Part 28 by Sherry
Michael was becoming increasingly worried. Nikita’s mind was not functioning properly. What if they didn’t get the antidote in time? What if she suffered permanent brain damage? He would kill Operations if that happened. He might just kill him anyway. The man was obviously insane.
Nikita tried again. “Walter? Save Walter?” Michael motioned Walter over to the bed. “Hey Sugar, I’m here.” Nikita’s eyes looked up to her old friend. She tried to smile, but the effort was too much, and she couldn’t control her facial muscles anymore. “Hey,” was all she could manage. Then she grimaced in pain and began coughing. Doctors and nurses were at her side instantly, propping her up so that the fluid that was beginning to fill her lungs wouldn’t create as much of a problem for her breathing.
One doctor pulled Michael aside and headed for Madeline. He explained that if things continued the way they were, they would have to drain that fluid soon. And they would probably have to intubate her to help her breathe.
Madeline could see Michael was not handling this well. He was holding it together for Nikita, but she knew he would be pushed beyond his breaking point if they couldn’t save her. She turned to the doctor. “Keep her as comfortable as possible until we get the antidote. And she must remain alive until that time. Do whatever is necessary.” The doctor nodded and returned to his work. Madeline turned back to Michael. “Go sit with her Michael. She needs you.”
Michael went back to Nikita’s side. She was listening to Walter go on about something, Michael wasn’t sure what, but it seemed to be making her happy. He let Walter finish his story, and then he sat down by her side again. He immediately picked up her hand and kissed it.
Nikita knew there was something she had to tell him. She knew she was dying. “Michael ... live.” Michael looked up at her and said, “Yes, Nikita. You must live. You have to fight this virus.” Nikita looked sadly at him. “No. Michael live. If I die ... you live.”
Michael’s eyes teared up at her words. She was telling him to live ... to go on without her. But he knew he could never do it. He had lost so much in his life. If he lost her there was no way he would be able to go on. She was his life.”
“Kita, listen to me. You must live. Don’t give up. You are the only good thing in my life. I need you. Please, hang on.”
Nikita watched Michael’s face, knowing he wouldn’t listen to her. If she died, he would probably end his own life. He might not actually commit suicide, but he would give up and it wouldn’t be long before he was gunned down on a mission. She couldn’t let that happen to him. She had to try and stay alive so he would live. “Love you, Michael,” she whispered just before she slipped into unconsciousness again.
Shortly thereafter, the machines around her all started beeping. Michael jumped back so the doctors and nurses could help her. Walter walked over and put an arm around Michael’s shoulder. “She’s strong, Michael. She’ll fight to stay alive. She wants to live. You have to believe that.” Michael nodded, but never took his eyes off of her. What seemed like an eternity later, the doctor announced that she was stabilized, but that she had slipped into a coma. They had intubated her and were also draining the fluid from her lungs. However, her kidneys and liver were beginning to fail and there was fluid beginning to build around her heart. Things did not look good.
George had followed Operations to Medlab. They arrived just as the doctor finished his announcement. Nikita was in worse shape than they had thought. George’s heart was immediately stricken at the sight of his daughter laying there in a coma, machines attached to what seemed like every inch of her body. He would kill Operations if she died. It was that simple. Then he looked to Michael. Perhaps he wouldn’t have to cancel Operations. It seemed the young man had vengeance burning in his soul.
Operations handed over the antidote and instructed the doctors on its use. He advised that it would take at least ten hours before they would notice any significant improvement. However, she should at least stop deteriorating in the meantime. The drug was administered. Now all they could do was wait.
Operations decided it was time to get things back under his control. He turned to George. “Now George, if you don’t mind, please tell me how the mission was completed. Madeline, Michael, Walter, I’m sure you will want to hear this as well.”
George waited until the others had gathered closer and then he began. “Jonathan and Birkoff took two teams from Oversight and Michael’s B team with them back to the Blinding Vengeance compound. Jonathan placed a call to Jennifer, telling her that he and his father had a meeting with her uncle and then he would pick her up for dinner. Once the teams arrived at the headquarters, they verified Palmer Clarkson’s presence, planted explosives around the building and blew it up. We then had one of my people impersonate someone with the government antiterrorist task force and he payed a visit on Janet and Jennifer. He explained to them that Palmer Clarkson was a terrorist, that he had just been killed in a bombing accident at his headquarters, which also claimed the lives of Jonathan and Vincent Sandstrom. Janet understood completely. Jennifer was, of course, quite shaken. Janet managed to get Jennifer to lie down and then she returned to ask about Walter. He told her that Walter was fine. He then explained that she and Jennifer would be moved to a new location where they couldn’t be found quite so easily by anyone who might want to track them down. She balked at the idea at first, but finally relented. They will be moved by the end of the week.”
Operations nodded. “Fine. I’m sure we can arrange something where we can keep track of them for Walter. Keep him updated on their lives. Now, I suggest that we all get back to work.”
George looked at Operations with a look that spoke volumes. Operations then turned to Michael. “Michael, you stay here with Nikita. Keep us advised of her progress.”
Michael nodded and everyone else left to return to their stations. George said goodbye to Operations and then to Madeline. She looked at him strangely and he whispered, “Once Nikita is better.” Madeline smiled and said “Goodbye George. It was nice working with you.”
Birkoff was back at his station by this time. He jumped up as soon as he saw Walter coming back. “How is she?”
Walter shook his head. “Not good. We have to wait about ten hours before we will know anything for sure. Michael is with her now. You should stop by and see her.” Birkoff nodded and then headed for medlab to check on his cousin.
Madeline intercepted Birkoff along the way. “Seymour. I need to speak with you.” Birkoff looked up to his mother and nodded. She led him into an empty corridor and made sure no one was around. Then she spoke. “Seymour, you have come into some very confidential intel lately. You know how serious the repercussions would be if this information got out. I need your promise that you will not divulge this information, no matter what. If you cannot do that, then you will have to be sent for reprogramming.”
Birkoff stared at his mother for a few moments. He knew she meant what she said. He just hoped he could live up to the promise he was about to make. “I promise, I won’t tell another living soul anything I’ve learned. If I ever appear to be near a breaking point, you have my permission to do whatever is necessary to keep the information quiet.”
Madeline studied the young man in front of her. Her son. She had so long resented Operations for keeping him here in Section and flaunting him in her face. But now she realized that she was very glad that he had. She had been able to monitor his progress all these years. She was very proud of the man he had become. She smiled at him. “Very well. We’ll leave it at that.”
Birkoff started to walk away and then he stopped and turned back to her. “Does Nikita have a chance?”
Madeline walked over to him and replied, “Yes, she does. We are confident that she will live. It’s the amount of damage that she may have suffered that we have to worry about now. Hopefully, luck was on our side and she hasn’t suffered any permanent damage.” Birkoff nodded and then headed to medlab to see her for himself.
~~~~~~~
Eleven hours later, Michael was nervous. She hadn’t come out of the coma yet. The doctors had reassured him that her organs seemed to been functioning quite well. The had removed most of the machines and breathing apparatus from her. Her blood pressure was returning to normal and her heartbeat was getting stronger by the minute. There was nothing more they could tell him. They would just have to wait until she was ready to wake up.
Michael was pacing back and forth at the foot of her bed, rubbing his neck muscles. He was so tired, but he wasn’t leaving until he knew that she would be okay. And then, he just might have to take up a few things with Operations. He still couldn’t believe that George had agreed to leave that man in charge. Was George as crazy as Operations?
Nikita slowly opened her eyes. It took her a few moments to focus. The lights hurt her eyes at first. Once she realized where she was, she looked around a bit more and saw Michael pacing at the end of the bed. “Michael.”
She called his name but it wasn’t much more than a whisper. He hadn’t heard her. She swallowed and tried again. “Michael?” This time the sound was louder, even if it did sound like a frog with a sore throat. Michael thought he was hearing things. Then he turned around and saw that her eyes were awake. She was looking at him. She had called his name. He moved to her side and picked up her hand. “Kita, how do you feel?”
She smiled at him and he thought it was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. “I feel like I’ve been trampled by a stampede of elephants. How long have I been here?”
Michael smoothed back her hair. “You’ve been here for about 19 hours.” She thought for a minute and then her brow furrowed with worry.
“Operations. He did this. The mission ... Walter’s family .... Michael, we have to stop him.”
Michael placed a restraining hand on her shoulder when she tried to get up. “It’s all been taken care of. Walter, Jennifer and Janet are fine. The mission was accomplished and the Sandstroms are fine as well. All you have to concentrate on is getting better. The doctors say you are doing remarkably well.”
“I remember, Michael. Operations wanted information on the mission before he would give me the antidote. Please tell me Walter didn’t tell him everything.”
Michael played with a few strands of her hair and then answered. “No, Walter did very well. You would have been proud of him. Of course, there were a few minutes when he had me wondering.”
Nikita laughed. “I can imagine. But how ... Michael ... surely you didn’t break.” Michael sighed. “Is that so hard to believe? That I would do anything necessary to save you?” Nikita studied his sad expression. She knew she had hurt him with her question. “No, I’m sorry, Michael. I didn’t mean it like that. I know you would do whatever you could to save me. But you usually find a way around Operations. I was just worried about what would happen to you, that’s all.”
Michael nodded. “Don’t worry about me, Cherie. Just concentrate on getting well. Now, I have to let a few people know how you are doing.” Nikita nodded and as Michael started to leave, she stopped him.
“Michael. There was something you were keeping from me when we got back to Section. Can you tell me what it was now?”
Michael sighed. He wanted to tell her, wanted her to know that he wouldn’t keep things from her, but it wasn’t his place. “I’m sorry, Kita. But it’s not my story to tell. If I could tell you, I would. Please believe me.”
Nikita watched him walk away. “I do believe you, Michael. I do believe you.” Nikita had a constant parade of visitors once Michael left. Madeline stopped by. Birkoff came by. Walter stopped by and told her about the mission. He stayed with her for a while. Operations even stopped by. He said that he was certain she understood why he had to do what he did. He even went so far as to apologize. Not that she believed it for a minute. If she had the strength, she would have tossed him from the room.
A few hours later, George even stopped by. She was surprised. She had never actually met him before. He seemed like a very nice man. She wished he was running Section instead of Operations. They visited for a little while and then Michael entered. “The group is assembled in the briefing area.” George nodded. Then he turned back to Nikita. “Would it be all right if Michael and I stopped by after the meeting?”
Nikita smiled at him. “Sure. I’d love the company. I really hate sitting in this place all by myself.” George nodded and then replied “Consider it a date.”
Michael and George entered the briefing area. Madeline, Walter, Birkoff, Operations, Taylor and Mentz were all there waiting. Operations spoke up. “What’s the meaning of this, George? I thought we had an understanding. I will run Section without interference from you. Unless, of course, you have a project that needs our assistance. In that case, feel free to ask.”
George smiled. He nodded to Mentz and Taylor who moved behind Operations and pulled him out of his chair. “I’m sorry, Paul. But you’re done here at One. You have overstepped your authority too many times. You have become too much of a power-hungry maniac. You will stop at nothing as long as you achieve your ends. Not Section’s goals, but your own personal agenda. We cannot allow it any longer. As of this moment, you are relieved of all duties. You will be sent to reprogramming and then to another Section. If that doesn’t work, you will be canceled.”
Operations was sputtering and spewing all kinds of epithets. “You can’t do this! I am the leader of Section One! Just you wait George, you will pay for this!”
George then spoke to the four operatives stationed outside the door. “Gentlemen, will you please come and escort Paul to containment. I want him guarded constantly in two-man shifts until we have decided our course of action. Thank you.” With that, the four operatives took Paul Wolfe away.
The room was deadly quiet for a few moments. Then George spoke into the intercom. “Please bring her in.” A nurse wheeled Nikita into the room on a wheelchair. She was still pale and weak, but she was doing much better. “Thank you,” George told the nurse who quietly disappeared from the room.
Michael sat down next to Nikita, checking her closely to see that she was okay. George went to the head of the table. “Now that everyone is here, I can begin. It is time for a change at Section. Some of you already know of my plans. The rest of you are about to find out. As of this moment, Michael is in charge. Once Nikita is completely recovered, she and Michael will be co-leaders of Section.”
Nikita gasped. “But ...”
George smiled. “I am here to answer all your questions, my dear. Just let me finish. Operations has turned Section into a place I don’t even recognize anymore. It was not what was originally intended when the Sections were created. He has used and abused the people here far too long. I’m just sorry it had to go on for so long. But I had to wait until I had the right people in place to assume command. Now they are. With Michael’s expertise and field experience and Nikita’s compassion and humanity, they will make a superb team to lead Section. I’m sure they won’t always agree on things, but more often than not they will. I believe Nikita will make a tremendous difference in how things are done around here.”
There was silence as George paused. “Walter and Vincent Sandstrom will be working together in weapons and equipment. Jonathan Sandstrom will be our head strategist. Madeline will continue as psych profiler, and will be here for Nikita and Michael to consult when needed. Birkoff will continue as head of Comm and top computer expert. I expect Michael and Nikita to have the respect and cooperation of everyone in Section. I will make a general announcement to Section personnel in a little while. Are there any questions?”
No one spoke. George once again spoke. “Fine. Michael, will you escort Nikita back to medical and I will be there shortly. We have a few things to discuss. The rest of you will notify all Section personnel of the briefing to take place in one hour. Dismissed.”
Once they were back in medlab, George sat down next to Nikita. Michael was standing off to the back of the room. Nikita searched him out. He nodded at her in encouragement. George watched the interplay between his daughter and the man she loved. He was glad that Michael was here for her. He knew that Michael would protect her no matter what. And he knew that they would have a good life together, once they got through the initial work of taking over Section.
“Michael, please. Come over here. I believe Nikita would like to have you nearby.” Michael nodded and walked over to Nikita’s side. He took her hand in his and then turned to George.
“Now, Nikita, I’m sure you want to know why you were chosen. I know you will be shocked when you hear this, and I hope you can forgive me, but if you don’t, I will understand. A little while back you began to wonder why you were recruited into Section. You knew there was a reason ... that you had been set up. You were right. However, no one knew the reason until yesterday, when I told Madeline, Birkoff, Jonathan and Michael.” George stalled ... he wasn’t sure how to say it. He was certain she would hate him, and he probably deserved it.
Nikita was becoming worried. She was gripping Michael’s hand tighter and tighter. Michael reached over with his other hand and smoothed her hair, trying to calm her down and reassure her. Finally, George spoke. “You see, Nikita, you are my daughter.”
Nikita gasped. It sent her into a coughing fit. George quickly got up and handed her a glass of water. Nikita took a couple of sips and her coughing slowly stopped. She looked at Michael and then back to George. “I’m your daughter?” She paused for a few moments and then continued. “Why? Why would you put your own daughter in a place like this?”
George sighed. He knew this would be difficult. He just hadn’t realized how difficult. “It was always my hope that you would run Section some day. I kept tabs on you when you were young. You had a very difficult life, which I am truly sorry for, but you also managed to keep your compassion and a kind and tender soul. You were what Section needed. Also, I wanted to make sure you didn’t die out on the streets or become something you would never be able to live with. So, I had you recruited. You would receive all the proper training and education necessary and hopefully, along the way, you would develop relationships with the right people.”
At this point he looked at Michael. “I knew you would be drawn to Walter and he would do his best to look out for you. Also as you know, Michael is the best operative in Section, so I made sure you were assigned as his material. I kept tabs on your development. You progressed better than I had even hoped. I am just sorry that you had to endure all the pain and terrible things that Paul and Madeline have put you through.”
Nikita sat silently for a while. It was a lot to take in. She didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Finally, a few tears slid down her cheeks. Then she spoke. “So ... you’re really my father?”
George shed a tear himself and answered “Yes, I really am.”
Nikita reached over and hugged him. She had never known what it was like to have a father. Walter was the closest thing to a father she had ever had. Now she finally had one. And he was a good man. Not that she knew him that well, but she had a feeling. And her feelings were usually right. They stayed that way for a few minutes and then George pulled back.
“There’s something else I want to say. I know that you and Michael love each other.” Michael shifted nervously at her side. He didn’t know if he liked where this would be going. George noticed and smiled at him. “Relax, Michael. What I want to say is, I’m happy for you both. I’m glad you found each other. I’ve watched you since the day you met. You’ve pushed each other, made each other better. You both still have some growing to do, but I want you to know that you are free to have whatever relationship you want. I’m just sorry that you’ve had to live through the pain of betrayal so many times at Paul’s hands. I do not share the same policies and ideas as Paul. I see no problem with relationships between operatives as long as they are not flaunted. I do think it is wise to keep couples off the same teams when possible. Less of a chance of being used against each other by those on the outside. But, of course, that will be up to you two. I just wanted to let you know that you are free to have the relationship you want. If you want to keep the status quo, that’s fine. If you want to move your relationship ahead, even marry someday, that is fine as well.”
Nikita’s head was swimming. It was all so much to take in. She and Michael were now running Section. She had a father. She and Michael could have a life together, if they chose to. It was the most amazing day of her life. “Thank you. It was almost worth going through getting drugged. And I’m glad to have finally found my father.”
George hugged her again and then got up to go. “I’ll leave the two of you alone. I must get back to Oversight and I’m sure you two have plenty to talk about. But I will be back to see you often, now that you know the truth.”
Nikita smiled. “And I’m glad that I finally know. I’m looking forward to getting to know my father.”
The End