Michael had a plan. He just hoped it would work. He had to get back to comm, though, before George got too curious. He wasn't sure about the Adrian business. It sounded like George wanted her to take over, but she seemed reluctant from what Michael remembered of George's end of their phone conversation. Well, he hoped that was right. What was important now was saving Nikita, Madeline, Operations and if at all possible, Walter. He knew his logic was backwards by Section standards. Of course Operations and Madeline would come first. Walter should be next because he was their weapons expert. Nikita would the last on the list. She was a great operative, but she was just an operative. However, in Michael's mind... and heart... she just wasn't JUST anything. She was his light, his heart, and his soulmate. He couldn't let he die. If she did, he wouldn't be far behind.

Birkoff found Michael in the hallway outside of his office. "Michael, Walter just contacted me. He got loose somehow, but they are after him. He sent me the location where Nikita is being held. Apparently Fanning is keeping her himself. Walter is trying to get a location on Operations and Madeline."

Michael nodded. This was the break he was looking for. Walter was already loose, so he didn't have to worry too much about him at this point. And he had a location on Nikita. That was wonderful. Now he just had to make George believe he was going to follow orders. "Thanks Birkoff. Now we have to head back to comm and get the teams in place. Did you call them in?"

Birkoff responded that they had been called and were waiting for Michael in the briefing room.

Michael and Birkoff entered the briefing room and found the three teams Michael had requested. Each was made up of the best operatives available. George was there as well. Michael took Operations' normal place at the briefing and began outlining the mission profile. "Team A, you will locate and retrieve Operations. Everyone else is acceptable collateral. Team B, your job is to find and retrieve Madeline. Everyone else at the scene is also acceptable collateral. Team C, you are to retrieve Walter. Birkoff has a general location on him. He has gotten free of his captives, but they are after him. He is also trying to find locations on the others. He will be in the compound somewhere. When you get there, contact Birkoff and we will feed you a more accurate location. Any questions?"

No one said anything. Michael nodded. "Dismissed. Pick up your weapons and get to van access immediately. You will leave as soon as your team reassembles."

George had been listening to Michael's lecture. He seemed to have gotten past his indecision and he was doing a marvelous job. Perhaps if Operations didn't make it and Adrian didn't want the job back, Michael would be the perfect choice to fill the void. But that decision was for another time. He turned to Michael as the others left. "Very good, Michael. I see that you have made your decision. And quite a wise one it was. I know it was a terrible sacrifice on your part to leave Nikita behind, but we all have to make sacrifices. If there is any way to retrieve her after everyone else is back, feel free to do so. Once again, good job."

Michael seethed inside, but he didn't let it show. He couldn't believe the man was actually telling him he was doing a good job by leaving Nikita to her captors. And he didn't even seem to wonder about Fanning. Why wasn't George concerned about where he was? Well, Michael would take care of that problem himself. Michael nodded at George and said "Thank you." Then he moved to comm with Birkoff.

The teams were underway and Michael was standing behind Birkoff listening to their reports. Teams A and B had reached their destinations. Team A was doing a quick surveillance at Michael's request. It seems the compound was heavily guarded. They weren't sure they had enough operatives to get the job done. Michael didn't like it. He wanted them to get in and get out so he could get on with his plans. He decided on a bold strategy. He contacted Team A. "Birkoff has located the place where Operations is most likely being held. Simmons and Jensen, I want you two to make your way to the back end of the building. Operations will be held in the basement near the front of the building. I want you to plant a few explosive devices. The rest of the team provides cover. Once the devices go off, I want all of you to head into the building and get Operations."

Team B was experiencing similar obstacles. However, the same strategy wouldn't work. Madeline was most likely being held on the first floor right in the center of the compound. They would have to chance an all-out attack. Michael ordered them to make the assault. Michael and Birkoff listened as gunfire broke out. It sounded awful, Birkoff thought. Michael heard Team B leader requesting his team to fall back. "Michael," he called, "we have half the team down. Johnson and Ferguson made it inside. They disarmed the bomb, but just as they were bringing Madeline out, all three were shot. We retrieved Madeline, but she's not in good shape. We need medical and more backup. We can't get back to the van."

Michael was furious. Why couldn't anyone do anything right? He needed to get out of here fast. "Birkoff, get medical there and send another team as well."

Team C contacted him then. "Michael, we found Walter. However, he's been hit. We need medical ASAP. Also, they've taken out our van. We need transport. And you better hurry. I'm not sure how long Walter will last.

Michael sighed. "Birkoff send out transport with medical personnel on board."

Birkoff followed orders to the T. He was getting worried though. Michael should have been out of here by now. They were running out of time to put their plan into action to save Nikita.

George had been listening from Operations' office. He was pleased. Michael was doing very well.

Michael noticed the dark glass in the Observation Deck and decided it was time to move. He nodded to Birkoff who had the voice synthesizer ready. Michael had given Birkoff a list of instructions. Birkoff would use the synthesizer to imitate Michael's voice. When the teams reported in, Birkoff would relay their instructions. Michael was leaving immediately to find Nikita.

***

Nikita was getting nervous. She hadn't managed to get free yet. She looked at the clock attached to her and saw that there were only two hours left before the bomb exploded. She had to do something quickly.

Fanning noticed Nikita looking at the clock. "Getting nervous, Nikita? Time running out? Don't worry. I still have faith in Michael. He's not about to let you die. Well, at least not until he gets here anyway." The he laughed maniacally.

David slammed down the phone and looked at Nikita. He moved quickly and picked up the gun from the table and moved towards Nikita. Immediately, David slammed the gun across Nikita's already battered face.

"DAMN YOUR FRIENDS!" David screamed and Nikita looked at him. She didn't know what he was talking about. David ripped the bomb off of Nikita and kicked her stomach hard. Nikita lurched but held back her screams.

"I don't know how they did it! BUT YOUR LOVER BOY WON'T GET YOU, at least not in one piece." David yelled as he slammed the gun over Nikita's head.

***

"Birkoff... are they back in?" Michael asked as he approached the building. There was no movement.

"Yes. Operations is demanding to see you, but I told him Madeline's condition." Birkoff said and Michael moved slowly. The door opened up easily and Michael stood up. Something wasn't right.

"Birkoff, how much time till the bombs...." Michael asked as he moved down the hallway.

"You have ten minutes." Birkoff replied and Michael moved to the room and saw no one sitting in it. Michael's stomach flipped.

"Do we have location on Nikita?" Michael asked and he could hear Birkoff starting to type.

"Hey, her back up crystal is being picked up by your communications unit. She is downstairs..." Birkoff reports and Michael slowly starts down the stairs, but soon all is known.

There is the bomb and the small silver plate with the back up crystal sitting on it. Michael moves down and looks at the chair and reaches for the tape recorder. Michael moves quickly out of the building without a sound to Birkoff, worried that the tape recorder could set off the bomb.

"Nikita is gone. So is Fanning." Michael reports and Birkoff almost chokes.

"He pulled the back up crystal?" Birkoff asks and Michael swallows. The back up crystal was always deeply planted, and was dangerous to retrieve. This only complicated matters now. Not only was Nikita captured, but probably now in worse medical condition.

"Yes." Michael said as he pushed the tape recorder to play.

Michael was horrified to hear the awful things that Fanning had said to Nikita. There were explicit profanities everywhere on the tape. Degradation’s of Nikita in every other sentence. Michael seethed as he listened. He wanted to kill the bastard for doing this to her, for telling her these horrible things that were untrue.

At the end of the tape, Michael heard Fanning yelling at Nikita that her lover-boy would never find them. He heard Nikita's grunts in the background and flinched with everyone. He had to get to her and soon.

The last comment chilled Michael to the bone.

"You will never find your precious Nikita alive my dear Michael. I had to kill my wife because of you. She will die just the same!" Fanning said evilly into the recorder then pushed stop. Michael knew there was nothing left of the tape but he had to work fast to find her.

Michael headed off towards his motorcycle and jumped on starting the engine and raced off. He was furious with himself for letting this happen.

Meanwhile...

Operations, George and Madeline were all up in the observation lounge discussing the recent events.

"Where is Michael?" Operations demanded furiously at being detained so long.

"I don't know." George replied honestly.

"Birkoff!" Operations shouted into the comm unit.

"Yes, sir?" Birkoff replied.

"Where is Michael?!" Operations demanded.

"He left sir." Birkoff replied with a smile on his face. His back was turned to the observation deck so Operations could not see his smile.

"What do you mean he left?!" Operations voice boomed over the unit. "He said he was going to get Nikita out and then left sir." Birkoff replied with a smile. This time, Birkoff turned around and let him see the smile on his face. Birkoff knew that Michael was in direct violation of orders but he didn't care. He was supporting Michael to the fullest.

Operations cut off the link to Birkoff and seethed inside as he turned back to George and Madeline.

Fanning: Oh and Michael just to make things fun here's a riddle for you... Nikita is black and a little blue too, I keeping here for you to come find... You'll both end up dying, in the bottom of a mine... Michael's eyes went wide he knew where Nikita was... There had been and old mine by the cabin Fanning had first taken Nikita too... That's where he was!

Nikita blinked twice as she came into consciousness. The air was cold and damp, and its smell was old and musty. Groaning she tried to lick her dry lips with her swollen tongue that felt like cotton in her mouth.

"Well my fair Nikita I see we are up." Fanning told her, a smile pulled across his handsome face.

Nikita said nothing but groaned in pain to respond.

"None of that my dear." Fanning coaxed and gently held her head in his hands. Nikita would have jerked away if she had the strength, but she had had neither food nor water for almost day now and it was beginning to take its toll. Fanning held a canteen to her lips. "Drink." He commanded, but Nikita did not respond and let the water drip from her dry lips and down the front of her. "I told you to drink you stupid whoring Bitch!" Fanning roared and slapped Nikita across the face leaving a huge red handprint against the blonde's already bruising face.

Nikita began to feel the dim light fade as she slipped back into unconsciousness.

"Wake Up." Fanning howled, but it did no good. "Wake up when I'm talking to you Bitch." Fanning bellowed again and slapped her. Nikita felt the hands and the fist strike her, but she was getting past the pain and the blackness was a welcoming comfort from the abuse and agony that faced her in the mortal world. She could not take this for much longer and somewhere in her mind the dim light that kept her alive was praying that Michael would come to her rescue like the guardian angel he so often portrayed for her sake.

***

Walter watched from the shadows debating when he could attack and save the blonde. He saw her slip into the black void that called her away from the pain that Fanning was causing. He had known for a long time that Fanning was abusive. The man was a bully and a control freak and the only thing he needed control of was himself. If he knew it was wise to strike now he would, but Walter knew both his strengths and weaknesses and he knew that he could not out power Fanning even if he tried. So for both his and Nikita's sakes he stood in the shadows and watched. He watched like he also had to protect the blond he considered to be a daughter. He watched and he waited for his opportunity to strike and he waited for Michael to arrive in all his avenging glory. Gazing down at the PDA in his hands he sent a message first to Birkoff and then to Michael praying that each would reach the other men.

***

Michael's temper flared as he raced recklessly down the highway. The only thing that ran across his mind was Nikita. Nikita laughing, Nikita fighting, Nikita running, and Nikita in general. The way she brought light to his life and how the light would be extinguished if he did not reach her in time. Holding back the tears he pressed the motorcycle on to a break neck speed as he turned off the main highway onto a road that would take him towards the cabin, the mine, to Nikita, and to Fanning's ultimate demise.

***

Birkoff received the message from Walter and read it over again for some kind of comfort. The older man was near and old mine where Fanning was holding Nikita. The only collaboration now was should he tell Operations and Madeline. The loyalty that had so often been drilled into him commanded him to tell his superiors, but it was his heart that he was thinking with and it was telling him to keep his trap shut until it was absolutely needed to safe Nikita, Michael, and/or Walter.

***

Madeline paced her office nervously. Even if she didn't let it show to Paul or Nikita she cared very much about the blonde. Nikita had been a challenge to Madeline and had reminded her so much of herself. The troubled young woman who had first come to section had bloomed into someone wiser just as she had so many years ago. Sighing she pulled up both Nikita's and Michael's files.

Though she did not approve of relationships among operatives, their relationship reminded her of Paul and herself, but there was one difference and that was that no matter what had been thrown at Nikita and Michael that they seemed to remain true to each other. Michael’s desertion was proof of that.

Walter knew he would have to move soon. He didn't know where Michael was or how long it would take him to get there. However, he was hindered by the fact that he could feel the blood running down his side. He had been shot in the side, it was not life threatening, but it certainly slowed his progress.

Nikita was beginning to regain consciousness again. She moaned once and then again. Her eyelids fluttered opened and it took her but a few seconds to remember where she was and who had her. The pain hit her like a club. 'Oh Michael,' she wondered to herself, 'where are you? Please hurry, I can't last much longer.' Not only had Fanning beaten her to within an inch of her life, but also he had removed her back up clock. It had been deeply implanted in her body, and he had simply used a knife to remove it. No sterilization, no anesthesia, nothing. She knew the area would soon be infected if it wasn't already; she thought she had the beginnings of a fever.

When she had a brief respite from the pain, she would change her mind. She really didn't want Michael to come. Fanning was planning to kill him. She knew Michael was the best, but he would lay down his life in a minute for her... as she would for him.

Fanning noticed Nikita stirring. "Oh good. You're awake. Now would you please be a good girl until Michael gets here? I really don't want to have to hit you again. I want you to be awake when he arrives. I want you to be able to say goodbye to each other. I mean, it's only fair. Michael did allow me to say goodbye to Lisa, after all. Of course, I'm gonna have some fun first."

Just then Fanning heard a noise near the entrance of the mine. "What was that? Oh... maybe Michael is here. Does that make you happy, Nikita?" She simply glared at him. "Well, never mind. As I said, we'll all be together soon enough." With that, he pulled his gun and headed for the entrance.

Walter was trying to be as quiet as possible. He just had to get a closer look, see if there was anything he could do to disable Fanning and get to Nikita. He knew she was in bad shape. He was slowly making his way down the mineshaft when he kicked a stone he hadn't seen. The small stone made quite a lot of noise for its size. After grumbling to himself about what a fool he was, he continued. He was about to turn the corner when a gun was pressed to the back of his head.

"Hold it." It was Fanning. Walter couldn't believe he had been stupid enough to get caught. Now he would be of no use to Nikita. He prayed Michael would be able to find them soon.

"Move it," Fanning ordered from behind. Walter walked until Fanning told him to stop. Nikita looked up and had to look twice. It couldn't be.

"Walter?" she questioned.

Walter smiled at her. "Yeah Sugar, it's me. I thought you might like a little company, so I thought I'd join the party."

"Well, gee, thanks, Walter, but we didn't send you an invitation," Fanning replied. "But since you're here," he pushed Walter down in a chair and started to tie him up, "you might as well sit a spell." Fanning broke into a nasty laugh. "Now, all we have to do is sit here and wait for lover-boy. By the way Walter, I hope you relayed our exact location to Michael. I'm sure he had already figured it out, but it never hurts to be sure."

Walter looked up in shock at David's words. Fanning laughed. "Oh come now Walter, you didn't really think I was that incompetent did you? Of course I made it easy for you to find out our location. I knew you would be the only one that would reveal the location to Michael. Operations and Madeleine would have let her die, but I knew you wouldn't. Yes, my plan is working nicely. Thank you Walter."

Just then the roar of a motorcycle could be heard outside the mine.

***

Madeline was still pacing. She would have to find a way to help Michael if he needed it. She knew that Operations would be totally against it. However, maybe if she went to George instead... Just then the doors to her office opened and there was George. She turned and smiled at him. "Hello George. Any news?"

George walked in and returned her smile. "No, Madeline. Not yet. I am getting worried about them, though. They are both too important to lose. Operations seems quite adamant about canceling Nikita when they get back and demoting Michael. I hope you don't agree with him."

Madeline shook her head. "No, I don't. They are both valuable to Section. As a team they are unbeatable. I know that Section frowns upon relationships between operatives, but their relationship only seems to strengthen them rather than weaken them. They seem to be able to do the impossible in order to help the other. And they seem to gain loyalty from others as well. A good example right now is Birkoff. He purposely kept us in the dark about what Michael was up to. Of course, I'm sure Michael probably threatened him, but it wouldn't have been necessary. Michael and Nikita have quite a bit of loyalty among the other operatives and Section personnel. If Operations carried out his plans, we would have a mutiny on our hands."

George was listening closely to Madeline. She certainly was a calculating one. But that's what made her good at what she did. She could see the ultimate outcome and devise the appropriate strategies to avoid disasters. But she also came across as a cold-hearted person. He wasn't certain that she was, but you never could quite tell with her. "Is that the only reason, Madeline? You don't want a mutiny on your hands? And Michael and Nikita are valuable Section resources?"

Madeline was uncomfortable. She didn't want to admit that she actually did like Michael and Nikita. She was afraid it would make her appear soft. But she didn't want George to think she was nothing but a cold-blooded machine, either. "Well, no, actually I am fond of them. But they do have a tendency to do things their own way. It can become chaotic if left uncontrolled."

George nodded. "As for relationships between operatives, Operations is the one who frowns on relationships, not Section. That rule was never in place until he took charge. Relationships were not dissuaded previously. Operatives were just told to keep it 'out of Section' as much as possible. Otherwise, there were no rules."

Madeline nodded. She did vaguely remember when she first came to Section that there were a few relationships that she was aware of. But back to the matter at hand. "So George, would you be willing to work with me to help Michael if he needs it?"

George studied Madeline's face. He would have to be careful here. He didn't want to become too involved in this. "I'll do what I can, Madeline. But I will have to remain in the background. It wouldn't be wise to have both of us rubbing Operations' nose in the fact that we are siding against him."

Madeline nodded and smiled. "Of course," she replied. Right then, Birkoff interrupted their conversation. "Madeline, Michael has just arrived on site. He is still wearing his comm unit. It is in the "on" position. We have audio on everything that is happening."

"Thank you, Birkoff. We'll be right there." Madeline and George headed to Birkoff's station.

The trio inside the mine heard the motorcycle approach and stop. Nikita closed her eyes. ‘Please Michael, be careful,' she thought to herself. Walter sighed with relief. Finally, Michael was here. Now they could get Nikita out of here and finish off Fanning for good.

Fanning was thrilled. The moment had finally arrived. He drew his gun and went to stand directly behind Nikita.

Michael removed his helmet and placed in on the motorcycle. He drew his weapon and headed into the mine. He was very careful to not kick any stones or stumble over anything. He knew they had probably heard him arrive, but he wanted to at least try and sneak up on Fanning. According to his last conversation with Birkoff, right before he entered the mine, there were only three people inside. One was Fanning, one was Nikita, and one was probably Walter. Walter had not been heard from since he had sent the mine location to Birkoff.

Very slowly Michael made his way through the mineshafts. He noticed a light coming from the end of one tunnel. He headed in that direction. As quietly as a shadow, Michael entered the shaft. He noticed Walter first, tied to a chair. Quickly scanning the rest of the area, he saw Nikita just as Fanning yanked her up in front of himself, pointing the gun to her head…

"Hello Michael, so nice of you to finally join us," Fanning taunted. "We've had quite a nice time waiting for you. Just ask Nikita. She was so anxious for you to arrive. "Weren't you honey?" he directed to Nikita.

Nikita stared directly into Michael's eyes. She tried to relay to him through her eyes that he wasn't to do anything stupid. And to be careful. She didn't want him dying for her. Michael stared directly back at her and understood what she was telling him, but he was having none of it. He would do whatever it took to get her out of here, no matter what the cost.

Fanning laughed. "See Michael, she's so glad to see you that she can't even speak! Now, if you would just be so kind as to throw your weapon over here, we can get the festivities underway. NOW!" He shook Nikita so hard that she moaned out in pain. Feigning remorse, Fanning said "Sorry, honey. Didn't mean to cause you pain. We can't have you passing out again and missing all the fun. Just tell Mikey there to throw away his weapon and I will spare you any more pain."

Nikita remained silent. Fanning was losing his patience and was about to shake her again when Michael called out "Enough." Then he threw his gun to the floor in the direction of Fanning and Nikita. Fanning reached out with his foot and kicked the gun into the corner of the room. "Very good, Michael. Now you're getting into the spirit of things. Now the fun can begin. Hmm, now I have a slight problem. I was going to tie you to that chair when you got here so you could watch, but Walter had to show up and ruin the plan. But never fear I can always improvise. That's why I'm so good at what I do. Sorta like you guys, huh?"

"Don't make me laugh, Fanning. You're nothing like us," Nikita spat out. Fanning slapped her across the fan and threw her on the cot again. Nikita moaned in pain once more. She was hoping to black out soon so that Michael could do what was needed without worrying about her. However, is seemed that Fanning had some idea of how hard to push. He was keeping her awake for a reason. She shuddered to think what that reason might be.

Fanning told Michael to sit on the ground with his feet out in front of him and his arms behind his head. Then he grabbed some rope and walked behind Michael. "Oh and Michael, don't get any funny ideas about kicking me or throwing me off balance or anything. Because I will shoot you or Nikita. I don't want to kill either of you yet, but if you push, I will."

Michael sat on the ground and considered his options. He could probably throw Fanning off balance enough to get up and take care of him. But the time it would take him to get up and disable Fanning might just be enough to get Nikita and/or Walter shot. He knew Nikita would never survive it and he wasn't sure about Walter. The old man wasn't looking too good himself. He knew that Walter had been shot but had refused medical treatment and disappeared from the Team that had been sent to rescue him during the skirmish with Fanning's men. And if Fanning shot him, they would have no chance.

Michael decided to bide his time and see what developed. He got Nikita's eyes and told her that she would have to help him if they were going to get out of it. She understood the message and nodded her head slightly... just enough for Michael to see.

Walter took the opportunity to apologize. "I'm sorry Michael. I should have waited outside until you got here. I thought I could at least get in here and see what the situation was. I got clumsy and he heard me. You shouldn't have to worry about me too. Just make sure you get Sugar out of here, do you hear me?"

Michael nodded to Walter. He knew that Walter would never want to be rescued before Nikita. He and Nikita would definitely have to work together in order to save all three of their lives. Michael answered "Don't worry Walter. You got the location to Birkoff and me. You did your job. We will all get out of this."

Fanning started laughing again. "Oh you guys are just precious." Then he mimicked Walter "I'm sorry Michael..." He laughed a little harder. "Oh my. Almost like the Waltons. Well, maybe the twisted Waltons."

He secured Michael's ropes tightly and then returned to Nikita. "Sugar, huh? Interesting nickname. I think it suits just fine. Oh and Michael, I forgot to tell you. I'm providing live entertainment for you. You see, I'm gonna have some fun with ‘Sugar' while you watch. Wouldn't want you to get bored."

Michael tensed noticeably. Walter choked out "No." Fanning laughed. "What are you gonna do about it old man? Not much, I'd say." Then he leaned over and caressed Nikita's face. "What do you say, Sugar? Should we have some fun together? I mean, it is only fair. Michael enjoyed my woman, so I should enjoy his."

Fanning was watching Michael closely. The man's expression never changed, but Fanning noticed how tense he got. "Oh Michael, you're right. We really don't need any extra audience. I'll kill the old man and then we won't have any other witnesses."

Nikita yelled "No," as loud as she could manage. Fanning looked at her and said, "Well, okay, Sugar. I never planned on killing the old guy anyway. I'll just move him to another tunnel in order to give us some privacy. Then when I'm done here, I'm sure somebody from Section will come along and find him."

Fanning moved to get Walter and take him to another tunnel. Before he got too far, though, he turned around to Nikita and said "Uh, Uh, Uh. We can't have you getting up and untying your lover while I'm gone." Then he reached behind him and pulled out a pair of handcuffs and cuffed her to the cot. "Now you two be good. I'll be right back. Oh and you might want to say whatever you have to say to each other before I get back." With that, he pulled Walter and his chair out of the shaft and towards another tunnel.

Nikita spoke first. "Michael, what are we going to do?"

Michael could tell that Nikita's voice was very weak. She was losing ground quickly. She looked flushed too. She must have a fever. If she got delirious they would be finished. "I'm working on these ropes, and if I can get free, I'll get him. But if not, you're gonna have to get him to uncuff you. When he makes his move, you're gonna have to use all your strength to take him out."

Fanning returned quickly and looked from Nikita to Michael. "Well, did you declare your undying love for each other? I wish I could have heard it. What a sweet moment that would have been. But well, a person's gotta do what a person's gotta do. Now Sugar, what say we get started." He moved toward Nikita and laid his gun down near on the ground at the foot of the cot. There was no way she could get to it while she was cuffed.

Michael was getting desperate. He was working frantically at getting out of his bonds. They were loosening, but not quickly enough.

***

Back at Section, Birkoff, Madeline, George and Operations were listening to everything that was happening. Madeline spoke. "Birkoff, how is Michael doing?"

Birkoff punched a few keys on the computer. "His heart rate is accelerating. He's getting stressed. He's doing his best to keep it under control, but it's not working. His breathing is getting faster and harder."

Madeline nodded. Operations snorted. "I told you those two should have been kept apart. Now we're going to lose both of them because Michael can't think straight. This will be handled when they return." Operations was furious. He knew he couldn't fight George on this, but he also knew that somewhere down the line, he would take care of this problem, whether George liked it or not.

Madeline decided to get things back under control. "Birkoff, will the team make it in time?"

Birkoff replied. "They should be there in ten minutes." Madeline nodded.

***

Fanning was sitting very close to Nikita, almost lying on top of her. He was caressing her face, her arms, and taunting Michael the whole time. "Michael, I see why you picked her. She is a beautiful woman. Well, usually, anyway. She's a little bruised and battered right now, but she's still a beauty. And such soft skin." Then he ran his fingers over her mouth. "And her lips are so soft, just made for kissing."

Michael was struggling furiously. He knew he was losing control. He had to try and get himself under control if they were going to get out of this. He took a few deep breaths and tried to calm down. Then he went back to working on the ropes. They were loosening slowly.

Nikita knew she would have to do something. She was pretty sure Michael wasn't going to get loose in time. As Fanning leaned down to kiss her, she spoke. "David, why don't you uncuff me? That way I can help. It won't be much fun if I don't participate."

Fanning laughed at her. "I will say this for you Nikita. You have spunk. Yeah, Michael, you sure picked a winner. And I'm gonna enjoy every minute of this. I'm sorry, Nikita but I'm just not gonna be able to uncuff you. You really don't think I'm that stupid do you?"

Fanning leaned in to kiss her. She struggled to keep her lips out of reach. But she could tell he was getting more aroused the more she struggled. She looked to Michael who nodded his head that she should continue. He was almost loose. Then he heard it. It sounded like a Section van outside. If Nikita could keep Fanning occupied just a little longer.

Nikita heard the van too. But apparently Fanning hadn't. He was too busy trying to have his way with her. She decided to play the best hand she had to keep him occupied. She threw her free arm around him and started to run her hand through his hair. She let him kiss her.

Fanning stopped momentarily and looked at her. "Well, I knew you would eventually join in. Now we'll really have some fun."

Just then, Michael got loose, jumped up and grabbed Fanning. He quickly twisted the man's neck and it snapped. Just then the team from Section entered the shaft. Michael quickly told them to find Walter. Then he found the key in Fanning's pocket and uncuffed Nikita. He turned to speak to her and noticed that she was unconscious. He picked her up and hurried to the van.

"Birkoff, send Housekeeping. Fanning's dead. I have Nikita and she's unconscious. Have medical standing by. We have Walter too. We are headed in." Then he turned to the driver and yelled, "Go."

***

Once they were back in Section and Nikita was in MedLab, Michael was called to Madeline's office. He dreaded the meeting, but he knew he had to face it.

"Michael, how is Nikita?" Madeline asked as he entered. Before he answered, he looked around the office. George was present, Operations was not.

"She is still unconscious. She has a very high fever from the infection, lots of bruises, a few cracked ribs and a nasty incision where he removed her clock. But she will be fine. The doctors said she needs about a month of rest and then she'll be back to full status."

Madeline nodded. Then George spoke. "Michael, I know you think you disobeyed orders, but you didn't. You made sure all three of the others were rescued before you went after Nikita. I did tell you that you could rescue her after the others were retrieved. As for any disciplinary action, there will be none. And if there is any hint of it, I want it reported to me immediately. And Michael, it will be reported by you, not Madeline." Madeline was shocked at this statement. Apparently Michael had some sort of rapport with George. She would have to keep a close eye on what was happening.

Michael nodded. He was glad that they wouldn't have to try and negotiate a web of lies and missions designed to get either Nikita or Nikita and himself killed.

George spoke again. "Michael, Nikita will need supervision once she goes home. You are to spend the month with her. There will be no missions unless something serious comes up. And I will be the only one to call you in. Now, I think you should get back to Nikita, she needs you. Oh, and Michael, good work."

Michael quietly heaved a sigh of relief as he left Madeline's office. He noticed Birkoff still at his computer. He walked over and asked, "Any word on Walter?"

Birkoff said "Yeah. He's gonna be fine. They got the bullet out and stitched him up. He's to rest for two weeks, but then he should be back to normal."

Michael turned to leave and stopped. Then he turned back to Birkoff and said, "Thank you Birkoff." Then he headed back to Medlab.