*************
" Hold her down." Dr. Bennet says as he starts to move the machine around. Nikita starts to struggle again.
" I DON't WANT IT!" Nikita screams and Dr. Bennet walks to Nikita's head.
" Nikita.. you will be able to see your baby on the screen. Ok.. you will be able to see it with your own eyes." Dr. Bennet says and Nikita shakes her head.
" I DON'T WANT TO SEE IT WITHOUT MICHAEL!" Nikita screams out and Dr. Bennet looks at Nikita as she frees her hand and punches him in the nose. Within seconds, Jonathan hands the phone to Melissa and holds down Nikita's arm.
" Wait!" Melissa calls out and grabs another blanket. She walks to Nikita's head.
" Cover your ears... You won't see it now." Melissa says as she raises the blanket and blocks the screen. Nikita covers her ears and instantly calms down. Now she will not be seeing her baby without Michael. Her image of what a pregnancy should be continues.
" This is going to be cold." Dr. Bennet says and Melissa lifts her head over the blanket.
" She can't hear you." Melissa says and the cold gel is placed on Nikita's stomach. Nikita now shuts her eyes and allows the tears to flow still.
Quickly the image jumps onto the screen and Operations takes his hands off of Nikita's knee. He moves to the screen and touches the screen.
" That is my grandchild." Operations says softly and Jonathan looks at Zachary with raised eyebrows.
" It seems to be safe for now. On the small side." Dr. Bennet says and Melissa pokes her head over the blanket again.
" Elana says too small.... she doesn't know how long Nikita is along." Melissa says relaying the message.
" From this.. I would say about a month." Dr. Bennet says and Melissa relays the information.
" Has anyone asked Nikita?" Melissa asks and looks at everyone. Dr. Bennet walks to the machine and is about to turn it off.
" I want a picture." Operations says and Dr. Bennet nods his head. He pushes the button and then turns the machine off. Melissa makes sure the screen is off and drops the blanket.
" Nikita..." Melissa says as she shakes her friend softly. Nikita's eyes open protectively, one by one, as Operations walks away with a picture of his grandchild.
" Nikita... how far along are you?" Melissa asks as Nikita unwraps her hands from around her head.
" Me and Michael only had sex after the blues mission." Nikita says softly and Jonathan looks at Nikita.
" That was well over two months ago." Jonathan says and Melissa hands the phone over to Dr. Bennet. Melissa leans down and smiles at Nikita.
" Your baby is healthy and safe." Melissa says as Nikita watches Dr. Bennet pace the room. He flips the phone down and walks to Nikita.
" We are going to put you back on the IV's so we can get some further nutrients into your body." Dr. Bennet says as he quickly places the IV line in Nikita's arm.
" We need you to eat, Nikita. Real textured food is what is best for this baby." Dr. Bennet says and he walks out of the room.
" I can get you something." Melissa says and Nikita looks at her.
" Can you find Operations... I need something to do to bring down Murdock." Nikita says as she pulls her body up. The fight had returned to her body and soul.
***********
" This computer is sidelinked and scrambled into Section One's computers. There is no way it can be traced, Birkoff is making sure when it is detected that it is lost in the files." Operations says as he shows the several computers linked to each other. Nikita nods her head as the IV fluids sit on her shoulder and flow into her.
" What do we know?" Nikita asks as she sits down. Operations turns on the screen for Nikita and ten locations show up.
" These are ten computers that we believe could have gotten into the system. We have to enter the computers and check every ounce of hard drive that is in it. It is time consuming and Birkoff is being called to do other jobs." Operations says and Nikita looks at the list.
" So, I hack into the computer, look at everything.. and?" Nikita asks and Operations smiles.
" Erase all of it. Don't waste time." Operations says and Nikita nods her head and begins to work. Operations walks to the kitchen to find Melissa throwing away a sandwich.
" She couldn't keep it down?" Operations asks and Melissa nods her head.
" I know this is confusing for you... but we are trying to protect everyone right now. To protect you, we can't allow you to learn to much. It has to be that way." Operations says and Melissa looks at Operations.
" Nikita has spoken about you... She doesn't like you." Melissa says and Operations sits down at the table.
" Melissa... When this mess is over, Nikita is going to tell Michael. Michael will have the chance to go through the pregnancy with Nikita. I never knew about Nikita until recently." Operations says and Melissa shakes her head.
" Why haven't you tried to reach out to her earlier?" Melissa questions and Operations sighs.
" It is complicated. But I have tried to watch over her." Operations says and Melissa shakes her head.
" I don't believe you. She hates you! And this transformation of crying on your shoulder and accepting your touch, is almost torture for her. After all of this... don't plan on becoming close to your grandchild. I can't see it happening." Melissa says as she walks out of the kitchen.
The door swings open and Nikita walks in. Operations looks at her and watches her as she walks to the cupboard and pulls out some graham crackers. Nikita slowly opens one and eats it. Nikita waits and then grabs the entire box and walks back to the computer.
Operations pulls out the picture of his grandchild and smiles. It has to be different.
***********
" Madeline.. have you heard anything about Nikita?" Michael asks as he walks into the office. Madeline looks up from her computer and stares at Michael. She looks down at her desk blotter and shakes her head. This time Michael was able to stay away for two hours.
" Michael, the status is the same as it was two hours ago." Madeline says as she folds her hands and stares at Michael. She was almost afraid that he would see through her lie. Madeline had received wonderful news and could not break a smile. It was the way of her life.
" Madeline... I am just concerned. Her health." Michael says. Madeline looks at him and then to the chair.
" Sit down, Michael." Madeline says and Michael looks over his shoulder and then sits down.
" Michael, as I told you, her health is ok. I am sure of it." Madeline says and Michael looks at her.
" Before you didn't look like you were sure.... but you are now.. you look it." Michael says and Madeline raises an eyebrow.
" Michael... Section One is in turmoil. I need you to stop worrying about Nikita and let me handle it." Madeline says and Michael shakes his head.
" She is my wife. I have to worry." Michael says and Madeline stands up and looks at the camera.
" SHE IS NOT YOUR WIFE, MICHAEL!" Madeline screams and Michael stands up and walks out of the office. Madeline watches the door slide shut and then pulls out a scrambler.
" Walter... I need to see you, NOW." Madeline says into her intercom and she sits down. Madeline looks at the computer screen at some coded information that Elana had e-mailed her. It was Elana's ideas about how the Loving2000 would affect the pregnancy. Madeline looks at it and shakes her head. In Elana's opinion, the Loving2000 could only bother the baby if it was bothering Nikita.
" Madeline." Walter says as the door slides open. Madeline lifts her head and smiles.
" I need you to go to New York." Madeline says and Walter lifts an eyebrow. He sits down and looks at Madeline from the corner of his eyes.
" You will be delivering some weapons to Zachary. But on top of that... no matter who you see.. you will report back that you have seen Nikita and that she is well." Madeline says and Walter looks straight at Madeline.
" Is this for Michael?" Walter asks and Madeline blinks her eyes.
" It is for everyone." Madeline says and gives him the papers to take to New York with him.
************
Operations walks into the room that Nikita is sitting in with the computers. He watches her pick up something from a plate and plop it into her mouth. He slowly moves forward to look at what she was eating. Her appetite had returned, and that was good for mother and child.
" Nikita, what are you eating?" Operations asks as he looks at the pink spread on top of crackers. Nikita looks away from the computer screen and looks down.
" Oh.. strawberry cream cheese on crackers." Nikita says with a smile. Operations blinks his eyes.
" It is too early for cravings." Operations says and Nikita laughs softly.
" I eat this all the time." Nikita says and Operations stares at her. He looks at the computer screen, impressed by the amount of work that she had completed.
" Is that the third computer?" Operations asks and Nikita shakes her head.
" No, computer number four." Nikita says and Operations nods his head. He looks to the IV bag that is almost empty and touches Nikita's arm.
" You have to get up and move around, Nikita." Operations says and Nikita turns and looks at him. She is kind of uncomfortable with his constant hovering and so she finally turns her body to face him.
" I don't understand." Nikita says and Operations pulls the IV line out, leaving a small piece in her arm so that the line can be reestablished when needed.
" You are going for a walk with me." Operations says as he turns and pulls the closet open and grabs the coats.
" No. I don't think that it is wise." Nikita says and Operations stares at her.
" You need exercise too, Nikita. If anything, you are still an operative first." Operations says and then realizes he took the wrong approach.
" So that is all I am?" Nikita screams out with tears rolling down her face. Operations steps forward and hands the coat to Nikita.
" No. I am sorry." Operations says but the tears do not stop.
" I don't know why I am trusting you now... god knows how you are going to use this against me." Nikita says as she drops the coat to the floor and turns back to the computer. She had just gotten through the major part of computer number four and she had hoped to get into computer number five within two hours.
" Nikita... All that I meant was that you need to get some fresh air. Stretch your legs. It will only be a short walk." Operations says as he walks to a bag and starts to pull out a comm unit.
" And that is for a short walk!" Nikita exclaims as she shakes her head in disappointment. She should never expect anything more from her father.
" This is in case something should happen to you. I want to make sure that you are safe on this walk." Operations says as he moves forward and takes Nikita's hand in his.
" I wouldn't be asking this if I thought it would put the baby in danger. Mentally, you need somewhere new to explore." Operations says and Nikita looks at him.
" Who told you that, Madeline?" Nikita challenges as she picks up the coat.
" In fact, yes, it was Madeline." Operations says as he takes the coat and helps Nikita to slide her arms into the sleeves. He looks at her as he pulls his coat on and then protectively wraps an arm around her shoulder and neck.
" This won't take long." Operations says as he leads Nikita to the door.
**********
It was a cool day, but the areas that the sun shined through, were filled with warmth, and those were the spots that Nikita migrated to. Operations watched as her entire being shifted as the exposure to the sun seemed to warm her worried insides. He couldn't help but allow the smile of contentment spread across his face.
Worry crossed his face as they crossed the street and came face to face with a stroller. Nikita smiled at the mother and looked down at the baby inside. Operations stood off to the side, as not an ounce of her outer self showed what she was going through. She bent down and tickled the baby's stomach and then went back to her walk.
" I will do anything I have to, Nikita." Operations says and Nikita looks at him.
" I'm not asking for that." Nikita replies back as she turns the corner and is faced with a park.
The defensive shell that Nikita had placed over her face when confronted with the baby was gone. There were just too many emotions of watching a park. Nikita leaned against a tree and stared off to the swing set.
Operations watched at the tears formed in her eyes and he moved closer to her.
" Nikita, we still have some time. I heard that Birkoff might have broken the transmission wave." Operations says and Nikita stares at him and then back to the kids.
" If I get to have my baby..." Nikita starts off softly and Operations turns and takes Nikita firmly by her shoulders.
" When you have your baby." Operations says as he stares into Nikita's intense blue eyes. Nikita blinks and some tears run down her face.
" When I get to have my baby... will it be trapped inside Section?" Nikita asks and Operations shakes his head.
" No. Don't worry about that Nikita." Operation says softly and Nikita leans her head back and sighs as tears run down her face.
" Maybe it would be for the best that I don't have it... I don't know where I am going to be... I might be separated from Michael forever... what if this happens again?" Nikita asks to the skies and Operations looks to the ground and licks his lips.
" Once this crisis is over, we will place safeguards up." Operations says and Nikita stares at him.
" Weren't there safeguards up already?" Nikita challenges and Operations slowly nods his head.
" Yes." Operations verbalizes for Nikita and she looks away. She looks to the slide and to the couple walking hand in hand. She could tell that they were expecting. There wasn't the tell-tale rounding of the stomach, and there wasn't the weight in the face. It was glow, and connection between the couple.
" I have to tell Michael... I have too..." Nikita cries out softly and Operations stares at Nikita.
" In time. In time." Operations says and Nikita drops her head.
" It would be unfair to him.. IT IS UNFAIR TO HIM!" Nikita says and Operations lifts his arm to Nikita's chin.
" Nikita, Michael will understand. He will." Operations says and Nikita turns and starts to walk by herself. Operations stands back, giving Nikita the room she needs.
Nikita walks through the busy park, with Operations' eyes constantly at her. He watched carefully as Nikita picked up the stray beach ball and handed it back to a cheerful little boy about six years old. He watched as Nikita took over for a mother pushing a swing as she chased after her other child. Nikita pushed the three year old carefully as she giggled as Nikita's blonde hair.
Nikita moved away and almost fell over a kid around four. Nikita bent down and looked at the raven hair girl and helped her to sit up.
" Are you ok?" Nikita asked softly as she brushed some grass from the girl's soft black hair. The girl nodded her head and Nikita looked around.
" Do you know where your mother is?" Nikita asked softly and the girl looks over and points to the mother who is holding two eight year old boys by the collar and heading towards the girl.
" My name is Nikita." Nikita says and the girl smiles.
" Stacey." The girl says and Nikita smiles.
" I like that name. Are you sure you are ok?" Nikita asks as she looks at the little girl again. She nods her head and stands up.
" Thank you so much... Come along, Stacey." The mother says and trots off. Nikita stands up and feels a cold wind chill her body.
*
Walter shoved the keys into his pocket as he stepped away from the car and moved down the sidewalk. He didn't like New York to start with but to be sent to some local park to drop off weapons just bothered Walter the wrong way. He trudged down the sidewalk and looked around the park.
" Hello, Walter." Zachary says as he walks out from behind a tree. Walter raises an eyebrow, as this is not Zachary's normal approach to a meeting.
" I have the stuff in the car." Walter says as he pulls the keys out. A mother with their three kids start to walk by.
" Mom.. I want her name.. Nikita... It is so different than Stacey." The little girl says and Walter picks his head up and starts to look through the crowd. A feeling of knowing overwhelms him as he steps back a few steps and spots the blonde hair.
" NIKITA!" Walter calls out with a hand up in the air. It is at that moment that he sees who she is standing with. Walter leans forward as Zachary places a hand on Walter's arm.
Nikita looks at Operations stunned. He looks at her and turns away from Walter.
" We have to do this for Michael... You can't tell Walter. You are here helping to bring down Murdock with me." Operations says and Nikita's eyes fill with tears. Operations had dragged her out here to get something done. He had used her. Nikita turns to feel the strong and warm arms of Walter wrap around her.
" OH, Nikita.... I was so worried for you.. even when Maddie said you were fine." Walter whispers into her ear and Nikita leans back some.
" Nikita.. what are you doing here? Madeline told me that I was to lie when I went back.. to report that I saw you... AND WHY ARE YOU WITH HIM?" Walter says as he points to Operations. Nikita swallows and smiles at Walter.
" We need to calm Michael down. It is the only way." Nikita says and Operations nods her head. She was doing fine.
" Nikita, he is worried sick about you. He told me about the health problems... are you ok? You don't look to well." Walter says and Nikita nervously laughs.
" I have been working day and night trying to get the crisis with Murdock solved." Nikita says and Walter steps back.
" That's not it." Walter says and Operations steps forward.
" She is fine with me, Walter." Operations says and Walter shakes his head.
" You have a death warrant on your head." Walter says and Operations looks away.
" Are you going to carry it out?" Operations challenges and Zachary steps in-between the two men. He looks at Nikita as she looks away from the two.
" This isn't getting anywhere. Walter.. you have to say that you saw Nikita following someone.. you don't know who. Make sure that Michael hears it." Zachary says and Nikita turns to glare at him. He was part of this too. Why didn't they just tell her? Why did they have to act like they were doing something good for her?
" Yeah, I understand.. if that is what Nikita wants." Walter says and Nikita turns to him. How she ached to tell him everything, but that would not be a wise thing to do.
" Yes. It is for Michael's good. He need not worry about me." Nikita says and looks away from Walter. Walter got the instinct feeling that Michael should be worrying more than ever before.
" And they cannot know about me being here." Operations adds and Walter stares at him. Walter looks off to the side, and then back.
" I won't tell a soul, if it is protecting Nikita." Walter says and Nikita starts to nods her head.
" Yes.. it is, Walter.... More than you can know." Nikita whispers out. Walter pulls Nikita in for another hug and Nikita can't hold back the tears.
" Sugar... take care of yourself..." Walter says as he turns to Zachary. Zachary nods his head and heads to the car with Walter.
*********
There were a few minutes of just standing there before Operations turned to Nikita. He was proud of what she had done. She put her personal need to speak to Michael on hold, possibility for the baby, but at least for the better of Section One.
Operations turns to Nikita and looks at her. Maybe it the hue of white, or maybe it was the hue of green, but something wasn't right. Nikita slowly turned her head to Operations and stared at him as he noticed the line of sweat on her forehead.
" I don't feel well." Nikita says as she stumbles a tiny bit. She places an arm out for balance and Operations moves towards her.
" What is wrong, Nikita?" Operations asks as he watches her legs start to give. He wraps an arm around her waist and steadies her.
" Come on... let's lean against this tree. Maybe this will pass." Operations says as he leads Nikita to the tree. Her hands lightly lean against the tree and Operations lets go of her waist.
Nikita looks to him and starts to bend over. Operations looks at her and pushes her shoulders back up.
His hand brushes against her face and he pulls his head back.
" Nikita.. you are burning up." Operations says and Nikita looks at him with glassed over eyes.
" I can't stand..." Nikita mutters as her legs start to buckle again. With one hand Operations gently guides Nikita to the ground and the other hand he pulls out the cell phone.
" Jonathan... get Zachary... Nikita is not doing well." Operations orders and folds the phone up. He bends down and touches Nikita's head softly.
" Are you having any pain?" Operations asks as he unconsciously brushes a hand against Nikita's stomach. Nikita shakes her head no and then leads her head back. Operations brushes back the wet bangs and looks at Nikita.
" What do you feel, Nikita? We need to know." Operations says and Nikita drops her head forward and snaps it back up.
Jonathan runs towards Operations and looks down. He looks at Nikita and then back over his shoulder as Zachary moves towards them.
" We need to get her back." Operations says and Nikita looks up at him.
" I just feel numb." Nikita says and Operations nods his head and smiles softly.
" You rest. We'll take care of you." Operations says and Nikita grabs his hand.
" My baby." Nikita says with begging eyes.
" We will take care of your baby too." Operations says and Nikita looks at him with a few tears forming in her eyes.
" It has to be ok... it has to be..." Nikita says a nd then closes her eyes. Operations stands up and looks to the men.
" Let's go." Operations says and Zachary looks at Operations.
" We need a plan. If we just go.. we will create a scene." Zachary says and Operations stares at him.
" She needs medical attention now. If we wait... someone will call the police. We must move now." Operations says and reluctantly the two men help.
************
" Get Elana on the phone and computer hook up. NOW!" Operations screams as they open the safe house door and walk in. Melissa jumps up and runs to the couch that they set Nikita down on.
" What is going on?" Melissa asks and Operations looks at the doctor as he walks in.
" I want the baby checked first." Operations says as he moves to the corner and starts to pull at the ultrasound machine. The doctor stops him.
" She doesn't have enough liquids in her to do one." The doctor says and Operations looks at Zachary.
" We gave her a gallon on the way in." Zachary informs the doctor and he turns on the screen. He touches Nikita's head and pulls back.
" She is burning up... let me take her temperature." The doctor says and Operations shakes his head.
" She wants the baby to be looked at first. NOW DO IT!" Operations screams and Melissa stands up.
" I think it is you who wants the baby looked at first. The baby can't survive without a mother!" Melissa says and Operations looks down at Nikita.
The movements are done quickly as Operations moves Melissa away. He walks back in as the machine is turned off.
" The baby is stable." The doctor reports and Operations bends down and looks at Nikita.
" Then what is going on?" Operations asks.
" I have taken some blood. Elana has a feeling it may be the Loving2000." The doctor says and Operations closes his eyes. That drug will forever be haunting Nikita.
" Damn!" the doctor curses as he drops the pad down on the table. Operations stands up and walks over. The number is high, extremely high.
" Isn't that the toxic range?" Operations asks as tubing is being pulled out of bags.
" I need someone's blood. She needs some fresh blood." The doctor says and Operations looks around. He knows that his isn't the best, and he also knew exactly what Nikita felt about him. Operations walks into the other room and motions for Melissa.
" I need you to do something for Nikita." Operations says and Melissa stands up.
" What?" Melissa asks and Operations blinks his eyes. He could only hope that Melissa's was close enough.
" We need your blood for Nikita." Operations says and Melissa looks at him in horror.
" But she isn't bleeding." Melissa says and Operations leads her into the room.
" Some time ago, she got exposed to a drug that still affects her. Some things trigger it to raise to levels that can kill her. To clean it out... we need blood." Operations says as the doctor sits Melissa down and starts to roll up her sleeve.
" What about her baby? Is it affected by the drug?" Melissa asks and Operations looks to the window.
" We don't know." Operations says sharply.
" You don't know! What about the baby!" Melissa screams as the doctor slides the line into Melissa.
" Wasn't it you who said that a baby can't live without it's mother?" Operations asks and walks into the other room.
***********
Walter walked into Section One and looked around. Murdock looked down at him as he walked down the hallway. He hated that Murdock! Murdock had made Nikita go to New York. Walter knew Nikita was not well. It was in her eyes, and he hated that he had to leave with her lying like that.
Walter turned to the hallways and find Michael and Madeline in a discussion outside of a white room. He slows down.
" Madeline... I KNOW SHE IS SOMEWHERE!" Michael says and Madeline turns to him.
" Michael.. Nikita is a skilled operative. She will be fine." Madeline says and Michael shakes his head no lightly.
" Madeline.... the Loving2000." Michael says and Madeline looks to her hands.
" We have that under control." Madeline says and Michael stares at her.
" How can you know that for sure?" Michael asks and Walter starts towards him. It was time for a performance.
" I saw her. She is fine." Walter says and Madeline and Michael turns towards Walter as he stalks towards them. Michael turns towards Walter and stares.
" Did you speak with her?" Michael asks and Walter rolls his eyes.
" No. She was following someone. I didn't see who." Walter says and Michael blinks his eyes. Something wasn't right here.
" Are you lying to me, Walter?" Michael asks and Walter laughs.
" Why would I do that? I wanted to tell you and Madeline that I saw my sugar! She looks like she hasn't slept.. and she shouldn't be if she is in mandatory refusal." Walter says and Madeline turns her head towards him and glares. Walter stares back at her.
" See... Madeline.. she isn't doing well. She can be looking tired because of the Loving2000." Michael complains and Madeline closes her eyes. She was cursing Walter right now. He had to embellish the story that they gave him.
" Hey, Michael... it's New York... everyone looks tired in New York." Walter says and Madeline closes her eyes and clenches her jaw. She smiles at Walter and gently pinches his finger, HARD.
" New York! Nikita is in New York! Can't we talk to Zachary? Let someone find her... follow her... see if she is ok?" Michael asks and Madeline stares at him.
" Michael, Murdock has everyone busy, not just headquarters." Madeline says and Michael narrows his eyes.
" You don't care if she lives or dies, do you!" Michael hollers as he turns and storms off down the hallway. Madeline turns to Walter and glares.
" You were just to tell the story, Walter." Madeline says and he shrugs his shoulders.
" What is going on here, Madeline? I want an explanation." Walter says and Madeline licks her lips.
" I will not tell you, Walter." Madeline says and Walter shakes his head.
" Madeline.. I saw her... I saw her.. really. TRUTHFULLY!" Walter says and Madeline sucks in some air. She hadn't had a chance to get back to the house. She had last heard that Nikita's Loving2000 levels had sky rocketed and that blood was given. She didn't know what had occurred beforehand.
" How did she look?" Madeline asks and Walter looks at Madeline carefully.
" Scare shitless." Walter says as he turns and leaves. He didn't like any of this, and he didn't care what Madeline wanted, it was time he started to play by his own rules too.
**********
" Walter." Michael says simply as he walks into the work area and stops. Walter looks at him and nods to the gate in area. He opens the gate and motions Michael inside. Michael moves forward and pulls the gate down.
" I don't appreciate messages that are orders." Michael says as he follows Walter down the hallway. Walter starts to press buttons on the walls as he walks. Walter turns and stares at Michael and then pulls a partial wall down.
" I just activated about a hundred scramblers, Michael. If I didn't and I told you what I am going to tell you, Nikita would be dead soon." Walter says and Michael stares at him.
" What is it, Walter?" Michael asks.
" I feel like a pawn in a game, but I also know when something needs to be said. I saw Nikita today, Michael. I hugged Nikita today, Michael." Walter says and Michael's eyes narrow.
" She isn't in New York?" Michael asks and Walter turns his head.
" She was in the park with Operations, Michael." Walter says and then turns away.
" Her father. She was standing in a park with her father." Michael says and Walter nods his head.
" She lied to me, Michael. She didn't look good, Michael. I am worried about this." Walter says and Michael looks away from Walter.
" Walter.... what is going on?" Michael says and Walter pulls his bandanna off and looks at Michael.
" What they told me was that Nikita was helping Operations to bring down Murdock. They also said that they had to calm you down." Walter says and Michael wrinkles his eyebrows.
" But, how do they know anything about me?" Michael asks and then he starts to nods his head.
" They must have contact through Zachary to Madeline." Walter says and Michael shakes his head.
" And I must be bothering Madeline. Do you think they are trying to bring down Murdock?" Michael says and Walter nods his head.
" That has to be part of it. But, you know Michael... sometimes you can just tell when you see Nikita that it is something much more." Walter says and Michael drops his head.
" And this was one of the those times?" Michael asks, but already knows the answer.
" It was in her eyes, Michael. I could feel it when I hugged her. It felt as if she was just holding on... and what she was holding onto I don't know." Walter says and Michael licks his lips.
" I can't see her willingly helping Operations." Michael comments as he pushes his hair back.
" She was divorced from you by Murdock. OF course she is going to help Operations. I just couldn't believe they were out for a walk together." Walter says and Michael shakes his head.
" What you saw was planned." Michael says hauntingly. He wanted to go to New York, he was going to have to find a way.
" I know that. But I also wanted you to know the truth." Walter says and Michael looks at him. He knew that Nikita wasn't doing good. Walter just confirmed it.
" Thank you." Michael says and turns to walk away.
***********
Her hair was lightly brushed from her face as Operations pulled a chair to the couch. He looked down at Nikita and stroked her face again. Most of the movements seemed natural. He wasn't about to call the movements paternal instincts, but learned. When he was Michael and Nikita's nurse, Michael had showed Operations that Nikita seeks comfort from those kinds of strokes.
" Nikita... You need to wake up." Operations whispers softly and Nikita only turns her head towards his voice. He waits. There were so many factors involved with what was occurring with her body, that he did not want to wake her up. He had reviewed her files, and found that it had been non-stop since the fertility clinic mission. Operations felt guilty for that. He felt guilty for a lot.
" Nikita..." Operations says and Nikita pushes her eyes open and licks her lips. She looks at him with almost focused eyes.
" My baby." Nikita mutters out and Operations strokes her forehead softly.
" Your baby is fine, Nikita. It is fine." Operations says and Nikita nods her head. He takes his hand away as Nikita starts to push her body up.
" The episode was not tied to the baby, and it did not bother the baby." Operations says as Nikita rubs her eyes with the backs of her hands.
" Loving2000." Nikita says and Operations simply nods his head. He looks to the window, where Melissa stands.
" Melissa gave you blood.... The levels were quite high." Operations says and Nikita rolls her head around.
" Will it bother the baby?" Nikita asks and Operations smiles softly. Nikita's mind only worried about the child.
" No." Operations says as Nikita stretches her arms out. She looks around and smiles to Melissa.
" How long do we have?" Nikita asks and Operations stands up and moves away.
" I asked, how much longer?" Nikita asks and Operations turns back to Nikita. He goes to the couch and looks at Nikita.
" Fifty hours." Operations says. Nikita immediately kicks off the blanket and tries to stand up. Operations places his hands on Nikita's shoulders. " Where do you think you are going?"
" I am going to get something to eat, and I'm going to get on that computer." Nikita says stubbornly as she pushes against Operations' hands. He steps back and allows Nikita to stand fully up.
" Nikita, sit down and rest. We will get the computers checked." Operations says and Nikita stares at him.
" Oh... is Melissa going to do it?" Nikita asks and Operations pushes his lips into fine lines.
" See.... I have to do this. I have too! I only have TWO DAYS! I don't want my pregnancy to end then!" Nikita screams and Melissa stands up.
" Pregnancy end? Why don't I like the sound of that!" Melissa hollers and Operations rolls his eyes. Melissa was too much like Nikita.
" If we don't get rid of the new sadistic boss... I must terminate the pregnancy to spare my life." Nikita says as her bottom lip trembles. Operations stares at her.
" And if we aren't careful now, it can terminate itself, NIKITA!" Operations says and Nikita shakes her head.
" I feel fine. I have to do what I feel best." Nikita says as she starts to move. Melissa walks towards Operations.
" This boss.... he would kill Nikita if he found out that she was pregnant?" Melissa asks.
" He is not the boss. There has been a computer malfunction. I am the boss." Operations says and Melissa stares at him.
" So, he is letting you roam around?" Melissa asks and Operations smiles. She was starting to grasps the concepts behind Section One.
" No. There is a death warrant out on me by the Section. But the loyalty still lays with me, and no one is willing to proceed." Operations says and Melissa swallows.
" So, Nikita and her baby are in more danger because you are here." Melissa says and Operations stares at her.
" There wouldn't be a baby if I didn't get that doctor here, Melissa. They were going to allow her to work herself emotionally up until she lost it." Operations says and stares at her.
" We might do some bad things, and I may not have been the best thing for my daughter, but I care for her." Operations says and he holds back that he is doing the same for her. He turns and leaves.
***********
Murdock was walking through the hallways. The operatives all turned and moved the other way as Murdock walked towards the training room. He had assigned Michael a new recruit. It was sure to get Michael's attention off of Nikita.
" We need to talk." Ayn hisses as she walks towards him. He raises a hand to Ayn as he looks into the room.
" I think that it would be interesting to see those two sleep together. Don't you?" Murdock asks as he turns back to look at Ayn. Ayn stares at him.
" You wouldn't!" Ayn says and Murdock laughs loudly.
" Tell me why I wouldn't!" Murdock says and Ayn looks to the side. Ayn rubs her hands together and looks at Murdock.
" She is too much like Nikita. You want to break Michael from Nikita, you need someone who has no qualities like Nikita's." Ayn says and Murdock narrows his eyes.
" But when Nikita finds out..." Murdock says and Ayn lifts her head.
" You will be canceled." Ayn say and Murdock starts to laugh again.
" I have operatives looking for Nikita." Murdock says and Ayn shakes her head.
" You still don't know.... no one is loyal to you. They are doing what they need to do to survive, but will not do anything extra." Ayn says and she turns and stares at him.
" I don't know what you have against Viktor, but just change it and leave. YOU CAN STILL LIVE!" Ayn says and Murdock reaches out and slams Ayn against the wall.
" HE TOOK YOU!" Murdock hisses and Ayn shakes her head.
" I make all of my decisions." Ayn says and Murdock slams her again.
" He doesn't care for his child.... he doesn't care for you..." Murdock says and Ayn shakes her head and looks around the hallway.
" HE DOESN't KNOW ABOUT TREVOR!" Ayn screams and Murdock punches her in the stomach.
" You haven't made him pay for knocking you up!" Murdock hisses and Ayn shakes her head.
" He doesn't have to pay. I knew the chances.. and welcomed the outcome. I don't want my son knowing his father." Ayn says and Murdock smiles as he drops Ayn down to the floor.
" But he knows me." Murdock says and Ayn nods her head.
" And that is a mistake." Ayn says as she pulls her body up, only to be thrown back against the wall. Ayn closes his eyes.
" You used me... You wanted me... So... did you ever feel anything for me?" Murdock asks and Ayn lifts her chin.
" You can beat me all you want. I never felt anything for you.. you cold hearted bastard!" Ayn says and is immediately backhanded.
" I have more feelings than that ICE KING!" Murdock says and Ayn shakes her head.
" Give up, Murdock. He is one hundred times the man than you are." Ayn says and Murdock lets her go. He glances to Michael and decides not to order him to sleep with the new recruit. He would wait for Nikita's return to order such activities. Ayn leaves and then Murdock.
***********
Time was almost up. Nikita stared at the watch. She had two hours. That was all. Dread started to creep up her body. She stared at the computer screen. She was sure that it was computer number eight that had caused the problems. She had been working on the computer for about twelve hours.
" Nikita..." Operations says and Nikita looks up and then to the watch.
" I know." Nikita says and Operations touches her shoulder.
" We will do this inside Section." Operations says and Nikita nods her head and looks back at the computer. She pulls the file up of Murdock again and stares at it. She hated the man. SHE HATED HIM!
Nikita looked and then stopped. He had been posted on the island that Trevor was on. Nikita looks at the chart and sees Ayn's handwriting. It seemed that the two had a semi-personal relationship. Nikita leaned back as she stared at the screen. She needed a password to access... and this computer was set on unlimited. It could be two letters, or it could be five pages.
Nikita looks at Operations opens the closet and pulls out some coats. Nikita leans forward and tries one last time.
TREVORANDAYN
Nikita taps her hand as the computer works. Instantly the computer flashes and Nikita stares at it.
" I HAVE IT!" Nikita screams and Operations runs over. She starts the process of forwarding the file to Birkoff. She looks at the estimated time and sits down dejected.
4:56
Almost three hours more than she had. Nikita feels the cramping in her stomach as she starts to cry. Operations walks to her.
" We can wait, Nikita." Operations says, feeling how soon it was. Nikita shakes her head.
" My clock goes active. It's on a program. They' ll know exactly where I am." Nikita says as she falls forward and clutches her stomach. It was so unfair.
" We' ll take it out. And we' ll run." Operations says and Nikita shakes her head.
" What if this isn't enough? Do I run forever?" Nikita asks and Operations looks at her.
" It will allow to have the child!" Operations says and Nikita stares at him.
" I won't have a child that won't know it's father! It's not fair to the child to live like that. If we run... it will know Michael... and may never live!" Nikita cries out and Operations stands back. Her words hurt. Nikita's words echoed the pain of her never knowing her own father. Nikita stands up with a little muffle moan and stumbles forward.
" Where are you going?" Operations asks and Nikita smiles.
" Nature calls!" Nikita says with a soft laugh. Operations stares at the computer. There was no way he could speed up the access. It was risky enough to place it on the priority line that Nikita had.
" AAAHHHH!!!" Nikita screams out and Operations heart drops quickly with the scream. He runs towards the bathroom. He knocks loudly on the door.
" Nikita... let me in." Operations says. He feels dread. Nikita can't lose the baby this way. It was going to hurt either way that it happened, but if they canceled the pregnancy, Nikita could blame Section. If she lost it, she would blame herself.
" AAAAHHHH!!!" Nikita screams out and Operations looks at Jonathan runs to the door. Operations presses hard and the old door pushes open.
" Nikita... Nikita..." Jonathan says as he bends down.
" I'm bleeding..." Nikita cries out as she holds onto her stomach. Operations heart began to race. It was not always terminal if a woman was bleeding, but it wasn't good. Operations looks as Zachary walks into the room.
" There is a hospital two blocks away." Zachary says and Operations shakes his head.
" We have a computer file. We might be able to save this child yet. We go the substation." Operations says and Zachary looks at Operations.
" That is endangering your life!" Zachary says and Operations looks at Nikita struggles to stand up. He bends down and pulls her up. She hunches over and Jonathan picks her up.
" I don't care." Operations says as Jonathan hurriedly starts to walk.
**********
Somehow, Operations had made it through the substation without being noticed. They placed Nikita into a room and called for a doctor. Operations paced outside the room, while Zachary tried to keep his presence unknown. The only time Operations moved from his path was when the door opened.
" Doctor.... is she miscarrying?" Operations asks and the doctor rubs his hands together.
" No. Not right now." The doctor says as he picks up the next chart.
" Then why the bleeding?" Operations demands.
" She is not miscarrying right now. If she does not establish an emotional stability soon, very soon, nothing can save that child." The doctor says as he shakes his hand.
" If you haven't noticed, I'm quite busy. I will send another doctor to check on her in a little bit." The doctor says and walks down the hallway. Operations looks at his watch and takes out the small device from the medical tray.
" What are you doing?" Zachary demands and Operations lifts his head.
" Buying time." Operations says as he enters the room. Nikita has her head rolled to the side as the door shuts.
" When are they going to do the procedure?" Nikita asks and Operations moves to her right ankle. He presses the device into her leg and Nikita winces.
" Get up. We are leaving." Operations says and Nikita shakes her head back and forth.
" No." Nikita says and Operations stares at her.
" Nikita.... they will fix the computers soon. I will not allow that Murdock to destroy yours and Michael's child." Operations says and Nikita stares at him.
" Don't you understand? THEY WILL FIND US!" Nikita calls out and Operations stares at her as he destroys the clock.
" How can they? I destroyed the clock." Operations says and Nikita stares at him.
" Because Madeline implanted another one." Nikita says and Operations stares at her.
" Then it will give us a few hours, Nikita. That is all that is needed." Operations says and Nikita shakes her head back and forth.
" I can't live without Michael.... I can live without this child, if I have too." Nikita says as she turns her head away. Again, her body starts to contract on the little being deep within Nikita's body.
" Nikita... don't think that way. We need you calmed down." Operations says and Nikita looks at him.
" I wasn't suppose to be pregnant. Elana told us that it was impossible... Nature giveth... nature taketh." Nikita says and drops her head to the side. Operations looks at her and walks out of the room.
" I need a phone to Headquarters." Operations says and Zachary stares at him.
" Murdock will have you killed." Zachary says and Operations lifts his head.
" Not if I have him killed first." Operations replies. Zachary shakes his head as he goes to retrieve the phone.
***********
Birkoff looks up from the computer and to Madeline. He motions her over.
" I had a brief reading from Nikita's clock. It placed her in the center of the New York substation." Birkoff says and Madeline looks at Birkoff and then to the computer.
" What happened to the signal?" Madeline asks and Birkoff nods his head.
" It ceased." Birkoff says as the phone next to him rings. Madeline moves to the side. Nikita was inside Section One. She must have already terminated the pregnancy. Madeline moved to a vacant computer to find out who she had in New York that owed her a few favors. Nikita would be extremely emotional.
" Birkoff... Who is it? I don't have the time!" Birkoff answers the phone.
" Birkoff... find computer signal A487MN... Alpha-4-8-6-Michael-Nikita...." Operations says and Birkoff looks around and spots Madeline as he starts to type.
" Madeline... I need an assist here!" Birkoff calls out and Madeline looks at him. She turns the computer screen off and walks to the computer.
" What is it, Birkoff?" Madeline demands and Birkoff looks at her as he searches the computer. It was a low rating line.
" It's Operations!" Birkoff whispers but Murdock is behind him.
" Where!" Murdock hisses. Birkoff looks at the line and pulls it up. With extra computer strength, he speeds up the transmission.
" Is Nikita with you?" Madeline asks as she pulls the phone away from Birkoff. Murdock turns and leaves as he sees the first screen come up.
" Yes..... she is ready to terminate... nature may do it..." Operations says and Madeline sucks in some air. She looks at the computer and then to Birkoff.
" I need a password." Birkoff says and he waits.
" T- tank, R-river, E-envelope, V-violin, O-orange, R-river, A-Anna, N-Nikita, D-Dalmatian, A-Anna, Y-you, N-Nikita." Operations says and Birkoff smacks his hands together.
" It's the program!" Birkoff says as his entire body jump up in the air.
" Can you reverse the program?" Operations asks as he paces outside the hallway. He watches a doctor and a nurse enter Nikita's room.
" Mmmmm... yes... Give me disk 18!" Birkoff calls out as he works furiously.
" Nikita... is she going to lose it?" Madeline asks as she can feel the end of the torture soon to be done.
" Her emotions are slowly destroying the baby...... she has experienced some bleeding." Operations informs Madeline. Madeline takes a long breath and looks at Birkoff.
" I have the possible reversal." Birkoff says and Madeline stares at him.
" Activate it!" Madeline yells and Birkoff looks up at her.
" I have to load it to all the computers. I don't know what it is going to say when the program is complete." Birkoff says and Madeline stares at him.
" I might not be the leader again, and still be canceled." Operations says and Madeline stares at Birkoff.
" Then we will work on the program until all is correct! Activate it!" Madeline says and Birkoff presses the button.
" AAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!" Nikita screams from the room and Madeline closes her eyes.
" Damnit! Birkoff... hurry those computers!" Madeline hisses.
BEEP BEEP
The computer flashes the screen that brings relief to all of Section One around the world.
" Sir... you are back in power. Any orders?" Birkoff asks with a huge smile on his face.
" Cancel Murdock." Operations says and Birkoff happily types the order. Madeline turns and finds that Murdock had slipped from the area.
" Lock down headquarters. Search for Murdock." Madeline says.
" AAAAHHHH!!! NO! NO! NO!" Nikita screams again and Operations drops the phone.
**********
The doctor moves quickly to strap down Nikita's kicking legs into the stirrups. Nikita shakes her head.
" NOOO!!! NO!!!!" Nikita screams out as the doctor looks to the nurse and then to Nikita.
" Nikita, the baby will not survive. You are killing it to start with." The doctor says and it is like a knife had been stabbed into her heart.
" Nurse, I am going to need suction." The doctor says and Nikita's world blacks out. She can not emotionally stay conscious and the doctor looks at her.
" Her vitals?" The doctor asks and the nurse looks to the monitors.
" Stable, sir." The nurse reports and the doctor nods his head.
" Lets end this troublesome pregnancy." The doctor says and the door slams open. The doctor finds a gun aimed right at his head.
" Step away from her." Operations says and the doctor does not move. He stares at Operations.
" Someone cancel him." The doctor says, knowing that they were looking for him. Operations points to the screen in the room.
" You must not know how to read. I've been reinstated. Now step back." Operations says and the doctor only stares at him.
" Her pregnancy must be terminated. There is no way that it will be successful." The doctor says, but the nurse pulls away.
" Is she miscarrying?" Operations demands as he looks at Nikita's white face. The screams were that of torture. He only heard screams like that when it is the scream of death. Operations was worried.
" No.. not now. But she will." The doctor says and Operations shakes his head.
" Step away." Operations says but the doctor does not move. He is still close enough to Nikita to still pose a threat.
" It is not going to live!" The doctor says and Operations shakes his head. He wasn't going to give up on his grandchild quite right now or his daughter. He could not fail Nikita now.
" She has passed out. She is starting the process!" The doctor argues and Operations moves closer and the gun moves closer.
" She has passed out because you have displayed her like meat. STEP BACK, or I will TERMINATE YOU!" Operations says and the doctor raises his hands and steps back.
" It's wrong. It should die now." The doctor says and Operations stands closer to him.
" Nikita told me something. Nature giveth and nature taketh. We aren't going to give Nature something back that it doesn't want to take." Operations says and then pulls the trigger. He does not even blink as the doctor falls dead to the floor.
" Cover her up... get her out of that." Operations orders the nurses They moved quickly to pull Nikita's legs out of the devise and to cover her politely up.
" You will want to establish a line with Elana at Headquarters. She has been dealing with Nikita's pregnancy. I want the head of MedBay in here immediately." Operations says as he moves to Nikita's head.
" Nikita.. be strong..." Operations says as he softly kisses her forehead and walks out. He needs to have a long discussion with Madeline to sort out the mess Section One was in.
**********
Madeline nods her head as she looks at Operations on the screen. She pulls at some of the files at Murdock left on the desk.
" We are still piecing together his motivation on this side." Madeline says as she looks at the files. She still hadn't come across anything that seemed important.
" I'll speak to Nikita about it. I have a sense she came to know him from the files." Operations says and Madeline drops the file.
" How is she?" Madeline asks. She watches Operations turns to another screen and then back to Madeline.
" Dr. Bradison is in with her now." Operations says and Madeline nods her head. Dr. Bradison was moved from Headquarters while the murders were happening and had a good bit of knowledge about Loving2000. Madeline now felt that Nikita was in capable hands.
" We still haven't found Murdock?" Operations asks and Madeline shakes her head. The door slides open and Madeline pauses.
" Excuse me, Operations..." Madeline says as he looks up at Michael as he strides to her with a frown on his face. She knew the basic knowledge of what Michael was going to say.
" Headquarters have been searched. Murdock isn't contained." Michael says and Madeline nods her head. She leans forward.
" Do we have a lead on him?" Madeline asks and Michael looks to the side.
" We have a few people that have seen him in the town. We are trying to plant a tracking devise for a latter apprehension." Michael reports and Madeline nods her head. She smiles at the computer screen and Michael steps forward a little bit more.
" Do we know about Nikita?" Michael asks. Madeline's heart begins to race. She had several options here.
" Yes. She is in the New York substation." Madeline says and Michael nods his head. That would continue with the theory that she was helping Operations. Michael knew that Operations was in New York also.
" Can I speak with her?" Michael asks and Madeline starts to shake her head no.
" That is not possible at this time. I need you working to find Murdock." Madeline says and Michael places his hands on the desk.
" She is my wife, and hasn't been well. I WANT TO SPEAK WITH HER!" Michael says tensely and Madeline nods her head.
" I know you want that, Michael, but she is also busy." Madeline says and Michael steps back.
" She is working with Stephen, isn't she?" Michael asks and Madeline stands up.
" Michael, it will take a few days until things are settled to the point that she can talk to you. She is a critical part in achieving the homeostasis we need here." Madeline says and Michael turns and walks away.
" I will not be able to stop him for long." Madeline says and Operations nods his head.
" Have you blocked up the computers?" Operations asks and Madeline nods her head.
" For the time being. Birkoff will notice it soon though." Madeline says. She looks to the files and then back to Operations.
" Why don't we discuss all of this later... When you return." Madeline says and Operations nods his head.
" Thank you, Madeline." Operations says softly and Madeline tilts her head.
" Thanks." Operations says and then cuts the communication. Madeline had a deep suspicion that Operations had already bonded with his grandchild more than he would ever admit.
**********
Operations stands outside the room as the doctor checks Nikita's vitals again and walks to the door. Dr. Bradison looks at Operations and walks down the hallway with him.
" How is she?" Operations asks, when it becomes clear that the good doctor wasn't going to talk without being asked.
" I want her to stay still for another hour. There was insertion of instruments.. but no trauma occurred." Dr. Bradison says and Operations closes his eyes and then looks back at the doctor.
" Is this pregnancy doomed to end?" Operations asks and Dr. Bradison shakes his head no. Operations feels a huge weight being pulled off of his chest.
" NO. Nikita needs support... and I don't think she will feel that way until she is back with Michael." Dr. Bradison says and Operations looks to the door.
" When would it be safe for her to travel?" Operations asks.
" Health wise.. I would say in three days. Reality? I don't think Nikita is going to wait around here that long." Dr. Bradison says and Operations nods his head.
" But we will try." Operations says as he shakes the doctor's hand and moves to the room.
Operations looks at Nikita. She is sleeping now, and that was best for mother and child. He takes her hand and holds it softly. Fear still ran in his body. She could still lose the child. He could still lose his grandchild.
" You can't take the child... you have to keep the child with Nikita..." Operations says as he turns his head up to the ceiling. He looks at Nikita and then to the stomach that wasn't showing but in time should.
" I never had a chance with Nikita.... and I want to be there for this child... my daughter's baby." Operations says as he finally allows his heart to feel everything that he worried about in the past days.
" I don't remember ever doing anything for Nikita.. that wasn't for the good of Section.. Never.. not even her wedding... but this... This isn't going to help Section.. it is going to help Nikita... and it's not fair to take it away..." Operations says as the two tears roll down his face. He stops and touches his cheek. He doesn't remember the last time he felt tears on his cheek that where his own.
" God.. this can't happen.. stop this.. let her wake up and still have the child." Operations says as he pulls his head down to the rail of the bed.
" Do you think he is losing it?" Melissa asks as she turns to Zachary. Zachary looks at the screen and then to Melissa.
" You have to understand the relationship.. and to understand the relationship, you have to understand Section. But we can't allow that." Zachary says and Melissa looks to the room again. It was a touching moment.
" He did not know Nikita until several years after she arrived with us." Zachary says and Melissa looks up at him.
" So he didn't know that she was part of Section?" Melissa asks and Zachary shakes his head.
" He didn't know that she was his daughter. Nikita never knew who her father was.. and it was a mess. He even once ordered her death." Zachary says and Melissa's mouth drops.
" He didn't know that she was his daughter... and he didn't understand the connection between Michael and Nikita." Zachary says and he steps back a few steps.
" SO, he learned about Nikita before Michael and Nikita were together?" Melissa asks.
" Michael and Nikita have always been together.... He is trying so hard to make amends now." Zachary says as he turns away and then leaves Melissa.
************
" Birkoff... my office." Michael says sternly as he turns and walks to the office. Birkoff looks up and stands up. He rubs his forehead, knowing that this meeting with Michael was going to be difficult. Birkoff had two choice, tell the truth and help Michael, or lie and listen to Madeline.
" What is it, Michael? I'm busy." Birkoff says and Michael points to the screen. Birkoff walks around and sees the blocking code on the screen.
" I will break it. It will be easier if you just do it." Michael says and Birkoff stares at Michael. He blinks and does not move.
" You are part of this.... what is going on and tell me now." Michael replies and Birkoff swallows and then sits down.
" Michael.. I don't know everything. All I know is that I was told that this would protect Melissa." Birkoff says and Michael blinks and sits down at his computer.
" And Nikita." Michael says and Birkoff frowns.
" The only involvement I had with Nikita was to make sure that the mandatory refusal appeared real." Birkoff says and Michael shakes his head.
" You know that Nikita has been sick." Michael says. Birkoff closes his eyes. He remembers seeing Nikita at Madeline's house. Then he had been there when Elana was brought. He was sure that Nikita still continued to be sick. Madeline had told Birkoff it was for Michael's own good that he didn't gain access to the New York cameras, but what about Nikita?
" Yes. And she looked pretty bad." Birkoff says and Michael stares at him and then points to the screen.
" Let me see, Birkoff. SHE IS MY WIFE!" Michael says and Birkoff rubs his nose and then quickly punches the code.
" I have to get back." Birkoff says and walks out of the office. Michael stares and at the screen and starts flipping around the cameras. He had past the MedBay camera and then went back.
There was Operations next to Nikita's bed, holding her hand. Nikita's eyes were shut. Michael stood up and shook in fear.
" MADELINE!!!!!" Michael roars as he notes the camera and runs out of the office.
The scream was heard throughout Section Headquarters and Madeline stared at Birkoff. Birkoff moved his head away. Madeline shakes her head and looks at Birkoff.
" I needed time. Nikita needed time. Thanks." Madeline says as she goes the opposite direction of Michael's screams. If Michael couldn't find her, she could still buy the time she needed.
***********
" Nikita...."
" Nikita... wake up..."
" Open your eyes, my Nikita..."
Nikita hears the voice and wrinkles her nose. She feels different, not the same as before. She could not identify what it was.
" Michael?" Nikita calls out softly.
" Yes, my Nikita... Open your eyes darling." Michael says softly and Nikita opens them and looks around.
It was as if she was standing in the middle of a sunrise or a sunset. The colors and lights around her did not worry her as she looked around for Michael.
" Michael?" Nikita calls out softly.
" Right here, Nikita." Michael calls out from behind her. She turns and looks at her handsome husband's face. He smiles and sighs softly.
" Are we dead?" Nikita asks softly and Michael chuckles softly.
" No. You came here to reclaim something... something I have been protecting." Michael says and Nikita looks at him with a raised eyebrow.
" Michael... I am confused. Where are we? What happened to MedBay?" Nikita asks and Michael smiles and giggles slightly.
" It does not matter where we are. It matters why we are here." Michael says and Nikita looks at him. He looks so good in the shimmery white outfit.
" Haven't you forgotten someone?" Michael asks and Nikita continues to stare. He touches his heart with his hand and a brilliant light starts to shine.
" Here." Michael says as he moves towards Nikita's hands.
" What is it?" Nikita asks as she keeps her hands in front of her stomach.
" Our child." Michael says and Nikita looks at him.
" My baby?" Nikita questions and Michael looks at Nikita.
" Our baby." Michael says and Nikita smiles.
" I don't see it." Nikita says and Michael again smiles.
" Our baby can't live without hope.... I was holding hope... and now you need it back." Michael says and Nikita blinks her eyes a few times.
" Here... take it." Michael says as he extends his hands. Nikita takes her hand and reaches for it.
The light hovers over their hands and Nikita's fingertips brush against Michael's. At that moment, there was nothing more in the world than Michael's eyes and smile.
" Hope... dreams... love... that is our child, Nikita. Do not forget that." Michael says and Nikita nods her head. Their hands clasp together and the light begins to grow. Nikita leans back but Michael holds her steady.
" Do not fight it, Nikita.... let it take us over." Michael says and Nikita smiles as the light expands and suddenly they are inside the light. Nikita looks at Michael and smiles.
" I love you." Nikita says and Michael brushes a hand to her cheek.
" I know you do. Now... close your eyes..." Michael says softly.
" Close your eyes.... think of our baby..."
" Be at peace...."
" Dream with hope..."
" We are fine...."
**********
There was movement from Nikita and Operations moved off of the rail. He looked down and saw Nikita's eyes opening slowly.
" Mine and Michael's baby..." Nikita says softly and Operations shakes his head. The mother inside Nikita cared so much.
" Is fine. You need to rest." Operations says, but the words are not heard by Nikita. She sits up in bed and stretches her arms.
" When can I go home?" Nikita asks and Operations frowns. He knew it was going to be difficult keeping Nikita here, but not this difficult.
" You need to stay here a few days..." Operations says and even as he said the statement started to shake her head no.
" I'm going home soon. NOW!" Nikita says and Operations takes a long time to calm his worries.
" Nikita... it won't do the baby good. Me and Melissa will be leaving within the hour." Operations says and Nikita shakes her head.
" I need a shower." Nikita says, and before Operations could stop her, Nikita was heading to the bathroom.
***
Nikita saw Operations leaning against the wall and moves quickly. She knew what she needed to say and needed to do. He had to know that she was leaving soon. She would not wait, and she could not wait. She needed to find Michael and tell him.
" Nikita... you look much better." Operations comments as Nikita moves slowly closer to him. She stands to his side and turns her head to look at him.
" Thank you." Nikita says and Operations looks at her. Her tone of voice showed that she truly meant this thank you. She must have been thinking about saying it for a long time. It was not something he expected or wanted from Nikita.
" Nikita... I did this because I had to." Operations says and Nikita looks to the other side and then straight ahead.
" Just because of this.. does not mean I will allow mine and Michael's child to... to know it's grand father. I have to protect it." Nikita says slowly and Operations turns and touches Nikita's arm.
" Nikita, you are an amazing woman. I trust your judgment. Just give me a chance." Operations begs as he feels the ultrasound picture burning inside his pocket.
" I can't give you that. You have to prove yourself. This is a beginning." Nikita says and turns her head away.
" Me and Melissa are leaving in the morning, Nikita." Operations says as he places a hand on her shoulder and a piece of paper is attached to it. Nikita keeps her chin up high.
" I trust your judgment, Nikita. I will be forever making up for what I did." Operations says and he moves away. Nikita looks down at that paper.
The plane ticket.
HOME.
Nikita looks over her shoulder. She tells herself that she was not going to allow this one gesture to get to her. She had to protect hers and Michael's child. Operations still didn't understand what he had done to his own children.
It didn't matter, Nikita was going home.
**********
Operations is smiling as he enters Section One the next day. He had a nice discussion with Melissa. He knew that a lot had to be discussed. The conversation went fine. She promised to not tell Birkoff about Nikita's baby. It was still a situation that was not certain. People like Birkoff and Walter would hurt also if Nikita lost this child.
He walks quickly up to Madeline and hugs her from behind.
" Has my daughter and my son-in-law reunited?" Operations asks with a chuckle on his voice. He knew that if they saw each other in Section... the news of the baby would be spread quickly.
" What are you talking about? Nikita isn't here." Madeline says and Operations blinks and stares at her.
" She left last night from New York. She should have been here twelve hours ago." Operations says and dread begins to fill his stomach.
" Birkoff... activate Nikita's clocks." Madeline says and Operations looks to Madeline and shakes his head.
" Don't waste your time, Birkoff. I had them all removed." Operations says and turns his head away. Madeline walks around him and stares at him in his eyes.
" She was to stay in MedBay for two days before travel." Madeline says and Operations nods his head.
" Yes, she was. But she needed her husband." Operations says and Madeline starts to shake her head in disbelief.
" Don't you care about your daughter's well being! She could die if she loses that baby at the wrong place and the wrong time!" Madeline screams and Operations lifts his head.
" I do care for her. And that is why it was better to let her come home than work herself up in MedBay because she couldn't!" Operations hollers back.
" Nikita knows that the baby's well being has to come before her own wants and needs!" Madeline screams back and Operations shakes his head.
" She needs Michael to know about this pregnancy!" Operations yells back.
" Pregnant! Nikita is pregnant?" Michael asks from behind the two leaders. They turn and press their lips into thin lines at the same moment.
" Michael.. you didn't hear that." Madeline says as she steps towards the operative. Michael stares at her as the statement makes it true.
" Nikita is pregnant." Michael says again and this time Madeline nods her head.
" For the moment.. that we know of." Madeline says and she looks to Operations.
" What aren't you telling me?" Michael demands. Operations looks to his hands and then to Michael.
" She has had a lot of problems with the pregnancy, Michael. And we don't know where she is at the moment." Operations says and Madeline turns sharply and slaps Operations.
" Fine.. tell him that Nikita has had a difficult pregnancy but to tell him we don't know where she is.. NOW THAT IS WISE!" Madeline says as she shakes her head. She takes Michael's arm and leads him away.
" Michael my concern is for when she returns, pregnant. She has done a terrific job trying to wait on everything for you." Madeline says and Michael looks at her in confusion.
" We ordered several emergency ultrasounds, and each one.. she refused to look at it because you weren't there." Madeline says and Michael nods his head.
" I want you to stay in your quarters. That is going to be where Nikita goes first." Madeline says and she looks to the wall.
" And you have to let her tell you. She has this fantasy of what pregnancy is.. and what motherhood is. I don't want it destroyed so soon." Madeline says and Michael nods his head.
" What about the difficulties?" Michael asks and Madeline looks to her hands.
" Michael.. if she listened directly to orders and if Operations was not around. She would not be pregnant at this moment." Madeline says and Michael stops in his tracks and stares at Madeline.
" Most of her difficulties were related to Loving2000 and she has received blood for that.. and not being with you." Madeline says and Michael nods his head.
" She had to be scared." Michael says and Madeline nods her head.
" Please Michael... let me and Operations handle getting her back. If she sees you looking for her.. she' ll know." Madeline says and Michael nods his head and smiles.
" I'm going to be a father... I'll do anything." Michael says and leaves.
**********
Nikita was so pleased to see the window seat. She slid in and then looked to the girl sitting in the middle seat. Nikita sat down and smiled at the girl.
" I like your hair." The girl says with shining brown eyes. Nikita smiles and looks at the girl's own dark brown locks.
" Thank you. Yours is very pretty. I know someone who has hair kind of like yours!" Nikita says and the girl giggles. Nikita looks outside the plane and then back to the girl.
" My name is Nikita." Nikita says as she extends her hand and the girl shakes it.
" Samantha. But you can call me Sammie!" Sammie says and Nikita smiles.
" Nice to meet you Sammie!" Nikita giggles again and looks around. " Are you traveling by yourself, Sammie?"
" No.. my daddie is sitting with me.. but my mommie and my sister are sitting way back there!" Sammie says and Nikita smiles. She is glad that the girl of no more than six is not by herself.
" Would you like something to drink?" The attendant asks and Nikita lifts her head with a bright smile.
" OH MY! It's you!" The attendant says before Nikita can say yes. Nikita leans back and tilts her head.
" You were the one that was sick about nine days ago!" The attendant says and Nikita nods her head.
" I don't remember much of the flight." Nikita laughs. " I'll have some water." The attendant walks away and Nikita looks back to the girl.
