DISCLAIMER: pants I… don't… own… the… ALIAS… char…acters… Except… for those… I… made… myself… asthma attack!!!

CHAPTER FIVE

I let go of my breath. I was unable to move, in nervous or in fear. We were given six hours to rest before we land at Ukraine and I couldn't get to sleep. I kept the ideas in my head, pretending there's music in the room to entertain myself. Looking out of the window, I finally got up and wandered around the deck. I found myself pouring a mug of drink. Holding the mug close to my face, feeling the warmth, I turned; I was surprised to find someone standing on the doorway. He stared, as if he really intended to find me. My hands trembled more as I held the mug.

"You shouldn't be drinking chocolate, sugar adds to your nervousness," he mentioned. I glanced at him and saw him with a glass of whiskey as he sat down across me.

"And you'll drink whiskey," I answered and he looked back, emptying his glass. Time stopped; from the start of that morning, I've felt heavy. I didn't know if I was to pour out or to be relieved. I wished that I could tell him my problem, how hard I've been dealing with all of these.

"I…-"

"I believe this is hardly the right time or the place for this. But, it's getting impossible for me to take my rest. I'm here to ask you a favor," he broke out. I stared in confusion. He filled the question in me. Uncomfortable with his own ideas, he continued. "The hearing process would start tomorrow and I am the first to be subjected to it. I'll be leaving as soon as we land at Ukraine."

He paused as he saw me surprised- in wonder of the reason that got to his mind to inform me and in surprise about the information. I didn't expect the hearing process to happen early as then and not on that time.

"…I need you to tell me how she had been for the past twenty years."

The moment was the least I have expected with him. All I could do is understand him.

"Y-You knew I'd do anything to help. But I-" I paused. I tried to decide whether it was right to help him or leave him with his problem. I asked him frankly. "I don't want to think that you're taking advantage of what I can offer. I want to ensure that you can and will help Irina, Jack. And I need a single sign of trust from-"

"If you're asking of my intentions," he answered back in determination to acquire my help. "My own knowledge cannot lead me to the right answers I require- I may be blinded if I do so trust in myself."

"But if I lie."

"You won't," he answered firmly. I then proved he was determined. There was long silence as I tried to enjoy back my chocolate. I thought I could get myself rid of those issues but maybe I just mustn't. I looked up. He finally mentioned what I wanted to hear. "I want to know the truth, if that's how it might seem to you- the longing of having my wife- my… family, back. Again."

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"What do you think will happen?"

"I don't know, it confuses me," I shrugged and Reyes smiled. "After all this time, I found out Irina's plot to kill my parents and Jack, who is never beyond my understanding, seeking guidance. It's all like I'm torn between who's to help."

"Don't mix things up. Our situation's just too complicated now. But I'm not surprised that you are confused."

"And Jack even told me that I shouldn't be just contented with the blind information I have about my parent's death. He suggested that I speak with Irina. I know he used me. But now, I don't know if he's gone to the extent of mocking me," I continued. She just sighed and gave a relieving look. We were interrupted when her phone rang. "Who could call you in these instances?"

"My family," she smiled at my suspicion. She started to speak in Russian. "Mamuschka?"

Reyes was ordered to take over in Jack's stead. I was more contented that she'll lead us than someone else. When you look at Reyes, you'll see someone with the determination and skills to continue a task whatever it takes- personally, I saw someone that can guide me. We've built enough alliance; too much of what we required. Despite the problems we were facing then, for a moment, I see that we've been closer to each other. I felt like I'll be missing the life I had in the CIA.

Reyes' voice faded as the aircrafts of the American forces landed to join the Ukraine team. With deafening noise surrounding, I saw Liun approach Reyes as she ended the call and with a tap on the shoulder, Liun ran towards the aircrafts. Reyes, looking back, nodded to me towards our transportation. As Sydney ran past me, I followed closely. Reyes lent her hand out then pulled me in. I looked around, and all other forces followed behind us.

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"We're standing by," Reyes told Liun as they approached the entrance.

"Technical," Liun voiced out in Russian as we listened back in the camp. "You called and told us that you have problems with your server."

We patched the call that the guards radioed for confirmation through the bug that Sydney attached to their transmission device. Sydney and Liun entered the base to complete phase one. They were to acquire the server location of the base and the access code to it before we all land in. I should have entered instead of Sydney, I thought. It was too mindful of her to volunteer knowing that I might be noticed if I do go. But I knew it was too dangerous and anything that might happen to her will cause delay to her return to Los Angeles; and she is most needed by that time. I asked Liun to go for both the mission's efficiency and Syd's safety. We confirmed to the guards their passage.

"Go on." We overheard the guard told them.

"We're in," Sydney radioed in as they ran. Marshall monitored their moves as Reyes was instructing. Marshall started to simulate cameras with the help of the bug. They finally radioed that they've accessed.

"Boot Camp, this is Mountaineer. The server location is k52100.00bvwt923.47.Do you copy?" Liun radioed after a minute.

"We copy. 'k52100.00bvwt923.47'," Reyes repeated.

"Access code: 2114752," Sydney informed.

"Copy Mountaineer, standby for confirmation." Marshall tested the server location and he got in. Only, the access code was not authentic enough to secure our movement in the server. If ever we enter the codes wrong, security will be alarmed. I glanced at Reyes and she handed me a headphone. I reached for it.

"Mountaineer, you need to confirm the codes from Lhuzikov's office. Try to access to his main computer," I radioed. "Be careful."

"Copy that. We will now head to his office," Syd replied. I watched carefully the screen, waiting closely for the danger. Suddenly, from the monitor, I noticed someone approaching. He has plaster on his neck and knowing his face, I quickly radioed back.

"Mountaineer, listen carefully, Lhuzikov is heading to your way. I repeat, stand back out of the hall!"

Sydney and Liun carefully leaned back to one of the posts on the wall. As Lhuzikov was approaching with two guards, they prepared for enforcement of their passage. Suddenly, the door near them swung open, hiding them at the corner exactly as Lhuzikov was to pass them by. We sighed in relief as we could see Liun and Sydney while the door was swinging back to its place. They ran again opposite to Lhuzikov's direction. They took another turn and opened the door to his office.

"Work fast, Mountaineer," Reyes informed and Liun typed faster. Five minutes and Liun was still processing.

"There could be another route," Sydney suggested as soon as Liun had finally confirmed the codes. They moved swiftly to the door when suddenly, Lhuzikov entered in. We were all caught in surprise. There was pause as they waited for Lhuzikov to look up.

"What are you-?"

"Technical," Liun covered and showed his I.D. He quickly grabbed Lhuzikov by the neck and with acupuncture skills, he sent him to sleep.

"Move now to the exit!" Reyes ordered in tension to Lhuzikov's sudden appearance. She quickly turned to me as we saw guards moving at Lhuzikov's call. "You pick them up from the safety point and lead them back here. Get back as soon as possible. Go!"

The road was dark and empty until I finally reached the area. Hearing rushes from the tall grasses, I pointed the rifle out of the window and waited; figures in uniform of Lhuzikov's guards suddenly came out running.

"Ilinova, don't shoot! It's us!"

"Get in the car!"

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"DNA patterns. What does that suppose to mean?" Sydney asked as Marshall proposed problems with the security system. The briefing was just about to end.

"We don't know yet," Reyes answered. She looked back to Sydney. "We've encountered this before. At Sweden."

"Yeah, the operation's building, remember? The one where, uh, well, Jack was shot."

"Didn't you run any analysis after the operation?" I asked.

"No. We couldn't. The operation was still on secrecy from other governments then and we needed permit to run the analysis," Marshall explained.

"But can you run one now, even without a permit?" I requested.

"Well, uh, yeah of course. Only that, uhm, will the station know about this?" he asked in concern to his record but no one answered him. Marshall was forced to continue. "I need any DNA sampler for initiation and it'll take a long time."

"I'll volunteer."

"I think Lhuzikov cannot wait that much, especially that he knows we've been in his office. He might have ordered already for evacuation team," Liun commented. Reyes thought for a while, concerned of the evacuation team and the time we still have.

"Marshall, you run the analysis while Liun gets on the operations manual. I'm assigning you two with other operations conductor to lead the back up. We need to continue the operation as planned. But we need the analysis so work quickly. I'll be joining Ilinova, Sydney and two others. All teams must secure each member. We'll avoid all casualties, if possible, but only through your accuracy." Reyes glanced to me then smiled at Liun. "Are we all ready? Phase two- let's move."

----------

"Alpha this is Bravo, we are now in position. Do you copy?" Reyes radioed in. We waited inside the van for the order as we double-checked everything.

"Yes, Bravo. We copy," Los Angeles radioed back.

"Charlie Team standing by. Waiting for your signal," Liun intercepted. Reyes made each instruction clearly. Our team had to enter first to secure all the prisoners before the Delta Team has to raid the whole building and dispatch all other KGBs.

"Delta Team, standby," Reyes ordered as she waited for Los Angeles' signal. As soon as L.A. responded, she radioed back to the camp. "All right. We're now moving in."

Satellite imageries started to get blocked inside the lab. The joint American and Ukraine forces tried everything to cover for our infiltration. We entered through the other side of the building where the parking lot and the main power switch were located. The two other male operatives namely Weiss and Brown were ahead us. Weiss approached the main switch as we all prepared to get in.

"Power interruption in five, four, three, two," and the switch were down; our entrance was secured. The only problem left was the main system decryption that was still on Marshall's analysis. The power lines were back as Charlie finished tapping to let us in. "We are now heading to the next block."

"Copy, turn left to the elevator. Prisoners' cells are at the basement."

"What floor are we in now?" Reyes asked.

"Ninth. Wait-!" Liun ordered. Everyone halted; footsteps echoed on the hall. "There are two guards moving towards you. Move quickly."

We approached the elevator cautiously. Charlie secured all camera simulations and computer backups.

"What are those guards for?" Sydney asked as we all tried to catch some air.

"Security has been sent to inspect the power lines. Be careful not to be reckless. I'll check all other floors. Where's your elevator now?"

"Sixth… fifth, heading to fourth floor." Reyes answered.

"Bravo, hold on. Pull on the emergency stop," Liun soon suddenly radioed back. Agent Brown quickly pushed for the e.r.

"What's wrong?" Reyes asked in authority.

"Inspection's already down at the basement and three more guards are at the fourth floor. It seems they're inspecting even the elevators."

"We can't move up now, they'll suspect. We might even be halfway the fourth floor already," Reyes informed.

"I think we can go around them down the stairs," Sydney suggested. I glanced at Sydney as I remembered that my shoulder's still aching from my elevator encounter with Liun back in Paris. I looked up.

"And up the ceiling," I continued. "I hate elevators."

"Charlie, secure our passage. We will now climb up to the fifth floor. Make sure of no company. We'll have to use the stairs."

"Copy that," Liun responded. Weiss went up first. He cranked up the elevator door open. "Clear. Move in."

We grabbed all our things and ran towards the staircase. The steps seemingly held our presence as we avoided all kinds of noises. Finally, we reached the basement. We waited as the guards left by the elevator. We tactically crossed the empty hall and finally arrived at the front of the only door. We entered and soon as we stepped in, light enclosed us; we were almost blinded by the brightness. Everything's covered in white. Walls lined in the lifeless corridor. There were no doors, no windows. We glanced at Reyes, waiting for instruction. It seemed nothing's there.

"This could be a trap," Weiss informed.

"We've gone this far. We can't go back," I answered back. There was silence.

"Bravo, are you still there?" Liun radioed. The radio transmission started to get blurred. "We lost control of your signal but we still have access. I repeat. We can't trace your signal."

Air shot my lungs as I breathed deep. Reyes seemed to be out of control for the first time. No one's monitoring our moves now, Lhuzikov could even have intercepted. Reyes glanced at me, suggesting something.

"Yes, we're still here. We are in a tight security location. I think they really got the signals blocked here."

"You'll have to make a decision," Liun sighed then paused for our reply.

"Bravo, this is Alpha." L.A. intercepted. I stared at her and gave her a pleading look; telling her what I can predict. "We suggest that you abort at once."

"No," Reyes finally decided. "We can't follow the protocol. We're not going back."

I was relieved. There was almost an endless argument. We went into radio silence for security reasons and continued to search for the prison cell. Liun informed us that they were still trying to retrieve access; they were only relying on the map. We were separated to take all different blocks. We searched for nothing. We were already losing hope and decided to turn on our radios.

"Nothing's here."

"Even here," Sydney radioed. It was not different from my own perimeter.

"Same-" my voice was cut when my transmission feed backed. The hall stirred in the high-pitched tone. Covering my ears, I wondered where it came.

"Where is that?" Reyes finally radioed.

"Here at the fourth block," I immediately informed; the radio feed backing more. They all headed to my way. I looked around for radio device near me; seeing instead a large steel gate- covering the wall from the base up to the ceiling. Despite the size, it was unnoticeable because it camouflaged- whitewashed like the entire hall. I slammed my palm and listened to make difference in the surface as I noticed its system connected in an access box. I turned it on and my radio pitched higher I almost turned deaf. "I think we have something here."

Finally, the four of them arrived.

"We do have something here," Brown informed. "Our voices are being played back to us to avoid, whatever is behind this, from hearing us."

Brown quickly set the computer to send the database to Liun. We waited, anxiously, thinking of noting else but hope.

"No access codes but with patterns," Liun informed us soon as he could. "Wait-"

"Sorry, it took me long. The DNA pattern was-"

"Marshall!" Sydney interrupted. "Get it on."

"Oh, ok. Look in the computer. This access box is formatted to ordinary access box- no c4 if triggered falsely but with alarm. The problem, you'll see, it is equipped with biological detector. Ilinova, open the box."

I lifted the lock with the knife then took of the box casing and saw a sensory pad.

"Yes, there's one here."

"You need blood droplet," Marshall continued to instruct. I slid the knife on my finger and dropped blood on the pad. There was silence as we minded the instruction. Suddenly, the gate slid open. "See what I told you? I can get you in."

We stood still and turned to see the room. The hall inside is dim, too contrary to the white light, an underground prison. Steel grills shone as the white hall reflected it's light in the dim hall.

I took my first step inside, shadows started to move inside the cells and faces came into the light. I called on to names and my heart melted; most of the non-field employees were tremblingly scared, suffering from trauma. Taking notice of my arrival, every form stood up, surprised. I sighed as I stared.

"…Alpha, we have located the cells. Prisoners are here," Reyes' voice finally resounded back to my ear. She laid her hands on my shoulder so I would snap back. "Open all the gates. Delta team, standby."

"We'll get you out of here," I assured them in Russian. Grills went up, releasing the group; helping each other, they freed everyone from restraints. Voices started to lighten up. I rushed to give relief to my companions, some thankfully hugging me. Somehow, I thought I'm contented. Reyes told me to look back and I saw our director finally getting out with his cuffs. I looked at him and caught him as he almost trembled to the floor. I gave him a hug, when suddenly…

"Where's Nikolas?"

No one answered. I felt a chill up my spine as the idea imposed in their expression registered to my mind. I held my breath; everyone was staring at me, watching my reaction.

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"…"

"What happened? Where is he? …Ilinova?"

"H-he… He's-"

"Don't worry now. There's no need to be frightened. Listen now; just listen to my voice, Clio. Are you crying?"

"…No."

"Good. There's no need to cry. Now, I need you tell me what happened next."

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"…?" I waited.

"They've taken him an hour from now. Lhuzikov just told us he's going to be interrogated-"

"Just told you?!"

"He's been here only minutes ago."

I was struck by horror; Lhuzikov have detected our infiltration. Reyes looked at me in surprise and she suddenly radioed in.

"Delta Team, move in! I repeat, move in NOW!"