Part One...

Nikita picked up her panel and read it. She couldn't believe what she was reading, so she read it again. Having read it a second time, it still made no sense. She got up from her station and headed for Michael's office.

Michael had just finished reading his panel as well. He wasn't sure what to make of it. He checked and rechecked the information and it appeared correct. Something was up. He would definitely keep his guard up. Just then his office door opened.

"You got a minute?" Nikita asked as she walked in.

"What is it?" Michael had a pretty good idea, but he wanted to be certain.

"Have you read your panel today? Can this be right?" Nikita watched his face closely. She was getting better at reading him, although she still wasn't a master ... no one was. If Michael didn't want you to know ... you didn't know.

"Yes, I've read it. It appears to be correct."

Nikita flopped down on the chair in front of his desk. Then she looked out the office window and back to Michael. "So, what are they up to now?"

Michael put his finger to his lips so Nikita would keep quiet. "They aren't up to anything, Nikita. It's just what is seems." Then he reached over and jammed surveillance to his office. "I'm not sure what they are up to Nikita, but we have to be ready for whatever it is."

Nikita nodded. "This is just too weird, Michael. A vacation ... the six of us going on vacation together? Operations and I will most likely kill each other before the first day is over."

Michael smiled faintly. "Just be yourself, Kita. And keep up your guard. I know it won't be very relaxing, but I somehow think that this 'vacation' isn't supposed to be. Maybe it's just a fishing expedition. Perhaps Oversight needs more input for our psych files or something. Just try not to get into too much trouble."

Nikita snorted. "Right. I'm not like you, Michael."

Michael nodded. "You don't have to be. Just be careful. I will try to stay close." Nikita nodded and got up. Michael unjammed the surveillance as she headed for the door. Then she turned and said "I guess we better go get packed."

Michael nodded. "Yes, meet in Comm in one hour."

~~~~~~~~~~~

Operations was pacing back and forth like a caged animal. Actually, that's exactly how he felt. He couldn't believe this. Madeline wandered into his office. "Madeline, are you sure this is legitimate? This came straight from Oversight?"

Madeline smiled. "Yes, it is legitimate. I had my sources check and re-check. This came directly from Oversight." What Operations didn't know wouldn't hurt him. She, herself, had actually planned this little outing. But she knew he would never agree to it, unless it was an order from Oversight, so she made it one. Now, he wasn't happy, but at least he was going.

"Just what are they thinking? A week in a secluded mountain cabin with no running water and no indoor facilities? Do they want us to kill each other? Is that the plan?"

Madeline smiled. "I very seriously doubt it. They believe there is too much mistrustt between all of us. They think we need to spend some time together to try and work it out."

Operations huffed. "Work it out. Give me a gun and I'll work it out."

"That's precisely what they are talking about," Madeline chided him.

He turned his disgusted expression toward her once again. "Fine. But if someone ends up dead, it's on your head! We meet in an hour, so go get packed."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Birkoff headed over to Walter's station. "Hey Walter, can you believe it?"

Walter looked up. "What, that we are going on vacation with Operations and Madeline? Or the fact that we have to pretend to be a family? I don't know which one is the bigger joke!"

Birkoff sighed. "Yeah. Operations and Madeline married, Nikita their daughter, Michael her husband, you're Operations' brother and I'm Nikita's brother. More like the Addams Family if you ask me. But at least Nikita will be along. That will definitely help."

Walter shook his head. "Don't count on it, Birkoff. She and Operations will probably be at each other's throats the whole time. And when they're not, I'm sure Michael will be receiving the bulk of her attention. I just hope those two can find some time to get away together for a little while, not that Madeline will make it easy."

"Well, I guess I'd better go pack. Then I have to get Hillinger up to speed on anything critical."

Walter nodded. "Yeah, okay, and Birkoff -- bring your fishing pole."

Birkoff stopped and looked around. "My what?"

Walter laughed. "Your fishing pole. Hopefully we'll find some time to do some serious fishing up there in the mountains."

Birkoff shook his head. "Walter, I don't have a fishing pole. I've never been fishing."

Walter paused. "That's okay, kid. I'll bring a couple poles along. I'll teach you. You're in for a real treat."

"Yeah, whatever," Birkoff said as he walked away. He couldn't imagine going fishing. It seemed so ... boring ... He was definitely gonna take a few video games along to help pass the time.

************

Part Two....

Everyone met in Comm at the appointed time. Hillinger was sitting in Birkoff's chair with a huge smirk on his face. "Oh, by the way, guys. Just remember you won't have comm units, so if a rabbit or a mouse or something comes after you, you won't be able to call me to bail you out." Then he laughed out loud and rolled the chair over to check another computer screen.

Madeline, Walter and Michael ignored him. Birkoff, Nikita and Operations all wanted to tear his head off. "Hillinger, just you remember," Operations retorted, "we will be back in one week. If anything goes wrong while we're gone ... you are in the one in the hot seat." Nikita looked like she wanted to get into Hillinger's face and give him a piece of her mind. Michael noticed and took hold of her arm to keep her at his side. And Birkoff just looked pleased that Operations had put Hillinger in his place.

Once they were in the van and on their way, Madeline turned to them. "All right, everyone. I know most of you aren't pleased about this, but we will make the most of it. We are heading to a mountain cabin in the mountains of northern Pennsylvania. So, we have a plane ride and then another few hours drive ahead of us. Please try and maintain some civility with each other." Nikita snorted and Operations huffed.

Since they were supposed to be a happy family going on vacation together, the scene at the airport would have been hilarious to anyone who knew these people. The group tried to keep to themselves while waiting for their flight's announcement, but it wasn't to be. Other travelers couldn't help but notice the odd group, and were curious. So conversations were started and questions asked. Operations did his best to become the patriarch of the family. He introduced his wife, Madeline, who in turn introduced their daughter, Nikita and son, Seymour. Birkoff groaned at the name. Couldn't they at least have given him a decent name? Then she introduced Paul's brother, Walter, and their son-in-law, Michael. Everyone wanted to know where they were heading and what their plans were.

Madeline and Walter seemed to take the curiousity in stride. They did their best to be pleasant to the other travelers. The rest of the group was uncomfortable. Nikita was nice to everyone, and graciously accepted the comments about her "handsome husband." One older lady even had the nerve to ask Michael and Nikita if they were going to try and start a family on this little vacation. They would have beautiful children. Walter overheard and laughed, while Birkoff snickered. Michael was decidedly uncomfortable and wanted to bolt. Nikita, being gracious, simply smiled and answered, "Well, you just never know, do you?" The older lady winked at her and headed back to her traveling companion. Paul finally turned his back toward the others and whispered to Madeline, "Can't you get these people to leave us alone?" Madeline squeezed his arm in what appeared to be a loving gesture to anyone who was watching, but was actually a warning to Paul to behave himself.

Once they were on the plane, they broke off into pairs. Operations and Madeline sat together, Michael and Nikita sat together, and Walter and Birkoff sat together. Nikita turned to Michael. "So Michael, do you have any ideas yet? What's really going on?" Michael turned to her and leaned in close to give the impression of a loving couple exchanging sweet nothings. He also took the opportunity to hold her hand and push a strand of hair off her face. "No. I haven't come up with anything yet, but keep your eyes open. If you hear anything you think sounds suspicious, tell me." Nikita put on a huge smile and whispered "Okay." Then she leaned over and kissed him on the cheek.

Operations noticed the goings on between Michael and Nikita. "Really, Madeline, can't you do something about those two? They are flaunting their relationship right here in front of us." Madeline simply smiled. "They are playing their part, Paul. And they do it very well. Once we get to our destination, I'm sure things will get back to the way they should be."

Walter and Birkoff discussed fishing and the great outdoors during the flight. Walter was really excited about it. Birkoff had never seen Walter so animated about anything ... well, except for women ... and he was enjoying listening to him. Birkoff, himself, still couldn't get into the idea that fishing would hold any interest for him, but he would go along with his friend and at least give it a try. He would just have to remember to take along a video game or two!

Finally, the plane landed and they were once again on the road in a rented van. Michael was driving, with Nikita sitting in front with him. Operations and Madeline were behind them with Walter and Birkoff in the rear. Talk was pretty much non-existence except for Walter's chattering. Once in a while Michael would have Nikita check the map to make sure they were heading in the right direction. After about four hours, they arrived at their destination.

************

Part Three....

It was 4:00 p.m. when they arrived at the cabin. Everyone spilled out of the van and grabbed their bags. Then they just stopped and looked around. The cabin was rather large, it actually had two floors. It didn't look too bad from the outside; it had apparently been taken care of. The lawn was mowed and there didn't seem to be any broken windows and peeling paint around the place. There was a small stream running beside the structure, and it flowed under the dirt road to a small beaver dam across the road. There were a few other cabins nearby, but they all seemed to be closed up at the moment.

Operations was impatient. He really didn't like roughing it, and now he had to spend a whole week here, doing just that. "Well, let's get this underway Madeline," he barked. Madeline pulled a key out of her pocket and unlocked the door. There was a bit of a musty odor inside, but it wasn't as bad as they had been expecting. If they left the door open it would eventually fade.

There was a huge kitchen area with a stove, refrigerator, a double sink (although there was no running water), and a beautiful wood stove in the corner. There was also a huge table that stretched almost the entire length of the kitchen.

Further into the cabin and down a step was a living area with a small bath (again with no facilities or running water). There was a staircase between the kitchen and the living area which led to the bedrooms upstairs. Madeline led the small group out the back door. It was actually quite beautiful with all the trees, the small stream, some wildflowers growing here and there. Of course, right off to the side of the cabin was the outhouse, which was also in good shape considering. Right next to the cabin stood a shelter loaded with wood.

Nikita could feel herself relaxing already, although Michael's words of caution ran through her mind. She wished that she was here under different circumstanes. Perhaps just she and Michael alone, or Michael and her with Walter and Birkoff. That would be great. Well, she would try and enjoy herself as much as possible even with Madeline and Operations along!

Michael was doing his usual perusal of any new location. The location had many advantages which could also be disadvantages. They was a lot of wooded area around them which kept them slightly isolated, but it would also allow someone to sneak up on them much more easily. He still wasn't sure what this trip was all about, and this didn't make him feel any better. He would have to remain vigilant. Besides, he had a few things along on the trip that Madeline didn't know about. He wasn't about to lose total communication with the outside world for a week. Not with Madeline calling the shots.

After they briefly surveyed the area, Madeline announced they were to go inside. Once everyone got settled, Michael and Walter would prepare their evening meal. Then she took everyone upstairs and assigned their sleeping arrangements. Once again, the second floor was much like the first, one huge room subdivided into a few smaller ones. There were actually three separate rooms on this floor. There was a huge main sleeping area behind the staircase. Madeline announced that this would be where the men would sleep. There were seven beds in that room and they could have their pick. Off to the right of the staircase was a smaller room with three beds. Two against the outside wall and one behind the the inner wall. This was where Nikita was assigned to sleep. Lastly, there was a small room with two beds off to the left of the staircase. That would be Madeline's room.

Michael immediately moved to take a bed closer to Nikita's room. Operations, of course, took one close to Madeline. That left Walter and Birkoff their pick of the beds in the center of the room. "Man, I hope you guys don't snore," Birkoff said. "I'll never get any sleep if you do."

Once their gear was stowed, everyone moved back to the kitchen area as Walter and Michael prepared their meal. It was simple fare, but filling. Once they had eaten, Birkoff and Walter went down to the stream to get water to heat for washing and rinsing the dishes. It didn't take long for cleanup and then everyone sat down waiting for Madeline to announce their next course of action.

Madeline smiled at everyone. "Since it is still daylight, you are free to walk around, take in the sights. We will meet back here before dark."

Operations was next thing to apoplectic. Madeline knew he would react this way, so she cautioned him with a look before he could speak. As Michael, Nikita, Walter and Birkoff walked outside, she turned to him. "You wanted to say?"

"Are you out of your mind? What do you think you are doing just letting them go like that? Do you think any of them will come back?"

She smiled at him. "That's what we're about to find out. This is test number one for our little group."

Paul smirked. "Fine. But if we lose any of them, you will be to blame." Madeline nodded and then held out her hand for him to follow her. "We might as well take advantage of the opportunity to do some exploring ourselves."

************

Part Four....

The foursome walked out of the cabin and started down the dirt road together. It was only a few yards until the road forked to the left and the right. To the right by the beaver dam was a small sign that indicated this way led to a dead end. Michael stopped and turned to the others.

"Nikita and I will go this way," he indicated the direction of the dead end. Walter wasn't sure what to do. He knew Michael was very savvy, but he also knew that Nikita could get him to do almost anything. "Michael, I ..."

Michael silenced him with a look. "We will be fine. We are going to the dead end."

Walted stared at him a few seconds, nodded his head and said, "Okay, sure. Just be careful." Michael nodded and then he and Nikita headed off to the right. Birkoff and Walter took the fork that led to the left.

Michael and Nikita walked a short distance in silence. Finally, Nikita spoke. "Michael, what was that all about ... with you and Walter?"

Michael was quiet for so long that Nikita didn't think he would answer her, but he finally did. "Walter knows, as well as I do, that this is a test. Madeline is testing us to see if we come back. I knew there was more to this vacation than she was letting on. And if this is her first test, then we have to be very careful about the rest of the week. There's no telling what she will try to do."

Nikita stopped walking and turned to him. "So, she thinks that we'll try to escape? That this is our chance to be together so we'll take it and run?"

Michael nodded. "Yes. Or at least she's tempting us with the possibility." Michael could tell that this upset Nikita very much and was draining the enjoyment out of the trip for her. She had seemed so much more light hearted since they arrived. He reached over, took her hand and pulled her close to him. With an arm around her waist, he said, "Hey, don't let her spoil this for you. We have some time to ourselves. Let's just enjoy the scenery and the time alone."

Nikita smiled at him and then said, "You're right. I'm not even going to think about it until I have to." They walked along in silence, arms around each other's waists, enjoying the quiet and peacefulness of nature. Nikita looked up at Michael after a while and said "I didn't tell you yet how sexy you look in those jeans and that blue sweater. You should wear colors more often."

Michael smiled. "Thank you. You look beautiful yourself." Then he kissed her on the cheek. They walked a little further and then Nikita spotted a trail through the woods. "Michael, let's take that trail ... see where it leads." Michael nodded and then veered off onto the trail.

They walked and talked quietly about personal things ... things they liked and disliked ... pointed out wildlife (deer, squirrels, chipmunks, butterflies, different kinds of birds) and wildflowers to each other. Michael actually picked Nikita a small bouquet of flowers. They were a soft shade of blue with some yellow mixed in. "These remind me of you. Your beautiful blue eyes and the yellow reminds me of the light you bring to my life." Nikita took them from Michael and then kissed him ... a deep, meaningful kiss.

After they walked a little further, they came to what appeared to be a small clearing surrounded by trees. It was a wonderful place. The grass was not too tall and the trees kept the area shaded from the hot sun. There were large rocks here and there that you could sit on or lean against.

"Michael, it's beautiful. I can't believe we found this place. It's like our own personal haven away from everything."

Michael walked up behind her and put his arms around her. "Yes, it is. So peaceful and serene. He took her hand and they sat down against a large tree. Michael pulled her close to him and they sat that way for hours, just talking and being together. When it started to get dark, Michael knew it was time to leave. "We have to get back, Kita."

Nikita sighed and looked into Michael's eyes. She knew he didn't want to leave either. This had been their own personal paradise and neither of them wanted to go. They kissed again and then Michael pulled her up and they started back for the cabin. "I hope we can find a chance to get back here again, Michael," Nikita wished aloud. "We will. I'll make sure we get some time to come back."

Michael didn't want to spoil her peace, but he had to talk to her. This might be their last chance to be alone. "Nikita, from now on we have to be on guard at all times. I still don't know what Madeline is up to. Just between us, I brought some comm equipment with me so we can contact Oversight. I'm hoping they can give us an idea of what she is planning. And Kita, be prepared for anything." There seemed to be more to what he was saying, but she just couldn't figure out what.

Nikita stopped and looked at him. "You're going to contact George? What if they find out?"

Michael pulled her close again. "They won't, I promise. I have a few tricks that even Operations and Madeline don't know about. Just don't worry. I may need you to distract them in order to get away to contact him."

Nikita nodded. "Sure, Michael. I'll do what I can. Just please, be careful." Michael promised, "I will."

Everyone arrived back at the cabin before dark. Madeline was pleased and Operations was relieved. As they grabbed drinks from the fridge, Madeline announced, "Now people, it is game time!"

Operations groaned out loud. "Madeline, I do not play games!" Nikita couldn't help herself. She laughed out loud. Operations gave her his most quelling look, but it couldn't stop the laughter welling up inside her. Madeline smiled as well, and replied, "Paul, we are all going to play. We will be playing on teams. The first game we are going to play is 'Catch Phrase.'" Madeline went on to explain the rules of the game. You worked in teams of two. One person looks at the card for the answer you are trying to get and then gives clues to their partner without using the answer, or any part thereof, in their clues. It is quite entertaining. And you have a limited amount of time get the answer."

What Madeline didn't tell them was that this would provide important psychological information for her. The words and phrases each person picked would give her insight into them. And the way they worked as partners would also be interesting to watch.

Michael and Nikita, of course, won the first game. Michael leaned over and whispered something to Nikita before they started playing. Madeline was curious as to what it was, but, alas, she wasn't to know. What Michael told Nikita was that this was another test ... psyche profile time.

After the first game ended, Madeline had them switch partners. This time Operations and Birkoff won. They played one more time and Madeline and Michael won that one. Madeline actually enjoyed matching wits with Michael.

It was getting late and everyone was tired from the traveling, so Madeline announced it was time for bed. After everyone made a trip to the outhouse (and Walter couldn't contain his laughter at the thought of Madeline using an outhouse) they all headed upstairs. Just before they settled for the night, Madeline had one last comment. "Just a reminder ... everyone is to sleep in their own beds tonight."

The next morning everyone was awake early. Michael was the second person to arrive downstairs. Madeline was sitting at the table with a stern expression on her face. He walked passed her to get some coffee. "Good morning, Madeline," he said.

Madeline turned to him and spoke. "I'm afraid we have a problem, Michael. Nikita is gone. She apparently decided to disappear in the middle of the night while the rest of us were asleep."

Michael stopped dead in his tracks. Nikita, gone? No, she couldn't have ... she wouldn't have. He had not heard a thing last night, and he was not a heavy sleeper. If Nikita had been up moving around, getting her gear, he would have heard her. Something was wrong. He would have to find a way to get in touch with George soon.

"Perhaps she just went for a walk. She really enjoyed the walk we took last evening." Michael suggested.

Madeline smiled. "I thought of that. But, when I checked her room, her bags are gone as well. It seems she has decided to escape."

Operations walked in on the end of the exchange. "Who escaped? What are you talking about?"

Madeline turned to him. "Nikita. She has disappeared and taken her gear with her."

************

Part Five/End....

Operations was immediately irate. "Madeline, I warned you about this yesterday. Now it is your responsibility to find her since you allowed her to escape."

Just then Walter and Birkoff came downstairs. They knew something was definitely wrong by the tone of voice Operations was using. Birkoff knew better than to say anything, but Walter didn't care. "So, what's up.? Why is everyone so tense? I mean, we're on vacation, man."

Operations looked daggers at him and Michael said nothing. Finally Madeline answered him. "It appears that while we were sleeping last night, Nikita decided to escape. She and her bags are gone."

Walter knew it wasn't true. Sure, she hated being in Section, but she had come to accept it as her lot in life. And, she wouldn't just up and leave Michael without so much as a goodbye. She hadn't even hinted around to Walter himself about saying goodbye or taking care or anything. "No, Madeline, I don't believe it. And if you think about it for a minute, you won't either."

Operations stormed past Walter to get a cup of coffee. "So, Walter. If she didn't escape, where is she? Did she make friends with the neighbors and decide to stay over a couple of nights. Or she just couldn't sleep inside so she took all her gear outside to sleep under the stars?"

Walter wasn't deterred. "If you knew her half as well as you think you do, you would know she wouldn't escape, not ...."

Michael looked at Walter, hoping he wasn't about to say something inappropriate. Walter continued ... "not after all this time. She has accepted her lot. She doesn't always like what we do, but she has learned to deal with it. She has friends here now that she wouldn't just abandon without a thought. By the way, has anyone searched for her ... somewhere besides in the cabin?"

All eyes fell on Madeline since she was the one who had revealed Nikita's absence. "I searched the cabin and also the area right around the cabin outside. I have contacted the nearest substation and they are sending operatives to help in the search.

Michael felt his stomach drop to his knees. He couldn't let anyone else find her. Sending out other operatives to find her was as good as canceling her. They wouldn't think twice about doing whatever was necessary to bring her back. Bringing his mind back to the present, he realized he must have made some sort of noise because everyone was staring at him.

"Did you have something you wanted to say, Michael?" Operations sneered. Michael took a deep breath and then spoke. "I want to lead a search. Me, Walter and Birkoff. We are already on site. If she is somewhere nearby we have a better chance of finding her now than waiting until others arrive and then beginning the search later. And if she is hurt, she will need to be found sooner rather than later."

Everyone was silent and finally Madeline answered. "I'm sorry, Michael, but I can't allow that. For all we know, you facilitated Nikita's escape. You could have planned the whole thing on your little excursion yesterday. How do we know that if we send you out after her that you won't disappear as well? Perhaps you planned to meet somewhere later today. We will not risk losing both of you. Walter and Birkoff will search, but you will remain here."

Michael was desperate. He needed to get out of here and reach George. He stared at Madeline for a few moments and then offered, "Suppose I wear a tracker. You will be able to find me at all times."

Operations and Madeline exchanged a look and Operations rolled his eyes. "Fine, Michael. But where are we going to get a tracker?"

Walter laughed. "Hey, I happen to have one along. I was tinkering with it a bit before I went to sleep last night. Making some modifications. It works perfectly fine. I'll go get it."

"All right. Michael, Walter and Birkoff will begin a search. Madeline and I will wait for the arrival of the others. We will meet back here at noon if we haven't found her by then. The other team will have comm units. Michael, how will we reach you if we find her?"

Michael hesitated and then decided to take the chance. "I happen to have brought a comm unit along. I was going to have Walter take a look at it. It was something I was working on and wanted his opinion. I tested it last night and it seemed to be working okay. I'll take that with me. If it doesn't work and you can't reach us, send one of the team after us. You will have our location."

Once all the gear was gathered and the tracker was in place, Michael, Walter and Birkoff headed off. Michael immediately set off in the direction of the dead end. Walter was curious. "Michael. I don't for a minute believe that Nikita escaped, but if she did, do you really think she would head in this direction? I mean, that's pretty obvious ... it's where you two disappeared last night."

Michael kept walking at a brisk pace, but he did answer. "You and I both know she didn't escape, Walter." Then he sighed. "Nikita found a clearing back here in the woods last night. I want to reach it and try to contact George. He might have an idea of what is going on."

Birkoff stopped in his tracks. "George? You're gonna contact George? Michael, they'll put us all in abeyance if they find out. They will consider it betrayal."

Michael stopped and turned to Birkoff. "Listen to me, Birkoff. Nikita did not escape. They are playing mind games with us, testing us. I am going to find out what they did to her. If you don't want to be a part of this, then by all means, go back. But I warn you, if you breathe a word of this to anyone, I will kill you."

Walter decided it was time to step in. "Okay, Michael. He understands. He's with us all the way." The continued walking until they reached the clearing. Michael took the tracker and placed it on Walter and told them to continue walking around the woods as if they were searching. He would catch up with them shortly. Then he contacted George.

"I've been waiting to hear from you Michael. I knew you were in trouble the minute I heard about this little trip. It just took me a while to find out what Madeline was up to."

"What has she done with Nikita? Is she hurt, is she alive? Is she nearby?"

George smiled. He knew Michael was the best in Section, but he certainly did have strong feelings for his partner, Nikita. Not that he considered that a bad thing. "Michael, relax. She is not far. There is a shelter about five miles in the opposite direction from the way you arrived yesterday. It is a temporary shelter for the workers that are cutting through the mountain to build the new highway. Madeline had the work shut down the for week you are scheduled to be there. Nikita was taken there last night. I'm only surprised that she moved this soon. I would have thought she would have waited until later in the week to pull this stunt. She is testing you, Michael. Your loyalties. Are you more loyal to Section or to Nikita? Will you disobey Section to find her? Will you let her go or bring her back? Will you contact me for assistance? Be careful how you proceed." Then George disconnected.

Michael sat thinking for a few more minutes until he had a plan. Then he went to find Walter and Birkoff. Once he found them, they headed off in the direction George had told him. Michael explained his plan along the way. Walter smiled. Yes, Michael certainly did know his way around Operations and Madeline. It wouldn't be long before Michael would be running Section. He would either stage a coup or Oversight would give him the position right out. Personally, Walter hoped the latter was the way it happened.

Once they reached the cabin, they found Nikita inside. She had a slight headache and seemed to be recovering from some sort of drugging, but other than that, she seemed fine. Walter and Birkoff grabbed her bags and Michael assisted her to her feet. Nikita was still feeling the effects of the drugs, so Michael supported her as they walked back to the cabin. Michael contacted Operations and Madeline along the way and told them he had found Nikita and they were on their way back. He would explain when they arrived. Then he turned off the comm unit.

Madeline and Operations, along with the second team, were inside the cabin when the foursome returned. Michael knew if they didn't buy his story, the other team would take him and probably Nikita away and it wouldn't be pretty. Once he gently laid Nikita down on the nearest couch, he turned to face the inquisition.

"Congratulations, Michael. So, where did you find her?" Operations asked.

"She was in a temporary shelter about five miles north of here. It's a shelter used by the roadmen who are building the highway. We found her inside lying on a sofa. She has a headache, and appears to have been drugged. She doesn't remember how she got there or who took her. And there is so much traffic in and out of that area with the heavy equipment and trucks that it is virtually impossible to locate any certain set of tracks."

Operations nodded. "Walter, Birkoff ... anything you care to add?" Both men shook their heads no. Operations nodded and then turned to one of the operatives from the other team. Please draw a sample of Nikita's blood and test if for drugs. We need to find out what she was given."

Madeline finally spoke. "That won't be necessary."

Operations didn't appreciate having his orders countermanded. "Madeline."

She smiled at him. "It's not necessary because I was the one that drugged Nikita. I had her taken to the shelter. Last night I drugged all the drinks in the refrigerator with a sleeping inducer. If you recall, I drank tea while the rest of you drank water or soda from the refrigerator. While you were asleep, I injected Nikita with something a bit stronger and had her moved."

Operations was beside himself. "Madeline, what is the meaning of this? What kind of game are you playing?"

Just then another figure walked in. "Yes, Madeline, I would be quite interested in that answer as well." All eyes turned to the door, surprised to see the person entering. Madeline and Operations both looked decidedly uncomfortable as he entered the cabin. "Hello, George," Madeline smiled. "How did you find us?"

"Come now, Madeline, don't be dense. You know I constantly monitor all Sections. When I heard the request for a team to locate a missing operative and where they were heading, I knew it was you. So, please, continue. You were telling us what you are up to, I believe."

Madeline nodded. "I needed to test Michael's loyalty. He seems to have divided his attention a bit too much lately. Section doesn't appear to be his number one priority any longer. I had to find out if that was true. You know we cannot allow anything to replace Section as the most important thing in any operative's life."

George nodded. "Nice try, Madeline. But don't pretend we are all stupid. Most of us here know that you were testing Michael simply because you are afraid he, along with Nikita, will stage a coup and throw you out on your ear. And, right at this moment, I am inclined to go along with him."

Operations started to sputter. "Calm down, Paul. Nothing is going to happen. I'm sure Michael has no plans to stage a coup. And I want this infernal testing of Michael and Nikita to stop. Unless there is a serious problem, and I mean serious as in it comes to my attention, I want you to leave them alone. They have proven their loyalty to Section over and over again. They are they best we have and I don't want you to ruin their partnership. Do I make myself clear?"

Madeline nodded and Operations just glared at him. "Fine. Now, Madeline, Operations you are coming with me. We are returning to Section. Walter and Birkoff, you will go with the team. They are going to drop you at a very nice little spot that is just wonderful for fishing. As for Michael and Nikita, they will remain here for the rest of the week as originally planned. They deserve a real vacation after your ridiculous machinations. Any questions?"

After everyone had left, Michael moved to the couch Nikita was lying on. She sat up and put her arms around his neck. "Oh Michael. I can't believe it. We actually have five more days all to ourselves. It's like a dream come true." Michael smiled at her and leaned down to kiss her. Then Nikita noticed something laying on the table. "Michael, what's that?"

Michael got up and retrieved the envelope. It was addressed to him. He sat back down beside Nikita and opened it. He read it over quickly and then handed it to Nikita. She read it aloud. "Michael. Well done. I will be contacting you in the not-too-distant future about that promotion. Nikita as well. Now, enjoy your vacation. George."

The End

This story ©Copyright Sherry, 1999