Chapter 12: The Mission

A/n: Hi, remember me? I'm Whitelighter Enchantress, and I'm writing this... I'm sorry. It's been too long. My deepest apologies. I just started working on too many things, getting involved in new places, and school's started so I'll have even less time. Sorry. I really am. But here's Chapter 12, regardless.

Disclaimer: Eh, nothing new, I still don't own it.

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Vaughn and Sydney practically ran though the halls to Eric Weiss's desk, hand in hand. Upon approaching his desk, they didn't see him, and Vaughn paused and frantically looked around. Sydney spotted him on the phone a few desks over, and they hurried over to him. They leaned against the desk and caught their breaths as Weiss hung up the phone. Vaughn asked.

He better make this quick, Sydney thought. She had to tell them where Jason's search could be narrowed to!

There's someone in South Africa who may know something, he replied, watching the relief slide onto their faces. His name is Jon Higenbotham, but...

Vaughn raised his eyebrow. But what, Eric?

Weiss's glance wavered from Sydney's face to Vaughn. He'll only talk to Sydney.

No – Vaughn immediately protested.

Sydney pulled Vaughn away sharply and grabbed his wrists, holding them together in the crook of her neck. Vaughn, we have no choice. I'll have to go...

But Syd –

Sh, sh. I know you're going to say this is too dangerous for me. But listen, I'm not stupid, and I'm fully capable of this. I know I haven't been with the CIA for fifteen years, but I worked for SD-6 and the CIA for years and you managed to let me go through with it all. You have to let me go one more time. Please. He bit his lip, wanting desperately to say yes, but wishing he was brave enough to say no. Vaughn, I can't live without my baby boy. I... We all need him. You, me, Mandy, even my father. If you don't let me go, it'll kill us all.

Tears welled in his eyes, knowing full well how correct she was. He wanted to go so badly, he had to find his son and get him back. He also knew that if Sydney went on this mission, it would change her completely. She may not have realized it, but lack of working in the field had changed her mentality on things. She viewed things in a different light, acting differently around certain things. She would go back to stubborn-kick-ass Sydney.

And that was not necessarily a bad thing.

The words escaped from his lips and Sydney let out a cry of thanks, lifting his hands from her throat to his his fingers. They went back over to where Weiss stood impatiently, and Vaughn nodded to him. She's going, he told him.

Oh, and there's more, Sydney said, both men staring at her in confusion. How her mood had changed since this morning. Tracy let it slip that they're in the Eastern Hemisphere. That narrows our search quite a bit.

They took it into consideration and began to plan out the mission. They worked through the rest of the afternoon working it all out, finding the few extra men and getting all the electrical equipment, but finally, the left that evening.

As they boarded the CIA issued plane, Sydney couldn't help but think about Mandy; her daughter, her near twin, her beloved who she had to briefly leave behind. She hated leaving her as such, considering they had not spoken since the incident. But she was with Jack, she was in safe hands, and she would learn to understand why this was happening. Although she was sure a stubborn streak would be headed her way when she returned home. Mandy hated not being included.

They arrived in Cape Town, South Africa, about sixteen hours later, though it was about seven PM in that time zone. Jon Higenbotham would be attending a party at the Fidero Mansion, and Sydney managed to make her way on the guest list to speak with them. She slipped into a slinky red dress; one modest enough for her age, but revealing enough to captivate others' attentions.

Applying a comm. link in her ear, Vaughn stepped into the room she was changing in. he muttered, drifting closer. You look beautiful.

She lifted her previously curled hair into a bun, curls spilling over her scalp. She smiled at him, something that lifted both their spirits, sparking a new hope and determination in them both. They walked out of the room together and found Weiss, again, waiting impatiently.

he asked. They both nodded, and proceeded to a black SUV with darkly tinted windows. In the back were several surveillance screens and microphones. As Vaughn drove, Weiss handed her a pin. Put this on It's a camera for us as you walk through, and also, plant these cameras into the ceilings and walls as you pass. He handed her several tiny round cameras. You'll meet him at the bar. Smile at him and lift your glass: that's how he'll know who you are. You'll engage in small talk and he'll invite you to another room where you'll speak freely.

And when you're finished, Vaughn added, slowing the vehicle, get out of there as fast as you can. He turned at Sydney after fully stopping to drop her off at the door. Good luck. Sydney nodded, noticing the deep worry line across his forehead. Though a permanent feature to his face, it stood out more prominently than ever. He never looked more scared in his life.

Sydney strutted inside where she grinned seductively at a guard at the door. Without hesitation, he smiled back and allowed her to pass easily. Inside there was a large ballroom, filled with at least two hundred people of all sorts of ethnicities, both genders, and an octet playing classical music in the corner.

Sneaking her way through the chatting groups, Sydney made her way to the bar and ordered a wine. She rotated her body to scan the entire length of the bar for the cameras to see. She finally heard Vaughn in her ear. He's the one in the black tux, top button open, glasses and black hair. Sydney sipped her wine, pretending to gaze over the people. She caught Higenbotham's gaze and tried to blush, smiling at him. He lifted his nearly empty glass to her, and she did the same.

He got up from his seat and meandered over to her, slipping into the empty one next to her. he greeted. I'm Jon.

She raised her eyebrows at his British accent. she replied. You have information for me?

Yes, but we must wait a while longer. Colleagues of mine are here, and I can't be seen making off with you alone. We have to wait for them to leave.

Sydney nodded. You don't work for the SAI, do you? she asked; South African Intelligence. He shook his head, staring out at the people in crowds in the floor in front of them.

All right, he said, It's safe, let's go. He led her back through a door in the back of the room, and she was surprised to find it looking like a foyer to a house. A grand marble staircase stood before her with large, wood double doors to their right. He took her left, to a room next to the stairs. Once inside , he gave a gentle push on her shoulder, indicating for her to sit down in the chair beneath her. She didn't appreciate the light shove, but waited patiently as he sat at the desk between them. You are looking for Julian Sark, correct?

she replied with no hesitation. He has my son.

Jon raised his eyebrows quickly. There's been word of him working in isolation for some time now. I mean, isolation in one place, because he has plenty of men working for him...

Quit stalling, Sydney internally begged of him. She then heard Vaughn's voice in her ear as Jon babbled on. Syd, there's men coming in the foyer.

Please, Jon, she interrupted him, Where is my son?

They're armed! she heard Weiss's voice yell.

Sydney's it's a trap, get out now! Vaughn urged.

Sydney gripped the chair. She was not leaving without her answer. He smiled at her, though not in an amiable way. He looked... Evil. He's at his home. His true home. And you'll be there in a few hours.

The door behind her burst open, and she swiftly pulled the gun from under her dress and shot at them. They ducked back behind the door and she took a few shots at Jon Higenbotham, who was reaching for his gun in the desk.

She propelled herself out of the room and delivered a few kicks and punches at the two armed men in the hall, and they quickly fell to the ground. She hadn't lost her touch. She ran to the large double doors. His true home? she wondered. Where on earth...

Vaughn's voice echoed in her ears. We'll meet you outside, please hurry.

Just as she reached the doorknob, she felt a sharp pain sting her head. She fell to the ground and panted heavily as she stared back up at a familiar face. He pointed a gun down at her face, and he shot. He moved his hand and aimed at her shoulder the second before shooting, and she realized before passing out that Sark only had shot her with a tranquilizer.

A/n: Short, I know. I'm sorry. I'm horrible. It's been so long, and I started working on like five stories (which is awful, don't do it). I'll try to update faster, but I've got school and basketball. Anyway, please REVIEW this chapter and tell me what you thought. Thanks!
-Whitelighter Enchantress