By Raine

"Welcome to game night!" Madeline greeted everyone by the door. "Come in and have a seat." She ordered. All the operatives did as they were told. They knew not to mess with Madeline. You didn't do that and live. When everyone was seated she moved to the front of the room and stood by Operations. Both of them were smiling. This terrified most of the operatives.

"We have all come here tonight to get to know each other better." Operations started. "We will have this every week. It will be a fun and carefree time. Anyone who does not show up will be subject to immediate cancellation." He paused to make his point. "Well, let's get started. Does anyone have any ideas on what game we should play?"

The operatives remained silent. "Failure to cooperate will also result in immediate cancellation." Madeline informed.

Birkoff raised his hand. "I have an idea."

Nikita rolled her eyes. "Coward. Could you have caved in a little sooner?"

Birkoff glared at her. "Unlike you, some of us do not have a death wish." He turned back to face the front.

Madeline smiled at him. "Yes, Mr. Birkoff?"

"How about we play Truth or Dare?" He suggested.

Nikita laughed. "Nope. Do you actually think you will get the truth out of anyone in here? Why not just ask Madeline to cry?"

Madeline glared at her. "I'm afraid Nikita is right for once, Birkoff. That game is not suited for our lifestyle."

"Oh..." Birkoff mumbled and sat down.

"What about Life?" An unknown op jumped in.

"Already serving it." Nikita shot back.

Madeline sighed. "Nikita is right again. Playing life might remind all of you of what you don't have. It could cause depression or acting out."

"Monopoly?"

"Nope." Nikita sighed. Madeline looked to her for explanation. Nikita leaned back. "Michael cheats."

"DO NOT!" Michael jumped in outraged.

"Michael, yes you do." Nikita forced.

Michael faced the room. "I play to win."

"Micheal, threatening to kill someone if they *dare* to buy the greens or yellows is not fair!" Nikita forced.

"They can still buy them..." Michael glared.

"And DIE! You mean it!"

"I play to win!" Michael sulked.

"How about Twister?" Birkoff rang in again.

"Suck up!" Nikita hissed. Birkoff rolled his eyes.

Madeline looked thoughtful. "That is an option." Madeline looked to Nikita.

"Nope." Nikita smiled. "Do you really want to be draped on top of Walter?"

Walter leered at them. "Hey, that one has definite potential."

Madeline actually looked worried. "Twister is out." She stated. "Someone make another suggestion."

"We could have a scavenger hunt." Michael suggested.

Nikita just laughed. "Have we forgotten Gail our friendly section clepto? We would never get all our stuff back."

"Poker?"

"Only fun when it's strip." Kita sighed.

"Uno?"

"Operations would kill anyone who beat him."

Madeline turned to face Ops. He shrugged sheepishly.

"Old Maid?" Walter smiled.

"As long as it wouldn't offend Madeline." Nikita's grin turned pure evil.

"Nikita!" Madeline seethed. She took a calming breath. Killing Nikita would not endear the rest of the operatives to game day. "Okay, Nikita, what would you like to play?"

Nikita clapped. "My turn? Okay, I want to play Scattergories."

"NO!" Michael forced.

Madeline eyed him curiously. "Why not?"

"Because she only wants to play it to crack on me." Michael mumbled. "'Something that is black?' Michael's wardrobe. 'Something fictional?' Michael's personality. 'Something that grows?' Michael's...well...uh..."

"We get the point Michael." Madeline sighed. "Well, it seems we are getting no where today." Madeline turned to face Operations who nodded. "So, you are dismissed for today. Think about ideas for games and we will meet again next week. Hopefully next time we will be more sucessful."

The operatives rose to leave the room and Nikita walked out beside Michael. "Do you think they will cancel us if we don't play a game next time?"

Michael shrugged. "With them? Who know? I don't buy this whole game day thing anyway."

"Yeah, me either." Nikita mumbled.

Back in the room, Madeline and Operations talked quietly. "Do we *have* to do this?" Operations fussed.

Madeline smiled. "It gives me crucial insight into their personalities. We discuss this."

"What insight? All we did was listen to Nikita mouth off, and I have heard that *plenty* times before. I think we should cancel it." Operations pointed out.

"It will get more productive. Give it time." Madeline soothed.

Operations sighed. He always gave in to her. "Do you think they suspect?"

Madeline shrugged. "Does it really matter? They have no choice. They will do what we tell them to."

Operations turned and the two made their way towards the door. "True. And I do *love* exerting my power."

Madeline smiled. "Yes, I know."

Operations stopped to look at her. "Shall we have dinner?"

Madeline walked past him. "Why not." She purred. She knew she had gotten her way once again.

THE END!...: P

This story ©Raine, 2000