Reversal

Nikita walked to the office and she stared at the door. When she was promoted, she was given Michael's office. She never thought about it, and just moved in.

She didn't think about the time she stood in this room confronting Michael, and the times that Michael held her in this room. Nikita licked her lips and pushed the door open and closed her eyes.

"Nikita... we must discuss the Paulo mission." Michael had said so many years ago, and with those words, Nikita had dropped down to a ball, crying. To say that it was a hard mission, would be an understatement. To say it was miracle that either of them where alive, would be the truth.

Michael had comforted her then, as they discussed what had occurred between Nikita and Paulo. What was never discussed was what Paulo made them do. It was something that neither of them spoke about, but both thought about.

Nikita moved to her desk and pushed the chair back and sat down. She stared at the computer and then flipped the screen down. She leaned her head back as she remembered leaving. How could she have left Michael with Mia. Did he even stay with Mia? Fear started to run through her body.

"Walter, my office. Now." Nikita said firmly into the intercom and turned it off without waiting for a response. Nikita turned the chair around and pulled out the small-framed picture of Mia. How she loved her daughter.

"Nikita... it is 3 o'clock at night. Where is Mia?" Walter asks as he walks into the office with his red long johns on. Nikita turns and looks at Walter. "She is at the apartment. Someone is there. I would like you to go there." Nikita says firmly and Walter looks at her firmly.

"Nikita.. that is unlike you. Who is at the apartment? Madeline? Is she trying to push you to name the father again? I can't believe her nerve, she is always pushing three steps too far." Walter starts to rant.

Nikita stands up and walks over and takes Walter's shoulders in her hands. "It is not Madeline, Walter." Nikita says and Walter frowns and stares at her.

"Who is there, Nikita?" Walter asks and Nikita lifts her chin and looks into Walter's eyes.

"Michael." Nikita finally says and Walter nods his head.

"I'll fetch her right away." Walter says and Nikita nods her head and mouths the words 'thank you'. Nikita turns and goes back to her desk. She starts some of the reports that were falling behind and soon falls into a routine. She looses track of time and when there is a knock on the door Nikita almost leaps from her chair. She had never done that since Michael left.

"Walter, you are back quickly." Nikita says and the door opens and Operations walks in.

"Nikita." Operations says and Nikita drops her chin slightly and looks up at Operations.

"Sir." Nikita says and Operations moves to the window and looks out to the hallway.

"Haven't we ordered you to spend time with your daughter? How much sleep have you gotten tonight?" Operations asks and Nikita turns her head away and looks at the wall.

"I am working on the intel for..."

"Nikita... Do you want me to discuss this with Madeline?" Operations asks and Nikita stands up.

"Isn't that what you want? Madeline to rack me over the psychological coals so I will give the father's name up?" Nikita says sharply and Operations turns and looks at Nikita.

"Nikita... we will learn about the father sooner or later." Operations says and Nikita lifts her head.

"Not if I don't know." Nikita says and Operations moves closer to Nikita.

"For four years we have watched you toy with this, Nikita. And no, we don't have any problems with your missions...." Operations says and Nikita smiles broadly.

"You can't. They all succeed." Nikita remarks and Operations frowns.

"I sure hope to god you know who the father is. It would have been extremely foolish to do something like go to sperm bank. If that is true, Nikita, I will not hesitate on canceling you, no matter how good an operative you are." Operations says as he turns and leaves the office.

Nikita turns and moves to her desk. She had no where to run.

Nikita sat down at her desk exhausted. She was thinking why had Michael come back into my life now? My life is hard enough. Just as her mind finished that though, all of the memories she's blocked about the mission with Paolo came rushing back with a vengeance.

Meanwhile...

Walter didn't bother to knock on the door to Nikita's apartment. He knew that Michael had locked it after Nikita left, that is if he'd even stayed. Walter pulled out the key that Nikita had given to him for cases like this. He inserted it quietly into the lock and turned it. He was shocked at what he saw when he opened the door.

"It's ok Mia! You can play with that." Michael says.

Mia looked up and saw Walter. "Uncle Walter! Uncle Walter! I've missed you!" The little girl came running to Walter with such enthusiasm that it melted his heart right away. Before Mia, no other female had that power over him besides Mia's mother, Nikita. Walter picked Mia up right away and swung her around then kissed her on the cheek. Then he turned his focus directly on Michael.

"What are you doing back here?"

"Hello Walter. How have you been?"

"Don't play polite with me! Answer my question!"

"I got reassigned back here."

"Now tell me the real reason!"

Walter wasn't buying any of Michael's story. He knew that it had to have something to do with Nikita.

"That is the real reason. Besides, I don't answer to you." Michael was so calm that it almost scared Walter. Except for the fact that Walter knew all of Michael's intimidation techniques from past experiences.

Walter carried Mia to the bottom of the stairs and told her to go up and get in bed. Mia hugged Walter again tightly then turned to do as she was told. She stopped about half way up and turned towards Michael.

"Good night Michael. It was nice meeting you."

"Good night Mia. Don't let any bad dreams scare you. All they are are dreams.

"I won't Michael. Thanks."

"You're welcome."

Mia then turned and bounded happily up the stairs. Michael's heart melted at the sight of the child. He started to remember the child that he and Simone had had together and ignored anything else that Walter had to say as he picked up his black leather jacket and left the apartment heading towards Section.

It didn't take long for him to enter Section and head straight for where he knew Nikita's office was. He had been told by Birkoff that she had been assigned to his old office when she was promoted to level 5.

When he entered the office, he was mildly surprised to see Nikita sitting behind the desk silently crying. He walked over and put his hand on her shoulder.

"Tell me about it."

"I can't..."

"Try."

"I can't..."

Michael decided to try a different technique. "Who is Mia's father?"

"Operations is having you ask that question because I won't tell them."

"No. I don't have to do that anymore Nikita. Now tell me."

Nikita looked up at him and saw the raw emotion that was showing on his face. She knew at that moment that he was telling the truth. She then repeated the same thing he did whenever she would come in for private conversations with him, she turned off Section surveillance. She then looked back up at him.

"You are..."

Michael was stunned. His mind went into a tailspin as he thought back to that fateful night those many years ago.

Nikita could see the look in his eyes and knew instantly that she should not have told him... at least... not yet. His eyes were clouded and he seemed to be staring right through her as if he were seeing something else... into another time... maybe he was thinking back to that night that she herself relived night after night after night.

That is, until she learned to control her emotions, hold them deep inside, and wear the blank stare that Michael had used on her so many times in the past.

That very stare fell into place on her face now as she watched the un-guarded play of emotions cross Michael's face... disbelief... uncertainty... shock... wonder... enlightenment... and finally... acceptance.

Nikita turned her back to him and crossed her arms over her chest and moved to the window. She stared out into the darkened corridor with unseeing eyes.

All she could see was that night almost 4 years ago. The night they both thought their lives had truly come to an end.

And Paulo was laughing.

Nikita turned from Michael, as the memories rose up in her, and overflowed.

She found it amazing that, after four long years of trying to put that mission, and the days that followed, behind her, all it took was seeing Michael again, and she was back to square one.

Walking across the office, and gazing out the small window there, Nikita allowed the memories to surface. She allowed them to play back in her mind, not holding back anything. She knew it was the only way in which she would ever get past it... the only way she would heal.

***

Four years earlier.....

The mission had been bad from the get go. The intel was corrupt, and because of that, four very good operatives lost their lives.

Michael and Nikita, all that were left of the initial insertion team, were able to evade Paulo's men for a while. But eventually they knew that their luck would run out... and it did.

As they were brought before Paulo, Nikita had the sinking feeling that this may the very last minutes that she and Michael would live. But, to her amazement, Paulo didn't kill them right away. And, in the end that was his downfall.

He laughed at them, telling them that if they were the best that Section had to send against him, then he had no worries. When he spoke, he stood right up in Michael's face. As if daring Michael to try something. But, Michael only stared, blankly, and did not give Paulo the satisfaction.

However, when Paulo turned from Michael, and headed towards Nikita, that was when the situation changed.

"So, I see that being in Section does have its advantages," Paulo said, as he reached up, and touched Nikita's cheek.

Nikita, not wanting anything to do with the slime ball before her, jerked her head back, out of his reach.

Paulo, smiling a sly and toothy grin, only enjoyed the resistance. He stepped closer to Nikita, and grabbed her by each side of her face, lacing his fingers securely into her hair. This time, when Nikita tried to jerk away, it was in vain. Then, bringing his face close to Nikita's, so close she could smell the remnants of cigar smoke on his breath, he smiled.

"I think maybe I will keep this one, to play with. You may dispose of the other one." As Paulo said this, Nikita's eyes widened in terror.

Michael, having used all his emotional reserves to remain calm while Paulo touched and played with Nikita, suddenly lost his cool. He began to pull, and struggle with his captors, but to no avail. After everything that he and Nikita had been through earlier that day, his strength was nearly tapped.

But he knew one thing for sure. He was not leaving Nikita at the hands of this scum. So, during the struggle, he managed to grab the gun of one of his captors, and aim it on Paulo.

Paulo, having turned during the commotion, suddenly spun Nikita around, and placed a gun to her head. As Michael calmly trained his weapon on Paulo, Paulo in return cocked the hammer of his own weapon.

The threesome stood there, in silence, as an eternity seemed to tick by. Then, when Paulo spoke, it was with such a sound of arrogance, that it seemed to physically grate on Nikita's nerves.

"So, I see that there is more to the situation than meets the eye." Michael only stared. Not at Paulo, but at Nikita. His gaze locked on hers, and in that moment she knew what she had to do.

With as much will power as she could call upon, she slowly lifted her hand to the arm that Paulo was restraining her with. Then, never taking her eyes from Michael, she spoke.

"I am sure, that we can settle this peacefully."

The tone to Nikita’s voice was low and sultry. At that moment, Michael was so intent on Nikita that he did not see the other guards come into the room.

Overcoming Michael easily, they restrained him once more. Nikita, feeling Paulo's grip ease on her, turned in his embrace, and faced him. Smiling, and looking downward, shyly, she spoke.

"I will make a deal with you," she began. She could see from the look on Paulo's face, that he was intrigued. "If you promise not to hurt Michael, or myself, I will do whatever you want."

Paulo smiled widely, and rubbing the beard stubble on his chin, laughed. His laugh was so loud, and so boisterous, that it caused Nikita to squint for a moment.

But, Paulo was the only one laughing. Michael, who was beginning to realize just what Nikita had planned, felt a sudden surge of anger rise up within him. He began to struggle with his captors one again, but this time, they would not be caught off guard.

Paulo, still looking at Nikita, nodded in agreement, then looked to his men. After motioning for them to take Michael away, Paulo turned back to Nikita.

"Now, my dear, what exactly do you have in mind?" he asked, a wicked smile on his lips. As Nikita smiled back, she heard Michael being forcibly hauled away.

She kept telling herself that it was the only way available to buy her and Michael more time. But, when she heard Michael’s voice, her heart broke.

As the captors hauled Michael away, he turned back over his shoulder and yelled out.

"Nikita.....NO!!!!"

"Nikita." Michael whispered out, or at least it seemed like a whisper to Nikita as she failed to focus on the real world. Her body, her mind, and her heart were wrapped tightly into reliving the memories of Paulo and didn't give a damn about the external world. Her heart was pounding as she remembered in exact detail what occurred within minutes of Michael being dragged out of the room by Paulo's men.

"Nikita." Michael said again, and this time it entered her shell of thought and brought her burning eyes to look at him. She finally grabbed hold of her body and pushed herself back to the real world that she instantly forgoes so she could live in haunted memories.

"How do you know she is mine, Nikita? Paulo…" Michael said and Nikita stared at him with her blue eyes filled with anger and disappointment. She clenched her teeth down hard to control the rage that tumbled throughout her body and threatened to explode outward. In the three hours that Michael had been back, Nikita's self-control and composure had been lost and shattered into slivers of what it use to be. He had dug underneath the walls she had built not to protect herself, but to protect Mia.

"She is yours. I know more about Paulo that wasn't told to you." Nikita says slowly, but she feels as if she is floating outside of her body. She struggled to maintain control. One second she wants to drop her hot and damp forehead against Michael's shoulder and cry, while the next second, she wants to kick him out of her office and never think of him again.

Nikita was told of Paulo's fertility problem from the very first meeting she had with Madeline. When Nikita looked back onto this mission after the fact, she realized that Madeline and Operations knew it would come down to their bodies being used at the end. Nikita hated to think of that, but it was the truth.

Again, Nikita was lost in her thoughts as Michael reached out and touched her. This time, her body reacted to the flesh that touched hers. It was like Michael's hands were hot coals and that caused Nikita to lightly slap at Michael as she turned to him and stared intensely into his eyes.

"Our daughter…" Michael said slowly with a quivering voice that Nikita had never heard before. It expressed to Nikita emotions that she had relegated to Michael not having. It caused Nikita to swallow hard and look at Michael in a light other than someone that had hurt her. She was forced to see him as Mia's father.

"Nikita…" Birkoff said as he opened the door loudly and stepped in. He looked from Michael and then to Nikita, who had wisely turned her back towards Birkoff. She did not need Birkoff seeing her tears during his interruption.

"I have the Intel on the Vallens matter." Birkoff says as he tries not to stare at Michael too hard. Nikita lifts her head slightly and stares at the wall.

"I'll download it, Birkoff." Nikita says in a voice that shows strength and not a hint of emotion. Michael drops his eyes and tries not to register how awkward it was to hear Nikita speaking in the manner that he had always been with her.

"Fine. Michael, Madeline wants to speak to you about Paulo." Birkoff says as he takes a half step back and still avoids Michael's eyes. Birkoff would be one of the first ones to admit that Michael scared him half to death, and after seeing the emotional wreck he had Nikita's life. Birkoff was also one that could not believe that Nikita had invited him into her office, without one scream of anger.

"I'll see Madeline later, Birkoff." Michael says as he takes hold of the door and pushes Birkoff out of the door coldly. Michael turns from the door to find that Nikita had turned to look at him.

"You should go." Nikita says and Michael parts his lips and stares into Nikita's eyes. She had brought down the emotional shield that Michael once wished she would develop and now swore at himself for every allowing her to need it.

"Our daughter…" Michael says and he watches Nikita's gaze look at the door. He started to move as he realized that pushing Nikita would get him nowhere else currently. She had made her decision and Michael moved out without another word or sound.

During Birkoff's little stay, Nikita had sorted a plan of sorts. She walked to her phone and pulled it up. "Walter, pack Mia and run." Nikita said calmly.

"Nikita, is this about her father? Is this about Michael?" Walter asks and Nikita stares at the door.

"Run Walter. As far as you can go." Nikita says and hangs up coldly.

Walter held onto the phone for a few minutes after Nikita hung up wondering why she was so adamant about him taking Mia and leaving. He didn't know where she wanted him to take Mia. He knew it must have something to do with Michael's return but what exactly, he didn't know. He put the phone down in its cradle and walked up the stairs to pack an overnight bag for Mia. If she needed more, they'd go buy some clothes for her.

Walter was just finishing packing Mia's overnight back when he heard the door to the apartment open and someone enter. Walter pulled the gun out from his ankle holster and proceeded to check out who was there.

Walter rounded the corner at the top of the stairs slowly. Suddenly, Mia rushed past Walter and bounded down the stairs eagerly.

"Michael! Michael! You came back!" Mia was shouting happily. She ran over and threw herself into Michael's waiting arms. Michael picked her up and planted a hesitant kiss on the little girl's cheek before confronting Walter.

"Put your gun away Walter. Also, unpack Mia's things, you're not taking her anywhere." Michael said in a firm voice and returned his attention to the daughter he just found out that he had.

Walter turned and walked back into the upper area hallway and headed for Nikita's room. He had to call her and find out what was going on.

Meanwhile...

After waiting for Michael to show up in her office for over an hour, she placed a call to Nikita's office.

"Yes?" Nikita said when she answered.

"Is Michael still with you?" Madeline asked with irritation in her voice.

"No. He left just after Birkoff told him that you wanted to talk to him. Isn't he there with you?" Nikita responded.

"No. He's never come to my office. I want you to find him and bring him in." Madeline ordered Nikita emphatically.

"I'm on it." Nikita said as she hung up with Madeline. Nikita had a sinking feeling that she knew where he was when the phone on her desk began to ring once again. "Yes?" Nikita answered when she picked it up.

"Michael's here. He told me to unpack Mia's overnight bag that I'm not taking her anywhere. What's going on Nikita?" Walter's confused and worried voice told her the information that she expected to hear after Madeline's call.

"Don't do anything. I will be there as soon as I can be. Make sure Michael does not leave with her!" Nikita informed Walter then hung up the phone once again. She was angry at this point that Michael dared to insinuate himself back into her life this way. He was causing more problems now than he had before he had been transferred and she didn't like it one bit. She was going to do something about it!

Meanwhile...

Madeline smiled as she hung up the phone from talking to Nikita. She knew where Michael must have gone. She also knew that her suspicions of Michael being Mia's father were close to being confirmed. Satisfaction filled her. She walked over and began trimming her bonsai plants when the door to her office slid open and Operations appeared in the doorway.

"I understand Michael disobeyed orders." Was all that Operations stated as he entered.

"I didn't expect for him to follow them. I am close to confirming who the father of Nikita's child is." Madeline replied easily. She was already running courses of action against what onslaught Operations could reek against them when he learned the truth. She had to protect them no matter what.

"You're sure about this?" Operations demanded to know.

"Yes. I am quite sure. Keep surveillance on Nikita's apartment. We will find out within the next few days." Madeline replied as she carefully trimmed a branch on the tree. She had not looked at him once since he had entered the office and it was beginning to irritate him.

"Good. It's about time we resolved this." Operations said and left the office in a spoiled brat tantrum. Madeline smiled again when a course of action presented itself in her mind.

Nikita tried to keep focused on the road as she drove to her apartment, to no avail. After all this time, she had thought she had suppressed the memories to the point of no return. But here they came, floating to the surface unbidden and she was forced to deal with them once and for all.

Her mind drifted back to that fateful night those many years ago... Still hearing Michael's anguished cry of "Nikita.. NO!" reverberate in her head, Nikita moved with Paulo and played out her *role* as she had known she would have to. Standing firm as he ran his hands over her body and leered at her from every possible angle, Nikita blanked her mind to his presence and tried to numb her skin to his touch. Disgust filled her mouth and choked her like bile.

She closed her eyes and tried to imagine herself in a far away place. His voice broke into her conscience and dragged her back to his presence. She opened her eyes and fixed her stare on a point to the left of him, just above his shoulder. He was appraising her as if she were some sort of prized stock... to be sold... or bred.

Paulo circled her knowingly. He smiled as he lifted the small cell phone to his ear and waited for the other party to answer. "I think we have found our subject. Come down to the Red Room. Five minutes.' He flipped the phone closed and re-pocketed it. Moving close to Nikita he tried to get a rise out of her by taunting her. "So... trying to offer yourself to save your... lover." He spat the word at her feet, trying to cover the jealousy that surged up within him. He had been impotent for the past several years and had been quite the ladies man before that... accident.

Nonetheless... he had managed to father a son. Hearing the sound of approaching footsteps, he smiled evilly and turned to greet their new arrival. His son.

The young man entered the room and Nikita was immediately filled with fear. Paulo she could handle. But this man... he was very large and muscular. He stood well over 6 feet and looked like a linebacker. He had a broad and swarthy face like his father and leered at her and licked his thick lips.

Nikita felt her knees lock up and thought she was going to faint.

Paulo took note of this and with great pleasure introduced his son to Nikita. Extending his arm towards his son in invitation, the young man joined them and rubbed his hands together gleefully. "Eduardo. I have a gift for you, my son. Come, let us begin."

Nikita looked around quickly and took note that there were no other guards or personnel present. Trying to remain passive and submissive, she moved as if to follow Eduardo and Paulo, but at the last moment bolted towards the exit.

The breath was knocked from her and she had to fight to remain conscious. Eduardo had tackled her to the ground and now sat astride her and pinned her down with his large beefy hands. Over his shoulder she could see Paulo leering down at her as his son held her pinned to the floor. "So... want to get started so soon, do you Nikita? I had hoped to have this... experiment... in comfort. But.. you leave me no choice."

Motioning for Eduardo to bring Nikita, Paulo led them from the Red Room into the adjoining chamber. Once Nikita laid eyes on the table therein, she screamed out in horror.... "Oh my god!!! NO!!!!!" Eduardo hefted her onto the table and secured her with the straps as Paulo closed the door firmly behind them.

Deep within the recesses of the building... Michael heard Nikita screaming into the never-ending night.

As Michael leaned his head back, the beam of sunlight fell upon him. He had spent the entire night, locked up in his cell, listening to the screaming. Screaming that emanated from his beloved...from his Nikita.

He had begun banging on the door, out of anger and anguish, but to no avail. The guards only laughed, and returned to their activities. Up until a few hours ago, the screaming bounced off every wall in the massive structure of Paulo's compound. It seeped into every nook and cranny, and it tore Michael apart... from the inside out. But, suddenly, the screaming stopped.

Michael stood, from his crouched position, and listened. He heard footsteps in the distance, approaching at a rapid rate. Deciding that he had to do something, that he had to get himself, and Nikita, out of this hellhole, he went over to the mattress on the floor, and laid down. Pretending to be asleep, Michael listened and waited.

After a few moments, the cell door opened, and only one guard entered. The guard walked over to Michael, and kicked him roughly. When Michael didn't respond, the guard drew back his foot, to kick Michael again. That was when Michael made his move. He sprang on the guard, like a black panther, and in one split second, had the guard sprawled out cold on the stone floor.

Taking the guards weapon, and the keys to the cell, Michael crossed the threshold, and slammed the cell door shut behind him. After making sure that the door was secure, he turned, and made his way in the direction from which the previous night’s screams had emanated.

***

Paulo looked down at Nikita, still strapped to the table. Then, he looked over to his only son Eduardo. He would soon see his vision realized. The fates had been kind to him, by providing him with such a healthy and vibrant specimen. Now, all he had to do was sit back, and wait for nature to take its course.

And take its course it would. He had spent many years, and much money on his current endeavor, and now it would all come to fruition. He would have his 'master race' to lord over, just as he had always dreamed. And, one day, he and his minions would rise up and rule the world.

***

Paulo and Eduardo exited the small sterile Red Room, and the door slid silently closed behind them. As they moved down the hallway, they did not notice the shadow in the junction way as they passed it. Once they were out of sight, the shadow wavered, and shifted, then detached itself from the dark crevice.

Michael moved forward, quiet and stealth like, making sure that there were no anomalies in the area. After one more look around, he walked up to the door, and it slid smoothly open, granting him access. When the door opened, Michael's back was to it, but when he turned, his breath caught in his throat.

Nikita, strapped to a table like an animal, was lying deathly still. From where he was, he could not even see her chest moving, so he wasn't even sure that she was still alive.

Stepping through the door, and giving it time to close behind him, he moved forward, slowly. Arriving at the table, next to Nikita, he looked down. At that very moment, a torrent of emotions raged through Michael... anger... frustration... fear... and love. He wanted to scream... to rage... anything to release the pent up feelings. But he didn't.

Raising his hand slowly, he reached over and lightly brushed his index finger across Nikita's brow. When he did, she gasped, and stirred. Her eyes, snapping open, were not focused. "Please," she moaned, "No more.."

Michael moved his hand, to take Nikita’s, and whispered to her. "Shhhh, Nikita," he soothed, "Its okay, its me...Michael"

Nikita’s eyes seemed to clear, and as realization and acknowledgment dawned on her, she started to cry. The sobs wracked her body, and made her shudder.

Michael quickly set to removing Nikita's bonds. Once she was free, he helped her to sit up. As she did, he drew her into his arms, and held her protectively. "I am so sorry Nikita. I am so sorry." It was all he knew to say, but it seemed to be enough. The shuddering of Nikita's body subsided, and she drew back from him. Nikita looked him directly in the eyes, and spoke.

"Get me out of here, Michael." It wasn't a question, it was a command. And Michael nodded his head. Helping Nikita down off the table, and supporting most of her weight, Michael led her out of the room, and out of the encampment.

***

Pulling her car into its parking spot, Nikita shut off the engine, and opened the door. Taking a deep, calming breath, she slid out of the vehicle, and closed the door behind her.

Walking to her apartment, Nikita had come to a decision. She no longer could live this way. She could no longer live a lie. She would tell Michael the truth, and she would be free. She only hoped, down deep in her heart, that Michael would find the strength to forgive her... to forgive her deception.

Placing her hand on the doorknob, Nikita slowly turned it and opened the door. Crossing the threshold, and turning to close the door behind her, she closed her eyes. Taking a breath to steady herself, she turned back around.

Standing in the middle of the room, was Walter. A look of worry and concern etched into his face. Seated on the couch, was Michael. His ever present blank stare securely in place. Nikita looked down at the keys in her hand, and fidgeted with them. Then, looking back up, she could not hide the pain, or stop the tears. Walter rushed forward, and took Nikita into his arms, caressing her hair, and whispering hushed, soothing words.

"Ah, Sugar. Its gonna be okay." Walter said, trying to soothe Nikita. Nikita hugged Walter back, fiercely, and then looked up from where she had her head rested on his shoulder.

Michael had stood, and was watching what was transpiring. He looked the same as he did all those years ago, only his hair was longer than she remembered. He was the same man that had rescued her, he was the same man that had made love to her, to qualm her fears after that horrendous mission... and he was the same man that, to this day, held her heart. But, he was not Mia's true father. And she owed him that much... she owed him the truth.

Disengaging herself from Walter, and placing her hand on his face, she turned from him and walked towards Michael. As she did, she straightened to her full height, and put on her best blank stare.

"Nikita," Michael said, looking from her to Walter, and back again, "what is going on?" Nikita walked right up to Michael, and stopping inches from him, stared him unflinchingly in the eye.

"Plain and simple, Michael," she began, in a strong and unwavering tone, "Mia is not your daughter, she is Eduardo's. And, she is Paulo's granddaughter. That is why he has returned. He has returned for her."

Michael’s gaze never wavered, and his expression never changed. "Why did you lead me to believe she was mine?" he questioned.

Nikita blinked her eyes suddenly, lowering her gaze, as if the very words were like a smack to the face. Then, returning her gaze to Michael’s, she squared her shoulders. "I told you she was yours, because that is what Operations and Madeline believe. And, without the thought of them holding Mia against you, and controlling you with her, they would not allow me to keep her. She is their leverage against you... and without that power... they would have her canceled."

Michael stared at Nikita. He understood the reasons she had lied to him. However, it didn't make him feel any better. To learn he had a daughter and then to learn it was a lie all in the same day ... it was almost too much. But he had to keep it together ... for Nikita and her daughter.

Nikita was watching Michael as well. She knew that he was hearing too many bombshells in one day. But if anyone could handle them, it was Michael. Michael never lost his cool or his composure. He would keep it together, even if it killed him. And there were many times it almost had.

Michael walked around Nikita and then spoke. "Are you certain Nikita? Are you 100% certain that she is not mine?" Not that it made any difference to him one way or the other ... since she was Nikita's child, he would love her no matter what. But he had to be certain before he could formulate a plan to help Nikita with Madeline and Operations and also get rid of Paolo.

Walter wasn't thrilled about Michael questioning Nikita. "Michael, what right do you have to ask her that? You disappeared four years ago and no one has heard from you since. Nikita has been dealing with Mia and the consequences since you left. You walk in and in one day's time you start questioning everything? Just who do you think you are?"

Nikita turned towards Walter. "Walter ... please. It's okay. Let him ask his questions. We've got to get this thing settled." Then she turned toward Michael and said, "Of course, I'm sure Michael. Does she look anything like you? Does she have dark hair, green eyes ... any of your traits?"

Michael stopped pacing and turned on his heel. "Well, I'm quite sure you didn't have a blood test or a DNA test run. If you did, Madeline and Operations would already know for certain who the father is. Since you had no sample of Eduardo's DNA or blood, and I wasn't around to donate, just why are you so positive? Unless, of course, you've gone into my sealed medical files and checked my reports. But if you had done that, Madeline and Operations would know. So, tell me again how certain you are that she is not mine."

Nikita was stunned. She didn't think that Michael would question her so closely about the child. Actually, she figured he would never find out and she would never have to deal with it. Of course he would want to be certain. Whether or not she was his child would go a long way in developing a profile to get Paolo and his son. And, how he would deal with Madeline and Operations.

Michael watched Nikita's expression. He saw the understanding dawn on her face. Then he spoke. "We will need to go somewhere private and have a test done. I want to know as soon as possible. For the time being, we will let Madeline and Operations continue to think the child is mine. As I said earlier, I have been upgraded and they no longer have the hold on me that they used to. And I promise you one thing, Nikita. No matter how the test turns out, you will not lose your child."

Then he looked to Walter. "Walter, will you help us?"

Walter had watched the scene with increasing understanding. He knew that his Sugar was safe with Michael. No matter how much time had passed, they still loved each other. And Michael was a man of his word when it came to Nikita. He breathed a little easier and answered Michael. "Yeah, sure, Michael. Whatever you need."

There was silence, as both men turned from their stare at each other and they looked at Nikita, who was silent in her own way. Michael stepped towards Nikita slowly and looked into her eyes.

"Uncle Walter... what's wrong with Mommie?" Mia called from the stairs and both men turned to look at the blonde little girl with a concerned look on her face.

Both men started to move towards the stairs to take hold of Mia, but as Michael grazed past Nikita, she touched his arm.

"Help me to bed." Nikita whispered so that only Michael could hear.

He stopped and looked up at Nikita. The youth that he had seen in her face when he first walked into this same apartment hours ago, was replaced by a tired and aged face. Michael looked to Walter as he heaved Mia up into his arms and firmly held her waist.

Michael understood the reasons for what was happening. Walter had said it so clearly. Nikita had been dealing with Mia and the consequences for years now. Michael doubted that Nikita had even properly healed from the past Paulo mission. Michael saw the blunt strength that Nikita demonstrated, even now, as she did not want her daughter to see her weak.

"Your mommie is just a bit tired. You know how she is when she comes home from her trips." Walter explains as Michael turns and leads Nikita towards the bedroom. Walter had moved towards a toy box and looked around in the contents as Michael helped Nikita down to the bed.

Michael went towards a drawer and pulled out the flannel nightgown and turned back towards the bed to find Nikita's blue eyes had finally shut. He did not know how long she had been up, and knew that the emotional activities drained a body more than the physical. Michael pulled at Nikita's shirt and stopped.

There were scars on her shoulders, back and arms. Scars that he knew did not exist before he left. Michael's mind worked like a computer as he absentmindedly outlined one.

"I'll sleep with mommie... she likes to cuddle." Mia said as she ran into the room before Michael could pull down the nightgown. Michael pulled it down, and Mia snuggled her body up close to Nikita's and closed her eyes instantly.

Michael walked out of the room and looked at Walter as he walked down the stairs. Michael shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at Walter firmly.

"You hope that it is Eduardo's." Michael states bluntly as he moved to the table and pulled out a phone book.

Walter moved to the book and slammed it shut. "No." Walter says firmly and Michael looks at him and then back to the table.

Michael swallowed and looked at Walter again. "The scars, where did they come from? Nikita hasn't been in MedLab since the Paulo mission, and I gather she had Mia at a normal hospital." Michael says slowly, as his thoughts start to jumble together.

"Mia was born here, two weeks early. Madeline delivered it, and that was when she first found out about Nikita's pregnancy. She hid it until birth." Walter explains as he moves towards the kitchen to turn on some water to make coffee.

Walter turned and looked at Michael and realized that maybe he had been too hard on Michael in the past four years. Maybe all of Michael's phone calls were to check on Nikita, and not to hurt her more.

"The scars, " Walter continued, "Are from bullets that I have removed. Nikita would never allow MedLab to take them out, because the time she does have with Mia is precious enough." Walter says and Michael nods his head.

Michael looked at the room and closed his eyes.

"Do you want Mia to be yours?" Walter asks.

*MEANWHILE*

Operations smiles as he walks into Madeline's office. He exhales a long expanse of smoke and Madeline stares at him.

"Put that out." Madeline says firmly and Operations smiles.

"Mia is Eduardo's. Heard it myself." Operations says and Madeline turns and frowns lightly.

"I am disappointed that Michael is still holding out for Mia to be his..." Operations says as Madeline pulls out an envelope and opens it up.

"Well, I have the proof of the truth right here. Care to ponder what I know is the truth?" Madeline asks as a devilish smile spreads across her face.

Operations looks at Madeline and pierces his lips tightly together with tension.

Michael stood silhouetted in the doorway as he watched them sleep. He could not get over the events of this one day. His *Homecoming* so to speak. He felt as if he and Nikita had been on a roller-coaster ride and were just now in the second turn of the never-ending journey.

He moved closer and stopped when Mia lifted herself up sleepily and rubbed her eyes. She paused and looked around a moment before flopping back down onto the bed beside her mother, Nikita, to snuggle closer and ease back into a peaceful slumber. Even in sleep Nikita was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. He noticed how her arm instinctively reached out for and encircled little Mia and held her fast to her side.

Michael turned away from them, unable to bear the exquisite site any longer. The unknown variable in this equation was whether or not he was actually Mia's father. The uncertainty and anxiety was driving him to the brink of madness.

Taking himself back into the living area, he went into the kitchen and fixed himself a cup of coffee. Walter had gone in search of the needed equipment to perform the tests. Hopefully, they would have an answer to this riddle by the light of day.

Meanwhile... back at Section...

Operations was frozen at the look on Madeline's face as she held the envelope close to her. She smiled that small, self-satisfied smile that she wore so well. Especially when she felt she had one up on him. He tried to behave as though her taunting did not effect him. He shoved his hands into his pockets and simply watched her and waited for her to share her thoughts.

Madeline, knowing Operations better than he probably knew himself, watched the play of emotions as they crossed his face. Knowing how far she could push him was one of her most well honed skills. She was just reaching that point now.

Waiting but a moment longer, she directed her attention back to the small envelope in her hand and smugly pulls the printed sheet from its grasp. Flipping the sheet open with a flick of her fingers, she simply reached out her arm and waited for him to take it from her.

Operations looked from the small note, to Madeline's face, and back again. Finally deciding that he had had enough of her games, he pulled one hand from his pocket and snatched the printed note from her.

Pausing before reviewing the contents, he looked at her and smiled. Directing his gaze back to the printed page, he flicked his eyes quickly over the information therein and blanched and the discovery. Lifting his eyes back to Madeline's face, he was speechless.

Madeline was prepared for this reaction. In fact... she relished his reaction and took great pleasure in voicing the name on the page before him, "Yes... Jurgen."

Operations tried to regain his composure and before he could even form the questions... Madeline answered them for him.

"The time frame is appropriate. Jurgen and Nikita spent some time together away from section. We pulled the medical records for all the Operatives and ran them through the system. Yes... even Michael's."

Operations lifted his eyebrow at this in question.

"Not a significant match. Jurgen is the closest match of any and all screened." Madeline stated flatly.

Operations mulled this over and smiled. "I think we can use this."