Another day, another mission.  It seemed to Michael that he had spent his entire life in Section rather than just half of it.  It was never pleasant, only tolerable - sometimes.  This was one of those times.  Almost six months had passed since Nikita’s so called release and subsequent return to Section.   Even though it had been a lie, both he and Nikita had realized one truth.  Neither one of them had wanted to be ‘free’ without the other. 

 

Since then, they had both payed the price for being together.  While Operations and Madeline had not attempted anything as nefarious as their previous plots (cancellation, hard wedge and brainwashing immediately came to mind), they did try to keep the two lovers off balance.

 

Michael had led, among the many other missions in the last few months, a handful of missions with operatives from the abeyance pool.   He didn’t think that Operations and/or Madeline were trying to kill him per se, just  keeping him busy.  The weaker the team, the harder he had to work on strategy and tactical. 

 

Nikita had similar problems.  They had started sending her out on valentine missions - three so far.  Both Operations and Madeline had been surprised though.  Nikita achieved closure on all three missions and came through with flying colors.  In fact, she was averaging a 98.9% POS in the last five months - only one point below Michael, but more importantly, just a hair over one point from a perfect ‘score.’

 

Michael knew the head duo were congratulating themselves for this accomplishment.   They figured their plan was working.  Keep both operatives busy with difficult missions while allowing them just enough down time together to be grateful for it and believe they were paying the price for the reversal of the Type 1 directive against their relationship.

 

What the leaders didn’t know was how wrong they were or how close they were to being ‘relieved’ of their duties.

 

Operations and Madeline had just finished their usual breakfast and continued discussing Section intrigue while watching their respective panels.

 

“I see Nikita achieved closure again.  You said these valentine missions would be too difficult for her, but she’s completed them all with significant results.”  Operations began.

 

“Yes.”  Madeline replied.  AI miscalculated her reaction and Michael’s as well.  I projected Michael trying to protect her from these missions, thereby keeping him busier than he would like.  Instead , they’ve both appeared to accept their new positions.  I’ll have to rethink our strategy.”

 

“The sooner the better.  They’re up to something, they have to be.  I can’t believe they’ve just let the events of the past year go.”

 

“Maybe they have.”  Madeline reflected.  “Michael knows you want George’s job.  He also knows he’s the top candidate to replace you here if that happens.  Perhaps he’s doing his part to ensure Section’s success, thereby making you look better for George’s position.”

 

“So when we advance to Oversight, he takes over Section and does what he wants?”

 

“Essentially, yes.”

 

“Interesting.  However, he must understand I will not allow Section One the same autonomy we’ve been trying to achieve once someone else is in charge.”  Operations returned.

 

“Yes, but he may feel that we won’t micro manage Section One to the point of choosing his paramour or friends.  We will still have to follow certain guidelines whether you are in charge of Oversight or not.  Michael would have the same say in his personal life as we’ve had over the years.”

 

“Perhaps.  We have to make sure that we are correct in judging his ambition.  If that’s the case, then fine, so be it.  If not, we’ll have to take counter measures.” 

 

“Of course.”  Madeline smiled.

 

“See to it and keep me posted.” Operations paused.  “Now about Slovakia...”  Operations continued to the next topic at hand this morning.

 

********

 

The Wave was, as usual for a Saturday night, very busy.  It attracted all kinds of clientele - all classes, sexual preferences, drinkers and non-drinkers alike the latter group content to watch and mingle.  The only thing absent here were drugs.  The owners abhorred it and the bouncers adhered.  Walter had found this place after he had decided to give up *some* of his bad habits.  As eclectic as the mix was, it was perfect for their meeting.  Everyone fit in, no one looked out of place, not even four Section One operatives.

 

Walter was the first to arrive, sitting down in a private back booth, facing the door.  He had been the one to pick the place out for this month’s meeting.  It was easy to blend in, besides he was a regular anyway and his friends in the bar would keep a look out  - not that any of his party needed it, they were well practiced in the art of dodging surveillance when the need arose.

 

The now monthly meetings had started out innocently enough.  They had been more for venting frustration and assuring that each of the three (Walter, Birkoff and Nikita) was still intact - physically, mentally and emotionally.

 

Two months ago Nikita brought someone with her - Michael.  Since then their agenda had changed.  No more whining and griping.  No more hoping for the best, that things would get better.  That simply was not going to happen while Operations and Madeline were in charge. Plans were made and scenarios set in motion to guarantee the four friends’ future in Section One.

 

The first steps towards that goal were about to be set in motion.

 

Walter sat back, waiting for the rest of the musketeers to show up, nursing his beer, reminiscing about Michael’s surprise visit two months earlier.  The musketeers, a fitting nickname, for they *were* all for one and one for all.

 

********

 

Walter, Birkoff and Nikita had been meeting informally every two to four weeks for the last few months.  They had started going out when all three were down - rare as it was.  Michael had never come along before, even had he wanted to, Operations and Madeline made sure that Michael and Nikita were rarely down together.  When they were, the two spent most of their time alone, away from Section and anyone remotely connected to it.  Walter certainly couldn’t blame them - he’d do the same in their position.

 

The three friends had met and talked, ok he’d admit it - they griped.  Things in Section hadn’t been going very well.  Nikita had new ‘responsibilities’ and Michael was put under more pressure.  Things hadn’t been going that well for Walter or Birkoff either.

 

Walter had been busy ever since his ‘replacement’ failed, thanks to Birkoff.  He was glad the kid had gotten his job back for him, but now Walter was the only man in Weapons.  Oh sure, he had help when he needed it, but no real expert to spot him on a regular basis.  ‘Hey, at least it means I got job security.’ Walter often mused to himself when he started feeling down.

 

Lately, there had been more to feel down about.  Walter realized that he had never fully recovered from Belinda’s death, but it went even further than that.  It seemed that more and more operatives were being lost these days and not just from the abeyance pool.  But the abeyance pool was growing, too.  Walter had started to believe that it was part of a plan hatched by Operations and Madeline to ‘clean up’ Section.  He felt it in his gut that the two were ready to make some kind of power play and were getting rid of operatives who weren’t up to par or on their ‘side.’ 

 

At this point he figured Michael was still around because of two things. One, he had an ‘insurance policy.’  Two, he was too damn good.  Without him, Section One’s numbers would drop.  He may have not been the *only* level five operative Section haf, but he *was* the best.  Operations and Madeline knew it and so did everyone else. 

 

Nikita, he felt was still around mainly because of Michael, and what the top dogs projected he would do were something to happen to her.  Walter knew Nikita’s worth to Section, but he didn’t think the bosses did.  Just because she was alive didn’t mean things were easy on her.  They were still twisting her every which way.

 

Walter did not believe for a minute that Operations was Nikita’s father.  He knew it for the ploy that it was.  Madeline would, and did, use anything she could to keep Operations alive.  Putting the idea into Nikita’s head made her hesitate to shoot him when she had the chance.  If he had had any doubts, the ‘mission’ with Section Eight had put them to rest.  Accepting his own daughter as ‘collateral damage’ was too much even for Operations.  Nikita had agreed and accepted Madeline’s ploy for what it was - another tool to keep her in line.

 

Birkoff, in the meantime, was having a hard time of it as well.  After learning about a twin brother living on the outside, he’d almost reverted back to his old shell.  That was one of the reasons for their, at first, impromptu get togethers.  A show of unity - none of them were alone in their misery.

 

Gradually, each in their own, careful way had started hinting at growing unease and uncomfortableness in their respective situations.  It had been done subtly, at first, each feeling the others out.  But it had grown into all out disgust and contempt after only a few meetings.

 

Walter supposed that he shouldn’t have been surprised when Nikita had initially brought Michael.  Subconsciously, they were headed in that direction anyway, Nikita had just pre-empted what would have been their eventual suggestion.  As they had agreed upon way back during the Philo mission, they needed Michael and his leadership and various other skills if they wanted a real chance at taking Operations and Madeline down permanently without signing their own cancellation orders.

 

That didn’t mean however, that Walter was not surprised at how quickly Michael had accepted their goals and mobilized them to achieve them.

 

********

 

TWO MONTHS AGO

 

 

 

Walter and Birkoff were sitting in the back booth of an out of the way diner, waiting for Nikita to show up.  They looked up as the door chimed, surprised to see Michael walking in with Nikita.  Subdued greetings were exchanged and the tension level increased several notches.  Not surprisingly, it was Michael who spoke first, cutting to the bottom line.

 

“I have a plan.  Are you in or out?” Michael turned to Walter first.

 

“In.” Walter replied without hesitation.  He didn’t need to ask any questions.  He correctly surmised that Nikita and Michael had been talking amongst themselves and had come to the same conclusion - act now, before it was too late.

 

“In.” Birkoff echoed when it was his turn to reply.

 

“Good.”  Michael replied, his economic one word reply setting the stage and tone for the ensuing conversation, and proceeded to reveal his plan.

 

“Obviously, we need Oversight’s support to avoid our own cancellation.”  Michael began.

 

“You have Adrian, so George won’t be a problem.”  Nikita jumped in, obviously showing her ignorance in regards to Michael’s plan.  He hadn’t revealed any details to her beforehand, but she wasn’t upset.  She had finally learned to accept certain things as far as Michael was concerned.  Nikita realized that Michael held things close to the vest for two reasons.  One was control.  He needed to have control over any given situation.  It was one of the harsher lessons he had learned while climbing up the ranks.  And two, protection. The less anyone knew, the better for them.  If Michael went down he didn’t want to take any of his friends with him.  Nikita still didn’t like it, but she did start to accept it and all of Michael’s other idiosyncrasies.   After all, she knew she wasn’t perfect either and had certain personality traits Michael had come to accept too.

 

“Yes, I have Adrian.”  Michael replied, confirming what both Walter and Birkoff had suspected anyway.  “But George does not run oversight alone.  Besides, he isn’t completely trustworthy either.  He’s shown his lack of loyalty with the attempted neural scrapes.”

 

“Good point.” Birkoff commented, inwardly shuddering at the memories Michael’s last sentence evoked.

 

“We need more insurance.”  Michael continued, bringing everyone at the table back to the present.

 

“So what did you have in mind?”  Walter asked,  knowing Michael would have come up with several different scenarios and contingencies by now.

 

“Several components that will ensure our relative safety.”  Michael replied.  “The first three being the Key File to ensure George’s continued support, the Gemstone File to ensure Operations and Madeline’s allies’ cooperation and the directory to ensure the other Sections’ cooperation.”

 

“That’s a tall order.”  Walter muttered, already contemplating which of his sources could help in retrieving any of the above mentioned items.

 

“Actually we’re two thirds there already.”  Michael replied, stunning the other three operatives.

 

“I have the directory.”  Michael continued in the ensuing silence, then turning apologetically to Nikita.  AAnd the Gemstone File.”

 

“It’s ok, Michael.”  Nikita replied to his unspoken plea for forgiveness.  “I’m glad you made a copy of it.  And the directory?  You’ve had it all along?”

 

“Yes.  I had hoped never to use it, but that’s unavoidable now.”  Michael replied sadly.

 

Michael didn’t need to say anymore.  Everyone knew what he meant.  Michael had been loyal to Section One for a decade.  He had respected its leaders for most of those ten years.  In a way they were all sad that it had come to this.  They all believed that Section One was a necessity in the world as it was now to ‘maintain order.’  What they’d stopped believing in were Operations and Madeline’s methods in maintaining that order.

 

“What about the Key File?”  Walter asked, also saddened that things in Section One had deteriorated so severely.  He remembered the ‘good old days.’  Back when you knew who your friends and enemies were.  Lately, that line was so blurred that at times, recently especially, he felt that the only people he could trust were the ones sitting next to him.  Rather sad, when you considered the massiveness and the goals of the organization they worked for. 

 

“I guess that’s where I come in.”  Birkoff answered Walter’s question.

 

“Yes.”  Michael confirmed.  “There’s only one copy of it in Section.  I came across it while retrieving the Gelman File.  There wasn’t enough time to break the encryption and download it.”

 

“So where does that leave us?”  Birkoff questioned.

 

“You and Walter will have to do it.” 

 

Truth be told, Michael could certainly retrieve the Key File on his own.  His reasoning for asking Birkoff and Walter to do it was to further their comradery and cohesiveness as a team.  Giving others responsibility for things he knew he could do was alien and uncomfortable for Michael, but something he knew he had to learn.  He also knew that he needed to put his trust and his faith into others, not just Nikita, otherwise he’d never successfully run Section One.  He had to stop doing everything himself because once he was in command that would no longer be possible, he’d have to delegate and rely on others to carry out *his* orders.  This was as good an opportunity as any to learn to accept it.

 

Besides, if things went as planned and Michael took over Section One, he wanted those at the table for his key personnel.  Unlike Operations, who kept control of his operatives out of fear, Michael wanted control out of loyalty and in some instances, friendship as well.  This was also a good opportunity for nurturing that friendship and loyalty.

 

“You can do it.”  Michael continued.

 

“Yeah.”  Nikita chimed in, coaxing the reluctant tech ops.  “It’ll certainly be easier than the Teragamo mission.”

 

“Oh, that’s a comfort.”  Birkoff replied.

 

“Why us?”  Walter asked.

 

“We have a small window.  Birkoff can decrypt the codes and download quicker.”

 

“Fine, I’ll give you that, but why me?”

 

“Nikita and I will keep Operations and Madeline busy, away from any monitors and alarms.”  Michael replied.

 

“And how are we going to do that?”  Nikita queried.  “Better yet, where?”

 

“Committee.  We’ll have a valid reason to meet them there.”

 

“And what’s that?”  Nikita returned.

 

“Adrian, and her relation to our continued security.”

 

“Wouldn’t that tip our hand?”  Walter interjected.

 

“Yeah, wouldn’t that make them suspicious?”  Nikita added.  “I mean, that’s pretty much been status quo, so why bring it up now?”

 

“I plan to tell them that we will not tolerate these missions for much longer.  We’ve proven our loyalty and we’ve shown them that we are no threat to their continued control of Section One and they should act accordingly.”

 

“Cool.” Nikita smiled.  “Maybe that will even get them off our backs until this plan comes to a head.  Two birds with one stone.”

 

“So when do we go?”  Walter asked.

 

“Unfortunately, not yet.”  Michael replied.  “The timing is not right. There are also other details to work out first.”

 

Nobody was really happy about the delay, but they all trusted Michael’s strategic and tactical abilities.  If he said they had to wait, then so be it.  They’d survived this long, they would survive a little bit longer, for they knew what lay ahead.  A chance to live, not just survive.

 

********

 

That was two months ago.  Now they were ready.  Walter returned his thoughts to the present as he saw Birkoff enter the club, followed by Michael and Nikita.

 

“So we’re ready to go?”  Birkoff asked impatiently, as soon as everyone was seated.  He was scared and excited at the same time.  He wanted to do this, be a part of a chance at life, not just survival.  He was as tired as the rest of them of surviving to the next day.  He knew he’d never get out of Section, but he did want a life within its confines.  Removing the current ‘powers that be’ was the only way.  He’d come to that realization a long time ago, but now, finally, here was the chance to do something about it.

 

“As soon as you’re ready.”  Michael replied, then turned to Nikita. “Would it be alright with you if I did the talking in Committee?”

 

“Absolutely, I trust you with my life.”  Nikita replied, happily surprised that Michael would even ask her such a thing.  ‘He’s definitely changing, and for the better.’ Nikita thought.

 

Michael *was* changing.  He knew he was taking a calculated risk by informing their little group of his plans.  He was used to giving orders and not explaining himself, playing everything   close to the vest.  It was a difficult transition, but one Michael knew he had to make if he wanted his soon-to-be subordinates’ trust and loyalty.  This little group would be his ‘core’ once in command and he was trying to ensure that they would stick together, no matter what, for many years to come.

 

“We’re ready.”  Walter replied, glancing at and receiving confirmation from Birkoff before he spoke.

 

“Good, then we’ll go tomorrow morning. 7:30 AM. There are no missions on pad until tomorrow night, so Section should be relatively quiet at that hour.”  Michael returned, pleased at the lack of hesitation on his ‘team’s’ part. 

 

The next morning everything went according to plan - at first.

 

Michael and Nikita met Operations and Madeline in Committee to discuss ‘matters.’  While Operations was upset that things had come to a head, Madeline was actually surprised that it had taken this long. 

 

Both sides had their say, and in the end an agreement was reached.  The two operatives would be allowed a personal relationship and their missions would return to ‘normal.’  Furthermore, as long as both operative’s numbers remained constant, they would essentially be left alone.  But, if there was any slip in percentages, or hint of insurrection, counter measures (transfer for one at the very least, cancellation for both not out of the question) would be taken.

 

When the meeting in Committee broke up, Nikita followed Michael back to his office where they monitored (surveillance free) Birkoff and Walter’s progress.  Surprised that the two men had not completed their assignment yet, they sat down to wait and listened in with Walter’s new com units, specifically designed for this ‘mission.’  So new, in fact, that Section One was unaware of their existence.

 

While Michael and Nikita were in Committee, Walter and Birkoff were busy with their part of the profile.  So far things had gone smoothly.  Walter was lowering Birkoff down by the section where Michael said he had found the Key File on his foray a few months ago.

 

Birkoff had all his tools ready, for he planned on breaking his own speed record for decrypting and downloading today.

 

When he was in position, he pulled on the rope, signaling for Walter to stop.  Walter waited for Birkoff to finish, not hurrying the boy, figuring Michael would contact them if things got hot.

Expecting Birkoff’s confirmation of successful acquisition, Walter was not prepared for Birkoff’s statement.

 

“Walter.”  Birkoff whispered anxiously into his com unit, unaware of how much time had passed and that Michael and Nikita were in Michael’s office already and listening in.  AWe have a *huge* problem.”

 

“What is it, amigo?”  Walter asked in alarm.

 

“It...it’s gone.”  Birkoff stammered.

 

“What do you mean gone, Birkoff?”  Michael interjected.

 

“It’s not here anymore.  I’ve been checking all the files in here, but it’s gone.  They must have moved it.”

 

“Ok, Birkoff, there’s nothing more you can do there. Get out, now.”  Michael replied, mentally reviewing his contingency profiles for this unexpected, but planned for, set back.

 

********

 

“Now what?”  Nikita asked as soon as the ‘four musketeers’ were all seated in their booth at The Wave the following evening.

 

“Our activities were not detected.”  Michael began.

 

“Big deal.  We’re no closer to the Key File.”  Walter interrupted out of frustration at being thwarted. “Do we really need it?  We have the directory and Gemstone.”

 

“We still need the Key File to ensure George’s cooperation.” Michael patiently explained, remembering to adhere to his resolution of ‘sharing.’  “There will certainly be opposition in Oversight and the Agency regardless of how we take control.  While George may not be omnipotent, his support carries much weight.”

 

“Understood.  But isn’t there some other way?”  Nikita chimed in.  “What about Adrian?”

 

“Once George has Adrian, we lose her as our trump card. Our possession of the Key File not only guarantees George’s cooperation, but it also ensures Operations and Madeline can’t hold it over him either.”

 

“So, back to my original question, now what?”  Nikita returned.

 

“What about Operations’ private data bank?”  Birkoff questioned.  “That’s the only other place that’s under level Z security.”

 

“It’s not there.  I’ve checked already.”  Michael returned, once again stunning his co-conspirators.

 

“What?”  Birkoff exclaimed.  “When?  Undetected? How?”

 

“I checked it a week ago, just to cover all the bases.”  Michael explained.  “And yes, I made sure I left no fingerprints, electronic or otherwise.”

 

“But how did you do that?”  Birkoff asked, still stunned that Michael had been able to do something computer related that he couldn’t.

 

“It doesn’t matter.”  Michael replied, then with a touch of humor added, “Besides, If I tell you now, I won’t have that privacy when we’re in control.”   Michael finished, purposely using the plural ‘we’, making sure no one felt left out and knew that they were in it together.

 

“Yeah, I guess.”  Birkoff grumbled.

 

“Now that you’ve shattered Birkoff’s ego, where do we look next?”  Walter asked, amused at Birkoff’s discomfort.  ‘Damn, Michael is as much MacGyver as James Bond.’ Walter mused to himself.  ‘Not a bad way to keep Birkoff on his toes, either.’

 

“The file has to be off site.  We’ll need to give Operations and Madeline a good reason to check on it.”

 

“Good idea.  But how are we gonna do that?”  Walter asked curiously, knowing Michael would have an answer.  ‘Gotta admit, that man’s a genius at profiling, strategy and tactical.  Can’t even say that his talents are being wasted because he’s just as good in the field.’

 

“I’ll make them question whether or not it’s still secure.”  Michael replied.

 

“Ok, I’ll bite.  How?”  Nikita interrupted.

 

“By getting a copy of it and using enough of the information to persuade Operations to question whether or not I actually have his.”

 

“Wait a minute, Michael.”  Birkoff was the first to break in.  “First of all, where are you going to get a copy?  Second, *if* you manage that, why would you need Operations’ copy?

 

“George has the original.”  Michael began.

 

“So, he’s just going to give it to you?”  Walter interjected.

 

“I didn’t say that.”  Michael replied gently, showing none of his impatience at being interrupted. ‘Part of joining a group, I guess.’ He mused.  “But I can get it.”

 

“I don’t suppose you’d be inclined to elaborate?”  Nikita asked.

 

“A contact.”  Michael replied, effectively ending that part of the conversation.  Discussing contacts was taboo for any operative worth his salt and everyone at the table knew it.  They also knew that the price for the Key File, regardless of the contact, was going to be high and that was another thing best left alone.

 

“Ok, I’ll buy that for now.  Don’t need to or want to know anymore about that part of it.  What about part 2?  Why go after Operations copy then?”  Birkoff repeated.

 

“If Operations still has his, he’ll have enough influence over George to make things ‘uncomfortable’ for us.”  Nikita answered then turned to Michael. ARight?”

 

“Exactly.”  Michael returned, not surprised at Nikita’s quick grasp of the situation.  He had trained her well.  “Operations must doubt the security of his copy, enough to warrant checking on it.  If he’s sure I have it, he’ll have no reason to check.”  Michael continued, patiently explaining his reasoning.

 

At this point Nikita, Birkoff and Walter had noticed Michael switching to ‘I’ rather than ‘we.’  They were used to it.  They knew it wasn’t out of selfishness, but rather out of a need to protect others.  If he got caught, Michael was *not* going to take anyone with him, regardless of the personal consequences.

 

“Ok, good point.  You want him to *think* you’re bluffing, at the same time making him doubt it either way.”  Walter conceded.  “How are you going to pull *that* one off?” 

 

“We’ll have to see.”  Michael replied.

 

“Michael? Unsure of a move? Not ten steps ahead of everyone else? Wow!”  Nikita chuckled, trying to lighten the mood, but in fact serving to darken it further by evoking memories of the last time Michael uttered those words and the unexpected consequences of a seemingly harmless relationship.

 

“Once I see the Key File,” Michael broke the silence, bringing everyone back to the present and a renewed determination.  “I’ll be able to pick certain pieces of intel that may belong to the file, but can also be found elsewhere as well.”

 

“So Operations and Madeline will have no choice but to make sure their copy is intact.”  Nikita finished.  ACool.”

 

“Yeah, but how are you gonna do it?”  Walter interjected, then remembered Michael’s previous answer and added,  AOk, make that when are you gonna get it?  What kind of time frame are we looking at?”

 

“A few days, a week at the most.”  Michael replied, grateful for Walter’s change of question, not wanting to mention anything more about his contact.  “Once I have it, we’ll meet again to finalize plans for tagging Operations and Madeline.”

 

“Why Madeline?”  Birkoff questioned.

 

“Michael’s right.”  Walter answered.  “As George loves to say, they’re like siamese twins.  You can bet Madeline knows everything Operations does and vice versa, well on matters that count anyway, and this certainly counts.  She may be the one to check on the file, too.”

 

“This is a good place to meet.”  Michael stated, rising from his chair and bringing the meeting to a close.  “Ten days, I’ll have the intel by then.”

 

“How do you know we’ll all be down in exactly ten days?  We always meet haphazardly because we’re never down together.”  Birkoff returned, while Nikita, also rising and Walter, still sitting, just smiled at the question and the answer they knew was coming.

 

“I’ll take care of it.”  Michael replied, taking Nikita’s hand and leading her out of the club and to his car while Birkoff and Walter stayed and ‘partied.’

 

********

 

Ten days had come and gone, but Michael was no closer to George’s copy of the Key File than when he started.  Michael was not happy, he did not like to fail at *anything,* let alone something as important as this - his and his friends’ futures.  He’d already postponed their meeting indefinitely, promising that things would get back on track soon.

 

They all understood, no one complained or asked any questions.  This was too important.  All of them knew that out of the four of them, Michael was unquestionably their leader.  Nikita, Walter and Birkoff trusted him.  Now was not the time for doubts.  They had to stick together, now more than ever.  If Michael said he needed more time, then they would give it to him.  They were already ahead of schedule anyway, believing at first that they’d have to wait (and survive) years before ‘their time.’

 

However, by Michael’s standards, time was running out so he had no choice, he had to use a source that he hoped he never would - Lorie Masters, an upper level Agency operative with very close ties to Oversight and George specifically.

 

At this point, Michael and Lorie were ‘even’ in favors, but if she’d agree to Michael’s profile, he’d owe her, big time.  As he sat in the shoddy neighborhood’s even shoddier hole-in-the-wall bar, waiting for Lorie to show up, he mused that he had to be desperate to even think of bringing the tier one operative into this. 

 

Michael preferred to use sources who owed him.  In this case, that would have been even more imperative considering how off-profile his plan was.   Unfortunately, he mused, ‘beggars can’t be choosy.’  He needed her and was willing to do whatever it took to get her cooperation.  Michael just hoped that it was not all for naught.  After all, it had been quite a while since he saw Lorie last and he wasn’t even sure she could be trusted to not ‘rat them out’ if she decided not to help.

 

********

 

Michael had shown up unusually early and checked the place out, for he knew that Lorie, like him, always tried to stay several steps ahead.  Scoping out the patrons and all the entrances and exits as well as the surrounding buildings was something that Michael routinely did, especially when meeting *anyone* in a new place.  When that anyone was somebody you didn’t trust (which, in Michael’s book, was almost everyone) inspecting and memorizing your surroundings was a necessity for survival.  He was sure that Lorie would run the same check he did. 

 

Michael had asked Lorie to meet him rather last minute.  He knew, better than most, that the life of an anti-terrorist operative did not adhere to any normal schedule.  He reasoned that if Lorie had intended to miss the meeting, or was running *very* late, she would have gotten a message to him somehow.  He refused to believe she would betray him, at least before she listened to what Michael wanted.  If, after hearing him out, she *did* try to betray him, he was reasonably sure he could handle it.

 

While he waited for the Agency operative to show up, Michael reflected back on some of their previous meetings and adventures.

 

********

 

TEN YEARS AGO

 

 

Michael had first met Lorie a little over ten years ago, his first as a Section One operative.  Michael had been transferred into One six months before and was still accustoming himself to the way things were.  He’d been transferred because One was low on manpower as they were rebuilding their forces after the successful coup against Adrian.

 

When they met Lorie had been a veteran level three operative, even though she was only 19.  She was recruited into Section Four at the age of twelve and then transferred to One two years later, starting out in Comm and then transferring to cold ops by the age of 16.  At the time, *no one* from the other Sections had known about the goings on at Section Four.   They had been led to believe that it was just like any other.  Of course, now it was more common knowledge that Four specialized in the ‘intricacies’ of the mind, but at that time that knowledge was limited to a *very* few people outside of Four itself.  

 

Looking back, Michael realized that he didn’t even know if Lorie had possessed skills similar to Jerome.  If she did, she never used them, even when it would have helped to get her out of some *very* rough spots.  Section Four had been in its infancy back then, so perhaps these skills were just being tested for and Lorie had been transferred because she did not possess them.

 

Lorie had also been one of the few ‘old’ operatives to survive the coup.  When Paul Wolfe became Operations the first thing he did was ‘get rid’ of many of One’s operatives.  Everyone he thought could be loyal to Adrian, from cold ops to kitchen staff and everyone in between had been either canceled or transferred.  All in all, about 40% of Section One had been in that category.  Lorie, as far as he’d known, had not thrown in with Operations and Madeline back then, but she had stayed in One, one of the very few ‘neutral’ parties to remain.  Rumor had it that the young woman was even then protected by Oversight, all of Oversight, not just George.

 

Michael had been transferred to One six weeks after the successful coup.  He had just been promoted to level three prior to the transfer, almost unheard of after only three years in the field. It was one of the reasons Operations had wanted him.  Even though he was at a higher level, he was still young enough to mold into exactly what they wanted, something Operations and Madeline would attempt repeatedly over the next ten years.  A young man with his skills molded into a combination of Operations and Madeline would be Section One’s future, or so they had planned at the time.

 

Even though Michael had already been in Section One six months, it was his first mission as team leader, and Lorie, already a veteran team leader would be under his command.  Of course it had been a test, but Michael had been to new in One and too ‘excited’ about his first command to pay much attention to that.  It would prove costly for him later.

 

He’d been team leader on dozens of missions, but this was his first at One.  He’d been confident in his abilities, especially as the profile on his pda seemed simple enough for a less seasoned operative.  His naivete in the ways of Section One, its new leaders specifically, prevented Michael from seeing the ‘big picture’ - that this was the first in a long, long line of tests he would have to endure on his way to becoming a level five operative and leading candidate for successor to Operations.  At the time, he’d foolishly believed that his new bosses were being lenient with him, giving him an easy mission in which to ‘wet his feet.’  After all, he had reasoned, that was the way things had been done where he came from.

 

The mission was going well - in the beginning.  A simple seek and destroy, minimal hostile contact, at least that had been the profile.  Michael was used to following profiles.  It wasn’t that he was unable to think on his feet, he just never had to.  Before his transfer, he’d been writing his own profiles, and the perfectionist that he was forced him to plan his profiles for any contingencies.

 

Being relatively new to One, he had made the mistake of believing in the profile set before him.  He had wrongly reasoned that the profiler on this mission worked the same way he did and all contingencies had been prepared for.  It was a mistake he’d never repeat.

 

Michael and his team of four had infiltrated the perimeter of the secluded warehouse where Red Cell was storing arms for an upcoming terrorist attack.  The profile called for setting the charges on the outside of the warehouse, on all four outer walls, then detonating them from a safe distance.  As per profile, Michael watched as his team dispatched the four guards patrolling the perimeter.   He watched as his team planted the charges and began making their way back to the safety of the surrounding forest. That’s when the profile went to hell and Michael experienced the ‘agony of defeat’ for the first time as team leader.

 

According to the intel, the perimeter guards were not supposed to be equipped with two way com units, only ‘old fashioned’ hand held walkie talkies.  Whether this upgrade in equipment was recent or the intel faulty to begin with didn’t matter at this point.  All that mattered was that fifteen more guards, armed with automatic weapons, came out of the building and opened fire on the Section One team. 

 

As soon as the firefight had begun, Michael was ordered to detonate the charges and return to the van.  He had not been in the line of fire and was far enough from the warehouse to not be affected by the explosion.  Stunned at the turn of events, Michael ran forward, ignoring orders for the first time in his Section career and tried to provide cover for his retreating teammates, but it was too late and they were outnumbered three to one.  All five dove for cover behind various crates and vehicles, futilely hoping to take out the Red Cell personnel before they were taken down. 

 

Unbeknownst to Michael, his team was made up of abeyance operatives.  The mission was supposed to fail.  Operations and Madeline intended it that way.   They wanted Lorie dead because they didn’t trust her.  They didn’t expect Michael to break cover and try to save his team.  They had expected him to follow retreat orders and blow up the compound, trapping his team in the flames. 

 

Michael failed his first mission as team leader, but not for the reasons he thought.  Michael concluded that his failure was at not anticipating the possibility of equipment discrepancies or reinforcements and restructuring and repositioning his team for that contingency.  What he didn’t know was that his failure stemmed from trying to save his teammates.

 

By the time the firefight was over, three of his team lay dead.  He and Lorie were the only survivors, and barely at that.  He had been so intent on covering his team that he didn’t see the Red Cell operative sighting him in his scope, but Lorie did.  She shot in time, the dying man’s shot going high and missing Michael by mere inches.

 

It was shortly after that that they realized they were the only two Section operatives still alive and mutually decided make a run for the surrounding forest and the waiting van.  Michael detonated the charges, but unfortunately the destruction wasn’t total as the charges that were supposed to be planted upon retreat never were.

 

Somehow, they both made it, with only a clean shoulder and leg wound between the two.  Once inside the van, each applied a field dressing to their respective wounds.  As neither was aware of the mission’s true profile at the time, they silently contemplated how they were going to explain to Operations the failed mission and three lost operatives.

 

As Michael and Lorie made their way back to Section, Operations and Madeline were sitting down to breakfast, prepared by their new head chef, Christopher.  Their breakfast meeting had, in the past few months, become a daily routine, one which they were both more than willing to

continue.

 

“The Baker mission was successful, I see.”  Operations began, reading his monitor.

 

“Yes.  Chuck did well, he may just get himself out of abeyance and possibly even advance.”  Madeline responded.

 

“Maybe.” Operations returned.  “And Red Cell, Michael’s mission.  He failed, on several issues.  Perhaps his potential isn’t as great as you’d thought.  Maybe he’s better suited for valentine work.”

 

“Perhaps.”  Madeline hedged.  “Of course, he’ll need valentine training, as is standard with all operatives at his level.  However, I still think he has the potential for more.  Michael is not yet accustomed to the way things are done here.”

 

“He disobeyed a direct order from *me,* Madeline.”

 

“Yes, to try to save his team.  The error, perhaps was ours, in not recognizing ahead of time that he would do so.”  Madeline contradicted, surprisingly protecting their young operative.  “Michael needs to learn that if we deem it necessary, then everyone is acceptable collateral.  He came from Section Three, a more lenient and ‘friendly’ environment.  I think, given the chance and proper retraining, he can become a tremendous asset to Section One.”

 

“Well, Madeline.  I see you strongly believe in this young man.  I’m surprised, I haven’t seen you this committed in quite a while.  Since our ascension to power in fact.”   Operations replied, somewhat angrily, a little jealousy rearing its ugly head.

 

“He reminds me of you.”  Madeline smiled, deciding on a half-truth to appease Operations.  Michael *did* remind Madeline of a young Paul Wolfe but he also reminded her of her slightly younger self as well.   Michael was a mixture of both of them and with the right training he would be a *very* formidable Section asset for years to come.

 

“We’ll see.”  Operations returned, somewhat mollified.  “Don’t forget, that mission also failed in solving our other little problem.”

 

“Yes, Lorie has proven to be more resilient than anticipated, I won’t underestimate her again.”  Madeline stated.

 

“Sir,” a mechanical voice interrupted.  “The Red Cell mission’s ETA to van access is five minutes.”

 

“Thank you.  We’re on our way.”  Operations replied, rising along with Madeline to head over to van access, already discussing how they would approach this particular debrief so as not to give away their real profile to the two returning operatives.

 

Michael and Lorie knew treatment for their non life threatening injuries would come later.  Debriefing came first, the only way out of it being unconsciousness and neither operative was willing to show weakness, emotional or physical.

 

As Operations and Madeline neared van access, the doors opened and Lorie limped out, head held high, knowing Madeline would look for any weakness in her demeanor.  Behind her, Michael stepped out, walking into the tunnel, dreading what would come next but not showing it.  Lorie had told him, on the way back to Section, not to show any emotion when they returned, lest it be catalogued and used later.  He heeded her advice as best he could, but his mask slipped at Operations command.

 

“Lorie, debrief with Madeline.”  Operations spoke, then addressed his newest team leader with barely controlled anger.  “Michael, in my office, NOW.” 

 

Michael spent the next forty-five minutes being reamed out by Operations, while Lorie received similar treatment from a more controlled and serene Madeline.  It was Michael’s first failure in Section One and Operations spent the better part of an hour driving his failure home to him.  The phrase ‘beating a dead horse’ passed through Michael’s mind several times while listening to his superior’s harangue.

 

Operations repeatedly yelled at Michael for not planning for the com unit problem and any other possible contingencies in the first place, disobeying orders, not achieving closure and losing three operatives in the process, conveniently leaving out the *tiny* detail of the mission’s real profile.  When Operations finally exhausted himself and finished letting out all his pent up steam on Michael, he ‘graciously’ allowed the level three operative to go to medlab and treat his shoulder injury with a parting warning.

 

“Failure of this magnitude will not be tolerated, especially at your level.  Consider yourself in abeyance and on close quarter stand by until further notice.  Next time I won’t be so lenient.”

 

On his way to medlab all Michael could feel was numbness.  He passed by weapons to drop off his gear first, as Operations hadn’t even allowed him to do so before his ‘debrief.’   He was unusually quiet and didn’t want to talk.  That didn’t stop Walter though, who’d heard all about the failed mission.

 

“Tough break kid.”  Walter remarked in sympathy.  “At least there’s nowhere to go but up.”  He continued, hoping to lighten the younger man’s mood. 

 

Michael, however, had already retreated into himself and didn’t even acknowledge Walter’s remarks.  He just dropped off his gear and continued on to medlab, ignoring the stares, sympathetic or otherwise, from those he passed in the hallways.

 

After taking care of his shoulder, the attending physician told Michael he’d have to stay a few hours for observation - standard procedure.  Michael was not happy, he just wanted to return to his quarters, solitude being what he craved.  He did, though, use the time in medlab to his advantage.

 

While convalescing in medlab, he came to several realizations and decisions.  He accepted he’d failed and promised himself there would *never* be a repeat performance.  He vowed to change things immediately.

 

He decided that from here on in, if he was leading a mission then he would be on point.  He’d be the first to see any anomalies and reconfigure the profile to compensate.  Furthermore, he vowed to study every profile he’d be involved in, whether team leader or not.  He’d go over the profile again and again, until he was sure all contingencies were planned for.  He’d never be caught with ‘his pants down’ again, that he was sure of.

 

Lastly, he vowed to not let anyone get too close to him, or vice versa.  He’d lost three operatives that day, something that had never happened to him before.  He finally realized that Section One was different.  In the future, he’d do his damnedest to make sure his team survived. But, other than that he’d keep to himself.  He’d already lost everything he had after the bombing that got him into Section in the first place.  He swore to himself he’d never care too much about anyone or anything, lest he lose them again or they were punished for his mistakes.  Michael not only believed he couldn’t survive losing everything again, he also believed that he didn’t deserve anything good in his life anymore - not after the sins he had committed.

 

The Michael who came out of medlab was not the man or operative who went in.  Michael, ‘The Terminator’ or ‘machine man’ was born that day.  As he headed out of medlab and to his quarters, the expression on his face was blank.  Mission mode had just become a way of life for him.

 

********

 

Within two months after Michael’s failed mission, he was back in Operations’s good graces.  He’d led a dozen successful missions in the interim, with minimal casualties.  He’d kept his promises to himself.  He studied and studied each profile, making changes after changes, until he was sure it was the absolute best he could come up with.  Section One’s grapevine was already buzzing with questions about this relatively new level three operative who, in no time at all, had gone from relative obscurity and the brink of cancellation to the new ‘golden boy.’

 

Madeline was pleased, as was a grudging Operations.  Had she been anyone else, Madeline would not hold back an ‘I told you so.’   But being where they were, and being who she was, Madeline recognized the advantage of refraining from gloating.  She was satisfied that she was right, and it didn’t matter that Operations had already conveniently forgotten his original misgivings about Michael and taken credit for the younger man’s successes. 

 

Madeline knew it was pointless to dwell on taking credit.  Instead she concentrated on keeping Michael in line for the future and building him up to her specifications.  At this point, as far as Madeline was concerned, Michael’s only weakness was a tendency to factor in contingencies for civilians and innocents that were regarded as acceptable collateral.  Too much time was wasted in that, preventing increased mission frequency.  No matter, Madeline decided, she would correct that flaw immediately, plans already formulating in her brilliant, but devious mind.

 

Not everyone at Section One was happy about the changes in their newest golden boy. Walter for his part, was saddened at the changes he’d witnessed in Michael.  When Michael first came to Section One, Walter figured for sure he’d be in his ‘five percent club.’  But now, the more time that passed, the more unlikely that seemed.  The only thing keeping the young man in the running even was his uncanny ability to accomplish closure with minimal casualties.  Unfortunately, the weapons wizard surmised, that was probably more from a need for perfection than concern over others.  Michael had never been an extrovert, but when he first arrived he at least talked to people and cared about what was going on around him.  Now, the younger man barely acknowledged anyone or anything not directly related to a mission. 

 

It seemed to Walter that Michael lived and breathed for the Section.  Another casualty of the new regime.  Once again, doubt seeped into Walter about the side he chose in the civil war.  Old loyalties to Paul Wolfe had dictated his choice eight months ago.  That thought brought on another one, was it really only less than a year?  Walter was surprised, for in those eight months he felt like he’d aged eight years.

 

Lorie was also saddened by the changes she saw in Michael.  She thought she had saved the man’s life not two months ago, but it appeared that she was wrong.  For the man who’s life her bullet had saved was not the same one currently roaming the halls of Section.  The way Michael was now couldn’t be considered living.  She honestly didn’t know whether or not she had done him a favor by saving his life.

 

When Lorie had finally decided, partly out of guilt, to team up with Walter, who she knew would go along with her to try to help Michael return to some semblance of a human being, it was too late.  Oversight had begun to worry about her safety while she remained in Section One.  Some members of the organization had suspicions regarding several missions the not yet twenty-year-old operative had been on and decided for her own safety to move Lorie into their fold. 

 

Oversight, George in particular, had grand plans for the young woman and Section One would not be allowed to interfere.   As sure as George had been with his decision to back Paul Wolfe in his coup, he was somewhat surprised at his growing doubts about the man.  His instincts and research had told him it was the right decision, but now he was having second thoughts.

 

Lorie’s transfer had come as an unpleasant surprise to most in Section One who knew her, but for different reasons.  Most of her colleagues were sorry to see someone with her skills and personality go while some were jealous of her ‘promotion.’  Walter, in particular, was sorry to see a good friend go, but was glad that she was moving up and out of the line of fire.  Walter knew that Operations and Madeline had been trying to get rid of Lorie and he wasn’t sure how much longer he would have been able to run interference.

 

Michael, who Lorie once considered a friend didn’t much care one way or another, except to feel annoyance that he’d have to find a replacement for her on his team, for she was good, better than most more seasoned operatives and would be difficult to replace.  The Michael who might have cared about a friend who was ‘leaving’ was long gone.

 

Two people in particular did care very much that Lorie was being transferred.  In a way they were relieved, for so far their plans to eliminate her had failed.  Now she would be out of their hair and far away.  However, they were also worried that somehow, sometime in the future, they’d fervently regret their failure.

 

‘But that’s for later,’ Operations mused, ready to begin the briefing.  Michael, as was becoming customary, was leading this mission.  “Before we begin, I’d like to introduce our newest transfer, she’ll be replacing Lorie.”  Operations nodded to the petite woman sitting at the end of the table, “She’s from the Asian sector and her name is Simone.”

 

********

 

Michael’s musings turned to the first time he’d worked together with Lorie after her transfer to Oversight.

 

Almost a year had gone by since her transfer and the mission seemed simple, so simple in fact, that Michael had suspected it was just a cover for something else.  Simple recon/intel gathering.  Of course, Operations was not told what the mission was, nor would he find out. One of the rules in between agencies was ‘don’t ask, don’t tell.’  Details of missions between agencies were strictly confidential.  Any attempt to ascertain details was dealt with so harshly that it had been *years* since anyone had tried.

 

Michael’s suspicions proved accurate.  The mission lasted less than a day and when it was over George ‘suggested’ that he and Lorie have dinner before Michael left.  Not just anywhere, but right there in Oversight, in George’s private, surveillance-free dining room.

 

Knowing he was there for a reason, Michael waited for Lorie to say what was on her mind.  During dinner they kept the conversation impersonal.  Once the coffee was served and the kitchen staff retired for the evening, Lorie addressed the real reason they were here.

 

“So, how long did it take you to figure out that this was a set-up?”  Lorie questioned.

 

“Not long.”  Michael replied, in his now typically cryptic and succinct style, not giving anything away.

 

“Ok, fine.  Not one for small talk, huh?”  Lorie asked rhetorically.  “Down to business then.  I asked George for this favor because I needed to talk to you.  I uncovered a few things while tunneling into Section One’s mainframe that got me thinking, so I dug deeper.”

 

“What were you doing tunneling in the first place?”

 

“Don’t go there.”  Lorie replied pointedly.  “It’s none of your concern.  What *should* concern you are some of the things I’ve found out in the last few weeks.”

 

“Like what?”  Michael asked, humoring a superior, for Lorie was now the equivalent of a level four operative.

 

“Like the real objective for our mission against Red Cell over a year ago.”

 

“Go on.”  Michael prodded, suddenly very interested.

 

“It was more or less an abeyance mission.”

 

“Why?” Michael asked, puzzled.  Lorie had been an exceptional operative and he hadn’t been aware of any failures on his part, well, prior to that mission anyway.

 

“Oh, *you* were meant to survive, but the rest of us weren’t.”

 

“But I disobeyed orders.” Michael interrupted, realization dawning. 

 

“That’s right.  You were supposed to retreat and leave the rest of the team behind.”

 

“For what purpose?” 

 

“Well, I don’t think Operations and Madeline were testing you per se.”  Lorie replied.  “I’m pretty sure they expected you to follow orders and just wanted confirmation that they knew you well.  When you didn’t, you surprised them.”

 

“Why were you in abeyance?”

 

“That’s what bothered me too.  They wanted me gone. Literally.”

 

“Why?”  Michael asked, puzzled.

 

“Let’s just say they felt my loyalty to them was in question.  Rather than worry about it, they decided to get rid of me.  That’s why Operations and Madeline were so upset.  Madeline was just better at hiding it.  If you hadn’t gone back, I’d be dead too.”

 

“If not for your well timed shot, *I’d* be dead as well.”  Michael returned.

 

“So, we’re even then?”

 

“For now.  For some reason I’m sure that will change throughout the years.”  Michael replied, the hint of a smile softening his normally rigid features for a moment.

 

“Assuming, we both survive.”  Lorie concurred, returning the smile.

 

“So, why are you telling me this?”

 

“I’ve heard what’s been going on with you since that mission.  You’ve changed, and not for the better.”

 

“My performance has been beyond reproach.”  Michael defended himself.

 

“That’s not what I mean, and you know it.”  Lorie contradicted.  “You haven’t really been living, have you?  You live and breathe Section, it’s not healthy, physically or emotionally.”

 

“I have much to atone for.”

 

“Most of us do, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t look for a little peace and happiness along the way.  If you want to be around in the long run to atone, you need human contact.  You can’t survive in the world all alone, and that’s doubly true for the hell hole you’re in now.”

 

“What would be the point?”  Michael asked. “Section isn’t conducive to long term relationships, of any kind.”

 

“Perhaps.  But you could also get hit by a bus tomorrow.  You’d be just as dead.  So what?  At least have a life before you go.”  Lorie returned.  “Just think about it.”

 

********

 

Upon his return from Oversight, Michael was greeted with another mission.  After the mission and subsequent debrief, Michael headed home.  He was met at the elevator by Simone, a part time member of his team since her transfer.  He stood silently, waiting for the elevator, not expecting any conversation as was fitting with his reputation of the past year of coldness and ruthlessness personified.

 

“Have any dinner yet?”  Simone asked without preamble.

 

“No.”  Michael replied, too surprised at her question to say anything else.

 

“Me neither.  So how about it?  You, me, some seafood and a nice bottle of wine?”  Simone continued as the elevator door opened.

 

“Why not?”  Michael replied, remembering Lorie’s words from the day before.

 

“Wow, that was too easy.  Is the iceman melting?”  Simone returned teasingly, surprised at his acquiescence, as they stepped into the elevator and the door closed behind them.

 

********

 

Another year passed until Michael and Lorie met up again.   Things had changed for both of them.  Shortly after their last encounter Lorie had been moved yet again, this time into the Agency, and was already moving up there, too.  Lorie had gained many friends and allies along the way, some of who were keeping tabs for her on some of the old friends, and enemies, left behind. 

 

Moving between agencies had given Lorie the opportunity to cultivate sources, contacts and allies in a variety of places.  Her ‘power base’ would rival George’s in the near future.  The difference was that Lorie, unlike many of her colleagues, was content to stay in the background and observe those around her.   Her ‘gifts’ she used sparingly, as instructed long ago by the head of The Agency while she was still in Section Four, only when the situation was life or death.

 

Upon first glance, Lorie did not attract much attention.  She stood at five feet, seven inches and weighed 140 pounds.  Her brown eyes and pale features complimented her ebony hair.  On the whole, fairly nondescript, perfect for blending in.  Her unspectacular features, coupled with her young age of twenty two, caused many to underestimate her and not look twice.  Had they bothered to look more closely at her eyes, they’d see a burning intelligence hidden there.  One that had enabled the young woman to move quickly through the ranks.

 

Unbeknownst to Lorie and most of her current and former colleagues, she was being groomed to someday run The Agency.  The current Omega, as the head of The Agency was always designated, had thought long and hard about his decision.  At first he had hoped that George would replace him, but had discarded that plan almost immediately.  George was getting older and Omega wanted someone younger.

 

Mr. Jones, as he was about to be known, was also a candidate.  Younger than George, he would nevertheless become his boss shortly.  While the younger man had moved up the ranks rather admirably, he too had been discarded.  Mr. Jones would be spending too much time out in the ‘real world’ shortly and Omega wanted somebody completely from within. 

 

Michael, now a member of Section One, had also been a candidate, but was ultimately chosen for something else.  Omega prided himself on recognizing potential very early on.  After watching Michael in the young man’s first years in the covert anti-terrorist world, Omega knew he would go far.  As soon as he earned level three status, he made sure Michael was transferred to One.  As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he knew that One would be where Michael’s potential would be best realized.  An added bonus, Omega recently discovered, was Michael’s talent for keeping Operations and Madeline on their toes.  Given the right push, Michael would one day run Oversight.

 

Ultimately, it was Lorie’s ‘gifts’ that placed her above everyone else.  While her IQ, strategy, tactical and people skills were certainly most impressive, they were not the deciding factor.  Lorie had first caught Omega’s attention when she was recruited to Section Four.  Four had been Omega’s ‘baby,’ his first completely original concept. 

 

Due to his longtime association with a certain secret organization, he’d been made aware of a variety of talents that certain people bore.  Lorie had shown promise at an early age and had been recruited.  Omega had no regrets on that score, as she was an orphan and her foster care was substandard, at best. 

 

When Omega felt she was ready, he had Lorie transferred to One.  Looking back on things now, he should have manipulated Lorie’s transfer to Oversight sooner, right after Paul Wolfe became Operations.  He couldn’t blame the man for trying to get rid of Lorie, as Omega would have done the same with an otherwise exceptional operative whose loyalty was in doubt.  That didn’t mean however, that should he have succeeded, the consequences would not be dire.  An eye for an eye was a motto Omega long held dear.  As it was, Lorie was now safely (relatively, anyway) ensconced in The Agency, where Omega could keep a closer eye on her and make sure she stayed on the path he had created for her.

 

********

 

While Lorie’s future was being mapped out for her, Michael was still struggling with his.  He had, in the last year, become very close to Simone.  He’d fought it tooth and nail, but in the end, she had burrowed in under his defenses and claimed the heart and soul he’d swore he lost two years ago.

 

Michael knew that Section One frowned upon relationships between cold ops.  They didn’t mind an occasional roll in the hay, as long as the operatives didn’t get too close.  A prohibition of such relationships was not official policy, but it was uncommon and exceptions were *very* rare.

 

So far, they had been left relatively alone to pursue their relationship.  But neither Michael nor Simone were content with the way things were.  They had fallen deeply in love and wanted to share their lives.  They deliberated their options and in the end, the two of them went together to Operations to request permission to live together.  Operations promised to think about and let them know.

 

It took less than a day to get their answer.  Operations went to Madeline to discuss the issue. While Operations leaned toward allowing the two operatives their request, Madeline disagreed, albeit silently.  Madeline knew Operations had a soft spot for Michael and she was becoming increasingly alarmed by it.  He’d allowed the young operative far too much leeway over the last few months and Madeline was starting to worry about her future in Section One.

 

While Michael was exceptional in the field, he also had the ‘raw talent’ required to do her job.  With proper training, Michael could eventually take over her job and Madeline had no intention of letting that happen.  Rather than argue with Operations, she decided to outwardly agree with him and keep their professional relationship harmonious.  However, as soon as Operations left her office to impart the good news, Madeline began plotting to ensure her position for years to come.

 

********

 

While Madeline’s plotting was in its infancy, Michael and Lorie met up again, this time on a legitimate mission.  Lorie had been following his ‘career’ through ‘friends’ but now she saw for herself the changes in Michael.  Michael, Lorie and two other operatives spent a week together playing bodyguard for a visiting diplomat as a personal favor for a *very* high ranking official of the French government.  Lorie said a silent thanks to Simone, the person she knew was most responsible for bringing the twenty seven year old operative back into the world of the living.

 

Lorie’s friends had also warned her of the developing ruthless streaks of Operations and Madeline, especially Madeline.  Lorie decided to take this opportunity and warn Michael to be careful. 

 

After the mission was successfully completed and debrief was over, they still had some time before they had to return to their respective organizations.  Michael and Lorie decided to enjoy a late lunch and catch up on the past year.  Not wanting Michael to know she was keeping tabs, Lorie let him start the conversation and waited until she could safely steer it to where she wanted.

 

Lorie’s opportunity came during desert.  Michael, always keeping things close to the vest, *finally* told her about his new living arrangements.  Not one to give much away either, Lorie didn’t mention that she already knew and instead acted surprised and happy for her friend. 

 

“Congratulations.” 

 

“What?”  Michael asked, not missing the note of hesitation in Lorie’s voice.

 

“I’m just surprised, pleasantly, of course, that Operations and Madeline agreed, that’s all.”  Lorie replied.

 

“Why?”  Michael asked.  AIt’s not common, but it’s not unheard of either.”

 

“Just be careful.”  Lorie warned.  “Don’t trust either of them.  Madeline especially, but Operations can be even more ruthless when things don’t go his way.”

 

“What things?”

 

“It doesn’t matter, just be careful.”  Lorie replied, not willing to go into details.  She knew Operations was grooming Michael for ‘bigger’ things.  She also knew that Madeline wouldn’t allow it and would somehow make sure she got her way.  Lorie didn’t know what Madeline was plotting, only that it couldn’t be good for Michael.  And right now, the best way to get to Michael was through Simone. 

 

When Michael returned to Section, he’d learned that he had just been promoted to level four.  He thought to himself that although Lorie was usually right, perhaps this time she’d been wrong and things would work out just fine.  After all, if Operations and Madeline were ‘not happy’ with his living arrangements or his performance, they would not have promoted him.

 

After his promotion, things had settled down for a while.  Michael and Simone adjusted well to cohabitation and things in Section were running smoothly for them.  Each was achieving closure on their respective missions.  One of the rules Operations placed on them due to their new arrangement was that they could not, for obvious reasons, be on the same mission, at least for now.

 

However, one month after his conversation with Lorie, Michael learned that she was right, and that he and Simone were about to pay dearly for their arrangement.

 

Promoting Michael to level four had been Madeline’s idea.  She’d cooked up a scheme and convinced Operations it was for the best.  While Operations did have a soft spot for Michael, he *was* still a ruthless SOB.  Madeline did not have to twist his arm to convince Operations to follow her plan.  After all, one must constantly test the strength and loyalty of their best hope for the future.

 

Madeline’s plan was simple.  Promote Michael, give the couple the illusion of happiness and a future together, then yank it out from under them.  And yank it, she did.  One month into his new position, Madeline called both him and Simone into her office and proceeded to calmly and serenely explain to Michael that he would need to undergo valentine training, immediately.  It was necessary, she claimed, for an upcoming, long term mission that was as yet classified. 

 

To make matters worse, Madeline would be overseeing his training, *personally.*   Madeline believed this would cause a rift in the relationship, split them apart, for good.  She would make sure of it.  Her final stroke of genius was in implying and convincing the couple that this was actually Operations’ idea.  Michael had tremendous respect for Operations.  By planting the idea that it was his idea, as compensation for the couple’s living arrangement, she would alienate Michael from Operations, which in turn would alienate Operations from Michael. 

 

Realizing that she’d done all she could in the matter for the time being, Madeline addressed her next problem, Com, they needed an assistant for Gerald, who was considerably overworked.  ‘Birkoff,’ Madeline mused to herself, ‘he should be ready by now.’

 

********

 

Six months later the fruits of Madeline’s labor were born and Section One became even bleaker and more oppressive.  Michael distanced himself from Operations, believing the older man to be responsible for his predicament, just as Madeline had planned.

 

Michael’s distant behavior affected Operations more deeply than he cared to admit.  Paul Wolfe had promised himself that once he became Operations he would close off his emotions, thereby not allowing them to get in the way of what needed to be done ‘for the greater good.’  He wouldn’t allow himself to feel the loss of one - be it operative, hostile or innocent - when it benefitted the many.

 

Despite his vow, Operations didn’t completely let go of his emotions, something else that bothered Madeline, as she was able to ‘disengage’ far more quickly and easily.  Operations felt completely justified in agreeing to Michael’s upcoming undercover assignment and the valentine training that went with it.  In his opinion, it was suitable reciprocation for allowing Michael and Simone’s relationship.  The fact that the two operatives in question disagreed, privately *and* publicly infuriated Operations and proved to him that his original vow should not have been ignored.  He lost objectivity, cared for one more than for others, a cardinal sin. 

 

He also felt slighted.  Show a little favoritism to an operative and look what it gets you, more problems than solutions.  Operations would never admit, even privately, that a part of what angered him was that Michael distanced himself from Operations because he did not view things the same way the older man did.  Operations began to suspect that Michael might never conform to Operations’ ideal successor and started to believe that he needed a ‘back up’ in case he was right.

 

In the end, the details didn’t matter.  All that mattered was that Madeline’s plan was working to her specifications.  She had her job security for many years to come.  What Madeline failed to realize at the time was that Operations had been grooming Michael for his job, not hers.  That misunderstanding though, began a chain of events that brought Section One even deeper into the ‘dark side.’

 

Madeline’s only miscalculation was the effect Michael’s training would have on his relationship with Simone.  Madeline believed that Michael’s ‘intense’ valentine training would break up the couple.  She had been wrong, very wrong.  The two married in secret and then unceremoniously announced it to Operations and Madeline upon their return from their two day ‘honeymoon.’

 

Madeline’s first thought was that the couple had done it out of spite for their predicament.  Watching the two over the following week changed Madeline’s mind.  Madeline was a master at reading people. Simone was still fairly easy to read and Michael hadn’t perfected his ‘patented blank stare’ yet.  What Madeline found was that they *were* in love, *very* deeply in fact.  What worried her the most though, was Michael’s changing personality.

 

Section One had been busy the last few months and *everyone* had felt the effects, from top to bottom, lowly recruits included.  Michael and Simone’s three days of down time together, which they used to their advantage to marry, was actually a ‘reward’ for half a dozen back to back missions in which Michael and Simone had achieved closure in their respective assignments.  Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and Madeline realized too late that it had been a mistake to not lay more ground rules for the relationship ahead of time.

 

Part of Madeline’s week long observation of the couple included going over both their files.  What Madeline discovered in going over Michael’s more recent missions alarmed her even more than the marriage itself.

 

Madeline had discovered that Michael had been spending entirely too much time - and was ‘wasting’ resources - on profiles.  While his profiles had always been meticulous and innocent friendly, things were now *way* out of control.  Madeline silently reproached herself for letting the situation escalate.  She should have seen this coming and stopped it before it started, or at the very least caught it much sooner.  She blamed the recent escalation of activity for her lapse in surveillance and promised herself it would *not* happen again - Madeline vowed to never be caught off guuard again.

 

What so infuriated Madeline was that Michael was ruining an integral part of her and Operations’ strategy for keeping operatives in line.  She and Operations had, when they came into power, established an abeyance pool.  It was reserved for those operatives who had failed Section in one way or another, their one remaining purpose being suicide missions or collateral positions on ‘regular’ missions.

 

Thinking back carefully, Madeline remembered one of Michael’s missions a few months ago.  A very good friend of Simone’s was placed in abeyance.  Michael added the woman to his team but in a position that made her return *very* unlikely.   However, she did return, and in one piece.  In fact the woman had improved to the point of being removed from the abeyance pool.  At the time Madeline had believed the incident to be a singularity.  Now she realized that it was just a precursor. 

 

Going through his missions, Madeline found that Michael had taken quite a few abeyance operatives on his missions.  That in itself was expected. After all, many missions required operative sacrifices and optimally those sacrificed should be abeyance operatives.

 

What Madeline did find surprising was that somehow Michael had managed to bring many of these same abeyance operatives back from the field.  He’d restructured his profiles to make sure he brought back as many team members as he possibly could, abeyance operatives included.

 

Madeline was upset on more than one front.  The abeyance pool was created for two reasons.  Operatives that were deemed (by Madeline and/or Operations) failures were sent there to fulfill a need, otherwise they would just be canceled.  While it may have been beneficial to rehabilitate a *few* of them, rehabilitation was not the end game for the general abeyance pool population.  For the most part these operatives were deemed unworthy, unreliable or unable to serve and were of little use.  They were not meant for reintegration.  Keeping abeyance operatives alive too long left too many non useful personnel alive.  Too many non useful personnel wasted resources that could better be spent elsewhere.

 

Furthermore, the other goal of the abeyance pool was being undermined as well.  Abeyance was a good scare tactic for all operatives.  The fact that any one in Section, in any field, could be placed in abeyance was a good motivator to keep their ‘employees’ on their toes.  Abeyance was a good threat to hang over an operative’s head, in some ways even better than cancellation.  

 

Cancellation was a sure, quick death (Madeline and her torture twins were far too busy with more important matters and they didn’t have enough time to subject operatives to a long and painful death unless they were experimenting with a new procedure).  Sometimes, it was the anticipation, the not knowing that was worse.  With abeyance, you never knew if you were going to die and if so, how.  Perhaps capture and torture by the enemy or a fiery explosion.  Or perhaps something worse.  Maybe they would survive but sustain enough permanent injuries to be less than useful.  Uselessness such as that resulted in being used for experiments and those who were subjected to these experiments *wished* they were dead.

 

Michael keeping abeyance operatives alive defeated that purpose.  If Section personnel saw abeyance operatives returning alive *and* well from missions it diminished the usefulness of abeyance as a threat.  Abeyance would be viewed as nothing more than extended close quarter standby and not the fear inducer and performance enhancer it was intended to be for the general population.

 

Not liking what she found at all, Madeline gathered her data and prepared for Operations’ arrival.  This would definitely be the first topic of conversation of their impending meeting.

 

As Madeline had predicted, Operations did not like her findings either, although it did take a few minutes of explanation of her findings to convince him.

 

“Michael’s numbers should be discussed.”  Madeline began.

 

“Why?”  Operations asked, puzzled.  “They’re excellent.  He’s achieved closure with *very* minimal losses.”

 

“True.  But look at the profiles carefully.”  Madeline countered, swiveling her screen so Operations could see for himself the areas Madeline had outlined.

 

“Damn.”  Operations swore after a few minutes, that one word conveying to Madeline that her message was received.  “Fix it, Madeline.”

 

“Of course.”  Madeline replied, seriously, while smiling on the inside.  This is exactly what she wanted - the proverbial green light.  Now she had free reign to do with Michael as she pleased.  Operations would deem any and all of her methods acceptable as long as the desired goals were achieved.  And Michael would lay the blame on his situation at Operations doorstep knowing that the final decision in anything to do with Section, internal or external, belonged to him.  The final wedge in the relationship between Operations and Michael was imminent.  Madeline’s six months of plotting and planning was about to pay off.  Ironically it was Michael and Simone’s wedding that had the stage for the coming destruction.

 

********

 

As Madeline waited for Michael and Simone’s arrival, she finalized her preparations.  By having Simone present at the briefing, Madeline would be able to judge the pair’s initial reaction in person.  It would show Madeline how much, if anything, more was needed to break up the pair.  An added bonus of their breakup would be the destruction of Simone’s influence over Michael.  Madeline knew that Michael’s numbers were where they were because of Simone.  He cared far more about his fellow operatives since Simone came into his life.

 

In the twenty four hours that had elapsed since her official meeting with Operations, Madeline rethought her strategy.  Madeline had finally realized that she was wrong, her job was never really in jeopardy.  She’d finally understood that what Operations wanted in Michael was a successor to his ‘throne’ once he ascended (with Madeline in tow, of course) to Oversight and George’s job. 

 

Even had she been capable of feeling guilt or remorse, Madeline would nevertheless feel justified in her actions.  While her job security was intact, the fact remained that Michael’s numbers needed ‘fixing.’  Perhaps now, more than ever.  If Operations had his way and Michael did eventually succeed him, then Michael’s tendency towards ‘humanity’ had to be driven out.  And Madeline would ‘help’ towards that end.  She’d already convinced Operations of the need for her plan, reminding him of his exploitable weak spots and the fact that these traits would be just as dangerous for his successor.

 

As it was Operations still let his humanity and emotions get the best of him every so often.  So Madeline would make sure that Michael did not suffer such a fate.  She would make sure to drive out all of Michael’s emotions until all that was left was a machine with no feelings, emotions or loyalties of any kind, except to serve Section One.  What she envisioned was a cold op who was the mirror image of herself.   Severing the young man’s ties with everyone in his life was the beginning.  And what better person to start with than his wife.  If she could separate Michael from his new bride, then the rest would be much easier.

 

Madeline swivelled in her chair, confirmed that audio and visual surveillance of her office was working (and taping for future reference) and faced the door when it opened, revealing Michael and Simone.

 

“Please, sit down.”  Madeline stated in greeting, indicating the two chairs in front of her desk.  “Consider this your briefing for an imminent mission, Michael.”

 

“So, why am I here?”  Simone inquired, suddenly and unexplainably getting a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.  “Backup?”  She continued hopefully.

 

“Not exactly.”  Madeline replied serenely, successfully hiding her glee and turning to Michael.  “You’re familiar with Sala Vacek?”  Madeline paused, waiting for confirmation, then continuing once she had it”  AThis long term, blood cover revolves around his estranged daughter.  Our belief is that he will eventually contact his daughter and we need an operative entrenched in her life when it happens. You are expected to meet, date and marry his daughter, Elena.”

 

“This is because of our marriage, isn’t it? “  Michael interrupted, not fooled for an instant.  Michael and Simone had been discussing what Section might do as payback for them getting married.  They thought that the punishment would be a lot of short term valentine work for Michael as well as more frequent and more dangerous missions for both of them.  Now they knew better.

 

“On the contrary, Michael. This is an excellent opportunity for you.  Your training has been geared for this.  Others have been sent but have failed.  Succeed and there’s a great future for you here.”  Madeline countered, hoping that the couple would believe that she was doing this for their own good, helping to secure their future.

 

After giving out more details of the mission, Madeline excused the couple and told them to take the rest of the day off to come to terms with these new ‘developments.’  Michael and Simone walked out of the meeting in stunned silence, not even acknowledging the operative coming into Madeline’s office for his own meeting with the second in command even though they had a long history together.

 

Once the door to her office slid closed again, Madeline greeted her new arrival with genuine warmth, for he would be of great help to Madeline and her continued plotting to ‘shape up’ Operations’ probable eventual successor.

 

“Perfect timing,  Jurgen.”  Madeline smiled at the psych op.  “Please sit down.”

 

Madeline was not 100% sure that the blood cover mission alone would do the trick and she wasn’t about to take any chances.  So she used Michael’s history against him. 

 

Jurgen hadn’t always been a psych op.  In fact Jurgen had been Michael’s original trainer after his recruitment from prison.  Madeline knew that the two men had a history together, and not a very pleasant one either.  Jurgen, unintentionally, helped Michael become as good as he was by driving him - hard. 

 

For the first three months Michael’s training was relatively uneventful.  Then all of a sudden, things turned.  Something happened between the two men.  Whatever it was that happened remained a mystery, even to Madeline.   In the end, the actual event didn’t matter.  For the next six months Jurgen proceeded to drive Michael mercilessly.  So much so in fact, that the head of the Section transferred Jurgen to psych ops and over the next six months personally completed Michael’s training, well ahead of the standard two years.

 

Jurgen had been transferred to Section One a year ago when there was an unforseen opening (an operative’s cancellation for ‘lackadaisical’ work being the reason) in psych ops.   Of course six months ago, the man had started blackmailing Section One and now a tense working relationship existed.

 

Madeline, however was not worried that Jurgen would refuse this particular assignment.  Through careful and extensive observation and research, Madeline found that there was still ‘a problem’ between the two men.  She hypothesized, correctly, that Jurgen would be more than willing to bring the younger man down. 

 

Once Madeline received confirmation from Jurgen that he would be ‘happy’ to help, she proceeded to outline her plan and his role in it.

 

********

 

Over the next few months, Madeline’s carefully plotted ‘mission’ succeeded.  While Michael was out ‘romancing’ Elena Vacek, Simone was ‘home alone.’  Jurgen’s role was to befriend and grow close to the lonely newlywed while her husband was away.

 

Circumstances both foreseen and unforeseen drove Madeline’s plans forward.  Things started coming to a head six months after the initial briefing in Madeline’s office, when Michael, as per orders, proposed to Elena Vacek.  Several things happened as a result. 

 

The most damaging situation was Jurgen falling in love with his mark, Simone.  Although certainly unforeseen, Madeline welcomed the deviation from her profile.  The two were just friends but Jurgen wanted more while Simone was still deeply in love with her husband and did not under *any* circumstances want to be with anyone else.  While Jurgen was a relatively skillful actor, genuine emotion was always better, especially when dealing with someone like Michael, who was almost as good at reading people as Madeline.

 

Immediately after Michael’s ‘proposal’ Jurgen confronted him.  The discussion was heated, the two men almost coming to blows.  Jurgen confessed to being in love with Simone and told Michael he didn’t believe he truly loved his wife.  Jurgen railed at Michael, telling the younger man that if he really loved his wife, he would find a way out of the blood cover mission.

 

Jurgen did not want to understand that Michael had no choice in his assignments, *especially* if he and Simone wanted to stay together.  It was easier for Jurgen to make Michael out to be the bad guy thereby justifying going after another man’s wife.

 

What Jurgen missed was that unlike himself, Michael did not have any hold over Section One, he did not have anything to blackmail them with.  Michael was too honorable and believed he had too much to atone for to outright blackmail anyone just to pick and choose his own missions and improve his lifestyle.  Of course, in the future, when he experienced for himself more of the reality of Section life, Michael would realize that *some* blackmail was sometimes necessary just to stay alive and well. 

 

After their heated argument that resolved nothing, Michael proceeded to confront his wife.  The last six months had been difficult for Michael, even more so than for Simone.  While Simone was left behind in Section, she had friends - Jurgen unfortunately, included - with who she could be herself.  Michael did not have that luxury.  His time was split between Elena and Section One.  While Elena and Michael were dating he was taken out of the field and overseeing tactical.  No chances were taken with his health (at least his physical health) until the relationship was more permanent.  The little down time he was given, a stolen moment or two only, was spent with Simone.

 

Essentially, Michael was playing a role almost twenty four hours a day, seven days a week and it was taking its toll.  Jurgen’s accusations only furthered Michael’s already existing doubts.  Michael had already begun to wonder how Simone spent her time, how she was handling their forced separation. 

 

Simone entreated Michael to believe her when she proclaimed her unfailing love for him.  She admitted knowing for a few weeks now that Jurgen might be falling in love with her, but she did not return the feelings.  There would never be anyone else for her.  While the two were able to reconcile, their relationship was never the same.   Simone staying away from Jurgen did not solve all their problems.  No matter what or how they tried, *some* doubt was always there and their relationship became strained. 

 

Three months later Michael and Elena were married.  Three months after that Elena was pregnant and Michael was *coincidentally* promoted to level five.  Elena’s unexpected pregnancy further strained the relationship.  Michael had sworn to Simone that despite Section and Oversight mandate, he would *not* allow a child into his sham marriage with Elena.  With Madeline subtly but effectively planting ideas in her head, Simone became convinced that Michael cared enough for Elena to at some point have ‘spontaneous’ sex with her and conceive a child.   Michael’s protestations to the contrary could not sway her.  The evidence, after all, was indisputable - Elena was pregnant.

 

One month later, their marriage in shambles, the couple were briefed for a mission against Glass Curtain and their particularly vicious leader, Errol Sparks.  Simone felt they needed backup and said as much to Michael who, with his latest promotion, was again her superior.  Having just recently reconciled after one of many recent arguments, Michael felt that Simone was just looking for something else to argue about and told his wife as much.  Rather than start yet another argument, Simone bit back any further comments and proceeded to van access, early, planting herself in the front, passenger side of the jeep.

 

Twenty minutes later Michael came out and climbed into the driver’s seat. The trip took two hours and an angry silence reigned the entire time.

 

********

 

Michael woke up in medlab three days after the failed mission against Glass Curtain.  He had been badly injured and barely remembered being taken to Section One from the alternate pick up point.  All he knew for sure was that he failed for the first time in almost two years and Simonne was dead because of it.  He’d seen her go down in a hail of bullets while Glass Curtain soldiers closed in on him.  Section training kicked in obliterating his numbness and he’d somehow managed to call in the failure and run the five miles to where Section transport would pick him up. 

 

Michael just moved.  He didn’t think, not of his dead wife, his injuries or the failed mission.  He went on autopilot and made it to the pickup point in a half an hour.  ‘Lucky’ for Michael Glass Curtain didn’t find him first.  Two minutes after he showed, a Section helicopter picked Michael up and a medic began working on his injuries - multiple gun shot wounds.  Michael had no recollection of the medic or the trip - he’d passed out as soon as he was inside the chopper.

 

When Michael finally did wake up, Madeline was sitting by his bedside. 

 

“Simone?”  Michael immediately questioned, his voice hoarse.

 

“I’m sorry, Michael.”  Madeline replied, giving Michael some water.  “Simone didn’t make it.  Housekeeping found her.”

 

Michael didn’t betray any emotion and didn’t ask any further questions.  He knew it would be pointless to ask to see his wife’s body as he knew Housekeeping would have disposed of it on site.  He bought Madeline’s story, if not her apology.  He wasn’t even angry at her, as he blamed himself entirely.

 

“You’ve been shot in the right shoulder, right arm and left thigh.  Another bullet penetrated your vest and cracked three ribs.  It’s a miracle you made it back to Section alive.  We’ve told Elena that you’d been mugged on the way back to your hotel from a business meeting but you’ll recover.  Due to her (conveniently) ‘difficult’ pregnancy she won’t be allowed to travel to you.  I advise you to call her and then get some rest.  We’ll talk tomorrow.”  Madeline finished, leaving Michael’s cell phone on his bed so he could call Elena, untraced.

 

Upon exiting medlab Madeline left a mildly surprised Michael in her wake.  He was surprised, but grateful, that she was allowing him some time before his debrief to come to terms with his loss.  Of course, unbeknownst to Michael, now that her end game had been achieved - Michael and Simone’s permanent separation - Madeline could afford to be ‘generous.’  

 

Madeline gloated over her victory.  Now that Michael had seen the cost of getting close to someone, he wouldn’t be very likely to repeat that ‘mistake’ anytime soon.  An added bonus was Jurgen’s animosity towards Michael.   The psych op would undoubtedly blame Michael for Simone’s death and ‘dislike’ him even more.  In the past, Madeline had been concerned that Jurgen or Michael would eventually seek the other out as allies in a potential coup, as each man had a growing power base and combined they would one day be *very* formidable.  With Simone now ‘deceased’ their conflict would never resolve and they certainly would never trust each other enough to agree on a truce, let alone align for a coup.  Madeline had succeeded in killing several proverbial birds with one stone.

 

While Madeline was gloating, Michael was shutting down.  He already regretted his survival in the face of Simone’s death.  He wished for oblivion but would not take his own life.  Michael felt that Section was his penance and he had no right to end it prematurely.  He would live and breathe Section until oblivion finally *did* claim him.  Even his impending fatherhood wouldn’t change that.  After all, it was only a mission, one that would eventually end and all he’d have to show for it was two more people who would be destroyed because of him. 

 

When all was said and done, Simone’s ‘demise’ brought about the birth of Section One’s ‘Angel of Death.’ 

 

********

 

Michael met up with his ‘old friend’ Lorie again three months after Simone’s ‘death.’  Although Michael was her friend, she stayed out of his life and hoped that Michael and Simone worked out their problems.  She should have known better - it was, after all, Section One. Lorie had known something was going to happen, she had ‘seen’ it.  However, by the time Lorie was able to do anything about it had been too late, Simone was already gone. 

 

Lorie had had problems of her own at the time that had prevented contact with anyone not associated with Red Cell.  She had been captured on a routine mission after one of her team members decided to sell out to Red Cell in exchange for money and the freedom to spend it.  She was actually almost flattered that the price on her head was so high.

 

After enduring six weeks of torture, Lorie had managed to escape.  Two weeks after that, not yet fully recovered from her injuries, Lorie checked herself out of the Agency’s medical facility and went after the rogue agent.  One week later Lorie found the traitor and personally disposed of him.  It had been the first time in her long covert operations career that she had derived any pleasure and felt no remorse in killing someone. 

 

Three weeks later, an almost fully recovered Lorie met up again with Michael on a top priority Agency mission.  Her own misplaced guilt at not being able to warn the couple about the pending disaster drove her to try and help Michael overcome his grief.  Perhaps it was that same guilt or desire for ‘out of sight, out of mind’ that didn’t allow Lorie to see the truth of Simone’s demise.  Perhaps her ‘visions’ were limited as her skills weren’t developed enough at the time.  Whatever the reason, she was as convinced as everyone else that Simone was dead.

 

Lorie had seen Michael the way he was before Simone came into his life.  Recently, she had heard all the stories about Section One’s ‘Angel of Death,’ ‘Terminator,’ ‘Dark Angel’ or the more derisive ‘Machine Man’ but didn’t believe that Michael could be any worse now than the way he was after their first encounter with Red Cell early in his Section One career.  She was wrong, very wrong.

 

The Michael she met and spent three days with *was* a machine.  He’d shut off every one of his emotions.  There was nothing left in him that could even be considered human.  His impending fatherhood did nothing to change his demeanor.  It in fact made things worse.  His mission wife was about to have ‘his’ child while his real wife was ‘dead.’  Rather than deal with *any* of his emotions Michael closed them all off unless called for on a mission.

 

Michael barely acknowledged Lorie’s existence on their mission.  He spoke only when absolutely necessary for the mission and otherwise planted himself in front of his laptop, barely sleeping, afraid of the inevitable nightmares.  Conversation was non existent as Lorie could not coax more than a one or two word answer out of the shell of the man who she used to call friend.

 

All Lorie could hope for was that Michael survived the next few months.  She saw *something* on the horizon for Michael.  Perhaps it would the birth of a child, perhaps something else.  All she knew for sure was that whatever it was, it would change his life forever.

 

********

 

The time following Simone’s ‘death’ should have been satisfying for Operations and Madeline.  They succeeded in severing their favorite toy’s ties to anyone and anything not Section related.  They wanted a killing machine and that was they got.  The old adage ‘be careful what you wish for’ embedded itself in their minds. 

 

While an emotionless automaton was good for *most* missions, Michael’s shut down endangered the Vacek mission.  His behavior with his ‘new’ wife was as yet unnoticed, as Elena was distracted by her pregnancy.  However Madeline saw it and eventually, Elena would too.  Impending fatherhood did nothing to bring out any humanity in the level five operative. 

 

Worse yet, looking at his missions over the two months since Simone’s loss, Michael’s performance bordered on suicidal.  This was unacceptable for the Vacek mission alone.  Failure on this mission was not an option.  Oversight would not overlook it and neither would Operations.  The irony of the situation was not lost on Madeline.  It had been her idea to place Michael on the mission in the first place and now she was paying the price for her machinations.   Madeline turned her attention to the screen in front of her, already formulating a plan to correct her rare mistake.

 

Three days later Madeline found a solution.  Ten days later Madeline found the perfect candidate. Six months after the ‘failure’ against Glass Curtain Madeline called Michael into her office and briefed him on his new assignment.

 

“We’re taking you out of the field temporarily.”  Madeline stated from behind her desk once Michael was standing in front of it. 

 

“Why?”  Michael asked, hands clasped in front of him, preferring to remain standing.  “My numbers have remained consistent.”

 

“Yes, your numbers are acceptable, that hasn’t changed.  However, the Vacek mission is our number one priority.  Elena is almost eight months pregnant and we wouldn’t want to take any unnecessary risks at this time.  You will oversee tactical for the immediate future as well as mentor a new recruit.  Any questions?”

 

“No.”  The good soldier replied, a spark flashing briefly in his gray-green eyes, too briefly for Madeline to decipher.

 

“Good.”  Madeline replied, disappointed at her inability to read the young man in front of her.  “The recruit’s file will be on your computer.  Study it, she ‘arrives’ tomorrow.”

 

“Of course.”  Michael intoned, effectively dismissing himself and avoiding any further conversation.

 

********

 

“Row 8, plot 30.”  Michael ended the conversation with his new recruit and walked out the steel door.

 

Upon leaving Nikita’s room Michael returned to his office.  He had several finalized profiles that he wanted to go over again.  Booting up his computer, Michael opened the necessary files and proceeded to read them.    However, five minutes later, after reading the same page three times, he gave up. 

 

For the first time in almost six months Michael found himself thinking about something other than a mission.  Rubbing his chin in contemplation, Michael’s thoughts strayed to his new recruit and he couldn’t understand why.  Reading her file hadn’t provoked any reaction.  Another prison recruit and a waste of his talents.  Michael could be (and was) many things, but a mentor he wasn’t.  His first thought upon watching the young woman before she came out of her drug induced sleep was that she would clean up nicely.  The right clothes and the right make up and she would fit in anywhere. Well, after Madeline was done with her, anyway.

 

He thought ahead to Nikita’s protestations of innocence.  He had been angry at her for it, for no one in the Section was *truly* innocent, Birkoff perhaps being the only exception.  Fifty witnesses could come forward but most would deny their guilt anyway.  The young blonde may have been his first attempt at mentoring in quite a while, but she was certainly not his first trainee.   He’d lost count of how many recruits he’d helped train over the years (but he certainly was able to smell a Section operative from miles away).  His anger had dissipated after a moment.  After all, he’d given ‘the speech’ to countless others and had seen *all* kinds of reactions. 

 

Admitting it to himself now, Michael realized that what intrigued him about Nikita was the fire he saw in her.  He’d *expected* her to attack from behind, most recruits did.  What he didn’t expect from her was the seeming innocence, lack of fear and defiance he saw in her blue-eyed gaze.  He’d actually found himself wanting to believe in her innocence for a moment before he mentally shook himself in disgust at his momentary lapse.  He’d told her training started at 5 AM, tomorrow and now he inexplicably found himself hoping that she would accept her fate and not choose death over recruitment.

 

Pinching the bridge of his nose to try to stave off yet another headache that nightmares and lack of sleep had been causing the last few months, Michael sighed in disgust at being distracted from his duties.  He refocused his attention to the computer in front of him and returned to work.

 

 

********

 

In her office, watching the surveillance feed from Michael’s office, Madeline smiled in satisfaction.  Her plan was working just as she had imagined it would.  Madeline felt a twinge of guilt at recruiting an innocent but quickly banished it from her conscience.  ‘Whatever it takes’  had been Madeline’s credo ever since the coup.

 

With only a month left before Elena’s baby was born, Madeline had found and recruited Nikita just in time.  She was pleased with her selection.  Nikita bore no outward resemblance to Michael’s ‘deceased’ first wife.  But Madeline had observed the young street urchin before deciding on her and found the same zest for life that Simone possessed.  Nikita, Madeline had further observed, also possessed an independence streak and lack of respect for authority that would keep Michael on his toes.  Coupled with her inherent innocence and good looks, she would be the perfect distraction for Michael. 

 

Madeline knew that Nikita would bring out the same protective streak in the level five operative that he had possessed upon his arrival in Section and during his time with Simone.  As much as Madeline had strove to drive that streak out of him, she knew that Michael needed to come back to life somewhat and play the devoted husband and father or they’d end up taking him off the Vacek mission.  Oversight would not be happy if that had to be done and Madeline of course, would take the flak for choosing Michael for the mission in the first place. 

 

With careful manipulation Madeline would make sure that Michael’s inevitable attraction and indulgent attitude towards Nikita did not go any further and would not extend to anyone else, outside of Elena, of course.

 

Madeline was further pleased, as Nikita would surely ‘annoy’ Operations very quickly.  His military background and authoritative style would not allow Michael *too much* leniency with Nikita.  Nikita would also serve as a good reminder to Operations of why there is no room for emotion, his included, in Section One.

 

Madeline’s plans seemed foolproof.  But, as before, things started unraveling despite her careful planning.  Madeline had always known that to stay one step ahead of the game she had to think far into the future and plan contingencies for every possible scenario.  Now, taking more time and care with her machinations, Madeline had thought she had covered all her bases.  Again, it was the underestimation of her partner in crime as well as her subordinates that led to events occurring as they did. 

 

Madeline loved a challenge, sometimes she was almost bored with those around her.  With very few exceptions, Madeline was sorely lacking stimulation for her mind.  Section operatives were easy to understand and manipulate, most of Section’s enemies were the same.  Madeline was always ten steps ahead and rarely did she miscalculate.  As ‘annoying’ as the situation with Michael was, she did revel in the challenge it created for her.  For the second time in her manipulations of Michael and those around him Madeline had miscalculated.

 

Contrary to what she originally told Operations, Madeline had expected Michael to form a strong emotional attachment to Nikita.  As far as Madeline was concerned Nikita’s sole purpose in Section was to serve as a necessary target and distraction for the level five operative.  Without Michael’s protection and interference Nikita would not survive the two year training period.  Madeline counted on Michael’s attachment to get her through it.  She had calculated that Michael would sufficiently ‘thaw’ in the two years Nikita would be with them to carry on with the Vacek mission after her cancellation while at the same time be wary again of forming attachments outside of missions. 

 

What Madeline hadn’t counted on was Operations’ interference.  When confronted with Nikita’s cancellation after her training, Michael ‘convinced’ Operations to relent and let the young woman live.  Watching the conversation from the comfort of her own office Madeline saw that it didn’t take much to convince the older man to change his mind.  When Madeline had ‘discussed’ the change in profile with Operations later, the man assured her that he knew what he was doing that Nikita had not outlived her usefulness just yet.  With a parting ‘suggestion’ to, in the future,  discuss deviations from profile, especially when said profile hinges on psychological and emotional components (Madeline’s specialty) with her before changing them Madeline returned to her office and sat down in contemplation to puzzle out the last two years and figure out where she went wrong so as to fix the problem as soon as possible.

 

Hindsight being 20/20, Madeline now realized that Michael’s behavior went off profile six months after Nikita’s recruitment.  At first it was subtle.  Being a level five operative had certain fringe benefits, one of which was permission for a surveillance dampener in your office and Section quarters.  Even then there were limits to privacy while in Section - a time limit was ‘suggested’ for jamming surveillance.  Of course, homes were completely surveillance free internally, a necessary illusion of freedom to maintain operatives’ mental health.

 

Following Simone’s ‘death’ Michael discontinued jamming his surveillance for *any* length of time.  He lived and breathed missions and nothing else distracted him.  Six months after Nikita’s recruitment that had changed.  Every so often when his material came to his office, Michael would turn on his scrambler for a moment or two.  While not alarming at the time, the stretches of surveillance free time increased as their bond increased.   Apparently, Michael took his responsibilities as mentor to heart, helping Nikita pass her varied courses. 

 

At the time Madeline had been pleased.  Her plan, after all, was for Nikita to survive training for as long as possible in order to control and distract Michael.  Now Madeline realized, she didn’t interfere enough and by the time Nikita’s two years were up, the bond between mentor and student became unbreakable.  The Van Vactor mission certainly proved it.  Michael went off profile to save Nikita and she returned the favor, killing for the first time to save him.

 

********

 

After Nikita’s graduation, Madeline looked for ways to get rid of her.  Since Michael was already attached to the blonde operative, Madeline was careful.  She could not afford to lose Michael in the process, at least not yet.  Madeline made sure that the missions Nikita would be involved in would be the most difficult for her.  Nikita’s weakness was her humanity, feeling and compassion so Madeline made sure to use it against her at every turn. 

 

To aid her own cause, Madeline seemingly befriended the young operative in her first year as an operative.  She used their ‘friendship’ to gauge Nikita’s emotional condition and revised her plans as necessary to hasten the operative’s deterioration.

 

Madeline’s end game had two equally satisfying possible outcomes.  One was that Operations would cancel Nikita.  Two, Nikita would save them the trouble and do it herself.  Madeline came close to having her end game achieved when fate stepped in, in the form of Steven Wolfe - Operations’ son. 

 

Saving Stephen’s life bought Nikita some time.  Ironically it was her ‘weaknesses’ that compelled Operations to ask Nikita to protect his son.  After Nikita succeeded in protecting him, Operations relented and rethought her cancellation.  Fortunately for Madeline, the reprieve was only temporary.  Nikita had become suicidal, but Madeline decided ‘better safe than sorry’ and pushed the issue. 

 

Madeline’s persistence paid off.  After the Shays mission Operations *finally* ordered Nikita’s cancellation.  As the abeyance mission loaded, Madeline stood off to the side, silently warning Michael to ‘do the job.’

 

While Madeline, obviously, had her own suspicions about Nikita’s return following her alleged captivity by Freedom League for six months, she could not prove anything.  As sure as she was that Michael had engineered both the escape and subsequent return, he had covered his tracks and nothing was ever found to disprove Nikita’s claims.

 

Looking back on it now, Madeline regretted using Jurgen to retrain Nikita when she came back in.  At the time she had thought that Jurgen’s animosity towards Michael would drive him to destroy the couple by uncovering the truth.  Unfortunately for Madeline, she underestimated Nikita’s influence over Jurgen and overestimated Jurgen’s and Michael’s animosity towards each other. 

 

At least the plan was not a total failure, they were after all, able to bring Jurgen’s blackmail to an end.  The loss of a psyche op with his talents was regrettable, but he was, as anyone else, replaceable.

 

Several months later, Madeline again thought she had found the perfect solution.  The mission against Adrian.  She thought that she had finally won, when Nikita defiantly demanded Section defend itself.  Madeline saw the look on Operations’ face, she knew that Nikita’s defiance was the last straw and this time Operations would order her cancellation, possibly even do it himself.  However, fate stepped in again, before she and Operations had a chance to discuss Nikita’s ‘punishment.’  This time the interference came in the form of an old adversary - Lorie Masters.

 

********

 

Lorie had continued tracking old friends and enemies from the ‘good old days’ of her tenure at Section One.  Michael and Walter fell into the former category while Operations and Madeline fell into the latter. 

 

Lorie knew everything that went on inside Section One better than anyone in it.  Between her ‘talents’ and contacts, there wasn’t much about Section that she didn’t know. 

 

Over the years she had tried to quietly help those she considered her friends.   She’d been glad to see that she was right and Michael’s life was changing.  Nikita had brought him kicking and screaming back into the world of the living.  She’d even brightened up a dreary and oppressive Section with her personality.  The young operative had also become close to another old friend, Walter.  For that alone Lorie was grateful.  She also knew that if Nikita was canceled, whether  Michael and Walter knew it or not, they wouldn’t last long without her.

 

With all that in mind, Lorie went to her superior, Onega, and asked for permission to interfere.  She knew she had to ask, for Omega knew *everything,* even more than Lorie, and she did not want to lose his trust by going ‘behind his back.’

 

“Yes?”  Omega queried, sitting behind his desk at the Center, looking at reports when Lorie came in. The fact that she had such easy access to Omega spoke volumes about her position in the Agency.

 

“I need a favor.”  Lorie began without preamble.

 

“You?”  Omega arched an eyebrow in surprise, trying to remember the last time she had made such a request.

 

“Yes.  I would like your permission to interfere in Section One.”

 

“In what matter?”

 

“Adrian and the ensuing repercussions.”  Lorie replied.

 

“Adrian.”  Omega paused.  “I won’t ask how you know about Adrian.  Somehow, I’m not surprised though.”  Omega finished, again assured he made the right choice in Lorie for successor.  Her connections and talents were proving *most* impressive.

 

“Thank you.”  Lorie returned, grateful Omega was not pushing.

 

“I’m assuming you want to block Nikita’s cancellation?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“You know the rules.  No intervening or interference between the Sections and Oversight unless specifically requested.”  Omega returned, then continued, forestalling Lorie.  AHowever, I’m willing to make an exception.”

 

“The condition?”  Lorie asked, knowing there would be a price to pay.

 

“This is the last time.”

 

“Understood.”

 

With Omega’s ‘blessing,’ Lorie prepared for her confrontation with Madeline. 

 

********

 

Lorie had decided on Madeline rather than Operations.  Once Madeline was convinced canceling Nikita would be a mistake, she would be able to convince Operations without generating suspicion from him. However, the reverse wasn’t true.  Madeline was much better at manipulating Operations than the other way around.

 

Lorie entered the Section on the pretense of confidential Agency business.  Knowing time was running out, Lorie headed straight for Madeline’s office.  She met up with Operations in the hallway outside Madeline’s lair and realized she came just in time as Operations was also on his way to see Madeline. 

 

Lorie wasted no time on pleasantries and ‘asked’ Operations to leave.  She explained that her meeting with Madeline was top priority, highly confidential and required privacy, even from him.  Taken aback and not at all happy with the request, Operations nevertheless complied, he had no choice really, Lorie outranked him now.

 

“What do you want?”  Madeline coldly inquired, once Operations left and Lorie scrambled surveillance.

 

“Do not cancel Nikita.”  Lorie replied, not wasting any words.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”  A shocked, but serene Madeline returned.

 

“No games.  Not this time.  I know all about Adrian.  Cancel Nikita and so will George.”  Lorie supplied, succinctly.

 

“You’re bluffing, you have no evidence.”  Madeline countered, neither denying nor confirming the accusations.  “Besides, you don’t have the authority to interfere.”

 

“I have access to information as well as contacts and sources inside Section that you and Paul are not aware of.”  Lorie smiled, knowing her words would send Madeline’s paranoia through the roof, trying to figure out who the ‘traitor’ was.  “So, whether or not I have authority is moot at this point.” 

 

Of course, there was no traitor, at least not a human one.  There was built-in surveillance all throughout Section One as well as all the other arms of the organization that only a select few members of the Agency were aware of and even fewer who had access to it.  It was one of the ways to make sure things didn’t get *too* out of hand in any branch.  Not to mention that Section One’s main frame was no match for Lorie’s hacking skills.

 

Lorie was not supposed to know about the surveillance either, but one of the perks of her job and almost familial relationship with Omega was his looking the other way when she accessed intel she wasn’t supposed to and trusting her not to use it ‘improperly.’  Knowing the amount of trust Omega was showing in allowing her access and the fact that his trust was even harder to earn than Operations’, George’s, Madeline’s and Michael’s combined, Lorie did not betray it.

 

“Blackmail?  I didn’t think that was your style.”

 

“Turnabout is fair play, don’t you think?  After all, isn’t extortion one of *your* favorite tools?”  Lorie countered. “In case you need any further motivation, I’ve also compiled evidence of, shall we say, yours and Paul’s past transgressions.”  Lorie paused handing Madeline a disc.  “Of course there are copies and they will be forwarded to *several* people in the event of my untimely demise.” 

 

“Agreed.  I’ll see to it.”  Madeline replied while returning the disc to Lorie after reading it.  Although Madeline was shocked and dismayed at how much information was on the disc, years of Section training served her well and she betrayed nothing, no emotion was evident in her voice or demeanor.  She could have been discussing the weather.  “Anything else?”

 

“No, this will suffice.”   Lorie concluded their meeting, adding on her way out”  AFor now.”

 

********

 

After her ‘meeting’ with Madeline and subsequent exit from Section, Lorie breathed a sigh of relief.  Her debt was finally paid.  Lorie had been carrying around a lot of misplaced guilt.  At first it was because she ‘saw’ Simone ‘die’ and was unable to do anything about it.  For the last two and a half years, the guilt was in not ‘seeing’ that Simone was alive.  Although her skills had grown, she still wasn’t able to see everything.  Making sure that Nikita lived was the only way Lorie knew to redeem herself for her past failure of Michael and Simone.  The only thing that kept Lorie from interfering the previous year was that she *knew* that Michael would not let Nikita die on the Shays mission.  As for the subsequent events, Jurgen was a demon from the past that Michael needed to fight on his own.

 

Lorie also did it for another old friend.  Michael wasn’t the only one who’d suffer without Nikita. Walter would be devastated as well.  Section One, Operations in particular, hadn’t been kind to the old warhorse recently.  Cancelling his new bride on their wedding day was a low blow, even for Operations.  You’d think that with his many years of loyal service Walter would have gotten a break from his superiors.  Omega hadn’t allowed Lorie to intervene on the older man’s behalf, Operations was within his rights and, he added, she should know better than to Alet past emotional ties dictate her present actions.”

 

Still smarting from that one, Lorie nevertheless pushed Omega for Nikita’s life.  She reasoned that part of why he said yes to that is because he saw Michael as the future of Section One, and possibly Oversight or even the Agency, if Lorie was reading her boss correctly, that is.  Omega surely must have realized as Lorie did that Michael would never recover from another loss like that.  Besides, the Vacek mission would be in jeopardy if Michael shut down again and heaven forbid that happen.  By letting Lorie interfere *for* him, Omega kept his own hands clean.  At the time, Lorie didn’t much care about the reason behind his approval.  All that she cared about was that her only two remaining friends from her Section One days would be the better for it.

 

After receiving confirmation that Madeline did her job, Lorie went back to her usual routines.  She kept her promise to Omega and did not ask to intervene again.  A few weeks later Lorie and Michael were once again sent on a mission together.  While he wasn’t the same young man he was all those years ago, he *was* healing.  Lorie figured that Michael’s healing would not be complete until he could put the Vacek mission behind him.  For his sake, Lorie had hoped that it would be soon.

 

After their joint mission life went back to ‘normal’ for Lorie until six months later when unexpected events forced her from The Agency for half a year and her life was turned completely upside down.

 

********

 

While Lorie’s life was turning upside down, Michael’s was finally on the upswing, well as upswing as one could get in the Section.  His blood cover mission was over and Nikita had once again brought him out, kicking and screaming, into the world of the living. 

 

He didn’t want to at first.  After achieving closure on the Vacek mission, Michael had no desire to go on living, or better yet, existing, like he did after Simone’s death.  Michael just wanted out.  He’d lost so many and so much over the years, he’d lost count.  Lorie was alive and well, but Michael was sure that it was only because she was out of Section.  Had she stayed, Michael was sure that she would have suffered the same fate as Chuck and everyone else he’d dared call friend. 

 

Even Nikita couldn’t convince him to live.  Michael long ago admitted to himself that he had strong feelings for his former material, but it wasn’t enough, in fact, in his eyes,  it made his situation even more desperate.  Michael knew his actions post blood cover warranted abeyance if not outright cancellation.  He acted that way partly out of selflessness and partly out of selfishness.  

 

Selflessness because he didn’t want to cause Nikita or anyone else any more pain.  There would be nothing to stop them from having a relationship now and as far as Michael was concerned that was not a blessing, but rather a curse.  He knew the consequences of maintaining a relationship in Section One, he’d lived with it before, he could probably do it again.  What he didn’t want was for Nikita to suffer those consequences.  Ironically, that’s also where his selfishness came in.  The ending of the Vacek mission showed Michael once again the world he existed in.  Elena and Adam were as good as dead to him.  Michael was tired of outliving everyone, mourning his losses and enduring the solitude.  He just wanted it to end.  He wasn’t strong enough, or perhaps weak enough, to take his own life so he’d make Section do it.  Whether canceled or killed on a mission didn’t matter as long as he was dead.

 

He’d so thoroughly convinced himself that was what he wanted, that Michael didn’t care that there were those who would *not* accept it.  Of course, Nikita, Walter, Birkoff and a few others in Section not wanting to lose him was understandable.

 

What *was* surprising was Madeline’s position on the matter.  Rather than gloating at the imminent demise of a long time thorn in her side, Madeline actually argued for ‘helping’ the level five operative.  After her confrontation with Lorie all those months ago, Madeline did something she hadn’t done in a very long time - she’d let emotion get the better of her.  Madeline had thought back to all they had put Michael through over the last seven years and actually felt a twinge of regret.  She also felt a sense of pride that Michael had survived and, for the most part, bettered himself.  He was *her* creation after all.  His skills were unmatched, he *was* the best of all the Sections and the numbers backed that up.  For those two reasons Madeline would make sure he wouldn’t be lost now.  She’d take care of Operations, make sure the cancellation order would not be given and she would let Nikita take care of Michael.

 

The Brevich mission solved the ‘problem.’ Nikita’s capture brought Michael out of the doldrums.  As much as he had wanted to convince himself that he was ready to let go, seeing Nikita captured, mostly due to his uncaring attitude, brought him back.  As long as Nikita was alive, he’d make sure to stay alive and protect her, no matter what the personal cost to him.  And if she was still willing after all this time, after all his rejections, to have a ‘personal’ relationship with him, then Michael would ‘give in’ on that too.

 

********

 

the night before the teaser of “ALL GOOD THINGS.”

 

 

 

As Section One’s headquarters fell, Michael and Nikita’s relationship flourished.  Looking back on the events leading up to their current situation, Michael was amazed that they were even on speaking terms, let alone anything more.  As Michael lay awake in Nikita’s bed while she slept contentedly, Michael reflected back on their relationship and his life, in and out of Section, for the last six years, since Nikita’s recruitment.

 

When Nikita was in training he fought his attraction, for obvious reasons.  Michael also fought the knowledge of her innocence of the crime that brought her to Section One.  At first he was successful, but her first mission shattered the illusion.  By the time he’d told Nikita that the minute he believed her protestations of innocence she was dead, he knew in his heart that she was telling the truth. After Nikita’s reaction to killing one of Van Vactor’s bodyguards to save his life, Michael finally knew it in his head. 

 

In a way, Michael had told Nikita the truth back in his office.  If he had believed her and told her as much, Nikita *was* as good as dead for there was no room for innocence in Section One.  That was why he never told her he believed her.  Of course, if their relationship continued, he would admit it to her for he wanted as few secrets between them as possible.  Now that his *big* secret was out and Nikita did not run ‘screaming for the hills’ it was easier for the rest of the dam to burst.

 

After the Van Vactor mission Michael appointed himself Nikita’s protector.  He may have helped destroy her innocence, but he would make damn sure she would stay alive and perhaps even maintain a part of her soul, something that Michael, in his mind anyway, hadn’t been able to accomplish.  He’d convinced himself that the bond he felt towards his material was one of mentor and protector.  Of course *that* illusion was shattered after the Shays mission.

 

Michael had let Nikita go, knowing she wouldn’t last much longer.  She’d be dead soon, whether by her own hands or Section’s.  He knew that Madeline and Operations were planning something after she failed to execute Shays the first time.  Michael knew that the failure would not go unpunished so he prepared for it.  Even if she escaped Section’s punishment it wouldn’t be long before she swallowed a bullet.

 

So Michael let Nikita go free while he remained in Section, himself tortured because he didn’t know if she made it out alive.  He didn’t know what would be worse, Nikita being dead or her not trusting him enough to reply to his *numerous* messages.  A part of him, the proud trainer, hoped that she *was* alive and surviving on her own, free of Section - it was after all what she deserved.  It wasn’t long after the fiery explosion, once again facing a solitary existence, even Birkoff and Walter now turning away in anger, he’d finally realized and admitted to himself why the solitude was intolerable this time around - he loved Nikita but now it was too late. 

 

Of course, six months later when they ‘found’ each other, he made mistake after mistake that kept them apart another one and a half years.

 

Madeline and Operations knew exactly what they were doing when they assigned Nikita to Jurgen for retraining.  When he found out, Michael vowed to not let Jurgen come between him and Nikita like the psych op did with Simone.  While he somehow survived Simone’s loss the first time and Nikita helped him pick up the pieces after her real death, Michael knew that if he lost Nikita, physically or emotionally, not even Adam would have been enough keep him alive.

 

Unfortunately, Michael was in an untenable position.  He knew his future lay with Nikita.  He also knew Jurgen still held him responsible for Simone’s death.  However, as long as Jurgen’s blackmail was in effect, Michael couldn’t move on him.  When he’d told Nikita that she’d ‘signed their own death warrants’ by telling him the truth, Michael honestly believed that.  But he should have known better, Jurgen was a psych op, after all.  Jurgen knew Michael did not fear death, almost accepting it as his due, but losing Nikita would destroy Michael more effectively than anything else could. 

 

Jurgen also knew about Michael’s blood cover and used it to his advantage.  Jurgen trained Michael once and knew his former trainee’s personal code of ethics would not allow him to betray even a ‘mission’ wife, let alone his son.  Jurgen knew very well why Michael kept Nikita in the dark and at bay for three years and he also knew very well that Michael would not endanger any of those he cared about, physically or emotionally, by revealing his deep cover assignment to Nikita.  Of course, Jurgen didn’t know that he’d end up falling for the blonde himself as he had for Simone. 

 

Ironically, it was Nikita’s choosing him over Michael after Michael had actually saved his life that set Jurgen onto the road of ‘discovery.’  He’d finally realized he’d been wrong about his former material on several fronts.  He *was* a good man, he really did love Nikita as well as Simone and did what he could to protect them from Section.  Even carrying out an inevitably tragic long term blood cover assignment if it meant that he be allowed a Section relationship with the one he *really* loved. 

 

Of course by the time Jurgen finally separated Michael the man from Michael the operative, it was too late.  The ‘mission’ against him had already begun.  In the end he couldn’t blame Michael.  Looking through Michael’s eyes Jurgen realized that all Michael could see was Simone all over again.  Once again, his former ‘bastard’ of a trainer was trying to take away the only thing that made life bearable for him.  Michael’s code of ethics must have been strong, for it drove him to save Jurgen’s life on a mission when it would have been far easier and safer to let him die.  Jurgen wasn’t sure he’d do the same were the positions were reversed.

 

Michael never knew the *real* reason Jurgen shot him in the leg and died in his place.  Michael had honestly believed he would die on that fateful day and resigned himself to it.  It would have been best for everyone.  Jurgen shooting him and taking his place was a surprise. Perhaps it was Jurgen’s attempt at atonement for the past, perhaps Jurgen really *was* sorry for the past.  Or perhaps, it was just like Jurgen had said in the van, without his blackmail, he wouldn’t survive in Section.  At least this way he, not Section, would dictate his death.

 

After that ‘fiasco’ Michael wasn’t sure Nikita would want *any* kind of a relationship with him.  At the time, he’d thought it was a blessing - for both of them.  But as time went on, Michael, against his better judgement, had found himself trying to somehow keep Nikita in his life. 

 

Michael pushed and then pulled, made sure Nikita didn’t forget him or move on.  He accepted her hate, knew he deserved it.  He was selfish but he didn’t care.  He kept telling himself it would be over soon.  Vacek would come out of hiding and he would be free.  Michael refused to think about Adam and the impact of that separation.  Michael knew Adam would eventually be taken away.  But he’d made himself believe that it would be for the better.  Adam deserved more than Michael would be allowed to give anyway.  Besides, at the time, Michael had thoroughly convinced himself that losing Adam wouldn’t matter.  Michael ruthlessly tramped down any fatherly emotion telling himself he was preparing for their inevitable separation.

 

 

Ironically, it was the mission against Adrian that turned Michael’s life upside down again.

 

Facing the very real possibility that despite her performance on the mission, Nikita would be canceled because of her defiance made Michael rethink his life.  Of course, he didn’t know that an old friend had intervened on Nikita’s behalf.  As far as Michael was concerned, despite his offers to help her escape, Nikita stood her ground and faced cancellation.  He’d steeled himself for Nikita’s loss, convincing himself it was the only way for her to truly be free.  He’d even said goodbye to her, right there in the middle of Section, belatedly showing how much he really cared.

 

Nikita’s pending cancellation unwittingly brought Michael closer to his son.  Resigning himself to losing her, Michael turned to Adam.  He’d decided that no matter what the future held for him, he would not waste this precious opportunity.  He’d held Nikita at bay, trying to protect her from himself and was losing her anyway.  He vowed not to make the same mistake with Adam. 

 

As the weeks went by and Nikita remained alive, Michael held out hope that perhaps she would survive.  He’d wanted to tell her about his ‘family’ but was afraid of her reaction.  Nikita showing up on his doorstep was a blessing and a curse.  A blessing because his deepest and most painful secret was finally out in the open.  A curse because he was causing Nikita even more pain and she’d probably never forgive him.

 

Michael had misjudged his former material yet again.  Of course, at first she was angry, but then, by some miracle, she stayed.  Michael didn’t understand why for he surely didn’t deserve it, but he was grateful nevertheless. 

 

Afterwards of course, Nikita ‘convinced’ Michael to return to the land of living.  He’d almost waited too long and nearly lost her again.  His habit of pushing Nikita away for her own protection was a hard one to break, but Nikita had waited.

 

While they had both been responsible for a few hiccups over the last few months, Michael more than Nikita, they were well on their way to ‘recovery.’  His part in the mission against Carl Peruze as well as Red Cell’s Philo almost shattered their still fragile bond.  But, once again, Nikita forgave him.  Forgetting was another matter.  Michael hoped Nikita would never forget, thereby preparing her better for Section’s future insidiousness.

 

As he finally drifted off to sleep, Michael’s last thoughts were of Operations and Madeline and what they would do about his and Nikita’s deepening relationship.

 

********

 

Michael was only partially correct.  Operations and Madeline *were* plotting, but not necessarily against them.  On the contrary, the head duo had softened in respect to Michael over the last several months, ‘rewarding’ him for ‘time served’ and performance excellence.  They were tolerating the deepening relationship between the level five operative and his former material.  Operations especially, once again, felt that Michael was the best candidate for his successor.  Added to a little guilt, or more likely regret, over the Vacek mission, the ‘siamese twins’ were  feeling lenient for a change.

 

All that changed when Operations was called to the Center.  Leaving Michael in charge had, of course, been a test.   Michael’s actions, specifically the Bergomi mission, served to anger both Madeline and Operations.  Both realized then and there that they were fast losing control of their ‘star pupil’ and they didn’t like it.  They also didn’t like the fact that Michael and Nikita were possibly even better partners than they were.  Neither Operations nor Madeline were ready to ‘retire’ and this little episode showed them once again why leniency and emotion were intolerable in Section One. 

 

The iron fist and his iron maiden were back.  They planned and plotted once again coming up with a tired but true strategy - divide and conquer, forcefully separating the couple, then playing cat and mouse with them until they found the ‘perfect’ solution - Genefex and Gelman’s mind control process.  Once again, they underestimated their foe and were forced into a temporary stalemate. 

 

Bringing Helmut Volker into the equation a year ago would have been a permanent solution.  But as strong as Michael and Nikita’s bond was now, that particular distraction/obstacle was overcome quicker than anticipated.  Of course, they still had a hold over both of them with Adam and Elena.  Neither operative would forgive themselves should something happen to either Michael’s wife or son and knew where to draw the line to ensure mother and son stayed ‘protected.’  

 

Operations and Madeline were almost successful in finally getting rid of the troublesome duo, but fate once again intervened, this time in the form of a handful of impudent ‘children.’

 

This constant tug of war they were playing provided a challenge, sometimes welcome, sometimes not, in otherwise predictable (almost boring) day to day activities for the mistress of mind games.  Madeline was confident that she had another year, possibly eighteen months before Michael and/or Nikita ‘snapped.’

 

Unfortunately for Madeline, ensuing events would prove her wrong.

 

********

 

PRESENT

 

 

 

The ringing of his cell phone shook Michael out of his reverie.  Glancing quickly at his watch, Michael realized he’d been sitting for over an hour.  Opening his phone, once again focusing on the present, he picked it up on the third ring.

 

“Yes.”  Michael spoke, expecting to hear ‘Jacques’ and a time frame to return to Section.

 

 

“Michael, it’s Lorie.  I need to reschedule.  Unexpected delays.”

 

“I understand.”  Michael replied, not surprised she knew his number.

 

“It *was* rather short notice anyway.  I’ll send you the new time and place.”  Lorie returned, as usual, hanging up without waiting for an answer or explaining how she would contact him.

 

As Michael exited the bar he once again scanned the perimeter.  Finding nothing out of the ordinary he proceeded down the block to his car, debating whether or not to go home or return to Section.  With Nikita on a mission and himself unable to sleep, Michael decided to head back to Section to check her status and maybe get some work done with only a skeleton crew around.

 

By the time Michael sensed the danger, it was too late.  He heard a soft sound, a silenced gun unloading, felt a burning sensation in his shoulder and fell into darkness.

 

********

 

Lorie knew that even with Michael’s tolerance for various drugs she still had thirty minutes or so until the tranquilizer wore off.  She smiled to herself at the ease with which her ‘guest’ had been taken.  Of course, she had sensed him as soon as he left the bar, another advantage of one of several ‘gifts’ she possessed.  While she waited, Lorie sat back and tried to reconcile what Michael wanted from her to what had been transpiring at Section One and Oversight recently. 

 

The last time she had seen Michael was less than a year ago, in Oversight.  He had been given temporary control of Section while Operations was needed in Center.  Unbeknownst to most, that request had come from Omega.  He’d decided it was time for a test, both of Operations/Madeline and Michael. 

 

Lorie was still dealing with the aftermath of her own problems.  She was still banned from officially working at the Agency, but Omega did allow her to work in Oversight in an advisory position to stave off cabin fever while ‘training.’  They’d only been able to talk for a minute, but it had been enough for Lorie to see that Michael was content with the way things were going for him.  It had also afforded Lorie an opportunity to discover something interesting about her old friend.

 

As far as Omega was concerned, everyone involved in his little ‘play’ acted according to his script.  There were no surprises.  As Omega predicted, after the infamous Bergomi mission relations between his number one Section and Oversight quickly deteriorated.  The head of the Agency was aware of all the activities surrounding his two branches. 

 

When Lorie returned to active status she asked her boss why he was allowing this war to continue, but Omega never answered her.  All he’d told her was to make sure she stayed out of it.  For once Lorie didn’t argue.  She had good friends on both sides and didn’t want to get in the middle of it anyway. 

 

When Lorie received Michael’s message, she was hesitant to answer.  Section One was seceding from Oversight and Lorie would not aid Michael in that cause.  Yes, he was a good friend, but no more so than George.  If Section One succeeded in breaking away, it would cost George his job and possibly his life. 

 

Lorie knew her boss very well.  Omega would not accept failure of this magnitude and would clean house in the aftermath.  He’d ruthlessly bring Section One back under Oversight’s control and then get rid of any and all responsible for this breakdown.  That included everyone involved from either branch, from Mr. Jones all the way down to Section recruits.

 

Lorie vowed not to let that happen.  While she knew losses in the anti-terrorist community were expected, she would not lose *all* her friends in one fell swoop.  If Michael had come to ask for help, she *would* listen.  Lorie had brought Michael back to her place, but she wasn’t worried.   If the discussion went well then there would be no reason to hide where she lived from a trusted friend.  If the discussion did *not* go well, then Michael would never have the opportunity to tell anyone where she lived.

 

********

 

Michael awoke to unfamiliar surroundings and felt the handcuffs on his wrists, effectively chaining him to the headboard.  He feigned unconsciousness in the hopes of getting his bearings, but the woman in the chair beside the bed wasn’t fooled.

 

“I know you’re awake.”  Lorie stated.

 

“Why?”  Michael opened his eyes, immediately recognizing the voice.

 

“That’s my question.”  Lorie returned.

 

“Where do you want me to start?”  Michael stifled a sigh, knowing that although they were friends, he’d have to tread carefully if he wanted Lorie’s help.

 

“From the beginning?”  Lorie smiled wryly.  “Tell me what you want, just the truth, no embellishments, please.”

 

“I want a life.”  Michael replied.

 

“A life.”  Lorie returned with upraised eyebrows, surprised at the answer.  “And my involvement?”

 

“I need a copy of the Key File.”

 

“No.  I will not let Section One destroy George.  Furthermore if this war between Section One and Oversight escalates any further The Agency *will* end it and cancel *everyone* involved.  Personally, I think that would be a waste.” 

 

“I know.  I want it to end too.”

 

“Well, I’m glad we agree on something, anyway.”  Lorie hedged, still unsure as to how the Key File would fit in to do anything other than destroy George and further Operations’ agenda. 

 

“Perhaps on more than you think.”

 

“So where does the Key File fit in?  Better yet, you obviously have a plan, so let’s hear it, from the beginning.”  Lorie paused.   “No, the cuffs stay, for now.” She added, in answer to his unspoken plea.

 

“I don’t want Oversight. I want Section One.  I have the Gemstone File and the Directory.”  Michael paused, knowing Lorie was familiar with the items he mentioned and giving her time to accept his revelation.  Michael understood he had only one chance to get out of wherever he was alive.  He just hoped that Lorie would believe the truth *and* want to help.

 

“Go on.”  Lorie commanded, not betraying any surprise at Michael’s revelation.

 

“The Gemstone File will ensure that Operations’ and Madeline’s old allies will not interfere.  The Directory will ensure the rest of the Sections’ cooperation.  And the Key File will ensure George’s cooperation.”

 

“How do you know George wouldn’t back your coup?”

 

“He might.  But I won’t be his puppet and I need insurance against any repercussions.”  Michael paused, wanting Lorie to understand that she would not be endangering George’s job by helping.  “I understand your hesitation.  There is an alternative.”

 

“Which is?”  Lorie prompted.

 

“*You* access the file and obtain enough information for someone to question whether or not the file has been breached.”

 

“Your end game isn’t George’s copy, it’s Operations’ copy.”  Lorie stated, realization dawning.  “Then you’d hold all the cards.”

 

“Enough cards to ensure a fair chance as head of Section One, yes.  Operations and Madeline will no longer have any hold over George.  However, the Key File undoubtedly contains damaging intel against me as well.  George and I would effectively be at a stalemate.”

 

“Why now?”  Lorie asked, giving Michael the opening he had been waiting for.

 

“How close is your surveillance of Section One and Oversight?”  Michael asked.

 

“What makes you think I keep tabs on either?”

 

“Don’t you?”  Michael returned rhetorically.

 

“Ok, ok.”  Lorie smiled ruefully.  “Enough to see that something *does* need to be done.  Convince me yours is the way to go.”

 

Michael proceeded to do something he hadn’t done in a long time, not since Simone died, the first time.  He shared everything - his past and present pain, his hopes and plans for the future.  He knew Lorie was not as embittered and her life held much less pain.  Lorie wasn’t the only one who kept tabs on old friends.  Michael knew she worked for Omega and the relatively normal life that was permitted for higher echelon Agency personnel. 

 

Michael was not jealous.  On the contrary, he knew the best way to effectively change day to day procedures and policies was from the trenches.  Power was not his goal - change was, change for the better.    Besides, Nikita as well as other people he still cared about were prisoners of Section One and always would be and he would never abandon them.

 

Lorie hadn’t told Michael just how close an eye she had kept on her old colleagues.  She already knew most of Michael’s past as well as his  present ‘working’ environment.  Her mini-interrogation served only as confirmation of his ‘worthiness’ and readiness to succession.  Michael definitely had what it took to be Operations.  Now Lorie was sure that he’d do a good job.  With his friends behind him, there was little chance power would corrupt him as it did the current regime.

 

Lorie knew she shouldn’t interfere, but she figured Omega wouldn’t mind.  Omega knew Lori was keeping tabs, he also knew she’d have to interfere at some point.  If he hadn’t wanted her to do it, he’d have stopped her long before this.  Omega was a smart man, he’d get what he wanted - a new Section leader (the current one was outliving his usefulness, perhaps had begun his downward spiral as far back as soon after the end of the Cold War), without anyone being the wiser that it was his intention all along. Lorie had no illusions about her boss, though.  Had things not progressed the way he wanted them to, Omega *would* get his hands dirty and take care of the problem personally.  Of course that scenario would cost far more lives than Michael’s little coup.

 

“So all you need from me is a little intel?”

 

“Will you do it?”  Michael asked, ignoring Lorie’s question for the moment.

 

“If I say no, then what?”

 

“I’ll think of something else.”

 

“And that’s it?  You’re not worried about my ‘knowing too much’?”

 

“No.”  Michael replied.  “You won’t betray my confidence.”

 

“I’m not a priest and this isn’t confession.  What makes you so sure I won’t?”  Lorie asked, her decision already made, but curious as to Michael’s answer.

 

“Your loyalties lie with George and me.  My profile does not harm George.  You don’t like the way Section is run either, you haven’t since Operations took over.  He and Madeline tried to kill you because of it.”

 

“True.”  Lorie conceded, walking over to the bed and unlocking the cuffs.  “I’m glad *you* finally saw the light, I was beginning to worry.”  Lorie released Michael and stepped back, allowing him to sit up.  “Alright, agreed.”

 

“There *is* something else I need from you.”  Michael stated solemnly, rubbing the circulation back into his wrists.

 

“Pushy, aren’t you?”  Lorie returned, only half joking.  “What else?”

 

“I need to know that Elena and Adam will be safe.”  Michael replied, his voice almost cracking at the mention of his son.

 

“But, he’s not...”  Lorie stopped herself before she blurted out the truth about Adam’s parentage.  “I mean, do you think Operations would do something to Adam, considering how he lost his own son?”  Lorie recovered quickly.

 

“Operations might not, but Madeline would.”  Michael replied, not catching Lorie’s little faux pas.

 

“You’re right, she would.  What do you want me to do?”

 

“Find them and protect them.  From Section and from me.”

 

“Michael...”

 

“It’s for the best. *Nobody* will be able to use them again.”

 

“Alright.”  Lorie agreed, stunned at the level of trust he was extending her.  “Give me forty eight hours, I promise you, no one will find them.  I can even safely give you five days, until then no-one will know they’re missing.  Is that enough?”

 

“Yes.”  Michael replied, relieved, expecting only three days head start.  “What about Omega?”

 

“I said *no one* and I meant it.”  Lorie reiterated forcefully, knowing how much this was costing the man who never trusted anyone.

 

“Thank you.”  Michael returned, knowing that asking Lorie to do this showed more than any words could how much faith and trust he was putting into their friendship.

 

“We still have some time, my turn for some questions.”

 

Knowing he owed his first real Section One friend at least that much, Michael nodded, giving Lorie permission to continue.

 

“One for one?”  Michael asked before Lorie began.

 

“So many questions, so little time.”  Lorie nodded while contemplating aloud before settling on a tactical question first, to break the ‘ice.’ “Why not use Adrian?”

 

“Without her memory, I have no proof.  With her memory, Nikita is implicated.”  Michael replied, somehow not surprised at her knowledge of Adrian’s continued existence. “Where are we?”

 

“My place.”  Lorie answered, then at Michael’s upraised eyebrows added.  “Very few people know about *this* place, you’re the only one I’ve ever worked for or with who knows.  Omega respects that I need this ‘sanctuary.’  How did you know I can get the Key File.” 

 

“Your personal relationship with George is on far better terms than Omega’s so I’m sure you’re aware of where it is.  Your breaking and entering skills are exceptional.”  Michael replied, deliberately omitting how he’d come upon this information.  “What would have happened if I hadn’t convinced you?”

 

“You would not have returned to Section.”  Lorie answered, deliberately omitting whether or not she would have actually canceled him.  “Elena and Adam?”

 

“You’re the only one with the resources to keep them from harm that I trust.  I missed you tonight.  How?”  Michael asked, still somewhat upset at himself for being caught so off guard.

 

“Would you believe I ‘sensed’ you?”

 

“Section Four.”

 

“That’s two for one.”  Lorie continued, not *exactly* lying.  “Alright, essentially yes, Section Four.  What took so long, why not act sooner?”

 

“Operations was a good leader and Madeline was good *for him,* personally and professionally.”  Michael finally said.  “Neither one was the same without the Cold War.”

 

“That’s not what I meant and you know it.  Why say ‘uncle’ now?”

 

“It wasn’t just about me anymore.”

 

“Ah.”  Lorie replied, understanding that Michael would have taken just about any kind of punishment as his due for past, present and future sins.  What he couldn’t stand anymore was the toll it was taking on his friends, Nikita especially.

 

“Where did you disappear to?”  Michael’s turn.

 

“I was injured.”  Lorie skirted the issue, prepared for the question, knowing Michael would have kept tabs.  “I was off active duty for a few months.”

 

“Your numbers show a quick recovery.”

 

“My numbers, huh?  And how would you know about my numbers?”

 

“I hear things.”  Michael replied cryptically.

 

“Why am I not surprised?”  Lorie returned.

 

“Same reason I’m not surprised at your ‘extensive’ knowledge.”

 

“You know, it’s a good thing we’re on the same side.”  Lorie stated, a half smile gracing her lips.

 

“Yes, it is.”  Michael returned, his own lips twitching at the corners.

 

Fifteen minutes later Michael drove his car away from Lorie’s ‘hideaway.’  Each was left with a new respect, understanding and trust of the other.  Unbeknownst to either, someone was watching from the shadows outside the gated house.  Watching and recording.

 

********

 

As had been customary for the last eight years, Operations and Madeline were sitting down to a breakfast prepared by Christopher and discussing past, current and future events.

 

“Davenport’s performance and numbers continue to improve.”  Operations noted, looking at his screen.

 

“Yes, he’s coming along as expected.”  Madeline reported. “However, as I’ve told you before, he will achieve at best, level five and even then, not in a suitable time frame.”  Madeline finished, knowing where Operations’ thoughts were leading and dissuading him from them. 

 

As much as either one of them loathed to admit it, they needed Michael.  Ironically, now even more.   With George on the warpath, constantly breathing down their necks, they could not afford to falter.  The slightest drop in efficiency and George would come storming in to take over.  They had looked at all the numbers and realized losing Michael was not an option at this time.  Without him and by extension Nikita, their numbers *would* drop.  Significantly.

 

However, just because they needed Michael, it didn’t mean that they would make it easy on him.  Operations and Madeline were in a very delicate position in regards to keeping their top operative on a leash.  Bottom line was a careful balance.  Just enough pressure to keep him in line and distracted.  Too much pressure might make him desperate.  Desperate enough to take measures.  Of course, if they were wrong about his and Nikita’s tolerance levels, there was always the last resort to keep him and his friends in line - Adam and Elena.  It was something they didn’t *want* to use, but would, if push came to shove.

 

“Too bad.  Keep looking.  As soon as another suitable candidate emerges we won’t need Michael.”  Operations paused.  “Of course, Adrian *will* be found before then.”

 

“Of course.”  Madeline confirmed, mentally preparing a list of candidates she’d investigate over the next three months, a self imposed deadline.  Three months gave Madeline plenty of time to make sure that said candidate was suitable to take over Michael’s duties.  It would also give them time to find Adrian and remove her as a threat before moving against Michael.   They were close to finding the older woman, very close.

 

********

 

Two days and one mission later, Michael and Lorie met up again, this time at a non-descript diner in a lower middle class neighborhood.  This time it was Lorie who was waiting for Michael, in a back booth.  They were meeting at an optimal time.  The dinner crowd was thinning out, but not so much as they would be noticed anymore than the other patrons.  The smaller crowd also better enabled to see if they were being followed.  ‘Well, at least by somebody other than my perpetual shadow.’ Lorie thought.

 

Upon his arrival, Michael and Lorie exchanged small smiles at this reversal, Lorie waiting for him and neither worried about the other’s agenda. Both understood that trust between them would not be questioned again.

 

“Is it done?”  Michael immediately asked, upon sitting down.

 

“Greetings to you too.”

 

“Sorry.”  Michael smiled ruefully.

 

“It’s ok.  I understand.”  Lorie replied, then grew quiet as the waitress approached.

 

After their order was placed, the waitress left and the two sat quietly again until she returned with their coffees.  Once she poured the coffee and left, they restarted their conversation.

 

 “It’s done.”  Lorie started, knowing that Michael, despite his outward appearance was worried.  “Adam and Elena have been moved.  I’m the only one who knows where.”

 

“Thank you.”  Michael replied sincerely.

 

“You’re welcome.”  Lorie returned, sliding a microdisc across the table.

 

“What’s this?” asked Michael, pocketing the disc and watching as the waitress returned to their booth, forestalling Lorie’s answer.

 

“Here you go.”  The chipper waitress sang, placing the food on the table.  “Just holler if you need anything else.”  She finished, slipping the bill underneath Michael’s plate and moving to a table in the front in response to a summons from another customer.

 

“The Key File.”  Lorie replied once the waitress was on her way.

 

“Why?”  Michael asked, genuinely curious and surprised.

 

“You trusted me with Adam’s life.  The least I can trust you with is a file.  Besides, you’ll have Operations’ anyway.  This is just in case you’re unable to retrieve Operations’ copy without destroying it.”

 

“I take it you had no such problem with George’s?”

 

“Let’s just say some of my friend’s toys would have Walter salivating.”   Lorie paused.  “I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t trust you.  As much as I...disagree with Operations’ method of operation, he did, and still does, the best he knows how.  He served long and hard.  I’d rather his future be in your hands than George’s.”

 

“Thank you.”  Michael replied, solemnly and sincerely, appreciating Lorie’s implicit trust and the fact that she understood why Michael didn’t just cancel his superior outright, justified as he may have been be to do so.

 

“What information from the File are you going to use to convince them to check their copy?”  Lorie inquired, then at Michael’s surprised look elaborated.  “You may have just received a copy of the Key File, but I’m sure you’ve known for some time what’s in it.”

 

“You’re right,” Michael conceded.  “However, Adam and Elena’s disappearance alone may trigger their response.  Otherwise, I have a few ideas.”  Michael replied cryptically and with a slight smile.  “One question?”

 

“I thought we covered them all the other day.”  Lorie sighed.  “What the hell, what’s one more?”

 

“You’ve known about Adrian all along, why not tell George yourself?”  Michael asked, genuinely puzzled.

 

“You mean other than the fact that Omega would have my head for interfering by tattling?”

 

“Somehow, I hadn’t seen it being traced back to you.”

 

“Good point, untraceable has always been my motto.”  Lorie smiled.  “Truthfully, it would have started a war neither side could’ve won.  I’m on your side because it’s the right one, Michael.  Friendship or not, I wouldn’t have helped otherwise.  At this point it’s also the only way there will be peace between Section One and Oversight without the Agency intervening.”  Lorie finished, warning Michael he’d better move fast, before the Agency *did* step in.  If the Agency had to intervene, casualties would be *very* high, on both sides.  The Agency took no prisoners, Omega would start over with completely new personnel.  Neither George nor Michael and his friends would survive.

 

********

 

Not one to waste valuable time or sit back on the defensive, Michael decided to go to Operations rather than wait for the older man to come to him with accusations regarding Adam and Elena’s disappearance.  It was late the next evening and Michael made sure his co-conspirators were out of Section and the immediate line of fire.  Madeline was gone as well but Operations remained behind, as per Michael’s plans.  He’d given the older man intel earlier and knew his superior would be in his office for quite a while sorting the data.   After almost a decade of working for him, Michael knew his superior  well.  Operations’ paranoia and thirst for power would dictate his reviewing intel of high importance himself before consulting Madeline so Michael made sure his intel was ‘juicy’ enough for Operations to want to handle himself.  Throwing a bone about a possible weakness in Oversight, and George in particular, was the easiest way to go.  As Michael neared Operations’ aerie, he prepared for his most important mission to date.

 

“Michael to see you sir.”  A disembodied voice informed Operations through the intercom.

 

“Send him in.”  A mildly surprised Operations replied, standing up from his desk and walking over to his favorite position, the window overlooking Comm.  For some reason, unexplainable even to him he dimmed the windows before leaning back and turning around to face the man in black entering the aerie.

 

“Yes?”  Operations asked, as Michael came forward to stand a few feet away from him, gloved hands clasped in front, in his usual manner, but holding a microdisc.  A visit from Michael was certainly not uncommon, but Operations, for some reason even he couldn’t understand, was immediately on guard.

 

“There’s something you need to see.”  Michael replied, moving over to Operations and handing him the disc.

 

“What is this?”  Operations asked, taking the disc and slipping it into the terminal nearest him.  Expecting more intel on Oversight, Operations was completely unprepared for what was actually on the disc.

 

“I believe it’s self explanatory.”  Michael calmly replied, no expression evident on his blank face.

 

“I’ll grant you the Directory and Gemstone, but the Key File?  You’re bluffing.  This isn’t conclusive.”  Operations retorted, unnecessarily pointing to the screen, *his* expression one of disbelief and anger, annoyed once again at how successful Madeline had been in teaching Michael to show nothing outwardly.  For all his emotion and demeanor Michael could have been discussing the weather, no way to tell whether or not he was bluffing.  Operations knew that of the three, the Key File was most important to the continuation of his and Madeline’s reign - it was the only hold they had over George.  Without George they did not have enough backing in Oversight to stay in command and the threat of the Gemstone File and Directory would suffice to keep their allies at bay.  But he had to bluffing, didn’t he?

 

“I disagree.  Other than the file in question, Madeline and Jurgen were the only ones with *all* the intel.  Jurgen has been dead for two years.”  A still serene Michael returned, implying that had Jurgen somehow fed him (or Nikita) the data, Michael would have used the intel sooner.  Madeline, he didn’t even bother mentioning as she would never have betrayed Operations by disclosing to anyone the damaging information.

 

“Why? You know what the consequences of your actions are going to be.”  Operations’ thought process and survival instinct finally kicked in, hinting at the repercussions Michael’s ‘wife’ and ‘son’ would suffer.

 

“That’s no longer viable.”  Michael returned quietly, still giving nothing away.

 

“Meaning what?”

 

“Meaning *you* will not find them.”

 

“That’s impossible.”  Operations fumed, knowing that Adam’s safety was one thing Michael would *not* bluff about.  As far as the Key File, Directory and Gemstone, well that was a different story.

 

“As we’ve both seen, your arrangements for their ‘protection’ were not foolproof.  I’ve taken steps to ensure their safety, from *all* parties.”  Michael returned, not raising his voice, unlike Operations.  Michael knew that as soon as he left Operations would call Madeline and then check on Adam and Elena while he waited for his second-in-command to arrive.

 

“You’re bluffing.  You don’t have the files.”

 

“I’ll return for your answer in six hours.” 

 

“Answer to what?”

 

“Voluntary resignation or forceful removal by Oversight.  Your choice.”  Michael replied quietly but with a steel edge, already turning to exit the aerie, gloved hands returning to his side.  “Of course if there are *any* unusual deaths or cancellations in the interim, I have failsafes.”   Michael finished, knowing no further elaboration was necessary.  Operations knew the choices.  ‘Retire’ and be reassigned quietly and peacefully, or be forced into it.  The information he’d gathered would ensure Operations and Madeline would not have anyone standing behind them in a face off.  Of course, it all hinged on how deliberately believable or unbelievable his performance had been.  Within a few hours he’d know if his acting skills served him well again.  If he’d succeeded in planting just enough doubt to convince his superiors that they had to make absolutely sure he didn’t have their copy of the Key File thereby effectively pinning them against the wall.

 

********

 

One hour later Operations and Madeline were in her office discussing their situation when Madeline’s private line rang.  She listened momentarily and spoke briefly, imparting on the party at the other end further instructions.

 

“Well?”  Operations inquired needlessly and impatiently.

 

“Michael wasn’t bluffing, at least not in regards to Adam and Elena.”  Madeline paused.  “I’ve given instructions to sanitize the area.  Whoever did it was very good.  No traces or signatures were left.”

 

“Your opinion?”

 

“Lorie.  In Michael’s inner circle she’s the only one capable.”  Madeline replied, remembering the younger woman’s interference on Nikita and Michael’s behalf two years ago, following the mission against Adrian.

 

“The Agency?”

 

“I don’t think so.  They would not be so indirect.  I’m confident that if it was her, she worked independently.” 

 

“We should have taken care of her when we had the opportunity.”  Operations stated, regretting what he thought of as a past mistake, one that was coming back to haunt them again.

 

“Yes, her loyalty towards ‘old friends’ has not waned over the years.”

 

“The Key File, however, is a different story.” 

 

“Yes.”  Madeline agreed.  “Lorie is as loyal to George as she is to Michael.  She would not betray George by revealing his secrets.”

 

“Well then, how did he manage to acquire our copy?”  Operations continued, unknowingly sealing his fate as Lorie and Omega were listening to the conversation via surveillance that only four people on the entire planet knew existed.  Hearing Operations talk about trying to kill his assistant (and eventual successor) did not endear the head of Section One to the head of the Agency.

 

“I’m not entirely convinced he has it.”  Madeline cautioned.

 

“How do you explain his intel?”

 

“Jurgen.”

 

“As Michael pointed out, the man *has* been dead for a few years.”  Operations replied.

 

“Jurgen might have told Nikita at some point.”

 

“Why not use it sooner?”

 

“Perhaps Jurgen did not disclose everything and Michael only recently put the pieces together.”  Madeline surmised.  “Or perhaps he’s known all along and until now did not need to use the intel.”

 

“I could think of several instances where he could have.”  Operations contradicted.

 

“Maybe not.”  Madeline paused, knowing instantly where Operations thoughts were heading.  “Until last year Michael had the Vacek mission to stay focused and under our control.  Afterwards he underestimated our commitment to keep him and Nikita in line.  He got too arrogant and by the time he realized his mistake, Nikita was subjected to the Gelman process.  Afterward, Michael understood that any move he made against us would be counterproductive to Nikita’s mental well being.  Unfortunately, we underestimated him as well and now he has Adrian.”

 

“Who he is reluctant to use because of the probable consequences for Nikita.”  Operations concluded.    “That still doesn’t explain why you think he’s bluffing.  What purpose could it serve?  He knows we’d have to confirm.”

 

“Yes, and he, or someone else, would follow and retrieve the file once we left.  There were others who had the intel on Michael’s disc.  It did not necessarily come from the Key File.

 

“What are you proposing?”

 

“We need to occupy Michael, Nikita, Walter and Birkoff so they don’t follow.”  Madeline supplied.  “Lorie is not a threat.  Michael would not ask nor would she do anything that would in effect blackmail George.  Other than the above, Michael would not trust anyone else for the job.  He assumed, incorrectly, that your emotions would lead you to confirm his assertion immediately, especially in light of his removal of Elena and Adam.  Thankfully for us Michael was mistaken.”

 

“You’re sure it’s still there, aren’t you?”

 

“Yes.  If Michael was not bluffing you and I would no longer be standing here.”  Madeline replied confidently.

 

“You think he’d go to George.”

 

“Yes.  George wants a change as it is.  The Key File would force George to support our removal and Michael’s  ascension. Remember as well, you and I are the only ones who are aware of the file’s location.”

 

“Fine.”  Operations replied, in resignation, partially swayed by Madeline’s arguments, then turned to bark orders into the intercom.  “I want A Team called in immediately to close quarter standby.”  Regardless, confirmation was needed one way or another.

 

“Yes sir.”

 

“I want to know as soon as they’ve arrived.”

 

“Of course.”

 

********

 

Two hours later, confident that their nemeses were secure and could not follow, Operations, more experienced in the field than Madeline set out to the countryside and the cabin that supposedly, only he and Madeline knew existed.  Madeline stayed behind to make sure all the ‘conspirators’ remained secure in the clutches of the shadow teams.

 

Although the ride normally took forty minutes, Operations took twice as long.  By the time he checked for trackers on him and his car, then doubled back several times to make sure he *really* wasn’t followed, an hour and a half had passed.

 

Bringing his own personal stand alone laptop inside the contemporary cabin, Operations turned on the light and immediately went to the safe hidden behind the false wall in the kitchen.  Opening the safe, he took out an encased CD and loaded it into his laptop.

 

Smiling as the disc completed loading, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed Madeline’s private line.  “Congratulations, once again your profile was correct.  They’ve all gone too far this time....WHAT THE HELL?”  Operations suddenly screamed, watching the screen in front of him in stunned disbelief.

 

********

 

Michael’s ‘posse’ knew their summonses were imminent.  Michael had planned well, very well.   Each was sure to be close enough to Section that when called in, they could be there in a relatively short amount of time.   According to their undisputed leader, the quicker they arrived the better.  As soon as they arrived and Operations and Madeline received confirmation, one or the other would leave to check on the file.

 

Deep down they had known, the minute Michael entered the club with Nikita, that *something* was going to happen, and soon.   Until then, their meetings had been ‘gripe sessions,’ just a means to vent without eyes and ears that would get them into trouble with the Gruesome Twosome.  As soon as Michael entered the picture that changed.   All three were glad, subconsciously that was exactly what they had wanted.

 

It hadn’t taken long for Michael to take over their little mission.  The man was a born leader and his three co-conspirators knew that when it came to strategy and tactical he was unmatched.  Madeline had taught him well in his decade of service.  He’d finally surpassed his teacher.  Michael had correctly profiled Operations and Madeline’s reactions.  Michael’s plan, with Walter and Birkoff’s help, assured defeat for the duo just when they thought they were in the clear.  Before they’d have a chance to finish savoring what they thought was victory, they’d be in for a *little* surprise. 

 

Michael was right.  Six hours were perfect.  Just enough time for discussion then formulating and implementing a hasty profile.  Michael knew his superiors better than they knew him.  Of course that had been the case for some time, but *now* it was going to pay off.  He nailed their reactions perfectly.  Operations and Madeline thought they would outsmart Michael and company by securing them with Section personnel.  They knew Michael would not trust anyone else but the three of them with his profile. 

 

Everyone knew their assignment.  ‘Sneak’ out of Section as soon as possible after arrival for close quarter standby and make sure that the shadow teams did not lose them.  Lull Operations and Madeline into believing they had outmaneuvered their subordinates.  Boost their confidence so they’d go after the disc.  Michael would remain in Section, as per profile, overseeing everything.  Madeline would, of course, order the shadow teams to detain the three ‘escapees.’  Once the shadow teams confirmed that objective had been achieved, Madeline would inform Operations the ‘coast was clear’ to proceed.  Operations would correctly assume that he wasn’t being followed and head straight for the disc.  Of course, neither of their illustrious leaders were aware of the fact that this was not only planned for, but anticipated.

 

When the three finally got the call for close quarter standby, they had to hide smiles of triumphs lest anyone see.  It wasn’t difficult, for although the light at the end of the tunnel was near, they had fought long and hard and paid exorbitant prices to reach that light.  On their way into Section, each reminisced briefly over the events that led them here.

 

********

 

Nikita decided to walk into Section, she was after all only fifteen minutes walking distance away at the time she was called in.  Michael had warned them to stay close, but not too close.  They didn’t want the siamese twins to think they were eager. 

 

Nikita was glad that things were finally coming to a head.   This last year had been terrible.  Constant testing adding up to constant pain - physical and emotional.  Section had never been a picnic, yet despite everything that had been thrown her way over the years, Nikita had remained somewhat naive and innocent. 

 

‘Dumb blonde’ she smiled ruefully, remembering herself after the conclusion of the Vacek mission.   She had foolishly believed that once Michael recovered they would ‘live happily ever after,’ well, Section’s equivalent, anyway.  After everything she had seen, Nikita should have known better. 

 

First Section kept them apart by manipulating their emotions, Nikita’s especially.  They knew which buttons to push so that she would never completely trust Michael, at least not with her emotional well being.  The Peruze mission, readily jumped unbidden into her mind. 

 

Finally, when they had ‘reconnected’ after several months of dancing around each other and found some peace and happiness with each other the twins attacked again. Separating them wasn’t enough anymore.  Demoting Michael because of their relationship was a new low.  Just when Nikita thought they couldn’t sink any lower, they proved her wrong.

 

Nikita shuddered in the cool night air, remembering her actions after being subjected to the Gelman mind control process.  She still couldn’t remember everything, but the memories she did retain were enough to make her angry more than anything else.  Thank god Michael hadn’t given up her, otherwise she’d have lived her life as that ‘thing.’  Death would have been a blessing if that’s what had remained of her.  At first she felt shame at her actions.  Gradually, with the help of her friends, it had sparked anger towards those really responsible.

 

Setting Nikita up for a blood cover mission came fast on the heels of her ‘re-awakening.’  Then more cat and mouse games.  Operations having the gall to ask for help and she and Michael agreeing, then again distance between them, this time her idea.   Soon after that, having to say ‘goodbye’ to Section, Nikita not believing them for a minute.  ‘George’ showing up at her doorstep, the proof she was waiting for.  Operations her father?  She highly doubted it, the Section 8 mission showing her that improbability.  And if he had sent his daughter into certain death then he deserved whatever Nikita and friends were planning. 

 

You would have thought that her and Michael proving their loyalty to Operations and Madeline when George tried to take over would have been enough to finally leave them be.  Okay, so Nikita had agreed to help a little more reluctantly, but could you blame her after all that they done to her and Michael?  Besides, she *did* agree in the end.   As if that wasn’t enough, right on the heels of that Michael showed once again beyond doubt where his loyalties lay when George again tried to take over, this time by ‘stealing their minds.’

 

Still, that wasn’t enough.  Nikita and Michael were no better off for proving their loyalty.  She guessed that that’s what finally convinced everyone, Michael especially, that things would never change while Operations and Madeline were in charge.  No matter what you did, it would never be enough for those two.

 

Why did Madeline and Operations feel the need for so much of their plotting and scheming?  Fear, plain and simple.  They were still afraid that Michael and Nikita were planning a coup.  Had they left well enough alone, there would be nothing to fear, Michael and Nikita would have been content to wait their turn.  Nikita figured Operations and Madeline were worried because that’s what *they* would have done, what they *did* do, in fact, a decade ago. 

 

In the end, the reasons didn’t matter.  Their own plotting and scheming would undo them.  How fitting that it would be their ‘whipping posts’ who would out manipulate the manipulators.

 

********

 

Birkoff was also out walking when he was called in, reflecting on his relatively short and insulated life.  He’d been born in Section and would always remain here, he was resigned to it.  But now, he’d finally grown up.  Birkoff always knew choice was limited in Section.  Limited to life or death.  You either obeyed the rules or were replaced with someone who did.  He’s seen it enough in his twenty some odd years.  Years that for as long as he could remember were spent in service to one Section or another.  Walter just did what he had to do to survive when he flipped that coin, letting fate decide which Birkoff would remain and which would be ‘set free.’  If Walter would have said no, all that would have happened was that Walter would have been canceled and someone else would decide.  No, the fault did not lie with Walter.  It had taken Birkoff a while, but he had come around.

 

Talking to and rediscovering his friendship with Walter these last several months had put his past in perspective.  While the older man did ultimately ‘choose’ Birkoff’s path, he had done what he could to make it easier.  Walter had called in many of his markers to get Birkoff away from Section One for as long as he could.  Walter used those markers to have Birkoff transferred to Section Seven, even back then more progressive and lenient than Section One.  At least in Seven Birkoff had enjoyed somewhat of a life.  When his teenage years hit though, Birkoff was brought back to Section One.  His computer skills and intelligence, considered a blessing in the real world, only served to indenture him in theirs.  His unmatched prowess in Comm was always more of an attention getter than was healthy in the covert ant-terrorist world. 

 

One of the first things Paul Wolfe did when he ‘became’ Operations was to have Birkoff transferred back into Section One.  He’d been monitoring the boy throughout the years and knew, that even though he was only a teenager, he would, in a matter of a couple of years, be the best in *all* the Sections at what he did.  Operations had coddled the boy in the beginning and drove home the necessity of what they did in Section in order to develop a relationship and foster loyalty. 

 

‘It worked.’  Thought Birkoff ruefully.  By the time Operations’ true colors shined through, it was too late.  Birkoff was so blinded and selfish that all he saw was that his own life was fine (he had all the toys he wanted), the hell with everyone else.  Those in abeyance deserved it, those killed in action were just unlucky and not his concern.  Birkoff didn’t let it get to him.  They were just bodies, no friends of his.  Besides, his only friend, Walter wasn’t a field op and was unlikely to die of anything but old age.

 

Of course that all changed a few years ago.  Between his crush on Nikita and his own growing up Birkoff realized there was more to life than just his toys.  After Nikita completed her two years of training and went out on missions, Birkoff suddenly saw others as more than just bodies for Section to use, they became more than just green dots on his screen. 

 

He’d also woken up to the true nature of his superiors.  Madeline, he’d always been scared of (who wouldn’t be), but he’d always respected Operations.  He’d been taught to believe that the end justified Section’s means.  It had been drilled into him since before he could remember.  Whatever Operations did was necessary for the greater good.

 

That worked well and good until fairly recently.  As much as he’d have liked to think otherwise, Birkoff knew he hadn’t fully grown up until this last year.  He’d still been in his little cocoon, only coming out when safe.  He’d only help his friends (few that they were) if the risk of getting caught was fairly low.  He didn’t want to go against Operations and Madeline openly.  He’d convinced himself that Operations was still doing what he had to rather than what he wanted to.  That revelation was slower in coming.  But come it did. 

 

While Birkoff knew that he’d always be a little brother to Nikita, he still cared deeply for her.  Walter was as good a father figure as he was likely to get.  Even Michael, though he still feared him, was someone he looked up to. 

 

Hillinger’s failed attempt to help George take over Section One fully opened Birkoff’s eyes to everyone around him.  Whatever illusions he’d still held about Operations were finally shattered.  The older man had ordered Birkoff’s cancellation without blinking, not even giving him a second chance.  Michael and Nikita’s perseverence to find evidence on sight and Madeline’s backing was all that stood between him and the torture twins’ needle.  Birkoff never had any illusions about Madeline.  The woman had saved him simply because Section still needed him.

 

After that fiasco Birkoff finally lost all respect for Operations.  Why pledge your loyalty to someone who had none to you?  Birkoff’s trip down memory lane that followed was very eye opening for him.  He’d finally seen Operations’ (and Madeline’s) more recent behavior for what it really was - fear and paranoia that their power would be taken away.  Everything they did for the greater good was now suspect.  Was it good for the world or good for Operations?  The two were becoming more and more mutually exclusive.

 

Besides, Nikita, Michael and Walter had, in more ways than one, saved his life in the past.  They continued to do so even after his less than questionable, jealousy induced, behavior that ‘coincided’ with Nikita and Michael’s deepening relationship. 

 

*That* was loyalty.  And it was time Birkoff repaid them, consequences be damned. 

 

********

 

Walter, the ageless hippie and rebel, was riding his bike when called in.  On the way in he reflected on what finally brought them all here. 

 

Walter had been in Section One for thirty long years.  He’d seen it all, and then some, more times than he cared to count.  Nothing surprised him anymore, only saddened him.  Due to his long tenure, Walter was given more leeway than most anyone in Section One.  He wasn’t exempt from their games and pursuit of total control though, Belinda was a constant reminder of that.  Belinda’s death had hit Walter hard, enough so that he had seriously contemplated suicide, the only question being whether or not he took Operations with him.  Thankfully, his ‘Sugar’ had helped him through it.

 

Belinda was a personal manifestation of all that was wrong in Section One.  Ten years ago, already firmly entrenched in munitions, personal loyalty forced Walter to make a decision that he didn’t want to.  He was never one hundred percent certain that Paul Wolfe was the *right* choice.  All he was certain of really, was that times were changing but Adrian wasn’t.  Paul and Madeline were the only alternatives so he threw his lot in with theirs. 

 

Walter had felt pangs of regret almost from the beginning but, lately, those pangs had grown *much* more frequent.  Walter’s decision to now throw his allegiance in with Michael was not something Walter felt he would regret later on.  The level five op lacked something that the current leader of Section One had in abundance - ego and an insatiable thirst for power.  Whether or not it had been there for Operations from the start was debatable.  Whatever the beginnings though, the job had done him in. 

 

Walter wasn’t worried about the job doing Michael in.  He already had something that Operations didn’t - a future second in command who had a conscience.  Not that Walter thought Michael didn’t have one of his own, just figured Nikita would help nudge him int the right direction should the need arise.    In Walter’s opinion Michael had come a long way from the cocky transfer he’d been ten years ago.  He’d learned his lessons well and paid more than his share of dues.  Michael was ready for command, had been for a while.  Loyalty had been holding him back.  But why stay loyal to someone who’d pissed on you so many times and in so many ways that you’d long ago lost count?

 

Michael would make a good leader.  Maybe with him in charge Walter could think of retiring. Nah, who was he kidding, with Michael in charge Walter might just like to stick around and actually maybe even start enjoying his job again.  Come to think of it, it could only be good for everyone in section.  The mind games and loyalty, through fear and intimidation only, would stop, he was sure of it.  Michael had already earned loyalty through respect of many in Section, something that Operations had long ago ceased caring about.

 

Ironically, Michael’s unwavering loyalty and readiness for command is what necessitated the acquisition of the Key File.  A year ago, George would have backed Michael in a coup. Not today though.  After his performance last year when placed in charge while Operations was needed at Center, Michael became George’s golden boy.  George figured he’d found a controllable and manipulable ally in his crusade against Section One’s leaders.   Once in command, Michael would become George’s puppet thus even further solidifying the older man’s position. 

 

In Walter’s ‘humble’ opinion George was another man corrupted by power.  He wanted Operations out not for the good of the organization but for the good of George.  He’d be getting rid of someone who disagreed with and even more important was after his job before George was willing to give it (and the power that came with it) up.

 

After his recent battles with Section One, George realized Michael was not going to be his puppet.  Michael had sided with Operations and Madeline when George tried to take over.  Michael’s actions showed George where the younger man’s loyalties lay and that he wouldn’t be so easy to control once he ascended to power.  Michael *officially* landed on George hit list after he stopped the older man’s attempt to ‘steal the minds’ of Section One’s top personnel.

 

The elusive Key File would keep George at bay.  If blackmail was what it took to make things right then so be it.  Walter grinned at the thought that the student was about to outmaneuver his teachers.  The grin turned into a full blown smirk at the thought of how his and Birkoff’s little creation was soon going to rain on Operations’ and Madeline’s parade.

 

********

 

Michael had outlined his plan and explained what he needed.  Birkoff and Walter had smiled in reply explaining that they had been working on something they had dubbed the Terminator.   They all knew that conventional trackers wouldn’t work.  For one, they would be found.  Neither Operations nor Madeline would leave the Section before taking precautions such as checking for trackers.  Two, following them was not a part of the preferred profile.  Walter had reassured Michael that he and Birkoff had just what the doctor ordered.  It was in the early stages of development and Section didn’t know about it.  

 

A few days and several minor modifications later their new toy, field tested and all, was ready. A tracking device with an extra kick.

 

An odorless, colorless and tasteless liquid that carried a virus Walter had christened the ‘Terminator.’  It dried in a matter of seconds and was harmless to living things.   The Terminator started off as a simple tracking device but by the time they were finished with it, it was so much more.  They turned it into a signature reader that even when dry absorbed through the skin on contact. When someone touched an affected disc the Terminator was absorbed through the skin and for the next twenty four hours any subsequent disc touched would in turn become affected.  On contact with a disc, the Terminator ‘searched’ for the signature.  If the signature was found, nothing would happen.  Birkoff had made sure to secure any discs Section personnel would be using in the near future and program the signature into them.

 

The disc Michael had handed Operations before his ultimatum contained the Terminator.  Birkoff  had also handed Madeline some affected discs earlier in the day, so it didn’t matter which one went to check on the Key File.   Whoever went would undoubtedly check to make sure the Key File was intact *and* not a dummy.  Of course, unlike Section discs, it would not have the signature.  When Operations opened the cd case and touched the disc, he ‘infected’ it.  The Terminator, as planned, searched for the signature on the Key File, and not finding it, automatically corrupted the file.  Birkoff had made sure that the virus’ corruption would be complete and the data destroyed would be forever irretrievable. 

 

Operations’ exclamation confirmed the Terminator’s success.

 

********

 

Admitting defeat was not Operations’ or Madeline’s strong suit, even when cornered.  Neither one would go down without a fight.  They presented a united front as they waited for Michael to enter the aerie and negotiate terms of a truce.  They would *not* negotiate terms of surrender, or so they kept telling themselves.

 

Unbeknownst to them, Michael was not done yet, he still had more tricks up his sleeve.  He had after all, been waiting and planning for a long time.  The length of his planning would have surprised his superiors.  Truthfully, Michael’s plans went as far back as his engagement to Simone.  At first, they were dreams and fantasies, longing for ‘someday.’  Even then he’d always planned ‘what ifs.’  After Simone’s death he’d buried his dreams.  When Nikita came along his dreams resurfaced.  At first they were the same old fantasies, a distant future for he knew it would be a long time before he paid his penance and would allow himself escape.  

 

Gradually when his feelings for Nikita deepened, Michael’s plans turned into profiles.  When he’d finally realized that Nikita would not survive Section as long as he had and that he wouldn’t be able to live with her physical death on his conscious (he was already living with the death of her innocence), Michael planned her escape.   When Nikita became suicidal Michael became desperate.  He wasn’t ready to escape, his contingencies were not in place, Vacek was still in hiding,  Adam and Elena were still vulnerable.  So when the Shays mission came along Michael did what he could, he let Nikita go.  He couldn’t go with her but hoped that one day, when they were *both* free they would meet again.

 

Not knowing whether Nikita was dead or alive wreaked havoc on Michael’s psyche.  When Nikita came back and saved his life in Lyons, Michael knew he wouldn’t be able to let her go again.  Selfishly he kept her near for he would not let her go again but still couldn’t escape with her for fear of retaliation against Adam and Elena.  Until the Vacek mission was over, Michael *had* been conflicted.  He kept Nikita alive, whatever it took, until the mission was over and he could somehow free them all from Section. 

 

Of course, things changed over the years.  Michael realized that although he didn’t need Section One, the world did.  Unfortunately for the world though, Operations wasn’t the man for the job anymore.  As much as Michael respected what Section did, he couldn’t justify its leaders means anymore.  And who’s to say that the next Operations would be any better?  The phrase ‘If you want something done right you had to do it yourself’ crossed Michael’s mind many a time.  Thankfully, Nikita was starting to see the necessity of Section.  The mission against Adrian was the beginning of her realization.

 

Although they showed their loyalty to the cause, it wasn’t enough for Operations and Madeline.  The longer those two stayed in power, the more self absorbed and paranoid they became.  They lost touch with the world they were protecting, seeing the enemy in every corner, forgetting who their allies were.  Paranoia kicked in with a vengeance when Michael and Nikita admitted their feelings for each other.  How that translated into mutiny, neither of them would ever know.  But mutiny it was, in the minds of their ‘Imperious Leaders’ (sorry, had to put that obscure reference in there).

 

Now, it was almost over.  Nikita agreed that Section was necessary, albeit with different leadership and she was willing to stay and make sure Section One once again became the organization it was meant to be.  She would make sure Michael stayed ‘honest.’  As much as Nikita almost loathed to admit it, Section (or at least various members of it) *had* become her family and she would stick by that family through thick and thin - she would not leave it again.

 

Finally, the last phase of Michael’s plan was about to be set in motion.  Ironically, it had been Madeline who had taught it to him and then used it against him.  Now it was Michael’s turn to divide and conquer.

 

********

 

Michael entered the aerie giving nothing away.  Nothing was revealed in his demeanor.  He could have been discussing cafeteria problems for all the emotion he showed.  Madeline was grudgingly proud of her protege.  Proud and wary.  By mutual agreement Operations and Madeline allowed Michael the first move.

 

“What is your answer?”  Michael questioned without preamble, as soon as he was standing in front of his superiors.

 

“No.”  Operations replied with a smirk.  “We will not step down.  Your tracker destroyed the file so you have no leverage with George either.”

 

“Without George and Oversight, your position is not guaranteed.  In light of recent events between Section One and Oversight it’s unlikely you would receive the necessary support without coercion, certainly no more support than the current leadership.”  Madeline added, referring to herself and Operations.

 

“I have another copy of the Key File.”  Michael returned.   “Yours *was* meant for destruction, not retrieval.”

 

“That’s impossible.”  Madeline maintained, albeit with less confidence.  “You can’t access...”  Madeline drifted off, realization dawning.  “Lorie.  You had her betray George.”

 

“Yes, Lorie helped but she did not compromise George.”  Michael stated, for that was the truth.  Lorie’s actions would prevent harm from coming to Michael, but it would not harm George, only ensure his cooperation, Lorie would see to that.  Michael was sure Lorie had a failsafe in case anything happened to George, not to mention she was the only one who knew where Adam and Elena were.  Besides which, Michael would never betray her trust and friendship anyway.

 

“Really?”  Operations snorted in disgust, once again cursing himself for not getting rid of the troublesome woman all those years ago. “I find that hard to believe.”

 

“Believe what you will.  It doesn’t matter.”  Michael paused, then reiterated his question.  “Will you step down voluntarily?”

 

“No.”  Madeline interjected.  “Retirement is as good as cancellation.”

 

AI didn’t ask *you* to step down, Madeline.”  Michael returned, stunning the pair.

 

********

 

Michael knew he needed Madeline, at least temporarily.  It was with that in mind that he had approached George.  Michael met with the older man before his confrontation with Operations.  Normally George was inaccessible but, after their dinner ‘date,’ Lorie helped set up a one on one meeting, on neutral ground, with the promise that if something happened to one, she would make sure the other suffered the same consequence.

 

“What do you want?”  George asked as Michael sat beside him on the park bench.

 

“Section One.”  Michael replied without hesitation.

 

“Of course you do.”  George retorted, sarcastically.  “Why should I endorse you?”

 

“The Key File.  Operations’ copy.”

 

“You have it?”

 

“Soon.”

 

“When you have it, we’ll talk.”  Came George’s clipped reply.

 

“No.  Now.”  Michael retorted, the arrogance of his command surprising the head of Oversight.

 

“No?”  George repeated.  “Whatever happens at Section One I will still be your superior.”

 

“Of course.  However I do require your assurance that Oversight will support my ascension before I proceed with the end game.” Michael replied, still not bowing to the older man, reminding him he was no one’s errand boy or puppet.

 

“I cannot speak for all of Oversight.”  George returned, grudgingly admiring Michael’s temerity and forethought to line his ducks up all in a row before proceeding.  He had been right about the younger man, he would go far.  

 

Michael did not bother to reply to the older man, conveying that he knew that if George agreed the rest of Oversight would follow.  He also knew that he had George somewhat over a barrel with the Key File.

 

“What assurance do *I* have that you will run Section One differently?”  George asked, referring to the problems he himself was having with One’s current leadership.

 

“I’m not after your position.”  Michael replied, knowing the older man’s primary motivation for his war against Operations.

 

“Really?”  George questioned skeptically.

 

“Not until you’re ready to retire.”  Michael amended to alleviate George’s suspicions.  “My time will come.”

 

“Is that what you’ve been telling Operations all these years?”

 

“This is more a matter of survival rather than advancement.”

 

“What about Paul and Madeline’s allies?”

 

“It’s taken care of.”  Michael replied, referring to his possession of the Gemstone File and the Directory.

 

“You’ve thought of everything haven’t you?”  George nodded, understanding Michael’s implied message.  “Very well.”  George finally agreed, knowing that (for the time being) Michael had the upper hand.  “There will be no repercussions from Oversight for Paul and Madeline’s cancellation.”

 

“I have no plans to cancel Operations or ask Madeline to step down.”  Michael replied, still respecting his superior enough to call him by his title.

 

“What?”  A very surprised George asked.  He thought that after all the two had put the younger man through over the last ten years, Michael would relish pulling the trigger himself.

 

“Madeline is still needed, regardless of who is running Section One.”

 

“What about Nikita?”  George asked, surprised that Michael didn’t want his former material as his second in command.

 

“She’s not ready yet.”

 

“How can you trust Madeline?”

 

“Personally, I don’t.  For Section, I do.”

 

“Yes.”  George concurred.  “Assuming you can break up the siamese twins, Madeline is still of use to Section.”

 

“Self preservation has always been an effective inducement.”

 

“True.”  George paused.  “I’m curious about Paul.  What do you plan to do with him?”

 

“Perhaps you can offer him a position.”

 

“What? Where?”  George sputtered, almost unnerved by the younger man’s chutzpah.

 

“A controlled advisory or administrative position.”  Michael replied, his continued belief in Section’s cause prompting him to prolong both Madeline’s *and* Operations’ lives.

 

“You’re serious, aren’t you?”  George asked.

 

“He was a good man corrupted by power and greed.  He did what he thought was best until he lost sight of the goal.”

 

“I *did* recruit him in the first place for his abilities and character.  Perhaps I let things degenerate too far these last few years.  I should have kept tighter control or acted sooner, perhaps prevented this.”  George paused reflectively, but ultimately decided it was time to move on, Michael had, until recently, been his choice to succeed Paul, anyway.  And now that he knew the motivation behind Michael’s recent actions, he felt better about his ascension.  Michael would just bear closer scrutiny than originally intended. “But it *is* too late now.  You have a deal.  I’ll make sure Paul has a future.  I owe him that much.”

 

“Madeline?”

 

“If that’s what you want.  But l would watch her closely, very closely.”  George advised, speaking from experience.

 

“I will.”  Michael replied, knowing he indeed would have to watch Madeline very closely.  He needed her until Nikita was ready.  Nikita was barely capable of his current position, it would take time to learn and *accept* Madeline’s responsibilities.  Once Nikita was ready, then he would deal with Madeline.  She, more than Operations, was responsible for the shadow of a life he’d been living the last ten years.  Operations may have been in command and ultimately approved any of Madeline’s profiles, but she was the one who had initiated them (sometimes gleefully).

 

“One more thing.  If you double cross me in any way, mutual friend aside, I *will* act.”  George added, warning the younger man that his affection towards Lorie would not stop him if Michael crossed the line.

 

“Of course.”  Michael countered.  “But that goes both ways.”

 

********

 

“I didn’t ask *you* to step down, Madeline.”  Michael returned, stunning the pair.

 

“You’d retain Madeline as your second in command?  What about Nikita?”  Operations asked, both he and Madeline taken completely by surprise, and uncharacteristically unable to hide it.

 

“Nikita is not ready for the position.”

 

“And once she is?”  Madeline inquired, warming up to the idea.  Now that her position wasn’t in immediate jeopardy, she found herself intrigued by the idea.  She had, after all, already aligned herself with him once, when she thought he was in cahoots with George.  Madeline always knew Michael would make a good leader for Section One, better than Paul in some ways.  When Michael took command while Operations was at Center she realized she didn’t exert the control over him she thought she did.  Madeline didn’t think she would be around long if and when Michael finally took permanent command.  But now, to have the opportunity to mold another (for the good of Section, of course) to her personal specifications...

 

“We’ll see.”  Michael replied, cryptically, knowing exactly where Madeline’s thoughts were heading and already implementing contingencies.

 

“And where exactly do *I* fit in?”  Operations asked, seeing in Madeline’s demeanor his one true ally already folding.

 

“You’ll be transferred to Oversight, in an advisory position, with access to the outside.”

 

“Why?”  Operations asked, genuinely puzzled, knowing that Michael indeed must have a copy of the Key File, not to mention Gemstone and the Directory for George to support such a transfer.   For Michael to use it to prevent not only his cancellation, but to also allow him a decent ‘retirement’ was something that Operations couldn’t comprehend because were their positions reversed, Operations would have pulled the trigger by now.

 

“Does it matter?”  Michael asked, preferring the older man figure it out himself.

 

“It does to me.”  Operations responded.

 

“It’s the right thing to do.”  Michael replied, saying no more and leaving Operations to ponder his words.  Noting the momentary look of regret in the older man’s eyes, Michael thought that perhaps there was hope for him yet.

 

“So,” Madeline stepped in, while Operations assimilated the upcoming sweeping changes.  “Considering the planning that went into this, I’m sure you had the foresight to plan an official transfer.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“And?”  Madeline asked, losing patience at Michael’s habitual economy of words.  She had only herself to blame though, as she was the one who had tutored him.

 

“I thought it best for the change of command to occur in Comm.”

 

“For everyone to see.” Operations asked, thinking Michael’s ego was rearing its head.

 

“For a smooth transition.”  Michael countered.  “The appearance of a voluntary change is best.  There is no need for all personnel to know the details.”

 

“I agree.”  An impressed Madeline concurred.

 

“And Oversight?”  Operations asked.

 

“George is expecting your call.”  Michael answered.

 

“Fine.  Tomorrow at noon then.”  Operations declared, resigned to his fate, but wanting time to tie up lose ends.

 

“Tonight would be better.”  Michael countered, exerting his newfound authority.  “The Vanbiesbrouck mission unloads tonight, I’d like to debrief the operatives personally.”  Michael explained.  “Five o’clock should be sufficient to complete your affairs.”

 

“Agreed.”  Madeline interjected, forestalling Operations outburst, knowing that there was nothing her soon to be *ex* superior could do other than embarrass himself by arguing further, for in the end her *soon to be* superior would win the argument anyway.

 

“Until then.”  Michael nodded, leaving the aerie for the last time as a level five operative.

 

“It’s done.”  Michael spoke into his cell phone, on the way to Walter’s area where his comrades in arms were waiting for him, informing George of his success.  “Expect his call shortly.”  Michael added, referring to the soon to be ex of operations of Section One.

 

“Good.  Proceed.”  George replied, confirming his support of the imminent new regime.

 

********

 

After all that the Fab Four had been through, the ‘changing of the guard’ was almost anti-climactic.  As per instructions, with every available operative watching or hovering nearby, Operations presented command of Section One to Michael.  Rumors abounded by then of the behind the scenes details, but of course, very few knew the real story.  Most believed that Operations was promoted to Oversight and his on again-off again golden boy was replacing him.

The primary participants, for various self serving reasons, vowed to keep everyone guessing by not confirming anything.

 

After things had settled down a bit and Madeline was banished to her office to produce a (lengthy) written report of every one of Section One’s departments’ current status, prognosis and recommendations for Michael to review in the morning, the four co-conspirators stood in the darkened aerie, celebrating with glasses of very expensive champagne, courtesy of Lorie.

 

“It’s over.  It’s finally over.”  Nikita started the toast, not at all upset that she wasn’t second in command, knowing that Michael was right and she wasn’t ready yet.

 

“I love it when a plan comes together.”  Walter added, the last to drink up, already planning new toys for Section now that he *really* believed in his job again.

 

After a few minutes of subdued celebration and somber contemplation of the events leading to this moment, the four realized it was time to get to work.

 

They may have won the battle, but the war was just beginning.  To maintain their positions, let alone advance any further, they would have to be better than they already were.  Michael, especially, had to prove his superiority over his predecessor.  Otherwise, this new regime would not last very long.  They all realized that they had a long and hard road ahead of them, but they also knew that it would be worth it in the end. 

 

Walter, Birkoff and Nikita finished their drinks and were leaving the aerie to give Michael the opportunity to speak to George privately, as the official head of Section One, and plan his first mission after his briefing with the head of Oversight, before personally debriefing the Vanbiesbrouck mission.  On the way out, a question occurred to Birkoff.

 

“So what should we call you?”  Birkoff asked, stopping Walter and Nikita in their tracks, waiting for Michael to reply, knowing his answer would speak volumes about his psyche.

 

“You can call me Michael.”  Came the answer, bringing smiles to the faces of his new subordinates.

 

‘You can call me Michael,’ reverberated in his mind as Michael stood in the perch, looking out over his new domain.  He knew why they asked and he knew the answer they were hoping for.  It was also the only answer he had *wanted* to give. 

 

Michael did not want the title that came with ‘The Perch.’  He did not want to be compared to his predecessor in any way, shape or form.  Besides which, the lack of title would help keep him principled and incorruptible.  Michael had no intention of forgetting who he was and why he was there, unlike Operations had towards the end.  Furthermore, he also had no intention of putting any one of his personnel through the emotional and physical hell the siamese twins had put so many through over the years. 

 

Michael had always led through respect and he wanted to continue that ‘tradition’ in his new post.  He knew it would be a long battle as working and living under fear and intimidation *only* was a difficult cycle to break.  Respect for their leader, let alone trust and pride at the end results of their work, would not come easy for the embattled personnel he was now in charge of.

 

Michael knew what changes he wanted implemented, had been planning them for quite some time.  Madeline’s ‘mission’ was not merely a ploy to keep her busy and to show her who was boss now, although he did enjoy the older woman’s indignation at her assignment.  Michael really *did* want an overhaul and going thoroughly, through each and every ‘department’ was the only way to do it right.  If Madeline didn’t agree with his proposed changes, well so be it, he would overrule her.  Michael’s hope, though, was that Madeline would see the changes as benefitting Section One and Section One was, after all, her only real priority anymore.

 

Michael certainly knew it would be no bed of roses and he would have many difficult and unpopular decisions to make in the future, but he vowed to *never* lose his operatives’ respect.

 

 

THE END

 

 

EPILOGUE

 

 

‘It’s not over.’ The phrase echoed in Paul Wolfe’s mind as he sat behind his new desk in his new role of paper pusher.

 

********

 

‘One year’  Madeline mused. ‘If Michael doesn’t measure up to *my* specifications by then he will need to be replaced before *he* replaces *me.*’

 

********

 

‘We’ll see, Michael.  We’ll see.’  George reflected.  The younger man had much to prove.  Even if he did work out, George would make damn sure Michael didn’t get his job until he was ready to give it up.

 

********

 

“So far, events have proceeded to your expectations.”  Mr. Jones spoke into the phone.  “Of course, I will continue to monitor from both ends.”

 

********

 

“Phase one complete.”  Lorie walked into her superior’s office, confirming the intel he’d just received via phone from Mr. Jones.

 

“Phase two will be initiated shortly.  Be ready.”  Omega returned, glaring at his assistant, daring her to challenge his orders, his clipped British accent conveying more command than usual.  He may have looked unassuming; average height, average build, just another typical Brit in his mid thirties.  But only until you looked into his eyes.  Eyes that sometimes belied his true age and the dozens upon dozens of life experiences that made him the way he was.

 

“I still don’t agree, we aren’t supposed to interfere in his natural life.”  Lorie returned, adamant in her disapproval.

 

“He is in his prime.  He is also now in command so his outside activities will not be questioned.”  Omega retorted mildly, not surprised at her objection.

 

“Why me?”  Lorie inquired, changing tactics.  “I’m a novice myself.”

 

“Yes, but you’ve learned and mastered the required skills in a relatively short amount of time. You already are one of the best and your existing friendship will move things along quicker and smoother.”  Omega returned, his tone brooking no further argument.  His plans for the future included Agency and Center leaders who would be around for a *very* long time once he left the covert world of anti-terrorism behind.  It had been a very long and hard road, keeping his two (well three, really) identities and lives separate.  Thankfully the ‘role’ of Omega allowed for long absences without much question (not that many would dare to question him in the first place) especially since Lorie came on board and learned how to fill in without missing a step.   He’d spent a very long time, long even for him, preparing the way and nothing was going to stop him, not even the rules that were even older than he was.

 

“And if I don’t agree?”  Lorie continued, not as intimidated as she perhaps should have been,  pleasing Omega, albeit grudgingly.

 

“Phase two will be carried out, regardless of your participation.”  Omega returned, knowing *that* would convince her, counting on his eventual replacement to get his other hope for the future through the difficult time to come.

 

“Understood.”  Lorie replied, resigning herself to her friend’s fate.

 

 

 

THE BEGINNING???