Michael had been out on a mission for over a week. After debriefing with Operations, Michael had been given the afternoon off to go home and get some rest. Michael sat in his office for a few minutes, trying to sort things out. He knew that Operations and Madeline were up to something, what, he was not sure. Simone had been ensconced in his apartment for a week now. He had not been home since afternoon tea with Madeline and Operations when he had been informed of their decision.

He was exhausted. Maybe he would just nap here in his office. Who was he kidding? He was scared to go home. He had thought all week long about what his actions and reactions should be. After a week of thinking, he was no closer to an answer. Did he love her? Did he want to spend the rest of his life with her? His answers were unequivocal yes's.

The problem he was having was how he felt about her on his team. Did he trust her? Yes. Would she protect his back? Yes. The real problem came in missions like he had just returned from. He was a valentine op, so was she. Could their love overcome knowing one was on a valentine mission? Would jealously consume them? Or worse yet, would they be forced out on such a mission together where one would be forced to sit idly by while the other seduced a mark? Suddenly he felt just like a whore.

As he sat and contemplated in his office, Michael's love for Simone won out. He knew that they would have to find the answers to these questions together. It was really very simple, any questions that he had, he knew that they would have to solve together. He wearily got up and headed out of Section One.

Michael was used to a life of being alone. After leaving foster care at 16 he had worked very hard to put himself through college. He had always been alone, even when in foster care. He preferred to spend his time alone. What would he do when he would be spending almost twenty-four hours a day with another person?

When he arrived at the apartment building, Michael stopped for a moment and took a deep breath . When he walked in, he saw Jurgen leaving their apartment and returning to his own. Michael raised his hand in reply to Jurgen's wave. An uncustomary wave of jealousy washed over him as he stood outside the door. When he opened the door, every sense in his being was awash with amazement. Colors exploded over his eyes. His ears picked up the faint tinkling of chimes, blended in with the sounds of a cello concerto playing on a state of the art sound system. Flowers and plants were draped everywhere, giving off their vibrant beauty. The smells. Michael could smell the flowers. He could smell wonderful odors emanating from his kitchen. Odors which left nothing to the imagination. It was as if he could already taste the prepared food in his mouth.

Michael's eyes caught a slight movement as he stood rooted to the floor just inside the door. Simone placed the two dinner plates on the table bathed in candlelight. She turned slowly as she noticed Michael for the first time. She walked over to him. It was as if she were moving in slow motion. She was wearing a black cocktail dress and 3-inch spiked heels. She was a lovely vision walking towards him. Simone wrapped her arms around Michael's neck, kissed him softly on the lips, smiled, and said tow words that Michael never thought he had a right to hear. "Welcome Home!"

************

Michael and Simone had a blissful and quiet two months alone in their apartment. Both went in to Section One daily, but neither was sent out on missions. If Michael were needed for a mission, he would lead from Comm, pacing back and forth like a caged lion behind Simon.

One morning, before the sun came up, both cell phones rang, breaking into their idyllic life. Simone was needed for a very sensitive mission. She was basically being sold as a slave to a man with a voracious appetite for women. She was expected to be submissive and to sate his appetite no matter which form of depravity he might choose. Michael's assignment would be to monitor from the van along with Simon. Jurgen was to accompany Simone on this mission, serving as her whipping master. Neither man was sure which assignment was worse.

Madeline took Simone away to choose her wardrobe for this assignment. Not that she would be needing much clothing. Operations spoke quietly with Michael and Jurgen in the perch. He explained in no uncertain terms that their objective must be met. Without the information, which they were to retrieve, Section One and the world as they knew it might crumble. Michael and Jurgen just nodded as Operations spoke. All they could do was stare at each other intently. Neither could believe what the three of them were being asked to do. As the two left the perch to get Simone and report to egress, Operations wondered to himself, which of the two men loved Simone more.

While on the transport plane from Section One to the Middle East, Michael was kept busy going over the escape routes and contingency plans with Simon. Poor Simon was white with fear about this mission. He had never been asked to participate in this type of mission before. Michael could certainly understand Simon's fear. He was going through the same thing, he was just better at hiding it.

Since Michael was busy with Simon, Jurgen was left to comfort Simone. She was nearly hysterical with tears over what she was being ordered to do. Jurgen held her close rocking back and forth with her consoling her as if she were a child. He could only imagine what was going through her head. Not very surprisingly, his thoughts were not far off from hers or Michael's. Simone's major fear was Michael. How would he react to her after this mission? Would he still love her? Would he feel as if she were soiled goods? As if she were a whore?

Jurgen's thoughts were very similar. He also thought of Michael's reactions to Simone. He hoped that he knew Michael well enough to say how he would react but he knew in his heart that their was no way of knowing for sure. Suddenly Jurgen looked at the situation from a different point of view. How would he react if he were Michael? Unequivocally, he would kill the son-of-a-bitch before he would allow this to happen. Jurgen knew at this point that the mission was doomed to failure and they would be lucky if any of them got out of it alive.

Michael looked and acted as if he were immersed in his activities with Simon. Luckily the tasks were mundane and basically rote for him. His mind was too distracted to pay much attention to the intel Simon was imparting. Michael's thoughts were very similar to both Simone's and Jurgen's. How was he going to react once Simone had completed her mission? He honestly had no clue. What was to stop him from going in and killing the son-of-a-bitch before he hurt Simone? Would his loyalty to Section win out? Michael had no real answers and was drawn out of his thoughts when the pilot informed him that they were on final approach. As the plane landed, the three principal participants could not take their eyes off of each other.

************

Simone and Jurgen had been inside for almost three hours. Michael was pacing back and forth behind Simon in the van. He could not stay still. He had been listening for over an hour and a half as Jurgen was forced to whip Simone. Simone for her part was moving across the floor, naked, picking up small baubles with her teeth. There was an audience of five men watching the depravity.

Michael's mind was driving him crazy. He thought surely that if he could at least see then he could calm himself down. But his only sense he could use was his hearing. This allowed his mind to torture him. At one point Michael began to leave the van. Simon very carefully removed a gun from a drawer and chambered a round. The sound of the round sliding home was enough to snap Michael out of it. The mission must come first.

Simone and Jurgen knew nothing of the torment, which Michael was going through. They were playing out their own version of hell. Simone was strapped between two pillars, both hands and feet spread wide. The five men in the room took turns abusing her body. All the while, Jurgen was forced to paddle Simone. Simone had at least managed to zone out so that her body no longer felt the depravity. Jurgen, unfortunately could do no such thing, his anger steadily built upon itself.

After several hours of the mindless torture, Simone's body gave out and she fell unconscious. When the leader of the group continued to abuse her body, Jurgen lost all sense of himself and where he was. He strangled the five men who had been drinking and doing heroin as heavily as they had been whoring. Jurgen knew the instant he snapped the leader's neck that he had blown the mission. He did not care.

Jurgen removed Simone from her bindings and carried her to the door. The door burst open and Michael rushed in taking Simone from Jurgen's arms. Tears were streaming from both men's eyes. At that moment it finally dawned on Michael that Jurgen loved Simone too. Their eyes locked together for a moment as they read each other's thoughts. They slowly made their way back to the van.

The return to Section One via air transport was made in stony silence. Michael had wrapped a blanket around Simone and they sat together, Simone weeping softly on Michael's shoulder. Jurgen figured that he would deal with Operations until they returned. After all, Michael had his hands full and Jurgen had been the one to screw up. Simon had discretely put his gun away when the trio returned to the van. Simon figured it was Michael's place to tell anyone he wanted to that Simon had had to hold him at gunpoint.

When they returned to Section, Operations was waiting for them at van access. He was furious. He demanded answers and he was not willing to wait to get them. Worse than that he would not allow either man to escort Simone to Med Lab. Michael was forced to release Simone into Madeline's keeping. Madeline smiled her apology to both men as she quietly led Simone away.

It was actually several days later before either Michael or Jurgen could get to see Simone. Operations had insisted that the two men return to the Middle East and find the information they had been sent to retrieve. Operations considered nothing beyond the fact that failure was not an option. Michael and Jurgen infiltrated the building where Jurgen and Simone had been held and found the disks under where Simone had been strapped between the pillars. Neither man was willing to discuss what had happened to Simone on their return trip.

As soon as they returned to Section for the second time, Michael handed Jurgen the disks and headed to Med Lab. When he got there, he found Simone heavily sedated. She had several broken ribs, a broken wrist, and a broken jaw. She had been comatose most of the time he had been gone. Michael calmly and carefully removed the IV lines and all other connections on Simone, picked Simone up, and walked out of Section One. His intention was to take her home and care for her himself. It was the least he could do, he had an urge to keep the home fires burning.

************

Michael carefully placed Simone in their bed. He was not sure what he could do for her but he knew he needed to try. He was still very conflicted within himself. The side of him that was the complete operative knew that they just had to do the job. His other side, the human side, wanted to protect both Simone and himself from this torture. He knew which path he had to follow. There really was no question about it. If he chose the other path he might as well end both of their lives now.

Back at Section One, Madeline and Operations had just received word that Michael had removed Simone from Med Lab. Both had known that might have been a possibility. They gave ordered that the couple was not to be disturbed and had Med Lab deliver all necessary materials and equipment to Michael and Simone's apartment. Both Madeline and Operations knew that all the couple needed was a little time,

Michael felt totally helpless for practically the first time in his life. Simone was still sleeping due to the heavy sedatives she had been given. Every time he tried to touch her, just to hold her to let her know he was there, she whimpered and tried to move away from him. He did not know how to let her know that she was safe and that she was home. He spent most of his time just sitting and watching.

It was several hours later before Simone woke up. When she awoke she was not exactly sure where she was. The room she was in was very dark and the air was very cool. She realized she was in a comfortable bed so she knew she was not being tortured again. Michael sat very still in his chair. He had sensed when Simone awoke and went completely still. He did not want to frighten her because he knew that she needed to figure out where she was.

As soon as Simone realized where she was, she burst into tears. She sat up and hugged her knees to her, sobbing and rocking back and forth. Michael jumped when he heard the wailing begin. He sat on the edge of the bed and attempted to hold Simone and soothe her. She would not allow it. She fought ferociously, trying to keep him away from her. She scooted across the bed and rocked herself, praying hie would stay away from her.

Michael had no idea what to do. He had never been one to be able to soothe a frightened person. He did not know what the problem was. He remembered back to the first time that he had been ordered to prostitute himself. He had felt such solitude once he had returned from the mission. He had had no idea of how to live with himself after that mission. Michael knew that only time would be able to heal Simone's mental wounds. All he wanted to do was to hold her and tell her that everything was going to be ok. But, he knew she had to figure that out for herself.

When Simone drifted back to sleep, Michael decided to check in with Section One. Madeline seemed very concerned with Simone's health. She asked him to return her to Med Lab so she could be cared for properly. He refused saying that she needed to know that she was home. Of course Madeline could not argue with the logic. She made him promise that if they needed something that he would contact her personally. Michael agreed. Madeline knew he would not call.

Michael decided that he needed to take care of himself as well. He went to the kitchen and made himself a sandwich to eat. He was not hungry but he knew he needed nourishment. The food tasted like sawdust. Just as Michael finished cleaning the kitchen, he heard a crashing noise in the bedroom. Michael ran to the room. When he entered, he saw Simone in the doorway to the bathroom. She had knocked over a lamp when she fell and she was crawling into the bathroom, unmindful of the shards of glass.

Michael knew in that instant what it was that Simone needed. He ran to her and scooped her up in his arms. She fought him like a wildcat but he refused to let her win this time. He carried her into the bathroom, ripped the gown off of her body and physically deposited her into the shower. She fought him with all of her might but he joined her in the shower and forced her to let the water sluice over her.

Simone continued to fight but Michael was having none of it. He was crooning softly to her, speaking to her as you would a hurt animal. Telling her how sorry he was that this had happened to her. Simone began to settle in his arms. He began telling her how much he loved her and no matter how long it took, he would prove it to her.

Simone reached for the soap. She felt so dirty ad defiled. She felt as if she could never be clean again. Worst of all she felt she could never be clean enough for Michael to love her again. Michael could read the emotions raging within Simone through her eyes. Michael smiled at Simone and stated softly, " I will always love you mon coeuur, no matter what they put us through. You are mine and mine alone. I am yours and yours only. You did not do this to yourself. Section did it to you, you are not to blame." When Simone began slowly washing her body, Michael's had closed over hers, and they washed away the dirt together.

************

Michael had two weeks home alone with Simone before real life intruded again. Michael and Simone had spent their time together simply talking. They had discussed what was expected of them by Section. They had discussed what each expected out of their relationship. Real life had both Simone and Michael is a very cynical state of mind but they knew that as long as they could talk to each other, they would be able to handle whatever Section would throw at them.

After a few days, Simone had calmed down enough to allow Michael to hold her. While she slept at night, Michael lay awake, holding her gently in his arms. She still had nightmares and no matter what Michael did, he knew she would have to fight the demons on her own. He knew that he could not slay her dragons for her. No matter how much he wanted to.

Because Michael could not sleep at night, he had plenty of time to do battle in his own head. He was still very conflicted. What was he absolutely positive of? He knew that his heart and soul belonged to Simone. Section thought it controlled at least his soul. Section was wrong. Michael also still believed in the goals of Section One. It was the means to achieving those goals that left a bad taste in Michael's mouth. Michael knew in his heart that he loved Simone. He knew that she could do absolutely nothing to change that. The part that was breaking his heart was the fact that if Simone were forced to continue being a Valentine Operative, she would slowly but surely lose her soul. Michael did not know if he could handle that.

After two weeks of solitude, Michael was awakened when his cell phone rang. His face dropped when he realized he was needed for a mission. Michael had not spoken to Jurgen since Simone's mission, but Michael called him to ask him to watch over Simone while he was gone. Michael kissed Simone goodbye and left quietly without waking her.

When Michael arrived at Section, things were in an uproar. Communications was eerily silent. Michael's first thought was to find Walter and learn what was going on. Before he could walk over to Walter's workshop, Operations called from the perch, and Michael went to report in. Madeline and Operations were both very somber when Michael walked in. Section One was in serious trouble once again.

Section One's computer system had been breached. A young boy had hacked into the system. Communications was silenced because everyone was being questioned as to his or her possible involvement. So far none had been found. Simon of course was the chief suspect. Michael's assignment was to go to Seattle, where the break-in had occurred and bring the young boy back to Section for questioning. Michael was given a picture of the boy and a name. Seymour Birkoff.

Michael knew from looking at the picture that he would be dealing with a very shrewd individual. Age was of no consequence, Birkoff would be a very good adversary. Michael knew how well Section One's computers were encrypted and rerouted constantly. If this kid had broken in, he would be an extremely valuable asset to Section One. Best of all there really would be no background to cover up. The kid was an orphan and would easily just disappear.

Michael arrived in Seattle and checked into his hotel. He had to give Section credit, at least they put him up in a nice hotel. He reported to Madeline that he had arrived safely and that he would soon start to ferret out this Seymour Birkoff. The next cal he made was to Simone. Michael was unaccustomedly jealous when he heard Jurgen's voice on the phone. He knew that Jurgen was also in love with Simone and was getting to enjoy spending time alone with her. Michael was uncomfortable with the idea. He also knew there was no way to stop the feelings.

It took several days for Michael to locate Seymour Birkoff. Birkoff suspected that he might have been caught so he basically went underground. Michael spent several days dressed comfortably in grungy old jeans and a ratty T-shirt. He spent days walking the streets in the seediest parts of Seattle looking for Birkoff. He finally found him in a small store where you could use computers by the hour and uplink to the internet. Birkoff was immersed in a virtual video game when Michael came up behind him. He placed a gun in the small of Birkoff's back and led him out.

Michael spent his time talking with Birkoff on their way back to Section. Birkoff was just a scared kid who was trying very hard to seem tough. Michael of course saw right through the façade but allowed the kid to believe it was working. Michael had no idea what would happen to Birkoff once he was delivered to Section but he hoped all would go well with him.

When Michael delivered Birkoff to Section, he dropped him off to Madeline in the White Room. As the door closed, Michael made a silent prayer that the kid would at least survive. He knew in his heart that prayers were seldom answered in Section One. But he honestly hoped this one would be different.

Michael had done a lot of thinking while he was gone. Especially about Simone and their life. He knew that the demands of Section One would never allow them a normal life. He knew that they must make the best of their lives that they could. They must always live for the present because they, more than anyone else in the world, could not necessarily count on the future. Their lives were extremely dangerous and he of all people knew how expendable they were.

Michael knew that he loved Simone with his whole being, his heart and soul. He wanted to make sure she knew it as well. He was fairly certain that she felt the same way towards him. When Michael returned home from delivering Birkoff, he smiled warmly as Simone greeted him at the door. He dropped to one knee and proposed to her the moment she greeted him. The joy shone from both faces as she laughingly said "yes." She pulled Michael up from the floor and held him close to her heart. They murmured their love for each other as they hugged and held each other close. Both were so wrapped up in each other that neither saw the stricken look on Jurgen's face.

************

Madeline and Operations sat in stunned silence on the couch in Madeline's office. Michael and Simone had just confronted them. They had just dropped the bomb that they had been married and they intended to stay that way no matter what Madeline and Operations had to day about it. The newlyweds had then joined hands and walked out of Madeline's office.

Madeline and Operations had not had time to adjust to the concept of two of their operatives being married. They knew that adjustments had to be made. Operations and Madeline were of course no strangers to controversy. In fact, they had caused the same stir within Section One thirty years earlier when they had told George in no uncertain terms that they wanted to marry. They were positive that George and Adrian had sat in the same stunned silence after they had walked out of Adrian's office.

Madeline and Operations decided that they needed to discuss the situation between Michael and Simone. They did not want to discuss it in Section One. Operations sent Christopher to their house to prepare an exquisite candlelight meal for them. He thought it had been entirely too long since he and Madeline had spent quality time together.

Madeline and Operations took a wonderful walk down memory lane while they ate their dinner and afterwards as they lounged by the fire. They recalled their thoughts when they were first put together as a team. They had worked long hours together. They too had developed a close friendship before an intimate relationship began. They were now and always had been essentially each other's right hand. Both hoped that the marriage of Michael and Simone would bind the young couple as their own had. In their position there was no room for separation.

Thirty years was a long time to be married. Both knew how difficult that feat would be in the real world, but within the confines of Section One, the feat was even more remarkable. They had helped each other through some very rough times. They hoped that Michael and Simone's path would not be as rough. They knew "officially" that they must disapprove of the young couple's actions, but in their hearts they knew that the relationship was what was best for both parties involved.

The older couple spent the evening discussing Michael and Simone. They also reminisced over their own thirty-five year relationship. What had attracted the two? What had been the defining moment of their relationship? What had been the benefits of a relationship within Section One? What were the disadvantages? They discussed in general about why there was an unspoken taboo about relationships in Section One. They supposed that it was because life in Section One was too fleeting to have the entanglement relationships had inherent in them. They had managed to work through the entanglements. Both were positive Michael and Simone would work through them as well. How many others might have if they had been given the chance?

Madeline was in a very wistful mood this evening. Bringing back memories of her own marriage to Operations also brought up some of the bad memories. Her constant bickering with Adrian. Adrian and George's outright dismissal of their marriage. Their constant placing her in danger to test Paul's love for her. Luckily for her, his love always triumphed over evil. In a rather melancholy moment she thought to herself, my God, we have become our "parents". Madeline remembered the exact look on Paul's face when she shared the news that they were to have a child. She also remembered the look on his face when Adrian calmly commanded them to place the child up for adoption after it was born. Someday, Madeline vowed, she would make Adrian pay for that torture.

Madeline was quiet for a while, just snuggled up next to Paul in front of the fire. She thought of the joy that was radiating through Michael and Simone as they made their announcement that afternoon. Although their stance and tone were defiant in nature, their love and happiness shone through. She figured it was time for the truth, a purging of the soul as it were. She snuggled closer. "Paul." "Hmm", came the reply from Operations. "I have some interesting intel to share with you." "What is that my dear?" Paul smiled at Madeline. Madeline cleared her throat. "It's about Michael." "Yes?" "Paul, he is our son!"

************

Jurgen was seething with rage. He had definitely not expected blatant approval of Michael and Simone's marriage from Operations and Madeline. He had at least expected the leaders of Section One to separate the couple, maybe send one of the pair to a substation. Jurgen had hoped the one sent off was Michael. He wanted Simone for himself.

Jurgen saw Operations and Madelaine's approval of the relationship as a sign of weakness. A weakness which Section One could not afford. Jurgen called figured the old adage was correct, drastic situations called for drastic measures. Jurgen was prepared to go to the extreme for Simone. He decided to begin with Adrian.

Adrian had been in Madelaine's position at Section One many years ago. She was considered the "mother" of Section One, much like Madeline was now. George was Adrian's Operations. Together, they had created and maintained Section One for several years. They had been the ones to model and mold Paul and Madeline. When George was promoted to Oversight, he gave the reins of Section over to Paul and had Adrian promoted as well. Jurgen knew that Adrian and Madeline had butted heads many times in the past. Adrian would prove to be a wealth of knowledge to Jurgen.

Jurgen felt he had to find a way to destroy Michael. He knew tit would be difficult because the younger man was ingratiating himself more and more with the powers that be. Michael was too good of an operative to get him to by screwing up his missions. Michael would ferret out any attempts on his part too soon for them to have any effect.

Jurgen planned to serve any purpose that Adrian wanted. He knew that she had not left on good terms, and that she might be spoiling for a fight with Madeline. Jurgen broke into Level 4 and found a location on Adrian. He then went to Madeline and requested a week off. His vacation was granted. Madeline knew he needed some time to adjust to Michael and Simone's marriage.

Jurgen was correct in his thinking that Adrian was searching for a way to repay Madeline and Operations. She had a sort of paranoid fear that Operations was trying to take over the world. Jurgen spent a week feeding this madness in Adrian's mind. He helped her to set up a plan to slowly, over many years, recruit several highly placed operatives from Section One. By doing this, Adrian could set up a loyal base within the Section. Jurgen was to be her first contact. He would feed her information on what Section One would be working on and would observe operatives and report which might conceivably be ripe for recruitment. Jurgen figured recruiting would be the easy part since Madeline and Operations were not well known for their kindness towards their operatives.

What would Jurgen gain from helping Adrian? With his help, Adrian was more than willing to provide intel on the past of both Madeline and Operations. She had been in Section One since they had been recruited. In fact, Adrian herself had brought Madeline in to Section. She knew more about her than anyone, probably including the current Operations. Jurgen returned to Section One at the end of his vacation with more juicy information than he had thought possible.

************

Operations was furious with Madeline. How could she have kept this secret from him for almost four years? She had known since she had been out on the mission to bring down L'Heure Sanguine that Michael was his son. She had never told him. She just let him believe that Michael was just another recruit. She had only known for a few months that Michael was her child as well, but that was no excuse. Operations felt hurt and betrayed. God, he had even wanted to cancel Michael. What would he have done if his orders had been carried out? Would he have been able to live with himself?

Operations understood why Michael could not be told of the situation. None of the rest of Section needed to know either. The only ones within Section One to know the truth now were himself, Madeline, and Walter. It was comforting that someone other than Madeline and he knew. He was also glad that his son was married to Walter's daughter. Sometimes family ties were the most binding. What a strange situation. Three parents within Section One, along with the two children. Neither child knew of their origins. Both children becoming the top operatives within Section One. Operations knew that if anyone else found out about this, then all hell would break loose around them. Information like this could bring Section One crashing in upon them.

While Operations was contemplating the familial connections within Section One, his mind wandered over toward another child within Section One. Seymour Birkoff was only twelve years old. Madeline wanted both herself and Operations to become surrogate parents to the young boy. He had obviously not had much of a home life since Michael found him living on the streets. Foster kids these days did not get much attention. How was Operations supposed to rule over his domain if he were constantly holding hands with children? Jeez, the things that Madeline got him into.

Life at the top. It was supposed to get easier once you were in a position like Operations. Why did it seem to be getting harder? Not only did he have to control all of his people, be ruthless, and maintain the integrity of Section One, but also now he had to be a father to Birkoff, and ignore his affinity to Michael. He could not let his son know that he was his father, nor show him the love he felt toward him. Michael was a Level 3 operative. He could be killed at any time. Operations could not allow anyone, especially Michael to see the fear that he attached to such a prospect.

Operations and Madeline spent several hours discussing the twists and turns their lives had taken. Operations slowly forgave Madeline for keeping this secret from him. He knew she had been ordered by George to keep it quiet, but most of all she had been afraid once she had found out that she was Michael's mother. Madeline was basically afraid that of the love that she felt for Michael. At least now that she had shared the secret, they could share that fear and watch out for their son. They knew that Michael must never find out the truth because they knew he could never forgive them.

************

Michael and Simone were enjoying their newlywed status. Since their marriage five months earlier, they had been sent out on few missions. They did not understand why Madeline and Operations were giving them their space and their privacy, but they were not ones to question their good luck. They both were enjoying spending time alone. Their life at home was settling down. Strangely enough, they had lived together for several months, yet they had new adjustments to make at home once they were married.

Michael and Simone knew that their idyllic life would not last for long. But they intended to live it to the fullest while they could. They actually enjoyed the missions they were sent out on together, solely because they were together. Neither had been assigned a valentine mission since their marriage. Michael and Simone both knew that sooner or later Michael would be forced on such a mission, but after a long talk with Madeline, Michael had been assured that Simone would never be used as a valentine op again. Whenever Michael was to be sent out on valentine assignments, Simone would be left at home so she would not be subjected to having to watch. It was something that all parties heartily agreed to.

The one part of their idyllic life that really worried Michael was the Jurgen factor. Jurgen had been visiting their apartment a lot lately. What worried Michael was that he always managed to visit while Simone was home alone. As soon as Michael returned home from Section, Jurgen would talk for a few minutes and then leave. Michael knew that Jurgen was in love with Simone and this pattern worried him. Simone just thought he looked cute playing the jealous husband.

Michael and Simone spent long hours discussing the Jurgen situation. A typical conversation about Jurgen usually including either Simone getting her feelings hurt or Michael ranting and raving like a lunatic. Michael had on occasion threatened to kill Jurgen if he ever seemed really too close to his wife. This kind of talk scared Simone because she knew in her soul that it might eventually come to pass. Simone was not stupid. She too saw the look in Jurgen's eyes. She knew that he was in love with her. The thing that scared her most is that she did care for Jurgen. She was not sure in what way yet. She was afraid to share this with Michael because he might actually kill Jurgen and herself. After all, he was a level 3 operative who could crush her at any moment. The strange thing about it was that Simone enjoyed living life on the edge.

Madeline and Michael spent several hours discussing the Jurgen situation. Madeline understood Michael's fears. She too had seen Jurgen's behavior toward Simone. Michael wanted Jurgen transferred out of Section One to another substation. But Madeline needed Jurgen to remain at Section to help her. She warned Michael to be careful around Jurgen and to watch him around his wife. It was a very messy situation but could not really be helped. Madeline promised Michael that she would do her best to keep Jurgen busy, especially when Michael was away on missions.

Michael and Simone had spent long hours together discussing the life that they lived. They realized that Michael really had no choice as to whether or not to go out on valentine missions. Level 3 operatives were almost always valentine ops. Simone could deal with it because she knew that Michael's heart would remain with her whenever he was out on a mission. The two worked together on any other missions and made the best team Section One had ever had. They knew each other inside and out and each knew what the other would do before it was done. It was as if the two had a sixth sense about each other. Michael would give a command to the rest of the team and Simone was already in the process of carrying out her orders. It sometimes freaked the rest of the team out that the pair could be so much in tune with one another. They all wished that the entire team could work that efficiently.

Several months after their marriage, the inevitable happened. Michael was moved up to Level 4 status and was placed in a long-term mission. His job was to get to a little-known but deadly terrorist named Vachek. His mission was to marry Vachek's daughter and sire a child with her. In this way they might be able to get to Vachek who had not seen his daughter since she was six years old. Section One had never attempted to set up a blood cover before. This was a very risky undertaking.

Michael and Simone had their first major argument over this assignment. Neither wanted to believe the assignment Michael had been given. They knew in their hearts that they loved each other and that they could weather any storm that came to them. But an actual marriage, with the purpose of fathering a child? That was a bit much to ask of someone, especially a man who was already married. How was Simone supposed to feel about her husband marrying someone else, under orders, having a child with this woman, when she knew Section would never condone them having a child of their own? Michael understood Simone's concern but as usual he put Section's goals and objections ahead of his own family. This really ticked Simone off.

Michael tried to talk sense into Simone. The night he had been given the assignment, Michael left early and went home to prepare a special meal for Simone. He knew that Madeline was planning on talking to Simone that afternoon, so he wanted to be prepared for the uproar, which would follow. He hoped that a romantic dinner would soothe the savage beast that he knew would rear its ugly head. He did not have long to wait. Simone burst through the door of the apartment. Michael walked over to her to envelop her in a hug, but Simone slapped him and stopped him in his tracks. "What the hell did you do that for?," came Michael's wounded reply. "You son of a bitch, how could you degrade what we had together, and accept this assignment?" Simone was pacing back and forth through the living room of the apartment. "Do you really believe that I had a choice?" Michael whispered. "Simone, I do not always enjoy what I do, you know that. Neither do you, if you will just remember. I do what I have to do, we all do." Michael spoke quietly and tenderly. He knew how Simone was feeling. He didn't feel much better himself. He was so conflicted inside. He had no idea what would happen to him, to his life, to his wife, nothing. He knew at this point that he was stuck. He must go through with this mission or he and Simone would both die, Madeline had hinted as much. Not much was solved between the couple on this night. Dinner was forgotten, the two were wrapped up in their individual hells.

The main problem Michael was having with his new assignment was all the time he had to spend with his new wife. It took away time he could spend with his true wife. He also knew that while he was gone, Jurgen was spending time with his wife. This irked Michael to no end. The thought of Jurgen spending time with his wife really creeped him out. He knew that he had not left on good terms with his wife. Simone was a very easily influenced person. Jurgen was a master at influencing people, Michael knew this from first-hand experience. He realized now that Madeline and probably Operations had assigned Michael to Jurgen so that he could bring him out of his depression about losing Victoria. At this point he also realized that Simone had been assigned to him for the same reason. He no longer blamed either of them for this. The experience had made him a better person and a better operative.

Jurgen was taking full advantage of Michael being away from home. He was constantly with Simone. He tried to play it off as being concerned for her and so that she would not be alone and depressed. Madeline knew better and tried to keep Jurgen away from Simone. No matter how hard she tried, Jurgen managed to spend at least part of his day with Simone. This worried both Madeline and Operations. Madeline and Operations discussed Simone and Jurgen's friendship over dinner one evening. Neither was confident that Jurgen was being honest. Jurgen had already confronted Operations and Madeline about their parentage of Michael. This had shocked both of them but as usual Jurgen refused to reveal his source. Madeline was positive that Walter had not revealed their secret. It would have put him in too much risk. Jurgen, as Madeline and Operations were finding out, was extremely manipulative. In order to keep him quiet about Michael, Operations had been forced to allow Jurgen much more freedom than any other operative. He had his own house in the suburbs. No monitoring was allowed in his house. He had his own alarms and his own phones. Section One could not break his codes. Believe me Operations had several communications operatives trying.

Simone was upset because Michael had to spend all of his time with the Vachek girl. He was wooing her and it was not long before he had wed her. Simone missed Michael terribly, especially at night when she was used to being held by him. She could not sleep, and seldom ate. She began spending more and more time with Jurgen. She would cook supper for him almost every night. She felt that she could talk with Jurgen. Of course Jurgen led her to believe that she could speak about anything with him. Simone really was a very naïve person when it came to being manipulated. Simone actually began to enjoy the time she spent with Jurgen. She still loved Michael but Jurgen being around gave her a sense of adventure that she did not have with Michael. Simone knew that Madeline and Operations did not approve of Jurgen. That was part of the reason he was so intriguing to her. As time passed, Walter, Madeline, and Operations were all worried about her.

Madeline decided to surprise Simone one night by arranging for Michael to sleep at home. She arranged for him to have a business meeting out of town so that he could have a plausible explanation for being away from "home". Michael was ecstatic. Michael had been thinking about Simone for days. He wanted to talk with her and make her realize how much he really did love her. He wanted to make love to the real woman who he dreamed of at night. He wanted to discuss his assignment with her and tell her that he intended to get the assignment over with as soon as possible. He knew that the mission was tearing them apart and he didn't want that to happen.

When he arrived home he was the one who was surprised. To his dismay he found his wife at home, asleep, wrapped in the arms of Jurgen. Michael was devastated, but left quietly, figuring he deserved no less seeing as he was committing bigamy himself. He went in to Section to confront Madeline. Madeline was in the tower with Operations. Michael broke into the tower and demanded an explanation. "How could you have let this happen? Wait, did you two arrange this as a test for me and Simone?" Madeline and Operations were bewildered. They had no idea what Michael was raving about. They had no surveillance on Simone so they did not know what had happened. Madeline calmly spoke, "Michael, I thought you were going home." "I did go home Madeline. That is what I am so pissed about. Simone was in bed with Jurgen when I arrived. I left without either knowing that I was there. I will kill that son of a bitch." Michael was seething. Madeline and Operations could surely understand why. Michael could tell by the look on their faces that they had suspected something like this could happen but they had no idea of what Michael would find when he arrived home.

Madeline and Operations spent about an hour trying to get Michael to calm down. They both assured him that the situation would be taken care of. Michael said the only way it could be taken care of was if he killed Jurgen. Madeline knew she could not allow this to happen. Maybe if Michael killed him their secret could be safe. But what would happen if Jurgen told him the truth before Michael killed him? Their secret would be out and Section One might fall because of it. Madeline sent Michael back to his "new" wife and told him he needed to concentrate on his mission. She promised him that she would take care of everything.

When Michael left, Madeline turned to Operations. "I have a plan," she stated. "What is it?" " I wish we could let Michael kill Jurgen, it would be so satisfying for him. Maybe the one we need to get rid of is Simone. If Michael and Jurgen have no reason to be near each other anymore then Jurgen will have no reason to tell Michael the truth. With Simone out of the way there will be no more jealousy. It will be devastating for Michael in the beginning, I know." Operations broke in to Madeline's musings. "But if he is devastated over Simone, he might turn to Vachek's daughter for his comfort. We may get our blood cover that he has not produced yet after all. Hmmm a very good plan my dear. Now how do we get rid of Simone without raising suspicion?"

Two months later Michael and Simone were sent out on a mission to gather intel. It was to be a routine mission. It was the first mission the two were sent out on together since the night Michael had returned home. Since Simone had not known he was coming home she had no idea of what he had witnessed. Madeline and Operations had allowed Simone to continue seeing Jurgen. They did not want her to become suspicious of them. Simone had not seen Michael for two months and was concerned because he only spoke to her regarding their orders. She wondered to herself what could be wrong with him. Their mission was to gather intel on a group who was recruiting hackers from the internet. This was a new group going by the name of Glass Curtain.

Simone was worried. This was the first mission that she and Michael were going out on together where they were the only people involved. Usually they had an entire team with them as backup. On several occasions they had gone on missions with no backup but they had always had at least Jurgen around for backup. This time there was no one but them. This worried Simone. She questioned Michael about the backup situation in his office. "Why are we going out without backup?" " We don't need any", came his terse reply. She began pressing him for more details on the mission. He refused, "that is on a need to know basis, you do not need to know." Michael thought Simone was getting a little too paranoid. Since when did he need backup on a general intel-gathering mission? She was crazy if she thought they really needed backup. Maybe she just wanted Jurgen to come along and torment him. Michael ignored her protestations and led her to egress for the mission.

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