Written with One Lobo
NC-17

"This tastes like shit," Kristie complained, grimacing after she swallowed a mouthful of the concoction.

"It isn't mean to taste good," David told her, "It's meant to supply protein - and lots of it."

Kristie sniffed the whitish liquid in the glass she'd been given, "Doesn't smell great either."

She took another big gulp, almost gagging.

"Easy!" David said, grabbing her hand, "Your body isn't ready for high volumes of food, not quite yet. Take you time and take small sips."

Kristie sighed, resting back against the pillows. She was exhausted. Being awake was work, drinking those nasty shakes was work. Her eyes traveled down to her wrist. She could see the bones through her skin, which seemed to be rather dry at the moment.

Kristie closed her eyes and looked over at the door leading into Stephen's room. They were examining him right now - looking to see what damage malnutrition had done to him. They'd thoroughly examined her already and taken some blood samples.

"Hey," David said, his voice gentle, and she felt his hand on her shoulder. She knew he could feel the hard ridge of her collarbone and she wanted to smack his hand away, but that would take effort and energy she couldn't spare.

"It will be okay," he told her.

She opened her eyes, and looked at him… really looked. He had been her lover for a short period of time and was always willing to be her friend.

"I'm just out of sorts," Kristie told him.

She was more than out of sorts. She remembered the rescue, but the memories were hazy. She knew someone had told her how they had found them, but she didn't remember who. She knew their captors had been brought in, but she didn't remember how. She did remember Nikita's voice, talking to Dr. Marc. She and Stephen had spent a fair amount of time drifting in and out of consciousness apparently. Dr. Marc had asked if it was delirium, or if they were dozing. Nikita hadn't been sure. Neither was Kristie.

She took another sip of the protein drink, grimacing as she swallowed.

"Now come on, that can't be the worst source of protein you've swallowed," David teased her.

Kristie looked up at him, managing a smile, "The consistency is different, that's for sure."

Stephen wanted to knock the medical tech across the room. He hated being this weak. The last time he'd been this weak, he'd had a few extra holes - courtesy of some terrorists bullets and he'd lost a lot of blood.

Right now - he looked like a crack-head off the street. It was amazing, what twenty days could do to you.

They finished, and hooked up an IV. Dr. Marc had said it was electrolytes - something that would help. Then someone brought him something to drink - in small sips they warned. It was whitish, didn't smell great and tasted even worse. Of course, he'd never liked protein drinks.

"How's Kristie?" He asked the tech, as they started to walk away.

The younger man hesitated, "I uh . . . we're not supposed to talk about-"

"We've been together for a long time - longer than you've been here. It's as close as family as it gets here, tell me, or get Dr. Mark."

"She seems okay, we're still waiting on the tests results," the medical tech replied, and quickly exited the room.

Stephen sipped the drink, trying not to gag.

Alexandra walked in, with a Rott on her heels, and a Chihuahua tucked under her arm.

"I brought you some company," Alexandra announced, "And if I bring one, and not the other…"

"I know, I know - they get jealous," Kristie said, the fondness she had for both animals obvious.

Alexandra pulled a chair up next to the gurney and Teddy Bear climbed up on it, resting his head on the side of Kristie's bed. Pepe was set down on the edge of the cot beside her.

"That is the nastiest shit," Kristie told her, glancing toward the tall glass which was now at least half-empty. She scratched first one dog, then the other.

Alexandra grimaced, "As soon as they let me, I'll bring you a nice big pizza, I promise."

"I know we got the bad guys, but I don't remember the details," Kristie told her.

Alexandra groaned, "Madeline is doing a real job on these guys. Someone from the agency is involved apparently - they might have fed the guys who had you Intel. The guys who had you started out as a student protest group - this is the first time they've done anything more than protest or write articles in an underground paper. The guy who runs the whole show has old family money - and a real charismatic personality."

Kristie listened to all this, "Are you telling me that Stephen and I - two trained Section One Operatives - two damn good operatives - were kidnapped by amateurs?!"
Alexandra nodded, and said in a matter-of-fact voice, "Yep."

Darren walked in just then.

"Alex, you know that saying about not shooting the messenger?" Darren said as he reached Kristie's bedside.

Alexandra drew in a deep breath, "Oh god . . . shoot."

Darren raised an eyebrow, "Shoot . . . careful what you wish for in here Querida,"

Alexandra rolled her eyes, but she smiled, "What's the bad news?"

"We have to cancel our date night - I'm being sent out," he told her.

Alexandra shrugged, "So we do it in a few days."

"How you feeling Kristie?" Darren asked, turning his attention to the blonde lying on the hospital bed.

"Like the scarecrow with half my straw pulled out," Kristie told him.

Kim followed Tony out of the briefing room, gently grabbing his hand as she passed him. Tony looked over at her.

"We got thirty minutes and we need to talk. Get your gear and meet me in my quarters."

Tony nodded, and watched her walk toward munitions. Not for the first time in the last few months, he felt a little uneasy about his relationship with Kim. Ever since that time at the ranch when he'd hurt her, things sometimes were strained between them. It didn't matter to Tony that he'd been going through withdrawals. Kim said she didn't blame him, but sometimes Tony wasn't sure.

"Hey," Darren said, "I'm a little concerned Tony."

Tony looked over at his friend - and his team leader, "Yeah?"
"What's going on with you and Kim," Darren asked him, "If it's gonna get in the way, tell me now. I'll move one of you."

"Everything is fine," Tony told him, his voice a little sharp.

Darren managed a tight smile, "Not from where I am standing amigo. Fix it fast my friend, life is short."

Darren walked away. Tony shook his head and went after his gear. As soon as he had it all, he quickly walked down to where Kim's quarters were located. When he walked in, she was just sliding a knife into her boot.

"Kim," Tony said, "What's wrong?"

Kim closed the door, and then turned her gaze back on him, "You tell me while you change, we've only got twenty minutes left."

Tony started to yank off his clothes and started pulling on the mission clothing.

"I don't have any problems - other than sometimes I feel like you're miles away - and I get the distinct impression you're real uncomfortable with me sometimes. Ever since that fuck up at the Ranch-"

"I'm fine with what happened at the -" Kim cut him off.

"Bullshit!" Tony snapped, "I know all about the woman you were before Section Kim. I know how are now that you're in Section, and I see you changing now that you're not dependent on a cane. You'd have kicked the shit out of me if you'd been able to!"

"I couldn't!" Kim screamed at him, "Because I was fucking crippled! I'm not now, and I knew it was the withdrawals then! You're the one that can't get over this shit! Why the hell did you have to start getting all pissed off about Michael?!"

Tony drew in a deep breath, trying to keep his cool; "I'm not hung up on what happened with you and Michael! I'm sorry I ever brought it up!"

"Why did you bring it up then?!" Kim demanded, "I want this out in the open - now. I'm tired of waiting for something to go wrong. I hate living like this!"

"Because he watches you sometimes!" Tony snapped, "You, and Kristie, and Alex. More than he does other women in Section!"

"We're friends! Other than his wife - he has three female friends! He probably feels a little responsible for us being here! Kristie and I were fucking targets! You can't get all pissed off every time some guy watches me for a moment too long!"

Tony sighed and let his head roll forward for a moment.

"I'm human Kim. Our whole relationship changes when we change, it's just taking some getting used to. I swore I'd never date a cold op - and you weren't one and I fell in love - and now you are a cold op . . ."

"And I like it," Kim told him, "And I feel more alive now than I have in years. I need you Tony and we don't have any choice in our careers here."

Tony nodded and reached out a hand to her. Kim took it, but instead of letting him pull her to him, she pulled him to her. He came, willingly, watching her every move. She brushed her lips across hers, "I love you. We've just gotta…get used to this."

Tony's arm slid around her waist, pulling her tighter against him. His mouth hungrily kissed hers for a few tender moments.

Then they both stepped back and walked out.

Stephen heard the door open and saw Michael walking through it, carrying Kristie. She looked so frail in his arms. Stephen had known that they were in trouble those last few days, but he hadn't realized how much trouble. Nikita came through another door, pulling a gurney through.

"I'm moving in," Kristie announced, her voice light and teasing.

Nikita stopped the gurney next to Stephens's bed, pressing the brake pedal down to the floor. Michael gently set her down.

Kristie tried to push the fear back and not think about what kind of shape she and Stephen were in. But there were so many constant reminders. Everyone treated them as if they were fragile…even now. Michael had been more than careful when he picked her up and he carried her as if she were a china doll.

Nikita hung the IV bag on the pole attached to the bed, and then pulled a blanket back up over Kristie.

"You'd make a great mom, Kita," Kristie told her.

Nikita's eyes widened for a moment, but a smile spread across her lips, "Maybe."

A painful silence hung in the air for a moment.

"Did Madeline find out who our leak was?" Stephen asked, changing the subject quickly.

"Yes," Michael replied, "The agency is handling it in-house."

"As long as it gets handled," Stephen sighed and looked over at Kristie, his hand reaching out for hers.

Kristie slid her fingers into his, sighing contentedly.

"We should let you both rest," Nikita announced, "I'll come check on you later."

She and Michael quietly left the room, both of them glancing back as they left the room. Kristie and Stephen both looked relieved, if only to be in the other's company.

"Now that," Nikita said quietly, as she and Michael walked down the hall, "is a beautiful thing."

Michael watched her face - not looking for any reaction, or for reasons behind her comment. He simply watched for his own enjoyment. He could spend hours just watching the animation in her face, especially when she was happy about something.

"What?" Michael asked softly.

"Kristie and Stephen," Nikita told him, "It's just nice to see them in love like that. It's the fuel to go on Michael."

Michael's fingers brushed hers, stroking down the back of her hand. They'd come to a stop where three hallways met. Michael also knew love like that could crush the person left behind. But he wasn't going to spoil the moment.

"I have to work late," he told her.

Nikita nodded, "I know. I do too actually."
They stood there for a few more moments, just drinking in the site of each other. Then slowly, they parted company, going down separate hallways.

Michael had a bitter taste in his mouth when he was done reading through the profile. But he also knew it was sound. The only way they were going to get into the genetics lab was to have someone on the inside.

Michael also knew that it was Kristie's compliment to Nikita that was adding to the melancholy mood he was in. You'd make a great mom . . . Michael felt the pain slice through him when Kristie uttered the words. He knew Nikita felt it too, even if she covered it quickly. They were married… heart, soul and as legally as possible - but they would never have children. Nikita would have made a wonderful mother too. She'd have loved being pregnant, Michael would have loved seeing her pregnant with his child - and he'd have loved being a father - again. But it was not to be.

As if to add insult to injury, this profile had been waiting for him. The mission wasn't for him, or for anyone he oversaw - not directly. Darren was listed as the operative for this one.

His assignment was to get into a genetics lab. The only way he'd get into the facility was if they were going to use him for stud service. The company had several men who's sole purpose was to impregnate young women. The babies were adopted by wealthy families - who had the money and didn't mind not asking too many questions.

So in the course of the assignment, Darren would probably impregnate some young woman. He'd father a child he'd never know. It would surely bring forth the loss he'd felt when Alexandra had suffered a miscarriage. It would also put a strain on the roller coaster relationship he and Alexandra had now. Months ago, when Michael had been discussing some problem with tension between Darren and Alexandra with Nikita, Nikita had pointed out to Michael that both of them were extremely emotional creatures. It was what made them good operatives, but they suffered for it too.

Michael made a few notes in the file, suggestions he had for the mission. One of them being that Darren be given a drug that would not show up in a tox screen, one that would prevent him from being able to impregnate anyone. Michael's notes listed the reasoning behind this notes the psychological implications and security risks. After all, Darren was technically dead - in terms of the rest of the world.

Michael sent a copy to Nikita, to warn her, and then sent his notes back with the file to Madeline.

"So tell me about this guy," Eric said, after the waiter had left their drinks.

Alexandra sipped her iced tea. She'd worn slim leather slacks today, and a cream top. Polished, that was the look she'd gone for. Her hair had been pulled up and pinned down. She'd look appropriate for almost any office.

"Which guy?" she asked, setting her glass down, "Consider yourself lucky you got me here, instead of some alley."

Eric rolled his eyes, "Alex - I'm not trying to cause you any problems - I'm not even going to try to get into your pants - though I have to say those pants certainly look good enough to get into."
She laughed, "So why do you want to know?"

"You know an awful lot about me. I went to your funeral - and the girl I thought I saw cremated is so different from the woman before me now," he told her.

Alexandra rubbed her thumb down the glass, brushing away condensation. It was nice, talking to someone from her old life - but she also had worries about getting to close to another contact. The memories of what happened with Brian Carlson were still fresh in her mind and probably always would be.

"I grew up a lot, hardened a lot," she told him, "He's a good guy. Strong willed, strong heart. He accepts that the job is separate from my personal life."

Eric nodded slowly, "So I'm . . . part of the job."

She looked over at him, "Eric - don't take that the wrong way. We weren't close friends before you know."

"We could have been," he said gently.

She laughed, "Yeah . . . we probably could have been."

He took a sip of his drink - scotch and water. Her eyes traveled the room, watching the crowd. She didn't see to many places like this. It was a nice clean lounge off of a restaurant.

"What's behind all this Eric," she asked finally, "A few weeks ago you were content to sell me."

"I didn't think it was really you!" He exclaimed, "I mean . . . who'd have thought? I've gotta watch my back - and my reputation. But those few days while that woman was…brain fucking me, that gave me a few hours with nothing more to do than contemplate my fate. It hit me, if I was dead and gone - no one would miss me. Not one single person would have reason to pause and wish I was still there. I didn't like that."

Alexandra sipped her ice tea, "Okay…so… you're feeling guilty. I can't offer you absolution Eric."

"I know," Eric sighed, "I doubt anyone could. I just want a crack at being your friend Alex - no bullshit. I can't even remember what it was like - having a real friend."

Alexandra drew in a deep breath. Part of her wanted to get up, and run. But part of her knew what he was feeling.

"We'll see," she told him, "My instinct for self preservation is strong - so strong that I tend to not make friends on the outside."

"I can't believe you have friends on the inside, from what I saw of that place," he replied dryly.

Alexandra smiled a little, "A lot of the people in Section are not so different from you - or me. We all do what we have to, to survive. The people I call my friends are loyal, kind - as much as we can be. It's… I could trust my life with them - and not blink. That means a lot."

"I bet," He finished off his drink and waved at the waiter for another one, "So you found your missing friends though, huh?"
"Yeah," she replied, "They were damn near starved to death too. They'll recover, but it will take time."

"Starved? As in no one fed them?" he asked.

"Yep," Alexandra replied, "The body can stand to not eat for about twenty-five to thirty days - if it at least has water. Water was all they were given, and we're all pretty lean as it is. They both lost a lot of muscle tissue too. It's not going to be an easy recovery. They both look like long time anorexics, except they still have their teeth."

"You remember Estelle Jackson?" He asked her.

"Yeah," Alexandra said, "Thick dark blonde hair. I always envied her for that. She always looked put together too."

"She died two years ago, complications from anorexia. It was a bleeding ulcer in her throat or something like that. Last time I saw her, I didn't even recognize her," Eric told her, "She was married to this military guy and I ran across her in Germany - a fluke really."

"Damn," Alexandra said, "When I was in high school - and a hair on the plump side, I used to think that I would love to have that problem. God, do I know better now."

"Lean and mean by choice Alex?" Eric asked her.

"Job training," She replied, "And I discovered early that exercise is a great tension relief - and in my line of work, there's always some kind of tension in the air."

Nikita saw him move through the doorway into her office. A small smile played across her lips as he silently moved behind her. She felt his breath hot and moist on her neck, his lips brushing the tender flesh a moment later.

"How long?" he asked softly.

"Just a few…more…seconds…" she said slowly, her fingers still flying across the keyboard.

She typed in the last of her notes, saved and closed the file. Her eyes darted to the clock. It was already ten o'clock - they'd go home, make love, and pass out. She could always tell when Michael was planning on a long night of making love. His seduction started long before they got home. It was simple things - he'd stand close, making her personal space his own… letting his body brush up against hers. His hands would linger a bit long her if he was helping her put on a jacket or a coat. He'd find a reason to touch her. She wasn't sure he was even consciously aware of the differences. Of course, the only time he wasn't like this was when something at Section was consuming all of his attention. That happened a little too often, as far as Nikita was concerned. But she'd never complain. She knew they were lucky to have what little time they did.

They drove home, almost in silence. He reached across the seat, his fingers meshing with hers, his thumb stroking across the back of her hand. When they reached their home, they moved quickly… silently… not bothering to turn the lights on. When Nikita walked through the bedroom door, Michael was right behind her, suddenly pushing her up against the wall. He shoved her skirt up around her hips, tore her panties off, freed himself from his slacks and sheathed himself within her in a matter of seconds. A soft groan escaped Nikita's lips, just before Michael's mouth covered hers, his kisses hard, demanding.

Nikita wrapped her legs around his hips, and started to pull and tug his shirt free. She felt one of the buttons pop and fly off, but she didn't care. His chest had been bared and she ran her fingers up his torso, caressing and stroking. She moved in on his nipples, rubbing her thumbs over the hard little nubs. When she pinched one, Michael started to pull at her top, almost ripping it at the seams. Her blouse fell open, and with an expert snap of his fingers, the front clasp of her bra came open a second later, freeing her breasts. He covered one with his hand, and his mouth left hers, choosing to suck her nipple into his mouth instead.

Nikita moaned and writhed, arching her body with each of his thrusts, until she felt her orgasm take her. She raked her nails up Michael's back, not even aware that she was leaving marks. But it only served to push Michael over the edge. He came then, fast and hard, spilling his semen into his wife, their bodies clinging to one another as they came down from the dizzying euphoria they'd created. Michael pulled her off the wall, and moved them over to the bed, unwilling to give up the skin on skin contact, all the while trying not to think about what Kristie had said earlier. Their efforts would always be for mutual pleasure. Children could never enter into the equation. Even if Section would allow it, neither Michael nor Nikita would chose to bring a child into the life of shadows they lived in.

"You know," Tony said softly, "If I was back in New York - I'd be in a warm bed right now."

He heard a few soft chuckles. It was three am, and they were pressed to the ground in a middle-European country, waiting for their target to arrive. There were actually two targets, a woman and a canister of some kind of chemical. It was a major component in a new chemical weapon.

"Notice he didn't say asleep," Kyle pointed out.

"Does it bare mentioning that you wouldn't have met me if you weren't here?" Kim said, her tone of voice teasing.

"It's fate baby," Tony told him, "We'd have run into each other."

"I think it's fate that we're gonna keep getting these jobs in these fucked up little countries where one group can't play well with the other group - so bitches like the one we're after can make a living," Kyle announced

"Supply and demand, it's a beautiful thing," Darren added, "Gus - do we got anything at all coming in?"

Gus was their comm specialist.

"Not a damn thing. It's cold in this van, you guys gotta be suffering serious shrinkage."

That elicited a round of chuckling.

"We'll have to sneeze

"Anyone know what kind of shit this is we're picking up?" Robert - another cold op, asked.

"Component for a chemical weapon," Darren replied, "Over a 24 hour period this stuff kills it's victims by paralyzing the muscles. They can't breath, the heart can't pump blood, and the body dies of lack of oxygen, heart failure - nasty stuff."

"Great," Kyle sighed, "So why aren't we just destroying it, instead of bringing it in. We're not gonna make this shit, are we?"

"Med lab is trying to develop a vaccine," Darren replied, "The biolab report says their close."

"This isn't the same shit they almost killed Alex's dog with, is it?" Robert asked.

"Nope," Darren said, "We had that vaccine - thank God."

"We've got movement coming in from the north," Gus announced.

Everyone fell silent.

"It's just one car," Gus said after a moment, "Sedan style - looks like two people."

The car pulled up behind the power facility. While the team watched, the driver pulled the passenger towards him, and they started to kiss.

"Do we have a visual on either one of them?" Darren asked.

"I may have - are you getting this Gus?" Kim asked.

"Hold on, I'll digitize," Gus replied.

There was a few moments of silence.

"Can't get a clear image," Gus told them.

The couple in the car had moved into the back seat.

"The only visual I'm getting now is some dude's hairy ass," Kyle announced, "I'm gonna hazard a guess - these two are not our targets."

"I've got two cars coming in, one from the north, one from the south," Gus told them.

"Do we get these two love birds out of here?" Tony asked.

"Can't risk it," Darren replied, "The target will probably chase them off."

Moments later, the car coming from the south pulled in. Two men got out, and moved in quickly on the other car. They watched for a moment, then banged on the window, and told the two lovers to leave the property. Within moments, the lovers were gone.

The other car pulled in, and two more people got out.

"I've got a visual," Kim said softly.

"Hold on… yep, that's our girl," Gus said.

"Accuracy folks," Darren said, "Tony, you get the northern guy from the first car, Kim, the southern guy from the first car. Robert takes out the target's companion. I'll tranque the target. Kyle shoots twitchers. On three."

Darren waited a moment, then counted, "One…two…three!"

Shots rang out and moments later, everyone was lying on the ground.

"Kyle, keep watching for twitchers. You tell us, don't shoot. Everyone else in," Darren ordered.

Everyone moved swiftly from their hiding spots, and down to where the four bodies lay.

"Kim, twitcher to your left," Kyle warned him.

Kim turned, aimed, and fired a single shot into the body's head. The hand that had been reaching for a weapon stilled.

"Gus, tell Section the target and the package are in custody," Darren announced, scooping up the body, "Tony - grab the canister."

Alexandra walked into Michael's office, wondering what had happened for him to summon her. Normally - if it was a mission, he'd email her. Today - he'd asked her over the intercom to come to his office. Which meant he knew where she was - in the gym - working out. Michael didn't go on power trips. So he'd asked her to come to his office after her workout.

So now, she stood in his office, a hand towel hanging around her neck, perspiration still glistening on her skin.

"Hey boss, what's up?"

"How are things going with Eric Wilde?" Michael asked her.

Alexandra sat down on the edge of the vinyl sofa, and rubbed the towel over her face for a moment, then lowered her hands and the towel to her knees.

"Wilde is the key word," Alexandra told him, "He was resentful at first, but now he wants to be my friend. He had one of those little realty check moments in the white room - you know, the "no one would miss me if I were dead ", revelation.

"What was your answer?" Michael asked her.

"I put him off - a little. Week before last, he wanted to take me out for a drink. Last night, I agreed to meet him for one drink - in exchange for some Intel he had for us."

Michael watched her for a moment, silently. Alexandra kept her gaze level. He was waiting for her to say something else but she held her tongue.

"Who are you trying to convince?" Michael asked her, "Eric Wilde, Section, or yourself?."

Alexandra blinked, "No one. He passed Intel on to me - that's the agreement. I met him in a social setting. Anyone who saw us would think it was nothing more than two people having a drink. That's profile to a T."

"He called the secondary number today. He asked where he could send flowers," Michael told her.

Alexandra groaned, "Michael - he did stuff like that when we were kids. Remember - this is the guy who tried to smuggle M&M's into prison to me. He attended my trial. When we were in high school - he was always sending some girl flowers. Hell, he was sending flowers to this little old lady who ran the mini-mart on one of the street corners. He did it because she didn't run anyone off - and she always had a little bit of soup if someone was hungry and couldn't go home."

"A few weeks ago you didn't trust him. What changed?" Michael asked her.

"Nothing," Alexandra said, "I still don't trust him. It was a public area Michael, I played it by the book. He's gone a little nuts since Madeline did her little tap dance on his head."

Michael was silent for a few moments.

"Don't do anything foolish. You're already involved with someone possessive," Michael said, "You can go."

Alexandra stood up, "Michael - get over it. I didn't encourage anything. What did whomever tell them about the flowers?"

"That there was no address," Michael replied, his attention already on something on his screen.

Alexandra watched him for a moment. She thought about telling him he should take his own advice - not get involved with targets - contacts. Weren't Kristie and Kim proof of that? Two innocents who shouldn't be in Section One. But that would be a cheap shot.

She walked out of his office, and headed for the showers. Darren should be back soon.

"We gotta go have our night out tonight," Darren told her, stepping in front of the computer terminal, right outside the briefing room, "Because I've got briefing with Madeline tomorrow - and my team's being temporarily reassigned for a week. She's sending me somewhere."

Alexandra watched him while he typed away. She wasn't watching him pull up his email - but him. The black snug pants and jacket, the black combat boots, his hair pulled back into a ponytail, a handgun strapped to his thigh, his assault rifle hanging off his shoulder. It wasn't so much what he had strapped on to him - they were just accessories - he looked lethal even without the firearms.

He stepped back, "Find a nice dress, You call the Plaza and get us one of those rooms with a hot tub, I'll take care of the dinner reservations and I'll meet you after my shower."

"Sure," she said, and stepped behind him, stroking her hand across his buttocks. He stopped typing for a moment, smiling a little. She was copping a feel right there in the hallway.

"I'd rather take a shower with you though," She whispered in his ear, then continued down the hall.

The gown she chose was a dark, rich emerald green. The material shimmered just slightly. It was strapless and form fitting, the hem coming down to mid thigh, short enough to be interesting, but not vulgar. She wore sheer silk stockings, and simple black pumps. Under the skirt, she had a small handgun strapped to her thigh.

When she walked out of her quarters, Darren was just walking up. He had on a tailored suit, with the high band collar dress shirt, instead of point collars and a tie. His hair hung loose, long and shiny.

Alexandra couldn't help herself, reaching up, running her fingers down the thick locks.

"A man shouldn't have such beautiful hair," Alexandra sighed, "You look good enough to eat."

Sliding his arm around her waist, Darren smiled at her, "That's the idea - let's go. The goal tonight is pure fun - and not being kidnapped like Kristie and Stephen."

"Aren't you tired?" Alexandra asked him, as he pressed soft kisses to the tips of her fingers. They were seated on the veranda, the lighting supplied by small lights strung up overhead. The table was small, just big enough for two people. In the background was smooth jazz music, played by a house band.

The waiter came by with another bottle of champagne. Darren nodded to him, but didn't release her hand.

"Not at all," Darren said gently, "I guess I'm running on anticipation - adrenaline - lust . . .something."

Alexandra laughed softly, "I hope where ever she sends you, you have time to sleep on the way."
"Sssshhhh," Darren whispered, pressing a kiss to the palm of her hand, "I don't want to think about work tonight Querida."

"Tell me something from your old life then," Alexandra told her, "A good memory."

Darren smiled, images of the little farm his grandparents had when he was in his early teens coming to mind.

"My grandparents, on my father's side, had this little farm outside of the city," he told her, "they raised cattle, and pigs, had a Chihuahua, and did some farming. The best fence on the whole property was the fence between the crops and the livestock."

Alexandra laughed a little, "No accident I take it."

"Oh no, not at all," Darren said, "When I was little - maybe 7 or 8, I was out there for the summer and I remember I heard my grandmother swear - and she just didn't swear. She went running out the door, and I followed her, anxious to see what could have possibly made her so mad. There were cows and pigs in the cornfields. My grandmother grabbed one of the rifles, fired a shot in the air, to scare the animals out of the corn. The cattle took off - into the back field - which was fine, that's where they were supposed to be. The pigs ran the other way - right into her flowerbeds. Then, my brother and his girlfriend jumped up, pulling up their pants, and straightening their clothes."

Alexandra smiled and leaned forward, "You've been holding out on me. I didn't know you had a brother. I've known you for a few years now - and you never mentioned a brother."

"I was little. He died that year. Car accident," Darren said, "My father was driving."

"Oh," Alexandra said gently, "Sorry."

"Don't be," Darren said, "I don't live in the past. My brother was a good 10 years my senior and I remember him having huge arguments with my grandmother and grandfather. He wanted to live in the moment, live each day like it was his last - so he did. He enjoyed every day of his life. My grandparents - being elderly, always thought long term. I've always tried to find a happy medium. It doesn't always work, but I try. For the years my brother was alive, he made the most of them. We were dirt poor, but if you looked at him, you wouldn't have known it. He never complained. There was this one time, he was supposed to go to some big dance - but one of the cows was birthing a calf. Our grandfather was gone into the city - and my grandmother couldn't stay up all night, she'd been sick or something. So Tom had to stay home and stay with the cow, which was having trouble. Instead of throwing a fit, he got his girlfriend and I and we had a great picnic in the barn, hanging out and keeping an eye on the cow. After all of the waiting, she ended up delivering a healthy little bull, with a little assistance from my brother. I'll never forget the look on his girlfriend's face when she saw all that blood all over him. I think just the thought of getting pregnant and having to go through labor scared her off of sex for at least a month"

"He sounds like he was a great guy," Alexandra said.

"He was," Darren replied, "Okay, you're turn."

Alexandra took a deep breath, "I had this dog - his name was Stripe. Fox terrier mix, he weighed all of fifteen pounds. He was really affectionate. I got him out of box in front of a grocery store. I was fifteen that year. Lora and I were walking by, and he barked at me. I turned and looked…and it was all over. He wagged his tail, his ears twitched and he jumped out of the box. Lora said he chose me, so I spent a whole paycheck from a burger joint I worked at on dog food, a collar, shots and a license. Best investment I ever made. My father, who hated everything I did, and everything about me, or so it seemed, almost appeared to like him. He would roll over on his back, and spread out all his legs, as if he was flashing you. He'd lay in the sun like that till I'd come home from school," Alexandra smiled at the memory, "I'd take him in my little crappy car with me everywhere and sometimes, he'd stand on my seat, and put his paws on the steering wheel. I had a picture of him doing that. It looked like he was trying to drive. Pepe would have loved him. He'd have loved Pepe."

Darren picked up his champagne glass, "To wonderful dogs."

Alexandra picked up her glass, "And great older brothers."

They sipped their champagne, then Darren set his down and leaned forward, brushing his lips against hers, "Let's dance a little."

They stood up, and moved in close together on a small dance floor. The music was all slow and easy - designed for close dancing. Darren held her close, the two of them moving slowly with the music. Alexandra's hand slid around the back of his neck, her fingers stroking his scalp. She felt his hand resting low on her back, almost on her butt, his other hand sat on her shoulder blade, his fingers delving just under the seam of her dress.

"Boss?"

Eric Wilde shook his head, "Just a moment Jackson - I know someone over there."
Eric stood there for a few moments, just watching. He almost wouldn't have seen her except for that red hair - and the fact that he'd just been wondering what kind of man she was seeing, he couldn't help but look twice. It surprised him when it was really her.

While he watched, she danced slowly with a man with Hispanic features. Eric knew immediately that this was the man who held her affections.

Now Eric felt like an intruder, a voyeur. He nodded to his hired thug, and got into the car.

Darren felt Alexandra stiffen suddenly and he was instantly looking around.

"What?" Darren asked, his hands releasing her.

"It's OK," Alexandra sighed, "I saw someone - a contact. Their gone."

Darren's hand stroked down her back, his eyes still up and moving.

"Seriously," Alexandra said, "He's gone, I don't think he even noticed me. He likes anything or any place that's expensive. That's gotta be why he was up here."

Darren's hand slid down to hers, his eyes settling on her face, "We should go anyway - we do have that room waiting for us."

"I love you," Darren whispered in her ear, "So much."

They lay exhausted on the floor, arms and legs intertwined, a few feet from the hot tub. He felt Alexandra's lips against his neck, "Love you too." She replied.

Darren's hand stroked her wet hair back from her face. He knew the sun was rising, morning was coming. The sky wasn't so dark anymore - yet darkness was still creeping up on them.

"Which contact did you see earlier?" Darren asked her.

Alexandra kissed his neck again, "Eric Wilde."

"He's the guy that you knew from your old life, right?" Darren said.

"Yeah," Alexandra replied.

"That's gotta be a real head trip," Darren said softly, stroking her cheek.

Alexandra smiled, "Has it's moments. He's got his good points, but he'll never be nominated for sainthood."

Nikita yawned, covering her mouth. She lifted her cup of coffee to her mouth, but stopped when she saw Alexandra. She was dressed in the same rich emerald green dress she'd left in last night- her hair hung loose, her makeup gone. No stockings, her small purse was clutched in her hand.

"Good night?" Nikita asked her.

Alexandra leaned against one of the pillars in comm, her gaze straying up to the walkway, where Darren was walking towards Madeline's office.

"Very good night. We had a wonderful, intimate dinner. We talked, danced a little, went to the hotel and made love until we couldn't move…it was perfect, one of the best nights of my life."

Nikita grinned, "Michael and I have this cabin we like to go up to. Sometimes we don't even talk much, it's just nice to be together - away from here."

Alexandra nodded, "It's like Section just didn't exist for a while."

"Breeders? What does that exactly mean," Darren felt the gooseflesh on the

back of his neck like a ghost's caress.

"It's a business, and their products are babies. The girls are either kidnapped, found in homeless shelters, or just found wandering the streets. They know the look that they want, what's in demand at the time, and that's how they target them. Their age is of no consequence, actually the younger the better. As far as the men...there's always an abundant supply willing to do the work, but there is getting to be a high demand for more exotic combinations. That's our in-road. You will reply to the ad, be interviewed and we are confident with your looks that you will be welcomed. After that, you will follow their rules while you gather the Intel on the major players in the company. When we have what we need, we'll take the whole thing down. Here's your profile...and you will have no trackers and no communication devices. You should be allowed to return to your own home after the first week with them, and work on an on call basis. During this time, your apartment will be swept of any Section devices so when you get ready to place your report, you will have to go to one of the other operative's homes and do so. Do not try to come into Section, as they have all of their employees under tight surveillance. Do you have any questions?" Madeline watched Darren digesting all that she had told him so far.

He glanced down at the pad, then back at her, feeling his stomach flip at the thought of this mission and of Alex.

"No, am I dismissed?"

"Yes, you can go. I'll be looking forward to your first report."

"I'm sure you will be," Darren rose and left the office as quickly as he could. He could feel the bile at the back of his throat already.

"Darren, we just received your blood test, and your physical results and you are in excellent shape. Your interview responses were wonderful and refreshingly intelligent. This will be the most pleasurable way that you have ever earned money. You will be a fine addition to our organization...welcome," Dena held out her hand and Darren promptly took it in his own. Instead of a handshake, he carefully brought his lips to the back of her hand, then watched the blush spread across her cheeks.

"Such a gentleman. If you will follow me, we will get the first file that you match and you can get started. Your stats have been entered into our computer along with all the women that we employ and the computer finds the most perfect physical and genetically compatible match," Darren watched as she took a spreadsheet off of a printer and began to scan it quickly, "...ahhh, Donicka. She's new here just as you are. A beautiful Swedish blond, your opposite. Darren, you can meet Donicka in B-wing, room eight this evening at six. Dinner will be served in your room, but we ask that you finish as soon as possible and start to earn your pay. Let's continue the tour, there's so much for you to see."

Darren's head was swimming with Intel, but the sharks of his conscious were threatening to swallow everything before he could commit it to memory. Oh God, what would Alexandra think of this? He was not only being ordered by Section, but was being paid to make a child with a stranger. He thought of the baby that Alexandra and he had lost only months before, and mourned not only for that child, but also for all the others that they may have had. He pushed these thoughts out of his head, focusing on the schematics of the building and the type of security measures that he saw within the building. Dena took Darren to a comfortable room to wait in while she made the final arrangements for he and Donika's meeting.

At 5:45pm, Darren started out of his room in the wrong direction on purpose.

He only got half a hallway before another employee saw him looking disoriented, and quickly turned him the other way. There was obviously something of interest at that end that would have to be checked out later.

As his heart hit hard in his chest, Darren looked up to see the large eight on the door in front of him. So clinical and antiseptic, Darren didn't know how the people in this place were able to carry out their 'jobs'.

Raising one hand, he rapped lightly on the door and stepped back. A few moments later, the door opened and Darren stepped into hell.

Darren's eyes first took in the room, the plush carpet on the floor and the softly hued paint on the walls. There was a large decorative floor lamp that gave off a soft glow and dinner plates with crystal glasses were set to the right of it on a small cafe-style table. Darren looked to his left to see Donicka step from behind the door. His mouth dropped, eyes growing wider in his disbelief. All he could think of was a little girl playing dress-up. The child was all of fifteen years old, blond hair baby fine and flowing over her shoulders and blue eyes wide with fear as she gazed up at Darren.

"Hi. I'm Donika and I'm supposed to do what you tell me to."

Darren's head was spinning. What the hell was he going to do...there was no way to fake this...she's just a kid...this is sick....ohmygodwhataboutAlex????

He closed the door quietly and walked to one of the dining room chairs. He had still not spoken a word to the girl, but she followed him to where he sat like a puppy.

"Donika, how did you get here?"

Her eyes darted around the room and she furiously shook her head from side to side while holding a finger to her mouth. She walked the bathroom, and returned with some toilet tissue in her hand. She grabbed a pen and started writing quickly. Darren read as she wrote, and talked about how lovely the room was to cover her lack of conversation. Her note finished, she watched him as he finished reading it.

We can't talk of those things. They are listening and watching. They will beat me again if I do not listen to the orders. I am to be pregnant by next week or they will kill me.

Darren's eyes flew up to meet Donika's, and he knew she wasn't lying, her life was in danger now but if they didn't do this, she would be dead by this weekend. A knock came at the door and Darren had to step out of the way quickly to avoid being hit with the dinner cart. The man placed and uncovered each dish with quick efficiency, stacked the lids on the cart and left as swiftly as he had come, closing the door behind him. Darren turned to the table to see what they had prepared for dinner when he heard > the lock on the door snick shut. Locked in, like prisoners for the night.

Donicka stepped to her side of the table and they dined in silence. The bed was already turned down, the white Egyptian sheet mocked them with they're stark glow. Darren took Donika by the hand and led her to the end of the bed. She followed him willingly enough to show Darren that she had at least some sort of trust in him. Comforted by the fact that Darren had not leered at her, pawed her, or actually even touched her since he came in the room had calmed Donika's nerves. It wasn't like he was a bad looking man. He reminded her of some of the men she had seen in her brother's rock magazines back home with his long dark hair and smoldering eyes. When he started for the bedroom, she took the hand he offered her and followed him.

"Are you scared?" Darren watched as she nodded her head--being totally honest with him.

"I've never...I mean, back home where I'm from...things are just different. The guys are all like big little boys. They pick on you, tease you. I've been walking with a couple of them...holding hands. Once, I let one kiss me," Donika's cheeks felt hot and she dropped her head to stare at her hand, the one that Darren's hand still held. His palm was hot against her fingers.

"You've never been with a man," Darren watched her nod her head, her hair sliding around her shoulders to hide her face," It's okay Donika. I'll be as gentle as I can with you," he leaned closer to her, pushing her hair back to expose the silky skin of her throat. He brought his lips down toward her ear, kept his voice below range of the receivers placed in the room and whispered to her.

"I wish we didn't have to do this. I would never...under any other circumstances do anything like this to you. Trust me; know that I will not hurt you anymore than is necessary. If you understand, turn your head and kiss me," Darren had only to wait a moment before her soft lips pressed against his for the first time.

Darren slid from the bed to kneel in front of her. He looked at the silky nightgown they had dressed her in, red like a whore instead of white for a virgin. There was no mistake in his mind about the sheets, and the reason behind their hue. In the light of the next day, when the sheets were changed, the blood of her purity will be the proof they want. He lifted one small foot and stroked the smooth skin on the inside of the calf.

Donika shivered in response. He slid the nightgown up her legs, stopping before he got to the top of her thighs. Placing gentle kisses upward, following his hands, he could feel her muscles tightening out of fear. He stopped, and looked into her eyes. She would feel more vulnerable if she were stripped while he was still fully clothed. Darren stood before her, unbuttoning his shirt while she watched him. The shirt was taken off, and draped across a chair before his hands dropped to his pants. He scuffed one shoe, then the other off as he unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. He let them fall open, then pushed them slowly over his hips letting them drop to the floor. Donika looked up and down at his body and thought now that he looked more like the male-underwear models in her mother's copies of French Elle. He stood in his white boxer-briefs letting her look at him, probably closer than she had any man and smiled as he saw her hand start to lift toward him.

Donika watched almost from outside herself as her hand lifted to his stomach, and grazed the muscles that were so prominently displayed. The tips of her fingers seemed to tingle and a small flutter started somewhere deep in her belly. The muscles held her fascination for a moment; at least until she saw the front of his boxers start to expand. Her hand jerked back, and Darren caught it like a butterfly. He leaned down to kiss the tips of her knuckles then placed her tentative hand on his hardening cock.

At first, Donika just let her hand stay in the same spot where he had placed it. After a few moments, she began to run her fingertips back and forth slowly, feeling his length. Darren's head fell back where he stood eyes closed, letting a young woman discover what a man felt like. He eased his thumbs into the sides of his briefs, and started pushing them down. His erect cock sprang free of its confines and Donika's eyes were glued to him. He was so large, and she was so small. Her fear began to return and it showed in the shaking of her hands. Darren took her hand in his, and guided it back to his erection. She touched him ever so gently, stroking him and watching his body's reactions to her fingers.

"It feels like satin, and so warm. Darren, I'm scared," she watched him raise his head and look her in the eyes. He moved away from her, then dropped to his knees in front of her once again, pushing her nightgown up to her hips. She raised herself slightly off the bed and let his remove it entirely. Her skin was creamy white, smooth as silk as his hands glided over her arms. She was well developed for a young woman, her breast already showing the fullness that would round her figure in a couple of more years. Her hips were slim, her legs long that joined at a small triangle of hair as blond as that on her head. He eased her knees apart, watching her face, and the blush that dusted her cheeks. Darren took one of her hands in his, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles. Her eyes met his and she smiled, but briefly.

"I'm going to do something to help you relax now Donika. I want you to lie back, and just enjoy the feelings. Can you try to do that for me?"

Darren watched her as she nodded. He pulled a pillow from the top of the bed and let her place it under her head. Stroking his hands gently up and down her inner thighs, he watched her muscles relaxing and her legs fall a bit more open. He placed a kiss on the inside of one knee and felt her jump a little. Over and over in his head, he kept repeating...take you time, make it good for her too. Moving closer to her mound, he brushed his fingertips over her outer lips, seeing them swelling just slightly. The tip of his tongue parted her gently and slowly and her intake of breath sounded very loud in the room. He kept his movements rhythmic, stroking in and out, up and down tasting her sweet nectar as it started to flow. So sweet, and so clean...so different from a fully mature woman.

He gathered her clit in his lips, applying just a bit of pressure from his tongue and bit just slightly. Her hips began to rock in a motion older than time against his mouth. Darren heard her gasps turn to moans, watched her head turning from side to side on the pillow. He held her hips, keeping his mouth centered on her. He suddenly felt her hands in his hair, pushing his head down as she lost all control for the first time in her life. Darren felt his mouth flood with her juices rolling over his tongue as he made it last as long as he could for her. She was shaking as the orgasm ripped through her, and was shaking still after it had ended.

"What just happened to me? I don't understand, but it was the most wonderful feeling..." Donika was shivering, but was not hiding herself in shame at all. Darren explained what had just happened to her, and also explained that it should happen every time she had sex if the man cared about her and what he was doing.

"Now Donika, I want to do this in a way that will give you all the control. Darren lay back across the bed, still able to taste her on his lips, and let her straddle him. She was still drenched from her orgasm and the head of his cock slid easily into her. He stopped at that point, and gauged her reaction. She trembled just a bit, and Darren propped himself onto his elbows, taking one of her taunt nipples into his mouth and suckled carefully. Donika was hit with another wave of sensation. She had herself balanced on her knees holding him just barely inside of her. She felt his tongue swirling around her nipple as he held it in his mouth and she shivered with pleasure.

He felt so large inside of her, but she had experienced that incredible feeling once, and wanted to feel it again. Darren started to push himself backward on the bed until his back rested upright against the headboard. He toyed with both of her breasts, kissed her letting his tongue swirl around hers, and placed kisses along her neck and back down to each breast. Donika could feel herself relaxing, felt the slightly rough skin of his palms as he slid them up her back and onto her shoulders. The next sensation was a blinding pain as Darren used his hands, and her weight to impale her onto him. He felt the head of his cock hit against, then tear through her hymen. She cried out, and fell forward against his chest.

Darren felt her begin to struggle, and held her fast to him whispering in her ear that the bad part was over, to just lie there and let her body get accustomed to the feel of him inside of her.

Donika's tears dampened his chest, and he placed kisses along her forehead as he stroked her hair. He could feel rivulets of liquid coasting between his legs, and knew some of that was her maiden blood. She lay still against him, and tried to relax. She could feel his heartbeat inside of her, the pain just starting to ease off, and she began to move just slightly.

Darren was fighting against his own body. He knew she wasn't much more than a child in his head, his heart said this was awful...but the tight heat surrounding his maleness coaxed more primal feelings from him. He felt her start to move herself, and knew the pain was passing. She started tentatively at first, moving only an inch or two to adjust to the feeling of fullness. Darren slid his hands down to her hips and started to guide her, sliding her up and down his cock. He pressed himself up on her down stroke, keeping her body tight to his, feeling every inch of her flesh on his.

Donika was amazed at the way her body was responding to this invasion, her hips tilting up and in as she moved against him. So tight, and so hot...Darren started to push himself into her harder and harder punishing her tender flesh. Donika felt a slight discomfort, but almost at the same instant a wonderful tickle started within her. Darren felt her start to swell around him, her movement no longer relying on his control as she slid over him. Donika threw her head back suddenly and cried out, feeling her muscles spasm around him and gripping him even tighter. Darren felt every ripple hit him, the heat flooding over his cock. He let her ride it all the way out, scratching his fingernails down her spine to intensify her sensation until she went weak against his chest again. He knew he couldn't hold out much longer, his cock felt ready to explode.

In one motion, he rolled her onto her back, and positioned himself above her. Donika's eyes were closed, still reveling in the feeling. Darren gripped his cock, sliding it back and forth in her juices and thrust himself in to the hilt. Her eyes flew open as he buried himself inside of her. She felt his hand slid under her ass and his weight press her into the mattress. He forced the air from her lungs when he pulled back then thrust into her again. He felt his cock bottom out as he hit her cervix, her flesh gripping him in a maddeningly sensuous way. His eyes were tightly closed, pressing himself faster and harder into her, using her like a piece of meat.

Donika managed to get out a groan, the pain getting worse and his weight harder to bear. She felt ripped apart, stretched beyond her small capacity and was sure she was bleeding. Her whole body was being moved back and forth on the mattress under him, and any resemblance to the kind and gentle lover he had been was gone. Darren felt his cock growing thicker, the cum boiling in his balls. Never had he felt this consumed, this confined and yet this free. His orgasm began, and he rocked her under him.

The pillow under her head was her only protection from the headboard as he slammed into her again and again. Instead of getting more wet and loose around him, she seemed to tighten even more around him as her fear grew. He pumped his seed deep into her, completing his job for the night, and looking forward to the rest of the week.

Dena pressed the stop button on the recorder to room eight in the B-wing. The girl had done well, and she was even more impressed with Darren, even after he had lost control. If he could do that well with a timid little virgin...he may be of more use with some of the more resistant girls. As soon as Donika's test results came back positive, she would start searching for his next assignment.

Darren could hear Donika whimpering under him as he pulled out of her and stood up. Her thighs and the sheets were covered in her blood and he watched her as she turned away from him. Balling herself into the fetal position, she held her knees tightly to her chest. Darren felt a slight remorse but shoved it down and away from himself. He flipped the sheet up and over her, folding it at her shoulder then turned and went into the

bathroom to clean himself up. The water ran, tepid at first, then as the steam began to rise and he stepped into the shower stream he looked down at himself. The water coasted over his back and shoulders, running in rivulets down his chest and over his groin. Tainted pink, mixing with the blood he had forced from her, it coasted down the drain like innocence lost. Grabbing the soap and washcloth, he scrubbed his skin till it grew red and tender. He dried off quickly, slicked his still dripping hair into a ponytail and pulled his clothes on. He walked through the bedroom not looking toward the bed and Donika's now sleeping form and left the room.

"Hey!" Alexandra's called out, seeing Kristie walking from the hallway - the main floor. She was still painfully thin, but her color was good, and Alexandra knew both she and Stephen had make remarkable progress.

Alexandra turned, looking at the rest of her team, "Go on into debrief - I'm a minute behind you."

Kristie stood there, watching her friend. Alexandra was dressed in black mission gear, looking healthy, alive - at the top of her game. Kristie smiled, and felt a little envy, but she knew she'd get back there.

"So they sprung you? Wanna go for pizza tonight?" Alexandra asked her, "I've been thinking pizza and garlic bread sticks for the last 24 hours. Middle of an assault, and all I can think about is those damn bread sticks."

Kristie laughed, "Not the target, not

Alexandra laughed, "Me either - but that's how I got in here, remember? Because no one knew! So, how about pizza and breadsticks."
"Your on," Kristie told her, "If Madeline will spring me - us - I assume it's ok to invite Stephen."

"Oh yeah," Alexandra said, "Madeline huh . . . have fun."

Kristie smirked, "Let the head games begin!"

Kristie knew the older woman was carefully assessing her as she walked in. Madeline would already have a report on her health, but she was looking to see what the outward psychological effects were.

Kristie knew she was too thin, she knew she didn't look all that healthy. But she also knew she was well on her way to recovery. Confidence was not an issue for her, and she was no longer worried about her, or Stephen's survival in Section.

"You're looking better," Madeline commented, "How do you feel?"

"That's a loaded question," Kristie said, laughing a little, "Much better than I did a few weeks ago."

Madeline maintained the Mona Lisa smile, "While you are rebuilding your physical strength, I want to temporarily assign you to psychological profiling."

Kristie was surprised - but she instantly knew she shouldn't have been. This was just another way for Madeline to try to get inside her head - and Kristie knew she seemed to be Madeline's favorite toy lately. She'd expected to be drafted into comm for a few weeks.

"I don't have the educational background for that," Kristie replied. She didn't want this job - not with Madeline looking over her shoulder.

"I think you have more experience with this than you realize," Madeline told her, pulling a disk from a reader/writer, "Some reading material for you. Come back tomorrow at 6 am."

Kristie took the disk, and resisted the urge to throw it into the garbage can as she walked by. She left Madeline's office, as calmly and smoothly as she walked in, when in reality, she wanted to slam doors and make a rude gesture to the older woman. Kristie had no intention of reading anything tonight.

"Do you know where Alex went?" Kristie asked Walter, as she walked into munitions.

Stephen was sitting on one of the barstools. Kristie couldn't help but notice how thin he still was. They both still tired very easily.

"Locker room - I hear we're going for pizza," Stephen told her.

"Yeah," Kristie said, "If you're up to it."

"I'm up for anything that didn't come out of the cafeteria here, and isn't some high powered protein slush," Stephen told her, "Then lets go home and sleep - in our own bed."

Kristie nodded, "I gotta be back in at 6. Madeline wants me to do a little time in psych analysis."

Walter raised an eyebrow, "Gonna have to start sweeping you for bugs I guess."

Kristie grinned, raised her arms, and thrust out a hip, "Frisk me anytime Walter."

Walter gave her a wicked laugh, then looked at Stephen, "I should too - this is the only time I might have a chance against your boyfriend."

They all chuckled a little, trying to make light of a bad situation.

"Well, I'm gonna go find Alex. I don't suppose anyone knows where Darren is?"

"Out on some solo job," Walter told her, "Don't know much about it - some kind of genetics lab."

Stephen sighed, "Hell, I think Kris and I are the lab rats of choice right now . . ."

Alexandra was just toweling off when Kristie entered the aisle way in the locker room where Alexandra's locker was. It was just because Kristie was irritated at her current physical condition that she noticed the tell tale signs of toned muscle in her friend. Kristie had rarely been self conscious about her body - until now. She didn't like it.

"Hey," Alexandra said, as she started to pull on her clothes, "Did you lose your quarters here too?"

"What?" Kristie asked.

"I had to clean out my quarters. Recruitment is at an all time high apparently - they needed the room. Pepe and I were evicted yesterday. I gotta shower in here no matter what now. Major pisser if you ask me."

"No, I didn't know," Kristie said, "I didn't keep much here though - not since they let me have a place on the outside."

Alexandra shrugged, "Me either - but I caught a nap there every now and then with Pepe, in between missions. I don't like trying to catch a nap in the temp barracks. To many people coming and going."

"I didn't know that many people had come in," Kristie said, "Do you know what the numbers are?"

"50 new recruits," Alexandra said, "It's the most brand spanking new people I've seen here at once since I've been here. Kinda makes me wonder."

"Lots of things here make me wonder," Kristie sighed, "I have a request - and I didn't want to talk to you about this with an audience."

Alexandra nodded, closing up her locker, "Sure - shoot."

Kristie sighed. She hated this. "I have strength training work outs I have to start - and I need a partner - I can't work with Stephen, we've already been told that - and I don't want to work out when there's a lot of people around."
"Sure," Alexandra said, "That means late evenings, or early early mornings."

"I was thinking early mornings," Kristie told her, "Like 4:00 am."

Alexandra nodded, "Yeah, no problem - but Kris, You don't have anything to hide here - you and Stephen survived -"

"Section is full of overgrown bullies, and I've made an art form out of stepping on toes," Kristie told her, "It's not so much that people are going to stare at me - we get ogled no matter what - but can you just see someone like Ike taking advantage of this - and David telling him to back off? Unless I have few friends around, I don't know if anyone would jump in."

"No problem," Alexandra told her, "Is Stephen gonna work out at the same time, or what?"

"That's the worst part," Kristie said, "We can't work out together - at all. Distractions and all that bullshit. Madeline put her foot down - and for the life of me - with our track record, I just can't see it, but David won't budge. Stephen is gonna hook himself up with Michael - probably good for him to do some male bonding and all that anyhow."

Alexandra laughed, and sat down on the bench, and started to pull on her boots, "No problem. 4:00 am. I invited my team - a few of them are gonna meet us there. I figured the more, the merrier. Kim and Tony are gonna meet us too. Nikita is gonna try to join us, but Michael is swamped."

Kristie wondered if they were taking over the whole restaurant, but she didn't say anything.

Alexandra dressed in snug jeans pulled over the medium heeled boots, a white tee-shirt and a leather blazer. The outfit was chic. Kristie mentally filed it all away. She'd seen some of her friends outfits - outfits that screamed tramp - sometimes. Sometimes she dressed very conservative - sometimes a mixture of allure and style like this. It just depended on her mood.

Kristie couldn't help but compare their appearances as Alexandra quickly applied a little makeup. Kristie was wearing jeans and a top that fit tight before - and now they were loose. She'd even resorted to looping the rib cage straps of her bra into a knot on each side of the clasp, and still fastened it on the tightest setting.

"I feel like a scarecrow," Kristie confided in her.

Alexandra managed an empathetic smile, "I guess it doesn't help to remember any time in your life where you were trying to lose weight, does it?"
"No," Kristie replied, "But . . . it could be worse, and we're doing fairly well - according the med lab analysis."

"Let's go Michael - our lifestyle doesn't allow for us to do so many social things anymore," Nikita said, leaning against his doorframe.

Michael looked at the screen in front of him. He still had progress reports to read. But one look at the hopeful look on Nikita's face made him want to leave it all for tomorrow morning. His wife could and would go without him, but she wanted her husband with her. Nikita had always been a social creature. Michael had been that way - once.

"OK," he replied, and shut down his terminal.

"Holy shit," Alexandra said quietly, "Look who's here. Not only Nikita - but Michael as well."

Michael must have known what she'd said. He was too far away to hear her, so he'd read her lips, she was sure of it. He sent her a look daring her to say something about his presence here. Alexandra smiled. He was in a good mood. That was always a good thing, when it came to Michael. So often, he was all business.

"Hey Victor! We need another bottle of Vino," Tony called.

Tony and two of the guys from Alexandra's team started to pull another small table up against the end of the table, and then started to pull the chairs over, despite the seemingly empty chair between Kristie and Alexandra.

A few moments later, Michael saw Kristie pick up a noodle, her hand disappearing under the edge of the table from where Michael and Nikita could see. Then a waiter walked by, and stopped, and it looked like he was pouring water on the seat.

"Oh my god, Michael," Nikita said, laughing, "That's not an empty seat - she's got Pepe over there!"

Nikita's felt Michael's hand come to rest on her leg, just above her knee.

Michael looked over at Nikita, and she saw a hint of a smile on his face, "She can't help but test the limits I think. Not unlike someone else I know."

Nikita leaned forward and brushed a kiss across his lips, "Tony knows the guy who owns this place. They'd allow just about anything for him."

That particular man, Victor, walked over to where Alexandra and Kristie were seated near the end of the table, said something to Alexandra, and then Victor gently picked up the Chihuahua. Then Victor walked over to another table, so an elderly couple could pet Pepe for a moment. The women picked up a spaghetti noodle and fed it to him.

Nikita called out to Alex, "He's gonna sleep for a week after all this pasta!"

"I was thinking I'll have to start putting him on the treadmill," Alexandra replied.

Everyone continued to eat, talk and drink their wine. Alexandra, Kristie, Stephen, Gabriel and Hamal were sitting with their backs to the door, so they didn't see the four men wearing long trench coats walk in, but they felt the tension in the room suddenly rise. Alexandra turned, looking to see where Pepe was. Victor was a few feet away, Pepe stopped eating the noodle that was being hand fed to him, and he looked up and around, looking for the source of the anxiety.

The four men paused, then raised automatic rifles up and out of the coats. Everyone scrambled, dove and drew weapons at once. The tables were turned over, chairs flew, people dove for the cover provided by the end of the bar. Except for Alexandra, who dove out instead, rolling. She came up on her knees, snatching Pepe out of Victor's hands, and knocking Victor to the floor. The momentum rolled her onto her back, and she slid a few feet, her gun out, preparing to fire at the four men who'd started to fire on some of the restaurant patrons. But the rest of her party had already done enough damage to take out the assassins.

Moments later, it was over - and silence hung in the air for a moment.

Then, Pepe growled.

Victor sat up, looking around. The elderly couple had gotten to the floor, and the other side of the table. One table - where six men wearing the standard dark suits had been enjoying dinner, was the target of the four assassins. Three of the six men were riddled with holes; blood and food splattered everywhere.

Victor started to scream and swear in Italian.

"Everyone out!" Michael ordered their small group, "Through the back."

One of the men who hadn't been shot sprang up form the carnage.

"Wait!" he called out.

Michael looked at Tony - the glance telling Tony that Michael expected him to handle this.

Tony broke off from the group of operatives running for the back door.

"Wait - your friends - who are they? They're not Italian," The man started.

"No," Tony said, "But we can't afford any trouble with the police - some of us are not citizens - not so different from the family - you know?"

The man nodded, "I know, I know - I see you here often - your not from the local families though - I'm Charley Cancinni - my family owes you a debt now, you and your friends."

Tony managed a tight smile; "I have to go - before the police get here. Forget you saw us - all of us. Ask everyone else to forget."

"They will," Charley told him.

What were you thinking? Michael wanted to yell at her, shake some sense into her, and then hug her. When he'd seen Alexandra leap out to go after her dog, he'd been surprised, but only for a moment. She thought of her dog as if he was a person - and so did a few other people, with Pepe and with the other dogs in Section. He also wouldn't reprimand her now, with several of her team members present. Michael was well aware that people often thought he was a little too friendly with Alexandra, as well as Kristie and Kim. Section was always rife with rumors. His wife trusted him - and it was her complete faith in him and her friends that allowed her to never worry about anything she saw, or any rumors she heard in the locker room, the gym, or any other place in section. There were times when Michael almost wished he hadn't gotten attached to any of them. He wouldn't feel the worry when their lives were in danger - when missions weren't going right and the risk went through the roof. But he'd risk feeling the devastating loss of a friend falling in the line of duty - rather than going back to the bleak existence he had before.

But he still wanted to throttle Alexandra for leaping out to save her dog. Of course, Michael knew that Nikita did the same kinds of things. Michael did it too - but not for a dog.

They'd all retreated to Alexandra's apartment. She lived close, they could watch the street from her veranda - and not appear to be anything more than interested on lookers. Nikita and Kristie had taken up positions on the balcony.

"There is no way that Section isn't going to find out about this," Walter commented, "Several people knew where we were all going."
Michael looked at Stephen. Next to Michael - Stephen had been in section almost as long.

"Since I'm on the sick lame and lazy list - you get to make that phone call," Stephen replied.

Michael flipped open his phone.

"Come in Darren," Dena closed the door behind him as she took in his haggard appearance.

Darren settled into the soft leather of the couch, watching as Dena cued up a videotape. He deduced that it was probably his session with Donika and stilled himself to watch it without flinching. The video clicked to normal play and Darren watched two men dragging a girl into one of the rooms. She fought like was she was possessed, kicking and screaming at them. They shoved her into the room alone and were just able to pull the door closed before she was pummeling the inside of it with her fists. The camera zoomed in just as her head whipped around to look at her surroundings. Darren couldn't control his sudden intake of breath or the audible hiss as it pulled between his teeth. A wild cascade of red hair and flashing bright blue eyes glared right into the camera as if she knew it was there the whole time. Perhaps seventeen, she was a younger version of Alexandra in appearance and attitude and Darren felt his groin tighten involuntarily. Dana heard the reaction, and smiled as she watched Darren's eyes grow riveted to the screen.

"So, you're impressed with Alexis are you? Let me fill you in a little on the background of our little wildcat. Her father is career army, and has lorded over his daughter since she came to be. This protection was intensified due to the fact that his wife, Alexis' mother, died due to complications during her delivery. The father would not allow her to go to public school, deemed the schooling provided on base inadequate and hired a live in caretaker and educator to watch Alexis while he was working. This woman home schooled her, held her to a rigid Catholic religious routine and made sure that even at sixteen years of age, her maidenhead remained intact. Her father raised her with an iron fist, showing his love through his ability to train her to protect herself and stand up to nearly anything and anyone. As you saw on the tape, she is very strong physically...we had to tranque her to get a blood sample for the DNA...and she is mentally superb as well. She is your next match after Donika."

Darren felt his insides tighten up as the prospect of breaking this girl loomed in front of him. He had known he would have to shut himself off emotionally as soon as he laid eyes on Donika and had done just that. What he hadn't expected was the rush he had felt…was still feeling in fact and the total acceptance of his mind to his new situation and mission. The old television show, Mission Impossible's opening lines echoed in his head...Your mission, should you accept it...and Darren had to force the smile back from the corners of his mouth. What man, in their right mind, would turn down such a mission as this? Breaking in virgins, not having to worry about diseases, knowing that the whole object is to get them pregnant...and now seeing this duplicate of Alex, knowing that she was the next he would have. Darren felt like a gladiator delivering his winning blow to his opponent's head.

"When am I done with Donika?" Darren listened to his own tone, finding it sounded a bit hurried.

"I see that you're ready to move on Darren. I will tell you that we are very impressed with your performance so far, and would not be surprised if Donika's initial test come back positive. We do, however, need you to continue with her for the next two days. Do you have any concerns or questions?"

"No, that's fine. It looked like Alexis needed some cooling off time anyway," Darren looked at the screen that was now frozen with an image of the girl's enraged face.

"We've had her for two days Darren. In two days time, she's completely destroyed two rooms and broken one of the guard's wrists. This tape was recorded this morning, when we moved her to her third room. As you can see, the furnishings in this one are much sparser. She's not calming down. She's not eating, sleeping, or doing anything else besides yelling and screaming. After watching and then reviewing your video with Donika, I see that you are capable of handling a much more challenging subject and with Alexis you'll have your chance. I want her broken Darren." Dana stood with her arms folded in front of her, anger plain in her gaze.

"I can handle that. What do I do for right now?"

"You can return to Donika's room. There is food waiting for you, and she has been gotten out of bed and showered. She is in her peak fertility time right now Darren, today is very important," Dana pulled up Donika's cycle chart, showing a high spike for the next four hours that slowly descended throughout the day.

"Of course," Darren rose from his seat and left the room. Dana clicked the camera in Donika's room to the on position and readied a new tape for recording.

The room was lit with early morning sun and Darren saw that Donika sat staring through the barred window at the world outside. She didn't turn to look at him as he entered, or as he sat to eat his breakfast. She looked pale and small, her hair still damp from her recent shower. This morning, they had given her a white gown to wear as if to add insult to her injury.

The gown drew Darren's attention as she shifted at the window, her legs falling slightly apart, the sun filtered through the gauzy material and outlined the smooth lines of her legs. Darren almost couldn't believe his body's response as he felt himself starting to harden already.

He finished his food, went to the bathroom and changed into a loose fitting pair of cotton pajama pants. Walking slowly toward her, Darren spoke to her softly so as not to startle her.

"Donika..." he started but stopped when she turned to look at him. Her eyes were swollen and red from crying, the tears still drying on her smooth cheeks. She only nodded at him, stood from the sill and started toward the bedroom. Darren could see that she was trying to shut herself off, get her mind and body to separate. Her gown dropped to the floor and she lay in the middle of the bed, legs spread, head turned away from Darren.

He stepped out of his pajama pants and knelt between her legs, one finger stroking her and finding her dry. She didn't move at all as Darren tried to arouse her with his fingers and then his tongue. She seemed to feel nothing, as if she disconnected her nerve endings along with her mind.

Darren's erection began to soften as his anger rose at her ambivalence. He grabbed her face forcefully making her look at him. Her vacant stare met his infuriated one, mocking his anger.

"Pay attention to me damn it! That's part of this Donika! What the hell does it take to make you get into this?" Darren flipped her over pulling her roughly to her knees in front of him. His hand rose behind her and landed a blow onto the soft skin of her bottom. Donika yelped in pain, the blow totally unexpected. She started to squirm, trying to get free of Darren as he looped one arm under her hips, holding her tightly in place while continuing the spanking. Her skin flushed pink with Darren's handprints standing out against her white skin. Darren heard her wailing now, knew if he could see her face that the tears would be streaming from her eyes once again. She pushed back against him; a vain attempt to throw him off balance then threw herself forward against his restraining arm again. Darren felt himself starting to stiffen again as she struggled and screamed. The strikes were coming faster and harder now and he watched the cheeks of her bottom almost glow with color and heat. He licked his own fingers, getting them wet with saliva then dragged them over her mound.

Donika yanked herself forward again but Darren was ready for that. He pulled her back, slapped his hand down onto her ass once more then found her heat and thrust his cock into her. Donika screamed, pressing forward with her knees trying to get traction on the sheets and only managed to allow Darren to grab both of her legs with his strong hands. He held her tightly by her thighs just below her hip bones and high enough off the bed that she had to balance on her hands to remain upright. He pulled mostly out of her, feeling the void left by him close at once behind the head of his cock as he withdrew just before he jammed himself into her again. This time he held her tightly to him, using her like a machine pumping her whole body back and forth in front of him and feeding on her pain and her heat. Donika had screamed for so long, she began to hyperventilate and gasped for air as he pumped into her. Darren heard the change in her breathing but mistook it for excitement. He held her around the waist with one arm while bringing his other hand around and under her to find her clit. Stroking her faster and faster with his fingers, he plunged into her feeling her go limp in his arms. His orgasm gripped him and he pumped into her even harder closing his eyes so tightly while he was coming that he saw spots when he opened them again. He pulled himself out of Donika, then watched as her limp form fell to the side on the bed. Placing his fingers to her throat, he checked her pulse, finding it thready, but there. He rolled her onto her back and slapped her lightly on her face to revive her. Her eyes fluttered open, disorientation clear in them until they fell on Darren. In a flash, she was pushing herself backward against the headboard with terror filling her.

"Nooo, please not again! Not like that!"

"Donika, calm down! I'm not touching you! Damn it!"

Donika pulled her knees to her chest, her hair wild around her terrified eyes. Darren felt the rage draining from him as he watched her tremble. Raped...he had just raped her. She hadn't resisted at first but she hadn't really consented either. He had to make her put some effort into it. The effort she ended up exerting was trying to escape him. Darren felt sick and ran to the bathroom where he retched into the toilet until his breakfast was gone. He left the bathroom, gathered his clothes and dressed hurriedly in the living area. Getting to Dana's office as quickly as he could, he didn't pause to knock before entering. Dana had been waiting on him from the moment she saw him pulling his pants on and was ready when he entered.

"Take me out of this, I can't do it anymore," Darren's eyes were full of hate. He hated himself, didn't understand where all of this anger and need for control had come from.

"Alright Darren. I can see that Donika broke through the wall you had put up to protect your emotions from getting involved in this. She is a tender young woman Darren, and wouldn't have been at all defensive about having sex with you..."

"Except that I lost it. I don't know what the hell happened that first time...I just..."

"Darren, do you have a very strong girlfriend in your real life?"

"Yes, why do you ask that?"

"Here you were throw into a position where the woman wasn't knowledgeable about sex at all. She was also young, small and fragile. I think this was an opportunity for you to be in total control in the bedroom. Add in the fact that she was a virgin. Once you moved past the repulsion about her age, the fact that you would be her first began to excite you. You issued her into sex in a wonderful way that she was comfortable with.

No one can blame you for losing control once you surrendered to the feelings that her body provoked..."

"I blame myself! Don't you understand that? I raped that girl, not once, but twice. You say I did such a good job, but look at her Dana! She's terrified of me! If you still want me to work for you, then at least get me away from Donika! I don't want to do this to her anymore!"

A knock came at the door of Dana's office and their talk ceased. Dana opened the door to have a folder placed into her hands, Donika's name written in large block letters across the front of it. Dana settled into her chair again and looked over the contents of the enclosed paperwork.

"Your wish is granted Darren. These are Donika's test results. She's pregnant. I'll start the sequence to introduce you to Alexis tonight," Dana finally raised her eyes to meet Darren's and was not terribly surprised to see a tear sliding down one unshaven cheek.

Darren checked the monitor on the outside of the room before he entered as instructed. Alexis was nowhere to be seen. He readied himself for the attack that he knew would come as he slowly turned the handle and eased the door open with his foot. As he expected, a hand reached around the edge of the door to attempt to close on a wrist that wasn't there.

Finding only air must have confused her and she faltered with no next move. Darren took the advantage to close his own hand around her wrist, laughing as she tried to pull away from him. He eased into the room gripping her wrist almost painfully and met her face to face for the first time.

Alexis was at first taken by his appearance, he looked so different than any man that she was accustomed to being around. At the same time, her trained defenses clawed at her mind, trying to force her into action. His face was kind, his hair so black that there was almost a blue tint to it and eyes so dark they seemed to absorb the light and extinguish it in their depths. She finally began to notice the throbbing in her wrist had stopped. He had dropped his grip on her wrist as some point but her arm remained suspended as if he still held it. Alexis shook her head to clear her mind and make herself focus. She let her arm fall to her side and watched him carefully. Darren pushed the door closed behind him and crossed the sparsely furnished room to take a seat on the small couch.

"Who are you and what in the hell do you want?"

"My name is Darren and for right now, I want to talk with you," Darren watched her expression dart back and forth from guarded aggression to curiosity. She was a beauty. Her hair was a mass of red waves that fell to mid-back, her skin had a radiant quality and her eyes flashed a bright blue that contrasted with her hair like night and day. In effect, a little Alexandra.

"So what do you want to talk about Darren? How old I am, what school I go to? I know, let's talk about why the fuck I was kidnapped and brought to this place to be kept hostage...or how when my Dad finds me he'll fill this place and everyone in it so full of holes that you'll look like Swiss fucking cheese!!!" Alexis' voice had elevated to a scream and Darren watched as she placed an well-aimed roundhouse kick into one of the wooden chairs splitting the side support in two. She had bent down and grabbed a piece of the free wood before Darren saw her move and was now headed for him in a sprint, the makeshift weapon held high over her head. Darren sat where he was, letting her close the gap to less than three feet. He raised his right arm to block the coming blow and swept one of his feet in a wide arc directly in front of him. Alexis couldn't believe his speed and was still wondering what had just happened when she looked up at him from the floor.

She hadn't seen his foot move, had only been concentrating on bashing his skull in. The block with his arm, she anticipated and planned to counter with another swing but the sweep of her foot caught her totally off guard.

"Now that the little episode is over, would you like something to eat?" Darren rose and turned toward the door, turning his back on her on purpose. He wasn't disappointed, or unprepared as her heard her light steps as she closed in on him. He turned partway toward her, grabbed one of her outstretched fists and planted his hip into her stomach. Her momentum carried her as she flipped head over heels from Darren's perfectly executed Judo. She landed flat on her back with her one captured arm still held and twisted at an uncomfortable angle by Darren. The syringe appeared out of nowhere and the needle found her vein before she could protest, the liquid sleep heating her veins as she started to fade out.

"I see what you mean, I had to use the sedative that you gave me," Darren heard Dana's throaty laugh then listened to her further instructions. He lifted Alexis' unconscious body and left the room.

Alexis woke hour's later head spinning and dry-mouthed. She lifted her head and waited for her vision to clear to get a good look at her surroundings. She swallowed in a vain attempt to wet her parched throat. Her head felt as if it weighed twenty pounds and throbbed like she'd been kicked in it. She saw now that the room was painted in the darkest shade of blue imaginable, it was nearly black. Her eyes felt full of gravel and she tried to reach up and rub them, realizing for the first time that her hands were secured loosely to her sides. The cuffs around them allowed for minimal movement of her wrists at best. Testing her legs, she felt cuffs there as well and began to panic. She raised her eyes to the ceiling above her, finding the ever-present red light of a blinking camera there in the darkness.

"What the hell are you doing to me?! What is this place?!" she screamed at the light, feeling her already dry throat vibrating with the strain.

She heard a door open somewhere behind her and stretched her neck to see behind her. Darren circled around the gurney that she was secured to, watching her track him with her eyes. He checked all of the restraints, tugging on one at a time while keeping his eyes on hers.

"You didn't want to cooperate,"

"Cooperate with what? What am I here for and why..."

"There's an example. We need to get you to keep your mouth shut and listen for a change. Since you've proven that you can't keep it shut on your own, I have something here to help with that," he pulled the ball-gag from his pocket letting it dangle in front of her. She started to scream but was stopped short by Darren cramming the ball between her teeth and snapping it closed behind her head. Her eyes were wide with fear and anger. Darren watched as she thrashed her head back and forth trying to shake the gag loose.

Crossing the room, he flipped a switch letting the sparse bulb above the gurney throw off a bright red glow with a few points of pure white where the red paint had chipped off the bulb. He chose a pair of surgical shears from the tray in front of him and stepped to the foot of the bed. He started on one leg of the thin cotton pants; holding them between the blades and watching the material fall away and expose her flesh. Her head was shaking no over and over again. Darren walked to her other leg and repeated his actions. The waistband was all that held the material on her now and it was the next part cut through, the elastic band contracting so quickly it seemed to explode from around her. Red cotton panties came into view, and Darren felt himself start to harden. He slid the shear blades to the bottom hem of her shirt and cut just a bit before laying them down on the floor beside the gurney. Grabbing one frayed corner in each of his hands, he ripped the shirt apart to her throat watching her breasts come into view.

Already a little overdeveloped for her age, Alexis always made sure she wore her shirts big with extra layers to keep the boys eyes on base at bay. Now, there she lay nearly totally exposed to a man for the first time. Darren bent his mouth close to one nipple, watching it stiffen as he breathed hot air onto it. Alexis' back arched slightly and Darren met her eyes, seeing her shock at her own body's reaction. He let his tongue snake out and stroke slowly over the swell of her breast and across the tiny bud flicking it before leaving it be once again. Alexis heard a moan come from her own throat and closed her eyes wanting to will these strange feelings away.

Darren walked to the foot of the table again, and began to drag just the tips of his fingers down her legs from her thighs to her ankles. Alexis felt gooseflesh trail behind his fingers as they reached her ankles and tried to control the rolling of her hips as he retraced his path this time ending at her thighs. Darren smiled as he watched her body's movements.

She may be a virgin, but her body was ready to become a woman. He let just one fingertip graze her hidden bud through the panties and saw her hips buck toward his hand involuntarily just as he pulled it away. Walking away from her toward the small table again, he saw her eyes tracking him. The anger that had been in them was gone, replaced by fear and maybe curiosity. He reached onto the table and withdrew a blindfold from the assortment of items. With the blindfold in place, the gag still tight in her mouth and the cuffs still secured on wrist and ankles, she was truly at his mercy now. He watched her strain to lift her head, tilting it this way and that to try and catch any available sound to let her know where he was. The sound she heard was a low hum, some sort of machine...a small one from the sound of the motor.

He glided the tip of the vibrator along the tender instep of one of her feet and watched as she tried to jerk it away. Letting it trail up the inside of one leg, he stopped just short of the crotch of her panties and turned it off. He bent to retrieve the shears and eased the blade of them under the material carefully. One snip later and the scrap of red material sprung open exposing her fully to him. The patch of down that covered her mound was a lighter shade of red than the hair on her head and Darren brushed his thumb over it. He heard a sharp intake of air and saw her head turn up and away from him. He switched the vibrator on and let it hum along her inner thigh and up toward her clit, pausing on it for only the briefest of moments watching her reaction. It was immediate as her hips bucked and rolled from the stimulation. Darren placed one hand on one of her breasts capturing the nipple between his thumb and forefinger and pinching it to arousal as he moved the vibrator back onto her clit.

Alexis couldn't believe the intense feelings her body was experiencing. Her guardian, her father...had never discussed sex with her. The woman that her father had chosen to watch over her and school her had raised her with the belief that sex was dirty, that her body should only be used for procreation after she was married of course. Now, as she felt gooseflesh break out across her body, sweat then chills running down her spine she focused only on the feelings that she had never felt before.

Whatever this man was doing to her was building toward something...and she wanted to get there, to feel whatever it was.

Darren worked the vibrator on her, building her towards her orgasm, possibly the first one that she had ever had as he massaged her breasts and marveled over her likeness to Alexandra. His hard-on raged, but he had to deny himself for the moment while continuing the education of Alexis. He released her breast letting his hand glide over the soft skin of her ribs and stomach down to the silky hair between her legs. The tip of the vibrator hummed along, moving in tandem with her hips never letting the connection to her clit escape. Darren dropped his head replacing the vibrating tip with the tip of his own tongue. He let his hot breath envelope her whole mound and felt his heartbeat increase as he watched her back arch with the awareness of what was now happening. His tongue flicked against her clit, mimicking the actions of the vibrator and making her moan deep in her throat. He could feel her trembling under his hand as he ran his fingers from ankle to thigh, making her get even closer to coming before he pulled back and…stopped. Stepping back from her, he watched Alexis thrash her head back and forth on the gurney. Pulling the blindfold from her eyes and releasing the ball gag he waited for her first comments. He was not disappointed in what he heard.

"Why did you stop?! I don't understand," Alexis looked at him, down at herself and back to him once again.

"Because you didn't want me to," Darren lay the blindfold and gag on the small table, and returned to undo the cuffs that held Alexis to the table. She rubbed at the irritated skin on her wrist but sat still keeping her eyes on Darren. He unlatched the cuffs on her ankles and took a moment to rub his hands over the reddened flesh beneath them. When he finished, he pulled a chair close to the gurney and sat down waiting for her to make the next move.

"Darren...right?"

"Right."

"Darren, I don't know what you just did to me...what you started to do to me I mean...but I want to," Alexis stared down at her own hands, not hiding her body from him the way that Donika had. Darren saw some embarrassment in her just the same, perhaps more over her ignorance of what had just happened.

"But you hate this place, you want to go home...you tried to kill me," Darren pushed the mental buttons, wanting to see if he had won her yet.

"I'm scared and that's not something I'm used to being, not where I'm from. But...what you just did to me, those feelings, I've never felt like that either. I thought it was all dirty, but it felt so good," Alexis finally lifted her eyes to his and Darren felt the triumph.

"We won't finish this here. If you can find any trust at all, you need to find it now and trust me. I can teach you so many things, and you'll enjoy them all...but the trust is the first thing," Darren watched as she nodded her head slowly. The hard part was over and it was time to talk to Dana again.

"You are amazing Darren...in bed and out from what I've seen. Since you're so confident in her trust in you, I'll leave the choice of rooms up to you. If you don't think you can control her for any reason, I would suggest that you do stay right where you have her. If you wish, we can even have another man in to assist you in holding..."

"Damn it Dana! These are young girls, not animals! If you would think back to when you were their age, you may remember how impressionable you were at that age. They can be guided and taught by the right person..." Darren ran a hand through his hair.

"At her age, my father had been pimping me to his friends for four years after breaking me in himself. I had made him enough to buy a new car and put a down payment on a better house for us to conduct our business in. When I was fourteen, I finally ended up pregnant...I don't know how it took so long in the first place. Instead of letting that put me out of commission, he charged more since the guys didn't have to wear rubbers or worry about knocking me up since I was already pregnant. When I got too far along to fuck, my mouth was still useful. Then, while I was pushing the kid out, Daddy already had a cashier's check made out to him for 10 grand from a rich bastard who couldn't give his rich bitch wife the one thing she had always wanted...a baby. So, there's the story behind this little business Darren. Of course, DNA technology has made some things easier...while AIDS made some things harder. We find virgins because the chance of disease is virtually none, and we keep strict physical tabs on all of the men who work for us. As you can see from your experience...they don't have to go out looking for it and are usually more than pleased to be issuing so many young girls into womanhood. We keep the girls healthy, they have excellent pre-natal care and the healthy babies are sold to some of the world's most influential couples in government, entertainment...a variety of areas. Do you have anything else to say or ask?"

Darren had felt the saliva in his mouth dry up as she had talked. He shook his head, not even knowing what to ask. Dana nodded, stood from her chair and watched Darren stand and turn to the door. He didn't look back at her, only questioned in a quiet voice as he remained facing the door face.

"What room would you like me to take her to?"

"I think you would both be comfortable in room number 9. The camera's are better hidden so her comfort level should be higher," Dana flipped the view to room 9 on her monitor and heard her door click shut behind Darren.

Nikita sat in her office, the door closed. When she'd first been granted an office - and the status of Level 5, she'd maintained an open door policy. Her door was always open - unless the person who walked in wanted it closed - for a quick, quiet chat. Of course, Nikita often took people outside of Section for those chats. Section was oppressive by its existence alone - and nothing she did to that office totally chased away the feel of oppression.

But in the last year, a few times, she'd closed her door - to preserve her own sanity - to take a moment to be selfish and catch her breath, sometimes when she needed to cry, and there was no time to leave section for even a little while. Gone were the days when she went on a mission, then went home. It used to be that she thought of section as a leash that was occasionally pulled. Now, more than ever before in her life, she felt it for the consuming ravenous beast that it was. But it was a necessary beast. That didn't make it any more bearable. Somehow, it made it only worse.

She sat back in her chair with her eyes closed, remembering her days on the streets. There were days when she didn't eat, days when she was cold, days when she was drenched and wet to the skin. She could still vividly remember being afraid she'd be robbed when she slept, with her back to a wall, or in a doorway. She remembered the humiliation of having people refuse to look at her, or say mean cruel things when she had to panhandle for money.

But sometimes, she found herself weighting that life to this one. There were two bright spots in her life now, Michael - and her friends. Nikita had never known that love like she felt with Michael could exist - until she fell in love with Michael. Love like this had driven her to insanity and back with lust, sometimes rage, and often longing. It kept her going and gave her a reason to go on. Michael - and the small group of people she called friends - people she'd trust her life with, beyond the dictums of Section One.

But those two immensely comforting and wonderful things didn't make decisions like the one she had to make today any easier. So Nikita closed her door, kicked the chair that sat in front of her desk across the room, and then flopped down into her chair, and cried. She couldn't run to Michael to find a solution to this. She knew he wouldn't be able to find any other solution, and she knew that he'd have made the same decision she had come to, weeks before. But Nikita had to try a few more things. Now, defeat loomed over her, its icy cold fingers digging deep into her body, chilling her to the bone.

She'd worked with this recruit for months. She did everything she possibly could to reach her. But no matter what Nikita did, the recruit was violent without reason, without provocation, and without any predictability. She refused to learn anything, other than fighting and weaponry. She didn't study for language classes or exams. She refused to look at any materials that might help her. She wouldn't touch a computer. She'd injured three other recruits too - one of them had been set back 4 months so broken bones had time to heal. No matter what Nikita did, she could not reach this girl. So now, in the status report, Nikita recommended something she hated to recommend. Recommendation: Cancellation.

Nikita's fingers typed in the last letter, traced her finger over the touch pad, and sent the report to Madeline.

This girl never should have made it past the initial screening process, Nikita had often thought. There was too much anger, no conscious, nothing to use as leverage. She didn't fear her own death even. Nikita hated having to resort to using that as leverage too - but in the end, it inevitably worked. Except this time.

A knock at the door sounded. Nikita thought about not answering, or telling the person to go away. But she didn't. She had little room for self-pity in her life right now.

"Come in," Nikita called out.

The door opened, and Kim walked in, Pepe tucked under her arm.

"I thought you might need some of whatever hocus pocus magic Darren seems to think Chihuahua's have right now," Kim said, setting Pepe down on Nikita's desk.

Pepe wagged his tail walked across the smooth surface towards Nikita. He paused to sniff her coffee cup, and then her computer screen, and then he reached her hand, which still rested on the desktop. His little pink tongue darted out, and licked across the back of her hand.

Nikita smiled, and scrubbed her fingers down his back, "Pepe, we'd need 1000 Chihuahua's to chase all the bad energy out of this place. Maybe that's why you sleep so much?"

Kim had pulled the chair Nikita kicked earlier back to an upright position, and sat down on it.

"She's just not right in the head Nikita," Kim told her, "I bet if we put her at the end of the range and told her dodge bullets, she'd try to catch them and throw them back at us with the intent to kill us like that."

Nikita nodded, "Probably."

"You did everything you could," Kim reminded her, "But you probably know that."

Nikita nodded, "When I was a recruit, I had come up on the end of my two years, and Operations thought I was a discipline problem, and I was. Everyone around me knew I was a marshmallow. Operations thought I should have been cancelled, but Michael thought I had potential. Operations indulged him - and it was years before I understood why. They were testing Michael. My existence here - was a test of Michael's abilities. It was just dumb luck that I did turn out to be a decent operative. So I hate to cancel recruits. I really really hate it. But this girl . . .she'll never make it past her first mission. It would be like setting off a bomb in the mall."

Kim listened to her, seeing the far away look in Nikita's eyes.

"If it helps, I think you're right," Kim told her.

Nikita sighed deeply, and looked down at Pepe, who was now quietly snoring on her lap.

"I'm still trying to figure out how she made it past the initial screening," Kim said, "We generally don't take lunatics - not knowingly - how could we not know?"

Nikita shrugged, "I've been trying to figure that one out for months now."

Silence hung between them.

"You said that your existence here was a test for Michael . . ." Kim started, folding her arms across her chest.

Nikita looked up from the Chihuahua, "Yeah, she had to be a test . . . I should have ended this months ago Kim. My biggest failing, is my compassion."

"I always thought it was your biggest strength," Kim replied.

"That," Nikita said, "Depends on who you ask."

"It's time to pull him out," Nikita pulled up the feed that Birkoff had captured. The screen filled with the images of Darren and Donika in the most violent moments of their last session. The camera zoomed in showing the intense anger in Darren's eyes as he drove himself into Donika and Michael stopped the feed, looking away quickly.

"I can see that," Michael agreed with her, planning in his mind how to get Darren out of there. Two days before Darren could contact Section was two days too long to leave him in there as far as Michael was concerned from what he had just witnessed. Nikita's thoughts were already in line with his, and she cringed knowing his direct involvement would be necessary.

"You know you'll have to go. Tony is out and Stephen is still recuperating. What's the rest of your plan?" Nikita didn't meet his eyes, knowing what his insertion into this particular mission may mean. Michael saw her avoiding his gaze and rose from his chair. He circled his desk slowly to stand behind his wife, caressing her shoulders and letting his fingers glide over the soft skin of her throat. He leaned down to the shell

of one ear placing a kiss there before whispering to her.

"I love you, and I won't do anything that I don't have to do," Michael stepped back around to his chair and took his seat, seeing that Nikita now looked directly at him and continued, "I think I can get in, and smuggle a fast acting virus in with me. If I can contact Darren when I first get in, after the preliminary tests on me..." Michael paused in mid thought.

"Then you can infect him and yourself, making yourself useless for their cause," Nikita finished.

"Exactly," Michael punched the code for Medlab and asked for Dr. Marc to be sent to his office immediately. Dr. Marc came in and Michael and Nikita brought him up to speed quickly. He recommended a virus that would cause vomiting and high fever with a reaction time of one hour after first exposure. The initial virus could be smuggled into the farm with no detection if placed on a small cotton pad and taped onto Michael with flesh colored bandage. To activate, Michael would only have to remove the tape and let the pad contact he and Darren's skin, easily possible by passing the pad to him in a hallway. The plan was set, approved by Operations and set into motion.

Darren left Dana's office fully intending on returning immediately to Alexis. As he rounded the corner, he caught sight of one of the other men escorting an obviously new member of the male team toward him and Dana's office. Darren tucked the shock that tried to force its way onto his face down and away as he met Michael's green eyes. He watched him reach a falsely nervous hand to the back of his neck, as if wiping sweat from there. Michael then did something he rarely did. He smiled directly at Darren.

Darren smiled back, watching Michael offer his hand to him for a handshake.

"Hi, I'm Michael...nice to be working with you," Michael grabbed Darren's hand, pressing the pad he had concealed there into his palm forcing the tape to hold. Darren shook his hand in the gentleman's fashion, eyeing the other man standing with them.

"Nice to meet you Michael, I'm Darren," he saw the other man reach up to Michael's shoulder and tap him. Michael turned to him, still smiling and saw him shaking his head.

"There's no need for conversation or friendship between the men here. You will rarely be in contact with another male while you work here and I promise, you won't mind that," he nodded to Darren and he and Michael continued toward Dana's office. Darren made his way to one of the restrooms and entered a stall before ever looking down at his hand. The door closed, he turned his palm up and saw the small patch that Michael had put there. On the small piece of tape, he saw written in small black letters, 60 min. Sixty minutes for what? He trusted Michael with his life, so for the next sixty minutes...or fifty minutes now, he would delay anything he had to do and see what happened.

"Michael, it's so nice to meet you. You come with some very high recommendations, please have a seat and let's chat," Dana took her seat, opening the manila file in front of her. Michael's false profile was inside and Dana perused it at leisure, smiling and nodding at what she read there. Michael felt his temperature rising, sweat forming on his brow and upper lip. The virus was taking its toll faster than even Dr. Marc had anticipated. Dana looked up at him, making some small notes on the bottom of the profile before she spoke to him again.

"Everything checks out beautifully Michael and once we have the preliminary physicals out of the way..." Dana paused, really looking at Michael for the first time. His cheeks were flushed, and sweat ran from his temples. Michael raised a trembling hand to wipe it away and Dana pressed a small button. A moment later, a man dressed in hospital greens entered the room with digital thermometer in hand. He placed it in Michael's mouth and withdrew it only a moment later. He glanced at it, shook his head and looked quickly up at Dana.

"102 right now, and it looks to be rising. You better get him out of here, contagion could be a factor," he helped Michael stand and watched him waver on his feet. Dana placed a quick call and asked if Michael had any contact with anyone else since he was brought in. The guard that had escorted him started to shake his head then heard Michael speak up.

"A guy named Darren. We shook hands out in the hallway, seemed to be a really nice guy..." Michael placed a hand to his forehead and felt for the chair behind him.

Dana waved her hands in a shooing manner at the medical assistant and the guard motioning for them to move quickly.

"Get him out of there, I have a car downstairs. Take him to whatever address he gives you; just get him out of here. And when that's done, find Darren. He may have already contaminated Alexis. If you find him and he has even the slightest fever, ship him out of here as well. Tell him that his leave has come up early and we'll be in touch within the week to let him know when he's needed. Assure him that Alexis will be saved for him. Michael, please get some medical attention and call us when you're healthy, we are looking forward to having you with us," Dana closed Michael's file and threw it into a nearly empty drawer as she watched the men usher him out of the room.

Michael reentered Section an hour later, his fever raging and stomach rolling. Nikita met him at van access and helped him to Med Lab. Dr. Marc checked the symptoms and gave Michael the antidote and inoculated Nikita at the same time to lower her risk since exposure. Michael filled Nikita in on what had transpired in such a short time and thanked Dr. Marc on his miscalculation.

"It really seems that they have the initial introduction time down to a science. They may have had a match for me this evening in fact," Michael felt Nikita's fingers rub his knuckles.

"So when should we expect Darren?" Nikita heard the alarm letting them know that someone was at van access. Inside the portal, she found Darren slumped against the wall with sweat coasting down his neck. She paged Med Lab and in moments, had him ready for Dr. Marc and the injection.

"Dead...who found her?" Nikita watched Bullins step forward, his head down. "Both her wrist were sliced open Nikita. She used a steak knife that was left in the room and just took it into the bathroom with her. I guess the surveillance doesn't cover the bathrooms in there. Looked like she just turned on the warm water and did it while she lay in the tub. The raid was over, Dena had already been picked up, and I found her on our final sweep," Bullins shook his head pitifully and stepped back into line.

"Did you recover the body Davenport?"

"Yeah, you should be getting the examiner's report in a few minutes. I don't know if Darren should find out about this too soon Nikita," Davenport glanced around at the rest of his team and saw nodding heads all around.

"I know. I'll wait to see what the report findings are and discuss this with Michael. If you'll finish your debrief with Operations and make sure I get a copy of the report, I'd appreciate it," Nikita nodded to the team and headed for the lab.

"She was," Dr. Marc handed over his report to Nikita.

"But, Darren was given the drug to make him temporarily sterile...I don't understand," Nikita looked at the paper again, and at the positive check beside pregnancy.

"He was, but the drug has to have time to take effect Nikita. We didn't fully understand how quickly new recruits could be processed and paired up. Darren of course was in perfect health. The drug that we administered would have slipped in under their tox screen, and he passed with flying colors. We didn't expect him to be paired up that same day. Donika was at an extremely high spot in her fertility, not to mention the drugs that they have all the women on to boost the fertility up. They're whole goal there is pregnancies after all," Dr. Marc turned to look at the frail girl on his exam table. The sheet was pulled back up to her chin and if not for the white pallor of her skin, you may have thought her sleeping.

"Two babies," Nikita breathed.

"Two? What do you mean by that?"

"Uh, never mind. Thanks for the report. If you could do me a favor...please

keep Darren as far away from here and disposal as you can today," Nikita implored him with her eyes.

"Understood. You know he's going to eventually find out don't you?"

"Oh, he'll know by tonight, but it will be coming from Michael or I, not from some flunky on B team. Davenport's team is hush hush about it already, so I know I don't have to worry about them leaking it," Nikita patted Dr. Marc on his shoulder, gathered the folder and it's contents together and left for Michael's office.

Michael heard the quiet knock on his door and knew it was Nikita. The door opened, and Nikita saw Alexandra sitting on the small couch in the corner.

Her eyes were red from crying. Nikita quickly shut the door and walked to her, glancing at Michael.

"What happened? Are you all right? Where's Pepe?" Nikita rifled off questions so fast that Alex didn't have a chance to answer. They heard Michael clear his throat and Nikita turned to look at him.

"Pepe is fine, Walter is watching him. I just explained to Alex the parameters of the mission that Darren just returned from. She needed to take a few moments for herself and I told her it was fine if she stayed in here till she composed herself," Michael glanced at the folder that Nikita had abandoned in a chair on her way in, "is that the report?"

"There's a little more to this now Michael, and Alex needs to hear this too. Donika is dead; she committed suicide in her room during our raid. One of the reports in the folder is her post-mortem. Alex, Darren is going to need a lot of help getting through this. You understand the issue of grief from a friend's standpoint after what you went through with Lora. Darren is going to feel that he drove her to this with his actions, which may or may not been true. The other information is going to be hard on both of you and I apologize up front. As Michael may have told you, Darren was given a drug before he was planted to make him infertile. The drug didn't have the needed time to become effective before he was paired with Donika. She was pregnant Alex," Nikita took Alexandra in her arms and held her when the tears started again. Michael waited an hour after Nikita had taken Alex out of Section to call for Darren. They would be at Alex's favorite restaurant by now, probably on their second glass of wine. Nikita had known that it was too dangerous to have Alex this distraught over anything that concerned Darren with Operations mulling around. Michael heard a light tap on his door and called for Darren to come in. Michael took in the younger man's appearance and saw what he expected to. Whenever Darren was struggling internally with something, his outward personal appearance became tightly rigid and controlled. His hair was brushed straight back into a slicked down ponytail. His entire outfit was black as was Michael's the majority of the time. The shirt was fitted to his form, pants with the crease pressed to a sharp line. Darren took his seat and measured Michael's visual appraisal, reading it for what it was.

"Michael, if you want to know how I am, or anything else, just ask. Don't play those damn Madeline head games with me today," he brought both hands to his temples and rubbed the pads of his fingers there, trying to relieve some of the pressure building there.

"How are you then?"

"Pissed, stressed, feeling like I want to explode one minute and sleep for a month the next," Darren opened his eyes and saw Michael looking at a folder in front of him. He knew it had something to do with the mission and dreaded the knowledge that he was about to receive.

"Darren, there are some things about the mission, during the last raid by Davenport's team that you need to know. I wanted you to hear this from Nikita or I, not just someone in the hall," Michael moved a sheet of paper away from the others, studying it for a moment.

"Just spill it Michael, I can handle it," Darren spoke the words, but didn't believe them anymore than Michael did.

"First, the end game was successful over-all. We brought Dana in and from what Madeline reported, she does not do well with torture. She gave up names that we didn't have. Most of the girls have been returned to their families, Alexis is with her father now. The girls who were taken from the streets, or don't have any family that we can find have been moved to a shelter equipped with a councilor to help them cope," Michael watched Darren carefully gauging his reaction.

"You said most of the girls. How's Donika Michael?"

"That's the other part of what I have to tell you, I want you to feel like you helped shut this place down Darren..."

"How's Donika Michael?"

"She's dead Darren," Michael pulled another sheet from the folder as he said it.

"Dead...what, killed during the raid? What the hell happened, who did you say was on point...Davenport right?"

"It didn't happen like that. She took her own life Darren. It did happen during the assault, but she wasn't found until the final sweep," Michael slid the paper across the desk for Darren's inspection, "this is her post-mortem. It also contains other information..."

Michael saw Darren scanning the paper and knew he had seen it.

"Pregnant? She really was pregnant? I thought that was just Dana's way of getting me away from her, after I made my appeal in her office...oh my God Michael, not again."

"It wasn't your fault Darren. You were processed and paired with Donika before the drug you were injected with had time to work, that and the fact that they were injecting all the girls with fertility drugs," Michael watched as Darren slid the chair back and dropped his head into his hands.

"It was my fault that I forced her Michael, I raped her...twice. Don't tell me that wasn't my fault. Does Alex know yet?" Darren raised his head to look at Michael, then dropped his head again when he saw Michael nod.

"Nikita is with her now, she took her out to eat so they could talk. She doesn't blame you Darren, she knew that you were under orders," Michael could see that he wasn't reaching him.

"She doesn't know the whole story either Michael. How do you think she'll feel when I tell her that I was told to have sex with these girls and get them pregnant, but I wasn't told to rape them...I did that on my own," Darren rose from his chair and looked at Michael before sliding the report back to him.

"Where are you going?"

"I'll be at my place. I want to take a shower, then probably another one. Some blood is harder to wash off Michael."