Part One

Walter was having a good day. Not that his life was perfect, but given that he was in Section, it was a great day. There weren't any serious missions on tap, the team sent out on the last one would be coming in shortly. Mission accomplished and no one died. That, in itself, was something to be happy about in Section. And one of the older female ops had actually asked him out for dinner. Yep, as far as Walter was concerned, life was good.

A short time later the team came in. Michael and Nikita, along with Mentz and Sheridan, had successfully completed the mission. Michael and Nikita posed, once again, as husband and wife. Mentz was her brother. Sheridan was Michael's bodyguard. They had taken out the terrorist facility and captured the leader. None of the team had even been injured.

After they debriefed, Walter noticed Nikita entering Michael's office. He still wondered about those two from time to time. Oh, he knew Nikita was in love with Michael, he just wasn't sure how Michael felt. He thought Michael returned her feelings, but he wasn't certain.

Nikita had been in Michael's office about ten minutes when he saw her exit and slam the door. She was upset. She headed his way. Okay, Walter, time to turn on the old charm, he told himself. He didn't know how Michael could constantly do this to her. Didn't he feel the least bit guilty? "Hey Sugar," Walter called as she approached, "what's up?" Nikita slammed her jacket down on the table and flopped on a stool. "Why do I bother, Walter? If I was the last woman on earth, I still don't think he would give me a second look."

Walter almost laughed. If only she knew. He had seen the way Michael watched Nikita when she wasn't looking. He also knew that most of the male operatives in Section knew to leave her alone. If someone so much as attempted to ask her out, they were immediately put on notice ... if not by Michael himself, then by someone who had been in their shoes before. Walter tried to lighten the mood. "What do you mean, Sugar? All you gotta do is say the word and you and I are outta here." They both laughed.

Nikita momentarily forgot that she was angry with Michael. It felt good to laugh once in a while. That's why she sought out Walter so often. He could almost always make her laugh. "Thanks Walter. I needed that. Nikita jumped up, grabbed her jacket, bussed Walter's cheek and then left.

A little while later Michael happened by Walter's station. Walter decided to take the bull by the horns. "Michael, could I see you a minute." Michael stopped and looked around. Then he nodded his head and proceeded to Walter's area. "What is it?" he asked.

Now that the moment was here, Walter wasn't sure he was doing the right thing. He didn't quite know how to start the conversation, but he had to do something. He was tired of seeing Nikita's heart stomped on. "I want to talk to you about Nikita," Walter began.

Michael had an idea what Walter wanted to talk about and he wasn't going to have this conversation. "Walter, I've got things to do. This can wait." Michael started to walk away.

Walter got angry and yelled "MICHAEL ... DON'T YOU DARE WALK AWAY FROM ME." Michael stopped dead in his tracks. No one ever yelled at him, except Operations. Operatives walking through the hallways stopped and stared. They started whispering among themselves. Michael turned around and headed back to Walter. In a voice loud enough for all to hear he said, "Fine Walter. Say what you have to say and get it over with. And don't ever raise your voice to me like that again."

Walter and Michael had a staring contest. Michael was impressed. No one could hold his stare for long, except Nikita. Eventually, Walter sighed and looked into the hallway. Those who had been staring had begun to get back to work. Walter returned his attention to Michael.

"Michael you have to stop treating Nikita like she doesn't matter to you. You and I both know better. Every time you knock her down, it kills a part of her spirit. And I don't think either of us wants to see that happen."

Michael interrupted. "Walter. My relationship with Nikita is none of your concern. Besides, you know the rules about relationships between operatives. It is forbidden."

Walter nodded his head. "Yes Michael, I know. I'm not saying you should throw your arms around her and kiss her the minute she walks in. And you don't have to go around Section holding hands. It's the little things, Michael. When she asks you to coffee, go with her. If she wants to talk, then talk ... or at least listen to her. I know you Michael, you could find a way to be with her without Section finding out. I'm tired of seeing her come out of your office looking like you've kicked her in the gut. I don't know why she keeps coming back for more, but she does. She's not a quitter Michael. If you don't want her, then tell her. Just don't leave her hanging in this impossible limbo all the time."

Michael knew Walter was right. He wasn't going to admit it though. "Thank you for the advice Walter. Now I must get back to work."

Just as Michael turned to leave, Walter called out one more time, "Michael, please ..."

Michael turned back to the older man. "Walter, I know what you are saying. But you know how hard this is on all concerned. How do you think she would handle a relationship with me when I'm sleeping with the next target? Or if I have to lie and betray her again? You're right about my feelings, but I'm just ..." Michael hesitated.

Walter nodded. "I know Michael. You're scared. Don't look at me that way. I know. It happens to everyone. You're scared of losing her and you're scared of being with her. You're afraid of jeopardizing her life if they find out. But Michael, if you don't do something soon, you're going to lose her ... permanently. She will eventually give up and then where will that leave her? Do you really want to see her lose hope? If she loses hope, you know that will be the end of her and I know you don't want that to happen."

Michael nodded. "You're right, Walter. I'll try. I'm not promising anything, though. Maybe I'll see if she wants to go out for coffee or something."

Walter smiled his approval. "That's the spirit, Michael. You won't be sorry."

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

Part Two

Nikita's phone rang. She hesitated. She didn't want to hear Michael's voice. She didn't want to go on another mission. She just wanted to be left alone. She needed time to recover from Michael rebuffing her once again.

Finally she picked up the phone. "Yeah," she answered. "Nikita" the voice on the other end was Michael. But, she hadn't heard "Josephine" she heard "Nikita." What was up?

"Michael?" she questioned.

"Yes. I wanted to apologize for the way I treated you in my office earlier. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be so ..."

"Mean, arrogant, hurtful ... pick one, Michael. Any one will do," Nikita filled in for him.

"Yes, all of them. I'm sorry. I was wondering ... if you are still willing, would you like to go for coffee? I need to talk to you, explain a few things. Would it be okay if I came by to pick you up in half an hour?"

Nikita hesitated. This was what she had wanted. This was what she had always wanted. So why was she hesitating? She was afraid of what he would tell her. Would he have some convenient excuse as to why he couldn't be with her? Or would he confess that he had betrayed her yet again? She didn't know how, but maybe there was something. She couldn't make up her mind. What should she do?

Michael was getting nervous at her silence. "Kita?" he spoke. Still she didn't answer. He had just about decided he had made a big mistake, when she finally answered. "Okay Michael. I'll be waiting."

She didn't know why she had done it, but she had agreed. Maybe it was just morbid curiosity. Maybe she couldn't wait to get her teeth kicked in again. Maybe she was just a glutton for punishment. Whatever it was, she would find out soon enough.

Nikita waited for about an hour. Then she got angry. Really angry. Fine. She should have known better. How could she be so stupid? Maybe that was his plan all along. Pretend he wanted to have coffee and talk and then pull one over on her again. Well that was the last time. She had had it.

She picked up the phone and called Birkoff. "Hey Birkoff, is Michael still there?"

Birkoff thought she sounded upset. "No. He left about 45 minutes ago. Is something wrong?"

Nikita took in the information. "No, Birkoff, nothing's wrong. Just wanted to check in with him. I'll talk to you later." Nikita hung up and began to wonder. Traffic shouldn't have been backed up that much. Maybe he had been in an accident. Now what? Should she go look for him? She decided to wait a little while longer and then go out and try to find him. She knew which route he would most likely take to get to her place so she'd check that out.

After waiting as long as she could stand it, Nikita grabbed her coat and left. She retraced the route she thought Michael would take. There were no traffic tie-ups. There was no evidence of any accidents. She got to Section and noticed that Michael's car was still in the lot. Maybe they had sent him on a mission and didn't want her to know.

She entered Section and tracked down Birkoff. "Birkoff, I need your help. Did Operations send Michael out on a mission?"

Birkoff looked at her and could tell that she was worried. "No. I told you Michael left. He wasn't on a mission."

Walter had noticed Nikita talking to Birkoff. He could see she was worried about something. He walked over to see what was up.

Nikita saw Walter approach. "Walter, do you know where Michael is?" Walter answered as best he could. "I thought he was gonna ask you out for coffee, Sugar. Didn't he?"

Nikita was surprised. She didn't think Michael ever confided in anyone. "Yeah, he did. He was supposed to come by and pick me up, but he never showed. I've checked the area and can't locate him. His car is still in the parking lot."

Birkoff and Walter knew what that probably meant. Birkoff spoke up. "We have to tell Madeline and Operations. Someone has apparently taken Michael."

Operations and Madeline were informed of the situation. Operations called a briefing for 30 minutes. He had Birkoff try every conceivable way to locate Michael. Birkoff couldn't find him. They would have to send out teams to get in touch with their Section contacts. Someone had to know something.

Nikita was beside herself. She was feeling guilty about being so angry at Michael for not showing up. She was afraid of what his captors might do to him. Maybe he was already dead. She went to sit in Michael's office. It made her feel closer to him. She just sat there with the lights off.

Walter had noticed Nikita disappear into Michael's office. He knew she needed to be alone. He left her go for a while, then went to check on her. He walk into Michael's office and switched on the light. Tears were streaming down Nikita's face. Walter's heart clenched. He couldn't bear to see Nikita cry.

"Hey Sugar. We'll find him. Don't worry," he spoke quietly as he walked over to her and laid a hand on her shoulder.

Nikita wiped at her tears. "Yeah, Walter, I'm sure we will. But what shape will he be in? Will he even be alive?"

Walter clenched her shoulder and said "Come on now. Don't think like that. Michael is strong ... he will survive. And he needs you to be strong now, too. You are Section's best next to him. He needs you to concentrate and focus."

Nikita sat up straighter. She knew Walter was right. She had to focus. She was determined to find Michael, even if she had to comb the face of the earth inch by inch.

Nikita got up and she and Walter headed for the briefing. There was a larger group than normal in the briefing room, but this wasn't a normal situation. They had to do everything possible to find Michael. Nikita knew it wasn't only because he was a valuable operative. She knew that Operations was afraid of what Michael might say under the proper conditions. If he was drugged there was no telling what Section intel he might give away. That was Operations' top priority.

Just as Operations began the briefing, he was interrupted by Gail. "Sir, you have an urgent video message. Should I send it?" Operations told her to send it to the briefing room. He turned the computer monitor so that it faced the group. He hit a few keys and a face appeared. It was someone they had never seen. He didn't introduce himself. "Hello. I assume I am speaking to Operations, the head of Section?"

Operations was shocked, but he didn't let it show. Not very many people outside of Section knew the title for Section's chief. Operations glared at him. "Yes. What do you want?"

The man replied. "My, my, a bit touchy are we? Well, it's not what I want, actually, it's what you want. You see, I have something that belongs to you." The video camera swung to the right of the man and there, strapped into what looked like an electric chair, was Michael. He was unconscious. He had electrodes attached all over his body. He had apparently been electrocuted to within an inch of his life.

The terrorist continued. "I believe you know Michael. I'm sorry he can't talk right now, but he's taking a nap. I believe the drugs and the electric therapy have tired him out. You know, Michael is not a very cooperative fellow. We used extreme measures on him and all we got was his name, which we already knew. As you can see by the heart monitor to his left, he is still very much alive. How long that lasts depends on you."

Nikita gasped when she saw the picture. She couldn't believe what they had done to him. Walter reached over and squeezed her hand.

Operations demanded "Just what is it you want? What do we have to do to get Michael back?"

The man laughed. "Oh my, we are eager aren't we? Maybe I should just make you wait. Well, no, that might not be very good for my dear friend, Michael. Okay, here's the deal. It seems that you, Operations, killed my father when I was but a lad. And, Madeline, you were right there beside him. Oh, come now, don't look so shocked. You would be surprised the kind of information I have on Section and its members. What I want is for you to make atonement. I can't have my father back, of course, but you will pay. First, I want you to send Michael's girlfriend, Nikita, here with a handwritten note setting forth provisions that no one will come after me. Every hour you delay, I will torture Michael a bit more and I will reveal one more Section secret.

Operations was beside himself. How had this madman gotten this Section intel. He must have been in contact with someone in Section. But it would have to be someone higher up. Not just anyone had access to important Section information. Operations decided he would have to play along. "Fine. Nikita will be leaving shortly. Where should I send her?"

The man laughed again. "Oh my, not so fast. I'll get back to you shortly with an address. Oh and she can have the computer genius and two medical persons with her. No one else. I will know if you try and pull something and Michael will die, along with the team that comes."

"Fine. Just get back to us soon" Operations barked.

The man on the screen said "Oh, and one more thing. The first secret ... my father and Michael's "real" father used to work together. Till next time ... bye, bye." Then the screen went blank.

Operations face went white. He changed the mission profile quickly and gave everyone their assignments. "Dismissed" he announced. Everyone got up to leave. "Walter, Nikita, please stay."

Walter and Nikita looked at each other and sat back down. Operations paced. Finally he stopped in front of them.

"Walter, there's something you need to know. Nikita I think you should hear this as well." Operations paced a bit more. Finally Walter got tired of waiting.

"What is it? We are wasting time," Walter ground out.

Operations looked around and said, "I've kept a secret from you for over 30 years Walter. The secret is ... you have a child. A son."

Nikita couldn't believe her ears. Then it hit her ... she knew who it was. "Michael" she muttered to herself.

Walter looked at her like she was crazy. Then he looked at Operations.

Operations spoke. "Nikita is right. Michael is your son."

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

Part Three

Walter sat there stunned. Then he got angry. "Come off it, Operations. You don't expect me to believe that, do you? He's French, for God's sake."

Operations knew this would be tough. He never wanted Walter to find out. It would bring back too many painful memories for Walter. But, he thought, with all that was happening, Walter needed to hear it from him before that wacko that took Michael spilled the beans. "Listen to me Walter. I'm only going to explain this once."

Walter sat up straighter. Nikita was rubbing her hand across the back of his shoulders in a gesture of comfort. She was as shocked as Walter, but she had to be strong right now. They all did.

Operations continued. "I don't have to remind you of Yvette."

Walter looked daggers at Operations at the mention of the name. "Don't talk about her. I thought that was settled a long time ago. She is dead. End of story. What does she have to do with this fantasy of yours that Michael is my son."

"When Yvette disappeared, you were told she was dead. Adrian thought it was best. She, of course, lied. Yvette had come to her and explained that she was pregnant with your child. Adrian decided to send her away until after the child was born. She was sent to Section Three, and secluded from most people. She worked as mission profiler, but only a handful of people had access to her. Adrian kept in contact with her to see how she was making out. After the child was born, he was put up for adoption. It was the only way Yvette could see that the boy would have a chance at life. Of course Adrian agreed. A young French couple adopted him. They named him Michel. That was the last Yvette ever saw your son. Adrian would occasionally get intel regarding the child and would let Yvette know that he was well cared for. It was decided that you would not know about the child's existence. A few years later, Yvette was killed on a mission. End of story. It is simple irony that Michael ended up here."

Walter couldn't believe what he was hearing. They had let him believe that the love of his life was dead. And they robbed him of the fact that he actually had a son. But Michael? It didn't seem possible. But, according to Operations, it was true. "How long have you known?"

Operations glanced at Walter. When I became Operations, I was given access to all personnel and Section files. About six months after I took over I found the file. Needless to say, I was shocked. But there was no way I could tell you. It just wasn't plausible."

Walter turned on him. "So why tell me now? Now that my son could die, you're gonna lay this on me now? Why? Or is this another Section test? See if you can drive my crazy with a son I never knew I had?"

Operations stopped pacing and glanced at Nikita. He didn't relish having this discussion in front of her, but he didn't have a choice. "Well, obviously, it was probably going to come out sooner or later if we don't get Michael back. The man in the message hinted at "Michael's real father." I knew then I had to tell you before he did. Whether we tell Michael or not will be decided later. And Nikita, I don't want you telling him. I don't care what you think is best. It is up to me to decide. No one else." With that he looked at Walter too.

Nikita wanted to strangle Operations. How could he do this now? With Michael's life hanging in the balance. And why didn't that jerk that had Michael get in touch and tell them where to go. She was getting antsy. She needed to go find Michael. She would not let him die.

Just then Birkoff's voice came over the intercom. "Sir, we have another message." Operations barked "Put it on the screen."

Just then the man's face appeared before them once again. "Hello Operations. I see Nikita and Walter are still with you. Well, it's good somebody listened to my instructions, anyway. Now, Nikita, do you remember what I said about coming to get Michael? Just you, Birkoff and two medical persons. No one else."

Nikita got up and leaned into the screen. "Yeah, yeah, I remember. Now where ..."

Walter had had enough. He jumped up and pushed Nikita aside. "Where is my son, you bastard?" Walter yelled at the computer. The man laughed. "Oh my. Someone has been spilling the beans. Shucks, now I won't have the pleasure of spilling that particular secret. Well, anyway, let's see what Michael thinks of that little tidbit." The man moved aside and there was Michael still strapped to the chair. However, this time he was fully alert. He had heard every word. He knew.

"Oh, come now, Michael ... nothing to say?" the man taunted. Then he laughed. Michael's expression didn't change. It was the typical Michael blank stare. "Well, old chap, I do have to say I admire your spirit. Getting a bomb like that dropped on you and not even flinching. No wonder you are so good at what you do." Then the man turned back to Operations. "By the way Operations, have you figured out who my father is yet? I seriously doubt it. Anyway, here's the deal. Send Nikki there to the address I will forward in half an hour. If she comes as ordered, I will release Michael. However, I will be expecting that promise from you about no retaliation. Oh, and by the way, I want Nikki to bring along with her the identification of my father. If not, well, let's just say that Section's little secrets will continue to "pop up" when you least expect them!" With that the man laughed maniacally and turned off the camera.

Operations turned toward the other two. "We have to get busy. Walter, we need to figure out who his father is. And we have to find a way to take him out. We can't have a loose cannon like that running around. He said that you and his father worked together for a while. He also said I killed his father and Madeline was there. We need to think back to when we were field ops and who you worked with that I killed. And just how did this operative have a child that got their hands on this kind of information? It has to be somebody with connection to Oversight."

Walter nodded. He was still reeling from the fact that Michael was his son. But he had to figure out who this man was ... who his father was.

Nikita spoke. "Why don't we have Birkoff bring up all the old missions you three worked together. Apparently you were all on this mission. He can isolate the missions where operatives were killed by other operatives, or by accident. That should narrow it down enough for you to get some idea of who it could be."

Operations nodded. "You're right. Get down to Birkoff and get him started. Walter, take a few minutes to collect yourself and then see if you can help Nikita and Birkoff. Madeline and I will work on a strategy to take out this maniac. We'll join you when you have the list narrowed down. Dismissed."

Walter stayed where he was for a few minutes. His mind was whirling with what he had just learned. He had a son. Michael. Yvette hadn't died when he thought she had. Adrian had lied to him. He expected lies from Paul, but he had always trusted Adrian. She hadn't run Section the same was Paul does. Or had she? Now he didn't know what to think. Something was tugging at the back of his mind, but he couldn't quite figure out what it was. He had too much to think about right now. His son ... how would Michael feel about it? Would he even acknowledge that he knew the truth once they got him back? If they got him back?

Nikita's voice broke through Walter's thoughts. "Walter, I'm sorry, but we really do need your help. Can you please come down to Comm."

Walter sighed and answered. "Yeah. I'll be right there."

When Walter arrived in Comm, Nikita and Birkoff were working furiously, trying to narrow down the list of missions to review. They were just about finished. Looking up, Nikita noticed Walter entering. He looked very old and tired right now. "Hey Walter. I know this is difficult, but is there anything at all you can tell us that might help us narrow the search at all?"

Birkoff was watching too. He noticed that Walter seemed drained ... that this was taking a very big toll on him. Why? Michael had been missing before, and Walter had always handled it. Walter hadn't even acted like this when Nikita had been missing for six months and he had thought she was dead. Something was up, but he didn't have the time now to find out whatit was.

Walter shook his head. There was still something tugging at the edge of his brain, but it just wouldn't come to the forefront where he could figure it out. "I'm sorry. I can't think of anything, except it would have to be a mission where Operations, Madeline and I were all on together. And it was a mission where at least one operative died. I can't think of anything else."

Nikita nodded and she and Birkoff continued to work. Walter slumped down in a chair behind them, waiting for any word on Michael. He couldn't decide how to feel. Of course he was thrilled that he had a son. But they had lied to him and deprived him of the fact that he had a child all his life. Michael was his son. He should be happy that he knew his son, and he was. But his son was in Section ... had been convicted of a bombing in which people were killed. But Michael had paid for that ... many times over. Michael was now the best operative Section had. That made him proud. But Michael was also practically a Section robot. He had heard Michael referred to as an automaton and robot many times. He was disgusted with what Section had done to his son, and the tragedies that they had put him through. But his son had found one light in his dark life ... Nikita. Walter already loved her like a daughter. He was glad that she seemed to love his son as well. Michael needed her in his life. Walter vowed he would make sure that he did everything he could to help them. IF Michael survived. His son's life was hanging in the balance. He knew Michael was strong, but it was only a matter of time before even the strongest person would break after being tortured and drugged.

Nikita was watching Walter as closely as she could. She could see the struggle he was having. The emotions that were playing across his face spoke volumes. She wished she could take the time to talk it through with Walter now, but it just wasn't possible. Birkoff was working with them and no one was to know the truth. Besides, they didn't have the time. They only had about twenty minutes left before that crackpot called with instructions.

The computer beeped and Nikita and Birkoff both rushed back to it. Birkoff sighed. "We have a list of 30 missions that meet those criteria. This will take forever. We better get Operations and Madeline and start going through them." Nikita nodded and Birkoff called his superiors.

They all met in the briefing room. Walter, Nikita, Birkoff, Operations and Madeline.

Birkoff queued up the computer files and spoke. "We've narrowed it down to 30 missions. It's still going to take a while to go through them."

Operations nodded. "Then let's get started. Bring up the first one." They had gone through about five files when Walter finally spoke. "Wait. I just had a thought. There was a mission right after I was told Yvette had died. We went after a warehouse where some terrorist had stockpiled arms waiting to sell them. It was an abeyance mission. We were the only three who came back from that one."

Madeline nodded and looked to Operations. "Good work, Walter. Birkoff, pull up the file on an operative named Bradley Hart."

With a few keystrokes, Birkoff had the file. He read the information at hand. "Hart was a Level 4 operative. He had become preoccupied and lost focus. His last four missions had failed. He was placed in abeyance after his third mission failed. He was given one last chance to redeemed himself, but that mission was a total disaster. Five operatives were lost and the target got away cleanly. After that it was decided that he was a lost cause. He was placed on the mission along with three other abeyance ops. Operations and Madeline were sent in with the team to set the charges around the building. Walter stayed in the van. Operations and Madeline went in, set their charges and then left, leaving the rest of the team behind. Once they were clear of the building, Walter detonated the charges. Hart and the other operatives were canceled."

Walter nodded. "Yeah, I remember that. Hart ... yeah. He was a cocky fellow. He had been bragging for quite a while that he was getting out of the field. He had a contact in Oversight that was looking after him. He would soon be on easy street. He might even get out of Section. Life was great ... or so he thought. He even bragged about a woman he was serious with. They were ... that's it. That must have been the problem. His mind was otherwise occupied. He probably found out he was going to be a father."

Operations nodded. "I remember. I heard him bragging about getting out. He had seemed preoccupied. So, he must have been having an affair with someone at Oversight. That would explain how the child got so much information. We'll have to find out who the child is and who his mother is. George needs to be notified immediately."

Madeline nodded. "I'll do that. In the meantime, I think you should get a team together that has medical training to pose as the medical team Nikita takes with her. She will need help getting Michael out and taking out the target."

Operations nodded and handed Nikita a piece of paper. "Here is the promise he wanted that we would leave him alone. Make sure he reads it and then get Michael out. Once Michael is clear of the building, take him down." Nikita nodded and didn't reply. Operations watched her closely. "No questions?"

Nikita knew what he was thinking. She would normally question Section making a promise and then turning around and breaking it. That was no way to make a deal. Section's promises would never be believed again if word got out. Besides that, Nikita wasn't one to break promises herself, so she hated when Section did it. And she really hated it when Section made a deal with a terrorist. She looked Operations in the eye. "No, not this time."

Operations smiled and nodded. "Good, then. Get Mentz and Hawkins up to speed. They both have medical training and can pass as a medical team. Birkoff, get your equipment together. Walter, get the team suited up and give them the necessary gear. As soon as the instructions arrive, I want them on their way."

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

Part Four

Madeline had spoken to George. He was deeply concerned about the situation. Michael was, in George's opinion, the only candidate to take over Section when Operations stepped down or was removed. He couldn't let anything happen to him. He had invested a lot of time and effort into Michael. Besides, he genuinely liked the young man.

George had feared this day for a long time. He had known years ago that one day Bradley Hart's child would possibly seek revenge. The young boy had never gotten over his father's death and had blamed Section from day one. Of course, his mother had never helped the situation. She too, blamed Section for Bradley's death. She had finally managed to convince George to take Bradley out of the field just before that last mission. She knew he was in trouble at Section. She wanted to get him out before it was too late. It just hadn't happened soon enough.

Sarah Parson Hart had been one of the best strategists they had. She had met Bradley during one of his first missions when she was working with Section as strategist on a particularly difficult mission. They had hit it off immediately and continued to see each other from that time on. He hadn't realized how serious it had gotten until one day Sarah came to him and announced that she and Bradley had gotten married. George had been surprised, but he hadn't really seen the harm in letting it be, as long as she understood the risks. She couldn't interfere with Section or Bradley's missions. She had agreed. She had seemed so happy. George wanted his people happy. He valued family highly, and hated to see anyone deprived of it. It made people happier, and if they were happy, they worked better. Of course, he knew that it was dangerous in certain situations, especially if the operatives were on the same team, but Section trained their people too well.

Sarah had given birth to Benjamin Hart two years before Bradley died. Bradley hadn't been able to spend much time with his son because he didn't want Section to find out about him. But he had loved the boy deeply. George had seen the little family together on a few occasions. They had truly been happy. He didn't know what had happened that had caused Bradley to become so preoccupied that he began screwing up missions. He had tried to talk to Sarah about it, but she wouldn't tell him anything. She just begged George to take Bradley out of the field before he was canceled. George had given Bradley every chance to redeem himself in Section's eyes. He held off cancellation as long as he could without raising suspicion. He had finally made up his mind to take Hart out of the field and give him a job in weapons when he was put on that abeyance mission. He had lost the chance to save him. Sarah had been devastated. She held herself together for another eight years for her son's sake, but she finally took her own life the day after Ben's 10th birthday. The boy had been taken in by his uncle after his mother's death. They moved frequently and George eventually lost contact.

George arrived at Section right after Nikita and her team left. Ben had called in instructions for Nikita to come to a warehouse very near the place where his father had died. Nikita took the information about Bradley Hart along with her, as well as the promise from Section that, once Michael was released, Benjamin Hart wouldn't be pursued by Section.

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

Part Five/End

Michael's mind was swirling. Walter was his father? How could that be? His parents were French. Of course, he knew Section's ways ... it was definitely a possibility. But how long had Walter known? How did Michael himself feel about the knowledge? He didn't know. He couldn't think about that right now. He had to try and find a way to help Nikita when she got here.

Michael's body was screaming at him. He had been tortured before, but this time he had just about reached his limit. He had seen a quick glimpse of Nikita when the man that was holding him had called Section. He could see the worry on her face. He knew she would do whatever it took to get him out of here. He just hoped it didn't cost her her life.

At that moment an alarm sounded. His captor looked up and smiled. "Ah, Michael, it seems that your lady love has arrived. And it appears that she really wants you back. She has followed my instructions to the letter."

Michael watched as Nikita approached on the monitor. She had a medical team with her. They each had a medical bag with them. They were stopped and the bags were searched. The guards motioned them on and Michael got a closer look at the team. Mentz and Hawkins? They weren't medical personnel. Section had a plan. Now he would have to pay careful attention and try to help as much as he could. He knew that this maniac was going to be taken down. He just hoped they all made it out first.

Nikita and her team entered the room where Michael was being held.

"Ah. Lovely Nikita. So nice of you to join us. As you can see, your Michael is still alive. But please, feel free to check for yourself."

Nikita nodded and walked over to Michael. Mentz and Hawkins followed. Nikita played her part very well. She caressed Michael's face, and Michael leaned into the caress. "Michael, are you okay? I was so worried. Are you sure you're okay?" Then she leaned over and kissed him. "Check him over and then carefully remove him from that chair," she ordered Mentz and Hawkins. They nodded and then proceeded to do a medical exam.

Ben watched closely. "Oh, not so fast, my dear. There is still the matter of the information I need from you."

Nikita smiled. She handed him the envelope. "It's all there, Benjamin."

The man looked up to her surprised. "I see. Section really is as good as I had heard. Well, now I guess you know why I did what I did. They killed my father."

Nikita nodded. "I'm sorry."

Hart smiled. "Oh don't apologize. You had nothing to do with it. I know it was Paul, Madeline and Walter. They killed my father. That's why I took Michael. They had to pay. He was the perfect one to take, you know. He is next in line to become Operations ... he's their best and brightest. And ... he's Walter son. I couldn't have planned it better. Not only have I tortured Walter, but now I've turned him against Operations and Madeline. They should have never kept the secret from Walter all this time."

Nikita nodded and played along. "Yes, you're right. Walter is furious with them. And they are worried about Michael. So am I. So, if you don't mind, I'd really like to get him some medical attention right away."

Benjamin studied her for a few moments. "Fine. Your medical team can take him now."

Nikita nodded to Mentz and Hawkins. They unstrapped Michael and helped him to his feet. Michael groaned in pain and almost passed out. However, he couldn't allow that to happen. He had to remain conscious until he knew Nikita was safe.

Mentz and Hawkins started toward the door. Nikita turned to Hart. "Thank you for not killing him."

Hart nodded. "I know what it's like to lose someone you love."

Nikita turned to follow them and she heard a gun click. She quickly turned around. Hart was holding a gun on her. "I'm sorry, Nikita. But I can't let you go. This was only the beginning of my revenge on Section. You don't think I would simply let it go that easily do you? I can't do that. Michael served his purpose. I got their attention. But, you, my dear, will be my ace in the hole. I've studied Section. You are one of their best too. And Michael is in love with you. Walter thinks of you like a daughter. Even Madeline cares about you. So, I'm going to keep them in line a little longer."

Nikita laughed. "You haven't studied Section well enough, apparently. They will never let you blackmail them using me. I'm not important enough to them."

~~~~~~~

Madeline, Operations and George were pacing. Madeline spoke. "What are we going to do? We can't allow him to keep her. We aren't set up for this contingency."

Operations spoke to Birkoff. "Birkoff, as soon as Michael and the team are clear, blow the building. Nikita will just have to be sacrificed."

~~~~~~~~

Birkoff flinched. He couldn't give that instruction. However, he knew if he didn't, he would be canceled upon his return. Then again, Michael would never forgive him, so it didn't matter anyway. Michael would probably kill him the minute he stepped in the van. Birkoff relayed the instructions to Mentz and Hawkins.

Mentz stopped when he heard the orders. He looked to Hawkins. "What about Nikita?" he asked Birkoff. "She is to be sacrificed" came the reply.

Mentz looked to Michael. He didn't want any part of this. Michael would kill them all, he knew it. Even if Michael was in an extremely weakened condition, he would never let them live if Nikita died. Mentz took a chance. "Michael, we're to blow the building as soon as we're clear. Nikita is to be sacrificed."

~~~~~~~~

Madeline stared at Operations. George stopped in his tracks. "No. I will not allow it. I am not going to sacrifice her. She is too important to Section."

Operations turned to George. "In case you have forgotten, I'm in charge here. She is not that important. No one is."

George studied Operations for a few seconds. "Including you? She will not be sacrificed. If she dies, Section will fall apart. She has many loyalties in and outside of Section. More than you are aware of. You will have mutiny on your hands. Not to mention what it would do to Michael. He would be utterly destroyed and he would destroy Section as well. If any harm comes to her, you are gone. Do we understand each other?"

Operations stared at George for a moment and then said "Fine." Then he spoke to Birkoff again. "Birkoff, tell Mentz and Hawkins to get her out of there any way they can. As soon as she is clear, blow the building. Take out everyone."

~~~~~~~~

Michael looked to Mentz and then nodded. They had just cleared the doorway of the room Hart and Nikita were in. Michael summoned up all his remaining energy and quickly pulled the gun from Mentz' vest. He turned and fired. Hart went down with one shot. Hawkins pulled his gun as well and fired at one of the guards coming towards them. Michael swung around and killed the other guard. Nikita ran out of the room just as Michael collapsed. Mentz swung him up over his shoulder and they ran from the building. As soon as Nikita called clear, Birkoff blew the building.

The van door flung open and Nikita entered, followed by Mentz carrying Michael and then Hawkins. Mentz sat Michael down on the bench next to Nikita. He checked him over and told Nikita that he would be fine. He would need a few days in Medlab, but that he should recover totally.

Birkoff reported to Operations that the mission was a success. The building and Hart and his group were gone. The team, including Nikita, was safe.

Michael came to a little while later. He looked around for a few seconds to get his bearings. Nikita noticed his movement. "Michael? Are you okay?" He looked at her and nodded. Nikita reached over and took his hand. "Thank you, Michael." Michael nodded at her and then turned his gaze to Mentz.

"Mentz," he called. Mentz turned to look at him. "Thank you." The two men stared at each other, a silent message passing between them. Mentz nodded and then went back to his discussion with Hawkins. Nikita was curious as to the exchange, but would let it go for now. Michael needed his rest.

~~~~~~~~~

Michael had been in Medlab for two days. Nikita hadn't left his side, except to debrief as soon as she knew Michael was out of the woods. Michael had just awakened. She sat there staring at him, thanking God that he hadn't been taken from her.

Michael noticed her staring. "Did I suddenly sprout horns?"

Nikita smiled. "No. I'm just so glad you're still here. I was so scared I was going to lose you. Michael, I ..."

Just then the Medlab doors opened and Walter walked in. "Hey Sugar. How's he doing?"

Nikita smiled. "See for yourself. He finally woke up. I was afraid he was going to pull a Rip Van Winkle and sleep for 40 years."

Walter laughed nervously. Nikita could see that he was nervous about approaching Michael what with everything that had happened. She also knew that these two men, the two people she loved most in the world, needed some time alone.

"Walter, if you could stay with him a while, I need to go shower and change. I feel like I've been wearing these clothes for weeks."

Walter nodded and then leaned over and whispered, "Thanks, Sugar. But you better hurry back, just in case." Nikita smiled and then kissed him on the cheek. She then turned to Michael and kissed him on the forehead. "I'll be back soon. Don't go anywhere, okay?"

Michael looked up at her. "I'll be here."

Nikita left. Walter sat down next to Michael's bed. "Michael, I don't know what to say."

Michael knew the older man was nervous. He could see his hands trembling. And he suddenly realized that he was rather glad this man was his father. And he would put him out of his misery. "Walter, it's okay. I'm fine. I admit, I was shocked and upset when I heard the news. It took me a little while to process the information and to come to terms with it. I know none of this was your fault. You didn't know. I don't blame you."

Walter was surprised. He was also glad that Michael was taking it so well. He had been so nervous that Michael would totally reject him. "I'm glad, Michael. And I want to say, I'm proud to have you as a son. You are a good man, no matter what you may think. Just ask Nikita, she'll tell you."

Michael smiled. "Thank you. I'm not sure how we will handle this. We can't go back to the way things were, but I'm also not ready to call you ‘Dad' yet, either. I think we should just take it slowly and work through it. I'm sure Nikita will be glad to help us along if we need it."

Walter laughed. "Yeah, I'm sure she will. Knowing her, she'll be having us over for dinner as often as she can to let us get to know each other."

Michael sighed. "I know. Maybe we should tell her to just back off for a while."

Walter was disappointed. "If that's what you want, that's what we'll do. But you know her heart is in the right place. I don't want to hurt her feelings."

Michael nodded. "I know. I don't either. But I don't want to be pushed. We need to do this at our own pace. I think she'll understand. And Walter, I want you to know that I'm not rejecting you or pushing you away. I just need time to get used to this."

Walter's heart lightened a bit. "I understand Michael. I won't push. When you're ready, I'll be here."

The End
This story © Sherry, 1999