Section 1

Nikita was walking down the hallway, wearing a blue T-shirt and black, tight pants. She was on her way to exercise. While on her way to the gym, she bumped into Michael. He looked at her, his face revealing nothing of his feelings, and asked quietly: "What are you doing here? You weren't called in." Nikita looked at him daringly. Usually, when these green eyes looked at her, she would shiver, but now she was pretty pissed at him. Lately he's been distant, not that it was a big change, but it started to annoy her. She wished he'd show some emotion, that he'd look at her with something more then his usual "Blank stare".

She answered sarcastically: "I'm going to do some exercise, if that's ok with you." Michael didn't answer, just continued to stare at her. "Goodbye, Michael" she muttered, and walked away, feeling Michael's gaze burning in her back.

He kept standing there for a couple of moments, and then left.

Comm.

When Nikita headed to the gym, she noticed that something was going on. Birkoff was in comm., as usual, but he seemed very tense. There were a lot of operatives there, and it looked like everybody were very busy.

She walked towards Birkoff, "Hey Birkoff, what's going on?"

Birkoff replied: "I'm initiating a profile for the Sydney mission."

"What's the Sydney mission" Nikita asked him.

"Not now Nikita, I'm pretty busy," He said, a bit annoyed.

"OK, OK, forget I asked." She left and went to see Walter.

Walter's workshop

"Hi Walter" She smiled at him.

"Hi sugar, what's shakin'?" Walter answered with a smile.

"I'm fine, I'm on my way to the gym, I just wondered what is going on is comm. There is a big bunch of operatives in there, and Birkoff seems really busy."

"They are probably working on the Sydney mission" Walter answered, while dismantling a little device.

"Yeah, I know, Birkoff told me that, but what's that mission?"

Walter spoke without raising his head from the little device "It's a mission in Australia. They discovered there a huge facility of "Red Cell", and they want to get the data from the computer, and then blast the place."

"But why is the big fuss over it?"

"That's probably because the odds of completing this mission is about 25 percent, and the chances of coming back from it are even lower." Walter answered, still messing with the device.

"Are they sending abeyance ops?"

"I don't know, I guess do" he answered.

She smiled "Thanks Walter, bye", and left towards the gym.

Madeline's office

"I think you should reconsider the profile for the Sydney mission," Madeline said, looking at Operations. He gave her a look, and answered: "There's nothing to reconsider, I think we should send him. This mission is too important."

"We have to consider that the chances of completing this mission move between 20-30 percent, and the chances of coming back alive is about 15%." Madeline said quietly. "That's exactly why we should send our best one to complete it. He will have the highest odds." Operations answered.

"But we may loose him in the process" Madeline said, "I think we should consider sending abeyance ops."

Operations gave her a harsh look, "The mission comes first, if he completes the mission, it doesn't matter whether he comes back or not."

"I'll call him for briefing." Madeline said, and turned to leave the room, "Wait" Operations stopped her, "Tell him to come to my office." Madeline nodded and left.

Michael's office

Michael was sitting in his office, typing in his computer, when he was suddenly called to Operation's office. He turned off his computer, and left the room.

Observation deck

"Did you call me?" Michael asked, looking at Madeline and Operations.

"Yes Michael, please come in" Madeline answered with her usual Mona-Lisa smile.

Operations started right away: "Did you here about the Sydney mission, Michael?"

"Yes" Michael replied, "It has a very low rate of success."

"And also low chances of coming back alive." Madeline added, carefully examining his expression. Michael maintained his expression emotionless.

"We would like you to take the mission" Operation said slowly.

"We would rather send abeyance operatives, but this mission is too important for that" Madeline said with a serious expression, "We want to make sure we've done all that's possible to complete it."

"Of course" replied Michael, his expression still unrevealing.

The Mona-Lisa smile returned to Madeline's face. "Good. You are leaving to Australia in 24 hours."

Michael turned and left the observation deck.

"I'll notify Birkoff." Madeline said, and left too.

Gym

Nikita was in the gym. She took off her blouse, and remained in a spandex top. After two hours of working out, she was exhausted, and left the gym.

Comm.

Nikita headed towards the exit, when she noticed Birkoff and some more operatives staring at her. When they saw that she noticed that, they immediately looked away, staring back at their computer screens. She approached Birkoff,

"What's going on Birkoff?" He glanced at her, and turned his head back to the computer screen

"Nothing, why do you ask?" Nikita turned his chair until he faced he

"C'mon Birkoff, I can tell that you're hiding something". Birkoff turned his head away "It's about the Sydney mission." "What about it?"

Birkoff looked at her again "Well, It's practically a suicide mission, we've located a "Red Cell" facility, and-"

"I know, I know" Nikita interrupted impatiently, "Walter told me all about it. I think they are planning to send abeyance ops." Birkoff turned back to his computer "No." Nikita looked at him, trying to catch his eye

"What do you mean 'No'?"

Birkoff looked at her slowly "They're sending Michael."

Nikita stared at him for a second, and stormed out of comm.

Michael's office

Michael was sitting in his office, typing in his computer, as usual. Suddenly there was a knock on the door. Without waiting for an answer, the door opened, and Nikita stormed in, and sat on the chair in front of him. Michael saw the look on her face, and punched the security code, to give them some privacy, "Yes?"

Nikita stared at him for a second, and said quietly: "Tell me about the Sydney mission." Michael stared at her, "What do you want to know?" Nikita gave him a Come-on-you-know-what-I'm-talking-about look, and said: "Why are they sending you? For a mission like that they should have sent abeyance operatives."

Michael replied: "This mission is too important. We can not risk in its failure."

Nikita gave him a straight look, and asked quietly: "What are the odds of coming back alive?"

Michael answered: "About 15 percent."

There was a long moment of silence, until Nikita said quietly: "I want to join". He replied: "The profile is already set. You are not a part of the team for this mission." She leaned forward, and said: "But you can change that, tell them to replace someone, and take me!"

Michael looked at her, fire in his eyes, "No. That's final. You have some downtime now, you better go home."

Nikita gave him an irate look, and left his office angrily, slamming the door in her way out.

Michael felt a sting in his heart. He didn't want her to leave, not like that, when she's angry with him. But he had no intention to risk her life by letting her take part in this mission.

Briefing room

Michael and 3 operatives from abeyance sat behind the briefing table, listening to the details of the mission.

Operations: "As you all know, we've located a "Red Cell" facility is Sydney, Australia." He turned to the abeyance operatives: "Your job will be to cover for Michael while he is entering the building." He turned to Michael: "Your job us to enter the building, take down the guards, and reach the computer. Finding the main computer will be the hard part because we don't have specific maps of the building. This is also the main reason that this mission has a low success rate. You have to get to the computer and download the files before they will discover you, and set off the alarm."

Birkoff: "If the alarm goes off, the computer will lock automatically, and a self-destruction mechanism will be set off. If it happens, your chances of getting out from there alive are very minimal."

Operations: "You leave section at 10:00 AM tomorrow"

The briefing was over, and everybody left.

Nikita's apartment

Nikita was home, taking a shower. She stood under the stream for a few minutes, trying to relax. It didn't help. She stepped out of the shower, and wore a T-shirt and cotton pants. She sat on her sofa, in deep thoughts. She didn't want to think of anything, but she couldn't take Michael away from her thoughts. She felt so helpless. Her heart ached, and she felt her stomach twist when she thought of the possibility of loosing Him.

Suddenly there was a knock on the door, and it startled her. She checked who was in the other side of the door. It was Michael.

She opened the door. "Can I come in?" Michael asked. She moved aside and let him in. He closed the door behind him, and just stood there for a few moments looking at her.

"Is there something you wanted?" Nikita asked. Her tone was so cold, that it surprised her.

"I didn't want to leave when you're mad at me." He replied, "I wanted to say goodbye before I leave."

He moved closer to her, but as he reached his hand to touch her, she moved away "Is that why you came? To tell me you are going to die?" She asked, her voice husky "I've already knew that." She then turned her back to him. He looked at her a few moments, but she wouldn't turn around. He then opened the door and left. The sound of the door shutting startled her. She looked at the door with tears in her eyes. She wanted him badly to come back, but he didn't. She went to bed, and tried to get some sleep.

She couldn't. She lay awake with her eyes open, thinking of him. Her mind was empty. All she could think of was that she might never see him again. That thought alone made her tremble with fear.

Next morning- Section 1

Michael was in comm., listening to Birkoff's final instructions. He couldn't concentrate. All he could think of was Nikita. He had remembered the pain in her eyes every time he had hurt her. He wished she forgave him, but he was sure she wouldn't. After all- why would she? He had hurt her so many times before... he had no reason to be forgiven.

Birkoff noticed that Michael's mind was drifting away, "Michael," he called his name "Are you listening?" Michael looked at him "Yes." "Good" Birkoff said. "You are leaving in 10 minutes. You can go now and take your weapon, and then go too van access."

Michael nodded and left, going to take his weapon and comm gear from Walter.

Meanwhile, Nikita decided to at least say goodbye to Michael. She couldn't let him leave without saying anything. In spite of all the times he had hurt her, she still cared, very much.

She went to comm., finding Birkoff running sims.

She approached him, "Birkoff, where's Michael?" Birkoff answered without raising his head from the computer "He went to pick up his gear, and then to van access. He is leaving in a few minutes." "Thanks" She answered, and left.

She walked down the corridor on her way to Walter's station, when she suddenly saw Michael in front of her. She felt her eyes fill with tears as he approached her. As he came close enough, she fell right into his waiting arms. They just stood there, holding each other. Nikita buried her face in Michael's shoulder, crying into his chest. He held her tight, and stroked her hair gently, unable to say a word. When she finally rose her head he saw the tears in her eyes, and his heart clenched in his chest.

He kissed her lips softly and said: "I didn't want to leave without seeing you...at least once. " She looked at him, and her voice trembled, as she whispered "I don't want you to leave."

He cupped her face gently and said: "Remember, whatever happens too me doesn't matter. I will always be with you no matter what." She caressed his face and whispered: " Please, tell me everything is gonna be all right. " He looked at her sadly, knowing that this one promise- he cannot make.

They stood there, holding each other for a few minutes, until they heard Birkoff's voice over the intercom "Michael, the team is ready. You should leave now". He looked at her one more time, took her hand gently, and kissed her knuckles. Then he left, without saying another word.

Nikita quietly wiped the tears off her eyes, and left van access, heading to comm.

She stepped in and asked Birkoff: "When will the team get on site?" Birkoff knew instantly which team she was referring to. "The Sydney mission begins is 12 hours," He turned to her, noticing her red eyes "You can come and watch if you like." Nikita nodded and left.

12 hours later- comm.

Birkoff, Nikita and Madeline were in comm. as the Sydney mission started.

Birkoff: "OK, Michael enter the building from the eastern entrance. According to the intel this is the safest way to go in."

Michael and his team entered the building, shooting 2 guards. "Area secured," Michael said "Where should we turn now?" Birkoff: "Go down the stairs, and then take the second turn to your right". Everybody was quiet as Michael went down the stairs and entered the room. "I found the computer," Michael informed "I'm downloading now." Michael sat in the chair, and inserted a CD to the drive. The download started. After a few seconds there was a gunshot, and one of the other operatives fell to the floor, with a bullet in his chest. The other 3 operatives started to shoot. Nikita stirred, and Birkoff asked: "What's going on in there?" Michael: "The intel wasn't accurate. There is backup." Another operative from Michael's team fell.

Birkoff: "Hold on, Michael. The download is almost completed."

Michael watched the computer screen in front of him, until he saw the message on the screen: Download Completed. He asked Birkoff: "Do you have the files?" Birkoff smiled and answered: "Yes. You can leave now." Madeline also smiled, glad that the mission completed successfully. Nikita couldn't feel relief. She had a bad feeling. Something she couldn't quite form, like a premonition that something bad is going to happen.

Michael removed the CD from the drive, and turned to leave. Suddenly he heard a sharp sound, and the computer suddenly shut down. "Birkoff, what happened?" He asked. Birkoff's smile vanished "They discovered you. They've initiated the self-destruction mechanism. Go out of there as fast as you can." Nikita watched the screen, her eyes wide open, feeling like her premonition came true.

Then Michael heard a load alarm, and a recorded voice says: "Warning! The self-destruction mechanism is operated. It will go off in 3 minutes." Michael raced up the stairs, shooting two guards that tried to shoot him. He went to the eastern entrance, but found it locked. "Birkoff, the eastern entrance is locked. Where should I go?" Birkoff typed in his computer. A conflicted look on his face "Your only chance is to try the northern exit, but be careful. You might meet guards on the way. Michael and his team turned to the north when suddenly two guards popped out of nowhere, and shot the rest of Michael's team. Michael turned to shoot them, when he felt a sharp pain is his shoulder. He was shot. Michael shot the guards, and turned to the northern exit. He heard the recorded voice again: "One minute to self-destruction." he ran faster, but the wound in his shoulder slowed him down. "30 seconds to self-destruction" He heard the voice again. Everybody in comm. stared tensely at the computer screen. Birkoff: "Michael, are you near the exit?" Michael answered: "I don't know if I can make it. There are less than thirty seconds left." Michael ran forward as the voice started to countdown "10..9..8..." Michael ran up the stairs, and then he realized he will never make it. "7..6..5.." He looked around him, and noticed a small room to his left, it's walls maid of solid cement. "4..3..2.." in the last second Michael jumped into the room, and lay on the floor, covering his head in his hands.

"1..0.." The bomb went off, and Michael lost his consciousness.

Birkoff stared at the computer screen "Michael, can you hear me? Michael?" Nikita stared at the screen, her face blank. Her mind was empty. Birkoff tried again: "Michael where are you? Michael answer me!" but there was no comment. Birkoff turned around to look at Nikita, but she wasn't there already.

Operation watched all of it from the observation deck. He asked Birkoff over the intercom: "Birkoff, what's going on?" "Michael doesn't answer, sir. I don't think he made it." "Keep track on it for the next 3 hours. If he doesn't respond until then- stop the tracking."

Nikita raced out of comm., feeling the tears streaming down her face. She couldn't think of anything, She only felt a sharp pain in her chest. She left section, and ran home. She entered her apartment, and collapsed on her bed, crying. After a few minutes she fell asleep, exhausted.

A few hours later, she suddenly woke up, shivering. She had a terrible dream. In her dream, she saw Michael, he tried to reach out to her, but she couldn't touch him. She tried to call him, but she couldn't say a word, and then there was a blowout, and...

She closed her eyes, starting to feel the tears in them. "It can't be happening," she thought, "he can't be dead.. He can't be dead..."

3 hours later- comm.

Birkoff, over the intercom: "Still no answer, sir. We lost contact with Michael hours ago."

Ops: "Give him up, Birkoff. If he was alive he would've contacted us by now."

Sydney, Australia

Michael felt a sharp pain in his head, when he opened his eyes. He groaned as he tried to lift his head. He looked around him, and tried to remember where he was. The room's eastern and northern walls collapsed, and he was near the western one. Suddenly, it all came back to him, the mission... the countdown... and the blowout...

He checked his comm. equipment, it was broken.

He knew he has to get out of there fast, before the whole room collapses, burying him underneath. He stood up, ignoring the pain in his head and left shoulder. He tried to decide what to do, how to get out. He decided to try removing the parts of the broken wall, and climb out.

Nikita's apartment

Nikita was lying in her bed, letting her memories flow...

She had remembered the first time she saw him..."I'm not gonna hurt you," she could almost hear his voice... she was so scared back then, terrified from the quick change in her life... but it wasn't even close to what she was feeling now. She had a deep feeling of... Horror, she couldn't even think of the possibility he's dead without starting to cry. More memories entered her mind... when they danced for the first time, in the Baower mission.. when they danced at her place when he tried to prevent her from escaping section with Eric.. when he kissed her, his lips so soft and sweet, and finally, when they made love... on the boat, after he discovered she's not dead... and in the night of Armel's mission.. when they unleashed their passion... She could also remember things he said to her: "I thought I lost you..." "...I never realized I needed you so much" "you know a lot about me, but you don't know everything..". She closed her eyes, imagining his voice. She just lay there for a while, thinking. She decided not to lose hope. She didn't want to give him up so easy. She was afraid that if she believes that he is truly dead, she will lose him forever, and then her life would be empty and meaningless again.

Suddenly the phone rang. She jumped from her bed, wishing to hear his voice, but as she picked up she heard an unfamiliar voice: "Josephine."

She hung up the phone, and left to section.

Section 1- The observation deck

Operations: "She was called in. The decision is in your hands now." Madeline walked around to face him, "I will talk to her, find out what's her state of mind. We should go easy on her for a while." Ops stared at the glass wall, and looked back at Madeline "Fine, " he said with harsh voice, "But not for long. If she can't perform, she'll be canceled." Madeline left.

Sydney, Australia

Michael was exhausted. He was struggling with the heavy blocks for hours, and hardly made any progress. He almost gave up, but then he thought of Nikita. He knew he would move heaven and earth to come back to her. He decided to rest for a few minutes, and then continue. He didn't even know what he would do after and if he gets out of there. He knew that there was a substation nearby, but it would take hours to get there on foot. He leaned backwards, and his thoughts drifted... He started to wonder what was going on in Section. Everybody probably assumed that he's dead. And Nikita... Did she believe that he was dead? His stomach twisted when he thought of her reaction. He hoped desperately that she haven't given up on him. He wanted her to believe that he is still alive. "My dear Nikita," he thought, "I hope you haven't gave up, that you still have your hope." This thought seemed to make him stronger all of the sudden. He was determined to get the hell out of this place, and come back... come back to her.

Section 1

Nikita entered section. As she entered the main area, She approached Birkoff, and asked: "What is going on? Am I going out?" Birkoff looked at her, and replied: "No. Madeline wants to see you in her office."

She turned to leave, but changed her mind, "Did you keep monitoring Michael?" Birkoff avoided her look, and answered: "Ops ordered to monitor for 3 hours, and then stop the tracking." Nikita looked angry: "Only 3 hours!? This is Michael, for god's sake, he deserves more than this!" Birkoff felt like he was having a deja vu. Years ago, Nikita and him, had almost the same conversation, when Michael was left behind in a mission in a foreign country. He gave Nikita the same answer he gave her back then: "I'm sorry Nikita. Michael is on his own," and added: "You better go to see Madeline."

She turned, and left.

Madeline's office

Nikita knocked on the door, and the door opened. Madeline sat on her chair, "Come in, Nikita." Nikita entered the room, and sat on the chair in front of Madeline. "Did you want to see me?" she asked quietly. "Yes Nikita," Madeline replied, "How are you?" "I've been better," Nikita answered. Madeline smiled to her, "I've decided to give you some time off." Nikita looked at her, fury in her eyes: "I don't need it! You will not stop me from looking for Michael!" Madeline stopped smiling, "Nikita, Michael hasn't responded our attempts to contact him, and we believe-" "He is not dead!" Nikita interrupted with anger, "His comm equipment may be damaged, that doesn't mean we should give him up!" Madeline looked at her calmly, "It was not a recommendation, Nikita. You are non-active for the time being. That will be all." Nikita raised from the chair, and stormed out of Madeline's office.

Sydney, Australia

Michael continued working. He didn't know how much time passed for he was busy, trying to get the blocks out of his way. He almost started to lose hope, when suddenly he felt a gust of air. He moved one more block, and he was out. He made it out!

Only then he started to feel how tired and weak he was. He had no idea how he's gonna make it to the substation, with the wound in his shoulder. He started to walk.

Hours later...

Michael was already exhausted; he was walking for several hours, wounded, tired and thirsty. He started to feel giddy. He stopped to rest a while. Suddenly he heard a noise of a car coming near him. He knew he'd better stay undiscovered for now. He got up hardly, and started to run, receding from the road. Suddenly he slipped over a stone, and fell. Everything became black. He lost his consciousness.

Section 1- Comm. 2 A.M.

Birkoff sat near his computer, typing, as usual. There was nobody else around. All the other comm operatives weren't there, and it was very quiet. He was so concentrated in his work, that he didn't notice the person approaching him. He felt somebody touching his shoulder. It startled him, and he turned to see who this is. "Nikita? What are you doing here in the middle of the night? I thought Madeline ordered you to take some time off," he said, still startled, when he saw the tall blonde next to him. "Madeline doesn't have to know I'm here," Nikita replied, "I need your help." Birkoff sight, knowing that she won't let him go before he listens to her. "What's on your mind?" He asked her. "I want your help in locating Michael," she replied, determination in her eyes. "How am I supposed to do that?" Birkoff asked, "His comm. equipment is out, and so is his tracker." "Stop whining, Birkoff, we'll think of something." She sat on the chair next to him, and leaned backwards, staring in the air, thinking. A few minutes passed. Suddenly she said, "You can try ask our sources in Australia about this." "Nikita, it's very dangerous. I don't know if I can do that without Madeline and Ops finding out about it." "C'mon Birkoff, Michael saved your life many times before, you owe him that." Birkoff sight again, "OK, all right, but it'll take a couple of hours." Nikita smiled, and raised from the chair, "Thanx, Birkoff," She said. She patted his shoulder, and left, hearing Birkoff mumbling something about his "I-don't-do-favors" policy.

A few days passed. Birkoff haven't found anything about Michael. None of the section's sources in Australia seemed to know anything about the latest mission or about the man that was left there. Nikita started to lose hope. Every day she went to Birkoff, just to see that he found absolutely nothing. With each day that passed she felt herself sinking deeper and deeper. Since Michael disappeared she could no longer sleep well. She kept having nightmares about him, blowing up in front of her. Michael, where are you? Please come back, I can't survive here without you...

The observation deck

"Her down time is over. She should be back in full status," Operations said harshly "And besides, what she's doing is unacceptable." "She is in bad shape emotionally," Madeline replied "The least we can do is give her the freedom to find out by herself that he's not coming back." "And we gave her that, haven't we?" Ops said sarcastically "Now that she knows the truth, she should be back in action." "If you think that's best." Madeline answered, her face expressionless. Ops gave her a harsh look, and she left.

Sydney Australia

Michael felt odd, he felt.. comfortable. He had just woke up from a beautiful dream about Nikita, and he felt better, His head didn't hurt anymore. He tried to open his eyes, but squeezed them shut quickly when light hurt his eyes. He decided to give his eyes one more chance. He opened them cautiously, ignoring the light. He saw white around him. It took him a few seconds to realize he was in a hospital. He looked around, and saw his left arm was attached to an IV bag, and his shoulder was bandaged. He lifted his head slowly, trying to sit. "So you're awake" A voice startled him. He turned to look, and saw a young nurse looking at him, smiling. "A passerby found you four days ago, and brought you here." "Where am I?" Michael asked, his voice hoarse, for he hadn't used it in days. "You are in Sydney's general hospital." She replied. "When can I get out from here?" he asked. She approached him "You need to be examined first, to make sure you are ok." She looked at him for several seconds, and said cautiously: " I need you ask you a couple of questions first." She took out a chart, and asked: "What's your name?"

"Michael."

She looked at him questioningly "Michael...?"

He looked at her, meeting her steady gaze, "Just Michael."

"I guess you don't have insurance, Michael..."

"No."

She continued: "Do you remember how you got to the road?" Michael suddenly closed his eyes, as if he was tired. "Ok, I'll let you rest first, but I'll be back. Call me if you need anything. " She left the room.

Michael waited until she left, and opened his eyes. He knew he must get out of there before somebody starts to ask questions he cannot answer. He looked around the room. It wasn't very large, but he was the only patient in it. There was a large window on the wall across the bed, but when Michael looked, he saw that he's on the 4th floor. There was no way he could use the window in order to escape. He had to find another way out. He glanced at the clock. It was 15:00.

Briefing

Ops gave the briefing, as usual, around the table were Birkoff, Nikita, and 6 more operatives. Nikita looks totally indifferent, staring at the wall.

Ops started: "This," he lit the screen "is Tom Coral. He is a weapon dealer. He's been active for quite a while, and he hasn't been causing problems until he started to sell arms to terror organizations." One of the operatives: "Which organizations?" Ops answered: "Organizations such as Shadow Brigade and Red Cell." Nikita's head snapped up when she heard "Red Cell". Ops noticed it, but ignored, and continued the briefing. "Coral keeps his clientele listings in 3 different computers at his private building in a deserted area near Brussels. Your job is to enter the building, download the files to Birkoff, and detonate the building. Birkoff" Birkoff: "When you access the computers, insert the disc that you'll be given, and download the files. After that the computers can be destroyed."

Ops: "Fredrick is leading the team, and Birkoff is doing the tactical supervision. The briefing is over."

Mission- Brussels

Birkoff: "All operatives hold positions. Fredrick, report." Fredrick: "The building looks empty. No hostiles in site." Birkoff typed in his computer, and proceeded: "All operatives to positions. Nikita and Brent go to 1st floor, Kelly and Adams to 2nd floor, and Marcus and Jones to the 3rd."

The operatives started to move. Everybody ran forward, everybody except for Nikita. Ken Brent looked at her, "Nikita, come on!" he said urgently. Nikita didn't respond. He grabbed her arm, and repeated: "Nikita, come on, we have to go NOW!"

Nikita gave in, and ran after him. All the operatives reached their positions. Nikita and Brent approached the computer, and Brent started to download the files, "I'm downloading now, Birkoff."

Birkoff: "Fredrick, I see a movement about 2 km from the building to north-west." Fredrick watched through his binoculars: "It's a Jeep, Birkoff. Probably hostiles. I see 6 of them. I can't take all of them alone." Birkoff typed something, and said: "Nikita, go to help Fredrick." Nikita didn't move. Brent looked at her, slightly worried, and whispered: "Nikita, what are you waiting for!?"

Nikita walked towards the exit. She walked out of the building, and approached Fredrick. They waited a few moments, and Fredrick whispered: "They are very close, get ready. He aimed his gun, and fired. Nikita drew her gun also, aiming it towards the hostiles. She shot twice, but the bullets didn't hit. "You're aiming all wrong. Concentrate, Nikita!" Fredrick shouted, over the noise of the bullets. And then he groaned, as a bullet hit him in the stomach. He fell forward. Nikita just stood there, staring blankly at the enemies ahead. Suddenly she heard a few shots. Brent was already out of the building, and he shot the hostiles, killing the rest of them. Birkoff: "Fredrick? What's going on in there?" Brent answered, while running towards Fredrick: "Fredrick in wounded, the filed are downloaded, and the charges will go off in 2 minutes." The other operatives left the building just before the charges went off, destroying the building." Birkoff: "Ok, mission completed. Come back to section."

Section 1- van access

The team entered Section. Fredrick lay unconscious on a stretcher, and paramedics surrounded him, taking him to MedLab. Ops appeared, and asked, angrily: "How did that happen? Did anyone see how he was hit?" Brent answered: "Sir, there were hostiles on site, and by the time I got there, he was already down," he said, skipping on Nikita's part in the action. Ops: "Return your weapons, and go debriefing." He turned his back to them, and walked away.

Nikita started to walk towards munitions, but suddenly Brent grubbed her wrist. She turned to him, her eyes questioning. Brent waited until the rest of the team passed, and asked her: "Nikita, what happened in the field?" She tilted her head, "What do you mean?" "C'mon, Nikita, you didn't listen to orders, and Fredrick almost died because you hardly helped him with the hostiles." She looked at him angrily, and pooled her arm off of his grip, "So report me, do what you have to do."

She started walking away, but Brent's voice stopped her, "Nikita, I've heard about Michael." She froze, but didn't turn to face him. He continued: "I won't say a word to Ops or Madeline, but you have to get over it before you get yourself cancelled!" She turned to face him, and he saw her eyes glittering with unshed tears, "Thanks, Brent." She said quietly, and left.

Sydney's general hospital

Michael was lying in his bed for the last 5 hours, trying to find a way to get out of there without anyone noticing. He earlier looked at the corridor outside his door. He noticed the nurses' deck a few feet from his door. There was n way he could walk out of there without one of them noticing him. He decided to wait for the night to come. Maybe at night he would be able to sneak out of there. In the mean time, he found his clothed nicely folded in a little cupboard in his room. He changed quickly, and kept waiting.

3 hours later...

Michael became frustrated. It was 23:00 in the night, and still there was a nurse in the station. Michael hoped that she'd at least fall asleep for a few minutes; enough time for him to sneak out. Like his silent prayer was answer, the young nurse bowed her head upon her arms, and closed her eyes. Michael waited for a few minutes, and, as silently as he could, went out of the room, and approached the exit.

When he went out of the hospital, and breathed the cold night's air, he allowed himself to sigh in relief. All he had to do now is reach the Section substation, and let Section 1 know that he's alive. He wrapped his coat tighter around his thin waist, and started walking down the road.

He hoped he'd catch a ride with someone. The substation was really far away, so he will have to walk all night and all day long in order to get there, unless he hitchhikes. He sighed, and kept walking.

Section 1- The observation deck

Madeline: "I debriefed the Brussels team. I think there's something they're not telling me."

Ops: "What makes you think that?"

Madeline walked around, and stared down the main area of the section, "Not everybody, actually, only Ken Brent," "He did not clarify why he broke position." "I thought there were incoming hostiles." Madeline nodded, "Yes, there were. But Nikita was ordered to assist Fredrick. Brent was not supposed to get out of the building with no specific order." Ops looked pensive, "Why would he be protecting her?" "Friendship," She replied. He turned his gaze to her, "What do you think we should do next?" "Well, I don't want to give her up just yet, she's a good operative..." "She was a good operative," Ops interrupted with anger in his eyes, "Put her in abeyance. If she doesn't regain control shortly, cancel her!" Madeline nodded thoughtfully, "I think we should give her some time off, give her more time to regain control." Ops did not look pleased, "Fine. She has one week." Madeline left.

Sydney, Australia. Section 1 substation

Michael was exhausted. He arrived in the substation about an hour ago. When he arrived, the guards of the station halted him, pointing a gun to his head. Michael explained them that he's one of Section 1's operatives, and that he was in Sydney for a mission. Although they believed him, he was taken to interrogation room, and was questioned about the mission, the blow up in Red cell's facility, and about the way he got there.

After they verified that he's an operative, they let him eat and drink, and let him sleep in the substation's quarters.

They told him that after he rested they would contact Section 1, to let them know that he's alive and that the mission was completed. Michael didn't argue.

Although he was exhausted, he couldn't sleep. He kept thinking of Nikita. Whenever he closed his eyes, he could see her eyes and her sweet smile. He craved to be near her, to let her know he was alive and well, to kiss her until the world around them will be forgotten...

He sighed, and tried to sleep.

Section 1- comm

Birkoff sat in front of his computer, bored to his bones. It was the middle of the night, and all of the technicians went to sleep. He was the only one there. He wanted to leave as well, but he needed to monitor communication, in case something comes up. He stretched and yawned. He decided to stay for 10 more minutes, and then go to sleep. He leaned back in his chair, and waited. Nine minutes passed, and Birkoff rose from his chair, and started to walk away, when suddenly one of the computers started to beep. He returned, and checked the incoming message. It was addressed to Operations. He looked up to the observation deck. Ops was still there. Birkoff turned the intercom on, and spoke: "Sir?" "What is it Birkoff?" came the quick answer. "You have a message from our substation in Sydney." "Send it here, Birkoff."

Birkoff sent the message to the computer in the observation deck. "Do you need anything else, Sir?" He asked. "No, Birkoff, you can go to sleep." Birkoff rose from his chair, and headed to his quarters.

The observation deck

Ops opened the message, and stared at the screen, surprised for a moment. A moment later, he pressed a button in the intercom. "Yes?" came Madeline's voice. "Come here, I have something you may find interesting." "I'll be right there." She replied, and left her office.

Madeline stared at the screen, "When did this message arrive?" "A minute ago," Ops answered, with a satisfied look on his face. "What about his medical condition?" Madeline asked. "He was examined by the doctors in the substation. It seems that he's recovering very well. His wounds were treated before he got there." "How's that?" Madeline asked suspiciously. "I don't know yet," Ops replied, "He will be debriefed as soon as he gets here." "And when will that happen?" "Soon enough, in 24 hours." "Good." Madeline turned to leave.

On the way from Australia back to Section 1- an airplane

Michael was weary. He's been on the plane for a few hours, but he couldn't sleep. His thoughts kept drifting back to Nikita. He wondered how she was doing, if she already knew that he's alive. When he closed his eyes, he kept having visions of her glittering eyes, her soft lips, her shiny hair.... He sighed. He realized that there was no way he could sleep, missing her so much. He stared outside the window, waiting patiently for the plane to land.

A few hours later...

The plane finally arrived. Michael got off the plane. Madeline sent a message earlier to the substation informing that Section has prepared a car for him, to arrive as soon as possible. Michael followed Madeline's instructions, and found the car. He picked up the keys from a locker in the airport, started the car, and drove his way back to Section 1.

As he entered the main area, he noticed that everybody was staring at him. He assumed that the rumor about his supposed death was already widespread by now. But there one face he did not see in the mass of faces looking at him. Nikita's. He wondered whether she's on a mission or simply at her home. He hoped she's not on a mission, He missed her badly. He approached Ops' office, ignoring the stares around him.

"Welcome back, Michael." Ops greeted him with a little grin on his lips. "Thank you," Michael answered, "Do I need to debrief now?" Ops looked at him, knowing what's the answer he wanted to hear. "Not right now. You deserve to rest a bit. You will be debriefed tomorrow." "Thank you," Michael replied, and left quietly.

He headed towards his office, opening his computer and logging on. After reviewing some mission profiles from the time he was away, he decided to access Nikita's file, to find out where she is. When he opened the file, his heart was almost ripped from his chest. She was in abeyance. He sat there for a few minutes; his heart was still pounding. He wanted to storm outside from his office, and demand Ops to tell him why his beloved's life were under a threat, to do whatever it takes to make her safe again. After a few minutes of thinking, he decided to talk to her first. He wanted badly to know why she was in abeyance, but even more than that, He just wanted to see her, to hold her close, to warm her lips with kisses. He rose quietly, took his jacket, and left Section.

A few minutes later he was standing next to her door. He hesitated for a second, realizing that she probably did not know that he was alive. Then he knocked slightly on the door, then again, more firmly. There was no answer. He knew she might be out. After all, she it was her downtime. But he sensed something was wrong, he had a strong feeling she's home, but can't or won't answer the door. He took out his key, and opened the door.

He entered the apartment quietly, looking around. It looked ordinary, the way he always remembered. It was empty, though. She was not in the living room or in the kitchen. He stepped carefully to her bedroom.

There she was, lying on her back in her bed, bathed in the soft evening light that entered through the window. Her sleeping face looked like angel's, so sweet and innocent. Her face wasn't relaxed, though. She had a tortured look on her face, as if even in her sleep the sadness wouldn't let go of her.

He approached her, and tenderly touched the face he had longed to touch for so long. She stirred from his touch, and opened her eyes slowly. "Michael?" she whispered in a hoarse voice. "Yes, it's me," he said, softly stroking her face. Suddenly her eyes filled with tears, "No. You are dead, you're only a dream I keep having, you're not real," she uttered in a broken voice. "No chere, I'm really here," he whispered, bending to kiss her lips softly, "I'm here, and I'll never go away." She lifted her hands, exploring his face softly. Her hands roamed over his eyebrows, his cheeks, and then his lips. A blissful smile spread over her face, "You are alive... but how did you make it? I thought you-" He silenced her with a passionate kiss.

Nikita's breath caught in her throat as he deepened the kiss, causing her to place her hands on his shoulders and hold him tightly. His tongue delved inside her mouth, tasting her. She was gasping when he suddenly broke the kiss, to give her a passionate look through half-lidded eyes, and whisper "I missed you so much." Before she could respond to that, he lowered his head again, and covered her mouth with his. She struggled to move to a sitting position without loosening her grip on Michael's broad shoulders.

She shoved her hands into his jacket, and began to remove it from his body. His hands left her body for an instant to shrug off his jacket, and then placed them on her back, pulling her towards him, and kissing her mouth hungrily, nibbling at her lips. Nikita pulled him so that he lay on top of her, his body covering hers. Michael kicked off his shoes and socks, while Nikita's hands crept under his shirt, caressing the hard muscles of his chest. Michael shuddered when he felt her hands scraping his tout nipples. He broke their frenzied kiss, and began to kiss her neck, nipping gently. She groaned loudly when he gently bit the delicate flesh of her neck, soothing it with a kiss. He tugged at her shirt, removing the garment over her head, exposing her breasts. She mimicked his action by removing his shirt savagely, almost ripping it off his body, and placed her hands on his back.

He placed butterfly kisses along her shoulder, and then kissed the upper curve of one breast. She moaned with pleasure when he took one erect nipple into his mouth, and suckled gently. He suckled again, more roughly this time, causing her to cry out and tightening her grip on him. He kissed the sensitized nipple, and switched to the other. She whimpered momentarily when his mouth left her body, but her whimpers turned into heavy breaths when his mouth covered her neglected bud. He suckled roughly, and then bit her lightly. "Mi-chael..." She gasped when his mouth moved downward, trailing hot kisses along her body. He paused to kiss her navel, teasing her heated skin. "Please, Michael..." she panted huskily, and he continued his exploration of her body.

He tugged at her panties, removing them off of her, and lowering his mouth to her. She inhaled sharply when she felt his mouth touching her core, tasting her moistness. He parted her legs with his hands, and his tongue stroked her inner walls. She screamed as he pushed her over the edge, crying out his name. He groaned and moved up her body, scorching her lips with a heated kiss. Nikita moved her hands down his body franticly, and unbuckled his belt. She pulled down his slacks and his briefs roughly, and cupped his buttocks. He groaned and panted, pressing his arousal against her thigh. "Yes..please..." She pleaded, pulling him closer to her aching need. The world around them exploded as he entered her, sending them both over the edge. They came together, calling each other's names in ecstasy.

They continued their passionate lovemaking all night long, forgetting the world around them.

Michael opened his eyes slightly, blinking at the soft morning light. He looked lovingly at Nikita, who was sleeping peacefully in his arms. He sighed contently, placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, and drifted back to sleep.

He woke up again an hour later. He gazed again at her peaceful form, lying on top of him, and gently disentangled himself from her. He quietly picked up his slacks from the floor, and went to the kitchen.

Nikita woke up several minutes afterwards, sensing the absence of his warm body next to her. She lay there for a couple of minutes, smiling to herself. That was the first night since Michael disappeared that she slept well. She sighed happily, and rose her head to look around. Her and Michael's clothes were still scattered on the floor, but he wasn't there. She rose from her bed, and opened her drawer, picking a long T-shirt that reached her knees. She pulled it over her head, and went to the kitchen.

The first thing she noticed was the smell of coffee in the air. She then saw Michael, dressed only in his slacks, his chest bare, sipping coffee. She felt a shiver running through her body; He was so beautiful, with his slightly mussed hair, his incredible Jade-colored eyes, and his sensual lips.

When he noticed her, he gently placed his cup on the counter, and strode towards her.

He then gathered her into his arms, and she buried her face in his chest. "Good morning," he whispered into her hair, inhaling her scent. She lifted her face to look in his eyes, "Good morning," she whispered back, smiling softly at him.

They just stood there for a couple of minutes, gazing into each other's eyes. Michael reluctantly released her, and asked, "You want some coffee?" She smiled, "Sure." Michael poured her a cup of coffee, handed it to her, lifted his cup, and then pulled her to the sofa, sitting her in his lap. They sat there in comfortable silence, sipping their coffee.

Nikita sighed contently, and leaned her head on his chest.

"Michael?" she started suddenly.

"Yes?"

"How did you manage to come back safely?"

He fastened his arms around her, and told her the whole story. Since the explosion until his arrival to the substation, and back to Section 1.

"The one thing that kept me going, that made me struggle to come back was you." He whispered.

Nikita smiled sheepishly, "Me?"

"Yes. I wanted badly to come back to you, and that encouraged me to go on." He sighed, "Now all I have to do is get you out of the trouble you got yourself into." He added.

"Trouble?"

"Abeyance."

"Oh." She answered with a tiny smile, "It's all because of you."

"Me?" and asked softly, "Did you miss me that much?"

She turned her face to him, gave him a searing kiss that took their breath away, and answered, her eyes shining, "From the moment you were out of my sight."

THE END

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