3 days. That's good, right? Hehe…

I went out and got into my rental car, preparing to drive back to the airport. I rested my head on the steering wheel as I put the key in the ignition and thought back over the conversation that had just taken place. I had just gotten it started when I heard the passenger door open. I looked up to see Jack seating himself and shutting the door.

"What are you doing?" I questioned tiredly.

"Escorting you to the airport, of course." I stared at him, and he continued to look out the windshield. Finally, he turned to me.

"Well?"

"Jack, if you're here to lecture me on-" he cut me off.

"Michael, how often do I lecture you?" I said nothing.

"That's right. I'm not going to do so now either. However, we do need to talk." I finally pulled the car away and started towards the airport again.

"What about?" I asked warily after a bout of silence.

"I think you know."

"I don't think I do Jack." I could feel him glaring at me. In all honesty, I was just hoping to delay for another seven minutes, so I could get to the airport and avoid the conversation. I should've known Jack wouldn't allow that.

"Michael, you can answer the question as you drive, or I can make you stop this vehicle right here. It's your call."

"You can't be serious!" I protested, glancing at him briefly.

"Do I look anything but serious?"

"No. Not like you ever do…" I mumbled. As he looked at me out of the corner of his eye, I got the distinct feeling that he had heard me anyway.

"Vaughn."

"Ok, fine. What do you want me to say, Jack?"

"It's not about what I want you to say, Vaughn. It's about what you need to say."

"I cannot accept the possibility that she might be dead. Jack, that is too much for me to handle. I don't think I can face life in this world if the infallible Sydney Bristow isn't in it, somewhere."

"Vaughn, I understand how you're feeling. Believe me, I do. Sydney is all I have left in this world, and there would be no justice in her death. But just the same, we all have to recognize the possibility that she may indeed be dead. We have to know that, and we each need to find a way to deal with it. None of us like the possibility, but trying to hide in denial is not going to help anything in the long run. Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

Keeping my eyes focused on the road, more so I wouldn't have to meet his than anything else, I sighed. After a moment, I gave a reluctant nod. I took a moment to organize my thoughts and my words before finally speaking.

"Jack, I know it's a possibility. I realize that, I really do. But it's hard to accept, and even harder to admit out loud. I didn't intend to upset anyone, or incite an argument with Sark, but… I don't know, maybe I think that if I just don't acknowledge the chance that she could be gone…" I trailed off and glanced at him quickly. His eyes were shut, and he was nodding softly.

"I understand."

The remaining two minutes were passed in relative silence. We had given each other a number of things to think about, and we both had a multitude of other thoughts going on. Suddenly, one more occurred to me, and I glanced to Jack again. He looked up and caught my eye.

"What is it?"

"What are you going to do once we get to the airport? I don't imagine you should risk being seen there."

"You would be correct. You're going to drop me off in front of the airport, where Irina and Sark will pick me up in a few minutes."

"A few minutes? Jack, I know she drives fast, but isn't that pushing it?" He shook his head certainly.

"It's only fifteen minutes from where we were to here. Besides, she's been following us."

"What?" This alarmed me; I had seen nothing suspicious.

"Not that closely. She's quite a ways back- I can't even see her now. But she's there, just close enough to get me within minutes of your dropping me off." I marveled at their organization, knowing they'd had just moments to put that together.

"What about Dixon?"

"He'll be on a plane in an hour. We didn't want to take any chances of connecting the two of you." Moments later, we were approaching the airport.

"Pull over right there," Jack said, directing me. I did as he said. As soon as I stopped, he pushed his door open.

"Vau- Michael, be careful. Keep what I said in mind. I'll be in touch." And with that, he faded into the crowd.

A little while later, I was on a plane back to LA, attempting to sleep. A million thoughts ran through my mind, all at once, and I couldn't make sense of any of them. They were also far too active to allow for sleep. Finally I was home, and I suddenly found myself exhausted, mentally and emotionally. After greeting Donovan, I made my way to my room and collapsed onto the bed, sinking deeply into a much needed, pleasantly dream free sleep.

I actually had this finished last night… well, this morning around 3… but I was too tired by that point to form cohesive replies to all the feedback from last chapter, so I decided to wait until today to post it.

~HoneyB: You'd categorize this as one of the best SydMissing fics? Wow, thanks!

~iceskatebaby: Had to bring Dixon in… he's too awesome to be left out!

~Lainie: I replied to you at SD-1… did you get the PM?

~JJ: Joining the ranks of the thread stalkers? Hehe you guys rock.

~miss.pebbles: Sarky did indeed come into it with Irina, back in (let me look…) chapter 8, I think…

~SecretAgentGirl: Glad you're relieved! Can't wait for more… is this soon enough? :D

~Jade: ADD-ness won't allow it? Hmm… guess I'll have to bring Francie back soon then, won't I?

~mary_d: I try to be quick, certain people stalk me if I don't… thanks for the comments!

~Jubilee: I think I can manage at least a little S/V goodness… but not too much, that would throw me off I think…

~rin: Just to beg for an update?? Hehe… uh… look at the pretty flowers… ;)