"Madeline, I just came to return these gym clothes." Nikita says as she enters the office, without looking at Madeline. It is when she is in putting the cleaned clothes into the box that she hears Madeline moan in pain.

"Madeline, are you ok?" Nikita calls out. Madeline again moans and Nikita finally looks at Madeline.

"I have to... get.." Madeline struggles to say through the torturous contraction. Nikita is walking towards Madeline as all the electricity goes out.

"NO!!!!" Madeline screams, and Nikita, through the dark, reaches out and helps Madeline to the couch.

"I'm sure the electricity will come back on." Nikita says as she starts looking around the office for a flashlight.

"Bottom drawer." Madeline says through her ragged breaths. Nikita pulls the flashlight out and turns it on.

"Madeline, how long have you been in labor?" Nikita asks as she looks at Madeline's sweat drenched hair.

"It... won't ...be long... Need to get... med...lab..." Madeline says through more pain.

"That might not be an option." Nikita says as she looks at the condition Madeline is in. She quickly checks Madeline and looks around.

"That baby is coming now." Nikita says as she starts to light candles to give her more light.

"NO!!! Operations isn't here!!! NO!!! NO!!! Have to wait!!!" Madeline agrues until another contraction grips her body.

-------------------------------------------------

Operations is running through the halls without a flashlight to the computer area.

"Birkoff, what is going on?" Operations yells.

"No power, no computers." Birkoff says. Michael jogs into the area, with flashlight in hand.

"Maintance had an accident while still trying to fix the ongoing heater problems... may be an hour before power is back on." Michael reports. Soon Walter walks in.

"Sir? What about Madeline?" Walter asks and Operations' face turns white.

-------------------------------------------------

Madeline's screams are heard from in the hall. Operations starts to pound on the door, but with no electricity, the lock in place.

"Madeline!" Operations screams. The three men look at their boss and listen to Madeline's screams.

"I can't do it!!!!" Madeline screams.

"Madeline, you have to do it." Nikita says in a calm and cool voice. Michael looks at Walter.

"Nikita is in there?" Michael asks in amazement.

"Madeline, you are going to be a good mother... you have to breath, ok?" Nikita voice is heard coaching.

"Somebody get these lights back on in this wing, now!" Operations barks out as he leans against the door.

-------------------------------------------------

Nikita picks up a cane and hands it to Madeline, who has already ripped two pillows to shreds. Her knuckles become white as she grasps the can tightly through another contraction.

"Madeline, your going to push next time..." Nikita says as she sees the head crowning. Madeline starts to scream.

"1....2....3...come on Madeline...5....6... keep going...8...9...relax..." Nikita says as Madeline bears down with all her might.

"Kita... I'm tired... I can't..." Madeline says as she shakes her head back and forth. "It wasn't suppose to be like this..."

"Well, it is...You are almost there! Ready?" Nikita asks, and as the contraction starts again, Madeline begins to push.

"1....2....3..." Nikita says and then is drowned by the cries of the baby.

-------------------------------------------------

"I'm a father." Operations says as he heards the cries of the baby. The lights turn on, and Operations opens to door quickly.

Nikita has wrapped the baby up in a shirt, and is about to hand it to Madeline as the crowd rushes in.

"It's a girl..." Nikita says as Operations looks down, takes the baby and hands it to Madeline. Nikita sits back on her heals as Michael, Birkoff, and Walter hover around the proud new parents.

"a girl..." Nikita mutters and suddenly looks vacant.

-------------------------------------------------

The medlab doctors have rushed in and taken Madeline and the baby girl to the Medlab. Nikita sits still where she was when Operations took hold of his daughter for the first time.

"Nikita, let's get you cleaned up." Michael says as he touches her shoulder. Nikita does not move, does not make a sound, does not react at all.

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

"Nikita, let's clean you up." Michael says again, a little bit louder. He looks down at Nikita's dirty clothing and her stained hands, but Nikita makes not a move.

"Come on," Michael says and he pulls her gently up. Nikita moves when Michael directs her, but she does not even act like he is there, or rather, like she is there.

Michael looks around the office and sees Walter helping with the clean up.

"Ok, Nikita, it has been a long stressful day," Michael says as he starts to scrub off her hands. Nikita stares into his face, but there is no emotional reaction at all, and Nikita's face seems almost hollow. Michael closes his eyes and tries to tell himself that everything will be alright.

"Everything alright in there?" Walter calls out. Michael as clean as well as he could with Nikita's hands.

"SHe is really tired. I want to take her home. Is the power back up?" Michael asks as he ducks his head around the corner.

"Yes." Walter says. "Hey, sugar, good job!" Walter calls out as he leaves, not waiting for a response. Michael takes a deep breath and leads Nikita into the main section of Madeline's office. He gently places Nikita's coat on and starts out of the office.

-------------------------------------------------

"Oh, sweet little Anna..." Madeline says softly as she rubs the newborns face. Operations is standing behind her shoulder.

"I sure hope we didn't name her after Anna Freud." Operations comments as he smiles down at his daughter.

"I just like the name." Madeline says with a bright smile. "Can you thank Nikita for me?" Madeline asks, looking up at Operations.

"Sure... actually, I'm surprized she hasn't been down." Operations comments. "I wonder if they left?"

-------------------------------------------------

Michael gently pushes Nikita's head down on his shoulder to make it look like she was lovingly walking out with Michael.

All he wanted to do was to get Nikita home, and figure out what had happened.

He pulls his arm around Nikita's waist and slowly the walk out of Section.

Operations smiles as he watches the back of Michael and Nikita leave.

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

Michael leads Nikita to the chair in the kitchen and then turns on the lights. He shuts the door and stares at Nikita.

He trembles at the site of Nikita. She is half falling out of the chair, and her eyes are staring at the wall closest to her. No color is in her face at all, and her hair, from the excitement of delivering the baby, is streaked with dirt that Michael doesn't want to identify.

"Nikita?" Michael calls out. Her eyes don't even blink. He slides his coat off and bends down at Nikita's knees.

"'Kita...hon?" Michael tries again as he brushes his hand against her check. The only response he receives from Nikita is the steady in and out breathing.

"Don't trap me out, Nikita." Michael says softly as he stands up. "Come on, let's get you really cleaned up."

Michael takes her coat off, she doesn't even raise her arms. He looks at her chapped and dried lips. He holds the glass of water against her lips, and hopes some dribbled down her throat, because he did not see her swallow once.

-------------------------------------------------

Michael has placed Nikita in bed. She is laying where Michael had placed her. Her eyes rarely blink, and have not shut.

Michael stares at the sunlight entering the room. He rubs Nikita's face.

"You have to sleep." Michael says softly. Nikita's eyes only blink. He can't even determine where the eyes are focused.

"You did great last night." Michael says as he holds onto her hand, that doesn't squeeze back.

"Come on, I'll hold you." Michael says and he pulls Nikita's body closer to his. Her head natuarally falls onto his chest, but her eyes remain open.

"I hurt too... I hurt too." Michael mumbles as he rubs her soft hair back and forth.

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

Madeline holds Anna in her arms in the Medlab room. She holds the baby close to her heart, and in whispers speaks to Anna.

"Anna, all I can do is to make your life as good as I can.... I'm scared... for the first time in my life.... that I won't be a good mother... that I'll let you down... scared of what comes tomorrow, and the day after...." Madeline admits with a soft smile on her face.

"I want so much for you.... but somethings you'll never have.... no real school... no play groups... no parties... but it has to be that way... to protect you...." Madeline says as she rubs Anna's nose.

"I don't want you to grow up to be like me.... I want you to be more like Nikita... you're going to love your Auntie Nikita... such a tender heart and soul.... found love and never let go... a free spirt.... I want you to be like her..."

Madeline says softly, and Operations stands at the door way.

"Auntie Nikita?" Operations asks as he steps further into the room.

"How long have you been listening?" Madeline asks as Operations takes Anna and cradles her.

"Long enough..." Operations says as a smile spreads aross his face as he holds Anna.

"I was hoping Nikita would be by." Madeline says as she watches Anna drift to sleep in Operations arms.

"Auntie Nikita and Uncle Mickey are working out of their apartment today." Operations whispers. A nurse enters and takes the sleeping Anna away.

"I just want to thank her in person." Madeline say as she pushes back her covers.

"We don't know Nikita's state of mind.... you two weren't getting along." Operations tries to remind Madeline. Madeline looks out the window as the nurse walks away with Anna.

"Oh, things are different now." Madeline responds. Operations sits down on her bed.

"I'm scared too." Operations admits. Madeline looks at him and touches his cheek. "I'm afraid that somehow Anna will end up like Stephen... or in love with some bad guy like Melissa."

"But Melissa is with Birkoff now." Madeline gently reminds him. He looks at Madeline and stands up.

"You are on leave, I shouldn't be bothering you with this." Operations says.

"I can listen to problems anytime." Madeline says reaching out, but Operations continues out.

"Anna... I want you to love a man who can love you back... like Michael can Nikita... and Nikita can with Michael..."

Madeline sobs out as she suddenly feels all alone. And with thinking about Nikita, she wonders if this is what she if feeling right now.

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

"Michael, is everything ok? You sound awfully tired?" Birkoff asks later that day. Michael looks over at Nikita, who he placed at the table about two hours ago. No movement, where ever her head falls is where she stares.

"Everything is fine." Michael says as he lets a breath out.

"Well, can I talk to Nikita? She should know that everyone is talking about her." Birkoff says with a happy voice that Michael can imagine the smile that is on his face.

"She is taking a shower." Michael lies quickly, as he looks at the sun that is shining directly into Nikita's eyes and face.

"I don't hear the shower!" Birkoff says smartly. Michael shift in the chair he is sitting in. He closes his eyes and thinks of what to tell Birkoff.

"She just needs some time... things between her and Madeline were stressed, she's trying to sort things out." Michael explains with a calm voice.

"Well, let her know I miss her!" Birkoff says as he hangs up. Michael continues to hold on to the phone, as if holding onto a life jacket.

"Nikita? Do you want something to eat?" Michael asks as he pulls out some bread. Her eyes don't even blink. He makes a ham and swiss sandwich for himself and a peanut butter and jelly for Nikita. He slowly sits down next to Nikita, opens her mouth, and finally watches Nikita swallow the food. He tries again, but Nikita does not budge.

-------------------------------------------------

Michael looks out at the stars and then down at the awake but not aware Nikita laying in his arms. He rubs Nikita' back, got no response. He has even tried other areas which are real sensitive to touch, and go the same response.

"Nikita, come back... I don't like this.." Michael says as he looks down at her.

"Let's talk... Let me tell you how scared I am looking at you right now..." Michael says. He rubs her forehead and takes a deep breathe.

"Nikita, I'm scared that you won't be the same, that you will look at yourself differently."

Michael looks down at the darken eyes and starts again.

"I know that you had strong feelings about Madelin.... but you did great... and you did it as a freind, not because she ordered you too.

"Please Nikita..." Michael says as tears form in his eyes. "I'll have to take you back if you don't snap out... and that will be worse.

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

Michael holds a cup of coffee in his hands as he looks at Nikita, sitting on the couch. He closes his eyes and places the cup on the counter. He rubs the stubble growing on his face. The two nights with no sleep is seen on Michael's face, but worry is written in bold letters.

Anger surges threw his body, and he rushes towards Nikita.

"NIKITA! SNAP OUT!" Michael says as he shakes her body back and forth, but Nikita's head snaps back and forth like a top of a mop. "NIKITA!!!!" Michael finally says and his hands drop from her body. She is staring at his shirt, but it was just a shell of a the person he loved.

"I have to scare her out of it..." Michael says as he paces back into the kitchen. He cuts a bagel, and drops it as he rolls the knife around in his hand. "I have to get her back..." Michael thinks as he starts walking to Nikita with the knife in his hand.

"Nikita...." Michael says as he rubs the tip against her throat, but she does not flinch. Her eyes don't water with tears forming, her pulse does not increase.

"Nikita... your killing me!" Michael cries out as he finally sits down on the couch with Nikita. But angerily, he pushes away from the couch.

"Operations will kill me!" Michael says loudly as he punches the refrigerator with his hand. "I should have never brought her here."

Michael opens up the drawer that he had gotten the knife, and in the back, shines the black metal of the tiny gun. He fingers it, but it's a tiny one. He rushes to underneath the sink and pulls out Nikita's shiny silver gun. He walks over and places it against her head.

"Nikita... if you want out of life... let me help you." Michael says as he takes the safety off. Nikita sits, not moving, no reaction. "I can't stand seeing you this way... come back or leave!"

Michael closes his eyes and puts the safetly back on. He quickly slides to the floor, crying. The pain of what he was just doing hits him. "I can't help you Nikita, without knowing what you need..." Michael mutters.

The stress of the past two days, flows out of Michael's eyes and his hands which he strikes against the floor. He holds around Nikita's calf, but he felt so... alone.

-------------------------------------------------

"Walter, why don't you come for lunch?" Michael says as he holds the phone is a shaking hand. Michael has moved Nikita to the other end of the couch.

"Why?" Walter asks. Michael looks at the gun which lays on the countertop, and in that glance, he knows he needs Walter.

"Nikita wants you to come over... see our place." Michael says trying to steady his hand.

"Sugar, she is a sweat one." Walter comments, but rubs his face, wondering what is really going on. "Is something wrong?" Walter asks.

"I think you really should come over." Michael says, struggling to maintain his composure.

"Is this for you or for Nikita?" Walter asks. Michael takes a deep breath.

"Are you coming or not?" Michael snaps out, and his jaw tightens.

"I'll be over soon." Walter says and hangs up. Michael places the phone down next to the gun. He glances over to Nikita, and grabs the gun and puts it back.

-------------------------------------------------

"Hey there!" Walter says entering the apartment. He looks at the couch and sees Nikita. "Hey, sugar gal!" Walter looks puzzled as Nikita doesn't respond. "Nikita!" Walter tries again, and Michael steps infront of Walter.

"She won't respond, so don't try." Michael says with a shaking hand sitting on Walter's shoulder.

"What are you talking about?" Walter says as he pushes away from Michael. Walter strides infront of the couch.

"Nikita! Sugar, I've missed you!" Walter says as he leans against the coffee table. Nikita's eyes, which are focused on one of the legs of the table, don't move. Don't blink. Walter looks up at Michael, and notices Michael's ragged appearance.

"How long has she been this way, Michael?" Walter asks, and Michael slides into a chair with his eyes closed, in pure exhaustion.

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

Walter stands infront of Michael, who is rubbing his eyes open. Walter puts a hand on his shoulder, and Michael looks up.

"We have to take her back." Walter says. Michael shakes his head no. "Michael, you haven't slept, it's too much for one person."

"They'll just throw her in medlab!" Michael reacts standing up and walking over to Nikita. He rubs a hand down Nikita's cheek.

"Michael, you two do have a certain amount of power..." Walter says calmly. Michael looks up, and then at Nikita.

"We should go." Michael says bowing his head down to Walter. Walter moves to the phone and picks it up.

"Who are you calling?" Michael asks as he walks to the closet for Nikita's jacket.

"Birkoff to have Operations to meet us." Walter says, and Michael walks quickly back to the phone.

"I don't want Madeline knowing." Michael says in a strong whisper.

"Then who helps Nikita?" Walter questions. "Birkoff will have Operations meet with us first, he can decide." Walter finishes, now connecting with Birkoff.

-------------------------------------------------

Operations stands in Anna's nursery, standing above his daughter's crib, watching the peaceful baby sleep.

"Sir." Birkoff says entering the room in a serious voice.

"What is it Birkoff? Can't you see I'm with my daughter?" Operations responds in a soft voice. Birkoff takes another step forward.

"Michael and Walter are bringing in Nikita." Birkoff says, relaying the message that Walter gave him.

"What do you mean, bringing in Nikita?" Operations asks as he walks out of the nursery and closes the door.

"I just deliver the message. They want you to meet them at the door." Birkoff says as Operations starts to walk towards the door. It opens and Michael walks with Nikita's head on his shoulder. Walter walks next to the two.

"What is the meaning of this, Michael and Nikita?" Operations asks and Michael looks at him. Operations cocks his head when Nikita hasn't looked up. "Nikita?"

"She has shut her body down." Walter says as Operations lifts Nikita's head up. Operations turns his head quickly once he understands the situation.

"We can't take her to medlab." Michael says softly as the walking has stopped. Birkoff stares at Nikita intensely.

"You can't take her to a room she is connected to." Birkoff says immediately. The men look at Birkoff quickly. "This is emotional... need somewhere that she hasn't connected with." Birkoff explains.

"We'll take her to my quarters in the old wing." Walter says as he starts to lead the group.

"Michael, how long has she been this way?" Operations asks as he walks stride for stride with Michael.

"Since she said 'it's a girl'." Michael admits, and looks away from Operations. Expecting to hear yells from Operations, Michael jumps as Operations places a hand on Michael's shoulder.

"I would have tried the same." Operations says.

-------------------------------------------------

"Michael, get some sleep." Operations says as he stands up from the bed which Nikita lays in, staring into the pillow.

Michael starts to protest, but soon leaves to the couch, only a few minutes away.

"I'm going to talk to Madeline... I have too." Operations explains as he starts to walk out of the room. "Watch her."

Operations taps Michael's shoulder, and leads him totally out of Walter's quarters. Michael looks up at Operations with eyes swollen with the need for sleep.

"You can sleep down here." Operations says as he opens another door. Michael looks into the room and gives Operations a thankful look. "I need you to rest, someone will get you if Nikita changes."

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

Operations walks into Madeline's bedroom, and mets her smiling face.

"Have you seen Nikita?" Madeline asks as Operations walks towards her. Now he stops. He had rehearsed how he was going to tell Madeline, but now Madeline has changed those possibilities.

"I... came to.. uh, talk about Nikita." Operations says as he sits tentatively on the end of the bed.

"What about Nikita?" Madeline asks in a serious voice, sensing Operations tension.

"She was brought in today..." Operations says and turns from Madeline's intense stare.

"Brought in? What is wrong and how long?" Madeline immediately snaps and Operations looks back at Madeline.

"Michael took Nikita home after she delivered Anna... she had stopped responding before she left here." Operations says, taking hold of Madeline's hand.

"She shut her body down?" Madeline asks and Operations nods his head yes. "Nikita isn't in Medlab?" Madeline asks.

"We put her in Walter's quarters, and then I made Michael to go to sleep in my old quarters." Operations informs Madeline. She sits further up in the bed.

"I want to see her." Madeline says, but Walter pushes her back.

"Is that good?" Operations asks with a raised eyebrow. Madeline slumps into the bed.

"Ok. Watch her. 2 hour shifts..." Madeline says, as Operations watches her mind start working.

"I can have that done." Operations says.

"Only, Walter, Birkoff, and Michael." Madeline says firmly.

"What about me?" Operations asks. Madeline shakes her head awkwardly yes, because she never even thought that. Operations would watch Nikita.

"I need to talk to Michael." Madeline says. Operations nods his head.

"I think he isn't telling us everything." Operations says as he stands up.

"I want to be kept informed." Madeline says. Operations blows her a kiss and exits.

-------------------------------------------------

"Madeline." Michael says as he walks slowly into Madeline's room. She reaches her hands out for Michael, and Michael crosses the room and sits at the bed.

"This must be hard on you." Madeline says as she looks into Michael's tired face. "I thought you were to be sleeping."

"I feel so guilty." Michael says softly. Madeline holds his hand.

"You did nothing wrong." Madeline says. Michael looks away.

"I put.." Michael starts to speak, and tears run down his face. "A gun... to her.."

"Michael..." Madeline says, seeing his pain. He shakes his head.

"I put.. a gun to her head... and.. said if she wanted out of this life... that I'd help her..." Michael says and then bows his head down. Madeline chokes back her own tears and rubs Michael's hair as he continues to sob.

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

"Walter, why don't you take a coffee break, I'll watch Nikita." Operations says entering the room. Walter looks up from the chair he is sitting on, with a gaze of disbelief.

"Pardon me asking, sir, but why?" Walter asks, and then squeezes Nikita's hand as her head rolls to the side.

"I want to." Operations says putting his hands against his side and he finally looks down at Nikita. Her blonde hair contrasting with the blue sheets and pillow cases.

"Is it because you feel debted to her because she delivered Anna?" Walter pushes on. Operations looks at Nikita, and takes a deep breath.

"No. Because we are family here at Section... and we protect our family." Operations says looking directly at Walter.

"I'll go see how Birkoff is holding up with Michael... that can't be a good situation." Walter says standing up. Operations sits down in the chair that Walter has left. Walter stops at the door way.

"It wouldn't hurt to tell her how much Section values the heart that saved Section, and how much you actually care about her." Walter says spitefully, and he turns and leaves.

Nikita's eyes fall onto Operations, but only because of the law of gravity. He looks into her lost eyes, and suddenly can feel emotions run through him.

"Nikita... oh, Nikita..." Operations sighs as he pushes a strand of hair out of her face. "I have to thank you for being there for Madeline... and Anna." Operations says and swallows the lump in his throat.

"I want you to know, we are all here for you... even me." Operations says. He turns and looks at the wall. He shuts his eyes tight, as he suddenly notices for the first time in great detail how much Nikita looks like Melissa. He shudders and looks back at Nikita.

"You are needed here, Nikita." Operations says as he lightly touches her hand and leans back in the chair, lost in his own thoughts.

-------------------------------------------------

"I knew she was going to dress you in spandex... I was worried that she was going to do the same to me..." Birkoff says as he holds coffee in his hands. Michael sits at the other end of the table, holding a similar cup.

"I knew how much she wanted you to stay our communications expert... and look what you got for it..." Michael says, looking at Birkoff.

"Yeah, Melissa..." Birkoff says. Walter moves in further into the room, but both men are engrossed in their conversation.

"I have to admit, I had to try so hard not to laugh when Nikita's dress had frozen solid." Birkoff says with a smile.

Michael nods his head.

"Madeline sure liked to dress us up." Michael comments.

"STOP IT!" Walter roars at the two men. They look up, shocked. "You're talking about Nikita as if she is dead."

Michael drops his head, and walks away from the table. Birkoff looks at Walter.

"I just wanted to get his mind onto something else..." Birkoff tries to explain. Walter sits down at the chair Michael has left.

"Look, it is hard on everyone... you are like a brother to Nikita.... but when Operations sits down to watch Nikita, you realize how much we have to pray that she comes out ok." Walter whispers.

"He is doing it for Madeline." Birkoff says, shrugging off the comment.

Before Walter can respond, breaking glass is heard in the kitchen area. Walter stands at the door way as he sees Michael holding the handle to the broken coffee pot.

"Kid, I think you still need some sleep." Walter says walking in. Michael nods his head and mechanically walks to the bedroom. Walter looks at the wall, and gently places his forehead on the wall, trying to regain his composure.

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

Madeline hands over Anna to the nanny they had recruited named Mildred. Madeline strains to maintain a smile as Anna is carried out of the room. Operations stand at the doorway, kisses little Anna on the forehead and then enters.

"I just sat with Nikita, until Michael came down." Operations explains as he sits down next to Madeline. She slowly sits.

"Why don't you grab a wheelchair and wheel me down?" Madeline says as she touches his leg.

"Michael believes that it won't help right now." Operations says, as he looks away from Madeline.

"What else is bothering you?" Madeline asks.

"What if Anna looks like Nikita too?" Operations barely whispers out. Madeline takes a hand up and turns Operations face to look directly into her eyes.

"We have tests to find out." Madeline says, but then Operations stands up.

"But then there are consequences. If she is... how do I explain... how will Michael take it... and Walter is acting practically like her father... and would Birkoff be able to handle it...." Operations starts rattling off as he starts to pace back and forth.

"We could keep it between ourselves." Madeline says, but Operations continues.

"And if she isn't.. then who is... and how would she take to me being with her mother... and... and.." Operations says and finally stops with the 'ands'.

"The question is, why is this bothering you now?" Madeline asks straight.

"I wonder if it could help bring her back." Operations says, sitting back down.

"And you need to know... we have blood in the lab..." Madeline says reaching back out for his hand.

"Run it." Operations says after a long pause. "But, it is only a last resort... I don't want to know if she comes out of this..."

Operations says standing back up, and leaving.

Madeline hangs her head down. She struggles to push back tears. She is being exhiled while everyone is off with Anna or Nikita.

Madeline looks up, and wishes that Operations could have at least kissed her.

She grabs a book of paper and starts writing. Question flow out of her pen. Where do I fall if Nikita is his daughter?

Madeline writes as fast as her tears fall. The paper and ink, even smear in places as her tears fall on the yellow paper.

Why now? Madeline shakes her head, and flips the page. She takes several short breathes between her sobs and the writing moves about the paper.

Then with one burst of anger, she tosses the pad of paper across the room, against the wall.

"I have to see Nikita." Madeline says standing up. Her muscles ache. She looks at herself, and thinks quickly how much better she might feel if she took a shower.

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

"Nikita, come back to me... Nikita... we have a mission soon.... Maybe a tango..." Michael tries to bargin with the wide-eyed Nikita. His hair is almost hanging into her face as he leans over her.

"NIKITA... I love you!" Michael cries out as he gives the body a huge bear hug.

"Kita... I need you..." Michael begs as he hugs Nikita's motionless body tightly. Operations looks into the room and Walter is standing to his left side.

"I better get him out..." Walter says, but Operations stops Walter.

"We don't know what will get her out... so we have to let him try until he is too far gone, also." Operations says.

"My life is our life... and we are going to see Ragtime soon, remember... and we are going back to the falls... and...and..."

Michael says, and then sits back, and pushes his hair out of his face.

Nikita's head rolls to the side again, but Michael reacts, hoping it is Nikita coming out of the self imposed prision.

And he strokes her forehead, both Operations and Walter realize it was in Michael's dreams that she woke up. Michael turns towards them.

"I can't stay..." Michael says as he barely walks across the room. Operations nods for Walter to stay, and Operations helps to guide Michael down the hallway.

"Please... just don't talk to me..." Michael moans as he bumps agains the wall. Operations looks on.

"One question, please." Operations asks softly. Mchael rolls his head towards him.

"Your the boss." Michael comments as he almost trips over his own feet.

"Would you marry Nikita right this moment?" Operations asks. Michael stops and looks wide awake.

"In a heart beat." Michael answers and continues down the hall in a slight jog.

-------------------------------------------------

"He really loves her." Operations says as he walks up to Madeline, who is dressed in black pants and a purple shirt. She has her hands in the crib, rubbing softly Anna's arm.

"Did you ever doubt that?" Madeline asks without looking at him. Her tone was almost icy.

"He told me he would marry Nikita 'in a heart beat' even with her like this." Operations says, as he places his hands on the rail.

"Why did you torture him with such a question... that has to be eating him up!" Madeline says angerily. Operations looks at Madeline's face turn red.

"Well, we have changed alot of things here... and I don't want Anna growing up thinking that we were just a fling."

Operations growls.

"Why do you even think I would marry you?" Madeline says storming out of the room.

"What do you mean?" Operations says following Madeline into the hallway.

"We've had some fun together... but I mean nothing to you other than a fun night here and there.... just face it... you probably regret you allowed me to have Anna!" Madeline screams as she pushs Operations.

"Madeline, you are more than a fun night." Operations says in defense. "I want to marry you!"

"And who would get married first?" Madeline challenges Operations. Operations looks down the hall.

"Us, of course." Operations says, trying to reach out for her hands.

"You have no idea what love is." Madeline says starting to walk down the hall. "I'm going to support someone who knows what love is."

"Madeline... I know what love is...." Operations calls out from behind her. He slams his open palm against the wall, and then, walks back to Anna's room.

"I know what love is... oh Anna... I love you and your mommie." Operations says in slight whispers.

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

"Oh, Anna...shh shh shh..." Madeline says as she hugs and bounces Anna up and down in the bedroom. Anna continues her whimpering, and Madeline continues her light movements.

"Shh..oh Anna anna anna..." Madeline whispers only to get a response of more screams. "We'll go for a walk..." Madeline says and she steps into the hallways.

-------------------------------------------------

Operations closes his office door as he hears Anna's cries echoeing down the hallways. On the table sits form after form that all need final approval. But on the top sits a handwritten note, the one Madeline wrote.

"Is that lab work done?" Operations asks as he buzzes the Medlab.

"Sorry, we are having difficulties here." the lab tech. responds. Operations slightly slams the phone down.

"You don't know what love is..." rings through his head, and he pulls out a large binder. On a post it, it writes "Find M & N a way." and sticks it to the book.

Operations turns off the lights, and heads back to his old quarters where the watch of Nikita continues.

-------------------------------------------------

"Birkoff, are you sure we can't help?" Rita asks on the phone again. Birkoff musters up a smile.

"You have to stay in Hong Kong. We can fix things up here." Birkoff says.

"How is Michael holding up?" Rick now asks. Birkoff glances at the bed, where Nikita's eyes almost flutter to the closed position.

"He is a wreck." Birkoff says. "I have to watch Nikita." Birkoff finishes and closes the video link with Rick and Rita.

Birkoff turns his head to the opened door, thinking he hears something, but then turns his head back.

"Just my imagination, Nikita... just my imagination..."

-------------------------------------------------

"I could go for a shot or two now." Michael says looking at the glass that holds his unless coffee. Walter looks up at the young man who looks to be twenty years older now.

"That wouldn't help Nikita." Walter responds, suddenly glad that he had rid his quarters of those elements several years ago.

"I don't think anything is going to help Nikita now." Michael says slamming the coffee cup down.

"You can't think that way." Walter corrects Michael, but can't say that the same thought hasn't passed through his head quite often of late.

"Nothing has worked..." Michael cries out, and places his head down on the table. By the time Walter walks to the end of the table Michael is at, Michael is asleep.

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

Anna's cries echoed down the halls of Section.

"Come on, Madeline... this isn't going to help Nikita!" Birkoff muttered as he went to close the door.

Nikita's head hung to the side, just as it had been for over twenty minutes. Anna's cries still invaided the room, and Birkoff got nervous. He walked out into the hallway.

"Madeline... Nikita is in here." Birkoff says in a loud whisper. Madeline turns around while still trying to sooth the crying baby.

"Sorry." Madeline says with a whisper, and tries to turn back around. Anna cries become louder, so Madeline continues coming closer to the room, as the cries are less loud. Birkoff shakes his head and enters the room.

"Sorry, Nikita, we are being controlled by a higher being now..." Birkoff says as he sits down without looking at her.

A slight sniffle is heard.

Birkoff looks at the closed door, but Anna's cries are now muffled. Birkoff glances down and sees that Nikita is alright and goes back to his computer.

-------------------------------------------------

About twenty minutes later, Anna's cries start to echo down the halls again. Birkoff looks at the door he had just opened.

He looks down at the face of Nikita and sees nothing.

"No reason to close it." Birkoff sighs.

Then a loud cry is heard, and Birkoff turns towards Nikita, and sees three tears running down her face.

"NIKITA!" Birkoff calls out, and more tears run down her face. Birkoff stands up, letting the laptop computer fall to the ground. He circles the chair, and then runs a hand against Nikita's face.

"Ok... Nikita....I don't ... know what... to..do.." Birkoff says nervously as Nikita now starts to cletch the pillow tightly.

"OH, help me someone..." Birkoff says softly, and he reaches out to touch Nikita's hair.

"Shhh Nikita... don't cry!" Birkoff says.

"DON'T CRY!" Madeline says loudly as she enters the room. Birkoff stands shaking. Taking one look at the crying Nikita, Madeline hands Anna over to Birkoff and runs to Nikita's side.

Madeline takes Nikita in her arms and starts to rock her.

"Madeline... I...don't like this..." Birkoff says, holding Anna away from his body.

"Birkoff, take Anna with you and get Michael." Madeline says. She rubs Nikita's face lightly.

"Ok Nikita,... let it all out... I'm here and Michael is on is way..."

Nikita's sobs drown out Anna's cries, as Birkoff still stands in the room shaking.

"Birkoff...go!" Madeline says looking at the door.

Madeline shift into the bed, holding Nikita's crying body.

"It's going to be alright... just cry... let it flow..." Madeline says softly and mixing her tears with Nikita's.

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

Michael's head raises from the table. Operations hears cries and starts to move from the kitchen.

"I'll go get Anna... I don't want her to bother Nikita." Operations says.

"That can't all be Anna." Michael says standing up. As Michael stands up, Birkoff enters holding the peaceful Anna.

"Nikita... is crying..." Birkoff announces and Michael takes off running down the hallway. Operations and Walter walk to Birkoff. Operations takes Anna, and Birkoff finally takes a breath.

"Madeline is with her." Birkoff says and the three start out after Michael.

Michael hears Nikita's cries and screams grow louder and louder as he hits the door. Suddenly he stops as he sees Madeline cradling Nikita's body in bed. He sees Madeline's own face dotted with tears, and as he rushes to Nikita's side, his own tears are not noticed.

"Oh... thank god... Nikita..." Michael cries out as he places his head next to Nikita's. Her hands reach out around his head.

Walter and Operations walk into the room to see the scene, and both wipe away a rare tear of joy.

"I'm....so sorry ...Michael..." Nikita mutters out. Michael lifts his head and looks at everyone. Birkoff is standing at the door way.

"You did nothing wrong..." Michael says softly.

"I...lost... your...I ...lost yours..." Nikita cries out. Michael closes his eyes.

"Then it wasn't meant to be." Michael struggles to say. The cries continue to flow from Nikita's wretched body. Madeline stands up and goes to Operations and takes Anna.

"Call me when she is a bit more composed." Madeline says and she exits.

-------------------------------------------------

"Nikita, there is someone you have to meet," Madeline says the next day as she walks into Walter's room. Nikita is sitting up, and her face shows the wear of the hours of continuious crying. Madeline is holding Anna. Nikita shakes her head no.

"You have to hold her if your going to be her godmother." Madeline says softly. Madeline takes a deep breath and slides Anna into Nikita's arms.

"She looks like you.." Nikita chokes out. Michael, who is sitting in the bed with Nikita, strokes the hair away from her face, and new tears are forming in her eyes.

"You can't replace what you never had to start with." Madeline says softly as she reaches down for Anna. NIkita nods softly and drops her head down to Michael's shoulder.

"Is she crying again?" Madeline asks softly. Michael looks down and back up.

"No. She still hasn't eaten... and maybe only a few hours of sleep." Michael informs Madeline.

"I hope I can just love Anna as much as you love Nikita, and Nikita, you." Madeline says as she exits.

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

Madeline walks into Operations office the next day. Operations has just hung up his office phone.

"I had to order more food for the rest of us to eat." Operations says as he throws the paper away that contained what Section needed.

"I saw the train of food heading to Walter's quarter." Madeline responds lightly, but not smiling. The tension is building in the office as the time between words is expanding.

"I will be going to Oslo tomorrow morning." Operations says as he stands up.

"Why?" Madeline asks in a challenging voice.

"I want to see how things are... check out some iffy missions that have occured there." Operations says without looking at Madeline.

"How long?" Madeline asks bluntly.

"Well, I have some other business I've been putting off until you gave birth... and now that you are back up, I will probably be gone a week or two." Operations says, without looking at Madeline.

"Fine. So you know, I won't be pushing Michael and Nikita... both are very weak." Madeline says leaving.

Operations starts to pack file into a case.

"I didn't expect you to push them." Operations mutters as he puts the binder with the post it note into the case and locks the case shut. -------------------------------------------------

Madeline holds a file in her hands marked Test 1000-1, the test that would tell her if Nikita was Operations daughter or not. Without looking inside of it, she lights a match and sets the papers on fire.

"Madeline, what is that?" Nikita asks as she enters her office.

"Nothing, Nikita." Madeline says with a smile. Her hair is pulled back and the puffiness from crying is starting to subside.

"I guess we have a lot to talk about." Nikita says as she starts to wring her hands.

"Only what you want to talk about." Madeline says softly. "But as friends or as professional?"

"I can choose?" Nikita asks surprized. Madeline sits up in her chair.

"I want to be both." Madeline says. Nikita sits back and sighs.

"I wish I could talk to you as a friend, but we both know that I have some major issues now." Nikita says chewing on her lip.

"They are only major because you make them." Madeine says with a slight smile. "Let's get some tea." Madeline says as she walks over to the table in her office. "We'll start as friends.... How are you and Michael?"

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

Nikita walks into the apartment and Michael right behind her. He watches Nikita move about the room and smiles with her every movement.

"What are you smiling at?" Nikita asks when she sees Michael's face.

"You." Michael says plainly. He takes Nikita into the bed room and sits her down on the bed.

"I want you to know, you are mine forever." Michael says softly, holding her hand.

"I know that Michael." Nikita says with a small smile.

"We can't make anything offical... but you are why I am able to wake up every morning, and I need you to understand that." Michael says passionately.

"Michael, I'm here because of you, and you know this to be true." Nikita says leaning down and kissing Michael's forehead.

"Mmmm... I think we should burn off some of that expensive French pastry we ate on the way here..." Michael says as he sits down next to Nikita.

"You have a one track mind." Nikita giggles as they embrace and fall back.

-------------------------------------------------

Madeline sits in the quarters. Anna is asleep and Operations has left on business. She looks around the empty area and dread fills her heart.

"Nikita thinks she was incomplete because she lost a baby.... but she has love... that is a hundred times more than what I have." Madeline says outloud as she turns off the lights.

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