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The search went by quickly. I downloaded everything on Claire's computer, took fingerprints from her doors, checked her cupboards and sweeped the place for listening bugs that were not Section friendly. I quickly packed up my equipment and samples and checked around the apartment. I complimented myself on my attention to detail and then slipped out the door.
    I checked my things back in with Jack, who flirted some more until Walter walked in and gave Jack a look. I checked my watch, 20 minutes to go before the briefing. I pulled my coat off and frowned at the puddles on the floor that used to be snow. I hung my coat up slipped Claire's disks in my desk drawer and started reading my files.
      I ran a hand over my black jacket, I wore a black pant suit. It was essential to wear the appropriate clothes when working. Madeline despised an unprofessional outfit. One of her petpeeves among other things. I took a seat next to Ali who smiled in greeting. Madeline walked in a calm expression on her face and assumed her seat at the head of the table.
"Any emergency cases?" Madeline asked flipping her folder open, pen poised in her hand.
When no one nodded Madeline continued.
"New policy, everyone is to wear a weapon. No excuses." Madeline continued on and my thoughts drifted as the Watchers reported in.

  "Birkoff?" Nikita asked while chewing her gum. Birkoff mumbled a reply at least she thought he did.
"Who are those people in the briefing room? I thought it was a briefing but Operations isn't there and the hologram screen hasn't popped up yet."
Annoyed Birkoff turned his head. "What time is it?"
"A little after eight." Nikita replied.
"It's the Watcher's briefing." Birkoff went back to his computer.
"Watchers?" Nikita asked for clarification, Birkoff met her inquiring eyes.
"Eric?" he replied, Nikita fell silent and Birkoff went back to work.
   "Alyssa?" Madeline . She held her pen over her daily planner. She was always organized, she waited as the red head operative shook her head and let her crystal clear turqoise eyes meet Madeline's brown ones.
"My ops are fine nothing unusual. I searched Codename Claire's apartment this morning, still waiting to find out results. I started reading up on the 8 new prospectives this morning." I replied, my daydreaming set aside. Madeline glanced at her daily planner before answering, "Bring them to my office after the briefing."
I nodded, knowing better than to argue and Ali had said to be available. Madeline continued with the last fwe Watchers then finished the briefing by announcing officially that Eric had been canceled and why. Everyone got the silent warning.
   We were dismissed and I stood waiting for Madeline who was walking around the table. When it was just the two of us Nikita walked in. I took in her appearance, it was the first time meeting her in person. She wore black pants and a sky blue sweater her long blonde hair was in a loose bun with strands falling to frame her face. Her eyes glanced nervously from me to Madeline.
"Madeline can I talk to you for a moment?" Nikita asked, I watched as Madeline's face softened.
"Whatever you have to say you may say it in front of Alyssa." Madeline replied cooly, I held back a smile recognising that Madeline already knew the question.Nikita hid her disappointment.
Nikita twitched nervously before asking, "Who are the Watchers?"
Once the question was out I stopped myself from visibly jumping. I looked at Madeline with curiosity. Madeline just smiled she knew the question was coming, you could tell almost anything if you read her eyes right.
"Do you expect an answer?" the older woman countered with a soft smile. Nikita frowned.
"I suppose not."
Well then be here tomorrow at 5am. Alyssa will show you what her job is like." Madeline replied, full of questions I followed Madeline out the door leaving a stunned Nikita behind.
 
  I calmed down quickly realizing Madeline's tactic and smiled as I laid the files on Madeline's desk.
"So what parts of my job are to be hidden?" I asked curiously.
"You have the profiles to research. Follow them and gather intel. Make your job seem boring and let her get involved she might be of some help." Madeline replied and then we switched to business.
"Okay so the first 4 you think would make great cold ops, the next 2 watchers, the 7th one a possible trainer, and the last a sniper." I read back my notes and Madeline nodded.
"You've got it. Seeing as you have the time today, would you like to have lunch? it's been awhile." Madeline replied cleaning her desk of the files.
"Yes, that would be great, usual place?" I answered gathering my files.
"Yes, I'll meet you there in an hour." Madeline smiled and I left.

    Entering my office I flicked on the lights and pulled my coat off. After hanging it up I booted my computer, I checked my watch. Nikita would be here soon. I scanned through me email quickly then checked on my operatives. As I checked over my report from the lab I deemed Claire's apartment secure. As I put the file away in my filing cabinet, Nikita walked in. She pulled her long blue coat off to reveal her long shite shirt and black pants. She looked around the room, scanning it. I smiled to myself, all cold ops did that, I found it was apart of their nature.
"Hello Nikita, my name is Alyssa. I see you found my office alright." I watched as she eyed me up.
"You know who I am." Nikita said barely surprised.
"A little, Madeline didn't tell me much." I replied honestly. "I am assuming you have questions before we start the day?"
Nikita looked at me with surprise. I smiled in return, "I know your on guard. Your outlook on Madeline is very different from mine. I can tell that much. I used to be a cold op like you, I was put here to bide my time until they canceled me and somehow I ended up staying. I'm Watcher not a killer or a manipulator. Madeline has put you here so you see the answer for yourself. You wouldn't believe it if she told you." I replied, trying to be truthful as possible. Nikita watched me with interest, I watched her relax.
"Questions?" I asked again.
"She lies, she gets in to your head and uses it against you for her own reasons." Nikita replied looking at the floor.
"Yes I won't lie she does.  But the Madeline I know helps me with my problems and we have long lunches talking about photography. She fights for you, you may not know it but she fights for everyone. Now let's get going, lots to do today."

    Going undercover in the prison was a normal thing for me, for Nikita I think it provided flashbacks. The prison bars, distinct smell and cold atmosphere caused her to be on guard and years away from the present day. I sat down in the uncomfortable chairs they provided in the interviewing room. This time I was a lawyer, Nikita was my assistant and I was interviewing one of the cold ops on my list. I felt Nikita becoming disinterested in my job which I knew Madeline had planned.        
                                                       
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