Michael stood to the side watching with expressionless eyes as Peluise Valdez was contained in the holding area of the Section transport plane. His legs, hands and head were securely strapped against the metal-back chair to prevent him from breaking loose, and an operative was posted to guard over him. The security measures were harsh, but Valdez was no ordinary terrorist. Section had captured him two years earlier and during transport Valdez broke loose and killed every member of the returning team before escaping. Michael was making sure that there would be no repeat of that incident.

"If he moves -- shoot him," Michael directed, his tone as flat as he met Valdez's mocking stare. Angelo, the operative assigned to guard duty, nodded his understanding.

After a final check, Michael made his way towards the front of the plane and took his seat across from Nikita. Her eyes were closed but he could tell she wasn't asleep. She rarely could sleep during transports especially after missions where they suffered heavy losses. He stared at her, recalling the conversation they had several days ago. They had gone out for coffee at the little cafe two blocks away from Section and each sat quietly nursing their cups and their memories of being together. Finally Nikita had spoken.

"How are you doing?" she asked, her light colored eyes meeting his.

"It’s good to be running missions again," he answered, and she smiled. Not sadly, but a genuine smile that added an extra spark to her eyes. "What?" he asked, wondering at the source of her amusement.

She turned to look outside and Michael suppressed the longing he felt to reach over and tuck her hair behind her ear. When she turned back, the smile on her lips had faded but the light still lingered in her eyes.

"For a while I was afraid that you would say you were 'fine'."

Michael blinked and dropped his gaze down to the coffee in his hands. A small smile began to tug at the corner of his lips, and then he looked back up at her. "And you?" he asked.

She took a deep breath, then lifted her cup and drank slowly. "I miss not being with you," she said quietly, and then her eyes shifted up to meet his. "But I'm happy."

Michael waited for her to go on.

"You weren't happy when we were together, Michael. You tried to be but I could see how what they were doing was effecting you. Eventually it would have destroyed you. I can't live with that."

"But you can live with us being apart?"

"Yes," she answered honestly. Her eyes held his gaze as she explained. "They might keep us apart, Michael, but I'll always be by your side. And each time you look at me, you'll know how I feel about you. Just as I can see your feelings for me in your eyes." Nikita cocked her head to the side as the smile returned to her face. "No matter what they do, they can't take that away from us. We've been through too much. We know each other too well."

Michael smiled, the darkness that had pervaded his life over the past week lifting at her words. "I know."

Across from him, Nikita shifted in her seat and her eyes opened. She stared silently at Michael and her eyes softened for just a moment. "Is everything alright?" she asked.

"Yes," he answered, his gaze unwavering.

She was quiet for a moment, then said, "I'm glad you were running today's mission." And this time it was his expression that softened, recalling her words, 'When you lead, we survive.'

A small grateful smile formed on his lips as he looked over at Nikita, and he replied quietly, "So am I."