Michael handed Nikita back the router, knowing she would use it ‘for’ him anyway, and walked out of the forest and away from the life he’d known for almost a third of his life. 

 

Climbing onto the motorcycle he knew would be there, Michael sighed in relief and wiped the trickle of blood off his face with his glove, a half smile curving his lips.  Mentally congratulating himself on his correct predictions of everyone’s actions he sped off, already planning his next move, knowing that the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel was almost in sight.

 

********

 

Madeline awoke to semi-familiar surroundings, a bed in a white room.  Disappointed, but not completely surprised that her plan seemingly failed, she sat up gracefully and studied her surroundings.  The first thing she noticed was that she wasn’t strapped in and the room wasn’t bare.  ‘A buffered hostile’ Madeline mused and, getting off the bed and sitting in the surprisingly comfortable chair near it, waited for her ‘host’ to enter, believing she was somewhere in Center.  Realizing that hypothesizing on where she went wrong and why she was still alive was futile until she had more information, Madeline sat demurely and patiently waited for the steel door to open.

 

Madeline did not have long to wait, but her visitor was not who she expected.

 

“Hello, Madeline.”  The older Englishwoman stated, walking inside the white room, carefully watching her former pupil for a reaction.

 

“Adrian.” Madeline returned, surprise unwittingly flickering briefly in her eyes before she was able to shutter them.

 

“Follow me, please.”  Adrian instructed.

 

“Of course.”  Madeline replied, following the older woman out the door, refraining from asking any questions as she knew Adrian would explain herself only when she was ready and not a single moment before.

 

What she saw on the other side of the door once again was not what Madeline anticipated.  Expecting to be in the bowels of Center, Madeline was surprised (this time hiding it better) when she walked out into the hallway of what appeared to be a very lovely home.

 

Entering the formal living room, Adrian gestured for Madeline to sit.  She watched with interest as Madeline chose the winged back chair rather than the more comfortable sofa, a telltale sign of her current mind-set.  Seating herself regally on the sofa, Adrian picked up the still hot teapot sitting on the coffee table that was nestled between the sofa and the chair and poured them each a cup of tea.  It was a not so subtle reminder of days gone by.  After finishing their tea, Madeline, Adrian’s best student got straight to the heart of the matter.

 

“Mr. Jones, I presume?”  Madeline questioned the older woman.

 

“Very good, Madeline.  You *were* my best student.”  Adrian confirmed.

 

“You taught me well.”

 

“Yes.  You were always ahead of the others, even Paul.”

 

“Why?”  Madeline asked after a moment of contemplative silence, the one word representing so much.

 

“It was time for a change.  There is much we need to discuss before the end game is played out.” Adrian returned, rising from the sofa and walking out the french doors, knowing Madeline would follow.  “Let’s take a walk, shall we?  The gardens here are beautiful.” 

 

Madeline wasn’t upset, but rather fascinated.  She had known Mick could not be Mr. Jones, but Adrian *was* a surprise.  Quite frankly, Madeline did not believe the older woman had enough allies to attain the position.  As much as Madeline hated to be caught unawares, this scenario was too intriguing to snub.

 

“I suppose I should start at beginning.”  Adrian opened the conversation as the two women walked around the seemingly endless grounds.

 

“Paul’s ascension to power?”  Madeline prodded.

 

“Still as sharp as ever.  Perhaps it should have been *you* who ascended then.”  Adrian speculated.  “Yes, your so called coup was actually *my* final test for the real Mr. Jones’ position.”

 

“I don’t understand.”  Madeline admitted.

 

“‘Mr. Jones’ was retiring and needed a replacement.  In order to confirm his decision, I had to pass his test.”  Adrian paused.  “He gave me a scenario and expected me to profile the outcome.  It served two purposes.  If successful, I would become the new head of Center *and* my ‘disappearance’ would not be questioned.”

 

“The ‘coup’ was part of the profile.”  Madeline stated, realization dawning.

 

“Yes.  You all acted as expected and I moved to Center.”

 

“What about your attempt to regain Section One?”  Madeline questioned.

 

“Actually, that was yours and Paul’s test.”  Adrian replied, sitting on a nearby bench and gesturing for Madeline to do the same.

 

“Test?”  Madeline echoed, sitting down and facing the older woman.

 

“Yes, my dear.”  Adrian replied.  “You failed.”

 

“Obviously.” Madeline mused aloud, knowing that had one of them passed they would have replaced Adrian as Mr. Jones.  “When did you substitute yourself for a Doppelganger?”

 

“Right before my plans supposedly ‘went to hell.’  By the time Nikita climbed back into the car after the aborted Gemstone file delivery, the switch was made.”

 

“So you knew all along.”

 

“Of course, I planned it that way.”

 

 “May I ask how we failed?”

 

“You didn’t cancel ‘me,’ but instead decided to experiment.”  Adrian paused.  “For revenge, nothing else.  That motive is unacceptable in this position.  You also left the enemy alive, Madeline, something you should have known better.”  Adrian scolded. 

 

“Yes.”  Madeline acknowledged.  “It came back to haunt us when Michael took the opportunity to blackmail us.”

 

“I’m pleased that you learned from your mistake, though.”  Adrian returned, referring to their recent ‘disposal’ of George.

 

“About that, I find it hard to believe you didn’t discover his side deals before we did.”

 

“I *did* know about it earlier.”  Adrian replied.  “I wanted to see how long it took Section One to ferret it out and how you would deal with it.”

 

“Did we at least pass *that* test?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“Actually, you surpassed my projections.” Adrian replied.  “By several weeks, in fact.”

 

“But...” Madeline prodded, knowing her former teacher well enough to ascertain from her tone and demeanor that there was one coming.

 

“But someone else in the organization *did* find out and bring me the evidence before Section even suspected George.”  Adrian replied (purposely omitting the person’s name and position in the organization) with a little bit of melancholy, George was a good friend after all and a good man until the end, his personal vendetta costing him everything.

 

“I see.  I don’t suppose you’re willing to elaborate on the identity of your wunderkind?”  Madeline inquired, already debating with herself on who it could be, knowing she probably wouldn’t get an answer, but curious nonetheless.

 

“Not yet.  You’re not ready for it yet.”  Adrian hedged then deliberately changed the subject.  “I must say, I was quite impressed with your recent performance.  Quite a convincing suicide.”

 

“Not convincing enough.”  Madeline countered, referring to the fact that she was not investigating from the ‘outside’ as she and Paul had planned.

  

“Nikita and Mick were convinced.  I just knew you better, my dear.”  Adrian explained.  “Nice touch, by the way, Paul slipping you the antidote with his kiss.”

 

“The contingency had been in place for quite some time, actually.”

 

“When did you begin to suspect Mick was a decoy?”

 

 “When Nikita sat in on the evaluation.  According to longstanding intel, Mr. Jones would have done it on his own.  Of course, Nikita evaluating solo sealed it.” 

 

“A miscalculation on my part.  I should have insisted he evaluate key personnel alone.”  Adrian conceded.  “When are you due to contact Paul?”

 

“Forty eight hours after my death.”  Madeline replied, seeing no reason to lie.  Adrian had all the cards.  The older woman was in charge and answered to no one.  If she had wanted Madeline dead, they wouldn’t be having this conversation.  Besides, Madeline had wanted to get to the bottom of things, and this was surely the most direct way to do so.

 

“That soon? That only leaves us a day then.”  Adrian replied, confirming for Madeline how long she had been here.

 

“Where are we?”  Madeline asked.

 

“My private sanctuary.”  Adrian replied.  “Of course the new ‘Mr. Jones’ will choose their own and this place will be sold.” 

 

“I see.”  Madeline returned, noting Adrian’s purposeful non gender specific reply. “Will I meet the new ‘Mr. Jones?’”

 

“That’s entirely up to them, my dear.”

 

“Why am I here then?”  Madeline inquired, her curiosity getting the better of her, despite her vow to remain patient.

 

“Before I retire, I want you to understand why your and Paul’s immediate futures are not what you expected.” 

 

“Compassion, or lack thereof?”

 

“Only partially.”  Adrian contradicted.  “You’ve both served the organization well throughout the years.  My *main* problem is that you lost sight of the enemy.”

 

“You’re referring to Nikita?”  Madeline inquired without any venom, admiring Adrian’s infiltration.

 

“Yes.  But not in the way you think.”  Adrian sighed.  “I did not disagree with keeping her and Michael apart and off balance.  Sacrifices only increase the higher up you are, as you well know. It also made them both better individual operatives, having to raise their numbers so you’d eventually relent.”

 

“So where did we go wrong?”

 

“Reprogramming.  You destroyed the essence of what made Nikita as good as she was and Michael’s numbers dropped as well.  It was actually quite fortunate for *everyone* that Michael was able to fix that mistake.”

 

“With your help.”  Madeline prompted.

 

“Yes, with the information gleaned from my double, we were able to come up with an ‘antidote.’”

 

“Was that all that you felt was wrong?”

 

“No. That error in judgment was really just the beginning.”

 

“How so?”

 

“You and Paul lost focus.  The constant infighting and insecurity distracted you.”

 

“Our numbers were consistent throughout that time.”  Madeline pointed out.

 

“I wasn’t referring to POS numbers.”  Adrian contradicted.  “If you had remained focused on the enemy, rather than internal struggles, Red Cell would, for one, no longer exist.”

 

“Unlikely, given their successes over the last decade.”

 

“I disagree.  In fact, your recent ‘capture’ of their tactician Starnes, proved my point.”

 

“We got the job done, Red Cell’s base of operations was destroyed, the Director canceled.”

 

“Yet, Red Cell managed to survive.  Well enough, in fact to aid the treasonous escape of two operatives, one of whom was level five.”

 

“Had Nikita been on her own, without Center’s help, she would not have made it.”  Madeline stated confidently.

 

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, Madeline, but Nikita *was* on her own in her escape.  But regardless, if Paul hadn’t been too busy trying to make sure you were caught in the explosion and you hadn’t been too busy ascertaining his profile and motives *and* trying to stay alive, Section One could have ensured Red Cell’s permanent destruction.”

 

“What makes you so sure Paul and I were at odds?”

 

“Oh, come now, my dear.  Surely you must realize that nothing in Section happens that I don’t know about.”  Adrian replied, slightly exasperated at Madeline’s pointless stubbornness, but unwilling to show it.  “The bottom line is that if you hadn’t been so busy back stabbing each other, you could have gleaned much more information and had much better results.”

 

“Perhaps.”  Was all Madeline would concede.

 

“I’m actually surprised you forgave and forgot so easily Madeline, only to go through similar circumstances when the wayward operatives disappeared.”  Adrian paused, looking over Madeline’s shoulder and seeing one of her operatives motioning that business called.  "We'll have to continue this discussion a bit later, I'm afraid."  Adrian ended the conversation.

 

With that the two women made their way back to Adrian’s chateau and Madeline took a look at the operative waiting for them at the door and received yet another surprise.

 

“Madeline.”  The former Section operative greeted as the two women neared the chateau.

 

“Davenport.”  Madeline returned, quickly masking her surprise as she followed Adrian inside.

 

“Mr. Davenport will show you to your room while I attend to some business.”  Adrian stated distractedly, already studying the pda Davenport had handed her on her way to the command center in another part of her home.

 

“I think I remember the way.”  Madeline tried using Adrian’s preoccupation to do a little reconnaissance by strolling through the chateau on her own.

 

“It’s not the same room.  Adrian thought you’d be more comfortable elsewhere.  Please, follow me.”  Davenport replied, in a courteous manner but one that nevertheless indicated that he no longer answered to Madeline.

 

“Of course.”  Madeline replied, following Davenport up the stairs and into a bedroom fit for a five star hotel.

 

“Please feel free to enjoy all the amenities.  You’ll be called for lunch as soon as Adrian concludes her affairs.”  Davenport told Madeline and pointed to the in-house phone on the night stand, before closing and locking the door behind him.

 

Looking around Madeline took in the understated elegance of the room and its adjoining bathroom.  Knowing that although they weren’t visible there surely were cameras and listening devices hidden, she forcefully emulated an unconcerned façade and proceeded to surreptitiously investigate her surroundings.  

 

Entering the bathroom a few minutes later, Madeline was surprised to see an assortment of toiletries, the brands those she herself preferred.  Further investigation revealed clothes in the dresser drawer that fit her usual style.  Realizing that her ‘abduction’ had been planned far ahead, Madeline proceeded to take advantage of the amenities.

 

Feeling much refreshed after a shower and change of clothes, Madeline put on fresh makeup and then proceeded to choose a book from the rack in one corner of the room.  Smiling at the selection she was sure Adrian was responsible for, Madeline chose a novel she hadn’t read yet and sat on the chaise by the window that overlooked the gardens and read while waiting for her summons.

 

********

 

One hour later, picking up the ringing in-house phone, Madeline listened as Davenport announced he would be there to escort her to the dining room for a late lunch in 10 minutes.   Looking at herself once more in the bathroom mirror, Madeline smoothed her outfit and refreshed her makeup, showing any would be observer nonchalance and no fear of her situation.

 

Arriving at a modest, casual dining room, as elegant as the rest of the chateau (at least what she’d seen of it), Madeline sat across from Adrian.  Noticing the light lunch of hors d'oeuvres and finger sandwiches already spread out on the small table, she waited for her hostess to speak.

 

“I hope you don’t mind the rather informal setting, I prefer the formal dining room for larger affairs.”

 

“Not at all, this is lovely.”  Madeline replied.

 

“Good.”

 

“Problems solved?”  Madeline inquired, referring to Adrian’s unexpected ‘business.’

 

“Not problem, but rather opportunity.  But yes, it’s been resolved.”  Adrian replied cryptically.  “I’m sure you must be hungry, we’ll talk after lunch.  There should be no more interruptions.”  Adrian added, delicately picking and placing a sandwich on her plate, waiting for Madeline to follow her lead.

 

Curious as to who else Adrian had working for her in Section One, Madeline reigned in any questions, knowing they wouldn’t be answered until tea was served.   Realizing that this perhaps was her last supper, she sat forward and enjoyed the meal.

 

Neither woman spoke for the next half hour, quietly enjoying the delicious meal.  Adrian always surrounded herself with the best and her kitchen staff was no exception.  Once the dishes were cleared and the tea served, both women sat back.  While she was at a disadvantage, Madeline, with years of learning and experience, betrayed none of the trepidation she was feeling at the upcoming conversation.

 

“Well.”  Adrian began, once both women finished their tea,  “Let’s get back to business, shall we?”  Knowing her former student was awaiting ‘sentencing,’ she took pity and quickly put to rest the younger woman’s fears.  “I am not going to cancel you.”  Adrian paused then added to forestall Madeline’s inquiry.  “Or demote you.”

 

“Then why the charade with Mick?”

 

“Part of the profile.”  Adrian returned, not specifying *whose* profile.  “The truth of the matter, my dear, is that I had high hopes for you.  I still do.”

 

“I find that rather difficult to believe, considering our recent past.”

 

“While I may not have agreed with all your methods, and the fact remains that Section One has been on a down slide in the last year, I believe you and Section are still salvageable.”

 

“I’m curious.”  Madeline interrupted, genuinely puzzled.  “Why now? And why bother at all?  I’m sure you there are personnel you have more trust and faith in?”

 

“You were my best student, Madeline.  You can still go further.  You will never lead Center, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay in the Sections either.  You always had as much, perhaps even more, potential than Paul.”

 

“Had?”

 

“Part of the blame lies with me.  I let things get out of hand.”  Adrian paused, reflecting on the events that had brought them here.  “You and Paul became too ruthless and I allowed it.  At first it was necessary.  Then, I foolishly believed that George would be able to control the two of you. When he couldn’t control you he betrayed everything to eliminate you.”

 

“So why *didn’t* you intervene earlier?”

 

“By the time George’s treason came to light, it was too late.”

 

“So, how did you find out about George?”  Madeline tried again.

 

“As I said, I didn’t.  Someone else did.”  Adrian replied, not identifying the person responsible for discovering George’s betrayal.  “By then, I already more or less knew who my successor would be.  Later occurrences confirmed the choice.”

 

“So who *is* your successor?  Nikita?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“She is quite formidable, isn’t she?”  Adrian smiled.  “The credit of her recruitment actually goes to Mick.  I didn’t think she was up to the task, but subsequent events convinced me otherwise.”

 

“What events?”  Madeline asked curiously, realizing she wasn’t going to get an answer to her original question just yet.

 

“Her ‘betrayal’ of me.  That was actually her final test before I stepped up her role.  It proved to me that she still believed in Section’s goals, at least somewhat.”

 

“Yet she is not replacing you, is she?”

 

“No, the very reason we recruited her is the same reason she cannot advance that far.”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

“Her contempt for the organization is what enabled her to work so well for me.  By the same token, that same contempt would not allow her to run it effectively.  Nikita’s place is in Section One, with Paul.”  Adrian continued, implying that Nikita would be taking over Madeline’s job.

 

“And my place?”  Madeline inquired now that she was no longer worried about cancelation.

 

“You’ll be second at Oversight.”

 

“Oversight?”  Madeline echoed.  “I didn’t realize there was a second in Oversight.”

 

“There hasn’t been until now.”  Adrian confirmed.  “My successor feels it’s become a necessity, especially given the relative inexperience of George’s replacement.”

 

“Are you going to share the identity of your successor?”  Madeline asked, omitting the question of George’s replacement, knowing that would certainly be revealed to her given that they’d be working together closely.

 

“Perhaps."  Adrian lied.  "But we have other matters to discuss first.  Is there anything, within reason, that you’d like to know?”

 

“How long has Mick been working for you?”  Madeline asked, sure that it could not have been as far back as Benko.

 

“Since just before he moved in next door to Nikita.”  Adrian replied.  “Your moving him to keep an eye on Nikita was quite fortuitous for me, ‘Carla’ was needed elsewhere at the time.” 

 

“Is Nikita aware of the real personnel alignment?”

 

“No.  Nikita believes, as she had been told under a year ago, that Mick is the head of Center.  As far as Nikita is concerned, I am an amnesiac quietly living out my years away from all of this.”

 

“I thought she had been working for you longer.”

 

“She has, but there was no need to divulge the identity of her ‘superior’ until then.”

 

“After the Gelman process was cleansed from her system.”  Madeline concluded.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian confirmed.

 

“Why didn’t you intervene in our reprogramming plans?”  Madeline asked, genuinely curious as to why Adrian would allow her own operative to undergo such an ‘experiment.’

 

 “Faulty intel.”  Adrian sighed.  “I was under the impression you would not attempt anything until the team debriefed.  That was the original plan, was it not?” 

 

“Yes.”  Madeline confirmed.  “But Paul decided against it at the last minute.”

 

“I thought so.  My fault for not planning better.”

 

“What *was* your plan?”

 

“Nikita would have been isolated upon her return and replaced by a double for the procedure.”

 

“And later?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“I knew Michael would find a way.”  Adrian replied.  “Not quite in the manner I expected, or would have wanted, but he did succeed.”

 

“Where did he go wrong?”

 

“You all ‘went wrong’ my dear.  Too many resources wasted, missions dangerously downgraded.”  Adrian replied.  “As I said earlier, the entire affair was a fiasco.”

 

“Nikita replaces me.  Who replaces Michael, or were his actions part of the profile?”  Madeline asked the next personnel question foremost in her mind, moving away from a subject she did not want to rehash again.

 

“Yes, unfortunately, Michael *does* have to be replaced.”  Adrian sighed sadly.

 

 “So Nikita’s final test was ordering Michael’s cancellation.”  Madeline concluded.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian confirmed.

 

“Why?”

 

“Michael could not survive in Section anymore.”  Adrian refrained from sighing again.  “Your and Paul’s actions significantly contributed to the problem.”

 

“All our decisions are for the greater good of the Section and we *all* have to sacrifice.  Sometimes Paul and I have to make difficult management decisions for that greater good.”  Madeline began defended herself, unconsciously continuing to use the present tense.

 

“Please, Madeline.”  Adrian interrupted.  “Michael was an excellent operative with one weakness.  Everyone has a weakness, you and Paul included.”

 

“True.”  Madeline conceded.  “But in order for Michael to have one day run Section more effectively, his weakness had to be eliminated.”

 

“Like yours was? Or Paul’s perhaps?”  Adrian contradicted.

 

“Our weaknesses did not lead to mutiny.”

 

“Still trying to convince yourself Nikita and Michael’s relationship was a cover for profiling insurrection?”  Adrian asked almost scornfully.

 

“In hindsight, Paul and I realized we were mistaken.”  Madeline reluctantly admitted.

 

“And by then it was too late.  You let a golden opportunity slip away.  Instead of continuing to exploit your best operative’s weakness you pushed too far and now there's a mess to clean up.”

 

“If we were in the wrong, why order Michael’s cancellation?”

 

 “The situation deteriorated beyond salvageability.”   Adrian replied.  “Michael’s actions necessitated public punishment.”

 

“Even if he was in the right?”

 

“While Michael may have been provoked by your actions, open insubordination cannot be tolerated.  Had Michael not been *publicly* canceled, the precedent would have been too damaging.”

 

“I see.”  Madeline replied, not without some regret at her actions which led to the loss of an excellent operative.

 

“I’m counting on you to learn from this and not repeat the same mistake at Oversight.”  Adrian continued.  “Exploiting weaknesses is not very effective if you damage the one you’re trying to control.”

 

“Of course.”  Madeline replied, absorbing the criticism and moving on.  “Will Mick remain at Center once you’ve left?”

 

“Yes.”  Adrian smiled, knowing why Madeline was asking.  “He will continue to oversee day to day operations.”

 

“He doesn’t mind that someone else is being promoted over him?”  Madeline prodded.

 

“Mick knew from the onset what his position would be.”  Adrian replied, defusing Madeline’s plotting before it went any further. 

 

“I find it hard to believe that you gave an informant so much responsibility in so little time.”

 

“Mick was an agent for MI6.  His latest assignment had been Benko.  When Section One became involved, I ordered MI6 to let things play out.  After Benko’s capture I recruited Mick to keep an eye on Section.”

 

“And Jones?”

 

“Mick was highly intelligent and had a very impressive record in MI6.  He took to Center quite admirably and was gradually promoted.”  Adrian summarized Mick's ascent to power.

 

“What about you, why come out of the shadows?  Why not just let your successor take over with no one the wiser?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“I needed ‘Mr. Jones’ because I had too much of a public life.  Too many civilians knew me and I felt that would be detrimental to my leadership.”  Adrian replied.  “I wanted a clean slate.”

 

“So you were only known to Mick and George.”  Madeline surmised.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian confirmed.  “But my chosen successor has decided to change that policy.  In fact your new boss has already met Center’s new leader and you and a few other key personnel will too.”  She finally admitted that Madeline would indeed be meeting Adrian’s replacement.

 

Before Madeline could ask the obvious questions, Davenport appeared in the archway, drawing Adrian’s attention.

 

“He’s in the other room.”  Davenport announced upon Adrian’s acknowledgment of his presence.

 

“Excellent timing.”  Adrian responded rising and motioning for Madeline to do the same.  “Come my, dear, we’ll be more comfortable in the living room.”

 

“Who’s here?”  Madeline asked curiously.

 

“George’s replacement.  Since our timetable has shrunk a bit, it’s better you meet now and acclimate yourself to the new hierarchy.”

 

As they entered the living room Madeline’s eyes immediately landed on the figure sitting comfortably in one of the two plush chairs.  Madeline could not hide her shock and before she could stop the words, they came tumbling out.  “But you were canceled almost three years ago.”

 

“All part of the profile.”  The new head of Oversight replied with a smile in heavily accented English.

 

“It’s alright, Egram.  I’ll explain.”  Adrian interjected, motioning Madeline to sit on the other chair while she herself took the couch.

 

“Although I was initially against Egram’s recruitment, you and Paul convinced me to give you the go ahead.  Against my early projections, Egram’s undercover work during the Cold War was exceptional.  When I was firmly ensconced in Center I decided to approach him and Egram has made an excellent triple agent since.”

 

“What purpose did shooting Paul serve?”  A confused Madeline interrupted.

 

“A test.”  Adrian returned.  “I wanted to see how loyal the operatives were to Paul.  Kronen was in and out of abeyance anyway.  He was promised that in exchange for his participation, his entire family would be very well taken care of and Kronen agreed.”

 

“Unfortunately, Kronen’s shooting skills were sub par.  The wounds were supposed to be debilitating, not life threatening.”  Petrosian added, making sure Madeline understood that he had never had any ill will towards her and Operations, was merely following orders.  “If Walter had not saved me the trouble, I would have had him canceled immediately for incompetence.”

 

“Yes, Kronen was a disappointment, but things turned out in spite of his ineptitude.”  Adrian confirmed.  “Appointing Nikita as his second in command was actually Egram’s idea.  She had just been recruited and was told that if she did as Center bade, she and her friends would have a bright future in Section.”

 

“It was interesting to see how both she and those around her handled Nikita’s newfound power.” Petrosian added.

 

“Fortunately for you and Paul, your operatives were still loyal.”  Adrian continued after Petrosian had made his point.

 

“When did you start to believe that the loyalty was waning?”  Madeline asked, guessing the direction in which the conversation was heading.

 

“Actually, my dear, you and Paul did yourselves in.”  Adrian replied, silently instructing Petrosian to let her take over the conversation.

 

“When?” 

 

“Paul profiled a mission against Red Cell and you supported it.”

 

“Philo?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian confirmed.  “The results of that mission were very interesting on several fronts.  I was particularly intrigued at how easily the operatives turned or were led against both you and Paul.”

 

“That was part of the profile.”

 

“That’s the most interesting part.  Your own mission, while outwardly successful, brought to the surface a glaring weakness.  I finally understood George’s misgivings about your leadership. Respect had waned and fear was becoming the only motivator.”

 

“Fear is a necessary tool.”  Madeline defended.

 

“Yes it is, but it cannot be the only tool.”  Adrian argued.  “Fear can be overcome.  If there is nothing else to anchor an operative, the consequences can be dire, or have you forgotten your own motivation for ‘taking over’ Section?”

 

“Perhaps we underestimated several operatives’ influence.”  Madeline reluctantly conceded.

 

“Your real crime however, was not realizing and correcting the problem.  In fact, you compounded it.”  Adrian continued the lecture.  “You took your *best* operative - Paul’s chosen successor and your cohort in the mission, and made his life miserable.  What kind of message did that send to the rest of your personnel?”

 

“I thought you said sacrifices were necessary.”  Madeline pointed out.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian returned, having discussed the length of Madeline’s stay with her successor earlier.  “But not for public consumption.”  She paused.  “I think we’ve accomplished what we needed.”  Adrian turned to Petrosian after a few moments of silence in which Madeline visibly contemplated her past, present and future.  “Egram will take you to Center where Paul and Nikita will be waiting.”

 

“We will discuss the specifics of your new position on the way.”  Egram supplied.  “And of course I’ll answer any questions I can.”

 

“That’s all?”  Madeline asked, surprised that the discussion was over so soon, especially in light of Adrian’s earlier implying that she’d be here longer.

 

“It’s enough.”  Adrian returned.  “You’ve been made aware of your major weaknesses and are expected to correct them.  Egram has more to discuss with you.  My job, however is finished.”

 

“Expected by whom?”

 

“Mick is, as we speak, briefing Paul and Nikita on the new personnel configuration as well as my past role.  Once you rendezvous, the three of you will be taken to an alternate, more private office to meet with my successor.  Egram will handle Section One, as well as of course, Oversight while you’re all unavailable.”

 

“Why is your successor breaking protocol by showing themselves?”  Madeline asked curiously.

 

“I chose secrecy for myself, it was not a requirement.  I was too much of a public figure and did not want the complication.”  Adrian replied.  “My chosen ‘heir’ doesn’t feel the same.  You’ll find out why shortly.”

 

“This is goodbye then?”  Madeline refrained from asking her successor’s identity again, knowing Adrian would not answer her anyway.

 

“Yes.  The official change of command has already occurred.  I *asked* for this meeting.  Nothing discussed here is a secret, feel free to share any of the information imparted on you with Paul and Nikita.”  Adrian answered then fired a parting warning.  “Don’t disappoint, Madeline.  If you see me again it will *not* be to your benefit.

 

********

 

Several hours later, still recovering from Mick’s briefing, the trio of Madeline, Operations and Nikita disembarked from the private airplane after a half an hour flight.  At the bottom of the stairs they were met by former Section operative, now bodyguard to Center’s new leader, Chris Davenport.  None of them were surprised to see him alive as Madeline had already shared the news of his continued existence.  Once the trio were seated in the back seat of the armored limousine, Davenport climbed into the front passenger seat, confirmed that the privacy wall was up and called his boss.

 

“We’re on our way.”  He spoke into the phone, then hung up and sat back for the short journey to ‘headquarters.’  He smiled to himself at the thoughts he knew must be swirling in his passengers’ minds after their ‘meeting’ with Mick.  His new boss had wanted to make sure their surprise at their new leader’s identity would be total and had enlisted Mick to aid in that task.  The reactions would show much about each of the three.  There would even be surveillance for later viewing to judge the state of mind of all three.  From what he’d seen, Davenport knew his boss had been successful.

 

The three passengers in the back were numbed by the speed with which events had unfolded over the last seventy two hours or so.  None had gotten much sleep, albeit for different reasons.

 

********

 

Operations, or Paul Wolfe as he was now called by his seatmates, sat back watching the passing scenery, not really registering it as his mind was elsewhere.  He knew Madeline well enough to know that she was quietly reflecting just as he was.  Normally, they would be discussing the situation, but ‘normally’ they were alone. 

 

Glancing momentarily across the aisle, he noticed the other passenger on their trip to see the new voice behind the wizard also staring out the window.  Paul was still having a hard time getting used to Nikita addressing him by his given name, let alone her being his second.  Of all the possible scenarios he’d envisioned for himself, this was not one of them.  While Paul knew that the choice of second in command would not always be his, he’d never once thought Nikita would be chosen for him.

 

Paul understood that he had to accept the new ‘personnel configuration’ (as Mick had put it). As much as he was loathe to admit it, he had to admire Nikita’s skills.  She had fooled everyone, even those who should have known better.  But Paul had no one to blame but himself.  Had he stood by his decision four years ago and not allowed Michael to sway his opinion, they wouldn’t be here today.  But then again, if it hadn’t been Nikita, Adrian and Mick would have found someone else.  No, Nikita was just an operative, his real failing had been underestimating the ‘powers that be.’

 

Remembering Michael quickly sent Paul’s thoughts on a different path.  Nikita had, it seemed, indeed fooled *everyone.*   He supposed he should have been glad that Nikita had ‘gotten rid’ of the competition.  Michael had been in line for the Perch, was ready for it even now. Theoretically, Paul should have been glad - had Michael ‘survived,’ he’d be out of a job.  For some reason, though, Paul couldn’t be glad. 

 

For ten years, Paul had groomed the younger man.  He had put Michael through paces he’d never dream of putting anyone else through, all to prepare him for his future.  Michael had come through it all, even in those rare instances when Paul didn’t want him to, stronger than he had been before.  Paul had never imagined that Nikita would be the level five operative’s downfall.  But then again, weaknesses were never tolerated for long in any of the Center’s branches.

 

Stifling a sigh, Paul tried to shy away from this path, only to be led down another one he didn’t particularly relish - his new boss.  Granted, it had been decided that Oversight was not going to be his, at least not for another seven years.  But Petrosian?  Paul guessed he should have known better, both about Petrosian and Nikita.  Things were never as they seemed, hadn’t he been drilling that into his operatives for the last twenty years?

 

Before his thoughts could go elsewhere, the limousine came to a stop and Paul prepared himself to once again face the unknown.  Glancing at his two companions, he noticed them do the same.

 

********

 

Of the three, Madeline had had the most time to assimilate all that they had been told.  She was, after all, the first to know.  While Paul had been surprised that Madeline had spoken in front of Nikita, that she had in fact shared *all* her newfound information in the presence of the younger woman, he had not commented on it.  Madeline was glad Paul still trusted her to do what best for them and by extension Section, and now Oversight as well.

 

Staring at the passing scenery from her vantage point in the back of the limousine, next to Paul, Madeline returned to her earlier musings.  On her way to the meeting at Center Madeline had decided that it was in everyone’s best interest to show a united front, therefore the sharing of the intel with Nikita.  She may have still had her doubts about the new personnel alignment but Madeline was smart enough and more importantly, experienced enough, to know that her opinion best be kept to herself. 

 

Madeline may not have been aware of who Adrian’s replacement would be, but she knew that they *all* needed to show that they were willing and able to work together for the good of the Agency.  The infighting had to stop, or they would undoubtedly be replaced by leaders who ‘could get along.’  They didn’t have to like each other, but they couldn’t try to keep undermining, let alone killing, each other.  To that end, the more they seemed to accept Nikita’s (and their own) position, the less time they would have to spend underneath a microscope.

 

Mick had more than hinted that he wanted results as much as he wanted harmony from the new regime.  Madeline already had a plan to give him what he wanted, or at least the appearance of it.  Her plan?  Destroy Red Cell, once and for all.  It would make everyone happy and be a huge feather in their caps.  She was sure Petrosian would approve her profile once she firmed it up, after all, what would look better for him as his first successful task than finally getting rid of Red Cell?  

 

Yes, Madeline smiled inwardly, her plan was perfect.  Every one of them would contribute, Nikita included.  Petrosian would be forced to move quickly, before Red Cell found out about Nikita’s real reason for escape.  For now, they believed her to still be on the run.  With some help from abeyance operatives, they’d make it look like Section was chasing Nikita after cancelling Michael.  Taking Nikita’s recently proven acting skills together with the added incentive of showing her worth, she would no doubt quickly convince Red Cell she wanted to permanently switch sides, if only to stay alive.  The news of Michael’s death on an abeyance mission would strengthen the plausibility of the scenario.  Madeline would even make sure Nikita brought valuable (but outdated) intel with her to further convince the target of Nikita’s sincerity.

 

Madeline had it all mapped out, down to the results.  Nikita would feel like part of the ‘team,’ Petrosian would take all the credit and Paul and herself would be commended for quickly accepting and adapting to the new hierarchy.  Now all they needed to do was to get through this meeting with the new head honcho without any ‘skirmishes’ and they would be fine.

 

Her last thought before the car pulled to a stop was that it was too bad Michael and Walter weren’t around anymore.  As much ‘trouble’ as they had been, both had also been the best at what they did.  But then again, she remembered one of Adrian’s first lessons – everyone was replaceable.

 

********

 

The youngest member of the trio sat on the side seat of the limousine, subconsciously still separating herself from Paul and Madeline.  While the playing field may have been more level they were still her superiors.

 

Nikita sat staring straight ahead barely noticing the view in the side window, unable to think ahead to the meeting.  She’d kept herself as busy as she could, going without sleep for as long as possible, since Michael’s abeyance mission.  Nikita had had a total of, maybe, six hours of sleep in the last three days, and those only after exhaustion had set in and there was no danger of dreams or nightmares.  As busy as she had managed to keep herself, one question kept intruding. Why?

 

Why did she do it?  Why did she agree to work for Center and betray the few friends she had?  Nikita knew from the start that no matter what happened, she’d inevitably have to ‘turn’ on her friends.  As murky as the answer was now, it seemed crystal clear when the deal was offered.  

 

Center had recruited Nikita while she was on downtime recovering from the Jurgen ‘fiasco.’  They’d recruited her in her weakest moment.  Nikita had been angry then, angry with Operations and Madeline for driving an honorable man to suicide, with Section and the world in general, but mostly she was angry with Michael.  Angry that she’d been manipulated and ‘abandoned’ by him again.  Nikita had convinced herself Michael had ‘saved’ her from the suicide mission purely out of guilt and then six months later used her vulnerability to bring her back inside as his personal punching bag. 

 

It was easy to accept the offer then, after yet another manipulation that cost an ‘innocent’ life.  All she was asked to do was watch and listen, become one of their many eyes and ears.  It seemed simple enough - keep an eye on the ‘higher ups’ in Section, evaluate them over a three or four year period.  The only catch was that, like in the fictitious ‘Mission Impossible,’ she’d be disavowed if caught (or killed) – in other words, she was on her own without Center as a safety net.  If she survived until the end of her ‘mission’ great, if not, well, Center had other resources.

 

Nikita had found out the hard way what that meant.  Regardless of her role with Center, she was still at Section’s mercy.  Nikita knew she had to ‘stay in character.’  A deviation from the personality she had shown since her recruitment would bring on too much suspicion, so she used the only leverage she had – Michael.  It was easy, at first, to convince herself that she wasn’t doing anything wrong.  Her mentor had used and abused her feelings for him ever since her recruitment.  All Nikita was doing was returning the favor.

 

Nikita wasn’t sure when things changed.  After the Armel mission and Michael’s hedging (again), Nikita was able to strengthen her resolve.  That resolve lasted only until the ill-fated mission against Adrian came along.  Twice, Michael had offered to let her go, again risking his own cancellation, this time assuredly so.  By then she knew him well enough to know there was nothing selfish in those actions.  If that wasn’t proof enough, his actions in the middle of Section when they thought her cancelation orders were imminent certainly were. 

 

Nikita had naively believed that Center, despite earlier warnings, would ‘help her out’ then, but she was wrong.  It was Michael, Walter and Birkoff that had kept her alive.  Since then her feelings for her only real friends grew, for Michael especially.  As much as she wanted to hate Michael after finding out about Adam and Elena, she couldn’t.  How could she condemn him for living a lie when she was doing the same?  At least Michael had been under orders, blackmailed into it in order to be allowed to maintain his real marriage to Simone.  Nikita had volunteered.

 

Nikita had continued to ‘stay’ with Michael even after doing so endangered them both.  She had decided she’d rather have a short life (with Michael) than a longer one without him.  That all changed when Operations and Madeline decided to brainwash her.  After Nikita, again thanks to Michael, Walter and Birkoff only, came out of the Gelman process, it started dawning on her what would happen if they continued to stay together. 

 

Finding out that ‘lowlife’ informant Mick Schtoppel was actually Mr. Jones forced Nikita to continue to rethink her situation.  Mick was genial, Jones was not.  He’d ‘revealed’ himself after Section’s standoff with George.  ‘Jones’ had explained he was stepping up her role and she should be prepared to put Section One on trial, this time ‘for real’ within a year, possibly less.  Nikita knew that if she had any hope of saving her friends from Center’s purging of Section, she had to distance herself from them.  Nikita knew Mick would not look favorably upon insubordination, regardless of the reason(s) behind it.  She could imagine hearing him now, denying her protestations, saying she wasn’t objective enough to evaluate her friends.

 

Try as she might, Nikita couldn’t give up her friends.  Birkoff’s death, rather than serve as a deterrent brought her closer to Michael and Walter.  It was Michael though, who had brought her back to ‘reality’ when he rescued her from the basement of a madman.   After her rescue and subsequent downtime, Nikita had finally faced what she was afraid of.  She was going to get the only two people left that she cared about killed.  They’d both broken protocol too many times (mostly for her) for it to go unpunished. 

 

Nikita had to put her ‘revelation’ on hold while she was sent into the mental institution.  Before she had a chance to recover from that sufficiently, Mick began the endgame and she was caught between a rock and a hard place.  Nikita then did the only thing she could.  She got Walter out of the line of fire by ‘demoting’ him.  Michael, the stubborn, honorable fool, was more difficult.   Nikita had tried to give him an out, but he didn’t take it, gave her no choice but to order his cancellation.  At first Nikita thought he asked for an abeyance mission in order to get himself out.  But when he refused Walter’s help, Nikita knew what she had to do.  Wherever he was now Nikita hoped that he moved on and was able to lead some kind of normal life.  If he managed that, then Nikita would at least be able to live with her actions.

 

As the vehicle came to a stop, Nikita, like her two superiors, smoothed her features into a bland expression, not even her eyes giving anything away.

 

********

 

As Davenport came around to open the door for his passengers, he grinned, flashing back to the last guest driven here, Petrosian, and his stunned expression after the new boss greeted him with, “I trust that my early ‘incompetence’ will not affect our future working relationship.”

 

********

 

After seating their guests in the three chairs arranged in a semicircle around the glass table on the patio, Davenport surreptitiously glanced at the hidden surveillance cameras surrounding the patio and asked if he could get anyone a drink.  After receiving three very polite refusals, Davenport explained that their host would be out momentarily and left to get his boss. 

 

Arriving at the newly furnished office, Davenport nodded at the two guards, one on either side of the closed door.   He waited for his boss to emerge, knowing he was aware of their guests via the cameras.  After confirming the cameras were recording this upcoming meeting for further future observation (something he had learned from Madeline) Michael strode out, using his left hand to button his customary black suit jacket.  Davenport noted that though the jacket was black, the shirt underneath was a different color.  ‘Gray, huh?’ Davenport mused to himself.  ‘It’s a start.’

 

“Come.”  Michael motioned to Davenport, knowing via surveillance that his guests were waiting impatiently.  They may have appeared calm and almost bored on the outside, but Michael knew them well enough to know they were nervous, and rightly so.  Davenport walked ahead, shielding his boss from view until the very last moment.

 

Before stepping into his guests’ line of sight, Michael put on his sunglasses, gaining another advantage over his subordinates as he’d be able to see into them without them seeing into him.  Watching his guests’ reactions without betraying his own, Michael noted with satisfaction that he had correctly predicted that his appearance would be too great a shock for any of them to mask.

 

********

 

When Adrian had ‘contacted’ Michael he wasn’t as surprised as he should have been, once more confirming for Adrian that she had made the right choice.

 

Adrian had had doubts for a few years now about Paul Wolfe’s suitability for Center.  Oversight perhaps one day, but never Center.  She had had similar feelings about Michael Samuelle.  Over the last few years, though, her opinion of Michael had changed.  Of course, it all started with Nikita and his behavior towards his material. 

 

Adrian had honestly believed Michael to be as cold and ruthless as his superior.  Paul and Madeline had certainly tried to turn Michael into a machine over the years and Adrian had thought they succeeded.  Michael’s seeming willingness to take on the Vacek mission, his behavior in Section and his chilling reaction to Simone’s death strengthened that belief.  Even when Nikita came along Adrian’s opinion hadn’t changed.  She’d assumed, as did almost everyone else, (including Nikita’s recruiter Madeline) that Nikita was a distraction for the level five operative, nothing more.  He’d tire of her eventually and revert back to form.

 

When that didn’t happen, Adrian had started to consider the possibility that perhaps there was more to the younger man than she thought and decided to  keep a closer eye on him to see which was the real Michael – Section robot or brilliant actor.

 

Unlike Paul, Madeline and the rest of Section, Adrian was privy to the details of Nikita’s six month absence from Section.  It was the first tangible proof that there was something more to Michael than the façade he had been presenting for a decade.  Adrian had heard all the rumors around Section surrounding Michael and his material.  She’d had no doubt that Michael cared about Nikita, but she did not believe that Michael had it in him to care enough about *anyone* to put them ahead of Section’s orders.  He hadn’t even done so for Simone, his wife.

 

What Adrian still did not know at the time was whether this was a fluke or if Michael was really changing from the Section automaton – thinking and feeling for himself.  Any doubts about his reemerging humanity were laid to rest during her ‘failed coup’ of Section One.  Freeing Nikita during a suicide mission was one thing, the chances of someone with his experience being caught had been very slim. 

 

Repeatedly offering Nikita not only his aid in getting her out of the ‘mess’ she was in but encouraging and supporting her escape as well when he knew he was being watched and tested by Paul and Madeline to see whether or not he would ‘give up’ Nikita, was something else.  Michael had known if he ‘helped’ Nikita in any way, he’d be found out and canceled, but he tried anyway.  This was a sacrifice Adrian had never believed Michael capable of.

 

Afterwards Adrian had worried about Michael.  She’d seen how the level five operative had prepared for Nikita’s loss by burying himself in his blood cover mission.  Adrian had been afraid that whether or not Nikita survived her increased mission frequency, after the Vacek mission  Michael would never be the same – he’d either revert back to Section robot or he would turn into a basket case.  Either of those outcomes would negate her budding plans for him.

 

Adrian had had to hand it to Paul – he’d successfully brought Michael back from the brink by using Nikita.  It was the same technique she’d used on him all those years ago when she had forced Paul to abandon his son Stephen.  It was good to know that Paul remembered his early lessons well.   Despite her lingering doubts, Adrian had, partly due to lack of more suitable candidates, entertained the notion of Michael moving into Oversight while Paul moved into her position if George had retired.  That changed a few months later, though, after yet another mission against Red Cell.

 

Adrian had only told Madeline one of the repercussions of the Philo mission.  What she’d omitted was that while showing operatives’ loyalty to Paul waning, the mission had also showed operatives’ loyalty to Michael strengthening – another plus in his column.  It was after this mission that Adrian had really lost confidence in Paul and Madeline as potential Center leaders.

 

Adrian abandoned *any* hope of Paul or Madeline replacing her after she’d learned of their brainwashing plans.  She’d told Madeline that they had crossed the line with that little scheme and she had meant it.  Fittingly, their scheme was also the catalyst for Adrian’s final decision for her replacement.

 

When Adrian had found out that Paul and Madeline had succeeded in brainwashing Nikita she was determined to use it to her advantage.  The question was, ‘HOW?’  It didn’t take long for Adrian to answer her own question.  By the time Nikita had returned to Section after her successful reprogramming Adrian had figured out the how. 

 

Davenport had been a very good source of information.  By acting as Paul and Madeline’s lackey he was privy to information most of Section wasn’t.  Once informed of Michael’s activities and successful search for Dr. Gelman as well as Operations’ failed cancelation attempt on Michael Adrian knew Michael had one option left – herself.

 

Michael’s use of Mick was a stroke of good fortune as he was able to send her Michael’s coordinates, thereby eliminating the need for trackers (both human and electronic).  By the time Michael had returned with supplies after recording her amnesiac double for Paul and Madeline’s viewing, Adrian had switched places with the other woman and put herself in a prime seat to watch the events unfold.

 

Unbeknownst to Michael at the time, the three operatives that had come to Adrian’s ‘rescue’ were Center ops.  She had given strict instructions that the rescue be ‘real.’  If Michael failed this test he would be dead.  Adrian had expected Michael to come out the winner but the relative ease with which he dispatched her well trained operatives surprised her.  Granted, they were expendable, but still, they *were* three of the best.  Michael had also discovered her ‘deception’ quicker than she had anticipated.  Adrian had had her operatives outfitted with P-6’s purposely, but she expected Michael to take longer to put the pieces together.

 

As for ‘saving’ George, Adrian had backup ready in case Michael failed.  Had Michael not succeeded, the man holding the rocket launcher would have been dead long before he ‘pulled the trigger.’  Ironically, George’s rescue had secured more than just Michael’s future upward mobility in the organization – it had also guaranteed George’s own downfall.

 

Adrian had never doubted Michael’s intelligence and skills.  It was his ruthlessness and single minded devotion to Section’s leaders that had always bothered her and prevented Adrian from seeing more than Section One or, at the most, Oversight in Michael’s future.  His actions on her behalf after George’s rescue however, began to cement his future elsewhere.  That Michael came out the winner in this battle with Section did not surprise Adrian as she had expected as much.  Michael allowing Adrian to live out her life in peace however, *did* surprise her. 

 

While Michael was out saving George, Adrian once again traded places with her expendable double.  Adrian wanted to see what Michael would do with her if she was of no use to him.  If Adrian could not corroborate his story, then he couldn’t take her to George.  Michael would still be able to blackmail Paul and Madeline because they couldn’t confirm her mental state, but he didn’t really need Adrian alive for that.  In fact, it would have been easier for Michael to kill her so there would be no tracks to follow.  When Michael did *not* cancel her double, he showed Adrian again that he was not the Section minion she used to think he was.

 

Adrian returned Michael’s kindness with one of her own – she sent Michael information to help deprogram Nikita.  Of course, the move was not entirely unselfish because Nikita belonged to Center and Adrian needed her deprogrammed if she would be of continued use.  While Michael was working on Nikita, Adrian was busy devising a plan to prove or disprove her new opinion of Michael.  Her plan would also show whether or not Nikita was really back to her old self.

 

Adrian was counting on Madeline’s deviousness to help her profile along and she wasn’t disappointed. Part of Center’s responsibility was to ensure that various organizations around the world such as the CIA, MI6 and Interpol did not step on each other’s toes or otherwise interfere with each other or the Sections. 

 

Section One’s failure to bring down Red Cell resulted in other agencies losing patience and trying their own hand at it.  Interpol in particular had, several years back, recruited a civilian to infiltrate terrorist organizations by acting as bait.  By a stroke of good fortune, Red Cell took the bait and approached Mr. Helmut Volker.  The civilian turned agent had been doing very well for Interpol, but things were going to soon come to a head.  Through one of her sources, Adrian found that Red Cell had begun doing business with the younger Volker brother, Kristoff, and were much happier with him.  It wouldn’t be long before Red Cell either discovered Helmut’s duplicity or discontinued their dealings completely in favor of his younger brother. Their arrangement with Helmut would soon come to an end either way and so, undoubtedly, would his life. 

 

Knowing Madeline as well as she did, Adrian ‘rearranged’ some information and presented the Volker family in a package that Madeline couldn’t refuse.  Adrian wanted to see how both Michael and Nikita handled Mr. Volker, an ‘innocent’ target.  Adrian was not surprised at any of Helmut’s actions, she’d studied him well for this ‘mission’ and knew what buttons needed to be pushed and when.  It was Adrian who had ‘persuaded’ Interpol to order Helmut not to interfere with the bombing of the Hague. She knew he wouldn’t be able to follow those orders and was interested in seeing how Nikita and Michael handled the problem.

 

Adrian was not disappointed.  Nikita helped Helmut stop the bombing and Michael, with Nikita’s ‘encouragement,’ let the man go rather than cancel him or enslave him to Section.  Nikita had indeed been successfully deprogrammed and it looked like Michael’s compassion and humanity were not just limited to Nikita and were here to stay.  The old Michael would have simply tracked down Volker quietly and canceled him without blinking an eye.

 

While Michael and Nikita were busy with the Volker family Adrian was also gathering intel from another front – bureaucratic monthly reports.

 

Section One’s official reports reflecting POS numbers and overall success rate for the time that Nikita had been under the influence of the Gelman process and Michael had been ‘reeling’ then going rogue were not unexpected.  But Adrian discarded these reports as soon as she read them, and instead looked at the information and reports she had acquired through unofficial Agency channels as well as various organizations that had had dealings with Section One during the time period in question.

 

What Adrian had found in those combined reports differed significantly from what Paul and Madeline had reported, but that didn’t exactly surprise Adrian either.

 

Paul and Madeline had manipulated and skewed the data to show higher numbers for a reprogrammed Nikita and lower numbers for a ‘reeling’ (then rogue) Michael, confirming their assertion of the level five operative’s unhealthy attachment to his former material.  According to their intel, Michael’s ‘well being’ was irrevocably and dangerously dependent on Nikita’s. 

 

George had seemingly been convinced of the validity of Paul’s arguments and data, so much so that he had authorized Michael’s cancellation.  Of course, Adrian hadn’t known the real truth behind Michael’s loss of stature in George’s eyes at the time.

 

Adrian had been surprised that George had allowed Paul to go ahead with the cancellation orders. She, unlike her subordinates, had no doubt that Michael would ‘escape’ his sentence, Davenport confirming as much shortly after repeatedly shooting Michael’s hologram.  What Adrian didn’t understand was George’s apparently sudden about face concerning his confidence in Michael.  George had been the one to suggest sending Paul to Center for a spell as a way of testing Michael’s leadership abilities and evaluating Paul and Madeline’s ‘reactions.’ 

 

George had known that Bergomi was within reach and he also knew that the real reason Paul did not want to ‘reach’ him was because Bergomi was a ‘friend.’  Michael going against Paul (and Madeline) and getting Bergomi was a feather in George’s cap and had put Michael to the top of the list of Paul’s successors.  Adrian hadn’t been able to figure out at what point and why Michael had lost George’s support.   Until now, that is.

 

After his success with Bergomi, Michael knew he needed to find a way out of Section One for himself and Nikita, andt fast.  He figured that he should strike while the iron was hot, so to speak, while he still had George’s favor.  To that end, while he still had the Perch and temporary level 9 clearance codes Michael began searching through otherwise inaccessible files, looking for anomalies he could sink his teeth into.

 

Sifting through an endless sea of records, data and reports, Michael began to see a disturbing pattern.  He’d deduced that the probable answer to the pattern was that Red Cell had a mole, either in Section or Oversight.  Michael’s plan was to find the mole and offer him/her up to George, credit included, in exchange for a transfer out of Section One – be it another Section or a position in Oversight.  If he played his cards right, he’d be able to not only get himself and Nikita out, but eventually Birkoff, Walter and a few select others as well. 

Michael’s ‘escape’ plan was never about freedom from the Agency because he knew there was no such thing as the ‘real’ world for him or the others anymore.  The obvious complication of escape, of course, was being constantly wary, always striving to stay one step ahead of both former allies and enemies alike.  Michael was able to admit to himself that, while he didn’t necessarily belong in Section, he did belong in, and wanted to stay a part of, the realm of anti-terrorism.  He wanted to make sure that the world his son grew up into was better than the one he had been conceived in.  ‘The job’ may not have been glamorous, but it was necessary and noble. Michael was sure that, Operations’ (and Madeline’s) games notwithstanding, Nikita, Walter, Birkoff and many other operatives agreed, whether they were ready to admit it or not.

 

Michael’s digging continued after Operations’ return from Center.  His forced separation from Nikita did not deter him, but instead served to motivate him further, confirming they had to get ‘out.’  In spite of, or more correctly because of, his personal problems Michael continued searching for the mole. 

 

Michael’s unrelenting investigation worried George, for obvious reasons.  George didn’t think Michael would discover his duplicity, he’d covered his tracks *very* well.  The head of Oversight did not believe that he personally needed to actively seek out and cancel Michael but, adhering to the old adage of ‘better safe than sorry,’  George approved Operations request to cancel the level five operative.

 

While all of this ‘intrigue’ was going on, Michael’s success rate remained surprisingly steady.  Pretty damn impressive considering his own side mission and Nikita’s adjustment.  Michael’s numbers in Paul’s reports *were* down, but when Adrian researched the partially successful as well as failed missions Michael was involved in, most of them contained flaws in the strategy, profile or intel and whichever component was flawed was not one Michael had been involved in. By design, she was sure, Michael’s mission frequency increased at that same time, further preventing him from reviewing missions as thoroughly as he normally did before going live.

 

Nikita’s numbers were also misleading.  While her overall efficiency numbers were up, it wasn’t because of any real increased proficiency or focus on her part.  It seemed that while the details of Nikita’s ‘personality transplant’ were known to very few, most in Section realized that *something* was wrong with the level two operative.  Loyalty to the ‘old’ Nikita prompted other operatives to compensate for and/or cover up many of her miscues.  Lack of fear, needs and desires may have created the perfect robot, but a robot did not the perfect operative make. 

 

Michael’s side mission, while taking longer because of internal strife nevertheless eventually succeeded.  Ironically, it was saving George’s life that had damned Michael in the older man’s eyes.

 

It took several days, but George finally figured out that it had been Michael that had prevented him from climbing into the helicopter that had been blown up almost immediately upon takeoff.  Discovery made, George realized he’d definitely have to include Michael in his plans for key Section One personnel.

 

The meet George had been attending was actually a cover for a rendezvous with very high level Red Cell personnel.  Fortunately for George, he was the first to leave the meeting, so his ‘associates’ were not seen by Michael.  However, considering the younger man’s seeming personal mission to uncover the Agency’s mole, George realized that Michael was getting uncomfortably close.  If he was able to track George to the meet, he might sooner or later be able to track down the identities of the other attendees.  Knowing Michael’s unfailing persistence once begun on a course of action, George was sure it would be sooner rather than later.

 

Michael’s dramatic rescue therefore, convinced George that Michael’s name had to be added to the neuro scrapes he’d already planned for Paul, Madeline, Birkoff and Walter.  To keep the man off balance until he could be scraped, George added Nikita’s name to the list and profiled a few other distractions involving Nikita as well. 

 

George had been right about Michael’s perseverance but had underestimated the timeframe.  It wasn’t long at all before the level five operative had discovered George was the mole he’d been looking for.  Once he’d made the discovery, Michael began the arduous task of collecting the proof he needed to bring the man down.  By the time Nikita had been ‘kicked out’ of Section, by George of all people, Michael had gathered most of his evidence.  After completing his ‘report’ on George’s less than patriotic activities Michael thought about who he should bring his findings to.  He still needed to get out of Section so Michael discounted Operations immediately, as the man was not in a position to trade anything worthwhile for Michael’s intel.

 

Michael admitted to himself that he had no real choice at this point.  Blackmailing George was not an option.  The man was a traitor and besides that making him unreliable, Michael had no desire to deal with the enemy.  He still believed in the cause, despite his recent ‘misfortunes,’ and he would not allow himself to deal with an enemy of that cause, regardless of the possible personal gains.  This left Michael with George’s ‘boss.’  He could only hope that whoever it was that ran Center would be honorable enough to ‘appreciate’ the one who’d brought the information to light.

 

Knowing who in Center to contact was a dilemma in and of itself.  Only a couple of people knew the identity of the person responsible for running day to day Center operations.  And, if Michael’s old pre-Section contact was correct, there was someone behind that person as well.  Problem was that if there *was* someone else, only the day to day head of Center and possibly George knew who it was.

 

Since he obviously couldn’t go through George, Michael sent out feelers through his Agency contacts.  Fortunately for Michael, one of the contacts that he had used for this task was in reality an informant of Adrian’s that she had in fact ‘sent’ to keep an eye on Michael after she’d decided he would advance in the hierarchy.  By the time Adrian had been made aware of the request and consented to hear him out, Michael had already been temporarily transferred, along with Nikita, to Section Eight.

 

When Michael’s cell phone rang and the modulated voice on the other line gave the required codes and clearances, the man in black had almost audibly breathed a sigh of relief.  He’d been alone at the time, Nikita just leaving for another round of target practice with the young recruits.  Michael had gotten straight to the point and after an hour spent (painstakingly) confirming that the caller indeed had to have been a loyal Center bigwig, called the number he was given and advised the voice on the other end that a copy of the damning evidence against George would be e-mailed to the address supplied.  Of course, Michael did not know that he was talking to *the* Center bigwig.  Before he hung up, Michael asked a question that by then had been on his mind for a long time.

 

********

 

Michael had known for a while that Nikita was hiding something.  He started noticing a change not long after she returned from her six month absence.  Nikita’s behavior upon her return from her downtime following Jurgen’s death coupled with her actions while second in command to Petrosian set Michael’s radar off.  Of course going to his superiors with his suspicions was out of the question.  He’d started protecting his former material long ago and would continue to do so.

 

Ever since the events in question, Michael kept a careful eye on Nikita to find out what was really going on with her.  It didn’t take long to figure out that she had a hidden agenda.  One of the reasons (besides Adam and Elena) that Michael had kept his former material at arm’s length for so long was that he had to find out what that hidden agenda was first.  After his ‘lapse’ during the Armel mission, when Michael had told Nikita that he was conflicted, he wasn’t only talking about *his* top secret mission, he was talking about the secrets *she* was keeping as well.  He had hoped that when he told her that there were things about him that had to remain hidden, Nikita would understand the silent plea to ‘trade’ secrets.  Of course, that didn’t happen and their covert missions remained hidden from each other.

 

Michael had immediately discounted the possibility of Nikita being recruited by a terrorist organization.   She may have had her ‘problems’ with him and Section, but she wouldn’t join the other side either.  Michael figured Nikita had been recruited from within the Agency.  Oversight had received first consideration, but then rejected after Adrian’s ‘coup.’  If Nikita had been a part of Oversight, she would have had to tell George about Adrian’s return and Section’s plans for the woman.  George, of course, would not have let things play out the way they did given his past with the ‘mother’ of Section. 

 

Knowing Nikita must have had *some* kind of protection at the time was the only thing that had kept him from ‘forcing’ Nikita to run after Adrian’s capture.  Of course, if that had not been the case, he had a contingency in place.  After her public confrontation with Operations and Madeline in the middle of Section, though, Michael wasn’t sure Nikita’s ‘protectors’ could keep her from getting canceled, not after observing Operations’ rage afterwards.

 

At that point, Michael knew there was no way to get Nikita completely off the hook, but he had confidence in her survival instincts and abilities as an operative to get through increased mission frequency until Operations was sufficiently placated.  Therefore, Michael used the only leverage he had to convince Madeline to talk Operations out of outright cancelation.  He promised Madeline imminent closure on the Vacek mission.  He’d traded watching his son grow up for the life of the woman he loved.

 

After the completion of the mission and his return from an emotional abyss, Michael once again set his sights on finding out the truth of Nikita’s status before deepening their relationship.  Her actions during the Philo mission confirmed Michael’s belief that Nikita, if she was in fact a double agent, was working for one of the Agency’s branches.  Nikita showed that not even for him was she willing to betray the goals Section was governed by.

 

Based on the limited intel he’d been able to uncover, Michael’s best guess was Center.  The problem, Michael realized, was that if he dug any deeper Nikita’s cover and consequently her life would be in jeopardy.  Unwilling to endanger Nikita any further, Michael dropped his investigation and let things play out, hoping Nikita would one day be able to tell him the truth of her probable double life.

 

********

 

But now that the opportunity presented itself, Michael took advantage of it, knowing that he was not endangering Nikita by asking her probable boss to confirm her status.  The shocked momentary silence on the other end was enough to confirm for Michael that he was right.  However, further proof came when the party on the other end swiftly recovered their voice and told Michael, in no uncertain terms, that were he to broach this subject again with *anyone* the consequences to himself, Nikita and his son would be dire.

 

Receiving the confirmation he needed, Michael was, threats aside, more than willing to let the matter drop.  Obviously, Center had an agenda and with the intel he had just provided for them, Michael knew he was in no danger from them.  And now that he knew Nikita was in their employ, neither was she.  The only remaining question he had was why Center let Nikita be subjected to the Gelman process, but that had to wait.  For now, Michael contented himself with the knowledge that there was hope for a future for himself and Nikita in the organization, away from Section.

 

Of course, now that he knew that George was a traitor, Michael made sure to side with Section in any power struggle until Center decided to ‘out’ the man.  That was precisely why he sided with Operations and Madeline when George tried to ‘dissolve’ them after yet another failure against Red Cell.  He supposed he surprised everyone, not just Nikita, when he told her that they wouldn’t survive under George and threw in with Operations.  Unfortunately, he had also probably tipped his hand to Oversight’s head and was therefore not surprised when George included him in the neural scrapes scheme.

 

Professionally and personally, things changed after George’s failed takeover attempt.  

 

Operations tried once more to get rid of both of them while simultaneously propelling himself to Oversight by failing to inform Michael and Nikita of the true mission behind a downed satellite.  Operations and Madeline had somehow underestimated his tenacity at completing the mission.  They had to know he would either complete the mission or die trying.  Did Operations really believe that he and Nikita would be outwitted and outmaneuvered by a handful of Russian *sleeper* operatives?  Apparently he did.

 

That mission to the US midwest had turned out to be a turning point in Michael and Nikita’s relationship as well.  Whatever her orders from Center, Nikita was ‘coming back to him.’  Apparently she’d finally recovered enough from the events of the past year (brainwashing, mission marriage, fictitious freedom from Section, neural scrapes and Birkoff’s death just some of the highlights) enough to tentatively try again.

 

In an unexpected twist, Operations not only left the couple relatively alone after that mission, but also seemed to suddenly regard Michael with favor again.  So much so, in fact, that Section’s leader was more than happy to leave Madeline behind enemy lines and blow her up together with said enemy and immediately elevate Michael to her position.  The look of astonished disappointment on Operations’ face and restrained fury on Madeline’s face when she returned to Section in one piece was very telling.

 

Before Michael could puzzle out the reasons behind, and the implications and consequences of, the sudden division of Section’s former Siamese twins, he and his team were sent on a mission that Nikita disappeared from.  Michael put the new mystery on back burner during the eleven days he and Nikita spent together once he found her.

 

As soon as they came back in from their ‘vacation’ Nikita was sent on a mission into a mental institution.  While she lay recovering in Medlab from the assorted drugs she was given, Michael received a call summoning him to Center.  He was instructed to make his excuses and be at the rendezvous point where a car would be waiting in four hours.  Convincing Operations he had a hot lead on Red Cell’s interim Cardinal, Michael quickly made his ‘escape’ and drove the three plus hours to the rendezvous location. 

 

Once there, Michael got into the waiting limousine and sat back for the short ride to Center.  Before being allowed entry he was searched (both physically and electronically) and unexpectedly allowed to keep his weapon.  Knowing that the identity of the Center’s leader was strictly need to know for very few, Michael was surprised when he was led to the door marked Director and through the reception area to the Director’s private office.

 

Stepping in and seeing Mick Schtoppel sitting behind the desk was too much of a shock to mask, but years of training kept his reaction to a minimum and he quickly settled his features back into his usual ‘blank stare’ and waited for the apparent man in charge to speak.

 

“Mick.”  Michael greeted simply when it was obvious he’d have to speak first.

 

“Actually, it’s Mr. Jones.  Sit down, please.  We have much to discuss and are short on time.”  The Englishman returned pointing to the chair in front of his desk.  “When do you have to return to Section?”

 

“In twelve hours.”  Michael replied, although he was sure the man behind the desk already knew the answer.

 

“Good.  I’m sure you have questions and they’ll be answered in time.  For now, you’ll listen.”  He got down to business, no trace of Mick Schtoppel visible.  “We’ve been watching you, Michael, for quite some time, in fact.”

 

“We?”  Michael interrupted.

 

“Yes. We.”  Mick returned, patiently, knowing how the level operative must be feeling.  That was part of the reason for this conversation, allaying some of the doubts and worries before moving on.  “You’ve always stood out, so to speak.  Not always to your advantage.”

 

“But now?”

 

“Now, things have changed.”

 

“How?”  Michael asked, seeing nothing encouraging in Mick’s being Center’s day to day leader, remembering his ‘relationship’ with the man over the last four years.

 

“You’ve passed all your tests and are ready for more.”

 

“More what?”  Michael asked wearily of the man who was about to pass sentence on him, suddenly tired of the never-ending games and deceptions of the last ten years.  The last straw had been being called away from Medlab where he had to watch the only person he had left go through hell yet again, because of a mission that could have been profiled differently.  “Politics? Games? Manipulations?  Persecution?”

 

“Not very optimistic about the Agency, are you?”

 

“Why should I be?”  Michael asked, *both* men aware he was referring to his ‘hardships’ since being transferred to Section One and the fact that no one, certainly not the Agency, ever ran interference on his behalf, so why would now be any different?

 

“I’ll grant you that you’ve had a rougher time than most, but you’ve also accomplished and achieved more than most.  Perhaps Paul and Madeline have been a bit harsh, recently especially, but if you hadn’t been run through the wringer, so to speak, you would not be here today.”

 

“Why *am* I here today?”  Michael countered.

 

“As I said, it’s about time you moved up.”

 

“Up?”  Michael asked, surprised that his actions against his superiors did not rule out upward mobility.  “I didn’t realize insubordination was grounds for promotion.”

 

“Normally, no”  Mick conceded.  “But, again, there were extenuating circumstances.  Quite honestly, considering those circumstances, you’ve shown extraordinary restraint.  Nikita, as you’ve already discerned on your own, was ‘told’ to show restraint.  By the way, I still find it remarkable that you found out about Nikita working for us.  Even Madeline, the master psyche op, did not suspect anything, let alone a Center operation.  How long have you suspected?”

 

“A while.”  Michael replied noncommittally, then added at the look on his superior’s face.  “I suspected the Agency over two years ago, but I wasn’t certain of Center until more recently.”

 

“Over two years, almost from the start.” Mick mused.  “How did you find out?” 

 

“I knew her too well.”

 

“Ah, I see.”  Mick smiled, knowing that was all he was going to get out of the other man on that subject.  “So tell me, you didn’t confront Nikita, despite *her* penchant for confrontation.  You didn’t even start probing until fairly recently.  Why?”

 

“What makes you think my ‘investigation’ was recent?”  Michael returned.

 

“Even better then. If you suspected, why wait?  Surely you weren’t hoping that Nikita would tell you herself?  You must be aware of the consequences of such a ‘confession?’

 

“Of course.  Undoubtedly the same as if I had openly pursued the matter.  Center cannot afford to be very different from its secondary branches in such a matter.  Consequences of blowing one’s cover, regardless of the circumstances, are usually fatal to all parties involved.”  Michael answered referring to the probable consequences to him, Nikita and surely Adam and Elena as well.  “Besides, I reasoned that it was internal and at a higher level than Section.  That was enough.”

 

“Good point.”  Mick conceded.   “So, you also discovered Nikita’s ‘personality transplant’ so quickly because you ‘knew her very well,’ I suppose?”

 

“Yes.”  Michael paused.  “May I ask a question?”

 

“Of course.”  Mick replied, curious as to what he would inquire about.

 

“I understand why you followed Section’s maintenance orders on Nikita.”  Michael started, referring to the other man’s splashing the vial of the Gelman maintenance drug around her apartment.  “But why allow your own operative to undergo the process in the first place?”

 

“Well.”  Mick faltered momentarily, taken aback by the question, assuming Michael would have first asked the more selfish question of whether or not there would repercussions for his past manhandling of Mick when everyone thought he was just a lowly informant.  In fact he’d been surprised it hadn’t been asked already.  Then again, Adrian did warn him to be on his toes around this one.  “As mundane as it sounds, the answer is bad intel.”

 

“Really?” A skeptical Michael returned.

 

“Yes.  Really.”  Mick confirmed.  “Our source was certain that the adjustment would take place inside of Section, not on a mission.  The error was indeed regrettable, we had no intention of sacrificing Nikita.  Had you failed to deprogram her, Center *would* have stepped in, but we highly doubted it would come to that given your motivation and resources.”

 

“Of course.”  Michael replied resigned, knowing that he would never be immune, despite his position and proven loyalty, to being used by those above him.

 

“I’m curious.”  Mick stated in preamble to the topic that was bothering him and figuring this was his best chance, as Mick was higher in the pecking order, to get anything out of the usually reticent level five operative.  “You understand where you and I are on the proverbial food chain at this moment.”

 

“Yes.” 

 

“Yet you’re not worried about my reaction to our past dealings.  I can understand it now as I’ve told you enough to alleviate worries about your future.  But even when you walked in, there was surprise, but no fear even though you’ve thrown me, your superior, out of a moving vehicle, not to mention caused and threatened bodily harm countless other times.  Why?  Confidence or indifference?”

 

“Indifference to my fate and confidence in my continued usefulness.”  Michael answered. 

 

“And demotion wouldn’t have mattered?”

 

“Your guards allowed me to keep my weapon, though without bullets.  Had you brought me here for cancelation there would have been no need to return it to me.”  Michael skirted the question.

 

“True. But had that not been the case, you’d still be indifferent to cancellation, wouldn’t you?”  Mick persisted.

 

“Purposely looking for it, no  But, Adam and Nikita *would* be better off.”  Michael replied wearily, implying that the only two people whose well being mattered to him would do better without him.  If he was dead, he couldn’t be used against Nikita and with Center’s protection she would not need *his* anymore.  As for Adam, he would be safer from both sides of the ‘war’ if his father were truly dead.  For himself, the war had taken a heavy toll on him over the last fifteen years.  He was rapidly tiring of fighting for every little moment of peace.  Having to leave Nikita behind in that institution took more out of Michael than he had left to give.

 

“Why didn’t you fight harder for your own little niche?”

 

“I still believe in Section’s goals.  And if I had fought back any harder than I did Adam would have suffered the consequences.”

 

“Section’s goals.”  Mick echoed.  “I find it amazing that despite the last two years you’re still loyal to the Section.”

 

“Section is necessary.”  Michael replied, then knowing what Jones really wanted to understand added, “You put Operations in charge and, despite what you’re now implying have been questionable tactics over the last two years, you’ve kept him there.  Who was I to challenge *your* management decisions?”

 

“Very good, Michael.”  Came an unexpected reply from the woman emerging from the opening door behind Mick’s desk, the door matching the wall so perfectly so as to be invisible to the naked eye.  Then, turning to her immediate subordinate, “I told you verbal sparring with this one was even more dangerous than with Madeline.”

 

“Adrian.”  Michael greeted, standing up.

 

“You don’t seem as surprised to see me as Mick.”  Adrian stated, herself surprised.

 

“No.”  Michael confirmed. 

 

“Intriguing.”   

 

“What now?”  Michael asked straight to the point.

 

“Thank you for your assistance.  I’ll be in touch.”  Adrian acknowledged to Mick, then turned to Michael.   “Come, we’ll leave through the underground entrance.”

 

“What about Section?”

 

“Oh, don’t worry about them.”  Adrian placated, knowing what Michael really meant.  “Nikita will be fine, I’ve seen to it and Paul will be receiving a communiqué saying you’ve been summoned to Oversight for twenty four hours.”

 

********

 

The silent ride to the airstrip was short as was the flight.   The subsequent brief drive to Adrian's chateau was also quiet, Adrian preferring that the long conversation ahead begin once at their destination rather than on the road.

 

Michael did not mind the silence, understood the game and kept his features blank, knowing Adrian would be studying him on this trip.  A few rounds of "no, thank you" in response to offers of various amenities were all that were spoken by the man in black, always firm but polite.  Michael did not need Adrian analyzing his choices, so he kept saying no, blank expression intact.

 

Once they arrived at Adrian's 'hideaway' his hostess led Michael into her 'home-office' and went to sit behind her large oak desk while bidding Michael to sit in the chair in front of it.  Knowing that waiting for Michael to break the silence was pointless and they only had the day to finish matters, Adrian began the conversation in blunt fashion.

 

"Why weren't you surprised to see me at Center?"

 

“I thought there was someone higher than ‘Jones’ and you seemed a logical choice.”  Michael replied, not expecting this to be the first question, but prepared nonetheless.

 

“How did you come to that conclusion?"  Adrian inquired curiously, the young man in front of her showing yet again why he was the right choice.

 

“Your behavior and other anomalies during our ‘partnership’ suggested there was more than an organization that had ‘fallen on hard times.’  The p-6’s may have been a discontinued model but the com equipment was too advanced.”  Michael explained, then asked a burning question of his own, Mick’s earlier answer unsatisfactory.  “Would you have allowed the programming to remain permanent?”

 

“No.  If you hadn’t succeeded Oversight would have stepped in.  Nikita has a future in the organization, but only as herself, not the robot Paul and Madeline thought they wanted.”  Adrian replied truthfully before turning the conversation back to its original heading.  “What else tipped you off?”  Adrian asked, knowing there had to be more in order for Michael to make the jump.

 

“It was highly unlikely that you succumbed to the mind control while I was out, especially given your prior assertion that Section had taken Nikita to ‘places they never took you.’  In light of Nikita’s recovery from a more advanced process, it wasn’t realistic that you did not recover as well.”  Michael elaborated.  “There were other anomalies I backtracked afterwards to suggest that perhaps you weren’t retired as everyone was led to believe.  Given that you hadn’t been heard from *officially* in several years it stood to reason that you were very highly placed.”

 

“Seeing as your backtracking was not discovered, it seems your contacts and sources are more far-reaching and impressive than I had considered.”  Adrian complimented.

 

“Thank you.”  Michael returned, then tried for another question of his own. “During the ‘partnership’ you tried to kill me, why the reversal?”

 

“Oh, I had little doubt you would best the three operatives, you just surprised me with the relative ease with which you dispatched them and with the speed with which you discovered my memory loss ruse.”

 

“A test.”  Michael surmised.  

 

“Yes.  If you failed, you’d be dead courtesy of my operatives.”  Adrian confirmed then elaborated.  “Once I realized my mistake and Section succeeded in carrying out Nikita’s reprogramming, I knew there was little choice for your next move.  I had already decided you would advance; it was time and there was nowhere left for you to go in Section.  I used the mistake to gauge how far you should advance.”

 

“My insubordination convinced you of my qualifications for advancement?”  Michael questioned.

 

 “It was your reaction to being painted into the proverbial corner that was being evaluated.”  Adrian answered.  “Insubordination is never pardonable unless, of course, by design.”

 

“Your design?”  Michael asked, realization and the accompanying distaste dawning, but none of it showing in his features.

 

“Yes.  I saw an opportunity to evaluate Section One’s key personnel and I took it.”  Adrian confirmed.  “You defied Paul and embarrassed Madeline by bringing in Bergomi. You must have known there would be repercussions once Paul returned.”

 

“Some, yes.”  Michael agreed.

 

“But you thought George’s favor would have minimized the cost.”

 

“Yes.”  Michael admitted.

 

“Actually, George’s non involvement was my doing.”  Adrian paused.  “As I said, personnel changes throughout Section One and Oversight *were* going to occur.  Those two branches are still the cornerstone of the Agency and have to be ‘fixed.’   It was just a matter of deciding who went where.”

 

“So you pushed, thereby testing everyone.”

 

“Yes.”  Adrian replied matter-of-factly.  “George was told to stay out of it and Nikita was under orders to pursue a personal relationship with you, in spite of Section’s orders.”

 

“You knew the approach Operations and Madeline would take.”  The sentence more of a statement than a question, Michael refusing to address the revelation of Nikita’s ‘orders’ until he was ready to do so without his carefully constructed mask crumbling.  He’d known Nikita’s true employer would give her an assignment, he just didn’t think *he* would be that assignment.

 

“Considering Madeline and Paul’s paranoia coupled with their need for reprisal for Bergomi, it was not difficult to foresee a situation.”  Adrian continued, admiring the younger man’s restraint and continued composure in light of her revelation regarding Nikita’s assignment of a year ago. Wanting to see how ‘composed’ he really was though, she added,  “Nikita’s apparent desire to initiate a more ‘personal’ relationship gave Madeline the perfect tool for reminding you of your position.  Paul would not have needed much, if any, convincing to approve Madeline’s profile.”

 

“So, our relationship was by design?”  Michael finally asked, unable to hold out any longer, needing to know if the one thing he’d thought real since his relationship with Simone was as much a lie as the rest of his life.

 

“Are you certain you’re ready to hear the answer?”  Adrian asked.

 

“Does it matter?”  Michael returned, shutting down his emotions and preparing himself for the answer.

 

“No, it doesn’t.”  Adrian smiled thinly, glad that Michael understood the game.  “Yes, your relationship was by my design.  Whether or not it was something more on Nikita’s part, I honestly don’t know or care.”  Adrian continued, reminding Michael where Section’s current leaders had learned much about ruthlessness and other ‘wonderful’ qualities.  “She’s an excellent operative and actress, well suited for a bright future.”

 

“I know.”  Michael replied closing the subject, knowing the rest of this topic was fodder for only him and Nikita, if the chance arose, something Michael was still unsure of.  “Why am I here?”

 

“To solidify your future in the organization.”  Adrian replied, not surprised at the turn of the conversation, knowing where Michael’s thoughts must be heading.

 

“Where in the organization do I fit in, if not Section?”

 

“Humility is a good trait, but you would not be where you are without ego as well.”  Adrian responded.  “Where do *you* see yourself.”

 

“In the Perch.”  Michael played along.  “Or Oversight.”

 

“Initially, you *were* headed for Oversight, to replace George.”

 

“Over Operations?” Michael asked, surprised to have been considered over Operations and his superior’s leadership and military experience as well as overall decade lead on Michael in anti-terrorism experience.

 

“Paul has been in Section too long, the mindset required there ingrained in him.”  Adrian replied, not without sadness.  “He would not be effective in Oversight at this time.  Perhaps down the road, with the knowledge of what he needed to ‘change’ in himself, things could be different.  As it stands, regardless of the outcome of your, shall we say, interview, Paul will remain where he is.”

 

“What changed your mind about my initial positioning?”  Michael asked, noting that Adrian had failed to mention anyone else’s fate, other than Operations’, in her reconfiguration plans.

 

“You did.”

 

“How?”

 

“I’ve been in this ‘business’ a long time.  Too long.”  Adrian sat back.  “When George decided to stay on rather than retire, I had you going to Oversight to train as George’s replacement and then moving George up to my position once George felt you were ready to take over his job.”

 

“What about Mick?”  Michael asked, not addressing George’s future until Adrian brought it up.

 

“Mick has known from the outset he would remain at his current position until his retirement.”

 

“And he’s alright with that?”

 

“Yes, as a matter of fact.  He doesn’t want the headache or responsibility, he says he has more than enough of both already, so much so, in fact, that he almost misses MI6.”  Adrian replied, approving Michael’s question.  It was essential to know whether or not to expect a power play from a subordinate in the future.  “As for George,”  Adrian continued, steely voiced with a touch of sadness, “I believe in comeuppance.  Since George decided to go after Paul and Section, he’ll get exactly what he deserves.”

 

“You’re going to hand him over to Operations?”

 

“Yes, but not on a silver platter.”  Adrian replied cryptically.

 

“Another test?”

 

“Exactly.”  Adrian smiled thinly, the subject of George’s treason almost as difficult for her as Nikita’s duality for Michael.  “Quite honestly, no offense to your proficiency but, considering George and Paul’s recent history I’m surprised it was you who uncovered the deception rather than Paul.  I would have thought Paul would have moved heaven and earth by now to discredit George.”

 

“I got lucky.”  Michael countered modestly.  “Backtracking the meeting where I ‘interrupted’ George’s egress was an advantage Operations did not have.”

 

“It does take a certain amount of luck to survive and flourish in our underground world.”  Adrian agreed.  “But I’m counting on plenty of skill on your part, in addition to the luck.”

 

“For what?”  Michael asked dutifully.

 

“I’m retiring.  For real this time.”  Adrian smiled slightly.  “And I want *you* to take my place.”

 

“Head Center?”  Michael asked.  As prepared as he thought he was to face his future and as much as he’d been hoping and rationalizing that this was why Adrian had revealed herself to him and brought him here, Michael was still shaken to actually hear the offer. Not taken aback enough though, to show more than a momentary reaction before shuttering his features once more.

 

“That *is* my position, yes.”  Adrian replied, amused but not surprised at Michael’s reaction.  This was a huge leap for the level five Section operative and the responsibility of running Center was an enormous burden to bear, for anyone.

 

“What makes you think I haven’t been disenfranchised, that I’m still a loyal member of the organization?”

 

“Good question.”  Adrian returned.  “You remember Mr. Starnes?”

 

“Red Cell’s former strategist?”

 

“Correct.  The window Section so conveniently found to pick him up was provided by me.”

 

“How?” 

 

“Satin.”  Adrian replied.  “She’s another one of mine, carefully cultivated through the years.”

 

“I see.”  Michael said slowly, processing the information and piecing it together quickly.  “You used her to test my loyalty.”

 

“Yes.  I had hoped as well that Section would have used the opportunity to deliver a better blow to Red Cell than they did.”  Adrian sighed in disappointment.  “But then, this is part of the reason I’m ready to retire.”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

“Using Section One and Oversight as an example, I’m the one responsible for putting key personnel in their positions.  Looking at George, Paul and Madeline and recent events I see that their time has passed.  I’d prefer not to choose their replacements, I’d rather the next generation do so.”

 

“What do I have to do?”  Michael asked, understanding Adrian’s reasons.   Michael didn’t bother with denials, they both knew he wanted this.  But he also knew that taking over for Adrian would not be as simple as Operations handing him command of The Perch when he was called away.

 

“Pass one more test.”

 

“Of course.”  Michael was not surprised. 

 

“I’ve thought about it quite a bit.”  Adrian paused.  “I do not doubt your skills.  You’ve shown the qualities and leadership skills required for this position, despite your relative young age.  I would have liked to move you up in stages but, with George’s imminent downfall it’s best to do it now.  You can start fresh, choose your own personnel, my only requirement being that you leave Mick where he is until he is ready to retire.  In fact, he’ll be invaluable to you in the beginning.”

 

“He doesn’t hold grudges?” Michael asked, only half joking, referring to his not so ‘cordial’ past with the other man.

 

“No, he understood why you did what you did.”  Adrian replied.  “Some of your actions that he witnessed actually convinced both of us of your suitability.”

 

“How?”  Michael asked curiously.

 

“Ironically, some of the actions that dropped you from Paul and Madeline’s good graces are the same ones that elevated your status with me.”  Adrian summarized.  “Trying to help fellow operatives and innocents should not be reasons for abeyance.  In the end the Agency is a team, not a group of individuals.  We *are* supposed to help each other, not bury our heads in the sand hoping that we’re not the next target.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

“For what?”  Adrian asked, surprised.

 

“For restoring my faith in the organization as opposed to just sharing the same goals.”  Michael replied sincerely, seeing a light at the end of a long dark tunnel.  “What must I do to convince you to appoint me your successor?” Michael asked.

 

“I need to be sure you’re as good at reading and predicting the people around you as I *think* you are.  To that end I have a scenario in mind…”

 

********

 

Before stepping into his guests’ line of sight, Michael put on his sunglasses, gaining another advantage over his subordinates as he’d be able to see into them without them seeing into him.  Watching his guests’ reactions without betraying his own, Michael noted with satisfaction that he had correctly predicted that his appearance would be too great a shock for any of them to mask.

 

“Thank you for coming.”  Michael stated ironically as he sat down across from his former colleagues, his greeting a purposeful provocation.

 

“This meeting was optional?”  Operations asked. 

 

“Extending courteousness and respect for subordinates is as important as extending them to superiors, perhaps even more so.”  Michael replied, an obvious but accurate jab, his purpose in beginning with that simple statement twofold.  The statement would put them on notice and leave no doubt of two things. One, Michael was giving the orders and two, things were going to change.  

 

Michael knew Nikita would be the last to recover – she had the most information and ramifications to process.  He also knew Madeline, the most ‘politically’ savvy and by far the most patient of the three, would understand and adhere to the wisdom of silence, which of course left Operations as the first to speak in response to his ‘goading.’

 

“Of course.”  Madeline spoke up before anything regrettable could be said.  Whatever their past, Michael was obviously now in charge and Madeline knew it was in everyone’s best interest to let Michael lead the conversation.

 

“I’m certain Madeline has informed you of her meeting with Adrian.”  Michael stalled, his gaze, unbeknownst to the other three, fixed on Nikita from the moment he stepped out on the patio, trying to gauge her reaction to this turn of events and only partially succeeding.  Knowing he’d be able to look at the surveillance tapes later, Michael returned his attention to all three of his guests mindful of the fact that he could not afford to be distracted any longer.  “And you’ve been informed of the new personnel configuration.   Any questions regarding the reconfiguration before we continue?”

 

“Who’s reconfiguration is this?”  Madeline asked, believing that the answer was vital to their future.  “Yours or Adrian’s?”

 

“Mine.”  Michael replied without hesitation.

 

“Why?”  Nikita finally found her voice.

 

“Section was coming apart, its leaders were squabbling rather than maximizing efficiency and determining who was undermining them.”

 

“George was taken care of.”  Operations defended.

 

“Yes. But he should have been found out earlier.”  Michael contradicted,  “And far more useful intel should have been extracted before his cancellation.”

 

“How could you know if there was anymore information to be gained?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“The file I compiled and brought to Center contained more information on George’s activities than you uncovered.”  Michael purposely stated, knowing they’d understand by his wording that he hadn’t been working for Center at the time, just brought the volatile information to their attention.

 

“When was this?”  Madeline asked, trying to ascertain how long Michael had been involved.

 

“Just before you had Nikita and me ‘transferred’ to Section Eight.”  Michael answered, yet another reminder that Operations and Madeline should be grateful that Michael did not hold grudges.

 

“Why didn’t you follow the chain of command and bring the intel to us?”  Operations wanted to know.

 

“You had nothing to offer in exchange. “  Michael replied bluntly.

 

“So you’d been working for Adrian and Mick since then?”  Nikita asked accusingly, recovered and putting the pieces together and coming to the conclusion that she had, yet again, been used by Michael for the organization’s benefit.  This time, though, it seemed that *everyone* he knew had been used, not just her.  To what end, and why he would put himself through subsequent ordeals were questions that still needed answering.

 

“No.”  Michael refuted.  “I wasn’t called to Center until after the Crystal French mission.”

 

“That still leaves much time unaccounted for.”  Nikita persisted, referring to why he would have been subjected to Red Cell’s torture and his later ‘abeyance’ mission if he had already been chosen to head Center.

 

“Adrian required a final test.”  Michael replied.

 

“One that proved your capabilities.” Operations surmised.

 

“No.  My capabilities weren’t in doubt.” Michael replied, knowing what was being asked.  “It was my suitability that was in question.”

 

“I don’t understand.” Operations admitted, and from the looks of it neither did Madeline or Nikita.

 

“External affairs were a given, but Adrian wasn’t as certain about internal matters.  She provided a scenario and I was required to profile it.  The purpose was to determine how well I knew and could predict the actions of those around me.”  Michael elaborated, watching the various reactions of his subordinates as they quickly realized they'd all been manipulated for his advancement.

 

“Considering where we are, I suppose that means you passed.”  Nikita stated the obvious, unable to entirely suppress her bitterness.

 

“Yes.” Michael confirmed, as usual refusing to defend himself. 

 

“If you had failed?” Operations asked, surprising everyone, including himself.  He knew the answer before he asked, but he found himself defending Michael against Nikita’s obvious accusation.  Operations had been in the Agency the longest of any of them, longer than everyone but Walter and Adrian.  He knew the ways of the organization and that regardless of the rewards for success, the consequences of failure were always the same.

 

“I'd be dead.”  Michael replied bluntly, confirming the shades of gray, not everything as obvious as it seemed or every action by choice.  He was as surprised as the rest that the older man had defended him.  Perhaps their relationship wasn't as fractured or combative as he thought.  “The details aren't important, the bottom line is that you are all here for a reason.”  Michael changed the subject, refusing to admit, even to himself, how much he hoped that Nikita understood he wouldn't have manipulated them, her especially, the way he had if the choice had been his.  He was sure Paul and Madeline saw the ‘big picture,’ but Nikita had a penchant for missing it, even after her recruitment to Center.

 

“Why have you chosen to reveal yourself as the head of Center?”  Madeline asked, wanting to know before they went any further.  “Adrian never did, at least not until she ‘retired.’ Why did you feel the need?”

 

“Adrian preferred the anonymity.  She did not want her former peers to think they had an edge because they knew her and her style or start second guessing themselves to fit what they thought she wanted.”

 

“You don’t share that concern?”  Madeline asked surprised.

 

“You’ve only observed me ‘in command’ for a couple of relatively short stretches.  There wasn’t sufficient time to learn anything about my possible style or what I expect other than the fact that I do what I think is best rather than what I’m told.”  Michael replied.  “But, you *are* aware of the limits of my tolerance and what lines cannot be crossed without consequences.”

 

“Why did Adrian promote you despite the insufficient experience?”  Operations asked, one last stab at a definitive answer as to why he was passed over.

 

“Adrian knew all she needed to know about me and everyone else before she made her decision.”  Michael evaded, preferring to discuss specific shortcomings in private, something he would do only after some amount of observation of their adjustment to the new regime.

 

“You’re the one who discovered George’s treason.”  Nikita spoke out with sudden realization.  “It’s why you said we wouldn’t survive under him and sided with Section.”

 

“Partially.”  Michael answered, not bothering to explain that in his opinion, regardless of George’s loyalty, it had also been the right thing to do.  The consequences would have been dire for all of Section, not just key personnel, had the takeover succeeded.  “There were quite a few other factors as well, but they are irrelevant at this point.”  Michael effectively ended this part of the discussion.

 

“So what *is* relevant?”  Madeline inquired.

 

“Although I am under no obligation to explain my personnel configuration choices, out of courtesy to the three of you, I *will* explain so that there will be no doubts as to the individual qualifications that brought about this alignment.  It would not be prudent to assume that explanations for my actions will be forthcoming again.”  Michael warned, pausing before he explained their ‘sentence’

 

 “Adrian felt that you were not ready to go beyond Section and I agreed.”  Out of respect, Michael first turned to Operations, the most senior of the group.

 

“I know.  Lack of compassion, right?”  Operations returned sardonically, his wording purposely identical to Madeline’s during her earlier conversations with Adrian.

 

“Only partially.”  Michael countered then continued bluntly.  “Neither you nor Madeline possess that quality, true.  But there were other considerations.  Adrian felt that you and Madeline had outlived your usefulness as a team.  I agreed.”

 

“*Adrian* believed?”  Operations asked skeptically.  He could understand why Michael would want to think so, justify what Operations thought was revenge for the younger man’s ‘fall from grace’ over the last year and a half in Section. But what exactly did Adrian find lacking?

 

“She believed you became too comfortable with each other.”

 

“Too comfortable?”  Operations echoed.

 

“Yes.”  Michael answered.  “You lost the balance.  There was no ‘second opinion’ anymore, just one.  Your recent dissension was a direct consequence of that failing.  You left Madeline in Red Cell’s compound because you didn’t need her counsel anymore, you wanted ‘new blood.’”

 

“Perhaps, you have a point.”  Madeline conceded.  “But, why did you move me and leave Paul and not the reverse?”

 

“As I said, Paul is incapable of leading Oversight at this time and second is not an option.”

 

“A good soldier can take orders from *any* superior.”  Operations countered, trying to impart that he was not the power hungry ‘villain’ that many perceived but rather a soldier fighting the good fight by whatever means necessary.

 

“Perhaps *you* would adapt.”  Michael amended seeing that Operations misunderstood his reasoning.  “But your move to Oversight as second, regardless of the true reason would be perceived as a demotion and weaken your credibility.  Considering the recent problems in Oversight, any lack of credibility, whether real or perceived, is not an option.”

 

“My moving to Oversight does not pose the same problem.”  Madeline commented.

 

“No.”  Michael confirmed then elaborated on the reason he felt Madeline was needed at Oversight as opposed to another Section.  “Petrosian is qualified to assume George’s position, but his lack of leadership and management experience in the organization coupled with a weakness in ‘people skills’ requires a second who is politically savvy and experienced.”

 

“What about me?”  Nikita interjected, the need to know if Michael’s decision to leave her in Section was merely a form of retaliation for her ‘betrayal’ wearing out the last of her patience. “Why Section One?”

 

“Your actions and behavior over the last three years in combination for Center and Section have revealed a less seasoned mixture of the ‘qualities’ of your colleagues. Your similarities to Madeline make you suitable for the position.  Your similarities to Paul together with your own experience in Section will prevent any inappropriate command decisions.” 

 

“Is that it?”  Nikita asked, not liking the overt ‘resemblance’ to those she swore she’d never become.

 

“What else is there?”  Michael asked, hoping Nikita would realize that the rest of this conversation was not for public viewing.

 

Before anything else could be said or asked Davenport appeared with a pda that required Michael’s immediate attention.

 

“That will be all.”  Michael stated to the trio after he’d read the pda.  “If you hear from me again anytime in the near future it will not be to your benefit.”  Michael stood and concluded the meeting.  “If you have any further questions or issues follow the proper chain of command.  If I feel there’s something worth discussing, you’ll be notified.”

 

And with that Center’s new boss went inside, followed by his ever present shadows while Davenport escorted the visitors out of Center’s secondary, more secure ‘office’ and into the official beginning of the new regime.

 

********

 

After his guests had left Michael retreated into his office to take care of the crisis Davenport had brought to his attention.  Satisfied with his solution, Michael sat back and gave himself a brief respite, unwanted reflections on the whirlwind of the last few days interrupting his peace.

 

After his ‘rescue’ by Nikita and their conversation in the forest Michael had jumped on the waiting motorcycle and sped off to his rendezvous with Adrian.  He’d known Nikita would find a way around the suicide mission, he just hadn’t considered the option she took and how much it would affect him.  But, knowing there was still much to do before the ‘real’ transfer of power, Michael ruthlessly suppressed his emotions and put the conversation and its implications out of his mind.

 

Even now, Michael couldn’t afford to dwell on it or his and Nikita’s relationship.  He’d only officially been ‘in power’ for thirty six hours.  He had decided to reveal himself to the personnel he knew would be key to his success or failure and to establish the parameters of the new regime even before his command was assured.  And because it had to be done quickly so that the changes would be swift, he had no time to try to resolve his ‘personal’ life first.  As it stood now, he wouldn’t have that chance for quite a while. 

 

Going without a personal life was nothing new to Michael.  Although it was never painless, now it was almost unbearable.  He knew *his* feelings for Nikita, but he certainly did not know how she felt about him.  Michael was sure Nikita’s feelings about ‘protecting the innocents’ was real and she would do well in her new role.  But as for her feelings for him, for all Michael knew, Nikita’s only feelings at this point were of disgust at how easy a target he had been for three years and anger and resentment that he was still ‘around.’ Perhaps even worse, she felt nothing at all.  Given Nikita’s attitude at the meeting, any one of those feelings were possible.  He couldn’t even say that he didn’t know Nikita well enough anymore to gauge her real feelings, because the truth of it was that he really never knew her at all. 

 

Michael couldn’t help replaying the conversation they’d had when he went rogue and came into Section looking for Adrian.  Under the influence of Gelman’s mind control process was probably the only time Nikita’s objectivity where he was concerned was intact.

 

 

Nikita: “You don’t belong here anymore, Michael.”

 

Michael: “Why are you saying that?”

 

Nikita: “‘Cause you don’t have what it takes. If you did, I’d be dead.”

 

 

While the fact that Michael was where he was essentially refuted that statement, it nevertheless was how Nikita had perceived him - weak.  Had that always been the case, before and after her brainwashing, he didn’t know.  Adrian had told him that Nikita’s ‘actions’ had been mandated.  Michael knew that Adrian probably had an idea of Nikita’s real feelings but he knew he couldn’t ask the older woman anymore on the subject than he already had. 

 

Whatever the feelings, Michael didn’t have the luxury of time to dwell on them.  There was much he needed to accomplish before he could breathe easily enough to seek out the truth behind the lies.  Adrian had told him she would be available for ‘advice’ in his first month at Center, but Michael figured he couldn’t go to her – he had to sink or swim by himself.  Until his ‘probation’ was over, Michael had to concentrate on business only, otherwise his regime would be *very* short. 

 

Before returning to the business at hand, Michael allowed himself one more thought, a vow that as soon as his audition was over and Center was ‘his’ he would resolve his personal life and move on, whichever way the road led.  He knew the road could never lead back to Adam and Elena.  His son deserved to grow up ‘normally’ without a father who’d only put his life in danger, from allies and foes, alike.  And Elena deserved a life with someone who could give her the love that Michael never could, certainly, at least, not from the moment that he’d met Nikita.

 

Michael *had* hoped that the road would lead back to Nikita. She was as bound to this life of fighting for the greater good as he was.   But, if the road turned out to be a lonely one, then so be it.  The good he knew he could do at Center would have to be enough.

 

********

 

The atmosphere in the car on the ride back from their short meeting was even more subdued than on the way there.  Each of the three occupants were lost in thought, having even more to ponder now that they knew who it was that was in charge.

 

Operations’ thoughts were very similar to Madeline’s.  They both ruminated over the implications of a subordinate promoted over them, specifically a subordinate that they’d carefully cultivated and manipulated for their own designs.  The irony of their pupil (and sometime whipping boy) ascending over them was not lost on either of the two longtime colleagues.  Their question at this point was whether they were such good teachers or was Michael such a good student?  Ego dictated the former, but logic dictated a combination.  Would either of them have done anything differently? Would it have mattered if they did?  Those were questions that would haunt both of them for a long time to come. 

 

Neither felt the need to question the validity of Adrian’s decision.  After Madeline had 'debriefed' upon her return from her meeting with the older woman, she and Operations had gone out to a ‘farewell’ dinner.   After twenty years of working together their ‘silent’ communication was as good as Michael and Nikita’s had once been.   Neither of them were the monsters that they were viewed upon by many, but rather two people, one by choice, the other by design, who'd devoted their life to a worthy cause but thankless job.  With a minimum of conversation mixed in with quite a bit of reflection, they'd both realized, however belatedly, that somewhere along the line they'd lost their way. 

 

Michael and Adrian had been right, the fact that they were trying to ‘off’ each other was a symptom of a far deeper problem.  Fittingly, seeing Michael in his new position was a final reminder that he was better suited for this task.  He’d left them in positions of power and trusted them to learn from the past and not abuse their positions again.  Both Madeline and Operations knew that if the roles had been reversed, they would not have left Michael alive, let alone in a position of authority.  They were sure that Michael had fail-safes in place in case they didn't ‘live up to expectations’ but they each swore to themselves that they would make sure that the fail-safes were never needed.

 

Nikita was not in the same boat as Operations and Madeline so her introspection was quite different than theirs.  Her improved acting skills had served her well as she had, for the most part, been able to maintain a calm façade during that short ‘meeting.’  Lucky for her, her two seatmates had been as shocked as she was.  Even now they were busy with their own thoughts and the personal implications of Michael being in charge (and not dead from an abeyance mission) to scrutinize her reactions and behavior.

 

Of course, Nikita’s initial reaction was one of shock.  She’d thought Michael gone from any aspect of the organization, her setting him ‘free’ the most selfless thing she could have done for him.  Hurt followed closely behind.  Nikita betrayed everything for Center and then betrayed what little remained of her former self in order to free Michael from the Agency.  She’d not only betrayed those she considered friends, but she’d also betrayed what she was. 

 

That realization in turn, brought out the last of her emotions – anger.  Anger at herself for being duped once again was quickly replaced by anger at Michael for ‘playing’ her yet again.  Smiling bitterly to herself, Nikita recalled the phrase ‘love is blind.’  In her case, stubborn, too.  Her blindness where her former mentor was concerned credited him with feelings and emotions where there weren’t any.

 

Nikita knew she wasn’t entirely blameless.  She’d been lying to Michael, and most everyone else, for three years.  She’d always complained that the ends did not always justify the means, but considering her actions on behalf of Center, what right did she have to complain or be angry? Did the fact that Nikita did what she did with the intention of ‘cleaning up’ Section absolve her? 

 

While it was true that Michael had used her again, had used her innate qualities to further the organization, could she really be angry at him?  One thing Nikita had finally realized not all that long ago was that whatever Michael had done in the five years she had been an operative, he’d done for the organization.  Nothing he did to her was ‘personal.’  If she was truthful with herself, Nikita had to admit that she couldn’t even say that much about her own actions.  She started working for Center out of pure self-interest and she’d used Michael’s (and others’) feelings for her over the years to stay alive without breaking cover.  No, Nikita admitted, she couldn’t be angry, her actions had been even more selfish than his.  Living in a glass house, she had no right to throw stones.

 

The final emotion that surged through Nikita was disappointment.  She’d remembered his concluding remark at the meeting.  She had known, despite the sunglasses, that Michael was looking at her as he’d said it.  She had felt it.  A variation of ‘don’t call me, I’ll call you,’ Nikita realized. Again, she thought, after all that she had done, could she blame him?

 

By ‘promoting’ her, Michael showed that he still trusted Nikita professionally, at least.  Maybe someday they could build on that.

 

********

 

Unaware of the change of power in Section, Oversight and Center, Walter made his way to his new apartment after his first official day at The Farm.

 

After his ‘evaluation’ Walter wasn’t about to hang around.  The only reason he hadn’t packed his bags right after he left that room was to find out what would happen to the others.  After thirty years you’d think that Walter would know better than to be surprised or disgusted with anything that went on in Section or the Agency.  Well, they’d surprised him alright, threw him for a whopper of a loop.

 

After saying goodbye to Jason, Walter prepped one last mission.  He’d only done it so he could help Michael escape cancellation.  The poor kid had sacrificed what was left of his soul to keep Nikita’s intact, only to have it all thrown back in his face.  To think that it was Nikita that he had felt sorry for and supported all those years.

 

The look of sorrow and resignation on Michael’s face when he picked up his gear was enough to drive an old man to tears.  After Michael refused the solvents and compressor with a polite thank you, Walter knew he’d been there too long.  He didn’t even hang around for the completion of the mission.  He packed up what little he wanted to take with him and was on a plane before Michael’s team had reached their first mark.  Not needing or wanting to know the details, Walter had disregarded any incoming messages since he got here and hadn’t sent any of his own. 

 

His first day at the farm convinced Walter that even if sending him here was the only way to avoid cancellation, he’d rather be as dead as Michael surely was.  Walter already missed his ‘workshop.’  He’d been told as soon as he arrived that his reputation had preceded him as did the reasons for his ‘transfer’ and he’d be watched very closely to make sure he stuck to protocol.  Teaching wasn’t what Walter was made for, building new and better ‘toys’ so that his operatives came back alive and in one piece was all that Walter wanted.

 

Walking into his still unfurnished apartment, Walter turned on the lights and got yet another shock to his thankfully strong heart.  Standing by the lamp in his customary black, gun at the ready was the last person Walter thought he would ever see again.

 

“Michael!”  Walter exclaimed, stunned but glad to see the younger man alive.  “You took the stuff after all.”

 

“Not exactly.”  Michael countered, putting his gun away, knowing Walter had come alone.

 

“Not exactly? What’s that supposed to mean?”  Walter asked, his pleasure at seeing the level five operative alive turning into confusion at his usual cryptic style of conversation.  “Wait a minute, they’ve got me under video surveillance, they’ll see you.”

 

“It’s taken care of.”  Michael assured, nodding at the scrambling device posted on the wall underneath the foyer camera.

 

“Isn’t that one of mine?”  Walter asked suspiciously, peering at the scrambler.

 

“Yes, the loop only runs for another twenty minutes.”  Michael confirmed.  “Let’s go.”

 

“Go? Go where? Hey, what’s going on?”

 

“A job offer.”

 

“What? You’re supposed to be dead and you’re offering me a job, just like that?”  Walter asked following Michael outside, even more confused.

 

“You may wish I *was* dead after you hear what I have to say.”

 

********

 

SIX WEEKS LATER: MICHAEL’S HIDDEN CENTER OFFICE

 

 

 

“Yes.”  Michael took a deep, calming breath after checking the security camera before calling out and remotely opening the deceptively simple door to his private office then standing out of politeness and respect.

 

“Michael.”  Greeted the older woman, nodding at Michael’s ever present bodyguards and stepping through the doorway.

 

“Adrian.”  Michael returned.

 

“You don’t seem surprised to see me.”

 

“I was expecting you.  Eventually.”  Michael confirmed.

 

“I got tired of waiting for you to come to me for help.”

 

“I didn't think I needed any.”  Michael countered and continued to stand, waiting on Adrian.

 

“I seem to remember you telling that to Paul a few times as well.”  Adrian returned in amusement.

 

“Is there something I can do for you?”  Michael asked politely, refraining from starting the conversation at a disadvantage by asking if there was anything wrong.

 

“As a matter of fact, yes.”  Adrian replied, sitting down and waiting for Michael to do the same.

 

“Can I get you anything?”  Michael asked, returning to his seat behind the desk.

 

“No, thank you.  I see you’ve redecorated.”  Adrian commented, openly looking around, referring to the more austere decorating style Michael seemed to prefer.  “Spartan, almost provisional.”

 

“Functional.”  Michael corrected politely. 

 

“Those who don’t know you could very well infer that you’re not very confident of your ability to remain here.”

 

“They’ll learn.” 

 

“Yes, I suppose they will.”  Adrian returned thoughtfully.  “But, I didn’t come here to discuss your decorating style.  I came to applaud you.”

 

“For what?”  Michael asked, his features remaining blank despite his erratic heartbeat.

 

“Your independence.  Contrary to what you had undoubtedly believed, my offer of counsel was genuine.”  Adrian replied.

 

“I assumed Mick would keep you apprised of any potential situation and you would come forward with any concerns.”  Michael responded to Adrian’s unspoken question.

 

“Section paranoia?”

 

“Experience.”  Michael countered.

 

“Part of the blame lies with me, I’m afraid.”  Adrian sighed with more than a little remorse.  “Your ‘experience’ obviously, is a byproduct of George, Paul and Madeline’s fears, which unfortunately I did nothing to stop until rather late.”

 

“It was a learning experience.”  Michael placated.

 

“Perhaps.”  Adrian conceded.  “But an unnecessary one.”

 

“At least I know what not to do.”  Michael returned, the ghost of a smile gracing his lips, more relaxed in Adrian’s presence now that he thought he knew where the conversation was going.

 

“Finally, a bit of humor.” Adrian smiled.  “Some use humor as a defense to cover unease, but I get the feeling you’re comfortable in my presence.”

 

“Is there a reason I shouldn’t be?”  Michael asked, getting back to the heart of the matter.

 

“No.”  Adrian assuaged Michael’s lingering apprehension.  “I came to say goodbye. Center and the Agency are in good hands.”

 

“Thank you.”  Michael returned.  “Will you stay in touch?”

 

“I’ll leave that up to you.”  Adrian replied, her confidence in Michael’s ability confirmed over the six weeks he’d been in charge.

 

“What will you do now?”  Michael asked, genuine curiosity his only motive.

 

“I’ve bought a substantial piece of property, perfect for maintaining an extensive garden.”  Adrian smiled.

 

“I should have guessed.”  Michael smiled in return.  “Your bodyguard detail is ready.  Two pairs, twelve hour shifts each.”

 

“It’s not necessary.”  Adrian argued again halfheartedly, knowing Michael would not concede this point.

 

“Perhaps not, but I insist.”  Michael was adamant.

 

“Very well.  Although I fail to see why anyone would want to come an after an old retired bird.”

 

“Is that how Mick referred to you?”  Michael guessed, amused.

 

“Yes.”  Adrian grinned.  “His exact words were ‘an old retired bird like you needs protection and I’m not talking about the store bought kind, either.’”

 

“I see Mick Schtoppel’s personality was not entirely fabricated.”

 

“Oh, no.”  Adrian confirmed.  “I can tell you from experience it’s genuine.”

 

“Wonderful.”  Michael murmured.  “I’ll have to make certain our contact will be limited.”

 

“You’ll get used to him.”  Adrian commented then smiled at Michael’s doubtful look. “Really.  He’s not so bad once you get used him.”

 

“I’m sure.”  Michael relented a bit, seeing for himself in the last several weeks how good Mick was at his job and cutting him some slack for it.

 

“Good.  Now, of course, you know I can’t leave without imparting a bit of advice.”

 

“Of course.”  Michael replied with a hint of humor.

 

“This place, the work done here, is very important but, it can’t be everything.  That’s where George and Paul went wrong.  You need an oasis, a sanctuary in the storm.”

 

“Horticulture.”  Michael deduced.  “You had your gardens and Madeline has her plants.”

 

“Yes.  Madeline accepted much of my guidance in the early years.”  Adrian confirmed then added her parting counsel.  “But it doesn’t have to be things, it could people too.”

 

********

 

Before Adrian’s words even had a chance to sink in, Michael received another visitor.

 

“Yes.”  Michael sighed after his guest cleared ‘inspection,’ not really looking forward to what he was sure would follow.

 

“Hey.”  Walter greeted, coming in and making himself comfortable in the chair Adrian had vacated a few minutes ago.

 

“Will this take long?”  Michael asked, wanting to be alone with his thoughts.

 

“Depends on how stubborn you are.”  Walter retorted.  “So what did Adrian have to say?”

 

“Adrian?”  Michael stalled, not really surprised that Walter was aware of the identity of his previous visitor.

 

“Yeah, Adrian.  The woman whose office you’ve taken over.”  Walter fired back.  “Well, was that it?  She gave you her seal of approval?”

 

“You’re too inquisitive for your own good.”  Michael evaded.

 

“So, what else is new?” Walter argued.  “Now that you’re officially and unequivocally the BMOC, can you concentrate on your personal life already?”

 

“I don’t know that there’s anything to concentrate on.”  Michael replied, knowing who Walter was referring to.

 

“Oh, man.  Not this again.”  Walter sighed, then watched as Michael visibly flinched at the mention of their subject’s name.  “Nikita thought she was granting you freedom, she didn’t mean what she said.”

 

“Perhaps.”  Michael replied softly.

 

“Perhaps?”  Walter asked incredulously, failing to understand how the man in front of him could be so blind.

 

The ringing of Michael’s phone saved him from further unwanted conversation.  Waving an angry and muttering Walter away, Michael took a deep breath to compose himself and returned to business. He was grateful for the interruption, for he couldn’t explain to Walter that, regardless of her intentions and the profile, Nikita’s actions only served to show that she didn’t know him at all if she thought that what he wanted was ‘freedom.’  Worse still, he couldn’t even be sure whether Nikita ‘freed’ him out of love or as a result of a guilty conscience.

 

********

 

Two crises and many long hours later Michael’s first ‘official’ day as the head of the Agency finally came to a close.  With nothing to look forward to but an empty home,  Michael decided on a motorcycle ride to clear his head.  Abandoning his less than thrilled shadows with explicit instructions to ‘stay behind’ and a vague notion of when he would return, Michael took off into the cold, crisp night.

 

With no idea of where he was headed, Michael just drove.  Before he knew it he was crossing the tunnel into France.  With nothing to deter him, knowing he had to resolve his past one or way or another before he could hope to move on, Michael drove into an unfamiliar upper class suburb and proceeded to the address he had gleaned from Center’s mainframe over a month ago.

 

Hoping that the object of this impromptu late night/early morning visit would be home, Michael parked his bike and headed for the small, three story apartment building that housed nine high ranking officials from various government agencies.  Showing credentials and rattling off clearance codes that made even the veteran doormen/guards visibly nervous, Michael confirmed the person he was visiting was home then politely advised the guards that it would be in their own best interest to forget he had ever been there.

 

Walking the short distance to the elevator, Michael pressed the third floor button and tried to clear his mind on the short ride up.  Reaching the desired floor, he stepped off the elevator, and taking a calming breath, headed for the unfamiliar apartment.  Ringing the buzzer before he could change his mind, Michael stepped back into view of the camera and waited.

 

Suspicious that the guards hadn’t called in a visitor, the person on the other side of the door grabbed their weapon and checked the surveillance camera.  Visibly affected by the view in the monitor, the penthouse occupant took a deep breath of their own before opening the door.

 

“Michael.”  She greeted as calmly as she could, given her racing heart.

 

“Nikita.”  Michael returned the greeting.

 

“Would you like to come in?” Nikita asked, nerves making it difficult to speak in a normal voice.

 

“Yes.”  Michael replied, not sure whether Nikita’s nervousness was a good thing or bad.  “Thank you.”

 

“Can I get you anything?”  Nikita stalled, not at all sure that she was going to like the conversation.

 

“No, thank you.”  Michael, answered, his usual politeness not giving Nikita any indication of the reason for his visit.

 

“Why are you here?”  Nikita asked the obvious question, not even inviting Michael to take off his coat before she fired the first question.

 

“To resolve the past.”  Michael answered cryptically, afraid to give too much away, still standing in the foyer.

 

“Why did you wait so long?”  Nikita blurted out before she could stop herself, horrified at herself, especially given Michael’s typically ambiguous response.

 

“I had to secure my position first.”  Michael replied, realizing Nikita was masking her feelings as much as he was.

 

“I thought that was resolved six weeks ago.”  A confused Nikita returned, referring to their ‘meeting.’

 

“No.”  Michael countered.  “That was probation.”

 

“I see.”  Nikita responded, faintly embarrassed that realization hadn’t dawned earlier, but then again when it came to Michael…“And now?”

 

“Today was the first official day.” 

 

“And you came here right off the bat, so to speak.”  Nikita prodded.

 

“Yes. But if you’re busy, I can come back.”  Michael replied, his heart in his throat.

 

“No, of course not.  Please, stay.”  Nikita replied quickly, belatedly offering to take Michael’s jacket.

 

“Thank you.”  Michael returned, shrugging off his leather jacket and sitting down on the far side of the couch while Nikita hung it up in the closet.

 

“So.”  Nikita said as she sat down on the opposite side of the couch, not quite at the end, but with plenty of space between them. “Where do you want to start?”  Nikita questioned, knowing Michael would not initiate the conversation.

 

“The beginning.”  Michael supplied, then quietly asked.  “Why did you come back in after Lyon? Center?”

 

“I wasn’t recruited by Center then.”  Nikita replied, startled that he didn’t know when Center first came to her.  “I’d have thought Mick or Adrian would have told you when I was approached.”

 

“I didn’t ask.”

 

“Oh.”  Nikita responded, not able to pick up whether that had been due to indifference or fear of the answer.  Oh, well she thought, if they were going to air out their dirty laundry, she might as well just plunge right in.  “I told you the truth then, at least what I believed the truth at the time.”

 

“Then when?” 

 

“During my forced downtime, after Jurgen’s death.”  Nikita answered, knowing he was referring to her Center recruitment.

 

“They gave you a choice?” Michael asked.

 

“They made me believe I had a choice, yes.  But they stacked the deck in their favor.”

 

“How?”

 

“I was ripe for their picking.”  Nikita replied self-mockingly, remembering her naïveté  “I was an easy target, even more vulnerable than before.  As far as I knew, you shoved me aside and then you and Section used my feelings *again* and a good man died because of it.  My status was far from certain as well.  When I still didn’t jump at the chance, they were ready for that, too.  Any lingering misgivings I had about working against *you* were put to rest when I was shown a picture of you with Adam and Elena and told who they were to you.  At that point I had had enough of both you and Section, didn’t even know who I despised more. Center took ‘advantage’ and offered me a chance to help change things.  I grabbed the opportunity with absolutely no remorse.”

 

“Then why did you ‘help’ me against Enquist and Rene, among others?”  Michael needed to know.

 

“My survival in Section was not a given, it was up to me to stay alive until they needed me.”  Nikita replied, her voice and eyes hard.  “So, I finally listened to your number one lesson, I did what I had to do to survive.  I couldn’t turn 180 degrees around and set off alarm bells in everyone’s heads.  Instead, I used your feelings of what I figured were guilt and responsibility for your material for protection.”

 

“I see.” Michael said, turning away in pain at Nikita’s words, even though he couldn’t blame her for them.

 

Stunned at Michael’s inability to mask his reaction and the intensity of the reaction itself, Nikita was paralyzed by the implications and didn’t register Michael’s withdrawal and immediate move to get out until he was halfway to the door.

 

“Michael.”  Nikita finally stirred, reaching out to grab his arm before he got to the door.

 

“It’s okay.  I understand.”  Michael jerked his arm away, not turning around, continuing to the door.

 

“You *would* understand.”  Nikita mused aloud.  “You really wouldn’t blame me for hating you.”

 

“What right would I have?” Michael asked as he grasped the doorknob, realizing he had been right to believe that Nikita’s motives for not letting him die on the abeyance mission were to clear her conscience rather than the result of any ‘deep’ feelings she had for him.  “Goodbye.” He finished, opening the door, his jacket and everything else forgotten in his haste to get out before his mask completely crumbled.

 

Snapping out of her haze Nikita ran out the door to find Michael waiting for the elevator, his emotions walled off for survival, features seemingly permanently frozen into ‘machine mode.’

 

“Michael, wait.”  Nikita implored.  “I’m sorry.”

 

“For what? The truth?  Surviving? Don’t be.”  Michael answered without even turning around, weary and resigned.  “I’m not.”

 

“That’s not…”  Nikita stopped abruptly and changed the subject.  “Why are you leaving me behind?”

 

“Behind?” Michael asked, confused.

 

“In Section.”  Nikita elaborated.

 

“It’s where you’re needed.”  Michael replied, still puzzled as to why, of all things,  Nikita was questioning her position.

 

“That’s not what I mean.”  Nikita returned.  “Look, can we go back inside?”

 

“What for?  You’ve made your position and feelings clear.”

 

“I was angry with you and I didn’t know how you felt.  Hell, I still don’t.”  Nikita sighed.  “Please?  Just a few minutes?”

 

“Alright.”  Michael replied quietly, not being able to refuse the pleading he’d seen in her eyes, even though he knew he would be leaving himself open to more pain.

 

********

 

“Why didn’t you want to bring me into Center when you ascended?”  Nikita asked the question that had been burning the ‘brightest’ for the last six weeks, much brighter than any anger she had felt at being manipulated again.  If there was one thing she’d learned about her former mentor over the years it was that Michael wouldn’t even bother manipulating you if he didn’t care, he’d just plow right through you.

 

“I trust you to keep Paul contained until he can be on his own or needs to be removed.”   Michael answered.  “What did you think?”

 

“I just thought that you might have wanted to take me with you.”  Nikita stated.  She knew she’d always be an ‘employee’ of the Agency, couldn’t really see herself doing anything else after her experiences over the last six years.

 

“Why?”  Michael returned, finally understanding what Nikita was asking.  “I thought you didn’t want ‘special treatment.’  Bringing you into Center would have compromised both of us.”  Michael continued, referring to a conversation they had had while he was temporarily in charge of Section. 

 

“That’s the only reason?”  Nikita had to be sure.

 

“Yes.”  Michael replied unequivocally and continued, not without pain.  “Regardless of our personal relationship, you’re still the only person I trust not to fail me.”

 

“After everything I’ve done?  How can you?”  Nikita asked, ashamed now at that conversation considering her double duty for Center even back then.

 

“Mick said he told you I planned the profile.”  Michael returned, clearly remembering his immediate subordinate relating to him how he had told Nikita that her actions had been anticipated, counted on, in fact.  What puzzled Michael the most was how disconcerted she was about her actions and not the fact that as far as he was concerned she was so predictable, something which she had long ago angrily promised to stop being.

 

“That’s not the point.”  Nikita tried again.

 

“Then what is?”  Michael asked.

 

“You may have predicted my actions, but the fact remains that I still committed them.  I turned you over to Red Cell to further what I thought was a mandate from someone who supposedly did not have your best interests at heart. I ordered your cancellation for god’s sake.”

 

“But you knew I would get out and you didn’t carry out the cancellation order; both actions that endangered your own position.”

 

“My god.”  Realization at Michael’s absolute faith in her finally dawned on Nikita.  “You completely put your life in my hands.”

 

“Yes.”  Michael replied truthfully.  “If you hadn’t acted the way you had, I’d be dead, either by Adrian’s hand or on the abeyance mission.”

 

 “I see.”  Nikita stated with more calm than she felt.  “So, you’ve proven you know me well, better than I know myself.”

 

“I misread your reasons for agreeing to work for Center, underestimated how well you learned what Section One and I had taught you and overestimated your feelings for me.”  Michael commented, bringing up Nikita’s recent revelation.  “No, Nikita.  I don’t know you at all.”  Michael finished sadly.

 

“You were more right than you think.”  Nikita contradicted.  “Retribution may have been a good motivator in the beginning, but it didn’t last.  While you may have underestimated my ‘learning’ abilities, you did *not* overestimate my feelings.”

 

“Perhaps not at the time.”  Michael conceded, remembering Nikita’s behavior during and after the completion of his blood cover as genuine.  “But you did change your mind.”

 

“When?” 

 

“After the Volker mission. You pulled away, obviously you found something lacking.”  Michael replied, unspoken was the addition of ‘in me’ to the end of that sentence.

 

“No.”  Nikita denied, “I told you the truth.  That mission just brought home what I’d become.  I let go of everything I swore I would hold on to.  As soon as I agreed to work for Center, I’d compromised myself.  That mission was just the last straw.  I put you out on a limb for me again by letting Volker go,  I even killed our own operatives.  To what end? Kalstrom went into hiding and re-emerged with an even deadlier attack.  What right did I have to choose which innocents would die?”  Nikita paused, then made her point.  “By then, between Section and Center I didn’t know who I was anymore and I had to resolve that before I could even *think* of any one or any thing else.”

 

“So you only came back to me during the Black Storm mission to complete the evaluation.”  Michael surmised, guessing from her tone that Nikita decided that he was exactly what she was afraid she’d become.

 

“I came back because regardless of everything else going on, my feelings were real.  Mick told me that Section’s evaluation was complete during my downtime after Birkoff’s death and that I should await final instructions.”  Nikita paused,  “I figured that once everything came to light we probably wouldn’t have a future together so I took advantage of what little time remained.”

 

“Took advantage?”  A glimmer of hope lodged itself in Michael’s voice, if not countenance.

 

“Yeah.  I was selfish, I wanted something for myself before the crap hit the fan.”  Nikita confessed.

 

“Is that all it was?  A distraction to pass the time?”  Michael asked, needing to be sure.

 

“Not for me.”  Nikita answered truthfully.  “What about you?”

 

“You don’t know?”

 

“All I know is you used my feelings again to further your agenda.”

 

“You think I had a choice?”  Michael asked with a hint of bitterness, remembering Adrian’s insistence on using Nikita.

 

“What *was* the profile, exactly?”  Nikita answered with a question of her own.

 

“Adrian’s scenario was ordering you to escape Section and I was to compromise your mission.” Michael replied.  “I had to profile key personnel’s reactions.”

 

“Key personnel?”

 

“Personnel I intended to leave in place.  Adrian allowed me the choice as long as I proved I could anticipate and if necessary, manipulate key personnel to my own endgame.  My profile had to show that I knew everyone’s mindset and was able to plan accordingly.”

 

“Obviously, you were successful or, as you said, you’d be dead.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“So you anticipated my coming back for you then?”  Nikita asked, realizing it had to have been Michael who gave away their position when they were on the run in order to complete the profile.

 

“Yes.”  Michael confirmed again.

 

“Then why doubt my feelings?”

 

“For the same reason I was uncertain of the reasoning behind your ‘rescue’ on the abeyance mission.”

 

“I don’t understand.”

 

“As you said, Section and I taught you well.  I wasn’t able to discern if you decided that you couldn’t let me die because of your feelings or out of a sense of obligation.”

 

“I could ask you the same thing.”  Nikita skirted around the question, not yet ready to admit her feelings out loud for fear of them being one sided.  “Am I second in Section out of a sense of obligation or perhaps repayment of a debt?”

 

“Why would you say that?”  Michael asked, surprised.

 

“I broke protocol by letting you live.”  Nikita elaborated then tried to explain herself better.  “Don’t get me wrong, I’d do it again in a minute, I mean the only thing I regret is that it was a manipulation and didn’t get you your freedom. But still, how did disobeying orders get me a promotion?”

 

“The same way it got me mine.”  Michael paused.  “Adrian first signaled me out when I went rogue to neutralize the Gelman process.  My success against Section showed my capabilities while my not canceling her, or rather her double, demonstrated the compassion needed for her job.”

 

“How does that apply to me?”  Nikita asked, still confused.

 

“Completing your assignment and neutralizing me to do so confirmed your capabilities, letting me go and taking Walter out of the line of fire, as misguided as both those actions were, evidenced the compassion needed to temper Paul’s ruthlessness.”

 

“I see.”  Nikita returned, mulling Michael’s words over even as, responding to Michael’s unusual openness, she asked another question she could no longer hold back. “Why the week on the boat together?”

 

“Paul and Madeline were given one week to prove that they were still an effective team.”

 

“And when they failed to find us, you helped them along.  So, even *that* was a mission.”  Nikita surmised resentfully.  “When was the last time, or was there even a time, that I wasn’t part of some mission or manipulation?”

 

“I could ask you the same thing.”  Michael threw Nikita’s earlier words back at her.

 

“Me?”  Nikita asked, confused again.

 

“You once accused me of developing a predictable pattern.  I lie then say I’m sorry, never coming up with anything a little more interesting.”  Michael reminded Nikita of a conversation they’d had while she had him at gunpoint in her apartment.  “Even after that ‘pattern’ persisted, you kept forgiving and coming back.  Was that because of *your* mission?”

 

“No, of course not.”  Nikita quickly denied, surprised that Michael would bring up such an old conversation, one that had transpired when she was still naïve about her ‘new world,’ but then again, this was Michael, he remembered *everything.*  “This is useless.  We’re going around in circles.”  Nikita sighed in exasperation.  “Can you answer a bloody question without one of your own?” 

 

“Nikita…”

 

“No, I want to know.”  Nikita interrupted, her patience at end.  “Even the blood tear was an act, wasn’t it?”

 

“No.”  Michael denied.  “We were being monitored, I couldn’t tell you the profile was as painful for me as it was for you.”

 

“Why do I find that hard to believe?”  Nikita returned, tears pooling in her eyes, lashing out in anger and hurt.  “Just tell me, Michael.  Was everything staged? From the first moment in the white room to that last conversation in the forest, was any of it as real for you as it was for me?  Or did you already relegate me to the past, like Elena and Adam?”

 

“Is that what you think?”  Michael asked incredulously.  “That I ‘dispatched’ them so easily?”

 

“Oh my god, I’m sorry Michael.”  Nikita returned apologetically.  “That wasn’t fair.”

 

“It’s okay.”  Michael countered, understanding Nikita’s lashing even though her bluntness pained him.  “You deserve an answer.  Elena will heal, Adam will grow up and they’ll have the life they deserve.”  Michael echoed yet another conversation from early on in their ‘relationship.’

 

“You really believe that?”

 

“Yes.”  Michael replied without doubt, having thought about this long and hard already.  “They’re better off without me.  Elena deserves someone who could love her and Adam deserves better than a father who’d only put his life in danger.”

 

“Michael…”  Nikita started.

 

“Come with me.”  Michael interrupted, understanding that words would not convince Nikita of anything at this point.  But there *was* something that might. 

 

“Where? Why?” 

 

“To show you what’s real.”  Michael answered, beseeching with his eyes.  “Please.  Trust me.”

 

Michael drove his motorcycle at a slower speed than he had on his way to Nikita’s apartment.  Whereas on the ride over it was just him and his demons, this time Michael had a passenger and as neither one of them was even wearing a helmet, breakneck speed was the last thing they needed.

 

The ride was surprisingly short.  Michael’s destination actually lay as close to Nikita’s apartment as it did to Center.  As they neared their destination the sun was rising and Nikita noticed the affluence of the neighborhood, most of the houses set away from the street and gated.   Michael pulled up to one such house and drove up to the guardhouse in front of the gate.  One of the two armed guards came out of the gatehouse to inspect the visitors.  Climbing off the motorcycle Michael waited for the guard to acknowledge him.  Immediately recognizing Michael, the guard stepped aside to give Michael access to the palm reader, voice analyzer and iris scan to verify his identity while the other guard remained in the gatehouse watching on a monitor. 

 

As Michael went through the three failsafes, Nikita scanned her surroundings.  By the looks of what she saw and what she guessed wasn’t visible to the naked eye, it looked even tighter than Section and Center security.

 

His identity verified upon completion of the scans, Michael climbed back onto the motorcycle and drove through the still opening gates.  As the guard returned to the gatehouse he informed Michael’s bodyguards, via comlink, that their boss was back.

 

As they rode down the long paved driveway Nikita wondered what lay at the end of the driveway that required such extreme security.

 

********

 

As Michael and Nikita drove through the gates, not too far from them another ‘couple’ was discussing their current state of affairs over breakfast, an old tradition that had only recently been broken due to circumstances beyond either’s control.

 

The setting for this breakfast was a quiet, unremarkable but elegant restaurant that usually catered to ‘power’ breakfasts and lunches and afforded their patrons a good amount of privacy.

 

The salt and pepper haired man sat at a table for two (having shown up a bit early), waiting for his guest to arrive.  Sitting in the back of the restaurant, facing the door of course, he saw her walk in.  Knowing where he would choose to sit, the elegant and stylish brunette saw him right away and walked over without waiting to be seated. 

 

“Madeline.”  Paul smiled in greeting, courteously standing and pulling out her chair.

 

“Paul.”  Madeline greeted warmly in return, her smile reaching her eyes.

 

“I’m glad you came.”

 

“Did you doubt it?”

 

“No, not really.”  Paul conceded then quieted upon seeing the waiter headed their way.

 

“So, how’s Oversight?”  Paul predictably broke the silence after the waiter had left with their orders.

 

“Fine.”  Madeline replied, knowing what Paul was *really* asking.  “It’s different.”

 

“More of a challenge?”

 

“In some ways, but less in others.  Mostly different.”  Madeline countered.  “But that’s not why we’re here.”

 

“No, it isn’t.”  Paul agreed.  “I missed you.”

 

“Me, too.”  Madeline replied, uncharacteristically open.  “I’ve reconsidered much over the last few weeks.”

 

“Including us?”  Paul asked, glad but surprised.

 

“Yes, us too.”  Madeline confirmed.

 

“But our ‘failings’ were foremost in your thoughts.”  Paul surmised.  Nikita and Michael weren’t the only ones who didn’t always need words to communicate.  “I’ve done my own ‘soul searching’ as well.”  Paul paused.  “Our ‘teacher’ advanced to the highest level as did our ‘student.’  So, where did we go wrong?  Is that the gist of it?”

 

“In essence, yes.”  Madeline smiled sadly at Paul’s accurate reading.

 

“Great minds think alike?  Or perhaps not so great?” Paul joked, trying to lighten the mood.

 

“Good enough to survive.”  Madeline pointed out.

 

“But not flourish.” 

 

“There’s still time.”  Madeline countered then lapsed into silence as their food arrived.

 

********

 

“Dinner next week?”  Paul asked vaguely, not wanting to put any pressure on her as he escorted Madeline out of the restaurant almost an hour later.

 

“I’d love to.”  Madeline replied, her second genuine smile of the morning gracing her lips.

 

********

 

At the end of the driveway lay a large chateau surrounded by impeccably manicured lawns and gardens.  Looking around, Nikita noticed the entire estate was similar to Center, albeit on a smaller scale. 

 

Michael drove to the far side of the house and stopped the motorcycle in front of the garage where one of his private bodyguards waited.  Nodding at the man, Michael left the bike for his ‘shadow’ to take care of and took Nikita’s hand in his, signaling her to walk with him, and guided her down a pathway to the gardens.

 

“What is this place?”  Nikita finally asked after a few minutes of silence.

 

“Mine.”  Michael replied simply, leading Nikita to a small lake situated well behind the main house.

 

“Yours.”  Nikita commented, letting go of Michael’s hand and staring out over the lake.  “What do you mean, yours?”

 

“My primary residence.”  Michael answered then elaborated upon seeing the man coming out of the converted servant’s quarters located not far from the lake.  “I’ve only authorized two people for full access without an escort.”

 

“Two?”  Nikita asked turning and finally seeing the approaching man, surprise rendering her speechless.

 

“Hey, Nikita.”  The older man greeted then turned to Michael.  “It’s about damn time you brought her here.”

 

“I know.”  Michael conceded.

 

“Walter! What are you doing here?”  Nikita found her voice.

 

“Well, Michael and I agreed that not every one of my new toys should be made public so he’s letting me ‘play’ here.”  Walter replied neutrally then turned back to Michael, having forgiven Nikita but still upset at her.  “Just finished testing that new explosive for you.  Hell, it was ready a long time ago, I just didn’t want Operations to have it.  Glad I waited.”

 

“Fine, send me your final report.”  Michael replied, then quieted, knowing Nikita would want to say her piece to Walter before he left.

 

“Walter, I’m sorry.”  Nikita turned to the older man she’d grown to think of as a father, wincing at the inadequacy of her words.  “I- I…”

 

“It’s alright, Sugar.”  Walter interrupted returning to his pet name for her, knowing how difficult this was for Nikita and unable to stay mad at her, aware she’d done what she did to get him out what she thought was the line of fire.  “Just don’t do it again.” Walter smiled then hugged Nikita before leaving the two of them alone again.

 

“So who’s the second?”  Nikita asked after a few minutes of silence between the two of them, hope emanating from her voice and her gaze.

 

“You.”  Michael replied turning back from the lake and looking at Nikita directly, his gaze open and trusting, his love for her showing plainly in his eyes.

 

 

END