A/N: Again I've split this part in half, but this first half is STILL 13 pages long. :)
Part 6: In the freedom of escape….
15 hours earlier
Her back was throbbing. The dizzy feeling hadn't gone away and she was starting to feel nauseous. She took the water each time the flight attendants offered it to her. Nothing helped. The boy in her arms was clinging to her tightly. He hadn't liked the plane taking off and was wide-eyed now that they were in the air. She kept her window closed, hoping it would help.
He yawned tiredly, but refused to sleep. She rubbed his back reassuringly and hugged him to her shoulder. She sang softly into his ear. "Lullaby, and good night, your mother's delight... Shining angels beside my darling abide. Soft and warm is your bed, close your eyes and rest your head...Soft and warm is your bed, close your eyes and rest your head.... "
5 hours earlier
The taxi came to a halt at the curb.
"That'll be forty-seven pounds even," the driver told her.
Sydney wordlessly paid the driver. She gathered her bag on her shoulder and lifted the baby. Sore muscles rebelled and she attempted to set the child down on the side walk beside her. He grabbed tightly onto her neck as she leaned over. She tugged on his arms and looked at his face. His eyes widened and his chin quivered. He gripped her leg and cast wary glances at the people passing them on the sidewalk.
Sydney sighed, bent down and lifted him up again. He burrowed into her. "I know," she whispered in his ear.
She looked at the crowd inside the train station and wanted nothing more than to walk away. A small space, a lot of people, and more were arriving every second. A mixture of mumbles and shouts and children crying filtered out the door. Her ears stung. There were train whistles and squeaky baggage carts and voices squawking out of loud speakers. People speaking different dialects and languages passed her by. Her head ached, deciphering bits of the dialogue and jumbling the rest. Car exhaust and damp air tickled her nose. Sydney took a bracing deep breath, opened the door and plunged inside.
A new stream of people impatiently closed in behind her. She gasped quietly as the arm of a man brushed against her in his hurried attempt to pass her. Perfume, leather and wood polish attacked her nose. A high pitched voice spoke agitatedly to a man at the counter, who sighed and simply shook his head. Once clear of the door, Sydney looked to a clock. She was almost an hour early. She turned, thinking it might actually be more appealing to wait on the curb, rather than surrounded by so many people. The baby's eyes were wide, watching everyone. He drew a small amount of attention. Passing children pointed out the baby to their parents. Some parents scolded them for dawdling while others regarded Sydney with a forced smile and urged their children not to bother her.
Sydney drew away from the lines of the crowd and found a vacant bench on which to wait. She sat the child in her lap facing her. There, she was less easy to notice, though she watched the people around her with interest. A man in a business suit carrying a briefcase. A woman stepping back to take a picture of her formally dressed children before they headed towards their platform. An older teenaged boy tapped obliviously on a laptop as he waited. The stream of people at ticket counters shifted and swayed. Every other person was checking their watch or resituating their bags. A couple kissed conspicuously in an aisle before finally breaking apart. The woman made it two steps away before rushing back to kiss the man several more times.
It was so unbelievably normal. Sydney sunk in her seat slightly. There was such a mixture between the impatient and serious, and the carefree and adventurous. Their minds were preoccupied with concerns Sydney hadn't thought about in what seemed like a lifetime. She used to be comforted by watching these scenes unfold. But now, watching them left her unsettled. She was never going to be one of them. She scanned the room seeking to find someone else who didn't fit in.
A young woman stared at the arrival information and glanced at her watch. She repeated the action several times as if the action alone could change either the time or the arrivals. A man wearing a hat stood near the door. He sunk behind a newspaper when her eyes passed over him. But not soon enough. She'd seen his eyes. If there was anything she'd had time to memorize in five months of captivity, it was the eyes of every guard, every doctor, every interrogator. When she had nearly been fading away from pain and exhaustion, their eyes burned into her mind. Their hard unrelenting stares consumed her dreams at night. Angry eyes. Pitying eyes. Amused. Annoyed. Penetrating. Condescending. Merciless. Cold. Empty.
She hugged the baby to her and rose slowly. She moved away from her vacant bench and towards the crowd. Her heart pounded rapidly. How could they have found her? How had they known where to look? Who knew she was here besides Sark and Alexei? She strode into the crowd, slipping through them. Hairsprays, deodorants, damp coats, cologne. Her stomach lurched. People moved unpredictably and she dodged around them. A chorus of cell phones. Feet shuffling. Sneezing. Coughing. Without looking back, she knew he was behind her. She turned a corner. An exit was only a few feet away, but she opened the nearest door and slipped inside.
It was a cleaning supplies closet. She moved an empty box in the back and lowered the child into the box. He looked at her uncertainly, tears threatening in his eyes. "I will be right back," she whispered in his ear, kissing his cheek gently. She made him sit down and moved another box on top of him, covering him completely. She moved back to the door and peeked out. She waited as a group passed the doorway and slipped out into their midst.
Sydney continued down the hallway, glancing around carefully. She discreetly took note of everyone around her, looking for the man in the hat. She made her way back to the main entrance, and finally even headed out the door. She stepped onto the curb and instantly footsteps shuffled behind. In the time it took her to turn, a hand gripped onto her elbow. She tensed, but in the same moment, a gun pressed into her back.
"No sudden movements, Sydney," an amused voice whispered in her ear. "Keep staring straight ahead."
She stiffened and swallowed.
"Where's the boy?"
"You don't need him."
"I decide that. Now, where is he?
She stayed quiet, frowning.
"Fine, we'll deal with that later." An arm enlaced her and guided her away from the curb. "Where did you think you were going?" he asked, through a smile.
"No where," Sydney responded, through a meaningless smile of her own. "I was actually just looking for you."
That got her a light laugh and painful poke in the ribs. His fingers dug into the crook of her elbow and urged her towards an alley. "Good then. It's a good thing we found each other. Isn't it?" He twisted her arm until she let out a light gasp.
She inhaled sharply. "Yes," she breathed.
"I hope you enjoyed the last couple of days of freedom. Last you'll be getting quite some time." He continued to hold her arm twisted painfully. She formed her hands into fists, forcing herself not to react.
"I get the feeling you have no idea how much we want you, especially after your, let's call it a demonstration. Foolish, but nevertheless impressive." They moved into the shadows of the alley.
She didn't raise her eyes towards his face. "What's going to happen to me?" she asked, uncertainly.
"You'll come back home to us, of course." He stopped a moment and lifted her chin to look her in the eye. Her skin tingled at his touch. "If you cooperate now, your punishment for this escapade will be minor."
His eyes were a light hazel brown. His expression was a mixture of amused and condescending. "If there's anything you've learned from us, it's that we will not tolerate any kind of misbehavior. So you'll be good for me now. Won't you?" he ended in a threatening tone, his fingers gripping her chin as if to snap her neck.
Tears threatened her eyes. "Yes," she choked out.
His hand slowly dropped back down to her arm. "You remember what we taught you, don't you?" He pushed back her sleeve.
She nodded, uncomfortably. Her stomach was churning. Her heart pounded in her ears so loudly she could hardly think. "I remember...." she whispered..
Watching her carefully, he moved the gun away from her side. "Then, tell me," he ordered, gruffly.
She blinked, hesitating only momentarily. She forced out words, hoarsely. "Followers of Rambaldi seek destruction. Redemption--" She stopped as he pulled a syringe from his pocket. "You don't need that...." she began.
"Sedative. This will be quick, and when you wake up, we'll be home." He turned her arm to position it properly. "Go on."
She continued emotionlessly. "Redemption in blood. Death to the Order."
He poised the needle in place above a vein. "Very good."
In one motion, she brought up her opposite hand, twisted the syringe from his hand and took it into her own. She kneed him in the stomach, satisfied with his pained gasp. She pulled his gun from his holster and pressed it beneath his chin.
"How did you know I'd be here?" she demanded.
Amusement crossed his face. "There was this rather helpful man in Kiev," he choked out, then laughed. "Gave us all the answers we needed when properly motivated."
Sydney blinked. How had they found Alexei? How had they known where to look for her? And had they motivated Alexei by torture or money? Had he given her up? She pressed the gun further into his neck. "How many others did you bring here with you?"
He coughed and tried to move, but she knocked his head into the wall.
"How many others?!" she necessitated.
"Like it really took more than me to catch you? You'll never get away. Wherever you run to--"
She kicked him once more in the stomach. Then, she dove the needle into his neck, emptying the contents of the syringe. His eyes widened madly and he laughed then slumped against the wall. She grabbed the hat off his head and his coat. She tucked her hair thoroughly underneath the hat, shed her own coat and put on his. She abandoned his cellphone and gun beside him. She slipped out of the alley and in a side entrance to the train station.
She looked at every passing person warily. None seemed interested in her. No more eyes struck her as familiar. Even if he had been the only one, they'd send more people when he didn't return. It was still possible he hadn't been alone. They'd "motivated" Alexei. Somehow he had betrayed her location. She couldn't stay here. Not even for her meeting with Sark. Perhaps she never should have come in the first place. It could all be a trap.
She slipped inside the closet. She pulled her bag back over her shoulder and shoved aside the boxes. The boy was sucking his thumb with teary eyes. He reached for her immediately. She pulled him into her arms and hugged him. She emerged from the closet slowly then took a brisk stride through the crowd and out of the train station. She continued down the sidewalk for two blocks before she dared stopping to hail a taxi.
It pulled up the curb and opened the door. She set down her bag on the seat and started to climb inside. In an instant, fire tore through her back. She squeaked in pain and pulled herself into the taxi. "GO!"
The taxi driver's foot stomped on the accelerator and her door slammed shut. Sydney hugged the baby in her lap with one arm. She glanced behind her looking for a person but not spotting anyone as the taxi went into heavy traffic.
"So, am I taking you any place in particular?" the driver inquired.
She breathed heavily, finally securing the child beside her and shedding the coat. She held it forcefully against her back. It was warm, wet and red in seconds. Her hands trembled.
"Ma'am, are you alright?" the driver questioned.
"Hyde Park," she choked out. "Just drop me at Hyde Park." She pressed the coat against her back firmly, keeping an eye out behind them for suspicious vehicles. She tried to be relieved that she didn't see any. She looked down at the boy beside her and took his hand. He looked up at her with curious blue eyes. She forced a smile for him. He stuck his thumb in his mouth.
She was dizzy by the time taxi halted and the driver announced, "Hyde Park."
She handed him the fair and gathered the child and the bag on the same arm. She braced herself and scooted out of the taxi. As it pulled it away, she set the boy on the ground beside her and held his hand. They walked a ways into the trees, before she finally stopped. She sank against the tree, released the child's hand and dug into her pocket. She flipped open her cellphone, took a deep breath and dialed quickly. It rang longer than it should have, but finally there was an answer. "Elliot....This is Sydney...Bristow. I know it's been a long time, but I need...I need your help."
It was dark and raining as Elliot urged Sydney into his apartment. She laid the boy to rest on a bed then turned to Elliot. He was an older man, in his late fifties. He looked at her with nearly fatherly eyes.
"Over five months, Miss Bristow. I'd been worried." As she winced, he sighed. "Apparently, with good reason." He gestured for her to lay down on the table and he examined her wound. "I'm not sure there's much I can do."
Sydney sighed. "I just need some more gauze."
"Your father will wonder why I didn't take better care of you." He secured fresh gauze to her back. "It's stopped bleeding for now, but you need proper medical care."
Sydney shook her head and sat up. "They'll be looking for that. I can't risk it. Did you get everything I asked?"
Elliot nodded. "New identity. Flight to L.A for you and the boy."
Sydney managed a small smile. "I'll get the money to you as soon as possible."
Elliot nodded, regarding her seriously. "I know you will."
Sydney shifted. "I'm going to change. Then we'll leave." She glanced at the sleeping child then slipped into the bathroom with a pair of sweats. They were slightly too big for her but were better than the blood stained clothes she'd had on before.
She re-emerged and picked up her bag. She winced slightly as she started to pick up the child.
"Let me help," Elliot offered.
"We're alright," Sydney responded.
Elliot picked up a blanket from the bed. "To keep him dry, at least."
"Thank you." Sydney wrapped the boy in the blanket and headed out into the night.
13 Hours Earlier
Sydney startled awake, surprised she'd even actually fallen asleep. The baby beside her rolled over and blinked his eyes open. She sat up and he watched her closely. He smiled at her. She forced a small smile back for him. She got them both dressed and washed up. Then, she picked him up and carried him out of the room and down the stairs into the kitchen.
Alexei was sitting at the table which was spread with breakfast foods all covered up. He was reading a book, but he looked up at her and smiled. "Good morning." His bright green eyes lit up slightly, and he gave the baby a small wave. He'd been up for awhile, waiting for her, she realized.
Sydney sighed and sat down at the table. "Good morning," she returned cautiously. She began fixing a plate shredding the pieces for the boy in her lap. The boy reached towards the plate, eating the shredded food eagerly.
Alexei shifted uncomfortably in the silence. "I know I know very little about you and that that's for the best."
Sydney glanced at him expectantly.
"What I do know is that you've recently been through something terrible. I don't know what you've had to do to stay alive, but, but you're okay now. You can relax with me." He gave her another smile. "Mr. Sark wanted you to be comfortable here."
She began fixing her own plate of breakfast, taking very small portions of the bread and eggs. She began to eat very slowly. She doubted she'd be feeling comfortable anywhere, anytime soon. She tried to soften her expression. "It's just hard...to be comfortable here right now. We're only a couple hours away from...." she trailed off. She looked him in the eye. "I am grateful, for all your help." She began eating again, despite that her stomach was already starting to hurt.
Alexei rose. "I packed a bag. It has food, bottles for the boy, diapers, money, cellphone in case of emergencies. Some bandages." He gave her a careful look. "Though, perhaps you should see a doctor before you leave. I know someone, someone we can trust..."
She shook her head. "I don't think we should risk anyone else knowing I was in contact with you. How long until my flight?"
"We should be at the airport in another hour," Alexei responded. He hung the bag upon a hook by the door. "If there's anything else you think you might need."
Sydney silently continued to eat for a moment. "I think you've covered everything." She turned her attention back to the child in her lap. "Slow down," she whispered lightly in his ear.
Alexei moved back to the table. He smiled at her approvingly. "He's a good boy."
Sydney looked from the child to Alexei and nodded. "Yes, he is."
"I hope my wife and I have a boy like him."
"You're married?"' Sydney confirmed.
Alexei nodded, his smile widening thoughtfully. "Two and a half years."
A small smile briefly appeared on Sydney's face. "What's her name?"
He beamed at her interest. "Ana."
Sydney suddenly frowned, looking almost guilty. "She must miss you while you're...here."
"Not as much as I miss her. She knows the work I do is important. She's glad I do it."
Sydney took a sip from a glass of water in silence.
Alexei tried to catch her eyes. "I'm glad I do it too."
Sydney hugged the child in her lap and rested her chin on his head. The boy stopped eating and curled up in her arms. "We're done," she said, softly.
She saw disappointment that they hadn't eaten more cross Alexei's face, but he managed not to say anything. He rose and began clearing dishes. She stood, moved the baby to one hip and began taking her dishes to the sink.
He looked at her. "You don't have to…" He trailed off when she looked back at him. He shifted, as if uncomfortable that he'd even tried to stop her.
"I know," she finally said. It just felt good to do something knowing she didn't have to. She let him alone with the dishes since she figured that it would truly make him uncomfortable if she tried to wash them.
When he finished, Alexei drove them to the airport.
The baby's arms were so tightly gripping her neck, he wondered she could breath. Alexei tried to keep his eyes on the road, but Sydney watched everything. Her eyes leapt from window to mirror and mirror to window. Nothing out the windows seemed to cause her serious expression to change. Was she expecting they were being followed?
"I assure you Miss Bristow, there is no one following us," he finally said. "I've been watching since we left, and taking precautions."
She stiffened, sitting quietly for a moment, just staring out the window.
He sighed, trying to think of a way to lighten the mood. "You both must be looking forward to seeing Mr. Sark, after all this time."
Sydney glanced at him and then began pointing out the window. "See the birds," she told the baby. She pointed out more sights the rest of the ride, saving Alexei from trying to come up with any more small talk.
He finally parked at the airport. Sydney climbed out, keeping the bag he'd given her on her shoulder and the baby in her arms.
Alexei got out as well and stood beside the car. "It was good to meet you. I hope you have a safe trip." He leaned into the car and held a winter coat out for her. "Just in case, the weather isn't good in London."
Sydney took it and gave him a smile. "Thank you, again, for everything."
He beamed.
Sydney turned towards the building, hesitantly.
"Sydney," he said. She turned her attention back to expectantly. He looked her in the eye. "You're going to be alright."
Her eyes momentarily glassy, Sydney blinked. She swallowed and nodded. "Good bye, Alexei." She turned her back to him, the baby against her shoulder.
"Good bye," he returned. He waved.
He was surprised to get a small wave in return, from the boy. The child was grinning at him. He smiled.
She started across the parking lot. Each step she took seeming more confidant than the last.
One Day Earlier
Sydney stared at the small room, not sure whether to move beyond a few steps in. The child in her arms was nearly asleep, only still sucking from the bottle when she nudged him slightly. She took stiff steps towards the bed and laid him down on it. He grasped at her neck. She pulled the blanket to cover him, pausing to run the cloth between her fingers. It was so soft. Nothing like the rough blankets she'd gotten so used to. She tucked it around and turned on her side, lying beside him. She stroked his white-blond hair until his breathing was soft and even.
Even after he was fast asleep, she couldn't relax enough to go to sleep as well. She rolled onto her back. Her breath still came out ragged and heavy. Her heart still pounded in her ears. Every noise registered, crashing into her mind. Alexei was shuffling below her, as he took care of food and dishes. Tree branches scraped at the house. The wooden floor boards creaked with the shifting of the winds outside. The rain pounded on the roof. There was the distant sound of cars on a road.
She swept eyes across the room numerous times, fearing she missed something with every sweep. It seemed wrong not to have traced the patterns of the wallpaper until she could picture them perfectly with her eyes closed. Wrong that she didn't know the location of every weakness in the floor or every crack in the wall or chip in the paint. Closing her eyes only seemed to make things worse.
She heard footsteps across the concrete floor, nearing the bed. Phantom footsteps. Slow, deliberate and familiar. She couldn't help but expect to be grabbed onto and ripped from the bed. Her eyes flew open again and she sat up. She touched the boy beside her just once lightly, needing tactile confirmation that he was still there.
She climbed out of the bed slowly, despite the way her back and legs stung and tingled. Her vision blurred momentarily, a wave of nausea sweeping through her. She took careful steps into the bathroom, then froze. Captured by an enemy she never expected. She moved her hand up to her face slowly, having to confirm with the action that it was her own reflection in the mirror.
She moved her boney fingers across sunken cheeks and pale skin. She fingered her stringy, dark hair, pulling at it and then letting it fall limply against her shoulders. Deep purple circles were beneath her eyes. Even the reflection of her wrist seemed far more painful than it should. She looked down and touched the bruised skin. Her fingers trembled. She pushed back the sleeves of her shirt, examining the scars and bruises. Her own fault. She felt her stomach absently, poking her tender ribs once and wincing.
She stepped out of the bathroom and sighed. The baby was still sleeping soundly. He'd been so exhausted. She went to the door, unlocking it and opening it cautiously. She took quiet steps, heading down the stairs. She paused as she reached the bottom step, hearing Alexei's voice. He was on the phone.
"Everything will be done just as you requested sir...no, I doubt there'll be any problems...They are both resting now...They look...like they've been through a lot...No, she looks far worse than the boy...She seemed very concerned and protective of him... She wouldn't even eat..."
Sydney stepped into the room.
Alexei jumped slightly to see her. "She's...awake," he said into the phone. After a pause, he awkwardly held it out to her. "Mr. Sark would like to speak with you."
Sydney took the phone slowly and pressed it to her ear. "Hello," she said, softly. Alexei stepped into the downstairs hallway to give her some privacy.
"Settled in?" Sark questioned.
"Yes," she answered, simply. She sighed and sunk into a chair at the table. "Thank you."
"Are you ready to tell me what on earth is going on?"
"It's complicated."
"Sydney," he said sharply.
"It'd be too difficult to tell you everything now. I could explain much better in person."
"Tell me something," he ordered.
She was silent a moment, then finally said, "The most important thing you need to know about the Syndicate."
"Who?"
"It's an organization of people who are convinced that Rambaldi was rightly executed. They believe that his manuscripts and inventions should have all been destroyed with him. They seek to destroy anything of his they can find, and anyone they can find who seem to be followers of him. Most recently, they've taken an interest in you."
"They were the ones launching attacks on my facilities," Sark realized.
"Yes," Sydney answered, tiredly. "The locations of those facilities were given to them."
"Given?" he questioned, obvious displeasure in his tone.
"They wanted information or else they would have killed your son." She rattled off an address near Kiev. "That's the location of the facility we were being held in."
There was a pause. "Sydney, how did they even find you?"
"I was involved in my own investigation and it led me right to them." She rose from the table, and lowered her voice. "Look, maybe I shouldn't have called you before, I just I didn't have a lot of options and...I thought since it involved your son, you might--"
"Sydney, I'm glad you called," he interjected. "I want to help...both of you, if you'll let me."
Sydney frowned slightly. "What do you want me to do?"
"Alexei will give you the proper money and identification to get a flight to London. I'll meet you at Victoria Station. Platform 12. 6pm, tomorrow. When you get here, you can explain everything, and then we'll figure out what to do."
"Okay," Sydney responded. "I'll see you then." She was ready to hang up the phone.
"Sydney?" Sark's voice came once more. "How is he?"
She glanced towards the stairwell, listening for any noise. "He's asleep."
"No, how is he really?"
She was silent a moment, debating how to explain. "We were there, a long time. The world is new to him. It's going to take some time for him to adjust." Sydney shivered slightly.
"You're really concerned about him, aren't you?" She couldn't believe how surprised Sark sounded.
Sydney bristled. "Of course I'm concerned! I love him. And if you had any idea what the past five months have been like for us, then you'd be just as concerned!"
"Sydney, calm down, please." He sighed. "We'll talk tomorrow."
"See you then." She responded emotionlessly and ended the call. She dropped it and clasped her hands trying to keep them from shaking.
Alexei appeared in the room again almost immediately. "Please, let me fix you something to eat."
Sydney shook her head. "I'm not hungry." She stood and turned towards the stairs. "I've been away from him too long already anyway."
Alexei moved to follow her. "I can tend to the boy if he wakes. Take some time to care for yourself." She placed a foot on the step and Alexei grabbed her arm. "Please--"
She spun on him, grabbing his hand firmly in her own. "If you touch me again, I'll break your hand. Clear?"
Alexei nodded, fighting a pained expression.
She released him and headed up the steps. She entered her room and locked the door behind her. She sat down on the bed, checking the baby. He whimpered lightly in his sleep, and she pulled him into her arms. She cuddled him closely until he was quiet again. As she laid him beside her once more, her own eyes drooped, and she gave into an exhausted sleep.
Review Replies
Grace: Yes, I know, there was zero Sark in Ch. 5. But the timeline of the story just went through a period where he hadn't been around. Thanks for reading.
Landi104: Jack? Oh you mean those voices at the end of Ch. 5. I can tell you that neither was Jack, but I'ml leaving it at that. Thanks for the review.
Niki & Mockingbird4: The closer I get to the beginning of the story, the more I think that THIS fic will not continue from where it starts. A sequel that goes forwards might...Thanks for reading.
equisetum: It's been an experience and a lot of work. I don't think I'll be writing backwards again anytime soon but I've been enjoying this too. I don't know how specifically you're questioning where Sydney was before she was with the Syndicate, but the basic answer, is that she was out researching Vaughn's death. Writing about the way every handled dealing with Sydney after her return was fun. Thank's for the review.
jennzabell: I don't know anything about a Scully-chip, but I think it sounds like you're on the right track with your questions. The answers to your questions in order after that are: No. You'll see. The escape is in the 2nd half of this chapter to be posted soon. No. (Um, interesting math but no) Answers to the other two questions coming soon. Rambaldi is a factor, but not in the normal way, as you can see from reading this chapter, they're just a group against Rambaldi rather than for. Love that I keep you guessing, I expect the ending to be pretty surprising, hopefully in a good way.
Lisa: I don't know about discouraged exactly, but I do love the reviews that I get. I have had a bit of writer's block on this fic lately. Detailed reviews are surely the cure. ;)
sarsy: Aw, sorry I confused you. I think it's sort of a side-effect of this story. Confusion. There's some interesting things to note in that final conversation, but don't be so sure you know who's on the phone. The goal of the Syndicate as explained in this chapter is to destroy Rambaldi and stop his followers. In the previous chapter, she explained ho w she got in her way. Anyway, thanks for reviewing, I missed you last update. And I know you keep asking that I keep the chapters as long as they are, but splitting them gives me more time to complete updates, as well as more opportunities for reviews. Plus, I think it's a bit easier to digest, and reviews focus on more than just the very last "big" scene. ;) Didn't want you to think I was just ignoring your request, but I have my reasons.
