Madeline walked down the hallway and stopped. In her mind, she wanted to stay within Medlab to make sure that both Michael and Nikita were not disturbed. Instead, she wanted to do something that might save them even more. She was going to check all of their missions eight times before they even saw it for the first time.

Madeline rubbed her hands together as she moved to Birkoff's station. She had not noticed it before, but even Birkoff seemed to be under some kind of pressure, but Madeline was sure it was only minor.

"Get me all profiles that are possible for Michael and Nikita." Madeline said and Birkoff turned his head away from Madeline.

"That may be a problem." Birkoff replied and Madeline moved to him and pulls his chair to face her.

"And what is meant by that, Birkoff?" Madeline demanded and Birkoff dropped his head and pulled out the piece of paper and showed it to Madeline.

"You've been demoted." Birkoff softly said and he turned away, afraid to see Madeline's reaction. Yet, Madeline nodded her head, as she had expected a move like this. She was sure that all of this had gone too far, but she swallowed and looked at the paper.

"To what?" Madeline questioned and Birkoff swallowed.

"Level five." Birkoff stated and Madeline blinked her eyes, wondering how Operations justified this on to George.

"I don't care, Birkoff. I am protecting Michael and Nikita. Get me those profiles. I still do have my office, correct?" Madeline questioned and Birkoff looked around.

"Yes." Birkoff replied as he looked around and sighed. He didn't want to deliver the rest of the news either. He had been shocked to see how quickly Madeline had been demoted, and by three levels.

"But he placed a block on your computer. All things going to your computer will be routed through his." Birkoff explained and Madeline inhaled deeply and looked to Birkoff.

"Then send them to my private computer. I have some business to attend to either way." Madeline said and Birkoff nodded his head. Madeline bent down and wrote the account number down and moved around the hallway.

"Aren't you going to at least yell at him? I am ready to move my computer and everything." Birkoff said and Madeline smiled.

"Then it is playing right into his wants, Birkoff. You have to learn to think a bit more." Madeline said as she rounded the corner and entered Ayn's office.

Madeline entered the office and dropped the half-dollar on the desk and left. Nothing more was needed to be said. Madeline closed the door and looked around the hallways.

The information was being passed between operatives quickly, and Madeline could only hope that Operations was wise enough not to call her out for a mission. She looked up to the glass office and found it dark and she moved quickly.

"Better hurry. He is about to order you close quarters standby." Birkoff whispered out and Madeline nodded her head and handed a disk to Birkoff.

"That should slow things down around here." Madeline said as she smiled at Birkoff and walked towards the door. Of course she was playing something she had planned on holding for Michael and Nikita, but she couldn't protect them until she found out what they would be doing.

Madeline turned the corner and quickly made her way out of Section One, sure that Operations was still waiting for the fight to occur. A fight that would not occur.

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

"I don't care what you think, George, she had undermined my authority for the last time!" Operations yelled at George and he swallowed. George looked around his office, trying to maintain control over Operations. He was just moving a bit too fast right now for George's taste.

"I do not like the changes in Section One to occur so quickly. Won't Nikita be having the child soon?" George questioned softly and he heard the gasp from Operations. Operations had never directly told George of Nikita's pregnancy and George laughed. He wondered how long until Madeline called him.

"Yes. I am taking her off active status in two weeks." Operations replied and George looked around his office as his other red phone began to ring. He looked over and sighed.

Madeline.

"It should have been two months ago. Look, I have the President to talk too." George said and Operations paused.

"Madeline should be getting ready for a mission soon. This is going to be fun to watch." Operations said and George hung up as he picked up the other phone.

"Madeline, do not yell at me." George said as he held the phone to his ear.

"I am not going to yell. I want to protect Michael and Nikita. I am sure you don't know the entire story." Madeline said and George leaned back into his chair. Maybe he had left too many things run free in Section One for too long. He had known that Madeline's and Operations'relationship had soured, but George was surprised to find out that Operations had married Ayn.

"Is Nikita, all right?" George questioned, although he had no control over what Operations did in that situation. His hands were tied, but he was going to work with Madeline and get her back to her level 8 status, and if not her second in command status.

"She isn't emotionally responding." Madeline said and George nodded his head. He had to think of a way to fix this mess without going into Section One. He didn't really want to do that.

"Maybe we can think of this demotion has a blessing, Madeline. It will give you more contact with Nikita." George said and he waited, as the other line was silent.

"George, she needs a stable situation. If in two weeks, she isn't off active status… I know Michael and Nikita are going to disappear." Madeline said and George nodded his head.

"And if that happens, it will be with my blessing, Madeline." George replied and he rubbed his chin as he started his computer.

"Madeline, I can give you your level 8 status back. You won't be second in command. But, it will free up your computer." George said and Madeline smiled on her end of the conversation.

"That would be nice. I hated having to run home to gather information on Nikita's and Michael's next mission." Madeline said and George punched the keys as he started to pull up the couple's next mission.

"Their next mission does not look bad." George commented and he waited.

"No. But the one after that is going to be difficult. He thinks Nikita is going to be able to run up six flights of stairs. I would like to see that!" Madeline said and George shook his head and he punched a few keys.

"Fixed. I lowered the status and need on that mission. Won't need to be done for several months either way." George answered with a chuckle.

"Listen. You work on getting Nikita mentally healthy for the child, and I will keep an eye out on the missions." George said with a smile.

"I like that." Madeline replied and George smiled again.

"And don't fret, Madeline. You will have your position back sooner than you will want it." George said and hung up the phone. He turned fully to the computer and started to view the files, surprised at Operations inadequate view of what being pregnant meant.

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

Ayn looked around the hallways as she walked down them with her little bag in tow. She pushed away the thoughts of her spoiled honeymoon and moved towards her office. She was wondering if all the operatives whispering were still about her marriage to Operations.

Yet, Ayn had a feeling from the looks that this was more than that. Ayn tilted her head to the side, and thought that it had to do with the length of the honeymoon. Ayn forced Operations to go back to Headquarters when he told her what was going on. The fact that she stood inside Headquarters now told her that the mission had been a success.

"Hello, Birkoff." Ayn said as she turned the corner and only briefly saw Birkoff. Ayn was hoping that she would walk into her office and find out the entire story of what was going on. All Ayn got was that Nikita was being emotional. Ayn had shook her head as she pushed Operations out the door of the honeymoon suite, saying that she wouldn't be far behind.

Ayn turned the light on and she saw the shiny object on her desk. She slammed the door shut and walked to the desk and stopped in her movement.

She saw the half-dollar clearly and her mouth dropped slightly. That could only mean one thing, and it was a very old thing.

*

Madeline had just taken the position of second in command under her Viktor. The events that occurred between Madeline and Ayn had been forgotten to Madeline as she entered her original office. It was a dark but yet warm office. She pushed her hand through her hair, as she liked the setting she had been given.

It was nice for Madeline to know that she wouldn't be going out on missions all the time. It was nice for Madeline to know that she was going to help train the operatives. It was nice to know that Operations, her Viktor, chose her. He had trusted her, even through all the games she had played with Ayn in order to get him.

Madeline moved to the desk and saw the little envelope on the desk. She tilted her head and sighed as she sat down. At first she thought it was something that Viktor had done to welcome her to the position. Madeline licked her lips and slid the object out with a small note.

It was a shiny half-dollar. The words echoed in Madeline's head.

"You have the position, but you will only have half of Viktor forever." Was written on the note and Madeline did not need to know who sent it. There was only one other person who could claim had half of Viktor.

*

Ayn rolled the coin in her hand and flipped the computer screen quickly. The first screen showed her what she already knew with the presence of the coin. Madeline had been demoted and Ayn fell to her chair as she saw that she had been placed in Madeline's position.

Ayn rubbed her hands through her hair in a panic. She wasn't meant for Madeline's job, she was sure of it. She was horrified with the things that Madeline did day in and day out, and for that reason, was glad to never have been promoted. Ayn shook her head, surprised that she had not seen Birkoff cleaning up the glass from the office above, and Ayn smiled. Madeline knew Viktor better than anyone, probably better than Ayn. To fight with him, would only give him more reason to demote or move Madeline quicker.

Ayn looked at the screen when the update flashed. Ayn arched an eyebrow as she saw another player had come to play in Viktor's little game. Madeline had been demoted to level five, and now had been promoted back to level eight.

"Well, George…. Good to see you agree with us women." Ayn said as she slide the coin into the desk and headed out of the room. Maybe Madeline didn't fight with Viktor, but Ayn was.

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

"HOW DARE YOU!" Ayn yelled before the door slammed shut and Operations lifted an eyebrow. He had finally started to get a slight nap, but now he was brought to full attention.

"Ayn, you are back darling." Operations said as he turned towards her and instantly saw the anger on her face. Operations pressed his lips together and sighed.

"I need a person I trust to be my second in command. Madeline lost control with the nuclear warhead mission." Operations said and Ayn shook her head.

"Because we didn't tell Nikita of your marriage. None of that was Madeline's fault, VIKTOR!" Ayn said loudly as she began to pace. Operations lifted his head, knowing that he was correct.

"Darling, don't fret about it. She is level five… she will be going out on a mission with Michael and Nikita very soon." Operations said and Ayn smirked and looked down to the floor below. Birkoff was scrambling to move his computer and desk.

"You didn't check your computer recently have you?" Ayn questioned and Operations moved closer to Ayn.

"I haven't been expecting you. I was expecting Madeline to come up here and rant and rave. I have things for you to do, namely find out what is wrong with Nikita." Operations said and he frowned as Ayn smiled brightly.

"Nikita isn't my concern. You haven't checked your computer recently, have you?" Ayn questioned again and Operations lifted an eyebrow.

"There have been no missions and from what I know, Nikita is fine." Operations said and Ayn nodded her head and headed towards the glass.

"Then I suggest you check your computer. You might find something very interesting on it." Ayn said as she ran her hands against the glass and waited. She listened to the fingers moving across the keyboard and then the sudden stop in his movement.

Ayn only flinched as the paperweight Anna had made her father flew through the window and to the ground below. Birkoff jumped and started to shake his head. He picked up a broom and sat down on the edge of his desk, waiting to see if there would be more.

"How dare George do such a thing!" Operations hollered and Ayn smiled. She thought it was pretty brilliant on George's part, and Ayn had a couple other thoughts on what George was doing. Ayn was sure that he was keeping a close eye on the missions that were being assigned and Ayn turned towards Operations.

"So her job is to watch Nikita. Now, what am I to do?" Ayn questioned and Operations turned his head from Ayn and growled in anger. Operations never liked being controlled, and George had done just that.

"Fix the profile that George threw out so that Michael and Nikita can do it. Plan them for ten missions in the next two weeks." Operations said and Ayn shook her head.

"Ten missions! Nikita is pregnant!" Ayn screamed out in frustration.

"I know that. Why does everyone assume that I don't? I knew before Michael did!" Operations said as he slammed his hand on the desk as Ayn looked down below. Housekeeping had all ready brought up the new glass.

"You aren't acting it. Ten missions are difficult for a fully functioning operative. Why are you insisting on running Nikita into the ground?" Ayn asked and Operations dropped his head back and sighed.

"Maybe if she is so tired, she would drop her defenses and allow Elana to examine her. We can't get anywhere close to know what is going on because of Nikita's capture. Exhaustion is the only way I know that I can get that child the healthcare that it needs before Nikita goes into labor." Operations explained tightly and shook his head as he backed up.

Ayn blinked her eyes as she processed Operations' theory on protecting his grandchild. It was messed up; to say the least, but at least there was a reason for his true madness. Yet, everyone knew there was a better way, but continuing to fight with Operations would not produce what needed to be done. Ayn turned and left the office in silence of Operations'words.

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

"This is yours." Ayn said as she extended her arm with the coin towards Madeline as she walked towards the glass window. Madeline turned her head and looked to the coin and took it out of Ayn's hand. Ayn turned her head towards what Madeline was watching.

"I didn't realized I missed it until I lost it." Madeline whispered out and Ayn nodded her head as she shook her head in amazement. The couple had managed to fall asleep on a bed that was meant for one, and looked comfortable.

"How is she?" Ayn questioned, feeling that approaching the subject of Ayn's promotion would be too difficult on the two women that had used to be rivals and who had recently seemed to work together.

"She has not taken the events lately easily. I am glad to see her sleeping." Madeline whispered out as she tumbled the coin from one hand to the other, deep in thought. Ayn blinked her eyes and looked at the image again. She swallowed and turned towards Madeline.

"I know why he is doing this." Ayn whispered out and Madeline turned her head to look at Ayn. Madeline carefully took a breath, bracing herself for the words that Ayn was ready to share.

"He feels that if he can make Nikita exhausted, that it would open Nikita up to the possibilities of allowing Elana to examine her and the baby." Ayn said and Madeline blinked and shook her head. There had been some good reasons into making Nikita work like a workhorse during her pregnancy, including the fact that Nikita was damn good, but this was just plain stupid.

"He does know that his idea is just like drugging her and examining the child that way. That's how we got into this mess to start with." Madeline said harshly and then stopped herself as she looked back to the room. She did not want to wake up Michael and Nikita. She pulled Ayn's arm away from the area and looked at her.

"I don't think it matters to him. It matters what he thinks is the right thing to do." Ayn said and Madeline turned her head and waited. She tried to calm her nerves as everything was spinning out of control.

"I need to know where you stand." Madeline said firmly and Ayn pressed her lips together.

"I can tell you what Operations has ordered me to do. He wants me to find ten missions for Michael and Nikita to complete in the next two weeks." Ayn said and Madeline turned around in a circle and then pressed her body against the wall.

"I know, Madeline. I reacted the same way." Ayn whispered as she folded her hands together and swallowed. It was awkward for everyone involved right now.

"George is trying to filter the missions. I will inform him of Operations'order." Madeline said and Ayn shook her head.

"Operations is having me rewrite the missions that George throw out. What we need is some easy top level missions coming down." Ayn said and Madeline smiled.

"Ordered by George to be completed…" Madeline started out.

"To be completed by a couple…" Ayn said with a smile.

"And were very, very easy." Madeline finished and nodded her head in time with Ayn. Ayn smiled and took Madeline's hands.

"Maybe we should have worked together sooner." Ayn whispered and Madeline smiled. It worked smoother when they did, and now both of them realized it. Ayn turned her head and looked as Michael moved on the bed.

"Shh.. Nikita… it's going to be fine…" Michael whispered out and Madeline moved towards the window, seeing Nikita was crying again.

"Why don't I call George." Ayn whispered as she moved down the hallway. Madeline nodded her head and walked into the room. Madeline sighed and reached a hand out to Nikita's head and hoped that George could come through with what needed to be done.

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

"Nikita, it is all right." Madeline whispered as Nikita continued to cry, without words. There was no explanation for Nikita's tears, other than she was sad, hurt, and confused. Madeline looked at Michael as he held her tightly.

"Nikita… please… just go back to sleep with me." Michael softly said, hoping to lull Nikita back to sleep, hoping that the sleep would heal her. Nikita shook her head back and forth and continued to cry.

"Nikita, what made you wake up?" Madeline softly questioned as she felt Nikita's hand squeeze her hand tightly. Madeline was momentarily scared and Nikita parted her lips.

"He is going to take my baby." Nikita whispered out and Madeline closed her eyes. She knew what had occurred.

"It is a nightmare, Nikita." Madeline whispered out as she leaned down and kissed Nikita's forehead.

"He is." Nikita sobbed out and Madeline closed her eyes. She felt her own body tumbling out of control. The events that had occurred within Section One were unstable and Madeline started to question how could Section One maintain peace in the world when they couldn't keep peace with their people.

"I won't let him, Nikita." Michael said into Nikita's ear and she leaned her head back with a squeal of emotional pain. Madeline turned her head as she saw Elana hovering outside the door. Madeline shook her head and Elana moved away.

"Nikita, I want you to sleep. That is what is best for the baby. Let me and Michael worry about Operations." Madeline said softly as she rubbed Nikita's forehead. She could feel Nikita slowly drifting back to sleep. Madeline waited and continued to rub her face lightly and Michael stood up off of the bed.

"Michael… outside, please." Madeline said softly and Michael followed Madeline out of the room, still looking over his shoulder at Nikita as she pulled a pillow towards her chest.

"I wanted you to know that I have been demoted. Ayn has been put in my position, but we are working together on keeping things from going insane." Madeline said and Michael nodded his head and dropped it slightly.

"What things are planned?" Michael questioned and Madeline shook her head. Michael lifted his head and leveled the eyes with Madeline's. She saw Michael's intent of waiting for the answer.

"Operations wants you and Nikita to complete ten missions in the next fourteen days." Madeline replied and Michael took a shaky breath in and then shook his head lightly.

"Ayn and I have discussed how to make that happen. You have to trust us." Madeline said and Michael smirked and looked into the room with the sleeping Nikita.

"Madeline, Ayn didn't tell anyone that she had married Operations. I don't think I can trust her." Michael said and turned around. Michael stepped back into the room with a yawn of his own. Madeline understood how tired Michael was too. He had been so worried for Nikita that Madeline was sure that some nights Michael spent pacing up and down the room, trying to solve the situation that they had been forced into.

Madeline turned and headed out of Medlab. Elana looked around and dropped her head. She hoped that whatever Madeline and Ayn planned worked. It might just save Nikita and the baby.

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