Michael stared out the window of his loft, not really seeing the blood red sun as it slowly sliced across the sky. He was home for the first time in 6 weeks, this home anyway. He had failed! What a bitter thought, because with that failure came the deaths of two innocents, the ambassador's wife and eight year old daughter.

He had failed to find them in time and now all he could see was their bodies lying on the steps, broken, bloodied and dead! Section had used all its vast resources and come up as empty as he had. Michael couldn't remember being so tired and worn. The last weeks had been one living nightmare after another with no end in sight. At least Nikita had not been canceled but, wasn't there always something else, with the increase of her missions it was only a matter of time before she took a fatal bullet.

The microwave beeped in the background and he turned from the window to get the soup he had heated for dinner. Food was the last thing he wanted and sleep was what he needed. But sleep tonight would be filled with nightmares and even the wine would not be of help.

Michael dragged himself into bed and, as he lay there watching the moon rise, shining its feeble light into the darkness that was his soul, he thought of Nikita and fell into a restless sleep. Then the dreams began...

*****

The nightmares that came to all cold ops. filled his mind. This was not unusual and Michael just flowed with the pain, fear and all the violence that was his everyday life. He felt again the deep sense of despair at his personal failures to protect the ones he cared about, and the ones who made his life bearable in an ugly world. Then the dream changed.

He was aware that he was dreaming! He was walking along a forest path in the night. It was very dark under the huge trees, but there was soft silvery light illuminating his way. The glow intensified as he stepped forward into sight of a clearing. The sight froze him in his tracks as the images before him took shape in his exhausted mind.

The moon was a round silver ball hung in the clearing, and it's light was reflected in a small pond. Standing in front of the pond, with the moon as a back drop, was a woman dressed in white buckskin dress, boots, and with a long feather on the left side floating in her hair . She was facing out and away from him but in profile enough to see the long dark hair that floated in the wind he could not yet feel. Then she looked skyward and he heard a blood chilling scream rip the air above her head. She raised her arm high and something very large dove from the sky and with a rush of wings settled on the Indian maidens arm. That was not all for at her feet what appeared to be a rock moved and stood up to be the largest silver wolf Michael had ever seen. That's when he felt it.There was something behind him, something evil and he could not turn to look or to move. The hawk screamed again and launched itself straight at him while at the same time the wolf beared its fangs in a silent snarl and leaped at his throat.

Michael woke up in a cold sweat with his heart pounding in his chest! Was it a dream or was it something else? And what was that evil he could not face?

************

Michael entered Section and, instead of heading for his office, went to med-lab to see how Nikita was doing. She was still asleep and he took the time to admire the only brightness in his dark world. She looked tired even in sleep, and the strain of the last few weeks were taking its toll on both of them. At least with her arm wounded she would get a few days rest before they sent her out again. Was she his weakness or strength, he could no longer tell. But life without her would not be worth living and he knew if she died so would he.

Marie, the nurse taking care of Nikita, came up to Michael and quietly said "Operations would like to see you,"Michael nodded and left the room, wondering what was so urgent that Operations wanted to see him this early.

"You wanted to see me?" Michael quietly asked.

"Yes, there has been a major development in a Red Cell account that Mr. Birkoff has had under surveillance. A large amount of money has been moved and was tracked to a casino. Not just any casino, but the Cha La Gi Native American one that's been open for one year now."

"Are they laundering money for red cell?" Michael asked.

"We don't know that at this time and I want you to find out. Get with Birkoff and your profiler and get me that intel," Operations turned and Michael took the dismissal to head for his office, and some much need coffee.

Michael reported to Madeline's office with his findings.

"Apparently Red Cell has been trying, for the past year, to take over the casino and use it to launder money as well as use it as a needed source of income. There has been opposition from the counsel members and from others involved at the reservation," Madeline just smiled and waited for Michael to continue, she had a scenario in mind that had worked well before and wanted to use to infiltrate the casino resort.

"We need to get to the resort and work on the money transfer at the casino and to stop any more," Michael finished not liking the smile on Madeline's face.

"Very well Michael, I think you should use the married couple routine and spend some time, maybe a week, at the resort to gather the intel needed to stop Red Cell from taking over the casino. You will not have the corporation of the Indian counsel so please be convincing."

Michael wasn't sure if he heard her correctly. She wanted him to go in as a married man! He closed his eyes showing just how tired he was and how much his emotions were barely under control. Madeline watched this unusual display and wondered, yet again, if she could help Michael deal with his feelings, not a weakness to exploit but to strengthen him. She waited patiently for him to get back his iron control before telling him what she hoped would be good news.

"Michael, you will be paired with Nikita and go in tomorrow. There is a special ceremony planed for later in the week and we feel this is when Red Cell will make their move to take control of the casino."

Michael had his blank stare back in place and asked, "What is this ceremony?" "It's loaded on your PDA, look it over and if you would bring Nikita her's too?" Michael took the dismissal and the two PDA's, and left for med-lab wondering what else could happen?

************

Michael and Nikita arrived at the resort casino after an uneventful, and very quiet, flight. Nikita had not spoken to him at all after her briefing with Madeline. She was withdrawn and would not even look at him, and had kept up the cold silent treatment the whole time. It wasn't until she stepped out of the car and put on a false smile that she looked at him at all. This was what he deserved for betraying her trust in him and for all the lies and manipulations. He didn't deserve anything but her contempt, but that was not going to help get the mission done.

A young Indian boy came out to take their bags and escorted them into the main lobby.

"O si yo, that means hello and my name is Running Deer, if you need anything the front desk will send for me so just ask and I will be here for you."

Michael just smiled, nodded and went to sign them in, asking if Running Deer would take them to their room. He took Nikita by the arm and followed the boy to their room. It was on the ground floor overlooking a garden courtyard with an ancient rowan tree in the center. There was a sound of water flowing near by but out of his line of sight, he would need to know the layout of this area if he was going to be able to come and go without being noticed by others.

Nikita saw the garden and tree in a whole different light. She saw a place of beauty, peace and of something else she couldn't put a name to, just a feeling she had of the wholeness and rightness of this place. She sighed and turned to Michael.

"I guess we should split up and explore the resort before we get something to eat?" Michael looked at his watch and said, "Why don't we look around together for an hour then get something to eat?" He didn't want to waste time on eating but Nikita was right they would need the energy for later. He also didn't like the idea of exploring separately, it didn't fit the profile of them as a married couple on vacation.

"Nikita, we need to stay together and at least appear to be a couple. Are you so upset with me you can't even pretend to be with me?" Michael couldn't believe he had said that! But her coldness was getting to him and he needed to know if she could do the job.

Nikita stared at him not believing what he had just dared to say to her. All the lies and deceits and manipulations crowded her mind and she to scream at him.

"How dare you ask me if I can do the job? I can handle any crap you send my way and do it with a smile, Michael so lets get this farce started and then eat? OK?"

With that parting shot Nikita went out into the courtyard and started to explore the grounds with a very quiet Michael close behind.

They were in an area off the casino but still in sight of the hotel when Michael heard the bone chilling cry from his dream. He looked skyward and saw a large bird circling over them. Nikita also looked up at the cry and shivered at the sound.

"What is that?" She looked at Michael for an answer and was shocked to see him so pale and trembling! Was he afraid ? Nikita touched his arm to get his attention, he was so far away from her it scared her.

"Michael what is it? What are you afraid of?" He shook himself and tried to get his pounding heart to slow before turning to Nikita with that blank stare back in place.

"It's nothing to worry about but lets go back to the room." As they walked back neither of them were aware of two more sets of eyes following their progress, one set yellow gold the other green gold and human.

************

When Michael and Nikita returned to their room Running Deer was waiting for them.

"O si yo, I have a special invitation for you from our chief, Standing Bear, to attend a party tonight. Here is your invitation and a reply isn't necessary," with that done he rushed off. Nikita was the first to comment, "Well we needed something to get us into the inner council and now we get to meet the chief himself!"

Michael handed her the invitation and said "Iit's formal, do you have a gown that will cover your arm?"

Now it was Nikitas turn to give a blank stare, "Of course I have a gown that will cover the wound. You don't think Madeleine would let me be unprepared?" With that she went to the phone and dialed room service.

"What are you doing?" Michael asked.

Nikita snorted and said "I'm ordering lunch and going to have a shower and rest before we have to go to this cocktail party! Any more questions?"

Instead of rising to her anger, he asked if she would order him something to and he walked out of the room back toward the courtyard.

Michael headed for the sound of water and as he hoped out of sight of their room. He needed some time to get his emotions settled and to regain a sense of balance. Nikita was going to make this very difficult and for once, he wasn't sure how to handle the distance between them.

He came to a small spring like fountain with the water flowing over a rock carved basin into the ground. He sat on the ground and leaned back against the tree. He needed to get past the pain he and Section had inflicted on Nikita, and he needed to get past his own pain.

He closed his eyes and let all the feelings he had held inside flood over him. He hadn't felt this tired and alone in awhile, not since Simone's death. That brought on a grief he thought was long buried in the darkness of his shattered heart! And now, the only other one who could bring him any hope, any reason to do more then just exist, was lost to him to. The tears that formed under his closed eyes threatened to spill down his face, like the falling of the water beside him.

He was so wrapped up in his pain he didn't hear the approach of steps until a soft whine caused him to open his. Lying at his feet was a very large grey colored wolf, staring at him with golden eyes and his tongue hanging out over large white teeth. Michael wasn't sure what to do. If he moved the wolf could be on him without anything to stop it. Then the problem was compounded, Nikita was heading around the tree. Now she had to come find him?

"Michael, where are you?" Nikita started to say when she stopped and saw the wolf. All thoughts of the problems this mission were out of her mind as she realized this could be death staring Michael in the face. They looked at each other and saw the unspoken agreement that they would try to work together, not against, once they got out of this predicament. A sharp whistle sounded and the wolf let out a bark.

Around the tree came a woman, an Indian woman with long dark hair.

************

The young woman quietly called to the wolf, "Wa-ya , a'-hni!"

You are frightening the Samuells. At the sound of her voice the wolf rolled over onto his back, all paws in the air, and put his head on Michael's feet. Nikita looked at Michael looking at the wolf and started to giggle at the sight of them, releasing the tension.

"I'm sorry he frighted you both, he left my side to find the ones in pain, are you alright?" She looked first at Nikita then to Michael for an answer and *saw* more than either could know. Not getting more than a stare from them both, she tried a different approach.

"I'm sorry my name is," she paused briefly deciding on what language to use, "Moon-Dancer and that flea ridden pest is called "wolf" or "WA-ya".

The wolf rolled over again and thumped his tail on the ground and looked at Michael as if he were laughing with his tongue hanging out. He slowly put his hand out for WA-ya to sniff and was rewarded with a gentle lick.

Nikita looked up and said, "How do you know our name?"

Moon Dancer smiled and quietly replied, "I know all the guests that are here this week and I asked my grandfather to extend the invitation to you for tonight's," again she slightly hesitated, "ceremony and party. We are opening a special room of art work I thought Mr. Samuell would enjoy."

She turned to Michael and said, "You did put down as occupation art dealer? Or is there something else you do?"

Michael looked into her eyes ready with the cover he had used so many times and stopped. He found it hard to speak the lie and started to blush! What was it about her to effect him this way? Nikita also noted the hesitation and started to cover for his lapse when she too looked into the green gold eyes of this strange woman. She couldn't lie either. Moon Dancer saw the confession and took pity on them.

"I'm sorry, that was not meant to be a trick question," she laughed. Michael slowly got to his feet and went to stand by Nikita, putting his arm protectively around her waist. MD smiled and sighed inwardly, one problem solved, now how to gain their trust? For the storm was coming and she would need all the help she could get to protect her people.

She spotted Running Deer and waved him over, "What is it little-brother?"

With a small flourish he said that lunch was set up for them and asked if the Samuells would like to come in and eat? Nikita smiled at the youngster's enthusiasm.

MD turned to the couple, "You haven't eaten yet and here I am keeping you out in the hot sun and all! Please go eat and I will see you later tonight?"

Michael again looked into her eyes and felt something stir within him.

"Yes we will be there," was all he could say.

She smiled and slowly reached out and touched Michaels' face and said very softy, "I am nv-wo-ti, a-da-we'-hi for all people, if you need me for anything, call me and I will come."

She took WA-ya by the scruff of the neck and left them with Running Deer.

"Wow, she never says that to outsiders!" Nikita looked at him and just raised her eyebrow.

Running Deer flushed and said, "She just told you she is," he stopped and tried to think, "That she is . . . well I guess ‘ medicine women' is the easiest to translate. But it means more than that, too. Ask my brother tonight at the party he can tell you."

With that he ran off on some other errand.

Lunch was delicious but they were both lost in private thoughts. Nikita wanted to get Michael to talk to her but was not sure how to begin.

"Michael . ."

"Nikita," they both started at the same time.

They laughed and looked at each other to see who would go first. Nikita decided not to wait and started to speak. But Michael put his fingers to her lips to silence her.

"Please Kita let me say this first, I am sorry for the pain I cause you and I know you have heard it before but I," his voice broke and he turned from her bright blue eyes, "I don't deserve to be forgiven and I'm not going to ask you to, just, could you, please."

Nikita walked up behind him and putting her arms around his waist she pulled him tight to her and whispered in his ear, "I still love you Michael".

************

"Birkoff, com check, do you read me and how is visual?"

"Michael you're not coming in clearly. There seems to be some kind of dampening field around your area, I'll try to boost the signal. Ask Nikita to raise her view 5 degrees."

Nikita asked, "How's that Birkoff and how's my sound?"

"You're also fuzzy," he said, " but visual is good."

Just then there was a knock on the door.

Nikita said, "That must be our little friend Running Deer", as Michael opened the door. Only standing there was an older Indian man, in his late 40's early 50's, with silver sprinkled throughout his long black hair. Both men took the measure of the other. Michael saw the gun under his jacket first, and then did a quick head to toe search. There was an eagle feather braided into the right side of his hair and his eyes . They were the cold clear eyes of one who knew death and did not fear it. His face was lined with care and sun browned, and the suit did nothing to hide the well muscled body. This was a man not to be messed with.

Nikita moved up to stand at Michael's shoulder ready to support him as needed. Then the man smiled and his whole face changed!

"No, I am not Running Deer, he's my youngest brother. I am called John Taylor Spotted Deer and am head of security for the resort and reservation."

He liked what he saw before him, Moon Dancer was right again about these two.Why was he surprised? They would be more than able to keep her out of trouble in the casino while he was out working perimeter security. Birkof's voice sounded in Michael's ear .

"He's armed Michael."

"Moon Dancer has asked me to include the two of you in my primary security unit, and to ask the organization to help us. If you will come with me to the command center, I have all the intel you'll need, and better weapons then the ones you have on you now."

In Michael's ear Operations' voice came on, "Michael, agree to what ever he says and get into the system."

Michael said "ok" to both parties, but inside he thought this is too easy! Were they being set up or being used as bait for Red Cell? This Moon Dancer knew too much about them and they nothing about her!

Nikita wasn't buying it either and she asked, "How do you know we aren't just here for a vacation?"

JT's eyes went cold and dangerous: "Moon Dancer knows who and what you are, and who you work for, so don't play innocent with me," then his face changed again, open and afraid. "I have a personal favors to ask of you," Michael and Nikita looked at each other and Nikita let him take the lead.

"What is it ?"

JT took a deep breath and said, " I am expecting trouble at the ‘New Moon ceremony' tonight and I would ask that you please protect Moon Dancer with your very lives. She doesn't care about her own life but without her . ." He stopped and then started again, "she is nv-wo-ti, medicine women and a-da-we'-hi, angel or healer, or wise one, and she is the only one of her kind left to the tribe. If she doesn't perform the two ceremonies , the one tonight and then Friday night, Red Cell wins and will take over the resort and this clan will die! Please, please I beg you, protect her."

Michael and Nikita both nodded and Nikita said, "We will take care of her."

JT let out the breath he was holding and quietly said, "Thank you."

And he proceeded to brief the section operatives.

***********

Michael and Nikita were given a quick tour of the grounds around the casino area, with special emphasis on the exterior of the gallery. As they entered, scanning the interior, both were of a mind this was a security nightmare! All the large windows gave no cover from the outside and the lighting was so bright you could see into the whole gallery easily.

"Michael, what are we going to do? We can't defend this place!" Nikita was not happy and neither was Michael.

"I'll try to stay near Moon Dancer and you circulate among the guests, let me know if you see anything suspicious."

As he and Nikita were saying this Moon Dancer came over to them. She looked Michael over and said "You do look incredible in a tux! And the glasses add a nice touch!"

She smiled and looked at Nikita and added , "Your broach is truly lovely! And how good is the quality of the picture?"

Mischief sparkled in her eyes as she looked at both operatives.

"And who gets the job of baby sitting me tonight?" She smiled and continued, "Before you tell me I would like you both to meet the chief Standing Bear and the counsel of elders, and you must see the art work as well!"

She linked arms with both ops and drew them to a group of men.

"A-gi-du'-da, Grandfather this are Nikita and Michael, and I will leave them with you as I prepare for the ceremony."

Nikita looked at Michael and at his nod moved to go with MD.

Standing Bear spoke at this point before MN could say anything, "I am pleased my granddaughter has you as friends and guardians but I think she may be of an age that she no longer needs help in dressing."

MN looked at him and laughed at this cleaver try to give her the time alone she needed.

"Thank you but I think Nikita would feel better if she kept me in sight, and I know JT has spoken to them about security and I will bow to their wishes, for now." The 2 women left and Michael and Standing Bear had a chance to talk.

"Please walk with me as I tell you the threats Red Cell has made against my people."

They walked around the gallery and Michael and section got the story. As Chief standing Bear was telling of their trouble with RC Michael stopped in front of a painting that reminded him of a famous Indian portrait called ‘end of the Trail', this looked like it but the pain of the brave and his wounds hit him hard. Standing Bear stopped his narrative and looked at Michael,

"You are looking at a portrait of ‘she who dances with in the shadow of the moon' husband. He was killed by Red Cell 4 years ago and she had been working with," he stopped and Michael turned to him.

"Please go on," S.B just shook his head and looking Michael in the eyes said, "That is my granddaughter story not mine, if she chooses to tell you and your people."

Michael was about to reply when all the lights but the front spot went out and a flute started playing. Nikita was walking toward him when he saw Moon Dancer apar under the spot light. His first thought was what a perfect target she made, then he stopped breathing! How could he have missed it! The women in his dream was standing before him!

The green gold eyes, the long dark hair was loose upon her shoulders with a feather braided on the left side. He felt the room start to spin, the wolf, and the white dress all that was missing was the moon! NO, it wasn't missing, he realized behind her a large painting of a full moon! No this couldn't be real! Drums sounded with the urethral sound of the flute.

‘She who dances in the shadow of the moon' started to sing the song of hope and blessing for the coming year.

Nikita saw something was terribly wrong with Michael, his breathing was rapid and he looked stricken, as if he had seen something so awful he could not bear it.

"Michael what's wrong," and she took his arm and shook him to get his attention.

He started to shake and said, "Nikita get everyone out of here some one is going to try to kill Moon Dancer," and he turned to Nikita, "and me."

*************

Michael felt like he was moving in slow motion! He had to get to Moon Dancer and get her out of that damned spot light! She saw him coming and started toward him, for she had seen this moment and knew the parts that would be played out. Michael's fear went up a notch, he saw a red dot appear over her heart! No, he wasn't going to get there in time, as she also saw the red.

Michael reached her as a shot rang out and, to his horror, she grabbed him and turned into the path of the bullet! Time resumed it's normal speed as they were both hit with the same shot. It passed through Moon Dancers arm and hit Michael in the chest, going through into his lung!

Nikita was trying to get chief Standing Bear out of the line of fire as well as see where the shot came from. She wasn't sure who had gotten hit, she didn't want to think of that now. She had innocents to protect, and Michael could take care of himself, let that be so she prayed!

Moon Dancer was ready for the pain she had it blocked before the bullet had finished leaving her body. She hoped and prayed that it had slowed enough that it would not kill Michael on impact. Now came the test, who would win tonight? Good or Evil?

Moon Dancer was ready and she prayed Michael was too! As she held him in her arms she let her mind enter that sacred place that he had first seen her, the grove of Rowan trees, the waters and her Spirit guides Wa-ya, Wolf and Wo-ha'-li, Eagle. The full moon shed its silvery light on the glade and Moon Dancer asked Michael to open his eyes, and speak with her. He felt no fear and strangely at peace, something he did not know existed for him.

You must decide now Michael whom you will serve. That which binds you in self hate, and self destruction or that which can bring you life and light in your darkness! The choice is yours tell me now, LIFE OR DEATH.

Michael looked at Moon Dancer and wasn't sure what he saw, or even what to say, to this being of shining Light!

"You don't know all that I have done," all the pain , all the death, all the darkness of his soul rose up before him and he cried out, " I can not live with this!"

She only looked at him with great sadness and quietly said, "Michael look into the water and tell me what you see?" He did as asked and saw his life flash in the waters as a reflection of the moon's light.

Much was as he had come to believe of himself, that Section had made of him. But there were other things that were good and of light, and he felt his tears flow into the pool. There was good in him and that gave him hope!

He struggled to breath and said, " I choose Life."

Nikita had made her way up to the front and saw Michael lying in Moon Dancers arms with blood flowing slowly from both their wounds.

She yelled out , "Get a doctor , they're both hit and bleeding badly."

Standing Bear slowly made his way to Nikita and told her "It will be alright, Moon Dancer is the healer and they will live or die as one."

Michael opened his eyes, they were so heavy and he was tired, so tired he just wanted to sleep.

But he heard Nikita's voice and focused on it. Moon Dancer softly called, "Michael, you need to be healed, please, let me help you."

He looked at her and nodded and closed his eyes again, too heavy to hold open. Moon Dancer smiled and started to softly sing a prayer of healing and asked the ‘Great Spirit' to save this young man and to bring the deeper healing of his spirit! As she sang she also asked the bullet to come out to her and it came to her hand! He was breathing easily and the bleeding was stopped. The hole in her arm was also closing as she sang! Nikita couldn't believe what she was seeing and everyone back at section watched too as Michael was healed!

Moon Dancer looked up at Nikita and her grandfather, ‘He will be fine now, he has chosen life. Will you take him to the clinic to rest? Nikita come with me please, we have a prisoner to interrogate!"

*************

Moon Dancer gently removed the glasses Michael was wearing, placed them on, and slowly got to her feet.

Nikita grabbed her by the arms and, in an angry voice, "What's going on here? How did you do that to Michael and what prisoner? We aren't going any where till I get some answers!" Moon Dancer winced as Nikita's hands dung into her wounded arm, and she felt just too much fear and anger from her to tolerate her touch!

She gently twisted free from Nikita and held her arm which was now bleeding again. Anger flashed in her eyes and Nikita involuntarily took a step back from the sudden change before her! The soft, gentle healer was gone replaced by a cold eyed warrior.

Then that look was gone to and Moon Dancer quietly said, "I'm sorry, I did not mean to frighten you. I have healed Michael so his wounds no longer threaten his life, but he needs a few days of rest before he can be fully active. And I know we have the gunman, JT has him in the security office. I assumed you would need to come with me for the interrogation as a representative of Section One. Will you come with me now or go with Michael and see he is safely put into bed in the clinic?"

Moon Dancer moved her hand up to the wound and the bleeding stopped.

She then said to Nikita, "How do you turn this com unit on? I would like your people to view the session as the prisoner will not be alive when I finish with him."

Nikita heard in her ear piece Birkoff's voice.

"Nikita, Operations wants you to go with this woman for the interrogation and let them take care of Michael. He will have more questions when you get there, you are to cooperate with them fully. Do you understand?"

Nikita closed her eyes and said "I understand, full cooperation."

She then showed Moon Dancer how to turn on the glasses by touching the stem and had her ask for a com check.

They entered the security office and were met by a very bruised and battered JT.

"What happened JT? How did this one get through the perimeter defenses?" Moon Dancer asked him as she also reached up to his battered face to heal the damage.

JT stood still for her to finish and then answered, "I am not sure how he got through but I do know it was only today. The other Red Cell ops are accounted for. Two in the casino and the women went to her room and is still there."

He walked them to a small room where a young man was bound to a chair by his arms and legs.

Moon Dancer walked over to the man and very gently touched him and said, " I have a few questions for you. Please answer them truthfully and this will be over for you painlessly." Her eyes went cold and the gold glittered in their depths, "Answer falsely and the pain will be . . . well lets just say you will not endure it for long."

Nikita shivered as she felt the room go suddenly cold with the soft words of her threat. The op started to swear at Moon Dancer. She calmly lowered her hand from his face to his side and squeezed.

He began screaming from the unexpected pain and soon lost all control.

"I will also not tolerate that kind of language, do you understand me? Now the first question I have is very simple"

The questioning went on for a short time and then Moon Dancer turned to Nikita, "Is there anything else you would like to know or ask before he dies?" Nikita asked Birkoff and received a negative, they had all they thought he could answer.

Nikita said that Section had no other questions for him. Moon Dancer looked at Nikita and nodded then turned to the broken Red Cell op before her.

"For daring to shed innocent blood on sacred ground you will die, now. With that she pulled out the long knife that was hung at her ceremonial belt and swiftly stabbed him in the heart. Nikita was stunned by this swift death and more so that Moon Dancer had killed him! She calmly cleaned her knife on his cloths and put her blade away.

"Take the body and dispose of it."

She turned to Nikita, removed the glasses and handed them to her, seeing the stunned look on her face, she smiled sadly and said, "The a-da-we'-hi can also be a ‘dark angel of death' as well as healer."

She gently took her arm and said, "Lets go see how Michael is doing and I need to change into clean clothes."

************

Moon Dancer walked Nikita to the clinic and, without having to ask, took her to Michael's room. Nikita went to his side and looked into his sleeping face, and couldn't resist brushing a stray lock of hair back. He stirred but didn't wake at her touch.

Moon Dancer said, "He will be OK, Nikita," as she reached up to touch her shoulder, she gave Nikita an added burst of peace and hope using her empathic gift to heal.

Nikita nodded her head and, moving to the other side of the bed, took in the small room. There was a cot over by the windows that were tightly curtained. And on the bed were clean clothes!

Nikita turned to Moon Dancer and, feeling just a little possessive, asked in her driest tone, "Planing on spending the night here Moon Dancer?"

Instead of getting angry, Moon Dancer smiled and chuckled softly, "No Nikita! The cot is for you as are the clothes, unless you care to sleep in your blood spattered gown? Or do you sleep in the buff? I didn't think you would want to be far from Michael and he should have someone he trusts here if he awakens or if he dreams."

Moon Dancer moved up to the bed gently touching his face, she continued softly, "He is healing but the journey will be a long one. Sleep well and in peace tonight ‘tlv-da-tsi'!"

Nikita moved quickly to Moon Dancer's side and stopped her from leaving.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think. Thank you for saving his life! I am grateful. I don't know what I would do if he..." she couldn't finish the thought of losing Michael.

Moon Dancer, feeling her pain, took Nikita's arm and pulled her in to a hug, and said, "If you need anything or want anything, just call out and I will come to you and do what ever is in my power to help, OK?" She looked at Nikita and headed for the door, again Nikita's voice stopped her. "The words you called Michael, what do they mean?"

Moon Dancer looked at Michael's sleeping face and said, "Tlv-da-tsi means panther," and she looked at Nikita, "You are called to-wo'-di . . .hawk".

She then left the room for Moon Dancer had a long night ahead of her to prepare for the next ceremony.

At Section, Operations and Madeline were reviewing the mission tapes. Operations was impressed by the quick actions of his operatives, and of the way this strange young women handled the interrogation. He was also impressed by the cancellation of the Red Cell operative, this one had Section potential.

"What do we have on this Moon women?"

Madeline turned from the tape that had stopped at the death of the operative.

"Birkoff hasn't found much on her, only her birth certificate. There seems to be no other documentation that Moon Dancer exists."

"Are the reservation records that difficult to get into?" Operations asked.

"Not at all, Birkoff said the system was easy to break into, but she is not mentioned anywhere. No social security number or drivers licence or any paper trail of any sort. That bothers me, its as if someone were hiding her existence. I would like to have a talk with her when this mission is over."

Madeline looked to gauge Operations' reaction.

He smiled and shook his head, "I feel we should pull this operation, bring Michael and Nikita in, and remove any incidentals who have had intimate contact with our people. We can deal with the Red Cell money laundering before it gets to the casino."

Madeline tried again, "I think that would be a mistake. Michael is wounded and needs time to recover, Nikita seems to have developed a relationship with Moon Dancer, who is related to the chief, and this gives us an advantage in infiltrating the casino for our own use. As well as Moon Dancer may have some other abilities I would like to explore. If I am wrong about her, then she can be canceled here."

Operation knew Madeline was not telling him everything but was willing to let her have her way.

"Do as you think best, just cut off Red Cell's funds and keep our exposure limited."

Madeline smiled and left to prepare instructions for Nikita and Michael. She still wondered if what they had seen on the tape was real or faked, and how was Michael?

These thoughts kept her company as she descended to her office.

*************

Michael woke slowly, one sense at a time, registering his surroundings. He smelled coffee! Yes that was it, his stomach growled, and fresh bread? The sheets covering him felt soft against his skin as he moved an arm up to his face. He realized he was naked.

"Oh well," he thought, "so much for getting up and looking for the coffee!"

He took a deep breath and felt sharp pain in his chest. He had been shot, was it only last night? How long had he slept? The pain wasn't so bad he had felt worse, and survived.

He tried to organize what had happened to them in the past 24 hours, and found it very difficult to concentrate. So much had happened and almost nothing as profiled or planned. He rubbed his head and gently pinched the bridge of his nose feeling a sudden wave of dizziness. Their cover hadn't held at all, and the intel had been faulty about the lack of cooperation from the Indian counsel. They knew who and what they were from the beginning, and had given full support to the Section operatives.

Then, there was Moon Dancer. Michael sighed and tried to put his feelings into coherent thoughts. Who was she, what was she? And, with sudden fear for her safety, what would Section do with her? Now his mind was really whirling.

"Leave that for later," he told his tired mind, "concentrate on what happens next and on getting touch with Section to report and see if Madeline had a new mission profile."

A sense of calmness and peace stole over him as he listened to voices outside his room. One voice belonged to Nikita, he smiled, she was safe. The other voice sounded like JT, and the other was their little guide Running Deer. His stomach growled again and he felt another need that would also need to taken care of soon. The door opened and first in was the wolf, Wa-ya.

"See Nikita , I told you he was a wake or Wa-ya wouldn't have let us in," Running Deer said, carrying a tray over to Michael's bedside and put it down carefully.

JT said, "OK little brother, take Wa-ya out and find Standing Bear, and show Nikita the com. center so she can call out and let her people know what's going on."

Nikita carefully looked Michael over, he seemed ok if a bit pale and the dark circles under his eyes showed the stress and pain he must have from his wound that marred his muscular chest. She had almost lost him last night! What would her life be without him? Michael was watching Nikita's face as intently as she looked at him. He could read the emotions play over her and he so desperately wanted to take and hold her. But that was not to be, they were Section One and that had to come first, or they were both dead!

"I'm OK Nikita," Michael softly said.

At this point JT interrupted, "Nikita was just going to call and get an update from your people while you and I take care of a few things."

Michael looked at JT, silently thanking for his help, and then to Nikita.

"Let me know what they say," he smiled, "I'm not going anywhere."

She saw the smile, a real smile, and knew Michael was healing as Moon Dancer had said.

"Ok , I'll be back as soon as I can," and she left the room.

JT looked at Michael and smiled, "OK Michael what first, the bathroom or the coffee?" This made them both laugh and JT shut the door and the answer was lost with its closing.

Michael was in bed, asleep when Nikita returned from her lengthy conversation with Madeline. She didn't wake him but instead went in search of Moon Dancer. This was going to involve the healer, and Nikita did not like the role this innocent had to play. Well maybe she wasn't so much an innocent as an incidental, either way she was bait for Red Cell and that put her life in grave danger.

She ran into Running Deer literally! She held him up to keep him from falling and laughingly asked him what was the hurry?

"Sorry Ms Nikita I have a message for, and have to find and,"all out of breath he made no sense to her.

"Wow, slow down a minute and can you tell me where Moon Dancer is? I need to talk with her."

Running Deer took a big breath and said, "You can't speak to Moon Dancer right now. She is on the reservation going through a purification ceremony, again, so she can dance the blessing of the Earth and Sky and cleanse the tribe and then all the fires will be replaced at the end of her dance. That will happen in two nights from now! And everyone gets to feast after!"

Nikita let him go on his way and she went back to the clinic. She had a lot to think about and to plan to make this profile work!

************

Nikita was working on her PDA when she heard Michael stir. He knew she was near him and, without opening his eyes, asked, "How long was I asleep, this time?"

She looked at him, struggling to get her mind to work, and softly said, "It's almost sunset and time for an early dinner if you're hungry? So, that means you've slept the whole day."

He got his eyes to open, looked at Nikita and tried to think, mission first or food? The growling of his stomach decided the question for both of them.

"I'll be right back."

In the other room he heard Nikita talking to someone.

"He's awake so could you bring some dinner and find JT he wants to talk to us. Thank you." She walked back into the room and sat on the bed with Michael. So close and yet so far apart but maybe, not as far.

"OK here is what Section has planned for us," and she proceeded to brief Michael on what Madeline had sent her.

Meanwhile back at the reservation, Moon Dancer was just emerging from the sweat lodge. She was heading for the ice cold spring fed pond next it to wash in it's sacred waters to complete her purification. She was dizzy from the fasting and blood loss from the night before. All the healings she had done also drained her energy to dangerous levels. No matter the lives of others were all she cared about now and if she died healing someone, well it was a good way to die.

The waters took her breath away and she quickly cleaned off the sweat, and exited the pool. Above her ‘Eagle' cried out a greeting!

She made her way to the small tent next to the sweat lodge to get her clothes on when ‘Wolf" came bounding over to greet her too!

"Ah, Wa-ya how are you and have you come to guard my night vigil?"

She did not wait for his answer but fully clothed headed for the Rowan grove to spend the night in prayer for the people and for the coming dance. A sigh escaped her and the thoughts of the two Section operatives entered her sensitive mind.

They were worried for her! That sent tears to her eyes. She was going to do everything in her power to keep them safe and see that Red Cell took no more of those she carried for, that included these two! No one else would ever die in her place! And Red Cell was in for a nasty surprise after the ceremony was complete.

But those thoughts were for another time and place and with "Wolf" at her side she entered the grove. Stepping to the center, she raised her arms and started to sing the song of praise and thanks to the Creator, and she turned to the four directions and sang to them. Then to Mother earth below and to Father Sky above and lastly for all her people and the life that surrounded her. Wolf and Eagle added their voices to the Song as did the rest of creation.

JT brought dinner for Nikita and Michael and figured he might as well join them, and see what the Section operatives had been ordered to do.

He would help them with their plan as far as he could, but he also knew Moon Dancer had plans of her own for the group that had killed her husband. And her plans would not include the taking of prisoners this time!

Mercy was not going to be shown to any of this organization and JT was very glad she was on their side.

************

Breakfast and the briefing were over, and JT. had left them sitting in the sun. Michael hadn't felt this comfortable and safe anywhere else in his life, and was content to just sit and enjoy Nikita's company.

"What are you thinking?" She asked him.

Michael smiled and said, "I was not thinking anything, just enjoying the peace and quiet and your company."

Nikita was amazed at his openness and the genuine smile. Who was this Michael? And how long would it last?

Pushing her luck she asked, "Michael, when this is over what happens to all these people? I mean we have no cover, they know we're from Section and Moon Dancer really seems to know so much that Madeline wants her brought back to Section? What can we do to protect them?"

Michael let his mind go over the many possibilities and didn't like any of them.

"I don't know what we can do for everyone, Nikita. The tribe and counsel will be fine, and so will JT if he survives, the take down of the Red Cell operatives tomorrow night. But I don't know about Moon Dancer."

He signed and closed his eyes and tried to see a way around Madeline's directive to return with her for questioning. Nothing came to mind, no brilliant plan or contingence. Unless Moon Dancer did not survive the attack, she would have to come with them and . . .

Michael opened his eyes and smiled at Nikita.

"She has to die during the attack!"

Nikita looked at him as if he had lost his mind!

"Are you sure you don't need to lie down Michael? We don't want her dead. We want her out of Section." The idea hit Nikita as soon as she finished speaking. Of course! If Moon Dancer were to die, she couldn't go with them!

"Brilliant, so how do we pull that off?"

"Let's go inside and try to plan a convincing death for the lovely Moon Dancer," Michael said with a smile and a much lighter heart.

It was early evening when Moon Dancer made her way over to the clinic to check on Michael and Nikita. From her watchers she knew they had eaten their meals outside and that Michael had rested most of the day. If he was strong enough, she would release him to the hotel room for the rest of their stay. It would give them more space and a lot more privacy. She was also curious about the plans Section had for her and for the Red Cell group that was intent on taking over the resort. If their plans were compatible with her own, she would let Section deal with the outside Red Cell group while she personally handled the operatives here. Then, whatever happened after the ceremony. She hadn't planned on staying at the reservation. She was to tempting a target for certain other groups and Section would be a problem too. Her people would be safe and Michael and Nikita would be safe! That was enough.

Wa-ya was waiting for her at the clinic door.

"How are they tonight?"

And with that she entered the clinic, and found the two operatives in the outer room talking with JT.

"So here you all are plotting behind my back?"

JT. blushed and got up to leave, ‘how could she know so much,' he thought.

Moon Dancer caught his arm and gently said, "Please don't go, I would really like to know your plans and I didn't mean to make you feel guilty."

Nikita avoided her eyes. Only Michael could look at her and he blushed as well.

"We have been planning and I think we have come up with a way to satisfy everyone, maybe. Would you listen, hear me out before you comment?"

Moon Dancer looked at Michael and then looked deeper into the depths of those green eyes. So he was going to protect her and try to keep her from sacrificing her life and put his own in danger!

"Well we will see," she thought, sitting down, and said, "I'm listening."

************

Moon Dancer had heard Michael out and then her only comment was, "That's an interesting plan, lets see how it works out."

She then smiled at them all, and told Michael and Nikita they could leave the clinic and go back to their hotel room. Then she simply got up and left!

JT was the first to comment, and he wasn't encouraged at all with Moon Dancers lack of response. Michael wasn't fooled either. What would she do? Tomorrow night would answer that question as that was the next time they would all be together. So they had gone their separate ways for the night.

As they got back to the room Nikita was struck by the fact they had only one bed and she wasn't entirely sure of what to do. Michael must have been thinking the same thing.

He turned to her and asked, "Do you want me to sleep on the couch?"

She thought gallant gentlemen as always and replied, "If I weren't so tired and you weren't hurt, I would hit you as hard as I could! So let's just share the bed and pretend we are mature adults. OK, Michael?"

He smiled, again, and said to her angry stare, "As you wish, Nikita. I do not want to make you uncomfortable. I would be happy to share the bed with you."

He then gently kissed her on her forehead and crawled gratefully into bed. Nikita was mildly stunned by his words and actions. This was getting to be more unreal and she wondered again where was the Michael she knew? Fatigue won out and she also went to bed. Sometime in the night they curled up together and slept dreamlessly till the dawn cast its light banishing the dark night.

The day was spent preparing for the evening ceremony. JT came to escort them to the reservation and a tour of area. This was going to be limited to the people of the tribe and select others. Nikita was worried, there were so many variables and this operation was so multilayered that timing was going to be the key to failure or success! She was also getting worried about Michael. He was pushing himself too hard! Would he have enough left for tonight? She knew he wasn't indestructible but he would do what ever was needed to get the job done.

Moon Dancer was also making preparation of her own for tonight and she would see to the safety of her people and the section operatives. The sun would be down soon and the ceremony would start. If she survived this night she would have to choose between the darkness of revenge or to change and serve some thing else. Michael and Nikita did not know she was aware of Section's interest in her and her ‘gifts'.

Well her death one way or another would take care of a lot of loose ends. She needed to decide which ‘end' would take her!

All the camp fires at the reservation were extinguished, all the lights turned off, except the one large fire that burned in the sacred grove. Michael and Nikita were positioned in the tree line scanning for uninvited guests. The three other Red Cell operatives were in the circle, bound and guarded by JT's security people.

Music started playing, flutes and drums and chanting. That was the start of the ceremony and Moon Dancer entered the grove and added her voice to the music. She was dressed in traditional white buckskin dress, white boots and fancy beaded shawl. In her hair was the eagle feather braided on the left side to show her statice as medicine women. The moon wasn't full as it had been in Michael's dream but the wolf was there and he knew the eagle was near!

Moon Dancer glowed from the fire light. She lifted her arms to the sky and sang first to the Creator above, then to Earth Mother below. She then turned in the four directions and sang to them.

Michael softly asked Nikita, "Do you see anyone?"

Nikita answered "Negative, no movement in my area."

The ceremony was near its completion and still no trouble, what were they missing? Moon Dancer took a torch from the fire and handed it to Standing Bear. He took it and lit another fire signaling that all the fires should be relit and lights came on throughout the grove. That's when the assassin struck.

Nikita saw him first, "Michael, the pool, there's movement in the pool behind Moon Dancer!"

************

Michael tried to get a clear line of sight to the figure behind Moon Dancer and was blocked by her and the bond fire that lit the grove with its flickering light.

"Nikita, I can't get a shot. Can you take him out?" his voice was anything but calm!

This was not in their plans at all and he hated the helpless feeling of having no control over the events.

She would die and he would blame himself for failing to protect her.

Nikita's voice came over the com. link, "Michael, I don't have a shot either! Where are JT.'S people? Do they have a shot?"

"Negative. His people are on this side of the grove too."

Michael stared at Moon Dancer trying to will her to look behind her and see the danger there.

Moon Dancer was aware of the danger and, in the time between one heart beat and the next, time stopped.

She was in the grove still but here was the white light of the full moon and her spirit guides waited for her. There was the presence of another.

"Moon Dancer, why do you seek the shadow lands before your time?" asked the silvery moon light.

She raised her eyes to Moon Brother and with tears falling as silvery drops onto the ground answered.

"I seek to leave behind the pain of my heart and rest from the trials this life has offered me."

There was great sadness in the voice of light, "You would leave those who care for you? And what of the work you have begun in Tlv-da-tsi? If you leave this night he will fall once again into darkness, with little hope of healing. Is this the true desire of your heart, little sister?" Moon Dancer looked to the place that Michael's spirit held in the grove, and saw what was reflected by the moon beams. He was ready to blame himself for this nights failure. He was not willing to see that others cared for him and would also give their lives up to save his.

She knew if she did not return with them to Section, both operatives would suffer greatly. But if she did go with them, Section was not a place for a healer! The killer in her would be fore most and her gentleness would be crushed to dust. That alone would destroy her empathic gift of healing with the laying on of her hands. If she died, now, could she let the healing of one so hurt, go unfinished?

"What of To-wo-di ? She will also not survive if you leave the healing of her heart-love undone," the soft silvery light asked.

Nikita was linked to Michael and she saw the tie that, if broken, would take her life as well. The tears flowed freely from Moon Dancer as she examined these pieces.

With deep sorrow she turned again to Moon Brother and said, "To live, I must take the life of my enemy. What will my punishment be for the shedding of his blood in the grove?"

He answered, "Then you will choose to stay in the light and not enter the shadow lands until called?"

Moon Dancer whispered, "v v" (yes).

The light in the grove grew to an unearthly brightness and Moon Dancer closed her eyes in pain.

"You will shed your blood tonight too and then do as you will be guided. We will always be at hand little sister, never fear.

With that assurance, her heart finished it's beat, and she was back in the game.

Moon Dancer looked into Michael's eyes, and she knew she would not let this one suffer any more pain, or even self hate, for her mistakes. In one motion she turned drew her knife and threw it as the assassin fired two shots. The knife appeared in her enemy's throat as the first bullet took her in the chest and spun her around as the second found its mark in her leg.

Pain, fire and then wetness, she felt the paths of destruction into her chest and felt the lungs start to fill with blood.

"OK Healer, heal your self or fail in the task given to you."

She turned inward and started the healing songs. Michael was quickly by her side, and protectively stood over her as JT. went to the body by the pond.

"He's dead," JT. said and looked to Michael, and then down at Moon Dancer.

He knelt and saw her struggling to breathe as the stain of blood on her chest.

"She's alive, but the lung is hit as well as she's bleeding heavily from the thigh."

Nikita came over to stand by the gravely injured women.

"Will she make it?" Nikita quietly asked. Moon Dancer forced her eyes open and looked into the green ones above her.

"I choose life," she said and, smiling, slipped into a healing sleep.

*************

Michael and Nikita were seated in Madeline's office. They had been ordered to report to her directly from the van. Michael was in obvious pain, his chest had tightened up and started throbbing the farther they got from the reservation. He had a pounding headache to go with it. Nikita didn't look much better. The dark circles under her eyes made her look like she had been beaten. Madeline took into account that, after the second attack, she had ordered them to evacuate and bring the girl with them. They had disobeyed her order and would now give her a good reason!

"I am waiting, Michael. Why did you leave the girl behind?"

Michael raised his eyes, trying to calm the inner turmoil, and explain their reason.

"Moon Dancer was critically wounded after the ceremony. She was moved to the reservation clinic and remains in critical, but stable, condition. She will not be going anywhere until she heals."

Of course, he was not going to add she could heal her self faster then anyone. He had to close his eyes. The pain in his head was making him nauseous.

"You can send in a team to retrieve her later."

"Nikita, you agree with Michael's evaluation of her condition?" Madeline looked to her for confirmation. Both operatives were protecting this Moon Dancer person!

"Yes, I agree with Michael, she was injured and won't leave the clinic till healed."

Nikita was getting much better at hiding her emotions.

"Very good. Michael, report to med-lab for evaluation and, Nikita, stay in Section tonight. I will expect your full report tomorrow." She smiled and let them leave.

This was a definite puzzle and Madeline would take her time thinking about this one.

"Michael, do you think she believes us?" Nikita softly asked.

"We told her the truth, Nikita." But Michael knew Madeline would not leave it at that. "She will have the reservation under surveillance for a while. Then, I don't know. Leave it alone, Nikita. We will work something out later if we need to."

Nikita nodded and helped Michael to med-lab.

Operations entered the office from the other door.

"Well, what of their report?"

Madeline turned to face Operations and calmly answered, "They were able to trace the identity of a Red Cell mole in the tribal's outside legal counsel. With his identity, Mr.Birkoff has bank transfers and other accounts Red Cell uses. We will be able to cripple them financially." "And the girl?" Operations asked.

Madeline let some of the irritation she felt into her voice.

"They are protecting her. But as stated she is critically injured and will not be leaving the reservation in the near future. I have people en route to the location to maintain surveillance. She won't get away from us for long."

Operations shook his head and wondered why this one had captivated Madeline's attention. Poor girl.

Moon Dancer was resting in the clinic, for the night, when JT entered with a cell phone. "Your contact in the Mosad would like an update on the money transfers you made out of Red Cell's accounts. Are you up to speaking with her?"

She sighed, "No rest for the wicked," and took the call.

"Yes, what is the problem?". . . .

The End

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