"They couldn't stop the lung cancer. It was too far along." Madeline says and Michael nods his head. He was on assignment with Nikita in Paris for two months. He got the call early in the morning to abort the mission.

"Now what?" Michael asks and the second figure from the dark emerges.

"You have a choice." George says softly. Michael looks at him. He rarely was given a choice in Section's eyes.

"You may resume the correct position of Operations with Madeline as your right hand. Or, you may remain a level Five operative and be with Nikita. There is no combining of the two options. One or the other." George says and walks out of the room, pulling the gurney with him.

Michael watches the man he once knew as Operations be rolled out and looks to Madeline."Who would be Operations if I do remain level Five?" Michael asks calmly.

"I am not to know... but it would be Hastings from Hong Kong." Madeline says and she looks at Michael. She knows that Michael does not dislike Hastings, and it was possible that he would allow the arrangement with Michael and Nikita.

"Think about it, Michael. We need to know in the morning." Madeline says and walks out of the room quickly.

**********

Michael enters the apartment and Nikita looks to the door from the balcony. Michael sheds his black coat and walks over to Nikita.

"He passed away." Michael says and Nikita nods her head. She had immediately believed that was the case. She had heard from Walter that he was barely seen in the past few weeks.

"Now what?" Nikita asks and Michael looks to the sky.

"We won't discuss that tonight.... we should honor his life by enjoying our life." Michael says and Nikita raises an eyebrow.

That was not her Michael speaking. Michael takes her hands and leds her to the bed and Nikita leans to the drawer, but Michael pushes her hand away from the drawer. He uses the same hand to trace a line from her ear to the strap of her tank top. She wore nothing underneath, and Michael gently laid her down on the bed.

********

The sun was barely in the sky and Nikita again stood at the balcony, this time, allowing her pleasure filled bare body soak in the rays. She looks up and sees Michael walk over to her with his clothes in his hand.

"This will be goodbye." Michael says and Nikita turns her head and the sunlight splinters into Nikita's air. Michael stares at the angelic image and continues to look. He could not back down now.

"I'll see you tonight." Nikita says and Michael shakes his head and Nikita's eyes start to water with understanding.

"We can't be together after I walk out this door, Nikita." Michael says and Nikita bites at her lip and stares at Michael.

"But you will be Operations. You can do what you want." Nikita says and Michael looks to the wall and then back to Nikita.

"I wish it was that simple." Michael says and Nikita shakes her head.

"Then don't accept!" Nikita cries out and Michael places a hand on her bare shoulder. The feel of her skin almost burned his own palm.

"It is the only way I can protect you." Michael says and Nikita pushes his hand off of her shoulder.

"PROTECT ME? PROTECT ME? Who said I wanted you to protect me?" Nikita demands and Michael stares at Nikita firmly.

"If I don't take the position... they will send you on missions that you wish that you would die on. They will give you to presidents and prime ministers to do with what you want. With me as Operations, I can make sure you live." Michael says and Nikita shakes her head.

"What is the use of living if there is nothing there to live for." Nikita says firmly and Michael looks at her.

"I am doing this for you." Michael says and Nikita shakes her head.

"Get out." Nikita says and Michael turns and stares at her. He pulls his pants on, but does not move.

"I SAID GET OUT, OPERATIONS!" Nikita roars and Michael nods his head and walks out.