Michael's musings turned to the first time he'd worked together with Lorie after her transfer to Oversight.

Almost a year had gone by since her transfer and the mission seemed simple, so simple in fact, that Michael had suspected it was just a cover for something else. Simple recon/intel gathering. Of course, Operations was not told what the mission was, nor would he find out. One of the rules in between agencies was 'don't ask, don't tell.' Details of missions between agencies were strictly confidential. Any attempt to ascertain details was dealt with so harshly that it had been *years* since anyone had tried.

Michael's suspicions proved accurate. The mission lasted less than a day and when it was over George 'suggested' that he and Lorie have dinner before Michael left. Not just anywhere, but right there in Oversight, in George's private, surveillance-free dining room.

Knowing he was there for a reason, Michael waited for Lorie to say what was on her mind. During dinner they kept the conversation impersonal. Once the coffee was served and the kitchen staff retired for the evening, Lorie addressed the real reason they were here.

"So, how long did it take you to figure out that this was a set-up?" Lorie questioned.

"Not long." Michael replied, in his now typically cryptic and succinct style, not giving anything away.

"Ok, fine. Not one for small talk, huh?" Lorie asked rhetorically. "Down to business then. I asked George for this favor because I needed to talk to you. I uncovered a few things while tunneling into Section One's mainframe that got me thinking, so I dug deeper."

"What were you doing tunneling in the first place?"

"Don't go there." Lorie replied pointedly. "It's none of your concern. What *should* concern you are some of the things I've found out in the last few weeks."

"Like what?" Michael asked, humoring a superior, for Lorie was now the equivalent of a level four operative.

"Like the real objective for our mission against Red Cell over a year ago."

"Go on." Michael prodded, suddenly very interested.

"It was more or less an abeyance mission."

"Why?" Michael asked, puzzled. Lorie had been an exceptional operative and he hadn't been aware of any failures on his part, well, prior to that mission anyway.

"Oh, *you* were meant to survive, but the rest of us weren't."

"But I disobeyed orders." Michael interrupted, realization dawning.

"That's right. You were supposed to retreat and leave the rest of the team behind."

"For what purpose?"

"Well, I don't think Operations and Madeline were testing you per se." Lorie replied. "I'm pretty sure they expected you to follow orders and just wanted confirmation that they knew you well. When you didn't, you surprised them."

"Why were you in abeyance?"

"That's what bothered me too. They wanted me gone. Literally."

"Why?" Michael asked, puzzled.

"Let's just say they felt my loyalty to them was in question. Rather than worry about it, they decided to get rid of me. That's why Operations and Madeline were so upset. Madeline was just better at hiding it. If you hadn't gone back, I'd be dead too."

"If not for your well timed shot, *I'd* be dead as well." Michael returned.

"So, we're even then?" "For now. For some reason I'm sure that will change throughout the years." Michael replied, the hint of a smile softening his normally rigid features for a moment.

"Assuming, we both survive." Lorie concurred, returning the smile.

"So, why are you telling me this?"

"I've heard what's been going on with you since that mission. You've changed, and not for the better."

"My performance has been beyond reproach." Michael defended himself.

"That's not what I mean, and you know it." Lorie contradicted. "You haven't really been living, have you? You live and breathe Section, it's not healthy, physically or emotionally."

"I have much to atone for."

"Most of us do, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't look for a little peace and happiness along the way. If you want to be around in the long run to atone, you need human contact. You can't survive in the world all alone, and that's doubly true for the hell hole you're in now."

"What would be the point?" Michael asked. "Section isn't conducive to long term relationships, of any kind."

"Perhaps. But you could also get hit by a bus tomorrow. You'd be just as dead. So what? At least have a life before you go." Lorie returned. "Just think about it."

********

Upon his return from Oversight, Michael was greeted with another mission. After the mission and subsequent debrief, Michael headed home. He was met at the elevator by Simone, a part time member of his team since her transfer. He stood silently, waiting for the elevator, not expecting any conversation as was fitting with his reputation of the past year of coldness and ruthlessness personified.

"Have any dinner yet?" Simone asked without preamble.

"No." Michael replied, too surprised at her question to say anything else.

"Me neither. So how about it? You, me, some seafood and a nice bottle of wine?" Simone continued as the elevator door opened.

"Why not?" Michael replied, remembering Lorie's words from the day before.

"Wow, that was too easy. Is the iceman melting?" Simone returned teasingly, surprised at his acquiescence, as they stepped into the elevator and the door closed behind them.

********

Another year passed until Michael and Lorie met up again. Things had changed for both of them. Shortly after their last encounter Lorie had been moved yet again, this time into the Agency, and was already moving up there, too. Lorie had gained many friends and allies along the way, some of who were keeping tabs for her on some of the old friends, and enemies, left behind.

Moving between agencies had given Lorie the opportunity to cultivate sources, contacts and allies in a variety of places. Her 'power base' would rival George's in the near future. The difference was that Lorie, unlike many of her colleagues, was content to stay in the background and observe those around her. Her 'gifts' she used sparingly, as instructed long ago by the head of The Agency while she was still in Section Four, only when the situation was life or death.

Upon first glance, Lorie did not attract much attention. She stood at five feet, seven inches and weighed 140 pounds. Her brown eyes and pale features complimented her ebony hair. On the whole, fairly nondescript, perfect for blending in. Her unspectacular features, coupled with her young age of twenty two, caused many to underestimate her and not look twice. Had they bothered to look more closely at her eyes, they'd see a burning intelligence hidden there. One that had enabled the young woman to move quickly through the ranks.

Unbeknownst to Lorie and most of her current and former colleagues, she was being groomed to someday run The Agency. The current Omega, as the head of The Agency was always designated, had thought long and hard about his decision. At first he had hoped that George would replace him, but had discarded that plan almost immediately. George was getting older and Omega wanted someone younger.

Mr. Jones, as he was about to be known, was also a candidate. Younger than George, he would nevertheless become his boss shortly. While the younger man had moved up the ranks rather admirably, he too had been discarded. Mr. Jones would be spending too much time out in the 'real world' shortly and Omega wanted somebody completely from within.

Michael, now a member of Section One, had also been a candidate, but was ultimately chosen for something else. Omega prided himself on recognizing potential very early on. After watching Michael in the young man's first years in the covert anti-terrorist world, Omega knew he would go far. As soon as he earned level three status, he made sure Michael was transferred to One. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he knew that One would be where Michael's potential would be best realized. An added bonus, Omega recently discovered, was Michael's talent for keeping Operations and Madeline on their toes. Given the right push, Michael would one day run Oversight.

Ultimately, it was Lorie's 'gifts' that placed her above everyone else. While her IQ, strategy, tactical and people skills were certainly most impressive, they were not the deciding factor. Lorie had first caught Omega's attention when she was recruited to Section Four. Four had been Omega's 'baby,' his first completely original concept.

Due to his longtime association with a certain secret organization, he'd been made aware of a variety of talents that certain people bore. Lorie had shown promise at an early age and had been recruited. Omega had no regrets on that score, as she was an orphan and her foster care was substandard, at best.

When Omega felt she was ready, he had Lorie transferred to One. Looking back on things now, he should have manipulated Lorie's transfer to Oversight sooner, right after Paul Wolfe became Operations. He couldn't blame the man for trying to get rid of Lorie, as Omega would have done the same with an otherwise exceptional operative whose loyalty was in doubt. That didn't mean however, that should he have succeeded, the consequences would not be dire. An eye for an eye was a motto Omega long held dear. As it was, Lorie was now safely (relatively, anyway) ensconced in The Agency, where Omega could keep a closer eye on her and make sure she stayed on the path he had created for her.

********

While Lorie's future was being mapped out for her, Michael was still struggling with his. He had, in the last year, become very close to Simone. He'd fought it tooth and nail, but in the end, she had burrowed in under his defenses and claimed the heart and soul he'd swore he lost two years ago.

Michael knew that Section One frowned upon relationships between cold ops. They didn't mind an occasional roll in the hay, as long as the operatives didn't get too close. A prohibition of such relationships was not official policy, but it was uncommon and exceptions were *very* rare.

So far, they had been left relatively alone to pursue their relationship. But neither Michael nor Simone were content with the way things were. They had fallen deeply in love and wanted to share their lives. They deliberated their options and in the end, the two of them went together to Operations to request permission to live together. Operations promised to think about and let them know.

It took less than a day to get their answer. Operations went to Madeline to discuss the issue. While Operations leaned toward allowing the two operatives their request, Madeline disagreed, albeit silently. Madeline knew Operations had a soft spot for Michael and she was becoming increasingly alarmed by it. He'd allowed the young operative far too much leeway over the last few months and Madeline was starting to worry about her future in Section One.

While Michael was exceptional in the field, he also had the 'raw talent' required to do her job. With proper training, Michael could eventually take over her job and Madeline had no intention of letting that happen. Rather than argue with Operations, she decided to outwardly agree with him and keep their professional relationship harmonious. However, as soon as Operations left her office to impart the good news, Madeline began plotting to ensure her position for years to come.

********

While Madeline's plotting was in its infancy, Michael and Lorie met up again, this time on a legitimate mission. Lorie had been following his 'career' through 'friends' but now she saw for herself the changes in Michael. Michael, Lorie and two other operatives spent a week together playing bodyguard for a visiting diplomat as a personal favor for a *very* high ranking official of the French government. Lorie said a silent thanks to Simone, the person she knew was most responsible for bringing the twenty seven year old operative back into the world of the living.

Lorie's friends had also warned her of the developing ruthless streaks of Operations and Madeline, especially Madeline. Lorie decided to take this opportunity and warn Michael to be careful.

After the mission was successfully completed and debrief was over, they still had some time before they had to return to their respective organizations. Michael and Lorie decided to enjoy a late lunch and catch up on the past year. Not wanting Michael to know she was keeping tabs, Lorie let him start the conversation and waited until she could safely steer it to where she wanted.

Lorie's opportunity came during desert. Michael, always keeping things close to the vest, *finally* told her about his new living arrangements. Not one to give much away either, Lorie didn't mention that she already knew and instead acted surprised and happy for her friend.

"Congratulations."

"What?" Michael asked, not missing the note of hesitation in Lorie's voice.

"I'm just surprised, pleasantly, of course, that Operations and Madeline agreed, that's all." Lorie replied.

"Why?" Michael asked. "It's not common, but it's not unheard of either."

"Just be careful." Lorie warned. "Don't trust either of them. Madeline especially, but Operations can be even more ruthless when things don't go his way."

"What things?"

"It doesn't matter, just be careful." Lorie replied, not willing to go into details. She knew Operations was grooming Michael for 'bigger' things. She also knew that Madeline wouldn't allow it and would somehow make sure she got her way. Lorie didn't know what Madeline was plotting, only that it couldn't be good for Michael. And right now, the best way to get to Michael was through Simone.

When Michael returned to Section, he'd learned that he had just been promoted to level four. He thought to himself that although Lorie was usually right, perhaps this time she'd been wrong and things would work out just fine. After all, if Operations and Madeline were 'not happy' with his living arrangements or his performance, they would not have promoted him.

After his promotion, things had settled down for a while. Michael and Simone adjusted well to cohabitation and things in Section were running smoothly for them. Each was achieving closure on their respective missions. One of the rules Operations placed on them due to their new arrangement was that they could not, for obvious reasons, be on the same mission, at least for now.

However, one month after his conversation with Lorie, Michael learned that she was right, and that he and Simone were about to pay dearly for their arrangement.

Promoting Michael to level four had been Madeline's idea. She'd cooked up a scheme and convinced Operations it was for the best. While Operations did have a soft spot for Michael, he *was* still a ruthless SOB. Madeline did not have to twist his arm to convince Operations to follow her plan. After all, one must constantly test the strength and loyalty of their best hope for the future.

Madeline's plan was simple. Promote Michael, give the couple the illusion of happiness and a future together, then yank it out from under them. And yank it, she did. One month into his new position, Madeline called both him and Simone into her office and proceeded to calmly and serenely explain to Michael that he would need to undergo valentine training, immediately. It was necessary, she claimed, for an upcoming, long term mission that was as yet classified.

To make matters worse, Madeline would be overseeing his training, *personally.* Madeline believed this would cause a rift in the relationship, split them apart, for good. She would make sure of it. Her final stroke of genius was in implying and convincing the couple that this was actually Operations' idea. Michael had tremendous respect for Operations. By planting the idea that it was his idea, as compensation for the couple's living arrangement, she would alienate Michael from Operations, which in turn would alienate Operations from Michael.

Realizing that she'd done all she could in the matter for the time being, Madeline addressed her next problem, Com, they needed an assistant for Gerald, who was considerably overworked. 'Birkoff,' Madeline mused to herself, 'he should be ready by now.'

********

Six months later the fruits of Madeline's labor were born and Section One became even bleaker and more oppressive. Michael distanced himself from Operations, believing the older man to be responsible for his predicament, just as Madeline had planned.

Michael's distant behavior affected Operations more deeply than he cared to admit. Paul Wolfe had promised himself that once he became Operations he would close off his emotions, thereby not allowing them to get in the way of what needed to be done 'for the greater good.' He wouldn't allow himself to feel the loss of one - be it operative, hostile or innocent - when it benefitted the many.

Despite his vow, Operations didn't completely let go of his emotions, something else that bothered Madeline, as she was able to 'disengage' far more quickly and easily. Operations felt completely justified in agreeing to Michael's upcoming undercover assignment and the valentine training that went with it. In his opinion, it was suitable reciprocation for allowing Michael and Simone's relationship. The fact that the two operatives in question disagreed, privately *and* publicly infuriated Operations and proved to him that his original vow should not have been ignored. He lost objectivity, cared for one more than for others, a cardinal sin.

He also felt slighted. Show a little favoritism to an operative and look what it gets you, more problems than solutions. Operations would never admit, even privately, that a part of what angered him was that Michael distanced himself from Operations because he did not view things the same way the older man did. Operations began to suspect that Michael might never conform to Operations' ideal successor and started to believe that he needed a 'back up' in case he was right.

In the end, the details didn't matter. All that mattered was that Madeline's plan was working to her specifications. She had her job security for many years to come. What Madeline failed to realize at the time was that Operations had been grooming Michael for his job, not hers. That misunderstanding though, began a chain of events that brought Section One even deeper into the 'dark side.'

Madeline's only miscalculation was the effect Michael's training would have on his relationship with Simone. Madeline believed that Michael's 'intense' valentine training would break up the couple. She had been wrong, very wrong. The two married in secret and then unceremoniously announced it to Operations and Madeline upon their return from their two day 'honeymoon.'

Madeline's first thought was that the couple had done it out of spite for their predicament. Watching the two over the following week changed Madeline's mind. Madeline was a master at reading people. Simone was still fairly easy to read and Michael hadn't perfected his 'patented blank stare' yet. What Madeline found was that they *were* in love, *very* deeply in fact. What worried her the most though, was Michael's changing personality.

Section One had been busy the last few months and *everyone* had felt the effects, from top to bottom, lowly recruits included. Michael and Simone's three days of down time together, which they used to their advantage to marry, was actually a 'reward' for half a dozen back to back missions in which Michael and Simone had achieved closure in their respective assignments. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and Madeline realized too late that it had been a mistake to not lay more ground rules for the relationship ahead of time.

Part of Madeline's week long observation of the couple included going over both their files. What Madeline discovered in going over Michael's more recent missions alarmed her even more than the marriage itself.

Madeline had discovered that Michael had been spending entirely too much time - and was 'wasting' resources - on profiles. While his profiles had always been meticulous and innocent friendly, things were now *way* out of control. Madeline silently reproached herself for letting the situation escalate. She should have seen this coming and stopped it before it started, or at the very least caught it much sooner. She blamed the recent escalation of activity for her lapse in surveillance and promised herself it would *not* happen again - Madeline vowed to never be caught off guard again.

What so infuriated Madeline was that Michael was ruining an integral part of her and Operations' strategy for keeping operatives in line. She and Operations had, when they came into power, established an abeyance pool. It was reserved for those operatives who had failed Section in one way or another, their one remaining purpose being suicide missions or collateral positions on 'regular' missions.

Thinking back carefully, Madeline remembered one of Michael's missions a few months ago. A very good friend of Simone's was placed in abeyance. Michael added the woman to his team but in a position that made her return *very* unlikely. However, she did return, and in one piece. In fact the woman had improved to the point of being removed from the abeyance pool. At the time Madeline had believed the incident to be a singularity. Now she realized that it was just a precursor.

Going through his missions, Madeline found that Michael had taken quite a few abeyance operatives on his missions. That in itself was expected. After all, many missions required operative sacrifices and optimally those sacrificed should be abeyance operatives.

What Madeline did find surprising was that somehow Michael had managed to bring many of these same abeyance operatives back from the field. He'd restructured his profiles to make sure he brought back as many team members as he possibly could, abeyance operatives included.

Madeline was upset on more than one front. The abeyance pool was created for two reasons. Operatives that were deemed (by Madeline and/or Operations) failures were sent there to fulfill a need, otherwise they would just be canceled. While it may have been beneficial to rehabilitate a *few* of them, rehabilitation was not the end game for the general abeyance pool population. For the most part these operatives were deemed unworthy, unreliable or unable to serve and were of little use. They were not meant for reintegration. Keeping abeyance operatives alive too long left too many non useful personnel alive. Too many non useful personnel wasted resources that could better be spent elsewhere.

Furthermore, the other goal of the abeyance pool was being undermined as well. Abeyance was a good scare tactic for all operatives. The fact that any one in Section, in any field, could be placed in abeyance was a good motivator to keep their 'employees' on their toes. Abeyance was a good threat to hang over an operative's head, in some ways even better than cancellation.

Cancellation was a sure, quick death (Madeline and her torture twins were far too busy with more important matters and they didn't have enough time to subject operatives to a long and painful death unless they were experimenting with a new procedure). Sometimes, it was the anticipation, the not knowing that was worse. With abeyance, you never knew if you were going to die and if so, how. Perhaps capture and torture by the enemy or a fiery explosion. Or perhaps something worse. Maybe they would survive but sustain enough permanent injuries to be less than useful. Uselessness such as that resulted in being used for experiments and those who were subjected to these experiments *wished* they were dead.

Michael keeping abeyance operatives alive defeated that purpose. If Section personnel saw abeyance operatives returning alive *and* well from missions it diminished the usefulness of abeyance as a threat. Abeyance would be viewed as nothing more than extended close quarter standby and not the fear inducer and performance enhancer it was intended to be for the general population.

Not liking what she found at all, Madeline gathered her data and prepared for Operations' arrival. This would definitely be the first topic of conversation of their impending meeting.

As Madeline had predicted, Operations did not like her findings either, although it did take a few minutes of explanation of her findings to convince him.

"Michael's numbers should be discussed." Madeline began.

"Why?" Operations asked, puzzled. "They're excellent. He's achieved closure with *very* minimal losses."

"True. But look at the profiles carefully." Madeline countered, swiveling her screen so Operations could see for himself the areas Madeline had outlined.

"Damn." Operations swore after a few minutes, that one word conveying to Madeline that her message was received. "Fix it, Madeline."

"Of course." Madeline replied, seriously, while smiling on the inside. This is exactly what she wanted - the proverbial green light. Now she had free reign to do with Michael as she pleased. Operations would deem any and all of her methods acceptable as long as the desired goals were achieved. And Michael would lay the blame on his situation at Operations doorstep knowing that the final decision in anything to do with Section, internal or external, belonged to him. The final wedge in the relationship between Operations and Michael was imminent. Madeline's six months of plotting and planning was about to pay off. Ironically it was Michael and Simone's wedding that had the stage for the coming destruction.

********

As Madeline waited for Michael and Simone's arrival, she finalized her preparations. By having Simone present at the briefing, Madeline would be able to judge the pair's initial reaction in person. It would show Madeline how much, if anything, more was needed to break up the pair. An added bonus of their breakup would be the destruction of Simone's influence over Michael. Madeline knew that Michael's numbers were where they were because of Simone. He cared far more about his fellow operatives since Simone came into his life.

In the twenty four hours that had elapsed since her official meeting with Operations, Madeline rethought her strategy. Madeline had finally realized that she was wrong, her job was never really in jeopardy. She'd finally understood that what Operations wanted in Michael was a successor to his 'throne' once he ascended (with Madeline in tow, of course) to Oversight and George's job.

Even had she been capable of feeling guilt or remorse, Madeline would nevertheless feel justified in her actions. While her job security was intact, the fact remained that Michael's numbers needed 'fixing.' Perhaps now, more than ever. If Operations had his way and Michael did eventually succeed him, then Michael's tendency towards 'humanity' had to be driven out. And Madeline would 'help' towards that end. She'd already convinced Operations of the need for her plan, reminding him of his exploitable weak spots and the fact that these traits would be just as dangerous for his successor.

As it was Operations still let his humanity and emotions get the best of him every so often. So Madeline would make sure that Michael did not suffer such a fate. She would make sure to drive out all of Michael's emotions until all that was left was a machine with no feelings, emotions or loyalties of any kind, except to serve Section One. What she envisioned was a cold op who was the mirror image of herself. Severing the young man's ties with everyone in his life was the beginning. And what better person to start with than his wife. If she could separate Michael from his new bride, then the rest would be much easier.

Madeline swivelled in her chair, confirmed that audio and visual surveillance of her office was working (and taping for future reference) and faced the door when it opened, revealing Michael and Simone.

"Please, sit down." Madeline stated in greeting, indicating the two chairs in front of her desk. "Consider this your briefing for an imminent mission, Michael."

"So, why am I here?" Simone inquired, suddenly and unexplainably getting a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach. "Backup?" She continued hopefully.

"Not exactly." Madeline replied serenely, successfully hiding her glee and turning to Michael. "You're familiar with Sala Vacek?" Madeline paused, waiting for confirmation, then continuing once she had it. "This long term, blood cover revolves around his estranged daughter. Our belief is that he will eventually contact his daughter and we need an operative entrenched in her life when it happens. You are expected to meet, date and marry his daughter, Elena."

"This is because of our marriage, isn't it? " Michael interrupted, not fooled for an instant. Michael and Simone had been discussing what Section might do as payback for them getting married. They thought that the punishment would be a lot of short term valentine work for Michael as well as more frequent and more dangerous missions for both of them. Now they knew better.

"On the contrary, Michael. This is an excellent opportunity for you. Your training has been geared for this. Others have been sent but have failed. Succeed and there's a great future for you here." Madeline countered, hoping that the couple would believe that she was doing this for their own good, helping to secure their future.

After giving out more details of the mission, Madeline excused the couple and told them to take the rest of the day off to come to terms with these new 'developments.' Michael and Simone walked out of the meeting in stunned silence, not even acknowledging the operative coming into Madeline's office for his own meeting with the second in command even though they had a long history together.

Once the door to her office slid closed again, Madeline greeted her new arrival with genuine warmth, for he would be of great help to Madeline and her continued plotting to 'shape up' Operations' probable eventual successor.

"Perfect timing, Jurgen." Madeline smiled at the psych op. "Please sit down."

Madeline was not 100% sure that the blood cover mission alone would do the trick and she wasn't about to take any chances. So she used Michael's history against him.

Jurgen hadn't always been a psych op. In fact Jurgen had been Michael's original trainer after his recruitment from prison. Madeline knew that the two men had a history together, and not a very pleasant one either. Jurgen, unintentionally, helped Michael become as good as he was by driving him - hard.

For the first three months Michael's training was relatively uneventful. Then all of a sudden, things turned. Something happened between the two men. Whatever it was that happened remained a mystery, even to Madeline. In the end, the actual event didn't matter. For the next six months Jurgen proceeded to drive Michael mercilessly. So much so in fact, that the head of the Section transferred Jurgen to psych ops and over the next six months personally completed Michael's training, well ahead of the standard two years.

Jurgen had been transferred to Section One a year ago when there was an unforseen opening (an operative's cancellation for 'lackadaisical' work being the reason) in psych ops. Of course six months ago, the man had started blackmailing Section One and now a tense working relationship existed.

Madeline, however was not worried that Jurgen would refuse this particular assignment. Through careful and extensive observation and research, Madeline found that there was still 'a problem' between the two men. She hypothesized, correctly, that Jurgen would be more than willing to bring the younger man down.

Once Madeline received confirmation from Jurgen that he would be 'happy' to help, she proceeded to outline her plan and his role in it.

********

Over the next few months, Madeline's carefully plotted 'mission' succeeded. While Michael was out 'romancing' Elena Vacek, Simone was 'home alone.' Jurgen's role was to befriend and grow close to the lonely newlywed while her husband was away.

Circumstances both foreseen and unforeseen drove Madeline's plans forward. Things started coming to a head six months after the initial briefing in Madeline's office, when Michael, as per orders, proposed to Elena Vacek. Several things happened as a result.

The most damaging situation was Jurgen falling in love with his mark, Simone. Although certainly unforeseen, Madeline welcomed the deviation from her profile. The two were just friends but Jurgen wanted more while Simone was still deeply in love with her husband and did not under *any* circumstances want to be with anyone else. While Jurgen was a relatively skillful actor, genuine emotion was always better, especially when dealing with someone like Michael, who was almost as good at reading people as Madeline.

Immediately after Michael's 'proposal' Jurgen confronted him. The discussion was heated, the two men almost coming to blows. Jurgen confessed to being in love with Simone and told Michael he didn't believe he truly loved his wife. Jurgen railed at Michael, telling the younger man that if he really loved his wife, he would find a way out of the blood cover mission.

Jurgen did not want to understand that Michael had no choice in his assignments, *especially* if he and Simone wanted to stay together. It was easier for Jurgen to make Michael out to be the bad guy thereby justifying going after another man's wife.

What Jurgen missed was that unlike himself, Michael did not have any hold over Section One, he did not have anything to blackmail them with. Michael was too honorable and believed he had too much to atone for to outright blackmail anyone just to pick and choose his own missions and improve his lifestyle. Of course, in the future, when he experienced for himself more of the reality of Section life, Michael would realize that *some* blackmail was sometimes necessary just to stay alive and well.

After their heated argument that resolved nothing, Michael proceeded to confront his wife. The last six months had been difficult for Michael, even more so than for Simone. While Simone was left behind in Section, she had friends - Jurgen unfortunately, included - with who she could be herself. Michael did not have that luxury. His time was split between Elena and Section One. While Elena and Michael were dating he was taken out of the field and overseeing tactical. No chances were taken with his health (at least his physical health) until the relationship was more permanent. The little down time he was given, a stolen moment or two only, was spent with Simone.

Essentially, Michael was playing a role almost twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and it was taking its toll. Jurgen's accusations only furthered Michael's already existing doubts. Michael had already begun to wonder how Simone spent her time, how she was handling their forced separation.

Simone entreated Michael to believe her when she proclaimed her unfailing love for him. She admitted knowing for a few weeks now that Jurgen might be falling in love with her, but she did not return the feelings. There would never be anyone else for her. While the two were able to reconcile, their relationship was never the same. Simone staying away from Jurgen did not solve all their problems. No matter what or how they tried, *some* doubt was always there and their relationship became strained.

Three months later Michael and Elena were married. Three months after that Elena was pregnant and Michael was *coincidentally* promoted to level five. Elena's unexpected pregnancy further strained the relationship. Michael had sworn to Simone that despite Section and Oversight mandate, he would *not* allow a child into his sham marriage with Elena. With Madeline subtly but effectively planting ideas in her head, Simone became convinced that Michael cared enough for Elena to at some point have 'spontaneous' sex with her and conceive a child. Michael's protestations to the contrary could not sway her. The evidence, after all, was indisputable - Elena was pregnant.

One month later, their marriage in shambles, the couple were briefed for a mission against Glass Curtain and their particularly vicious leader, Errol Sparks. Simone felt they needed backup and said as much to Michael who, with his latest promotion, was again her superior. Having just recently reconciled after one of many recent arguments, Michael felt that Simone was just looking for something else to argue about and told his wife as much. Rather than start yet another argument, Simone bit back any further comments and proceeded to van access, early, planting herself in the front, passenger side of the jeep.

Twenty minutes later Michael came out and climbed into the driver's seat. The trip took two hours and an angry silence reigned the entire time.

********

Michael woke up in medlab three days after the failed mission against Glass Curtain. He had been badly injured and barely remembered being taken to Section One from the alternate pick up point. All he knew for sure was that he failed for the first time in almost two years and Simonne was dead because of it. He'd seen her go down in a hail of bullets while Glass Curtain soldiers closed in on him. Section training kicked in obliterating his numbness and he'd somehow managed to call in the failure and run the five miles to where Section transport would pick him up.

Michael just moved. He didn't think, not of his dead wife, his injuries or the failed mission. He went on autopilot and made it to the pickup point in a half an hour. 'Lucky' for Michael Glass Curtain didn't find him first. Two minutes after he showed, a Section helicopter picked Michael up and a medic began working on his injuries - multiple gun shot wounds. Michael had no recollection of the medic or the trip - he'd passed out as soon as he was inside the chopper.

When Michael finally did wake up, Madeline was sitting by his bedside.

"Simone?" Michael immediately questioned, his voice hoarse.

"I'm sorry, Michael." Madeline replied, giving Michael some water. "Simone didn't make it. Housekeeping found her."

Michael didn't betray any emotion and didn't ask any further questions. He knew it would be pointless to ask to see his wife's body as he knew Housekeeping would have disposed of it on site. He bought Madeline's story, if not her apology. He wasn't even angry at her, as he blamed himself entirely.

"You've been shot in the right shoulder, right arm and left thigh. Another bullet penetrated your vest and cracked three ribs. It's a miracle you made it back to Section alive. We've told Elena that you'd been mugged on the way back to your hotel from a business meeting but you'll recover. Due to her (conveniently) 'difficult' pregnancy she won't be allowed to travel to you. I advise you to call her and then get some rest. We'll talk tomorrow." Madeline finished, leaving Michael's cell phone on his bed so he could call Elena, untraced.

Upon exiting medlab Madeline left a mildly surprised Michael in her wake. He was surprised, but grateful, that she was allowing him some time before his debrief to come to terms with his loss. Of course, unbeknownst to Michael, now that her end game had been achieved - Michael and Simone's permanent separation - Madeline could afford to be 'generous.'

Madeline gloated over her victory. Now that Michael had seen the cost of getting close to someone, he wouldn't be very likely to repeat that 'mistake' anytime soon. An added bonus was Jurgen's animosity towards Michael. The psych op would undoubtedly blame Michael for Simone's death and 'dislike' him even more. In the past, Madeline had been concerned that Jurgen or Michael would eventually seek the other out as allies in a potential coup, as each man had a growing power base and combined they would one day be *very* formidable. With Simone now 'deceased' their conflict would never resolve and they certainly would never trust each other enough to agree on a truce, let alone align for a coup. Madeline had succeeded in killing several proverbial birds with one stone.

While Madeline was gloating, Michael was shutting down. He already regretted his survival in the face of Simone's death. He wished for oblivion but would not take his own life. Michael felt that Section was his penance and he had no right to end it prematurely. He would live and breathe Section until oblivion finally *did* claim him. Even his impending fatherhood wouldn't change that. After all, it was only a mission, one that would eventually end and all he'd have to show for it was two more people who would be destroyed because of him.

When all was said and done, Simone's 'demise' brought about the birth of Section One's 'Angel of Death.'

********

Michael met up with his 'old friend' Lorie again three months after Simone's 'death.' Although Michael was her friend, she stayed out of his life and hoped that Michael and Simone worked out their problems. She should have known better - it was, after all, Section One. Lorie had known something was going to happen, she had 'seen' it. However, by the time Lorie was able to do anything about it had been too late, Simone was already gone.

Lorie had had problems of her own at the time that had prevented contact with anyone not associated with Red Cell. She had been captured on a routine mission after one of her team members decided to sell out to Red Cell in exchange for money and the freedom to spend it. She was actually almost flattered that the price on her head was so high.

After enduring six weeks of torture, Lorie had managed to escape. Two weeks after that, not yet fully recovered from her injuries, Lorie checked herself out of the Agency's medical facility and went after the rogue agent. One week later Lorie found the traitor and personally disposed of him. It had been the first time in her long covert operations career that she had derived any pleasure and felt no remorse in killing someone.

Three weeks later, an almost fully recovered Lorie met up again with Michael on a top priority Agency mission. Her own misplaced guilt at not being able to warn the couple about the pending disaster drove her to try and help Michael overcome his grief. Perhaps it was that same guilt or desire for 'out of sight, out of mind' that didn't allow Lorie to see the truth of Simone's demise. Perhaps her 'visions' were limited as her skills weren't developed enough at the time. Whatever the reason, she was as convinced as everyone else that Simone was dead.

Lorie had seen Michael the way he was before Simone came into his life. Recently, she had heard all the stories about Section One's 'Angel of Death,' 'Terminator,' 'Dark Angel' or the more derisive 'Machine Man' but didn't believe that Michael could be any worse now than the way he was after their first encounter with Red Cell early in his Section One career. She was wrong, very wrong.

The Michael she met and spent three days with *was* a machine. He'd shut off every one of his emotions. There was nothing left in him that could even be considered human. His impending fatherhood did nothing to change his demeanor. It in fact made things worse. His mission wife was about to have 'his' child while his real wife was 'dead.' Rather than deal with *any* of his emotions Michael closed them all off unless called for on a mission.

Michael barely acknowledged Lorie's existence on their mission. He spoke only when absolutely necessary for the mission and otherwise planted himself in front of his laptop, barely sleeping, afraid of the inevitable nightmares. Conversation was non existent as Lorie could not coax more than a one or two word answer out of the shell of the man who she used to call friend.

All Lorie could hope for was that Michael survived the next few months. She saw *something* on the horizon for Michael. Perhaps it would the birth of a child, perhaps something else. All she knew for sure was that whatever it was, it would change his life forever.

********

The time following Simone's 'death' should have been satisfying for Operations and Madeline. They succeeded in severing their favorite toy's ties to anyone and anything not Section related. They wanted a killing machine and that was they got. The old adage 'be careful what you wish for' embedded itself in their minds.

While an emotionless automaton was good for *most* missions, Michael's shut down endangered the Vacek mission. His behavior with his 'new' wife was as yet unnoticed, as Elena was distracted by her pregnancy. However Madeline saw it and eventually, Elena would too. Impending fatherhood did nothing to bring out any humanity in the level five operative.

Worse yet, looking at his missions over the two months since Simone's loss, Michael's performance bordered on suicidal. This was unacceptable for the Vacek mission alone. Failure on this mission was not an option. Oversight would not overlook it and neither would Operations. The irony of the situation was not lost on Madeline. It had been her idea to place Michael on the mission in the first place and now she was paying the price for her machinations. Madeline turned her attention to the screen in front of her, already formulating a plan to correct her rare mistake.

Three days later Madeline found a solution. Ten days later Madeline found the perfect candidate.

Six months after the 'failure' against Glass Curtain Madeline called Michael into her office and briefed him on his new assignment.

"We're taking you out of the field temporarily." Madeline stated from behind her desk once Michael was standing in front of it.

"Why?" Michael asked, hands clasped in front of him, preferring to remain standing. "My numbers have remained consistent."

"Yes, your numbers are acceptable, that hasn't changed. However, the Vacek mission is our number one priority. Elena is almost eight months pregnant and we wouldn't want to take any unnecessary risks at this time. You will oversee tactical for the immediate future as well as mentor a new recruit. Any questions?"

"No." The good soldier replied, a spark flashing briefly in his gray-green eyes, too briefly for Madeline to decipher.

"Good." Madeline replied, disappointed at her inability to read the young man in front of her. "The recruit's file will be on your computer. Study it, she 'arrives' tomorrow."

"Of course." Michael intoned, effectively dismissing himself and avoiding any further conversation.

********

"Row 8, plot 30." Michael ended the conversation with his new recruit and walked out the steel door.

Upon leaving Nikita's room Michael returned to his office. He had several finalized profiles that he wanted to go over again. Booting up his computer, Michael opened the necessary files and proceeded to read them. However, five minutes later, after reading the same page three times, he gave up.

For the first time in almost six months Michael found himself thinking about something other than a mission. Rubbing his chin in contemplation, Michael's thoughts strayed to his new recruit and he couldn't understand why. Reading her file hadn't provoked any reaction. Another prison recruit and a waste of his talents. Michael could be (and was) many things, but a mentor he wasn't. His first thought upon watching the young woman before she came out of her drug induced sleep was that she would clean up nicely. The right clothes and the right make up and she would fit in anywhere. Well, after Madeline was done with her, anyway.

He thought ahead to Nikita's protestations of innocence. He had been angry at her for it, for no one in the Section was *truly* innocent, Birkoff perhaps being the only exception. Fifty witnesses could come forward but most would deny their guilt anyway. The young blonde may have been his first attempt at mentoring in quite a while, but she was certainly not his first trainee. He'd lost count of how many recruits he'd helped train over the years (but he certainly was able to smell a Section operative from miles away). His anger had dissipated after a moment. After all, he'd given 'the speech' to countless others and had seen *all* kinds of reactions.

Admitting it to himself now, Michael realized that what intrigued him about Nikita was the fire he saw in her. He'd *expected* her to attack from behind, most recruits did. What he didn't expect from her was the seeming innocence, lack of fear and defiance he saw in her blue-eyed gaze. He'd actually found himself wanting to believe in her innocence for a moment before he mentally shook himself in disgust at his momentary lapse. He'd told her training started at 5 AM, tomorrow and now he inexplicably found himself hoping that she would accept her fate and not choose death over recruitment.

Pinching the bridge of his nose to try to stave off yet another headache that nightmares and lack of sleep had been causing the last few months, Michael sighed in disgust at being distracted from his duties. He refocused his attention to the computer in front of him and returned to work.

********

In her office, watching the surveillance feed from Michael's office, Madeline smiled in satisfaction. Her plan was working just as she had imagined it would. Madeline felt a twinge of guilt at recruiting an innocent but quickly banished it from her conscience. 'Whatever it takes' had been Madeline's credo ever since the coup.

With only a month left before Elena's baby was born, Madeline had found and recruited Nikita just in time. She was pleased with her selection. Nikita bore no outward resemblance to Michael's 'deceased' first wife. But Madeline had observed the young street urchin before deciding on her and found the same zest for life that Simone possessed. Nikita, Madeline had further observed, also possessed an independence streak and lack of respect for authority that would keep Michael on his toes. Coupled with her inherent innocence and good looks, she would be the perfect distraction for Michael.

Madeline knew that Nikita would bring out the same protective streak in the level five operative that he had possessed upon his arrival in Section and during his time with Simone. As much as Madeline had strove to drive that streak out of him, she knew that Michael needed to come back to life somewhat and play the devoted husband and father or they'd end up taking him off the Vacek mission. Oversight would not be happy if that had to be done and Madeline of course, would take the flak for choosing Michael for the mission in the first place.

With careful manipulation Madeline would make sure that Michael's inevitable attraction and indulgent attitude towards Nikita did not go any further and would not extend to anyone else, outside of Elena, of course.

Madeline was further pleased, as Nikita would surely 'annoy' Operations very quickly. His military background and authoritative style would not allow Michael *too much* leniency with Nikita. Nikita would also serve as a good reminder to Operations of why there is no room for emotion, his included, in Section One.

Madeline's plans seemed foolproof. But, as before, things started unraveling despite her careful planning. Madeline had always known that to stay one step ahead of the game she had to think far into the future and plan contingencies for every possible scenario. Now, taking more time and care with her machinations, Madeline had thought she had covered all her bases. Again, it was the underestimation of her partner in crime as well as her subordinates that led to events occurring as they did.

Madeline loved a challenge, sometimes she was almost bored with those around her. With very few exceptions, Madeline was sorely lacking stimulation for her mind. Section operatives were easy to understand and manipulate, most of Section's enemies were the same. Madeline was always ten steps ahead and rarely did she miscalculate. As 'annoying' as the situation with Michael was, she did revel in the challenge it created for her. For the second time in her manipulations of Michael and those around him Madeline had miscalculated.

Contrary to what she originally told Operations, Madeline had expected Michael to form a strong emotional attachment to Nikita. As far as Madeline was concerned Nikita's sole purpose in Section was to serve as a necessary target and distraction for the level five operative. Without Michael's protection and interference Nikita would not survive the two year training period. Madeline counted on Michael's attachment to get her through it. She had calculated that Michael would sufficiently 'thaw' in the two years Nikita would be with them to carry on with the Vacek mission after her cancellation while at the same time be wary again of forming attachments outside of missions.

What Madeline hadn't counted on was Operations' interference. When confronted with Nikita's cancellation after her training, Michael 'convinced' Operations to relent and let the young woman live. Watching the conversation from the comfort of her own office Madeline saw that it didn't take much to convince the older man to change his mind. When Madeline had 'discussed' the change in profile with Operations later, the man assured her that he knew what he was doing that Nikita had not outlived her usefulness just yet. With a parting 'suggestion' to, in the future, discuss deviations from profile, especially when said profile hinges on psychological and emotional components (Madeline's specialty) with her before changing them Madeline returned to her office and sat down in contemplation to puzzle out the last two years and figure out where she went wrong so as to fix the problem as soon as possible.

Hindsight being 20/20, Madeline now realized that Michael's behavior went off profile six months after Nikita's recruitment. At first it was subtle. Being a level five operative had certain fringe benefits, one of which was permission for a surveillance dampener in your office and Section quarters. Even then there were limits to privacy while in Section - a time limit was 'suggested' for jamming surveillance. Of course, homes were completely surveillance free internally, a necessary illusion of freedom to maintain operatives' mental health.

Following Simone's 'death' Michael discontinued jamming his surveillance for *any* length of time. He lived and breathed missions and nothing else distracted him. Six months after Nikita's recruitment that had changed. Every so often when his material came to his office, Michael would turn on his scrambler for a moment or two. While not alarming at the time, the stretches of surveillance free time increased as their bond increased. Apparently, Michael took his responsibilities as mentor to heart, helping Nikita pass her varied courses.

At the time Madeline had been pleased. Her plan, after all, was for Nikita to survive training for as long as possible in order to control and distract Michael. Now Madeline realized, she didn't interfere enough and by the time Nikita's two years were up, the bond between mentor and student became unbreakable. The Van Vactor mission certainly proved it. Michael went off profile to save Nikita and she returned the favor, killing for the first time to save him.

********

After Nikita's graduation, Madeline looked for ways to get rid of her. Since Michael was already attached to the blonde operative, Madeline was careful. She could not afford to lose Michael in the process, at least not yet. Madeline made sure that the missions Nikita would be involved in would be the most difficult for her. Nikita's weakness was her humanity, feeling and compassion so Madeline made sure to use it against her at every turn.

To aid her own cause, Madeline seemingly befriended the young operative in her first year as an operative. She used their 'friendship' to gauge Nikita's emotional condition and revised her plans as necessary to hasten the operative's deterioration.

Madeline's end game had two equally satisfying possible outcomes. One was that Operations would cancel Nikita. Two, Nikita would save them the trouble and do it herself. Madeline came close to having her end game achieved when fate stepped in, in the form of Steven Wolfe - Operations' son.

Saving Stephen's life bought Nikita some time. Ironically it was her 'weaknesses' that compelled Operations to ask Nikita to protect his son. After Nikita succeeded in protecting him, Operations relented and rethought her cancellation. Fortunately for Madeline, the reprieve was only temporary. Nikita had become suicidal, but Madeline decided 'better safe than sorry' and pushed the issue.

Madeline's persistence paid off. After the Shays mission Operations *finally* ordered Nikita's cancellation. As the abeyance mission loaded, Madeline stood off to the side, silently warning Michael to 'do the job.'

While Madeline, obviously, had her own suspicions about Nikita's return following her alleged captivity by Freedom League for six months, she could not prove anything. As sure as she was that Michael had engineered both the escape and subsequent return, he had covered his tracks and nothing was ever found to disprove Nikita's claims.

Looking back on it now, Madeline regretted using Jurgen to retrain Nikita when she came back in. At the time she had thought that Jurgen's animosity towards Michael would drive him to destroy the couple by uncovering the truth. Unfortunately for Madeline, she underestimated Nikita's influence over Jurgen and overestimated Jurgen's and Michael's animosity towards each other.

At least the plan was not a total failure, they were after all, able to bring Jurgen's blackmail to an end. The loss of a psyche op with his talents was regrettable, but he was, as anyone else, replaceable.

Several months later, Madeline again thought she had found the perfect solution. The mission against Adrian. She thought that she had finally won, when Nikita defiantly demanded Section defend itself. Madeline saw the look on Operations' face, she knew that Nikita's defiance was the last straw and this time Operations would order her cancellation, possibly even do it himself. However, fate stepped in again, before she and Operations had a chance to discuss Nikita's 'punishment.' This time the interference came in the form of an old adversary - Lorie Masters.