Papers litter the floor of Michael's and Nikita's office. In fact, their perspective desks have been pushed off to the sides of the wall to give more room for what seems like random piles of files to be placed around the room. Michael enters the office and kicks a pile as he reacts to the new arrangement of the floor. Nikita carefully crawls to the pile and reorganizes it. She sits back were she was to start with and picks up a file.

"Aren't you going to explain?" Michael asks as he tiptoes through the empty spots of floor, trying not to bump any pile of files.

"We are getting help." Nikita says with a smile. Michael cocks his neck to her in puzzlement. "We have to find another couple to train."

Michael looks around him and sighs. He throws his jacket onto the desk and slides down onto the floor with Nikita.

"This is only half of the files... I was hoping to find one before Birkoff brings the other half." Nikita says as she carefully places the file into one of the piles.

"Why don't we just randomly pick?" Michael teases Nikita as he lightly kisses her cheek.

"I thought of that about eight times, and each time I did.. well it was a disaster." Nikita says with a slight smile.

Michael digs into the files. Immediately, he throws the file into the 'no way' pile.

"Why?" Nikita asks. Michael shrugs his shoulders.

"I didn't like their names." Michael says with a smile. The both of them reach for a file and pull at the same one. Michael pulls it away and looks at it.

"They sound good." Michael says handing the file over to Nikita.

"Wow... and they have history... a good history." Nikita says as she shuts the file.

"And what do you mean by that?" Michael asks a little defensive.

"Nothing... let's scout these two out." Nikita says as she stands up. She does a nice spin, without touching any of the piles.

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

Michael and Nikita stand outside a training room as two operatives run through an exercise. Nikita turns away from the room.

"They work wonderfully together." Nikita says with a slight sigh and smile. Michael turns from the room and looks at Nikita.

"What is bothering you about Mylo and Julie?" Michael asks quietly as some new recruits walk by.

"From the start, they were allowed to be together... we don't know how much they would do to be together." Nikita says softly.

"You want them to suffer like us?" Michael asks with crinkled eyebrows.

"But didn't our suffering make our sense for each other more sensitive... most of the time, we don't even have to talk."

Nikita says as she turns back to the exercise room.

"I can't believe you of all people want them to suffer!" Michael says as he looks down the hall.

"I didn't say that! We just..... I don't..." Nikita starts. Michael turns back towards the room as he sees Madeline walking down the hall in a red suit dress. He listens to the clicking of the heels slow down, knowing she was out to find them.

"I tried to enter your office... quite a mess." Madeline says and the two turn around.

"We haven't been back there since we started with Mylo and Julie." Michael answers. Madeline smiles.

"Clean it up." Madeline says and she steps up to the window. "They work good together."

"Yes." Nikita says softly, and Michael gives her a hard glance.

"What's a matter, Nikita?" Madeline ask as she turns to the two.

"Nothing..." Michael starts but is soon interrupted by Nikita.

"We don't know how strong the connection is." Nikita says strongly. Michael rolls his eyes away.

"That was what I exactly was thinking. Instead of placing them in quarters together... separate them." Madeline says.

"Good to have you back, Nikita."

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

"This is your new quarters Mylo." Nikita says pointing to a small room in the old section. He looks at Julie and smiles nervously. "Is there a problem?" Nikita asks looking at the two.

"We thought that couples got to stay together." Mylo says as he looks again at Julie.

"I don't know where you got that information. You are not yet in couple status." Nikita informs firmly and starts down the hall. "Julie... you are over here."

Nikita walks down the hall, hearing Julie walking behind her slowly, no doubt, looking back at Mylo. Nikita looks at the camera in the hallway, knowing if she is, Nikita will know in about ten minutes.

Julie catches up to Nikita as she turns the corner out of old section. Nikita walks Julie to the room that Birkoff use to inhabit.

"This is your quarters." Nikita says showing the room.

"Is this a test?" Julie asks as she steps in the room.

"No." Nikita says walking away. She dropped her head as she dropped from sight from Julie. God, did she hate doing that.

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

Nikita sits at her desk, in the newly cleaned and rearranged office, with Mylo and Julie sitting infront of her. Michael sits in the corner, watching Nikita act like Madeline.

"How are you two sleeping?" Nikita asks softly. She knows from the tapes, that neither have been sleeping well, and one night they stole away in Mylo's room.

"Fine." Julie responds.

"It sucks!" Mylo responds.

Nikita sits back as the two start to talk between each other. Julie looks at Mylo with surprize.

"You said you were sleeping fine to me yesterday!" Julie says firmly. Mylo looks straight at Julie.

"And you said the only way you can sleep all the way through the night was if I was holding you!" Mylo reacts with mild anger. Nikita looks at Michael and smiles. Michael returns the gesture.

"BEEP....BEEP....BEEP...."

Nikita looks at Michael and moves to the back of the office. She looks at the screen and turns white.

"Sorry, but we are going to have to continue this later." Nikita suddenly says as she breaks the conversation between Mylo and Julie. Michael stands up and walks towards his desk.

"Go have dinner together.. we will turn off the cameras in Julie's room tonight." Michael says with a gentle wink. The two hurry out of the room.

Nikita turns off the beeping sound and looks down at the screen.

"What is it?" Michael asks looking down at what Nikita is looking at.

"And S.O.S." Nikita says as she walks over to her computer and calls for Birkoff and Walter to come to the office.

"From whom?" Michael asks firmly. Nikita smiles nervously.

"Rita... I set this up just in case..." Nikita says softly and Birkoff enters.

"What's up, 'Kita?" Birkoff says. Nikita motions him over to where she is standing.

"Can you track this?" Nikita says pointing down at the screen. Birkoff rubs his hands together and smiles.

"No problem!" Birkoff says with a chuckle. Walter walks in and looks at the activity.

"Rita SOS?" Walter asks looking at Nikita. Nikita shakes her head yes and moves towards the door.

"I'll help Birkey..." Walter says walking over to Birkoff. Michael moves to the side and watches Nikita walk out of the door.

"Aren't you coming?" Nikita asks as she pokes her head back around the door.

"Where?" Michael asks, still trying to absorb the information.

"Madeline." Nikita says, and her head disappears.

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

Nikita walks into Madeline's office with Michael not far behind. Madeline puts a hand towards Nikita, motioning for her to be quiet.

"But that is about Rick and Rita..." Nikita gently protests as Madeline 'sshh's her. Madeline continues to read.

"Madeline, whatever it is, if it isn't from Hong Kong.. it doesn't matter!" Nikita protests and Michael steps up to the desk.

"HOW DOES SHE KNOW THIS ALREADY!" Madeline says loudly to Michael's face as she pushes the computer off.

"I gave Rita a tracking device, very cleverly hidden..." Nikita starts to explain. Madeline stands up and stares at Nikita.

"Walter is in on this?" Madeline asks and Nikita does not have to nod yes. Madeline turns back to her desk, ready to call in Walter.

"He is in our office with Birkoff, already trying to track the signal." Michael informs Madeline before she calls. She pulls her hand up from the desk and stares at the two.

"You two are not in charge of Section, yet." Madeline says as she sits back down.

"Just in charge of our material." Michael shots back before Nikita could.

"What was their mission?" Nikita asks as she moves closer in on Madeline. Madeline bites her lip.

"You can learn all that on the plane trip." Madeline says with a harsh release of air. Nikita moves towards the instant packed bags and picks up hers and Michael's.

"Alone?" Nikita asks seriously. Madeline shakes her head no.

"Your new material will go with you. Mylo and Julie are very good individual operatives and they won't be needed to be a couple in this situation." Madeline says as she beeps for all parties involved to head towards the van dock.

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

"Upper level drug dealers... arm dealers.... It's the same every time." Nikita says as she closes the laptop computer.

Michael sits next to her on the airplane.

"They have Rick and Rita, so they will be expecting us." Michael softly whispers into Nikita's ear. Nikita looks back at Michael and smiles.

"No, not expecting us... expecting them." Nikita says nodding her head in the direction of the napping Mylo and Julie.

"It's asking a lot of such a young duo." Michael says softly as he leans closer to Nikita's body.

"All they are is providing a cover... it's you and me buckaroo!" Nikita laughs lightly.

"I wish we could have brought more of our own backup." Michael whispers softly as his lips graze over Nikita's cheek.

"Hong Kong will be able to give us enough back up." Nikita says smoothly as she stares into Michael's glowing eyes.

"I take Rick... you take Rita." Michael slowly mouths and Nikita nods. Michael kisses Nikita in a slow and romantic kiss and the two drift to sleep.

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

Nikita and Michael stand in a bunch of bushes listening to Mylo and Julie working from inside the house. They hear them talking to the target, and the two sneak out into the yard, staying in the shadows and watching for guards.

"Remember Mylo and Julie.. when the explosion happens get the hell out!" Nikita softly reminds the two as they set the charge in a little boathouse.

Michael looks at Nikita and the two cover their faces together as the explosion rocks the ground. The rubble still falls from the sky as they enter the building. A guard runs towards the door, and Michael smoothly grabs the guard by the neck, and proceeds to snap his neck. Nikita runs ahead, shooting another guard as she peaks around a corner. She waves back for Michael. He runs to her and then past her. He moves to the door, which the signal has been coming from. Michael tries by himself to kick it in, and when unsuccessful, Nikita joins him.

"One.. two.. three" the two say together and the door easily crumbles under their combined force.

Nikita slides back towards the wall as Michael drops to the floor. Michael looks up and kills the guard infront of him and Nikita kills the guard off to the left. The enter and see Rick and Rita tied up in a cage.

"You're clear." Rick says through is broken jaw. Michael takes the key off of the guard and opens the cage. Soon, both operatives are released. Rita is in the worst condition.

Nikita goes to take Rita, and Michael shakes his head.

"Take Rick..." Michael says and Nikita goes to Rick, who is standing with his own strength.

They start out. Nikita in the front as planned. She shoots three more guards before Michael stands even with her.

"I'll take the lead." Michael says. Rita moans something and grabs for Michael's spare gun. They move out in the shadows. Nikita turns the corner to see the pair shooting and then Rita getting shot. Nikita and Rick come out of the building and shot and kill the guards. Michael picks up the limp Rita and starts running.

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

Michael slowly puts Rita down on the bench and then looks around the van for Mylo and Julie.

"Mylo.. Julie... report.. report..." Nikita calls out over the com units.

"Little hairy here..." Mylo says in a frantic voice.

"Where?" Nikita asks as she picks up a fresh gun.

"Over by the retaining wall..." Julie mutters. Nikita starts running.

"Get against the wall now...." Nikita yells as she heaves an explosive ball well over the wall. The explosion set off and the two scurry over the wall and run with Nikita back to the van.

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

(lyrics.. "Take a Bow" Madonna)

Nikita stands up and walks away from Rita's suffering body. Nikita looks at Michael and shakes her head no.

TAKE A BOW...
THE NIGHT IS OVER...

Rick moves in close to Rita, smoothing her hair away from her sweating face. He gently places a kiss on her forehead.

THIS MASQUERADE IS GETTING OLDER...
LIGHTS ARE LOW...
THE CURTAINS ARE DOWN...

Nikita pulls away from Michael. He looks over at Mylo and Julie who are staring at the scene in front of them. Michael motions them away.

THERE'S NO ONE HERE...
(THERE'S NO ONE HERE IN THE CROWD)...

Nikita touches Rick's shoulder and he stands up. He walks to the corner and Nikita turns her back to Rita.

"Better say goodbye." Nikita says softly. She takes a deep breath as she watches Rick crumble into her shoulder.

SAY YOUR LINES...
BUT DO YOU FEEL THEM...
DO YOU MEAN WHAT YOU SAY...
WHEN THERE'S NO ONE AROUND...

Rick pulls away from Nikita and goes back to Rita. Her eyes struggle to say open as each breath brings and enormous wheeze.

"Rita.. I love you." Rick says as he touches her neck.

WATCHING YOU, WATCHING ME...
ONE LONELY STAR...
(ONE LONELY STAR YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE)...

Michael looks on at Nikita, who is standing strongly in the corner. Michael closes his eyes as he hears Rick's voice, straining not to choke up.

"There has only been you..." Rick says as Rita touches his hand back.

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH YOU...
I GUESS YOU'VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT'S TRUE...
YOU TOOK MY LOVE FOR GRANTED WHY OH WHY...
THE SHOW IS OVER SAY GOOD-BYE...
SAY GOOD-BYE, SAY GOOD-BYE...

"Rick..." Rita struggles to say and Nikita takes a deep breath, trying to maintain her composure.

"Rick... just hold me till goodbye." Rita says and her hand lets go, but her eyes still move with his.

MAKE THEM LAUGH...
IT COMES SO EASY..
WHEN YOU GET TO THE PART... WHERE YOU'RE BREAKING MY HEART...

"Rita.. I can't live without you... I just won't..." Rick cries out as he watches Rita slip further and further away. He clutches her shoulders and hugs her. His head on the wound in her chest. She struggles to breathe and he lifts up.

HIDE BEHIND YOUR SMILE...
ALL THE WORLD LOVES A CLOWN...
(JUST MAKE 'EM SMILE THE WHOLE WORLD LOVES A CLOWN)...

Michael moves to Nikita and hugs her from behind. His hands hold around her waist as the van bounces violently.

"Rita... You are everything...to me.." Rick cries out as tears roll down his cheeks quickly. Rita smiles up at him and touches one of the tears.

Nikita looks away and sees Mylo and Julie crying.

WISH YOU WELL...
I CANNOT STAY...
YOU DESERVE AN AWARD..
FOR THE ROLE YOU PLAYED...

"Stay..." Rick begs as her hand falls limply.

"Off to a better place..." Rita whispers lightly. Her eyes flutter closed and then back open.

NO MORE MASQUERADE...
YOU'RE ONE LONELY STAR...
(ONE LONELY STAR AND YOU DON'T KNOW WHO YOU ARE)

Rick nods his head and looks at Rita's labored breaths. "Go... go to that better place." Rick says softly.

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH YOU...
I GUESS YOU'VE ALWAYS KNOW IT'S TRUE..
YOU TOOK MY LOVE FOR GRANTED WHY OH WHY..
THE SHOW IS OVER, SAY GOODBYE
SAY GOODBYE, SAY GOODBYE...

Rita smiles and closes her eyes. One last breath in and the air runs out. Rick tumble over in grief, sobbing into her chest.

ALL THE WORLD IS A STAGE...
AND EVERYONE HAS THEIR PART... HOW WAS I TO KNOW...
WHICH WAY THE STORY'D GO..
HOW WAS I TO KNOW YOU'D BREAK...
YOU'D BREAK, YOU'D BREAK, YOU'D BREAK...
YOU'D BREAK MY HEART...

"I'll join you soon my love..." Rick mutters into her chest as Nikita moves to him. The van stops and is rushed. Michael shakes his head no and all movement stops.

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN IN LOVE WITH YOU...
I GUESS YOU'VE ALWAYS KNOWN IT'S TRUE...

Rick carries Rita's body out of the van. Michael holds Nikita as she finally cries.

YOU TOOK MY LOVE FOR GRANTED WHY OH WHY...
THE SHOW IS OVER, SAY GOODBYE...
SAY GOODBYE... SAY GOODBYE...

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

Nikita sits on the airplane away from everyone else. No one has spoken since they left the van. Madeline ordered them back immediately, and Nikita left quickly.

"Phone, Nikita." Michael says softly as he hands it to her.

"Yes." Nikita says. She listens and nods her head.

"I expected so." Nikita says and hands the phone back to Michael. Michael looks at her and trembles with the coldness in her face.

"Rick took his life.. bullet through the heart." Nikita says without looking at Michael.

"OH, 'Kita!" Michael says immediately as he grabs down and hugs her.

"No... we should have stuck with the plan." Nikita snaps as she pulls away from Michael.

"Nikita, we can't change anything." Michael protests as he sits down next to her.

"We had a plan... You took Rita... Rita died.. and then Rick did... YOU! YOU!" Nikita screams and jumps over Michael's legs.

Michael follows Nikita, who is now standing near Mylo and Julie.

"Rick just killed himself." Nikita informs them. Michael starts to pull her away. "They need to know what they are getting themselves into."

Michael steps away shaking his head as he goes and stare out a window at the clouds below.

"You will become attached in ways you never expected... will be able to know your partner without a sound or a touch...." Nikita speaks as her voice trembles.

"Nikita! Enough!" Michael says firmly looking up from the clouds.

"Nothing is ever enough!" Nikita spins around and looks at Michael. "I have nothing left for you... I've given my heart...

I've given my damn soul... and I want them to know that the only person that can hurt them are themselves!" Nikita says firmly and walks away.

Mylo and Julie look at each other and then at Michael. Michael watches Nikita from his standing position, not moving once.

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

Nikita walks into Section and makes a direct line to Madeline's office. She opens the door and sits down.

"Nikita, undoubtly this has been a difficult mission." Madeline says in an empathic voice.

"I didn't come here about that." Nikita says in an uniformed voice. Madeline looks at Nikita and blinks her eyes. "I want the three month position at the Retreat." Nikita says without blinking.

"That is a one person appointment. I can't send both you and Michael." Madeline says with a soft smile.

"I wasn't talking for Michael. I want to go." Nikita continues in the uniformed voice.

"Take some time, think this over." Madeline says as she looks at the young woman.

"It will be the same tomorrow and the day after." Nikita says as her voice slightly raises with anger.

"Nikita, three months is a long time for a married couple." Madeline says and then bites her lips, wishing she had not said that last part.

"Section married us.. not that we chose it.. and in our minds.. no way are we married." Nikita says defensively.

"Give me a real reason why. Are you trying to escape what just happened? Is this back to Operations? Or are you escaping Michael?" Madeline challenges Nikita.

"Mylo and Julie are schedule to go up, and there are several couples from other substations there. It would only make sense that one of your original members trains them." Nikita says methodically.

"I have thought of that... but with you and Michael together... You aren't blaming Michael for this?" Madeline says. Nikita jumps up and walks to Madeline.

"I want the position. If you won't, I'll tell Operations of my want." Nikita says coldly. She turns and is almost out of the door when Madeline yells out.

"Michael is going to hate this!"

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