It was a warm spring day as the car pulled up to the sidewalk of the bright house. The morning dew was still collected on the grass leaves as the air teased the bright tulips and daisies with a slight breeze that was not cold, but rather cool. The house was bright white, with the large wrap around porch sparkling with the crispness of freshly clean.

It had been a long time. Too long.

Over 730 days.

Over 17,520 hours.

Over 1,051,200 minutes.

Over 63,072,000 seconds.

Too much time had already past and the wound burned with pain as she pulled her legs out of the car and looked ahead. There had been conversations at the beginning, but those were eating her soul apart, so those slowly stopped. Efforts were placed on staying alive, which she had been able to successfully do at the beginning, and then it became keeping everyone alive. Along those 730 days, there was not one day off, not one day that she spent for herself. 730 days passed quickly, but then slowly. Then, along the way, a promotion was given, but nothing changed. She moved like a machine, which she was to be, until she looked at the house that loomed brightly in front of her.

There were just a few toys scattered among the green grass that must have been recently cut. The sidewalk moved towards the house and every footstep echoed loudly. There was a pause in movement as her hand reached out to the handle on the chairs to climb up onto the wrap around porch. Off to the left was a large bay window, with bright yellow curtains hanging in the inside. To the right, the porch was enclosed and wrapped around to the side of the house. There was bright white wicker furniture and several green plants sitting in pots.

The door looked as it did over 17520 hours ago. Nothing about it had changed, and looking at that door brought a stab to the heart that inflamed her more than any other injury she had sustained. She reached out to the little button and waited as the doorbell rang.

It was still early morning and she jumped as the door opened up quickly. Now a girl of waist-high height stepped out from behind the door, and the smile echoed to anyone that passed.

"MOM! YOU CAME FOR MY BIRTHDAY!" Mia exclaimed as she threw her taller body around her mother's waist and hung on. Nikita choked back her tears as she looked down at the daughter she had missed ever millisecond that she was gone and was amazed. She had grown so much and did not show the anger that she had believed Mia would have. Her hair was still blonde and grown extremely long, as did her mother's. There just had not been the time for Nikita to cut her hair in the hectic world that she found herself in.

"Come on, Mom." Mia said as she stepped back and pulled Nikita into the house. Nikita tried to stop, as she did not want to enter this way. She had wished Michael had opened the door, because that was what she was prepared for. She was not ready to see her daughter like this, and in her plans, she would not have seen her daughter on this day. She did not want to hurt Mia, but Nikita was now sure that it was going to happen.

"Mom, Dad and Walter planned my birthday party today... but now all I want is you.... I don't want a bike... I don't want that doll... I want you." Mia chattered as she moved Nikita through the house that Nikita had only spent a few hours in over 1051200 minutes ago.

"Mia.. where is your father?" Nikita questioned as Mia pulled her down the warm wood hallway, with a destination that she was quite unsure of. It appeared as if Michael had done some remodeling and Nikita looked around, startled to find that he had hung a picture of herself up on the wall. It had to have been for Mia's benefit, and Nikita swallowed as Mia turned around and danced.

"I take dance lessons in town, Mom. I know how to do spins and kicks." Mia said and Nikita nodded her head as the hand continued to tug Nikita ahead. It was as if Nikita was walking in a virtual reality, that none of this was truly real. Nikita had planned on this visit being only a short one, to discuss some matters of great importance. No one was to know that Nikita had come back to Headquarters, as Nikita still had the threat of George to give Michael the tape, in her mind. On top of that, the reason why Madeline had sent for Nikita was important to Section One security, but Nikita also had other matters to deal with.

"Dad will be happy...... he doesn't know how to bake cakes... last year.. oh mom..." Mia said as she pulled Nikita into the large country kitchen. Nikita blinked her eyes as she looked off to the right hand side and saw a pair of steps heading upstairs. She heard the steps before she saw anything on the winding steps.

"Mia.... Did Walter come in?" Michael questioned as he walked down the steps. As he finally turned the corner and found Nikita pulling her hand away from her daughter's tight grasp, Michael stopped with the three packages in his hands. He blinked his eyes and stared at Nikita. Both had not changed, except for a little bit more hair for Nikita and Michael had gotten his hair cut, but it was still shoulder length.

"Nikita." Michael finally said as he finished walking down the stairs, but did not move his eyes off of Nikita's face and eyes. It had also been 63072000 seconds for Michael that Nikita had been gone, and he felt her absence every single moment. It had not taken Walter long to spill to Michael that Nikita had been threatened out, but Michael had stopped worrying about that when he was sure that Nikita would never come back. Then she had been promoted. She was now a level above him.

"Michael." Nikita finally stated as Michael sat the packages down on the table. She could not identify the tension in the room as good or bad. Neither one could pull their eyes off the other, nor Nikita finally shook her body out of its trance, knowing of the reasons why she was here.

"Mia..." Nikita said as she bent down and kissed her daughter's forehead. Mia smiled and looked up at her mother with the same smile that Nikita had always seen from her daughter. Nikita felt her heart racing, as all she wanted to do was to hold onto her, and never let her go, but that was no possible now. Time was already spent wastefully in this house. Nikita could not allow George to know she was here.

"Why don't you go and get ready for the party your dad and Walter are giving you?" Nikita questioned with a smile and a nod of her head. Mia jumped up and hugged Nikita around the neck. Nikita closed her eyes as she wished to engrain this image forever in her head.

"Mia... don't get into your dress yet." Michael remarked as Nikita sat down Mia and she ran towards the stairs that Michael had just walked down. Nikita's eyes followed her daughter up the stairs and she turned back to Michael.

"We have to talk." Nikita and Michael said at the same time, and the tension moved from possibly being good, into a tension that Nikita never liked having with Michael. It was like the tension when it was Michael returning from Hong Kong. Nikita waited as Michael moved around the kitchen.

"We need a secure room to talk in." Nikita finally stated and Michael blinked his eyes and headed off to the left-hand side of the kitchen, without a word to Nikita. Nikita dropped her head and walked behind Michael.

*

Michael turned as he entered the dark study and studied Nikita's being as she entered the room and closed the door. He had seen so many reports and so many video files of her work that it was not like her figure and her face were forgotten. In fact, may of his dreams were still of Nikita, and of a day that she would come back. This manner that she was behaving in though led Michael to the belief that she was not here to stay. He reached out and flicked the small switched and motioned to the small couch in-between two bookshelves.

Nikita sat down and found swallowing difficult as she looked at Michael. She could be cancelled for what she was going to do, but there was no other option in her mind. She was not going to make this decision on her own, like Madeline assumed she would.

"You are not to know that I am here." Nikita stated and Michael blinked his eyes at the statement. Michael turned his head to the side and swallowed himself.

"Does Madeline and Operations think that I would not notice you?" Michael questioned and Nikita leaned over and took Michael's hand in hers. It felt so warm, and she felt so cold. She could have melted into his arms right that second, and so Nikita dropped his hand and sat up straight.

"We have a situation that can only impact us the most." Nikita stated and Michael watched Nikita's eyes search his own face. There was a silence and Nikita could almost hear the mental seconds ticking away, knowing that time was precious and soon she would have to leave, even if this conversation with Michael never occurred.

"Michael, someone has Operations." Nikita replied after sometime, deciding that being blunt was the best way to handle the situation.

"Why haven't I been told?" Michael replied and Nikita turned her head and looked at Michael. Her face was the same face he had seen last night in his dream. He had seen her so clearly, as if she was reaching out for help from him, and now, Michael saw this was possibly becoming true.

"You are level 5, Michael." Nikita replied and threw the existence of her promotion against his face. He had been shocked and horrored by the promotion, sickened to his stomach for weeks by it. He never hated his daughter, but he knew that it was because of Mia, and that fact that he had to care for her, that he had been withheld from level 6 all that time.

"What matters is what I do. I am the only one working on the profile. In fact, I decide if we take out the target and Operations, or if we can retrieve him." Nikita said as she turned and studied Michael's lips tremble with the words that she spoke. Both of them knew that even if Nikita were level 6, Michael would become the next Operations, as it was destiny.

"You could come back." Michael whispered out as he slowly moved towards Nikita again. Nikita blinked her eyes and slowly nodded her head. If Operations was not retrieve, but rather sacrificed, Michael would have Nikita transferred back to Headquarters before the cursor had a chance to blink once.

"But does that give me and you the most power?" Nikita questioned as she stood up and looked at the books that surrounded the couch. She reached her fingers out and touched the bindings lightly and smiled at some of the titles.

"Of course it would. I would be running Section One." Michael replied and Nikita snapped her head around and stared into Michael's eyes.

"Would it give us more power? Or would it hamper our daughter's life? Right now, we have to some extent, protected her. What keeps her safest?" Nikita questioned in a haunting voice that showed Michael that Nikita had seriously thought of all angles of the situation.

"Is there a chance that you should even be thinking of this, Nikita?" Michael asked, wanting to know to what extent was Nikita willing to kill off Operations.

"I feel it is in our best interest, if I retrieve Operations." Nikita said and Michael shook his head in disbelief.

"He sent you away. He sent Mia away. How is this best for us?" Michael demanded and Nikita moved over to the couch and sat down. She reached out and took Michael's hand.

"Because, if you become Operations, I would never return here." Nikita stated with a bluntness that was even sharper than the announcement that Operations was taken.

"Does my opinion matter, Nikita? It sounds as if you have already decided." Michael commented as he stood up, finding it impossible to allow Nikita to touch him and be near to him. All the anger that he had felt in the past two years boiled in his eyes and his heart.

"Go save him or let him die. I don't care what happens, now Nikita. Too much time has past." Michael said firmly and Nikita nodded her head as she rose from the couch. She turned to the door, and was not going to look back. Michael chased after her long strides and grabbed her as she neared the hallway to exit.

"I am not going to allow you to hurt my daughter." Michael said and Nikita narrowed her eyes and stared at Michael.

"She is my daughter too, Michael. Never forget that." Nikita said and Michael shook his head.

"How can I? Each time she looks at me, I see you. I am reminded every day of it!" Michael hissed out and Nikita blinked her eyes in order to maintain her composure and then turned to walk out.

"You are really good at this, Nikita. Walking out." Michael shot out and Nikita bit her bottom lip. She turned and felt all of the emotions sitting heavily on her heart.

"Michael, I have done everything because I want to protect Mia. I am sorry if you feel that your feelings come before a six year olds." Nikita said as she reached for the door and opened it. Michael watched the door close again, separating the two for who knows how long now. Michael turned and looked up the stairs to see Mia holding onto the railing with tears running down her face.

"Mom left?" Mia questioned and Michael walked up the stairs and carried Mia back to her room, trying to savage what was left of the girl's birthday.

*

Things are suppose to change while you are gone, and it is odd when things do not change. Nikita walked down the hallway and it was the same hallway as she had walked down before. It was the same hallway that she had expertly negotiated when she could not see. She noticed everything, and if anything had changed, it was that the pipes had been dusted recently.

Nikita felt as if her entire walk down the hallway was in slow motion, and all the times she had been able to walk down the hallway without being noticed were long gone. Every single operative turned and stared at her, most of the operatives she had never seen before in her life. Faces were staring at her, and it had been some time since that had occurred too.

"Birkoff, where is Madeline?" Nikita questioned as she approached the computer expert who has his back turned to her. She watched his back muscles jump at her words and then watched the chair swivel around. The face went from shock to a large smile.

"Nikita! Mia is going to be so happy to see you!" Birkoff exclaimed and Nikita rolled her eyes and walked out of view from the observation deck. She had seen the person she could not been seen by. George was in that room with Madeline. Nikita walked behind Birkoff and looked over his shoulder.

"Where is Madeline?" Nikita whispered into his ear softly, although she already knew the answer. Birkoff nodded his head and looked up above him.

"She is in a meeting with George and Operations." Birkoff replied and Nikita nodded her head. The statement said a lot to Nikita. She was going to be given the entire Operations' kidnapping to work by herself. Any of her decisions Madeline would read into Nikita's own personal experience, and therefore Nikita was going to be exposing herself and her goals more than she wanted.

"No one is to know I am here. Is Walter here?" Nikita questioned and Birkoff shook his head back and forth with the answer of no. Nikita nodded her head and looked up to the ceiling and then back to Birkoff.

"I'll be in Madeline's office. I will be using your code." Nikita said as she moved along to the back wall. Birkoff raised an eyebrow but did not question Nikita's actions. He had seen the missions that Nikita had been doing, and several times mentioned it to Walter that she had become colder than Madeline.

Nikita moved down the hallway. She could only hope that the operatives who did see her, where still scared of George and would not speak at all. It was what occurred in the station she had been assigned in San Francisco. Even the higher operatives were scared of George and found it difficult that Nikita carried on a decent relationship with George. Even though George had threatened Nikita to leave, and that the threat was still being used, he cared for Nikita and Mia. George had often brought in tapes that Michael would be shocked to know that they exist.

Nikita punched in Birkoff's code and walked into the office. She looked to the wall and was surprised to see that all of Madeline's traditional bonsai plants had been removed and only shelves sat there now. Nikita moved over and looked at the few items that were there. Nikita fought the tears as she saw the little clay pot with a picture of Mia on it. Nikita trembled as she turned around to find Madeline walking down the stairs.

"I didn't expect you so soon." Madeline commented as the door closed and she made her way around the desk. Nikita blinked her eyes and moved to the chair in front of the desk and sat her body down while concentrating on Nikita.

"My dear, Nikita, you must stop trying to be Michael." Madeline commented and Nikita blinked her eyes at the statement. Madeline was shocked by the lack of expression on Nikita's face, but Madeline already knew that Nikita was hiding a lot. She was sure that there was a reason why Nikita still could not allow George to know of her presence, and Madeline was sure that Nikita's heart was still rather warm, in comparison to the coldness that Nikita showed.

"My priority is Operations. Now, what do we know?" Nikita commented and Madeline lightly smiled at the commented as she turned the computer on and turned it to Nikita. Nikita watched Madeline move quickly through the screens and she leaned her head back as the tape of Operations in the torture chair was revealed.

"Who is it, Red Cell of Freedom League?" Nikita questioned and Madeline looked down at her desk and pushed the panel to Nikita. Nikita looked at the panel and then back up to Madeline.

"Does George know?" Nikita questioned and Madeline shook her head. She turned to the side and studied Nikita as she folded her hands on her lap. She was surprised that Nikita had not started to make demands on Madeline.

"A combination of the powers that be in Red Cell and Freedom League is currently only known between us, and no one else." Madeline said and Nikita nodded her head and she looked to the wall.

"Where do I work?" Nikita questioned and Madeline licked her lips and looked around the office.

"Here. Is there anything else you may need, Nikita?" Madeline questioned as she stood up. Nikita blinked her eyes and swallowed.

"I am going to need Walter to go over some of the weapons. See what we could use." Nikita stated and Madeline rose an eyebrow. She thought she would have asked for Michael first, and Madeline would have given Nikita what she wanted. It was going to be an extremely interesting few days as Nikita worked on this profile. The pairing of Red Cell and Freedom League weren't going to kill Operations, so Nikita did not have to hurry with the profile.

"I thought you would ask to see Mia. Isn't it her birthday today?" Madeline questioned and Nikita clenched her jaw and turned to Madeline with evil in her eyes.

"I gave birth to her. I would never forget her birthday, Madeline." Nikita spat out and then moved to the table in the corner of the office and sat the panel down to study it more.

*

It was four hours of painful quiet as Nikita studied every single shred of intelligence that Madeline had been able to gather up by herself. Nikita was sure that Birkoff could gather more for her, but she did not know if that was a wise thing to do. Nikita knew that it was only a matter of time before Walter walked into the office and knew of Nikita's presence. Nikita could only hope that she could talk to Walter before he found out. She did not need a mess occurring on her hands about everything in her life.

Nikita had been able to establish a drop within Madeline's mailbox to retrieve any of the communications with Operations. Along the way though, entering Nikita's fifth hour, Nikita saw an e-mail from George sitting in Madeline's box. It was odd, since George was still currently inside Section One headquarters.

"So it is true. You are here." Walter hissed as he entered the office. Nikita turned her head and she blinked her eyes, as the door still had not shut, exposing her to yet more operatives. Nikita had read the e-mail and knew of the explosion that was soon going to occur. There was nothing that she could do now, but she was not going to be stuck in Madeline's office much longer.

"You spoke to George." Nikita commented as she stood up and ran her hands through her hair. Walter nodded his head and moved to Nikita.

"He shouldn't be keeping you from your daughter. She was so happy at her party." Walter commented and Nikita swallowed and looked straight ahead, trying not to feel the emotion. She had allowed Walter too much leeway in her life already.

"And you told Michael. So he is expecting the worse." Nikita said and Walter shook his head and stared at Nikita. He was still confused about exactly what she was speaking about. He could tell from her posture that he was not going to be able to comfort her to get the information out of her.

"Nikita, what are you talking about? Madeline said you needed me for some urgent profile." Walter said and Nikita moved ahead and licked her lips. Walter felt a chill run down his spine that did not occur with many people. Madeline was able to get this kind of reaction out of Walter, and he swallowed.

"You told Michael that George was blackmailing me. Which means, since you told George that I was here, Michael will take anything George gives him as the truth. I do not need this now." Nikita said in tense words that echoed in the room. Walter blinked his eyes and stared at Nikita. He had a feeling that it was Nikita who was making her life more complicated than it needed to be.

"I'm sorry, sugar, I didn't know. Why don't you tell me what George has on you?" Walter said and Nikita turned and walked back to the computer. She clenched her teeth together and stared at the computer screen. She turned to look over her shoulder and Walter was shocked by the look of disgust that cross her face when she realized that he had not followed her.

"I have bigger problems than what little relationship I have with Michael. Operations has been taken and it is my job to either sacrifice him or to retrieve him." Nikita commented and Walter rushed to the screen and looked at the video. He was smiling as the men worked the older man over. It brought Walter some pleasure to see the old man get some of the punishment he dealt on others without even blinking.

"Is there even a choice here?" Walter questioned in a deep voice and Nikita turned as she slid down into the chair. She crossed her legs and tilted her head back to look at Walter.

"Are you suggesting that I just sacrifice him and be over with it?" Nikita questioned in a deep voice and Walter bent down and looked into Nikita's eyes. The tone was a tone that he never expected from Nikita. They were words that he never thought would be murmured out of Nikita's mouth, as Walter often dreamed of the end of Operations coming from the sweet blonde's hands. Now Walter wasn't sure if sweet should even be murmured with the same thought with Nikita.

"No. But it would end a lot of your problems." Walter said and Nikita blinked her eyes and looked off far away. In that instance, Walter saw Nikita's pain and saw that she was still the Nikita he knew, but she was so covered up with the hardness of Section One that it was going to be a long time, if ever, to get her back.

"It won't end the problems, Walter. I have the location, and I want to see what type of weapons would be used in both circumstances, sacrifice and retrieval." Nikita said and Walter nodded his head as Nikita handed the disk over to him. He turned and walked out of the office and plum into Madeline.

"Walter. Please do not discuss this with anyone. Not even Birkoff." Madeline said and Walter nodded his head. He could not believe that Birkoff had not been consulted on this and he was sure he was going to tell the computer genius to at least start digging a bit. Walter was about to allow Madeline to enter her office when he grabbed her arm.

"What has happened to her?" Walter whispered and Madeline looked up at Walter and blinked her own eyes.

"She is level 6, Walter. She has priorities." Madeline stated and Walter looked at Madeline and licked his own lips as he planned out his next words.

"When her shields drops, you see it." Walter whispered and Madeline leaned into Walter's body and pressed her head towards his ear.

"What do you see, Walter?" Madeline said and Walter turned to face Madeline's eye. He could see the eyelash flickering in the waiting tension.

"A girl that has lost her soul." Walter whispered out and moved away before he could hear Madeline gasp. Madeline watched Walter move down the hallway, no way underestimating that he would consult with Birkoff in a matter of moments. Madeline looked towards the closed door and blinked her eyes. She had seen George storm out of Section One, off to say Happy Birthday to Mia, but she was sure there was more there. Madeline sighed as she opened the door to find Nikita hunched over her work.

Madeline blinked her eyes as she noticed that she had missed exactly what Walter had said. Nikita should be pounding her way out of Section One in her old rebellious way. It was one of the things that Madeline had felt was a strong point of Nikita's, that she still believed in life. It was with the image of Nikita hunched over her work, Madeline realized the gross error and she stepped back and watched the door close again. She needed to think, as she was sure that Nikita's decision about Operations was not going to be the one that Madeline expected.

*

Michael smiled as Mia danced around the table in her post birthday cake sugar high. He shook his head as he dropped the paper plates into the garbage, to find that Mia had run back into the living room to look at her gifts again. Michael turned and walked towards the living room when he saw the man walking up the stairs. Michael hissed as he took some air into his lungs and moved to the door.

"George." Michael said tensely as he looked past the brightly wrapped box in his hands to the older man's face. Michael stepped back and allowed him to enter as Mia ran in from the living room.

"Uncle Georgie!" Mia exclaimed as she jumped up and down. Michael turned and closed the door as George handed the young girl the gift, which she promptly tore up. Michael bent down and picked up the paper from the wooden floor as Mia held a delicate yellow dress in her hands.

"I know this dress!" Mia exclaimed and George nodded his head. Periodically he would arrive at Michael's house unannounced with some video of Nikita. He always had one for Michael, which included most of the missions Nikita had gone out in, and then usually one for Mia, which showed Nikita laughing and smiling. The most recent showed Nikita in a yellow dress like the one Mia now held in her hands.

"Mom was here today." Mia said and George smiled and nodded his head.

"Yes, Mia. I know." George said as he turned his head slightly to the side to look at Michael. Michael swallowed and looked down at Mia.

"Mia, why don't you take that dress, and the dresses from Madeline and hang them up in your closet like I showed you to do the other day." Michael said and Mia nodded her head and bounced to the pile of gifts and grabbed the clothing. Michael leaned to watch Mia walk up the stairs before turning to look at George. Michael closed his eyes as George extended his hand and showed Michael that he had another videotape.

Michael was watching his every movement, as he did not know what George knew of Nikita's return involved. It was possible that Madeline was still covering for Operations absence, and Michael did not want to jeopardize anything that was currently going on. Michael had first felt that George could be trusted, but slowly he had become wary, especially after he had sent Nikita away to San Francisco.

"I should have showed you this years ago." George said and Michael snapped the tape into the VCR. Michael stepped back to lean against the couch arm as the tape began to run.

"Oh Delano... you know how to make a girl relax." Nikita murmured as she sprawled out on the bed, with Delano on top of her. Delano leaned down and licked Nikita's neck, which caused her to laugh deeply.

"Nikita, you are like sweet heaven." Delano whispered and then pushed his bare body towards Nikita's. Nikita lifted a hand, and playfully tried to stop him.

"Oh.. We shouldn't be doing this... what would your father think..." Nikita whispered out and then began to laugh.

"He would love to see you happy." Delano said as he reached down and kissed Nikita's lips and then continued the embrace.

Michael snapped the remote up and stopped the tape. He felt more betrayed than ever before. It was not like tapes like these had been something new for Michael. It has seemed as if Nikita's specialty when she reached San Francisco had become Valentine missions, and Michael had probably seen the explicit side of every single one. This one hurt because it ruined everything that Michael had believed Nikita was.

"When?" Michael questioned, needing to know exactly when this relationship occurred. He watched George lean forward on the couch to look at Michael's eyes.

"The relationship occurred when Mia was turning six months." George replied and Michael felt his world drop out from him. Everything that he had tightly held onto for years was gone. He had thought that Nikita had been traumatically harmed when he left for Hong Kong. Michael had believed that the Sanchez mission, that occurred almost seven years ago, had scarred her, but that was not true. All the time that he had spent with Nikita before she left for San Francisco was now seen in a different light. She may have never been hurting, and she was just using to get what she wanted.

'This can't be... Did Mia..." Michael whispered out as the questions came to his mind. George rubbed his hands together, pleased that Michael did not even hesitate on believing what had occurred.

"It was going on for two months, but Delano never was involved with Mia." George replied and Michael nodded his head and blinked back his own painful tears. He felt like he had been the one used, and that Nikita was not to be trusted. He would have not acted this way if Nikita just told him, but now, it meant something totally different. Nikita had hidden it for a reason, and it pained Michael to no extent. Now, he did not want Nikita anywhere near Mia.

"Why would she not tell me?" Michael questioned and George smiled and rubbed his hands together.

"Do you think you would have allowed her to leave with that? She used it to get ahead. Who is the level six operative now?" George questioned bluntly and Michael swallowed the implications. He found the world that he had constructed with what he felt was truth, was just a pile of lies. It was like Michael had just been sucked into a hurricane with nothing to hold onto.

"I am trying to access some tapes from San Francisco. I have heard that there was a relationship between Weigner and Nikita." George said and Michael turned and stared at him. First George's son and then Weigner, the level eight operative who ran the San Francisco station. Michael turned away as George stood up.

"I didn't want to hurt you, Michael. But I thought you needed to know where things stood." George said and Michael nodded his head. He did not move as George moved out of the house. Michael listened to the front door slam shut and he finally closed his eyes. It was at that moment, that the footsteps of the running Mia were heard, quickly running down the stairs.

"Mia! Walk down the stairs!" Michael called out, and he heard the footsteps slow down and then round the corner.

"Dad, can we go see Mommy?" Mia asked and Michael shook his head and picked Mia up. He kissed her forehead, determined not to allow Nikita to destroy their daughter with her thirst for power and looked outside.

"You still have a birthday gift." Michael said and he pointed out of the window and Mia's mouth dropped down.

"A BIKE!" Mia exclaimed and instantly forgot about her wish to see her mother.

*

Nikita looked at the computer and blinked her eyes. She knew from the configuration, that Madeline was not going to like the plan that she had devised, but it would end with the retrieval of Operations. Nikita did not like the results either, as she allowed the computer to compute which operatives to use. It was like Nikita knew the computer would respond with her name and Michael's. It was only logical.

Nikita swallowed as she paged Madeline back to her office. Nikita gathered all of her strength to enter into this conversation. Again, as Nikita waited, Nikita became interested in the missing bonsai trees. Nikita had knocked some over when she left, but she thought it had been a good hobby for Madeline. Nikita trembled as she looked at the bare shelves and the door slide open.

"Nikita, you have a possible answer?" Madeline questioned, surprised at how quickly Nikita had been able to work on a solution. Madeline had just settled down to start figuring out what had occurred in the past two years, and trying to figure out what George's intent was when he sent Nikita to San Francisco. Madeline was sure she could have figured out this mess that she found herself in if Nikita would confide in her now, but too much damage had been done to that relationship. From what Madeline just overheard as Walter whispered into a telephone, the damaged seemed to be done between Michael and Nikita also.

"Yes. I have a profile for a retrieval." Nikita commented and if Nikita had been in a better mood, she would have smiled at the expression of pure shock on Madeline's face at the words. Nikita saw the reaction, and knew that Madeline did not believe that there was a way to retrieve Operations, or rather, Madeline thought that Nikita would willing sacrifice Operations without a rescue attempt. Nikita was sure that she would continue to see that shocked face while she presented the mission profile.

"A retrieval? Are you sure?" Madeline questioned and Nikita nodded her head and motioned for Madeline to move to her computer.

"Yes. The computer showed that the profile, with several different variables, a high success rate." Nikita commented and Madeline blinked her eyes and looked at the computer.

"I ran assault style profiles Nikita before I called for you. Nothing was above two percent." Madeline commented harshly and Nikita nodded her head and sat down on the chair in front of the desk. Madeline knew the power that Nikita was now playing with and was sure that Nikita knew of something more was occurring. Madeline was not blind, and could put the pieces of the puzzle together. Whatever George had held over Nikita's head must have been just given to Michael.

"I didn't use assault style. I used some other methods. Most of them run fairly high, with the right operatives." Nikita commented and Madeline tilted her head to the side. Nikita had stressed the last two words firmly and Madeline's mind began to churn.

"Why would it matter what operatives we would use?" Madeline questioned and Nikita smiled and turned the computer so she could look at it.

"Level One operatives trading inside information doesn't make for a tight profile." Nikita rudely commented and Madeline blinked her eyes and turned her eyes to the screen. It was an interesting scenario that Nikita had just commented about.

"This is very interesting." Madeline commented after some time of studying of the profile. It did not go past Madeline's attention that the outline lacked some important details, that Madeline was sure that Nikita was not willing to release without a fight.

"It has possibilities." Nikita commented back and Madeline nodded her head. Nikita had become quite crafty in her ways of response, and aware of what would garner a reaction and what would not. Madeline almost felt part way naked in front of Nikita, as she felt that Nikita was using her own reactions against her.

"It definitely has possibilities. Do you think it is realistic that it would be bought by the Red Cell and Freedom League leaders?" Madeline questioned and Nikita tilted her head back and smiled.

"We aren't going to use their leaders." Nikita commented and Madeline dropped her head, stunned at the implications that Nikita had thrown forth again. Madeline turned and looked at the screen. Nikita's recommendation had thrown Madeline for another loop, and she could not longer guess at what Nikita was going to say.

"We will use lower than leaders from Section One, to contact lower than leaders in Red Cell and Freedom League. We know that both groups have great dissention in the ranks, and finding someone willing to steal Operations against their own leaders will not be hard." Nikita commented and Madeline blinked her eyes. The plan almost sung to Madeline, as it was well thought out and founded on deeply known Intel. For years Section One had been playing with the increasing dissention among the ranks of Red Cell and Freedom League. Madeline knew that they could easily find someone willing to do what Nikita would ask them too.

"Who will be the operatives we use?" Madeline questioned softly, but from Nikita's behavior, Madeline had already formulated the two operatives in her mind. She was sure that it would have worked prior to a few hours ago, but deeply questioned the names that Nikita would mutter out of her mouth in a few seconds.

"Me and Michael." Nikita rushed out and turned her head. Madeline could see the displeasure on Nikita's face, but it was a logical pairing. They did have the most to gain from trading for Operations, and the people from Red Cell and Freedom League could easily read that their actions were not being done for Section One, but for the good of their own life.

"That makes sense." Madeline commented and Nikita looked at Madeline with stone cold eyes that almost made a chill go done Madeline's own thin spine. Nikita sat straight up in the chair and pulled it closer to Madeline's desk.

"I didn't have to consult the computer to know that it was the best. Since the transaction and all activities must be held outside of the Section One environment, the house is secure and a prime transaction location. Plus, Operations will react with the mention of either one of our names." Nikita stated like a machine and Madeline blinked her eyes. It was difficult to accept that this was Nikita. They had always said that Nikita would be hard to control because of her emotions, and Madeline was sure that the emotions were still there, but Madeline was not going to have the key to them. At least, not yet. Madeline was ready to get out of this conversation and go digging within Nikita's personal file for more recent information.

"What Intel is going to be needed?" Madeline questioned and Nikita leaned back in her chair and Madeline felt the odd sensation of the chill running back up her body. She did not like the feeling and was making plans on never feeling that way ever again.

"We will be placing an instant virus on to the Intel. I have read that Birkoff has had some success on making it through Red Cells' virus screens. I will need a virus that won't be found until they load it. We might be able to take out more than just that one computer." Nikita said as she met Madeline's eyes. Both knew that Nikita was beating around the bush. Madeline pierced her lips together and stared at Nikita intently.

"What Intel will be needed?" Madeline questioned and Nikita swallowed and leaned forward. Madeline for one instance saw a spark of fear run past Nikita's eyes, but it was gone before Madeline could even concentrate on that opening.

"The Directory. They won't trade for anything less." Nikita commented and Madeline pushed back with the instant reaction of laughter.

"I wouldn't give that too you if you were the last one in Section alive, Nikita." Madeline commented and Nikita stood up and looked down at Madeline.

"I cannot guarantee any success rate if we try with other Intel. It just isn't tradable." Nikita stated and Madeline stood up and looked straight into Nikita's eyes. Both of them stared at each other.

"I suggest you find it." Madeline said and Nikita swallowed and turned to her computer. Madeline was amazed that Nikita was going to go back to that computer. She knew from reports from San Francisco and the plane that Nikita had not slept in over a day yet she was fully functional, beyond what Madeline had expected.

"Nikita, go to Michael's and rest." Madeline stated and it was her turn to watch Nikita turn around with the expression of shock. Madeline knew that if she wanted to find the key to Nikita's emotions ever again, that it was going to be through pushing her with Michael until she had the chance to view Nikita's files and missions.

"Madeline, I believe that my rest is not of importance. I could always sleep in a close quarter standby room." Nikita remarked quickly without hesitation, and again impressed Madeline with her imitation of no one else by herself.

"That is not what I ordered. I will speak with Michael myself. You can spend some time resting and seeing your daughter before you come back to me with a better solution to our problem." Madeline stated and watched Nikita turn and leave, which plastered Madeline to the ground. Nikita mutely left, as both women knew that returning to Michael's was not going to be an easy endeavor, and that more than likely, a fight would ensue. Madeline watched as the door closed before she could think again, and then instantly she snapped to work.

*

There was not a word that could describe the tension that was felt as Michael opened the door as Nikita stepped out of my car. Nikita looked up and down the street and slowly walked up the path to the house. Nikita titled my head back in the dark night as she walked up the stairs for the second time that day. Nikita paused outside the door and studied Michael's gloomy and stern face. He stepped back and allowed Nikita to brush her way into the house.

"Madeline insisted." Nikita remarked tensely, wanting Michael to know that it was not her idea for this arrangement. Michael blinked his eyes and moved into the living room. He touched the tape with his hand and Nikita need no further indication of what Michael was motioning too.

"You lied." Michael said and Nikita turned her head and closed her eyes. She was so tired, that to fight about this seemed unreal. The motion though to Michael only indicated that the tape must have been the truth.

"Michael, I would like to clean up and get some sleep." Nikita stated and Michael nodded his head and grabbed the tape in his hand. Nikita tried not to sigh at the sight of Michael carrying the tape up the stairs as he led the way up to the rooms that Nikita had only seen once, and then they had been filled with boxes. Michael reached off to the right hand side and pushed the bathroom door open. Nikita nodded her head, thankful to see that there was a terry pink bathrobe hanging up for her to wear.

Nikita closed the door in silence and began to take her clothing off. Michael stared at the door and then moved to Mia's room. Michael would go there in night to calm his nerves, to remind himself of the innocence he once seen in Nikita. Mia was curled up with one of her new dolls, and her blonde hair glowed in the moonlight that filtered in from the window. Michael stared at her for moments, and found his heart beating louder and louder. He moved out of the room, in fear that he would wake his daughter.

Michael moved down the hallway and stared momentarily at the bathroom door before slipping into the main bedroom. He walked to the television and slipped the tape into the VCR again. He had watched the tape over ten times now, still searching for some explanation. He would listen to every moan, hoping that Nikita would moan out his own name. That was never heard.

Michael became so engrossed in watching the tape again, that he had not heard Nikita turning off the shower and then exiting the bathroom. She had cleared her throat as she stood in the doorway, her blonde hair-dripping wet, and her thin body wrapped tightly in the pink bathrobe. Michael looked at her for a moment, noticing how she had even gained more muscle during her stay at San Francisco before he turned his head away.

"You should have told me." Michael hissed out as he flicked the tape off. Nikita stood at the doorway, shaking her head. She could not believe that Michael believed that tape.

"Michael, there was nothing between me and Delano." Nikita fought out to say in a controlled voice.

"Nothing? Like there was nothing between us." Michael said as he slammed the tape down on the dresser and swallowed as he looked at Nikita. He could not even look into her eyes. He knew if he did, he could possibly melt, but this was deeper than that.

"You used me to get ahead in Section One. Was that always your plan?" Michael questioned and Nikita leaned forward and finally entered the room. She dropped the soiled clothing that she had been wearing and stared at Michael.

"Planned? You think that I used you to become level six? You can have the level six, Michael. I never asked for it." Nikita exclaimed out and Michael shook his head.

"I can't believe you. You lied to me, made me think that you were hurting the entire time I was gone. I felt sorry that you had gone through everything yourself. But it was a lie." Michael said and Nikita shook her head back and forth and Michael could feel the light spray from Nikita's wet hair.

"Michael, I had a friendship with Delano. Since when have you begun to trust George over me?" Nikita questioned and Michael shook his head, determined not to pay attention to the tears that started to roll down Nikita's face.

"I bet half the men in Section One have had a friendship with you. Does that include Birkoff?" Michael spat out in anger. All rational thought had left, as the words of George boiled in his mind. He had the rest of the day to churn the words over and over again, making the initial context of the muttered words into something even more sinister.

"Do you even hear what you are saying? Michael does any of that make sense to you?" Nikita questioned and Michael lifted his head and tightened every muscle in his back. He moved slightly from side to side, but did not move towards Nikita, for fear filled him that he would pounce on her.

"No. What make sense is that you used me." Michael commented and Nikita shook her head and looked to the wall.

"I was going to tell you how I could fix all of this. How I could come back and be with you and my daughter. I found the way." Nikita muttered in frustration and turned her head. She rubbed her hand across her face and stared at Michael.

"Michael, I have a profile, and it would work." Nikita said and Michael nodded his head and grinned evilly.

"But?" Michael questioned heavily and Nikita nodded her head and placed her hands on her hips.

"But, Madeline won't give me what I need." Nikita said and she watched Michael's eyes narrow quickly. She watched the gray-green eyes shift over her body in a scan of her being. It was like Michael was looking for a part of her to trust. Nikita in that instance, felt nothing left for Michael, although it was still there, between the two. Both were hurting so much in those moments because of what they could not admit to each other.

"What is it?" Michael questioned. He found it difficult that Madeline had denied Nikita items that she would need to retrieve Operations. Nikita sighed and licked her lips.

"The Directory. There is no way I can proceed without it." Nikita said and Michael closed his eyes and turned to his window. He looked out to the woods that surrounded the house that he had chosen for his daughter, and more importantly, for Nikita.

"I have the Directory." Michael commented and turned around. He studied Nikita's white face. He moved forward and swallowed as he started to issue the challenge.

"Now tell me the truth. What happened between you and Delano?" Michael questioned and Nikita shook her head. She would not lie now, and tell Michael that the tape was true in order to get the Directory. Nikita would just have to find another way around the stumbling block. She needed Michael to know the truth.

"Michael, I told you the truth. The tape is a lie. There was nothing between me and Delano." Nikita said slowly and in measured words. Before Nikita even finished with the last syllable, Michael was shaking his head no.

"I don't believe you." Michael said and Nikita pulled violently at her clothing. She was not going to stay here, in this house. Finally all the emotions that she had bottled up for so many years started to squirt out of her soul and her heart.

"I have tried Michael. I knew that you would believe George and believe him. That is why I left. You blamed me then and you blame me now. If you don't want me to be a mother to Mia, just say so. I'll be out of your life forever." Nikita said as she pulled the robe off and pulled her dirty shirt down over her body. She turned and ran down the stairs, now crying, as it was beyond her control. It was too many hours up and it was too many real emotions for Nikita. Michael walked out to the hallway as the front door slammed.

"You made Mommy leave!" Mia cried out and slammed her own bedroom door in Michael's face. He looked at the door and closed his eyes. There was no answer here, and now he had more to think about. He started to wonder what Nikita would have done if he handed her the Directory.

*

Nikita looked into the mirror and stepped back as her hands skimmed the silky blue dress. Nikita trembled at the site and quickly left the little room, seeking the need to be with others, just so she wasn't alone. She stepped out into the hallway, and felt colder than she did in the little room. She wrapped her arms around the front of the low cut dress and continued down the hallway.

Nikita looked up to the observation deck and saw Madeline pacing back and forth. Nikita quickly turned, not wanting to think about her conversation with Madeline, but it was all ready to late for Nikita to forget it.

"Nikita, you are to be at Michael's." Madeline said as she stepped out of the hallway carrying a blue dress in her hands. Madeline looked at Nikita's face and smiled. She knew that Michael and Nikita could not make it through the night, especially now that Madeline had been able to access some files herself.

"You knew I wouldn't stay." Nikita commented and Madeline nodded her head and started to walk down the hallway with Nikita. They walked in silence until Nikita stopped and turned to Madeline.

"Do you want something?" Nikita questioned and Madeline smiled and handed Nikita the dress.

"I was just going to call you in for a mission." Madeline stated and Nikita blinked her eyes and looked at the dress. Nikita did not need any further information. The dress said it all, but Nikita was not going to be quiet anymore.

"Sugar, are you cold?" Walter called out as he looked at Nikita's trembling figure. He moved out of his area and touched Nikita's arm. He watched as Nikita jumped from the touch. Walter's eyes focused and stared at Nikita as he slowly called her to walk with him.

"I have a mission." Nikita commented and Walter nodded his head and placed the communications unit on the tabletop. Nikita fingered it lightly and looked up at Walter with eyes that spoke volumes.

"It's a Valentines. You've perfected it to an art." Walter said, trying to cheer Nikita up. He knew that she was back inside Section because she had a fight with Michael, but this behavior was speaking of her pain, but not telling Walter why.

"Walter, They were all lies." Nikita whispered and turned her head away as she stared out into the hallway. She rubbed her arms against each other, wondering if she would ever stop the coldness that froze her body years ago.

"I am appreciative of your talents on these missions. I have to say that for a while, I never thought you would." Madeline said tensely as Nikita swallowed. Madeline watched the neck muscles move and then handed the profile over to Nikita.

"I thought I was here to get Operations back." Nikita commented before she even looked at the profile. She studied Madeline as the older woman was focused on the profile in Nikita's hand.

"We know that they won't kill him. This has importance." Madeline stated and Nikita nodded her head and finally looked down at the profile. Instantly, Nikita saw that she was leaving soon, within the hour, and left Nikita without many options.

"I am tired. I should not go out." Nikita stated as she handed the profile back to Madeline, only to be met with Madeline's smile, which told Nikita that Madeline was planning something. Nikita turned her head and rubbed her forefinger and thumb against her nose. For the first time in a long while, Nikita wondered how much longer she could play these Section One games.

"Nikita, you are externalizing emotions. You better gather control of yourself." Madeline stated and moved away before Nikita could drop her hand from her nose. The words stung, as Nikita knew she only allowed a bit of the emotions that she was going through out.

"What were lies, sugar?" Walter asked as he studied Nikita's body. She turned her head and moved further into his area. Walter turned and grabbed her arm.

"I don't do the Valentine missions, Walter." Nikita said as she pulled her arm away. Walter blinked and straightened his body out as he saw the fear in Nikita's eyes. He moved back, not wanting to continue to stress Nikita out. Walter's mind was racing. He had seen the numerous videos of Nikita's mission in San Francisco, as some where now being used to train operatives.

"Sugar, I've seen the tapes." Walter said and Nikita turned her head and placed a hand up to her cheek. Easily, Walter knew that she was hiding her tears, and Walter wanted to reach out and comfort her. Things were becoming clearer, but also foggier. Nothing of what Nikita was saying matched what he had seen, and her behavior was eerily weak.

"They are dubbed. I've changed the profile on every single one. I'm not a woman for these men, I can't be." Nikita stated and moved back towards the hallway. Walter was stunned by the words.

"Nikita, does this go back to Michael? Have you told Michael this?" Walter questioned and Nikita turned and all the hope that Walter had always seen on Nikita's face and more importantly, in her eyes, was gone. Walter shook his head as he moved towards Nikita, feeling that the entire situation had reached the critical stage. Madeline and Operations didn't care what happened to Michael and Nikita, but Walter knew that if Nikita's hope for love with Michael was gone, there wasn't much left with Nikita. Walter also understood that if there wasn't much of Nikita left that Michael was going to be empty in ways he never felt before.

"Why? He doesn't know me. No one knows me." Nikita stated as her empty eyes stared up at Walter. All the time that Walter thought that Nikita had been trying to hide her emotions, she was losing them. Walter moved towards Nikita and took her hand. Again, there was a jump in her body that worried Walter a bit, but that was not his concern now. It was not a good idea to send an operative out on any mission if they had lost their hope.

"Fine. Then Michael doesn't know you, and I don't know you. But here is the kicker. People care for you." Walter said and Nikita turned away abruptly, as if the words were ones that threatened her being.

"I care for you." Walter whispered out as Nikita sooth her dress down and pulled at the communications unit. She rolled her head around on her tense shoulders.

"Michael cares for you." Walter said firmly, but there was not another word from Nikita as she turned and walked down the hallway. Walter had made Nikita upset in his time, but she never just walked away like that. Of all the times Walter had worried about Nikita, this had to be the worse. He was never a man to meddle, but now, he was going to step in, even if it was against what Section One wanted.

*

4:32

Michael looked at the clock and then closed his eyes as the doorbell rang again. Michael rolled to the side of the bed and rolled out as the hallway light flicked on. Michael stood up and pulled the robe around his chilled body and found Mia staring down the stairs.

"Go back to bed." Michael whispered to Mia and the young blonde daughter shook her head back and forth. It was a rebellious move that reminded Michael of Nikita and he looked down the stairs, wondering which crazed operative was risking their life to wake Michael up at 4:32 in the morning.

"It might be Mommy." Mia said and Michael walked down a few steps and swallowed as he saw the bandana on the head of gray hair that was illuminated by the motion detection light on the porch. Michael turned and touched Mia's cheek softly.

"It's not. Now, go to bed." Michael whispered as he placed a kiss on Mia's forehead. She looked at Michael and angrily trudged off to her bedroom. Michael hurried down the stairs and pulled the door open.

"Why do I have a feeling this is about Nikita?" Michael questioned as he stared at the older man who rubbed his hands together in the leather gloves. Walter moved in and Michael felt the cold leather jacket rub against his robe. Walter turned and waited for Michael to close the door.

"We have to talk about this." Walter said as he turned and knowingly walked to the back of the house. Michael looked up the stairs, seeing that Mia had turned on the hallway light again, and sighed. He moved after Walter, sure that he was going to regret that he allowed the older man into the house at 4:32.

"Come with me, honey." Nicholas Vassar said as he reached a hand around Nikita's waist and started to pull her towards the stairs. Nikita laughed and wrapped her hand around Nicholas' hand and pulled it away. She lifted the hand to her lips and started to lick the finger slowly. Nicholas gasped in pleasure and tried to move up the stairs again.

"Nikita, you need to get into his room." Birkoff said with a tone of annoyance as he waited. Nikita had been invited over an hour ago, but she had been playing a game with him. Birkoff was sure that if Operations found out about this, Nikita would be heading for some reprogramming. Birkoff could not believe that Nikita had started to enjoy Valentine missions.

"My room as mirrors, and you can have other things to suck." Nicholas said as he started to pull Nikita up the stairs. Slowly, Nikita started to slink up the stairs with Nicholas, pausing every once in the while to kiss the older man.

"Finally." Birkoff muttered underneath his breath.

"You are believing some lies, Michael." Walter said as Michael closed the door to the study. Michael raised and eyebrow and then turned his gray-green eyes away from Walter.

"I saw the video tape, Walter." Michael replied tensely, as he wanted this conversation to be over quickly. He did not ever want to discuss Nikita again. Michael just wanted to pick up the pieces of what he had of a life and move on.

"Look, man. That isn't Nikita. She wouldn't do that." Walter said as he paced in the room. Walter had been active in Nikita's and Mia's life, but never ever thought of confronting Michael like this. Walter was more than a little scared, knowing that one wrong word could make Michael kill him in less than a split second. Walter was sure he was overstepping his boundaries, but someone had to do it.

"Walter, we have all seen the recent missions. Now I found out that she used me to get ahead. She played me to get her level 6 status." Michael replied even as Walter began to shake his head. Michael turned and walked to the bar. He was going to need a stiff drink as this conversation continued.

"Oh, Nikki..." Nikita sighed as she stepped up one more step. She bumped into his body and started to fall. She screamed out in pain as she tumbled down several stairs and the heel of her shoe caught against the wall.

"Nikita!" Nicholas called out as he rushed down the stairs to come to the aid of the woman he planned on making scream in other ways than in pain of a fall.

"Nikita, what is going on?" Birkoff demanded as he stood up from his seat. Now Birkoff knew that this mission was doomed from the beginning. He had to wake Nikita up with a scream through the communications unit once the van made it to the location.

"My ankle. It hurts so bad." Nikita moaned out and Nicholas bent down as his guards started to move towards the stairs. He nodded his head to the men and then picked Nikita up and carried her up the stairs. He opened the door to his room and sat Nikita on the bed. He turned to retrieve the ice.

"Entry into the room." Nikita murmured and Birkoff shook his head. If Nikita didn't have bad luck, he would say Nikita had good luck.

"Michael, she told me today that it was all lies. Michael, I flinched when she told me, to quote, "I'm not a woman for these men, I can't be." Michael, what if she is telling the truth?" Walter demanded and Michael turned his head at the statement. The words that Walter commented sounded desperate, but Michael was not going to back down now.

"She can't change all the missions, Walter. Do you think she has been lying on every single one of the Valentines missions?" Michael demanded and Walter nodded his head. Michael turned around in a circle and chugged at the heavy liquor.

"I saw it in her eyes, Michael. She did." Walter said as he moved forward and grabbed the glass out of Michael's hand and slammed it to the desktop. Michael swallowed and stared deeply into Walter's eyes.

"Do you know how many missions that would be that Nikita would have had to lie on?" Michael questioned and Walter shook his head.

"76." Michael responded and turned away. Walter looked at the younger man and realized the pain that Michael was feeling too. Walter was trying, but he didn't know if it was helping or making things worse.

"Here, put this on your ankle." Nicholas said as he pulled the shoe off of Nikita's foot. Nikita nodded and placed the ice on the ankle. Slowly, Nicholas sat behind Nikita and started to rub her shoulders.

"Nikita, could you hurry this up? We all know his sleep patterns." Birkoff commented as he looked at his watch again. Birkoff turned his head from the computer to rub his eyes until he heard a distinct and loud crack.

"Nikita?" Birkoff questioned and he waited.

Nikita pushed the dead Nicholas to the floor and threw the ice down. She grabbed her shoe and walked to the computer. She heard Birkoff's cries of her name as she moved into the computer's mainframe and started to download the information to Section One.

"Download completed. Vassar dead. Have medical meet me." Nikita said as she turned and walked out the door, taking Nicholas' gun with her.

"At least admit there is a possibility, Michael. Who says that tape is the truth? George? Didn't he send Nikita to San Francisco to start with?" Walter demanded and Michael turned and looked at Walter. Walter was going to stand there, staring it down with Michael, until Walter felt the vibrating from his own cellular phone, which was rare ever used.

Michael turned around as Walter walked out into the hallway to open his phone. Walter looked around carefully lifted the phone to his ear.

"I can't believe her. Walter you have to go get her." Birkoff said and Walter blinked his eyes as the young man's words.

"I don't understand what you are saying, boy. Care to speak English?" Walter commented allowing a soft smile spread across his face.

"Nikita has been injured, and Madeline ordered me to get Nikita to Michael's house. I am not going to that house with two atomic bombs that are ticking for the life of me. You can take Nikita." Birkoff said and Walter blinked and leaned against the wall.

"Nikita is injured? How bad?" Walter questioned and he looked back into the room, knowing that Michael was listening to the conversation.

"She sprained her ankle and went to medical." Birkoff said and Walter blinked his eyes and turned his head. Nikita never went to medical for the major things, so why would she go to medical for a sprained ankle.

"I'll be by." Walter commented and he closed the phone and looked at Michael. It seemed as if Walter's words had not changed the harden young man. Walter knew that Nikita was trying to do the impossible, plus she had the kidnapping of Operations over her head.

"Looks like you should be expecting a house guest." Walter said and Michael turned and blinked his eyes. Michael looked up to the ceiling and then to the window.

"Why don't you pack up Mia? I'll take her for some R & R at my place." Walter said as he turned and left before Michael could protest the move. Michael though found a weight being lifted from his shoulder. Now he would be able to tell Nikita exactly what he felt about her, and her lies, without worrying about Mia overhearing his harsh words. Michael turned to walk back upstairs to prepare for the pre-dawn slumber swap.

*

Nikita saw the closed bathroom door and walked into Michael's room. She walked over to the computer and saw that Michael had hooked his VCR up to the computer. She found her way to the tape and sat back in the chair as she turned it on. It was not just curiosity that drove her to see what was on the tape; she needed to know of what Michael had convicted her on.

"Why do you need to watch it? Are you trying to make me hurt more?" Michael demanded as he appeared at the doorway, viewing Nikita as she held a hand up to her mouth. Nikita turned and blinked back the tears as Michael moved towards her. She shook her head and pointed to the screen.

"Do you see this?" Nikita questioned out, half in shock of what she was seeing, and half in shock that Michael had forgotten or not realized what he had been watching. Michael moved to turn the video off, when Nikita snapped her hand out and stopped his progress.

"I've seen it. You and Delano. The proof." Michael hissed out in fragments. Nikita continued to shake her head as she fought the urge to break the screen with her bare hands. She didn't know who she was more upset with, George for dubbing the tape, or for Michael for forgetting.

"Michael, George dubbed this. This is me from the Armel mission. It's the same room, the same angle." Nikita said and Michael narrowed his eyes on Nikita. His focus went to her nose, where he could view her without seeing the tears rolling down her face. He focused on the thought that it was all a lie that Nikita was still trying to get ahead in Section One.

Nikita stood up, pulling the robe tightly around her body and stepped away. She looked at Michael and then pounced her fingers down on the keyboard. The screen quickly flipped to a split screen, popping up the archived images from the Armel mission. Nikita pointed to the screen and walked away. She could hear Michael moving his body down into the chair and then the gentle hiss of the air from his chest as he viewed the tape.

Michael felt his heart began to be pieced together, but the years of Section One had taught Michael not to just let it heal. He had felt betrayed by Nikita, but there were also the words that Walter had argued out at 4:32 in the morning.

"You still did the Valentine missions, Nikita. You requested them." Michael said and Nikita flipped around and stared at Michael. She shook her head as she ran her hands through her lightly damp hair. She licked her lips as she tried to stop her body from trembling. All of a sudden, she felt naked to Michael. She tried to pull the robe tighter around her body before continuing.

"Michael, they are all lies. I never did one." Nikita said and Michael shook his head as Section One common sense told Michael it was not possible. Michael was sure that some operative would have caught onto what Nikita was doing sooner or later.

"Nikita, it is not possible. Don't lie." Michael whispered out and Nikita moved towards Michael. Her long fingers pushed at Michael's body to move it away from the computer. She started to punch her way through to her personal files.

"They were all lies. All, even tonight. I never hurt myself, I couldn't let that man touch me." Nikita stated as she pulled up the main screen. With one click of the mouse, all of Nikita's lies were revealed, not only to Michael, but anyone else who would have accessed the missions while Michael saw them. Michael stared at the first Valentine mission, which had a tape of three hours. Nikita had killed him in minutes.

Nikita started to turn around and cross the room. The nearness of Michael was too hard on her body. She felt as if she was going to throw up, but knew the truth was going to come out of her body. She looked to the woods outside the window, where the sun was just starting to shed light out onto the world, knowing that she was about to shed light onto her soul that she had fought to keep in the dark.

"No man.... Should ever... touch me...." Nikita said as she fell to her knees. Her trembling hands touched the soft carpet as she fell forward, losing all concept of what was going on, and knew only of the pain that took grasp of her chest and stomach.

"I'm not a woman... I'm cold.... I can't be with me. I can't." Nikita moaned out as Michael looked at the screen. He watched her systematically change the mission profiles over and over again. He had seen many of the tapes of these very missions. Some of the tapes were used to train new operatives. Michael was glued to the computer screen even as Nikita cried out on the floor.

Slowly, Michael turned his head to the side to find Nikita pulling the blanket off of the bed to cry on. Michael shut the computer down and moved towards Nikita. He bent down, from a distance and looked at the long body that Nikita had curled up into a tight ball.

"Nikita..." Michael said as he reached out and he watched Nikita's body, from it's laying down position, jump straight up in the air as every single muscle tightened with his touch. Michael blinked his own eyes, and he continued after Nikita. He wasn't sure if touching her now was going to help, but it was what he craved to do. He had missed Nikita's pain, along with all the rest of Section One.

"I'm just a bag of bones.... It shouldn't matter.. But it does." Nikita muttered out as she began to rock back and forth. Her position transformed as she sat up, staring straight into the bed. Michael reached up and grabbed a pillow down from the bed. He watched as Nikita grabbed it from his hands and strangled it to her body, clutching it like he had never seen Nikita do before. It provided more of a barrier between her and the man she saw Michael to be.

"Nikita... I'm not going to hurt you like those men." Michael said slowly as he reached out and touched her socked foot. At first the foot pulled away and was tense, but slowly it stayed. Michael lightly rubbed it as Nikita continued to rock back and forth.

"George sent me to San Francisco for Weigner. He wanted me to fall for him." Nikita explained in broken words. Michael swallowed his disgust and stayed quiet, as Nikita continued on in her pain. It was her pain, and Michael could not try to tell Nikita it did not hurt. She had people doing that her entire life, while she really needed to justify what she felt.

"I only got the level 6, because one day..... Weigner tried so hard... and he wouldn't take no... He had me pinned in his office.... And I kneed him.. And I ran. I ran, Michael." Nikita cried out and Michael nodded his head as the tears careened down Nikita's face like a waterfall. He rubbed her foot stronger, knowing that the connection was important now, to allow Nikita to know that he was here.

Silence followed Nikita's admittance of the events of her promotion. Michael digested the information and found rage within him for George and for Weigner grew. Yet, Michael moved that energy that was being used on rage, into the energy he needed to face his own emotional hang ups in order to save Nikita from the world of darkness she was ready to surrender into.

"You should have told me Nikita." Michael whispered out of his parched lips. He tilted his head as Nikita's head turned to look at him. All the things that Michael had hoped Nikita wasn't feeling, where what were in her eyes. She was hurting beyond anything Section One had done to her in the past, and probably even worse than anything her mother did to her.

"So you could pity me." Nikita spat out and then turned her head back away. She was lost in her own world of grief, and Michael ached to gather her into his strong arms and hold her. He reached out and touched a piece of hair. Not her face, but a piece of hair that had fallen down across her face. He stroked it lightly and then twisted it around his long index finger. He looked at the golden strands as he sighed and found the words.

"You are looking... no, you need a man who can say the words, and mean the words." Michael said as he looked up at the ceiling. He dropped his eyes to look at Nikita, who he was surprised to see, had focused on his finger and then to his eyes. He stopped all of his movement and listened to Nikita's own ragged breathing in the silence that had surrounded them like a heavy fog.

"What words?" Nikita finally asked, lost at the meaning of what Michael was saying. Michael reached out with his other hand and ever so softly, skimmed the soft surface of Nikita's wet cheek. She did not roll her head into his palm as she had done in the past, but she did not pull the face away from the touch either.

"When you left.... You said that you love me... and as the door closed.. I knew.... I said the words." Michael whispered out as he pulled his finger away from the strand, as it curled up and hung in Nikita's face. Nikita looked at the curl and then to Michael. She licked her lips and couldn't form words.