Michael rolled over in bed, his arm reaching out in his sleep for Nikita but encountered only empty space.

"Nikita?" he mumbled as his head came up to search for her. The bed beside him was empty. A quick look about the room showed her clothes still scattered on the floor where he had undressed her earlier. Climbing out of bed Michael reached for his robe and slipped it on. He headed towards the darkened living room and looked around but there was no sign of her. Feeling a draft, he looked towards the balcony doors and could just see her outline in the dark as she stood facing out into the night air.

"Nikita..." he called out softly as he approached her.

She turned to look over her shoulder at him and held out her hand. Entwining his fingers with hers, he stepped up and embraced her from behind, his lips pressing a kiss against her bare shoulder. He felt her relax against him and the feeling caused a feeling of pleasure to spread throughout him. "You're so cold." he whispered and pulled her around to face him. Untying his robe he held it open for her, "Come here" he ordered and immediately Nikita stepped in and pressed her body next to his warmth, her arms encircling his waist as he wrapped the ends of the robe around her and reached to close the doors. Nikita lay her head against his chest listening to the strong beat of his heart and marveled in the feel of his naked body next to hers. "Thank you" she whispered. Michael smiled. They stood that way for several minutes enjoying the feel of each other.

Finally Michael spoke, "What's bothering you Nikita?"

Nikita took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. She turned her face into his chest, her lips kissing his flesh tenderly as she shut her eyes tightly against the tears that threatened to overcome her. After a long pause though she shook her head, "Its nothing Michael." He knew she was lying. He could feel it it in the tension of her body. Had felt it earlier also when he had made love to her. There had been a desperateness in the way she had kissed him, clung to him, loved him.

"Is it my working with Kerri that's bothering you?" he asked. She shook her head, then, after several long moments had passed he felt her arms tighten their hold on him and she nodded slowly, "Yes." she whispered.

Michael pressed his lips to her hair. "There's nothing we can do about it Nikita" he said. He pulled her away gently from him, his hands cupping her face, "I wish things could be different but you and I both know that Section owns us. Whatever they order, we have to obey."

"I know." she reponded as she withdrew from his embrace and walked back to the bedroom. Michael watched her go and wished he could spare her the pain that this next mission was causing her but there really was nothing he could do. If he had his choice he would have chosen Nikita but Madeline had insisted he partner with Kerri, the tall brunette operative from the blue team. Michael knew that Operations and Madeline in all likelihood knew of his relationship with Nikita and were probably trying to break the bond between them by forcing him to work with other female operatives. At first Michael had thought that perhaps Nikita and him could work through these assignments as long as she knew that she was the only one he really cared about. Nikita seemed to have handled his first mission with Kerri fine. She was a little quiet and withdrawn when he had returned but other than that, everything continued on as before. Tonight though he was beginning to see the depths to which Nikita was pained at seeing him with someone else.

When Michael reached the bedroom, Nikita had turned on the lamp and was already half-dressed. Silently he watched her pull on her t-shirt and tuck it into her jeans. Next she sat down and slipped on her shoes and then rose and came to stand before him. She stood there and stared at him, confusion and misery flickering across her face. It pained him to see her like this but he understood only too well the emotions she was going through. Nikita took his hand in hers and said, "You told me once that you lived your life split in half" blue eyes looked up into his, "I think I understand now fully what you meant Michael."

"Do you?" he asked quietly.

Nikita nodded, "You do it to protect yourself from pain don't you Michael?" Michael stood silently not answering her question. Nikita dropped his hand and sat down on the bed. She leaned forward, her elbows resting on her knees as she stared down at the floor. "I should have listened to you. Now I find myself loving you so much, I'm afraid I can't be objective when it comes to certain things. Things like watching you seduce and make love to another woman." Her eyes pleaded with him for understanding, "I thought I could handle it Michael, but I can't."

"Nikita?"

Nikita shook her head at his interuption, "I know what you told me, that it doesn't mean anything to you and that you're only doing the job, but the fact remains that when I see you, or hear you, having sex with someone else, it tears me up inside." Nikita stood and began to pace back and forth.

"To you and Madeline, Operations -- its just sex, a means to get the job done." Nikita paused in her pacing and came to stand before him, "But for me Michael, the act of making love is the most intimate of all bonds to be shared between two people who care for each other. Love each other. I see you detatch yourself from your actions and. . . . I . . .I don't know, Michael. I begin to wonder if you really care for me as much as I hope you do, or if I'm imagining things." Nikita gave a little snort as she shook her head and ran her hands through her hair, "I don't know. Maybe I just care too much. Perhaps if I learned to not love you so much, the pain wouldn't be so devastating."

"What are you saying Nikita?" Michael asked quietly.

Nikita's eyes pleaded with him, "I'm saying that I need some time to think Michael. I need to come to terms with the reality of our life here in Section. Right now, I don't know if I can take seeing you partnering with Kerri, or anyone else for that matter."

Michael flinched at her words but nodded. "If thats what you want Nikita, I'll honor your wishes." Nikita grimaced, "Its not what I want Michael, but its what has to be. If I'm going to have some sort of life with you, and that is what I want Michael, then I have to learn to survive here in Section and do it according to its standards."

Nikita watched for Michael's reaction carefully. A part of her rebelled against what she was doing. Wanted her to go to him, to love him inspite of all the odds against their relationship surviving in such a place as Section. But another part of her was dying a slow torturous death simply because she loved him in a world where love was a weakness, a weapon to be used against you. Nikita raised one hand as if to touch him then halted mid-air, her internal struggle evident in her actions and expression. Her fingers curled into a fist as she dropped her hand to her side. "Goodbye Michael." she whispered and turned to leave. A few moments later Michael heard the front door close. He turned and sat down wearily on the bed as his world crumbled about him.

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

Darvin looked at the clock above the window facing the simulation room. It was five minutes till 4 p.m. he flipped open the chart already knowing what he would find. . . 4 p.m. - Samuelle.

He shook his head wondering what the blonde operative was up to. Ever since she had arrived here at the Eastern Europe sub-station two weeks ago she had come to the simulation room at precisely 4 pm. The only days she didn't show up was when a briefing or mission prevented her and then she would always reschedule for a late night session.

At first Darvin had thought that she had been transferred here from headquarters as a punishment. That perhaps she hadn't been able to meet the level of performance that was demanded of cold ops stationed at Section headquarters. After watching one session of her in the simulation room, he knew his assessment had to be wrong. Most operatives were at a level seven or eight in the simulation rounds. That was acceptable providing you were able to hit at least ninety percent of the targets. Samuelle, or Sam as she was called, was able to complete level nine with a score of ninety-six percent and she was fast conquering level ten also. Less than a handful of operatives were able to complete level eleven. If Sam kept up her present pace, she would become one of them. Rumor had it though that only one, an operative named Michael, was able to complete level thirteen. Darvin had never met Michael, but there were plenty of stories that circulated within Section concerning him. The highest level was fifteen, a level that was practically impossible for anyone -- any human that is, to complete and survive. If the stories about Michael were true though, he was the only one to have attempted it -- twice.

Darvin glanced at the clock once more. One minute till four. A loud heavy screech filled the air as the heavy metal door to the simulation room swung open. Darvin looked through the observation window and saw Sam stride in with that lazy gait that was so uniquely hers. She reminded him of a panther at times her grace belying the strength that lay beneath. Darvin smiled. He had yet to see her in combat but instinct told him that she could probably beat many of the male operatives here at the sub-station. In the back of his mind he thought that if the stories about Michael were true, this Sam would be a perfect partner for him.

Sam looked up to the window and acknowledged Darvin with a nod of her head, "Level 10 Darvin," she called up to him in her husky voice as she took her stance in the middle of the room. She held the laser gun down to her side. Her hair was pulled back in a tight ponytail. Even with no makeup on she was a beauty, Darvin thought. She was dressed in a white tanktop and shorts, dark brown combat boots contrasting sharply with her long shapely legs. Darvin watched as a look of determination settled upon her face. When she was ready she turned her blue eyes to him and gave the command, "Go Alive!"

For the next ten minutes the room was filled with flashes of blue and green as Sam twisted and dodged, shooting at the targets while trying to avoid the bolts of electricity amied at her by the simulator. Darvin grimaced as multiple targets appeared. Sam tucked and rolled trying to avoid being shot while at the same time taking out as many of the targets as possible. He watched as she was hit by two bolts and fell back at the impact. Instantly she kicked her feet over her head and sprang up to her feet, crouched, gun ready and aimed.

Darvin turned behind him as he heard the door to the observation room open and watched as Adrian, the station's lead tactician stepped through. Wordlessly the tall, dark haired operative walked up beside him and they both turned their attention to the battle going on below. After several minutes, the flashes finally stopped as the sequence ended. They watched as Sam lowered her gun and bent over at the waist, her hands resting on her knees. After a minute, she straightened up and held her shoulders back, "How'd I do?" she asked. Darvin pressed the intercom button, "Eighty-seven percent."

Sam shook her head, obviously displeased, "Again Darvin please. Same level, and could you program in a bit more multiples?" Darvin nodded as he punched in the code and adjusted the sequence as requested.

"She's a feisty one, isn't she?" Adrian asked. "Yep." Darvin replied, "I'd hate to get on her bad side." Both men turned to watch as the flashes started up again. "How many sequences does she go through in a session?" Adrian asked as he watched the blonde woman dive to the ground, roll, and then bolt up to a crouching stance all the while shooting at the targets.

Darvin shrugged his shoulders, "Depends . Usually no less than four."

"And her scores?"

Darvin punched in a code and the numbers from Sam's sessions appeared on the monitor. "She started at forty-three percent on level ten. She's now almost up to ninety percent." Adrian nodded his head in approval. "She's good." he stated. Darvin looked at Adrian with a puzzled look. "Why was she transferred here?"

"She's not here as a transfer operative" Adrian explained, "she's on a training mission. Operations thinks that she has potential in the higher echelons and wants her exposed to more of the political situations at various substations. She'll be with us for about a month and then move on. She's already spent a month each in Singapore and the Middle East.

Darvin let out a low whistle. "And here I thought she probably couldn't cut it at headquarters..."

The second sequence ended and Sam looked up at the two men watching her. Darvin she had become acquainted with but the dark haired man behind him was someone she hadn't met yet. "Score?" she asked as she labored to regain her breath. She could feel a bruise beginning to form on her shoulder where she had fallen heavily while trying to out-dodge one of the electrical bolts. "Eighty-nine percent." came the reply. Sam nodded, shook her legs out and signaled to him to prepare another round.

Darvin looked at the man standing next to him. "Why are you so interested in her?" he asked. Adrian continued to watch Sam. "I need a partner for this next mission I'm working on and I'm thinking of asking her."

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

Over an hour later Nikita stepped from the simulation room tired and sweaty. Her body ached as she dragged herself off to the weapons room to return the laser gun. At least the physical pain and fatigue gave her something to focus on other than the emotional torment that still plagued her.

As she entered the weapons room she saw leaning against the counter the same dark-haired man that had been watching her in the observation room with Darvin. Putting the gun up on the counter, she turned to get a better look at him and saw that he was watching her.

"Are you the official watcher around here?" she asked. Adrian smiled, "Only of beautiful women."

"Oh." Nikita glanced him over. He was tall, just over six feet. Thick wavy black hair, long lean face that wasn't quite handsome, but good-looking. His eyes were dark, almost black and fringed by thick lashes. High cheek-bones, soft lips. Her eyes slid down to his body. Strong wide shoulders, a muscular chest from what she could see through his t-shirt, strong arms. Her eyes moved lower. Slim hips, long legs.... too bad he wasn't wearing tighter fitting pants, she thought.

"Uh-hemm..." Adrian coughed discreetly to bring Nikita's attention back up to his face. "So do I meet your approval?" he asked as his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Did I meet yours?" Nikita asked. Adrian laughed, "Touche, my dear, touche! Now how about we get the proper introductions out of the way? I'm Adrian." Nikita smiled as she held out her hand. "Samuelle or Sam for short."

She still didn't quite understand why Operations had insisted she not use Nikita or Josephine although she suspected it was probably to cover her tracks as she moved amongst the substations. At any rate, she was sure that he must have his own reasons.

Adrian nodded, "Nice to meet you Sam."

"Likewise" she responded. Adrian moved away from the counter and indicated that they should walk. "I've been reading up on your file, or what little of it is accessible, over the past few days." he began. Nikita looked at him but remained silent, waiting for him to explain. "You come with very high recommendations. Of course that should be obvious since Operations has chosen you for extensive training." Adrian gave her a sidelong glance. "He must have great faith in your abilities."

Nikita almost laughed at Adrian's statement. "I don't know that I would go that far Adrian in explaining Operations motives. Lets just say that I didn't have the best education when I was growing up and Operations is helping to fill in the gaps." Adrian shook his head, "I've been in Section too long to know that Operations wouldn't send just anyone out for extensive training Sam. He has plans for you. Of that I'm sure."

Adrian came to a stop and turned to face Nikita. "The real reason I was watching you this afternoon and waited for you here is that I was wondering if you would like to participate in an upcoming mission."

"I'm not really cleared to be a player in any missions" Nikita began, "however, if you really need me, I think I can get the necessary clearance." They had reached the outside of a door leading to a small office. Adrian opened the door and signaled for her to enter. Closing the door behind them he continued to explain the parameters of the mission.

"Like most all sub-stations, we engage mostly in observation and the monitoring of local political groups, activists, terrorists, etc. Usually we do this through the monitoring of communication satellites and such but once in a while we also engage in primary data gathering. . . like attending social functions where some of the key players we keep an eye on are present. We watch to see who their contacts are and such. Anyway, one such function is being held tomorrow night at the Russian embassy. You could go in as my date and I could point out who some of the key players in this region are for you. Interested?"

Nikita nodded, "Alright. Let me go grab a shower and then I'll be back to contact headquarters and then meet you back here in about one hour."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It was late when Michael finally emerged from his office tired and worn out from working too many hours with out enough rest. His muscles were tense and his eyes had begun to itch from the lack of sleep but Michael hated the thought of going home to the emptiness that awaited him. Looking towards the communications center he saw that Birkoff was still there.

Unbidden, a memory of Nikita laughing as Birkoff scolded her for raiding his Oreo stash came to mind. Nikita loved him like a little brother and Michael knew that Birkoff adored her despite all the sarcastic remarks he made towards her. Whenever Nikita was troubled, Birkoff was always there for her. He was her main confidant here in Section especially when it came to matters of the heart. Sometimes when Michael had to work late, Nikita would visit Birkoff's quarters and they would spend the time talking for hours until Michael was ready to go home. Once, Michael had gone to pick up Nikita and when there had been no response to his knocking, he opened the door and saw the two half-sitting, half-lying in front of the tv set, fast asleep. He had woken Nikita first. She in turn woke Birkoff and then proceeded to tuck him into bed much to Birkoff's embarassment. Nikita had merely planted a kiss though on Birkoff's cheek and told him to shut-up and go to bed.

Michael closed his eyes against the memory and the ache in his chest. He missed her.

When he opened his eyes they were once again carefully shielded and then he made his way over to Birkoff. Looking around to make sure that no one was within listening distance Michael asked, "Anything new Birkoff?" The young man looked up at Michael and responded in a lowered voice, "Nothing concrete yet Michael. Its like she just disappeared. Its very likely that Operations has her using an alias, but what I don't know." Michael nodded. He had figured as much also. It would explain why they kept coming up blank each time they tried to access Nikita or Josephine's whereabouts.

"I could come right out and ask the computer to give me a match for all operatives in sub-stations fitting Nikita's description but that would be readily detected by anyone watching" said Birkoff. Michael looked off to the side a moment. Nikita had asked him for time but it was now going on three months with no word from her. He was getting worried and he knew Birkoff was too. His only comfort was the knowledge that Operations knew where Nikita was and the fact that if anything had happened to her, he would have informed Michael. At least Michael hoped he would.

"I've checked with some of my contacts at various sub-stations" Michael said, "but so far nothing. I still have a few more to contact and then I'll get back to you. Keep monitoring the frequencies Birkoff. Maybe she'll make contact soon." Birkoff nodded and returned to his work as Michael headed back to his office intent on spending another sleepless night behind his desk.

***********

It was almost midnight when Nikita finally arrived back at the small apartment she was renting. Adrian had wanted to stay a while but Nikita had feigned weariness and had offered him a raincheck instead. Alone, she slipped off her heels and headed towards the window. She inched the curtain apart just a crack and peered through down to the parking lot. Adrian was just getting into his car. Nikita waited until he had left and then went to her bag. Taking out a small hand-held device, she swept the room for any listening or surveillance equipment. Satisfied that there were none she proceeded to set up her computer for her video conference with Operations.

As she waited for the connection to go through Nikita reached up and removed the auburn colored wig she wore and placed it on the side. Next she peeled off the false lashes and then finally let her hair down. The rest would have to wait until after she spoke with Operations.

The transmission cleared within a few seconds and the familiar craggily face of Operations appeared on screen.

"You're late."

"It couldn't be helped." Nikita replied.

Operations glared stonily at her, "Was he there?" Nikita nodded, "Yes. Both Baruch and Bjornson were there. They met briefly with Petain's assistant then left shortly after." Operations listened carefully to Nikita's report. "Are you sure you weren't recognized?"

Nikita nodded again. "I was disguised and made sure I kept my distance. Its very unlikely that Baruch would have recognized me."

"He better not have Nikita. This is too important." Operations paused briefly and then continued, "If they met with Petain's man tonight that can only mean that the intel we have is correct and that the deal is going down soon." Operations eyes narrowed, "I want you to partner with Adrian. Let him in on a need to know basis only. He's familiar with the territory and is trustworthy. Maintain level five security. Is that clear?"

"Yes." she responded. Operations watched her carefully and then added, "Baruch and Bjornson are both expendable. But bring me Petain, Nikita." With that the connection was terminated and Nikita leaned back in her chair and her thoughts turned to the assignment before her.

She had been ordered by Operations to engage and seduce Baruch in Singapore in order to obtain the necessary information concerning the Maginot. Nikita had carried out the seduction as ordered but she had cried for hours afterward wanting desperately to call Michael and have him come to her and hold her in his arms. To have him tell her that everything would be alright, but the mission had made that impossible.

The Maginot was a new alliance being formed by Baruch and his associates out of eastern Asia. Their goal was to stir up political chaos and anarchy throughout the South East Asian Nations, or SEAN members and then move in and place their own people in positions of power. Petain was the mastermind behind Maginot. He was also a member of SEAN's security council. The meeting that had taken place tonight at the Russian Embassy between Baruch, Bjornson, and Petain's assistant confirmed the connection between Petain and the Maginot. Nikita sighed. Now she would have to go in and finish the job. It was going to be a long night.

Pulling out her cellular she dialed a number and waited. After two rings a male voice answered, "Yes?"

"Adrian, this is Sam. Security code 5-M4 Alpha326. Repeat, 5-M4 Alpha326. Access code Wolfe 3301 for rendezvous point. Be ready in one hour." There was a pause and then Adrian answered, "Got it." Nikita hung up the phone and proceeded to change out of the black sequined gown she wore to the ball and into her mission clothes.

Adrian was half-way home when Sam's call came through. Damn, he thought, I knew there was more to her than she was letting on. He swung his black Porsche around and headed back to the station. Security code 5. That means she's working directly under Operations orders. Whatever was going down it had to be big to warrant this level of security. Adrian's mind sped over the details concerning Sam that he already knew from studying her file. She had been to the Singapore and Middle East stations already in the past two months..... Singapore, Middle East, Eastern Europe. Damn, he cursed again silently to himself, what was the connection there?

Fifteen minutes later Adrian was back at his office having stopped by wardrobe and changed into mission blacks. Stepping behind his computer he entered the security code and a file entitled the Maginot appeared in front of him. He punched in the access code and a location appeared for him to meet Sam. He memorized the address and then exited the file and logged off. Apart from the name of the file and the rendezvous point, all other information had been unaccessible. Adrian left the office and made one stop at the weapon's room before heading out.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael was having little luck with his contacts when Birkoff showed up at his door. His young face was flushed red, his eyes round.

"Michael, something I think you should look at." Birkoff handed Michael what appeared to be the print out of target simulation scores. Michael looked questioningly up at Birkoff. The young man impatiently grabbed the sheets and placed them on the desk and began to explain.

"Do you recall what Nikita does when something's really bothering her?"

Michael thought a while and then began to make the connection. "She works out. Either in the gym or ...."

"Or the simulation room! Yes! Exactly!" Birkoff could barely keep the excitement out of his voice. "The scores of operatives at all substations are automatically transmitted here for personnel references. Nikita is at level nine so I checked for any scores coming in within the past three months that scored at that level or higher and Bingo! Look at these scores." Birkoff pointed to one sheet, it was from the Singapore station, two months past and registered the score of a female operative, codename Samuelle, at ninety-six percent - level nine. "And look here," Birkoff pulled out the second sheet. It was from the East Europe station, date April 17th. "That was two days ago!" he went on excitedly, "Look at the scores! Level ten, ninety-three percent; codename Samuelle!" Birkoff pulled out the last sheet and continued, "And look at this. A security level 5 video transmission came in early this morning Michael. Point of origin -- East European station!" Birkoff leaned forward over the desk as he looked directly at Michael.

"It's her Michael. I know it is!"

Michael closed his eyes briefly and expelled a slow breath. After a moment he opened his eyes and looked at Birkoff. "Samuelle. Of course." Michael turned to his computer and quickly hacked into the mission files and typed in the codename. After a pause, a file appeared, not much, but at least something for them to go on.

"Is there any way you can access the video transmission Birkoff?" Michael asked. He looked up to see Birkoff straighten, his mouth frowning as one hand rubbed absently at the top of his head. "I don't know Michael. Thats a level 5 security.... maybe we shouldn't touch that. At least we know where she is and that she's alive."

"And we also know that because its level 5 there's a lot of danger involved in this mission and that she's working alone with no back-up." Michael's voice had gone quiet. "If she's set up a video conference that can only mean that the mission is almost at a head."

Not for the first time did Michael feel utterly helpless. His mind raced over possible options he could take. Turning back to the computer he accessed the personnel file for the East European station and looked over the names for possible contacts and came across the name Adrian Wheeler. Michael's fingers flew over the keyboards as he worked to gain access to Adrian's communication code. It had been years since he had last seen Adrian but from what he could remember, Adrian was well-trained and would be able to keep an eye on Nikita. Possibly render her some help. Now if only he could find him in time.

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

Adrian parked his car in an alley and walked the last two blocks to the rendezvous point. The lack of crowds on the streets at this late hour forced him to stick close to the shadows. When he reached the appointed place he looked around and noticed that he was only a few blocks away from where he and Sam had been earlier. The Russian Embassy.

A movement to his right caused him to turn instinctively. It was Sam. Like him, she was also dressed in mission blacks, her blonde hair hidden beneath a black cap. She made her way over to him her eyes darting back and forth checking out the parameters. There was no one on the streets but they were surrounded by buildings, some of them dwellings. When she reached him, she reached up to kissed him on the lips as if they were lovers out for a midnight walk. Adrian picked up on her signal and linked his arm with hers, walking alongside her, their heads bent close together.

"What's going on Sam?" The blonde woman looked at him, her blue eyes serious and determined.

"I'm going into the embassy" she stated flatly. "There's some business I need to take care of there. You are to wait for me outside. If I'm not out in thirty minutes, or if hostile activity is detected, you are to leave here and contact the same security code I gave you earlier. Use access code Red Wolfe 0932. That will link you with the necessary personnel. Tell them that I failed and they'll inform you of what to do next.

Adrian stopped in his tracks and faced Niktia. "Sam are you crazy?!" Nikita grimaced, "Adrian, my name isn't Sam. Its Nikita." A rueful smile pulled at her mouth, "If I don't make it out of there, I want you to contact someone for me at headquarters and give him a message for me. Can you do that for me?"

Adrian stared at the woman in front of him. Nikita took his hands in hers and held them tight, "Adrian? This is very important. Promise me that you'll do this for me." Adrian nodded.

Nikita flashed him a smile and then said, "There's an operative there by the name of Michael." Nikita squeezed Adrian's hands again to emphasize her next words, "Tell Michael I said I'm sorry and that I love him." With that Nikita reached up with one hand and touched Adrian's cheek softly and then turned and disappeared into the shadows.

Adrian stood for all of thirty seconds as he tried to absorb all that Sam... no... Nikita had told him. He shook his head as he recalled her message for Michael. My God, Michael. Adrian recalled the quiet young man that he had served with during his early years in Section. He hadn't spoken to Michael in years but he had heard through the Section grapevine about the death of Michael's wife Simone and then more recently stories of the beautiful blonde that had become his new partner.

"Damn!" Adrian swore, "I should have known this was Michael's woman." Looking towards the shadows where Nikita had disappeared he recalled how Michael had saved his life several times on those early missions. Although they were never very close, he had always admired Michael's kindness and generosity. Reaching for his gun tucked under his shirt he followed quickly after Nikita.

Sorry Nikita, he thought, but there's no way I'm delivering that message to Michael. Not if I can help it at least.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The moonlight illuminated the embassy grounds making it difficult for Nikita to sneak in undetected. There were multiple guards at each of the front entrances and the iron gate that surrounded the building was topped with barbed wiring. Each corner of the building was armed with a surveillance camera.

Nikita sat back and reassessed her situation. Being careful to stick to the shadows, she circled around to the back of the building. Just as she thought. Numerous catering vans were parked just inside the service entrance. Workers were busily clearing out the residue from the ball and only one guard was patroling the gate, the other was keeping watch over the workers as they went about their duties. Glancing quickly around Nikita took note of where the surveillance cameras were. When the single guard at the gate turned to pace towards the north wall, Nikita made her move and slipped through the gate, quickly crouching down behind the nearest van. Hearing no commotion or other sign of detection she again assessed her vantage point and moved forward.

Once Nikita was passed the second guard, she looked quickly around to make sure that she was still undetected. Standing straight, she removed her cap and straightened out her hair, took a deep breath and then strode foward as if she were one of the workers and entered into the building.

From outside the gates, in the shadows Adrian watched her and breathed a sigh of relief when she made it inside. He looked at his watch. Okay Nikita, he thought, I don't know what the heck you're doing in there but I sure as hell hope you make it out.

Once inside Nikita walked as calmly as she could through the bustle of activity going on about her and headed towards the location of the library. She ran the schematics of the building through her mind while making note of her surroundings. It should be right up to the left she thought. A minute later she reached the door she sought and breathed a small sigh of relief when she opened it and found it lined with rows of books. Closing the door behind her she headed towards the corner where the computer was located. After a few minutes she was able to gain entrance into the desired file and began to download the information she sought.

The workers were almost finished cleaning and some of the vans were beginning to leave. Adrian looked at his watch again and noticed that Nikita only had five minutes left. "Come on Nikita" he whispered, "where are you?" As if on cue he saw the blonde operative exit just as she had entered. As he watched, Nikita disappeared around the corner of the last van that remained. When the van began to move five minutes later and Nikita still hadn't made her exit, Adrian began to get worried. The van was pulling out of the gate and heading slowly towards the main road. Adrian looked back to the now empty back yard of the embassy in confusion and wondered where Nikita could be.

A muffled "umphff" followed by a low curse caused him to face back again towards the departing van and smiled when he saw Nikita picking herself up from off of the road and quickly making her way over to the shadows of the neighboring trees.

Yep, he thought, she was a feisty one alright.

***********

A knock at the door caused Michael to break from his thoughts as he looked up to see Kerri standing at the door.

"Good morning Michael." Her voice was like warm silk that flowed invitingly towards him. She was dressed elegantly in a short straight black skirt and cream colored blouse. Her long curly black hair tied loosely back exposing the smoothness of her perfect complexion.

"Hello", Michael stated flatly and turned his attention back to the screen in front of him. Kerri stepped further into the office and closed the door behind her. Michael stopped typing briefly and looked back up at her. "Is there something you wanted?" he asked.

A wide grin spread across her beautiful face as she sauntered over to stand in front of his desk, "Oh. There's *plenty* that I want..." she answered slowly, suggestively, "the question is, are you willing to provide it, hmm?"

Michael's face remained impassive as he stared back at her. She was a beautiful woman. No doubt that was one of the reason's why Madeline had chosen her to work with Michael, but her physical beauty had no effect on him. Beauty was just a commodity here in Section, and if truth be said, Section was full of physically beautiful people. This woman before him was in many ways more strikingly beautiful than Nikita and she was well aware of it too. She knew all the tricks in the trade of seduction beginning from her carefully made-up face to the softly pouting lips and suggestive swaying of her hips when she walked, but there was a coldness about her that bordered on cruelty. She lacked the compassion and tenderness that drew him to Nikita. Where Nikita would give her life to save an innocent, Kerri would kill without as much as a bat of an eyelash. Its what made her a successful operative. Michael flicked his eyes over the image of beauty before him and felt only cold indifference. Kerri could never ignite the fiery passion in him that Nikita could with just a glance of her blue eyes.

"I'm busy Kerri." he stated.

"Obviously." she purred as she settled herself upon the edge of his desk, "However, you'll just have to make time for little ole me, Michael." she pouted as she leaned over his desk, pressing her soft full lips to his. He remained perfectly still, his mouth shut tightly against her probing tongue. After a moment she withdrew, anger beginning to light in her eyes. "What's the matter Michael? Nikita got your tongue?" she sneered as she pushed herself away from his desk and headed towards the door. There she paused and looked back at him, "Tell me. Does your 'precious' Nikita know how much you wanted me on our last mission? How I made you moan with desire?"

Michael's eyes were cold as he slowly rose and came to stand before her. "You should learn to distinguish between business and pleasure Kerri." he said in a deadly quiet voice, "You obviously think they're one and the same." Michael reached for the door and held it open for her, "They're not -- especially where you and I are concerned."

Kerri's green eyes flashed with fury and disgust as her mouth opened to hurl forward a response when Birkoff appeared at the door.

"Michael," Birkoff looked apprehensively from one operative to the other, sensing the strain between them, "Operations wants to see both of you in his office immediately."

**********

"Where are we headed to?" Adrian asked.

"Singapore."

"Singapore!", Adrian glanced quickly at Nikita. "May I ask why? Or is that confidential too?"

Nikita kept her eyes on the road, concentrating on her driving. "There's a new alliance forming called the Maginot and its situated in east Asia. Maginot has ties with a Chinese movement to spread communism throughout south-east Asia. They've recently secured Russian backing and are getting ready to launch major offensives in key cities throughout Asia as a means of toppling current governments and placing their own people in power. South-east Asia is an important economic market. If Maginot succeeds, communism will be firmly entrenched in that area of the world and we may very likely see the return of the Soviet Union."

Nikita paused as they came up to the gate of a U.S. military installation. She pulled out her ID and showed it to the sentinel who after examining the identification, stepped back at attention and saluted. Nikita drove forward. "I love when they do that." she mumbled.

"I was able to obtain the necessary evidence from the embassy to show the connection between Maginot and leading Russian officials. The next phase of our mission requires that we secure the mastermind behind Maginot and take out his key players. That and the threat of economic sanctions should be enough to cause China and Russia to withdraw their backing of Maginot."

Adrian listened in silence. The car came to a stop by the airfield and Nikita and Adrian quickly exited the car and headed towards the waiting transport. Once inside Nikita gave the pilot the go ahead and they settled into their seats for take-off.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Meanwhile, on another plane half-way around the world Michael, Kerri and Birkoff were on their way to meet Nikita and Adrian. Michael sat with Birkoff poring over the mission profile. He felt a sense of pride as he scanned over the information that Nikita had been feeding back to Operations over the past few months. Her work was exceptional and she had done it on her own.

He hadn't failed also to notice the role that Nikita had had to play with Baruch. Even Birkoff couldn't possibly know the personal sacrifice and pain that that would have cost her. Michael closed his eyes momentarily against his own pain at not being there for her. Nikita, he thought, what have I done to you?

"There's an incoming transmission, Michael." Birkoff stated. Michael focused back on the screen just as Nikita's face appeared. His eyes examined every inch of her face within seconds, temporarily sating his longing for her that their extended separation had caused.

"Michael."

That single utterance relayed to him all that she could not say. The corner of his lips lifted in a slight smile as his eyes softened.

Nikita blinked and her eyes refocused on the task at hand. "Time is running short Michael" she stated, "Adrian and I are going after Petain as soon as we arrive. We have no way of knowing if Baruch and Bjornson are with him or if they've returned to the compound."

"Do you have a com unit with you?" he asked. Nikita shook her head, "No. This is the only communications device we have right now. I'll contact Singapore and have someone meet us with com units though at the airport."

Michael nodded. "Be careful Nikita." She smiled at him, "You too Michael."

The connection terminated as a movement in the corner caught his attention and Michael looked to see Kerri watching him with a scornful look as she turned away and laid back to await the rest of the trip.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour and forty minutes later Nikita lay on her stomach and crawled the last ten yards towards the south wall of the mansion in which Petain was staying. Not knowing if there was a security system on the windows Nikita would have no choice but to take out the two guards at the south entrance. She had left Adrian fuming in the shadows.

"Damn it Nikita" he had hissed, "I have seniority over you! I should go in first." Nikita had stared back cooly at him and stated, "You may have seniority but I'm mission leader here Adrian. I'm point, you're back-up."

"God almighty, do you do this to Michael too or is it just me you like to torture?" he asked in exasperation. Nikita had almost smiled, "Focus Adrian. I'll see you in twenty."

Nikita pressed herself against the wall and waited for the first guard to make his rounds towards where she was hiding. As soon as he was within striking distance Nikita delivered a deadly blow to his trachea and dragged him into the shadows just as he crumbled. She sank back against the darkness and waited. The other guard continued on his surveillance walk, unaware of the fatality that had befallen his comrade or of his own peril. Nikita raised her weapon, the silencer already attatched and timed her shot so that her second victim fell quietly into the shadows.

"South entrance cleared." she whispered into the com unit and made her way into the house. A few seconds later Adrian appeared and slid up against the opposite wall facing Nikita. Nikita signaled and they both advanced forward, guns aimed and ready as they moved from room to room. The house was quiet as most of the occupants were probably still asleep. At the stairs Nikita indicated that she would check upstairs and that Adrian was to check the rest of the first floor.

At the top of the stairs Nikita heard the low of murmur of voices coming from one of the rooms at the end of the hall. "Adrian, I've got voices upstairs, east wing." Pressing against the wall Nikita made her way quickly down the hall and stopped outside of the room where the voices were coming. She listened carefully and recognized Bjornson's voice and another. It sounded like Petain.

"I'm going in" she whispered.

"Nikita wait! I'm almost there." Adrian hissed. She didn't respond but he heard the thump of the door hitting the wall as she threw it open. The familiar sound of a silencer was followed by a soft moan and then -- nothing.

"Nikita!"

"Adrian, report!" It was Michael's voice. They had arrived and Birkoff had tunneled into their com channel, linking it with Michael and Kerri's. A burst of gunfire was heard exploding outside as the newcomer's made their way in through the front door.

Adrian had reached the upstairs east wing by now and rounded the corner to find himself facing a stand-off. Petain stood with his hands clasped behind his head and Nikita to his right, gun held to his head. Across from her Baruch stood with a gun pointed out her. On the floor lay the lifeless body of Bjornson. Immediately Adrian trained his gun on Baruch.

"Give it up, Baruch." Nikita ordered. An evil grin formed on the blonde man's face as he looked at Nikita with contempt.

"So we meet again, love." Pointing with his head toward Adrian he asked, "Is this your partner? Your lo-ver?"

"Shut-up Baruch and put the weapon down." Nikita demanded.

Baruch glanced quickly at Adrian, "Did you know your partner here is a whore?" he sneered. Baruch noticed the slight tremor in Nikita's gun hand and began to laugh. "Ah yes, you won't kill me will you darling? Not after all that we shared in! I must say, you're the best lay I've had in a long time."

Nikita's breathing quickened and her eyebrows furrowed.

"Don't listen to him Nikita!" Michael's voice came over clearly on the com unit as he raced through the house to get to her. Nikita's eyes widened slightly as she realized that he was hearing everything going on, "Michael... no."

Baruch noticed the wavering of Nikita's hand and chose that moment to pull the trigger. Two guns fired instantaneously as Nikita dove, covering Petain with her body as she took him down. Baruch's bullet hit her shoulder, the impact causing her to fly backwards. At the same moment she saw Baruch crumble in slow motion, blood beginning to ooze forth from the bullethole Adrian had placed in his forehead. Adrian ran forward and grabbed Nikita, checking on her wound just as Michael and Kerri appeared at the door. In an instant Michael assessed the scene and ordered Kerri to secure Petain. He rushed over to where Adrian was leaning over a grimacing Nikita.

"Damn it Nikita!" Adrian began but was stopped by a glaring look from the blonde woman. "If you say that to me one more time Adrian, I swear I'll kill you myself."

"Ni-kita"

Adrian and Nikita both turned to look at the man standing above them. Adrian shook his head, "Is she always this pig-headed?" he asked. A genuine smile spread across Michael's face as he crouched down beside Adrian, his hand going out and gently caressing the side of Nikita's face.

"Always." he whispered.

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

*Note: Thank you everyone for your comments and encouragement. It really means a lot to me coming from those of you whose stories I've enjoyed immensely over the past few months and also from the lurkers who leave the comfort of the shadows to comment. I myself know how difficult it is to step forth from the security of anonymity and so I thank you for doing so. Hope you all enjoyed this story as much as I enjoyed writing it!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days later Nikita sat opposite of Operations at an elegant restaurant. Operations lifted his wine glass to her in a toast, "To a job well done." Nikita raised her glass and thanked him.

"You've come a long way Nikita," Operations stated, "but you still have a few lessons left to learn."

Nikita cast her eyes down before she looked back up at Operations, "I'll never be the hardened operative that you want to make me into Operations. I can't."

Operations smiled gently at the young woman in front of him. "I know that Nikita. Truthfully, I don't want you to become a 'hardened' operative." Operations looked away briefly lost in thought, "I've got too many of those already." Looking back at Nikita he stated, "Your compassion for humanity is what sets you apart, but" he leaned forward and looked intensely into Nikita's eyes, "you can not allow that compassion to blind you to what must be done." Operations paused to allow his words to sink in. "Can you understand that Nikita?"

Nikita nodded, "I think so. Its still very difficult for me but I can begin to understand where you're coming from." Operations reached over an patted her hand, "Good. You must learn to use both your heart and your head to survive Section Nikita, remember that."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Nikita sat on the floor in her apartment next to the couch, her arms hugging her knees up to her chest as her chin rested upon her kneecaps. She swayed gently back and forth to the soft melody playing on her CD and allowed her mind to drift towards the events of the past few days.

Adrian had been debriefed by Operations upon their return from Singapore and had spent a day resting at headquarters before returning back to his home station. Nikita smiled fondly at their farewell. She had hugged him and thanked him for backing her up and being her partner. "Its not like you gave me much of a choice." he complained. Nikita had laughed and kissed him on the cheek. "Take care of yourself Adrian." she whispered as he winked and turned to leave.

Operations had given her a week's leave, pending no emergency mission came up that would necessitate an earlier return. She had spent three of those days so far relaxing at home, cleaning and doing what not. Actually she was waiting for Michael to stop by or to call but so far he hadn't done either. In fact, after their return from the mission Michael had pretty much avoided her. Nikita had stopped by his office after her initial briefing but had found only Kerri in there. She had quickly withdrawn before the brunette could see her and Nikita had come straight home instead.

Nikita's head snapped up at the sound of a knock at the door. Her heart began to pound as she wondered if it could be Michael. When she looked through the peephole though she saw that it was Birkoff. Hiding the disappointment from her face Nikita pasted a smile upon her lips and opened the door to allow her friend in.

Nikita and Birkoff spent the next hour talking, laughing, and enjoying the cheeseburgers and fries that Birkoff had brought with him. As their food finished their conversation began to take on a more serious tone.

"Have you been by to see Michael?" Birkoff asked. Nikita shook her head. "Why not?" he asked. Nikita paused a while and then shrugged her shoulders, "I don't know. Fear maybe."

Birkoff raised his eyebrows in confusion, "Fear?" he asked. Nikita stood and walked away from him and out to the balcony. Birkoff followed.

"The last time we were together," she began to explain, "I said some things that I think might have hurt Michael. I told him that I couldn't stand to see him with Kerri, which is true, but it was also a cover for me to withdraw from him so that I could carry out this last mission." A look of deep pain crossed Nikita's face as tears came to her eyes, "I gave him this big speech about how I couldn't accept his being able to seduce women upon Section's command, and all the while I knew that I would be doing that very thing which I was condemning him of doing." The tears began to roll down Nikita's cheeks as she stared out into the night, "Baruch was right. I am a whore."

"Nikita no!" Birkoff pulled her into his arms and held her as silent sobs wracked her body. "Shhh...." he comforted her, holding her. "Oh Nikita," he murmured into her hair, "I swear you are such a dufus at times."

"What!" Nikita pulled away from him and looked with wide shocked eyes at him, her face wet with tears. "Birkoff!"

Birkoff laughed and hugged her to him once again. "I mean it Nikita. You and Michael are the biggest, dumbest, dufusses I've ever met."

"There's no such word as dufusses." she murmured into his shoulder as her arms went around his waist. "Yes there is," he argued, "becaue I'm holding one right now in my arms."

"Watch it Birky. You know I can beat the crap out of you." Nikita smiled.

Birkoff pulled her away from him and gently wiped the remaining tears from her face. A look of seriousness came to his face as he looked into her eyes and said, "Kiss me Nikita."

"WHAT!!!"

"You heard me" he repeated, "kiss me."

Nikita pulled completely away from him and stood with her arms folded across her chest wondering if Birkoff had lost his mind. "I most certainly will not!"

"Ah! But if Operations or Madeline ordered you to kiss me you would, wouldn't you?"

Nikita's eyes narrowed as she tilted her head to one side, "What are you getting at Birkoff?"

Birkoff smiled as he leaned against the railing, "Nikita, this is the reality of the life we live and that you and Michael live. You're always being ordered to do things you don't want to, including seducing people you have no emotional attatchments to. It doesn't mean that you don't love Michael any less, or that Michael loves you any less." Birkoff reached for Nikita's hand and raised it to his lips, "Now, even though I know you would jump at the opportunity to seduce me..."

"Birkoff..."

"Just joking, just joking" he smiled, "You know that I care for you a lot Nikita. And I hope that you care for me. Yes?"

A reluctant smile spread across Nikita's face, "You know I do."

"No matter what this job requires of you, I will always care for you Nikita. I'll always love you for who I know you to be. I will never judge you by what this job requires you to do because I know who the real Nikita is. I see *you* Nikita, not the front that Section requires you to put up. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Nikita nodded as new tears came to her eyes and she stepped into his arms again to give him a big hug. "Where did you get such wisdom from little brother?" she asked.

Birkoff pulled away and smiled impishly into Nikita's eyes as he whispered, "I've been reading Gail's diary!" Nikita burst out laughing and playfully punched Birkoff's shoulder.

"Ouch! Nikita! Be careful.... I'm not Michael, you know."

This caused Nikita to peal into more laughter. Birkoff stood watching her with adoration as she laughed. It was a wonderful sight and he treasured it away. When she had calmed down he took her hands in his and looked again into her eyes.

"Michael loves you Nikita. He would never judge you for what you're required to do on behalf of Section." Nikita sobered up as she smiled at the young man in front of her. "Go to him." he urged. Nikita thought a moment and then nodded, "Okay Birkoff. I will."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael sat on the sill of his bedroom window staring out into the night. The air chilled his skin, helping to cool the fire that raged in him. His eyes held the look of a tortured man as he thought of the woman for which he longed to hold in his arms. It took all his strength not to go to her. To honor her request for time. The wind blew his hair into dishevelment and he was reminded of her fingers running through his hair. Of her lips pressing against his neck, his shoulders, his mouth. Of her hands caressing him, holding him. Michael moaned as he stood and began to pace back and forth. God he wanted her.

In frustration he flipped on the lights and headed to his closet intent on getting dressed and heading back to Section when there came a knock at the door. Michael paused and looked at the door. His heart began to pound as his first instinct told him it was her but then, unwilling to be further disappointed, he forced himself to calm down and then he made his way over to the door and opened it.

Nikita stared into the green eyes that had frequented her dreams for the past three months. There was such longing and desire there, wordlessly Nikita went to him and he held her.

"Nikita..." he moaned into her hair and she offered her lips up to him. "I'm home my love." she whispered as he claimed what had always belonged to him and only him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Several hours later Michael lay in bed, contentment washing over him as Nikita slept gently on top of him their bodies still joined. His soul was complete now that his partner of choice was safe in his arms and he drifted sweetly into sleep.

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