Charity 
Transcript by Raven

TEASER

A Street Scene in daylight, light music in background. Nikita is standing on a sidewalk, holding a bouquet of bright red balloons, staring up at them and releasing them into the blue sky one by one. Two small children peek around a corner playfully to watch her and finally get up the nerve to approach Nikita. She hands them the balloons and they too, begin to release them. Down the street, Alec, Mickey, and an unknown businessman are standing on the sidewalk engaged in a discussion. Nikita makes eye contact with Alec, who smiles back at her briefly. Alec begins to cross the street. Brakes squeal and a dark car comes barreling around the corner. Nikita sees this and springs into action, dropping her shopping bag and sprinting into the street. She leaps to push Alec out of the way and the two fall into a roll on the far sidewalk, ending with Alec on his back and Nikita sprawled on top. Meanwhile a man picks up Nikita's shopping bag and runs away with it.
Chandler: (holding Nikita's arms) Are you all right?
Nikita: (struggling to gain her balance) I'm fine.
Chandler: Are you sure?
Nikita: (nodding and rolling off him) Yes. (She stands and helps him to his feet.) Unbelievable! Didn't even stop! (She looks around.) My bag. Oh, don't tell me someone stole my shopping bag.
Chandler: Serves you right. Next time you'll mind your own business. (Nikita looks at him like he's nuts.) It's all right, I'll replace anything that was in it.
Nikita: Just a pair of shoes. (a bit indignant) I'll replace it myself, thank you.
She's through with him and his attitude and starts to walk away. Chandler grabs her right arm to stop her.
Chandler: Dinner then? Probably can't rely on our meeting like this.
Mickey, Chandler's assistant, walks up to join them.
Nikita: (trying to pull her arm loose) I'm glad I could help.
Chandler: (pulling her arm and bringing her closer to him, he almost whispers) At least tell me your name. I'm Alec Chandler.
Nikita: (wrenching her arm free from his grasp) Nice to meet you, Alec Chandler. (She laughs and walks away.)
Chandler: (watching her walk away, he tells Mickey) Find out who she is.
Switch to Birkoff's desk at Section. He is at his computer. There are several other operatives working also.
Birkoff: OK, it's been eight hours. (He rolls his eyes and sighs.) You'd think he would have called by now.
Michael: The set up worked perfectly. He thinks you saved his life. (Michael runs his arm around a metal post and leans against it.) Why didn't you accept his invitation? Suppose he doesn't call?
Nikita: (sitting at a table, chewing gum, calmly) He'll call.
Nikita looks behind Michael and sees Operations in the Perch staring down at them. The phone rings. Nikita smiles. Michael smiles, acknowledging the success of her strategy. Birkoff and his geek gang go into action.
Birkoff: Tracing on one.
Nikita: (picks up the cell phone) Hello.

YACHT

Open on harbor at night. Chandler and Nikita are in the cabin of Chandler's yacht. He is wearing a "captain's" jacket with gold buttons along the sleeves and playing with a compass at a map desk. Nikita wears a leather jacket, white T-shirt with her sunglasses tucked in at the neckline, green striped pants and tan boots. Alec is distracted at the maps and Nikita is checking out the decor.
Nikita: So you spend most of your time on the boat?
Chandler: A fair amount. I have an office on board. And a bed.
Nikita: What exactly is it you do?
Chandler: I'm mostly retired as you can see. I do some investing, a little charity work.
He runs the compass along the map.
Nikita: Oh yeah? What kind of charity?
She picks up a spyglass and extends it.
Chandler: I work with street kids. I set up shelters and house them, give them a good meal.
Nikita: I bet they think it is.
Chandler: Well, they're mostly interested to know where their next meal is coming from.
Nikita: Not like they can go home and get a hug from Mom and Dad.
Chandler: (nodding) Got that right. I pretty much grew up on the street myself.
Nikita: You've done very well.
Chandler: Well one thing about the streets is that you learn to take care of yourself. That, some brains, a little luck.
The cabin door opens and George walks in. He is dressed in a waiter's uniform and carrying a tray with two glasses of wine.
Chandler: Ah, George. (He takes one of the glasses.)
George: (to Nikita, in a proper British accent) I think you'll enjoy this selection.
Nikita takes the other glass and George leaves.
Chandler: Actually, George comes from downtown. I pay him extra for the phony accent. (Alec and Nikita share a laugh.)
Nikita: I'd like to see one of these shelters.
Chandler: Well, there's not really very much to see. But if you're really interested, I'd be delighted.
Nikita: I'm really interested.

STREET

Sounds of sirens begin and the scene switches to a street at night. A group of gutter punks are smoking and hanging around an iron gate. On the gate a sign reads, "MIDTOWN YOUTH SHELTER." Switch to a shot of Chandler and Nikita walking down the sidewalk toward the shelter, followed by two of Chandler's bodyguards. Nikita is wearing black boots and a coat over a dress.
Chandler: It's one of the first shelters I set up. It reminded me of the street back home that I grew up on. I come here pretty often just so I don't forget; so I don't end up back there again.
Nikita: That doesn't seem too likely.
Chandler: (very serious now) Don't kid yourself. We all live on the edge. Every one of us. If you don't keep moving up, you slide back down.
They arrived at the gates of the shelter. Nikita glances over and spots a young girl in the doorway. The girl is probably very much like the little girl Nikita used to be when she lived on the streets. Chandler walks among the group of kids at the gate.
Chandler: Are you all right? Are you looking for work? (Throws his arm around a young boy.) Yeah, like hell. We can use your ideas. Help me, eh?
Chandler continues chatting with the kids comfortably. Nikita, watching, seems impressed by his ability to interact with them.

MUNITIONS

Walter is looking through a large magnifying glass at some toy he's working on. Nikita comes up behind him. She is back to wearing her T-shirt and green-striped pants.
Nikita: You're here late.
Walter: I'm a driven man, Nikita. When I start something, I can't stop, even if it takes days. (He turns slowly toward her.) It's how it would be with you and me, non-stop sweat... mmm
Nikita: You're truly dedicated, Walter. (She kisses him on the cheek and turns to leave.)
Walter: You're the only one here who understands me, Sugar.

BRIEFING AREA

Nikita walks in. Operations is sitting on the table and talking with Michael and Madeline who stand beside him. Madeline notices Nikita's approach.
Madeline: (to Operations and Michael) Let's finish this later. (to Nikita) How did it go?
Nikita: (sits down at the table, a short distance away from their group) Fine.
Madeline: Does he want to see you again?
Nikita: He wants to know more. I think he's having me followed. Who is this guy?
Michael: (quickly) He launders money. (He walks around Madeline to stand next to Nikita.) Your job is to get close to him. Identify his key contacts.
Nikita: (staring at Operations) That's it? (looking back up at Michael in disbelief) He launders money?
Operations: (standing) Thank you, Nikita. That's all.
Nikita spins her chair around, gets up and walks out of the room.
Michael: Maybe we should tell her.
Operations: No. It's better this way.
Madeline: (smiling at Ops) She likes him.
Operations: (beaming) Oh, yes!
Operations looks over at Michael who shows nothing.

SHOPPING MALL

A busy Shopping Mall atrium, daytime. Nikita is riding down an escalator. A man is following her. She wanders about the shopping mall, apparently window shopping, then escapes her pursuer by jumping onto an elevator going back up. As she looks through the glass walls of the elevator she sees the man spot her and react in frustration.

CHANDLER'S YACHT

Nikita strides down a wood-paneled hallway. Just outside Chandler's Office, she holds out her wrist, looks at her watch and presses a button. From behind the doorway, Chandler can be heard, speaking stridently.
Chandler: Get the best rate you can. Then arbitrage against the others until the market opens.
Nikita bursts through the door. Chandler is sitting at his desk, a flustered Kosten is standing in front of the desk. Nikita stands next to him and stares him down.
Nikita: (to Kosten) Get out.
Nikita and Alec make eye contact. He seems intrigued.
Kosten: We're having a meeting here!
Nikita: (angry) So am I! You're not invited!
Kosten looks at Chandler in disbelief, expecting him to throw her out.
Chandler: (to Kosten) You heard the lady.
Now Alec is showing his amusement. Kosten leaves. Nikita walks around the desk to stand next to Chandler who leans back in his chair, awaiting her explanation. Nikita leans her hands on the desk behind her. Her wrist watch faces Chandler's computer screen which is displaying a set of numbers in a spread sheet program.
Nikita: (angry) You're having me followed. You're used to owning things, Alec. You don't own me, do you understand? If you wanna keep seeing me, you better.
Nikita stands up and walks back to the doorway.
Chandler: Nikita. I'm sorry. (He stands up.) Stay?!
Nikita: It's late. I'm going home to bed.
Chandler: Alone?
Nikita: (as she closes the door on her way out) That's none of your business.
Alec laughs and sits back down in his chair. The door opens again and Nikita peers around the door.
Nikita: But, yes. Alone.
She almost smiles, then goes out again and closes the door.

COMM

The video from Nikita's watch camera is displayed on one of the overhead monitors.
Birkoff: I don't see anything. There's a better way to do this.
Birkoff rolls his chair over to one of his keyboards and goes to work while Operations and Michael continue to stare at the display on the computer screen.
Operations: Ah, what about here? Could that be some sort of code?
Birkoff: I can't tell. The resolution's lousy. Where was the camera?
Michael: In her watch.
Birkoff: Tell her to hold still next time.
Nikita: (entering Comm and standing over him) You try snapping pictures when you're supposed to be throwing a fit. (she turns to Michael) Is Madeline in?
Birkoff: (before Michael has a chance to respond) Yeah, she's in her office. Why?
Nikita: Need a dress for Saturday night.
Birkoff: (sarcastic) Didn't you just go shopping?
Nikita: Couldn't find anything.
Birkoff: (teasing) Uh-oh. She's hot for the guy.
Nikita: (On her way out, she raises up two fingers as she leaves) Up yours, Birkoff!
Birkoff: Anytime, Babe. My number's in the book. (to Operations and Michael) The guy must be a stud, huh?
Operations is amused by this exchange. Michael is still not showing any emotion.

CHANDLER'S YACHT / COMM

Nikita is dressed in a black dress covered with shiny gold braid and black boots. Alec also wears black.
Chandler: Am I forgiven?
Nikita: For what?
Chandler: For having you followed the other day.
Nikita: Hmmmm.
Nikita reaches down to unzip and remove her boots and saunters over to him. Jersey Girl is playing and she is swaying to the slow blues sound.

Cut to Comm. Michael and Birkoff are listening in. Birkoff is munching on Oreos. Michael is pacing.
Michael: (impatiently) The trip. Ask about the trip.
Alec and Nikita are in each other's arms, dancing slowly.
Chandler: I'm having a fund-raiser for the shelters tomorrow night. Will you come?
Nikita: (laughing) Of course. If you'll come to hockey on Saturday night.
Chandler: Unfortunately, I'm out of town for the weekend.
Nikita: Business trip?

In Comm, Birkoff swivels toward Michael to make sure he's heard the reference. Through the speakers, they overhear Chandler.
Chandler: It doesn't really matter.

Chandler and Nikita continue their dance.
Chandler: What are you thinking, Nikita?
Nikita: About you. About the street you grew up on. Not unlike the one I grew up on.
Chandler: I know.
Nikita looks up at him in shock, thinking he discovered her true identity.
Chandler: (thinking he understands her response) No. It's not that it shows. (He reaches up and trails his fingers along her cheek and through her hair.) Well, a little in your eyes.

Switch to Comm. Michael is really looking worried now. He lowers his head and his hand goes up to cover his mouth.
Chandler: (through the speaker) You're a fighter, you've survived.

Nikita lays her head on Chandler's shoulder and relaxes as they continue to dance.
Switch to Michael who sighs heavily and sits down.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

Nikita unlocks the door and comes in. Michael's shape is silhouetted in the darkness. He is sitting at her dining room table, his head resting on his hand, waiting for her. Nikita makes comforting noises as she reaches down and picks up a cat. She holds the cat up to her face to cuddle it. She turns around to enter the room and then notices Michael. Her head snaps up and her eyes fill with suspicion. Michael meets her gaze, silent as ever. Nikita strolls slowly into the living room where she puts down the cat. She grabs hold of a thin metal post and leans back. She stares at Michael again with a smile on her face.
Michael: You and Mr. Chandler were having quite a time together.
Nikita opens her mouth as if to respond, but thinks better of it and walks back toward the kitchen.
Michael: Why didn't you question him about the trip?
Nikita: Because he wouldn't have told me.
Michael: You don't know that.
Nikita opens the refrigerator and pulls out a carton of milk.
Nikita: What is he doing that is so evil?
Nikita keeps her back to Michael and drinks straight from the carton.
Michael: I told you. He launders money.
Michael has turned away. Nikita closes the fridge and wanders back into the living room.
Nikita: He also happens to spend a lot of it helping children.
Nikita reaches down to turn on her stereo. Loud music erupts. She walks back toward the kitchen, casually unzipping the back of her dress. Michael gets up and goes to turn off the music.
Michael: (angry) You don't have to like the job. You just have to do it. (He walks toward her.) I'll be at the party tomorrow night. His perimeter security is very tight. We'll have to work from the inside. You'll be briefed in the morning.
Nikita has backed up to lean against the wall in the hallway. Michael goes to the door, but first looks down to the floor.
Michael: And, ah, get rid of the cat.
Nikita just laughs at this. She has a tiny milk mustache showing.
Michael: It's a distraction. When you walked in, it was the first thing you noticed. If I were an enemy, you'd be dead by now.
Nikita: Sometimes I think you are the enemy.
Michael: Get rid of the cat.
Michael leaves. Nikita pushes the door closed.

MADELINE'S OFFICE

Michael is on the balcony, looking through the clothes racks. Operations and Madeline are leaning on opposite balcony railings.
Operations: Our "intel" is excellent. Chandler has links to the Russian Mafia to the Triads and through them to terrorists in both hemispheres. But we need some leverage.
Madeline: We have to catch him in the act, in other words.
Operations: In the act and alive. And Nikita is the key. (to Michael) How's she doing?
Michael: (He chooses a black jacket from the rack.) All right.
Madeline: (noticing the jacket) I'd suggest the one beside it.
Operations: Does he trust her?
Michael: (holding up the orange-red jacket that Madeline has suggested) So far.
Operations: (turning to look straight at Madeline) Is she sleeping with him?
Madeline returns Operations' stare.
Michael: I don't think so.
Michael tries on the jacket.
Operations: Whatever it takes.
Madeline breaks the staring match with Operations and looks back toward Michael. Operations walks slowly toward Michael.
Operations: (raising his voice) Do you hear me?
Michael: (almost whispering) I heard you.
Operations nods and leaves. Michael watches him go.

CHANDLER'S YACHT - FUND RAISER PARTY

A signboard with illustrations and the headline: "Chandler Foundation Proposed Building" is on display slightly behind Chandler. He is speaking to a small crowd of well-dressed folk.
Chandler: So, when completed, the new Chandler Foundation facility will be the finest in the city. As you can see, we're already two-thirds financed (he gestures toward another signboard with a cheesy fund-raising thermometer.) Now, we hope that before the end of the evening, with your help, we will have reached our final target. Thank you all very much for coming. Enjoy the party. And please, don't be afraid to be very generous. Thank you very much.
The crowd applauds politely. Alec looks around to see Nikita. She wears a blue gown and her hair is up. She walks through the crowd. Michael, in the orange-red coat, deliberately tries to block her path as if to flirt with her, but she swerves to avoid him and walks to the buffet table. A guest in a white tuxedo (Jack) comes up behind Nikita and gets too close. She starts to push him away.
Jack: Ooooo! Why don't you make a charitable contribution to me?
She is about to shove him, when Chandler arrives, grabs his lapel and practically lifts him out of the way.
Chandler: That was not a good call, Jack.
Jack: I'm very sorry, Mr. Chandler.
Chandler: (to Nikita) I'm sorry.
Mickey, Chandler's aide, walks up and Chandler notices him.
Chandler: Oh, you'll have to forgive me. There's something I must take care of. I'll be right back.
Nikita: Perfect. I'll go powder my nose.
Chandler: Don't get lost.
Nikita picks up her wrap. Alec and Mickey go out one way. Nikita walks toward the opposite door. As she walks by Michael he surreptitiously hands her a small silver disk.

Cut to a hallway in the yacht. Nikita is opening the bathroom door, but is surprised by Jack who is leaving the bathroom at the same time. They crowd the doorway.
Jack: Oh!
Nikita: Excuse me!
Jack: Listen, what happened before. I'm sorry. I... I thought you were one of his, umm...
Nikita: (not really listening, just trying to get rid of him) That's OK. Really.
Jack: Yeah. The thing is. I really need Alec's business.
Nikita: (trying to rush him) I'll put in a good word.
Jack: I'd ... I'd appreciate that.
Nikita: Actually, I'm rather in a hurry (She slips through the doorway and begins closing the door.)
Jack: Oh, yeah, yeah.
Nikita slams the door.
In the bathroom, Nikita has stripped down to her underwear. A knock sounds at the door.
Switch to the hallway. A woman outside the door looks as if she's in a bit of a hurry.
Woman: Are you gonna be long in there?
Nikita: I'll be out in a minute.
WOTD: Thank you!
Nikita is putting her hair in a bathing cap.

CHANDLER'S OFFICE / COMM

A computer monitor is booting up. Kosten sits at Chandler's desk in front of the computer. Chandler sits on the desk holding a newspaper he reads distractedly. Mickey is standing in front of the desk.
Kosten: Hardin's on-line. He's wiring the money.
In the bathroom, Nikita climbs out through the porthole.
In the hallway, another woman joins the line for the bathroom. The first woman looks impatient.
Outside of the yacht, Nikita jumps into the water.
Switch to Chandler's Office.
Kosten: Transfer Completed.
On the upper deck Michael stands by himself. Nikita is making her way through the water.
In Comm, Madeline and Birkoff are watching a monitor displaying the side of Chandler's yacht. Birkoff is munching on junk food.
Nikita places the silver disc on the side of the boat and moves back the way she came.
Switch to Chandler's Office.
Chandler: Acknowledge receipt.
Computer monitor shows "Confirm Download?" Kosten hits "Yes." The monitor shows "Please Enter Password." Kosten enters keystrokes which appear as asterisks on the monitor.
In Comm, the word "GRAYSTONE" appears on Birkoff's monitor. Birkoff sits up straight and points to the screen in triumph. Madeline smiles and dials the phone.
Michael's phone rings and he takes it from his jacket and answers. He hears Madeline's voice.
Madeline: Graystone. All caps.
Michael hangs up the phone.
In Chandler's Office, the computer monitor shows: "Contact?"
Kosten: Hardin wants to know the middle man.
Chandler: We'll use Skyler on this one.
Kosten types in "Skyler".
In the hallway, a third nervous passenger joins the line for the bathroom. In the bathroom, Nikita enters the room through the porthole.
Switch to Chandler's Office.
Kosten: Everything's confirmed.
Chandler: Good. (He gets up to leave.) Secure the system.
Nikita is hurriedly drying off.
In the hallway, Chandler approaches the line of people waiting to get in the bathroom.
Woman: Mr. Chandler. (she points to the bathroom door) I think your girlfriend may not be feeling well.
Chandler goes to the door and knocks on it.
Chandler: Nikita? (knocks again) Nikita are you all right?
Inside Nikita is trying to fix her hair.
Chandler: Nikita?
Chandler tries to open the door at the same time as it opens from the inside. His hand goes up to Nikita's shoulder as she comes out of the bathroom.
Chandler: Are you all right, I was worried about you.
Nikita: (a bit uneasy) I'm all right now.
Chandler: Your hair's damp.
Nikita: Oh, I splashed a little water on my face, but I'm feeling much better. I just got a little... (she demonstrates dizziness)
Chandler: All right. Well, let's go back to the party. (They walk down the hall.)

CHANDLER'S OFFICE / COMM

In Chandler's office the lights are out and the room is empty. There is the sound of the lock being jimmied. The door opens and Michael pockets his pick lock. He closes the door and walks around to sit in the desk chair and opens the computer. It boots up and Michael enters the password.
In the main room, Nikita and Alec are chatting comfortably as the party continues.
In Chandler's office the computer monitor shows the progress bar of a modem connecting.
Birkoff: It's downloading. He's home free. (Madeline beams. Birkoff talks into his headset to Michael.) Using the middle man name: Skyler.
In Chandler's office, Michael types in the contact name, then leans back to wait for the download to happen. Suddenly he notices a red blinking light. The computer monitor shows the connection shutting down and the words "Unauthorized Connection" appear.
Birkoff: Uh-oh. Get out of there Michael, they're tracking you.
In the main room, Mickey's beeper goes off. He checks it and puts it back in his pocket, then goes to alert other guard.
Michael opens a drawer and pulls out a disk. He inserts it into the drive and types. The monitor displays: "Unauthorized Copy."
Birkoff is up and running between monitors.
Birkoff: We are downloading a series of mainframe bugs, run the anti-virus.
Nikita sees Mickey are talking to Chandler, whose face twitches in anger. Mickey and a guard leave the party.
Michael is walking out of the office and closing the door behind him. He walks down the hallway. Hearing footsteps approach, he leans over a different doorway and tries the knob. Mickey and the guard enter the hallway.
Mickey: Sir? You're not supposed to be in this part of the boat.
Michael: (his mouth hanging halfway open, he slurs his speech and fakes being heavily drunk) But you can't find a damn bathroom on this tub. (He pats Mickey's shoulder.) And I've gotta find one quick.
Mickey: The bathroom's one deck above, sir.
Michael: Thank you. (He grins and tries to walk away but stumbles into Mickey, surreptitiously slipping the computer disk into Mickey's pocket. Mickey shoves Michael away.)
Michael: Excuse me.
He stumbles down the hallway and gets away. Mickey goes to check the office door but it is locked.

UPPER DECK

Chandler is saying goodbye as his guests leave. In the background voices are heard.
Guard: It's a routine security check.
Chandler: Thank you. Goodbye. Thank you very much.
Guard: No, it's just procedure.
Guest: Lovely evening.
Nikita walks out on deck and over to Chandler who sighs deeply and leans against the wall.
Nikita: What's going on?
Chandler: Someone's been tampering with my files. It seems that I never learn. I still trust people I shouldn't.
Nikita is looking very worried. Michael stumbles out onto the deck and Nikita and Alec turn to watch as the guards search Michael.
Michael: (rude and drunk) Hey, great party, Mr. Chandler. (He holds out his arms as the guards begin to frisk him.) Hey, listen, I'm giving you guys 20 minutes to cut that out. (Finding nothing on him, the guards try to walk him out, but he stops in front of Chandler, and pats him on the shoulder and cheek.) Well, you take what you can get, right pal? (Michael stumbles away.)
Chandler: You take someone in. You trust them. And then they betray you.
Nikita stares at him. He could be talking about her. She is afraid and doesn't know what has happened. Kenny comes around the corner escorting Mickey and bumping into a visibly frightened Nikita.
Mickey: Mr. Chandler, I didn't do this. I swear to you. Why would I?
Kenny hands Alec the computer disk.
Mickey: That disk ... Somebody must have planted that disk on me. There was a gentleman in the corridor. He seemed drunk. Maybe he wasn't. He... (Mickey suddenly points at Nikita.) She knows him!
Now Nikita is really frightened. She looks at Mickey in shock.
Mickey: (a little frantic) They were looking at each other at the party. Come on! I saw them! (softly and very serious) Mr. Chandler, she's setting you up.
Chandler: (putting his arm around Mickey and pulling him off to the side) Ah, Mickey, Mickey, Mickey, Mickey.
Mickey: (a bit desperate) Mr. Chandler.
Chandler: I took you off the streets. Gave you a job. Gave you a life. This is my reward.
Mickey: You've got it all wrong.
Chandler: You have no idea how sorry this makes me, Mickey. There's really no excuse for betrayal now is there? I never want to see your face again. (Alec encloses Mickey in a long embrace, then pushes him away.)
Chandler: Get him out of here.
The guards lead Mickey away. Chandler walks over to the railing and stares out onto the water. Nikita goes to stand next to him, her hand on his back in a gesture of comfort.
Chandler: I'm so sorry. I spoiled the whole evening. I'm gonna go check the system to see how much damage has been done.
Nikita: Of course.
Chandler turns to leave.
Nikita: Alec? (he turns back and she kisses him, but he is distracted.)
Chandler: Good night.
Nikita: Good night.

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

Nikita is sitting in a chair just inside the office door. She is still in her gown, now covered in her black cloak, and she is wearing sunglasses. She is clearly unhappy and chewing on the ends of her hair. Michael walks down the hall and into the office. He walks around her to get behind his desk and sit down. He starts working at his computer. He is ignoring her.
Nikita: Did we get what we needed?
Michael: Yes.
Nikita: So our mission's over.
Michael: Not quite.
Nikita: Why not? (when he doesn't respond, she continues) Oh, 'cause we haven't caused him enough pain. Cause he's still standing. (She snorts in disgust.)
Michael: You have become quite fond of him.
Nikita: (peering at him from above her sunglasses) What's it to you?
Michael looks like he might respond, but is interrupted by the entrance of Madeline.
Madeline: We found Skyler.
Michael: Is he ready to talk?
Madeline: (smiling) I think so. (She leaves.)
Michael finishes typing and stands up. As he makes his way around Nikita and is about to leave, she stands up to follow him. His response is quick.
Michael: Where are you going?
Nikita: I'm coming with you.
Michael: It doesn't concern you.
Nikita: Well, if it concerns Alec... Chandler, it concerns me.
Michael: Well, by all means, come.
She goes out ahead of him. Michael's eyes go up to the ceiling. He is not looking forward to this.

THE WHITE ROOM

Skyler sits on the floor in the middle of the room. Michael is circling the prisoner. Nikita leans against the wall, listening.
Skyler: He has a meet this weekend.
Michael: With whom?
Skyler: A guy named Hardin. Chandler's got a shipment of kids.
Michael: What time?
Nikita: (coming into the center of the room, holding up her hands) Whoa, whoa, whoa. What kids? What kids?
Michael: What time?
Skyler: Hasn't been set yet.
Nikita: Are you ... are you talking about the shelters?
Skyler: (sarcastic) Yeah, right.
Nikita: (forcefully) What is going on?
Skyler: Listen, if you can take down Chandler, more power to you. But leave me out of it. He never gave me a choice. It was either play ball or play dead.
Nikita: What does he do with the kids? (screaming) What does he do with the kids?
Skyler: Hey, they're big business. I mean, they work hard, you don't have to pay them, they don't fight back. And then there's the perverts.
Nikita jumps back and flings her arms up in disgust.
Michael: (to Nikita) Alec Chandler's a slaver. The shelters are a perfect front. He works with homes, moves kids around all over the world. Makes them disappear.
Skyler: I never liked what he did. But face it, half these kids are from the street. It's not like they're breaking up a family.
Nikita goes for Skyler and slams him up against the wall. Nikita and Skyler both scream. Michael grabs Nikita from behind and pulls her off Skyler. Nikita screams in anger, then opens the door and quickly leaves. Michael watches her go, then turns back to Skyler.
Michael: Thank you. (He exits the room.)

COMM

Nikita: (very angry) Launders money! You told me he launders money!
Michael: (arms crossed, hand on chin, closed up tight) He does.
Nikita: Why didn't you tell me the truth?
Michael: You had to get close to him. Care for him. Make him care for you. You couldn't have done that if you knew who he really was.
Michael has turned his back and walked away from Nikita while saying this.
Nikita: Not enough to lie to them. Gotta lie to each other, too.
Michael: You have to go back to him. Convince him to take you along this weekend. ... You do what you have to do, Nikita.

CHANDLER'S YACHT

Lots of people are moving around. Chandler is talking to Greg, finishing up a meeting and escorting him to the deck.
Chandler: I'll be back on Tuesday afternoon. And well done, Greg, we're getting a very good price for this one.
Kenny comes up from below decks and approaches Chandler as Greg leaves.
Kenny: Mr. Chandler?
Chandler: Yes, Kenny?
Kenny: We've been doing some maintenance, sir. I sent a couple of divers down and they came up with this.
He hands Alec the silver disc.
Chandler: It's a Browning 28 tracking device. I thought only the Israelis were using these.
Kenny: Well, we found it attached to the hull under your office.
Chandler: How long do you think it's been down there?
Kenny: It's not corroded sir, no more than two or three days.
Chandler: (figuring it out) The night of the party.
Kenny: Maybe. (He is distracted by something on shore.) Ah, Mr. Chandler?
Kenny gestures and Alec notices Nikita walking toward the boat.
Chandler: (to Kenny) Call George and Hardin. Advance the meeting. (He walks down the gangway.)
Kenny: Yes, sir. (He leaves.)
Chandler: (meeting Nikita at the base of the gangway) Nikita!
Nikita: I thought I'd surprise you.
Chandler: This is a business trip.
Nikita: Nobody can work 24 hours a day.
She walks up the gangway onto the boat and he follows her.
Chandler: Yes, I suppose you're right.
Nikita: I thought we'd make this trip special.
Chandler: Hmmm. Then let's make it very special.
He kisses her cheek and she smiles. As he watches her, suspicion grows in his eyes, behind his smile.

CHANDLER'S OFFICE

Chandler pours from a decanter into two glasses on his desk. Nikita enters.
Chandler: Care for a drink?
Nikita: No, thank you.
Chandler: I'm glad you came.
Nikita: Me, too.
Chandler: Very glad. (He walks toward her with drink in hand.)
Nikita: (waving the drink away) I said no.
Chandler: (lifts her arm and puts the glass in her hand) I think you're going to need it.
Nikita: (angry) I think I'll come back when you're in a better mood.
She puts the glass down, turns around and opens the door, only to see Kenny and the guard standing just outside the door with their guns drawn.
Chandler: Congratulations, Nikita. You had me completely fooled.
Chandler has gone back behind his desk. He turns the desk chair around, revealing Mickey in the chair, dead from a bloody wound in his chest.
Chandler: And you made me kill a friend. An innocent friend.
Nikita: (screaming) You sell children! You're scum!
Kenny grabs her and forces her to sit in a chair in the middle of the room.
Chandler: No. No, I don't sell them all. Some are even gifts. Call it customer relations. Don't be naive, Nikita. They'd all be dead in a year or two. And I don't send any of them anywhere they haven't already been.
Nikita: (totally disgusted) Is that what you tell yourself when you look in the mirror?
Chandler: (smiling, he saunters over to her) Who do you work for? (He slaps her.) I asked you a question. Who do you work for? (Nikita just stares at him.) All right. Doesn't matter. We'll come to it later. I told you how I feel about betrayal. What you have done to me goes so far beyond betrayal that thinking of a way of getting even hasn't been easy. But, you know, I think I may have it now. You see, children aren't the only things that can be sold. There's still a market in mature flesh. The first thing that your new owners will do will be to turn you into an addict. Two weeks is all it takes. And then you will do anything, absolutely anything to get your next fix. Believe me, they'll find plenty of things for you to do. And when they tire of you, which they inevitably will, they'll sell you to a house in the Near East or maybe even Asia.
Alec bends down and grabs her face in his hand, hard, forcing her to look into his eyes.
Chandler: And you will be dead inside of a year. But you will wish you had been dead a long time before that.
He kisses her viciously. She digs her heel into his foot and he yells in pain.
Chandler: When I get back, you will pay for that. But then perhaps you can just consider it as part of your training for your new life.
Chandler leaves the room, the guards move in to watch over her.
Nikita: (slumping in her chair, apparently resigned to her fate) Can I have a cigarette?
Kenny looks at the guard and shakes his head no.
Nikita: Please can I have a cigarette.
She pulls her dress up her thighs, revealing garters to Kenny who is standing in front of her. Kenny smiles then nods to the guard who pulls a pack of cigarettes out of his jacket pocket and holds it out to her. She pulls a cigarette out with her teeth.
Nikita: Can I have a light?
Kenny pulls out a lighter and steps over to her. He bends down. She stares into his eyes and, as he approaches, she drops the cigarette from her lips, opens her mouth and wiggles her tongue at him. He goes for the kiss, which allows her to grab his lapels, and flip him over her head as she and the chair go crashing to the floor. The guard moves in to help, but she knocks him out of the way with a swift kick to the head. She flips over onto her knees, grabs Kenny's gun off the floor, knocks Kenny out then holds the gun on the guard who is slumped against the wall, trying to recover from her kick.
Nikita: Where are the kids?
Guard: I don't know.
She cocks the gun and levels it on him.
Guard: I ... I ... I'd tell you, but Chandler will kill me.
Nikita: He's not here. I am.

PARKING LOT

Chandler walks through a parking lot full of semi trucks at night. He meets Hardin and a bodyguard.
Hardin: You're late.
Chandler: You are ugly. (He pats Hardin on the cheek.) Let's cut the pleasantries. This weather's playing havoc with my shoes.
Hardin: Where's the goods?
Chandler: (removes a transmitter from his pocket and talks into it) Bring it up.
A truck pulls into the center of the parking lot. Chandler's guard opens the back door of the truck, revealing a couple of dozen kids locked behind a chain door.
Chandler: Your turn, George. Do you have the money?
Hardin: Terry.
Hardin's bodyguard brings a suitcase and opens it in front of Chandler to reveal piles of money.
Chandler: Very good, take it away. All right, my friend, they're all yours.
Chandler and Hardin shake hands. Chandler begins to walk away.
Switch to area behind trucks where various men operatives are fully armed and deploying.
Voice: Put your weapons on the ground.
A massive gun fight ensues. Chandler runs for cover into a group of barrels. All the hostiles except for Chandler go down. Michael comes sauntering out from between two trucks, his hand hanging at his side is holding his gun. Chandler stands up and throws his hands out in a gesture of surrender. Fuel is flowing out of holes that have been shot into the barrels next to him. Chandler puts his gun down on a barrel and appears to be coming out, but suddenly grabs a leaking barrel, turns it over and rolls it toward the truck full of kids who scream in panic. He has created a fuel spill leading straight from him to the truck.
Chandler: Don't anybody move or I'll torch the kids.
He pulls out a lighter, flicks it on and holds it aloft.
Michael: Put it out.
Chandler: Go ahead, drop me and watch them burn. I want a car. ... Make that an armored car with a driver of my choosing.
Michael: (politely) No.
Chandler: (shocked) No? That wasn't a request little fella; that was an order. Unless you wanna see the children die. So what's it going to be?
Nikita arrives and begins to circle around behind Chandler. Chandler kneels down so he is closer to the spilled fuel.
Chandler: Last chance.
Michael: Don't you want to know why you're still alive?
Chandler: I'm listening.
Nikita sneaks up behind Chandler and kicks the lighter out of his hand. Chandler tries to grab for it, but it flies out of his reach and falls into the fuel, starting a fire. Michael runs to the truck and jumps in the drivers' seat. The truck starts instantly and Michael drives the truck out of the way of the fire. Nikita starts to run away from the fire but is thrown to the ground when the barrels explode in a huge fireball. Michael runs to the back of the truck and checks to make sure the children are OK. Nikita walks back to the fire and gazes down into the place where Chandler fell, watching him burn.

BRIEFING AREA

Nikita is sitting in a chair, her knees up, tending to her scraped knee. Operations is sitting on the edge of the table.
Operations: You shouldn't have interfered.
Nikita: I didn't. Just went for the lighter. He was going to set fire to the truck.
Operations: He was bluffing. We needed Chandler alive. He was our bridge to the next level.
Nikita: What next level?
Operations: That's none of your concern.
Nikita: Well, the lives of those children were worth thousands of your next levels.
Operations is infuriated by this. He walks over to her, spins her chair around. Kneels in front of her and then deliberately grabs the wounded knee. Nikita gasps in pain.
Operations: (whispering his anger) We decide that. Not you.
Nikita: (struggling to speak through the pain) They were innocent children. Innocent children.
Operations releases her, stands and spins her around again in disgust. Then slowly walks away.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

Nikita is lying in the cut-out between the entryway and the bedroom. She is chewing on some wire which is hanging off the bar above her. Someone knocks on the door. She ignores it. A key turns in the lock and Nikita just stares as Michael opens the door.
Michael: Can I come in?
Nikita says nothing. Michael enters, closing the door behind him. He walks half way toward her, then stands with his hands in his pockets.
Nikita: What do you want?
Michael: I came to apologize.
Nikita: (laughs sarcastically) You know you're becoming very predictable, Michael. You lie, then you say you're sorry. You lie, then you say you're sorry. Can you come up with anything a little more interesting? (she sits up)
Michael: I do what I have to do. We all do. ... It's not what I would choose to do for myself ... or for us.
Nikita: (sarcastic laugh again) Us? Will you answer a question for me?
Michael: If I can.
Nikita: (leaning back) Why shouldn't I ... (she suddenly pulls out her gun, points it at him and jumps down to stand in front of him) ... just kill you, hmmm? (she cocks the gun) Why shouldn't I just pull the trigger?
Michael pauses for a beat, then walks straight toward her, slowly, staring directly into her eyes. He continues to approach her until the gun is resting against his throat just below his chin.
Michael: (raising his eyebrows slightly) I can't think of a single reason.
He lifts his hand up to hers, gently grasps her wrist, bends his head down and kisses her fingers. He straightens up again, and lets his fingers slide up from her wrist, along her hand and, slowly, over the barrel of the gun. Then he turns away and walks out the door without looking back. Nikita finally drops her arm and uncocks the gun. Looking down, she reaches to pick up the cat and bring it to her face for a cuddle. She looks at her hand, sniffs the spot where Michael kissed it, then hugs the cat.

THE END

Edited by Claudia and Dana

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