Well, guys, I sure have taken my time with this one and it isn't even
really a big shippy thing like I'm sure you all wanted. Anyways, basically,
my problem, the reason I took forever, was school, but now I have school
holidays and two whole weeks of them so I am hoping that I can write almost
every day. I hope I haven't lost too many readers and please review if you
read it cause if you remember correctly, that's what keeps me writing.
The other thing is that I owe due credit to friends at school who have
helped out, Anj and Sam for their sometimes very bad ideas and Cameron
whose name you will notice I have stolen. I should warn that Cameron in the
story is not based very much on the Cameron I know and that I only took his
name 'Cameron Black' because it does sound overly evil.
On with it...Enjoy.
Quick Recap:
Sydney, Vaughn, Jack and Irina have been sent to Melbourne, Australia to achieve the cover story of a happy family before stealing the Dury Book, a Rambaldi artifact. They arrive and spend their time together, the tension between Irina and Jack intensifying while Vaughn and Sydney have finally realized their love for each other. Jack was just about to tell Irina something as they sat on a Melbourne beach when a voice told them not to move as a gun was held to both their heads. We pick up from there...
Chapter Thirty Three
Sydney and Vaughn returned to the beach ten minutes later, arms joined, paper package in Vaughn's arm. As they turned the corner out onto the open beach, panic struck both in the heart. To anyone else, it looked like an empty beach, void of anyone or anything suspicious and while it was possible that her parents had simply left to grab something from the car or that they had left for a reason perhaps more sinister as Sydney had noticed the ever increasing tension peaking once again earlier on, but there were other signs.
The mat they had been occupying was untouched, if they looked closer, and they did, they could still see the indentations that Sydney's parents' bodies had made. The picnic basket they had hastily packed was also still upright and there was nothing to signal that there had been any trouble at all. So what was it that had Sydney grasping at Vaughn's hand even harder, the wrapped up chips, formally feeling hot and smelling delicious dropping to the ground and the pair running to the last site that Jack and Irina had been seen. It was instinct.
The air smelt bad, too still, too quiet and Sydney half expected to be ambushed and she was prepared, but they were not. No masked man jumped out at them form behind the bushes and all that they found was a single hair clip, left sitting in the sand that Sydney had known her mother to have weaved into her black dyed hair.
"Mom," she whispered, looking up and locking eyes with Vaughn. She held the clip up and watched her own eyes darken as they reflected from his. A split second later and both were in spy gear, they hastily packed up their stuff, even bothering to pick up the fish and chips that they had bought and place them in a trash can. Racing to the car there was no discussion as Sydney jumped into the drivers seat, pulling her cell phone out and dialing a number she was only allowed to use in extreme emergencies.
OOOOOOOOOO
He woke up to feel a presence above him, after a few seconds of trying to see through the haze still present in his mind he determined the presence to be unfriendly and knew Irina was no where near by. He couldn't smell her, not even the scent she managed to leave in a room for days after she left.
Trying to remember what had happened he hurriedly determined that he had been drugged not long after he'd been hauled into the back of a car along with Irina. Between then and now, he decided he had no idea on what had happened and just how long it had been between then and now, he had even less of an idea; it could have been hours...or days. He had no idea. Opening his eyes he glimpsed the presence in the corner and their eyes locked, his own brown eyes stuck on his own piercing blue orbs.
"You're awake," the accent was there and the man was identified instantly as the man from the beach. Instantaneously Jack wanted to punch him senseless and get Irina back, fleeing from whatever place they were in, but he knew it wasn't an option. He had to wait and so kept silent as the man and barely that, as he appeared to be only a few years past twenty, walked over to him, meandering in his path, head cocked to the side as he surveyed what was ultimately his prey. "That's good," he explained, slipping a hand into the pocket of the navy blue jeans he wore. "Now we can talk."
Jack watched carefully, trying to weigh up his choices. Seeing the man had power, he nodded curtly and carefully asked, "I want to know whom it is I'm talking to."
His jaw jutted out as he looked down at where Jack slumped against the wall. "My name in exchange for your mission, in all it's glory." Sniggering he turned back around, slipped the hand from his pocket and up into a shirt pocket, "Now," he said, sensing hesitation.
"I'm here," Jack began, "Because back home called in a 479 and we were led to Melbourne, I was undercover until you decided it was best to capture me and bring me in for questioning. My superiors thought it best for me to stay on the case instead of letting the locals deal with it."
He cocked his head to the side, neatly trimmed chocolate brown hair curling to show Jack it was wet. The man in front of him was obviously not impressed with the crap he had just spun him, but Jack felt a certain level of respect gained and so conceded further. "What is it exactly that you want to know?"
"Name...for the record." Trying to sound as tough he already knew exactly who the man in front of him was didn't work but it was his job to find out anyway and Jack was giving him a hard time.
"In exchange for your name?" Jack pushed. A slight nod brought a small grin of triumph to Jack's tight mouth. "Jack Bristow. CIA."
He grinned, "Cameron Black." He paused, watching his captive and wondering just how much he could squeeze out without having to turn to torture. Shrugging he started to pace, walking around him, noting everything he could in the hope of feigning knowledge. "What exactly was your mission."
"I've already told you that answer."
"You lied."
Taking a breath, Jack tried to reposition himself, the strain on his arms, tied, as they were, behind his back, causing the numbing sensation he'd been trained to ignore. "Untie me, I'll tell you who sent me."
"The CIA sent you," he responded off handedly. "Tell me your exact details and I will untie you...and re-acquaint you with the woman."
"You'll leave her here with me?" Jack asked, trying not to let the hope edge into his voice. For some reason he felt that together there wasn't really going to be much trouble escaping. It was obvious that his interrogator had no idea at all on what was going on, it was also obvious that he was not in charge that this Cameron Black had a superior, somewhere and that his boss didn't know that the Dury book even existed. This, Jack decided was a simple coincidence and he was a prisoner for some other reason, possibly a past action or mission, but not this one.
Cameron nodded, waiting for a response but not getting one as Jack raised him self haphazardly from the ground and waited for his hands to be untied. Slightly flustered, Cameron quickly pulled apart the several knots holding him together. "Sit," he commanded as Jack rubbed his wrists and lowered his body back down to the ground. "Now tell me."
OOOOOOOOOO
Fifteen minutes later, Cameron had what he thought to be the full story. Jack had indeed informed him of the Dury book, of its whereabouts and who had written it. At the mention of Rambaldi, recognition had dawned but it was obvious that Cameron and supposedly his superiors had no interest in the man what so ever. Jack had managed to leave out the precious details and had dodged all mention of Sydney and Vaughn. He'd named Irina as his partner from the CIA but stood by, making it subtly clear that they were only partners and had no feelings for the other. Cameron, having been in the business several years despite his young age was not to trusting and as he opened the double gate to allow three guards in along with the harmless looking woman the way his two prisoners' eyes met was unmistakable.
Sitting down across from Jack in a position that gave her full view of everything in front of her, Irina turned to watch Cameron. He'd talked with her only briefly, getting her name and mission and a similar story to Jack's in return for re uniting them. In essence he had gotten two for the price of one and in time they would realize that, but currently it wasn't his problem.
Walking back into the room, leaving the gate swinging precariously, he spoke, "I will call my superior and inform her of you cooperation. I hope it continues." He nodded curtly to both of them either in a sign of respect or mockery before departing with long, swift strides.
Sitting softly, Jack was tempted to move closer but didn't, knowing that to say or do anything might give them away. He needed to know what she had told them but there was no way to speak, no way to move, there were two guards outside the gate and two cameras covering every inch of the room. Biting his lip he looked up at her. His eyes devoid of emotion he grabbed her gaze and held it. A faint smile graced her lips and he sub-consciously returned it.
Locking eyes again he watched at she began blinking furiously it took him only a second to catch on to her expected intelligent plan. The message she kept repeating - Are you getting all of this - was soon answered by his own. -Yes. Are you okay? -
He'd always been good with Morse and until that moment he hadn't even really known that she could do it, but now, as he watched her fluttering eyelids he found her a master, the words crossing almost as quickly as words. -I'm fine - She answered, -What did you tell him?-
Jack glanced up to the video cameras before responding -Everything. Except we're partners and he doesn't know about Sydney or Vaughn.-
She ran a hand through her hair, sweeping the brown wisps from her eyes. Turning her head slightly she went on -He questioned me you know-
Jack's eyes widened, the through hadn't even entered his mind -What did you say?-
She grinned -Exactly what you said.- Sighing in relief, Jack pulled his knees up to his chest. Still not unlocking his eyes from hers, he waited for the next question, sure enough it soon came, -Do you know where we are? Or when?-
He shook his head, hoping the cameras didn't catch him out. -No idea. Do you?- Irina shook her head back at him before crossing her legs and leaning back against the wall.
-When we get out of all of this,- she began, -We need to talk.-
Swallowing, but knowing she was right, Jack agreed, -When we get out of all of this.-
Hope it was worth the wait and please, oh please review, more very soon.
Quick Recap:
Sydney, Vaughn, Jack and Irina have been sent to Melbourne, Australia to achieve the cover story of a happy family before stealing the Dury Book, a Rambaldi artifact. They arrive and spend their time together, the tension between Irina and Jack intensifying while Vaughn and Sydney have finally realized their love for each other. Jack was just about to tell Irina something as they sat on a Melbourne beach when a voice told them not to move as a gun was held to both their heads. We pick up from there...
Chapter Thirty Three
Sydney and Vaughn returned to the beach ten minutes later, arms joined, paper package in Vaughn's arm. As they turned the corner out onto the open beach, panic struck both in the heart. To anyone else, it looked like an empty beach, void of anyone or anything suspicious and while it was possible that her parents had simply left to grab something from the car or that they had left for a reason perhaps more sinister as Sydney had noticed the ever increasing tension peaking once again earlier on, but there were other signs.
The mat they had been occupying was untouched, if they looked closer, and they did, they could still see the indentations that Sydney's parents' bodies had made. The picnic basket they had hastily packed was also still upright and there was nothing to signal that there had been any trouble at all. So what was it that had Sydney grasping at Vaughn's hand even harder, the wrapped up chips, formally feeling hot and smelling delicious dropping to the ground and the pair running to the last site that Jack and Irina had been seen. It was instinct.
The air smelt bad, too still, too quiet and Sydney half expected to be ambushed and she was prepared, but they were not. No masked man jumped out at them form behind the bushes and all that they found was a single hair clip, left sitting in the sand that Sydney had known her mother to have weaved into her black dyed hair.
"Mom," she whispered, looking up and locking eyes with Vaughn. She held the clip up and watched her own eyes darken as they reflected from his. A split second later and both were in spy gear, they hastily packed up their stuff, even bothering to pick up the fish and chips that they had bought and place them in a trash can. Racing to the car there was no discussion as Sydney jumped into the drivers seat, pulling her cell phone out and dialing a number she was only allowed to use in extreme emergencies.
OOOOOOOOOO
He woke up to feel a presence above him, after a few seconds of trying to see through the haze still present in his mind he determined the presence to be unfriendly and knew Irina was no where near by. He couldn't smell her, not even the scent she managed to leave in a room for days after she left.
Trying to remember what had happened he hurriedly determined that he had been drugged not long after he'd been hauled into the back of a car along with Irina. Between then and now, he decided he had no idea on what had happened and just how long it had been between then and now, he had even less of an idea; it could have been hours...or days. He had no idea. Opening his eyes he glimpsed the presence in the corner and their eyes locked, his own brown eyes stuck on his own piercing blue orbs.
"You're awake," the accent was there and the man was identified instantly as the man from the beach. Instantaneously Jack wanted to punch him senseless and get Irina back, fleeing from whatever place they were in, but he knew it wasn't an option. He had to wait and so kept silent as the man and barely that, as he appeared to be only a few years past twenty, walked over to him, meandering in his path, head cocked to the side as he surveyed what was ultimately his prey. "That's good," he explained, slipping a hand into the pocket of the navy blue jeans he wore. "Now we can talk."
Jack watched carefully, trying to weigh up his choices. Seeing the man had power, he nodded curtly and carefully asked, "I want to know whom it is I'm talking to."
His jaw jutted out as he looked down at where Jack slumped against the wall. "My name in exchange for your mission, in all it's glory." Sniggering he turned back around, slipped the hand from his pocket and up into a shirt pocket, "Now," he said, sensing hesitation.
"I'm here," Jack began, "Because back home called in a 479 and we were led to Melbourne, I was undercover until you decided it was best to capture me and bring me in for questioning. My superiors thought it best for me to stay on the case instead of letting the locals deal with it."
He cocked his head to the side, neatly trimmed chocolate brown hair curling to show Jack it was wet. The man in front of him was obviously not impressed with the crap he had just spun him, but Jack felt a certain level of respect gained and so conceded further. "What is it exactly that you want to know?"
"Name...for the record." Trying to sound as tough he already knew exactly who the man in front of him was didn't work but it was his job to find out anyway and Jack was giving him a hard time.
"In exchange for your name?" Jack pushed. A slight nod brought a small grin of triumph to Jack's tight mouth. "Jack Bristow. CIA."
He grinned, "Cameron Black." He paused, watching his captive and wondering just how much he could squeeze out without having to turn to torture. Shrugging he started to pace, walking around him, noting everything he could in the hope of feigning knowledge. "What exactly was your mission."
"I've already told you that answer."
"You lied."
Taking a breath, Jack tried to reposition himself, the strain on his arms, tied, as they were, behind his back, causing the numbing sensation he'd been trained to ignore. "Untie me, I'll tell you who sent me."
"The CIA sent you," he responded off handedly. "Tell me your exact details and I will untie you...and re-acquaint you with the woman."
"You'll leave her here with me?" Jack asked, trying not to let the hope edge into his voice. For some reason he felt that together there wasn't really going to be much trouble escaping. It was obvious that his interrogator had no idea at all on what was going on, it was also obvious that he was not in charge that this Cameron Black had a superior, somewhere and that his boss didn't know that the Dury book even existed. This, Jack decided was a simple coincidence and he was a prisoner for some other reason, possibly a past action or mission, but not this one.
Cameron nodded, waiting for a response but not getting one as Jack raised him self haphazardly from the ground and waited for his hands to be untied. Slightly flustered, Cameron quickly pulled apart the several knots holding him together. "Sit," he commanded as Jack rubbed his wrists and lowered his body back down to the ground. "Now tell me."
OOOOOOOOOO
Fifteen minutes later, Cameron had what he thought to be the full story. Jack had indeed informed him of the Dury book, of its whereabouts and who had written it. At the mention of Rambaldi, recognition had dawned but it was obvious that Cameron and supposedly his superiors had no interest in the man what so ever. Jack had managed to leave out the precious details and had dodged all mention of Sydney and Vaughn. He'd named Irina as his partner from the CIA but stood by, making it subtly clear that they were only partners and had no feelings for the other. Cameron, having been in the business several years despite his young age was not to trusting and as he opened the double gate to allow three guards in along with the harmless looking woman the way his two prisoners' eyes met was unmistakable.
Sitting down across from Jack in a position that gave her full view of everything in front of her, Irina turned to watch Cameron. He'd talked with her only briefly, getting her name and mission and a similar story to Jack's in return for re uniting them. In essence he had gotten two for the price of one and in time they would realize that, but currently it wasn't his problem.
Walking back into the room, leaving the gate swinging precariously, he spoke, "I will call my superior and inform her of you cooperation. I hope it continues." He nodded curtly to both of them either in a sign of respect or mockery before departing with long, swift strides.
Sitting softly, Jack was tempted to move closer but didn't, knowing that to say or do anything might give them away. He needed to know what she had told them but there was no way to speak, no way to move, there were two guards outside the gate and two cameras covering every inch of the room. Biting his lip he looked up at her. His eyes devoid of emotion he grabbed her gaze and held it. A faint smile graced her lips and he sub-consciously returned it.
Locking eyes again he watched at she began blinking furiously it took him only a second to catch on to her expected intelligent plan. The message she kept repeating - Are you getting all of this - was soon answered by his own. -Yes. Are you okay? -
He'd always been good with Morse and until that moment he hadn't even really known that she could do it, but now, as he watched her fluttering eyelids he found her a master, the words crossing almost as quickly as words. -I'm fine - She answered, -What did you tell him?-
Jack glanced up to the video cameras before responding -Everything. Except we're partners and he doesn't know about Sydney or Vaughn.-
She ran a hand through her hair, sweeping the brown wisps from her eyes. Turning her head slightly she went on -He questioned me you know-
Jack's eyes widened, the through hadn't even entered his mind -What did you say?-
She grinned -Exactly what you said.- Sighing in relief, Jack pulled his knees up to his chest. Still not unlocking his eyes from hers, he waited for the next question, sure enough it soon came, -Do you know where we are? Or when?-
He shook his head, hoping the cameras didn't catch him out. -No idea. Do you?- Irina shook her head back at him before crossing her legs and leaning back against the wall.
-When we get out of all of this,- she began, -We need to talk.-
Swallowing, but knowing she was right, Jack agreed, -When we get out of all of this.-
Hope it was worth the wait and please, oh please review, more very soon.