"Explain to me," Jack bit off, taking care to over-enunciate each word, "exactly how leaving my daughter and Agent Vaughn under the control of two known terrorists is beneficial to the security of this office."
"Jack…"
"Now."
Kendall sighed, holding up a folder. "Take this."
"What is it?" Jack's tone remained icy.
"It's counter-intelligence's file on Michael Vaughn."
"Wait," Weiss said blankly. "Why would counter-intelligence have a file on Mike? They only investigate agents that are suspected of committing treason." His jaw dropped. "Wait. There's no way…"
"Devlin notified me earlier about this situation. It seems that over the past three months, Mr. Vaughn has been in contact with a number of unapproved foreign operatives, all over the world. He's also actively pursued contact with Vladimir Pograski, who happens to be a former KGB assassin known to have ties with at least three terrorist organizations."
He opened the file. "After his capture, agents were sent to search Agent Vaughn's apartment to see if he had left any notes or information that would aid in finding him and Agent Bristow. In the process, they copied the hard drive of his laptop."
"And?"
"And they discovered a program on it called Xenon. It's a decryption program that unlocks classified files. Mr. Vaughn was not authorized to download it to his personal computer. In doing so, he broke the law."
"Sir, this is ridiculous," Weiss spat. "Mike had his reasons. He's the last person that would betray the U.S. or the CIA! Have you forgotten about his father?"
"Treason and downloading a program without authorization are two different things. At best, were he charged, he would face hefty fines and possible jail time," Dixon interjected quietly. "By refusing to look for him, you're condemning him to death."
"Not necessarily," Kendall replied evenly. "We've known for some time that an insider was providing classified intel to enemies of this country via our computer network. Agent Vaughn clearly had little regard for some rules, who's to say that he didn't disregard them all? Right now, he is the leading suspect for the security breach, especially since the leak has gone silent since Zurich. To risk agents' lives to save the life of a traitor, is not, nor will it ever be, okay for the CIA or the FBI to do."
"Wait a minute, sir! Mike is not-"
Kendall ignored him. "Who's to say that the little event in Zurich was not a hostage-taking, but a retrieval? Sloane clearly knew Agent Vaughn was wearing a vest, among other things. He could have given them all the info they needed so they arranged to pull him out and make it look like a kidnapping."
"That's-" Weiss began to stammer. Jack held up a hand to forestall him.
"That is absurd," Jack informed Kendall coldly. "You're pulling at straws. Agent Vaughn and I may have our share of friction between us, but even I do not hesitate in saying that he is a skilled, capable agent and a good man. By allowing this witch hunt to take place, you are executing not only him, but my daughter!"
"Your kiddo is a puzzle, I'll admit," Kendall returned. "Before his little unauthorized jaunts around the world and the surrender of Irina Derevko, Vaughn and Bristow's relationship was the gossip for those in the know. They seemed to trust each other. So the question is, if Vaughn is a traitor, is Sydney Bristow an innocent victim, or is she once again a double agent, this time for him?"
Review Responses:
Britt: I think you reviewed like right after I updated. I didn't skip you on purpose! Really! lol. And that's a quite a good question. ;)
Jennycraig: Anyone that takes time to review is certainly not pitiful! You're awesome!
K4e: It's my fav so far too, I must confess. Poor Vaughn. :sniffles:
Glitter fish: bahahaha! I LOVE your pun! (fell out of her chair).
Kittyfantastico: You can have him all you want when the story's done. I promise. ;) And you'll see more and more Sark as the story progresses. (No worries, though, I'm a complete S/V shipper!)
Nattie700: Switzerland? I'm more partial to Egypt, actually. ;) And will do! lol
Mel: Will do!
Ilovemypenguin: On the Brink is finished! LOL
Andi Horton: Glorious? :blushes: You're too kind.
Anonymousthinker: Before this story is over, you'll see him speak at least two other languages besides German and English. ;)
Kay10197: Yay! I hope that trend continues!
Chinkybrowneyes: Don't worry, the Ford will be back. ;) Sort of. And I think syringes are taking over the guest star role, don't you? lol