Section would soon be in chaos. George had come down from Oversight to temporarily take charge. Things could quickly get out of hand. He had co-opted Operations' office. A hysterical Birkoff had contacted him a short time ago when he had received the message. George swore him to secrecy. At the present time he and Birkoff were the only people who knew what was going on. George had called in Michael as soon as he heard what was happening.

Michael arrived at Section quickly. He didn't know what was up, but since George had called him, he knew it wasn't anything good. He quickly made his way to Operations' office.

George, who was on the phone, motioned Michael into the office. He quickly finished the conversation and then said "Hello Michael. I'm glad you're here so quickly. Things are quickly going from bad to worse. Please sit down. I have something to show you."

Michael sat before the holographic video screen and George pushed a button. Immediately the face of David Fanning appeared. "Hello whomever I am talking to. I am hoping that it is Michael, but I can't be too picky. I do hope though that whoever sees this brings it to Michael's attention quickly. And yes, Michael, I am still alive. You don't think I was stupid enough to let Lisa poison me, do you? Really Michael, you must have been thinking with something other than your brain when you sent her off with me. But hey, I did keep my side of the bargain. I gave you back Nikita. Well, at least temporarily." Then he laughed wickedly.

Michael was stunned. He had been certain Fanning was dead. He couldn't believe it. And he didn't like that remark about Nikita. What did he mean temporarily? Michael glanced at George and then back to the vid screen. Fanning continued.

"Yes, Michael, I hate to say it, but I have your woman again. You really should take better care of her." Fanning stepped aside and there was Nikita, arms and legs strapped to a chair, her face beaten, and a bomb strapped to her chest. Her mouth was taped as well. Michael wanted to reach through the screen and strangle Fanning.

"But that's just the beginning, Michael. I have a few other things you might be interested in. As you can see from my different cameras, I have Operations, Madeline and Walter all in my custody. Now, to make this interesting, I've created a small dilemma for you. As you can see they are each in the same condition as Nikita. If you look closely at Nikita here, you will notice that the timer on the bomb is set for 12 hours from now. But what is going to make this really interesting, is that each person is located in a different city in the surrounding area. Oh, don't look so disappointed Michael. I couldn't make it too easy on you. You are the Section "Wonder boy" after all. So it's up to you. You can save your woman... or your boss... or Madeline ... or Walter. I just don't think you're gonna have time to get them all though. Decisions, decisions. Well, I've got get going now. If you play nicely, I just might send along a clue or two along the way. Ta ta!"

With that, the video screen went black. Michael was shell-shocked. There was no way he could rescue all of them in twelve hours. He didn't even know where they were. And he knew what would be the top priority. Getting Operations and/or Madeline. They would be Section's priority. Of course, they weren't his, but right now he didn't have a choice. He was sure that George would send him after them.

George was watching Michael absorb the information. He knew Michael's mind was in a tailspin. He also knew Michael would do anything to save Nikita. That's why he would have to intervene. "Michael. What I want is for you to run things from Section. You can hand pick the teams, but you will stay here with Birkoff and be in charge. You will answer to no one but me. Is that understood?"

Michael looked at George. This was not right. He couldn't stay here. He needed to get out there and find them. He couldn't just sit back and let others do what he was best at. "George, I don't think..."

George cut him off. "My mind is made up Michael. Now you better get busy and get a mission profile in place. Pick the best teams you possibly can. Hopefully Birkoff will be able to extrapolate something from the transmission to give us some kind of an idea of a location. Dismissed."

Michael moved out of the office, in shock. He could not make this decision. Every single person that was taken was valuable to Section One in their own special way. Michael didn't want to admit it, but each was special to Michael in their own ways too. Madeline had trained him areas that Jurgen failed to qualify. Michael was sure that had it not been for Madeline's training that he would have fallen to the side, as he was forced to sleep with Lisa and others, while his heart belonged to others. Operations in a way had been a father for Michael. He dealt out the punishments that Michael's father never gave him. With Operations, Michael learned what structure meant. Walter tended to Michael's worries and self-doubts. Walter had been there in the darkest days of Michael's beginning at Section One and only recently did there appear to be problems, because of Walter's attachment to Nikita.

Then there was Nikita, who in some underhanded way, reminded Michael that you had to fight for what you want and that you have to know that the truth that is in your heart was all that mattered in the end. Nikita was his equal now, but also what he wanted to protect. How the others got captured, was beyond Michael, because he never felt the need to protect them. Nikita, she needed protection in Michael's mind.

Then Michael dueled with the thoughts. Madeline could cancel Michael if he chose her over Operations and the same could happen if Michael chose Operations over Madeline. Walter would not be able to live with himself if he found out that Michael chose him over Nikita, and Michael could not phantom Nikita dealing with the lost of the man who always had enough spirit to keep Nikita's alive.

It was a no win situation.

Michael sat down at his computer, on the verge of a breakdown, telling himself he had to look at the strength and weaknesses of everyone that was captured, to know who was going to start plotting from within to escape. The bomb on their chest would hamper some things, but then maybe not. It would give them a time period to work with.

***

Walter looked around and shook his head. They put the bomb too close to him. He had already disarmed the bomb and no one knew, as the clock devise continued to work. Walter could almost laugh, if he didn't know that others were captured. Now, he had to find a way out of the restraints.

***

"You like women tied up?" Madeline questioned firmly and the guard smiled and nodded his head.

"Of course. It's the only way a man with your lack of ability and equipment can show what he has." Madeline spits out and the guard moves towards Madeline staring, knowing that Madeline could outlast his stare.

***

"What do you want?" Operations asked and the guard laughed.

"How about a country to rule?" The guard asked and Operations blankly stared at the man.

"Japan? Russia? Canada? What do you want?" Operations plainly asked.

***

Nikita was scared and confused. She knew what she would have to try to do to escape. It was not what she wanted to do. She was scared, and knew that it might change her relationship with Michael forever. Yet, if she blew up with the explosives, there would never be a relationship with Michael.

"David... What do you like?" Nikita asked firmly as her insides quivered.

"What do you mean fair Nikita?" David asked and Nikita smiled.

"I can't image that Lisa satisfied you." Nikita commented and David raised an eyebrow.

"And what are you suggesting, Nikita?" David asked with a grin.

Forgetting the diskette in his hand, he retreated back down the stairs and headed straight for Michael's office.

Birkoff rushed up to Michael with the diskette still in his hand. He grabbed Michael's arm and pulled him roughly aside because Michael was hesitant to come.

"What is it Birkoff? I have a lot to do and very little time to do it." Michael said in an exasperated voice.

"I just overheard George having a conversation on the phone that I thought you might like to know about." Birkoff told him quickly, out of breath from rushing down to Michael.

"What was it about?" Birkoff had caught Michael's attention now and wanted to know what was going on behind his back.

Birkoff quickly told Michael what he'd heard then walked quickly away before anyone took notice of the private meeting.

Michael looked around and went back to what he was previously doing trying to act as if he didn't know about George's conversation but also wondering whom it was that George could have been talking to.

While working, Michael glanced up to the Observation Deck several times and caught sight of George on the phone with his back to the window. Michael decided that he was going to do a little snooping of his own.

Michael quietly got up from the chair he was sitting at in comm and walked stealthily towards the Observation Deck. When he reached the door, he stopped and listened to the conversation that was going on inside the room.

"Adrian listen to me! This is your chance! Let Operations and Madeline fry and take control of Section again! Michael can save Walter and Nikita." Michael heard George saying on to the other person.

Michael began to wonder if this incident of Operations and Madeline being captured with Nikita and Walter was really an accidental thing or if it was arranged by someone with the power to leak the intel of where they'd be.

"Well, it's your decision Adrian. You know that I will support it." Michael heard George say finally with defeat in his voice. Then he heard the click of the phone hanging up. Michael quickly turned and walked back down to his office and began looking up a location on Adrian.

Michael didn't know quite what to do. Although Operations and Madeline might not be the perfect leaders, was Adrian much better. Section as of late has been more effective then ever. If Adrian ram Section once again, as a whole it might have to forfeit it's performance for her changes. Michael finally felt what he thought Nikita had to face when she was forced with the decision, whether to save section or bring it down. Now more then ever Michael was becoming more like Nikita. He no longer cared as much for staying in Operations and Madeline's good side. He felt that he had to make the best decision for everyone. Nikita once came to the conclusion that Adrian was wrong, that section served its ultimate purpose. There were reasons for that, Adrian wanted to change the way Operations was running section, yet Section was accomplishing and still is accomplishing it's goals. Michael knew he had to make a decision quickly. He tried to think 'what would Nikita do?' He then knew the answer, he would save Operations and Madeline, as Madeline once said, "Are the crimes we've committed worse that the crimes we've prevented? And the people we've brought down, is the world a better place without them?" The answer had been yes then...and it still was...He knew he had to move quickly, he also knew he had to do something about George and Adrian. And as much as he hated to save operations before Nikita, and he had to do it quickly and quietly.

Michael: Birkoff?

Birkoff: Yes?

Michael: I need you.

Birkoff: I'll be right there.

Birkoff finished typing in some information, and got up and started towards Michael's office, he turned towards where Walter was usually sitting to acknowledge him, but quickly realized that Walter was gone. Walter had been a good friend as much as anyone could be in section, to him. He did miss him. But he knew that this was life in Section, though he hoped that Michael could once again come through. He walked into Michael's office and Michael was quickly typing on his computer.

Birkoff: Yes?

Michael started to explain to Birkoff the situation. Michael explained how they had to move quickly and without George noticing. He needed Birkoff to come up with a plan and Michael needed his help. Birkoff knew exactly what to do.

Birkoff: I'll get right on it.

Birkoff started to walk out of his office.

Michael: Birkoff!

Birkoff turns around.

Michael: We have to move soon.

Birkoff nodded fully understanding the importance of Michael's plan turned and walked out.

George walked out of his office. He passed by Michael's office and though the window he could see him feverishly working on his computer. He continued onto the comm center where Birkoff to was engrossed in his work. George smiled at the situation. 'Section was working perfectly, like a well oiled machine and to of it's best people where right under his thumb. Life didn't get any better than this.'

Nikita swallowed the bile rising in her throat as she saw the expression that was crossing Fanning's face. How far would she have to go to gain her freedom?

Fanning's face lit with an evil smile and his hand reached out to caress Nikita's pale cheek. "Fair Nikita." He mumbled touching Nikita's cheek.

Nikita swallowed the urge to vomit or to pull back, knowing that this would be one of her only ways to escape. Suddenly her body lurched as a stronger force sent her restrained body reeling.

"You don't think I would be that stupid Nikita?" Fanning hissed. "We have already been through a similar scenario once." He snapped and stormed away.

Nikita resisted the urge to cry and licked her dry lips. She felt as though she was going to cry, but resisted the urge. She was not going to show how much she was hurt and she only prayed that Michael or someone would reach her in time to help her. She then craned her neck to look at the clock that was counting down. She would have to try to get out of these restraints just in case though.

***

Walter looked at the time that was counting down. He had heard the guards talking earlier and had discovered that Nikita was being held as well. Trying his bonds again he felt them beginning to give and he smiled to himself. "Hang on sugar." He whispered quietly as he strained against the ropes and began to feel the ropes break.

As the ropes gave way Walter heard the guards returning. Damn he swore to himself as the final rope broke. As the guard entered the room Walter broke free and stood up shaking his bindings off.

"What the Hell." His guard swore as Walter stood up and the older man's fist sailed towards him.

"Have a great sleep Prince Charming." Walter said grimly as he stepped over the fallen figure and out the door.

***

Madeline glared at the man. "You think you're a big shot right lady." The guard told her and Madeline smiled her faceless smirk. The guard's hand reached out and struck Madeline.

"You're a big man now." Madeline told him bearing the pain.

"I'll show you what a big man I am you stupid bitch." The man sneered unzipping his slacks and walking towards Madeline. "I'll show you indeed." He laughed.

***

Operations blinked at the laughing guard who stood before him. "You're funny old man." The guard told him.

"I can give you anything you want. Untie me." Operations told him and the guard continued to laugh at him.

"I'm not kidding. Name a price and it is yours." Operations told him.

The guard stopped laughing for a moment and stared at Operations. Suddenly the man's fist flew forward and struck Operations in the face.

Operations stared at the man surprised as blood began to drip from his nose.

"I ain't a traitor old man. Fanning pays me too well and if I did betrayed him he would kill me." The guard told Ops.

"And if you don't help me I'll kill you." Operations roared.

"I doubt it. You'll be dead in less than twelve hours." The guard told him and exited the room.

***

Michael blinked back the emotions he was facing. He knew that by saving Operations and Madeline he was doing the right thing. SO why didn't it feel right? Could he still possibly save Nikita? He shoved the thought from his mind knowing he couldn't and he shouldn't sacrifice others to save her so why wouldn't the theory of saving her leave his mind. He knew why. He loved the woman. He knew he was in love with her and he also he that no matter what decision was made he would save Nikita at all costs.

Turning his gaze back to the laptop he contemplated the situation with Adrian and George. He couldn't allow Adrian to take over again. The woman had more heart than Operations and Madeline, but many more good operatives would die on missions than before. Chaos would rule Section and the outlook in the future that Michael foresaw would be bleak. Slamming his fist into his desk he frowned and then stood up. He had a mission to go on and he would save Section and Nikita even if it killed him.

"Birkoff." He barked calling the younger man to his side.

"Yes, Michael?" Birkoff said coming to his side.

"How fast will it take to run a possible sim on saving three or four members instead of two." Michael asked him. "You know George won't approve of that." Birkoff told him.

Michael grabbed the younger man by the collar and dragged him away towards a secluded place.

"I don't care what George thinks. Can we or can we not save Nikita and Walter as well." Michael growled.

"The possibilities are slim Michael but you may be able to save one more person. The ability of saving all four is impossible. I've already run a sim for it." Birkoff told him and gulped.

"And I wasn't informed!" Michael growled.

"George said the chances were to slim and that I shouldn't send the teams and you on a virtually impossible mission." Birkoff gulped as Michael's hand tightened around his collar.

"I strive on the virtually impossible Birkoff now get me the schematics on saving a third party and get them now." Michael snarled.

As Birkoff started to walk away he stopped and turned around, meeting Michael's cold and angry glare. "I won't tell George, Michael. Please save Nikita and Walter if it's possible. Don't get killed yourself." Birkoff told the older man softly.

Michael arched an eyebrow in curiosity. "I'm not worried about you telling George Birkoff. I trust you, just don't let him find out." Michael told the younger man.

Birkoff nodded and ran off to get Michael the sims before the older man left on the mission.

***

Birkoff ran the final sims and loaded them on a disk so Michael could take them with him on the mission and hopefully save Nikita. He had known for along time that Michael loved the blond woman and he hoped the best for the two of them. He also knew that as long as Michael and Madeline existed that neither one of them would be allowed to have a normal relationship. What they could have was the closeness of being near one another and the ability to help each other mentally with the closeness that Section did allow. Nikita radiated with her spirit and she replaced the soul that Michael seemed to have lost so long ago.

As he removed the disk he prayed that Nikita was all right and Michael could save her. Just as he began to leave a message appeared on his computer.

"What is this?" He asked himself aloud and opened the file and a video appeared.

"Walter is that you?" He asked.

"Birkoff I hope you're getting this. I got loose, but these guys are looking for me. I found out where they are holding Nikita. I hope this is getting through. I know where she is at and I'm relaying the coordinates. Keep Michael safe Birkoff. That boy will do some better foolish things to save Nikita. You’re his guardian and sense when it comes to Nikita and I'm not there. Don't worry about me lad. I'm tough and I'll get through. I know they have Madeline and Paul and I'm trying to get coordinates on them. I'll keep you updated. Take care and beware of George. I have to go the guards are getting close." Walter told him.

"Walter wait." Birkoff said and the vid flashed out and coordinates appeared. Birkoff leaned over his keyboard and did as he was told. He added the information and the video to the disk and then removed it for the last time. He then left his station in search for Michael. Praying in the back of his mind that the older man would be safe and that Nikita would be saved.