First Mission Transcript
By Baoqin and Dana

TEASER

Section One is in chaos. There are operatives running around everywhere. Operations is on the phone with George.
Operations: We're stretched thin as it is, George. Use the Agency. I know but they'll have to do.
Male op: Premier's on line 3.
Operations: George, I'll get back to you.
Female op: White House on line 2.
Operations: Yes, sir.
Birkoff: Are you sure? Michael, Rowan says we've lost the entire South African team.
Michael: I want a full report before midnight.
Birkoff: Full report. On Michael's desk. Midnight.
Michael types something on a keyboard. Operations comes into Systems. They are looking at a bunch of operative files.
Operations: We need a team leader for the Stark operation.
Michael: We're staffed down.
Operations: We'll request highest levels to reassign co-check.
Michael: It's too short.
Operations: Quirken returns from South Africa.
Michael: Quirken's not coming back.
Operations: Check contingency.
Michael and Operations exchange a dark look. They have found some interesting replacement team leader.

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

Nikita sits down.
Operations: You will be leading a mission. Asses, plan, prep, field command. It's three years ahead of the usual curb, but it cannot be helped. You will learn as you go. We will give you what help we can, but in the end, you will be judged by the same standards as everyone else.
Michael: You understand this is a new level of responsibility beyond anything you experienced before.
Nikita: I can handle it. (She has this blank stare on her face that could have done Michael proud.)
Operations: It's no secret you tend to take your own approach to things. On some occasions, it may even work. This is not one of them. Do things by the book, they're for a reason. A man named Peter Stark has been buying spent fuel rods from reactors in Eastern Europe. We wanna know his methods and sources, so take him alive. I need a mission profile by 7 tomorrow morning. Logistics, probabilities, contingencies.
Nikita: You will have it.
Operations: That's all.
Nikita stands up to leave.
Michael: She has no idea what she's getting into. I'm not sure she's ready.
Operations: She'll have to be.

SYSTEMS

Birkoff is helping Nikita with the planning and intel.
Birkoff: This is Stark's compound in the Ukraine. Motions detectors, pressure sensors locked in the wall.
Nikita notices Michael talking to a pretty black haired female operative who is smiling quite a lot at him.
Nikita: Does this stuff give us any answer? Check his emails in the next 48 hours.
Nikita doesn't seem happy with seeing that operative talk to Michael. Michael walks up behind her and looks at what she's working.
Michael: How are you holding up?
Nikita: There is a lot to do.
Michael: Need help?
Nikita: No thanks, I will manage.
Michael: Have you picked your team yet?
Nikita: I was just about to. Taylor, Mentz, Vizcano. Wasn't Vizcano just the girl you were talking to?
Michael: Yes.
Nikita: She signed on your team?
Michael: No, she's available.
Nikita: She has experience. I'll take her.
Birkoff: Here's a first cut of itinerary. We'll refine it later.
Nikita: (to Birkoff) Great. Here, assembled the team, have them meet me outside the systems in an hour.
Michael: Why?
Nikita: Why what?
Michael: Why assemble the team?
Nikita: Give them a chance to meet, understand what's going on.
Michael: That's a mistake. Tell them only what they need to know, establish dominance.
Nikita: In other words, treat them like animals.
Michael: Animals with guns.

The team has been assembled for the meeting.
Nikita: The plan hasn't been finalized yet. We expect heavy action, so act accordingly. Briefing in 30 minutes.
Vizcano chuckles.
Nikita: Problem, Vizcano?
Vizcano: The briefing is in 30 minutes, the plan haven't been finalized yet?!
Nikita: Time frame is very tight, it can't be helped. The point is if we all do our jobs, we can complete the mission, and get back alive. But we must work together.
Vizcano: That was beautiful. Excuse me while I go and find a handkerchief.
It looks like Michael was right.

THE PERCH

Operations is watching over section one main floor, Michael walks in.
Operations: Nikita's mission plan?
Michael: Yes, I thought you should see it before the briefing.
Operations: How is she doing?
Michael: She doesn't take advice. It's risky promoting her early.
Operations: You were promoted early.
Michael: I was different.
Operations: Yes, there aren't many like you. (Is that a compliment??!!) Vizcano's on the team?
Michael: That's right.
Operations: How much does Nikita know about her?
Michael: Not much.
Operations nods, and Michael leaves.

BRIEFING

Operations outlines the mission.
Operations: Peter Stark. A minor player in the arms trade, but with a rapidly increasing profile. He's moving to shipment from storage to a sale point. We'll intercept and acquire him alive.
Vizcano: Excuse me, we don't have a point of sale?
Operations: Not a precise one.
Vizcano: Is that intel failure?
Operations: Given the time constraints, no.
Vizcano: Making an acquisition is obviously a mistake.
Nikita: You don't know what you're talking about.
Operations: Quiet, both of you. The mission is set, it will be carried out as profiled.

LOADING DOCK

The team is leaving for the mission. As they are leaving, Michael and his team returns from a mission.
Michael: All set?
Nikita: All set. Michael, would you happen to have a chance to look over the mission profile?
Michael: Yes.
Nikita: What do you think?
Michael: Doesn't matter what I think.
Vizcano passes Michael, brushing very closely against him, and smiles.
Before they leave for the van, Nikita gives a few more details about the mission.
Nikita: We have a job that's live in 75 minutes. You've all seen the top maps, we need the right team … (Vizcano is talking to another operative) Vizcano, pay attention. (Vizcano ignores her) Vizcano! You cover the southern egress and then take out the driver. Mentz, Taylor, delay, engage on command.

MISSION

Vizcano is following the van from a distance with her gun.
Vizcano: Target's in sight.
Nikita: Take out the driver.
Vizcano hesitates and notices something else behind.
Vizcano: There's a second truck.
Nikita: Proceed as planned.
Vizcano: It's outside mission parameters, we should abort.
Nikita: Take out the driver, now.
Vizcano hesitates again then drops the gun.
Vizcano: Target out of range.
Nikita: Ok, Taylor and Mentz, it's up to you. Go, now.
The vans manage to cross a bridge before the two other start shooting at them. There's a lot of gunfire, then one of the vans is taken out with a grenade, but Stark manages to escape.
Nikita: Birkoff, targer is heading east, we need four backs.
Birkoff: I'm on it.

THE PERCH
Operations: The hostile force was eliminated but the target escaped. Reason for the failure?
Nikita: The assault was poorly coordinated.
Operations: Obviously. I'm asking why.
Nikita: I take full responsibility. Won't happen again.
Operations: According to the mission tapes Vizcano disobeyed a direct order.
Nikita: She substituted her judgment for the mission profile.
Operations: Do you recommend abeyance?
Nikita: No.
Operations: Why not?
Nikita: Because I don't think an operative should be canceled for one mistake.
Operations: If you've read her jacket, you know it's not the first time. You say you take responsibility but the truth is you're avoiding it. A bad operative is worse than none.
Nikita: It is possible that the profile was flawed. You've questioned it yourself.
Operations: Once the profile has been activated there are no unauthorized deviations.
Nikita: I won't order a recall bloody murder.
Operations: Even if she'd be happy to order yours?
Nikita: That's right.
Operations: This is not a scout camp, Nikita. There are no merit badges for fairplay.
Nikita: Like I said, I'll take responsibility, whatever it is.
Operations: Yes, you will. That will be all.

Nikita is with Birkoff again, trying to find another way to grab Stark.
Birkoff: The system tags Stark has burned are pretty deep. There's no sign of him.
Nikita: Associates?
Birkoff: This is the most promising. Ralf Prager. He's got at least 3 deals in progress with Stark. He's bound to know where he is.
Nikita: Why don't we grab Prager and hope he can help us find Stark. This is getting complicated.
Birkoff: That's what happens when the primary mission fails. (he looks up towards the Perch, thinking)
Nikita: What do you have on Prager?
Birkoff: He's based here. Looks like an office building. Security is tight.
Nikita: Technology or personnel?
Birkoff: Both. They have an integral alarm system that can't be deactivated. It will go off the moment you breach the parameters.
Nikita: All right, pull it up, Birkoff.
A 3D holo image of the building pops up from the table (I want one of those tables). Nikita examines it.
Birkoff: Nikita, you can't afford another failure.
Nikita: I know.
Birkoff: And if Vizcano's the problem, maybe you should get rid of her.
Nikita: Did Operations put you up to this?
Birkoff: He didn't have to. I saw Vizcano's file.
Nikita: I've seen it, too.
Birkoff: Not the personnel file, the psych. file.
Nikita: What about it?
Birkoff: She is in love with Michael. She's fixated on him. She tried to kill herself last year.

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

Michael is sitting behind his desk, typing on his laptop.
Nikita: You could have told me.
Michael: About what?
Nikita: You know what. Vizcano.
Michael totally ignores her and keeps typing. Nikita moves closer and closes the laptop.
Nikita: Why didn't you tell me?
Michael: I didn't think it was important.
Nikita: Not important??!!
Michael: Suppose you'd known, what would you have done?
Nikita: I would have picked someone else.
Michael: That's why I didn't tell you.
Michael stands up and starts to leave his office. Nikita gets to the door before he does, and slams her hand against it, blocking his path.
Nikita: WHAT?
Michael: The best thing that can happen to a team leader is to have a rebellious operative.
Nikita: Why?
Michael: Cause if you can control that operative, you can control the team. That's why I chose you for so many missions . . . early on.
Nikita: Because if you kept me in line, the others would follow?
Nikita is obviously hurt and annoyed, but Michael is right about this and he gives her a good lesson.
Michael: That's right.
Michael leaves the room. Nikita leans back against the wall, sighing heavily. A few seconds later, Michael returns.
Michael: Can I give you a piece of advice?
Nikita: Go ahead.
Michael: It's best to be ruthless, but if you are not, it's essential to appear that way.
Nikita: Is that your secret, Michael? You just appear to be ruthless?
Michael leaves without answering.

WALTER'S TOY STORE

Nikita: Hi Walter. Are the new scrubs ready?
Walter: Just about. How are you holding up?
Nikita: All right. The last mission didn't go too well.
Walter: All that matters is the final score. You get a few rods, all is forgiven.
Nikita: And if I don't get a few rods?
Walter: All won't be forgiven.
Nikita: What are they gonna do to me?
Walter: They'll think of something.
Nikita: Walter, what do you know about Vizcano?
Walter: Vizcano, or Vizcano and Michael? She tried to kill herself, some people say it was over him.
Nikita: You don't think so?
Walter: I guess if someone wants to die, one reason is as good as another. Personally, being in love always made me to live.
Nikita: But even if you knew in the end you can't have the one you love?
Walter: I guess that all depends on what you value more, the journey or the destination?
Nikita: Walter, sometimes I don't know if you are incredibly wise or just full of crap?
Walter: Yeah, I have the same problem myself. Get out of here!! Back to work.

Nikita's team is leaving to get Prager. Nikita is giving out instructions as they are leaving Section One.
Nikita: You'll beep so I can know the minutes.
Vizcano is again ignoring her, talking to Mentz. This time, Nikita takes Michael's advice.
Nikita: Vizcano!
Vizcano: WHAT?!
Nikita slams her fist into Vizcano's face, she presses her knife against her throat.
Nikita: The mission is planned for four, but we can get by with three. You're coming or not?
Vizcano: I am coming.
Nikita: Are you sure?
Vizcano: Yes, I am sure.
Nikita slowly withdraws the knife, purposely cutting her skin, leaving a trail of blood.
Nikita: When I talk, everyone shuts up and listens. No one questions the plan or any modifications I make during the mission. Understood?
For the first time, all three on her team was attentive and quiet.

MISSION

The team is in front of the building, black masks on. The entrance says "Dafurheim".
Vizcano: OK, we're going in.
They go in. Vizcano is fighting with a hostile. Nikita notices Prager at the door.
Nikita: Prager! (yeah, like he was going to come if she called him)
Another hostile is just behind Vizcano who cannot react in time. Nikita moves the gun away from Prager to shoot him and save Vizcano's life. Then she runs after Prager who has made it down a flight of stairs.
Nikita: Prager, hold it.
He tries to run away. Nikita shoots him in the leg and he falls down another flight of stairs. Nikita and the other operatives come after him. He's unconscious.
Taylor: Is he alive?
Nikita: He'd better be. Get him out of here gently.

SECTION ONE, SYSTEMS

Nikita is working on the profile, drinking coffee. Operations shows up.
Operations: He'll live, but he's still unconscious.
Nikita: It couldn't be helped.
Operations: The mission tapes indicate otherwise. He was stopped, your attention was diverted. The lives of operatives are secondary to the success of the mission.
Nikita: There was no need to choose.
She goes into another room, could be to avoid him. He follows her.
Operations: You still don't understand what you are dealing here, do you? You think you are a lonely beacon of decency in an insane world or something like that. Isn't that true? (Let's face it, Nikita thinks she is more holy then thou.) The section isn't me or Madeline or Michael. It's bigger, deeper, smarter then any of us.
Nikita: You make it sound like it's alive.
Operations: Oh, yes, and we all walk a narrow path to keep it that way.
Nikita: Path without feeling, compassion, or hope.
Operations: Yes.
Nikita: We die so the section can live.
Operations: Yes.
Nikita: I can't accept that.
Operations: You have no choice, Nikita. No one does, especially me. Do you understand?
Nikita: I understand that you are talking to me for once.
There was a sort of mild expression on his face as if he was in a good mood. He looks at her and doesn't make another comment, then leaves the room. She seems highly relieved.

Nikita is staying late to plan the mission. She is alone at the computer station, Vizcano shows up.
Vizcano: Shouldn't have done that for me today.
Nikita: So I have been told. (by Operations)
Vizcano: So, why did you do it?
Nikita: Cause you weren't a loss, you are on the team, it's the only way I can explain it.
Vizcano: You're crazy.
Nikita: Well, if that's your way of thanking me, you are welcome. (Nikita turns around, toward her computer.) I got a lot of work to do, so . . .
Vizcano: What's it like? To be loved . . . by Michael? I know I shouldn't ask, but I just can't help it.
Nikita: (shocked) I don't know.
Vizcano: I was alone, confused, scared. Well, you know what's like when you first enter the section. Michael seemed like a god. Not afraid of anything. He knew me better than I knew myself.
Nikita: Yeah. (She can definitely relate.)
Vizcano: And even then, I knew it was just part of the drill. Section wants you to imprint someone like an animal.
Nikita: You fell in love.
Vizcano: Sometimes I really thought that he showed signs of caring, and other times, it was obvious that he didn't. And just when I thought that I was making some progress, YOU came along. And that's when I lost it. If you're smart, you will stay just out of reach. Michael doesn't need a companion, he needs a quest.
Nikita: Well, why don't you become his quest?
Vizcano: No, I had my chance, it's too late. Although, I think I'll always love him. (God, this may as well be Nikita's words coming out of another woman's mouth.) May the best women win.
Nikita: Vizcano, there's no contest, I am not playing.
Vizcano smiles and nods, warming up to her.

WHITE ROOM

Nikita: Where's Peter Stark?
Prager: I don't know anybody named Peter Stark. You got the wrong guy. I'm just a businessman.
Nikita: Well, think of me as an executive with a career crisis and I need your help. So, I'm gonna break a bone minute. In 3 hours you'll be a rag doll. Rag dolls don't feel pain. You will.
She reaches his little finger and pushed it upwards, breaking the first phalange with a pop sound.
Prager: (yelling) All right, all right, I get off Stark.
Operations and Michael is watching her doing the interrogation from Michael's office.
Operations: She has come a long way.
Michael: She's learning to stay focused.
Operations: I must admit, I had my doubts about her original mission plan.
Michael: Would have worked, except for Vizcano.
Operations: Nikita still has one basic flaw.
Michael: Compassion.
Operations: Compassion, sympathy, tendency to care, call it whatever you want, it's holding her back.
Michael: I know.
Operations: With most operatives, self preservation takes over, compassion is the first thing to go.
Michael: She's different. (That's why he is in love with her . . . I hope)
Operations: Have you tried, Michael, *really* tried to crush out her feelings?
Michael: Of course.
Operations: You succeeded with so many others (Vizcano), why not her?
Michael: She's strong.
Operations: Is that the *only* reason?
Michael: Yes.
Operations: Well, you going to have to keep trying until you succeed.
Michael: I understand.
Operations: As for Vizcano, install the appropriate personnel configuration.
Michael: I have a meeting with Nikita in a few minutes.
Operations: She will fight it.
Michael: She will accept it in the end. She'll have to.

SYSTEMS

Nikita hand a disk to Birkoff.
Nikita: Stark a base in the southern border of the Lara. He's there now. Here are the coordinates. It's from the satellite intel.
Michael comes by.
Michael: Operations wants me to help you with the mission profile. It's critical that Stark be taken alive.
Nikita: I'm aware of that. I don't need you help. (oh, common…)
Birkoff: Got it. Level 2 security.
Michael: Someone has to backstop.
Nikita: That's a death trap in the setup.
Birkoff: Not necessarily.
Nikita: Then I'll do it.
Michael: You'll be running the mission. Taylor and Mentz are the flush team. It will have to be Vizcano.
Birkoff: I'm ready to get, Nikita. Unsettle the packs. (whatever that means)
Nikita: You mean to kill her.
Michael: I'm here to make sure the mission profile is correct.
Nikita: I took your advice. You know, about pretending to be ruthless. (and it worked) You don't pretend, you like it.
Michael: She's a marginal performer. She's lucky she's not in abeyance.
Vizcano arrives and interrupts.
Vizcano: So, Birkoff says we're going live?
Nikita: Yes, in an hour.
Vizcano: (to Michael) Maybe after the mission, we will go out for a drink. What do you say?
Michael: Why not.
Vizcano: Good.
Vizcano seems to have mellowed up towards Nikita and somehow even if she knows it's too late for her and Michael, she also seems to think that since Nikita said she doesn't play, the road is open for her. Too bad.
Vizcano leaves.
Nikita: Michcel, you will make that date! She won't die, not on my mission. (She is clearly very peeved off at Michael!)

MISSION

A big industrial building. The go in with night vision glasses. Mentz sets up a charge and they disable the power.
Taylor: We're in position.
Nikita: Go.
Some gunfire, they all cruise through the building in search of hostiles. Nikita notices something's wrong.
Nikita: Vizcano, you're all right?
Vizcano: Yeah, I'm fine.
More hostiles are shot.
Nikita: Vizcano, coming your way.
Vizcano disables a hostile. The light comes up while Nikita is out in the open. Taylor is also down.
Nikita: Taylor, I need cover!
Taylor: This is him! I'm coming.
Apparently Taylor tries to get Stark and cannot help Nikita. She gets up and a hostile comes from behind. Vizcano shoots him, saving her life. Then as they move in search for Stark, he gets Vizcano who screams.
Stark: Where are you? Come on. I've got your friend.
Nikita finds them and puts her gun up.
Stark: Stay back or I'll kill her.
Vizcano is scared.
Nikita: Ok, I'll hold it. So you're Stark.
Stark: Call your people off. I want a chopper on the roof.
Nikita: Damn bargain.
Stark: You want me to pull the trigger?
Nikita: Just let her go. They'll take it easy on you, they just wanna talk. If they wanted you to be dead, you'd be dead by now.
Stark: Ah, you gotta take me alive. You know what that tell sme?
Nikita: Nobody needs to get hurt.
Stark: No, what that tells me is, I can do anything I want to , I want to, I want to, anything I want to. (he points a gun at Vizcano)
Nikita: Stop!
Stark laughs.
Stark: Move!
He throws Vizcano down from a high catwalk.
Nikita: NO!
Nikita points her gun at Starks close to the border, ready to throw him out.
Stark: You can't get rough now, you gotta take me alive, remember?
Nikita: I've changed my mind.
Stark: You can't kill me.
Nikita: Watch me.
Stark: The fuel rods, I can find them.
Nikita: Shut up!
Stark: That's what this is about, isn't it? It has to be. I can bring you to them cause I know where they are. Without them some people are gonna die. That's what it's about, isn't it?
Nikita: I'll bring you to Section t give us what we need. But after that you're mine, you're mine.
She punches him and lets him down, then looks down where Vizcano lies dead.

OBSERVATION DECK

Operations: Why didn't you interrogate Stark?
Nikita: I had Taylor do it instead.
Operations: Why?
Nikita: I didn't think I will be able to stay objective.
Operations: Then you made the right call.
Nikita: I have a request. After the interrogation is completed I'd like to spend a few moments with Stark alone before he is cancelled.
Operations: The interrogation has been concluded.
Nikita: Where is he?
Operations: He's been released.
Nikita: Released?
Operations: He has a number of contacts which will prove to be useful to us, especially in Eastern Europe. You have decided to exact some form of retribution for Vizcano's death, it's natural. It happens, but we can't be allowed to love our friends, or hate our enemies. Some day you will understand that.
Operations turns around, only to realize that Nikita has already left during his long speech.
Nikita walks down the commons room, she walks right pass Michael, who stops to watch her leave Section One, before turning around to keep walking.

THE END

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