDNEY
Protecting me?
JACK
Exactly.
SYDNEY
I guess I understand. And I do appreciate everything that you've done for me. But it would be nice if you could be happy for me, for us.
JACK
All I want is for you to be safe and happy. You're obviously happy with him so I'm glad that the two of you are going to attempt to continue your relationship. However I will not allow my hope that he will be there for you to prevent me from being prepared if he fails.
SYDNEY
Just try not to torture him so much. Please? For me?
Jack gets this innocent look on his face but he doesn't say anything. Sydney just rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Fine. Be that way. It's not as funny as you think.
He raises an eyebrow and gives her a slight grin.
JACK
Then why do you do it?
Sydney gets defensive.
SYDNEY
I never...
Her dad just looks at her and she crumbles with a smile.
SYDNEY
Point taken. But I have that right.
JACK
So do I.
SYDNEY
Fine. I better go check on him. He's looking a bit nervous.
JACK
How can you tell?
SYDNEY
He's starting to sweat a little and he's got wrinkles on his forehead.
JACK
He's always like that.
SYDNEY
Yeah, but this is worse than normal.
JACK
You better get over there then. Before he starts to puddle.
Sydney laughs and walks over to sit right in front of Vaughn facing the back of the plane. She's smiling. He looks up.
VAUGHN
What?
SYDNEY
Nothing.
She says this in that so innocent you know she's guilty kind of way. Vaughn sighs and puts down the file.
VAUGHN
You're looking forward to this, aren't you?
She looks like she's going to deny it then she smiles sheepishly.
SYDNEY
Okay, maybe a little.
VAUGHN
A little? Oh please, you're obviously relishing this?
SYDNEY
And why shouldn't I? I'm the one that always has to do these "lure and tackle" ops. It'll be nice to sit back and watch the show for once.
VAUGHN
The show? You are a very cruel woman.
SYDNEY
You want cruelty? Try running and doing a roundhouse in heels and a blue rubber dress.
Vaughn and all other straight men take a moment to remember the glory of the blue rubber dress. Then Vaughn gives her his most dashing smile.
VAUGHN
Yeah, but you're so good at it.
She rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Oh, don't even try to butter me up. You just want to see me in yet another slinky outfit.
Vaughn shrugs.
VAUGHN
Who doesn't?
SYDNEY
I don't know. Why don't we bring my father over and ask him?
Vaughn starts to sweat just a little bit more. He holds up his hands in a "Stop" gesture.
VAUGHN
Alright. I get it.
He glances back at Jack.
VAUGHN
You know, I've always wondered how he feels about that part of your job.
Syd looks at her dad skeptically and then back at Vaughn.
SYDNEY
Well, how do you feel about it? When I've got other men gawking at me all night long?
Vaughn obviously isn't please with this image.
VAUGHN
You're right. I want to kill them. Slowly. Painfully. Creatively.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Then you and my dad are probably in agreement.
VAUGHN
That's a scary thought.
SYDNEY
He doesn't hate you. He's just very protective of me.
Now it's Vaughn's turn to role his eyes.
VAUGHN
No kidding. (beat) What about you? How do you feel about it?
SYDNEY
What? Strutting around for God and country? At first it was difficult. I was always uncomfortable. But you get used to it. And there are parts of it I like. Getting all dressed up, sneaking in and getting out just in time... You can't beat the rush.
She leans forward and gets this predatory look in her eye that makes her resemble her father.
SYDNEY
And there's always my favorite part, that moment when you turn the tables on the disgusting sleazebag that's been drooling all over you. The look on those guys' faces when they realize that you're not just some poor mindless defenseless girl... Now that's poetic justice.
She smiles and leans back. She's back to the sweet Sydney.
SYDNEY
Still it's nice to go home when you're all done, take a bath, and get into some comfy sweats.
Vaughn looks out the window obviously uncertain. She leans forward and puts her hand on his knee to get his attention. He looks at her.
SYDNEY
You'll do fine. The key is confidence.
He nods.
VAUGHN
Confidence.
She sits back.
SYDNEY
Oh yeah. When you walk into that room you have to own it. And you can't be afraid to work your assets, all of them. You'll be nervous at first but just focus on what you're supposed to be doing and who you're supposed to be.
Vaughn looks down at the files and sighs.
VAUGHN
Yeah, a hot, young French hustler named Luc Laperriere.
Syd chuckles.
SYDNEY
You just have to stress the similarities. You really are a good pool player. And you're half French. I also think it's safe to say that a fair number of woman would find you attractive.
He smiles and raises and eyebrow.
VAUGHN
You do?
SYDNEY
I haven't exactly taken a survey but I have it on good authority that there are woman out there that wouldn't kick you out of bed.
He laughs lightly.
VAUGHN
Not what I'd call empirical evidence but it'll suffice.
Syd shakes her head and looks at him skeptically.
SYDNEY
As for being young...
She just stops and squints at him. He rolls his eyes.
VAUGHN
Oh, stop it.
He gets up in disingenuous disgust. He walks past her and says over his shoulder:
VAUGHN
I'm going to see how far out we are?
Behind him he hears:
SYDNEY
I'm sorry. Did you say something?
He looks back to find her smiling and shamelessly checking him out. He shakes his head and walks self-consciously down the aisle. Syd turns back around quite please with herself. When she looks up her dad is looking at her with a raised eyebrow that says, "See?" She just smiles. Meanwhile Vaughn is walking past Weiss who appears asleep but if you look closely you can see him looking out from underneath his eyelids.
WEISS
Okay, when the hell did the two of you find time to sleep together?
Vaughn stops and looks down at him.
VAUGHN
What?!
Weiss opens his eyes and looks up at Vaughn.
WEISS
Yesterday the two of you were registering a ten on the awkward scale and now suddenly you're sending out that 'Oh, get a room already' vibe you perfected the last time you were together. What gives?
Vaughn glances back at Syd.
VAUGHN
Vibe? What vibe? We just went out to breakfast.
WEISS
Yeah, but did you go out to breakfast or did you "go out to breakfast"?
Vaughn groans in frustration.
VAUGHN
We sat down and decided that we were going to try this again once my divorce was final and this time we're going to take it slow.
Weiss gets this incredulous look on his face.
WEISS
You two are going to take it slow?
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
This I gotta see.
VAUGHN
What does that mean?
Weiss settles back into his seat and closes his eyes again.
WEISS
Nothing. Nevermind.
VAUGHN
No. What?
WEISS
Nothing. Forget I said anything.
Vaughn gives up.
VAUGHN
Fine. That's my usual policy anyway.
WEISS
Very funny.
VAUGHN
I thought so.
WEISS
You would.
Vaughn starts walking toward the front again. He tosses back:
VAUGHN
You know you're laughing on the inside.
From behind him Weiss adds:
WEISS
I'm sorry. Did you say something?
Weiss obviously wasn't sleeping during Vaughn's conversation with Syd. Vaughn glares in his direction one last time and then walks up to the cabin.
CUT TO:
Vaughn is sitting in the middle of the plane reading up on the mission. Weiss is toward the front taking a nap. Jack and Sydney are toward the back reading some files. Jack looks up at Syd and then down again. He's obviously debating whether or not to speak. He makes a decision.
JACK
So the two of you were able to talk?
He's trying to be conversational but it's Jack Bristow conversational, which means kind of but not quite.
SYDNEY
Yeah. We decided to try again only this time we're going to take things slow.
JACK
I see.
SYDNEY
What? We're going to wait until after the divorce.
JACK
That's probably the best course of action.
SYDNEY
You don't think we should get back together at all, do you?
JACK
What I think is irrelevant.
SYDNEY
Like hell it is.
JACK
I already told you, the only time I concern myself with Agent Vaughn is when he affects your life. If he makes you happy we don't have a problem. If he hurts you...
SYDNEY
What? You'll shoot him in the face?
JACK
I respect Vaughn for the risks he's taken for you but the fact remains that he's already let you down once. Fortunately you survived but I will not allow him to fail you a second time.
SYDNEY
Dad, you don't have to protect me.
JACK
I'm your father and while I have my deficiencies the one area in which I pride myself is my ability to keep you safe. If I am unable to do anything else I will continue to fulfill my obligation in that regard.
SYDNEY
Is that how you see it? An obligation?
JACK
Yes, I do. It is the most important assignment any father has and it is one that I am more that happy to carry out. Michael Vaughn is under no such obligation.
SYDNEY
And yet he's still here.
JACK
Which is why I've tolerated him. (beat) Sydney, it's not that I don't trust your choice to be in a relationship with him it's simply that I don't trust anyone else to do what is essentially my responsibility.
SYDNEY
Protecting me?
JACK
Exactly.
SYDNEY
I guess I understand. And I do appreciate everything that you've done for me. But it would be nice if you could be happy for me, for us.
JACK
All I want is for you to be safe and happy. You're obviously happy with him so I'm glad that the two of you are going to attempt to continue your relationship. However I will not allow my hope that he will be there for you to prevent me from being prepared if he fails.
SYDNEY
Just try not to torture him so much. Please? For me?
Jack gets this innocent look on his face but he doesn't say anything. Sydney just rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Fine. Be that way. It's not as funny as you think.
He raises an eyebrow and gives her a slight grin.
JACK
Then why do you do it?
Sydney gets defensive.
SYDNEY
I never...
Her dad just looks at her and she crumbles with a smile.
SYDNEY
Point taken. But I have that right.
JACK
So do I.
SYDNEY
Fine. I better go check on him. He's looking a bit nervous.
JACK
How can you tell?
SYDNEY
He's starting to sweat a little and he's got wrinkles on his forehead.
JACK
He's always like that.
SYDNEY
Yeah, but this is worse than normal.
JACK
You better get over there then. Before he starts to puddle.
Sydney laughs and walks over to sit right in front of Vaughn facing the back of the plane. She's smiling. He looks up.
VAUGHN
What?
SYDNEY
Nothing.
She says this in that so innocent you know she's guilty kind of way. Vaughn sighs and puts down the file.
VAUGHN
You're looking forward to this, aren't you?
She looks like she's going to deny it then she smiles sheepishly.
SYDNEY
Okay, maybe a little.
VAUGHN
A little? Oh please, you're obviously relishing this?
SYDNEY
And why shouldn't I? I'm the one that always has to do these "lure and tackle" ops. It'll be nice to sit back and watch the show for once.
VAUGHN
The show? You are a very cruel woman.
SYDNEY
You want cruelty? Try running and doing a roundhouse in heels and a blue rubber dress.
Vaughn and all other straight men take a moment to remember the glory of the blue rubber dress. Then Vaughn gives her his most dashing smile.
VAUGHN
Yeah, but you're so good at it.
She rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Oh, don't even try to butter me up. You just want to see me in yet another slinky outfit.
Vaughn shrugs.
VAUGHN
Who doesn't?
SYDNEY
I don't know. Why don't we bring my father over and ask him?
Vaughn starts to sweat just a little bit more. He holds up his hands in a "Stop" gesture.
VAUGHN
Alright. I get it.
He glances back at Jack.
VAUGHN
You know, I've always wondered how he feels about that part of your job.
Syd looks at her dad skeptically and then back at Vaughn.
SYDNEY
Well, how do you feel about it? When I've got other men gawking at me all night long?
Vaughn obviously isn't please with this image.
VAUGHN
You're right. I want to kill them. Slowly. Painfully. Creatively.
She laughs.
SYDNEY
Then you and my dad are probably in agreement.
VAUGHN
That's a scary thought.
SYDNEY
He doesn't hate you. He's just very protective of me.
Now it's Vaughn's turn to role his eyes.
VAUGHN
No kidding. (beat) What about you? How do you feel about it?
SYDNEY
What? Strutting around for God and country? At first it was difficult. I was always uncomfortable. But you get used to it. And there are parts of it I like. Getting all dressed up, sneaking in and getting out just in time... You can't beat the rush.
She leans forward and gets this predatory look in her eye that makes her resemble her father.
SYDNEY
And there's always my favorite part, that moment when you turn the tables on the disgusting sleazebag that's been drooling all over you. The look on those guys' faces when they realize that you're not just some poor mindless defenseless girl... Now that's poetic justice.
She smiles and leans back. She's back to the sweet Sydney.
SYDNEY
Still it's nice to go home when you're all done, take a bath, and get into some comfy sweats.
Vaughn looks out the window obviously uncertain. She leans forward and puts her hand on his knee to get his attention. He looks at her.
SYDNEY
You'll do fine. The key is confidence.
He nods.
VAUGHN
Confidence.
She sits back.
SYDNEY
Oh yeah. When you walk into that room you have to own it. And you can't be afraid to work your assets, all of them. You'll be nervous at first but just focus on what you're supposed to be doing and who you're supposed to be.
Vaughn looks down at the files and sighs.
VAUGHN
Yeah, a hot, young French hustler named Luc Laperriere.
Syd chuckles.
SYDNEY
You just have to stress the similarities. You really are a good pool player. And you're half French. I also think it's safe to say that a fair number of woman would find you attractive.
He smiles and raises and eyebrow.
VAUGHN
You do?
SYDNEY
I haven't exactly taken a survey but I have it on good authority that there are woman out there that wouldn't kick you out of bed.
He laughs lightly.
VAUGHN
Not what I'd call empirical evidence but it'll suffice.
Syd shakes her head and looks at him skeptically.
SYDNEY
As for being young...
She just stops and squints at him. He rolls his eyes.
VAUGHN
Oh, stop it.
He gets up in disingenuous disgust. He walks past her and says over his shoulder:
VAUGHN
I'm going to see how far out we are?
Behind him he hears:
SYDNEY
I'm sorry. Did you say something?
He looks back to find her smiling and shamelessly checking him out. He shakes his head and walks self-consciously down the aisle. Syd turns back around quite please with herself. When she looks up her dad is looking at her with a raised eyebrow that says, "See?" She just smiles. Meanwhile Vaughn is walking past Weiss who appears asleep but if you look closely you can see him looking out from underneath his eyelids.
WEISS
Okay, when the hell did the two of you find time to sleep together?
Vaughn stops and looks down at him.
VAUGHN
What?!
Weiss opens his eyes and looks up at Vaughn.
WEISS
Yesterday the two of you were registering a ten on the awkward scale and now suddenly you're sending out that 'Oh, get a room already' vibe you perfected the last time you were together. What gives?
Vaughn glances back at Syd.
VAUGHN
Vibe? What vibe? We just went out to breakfast.
WEISS
Yeah, but did you go out to breakfast or did you "go out to breakfast"?
Vaughn groans in frustration.
VAUGHN
We sat down and decided that we were going to try this again once my divorce was final and this time we're going to take it slow.
Weiss gets this incredulous look on his face.
WEISS
You two are going to take it slow?
VAUGHN
Yes.
WEISS
This I gotta see.
VAUGHN
What does that mean?
Weiss settles back into his seat and closes his eyes again.
WEISS
Nothing. Nevermind.
VAUGHN
No. What?
WEISS
Nothing. Forget I said anything.
Vaughn gives up.
VAUGHN
Fine. That's my usual policy anyway.
WEISS
Very funny.
VAUGHN
I thought so.
WEISS
You would.
Vaughn starts walking toward the front again. He tosses back:
VAUGHN
You know you're laughing on the inside.
From behind him Weiss adds:
WEISS
I'm sorry. Did you say something?
Weiss obviously wasn't sleeping during Vaughn's conversation with Syd. Vaughn glares in his direction one last time and then walks up to the cabin.
CUT TO:
