Kiss The Past Goodbye
Transcript by Northstar

OUTDOORS

Children playing hockey in a playground. Michael is sitting in a car watching Adam playing. He starts to videotape and then Elena comes into the view as she is watching Adam. Michael flashes back to when he was in the backyard and they planted the trees.
Elena: Come on Adam.
A man comes up to her and hands her a drink and then he goes over to Adam and picks him up. Michael flashes back again to a time when he did the same thing to Adam.

MUNITIONS

Michael comes walking up to him.
Walter: Michael. How was your down time? (Michael takes the disc out of the camera and hands the camera to Walter) You're welcome. Nice chatting with you.

COMM CENTER

Birkoff: Recycle this. (he hands something to another op) Then send it.
Michael: Birkoff.
Birkoff: Just a sec. I've got to finish downloading this. (Michael leans over and turns off the computer)
Michael: You’re finished. I need a complete background on this guy. (hands Birkoff the disk) Just do it.

BRIEFING

Operations: This is M? Lupo, Kinisky's replacement in the Vaduz? Region. Some of her business associates include numbers of high profile factions. Pan African Militia, Cobra Army and White Liberty. We believe the hardware being trafficked is coming from a reserve arsenal. The location of which has not yet been ascertained. (brings up another picture on the holo screen) Lupo's getaway retreat. A remote mountain chateau on the outskirts of Zermont. She's arriving tonight for a weekend tryst with her current companion. We need to extract her and return her for interrogation.
Michael: Any encumbrance on site?
Operations: We've taken certain steps to make sure that she is properly distracted.
Nikita: Her companion's a plant?
Operations: Valentine Operative, deep cover, been working her for months. (he pauses) We prep in 6 hours.

COMM CENTER

Michael: What have you got?
Birkoff: I'm running that photo through every disclosure in the system and I still come up empty. I realize that this is taking longer than expected but the man is a complete cipher. It's almost as though he doesn't exist.
Michael: Give me the chip.

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

Michael is at his computer. He is watching the tape he made of Adam. Nikita enters.
Nikita: Michael. We're in full prep.
Michael: Thank you.

OUTDOORS - NIGHTTIME

Michael takes out the guards and then heads inside the building. He takes out a few more inside and then enters a bedroom with a fire burning and a woman on the bed. It's Lupo.
Lupo: (to someone we can't see) Hurry. Champagne is getting warm.
Michael sneaks up behind her and puts a gun to her head. At the same time we see a man appear with a towel around his waist. It's the same guy that was with Elena. (Michael remembers what Ops said about a valentine op)
Corliss: If only you could have given us another 10 minutes.

VAN ACCESS

Michael, Corliss and other ops walk in with Lupo. As she is being taken to the white room Operations comes walking down the hall.
Michael: Why was Corliss assigned to Elena and Adam?
Operations: It's for their own protection. Ever since Elena's father was murdered the remnants of his terrorist organization have been looking for their betrayer. Intel has it that suspicion has fallen on Elena. Corliss was laid into her life as our eyes and ears. That's all you need to know. Stay out of it Michael if you care about the lives of Elena and Adam.
Michael: And you do?
They look at each other and then Operations walks away.

WHITE ROOM

Lupo is in the chair. Corliss and a few other ops are in the room. Madeline walks in.
Corliss: She's all yours.
Madeline: Thank you.
Corliss leaves the room and runs into Michael.
Michael: We need to talk.
Corliss: Okay.
Michael: What is your profile?
Corliss: My profile?
Michael: With Elena and Adam.
Corliss: Michael, you know better than to ask me.
Michael: I'm asking.
Corliss: Look I know how you must feel. Pulling back from a 7 year blood cover can't be easy. Especially with a child involved. For me this is just a short timer. Nothing personal.
Michael: I know. I've seen your work.
Corliss: You've got to stay detached Michael. It's the only way to do this job. (pause) Michael I realize she's been through hell but I can tell you this much, I'll look out for them just like you did. (he walks away)

THE PERCH

Operations is watching the screen. Madeline and Corliss are there as well.
Operations: Elena's father has been dead for a year yet his fingerprints are all over these embassy attacks. Whoever has rebuilt his organization has got to be flushed out before he strikes again. We're already with his brother Stefan Vacek.
Madeline: I've worked up some numbers. There's a 78% chance he's our candidate.
Operations: How close are we to confirmation?
Madeline: Given our preliminary intel, the information we leaked has been productively channeled.
Operations: So as far as the terrorist world is concerned Elena set up her father's death.
Corliss: It's just a matter of time before someone comes out of the cold to pay her up in spades.
Operations: It's up to you to be there when it happens.
Corliss: Sir. About Michael,
Operations: Yes?
Corliss: He wanted to know about my profile.
Madeline: What did you tell him?
Corliss: That I have a job to do. Nothing to get emotional about.
Operations: Then do your job Corliss. We'll attend to Michael. (He and Madeline exchange looks after Corliss leaves)

ELENA'S HOUSE

Corliss: I have something for you.
Adam: What is it?
Corliss: Cover your eyes. (Adam does and Corliss brings out a hockey stick from behind his back) And… open them. (Adam opens his eyes and takes the stick and starts to play with it)
Elena: Not in the house. Adam? You forgot to say something.
Adam: Thank you Robert. (Corliss)
(Kitchen)
Elena: You and your gifts. I think you're determined to spoil that boy.
Corliss: They say the fastest way to a mother's heart is through their child. What do you say the three of us get away for the weekend? I know this spot by the lake.
Elena: I'm sorry Robert. Adam is staying at a friends house and I'm having company for dinner on Saturday night.
Corliss: Company?
Elena: My uncle Stefan is visiting from overseas.
Corliss: Really? You never told me about him.
Elena: I haven't seen him since I was a little girl. He was also estranged from my father.
Corliss: And he just called you out of the blue?
Elena: It was a nice surprise. My Uncle's a diplomat.
Corliss: Diplomat? Sounds fascinating. I'd love to meet him. (Elena hesitates) Did I say something wrong? Then what is it?
Elena: I don’t know. I guess I'm just old fashioned.
Corliss: And introducing someone to your family is a big step.
Elena: yes.
Corliss: I'm sorry for being so bold. I only thought that…
Elena: Please don’t be offended. I'm just not ready. Yet.

THE PERCH

Madeline: It's imperative that he makes that dinner.
Operations: We have intel that suggest another bombing is imminent. This time into our zone. If Stefan Vacek has taken over the family business I want hard confirmation now.
Corliss: It's still 2 days off. I'm sure I can persuade her to change her mind.
Operations: Then see to it.
(Corliss leaves)
Madeline: It might be wise to tread delicately with Elena. Corliss presses any harder and she could grow suspicious.
Operations: If he doesn't we lose our inside track.
Madeline: We may have to stimulate Elena's comfort level by introducing a third party to the scenario. Someone Elena trusts and acts as a bridge between her and Corliss.
Operations: Any suggestions?

ELENA'S HOUSE

Elena: I can't tell you how wonderful it is to see you again Nikita.
Nikita: I'm so sorry I haven't called sooner. I've been out of the country.
Elena: It's best you didn't. For months I used to let the phone ring and ring just staring at it. Like it was a lifeline I just couldn't get myself to reach for.
Nikita: Well I'm glad you finally did.
Elena: I had to for Adam's sake. It took me a while to forgive myself. If I hadn't been so desperate to see my father Michael would never have brought him to the hospital.
Nikita: Elena you were so sick. None of us thought you were going to make it.
Elena: I made it all right. At least to see my husband and father murdered by an assassin. But um... things are better now. In fact there is someone I've been seeing.
Nikita: Really? Is it serious?
Elena: It could be.
Nikita: So are you going to tell me all about him?
Elena: His name is Robert. We met a few months ago at the market. He is tender and thoughtful and patient with me and he loves children. He's been so good to Adam. So gentle and understanding. The perfect father figure.
Nikita: That's wonderful.
Elena: (glancing at a picture of Michael, Adam and herself) In some ways he reminds me of Michael.

MADELINE'S OFFICE

Madeline: Thank you for coming Michael.
Operations: We're bringing you in on Corliss's assignment as a consultant.
Madeline: We need you.
Operations: We are working on an accelerated clock here. She's having this dinner tonight and he needs to attend. We need you to help him win Elena's trust so she'll invite him.
Madeline: You have a history with her Michael. Maybe you can give him some advice on what to day or do to break down her resistance.
Michael: Send him to my office.
Madeline: Thank you.

ELENA'S HOUSE

Elena: I'm afraid I might have blown it with Robert.
Nikita: What do you mean?
Elena: A relative is coming to dinner and Robert seems so eager to join us.
Nikita: You turned him down?
Elena: Uncle Stefan is my father's brother. Outside of Adam he's the only family I have left. Introducing Robert would mean that our relationship had moved to a deeper more intimate relationship.
Nikita: Sounds to me like it already has. At least that is what you want? (Nikita takes a sip of tea) Elena, it's okay for you to get on with your life. It's okay to be in love again. It's what Michael would want.

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

Corliss: Madeline said you would be okay with this. If it's any consolation to you, Elena and Adam mean nothing to me. I've been working the kid angle. I just don't know if it's enough.
Michael: How?
Corliss: I've been playing surrogate. The new dad in his life and he thinks I'm the greatest. Still I don’t seem to be able to close the deal with Mom. What's the trick Michael? How do I get around those walls? Inside her? (His cell phone rings) Excuse me. (To Michael as he answers. It's Elena) Yes. Oh hi. No it's okay. In fact I'm glad that you called. Yes, I'm still free tonight. Well of course I would. I'd be happy to have dinner with you and your uncle. See you then. Me too. (He looks to Michael) Looks like Nikita did the job. Thanks for your help Michael.
Corliss turns to leave the office.
Michael: Corliss, if something happens to Elena and Adam on your watch. (he pauses for effect) I'll kill you.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

She is getting her coat on and ready to leave when she turns around and sees Michael standing by the door.
Nikita: I was just about to leave. I'm running surveillance on Elena's dinner.
Michael: They're using her as bait.
Nikita: Until we have confirmation that Stefan is running his brother's business - yeah - she's in play. What did you expect? It was the same way you put down her father. For what it's worth, Elena and Adam's welfare is my primary concern.
Michael: If our intel is correct and Stefan smells a trap, they'll be dead by dessert. (Nikita puts her hand on his shoulder, then leaves)

ELENA'S HOUSE

Stephan: (looking at picture) Charming child Elena. Reminds me of your father when he was Adam's age. It will be a joy to get to know my nephew.
Elena: I'd like that very much.
Stephan: I know how close you were to your father. It must have been difficult for you.
Elena: Yes. If it weren't for Adam, I don't know how I would have gotten through it.
Stephan: And financially? How are you doing?
Elena: We're fine.
Stephan: Yes. Your father's estate was quite considerable. At least he left you something. A future for your son.
(flash to Section where Birkoff and Nikita are monitoring the conversation)
Elena: Actually my husband invested well. Adam could have had his grandfather and a future.
Stephan: Well enough of the past. To the future filled with happiness, serenity and most of all love.
Elena: Thank you Uncle Stefan.
Stephan: No. Thank you for a wonderful evening. I'm only sorry that I couldn't stay any longer. (they hug)
Corliss: Adam will be back tomorrow. Maybe we could visit you at the consulate?
Stephan: Unfortunately I have to leave the country tomorrow night.
Corliss: Traveling home?
Stephan: No I have some business to attend to first. (Corliss helps him on with his coat and somehow Stefan's keys drop.)
Corliss: Here, let me. (he stoops to pick up the keys at the same time dropping a tracker on the floor so Stefan will step on it.)
Stephan: Thank you. Take good care of my niece young man.
Corliss: Thank you sir. I will.
Stephan: Good bye. (He leaves and his bodyguard is waiting outside) Let's go.

COMM CENTER

Birkoff: Okay. We got a follow on Vacek.
Nikita: Shadow teams move in.

ELENA'S HOUSE

Corliss: I think he gave us his blessing.
Elena: I think he did (they kiss)
Inside section - Michael is walking through and Corliss is too. They are watching each other. (More like the evil eye!! Hehe)
Corliss: Michael?
(Michael ignores him and keeps walking)

MUNITIONS

Walter: Always figured I got what it takes to be a valentine op.
Corliss: Why's that?
Walter: Well.. you know, looks, brains, savoir faire. The whole package.
Corliss: So what stopped you?
Walter: My problem is I also have a heart.
Corliss: Nikita. (he calls as he sees her walking by) Any movement from Vacek last night?
Nikita: We tracked him to the consulate. No phone calls, no visits. How's Elena?
Corliss: When I left her this morning she was fine.
Just then Birkoff comes up to the group.
Birkoff: You better come and hear this. I have Vacek on line. (they move to Birkoff's area where they listen to Vacek)
Stephan: Inform our people that the ?? (didn't catch the name) project is to be aborted until further notice.
Other voice: It will be done.
Stephan: As to the woman and child, have the arrangements been made?
Other voice: Yes.
Stephan: Good. I will be there in one hour and see to things personally.
Michael: He's going after Elena. When was this recorded?
Birkoff: Seven minutes ago.
Nikita: We have a team on him. Let us handle this. What's Vacek's position?
Birkoff: Vectoring steadily towards the NE corridor. Any minute now and I should have a final lock on the coordinates.
Operations: (from his perch looking down) Let's move. Hayes will be leading the on site team. Nikita will be handling the profiles. Birkoff has tactical. I want Vacek stopped. ( he waits until the others go off) Michael. I still haven't received the Milavo Sim. I'd like to review it this afternoon.
(Michael leaves)

COMM CENTER

Birkoff: Target has made a stop. All teams move to shadow.
Operations: Don't lose him.
Inside a building
Hayes: Shadow team on premises. How are we doing for a reading?
Birkoff: I got a lock. Target is straight ahead.
You see 3 team members, 1 woman, 2 men.
Hayes: Perimeter is clear. Exit points secure.
Birkoff: Advance and tighten.
Public bathroom. Hayes advances and enters looking under all the stalls. She sees shoes and shoots at the stall door then kicks it open. Only the shoes are there.
Hayes: It's all been a diversion. There never was (transmission interrupted)
Birkoff: Team leader. Report.
Operations: All teams move in.
The other operatives move into the bathroom and see Hayes on the floor.
Operative: Team leader is down. Target is on the move.

ELENA'S HOUSE - NIGHTTIME

Michael is walking the perimeter. He opens the door and enters looking around. He looks at the picture of the 3 of them on the table. He moves up the stairs and looks around. He goes to Elena's room where she is sleeping. Then he moves to Adam's room. He walks in, crouches down and then looks at Adam as he is sleeping.
(flashback)
Adam: I am a good boy.
Michael: I know you are.
Michael pulls the covers back over Adam and exits the room. He is out only a few seconds when he hears Adam calling out.
Adam: Mommy? Mommy? Where are you? Mommy Mommy where are you?
Elena: I'm coming sweetheart.
Michael hides.
Elena: It's okay now. Mommy's here. Did you have a bad dream?
Adam: I saw Dad right here in my room. He came to my bed and tucked me in just like he used to.
Elena: I know sweetheart. Daddy often comes to me in my dreams.
Adam: Cause he still loves us?
Elena: Yes baby and he always will. (at this point Michael looks down at the floor where there is a heat register and sees a flashing red light) Now close your eyes and go back to sleep.
Michael takes the device out and deactivates it. He looks one last time in Adam's room and sees Elena sitting on the bed with Adam. He goes downstairs and leaves the house.

THE PERCH

Michael walks in and puts the device he found down beside Operations.
Operations: Yes?
Michael: Found this in her home. From Stefan Vacek to his family.
Operations: You were told to stay out of it.
Michael: I was told they were to be protected.
Operations: Because of Adam I'm not going to let this pass as an anomaly on your performance record.
Michael: What about Vacek?
Operations: His plane leaves tomorrow for the zone. The abort orders he gave were obviously meant to mislead us.
Michael: Where is he now?
Operations: In his office at the Consulate. A terrorist leading enjoying his diplomatic immunity.
Michael: I want him.
Operations: Good. I don’t want him on that plane.
Michael leaves and then Madeline enters.
Operations: I'm sending Michael after Vacek.
Madeline: Alone? Is that prudent?
Operations: I'll have a shadow team flank him just in case.
Michael walks through Section and then out of van access.

CONSULATE

Vacek is speaking on the phone.
Stephan: Whatever agency she is working with is of no concern to me. The only thing that is clear is that the bomb never went off. Now if you don't mind I have a plane to catch. I will contact you as soon as we have finalized the plans for the strike. In the meantime, I expect my orders to be carried out successfully. That is correct, the child as well. (end of phone conversation) Milnoff, send for my car. Milnoff did you hear me? Milnoff are you out there?
He walks to the door, opens it and finds his guards dead on the ground. Michael appears walking towards Stefan with a gun at the ready.
Stephan: Who are you? (he takes a good look!) My God, you're Michael. Alive. Now I understand. I would think twice about using that gun.
Michael: Give me a reason.
Stephan: The lives of your wife and child. Orders to execute are still in effect. If you kill me there will be no one to rescind those orders. Allow me to leave and I'll promise you that no harm comes to them. Now that I know who my brothers killer is. It's in your hands.
Stare down and then Michael lowers his weapon.
Stephan: (chuckles) Wise choice.
Back at Section,
Birkoff: Michael is standing down.
Back at the Consulate
Stephan: You must love them very much.
Corliss comes in and shoots Stefan, Michael swings around and shoots at Corliss. He turns and sees that Stefan is down.
Michael: No!
He walks over and checks for a pulse. Vacek is dead. He looks to where Corliss is down, walks over, stares at the wounded man and then leaves.

ELENA'S HOUSE - NIGHTTIME

Michael arrives to find the doors open. He enters. There plates on the table, the TV is playing and there is something on the stove that is bubbling over. He goes to the living room. Heads up the stairs and sees Adam's teddy bear on the floor. He picks it up and searches all the rooms but no one is there. He goes to Adam's room and checks the bathroom. The scene pans out with him standing there holding on to the teddy bear.

THE PERCH

Operations: I thought you should know that Oversight was pleased at the handling of this mission. Despite Corliss being the primary operative you were given full credit for it's success.
Michael: Thank you.
Operations: Birkoff has flushed out the remaining cells and by tomorrow Vacek's organization will no longer exist. In the meantime Vacek's body will be recovered in the wreckage of an air crash. His burial will be conducted with diplomatic honors.
Michael: A happy ending for all concerned.
Operations: Even for Elena and Adam. (pause) yes Michael we made them disappear so you wouldn't have to worry about them any longer. In fact, it would be pointless. Out of your reach and out of your life for good.
Heading back to his office Michael runs into Nikita who is waiting for him. She goes to speak to him.
Michael: It's okay. ( he walks away)

MICHAEL'S OFFICE

He is at his computer watching a video of him and Adam planting the trees in the backyard. He watches for a few more minutes and then he shuts it off.

THE END

Edited by Dana
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