The plane soon lands touching down on the tarmac strip. They disembarked and met a contact under the name of Dru, who informed them of the exact location of the caves which had been confirmed since they left. She took them to the entrance of the caves and lent Vaughn a van to work in equipped with everything they needed. They waited in the van until they had clearance to proceed.
"You have everything?" Vaughn asked.
"Think so." Syd replied, checking the small rucksack.
Just then a crackled voice came through the radio: "You're good to go." It was Weiss, back in L.A.
Jack looked at Sydney, "Okay, let's go".
"Hold on a minute", she said as she walked up to Vaughn and hugged him tightly.
"You'll be fine, Sydney".
"I know. I love you". She pulled back slightly and tilted her head up to his lips. He put his arms around her waist and she moved her arms around his neck. Their kiss was brief, yet deep and passionate.
Vaughn pulled away and rested his forehead against hers. "I'll see you when you get back. Be safe."
Syd replied in a hushed voice, "Okay. Thank you".
Vaughn's only response was to give her a small smile as she slowly walked away to where her father was standing.
Jack's face, as always, without an expression, although for a moment she thought she saw something flash in his eyes - happiness maybe - before they turned back to his usual stony expression. She must've been imagining it, her father had never liked Vaughn and he probably wasn't a fan of their public affection. "Sorry dad. Are we ready to go?"
"I think so." Then looking at Vaughn he said, "We'll contact you if we need you."
"Okay, I'll see you when you get back with the DNA. Good luck."
"Bye", she said and with one last glance at Vaughn and climbed out of the van with her father.
Little conversation passed between them as they made their way to the caves, their minds both focused on the mission.
Every step Sydney made towards the cave, the more nervous she became. I'What if it wasn't there? What if someone already had it?'/I It comforted her a little that Jack and Vaughn were there with her, if it wasn't for them she probably wouldn't have come this far.
As they approached the entrance, Jack saw that Sydney was clearly scared. "You okay?"
"I'll be fine. Let's just get this over and done with", and then she said, through her comms link to Vaughn, "Base, we're at the entrance. Is it safe to proceed?"
"Looks clear. If it's deep enough down, we might lose radio contact, so be very careful".
"Will do. We're going in", she said as she signalled to Jack that she was entering the caves.
Inside it was dim as the only light came from the small entrance which she just came through. It was slightly damp and eerie and it looked like the caves and tunnels went on for miles. She turned around to see her father coming through behind her, getting out the tracking device. He turned it on and immediately a small screen flashed on, indicating to them the co-ordinates that has been confirmed by APO.
"It looks like it's further down." Syd said, getting the torch out from her backpack.
As they proceeded down the tunnels, they eventually came to a third cave where light was filtering from a small gap in the roof of the cave and a spring was bubbling nearby.
"This is it". Jack stated looking around the cave until his eyes came to rest on a large carved hole in the furthest wall.
"Sht". Syd muttered under her breath. This could only mean one thing - someone had beat them to it. Jack went to have a closer look but she just stood frozen in place.
He spoke into his comms unit: "The DNA's missing".
Jack heard Vaughn's disappointed sigh before he spoke. "That makes sense. Marshall's just been in contact with us, he said they've found satellite footage over that area. About twelve years ago a man entered those caves...but what's weird is that he didn't come out with the DNA."
"What do you mean? That it might just have been moved deeper inside the caves?" Jack said looking at Sydney still rooted to the spot.
"Maybe. You'll have to keep on moving further down to find out".
"Meet us at the entrance to the second cave."
That caught Sydney's attention, "Dad, what are you doing?"
Vaughn echoed Syd over the comms "What! Why?"
"Just do it Agent Vaughn!"
shock!horror!
What is going on? Find out next chapter...
Thanks for the review Bree, I'm glad you like the fic.
