Collision Course

Sydney and Vaughn stepped into the marketplace, looking around for
their contact. Vaughn tapped Sydney on the shoulder and motioned to
the corner. Mallory Crawford sat in the corner sipping a
coffee. "Here we go," said Sydney, following Vaughn towards the
corner where Mallory Crawford awaited their arrival.

"I hear the ice in Siberia never melts," he said to the woman in a
thick Russian accent.

"Yes, and the snow continues through the year," she replied, looking
up and surveying the two who had approached her. The man wore plain
pants and a button down shirt, his hair kept neat and tidy. The
woman had her hair, which appeared to be of a significant length,
pulled back in a tight bun, and wore a pair of slacks, a thin sweater
and tortoise-shell glasses, peering at her through them as she
responded to the man's comment. "Mr. and Mrs. Korsokov, I presume?"

"As far as you are concerned," said Vaughn, maintaining the Russian
accent as he and Sydney pulled up chairs to sit with Mallory.
Mallory lowered her coffee to the table and surveyed the two who
joined her. "So how can I be of service to Russian Intelligence?"
she asked, smiling a truly wicked grin.

"Actually," said Sydney, her voice also thick with a Russian accent,
having spoken for the first time, "We are here, a bit more
independantly." She sighed and leaned over the table, as if to speak
more secretly, adding, "Our position requires us to go through
appropriate channels, but the weapon we need to acquire is much too
important. We do not have time to do this in accordance with our
government's policies, so we would ike to employ you on a -
confidential basis."

Mallory nodded and smiled. "Sounds like a challenge, and I never
turn away from a challenge," she said, examining them closely. "So
when do you need me to acquire the weapon in question?"

Vaughn slid a plain folder towards her across the table. "As soon as
possible. All the information you require is there- including half
the payment, as agreed upon," he said.

Mallory nodded again. "Unfortunately, my immediate participation is
not possible. I am set to leave this very afternoon for Lisben-
another job for yet another happy employer. I will contact you as
soon as I return. I assume you've included contact protocols."

Vaughn nodded, and said, "That will be acceptable. And yes,
everything you need to know is in that folder." He extended his hand
to shake Mallory's. "Pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Crawford."

Mallory accepted his hand and shook it. "Yes, indeed, Mr. Korsokov,"
she said, standing. "If you will excuse me, I have a flight to
catch. I'll be in touch." She nodded once more and then promptly
disappeared from the marketplace.

Sydney and Vaughn, to maintain their cover, left the marketplace and
headed to a hotel closeby where they had a room rented that had
already been swept for listening devices. Once inside, Sydney used
her communication watch to contact APO. "We have the location, but
her timetable must have been moved up- she is on her way now."

Sloane sighed through the communicator. "Well, Sydney, Vaughn, I
suppose you know what this means," he said.

Vaughn shook his head. "We're going directly to Lisben," he said,
looking up at Sydney. "So much for a quick mission."

**************** END OF PART 3 ***************************