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Chappie #5 – Welcome Back
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We didn't have to wait long to find out how my father would react, because he popped out of his office to welcome me back.

"Good job in India, Sydney. It's good to have you back." he said.

I put my arms out to hug him and his demeanor suddenly changed. He hugged me back, but withdrew quickly.

"Sydney, can we talk in my office?" he asked.

"Sure. What about?" I asked, looking to Vaughn.

"Nothing important." my father replied.

"Alright. Vaughn, I'll meet you in debrief as soon as I'm done." I said, giving him a look that said 'he knows.' Vaughn nodded and I joined my father in his office.

"What is it Dad?" I asked innocently.

"What is this about!" he asked angrily, grabbing my left hand.

"It's a ring Dad. What are you so upset about?" I asked, nearly shouting.

"Because Michael Vaughn asked you to marry him without consulting me first! If someone like him is going to take away my only daughter, he should at least ask me about it!" he shouted.

"Just like Danny - who you rejected - right! I always knew you never thought anyone was good enough for me! Well you know what? You won't get the last word this time. I love Vaughn and he loves me. That's that and this conversation is over!" I yelled, fighting back tears as I walked toward the door.

"Sydney, wait-" he started.

"No Dad. We're not discussing this anymore. I will marry Michael Vaughn, whether you approve or not." I said, walking out of his office.

I noticed Vaughn was still standing right where I left him as tears began to stream down my face. He saw me and immediately rushed over, taking me in his arms.

"Ssh. Syd, it'll be alright." he said, rubbing little circles on my back. He saw Dixon walking toward his office and pulled away from me.

"Hey, why don't I go talk to Dixon and see if he'll let us go home after debrief? Does that sound good?" he asked. I nodded.

"Okay. I'll be right back." he said, kissing my forehead.

"I think I'll go talk to Carrie while you talk to Dixon." I said.

"Okay. I'll come get you as soon as I'm done." he replied, walking toward Dixon's office. I decided to go to Marshall's office to see if I could find Carrie.

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VAUGHN'S POV
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Damn Jack for being so hard on her. Doesn't he see how he tears her up inside? I thought angrily.

I knew that Jack Bristow had a particular dislike for me, but why did he have to be this way to Sydney? That never made any sense to me. I mulled over the concept a little more before walking into Dixon's office.

"Agent Vaughn, what can I help you with?" he asked.

"Sydney's not feeling well, so I wondered if you would let us go home after debrief so I can look after her." I said.

"I see no problem with that. Since that encounter with Sark in India, she has seemed a little worn out." he replied.

"She just hasn't been feeling herself lately." I explained.

"It would seem that way. Well, I'll see the two of you in debriefing in 15 minutes." he said.

"Thanks." I responded, turning to leave.

"Agent Vaughn?" Dixon said, catching my attention.

"Yes?" I asked as I turned back to face him.

"Congratulations." he replied. I looked at him, puzzled.

"How did you-?" I began.

"It's not every day you have such a glow and an overly caring attitude towards a fellow female agent after the mysterious presence of a ring on your left hand." he said with a smile.

"Thanks." I said smiling.

"Give my best to Sydney, and make sure you're both on time for debriefing." Dixon said. I nodded and left to go find Sydney.

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Meanwhile...SYDNEY'S POV
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I walked into Marshall's office and saw him teaching Carrie how to use one of his latest gadgets.

"Hey Marshall." I said, making my presence known.

"Oh, hey Syd. What's up?" he asked.

"Well, I'd hate to break up your tutoring session, but do you mind if I borrow Carrie for a little while?" I asked sweetly.

"Sure Sydney. Marshall honey, I'll be back later." Carrie replied, taking my hand and leading me away.