An Irish Prayer
by Whitelighter Enchantress
Chapter 1: Ingress Codes
A/n: Hello, hello! What have we here, another fic by Whitelighter Enchantress? Why I believe it is. I welcome you to An Irish Prayer, an S/V fic taking place prior to the episode Phase One' (2.13). While on a mission, Sydney and Vaughn find something that will change their lives forever. I hope you enjoy it! (And for future reference I'm sick of doing a theme song so I'm not doing those anymore.)
Disclaimer: I do not own Alias. That lucky, lucky person is JJ Abrams.
0
Sleep, my babe, lie still and slumber,
All through the night
Guardian angels God will lend thee,
All through the night
Soft and drowsy hours are creeping,
Hill and vale in slumber sleeping,
Mother dear her watch is keeping,
All through the night
God is here, you'll not be lonely,
All through the night
'Tis not I who guards thee only,
All through the night
Night's dark shades will soon be over,
Still my watchful care shall hover,
God with me His watch is keeping,
All through the night...
Click, click, click. The beating tempo of high heels crescendoed through the dark night, reverberating off the thick, cement walls. Her shadow crept forth, until the black leather shoes appeared near a wooden crate. What's my counter mission? Sydney asked immediately after entering the empty warehouse late one October night.
It was empty, of course, except for one man. Hold on, one step at a time, he replied, holding up his hands briefly. Explain to me more about the documents you are retrieving, you're description of the mission on the paper bag was vague.
She sighed, staring back into his deep green eyes as she sat down on a nearby crate. That's because Sloane wasn't specific when he briefed us on our mission. He only said that the Ingress Codes had been intercepted by the wrong people, and we needed to get them back.
And what are the Ingress Codes exactly?
As he asked, he furrowed his brow, causing Sydney to smile. His furrowed brow and concerned eyes were just a few of the many things she liked about her handler. She relished in how he showed so much and care and concern for her – like a true guardian angel. He didn't say. I don't know what they're codes to, or what would happen if we didn't retrieve them. But my plane leaves in two days for Ireland, and Dixon and I have to get those codes.
He stared at her for a moment before nodding and taking a seat on a crate across from her. She noticed he was sitting in a closer proximity to her than usual, creating a slight tension between them. It made her want to inch closer and closer until she was directly next to him; running her fingers through his hair and feeling his warm breath against her skin.
It wasn't long before a familiar smell wafted into her lungs. Do you smell the –
The pizza? he grinned, cocking his head slightly. Sydney nodded. I picked one up on my way over here. It's over on the crate over there... He pointed by tilting his head in the other direction. You can stay and have a slice if you want, I'm sure Donovan won't mind if you take one of his pieces.
Sydney's palms began to sweat as she held back a blush. That's okay, I better not. Francie's making this huge meal for me when I get home. And she'd be crushed if I didn't eat it. Vaughn seemed disappointed at this response, and slowly trailed his eyes to the floor in a calm sigh. But thanks for the offer. I'd definitely stay for a piece if Francie wasn't going all out, though.
Vaughn replied with a happier tone, lifting his head to lock eyes with Sydney.
She held his gaze for longer than she intended, and finally blinked away watery eyes. I better go, she muttered, wrapping her black coat around her tightly. I'll get back to you tomorrow about the Ingress Codes. She stood slowly from the crate and headed toward the direction she came from, a misty fog shrouding her exit. She paused a moment and twisted her neck slightly for one last glance at her handler. He loosened his black tie as he grabbed the pizza box and turned around –
But all he saw was the mist.
Sydney slid into her seat in her car and pulled away, looping around the building three times before heading home. Her glances at Michael Vaughn were all she had hope for anymore. They were one of the few things in her life that she looked forward to now. She could sit all day and watch his perfect form; the muscles, the eyes, the hair, the smile... It all added up to everything she dreamed of in a man. But of course, it was all look and no touch.
And why is that? Sydney asked herself while gripping the steering wheel. Because I work for SD-6. That's why.
She felt she would be doomed forever never to date the man she longed for. Would she ever get to hold his hand, feel his fingers lace across her face, feel his lips crash on to hers? Would she ever hear his voice caress warm loving words into her ears? Would they ever be able to talk like a normal couple and do normal couple things? Sydney almost laughed to herself. What was she thinking? CIA protocol stopped them from doing anything outside of work. But how she longed for his handsome personality to sweep her off her feet at his good intentions.
Suddenly Sydney found herself parked in her driveway and she pulled the keys from the ignition. Gaining composure with each step, she marched into her apartment that she shared with Francie. As she opened the door, rich aromas of tender meat with a sauce and beautifully prepared vegetables billowed her way.
Hey, Syd, Will's voice broke Sydney's love affair with the wondrous smells. How was... work?
Sydney smiled in remembrance of Vaughn, then sighed and sat down on the couch next to him. Same old, same old. It was still strange to her that she could talk to Will about her job. She felt uncomfortable even mentioning it at all. But it was quite a relief to be able to dump part of her stress on somebody. Tonight, however, she wished to be quiet. Deciding to change the subject, she grinned. Do you, like, live here now?
Will laughed. Almost. So, um, he darted his eyes to the kitchen door, were you with the good guys or the bad guys?
The good ones, she answered, the image of Vaughn immediately springing to mind. But we were talking about the bad guys.
Okay, who's ready for dinner? an enthusiastic Francie asked, her head poking out from the doorway.
Sydney smiled, and she and Will stood up and headed to the table. The table was filled with all sorts of food, and there was barely any room for the plates, cups, and silverware. Sydney awed, this is amazing.
Well, you know, I try, she joked. Come on, we can actually eat it.
Sydney took a seat on the far side, Francie sat at the head of the table, and Will sat across from Sydney. Sydney enjoyed the meal, but for some reason she couldn't actively participate in Will and Francie's conversation. She stared at her food for most of her dinner, making the occasional remark when her mind wandered back to reality. For some reason, she couldn't help but imagine how her life might be different – in any aspect. What if her mother hadn't been KGB, or what if she didn't get recruited by SD-6, or if she and Vaughn were free to date...
she asked suddenly, knocked out of her reverie. Sorry. Where's Will?
Francie's eyes widened. Were you listening at all? I sent him to do dishes. Sydney looked across the table to find Will's seat empty, not to mention the bare table. What's up? You seem so distracted.
Sydney blushed, thinking about her recent Vaughn fantasy.
Oh my gosh, there's a guy, isn't there? Tell me, is there a guy?
Sydney started, causing Francie's face to glow, Do you remember that Michael guy I told you about from work?
Francie gasped. You slept with him?
Francie! No... she giggled. Of course she wanted to, though. No, I just can't stop thinking about him. I know he has a girlfriend, and the bank is against employees dating, but still...
Francie couldn't stop smiling. You need a drink.
No –
Oh come on. Change into something fun. We're going out for a drink.
0
As reluctant as Sydney was to pull herself from her bed the next morning, she headed for the shower after her alarm sounded. Though even as she dressed, she could only think about how softly the pillow cushioned her head, how the blankets perfectly warmed her body. She sighed. She still had to go into work, regardless of how comfortable her bed was. It was necessary that she visit her father today. She needed to address him about the Ingress Codes.
The car ride seemed longer than usual, but she parked her car in a nearby lot and proceeded to run through the park. Often times she loved running. It was a great way for her to clear her mind, do great thinking. But today it only worsened a headache from last night's escapades. Why hadn't she just gone running last night? Drinks couldn't solve everything the way running could. However, with Sydney's predicament of lusting after Vaughn not even running may have helped.
Dropping a few coins into the hand of a CIA officer dressed as a homeless man, she ran forward to a telephone booth. She held the phone and brought her fingers up to press the numbers of her ID number for entrance, and headed into the building.
The average bustle and noise pounded against her as she excavated through Headquarters, making her way to her father's desk. She found him typing away at his computer, his back turned to her. His head was tilted slightly to the right, and he seemed deep in concentration. Sydney didn't want to bug him. Just as she was about to tap on his shoulder, Jack spun around in his chair. he said calmly as if he knew Sydney had been standing behind him the whole time. Is something wrong?
Sydney responded. I just had some questions for you. Have you heard of the Ingress Codes?
Jack's expression did not waver. Yes, though I'm surprised that you have. Sydney stared at him in confusion. Outside each Alliance cell there is a concealed box. When the correct code is applied to the correct cell, then that cell opens entry for precisely three minutes before going into absolute lock down. Another correct code with disarm the lock down.
Why would the SD cells have these?
Although it's nearly impossible, if a group were to break into a cell, emergency teams could be brought in before the rogue group could escape. SD cells share codes in case of that scenario. Jack licked his lips. May I ask why you know about the Ingress Codes?
Sydney ignored his question. So if all the codes were applied to each cell at the same time...
Jack shrugged his shoulders. ... Then the cells couldn't aid each other, and the Alliance would doom to survive.
Sydney's eyes widened. Thanks, Dad, you've been a big help, she said quickly as she hugged her father and charged off to find Vaughn. She was sure her father was confused by her questions, but that wasn't her concern at the moment. She had the most powerful information in the world!
she cried from across the room, breaking her sprint. Other agents eyes her suspiciously, and she panted heavily as Vaughn neared. A blue dress shirt stood out prominently against the black of his suit, and his hair was spiked perfectly messy like Sydney loved it. I just talked to my father. The Ingress Codes are a series of codes that open up any Alliance cell for three minutes before total lock down. She stared unfaltering up into his deep green eyes.
You mean if you get these codes tomorrow, then –
She braced herself, placing her hands on his broad shoulders, for finally admitting it aloud. We can bring down the Alliance.
A/n: Gasp! Already, I know. I like working fast. But this isn't your typical bring-down-the-alliance-then-all-of-a-sudden-happy-S/V-the-end story. There's much more, so much more. But please tell me what you think so far! REVIEW! Your input means a lot to me. And by the way, it saddens me to announce that FF.net no longer accepts my format of using asterisks (those little star thingers) to separate sections. Sigh. You're all invited to mourn with me.
Whitelighter Enchantress