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ATTENTION: Stories marked with an * may contain material which would be better appreciated by those over 18. Parental Discretion is advised. This is your responsibility, not ours.
Michael rubbed his fingers against his temples as he and Nikita entered the corridor to Section One. It had been a long, forty-eight hours, but their mission had been a success. Now would come the debriefing, then Michael would have to write up his report. So another twelve hours would pass before he could go home and get some sleep. As always, Michael would survive. Nikita, on the other hand, looked about ready to keel over. Michael was just about to tell her to skip the debriefing and head for home, when he caught sight of a man up ahead, and he stopped dead in his tracks.
Nikita nearly ran into Michael when he halted, without warning, and she was just about to gripe at him when she saw the man. He was about forty, had black hair, dark eyes and a huge smile lit up his face.
"Long time no see, Michael," he said in greeting, even as he moved forward to embrace the younger man.
"Tony!" Michael didn't even bother to hide his surprise as he returned the hug. The past four years seemed to glide backwards, if only for a moment. "What are you doing here?" he asked. But before Tony could answer, Operations appeared.
Ice-blue eyes glared at Tony, then moved to lock on Michael. "Madeline's office...NOW!" he ordered, reaching out to grab Michael's arm. He watched Nikita take a step forward and barked, "Not you!" Then Operations dragged Michael off.
Nikita was puzzled by her commander-in chief's behavior, and she let it show. "What the hell was that all about?" she questioned, her eyes on Tony's face.
"Operation's and I don't exactly get along," he admitted, then he held out his hand. "Anthony Sperazzi, at your service. But you can call me Tony."
"Nikita," she replied, then decided to be blunt. "So, you and Michael are...friends?"
Tony's eyes sparkled as he studied the young woman before him. She was beautiful and bright, and he liked her forthrightness. "I've known Michael for many years," he allowed. "I think of him as a brother, a kid brother, and the best friend I ever had."
Nikita nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Tell me more," she invited.
"Buy me coffee, and maybe I will," Tony countered, his eyes holding hers.
"You've got a deal," Nikita replied, looping her arm through Tony's. She had the feeling that he was going to be her best bet for ever learning about the *real* Michael, and she couldn't wait.
Michael stood before Operations and Madeline, in her office. He didn't say a word, he simply waited. But he felt Madeline's eyes on him, watching...and he could guess why. Tony.
After a long moment of heavy silence, Operations spoke. "How do you feel about Tony being back?" he asked, throwing out the question like a slap.
"He's a good operative," Michael replied. He knew he was being tested, he just wasn't sure why.
Madeline smiled at him. "Tony was your friend," she said softly.
Michael considered for a moment, before answering. "He still is," he replied, meaningfully. Michael locked eyes with Madeline and saw hers flicker.
Operations moved to confront Michael. "Have you been in contact with him since he was relocated four years ago?"
"No," Michael said softly, his eyes shifting to Ops. "I didn't know where he was."
"That's all," Ops replied, dismissing him with a wave of one hand.
Michael looked at Madeline. "What about debriefing?" he queried.
She didn't miss a beat. "We need you to stay here tonight, Michael. Go type up your report and I'll debrief you later."
"Why do I need to stay?" Michael countered, once again shifting his glance back to Operations. The other man was turned away from him and looked deep in thought.
"You'll be told later," Madeline replied. And that was her dismissal.
Michael nodded and left the room without a backwards glance. When he was gone, Madeline went to Operations. He didn't look at her as he said, "There's no room for error."
Madeline sighed. "I know."
Operations did look at her then. "Do what needs to be done." Then he stalked out of the office, the doors *whooshing* closed behind him.
Nikita wiped chocolate ice cream off her lips with a napkin as she listened to Tony talk. They were strolling down the boardwalk, after spending two hours in a pizza parlor, eating pepperoni pizza and downing pots of black coffee. Ice cream was dessert. Tony had talked about himself and Michael, yet had revealed only little *tibits* about them both. Tony was now telling Nikita about his relationship with Michael at Section.
"We were partnered for two years," Tony said, as he tossed aside the remainder of his cone for the birds to peck at. "Michael was amazing to me. Very young, very smart, and first rate at everything he did. Shooting, martial arts, languages, tacticals, computers....even at being a gentleman." At this Tony broke off laughing. "You should have seen him when he first came to Section. Madeline had her work cut out for her. But Michael always had this inner elegance, and refinement. It's as much a part of him as his sensuality." "That's an unusual remark for a man to make," Nikita interjected, referring to Tony's comment about Michael's sensuality.
Tony shrugged. "Not really. Men notice these things about other men," he confessed. "Most of us are simply too paranoid to admit it. Michael tries so damn hard to push people away, and it's frustrating for him because none of us can help but be attracted to him. He draws you in without even knowing it." Tony said what he said because he knew that Nikita was attracted to Michael, and that it ran much deeper than physical allure. Although that was, undoubtably, a part of it.
Tony knew that Michael was like catnip to women, it was part of what made him such an effective operative. His good looks also worked on men. They dismissed him as non-threatening, unaware of the deadly skill that lay beneath the surface beauty. That was something that Michael and Nikita had in common, only Michael was much more dangerous, because he could control his emotions.
Nikita was quiet for a moment, letting Tony's words sink in. "What was Michael like before Simone died?" It was the one question she needed an answer to more than any other.
"He was...innocent," Tony replied. For that was the only word that would describe him, and Tony knew that it described Nikita as well. The beautiful young woman would have been surprised to know that she and Michael were so alike. Michael would have been surprised as well, for Tony knew that given what Section had done to Michael in the past, his young friend would not allow himself to remember the way he had once been. That *Michael* was dead....and Michael had been the one to kill him.
"Innocent..." Nikita repeated, her eyes shading to blue-gray. "Innocent....how?" she prompted, unaware of how desperate she sounded.
Tony shook his head. "I can't explain it to you, Nikita," he told her, regretfully. "You'll have to ask Michael."
She laughed. "Right...he's so very talkative." Nikita sighed, then decided to try another line of questioning. "How long have you been gone? I know it was before I came to Section."
"I was relocated right after Simone died," Tony replied.
"So...you didn't know that she was still alive?" Nikita countered.
Tony stopped walking to look at her. "I knew," he said softly. "That's why I was relocated." He waited for the reaction he knew would come.
Nikita's eyes flashed. "You knew that Simone was still alive, and you didn't tell Michael?" she challenged. "Some friend you are!" She was furious at the thought for, despite her pain at Michael's many lies and betrayals, she could never forget the moment of truth when he had been reunited with Simone...his wife...and the woman he deeply loved. The woman he, once again, left behind and watched die. And Section had done that to him. What had hurt Nikita the most was listening to Michael defend Section when it was all over.
"You know how Section operates, Nikita," Tony countered, in his own defense. "They shipped me out as soon as they realized I knew the truth. I was there long enough to watch Michael shut down, then I was gone."
"Why are you back now?" Nikita questioned, for she suddenly found the fact curious.
Tony shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine. Maybe because Michael now knows the truth about Simone. Or because after the War, our ranks are thinned out. Maybe it's yet another test for Michael, and for me." Tony smiled at Nikita. "One of these of these days, you're going to figure out that everything that Sections does, they do for a reason. And it's always a test." It had been easy for Tony to guess that Nikita was still unwilling to accept what she could not change. In the past he had watched Michael make that same struggle. Nikita hadn't guessed that Michael was watching out for her, the only way he could. Tony wondered if he couldn't help to make her understand. "You will never prove yourself to Section, Nikita. No one can, no matter what you do."
Nikita found herself intrigued, but cautious. "Meaning what?" she queried, her eyes narrowed as she leaned against a fence post and studied Tony.
"Look at Michael," he countered, smiling. "He's being groomed to be the next Operations. So if you think that you're being watched, and used and betrayed and tested, to the point that you sometimes feel like putting a bullet in your head...think about what it's like for him. It's ten times worse for Michael, Nikita. He's been with Section a long time, and still has to prove himself...every minute of every day. And they've taken so much from him. You can't even begin to imagine."
"Tell me," Nikita whispered, as her eyes shimmered with tears.
Tony wanted too, but he shook his head. "It's not for me to tell," he said softly, reaching out to brush a tear off her cheek. "Let me give you a piece of advice, Nikita. I said it to Michael many years ago. There is no free will in Section one. There are no choices available for you to make. You do as you're told. You don't have to like it...just do it. And find some way to accept it. Nothing is black and white anymore, Nikita. Everything is shades of gray, and the good guys aren't so good, and the bad guys aren't always so bad. You have to look at the big picture."
Tony paused for a moment when he saw Nikita turn away from him. He grabbed her arm and pulled her back to face him. "You wanna see the little picture. Just what affects you. The people that you meet...the innocent ones. But you have to do the math, Nikita. In any given scenario...an innocent will die. But it is an acceptable loss, when you accept that thousands will live because of what you've done. Remember the War? You gave up the location of Section One to save Michael. To save just *one*. You know he is an innocent....but you were looking at the little picture again. And Operations used that. He used Michael to do the dirty work. and Michael did it. And you hated him for it. But think about it, Nikita. You know now that it was a set up, but you didn't know that when it happened, and you were willing to give up the lives of hundreds of operatives to save Michael. But he saw the big picture. Because of what he did...he saved them all."
Nikita glared at Tony, hating the fact that he was right. Everything he said was the truth, and she had refused to see it. Oh...she had forgiven Michael, in her own fashion, but now she was truly seeing the light. Yet, even as she was grateful to Tony for this...revelation...she was suspicious. "How do you know so much?" she demanded.
"I know what they want me to know," Tony replied, grimacing. Then he took her arm. "Come on, I'll walk you home."
************
Michael sat in his office, smiling at Tony who was in the chair across from him. This was the first chance they had been able to talk since Tony had arrived last night. Neither man brought up the past four years, they both knew that it was best to let it go. Michael tried to live for each day only. No dwelling on the past, or worrying about a future he didn't expect to have. His only question to Tony was why he was back.
Tony had given Michael part of the answer he had given Nikita. The part about Section operatives being spread thin. "I don't care about the reasons," Tony said, honestly. "I'm just glad to be back. I've missed you, Michael."
"I missed you too," Michael allowed, even as one hand lifted and his fingers stroked his chin. He found the whole situtation curious, especially since he knew that Operations had never liked Tony and, obviously, still didn't. Michael wanted to question it further, but Walter popped his head in the door.
"Michael, Operations is looking for you and Tony," said the gray-haired man. "Conference room...now."
Michael nodded. "Thank you," he replied, rising to his feet. He knew it was in regards to a mission. Madeline had warned him about it last night, while debriefing him.
Tony followed Michael out, then clapped him on the shoulder as they moved down the corridor. "I'm looking forward to working with you again, Michael," he said, a smile lighting up his face. "We made a good team."
"We did," Michael agreed, but his smile didn't reach his eyes.
Nikita was in the briefing room, along with Birkhoff, Madeline and Operations. She watched Michael and Tony enter the room and take their seats. To her surprise, Michael had been laughing as he entered the room. Genuinely laughing. Of course he had pulled his *mask* into place as he sat down at the table.
Operations was watching Michael as well, but let nothing of what he was thinking show on his face. He signalled for everyone to be silent, then he began the briefing.
It was a simple enough mission. Michael and Tony would enter an office located in a small warehouse on the docks. They needed to retrieve a PDA. Hearing this made Nikita think of her first assignment. She glanced over at Michael and saw that he was leaning forward in his chair, hands clasped before him on the table as he listened, intently, to Operations speak. Nikita was surprised to learn that she would be in the van with Birkhoff, helping to track Michael and Tony. "Why not send me in as well?" she questioned.
Madeline answered. "You'll be there as back up, Nikita. Hopefully, you won't be needed."
"I see," Nikita replied, then she let it drop.
Operations locked eyes with Michael. "You leave in twenty minutes. No mistakes."
Michael nodded. "Of course," he replied. Then he pushed himself out of his chair and left the room.
As Tony followed, he glanced over at Nikita and saw that she was watching him. He smiled at her, then shrugged as if to say...'that's Ops for you.' When she smiled back at him he felt a sense of relief. And the thought crossed his mind again, that Nikita was just what Michael needed. A light to keep him from getting lost in the dark.
The way into the warehouse was simple enough. Michael and Tony entered from different directions. Michael was point. He would go for the safe and the PDA. Tony would cover him. They were doing this in daylight, because the docks were most active at night since they were privately owned and the activities were not exactly legit.
Michael entered the office with the stealth of a shadow. He hadn't run into anyone, and he made his way to the safe undetected. It occurred to him that it was almost too easy, but Michael brushed aside such thoughts as he realized that the safe door was open. It brought black a flash of memory. Of Nikita telling him that the safe was open in the moment before Red Cell grabbed her. Michael dissolved the memory and said, "It's open. The PDA is gone."
Nikita heard him in the van and glanced over at Birkhoff who was as surprised as she was. "Gone where?" Nikita questioned.
"I don't know," Michael replied. "This is beginning to feel like a set up."
"How is that possible?" Nikita countered.
Michael didn't answer her. He had sensed a movement from outside the office and was gliding into the shadows. Footsteps echoed softly, then he saw a figure in the doorway. But they didn't enter.
In the van, Birkhoff was staring at his monitor. "I've lost him!" he hissed.
"Lost who?" Nikita demanded, glancing down at her own screen. She was tracking Michael.
"Tony," Birkhoff replied. "He's off the screen."
Nikita frowned. "That's not possible," she said, knowing that the transmittor that Tony was wearing was set to be reachable within the radius of the entire warehouse. Even if he were dead, the signal would still be received.
Birkhoff's fingers flew over the keyboard. "Impossible or not...he's not here."
"Michael," Nikita hissed.
"I'm here," he replied softly. he was still watching the door. "What is it?"
Nikita didn't want to tell him, but she knew it couldn't be avoided. "We've lost Tony," she told him.
Michael was silent for a moment, allowing Nikita's words to sink in, and wondering how it was possible. "I'll find him," he shot back, then he moved. The figure in the doorway had gone, but Michael exited the office with extreme caution. He knew that Tony should have been in the east end of the building, so Michael took the shortest route, having memorized the schematics.
"Where is he now?" Birkhoff asked Nikita, while he continued trying to reconnect on his screen.
"Moving east," she replied, her eyes on the blip on her screen that represented Michael. "Looks clear so far." But even as she spoke, infrared picked up two figures. "To your left, Michael!" Nikita hissed. "Incoming."
Michael moved to his right even as Nikita warned him, searching for cover. He saw the two men approach and used his vantage point to take them out quickly and cleanly. "We'll need housekeeping," Michael whispered.
Nikita heaved a sigh before replying, "I'll call them." She watched his blip moving once again. "Be careful, Michael," NIkita cautioned, and she ignored the cheesy grin that Birkhoff gave her.
"Looks clear," Michael announced, as he entered the east wing. He searched about for signs of Tony. The other man was no where to be seen. Michael was just about to turn back when he felt white-hot pain rip through his left arm from the back. Dropping to the floor, Michael rolled behind a stack of crates. "I'm hit!" he whispered, even as his eyes tracked the landings over head. Michael saw no one.
"How bad?" Nikita asked, her heart in her throat.
Michael didn't answer for a moment. He detected motion and fired off a shot. A man cried out then dropped over the balcony to thump on the floor below. Michael guessed that it was the man who had shot him. He was in the right area, anyway. "Not bad," he replied, to Nikita's question. "I'm going to head south." Michael wasn't going to leave the building without Tony.
Nikita didn't respond. A part of her wanted to tell Michael to come in, but she knew he wouldn't, not without Tony. Another part of her was wondering why the shooter hadn't appeared on her screen. Just then the door to the van opened.
Tony smiled at Nikita and Birkhoff, not even flinching at the sight of the two guns trained on him. "Call Michael in," he ordered.
As Birkhoff did so, Nikita glared at Tony. "What the hell happened in there?" she demanded.
"I got cut off," Tony replied. He held out his transmittor. "It took me a while to figure out that it was dead. Walter is not gonna be happy to hear about this."
"That's an understatement," Nikita allowed. "Why didn't you try and cover Michael. He was shot."
Tony stared at Nikita in disbelief. "I went after him as soon as I realized I was cut off. He wasn't there, so I came back here....that's the procedure, Nikita."
She nodded, knowing that he spoke the truth. Nikita's anger was replaced with relief as Michael entered the van. Nikita jumped up to greet him, and she grimaced at the blood that stained his jacket.
Michael looked at her and shook his head. He didn't want to be fussed over. "Go," he said, and the driver obeyed. Michael looked at Tony. "You okay?"
The other man nodded. "I'm fine. Sorry kiddo."
"Not your fault," Michael replied. He saw the pain that flickered in Tony's eyes. Then he glanced over at Nikita and saw the same. Michael sighed and closed his own eyes. Operations was not going to be happy.
That was an understatement. Operations was furious and he ordered Michael to report to him as soon as he was finished in Medlab. Michael was not looking forward to the inquisition. He was just pulling on his shirt when Tony entered the room.
"How are you feeling, Michael?" the older man questioned.
"I'm fine," Michael replied, as he began buttoning his shirt. It hurt to use his left hand, but Michael ignored the pain. Just as he ignored the sling the doctor had ordered him to wear.
Tony nodded then moved forward to brush Michael's hand aside. He deftly did up the buttons, knowing that Michael hated being helpless, but not wanting the other man to suffer anymore than he was already. "I'm sorry that I wasn't there for you," Tony apologized.
Michael shook his head. "It wasn't your fault. I talked to Walter. Just like you said, Tony, the transmittor was dead."
"How much you want to bet Operations doesn't care?" Tony countered as he did the last button and stepped back.
"What happened was out of our control," Michael said softly. "I'll deal with Operations." And so saying, he left the room. No sense in putting off the inevitable.
Tony followed him out and stood in the hallway. A moment later, he saw Nikita coming towards him. "Michael's already gone," he told her, guessing that she had come to see her mentor.
Nikita nodded. "To see Operations?" she questioned. She and Birkhoff had already been debriefed and sent through the ringer. Nikita knew it would be worse for Michael. Guessed that it hadn't been a picnic for Tony.
"Yeah," Tony replied, his eyes locking with Nikita's. "I'll see you later," he said, turning to head off.
"Where are you going?" Nikita called after him. He had looked upset, no doubt concerned for Michael. She felt the same way.
Tony turned back to face her and his eyes glimmered. "I'm going for a walk," he told her. Then he was gone.
Michael found Operations waiting for him on the second level. The other man wasted no time in getting to the point. "I have a job for you, Michael. No questions asked."
"What is it?" Michael countered. He was a little surprised for he had expected to be reprimanded for the loss of the PDA. He had failed his mission and Operations never let that pass without comment.
"I want you to cancel Tony," Operations drawled, his eyes locked on Michael's pale face. He waited for a reaction and it was swift in coming. He saw a flicker in the young man's green eyes, then saw him fight not to disobey him, but Ops knew that Michael would have to ask.
Michael knew he was being tested, but he didn't care about repercussions this time. He had to have an answer. "Why?" he countered. Then he waited. But only silence filled the room.
************
Operations locked eyes with Michael as the silence seemed to echo between them. Then he spoke. "Tony has betrayed Section. That's all you need to know, Michael. Now do as you're told." With that, Ops turned away.
"No," Michael whispered, his eyes burning into the other man's back. He watched Operation's start as his refusal, then slowly turn back to face him once more. "I won't cancel him," Michael declared. "Not without knowing why."
"You will do as you're told, Michael," Operations countered, his pale eyes glittering like chips of ice in the hardness of his face. "Or Nikita will be cancelled." His words rang between them like a bell.
Michael felt himself grow pale. He wanted to protest, but one look at Operation's face and he knew there was no point. The other man hated Nikita, and he would use any excuse, or reason...or threat..to be rid of her. Yet he was relying on Michael's feelings for Nikita to force him to do his bidding. Michael knew it...they both did. Knew what he would do in the end. His own eyes flashing green sparks, Michael turned on his heel and walked away.
Operations heaved a sigh as he watched the young operative go. Then he whispered, "I'm sorry, Michael." And he meant it.
Madeline wasn't at all surprised when Michael came striding into her office. His rage was apparent by his body language. His usual, fluid, grace was punctuated by staccato motions. Michael was holding himself tightly in check. "What is it?" Madeline asked, as he moved to stand before her desk.
Michael knew she had been waiting for him. Was certain that she was a part of this *test* that they were forcing upon him. But he still had to ask. "Why Tony? Because he's my friend?"
"Because he's a traitor," Madeline said softly, her eyes soft and warm. She felt sympathy for Michael. She knew that they were putting him between a rock and a hard place. There was no choice. But Michael was strong. He would survive. He always did. Although a part of Madeline wondered when his breaking point would be reached.
"What did he do?" Michael queried. He wasn't going to simply accept her word for it. Not if he was being ordered to kill his friend.
Madeline sighed and stood up, moving around her desk to confront Michael. "What he did doesn't matter, Michael. It matters only that he betrayed Section and he has to pay the price."
Michael locked eyes with her, wanting to see the truth. "Why me?" He asked, bluntly. "Did you bring him back here simply for me to cancel him?"
"We had our reasons for bringing Tony back," Madeline allowed. "Just do what you're told, Michael," she beseeched him, the coldness back in her dark eyes. "Trust us."
"Trust..." Michael whispered, then he stopped. He had nearly responded to her words, but just now he realized that's what Madeline wanted him to do. To betray his thoughts by his words and actions. To let her inside his head. Michael almost smiled at her. He hadn't let Madeline do that for the past seven years, and he knew that it irritated her to no end. He wasn't about to start now. "Fine," Michael replied, pulling his mask firmly into place. "I'll do the job," he told her, then he left the room.
Madeline watched him go and she couldn't help but wonder if they weren't going to far this time.
Michael searched Section for Tony with no luck. He almost, literally, ran into Nikita and was startled when she grabbed his arm to steady him. Bumping into her sent waves of pain shooting through Michael's bad arm.
"Are you allright?" Nikita asked him, seeing Michael's sudden pallor.
"I'm fine," he told her, his standard reply. Ignoring the concern shining from Nikita's eyes, Michael asked, "Have you seen Tony?"
Nikita nodded. "About an hour ago. He said he was going for a walk." She saw Michael's eyes flicker and frowned. "What's going on? Is Tony in trouble because of the warehouse?"
Michael blinked at her for a moment. He heard Nikita's words, but they didn't register at first. "I have to go," Michael told her, pushing past and striding off down the corridor.
"You're welcome!" Nikita called after him, her eyes flashing. Just once, she wished Michael would let down his defenses and trust her. Just once. But Nikita heaved a sigh, for she knew that it would never happen. Not in this lifetime.
Michael left Section one and went searching for Tony. He went to all of their old haunts, but found nothing. It was nearly two am when he headed for home. He unlocked the door and paused, listening, before he opened it. It was an old habit. Hearing nothing but silence, Michael walked it, one hand reaching for the light switch. But even as he did so, he sensed a presence. Too late. A gun was pressed to his neck, then he felt a pinprick against his skin. A moment later he fell into darkness.
The sound of his name being called, pulled Michael back to consciousness. He opened his eyes to see Tony looking down at him, then realized that he was lying on a mattress on the floor, and that one wrist was handcuffed to a water pipe. He was in a basement, somewhere. He looked at Tony, but didn't speak.
"I'm sorry about this, Michael," Tony said, unable to hold the younger man's green gaze. "I had no choice. I need to talk to you...to explain."
"Explain what?" Michael countered, trying to shift himself upright. But whatever Tony had injected him with was very strong and Michael found his body unwilling to obey the commands of his mind. So he laid back to gather his strength. He needed to clear the cobwebs from his head so he could understand what was going on.
Tony reached out to smooth a lock of hair out of Michael's eyes. It was a gesture from their past, when he had often teased Michael about his long, curly locks. Michael had wanted to cut his hair short, but Section wouldn't allow it. And Section controlled everything. "Section wants you to cancel me. Right?" Tony looked up as he spoke and saw the truth in Michael's eyes. "They told you that I betrayed them." He stated what he knew to be a fact.
Michael didn't deny it. "Why do they think that, Tony?" he questioned. His eyes were locked deep into the other man's, searching for the truth, and finding no pretense.
"It's a long story, Michael," Tony replied, expelling a sigh of extreme weariness.
"I'm not going anywhere," Michael deadpanned, as he jerked his cuffed wrist.
Tony nodded and began talking.
Nikita entered Madeline's office on the run, having been summoned there with urgency. Operations was waiting for her.
"Where's Michael?" He demanded, no perfunctory greeting otherwise offered.
"I don't know," Nikita shot back. It was four am and she had been roused out of bed. She wasn't in the best of moods herself. "It wasn't my turn to watch him!" she hissed.
Operation's shoved his hands into his pockets, resisting the urge to choke the beautiful blond. "When was the last time you saw him?" he asked, his eyes glittering like diamond chips.
Nikita shook her head. "I don't know. Hours ago." She looked over at Madeline to ask, "Why? What's going on?"
Madeline smiled at her. "Nothing that concerns you, Nikita," she replied.
"Really?" Nikita snorted, indelicately at the notion. "Then why was I summoned here at four am? Hmmm?" She glanced back over at Operations, who was pacing in a half circle. He was clearly upset, and Nikita was suprised that he was allowing her to see it. The part of her mind that was functioning wondered if it were yet another endless test. But a test of what...she couldn't imagine.
"Go home, Nikita," Madeline told her. She took the young woman's arm and guided her to the door. Once Nikita was gone, Madeline moved to stand before Operations.
He glared at her. "Is Nikita telling the truth?"
Madeline nodded. "Yes. She doesn't know where Michael is."
"Can we trust him?" Operations' demanded. And it was the most important question he had ever asked.
"I think so," Madeline replied, but the smile of reassurance that she offered didn't quite reach her eyes.
Operations grimaced. "You had better be right!" he hissed, then he stalked out of the room.
Madeline watched the doors close behind him then she sighed. "Don't disappoint me, Michael," she whispered. Then she returned to her desk and began scanned the profile she had been working on.
************
Michael walked into Section and hadn't gone but a few steps when he was intercepted by Walter. The older man's eyes were filled with sympathy as he said, "Operations wants to see you in Madeline's office, Kiddo. Right now."
"Thank you," Michael replied, no inflection in his tone. He went directly to Madeline's office and found her and Operation's waiting for him. "You wanted to see me?" he questioned, softly.
Operations stepped into his face. "Where have you been, Michael? You been out of contact for the past sixteen hours."
Michael was prepared for these questions. "I was looking for Tony," he replied, his eyes locking with Operations. Even though he was telling the truth, Michael betrayed no emotion.
Madeline watched him closely. "Did you find him?" she queried. She saw Michael's eyes flicker over to her, and they were cool green and clear. He was giving away nothing, and she found it impossible to read him.
"No," Michael said, and it was the truth as well, for Tony had found him. And that was all he gave them. No details.
"'How hard did you look, Michael?" Operation's prompted, the steel-edge to his tone drawing the young man's attention back to him.
Michael didn't blink. "I'll keep looking," he said softly.
Operations backed him into the wall. "See that you do, Michael," he hissed. "You've got twenty-four hours. If Tony isn't in the morgue, Nikita will be." And, with that, Operations turned on his heel and strode out of the room.
"Do what you have to do, Michael," Madeline said, as she walked over to him. She offered a smile, and her eyes glimmered with compassion. They were giving him a difficult choice. Who to save? Who meant more to him, and why. And they were forcing the issue without giving him the facts. Madeline knew what choice Michael would make if he knew the truth. But this was a test of his loyalty to Section. The most important test of all. Michael had proven his loyalty to Section, many times over, but this was different. Madeline didn't like it, but she knew it had to be done. Michael was in line for Operations position in the future, and he would have to face choices like this one, and make them without rhyme, or reason. "I'm sorry, MIchael," Madeline offered, then she left the room.
For a long moment, Michael simply stood there, his back against the wall and his eyes closed. But then he took a deep breath and pushed away, his body stiffening. Flashes of images filled his mind. Tony's face and his words. His plea for Michael to help him. And then there was Nikita's beautiful face. And her smile which could light up the darkest night. There were even glimpses of Simone, and how beautiful she had been. But those images faded quickly, replaced by Operation's ultimatum. With a sigh, Michael left the room.
Nikita went in search of Michael and found him in his office, staring intently at his computer screen. He didn't even realize she was there until she rapped on the door frame. Nikita was surprised to see him jump. "What are you doing?" she asked, gliding forward to stand at his side so she could see the PC screen.
Michael hit a button to blank it out, then turned to face her. "Nothing," he replied. "Did you want something?"
"Just to make sure that you're all right," she replied, moving back around the desk to drop into the chair across from him.
"Why wouldn't I be?" Michael shot back, his tone cold. He didn't want to be interrupted right now, and if it meant hurting Nikita's feelings, so be it. It couldn't be helped. "I have work to do," he said, bluntly.
Nikita got the hint, even though it ruffled her fur, so to speak. "Fine," she drawled, rising slowly out of the chair. But she didn't leave yet. Not until she said her piece. She locked eyes with Michael, forcing him to hold her gaze, but her own was filled with warmth. "I don't know what's going on around here, Michael," Nikita said softly. "But I want you to know that if you need someone to talk to....or to support you... I'm here."
Michael broke eye contact. He stared out the window for a long moment, then his eyes flickered back to Nikita's face. "Why?" he asked, his voice barely a whisper.
"Why?" Nikita repeated, then she almost laughed. "Because...that's what friends do, Michael,' she told him. Then she left the room.
"Friends.." Michael whispered, the fingers of one hand moving to pinch the bridge of his nose. He had the mother of all headaches and it was becoming a distraction, one he couldn't afford. So he pushed aside all thoughts of Nikita and returned to his computer screen. It had taken him nearly an hour to access the restricted files and retrieve Tony's personnel folder. And it was all thanks to Birkhoff that Michael was able to do it. Michael was able to bypass all the flags and he knew all the passwords. Birkhoff considered Michael to be another *backup* system. Just in case. He would never have expected Michael to break into the files himself. It wasn't in his character. Before meeting Nikita, Michael never would have considered doing such a thing. But he had no choice.
The file on Tony was detailed, yet concise. Michael read it over twice, committing every word to memory. Then he logged out of the system and shut down his computer. The only light he had on was the small desk lamp and Michael reached out and clicked it off, plunging the room into darkness. He sat there, unmoving, for a long time.
When Michael left Section, he knew he was being followed. It took him twenty minutes to lose tail. He then spent over an hour reaching the pre-designated meeting place with Tony. It was an abandoned fast food restaurant.
Tony was pacing in the kitchen area when Michael entered. "Did you get the money?" he asked, first thing. Michael had agreed to give him ten thousand dollars and to call in some favors to get him out of town and to a safe hiding place, until arrangements could be made for Tony to disappear.
"We need to talk," Michael countered, even as he pulled out his gun and trained it on the other man. He saw Tony's eyes widen.
"What's going on here, Michael?" Tony questioned, even as he felt his mouth go dry. Cold-fire shimmered in Michael's eyes. He was not a friend in this moment, but Section one's top operative. "What are you doing?"
Michael didn't blink. "You helped Harding gain access to the directory," he said, quoting directly from Tony's file. "Then you double crossed him and sold it to Red Cell. Why?"
Tony felt the blood drain from his head at Michael's words. Actually, they were more of an accusation. And he didn't bother to deny it. One look in Michael's eyes was all he needed to know that the young man knew the truth. So Tony tried to explain, to appeal to the part of Michael that was still humane. He wanted to reach his... friend. "I did what I had to do, Michael," Tony said, his own eyes flashing. "I had no choice."
"You betrayed Section," Michael challenged, his voice emotionless. The gun in his hand never wavered. It was pointed directly at Tony's heart.
"SO WHAT?" Tony shouted. He didn't want to hear this from Michael. He had to reach him somehow. To make him see the real *truth*. "Section has betrayed us all!" Tony spat. Then his voice softened and he took a step forward, only to stop at the look in he other man's eyes. "They've betrayed you the most, Michael," Tony said quietly. And he saw a flicker in the green eyes that gave him hope. "Section has taken everything from you. Simone, your son....everyone that you have ever cared about. Everyone....and everything...including me."
Michael blinked then, and he looked away for a moment. When he looked back at Tony, his eyes shimmered. "Hundreds of Operatives died because of you, Tony," Michael said, his voice a husky whisper.
Tony felt a rush of anger at the accusation in Michael's tone. "At least now they're FREE!" he countered in his own defense. "Dammit, Michael! What the hell is wrong with you? Section has used, abused and manipulated you time and time again. They're doing it even as we speak. And yet you remain loyal to them. Why? Answer me that, will you?"
"I'm alive because of Section One," Michael replied.
"No you're not!" Tony shot back. He could feel sweat trickle down his back. The gun in Michael's hand didn't waver. "You're a dead man, my friend," Tony hissed, throwing the words at Michael like a slap in the face. "You're like a Zombie, Michael. A body without a soul. You just don't know enough to put the bullet in your head to end your misery."
If the words struck home, Michael didn't show it. His eyes remained focused and cold. "At the warehouse...you shot me," he said, watching Tony closely for a reaction.
The other man laughed. It was that or cry. "Yes," he admitted. "I shot you, Michael."
"But you didn't kill me," Michael prompted. That was the part that puzzled him.
"I couldn't," Tony admitted. Michael meant more to him than his own *blood* brother had.
Michael was thoughtful for a moment, letting silence fill the space between them. But then he saw the image of Nikita, her face ripped to shreds by rat bites. And how vulnerable she had been, curled up in her cage. And her eyes, shining with self-loathing for having revealed the new location of Section, in order to save his life. She hadn't known then that it was a set-up. Hadn't understood that Section One was always a step ahead of the enemy. Michael closed his eyes for a minute, to dissolve the images, then he looked at Tony and whispered, "You should have killed me."
In that moment, Tony knew that it was over. He locked eyes with Michael, saw death...and accepted it. He didn't even feel the bullet as it entered his heart. And he was dead before he hit the ground.
The echo of the gunshot seemed to linger in the air as Michael stepped over the body and walked away.
Nikita cursed as she stumbled down the stairs. It was barely four AM and the pounding at her door had roused her out of a deep sleep. She held her gun in one hand as she clicked on the kitchen light and peeked throught the peep hole. "Michael..." she whispered, even as she unlocked the door and pulled it open. "What are you doing here?" Nikita questioned.
"Can I come in?" Michael requested, not meeting her eyes.
"Of course." Nikita moved back so he could step inside. Her eyes were beginning to focus and she saw that he was pale and looked exhausted. "What's wrong?" she asked, feeling her stomach suddenly twist into knots.
Michael didn't reply for a moment. He almost bolted out the door, but then he turned to face Nikita and absorbed her tousled beauty. Her pale hair was mussed around her face, and she wore no make-up, and she was still exquisite. "Tony's dead," Michael blurted out. He hadn't meant to.
Nikita caught her breath. "I'm sorry," she whispered, reaching out to squeeze Michael's shoulder. "What happened?" Her instincts told her that Section had him cancelled, but the look in Michael's eyes made her wonder. They were filled with shadows.
"Doesn't matter," Michael replied, in response to Nikita's question. He held her gaze for a moment, and felt the warmth of her compassion wrap around him. He was so cold inside. When she smiled at him, Michael found the courage to ask, "Would you like to go out for a cup of coffee?"
"I'd love too," Nikita said, without hesitation. She sensed that Michael was seeking companionship and she was touched that he had come to her. "Give me two minutes to pull on some clothes," she requested, even as she was running for the stairs. Nikita pulled on jeans and a t-shirt, ran a brush through her hair and gargled with mouthwash. Then she stepped into sneakers and headed back down the stairs. She stopped on the last step and sat down. Michael was gone. "Dammit.." Nikita muttered, as frustration washed over her. But then she noticed a piece of paper on the countertop. She ran over to it and smiled. Michael had scrawled two words.
....Thank You....
It wasn't much, but for Michael, it was a step in the right direction. Smiliing now, Nikita headed back to bed, the note clutched in her hand. "You're welcome, Michael," she whispered as she kicked off her sneakers, stepped out of her jeans and curled up under the covers. His image was locked in her mind as Nikita drifted off to sleep.
THE END
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