Opening Night Jitters
Transcript by Cathy

The episode begins with flashbacks to the first two episodes.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

French music is playing. Nikita is lying back on the couch. The phone rings. She sits up and goes to pick up her cell phone.
Nikita: Hello.
Michael: Josephine.
Nikita: Yeah.

SECTION ONE

Nikita arrives, looks up in the Perch and sees Operations, Madeline and Michael up there talking. She walks over to Birkoff.
Nikita: What's going on?
Birkoff: Things are heating up. We've correlated three incidents in the last week and we've got intel on some new ones.
Nikita: So I'm going out?
Birkoff: I don't know why Michael called you in yet. They're filling him in now.
Nikita: These incidents - they correlate to?
Birkoff: Vacek.
Nikita: How long have you known Michael was married to his daughter?
Birkoff: Not long. I've been monitoring Vacek for years. I just found out about Michael a few weeks ago, pretty much when you did.
Nikita: Has Section ever done this before?
Birkoff: Develop a blood cover? (Nikita nods) No. Vacek's a special case. I've never come up against anyone this insulated. With guys like Hussein, Abu Nidal, you get an interval once in a while. Not Vacek.
Michael comes down from the Perch.
Michael: Nikita.
Nikita: Yeah.
Michael: You're having dinner at my place tonight.
Nikita: Why?
Michael: Operations wants a confirm. You'll provide visual.
Nikita: Confirm what?
Michael: They've asked me to poison Elena.
Michael: Vacek's already begun a new wave of strikes against the west. We can't wait any longer. We have to draw him out.
Nikita: By poisoning his daughter?
Michael: Madeline thinks he's vulnerable in that area.
Nikita: Would you kill her to get to him?
Michael: The drug will only simulate fatal illness.
Nikita: Maybe for a couple of days. After that, she'll die.

MUNITIONS

Walter is showing Nikita the poison. Nikita is nervous, twisting her shirt in her hands as he instructs her.
Walter: It has a yellow tint. Don't put it in her water. Wine or coffee only. Push the release button once, right here. It'll dispense the proper dosage.
Michael: Let's go.

MICHAEL AND ELENA'S HOUSE

They are having dinner with Adam and Nikita.
Elena: So, how's the new place coming? Are you all moved in?
Nikita: Just about. I'm just waiting to get a few more chairs and then I can have people over.
Elena: I still wish you'd let me help you with everything.
Nikita: I'd just rather do it on my own. (Nikita still nervous, playing with her necklace.)
Michael: Are we having wine?
Elena: I knew I forgot something. What should we have Michael, red or white? (Flash to Operations, watching on his monitor)
Michael: Red.
Elena: Great. I've been wanting to try this Merlot. (Elena pours wine as Michael and Nikita exchange a "look") Congratulations on the job, the apartment and now all we have to do is find you a boyfriend. (they toast)
Nikita: This is great, thanks.
Adam: I want some.
Michael: You do? How old are you?
Adam: Mmmm....thirty? (Nikita smiles)
Michael: Show me your I.D. (Adam passes a napkin to him; he pretends to inspect it.) Everything's in order. You can have some.
Elena: Not too much, Michael.
Michael: He'll be fine. (Pours Adam some wine). Cheers!
Adam: (clinks glasses with him) Cheers!
Nikita: This rice is delicious.
Elena: I'm glad you like it. It's a special Basmati. You know, Michael and I found these great chairs at an antique store downtown. I'll give you the address. (She notices Michael kind of zoning out) Michael? Are you done?
Michael: Sorry, yes, thank you. (She removes his plate and gets up to take it away. Michael casts a glance at Nikita and then Adam. Nikita deliberately drops her spoon.)
Nikita: Adam, can you pick my spoon up for me? Thanks, sweetheart. (As Adam is not looking, Michael poisons Elena's wine. Operations and Madeline watch on a monitor. Madeline looks like she's feeling sorry for Michael. Elena then returns and picks up her glass. At the last minute, Michael grabs the candlestick, and as he does so knocks Elena's glass to the table spilling the wine.)
Michael: Watch it! Adam!
Elena: What happened?
Michael: Adam almost knocked over the candlestick.
Adam: No, I didn't!
Michael: It's okay. No harm done.
Flash to Operations and Madeline. Operations looks mad; Madeline looks very troubled.

MADELINE'S OFFICE

She is sitting at her desk and Michael walks in.
Madeline: Unfortunately I can't say I was surprised. So it wasn't a singularity?
Michael: No.
Madeline: (stands to confront him) Under normal circumstances, I would strip you of your class five status and take you out from your cover. However, the situation with Vacek is too volatile. We can't make any ripples for the time being. You've left us now with few alternatives. We're going to try a new approach. There's a briefing in ten minutes. (Michael goes to leave) Michael? (she pauses) Operations was very disappointed.
He leaves; she closes her eyes for a long moment.

BRIEFING ROOM

Operations: Yesterday financial markets free fell until programmed interdiction closed trading. We pierced the corporate veil of nineteen multinational holding companies dumping their technology positions. All nineteen companies are controlled by Salla Vacek.
Michael: He may only be realigning assets.
Operations: No. He's liquidating. We've seen an acceleration of his strikes over the last two months. It's nothing compared to what he'll be able to do now. Birkoff?
Birkoff: We've been running a zero-risk strategy on Vacek's couriers and recon people, to protect Michael's position. That's about to change.
Operations: Michael and Elena are still being watched. I've asked tactical to come up with a low-profile way to seed one of his people. They should come up with something in a few hours. You're on standby.

AN APARTMENT

A man lies alone in bed. A laser type light flashes across the room. Flash to Birkoff in Section, monitoring the situation.
Birkoff: Allright, I'm in. He's alone in there. Team one, start sequencing.
Michael fries the fuse box; lights go out all over the house. He puts on his night vision goggles and takes out two men walking down the hallway. He takes a pass card from one man's pocket.
Michael: Hallway clear. Send in Housekeeping.
A team enters wearing night vision goggles. The Torture Twins are among them. They enter the sleeping man's room.
Birkoff: Hold a second. Okay, go ahead.
The female Torture Twin injects the man with something. They also have electronic equipment and a keyboard. They put a monitor on the man's head and place a plastic screen over his face. The female Torture Twin nods.
Michael: We're set.
Birkoff: All right, they're ready for you.
He is seated in the White Room that has a viewing area. Inside the White Room, Madeline stands in front of an electronic gadget. The lights go out and it shines on her face. A hologram of her face is projected into the man's room right above his face.
Madeline: Hello, Mr. Beckman. Can you hear me?
Beckman: (awakens) Yes.
Madeline: You are in this city to do work for a man. What is his name?
Beckman: Salla Vacek. He has brown hair. I am afraid of him. I once noticed his shoes.
Madeline: I'm not interested in his shoes. (to the twins) Adjust him down. You are in this city to do work for a man, what is his name?
Beckman: Salla Vacek.
Madeline: Good. Where is he now?

THE PERCH

There is a beep and Operations goes to his monitor.
Operations: Yes, Birkoff?
Birkoff: Beckman gave up the location on Vacek. We sent six teams in to verify.
Operations: And Beckman's condition?
Birkoff: He took well to the process. He won't remember anything. He'll think he slept through the night.
Operations: Good.

VACEK'S COMPOUND

Mischa: I just spoke with our friends in North Africa. They're waiting for your call. Also, after tomorrow's incident, we plan on leaking a statement to all international news agencies claiming responsibility. Unless of course you'd like us to hold off.
Vacek: Tell me about Elena.
Mischa: We are maintaining our positions and continue to investigate her primary relationships.
Vacek: It's been over two weeks. Have you found anything that would suggest I shouldn't meet her?
Mischa: No.
Vacek: Fine. Then contact her and set something up.
Mischa: It's still too early. We simply do not have enough information. This is not a good time to be reckless. Please, Salla. (Places his hand on his shoulder)
Vacek: (sighs) Of course. You're right. Go forward with the statements to the news service. And, uh, get me North Africa.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

There is a knocking at her door. She looks at the monitor and sees a man's bald head.
Nikita: Yes? (annoyed…it's Mick Schtoppel)
Mick: Hello, hello! You are looking very Dolce Gabbana.
Nikita: Well, you're looking very…Mick Schtoppel. What are you doing here?
Mick: Isn't that the question of the hour. Fine. I'm your new neighbor! (walks past her into the apartment). As in next door. You know, water the plant, borrow the sugar. Hey? (He looks in her refrigerator) Nice. Studio décor. Very interesting. I can live with it though. I mean, I won't be here all day, every day.
Nikita: You're very funny, Mick.
Mick: Hahaha, no joke. (he picks up a bottle and drinks from it) Ah! That bubble thing. You got anything flat?
Nikita: Why don't you just cut the drivel and tell me what you want?
Mick: Unlike you, doll, my contract with Section is a bit more tenuous, to say the least. I mean, they use me for my ability to move freely in the world. The French call it savoir faire.
Nikita: You're a lowlife informant, Mick.
Mick: Ouch, baby. The fact of the matter is, they've always housed me next door to an operative. Do you know Terry De Haan? Terry, you know (makes a gesture like he's imitating a big man with muscles), Terry?
Nikita: What about him?
Mick: Lived next door to him, up until a couple of days ago. Poor chap got himself blown to bits. Diabolical liberty, that. Oh (spots a sculpture), very nice.
Nikita: So you're telling me that Section's moved you in next door to me?
Mick: You got it.
Nikita: Why?
Mick: Oh, two birds with one stone I suppose. My information moves in quicker, you get to keep an eye on me. Think of yourself as a conduit to my valuable flow.
Nikita: Shut up, Mick.

SECTION ONE

Michael walks up to Birkoff who is plotting something on a map screen.
Michael: What is it?
Birkoff: A team checked in. The location Beckman gave us was cold.
Michael: Was it Vacek's?
Birkoff: Yes, but he left more than a week ago. It was abandoned. We're bringing in samples; we'll run them.
Michael: Did Beckman withhold the truth?
Birkoff: No, he told us what he knew. He was at least two weeks out of Vacek's confidence.
Michael: What now?
Birkoff: I don't know. They're discussing it.
Michael leaves, looks up at the Perch and sees Operations and Madeline talking. She sees him and looks down. She still looks angry at him, and she's wearing the big red ring from "Last Night". Operations sees her looking and turns. Michael walks out.

MICHAEL AND ELENA'S HOUSE

Michael arrives home.
Michael: Elena? (no answer; he goes upstairs.) Elena? (worried. He finds her upstairs, on a couch, seemingly asleep. whispers) Elena? (She awakens)
Elena: Michael.
Michael: Are you okay?
Elena: I'm fine. I must have fallen asleep. What are you doing home so early?
Michael: The last meeting was cancelled.
Elena: Good. You look tired. Are you hungry?
Michael: No, I'm fine. (they hug) I'm fine.
Elena: I had a nightmare.

Later, a light goes on upstairs. Elena is heard coughing. Michael wakes up hearing it and goes to the bathroom.
Michael: Elena?
Elena: (she is sweating and pale, kneeling inside the bathroom) I don't know what's wrong with me.

THE HOSPITAL

Voice over the loudspeakers: "Dr. St. Pierre to Admitting, Dr. St. Pierre to Admitting". Michael is standing there, leaning on the wall. Nikita walks up.
Nikita: How is she?
Michael: They don't know yet. They're doing some tests.
Nikita: Where's Adam?
Michael: With a neighbor.
Nikita: So how are you doing?
Michael: Why are you here?
Nikita: Madeline sent me. She wants you to stay here in case Vacek shows. So how did it happen?
Michael: Section must have gotten to her while I was on the mission. That's why they sent me out. (he sounds very guilty) If she dies they die.
Nikita's mouth falls open; she's shocked.

VACEK'S COMPOUND

Vacek: Mischa. I wasn't expecting you back until tomorrow.
Mischa: I have some unfortunate news, sir.
Vacek: What?
Mischa: Your daughter is ill. She is in the hospital.
Vacek: What's wrong?
Mischa: They suspect spinal meningitis.
Vacek: How serious, Mischa?
Mischa: She could die.

THE HOSPITAL

Michael and the doctor.
Doctor: There's nothing to do right now except wait and see how she responds to the treatment.
Michael goes in to Elena and takes her hand.
Michael: Elena. (She opens her eyes)
Elena: Michael.
Michael: Shhhhh.
He exits the room and sits down on a bench outside. A man starts to speak to him.
Man: Horrible places, hospitals.
Michael: Yes.
Man: (griping about the magazine he's holding) Never anything current. (Gets up and sits on the other side of Michael) I'm afraid you'll have to leave your wife for a few hours.
Michael: Excuse me?
Man: If you care for the well being of your wife, you'll come with us. (He shows a gun) Without incident. (Other men arrive)
Back at Section, Birkoff watches on his monitor and beeps Operations.
Birkoff: Okay, good. Sir? They've made their move. Michael's leaving the hospital.
Operations: And he's been stripped of surveillance?
Birkoff: Yes, he's clean.
Operations: Then let him go.

VACEK'S COMPOUND

A Jaguar pulls up. The men exit the car, leading Michael who has a bag over his head.
Mischa: We didn't have to bring him here. We could have used a more disposable location.
Vacek: There's no time, Mischa.
Mischa: (to Michael, whose hood has been removed) There's somebody that would like to meet you.
Vacek: Mischa, I want to be alone. (To Michael) How is she?
Michael: You're Elena's father?
Vacek: Yes.
Michael: What do you want from me?
Vacek: How's my daughter?
Michael: You kidnap me to find out about Elena? (Vacek says nothing) She's dying, that's how she is.
Vacek: What can I do to help?
Michael: Nothing, there's no chance of recovery. If you want to help Elena, you'll let me go. She needs me and there's not much time.
Vacek: I'd like to send my doctors to see her.
Michael: There's nothing they can do. She's with the best people. Just let me go.
Vacek: No matter. I'd still like to send them.
Michael: Fine. Can I go now?
Vacek: Mischa! You can take him back.
Michael: You'll have to learn to accept the loss of your daughter just like she had to learn to accept the loss of her father.
Vacek: You know, I wish I had the choice to live a different life. No one else can do what needs to be done.
Michael: What are you talking about? Who are you? (emotional)
Vacek: Apparently someone who is powerless to even help his own daughter. Go on. Return to Elena. My men will take you back.
Michael: Why don't you come with me? So she won't die wondering if her father even cares?
Vacek: I can't.
Michael leaves.

MICHAEL AND ELENA'S HOUSE

Nikita is babysitting Adam; they are looking at family photos.
Nikita: What's that?
Adam: That's me when I was a baby.
Nikita: Oh, let me see. Yeah.
Adam: That's me and Daddy at Christmas.
Nikita: That's very sweet, great picture. What's this here?
Adam: That's me.
Nikita: Happy birthday.
Adam: That's me on my bike.
Nikita: Was that your first bike?
Adam: Yeah.
Nikita: And what's this here with that big trophy?
Adam: That's me at karate. I won the trophy and medal.
Nikita: Did Daddy teach you karate?
Adam: No, I learned it all by myself at karate school. (they turn the page) That's me, Daddy and Mommy.
Nikita: Okay, come on. Bedtime.
Adam: I'm not tired.
Nikita: Oh, come on. You can put your pajamas on and I'll read you a story. Okay?
Adam: Okay.
Nikita: Good boy.
Nikita finds a few loose pictures, of Michael and Elena looking very happy together. She looks sad.

SECTION ONE

Operations and Madeline are looking at a holoscreen of a bombing site as Birkoff talks.
Birkoff: This is coming off the live feed, right from Mexico City. Crystal Globe has claimed responsibility.
Operations: Vacek?
Birkoff: Yeah, it's one of his groups.
Operations: I thought our intel had this in the far east?
Birkoff: We were wrong.
Madeline: Maybe not. There may be another right behind this. Keep those sectors active.
There is a beeping on Birkoff's computer.
Operations: Who is it?
Birkoff: I don't know. An encrypted channel. (He punches a few keys) It's Michael.
Operations: Michael. Where are you?
Michael: At the hospital. Vacek's men just dropped me off.
Operations: Did you see Vacek?
Michael: Yes, but he won't come himself.
Madeline: What about the location?
Michael: Three hours by private jet; another hour by car. Send the antidote for Elena; Vacek's not coming.
Madeline: I'm sure that's what he conveyed. He doesn't know it himself yet but he will come.
Michael: The symptoms are killing her.
Madeline: That's a chance we'll have to take.

THE HOSPITAL

Nikita hands a glass of water to Adam.
Adam: Thank you.
Nikita: That should feel better.
Inside Elena's room, Michael is sitting by her bed.
Elena: Michael?
Michael: I'm right here.
Elena: Where's Adam?
Michael: He's out in the hall with Nikita.
Elena: Could I be alone with him for a moment please?
Michael: Of course. (He goes out to Adam and Nikita)
Adam: Is Mommy better yet?
Michael: Mommy wants to talk to you. It's very important that you be a good boy.
Adam: I am a good boy.
Michael: I know you are. I just want you to listen to what she says. Can you do that for me? (Adam nods) Let's go.
Adam: Mommy?
Elena: Come here, sweetheart. I have something important to say to you. I want you to listen to me, okay?
Michael leaves the room.
Nikita: Is Vacek coming?
Michael: It's possible.
Nikita: You can't just let her die, Michael. Call Walter. Get the name of whatever it was they put in that stuff and tell the doctors. It's not too late, Michael. There's still time.
Michael reaches for his cell phone but the phone rings inside Elena's room. Michael enters and sees Adam holding the phone.
Adam: Daddy, he says it's Grandpa coming to see Mommy!

COMM CENTER

Operations: Birkoff!
Birkoff: Our people are in place.
Operations: And Michael?
Birkoff: With Elena. He gave her the antidote; she's recovering.
Operations: We have all scenarios working?
Birkoff: Whatever he brings, we're ready.
Operations: Remember, nobody moves a finger until Michael makes the I.D. He's the only one who's seen Vacek.
Birkoff: Yes, sir.

THE HOSPITAL

Vacek's Jaguar pulls up and he and many of his men enter the hospital.
Male operative: (via comm set) Vacek's advance team is here.
Birkoff: How many?
Male operative: Twelve so far.
Birkoff: (into his microphone to Operations) Sir, they're lining the halls. What do we do about containment?
Operations: Make no adjustments. We should be able to handle this without harming innocents.
Inside Elena's room.
Elena: I feel a little better.
Michael: The doctor said you're going to be fine.
Elena: How's Adam?
Michael: He was a bit tired. But he's fine. Everything's fine now.
Vacek and his men proceed down the hallway. There are two of them with him. Nikita is sitting outside Elena's room. Vacek looks at her; she smiles.
Nikita: Hello.
Vacek doesn't answer; he enters the room.
Vacek: Hello Michael.
Michael: I'm glad you came. Elena, this is your father.
Elena: Hello.
Vacek: Elena.
Flash to Birkoff, at Section.
Birkoff: Okay, we've got confirmation. Take out his backup.
In the hospital hallways, operatives take out Vacek's men.
Back in Elena's room.
Vacek: I should have come sooner.
Elena: I've been asleep.
Vacek: I don't mean today. I should have come years ago.
Elena: I'm so glad.
Vacek: About what?
Elena: Because now Adam will know his grandfather. (Michael blinks back tears)
Vacek: (voice breaking) So much we could have done together.
Elena: There will still be time for that. (Vacek looks at Michael)
Michael: Her fever dropped. The doctor said her immune system suddenly responded.
Vacek: (looks suspicious) When did this happen?
Michael: A couple of hours ago. Say goodbye to Elena. (His voice is rough, almost crying)
Elena: He just got here.
Michael: You have to rest.
Vacek bends, kisses Elena's forehead, then turns around, waiting for something to happen. At that moment Nikita has to shoot Vacek's men in the hallway. He hears. A man enters Elena's room. Vacek is shot; Elena screams; Michael is shot and drops. Michael and Vacek lie on the floor. Outside the room, Nikita looks tired and emotionally spent.

THE PERCH

Operations is on the phone with George; Madeline is present.
Operations: Thank you George. No, it was a long, hard road. We're all glad it's over. Early intel gives us an excellent projection. What's left of Vacek's organization can be handled by lower agencies. I appreciate you saying that. Yes.
Madeline: He was pleased?
Operations: Oh, yes. You should follow through with your proposal for level nine. There should be no resistance at this point. (he smiles)
Madeline: Good.
There is a beep.
Operative voice: Sir, Michael's here.
Operations: Send him in. (Michael enters, looking depressed and repressing it) Congratulations. You carried off what everyone at Oversight considered an impossible task.
Madeline: Elena has been released from the hospital. Physically, she's fine.
Operations: And of course, she and Adam will be provided for. Full package.
Madeline: Would you like us to copy you on their progress reports? (Michael doesn't answer.) I think we should acknowledge the personal sacrifice Michael has made and give him some time alone. (She looks at Operations; he nods.)
Operations: Absolutely.
Madeline: You can go, Michael.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

Nikita is drinking wine, a tear falls from her eye. There is a knock at the door. It's Mick.
Nikita: Mick, I don't have time for your nonsense tonight. Could you please just go be somewhere else?
Mick: Can I talk to you? Please?
Nikita: All right.
Mick: They told me they were just going to move a guy from A to B. I didn't know they would blow up the car. If I had known that, I never would have let the girl go with them. I mean, she had nothing to do with it. Now, why didn't they tell me that?
Nikita: You want some tea? (he nods)
A very sad song plays; Michael wanders the street.

THE END

Edited by Dana
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