After forty minutes on the road, Madeline pulled to a stop. Michael was surprised at their destination, an upper scale restaurant, complete with valet parking.

Walking inside, Michael noticed the privacy afforded each of the tables and booths and the relative emptiness of the restaurant, the patrons mostly business men and women engaged in private meetings.

Madeline did not wait to be seated, but walked confidently towards one of the smaller booths towards the left side of the restaurant, an obvious sign that she had been here enough times to be familiar with the restaurant and its staff.

Following behind and scanning his surroundings, Michael arrived at their booth and was surprised by who was already seated and waiting.

"Michael." The man stood, in deference to etiquette and greeted in his clipped British accent.

"George." Michael greeted in return, keeping his surprise out of his voice and demeanor.

"Please, sit down." George invited politely.

Madeline entered the booth first, sliding in elegantly. Michael hesitated momentarily before sliding in himself, noting with mild amusement the fact that they were in a booth rather than at a table where there would inevitably be someone at the head. It didn't escape his notice either that Madeline slid in first, giving him the illusion, at least, that the two weren't 'surrounding' him.

"Would anyone care for a drink?" The waiter, who'd noticed Madeline and Michael's entrance, came and asked once everyone was seated.

"No, thank you." George replied. "We'd prefer not to be disturbed." He continued, pulling out several large bills from his wallet and handing them to the waiter.

"Yes, of course, sir." The waiter bowed discreetly, pocketing the money. This wasn't that unusual a request from some of their patrons. The pay was excellent so the personnel just kept their mouths shut and divided up the 'tips.'

"How long have you been working together?" Michael asked vaguely, not directing his question to either one specifically, curious as to who would answer, thereby telling him much about their 'association.'

After a brief but significant glance that conveyed to Michael that the two were indeed equal partners in whatever venture they were involved in, Madeline answered. "Since the mission against Red Cell's Director."

They had decided it was best that Madeline fielded the initial questions, if possible. Her long and closer association would inevitably, or so they thought, make Michael more comfortable.

"Operations' lack of confidence." Michael guessed. "You needed insurance."

"Yes." Madeline admitted candidly.

"Why Madeline?" Michael turned to George. He appreciateed Madeline's reasoning for going to George but, as he'd understood it, the Englishman wasn't 'fond' of either of Sections' leaders. So, why team up with her as opposed to someone new?

"Better the devil you know." George smiled then added seriously. "While we may disagree on methodology, Madeline and I have always shared a common goal – the continued survival and success of the Agency. The intel I gleaned from the neuro-scrapes I ordered confirmed our mutual agenda and the rightness of the decision."

"And the means?"

"Is still whatever it takes." Madeline answered this time. "The only difference is a compromise amongst ourselves."

"Why now?" Michael asked. His former superiors were being unusually open and cooperative and Michael was taking full advantage as long as they let him.

"As head of Oversight," George began. "I was privy to most of what went on in Center. Mr. Jones, as you know him, and I used to be fairly close as well."

"What happened?" Michael asked dutifully.

"I disagreed with his choice of successor and the fact that Veytross, his *computer* had become his most trusted advisor." George answered.

"A computer?" Michael asked, his mind picturing 'Alex' from the movie Wargames.

"Yes." George sighed. "I tried to convince Phillip, Mr. Jones, of the folly of believing in machinery over human beings. I also tried to convince him that his daughter was not ready for the future he envisioned for her."

"You didn't succeed." Michael surmised.

"No." George sighed, suddenly looking every one of his 60 some-odd-years. "My strenuous arguing brought us to an impasse. As a 'reward' for my otherwise exemplary years of service, I was given another chance, a choice, actually."

"Which was?" Michael asked even though he could guess at the answer.

"Go along or retire." George replied with a hint of bitterness.

"You found a third option." Michael concluded, wanting to see the reaction, needing to know if he was about to be asked to jump into bed with the kind of people he'd spent a few years following and then almost half his life fighting. "Red Cell."

"Not in the way you think." Madeline was quick to assure, knowing that regardless of his feelings towards the Agency, jumping into bed with Red Cell or any other terrorist organization was not something Michael would even consider. "There was a leak from Oversight, yes. Greg Hillinger had taken it upon himself to 'help' discredit Section. It's why George had allowed his cancellation."

"However," George picked up the conversation. "A little bit of untraceable tampering and a few well placed files convinced Jones that *I* was the leak."

"Plausible pay-back for Jones' forcing your cooperation." Michael deduced as another thought struck him. "Jason tunneled in."

"Yes." Madeline confirmed.

"How long has he been working for you?"

"Since just after his recruitment." George fielded that one.

"A clean exit scenario enabling you to work undetected from the outside." Michael continued to piece the puzzle together.

"Yes." George replied, pleased to see Michael catching on so quickly.

"Your exit wasn't similarly planned." Michael turned to Madeline, having his own suspicions, but wanting them confirmed.

"No. It would have made things easier had I remained in Section." Madeline admitted. "But Jones suspected at the very least a truce, if not an outright alliance with George."

"He ordered your cancelation as a precaution."

"Yes." Madeline confirmed. "He wasn't taking any chances."

"Why are you telling me all of this?" Michael asked after a moment of information assimilation, even though he'd already guessed the answer.

"The Agency needs new leadership and you should be a part of it." Madeline answered.

"You want my help with a coup." Michael guessed.

"Actually your actions over the last three months have already laid the groundwork for us." George returned. "And it's not a violent coup we're after."

"The Agency was falling apart anyway. Your games with Section One merely moved up the timetable." Madeline added.

"Our goal is to retire, not overthrow, the old leadership." George finished.

"A bloodless revolution." Michael summarized then asked the question that had been on his mind since Madeline's arrival at his house. "Why would I side with you?"

"Why would I side with you?" Michael asked.

"It's your way back in." Madeline replied, confident she knew what Michael sought.

"Assuming that's what I want." Michael countered.

"You don't?" George asked skeptically.

"I trust Madeline even less than I trust you." Michael evaded the question then asked another one of his own, guessing where in the organization they wanted him. "Even if I believed your motives were altruistic, I was someone's puppet for 15 years, I won't do it anymore."

"Michael…" George began, only to be cut off by Madeline.

"While I may regret certain specific actions taken against you, on the whole, they helped bring you as far as you've come."

"That's supposed to make me feel better?" Michael asked, sadly realizing that the two in front of him actually believed what they'd done to him and countless others was justified.

"Would you rather be dead?" Madeline asked, not realizing she was echoing Michael's words to someone else a long time ago.

"Remember who it was that issued your cancelation orders." George added. "And who it was that was willing to promote you to a position that would allow you a chance to make a difference."

"I know you still believe the fight is still worth fighting." Madeline picked up. "Otherwise you would be long gone rather than trying to destroy what you'd come to believe had become as malevolent as the evil it had been fighting."

"Perhaps the fight is still a worthy one." Michael conceded with a tired sigh, getting up to leave. "You can find others to help you rebuild from the ashes. I've given enough."

"What if you were one of the ones in charge of the rebuilding?" George fired a final shot.

"In charge?" Michael allowed a small, ironic smile to grace his lips. "I don't see either one of you giving up control voluntarily."

"What do you have to lose by hearing the rest of it?" George asked in return.

"Freedom." Michael replied succinctly, turning to leave as he waited for the proverbial shoe to drop.

"Michael." Madeline called him back quietly, guessing his thoughts.

'Here it comes.' Michael mused bitterly. 'Promises and threats.'

"If you walk out now, you'll regret it later." Madeline promised and Michael turned to face her and George, his features set in stone.

"Is that a threat?" Michael asked ominously.

"No." Madeline replied then clarified. "The only regret will be yours. Regardless of the outcome of this meeting, there will be no consequences."

"Really?" Michael asked skeptically.

"I rarely give my word. But when I do, I don't go back on it." Madeline returned while George remained silent. They had agreed that Madeline would have to be the one to convince Michael of their sincerity. He knew George only distantly, certainly not well enough to hitch his future to on with just his word.

"I know." Michael conceded. This was one trait he and Madeline had in common and both knew the statement to be true about the other.

"I'm giving you my word. Your cooperation and participation is strictly voluntary. No repercussions."

"I'm listening." Michael sighed and sat back down, intrigued by Madeline's approach and candor.

"Madeline and I share a common liability." George admitted candidly, surprising Michael. "In an effort to keep our job, we lost sight *of* the job. We've both found ourselves committing acts that used to be anathema. Furthermore, change is difficult, the mind-set too ingrained."

"Solution?" Michael asked in his usual economy of words.

"An equal partnership." George answered. "With someone who doesn't share the same liability."

"A conscience." Michael surmised, half amused by the irony.

"Co-leadership of Center." George countered bluntly, finally laying their cards on the table.

"How equal?" Michael asked, his features unreadable despite his surprise. "A triumvirate?"

"No." George replied. "I'd stay in Oversight."

"Why?" Michael asked, this time his surprise evident.

"I'm too old to start over, especially if it means a new mind-set." George sighed tiredly, the lines in his face suddenly more prominent. "Even Oversight would be temporary, only long enough to find and train a suitable replacement."

"Just Madeline and me, no one else?" Michael asked.

"That's right." George confirmed.

"Who would have final say?" Michael asked, still absorbing George's revelations. Even co-leaders needed a final decision maker when compromises couldn't be reached, otherwise they'd go around in circles.

"You would." George replied. He and Madeline had predetermined who would answer that question when it came up. George had had higher authority in the organization so it was best coming from him.

"Why?" Michael asked, trying to figure out if they were sincere or just trying to placate him and reel him in.

George looked to Madeline, letting her answer so Michael can judge her sincerity for himself. "Nothing has changed since your stint in the Perch."

"What do you mean?"

"If we're going to succeed we need to maximize our strengths." Madeline elaborated. "Mine, regardless of the specific environment, is still providing objective counsel to the one in charge."

"As I recall, you didn't… respond…well to my going against your advice." Michael countered, recalling that the whole Bergomi affair had been one of the catalysts for Oversight and Section One's 'split.' Madeline and George had obviously worked out their differences, but where did that leave him? "Why would now be any different?"

"I was looking out for Section's best interest, which at the time necessitated status quo on Bergomi."

"He was in Operations' pocket." Michael guessed.

"Yes." Madeline admitted.

"What else?" Michael asked, knowing there had to be more to it than that. The backlash had been too strong and he wanted to know why.

"Operations had lost control over you and I lost the ability to read you. Bergomi just reinforced that." Madeline finally admitted, realizing she had little choice if this partnership was going to get off the ground, let alone work. "We couldn't be sure that you weren't building your own power base."

"You really believed I wanted the Perch over your dead bodies, so to speak?"

"It was a good possibility, yes." Madeline confirmed. "As I said you were unreadable. The penalties had to be distracting enough that it didn't matter what your intentions were. In hindsight, I admit, we carried it too far, my loyalty to Paul overriding my loyalty to the organization."

"That's why you haven't included Operations in your plans."

"His evaluation by Center was not without merit." George re-entered the conversation. "But intel indicates that he understood where he went wrong and is trying to correct the 'problem.' If he's willing to accept and cooperate with the new regime and continues his current conduct, my hope is that he *will* be my replacement when the time comes."

"What other personnel do you have long range plans for?" Michael asked, purposely vague.

"You want to know about Nikita." Madeline stated knowingly.

"Yes." Michael admitted.

Madeline and George exchanged glances before he answered the question. "If she can come to terms with the removal of her father from power and our role in it, we'd prefer to keep her in Section."

"In what capacity?" Michael was curious.

"As Paul's second. She's already there and doing an adequate job, considering the circumstances." George paused. "Eventually, the Perch. However, Madeline and I thought it best that the ultimate decision be yours."

"Why?"

"Because you'll know best if Nikita staying in the organization is a viable option." George admitted. "While she has the ability, the desire to stay is in question. As is *your* desire to 'keep' her here."

"You set her free once." Madeline added. "This time, with Center resources, successfully living on the outside would be far more realistic."

"You knew?" Michael asked, curious. There was no need to deny his actions of four years ago any longer. "Or you guessed?"

"I knew." Madeline replied.

"But Operations didn't." Michael reasoned.

"No." Madeline confirmed. "He never knew."

"Why?" Michael asked, wanting to know why Madeline had kept quiet. His actions had been treasonous.

"It wouldn't have served Section's purpose." Madeline answered candidly. "We were still recovering from the war with Red Cell and we couldn't afford to lose you. Nikita however, had become a danger to not only herself, but to you and Section as well."

"Why not just cancel her then, rather than the abeyance mission?"

"To Section, it didn't really matter whether Nikita was dead or…out of reach. The risk factor was low. She didn't know enough about Section at the time to cause significant damage even if captured." Madeline replied, her words carefully chosen. "Besides, the potential was still there. I thought that a dose of the 'real world' would help her realize where she belonged."

"Why did you come to Van Access?" Michael asked, not letting go of the past until all the pieces fit together.

"I could still read you then." A half smile quirked Madeline's lips. "I had to be sure you were prepared. From your behavior in the corridor I knew you were."

"Why?"

"By then it was too late to sever the bond permanently without considerably impacting your performance." Madeline answered. "Nikita on the outside was an acceptable alternative. You would monitor from afar, assure her continued freedom and keep your performance level steady so as to not arouse suspicion."

"Section One was still under very close scrutiny because of the recent heavy loss of personnel." George added, elaborating on he had been too 'important' to cancel. "Two level five operatives were lost during the war, they couldn't afford to lose a third."

"Things did not turn out as expected." Madeline resumed. "But the endgame was eventually achieved."

"Of course." Michael retuned, the endgame was the only thing that mattered. He suspected Madeline knew ever since her words at the briefing table shortly before he found Nikita, or rather she had found him.

"Any other questions?" George asked.

Michael had several, but he'd revealed more than enough by the few he'd already asked. Hence, he asked the they wanted to hear, his wording purposeful. "What's our plan?"

"Simple, really." George answered. "You did most of the legwork for us already."

"Discredit the Section without backtracking it to you." Michael guessed.

"Yes." George confirmed. "Your actions have already caused Mr. Jones to come out of hibernation. Section's numbers have declined to the point of chaos. Jones knows it's only a matter of time before the terrorist factions take advantage and he can't afford that. If Section One goes down, so does Center."

"Why?" Michael asked. He knew that discrediting Section would go a long way towards dismantling the Agency, but he didn't think his end game was that close.

"Section One always led the battle for Center and has always been the one held up to the light for inspection." George explained. "Jones designed it that way to minimize inter-Section fighting. One was the undisputed leader and was given the most serious tasks from Center and Oversight."

"If Section One fails, Jones' judgment and design becomes suspect." Madeline added. "The hierarchy is his responsibility. If they fail, so does he."

The ringing of a cell phone momentarily interrupted the conversation as George reached into his pocket to answer it. "Yes." A slight pause. "Very good. Continue surveillance." George hung up then turned to his companions with a smile of satisfaction. "Jones has arrived in Section One."

"What now?" Michael asked.

"You and Madeline do what you do best." George replied. "Jones is going to lend his considerable skills and knowledge to Section to increase their efficiency and success rate before the numbers alarm his colleagues. Jones runs the Agency but he does have equals he must answer to."

"I know." Michael replied, surprising the other two with his knowledge. "There's a consortium of five individuals who run covert operations throughout the globe. Due to its size and widespread bases, the Agency is Jones' only responsibility. The other four control the rest."

"Exactly." George marveled, while Madeline remained silent. "It appears we've underestimated you as well. Your sources and contacts are far more reaching and impressive than expected."

"I had fifteen years to develop them." Michael countered modestly.

"True." George sighed, Michael's statement reminding him of just how long he'd been in the 'game' himself, then shook off his momentarily melancholy. "As I was saying, Jones is in Section. With Section failing, he will add his voice to the command structure."

"Add?" Michael asked, surprised. "Not take over?"

"He's confident but not arrogant. He knows that Paul and Nikita have more experience in the day to day dealings with their enemies. He won't discount that." George replied then pulled out a PDA and slid it across the table towards Michael.

Michael barely spared a glance at the PDA before refocusing on George. "So?"

"Madeline knows Paul, you know Nikita." George answered then nodded at the PDA. "That contains everything I know about Jones. Madeline was the best Psych Op and profiler in the organization. You were the best strategist and tactician. Between the two of you, you should be able to outmaneuver Section and ensure their continued downward spiral."

"For how long?" Michael asked.

"Six weeks, eight at most." Madeline replied as the estimate had been hers. "By then Jones' colleagues will be amenable to a change."

"Jason will do what he can to help, but don't count on it." George added. "Everyone will be under close scrutiny and he knows not to risk his cover."

"We'll be fine." Michael countered confidently.

"I'm sure you will." George smiled. "Any preliminary suggestions?"

"Yes." Michael replied. "Have Jason work on Walter. He'd be a good ally and an asset once the endgame is achieved."

"That's been initiated." Madeline smiled as she had had similar thoughts herself. "Although I had thought you…facilitated… his transfer back to Section because he was already on your side."

"It was a goal, yes." Michael admitted. "But there had been no need to involve him yet."

"Yes, you were doing quite well on your own." Madeline conceded. "But the stakes are higher now, perhaps you should make an approach."

"Perhaps. But I would prefer a preliminary report from Jason first. Walter's loyalties may be divided." Michael returned, not having to specify to who Walter might still be loyal to in Section. "The more intel Jason supplies, the better I'll be able to formulate an approach."

"I'll see to it." George nodded. "You'll have a report within forty-eight hours."

"Fine."

"Excellent." George stated. "The only matter left for this meeting is living arrangements for the next two months or so. It would be best if we all stayed close."

"What did you have in mind?" Michael asked.

"An old friend has a chateau nearby. Spacious and very private. All the equipment we'll need."

"Adrian?" Michael guessed and was rewarded with twin looks of surprise from his new partners.

"I didn't think you would be so incautious." George finally answered.

"He's testing the verity of our alliance." Madeline countered, looking directly at Michael.

"Yes." Michael confirmed Madeline's analysis then turned to George. "Adrian was missing. You had the resources to find her."

"I *was* close." George admitted. "But she regained her memory and found me first."

"You personally picked her up." Michael commented. "Why?"

"I wanted whoever came looking to know the game was over." George replied. "You nearly gave the caretaker a heart attack when you went to confirm Adrian's absence."

"The gardener was on your payroll." Michael guessed, remembering the 'scene.'

"Yes." George confirmed. "I wanted to see who came looking."

"And Section's use of the Gelman process?" Michael asked curiously.

"I did not agree with Adrian's attempt at a coup." George explained. "Under the circumstances, considering our strained relations at the time, Madeline's only option was convincing Paul to experiment rather than cancel."

"It was a calculated risk. But I had confidence in Adrian's ability to resist." Madeline added. "Luckily for all of us, I was right."

"All of us?" Michael asked.

"Unlike Madeline, I wasn't entirely convinced you were the right one for the job." George admitted. "Adrian's endorsement persuaded me."

"Why weren't you convinced?" Curiosity got the better of Michael.

"You were Paul's protégé for quite a number of years. *I* didn't see anything to make me believe you weren't simply a younger version. No less ruthless or power hungry. Madeline wasn't able to convince me otherwise." George answered candidly.

"Adrian told you about helicopter." Michael surmised.

"Yes, and a few other things." George paused. "I never did thank you for that."

"It's not necessary. It was as much for my own survival as for yours." Michael paused, about to ask another question.

"And before you ask," George forestalled. "The belief that you, and you alone, know what's best for the organization and the world at large sometimes makes a good man, or woman, do foolish things. There were regrettable actions and consequences on both sides of the battle between myself and Section One."

"But you've learned better?" Michael asked, with a hint of humor.

"Something like that." Madeline smiled.

"Yes." George continued soberly. "But, it's a lesson Jones never learned and probably never will."

********

Even Madeline hadn't been able to predict how swiftly things would develop. The team of Michael and Madeline, with a healthy dose of George and a smaller dose of Adrian thrown in had quickly become a lethal combination for Jones and his subordinates.

George's input had been invaluable. The years he'd spent working under Jones had taught George quite a bit about the man, not the least of which were his strengths and weaknesses. While Adrian preferred to leave it to what she referred to as the 'next generation' most of the time, she contributed a few of her own insights into her former boss as well as several into Nikita and Paul.

All told they had developed into a very formidable, well oiled machine. In the month since their alliance officially began the devastation they had left in their wake was astonishing in its subtlety.

They had agreed early on that outright sabotage would be too suspicious. They had to manipulate the profiles more precisely, make Section's failings appear 'natural,' borne of inadequate personnel. In the past month with Madeline's profiling and strategy genius combined with Michael's tactical brilliance they had successfully walked that fine line. While their plans essentially had Michael running tactical from the field, he did offer a few 'suggestions' that Madeline unreservedly incorporated into her profiles.

Of course, the four of them couldn't do it all on their own. Over the years Michael had cultivated many contacts and sources that Section never knew about. Because Michael would be the one going into the field with these men and women, George and Madeline had readily agreed to bow to his judgment on their skills and reliability.

Some of Michael's new team were finally repaying the debts they owed him. Some had amassed debts that they could never hope to repay, settling for doing the odd favor for him when called upon. Others expected to get paid for their services, but they had been culled from Michael's personal list: a short list of people whose loyalty and sense of honor would prevent them from simply selling Michael and his colleagues out to the highest bidder.

Because time was of the essence, Michael also made sure to select people who'd either gel almost instantly or be able to do their job regardless of their feelings about their teammates. All in all Michael had gathered a dozen men and women who fit the bill. Some were used more, some less.

It had taken Michael less than seventy two hours to assemble his team. In the four weeks since, they had interfered with fifteen separate Section One missions. The type of interference differed from mission to mission ensuring no pattern would be uncovered.

Out of the fifteen missions, five were profiled by Nikita, five by Jones and the last five by their new head profiler. A nice even split, no single target. Four of the teams had been led by Nikita, five by O'Brien, three by an experienced level five operative and the other three by a recently promoted level five operative. Another fairly even split.

The mission failures varied as well. A few didn't achieve closure, others achieved the endgame but not *all* the desired objectives. Some had more losses than they should have, still others had to be aborted due to unforeseen anomalies or faulty intel. One mission failure was blamed on equipment after which an outraged Walter was heard muttering loudly about the new explosives he'd been told to use and how unreliable they were compared to the old ones.

As good as these teams were, none of them could compare to their opponents. Madeline was unmatched in profiling and no one could change tactical in mid mission like Michael could. Problems that were compensated for in the field in the 'old days' became insurmountable without the 'old leadership.'

Less than five weeks after they'd begun, George walked into the chateau, a smile on his face. Michael hadn't even been back for an hour from a four man mission that had taken care of the latest Section mission.

"We've done it." George announced. "A meeting with all three of us has been requested."

********

While Madeline and Michael had been working on discrediting Section, George had been quietly approaching the other four members of the consortium that Jones belonged to. He had made his first approach even before Jones had shown himself to Section. The clandestine meeting was held at an altitude of 35,000 feet, in a private airplane that had no markings and was even more heavily guarded than the famous Air Force One. George had smiled to himself upon boarding the airplane. If they didn't like what he had to say, all they had to do was throw him out.

As pre-arranged with Madeline, George simply proved his innocence of the conspiracy charges against him. He purposely waited for the inevitable question to be asked, rather than volunteer the information.

When the question of "why?" did come, George made sure that he came across as reluctant to answer and speak ill of his former boss. But he did indicate that the situation was perhaps for the best, he and Jones had been of 'contrary' opinions of late and that Oversight would best be served by someone who agreed more with the boss' way of doing things.

Of course George did mention that it had been Madeline who had aided his exit in exchange for helping her get 'settled' when her time in Section was up. George had 'admitted' that Madeline 'confided' in him that she had the feeling that it would be sooner rather than later because she had been increasingly wary of the goings on in Section One and the Agency in general.

Admitting their deception and continued existence to the consortium, or rather Council as they preferred, had been a calculated risk. However, Madeline and George had come to the conclusion that it was their best chance. The danger of being canceled for the deception and escape was minimal. They had both entered the Agency voluntarily, long before Paul had instituted the prison recruit system. Back then retirement wasn't just a euphemism for something more sinister, but rather a real pot of gold at the end of the proverbial rainbow.

Even after all the changes in the organization, the various leaders throughout the Agency were still entitled to, unless found guilty of crimes against the Agency, more than just a bullet to the head when their services were no longer required.

George apologized for their actions, but reminded the Council of their policy. George, they were ready to forgive once he proved his innocence. Madeline, however was a different matter. The oldest (by experience not age) member of the four asked George why she should be allowed to remain alive. The order for cancelation had been handed down from Jones and the Council had a long standing agreement not to interfere with each others' organizations unless disaster was imminent.

Of course, that was just the opening George had wanted. He explained that he did not agree with Jones' evaluation of Madeline. Coming from George, a non-supporter of Section's regime for quite a while, the comment interested all four council members and George was told to elaborate. And elaborate he did. By the end of the impromptu interview, the Council had agreed to consider the entire matter, but George and Madeline should stay close, just in case.

Ten days later, just days after their first successful 'interferences' of Section missions, George was 'asked' to meet with the four council members at a private airstrip. Deciding that not being asked to include Madeline in the meeting bade well for them, George was more relaxed this time (not that he'd shown his trepidation the first time around).

The outcome of the second meeting was favorable. The Council had quietly been looking into the state of the Agency's affairs and were a bit 'concerned.' They now wanted George's take on the situation. Taking care to be as diplomatic and vague as possible, George made a few suggestions about personnel and policies.

Liking what they heard, the Council asked George to come up with an outline for possible reconfiguration and to include himself, Madeline and anyone else he saw fit into it. They gave him two weeks.

In those two weeks, George worked just as hard as Madeline and Michael. With some help from Adrian, who had changed her mind and decided to participate more actively, and a minimal amount of input from both Madeline and Michael (busy with their own agendas), George had written a full report rather than just an outline.

Right on schedule, George got another phone call to meet at another private airstrip. This time though, there was no plane ride. All George did at this third meeting was drop off the report to the waiting Council members who then flew off. The only thing George was told was that they would be in touch.

Given the furious pace of the past month and the expectedness of the outcome, the impending meeting was beginning to seem almost anticlimactic. The threesome had known this was coming, had worked as close to around the clock as humanly possible to ensure it. So when George made his announcement, it was more of a relief than a celebration.

********

"We've done it." George announced. "A meeting with all three of us has been requested."

Although the call for the meeting was expected, there was still reason for concern for the triumvirate. It was obvious that both George and Madeline were off the proverbial chopping block. Michael was another matter. The threesome, was of course once again prepared.

George had purposely not mentioned Michael in his previous meetings with the Council. George had argued that defending his and Madeline's continued existence had been dangerous enough. It wouldn't do to add another name to the list of those coming back from the dead. George's reasoning though had been twofold. The second being that in the beginning Michael's long-term participation had not been assured so there was no reason to bring him up. But even after he threw in with them for the long-haul, George had told Michael that he still felt it best to keep silent.

If things did not go as planned and he and Madeline were canceled, George wanted Michael and Adrian to continue their 'fight' to save the Agency from a man who, in George's opinion, was not fit to run it anymore. George had spent too many years fighting for the cause for it fall, regardless of whether or not he was around to see it happen. He had no doubt that Michael would continue the fight, if only to 'rescue' Nikita.

Madeline was in complete agreement with George and Michael reluctantly went along. Michael was reluctant because he was concerned that the true reason for not disclosing his participation to the Council was not the reason George had given.

The profile, as George and Madeline had outlined it, called for Michael to first be introduced in George's report to the Council. When confronted about yet another Section casualty that really wasn't George and Madeline would speak up on his behalf, much as George had done for Madeline in his first meeting.

Michael's concern was that he was being set up by his two partners as a sacrificial lamb to the Council. Perhaps they would use him to undermine Section and then bring him in front of the Council as the epitome of what was wrong with Section.

The possibility of such a scenario invaded Michael's thoughts every time he went out in the 'field' with his team and it tempted him to just leave it all behind. Two things kept him there, though.

Realistically, the only way to ensure Adam's continued safety was to stay in the Agency. What kind of a life could his son have on the outside? Michael was damned whichever way it went.

It was only a matter of time before others in the 'community' discovered he was alive and he became a marked man. There were many who would try to get information out of him and just as many who would be content just to kill him for revenge.

If Michael took Adam and ran, he'd be subjecting his son to years on the run, always looking over their shoulder for someone with a gun. If he left Adam in foster care, what guarantee did he have that the boy wouldn't be found and used against him to ensure Michael's cooperation?

No, Adam's best chances for a long and healthy life was Michael's membership in the anti-terrorist hierarchy. Continued membership was the most Michael felt he could do for a child that, no matter what, would have to live with the sins of his father hanging over him.

Michael's other reason for staying was of course, Nikita. Whether she stayed in Section when all was said and done didn't matter. Either way he'd best be able to protect her from the inside.

Still, Michael was wary of trusting his partners. Will they or won't they? It had been Adrian who had eased his mind enough so that Michael was able to relegate his fears to his dreams instead of letting them invade his thoughts during the day and on 'missions.'

When the three conspirators finally came before the council for their 'interview' Michael got his answer.

********

This time the meeting was being held in the private boardroom in the luxurious penthouse of a five star hotel. Again, there were four council members in attendance. Just like Jones, they were adressed by their last names.

Smith was the most senior member of the council, had been there even longer than Jones.

Next came Phelps, he'd been on the council for nearly fifteen years, having replaced his predecessor upon the man's 'exile.' It had been the only time in the Council's history that a member had been ousted.

Then Clemens, the only female member of the five. She'd been on the council for just over ten years, replacing her predecessor when he decided to retire.

Finally, the most junior member of the council, Williams, he'd been on the council for seven years, replacing another member who died after a long bout with illness.

As expected, George's personnel roster was the first topic of conversation, especially who he'd chosen to head Center, thereby becoming the newest member of the council, gaining the position over the figurative dead body of Jones.

The first question came predictably from Smith. Why didn't George put *himself* as the head of Center. George explained just as he had to Adrian and Madeline all those months ago and then Michael more recently. In a nutshell, he wanted to retire, not start over.

Next of course, came the question of his choice of Jones' replacement. Before they discussed anything further about George's selections, the Council wanted to know why Michael was back from the dead. Phelps was the one to ask how it was that Michael was still alive. The last they'd heard Michael had died on an abeyance mission.