Spoiler warnings and disclaimer:

This is a story about how I envisioned the final episode of La Femme Nikita after its cancellation was (prematurely) announced. Time line wise I went by the correct order of episodes as announced by C. Heyn and posted on various boards. I 'break' following DOWN A CROOKED PATH, before ABORT FAIL RETRY TERMINATE. The LFN characters do not belong to me, I just borrowed them for a while. No infringement was intended and no profit made.

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Another day, another mission. It seemed to Michael that he had spent his entire life in Section rather than just half of it. It was never pleasant, only tolerable - sometimes. This was one of those times. Almost six months had passed since Nikita's so called release and subsequent return to Section. Even though it had been a lie, both he and Nikita had realized one truth. Neither one of them had wanted to be 'free' without the other.

Since then, they had both payed the price for being together. While Operations and Madeline had not attempted anything as nefarious as their previous plots (cancellation, hard wedge and brainwashing immediately came to mind), they did try to keep the two lovers off balance.

Michael had led, among the many other missions in the last few months, a handful of missions with operatives from the abeyance pool. He didn't think that Operations and/or Madeline were trying to kill him per se, just keeping him busy. The weaker the team, the harder he had to work on strategy and tactical.

Nikita had similar problems. They had started sending her out on valentine missions - three so far. Both Operations and Madeline had been surprised though. Nikita achieved closure on all three missions and came through with flying colors. In fact, she was averaging a 98.9% POS in the last five months - only one point below Michael, but more importantly, just a hair over one point from a perfect 'score.'

Michael knew the head duo were congratulating themselves for this accomplishment. They figured their plan was working. Keep both operatives busy with difficult missions while allowing them just enough down time together to be grateful for it and believe they were paying the price for the reversal of the Type 1 directive against their relationship.

What the leaders didn't know was how wrong they were or how close they were to being 'relieved' of their duties.

Operations and Madeline had just finished their usual breakfast and continued discussing Section intrigue while watching their respective panels.

"I see Nikita achieved closure again. You said these valentine missions would be too difficult for her, but she's completed them all with significant results." Operations began.

"Yes." Madeline replied. "I miscalculated her reaction and Michael's as well. I projected Michael trying to protect her from these missions, thereby keeping him busier than he would like. Instead , they've both appeared to accept their new positions. I'll have to rethink our strategy."

"The sooner the better. They're up to something, they have to be. I can't believe they've just let the events of the past year go."

"Maybe they have." Madeline reflected. "Michael knows you want George's job. He also knows he's the top candidate to replace you here if that happens. Perhaps he's doing his part to ensure Section's success, thereby making you look better for George's position."

"So when we advance to Oversight, he takes over Section and does what he wants?"

"Essentially, yes."

"Interesting. However, he must understand I will not allow Section One the same autonomy we've been trying to achieve once someone else is in charge." Operations returned.

"Yes, but he may feel that we won't micro manage Section One to the point of choosing his paramour or friends. We will still have to follow certain guidelines whether you are in charge of Oversight or not. Michael would have the same say in his personal life as we've had over the years."

"Perhaps. We have to make sure that we are correct in judging his ambition. If that's the case, then fine, so be it. If not, we'll have to take counter measures."

"Of course." Madeline smiled.

"See to it and keep me posted." Operations paused. "Now about Slovakia..." Operations continued to the next topic at hand this morning.

********

The Wave was, as usual for a Saturday night, very busy. It attracted all kinds of clientele - all classes, sexual preferences, drinkers and non-drinkers alike the latter group content to watch and mingle. The only thing absent here were drugs. The owners abhorred it and the bouncers adhered. Walter had found this place after he had decided to give up *some* of his bad habits. As eclectic as the mix was, it was perfect for their meeting. Everyone fit in, no one looked out of place, not even four Section One operatives.

Walter was the first to arrive, sitting down in a private back booth, facing the door. He had been the one to pick the place out for this month's meeting. It was easy to blend in, besides he was a regular anyway and his friends in the bar would keep a look out - not that any of his party needed it, they were well practiced in the art of dodging surveillance when the need arose.

The now monthly meetings had started out innocently enough. They had been more for venting frustration and assuring that each of the three (Walter, Birkoff and Nikita) was still intact - physically, mentally and emotionally.

Two months ago Nikita brought someone with her - Michael. Since then their agenda had changed. No more whining and griping. No more hoping for the best, that things would get better. That simply was not going to happen while Operations and Madeline were in charge. Plans were made and scenarios set in motion to guarantee the four friends' future in Section One.

The first steps towards that goal were about to be set in motion.

Walter sat back, waiting for the rest of the musketeers to show up, nursing his beer, reminiscing about Michael's surprise visit two months earlier. The musketeers, a fitting nickname, for they *were* all for one and one for all.

********

Walter, Birkoff and Nikita had been meeting informally every two to four weeks for the last few months. They had started going out when all three were down - rare as it was. Michael had never come along before, even had he wanted to, Operations and Madeline made sure that Michael and Nikita were rarely down together. When they were, the two spent most of their time alone, away from Section and anyone remotely connected to it. Walter certainly couldn't blame them - he'd do the same in their position.

The three friends had met and talked, ok he'd admit it - they griped. Things in Section hadn't been going very well. Nikita had new 'responsibilities' and Michael was put under more pressure. Things hadn't been going that well for Walter or Birkoff either.

Walter had been busy ever since his 'replacement' failed, thanks to Birkoff. He was glad the kid had gotten his job back for him, but now Walter was the only man in Weapons. Oh sure, he had help when he needed it, but no real expert to spot him on a regular basis. 'Hey, at least it means I got job security.' Walter often mused to himself when he started feeling down.

Lately, there had been more to feel down about. Walter realized that he had never fully recovered from Belinda's death, but it went even further than that. It seemed that more and more operatives were being lost these days and not just from the abeyance pool. But the abeyance pool was growing, too. Walter had started to believe that it was part of a plan hatched by Operations and Madeline to 'clean up' Section. He felt it in his gut that the two were ready to make some kind of power play and were getting rid of operatives who weren't up to par or on their 'side.'

At this point he figured Michael was still around because of two things. One, he had an 'insurance policy.' Two, he was too damn good. Without him, Section One's numbers would drop. He may have not been the *only* level five operative Section haf, but he *was* the best. Operations and Madeline knew it and so did everyone else.

Nikita, he felt was still around mainly because of Michael, and what the top dogs projected he would do were something to happen to her. Walter knew Nikita's worth to Section, but he didn't think the bosses did. Just because she was alive didn't mean things were easy on her. They were still twisting her every which way.

Walter did not believe for a minute that Operations was Nikita's father. He knew it for the ploy that it was. Madeline would, and did, use anything she could to keep Operations alive. Putting the idea into Nikita's head made her hesitate to shoot him when she had the chance. If he had had any doubts, the 'mission' with Section Eight had put them to rest. Accepting his own daughter as 'collateral damage' was too much even for Operations. Nikita had agreed and accepted Madeline's ploy for what it was - another tool to keep her in line.

Birkoff, in the meantime, was having a hard time of it as well. After learning about a twin brother living on the outside, he'd almost reverted back to his old shell. That was one of the reasons for their, at first, impromptu get togethers. A show of unity - none of them were alone in their misery.

Gradually, each in their own, careful way had started hinting at growing unease and uncomfortableness in their respective situations. It had been done subtly, at first, each feeling the others out. But it had grown into all out disgust and contempt after only a few meetings.

Walter supposed that he shouldn't have been surprised when Nikita had initially brought Michael. Subconsciously, they were headed in that direction anyway, Nikita had just pre-empted what would have been their eventual suggestion. As they had agreed upon way back during the Philo mission, they needed Michael and his leadership and various other skills if they wanted a real chance at taking Operations and Madeline down permanently without signing their own cancellation orders.

That didn't mean however, that Walter was not surprised at how quickly Michael had accepted their goals and mobilized them to achieve them.

********

TWO MONTHS AGO

Walter and Birkoff were sitting in the back booth of an out of the way diner, waiting for Nikita to show up. They looked up as the door chimed, surprised to see Michael walking in with Nikita. Subdued greetings were exchanged and the tension level increased several notches. Not surprisingly, it was Michael who spoke first, cutting to the bottom line.

"I have a plan. Are you in or out?" Michael turned to Walter first.

"In." Walter replied without hesitation. He didn't need to ask any questions. He correctly surmised that Nikita and Michael had been talking amongst themselves and had come to the same conclusion - act now, before it was too late.

"In." Birkoff echoed when it was his turn to reply.

"Good." Michael replied, his economic one word reply setting the stage and tone for the ensuing conversation, and proceeded to reveal his plan.

"Obviously, we need Oversight's support to avoid our own cancellation." Michael began.

"You have Adrian, so George won't be a problem." Nikita jumped in, obviously showing her ignorance in regards to Michael's plan. He hadn't revealed any details to her beforehand, but she wasn't upset. She had finally learned to accept certain things as far as Michael was concerned. Nikita realized that Michael held things close to the vest for two reasons. One was control. He needed to have control over any given situation. It was one of the harsher lessons he had learned while climbing up the ranks. And two, protection. The less anyone knew, the better for them. If Michael went down he didn't want to take any of his friends with him. Nikita still didn't like it, but she did start to accept it and all of Michael's other idiosyncracies. After all, she knew she wasn't perfect either and had certain personality traits Michael had come to accept too.

"Yes, I have Adrian." Michael replied, confirming what both Walter and Birkoff had suspected anyway. "But George does not run oversight alone. Besides, he isn't completely trustworthy either. He's shown his lack of loyalty with the attempted neural scrapes."

"Good point." Birkoff commented, inwardly shuddering at the memories Michael's last sentence evoked.

"We need more insurance." Michael continued, bringing everyone at the table back to the present.

"So what did you have in mind?" Walter asked, knowing Michael would have come up with several different scenarios and contingencies by now.

"Several components that will ensure our relative safety." Michael replied. "The first three being the Key File to ensure George's continued support, the Gemstone File to ensure Operations and Madeline's allies' cooperation and the directory to ensure the other Sections' cooperation."

"That's a tall order." Walter muttered, already contemplating which of his sources could help in retrieving any of the above mentioned items.

"Actually we're two thirds there already." Michael replied, stunning the other three operatives.

"I have the directory." Michael continued in the ensuing silence, then turning apologetically to Nikita. "And the Gemstone File."

"It's ok, Michael." Nikita replied to his unspoken plea for forgiveness. "I'm glad you made a copy of it. And the directory? You've had it all along?"

"Yes. I had hoped never to use it, but that's unavoidable now." Michael replied sadly.

Michael didn't need to say anymore. Everyone knew what he meant. Michael had been loyal to Section One for a decade. He had respected its leaders for most of those ten years. In a way they were all sad that it had come to this. They all believed that Section One was a necessity in the world as it was now to 'maintain order.' What they'd stopped believing in were Operations and Madeline's methods in maintaining that order.

"What about the Key File?" Walter asked, also saddened that things in Section One had deteriorated so severely. He remembered the 'good old days.' Back when you knew who your friends and enemies were. Lately, that line was so blurred that at times, recently especially, he felt that the only people he could trust were the ones sitting next to him. Rather sad, when you considered the massiveness and the goals of the organization they worked for.

"I guess that's where I come in." Birkoff answered Walter's question.

"Yes." Michael confirmed. "There's only one copy of it in Section. I came across it while retrieving the Gelman File. There wasn't enough time to break the encryption and download it."

"So where does that leave us?" Birkoff questioned.

"You and Walter will have to do it."

Truth be told, Michael could certainly retrieve the Key File on his own. His reasoning for asking Birkoff and Walter to do it was to further their comradery and cohesiveness as a team. Giving others responsibility for things he knew he could do was alien and uncomfortable for Michael, but something he knew he had to learn. He also knew that he needed to put his trust and his faith into others, not just Nikita, otherwise he'd never successfully run Section One. He had to stop doing everything himself because once he was in command that would no longer be possible, he'd have to delegate and rely on others to carry out *his* orders. This was as good an opportunity as any to learn to accept it.

Besides, if things went as planned and Michael took over Section One, he wanted those at the table for his key personnel. Unlike Operations, who kept control of his operatives out of fear, Michael wanted control out of loyalty and in some instances, friendship as well. This was also a good opportunity for nurturing that friendship and loyalty.

"You can do it." Michael continued.

"Yeah." Nikita chimed in, coaxing the reluctant tech ops. "It'll certainly be easier than the Teragamo mission."

"Oh, that's a comfort." Birkoff replied.

"Why us?" Walter asked.

"We have a small window. Birkoff can decrypt the codes and download quicker."

"Fine, I'll give you that, but why me?"

"Nikita and I will keep Operations and Madeline busy, away from any monitors and alarms." Michael replied.

"And how are we going to do that?" Nikita queried. "Better yet, where?"

"Committee. We'll have a valid reason to meet them there."

"And what's that?" Nikita returned.

"Adrian, and her relation to our continued security."

"Wouldn't that tip our hand?" Walter interjected.

"Yeah, wouldn't that make them suspicious?" Nikita added. "I mean, that's pretty much been status quo, so why bring it up now?"

"I plan to tell them that we will not tolerate these missions for much longer. We've proven our loyalty and we've shown them that we are no threat to their continued control of Section One and they should act accordingly."

"Cool." Nikita smiled. "Maybe that will even get them off our backs until this plan comes to a head. Two birds with one stone."

"So when do we go?" Walter asked.

"Unfortunately, not yet." Michael replied. "The timing is not right. There are also other details to work out first."

Nobody was really happy about the delay, but they all trusted Michael's strategic and tactical abilities. If he said they had to wait, then so be it. They'd survived this long, they would survive a little bit longer, for they knew what lay ahead. A chance to live, not just survive.

********

That was two months ago. Now they were ready. Walter returned his thoughts to the present as he saw Birkoff enter the club, followed by Michael and Nikita.

"So we're ready to go?" Birkoff asked impatiently, as soon as everyone was seated. He was scared and excited at the same time. He wanted to do this, be a part of a chance at life, not just survival. He was as tired as the rest of them of surviving to the next day. He knew he'd never get out of Section, but he did want a life within its confines. Removing the current 'powers that be' was the only way. He'd come to that realization a long time ago, but now, finally, here was the chance to do something about it.

"As soon as you're ready." Michael replied, then turned to Nikita. "Would it be alright with you if I did the talking in Committee?"

"Absolutely, I trust you with my life." Nikita replied, happily surprised that Michael would even ask her such a thing. 'He's definitely changing, and for the better.' Nikita thought.

Michael *was* changing. He knew he was taking a calculated risk by informing their little group of his plans. He was used to giving orders and not explaining himself, playing everything close to the vest. It was a difficult transition, but one Michael knew he had to make if he wanted his soon-to-be subordinates' trust and loyalty. This little group would be his 'core' once in command and he was trying to ensure that they would stick together, no matter what, for many years to come.

"We're ready." Walter replied, glancing at and receiving confirmation from Birkoff before he spoke.

"Good, then we'll go tomorrow morning. 7:30 AM. There are no missions on pad until tomorrow night, so Section should be relatively quiet at that hour." Michael returned, pleased at the lack of hesitation on his 'team's' part.

The next morning everything went according to plan - at first.

Michael and Nikita met Operations and Madeline in Committee to discuss 'matters.' While Operations was upset that things had come to a head, Madeline was actually surprised that it had taken this long.

Both sides had their say, and in the end an agreement was reached. The two operatives would be allowed a personal relationship and their missions would return to 'normal.' Furthermore, as long as both operative's numbers remained constant, they would essentially be left alone. But, if there was any slip in percentages, or hint of insurrection, counter measures (transfer for one at the very least, cancellation for both not out of the question) would be taken.

When the meeting in Committee broke up, Nikita followed Michael back to his office where they monitored (surveillance free) Birkoff and Walter's progress. Surprised that the two men had not completed their assignment yet, they sat down to wait and listened in with Walter's new com units, specifically designed for this 'mission.' So new, in fact, that Section One was unaware of their existence.

While Michael and Nikita were in Committee, Walter and Birkoff were busy with their part of the profile. So far things had gone smoothly. Walter was lowering Birkoff down by the section where Michael said he had found the Key File on his foray a few months ago.

Birkoff had all his tools ready, for he planned on breaking his own speed record for decrypting and downloading today.

When he was in position, he pulled on the rope, signaling for Walter to stop. Walter waited for Birkoff to finish, not hurrying the boy, figuring Michael would contact them if things got hot.

Expecting Birkoff's confirmation of successful acquisition, Walter was not prepared for Birkoff's statement.

"Walter." Birkoff whispered anxiously into his com unit, unaware of how much time had passed and that Michael and Nikita were in Michael's office already and listening in. "We have a *huge* problem."

"What is it, amigo?" Walter asked in alarm.

"It...it's gone." Birkoff stammered.

"What do you mean gone, Birkoff?" Michael interjected.

"It's not here anymore. I've been checking all the files in here, but it's gone. They must have moved it."

"Ok, Birkoff, there's nothing more you can do there. Get out, now." Michael replied, mentally reviewing his contingency profiles for this unexpected, but planned for, set back.

********

"Now what?" Nikita asked as soon as the 'four musketeers' were all seated in their booth at The Wave the following evening.

"Our activities were not detected." Michael began.

"Big deal. We're no closer to the Key File." Walter interrupted out of frustration at being thwarted. "Do we really need it? We have the directory and Gemstone."

"We still need the Key File to ensure George's cooperation." Michael patiently explained, remembering to adhere to his resolution of 'sharing.' "There will certainly be opposition in Oversight and the Agency regardless of how we take control. While George may not be omnipotent, his support carries much weight."

"Understood. But isn't there some other way?" Nikita chimed in. "What about Adrian?"

"Once George has Adrian, we lose her as our trump card. Our possession of the Key File not only guarantees George's cooperation, but it also ensures Operations and Madeline can't hold it over him either."

"So, back to my original question, now what?" Nikita returned.

"What about Operations' private data bank?" Birkoff questioned. "That's the only other place that's under level Z security."

"It's not there. I've checked already." Michael returned, once again stunning his co-conspirators.

"What?" Birkoff exclaimed. "When? Undetected? How?"

"I checked it a week ago, just to cover all the bases." Michael explained. "And yes, I made sure I left no fingerprints, electronic or otherwise."

"But how did you do that?" Birkoff asked, still stunned that Michael had been able to do something computer related that he couldn't.

"It doesn't matter." Michael replied, then with a touch of humor added, "Besides, If I tell you now, I won't have that privacy when we're in control." Michael finished, purposely using the plural 'we', making sure no one felt left out and knew that they were in it together.

"Yeah, I guess." Birkoff grumbled.

"Now that you've shattered Birkoff's ego, where do we look next?" Walter asked, amused at Birkoff's discomfort. 'Damn, Michael is as much MacGyver as James Bond.' Walter mused to himself. 'Not a bad way to keep Birkoff on his toes, either.'

"The file has to be off site. We'll need to give Operations and Madeline a good reason to check on it."

"Good idea. But how are we gonna do that?" Walter asked curiously, knowing Michael would have an answer. 'Gotta admit, that man's a genius at profiling, strategy and tactical. Can't even say that his talents are being wasted because he's just as good in the field.'

"I'll make them question whether or not it's still secure." Michael replied.

"Ok, I'll bite. How?" Nikita interrupted.

"By getting a copy of it and using enough of the information to persuade Operations to question whether or not I actually have his."

"Wait a minute, Michael." Birkoff was the first to break in. "First of all, where are you going to get a copy? Second, *if* you manage that, why would you need Operations' copy?

"George has the original." Michael began.

"So, he's just going to give it to you?" Walter interjected.

"I didn't say that." Michael replied gently, showing none of his impatience at being interrupted. 'Part of joining a group, I guess.' He mused. "But I can get it."

"I don't suppose you'd be inclined to elaborate?" Nikita asked.

"A contact." Michael replied, effectively ending that part of the conversation. Discussing contacts was taboo for any operative worth his salt and everyone at the table knew it. They also knew that the price for the Key File, regardless of the contact, was going to be high and that was another thing best left alone.

"Ok, I'll buy that for now. Don't need to or want to know anymore about that part of it. What about part 2? Why go after Operations copy then?" Birkoff repeated.

"If Operations still has his, he'll have enough influence over George to make things 'uncomfortable' for us." Nikita answered then turned to Michael. "Right?"

"Exactly." Michael returned, not surprised at Nikita's quick grasp of the situation. He had trained her well. "Operations must doubt the security of his copy, enough to warrant checking on it. If he's sure I have it, he'll have no reason to check." Michael continued, patiently explaining his reasoning.

At this point Nikita, Birkoff and Walter had noticed Michael switching to 'I' rather than 'we.' They were used to it. They knew it wasn't out of selfishness, but rather out of a need to protect others. If he got caught, Michael was *not* going to take anyone with him, regardless of the personal consequences.

"Ok, good point. You want him to *think* you're bluffing, at the same time making him doubt it either way." Walter conceded. "How are you going to pull *that* one off?"

"We'll have to see." Michael replied.

"Michael? Unsure of a move? Not ten steps ahead of everyone else? Wow!" Nikita chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but in fact serving to darken it further by evoking memories of the last time Michael uttered those words and the unexpected consequences of a seemingly harmless relationship.

"Once I see the Key File," Michael broke the silence, bringing everyone back to the present and a renewed determination. "I'll be able to pick certain pieces of intel that may belong to the file, but can also be found elsewhere as well."

"So Operations and Madeline will have no choice but to make sure their copy is intact." Nikita finished. "Cool."

"Yeah, but how are you gonna do it?" Walter interjected, then remembered Michael's previous answer and added, "Ok, make that when are you gonna get it? What kind of time frame are we looking at?"

"A few days, a week at the most." Michael replied, grateful for Walter's change of question, not wanting to mention anything more about his contact. "Once I have it, we'll meet again to finalize plans for tagging Operations and Madeline."

"Why Madeline?" Birkoff questioned.

"Michael's right." Walter answered. "As George loves to say, they're like siamese twins. You can bet Madeline knows everything Operations does and vice versa, well on matters that count anyway, and this certainly counts. She may be the one to check on the file, too."

"This is a good place to meet." Michael stated, rising from his chair and bringing the meeting to a close. "Ten days, I'll have the intel by then."

"How do you know we'll all be down in exactly ten days? We always meet haphazardly because we're never down together." Birkoff returned, while Nikita, also rising and Walter, still sitting, just smiled at the question and the answer they knew was coming.

"I'll take care of it." Michael replied, taking Nikita's hand and leading her out of the club and to his car while Birkoff and Walter stayed and 'partied.'

********

Ten days had come and gone, but Michael was no closer to George's copy of the Key File than when he started. Michael was not happy, he did not like to fail at *anything,* let alone something as important as this - his and his friends' futures. He'd already postponed their meeting indefinitely, promising that things would get back on track soon.

They all understood, no one complained or asked any questions. This was too important. All of them knew that out of the four of them, Michael was unquestionably their leader. Nikita, Walter and Birkoff trusted him. Now was not the time for doubts. They had to stick together, now more than ever. If Michael said he needed more time, then they would give it to him. They were already ahead of schedule anyway, believing at first that they'd have to wait (and survive) years before 'their time.'

However, by Michael's standards, time was running out so he had no choice, he had to use a source that he hoped he never would - Lorie Masters, an upper level Agency operative with very close ties to Oversight and George specifically.

At this point, Michael and Lorie were 'even' in favors, but if she'd agree to Michael's profile, he'd owe her, big time. As he sat in the shoddy neighborhood's even shoddier hole-in-the-wall bar, waiting for Lorie to show up, he mused that he had to be desperate to even think of bringing the tier one operative into this.

Michael preferred to use sources who owed him. In this case, that would have been even more imperative considering how off-profile his plan was. Unfortunately, he mused, 'beggars can't be choosers.' He needed her and was willing to do whatever it took to get her cooperation. Michael just hoped that it was not all for naught. After all, it had been quite a while since he saw Lorie last and he wasn't even sure she could be trusted to not 'rat them out' if she decided not to help.

********

Michael had shown up unusually early and checked the place out, for he knew that Lorie, like him, always tried to stay several steps ahead. Scoping out the patrons and all the entrances and exits as well as the surrounding buildings was something that Michael routinely did, especially when meeting *anyone* in a new place. When that anyone was somebody you didn't trust (which, in Michael's book, was almost everyone) inspecting and memorizing your surroundings was a necessity for survival. He was sure that Lorie would run the same check he did.

Michael had asked Lorie to meet him rather last minute. He knew, better than most, that the life of an anti-terrorist operative did not adhere to any normal schedule. He reasoned that if Lorie had intended to miss the meeting, or was running *very* late, she would have gotten a message to him somehow. He refused to believe she would betray him, at least before she listened to what Michael wanted. If, after hearing him out, she *did* try to betray him, he was reasonably sure he could handle it.

While he waited for the Agency operative to show up, Michael reflected back on some of their previous meetings and adventures.

********

TEN YEARS AGO

Michael had first met Lorie a little over ten years ago, his first as a Section One operative. Michael had been transferred into One six months before and was still accustoming himself to the way things were. He'd been transferred because One was low on manpower as they were rebuilding their forces after the successful coup against Adrian.

When they met Lorie had been a veteran level three operative, even though she was only 19. She was recruited into Section Four at the age of twelve and then transferred to One two years later, starting out in Comm and then transferring to cold ops by the age of 16. At the time, *no one* from the other Sections had known about the goings on at Section Four. They had been led to believe that it was just like any other. Of course, now it was more common knowledge that Four specialized in the 'intricacies' of the mind, but at that time that knowledge was limited to a *very* few people outside of Four itself.

Looking back, Michael realized that he didn't even know if Lorie had possessed skills similar to Jerome. If she did, she never used them, even when it would have helped to get her out of some *very* rough spots. Section Four had been in its infancy back then, so perhaps these skills were just being tested for and Lorie had been transferred because she did not possess them.

Lorie had also been one of the few 'old' operatives to survive the coup. When Paul Wolfe became Operations the first thing he did was 'get rid' of many of One's operatives. Everyone he thought could be loyal to Adrian, from cold ops to kitchen staff and everyone in between had been either canceled or transferred. All in all, about 40% of Section One had been in that category. Lorie, as far as he'd known, had not thrown in with Operations and Madeline back then, but she had stayed in One, one of the very few 'neutral' parties to remain. Rumor had it that the young woman was even then protected by Oversight, all of Oversight, not just George.

Michael had been transferred to One six weeks after the successful coup. He had just been promoted to level three prior to the transfer, almost unheard of after only three years in the field. It was one of the reasons Operations had wanted him. Even though he was at a higher level, he was still young enough to mold into exactly what they wanted, something Operations and Madeline would attempt repeatedly over the next ten years. A young man with his skills molded into a combination of Operations and Madeline would be Section One's future, or so they had planned at the time.

Even though Michael had already been in Section One six months, it was his first mission as team leader, and Lorie, already a veteran team leader would be under his command. Of course it had been a test, but Michael had been to new in One and too 'excited' about his first command to pay much attention to that. It would prove costly for him later.

He'd been team leader on dozens of missions, but this was his first at One. He'd been confident in his abilities, especially as the profile on his pda seemed simple enough for a less seasoned operative. His naivete in the ways of Section One, its new leaders specifically, prevented Michael from seeing the 'big picture' - that this was the first in a long, long line of tests he would have to endure on his way to becoming a level five operative and leading candidate for successor to Operations. At the time, he'd foolishly believed that his new bosses were being lenient with him, giving him an easy mission in which to 'wet his feet.' After all, he had reasoned, that was the way things had been done where he came from.

The mission was going well - in the beginning. A simple seek and destroy, minimal hostile contact, at least that had been the profile. Michael was used to following profiles. It wasn't that he was unable to think on his feet, he just never had to. Before his transfer, he'd been writing his own profiles, and the perfectionist that he was forced him to plan his profiles for any contingencies.

Being relatively new to One, he had made the mistake of believing in the profile set before him. He had wrongly reasoned that the profiler on this mission worked the same way he did and all contingencies had been prepared for. It was a mistake he'd never repeat.

Michael and his team of four had infiltrated the perimeter of the secluded warehouse where Red Cell was storing arms for an upcoming terrorist attack. The profile called for setting the charges on the outside of the warehouse, on all four outer walls, then detonating them from a safe distance. As per profile, Michael watched as his team dispatched the four guards patrolling the perimeter. He watched as his team planted the charges and began making their way back to the safety of the surrounding forest. That's when the profile went to hell and Michael experienced the 'agony of defeat' for the first time as team leader.

According to the intel, the perimeter guards were not supposed to be equipped with two way com units, only 'old fashioned' hand held walkie talkies. Whether this upgrade in equipment was recent or the intel faulty to begin with didn't matter at this point. All that mattered was that fifteen more guards, armed with automatic weapons, came out of the building and opened fire on the Section One team.

As soon as the firefight had begun, Michael was ordered to detonate the charges and return to the van. He had not been in the line of fire and was far enough from the warehouse to not be affected by the explosion. Stunned at the turn of events, Michael ran forward, ignoring orders for the first time in his Section career and tried to provide cover for his retreating teammates, but it was too late and they were outnumbered three to one. All five dove for cover behind various crates and vehicles, futilely hoping to take out the Red Cell personnel before they were taken down.

Unbeknownst to Michael, his team was made up of abeyance operatives. The mission was supposed to fail. Operations and Madeline intended it that way. They wanted Lorie dead because they didn't trust her. They didn't expect Michael to break cover and try to save his team. They had expected him to follow retreat orders and blow up the compound, trapping his team in the flames.

Michael failed his first mission as team leader, but not for the reasons he thought. Michael concluded that his failure was at not anticipating the possibility of equipment discrepancies or reinforcements and restructuring and repositioning his team for that contingency. What he didn't know was that his failure stemmed from trying to save his teammates.

By the time the firefight was over, three of his team lay dead. He and Lorie were the only survivors, and barely at that. He had been so intent on covering his team that he didn't see the Red Cell operative sighting him in his scope, but Lorie did. She shot in time, the dying man's shot going high and missing Michael by mere inches.

It was shortly after that that they realized they were the only two Section operatives still alive and mutually decided make a run for the surrounding forest and the waiting van. Michael detonated the charges, but unfortunately the destruction wasn't total as the charges that were supposed to be planted upon retreat never were.

Somehow, they both made it, with only a clean shoulder and leg wound between the two. Once inside the van, each applied a field dressing to their respective wounds. As neither was aware of the mission's true profile at the time, they silently contemplated how they were going to explain to Operations the failed mission and three lost operatives.

As Michael and Lorie made their way back to Section, Operations and Madeline were sitting down to breakfast, prepared by their new head chef, Christopher. Their breakfast meeting had, in the past few months, become a daily routine, one which they were both more than willing to continue.

"The Baker mission was successful, I see." Operations began, reading his monitor.

"Yes. Chuck did well, he may just get himself out of abeyance and possibly even advance." Madeline responded.

"Maybe." Operations returned. "And Red Cell, Michael's mission. He failed, on several issues. Perhaps his potential isn't as great as you'd thought. Maybe he's better suited for valentine work."

"Perhaps." Madeline hedged. "Of course, he'll need valentine training, as is standard with all operatives at his level. However, I still think he has the potential for more. Michael is not yet accustomed to the way things are done here."

"He disobeyed a direct order from *me,* Madeline."

"Yes, to try to save his team. The error, perhaps was ours, in not recognizing ahead of time that he would do so." Madeline contradicted, surprisingly protecting their young operative. "Michael needs to learn that if we deem it necessary, then everyone is acceptable collateral. He came from Section Three, a more lenient and 'friendly' environment. I think, given the chance and proper retraining, he can become a tremendous asset to Section One."

"Well, Madeline. I see you strongly believe in this young man. I'm surprised, I haven't seen you this committed in quite a while. Since our ascension to power in fact." Operations replied, somewhat angrily, a little jealousy rearing its ugly head.

"He reminds me of you." Madeline smiled, deciding on a half-truth to appease Operations. Michael *did* remind Madeline of a young Paul Wolfe but he also reminded her of her slightly younger self as well. Michael was a mixture of both of them and with the right training he would be a *very* formidable Section asset for years to come.

"We'll see." Operations returned, somewhat mollified. "Don't forget, that mission also failed in solving our other little problem."

"Yes, Lorie has proven to be more resilient than anticipated, I won't underestimate her again." Madeline stated.

"Sir," a mechanical voice interrupted. "The Red Cell mission's ETA to van access is five minutes."

"Thank you. We're on our way." Operations replied, rising along with Madeline to head over to van access, already discussing how they would approach this particular debrief so as not to give away their real profile to the two returning operatives.

Michael and Lorie knew treatment for their non life threatening injuries would come later. Debriefing came first, the only way out of it being unconsciousness and neither operative was willing to show weakness, emotional or physical.

As Operations and Madeline neared van access, the doors opened and Lorie limped out, head held high, knowing Madeline would look for any weakness in her demeanor. Behind her, Michael stepped out, walking into the tunnel, dreading what would come next but not showing it. Lorie had told him, on the way back to Section, not to show any emotion when they returned, lest it be catalogued and used later. He heeded her advice as best he could, but his mask slipped at Operations command.

"Lorie, debrief with Madeline." Operations spoke, then addressed his newest team leader with barely controlled anger. "Michael, in my office, NOW."

Michael spent the next forty-five minutes being reamed out by Operations, while Lorie received similar treatment from a more controlled and serene Madeline. It was Michael's first failure in Section One and Operations spent the better part of an hour driving his failure home to him. The phrase 'beating a dead horse' passed through Michael's mind several times while listening to his superior's harangue.

Operations repeatedly yelled at Michael for not planning for the com unit problem and any other possible contingencies in the first place, disobeying orders, not achieving closure and losing three operatives in the process, conveniently leaving out the *tiny* detail of the mission's real profile. When Operations finally exhausted himself and finished letting out all his pent up steam on Michael, he 'graciously' allowed the level three operative to go to medlab and treat his shoulder injury with a parting warning.

"Failure of this magnitude will not be tolerated, especially at your level. Consider yourself in abeyance and on close quarter stand by until further notice. Next time I won't be so lenient."

On his way to medlab all Michael could feel was numbness. He passed by weapons to drop off his gear first, as Operations hadn't even allowed him to do so before his 'debrief.' He was unusually quiet and didn't want to talk. That didn't stop Walter though, who'd heard all about the failed mission.

"Tough break kid." Walter remarked in sympathy. "At least there's nowhere to go but up." He continued, hoping to lighten the younger man's mood.

Michael, however, had already retreated into himself and didn't even acknowledge Walter's remarks. He just dropped off his gear and continued on to medlab, ignoring the stares, sympathetic or otherwise, from those he passed in the hallways.

After taking care of his shoulder, the attending physician told Michael he'd have to stay a few hours for observation - standard procedure. Michael was not happy, he just wanted to return to his quarters, solitude being what he craved. He did, though, use the time in medlab to his advantage.

While convalescing in medlab, he came to several realizations and decisions. He accepted he'd failed and promised himself there would *never* be a repeat performance. He vowed to change things immediately.

He decided that from here on in, if he was leading a mission then he would be on point. He'd be the first to see any anomalies and reconfigure the profile to compensate. Furthermore, he vowed to study every profile he'd be involved in, whether team leader or not. He'd go over the profile again and again, until he was sure all contingencies were planned for. He'd never be caught with 'his pants down' again, that he was sure of.

Lastly, he vowed to not let anyone get too close to him, or vice versa. He'd lost three operatives that day, something that had never happened to him before. He finally realized that Section One was different. In the future, he'd do his damndest to make sure his team survived. But, other than that he'd keep to himself. He'd already lost everything he had after the bombing that got him into Section in the first place. He swore to himself he'd never care too much about anyone or anything, lest he lose them again or they were punished for his mistakes. Michael not only believed he couldn't survive losing everything again, he also believed that he didn't deserve anything good in his life anymore - not after the sins he had committed.

The Michael who came out of medlab was not the man or operative who went in. Michael, 'The Terminator' or 'machine man' was born that day. As he headed out of medlab and to his quarters, the expression on his face was blank. Mission mode had just become a way of life for him.

********

Within two months after Michael's failed mission, he was back in Operations's good graces. He'd led a dozen successful missions in the interim, with minimal casualties. He'd kept his promises to himself. He studied and studied each profile, making changes after changes, until he was sure it was the absolute best he could come up with. Section One's grapevine was already buzzing with questions about this relatively new level three operative who, in no time at all, had gone from relative obscurity and the brink of cancellation to the new 'golden boy.'

Madeline was pleased, as was a grudging Operations. Had she been anyone else, Madeline would not hold back an 'I told you so.' But being where they were, and being who she was, Madeline recognized the advantage of refraining from gloating. She was satisfied that she was right, and it didn't matter that Operations had already conveniently forgotten his original misgivings about Michael and taken credit for the younger man's successes.

Madeline knew it was pointless to dwell on taking credit. Instead she concentrated on keeping Michael in line for the future and building him up to her specifications. At this point, as far as Madeline was concerned, Michael's only weakness was a tendency to factor in contingencies for civilians and innocents that were regarded as acceptable collateral. Too much time was wasted in that, preventing increased mission frequency. No matter, Madeline decided, she would correct that flaw immediately, plans already formulating in her brilliant, but devious mind.

Not everyone at Section One was happy about the changes in their newest golden boy. Walter for his part, was saddened at the changes he'd witnessed in Michael. When Michael first came to Section One, Walter figured for sure he'd be in his 'five percent club.' But now, the more time that passed, the more unlikely that seemed. The only thing keeping the young man in the running even was his uncanny ability to accomplish closure with minimal casualties. Unfortunately, the weapons wizard surmised, that was probably more from a need for perfection than concern over others. Michael had never been an extrovert, but when he first arrived he at least talked to people and cared about what was going on around him. Now, the younger man barely acknowledged anyone or anything not directly related to a mission.

It seemed to Walter that Michael lived and breathed for the Section. Another casualty of the new regime. Once again, doubt seeped into Walter about the side he chose in the civil war. Old loyalties to Paul Wolfe had dictated his choice eight months ago. That thought brought on another one, was it really only less than a year? Walter was surprised, for in those eight months he felt like he'd aged eight years.

Lorie was also saddened by the changes she saw in Michael. She thought she had saved the man's life not two months ago, but it appeared that she was wrong. For the man who's life her bullet had saved was not the same one currently roaming the halls of Section. The way Michael was now couldn't be considered living. She honestly didn't know whether or not she had done him a favor by saving his life.

When Lorie had finally decided, partly out of guilt, to team up with Walter, who she knew would go along with her to try to help Michael return to some semblance of a human being, it was too late. Oversight had begun to worry about her safety while she remained in Section One. Some members of the organization had suspicions regarding several missions the not yet twenty-year-old operative had been on and decided for her own safety to move Lorie into their fold.

Oversight, George in particular, had grand plans for the young woman and Section One would not be allowed to interfere. As sure as George had been with his decision to back Paul Wolfe in his coup, he was somewhat surprised at his growing doubts about the man. His instincts and research had told him it was the right decision, but now he was having second thoughts.

Lorie's transfer had come as an unpleasant surprise to most in Section One who knew her, but for different reasons. Most of her colleagues were sorry to see someone with her skills and personality go while some were jealous of her 'promotion.' Walter, in particular, was sorry to see a good friend go, but was glad that she was moving up and out of the line of fire. Walter knew that Operations and Madeline had been trying to get rid of Lorie and he wasn't sure how much longer he would have been able to run interference.

Michael, who Lorie once considered a friend didn't much care one way or another, except to feel annoyance that he'd have to find a replacement for her on his team, for she was good, better than most more seasoned operatives and would be difficult to replace. The Michael who might have cared about a friend who was 'leaving' was long gone.

Two people in particular did care very much that Lorie was being transferred. In a way they were relieved, for so far their plans to eliminate her had failed. Now she would be out of their hair and far away. However, they were also worried that somehow, sometime in the future, they'd fervently regret their failure.

'But that's for later,' Operations mused, ready to begin the briefing. Michael, as was becoming customary, was leading this mission. "Before we begin, I'd like to introduce our newest transfer, she'll be replacing Lorie." Operations nodded to the petite woman sitting at the end of the table, "She's from the Asian sector and her name is Simone."