"Birkoff, Michael is already gone. We can't stop him. We have no idea where he was going." Birkoff acknowledged the report with a slight feeling of relief, as he ran his hands through what little hair he had. Now what? He had no way of getting in touch with Michael unless Michael contacted him. Operations was certain to call in soon to find out if they had stopped him. He would be furious. Birkoff just hoped that when this was all over, he himself was still alive.

Michael stood in the van and briefed his team. "Nikita is being held in a remote wooded location about five miles from here. We will have to enter from the woods. There is only one access road and they would see us coming. We will park at the end of the drive and make our way from there on foot. If at all possible, we will eliminate no one. I have no intel on how heavily guarded she will be. I am hoping that once we are on site, Birkoff will be able to give us a reading. Of course, we will have to get close enough to plant the scanner first. Just remember. We take out no one if we can help it."

After they were a safe distance away, Michael established contact with Birkoff. "Michael. Where are you? Operations ordered Abeyance to stop you. What should I tell him?"

"Birkoff, listen. We are on our way to retrieve Nikita. When we get close, I'm going to plant a scanner. I want you to give me as much information as you can. Until then, I am going to comm silence. I will get in touch when I need you. Tell Operations the truth - that we are recovering Nikita."

Madeline paced back and forth. She could tell from the noise outside that she was in the city. However, this storage area where she was being kept had no windows. There was only one door and it was, of course, guarded. She hoped that Nikita was able to get a message through to Michael. She knew by this time that Michael was their only hope. Operations would be much too overwrought to function. She only hoped he didn't do anything irreversible until she got back. They couldn't afford any mistakes on this one. They were being watched too closely. If they failed, Section would definitely be in for drastic changes, the first of which she was certain would be Operations' replacement.

The door to her prison opened and a familiar figure entered. "Hello, Madeline."

"Hello, George. What brings you here? I would think you would be more interested in what is happening at Section."

George smiled. He did so love these little exchanges with Madeline. "Not to worry, my dear. I am keeping a close eye on things. And let me tell you ... it is not looking good right now for Paul. How anyone who is so emotional ever got his position is truly baffling. It seems the man is simply beside himself with worry over you. The two of you need each other. Each has what the other lacks. When one is missing, the body dies, much like Siamese twins. Now, do you see that the nickname is so appropriate?"

Madeline smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm sure he is functioning quite capably. After all, he didn't rise to the position of Operations on a whim. He is very good at what he does."

George nodded. "Well, yes, he used to be. But right now, I would have to say that assessment just isn't holding up. Of course, Section does have a saving grace."

Madeline looked up at George. "Michael."

George nodded in agreement. "Yes, Michael. He has maintained his composure and control during this whole episode. He has discovered who is behind your abductions. And, he has located Nikita. I'm sure it will only be a short while before he locates you as well."

Madeline smiled. "Yes, we did train him well. He is our best operative."

"I wasn't sure how he would react once he realized that Nikita was missing as well. He did not perform well when she was kept by Freedom League for those six months. But it seems they have become much closer and their bond is so much stronger. They are good for each other. They work very well together."

Madeline nodded. "Of course. That is why we put them together. They are a remarkable team."

George agreed. "Yes. And it seems that her abduction has only served to focus his attention on the problem at hand. Unlike Operations, who seems to have lost all sense of control."

Madeline paced some more. "I'm sure you're right about Michael. He would stop at nothing to get Nikita back. However, that can be a drawback as well. It can make for serious problems if he compromises a mission in order to save her. And I seriously doubt that Operations has lost all sense of control." She didn't really doubt it, but she would not admit it to George no matter what. Her job was to stand by Operations and that is precisely what she would do.

George watched Madeline closely. He knew she would never admit that Operations was a basket case. Of course, that was part of the test as well. He needed to know how strong the bonds were between these two couples. He wanted to know if Operations still had Madeline's total support. "Perhaps you're right. But as for Michael's persistence in protecting Nikita, I don't see it as a problem at all. As you yourself have admitted, they are a remarkable team. Unbeatable. They have even bested you and Operations a few times recently. They must be willing to protect each other at all costs if they are going to someday run Section. We need to know how strong their bond actually is. So far, I have to say I am more than pleased."

Madeline wasn't. She had tried and tried to get rid of that remarkable bond they shared. She knew it was a danger to Operations and herself. As Michael and Nikita became closer and closer, they also became stronger and better as a team. There would soon be nothing to stop them. She also knew they had a strong following among the other operatives. It wouldn't take much for them to stage a coup if they wanted. That was something she would have to prevent at all costs.

Operations and Walter entered the bar an hour before the meet was set. They made themselves invisible so they could see who was meeting Sebastian. Sebastian came limping in and took his seat about ten minutes before the meet was to take place. He ordered a drink and looked around. He couldn't see Walter or that maniac that shot him, but he knew they were close. He could feel it. He just hoped he could pull this off without giving anything away.

Ten minutes later, a young man with dark hair entered the bar. He looked around cautiously. He stood at the front of the bar for a few minutes, checking out the area and seeking out his contact. Finally, satisfied that it was safe to proceed, he sat down at the table with Sebastian.

"Sebastian, I take it?"

Sebastian nodded. "Yeah. You got something for me?"

Walter was in shock. Operations couldn't believe his eyes. He spat the name out with such venom that Walter knew the kid was in trouble. "Hillinger!"

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

Michael could see the house from his position in the woods. There was a standard guard rotation outside the house. Two guards at the gate, two at the door, and although he didn't have a visual count of how many were on the inside, he estimated about four. "Team one. Report."

"The scanners have been placed and are activated," Mentz reported to Michael.

Mentz, proceed with the your team to mark two. Team Two, remain at mark one." Then he turned his comm unit on. "Birkoff."

Poor Birkoff had been sleeping next to his computer. He had not been given the chance to rest throughout this whole ordeal. He jumped, startled out of his slumber and put his glasses on. Having anxiously been awaiting this communication, he answered quickly, "Yes, Michael."

"We are on site and the scanners are in place. Can you give me a reading?"

Great, Birkoff thought, maybe this whole mess will soon be over. Tapping some keys on his computer he locked onto the team's position. Reading the screen he reported to Michael. "Nikita is in the southeast corner of the house. There are five hostiles on the inside of the building and a standard security system that I can disable from here. Just give me a few."

Michael watched the house as he waited impatiently for Birkoff to report. He was so close to Nikita. However, it was not guaranteed that he would get her out in one piece. What if he had miscalculated and it wasn't Oversight that had her and at this moment she was going slowly out of her mind?

"Michael, it's done."

"Birkoff, I need an access point that will lead to little or no casualties." Michael began to approach the house from the southern side.

Birkoff was floored by that request. He thought Michael would simply want to kill them all for taking Nikita. "Well Michael, the easiest would be taking her from the window in her room thereby avoiding the hostiles on the inside. The window is barred though; you will require a small charge to eliminate that obstacle. Yet if they are alerted to your presence, this form of entry provides the greatest risk to Nikita's life."

"Okay Birkoff. Michael out." Michael cut off communications. "Team one go to mark three and be prepared to back me up if necessary. Team two move to mark two and keep the egress point open."

Walter stared at Hillinger in shock. Once that feeling dissipated, his thoughts began to run. Hillinger was alive. There were few people that could have saved Hillinger from an Abeyance mission. There was obviously more to the kidnapping if this boy was involved. Operations would have to be restrained from committing any hasty acts if they were to get Madeline back.

"I am going to eliminate that child. If it wasn't for Madeline, I would have done so from the start. But he supposedly had promise. He is a snake in the grass that has finally made his final mistake." Operations said this as he rose from the table. The gleam in his eyes spoke of murderous intent.

"No, sir, you will do no such thing." As Walter said this he grabbed Operations' arm and pulled him back into his seat.

Operations jerked his arm out of Walter's grasp and said angrily, "What do you think you are doing Walter?"

"Think man. There is something funny going on here if Hillinger is involved." Walter hoped that something would penetrate that stubborn head.

Operations took in a deep breath. He had been considering simply decking Walter and then proceeding to shoot Hillinger in a painful yet non-lethal location. Then his thought processes kicked in. Hillinger was delivering those tapes. Hillinger was George's new puppet. Which meant that George was playing games with Section. George had Madeline and Nikita abducted. Damn it! This was not good. George's ulterior motive could only be a test. Well, if George could play with Section, then Section could play with George.

"Walter, it is time to kidnap George's wunderkind." Operations rubbed his hands together and smiled as he thought of the unpleasantness he was about to inflict upon Hillinger.

Walter looked at him in amazement. That was not what he was expecting to hear.

Operations tapped his comm unit. "Birkoff!"

To his surprise one of Birkoff's assistants responded, "Yes."

"Where's Birkoff?" Operations knew that Birkoff would not leave his post for any reason, especially with Operations out in the field and Michael in abeyance.

"He is currently assisting another mission in progress Sir. Can I help you?" The assistant hoped that Birkoff's unavailability would not upset Operations.

"Which mission?"

The operative hesitated but knew that not answering could mean abeyance or cancellation. "Michael's retrieval of Nikita."

Something definitely had to change when this debacle was over. They couldn't even hold Michael in abeyance! Michael was always too good; but, Operations did take a sort of paternalistic pride in him. "Has he retrieved her yet?"

"We estimate that he will have her in ten minutes, Sir."

"Good. Send me a team with an interrogation unit to the safe house at Rouen."

Nikita was staring but not really seeing out the window, so lost in thought was she. This never-ending test was bound to drive her insane. Besides that, what would be the cost of failure for Michael and her? Test ... that was laughable. She knew that Michael would never give up on finding her. Those six months that she had been gone, he persistently sent messages inquiring after her. Although she did not respond, she took faith in those messages. Michael, even if he thought she may be dead, would never give up on her. Yet would Michael sacrifice a Section objective to save her? Nikita saw a flash of black in the corner of her eyes. She turned to look and there was someone dressed in mission black approaching the house. Nikita could not betray her awareness of the intruder approaching the house for fear the internal surveillance would see her reaction.

She patiently waited while the cautious intruder made his way to the window. When their eyes met, time came to a stop. Blue eyes reassured green ones of her mental awareness and stability. Green eyes exposed his lingering worries and relief at having found her at last. Both eyes conveyed their joy at seeing each other again.

Michael gestured to her to move away from the widow. He began to apply a small charge to the four corners of the bars. He moved away and activated the charge. A muffled blast was heard. Michael pulled the bars from the window. Nikita, meanwhile, opened the window.

Nikita climbed out the window. Michael grabbed her hand and they ran into the woods. "Team one. Is the egress route still clear?"

"Yes."

"Teams One and Two begin egress." The leaves crunched under their rapid movement in the woods. Nikita had no way of knowing which way was the right way. She had only Michael's guidance to lead her out of this nightmare.

From his comm unit he heard his name. "Michael."

"Yes."

"We have trouble. Hostiles approaching from the north," Mentz said urgently.

"Take Teams Two and Three with you. Use the southern exit route. Do not use deadly force. Update Birkoff as to our current situation." Michael had expected that something like this would happen. He knew Oversight would not make Nikita's rescue simple. Especially since they had Renee feeding them any extra intel that Oversight required.

"What about you?" Mentz inquired, concerned about Michael and Nikita's defensibility. Nikita was not suitably equipped; they would have to share armaments.

"We'll be fine. Just go."

Michael and Nikita ran deeper into the forest, away from the trail left behind by the other operatives. Michael made sure they crossed a stream in order to fool any dogs that may be sent to hunt them down. They backtracked and wiped clean evidence of their passing. By taking a series of confusing twists and turns that would not conform to an established pattern, it was their hope to exasperate and exhaust their pursuers' manpower. It was also a way to give them much needed time to find a haven of safety for a brief respite before dawn. They were prize foxes in this hunt. The area was a vast wilderness though, and it would take quite a bit of manpower to find them.

It was particularly helpful that there was no moon out tonight, and the night provided excellent cover for their pell mell flight through the dense foliage. And there was to be no contact with Section because of their botched exit. They would have to find their own way home.

Michael decided that they should stop and rest. They sat with their backs against a log. Nikita told Michael of how she was taken from her apartment and then deposited at an Oversight holding cell with Madeline. She also told him that they were separated and that she had no idea where Madeline was.

Michael was so relieved to have Nikita back that the tension he had been carrying around finally began to ease. Although they still had to make it out of the forest, he knew they would make a successful escape. They simply had some time to kill until they could use the alternate escape route he had prepared. Michael suddenly felt a wave of sleepiness come over him. He laid his head down in Nikita's lap and listened to her voice as he fell asleep.

Operations and Walter were trailing Hillinger as he left the bar. Operations had already contacted his two bodyguards and the driver that went with him everywhere and informed them of his plan to take Greg.

Walter could not believe he was up and about doing fieldwork again. He was getting too old for this, he thought. Hillinger, completely oblivious to them, continued walking. The arrogance of that boy to believe that he would not be followed. Someone fouled up in his training. Then again, it's not as if Hillinger would be expected to work in the field much. He strolled along without a seeming care in the world until a black van stopped next to him. Operations' two bodyguards jumped out of the van and grabbed Greg. He was injected with a sedative and carried aboard the van. Operations and Walter climbed in the van and they drove away to the safe house.

Operations looked pleased to see the unconscious Hillinger. Walter wondered what Operations was going to do to the boy. Although the question should have been what wouldn't he do to him.

A study in contrasts was ahead in a clearing in the woods. With a sig sauer in one hand and the other hand gently running her fingers through Michael's hair, Nikita sat keeping watch. A lioness guarding her mate's rest. Who would disturb such a woman? There was no need for anyone to disturb the tableau, for her thoughts were doing that.

The rescue mission had gone sour and their route of egress had been cut off. Their only option was to flee to the vast forest that was to the rear of the house that had held Nikita. They had no choice but to keep running -- their very future in Section depended on it. Section had to successfully rescue both women or there would be serious repercussions as a result of their inefficiency.

Incredible, Nikita thought, that Michael is actually letting me take the first watch. Their relationship had gone through a change. A momentous one, in her opinion. Normally he would be the one watching over her, as he has done since the beginning with only a few exceptions, such as the time he had amnesia. Yet she really could not count that one since he was not himself at the time. They were moving into a new phase in their way of dealing with each other.

Nikita shifted slightly trying to move her legs a bit, since they were falling asleep. At that movement a head popped off her lap and was immediately awake with gun in hand ready to take on whatever was a threat to them.

"Oh, Michael, I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you." Her eyes met his and delivered the apology for disturbing his much needed rest. She suspected that he had not been sleeping much lately.

"Don't worry about it. It was time I woke up." He would gladly forego sleep if he could wake up to her face every time. Yet the present called to him. He had to stop waxing poetic about her. They still had to find Madeline or Operations would make their lives unbearable.

Nikita saw the shuttered look take over Michael's face. She realized that Michael was not telling her everything. "Do you think they will find us before we find a way back to Section?"

"Anything is possible." Out of Michael's mouth came another vague answer.

Michael had probably taken some risks that he would not share with her in order to assure her safety and return. The least he deserved was her gratitude. She was so thankful to see his face. That face loomed in her dreams like the dark angel that floated away once she came close enough to touch. Yet the dream is not what she wished for. She desired the flesh and bone reality. Michael and freedom were her two most cherished dreams. These dreams competed fiercely with each other, however, because she suspected that she would have to sacrifice one to have the other. She demonstrated the tumultuous emotions to him through her eyes and simply said, "Thank you for finding me."

A look of disappointment crossed his face. "Did you expect anything less?"

She smiled in order to reassure him of her confidence in his abilities. "No, but I was concerned."

"Nikita, I will always find you." In Michael's head he added, 'whether you want me to or not.'

Michael's hand reached out to touch Nikita's cheek. His hand trailed down her cheek to clasp the side of her neck. He pulled her face toward his and brushed his lips against hers. That was all the invitation Nikita needed. She wrapped her arms around his neck and held him close as their lips danced.

His hands wandered underneath her hair, brushing it aside and clearing the path for his lips to trail down her soft neck, placing gentle kisses along the way. He was so close she could breathe in that scent that was uniquely Michael. A contented sigh slipped past her lips as he moved lower.

Michael regretfully pulled away. Nikita looked at him with a questioning gaze.

"We have to keep moving. The team should have left some transportation for us about five kilometers from here."

"Why did we wait?" Curiosity and a desire for completion of their most recent activity compelled her to ask.

"I wanted to be alone with you ... and to give our pursuers a false illusion." Michael got up and offered his hand to Nikita. She grasped his hand and pulled herself up.

They walked through the woods hand in hand, enjoying the silence. But Nikita still had unanswered questions. "Michael, why would Oversight do this?"

Michael considered the question as he stepped over a branch. He could smell the autumn in the air. "To determine where, or if, Section is vulnerable to emotional attachments."

"So, are you vulnerable?" Nikita knew she was a glutton for punishment when she asked questions like these. Yet she had to know, and Michael would tell her in that cut and dried way of his that either elevated her to joy or wounded her deeply.

"No."

Nikita paused briefly in her walking and looked at Michael, not believing that he had said that. But a small corner of her mind was saying, this is Michael and you have known it all along. His job is very important to him.

Then Michael whispered roughly, "It does not affect me until all hope of finding you is lost."

Nikita grasped his hand tightly, touched that he would say that to her. She knew how hard it was for Michael to voice his emotions. She treasured those confessions from his soul. They were part of the high notes of her life. Yet she also realized that they had given him the wrong test.

They made their way to the side of the road. There, underneath a camouflage of leaves and a tarp, lay a motorcycle. Michael lifted the motorcycle up and revved the engine to life, gesturing to Nikita to mount the cycle behind him.

Nikita wrapped her arms around Michael. He touched both of her hands to make sure she was secure before pulling onto the road. The ride down the lonely stretch of road was a brief moment of peace for them. Nikita rested her head on Michael's back. She snuggled closer to him, if that was possible, becoming one person as they leaned into each curve. Michael knew that it had to come to an end. He turned on his comm unit. "Birkoff."

"Michael, great. Do you have Nikita?" Birkoff anxiously awaited the answer, praying that his answer would be in the affirmative.

"Yes, I have her. We are on our way back to Section. Has Madeline been found?"

"No. We need you to run another mission. The team will meet you and Nikita at Sector 7 in an hour. They will have the mission profile for you."

"Where is Operations?"

"He is still out with Walter."

"All right, Birkoff, we will meet the team."

At the house in Rouen, Walter sat uncomfortably at the kitchen table. He knew that Hillinger was in the dining room facing an array of torture equipment. Operations was gleefully watching from the two-way mirror. They had sent the torture twins' trainees, two sweet looking angels who looked as if they couldn't hurt a fly when, in fact, they must have spent their childhoods pulling the wings off of dragonflies, at the very least. He could feel some pity for Hillinger, but not much. Hillinger had not done much to endear himself at Section.

Operations did not want Hillinger to know that it was he who was behind this kidnapping, at least not yet. He made sure that the room they had placed Hillinger in had no phones, computers or anything that would aid the little genius. The only people who even spoke to him were the little angels. They could not be wheedled or cajoled, nor would they submit to cries for mercy. In fact, they reveled in their job.

Finally, Operations came out triumphant. "I know where Madeline is! Is Michael's team ready?"

"Yeah. They are awaiting orders. And just in case you were curious or cared, Nikita is with them and she is fine."

"Excellent! Soon this farce will be over and Madeline will be back where she belongs."

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

Operations contacted Section and relayed the information they had gotten from Hillinger. "Birkoff, get this to Michael immediately. And tell him they are to get Madeline back at any cost. And I mean ... any cost."

Birkoff rolled his eyes. "Yes sir."

A few minutes later, Hillinger came out of the room where he had been held. He was a bit groggy, but was alert enough to realize who had kidnapped him.

"Well, if it isn't the bullfrog and the geezer."

Walter snorted and Operations wanted to throttle him. "Listen to me, Hillinger. You may be George's pet, but you had better watch your step. If we don't find Madeline, you will not be returning to Oversight.

Hillinger, as cocky as ever, laughed at Operations. "Chill out. I'm sure once George is done with Madeline, you won't have a thing to worry about. Of course, she'll probably never wanna look at your sorry face again."

Operations lunged for Greg, but Walter grabbed him and stopped him. "Calm down, man. Don't let that kid pull your chain. That's what he's trying to do. You know George isn't gonna injure or kill Madeline."

Operations jerked his arm away from Walter and glared at him. "And just how do you know that, Walter? Is it the fact that he's so loyal to me? The fact that he thinks Madeline and I are the best people for the job? Or maybe it would be because he forgives us for killing Adrian? Or perhaps you're working for him too! He's already had her beaten, for heaven's sake!"

Walter sighed. He might as well give up. Operations was very close to being way out of control and he wouldn't get anywhere near normal again until Madeline was standing right in front of him. "Listen. You yourself said this was a test. He didn't really harm Nikita, I'm sure Madeline will be fine as well."

"Yeah, listen to the geezer, old man. You never have been, nor will you ever be, better than George. If he wanted her dead, he could have done it a long time ago. You too. Personally, I don't see why he's letting you hang around. I'm sure Michael and Nikita would be more than capable of handling your job."

Operations was seething again. Walter decided to intervene once more. "Shut up Hillinger, or the next time I might put a bullet in you."

Michael, Nikita and the rest of the team surrounded the warehouse. It was located in a part of town that was dubbed the "warehouse district." So many buildings that all looked exactly the same. It had been a good choice Michael admitted to himself.

"Team two, cover the rear. Team three, you have the front. Nikita and I will get to the roof and then enter through the window at the rear. We have no idea how many are inside, so be prepared. Go."

Everyone took their position and watched as Michael and Nikita scaled the building to the roof. They never made a sound. Once they were on the roof, they hooked up their harnesses and connected the ropes securely to the roof.

The door to Madeline's "cell" opened and a well-dressed young man entered and whispered something to George.

"Well, Madeline, it seems it's time for me to leave. I do believe your stay here will be over quite soon. We will meet back at Section in three hours. I want a meeting with you, Operations, Michael and Nikita. We will meet in Committee. Don't keep me waiting. Until later."

And with that George walked out of the room, locking the door behind him. Her mind immediately started to process what could be happening. Was someone coming? Was she about to be rescued? Or had Operations botched things so badly that George was just going to let her go? She certainly hoped not. That would be disastrous.

At that moment the window to the rear of her room exploded as two black clad operatives sailed in with guns at the ready. As there was no one in sight besides Madeline, no shots were fired. The operatives landed on the ground and unhooked themselves from their harnesses.

"Michael. Congratulations. I knew you wouldn't let us down. Have you found Nikita?"

The other operative pulled off the black cap and blond hair went flying in every direction. Madeline smiled, but the smile didn't quite reach her eyes. "Yes. I see that you have."

Nikita studied Madeline's face. She knew the older woman was ticked -- probably because she hadn't been rescued first. "It's nice to see you too, Madeline. And don't be so touchy. It's not Michael's fault that Section got my location before Operations got intel on your location."

Madeline smiled. Nikita was getting much better at reading her. Not something she was particularly pleased with. "Perhaps you are right, Nikita." She would make sure to check out all the details as soon as she returned and find out exactly what Michael knew when. It wouldn't go well for him if he put off rescuing a senior member of Section to rescue his love. And, if that were the case, he would be punished.

Michael stood back silently and listened to the exchange. He knew he wasn't out of the woods as far as Madeline was concerned. For that matter, probably not Operations either. But they would review the files and see that he did what any competent operative would have done. He had a location on one of the hostages. He had to retrieve her. It just happened that he had received intel on Nikita first. If he had found out where Madeline was first, he would have retrieved her and then scoured Heaven and Earth to find Nikita. They couldn't fault him for anything. Well, of course, he had disobeyed a direct order from Operations, but under the circumstances, who could blame him? Operations had not been functioning competently. Oversight would understand.

Finally he spoke. "Are you all right, Madeline?"

She turned to him, politeness personified. "Yes, Michael, I'm fine. Thank you. But we should be going. George wants to meet with us in Committee in three hours. All of us."

Michael nodded and then told the teams to head for the van. It wasn't long before they were headed back to Section.

Operations and Walter got back to Section with Hillinger first. As they headed for Operations' office, Renee intercepted them.

"Paul. I'm so glad you're back. I was beginning to worry. Did you find Madeline?"

Operations glared at her. "Yes. Michael's team is bringing her back now. Oh and by the way, I think this belongs to you," and he shoved Hillinger toward her. "Get out of here now and take him with you."

Renee studied Operations for a few moments and then turned to leave. "Let's go Greg. Our work is done here."

Greg, who never knew when to shut up, couldn't resist a parting shot. "Hey, it's been fun guys. We'll have to do this again sometime real soon."

Renee grabbed his arm and pulled him with her. It wasn't long before Renee had cleared out of Operations' office and they were gone.

About a half hour later, Michael's team arrived. Michael, Nikita and Madeline walked through Comm. Birkoff was never more glad to see any three people in his life. Madeline smiled at him and then headed for Operations' office. Michael and Nikita headed for Michael's office. Birkoff called out to her.

"Nikita."

Nikita said something to Michael, who nodded, and then she came back to see what Birkoff wanted. "Yeah, Birkoff?"

"Are you okay? I mean, did the drugs mess you up? Did they hurt you?"

Nikita smiled and put her hand on his arm. "I'm fine Birkoff. It was only a sedative. I was just acting for Section's benefit. I'm sorry, but I didn't have any choice."

Birkoff nodded. "I know. So Michael was right? Oversight took you? Why?"

Nikita sighed. "Yeah, he was right. And it's a long story. Right now I've gotta go get cleaned up. George wants to meet with us in a little while. I'll tell you all about it sometime."

Birkoff nodded and Nikita got up and headed for Michael's office.

Madeline slipped into Operations' office very quietly. Even though he knew she had returned, he hadn't seen her. As soon as she was in the room, however, he sensed it. He felt her presence.

He turned to look at her and was amazed at the sight before him. "Madeline, your face ... your bruises ..."

Madeline walked over to him. "They were fake. It was simply a weapon to use against you. They wanted to gauge your reactions."

Operations nodded. "It's good to have you back. We missed you."

Madeline smiled. "I'm sure things ran very well while I was gone. Renee would have seen to that."

Operations rolled his eyes. "She was competent. But she was also a pest. No one can do the job as well as you, Madeline."

"Thank you. Now, I believe we should prepare for our meeting with George."

Operations nodded and they moved to the computer banks to review the files of the last few days.

Nikita walked into Michael's office after her chat with Birkoff. He was sitting very still in his chair, his eyes closed. She realized he must be exhausted.

"Michael, did you get any sleep, other than the few minutes out in the woods after you found me?" Michael sighed and looked at the woman he loved more than anything. The only person who could ever make him believe he was human. The woman who was, purely and simply, his life. "I'm fine. What about you? You seem fine, but did the drugs have any lasting affects?"

Nikita shook her head. "No, it was only a sedative. The rest was just acting on my part. I'm just glad you figured out what I was trying to tell you."

Michael nodded. "So am I. It took viewing the tape a few times, but then I realized what you were saying. It was torture watching that tape, not knowing it wasn't real. I wanted to kill them for hurting you. I wanted to kill them for just taking you."

Nikita knew there was more. Something he wasn't saying. "What is it Michael? Tell me."

Michael glanced up at here again and then whispered, "I felt so alone, Kita."

Nikita got up and walked around to his chair. She ran her hand lightly down the side of his face. "Shhh, Michael. It's over. I'm here. You aren't alone, and you never will be."

They stayed that way for a few moments, just watching each other, feeling each other close, just being together. Finally Nikita stood up.

"I guess we'd better get to Committee. We shouldn't keep George waiting."

She turned to leave as Michael stood up. She had only taken a step when Michael's hand reached out to stop her. "Kita."

She stopped and turned back to him. "Michael?"

He stepped close to her and then took her face in his hands. He leaned in and kissed her, softly, gently, offering a promise of things to come. Then he spoke so quietly she barely heard him. "Don't ever leave me."

Nikita, brought to tears by Michael's words, hugged him to her and said, "I won't Michael. I promise. I could never leave you. Trust me."

After a few moments of holding each other, they turned and headed for Committee together.

Everyone was seated around a conference table. George was at one end of the table. Operations and Madeline were seated to his left, while Michael and Nikita were seated to his right. There were a few security people stationed at all entrances to Committee so the group wouldn't be disturbed. Renee was back, overseeing things in Comm until the meeting was over. Hillinger was seated at the opposite end of the table from George.

"Well, it seems congratulations are in order. You've done well."

Operations nodded. "Thank you. Did you expect anything less?"

George simply watched Operations for a few moments and then continued. "Of course, some of you performed much better than others. This information will be taken into consideration by Oversight. We may have to rethink some of our upper level management."

Operations was turning red. He was furious. He knew George would do his best to oust him and put Michael in his place. But he wouldn't go down without a fight.

"I'm sure the files will bear out the fact that we handled ourselves very well. We maintained mission integrity, discovered who had taken Madeline and Nikita and rescued them without any change in proficiency. We didn't skip a beat."

George nodded. "You're right. Section performed very well under adverse conditions. However, I believe that the credit goes to Michael. He maintained focus. Even though he was concerned about someone very close to him, he didn't lose control. He continued to perform excellently. He was able to rally the operatives behind him, to decipher Nikita's clues, and he discovered her location and rescued her. I would have to say that Michael almost single-handedly kept Section on track. Oh, and I can't forget the masterful job Nikita did of slipping in those clues to Michael during the videotape. Splendid work, dear."

Nikita smiled. She was glad that Michael was finally getting the recognition he truly deserved. And Operations was put in his place. However, she also knew that this wouldn't sit well with the diabolical duo. They would find a way to make her and Michael pay, unless George found a way to stop them.

Madeline decided to speak up. "I am certain Michael performed to his usual high standards. But do you really think that he single-handedly kept Section afloat, George? Really?"

"Well, let's find out." George nodded to Hillinger who typed a few commands into the computer in front of him and in a few seconds they were watching what had transpired in Section over the past few days. There were tapes of Operations' office, the Comm area, Operations' quarters, and even some tape of Walter and Operations visiting Sebastian. There were tapes of Michael's activities as well. Everyone watched quietly until the end of the tapes.

George then spoke. "I also have written reports from Renee. She observed everything first-hand from the moment she arrived. Her reports are quite frank and are definitely not in your favor, Paul."

Operations, realizing how unglued he had become, began to sputter in protest. "But you've only brought up the bad moments. Walter and I went out and discovered where Madeline was being kept. And Section maintained its proficiency rating during this whole mess!"

George smiled ... well, smirked actually. "As I said before, I've seen the numbers. Section did well under the circumstances. But, as I also said, the credit goes to Michael. You became irrational, Paul. You were no more worried about Madeline than Michael was about Nikita, perhaps less so. But we didn't see Michael become emotional and lose control. He kept himself, his people, and Section together, working as a cohesive unit. He also put himself between you and the other operatives. As for finding Madeline, Walter gets the credit for that. After all, it was his source and he did stop you from killing both the source and the messenger. It seems to me that the only thing you did was become an emotional wreck and kidnap Greg, which we knew you would do. This does not bode well, Paul. Not well at all."

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

Operations stared at George. He realized it was another ploy to be rid of him. There had to be a way to put a positive spin on this situation, but what? Then it came to him. "George, I did not wish to voice this in front of Michael and Nikita, but it appears you leave me no choice." He paused for dramatic effect. Madeline looked at him trying to decide where he was leading. She recognized that he was taking a last stab at saving face in front of George. "It was my chance to test Michael's loyalty to Section. Did you really think that I did not know this was all an elaborate ploy on your part to attempt to get rid of me? It takes more than that."

George observed Operations during his bravura speech. It was possible that he had figured it out, George thought. Paul was indeed an intelligent operative and a master at manipulation. However, it could all be an act. "That could be true, Paul. Yet at the end of the day this is what it comes down to: Michael has proven that he has been able to run Section efficiently with and without you. I know that he was at one time, and perhaps still is, your choice to run Section once you leave. He now has my blessing as your heir apparent. Accordingly, his further training in Section should reflect that. Oh, and I would be most displeased to find he has suffered an untimely demise."

Realizing that now was the time to accept and wait for a better opportunity to modify the situation, Operations agreed. "It is a bit soon to be telling the candidate of his impending promotion. It has been known to make the operative cocky and arrogant."

"Speaking from personal experience, Paul?" George snidely remarked.

Madeline tilted her head towards George. "George, it has been standard procedure not to inform the candidate, thereby allowing observation of the individual at his most natural state, not in a state of heightened awareness of his future position."

"Madeline, neither you nor Operations has ever experienced a smooth transition of power. If you recall, you staged a coup and took Section from Adrian. But fear not. I believe young Michael here has been gifted with patience, and I believe the only way he would stage a coup would be if you harmed Nikita. Which is something I advise against doing. They make a formidable team, both on the job and off. So for future reference, do not try to fix what isn't broken. You would think that lesson would not have to be reiterated." George smiled at both Madeline and Operations. "I believe that concludes our meeting."

George rose from the table and began to walk away, followed by his two bodyguards. Then he turned, "Oh, I almost forgot. Michael and Nikita." Both the operatives turned around wondering what George had to say to them. "You two have the next month off. Enjoy yourselves. Goodbye." He turned back around and walked away.

Nikita's eyes went wide at the news that she was getting a month off and so was Michael. The best part was that they had George's consent and a type of protection from him. Yet she knew that Operations and Madeline were going to make their lives unbearable as a result.

Michael, ever the stoic one, sat without a change of expression on his face to betray his innermost thoughts.

Madeline decided to take control at this point. "Michael and Nikita, you heard George. You may start your vacations after you write your reports on this exercise by Oversight. We will see you in a month."

Operations was too busy musing over what was said to even care that the two operatives were leaving the area. As soon as Michael and Nikita left Committee, Madeline turned to look at Operations. "Something will have to be done about those two. They cannot be allowed to ascend as quickly as George would like."

"Madeline, did you really think I was agreeing with George? That would be ludicrous."

"Of course not. I'll think of something by the time they get back from their holiday. These will be the last moments of peace those two experience for a long time to come."

Operations nodded. "By the way, make arrangements to get rid of George's surveillance equipment."

Michael and Nikita were in his office. Michael activated the privacy feature. "Michael, where would you like to go on holiday?" Nikita was bubbling in good humor with this news. Her eyes were sparkling in genuine joy. A joy Michael did not believe he had ever seen in Nikita's eyes. It was the joy of freedom, even if it was a temporary one. A freedom they would share together.

He was loath to put a damper on her spirits. Michael knew that this would only be a brief, yet meaningful respite for the war that lay ahead. He decided that he would not tell her. She deserved this break. "Nikita, you may choose our destination. I will go along with whatever makes you happy."

Nikita looked at him and asked, "But what about what makes you happy?"

Michael gazed at her in pure adoration. He cupped her cheek in his palm. "You. You are my happiness. I need nothing else."

Nikita saw the deep wellspring of emotion that lay in Michael's eyes pertaining to her. Yet she also saw something else ... was it worry? "Michael, is everything all right?"

Michael squelched the worry that was struggling to come to the surface. He refused to have Operations and Madeline ruin this gift of a holiday. They had ruined enough in her life already. "It is for now. And now is all that matters. The rest we can deal with at the appropriate time."

"Together," Nikita spoke, as she finished his thought for him.

"Together." Michael affirmed.

The End

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