The part you've all been waiting for (cue dramatic music lol) thanks for
being so patient!!! I love you all, especially sheeplover and alpineracer
88 (?) for urging this go happen!!! Enjoy!!!
Part IV
One week has passed in the city of L.A. To the movie-goers, it's been a fast week, even faster for the actors featured in the latest flick, making as much as they can of their "fifteen minutes of fame."
Even things have been kept busy within the "underground," CIA organization. Missions were completed and reports were filed. In fact, there was actually a wedding two agents were looking forward to that coming weekend.
But for a certain handsome French agent, time was flowing slowly. He was sitting at his desk, being cordial with even the closest people he worked with. It was either that or his barking at them. He'd become a man of few words since the dinner with the Bristows. Because that night had been full of unexpected surprises, one he couldn't let go of in particular. Because, for the first time since Sydney and he had reunited, he was sure that his former girlfriend was still in love with him.
" Hey Vaughn!" chirruped a happy male voice as he bounded over to where Vaughn was sitting, staring intently at a computer screen.
" I don't need this," he complained, put his screen into dormant mode and picked up some papers to pretend he was reading. Maybe then, " happy man," would leave him alone.
" Agent Vaughn, I know you're not reading that paper," Agent John Stroban taunted, pulling Vaughn's paper down.
" Really? Then what do you perceive I'm doing, Agent Stroban?" Michael shot back, cordialness going out the door. " What can I possibly be doing with these papers if I weren't reading them?"
" The sharpness in your tone would suggest right there that you are lying through you teeth, Agent Vaughn," came a reply, thick with a British accent. It was Agent Leighton Cowell.
" Where had he come from?" Michael groaned, looking at the agent that had welcomed himself into their conversation. " Agent Cowell, so pleased you feel comfortable enough in two weeks to join when nobody was.uh, talking to you."
" Testiness, a sign that you are hiding something," Agent Cowell continued in the same proper tone. This man was acting like a psychiatrist. All he needed was a clipboard to write down notes and he was good to go.
" Agent Cowell, I think I know what I'm doing without your telling me so," Michael grumbled, wishing he could just be left alone. " So cut this psychobabble, please."
Agent Cowell's bottom lip quivered with anger but he nodded and then made himself disappear.
One down, one to go.
Michael grinned at the still-grinning like a chesire cat, agent. " You know, it's okay if you follow in Leighton's footsteps."
" Not sure you'd want me to do that," he sang.
Where had this idiot come from? And more importantly, who had recruited him? He belonged in a nut house, entertaining little kids at parties as the friendly clown, not the sophisticated organization of the CIA.
" I think you would," Michael retorted, his smile seeming more menacing by the minute. He saw their hillarious inventor, Marshall J. Flinkman, walk by. " You know what, Agent Stroban, you remind me a lot of Marshall."
" Really, sir?" Stroban inquired, a funny expression on his face.
" Yes, in fact, I think it'd be a good thing to tag along him today. Who knows, you may come up with some useful inventions yourself."
It was either that agent got Michael's very subtle, " get the hell out of my face," or the light had gone off in his brain, and he'd decided that he was better off being Marshall as opposed to Vaughn.
" You know sir, you almost had me."
" What do you mean?" Michael asked, his emotions a mixture of puzzlement and annoyance.
" Here you are, trying to inform me of my potential and I was so sure that you were trying to get rid of me," John chuckled.
" No kidding."
" I should have known you have confidence in me, after all, you are the one who recruited me, sir," Agent Stroban chuckled again. Then he took a very sharp pose and took hold of Michael's hand. " I will not let you down, Agent Vaughn."
Michael stared at John as though he'd never seen him in his life before.
" I'm serious, Agent Vaughn, for the first time in my life."
" If you're sure, then that's all the assurance I need," Michael assured him, taking his hand back. For some reason, it scared him more now that Stroban had confidence in himself. He only hoped they'd still have their building in tact at the end of the day.
Stroban nodded, took back his hand and then smiled over at his other "buddy," Agent Eric Weiss. " Agent Weiss."
" Hello, John," he greeted, taking the same tactic as Michael, acting as though he were busy.
" You agree with Agent Vaughn? That I have what it takes to be an inventor like Marshall?"
Eric was ready to burst out laughing but kept it in and raised an eyebrow at Michael who was looking very disheveled and depressed.
" Sure I do, John. You got inducted into the CIA, that right there is an impossible step you overcame. Now the sky's the limit for you, bud," Weiss chimed in, putting a hand on his shoulder.
" Man, you guys are the absolute greatest, ya know that?" John praised, looking clearly touched. " I always though the CIA was a dangerous and high profile organization."
" It is," Michael put in evenly, fifty percent hoping his saying so would urge him to curb his decision about making himself a career in the CIA. " Believe me, Stroban, sometimes I wonder why I'm in this crazy place. I've lost more than I've gained."
Weiss knew what Vaughn meant by that, losing Agent Bristow for two years had also taken a toll on him. After all, he'd gotten tired of seeing Michael so depressed and angry that he had gone back to his former role as Vaughn's "matchmaker/ love advice." Michael had met Jessica on his own, but somehow, he felt responsible.
" Look at you two, always saving the world, yet you have enough time to care about my well being, I tell ya, you really know how to make a guy feel good."
Michael sighed. So John was clearly an idiot who obviously though the CIA was all about fancy suits, secret passwords and access to the info even the U.S didn't know, which was all true, but it came with a terrible price. For there were also mission, missions that could take your life, and the only thing the CIA cared about was getting the job done. Though Vaughn thought Stroban should get a taste of the frightening aspect of his new office, that didn't make him change his mind about wishing he was lying to the new agent about the "losing more than he gained," comment.
" But, hey, there's always room in our big happy family," Weiss put in, his eyes scanning the room. Then he stopped. Bingo! Marshall was doing what he usually did these days, acting like himself while a young lady agent attempted to flirt with him.
" Say Stroban, Marshall's over there. Why don't you go over there and talk to him for a while? I've got something I need to discuss with Agent Vaughn," Weiss suggested, gesturing to the thirty some year old " agent," who was still immune to the girl who was trying to get his attention.
" Um.okay, I guess I'll catch up with you guys later," John inquired. Weiss nodded and Michael mustered something that resembled a smile. Finally John went off to join Marshall, looking more put-together than he'd been about twenty minutes ago.
" Agent Weiss, I have to," Michael began but Eric was not looking at him. Michael followed his gaze and realized Eric was watching Stroban pester Marshall. But Marshall didn't seem to be complaining. John must have given him his, " you're my idol of the week," speech.
Eric seemed satisfied and then chuckled as he folded his arms. " Marshall is such a good sport, don't you agree, Vaughn?"
" Oh yeah, to be somebody's idol is just the thing he needs to brighten his already bright morning," Michael exhaled with a shrug.
" While yours seems bleak," Eric quipped. " Are you and Sydney still not talking?" Eric groaned, seeing the tell-tale signs of Michael's " Sydney Withdrawl."
" What would suggest that?" Michael shot back, flipping through a file on a victim of "Project Christmas."
" Vaughn, you're being too proper with me. Stroban, I would understand and Cowell, you've got to act that way or you end up looking like the unsophisticated one," he huffed. Michael didn't feel like laughing, even though the statement was amusing. " Come on, man, crack a smile. You've got to laugh at something to be sane in this place."
" Honestly, this place is where I can keep my sanity compared to my chaotic home," Michael grimaced. " You try going home, pretending you love your wife when you're thinking about someone else every moment you're asleep or awake."
" Okay, clearly your need to have Sydney in your arms has not become a want but an essential for your survival," Eric drawled, in Dr. Love mode.
" I do need her, if only the feeling was mutual."
" I think everybody knows Syd loves you. You told me yourself that she told you she does."
" Hypothetically speaking."
" Don't even buy that," Eric scolded him.
" But if Sydney did mean it and she does love me, why don't I feel it? Why won't she let me in? I haven't seen her face for days and the one day I did after the dinner, she acted like she didn't know me, like I was a stranger," Michael complained, frustration overcoming his sadness.
" Kind of like you are doing with your co-workers?" Eric couldn't help but add.
Michael frowned.
" Michael, you didn't expect her to jump into your arms or anything did you? Because Syd knows you married someone else. Even if you two do care about each other, it's going to be different and if you can stomach it, more difficult."
" Difficult is right. Kendall claims I'm still her Operations Officer but he wont' let me in on the mission that he wants her to undertake. If Syd decides to take it, I won't know what she's doing, if she's dead or just missing again!" Michael raged, and then flicked the computer on and gestured to the " you have no access," screen. " Look at this! He prohibits me from getting any information on this project!"
" Well, I don't think Kendall made that decision by himself," Weiss revealed, looking apologetic.
" What does that mean?" Michael asked curiously.
" You've met our resident, "psychiatrist."
" No way.you mean Cowell has something to do with this?" Michael gasped, shocked and his pride offended. Cowell had been on the job for about two weeks. How in the world could he have a say when Kendall wouldn't allow him any?
" I heard Cowell talking to Kendall about how Sydney is in a love that will never work and that she needs to move on, in other words, stay away from you," Weiss concluded.
Hearing this made Michael's ears burn. He was suffering because some guy with a Ph D. in Psychiatry was diagnosing Sydney's case and without consent? It was ludicrous!
" Where is Cowell, I'm going to teach him a thing or two about what his place is and to mind his own business," Michael thundered, slamming his fist onto the desk top.
" Yeah, I gotta say, we've recruited some numbskulls. That was the one thing good about "Project Christmas," that's the only way we can get somebody worth having around," Eric agreed, shaking his head.
" No!" Vaughn upbraided. " Project Christmas was a mistake and it's always going to be a mistake. Sydney was a victim of that stupid test. How can you even say that!"
" Okay, okay, didn't mean to press your buttons, Vaughn. I swear, I wont' joke about that again," Weiss swore, raising his hands before him as a peace treaty.
Michael saw how he was acting and was very disturbed. He was jumping on every body's toes. " If you can see me now, Syd, you'd understand that I need you, I'm a wreck without you."
" I guess this might not be a good time to tell you Sydney's on her way over here," Eric sighed and then winced when the handsome agent had took hold of his shoulders.
" What did you say?"
" Sydney will be coming in today. She was taken to the hospital branch to have her body checked out, making sure she's physically and psychologically ready to take on her next assignment," Weiss revealed in a whisper.
" You better not be lying to me, Weiss," Michael warned him, staring at him levelly. Eric shook his head. " Does that mean she's decided to taken on the mission?"
Weiss didn't answer but the uncomfortable expression would have spoke louder than words anyway.
" Weiss, I know you know. You've got to tell me," Michael pleaded, ready to grovel if it was about Sydney.
" Sorry, Agent Vaughn. Kendall has asked me not to divulge that information to you," Eric lamented, wishing he could. One word would have been enough to sustain him, yet he couldn't even give him that.
" I don't believe this!!!"
" It's part of Sydney's therapy plan, Michael. You've got to understand that. Plus, it doesn't seem like you're any closer to dropping your marriage to Jessica, it'll be better if Sydney moves on, for the both of you," Eric cajoled his friend.
" No, it's not! It never will be! If you loved someone as much as I love Sydney, your comments may have some credibility," he shot back, coming out more menacing and hurtful than he'd intended. He heard a murmur of voices and turned his head, he only hoped it wasn't any twins of Stroban and Cowell. He jumped in his seat when he saw the object of his doomed affection. She looked worn and tired. Her father was by her side.
" Sydney," he breathed, and all the anger melted away from his heart like acid down the side of a gentle slope.
" Tell you what, Vaughn, you get permission from Agent Bristow and I'll tell you what she'd decided," Weiss grinned, enjoying the fact he had power over him. After the comment he'd thrown, he deserved the turmoil in his life.
" I'll do better than that," Michael replied through gritted teeth. " I'll get the answer out of her myself."
Eric watched as the haughty Vaughn got up, dusted his coat off and then headed over to the appearing group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
" Agent Bristow and Agent Bristow," Kendall greeted, approaching the group.
" Good morning, Agent Kendall," Jack greeted for the both of them. " I trust you received my request of leave to be with my daughter," he went on, giving his daughter's shoulders a bone crushing squeeze.
" That I did, Jack," Kendall replied and then held out his hand. Jack swiftly handed the brown manila folder containing Sydney Bristow's test results to him. " I hope these tests would be conclusive in telling me that special Agent Bristow can undertake the mission?" he inquired as he flipped through the file. His job was to make sure everything looked in tact. He would get a report from her " doctor," later.
" I'm sure the report you'll receive from Agent Vaughn will be satisfactory," Sydney put in.
" I'm sure the report will be, but, as I have told you before, Agent Vaughn will have no connection with any of this mission."
" But sir, I haven't even agreed to do this," Sydney argued, getting a bit defensive.
" More the reason for you not to have Vaughn around. I don't need him influencing your decision!" Kendall admonished her severely.
" So, now it's person? You never had a problem before," Sydney protested, her voice coming choked out.
" Well, before hand, I trusted that he would keep his personal feelings away from work and that he only gave you professional advice. He'd been acting questionably since your abrupt return and I can't believe that he would deal with his rationally as a CIA Agent," Kendall explained, his tone lightening a tad.
" Sir, I assure you, whatever I had with Vaughn disappeared when I fell from the face of the earth for two years."
" I'm not taking any chance, Bristow," Kendall stated firmly. He wasn't going to budge. " Now my next question, how are you doing? I understand you have underwent some evasive procedures in the past week."
"Nothing I can't handle, sir," Sydney boasted, putting on a healthy- looking smile.
" We'll let Agent Cowell decide that. For the time being, he is your Operations Officer. You will report to him until further notified," Kendall instructed her. He handed the manila folder back to her. " On second thought, I'm going to order you to take the rest of the day off."
" Sir?" Jack and Sydney asked in unison.
" Sydney, you need to get away from here. You've been back and forth getting al your stuff completed, you haven't really had the time to think this through. Go visit a good friend, somebody who you can confide in," Kendall ordered her. " Make sure you give this to Cowell before you leave, understood?"
Sydney mulled it over for a moment and then nodded. Maybe being away from Vaughn's worried gaze and a break from this terrible Romeo Juliet story would allow her to think straight for the first time in a long time.
" Good, see you tomorrow then," Kendall approved and then went off to tend to the other business of the day. One thing down on his list of things to do.
" Do you want me to drive you?" Jack whispered into his daughter's ear.
" No I'm sure I can manage. Besides, I want this time to be alone, you know, get away from it all, reclaim my life, after all, if I go on this mission, I don't know when I'll be able to sit back and relax. Teasing Sean seems like a really good idea about now."
" If you're sure," Jack sighed, looking genuinely concerned. Maybe he had received the "fathering" gene.
" I am."
" Just be careful, okay, Sydney. I know you think you're related to the Bionic woman but you are in a weakened state."
" I know," she cajoled him. " I'm just going to go grab some stuff and then I'll be on my way. Talk to you later, dad."
" Do me a favor and make sure you're in L.A. tomorrow. Don't do any of your famous disappearing acts."
" Will do," Sydney answered and then turned around and walked off. But she didn't get far.
Michael stood in the way.
Sydney lowered her gaze and walked past him. She had admitted that she was still in love him and that had complicated things and like she'd feared, make it harder to be around him. If not, why would she have avoided any interaction with him.
" Sydney," Michael demanded and broke into a jog behind her. He wasn't going to let her go this time. She loved him, he loved her. They belonged together. And he was going to convince her of that fact or die trying.
Sydney was many strides ahead of him but she knew he was chasing her. She could feel the warmth and love in his voice when he'd uttered her name. It took everything not to stop and give into what she'd wanted the moment she had been thankful to see Vaughn after waking up in a place she knew not of.
" Syd! Syd, wait, please" he panted, coming up behind her.
The only reason she stopped was because eyes were looking over at this chase down the office that was always in order. She stopped so abruptly, Michael ran directly into her back. He stumbled backward and gazed into Sydney's enticing brown eyes.
" Sydney."
" Agent Vaughn, how may I help you this morning?" Sydney scowled, think she couldn't be in a worse place.
" How about a real greeting for one?" Michael suggested, a smile tugging on his rough lips, his green eyes were soft and full of hope. At least they were talking, the silence streak was over.
" I'm sorry, Michael, but I have nothing to say," Sydney stammered, unconvincingly. Michael took slow breaths just to keep his frustration at bay. Then he grabbed for the manila folder.
" Agent Vaughn."
" Call me Agent Vaughn again and I will scream at you," Michael warned her and tugged the folder. " What will I find here?"
" That's none of your concern," she whined with fright. Michael's mean streak was getting to her more than she'd expected.
" Maybe the reason to the days I haven't seen you here?" Michael sneered. " Give it to me."
" No! Michael, no, let go!' Sydney shouted, making eyes dart their way. " Michael, I'm serious."
Michael saw a change in Sydney's expression. She was having a hard time holding back whatever she was holding back. He unleashed his grasp on the file.
" Thank you," she murmured gratefully.
" Agent Bristow."
Sydney turned to the voice and saw Agent Cowell, looking very superior.
" Good morning, Agent Cowell."
" You look in good health," he beamed, a grin actually cracking on his upper class expression. He then held out his hand. " May I have your folder please?"
Sydney handed it to him and Michael jumped in.
" Whoa, what do you think you're doing?" Vaughn growled, intercepting the gesture. " Cowell, you've only been an agent for two weeks so I'll let the subordinance go but you've got to learn your place in this place and I don't' care if you came from a rich family in Europe, you will respect those above you and Agent Bristow and myself are definitely levels above you in experience and respect."
" Very nice sentiment, sir," Cowell nodded. " I'll keep that in mind." He took hold of the folder and nodded. " Thank you, Ms. Bristow. I trust that you will be taking the day off to recooperate?"
" It's already been arranged," Sydney replied cheerfully.
" Good, I'll run through this and then report to Kendall. Enjoy your day, I'll keep in touch," Cowell told her, gave her a small smile and then walked off in long, proud, strides.
Sydney watched Michael who was glaring at Cowell with eyes full of loathing. She took that time to slip away, thinking Michael wouldn't notice it but Michael had grabbed her elbow. She looked down at that and then up at his face.
" What do you want, Michael?"
" To talk.now," he ordered her and then pushed her into a secluded office. " Get in."
Sydney knew if she wanted to, she could file for harassment. Too bad nobody in her building would believe she didn't want to be with him. She looked around the hallway and then reluctantly went in. She walked to the far wall and then turned towards him, hands fluttering at the sides. Michael stood, his muscled arms folded, with his back against the door. The tension in the room was so thick that not even the sharpest knife could have hoped to cut through it.
" Do you want to enlighten me on why you're acting like you don't know me, that we're not friends and that you don't want to be around me?" Michael spoke up, tapping the foot with his shoe.
" Didn't you hear me, Vaughn? I have nothing to say. And you know as well as I do that you don't get any information on what I do now. Kendall told you so himself," Sydney retorted, though it was killing her to say it.
" He also has been against Agents dating, getting serious but we said the hell with him then. Why can't we do it now?" he asked, his voice getting gentle a tad.
" Things have changed, Michael. I have changed, you have changed."
" So? That still doesn't explain why you won't tell me anything! Sydney, I thought we were a team. We worked good together, and.hell, we were friends, right? Best friends?" Michael reminded her, a lopsided grin appearing on his face at the memory that was flashing through his mind.
" Yeah.we were, Michael. But, it's impossible to going back to that after going as far as we did," Sydney argued, tears clogging her throat. She needed to get out of here and fast.
" But you're not even trying. Sydney, you've been making me look like I'm harassing you," Michael complained airily. " Just now, when I tried to grab the folder, you screamed like I was hurting you."
" Maybe you were."
" Sydney, I know you better than that. I know that if you had a choice you would confide in me. I know Kendall set you up with Cowell."
Sydney looked at him and her eyes grew huge. Here she was self- destructing and Michael wasn't blaming her for the least of acting the way she was.
" How do you know that?"
" Weiss. He slipped some to me. But not enough that I couldn't get it unless I got it from you. I know what you gave to Cowell was the test results to the hospital visits you've been at in the past week. But why did you give it to him? Why not me? I'm your Operations Officer. As eager as Kendall is to keep me away from you he wouldn't give something so vital to somebody he doesn't trust, would he?"
" I.Michael, I don't know how to say this but.you're not my Operations Officer anymore," Sydney revealed, her voice a mixture of agony and defeat.
Michael was sure Sydney had slapped him so fast he didn't see it.
" What?"
" You're not my Operations Officer, Vaughn. Cowell is."
Another slap.
" You're.you can't be serious."
But he could tell she was.
" But why? I'm your Operations Officer, damn it! I am!" he raged, an anger that he didn't know he had overcame his body making him look totally out of control. Sydney walked over to him and stopped him. She couldn't stand to watch him inflict pain on himself. He looked at her with bloodshot eyes when he whirled on her after he was sure she'd touched him. " Sydney, this can't be happening."
" I told you to forget about me," Sydney reminded him, looking miserable. " All I'm going to do is hurt you and I can't bear that."
" Your staying away from me is going to hurt me!" he corrected her firmly. " Your acting like what we had didn't exist is hurting me!"
" Agent Vaughn, this is out of my hands," she whimpered and collected her things into her purse. She slowly backed away from him, unable to look into Michael's anger and betrayal filled eyes. " I have to go."
" Go? Go where? Huh? Are you going to go on the mission, or will I see you again tomorrow?" Michael cracked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Sydney you have to give me something."
" I told you, I'm letting you go. That's all I can do for you now. You and me are never going to happen so just get that through your head," Sydney pleaded and then walked back up to Michael. " Can you move please?"
He didn't budge. He just stared at her, wondering if she was hurt as much as he was. Or if she really wanted to move on.
" Michael, I need to go," she repeated but it had about the strength of a puppy whining because he wanted to go outside. " Mich." she began but her voice trailed off and she collapsed into his arms. She held him tightly to her body and let the tears stream from her eyes into the jacket of his suit. She felt his arms circle around her body and hold her just as tightly. Her tears mingled with those that were falling down from his eyes. The feeling was cold and warm at the same time. But it was soothing each of them, for their own reasons.at least for the time till they had to break away and walk their separate ways, he back to his wife that night and her to wherever she would allow herself to go.
Beep Beep.
They both heard it. It came from under Vaughn's jacket. Sydney pulled herself back because she knew Michael didn't have the strength to. She nodded to him. Michael stared at her for a long moment and then pulled the cell out of his pocket.
" Yes? This is Michael Vaughn."
" Vaughn, this is Weiss. Cowell just went up to Kendall and it doesn't look good. You need to get away from her.now," and with that Weiss clicked off. Michael pushed the power button off and then smiled sadly at Sydney. " That was Weiss. Cowell just went up to Kendall."
Sydney let out a gasp.
" He probably wants to see me. I should go."
" Because of me. Because of my foolish urges!"
" No.Syd, no," he told her gently, cradling her face with his hand. " I don't regret that moment.and I hope, neither do you."
Sydney didn't answer. She was too afraid to speak.
" I have to go now. I.guess I'll see you tomorrow," Michael sighed, already longing for the hours she would be gone.
" Yeah.I guess so."
Michael grinned, so maybe they weren't together together, but it seemed as though they'd reached some kind of understanding. Sydney had just needed a push, he knew those feelings were there, she'd just needed somebody to help her realize them. He opened the door to the office and gestured to her.
" After you."
Sydney exited the room, grabbed him again impulsively for a moment and then walked off without a word to him, as though nothing had happened. Michael watched her go and then went down the stairs, a jump in his step. Even the feeling of dread being asked to Kendall's office did not overcome the absolute peace he had shared with truly, the only woman in his life.
" Agent Vaughn," barked a low voice from behind him.
Michael turned around and flashed a smile. Nothing could bring him down now.
" S.ir," he stuttered.
It was Sydney's father.
" Agent Bristow," Vaughn stammered, the smile quickly fading from his face.
" There is something of dire importance I must discuss with you," Jack announced seriously. " Can you join me for a minute?"
Vaughn evaluated the tone of his voice and concluded Sydney's father wasn't about to strangle him. Then again, he was always on the edge, and his voice naturally sounded dangerous. Jack's face said, " you don't have a choice."
" Yes, of course I can. If you'll just account for the time I'm gone as being with you," Michael told him and Jack nodded and walked off toward an empty space. Michael followed him tentatively.
If he was going to do a favor for him, then what Jack was going to say had to be very important.
Well, there you have it, Part IV!!!! And another wonderful.cliffie. I am loving this. Thank you for the people who reviewed and to the others, please keep doing so. Thanks for being so patient. I'm loving you all, especially alpineracer 88 and sheeplover!!! Soorrry I left ya hanging. Forgive me, Please!!!! Love ya. Stay tuned for Part V! You think in-laws are bad, just wait till you see what happens between Vaughn and Jack Bristow in Part V. Lataz!!!
Part IV
One week has passed in the city of L.A. To the movie-goers, it's been a fast week, even faster for the actors featured in the latest flick, making as much as they can of their "fifteen minutes of fame."
Even things have been kept busy within the "underground," CIA organization. Missions were completed and reports were filed. In fact, there was actually a wedding two agents were looking forward to that coming weekend.
But for a certain handsome French agent, time was flowing slowly. He was sitting at his desk, being cordial with even the closest people he worked with. It was either that or his barking at them. He'd become a man of few words since the dinner with the Bristows. Because that night had been full of unexpected surprises, one he couldn't let go of in particular. Because, for the first time since Sydney and he had reunited, he was sure that his former girlfriend was still in love with him.
" Hey Vaughn!" chirruped a happy male voice as he bounded over to where Vaughn was sitting, staring intently at a computer screen.
" I don't need this," he complained, put his screen into dormant mode and picked up some papers to pretend he was reading. Maybe then, " happy man," would leave him alone.
" Agent Vaughn, I know you're not reading that paper," Agent John Stroban taunted, pulling Vaughn's paper down.
" Really? Then what do you perceive I'm doing, Agent Stroban?" Michael shot back, cordialness going out the door. " What can I possibly be doing with these papers if I weren't reading them?"
" The sharpness in your tone would suggest right there that you are lying through you teeth, Agent Vaughn," came a reply, thick with a British accent. It was Agent Leighton Cowell.
" Where had he come from?" Michael groaned, looking at the agent that had welcomed himself into their conversation. " Agent Cowell, so pleased you feel comfortable enough in two weeks to join when nobody was.uh, talking to you."
" Testiness, a sign that you are hiding something," Agent Cowell continued in the same proper tone. This man was acting like a psychiatrist. All he needed was a clipboard to write down notes and he was good to go.
" Agent Cowell, I think I know what I'm doing without your telling me so," Michael grumbled, wishing he could just be left alone. " So cut this psychobabble, please."
Agent Cowell's bottom lip quivered with anger but he nodded and then made himself disappear.
One down, one to go.
Michael grinned at the still-grinning like a chesire cat, agent. " You know, it's okay if you follow in Leighton's footsteps."
" Not sure you'd want me to do that," he sang.
Where had this idiot come from? And more importantly, who had recruited him? He belonged in a nut house, entertaining little kids at parties as the friendly clown, not the sophisticated organization of the CIA.
" I think you would," Michael retorted, his smile seeming more menacing by the minute. He saw their hillarious inventor, Marshall J. Flinkman, walk by. " You know what, Agent Stroban, you remind me a lot of Marshall."
" Really, sir?" Stroban inquired, a funny expression on his face.
" Yes, in fact, I think it'd be a good thing to tag along him today. Who knows, you may come up with some useful inventions yourself."
It was either that agent got Michael's very subtle, " get the hell out of my face," or the light had gone off in his brain, and he'd decided that he was better off being Marshall as opposed to Vaughn.
" You know sir, you almost had me."
" What do you mean?" Michael asked, his emotions a mixture of puzzlement and annoyance.
" Here you are, trying to inform me of my potential and I was so sure that you were trying to get rid of me," John chuckled.
" No kidding."
" I should have known you have confidence in me, after all, you are the one who recruited me, sir," Agent Stroban chuckled again. Then he took a very sharp pose and took hold of Michael's hand. " I will not let you down, Agent Vaughn."
Michael stared at John as though he'd never seen him in his life before.
" I'm serious, Agent Vaughn, for the first time in my life."
" If you're sure, then that's all the assurance I need," Michael assured him, taking his hand back. For some reason, it scared him more now that Stroban had confidence in himself. He only hoped they'd still have their building in tact at the end of the day.
Stroban nodded, took back his hand and then smiled over at his other "buddy," Agent Eric Weiss. " Agent Weiss."
" Hello, John," he greeted, taking the same tactic as Michael, acting as though he were busy.
" You agree with Agent Vaughn? That I have what it takes to be an inventor like Marshall?"
Eric was ready to burst out laughing but kept it in and raised an eyebrow at Michael who was looking very disheveled and depressed.
" Sure I do, John. You got inducted into the CIA, that right there is an impossible step you overcame. Now the sky's the limit for you, bud," Weiss chimed in, putting a hand on his shoulder.
" Man, you guys are the absolute greatest, ya know that?" John praised, looking clearly touched. " I always though the CIA was a dangerous and high profile organization."
" It is," Michael put in evenly, fifty percent hoping his saying so would urge him to curb his decision about making himself a career in the CIA. " Believe me, Stroban, sometimes I wonder why I'm in this crazy place. I've lost more than I've gained."
Weiss knew what Vaughn meant by that, losing Agent Bristow for two years had also taken a toll on him. After all, he'd gotten tired of seeing Michael so depressed and angry that he had gone back to his former role as Vaughn's "matchmaker/ love advice." Michael had met Jessica on his own, but somehow, he felt responsible.
" Look at you two, always saving the world, yet you have enough time to care about my well being, I tell ya, you really know how to make a guy feel good."
Michael sighed. So John was clearly an idiot who obviously though the CIA was all about fancy suits, secret passwords and access to the info even the U.S didn't know, which was all true, but it came with a terrible price. For there were also mission, missions that could take your life, and the only thing the CIA cared about was getting the job done. Though Vaughn thought Stroban should get a taste of the frightening aspect of his new office, that didn't make him change his mind about wishing he was lying to the new agent about the "losing more than he gained," comment.
" But, hey, there's always room in our big happy family," Weiss put in, his eyes scanning the room. Then he stopped. Bingo! Marshall was doing what he usually did these days, acting like himself while a young lady agent attempted to flirt with him.
" Say Stroban, Marshall's over there. Why don't you go over there and talk to him for a while? I've got something I need to discuss with Agent Vaughn," Weiss suggested, gesturing to the thirty some year old " agent," who was still immune to the girl who was trying to get his attention.
" Um.okay, I guess I'll catch up with you guys later," John inquired. Weiss nodded and Michael mustered something that resembled a smile. Finally John went off to join Marshall, looking more put-together than he'd been about twenty minutes ago.
" Agent Weiss, I have to," Michael began but Eric was not looking at him. Michael followed his gaze and realized Eric was watching Stroban pester Marshall. But Marshall didn't seem to be complaining. John must have given him his, " you're my idol of the week," speech.
Eric seemed satisfied and then chuckled as he folded his arms. " Marshall is such a good sport, don't you agree, Vaughn?"
" Oh yeah, to be somebody's idol is just the thing he needs to brighten his already bright morning," Michael exhaled with a shrug.
" While yours seems bleak," Eric quipped. " Are you and Sydney still not talking?" Eric groaned, seeing the tell-tale signs of Michael's " Sydney Withdrawl."
" What would suggest that?" Michael shot back, flipping through a file on a victim of "Project Christmas."
" Vaughn, you're being too proper with me. Stroban, I would understand and Cowell, you've got to act that way or you end up looking like the unsophisticated one," he huffed. Michael didn't feel like laughing, even though the statement was amusing. " Come on, man, crack a smile. You've got to laugh at something to be sane in this place."
" Honestly, this place is where I can keep my sanity compared to my chaotic home," Michael grimaced. " You try going home, pretending you love your wife when you're thinking about someone else every moment you're asleep or awake."
" Okay, clearly your need to have Sydney in your arms has not become a want but an essential for your survival," Eric drawled, in Dr. Love mode.
" I do need her, if only the feeling was mutual."
" I think everybody knows Syd loves you. You told me yourself that she told you she does."
" Hypothetically speaking."
" Don't even buy that," Eric scolded him.
" But if Sydney did mean it and she does love me, why don't I feel it? Why won't she let me in? I haven't seen her face for days and the one day I did after the dinner, she acted like she didn't know me, like I was a stranger," Michael complained, frustration overcoming his sadness.
" Kind of like you are doing with your co-workers?" Eric couldn't help but add.
Michael frowned.
" Michael, you didn't expect her to jump into your arms or anything did you? Because Syd knows you married someone else. Even if you two do care about each other, it's going to be different and if you can stomach it, more difficult."
" Difficult is right. Kendall claims I'm still her Operations Officer but he wont' let me in on the mission that he wants her to undertake. If Syd decides to take it, I won't know what she's doing, if she's dead or just missing again!" Michael raged, and then flicked the computer on and gestured to the " you have no access," screen. " Look at this! He prohibits me from getting any information on this project!"
" Well, I don't think Kendall made that decision by himself," Weiss revealed, looking apologetic.
" What does that mean?" Michael asked curiously.
" You've met our resident, "psychiatrist."
" No way.you mean Cowell has something to do with this?" Michael gasped, shocked and his pride offended. Cowell had been on the job for about two weeks. How in the world could he have a say when Kendall wouldn't allow him any?
" I heard Cowell talking to Kendall about how Sydney is in a love that will never work and that she needs to move on, in other words, stay away from you," Weiss concluded.
Hearing this made Michael's ears burn. He was suffering because some guy with a Ph D. in Psychiatry was diagnosing Sydney's case and without consent? It was ludicrous!
" Where is Cowell, I'm going to teach him a thing or two about what his place is and to mind his own business," Michael thundered, slamming his fist onto the desk top.
" Yeah, I gotta say, we've recruited some numbskulls. That was the one thing good about "Project Christmas," that's the only way we can get somebody worth having around," Eric agreed, shaking his head.
" No!" Vaughn upbraided. " Project Christmas was a mistake and it's always going to be a mistake. Sydney was a victim of that stupid test. How can you even say that!"
" Okay, okay, didn't mean to press your buttons, Vaughn. I swear, I wont' joke about that again," Weiss swore, raising his hands before him as a peace treaty.
Michael saw how he was acting and was very disturbed. He was jumping on every body's toes. " If you can see me now, Syd, you'd understand that I need you, I'm a wreck without you."
" I guess this might not be a good time to tell you Sydney's on her way over here," Eric sighed and then winced when the handsome agent had took hold of his shoulders.
" What did you say?"
" Sydney will be coming in today. She was taken to the hospital branch to have her body checked out, making sure she's physically and psychologically ready to take on her next assignment," Weiss revealed in a whisper.
" You better not be lying to me, Weiss," Michael warned him, staring at him levelly. Eric shook his head. " Does that mean she's decided to taken on the mission?"
Weiss didn't answer but the uncomfortable expression would have spoke louder than words anyway.
" Weiss, I know you know. You've got to tell me," Michael pleaded, ready to grovel if it was about Sydney.
" Sorry, Agent Vaughn. Kendall has asked me not to divulge that information to you," Eric lamented, wishing he could. One word would have been enough to sustain him, yet he couldn't even give him that.
" I don't believe this!!!"
" It's part of Sydney's therapy plan, Michael. You've got to understand that. Plus, it doesn't seem like you're any closer to dropping your marriage to Jessica, it'll be better if Sydney moves on, for the both of you," Eric cajoled his friend.
" No, it's not! It never will be! If you loved someone as much as I love Sydney, your comments may have some credibility," he shot back, coming out more menacing and hurtful than he'd intended. He heard a murmur of voices and turned his head, he only hoped it wasn't any twins of Stroban and Cowell. He jumped in his seat when he saw the object of his doomed affection. She looked worn and tired. Her father was by her side.
" Sydney," he breathed, and all the anger melted away from his heart like acid down the side of a gentle slope.
" Tell you what, Vaughn, you get permission from Agent Bristow and I'll tell you what she'd decided," Weiss grinned, enjoying the fact he had power over him. After the comment he'd thrown, he deserved the turmoil in his life.
" I'll do better than that," Michael replied through gritted teeth. " I'll get the answer out of her myself."
Eric watched as the haughty Vaughn got up, dusted his coat off and then headed over to the appearing group.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~
" Agent Bristow and Agent Bristow," Kendall greeted, approaching the group.
" Good morning, Agent Kendall," Jack greeted for the both of them. " I trust you received my request of leave to be with my daughter," he went on, giving his daughter's shoulders a bone crushing squeeze.
" That I did, Jack," Kendall replied and then held out his hand. Jack swiftly handed the brown manila folder containing Sydney Bristow's test results to him. " I hope these tests would be conclusive in telling me that special Agent Bristow can undertake the mission?" he inquired as he flipped through the file. His job was to make sure everything looked in tact. He would get a report from her " doctor," later.
" I'm sure the report you'll receive from Agent Vaughn will be satisfactory," Sydney put in.
" I'm sure the report will be, but, as I have told you before, Agent Vaughn will have no connection with any of this mission."
" But sir, I haven't even agreed to do this," Sydney argued, getting a bit defensive.
" More the reason for you not to have Vaughn around. I don't need him influencing your decision!" Kendall admonished her severely.
" So, now it's person? You never had a problem before," Sydney protested, her voice coming choked out.
" Well, before hand, I trusted that he would keep his personal feelings away from work and that he only gave you professional advice. He'd been acting questionably since your abrupt return and I can't believe that he would deal with his rationally as a CIA Agent," Kendall explained, his tone lightening a tad.
" Sir, I assure you, whatever I had with Vaughn disappeared when I fell from the face of the earth for two years."
" I'm not taking any chance, Bristow," Kendall stated firmly. He wasn't going to budge. " Now my next question, how are you doing? I understand you have underwent some evasive procedures in the past week."
"Nothing I can't handle, sir," Sydney boasted, putting on a healthy- looking smile.
" We'll let Agent Cowell decide that. For the time being, he is your Operations Officer. You will report to him until further notified," Kendall instructed her. He handed the manila folder back to her. " On second thought, I'm going to order you to take the rest of the day off."
" Sir?" Jack and Sydney asked in unison.
" Sydney, you need to get away from here. You've been back and forth getting al your stuff completed, you haven't really had the time to think this through. Go visit a good friend, somebody who you can confide in," Kendall ordered her. " Make sure you give this to Cowell before you leave, understood?"
Sydney mulled it over for a moment and then nodded. Maybe being away from Vaughn's worried gaze and a break from this terrible Romeo Juliet story would allow her to think straight for the first time in a long time.
" Good, see you tomorrow then," Kendall approved and then went off to tend to the other business of the day. One thing down on his list of things to do.
" Do you want me to drive you?" Jack whispered into his daughter's ear.
" No I'm sure I can manage. Besides, I want this time to be alone, you know, get away from it all, reclaim my life, after all, if I go on this mission, I don't know when I'll be able to sit back and relax. Teasing Sean seems like a really good idea about now."
" If you're sure," Jack sighed, looking genuinely concerned. Maybe he had received the "fathering" gene.
" I am."
" Just be careful, okay, Sydney. I know you think you're related to the Bionic woman but you are in a weakened state."
" I know," she cajoled him. " I'm just going to go grab some stuff and then I'll be on my way. Talk to you later, dad."
" Do me a favor and make sure you're in L.A. tomorrow. Don't do any of your famous disappearing acts."
" Will do," Sydney answered and then turned around and walked off. But she didn't get far.
Michael stood in the way.
Sydney lowered her gaze and walked past him. She had admitted that she was still in love him and that had complicated things and like she'd feared, make it harder to be around him. If not, why would she have avoided any interaction with him.
" Sydney," Michael demanded and broke into a jog behind her. He wasn't going to let her go this time. She loved him, he loved her. They belonged together. And he was going to convince her of that fact or die trying.
Sydney was many strides ahead of him but she knew he was chasing her. She could feel the warmth and love in his voice when he'd uttered her name. It took everything not to stop and give into what she'd wanted the moment she had been thankful to see Vaughn after waking up in a place she knew not of.
" Syd! Syd, wait, please" he panted, coming up behind her.
The only reason she stopped was because eyes were looking over at this chase down the office that was always in order. She stopped so abruptly, Michael ran directly into her back. He stumbled backward and gazed into Sydney's enticing brown eyes.
" Sydney."
" Agent Vaughn, how may I help you this morning?" Sydney scowled, think she couldn't be in a worse place.
" How about a real greeting for one?" Michael suggested, a smile tugging on his rough lips, his green eyes were soft and full of hope. At least they were talking, the silence streak was over.
" I'm sorry, Michael, but I have nothing to say," Sydney stammered, unconvincingly. Michael took slow breaths just to keep his frustration at bay. Then he grabbed for the manila folder.
" Agent Vaughn."
" Call me Agent Vaughn again and I will scream at you," Michael warned her and tugged the folder. " What will I find here?"
" That's none of your concern," she whined with fright. Michael's mean streak was getting to her more than she'd expected.
" Maybe the reason to the days I haven't seen you here?" Michael sneered. " Give it to me."
" No! Michael, no, let go!' Sydney shouted, making eyes dart their way. " Michael, I'm serious."
Michael saw a change in Sydney's expression. She was having a hard time holding back whatever she was holding back. He unleashed his grasp on the file.
" Thank you," she murmured gratefully.
" Agent Bristow."
Sydney turned to the voice and saw Agent Cowell, looking very superior.
" Good morning, Agent Cowell."
" You look in good health," he beamed, a grin actually cracking on his upper class expression. He then held out his hand. " May I have your folder please?"
Sydney handed it to him and Michael jumped in.
" Whoa, what do you think you're doing?" Vaughn growled, intercepting the gesture. " Cowell, you've only been an agent for two weeks so I'll let the subordinance go but you've got to learn your place in this place and I don't' care if you came from a rich family in Europe, you will respect those above you and Agent Bristow and myself are definitely levels above you in experience and respect."
" Very nice sentiment, sir," Cowell nodded. " I'll keep that in mind." He took hold of the folder and nodded. " Thank you, Ms. Bristow. I trust that you will be taking the day off to recooperate?"
" It's already been arranged," Sydney replied cheerfully.
" Good, I'll run through this and then report to Kendall. Enjoy your day, I'll keep in touch," Cowell told her, gave her a small smile and then walked off in long, proud, strides.
Sydney watched Michael who was glaring at Cowell with eyes full of loathing. She took that time to slip away, thinking Michael wouldn't notice it but Michael had grabbed her elbow. She looked down at that and then up at his face.
" What do you want, Michael?"
" To talk.now," he ordered her and then pushed her into a secluded office. " Get in."
Sydney knew if she wanted to, she could file for harassment. Too bad nobody in her building would believe she didn't want to be with him. She looked around the hallway and then reluctantly went in. She walked to the far wall and then turned towards him, hands fluttering at the sides. Michael stood, his muscled arms folded, with his back against the door. The tension in the room was so thick that not even the sharpest knife could have hoped to cut through it.
" Do you want to enlighten me on why you're acting like you don't know me, that we're not friends and that you don't want to be around me?" Michael spoke up, tapping the foot with his shoe.
" Didn't you hear me, Vaughn? I have nothing to say. And you know as well as I do that you don't get any information on what I do now. Kendall told you so himself," Sydney retorted, though it was killing her to say it.
" He also has been against Agents dating, getting serious but we said the hell with him then. Why can't we do it now?" he asked, his voice getting gentle a tad.
" Things have changed, Michael. I have changed, you have changed."
" So? That still doesn't explain why you won't tell me anything! Sydney, I thought we were a team. We worked good together, and.hell, we were friends, right? Best friends?" Michael reminded her, a lopsided grin appearing on his face at the memory that was flashing through his mind.
" Yeah.we were, Michael. But, it's impossible to going back to that after going as far as we did," Sydney argued, tears clogging her throat. She needed to get out of here and fast.
" But you're not even trying. Sydney, you've been making me look like I'm harassing you," Michael complained airily. " Just now, when I tried to grab the folder, you screamed like I was hurting you."
" Maybe you were."
" Sydney, I know you better than that. I know that if you had a choice you would confide in me. I know Kendall set you up with Cowell."
Sydney looked at him and her eyes grew huge. Here she was self- destructing and Michael wasn't blaming her for the least of acting the way she was.
" How do you know that?"
" Weiss. He slipped some to me. But not enough that I couldn't get it unless I got it from you. I know what you gave to Cowell was the test results to the hospital visits you've been at in the past week. But why did you give it to him? Why not me? I'm your Operations Officer. As eager as Kendall is to keep me away from you he wouldn't give something so vital to somebody he doesn't trust, would he?"
" I.Michael, I don't know how to say this but.you're not my Operations Officer anymore," Sydney revealed, her voice a mixture of agony and defeat.
Michael was sure Sydney had slapped him so fast he didn't see it.
" What?"
" You're not my Operations Officer, Vaughn. Cowell is."
Another slap.
" You're.you can't be serious."
But he could tell she was.
" But why? I'm your Operations Officer, damn it! I am!" he raged, an anger that he didn't know he had overcame his body making him look totally out of control. Sydney walked over to him and stopped him. She couldn't stand to watch him inflict pain on himself. He looked at her with bloodshot eyes when he whirled on her after he was sure she'd touched him. " Sydney, this can't be happening."
" I told you to forget about me," Sydney reminded him, looking miserable. " All I'm going to do is hurt you and I can't bear that."
" Your staying away from me is going to hurt me!" he corrected her firmly. " Your acting like what we had didn't exist is hurting me!"
" Agent Vaughn, this is out of my hands," she whimpered and collected her things into her purse. She slowly backed away from him, unable to look into Michael's anger and betrayal filled eyes. " I have to go."
" Go? Go where? Huh? Are you going to go on the mission, or will I see you again tomorrow?" Michael cracked, his voice dripping with sarcasm. " Sydney you have to give me something."
" I told you, I'm letting you go. That's all I can do for you now. You and me are never going to happen so just get that through your head," Sydney pleaded and then walked back up to Michael. " Can you move please?"
He didn't budge. He just stared at her, wondering if she was hurt as much as he was. Or if she really wanted to move on.
" Michael, I need to go," she repeated but it had about the strength of a puppy whining because he wanted to go outside. " Mich." she began but her voice trailed off and she collapsed into his arms. She held him tightly to her body and let the tears stream from her eyes into the jacket of his suit. She felt his arms circle around her body and hold her just as tightly. Her tears mingled with those that were falling down from his eyes. The feeling was cold and warm at the same time. But it was soothing each of them, for their own reasons.at least for the time till they had to break away and walk their separate ways, he back to his wife that night and her to wherever she would allow herself to go.
Beep Beep.
They both heard it. It came from under Vaughn's jacket. Sydney pulled herself back because she knew Michael didn't have the strength to. She nodded to him. Michael stared at her for a long moment and then pulled the cell out of his pocket.
" Yes? This is Michael Vaughn."
" Vaughn, this is Weiss. Cowell just went up to Kendall and it doesn't look good. You need to get away from her.now," and with that Weiss clicked off. Michael pushed the power button off and then smiled sadly at Sydney. " That was Weiss. Cowell just went up to Kendall."
Sydney let out a gasp.
" He probably wants to see me. I should go."
" Because of me. Because of my foolish urges!"
" No.Syd, no," he told her gently, cradling her face with his hand. " I don't regret that moment.and I hope, neither do you."
Sydney didn't answer. She was too afraid to speak.
" I have to go now. I.guess I'll see you tomorrow," Michael sighed, already longing for the hours she would be gone.
" Yeah.I guess so."
Michael grinned, so maybe they weren't together together, but it seemed as though they'd reached some kind of understanding. Sydney had just needed a push, he knew those feelings were there, she'd just needed somebody to help her realize them. He opened the door to the office and gestured to her.
" After you."
Sydney exited the room, grabbed him again impulsively for a moment and then walked off without a word to him, as though nothing had happened. Michael watched her go and then went down the stairs, a jump in his step. Even the feeling of dread being asked to Kendall's office did not overcome the absolute peace he had shared with truly, the only woman in his life.
" Agent Vaughn," barked a low voice from behind him.
Michael turned around and flashed a smile. Nothing could bring him down now.
" S.ir," he stuttered.
It was Sydney's father.
" Agent Bristow," Vaughn stammered, the smile quickly fading from his face.
" There is something of dire importance I must discuss with you," Jack announced seriously. " Can you join me for a minute?"
Vaughn evaluated the tone of his voice and concluded Sydney's father wasn't about to strangle him. Then again, he was always on the edge, and his voice naturally sounded dangerous. Jack's face said, " you don't have a choice."
" Yes, of course I can. If you'll just account for the time I'm gone as being with you," Michael told him and Jack nodded and walked off toward an empty space. Michael followed him tentatively.
If he was going to do a favor for him, then what Jack was going to say had to be very important.
Well, there you have it, Part IV!!!! And another wonderful.cliffie. I am loving this. Thank you for the people who reviewed and to the others, please keep doing so. Thanks for being so patient. I'm loving you all, especially alpineracer 88 and sheeplover!!! Soorrry I left ya hanging. Forgive me, Please!!!! Love ya. Stay tuned for Part V! You think in-laws are bad, just wait till you see what happens between Vaughn and Jack Bristow in Part V. Lataz!!!
