As this thought began to sink into his brain slowly he felt something click within him. Where could she be? He could feel the sense of dread pool in the pit of his stomach as his mind ran through various scenarios, all centered on Nikita.... hurt... suffering.... or.... dead.

When the van was back at Section he surged through the doors of the van and without another word to any of the team, he made his way straight to his office. Booting up his laptop he ran a review of the current missions and previous ones.... searching.... wondering.... panicking....

The door to his office opened and he looked up distractedly to see who had interrupted his quest. It was Walter.

"Michael? Do you have a minute?"

"What is it Walter? I am busy."

The older man shifted his weight from foot to foot clearly showing his anxiety and unease. Michael watched this with increased agitation. He turned and pulled the keypad out from under his desk and typed in a code to secure the room. Turning back to Walter he indicated that he was ready to listen.

"Well. I was just wondering. It's... well.... Nikita. Have you seen her?"

"Actually....no. I have not. I was just reviewing the past few missions to see what she was up to." Michael thought he was hiding his distress well... but Walter was not fooled.

Walter walked closer to Michael's desk and leaned closer before speaking. "She's missing. NO one has SEEN or HEARD from her for days."

Michael took this information well...at least he thought. He could feel his heart race in his chest but he managed to keep his face blank and devoid of showing any emotions whatsoever. Finally he spoke. "Is that so. What has Operations or Madeline had to say?"

"That's just it!! Don't you see!! They have said nothing... nil... nada... and they just stay in their offices like they are trying to avoid us or something."

At that Michael rose and slowly walked around his desk. Looking out of the window he saw the new recruits training in the room actoss from him but he paid no attention to them. He could only see one thing.... Nikita.... looking at him..... smiling.... wearing that ridiculous floppyhat..... playing with her sunglasses.... flipping her hair back over hershoulders... Nikita. Where could she be?? And what was going on around here?

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

Michael walked through the inner sanctum that was Section after ending his discussion with Walter. He watched the goings on with a mind that was numbed with uncertainty.... and he didn't like it. He walked through the center of Section and looked up to Operations *Perch* and saw the older man speaking with someone on his cell phone. Who could he be talking to? Was it concerning Nikita?

As the questions tumbled around and around in his mind he grew more and more concerned. Looking away from Operations he tried to assume a slower more casual gait and approached Birkoff.

The young man was concentrating intently on his computer screen and seemed to be quite involved in something. As Michael circumnavigated his station, he saw just what had consumed Birkoff's attention so completely.... a cyber generated game of strip poker, with three cyber *babes*. Trying to keep from smiling, he spoke.

"And what mission is this in reference to might I ask?"

Birkoff had been so engrossed in his game that he had not heard Michael. He turned with a startled gasp and shut the game down with a quick tap to his mouse. "Uh...I....oh....none. Sorry. It was kinda slow this morning. What can I do for you? Need some simms run??"

Michael cast a covert glance around the Comm Center and spoke very softly so only Birkoff could hear him. "Have you heard anything about Nikita? I have not seen her for a few days...and Walter says she has not been heard from."

Birkoff looked past Michael up to Operations office before answering. "I haven't heard. But I will see what I can find out. Just give me about 15 minutes."

Nodding his agreement, Michael walked off and headed for his close quarterstandby quarters.... so he could finally shower and change from his mission clothing. Upon entering his rooms, he flipped the light switch and headed straight for the small bathroom.... stripping his shirt off as he went.

Once he had cleaned himself up he got dressed in some fresh clothes, having selected a pair of black slacks along with a black crew-neck sweater. He cast a last look around his room and it was then that he noticed something that was not quite right.......

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

He walked over to his small breakfast area and saw the dishes placed on the drain rack. This was very strange considering he had not been in this room for almost 2 weeks.

He turned to look around the space again with a closer inspection. Walking over to his sleeping area he noticed that the coverlet on the bed was slightly rumpled...and showed the imprint of someone who had rested there and not straightened the coverlet back out. He leaned down for a closer inspection of the pillow and saw something. He reached down and plucked the long strand of golden blonde hair from the pillow and held it up to the light.

He needed no other evidence. Nikita had been here... in his quarters. Only question was.... where was she now??? He quickly strode from the room and closed the door firmly behind him. He almost ran right into Madeline and caught her in his arms before toppling her over with his rush to find Nikita.

"Well. That was close. Everything alright?" Madeline asked

Michael removed his hands from her arms and squelched the urge to rake her over the coals with questions. "Yes. All is well. And you?"

Madeline just smiled. She knew. She would answer if he asked....but she would not give the information away. "I am fine. Thanks for asking. The mission went smoothly. I suppose you will be heading home now?"

"Yes. I could use some time. I will see you in the morning at the debrief." Madeline nodded her understanding and turned to walk back towards her own quarters. Michael watched her go and then turned abruptly on his heel and headed backto Birkoff's station.

"So? Anything?"

Birkoff looked around to be sure no one was with-in earshot. "I hate to tell you this Michael... but no. Nothing. She has not been on the last two missions. And no report has been filed on her whereabouts at all."

Michael felt his stomach turn over. He KNEW she had been here...just WHERE was she now??

*******

Michael slipped the key into the lock and slowly swung the door to Nikita's apartment open. With his gun held at the ready he went in and started searching... Fifteen minutes later... he left the apartment... none the wiser to Nikita's whereabouts. Her apartment looked like she had not been there for days.

*******

Michael was almost completely overwhelmed with his anxiety over Nikita. But if he didn't get a few hours of sleep... he wouldn't be good for anything.

He entered his apartment and did not even bother to turn the lights on. He tossed his keys onto the entry table and pulled his sweater off as he walked through to his bedroom. He stopped cold in his tracks... sweater dangling from his hand.. forgotten. The sight that met his eyes was unbelieveable.

There...in his bed...curled up and sleeping like a child... was Nikita. He dropped the sweater on the floor as the relief flooded over him like a wave cresting on the beach. He slowly crossed the room to the side of the bed and stood looking down at her. She looked like an angel. As he slipped out of his boots and the rest of his clothing he carefully slid beneath the sheets and edged over to her. Placing his arm around her she moved her head to his chest with a sigh and wraped her arm around his waist.

Expelling the breath he had been holding, Michael pulled her closer and closed his eyes. She was here...she was safe...and she was his...for now.