Game Night Challenge

By Sherry

 

The directive had come a few days ago. There would be a weekly "Fun and Games" night at Section. The operatives were still worried and confused about it. Was it for real or was this simply some new kind of test for all of them? What was going on? Had Madeline lost her mind?

Nikita sought out Michael. "Have you heard anything new? Is this really just what she says or is there more to it?"

Michael looked back and forth and then off to the side of Nikita, over her shoulder. "It seems to be simply what she says. I haven't been able to come up with anything else."

A short time later, Nikita, Michael, Davenport, Mentz, Walter and Birkoff were called into a briefing. Operations paced back and forth a few moments before he began.

"There seems to be a lot of speculation and rumor running around Section about Madeline's "Fun and Games" night. I am here to tell you that it is simply what she said. There is nothing hidden or sinister behind it. It is simply a time for everyone to relax and have fun. It seems recent events have everyone on edge, and there is too much tension around here. Madeline thought it would be a good idea for everyone," here Operations paused and looked directly at Michael, "and I do mean EVERYONE, to get to know each other better, to interact more and relieve tension. We can't have our operatives so tense that they don't trust each other. We wouldn't be able to accomplish anything if that were the case. Each of you will spread the word throughout Section. And, be thinking of games that can be played. That will be all."

Game night arrived and everyone who was not involved in a mission gathered in training room B. It was the only room large enough to hold them all. Madeline took charge of the group.

"I'm glad to see everyone here. I'm sure we will all enjoy ourselves if we simply relax. So please, relax and have fun. Now, does anyone have a suggestion of what we can play? We will, of course, break up into several different groups as we can't all play the same thing at the same time."

Walter, standing near the front of the group called out. "I suggest we play "Spin the Bottle. That way we'd all get to know each other real well."

Most everyone in the group laughed, save for Michael and Operations. Nikita playfully swatted Walter and answered. "You mean you'd get to know all the women, Walter." Again, general laughter broke out.

Walter mumbled under his breath. "Well, it was worth a try."

Next came Birkoff's suggestion. "Well, how about Battleship or Stratego? We should have some people who would be pretty good at those around here."

There were a few general groans from the group, but most people agreed with Birkoff.

Madeline smiled. "That's a good idea, Birkoff. You can be in charge of that. Anyone interested in playing those game should go with Birkoff." Those that wished, followed Birkoff over to one corner of the room. It didn't take long to get the games set up and started. There was plenty of friendly competition in the room and it seemed they were ready to see who was the best strategist in the group."

Nikita looked around and noticed that Michael was gone. She looked all over the room but couldn't locate him. She wondered if perhaps he had been summoned to Comm and she hadn't been aware of it. Turning back to the business at hand, Madeline was asking who was next.

Walter spoke up again. "Well, I guess I could get up for some poker. That is, if anyone thinks they can take me." Again laughter broke out and there were hoots and hollers as other operatives reminded Walter what a lousy poker player he really was.

Madeline smiled. "Fine, but no betting with real money. Either use Monopoly money or bet something else."

Grumbling once again, Walter set off for another corner of the room with a group of operatives following him. They were all laughing and having a good time and the game hadn't even started yet. Madeline smiled. Her idea seemed to be working.

There was still a group of operatives left in front of Madeline. Nikita was wondering what had happened to Michael, and wasn't paying attention. When the suggestion was called out that they could play Twister, Nikita didn't hear. Again Madeline gave her approval and most of the group headed off to the third corner of the room where they spread out a few Twister mats and got into the swing of the game.

Nikita felt his return before she spotted him. Looking around, she saw Michael walking back to stand beside her. She also noticed that she, Michael, Davenport, Mentz, Snow, Taylor, Madeline and Operations were the only people left.

"So," Madeline began, "that leaves our little group. What shall we play?"

Operations, who was simply going along with Madeline's ridiculous idea, snorted. "Well, I suggest we simply divide ourselves up among the other groups. I think I'll join Walter's poker group."

Before he could move off, Michael spoke. "Actually, I have another suggestion."

Madeline quirked an eyebrow. This could prove to be an interesting turn of events. She had figured that Michael would simply stand back and do nothing until he was certain she was on the level and then he would join a group for a few minutes. The remainder of the time he would spend watching Nikita. That he was actually suggesting a game was quite interesting.

"What would that be, Michael?" she asked.

"I suggest a game of Go between myself and Nikita and you and Operations."

The others in the group were stunned. Michael was more or less throwing down the gauntlet and waiting to see if his superiors would pick it up. Here was a preview of the challenge that they all knew would one day be inevitable. The presumed heirs to the throne against those now holding it.

Nikita couldn't believe her ears. She hadn't heard the game of Go mentioned since Jurgen had taught her how to play. She had learned quickly, but she hadn't played since. As it was a came of strategy, though, she was certain Michael would be a player unmatched. But it still made her nervous.

Madeline looked to Operations who was staring a hole through Michael. He glanced at her and then back to Michael. "I really don't think that's in your best interest, Michael. We wouldn't want to humiliate you in front of what could be your future subordinates. My first suggestion stands."

Madeline took a deep breath. She was waiting for it. She knew Michael was up to something. She had seen him disappear a little while earlier and had wondered what he was up to.

Operations began to walk away when Michael spoke. "I really think you should reconsider, sir. George is on his way. He is expecting to see the match. He thought it was a wonderful idea. He should be here any minute now."

Operations was furious. He didn't want any part of this. He knew he and Madeline were very good, but he also knew that Michael was better. And Michael and Nikita together ... well, he didn't even want to go there.

The other operatives standing behind Michael and Nikita shifted nervously from foot to foot, exchanging glances and watching the power play in front of them. Who would win? Each one secretly hoped that Michael came out on top, although they would never admit it out loud. They had all worked with Michael and Nikita for a long time, and had seen what Operations and Madeline had done to them. It was time these two got their revenge, even if it was in a silly game.

Operations looked to Madeline, hoping she would side with him and get him out of this ridiculous idea. He always counted on her to get him out of any problems that arose. Right now, he did not want his authority challenged at all, especially not with George around.

Just as Madeline opened her mouth to say something George walked in. "Hello Operations, Madeline. Nice to see you. What an interesting idea you had Madeline, to give the operatives a night to relax."

Madeline nodded. "Hello, George. I'm sure you will approve once you see the results."

George gave her a half smile and said "We'll see." Then he turned to Michael. "Hello, Michael. Thank you for inviting me. I am most anxious to watch this game between the four of you. Should prove quite interesting."

Michael kept his face blank and simply replied "You're welcome."

Nikita wanted to laugh out loud at the look on Operations' face. He was livid, but there was nothing he could do about it. Well, not right now, anyway. Of course, there was always tomorrow, but she was certain Michael knew what he was doing, and would be prepared for any payback Operations might try to exact.

Finally the game was underway. As it would take a while for the game to be played, Davenport, Mentz, Snow and Taylor took turns wandering around from group to group. Eventually everyone knew what was going on with the "power group" as they had come to be known. Walter and Birkoff were the first to make their way back to watch. A few hours later, everyone had gathered around to see who would come out the winners.

Everyone in attendance knew this was much more than a simple game. They were witnessing the beginning of the future for Section ... their futures. If Michael and Nikita won (which most of them hoped), it was the first step. It was only a minor challenge, but it was nevertheless a challenge to the current power structure. And with George in attendance, it made it that much more intriguing. Surely he would realize how much better Michael and Nikita were than Operations and Madeline.

The game went back and forth with each side getting close to doing in their opponents, but neither could make the final move. Operations was becoming frustrated. He was a man who liked quick victories and this was getting out of hand. Madeline was the strategist, the planner, the patient one. But he was running out of patience. "For crying out loud, Madeline, would you end this game already. We do have important things to do."

Madeline was disgusted by Operations' outburst, but tried not to let it get to her. That was Paul's one major flaw, which could very well be a fatal flaw one day. He wanted immediate results, quick victories. He was not a patient man and that was the reason Michael would always best him. Michael could be very patient. He would wait as long as it took to gain whatever it was that he wanted.

Then she had another thought. It seems that Michael feels he has waited long enough to begin his challenge for the top spot in Section. She knew it would come one day, but she had thought it would be a while yet. Of course, again, she and Operations had inadvertently prodded Michael along this path. What they had done to Nikita a few months ago had been the last straw. They had pushed Michael too far. He had bested them at every turn and then returned to Section. He had effectively put them in their place. And now that he had "his" Nikita back, he was ready to make his move.

Madeline studied the board quietly. The whole room was silent. Everyone was tense ... quite the opposite effect of what Madeline had originally set out to achieve. Nikita unconsciously reached out and took Michael's hand, a move that was noticed by everyone in the room except Nikita herself. Michael made no move to remove his hand from hers.

George smiled to himself. Another sign of the solidarity between Section's future leaders. And he had a sneaking suspicion that Michael was the one that had saved his life a few months ago when someone tried to assassinate him. Yes, he was certainly glad he had decided to show up here tonight.

Madeline smiled and then spoke. "Well, Michael, you are a truly worthy opponent. You have put up a good fight, but I do believe you will concede that we have won." Then she moved her black game piece into place. She looked to Operations who also had a smile on his face. He was ready to celebrate. The game was in hand and the challenger would be defeated.

George sighed. He had been hoping the young couple would win and thus begin the downfall of the older couple. He supposed it just wasn't meant to be ... yet.

Michael watched the faces of the group. He knew what everyone was thinking. He and Nikita had lost. He saw the glee on Operations and Madeline's faces. He saw the disappointment in their friends' and colleagues' faces. He looked to Nikita and saw the slight nod she gave him.

"Not so fast, Madeline," he said. Everyone stared. Michael studied the board one last time, looked to Nikita again, who was smiling, and then picked up the white game piece and moved it into place, effectively winning the game.

George laughed out loud and smiled. Madeline was shocked. She hadn't seen that move coming at all. Operations was disgusted. He would definitely make sure this was the last stupid idea of Madeline's he ever agreed to.

The other operatives all congratulated Michael and Nikita. Walter was beaming like a proud father, and Birkoff was smiling like a silly child. George walked up to the victorious duo.

"Congratulations Michael, Nikita. What a splendidly played game. I look forward to working with the two of you in the future. Anyone who can out-strategize Madeline definitely deserves my special attention."

Operations, hearing this, stormed off in a huff. He would make sure that Michael paid for this out-and-out betrayal.

Madeline, ever gracious, even in defeat, walked up to Michael. "Congratulations Michael. You played splendidly. I didn't realize you were such an aficionado of the game."

Michael nodded, accepting her congratulations, realizing that she didn't mean a word of it.

"Thank you, Madeline. You played wonderfully yourself."

Madeline smiled. "Well, you won this time, Michael. Next time I'll be prepared."

After issuing her not-so-veiled threat, Madeline walked back to her office and "Game Night" was officially over.

George walked out with Michael and Nikita, contemplating just how interesting the next few months would be at One. He would make it a special priority to keep an eye on things here and see that Madeline and Operations didn't do anything to ruin his plans for the future of Section.

The End


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