Back at Nikita's apartment, Walter had returned. He set up the equipment while Michael went to wake Nikita. He really hated to disturb her, she needed her rest, but they had to know the truth.
He walked over to the bed and shook her lightly. When Nikita jerked up to a sitting position, Michael sat down beside her and said "Walter has the equipment. It's time for the test. I'll go down and give my sample now, and then you can bring Mia down in a little while."
Nikita nodded and Michael went downstairs to Walter. Just then Michael's cell phone rang. He retrieved it from his jacket and answered "Yes." Listening for a few seconds, Walter could see Michael's jaw tense. "I told Birkoff earlier that I am in the middle of something and would be in when I am finished."
Operations, on the other end of the line, didn't take kindly to Michael's back talk. "Michael I said I want to see you now. I don't mean when you are good and ready, I mean now! Remember, I still hold Nikita's life in my hands. I may not have the power over you personally that I once did, but I can still control you through her. And don't think I won't. Now I want to see you here in one hour and I don't care what you are in the middle of. Besides, I have the information you are looking for here."
Michael shut his cell phone and sighed. Apparently Nikita's apartment was under surveillance. They would have to deal with that later. He wasn't about to trust Operations' test results. He wanted private confirmation right here, right now.
"We have to make this quick Walter. I need to be in Section in one hour. If I'm not there, they are threatening Nikita."
Walter looked up when Michael revealed that last little tidbit. "How dare they? She's Level 5 and she's a good op."
Nikita was coming down the stairs and had overheard Michael and Walter. "It's okay Walter. You know that's how they work. Of course, they haven't resorted to that particular threat since Michael's been gone. Usually they just threaten me with taking away my daughter."
Michael looked up and said "I'm sorry, Kita. I don't want to add to your burden. I just thought knowing the truth would help all concerned."
Nikita smiled. "It's okay Michael. I know you're right. It's just been so long since I've had anyone but Walter to lean on. I'll get Mia and get things moving."
Walter took the blood samples and then did the fastest testing he could. He knew it wouldn't be completely accurate since they were rushing so, but it should be pretty close. Time was getting shorter. Michael was pacing. He had to leave soon.
"Walter, I've got to go. Do you have the results yet?" Michael finally asked.
Walter looked up and said "Just about finished. Give me one more minute ... Okay here you go." He handed the test results to Nikita first.
Michael understood Walter's loyalty to Nikita, so he didn't say anything. Nikita smiled and handed the results to Michael.
"It says here that there's a 93% chance that I'm her father," Michael said. He looked to Walter. "How much faith can we put into these results?"
Walter sighed. "I'll run them again after you leave to get a more accurate reading. But I'd say they are about 95% accurate. Congratulations."
Michael moved to Nikita and touched her face. "We will talk when I get back." Nikita nodded. Michael turned to leave and then said "Oh, and Walter, you might want to remove all surveillance from Nikita's apartment. They know what we are doing."
Back at Section ...
Operations turned to Madeline. "Michael should be here in the next few minutes. Are you sure we've thought of everything? I don't want any last minute screw-ups."
Madeline sighed. "Yes, we've covered everything. Michael will be disappointed when we tell him that Jurgen is the father, but he will get over it. He will not do anything to jeopardize Nikita or her daughter."
Operations nodded. Just then Michael entered. "You wanted to see me?" he asked sarcastically. Operations motioned for Michael to sit and Madeline handed Michael the file containing the baby's paternity test.
She said "I believe you have been looking for this information. As you can see, you are not Mia's father. Jurgen is. Section tested all possible scenarios and Jurgen is the best match."
Michael studied in file. He wondered what they were up to. According to Walter, he, himself, was Mia's father. Section wanted them to believe that Jurgen was the father. He would have to tread very carefully to find out everything he could. Then he and Nikita could work out a plan. He really didn't want to play his hand just yet, but if he needed to, he would call George for backup.
Michael handed the folder back over to Madeline and stared at her and then looked towards Operations slowly. Michael folded his hands and waited for Madeline to continue speaking. Michael knew she was thinking of what to say, and he waited.
"Michael, we are quite concerned about your need for a family. It has shown up in the past, but these current events have us frankly scared that you are losing your objectivity." Madeline says slowly and Michael blinks and forces a half smile out.
"It isn't any of your concern. I am not the father. Good." Michael says and stands up. He looks at Operations and brushes into the hallway.
"That did not go as planned." Operations says as Madeline stands up and looks at Operations.
"Maybe Jurgen wasn't a good decision. It would make Mia fatherless." Madeline says slowly and Operations' face starts to turn red.
"You should have thought of that prior to this meeting. You knew we only had one chance to make Michael believe us." Operations says and turns. He walks towards the door and pulls it open in a jarring motion.
Madeline watches Operations walk out of the room without turning back to look at her. Madeline walks to the desk and picks up the phone and looks at the door. She punches the numbers softly and looks up to the ceiling. She does not move as the phone call goes through.
"All went as planned. I think it is time for you to call Michael." Madeline says and hangs up. Madeline sits down and looks over to her orchids. She picks up the spray bottle with a smile, and walks over to them.
***Meanwhile***
Michael moved through Section quickly and firmly. Most of the operatives that he passed, he did not even know, or even cared to know. He turned the corner and saw Birkoff waving at him.
"Birkoff... I am busy." Michael snaps out as he tries to maintain a distance. Birkoff rolls his eyes and stares at Michael.
"Do you think I would be standing up, jumping up and down for your attention if I just wanted to say hello?" Birkoff asks with a quick snap back. Michael looks to the side, and then moves the way to Birkoff's desk. Birkoff pulls out a phone and hands it to Michael.
"Take it. You should be expecting a phone call." Birkoff says and sits down.
Michael holds the phone as he looks at Birkoff. Michael tilts his head to the side and studies Birkoff. Michael looked down at the phone, and knew it had something to do with Nikita and Mia. Michael turned and walked out of Section One with a direct route.
It wasn't until Michael was inside Nikita's apartment building that the phone rang. Michael moved to the staircase and unfolded the phone. He paused and waited to hear something.
"Michael... I thought you would have called me by now... seeing that you are a father!" George's voice booms out happily and Michael looks up the stairs and then looks to the phone. Now, Michael pondered, how did George know? Michael surely would have guessed that Madeline and Operations would have hid Mia from George. Michael rubs his chin as he starts up the stairs. Somehow, Michael knew Nikita had more answers to the questions that now filled his mind.
How did Nikita hide her pregnancy? Who else knew she was pregnant? Walter? How did she get to maintain Mia? How did she get Walter's help anytime she needed it? How come Michael never heard anything about it till he came back?
"Michael... Are you there? Passing out cigars, eh?" George asks and Michael pushes the door open from the staircase and heads towards Nikita's apartment.
It didn't take long for Michael to reach Nikita's apartment because he was running. He had to find out the definite results of the paternity test. This was getting more confusing that it should be and he wanted a definite answer one way or the other.
He pulled out the key to the apartment that he had made before coming back to greet Mia as his daughter and inserted it into the lock. He started to unlock the door only to find that it wasn't locked at all. He took the key back out and turned the doorknob opening the door. What he found on the other side of the door shocked him beyond belief. The apartment was in total disarray. There were pillows sliced open, papers shredded and strewn about, glass was shattered on the floor and tables, and most of Mia's toys were broken and thrown around. He looked for Nikita, Mia and Walter frantically only to find that they were gone with no trace what so ever. Even the equipment Walter was using to determine paternity was gone.
Michael pulled out the cellular phone that he was given just minutes ago my Birkoff and dialed him.
"Yes?" Birkoff answered with impatience in his voice.
"Locate Nikita, Walter and Mia. Now." Was Michael's response.
"Why?" Birkoff answered giving Michael his full attention and worry and confusion filled his quizzitive response.
"Because Nikita's apartment is totally destroyed and they're gone. Did they remove Nikita's clock?" Michael asked impatiently. Time was of the essence here and they couldn't afford to lose any.
"Yes. They removed it the day after she was promoted to level five status. But..." Birkoff's voice trailed off as he started typing into the computer.
"But?" Michael asked wanting to know exactly what was going on on the other end of the phone.
"Walter has a clock crystal implanted in him that he doesn't know about. I'm activating it now." Birkoff informed Michael. Michael listened intently at the sounds of keyboard clicks. It didn't take long for Birkoff to give Michael a location.
Meanwhile...
Operations was pacing his office nervously. There was too much going on that he didn't know about. He saw the symptoms but had no idea of the plans. It made him antsy. The signs that were showing now, are the ones that Adrian picked up when he was rallying for power.
He knew that Madeline was lying to him about who the father of Mia really was. That was for certain. He also knew that Michael didn't believe a word that Madeline and Operations told him.
Walter and Nikita were sneaking around behind his back. Along with Michael and Birkoff. All of the key players that were needed for an overthrow of power. He had to do something and fast.
He thought about Nikita and Michael's mission with Paulo. He had made arrangements before the mission with Paulo allowing him to use Nikita's body for whatever suited his purpose. No questions asked. The only requirement was the valuable intel that he could supply to Section. Paulo had eagerly agreed to the deal. Now Paulo's son, Eduardo, was snooping around looking for Nikita. This had him nervous as well. He didn't need for Nikita to find out what he had done.
Deciding finally that he needed to find out exactly what was going on, he turned on his heel in mid-stride of pacing and walked smoothly out of his office.
Michael tried to keep focused as he drove through the countryside. Birkoff had pinpointed a possible location on the trio at a remote cabin a good way out from town. Why someone would take them there, though, was the thought that was torturing him as he drove.
Whether or not Mia was his didn't matter to him as much as keeping her and Nikita both safe. She was Nikita's daughter, and he loved her already, regardless.
Pressing the gas pedal even harder, the car leapt ahead of traffic and he sped out into the country.
Meanwhile...
Nikita held Mia in her arms and rocked the child in an attempt to comfort her. Glancing across the room at Walter, she saw the troubled look on his face. "What is it Walter? Don't you think this was the best plan?"
Walter looked back over to Nikita and smiled weakly. "I don't know about that. Sugar. I still think that you are putting all of our lives on the line."
Nikita managed to smile half-heartedly. She resumed her rocking for Mia and began to hum a tune absently as she stroked Mia's hair. She and Walter had ransacked her apartment in an attempt to throw Michael and Section off their trail.
Maybe they will think that Eduardo had them... and maybe at last they will be free. Walter was watching Nikita and Mia closely. He knew how upset Nikita was at Michael's reappearance in her life. She loved him still nonetheless. He was about to go over to them when he heard a sound from outside. Rising to his feet casually, he said to Nikita,
"Hey... Nikita. I am going to get some more firewood. It is getting too cold in here for Mia. Be right back, sugar." With a smile, he was out the door.
Michael was trying to get a look in through the side window and had just stepped on a small stick. It snapped quickly under the weight of his foot and he froze instantly. Turning his eyes back to the window he saw a shadow pass it and then heard the door open.
Michael pressed himself back against the rough wood of the cabin wall and reached for his gun. Pulling it out of his holster carefully, he aimed at the corner of the cabin and waited.
Walter stood on the porch for a moment looking around and listening. He didn't hear anything more, with the exception of normal sounds of nature out in the woods like this. Just to assure himself, he turned to make a sweep of the perimeter of the cabin.
As he rounded the corner of the cabin, a voice from the shadows stopped him in his tracks: "Don't move." Walter recognized the voice instantly.
"Michael. How in the name of all that's holy did you find us??"
Michael moved out of the shadows, but kept his gun trained on Walter. "What is going on Walter? Who brought you here? What happened to Nikita's apartment?"
Walter sighed. He was tired of this game Michael and Nikita were playing. He wanted them to get over it already and admit the truth to each other. They've loved each other for years ... he just never understood why they couldn't tell each other. Instead, they made each other miserable. He was sick and tired of it.
"Nikita brought us here, Michael. We trashed the apartment to throw you and Section off our trail. She figured Section would think Paolo or Eduardo had found us. You know, Michael, I'm tired of all of this. I want you and Nikita to take the time, right now and straighten this out. This game you two are playing isn't doing anyone any good. All you seem to be doing is going around in circles. By the way, how did you find us?"
Michael put his gun away and motioned for Walter to go back into the cabin. "Section put a crystal tracker in you. I had Birkoff trace your location. And no, before you ask, Operations and Madeline don't know."
Walter was stunned. He didn't know when they had implanted the crystal. He was also very angry. How dare they? He rarely went "out in the field" anymore. Why did they think they needed to keep track of him. He had been here so long ... they really couldn't think he was considering jumping ship at this late date. Walter opened the cabin door muttering under his breath all the while.
Nikita looked up when the door opened. "Walter, who ..." She stopped when she saw Michael enter behind Walter. She stopped rocking too.
Mia looked up and saw Michael. She jumped down from Nikita's arms and ran straight to him. "Michael, Michael. You came with us. I missed you. Are you gonna be my daddy?"
Michael reached down and picked up Mia. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. Michael planted a kiss on the top of her head. "I missed you too, angel. Tell you what. How about you and Uncle Walter go outside and look for some flowers for mommy. Your mommy and I have to talk. Okay?"
Mia nodded her head, said "Okay" and then hugged him again. Michael set her down and watched as Walter took Mia outside. Then he turned to Nikita.
"Okay Nikita. We have to talk. I want the test results and I want to know why you picked up and disappeared like that? Why are you trying to avoid me? We are not leaving this cabin until we talk this out. Walter said we aren't doing anyone any good and he was right. Once we get things straightened out between us, we have to decide what to do about Paolo and Eduardo. And we have to come up with something fast, before Operations and Madeline decide to pull something. They tried to convince me that Jurgen was Mia's father. I don't know what they are planning, but we have to be prepared. And I want you to know that even if Mia isn't my child, it doesn't matter to me. I will still take care of both of you."
Nikita jumped up from her chair. "Michael we are not having this discussion. I agree we have to do something about Paolo and Eduardo, but that's it. Other than that, we are not going to discuss it. Do you understand? Now. I'm going to find my daughter." She moved to pass Michael, but he grabbed her and pinned her against the wall.
Nikita was shocked. She remembered the time he had done the same thing in her apartment. During the Adrian mission. He only did this when he was desperate. "Michael, let me go. You don't want Mia to come in and see this, do you?"
Michael knew she was right. He didn't want Mia to see him right now, but he still had some time. He knew Walter would give them plenty of time. He finally did what he had been waiting to do since he had first seen her when he got back. He leaned in and kissed her for all he was worth. Nikita fought him for a few seconds, but she swiftly gave in and surrendered to the kiss. And she gave just as good as she got.
Madeline ran out of her office and down the hallways. She pushed the operatives out of the way on the way to the van access.
"STOP, PAUL!" Madeline screamed as she pulled Operations by the shoulder and stared at him. Madeline scowled at him and placed her hands on her hips with anger.
"What is the meaning of this?" Operations yelled firmly and Madeline stared at him with anger.
"You are off to meet with Paulo and Eduardo." Madeline accused and Operations turned and punched Madeline firmly in the eye and moved towards the van access. Madeline staggered and pulled the gun on him.
"Stop, Paul. You aren't going." Madeline said as she cocked the gun and pointed the gun at his head. Operations stared as she lowered the gun to aim at his groin.
"You don't have the power." Operations said firmly and the doors behind him and George walked in.
"But I do. I think we should go to your office." George said as he placed the gun to his head and started to push Operations to the office.
****MEANWHILE*****
Michael's hands started to reach underneath Nikita's shirt and Nikita abruptly pushed away and looked at Michael. He lifted his head and saw the tears running down her face and she dropped her head and moved away.
"Nikita..." Michael said softly as he allowed the distance. Nikita lifted her hands to touch Michael and looked to the table.
"The results are on the table, if you need to see them. I didn't think you would." Nikita said softly as she tried to push the tears away from her face.
Michael looked down and touched the paper. Michael felt his own heart grow with the results. There was no doubt in either Michael's or Nikita's mind that he was Mia's father.
"Nikita, I want you to know that this makes me happy." Michael says and Nikita turns her head to the side and her strength gives out. She hits the floor hard with tears rolling down her face. Michael moved over and touched her shoulder as he bent over.
"Do you know how hard it was? No one knew... You had left me right after the Paulo mission, Michael. He had, no his son had, hurt me so much, that I didn't have much of myself left. And you left. I never want my daughter to feel like that." Nikita cried out and Michael sat down next to Nikita and smoothed her hair back.
"She won't. I love you Nikita, and that was something it took me three years to realize." Michael said and Nikita shook her head.
"You love me now because I gave you a daughter." Nikita said and she turned her head away again. "I was in labor for two days Michael. Walter had been sent off on a mission and Madeline just happened to come to my apartment. I couldn't go to an outside hospital and the pain was so bad." Nikita said slowly as her body began to hiccup with the massive amount of tears.
"I knew she had to be yours.. because she gave me the most pain in my life... just like you had." Nikita said slowly and Michael hugged Nikita. "I work my body ragged, not for the good of Section, Michael. I do it so that I am so tired that I don't have a nightmare of Eduardo. He haunts me every second that my eyes are closed. When Madeline was delivering Mia, she heard my screams, but they weren't all of pain." Nikita cried out and Michael kissed her head softly.
"I can't make up for the time I have missed, Nikita. I can't. But for the best of Mia... we have to try." Michael said and Nikita nodded her head and turned towards Michael. He rubbed her chin softly. Nikita kissed his lips softly as the door opened up.
"Mommy! Daddy! Look what Uncle Walter made me!" Mia screamed as she twirled around with a wreath of flowers on her head. Nikita smiled at Mia and then turned to Michael.
"Walter, my car is down the way. We need some equipment to deal with the Paulo problem. Why don't you take Mia with you?" Michael asked as he looked at Nikita's trembling body. Nikita had always tried to hide Mia from the misery that she felt.
"Is everything fine here? You saw the results?" Walter asked and Michael turned and rubbed a hand against Mia's cheek.
"Yes. Mia does have me as a father." Michael said happily and Mia choked her arms around Michael and hugged him tightly. "C'mon, Mia. Let's go to Mickey D's!" Walter says and Mia grabs Walter's hand and skips out quickly.
"Can we talk somewhere more comfortable?" Michael asked as he looked at the floor and then to Nikita.
George, Operations and Madeline enter Operations' office quietly. George instructed Operations to sit down in the only chair in the room with his gun still pointed at the commander of Section. Madeline watched the play between the two knowing that Paul was highly uncomfortable, scared even.
"What is this all about?" Operations asked the two conspirators wearily. He didn't trust either of them especially Madeline.
"You tell us." Was the snide reply from George.
"I have no idea whatsoever." Operations replied calmly.
"Yes, you do. I have the recorded conversations between you and Paulo." Madeline informed him with a sly smile spreading widely over her face.
"I don't know what conversations you are referring to Madeline." Operations lied easily while staring Madeline directly in the eye.
"Don't lie Paul. We both know what you have been up to and we're going to put a stop to it here and now." George said tightly as he took a small step towards Operations.
"I am not lying. You have made some mistake." Paul lied once again. George turned to Madeline and smiled regretfully.
"I guess we have to use it huh?" He asked her calmly.
"Yes, we do I'm afraid. It's a shame you wouldn't tell us the truth Paul. Now things have escalated to a whole different level." Madeline said calmly while pulling out a syringe and walking over to him. She inserted the needle into the side of his neck, inserted the clear liquid and removed the needle swiftly.
"How long will it take for the drug to become effective?" George asked Madeline with anticipation in his voice. George had other questions besides the ones about Paulo that he wanted answered while Operations was under the control of the truth serum.
"It should be a matter of minutes." Madeline replied easily.
"Good." Replied George as he watched Operations closely for any sign of change.
Meanwhile...
Nikita and Michael had settled down comfortably on the couch with two steaming cups of coffee to talk.
Michael watched Nikita as she sipped her hot coffee carefully. She kept her eyes averted from him and was staring sightlessly at the wall of the cabin. He could only imagine how hard the past years had been on her, and Mia as well. She closed her eyes for a moment as if in deep thought.
Allowing her a few moments to center herself, he let his own thoughts finally grasp the reality of Mia being his child... his child with Nikita. The simple statement, although powerful, lifted the corners of his mouth in a slight smile. He had a daughter. And she was beautiful.
Casting his eyes back over to Nikita, he saw that she was watching him intently. As their eyes met and held, he could read the emotions that ran rampant across her face. Insecurity... fear... anxiety... acceptance... hope... admiration... and love.
He reached his hand up slowly to grasp her own and lifted it to his lips. Never breaking eye contact with her, he turned her hand palm-side up and placed a kiss there. Lowering her hand to his lap, he laced his fingers with hers. Nikita was so overwhelmed with his tenderness that a lone tear slipped past her defenses and tumbled down her cheek to splash against his hand.
Michael felt the cool droplet on his hand and he smiled at her. "Nikita, don't... please. I am here now. We will work this out." Pulling her into his embrace, Nikita finally unleashed all the pent-up emotions she had held so long in check. Michael simply held her as she cried.
Finally, when her tears we fully spent, she began to relate the story of her life over the past 4 years....
Back at Section One...
Operations was having a hard time keeping his vision focused and unblurred. His head lolled to the side and he snapped it back and overcorrected himself. Trying in vain to fight off the effects of the drug, he finally caved in and let himself go limp.
George and Madeline stood watching him through the mirrored window. Madeline smiled, sadly. "I think he is ready now. Shall we?"
George preceded her from the observation room and Madeline took one last look at Operations, helpless in the chair, before following George in there to begin the interrogation.
Madeline and George entered the White Room and stopped in front of Operations. Madeline began to speak. "Paul, can you hear me?"
Operations tried to lift his head and said "Yes."
Madeline smiled at him. "Good. Now I'm going to ask you a few questions ..."
George interrupted at this point. "Madeline, I think I will handle it from here. You are free to stay if you wish."
Madeline was surprised. She assumed she would be handling the interrogation. She was also a bit nervous. There were certain things that she didn't want George finding out. She decided she had better stay and at least find out what damage Paul would do. "Fine George. I think I'll stay. Thank you."
George smiled at Madeline. He knew what she was up to -- there were things she didn't want discovered. Well, we'll just see about that, George thought to himself.
******Back at the cabin
Michael couldn't believe what all Nikita had been through ... what she had to endure in order to keep her daughter. If he could, he would put a bullet through Operations and Madeline right now. Of course, that was not an option. Paolo and Eduardo were their first priority. Besides, Michael had a pretty good idea that George would be working the other end of things at this point.
"Michael, it was just so hard. I had two months to recover from my injuries. Two months to sit around and do nothing but think about what Paolo and Eduardo did to me. To think about the fact that you left me without even saying goodbye. I became quite ... distraught .... I finally started working out and getting myself back into shape, when I started to get sick at different times during the day. I took a home pregnancy test and it was positive. I then had Walter verify it for me. I was amazed and happy ... for about five seconds. Then I realized Eduardo could be the father. And if he wasn't, then the child was yours. That thought made me happy, for a while, but then I remembered you were gone and I probably would never hear from you again. I still couldn't believe that you left like that. I was in terrible shape ... you knew that. How could you leave?"
Michael sighed. He kissed the top of her head and then answered. "I'm sorry Kita. I didn't have any choice. They wouldn't let me see you when we got back. I was driving myself insane worrying about you. Madeline and Operations didn't like the way I was behaving. So they decided that they had had enough. They had me transferred to another Section and figured that would take care of the problem. You and I were their best, but they wouldn't allow us to be together. They knew they were fighting a losing battle, so the Paolo mission gave them the chance they needed to separate us for good ... so they thought. I tried to get in touch with you, but they changed everything after I left -- I had no way to reach you. No way to check on you -- until you started going out on missions again. Then, every once in a while, a file of one of your missions would get through to me. I did some investigating and discovered that George had taken an interest in us and was sending me the information. Apparently George has no love loss for Operations and Madeline. I have been working secretly for him for the last two years. I still work for Section 1 as a cover ... on missions I choose, but I ultimately work for Oversight. Madeline and Operations have no more power over me ... except you. And that will soon be taken care of."
Nikita was stunned. Michael worked for Oversight now? He didn't have to answer to Madeline and Operations? "Michael, I'm happy for you, but I won't let them use me to get to you. I can't live like that. And I can't let them use Mia either."
Michael sighed. He realized that she still didn't completely trust him. "Kita ... listen to me. I will NOT let them use you or Mia ever again. I can't stop them from sending you on missions, but I will have some say as to where they send you and what you have to do. And I will kill them before I let them use Mia. You don't have to worry about that any more. Please believe me."
Nikita looked at Michael with tears in her eyes. "All right Michael. I do believe you. I just wish we hadn't had to waste so much time. You've missed so much of your daughter's life."
Michael took her hand in his again and said "I'm sorry to. And I will definitely have to get to know my daughter, but first we have to take care of Paolo. I should be hearing from George soon, and then we can set up the profile for the mission."
********Back at Section
George was still interrogating Operations regarding how he had let Paolo use Nikita in order to procure intel for Section. George was completely disgusted, but he couldn't let that show.
"And more recently Paul. I understand that you have been in touch with Paolo. You are going to let him find Nikita and her daughter, is that correct?"
Operations couldn't fight the drugs, so he told everything he knew. "Yes. That's right. Madeline thought it would be a good way to control Nikita, and ultimately Michael when he returned to Section. She thought if we took their daughter away, made Michael believe it was someone else's child, then there would be nothing to stop us from using them however we saw fit. Madeline even arranged for Eduardo to see his child one day when Nikita was on a mission. I told her it was a mistake, but she insisted. Then she decided to tell Michael that Jurgen was Mia's father. Michael would have no claim to the child and Nikita would have no hold over him. She even had me send Nikita out on missions when she knew she was near the end of her pregnancy. Nikita never realized that we knew ... Madeline insisted we keep it to ourselves. That way if Nikita lost the baby, she couldn't blame us."
George was taking it all in. He glanced off to the side and noticed Madeline was becoming quite pale. "Madeline, is something wrong?"
"I knew you were involved with this Madeline, but I am confused how you went along with my plan." George said as he moved closer to Madeline. Madeline started to shake her head and looked up at George.
"I was trying to hide things from you, George, but not this." Madeline said and George shook his head and looked back at Operations.
"I didn't want Paul or you to know how much I have been involved in the welfare of Mia. I have been active in the search for the kidney up until Michael came back. I didn't know Nikita was pregnant until I delivered Mia!" Madeline spoke up clearly and looked at Operations.
"No... you told me yourself that she was pregnant, with Eduardo's child." Operations said firmly and Madeline shook her head.
"George, I called you as soon as I delivered that child and Nikita had passed out. I believed from the beginning that it was Michael's." Madeline said as she stood up and walked towards Operations. Operations in his drugged state grabbed Madeline's arm and flipped the hand over.
"Where it the scar?" Operations asks and Madeline stares at Operations blankly. "From when Nikita attacked you with the knife before you delivered Mia?" Operations asked and Madeline looked at George and he immediately left the room to call Michael.
**Meanwhile**
"Tell me about the day she was born. You were vague before." Michael said as he looked at the cell phone, wondering what was holding George up. Nikita set the coffee cup down and started to tremble.
"Walter was out on a mission. I didn't know he had been sent out until I called him to tell him that my water had broke." Nikita started to explain in a broken voice. Michael rubbed her shoulder softly.
"I thought I could wait it out until he came back, or I would deliver her myself. Ages ago, women would go out to the forest to give birth... by themselves, and I thought I could." Nikita said and Michael shook his head. Nikita could see the pain of her story on his eyes. Michael would have stopped everything to deliver Nikita's child, if it was his or not, and Nikita knew that.
"Madeline had been acting differently, mood swings. She just dropped by to see how I was doing. She found me in the middle of the living room, and Mia was crowning." Nikita explained and nodded her head for strength.
"She called George and told him that I had given birth." Nikita said and Michael rubbed his chin and looked at Nikita.
"She called George?" Michael asked and Nikita nodded her head.
"So, when did you attack Madeline with a knife?" Michael asked and Nikita wrinkled her eyes up and pulled away from Michael.
"Did she try to take Mia away from you?" Michael asked and Nikita shook her head.
"No. She handed Mia to me and said that everything would be fine. I never was near a knife." Nikita said and Michael nodded his head and thought back to the report that Operations had sent George. It had mentioned that Madeline had sustained a stab wound.
"Madeline has been like a god mother to Mia. She was really more supportive than..." Nikita says and stops.
"You are thinking what I am thinking." Michael said as he stroke her hair.
"What report said I stabbed Madeline?" Nikita asked.
"The one Operations sent George." Michael said. It was one of the files he had reviewed in the short time he had spent in recovery.
"But he knew.... does that mean..." Nikita said and then stopped as the phone rang.
**Meanwhile**
"I want my child, Father!" Eduardo screamed from the corner and Paolo shook his head.
"Stop being a child yourself you over grown sex ape!" Paolo screamed and the man jumped up.
"I was only 17! Don't forget that! I want my child!" Eduardo said and Paolo stopped and looked at the woman who entered the room.
"You haven't cut your hair! You need to cut it just like Madeline's!" Paolo screamed at Emily, who looked exactly like a picture of Madeline when she had long hair.
"You have had several weeks to cut it! You could have messed our plans! CUT IT NOW!" Paolo screamed and she nodded her head and left.
Michael couldn't wait for the phone to ring. There had to be some word from George soon or he was going to go into Section and start finding out information himself. Just then, the phone on the table began to ring. He rushed over to it and picked it up. He put it to his ear quickly. "Hello?" Michael said with a harsh expectant voice.
"It's me. We've got a few problems." George replied quickly. Then he went on to recite what information he'd extracted from Operations and the reactions from Madeline.
Nikita watched the emotions running across Michael's face as he listened to what he was being told from the other end of the phone. She watched as his face went from understanding to total fury then to what scared her the most, fear/horror.
"We'll be there in an hour to come up with a plan and set it in motion." Michael told George when he heard the end of what George was telling him.
"Good. If you can get here sooner, we'd be better off." George replied and hung up the phone. He was going to have a nice little honest chat with Madeline now for what she did not know was going to give him, Michael and Nikita an advantage in the game.
Nikita watched Michael close the cellular phone. He slowly turned to her and recited exactly what George had told him. She was horrified when he told her about Madeline letting Eduardo near Mia. She flew into a rage.
"I will kill her myself! She had no right!" Nikita screamed violently shaking with rage.
"Killing her is not going to do us any good. We need her alive to take Eduardo and Paulo down." Michael replied calmly but just as angry as Nikita was inside. He had to be strong for her right now.
"Well, after we have Eduardo and Paulo, she's mine!" Nikita replied harshly to Michael's statement of truth. She knew he was right and had to concede that to him. She was still going to have it out with Madeline as soon as those two maniacs were in custody.
Michael knew that Nikita was furious and had to get it out. He knew that she would come to her senses soon.
"Come, we need to get to Section as soon as we can. We have to come up with a plan to bring down Eduardo and Paulo as well as Madeline and Operations. We have to do it before they regain the advantage that they had." Michael said lightly grabbing her hand and pulling her gently towards the door. Nikita complied easily because all that was running through her mind was how she was going to make Madeline pay for her deception.
Paulo and Eduardo sat in the small room, staring at each other. The older man took special note of the rage and hatred in the younger man's eyes. He almost felt... afraid.
Emily re-entered the room and they both looked her over. Paulo smiled and nodded his satisfaction at the new haircut and deemed her ready to begin the final stages of their plan.
Emily, who had been posing as Madeline for quite a while now, did not particularly like the role she was having to play in this odd game of power and dominance. She stood very still while the men appraised her, and rubbed at the scar on her hand absently. She should have had it taken care of with plastic surgery before they began this *game*. She had tried to tell Paulo that it would be noticed. Madeline had no such scar.
Eduardo stood abruptly and declared, "That is enough, Father. It is time to begin. Now."
The trio gathered their supplies and headed towards Section.
Back at Section............
Madeline had excused herself from George and the questioning of Operations. She stood before her beloved plants and looked at them without seeing them.
Her mind played back over the past few years and the inconsistencies all started to add up. She had often wondered why Operations said certain things to her regarding Nikita, or the current missions, when she obviously had no idea what he was talking about. And then there was Nikita, and the whole knife/scar scenario. There had to be a double. Someone was playing games with them all. And she knew why.
Turning on her heel and running out of her office, she knew what had to be done.
Headed back to the city.......
***
Michael and Nikita rode along in a tense silence. Walter still had Mia and Michael had managed to contact him and give him a brief run-down of the current events. Walter would take Mia to a safe house until Nikita or Michael came for them.
Nikita stared straight ahead, seeing the past years play out in her mind's eye like a crazy movie on fast-forward. The delivery... Madeline and her very strange, almost split-personality... Her dear friend Walter... Mia's first steps... Birkoff playing Easter bunny for Mia... Michael returning... Running for their lives... The memories were so varied and flew in front of her eyes so rapidly, she didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
She was losing it. She was finally over the edge.
Michael looked across the silence to her and was concerned with the look in Nikita's eyes. Turning his attention back to the roadway, he reached his hand across the seat and took hers and held it. She turned and looked down at their hands, then over to him.
Michael glanced in her direction once again, and saw the change that had taken place within her. The new and unfamiliar blank look was in place on her face. He thought to himself that she had learned this one too well. She had a look of steely determination in her eye and he knew that this game would be played out... to the bitter end.
Michael and Nikita stormed into Section. Well, actually Nikita stormed and Michael was along for the ride. He, too, was furious at what Section had done to Nikita and Mia, but he had much more practice at keeping his emotions in check. Nikita had mastered the blank stare, but her body language still gave her away. Passing operatives gave them a wide berth. Everyone who saw them knew there was a showdown in the making.
Birkoff looked up from his station and saw the couple closing in on him. Man, he sure hoped he wasn't the target of all that anger. He straightened up and waited for one of them to speak as they stopped in front of him.
"Where is she Birkoff?" Nikita asked.
Birkoff's mind went blank all of sudden. She ... who was she? Mia ... did something happen to Mia? That was the only thing he knew that would get both of them so worked up. Or did she mean Madeline? Now that was a showdown he would pay good money to watch. Of course, not too many people came up against Madeline and won, but he thought these two just might be the pair that could do it.
Michael realized Birkoff was stalling because he wasn't sure who they were looking for. He would have to talk with Birkoff. He usually had better instincts than that. Of course, it could be just the fact that Nikita was so angry that got him nervous. Michael spoke up.
"Madeline, Birkoff ... where is Madeline?"
Birkoff nodded his head and then pointed to the Observation Deck. Michael and Nikita both looked up in time to see Madeline and Operations turn their backs toward them.
Just then George approached them. "Michael, Nikita. I'm glad you're here. We need to get to the bottom of this thing and fast. Someone is trying to pull a fast one, and this time I don't think it is Operations and Madeline. I think we've got Paolo to thank for this mess. Shall we get started?"
Nikita headed straight for Madeline and Operations. Michael tried to call her back. "Kita, wait. We have to ..." He knew it was no use. She would do what she had to do. No one would stop her.
Nikita stormed into Operations office. Madeline and Operations both stared at her. They saw the angry, determined look on her face and both of them were nervous. Not that they showed it, but they were. They had done so much to Nikita ... and Michael, for that matter ... over the years. This time just may have been the straw that broke the camel's back.
Operations began to speak. "Hello Nikita. It seems that there is..."
Nikita interrupted. "Shut up. I don't want to hear another lie out of either of your mouths! How dare you? How dare you use me like you did to get information? How dare you use my daughter against me and her father? How dare you lie to Michael about his daughter? How dare you let that pig anywhere near Mia? You have got to be the two most cold-hearted bastards I've ever met. No terrorist alive could ever beat you two out for that honor!"
Michael and George had silently entered during Nikita's diatribe. When she seemed to have reached the end of her tirade, Michael stepped up and put his hand on her shoulder. Nikita tensed momentarily until she realized it was Michael. Then she seemed to deflate before everyone's eyes. Michael helped her to a chair and sat her down. Then he picked up where she left off. "Nikita has some very valid questions. We would like to hear the answer to them. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Just then Birkoff buzzed Operations. Glad for a reprieve, but still ticked off about being screamed at by Nikita, he hit the intercom button and yelled "What is it?"
Birkoff was glad he wasn't in that room. Things didn't seem to be going well at all. "Uh, sir, we just received a video feed from Paolo. I think you better watch it."
Operations looked at everyone in the room and sighed. "Fine Birkoff. Cue it up. We'll watch it up here."
A few seconds passed as everyone sat down and watched the monitor. Just then Paolo's face came on the screen. "Hello Operations. I have a message from someone near and dear to you." Then the camera switched to the other person in the room. It was Madeline. Everyone in the room switched their eyes to Madeline, back to the screen and then back to Madeline again.
Madeline was amazed. It was incredible. She knew it wasn't her, but she would have a hard time proving it to this group. Just then, the Madeline on the screen spoke -- and her voice sounded just like Madeline's. "Hello Paul. As you can see, I have been working closely with Paolo and Eduardo for some time now. We have come to a decision. It is time that Eduardo is given custody of his child. If the child is not turned over in 24 hours, Section One will be destroyed. Starting at the top." The the vid screen went blank.
"I am going to kill him!" Nikita screamed as she jumped to her feet and started to dash out of the office. Both Michael and George were staring at the Madeline in the room, that Nikita was not noticed until she slammed the door shut. "Michael... please stop Nikita before she goes and send nuclear warheads to Paulo's." Operations said calmly and Michael shook his head and stared at Operations.
"Don't you think it is more important to know who the real Madeline is?" Michael asked and Operations looked at Michael and then to the floor down below, as Nikita starts to search through the equipment.
Michael looked and nodded his head as he turned and left. George turned and looked at Operations. He lifted a set of keys out of his pocket and turned to Operations.
"Do you have yours?" George asked and Operations nodded his head. He pulled his key out and headed to the panel. Madeline looked at the two powers, one that was kind and the one that was cold, move to the panel that would prove her to be the true Madeline.
The panel opened up and George pulled the envelope out and then looked at Madeline. Operations shut the door as he thought about what was about to occur. It was the only way to make sure this was Madeline, and the other one was an impostor.
"I AM NOT TURNING MY CHILD OVER TO THAT MADMAN!" Nikita's scream jarred the room as Madeline stood up, and looked to Operations as he placed the handcuffs on her wrists. Madeline stood solid as she started out of the office.
"Michael.... DAMN YOU! YOU WEREN'T HERE! YOU HAVE NEVER HAD TO PROTECT HER! JUST GET OUT OF MY DAMN WAY!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!" Nikita screamed as she swung a high power rifle at Michael. Madeline blinked at Nikita as she passed.
"It will be all right Nikita. Your daughter knows your heartbeat, and that alone, is what keeps her at peace." Madeline said slowly as she walked by Nikita and Michael. Nikita dropped the weapon from her hand and looked at Madeline.
"Michael.. that is the real Madeline." Nikita said as she felt every nerve of her body become numb. Madeline had told Nikita that same exact line, word for word, as she handed Nikita Mia for the very first time, when Nikita was so scared to hold her own small child. It was one of the concrete things that Nikita absolutely remembered from the birth.
"How can you tell?" Michael asked and Nikita set the gun down on the table and placed the explosives back in the cabinet as she turned to look at Michael.
"Because it was said to me when Madeline delivered Mia. If it was the other Madeline, she would have walked right out of my apartment, with Mia and given her to Eduardo." Nikita explained and Michael nodded his head.
"We should let them handle this. We will go protect Mia, and sort through this. Because we have to make this work." Michael said as he stroked Nikita's cheek. Nikita forced out a smile, as she moved her head closer to Michael's body.
"I need this to work Michael. I can't be a single mother. Mia loves me too much, already." Nikita said and Michael kissed the top of Nikita's forehead.
"You know that I love her, and you know, that I love you." Michael said and Nikita bent her head down into Michael's shoulder. He kissed her head again and rubs her back.
"Let’s go be with our child." Michael said as he led Nikita out of the weapons area, allowing other operatives to clean up the mess Nikita had made.
***
"Madeline, you know that this is unavoidable." Operations explained as he set the equipment over Madeline's face and hooked the electrical lines through her hand and up to the mask.
"Yes, Paul. Now you will know the truth, as does Nikita." Madeline stated and Operations closed his eyes. He was to be worrying about the Madeline in this chair, being the correct Madeline. Yet, his mind was worrying about what to do with Nikita and Michael. It was going to be difficult to allow the two to be. Operations turned to find George loading the disk into the computer. Well, maybe it wouldn't be so difficult.
"Madeline, just watch the forms. We will monitor the responses to see if yours matches the ones that were done prior." George said and Operations turned back and walked out of the room.
"My father administered this test to Madeline before. She was out for four days." George said as he looked at the button. Operations nodded his head and pushed the button. The truth needed to be known.
"Madeline.. it is all right." Operations said softly three hours later as he pulled the sobbing Madeline out of the chair. For the past two hours, George and Operations spent listening to her screams of pain and suffering. The test, flashed the virtual reality of her childhood. Only Madeline would react in that same physical response, and everyone else would be different.
"She has built up her defenses, but she is the real Madeline." George said as he pulled out the printed computer test. Operations sat Madeline down on the gurney that he had ordered for and lightly stroked her face.
"Call air tactical." Operations orders and George smiled softly. George shoved his hands into his pockets with a half smile.
"That will be done, but who gets to order it?" George asked and Operations looked at George, knowing that his question was more of a test, than anything else. Operations turned and smiled evilly at the wall.
"Nikita is level five, she can order it." Operations said as he moved to the gurney and smiled at down at Madeline. She took his hand and held it softly. "Don't do this to Mia. Don't destroy her family." Madeline begged out and Operations leaned down and kissed Madeline's forehead.
"If we allow this…" Operations started out slowly as Madeline began to cry again. "Who do we tell Mia are her grandparents?" Operations asked and Madeline tried to smile, but instead she continued to cry. Operations folded his fingers in-between Madeline's.
"Let’s get you some sleep." Operations said as two operatives walk in to help Operations move Madeline to the much quieter medical area.
*****
Walter heard the noise and looked from Mia and then to the door. He picked up the gun and pointed it towards the door. He would not allow anyone to hurt Mia. His finger brushed against the trigger as the door opened.
"MOMMIE!!!!" Mia screamed out as Walter dropped his weapon. Nikita picked up Mia and spun happily around with her. Michael moved over and hugged the two, as all finally seemed safe. Walter stared at the happy little family until Nikita's cell phone rang loudly. Nikita handed Michael Mia and walked towards the door.
"Yes?" Nikita responded and Michael looked at her as he played his hands through Mia's, still amazed that this bundle of energy was his and Nikita's. "Then order it." Nikita said happily and shut the phone quickly. Nikita smiled at Michael and he raised and eyebrow.
"We can go home." Nikita stated softly and Michael looked at Nikita and Mia clapped her hands together happily. Nikita thought back to the mess that was there to meet her, from the events of the day.
"How?" Michael asked and Nikita raised her hand up in the air and motioned it downward with an evil smile that got larger and larger.
"Air tactical. BOOM!" Nikita said and Walter started to laugh out hard. Walter moved over and grabbed Mia, who was starting to yawn in Michael's arms. Walter walked and grabbed her coat and looked to Michael and Nikita as they smiled at each other.
"I'll start back." Walter said and Nikita barely turned her head to nod towards Walter. The door shut lightly, and instantly, the hot flesh of Nikita's sizzled against Michael's boiling flesh. Nikita leaned her head down to Michael's lips as he inhaled her scent and moaned lightly into her mouth.
"I've dreamed about this for years." Nikita muttered out as Michael's hands ran down the back of Nikita's shoulders and started to pull at the shirt that covered Nikita with too much clothing.
"I want you, Nikita." Michael said and Nikita blinked back the tears, knowing that even if they weren't allowed to continue, that there would be moments. Moments that gave life to the most beautiful gift either have ever had in their lives, and moments that gave hope to the rest of their lives.
"Bed?" Nikita asked as Michael pulled her closer to his hot body. Nikita's hands started to undo the buttons quickly, and trembled as they pressed against Michael's firm chest.
"Too far." Michael moaned as he pushed Nikita down to the couch. He leaned up and kissed Nikita's nose.
"I love you, 'Kita." Michael moaned as he moved his hands to Nikita's pants.
"Oh, Michael…" Nikita moaned out in agreement and in pleasure. Gone were her fears, and now, there was hope back in her life.
