The night air of Damascus fluttered the curtains of Dana's hotel window.
Once Michael came down from his orgasm, he pulled from Dana and lay on his back breathing heavily. She lay panting, her body bathed in sweat. Dana turned her head and looked at Michael.
"You...you are the most...", she stammered.
"You are too." He smiled.
Dana reached over and placed her hand on Michael's chest. "Michael....I...."
He took her hand and kissed her fingers, sucking gently on each one. Then Michael swung his legs off the bed and headed into the bathroom.
Dana's breathing was still laboured and her body tingled as she thought to herself, 'I think I'm numb....paralyzed...." she giggled.
A few minutes later Michael returned from the bathroom. He stood beside the bed and looked down at Dana. "Would you like a drink of water?"
"Sure," was all she could reply.
Michael retrieved two bottles from the mini-bar and returned to sit next to Dana. He brushed a few strands of auburn hair from her face.

"How much longer will you remain in Damascus?" he questioned.
Dana fought to get her mind in gear; it was as if orgasmic bliss had possessed her brain.
"Ahhhhhhhhhh...I....a few days...and you?"
"A few days."
"I have a couple of leads to follow up on my story."
"More mystery leads?"
"No...not a mystery. I guess it's more like research. I found out about a train line going into Iraq...just want to check it out."
"Sounds like fun...a tourist train trip through Syria."
"No - it's a special narrow gauge line built in 2001 going from northeastern Syria into Iraq. Hey! Let's not talk about business...or.....(she grinned)....are you stalling for time?"
"No, why would I do that?"
Dana reached over and grasped Michael's manhood, "....cause if you are, maybe I can help."
Michael placed his water bottle on the bedside table and cupped Dana's face. "You are such a beautiful woman. You deserve more than....."
"Michael, no regrets. I am who I am and....well I guess, so are you. Let's just enjoy the time we have together. You would think I would be totally satiated but...you just make me want more."
Michael smiled.
"But first, I think I better make a little trip to the bathroom to....ahhh, freshen up."
Dana rose from the bed, her legs a little wobbly. As she headed for the bathroom, she paused at the pile of Michael's clothes.   She began searching through his jacket pockets. Michael spoke quickly, "Lower, right pocket."
"Thanks. And when I return - it's my turn."
Michael could hear water running as he bolted from the bed and picked up his jacket. He felt for the comm unit inside the inner pocket. "Hummm...that was too close."
He pulled out two more condoms and then folded his clothing, placing it on a nearby chair. Just then Dana appeared, dressed in a silk nightgown. "Hey, where you think you're going! Get back on that bed." she said playfully.
Michael smiled and tossed the two condoms on the bedside table. His actions were immediately noticed by Dana. "Good, I like a man with a big supply. Now where were we?"


As Michael lay on his back, Dana straddled his body. She reached down and began to stroke his manhood, then opened the condom package. She kissed the head of his penis and then pulled the condom over his length. As the touch of her hand stroking and applying the condom, Michael became hard again. Dana looked into his grey/green eyes.
"Oh, my God Michael, you are beautiful!"

She straddled his body, leaned forward and began nipping along his jaw and neck. Michael moaned, "Please don't mark me, Dana. My clients will ask too many questions."
"Too late, you already have one great hicky....", she giggled. Dana continued kissing and licking Michael's chest while grasping his nipples between her fingers. She squeezed and pulled while lowering her head to his navel. She licked and kissed her way lower until she reached his groin. "Hope this condom is the extra sensitive kind, cause if it isn't, it's coming off." she laughed.
"Yes, it's very sensitive," replied Michael, inhaling his breath.

Dana stroked his growing erection and placed kisses on the sacs between his legs. Michael let out a low moan and bit his lower lip. "No more....please...."
"Michael Samuelle, this is a woman's greatest thrill...to send a man like you......"
"Enough....please."
Michael grabbed her shoulders and started pulling her up his body. She fought him and pulled back. "Let me do this please," she demanded.
"Then you better do it fast," he whispered.
Dana lifted her hips and guided herself onto Michael's throbbing erection. She lowered her body and threw her head back as she felt him filling her inside. The feeling was exquisite.

Michael instinctively began thrusting his hips upward while holding her at the waist. Dana lifted her body and pulled up, almost losing her mount, then leaned forward and took the full length of Michael. She cried out, "Ohhhhhh...Michael!"
Michael could feel himself at the edge of a climax and fought to hold back. She began slamming her body up and down, arching her back and digging her fingers into Michael's chest when she leaned forward.
And then the white wave flooded through her as she lost herself over the precipice edge; tumbling over and over. Michael had bit his lower lip, drawing blood, as he saw Dana's climax wash over her. Now! Now he could let himself go. He thrust his hips and sat upright, clutching her around the waist and pulling her legs around him. She was lost in her orgasm; unaware of where she was. Michael grasped her bottom and pulled her in rhythm with his thrusts - he felt his release wash over him.
Michael and Dana fell back onto the mattress and pillows, breathing deeply. Dana's body trembled - she was still lost in her orgasm. Michael looked at the woman in his arms. 'She was indeed an incredible lover.'
He placed her beside him as she still shuttered, her breathing ragged. He watched her recover and then a wave of guilt washed over him. He whispered, "Are you alright?"
Dana turned her head and focused on Michael's face. "Barely."
"You feel very deeply." he whispered.
"That's your fault - you...make me lose my mind."
"Sorry."
She smiled. "Apology accepted. But right now I think I need to pass out for an hour or so...okay, then we can start all over....if....."
Dana drifted off in post-coital bliss. Michael looked at the clock on the bedside table - it was 3:15am. He pulled a blanket over their bodies and tried to sleep. The sound of diesel trucks punctured the night; a barking dog; the squeal of tires.
After a half-hour of attempting to sleep, Michael rose from the bed and went into the bathroom. He tossed the condom in the toilet, and wiped his body with a towel. He returned to the bed and watched as Dana slept peacefully. He lay beside her, 'why was she not Nikita? If only.....'
When he had performed valentine missions after meeting Nikita, he had tried to envision Nikita as the woman he was seducing - the longer he was with her - the more difficult the valentine missions were. He had never confided this to Nikita - she would not understand. For him, the physical act of lovemaking would only ever be complete with the woman who possessed his soul - Nikita. Tears welled up in Michael's eyes as he drifted into a troubled sleep

Dawn crept over Damascus as Michael slipped from Dana's bed. His body and mind were spent. Sleep had only been comprised of small dozes between ardent lovemaking. (sorry KG)
Dana slept contentedly as he stared down at her body. She had been an incredible lover but the night's passion had only been a temporary respite for Michael. He had known that.
Searching for a piece of paper, he hastily scribbled a note and placed it on the pillow beside her.

'You are a wonderful, beautiful lover...good luck with your story.
Michael.'

He realized she would try to contact him again; a woman as passionate as Dana would want to continue this tryst. He had managed to extract some information about her story but realized there was nothing to further his own search for the bio-chemical weapons. She was an excellent reporter and would no doubt track down leads that might cause their paths to cross again.


As Michael walked out the hotel and into the damp morning air, the sound of call to morning prayers could be heard from the mosque in the square.
He walked through the empty streets and thought about the passion and release he had experienced with Dana throughout the night. His body felt sexually satiated but he realized he had deceived himself into thinking this had been a valentine mission. He had wanted to have sex with this woman - plain and simple. (that better KG)

Michael walked from the old city and found himself approaching the Barada River. He sat on a bench and watched the early morning boat traffic struggling against the current. Had the night with Dana served to drive the haunting image of Nikita away? In the throws of passion, he recalled calling her name out. That was disgusting - this woman deserved better from him. But he also knew, Dana had tried to help him. She was so perceptive, she could see into his soul. She knew his pain of losing a soul-mate - her sexual hunger had been mutual.

Michael got up and began walking back into the old town. How many women had he been with since losing Nikita - the young girl in Italy, Carmana - and of course Katerina in Greece. Katerina had tried to help him too. His actions with her had only served to hurt her. But he realized the only time his soul was not haunted with Nikita's image, was when he floated towards the light, his body convulsing with an orgasm. Still, how could he ever think that raw sex would ever drive Nikita from his being.

He hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of the apartment. The city was waking and as the sound of the tires rumbled over the pavement, an all consuming guilt swept over Michael. Sex was not the answer to driving Nikita from his thoughts - only his all consuming work would contribute to that.
The taxi pulled up in front of the apartment and Michael paid the driver. When he opened the door to their flat, he was greeted by a young redhead holding McTavish's revolver. McTavish, upon seeing Michael, yelled to her. "No, he's my mate! It's okay Elizabeth!"

Michael stood and said nothing. He walked to McTavish who lay on the sofa - a bloody bandage wrapped around his head. "I'm okay Mr. Samuelle. Really I am. Just a little....well...."
"What happened and who is the girl?"
"This is Elizabeth. She helped me at the club. Two big blokes beat the crap outta me!"
"Did they have a reason?" questioned Michael.

McTavish decided it was no use trying to hide the fact he had left the apartment, so told Michael the story of what happened.
"They knew your name?"
"Well, the chick called me McVeigh but they have our computer connected to their suveillance. That's how they knew about the train schedules."


Michael looked over at Elizabeth, then back to McTavish. "Stewart. You have involved an innocent - do you realize what that means?"
"She's cool. She and her friends helped me!"

The young redhead walked up to Michael. "Look I don't care what kind of work you two are into. The neighborhood I come from, everybody has some sort of secret work they're doing."
Michael said nothing and McTavish spoke up.
"Elizabeth is from Ireland - Dublin. Look mate, she's cool - don't worry."

Michael motined for Elizabeth to sit down at the table and walked to the computers. He began dismantling and packing them away.
McTavish struggled to get up from the sofa. "Look, I'm sorry about this. I just couldn't stand being alone in this place. I need to socialize - I like to mix with people, that's my nature. A bloke can't just be celibate for weeks on end."
The redhead giggled. "So that was your plan for me, was it?"
McTavish smiled, "Well...only if you were interested."

Michael glared at McTavish with a look reminiscent of sending a small child to his room for misbehaviour. But given the fact of how Michael had spent his night, he said nothing. When he finished packing up the computers, he took out the scanner and walked throughout the room. The scanner showed no sensor devices. Michael went and sat at the table beside the redhead.


"Thank you for helping McTavish. We work for the UN as inspectors and our work is suppose to be secretive." He looked over at McTavish. "I trust you will honour our wishes to remain silent about what you have seen here and the evening's events."
"Oh to be sure, I will. It was the most exciting part of my holiday. I fly back with my mates to Dublin in another day."
"What is your name?" Michael questioned.
The redhead blushed, "Ahhh...it's Elizabeth. Elizabeth Volker."
The name struck Michael, "Volker, that doesn't sound like an Irish name."
"No - my father was German or Austrian I think. I never knew him. My mom got knocked up on holiday with some rich Bavarian kid. Well, they were both kids, I guess."
"Do you know what his full name was?" queried Michael.
Elizabeth Volker look puzzled. 'Why did this scrumpious man want to know her father's name?'
"His name? Well, my mother always referred to him as Helmet. She thought I should take his name cause...well, I think she figured he might marry her or something. He was very rich. But...he didn't. My mom never did marry anyone."

McTavish interrupted, "Elizabeth was brought up by her uncle and aunt. They own a clothing shop in Dublin - a big one."
Michael rose from the table and pulled a bottle of water from a small fridge. He drank thirstily - his mind drifted back to the bottle of water he had shared with Dana last night. Shaking the image away, he sat again.

"Look Elizabeth - I want you to go back to Dublin and try to just forget what happened at the nightclub and what you've seen here. Do you think you can do that?"
"Sure, no problem. So what's your name?"
McTavish turned away and stifled a laugh.

Michael rose and motioned for Elizabeth. "I'll get a taxi to return you to your hotel. Say your goodbyes to McTavish."
Elizabeth Volker looked shocked, "Ahhhh...right. Okay." She walked over to McTavish and kissed him on the cheek. "Great meeting you Stewart. If you're in Dublin, make sure to give me a call. I gave you my address, remember. And....sorry, we didn't get to...ah, you know." She giggled and walked to the door where Michael stood waiting.

McTavish smiled. "I'll get in touch, for sure. Thank you for helping me."

Michael walked to the concierge who sat in the lobby of the apartment building. He slipped him some money and whispered in his ear, then walked back to the young girl.
"The concierge will get you a taxi. Thank you for helping McTavish. Goodbye."

The young girl smiled, shook Michael's hand and walked outside with the concierge, where he hailed a taxi. Michael stood peering from a side window into the street. The same Citroen remained parked by the kiosk. 'Good, the young girl's taxi had not drawn any attention from the men inside the Citroen.'
Michael returned upstairs to the apartment.

Dana rolled over in the bed and reached out to the other pillow. She opened her eyes.
"Michael...Michael, where are you?"
She sat up and looked towards the empty bathroom, then over to the note on the pillow. The words burned:

'You are a wonderful, beautiful lover...good luck with your story. Michael.'

She picked up the pillow and breathed in the smell of Michael. Her body tingled as she closed her eyes and remembered his body pressed to hers, his manhood pulsing into her. She flopped back onto the bed and squeezed her legs together and gently moved her hips upwards. Her head swam - she could feel Michael pounding into her body. A mild climax washed over Dana as she lay breathing deeply. She lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling.
'This man was different, he would not easily be forgotten. Could she stand not feeling his body with hers? The answer was no.'
Dana rose, entered the bathroom, and turned on the shower. The warm water pulsed over her body. She did not want to wash the smell of Michael's lovemaking away. Only if she could have him again. She felt her blood heat, but not from the water; the throbbing from below was ever present.
'But what did she expect. There had been a silent, unspoken agreement what this had been - sex with no attachments.'

'It had been easy with the other men in her life - but....not Michael. She had to see him again.'
Michael shut the apartment door and walked slowly to McTavish. "I'll get the first aid kit for the cuts. You will probably end up with some scars - the wounds look deep."
"Great. Scars will make me look tough," coughed McTavish.
Michael worked on McTavish, then brought a bottle of scotch over and poured out a glass. "Here, you probably need this."
"Thanks. Look mate, I know I screwed up. You told me not to leave the place....but I was going crazy in here! And as it turns out, they had the computer bugged. Good think we didn't try to contact my uncle."
"Do you have any severe pain?"
"They kicked the crap outta me...my gut, my balls....oh, sh!t - I don't think I can do this job Mr. Samuelle! I just screw up all the time."
"We will see how you feel in the morning. If you can walk, we will leave. We are still being watched, so I will have to create a diversion while you bring our supplies to the vehicle."
"Didn't you hear me! I said I can't do this job anymore! I'm finished - I'm heading back to Greece!"

Michael pulled a chair close to McTavish and spoke softly. "Stewart - you will complete this mission. You are capable of performing the tasks. Yes, you did screw up by leaving the apartment but....I can somewhat understand your need for....ah, well, let's say femaile companionship."
"I just needed to be with people - getting laid wasn't the real reason I slipped out. I'm sorry - I want to do this thing correctly. I just don't have the know how."
"That's understandable. Your uncle has limited training capabilities. The agency I worked for had new operatives train for two years before going on a mission."
"Two years! Wow - must have been government."
"Let's get you into your room. I have some painkillers to help you sleep. Tomorrow - we leave."
McTavish struggled to his feet while Michael reached out to help him. McTavish pushed his hand away, "No thanks. I can do this - I must do this by myself."

The next morning Michael walked out the front door of the apartment and hailed a taxi. The old Citroen was parked, waiting as usual and raced after the taxi. McTavish stood in the lobby with their gear and watched the cars disappear down the street. He quickly grabbed the luggage and limped down the street to a waiting Peugeot. He threw the gear into the trunk and edged behind the wheel. He winced as he turned the steering wheel hard right and slipped into the traffic flow. Once out of the old city, he made his way to the Damascus airport. He parked the vehicle and sat waiting. 'It would be so easy to just buy a ticket for Greece...leave all this sh!t behind. Michael Samuelle was cut out for this work...but he wasn't.'
McTavish looked at his watch. Michael had told him to wait while he gave the secret police the slip. He figured maybe two hours at the most. 'Yes, he could be long gone by then...he could be in Athens and on a ferry to Rhodes. Drinking a scotch by the pool even. But what would he tell his uncle...that he had chickened out...that he was a coward.'
McTavish slipped back into the Peugeot and closed his eyes.
Michael had the taxi pull up to the busy market square. After paying the driver, he looked around for the Citroen. They had parked and were walking towards him. Michael darted behind a large pillar as the two men approached. They stopped and looked frantically around. Michael stepped out in front of them and smiled. "Were you two gentlemen perhaps looking for me?"
The men scowled, "What! Whooo........!"

  "Maybe we can discuss this over coffee - my treat," retorted Michael.
He started walking away; the two men following quickly. Michael ducked into a deserted building, the men looking at each other in confusion. As they stepped over the threshold, Michael swung his fist upward into the jaw of the first man. The other lunged as he stepped aside and judo chopped the man's neck - the man fell unconscious to the floor. Michael looked down at the two men and kicked them both in the groin.
'That is for my friend.'
He slipped into the busy market square, hailed a taxi and headed for the airport. As he sat in the backseat of the cab, his cell phone rang. He looked at the digital display - it was Dana. 'I do owe her a response; but to disappear from her life would be the better thing to do. They had enjoyed each other's bodies and a return visit would no doubt be gratifying again.' The phone continued to ring as Michael shut it off and watched the traffic flow by.

Sitting in her hotel room, Dana looked at her mobile phone as the number remained unanswered. 'Damn you Michael - answer the bloody phone! Surely one night of lovemaking hasn't scared you off!'
She got up from the bed and walked to a large mirror - she touched her face and the blood pounded in her ears. She could feel Michael's hands caressing her body; his lips teasing her. 'God, Michael - I will find you again - trust me.'

McTavish sat dozing in the Peugeot as Michael opened the door. McTavish jumped and pulled his gun. "Sh!t! You scared me!"
"How are you feeling?"
"Those painkillers are making me a little drowsy...maybe you better drive. Oh, and where we going?"
"We will drive to Deir Ezzor and stay for a couple of days. I need to get the computer back online to track some intel I came upon."

The Peugeot sped along the narrow highway, heading north-east. As the kilometers ticked off, the landscape became a desert; the air hot and dry.
McTavish dozed in and out of consciousness. After an hour he struggled to sit upright in the seat.

 
Michael looked over at him. "Go easy on those drugs."
"Sure, but I feel like I've been run over by a truck. (He paused) Soooo, you mentioned something about new intel. Where did you find that? Oh, forget it. That's your business." McTavish closed his eyes.
"Drink some of that bottled water. You need to stay hydrated. And in response to where I gathered the intel....well....I bumped into that journalist - Dana Delancourt. Something she said came to me this morning."
"You saw her! Where? Oh, I know - leave it alone. But she was some good looking woman, right?"
"She knows a great deal about this country - been researching for months. The Syrian government rebuilt a narrow gauge train line in 2001 between Syria and Iraq. That's why I need to get the compter online again. See if the shipping manifests show anything about Meracles shipments being offloaded onto rail, and if so, to where."
"So that why we're heading into the big desert?"
"That and to put some distance between the secret police and us."
"When they beat me up - they seemed to know about us....like...who we might be."
"I don't think so. From your debrief...I think they assume we are nosey UN inspectors. Well, let's hope anyway."

McTavish grinned at Michael. "So you just bumped into the lady reporter, huh? Wouldn't happen to be why you were away all night, mate. I know - mind my own business. But, hummmmmmmm....I sure wouldn't mind ending up in her bed!"
"Stewart."
"What?"
"I think you are starting to feel better."
McTavish grinned.

As Michael and McTavish approached the city of Deir-Al-Zor, Michael tossed a map to McTavish.

Start looking for the Hotel Al Arabi."
"Hope it's better than the last dump we stayed in."
They drove along in silence; then McTavish suddenly spoke: "You said you trained young operatives before and that they trained for two years.
 Now don't freak, I'm not going to ask about your former life, but....well were the operatives...as inexperienced as I am?"
"Yes."
"Did you have any one in particular that became a very good operative?"
"Yes."
"Look, sorry mate. I don't want to pry into your life...I'm just curious is all."
"Some operatives don't make it. Some become very good and proceed through the ranks."
"You have any you trained that were around my age?"
"Your age?"
"Yeh, you know 22 or younger."
"I had one that was younger."
"Did he make it?"
"He was a she, and yes, she made a very good operative."
"Wow! A female. Cool. So was she....maybe a little more than your material?"
"My material?"
"Whatever you called trainee operatives."
"I was her mentor, yes."
"Was she good looking?"
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, if she was good-looking, the job of training would....ah, be easier."
"Enough questions Stewart. Not it's my turn. This Elizabeth Volker - did she speak more about her father?"
"No, she doesn't know her father. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing. The name sounded familiar that's all."

Michael reached for a bottle of water and drank. 'The name Volker was all too familiar. Helmet Volker had been married to Nikita. Her name had been an alias but nevertheless, he had married her - made love to her. She had felt something for him - respect - but something more.'
Michael recalled how Nikita had confided months later about who he was - working for Interpol as an agent. She had said he was a good man. Maybe he would attempt to track down Helmet Volker, and advise him of Nikita's death. Volker had felt something for Nikita too - he should be told.

Their car crept through the traffic as the entered Deir-Al-Zor. McTavish broke into Michael's thoughts, "Hey! Look - there's a freight train line! That the one we're looking for?"
"Probably - now start looking for the Hotel Al Arabi."
"Hey, what about that hotel - the Aphamyacham Palace. Looks like a five-star!"
"Stewart - locate the Al Arabi."

After checking into their room, Michael performed a scanner sweep and began setting up the computers. McTavish attempted to help but gave up collapsing onto a chair.
"Geeze, I feel like sh!t!"

"You need some food. We'll go out and eat when I finish here."
"Is it okay if I lie down a bit...I really don't feel too well," stammered McTavish.
"Yes, try to sleep. I'll bring some food back for you. Go on."
Michael watched McTavish stagger into the adjoining room containing two small beds. He flopped onto the bed and held his head. Michael thought to himself, 'The young operative had taken quite a beating. Probably never had experienced anything like that in his life. His pain threshold was not strong. Perhaps he should have put him on a plane back to Greece. But this operation required as least two men; even more, if truth be known.'
Michael stood in the doorway and watched as McTavish appeared to be dozing. He turned and left the rooms.
When Michael returned an hour later, McTavish was sitting at the computers, punching in codes.
"You feel better?"
"Yes, somewhat. I thought I would try to get the train schedules - that okay?"
"Yes, good. Find anything?"
"A few things. Looks like the train line runs from Port Latakia on the coast to Aleppo, Raqqa, then here to Deir Al Zawr, next to Abu Kamal, and finally into Iraq. I have the times it leaves here and heads to Abu Kamal."
"Good work, Stewart."
"I don't understand how we're going to find out about the Meracles virus shipments. The shipping manifests didn't show any rail links, only the stuff being shipped to the port of Latakia."


"That's why I need to spend some time online - tapping into some old sources. Hopefully to find out if the virus shipments are heading into Iraq."
"Well, those must be powerful sources - if it's going to tell you that."
"The agency I worked for had many resources throughout the world."
"What if the shipments have alrady passed through here?"
"Let's hope that hasn't happened. But if so, we will follow them into Iraq."

McTavish got up from the computer and walked to the window overlooking a small outside cafe. "Mr. Samuelle - we could be on this mission forever. Will we ever go back to Greece?"
"When we complete the mission."
McTavish turned and looked at Michael, "Like I said before, I don't think I'm cut out for this kind of work. When I get back to Greece, I need to talk to my uncle - re-think my career goals so to speak."
Michael walked to McTavish and put his hand on his shoulder. "True, this work isn't for everyone. You are doing fine and the mission will come to an end."
McTavish pulled away and walked to the table containing the food Michael had bought.
"No hamburgers or pizzas in here I bet."
"No sorry, I got some chicken farouje, salads and cola...oh, and another bottle of scotch."
McTavish smiled weakly, sat down and began pulling the packages of food from the plastic bag.
Michael turned and watched the people below at the outside cafe. He thought back to his last young operative - Nikita. There was something to be said about Section. You trained and got tough - or died - either on a missionn or cancellation. Nikita had always said if she was running Section, it would be a more humane place but....Section's methods proved themselves. Operatives got the job done - or died trying. He would attempt to finish this mission with McTavish, then take him back to his uncle to rethink his options. Given his lack of experience, Michael could only hope that this young operative would survive.

Dana sat on the tourist bus heading for Palmyra. German, English and American tourists fussed with cameras and hand luggage as the bus sped along the road from Damascus. There was a constant buzz of chatter from the people aboard the bus.

Dana watched the desert race by her window - 240 kms from Damascus to the ancient town of Palmyra. She had booked on the tourist bus on the premise it would draw the least suspicion. Once in Palmyra, she would rent a car and drive the 85 kms to Deir-Al-Zor, and the train line she wanted to investigate. She closed her eyes and tried to shut out the babble of tourist chatter surrounding her. The repeated calls to Michael's cell had gone unanswered. 'Bloody man! She should have known better to let her feelings go so deeply for him. He could have at least answered her messages.'

The penetrating desert light shone through the bus window as Michael's face drifted before her. She breathed deeply - she could smell him again - that distinctive musk smell of lovemaking. Dana squirmed in her seat. Suddenly a woman in her mid-sixties sat down beside her. "Hello, I hope I'm not disturbing you. You were so deep in thought! You're not with the official tour; travelling on your own? If you are, would you like to join us? We're a group from the Illinois Historical Society. All women, I'm afraid! Left the hubby's at home. I'm so excited about seeing Palmyra! We've been studying the archaeological sites for months. What about you - you studied up on the site!"
Dana tried to focus on the grey-haired woman next to her. "I'm afraid I've left my homework a little late."
"No problem. I'll fill you in."

'Oh great,' thought Dana. 'Just what I need. I'd prefer to just sit here and think about a certain beautiful man phucking me instead of........'

"Well, Palmyra appeared for the first time in the 2nd millennium BC. It was mentioned in one of the Assyrian tablets. It was also mentioned in the Bible as part of Solomon's territory. Just imagine! It's actually an oasis cause it's located near a hot-water spring. Palmyra was an ideal halt for the caravans moving between Iraq and Syria, Lebanon and Jordan, trading silk from China to the Mediterranean."

'Oh God.....Michael.....save me from the babbling woman. Where the hell are you?'

The woman continued her history lesson. "Now you look like a young single career woman so I'm sure you will be interested in the story about Zenobia. She ruled over Palmyra around 256AD. That was Palmyra's greatest days!"
"Wooooo....woman power, way back the," squirmed Dana.
"Yes, truly. Zenobia's husband Odeinat was murdered by the Romans but she started ruling on behalf of her son. She was exceptionally strong in character. She ruled Palmyra in a way that astonished both west and east. She was exceptionally intelligent and attractive....."
"And no doubt sexually demanding," questioned Dana.

"Well....ah, yes, no doubt," smiled the older woman. "She was a gifted linguist, an eloquent speaker of Palmyrian, Greek and Egyptian. In her court she had many philosophers and scholars. Her downfall was thinking she could get rid of the Roman domination. The Romans besieged Palmyra, and it fell in 274AD. Queen Zenobia was defeated and taken captive to Rome, fettered in gold chains."
"Well, at least she was on top for awhile," smirked Dana.
The woman looked puzzled at Dana, "Yessss....she was. So would you like to join our group?"
"Thank you, but no. I'm meeting friends in Palmyra," lied Dana.
"Oh....well....good. So what part of the US are your from?"
"No part."
"What?"
"I'm from Canada - western Canada."
"But you sound so American."
"Well, in Canada, we all live close to the US border - I guess the American accent just slips across."
The woman laughed. "Yes, I'm sure it does." The woman eyed Dana suspiciously.
"Well, I guess I'll return to my group. I hope your stay in Palmyra will be enlightening."
"It will....especially after you filled me in on the history. Thank you."
The woman rose from the adjoining seat. "You are welcome."

Dana watched the woman return to her seat. "Ahhhh, now where were we Michael............"

The sun shone into the hotel room; the temperature was already 30C. Michael looked over at McTavish who sat munching on granola.
"Do you feel up to going out?"
"Sure....what for?" questioned McTavish.

"We need detonators for the explosives I brought from Damascus. I made contact with a supplier. He will meet you at the Cafe Euprates; pay him and return to the hotel."
"Right. How will I know who to look for?"
"When you get to the cafe, sit and make like you are talking on your cellphone."
"What if other people are talking on their phones - how will he know to contact me?"
"Stewart. There are not many Syrians with red hair like you."
"Oh, yeh. I see what you mean."
"If you feel unwell, I will go."
"No! No - I am alot better. I want to do this - what time?"
"Be there by noon, and make sure to return immediately to the hotel."
"Yes.....I will. Anything else you want me to do?"
"No. I will make a run over to the train yards and look around. The shipping manifests show a shipment from Meracles arriving from Latakia and heading east in two days."
"So, we going to blow the train up?"
"Eventually."
"Right here in the town?"
"That's what I want to investigate. But I suspect a better location will be between Deir Ezzor and Iraq."
"Yeh, okay. Say Mr. Samuelle....I just want to say....I, ah....I respect you. You know so many things...this anti-terrorist business is.....well...more than just romancing women."
Michael said nothing.
"So, after we blow the train to smithereens...we gonna return to Greece or spend the rest of our lives chasing viruses all over the middle east?"

"We will return to Rhodes."
"I never thought I'd be so glad to get back to Greece....you know....see my uncle and....well....."
"Get cleaned up. Here's the map showing where the cafe is."
"Gotcha. Is it okay, if I take a couple more painkillers?"
"I thought you said you felt better."
"I do! I just...kinda have a bit of headache."
"Fine. Just go easy on them. You need a clear head."

McTavish got up and walked to the bathroom. "Yes, clear head, scared face, smashed balls. (he laughed) That's me!"
Michael watched the young man enter the bathroom and close the door.

The heat of the day beat down on the small car.

Michael peered through binoculars as freight trains were slowly inching from the yard. He ran his finger over a shipping manifest. 'Freight car number X9 and X10 contain the Meracles shipments....transport departure...tomorrow.'

Michael exited the vehicle and walked to an abandoned shed. He scanned the area. 'The explosive charge could easily be placed on the freight cars but there were too many innocents within the freight yard.

Just then five military transport trucks appeared and began surrounding the freight cars, numbers X9 and X10. Michael directed his binoculars at an official in a military vehicle leading the trucks. It was the same official they had encountered at the warehouse. 'Well, you managed to miss getting blow up - how unfortunate.'
Michael darted back to his car and quickly drove off in the direction of Abu Kamal.

The highway almost paralleled the train line. After driving for half and hour, he pulled the car over. He scanned the train line.
'Explosives planted on the track could destroy the targeted freight cars. However, the timing would be critical.' Michael looked over the surrounding countryside.
'The carge could be planted and we could lie undetected behind those hills, then detonate the charge. Escape would also be difficult, especially if all the military trucks were following the train. But....it could be done.'
Michael ran over to the train tracks, set his watch timer and made a dash for the cover of the nearby hills. Sweat poured down his face as he reached the hillside and looked at his watch timer.
'Yes, the timing would be very critical, both for hitting the correct train cars and for re-locating their own vehicle. They wuld have to be in place undercover of the hills and have the charge pre-set. Hummmm...if he had some of Walter's sophisticated bombs, this would be an easy task but given the basic explosives he had at his disposal, the job was more difficult.'
Michael walked back to his vehicle and sat inside, drinking warm water from a plastic bottle.
'Yes, missions had been a lot easier for Section but this could be done - with a little luck.'
He started the vehicle and turned back in the direction of Deir Al Azor.
'Now, hopefully McTavish had retrieved the detonators with no problems.'
Michael's car raced through the Syrian desert.

McTavish sat sipping an imported beer at the outdoor cafe.
He had been holding his cell phone to his ear so long, his arm ached. 'Sh!t, this is dumb, when the hell is this jerk coming anyway.'
A woman stood at the far end of the cafe courtyard. She spotted McTavish and made her way through the tables and patrons, then sat down quickly at his table. McTavish jumped, almost dropping his phone.

"Well, well....certainly didn't expect to see you in Palmyra! You flogging your drugs....oh, sorry, selling aspirin to the Syrians!"
Oh my God! It's you! Ahhhhhh....you.....," stammered McTavish.
"Dana...is my name. Dana Delancourt...you have a short memory."
"I ....ah....I was expecting someone else...amazing seeing you here....and of course I remember you name....I just....."
"Are you here with Michael?"
"Michael?"
"Yes, Michael Samuelle, your....ah, your collegue in business."
"You know Michael...ah, yes....."
"McTavish - Stewart isn't it. Look, Michael and I know each other." She grinned.
"Know each other?"
"Are you taking silly pills or something. What's wrong with you? And your face is all bruised and cut. Have you been in a fight?"
"I got mugged in Damascus."
"Michael never said anything about that."
"He wasn't around when it happened. I had the sh!t kicked outta me outside a club."

Dana's mind raced, 'Ohhh...it was probably the night she had spent with Michael.'
"Are you okay? You don't look great."
"I'm fine. Soooo...you here working on your story?"
"Yes, I have a good lead but could use some details to fill in the blanks."

The waiter arrived with a menu. "Would you like to order?"
Dana lifted her sunglasses and squinted at the waiter. "Please bring me an import beer and another one for my friend."
As the waiter left, a young boy walked up to the table and dropped a package wrapped in brown paper in front of McTavish. Again, McTavish jumped and looked startled at the boy. The boy held his hand out, "$500 american money!"

McTavish squirmed and laughed nervously. "Ahhhh, sure thing mate. I guess you wouldn't take a cheque would you...ah, of course not." He reached into his pocket and pulled out an envelope containing five, one hundred dollar bills. The boy looked into the envelope and walked away.
Dana smiled, "Soooo Stewart - you buying illicit drugs now?"
"No, no - it's not that at all!"
She started laughing as the waiter approached with two beer. He placed them on the table and Dana handed him Syrian dollars. McTavish sat silently sipping his beer.
"Don't look so guilty Stewart. Does Michael know you are here buying....ah, illicit drugs....or dirty porn tapes." She laughed loudly.
"It's neither and yes, he knows I'm here. But you probably know everything about....well, what Michael and I do - right?"
"Of course...after all, we spent the night together."
"I'm surprised he would tell you...ah, about....things."

Dana reached across the table, took McTavish's hand and kissed it. She stared into his eyes. "Stewart - when a man is in the throws of love - he confesses many things."
McTavish grinned. "I guess...I haven't been....."
"......loved lately," she replied.
"No...too busy getting beat up." He smiled.

Dana got up and slipped into the chair next to McTavish. She picked up his hand once again and began to suck on his fingers. Her other hand slid up his inside thigh until she found his growing erection. McTavish sucked in his breath and moaned. Dana continued her ministrations, then pulled his fingers from her mouth. She leaned in and whispered in his ear, "Want to finish your beer or would you like to get out of this heat? My hotel room has wonderful air-conditioning."
She continued stroking his now pulsing erection. McTavish stammered and blurted out, "Ah....your air-conditioning...would...be...most...ah, welcome."

The taxi pulled up to the Hotel Zen Oubia.

Dana opened the door to her room and motioned for McTavish to enter. He walked in and immediately spotted the large bed with the nude painting over the headboard. He was breathing deeply. "Ahhh, look Dana...I don't know if this is such a good idea. Michael wanted me to go directly back to our hotel."
"And what hotel is that?"
"The Hotel Al Arabi....one step up from being a dump. Your room is very nice."
"You look tired and hot. Would you like to lie down on the bed and I'll get you a cold drink."
"No....I...well, okay."
"That beating took a lot out of you. You seem different from the young man I met in Athens. Are you sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine...it's, well, you know what you are doing to me...."

Dana looked at the front of McTavish's trousers. His erection was pushing the fabric on the loose fitting trousers.

"Yes, would you like me to do something about that?"
"Why would you....I mean...."
"Stewart - I like men. Now let's get rid of those pants and make you more comfortable."

Dana undid his belt and slid the zipper down the fly of McTavish's pants. He kicked off his shoes and socks and stepped out of his trousers, then went and lay on the bed. Dana followed him. "How about your shirt?"
McTavish pulled the shirt over his head. She reached over and helped him remove his briefs. "There, that's much better. You feel better Stewart?"
"Ahhhhhhhhhh....oh....yes....."
McTavish could feel himself beginning to climax as Dana stroked his pulsing shaft. He could not control himself and began thrusting his hips upwards with Dana clasping and squeezing his penis. McTavish came quickly, writhing over and over on the bed. As he came down from his climax, he looked frantically at Dana. "Oh sh!t! I'm sorry...it's just...I haven't...."
"It's okay Stewart. Glad I could help." She smiled and pulled her blouse and skirt off. She straddled his body, bent over and kissed his lips tenderly. "So, I guess Michael keeps you working all the time - no time for fun."
"Ah, yeh, I guess."
"Poor baby. Okay for him to get laid, but not you - right?"
"Yeh, right."

She continued to place butterfly kisses over his body then placed her tongue inside his mouth. McTavish help her hips, then reached for her breasts. "You are sooooooooo beautiful Dana!"
"Thank you Stewart. It's too bad we didn't get together before. Are you and Michael in Palmyra long?"
"Not too long," he stammered as he struggled to grasp and suck one of her breasts.
"Michael told me about your work...it sounds very dangerous. Well, obviously, if you got beat up."
"It's all part of the job, I guess." He grinned. "I prefer the valentine part of the job better."
"Valentine...what's that?"
"Valentine missions...you know...making love to beautiful women."
"Missions...for whom?"
"Michael not tell you...no, he probably wouldn't say who we work for - we're undercover."
"Oh, like agents...covert agents."
"Yeh, like he probably told you, right?"
"Yes, like he told me. He said you were agents but not what your mission was. I guess it's dangerous."
"Blowing things up is always dangerous."
"You two are very brave. So the explosions at the warehouse in Damascus...that must have been your handiwork."
"Yup. Michael and I...that one was a rush, I'll tell you."
"What's the next thing you are going to blow up?"
"Trains...trains going to Iraq."
"Yes, the narrow gauge line going into Iraq. I told Michael about it."
"Oh, it was you. Well, the target is in those freight cars."

McTavish started lifting Dana's hips to place her on his now rising erection.
"Not so fast Stewart...make it last. Lovemaking is best when it goes slowly."
"I don't think I can wait....I feel..."
Dana reached in the bedside table and pulled out a condom. "Here, let me put this on."
"Oh, yeh, sorry, I forgot. Just a little anxious to...."

Dana slid the condom over his penis and kissed the tip. She smiled and bent over to kiss his lips. "You are wonderful Stewart."
"Yes, but I don't kow for how long!"

She whispered in his ear, "What's in the freight trains that has to be blown up Stewart?"
"Ahhhhhhhhhhhh...can we talk about this later!"
"Stewart...what's in the freight trains?" She began lowering her body onto his pulsing erection.
"Later! Talk....later!"
She held her body upright as he tried to thrust into her.
"Nooooooooo...please...alright...it's viruses...mass destruction sh!t!. Please....!"

Dana lowered her body all the way, talking the full length of McTavish. He thrust his hips upward as his climax washed over him. He lay on the bed panting and holding Dana in his arms. "Oh my God, you are soooooooo beautiful!"

The cell phone in McTavish's pants started ringing. Dana pulled away and slid off the bed, retrieving the phone. She handed it to McTavish and returned to lay beside him.
McTavish struggled to speak, "Yes...ah, what?"

It was Michael. McTavish sat upright on the bed. "Yes, I got the stuff. I know, I'm here at our hotel now. Just...ah, hanging out, so to speak."
Dana giggled and covered her mouth.
"Okay, see you in an hour. Bye," stammered McTavish.
"Was that Michael looking for you?"
"Yes, sh!t...if you see him, please don't tell him about this, okay."
"No problem. So do you have to go now?"
"I better. And...ah, you are amazing...sooo....ah, did you...you know?"
"Of course I came. You were wonderful Stewart - a beautiful lover."

Dana stood in her bathrobe at the door and kissed McTavish goodbye. He grinned. "I hope we can do this again. Not sure what our schedule is but....give me your phone number and I'll let you know what our plans are."
"Sure thing," she replied, grabbing a notepad and scribbling her cell number. She kissed him, "until we see each other again."
McTavish kissed her, turned and walked down the hall, a huge smile on his face.

Dana closed the door and walked to the mini-bar. She took out a bottle of water and drank thirstily. 'Now that was a bitchy thing to do. But I got the information I wanted. So Michael Samuelle, Mr. secret agent, keep facts from he, eh? My leads about the trains going into Iraq were correct...viruses as weapons. Now all I need to do is follow you two and there's my story.'
She smiled and took another drink from the water bottle.

McTavish raced from the taxi up to the hotel room. He threw open the door to see Michael sitting at the table working on the computer.

"Hi mate! Everything check out at the train yards?"
"Where have you been? You told me when I called you were here in the room."
"Yeh, sure...well, I was...I got hungry so I slipped out to....."

Michael stared at McTavish but said nothing. He rose slowly from the computer and walked to the young operative. He stood, looking directly into McTavish's eyes.
"Where are the detonators?"
"Ahhhh.....here, they're here. Everything went according to plan. Some young kid dropped them off."
"And nothing else happened?"

McTavish squirmed and attempted to step around Michael who blocked his way.
"No...like I said....why are you so suspicious?"
"When I phoned, you seemed nervous."
"Nervous....no....well, okay - I admit, I'm a little jumpy after getting beat up in Damascus."
"Was the young kid delivering the detonators with you when I called?"
"No - no why?"
"Then who were you with?"
"With? Nobody! Why are you questioning me like this, mate?"

"Stewart - this is important. There must not be any mistakes - we cannot allow any anomalies to happen with what we are about to undertake."
"I understand....geeze mate. Everything is cool."
"Then tell me who you were with."

McTavish bowed his head. "Look Mr. Samuelle....I told you......okay - sh!t! She just appeared out of nowhere. Plops hereself down, buys me a beer and then....."
"Who?"
"Dana Delancourt - the reporter.....amongst other things she does." McTavish attempted to look away but Michael grabbed him by the shoulders and shoved him against the wall.
"What happened with her!"
"Sh!t mate....I didn't realize she was your private property! She came onto me - phucking seduced me for chrissake!"
"You had sex with her?"
"Yes! Yes I did...she phucked my brains out if you must know!"
"Is that all you did?"
"WHAT! What the hell you mean!"
"Did you tell her about our mission?"
"NO! Of course not... why would she care about that....?"
"Stewart - she is a journalist following up a story about weapons being transported into Iraq. Now - again - did you tell her anything?"

McTavish pulled away from Michael and sat on the sofa. He held his head in his hands.
"I'm sorry.....I....she came onto me. God she had me so hot I could hardly wait to get into her hotel room. She is amazing...I've been with women that were hot...but nothing like her!"
He looked over at Michael. "Well you should know mate. She said you two made love all night! Geeze she is hot! I get hard just talking about her."
"What exactly did you tell her?"
"Ahhhhh.....let me think. She seemed to know stuff - like you had told her things."
"Ms. Delancourt is very clever Stewart. She was using you to get intel about our mission so she could write her story."
"NO! That's not the way it was! She wanted to get laid too. I can tell...she wanted it bad!"
"No doubt she did. She is a very sexual woman - a woman who can use her sexuality to obtain information."
"Like a valentine operative - right?"
"Yes. Now try to remember exactly what you told her."
"I....ah....might have mentioned about the trains carrying the viruses into Iraq."


Michael walked to the window and looked out onto the town. The sun was setting in the desert but the oppressive heat hung in the air. He reached over and turned the air-conditioner up full, then walked back to McTavish.
The young man sat on the sofa looking down at his feet.
"Stewart....."
The young man said nothing.
"Stewart...."

McTavish looked up at Michael, tears streaming down his face. "I'm sorry mate. I've screwed up again. I didn't mean to tell her anything. It just seemed like she already knew about things. Like she inferred you had told her stuff."
Michael walked to the side table and poured two glasses of scotch. He walked to McTavish and handed him one.
"Drink this. Then eat the take-out in the mini-bar. We leave early in the morning to blow up the train. Get some sleep."

Dana sat in her hotel room sipping a cold beer, and talking on her cell phone to the Guardian newspaper in London. The air-conditioner hummed throughout the room.
"Look Dan - I've got the hot lead I was hoping for. But it won't be a hot lead unless you get me the train schedules. My damn computer won't work with the internet connection here. Yes....freight train schedules from Lattakia to Deir-Al-Zor to the Iraqi border. Good....then call me immediately."

She clicked off her cell phone and smiled. 'Now Michael Samuelle....we'll just find out what you are up to.'
She punched in the numbers for McTavish's cell. The phone rang over and over. McTavish lay on his bed in a deep sleep. Michael got up from his bed and picked up the phone.


"Yes."
"Michael! Is that you!"
"Dana?"
"Michael....you devil - why didn't you call me again. After the night we had ...... you are a bad boy leaving a lady with just a note and no more phone calls!"
"What do you want, Dana?"
"Welllllllllllll.......that is a loaded question Michael. So - you answering McTavish's phone now?"
"What do you want?"
"I know about your mission...and the fact you and Stewart are agents...tracking weapons into Iraq. So no more secrets Michael - let's work together."
"Dana - don't do this."
"Michael, my sweet...I am a journalist and this is a big story. What's the problem with me following you on the mission, then I get my story, publish it and....."
"Dana.....I am hanging up now."
"Ohhhhhhhhhhhh, don't make this so difficult. After the mission, we can get together again and....god Michael - you are an incredible lover! And I know you enjoyed it too!"
"Goodbye Dana."

Michael clicked the cell phone off.
Dana sat staring at her phone. 'Damn, you bloody man! But if you want to play hardball......fine!'
The cell rang, making Dana jump. "Hello - Michael! Oh, yes - Dan. Hang on a minute....okay, give me the train times."

  Dana sat in the rented Fiat, watching the trains leave the freight yard. She peered at the schedule. 'Were Michael and McTavish going to attempt to demolish the freight cars in the yard? They had blown up the warehouse at Tartus easily.'
She smiled to herself at the thought of Michael being an undercover agent and blowing things up. What a sexual turn on!
She squirmed in her seat, closing her eyes and recalling the feel of Michael as he thrust into her body.
'Oh sh!t! Keep your thoughts on the job Dana!'
She grabbed some binoculars and watched as the freight cars from Lattakia shunted from the yard.
'Okay fellows - no explosives here. So I'll just have to follow the train east.'
She started the vehicle and maneuvered the car onto a roadway paralleling the train tracks.

Michael and McTavish's vehicle raced through the desert to the hilly area Michael had scouted for their attack. He had managed to obtain a 4 x 4 so they could travel cross country to the hillside cover and therefore make egress more obtainable.
Michael pulled the vehicle behind a small knoll and motioned for McTavish to take the detonators.

He stood peering through his binoculars at the surrounding land - the counryside was empty. The heat wave had broke overnight and the temperature was bearable now. Still, in the distance over the sand, a vibrating heat wave could be seen on the horizon.

Michael and McTavish ran over to the train tracks and began placing the explosive charge. Michael worked quickly connecting the charge to the rail ties. McTavish looked at him. "How the hell is this going to work? These explosives are so primitive. What's going to make them blow? We had better stuff in Damascus!"
"Finish applying the detonators. The electronic relay should set them off."
"Should! You said - should! What if it doesn't work!"
"Stewart...the detonators."
"Okay, but if the relay doesn't do it....what then?"
"We will set a second set of charges - one thousand meters down the track and detonate the train there."
"Will the relay work for both charges?"
"No."
"Then how the hell....."
"It will have to be detonated manually with the hand detonator. Let's just hope the first charge is enough."
"Ahhhhhhhh....I don't want to sound unenthusiastic...but this seems a little unpredicatable."
"Stewart - place the detonators, then we will set the second charge. Now go!"

After setting the second charge, Michael and McTavish raced back to the cover of the desert hill.

After fifteen minutes, they could see the train approaching. Michael peered through his binoculars. He could see a Fiat driving along side the train on the parallel road. McTavish grabbed his binoculars and noticed the car. "What! I thought you said nobody drove this road."
"There was no traffic....it is a secondary road."
"Well, there's somebody there now. Looks like they are following the train."
"It can't be helped - they are collateral."

Michael thought back to missions for Section; how many times had he watched as innocent people had been killed and categorized as collateral damage. He had tried to take measures to avoid innocents being killed by not destroying the freight cars in the yard but now....an innocent in a car travelling, no doubt to Iraq.
The two men watched as the freight train approached the explosive charge on the tracks. Michael turned his head to watch the progress of the car on the road. It appeared to be slowing, pulling over to the roadside. Why? Why was the vehicle stopping?

Michael looked back quickly at the train as it approached the charge site. The first three cars ran over the charge, followed by the remaining six. McTavish looked frantically at Michael.
"What! What the hell - nothing happened! The charge didn't go!"
Michael stared at the train and over at the waiting car. Just then McTavish grabbed the hand detonator and jumped in the 4 x 4. He gunned the engine, spitting gravel and sand over Michael. The 4 x 4 raced to the second charge site. Michael started after the vehicle and stopped.
"Stewart! No! Nooooooo!!!"

Michael looked back at the train that had slowed to negotiate a sharp corner. He began running across the desert towards the second charge site and the 4 x 4 disappearing in a cloud of dust. He race frantically towards the vanishing vehicle and as he crested a small knoll, he stopped and pulled up his binoculars.
McTavish was bent over the tracks as the freight train appeared, its whistle blowing loudly. McTavish waved back and as the cars numbered X9 and X10 ran over the charge, McTavish plunged the hand detonator.

Michael had started running towards the train and McTavish. He was only a few hundred meters away when a massive explosion sent the train cars hurtling into the air and surrounding desert. Michael was thrown backwards and lay semi-conscious in the sand. He attempted to lift his head, looking towards the destruction before him. The first two cars lay on their side, while the balance of the train was strewn in twisted pieces of metal over the desert floor.
He staggered to his feet, peering through the dust and debris. The 4 x 4 had been blown over on its side. Michael wandered up to the truck and looked inside - nothing. He stood, looking at the last place he had seen McTavish. He knew there was nothing left of the young operative.
Michael feel to his knees and remained sitting on his haunches when suddenly he heard a voice calling to him. He turned and looked through the thick dust. "Nikita! Nikita....is that you! What have I done! This young man only wanted to be a good operative....he had no training.....NIKITA!!!!"

Walter pushed the double stroller along the seawall with Nikita walking by his side. The azure coloured sea rolled up to the rocky wall, smashing small waves. They walked along in silence. Walter looked over at Nikita.
"It's great you are getting more sleep now....I mean the babies sleeping more at night. It's been a tough few weeks. You feeling better now?"


"Yes, thanks Walter. The twins ae feeding properly with just my milk and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about Michael. It's like the babies sense when I'm miserable - then they start fussing."
"Say, this double baby buggy is great! That Helmet comes up with the best things!"
"Yes, he is very sweet. He does way too much for me and I don't give him much in return."
"Yeh, well - he's a great guy."
"He loves me Walter....and I can't return his love."
"He understands how you feel about Michael."
"I keep thinking we should leave here...it's so unfair to Helmet having a whining woman with two babies to look after."
"Hey Sugar - I don't think he minds and besides - where would you go - back to Center and your father?"
"That's the only option I have so, that's why I stay. That and Helmet's is the first place any news of Michael will come in."

They turned onto the esplanade and a small park next to the sea. Walter motioned for Nikita sit on a bench."
"Take a load off. This is a beautiful spot and you don't want to get too tired."
Nikita laughed. "Walter - I need desperately to get in shape. I decided to start jogging again tomorrow. I've been working out a little in Helmet's weight room."
"Don't go at it too hard now! I know you! You should take it easy."
"I need to start losing some of this baby fat. I've never been this heavy."
"You need a little extra weight. You were too thin before."
She smiled. "Thanks Walter but tomorrow I start jogging in addition to the weight room."

Walter leaned into the stroller to check on the babies; they slept peacefull. He grinned and looked over at Nikita.
"Sugar, these babies are so perfect. And they look just like you - beautiful!"

"Marko looks like Michael, don't you think?"
"I guess....his eyes are not blue like yours or beautiful little Terry's. But they both have a touch of golden hair." He reached in and gently stroked the heads of the babies.
"There's not much hair there Walter - blonde or otherwise," laughed Nikita.
"They will have your colouring, your features....I can see it."

Nikita stared out to the sea. "So Walter, you know who phoned this morning from Greece?"
"Who?"
"Katerina Meracles. She wants to come to see Michael's children."
"What! Why....she....!"
"I told her to come. I think I understand why she wants to see his babies - she loved him."
"Yes, but.....I mean....are you okay with this?"
"She took care of Michael...he was very ill with a concussion. He barely knew who he was. She took him to her home and cared for him - then....well....fell in love with him."
"Well Sugar, if you ask me...it's kinda liberal of you. I mean...she...."
"Slept with him - I know. We talked for two hours this morning - she told me everything. He thought I was dead...he talked about me with her. She said he even called her Nikita one time."
"Oh God, Sugar...I don't know about this!"
"I want to see her again Walter and let her touch, feel and love Michael's children."

Walter shook his head. "Of course, it's your decision but...well...when is she coming?"
"The end of the week...I better tell Helmet before he leaves for Belfast."

Dana had slowed her vehicle after following the train from Deir Al-Zor. She had decided to return as her gas was getting low and if she followed the train further, she would no doubt end up alone, without gas, in the middle of the Syrian desert.


As she sat in the car reading her map, the train disappeared into the distance. Then suddenly she heard a loud explosion.
'Michael! You blew the train!!'

She started her car and raced down the road but hit the brakes and skidded to the roadside when she saw the destruction before her. Dana grabbed her camera and binoculars and scanned the site. There was rubble everywhere. She focused the camera and let the motor drive click off a dozen shots. She then scanned the dusty area with her binoculars - there was a man kneeling in the sand. She jumped in the car and inched down the roadway. Pulling over, she got out and looked again at the man.
'Oh my God! It was Michael!!'

Dana threw her camera and binoculars back into the car and began running towards Michael. As she approached, she coughed, the dust making breathing difficult. She yelled to him. Michael was calling out something. As she made her way to him, she could hear Michael calling out the words - NIKITA!
"Michael - it's Dana! Are you alright! You blew the train! Where is McTavish!"

Michael jumped up and drew his revolver, pointing it at Dana. He struggled to focus.
"Michael! It's me - Dana! Don't...don't shoot me! Are you alright!"
Michael lowered his gun. "What are you doing here? Do you want to get killed?"
"No I don't! Are you hurt?"
"I'm not injured...once again....I survived."
Dana looked around at the twisted train wreck and overturned 4 x 4. "Michael - where is McTavish?"
"Dead...he's dead."
"What! But.....!"
"We should leave...that was you on the road....the car...where is your car...we should leave."
"Yes, sure. But...is there...I mean....McTavish....."
"There is nothing left of McTavish. Let's go."


Michael walked to the overturned 4 x 4 and scanned the contents. He grabbed a bag containing the remaining explosives and registration papers for the vehicle. He then began pulling Dana over the sand and once he spotted her car began running and pulling her. When they reached the vehicle, he fell into the passenger seat. Dana turned the car around and headed in the direction of Deir Al-Zor.
A large dust cloud remained over the train wreckage.
As they approached the outskirts of the city, Dana turned to Michael. They had said nothing since leaving the wreckage site.
"Where do you want to go?"
"My hotel. I will pack up the computers and my - our belongings. I must disappear."
"Let me help you Michael. Please...I want to....help...."
"Fine."

Once back at the hotel room, Michael threw the computers into their cases and tossed clothing and personal items into luggage.


Dana attempted to help him, but Michael seemed determined to pack up their belongings himself. Together they dragged the luggage to her waiting car. Michael had already paid for the room that morning, so the hotel desk were not concerned seeing the couple pack out armfuls of luggage.
Again they drove along in silence. Dana looked over at Michael. "I don't know where you want to go...so why not stay with me tonight...or get your own room...whatever you want."
"I will stay in your room tonight, then get a car tomorrow and go...."
"Go where?"
"I don't know...I have to think..."
"Okay. That's okay Michael. Maybe in the morning you will know what...."
"Why Dana? Why did he do it? He set the charge off, knowing he would be killed. Did he want to prove something to me - that he was a good operative?"
"Such a waste...he was so young...and trying so hard to live up to you...."

Michael closed his eyes and sunk down in the seat.

Nikita hung up the phone and turned to Walter who was gently rocking the baby girl.
"That was Helmet. He said he would return home tonight - he sounds upset."
"Why - some intel go wrong?"
"Well, it turns out Helmet had a little secret we didn't know about."
"I imagine the man has lots of secrets - look at the life he leads."
"He has a daughter. That's why he went to Belfast - he's been trying to track down the mother."
"What! Did he know about the daughter?"
"Not really. He knew a young Irish girl when he was in school...and...well, he's been trying to find her ever since."
"You mean he had sex with her and she had his child."
Nikita laughed, "Don't mince words Walter....but yes, I guess that's what happened."
"So he find the mother and daughter?"
"The mother runs a florist shop in Dublin. The daughter was travelling in the middle east with friends, returned to Ireland but refuses to see him."
"Oh...so, he's kinda upset I guess.

"Poor Helmet - he would dearly love to have his own children - I can tell. And here I am waving two babies at him when I know he wants more from me."
"Sugar...you have to go with what your heart tells you."
"I guess." Nikita smiled. "So Walter...looks like you're giving the baby girl more attention than the boy!"
"What! No! I had the boy bouncing around this morning. So much, he threw up!"
"Yes, I noticed," laughted Nikita.

The head housekeeper knocked on the door of the nursery. "Excuse me but Dr. Meracles has arrived. Shall I show her to her room?"
"No, that's fine. Just have her luggage taken up," replied Nikita.
She looked at Walter. He smiled and shrugged. "You okay, Sugar?"
Nikita took a deep breath, "I think so."
Walter placed the baby back in her bassinette. "I'll leave you ladies and go back to work, okay?"
"Sure Walter, thanks."

Nikita walked into the hallway; Katerina dropped her hand luggage and walked up to Nikita. She put her arms around her and hugged her. "Thank you for letting me come to see the babies. You are so understanding."
Nikita's eyes started to tear, "After our talk on the phone, I realized how much Michael means to you...it is only natural you should want to see this babies."
Katerina smiled, "Thank you so much Nikita."

Nikita took her hand and pulled her, "Well come along - let me introduce you to the little monsters."
"Monsters?"
"Sorry...silly Aussie expression, I guess."

They entered the nursery with Nikita leading Katerina to the bassinettes. "I gave them temporary names until Michael returns. The boy is called Marko and the girl Terry. They were two brave operatives at the agency Michael and I worked at."
Katerina looked into the bassinettes. Tears formed in her eyes as she stood looking down at the babies.
"Here, you must hold them," smiled Nikita. "How about the tough guy first."
Nikita lifted the baby boy and placed him in Katerina's arms. She smiled, tears trickling down her face. She said nothing. Katerina looked at Nikita, then walked to the large window overlooking the sea. She stood in silence, gently rocking the baby. His tiny fists and feet kicked and little gurgling sounds came from his mouth. Katerina turned back to Nikita. "He's an active little guy."
"Yes....ah....like his daddy," stammered Nikita.

Katerina walked over to Nikita with the baby and put one arm around Nikita's shoulders. The baby fussed and turned his head towards his mother. Katerina looked down at him.
"He is so beautiful....like his daddy."
She quickly handed the baby to Nikita and walked back to the window, wiping the tears with the back of her hand.

The baby started to fuss, so Nikita went and sat on a lounge chair. She opened her blouse and immediately the baby sought her breast. Katerina walked to her side and sat watching. "How on earth you delivered two babies on your own Nikita....I will never understand. You are a wonder."
She rose quickly, walking to the baby girl. "May I pick her up?"
"Of course, she will need feeding too. But you must want to freshen up. I'll have the housekeeper show you your room."
"No, I'm fine."
Katerina gently rocked the baby girl. "May I just watch? I mean....you are such a beautiful mother...with two wonderful children....Michael's children."
Nikita smiled. "Yes....Michael's...if only he would return...so he could see.....his babies."
Nikita eyes started tearing as she looked down at the baby suckling her breast.

 Michael lay on the sofa in Dana's room. He stared up at the ceiling and remained silent. Dana paced back and forth, then walked to Michel and crouched on the floor beside him.

"Michael, I know you don't want to tell me details of what you are doing but.....well, I do know. You and McTavish are agents...for some government...tracking viruses going into Iraq. Please let me help you...."
Michael swung his legs from the sofa and sat on an adjoining chair. "Who have you told about this? Have you filed your story?"

Dana struggled to her feet and sat on the sofa.

"Only my editor in London. He knows what I am following...nothing specific about you or McTavish...only about the weapons."
Michael glared at Dana. "When is your story going to print?"
"Not until I write it! I'm an investigative reporter...I write the story and if the Guardian editors approve it...then it's published."
"You must not print this story!"
"What! That's ridiculous! I understand you don't want your name mentioned and that's fine...but I've been tracking this story for months...this story is why I lost my job with Newsweek...they didn't believe me! Michael, you can't ask me to just drop this story!"


"If you write this story...the remaining weapons will disappear. The destruction of the train alone will make tracing the remaining virus shipment difficult. Surely you understand that."
She walked to Michael and crouched before him; she stroked his hair back from his face.
"Please Michael, don't ask this of me. There must be a way..."
"McTavish was killed because of this mission. And now, anyone involved with tracking the viruses is in eminent danger."
"You mean both of us, right?"
"Yes."

She picked up his hand and kissed it gently. "I would do anything for you Michael, you know that...but my story....this story is my life....."
Michael looked into her eyes, "Are you willing to die for your story? Are you willing to kill me for your story?"
"Kill you? What do you mean?"
"You must understand, Dana. Any information leaked about this will alert the terrorists. We've been fortunate that we have not been detected before now."

Dana rose, stood in front of Michael and put her arms around his neck. She remained silent and tears crept down her cheeks. "Do you have any idea what you are asking me to do....?"
"I do realize...but you must not write your story."
"Very well....I won't...not for now...but after...after you finish this ....this mission - I will write it. And I'm only agreeing to hold off because...."
".....yes...."
".....because of how I feel about you....you must know I...."
"Dana - no - you cannot."
"Michael I love you! I don't want to love you, trust me! But I can't stop thinking about you. It's more than just sex...I do love you!"
Michael grasped her arms, removing them from his shoulders. "No...don't love me....people that would care for me get hurt....die."
"I don't care! Michael - I LOVE YOU! Please let me help you...we can work together on this. I won't submit any story until your mission is finished...then we can be together....

Michael rose and walked to the window. "You will be in danger...maybe get killed if you stay with me."
"I told you Michael...I want to help....you need support....now that McTavish is...."
"Dead! Say it Dana. He is dead."
"You didn't tell him to detonate the explosives...he did so by himself...wanting to prove something."
"Yes, to me....that he had what it takes....and he died proving it. I must notify his uncle...he should be informed."
"Please Michael....let me help."
"You are not trained to perform missions...you would be a liability."
"McTavish didn't have much training from what I can see."
"That is why he is dead."
"If I don't come with you...how will you know whether I submit my story?"
"I would trust your word you just gave me."
"You should know...never trust a woman in love...she will go to any lengths to be with the man she loves."
"So, you would blackmail me...how do you know I won't kill you - here - now."
"Kill me then...go on!"

Michael walked back to her and stood looking down at her, now seated on the bed. "Don't talk this way...you are...."
".....I love you Michael. I will do anything for you...but please let me help - work with you on this."
"I cannot protect you. If we are captured, interrogated - I cannot protect you."
"I understand that." hummm....foreshadowing?

Michael cupped her cheeks and brushed away a strand of auburn hair. "You are an insane woman Dana....and I only hope you will live long enough to write your story. You really have no idea of the danger you are in."
She smiled, wrapped her arms around his waist and pulled his abdomen to her face. "I love danger...that's why I love you...you beautiful man."

The next morning, Michael sat at a table in Dana's room, working on the computer. Dana had gone out for food and soon returned with bags of take-out.
"Well, I got a bit of everything for us. I live on more take-out than anyone....well, maybe not more than you but...."

Michael said nothing. She deposited the packages and began dishing out food onto plastic plates, bringing one to Michael.
"Here, eat this before it gets cold."
Michael stopped his work and began eating. He opened a water bottle and drank thirstily. Dana smiled.
"Hummmm....thirsty work, eh? Or is it last night's activities....?"
She got up and wrapped her arms around him. "Oh, my goodness Michael....you drive me crazy...you do that to all the women you make love to?"
Michael removed her arms and stared into her eyes. "Do me a favour - let's not discuss our former personal lives - deal?"

Dana picked up her plate of food, "Okay...deal. So, you got the internet connection working...your computer must be a hellava lot better than that junkie laptop I have to work with."
"I'm not using the hotel connection. I have a satellite panel."
"Wow! So you just bounce off an overhead satellite and pick up cyberspace. High-tech star wars stuff!

"I was corrrect...there is another shipment heading into Afghanistan. A cell of Mujahideen is working out of Jordan and directing the shipment to the Al Qaeda network in Afghanistan."
"Amazing! You picked that up already! You are good! Sooooo....I agreed not to ask questions about who you work for...but...well, you said you had to inform McTavish's uncle about his death. Is the uncle the contact for the government agency....okay, I know - stop asking questions."
"There are no government agencies involved."
"No governments! That's a first. So you work privately...interesting."
"Dana - you ask too many questions."
"I know - I can't help it. But Michael Samuelle...you might just give me a tid-bit or two...if not now, then I might get something when you are in the throws of a mind-bending climax." She laughed.

Michael placed his empty plate on the table and began typing again. He looked up and spoke softly, "I never kiss and tell, Dana."

  That night, Dana and Michael lay together in bed. They had made love earlier and now lay sleeping. Michael tossed and turned and woke up yelling. "McTavish! No!! Stop!!"
He sat up quickly, sweating and breathing deeply. Dana woke with a start and wrapped her arms around Michael.
"Michael...you were dreaming! It's okay! Come on lie back down."
He lay on his back staring at the ceiling. "I killed him Dana. The young man died because I didn't protect him."
"You can't protect everyone Michael. Now, please try to relax and get some sleep. Let me help you."

The following morning, Michael walked from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist.

Dana had showered and was packing her bags. She looked at his body lustfully and walked over to him, grabbing the towel away. "You think we have time for......?"
Michael grabbed the towel back. "No. Enough Dana."
"Never enough....I'll never get enough of you." She grinned.
"We have a long drive back to Damascus, then arrange for a flight to Amman in Jordan. Are you ready?"
"I think so. You going to tell me about what happens when we get to Amman?"
"No. The little you know, the better."
"You don't trust me do you Michael. I told you, I won't file any story until your mission is completed."
"I trust you....if you don't know....you will be safer."
"Safer from whom?"
The Mujahideen....they will not hesitate to torture and kill you."
"Are you trying to frighten me....cause I don't scare easily."
"You should....I told you....we could be killed. Now take your things to the car - I'll be there shortly."

Many hours later, Dana and Michael entered Damascus. They drove directly to the international airport and Michael made arrangements for a flight to Amman, Jordan. The flight arrived at 1am and as Dana walked with Michael through the Amman airport, she leaned on him and whispered. "I'm beat - let's find a hotel."
They handed a taxi driver their luggage and Michael directed him to the Caravan hotel.
Once in their room, Dana collapsed on the bed. Michael proceeded to set up the computer. Dana looked over at him. "Michael...come to bed - no sex - just sleep - you must be exhausted."
He looked over at her. "You sleep - I'll be there soon."
Dana never heard him, she lay sleeping peacefully.

The next morning Dana and Michael sat eating breakfast in their room. Michael finished his coffee and rose from the table.
"Stay in the room....I have a source I need to check out."

Dana looked at him and made a face, not used to having a man give her directions. "You not even going to let me in on what the information might be?"
"The location of the Mujahideen headquarters here....and perhaps the virus storage point."
"You sure I can't come with you?"

"No. And I trust you not to leave or do anything."
"Fine....but you look so tired...did you sleep at all last night?"
"A little....I'll sleep when this mission is complete. I'll return in about two hours."

Michael picked up his jacket and left the room. Dana walked to the terrace window and watched him walk to the car rental parking lot across the street. He pulled a Mercedes out into traffic and disappeared.

Dana quickly walked to his computer and logged onto the internet. She smiled. 'Well my Michael, I did promise not to file my story but I said nothing of having it sit in cyberspace for a few weeks.'

She spent the next hour typing out a story about terrorist and undercover agent intrigue. About how independent agents were chasing bio-chemical weapons across Syria and trains blowing up. She signed her by-line name, then encrypted the story on a time-release two weeks hence. The Guardian newspaper in London would not be able to obtain the story until the time delay had transpired.
'Now Michael Samuelle, if anything should happen to me - at least the world will know of your exploits. You may possess my body but not my ability to perform my main obsession in life.'

On Ibiza, Katerina and Nikita has spent two days together. They had taken long walks with the babies and one afternoon, Nikita had the nanny tend to the children while they went swimming in the sea.


After their swim, they walked back to Nikita's new BMW Z4.
The sports car raced over the narrow road back to Helmet's villa and Katerina looked over at Nikita. "You enjoy performance cars."
Nikita laughed. "Yes, Helmet gave me this devil car...I owned a Porsche Boxter before....I've always been addicted to fast cars. I suppose now I'm a mother, I should be more careful."
Katerina smiled at Nikita. She so enjoyed being here with her and Michael's children. Katerina has resigned her position at the hospital in Salonikia and decided she must get on with her life but first....she had wanted nothing more than to see Michael's children.
As they drove in silence, Katerina thought about the last two days. She sensed Nikita's pain in not knowing when Michael would return or how he was. True, the young woman was a mother now....but she was still a young, vibrant, head-strong woman. She could see why Michael had loved her - not just her beauty, but - her intelligence and vitality.

As the sports car pulled into the villa driveway, Nikita recalled her initial apprehension at inviting Katerina to visit. But after two days, she had relaxed. She really like the woman - her sensitivity, her compassion - and when she looked at the babies, the love and understanding was so evident, it broke Nikita's heart in realizing how much Katerina must have loved Michael. The woman had been totally honest about everything and Nikita felt complete compassion for her.
As they entered the villa, the nanny walked up to Nikita with both babies. They were crying. "See, here is your momma....senorita...they need feeding and you did not leave enough of your milk."
"Oh my god! What a terrible mother I am...I just can't seem to get the hang of things."
Katerina took one of the children from the nanny as Nikita took the other. They walked out onto the rear patio next to the pool and sat under large umbrellas. Nikita opened her shirt and took the baby girl to her breast.
"One quick drink for her, then it's Marko's turn."
Nikita looked over at Katerina. She rocked the baby gently and he had stopped crying and was gurgling contentedly. Katerina looked into the baby boy's eyes. "He has Michael's eyes - those green, deep, penetrating eyes."

Nikita smiled. "Yes, he can stare right through you."

Just then Helmet walked out to the patio. "Ladies! I heard you had returned from your swim....you had a good time?"
"Yes, wonderful," replied Nikita. "But I'm afraid the kids are hungry and I didn't leave enough breast milk with the nanny."
Helmet smiled. "And you Katerina...you are comfortable here?"
"Yes. Thank you for having me."

Helmet turned to Nikita. "Ahhhh...my dear...I...well, we received a communique from Dr. Leslie on Rhodes. Dr. Meracles, will you excuse Nikita and I, we have to discuss something."
"I've told her about the business we are in Helmet. She knows...I told her about Michael and....well....."
Helmet frowned and nodded to Katerina. "Very well....Dr. Leslie received a communique....."

Nikita jumped, pulling away from the baby. The child pushed her head forward, seeking the breast again and suckled. "What! What was the message...why didn't you say when we....!"
"Calm down Nikita....Leslie received another encrypted email from Michael."
"When! From where...what did the email say!"
"Not good news I'm afraid."
"Michael....is Michael alright! Helmet...no!!"
"Michael is fine. It's Dr. Leslie's nephew...he was...well - killed on the mission."
"Oh my god no! What....what happened!" exclaimed Nikita.
"There were no details...only a short message stating McTavish had been killed. Leslie is totally distraught...McTavish was like his son."
"Helmet...this mission.....I thought it was intel gathering!"

Helmet looked over at Katerina. "I'm sorry Dr. Meracles - I cannot discuss this further...."
Katerina got up and handed the baby to Nikita. "I understand - I'm sorry to hear about Dr. Leslie's nephew. Nikita, I'll be in my room."
She entered the villa.

Helmet sat next to Nikita and picked up the baby boy.
"You should not have told her about what goes on here."
"Helmet, she isn't stupid. I think she learned from Leslie what sort of business you two are in. She isn't going to tell anyone."
"Still, you must be more careful."
"The encrypted email only stated that McTavish had died...nothing more?"
"Nothing. Only that it appears Michael is on mandatory refusal now."
"WHAT! Why the hell would he do that...what is this mission about Helmet!"
"I don't know details Nikita! All Leslie would tell me is they were tracking intel on bio-chemical weapons in Syria. That's all....."
"Please push him for more information Helmet."
"I'll try but you know this business...confidentiality is...."
"To hell with confidentiality - this isn't MI5 or Section!"

The babies began fussing with the boy beginning to cry. Nikita got up and scooped the baby from Helmet's arms.
"Please Helmet - find out what the mission is. I'll be in my room."

Nikita sat in her room nursing the babies. Katerina knocked on the door. "May I come in?"
"Of course. Look I'm sorry about all the secret, spy mumbo-jumbo. I hate it! It was my life before....I hate it!"
"But Michael is okay. He sent the email to Leslie...so he is okay."



"Yes but he will not give up until the mission is completed...it's called mandatory refusal...total crap! And what for - money??? Why the hell is he doing this!"
"Nikita, he told me one time - his life was his work. If he knew you were here with his babies, I know he would not be putting himself in danger...but return to you immediately."
"But why doesn't he communicate with Leslie on Rhodes? That is so ridiculous! Typical Michael! Everything he does is so controlled....he is a perfectionist. The only thing important to him is that he does the job correctly. Why is he doing this to me, Katerina!"
"He does not know you are here Nikita. Here let me take the baby girl...I think this young man wants to be fed."
Nikita positioned the baby boy to her other breast and he sucked hungrily. Katerina walked with the little girl, rocking her gently; the baby drifted off to sleep. Katerina looked down at Nikita and thought to herself, 'If only there was something I could do for her...to help her.' She smiled, watching the baby boy suckling.
"Well, Nikita that young man is certainly hungry."
Nikita smiled, "Yes, he sucks twice as hard as his sister - a real breast man." She grinned. "Like his daddy..."

Katerina looked away embarrassed, "Ahhhhh....yes, yes that could be true."

Later that evening, after they had finished dinner and Helmet had returned to his office, Katerina and Nikita sat outside on the patio.



"I've been thinking Katerina...actually, I've been thinking about this for awhile. Would you be willing to help me look after the babies?"
Katerina looked over at Nikita, "What.....well, I guess I could."
"How long can you stay on Ibiza?" questioned Nikita.
"Well I have no specific plans. As you know I resigned my position at the hospital. I was thinking of taking a long holiday - maybe a cruise. Why do you ask?"
"We have the nanny...but I would like someone who knows...someone I feel...oh, hell....sorry, there's only one way to say this. Would you stay here and look after the children while I go and look for Michael?"
"What! Look for Michael...you mean travel to Syria and look for him?"
"Yes. Would you?"
"Nikita...I don't believe you are thinking straight. You can't just go running around the middle east searching for Michael!"
"I was a good operative. I am trained and I know I can find him."
"But you said you tried before and found nothing!"
"I can find him Katerina - I know it!"
"Yes, maybe you think that...but the babies...they need you...the feeding....you can't just leave your children!"
"I can store enough milk....with the breast pump and..."
"Please my dear...you are not think this through."
"Will you look after the babies, Katerina?"
"I.....I...I don't know....this is madness! Do you know how long you will be away from the babies...you can't leave them long! No of course you wouldn't know cause you have no idea where Michael is or what he is doing!"
"Will you look after Michael's babies, Katerina?"

Katerina stared at Nikita. She could see the determination in her piercing blue eyes. This young woman was so head-strong, so determined.
"Yes. I will stay here and look after them but what about Helmet...he wouldn't want you to go...he will perhaps not let you go."
"He will do what I want. Yes, he will argue...but I always win."
Nikita smiled, "Thank you."
"Well...oh, my goodness...so when will you take off on this....."

"......mission...a mission - searching for Michael. In a couple of weeks, I'll need that time to gather more intel of his mission and where he might be heading."

Michael and Dana finished eating dinner at a nearby cafe. Dana reached over and poured the remaining wine into Michael's glass, then looked up smiling.
"You've been even more quiet than usual Michael...have I done something wrong?"
"No."
"Did you find any information about the virus shipment - and look, if you don't want to tell me, that's okay."

"Yes, and I must take some time to formulate a plan."
"....a plan?"
"The terrorist network appears to have many tentacles."
"May I ask how?"
"This shipment is even larger than what was in Syria. And the people at the top extend into very high ranking levels."
"Government levels?"
"Middle east governments, yes."
"How on earth did you find this out?"
"American dollars buy many things."
"Well, it must have been a lot of money...you have contacts here in Jordan to find out....oh, sorry - I'm not suppose to ask."
"No you aren't. Let's go back to the hotel, then I will update you on what I want you to do tomorrow."

Michael placed Jordanian currency on the table and got. up. "Let's go."
"Me! You are enlisting my help?" questioned Dana.

"Yes, I can't perform the whole profile without another person. That will be you."
"Excellent! (She grinned) Do I get a gun?"
"No."

When they arrived back in their hotel room, Michael pulled out the scanner and proceeded to sweep the room. Dana stood watching in amazement. She started to speak but Michael put his finger to his lips, indicating her to be silent. He completed the sweep of the room and placed the scanner in an insulated leather bag.
"We must be very careful. We will be watched," whispered Michael.
"Hey, you're beginning to spook me. Who the hell is watching us and what was that device?"

"When we arrived here in Amman, the secret police and Mujahideen no doubt spotted us at the airport. When we leave our room, I must scan for devices each time we return."
"My god Michael...you are...I mean...so this is dangerous stuff."
"I told you. And from what I found out today, the stakes are even higher."
"Yes but can you trust the information?"
"My contact was a former operative with the agency I worked for. His intel is reliable."
"Right - so.....you said you wanted me to help you - in what way?"
"My contact has given me a possible site for the virus shipment. They are possibly stored in gas containers. We will check this out, then I want you to maintain surveillance on the site."
"And where will you be?"
"This is where the profile gets complicated. My contact has told me of a meeting between a Mujahideen leader, the head of a Afghan terrorist cell and the Cardinal. He is the head man arranging the various virus shipments - the planner for the dispersal throughout the world."
"The world! What! Oh, my God! This is.....!"
"Dana...I told you...and now you are involved, so you are committed to stay with me until the mission is complete."
"Yes, of course. It's just....I guess I didn't realize the extent of this. So this head man...he's the, like main man behind the whole bio-chemical weapons plot?"
"Apparently - I trust the intel from my contact. And if I'm lucky, the man who has been manufacturing the viruses, Dr. Nikos Agilo and the head of the shipping company transporting the viruses from Europe - Stephan Meracles."
"So...ah, you can - what - eliminate them all at once?"
"That would be the plan."

Dana walked to the terrace window and stood looking out over the city.
"I guess I shouldn't be so eager to offer help in the future. This sounds scary...but you have everything covered...I mean, if you go blow the bad guys up - how do we get away?"

"I'll try to arrange for private air transport for us. We can't take a chance with regular flights leaving Jordan."
"So a chopper can swoop in and take us somewhere?"
"Hopefully. Look Dana - I know this may be more than what you thought you were gettting into - but you are commited now - you know too much."
She smiled. "Oh, thanks for confiding in me Michael. So...when do we start?"
"In the morning...we better get some rest."
"I'm always ready for bed, you know that." She grinned.
Michael smiled and walked to the computer. "You go to bed - I'll be there shortly. I have to confirm some final details."

  Dana had come from the shower and sat on the edge of the bed, drying her hair.
'This man, Michael Samuelle, was dangerous. Perhaps she had been a little hasty in wanting to help him. Still, he knew what he was doing....she should be safe.' She smiled to herself. 'There was no doubt about it...this dangerous man was the most incredible man she had ever met. She had told him of her love and he had said nothing other than not to love him. The woman who haunted Michael....what was her name, Nikita....would probably always be in his thoughts. But that was okay....for she was with him now. She would do anything for him....just to be by his side.' Dana slipped under the covers of the large bed.

When Michael entered the bedroom, Dana was sleeping.

He pulled the duvee over himself and stared up at the ceiling. His body was overwhelmed by fatigue. Even though he was exhausted, sleep escaped him. The only thing that brought him rest, was expending his body sexually...his release was like an escape into oblivion. He turned to Dana and wrapped his arm around her waist. She stirred and turned to him.
"Michael....sorry, I fell asleep."

Michael slipped his hand between her legs and began gently massaging her womanhood. "You need your rest."
She opened her legs and moaned, "Not when you do that to me."
She turned to face him and reached down to grab his shaft. She moaned loudly, "Oh my God Michael! Now - please - I want you!"

Michael shifted his body overtop of her and plunged into her waiting opening. He pounded into her warmth and could feel himself near release, but fought to contain himself. Dana heaved her hips upwards, her fingers gripping Michael's buttocks. Dana's climax washed over her and Michael followed immediately.

Waves of floating into oblivion coursed through Michael's mind...and out in the crashing waves.......

......Nikita's face floated before him.

When he released and came down from his climax, he rolled off Dana and turned in the bed away from her. She lay recovering from her orgasm, breathing deeply. After a few minutes, she looked over at Michael, then scooted over to his side.
"Michael, what's wrong?"
He rolled over onto his back. "Nothing."
She smiled at him, "There is something wrong - I can tell."
"There's nothing....nothing wrong."
He reached over and stroked her cheek, then brushed back her auburn hair. "You are a beautiful and wonderful woman."
"Thank you...but I can tell there is something worrying you...eating at you....bothering you. Is it this mission? I know you are a man who doesn't like to talk about yourself....talk about how you feel, your emotions. But I'm one of those kind of nagging women that keep picking away at things. I guess that's why I'm a journalist. I just like digging until I get the true picture - the real story. (She paused) You're haunted by something Michael. The thing is, I'd like to help."
Michael looked into her eyes. "I can't speak about it anymore...it's a memory that is faded. I've worked to make it disappear."
"Memories never disappear - that's why they're memories. But you are haunted Michael - I can see it in your eyes. Is it that woman?"
"Yes."

Dana took his hand and began kissing his fingers and looked deeply into his eyes.
"Please let me help you Michael. Please let me help with what's haunting you."

Michael took a deep breath, "The woman I mentioned before, Nikita - I....I loved her. (He stammered) She...she was carrying my child."

Dana stroked his forehead and brushed back some of the stray curls that had fallen onto his face. "What happened...you told me before she was killed by a suicide bomber."
"Yes, in a market place in Afghanistan."
"Why was she there?"
"She was working as a government operative."
"Were you with her when it happened?"
"I.....I...was in the bombing....I must have been at the same bombing. I suffered a concussion...I had amnesia....I can't remember all the details."
"Where you both working on a mission together?"
"My memories are still very distorted. For some reason...my mind won't let me remember all those events. I was sick for a long time after. (He paused) I still can't remember."
"Did you bring her home or bury her in Afghanistan?"

Michael looked wildly at Dana. "Bury her! No....no! I...after the bombing all I remember was being in the mountains. I was with the rebels or the allied forces in the mountains."
"How horrible for you Michael - to have seen her killed like that. And not to have been able to say goodbye; to take her home and bury her."
"No I couldn't....I didn't. I just went to the mountains - I lost all the memories."

Dana gently kissed Michael and then whispered. "I'm sorry I made you revisit all this. That's the nasty reporter in me - I have this compulsion for asking questions and probing deeper into things."

Michael sighed deeply, "No it's fine - it's probably good I try to revisit the memories. I still don't know why....I can't place all the facts together. I remember going on a mission - her father had a mission for me. He had made us promises that we could be together if I did this specific mission."
"And she went with you?" questioned Dana.
"No....not at the time. But she was there - I remember her being there. The mission went badly - I was wounded - she was treating me. There were other operatives there and she was looking after me. I know I was given drugs...I remember...the drugs must have been for my wounds. But she was there with me and as I recovered, we were in the market square and that's when the suicide bomber...."

See Page 1 for what actually happened to Michael.

Michael stopped and closed his eyes, desperately trying to recall the facts.
"She must have loved you very much, Michael, if she travelled to Afghanistan to be with you - her being pregnant and all."

"Yes, but her father didn't want her to go on any missions. She had wanted to come on the mission initially but her father refused to allow her to go."
"But she did anyway...you said she was with you when you were wounded."
"When I was wounded - I couldn't see her face - my vision was distorted - I couldn't see her but she kept telling me she was Nikita. I know she was there."

Dana stroked his cheek, "Don't talk about it anymore Michael. I can see it's too painful. I'm sorry to have made you talk about this."
Michael turned away from Dana and tears appeared in his eyes.

Michael maneuvered the Mercedes through the busy Amman traffic. "Check the map, the building is on Firas Street, a large white building."
Dana scanned the map, "Turn on the next right. My God, these street signs aren't much help, there's so few. Okay, look....is that it way over there?"
"Possibly."

Michael pulled the car to the side of the road and pulled out his binoculars. Scanning the building from their vantage point, he took out a PDA and punched in data. The response came back moments later. Dana looked over at him in amazement.
"Wow, Michael, you do have great little spy toys...what does that one tell you?"
"Confirmation of the site. We should be able to get closer to inspect the building but I want you to remain in the vehicle."
Michael edged the car into a vacant lot across from the white building. There were no people or cars around the site. He scanned the perimeter, then turned to Dana.
"It is important you stay in the vehicle until I return - do you understand?"
"Of course...but what if someone comes?"
"Use your cell phone to call me."

Michael exited the vehicle and darted up to the building. Dana looked nervously around the lot and into the adjoining street. She felt her heart racing. This was exciting...perhaps a tad too exciting. The fact Michael kept emphasizing the danger they were in, only added to her apprehension. She sat watching Michael disappear into the rear of the building.
Once inside the building, Michael bolted through long cavernous-like corridors. There was no Birkoff to inform him of hostiles being present. He peered around a group of steel tanks and shot off down the hallway. At the end was an office; he peered around the corner and upon seeing no-one, strode into the room. It was filled with computers and lab equipment. Michael quickly typed on a keyboard and watched the screen fill with information.
He inserted a disc and copied the information from the file. As the disc was downloading he moved quietly throughout the room, checking the materials on the tables. He then removed the disc and shut down the computer.
Michael raced to a lower level in the building. His contact had provided positive intel about this building being deserted on this day, a holiday in Jordan. On the lower level, he came upon an open courtyard. Peering around, he darted outside to find palates with gas canisters scattered about the open area.

He took out the device he had used in Dr. Agilo's lab in Greece, to read the contents of the canisters. The device took minutes calculating with numbers and letters flashing on a red screen. Michael looked around watching for any movement. Finally the confirmation appeared on the screen - viruses - the same as contained in the Syrian shipments. Michael made a mental note of the number of canisters and darted back into the building. As he raced down the hallway, his cell phone beeped quietly. He grabbed the cell, "Yes."
"Michael! Oh God! A car just drove up and four men are entering the building....!," exclaimed Dana.

Michael shut his cell off and continued to his egress point. Upon reaching the doorway, he glanced over the perimeter, then excited quickly. He ran back to the waiting Mercedes and slid behind the wheel. Putting the car in reverse, he drove the vehicle out onto the side street and back into the Amman traffic. Dana stared at him as he drove along in silence.
"Whewww....that was kind of exciting Michael but what if those men had found you inside!"
"I was elsewhere in the building. You performed well by calling me."
"Performed! Is that what you call it! They scared the sh!t outta me! So now what?"
"Unfortunately, it as I suspected and what my contact advised. The shipment is leaving the same day as the meeting between the terrorist leaders. But with some luck, I may be able to deal with the targets and destroy the virus canisters."
"What! Are you kidding me! You are going to blow up the virus canisters right here in Amman!"
"No, there is too great a chance of the the toxins leaking out over the city. I'll just hijack the truck and destroy them in the desert."

Dana starting laughing. "Michael - you make this sound so easy - like an everyday occurrence. But then, maybe for you it is."

Michael looked over at Dana and smiled. "Just another day at the office."
"Oh, yeh, sure...now suddenly you have a sense of humor, Mr. Strong-silent-type."
"There is no other way. The timing will be critical. Hopefully, the meeting of the targets is well in advance of the shipments leaving."
"So, you still want me to help?"
"Yes. You will maintain surveillance of the building and advise me if the truck arrives to transport the canisters."
Dana said nothing. Michael looked over at her. "Are you okay with doing that...you wanted to help me and I wouldn't involve you if I had backup."
"No.....I'm fine. I'll do whatever you ask me to."
"You will be alright....just stay in the vehicle and call me if the truck starts to leave."

Michael drove through the busy Amman streets in the direction of their hotel, recalling the same reassuring words he had relayed to McTavish before they had headed into the desert to blow up the train.
When they arrived at the hotel, Michael and Dana stood at the elevator. The door opened and a man stepped to the side, letting them enter the elevator. Dana reached to push the button for their floor when suddenly Michael grabbed the door and pushed it back open. He whispered to Dana, "Go to the room...I will be there shortly."
Dana looked at him surprised, "Oh, sure...."

The door closed and the elevator rose. Michael quickly dashed out into the street, looking for the man who had exited the elevator. He immediately spotted him, slipping onto a chair in the outside cafe across the street. Michael darted through the traffic, walked up to the man and sat down. The man looked startled.

Michael leaned into the man. "Don't make any sudden moves, if you do - it will be your last."
The waiter arrived. Michael looked up, "Two ouzos, please."
The waiter whisked away.
"That is what you drink isn't it Mr. Meracles....Stephan Meracles, isn't it?"
The man swallowed and breathed deeply. "How do you know who I am?"
"I recognize you from the picture your girlfriend has in Greece. Very attractive young lady....maybe a little young...but nevertheless."
"What the hell do you want?"
"A little information Mr. Meracles...a wealthy man like you...owning the family shipping business and all...well, money can't buy you...so...maybe something a little more personal."
"What do you mean!"
"I need to know the time you are meeting with some very influential business partners."
"I have no idea what you are talking about!"
The waiter arrived with the ouzo. Stephan Meracles grabbed the drink and swallowed the contents of the glass.



"Come now, Mr. Meracles...the meeting tomorrow...I really don't need to fill in the details."
"Who the hell are you and why should I tell you anything!"
"If you don't tell me, your sweet, young girlfriend will disappear. My contact in Greece is with her now...maybe enjoying her even."
"You sh!t! Who are you!"
"Would you like me to call him and say I have the information or...call and tell him to...ah, enjoy your girlfriend."
"Go ahead! Let your contact phuck her brains out...I don't care!"
"Oh, Mr. Meracles, you do have a way with women, don't you. Well, what about your ex-wife, my contact would have no problem killing her."
"Are you sick! My ex-wife has nothing to do....!"
"Oh, you still care for her - how touching."
"I don't care...look...phuck my girlfriend and kill my ex-wife - be my guest!"
"Well, then I have to present you with the third option - your shipping business. I understand you are in the middle of a merger with a Dutch company. I would be a pity if all the scandal about your girlfriend being a sex-trade worker and your ex-wife's murder came out just before the merger."
"What! NO! Look...why do you want to know about the meeting time!"
"My partners want to be involved. We have a business proposal to present to them, that's all."
"Well, why didn't you say, why all the bullshit!"
"Oh sorry - you mean you would have told me the meeting time if I'd just asked?"
"10am and I presume you know the location!"
"Yes, of course. Thank you. Perhaps we will bump into each other again."

Michael got up and walked away leaving Meracles grabbing the other glass of ouzo and gulping it down. Meracles got up and raced across the street to the hotel.
Michael sat in the lobby, watching Meracles enter the elevator.

The next morning, Michael followed Dana in the Mercedes as they made their way to the white building containing the virus canisters. He pulled the Citroen behind her vehicle and walked up to the car. Scanning the building with binoculars, he then opened the passenger door and slipped inside the Mercedes.
"The perimeter is clear but the truck will be arriving sometime today. Make sure you stay in the vehicle and call when you see it. You have enough food and water?"
"Yes, sure...but you should be back here, right? I mean before the truck arrives?"
"Dana...I....hopefully, yes. It was fortunate recognizing Stephan Meracles and obtaining the meeting time. I should be able to deal with the targets and return here within two hours."
"Okay, but what if the truck leaves before you return - should I follow it?"
"Yes."
"And then you will find me...I mean...I call you and let you know where I am, right?"
"Yes."

Michael stared at Dana; he could see the apprehension in her eyes. Why had he involved her in this mission? She would never admit to being afraid and certainly, would not back out now; he had no choice, the profile required two people. He would have to trust her.
Michael looked at his watch. Time was short; he must leave now to obtain entry into the meeting compound.
He leaned over and kissed Dana on the cheek. "You will be fine. I'll see you in two hours."
Dana grabbed his face and pulled him into a passionate kiss. She reached down and pressed her hand into his groin, massaging his manhood. Michael pulled away and smiled. "No time now...later...we'll celebrate."
Dana felt her body vibrating with sexual tension, "Ahhhhh....yes...so...is it later yet?" She laughed.

Michael exited the vehicle, jumped into the Citroen and wheeled the car in the direction of the hillside Jebel area.

He had obtained intel regarding the building, which was the Consulate for the Yugoslavian government. He parked his vehicle on a side street and quickly entered the building via a basement window. As he raced up the stairway, he glanced at his watch. The attendees should be in place in the boardroom. Michael realized he should have performed a field recon before undertaking this target. There had been no time; and he only had two choices of weapons for performing the mission - a small amount of C-4 explosive left from the warehouse bombing in Syria or...his rapid action millimeter gun. Both were primitive - if he were executing this mission for Section, the room would have been tapped with time delay explosives and there would be no need for an operative to even enter the building.

Michael reached the hallway containing the boardroom. A receptionist sat behind a large desk, working on a computer. There were two uniformed security guards standing outside the boardroom. Yes, a field recon would have proved valuable. He must find another way into the boardroom.

 Warning: Explicit sexual violence in the following installment. Readers sensitive to violence of a sexual nature - please do not read.


Dana sat fidgeting in the Mercedes. Michael had been gone for almost an hour. Suddenly, two Land Rovers drove up to the white building and six men in desert fatigues got out. Dana grabbed her binoculars. The men were standing at the entrance to the building when a Range Rover arrived. Two men jumped from the Rover and held the door open for a tall, grey haired man dressed in middle eastern clothing. He nodded to the men and entered the building.

'Oh my God!', gasped Dana. 'I wonder if that's the head man Michael thought was suppose to be at the meeting!'

She jumped out of her vehicle and ran over to the side of the building. 'What the hell am I doing? But if that is the man Michael is looking for....he needs to know!'

All the military escort guards had entered the building so Dana was able to walk to the front door and peer in. She saw nothing.
'This is too easy...no guards...nobody.'

She entered the building and scanned the hallway. Voices could be heard coming from the second floor, so she tiptoed up the stairs in the direction of the sound. As she turned the corner, she could see the whole entourage standing around a table covered with maps and documents.
'Sh!t! And me without my camera.'

Suddenly, two military guards grabbed her, shoving her face into the wall. They yelled in Arabic and swore at her. One of the guards bent her arm behind her back and she screamed, feeling her arm about to break.
The group of men in the room looked up and a small man with a large abdomen and massive moustache came running from the room. He yelled in Arabic and the guards dragged Dana into the room. The grey haired man from the Rover, turned away so Dana could not see his face.
The guards turned and began dragging her down the hallway until they reached the stairway, where they threw her headfirst down the steps. They raced after her and retrieved her as she lay stunned and bruised.

"Oh.....my....god!....what...is happening....to...me!", she screamed.

NEXT