Setting the scene: The underground Section One Operation Center, specifically, the partly glass-enclosed briefing room above and overlooking the main floor of the Section.

Everyone took his or her places at the briefing table. Nikita sat next to Michael and Stanley, the Team C leader. Madeline was between Walter and Birkoff. All sat facing Operations who was standing in front of the holo-display. They quietly waited for Operations to begin. A full minute passed. Operations looked towards the door once and glanced back at Madeline, who began to rise from her seat. Just then a young man stepped into the room and came to the table. Madeline sat back down. Operations stared at the young man with a look of annoyance and impatience. He gestured the latecomer to a seat and began talking immediately.

"Nice of you to finally join us Mr. Dankin. Have you finished studying the target profile?"

"Yes sir, sorry to be late."

"For those of you unfamiliar with Drew Dankin, he is a special use operative brought in expressly for this next mission. He is temporarily under my control for the duration. Birkoff, outline the Program for us."

"Yes sir." Birkoff sits up straighter in front of his laptop and begins.

"The target is the contents of a wall safe highly protected and inaccessible by conventional methods. It's in the principal residence of Adrianna de Mornay, a widow of the Campion mobster family operating out of San Francisco. Dankin is primary operative for the mission. He will infiltrate the de Mornay estate and win the confidence of the target. The primary goal is distraction of the target to allow time enough for Team B to access the safes' contents. The security is state of the art and very impressive." He looks directly at Operations to finish,

"We're still awaiting final confirmation of secure surveillance implantation at the estate sir." Nodding acknowledgment to Birkoff, Operations continues the briefing.

"Mr. Dankin will specifically gain the confidence of Ms. de Mornay and seduce her. Drew continue with the profile intel." Dankin clears his throat before continuing as ordered.

"We know for certain that de Mornay has a vicious temper. When her jealousy is aroused or a person falls suspect, she takes immediate and deadly action. The pattern began with her late husband, Emilio de Mornay whom she caught with another woman. She castrated her husband and then gut shot him, watching as he slowly and agonizingly bled to death. She followed the pattern with at least two other men in her life that we know of, there may be more. She can be ruthless, tough as steel and completely deadly. I've constructed a cover as a down and out hustler with a gambling problem and a very big debt. Michael will orchestrate Team C to act as collection toughs, rough me up some and hopefully add credibility to my story. After I feel she's pliable, I'll seduce her and keep her occupied while Team B hits the safe. I'll of course assist with disabling any internal security I can access." Operations nods to Dankin and turns to Michael.

"Michael get Teams B and C briefed ASAP. We move on the target within six hours. Walter work with Birkoff to finish up the surveillance placement. Everyone but Nikita, Drew and Madeline are dismissed. Let's move!"

When the others leave, Operations turns to Madeline questioningly. She rises and walks to stand in front of Drew. She smiles and confronts him, eyes level and appraising. Always appraising.

"Drew, there was some concern as to your availability for this mission. Are you able to perform as required?" He looks at her somewhat cavalierly and tries to project an air of confidence.

"I'm fine Madeline, ready to go." She smiles slightly at him.

"Please stand Drew." She next turns to Nikita.

"Nikita, you heard Drew referred to as a special use operative. The special use is his ability to charm, coerce, seduce and sexually perform at our will. His last assignment didn't go quite as planned and has cast some doubt as to the advisability to use him on this mission." Drew colors at this pronouncement. Nikita glances at him, wondering why she is being informed of his shortcomings.

Madeline continues, "Nikita, do you find Drew attractive or appealing? Please be honest."

Nikita moistens her lips and turns to study Drew. He was approximately 6'0", 175 lbs., lean, but in good shape. His eyes were deep blue with hazel flecks, hair chestnut brown and somewhat unruly. His features were pleasant, narrow nose sprinkled with light freckles, not too full lips, a little pouty, firm cheekbones and dimples in each cheek; eyebrows nicely shaped and expressive. She sat back in her chair and looked him up and down as if appraising a horse. He stood there and took it, quite unabashedly, even dropping one hip suggestively, in an attempt to act casually about the ordeal.

"How old are you Drew?" He answers her directly and smiles.

"I'm 24, and I know, I have a babyface. I get carded at every bar."

Nikita smiles back at him and turns in her seat to address Madeline, "He's cocky yet unsure. I'd say he has a confidence problem. But he is attractive in a boyish way." Drew stares at her, his eyes grow darker and a grin is playing at his mouth corners.

Madeline steps back suddenly saying, "Drew, take Nikita right here, use the briefing table." Operations glances at Madeline, but remains silent, standing slightly behind her and observing. Drew grins openly and looks at Nikita with hooded eyes. His entire demeanor has instantly changed from nervous young man to sexual predator.

Nikita quickly rises taking a defensive stance. She shouts aloud, "I didn't come here to be raped and I won't allow it now. You can cancel both of us!"

Drew notes her position and continues to come at her. She waits for him to get into range, then launches a kick to the groin followed by a left hook to the jaw. He counters both moves and is on her in a split second. He forces her against the tabletop face and chest down, her rear end protruding. He struggles slightly against her unexpected strength.

"Knock it off!" she shouts, getting angrier by the minute. He grins wider, breathing heavier with his efforts, but doesn't stop. Madeline and Operations stand quietly by.

Drew pins her arms up against her chest and in one swift, practiced motion uses a free hand to pull her short skirt dress up and her panties down. She can't free herself and tries to twist around to bite him. Both are grunting with effort. He has both of her legs pinned painfully against the tablesides with his stance, preventing a backward kick.

Michael is below and looks up to see Nikita struggling with him. He also notes that both Operations and Madeline are calmly looking on. He stands watching from below, unsure if he should interfere. He knows this must be a test of some kind, but Nikita looked genuinely angry. Others in the area see him watching and turn to look up as well. The struggle is clearly visible in its entirety to those watching. Nikita hears his jeans zipper open and increases her struggles. Her face is reddened and furious. He has a firm grip on her that she can't break.

"No! Drew stop it!"

"Oh come on Nikita, a little fun won't hurt you."

"Madeline! Stop this!" She grunts as he pushes down, crushing himself onto her.

Michael decides on action and heads for the elevator doors. By now Drew is bent over her rear pushing against her back, adding his weight to hold her down against the table. He is enjoying toying with her, prolonging the act itself. Using one leg, he pushes against her calf, spreading her legs further apart. Quickly he inserts himself partially into her opening, not at all as roughly as Nikita had expected. Just then Michael flies in through the doorway.

"Michael stop!" Madeline calls out, halting him. Operations moves to block, grabbing Michael's arms and holding him.

Madeline steps up to Drew and touches his arm. He stops and looks to her. "That's enough. Let her go." she says quietly.

Michael stands by watching silently. Operations releases him, saying nothing. Drew quickly stands away and closes his zipper. Nikita stands up and turns with one swift motion punching Drew in the jaw. He falls back landing hard on his rear. He half expected it and sat a moment shaking his head to clear it. Nikita immediately starts for him on the floor, but Madeline steps between them. Speaking firmly and quietly,

"It's over Nikita. We wouldn't actually allow it to happen. We needed both your reaction and Michael's."

Nikita stands still and breathes hard, glancing to Michael beneath her bangs. The crowd that had gathered below begins to disperse.

Drew stands and offers, "No hard feelings Nikita? It was only acting after all…" he tilts his head questioningly at her, normally a very endearing gesture on him. Nikita bares her teeth at him and hisses turning to Madeline.

"Is there really a mission here or was this it?"

Operations smiles lightly and moves to stand before her. "There really is a de Mornay mission, this was a collateral intel mission."

Madeline moves to stand nearer Nikita, placing her arm around Nikita's waist. "Thank you Drew, you may leave."

Drew chuckles as he heads for the door, glancing back to wink at Nikita as he exits. Michael follows him with his eyes, speaking volumes with his expression. Drew nods in passing to Michael and continues out the door. Nikita looks confused and turns again to Madeline who speaks before she can.

"He was acting Nikita. He had no problem on his last mission. He wanted to demonstrate his abilities for us. He is also quite ruthless, passionate, manipulative and deadly. Remember that. You know looks can be deceiving and he is very, very good at deception."

Operations continues for both of them, "He comes highly recommended, despite his tender years. I think he'll do a good job for us. I want both of you to work with him, I expect full support and cooperation. Put this demonstration behind you. Is that clear?" He looks to Michael, who nods slightly, then back at Nikita, who also nods, clenching her jaw closed defiantly. Madeline rubs her back soothingly, leading her out of the room.

"I know that was rough Nikita, but put it behind you. You handled yourself as well as could be expected." They walk back to Madeline's office. Nikita glancing once over her shoulder towards Michael and the briefing room. She was concerned what they would do to him.

Operations remained behind in the room with Michael. He lit a cigarette and sat on the edge of the table. Hardness returned to his posture and his voice.

"You've been with us for awhile now. You are our best trainer, our best team leader. Hell, our best Operative period. Don't let her bring you down Michael." Michael says nothing in reply, simply waits for the rest of it. The ultimatum was coming. "You saw what was happening and came to her defense."

"I came to find out what was happening."

"You could see very plainly what was happening. She was about to be raped before your eyes." He moves from the tabletop and stands looking out the glass overhang. "You're protective of her and intended to rescue her, admit it." Michael glances away through the glass to below, his jaw set obstinately, eyes smoldering with penned up anger.

"That's very dangerous Michael. I expect you to immediately alter your perceptions. You know the consequences if you don't, for both of you." Michael turns his head slowly, looking him in the eye and nods once. Silently, he turns to leave the way he entered.

A short while later, Drew is with Walter checking over miniature radio/short wave equipment that he would take with him onto the de Mornay estate. Michael walks into the area and Walter perceptively steps a short distance away, giving them room. Drew looks up smiling and greets him innocently.

"Hello Michael. Are you lost, or just dropping by to menace me?" Michael glares at him with quiet dark green eyes, his face set and hardened.

"If I were you Drew, I'd concentrate on staying whole, remember what de Mornay does to men who betray her."

"I read her psyche profile Michael, I know exactly what she is. What's really bothering you? Don't like me playing with your girlfriend?" He grins at Michael, unaffected by the glower that meets his eyes. He continues to push adding,

"Rumors sure do spread fast for a secret security force, don't they Michael?" Walter's eyebrows arch and he quickly moves to close the bay doors, shutting the area off from prying eyes and giving them privacy for a few precious moments. Michael grabs him by the shirtfront, nearly hauling him off his feet.

"Easy Michael. I AM the kind to kiss and tell you know. Don't bruise the merchandise." Drew relaxes in the grip, making himself a dead weight against Michael's arms.

Michael releases him, next grabbing him by the throat in a one-handed Karate grip. He pulls Drew's face close to his. Drew is turning red from lack of air, mouth gaping. "Watch yourself Drew, that's the best advice I can give you."

Walter is smiling broadly, enjoying the show. The little snot was squirming after all, how nice, he thought.

Michael finally releases him, pushing him away and turning in a single motion. Walter opens the bay doors winking to Michael in passing, then returns to assist Drew with the equipment, never uttering a word to the newcomer.

Later, Drew, Michael, Birkoff and two Team C members are piled into a Section van and on their way. Drew is dropped off near a salon where Ms. de Mornay frequents. He would make first contact there. Michael and the small team positioned themselves behind the block and opened the communications link with Drew. Everything he said and did was monitored, recorded and analyzed back at Section One Operations by Madeline and Birkoff's comm-sub.

First contact went well. Drew was noticed and spoken to by the target Ms. de Mornay. He was even invited to dinner at the estate later that evening. Drew was a fast worker. Madeline watched and listened over the com-link and was amazed at the easy, confident style in someone so young. Clearly the target saw him as an easy one-night fling. She was definitely attracted to him -- flirting overtly and with abandon. He was charming and oozed sexiness from his pores. Madeline shook her head, very impressed. Operations came over to the com-station to look in.

"How's Drew doing?"

"Very, very well. Beyond my expectations. She doesn't seem at all suspicious of him."

"Good. Is Michael still standing by?"

"Yes. As soon as Drew is in the open, he'll send the team in to rough him up."

"Will de Mornay's body guard interfere?"

"I don't think so. They'll keep her out of harm's way, but they don't owe him that same protection."

"Tell Michael to begin sequencing." orders Operations.

Shortly thereafter, Drew steps out of the salon walking ahead of de Mornay and her escort guard. Team C steps out from the corner of the building and grabs Drew roughly. As predicted, the bodyguards hustle their charge off into her limo, ignoring the plight of Drew. Once inside, she orders the limo to stay while she watches the outcome of the scuffle. Team C gives Drew a hard time, but avoids any severe damage to his face and only moderate body bruising. Their argument was clearly heard by the limo's passenger. Team C withdraws, leaving him sprawled on the concrete. He was acting hurt for his audience. Ms. de Mornay orders one of her men to go assist him. The guard brings Drew back to the limo, pushing him inside and onto the floor. He lies there looking as pitiful as possible, garnering instant sympathy from the target.

Back at the Operation Center, Madeline looks on. The limo driver returns the passengers to the estate. Drew is helped to an upstairs bedroom where a butler brings him an ice bag for a compress.

Soon, the target enters.

"So how much money do you owe them Drew?" He's sitting on the edge of the bed holding a cold compress against his jaw.

"You don't have to get involved with this Adrianna. I'll handle it."

She walks over and stands above him, taking his face in her hands and holding his head up at a sharp, uncomfortable angle. Her eyes are hard and silently communicate no - nonsense.

"You will answer me when I ask a question. Is that clear?" He grins and tries to nod. He places his hands on her hips and pulls her closer. His head is just at her bustline, nearly leaning on her.

"I owe them $20 thousand and gaining, the interest escalates daily."

"You bad, bad boy. Gambling can be painful, can't it." she was now tussling his hair. He gazed up at her with feigned blatant adoration. She enjoys it, hugging his face deeply into her bosom.

"Did they hurt you badly?" He pulls his head out from her embrace to answer.

"No, I'll be fine. May I take a shower?" She tussles his hair some more, running her long, immaculately manicured nails through his scalp and down his neck.

"Of course you may. Undress, I want to see if they bruised you too badly."

Back at Operations, Madeline smirks; he was very good this Dankin. Michael was also monitoring from the van and snorted at the obvious play.

The man is nothing but an exhibitionist he thinks to himself, continuing to watch the proceedings. Several of the bedrooms, baths, living room, poolroom and hallways in the house were wired for sight & sound. Most of it was existing internal security that Birkoff hacked into and used to piggy-back Section feeds.

Drew was down to his socks and jocky briefs by now. Ms. de Mornay was lounging on the bed watching him undress and grinning like a Cheshire cat.

Drew didn't hesitate in stripping down bare, even turning as on display so she could see if he was actually bruised. Some marks were visible, but nothing serious. She beckoned him to come closer and he stood before her, his bare midsection on level with her face. She cupped his buttocks in her hands and leaned in to kiss his abdomen.

"Poor baby, they did hurt you, I'll have to make you feel better now won't I?"

Drew began to gently push the shoulders down of the loose fitting dress she was wearing, soon her ample breasts were exposed, which he then fondled and caressed. She breathed in sharply, pulling him closer to her. They fell across the bed and he continued to undress her, all the while his erection grew. She didn't care to be kissed on the face or mouth, but everywhere else was encouraged. Soon, they were in hot embrace, Drew working to please her as best he could. She directed him as if coaching a schoolboy, until she climaxed with a loud groan. He followed immediately, now sweaty from the exertion. She pushed him away, ordering him to bathe and then return to her.

Smiling coquettishly, he obeyed and hurriedly took a shower. Under three minutes later he returned to her with hair still damp and they coupled again, this time Drew using several special techniques he knew and really performing for her. She was an appreciative client and was soon purring under his attentions. She climaxed twice more.

Again, back at Section Operations, Madeline observed quietly, keeping her thoughts to herself. Operations came over to the com-station again and looked in. He is amazed at what he sees and asks Madeline as an aside, "Where did he learn all that I wonder?" Madeline smirks at him and shrugs lightly.

"If it pleases the target, that's all that matters in the end."

Back in the van, Michael and Team C also monitor the events in the bedroom. At least one of the team was getting turned on just observing. Michael notices the man's discomfort and orders him out of the van to take a short reconnaissance stroll. I hope Dankin doesn't exhaust himself before we can act. He knows we can't move until full nightfall… he thinks.

Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, Drew is breathing hard and lying on his back with Ms. de Mornay draped over his lower abdomen. Her needs met and a comfort zone reached, she's now fallen asleep and begins to snore. He waits until she's in deep R.E.M., about 30 minutes, then gently extricates himself out from under her. He pretends to go into the bathroom, but actually ducks out of sight of the security camera and hugs the wall under it. He plants a miniature jamming device near the recessed lens and activates it. Immediately, the picture fails, as if experiencing technical problems. He proceeds to cover the room, looking for the audio receivers and locates and jams two of them, crushing a third. He checks on the sleeping beauty and satisfies himself that she's still sleeping. He pulls on his jeans and boots and exits the room, again careful of remaining out of sight of known camera lenses.

The layout of the entire mansion is in his mind as he makes his way to a lower level access room, housing the major electrical and electronic junctures. He quickly scans for the areas he needs to boobytrap and proceeds to tuck miniature devices next to each key area. He's keeping an inner track on the elapsed time and hurries as 15 minutes nears its end. Ms. de Mornay wouldn't sleep much longer. Birkoff, in the nearby van, adds each new link Drew creates to the master sequence. The net is finally in place as Drew hurries back to the room.

He removes his boots and jeans and dashes in to turn on the shower just as Ms. de Mornay awakens. She's momentarily angered that he's not in the bed next to her. He pops his wet head and upper body out of the doorway to the bathroom, calling to her over the water's noise, "I'm just grabbing another shower, I hope that's all right Adrianna?" She's annoyed and looks it, but relents as he gives her his most charming, innocent smile, eyebrows pinched up as if seeking her approval.

"See that you hurry. I'm going to change for dinner. You should find something to wear in one of the wardrobes. Dress nicely for me Drew."

"All right Adrianna, I'd love to please you." and smiles radiantly again for her. She exits the room and strides towards her own suite down the hall. One of her security men intercepts her en route.

"Ms. de Mornay, the video and audio in the room you just left is acting up, should I go in to check it?"

"No, my guest is dressing for dinner, see that he's escorted to the dining room as soon as he's ready. Then you can check the room."

"Yes ma'am." He ducks away to go stand by the guest room door.

Now Drew is unable to sneak out undetected. He listens from behind the door with a small amplifier. He picked up the entire conversation between the two just outside. Sighing, he finishes his shower and stands naked in front of one of the two massive wardrobes. I wonder if her previous guests wore any of these? he asks himself, poking through the mass of shirts, jackets, ties, and slacks of various sizes and styles. He settles on a Ralph Lauren ensemble, jacket of modern, loose cut medium blue wool and matching suit slacks. He then chooses a shirt and tie to complete the look.

Five minutes later he's appraising his choices on himself in the full length mirror by the window. Pleased, he mounts the tiny video and audio link to his shirt collar and opens the door to the room. The escort is waiting for him. The man grins at him and silently leads Drew to the dining room. He arrives before his host and sits where instructed, quietly waiting for her. A butler asks if he'd like a drink and he declines, preferring to wait for the lady of the house. When Adrianna enters the room he stands and moves to the back of her chair. She appraises his attire and smiles her approval.

"You look very handsome Drew. I see the Ralph Lauren fits you perfectly."

He leans over and offers her his hand to help seat her, smiling largely.

"Thank you Adrianna. Your graciousness and generosity are appreciated." He then kisses her hand, continental style and gently pushes in her chair for her. She sits with shoulders back, waiting for him to continue.

"You look quite lovely, that pastel lavender suits you perfectly."

"Thank you. Now, let's get down to business. My late husband always discussed business at the table, I continue the tradition." She fixes him with a cold calculating stare. "How much would you need to satisfy this debt of yours? Be accurate."

He swallows and smiles.

"I'm not asking you to pay my debts Adrianna." Trying to sound modest.

"Of course not, you just adore f**king older women for the fun of it, come now, I wasn't born yesterday. I can spot a gigolo when I see one. And believe me, you are one of the best Drew." He blushes and acts hurt, still protesting innocence.

Her face darkens slightly, eyes grown hard and black as jet.

"You'll find I prefer honesty." She grabs his hand and bends it back until the pain registers on his face.

"I also prefer not to repeat myself. Remember my earlier lesson? I expect my questions answered immediately. How much?" She still holds his hand, perspiration beginning on his upper lip.

"The principal due is $20 thousand, each day I'm late adds another $5 thousand. I'm two days late today. Total now owed is $30 thousand if I pay tomorrow."

"And of course you haven't any amount near that, do you?"

He swallows again, the hand very painful now. "No. None of it."

"Naughty boy. What game lost all that money for you? Poker? Blackjack?"

He shakes his head no.

"Horse racing. It seems I can't pick a winning mount." She finally releases his hand. He nearly groans with the return of blood flow to it.

"I would think it's one thing you do well is pick mounts… ah well, I'll write a check for you tomorrow. Harry will escort you to make the payment."

"I'm afraid they'll only accept cash Adrianna. Large bills only."

"Then Harry will escort you to my bank downtown where they will give you the cash. He'll bring four of his men with him to safeguard my investment."

"Investment?" he asks, looking confused.

"Yes, I'm buying you Drew. Your price is $30 thousand. Now how long do you think it will take you to earn my investment?"

He squirms in his seat, looking woebegone. "I haven't the faintest idea Adrianna. I suppose as long as you like."

"Correct answer my boy. Your job will be to please me. The moment you do not please me you will be discarded with the trash. Is that clear?" He nods assent, to all appearances beaten into submission.

"There. Business is concluded, now we'll eat our dinner. Charles? You may serve."

Operations was still monitoring, this time alone from his darkened room off the briefing lounge. He quietly chuckles to himself, very pleased with the performance of the young operative. Madeline sits with Birkoff's sub, also continuing to monitor. She has started to take notes for herself and her report. This mission was progressing flawlessly so far. She wondered when the unexpected would happen.

The man Michael sent out to reconnoiter returns, sufficiently cold and miserable. Nightfall was in progress, another 30 minutes and it would be total darkness. Michael initiates a final weapons and comm check for all operatives. A second van has arrived nearby carrying Nikita and Team B, the entry team. Birkoff readies the next stage of the sequence, verifying with Central Operations via modem for the latest intel.

Inside the mansion, dinner was progressing amicably, everything considered. Drew pretended to not have much of an appetite. He led his host to believe it was due to stress and nervousness. After she finished eating, he again rises to pull out her chair for her.

"I'll allow your wastefulness tonight Drew, but in future you will not leave the table flouting this expensive food. I don't remain rich because I waste my money."

"Yes Adrianna, I am sorry."

"Besides, you'll need to maintain your energy levels. I won't suffer a slacker in bed either." He grins as he escorts her to the living room for coffee.

"Turn on the TV, I want to see the news." She orders upon entering the living room. He stands in the room, looking for the TV. She sits down heavily on the plush, velvet sofa directing him.

"It's behind that wall, here's the remote, touch open and the system turns itself on." handing him the device. He dutifully activates the system asking which channel she'd prefer.

"CNN. They're the only reputable lot." Then remembering his newness adds, "I expect you to quickly learn my interests and preferences. Mold yourself to my desires and we'll get along beautifully." She beckons him to her. He obediently sits down beside her. She grabs him at the crotch and clenching her jaw adds, "Cross me and you'll live long enough to suffer maddeningly for it."

"Of course Adrianna, anything you want is yours." He replies as calmly as possible considering the pain she was inflicting on him. Releasing him, she sends him to assist with coffee and dessert. He rises painfully, limping slightly towards the kitchen area.

Operations is chuckling even louder now. This was very entertaining. A silent, flashing indicator light gets his attention to the left of his monitor. He picks up his phone. "Yes Michael?"

"We're ready to begin final sequencing. Team B and Nikita are positioned just outside the perimeter."

"Proceed." Disconnecting the call. He alerts Madeline and the comm-station to increase surveillance and returns to watching Drew and his new owner.

Drew returned to the living room carrying a silver dessert tray.

Yeah, right. This cow really needs sweets. He thinks to himself, as he offers her a selection with a warm smile. The butler pushes the coffee cart into the room.

The news was running on, evidently boring Adrianna. She ate two eclairs, seemingly by inhalation. Drew managed to slip a mild sedative into her first cup of mocha Colombian coffee. By the second cup she was drowsy. He suggests they retire early as she was so sleepy. She consents and leans on him as they make their way to her bedroom.

He helps her undress and into the huge bed, then undresses again in front of her. She watches with her head propped up on her elbows and grins seductively. This was another room with audio/video surveillance in place. Yawning, she calls him to her and takes him into a bear hug, nearly smothering his face in her large, overly soft breasts. "I may be tired, but I'm not asleep yet… get to work." she commands him. He obeys and sets to the task, remembering all of her earlier directions as to particular areas of pleasure.

Meanwhile, Team B quietly assaults the estate in the darkness. They were equipped with infrared visors and moved stealthily towards their goal. Birkoff cut the security lines to the guards stations and the safe. Michael led Team C as backup behind Team B and waited just inside the perimeter. More guards than expected were on patrol, some were wearing infrared visors as well. All were heavily armed with automatic rifles and handguns. Michael reported the extra guards to Birkoff via notation-pad wrist link. Birkoff passed the intel back to Operations. Suspicions were immediately raised.

"Why the extra guards?" Operations asks Madeline.

"Unknown. Nothing suggests they suspect an assault or Drew. Should the sequence continue?" Operations considers briefly, then nods yes. Madeline signals Birkoff to continue.

Again inside the bedroom, Drew was beginning to wonder why she wasn't asleep yet. Nothing he was doing seemed to overly excite her either. Suddenly, the door to the bedroom flies open. Three armed guards rush in leveling their weapons at Drew. He looks appropriately frightened and freezes where he is. Adrianna sighs and pushes him off her. She rises and wraps a robe around herself distancing herself from the bed. The three men move in closer.

"Foolish boy. Who are you… a special operative? Or just a really stupid gigolo?" "I took a universal antidote before dinner, thinking you may attempt to drug me." He begins to protest. One of the men grabs him and drags him off the bed onto his knees. He's held there naked and kneeling before her. She tussles his hair again then turns to one of her men.

"I'll take that handgun." He hands it to her butt end first.

"Adrianna, no. What's wrong? I swear I didn't do anything!" She takes the gun and pistol whips him across the face with the butt. A guard pulls his bloodied face up by the hair. His nose is broken and bleeding down onto his chin.

Birkoff doesn't see this happening because the feed he's monitoring is a poorly lit recording from a previous amorous encounter in the bedroom, not the actual, real-time events now unfolding. Likewise Drew believes all of this is being seen and help is on the way. He stalls for time.

"Honest to God Adrianna, I'm nothing but a cheap hustler with a gambling problem. Please, give me a chance to prove it – I'll be very, very good to you! Oh God -- please don't kill me !" he was begging her pitifully. Only partly acting -- he was scared.

"Then how do you explain the tampering with the security camera in the first bedroom? And the tampering with the electronics systems bay. We left all the little devices in place, but switched to pre-recorded feed so those monitoring think they're watching us in bed right now. But it's a different time and a different young man. One who was also not honest with me and now lies dead. You're next Drew. Take him, I won't do it this time." The guards haul him up roughly.

"Please! Allow me my pants, I'm entitled to some dignity – yes?" he practically screams. She nods to a guard who grabs his jeans from the chair, they proceed to drag him out of the room. The corridor cameras were also on pre-recorded tape, which showed only quiet, empty corridors, not Drew being dragged through them naked. They stop at an outer door exit long enough for him to pull his jeans on. As soon as he had them zipped he launches a high kick to the first guard's throat, instantly killing him. He turns to lunge at another guard but his punch is blocked and he's slammed up hard against the wall. The air whooshes from his lungs from the impact. Nikita and Team B can see this fight through the glass outer door from outside.

She signals entry just as Drew is being butted in the stomach with the end of an automatic rifle. She simultaneously signals Michael with a panic microwave burst on her comm-unit. He follows in immediately with Team C. The panic microwave burst also sounds in Operation Central. Everyone is alerted to a problem with the mission. By now Drew is on the floor doubled over, a guard is holding a 45 automatic handgun directly to his temple.

Nikita bursts through the door sounding the alarms all over the estate. Birkoff frantically begins to shut down the sequence on orders from Operations. He signals both Michael and Nikita to abort. Nikita kicks the gun away from Drew and takes out both remaining guards with a single shot for each. She hears the abort signal in her ear comm-unit and signals the rest of the team to pull out. She grabs Drew by the hair and yanks him onto his feet, pushing him out the door while she covers from behind. They run to the nearest cover available, a low retaining wall off the garden. Gunfire is erupting all around them. Michael's team has taken a casualty as he tries to lead them back to the vans. Drew gasps in cold lungfuls through his mouth waiting to take Nikita's lead. She hands him her back up weapon. He grins at her and takes it.

The rest of the team is further away from the house and nearly returned to the van. She signals to run for it and both leap up as one running and firing at will. A stray ricochet hits Nikita in the arm and she loses her weapon on the ground. Both keep running, Drew now slowing to keep up the covering fire. He sees that she's been disarmed and wounded.

Suddenly he's hit himself, just below the right shoulder near the collarbone. He goes down from the impact. Nikita hears him stop firing and turns to see him crumbled on the ground. She stops and immediately dives backward. The bullets are flying furiously all around them and at them. Michael and Team C come up and lay down ground cover as Nikita helps Drew to his feet. They escape to the van, Drew collapsing on the floor inside. Nikita is right behind him. The rest of the team piles in on top of them and the van takes off.

The stretchers and medics meet them at the van disembarkation doorway. Drew is loaded onto a stretcher and wheeled to the Medical Bay. Nikita is ordered by Operations to follow and get her arm attended to. Operations motions to Michael to follow him immediately to debriefing. Madeline and Birkoff arrive ahead of them and are waiting at the table. Operations storms in, uncharacteristically showing his anger.

"What the hell went wrong? Why didn't we see anything that was happening with Drew? Has our intel been compromised?"

Madeline is the first to speak. "Nothing we monitored led us to believe there were any problems. Nikita's panic burst was our first indication."

Then Nikita speaks up, "My only indication of trouble was when I saw Drew attacking the guard. Everything was following the sequence up 'til then."

Operations was pacing angrily back and forth. He punches a comm-unit to the medical bay. "Is Drew conscious? I need to have him debriefed."

The reply was affirmative. Madeline nods and rises to leave for the medical bay. Operations turns back towards the table and Michael.

"Michael, who was the casualty?"

"Anders, through the head." Was the brief reply.

Operations nods and angrily slaps the tabletop, leaning over it and glaring at the rest of them. "Michael, work with Birkoff and Nikita. Find out what went wrong, the why, when and how of it – clear?! I don't like wasting assets…get going all of you!"

In the Medical Bay Madeline hangs back watching quietly as Drew's wounds are disinfected and bandaged. She addresses the lead doctor, "What's the extent of damage?"

"The shoulder wound may require some surgery but isn't life threatening; the bleeding is under control. His left nasal wall has a hairline fracture, we'll tape it up and look again at the x-rays. That may require corrective surgery as well." Madeline nods and steps over to the stretcher, dismissing the medical team temporarily. She smiles warmly down at him noting his nervousness. "What happened Drew?"

"All was proceeding as planned. I gave her the sedative in the after dinner coffee, we went to bed, I thought she was affected, but apparently not. Next thing I know, her guards burst through the door and she pistol whips me across the face. She said the monitoring devices and controls were discovered where I placed them and I was suspect from the moment I disabled the camera in the bedroom. We have a leak Madeline and it almost got me killed."

She listened carefully to his explanation, appraising his tone of voice, body language and expression. He was still frightened but probably being truthful she determined.He took a deep breath and continued, calmer now, "Nikita saved my life. They were about to execute me behind the house. Here's the clincher for the leak theory, she accused me of being a 'special operative', her words precisely."

Madeline gazed at him sharply, eyebrow raised, "She said that? But no indication of how she knew?"

"None. They were running pre-recorded feeds to the camera in her bedroom as all this was happening. You won't have a record of her words."

Madeline paced the room keeping an eye on Drew as he repositioned himself more comfortably. He hadn't been given any general pain killers, only a local for the shoulder wound.

"When was your first indication of trouble?" She stops and waits for his answer.

"I began to wonder why I wasn't getting the same responses from the target as earlier that day, even allowing for the sedative. She seemed to be 'tolerating' my ministrations. She later told me she suspected I'd try drugging her so she took a general antidote before dinner."

"Another indication of counter infiltration." States Madeline, biting her lower lip. "My thoughts exactly. Of course I expected the Team was seeing and hearing all this until she mentioned the feed switch. Can Birkoff trace it?"

"I'll see. Rest now Drew, you may need some surgery. We'll talk again later." She exits, heading off to report to Operations in his office.

Meanwhile Michael, Nikita and the team are frantically going over every detail of the failed mission. Each member taking sections of recordings and beginning their scrutiny and analyses. An hour later, Operations is looking down on them from his darkened office with phone in hand. Michael picks up the comm-unit to answer.

"Nothing yet. Yes, we're checking everything. Madeline gave us Drew's debrief before his surgery, I sent a team outside to go over the physical trail."

He pauses, listening to instructions, "Yes, I will." And hangs up.

Operations turns away from the glass and sits before his monitor. Michael glances up at him and turns back towards Birkoff and the team.

"Operations wants hourly updates. Redouble your efforts. Anything, even the slightest clue is important."

Madeline is standing behind the two-way window observing Drew in the recovery room. His shoulder was now repaired and his nose taped. The swelling prevented the nasal surgery for now. He would have to breathe through his mouth for awhile. He slept peacefully on his back, mouth opened slightly, sheet covering him from waist level on down. She intercepts the doctor on his way out of the bay. "I want you to add sodium pentobarbital to his IV. I need to question him again."

The doctor nods and returns inside to administer the drug. He attaches wrist and leg restraints to prevent further injury before beginning the drip. Minutes later, Drew is writhing on the bed, tossing his head and breathing raggedly as he struggles against the restraints and the drug. He wasn't yet fully conscious but Madeline began the interrogation anyway.

Back at the comm-station Birkoff uncharacteristically shouts aloud, "I got it! I found the tap! Michael look!" Everyone crowds near reading the info on the laptop Birkoff is referring to.

Michael leans over his shoulder.

"Can you specify the leak?"

"I need a few more minutes…but its internal for sure…" He frantically taps away at the keyboard, volumes of data scroll by, most of it incomprehensible to the onlookers. Michael paces, glancing up to see Operations watching them from above. Birkoff reads aloud the name off the screen, "Sandy Meyers… that's familiar, I'm cross referencing… wait a minute! She was on a past mission with Drew, four months ago in England."

"Download to Operations. Send her personnel record with this data."

Michael orders Birkoff as he picks up the phone to report.

Drew is sweating profusely, his struggles weaker by far. His blood pressure and heart rate were highly elevated. The doctor advises Madeline to suspend the interrogation; indicators were reaching dangerous levels. The phone to the medical bay sounds and a nurse answers, handing the phone to Madeline.

"Stop the drip doctor. Let him rest." She hangs up and exits abruptly.

Everyone was reassembled back in the briefing room. Madeline steps in late and seats herself. Operations was speaking, "Michael, we'll do this the hard way. I want Meyers picked up and brought in for in depth interrogation. Also, intel has the target leaving the estate for a private airstrip. She plans to leave the country. Intercept and bring her in as well. We'll complete this mission overtly if necessary. Birkoff, I want all records concerning this breach and Meyers coded and placed in standalone access mode. Include these mission details as well. How is he Madeline?" He finally sits down, taking another cigarette from his case.

"Drew is in recovery. Further interrogation under influence revealed nothing new. I probed back the last two missions. He briefly mentioned Meyers as a team member, there was no special connection as far as he's aware."

Nikita was upset and blurts out, "You drugged and interrogated him? He just got shot and had surgery! Couldn't you let him recover first?"

Operations glares at her but his mouth corners curl up in reply, almost a smirk, "You know we are all expendable Nikita. We had to know quickly if Drew was involved with the security breach, all of our lives depend on swift action. He knows this as well. And your actions in rescuing him were faulty, you imperiled the rest of your team for one man. Don't do it again." He stands, dismissing them.

Nikita stood hesitating for a moment, biting her lower lip. She wanted to say more, but thought better of it. She followed Michael out and they stopped off to change into assault gear before heading for the armored vans.

"Will they cancel Drew Michael?"

"I don't know. Why does it concern you? The man tried to rape you."

"I -- I just don't want to be the cause if they do it. He saved my life too."

Michael glances at her, his expression angry she thought. "Hurry up, the van's waiting for us."

They reached the private airstrip in record time, just as the target and her entourage pulled up to the private Lear jet. Michael ordered the teams to fan out and provide cover while he and Nikita went directly to the target. Her guards spotted the team deploying and opened fire with small arms and automatic rifles. The target was pinned down outside her car, prevented from entering the jet. Casualties were taken on both sides, but Ms. de Mornay's men suffered the worst. Soon, the firefight was over and Michael and Nikita manhandled the target into their van. She was bound and blindfolded. A clean up team followed up at the airstrip, removing all evidence of Section involvement. The jet was impounded and flown to a Section secure airfield, they would change all identifiers and use it for themselves.

Operations was pleased with the revamped mission so far. He turns to Madeline at the Comm-station, "Instruct the team to change into civilian clothes and pick up Meyers. I want her here and questioned as soon as possible." Madeline nods and leans forward to pass along the orders to the comm-sub on station.

The van holding Ms. de Mornay pulled into the bay and she was led out, still blindfolded and bound at the wrists. Operations and Madeline met her and signaled that she be unbound. She launched into a string of epithets, fouler than any a long-shoreman would use, even reaching out to strike at Operations' face. He grabbed her hand and ordered her escorted into the interrogation chamber. She went shouting at the top of her lungs, language sharp and filthy.

The team led by Michael with Nikita pulled up outside the back of Meyers apartment. Jumping out, Michael took the back entrance, while Nikita went through the front. Two other team members took positions across the street and on the other side of the building. Nikita jimmied the lock and entered, weapon drawn and cautious. She surveyed the entire apartment, but there was no sign of Meyers. The place looked like a cleanup squad had gone through already. No personal artifacts, no clues left behind. She signaled Michael and he joined her in the apartment. He verified that she was alerted to them pursuing her and had gone underground to avoid capture. Operations was not pleased.

They returned to the Section to formulate another plan of attack based on any new intel Birkoff might have gotten. Meanwhile, Drew was recovering from his interrogation, none too pleased at being subjected to it. Nikita went to visit him in the Medical Bay recovery room. She walked in smiling at him.

"How are you Drew?"

"Alive. Healing. Angry. How's that for succinct?"

"Why angry? Didn't Operations give you the same lecture I got about how we're all expendable?"

Drew smiled at her in return, the charm oozing out of him, he just couldn't help it. "Yeah, I know, but it's hard to be fatalistic at twenty-four. I see a lot of time ahead of me, I hope they'll let me use some of it…"

"Do you think there's a chance that they'll cancel you?" asks Nikita, leaning closer and whispering.

"We all have that hanging over our heads, don't we? But I don't know. Madeline seemed to be satisfied with her answers, but you never know with Madeline, do you?"

Nikita shook her head no, looking around suspiciously for lenses or audio pickups in the bay. Speaking a little loudly she smiled nervously again at him. "Well, I have to go. I'm glad you're feeling better Drew, you look like you are at any rate."

"Thanks, and Nikita…I.. um-m-m want to apologize for our first encounter. I hope you weren't hurt?"

She shrugged and left the bay, a small grin playing at her mouth corners.

Ms. de Mornay was succumbing nicely to the drug therapy Madeline was supervising for her. All sorts of information just flowed from the woman. They learned how Meyers had infiltrated de Mornay's security and won the respect and admiration of Adrianna. Meyers worked as a double agent, slowly feeding more and more sensitive intel about Section One's existence and strategies. Operations was devastated to learn how badly the leak compromised the Section. He ordered a level one security alert immediately and summoned Michael and his best team to the briefing room.

"All right. As it stands we have a rogue operative on the loose. I want her found and brought in if possible. We need to learn how badly we've been compromised. If a live capture isn't feasible, I want her cancelled on the spot. Madeline is continuing with the interrogation of the target. So far any sensitive intel has been kept at the estate, in that safe we were originally targeting. I've sent in a team to retrieve it and bring it in. Michael, any leads on Meyers?"

"Not at this time, Birkoff is scanning multiple channels and links, watching for a clue. Her apartment has been searched and cleaned. No trail was left behind."

Operations sits down, shaking his head. He lights a cigarette, inhaling deeply. "If we don't get to Meyers soon, we may all be at risk for exposure and cancellation. If that isn't a good enough motivator, I don't know what is. Find her!"

He stands abruptly and storms out of the room into his office.

Michael glances over at Nikita, he looked tired she thought. He stood and stepped over to her, speaking only for her ear, "This may be the end of everything. Be prepared." Turning on his heel, he left the briefing room, the rest of the team following behind.

Nikita remained behind a moment to think quietly. She glances out through the glass to the floor below and sees Drew slowly walking out of the Medical Bay corridor. There is a figure close behind him in his shadow, nearly touching. She looks closer and sees it's a woman – Meyers! She ducks down behind the table, peering over it to see. Suddenly the floor below is ringed with operatives all armed and aiming their weapons at Drew and Meyers. Michael is among them and is speaking, Nikita turns on the intercom to hear, continuing to watch from above. Her own weapon drawn as well.

"…don't be a fool Meyers. Surrender now and it will go easier for you. Don't force us to take you both."

"He's mine! Get back or I'll take the lot of you with me!" Meyers pushes Drew forward along the center wall, keeping hold of his shirt at the back of the neck with one hand. She pushes again, and he stumbles, going down on one knee.

Michael speaks again, Operations and Madeline are now watching from behind the bulletproof glass at the comm-station. Meyers pulls Drew back up on his feet, he's weak and weaving slightly, perspiring freely.

"You can't get anywhere Meyers, Drew has just had surgery, he's weak and he'll only get in the way. Give up now, it's the only way and you know it." He stepped out from the ring of other operatives, weapon held to his side, but still primed to fire.

Meyers is breathing hard, glancing right and left constantly, like a deer caught between two hunters, unsure of where to flee, keeping her and Drew's backs to the wall. "I told him to stop and he didn't -- he keeps giving himself to these, these old whores! Why won't he be with me? It's all I asked and he wouldn't, so now no one will have him ever again! We'll die together, in each other's arms -- like lovers in a romance novel! I'll settle for that if I can't have him alive!" she was clearly out of control and mad, her weapon never left Drew's back. Michael could see a trip wire partially exposed from her flack vest. She must be wired with explosives he thought.

Birkoff turns and speaks hurriedly to Operations, his face grim. He had just made the same discovery as Michael.

"Sir, Meyers has plastique on her, I just picked it up on a security scan. If we shoot at her she'll take out half the Center of Section One when she goes."

"Order hold fire." He commands Birkoff, then turns to Madeline, "Can you talk her down? Maybe get her to move into an armored corridor where we can seal her off?"

Madeline has been studying Meyers steadily, she shakes her head.

"I don't think I can. She's completely over the edge and fully prepared to do as she threatens. Our best solution is to limit the number of casualties she takes with her. I'd be interested to know how she got in here with that plastique."

Operations nods and turns again to Birkoff. He had been listening to them. "Yes sir, I'm on it." He replies to Operations non-vocalized order.

Meanwhile Nikita continues to monitor from above. Drew looked so helpless and shaky. She wondered if he could be counted on to help, or even if he was physically able.

Michael has stepped back off the floor and entered the comm-station.

"Options Michael?" asks Operations, expecting his best and brightest to rally. "Evacuate all nonessential personnel, keep the targets few. Nikita is still in the briefing room, we could use her to our advantage if Meyers hasn't spotted her yet. I believe she intends to cause a lot of damage."

Operations nods in agreement.

"Order evacuation, shut down all intel, emergency transfer all Section computer records to safe storage. Michael, you're in charge, do whatever you feel is necessary." Operations takes Madeline's elbow and leaves. Birkoff and his comm-support team work frantically to carry out the last order. He finishes by taking two laptops with him as he too, withdraws to safety.

Michael sighs and rubs his tired eyes. He buzzes Nikita up in the briefing room, she crawls over to answer.

"Section is being evacuated. Meyers has plastique on her and is believed ready to use it. I'm in charge, want to help or leave?" Nikita smiles to herself, the one time she's given a choice and it's now and for this. She is amused, but tries to keep it out of her voice when she replies.

"I'm here, what should I do?" Michael hurriedly talks her through his makeshift plan. The ring of operatives outside in the Center room has diminished by two, who chose to leave. Eight operatives still held their weapons on Meyers, forcing her to remain in the room.

Drew wasn't looking at all well, leaning up against the wall, his breathing labored and his color pale. A red stain of blood was seeping through his shirt past the shoulder bandage. Meyers still held him, speaking into his ear occasionally, her words only for him. She was in semi-bodyarmor. The only fully exposed areas were her head and hands. Michael took all this into consideration for his plan. He stepped back out onto the floor, after giving Nikita time to ready herself. He uses his most charming and seductive voice for her.

"Sandy… let Drew go and surrender yourself. I promise it will be over quickly with no pain. You have nothing to gain in taking us with you."

"Ha! But I do, you can be our wedding party in hell, maybe you can give me away Michael – would you do that for me? And you there," pointing to a female operative in the ring,

"You can be my Maid of Honor – ha! ha! ha! Or is it dishonor? Well, anyway we'll have a great wedding and Drew and I will be together forever in hell!" She pauses in her outburst and smiles broadly right at Michael.

"It didn't have to be this way you know… all he had to do was be mine and stop screwing these other women…but he wouldn't stop Michael." She elbows Drew in the stomach, causing him to double over, then pulls his head back up violently with one hand. Immediately she kisses him on the mouth, biting his lower lip and drawing blood. By now Drew looks ready to pass out.

Michael decides to act before Drew becomes a dead weight. He signals subtly with his left hand behind his back, beginning the sequence.

A sonic blast blares out of the intercom, momentarily stunning everyone in the room except Michael. The ring of operatives sinks to the floor nearly unconscious from the sonic onslaught. Meyers grips her ears in agony, releasing her hold on Drew. Nikita jumps out from behind the center wall and grabs him, he's also suffering from the blast. She yanks him off his feet and onto the floor. Sliding him away from Meyers on his stomach then diving down alongside him onto the floor.

Michael tackles Meyers around the legs forcing her off balance and onto her back. He then pushes away from her, sending her skidding along the floor towards the left-hand corridor. She's still disoriented from the sonics. Two operatives leap out from the side and throw Kevlar blankets over her, then dash back and away. Almost immediately a smothered boom is heard as Meyers recovers enough from the sonic blast to trigger her explosives. A section of flooring and part of the corridor is heavily damaged in the blast.

Nikita pulls the earplugs from her ears and sits on the floor, cradling Drew's head in her lap. He's coming around from the effects of the sonics, a small trickle of blood seeping from his left ear. Michael quickly begins assessing the damage to the area and walks over to them. Also removing his earplugs. The ring of operatives are slowly recovering and rising off the floor, grinning at each other, despite their headaches. Walter comes running over whistling loudly at first sight of the blast.

"Wow! Think maybe I had the volume pitched a little high? Ha-ha! Look at that hole!" he hurries off to view the blast damage, very pleased with himself.

Michael kneels down by Drew, "How is he?"

"He'll be all right."

Drew blinks rapidly and looks up into Nikita's face, he's still pale, but nevertheless, he manages a grin. "That's two I owe you Nikita. I don't understand you, but, thanks for my life."

Nikita looks at him then to Michael, "It was Michael's plan, a bit risky, but it worked, minimal damage and casualties."

Michael smiles a rare smile for her, "Enough shop talk, let's get him back to Medical and then have dinner."

"Operations will want a full debriefing." She answers, smiling slyly at him, eyelids lowered halfway.

"Remember he evacuated, it will be awhile before he returns, let's move." He picks Drew up and half carries him.

Nikita stands, smiles and tosses her head. Her silky blonde hair falls free of the knot that held it. Glancing around, she holsters her weapon, sighs and follows behind.

******The End*****