Final Freedom

Prologue

Long dark shadows slowly blotted out the afternoon light as they spiraled and weaved themselves around the tall standing columns placed throughout what had once been a storage area for a non-existent supply company. The setting was appropriate and suited the mood of the new owner of this large cavernous space. There were floor to ceiling windows lining one side of the room and it was there that the owner stood staring as the sun descended and night quickly overtook the city below. Drinking champagne from a crystal flute, she stood in the night shadows and reflected on just how she had ended up where she was now. Turning away from the brightly lit skyline she turned her back and walked slowly across the room as one memory after another flooded her senses. The memory of a sad, lonely childhood constantly overshadowed by her sweeter, more pleasing sister. The memory of banishment from a mother who would never forgive her for destroying the one perfect daughter she loved. The memory of finding herself in a place where she was appreciated for her 'special' talents. The memory of being groomed for superiority, for power, for a position where she held all the cards. The memory of her enjoyment of playing psychological games and using her subjects as pawns to do her bidding. The memory of being usurped, outsmarted, and banished yet again by someone not unlike her perfect little sister. It was this final memory which triggered a response that could no longer be contained and the beautiful crystal glass was thrown angrily across the room.

The sharp sound of shattering glass broke the deafening silence as the enraged figure paced in agitation. Rage. Uncontrollable, seething rage consumed her being the more she thought about how much of a fool she had been made out to be. All her life, just when she thought she had achieved her goal of finally being appreciated for who she was, someone was always there to snatch it away from her. Through patience and determination she had learned very quickly how to mask and disguise her feelings while studying the reactions of those around her. She was a master at manipulation, deception, and mind games. It had always been sickeningly easy to get people to go the exact way she wanted them to go. The more she learned, the more challenges she had given herself until she had become a completely controlled, emotionless creature who enjoyed breaking down the human psyche to rebuild it the way she thought it should be. Hers had been a rare talent that had ensured her continued success and had successfully brought her to the attention of the one man who would consider her indispensable. Her goals had been reached at the expense of her feelings, her emotions, anything remotely resembling human weakness had been ruthlessly suppressed and crushed, or used as a weapon against her enemies. She had been a walking, unfeeling, uncaring shell. Her only function was to assess what made people tick and pull that particular weapon out of her repertoire to use against them so that they would do her bidding. Now, for the first time in a very long while, she felt human again. The rising heat of outrage running like wildfire through her veins felt good to her. Admittedly she had her newfound enemies to thank for bringing her back to life again in more ways than one. She hadn't had this much emotion since her early days of recruitment, but this new life surging energy felt good. She had never felt more focused … more sensitized … more ready.

Suddenly her frenzied pacing halted and she stood in the middle of her new quarters as pertinent forms of actions that needed to be taken shot through her mind like quicksilver. The first order of business would be to contact her former allies. She needed every available source of intel for what she planned. She had to contact someone she could trust. Her lovely mouth twisted in a half smile of irony as she realized that list was narrowed considerably. Still it wasn't altogether diminished, for there were a few who owed her favors. It had paid during her early days of recruitment to cultivate a few 'forced' friendships in the eventuality that she found herself in just such a situation. Her problem was that she couldn't do the necessary footwork herself. Hiding out had never really appealed to her, but it was a necessity at the moment. Unfortunately, it made her all too aware of the fact that she had to dare to trust someone to do her legwork for her and not be tempted to be brought out by the other side. Once again it helped her narrow her list further … and she was considerably less than thrilled by who her choice had to be in order to succeed. She didn't know if she was willing to trust him after his apparent determination to try and eliminate her during one of her last missions in the field … still she didn't have much choice if she wanted her hastily formed plan to succeed. When it came right down to it, she had always been able to control him. This time would be no different. Especially, when he found out she was alive.

For the first time in days she smiled … smiled at the days ahead … smiled at the adrenaline rushing through her body at the prospect of accomplishing what she had planned … smiled because for once she had been proven wrong about something. She had discovered that emotion was a good thing when used for the right purpose. For her it had just become the most necessary element for living to achieve what she wanted. She let out a soft trill of laughter as she once again walked back to her window and stared out at the smooth cover of darkness blanketing the land. Oh yes, this racing feeling of anticipation was just what she needed to face this new challenge. Her emotions so long denied her had come back in full force and Madeline was glad … glad because this entire scenario was about how she felt and right now this moment she felt the overwhelming demanding need for retribution … for payback … for revenge.

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In an enclosed room not too far from the seemingly abandoned warehouse the single individual in the room was smiling in pleasure at the display they had just been subjected to. It was perfect. As soon as a few minor character adjustments were made no one would suspect. It was time to begin phase two. Reaching to the left a phone receiver was picked up and a number dialed.

"Code please." The soft feminine voice commanded gently.

"Beta has passed testing." Came the amused reply.

"Patching you through now."

A series of clicking noises followed by another feminine voice, this one more beguiling but no less demanding as the first.

"Are we ready?"

"Yes. Make the arrangements. I want this over and done with. Call them all in."

"Consider it done."

The receiver in the room was gently placed back in it's cradle and the solitary figure reclined and waited patiently for it to ring again with news of the final orders being carried out. A soft chuckle escaped, followed by another until full fledged laughter filled the room when they thought of the shocked surprise all of them would feel at being mere puppets on a string. No one would ever guess just how long they had waited for this very moment. It was indeed time for retribution … for payback … for revenge.

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One week earlier

Chapter 1

The lone figure stood outside the beautifully situated brownstone mansion resembling an old English castle with it's three turrets and raised her face up to the heavens as light, white, downy flakes of snow fell on her strained face like light affectionate kisses. The sensation reminding her of someone it would be in her best interests to forget for the moment. She then scoffed in true disdain at herself for daring to believe she could accomplish the impossible task of forgetting someone who had done their best to imprint themselves on her memory permanently. With characteristic thoroughness they had done their job because the harder she tried to forget the more she realized that she had been stamped … branded for life … by him.

The soft creak of the heavy metal doors opening stirred her out of her disturbing thoughts. She readjusted her position and quickly focused as she noted that Mr. Jones personal assistant, Monique, was standing in the doorway.

"There you are, Nikita." Monique said softly. "Mr. Jones was wondering when you would arrive. He's waiting for you in his office."

Nikita smiled briefly, mumbled a soft thank you and watched Monique waltz past her and enter the waiting limo that had pulled into the drive a few seconds after Monique had opened the door to her. Sighing softly, Nikita turned her attention back to her upcoming meeting and wished it were already over so she could go home and grieve in peace. She reluctantly walked through the doors Monique had left opened for her and stepped into the elegantly decorated headquarters of the Center. She quietly shut the door behind her and then turned and headed toward the back of the mansion and the waiting Mr. Jones.

Hearing a brisk 'Enter' in response to her two knocks, Nikita quickly opened the door and walked into the huge, spacious office that housed the enigma that was her boss. She walked to the center of room, folded her hands in front of her and looked straight ahead as she silently waited for the figure in the chair with his back to her to begin the conversation. As if sensing her slight impatience, he addressed her quickly without bothering to turn around to face her.

"Is it finished?"

"Yes, sir." Nikita answered without hesitation.

"And you told him exactly what you were told to say?" He questioned further.

Nikita closed her eyes briefly as she heard the words she had said go off in her head. '….I don't love you. I never did … never did … never did …'

The resounding echo sounded over and over in her ears and no matter how she tried she couldn't escape the loudness of the cruelty of the words she had uttered. It didn't matter that he had said the exact same thing to her. He had been trying to confirm his suspicions the only way he knew how, she had simply been trying to get rid of him. In her eyes, she had used the one weapon guaranteed to make him leave her alone … for good. It was by sheer willpower that she maintained a hold of her newly acquired outward coldness she showed to the world. What had she done?

Quickly coming back to the present, she realized Jones was waiting on an answer.

"I told him what would be effective." She said in a voice that had become husky with the effort of trying to sound unconcerned.

At her words, Jones finally condescended to turn and face the woman who had become such a valuable asset to him and his game against the Section and the Agency.

"Effective?" He asked casually. "Yes. I guess some persuasion would have been necessary to get him out of the way after saving his life and giving him hope once more. Is that not so?"

"Yes." Was all Nikita managed, hoping he would abandon the topic.

Unfortunately, Jones seemed to be determined to dig the knife in deeper by telling her something she already knew and didn't really want to contemplate.

"We can't afford to lose him to an emotional breakdown, Nikita." He responded quietly. "He's too important to our next phase of the plan." His concern was genuine considering all the trouble they had gone to.

Nikita finally met his gaze at this last statement then refocused her attention on a spot just above his head.

"I understand how important he is. There's a team on him for that purpose."

"Good." Jones said briskly, satisfied that it was all that could be done for now. "Now we need to take care of the next order of business." He continued matter of factly.

"What would that be?" Nikita questioned. She knew he wouldn't continue without her response. She had learned that some parts of the fictitious Mick Schtoppel were also parts of the very real Mr. Jones. His need to draw out the moment and savor what he considered a juicy bit of information was one of them.

As predicted Jones offered a charming smile and dropped his shocking piece of information.

"The matter of you new partner."

Jones smiled behind his hand as he noted with satisfaction that those words got him a response other than the stoic mask he was receiving.

"Partner?" Nikita asked in numb surprise. Then her eyes narrowed to cold ice blue slits, "I don't need or want a partner," she continued in a menacing tone. "What partner?"

Unperturbed by her show of anger Jones deigned to explain.

"Yes. Yes. Well, it's only temporary until another situation is resolved. I'll explain everything shortly, but right now we need to take a short trip to Oversight."

Nikita continued to stare at Mr. Jones as if he had grown another head. When he stared back at her with an innocent, guileless expression on his face, she simply closed her eyes and sighed tiredly. She should have known Jones had something else up his slippery shirtsleeves. Realizing he wouldn't divulge anything until he was ready she simply squelched her impatience to go home to be alone and responded in the manner expected of her.

"Of course." She acquiesced. "I'll call for the car."

Without waiting for a response she turned sharply on her heel and left to do just that.

Jones watched her leave with a mixture of pride and regret. Despite what she believed he was well aware of her state of mind, and her emotional upheaval. How could he not be when he had seen Nikita and Michael together. There were some things you couldn't fake and being in love was one of them. He knew that her perceived betrayal of Michael was something she was having an extremely difficult time facing. Unfortunately, for her he could give her no time at this moment to deal with the problem. There was another situation that still needed to be dealt with and once again she would be one of the key people in helping him see it through.

He had started the long process of Section One's evaluation four years ago, and it was almost complete except for a few pertinent items that had to be taken care of. Contrary to Paul Wolfe's belief Jones still intended to facilitate more changes within Section One. The first order of business was to deal with Operations himself. Nikita's report on Operations response to her recommendation was not what he had hoped for. It was obvious he hadn't learned his lesson, especially since he had learned another interesting piece of information from Jason concerning his latest assignment from Paul Wolfe. It was this news that made Jones decide a harsher lesson was necessary for the current head of Section One. In order to do that he needed Nikita and the one other person who held Section One and Paul Wolfe in as much disdain as she herself did. He intended to put a stop to the infighting between his organizations. There was no place for it in the line of work they were in. By the time Jones was done with Paul Wolfe and the complete restructuring of Section One, never again would any leader of his extensive organization dare to needlessly sacrifice innocent lives, throw away and attack valuable operatives, or question the absolute and complete power of Oversight and the Center again. Being the hands-on manager that he was he intended to see to it … personally.

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Chapter 2

A short drive and a half an hour later, Jones and Nikita walked down the silent main hall of Oversight. It wasn't until Jones punched in a code at the first door they came to and entered the late George's empty office that Nikita's impatience got the best of her.

"Sir, what are we doing here?"

Virtually silent on the way over, Jones wasn't surprised at Nikita's sudden question, nor the irritation which laced the inquiry.

"I am sorry, luv." Jones replied, not really sounding sorry at all. "I realize it's been a rather trying day for you. Of course I'll get to the point and explain everything."

At that precise moment a secured door located on the other side of the office slid open and Monique entered.

"She's here, sir." Monique said in greeting.

"Good. You told her to expect us?" Jones questioned his beautiful assistant.

"Yes sir. She's reading the latest report now. She'll be ready for you."

"Thank you, Monique." Jones said graciously. "I'll see you back at Center later this evening."

Monique inclined her head and left as quickly as she had come.

By this time Nikita was having an extremely difficult time holding it together, but she was beginning to be intrigued by this new turn of events. Still, her impatience was rapidly turning to anger at being yanked along like some silly puppet.

Jones took one look at Nikita's snapping blue eyes and decided he had better get to the reason they were here. In his usual abrupt manner he walked over to the desk, leaned against it and began to outline what he was planning.

"As you know, we have two vacant positions that need to be filled quickly in Section One. I've decided to fill one of those positions with two people, but I'll explain more about that later. After some investigation I've decided that George left a very valuable commodity behind."

Nikita walked forward and seated herself in front of Mr. Jones when he began speaking. She arched her lovely brow in question at Jones last cryptic statement.

"Valuable commodity?" she repeated not quite sure where this conversation was going.

Knowing that he had her complete attention, Jones chose his next words very carefully. In the end he decided it was better to be blunt.

"Yes. Valuable commodity." A slight pause and then he simply asked a question. "I believe you know the late George's protégé, Jade?"

Nikita's eyes widened in shock. 'Remember Jade' she thought incredulously. 'Jade wasn't a person who was forgettable. She had been what Section liked to call a 'special' operative. Because of some promise George had given to Jade's father who had died in the line of duty saving George's life when Jade was only 15 years old, George had vowed to take care of Jade. He had done well for 6 years, until Jade took matters into her own hands by her curiosity about her father and the man who had taken care of her but whom she had never met. Deciding that he was someone with all the right connections, she began hacking into CIA and NIA databases trying to uncover intel about the reasons behind her father's death as well as trying to discover who exactly George was. George couldn't protect her from the consequences of her actions without putting suspicion upon himself so he simply drafted Jade into Oversight and Jade had accomplished one of her goals … she had met her benefactor. George had been intrigued by Jade's progress over the years. He was equally intrigued by her skills with computers, and her ability to charm anything that moved … so he decided to use those skills for Oversight by putting her in one of the Sections. She had quickly distinguished herself and become the top mission profiler in her field. Her strategist skills were also exceptional but what made her a success was her uncanny ability to read people and predict their actions. For that reason George had then sent Jade to Section One for the sole purpose of spying on Madeline and Operations. He had made it clear that he expected no reports from Section concerning Jade's demise. Once again she quickly distinguished herself by becoming one of the top profilers at Section One. The fact that she was protected by George's authority allowed Jade to effect small changes in Section which had kept more than one operative alive, despite Madeline's and Operation's goals to diminish their manpower whenever the mood struck them. Jade never hid the fact that she held Operations and Madeline in complete disdain, and made it a point to notify George of every unscrupulous thing those two did that she had knowledge about. It was during these events that Jade had entered Nikita's small circle of close acquaintances and had become friends with Michael, Walter and Birkoff. Unfortunately, after a year and a half at Section, George suddenly became impatient trying to rack up evidence to bring Madeline and Operations down so he had Jade transferred to another branch of Oversight where she couldn't interfere with what he knew she would disagree with. In George's eyes everyone, including Michael and Nikita had fallen out of favor with Oversight so he intended to eliminate them all. Jade had been George's conscience and she would not have gone along with his plans. He knew she would have done everything in her power to stop him or at least warn her friends in Section of his continued schemes to eliminate all of them. It was due to her lack of influence over him that George was now dead. Although these events had taken place over a number of years and Jade had been gone from Section One a long time, Nikita and Jade had remained in close contact with one another. Jade was just one more person in a line of people who would feel betrayed by the role Nikita had played which resulted in the current state of affairs at Section. Under those circumstances Nikita wasn't looking forward to seeing Jade after all of this time. Unfortunately for Nikita she knew the choice wasn't hers to make.'

Shaking herself out of her reverie Nikita glanced at Jones and realized he had been waiting for a response from her. She wasn't sure what expressions had crossed her features in the short amount of time it had taken her to process the information she had received, but if Jones look was any indication he knew exactly what she had been thinking. His next words confirmed her observation.

"Yes. I can see you do remember, Jade." Jones replied in answer to his previous question to Nikita.

"Good." He continued when Nikita remained silent. "Despite George's past actions I've discovered that Jade had no prior knowledge of his latest schemes with Red Cell and his attempted sabotage of Section One. You're aware of her skills. You and Jade will be working together in Section One to achieve our final goal. She will be your new partner for the time being."

Before the words were even out of his mouth Nikita knew she just knew that was what he was going to say. She didn't even bother to express what a bad idea she thought that was in light of recent events. Once again she was going to be forced to face one more friend she had willingly and knowingly deceived. Unlike the rest of her former friends, however, Jade wasn't going to let it go that easy, and Nikita knew that any working relationship between them would be difficult to cultivate at best.

Seemingly oblivious to his operative's distress Jones stood up and straightened his suit jacket as he headed for the door.

"Come on, luv." He said casually as he walked past her. "Let's go reacquaint ourselves with the illustrious Ms. Jade. Shall we?"

Nikita stood up slowly and followed her erstwhile boss reluctantly. 'Great' she thought angrily. 'Just great.' Not for the first time she wondered what exactly she had gotten herself into when she had agreed to Mr. Jones proposal all those years ago. Knowing it was past the time to be concerned about the consequences of her actions at this late date, she put on her best stoic expression and walked confidently behind Mr. Jones as they headed to meet her new fate.

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Chapter 3

The beautiful, exotic, young African American woman behind the desk, which sat halfway across the room, barely registered the opening and closing of her office door. Resplendent in an elegantly tailored ivory-colored Armani pantsuit she ignored the intrusion and simply continued to read the report laid out in front of her. Well aware that her unwarranted visitors were waiting for her attention she continued to ignore them as she attempted to assimilate the facts which she had in front of her. She kept her head down away from the pair patiently waiting on her, and did everything in her power to keep from disgracing herself by demanding explanations to the ludicrous report she had just read. Realizing that she was only prolonging the inevitable she took a deep, cleansing breath to steady herself and focused her dark penetrating gaze on the unlikely pairing before her.

She had tried to school her expressive features into an impassive mask the best way she knew how, and even after all her preparations she still was not prepared to see Mick Schtoppel, Section One greenlist informant, as Mr. Jones the Head of the Center. What was even worse was seeing Nikita, Section One, Level Two Operative, her friend, Michael's ex-material, colleague, and lover, who was in actuality Nikita, Mr. Jones best operative, mole, and betrayer of all of her friends. Jade being who she was, and not caring about the consequences for the moment, said the first thing that came to her upon realizing everything she had just read was true.

"Nikita, I didn't expect to see you here at Oversight. I guess I shouldn't be surprised at how quickly you change allegiance to your friends. Although I must say when you choose to move up the ladder you aim high."

Mr. Jones was a bit surprised when he didn't hear a snappy comeback from the beautiful blonde by his side. Knowing she was quite capable of it. He was even more surprised that Jade didn't seem to be concerned about confronting Nikita in front of him. Deciding it was best to do something to ease the mounting tension, he attempted to turn the conversation back to the original purpose for them being here.

"Nikita why don't you perform the introductions." Jones said quickly. "Jade and I have not been formerly introduced."

"It's not necessary." Jade responded quietly. "I know who you are, Mr. Jones."

Jones watched with something akin to fascination as Jade rose from her seated position behind the desk. She was as tall as Nikita and moved with fluid grace as he took in the beautiful fall of her dark, wavy hair cascading down to her waist, the rich ebony skin, the piercing dark eyes, and decided her pictures didn't do her justice. Her voluptuous frame clearly outlined in the tailored suit she wore made her the epitome of style, elegance, and grace. She and Nikita made a perfect foil for each other. Both were beautiful in very different ways, both were intelligent, savvy, and both were extremely dangerous women in their own right. The perfect pairing for what he had in mind.

His attention was suddenly diverted as Nikita slowly moved from his side and carefully approached a decidedly hostile looking Jade who was now leaning against the desk with her feet crossed at the ankles and her arms crossed in front of her.

Nikita stopped a few feet from her longtime friend and found that her happiness at seeing Jade warred with the regret she felt at the contempt she had heard in Jade's voice earlier and the accusations she could see in Jade's eyes. None of these emotions showed on her face, however, as she spoke to Jade.

"It's good to see you again." She said after she reached Jade's side.

"I wish I could say the same." Jade responded in a deceptively mild voice considering everything her eyes were saying. "You and Mr. Jones make an interesting pair."

Nikita finally let out a sigh of frustration. Yet another one of Jade's skills was her ability to wield words to strike right at the heart of any feeling human being who had a shred of conscience. It was no less effective on Nikita who had her fair share of conscience and guilt that she was trying to deal with. Nikita had about as much verbal abuse as she could stand after all the things she had done this day.

"Jade." Nikita began in a driven tone.

"So tell me." Jade interrupted "How are Walter, Michael, and Birkoff?"

It was the last name that made Nikita jerk in response. Jade and Birkoff had been friends, but they had also dated for a while. George had nipped their growing relationship in the bud when he had Jade transferred back to another branch of Oversight. Jade had no way of knowing it would be the last time she would ever see Birkoff, despite the fact that the two had communicated regularly by phone and email. It had been Nikita who had contacted Jade with the news of Birkoff's death. Nikita felt all the more guilty knowing that if she had acted sooner Birkoff would still be alive, and that Jade was now aware of that fact.

"Oh. That's right." Jade continued not waiting for an answer. "Birkoff's dead. Walter was banished to the Farm, and Michael. Michael was cancelled by your recommendation.

Nikita looked away from Jade's glittering eyes and determined to remain silent. It was evident that Jade wasn't particularly interested in listening to anything Nikita had to say at the moment. What was even worse was that Nikita felt that she deserved the response that she was getting, after all she had heard Jade defend her in the same tenacious manner to Madeline and Operations many times. Nikita didn't expect her to be any different with the others that she had come to care for and love.

Jones, who had been standing off to the side quietly observing the byplay decided it was time to intervene.

"Jade, it was unfortunate about Mr. Birkoff but the decisions concerning Walter and Michael were in the best interests of the Section. We now have other things to discuss."

Ignoring his last words, Jade instead focused on the words before them determined to have it out with Jones and Nikita before hearing any deals they were intent on making.

"Best interests of the Section?" She repeated in a voice full of disbelief. "Let me make sure I understand this. Because Walter continuously did what he could to save Micahel and Nikita's lives on a regular basis he was banished off to the Farm of all places, while Michael for the same offense was cancelled. Then to add insult to injury the one who pronounced his death sentence was also the one who caused it. Now tell me again how all of this is supposed to be in the best interest of the Section when Paul Wolfe is still in charge, and of the two people that were capable of taking his place at Section one has been revealed as a traitor and the other one is dead. The way I see it, Birkoff is the only one who got off easy. He wouldn't have wanted to be alive to see this."

"Jade, you don't understand!" Nikita bit out in frustration and anger. She had moved away from Jade and was now leaning up against one of the far windows of the office.

"No, Nikita, I don't understand!" Jade replied cuttingly, finally losing what semblance of control she had been trying to maintain. "I don't understand how it is that Michael is dead for going against the ruthless leadership of Section One based on the things they were doing to their operatives, namely you! If anything he should have been commended because he was instrumental in supplying you, Mr. Jones, with your own personal Judas by letting her go four years ago because she couldn't do the job. Instead as a personal thank you for his loyal years of service he gets a commemorative knife in the back and a nice suicide vest for all his hard work. Yes, I can see how you two have made a better Section already."

Silence reigned as Jones and Nikita stared at their not so silent accuser. To be truthful Jade's accusations hit very close to home with both of them and viewing the situation from her side of the fence they could understand her feelings. Nikita wasn't at liberty to share the truth with Jade about Michael and somehow she didn't think Jade knowing what she had done after helping Michael escape would go over well with her either. Jones wasn't ready to reveal exactly what it was he had planned to either of them, and he admitted to himself he had been a little short sighted on just how Nikita's betrayal would go over. After all Section One had been made of hardened criminals. He had underestimated the human element that went along with the people in Section and the fact that bonds were formed among the most unlikely alliances. Michael and Nikita were a key example. He should have been better prepared for Jade's reaction, instead of assuming she would get over her anger and work willingly with Nikita. Suddenly his plan of using Nikita and Jade didn't seem so plausible when one was open about the fact that she despised the other. He had to have them work together and he knew Jade was not above refusing the order and telling him to do whatever he wanted to do with her. He didn't want to have to make that decision. Enough people had been sacrificed and he couldn't afford to lose anymore nor did he want to.

"Jade." Jones began after clearing his voice and trying to hide just how effective her words had been. "You need to understand that these changes have been in the works for a long time. Nikita nor I have any reason to explain ourselves to you. All you need to know is that we have a plan, that I believe you would be very interested in helping us implement. However, we don't require your support. The only thing we require is your cooperation. If you can't give us that then maybe I should reconsider my request to have you transferred back to Oversight."

Jade was very tempted to tell Mr. Jones where to go, but the other part of her was very interested in what it was he wanted her to do. He had to have known how she would react to the news she had received. Just like he had to know his threats didn't concern her one bit. She would make her own decision regarding this 'assignment' he had for her. She would hear what he had to say and then decide what she wanted. Either way she planned for it to be her decision not theirs.

"Tell me what you want me to do and then I'll make my decision." She said quietly.

Relieved that Jade was finally willing to listen, he made sure that he had both Nikita and Jade's attention as he quickly and succinctly outlined what it was he expected them to do.

Only after hearing him out did Jade finally begin to feel that just maybe things weren't exactly as they had seemed at first. It was all she was willing to concede for now. The rest she would simply wait and see what happened. Jade was very aware that Jones wasn't supplying them with all the information. He hadn't become the head of Center by not assessing every angle. It was this fact that made Jade reevaluate the report she had been given to read. Maybe she needed to reserve judgment on just what it was Nikita had been asked to do. Despite her earlier words, she wasn't quite willing to believe that the Nikita she had known all these years never really existed. If that was the case and she was right then the two of them were probably going to need each other in the near future. It was something Jade reluctantly had to contemplate.

Nikita on the other hand, was just beginning to understand that there was more to Jones plan then he had originally told her. Somehow she had known that once again she would be caught up in a second agenda no one had bothered to share with her. It was only now coming home to her, just how much she needed an ally. Jones had shown her many times that he would risk her first before he would put the Center at risk by coming to her aid before he was ready to reveal to Section just who he was. While she understood this, she also realized that there were many schemes that he didn't put into practice until she was in to deep to alter the situation or go against what he had put in play. Nikita knew better than anyone how dangerous this could be with no one to watch her back. Fortunately, for her Michael had always been the one to do that, but now she didn't have him with her any longer. Once again she realized how important it would be for her and Jade to work out their differences and learn to trust each other. Suddenly repairing the damage with Jade had become her number one priority.

Both women rapidly understood what the stated and unstated implications of what Jones plan meant for the two of them. Silently a truce of some sort had been reached. They stared at each other a moment before turning to give Mr. Jones an answer to his question.

"We'll do it." They both said in unison. Jones smiled in satisfaction. He had once again watched the byplay between the two women and had correctly assessed each one of their concerns. Now that he had ensured their cooperation with each other by withholding critical intel, he was content that he had the makings of the beginning of a formidable team. What he wasn't aware of was that it was a team that wasn't necessarily on his side.

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Chapter 4

One week after Mr. Jones successful formation of his new team, Paul Wolfe, also known as Operations, the Head of Section One was pacing in the perch, when he received a summons from Kate Quinn, the new Comm operative that had replaced Birkoff. Quinn had only been back at her post for a few days because she been kidnapped and drugged by Nikita during her attempt to liberate Michael from the Section for good. It was later discovered that the Quinn in Section had actually been Nikita and the real Quinn had been found in her apartment, oblivious to the recent events that had occurred while she was missing. Madeline had Quinn admitted into Med Lab after her discovery and it wasn't until after all evaluations from the Center had been completed that Quinn had been reinstated to her post, by Birkoff's twin brother, Jason who was now the sole property of Mr. Jones and the Center.

Operations headed down to Comm as he continued to process the events of that had led up to his current predicament. His mind still balked at the fact that he had been so thoroughly deceived by Nikita. His only consolation was that his Master Strategist, the one woman who was supposed to have been aware of the ins and outs of all of their operative's psyches had been equally deceived. Madeline had been wrong about so many things concerning not only Nikita, and Michael, but also a great many of the operatives who had come to the Section in the past two years that he often wondered would Nikita's deception have been discovered sooner had Madeline not continued to be his Master Strategist. Unfortunately, he would never have an answer to that question. It was only now that she was gone that he realized just how much he missed her presence by his side. He often wondered if the blow would have been easier for him to take if he had still had at least Michael by his side. Once again he felt the odd twinge of regret when he thought of his now deceased predecessor. Operations was just now beginning to understand how the things he had ordered against his number one operative had driven him to turn against him and Madeline. Now that he was alone, he was even willing to concede that he had been wrong in a lot of the things he had allowed and ordered Madeline to do.

"Sir?" Quinn questioned hesitantly as she saw the Head of Section One standing silently by her station seemingly lost in thought.

Visibly jerking out of his deep thoughts he quickly recalled himself and in his normal brusque manner requested the communiqué she had told him had arrived for him.

"Here is the package I told you about." Quinn said when she was sure she had his attention. "It's gene coded and marked with an urgency tag."

Taking the disk from her hands, Operations muttered a thank you and walked swiftly away from Comm.

Quinn watched him walk away and shook her head at the desolate demeanor she never thought to see in her superior's attitude. Looking around the main area of Section she noted that many of the operatives were remarkably subdued. As if the place hadn't been dark and depressed enough with what they had been required to do, suddenly with the loss of friends and the current status of Section's evaluations that had taken place Section had become a living cemetery. Who would have thought that the personalities of four very different, very distinct people could have had such an impact on a place like Section One. Turning back to her work Kate decided that the circumstances simply made her resolve stronger not to let anyone in the Section get close to her. She had seen with her own eyes, first hand just how disastrous the outcome of such a decision could be.

Intending to go back to his own office, Operations was once again surprised to find himself in front of Madeline's old office. Pausing only briefly, he quickly typed in her code and walked into the silent office where he still felt her presence. The office had not changed. Everything had been just the way she had left it. The latest profile she had been working on still on her desk. Her computer screen showing tapes from the last mission she had reviewed continuously replaying sequences. All of her plants and flowers still stood in their familiar places. He had made a point to have someone come and care for them daily. Realizing that at some point he had to move on, Paul still felt that Madeline would have appreciated his efforts on her behalf.

Although she had been dead for two weeks, Operations wasn't willing to move on just yet. He quirked his mouth and smirked ironically, when he realized that the Section had virtually been at a stand still for ten days anyway. It wasn't that the terrorist community had stopped to allow them time to mourn, but it was the fact that Mr. Jones had sixty percent of the Section's missions diverted to the other Sections to deal with temporarily. The other forty percent were divided equally between simple intelligence gathering missions and recruitment and training of new operatives for the Section. Amazingly enough Jones had given the Section some time to recuperate from so many valuable losses. In one fell swoop Operations had lost the four people who had enabled him to run the Section so efficiently for years. Madeline, Michael, Walter and Birkoff had all been moved out of his reach, and of the four only Walter was still alive. He refused to admit to himself that more often than not he had used all four of them as his whipping posts when things had not gone the way he had wanted them to. If only there was something he could do to make it right. He would give anything he could to bring them all back and make Nikita and Jones pay for tearing his world apart.

If Nikita had been eliminated the first time he had ordered it, none of the past events would have taken place. Michael would not have rebelled and turned against him. Birkoff would not have sacrificed himself to save the rest of them because there would have been no need for him to with no Nikita to influence later decisions that he had made. Walter would not have gone against the charter to help Michael and Nikita continue their forbidden relationship. Madeline … Madeline would not have killed herself to keep Nikita and Jones from deciding her fate, and by now, he would be the head of Oversight. Although he had often been accused of being an unfeeling jerk, anyone who could see Paul Wolfe now would know that the description was the furthest thing from the truth at this moment. Operations was an extremely angry man and although he realized he had a lot to answer for, there were two he intended to take down if it was the last thing he ever did. It didn't matter to him that a lot of the events had occurred because of plans he had set in motion. He totally disregarded the fact that it was because of his and Madeline's schemes that Nikita had been recruited into Section in the first place. As far as he was concerned anything that he had ordered had been irrelevant because there had been no illusions about how he operated. But Nikita…Nikita had knowingly set up every single one of them for a fall after she had stood on her soap box time after time and lectured them about their lack of compassion, integrity, and remorse. Then for the Center to allow someone who had not been in Section long enough to actually comprehend why they did all they did to pass judgment upon them for the decisions they made within the Section was the final insult. It was something Paul could not live with. She hadn't walked a mile in any of their shoes despite the things she had gone through at their hands. It had been nothing compared to what they had gone through to make the Section become as successful as it had been as far as he was concerned. Operations believed that Nikita and Jones had declared a personal war against him and all he stood for. The way he saw it, he had no choice but to take up arms and fight them with their own weapons.

He started pacing in his agitation as he began to formulate a plan to carry out his intentions. It was then that he realized that he was still holding the disk that Quinn had given him back in his hands. Stopping in mid-stride he stared at the disk in his hands and then swiftly turned to what he still thought of as Madeline's computer station and sat down to open the gene-coded disk. After having his finger pricked to identify that he was indeed the one who the intel was meant for, the file opened and Operations stared in growing disbelief and then relief as he saw the face before him. Rewinding the disk several times he listened carefully at the rendezvous place and time. For the first time in ten days he allowed a smile to come across his face. This could only be a sign that his decision had been the correct one, and he had been given the help he needed to see it through. Had anyone walked into the office at that particular moment they would have felt a chill run down their spine at the cold, chilling, look in Operations eyes. He had been given a second chance, and he didn't intend to waste it. Justice would be done. He would see to it … personally. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chapter 5

Several hours later, as Operations stopped his car two blocks away from the building he had been looking for. Double-checking that he hadn't been followed, he took a deep breath to steady himself and then quickly exited his car. He locked the doors of the vehicle, adjusted his coat and gloves, and began to walk swiftly toward the building. Once he reached his destination, he took out his gun, checked to make sure the safety was off, and then proceeded to enter the deserted looking warehouse. He walked quietly and slowly through the large room. He was very careful to search every nook and cranny of the bottom room before proceeding through the double doors at the back and making his way up the poorly lit stairwell. Pointing his gun before him, he continued to edge slowly up the stairs until he reached the top and was welcomed by the bright light coming from the door standing open silently inviting him in. Never one to rush into anything, Paul made sure no one was in the hall or standing behind the door ready to accost him before he stepped over the threshold into the room.

He looked around him in fascination as he saw the huge white columns that functioned as supports strategically scattered through the large room. A slight rustling sound to his left caught his attention and he turned swiftly, his gun at held in front of him, ready to shoot the first thing that moved. What he saw made his resolve waver and then diminish as he dropped his hand to his side and stared in surprise, disbelief, and then fascination.

"Hello, Paul." Madeline said quietly as she read the fleeting emotions skimming across his face.

It was her voice that galvanized him into action. Four quick strides and he had snatched her into his arms and hugged her tightly to him. Madeline returned his embrace and then determinedly extricated herself from him, wanting to get to the business at hand.

Paul was a little slower in letting go, but sensing her withdrawal he released her and stepped back.

"How?" He asked when he was sure his voice would function correctly.

"It was quite simple." Madeline replied quietly. "However, it's best you don't know. The less you're aware of the better. Let's just say it was easier than expected. No one suspected I was alive so it was fairly easy for me to escape."

Paul wanted to press the issue, but knew he wouldn't get anymore information out of her until she was ready to give it. He would wait until a more opportune time to find out more. Maybe he could discover for himself just how she had escaped. Right now there was a more pressing issue on his mind.

"Why did you wait so long to contact me." He asked quietly, unable to keep the accusation out of his tone.

Madeline arched a delicate brow at him and then decided to answer him truthfully. "I didn't know if I could trust you. After your behavior during our last run in with Red Cell, I thought you wanted me dead." She continued candidly. "You intended to have me blow up with the rest of Red Cell when you allowed Satin to access the directory and send it to them. I saw your surprise when I walked back into Section. What's changed Paul?"

Paul had the grace to look down, knowing that her accusation was correct. They had never talked about that mission although he knew that Madeline had been well aware of the fact that he had tried to eliminate her. He had no plausible explanation for his decision other than his need to want to wipe out Red Cell once and for all. The trust between him and Madeline had been broken then. He realized now that the only reason she had contacted him was because they shared a common goal … revenge because of what had been done to them. Neither of them wanted to acknowledge that the whole reason they were going after Jones and Nikita was because of damaged pride. Something both of them had in huge quantities. No one made a fool of them and lived to talk about it. It showed Paul, Madeline's state of mind that she was willing to allow him to aid her in this, knowing full well that she didn't trust him. He would do what he had to in order to get that trust back. He finally admitted to himself that he needed her. Somehow, someway he would get her back into the Section.

"A lot has changed, Madeline." Paul said. "You and I are the best ones to take over Oversight and oversee the progress of Section. I want it back and I want you beside me."

Madeline studied Paul for a few moments and realized that he had done some definite changing in a short amount of time. Like her, anger was driving him. That was good. Both of them were seeing things with a greater clarity then before. 'Nikita would be proud.' Madeline thought spitefully.

"I would like that, Paul." She replied simply.

"I assume you have a plan." He questioned.

"Yes. I think I know what Jones next move will be." Madeline continued as she and Paul moved toward the couch to sit across from each other. "If I'm correct, then the operatives still in Section will do all the work for us."

And so it began….the plotting and scheming of two of the most highly intelligent people ever to grace Section One's halls. Any shred of humanity either of them had before the events of the last few days had taken place, had been replaced by a violent need to administer retribution to those who they felt deserved it. It was only fitting that they be reunited with each other. They had always supported each other in their schemes, for they both had the same goal. Jones and Nikita had a debt to pay. They had wanted the leaders of Section to show some compassion, some feeling and emotions for the people who worked for them. Unfortunately, for one of them emotion was going to be their downfall, while the other would simply bide their time and wait for another opportunity to strike.

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

A few blocks away sitting in a nondescript vehicle two figures finished recording the scene that had just been played out. Then both operatives went to their car and one of them took out his cell phone and pressed a button and waited for the private line to be picked up.

"Code please." The soft feminine voice commanded gently.

"Delta is in play."

"Patching you through now."

A series of clicking noises followed by another feminine voice.

"Yes?"

"First contact has been established."

"Good, continue to keep me posted. I'll expect the tape in an hour."

A click designated the call had been terminated and a message was relayed to the one driving the operation. They were well pleased to discover everything was going according to plan. Now it was time to lay the trap. Anticipation grew as they waited to find out Jones reaction when it was discovered that his charade had been uncovered. The intended punishment for Jones was not going to be pleasant, instead he would be made an example for others to remember just in case they were ever tempted to challenge the leadership again.

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Chapter 6 (Angst)

Song by Savage Garden off of their Affirmation CD. The song is called 'You Can Still Be Free' and it set the tone for this perfectly. I just thought it seemed to fit. If you have the CD pop it in while reading and you'll see what I mean.

Cool breeze and Autmn leaves
Slow motion daylight

The day had held bright promise as the sun slowly sank in the distant horizon. A soft rustling sound drifted through the air at the command of the gentle breeze which carefully caressed the short blades of grass, trees and everything else in its path.

A lone pair of watchful eyes
Oversee the living

She watched him from a short distance away as he searched for and found a secluded area to sit down and watch the playing children, romping animals, and contented couples surrounding him. Her heart contracted at the sight of him. Even from this distance she could feel the sorrow which enveloped him like a hovering presence refusing to depart.

Feel the presence all around
A tortured soul
A wound unhealing

It was no surprise that out of all their special places he would pick this one. It had become one of their favorite rendezvous spots. It pained her to see how carefully he avoided the specific bench hidden behind the trees where they had often sat and watched the world go by. His eyes were shuttered and he shifted his gaze to stare down at his intertwined fingers. Somehow she knew that if she were able to hear his thoughts her last words to him would be an unceasing refrain playing over and over in his head. She was so sure of this she had to forcibly keep herself from walking to him and demand that he not believe her. His pain was a palpable thing and as much as she wanted to relieve it, he had to do this on his own.

No regrets or promises
The past is gone

Only her knowledge of the upcoming future enabled her to keep from having any regrets about what she had done. No matter how much she remembered their past moments together that time for them was gone. Her understanding of what now needed to be done kept her focused and able to hold up against seemingly insurmountable odds. She still had hope and that hope is what forced her to do the hardest thing she had ever had to do in setting him free.

But you can still be free
If time will set you free

Watching him struggle ignited her hopes for him even more. Although he wouldn't see it her way, she knew she had done the best thing for him by setting him free. Six years of intense struggle to remain humane had shown her that freedom came in many forms. While she had facilitated in freeing his heart and his compassion there was much more that he needed in order to be the man she knew he could be.

Time now to spread your wings
To take to flight
The life endeavor

While her heart throbbed with a steady aching beat that seemed to increase every moment she was away from him. She could not regret her choice. The next steps she had to do on her own. Without his interference, his protection, or his love. He had never truly experienced real freedom or any real life. Her fondest wish for him was that he break out of his self-imposed prison and experience life for himself. It was the only way either of them could win.

Aim for the burning sun
You're trapped inside

Once and for all she believed that this last experience would force him to refocus and regain the life, the spirit, and the passion he had allowed their superiors to rob from him. It was this struggle that would be the most difficult, yet the most rewarding if he chose to fight the waves of despair threatening to drown him with their intensity.

But you can still be free
If time will set you free
But it's a long, long way to go

At what price freedom…these words were a constant refrain in her mind. Her desire for his freedom had driven her to drastic measures, and only time would tell if her sacrifice had been worth it. There was so much he had to work through before he would ever understand or appreciate what she felt had been the greatest gift she could bestow upon him. The struggle would be a long hard road, but the end result was what mattered the most because true freedom would then be theirs together.

Keep moving way up high
You see the light
It shines forever

She continued to watch him as he suddenly switched positions. He lifted the loving face she knew so well and allowed his tortured gaze to focus on the myriad of beautiful colors streaking the sky. He stared at the sky as if it was his one lifeline. Her gaze followed his and she could see the last rays for the sun peaking through the clouds. It was only appropriate that the last ray of sun would shine directly down on him just before it was enclosed by the quickly approaching dusk. She took at as a sign that her hopes were not in vain.

Sail through the crimson skies
The purest light
The light that sets you free
If time will set you free

In the game they had played, the student had surpassed the teacher, yet somewhere between the lies, manipulations, and deceptions student and teacher seduced one another and fell in love beyond either of their comprehension. It was that love that had sustained them, kept them together through every device and evil tactic that had been thrown at them to separate them. She could only hope that he would remember this and hold on to it while she moved to the next phase of Jone's plan. That thought in mind, Nikita took one last longing look at Michael and headed back to her new apartment. 'Soon, Michael.' She thought to herself. 'Just hold on a little longer.'

**********

A few blocks away, carefully hidden from view someone catalogued the movements and reactions of both Michael and Nikita. Smiling at the intel they had to report they quickly dialed a number and waited for their contact to pick up on the other end.

"Yes."

"Contact has been initiated, no communication."

"Good. Continue surveillance. Report when communication has occurred."

"Of course."

The contact terminated the call and then began to follow the rapidly retreating figure of Nikita, ready for the next opportunity to report to the Head of the Center every move she made.

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Chapter 7

Jade stood in front of Mr. Jones with her hands clasped behind her back and waited for her new boss to speak. This was the first time she had heard from him after her little chat with him and Nikita over a week ago. She had been somewhat surprised to arrive and find that Nikita was not there as well.

"I've already spoken with Nikita." Jones began quietly, as if sensing Jade's surprise at Nikita's apparent absence. "You two will return to Section One tomorrow."

"Of course." Jade replied lightly. "Is Operations aware of our arrival?"

"No. He's not." Jones replied. "He will be made aware of my plans in the morning. It's not wise to give Paul to much time to plan."

Jade couldn't fault Jones reasons for the short notice he intended to give Operations. She was somewhat surprised that Jones planned to tell Operations anything at all. She didn't trust either man, and if she were honest felt like she and Nikita were being used once again as pawns in Jones little charade. None of these opinions were voiced however. Despite her outspoken, candid attitude, Jade knew when it was best to keep her thoughts to herself. This was definitely one of those times.

"How are you two doing?" Jones asked abruptly.

"What do you mean?" Jade countered, using a tried and true Section method of answering a question with a question.

Jones chose to be amused rather then annoyed and then stated in a hardened voice, "Don't play games, Jade. I intend that you and Nikita get the job done. Whatever it takes. That means there's no time for your petty squabbles."

"I didn't realize murder and betrayal had been relegated to the 'petty squabbles' category." Jade shot back, her resolve to keep her thoughts to herself going out the window. "I'll be sure to keep it in mind in the future."

"There are a lot of circumstances you aren't aware of." Jones replied in an even tone. "Don't say or do something you may regret. Stay focused. Is that understood?"

Jade's eyes flashed in indignation but she wisely chose to remain silent.

"Understood." She responded tightly.

"Good. I'll expect a notification from the two of you in a few days. That will be all."

Jade continued to stand where she was waiting.

"Is there something else?" Jones asked quickly. Almost positive he knew what Jade was going to ask him. He wasn't disappointed.

"I can't help but wonder if you and George had a similar conversation just before Operations eliminated him?" Jade asked swiftly. Her anger gone as rapidly as it appeared. Her inquiry simply seemed curious not at all accusatory as Jones halfway expected.

"Yes, well, I was wondering when that would come up." He answered evasively. Swiveling in his chair he turned his back to Jade.

"It's getting late. I'll expect to hear from Operations in the morning upon yours and Nikia's arrival. That will be all, Jade."

Jade smiled at Jones back. It didn't take a rocket scientist to figure out she wasn't going to get an answer from him. It really didn't matter since her feelings on the subject of George's outrageousness were a mixture of regret and resignation. Somehow she thought Jones wasn't too sure of how she felt on the subject. Jade decided that she wasn't going to enlighten him on her views. The less he knew the better, only she couldn't quite pinpoint why she was beginning to feel that way the more meetings she had with the man. Deciding it was more than time for her to vacate his presence she simply inclined her head at Jones' last statement and turned to leave his office. It was no surprise when he began talking just as she put her hand on the doorknob to let herself out. Sighing in resignation she reluctantly turned back after hearing her name called.

"Jade, there's just one more thing."

"What's that, sir." She asked in a carefully neutral tone.

"Your new keys." Jones responded lightly turning to face her as he held up a key ring with several keys dangling from the ends. When she made no move to return to his desk to grab them he simply pitched the keys to her.

It was pure reflex that made Jade reach out a hand and catch the keys flying in her direction. She stared at them in surprise and then refocused her attention on Jones as she waited for an explanation.

"I've taken the luxury of having you and Nikita moved to a new location." Jones began candidly. "Your apartment is right across the hall from hers for practical purposes, of course. All of your things have been moved from temporary quarters. I think you'll like it. My new designer does wonders with fabric. You will let me know if you don't approve won't you."

Jade had to suppress the urge to laugh outright at the brief resurgence of Mick Schtoppel in Mr. Jones. She was having a very difficult time reconciling the fact that the head of Center was talking to her about designers and fabric after all but threatening her less than sixty seconds ago. Finding it impossible to come up with a rational response to what she hoped was a rhetorical question Jade wisely declined to answer.

Seeing that he had caught her off guard and secretly enjoying Jade's thunderstruck expression, Jones decided he had baited her enough for one day.

"Monique will give you directions on your way out." He said after a brief pause and smiled in response to Jade's quick inclination of her head before she turned and sedately walked out of his office.

Jones watched her go and not for the first time since dealing with her directly congratulated himself on once again choosing the perfect person to do the job. Jade didn't know it yet, but her determination and loyalty to her friends would be just what he was depending on. He was very aware that when Paul broke out of his despondency he would attempt to come after himself and Nikita. He wasn't concerned for himself for he was well insulated or so the thought, but Nikita needed protection and until Michael was ready, Jade would be that protection. He wondered just how long it would take Jade to figure it out. He supposed it would happen soon enough. In the meantime he decided to come up with a contingency plan. Jade's casual question about George appeared to be a little more unpredictable than expected. It was more than enough to make Jones a little wary. The last thing he needed was to have the tables turned on him. Not when he almost had everything he wanted, dissenters at this late date just wouldn't do.

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Chapter 8

A few hours later Nikita stood in the center of the room of her new apartment and tried to determine what would be the first change she would make. It was also a good way to keep her mind off Michael and the way she had seen him that day. Fiercely squashing any of the despairing feelings that welled up in her at the dejected image he had presented earlier she was almost grateful to be interrupted by the soft knock that sounded at her door. Turning to answer it, she paused in mid-stride when she recognized who her unexpected visitor was. Taking a deep breath she resumed walking toward the door and carefully opened it.

"Hey."

"Hey yourself." Jade replied wryly in response to Nikita's greeting.