Friend
Transcript by Deborah May

TEASER

Michael, 2 operatives, prisoner.
Michael is interrogating a prisoner. The first image is when he strikes the prisoner across the face so hard that the prisoner falls down. Another operative in the room pulls the prisoner to a chair.
Michael: Who do you work for? (no answer. Operations enters and watches) Did you make the bomb or just set it off? (no answer) Do you know how many people you killed tonight? (no answer) I promise you, this will be the worst day of your life, but it doesn't have to be your last.. . who do you work for?
Prisoner: Jovan Mijovich will die.
Michael: How do you know Mijovich is coming?
Prisoner: We know everything we need to know.
Michael: Who is WE? (no answer. Michael speaks to operatives) Whatever it takes.
The prisoner bites into something in his mouth.
Operative: What's he doing? Stop him!
Michael: No!
The prisoner dies. Michael turns to Operations, who looks unhappy with him.
Michael: Cyanide capsule hidden in a tooth.
Operations: Then we don't have much time. Work every contact you know. Assemble a team.

BRIEFING ROOM

Operations, Michael, Nikita, other operatives.
Operations: Jovan Mijovich. Key piece in his corner of the world. Mijovich has agreed to negotiate with opposing forces at a neutral site. The Agency was in charge of security; it's been breached three times in the past two weeks.
Michael: By whom?
Operations: We should find out from contacts soon. Nikita, you'll take the meet. In the meantime, security's been transferred to us. Mijovich arrives in 24 hours. The man's a brilliant politician, but he's indiscreet. He's bragged about the negotiations rather carelessly. It will create considerable difficulties for security.

MUNITIONS

Walter, Michael, Nikita.
Walter: Now, the tracker's in the heel. You activate it by kicking the back of your shoe.
He hits the boot and the tracker starts transmitting. Michael is holding the receiver, which starts beeping. Michael nods to Walter.
Walter: All right. Only transmit when necessary. (He picks up the boot.) You want me to put it on for you, sugar?
Nikita: (grabs the boot) Just give it here, Walter.
Michael's cell phone rings.
Michael: Yes? OK. (hangs up - to Nikita) 10am.

POOL HALL

A redheaded woman is purchasing a pretzel. She watches Nikita across the street. Nikita enters a bar, the redheaded crosses the street to follow her, nearly getting hit by a car.
Nikita: Coffee.
Several guys in the bar are playing bar, including her contact, who comes over to join her.
Contact: You were supposed to be here four minutes ago. When I give a time, it's because it has to be that time. Understand?
Nikita: You got something? ... or not?
Contact: Yeah, Legion...
Julie: Nikita?
Contact: Who the hell is this?
Julie: Hi... um... Julie Roark... remember?
The contact gets up and leaves, giving Nikita a look as he leaves.
Julie: I'm sorry; I didn't mean to interrupt something.
Nikita: Don't worry about it. (She gets up, preparing to leave)
Julie: Well, listen... Memorial Elementary, remember? 4th Grade... Mrs. Willis... She kept separating us... we were best friends.
Nikita: I'm sorry, you must be mistaken.
Julie: No, no, I don't think so.
Nikita: (putting on her sunglasses) No, I think you're confusing me for someone else.
Julie: Oh, hey, if you do happen to remember, I work on the second floor across the street...(Nikita walks out. Red calls after her) ... it was nice to see you!

SECTION - COMM

Birkoff, Michael, his team, and Nikita, staying way in back. She is still in her clothes from the meet, wearing her sunglasses. Birkoff is at his computer.
Birkoff: The Legion - well funded, extremely well connected, believed responsible for the World Games bombing, three airline crashes... fun group. I took a list of the names from the peace talks and crossed them with a list of names for Legion detractors.
Michael: Jovan Mijovich.
Birkoff: He had two Legion members executed for trying to breach one of his offices.
Michael: If Mijovich knew that Legion was so close to him, he'd break off the negotiations and head for home. So it's up to us not to let him find out. Understood? (The team breaks up. Nikita tries to leave inconspicuously.) Nikita? (She stops. He comes over to her.) How was the meet?
Nikita: Fine.
Michael: No glitches?
Nikita: None. Unless you count the fact that the contact is a basket case. (He slowly pushes her sunglasses up so he can see her eyes. She continues nonchalantly.) Oh, and I ran into someone who said she knew me in grade school. I didn't recognize her.
Michael: But she recognized you.
Nikita: I guess so. Is that a problem? (He gives her the blank stare) Well, what was I supposed to do? (He looks down)
Michael: That's OK. We'll take care of it.
Nikita: What do you mean? (another blank stare) Whatever.
She pulls her sunglasses back down and walks out. He watches her closely as she goes.

BANK

An armed figure enters the bank, going from office to office. They find and take Julie. The figure pulls her out. Someone tries to interfere by shooting at the masked figure. Julie is screaming.
Julie: Help me!!! Help me!!! Ahhh!!!
! The masked figure shoots the opponent.
Julie: (screams) No, no, no please don't hurt me!
The figure takes off the mask, it is Nikita.
Nikita: I won't. Let's get out of here.
Julie: Nikita...
Nikita: Come with me. Now.
Sirens are heard in the background.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

There is thunder outside. Nikita is looking out the balcony glass doors.
Julie: What is going on? Why were you wearing a mask and why were those people shooting at us? (She is nearly hysterical)
Nikita: Shhhh... keep it down.
Julie: (sobbing) I can't ... (Nikita turns to her threateningly)
Nikita: You can and you will or I'll do it for you. (She checks the peephole of the door)
Julie: Please, please just tell me what is going on.
Nikita: You might not like it right now, but I just saved your life.
Julie: Why would somebody want to kill me? What did I do?
Nikita: Nothing. You just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Julie: Then, I'll - I'll just go to the police. (She gets up to go, Nikita throws her back on the chair) You can't keep me here!
There is a knock at the door. Nikita looks at the door and starts to take off her sweater. Julie begins to panic. Nikita puts her hand over Julie's mouth.
Nikita: Do what I say, if you want to stay alive. (Julie gets herself under control. Nikita wipes a tear from Julie's face)
Cut to the hallway. Michael is at the door.
Nikita: Just a minute.
Michael is rubbing his hand on his lips and across his forehead; he is upset. The door opens.
Nikita: (faking surprise) Michael!
He brushes by her and goes into the apartment.
Michael: Where were you an hour ago?
Nikita: Come in. I was shopping, why?
Michael: (looks out the balcony) What did you buy?
Nikita: Nothing. I couldn't find anything I liked. What's going on?
Michael is stalking around, checking the apartment; he is obviously agitated.
Michael: We sent someone to pick up your friend.
Nikita: So?
Michael: Someone else got there first and took her away.
Nikita: You think that someone was me?
Michael: Who else would have done it?
He crouches down to look under the kitchen bar.
Nikita: Well, the contact I met at the pool hall this morning certainly seems crazy enough.
Michael has opened the cabinet and is looking for a secret compartment, knocking on walls. He closes the cabinet.
Michael: Mijovich's plane lands in 2 hours. I hope you're telling the truth. Otherwise, you'll only end up hurting yourself (he turns to leave) - and your friend. (he leaves)
Nikita goes back to the cabinet under the bar and pulls at the shelving unit, revealing a hidden compartment where Julie is hiding.
Julie: Who are you?
Nikita: You all right?
The scene continues later. Nikita is making tea.
Nikita: I can't give details. You'll have to trust me. You're going to have to disappear.
Julie: Disappear? What are you talking about? Look, I'm not going to do anything until you tell me what is going on!
Nikita: When you saw me in the pool hall, I was involved in something very dangerous no one was supposed to see.
Julie: I didn't see anything!
Nikita: You saw me.
Julie: So who cares?
Nikita: I can't tell you anymore! Julie, we've got to get you out of the country.
Julie: Out of the country?! What about my family? What do I tell them?
Nikita: You don't tell them anything. You don't tell anyone.
Julie: But they're going to think that I ... (she looks at Nikita, stricken) Oh, my God, I'm supposed to make my mother supper on Saturday night... oh my mom.
Nikita: (touches her hand) I'll protect you. I swear. (hands Julie the tea)

AIRPORT

Mijovich's plane is arriving. There is lots of security around. There is chatter on the radios. The camera pans to Michael and Nikita, waiting.
Michael: (on radio) We're in position.
The door of the plane opens and Jovan Mijovich exits.
Mijovich: (looking at Nikita) Well, I had thought I would be too busy for pleasure, but, I think you have changed my mind. (Nikita turns away to lead him off the tarmac. He strokes her arm and hair) Very nice, very beautiful hair.
Nikita: Stop it.
Mijovich: Yes, that's much more interesting.
They go into the building; Nikita is leading, then Mijovich, then Michael in the rear. Mijovich pats Nikita's butt. She whirls on him.
Nikita: I said stop it.
Mijovich: Oh, we don't need to take it so far, then it won't be fun anymore.
Nikita: I'm part of the security team.
Mijovich: (really surprised) What?
Nikita: Hands off.
She glances at Michael, he has the slightest smile.
Mijovich: You are a bodyguard? (laughs) Oh, sweetheart... (Nikita twists his arm behind his back and slams him into the window.) Ayyy! All right, I believe you!!! Yes, yes.
Nikita looks at Michael again, he shows nothing. She lets Mijovich go. He straightens his clothes and they proceed down the hall; Nikita in front, Mijovich in the middle. Michael gestures courteously for Mijovich to proceed him, Michael bringing up the rear.
Mijovich: (to Nikita) My sincere apologies.
Nikita: Forget about it. Sorry if I was a little rough.
Mijovich: Oh, I don't mind a little roughness now and again. You must allow me to atone for offending you, a dinner perhaps? I've always wanted to try sushi.
Nikita: There's a rumor going around that the real reason you're here is to negotiate peace for your country?
Mijovich: Yes, but does that mean I must ignore my natural human urges? Speaking of which, the facilities on the plane were sadly lacking.
He goes into the men's room.
Nikita: You can't - we're on a tight - (she reaches for Mijovich, but he's gone) -schedule.
Michael motions for a male security guard to follow Mijovich into the bathroom. Nikita stands outside the door, Michael goes over to stand next to her. She glances at him; there is a red laser dot in the middle of his forehead. She pushes him away and dodges to the other side. A bullet hits the wall exactly where Michael's head was. The terrorist is in the air conditioning unit. He takes out one of the security guys. Nikita slides on her back on the floor, firing up into the unit. There is a second hostile hiding in the next unit down the hall. Michael takes him out. They drag the security guy's body out of the hall, and Nikita adjusts her hair. As Mijovich comes out, Michael leans carefully against the wall, covering the bullet hole with his hand.
Mijovich: What is wrong?
Nikita: Nothing. Ready to go? (She takes his arm)
Mijovich: Oh, absolutely. In fact, I would like to suggest that you be my personal bodyguard, no?
Michael: (lets them go ahead of him, then quietly into the radio) Remove the bodies.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

It is dark outside.
Nikita: Julie? Julie?
She searches the apartment, finally pulling open the hidden compartment. Julie is sleeping. Nikita calls her name gently and Julie wakes with a start.
Julie: I'm sorry. I must have fallen asleep. I didn't hear you come in.
Nikita: You all right? (Nikita helps her out) Watch your head.
Nikita gets two drinks from the refrigerator.
Julie: Thanks. So what's going to happen to me?
Nikita: You'll need a new name, a new identity.
Julie: A new name?
Nikita: I can arrange that. In a couple of days, we'll put you on a train.
Julie: To where?
Nikita: Wherever you want. Just can't tell anyone.
Julie: Well, except for you, right?
Nikita: No, not even me.
Julie: Nikita, I don't think I can live like that. I mean, every moment of my life is gonna be a lie.
Nikita: You can do whatever you have to and you will. Your name, how you look, the pieces of paper that you carry, (tosses some clothes and a wig to Julie) none - of - it matters, because nothing can change what's inside here. Put it on (- the wig. It is red and spiky. The both laugh)
Julie: I don't even look like myself.
Nikita: See? First lie... just don't ever lie to yourself and you'll be OK.
They laugh and dress up and dance to some music.
Nikita: There's one thing missing ... a tattoo!
Julie: No!
Nikita: Oh, come on, it'll wash off.
Julie: This just reminded me of the time when we slipped into your mom's bathroom...
Nikita: ... and stole her lipstick.
Julie: She got mad at you (Nikita looks like this memory haunts her) Is it going to be all right? I mean really.
Nikita: Really.
Julie: Oh! Nice.
Nikita: I like it.
They hug and dance some more.
Much later, Julie is sleeping in Nikita's bed. Nikita is sitting, thinking and remembering when she was a girl and Julie was her best friend. There is a noise outside. Julie jumps in fright.
Nikita: Shhhh.
Julie: They're coming for me.
Nikita: Stay here.
Nikita gets her gun and goes to the balcony. There is no one there, only a box blowing in the wind. As she heads back into the apartment, someone jumps on her.
Julie: Nikita? Nikita? Nikita... She creeps down the stairs, calling Nikita's name quietly. She tiptoes to the balcony and looks out. Nikita is gone.

LEGION HEADQUARTERS

Nikita is hanging by her arms, being doused with freezing cold water. Tiko and Soltis are torturing her with an electric rod.
Tiko: Where is Mijovich staying?
Nikita: I don't know.
Tiko motions for Soltis to give her more electricity.
Tiko: Well?
Nikita: (wheezing, shakes her head) I don't know.
Cut to Michael entering Nikita's apartment. The balcony doors are wide open and swinging in the wind. He checks the balcony, and sees the dress-up spread around the bedroom.
Cut back to Nikita. She is coughing and wheezing.
Tiko: It's in your power to end this. You can be safe again, free of pain. (He looks at Soltis to start hitting Nikita again.)
Nikita: Wait, wait, wait.
She pulls up on her arms and kicks with her feet, triggering the transmitter. Cut to Michael, pulling the receiver out of his pocket. Cut back to Nikita, still hanging, dripping, and barely conscious.
Tiko: (admiringly) You have the courage of a man.
Nikita: How would you know?
Tiko: Perhaps you think I'm the good cop and he's the bad cop. We're both the good cop. In the next room is the bad cop.
Nikita: Bring him on.
The "bad cop" enters, it's Julie.
Nikita: Julie?
Julie: Nikita, I'm upset with you. (Shows her the rose tattoo) You told me this would wash off.

Later, Julie is turning off the water, she has been dousing Nikita again.
Julie: I don't want you to get me wrong, Nikita. I enjoyed our time together, I did. It's just there are more important things in life than playing dress up. Like fighting for what you believe in. But then, you know, you're not in this because you have a cause, but because you have no choice. (Nikita looks ready to cry) You, tell me, what do you believe in?
Nikita: How did you... ?
Julie: What? Get onto you in the first place? Section One isn't quite as invisible as it likes to think and we're quite good at what we do.
Nikita: All those things you knew about me.
Julie: Actually, we probably know more about you than you know about yourself. And the real Julie Roark was most helpful ... before we disposed of her. (Nikita looks mad) Now, you tell me what I want to know, look at me! You tell me what I want to know and you're free, you'll live. Where is Mijovich right now?
Nikita: You go to hell!
Julie belts Nikita across the face. Nikita's nose starts to bleed. They stare at each other.
Julie: ( to Tiko) She's not going to tell us what we want to know, not in time anyway, so I'm going to do what I can. Kill her.
Julie leaves. Tiko prepares to shoot Nikita, but she kicks the gun out of his hands. As he bends to get it, she grabs him around the neck in a scissors lock with her legs.
Tiko: Soltis! Shoot! Soltis shoots and misses, hitting Tiko instead, then prepares to shoot Nikita. Michael crashes through the window, firing as he falls. As he gets up from his landing, she is looking at him with a half smile on her face. He lifts her up so she can free her chains from the hook that was suspending her. He lowers her down gently and her arms come down around his neck. He holds her tightly for a moment, then starts to unfasten the handcuffs.
Nikita: I thought she was my friend.
Michael: The Legion kidnapped her. They must have been onto our contact from the start. They followed him to the café, saw the three of you together. (He puts his hands on either side of her face, very gently) They grabbed her first. Later, when they realized their mistake, they went after you.
Nikita: No.
Michael: Yes. I'll notify the Section. When they debrief you, that's the story you'll tell. (He strokes her face and hair)
Nikita: Michael, why are you doing this?
Michael: Mijovich leaves in an hour.
He puts his arm around her and helps her walk out. He drops the handcuffs as they exit.

AIRPORT

The cars arrive. Security exits, including, Michael, Nikita, and Mijovich.
Mijovich: So, peace talks are concluded before our own negotiations had a chance to get started. What a pity.
Nikita: Cheer up, if war breaks out, you get to come back.
Mijovich: I don't suppose either of us would wish that to happen.
Nikita: I'll drink to that.
Mijovich: Well, then, come with me. (Nikita smiles.) I told them to have champagne on the plane this time. Well, perhaps I will come back one day. Just to have sushi with you.
He boards the plane, blowing Nikita a kiss as he goes up the stairs. The cars pull away.
Michael and Nikita are walking alongside the plane, watching for any trouble.
Nikita: I feel her, she's here.
They scan forward and back Nikita turns back and sees a window opening. She begins to run, pulling a huge gun out of her waistband. She shoots the lock off the door. Julie is inside, with a shoulder-mounted stinger missile. Nikita bursts in, gun drawn.
Nikita: Don't even think about it.
Julie looks at her, considering the situation. Then she turns back to the window, aiming at the plane. Nikita shoots twice, hitting the missile and knocking it to the floor. Julie is furious, pulling off her gloves and whirling on Nikita, who has her gun pointed at Julie.
Julie: Come on, pull the trigger Nikita.
Nikita: You would be in be a safer place if I did.
Julie: Then do it. I'm not going to spend the rest of my life rotting away in some prison cell.
Nikita: Who are you?
Julie: Do it!
Nikita: (lowers the gun) What's your name? (Julie looks out the window at the plane taxiing down the tarmac)
Julie: You want to know who I am? (She picks up the stinger) This... this is who I am.
Her finger moves towards the trigger and she turns the missile launcher towards Nikita. Nikita shoots first. Julie falls with her tattooed hand clutching her throat. Nikita closes her eyes and walks out. She watches Mijovich's plane take off safely.

THE PERCH

Operations and Michael.
Operations: Nikita remains a puzzle, she continues to break Section code, and yet she manages to succeed.
Michael: What code did she break?
Operations: Please, Michael, you've been here long enough. Information is what we do here. If you don't think that I know every detail of every operation... Why didn't you find Julie the first time you went to Nikita's apartment?
Michael: I looked everywhere.
Operations: One would think you didn't want to find her.
Michael: That's not true.
Operations: Nikita's not a trainee anymore. She has to be held up to the same standards as everyone else. If you can't demand that of her, then you both become a liability. That'll be all.
Operations watches Michael leave his office and cross through Section. Nikita is passing in the hall.
Nikita: Michael? Everything all right?
Michael: It's fine.
Nikita: Thank you.
Michael: There's nothing to thank me for.
He continues on his way. Nikita looks up at Operations, watching them.
The last shot is of Operations in the Perch.

THE END

Edited by Claudia and Dana

Back to Season 1 Episodes