Giggling.

Michael rubbed his large hands across his sleepy face and then ran them through his hair as the giggling continued. Now, new senses awoken for Michael, and he could easily smell food cooking in the kitchen. Michael leaned back in the bed and sighed. His mind had been jumbled with thoughts for the entire two weeks, and time did not heal. Time was making worse. Michael turned his head slightly to the side to look at the clock and pulled his head back quickly when he saw the time.

4:56

“Mommy, should I get my daddy?” Mia whispered as Michael heard the silverware spread across the table. He stood up and pulled the robe around his body and stepped out into the brightly-lit apartment. Nikita looked up from the skillet and the stove. Mia turned around and ran back to her father. Michael lifted Mia up for their traditional morning hug as he watched Nikita’s eyes drop in sadness.

“Quite an early morning.” Michael said as he moved towards Nikita and the kitchen. Mia slithered down Michael’s firm body and skipped back to her chair. Nikita nods her head and pours the egg mixture into the skillet.

“We have a briefing soon.” Nikita stated and Michael nodded his head. Nikita had always been there in the morning, like she had promised that night two weeks ago. Michael had seen the videotapes from the room that she slept in, but Nikita would not approach the topic.

“Feta cheese and spinach, correct?” Nikita asked and Michael nodded his head as he watched Nikita place the ingredients into the skillet to make his favorite omelet. Michael tilted his head and placed an amused smile on his face.

“I didn’t know you knew how to cook. You were always burning things.” Michael said softly and Nikita lifted her head as she pulled the egg over to cover the cheese and spinach.

“I had to learn, Michael. You were gone for four years, and I couldn’t have my daughter eating microwave meals.” Nikita stated firmly and Michael stepped back and Nikita placed the lid soundly down onto the skillet. Michael stayed quiet as he noticed that Nikita had already made her ham and cheese omelet. He placed it on the table and retrieved the teapot to finish making Nikita’s tea.

“No sugar.” Nikita stated as she lifted the lid up and slid the omelet perfectly out of the pot. Michael turned and looked at Nikita until she turned around with Michael’s dish in her hand.

“Yesterday you put sugar in my tea. I don’t drink it that way anymore.” Nikita explained quickly. Michael picked up the teacup and moved to the table. He reached for the plate and watched Nikita walk to the table.

“Mia… be careful. You are going to be spending sometime with Madeline today and we wouldn’t want to look all dirty, would we?” Nikita asked and Michael dropped his fork to the plate. Nikita turned her head and looked at the evil look that had crossed Michael’s face. Nikita’s own jaw tensed up in reaction of Michael’s stare, a stare that she had not seen in a long while from Michael.

“Nikita, how about someone else? Walter? Birkoff?” Michael asked and Nikita picked her tea up and sipped the liquid from it as her eyes held Michael’s full attention. Nikita slowly watched herself set the teacup back down onto the table before looking at Michael to respond.

“George called me and told me that it is for my best interest to leave Mia with Madeline today. I trust George.” Nikita said as she pushed back from the table, only have had a few bites of her own omelet. Michael finished chewing his bite as Nikita moved to the bathroom, getting ready for the mission, he had assumed.

“What’s that green stuff?” Mia asked as she pointed to the half of omelet that was left on Michael’s plate. Nikita had made Mia cheesy scrambled eggs, which were covered in ketchup.

“Spinach.” Michael said and he watched Mia’s nose wrinkle up, as Nikita’s always had done when she would watch him eat this exact omelet. It was one of the last good memories that Michael could remember doing with Nikita before he left for Hong Kong.

There was a slamming of the cupboard door in the bathroom and Michael pushed back his chair and moved over to the small bathroom. He knocked on the door and then waited.

“Nikita, are you looking for something?” Michael questioned, but only got silence in return. There were continuous thumps and Michael pulled at the handle, to find that Nikita had locked the door. His mind was racing as he pulled at the door once again. He looked towards Mia and saw a brief moment of panic spread across his daughter’s face. Michael pulled again and the door opened.

There was Nikita crowded on the toilet seat, squatting and covering her head. Michael swallowed and moved forwards in the cramp bathroom and touched Nikita’s shoulder. She sprung up like a slinky that had been held by a rubber band and the rubber band had just broken. Nikita ran firmly into Michael’s shoulders and the force threw her backwards.

“I need out of here.” Nikita stated firmly and Michael looked into Nikita’s eyes. He needed to break into the protective shield that she had placed up whenever he was around. He did not need to see the videotapes that he had been shown to know that Nikita was not well. She looked at Michael when he did not move and then stepped into the shower to get around his massive body.

Michael stepped out of the bathroom as Nikita moved to the table and pulled at her dish. He watched Nikita feed her almost untouched omelet down the garbage disposal. Michael looked to the couch, where Mia had started to sort her toys out to see which ones she would take.

“Nikita…” Michael said slowly and she did not even respond. Michael moved to her side and placed his hands on her shoulders. Nikita still did not look into Michael’s concerned eyes until he squeezed them tightly.

“You are getting claustrophobic?” Michael half-questioned and half-stated. He was sure that it was part of the basis of what occurred in the bathroom, but was sure that other factors had triggered the feelings. Nikita turned her head and tried to step away from Michael.

“MICHAEL! NO!” Nikita said deeply and loudly.

“MOMMY! DADDY!” Mia screamed from the couch as she saw the two parents struggling against each other. Michael dropped his hands from Nikita’s shoulders. Nikita moved over and grabbed her coat.

“We have to go. Madeline will have toys for you.” Nikita stated as she picked up Mia’s coat and headed for her daughter. Michael looked on, and saw the continuing difficult of getting into Nikita, Mia’s presence.

*******

“FIX IT!”

Madeline stared straight ahead, with her mind in a hundred places other than the computer screen that read off data. She had variables running through her head, that she never thought she would think about inside of Section One. George’s words haunted her now, as she struggled to push forward with the plan to fix Nikita’s fragile emotional state.

The most difficult aspect of this plan was the dealings that she was going to have to pull over Operation’s eyes. She had told him prior to handing him the mission profile that George ordered to have completed that she had some intelligence in about Stephen. Madeline then handed the profile over and calculated left Operations to his own thoughts and ideas. She knew that Operations’ mind would be twisted to the humane pain to the happiness a father could feel.

Madeline blinked as she looked at the computer screen as Nikita up loaded the completed mission profile into the Section mainframe. Madeline moved quickly as she went to read the strategy that Nikita had officially told Section of.

“Target Harry Meena will be subjected to an experience of finding a lost daughter in order to gain entry into his household.” The profile started out and Madeline nodded her head as she scrolled the profile for some main points. Madeline was not disappointed and founded some solid and well formed thoughts.

“FIX IT!”

Madeline sighed and turned the screen off as the door slide open to her office. Madeline turned her head slightly, not surprised by the person who walked down into the heart of her office. Operations smiled and sat down at her desk.

“Interesting profile. I must say the briefing was quite volatile.” Operations stated and Madeline nodded her head. She had the pleasure of walking past the tension filled briefing. And in classic Madeline style, she even pulled up the tapes that recorded the actual words and studied the interactions between the three that were her current worry.

“This is a deep cover.” Nikita stated as she flung down the panel and stared at Operations. Michael dropped his head, as he did not want to leave his daughter with Madeline for an extended time, and he could only see Nikita's anger mounting each second.

“The mission was sent down by George, Nikita. I have no choice in the matter, and neither do you!” Operations stated firmly as the veins started to pop out on his forehead. Nikita pulled the panel up and then dropped it back down.

“It is poorly written and inconsistent with the strategies that we employee! The man would think it odd that his daughter moved in next door to him!” Nikita cried out and Operations slammed his hands down on the table, feeling the power of the briefing swiftly moving to Nikita’s side.

“Then change it. You are a bright woman, Nikita.” Operations roared. Nikita blinked and slowly sat down. There were tears almost forming in her eyes, but the anger evaporated them away.

“So you are sending me away from my daughter for god knows how long?” Nikita states in a question form, but all around knows it to be a statement of the truth. Operations nods his head and flips the screen on.

“Harry Meena will not wait for you to play house, Nikita. He will find the biological weapons and he will use them.” Operations states and Michael looks to Nikita. He pulls at the panel and shakes his head.

“I will work on the profile.” Michael states as he stands up. Nikita turns and crosses her legs as she stares at him.

“It’s my mission. This is my team.” Nikita states as she pulls at her panel and walks to Michael.

“I don’t care who works on the profile. Get it done and get this mission on the pad.” Operations states.

*******

“You didn’t handle your personal stress well. You allowed it to bubble over onto those in the briefing.” Madeline stated as she blinked her eyes. Operations did not respond to Madeline’s remark, sure that she had been correct.

“Yet, I feel the profile will work effectively. Although I wonder who will be caring for Mia.” Operations stated and Madeline stood up. She took the clippers from her drawer and slowly moved to her bonsai trees. She slowly fingered the limb and then turned to Operations.

“I will. I don’t want you snatching her again.” Madeline stated with an evil smile on her face. Operations only nodded his head with the remark. It was the best way to protect Mia, although he had learned his lesson once. He slowly stood up and crossed to the wall Madeline stood at.

“You haven’t mentioned Stephen yet.” Operations said firmly and Madeline nodded her head as she clipped a branch away from a straggly tree. She tilted her head to the side before turning back to look at Operations.

“He is in love.” Madeline stated simply and then turned back to the trees. She did not need to see the externalization of happy emotions from Operations. It was a father’s ultimate pleasure to hear of an offspring’s good fortune.

“Who is she?” Operations questioned with happiness in each word. Madeline dropped the clippers and turned away from Operations. She pulled the photo off of her pile of papers and handed it.

“That is the problem. She is Mary Foo to Stephen, but we also know her as Ling Pu Chu.” Madeline stated, now looking at the face as it contorted to show the horror. Operations’ fingertips almost dropped the glossy print as he saw his son wrapped tightly in an embrace with the woman that Section had known well for many years.

“Red Cell.” Operations stated and placed the photo back on Madeline’s desk. She did not turn her head as she felt his body moving towards the doorway.

“Do we bring him in or monitor?” Madeline questioned, leaving the decision supportively in his hand, or at least he would believe it was in his hands. Madeline controlled all of his thoughts about the boy, and if he chose wrong, Madeline would point out a rational line of thought to steer him correctly.

“I have to think.” Operations stated as the door slide open. Madeline turned her head as she watched his back disappear behind the steel door. Slowly the smile spread across her lips as she looked at the cell phone on her desk, beckoning her to pick it up.

"FIX IT!"

Madeline pulled the cell phone up to her mouth. Her fingers drummed the surface as the buzz on the other end indicated the phone ringing. Madeline turned and looked at her bonsai trees. She looked at the two that she saw as Michael and Nikita. They had been thriving with the exposure to each other. Madeline could only hope that the real Michael and Nikita could do the same as the trees did.

“Hello?” George asked and Madeline tensed up as she turned away from the trees. She looked at her computer screen and then to the door. Soon she would be calling for someone else, if George wanted to proceed. There was still a chance to get out of this plan and escape without any knowledge of the happenings.

“All is set.” Madeline stated. She listened to the deep silence on the other end. She could tell from the silence of the wheels of thought turning in George’s mind. She could tell that he was weighing the pros and the cons, and weighing what he felt was necessary and what he thought was dangerous.

“Proceed.” George commanded and broke the line. Madeline folded the phone up and sat down at her desk. She could feel this weight falling onto her shoulders, a weight that felt uncomfortable and overbearing. She had believed that once the plan that was tentatively constructed between herself and the ruling body of George, that the voice would stop.

"FIX IT!”

Now Madeline knew it didn’t.

She needed some tea before she could progress.

The lights were on the plants that Michael studied as Madeline finished her work at the computer. She stood up and crossed the room, wondering what had gathered Michael’s attention to the bonsai trees. The operatives around Section One believed Madeline’s little hobby to be an expression of her increased insensitivity and shook with fear when the word bonsai was said.

“You have rearranged them.” Michael stated as Madeline took a position next to Michael’s side. She was very impressed with the observation from Michael. He had not been within the walls of her office often since his return from Hong Kong, but he had noticed. Madeline smiled and motioned Michael to move towards the chairs that were against the wall.

“There are some issues I want to discuss with you about this mission since Nikita is diligently changing the profiles.” Madeline stated as she sat down and pulled at the finely decorated teapot that was placed on the small glass table off to the side of the chairs. Michael looked away from the teapot, indicating to Madeline that he did not want any. Madeline poured herself a cup and looked at Michael.

“The satellite problem will not be an issue for the mission. I thought it would be an issue for Operations.” Michael stated firmly and Madeline smiled sweetly. Operations still did not know about as Madeline had been informed that he was still “thinking”.

“Operations finds you and Nikita are not a threat to break mission protocol because of your daughter.” Madeline stated coldly and Michael blinked his eyes. Madeline slowly lifted her teacup to her mouth and sipped as Michael’s head dropped lightly down, indicating that the statement had been correct.

“That is not the problem I am concerned with. The problem is Nikita.” Madeline stated and then placed the teacup down on the glass table with an echoing clink. Michael’s head was now tensely staring into Madeline’s eyes and she blinked.

“There is no problem with Nikita. She is continuing her perfect scores on missions.” Michael defended Nikita quickly, trying to maintain composure in his voice. Michael could not understand what more Madeline and Operations could want Nikita to do.

“Yes, she has.” Madeline stated as she folded her hands on her lap. Madeline tilted her head to the side and allowed a sigh to float out of her mouth. “Yet, we reassigned four missions in the past two weeks because of the fragile emotional state she has exhibited to me.” Madeline finished out in a deep and cold tone that frosted over Michael’s entire body.

“The Lancing mission was difficult. It will take time.” Michael responded, confused that Madeline had not thought this over.

“We don’t have time, Michael. You’ll fix this.” Madeline stated. Michael pushed his back harshly against the plush chair he was sitting in. The words were like flaming arrows slicing through his very being as he had been trying to help Nikita.

“A mission of being husband and wife is not going to fix this, Madeline.” Michael said in a voice that was on the border of being condescending. Madeline stepped up and looked at Michael.

“As I said, you will fix this.” Madeline firmly said as her eyes glared at Michael. After a long period of staring, Madeline turned and moved away from Michael. Michael closed his eyes, understanding the orders he had been given. He also understood that this was not a problem that was going to just go away. He needed to know more, and he would have to walk his way slowly into that conversation.

“So the satellite problem, doesn’t exist.” Michael stated as he stood up. He turned his firm body towards Madeline’s direction, and he did not need the confirmation. Michael swallowed and moved towards Madeline.

“What if I told you I was part of the problem? That what Nikita is going through roots back to the Sanchez mission and my departure?” Michael questioned. Madeline blinked her eyes and lifted her chin.

“You wouldn’t be surprising me, Michael, and you wouldn’t be influencing me to change my orders. You don’t see her at night.” Madeline harshly said as she stared into the young man’s eyes. Madeline felt fear in her stomach, because of Michael’s questions. He wasn’t sure he could help Nikita, while Madeline knew no matter how strong Nikita’s love for her daughter was, Michael was Nikita’s last hope of ever returning to the state she had been prior.

“What if I cannot do it?” Michael questioned. He needed to know the consequences if he could not break through to Nikita, as he had not been able to do so at that apartment. He needed to know whom he was going to fail if Nikita continued to protect her emotional well being.

“Do you want your daughter to grow up motherless?” Madeline questioned with a voice that dripped with icicles. Michael’s glare froze on Madeline’s strict face and then turned away.

“Heal her or cancel her.” Michael stated and Madeline moved in front of Michael. She placed her hand on his chin to draw his eyes to look into hers.

“You will do this Michael because you wouldn’t be able to handle the guilt of Mia’s lost her mother.” Madeline threatened. Michael swallowed and pulled away. No more words would be spoken, as Madeline knew her point was taken. She watched Michael look at the bonsai trees briefly before moving quickly out of the room that always made Michael feel as if his blood had been frozen.

Madeline watched the steel door close before she moved back to her table. She looked at the teacup and turned away. Suddenly she was going to need something a bit stronger to get through the next few days of hell that George insisted upon.