Ten minutes later, Weiss had gotten me calmed down enough to get me into the car. He settled me in, and shut the door, stepping away with phone in hand. I watched him numbly for a few moments before noticing my phone on the floor. I quietly picked it up and turned it on, though I wasn't sure why. I just needed to do something with my hands.

A moment later, Weiss cracked the door open and poked his head in. I looked up at him slowly. He said nothing for a full minute, simply staring into my eyes. Finally, a look of pain came into his own dark orbs.

"Syd, are you still in there?" he asked quietly. I think he expected a protest; I almost gave him one. I quickly decided to tell him the truth.

"Sydney?"

"I don't know Eric. People are dying… Sloane is killing them, and it's because of me. It's because of their connection to me."

"Syd, you can't blame yourself for what Sloane has done!"

"Can't I?"

"No, you can't. It's not your fault."

"But it is, can't you see that?"

"No, Sydney, I can't see that. I can't see it because it's not true. Don't argue, just listen. You have no control over the things that monster does. Stop shaking your head. Can you explain to me how it's your fault that he's done these things? Because I would love to hear your logic on that."

"You want me to tell you? Fine, I can tell you. They were killed because I care about them. Francie, Will- they were innocent. If they had never known me, this never would have happened. And those CIA agents that were in my house, they wouldn't have been in there if it weren't for me." I stopped and looked past Weiss to the still smoldering remains of what had been my home. I wondered briefly if anything was left.

Weiss drew in a breath and drew my attention to him. He was about to say something when his phone rang. He shut his eyes in annoyance, but reached for the object. He took a moment to study the caller ID. I noted a frown briefly mar his features.

"I have to take this one," he said tersely, shutting the door and walking a few steps off. I turned to stare again at the blank spot that had been my residence. Before I was able to get too deep into my dark thoughts, my own cell phone rang. I stared at it for a moment before I thought to pick it up.

"Bristow," I said softly, having not bothered to check the call ID.

"You're all right?" The usually cocky voice said in a surprisingly gentle manner. I scoffed.

"I'd hardly say that."

"I didn't mean to trivialize anything. I simply mean, are you physically ok?"

"Yes."

"Do you still wish to go through with the plan?"

"I don't even know what the plan is," I spat angrily.

"I realize that. I'll tell you everything, but I can only do that if you're in."

"Fine. But Weiss is coming back right now."

"I'll call you back in 20 minutes." With that, the line was gone. I dropped my hand back down to my lap, lacking the energy to hold it up any longer. Weiss got into the drivers seat and stuck the keys in to start the car.

"What are you doing?" I asked sharply, an irrational burst of fear suddenly rising within me.

"I'm getting you away from here. We're going back to the JTF, and agents are going to come take care of things here." I nodded my assent, the feeling in my chest not dissipating in the least.

"Guess it's a good thing most of the neighbors are gone during the day. I suppose I should say ex-neighbors." Weiss didn't reply. I attempted to shut my eyes for a few moments, but that only gave the violent images in my head a better platform to play out on. My lids flew open and I decided instead to watch Weiss' driving. I felt his eyes on me on more than a few occasions, but I ignored it. After a short and silent ride, we arrived at our destination. Weiss led the way, seemingly sheltering me from all the prying eyes that tracked our progress.

"I'm going to see my mother," I told him quietly. He looked at me closely, but soon nodded.

"I'll be in Kendall's office. Please come join us as soon as you're done." I walked away, heading to my mother's cell. She seemed to know I was coming; she was already standing by the glass when I approached.

"What now Sydney?" she questioned softly. I shook my head.

"It's going to happen. He's calling me again in a little while." She frowned at my avoidance of her query, but gave a slight nod.

"Ok. I'll be ready." I turned and wandered back down the hall, but stopped. I turned and looked back to see her watching me, an unreadable, pained look in her eyes. I continued on, in search of Kendall's office. The door wasn't completely shut, I noted absently as I drew near. I was about to knock when Kendall's voice halted me.

"I don't think that's wise, Agent Weiss. She's been through a disproportionately high amount of emotional trauma the past few days."

"I realize that, which is why I don't believe it would be in her best interest to cut off her access to her mother. Until we can locate Agent Vaughn and Agent Bristow, Derevko is all Sydney has left."

"If we find them," Kendall sighed.

"Which we will," Weiss replied shortly.

"I don't know… I don't think Derevko is good for her, especially in her current condition." I didn't move, simply stood there staring at the floor. I couldn't believe it. Kendall wanted to revoke my clearance to my mother. Weiss speaking again caught my attention.

"I'll go get Agent Bristow. I think she should at least have a say in this." I took a few steps away from the door to ensure that Kendall wouldn't be able to spot me when it was opened. Weiss looked startled to see me as he exited the office. Realization quickly dawned in his eyes.

"Eric, I need a car."

"What? Why? Syd, please don't tell me you're running from this." I shook my head.

"Like you said, my mother is all I have left. I couldn't leave her now. There's just something I have to do. I promise I'll have it back soon." He nodded.

"Ok. You know I trust you, but I still have to say it: be careful."

"I will." He handed me the keys and I walked out. I found my way to the car and sat in it, awaiting the call from Sark. I didn't have long to wait, as a few moments later, it came.