Madeline sits in her office working on some paper work as Anna swings in the swing off in the corner. The office door opens and Madeline looks up and sees Operations walking with almost a bounce in his feet.

"I see that your back from your trip." Madeline says with a soft smile. Operations lets a paper float to Madeline's desk as he bounds over to Anna.

"You have five hours to plan a wedding." Operations says as he picks up Anna in his arms and starts walking in tiny circles. Anna smiles in joy.

"What are you talking about?" Madeline asks as she tries to stop herself from smiling about seeing Anna in his arms.

"Nikita and Michael are married... now we get them to know this." Operations says with a smile and he points to the paper. "Section rules... the Operations may choose to marry any couple is deemed... But I got all of the leaders of the substations to agree also."

Madeline looks at the paper and holds it lightly in her hands.

"Is this because Nikita is your daughter?" Madeline asks as she sits the paper down.

"No... it's because those two have been professing their love for each other since the beginning... some times trying not to admit it." Operations says as he starts to lift Anna in the air above his head and swooping her down to his face.

"You have been saying Nikita and Michael... you use to say Michael and Nikita." Madeline says as she stands up at her desk.

"Stop trying to overanalysis this. They are married. We don't even have to have a wedding, but I want to give them that."

Operations says firmly, the first time Madeline has heard that tone the whole conversation.

"Have you even asked them what they thought of these?" Madeline continues.

"Madeline, it's like you don't want this to happen." Operations counters with a smile.

"No, I think you picked the right couple." Madeline says with a smile. "Alright, they are on a mission, so I will be able to plan this."

"You can have anyone you want to help you." Operations says. Madeline is now only seeing his back.

"You can help." Madeline says as she wraps her hand on the desk to bring Operations eyes back to her.

"How?" Operations asks.

"Take care of Anna. I have a lot to do." Madeline says stepping away from the desk.

"Sure. You have less than five hours." Operations says as he carries Anna out of the office.

"Birkoff, get Walter and come to my office, immediately... like you should already be here." Madeline says into the intercom.

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

Madeline walks around the hallway, which with the help of ten operatives, has turned into a flower covered hallway.

There is a strip of white carpet leading up to a little table. Birkoff had donated some candles, which now grace the table.

Madeline turns as Walter walks in.

"Ah... good for a hurry." Walter comments at the space, with a worried face.

"Did you get the rings?" Madeline asks softly. Walter pulls out a small jewelry box.

"Exactly what you told me." Walter says with a smile. "So who is performing the ceremony?"

"Operations." Madeline says, suddenly feeling worried about that choice.

"Why are you so worried, I'm sure Michael and Nikita would have a street bum perform the ceremony if push came to shove." Walter says with a hearty chuckle.

"So true. You will be walking Nikita down the aisle." Madeline says as she starts to walk down the hallway.

"I thought as much." Walter says with a grin. Madeline closes her eyes as she wishes it was the other way around.

"I believe Birkoff is going to be Michael's best man." Madeline continues as she brings herself out of her thoughts.

"Birkoff should be the maid of honor!" Walter comments and starts to laugh again.

"I heard that!" Birkoff says loudly as he appears in the hallway. "I wanted to tell you that the dress has been pressed and set in your office."

"Good. Now, let's hope their easy in and out mission, goes as planned." Madeline says as she leaves the two men.

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

"Michael, do you ever get a sense the some of these missions are just to get us out of Section?" Nikita asks as she sits down in the van. Michael sits closely to her.

"I couldn't even call this a mission... demi-mission.... quasi-mission... mini-mission..." Michael comments and Nikita looks at him. They are alone in the van, except for the driver, but the driver never hears anything.

"What is it, Michael?" Nikita ask. Michael looks into her eyes, knowing that he is going to lie at her.

"Nothing." Michael says, as he thinks to the document that proves that Operations is her father. He saw it before the mission, smudged and tear stained.

"You know I know that you are lying." Nikita says coldly as she stands up and leaves Michael.

"Nikita, I worry about what you are doing... denying who is really your father..." Michael starts and Nikita moves and puts two fingers over his mouth.

"William Weider is my father." Nikita softly mutters as tears are glassing over Nikita's eyes.

"We are back at Section!" the driver says over the intercom.

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

Nikita and Michael step out of the van to run right into Rick and Rita, who have just flown in for the blessed event.

"Rick! Rita!" Nikita says with a huge grin on her face and she flies to give Rita a bear hug.

"What are you doing here?" Michael asks Rick who is just grinning, not a normal event.

"We were given orders to fly here. No other intel." Rick says in an uniformed matter.

"Oh." Michael says as Nikita finally lets Rita ouf her grasp.

Madeline turns the corner and gasps as she sees the four of them.

"You made great time." Madeline says as she looks at the driver, who was given orders to take his time.

"What was that, Madeline?" Nikita asks almost harshing. Madeline pats Rita's shoulder as she steps closer to Nikita.

"We have a situation... ah..brewing... we need you to go to the briefing room..." Madeline says, not so neatly averting their attention.

"Is that all four of us?" Michael challenges.

"No. Just you and Nikita. Rick and Rita are here..for ah..other matters." Madeline continues to flub up.

"What is going on?" Nikita asks as she walks down the hallway. Immediately, four operatives stand infront of a desk, covering something.

"I have the same feeling." Michael says as he opens the door to the briefing room.

As the door closes, the operatives run, pushing the wedding cake away. Madeline tiptoes Rick and Rita to the hallway which the ceremony will be held.

"That was close." Rita comments as Madeline hands her a garmet bag.

"They were suppose to be gone another hour." Madeline says as she nervously paces as Rick and Rita check their clothing.

"MADELINE! Why are Nikita and Michael back so soon?" Operations says loudly as he quickly walks down the hallway, with Anna strapped on his back.

"Because they are to damn effecient." Madeline quickly snaps. "And you did it again!"

"Did what?" Operations asks.

"You know what you did...again!" Madeline response in a slight yell.

"I don't know what you are talking about!" Operations says loudly.

"Hey, no reason to flip out." Rita says stepping inbetween the two. "Oh, little Anna... how big she is!"

"Isn't she." Madeline comments as Rita takes Anna off of Operations back.

"Now, make up some phony mission, that will need costumes... blindfold them, dress them and then tell them!" Rita says as she runs a finger across Anna's face.

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

Michael is standing in the briefing room, when Walter walks in with a garmet bag. Michael stares at him as he unzips the bag and reveals the black tailed tuxedo.

"Is there a reason why Nikita is getting dress in Madeline's office and I am in here?" Michael asks as he touches the smooth material.

"Orders." Walter says as his back is turned to Michael, knowing he could not wipe the grin off of his face.

"I don't think I buy this Danny Poltz thing." Michael says as he looks at Walter's gray hair, which is not in a ponytail.

"Get dress." Walter says as he closes the door.

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

"Here. This is what Nikita will be wearing." Walter says as he slams the door. "I'm not going to lie."

Michael picks up the picture of the white gown with a bit of lace and sequins. His hand starts to tremble.

"This...it's a wedding gown." Michael says as his voice cracks. Walter turns to him.

"Welcome to your wedding day." Walter says with a huge smile.

Michael stands in shock. His mind racing a thousand miles a minute.

"I have to talk to Nikita!" Michael finally reacts, but Walter pushes him back. "You don't understand... there are issues here.. that... we need to talk about..." Michael protests. Birkoff walks into the room.

"Walter, Madeline is about done with Nikita. Your presense is needed." Birkoff says, trying to sound elusive.

"SO you are walking her down the aisle!" Michael responds as he walks towards Walter. Walter grins and exits quickly.

"Hey, Michael.. big night for you, uh?" Birkoff says punching Michael in the arm playfully.

(Michael's thoughts)

If Walter is walking Nikita down the aisle, where is Operations going to be. Is he ever going to speak up?

I can't let this happen... Operations and Nikita have to let the truth out... it's eating Nikita up.

I love her with my heart... but she has been different... Lying to herself.. lying ot her heart... so how can I be sure she isn't lying when she says 'I do'.

(Back in reality)

"Michael!" Birkoff sings out and Michael snaps back. "I hope you don't mind me being your best man."

"No... but I see you more of a maid of honor." Michael comments, knowing the friendship exists more between Birkoff and Nikita than with him.

"You all think the same!" Birkoff says. A small knock at the door and Birkoff approaches Michael.

"Ready?" Birkoff asks. Michael pushes his hair out of his face, and takes a deep breathe.

"Of course." Michael says coolly as he opens the door.

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

(lyrics by Carol King, "WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW?" on the album Tapestry Revisited.. perfomed by the Bee Gees)

Madeline drops the blindfold over Nikita's blue eyes. Nikita's mouth drops at the image of the white dress, sparkling like a white rose sprinkled with early morning dew. The white dress barely caress the floor, and flows softly over Nikita's figure.

"You need this." Madeline smiles with the love of a mother as she places the veil on Nikita's softly curled blonde hair.

TONIGHT YOU'RE MINE COMPLETELY...
YOU GIVE YOUR LOVE SO SWEETLY...

Walter gazes at Nikita's smile as he leads her to the hallway. She looks at the white carpet on the floor and shutters in amazement.

Walter turns and holds Nikita's face and places two kisses on her cheeks.

"He love you, Nikita." Walter says. Nikita is taken back by Walter calling her Nikita, she can't remember him ever calling her anything but sugar.

TONIGHT THE LIGHT OF LOVE IS IN YOUR EYES...
BUT WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW?

Michael nervously glances back, and sees Nikita's body, glowing in the white dress like a heavenly god.

Michael watches as he sees Walter kiss her cheeks. Suddenly, all of his worries wash away. In one moment, Michael is aware of all that Nikita means to him, which is more than Michael can even comprehend.

IS THIS A LASTING TREASURE...
OR JUST A MOMENT'S PLEASURE?...

Madeline walks over and hugs Nikita. Nikita closes her eyes and tries to focus on who she should be. Michael.

Madeline tries to say something, but bites her lips and holds back tears of happiness.

Nikita closes her eyes, trying to force out the unwanted feeling and looks down the white aisle. Looking past the operatives, to the face.

Michael.

CAN I BELIEVE THE MAGIC OF YOUR SIGHS?
WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW?

Michael's eyes lock onto Nikita. In a silent dance, they sway together, still apart by the fifty feet between them.

Nikita's face begins to glow again. Her heart suddenly is light, like she was use too.

TONIGHT WITH WORDS UNSPOKEN...
YOU SAY THAT I'M THE ONLY ONE...

Nikita's mind drifts back to the night that Michael said that this day would never occur. She had just spent a terrible few days, and Michael, stood by her side, like he always had.

Nikita knew at that moment, even if she would push him away at every minute of the day, Michael would be by her side.

BUT WILL MY HEART BE BROKEN...
WHEN THE MIGHT MEETS THE MORNING SUN?

Nikita smiles at Michael as Walter laces his arm into Nikita's. Just as they are about to take the first step down the aisle, Operations takes his spot behind the table.

Nikita stops.

"Not now!" Nikita screams in her mind.

Operations smiles at Nikita... a fatherly smile.

I'D LIKE TO KNOW THAT YOUR LOVE...
IS LOVE I CAN BE SURE OF...

"No!" Nikita lets out softly. Michael sees Operations behind him, and knows the look in Nikita's face.

"I can't..." Nikita says as she struggles to move away from Walter.

"'Kita?" Walter asks as he lets Nikita's arm go. Tears now run down her face, looking like a waterfall.

All Nikita can see is the document, and that smile.. Operations smile...

SO TELL ME NOW. AND I WON'T ASK AGAIN...

"Michael, I love you...I just..." Nikita screams out as she suddenly feels surrounded. She pulls up the dress and dashes down the hall.

WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME TOMORROW?

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

(Lyrics from Madonna... "SURVIVAL" on Bedtime Stories)

Nikita starts tearing off the veil as she hits Madeline's office. The dress rips as she steps out of it quickly. Terror is running her body... trying to run from the truth... and run of her life.

Walter walks in to see Nikita pulling out jeans, but for the moment she is standing in only her bra and panties.

"'Kita.. talk to me." Walter says as he tries to grab her arm.

I'LL NEVER BE AN ANGEL...

"I need out of here..." Nikita mumbles as she pulls up the jeans. She checks the pockets and then pulls the sweatshirt over her head.

"NIKITA!" Walter screams as Nikita moves manically around the room searching for something.

I'LL NEVER BE A SAINT, IT'S TRUE...

"He.. NO more... no more..." Nikita says as she pulls at her hair. Grabbing a rubberband, she pulls the hair up into a rough ponytail.

She turns the corner in Madeline's office and spots Birkoff's rollerblades, which Nikita forgot to return.

"Just let me go, Walter." Nikita finally says calmly as she pushes towards the door.

I'M TOO BUSY SURVIVING...

"I can't." Walter says into the tear covered face of Nikita. Suddenly the eye fill with rage. With a few pushes of her legs, she pushes past Walter's strong body.

"I love Michael.. I'm doing this for him!" Nikita screams out as she blades down the hallway.

WHETHER IT'S HEAVEN OR HELL...
I'M GONNA BE LIVING TO TELL...

"DAMN HIM! Why him, god! OF all the men in the whole damn sinning world, it has to be Operations!" Nikita screams as she enters the park, rollerblading as fast as her body allows her.

HERE'S MY STORY...
NO RISK NO GLORY...

"Who am I then... my mother a drunken-no-good- two-bit-@#$%!...and my father.. my father... my father... HE HAD

ME KILLED!!!!" Nikita screams as she takes down a street.

A LITTLE UP AND DOWN AND ALL AROUND...
IT'S ALL ABOUT SURVIVAL...

Michael stands in the hallway, sad by Nikita leaving, worried by Nikita leaving, but yet relieved by Nikita leaving. Birkoff tries to talk to Michael, but he just stares at Operations. Operations' cell phone rings and he leaves to take the call.

"DAMN HIM!" Michael mutters under his breath.

I'LL NEVER BE AN ANGEL...
I'LL NEVER BE A SAINT, IT'S TRUE...
I'M TOO BUSY SURVIVING...
WHETHER IT'S HEAVEN OR HELL...
I'M GONNA BE LIVING TO TELL...

Nikita is weaving in and out of people on the rollerblades, but is not even aware of them. Street after street, Nikita is only aware of the hot tears running down her face and the hatred that boils her blood.

"SCREW HIM!!! SCREW HIM!!!" Nikita screams as she flies by a parking lot. Her body moving to go faster, to roll away from the people behind her. Running, running to get away, but chained to the thought.

"Operations is my father!"

SO HERE'S MY QUESTION...
DOES YOUR CRITICISM...

Nikita jumps over a garbage can, her skating becoming more and more erratic in nature. Every inch of her body boiling.

HAVE YOU CAUGHT UP IN...
WAHT YOU CANNOT SEE...

"How can he just stand there... he wasn't going to say a word... to drop me.. like I never existed... I never mattered to him... never for a moment... why should I think it should... why...WHY?....WHY?" Nikita's mind wars with itself.

She flies across the street, and cars' horns blast, but the sounds do not register.

WELL IF YOU GIVE ME RESPECT...
THEN YOU'LL KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT...

Nikita lightly brushes against a person carrying a bag, but the contact goes unnoticed.

"I hate him..." Nikita chants as her legs pump and pump her body forward. Just heading straight ahead, not caring were she will endup.. just away from...from.. OPERATIONS.

A LITTLE UP AND DOWN AND ALL AROUND...
IT'S ALL ABOUT SURVIVAL...

"100%....100%... why didn't he just say... I'm your father... do I disguise him... I know I was a mistake... but do I shame him... I've become him.. the cold, killing machine.. ruthless..." Nikita thinks.

"What about William Weider?" Nikita finally registers. More hatred builds. They gave her a fake father.

I'LL NEVER BE AN ANGEL...
I'LL NEVER BE A SAINT, IT'S TRUE...
I'M TOO BUSY SURVIVING...
WHETHER IT'S HEAVEN OR HELL...
I'M GONNA BE LIVING TO TELL...

Nikita barely notices the man three blocks ahead. She jumps quickly over a large stick and continues on.

HERE'S MY STORY...
NO RISK NO GLORY...

Nikita smashes right into the man, and crumbles down into a crying heap. Hatred gone and emptiness arrives.

A LITTLE UP AND DOWN AND ALL AROUND...
IT'S ALL ABOUT SURVIVAL

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

Madeline hurries and clears the hallway of the operatives and goes to Michael. Michael appears relatively calm.

"Michael, I don't know... but Walter went to her." Madeline says softly as she sits down to next to Michael.

"She knows." Michael responds in a cold voice. Madeline squints her eyes and Michael stands up.

"I'm lost here." Madeline says shaking her head to what Michael has said. Madeline thinks that Michael is going off the deep end.

"SHE KNOWS THAT OPERATIONS IS HER FATHER!" Michael screams.

Madeline bows her head and holds her eyes shut in horror. Those words brought reality back to Madeline.

"How did she find out?" Madeline asks as her chin lays on her chest.

"DOES IT MATTER? WAS SHE EVER GOING TO FIND OUT? SHE HAS BEEN LIVING A LIE... WILLIAM WEIDER... WILLIAM WEIDER... TRYING TO FORGET THE HORRIBLE TRUTH..." Michael screams again.

Now he slumps into a chair.

"Michael, I wanted her to know." Madeline says softly as she raises her head and looks Michael in the hurt eyes. Michael wasn't hurt by Nikita, but hurt by Section.

A slam of a door is heard and then running feet.

"WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME SHE KNEW!" Operations screams as he picks Michael up by the collar of the tuxedo. Michael stares into the eyes, not moving.

"OPERATIONS...Let him down!" Madeline struggles to say as she tries to pry Michael free.

"YOU TWO KNEW...FOR MONTHS!" Operations screams as he pushes Michael away. Michael gathers his balance.

"She saved your life... and you couldn't tell her... but maybe it's because you were sick to your stomache because you realized had it not been for me, you would have canceled your own daughter!" Michael says loudly. He turns and sees Walter stopped in the hallway. Shock is written across his face. Michael whips back around and snarls at Operations again.

"Your lies don't only hurt Nikita, and me... but Walter.. and Birkoff.. and Madeline.. and Anna... and yourself..... I'm going to find her." Michael says as he runs to Walter.

Operations slams his hand onto the table and paces back and forth.

"Stephen sent the real document to their apartment, they have known since Stephen was brought in." Operations stews as his steps quicken.

"From what I gather from Michael, Nikita had major denial... which explains what happened." Madeline says softly.

"And what was that?" Operations says with a dead stop in his movement.

"She saw you, and could not deny it... fight or flight response... and she ran." Madeline says softly.

"Where is she now?" Operations asks more civilly.

"Since Walter came back and heard all... I believe she is probably out." Madeline says.

"Out?" Operations says with a raised eyebrow.

"Running, running to save the life that she tried to built out of our lies." Madeline says turning and leaving.

"WHERE ARE YOU GOING?" Operations screams.

"To confess the lies and help Nikita rebuild her life." Madeline retorts.

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

"Miss? Miss? Are you hurt? Miss?" the man that Nikita smashed into is asking as he bends down to Nikita's crying body.

Instantly, Nikita sits up and gains her surroundings.

"No. I'm not hurt." Nikita says softly as she looks at herself. Instantly, she notices that one of the skates is definately broken. "Damn.. what else is going to happen!"

Nikita struggles to take the rollerblades off and walk over to a bench.

"You were skating like a mad woman," the man says as he follows her to the bench.

"Did I hurt you?" Nikita reacts as she looks at the man. He shakes his head silently. "I'm sorry."

"Is there something wrong?" the man asks as he looks at Nikita's messed up appearance.

"My skate is broke.. and I'm no where near home." Nikita mutters, although she doesn't want to be home. "Is there a thrift store nearby?" Nikita asks.

"About three blocks back the way you came." the man says. Nikita trudges off in her bare feet, not looking back at the man.

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

By the time Nikita emerges from the thrift store with the cheapest pair of shoes and socks she could get her hands on, the day has turned dark, cold, and wet.

She throws the rollerblades away and hugs herself as she walks through the streets. She knows with the flip of a cell phone, she could be back in Michael's arms, if he forgives her for this one.

She trudges to the hostel, and asks for a room.

She hands over the last of her money and goes and curls up on the bed she has paid for.

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

"Walter, everything you heard was true." Michael says as he changes into his more causal black outfit.

"Operations is Nikita's father?" Walter asks back in shock. Michael only holds his lips tighter together and looks at Walter.

"It's in the outmost importance that we find her ASAP." Michael says coldly as he looks in the mirror.

"Why?" Walter asks. Madeline has silently entered the room.

"Because Nikita is struggling to maintain a life that she created based off of our lies, and is probably on the brink of a breakdown... if not there." Madeline says like a machine. Michael looks at Madeline and understandment runs through their eyes.

"If that was the brink.. I don't want to see the actual." Walter says as he take a deep breath.

"Let's go." Michael says. He opens the door and finds Operations.

"I want to help." Operations says as he stands toe to toe with Michael.

"I think you've helped enough." Michael says bitterly.

"God damn you, Michael... I was doing what I deamed best for MY daughter." Operations spits out.

"Come if you must." Michael says as he brushes past him.

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

Daybreak is dawning as the car which holds Michael, Madeline, Operations and Walter pulls into another gas station.

Operations goes to pay.

"She is on foot. She might not even be in town." Walter says filled with dread and tiredness.

"Nikita will stay here." Madeline immediately says. Michael bangs his head lightly against the glass.

"We are doing something wrong." Michael says as he stares at Operations walking back to the car.

"What do you mean?" Madeline asks. She looks at Operations and motions for a drink. He turns and trudges back into the station.

"Nikita is from the streets... We all had great childhoods compared to Nikita's. We were more refined that Nikita."

Michael says as he searches to find what is his really trying to say.

"Do you think she knows how to hide better?" Walter asks.

"No. She'd seek shelter during night and seek food in the morning." Madeline corrects Walter. Operations opens the door. "How many free food banks are there?"

"In this city? 345." Operations answers immediately.

"Let's go back to Section and do some planning." Michael says with droopy eyes.

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

Nikita didn't sleep a wink, as images of Operations haunted her thoughts. Dreams of what her life would have been if Operations knew from the beginning, dreams of what if Operations was never her father... dream and nightmares.

She walks downstairs and stretches.

"Is there any way I can keep that room for a few days?" Nikita asks.

"Sure. Just pay me." the lady clerk says rudely. Tears start to form in Nikita's eyes. She fingers the plastic card next to the cell phone. The charge would be registered immediately at Section, and no doubt, Michael and the calvary would run out for her.

"Can you wait a few hours?" Nikita asks softly.

"Sure, dear." the lady clerk says sarcastically.

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

"Michael," Birkoff says as he pulls Michael's black shirt. Michael looks up from the table that the four have been marking up with lines of color. Michael immediately stands up and walks to the corner.

"Michael, Nikita's card has been used." Birkoff says, handing over the piece of paper.

"What is it, Michael?" Operations immediately asks.

"Nikita charged something... but I know she is not there." Michael says walking to the map. "It's at the other end of the city."

"That narrows it down. What was the charge?" Madeline asks as she crosses out the one end of the city.

"Cash." Birkoff answers and stares at the tired bodies. Walter looks up and then at Operations and Madeline.

"Just tell him... get more out to help us!" Walter screams. "Don't think Birkoff won't find out."

Operations sucks in a breathe and stands up from the table. Madeline gives him a hard piercing glare.

"Nikita is my daughter." Operations says, and awaits for Birkoff's response.

"I thought so, she looks too much like Melissa." Birkoff says walking towards the door. Madeline steps in front of the door.

"Wait. Tell Rick and Rita, but no one else. We have to find Nikita, we need all we can trust out in the city." Madeline says and then lets go of the door. Birkoff nods and leaves.

"This would be the most likely way Nikita would flee." Madeline says as she points to the part of the city directly opposite from where Section was.

"Food banks, pantries... she won't use the money, churches... anything." Michael says as he stands up.

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

"Here." Nikita says as she throws enough money down for three more days on the counter.

"Honey, I don't have change for that." the clerk says rudely back at her, snapping the gum in her face.

"Keep it." Nikita snaps back and walks out the door.

"You should be saving your every cent, girl!" The clerk yells as Nikita's hair floats behind in the doorway.

Nikita walks in the shadows, searching for somewhere to eat. Not having a change of clothes, and determined to not slurge her money on extras, she seeks a food bank.

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

(lyrics from "DADDY" by Jewel on the album Pieces of You)

Michael and Walter step out of the van and walks in a hurried pace to the left. Operations and Madeline step out and go to the right. The van moves a block down and Rick and Rita step out. Birkoff says back in the van, there for when and if they find Nikita.

Michael searches the crowds of people, searching for the blonde head of hair of his Nikita.

"You should have told her." Madeline mutters as they past another blonde. Operations pulls in close to her.

"No more of this." Operations says firmly and Madeline presses her lips together.

MY BONES ARE TIRED, DADDY....
I DON'T GET ENOUGH SLEEP...

Nikita walks in a shadow, with her head down at her chest, but keenly aware of the people around her. A man with gray white hair is infront of her, and Nikita stops.

"No... No... " Nikita's heart pounds until the man turns around, and the face is not that of Operations.

I DON'T EAT A GOOD AS I COULD, DADDY...
WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT ME?...

Michael quickens his step, but Walter holds his arm.

"It could be, Nikita." Michael protests softly, but then with the next glance he notices the nice clothing and stops.

SOMETIMES I SLEEP PAST NOON, DADDY...
DRINK LOTS OF BLACK COFFEE AND I SMOKE LIKE A CHIMNEY...

Nikita turns the corner and is almost face for face with Operations. She quickly turns and runs down an alley. Running, and running, and Nikita does not think.

YES, I LEFT THE REFRIGERATOR DOOR HALF OPEN, DADDY...
WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT ME?...

Nikita quickly ducks into a food bank line, determined that she has lost Operations. She tries to shrink her body down to match that of the others in line.

Nikita sees the outline of the black coat before the word is spoken.

"Nikita." Michael says as he tries to hug her.

She starts to walk the other way.

SOMETIMES I WANT TO RIP OUT YOUR THROAT, DADDY...
FOR ALL THOSE THINGS YOU SAID THAT WERE MEAN...

Walter is on the other side and grabs Nikita's body. She does not struggle and trudges off with them. Anger boiling inside her, but the strength gone.

"Don't take me to him... I don't... no...no.. no.." Nikita pleads with Michael as they all sit down on a bench.

"Shhh..." Michael says as he holds her body.

In the van, Birkoff pulls on his coat. He access Operation's com unit before walking out the door.

"The chip has been found." Birkoff says rudely and walks out of the van.

"WHERE???? BIRKOFF??? WHERE???" Operations screams to the empty van.

GONNA MAKE YOU JUST AS VULNERABLE AS I WAS, DADDY...
WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT ME?...

"I hate him, Michael.. you don't understand.. ever bone in my body hates him.. hates him..." Nikita cries out as her fists pull at his coat. Walter stands as a look out.

"I'm no longer Nikita, am I? I'm Operations' daughter!" Nikita suddenly whispers in a voice of internal knowledge.

SOMETIMES I WANT TO BASH YOUR TEETH, DADDY...
GONNA USE YOUR TONGUE AS A STAMP...

Birkoff walks to the bench and looks at Walter.

"I didn't tell him where.. but it won't be long."

Birkoff says with a whisper.

Nikita has let go of Michael. The crisis of feeling like the world is tumbling in around her is gone, being replaced by hatred.

"He means nothing to me! He never did, and never will." Nikita says in short and tense words.

GONNA RIP YOUR HEART OUT THE WAY YOU DID MINE, DADDY...
GO AHEAD AND PSYCHO-ANALYSIS THAT...

Operations and Madeline crest the hill and look down at the small group at the bench. Rick and Rita had just arrived.

"NIKITA!" Operations yells out in a moment of complete fatherly love.

Nikita looks up at the now jogging Operations and stands. Madeline sees the anger in the young woman's body.

With Operations still a distance away, Nikita raises the middle finger in her right hand to him. She hisses the meaning and starts to walk, with Michael at her side.

Operations stops in his path, stunned.

'CAUSE I AM YOUR CREATION, I'M YOUR LOVE, DADDY...
GREW UP TO BE AND DO ALL THOSE SICK THINGS YOU SAID I'D DO...

Michael opens the van door and Nikita step in. Her eyes hold fire within them. She doesn't even look back. The van fills when Operations is on the horizon. Michael half closes the door.

"I'll send the van back... I don't think it would be wise." Michael says. Madeline nods and Michael gets in the van, shutting the door with a slight slam.

WELL LAST NIGHT I SAW YOU SNEAK OUT YOUR WINDOW...
WITH YOUR WHITE HOOD, DADDY...

Nikita stands looking at the corner. Every muscle in her back protruding out as tensed. Michael drops his eyes for a moment, and instantly, Nikita slumps down in the corner.

"Just leave me alone." Nikita mutters as she sits on her knees, not crying, not moving, just sitting.

WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?...
I'M SLOPPY, WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?...

Nikita takes a deep breath and slides onto a bench. She stares out the window.

I'M MESSY... WHAT'S THAT SAY ABOUT YOU?...
MY BONES ARE TIRED, DADDY...

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

(a week later)

Madeline walks into Operations office. He is staring into the computer.

"We must talk." Madeline says flipping the screen off. Operations looks up at Madeline's serious face and pushes back from the desk.

"Nikita?" Operations asks sarcastically. "That's all we talk about."

"She killed five innocents today." Madeline says and her jaw muscles twitch.

"She must have had a good reason." Operations responds, registering no emotion at all.

"Unconsciously, she has become you. A machine." Madeline says as she walks away from the desk.

Operations stands up and walks to Madeline.

"Five?" Operations asks as he looks out of the glass towards Michael's and Nikita's office. The light is on. "Who is still working?"

"Your daughter." Madeline says turning her attention to the office. "We finally turned Michael back into a human... and now we have Nikita."

"Talking to her won't help." Operations says as he looks at the office.

"Then you deny her. She knows not of how she came to be... she knows not about your soul... she knows not have how you became a cold machine." Madeline says firmly as she taps the glass. Operations touches the glass with his fingertips, right were the image of the office is.

"She'll be fine. Give her time." Operations says with a slight smile.

"How many more innocents? How many more long nights?" Madeline challenges. "I don't want to use it.. but soon it will be like father like daughter.. two machines."

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

"Nikita, do you want to go home, now?" Michael asks softly as he enters the office.

"I have to finish this." Nikita responds without looking up from the computer. Michael glances at the glass office, which light is one. Other than the computer area, the only two lights on belong to relatives.

"I was hoping to eat some.. ah.. strawberries.." Michael tries to tempt Nikita as he slides his hand across her face.

"I need to finish this... it's due on Madeline's desk in the morning." Nikita responds.

"What is it, a million 'I won't kill innocents for no damn reason'!" Michael yells and leaves. Nikita bows her head and closes her eyes.

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