Man In The Middle
Transcript by Cathy

MADELINE'S OFFICE

Operations and Madeline are looking at pictures of Nikita on Madeline’s monitor.
Madeline: I see no indication of the Gelman response. Nikita’s irises and pupils are completely normal.
Operations: Then we’ve lost control of her.
Madeline: Yes. With Adrian’s help, it seems that Michael has been able to reverse what we’ve done. Do you intend to reinstate the orders for his cancellation?
Operations: No. Not now. Not as long as he has Adrian.
Madeline: Well, as long as he has Adrian, he’ll have Nikita.
Operations: I’m aware of that. When the time is right, we’ll deal appropriately with all three of them.
Madeline: There may already be a way to deal with Michael and Nikita.
Madeline pulls up a picture of Michael and Nikita. She then inserts another man’s picture where Michael’s was, Helmut Volker.

WAR ROOM

Operations: Wolfgang Volker is the founder and chief operating officer of Volkwerks Industries, the second largest small arms manufacturer on the continent. We’ve been monitoring his operation since they’ve expanded to their new facility in Heilbron. Birkoff has a direct link into their inventory control.
Birkoff: As far as I can tell, it appears to be a legitimate organization. No unaccounted shortages, no burglaries. Their security system’s first rate.
Operations: (pulls up a picture of a man) This is his son, Helmut Volker. In the last month, his activities mainly consisted of living off his father’s fortune and the high life and fast track. In the process, he’s acquired some very interesting friends. All with known ties to Red Cell.
Nikita: What happened last month?
Operations: Helmut went to work for his father. Given his associations, and now his access to his father’s inventory, we predict a better than 90% probability that a move will be made by Red Cell to acquire some extremely sophisticated weaponry.
Michael: We have operatives in place.
Operations: At Volkwerks, yes. But not in Helmut’s party circle. (pulls up a picture of a young couple) Anna Gunther, Frederick Kraus. Heroin dealers, lovers. That will be our point of entry.

CITY STREET

Michael and Nikita are waiting to pounce on Anna and Frederick.
Nikita: You always take me to such nice places, Michael. They should be out in a few minutes.
Michael: (faces her, gets close) Where are you staying tonight?
Nikita: They’ve assigned me to temporary quarters while they scrub all traces of the Gelman process from my little apartment. I’ve got to say, my new pad’s almost as nice as this (she looks scornfully around the alley they’re waiting in and laughs).
Michael: For how long?
Nikita: Two weeks.
Michael: You could stay with me. (he is stroking her shoulder with his hand)
Nikita: Are you asking me to move in with you?
Michael: You’d be more comfortable.
Nikita: Well, is this for two weeks or were you thinking of something a little more…permanent?
Michael: We’d have more privacy. (They are so close that every time they talk, they are almost kissing…great scene!)
Nikita: And how is it that you think that we’re going to get away with that?
Michael: Adrian.
Nikita: I’ll think about it. (she turns, sees Anna and Frederick approaching) Team two, stand by. Target in sight.
Nikita comes up behind Anna; Michael behind Frederick. They have guns to their backs before A&F even realize they’re there.
Michael: Get in the car.
Nikita: Give us the heroin.
Frederick hesitates.
Michael: She only asks once.
Frederick hands over the briefcase.
Michael: Take them in.
The black Section Suburban comes and literally pushes Frederick’s black Mercedes, with he and Anna into it, into a waiting van which then closes up and drives away.
Nikita: Shall we?

HELMUT VOLKER'S ESTATE

A party is in progress – lots of pretty, scantily clad people who look like they are enjoying chemically induced happiness. Michael and Nikita enter and are greeted by a butler.
Butler: Follow me.
Nikita: Another nice place.
Butler: Anna Gunther and Frederick Kraus. (Announcing them to Helmut)
Helmut has a little mustache and affects kind of a faux-nobility way of speaking.
Helmut: We’ve been waiting for you two. (to the men with him) That’s enough for tonight; we’ll finish this tomorrow. Gentlemen, play time. (the men leave). Anna Gunther and Frederick Kraus. I must say, I find it hard to believe you are who you say you are.
Michael: And why is that?
Helmut: (eyes her) Well, it’s much too old for you. Much too... iron stake up the rear and all that.
Nikita: So you’re not disappointed then? (Nikita walks over and seats herself; Michael stands motionless)
Helmut: Only at my failure to make a more appropriate prediction. You’re both much too... gorgeous for words. (He kind of strokes Michael’s cheek) I should have been born with his face.
Michael walks over and lays the briefcase down on the table to open it.
Michael: Two kilos, Turkish, uncut.
Helmut: Freddie, please, humor me and ask as if we’re the best of friends. Sit. I’ve been doing business all day and I’m feeling completely bereft of insignificant small talk. (Michael gives him the blank stare but sits).
Nikita: I like your tie.
Helmut: So, why don’t you two tell me when you knew you were meant for each other and absolutely no one else would do?
Nikita looks at Michael who doesn’t speak up. So she responds, clearly a bit annoyed.
Nikita: I’d say we’re still working on that.
Michael: (To Helmut) You’re interested in making a purchase?
Helmut: Of course I’m interested, Freddie. Why, do you think all those people out there love me for who I am? And why the rush? You’re my friends now. Stay and party and we’ll do this business tomorrow. (He leans toward Michael) Do you know, I have a feeling there’s a bit more of that iron stake stuck up there than we thought, but we’ll have a good yank at it before we let you out into the real world. (Nikita smiles, amused) Alex will make you feel comfortable, and if you insist on being alone, I might have to suggest you lock your door.

THE PERCH

Operations: By now, they should have Volker’s attention. Now it’s just a question of how far he’s willing to go.
Madeline: We knew the probabilities going in…just under sixty percent. But if Volker is drawn to Nikita as I suspect he is…then I believe we can be confident in the outcome.

HELMUT VOLKER'S ESTATE

There's a party. Nikita appears to be sitting on Michael’s lap, playing with his hair.
Nikita: You noticed who was in the room with Volker when we came in?
Michael: Yes, we’ll need to get into his safe.
Nikita: It might be easier said than done. I’m not so sure he’s the phony he makes out to be.
Michael: You think there’s more?
Nikita: You’d think there’d have to be.
Helmut approaches them, smiling.
Helmut: Hushed words in my humble hallway?
Nikita: No, just discussing what good taste you have in champagne. (She takes the bottle out of his hands to pour herself a refill)
Helmut: Yes, I regret I’m cursed with my good taste. It’s murder on the bank account, but it does wonders for the soul.
Nikita: (laughs) Nice on the tongue, too.
Helmut: So…you two are all set then? What say you join me on the shooting range tomorrow morning? You do shoot, Freddie?
Michael: I’m a little out of practice.
Nikita: It’s getting late. (to Michael) Come on, darling. (to Helmut) See you in the morning. (she stops to refill his glass of champagne before walking off with the bottle) Good night.
Helmut: (after she has gone) It’s just become that.

HELMUT VOLKER'S ESTATE

Michael and Nikita are in their room. The door handle opens slowly and a figure dressed in black moves into the room. Michael and Nikita are lying in bed. The man slides the cold neck of the champagne bottle along Nikita’s arm and she reaches up to clasp it; she’s awake. It’s Helmut. He whispers to her; beckons her. She slips out of bed; after she’s gone, Michael’s eyes open.

HELMUT'S SUITE

Helmut: I always feel that we miss some of life’s more exciting moments when we sleep.
Nikita: Well, I’ll be sure to keep my eyes open.
Helmut: And I’ll try to make it worth the effort. In fact, why don’t I do it right now?
He opens a box with heroin and a syringe.
Nikita: Oh.
Helmut: It’s from Mexico. Not quite Turkish, but almost as good.
Nikita: It’s late.
Helmut: The best time for dreams. Dreams we can dream together. (He draws her arm to him) Please.
He prepares the syringe, ties her arm off with a piece of surgical tubing. He kisses her wrist. She draws the syringe out of his hand but he continues to kiss her and try to talk her into it. Suddenly the door swings open – it’s Michael.
Nikita: Freddie!
Michael: (nods to Nikita to get out of the room. She gets up quickly and beats a hasty retreat to Michael’s side.) Drugs are the only thing I sell.
Helmut: Freddie... If somehow I’ve created the wrong impression here, if I made you think that I thought that I could purchase this gorgeous creature, then I’m profusely sorry. You more than anyone should know – one look at her, she’s priceless.
Michael: Then consider the cost in the event you were to break something.
Helmut: Are you threatening me? I think I’m beginning to like you.
Michael: We can conduct our business tomorrow.
Helmut: Eight o’clock at the shooting range. It’ll be fun.

HELMUT'S ESTATE - SHOOTING RANGE

Helmut shoots and misses.
Helmut: Oh... a bit to the right. This baby packs some kick.
Nikita: Very serious. Impressive.
Helmut: My youth was a tortured one, Anna. My father kept all of the best toys for himself. It’s a little bit over my head – but with a slight adjustment, I should be able to zero right in on the target. It’s sort of a smart rocket.
Michael: Something not required of the shooter.
Helmut: All right, Freddie – since it appears to come down to whose is bigger – please. (He hands him the gun.)
Michael: It is heavy. So I just push- (Michael turns his head to look at Helmut as he asks, without looking at the target. He pulls the trigger as if by accident and blasts the target. Helmut stares in shock.) Beginner’s luck.
Helmut: I should say.
Nikita laughs and kisses Michael.

HELMUT'S OFFICE

Helmut withdraws money from a wall safe and gives it to Michael.
Helmut: It’s a lot of money, Freddie.
Michael: It’s a lot of heroin, Helmut.
Helmut: It’s because I like you that I’m taking your word it’s as good as you say it is.
Michael: You’re welcome to test it.
Helmut: Well, as I say, I like you and that means I trust you. You know, if you’d give me half a chance, I think you could end up liking me too.
Michael: We don’t seem to enjoy the same games.
Helmut: Well, how do you know if you’ve never played?
Michael: Our business is concluded.
Helmut: Please. I know we haven’t exactly hit it off, but don’t leave angry. I fail so miserably at most things, but I consider being a charming host one asset. Please, stay for my brunch.

COMM CENTER

Birkoff is listening to Nikita on her comm set.
Nikita: We have a window. Michael will distract Helmut. I’m proceeding to primary objective.

HELMUT'S ESTATE

Drugged out scantily clad people hanging all over each other. Michael enters in sunglasses, a skin tight black shirt and skin tight leather pants.
Helmut: Well, I give up. No doubt you’ve murdered the lovely Anna in a jealous rage and buried the body on the grounds, thus framing the ardent rival?
Michael: She’s changing.
Helmut: My God, I hope not! Hey, have you tried the little sausage quiche?
Michael: Can we talk for a moment? (Behind them, Nikita sneaks down the stairs)
Helmut: Hmmm... tell you what. I’ll keep my mouth busy, and you talk. (He pops a quiche in his mouth and chews)
Michael: It’s about Anna.
Helmut: Hmmm, I can imagine. Almost everything is.
Meanwhile, Nikita is in Helmut’s office cracking his safe. She puts a device on it and then types in a code.
Michael: When I conduct business, it’s just that – business. I enjoy your money, you enjoy your games. I expect that in the future, we can continue to do what we all do best.
Helmut: Really? Are you authorized to speak for both of you? Looks like the yank at the old stake didn’t budge it much, but we tried, right? (he puts his hand on Michael’s arm) Friends? (They click glasses; two little party tarts come up, giggling, and Helmut turns to them.) Karyn, Celine. This is Freddie.
Celine: Always keeping the best to yourself, Helmie?
Helmut: I tried but I’m coping with bitter rejection.
Flash to Nikita, opening a book in Helmut’s safe.
Helmut: Leave some for the other vultures, huh kids? Hey, they bite, Freddie – but in all the right places. (He moves on. Inside his office, Nikita is photographing the book. He goes up to Michael and Nikita’s suite looking for her and opens the door.) Hello? Anna? (He sees her nightgown lying on the bed and picks it up, sniffing it)
Back at the party...
Celine: (to Michael) Karyn thinks my dress is tacky. Too obvious. What do you think?
Michael: (looks down at her chest as she slides her arms up by his neck and then deadpans) It is.
Helmut comes back downstairs, looking for Nikita. She finishes and slams the safe shut just in time.
Helmut: What are you doing in here?
Nikita: I just wanted to get away from the noise. (She’s looking at a piece of sculpture) First century Roman. It must be worth a fortune.
Helmut: Yes. It is.
Nikita: It’s beautiful.
Helmut: Yeah. So when are you going to tell me the truth?
Nikita: Truth … about what?
Helmut: That you don’t love Freddie. Hmmm. All right, truth or dare. I’ll start. My father is despicably wealthy and getting older as we speak. His health, well, let’s just say he’s not up to a full 18 holes anymore. (He picks up the piece of sculpture) Do you know what this is worth? The last offer I had was for $250,000.
Nikita: It’s beautiful.
Helmut: Yeah. (He drops it suddenly and it shatters) Pocket change, given what I stand to inherit. Regrettably, there’s a codicil to my father’s will. Everything he has comes to me if I’m married and settled down.
Nikita: How unusual for you.
Helmut: Isn’t it? Thus the question becomes, will my father’s heart shut down before mine opens up? That would truly be a shame. (Operations and Madeline are listening to all of this, back at Section One in the Perch) Your turn.
Nikita: Well, what would you like me to say?
Helmut: I believe I just asked you to marry me.
Back at Section One, Operations and Madeline trade a look.

SECTION ONE - SMALL BRIEFING AREA

Operations: These are Nikita’s photographs of the inventory Volker has arranged to sell to Red Cell. The plan is to hijack a truck belonging to one of Volkwerk’s regular customers, making it look like business as usual.
Birkoff: I’ve accessed the company’s delivery logs. Mandelux makes two pickups a week but for security reasons the exact time and place are only confirmed two hours before they’re scheduled to arrive. Volker uses a fairly sophisticated cipher system on his cell phone. I’m working on it, but I haven’t had much luck.
Michael: If we fail to get the route in time, the factory loading dock is the most effective point of contact.
Madeline looks at Operations – something’s up.
Operations: Was, Michael. We no longer intend to interfere with the sale. Volker’s value as a permanent source of information and given his rise in status within Red Cell that the success of this arms deal will give him outweigh the importance of this one mission.
Madeline: And given his infatuation with Nikita, we feel that her continued connection to him can be extremely useful to us.
Nikita: Are you saying you’d like me to accept his, uh, proposal?
Madeline: Yes.
Nikita: For how long?
Madeline: Indefinitely.

SECTION ONE - HALLWAY

Birkoff: It might have just worked out that way.
Walter: You know how things are, amigo. Things don’t just “work out” around here, they happen for a business.
They reach munitions and go into the back area.
Birkoff: Even at the cost of letting Red Cell get their hands on that shipment – you think they’re doing this all to get rid of Nikita?
Walter: It’s a numbers game. Michael, Nikita, Volker, Nikita and Red Cell – they pull the level, whatever comes out three cherries, that’s the jackpot.
Nikita: Walter?
Walter: Back here, sugar.
Nikita: You said you wanted to see me?
Walter: Mmm-hmmm. (He wheels out a tray of cupcakes.) They’re for you, cupcake.
Nikita: What is this?
Walter: Think of it as a government low-budget bon voyage party. I’m just trying to make it as painless as possible. They’re not rigged, and there’s no electronic files baked inside them or anything. Well here’s... (he raises a cupcake in salute)...  here’s looking at you, kid.
Nikita: You two talk like I’m never coming back. I’m getting married, not cancelled.
Walter: Close enough. Keep your powder dry. Sure as hell going to miss you.
Nikita: I’ll be back. (She walks away, pauses, then continues on.)

CHURCH

Michael and Nikita stand together. The church is otherwise empty.
Michael: What are you thinking?
Nikita: About the man I’m going to marry. It’s one thing to convince another man that I love him enough to marry him. But the idea of not seeing you again-
Michael: You have to separate Anna’s life from Nikita’s.
Nikita: Is that what you did with Elena?
Michael: I tried.
Nikita: So even with everything that you went through, you still think it’s possible to hold on to your heart?
Michael: Yes. We’ll find a way to stop this.

HELMUT'S ESTATE

Nikita enters, dressed all in leather.
Helmut: Ah, I wasn’t sure you’d come.
Nikita: I said I would.
Helmut: Yes, but it’s beauty’s prerogative to not always deliver what’s promised. I keep trying to read your eyes... and they flash and they sparkle... but somehow manage to not give an answer.
Nikita: (laughs) Yes. All right. I’ll marry you.

COMM CENTER

Michael walks up to Birkoff.
Michael: Have you been able to decipher Volker’s cell phone code?
Birkoff: No, not yet. But since the mission’s been scrapped, it’s no longer a priority.
Michael: If it was?
Birkoff: He’s using an encryption code that can’t be remotely scanned. I’d have to physically get a hold of the phone and use a nam demodulator to clone the algorithm. Like I said, it’s no longer a priority.

MUNITIONS

Walter: It’s a nam demodulator. It’s a variation on what the ripoff guys are using to clone cell phones. A little more sophisticated in that it can handle digital coding and encryption schemes. It ain’t fast, though.
Michael: How long?
Walter: If it’s simple, a minute. From there, well it’s anybody’s guess. Up to three, four minutes probably. (Michael takes it) You know I’m going to have to log this.
Michael: You’ll think of something. (Michael walks away)
Walter: Yeah, yeah, I always think of something. Michael.

NIKITA'S APARTMENT

It is empty except for the furniture; she’s taking one last look around. Finally she picks up her purse and sunglasses and exits. Michael is outside.
Nikita: We’re leaving for Buenos Aires later tonight.
Michael: I know.
Nikita: I’m sure he’s going to want the deal to go down sometime before we leave.
Michael: (Hands her the nam demodulator) If we want to stop it, we need to know when.
Nikita: Do you think this is going to work?
Michael: If he fails with Red Cell, he’ll no longer be of use to them. This marriage will be...
Nikita: Pointless. I’ve got to go. (She goes to leave, he catches her hand and draws her back and they kiss)

THE PERCH

Operations is looking at some data on a computer screen. He doesn’t like what he sees and clicks the intercom.
Operations: Madeline? My office.

HELMUT'S OFFICE

Helmut is on the phone.
Helmut: I’ll be expecting your call. I’ll talk to you later.
Nikita: (enters) Hi.
Helmut: Promise me that you’ll leave me at least once a day so that I can have the pleasure of watching you come back through the door.
Nikita: You’re very good at this. Charming.
Helmut: It’s all planned. Our plane leaves at ten. I’ve arranged for the ceremony Sunday afternoon.

THE PERCH

Operations: I came across this anomaly in our records.
Madeline: A nam demodulator? You can trace it.
Operations: No, it slipped through the cracks. There’s no repair order. It’s listed as being out, with a bad circuit board.
Madeline: Did you check the replacement schedule?
Operations: It doesn’t show up. It was on inventory when we planned the Volker mission, but now it seems to be missing. Michael?
Madeline: We both knew there was a chance he’d try to interfere.
Operations: Even putting himself at risk with Oversight?
Madeline: To prevent the marriage. To keep Nikita to himself. He’s already shown us how much he’s willing to risk.
Operations: (hits the intercom) Davenport, team briefing, fifteen minutes.

HELMUT'S SUITE

Helmut is visible in the adjoining room in a bathtub. Nikita is out in the bedroom trying to mess with his cell phone.
Helmut: I have to tell you, it’s a bit lonely in here.
Nikita: Well, when you come out, you’ll have all the company you need.
Helmut: Yeah, huh…I’m all for cleanliness but, uh, bathing first, I don’t know. It takes away the spontaneity.
Nikita: I’m sorry. Just one of my quirks.
Helmut: I expect to find out about all your quirks.
Nikita finishes just in time and puts his cell phone back as he enters, dressed only in a really ugly robe.
Helmut: Oh, you’re still dressed.
Nikita: Well, I thought that you might like to give me some help. (She turns so that he can unclasp her shirt; he starts kissing her neck)

HELMUT'S ESTATE

Michael is outside waiting in a silver BMW when the phone rings. He picks up and listens. Volker answers the phone.
Helmut: Volker here.
Voice: Can you talk?
Helmut: Ja. (Yes, in German)
Voice: 8:00 tonight at Volkwerks.
Helmut: I’ll be there.
Nikita: Everything all right? (she is standing, wearing some kind of sheer black thing)
Helmut: Ja, like clockwork.

VOLKERWERKS

Michael is there in his silver BMW. As the truck approaches, he watches. He gets out of the car and as the truck pauses by the gate, he attaches something to the back bumper. The truck proceeds through the gate into the compound. Michael gets back into the BMW and waits. Helmut and another man walk along a catwalk.
Helmut: You have the schedule? All right.
Other man: OK
Helmut: Very good.
The truck is loaded as Helmut supervises. He checks his watch, nervously. Back at his mansion, Nikita is staring at a painting. The butler approaches.
Butler: I think this is everything, Madam. The plane just arrived. Do you expect Mr. Volker shortly?
Nikita: Yes, any minute. Thank you. (The butler bows and leaves; the time on the mantel shows 8:20)
Back at Volkwerks...
Helmut: (to his foreman) That’s the last stack? That’s all of it? Good.
Helmut gets into his Porsche Carrera and drives away. Dressed like a worker, Davenport removes the unit Michael placed on the truck and disables it. Michael, watching from the BMW, has no idea.
Davenport: (into comm set) Birkoff, the truck is leaving. It’s a done deal. We’ll maintain contact with the target.
Michael watches the truck exit. Suddenly the timer in his car flips to 0. Nothing happens.

HELMUT'S ESTATE

Helmut enters; Nikita looks very surprised.
Helmut: There she is. You seem surprised to see me.
Nikita: (Scrambles, tries to cover) No, I mean... I was just... well, I thought you’d be here sooner.
Helmut: You must promise to always miss me.
Nikita: Of course. (They kiss on both cheeks)
Helmut: Come. We have a plane to catch.

AIRFIELD

Michael watches as Helmut and Nikita’s plane takes off. There is nothing he can do.

THE PERCH

Operations: Having Adrian does not give you free rein. Nikita’s mission is justifiable. I’m sure not even Oversight would take kindly to your interference. You are expendable.
Michael: I know.
Operations: It’s over, Michael. Nikita has her job to do and you have yours. Forget about her.
Michael: Is that all?
Operations: For the moment.
Michael walks through Section, cuts to Helmut and Nikita’s ceremony.
Minister: Do you, Helmut Volker, take this woman, Anna Gunther to be your lawfully wedded wife, to love honor and cherish so long as you both shall live?
Helmut: I do.
Minister: And do you, Anna Gunther, take this man, Helmut Volker, to be your lawfully wedded husband, to love honor and cherish until death do you part?
Nikita: I do.
Minister: Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.
They kiss.

THE END

Edited by Dana
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