The halls were quiet as Operations arrived in the early morning. It was his hope to be unnoticed in his arrival, because his trip back to Headquarters was not because of want or because of desire. This trip was because of the need.

Only a week prior, he had done the similar, as Madeline took the troops out to a mall for a mission. Operations walks down the halls quietly, knowing that his need this time was a bit larger than the Mall Mission.

There was two operatives on station at the computers, but Operations did not luck out, Birkoff was one of the two.

"Sir, what are you doing back so soon?" Birkoff asks as he looks up from his computer and sees the tired head of Section One walking towardst the computers.

"Who is this?" Operations asks, pointing to the man on the computer next to Birkoff.

"This Tim... he has transferred from Housekeeping after some cross-training." Birkoff says, forgetting that Operations has lost contact with Headquarters.

"Better train your people better, Birkoff. Is Madeline up?" Operations asks as he continues to walk, never stopping.

"She went up to your office about a half hour ago." Birkoff informs Operations, and he immediately heads that way.

Operations looks at his watch as the lights are turned on brighter. Right on time, at 6 o'clock, the lights brightened as they were suppose too. Section One's Headquarters now seem to be running quite well with Madeline at the helm.

"Operations?" Nikita calls out in surprize as she walks right towards him.

"Hello, Nikita." Operations says in the short curt voice, that Nikita had come to expect. Nothing had changed between the father and daughter.

"How is Stephen?" Nikita asks immediately, knowing who was Operation's priority.

"He has hit a standing still place, but we have thought of sending him out on a mission or two." Operations says as he continues to walk. Nikita now turns her directions and moves with Operations.

"Maybe you are here then to spend sometime with Anna?" Nikita asks with a raised eyebrow.

"I have other business." Operations says as he picks up his pace.

"It's good to see that you view your daughter as business." Nikita digs in and moves in the other direction before Operations could comment back.

Operations tries to push the comment out of his head as he enters the office, but now he was dealing with the queen of manipulation and not the little princess.

"Madeline." Operations says as he sits down and lays the disk on the desk.

"Why the visit? Which kid is it this time?" Madeline asks firmly.

Operations stares at Madeline, and can not believe that both Nikita and Madeline have been able to hit his nerves within a five minute interval.

"I will not enjoy being you in this one." Operations says, and Madeline raises her eyebrows. "Just read the intel on the disk."

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

"I don't like this." Madeline says standing up from the computer, with anger showing on her cheeks.

"I could only rely on you to retrieve the information that we need." Operations says firmly.

"This is using me to get to the information that Michael and Nikita have probably long forgotten." Madeline says firmly as she pulls the disk out of the computer in a sharp snap.

"You are our best." Operations says firmly.

"But yet, you sent Stephen away from me... who is he working with, Ayn?" Madeline fires back with knowledge that she already knows the answer to.

"Michael and Nikita would naturally fight Ayn. I hope to make this easy on those two by using you." Operations says standing up and moving to the window.

"I doubt they remember anything from that mission. You can't forget that both suffered concussions, Michael's being the worse." Madeline fires back as she head to the window to see that Operations has gone back to watching Nikita from above.

"They have the information... start with a traditional manner, but we need to find out if LECDER is the same as Red Cell." Operations says turning to Madeline. Madeline blinks her eyes and concentrates.

"They will not like this... may even fight me on this..." Madeline protests. Operations shrugs his shoulders.

"Do you have another way to find out this information? Was there someone else in that cell with them?" Operations challenges.

"Some of these methods to retrace this knowledge will drudge up more than the intel we need... stuff that we just barely got them past before." Madeline continues to fight to stop this move of insanity on Operations part.

"We have no choice." Operations says firmly sitting back down behind his desk.

"We always have choices!" Madeline screams. Her eyes feel like they are going to explode and she pounds the desk.

"Madeline, this is an order." Operation says and waves her out of the door. Madeline opens her mouth to protest, but just leaves. Just outside the door, she leans against the wall, almost on the verge of a panic attack. She had been ordered to psychologically twist the minds of the two operatives that she had personally become attached too.

Suddenly, Madeline realizes, that she is still receiving tests. She stalks back to her office, determined to find the easiest way to extract this intel that Operations demanded.

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

Nikita and Michael sat inside the newly remodeled room. It is all white, nothing else. The chairs, the table, the computer, the doornob, and all other items, were all snow white.

Madeline enters in her black outfit, and other than Nikita, everything is either black or white.

Nikita turns her head a little bit as Madeline sits down, without locking eyes with either Michael or Nikita.

"Madeline, something is troubling you." Nikita says plainly. At that statement, Madeline looks up at Nikita, and Nikita knows that she has hit the truth.

"I am here to discuss a situation we must handle." Madeline says folding her hands infront of her.

"Why this room?" Michael asks crystal clear.

"We have recieved rumors that LECDER and Red Cell are being run by the same man, which makes it a very dangerous situation." Madeline proceeds without listening to Michael's question.

"Madeline, what does this have to do with us?" Nikita asks, shifting her weight in her chair.

"You and Michael, when captured may have been tortured by him. We have gone through those tapes, and the torture used on you there was similar to what Red Cell has used in the pass." Madeline says firmly, but keeping her eyes away from the couple.

"And you have to pick our brains." Nikita says coldly. Madeline looks up, and realizes that beating around the bush with Nikita was no good.

"Yes." Madeline says.

"I don't remember anything but being pulled up by my feet and getting kicked.. and climbing out a window.... I guess you'll be using different methods." Nikita says sharply.

"I was hoping that the two of you could piece more of it together." Madeline says, starting to tap her foot nervously. Nikita's knowledge is throwing her normal balance off.

"Madeline, we both suffered extreme torture.. we both had concussions... I can piece together a timeline, but I don't remember faces." Michael says very slowly.

"Madeline, you and I both know that since such a great time has passed, that conventional won't work, and all other methods yield many different reactions." Nikita says smartly as she stands up and leans against the white wall.

"Nikita, this is not my choice." Madeline admits and Michael turns his head in surprize.

"It's not?" Michael asks, and is shocked when Madeline admits it again. "Then who's is it?" Michael demands.

"My father's orders... correct?" Nikita says as she leans over the table. Nikita looks into Madeline's eyes, and Michael is stunned when Madeline begins to tremble.

"Yes." Madeline says in a short gasp. Nikita turns and closes her eyes.

"Now, Madeline the question is who do you start with first." Nikita says as she turns back around. Michael grabs Nikita's arm and pulls her down to her seat.

"It will be me." Michael says as he stands up. Nikita looks at Madeline.

"Michael, it isn't." Nikita says as she stands up. Michael looks down at Madeline and holds his hands back in anger.

"Nikita is right. First, your concussion was worse... and Nikita is fundamentally emotional, and hopefully will be easier to trigger." Madeline says.

"But it also means that it can emotionally play with her." Michael protests.

"Michael, it must be done." Nikita says as she sits back down. Michael looks at the two ladies and shakes his head.

"There must be other ways.. get into the computers... attack the headquarters..." Michael says as Madeline touches his arm.

"The best way is to just start... one for Nikita, one for you... one for Nikita.. one for you... and ultimately, if it has gone too far.. I expect you to punch me out." Madeline says as she walks Michael to the door, and pushes a button for the first machine to be placed into the room.

Michael looks through the window as Madeline straps Nikita in.

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

Madeline walks into Operations office, and it is like he has not been gone for months. Yet, it is like he has brought some of the Moscow coldness back with him.

"Why aren't you pushing them? I needed this information yesterday!" Operations hisses.

"Then assign someone else... I cannot take this." Madeline says firmly. Operations shakes his head as he turns on the screen.

"You could have pushed this Durvant's Rapid Eye Movement Recognition test further..." Operations says pushing the screen over to Madeline to view.

On the screen, Nikita is wearing a pair of video screens. She is sweating, and thrashing about.

Madeline had entered in pictures that were suggested, pictures of people that Nikita had an attachment too. Yet, Madeline kept some out of the video.

"NO!!!! NO!!!! NOT RITA!!!!" Nikita screams.

"Rita wasn't even one of the pictures that was shown to her. I think it proves how well Nikita has been able to maintain a stable life, and how unstable she could become if we continue." Madeline says pushing the screen back to Operations.

"I need you to continue. Now. No more breaks until we have the information we need." Operations says.

"And what if the man is different?" Madeline challenges.

"Then we know that the rumors are false." Operations dismisses quickly.

*

Madeline helps Nikita down into a chair. Nikita looks straight ahead, knowing that Michael will come along soon to watch.

"Madeline, I know you held back. You can't protect me." Nikita says as Madeline pulls on the leather restraints on the arms.

"Nikita... you understand that any of these can create you into an emotional monster... or put you in a state like Stephen." Madeline says as she steps back.

"I won't be like Stephen.. no one loved him." Nikita says firmly back. Madeline pats her cheek lightly.

"Nikita, it is not often that I am uncomfortable doing something, but, this makes me more than uncomfortable." Madeline says as she checks Nikita's chair.

"Is that because it is me and Michael, or because it is dangerous?" Nikita challenges Madeline.

"It's both, especially for you, Nikita, it is extremely dangerous." Madeline says as she pulls down the helmet.

"If I can remember the knowledge, I wish it would come out... but some memories are just gone.. gone like the wind." Nikita says.

"Let's hope for you and Michael that they aren't gone with the wind." Madeline says as she touches Nikita's hands before she turns and leaves the room.

"You know the drill." Madeline says into the microphone, and the room goes dark.

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

Michael walks over to Madeline as she looks into the darkened room. She feels Michael sit down next to her as she pushes the button to start.

"This will introduce her mind to some images we hope to bring memories back... it is more complex than just the pictures." Madeline softly explains as she watches the screen.

"Nikita explained it to me, that it contains sounds, smells, dreams... anything to draw a response." Michael says as he looks into the room.

Then they sit in silence and watch the line on the right of the panel go from red to green. Madeline stands up and walks to the microphone.

"Nikita... tell me about the mission you and Michael were captured by LECDER." Madeline says into the microphone.

Nikita's head stands perfectly still, like nothing is happening. Her fingers twitch lightly.

"We planned to be captured.. walking down the street like a happy couple..." Nikita starts, and she describes every little detail.

"Nikita, would call that avoidance." Michael says as he twists his hands together.

"Nikita... into the cell.. can you tell me anything?" Madeline says, trying to move along the process.

"Bars.. Michael was there.." Nikita says, and her head starts to move. Madeline jots down the computer position when she started to move her head. "They beat me... ribs... over and over and over..." Nikita says, starting to fight the restraints.

"Nikita, the men from LECDER, who was it?" Madeline says softly, and Michael takes a deep breathe.

"More and more each time... they threw me against the bar the first time.. and then they pulled me up by my feet.. and kicked.. and kicked.. and Michael told me to abort sooner... sooner.." Nikita says in broken speech as her head moves slowly.

"Nikita, who hurt you?" Madeline asks. Michael looks at Madeline, and holds his breathe.

"Mom? What are you doing here?" Nikita calls out. Madeline watches Michael jump up and hold his hands against the window. "Mom.. I hate you.. I hate you... why did you die before I could tell you I loved you... you always have to win.. always have to make me feel guilty... make me feel like the loser!" Nikita calls out, as she thrashes around in the chair more.

"Madeline, do something." Michael says tensely as he sees Nikita's movements.

"Nikita, focus... back in the cell..." Madeline says, but Nikita continues on, barely hearing Madeline.

"D.N.A. all you are is DNA!!! You aren't father! I hate you! I hate you!... You have to be lying.. no.. I don't want you.. please no.. this is a nightmare!" Nikita screams out and Madeline closes her eyes.

"Stop the session, Madeline." Michael says as he looks intensely into Madeline's eyes.

"It would cause more harm than good now Michael." Madeline says.

"MICHAEL!!!! HELP ME!!! HELP ME!!! MICHAEL!!!!" Nikita screams as she pushes her one leg out of the restraint. "They drugged me.. they drugged me... Oh Michael... our baby.. gone... Michael! Michael!" Nikita screams in blood curdling screams.

"Nikita, focus... now... good... take a deep breath." Madeline says slowly.

"NO... don't beat him... beat me... OWWW OWWWWW Kicking me.. kicking me..." Nikita says as her head rolls around. Michael stares at Madeline, and watches her movements.

"Nikita... I need you to breath.. Nikita, you know about this session... calm down... Nikita.. focus.." Madeline says more frantic than before. Nikita's body now pantamines the abuse of the capture as it is restrainted down.

"AAAAAAWWWWWWHHHHH!!!!! Just kill me! Just kill me! If it wasn't for you Michael.. I'd Kill myself!! NO more... rib.. rib... breaking... swolen!! AWWWWWWWWWWHHHHWWWWHHHH!" Nikita screams and suddenly her head drops to her chest.

"Nikita? Nikita?" Madeline says into the microphone, but gets no response. Before Madeline can nod her head, Michael bounds into the room, and pulls the helmet off of Nikita's head.

"Nikita... it's ok.. I'm here.." Michael says he rubs her tear stained and sweat covered cheek. He reaches down with his other hand and undoes the restraints.

"Pain... can hardly.. breath..." Nikita says in gasps, and takes one of her hands and covers her ribs. Michael glares at Madeline, and picks Nikita up in her limp state in his arms.

"To my quarters." Madeline demands. She walks with Michael and Nikita. Nikita falls asleep quickly once in Michael's arms. Madeline looks at Michael.

"Michael, when did Nikita tell you that.. if it wasn't for you she would kill herself?" Madeline questions as she opens her door to the quarters.

"She didn't tell me. Nikita, thought it was me.. but she said it to Operations right before he left to go back to Moscow." Michael says, as Madeline turns down her bed. Michael places her in, and fetches a towel to rub Nikita's raw burns on her arms and legs. Michael is so busy with Nikita, that he does not notice that Madeline has left.

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

Madeline walked into Operations office and slammed the door. She walks over to the desk, and instantly the windows of the great glass office darken. Birkoff looks up and looks around. He stands up and starts to push his desk away from underneath the window.

"Ok.. don't move if you don't want to... but I will not help any of you pick glass away from your computers." Birkoff says as the operatives stare at him in disbelief.

"I want you to leave now." Madeline says firmly as she looks at Operations.

"I won't leave until I have the intel." Operations says, standing up.

"You should have told me why you left so quickly when you were watching Michael and Nikita!" Madeline screams as she looks at Operations, ready to pummel him with punches.

"I left because they had healed and Stephen needed me." Operations says in defense.

"Really? Or was it that Nikita, on her pain medications, admitted that she would kill herself if it wasn't for Michael.. and that she can't believe that her father continually put her in positions to hurt her with not a thought!" Madeline fires back as she looks at Operations.

Operations, made with Madeline's outburst, slams the screen down on his laptop computer. "This is uncalled for Madeline!" Operations screams.

"Uncalled for.. that information could have destroyed Nikita.. and for all I know... may set her back, I don't know how far! You don't play with the minds.. that is my job.. You don't hide anything from me.. anything!" Madeline screams.

"And how can you make sure I do that? You have nothing on me!" Operations yells back. Madeline takes the computer that Operations is about to open back up and heaves it out the window.

Birkoff looks back as the operatives look in disbelief the curtain of glass that now covers them. Birkoff looks up and instantly hears the fight insuing in the office.

"I have plenty on you! I know more about you than you do! I know your kids and were they are.. and there are some you don't even know about!" Madeline fires back. "You'll never know them as long as you treat the kids you already know the way you do now.. No reason to distroy their lives also, like you almost distroyed Nikita's tonight!" Madeline yells as she stomps towards the door.

"How is Nikita?" Operations asks in a soft voice.

"Emotional jello!" Madeline says coldly and walks out of the office. Before Madeline can hit the main floor, the maintence man is there, cleaning up the glass, and Birkoff has made an escape to Walter's work area.

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

Birkoff closes the door to Walter's workspace as he enters. Walter doesn't notice the man, and drops his head into his hands.

"Walter, is it that bad?" Birkoff says, and Walter jumps in instinct.

"Don't do that again, Birkoff!" Walter says with a smiles as he turns. "Now, what are you talking about?"

"Walter, we all know. 'Kita." Birkoff says. Walter moves to the windows and shuts all of the blinds.

"What do you know?" Walter questions. Birkoff sits down.

"Madeline threw a computer out of Operations window... and then screamed about how she knows about all of his children, even children he doesn't know about..." Birkoff starts off, and Walter cannot help himself from laughing.

"Another window? Did you get a shower of glass?" Walter asks Birkoff.

"No. Once I saw Madeline so visibly upset, I moved my desk, knowing something was going to fly through that window." Birkoff says proudly.

"Anything else?" Walter asks, now more serious.

"Madeline discribed Nikita as emotional jello." Birkoff says in a grave voice. Walter bites his lower lip lightly.

"Man, Nikita didn't seem that bad... but the best thing was that she immediately went to sleep." Walter says as he tries to comfort Birkoff.

"So, she'll be ok?" Birkoff asks.

"Birkoff, have you ever known 'Kita to not be ok.. at least in time, she has healed with everything that has been thrown at her." Walter says gently.

"Everyone has their point." Birkoff says back.

"Nikita is no where near it. Don't worry, with Madeline and Michael... she'll be fine." Walter says. "Hey, I have Anna.. want to take her to Pizza-De-Lights?" Walter asks.

"Sure... is that the place with the mouse?" Birkoff asks.

"No, the place with the dog... " Walter says as he pulls his jacket up from the chair.

*

Madeline walks into her quarters and immediately sees Michael laying in bed, holding Nikita.

Madeline walks into the room, and Michael looks up.

"She went to sleep..... barely was up at all." Michael says as he holds her wrist lightly, right near the leather burn.

"That was for the best." Madeline says softly. She sits down on the bed, on Nikita's side and strokes her hair lightly. "I have to admit to you, sometimes I feel like her mother."

"We both know that." Michael says with a half smile.

"Operations will not accept that I cannot retrieve the knowledge.... I don't think I could do this to you.. it would be better for me to work on just Nikita." Madeline says slowly. Michael nods his head.

"I'm sure Nikita would understand." Michael says with a large yawn.

"You both need your sleep." Madeline says standing up.

"Were will you sleep?" Michael asks.

"I am going to stay at a hotel.. away from Section. I need to." Madeline says as she walks out of the room.

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

Michael stretches his arms and then opens his eyes. He quickly looks around, and finds Nikita no where in the bed. He sits up in the bed quickly.

"Nikita?" Michael calls out softly, trying not to worry quite yet. He slides out of the bed, and instantly sees the light in Madeline's living room on. He heads in that direction immediately.

Nikita looks from the bookcase and smiles when Michael enters.

"Good morning Michael." Nikita says in a bubbly voice as she sees Michael. She continues to hold a book and walks to Michael. She kisses him quickly and then proceeds into the little kitchen.

"Nikita? Are you ok?" Michael questions as he follows her.

"Why wouldn't I?" Nikita questions as she pulls out some orange juice.

"Yesterday... and Madeline...." Michael says softly, wondering if Nikita even remembered.

"Oh, that? I'm fine. I actually have an idea for Madeline to try to squeeze this information out of my head." Nikita says pointing to the book that she has placed on the counter.

"Reading a book won't find the answer, Nikita." Michael says, and then the two stop as Madeline walks into the quarters.

"Do you want some orange juice?" Nikita asks Madeline, and Madeline is immediately relieved.

"No, I ate out." Madeline says as she moves to the counter. Nikita continues to make the small breakfast for her and Michael as Michael grabs Madeline's arm.

"Is this normal?" Michael questions in a hushed tone. Madeline just continues to smile.

"Yes, Michael it is normal... emotional play-do right afterwards, and after eight hours of snuggling with you... all fine!" Nikita says as she pulls out some toast.

Michael looks at Nikita, and takes the toast. He takes a bite and shakes his head in the same movement.

"Madeline, maybe we could try something not so machine produced... to give you a bite more control." Nikita says as she moves over to Michael and sits on his lap.

"Nikita, what are you talking about?" Madeline asks as she watches Nikita kiss Michael and eat some.

"Hypnosis...why can't we use hypnosis?" Nikita asks as she points to the book.

"Operations doesn't deem that as an effective way to extract information." Madeline says, rolling her eyes.

"Since when have you listen to Operations... it may be the only way to get this information.... playing with my unconscious mind instead of a partial conscious mind." Nikita says with a bright smile. Madeline grabs the book and walks out quickly.

"My office, two hours." Madeline says. Nikita smiles and kisses Michael.

"I'm glad we are going back to her office and not that awful room." Nikita says as she walks away from Michael. Michael shakes his head, still feeling partially confused and partially relieved.

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

Nikita sits indian style in one of the chairs in Madeline's office. Madeline is sitting facing Nikita, and Michael stays in the corner. Nikita's blue eyes are closed lightly, and she takes slowly, deep breathes.

"Nikita... you are in a relaxed, deep trance... can you go back to the mission with Michael, were you planned your capture?" Madeline says in a very slow meter.

"After we were hit over the heads... I only remember waking up in the cell..." Nikita says slowly.

"Nikita, men came into the cell to torture you... what did they look like?" Madeline asks softly.

"Angry... dressed in black... throwing me into the bars... hitting hard on the cold floor... below." Nikita says near whispers. Madeline looks at Michael and sighs barely.

Michael nods his head and Madeline looks back.

"Ask her about when they were going to burn my hands... if she noticed the men, she noticed them then." Michael whispers.

"Nikita... the men who were going to burn Michael's hands... do you remember them?" Madeline asks.

"They were the same ones who... who.. kicked me.. with their boots... hanging upside down.... same men." Nikita says, as she eyes start to tighten.

"Nikita, did you see any of them?" Madeline asks.

"Yes." Nikita answers.

"Nikita.. you are still in a trance.. I want you to open your eyes and use the computer to draw their pictures... ok, in a count of three... one.. two...three.." Madeline says. Nikita opens her eyes and looks at the computer, which has been placed on the program for composite drawing.

"Which one?" Nikita questions softly, still in a dreamy voice.

"Can you remember the leader?" Madeline says. Nikita nods her head, and begins to draw the picture. Madeline knows within three minutes that the two leaders are not the same. They may be brothers, but are not the same man.

Michael moves over to see the picture and instant recognition happens.

"That's him." Michael says softly. Madeline nods her head, and allows Nikita to put the finishing touches on, which even included a mole on the left eyebrow.

"Nikita.. I want you to take a deep breathe.. in.... out... I'm going to count to three, and you will come out of the trance... one... two.. three..." Madeline says. Nikita opens her eyes and blinks.

"Did it work?" Nikita asks. For Madeline has hidden the screen, and now she turns it back to Nikita's view. "My god, that's him!" Nikita calls out. Madeline looks at Michael, who goes to hug Nikita.

"I must go see Operations." Madeline says with a slight smile on her face.

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

Madeline walks down the hall behind Operations as he moves to the transport area. Madeline watches his every move very carefully.

"Madeline, I want you to understand, that I only did that for the information." Operations says as he turns and looks at Madeline.

"You have it, now leave." Madeline says as she continues to walk forward, not looking at Operations' face at all.

"We should be relieved that it is two separate leaders." Operations forces out.

"We should be relieved that you are leaving, now." Madeline says coldly.

"Madeline, this is my headquarters..." Operations says firmly.

"And I know your kids..." Madeline says with a knowing smile. She looks at him. She raises her foot, and places the three inch heel into the soft part of his shoe, and pushes down. "You won't come back, until you show something more than ruthlessness. There is no wonder why Stephen hasn't healed quicker." Madeline says, and pulls her foot up.

"Where are Nikita and Michael? I wanted to talk to them, explain things." Operations says as he starts to walk down the hall, backwards.

"I sent them on a mission." Madeline says in the same tone as she continues to walk just behind him.

"Then how can I prove myself?" Operations asks, almost turning back around.

"Get Anna to know you, then we'll talk." Madeline says firmly and turns and leaves.

Operations steps into the transport, and is soon off to Moscow.

end

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