Beyond The Pale
Transcript by Lisa and Dana

SECTION ONE - PRIVATE DINING ROOM

Operations and Madeline are having breakfast together.
Operations: Your reports are very thorough.
Madeline: What's your decision?
Operations: I've got two men and one job. Head Strategist is significant promotion.
Madeline: Michael's more qualified.
Operations: In terms of time served yes. But even looking at your report, Zalman might be better suited for it.
Madeline: (pauses) I wouldn't underestimate Michael's reaction to this.
Operations: (smirks) Michael's a team player.
Madeline: Maybe, but he wants this post, and he knows he deserves it. He may not show it, but he will be resentful.
Operations: (pauses, presses a button) Have Michael come to my office.
Female op: Right away, sir.
Operations: Thank you for your input.
Operations smiles, then Madeline does the same.

THE PERCH

Michael comes in.
Operations: I hear you made some progress on the Vincent Tomas situation.
Michael: Yes, I believe we located the nucleus of his operation. I've gone over the layout with Birkoff.
Operations turns away from him, staring out of the Perch.
Operations: Michael, I know you expected the promotion to head strategist. And over the years I indicated that the job might one day be yours but you're a field man, the best I have. The head strategist's position I believe it would be a mistake, for both of us.
Michael: Is that all? (no expression on his face, but he sounds upset)
Operations: This isn't personal, Michael.
Michael: Of course. 
Michael leaves, Operations looks thoughtful, not certain the issue was completely solved.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

Nikita is asleep. Footsteps wake her up. She reaches under the pillow for her gun, swiftly turning to face the intruder. It's Michael.
Nikita: Michael. What's wrong?
Michael: (long look at her, turning his head, emotional) We're getting out! (Nikita stares at him, shocked)
Nikita: How? It's impossible.
Michael: I'll explain, get dressed.
Michael leaves her to get dressed. Nikita gets up, has a hard time taking in the news.

BRIEFING TABLE

Operations is briefing Michael, Walter, Zalman, and other operatives about the mission.
Operations: Over the last six months, there has been a sharp increase in Red Cell's activities, We believe that Vincent Tomas has taken the helm in Europe and is responsible for the escalation. (Vincent is shown on a screen) He's operating as he did in Asia using a well concealed and mobile cell that communicates with a number of satellite substations. Tactically, we have to strike all locations simultaneously to keep one from informing the other. Zalman, our new Head Strategist will coordinate the strike from inside Section. Michael will lead the cell team in the field. Any further questions will be directed to Zalman.
Michael gets up buttoning his jacket with one hand, he looks stern. As he leaves, Zalman calls out to him with a smile on his face.
Zalman: Michael! (smugly) I just wanted you to know, I studied all your files and I have nothing but the respect for the work you've done here. I'm really looking forward to having you as my point man.
Michael: My team will be ready.
Zalman: Oh, I know that.

MUNITIONS

Walter: (angry) If you ask me, the whole thing stinks. Everyone around here respects Michael, he's a leader. I don't know what Zalman does besides fit in. (Nikita looks away, listening)
Nikita: He's not a threat.
Walter: Michael say anything to you?
Nikita: (packing for the mission) You know Michael, it's the job, you do it.
Walter: Well, you're pretty much ready here, I'm going to log these things out.
Walter turns away from Nikita, pressing a button, Nikita stares at him, she looks away, sees Michael approaching, passing Nikita, Walter sees him, and calls out to him.
Walter: Hey Michael, hey hold on! (Michael keeps walking, Walter chases him) Where are you going, you know I can't let you back here. (it's a distraction; Nikita, watches them and goes over to where Walter was logging in the weapons. She presses a button and takes out what a router, hides it quickly in her bag.) Well... well I can help you if you just tell me what you want.
Michael: I need a note from Zalman, is that it?
Walter: No... no... look, nobody is with Operations on this, but it didn't happen for you and it can't change the rules.
Nikita rushes back to where she was before Walter left to talk to Michael. Michael and Walter walking back. Michael comes over to Nikita.
Michael: We're going out in a hour.
Walter: You're going to have a swell time.
Nikita: We'll be okay. (smiling)
Walter: Watch your flank.
Nikita: Thanks. (smiling)
Walter: Maybe, you better watch his, too. (Nikita slightly smirks, staring at Walter) What are you looking at, Sugar?
Nikita: Just the best part of my day. (smiling as she leaves)
Walter: (smiling) Keep on talking like that, I'll forget how old I am.
Nikita stops, turns looks at Walter smiling, Walter the same. Walter turns, he goes back to log in the weapons, Nikita leaving, looking at him slightly sad.

MISSION

A huge truck going along the road, Nikita driving, Michael is in the passenger's side.
Nikita: How long you think will it take them to know we've got the field router? (Michael presses buttons)
Michael: Once we use it, they'll know.
Nikita: Then they'll come after us?
Michael: (looking at Nikita) That's right.
Nikita: Michael are you running away because you lost a post to Zalman? (Michael is slightly edgy)
Michael: In Section, you either move up or move out.
Nikita: I understand that Michael, I just don't understand why you need me.
Michael: (looking ahead) I don't need you. (pauses) I want you. (Nikita smiles)

SECTION ONE - PRIVATE DINING ROOM

Operations is at the table having coffee. He's listening to the mission and watching on two monitors, one showing the mission, the other one a view of Comm where Zalman and Birkoff doing tactical.
Zalman: Status.
Birkoff: Seven teams deployed. Team one will make target, they will have two minutes to secure the nucleus station, shut down communications and acquire Tomas before the satellite teams hit.
Zalman: Michael's team?
Birkoff: They're within the perimeter now.

MISSION

Nikita and Michael approaching in the truck. The truck stops, operatives in the back get out, as also Michael in front. Michael is dressed in a brown jacket and pants. Michael and other operatives take position around the building. As the other operatives leave, Nikita gets out of the truck. Michael opens the door of the house, checks the house which is empty.
Back at section monitoring, Birkoff on computer, Zalman beside him listening to the mission.
Zalman: Status report, do you have Tomas?
Michael: Condition blue, the location is clear.
Zalman: You didn't find anything?
Michael: Looks like they pulled out in the last twenty-four hours.
As other operatives go downstairs to check the basement, Michael leaves and walks out the door. Nikita is standing by the truck. Michael stands in the doorway, Nikita runs over towards him, he opens the door for her.
Michael: This way.
She follows, they leave through another entrance of the house. As they run away, Zalman is calling out to him on his earpiece.
Zalman: (impatient) Michael... Michael status! Look is there any indication whatsoever that they might have had an advanced warning?
Michael: Yes they knew... end of report.
Michael turns on the router, an alarm goes off back at Section and the video feed on the monitors flickers.
Zalman: What the hell is going on? Michael?
Birkoff stares at the monitor, Operations turns off his screen, angry, gets up to leave.
Zalman: Michael!
Birkoff: It's a jamming signal.
Zalman: Michael!
Birkoff: I've got to shift op frequencies and try to get comm back.
Michael: (to Nikita) Let's go. (They run away through the woods)
Birkoff: Try it. (pressing buttons)
Zalman: Michael... Michael?
Operatives coming out of the house, they hear Zalman.
Zalman: Can anyone hear me?
Fredericks: This is team 2... Fredericks.
Zalman: Thank God, where the hell is Michael?
Fredericks: Ah sir, we don't exactly know.
Zalman: What do you mean, you don't know? (Birkoff listening, concerned)
Frederick: He's missing sir, Nikita too.
Zalman: Both of them?
Fredericks: I've got personnel on teams going over the area (Zalman angry, taking off earpiece, looking at Birkoff)
Zalman: How in the hell did this happen?
Birkoff: (shocked) Somehow they got their hands on a section field router, it's programmed with all of Section's codes and frequencies.
Zalman leaves, goes to Munitions.
Zalman: Walter!
Walter: (turns and looks) Yeah?
Zalman: Get out here! A field router!
Walter: What about it?
Zalman: Check your inventory!
Walter confused, checks. Zalman looks angry, looks at Walter. Walter sees one missing.
Walter: You're right, one is missing. Someone must have taken it.
Zalman: Just so that you fully understand how I work here. I don't tolerate mistakes.
Walter: Then don't make one bigger then you already have.
Operations: Zalman... my office now!
Zalman: I'm on my way sir. (angry) To be continued, Walter.

THE PERCH

Operations is waiting for him. Zalman pauses, then comes in.
Operations: You are aware, as Head Strategist, that any mission failure is your responsibility.
Zalman: I'm aware of that, yes.
Operations: You're also aware that any failure on your part is my responsibility.
Zalman: Sir... I... (Operations cuts him off)
Operations: Listen to me, I put you in charge of this mission.
Zalman: I won't let you down.
Operations: You already have, make no mistake about that.
Zalman: (sincere) Sir, we'll find out what happened.
Operations: Oh, I'll tell you what happened. (walking over to Zalman) Michael left because I passed him over for you and he took Nikita with him. You should have anticipated that variable. (Zalman looks scared)
Zalman: We'll find them.
Operations: Not standing in here, you won't. (Operations walks away, Zalman pauses, then leaves)

COUNTRY ROAD

An old truck travels along the road, it stops, Michael and Nikita get out. They hitched a ride from a stranger.
Nikita: Merci.
Michael: Merci beaucoup.
Nikita and Michael begin walking on the dirt road with backpacks.

WHITE ROOM

Operations and Madeline are walking along in Section, they go through a door. Walter is strapped to a chair. Zalman is pressing a button, which is shocking Walter. The device on his head, Walter is in pain, Zalman is smiling.
Zalman: You gave him the field router... why?
Walter: (gasping and in pain) I gave them nothing.
Zalman: You answer me Walter. (walking around the room; Operations and Madeline are looking in through a glass wall) Or we can start this procedure right from the top.
Walter: I did answer you.
Zalman looks angry, he shocks him again. Two red lights on the device on Walter's head comes on, Walter is in pain. Madeline and Operations are staring, Madeline who looks displeased at what she sees, looks at Operations.
Madeline: How far are you going to let Zalman take this?
Zalman: You see, I expect being involved with them that you know where they are too.
Walter: You can go straight to h... (Zalman cuts him off by zapping him again, Walter's eyes roll, total pain.)
Operations: Zalman, that's enough, turn it down.
Zalman: Sir, I will get him to talk.
Operations: Walter, did you do it?
Walter: (shaking his head) No.
Operations: (to Zalman) It's over, you heard him.
Zalman: (angry) Sir!
Operations: (strongly) Get him out of there.
Zalman presses a button, that turns the device off, Walter gives him a look, breathes a sigh of relief.

FARMHOUSE

Nikita and Michael walk up to it. Michael opens a shutter on a window, looking at Nikita, he opens the door. Michael goes in, holds the door open for her, staring at her, Nikita looking around smiling.
Nikita: How did you find this place?
Michael: I saw it when we were doing aerial reconnaissance, I noticed it because it was over 50 km from a population zone. (Michael lays the field router in a box)
Nikita: Who owns it?
Michael: I do. (starting a fire)
Nikita: (surprised) Really?
Michael: And I bought the land around it. 100 acres.
Nikita: (walking around) I like it. (opening a door, looks in. There's a truck. She closes the door)
Nikita: Oh it must be beautiful here in the summer.
Michael puts wood in the fireplace, looking at Nikita.
Nikita: (finds some records) These look like they've been around.
She puts one on, it's "Ma jeunesse fout le camp" by Françoise Hardy. She sits down watching Michael prepare something to eat.
Nikita: (smiling) I didn't realize you had such talent in the kitchen, Michael.
Michael: There's still a lot of things that you don't know about me. (looking at her) Maybe it's time you learned.
Nikita looks pleased. The fire is burning, Nikita lying down, she looks and sees Michael coming in with wood.
Nikita: How long do you think we'll stay here?
Michael: Not long enough!
Michael sits on the opposite end of the couch, Nikita gets up and turns and lays back, her head resting by Michael's leg, he's looking down at her.
Nikita: I'm so glad you brought me here. I wish we could stay.
Michael: (pauses) Let's not think about the future. Let's just enjoy this while it lasts.
Nikita: (shivering) You know, I couldn't get that window closed today.
Michael: I've got to go into town tomorrow and get some things, I'll pick up a new latch. (looking down at her)
Nikita: So I'll be cold tonight then.
Michael throws the blanket over her. She smiles. Michael looks at her, his hand comes down on her shoulder.
Nikita: Thank you. (Michael looks up)

MADELINE'S OFFICE

Operations comes to see Madeline.
Operations: What's so important?
Madeline: I reviewed the psych files on both Michael and Nikita. I'm not convinced they're renegade.
Operations: They took the router, that's how they escaped.
Madeline: Maybe this was motivated externally.
Operations: Extortion?
Madeline: Perhaps, but in any case, my instincts tell me that this wasn't a collaboration. Michael's up to something.
Operations: What are you suggesting?
Madeline: If their actions are being controlled, let's find out who it is before we walk into a trap.
Operations: (nodding) Interesting, thank you. (Madeline smiling as Operations leaves, she watches him leave)

COMM CENTER

Birkoff: Closest I can place them is, they're still in Belgium. yeah, southeast of Brussels.
Zalman: This is reliable?
Birkoff: In fact given the distortion, there's an error radius of 16 km. It's the best we're going to get.

SECTION ONE - HALLWAY

Zalman comes downstairs fast. He sees Madeline walking and he stops.
Zalman: Hello Madeline, oh, listen Madeline? (she stops and turns towards him - he walks over to her) You can assure Operations, I will find Michael and Nikita.
Madeline: That's not a good sign.
Zalman: (confused) Sorry, what's not?
Madeline: Using a third party to mediate communications. It's an indication of instability.
Madeline leaves, Zalman is speechless. Madeline then goes to visit Walter who is having his pulse checked by a woman doctor.
Madeline: Hello Walter.
Walter: Hmmmmm. (nodding)
Madeline: It wouldn't have been my choice to handle matters this way, but you know I couldn't interfere. (very emotional)
Walter: What is happening to this place? This would never have happened back then. We all had our jobs, we did them, we were a team, we respected each other.
Madeline: We didn't change Walter, the world did. (concern)
Walter slightly smiles and looks away.

FARMHOUSE

Michael is going up steps with a candle, Nikita behind him also holding a candle, hesitating. He walks towards the bed, Michael is on one side, Nikita on the other. The two candles on different sides of the bed. Nikita sits on the bed, Michael sits on a chair beside the bed, taking off his shoes. Nikita looks back at him, puts her head down toward her lap, hands on her head, she looks upset.
Nikita: How is this going to work?
Michael looks up, side on to Nikita, but not looking at her.
Michael: We can be careful, take things slowly. (Nikita nods)
Nikita: There's another option, I mean, (smiling) we can live the day like its our last.
Michael side on then looks at Nikita.
Michael: It very well could be.
Nikita turns around, stares at him, both showing intense looks, Nikita looks away.
The next morning, Nikita awakes, stretches and smile. She reaches for Michael beside her, but he's gone, she looks startled and gets up.
Nikita: Michael? Michael?
Still calling his name as she goes downstairs, she gets her gun, looks around, looking out the window, sees a note on the table, it's from Michael "went to town, be back by noon".

TOWN

Michael leaving a store named "Epicerie et Boulangerie", bags in his hand. Mentz from a car shoots at Michael who tries to escape but is hit and falls to the ground. A dart is stuck in his shoulder, the operatives take him.

VAN ACCESS

Operations, Madeline, and Walter are walking to the loading door. The door opens, Michael is being led in a blue straight jacket. Michael stops as Zalman is there.
Operations: (to Michael) You know what's going to happen. Tell us where the router is, Michael.
Zalman: Take him to containment.
Operatives take Michael passing Zalman who watches. Madeline and Walter are staring. Zalman walks to Birkoff's station.
Zalman: What about Nikita?
Birkoff: We still haven't found her.
Zalman: Come on, she must be close.
Birkoff: The terrain is difficult, the roads are rough, she could be anywhere.
Zalman: Don't tell me about the labor pains okay, just show me the baby!
Birkoff: I'll see if there are any choppers in the area we could call in.
Zalman: I want the entire area covered.

FARMHOUSE

Nikita is watching a truck approaching. Nikita gets her gun and loads it, takes the backpacks and hides in a secret place in the floor. She forgets to take the router with her. Operatives come in and search the house.
Male op: She's not up here, look for the router.
Nikita remembers that it's still out where they could see it. She sneaks up and gets the router in time, then goes back down and hides.
Male op: They have the signal blocked off. (They leave, Nikita is glad)

WHITE ROOM

Michael is strapped to a chair, Michael going through the same torture as Walter. Zalman pressing the button, shocking Michael. Michael sweating non stop and in pain. Zalman then drops the device that is shocking Michael.
Zalman: Is she really worth all this Michael, or would she do even half as much for you?
Michael looks angry, staring at him, Zalman turns away, shakes his head in disbelief at not being able to break him.
Zalman: You know they briefed me about the two of you, Michael and Nikita, Nikita and Michael. But having read your file, I must tell you, I'm surprised. This far, for what... hmmmm? Love... you? I find that very hard to believe. (just then the door opens, the Torture Twins come in) Either I severely misread, you, or this is all about something else. (no emotion on Michael's face) Where is she? Make it extremely unpleasant. (Zalman leaves. Walter at Comm by Birkoff is watching on a screen, upset)
Walter: No, I don't need to see this.

THE PERCH

Birkoff looks up at Operations walk back and forth in his office. Zalman comes to see Operations.
Zalman: Sir? Is there a problem?
Operations: How is it going?
Zalman: Well you were right, he's very resistant, Sir, but I think one more session should do it.
Operations: No, I know him, he'll die first.
Zalman: Are you saying I should stop?
Operations: No, I'd like you to try a different approach.

WHITE ROOM

Michael still in the chair, looks tired, looking down, the door opens. Zalman enters smirking, snaps his fingers at the torture twins.
Zalman: Get out. A very impressive showing Michael. (whispers) You know, they now wish they had given the promotion to you. And all of this for some second rate blonde whore. (Michael looks up at him, although tired) I mean with so many important things in the world worth dying for. Oh that reminds me, before you do die, there is something I'd like you to take a look at (smiling), special presentation Michael, a live feed just for you.
Michael doesn't look at the screen, Zalman standing by a monitor in the room. It shows Adam, Michael's son, playing outdoors.
Zalman: You know as thorough as I thought I've been, I had no idea until about an hour ago that you had a son. (Michael then looks at the screen, intensely. Adam is kicking the soccer ball outdoors with another boy) Now that is something worth dying for. (a close up of Adam, pain on Michael's face) Something worth living for. (pauses) I know you hate me, Michael. I mean when you're someone like me, you try not to be too concerned about what other people think. (Zalman smirks) So hate me, until your dying breath if you must but you may not want to take that dying breath until you're absolutely sure that your son is safe from the likes of me. (Michael looks at the screen, closes his eyes, his head goes back, Zalman watches smiling) Game over Michael, where's Nikita? I'm sorry Michael, I can't hear you, (strongly) speak up.
Michael: (lots of pain) She's at a farmhouse, 5km, southwest of town (Zalman is pleased, he leaves, Michael turns and looks at the door)

FARMHOUSE

Nikita in the dark staring out the window, looks worried, she has the gun in her hand, just then she sees men running toward the house shooting at the glass. Nikita shoots a couple of operatives, she's on the floor, a male operative stands over her.
Nikita: (confused) How did you find me?
Male op: Michael gave you up.
Nikita: (shaking her head) I don't believe that. (just then someone shoots the two operatives, Zalman comes in)
Nikita: (shocked) Zalman.
Zalman: It's over Nikita, where is the field router?
Nikita: (shocked) You killed your own team!
Zalman: (shaking his head) Not my team, now where is the field router?
Nikita: You're Red Cell.
Zalman: (nodding and smiling) You know what they say, don't give up the day job. (Zalman stands over Nikita, aiming the gun at her, she looks frightened)
Zalman: What is it about you people? Michael, you? What is it that convinces you that all this is worth dying for?
Nikita: It's people like you.
Zalman nods, leaning down to Nikita.
Zalman: At this very moment, Michael is strapped into a chair, waiting. If I were to go back empty handed... (Zalman tries to kiss her, she looks away, he searches her jacket, he finds the router, he helps her up) I suppose, now that I got this my rising career at Section would have come to an end. (Nikita looks frightened) You know the amazing thing about this unit is that it transmits and receives simultaneously. But when I turn this on, Nikita, they'll think they've located you. (he leans in and kisses her, he kisses her neck, she looks frightened) It should take them about an hour to get here wouldn't you say?
As he kisses her neck, Nikita is looking ahead, out of nowhere, see a gun against Zalman's back, it's Michael, all other operatives that were shot by Zalman and herself get up, alive.
Zalman: (shocked) It can't be.
Nikita: You think about it long enough, it'll come to you.
She slaps him across the face, Zalman then is taken away, everyone leaves, except for Nikita and Michael. Michael looks at at Nikita, emotional, Nikita looks down, then at him.

SECTION ONE - PRIVATE DINING ROOM

Madeline and Operations are having dinner.
Madeline: You could have told me.
Operations: Your knowing wouldn't have given us an advantage.
Madeline: It took me nine hours to figure it out, I could have used that time elsewhere.
Operations: I actually factored in ten hours, as usual, you exceed my expectations. They were no pressing actions elsewhere, it had no impact.
Madeline: How long has Zalman been arbitrary?
Operations: 14 weeks, Birkoff discovered unusual amounts of black time in his residence.
Madeline: If you had suspicions, why didn't you take Zalman directly to interrogation?
Operations: I wanted to, but Oversight felt he had upward potential. They wanted proof.
Michael goes into the white room.
Madeline: Have you found where Zalman planted their devices yet?
Operations: Michael is working on that now.

WHITE ROOM

Michael comes in. Zalman is strapped to a chair, the Torture Twins are inside but they leave. Zalman is shaking, has marks under his eyes, Michael behind him, then standing in front of him.
Michael: I need to ask you a couple of questions. Where's Vincent Tomas?
Zalman: Belgrade.
Michael: How many CCD's have you installed in Section?
Zalman: Six.
Michael: I'll need their locations.
Zalman: Yes, of course.

MUNITIONS

Operations walks over to Walter.
Operations: Walter. (Walter thinking) You've been debriefed, you know why these things happened the way they did.
Walter: (nodding) Yes.
Operations: You endured considerable pain on behalf of the Section without complaint, without incident.
Walter: (laughing) What are you going to do, pin a medal on me? (Operations smiling)
Operations: You know Walter, when I was a prisoner of war (Walter looks up) I made friends with one of the guards. (smiling) It was war, we were on opposite sides (Walter nods) but we made friends anyway. (Walter looks at Operations) He gave me this (holds up a white crystal) it's suppose to help relieve the pain of life (smiling and laughing) but I never believed, I didn't throw it away either. (rubbing it in his hands, Walter smiles, Operations hands it to him)
Operations: I want you to have it. (Walter looks at Operations) Take a month off.
Operations walks away, Walter surprised, watches him leave.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

Michael is pouring up a glass of wine for him and Nikita, French music playing, he hands her a glass of wine.
Nikita: (smiles) Thank you.
Michael: Dinner was wonderful, thank you. (standing over her, Nikita smiles)
Nikita: Well it wasn't as good as the meal you cooked at the cabin. (Michael stares, Nikita drinks wine)
Michael: (looking at Nikita) I liked it there.
Nikita looks at him and nods, smiling. Quiet moment, both staring away as the music is louder, Nikita is staring away as she speaks.
Nikita: (sad) You know it can't be casual between you and me. (shakes her head) I can't do that.
She looks up at Michael then down. Michael looks at her intensely.
Michael: (pauses, sincere) I know.
Nikita's eyes are very emotional as well as Michael's. They look at each other, Michael holds up his glass to her, she does the same, she has tears in her eyes. Michael drinks looking at her, Nikita still holding the glass out, she lays her glass down.

THE END
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