Sydney's eyes widened at what lay before her. For many, it was merely a list of items and places. To Sydney, it was a list of the places where every component of every device created by Rambaldi could be found. Tenderly, she sifted through the multiple pages of the parts.
"Syd, do you have any idea how valuable this is to us? We would never have to scamper to beat Sark and the Covenant ever again. We can get everything first." Vaughn turned to look at Sydney, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
"Vaughn, this is written in English, on regular paper. Someone else must have the original copy." Sydney shook her head.
"You are right about that." A British voice cut in, the cocking of a pistol causing the pair to turn.
"Sark," It was a statement, spoken almost tiredly, as if she had gone through this too many times, "why do you always have such impeccable timing?" Sydney glared at him, her lips dripping with acid-laced sarcasm.
"As much as I enjoy gloating to you more than anyone about my connections, this time is mere coincidence. Now, hand over those papers, and in exchange, you'll both leave here alive."
Sydney noticed Vaughn subtly reaching for a nearby candle, and decided to distract Sark long enough for him to get to it.
"You wouldn't be here right now if you didn't have the original documents. Nor if you had Agueridad." Sydney pointed out.
"Quite right. I must admit, whoever nabbed Agueridad did a wonderful job making it appear to be the Covenant's doing. Alas, it was not, or as you correctly assumed, I would not be here right now." Sark smirked before noticing Vaughn gripping the candle. "Now, now, Mr. Vaughn, we wouldn't want any trouble, would we?"
"No, we really wouldn't." Vaughn replied calmly, pulling the candle so that it was dangerously close to the list. "You let us leave with the list, or it burns to ashes."
Sydney noticed the uncertainty flicker across Sark's face before he lowered his gun. Grabbing the list, Sydney ran past Sark, Vaughn not two steps behind.
~~*~~
A week later: "Unveiled" has taken place.
Vaughn's eyes searched CIA headquarters, looking for one person. Upon finding her, Vaughn approached quickly, his steps decisive and deliberate. When he reached her, he locked his eyes with hers.
"We need to talk, in private, now."
Turning and moving down the hall without waiting for a reply, Vaughn came upon a supply room. Once the door clicked shut behind the two of them, Vaughn began.
"You were right. I'm sorry about not even considering the possibility, but remember, she is my wife, and there is a level of trust that goes into a marriage. I've just come from speaking with Dixon, and he said he would arrest her when she comes in." Vaughn took a shaky breath, his eyes betraying his confident stature.
"Vaughn-" Sydney paused, what could she say? "Are you sure? How do you know?" I don't want you to be saying this unless you are absolutely sure it is true.
Vaughn looked down, his brow creased. He forgot to shave this morning.
"Yes. Last night, while she was taking a bath, I went through her belongings. I found a hidden compartment in one of her suitcases." Vaughn paused to form his next words. "It held a passport with an alias I'd never seen before, a pistol with a laser sighting and a silencer, and, a wig. The wig was the same as the waitresses' at the club we went to in Berlin.
Sydney closed her eyes and shook her head. "Vaughn, you-"
"There's more." Vaughn cut in, almost as if he needed her to just listen, as if it was madness she was hearing and not a great relief, in more ways than one. Sighing softly, Vaughn rushed forward, his voice wavering with guilt and sorrow in every word. "The pistol's clip matched what Cipher was shot with. Also, the alias on the passport matches the time Lauren supposedly left for her father's funeral. So I checked the flight records. Nothing. She never left here, but did come home with us. It's as if she was in Los Angeles, but somehow ended up on a flight from Berlin to Los Angeles without ever leaving." Vaughn fought back tears. Yes, he loved Sydney, but he was married to Lauren. I can only imagine how devastating this is to him. Sydney's thoughts flickered before focusing back on Vaughn.
"There are two more things I have to say." Vaughn looked up, his emotions once again under control. Upon gaining a nod from Sydney, he continued, "One, I'll be staying with Weiss for the next couple of days, and two, Dixon wants us in to brief us on our next mission."
Sydney smiled at the change in topic.
"Well, at least that is expected."
~~*~~
"Syd, Vaughn, you two will be going to Tibet to retrieve one of the pieces that Rambaldi hid. A contact has told us that the Covenant has been combing the entire area for this piece, but he knows where it is. You two will meet with him, and together, will retrieve the piece." Dixon informed the pair upon beginning the brief.
"The man you will meet is quite shy. What we told him to look for was a young, married couple who are looking for the best cost for a trip through Tibet. Make your presence pronounced. Your aliases are Jonathon and Miranda Coliste, on vacation from the United States." Jack added, his words as direct as his eyes. "Marshall will go over the op-tech in just a few moments."
"Sydney, as I am sure that Vaughn has informed, Lauren Reed will be brought into custody today. I would like both you and Vaughn to stay out of sight during this, so as not to cause any more of a disturbance than is expected." Dixon watched as Sydney nodded in understanding. "Now, you said Lauren would be in around 9 o'clock?" Vaughn nodded. "Then go with Marshall now, and stay put until I come to get you."