CHAPTER 5
COUPLE DAYS LATER
Sydney opens her eyes as she feels the bed shift and smiles seeing the mug in Sark's hand. She sits up taking the mug, "Thanks" she takes a sip.
"I've figured it all out."
"What?"
"How you can see Jack without anyone finding out."
"How?" Sydney asks excitedly.
"You'll see. Now we leave this afternoon."
"Where?"
"Just over the stateline in California."
"Another place of yours?"
Sark nods "In another name that no one knows about. Its easier to make an escape if need be. We'll go there then I'll fly to LA and see Jack."
"How?"
"Don't worry about it."
"I'll try."
"Good." He brushes her hair back "What do you want for breakfast?"
"Um... peanut butter and banana sandwich?" She asks hopefully.
"For breakfast?"
Sydney nods happily
"All right if that's what you want." Sark stands walking out of the bedroom.
'He spoils us.' Sydney grins taking a sip of her tea. 'I like being spoiled.' She looks at her middle as she feels the baby kick, 'So do you huh?' She takes a sip of her tea. She smiles as Sark returns with a plate. "Thanks" she takes the plate biting into the sandwich, "At least its not pickles and peanut butter." She grins as he settles beside her with his own tea. "Ooh that sounds good."
"Eat that sandwich and if you're still hungry I'll make you another one."
"So can I ask you something?"
"Ask away... doesn't mean I'll answer."
"How'd you end up with the name Julian?"
"One of Mother's favorite uncles was named Julian."
"What's your middle name?"
"Alexander." Sark says after a moment of debating thought.
"How long have you been going by Sark?"
"Since I was in school and I discovered that the easiest way to step away from the past is if you erase it. Unlike Ali I never wanted to hold onto my life before school."
"So what is your real last name?"
"Not getting that one Bristow. Sark is my legal last name."
Sydney nods finishing off the sandwich.
"Still hungry?"
"Yeah."
"Peanut butter and pickles or another banana?"
"Wonder what they'd taste like together." Sydney muses
"That what you want?"
Sydney nods "Yes."
Shaking his head Sark sighs, "All right."
THAT AFTERNOON
Sark looks at Sydney who is staring out the car window lost in thought. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Sydney glances at him.
"You've been quiet for an hour."
Sydney shrugs "Just thinking."
"About?"
"Lots of things." She closes her eyes taking a deep breath. "Sark"
"Hmm"
"Tell me about your daughter." She requests
Sark stiffens slightly. "Not much to tell kitten... I didn't spend a lot of time with her."
Sydney smiles faintly at the nickname he gave her then asks "What was she like?"
"Typical child I guess. Like I said I stayed away."
"Yet you saw her from time to time." Sydney points out
"A couple times a year I'd check in on her. Make sure she was happy with her grandparents."
"Was she?"
"She was as happy as she could be I guess. She was a spirited child, always into something. The last time I saw her was the day she was sent to the States. The Nanny her Grandparents had hired had gotten her all dressed up for the trip and the minute Faith was outside she went on a rampage and ended up head to toe in dirt and mud."
"You never spent time with her?"
"I did before her mother died. Rebecca's parents didn't know anything about me and after Rebecca died I knew it would be better to stay away."
"Who does Faith look like you or her mother?"
"She looks exactly like her mother... acts like her as well. Until you I'd never met anyone half as stubborn as Rebecca."
"Ever wonder what Faith's like now?"
"Hopefully she's more like her mother than me." Sark says dryly.
"The world isn't ready for another version of you." Sydney laughs
Sark chuckles "I mean like most parents want for their kids I want her to be better than me... normal. Or close to normal."
"Worlds not normal though." Sydney points out.
"I know. I just..." Sark glances at Sydney sadly "don't want her to end up like me. Which is why I stay away."
"You've never thought about looking for her?"
"I've thought about it... especially these last few years but I realized something"
"What?"
"Despite the fact I'm pretty much retired she still doesn't need to be involved in this world. Maybe when she's a little older I'll look for her but now... not a good idea."
Sydney nods
Seeing her thoughtful expression Sark reaches out stroking her hair, "You'll be fine Sydney. You love him despite knowing the truth."
"He's going to end up in one screwed up family." Sydney says sadly. "I mean face it parenting in my family... really sucks. I mean my mother has tried to kill me and my Dad. We've tried to kill her. Dad and I had a non speaking relationship unless it was birthdays or holidays for years."
"Yet you turned out fine. He'll turn out fine... even if he turns out to be a genius who has prophetic visions."
"With a legion of maniacs trying to kidnap him or kill him." Sydney sighs "He's never going to have a normal life."
"Perhaps not but you don't know that. Maybe the reason he chose you for this was so that he could have a chance at a normal life. From all that people know about Rambaldi he was a genius who was used and abused for his abilities. Maybe this time things could be different for him."
"Maybe." Sydney sighs "Or he could become one screwed up adult just like the rest of the Bristows."
"Guess you'll just have to see."
"Yeah."
NEXT NIGHT: HOUSE
Sark strokes Sydney's hair as she lies in his arms, "Sure you'll be OK?"
"Just don't be gone long and don't get caught." Sydney says sleepily.
"I won't." Sark promises
"I have a feeling this is going to end." Sydney says sadly.
"It's your decision whether or not it ends Sydney. Despite whether or not the sex ends I will keep my promise to help you."
"I know."
"Jack's going to want you to go back with him."
"Yeah. I think that somewhat scares me. It means we'll be out in the open."
"I doubt the Covenant would try to grab you in the open like that. Besides you'll have more protection there with your friends."
"That's not the problem... I just don't know if I can trust everyone there. I know that despite his other agendas, Dad would never hurt me and I think with time he'd be just as overprotective with him. I know Dixon and the others wouldn't hurt me. I just don't know if I can trust the new people there." Sydney rests her chin on his chest looking at him.
"I'll see what I can find out about them."
Sydney nods
"What?" Sark asks seeing her thoughtful expression.
"What's she like?" Sydney asks curiously.
"Who?"
"Vaughn's wife."
"I won't deny she isn't beautiful and smart. She's the daughter of a senator. She's connected to some high level intelligence agencies between the US, London, and Russia."
"As much as I want to hate her I can't."
"Why?"
She lifts her shoulder, "Because he's happy. You can't fault someone for being happy."
"Even if it hurts you?" Sark asks puzzled by her emotions
Sydney shrugs "This would hurt him more."
"Us or the fact you are pregnant?"
Sydney looks at her middle and sighs, "Both."
"Why aren't you angry?"
"I thought I would be but I'm not. For a while I thought that he wouldn't believe I was dead."
"It was quite convincing kitten."
"I know."
"Its late you should sleep."
Sydney nods
NEXT MORNING
Sark sits on the edge of the bed, "Need anything before I go?" He asks softly as he runs his fingers through Sydney's hair.
"No." Sydney stretches yawning. "I'm fine." She winces feeling a sharp kick, "Ow that hurt" She scowls at her middle. "Watch it kid. It's too early."
Sark kisses her forehead, "We should be here late tomorrow."
Sydney nods "Here" she hands Sark the letter she had painstakingly wrote for her Dad.
"If he still doesn't believe me then I will call you."
"OK" Sydney straddles Sark's lap and kisses him deeply. Feeling his hands caress her back Sydney presses closer as an intense wave of lust hits her.
"Syd" Sark groans breaking the kiss hissing as she presses into him, "kitten I really should get going."
"Once more... please?" Sydney's hands go to the buckle of his belt. "This might be the last time... for a while or even good." She bites his lower lip, "You know you want too" she licks his lower lip smirking as he groans.
"Oh hell" Sark deepens the kiss
WHILE LATER
Sark kisses Sydney's forehead chuckling at her pleased expression, "I really have to go."
"I know." Sydney yawns
Sark pulls the covers up "Get some rest."
"'k" As Sark walks to the door Sydney calls, "Sark"
"Yes?"
"Thanks... for everything."
Sark nods walking out of the room.
Sydney curls up hugging his pillow, 'Be careful.' She buries her face in the pillow inhaling his scent. 'God he smells good.'
AFTER MIDNIGHT: JACK'S HOUSE
Jack enters his house then starts in surprise when he finds Sark standing before the mantle looking at a picture. "Sark what the hell are you doing in my house?"
Sark glances at his lover's father, "We need to talk... truce?" He asks when he sees Jack's gun in hand.
"We have nothing to talk about." Jack grinds out
Sark nods at the table where his gun is, "I think that proves I don't want trouble."
Jack regards the younger man, "Why are you here?"
"I'm here about Sydney."
Jack winces at the mention of his daughter, "She's dead."
"Then why are you looking into her death?" Sark asks calmly.
"Because I want to know who killed her."
"She's not dead." Sark says
"How would you know?"
"Because I know where she is... and she wants to see you." Sark nods at the table, "She wanted me to bring you that."
Jack looks at Sark then the envelope on the coffee table beside the assassin's gun. "How do I know you didn't forge it?"
"I may know her hand writing but I don't know what she wrote." Sark sits on the chair next to the couch. "Read it... then if you believe me I'll take you... and only you to her."
Jack stares at the man then makes up his mind, 'If he wanted to kill me he would have the moment I stepped inside.' He picks up the envelope opening it he removes a piece of paper relieved to see Sydney's handwriting. Keeping his gun in hand he begins to read.
'Dad,
I know this is a surprise for Sark to come to you on my behalf but I have my reasons. I know he's not the person you'd want me to trust but he was the first person I thought of... and didn't want to get you involved in this until things had calmed down.
I know what you're thinking... have I been with Sark this whole time? The answer is no. I was somewhere else... with some other people.
I know you are also wondering if it is me writing this or Sark wrote it but here's something that may sway your thoughts.
A few months after Mom's 'death' I had a bad nightmare and you were home. I crawled into bed with you and you made up a story to help me forget my nightmare.
How would Sark know that?
I know this is confusing why Sark is there rather than me but there's a really good reason. One you'll understand when your here. Please Daddy... trust him for now? It's very important. Sark will tell you some of what's going on but the biggest thing you need to hear from me.
Sydney'
Jack takes a deep breath, "She's alive?"
"Very much so. She managed to survive being there."
"Where is there?" Jack demands
"She is still trying to figure that part out. I know you don't want to trust me but she does... at least for the time being she does."
"Who had her?"
"I will tell you all she wanted me to tell you but that can't happen here. We need to get back before anyone finds out I'm here in Los Angeles."
"How long has she been with you?" Jack inquires
"Just over a month. She's been trying to get up the courage to contact you. She's worried that if she does they'll find her."
"Why you?"
Sark tilts his head, "I'm not sure. She never gave me a totally understandable answer."
"How bad was she hurt?" Jack demands
"She's been to a doctor... under an alias. He checked her out... healed broken bones, scars, bruises, and such. She's fine now other than nightmares."
"Where is she?"
"Somewhere safe."
"Take me to her." Jack orders
Sark nods picking up his gun, "All right."
HOUR LATER: JET
"Here is what I've collected on who had her." Sark hands Jack a folder. "It's not much but its enough for now. Their called the Covenant. They like Sloane are obsessed with Rambaldi."
"How did Sydney survive the explosion?"
"Not entirely sure. She doesn't remember anything after shooting Alison until she woke up there."
Jack scans through the file, "You don't have much on them... why?"
"They are a small yet powerful group, able to hide."
"What does Irina know about them?" Jack demands
"She doesn't know Sydney's alive."
"Why?" Jack inquires
"Sydney is... hesitant to tell Irina she's alive. She's not sure if she can trust her."
"Good point."
"The biggest reason though is that she wanted to see you first before delving into the whole Irina issue."
"How is she?"
"Good times and bad. Some times she's fine... others she's miserable."
"Why didn't you contact me or Irina when Sydney came to you?"
"She asked me not too. And if I had gone behind her back she would have bloody killed me."
"If any harm comes to Sydney because of you I swear you won't even make it to lock up."
"I made her a promise and I'm sticking by it." Sark says coldly.
LATE EVENING: HOUSE
Hearing car doors slam shut Sydney opens her eyes and yawns as she runs her fingers through her hair wincing at the sharp kick to her ribs, "Hey don't." She slowly sits up rubbing her side as the front door opens and in walks Sark and a few steps behind her Dad. "Dad" she says happily.
"Sydney" Jack walks over to the couch and his eyes narrow as he gets a closer look of his daughter seeing her obviously pregnant belly.
Seeing her Dad's expression Sydney shrugs sheepishly, "Surprise." She says weakly. When she sees the telltale Jack Bristow rising temper look she hastily adds, "It's not Sark's, Daddy."
Hearing that Jack feels his temper alleviate somewhat.
"I will leave you two to talk." Sark says knowing the father and daughter have a lot to talk about. He heads up the stairs.
Jack sits next to Sydney, "What the hell is going on Sydney? Whose child is this? Where have you been?"
"The prophecy was right Dad." Sydney says dryly.
"What do you mean?"
"Remember it said I'd be part of the second coming?"
Jack nods
"He's the second coming" Sydney looks at her middle sadly "he's Rambaldi... or more precisely Rambaldi's clone."
"What? How?"
"I don't know how... they never fully explained it." Sydney shrugs
"How'd this happen?" Jack demands
Sydney bites her lip "One night six months ago, they sedated me. A few days later they sedated me again and two months later... they told me I was pregnant."
"Why didn't you call me when you escaped?"
"I was scared." Sydney admits "I knew they'd be watching you and I didn't want to drag you into this."
"So you went to Sark instead!"
"Because I had to go to someone who I knew they wouldn't watch."
"It's Sark, Sydney."
"I was scared all right! I didn't know how you'd react or anyone else would to find out I was not only alive but pregnant with a clone!"
"How do you know they told you the truth about it being a clone?"
"I just do." Sydney shrugs "It's hard to explain."
Jack rubs his forehead, "Does Sark know?"
Sydney nods
"Damn it Sydney"
"It was my choice Dad." Sydney says angrily. "Like you have reasons for doing things I have them. And Sark has proven he won't betray me."
"Sark would do anything for money" Jack argues
"I don't think he will this time." Sydney retorts.
"You don't know that!"
"I do" Sydney says stubbornly. "He could have turned me over to the Covenant when he met me. He could have turned me in at any time yet he hasn't."
"He could just be waiting until the child's born Sydney"
"He won't." Sydney snaps
"Since when do you trust Sark?" Jack demands "He's tried to kill you and you've tried to kill him."
"Yeah well let me point out you took off with Mom to Mexico... alone." Sydney argues "And she tried to kill all of us yet you trusted her." Sydney says stubbornly.
"That is totally different Sydney and you know it!" Jack stands pacing the room.
"You have to trust me Dad. I know what I'm doing."
"Do you Sydney?" Jack demands "Because this... deal with Sark you made makes me wonder"
Sydney scowls "I'm doing what I have to do to protect my baby. And despite everything that brought this about" she gestures to her middle "I'm not going to let anyone hurt him... that includes the Covenant, the CIA, Mom, Sark or you. He's not going to become a science project or used for whatever purpose they'd use him for." Sydney bites her lip blinking back tears.
Seeing her expression Jack sits next to her "Come here" he pulls her into a hug pressing his lips to her hair. "It's going to be OK. We'll figure something out."
"He maybe a clone but he's just a baby." Sydney sniffles "Despite how all of this happened he's my responsibility."
"And he's a Bristow" Jack adds
"Yeah he is." Sydney smiles sadly. "I missed you Daddy."
"I missed you too sweetheart." Jack strokes her hair.
AFTER MIDNIGHT
Jack strokes Sydney's hair as she drifts back to sleep. Once he's sure she's asleep he stands walking out of the room quietly closing the door behind him he heads down to the kitchen where Sark is working, "She's asleep." He sits at the table, "Does she have nightmares every night?"
"Pretty much." Sark answers looking at Jack, "It takes a while for her to calm down."
"She was the same way as a child. She wouldn't go back to sleep unless someone stayed with her until she was." Jack regards Sark, "What are you planning Sark?"
"Nothing."
"Why would you willingly help Sydney?"
"She asked me." Sark shrugs
"If you're thinking of taking the boy" Jack warns
"She's already threatened bodily harm... and more." Sark assures "Despite what you think about me I do know the prophecy and what the possible consequences for all of us if someone who shouldn't have him manages to get him." He takes a sip of his wine, "Besides what Sydney would do to me you and Irina would probably do worse."
"Oh we would."
"That's if you can get Sydney to tell Irina about the boy."
"I understand her hesitation in telling Irina. Though I doubt Irina was behind this plan."
"Neither do I. Despite all Irina has done to Sydney she does in her own... twisted way care about Sydney's welfare." Sark takes another sip of his wine, "She loves the boy and she's not going to let anyone stand in her way of giving him a normal life... not even you."
"I wouldn't stand in her way." Jack says quickly.
"I pity anyone who tries to get in her way when it comes to the boy. If she's this fiercely protective now she's going to be worse when he's born." Sark smirks "So Jack how's it feel? You're going to be the Grandfather of the first cloned human."
Jack glares at the younger man.
Sark chuckles at Jack's expression. 'This is going to be bloody interesting.'
CHAPTER 6
NEXT DAY
"Sydney, I think its best if you come back to LA with me." Jack suggests as he and Sydney sit in the living room alone. At Sydney's worried expression he adds, "We'll figure out someway to explain the fact you're pregnant."
"I don't want them to know the truth Dad. I don't want him to become a science experiment." Sydney hugs herself.
"He won't be. We'll tell them something."
"And the Covenant?"
"That is something we can't hide from them Sydney. Telling about the Covenant could help you protect him. We'll tell them you escaped and went into hiding until you were well enough to contact me."
"Who was I with? They won't believe I escaped and survived on my own."
"We'll say you found your way to some strangers who took you in."
"They'll ask who they are."
"Say you want to protect their identity so they don't get dragged into this."
Sydney nods
"Good thing you can throw off a lie detector." Jack says dryly.
"You taught me well." Sydney grins
"Sydney... it might be a good idea to tell your mother you're alive. And about him." Jack nods at Sydney's middle. "She can find out things we can't." He points out.
"You mean tell her the truth about him?"
"You told Sark. You want me to trust Sark will keep this secret... I think we need to trust your Mom to keep it as well." When he sees Sydney's expression he continues "I know its hard Sydney but you were on the verge of trusting her before."
Sydney sighs "Fine. Tell her."
"It's going to take time but we'll figure things out."
"I know."
"I'll contact your mother first and then make the arrangements to head home."
"OK."
"When are you due?" Jack asks
"Late January, early February." Sydney answers thoughtfully as she runs her hands over her middle.
"When was your last check up?" Jack questions
"Few weeks ago."
Jack nods "When we get back we'll get you checked out again."
"Dad"
"Humor me huh?"
Sydney nods "OK."
"One of the biggest things we'll need to deal with is the questions they'll have for you." Jack muses
"This being the biggest." Sydney says dryly as she looks at her middle.
"Unfortunately that is true but things will work out."
"The hardest part is going to be keeping the truth from Dixon..."
"And Vaughn?"
"He's moved on... I guess I am as well." Sydney says sadly.
"Are you going to tell him your alive?"
"He'll find out from Eric either way."
"If you don't want Vaughn to know we could classify your return."
"I really don't care if he knows."
Jack nods "He wasn't good enough for you."
Sydney smiles faintly "That's what Sark said."
"Probably the only thing he and I will ever agree about." Jack says dryly.
"Dad... did Will"
"We'll talk about everything later." Jack says quickly.
"OK"
COUPLE HOURS LATER
Sydney walks into the kitchen where she finds Sark working on his lap top, "Where's Dad?"
"He had some errands to run. He'll be back soon." Sark looks at Sydney. "So you're going back to LA."
Sydney nods "Dad thinks it would be safer for me to go."
"He's right. Not wise to have a baby on the run."
"Yeah." Sydney bites her lip
Sark stands carrying his mug to the sink he rinses it out then turns looking at Sydney. "You'll be fine." He assures
Sydney steps up to Sark and searches his eyes, "Thank you." She kisses him lightly.
"You know how to find me if you need something." Sark tenderly brushes her hair back. "I'm still going to help you figure out all of this." He steps away as they hear the front door open, 'Looks like we're over.' He returns to the table and sits
Sydney tears her eyes away from Sark and opens the refrigerator blinking back tears as she looks for something to eat. 'It's over.' She realizes winces at the sharp almost protesting movement. 'It's over kiddo.' She grabs an apple and straightens up closing the refrigerator she sits at the counter biting into the apple, "Hi Dad." She greets as he walks into the kitchen.
"How was your nap?" Jack asks
"Not long enough... I got hungry."
"There aren't anymore pickles." Sark informs Sydney. "You finished them off earlier."
"I did?"
Sark nods "Also finished off the cheddar and sour cream chips."
"Ooh I had those with cottage cheese." Sydney says dreamily.
"You eat some bloody nasty things." Sark grumbles
"Your mother had mustard on her ice cream." Jack informs Sydney his voice amused.
"Eww" Sydney scrunches up her nose. "That's gross."
"And I thought your peanut butter, pickle and banana sandwiches were gross." Sark mutters
"Try the smell of peanut butter and tuna fish." Jack shudders remembering the times he had to make them for his former wife.
"How'd she take it?" Sydney asks
"As well as she takes anything. She said she'd contact who she needs."
Sydney nods finishing off the apple, "Any cookies?"
"You ate them last night." Sark answers
Sydney sighs "I'm still hungry."
LATE AFTERNOON
As Jack heads out to the waiting car Sark and Sydney are left alone, "I guess I'll see you around kitten." Sark runs his fingers through Sydney's hair barely keeping himself from kissing her. "Take care"
"I will." Sydney bites her lip trying to keep from kissing him.
"Sydney" Jack calls
"You better get out of here once we leave." Sydney warns
"I will." Sark promises "Despite your father's promise not to take me in... doesn't mean he won't have someone else do it."
"Not unless he wants to piss me off." Sydney grins seeing her Dad is still out of sight she takes his hand pressing it to her side where the baby is kicking up a storm. "He wants to say bye."
Sark smiles faintly at the sharp movements, "Good luck kitten."
Hearing footsteps Sydney quickly steps away from Sark releasing his hand, "Thanks."
"Sydney we need to go." Jack says entering the foyer.
Sydney nods grabbing the jacket off the back of the chair. She slips it on and walks with her Dad out of the house. As she's about to open the passenger side door she looks over at the front door where Sark is standing. She takes a deep breath and opens the door getting in. 'I wonder when I'll see him again.' She wonders as she buckles her seatbelt. 'I'm actually going to miss him. Who'd have thought I'd miss Sark.'
MIDNIGHT: LA
Jack looks at Sydney as she dozes in the passenger seat. He glances at her middle as she hugs herself protectively, 'She loves that baby. I guess it shouldn't surprise me.' Jack pulls into the driveway of his house, 'Guess I'm going to have to wake her.' Jack reaches over gently shaking Sydney. "Syd we're here."
Sydney starts yawning, "Oh"
"Come on. Let's get you to bed." Jack turns off the car and gets out grabbing the bags from the trunk as Sydney gets out of the car. "I put the debriefing off until tomorrow morning. Your doctor's appointment is mid afternoon."
"OK" Sydney follows her Dad into the house.
"I'll wake you in the morning." Jack sets Sydney's bag on the chair in the corner.
"OK." Sydney yawns tossing her jacket on the chair.
"Sleep well sweetheart." Jack drops a kiss to her hair.
"Night Dad." Sydney sits on the edge of the bed as her Dad walks out of the bedroom. She runs her hands over her middle, 'Guess it's up to Grandpa to
protect us now. We'll see Sark sooner or later. He has a bad habit of liking to annoy me.'
After changing for bed Jack sits at his bedroom desk and opens his lap top and opens a private, secure chat area.
JACK: We're back.
IRINA: How is she?
JACK: Good. She has a doctor's appointment tomorrow as well as a debriefing.
IRINA: And Sark?
JACK: I kept my promise to leave him alone.
IRINA: Sark keeps his promises
JACK: Yet he betrayed you and Sloane.
IRINA: To survive. Now about Sydney
JACK: She's fine.
IRINA: The boy?
JACK: According to Sark who stole her doctors records from her last check up he is well.
IRINA: Good. If he is who she believes...
JACK: She won't allow anyone to take him Irina... not even you.
IRINA: She doesn't trust me
JACK: You haven't given her any reason too.
IRINA: Why would I harm the boy?
JACK: You've spent your whole life looking into Rambaldi.
IRINA: For her sake I won't.
JACK: Despite everything Sydney is for all purposes his mother. She's already threatened me if I try anything. I lost her once and I won't risk it
again. You try anything to harm her or the boy and I will kill you.
Jack ends the transmission and leans back in his chair, 'I'm going to be a Grandpa.' He shakes his head, "This is going to be interesting."
NEXT MORNING
"How'd you sleep?" Jack asks as he drives towards the office.
"Fine." 'Miss Sark.'
"No nightmares?"
"Nothing too bad." Sydney shrugs
"Are you ready to deal with them?"
"Have little choice." Sydney answers shifting in her seat trying to get comfortable. "They need to know that the Covenant is out there."
WHILE LATER
Sydney takes a deep breath as they walk into the conference room where Dixon, Weiss, and Marshall are waiting. "Hey guys" she greets
Dixon smiles and walks over to his former partner, "Good to see you." He hugs Sydney.
"Good to see you too." Sydney says relieved.
"You look good." Dixon remarks as he looks her over.
Sydney nervously tucks her hair behind her ears, "Thanks."
"Sydney" Marshall says happily.
Sydney smiles at the shy genius "Hey Marshall."
Marshall smiles, "I'm glad you're OK. Things without you... not as interesting."
"Dad told me you got married... congratulations."
"Yeah you met her... briefly." Marshall says "I can't wait to tell you all about my new gadgets."
"That will have to wait until later Marshall." Dixon chuckles
Sydney smiles at Weiss, "Hey Eric."
"Sydney it's good to have you back." Weiss says smiling at the woman.
"Now let's get this debriefing done." Dixon suggests and everyone sits down. "What exactly is this new threat?"
"Their called the Covenant." Sydney answers "They are a more... diabolical version of the Alliance."
"What do they want?" Marshall asks
'My baby' "They want everything Rambaldi... and more." Sydney answers
"There's not much on them. I've contacted all of my sources and so far nothing." Jack informs them.
"What do you know about them Sydney? From your experience." Dixon adds
Sydney proceeds to tell them what they need to know leaving out any mention of Sark and the truth about her baby.
NOON
"How is she doing?" Dixon asks Jack as they watch Sydney catch up with Marshall at the techies station.
"Good."
"And what about the whole Vaughn issue?" Dixon questions
"We've briefly discussed it. She's fine... a little surprised that he married but overall she's all right with it." Jack answers
"Is she going to see him?"
"I have no idea. I hope she doesn't but who knows with Sydney."
"She's avoiding the topic of the baby." Dixon remarks "I take it you know the story?"
"I know enough." Jack says stiffly.
"I take it you'd tell me if it was important."
"It is Sydney's decision."
"Agreed."
Jack glances at his watch, "Excuse me." He walks over to Sydney resting his hand on her shoulder.
Sydney looks up "Hi"
"Ready to go?"
"Sure." Sydney stands "Thanks Marshall." She smiles at the techie then walks with her Dad.
COUPLE HOURS LATER: HOSPITAL
"Well alls well." The doctor informs Sydney and Jack. "You have a very healthy son." He informs Sydney.
"I told you Dad." Sydney says smugly.
"Just wanted to make sure." Jack returns
"Well you're fine." The doctor assures "I want to see you in a couple weeks."
"She'll be here." Jack promises
LATE EVENING: HOUSE
"What's next?" Sydney asks as she and her Dad make dinner.
"Dixon has started the paperwork for back pay and if you want reinstatement. If you take reinstatement you'll be doing desk of course."
"I have nothing else to do." Sydney shrugs "Might as well."
"You can stay here as long as you want." Jack offers "If you don't want to stay here we can look for an apartment for you."
'Stay or move?' She asks herself then smiles faintly as she feels a sharp kick. "Well he's made his vote. We'll stay... for now."
"Good." Jack nods relieved to hear that. "The paperwork for your return is in the process. A car will be ready for you tomorrow."
"Thanks Dad." Sydney says
"Sydney there's something we need to talk about"
"What?"
"Sloane"
Sydney stiffens "I already know. Sark told me."
"I don't trust him either but they do. I just want you to know that he is under a microscope. If he or his organization ever steps over the line he will be sent to prison."
"Is he obeying the terms of his pardon?"
"As far as I know."
"Have you seen him?"
Jack nods, "A few times. Needless to say it never ended well."
Sydney nods "Sark told me you were looking into what happened. Why?"
"Because I didn't believe you were dead."
Sydney looks at her Dad startled, "You didn't?"
"Don't look so surprised sweetheart." Jack smiles "You're a Bristow... and we're hard to keep down." He looks at the vegetables he's cutting up, "Besides I'd know if you were dead."
"You'd think Vaughn would have as well." Sydney says sadly.
"You're going to go see him aren't you."
Sydney nods "There's a lot I have to say to him."
"He's married Sydney... keep that in mind."
"I know. I just" she sighs "I guess I don't know what I want but I know I need to say goodbye. I think I owe it to both of us."
"Weiss probably already told him that you're back."
"I know but that doesn't mean I shouldn't see him."
"All right but be careful... I don't want you to get hurt again."
"I'll be fine Dad." Sydney assures "I'm glad you didn't believe I was dead."
Jack squeezes her shoulder, "Call it parental instinct but despite all of the issues we've had over the years I've always known when you were hurt or upset. Granted I wasn't the most... attentive parent but I still knew."
Sydney smiles
"No come on lets finish making dinner... need to get my grandson fed." Jack kisses the top of Sydney's head. "Why don't you pour drinks."
"OK."
