Disclaimer: LFN and its characters do not belong to us (unfortunately). They do, however, belong to Fireworks Productions, Warner Brothers, USA Network, Joel Surnow and the rest of the La Femme Nikita production crew, and the wonderful actors who bring these characters to life for us. We are only borrowing them for our amusement and are not making any money from them whatsoever. The remaining characters are our creations.

Operations was especially pleased with himself this morning. He was about to take down Dark Freedom, a terrorist group that had been causing Section One, and the world at large, enormous problems over the past two years. Section had gotten the break they needed to bring down the group quite by accident. On an earlier mission, Michael's team had brought in Simon Deshane, a member of Red Cell. During Madeline's interrogation, she stumbled upon the information about Dark Freedom. Now, the profile had been set and, in a few hours, Section, and the world, would be free of the plague known as Dark Freedom.

Section's chief grinned to himself as he looked down from the Observation Deck, which also happened to be his office. Birkoff was busily coordinating last minute changes to the profile as well as rechecking and corroborating all intel regarding Dark Freedom. Right now, Michael was in his office calling in his team. Only the best would be sent on this mission. And even if he hated admitting it, Michael's team was the best.

Picking up his coffee cup to take a sip, Operations turned back to his computer to check on a few other missions currently in play. He was getting antsy. He always felt this way when he was about to achieve a major coup. Oversight would definitely be in his debt after this one. That thought made him smile as well. His long-term goal was to one day run Oversight -- to remove George from power and take over himself. Then he would truly rule the world ... or as least as much of it as he cared to.

Taking another sip of his coffee, he knew he needed a distraction to keep him occupied until he could brief Michael's team one last time for the Dark Freedom mission. He hit the intercom and issued another order. "Birkoff. Have Madeline come to my office immediately."

"Yes, sir." Sighing, and wondering why the man couldn't simply call Madeline himself, Birkoff buzzed her office. She didn't answer right away, so he tried again. "Madeline, Operations needs to see you in his office right now." He waited for an answer, but none was forthcoming. 'Great,' he thought to himself. 'Now where is she? I really don't have time to track her down right now.' Sighing once again, he commandeered his assistant's computer and did a search of Section to locate Madeline. Nothing. He ran the search again, with the same result. That was odd. Madeline was in Section almost as much as Operations. Those two hardly ever left.

Deciding that perhaps she had left a message and no one had bothered to tell him, he checked with Security. He hit a few keys on his keyboard and Parker answered. "Parker, did Madeline check in this morning?"

"Just let me review the log, Birkoff." He waited for a few seconds and then Parker was back. "No. We have nothing on her. Is there a problem?"

Birkoff sighed. "No, I don't think so. Thanks." The only thing left for him to do was to call her at home. He hated to do that because, since she rarely went home, Madeline discouraged anyone disturbing her when she did, unless it was an emergency. As far as he knew, this wasn't one. But, he really didn't have a choice. Operations wanted to speak with her.

He dialed Madeline's home number and let the phone ring fifteen times before he gave up. Maybe she's out shopping or having breakfast or something, he thought. He dialed her cell phone. It didn't ring at all. Assuming he had misdialed, he tried again. Still no ring ... nothing. This troubled him because it was a hard and fast rule in Section that you did not turn off your cell phone. And you always made sure it had a fresh battery.

Birkoff's mind raced. Something was up. He tried to think of another way to locate her, but he couldn't. He dialed each number again, checked with Security one more time and tried Madeline's office once more. Still nothing. He was getting a very bad feeling. And he really didn't want to tell Operations. They had been through this once before when Madeline had been kidnapped. Operations practically went berserk.

Birkoff's mind then wandered to the time they had the virus outbreak inside Section. Madeline had been infected. Operations, who had been secured in his office during the outbreak, was so worried about Madeline that he actually shot out the containment shield to get out and go to her. Yes, the man definitely got way too emotional when things went wrong. And he was clearly over the top when it had anything to do with Madeline.

With another sigh, Birkoff straightened his shoulders, took a deep breath, and then did the thing he had been dreading for the last five minutes. "Sir, we have a problem."

Operations didn't want to hear it. This was his day ... he was going to succeed today. Nothing was to get in the way of that. Why didn't Birkoff understand that? "What is it, Birkoff?"

"Sir, I can't locate Madeline. I've tried all her phone numbers twice, and checked with Security. They haven't heard from her. I've done a complete scan of Section and she's nowhere to be found. I think we have to assume she's missing."

Missing? Madeline? There had to be some mistake. His mind just wouldn't grasp it. Even though he had heard Birkoff's answers to these questions, he had to ask again until he could regain his equilibrium. "Are you sure you checked everywhere? Did you try her cell phone and her home number? Perhaps she's interrogating a suspect or interviewing someone and just doesn't want to be disturbed." He grasped at any explanation other than the one he felt, deep in his bones, was the truth ... that she really was missing.

"Yes sir. I've tried all the numbers listed. And she never checked in with Security today. Apparently she never arrived."

Operations' mind was in complete disarray. He had to find her. She was his lifeline, his mainstay in Section. She was his right hand. But she was so much more than that. She was his friend, his confidante, his lover, his ... well ... he just had to find her. "All right, Birkoff, get Michael in here immediately."

"Yes sir."

Five minutes later, Michael walked into Operations' office. Operations was pacing back and forth like a caged animal. "You wanted to see me?" Michael could tell just by looking at Operations that something was wrong ... seriously wrong. The man couldn't hide his emotions at all, and he was in a panic.

"Yes, Michael. Madeline is missing. I want you to stand down from the Dark Freedom mission and get your team on finding her. This is top priority."

Michael watched Operations for a few seconds, then simply replied. "Fine. Do we have anything to go on?"

Operations looked at Michael as if to ask, 'Why are you still here? Why are you bothering me with such nonsense? Just get to it!'

"No, we have nothing. Birkoff has tried every number we have for her and she doesn't answer. She apparently never arrived this morning because Security has no record of it. That's all we know. Now I suggest you get busy. We don't have any time to lose."

Michael nodded and turned to leave. Operations called out to him again. "Michael." Michael stopped and turned back to Operations. "Yes?"

You know how important this is Michael. Do not let anything sidetrack you or get in your way. Do you understand?"

Michael stared at Section's chief. The man was frantic. He had always felt that Operations was in love with Madeline, and this behavior only added fuel to his suspicion. And if he felt for Madeline even half of what Michael felt for Nikita, then Michael understood completely. "Yes, I understand."

Operations nodded and Michael returned to his office.

Michael had contacted everyone on his team but Nikita before he had been interrupted by Birkoff's call. As they were all on their way in for the Dark Freedom mission, he didn't have to contact them again. He opened his cell phone and hit speed dial for Nikita. The phone didn't ring. Thinking that perhaps he had hit the wrong button, he tried again. Still no ring. He tried dialing the number directly, and still there was no sound. He frowned. He had told Nikita over and over again about turning off her cell phone. She knew better. She hadn't done it, in fact, since she had been involved with Gray a few years ago.

Michael had a sinking feeling. He didn't acknowledge what it was, he couldn't. He simply got up and left Section, heading for Nikita's apartment. He silently prayed the whole way there that she would be in her apartment and the battery to her cell phone was simply dead.

Arriving at her door, he knocked. There was no answer. He tried again, knocking louder and calling her name. Still no one answered. He had a key to her apartment, so he let himself in. Nothing appeared to be out of place. He walked through her apartment, a place he had become quite familiar with in recent months. He started in the kitchen and living room, but nothing was disturbed. He moved to the bedroom. Her clothes were all in the closet and everything was as it should be. Something was definitely wrong. He could find no evidence of anyone having been here ... even Nikita herself. That's what bothered him the most. If she had simply gone out and didn't realize her phone was dead, there would be some evidence of her having been there. Breakfast dishes, coffee mug, dirty clothes, something. And there was nothing.

Michael, taking a deep breath, felt as if his heart were being ripped out. Something had happened to her, he could sense it. Now, not only was Madeline missing, but Nikita was too. That was simply too much of a coincidence. Someone had taken them. Someone was trying to get their attention. And he had to admit it ... they had succeeded.

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

Michael stood in Nikita's living room allowing the shock and pain to course through his system. He knew that having these emotions was, and always would be, dangerous, but at that moment it didn't matter. Someone had taken the woman who gave him his humanity and he wanted her back. Memories of Nikita in her apartment flashed through Michael's mind: Nikita, her eyes full of tears, bravely holding her wine glass; slow dancing with Nikita; taking a bath with her, and waking up with her.

Wading through the painful emotions of loss he reached inside of himself for the cold, calculating and logical components of his personality. He allowed them to take control, for those were the only parts that could save her. Now the question was, who would want to take her and why?

The irritating shrill of his cell phone ringing broke his train of thought. Flipping the phone open with more force than was needed, he curtly said into the phone, "Yes."

"Michael, its Birkoff. Your team has gathered, except for you and Nikita. Operations is on the warpath and would like to know where you are." Birkoff said in a low, terse whisper.

"Tell him I am on my way." Michael walked out of Nikita's apartment toward the parking area.

"All right, Michael."

"And Birkoff, start a search for Nikita as well. She appears to have disappeared too." With that pronouncement Michael hung up the phone.

A pale gray room with one stainless steel table and four matching chairs as its only furnishings had two occupants. One who was sitting calmly in her chair, the other pacing around the room much like a caged animal ready to pounce on the next unsuspecting victim.

Madeline was tired of watching the younger woman pace. It was distracting to her mental computations. Finally she said, "Nikita, you are merely wasting your energy. You know in situations like this it is best to conserve it for when it is needed."

Nikita paused in her tracks, pulled the stray hair away from her face and looked at Madeline. "I'm sure you realize what is going on at Section by now."

"Yes, I do. By now, Operations is berating anyone who comes near him and he is losing some of his focus. But Michael will pick up the slack in that department. Michael has better control over his emotions. The question is, will they allow the missions currently active to fall by the wayside because of our disappearances?"

"They will find us, but at what cost?" Nikita asked of Madeline.

"Nikita, there is always a price to be paid. You should know that by now." Madeline said calmly as she picked a piece of lint from her suit. "We should just be prepared to take advantage of any opportunity that becomes available to us. Patience, Nikita."

Birkoff was checking for any sign of Nikita, but she seemed to have disappeared just like Madeline. There was no trace of either of them. Damn it, this was going to be bad. Operations and Michael were going to kill whoever did this, if it was the same person responsible for both disappearances.

"Hey, Birkoff. Is what I heard true? Madeline is missing? Maybe she finally decided to leave Section. Nah! I'd expect Nikita to do something like that, not Madeline."

"Walter, Nikita is missing too." Birkoff said in a low voice.

"What?" Walter exclaimed. Other operatives in the area turned to look at Walter. People did not usually raise their voices in Section unless something had gone wrong.

"Keep it quiet. Operations doesn't know yet. Michael is going to tell him."

"What's going on? How were they both compromised? It's not as if Madeline works in the field."

Birkoff looked up at Walter who was looking frazzled at the news of Nikita's disappearance. He was going to say something when out of the corner of his eye he caught sight of a head of white hair coming in his direction.

"Walter! Shouldn't you be working instead of gossiping like an old woman? Birkoff! Any word on Madeline? And where the hell is Michael? I want him and his team in the conference room in five minutes!" Operations strode in and out like a steamroller, crushing whoever stood in the way of his goal.

"Oh brother, is this going to be an unbearable place to work until Madeline comes back," said Walter as he stood in the aftershocks of Operations' temper tantrum. "Birkoff, let me know if you hear anything about Nikita. Okay?"

"Sure Walter," he answered absentmindedly, as his mind had already jumped ahead to calling the team into the conference room. He just hoped Michael got here on time. Operations wasn't going to be too happy if he didn't.

Operatives occupied almost every chair at the conference room table. Operations was pacing in front. He was burning with impatience; Michael was still not here. Did he not understand that finding Madeline was of utmost importance, he wondered.

He decided to commence the briefing without him. "As most of you are aware by now, Madeline is missing. We are assuming that she has been kidnapped. I want all of you to put pressure on your contacts to find information that will lead to her retrieval. I want all..."

Operations paused mid-sentence because Michael had just walked in and took his seat at the table. "Well, I'm glad you could find time in your busy schedule to make an appearance," was the sarcastic greeting Michael received.

"Sir, there is another variable that needs to be entered into the profile," Michael said quite calmly, apparently unruffled by Operations salutation.

"Enlighten us Michael." Operations crossed his arms in front of his chest waiting for the response.

"Nikita is missing as well. I suspect the two disappearances are related. Someone wishes to distract Section."

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

Operations studied Michael's face. The younger man never showed any sign of his true emotions. If what he was saying was true, then Operations knew Michael had to be in turmoil. He wasn't, after all, unaware of the fact that Michael and Nikita had grown much closer lately. He envied Michael his ability to stay calm, even in the worst situations. And Michael was, once again, right. Someone was definitely trying to distract Section.

"All right. This is what we are going to do. Michael, your team will continue searching for any intel on what could have happened to Madeline and Nikita. Birkoff, you will go through all the current missions on deck and see if anyone is capable of this. You will all report to Michael, who will, in turn, report to me. And remember people, this is top priority. If you have anything else assigned, see Michael to have it reassigned immediately. Dismissed."

The assembled operatives got up to leave. As Michael turned to go, Operations stopped him. "Michael."

Pausing, Michael turned to face the older man. "Yes."

Operations stood in front of him and rolled his eyes. He wasn't sure how to say this, but he would try. "Michael, I know how you are feeling." Michael simply stared at him, which made him nervous. He hated never being able to read Michael. He felt it put him at a disadvantage. "I know you have a ... close relationship with Nikita. This must be difficult for you." The young man nodded in acceptance of the fact.

"What I'm trying to say, Michael, is that I know how important this is to you. And now, you know how I feel, how important this is to me. But it's not only important to me. It is vital to Section that we get Madeline and Nikita back. That's why I want you coordinating things. I tend to get a bit ... overwrought, shall we say ...when things are out of my control. You seem to be able maintain control of your emotions. People will respond better to you than they will to me." Michael continued to stare at him, not saying a word.

"What I'm saying is don't let your emotions cloud your judgment. Don't allow rescuing Nikita make you lose sight of the fact that we need to retrieve Madeline as well. Believe it or not, I want both of them back. I know you won't let any of us down." Michael stared into the older man's face for a few seconds and then nodded once more. Then he turned on his heel and left. Operations simply shook his head as he watched the younger man leave.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Nikita continued to pace. Finally, Madeline had enough.

"Nikita, please sit down." She said it with as stern a voice as Nikita had ever heard her use. Nikita stopped, looked at Madeline, and then slumped down in the nearest chair.

Madeline smiled at her. "I know this is difficult. But you must try and remain calm and be patient. The only way we can help them is if we notice an opportunity when it presents itself. If you are uptight and distracted, you will not be focusing and something will slip by unnoticed. We can't allow that to happen.

Nikita nodded. "Fine. I know you're right. But what about Section? What do you think is happening to them?"

Madeline smiled again. "You're worried about Michael. Don't be. He can take care of himself."

Nikita snorted. "I should have expected as much. You don't care about anyone or anything except Operations and keeping Section alive. Of course, you don't have to worry about Operations. He doesn't have to go out in the field and do the dangerous field work. He can sit in his cushy office and issue orders to send everyone else to their death."

Madeline sighed. "Believe it or not, Nikita, I do care about Michael and all the others. You may think I'm harsh in what I do, but I have to be. We cannot allow anyone to undermine what we do. That is why we are so strict and unbending with our rules. If one person slips, the whole thing could come tumbling down around us."

Nikita stared at her. "Well, maybe it should. I mean, you treat us like dogs. And can you honestly say that everything we do is strictly for the good of mankind? That what we do is always so much better than what the terrorists we bring down do?"

"Can you honestly say it isn't?" Madeline retorted. She stared at the young woman. Nikita had so much potential, if they could just make her understand the need for Section and what it does. If they could make her see that sometimes compassion gets in the way.

The two women stared at each other for a few moments when the door to their room opened.

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

A guard walked into the room. "You are to come with me." He pointed to Madeline.

Nikita immediately jumped to her feet. "Where are you taking her?"

"That is none of your concern. Come with me." The guard stood there with his arms crossed, an immovable giant standing in the path of freedom.

Madeline rose from her seat gracefully. "Nikita, sit down and don't worry. I will be all right."

Madeline walked out of the room with the guard, leaving Nikita to stare at the four walls. Nikita's imagination was working overtime. She was worried about Michael. Michael could be an impenetrable wall, but recently he had let her into his heart in ways she had not imagined possible. Michael did not react well to loss. This scenario could be Simone all over again.

Was there really a need for him to relive that kind of pain again?

Nikita wanted out of this situation as soon as possible. There had to be some way to get a message to Michael. She had to think and she had plenty of time to do so.

Operations was standing in Madeline's office. He felt like a part of him was missing. Running his fingers through his hair in frustration, he walked around the room. He knew he could be abrupt and curt with her. Yet, when it came down to the wire, he could always count on her to be there, providing her insight and support. This was sheer madness. Who could have taken her?

He walked over to Madeline's orchids. Looking at the flowers, so much like Madeline, perfect yet requiring delicate care. He picked up the water bottle to spritz the plants. Madeline would be upset to come back to dead plants. After all the time she invested in those plants, she would be disappointed. No need for that thought, Paul, he told himself. If she came back ... no, no, of course she was coming back. No one here could possibly take her place.

A beep sounded at the door. Could no one respect a moment of privacy, he wondered. "Yes. Come in."

The door slid open. "Hello, Paul."

"Renee, what brings you to Section One?" Operations inquired. What was going on now? Couldn't Oversight leave him alone until he resolved the current crisis?

"I have been sent by Oversight to assist you during this time since you don't have anyone currently available to handle Madeline's duties, until you retrieve her, of course." Renee smiled at him as she walked over to him. She placed her hand on his forearm. "I am sorry about Madeline."

"Thank you, but we expect to have her back in no time so there is no need for your condolences." Operations was thinking there would be no replacement for Madeline until he saw her body himself. I will not allow what occurred to me in Vietnam to happen to her. To return to a life with no one waiting for you, or even expecting you to return, was not to be thrust upon anyone.

"I have been briefed on your current mission profiles. I can oversee and keep you updated on them while you search for Madeline." Madeline would probably kill me if she could hear me, thought Renee. Madeline was very possessive of Operations, as was evidenced by her reaction to my presence the last time I visited Section.

Operations decided that Renee could do as she pleased -- until Madeline came back. Upon her return, Madeline could deal with Renee as she wished. Madeline always handled these situations with such flair.

"That would be fine, Renee. You can work out of my office." Operations planned on working out of Madeline's office in the meanwhile in order to feel closer to her.

Nikita still had no idea how to get a message to Michael and she was beginning to worry about Madeline. It had been hours since they had taken her away and she still was not back. What could they want from her?

Patience was really not her strong suit. She actually wanted everything to go back to normal. Normal? Well, normal for her half-life as it was.

The door opened and in walked Madeline. But this was a Madeline Nikita had never seen. Madeline's face was mottled in bruises. Her left eye could barely be seen due to swelling. The swelling around the eye was so profuse that there was only a slit for her to see through. She had dried blood on her lips and down her chin. Her normally impeccable attire was torn and for bracelets she wore bruises with a matching necklace.

Nikita sat there in visible shock for what seemed like an eternity as she took in the picture before her. When jolted to reality by Madeline's next step toward the table, Nikita jumped up to assist her.

But Madeline would have none of that. "It's all right Nikita. I can walk unaided. Thank you."

Nikita protested. "Are you sure? Because from where I'm standing you are far from okay."

Madeline took in a deep breath and sighed in resignation at Nikita's naivete. "Nikita, haven't you learned yet that not everything is what it appears to be?"

Walter had been out shaking the trees hoping that one of his contacts would have heard something about Madeline. Although he did not approve of some of the things Madeline had done while working at Section, they had been through a lot together. They had known each other for so long and respected one another. He was not going to allow someone to kill her if he could help it.

There was that, and, without Madeline to provide Operations with some balance, things were going to go beyond weird at Section. It was necessary to find Madeline.

Then there was Nikita. His Sugar. No way was that light going to be extinguished if he had anything to say about it. She was the sunshine in his day. This whole situation was out of control and, for once, he sympathized with murderous intent. Someone needed to pay for this.

He had placed calls to all his contacts and put the word out that the information would be greatly appreciated. He received a call back from one of his contacts. The contact said he had something to show him.

Walter walked into the motorcycle shop. No one gave him a second glance because he looked like he belonged there. He was one of them. Ooh ... there's the new Harley, he thought. But this was no time to go shopping. This motorcycle shop provided a cover for one of the better fences. He dealt in information that supported his motorcycle habit.

Sebastian was huddled over his computer screen. He was in his late thirties and had been in the game for quite a while now. Walter met him when he was a brash newcomer. Walter had given Sebastian plenty of advice over the years, as well as having purchased some motorcycles from him.

"Hey, Sebastian. Whatcha got for me?"

Sebastian looked up and pushed back the inky dark hair that had flopped in his face. "Walter, man, did you fly here?"

"I told you it was important." Walter had no time for social chitchat. "Look I'm kinda in a hurry."

"No problem. Here it is. I got this from a reliable source. But it is not pretty." Sebastian handed over videotape.

"What do you mean?" Walter became even more anxious. Please don't let one of them be dead.

"Just watch it. You'll understand. I don't need to see it again." Sebastian shook his head and a look of complete distaste and horror took over.

"Thanks, Sebastian, I really appreciate it. The usual account for payment?"

"Yup."

Walter walked out of the shop. He would watch the video back at Section. He just hoped it wasn't as bad as Sebastian made it out to be, or Operations and Michael were going to have a very bad day, as if it could get much worse.

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

It had been twenty-four hours since the disappearances. Operations was becoming more and more unbearable. If they didn't soon find the two missing ladies, he might actually go insane. Or, at least, that was the scuttlebutt around Section.

Michael, on the other hand, was in complete control. Or, at least he appeared that way on the surface. His emotions, however, were in complete turmoil. His team was coming back slowly after having reached all their contacts. So far, no one had any information. Michael reminded them to keep the pressure on. Somebody, somewhere, knew something. He had also contacted all of his own sources. Still they had heard no news.

Walter had disappeared about six hours ago mumbling something about contacts. Michael hoped he soon returned because they really couldn't afford another missing person.

Birkoff interrupted Michael's thoughts. "Michael, the Yemen mission is complete. The team secured the target and is returning." Michael turned to the young man sitting in front of the computer. "Their ETA?" Birkoff punched a few more keys on the computer. "Two hours." Michael nodded and then wandered back to his office. He wanted to check his computer one more time to see if there were any messages.

As soon as he sat down, however, his mind strayed to the one thing he was trying to avoid thinking about. What were they doing to Nikita? Was she okay? Had she been harmed? Was she still alive? NO! Taking a deep breath, he ordered himself to stop thinking like that. He needed to stay focused. She needed his focus. With that thought foremost in his mind, he turned to his computer.

Walter hurried into Section and headed straight for Birkoff. He hadn't taken time to watch the video, so he really didn't have any idea what was on it. "Birkoff, tell Operations and Michael to meet us in the briefing area. I have something." Birkoff looked at his friend and nodded. Five minutes later they were all gathered in the briefing room.

It was taking Birkoff a little while to get the VCR hooked up. They didn't use them very often in Section. Files and video usually came to Section via computer files these days.

Operations' patience was about at breaking point. "Birkoff, don't you have that thing set up yet? If you can't do it, let someone else do it." Michael turned to watch Operations and Operations took a deep breath. He knew Michael was beginning to question his mental capacity. He shouldn't have barked at Birkoff. "I'm sorry, Birkoff. We are all a bit on edge." Birkoff nodded and finished the connection. Then Walter stepped up and put in the tape. "I received this from one of my contacts. I haven't seen it, so I have no idea what's on it."

"Fine, Walter. Just turn it on," Operations sniped. Walter hit the play button and after a few seconds of snow, a room appeared. There were no markings of any kind to let them know what kind of room it was, or where it could possibly be located. It was a very plain room with nothing on the walls and only a straight-back chair sitting in the middle of the room and a small table holding what looked to be torture instruments off to the side. A few seconds later, a door could be heard opening. They watched as Madeline was brought into the room by a masked guard. They couldn't see Madeline's face because she was brought in with her back to the camera.

Operations let out the breath he had been holding. At least he knew as of the time the tape was made, she was alive. Madeline was strapped into a chair with her back still to the camera. There was a voice coming from somewhere. It was a totally unrecognizable voice because, whoever it was, they were using an electronic voice modulator. It almost sounded like a computer talking. The voice was asking Madeline a question.

"Madeline. A beautiful name for an exquisite lady. I do so apologize for any inconvenience we have caused you. Are you comfortable? Is there anything we can get you?"

Madeline sat quietly and didn't answer. After waiting and receiving no reply, the voice continued. "Very well. If not, then we'll get started. I believe Section is preparing an assault on Dark Freedom, is that not correct?"

Madeline still remained silent. She wasn't going to reveal any information to anyone. The voice spoke again. "Please, Madeline. All we want are some simple answers. I really do not want to cause you any unpleasantness. So, I'll ask you again. Is Section planning to attack Dark Freedom?"

Madeline refused to answer. "I am sorry, Madeline, but you are forcing my hand. Paul, you may proceed." The guard, apparently named Paul, walked up to Madeline and struck her across the face. The swift intake of breath was the only sound heard from her.

The men sitting in Section watching the video flinched. All but Michael, that is. Operations was becoming livid. The situation was getting desperate. How could anyone do that to her? She was quite good at her job, but she hadn't been through anything like that in years. In his mind, he questioned why they hadn't taken Nikita instead. Then again, these people obviously knew Section One well. They knew Madeline would have all the answers they needed.

The guard struck Madeline a few more times before the voice spoke again. Still no cries of pain or protest were heard from the iron-willed woman. "Thank you, Paul, that's enough for now." Paul stepped away and stood off to the side once more. "Now Madeline, I really am sorry about this, but certainly, you of all people must realize if you cooperate, this will be much easier on you. Please, just answer my questions." The voice paused and then continued. "Well, let's assume for now that I am right. You are planning an attack. So let's try a different question. When is Section going to attack?"

The men viewing the tape could see Madeline take a deep breath as if to fortify herself against what she knew would be coming next.

Madeline finally spoke. "Since you appear to know us so well, why are bothering with these questions? You know I will not answer them. You are simply wasting your time and mine."

The voice chuckled. "You are certainly spunky, I'll give you that. I'm sorry, Madeline, but I'm afraid Paul will have to continue his work."

The guard walked over and hit her a few more times. Then he reached up and grabbed her clothes and ripped them practically off of her. Next, he took some type of metal collar and put it around her neck.

Operations jumped out of his chair. "I will kill that bastard when I find him. I will kill him with my bare hands."

Just as Operations was finishing his outburst, the guard picked up some sort of electric prod and began using it on Madeline. Her body jerked every time she was touched. After a few minutes of this, the voice was back.

"Thank you, Paul. That will be all for now. Madeline, are you any more willing to talk?"

Madeline didn't even bother to acknowledge the voice. After waiting for an answer that would never come, the voice returned. "Fine. Paul, please take Madeline back to her room. Perhaps seeing her like this will encourage her friend, Nikita, to talk."

The guard unstrapped Madeline from the chair and helped her to her feet. Then he helped her walk out of the room. When she turned to face the camera, all the men viewing the tape gasped. Her face was mottled and swelled. There was blood running from her lips. Her eyes were swelling shut. There were definite bruises around her neck and her wrists, from what they could see. And her clothes were torn and hanging.

Everyone was so shocked at seeing Madeline like that, they didn't speak. Once she was out of camera range, the voice had one more thing to say. "Gentlemen of Section One. I assure you that we mean business. Unless one of these lovely ladies answers some questions soon, I'm afraid one of them is going to die. I haven't decided which one yet. Perhaps I'll leave that up to you. I'm sure we will be sending you another video soon. Hope you enjoy." Then with an evil laugh, the voice was gone and the tape ended.

Unseen by any of the group, a figure had been standing in the background watching the events unfolding in front of her. As soon as the tape was over, Renee smiled to herself and moved back into the shadows so she could observe them without being seen herself.

Walter, Birkoff and Operations were obviously thrown by the video. Michael knew that it was up to him to get everyone back on track. He was in such turmoil himself, wondering if a similar fate would befall Nikita, but he knew he couldn't let it overtake him. Nikita's life depended on his cunning and ruthlessness right now, as did Madeline's. After taking a deep breath, he turned to the group.

"Birkoff, recheck all current mission files, including Dark Freedom. We need to be absolutely certain who is or is not capable of this. Walter, let your contact know that if he receives another tape we want it immediately. Rather than you wasting time going all the way there and back again, have him meet you somewhere close."

Birkoff and Walter got up to carry out Michael's orders. Operations turned and spoke. "Michael, I am still in charge here. I give the orders."

Walter and Birkoff stopped. Walter sent Michael a worried glance. Michael, however, kept his eyes on Operations. "Sir, with all due respect, you aren't at your best right now. You are becoming emotionally overwrought. I believe you need to get some rest. You haven't slept in over 40 hours. I suggest that you take a little time to try and sleep. We cannot afford to have you unable to function right now."

"Unable to function? How dare you? Listen to me, Michael. You may have enjoyed your little power trip replacing me and pulling off the Bergomi mission, something you should never have tried to impress George, but hear me. I am in command. You answer to me. And until such time as I am informed otherwise by Oversight, that is how it will remain."

Michael stood stock still for a few moments just staring at Operations. Finally he spoke again. "Sir, I do believe you put me in charge of this mission. I was simply suggesting that perhaps you should get some rest before the critical phase of the mission begins. I am sure you will want to oversee that personally."

Operations was infuriated at Michael for speaking to him in such a manner, and for being able to control his emotions. But, he also knew Michael was right. He needed some rest. After glancing at Walter and Birkoff, he turned to Michael once again. "Fine. I will be in my quarters for a while. However, I want to be notified the second we receive anything."

Michael nodded. "Of course." Operations stared at Michael a little longer and then turned to go. "Michael, you are in charge."

Renee timed her walk out of the hallway to coincide with Operations leaving the briefing area. She walked up to him and asked, "How are you?" Operations growled "I'm fine. Michael is in charge until I return. If you need anything talk to him." Renee nodded, watched him walk away and then returned to the Observation Deck.

Michael watched Renee with Operations. Something was nagging him about her. He couldn't figure out what it was, but he would work it out. For now, he turned to Birkoff and Walter. "Let's go. We have a lot of work to do."

Operations threw his suit jacket over the chair in his room and sprawled out on the bed. He closed his eyes, but was certain he wouldn't get any sleep. Nevertheless, after only ten minutes, he was drifting off. He hadn't been asleep long, however, when the dream started. Madeline was sitting in that chair in that empty room. However, HE was the Paul wearing the mask. HE was the Paul being told to inflict torture on her. He tried resisting, but he knew it was useless. The voice wouldn't let him go. He was being ordered to hurt her. It was his punishment. He hadn't respected her enough, hadn't appreciated her friendship or her assistance. He started toward her with the electric prod. Just as he was about to touch her with it, he awoke.

His face was covered with a fine sheen of perspiration and he was decidedly shaken. He didn't feel rested at all. However, he knew he couldn't return to Comm yet; Michael would just send him back. So he stretched out on the bed again, and went over everything he could remember, from the moment he realized that Madeline was missing until now.

Michael turned to Birkoff. "I have one more contact to see. I will return shortly. If you get anything significant, call me on my cell phone." With that, Michael buttoned his suit jacket and walked out of Section.

It was a short drive to Nikita's apartment building. He was tempted to go into her apartment and just surround himself with her things. It would help him feel close to her. He needed that right now. But, he couldn't indulge himself. Instead, he moved to the door across the hall and knocked. There was no immediate answer, so he knocked again, louder this time.

"Hold your horses, I'm coming" came the answer from inside. The door flew open and Mick bellowed, "Michael. Good to see you, old chap. Come by to see your little lady, did ya? Sorry, but she's not at home." Michael simply stared at him. Mick continued without a care in the world. "I tell you Michael, just between you and me, your lady is one fine bird. If you ever get tired of her, you can send her my way ... know what I mean?"

Michael was definitely not in the mood. He grabbed Mick by his shirt and threw him up against the wall. "Listen to me. Nikita has been kidnapped. She has been missing for over 36 hours. I want you to contact every snitch you know, turn over every rock you can find. I want to know where she is and I want to know in the next hour."

Mick was unquestionably nervous at Michael's rough treatment. "Sure, thing, buddy. No worries. It might take me a bit longer than an hour ... Michael tightened his grip and Mick cleared his throat. "Yes, well, I'll get right on it. We'll get your little popsicle back. Just don't mess up me threads, okay. I've got a hot little number coming over." Mick noticed the look on Michael's face. "Well, of course, not until later, after your Nikita has been found." Michael started to walk away but stopped and turned back. "If we do not find her in time, you will pay." Mick gulped and then quietly closed the door.

^^^^^^^^^^

Nikita still couldn't believe the shape Madeline was in. "Madeline, what did they do to you?" Madeline smiled. "It wasn't so bad. Just be prepared for anything. They will be coming for you shortly. By the way, I believe they are videotaping these little sessions and sending them back to Section."

Nikita's mind was working overtime. She had to find a way to get a message to Michael. What could she slip in that he might understand? It had to be something that only he would recognize, though. She thought about it for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, it dawned on her.

Madeline noticed Nikita's face and smiled to herself. She knew her young protégé had most likely come up with some way to clue Michael in as to who was holding them.

It was only a few minutes later when the guard came to get her. An hour later, Sebastian contacted Walter and said he was about to receive another video. Did Walter want it? "Yeah, I want it. But listen. I can't come to you. You'll have to meet me somewhere." Walter and Sebastian made plans to meet in a local bar. As soon as Michael returned, Walter updated him on the second video. Michael nodded, told Walter to get back as quickly as possible, and then proceeded to review reports from the other members of his team. No one was having any luck, except for Walter's contact, Sebastian.

Something was still nagging at Michael's mind. Why was Walter's contact Sebastian ... someone they had only used on a few occasions ... the only person that was hearing anything. And then there was Renee. What was it about her that was bugging him so? And there was something bothering him about Nikita's apartment too. He just couldn't quite get a handle on it.

Sighing, he went back to his computer to see if he had news from any of his contacts. Nothing. He was apprehensive about watching the next tape. He knew this time it would be Nikita. What would they do to her? He knew he would kill anyone that hurt her. He wouldn't think twice about it. It didn't matter what Oversight, Operations or anyone thought. He would make them pay.

Michael finally contacted Operations and told him about the second video. "Walter should be back with it shortly."

"Fine. I'll be right there." Operations put his jacket on and then headed back to his office. He was irritated when he saw Renee there. "Hello, Paul," she greeted him. "Is there anything I can do for you?"

Operations didn't bother with pleasantries. "No. I just came to get something." He reached down and grabbed his cigarette case. He was feeling a desperate need for one about now. Just as he was leaving his office, Birkoff buzzed him. "Sir, Oversight is on the line."

Great. George. Just what I don't need right now. "Put him through, Birkoff." After a few seconds, Operations replied. "Hello, George. What can I do for you?" He listened carefully for a few seconds and then replied, "Of course I know the gravity of the situation. We are talking about my own people, George. We are doing everything within our power to find them." Listening once again, Operations' face was turning red. "Listen George. If you can do a better job, then go ahead. Until such time, I have work to do." He slammed shut the phone and headed for the briefing area.

Walter finally returned with the video and they all moved to the briefing area again. Birkoff put the tape in and started it. They were looking at the same room with the same solitary chair and the same table of instruments. As they watched, the masked guard entered with Nikita. Once again, they were unable to see her face. She was strapped down into the chair. After Nikita was seated, the voice spoke.

"Hello, Nikita. I'm sure you know why you are here. I do hope Madeline encouraged you to cooperate. I would really hate to have to do the same thing to you that we did to her."

Michael's fists clenched as he listened to the threats. He had an irrational need to reach through the television screen and strangle that voice.

Nikita remained quiet. The voice tried again. "Oh come now, Nikita. This is not like you at all. You are usually much more outspoken. Perhaps you should say something, just so Michael knows that it's really you." Nikita snorted. "I'm not going to tell you anything so you might as well get to it."

Michael winced. He was grateful to hear her voice, and he knew she wouldn't knowingly give up any intel, but did she have to encourage the guy to beat her?

The voice laughed. "Oh my contacts were right. You are the feisty one. Well, let's try one more time. "When is Section going to attack Dark Freedom?"

Nikita stretched her legs out straight in front of her and swung her hair back. "How should I know? I'm just a lowly worker bee. I'm not paid to think and they don't tell me anything until they are ready to."

As Michael watched, an almost imperceptible smile appeared on his face. That's right, Nikita. Deflect the questions. Use as much truth as possible. Operations was even impressed. Not that he told anyone, or ever would. He even had to smile a little at Nikita using the words he had spouted off to her in anger a few weeks ago.

The voice spoke once more. "Well, yes, you are right, but I'm sure you must know something. I mean, you have to do some kind of preparation before you go out. They would have to have a briefing beforehand. And someone must be working on gathering information. I'm certain you must know something."

Nikita sighed. "I told you. I don't know anything about this ... what was it ... Dark Horse?"

The voice laughed. "Very cute. But I'm afraid Paul is going to have to help things along. Paul ... go ahead."

The guard stepped over to the table and picked up a vial and a needle. He drew the liquid into the needle and then moved over to Nikita. He moved her head to the side and injected her in the side of her neck.

Once Paul was finished, the voice returned. "Nikita. You have just been injected with a mind-altering drug. It will make you a bit "out there" for 12 hours only, if you receive the antidote. After that, I'm afraid the effects become permanent. I do have the antidote, but we will have to have something in return. Like some answers about Dark Freedom. I'll give you a few moments to think about it."

Michael wanted to strangle someone. They couldn't do this to her. They couldn't destroy her mind. It had been that very fate that she had saved him from during the war with Red Cell. Sitting here watching helplessly as she suffered that very fate was driving him crazy. Could this be Red Cell's doing? No, he didn't think so. He would find her. He had to. And he had less than 12 hours. If her mind became permanently damaged, Section would no longer have any use for her. Operations would have her canceled. Michael would not allow that to happen. He was about to jump out of his chair, but Walter, sensing his distress, put a hand on his shoulder to restrain him.

They waited for about five minutes. They could tell that the drugs were beginning to take effect. Nikita was mumbling something to herself but they couldn't hear what it was. Finally the voice was back again. "So Nikita dear, are you ready to talk? Of course, it's going to be much more difficult to give me the answers I need with your mind confused, but let's give it a try. Now, what can you tell me about Dark Freedom?"

Nikita groaned and then started to talk. "Dark Freedom. Freedom is not what it's cracked up to be. The Siamese cat had twins and went over the rainbow ..."

The voice groaned. "This is totally useless. Paul, take her back to her room." As the guard was walking Nikita out of the room, she spoke one more time. "My mother came over and over and over. And she was such a lovely sight."

As she walked back to the room where she was being held, Nikita hoped that Michael would get her clues and understand. They needed to get out of here soon.

Once the tape was over, Operations turned to Michael. He noticed that Michael's hands were clenched into fists. Walter was pale as well and Birkoff was very quiet. "Okay, gentlemen, we need to get to work. We can't allow these scare tactics to deter us. Michael, have you made any progress at all?"

Michael shook his head. "Not yet. My team has heard from all of their contacts and no one knows anything. I have one more source I'm waiting to hear from. Birkoff doesn't believe any of the groups we are focusing on is capable of this."

Operations looked to Birkoff.. "Well, obviously he is wrong. Someone was capable. We need to find out who. Walter, I want you to assist Birkoff checking all new intel and going through the files again. There has got to be a clue somewhere."

Once they had left the room, Operations turned to Michael. "Michael, I know you don't want to hear this, but I have to say it. You know what will happen if Nikita's mind is permanently damaged. She will be of no use to us. As you can see, she's already becoming delusional. I just want you to be prepared."

Something Operations said jogged Michael's mind. "Sir, play back the last part of the tape. The part where Nikita is speaking nonsense."

Operations thought Michael was simply grabbing at straws, trying to save Nikita, but he humored him. Nikita's voice was heard again, talking about a Siamese cat having twins. Then a little later the part where she said "My mother came over and over and over. And she was such a lovely sight."

Michael stared at the screen, trying to figure out what was bothering him. He just couldn't make sense of it. Operations watched him for a few moments and then got up and left. Michael picked up the remote and rewound the tape and watched it again. Something was tugging at the back of his brain, but he couldn't bring it forward. He stayed right where he was and watched the tape over and over again. Finally, after about half an hour, he knew what it was. He had a pretty could idea of who had them. He should have known. He would check with Mick to see what he had come up with. Then he would tell Operations what he knew. In the meantime, he would keep a closer eye on Renee.

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

Michael sat in his office reviewing Renee's outgoing communiqués, hoping to find a clue as to Madeline and Nikita's location.

"Michael."

"What is it Birkoff?" Michael tersely said as he continued to read the data on his computer.

"We have a problem. It's the window for the attack on Dark Freedom. According to recent intel, some of the key players will be leaving town on a mission. We need to move soon or lose this opportunity."

"How long Birkoff?" Michael took in a deep breath. How much more could be put on his plate at the moment?

"24 hours."

"Have you found anything to support that they may have Madeline and Nikita?"

"No."

"The mission will have to proceed. I will tell Operations. Get the team together."

Operations was not going to like this. He believed that Michael's team should be focused on finding Madeline and Nikita. Yet if Michael's suspicions were correct, then it was all the more important that all missions proceed as if nothing was amiss at Section One. Michael was going to make sure they stayed on course whether Operations liked it or not. It was the only way they could win this game of chess. The queens had been taken, but victory was still possible.

Nikita felt herself rising to the surface of consciousness. Pushing through the veil, her eyes opened slowly. She took in her surroundings. She was lying on a plain white cot and could see Madeline's back. The drug they had used on her had apparently worn off. It had been merely a sedative. She still had full control of her faculties.

She moved into a sitting position causing the cot to squeak. This announced the change in her condition to Madeline who turned around.

"Welcome back. I hope your rest was comfortable." Madeline smiled at her as she looked at Nikita for any lingering signs of the sedative.

Nikita glanced at Madeline. "I am just..." Nikita paused mid-sentence and looked at Madeline more closely. All the marks from the beating had vanished. There was no residual trace of the bruises, not even the cast of yellow that bruises leave when they have almost faded. Nikita was in shock. How long had she been asleep? She considered that by now Michael must be ravaged by grief.

"Madeline, how long have I been sleeping?" Nikita shouted. "Have these people gone mad? We have better things to do than sleep for a week!"

"Nikita, control yourself. You were only asleep for a couple of hours. Which I am sure you needed."

"Is this another trick? What kind of game are you playing Madeline?"

"None, Nikita, I am just as anxious to get back to Section as you are. The reason my face is no longer bruised is that it was a fantastic simulation that I was beaten. I was made to look like that in order to push Operations' buttons. As well as Michael's if he imagines that a similar fate may be in store for you."

"This is crazy and I think you know it. Why would they do this?" Nikita got up and started pacing around the room. Placing her finger in her hair she began to work out the snarls that had found their way there while she slept.

"We have no other options until they find us, Nikita. As for why they are doing this, I am sure you have your own suspicions. Tell me what you think." Madeline never missed an opportunity to test Nikita, even under the most adverse conditions.

"Well, it's a way to find Section One's weaknesses, such as if Section One has any humanity left in it."

"Good, Nikita. That is true. It also tests Section's reaction in a time of crisis, to see if it will continue to run smoothly without key personnel."

"But haven't we proved that already?"

"It has never been done to this degree. The emotional attachment that exists between Operations and myself, as well as the bond between Michael and yourself, has never occurred before. Therefore it is suspect, and a variable that has never been tested. The question is, who will sacrifice the good of Section for us?"

Michael walked the corridors of Section toward Operations' office. All the operatives stepped out of his path. They knew now was not the time to be in Michael's way. The buzz around Section was to avoid Operations at all costs. Anyone who displeased him could summarily be put into abeyance in the mood he was in. The other buzz was not to delay Michael unless it was absolutely necessary.

Michael could see the operatives whispering as soon as he passed, through his peripheral vision. Yet he could care less about the gossipy underbelly of Section at the moment. He had a task to accomplish that was going to require great subtlety and skill. Operations was not going to willingly go along with allowing Michael to lead the preemptive strike against Dark Freedom. Yet he had no choice. All other teams were on missions they had to complete. He knew Section had to appear to be performing normally. His team could get in and out quickly and complete the mission with the minimum amount of fuss. Michael could then come back to the most important problem. Michael knocked on the door.

"Come in!" was barked from the other side of the door.

The door opened and he entered quietly, as was his style. Operations was seated at his workstation and, in what Michael considered to be Madeline's chair, was Renee.

When Operations saw it was Michael, he got up from his chair. He hoped it was news about Madeline. He really wanted to have her torturers put into the white room and he wanted to inflict on them more pain than Madeline had endured, and then kill them slowly.

"Michael, any news?"

"Not anything tangible, sir." Michael quickly glanced at Renée, who appeared to be reading a report. "Just some vague suspicions but nothing concrete yet." Michael stood with his hands clasped behind his back and feet spread apart.

"Then what brings you here?" Operations was impatient to see results in their search.

"Another matter that requires our attention."

"What?"

"The Dark Freedom mission needs to take place within the next 24 hours. I have called the team in to be briefed. The mission will proceed in six hours." Michael waited for the inevitable onslaught of questions and protestations that would be forthcoming from Operations.

"Do you think they have Madeline?"

"None of the intel has indicated that, Sir. The mission still must occur."

"If your team is out gallivanting across the continent then we will not have one available if we need to rescue Madeline!"

"If that should occur, Sir, my team will piggy back the missions. But this mission will take place. We are not dealing with hypotheticals but with what lies before us. You know that the kidnappers wish to distract us from our current agenda."

"Don't you start to lecture me about strategy Michael! Remember, I am the one that taught you."

Michael remained silent. Operations thought about what Michael had said. He made a valid point. He had to concede that Michael was correct.

"Fine, proceed with the mission. I will follow up on some leads here." Operations resigned himself to Michael's obstinance. He would not admit that Michael was right. He would just take advantage of Michael's absence to pursue some things on his own.

Michael left the room as quietly as he had come in, his task completed successfully. He only hoped that he made the correct decision and that there would not be a price to pay.

"Paul, can I do anything to help?" Renee politely inquired.

Operations sat back at his terminal to look at reports. Renee stood up and moved behind him. "You're too tense." She placed her hands on his shoulders and began to massage them.

Operations was thinking that Madeline was never this complacent and generous. With Madeline it was always one step forward and two steps back. She was a wild cat in that she shied away from any emotional connections. Then again, what could be expected after her past?

Renee continued her ministrations and his head lolled forward. He was so tired and drained from recent events. Although he had Renee at his disposal at that moment, he would give anything for Madeline to be here giving the cold rebuff to one of his advances. That thought caused him to snap his head back into place. He grabbed Renee's hands.

"Renee, I told you once before, if you recall, it is on my terms. I set the timetable. Now is not the time. I have other items than I must tend to." And with that he rose and left the office.

Operations walked to Walter's armory. Walter saw him coming and prayed for patience. He knew that Operations was on a fine edge. The slightest push could provoke him.

"Walter, I need to ask you some questions."

"Sure, what about?" Walter was wary; what could Operations possibly want.

"I want to know about your contact, Sebastian. How is it that he is the only one able to acquire information about the kidnapping?"

"How the hell should I know the answer to that?" Walter replied.

Smiling triumphantly at Walter, Operations replied, "Exactly. That is why I think you and I should have a chat with Sebastian. He has to know more than what he is saying. So get ready to go." Picking up a semiautomatic pistol with a silencer from the assortment of weapons, Operations checked the clip. Seeing it was fully loaded, he slid the clip back into place. "I'll be taking this one -- make a note in your inventory." With that statement he walked out of the room.

Great, thought Walter. I can't even remember how many years it's been since I was out in the field with Operations. The situation did not bode well.

Nikita lay sprawled on the cot. She was pondering her message to Michael. Was it too vague or too precise? Would she get caught in her deception? She had faith that Michael would comprehend it and interpret its meaning. It was just a matter of time.

Time had never been a friend to her throughout her years at Section. She never had enough time to do what she wanted. Now, all she had was time and she was trapped in a situation with no obvious means of escape. Eventually, she began to speculate on what her captors' next move would be.

Nikita's glance traveled to Madeline. She just sat there -- unmoving. Her intense calm was irritating. How could she be so self-contained? After this much time spent with Madeline in confinement, she would no doubt be updating Nikita's psyche profile yet again. Like she needs any further insight into my motivations, Nikita thought.

"Madeline, how is it that you remain so self composed?"

Madeline blinked as if surprised to still see Nikita there. Madeline had grown accustomed to the silence in the room. "I don't allow my emotions to cloud my judgment."

"So when do you allow yourself to feel?"

"Nikita, that is a personal question that I do not feel the need to share with you." Madeline did not even want to broach this topic. Sometimes she wondered about that herself, but she banished that to the attic of her mind. "Section does not allow emotions -- they are luxuries to be indulged occasionally, when it does not interfere with work. It is a luxury some of us cannot afford."

"You cannot be an unfeeling human being. That goes against human nature. What would be the point of living?"

"Why don't you ask Michael? He is almost as adept as I am when it comes down to shutting off his emotions. I am sure he would answer your questions if he would allow himself to."

Under her breath, Nikita replied, "Michael is nothing like you." Madeline, however, has heard her remark.

At that point the door opened and this time two guards came in. "Ladies if you will follow us."

"Where are you taking us, now?" Nikita inquired.

The guards remained silent as they waited patiently. Nikita and Madeline rose from their positions simultaneously. The guards each took a position flanking them. They were keeping a wary eye on Nikita. They had been told that if anyone was going to cause a problem it would be her. So the guards expected some form of mutiny from her.

They walked through the corridors of the compound. Finally they were at the exit point. Nikita was hoping that Michael would be at the end of this enforced stroll. Yet she knew that was highly improbable.

Two black vans were idling in the underground garage waiting for its two occupants. Madeline saw this and realized that a separation was about to occur. She was trying to decide why this maneuver now. Time was precious; there were only a few seconds to communicate to Nikita the importance of cooperation.

"Nikita, it appears that we are to be separated for the remainder of our captivity. This is a ploy to force Section's hand. Just remember to remain in control and wait." Nikita looked at Madeline; she saw the concern the older woman had hidden deep in the recesses of her eyes. Madeline looked as though she thought one of them would not be returning.

"Madeline, I don't think this is a good idea. I have a bad feeling about this."

Madeline's head turned around to look at Nikita as she climbed into the back of the van. "We have no choice."

Dressed in mission black from head to toe, Michael stood at the corner of a building peering around it to survey what obstacles lay in the path of their goal. He glanced down at his watch. Two minutes until the guard change. His mind drifted back to before leaving for the mission. Michael had Birkoff establish a separate channel for communication in case something about Nikita was discovered while he was on this mission.

It was almost time to strike. The operatives were already at second position, poised to move to third. There it was -- the change of the guard. "Peterson move to third, take out the guards," Michael ordered as he moved to third position. Hand gesturing to Mentz and Snow to follow him, they ran across a span of empty space to the next building, which housed the targets. They barely made a sound in the quiet of the night.

"Birkoff, is the target still viable?"

"Yes, Michael. You may proceed. I have deactivated the building's outer security system. You will find them on the third floor."

Michael entered the building and shot the guard in front. He walked to the staircase and began climbing toward the third floor. "Mentz, Snow, secure this floor and the second floor, then follow me. Peterson, set the charges."

Michael made it to third floor and slowly opened the door. A guard was on the far right side of the hallway. Michael lay on the floor and took the shot with his silencer. The guard fell in a crumbled heap on the floor.

Michael approached the conference room. Mentz and Snow were entering the third floor ready to back up Michael and secure the egress route. Entering the conference room, there was Max Dillege, the target. Michael shot the two people standing next to him that were of no consequence and grabbed Dillege.

"Target secured. Begin egress."

Mentz and Snow took charge of Dillege and dragged him out of the building. Once they had exited the building, Michael ordered the charges to be set off. The building exploded in a fury of fire as the van drove away. The mission had gone off without a hitch. Dillege was in custody and now all that was left was to travel back to Section.

As soon as they were underway, Michael contacted Section. "Birkoff, any change in Nikita and Madeline's status?" Michael sat in the van checking on the team's casualty and injury rate.

"Michael you had better get back here quickly. Operations has gone and done something rash that has provided some surprising results."

"We will be there in three hours Birkoff." Michael thought that Operations could not be left alone without someone to balance his temper but the mission had to take place.

The ringing of Michael's cell phone broke the silence in the plane. "Yes."

"Hey, Buddy. Mick here." Mick was sitting at a Moroccan restaurant where a belly dancer was performing for him. Mick smiled broadly at the girl.

"Have you found anything?"

"Why else would I have called you? It's not as if we call each other to share the news of the day, buddy." The dancer came closer to Mick, her hips undulating in rhythm. "Hey love come closer."

"Mick." was said in a hushed tone of voice that would broach no more idle talk.

Mick received the message loud and clear. "See Michael, I have received word as to the whereabouts of Nikita but I could not find hide nor hair of Madeline."

Relief flooded through his system at the news that Nikita's whereabouts had been pinpointed. Now all that was left was to retrieve her. "Where is she?"

Nikita had no idea where she was being held this time. Except that she was being held in a private residence. She was in a bedroom with barred windows. The view that lay before her was of an expanse of trees that went as far as she could see. Imagining that there would be only one road leading to the house, if she was to be rescued it would have to take place through the woods.

It was important that Section rescue both of them. Failure was not an option in this kidnapping scheme. She had faith, though, in Michael. She also knew that Operations might let her die gladly, but he would never allow anything to happen to Madeline. Unless he himself was the architect of her pain, no one was allowed to injure Madeline. She began to wonder where Madeline was.

At least she was allowed to shower and change her attire. They had also been kind enough to provide a repast. There was nothing in the room she could use to aid in her escape. All she could do was sit and wait. Patience was not exactly her strong suit but at least she could pace all she wanted.

Walter and Operations walked towards Sebastian's place of business. Walter was concerned with what could happen if Sebastian did not give Operations the answers he wanted to hear.

"Walter, you can do the talking for as long as you are getting results. The moment I feel your commitment wavering in that quest, I'm taking over."

"Swell." Walter hoped that Sebastian had something for him as they walked into the shop and directly into the back office.

Sebastian looked up from his computer in complete surprise at his visitors.

"Hey, Walter. What can I do for you?"

"Sebastian, we need to know who supplied you with those tapes." Walter looked at him, trying to impress upon him the seriousness of the situation by his tone.

Sebastian shook his head. "Walter you know that is not the way the game is played. The other party would like to remain anonymous."

"Well in this case you are about to make an exception, for your sake."

"Ah, man, don't do this to me. You know they will hurt me if they ever find out."

Operations would have no more of this pussyfooting around. Time was of the essence and Madeline's life was on the line. What did he care about a low-level informant? He pulled out his gun and pointed it at Sebastian's head. "Now see here young man, you will tell us who your informant is on this matter and you will live. If not, well, I will not be responsible for the consequences."

"Hey, there's no need for that. Sebastian was going to tell us. Weren't you Sebastian?" Walter prayed that Sebastian could read the semi-madness occulted in Operations seemingly calm and gentlemanly appearance. He hoped Operations wasn't serious about the threat.

Sebastian tried to think of something to prolong his existence. "If you kill me, you will never find the answers."

"True." Operations appeared to consider the thought. "But there are other ways to make you talk." At that, the gun moved from Sebastian's head and Operations proceed to calmly shoot him in the foot. The discharge of the silencer barely made a sound, courtesy of the silencer. A large gasp erupted from Sebastian's lips from the pain inflicted by the gun. "Now, we can work our way up until you feel that you wish to cooperate with us," he continued as he moved the gun and took aim at Sebastian's knee.

Walter was aghast at what Operations had done. Knowing Operations was fully prepared to fill him with lead until he received his answer, Walter did not want to be responsible for Sebastian's death, if it came to that.

"Sebastian, just tell him what he wants to know." Walter pleaded with him.

"All I can tell you is that I am to meet the contact to pick up another tape in four hours at the After Dark Bar. The other tapes were sent to me by courier. That's all I know." Sebastian was clutching his foot.

Walter took off his bandana and wrapped it around the injured foot.

"Thank you, Sebastian. Let's go Walter." Operations began to walk out of the back office.

Walter gave an apologetic look to Sebastian. He handed Sebastian the cordless phone on the desk. "Call an ambulance." Walter followed Operations out. "You didn't have to do that."

"He was expendable. I had no plans to kill him, merely injure him. He is a contact. All he really needs to work is his mouth. Finding Madeline's location is more important than his foot."

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

Walter stared at Operations for a few moments. As they headed for the car, Walter stopped him. "I think we're gonna need Sebastian." Operations turned to him with utter disgust. "What on earth for?"

Walter sighed. "Think about it. He's to take the meet. Whoever is doing this knows Section ... knows us well. Do you think they'll just pop in and give us the tape? And if Sebastian isn't there, well, they're gonna know something's up."

Operations considered Walter's words. "Fine. Do what you can for his foot and bring him along. We will all make that meeting."

Michael and his team returned to Section and deposited Dillege in holding. Michael immediately went to Comm to talk with Birkoff. During the trip back from the mission, Michael finally made sense of what had been nagging at him. First, there was Nikita's apartment. It was too clean. Almost like someone had called Housekeeping to clean up after a mission. And then there was Renee. When Madeline had been kidnapped before, Oversight had not sent anyone else to replace her. There would be no need to, unless they knew for sure that she wouldn't be coming back. And there were the messages Nikita sent him in that video. He knew that Oversight had taken them. Now he just had to convince Operations. And figure out why.

"Where is Operations?"

Birkoff turned to Michael. "He and Walter haven't come back yet. They are taking a meet with Sebastian's contact. Apparently they're getting another videotape."

Michael turned this information over in his mind and made a decision. "Call them back, Birkoff. Tell them to forget the meet. We have a location on Nikita and we need to move now. As soon as they are back, we can move."

Birkoff looked at Michael as if he had lost his mind. "I'll try, Michael. But don't be surprised if Operations ignores us." Michael nodded and waited for Birkoff to do his bidding.

"Sir, it's Birkoff. You need to come back to Section immediately."

Operations huffed. "Birkoff, I told you we are taking a meet. Unless you have a location on Madeline, we will be staying right where we are."

Birkoff looked to Michael for help. Michael picked up his comm piece and explained. "Sir, I know who is behind the disappearances. And we have a location on Nikita. We must move quickly."

Operations thought about what he was being told. Michael knew who had done this. Why didn't he just say it? And why only a location on Nikita? "Michael, do you have a location on Madeline?"

"No. It seems they have been separated. But Nikita might be able to tell us where she is."

"Michael, I am not coming back until I have a location on Madeline. Now tell me who is behind this."

Michael looked around Section. "I'm sorry, sir, but I can't give that information out over this channel. We need to meet face to face to discuss this."

Operations was becoming furious with Michael. "Michael, I told you, I won't be coming back until we have a location for Madeline. You will just have to wait until I get there. Now, is there anything else?"

Michael made his decision without hesitation. "Sir, my team and I will be going to retrieve Nikita immediately. We will try and locate Madeline as well. If you get a location on her, have Birkoff forward the information to me."

Walter noticed that Operations' face was turning every shade of red imaginable. Something was going to blow soon. "Listen to me, Michael. I forbid you to go anywhere until there is a location for Madeline. She is much more important to Section than Nikita at this point. I'm sure you are aware that Nikita's brain has almost certainly sustained permanent damage by this time. She is of no use to us. Madeline is now our primary concern ... our only objective. Your team will not be going out until I give the order."

Michael had enough of this conversation. "I'm afraid we cannot wait. We will be leaving as soon as I can brief them. We will remain in contact with Birkoff. You can get updates from him." With that, Michael dropped his comm unit and proceeded to gather his team.

Operations was becoming hysterical. "Michael! Michael! Birkoff! Where is Michael?"

Birkoff rolled his eyes. "He left, sir. He is getting his team together."

Operations was yelling. "I want you to have Abeyance stop him. Do not let him leave. Do you understand?"

Birkoff hesitated. Walter decided to intervene. "Listen. Why not let Michael and his team go. If he knows who is behind this, I'm sure he can locate Madeline once they have Nikita. And if we find Madeline first, then he's probably already that much closer to her. If we wait until we get back to Section to discuss it again, it might be too late for both of them."

Operations took a deep breath. Why was everyone fighting him? Didn't they know how important this was? Everyone knew that you rescued the most important person first. Then, if you are able, you retrieve the others. Why was he constantly having to remind them of that fact? "Walter, we don't have time for this. I am not going to debate this with you."

Walter wasn't to be dissuaded. "Listen. What's it gonna hurt? I'm sure they are both still alive, or we wouldn't be getting another videotape. Let him go. He'll get them both back. You know he will."

Operations snorted. "I don't know any such thing. He will get Nikita back, but who's to say about Madeline? No, I won't have it. Birkoff, stop him, now!"

Walter shook his head. He knew that Operations was beyond reason at this point. And he also knew that there was no way on earth that Michael would be stopped. He would either kill those trying to detain him, or they would have to kill him to stop him. Either way, it was bad.

Birkoff relayed the message to Abeyance with a heavy heart. He knew Michael was their only chance of getting Madeline and Nikita back. He also knew Michael was the only hope for Section to return to normal. If they stopped him, it would be too late for the women. If they killed him, Section would never recover.

Little did Birkoff know, however, that Michael realized that this was a possibility. Therefore he had his team get their gear before he ever spoke to Operations. As soon as he had ended his transmission with Operations, his team met at van access. He would brief them on the way. So, before Birkoff had contacted Abeyance, Michael and his team were on their way.

Taylor and Simmons were the assigned Abeyance guards today. They couldn't believe the order they had just been given. Take Michael? Hold him until Operations got back? This would not be easy. Simmons had only worked with Michael once or twice, but Taylor was on his team frequently. He respected Michael. He was the best and everyone knew it. And, if Michael didn't want to be stopped, he wouldn't be. This was a suicide order if there ever was one.

It didn't take them long to realize that Michael was gone. He and his team had left Section. They had no way of stopping him now. Taylor released a huge sigh of relief. He wasn't ready to die. And he knew Michael would save Nikita and Madeline if anyone could.