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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.
For the record....LOL This is my version of what I would have liked to see as the FINALE for season 2. I think! (giggle)
Michael stared at the Wild Orchid. It still lay in the box it had come in. No note, no message, yet he knew who had sent it.
Michael was exhausted, had been sent home from Section by Madeline, to rest. And to think. They had a traitor in Section One. One of three people. One of them was Nikita. Operations wanted Michael to find out who it was. He had done what he could for now, so Madeline had sent him home. Michael had been on back to back missions for the past five days, he needed the down time. His body begged for it, his mind ignored the plea. Leaving his house without having stepped in past the foyer, Michael closed the door behind him, heading back to his car.
He drove for twenty minutes, till he reached the nearest town. Stopped at a pay phone and punched in a number that he had memorized.
"Yes?" Michael whispered, when the the line connected.
"It's time," drawled the voice on the other end. "Come in, Michael."
"Of course," he replied, then he broke the connection and headed back to his car, feeling a chill ripple through him in spite of the fact that he wore a coat and gloves. But no emotion crossed Michael's face as he glided into hell.
*****
Nikita went in search of Michael. She needed to know where he was, so that she could be certain he wouldn't be lurking in the shadows. She hated this. Lying to Michael, betraying him. But she had made a deal with the devil, Operations. When Adrian had grabbed her it had seemed so surreal. But Operations had known about it, had expected it, had warned Nikita. And he had been right. Now it was her job to set Adrian up for a fall, before the woman could bring down Section One. A part of Nikita wondered if it wouldn't be such a bad thing. The disentegration of Section. Yet something inside of her knew that it would not end the hell she was living in. That Section would never die.
What she hated most was deceiving Michael. He was out of the loop at Operations' insistence. A fact that had bothered Nikita enough to confront Madeline on it. Only to be told that it was necessary since Adrian had known Michael when he'd first come to Section. She would know how he felt about Nikita, would also know that Michael would chose to protect Section at any cost. And from that conversation Nikita had garnered one other tidbit. Section was testing Michael. They didn't doubt his loyalty to them when placed against Adrian, but they wondered who he would chose, them or...her. Nikita realized that Michael's feelings for her were secret only to herself. She was such a fool.
But Nikita did not have the luxury of indulging her regrets. She had to locate Michael. But he wasn't in his office. Nor was he in other of the other places she expected to find him. As a last resort, Nikita sought out Walter. Putting a smile on her face, Nikita asked, "Do you know where Michael is?"
Walter was soldering a circuit board and didn't look up. "He's out researching."
"Researching?" Nikita echoed. It was an unfamiliar term.
"Yeah...for a mission," Walter explained. He finished with the board and pushed up the goggles he was wearing. "He's making contact with his...sources. For an upcoming mission."
Nikita nodded, feeling relief wash through her. That made sense. "I see," she drawled. "So...any idea when he'll be back?" she prompted.
Walter shook his head. "Michael doesn't inform me of his schedule."
"Of course not," Nikita allowed, smiling again then making a move towards escape.
"Why do you want to know?" Walter challenged, cutting Nikita off. He could sense that she was nervous, and that made him nervous.
Nikita shrugged. "No reason in particular," she replied, keeping her smile in place. "I thought...maybe we could go out for coffee."
Walter considered Nikita's excuse and decided to buy it. A part of him wanted to see her and Michael get along. They needed each other. "If I see him..I'll let him know you're looking for him," Walter offered.
"Thanks," Nikita whispered, bussing Walter's cheek. Then she waggled her fingers and strode off. This time making good her escape. Rounding a corner, Nikita checked to make certain she was alone, then she tapped her ear. "What now?" she asked, in a hushed voice.
Adrian was tapped in to Nikita via comlink and had heard every word of the conversation with Walter. "You know what to do," she replied.
Nikita heaved a sigh of tension, then made her way down the corridor. She was gliding into unfamiliar territory. To a part of Section that was forbidden to her. The deed was simple. Download the mission directory for Adrian. But she couldn't risk getting caught, even though Operations had commissioned Nikita to set Adrian up. No mistakes could be made. Adrian would know. So Nikita wiped sweaty palms on her thighs as she faced the security panel that would allow her access to the classified level. "Ready," she announced, and from that moment on Nikita followed Adrian's orders. She got the file and fled Section. But Nikita couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.
******
Michael exited the black limousine. The moment he was on the pavement, the door closed and the car moved away, rolling out of the dark alleyway. Leaving Michael alone. But that was nothing new. He was always alone.
It had been raining, turning the black top into a glittering pavement of molten black ice. A mist still drifted in the air, dampening Michael's hair and making it curl. He lifted his eyes to the sky then closed them for a moment. But the darkness that descended was heavy and black. Suffocating. So Michael snapped his eyes open and glided away, keeping to the shadows. Only to pause when he heard a scream. A woman's cry. A plea for help.
He knew he should ignore it. There was a time, before Nikita, when he would have. No room for sympathy towards the innocent. Not for the one, anyway. But now Michael found himself moving towards the sound, gliding through the shadows as if he were one of them. Came to an opening in the alleyway and saw them. A trio of men confronting a lone woman. A female cop. She was on her knees, a knife pressed to her throat. Michael took the scene in at a glance. They would kill her, simply for the sport of it. Because they were bored. He should have walked away, but found himself moving forward instead, his leather coat open and flapping about his legs.
One of the trio sensed him and turned, gun in hand. But Michael kicked it away before the man could pull the trigger. Could have used his own weapon but that would have drawn too much attention. He kicked out again and the man went down. The second bully was a giant, and enraged. Strung out as well. With a shout he launched himself at Michael. A mistake. Michael ducked and kicked out again, the force of the blow shattering a kneecap. The giant fell then his chin connected with Michael's knee and he collapsed.
The third assailant still held the cop. He grinned at the man in black, feeling certain that he was in control. He was wrong. Michael faced him without fear. With nothing in his eyes, not even coldness.
"Tonight is a good night to die," Michael whispered.
"Who are you man?" the other man demanded, his tone belligerent. Not because he was a courageous man, but because he was suddenly terrified.
"I am death," Michael replied, then one hand snapped out, catching the bully in the nose. A head snapped back, there was a howl of pain. The knife clattered to the pavement and the cop was free. "Go," Michael told her, even as he moved over the other man and muted his cries with movement of one hand. Not death, just silence.
The cop was grateful, stunned and scared all at once. "Who are you?" she queried, echoing the demand of the man who had nearly ended her life.
Michael locked eyes with her for a heartbeat, then turned away. "No one," he replied, then he glided back into the shadows and faded away.
************
Nikita heard the knock on the door and it startled her from her reverie. Thoughts of Michael. Of the past year. Of what had passed between them in silence. His offering her a chance for freedom, her choice to return. And inbetween the then and now was a lifetime of pain and regret. Nikita wanted more from a man who had nothing left to give. He had told her as much, but she hadn't listened. Still, a part of Nikita wouldn't let go. She had seen into Michael's soul. It wasn't dark and empty. It was merely shaded. Gray. In limbo. It was Michael's defense mechanism. His only means to survive.
"Coming," Nikita called out, striding over to the door. She checked her surveillance. It was Michael. She took a deep breath, released it, then let him in.
"Have I come at a bad time?" Michael queried, gliding into the room. As he turned to face Nikita, he pulled off his gloves tucking them into one hand.
"Naw," Nikita replied, with a shrug. "I was just reading a magazine. No big deal." She closed the door then offered a smile. "What's up?"
Michael blinked, then reached out to tuck a pale strand of blond hair behind Nikita's ear. "They know," he whispered, sadness coloring his tone.
Nikita frowned, then stiffened. "Know what?" she countered, feeling a sudden defensive urge wash over her. Michael had a way of making her feeling on edge.
"Why Adrian?" Michael queried, his eyes locking with Nikita's. "What did she offer you to betray Section?"
"I don't know what you're talking about," Nikita lied. And she lied for two reasons. To fool Adrian, and to keep Michael out of the loop.
But Nikita would have given her right arm to be able to share the truth with Michael. But she didn't have that luxury, for several reasons. One of them being the fact that Adrian had threatened Michael's life should Nikita betray her. That, more than any other reason, gave Nikita the incentive to lie. And to do it well. Or so she believed.
But Michael knew her well. Could see the way Nikita held his gaze too intently. Her very look was a challenge. That was her way when she lied to him. As if daring Michael to prove the lie. So many times in the past he could have. But always he had let it go. She deserved her lies. "I can help you," Michael offered, his hand lifting once more so that his fingertips brushed her cheek.
"Help me what?" Nikita challenged, uncertain of his meaning.
Michael's eyes shimmered with an emotion that Nikita couldn't identify. It startled her and held her captive. "Do you want to destroy Section, Nikita?" Michael prompted. "Do you hate it that much?"
Nikita pulled away from Michael's touch, for it was a distraction she could ill afford. "You know the answer to that, Michael," she drawled, moving around him and over to the refrigerator to remove a carton of milk. Nikita offered some to Michael who shook his head, so she drank from the carton then wiped her mouth on her sleeve. "I would love to bring Section to its knees," Nikita confessed, and she spoke the truth this time. "But I don't have the power. No one does." Nikita wasn't quite sure even Adrian did, although the woman boasted otherwise. "I don't know any Adrian either. Who is she?"
Michael closed his eyes and resisted the urge to heave a sigh. He was tired, bone weary. His head ached and his mind felt fractured. His body ached as well. With need. His desire and passion for Nikita were his weakness. "I can help you run again," Michael whispered. "But it has to be now, Nikita. Right this minute."
"I tried running," Nikita hissed. "It wasn't freedom." She put the milk back, using the time to calm herself. She felt shaken by Michael's offer. To offer her freedom meant to put his own life at risk. It brought home to Nikita the fact that he considered her life to be more valuable. Turning back to Michael, Nikita forced a smile. Forced calm into her voice. "Besides which, I have no reason to run. I don't know what you're accusing me of, Michael. Or what Section thinks. But you're both wrong."
"We're one in the same," Michael replied, turning away so that Nikita couldn't see the tears that filled his eyes. "You can't win, Nikita. And you can't do this alone."
Nikita had to fight back the urge to reach out to Michael. She couldn't betray herself to him now. Not with Adrian listening to every word. So she steeled herself to be cold. "It's late," Nikita drawled. "I'm tired. If you have nothing else to say, Michael, then let yourself out. I'm going to bed."
Michael moved to the door, then hesitated. "I'm sorry, Nikita," he said softly.
"For what?" she countered, pausing on the stairs. Nikita stared at Michael's back, then watched as he slipped his gloves. Once more he was the ultimate man in black. The shadow who melted into the night. "Why are you sorry, Michael?" Nikita prompted, when it appeared he would go without answering.
"It doesn't matter why," he replied, then he slipped out the door and was gone.
Nikita heaved a sigh as soon as the door closed behind Michael. Her knees buckled and she sat down on the steps, head lowered. "He's gone," she stated, for Adrian's benefit. "He's going to return to Section and tell them that I'm the one. The traitor." It meant her life and suddenly Nikita didn't care."
Adrian's voice crackled in Nikita's ear. "No..he won't," she countered. "Michael will keep your secret."
"Why would he?" Nikita challenged, blinking back tears. She was so damned tired of games.
"Because he loves you," Adrian replied. Then her tone softened. "You did a good job, Nikita. Get some sleep. We'll talk again in the morning."
Nikita said nothing. She simply removed the comlink from behind her ear then climbed the stairs. Fully dressed she lay across her bed and prayed for the sweet oblivion of slumber.
*****
Michael faced Operations calmly. He was still wearing his coat and gloves, having just reentered Section only moments ago. He waited for his superior to speak.
"Is it Nikita?" Operations asked, fingers twisting and unlit cigarette as he waited for a reply.
"No," Michael whispered, his eyes holding Operations' intense gaze. He saw surprise turn the pale gaze dark.
Operations crushed the cigarette then tossed it aside. "Are you sure?" he prompted, his tone glacial.
Michael nodded. "Yes." That was all he offered. "May I go now?"
"Go!" Operations hissed. He waited till Michael had glided away to confront the woman who was perched on the corner of his desk. "He lied."
"Yes, he did," Madeline allowed. A cold smile curved her lips. "I'm not surprised," she confessed.
Operations resisted the urge to fling something across the room just to hear it shatter. "He lied when he set Nikita free. Now he lies again. We can't trust him."
Madeline was silent for a moment, then she spoke softly. "I trust him," she announced, then she glided from the room leaving Operations staring after her, in stunned disbelief.
************
Michael led the way through Section, gliding through the corridors to where Operations and Madeline stood waiting. In the heart of the compound. Where they could be observed. Behind Michael was Nikita, her wrists cuffed together. The traitor. And behind her was Adrian, unbound, escorted by a pair of operatives. Michael could feel the older woman's serenity, Adrian wore it like an aura.
Two scenarios were about to be played out. One scripted by Section, Operations and Madeline, the other scripted by Adrian. Neither party could have anticipated a third scenario. The one that Michael would soon play out. It was a part he did not wish to play. A role he was reluctant to assume. But he had made his choice long ago. There were no other options. And so it began. And from the sidelines Michael watched.
He stood in silence, hands folded in front of him, eyes looking into space as Operations and Adrian bantered back and forth. A part of Michael felt removed, as if he had left his body and were an observer from outside the glass walls. But he remembered to play his part. To feign surprise and shock when Operations asked for the key to the handcuffs so that Nikita could be set free. Michael could not look at Nikita in that moment, but he felt her gaze upon him. Saw it in his mind's eye. He knew she felt regret for her betrayal. Michael understood that particular regret.
And then Madeline joined the discussion, Adrian baiting the younger woman. She had been Madeline's teacher at one point. Michael still found it of interest that Adrian terrified Madeline. She hid it well, but Michael knew the truth. Recognized it. But none of that mattered. Then came the surprise. The only part of the drama not scripted. It was nearing time for Michael's scene when Nikita intervened. She faced down Operations, demanding him to defend Section One. If not, she would release the mission directory to the press. He had one hour.
Michael felt his heart contract painfully in his chest. Knew that the moment Nikita made the challenge, she had signed and sealed her fate. Operations would do as she asked, biding his time. In the end he would win. Had to win. And Nikita would be cancelled. Michael had to force himself not to move. To remain still, his face impassive as Nikita continued to challenge Operations. Michael understood her need. Nikita had to know, to believe, that Section was not evil. That she was fighting for the greater good. That she killed so that the innocent could live.
Adrian's early arguments against Operations were sound. Michael knew that the head of Section One had great power. But it was not absolute power as Adrian would lead them to believe. And Nikita was beginning to believe. But still Michael remained silent. She had to find her own way. To make her own choice. And then she turned to him. He didn't meet her gaze, but waited.
"What do you think, Michael?" Nikita asked.
"What have you seen with your own eyes, Nikita?" Michael replied. That was all.
She sighed, soaking in what he had said. Trusting him. Nikita faced Adrian then shook her head. "I have to believe what Section is doing is right," she stated, but there was sadness in her voice.
Adrian smiled. This was not the end. She had not been beaten. Even as she watched Nikita making the call to stop the tape from going to the press, she had no regrets. The time had come. Adrian faced Operations, uncaring that he smirked at her, so certain of his win.
"What now?" Adrian queried, breezily.
"Take her to holding," Operations ordered the two Operatives who still flanked Adrian.
"No," Michael countered, drawing his gun. He fired at the two operatives and they crumpled to the ground. Dead. Turned his gun on Operations, face a mask, eyes shuttered. Felt Nikita's shock but tuned it out. "Adrian is to be released," Michael announced.
Madeline was the first to find her voice. "That's not possible, Michael," she said gently. "You know that."
His eyes and the gun remained trained on Operations, but Michael focused on Madeline as he replied, "I know the truth."
"And what truth would that be, Michael?" Adrian demanded. "That you have betrayed me?" She was furious and let it show. Her eyes flashed like twin flames. "What about Simone?" She questioned. "I told you the truth about her. I told you how Section would betray you."
"Yes, you did," Michael allowed, and he felt the surprise of everyone present. But he did not explain himself. Did not tell them that Adrian had contacted him after Simone had died in the explosion by her own hand. Right after he had met with Adrian, and she had told him of all the betrayals by Section. All the lies they had told him. All the pain they had caused in their efforts to mold him into their creation.
After all that, Michael had been contacted by Oversite. Taken from his home to awaken in a dimly lit room. And from that moment on, he had made his choice. Michael survived his imprisonment in Section by believing that he could atone for his sins here. That he could help the innocent. But he understood what Nikita could not accept. The one had to be sacrificed for the many. And so he had agreed to do Oversite's bidding.
Operations was in a full blown rage. "What is the meaning of this, Michael?" he demanded, his pale eyes cold as ice.
"Knight takes Queen...checkmate in one," Michael whispered. It was a coded password that only Operations would understand. Given to Michael by Oversite.
"Explain," Operations ordered, a moment later. After he managed to calm himself.
Michael nodded. "Adrian is to be let go to keep you honest," he replied. Oversite knew that Operations was gathering power. They allowed it, but they were not foolish. They would control it as they did everything else. Contain it if neccessary. They did not want Operations forgetting his place.
Operations understood the message. Glanced over at Adrian and saw that she understood its significance as well. He realized too that Michael was the only one who could play this particular game and win. He was the only one who had all the rules. The fact grated on Operations. But he knew he had to make a choice. He smiled at Michael. "I won't let Adrian go," he said quietly.
"Then...I'm under orders to cancel you," Michael countered, and he wasn't entirely surprised by Operations' choice. His finger curled around the trigger, but froze a moment later.
"Michael..NO!" Nikita shouted, even as she ran in front of Operations, shielding him with her own body. "You can't kill him." Nikita's eyes locked with Michael's, begging him not to do this.
Michael caught his breath. This was not part of the script. "Don't do this, Nikita," he requested. It was as close to begging as Michael could allow himself to get.
But Nikita stood her ground. "I won't let you kill Operations," she insisted. Nikita had her reasons, but she wondered if Michael would understand them. For her own self she didn't care if Operations lived or died. But Nikita knew that Michael cared. That there was a bond between the two men. Something she didn't understand. But she had seen how strong it was when Operations had nearly died at Petrosian's hand. Nikita would do whatever it took to save Michael from himself. He thought he was dead inside now. If he pulled the trigger, he would be dead.
"Do the job, Michael," Operations taunted from his place behind Nikita. Knew that for Michael to complete his task, the operative would have to shoot Nikita first. And that would never happen, of that Operations was certain. It was a fact that annoyed him to no end, but worked to his advantage at the moment.
"I'm sorry, Nikita," Michael whispered, his voice husky with sadness.
Nikita blinked back tears as she watched Michael, and it was a heartbeat later that she understood his meaning. Too late, as she watched Michael raise his gun to his own head. Denial screamed inside Nikita's head and she closed her eyes. She could not watch. Her body jerked as she heard the gunshot. It echoed in the air. Nikita's eyes opened just in time to see Michael fall.
Then time stood still
************
"NO!" The cry was ripped from Nikita's throat as she ran forward and fell to her knees next to Michael. She saw his blood stain the floor, but there was no blood on his face. Looking up, Nikita saw Walter standing there, gun in hand. He had shot Michael. Nikita saw it now. There was blood staining the shoulder of Michael's jacket. "Call Medlab!" Nikita ordered.
It was Madeline who obeyed. When the task was done, she moved to stand over Michael and Nikita. "Death is not an option, Michael," she said softly.
He was still conscious and managed a reply. "I know." Michael then let his eyes fall on Nikita. There was so much he wanted to say to her. But there were no words. She could die for her betrayal and the thought was agony for Michael. It hurt far more than the wounds of his flesh.
"Hang on, Michael," Nikita begged, as she watched his eyes drift closed. He was too pale and his body trembled, Nikita felt it for she was gripping his hand. She didn't know that he trembled with fear. Fear for her.
"I won't let her die, Michael." The words were spoken by Adrian. Now that she understood the game, she knew how to play. Operations could not kill her. And Adrian had enough power to keep Nikita alive. For now. The rest would be up to Michael.
Michael opened his eyes again, finding Adrian and locking on to the older woman's face. "Thank you," he whispered, and only then did Michael allow darkness to claim him.
Nikita held her breath till the Med team arrived. They loaded Michael onto a gurney and rushed him away. She wanted to follow, but Madeline forbid it. Nikita wanted to argue the point, but let it go. For now. Let herself be led away by Walter, and cried on his shoulder two hours later when the word came in that the doctor's had removed the bullet and Michael would recover. "Thank you, Walter," Nikita stated, gratefully, giving the old man a well deserved hug.
"I couldn't let Michael die, sugar," Walter countered, but he accepted the hug none the less. "We need him. All of us. You....especially."
"Maybe you're right," Nikita allowed, wiping her face with her sleeve. "Maybe I do need him." She sighed as she plopped down on a nearby stool. "I just wish it didn't hurt so much."
Walter echoed Nikita's sigh. "That's the price we pay for being human, Nikita," he said softly. "Remember that...the next time you think Michael doesn't care. Remember that he is human, and that he hurts too."
Nikita felt a twinge of guilt. "I've blamed him for everything Section has done to me."
"Not your fault, not completely," Walter countered in Nikita's defense. "That's what Michael wanted you to do. To believe that he was Section. Is Section. So that you would come to him to vent. To air your anger and your pain. Because if you tried it with Madeline or Operations....you'd have been dead along time ago."
"Maybe...maybe that would have been for the best," Nikita drawled, chin in hand.
Walter grabbed Nikita by the shoulders and shook her. "Don't ever say that to me!" he hissed. "And never believe it! I need you, sugar. Michael needs you."
Nikita wanted to believe that. "Michael doesn't need anyone," she whispered.
"If you believe that...then you haven't learned anything," Walter said, sadness making his voice husky. "I've got work to do." With that he turned away, stepping into the back and lowering his gate.
"Goodnight, Walter," Nikita replied, then she rose from the stool and walked away. But her destination was unclear.
*************
Six weeks passed. During the two weeks that Michael spent in Medlab, Nikita went to see him only once. He sent her away and she stayed away. Two weeks after that they met only in the conference room for briefings. Michael ran missions from Section. Now he was ready to return to active field status. But Madeline had given him three days away from Section.
Michael went in search of Adrian. Found her in her new location, working in a green house. He wanted to say goodbye. Wanted closure. Wanted to walk away without looking back and put this part of his past behind them. Once again he had made a choice, as he lay in Medlab recuperating. Michael chose Nikita. And that meant chosing Section One. But this time on his own terms. "Are you happy here?" Michael asked, as he reached Adrian's side.
"It's a nice place," Adrian replied, as she patted soil around a potted plant. "I adapt quickly."
"I wanted...to thank you," Michael whispered.
Adrian pulled off her gloves and moved to face Michael. "For saving Nikita," she guessed. At his nod she smiled. "I owed you one, Michael...and I always pay my debts."
Michael understood what she was saying. They both knew they would not meet again. It was better this way, for everyone. "I have to go," he stated.
"Wait," Adrian beseeched. She moved to a side table and snipped free a blossom that was white laced with lavender. A wild orchid. Held it out to Michael and was pleased when he accepted it, cradling it gently in his hands. Hands that could kill in a heartbeat. "Wild Orchids have always reminded me of you, Michael," Adrian confessed. "From the day I first saw you." She heaved a sigh and blinked back a sudden tear. "You should be free. I regret that." Adrian had been the one to chose Michael. Sealing his fate within Section One.
"No regrets," Michael whispered, reaching for Adrian's hand and bringing it to his lips. "I have Nikita," he explained.
Adrian smiled, understanding completely. Her flowers were her sancturary, for Michael it was Nikita. "Safe journey, Michael," she said, wishing him well.
Michael nodded then turned to go. But as he did so he spotted a perfect, white rose. "May I have that?" he asked.
"Of course," Adrian replied, picking up her shears to clip the long stem. She wrapped the bottom to keep it moist then held out the bloom.
"Merci," Michael whispered, bringing the rose to his lips. He inhaled the delicate fragrance as he kissed the velvet soft petals, and the image of Nikita formed in his head. It lingered as Michael glided away, heading for home. Back to Section One.
Nikita smiled as she plucked the white rose from it's vase. Michael had delivered it late last night. Nikita hadn't heard him enter the apartment, but she had known. They hadn't spoken of it today at Section, but Michael had asked Nikita out for coffee and she had accepted. It was a beginning. And for once Nikita was ready, and willing, to take it slow. One heartbeat at a time.
THE END
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