Steel: Hello darling! Nikita quickly pulls out her revolver, pointing in the direction of the voice. She crouches on the floor. 

Nikita: Who are you! Steel switches on a light. He sits in one of Nikita's leather chairs, a drink of scotch in one hand. Nikita points her gun squarely at Steel's head. Steel get up and walks directly at her. 

N: Why are you here! 

S: I keep coming back for you, my darling. You see - I don't really believe the child you are carrying is Michael Samuelle's. We made passionate love - surely you remember - the timing is perfect - it's my child. 

N: You are demented!

S: I've always told you - I love you. I want us to be together with our child. I'll do anything to make that happen. 

N: My unborn child is not yours. 

S: Well - it's not Michael Samuelle's anymore. 

N: Michael isn't dead! 

S: I'm afraid he is my dear - he'll no longer be interfering with our love for each other. 

N: I'm giving you one minute to get out of here before I put six bullets through your head. Steel walks directly at Nikita. She backs away as he approaches her.

N: Back off! 

S: I'm leaving - just like you asked. Nikita continues to point her gun at Steel as he walks to the door. He opens it and turns. 

S: Don't fight this Nikita - we will be together one day - just ask your Father - Michael's mission into Afghanistan is an abeyance mission -Coric and Michael were both shot by terrorists in Kandahar. Steel walks out, closing the door behind him. Nikita breathes deeply, her gun drops to her side - she stares at the door intently, thinking to herself - what is he saying - is my Father involved in this? Edited by: Lynuslinus at: 11/15/02 11:04:34 pm

Michael is wounded, almost near death. From the shadows of a bombed out building, a young woman helps him, pulling and dragging Michael to her home. Once inside the cottage, she begins to heal his wounds. Michael awakes slowly and asks where he is. She responds, you are in my home but you must be quiet or they will find you. Michael asks the woman if she can get him out of the country, she replies that she can, her brother will lead him over the border into Pakistan. He tells her they must tell no-one of his whereabouts - he now knows that there is a mole in Section.

The woman's brother and Michael crouch behind some stone pillars, the brother peers through binoculars at the dusty plain ahead. 

Brother: It's not safe to cross, we better head back to Serina's for the night and try again tomorrow. Michael: (cringing with his wound that has now re-opened) I must get into Afghanistan. 

B: Not now - come, let me help you back to Serina's. They make their way through the darkened pathways back to the small house where the woman, Serina had nursed Michael. She looks up suddenly as they enter, she points a gun in their direction. 

Serina: You brought him back? 

Brother: Yes, you better give him that medicine. Michael collapsed on the bed. The woman injects a liquid into his arm. He passes out and sleeps. 

Selina: You are giving him to me ....... 

Brother: Yes, do as you wish, he is of no value to us - the cause cannot use him. 

Selina: I will care for him ... love him ....he will recover. 

Brother: You better use the full hallucinatory drug ...the one to make him think - what is the woman's name? 

Selina: Nikita. Selina strokes Michael's forehead and gently kisses him. 

Selina: He is such a beautiful man. The brother shakes his head. Your obsession with this man is not right. 

Selina: He is mine, you gave him to me. 

Brother: Just remember our cause ...then do what you want with him.

Nikita stared out the window of Section One's private jet - miles of rocky desert stretched into the horizon. Special Ops Surnow handed here a glass of juice. He smiled, "I'm sure you'd like something stronger but your sister Kitty made me promise to look out for you." Nikita smiled back and took the juice, "Thanks, I wish I felt better about this mission - not telling my father may have been a mistake. 

Surnow: You have to trust your instincts. There are a lot of unanswered questions about Steel, MI6 and Section. 

Nikita: Has the intel on Michael's whereabouts been updated? 

Surnow: It's coming in now. The profile indicates he's being held in Afghanistan at a safe house. He'll be okay, Nikita - his wounds don't appear to be serious. Nikita looks out the jet's window at the distant mountains. 

Nikita: If only I could believe that.

Meanwhile, at the Afghan 'safe house' Michael struggled to get up from the bed. Serina, the Afghan operative walked quickly to him, her hand pushing him gently back onto the bed.

Serina: No, my darling, you are too weak yet to get up. You must rest. 

Michael: (Peering at Serina, his eyes not focusing properly) Nik-it-a? Is that you - where are we? We should be leaving this place - when is egress? 

Serina: Your wounds have not healed, we will stay here longer - it's safe. 

Michael: Is it you Nikita, my head, eyes - I don't see properly. 

Serina: Yes, it is - your Nikita - I love you Michael - we will always be together. 

Michael: Nikita - I - love ........ Michael passes out as his hand reaches out to Serina.

Michael and Serina walked arm in arm through the crowded marketplace in Kabul. Fruit and vegetable sellers pushed their wares onto the passerbys. Michael stopped at one of the sellers and picked up some papaya. He handed the fruit to Serina, smiling at her. 

M: Here, Nikita, your favorite - just the correct ripeness. Serina smiled back at Michael, reaching up to kiss his cheek. Suddenly, a heavily bearded man runs by the couple and leaps into a group of military personnel who are standing by a fish monger. The man pulls up his shirt to reveal a bomb taped to his chest. He pushes the detonator. An explosion rips through the marketplace. The suicide bomber has destroyed most of the market square. Carnage and destruction lay everywhere. Michael and Serina lay underneath the rubble. Serina does not move - Michael struggles to reach out his hand. He touches her face. 

Michael: Ni-Ki-ta ..........No!!!

- 2 -

High in the Tora Bora mountains, Michael crouches behind bolders protecting the entrance to a cave. Two Taliban fighters walk up to him and offer a jug of water and bread. 

Fighter: You must rest - you have been on guard duty for three days now. Michael wipes dried blood from his forehead and eyes. His old wounds from the explosion in the marketplace have caused a concussion. Michael does not remember anything of his former life - he believes his is fighting the terrorists who have killed 'Nikita'. 

Michael: We must protect this cave at all costs - they must not advance further. The head Taliban fighter takes the other one aside. 

Fighter: He will work for us - his head is gone - in his sleep many days ago, he talked of a great leader - a Nikita - who is now dead. He will revenge the death. He is our captive but also our weapon. No foreigners will take us.

Nikita, Surnow and six other operatives surrounded the stone cottage where Michael and Serina had been in hiding. Surnow kicked the door and the ops stormed in, guns pointing in all directions. Nikita followed, her gun drawn. 

Surnow: The place is empty. Nikita walks to a table and picks up a cup and examines it.

Nikita: There was someone here recently. How good is the intel about this safe house? 

Surnow: (checking out a syringe that lays inside a drawer at a bedside table) Cochran, run a test on this. Nikita, all I know is the Pakistan ops have used this house and stated it was secure. 

Cochran: Sir, the syringe contains an hallucinogenic drug. Nikita walks to the bed, bends down and picks up a torn piece of material. 

Surnow: What is that? 

Nikita: The material is identical to the shirt Michael wears. 

Cochran: Look here, in this bag, discarded clothes. Nikita takes the clothes and examines the pants and shirt. She puts the shirt up to her face. 

Nikita: These were Michael's.

Surnow: They may have injected him with the drugs. He could be anywhere, not knowing who he is. Nikita recalled the time three years ago when Red Cell had used memory loss drugs on Michael. He had become another person. She walked to the cottage door. 

N: We must return to the plane and have a trace done on all movement from this location. 

Surnow: Nikita, that's not possible, there are too many variables. 

N: Now - everyone back to the plane! 

Nikita closed the door to the private room on board Section One's jet. She laid down on the sofa and closed her eyes. She thought back to the time of Michael's memory loss induced by Red Cell. He had been so vulnerable, so attentive and caring. She longed to be near him, to feel his hands caressing her body. She had resisted him during the memory loss, saying he was not who he normally was. But she had so wanted him at that moment. They had danced - he had wanted to dance. She smiled at his innocent advances to her. He had tried to kiss her and she had resisted. He had even told her he loved her. Their relationship had come along way in three years. She was now carrying his child and he knew he was to be a father. It had made him happy and he had tried so hard to appease her father by going on this mission to Afghanistan - but now he was missing - drugged. Would she ever feel his touch, his hands working wonders all over her body. She felt a shudder of excitement thinking of the last time they had made love. 

Nikita: Michael - Michael - where are you ............... ?

Surnow knocked on the door of the private room aboard the jet. 

Surnow: Nikita, the head of Center is on the videophone. Nikita sat down in front of the videophone, she typed in a password. Her father's image appeared on the screen. 

Father: Nikita, I've been following the intel on developments there. I understand your need to locate Michael but the mission must not be compromised. You must stay focused. Nikita punched the audio off the videophone. She turned to the other operatives posted in the jet command center. 

Nikita: Get out - go to the secondary command. The ops left quickly, going to the forward section of the jet. Surnow remained. 

Nikita: That means you too!

Surnow: Nikita, your father is correct, we must follow procedures. 

Nikita: Get out! Surnow walked slowly to the adjoining door and exited. Nikita turned on the audio and peered at the video screen of her father. 

Father: Nikita, I know this is difficult for you but intel shows that Michael was killed in a recent suicide bombing in a marketplace in Kabul. Nikita looks shocked - "What - when did you find this out!" Father: There were other clandestine operatives following Michael's actions. 

N: What other agents? 

Father: Well .......... 

N: What Others!! 

Father: Steel. 

N: You had Steel kill Michael so we would not leave Section together. You PROMISED ME - US! Why do you think Michael volunteered for this mission - so we could be together. 

Father: Nikita - Steel did not kill Michael. 

N: I don't believe you - I don't trust anything you say. I'm going to find Michael - I know - I feel he is still alive. Nikita clicks off the videophone and presses the intercom. 

Nikita: Surnow, get ready with four operatives and supplies. We 're going back to Kabul and get Cochran to run the trace on Michael's transmitter.

Surnow and Cochran worked on the trace computers in secondary command. 

Cochran: Sir, finding Michael's whereabouts is impossible. The intel is stale dated. She can't possibly believe we can do this. 

Surnow: We've only got 24 Hours to do this! 

Cochran: We need more time. 

Surnow: Is it possible to turn the 24 Hours into 4 months. 

Cochran: What do you mean? 

Surnow: Oh, sorry, just had an idea for another mission.

mountain pass. 

Michael: Will there be more guns in the next village? 

T. Fighter: Yes and you can talk with the foreigners and get more food - they will want to help - you. Michael: What foreigners? The one Taliban fighter looked at his comrade. "The British commandos have a post there. You can ask them for supplies - tell them you are undercover for their government." Michael rubbed his eyes and looked questioningly about this statement. 

Michael: Have I been undercover? 

T.F.: Yes. 

Michael: I remember being in a marketplace with Nikita - were we undercover? 

T.F.: Yes, the great leader - Nikita. He was a great man. 

Michael: Man - no Nikita was a woman. 

T.F: (laughing) Noooo - women are infidels. They must hide themselves under veils. 

Michael: No - I'm starting to remember.

T.F.: (to the other fighter) His head is gone. Come we will continue. The Taliban Fighters walk away from Michael. He stares off into the distant mountains - his memories, his identity - gone.

After receiving coded orders from Nikita's father, Surnow and Cochran slipped Nikita a sleeping potion. They have flown back to Centre and returned Nikita to her quarters. She sleeps peacefully as her father gently strokes her hand. 

Father: This is for the best, Nikita. Michael is dead and you can't put yourself in danger looking for a ghost. (He gently kisses her forehead) Trust me - this is for your protection.

Nikita stirs slightly. She searches for Michael, a smile on her face as she dreams the love song her and Michael shared. 'I have a smile, stretched from ear to ear - to see you walking down the road. We meet at the lights - I stare for awhile, the world around us disappears. It's just you and me - on my island of hope, a breath between us - could be miles. If it surrounds you - I see to your shore - let me be the calm you see. And every time I'm close to you - it's too much, I can't say - and you just walk away. And I forgot, to tell you - I love you and lives too lost and cold here without you. I grieve in my condition for I can't find the words to say - I need you so.'

Nikita reaches out her hand; in her dream Michael walks toward her; he gently takes her hand in his.

- 3 -

The doctor put the stethoscope around her neck and motioned to Nikita to get up from the examining table. Nikita slid her long legs off the table and slipped her robe on. 

Doctor: Are you still feeling a little groggy? 

Nikita: Yes - but then I would, after all my father had me drugged and kidnapped. 

D: There will be no lasting affects from the drugs. 

N: And the baby? 

D: Three months into the pregnancy and everything is fine - the baby is fine. 

N: My father is playing with my life and the life of my unborn child. 

D: Nikita, I understand your anger but I'm sure your father is just trying to protect you. 

N: Protect me - by drugging me! 

D: I understand it was the only way to bring you back from Afghanistan. You must accept Michael's death. I can set up some counseling ........ 

N: Are you finished with me? 

D: Yes. (the doctor pushes a button on the desk. Two operatives enter the room) She can return to Centre. 

N: Do you enjoy controlling people's lives! 

D: I'm only doing my job. Nikita exits with the two operatives.

Michael peers through binoculars at the village occupied by British and American commandos. A Taliban fighter reloads his rifle beside Michael. 

Fighter: You - go - now - into the village and tell them to give you food and ammunition for our guns. They have raided our caves and destroyed our supplies. 

Michael: They will not believe me. 

Fighter: If they don't, you will not live. I have you in my sights. 

M: Why are you doing this? I am here to help you. I have always worked for the Taliban and it's cause.

The Taliban fighter looks at the other fighters and shakes his head. 

Fighter: Yes, you have come from Kabul to aid our cause and this action will help us - now go!

Michael grabs an old pack and his rifle and walks up to the head Taliban fighter. He stares intently into the man's eyes. The fighter backs off. Michael walks away, heading down the rocky path into the village. 

Taliban fighter: This man is not to be trusted. His head is gone but he is still to be feared.

Nikita paces back and forth in her quarters at Centre. She is like a caged animal. The CD player is turned up full volume - Beverly Klass's 'Temple' rings throughout the room.

"We're pure, intangible love - you ask what I've done for you. A burning inside myself - while the tempest returns. It's been years I would say - the night has been too long, the thunder will move away - we'll stand in the sun. No more grey skies, I will meet you there - we'll stand together ................"

Outside Nikita's door, two operatives stand guard.

Nikita wanders to the window and looks out over the river as it winds through the city and disappears into the haze. She remembers the many times Michael saved her life, covered for her, helped her - loved her. In her first year as an operative, she had been offered escape from Section. The plan had seemed ironclad - but Michael had intervened. He had made romantic advances. She remembered the mixed feelings flooding through her. The excitement she felt as he caressed her - the magic of his hands on her body and then - the cold, remote, removed Michael returned. There had been so many ups and downs in the relationship. When she escaped Section and Red Cell after the explosion, Michael had found her, or had she allowed him to find her? The reason she returned to Section was to be with him. He had said, he thought he had lost her. In her anger, she replied, ' You never had me! ' But she knew - Michael had always had her - from the first time she looked deeply into his green eyes. The night he found her on the boat, they had made the most passionate love - all night. She marveled and chuckled at his stamina. But before he left for Afghanistan, they had been so much in love and then the baby. He had been truly happy. The CD on the stereo played on. Nikita walked into the bedroom and over to the closet. She grabs a backpack and begins stuffing items of outdoor clothing into it. She reaches into a secret drawer behind the shoe shelf and pulls out three guns and ammunition. She then pushes a panel in the rear of the closet - it springs open, revealing a hidden hallway. She enters and disappears into the darkness.

Michael walked straight into the commando camp, his hands raised, his rifle thrown aside. A British commando on guard, pointed his rifle in Michael's face. 

Commando: Get down on your stomach, hands out!! Michael complied with the orders. Commandos raced over and quickly searched Michael.

C: Who are you?!  

M: I'm undercover ...... 

C: This bloke isn't Afghan ... Who are you and what do you want?! 

M: I need food and supplies to take to the underground. 

C: Underground what?

An officer quickly approached. "Who is this? Get him up and take him to H.Q. for interrogation.

The British commando captain paced in front of Michael, who was handcuffed and seated on a wooden chair.

Officer: Look mate, you've got to tell us who you are and why you're working with the Afghan army. If that is indeed what you are doing. And you're not in very good shape. The officer turns to another commando, "Get the medic in here to look this bloke over." A medic enters. 

Officer: Have a look at this bloke. The medic walks over to Michael, taking out a stethoscope. 

Medic: I'm going to examine you, sir .......okay .....?

Michael stared straight ahead .......

Officer: If you don't want to tell us who you are and what your order are - fine. We'll have to ship you to Kabul and transport you to Command H.Q., then to London for further interrogation. You may not fully understand what's happening here. If you're just some foreign do-gooder, thinking you're helping the Afghans - you're mistaken. The British and U. S. governments don't take lightly to any anomalies in Afghanistan. (He leans into Michael's face) You'd do better for yourself if you told me who you are and what you're doing in the mountains ......... (Michael stares ahead)

The officer turns to the medic. "Well, any medical problems?" 

Medic: If I'm not mistaken, sir, I think he may have a concussion. There's a deep wound on the back of the head. Also, he is dehydrated and malnourished. He seems like he might be suffering a post-traumatic disorder. 

Officer: Rubbish! The man's playing games with us. There is more to this man than surface appearances. Prepare him for transport. 

Medic: But sir, it might not be a good idea to move him, especially air travel. 

Officer: Prepare him! (turning to another officer) Corporal, get him cleaned up, shave the beard and cut off all the long hair. We'll soon get to see what he's hiding!

Nikita threw her backpack and sports bag with guns and ammunition into the small trunk of her Porsche Boxter. She had put on the leather mission clothes, noting that in another few months or so, the pants would probably not fit. She drove through the rainy streets, neon blue and red signs flashing by her. She thought to herself, "I really should have more of a plan - oh well, I've had to improvise many times before, why should this be any different. I can feel Michael's alive."

"I can't thrust anyone to assist in finding him .... but ... maybe ..... Walter." Nikita grabbed her cell phone and pressed Walter's number. 

N: Walter? 

W: Sugar, is that you - how are you feeling? I hear they have you in lockdown. 

N: I need a favor. 

W: Oh, oh - here we go again! 

N: Can I meet you in the Tower At Section? 

W: What!! 

N: No-one will expect to see us there. And please bring that new tracking PDA you've tested. 

W: Sure Sugar, but what ....... I thought they had you locked .....never mind - why do I always ask. 

N: Will you meet me there?

W: You know I will.

Walter paced back and forth in the Tower. He looked around and thought "how many times had Operations and Madeline been here? Even they needed each other and time to forget Section." The door opened and Nikita entered. 

N: Thanks for this. (She kissed him on the cheek) How many times over the years have you come to my rescue. (She smiled) 

W: (blushing) You know me, Sugar, I'm all yours. 

N: Did you bring the new PDA? W: Sure but, it's only been field tested twice. 

N: Do you think it could pick up Michael's implant transmitter? 

W: What! Nikita - Michael is suppose to be dead! N: He's not ..... 

W: And how do you know that! 

N: I just know .....

W: Sugar, this is crazy. You're not going looking for him in Afghanistan! 

N: Yes. 

W: (shaking his head) No, no, no. I can't let you do this! 

N: His last whereabouts was Kabul. There was a suicide bomber in a marketplace. Michael was in that market and ........... 

W: Yes - and was killed! 

N: I don't think so. 

W: (taking her by the shoulders) Sugar, I know you love him and the baby and all, but you must accept he's gone ...... 

N: No Walter - he's alive. Will you help me!

Walter walked to the sofa and sat. He held his head in his hands. 

Walter: No Sugar, I won't help this time. 

Nikita: Okay .... just give me the PDA. 

W: I can't let you do this! Walter gets up and walks to a computer and punches codes. 

W: I didn't want to show you these ........

Walter: ...........but these photos were recovered at the Kabul residence .............

W: .............the girl's name was Selina. She and Michael .....well .......we don't know for sure, but intel and traces showed .......we we do know they were killed in the marketplace in Kabul ....... 

Nikita: Who was she? 

Walter: El Quaeda

Walter walked slowly over to the internal telephone. "Sorry Sugar, I'm calling security - it's for your own good!" Nikita pulled her revolver out and pointed it at Walter's head. "Don't make me stop you Walter!"

Walter: You won't shoot me, you never could shoot anyone in cold blood. 

N: You may be my first! Walter started to weep. He shook his head. "No, no, no!" He slowly replaced the telephone, all the while Nikita pointed the gun at his head. 

W: Okay .....if you must do this madness ....I'll help. He picked up the PDA and handed it to Nikita. She lowered the gun; tears flowed down her cheeks. She put her arms around Walter and hugged him. 

N: You're right, I never could have shot you. (She looked at him and smiled) Please don't change your mind about this. Walter stretched his arms around Nikita. Tears flowed down his face.

- 4 -

Aboard a private jet, Nikita and Walter sat, going through computer intel on Afghanistan and known El Quaeda hotspots. 

N: Walter ........ 

W: Yes. N: The girl - Selina - do you think she - well her and Michael ....... 

W: I don't know Sugar. When you and the operatives swept the house they stayed in, there was trace amounts of a very powerful hallucinogenic drug. Michael was probably injected with it. He may not of known where or who he was.

Nikita thought of all the times Michael had been a valentine operative while at Section and of the times she had been forced to do Valentine op missions.

Walter interrupted her thoughts, "Oh, oh - look at this. Looks like Michael was meeting with agents from some underground organization."

Michael is taken out of Afghanistan. He is sedated and shackled and lay on a cot in a concrete cell. His dreams - confused - but one image was constant - that of Nikita.

Michael awakens to find himself shackled to the cot with a male medic standing over him. An officer comes in the room and approaches him. The officer speaks to the medic. 

O: How is he? 

Medic: He's a bit groggy sir, but he's coming around. The officer speaks to Michael, "Well, you look different cleaned up. We have some people for you to meet."

Two armed guards get Michael up from the bed, each taking him by an arm and leading him into a large room. The commanding officer enters the room and addresses the assembled military personnel. Michael is seated in a chair. He is still not aware of what's going on, he looks very groggy. The officer speaks. 

O: Gentlemen, we do not know who this man is but we have intel that he is an undercover agent. We're just not sure which country or side he is working with. He was found in Afghanistan. His dossier is in front of you. The officer walks behind Michael and speaks again. 

O: We have come up with a plan to have him join a movie company that is currently filming in Czechoslovakia.

"A movie company?", a General questioned. "Why?" 

Officer: We have reason to believe the security section he has been working for has been aiding the El Quaeda. Michael, who has been sitting passively with his head lowered, looks up suddenly at the officer who has been speaking. This doesn't go unnoticed by the commanding officer.

Officer: Yes! Have I said something that sparked your interest. (He chuckles) Gentlemen, we haven't been able to trace this man's name, his country of origin or the people he is working for, so we will simply be referring to him as the mole. The General who spoke before, speaks again. "What is the point of having him working with this film company in Czechoslovakia?" 

O: He will be taking the part of a movie extra. We have reason to believe that some of the cast or crew working on this film are involved in an undercover cell that is aiding El Quaeda. (He paused briefly) That's all for now gentlemen, you will be updated as events take place .......

Guards are summoned and Michael is immediately removed from the room and taken to a security cell. Michael is continually being sedated and therefore only somewhat aware of what is going on around him. Later, a half dozen coalition security agents sit around a large, oval table at security headquarters. 

Agent: I don't see how we can keep surveillance and control over him once he's released on the set of the film company. 

Officer: There will be another agent with him, who will also be acting as an extra for the film. He will constantly be at his side. What we're hoping for is that the undercover agents for El Quaeda cell will recognize him and pass on information. 

Agent: This sounds risky - how will we retrieve the information? The man is so sedated, he's like a zombie.

Officer: He will have surgically implanted communication devices. We will be able to monitor him at all times.

- 5 -

A week later, Michael and a British undercover agent walk onto the set of the film being shot in Czechoslovakia. The name of the film is The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. Michael and the agent are introduced to the director and producer of the film. The director gives them the once over and says, "Yes, you chaps will do nicely for the extra parts." Michael and the British agent walk to the side of the set of the scene being shot. The producer takes the director aside. 

Producer: I don't like this - I don't like governments getting involved in our business. 

Director: We don't have any choice. If the British government thinks there's undercover cells of El Quaeda working on this movie, we have no choice, we have to co-operate. 

Producer: And these two are suppose to find out who the cell members are? 

D: Apparently, yes. At that moment an assistant director walked up to them. "Okay sir, we're ready for the take." The movie lights came on and the camera rolled. The director yelled, "Action." A tall, aging, Scottish actor entered the scene. And from the right side of the set, a tall, leggy, blond actress also entered the scene. Michael had been seated, watching the on goings. When he saw the blond, he stood immediately. He started to walk onto the set but the British agent grabbed his arm and pulled him back. 

Agent: Hang on, where the hell to you think you're going! Michael couldn't take his eyes off the blond actress. He whispered, "Ni-ki-ta?"

The director yelled, "Cuttt! Alright, what's the problem here!" The British agent replied, "Sorry, it looks like he recognized this actress." The director stormed over to Michael and the agent, "Alright, let's get this over with - I'll introduce you to the lead actors, you seem a little star-struck! But then you must be quiet." The lead Scottish actor spoke up to the director, "What the hell's this about, what's going on here! Who are they anyway?" The director whispered to the lead actor, "it's a security matter, I'll fill you in later." He looked at Michael and the British agent. "Alright, come on over, I'll introduce you." Michael, together with the agent, walked slowly up to the actors while the director made introductions. 

Director: Well, this is Sean Connery, (he chuckled) You may recognize him ..... and this beautiful lady here, is Australian actress, Peta Wilson.

Michael's eyes were riveted to the blond actress, Peta. They shook hands all round. She smiled at Michael, "how do you do." 

Director: Okay, introductions over - we really do have a movie to make here. (He motioned to Michael and the agent) If you two could please leave the set entirely, we might get some filming done today. With that, the British agent started pulling Michael away. Michael's eyes were still riveted to the blond actress. The agent pulled at Michael's arm, "come on, mate, we've got to leave, we're holding up production."

A week passed, with Michael and the British agent performing walk-on parts in the film. No cast or crew members attempted to make any contact with either of them. At the end of the week, the British agent talked to command headquarters. 

A: We've been here over two weeks, we've been on every part of the movie set and nobody has made contact with us. As a matter of fact, we're being totally ignored - nobody even wants to talk to us about anything. They see us as intruders interrupting production. 

Officer: What about the mole? Has he made any attempt at contact or interest in anybody? 

A: Only the female lead, but then who wouldn't appear interested in her! 

O: What do you mean? 

A: Well, it was almost like he seemed to recognize her. 

O: Interesting. See if you can set up a meeting where they're together alone. The next day, the agent and Michael walked onto the film compound. They approached one of the cast trailers and knocked on the door. The blond actress opened the door.

Agent: Sorry to bother you, but I understand it's okay for us to come in and talk to you. Actually, my mate here is a big fan and would like to get an autograph and have a chat, that is if you have the time. Peta invited them into her trailer. "Here, have a seat. Would you like a drink of something?"

Agent: No, no, no that's not necessary. I'm just going to leave my mate here and be back in a moment. I have a few important things to attend to. Peta smiled. "He certainly is a quiet one." 

Agent: Yes, yes, he doesn't talk much but I know for sure, he's a big fan. The agent left the trailer. Peta smiled at Michael. "Are you sure there isn't anything I can get you?" Michael said nothing. 

Peta: Your friend said you wanted an autograph. I have some photographs that are autographed. She rummaged around, pulled one out and handed it to Michael.

He looked at the photograph and looked up at her. He spoke softly. 

M: I'm sorry, I'm really sorry to bother you. It's just that - you remind me of somebody - somebody that was ....... Peta interrupted him and started laughing, "That's interesting, you remind me of an actor that I worked with - - or more like a character in a series I did years ago." She chuckled again, "you even look a bit like him. But that's ridiculous! Anyway ----do you have any questions you'd like to ask me?" Michael got up to leave. "No, I'm sorry I bothered you. Thanks for the picture." He turned and left the trailer. Peta followed him to the door, shaking her head and speaking to herself. "Wow! That was too weird!"

Back at command headquarters, the officer leading up the investigation of who Michael was spoke to the British agent who had been with Michael on the film set. 

Officer: You're sure there is absolutely nothing. 

A: Nothing sir, He just sat there and barely said anything. 

O: What about her? 

A: Wellllllll - she thought that maybe he looked like somebody she'd worked with years ago. 

O: ----and ---? 

A: I checked it out. It's true, he does kind of look like an actor she worked with on a TV series but, well --it's nothing, absolutely nothing. 

O: Our intel showed that there was a cell working on that movie set. 

A: Sir, we couldn't find anything. 

O: It may be academic. HQ wants him sent back to London. They have they're own means of finding out who he is. So, get him ready for transport to London. 

A: Sir, I think if we stopped the medication. He's so heavily sedated, he's appearing not to know or recognize anything.

Officer: I don't know - there's more to this man than appears. By keeping him sedated, we have control over him. However, nothing has worked yet. Hummmmmmmmmm - this is going to be London's problem anyway. Stop sedating him and get him ready for transport to London.

Meanwhile, aboard the private jet, Walter motioned to Nikita, "hey Sugar, you look tired, why not get a little sleep before we land?" 

Nik: You're right Walter, maybe I will. Nikita went into the sleeping compartment on the jet and lied down. But sleep wouldn't come.

She began to think back of how surprised Michael had been at her announcement of the pregnancy. All Section ops had been sterilized and therefore he naturally wanted to know how she had avoided the procedure. She recalled how the announcement had taken place. Nikita was in the Section medical, recovering from minor wounds received on a mission and the doctors had confirmed that in addition to a superficial leg wound, that she was pregnant. She sat opposite Adrian in a lounge chair in her medical room. 

Adrian: You seemed to have recovered completely, my dear. 

Nik: Yes, I feel good. Adrian: Answer me one thing - how did you avoid the sterilization of female operatives? 

Nik: (laughing playfully) I must have been away that day! 

Adrian: I didn't support Madeline and Operations program of sterilization but I'm curious how you avoided it. 

Nik: (smiling) You've read my file - I didn't actually co-operate with them on anything. 

Adrian: True - but they had a testing program - and let's not kid ourselves, Nikita, you were a female valentine op who had to perform ........ 

Nik: (laughing) I always knew I would be making decisions about my life someday, and besides the doctor performing the operations owed me a favor. 

Adrian: Very well, but now you are with child, your roll in Section will change. 

Nik: Adrian - you know what I really want ...... 

Adrian: Yes dear, I know, but your father has a role for you to perform at Section ......you must tell him of the pregnancy .... 

Nik: Do you think he will ever let Michael and I ....... Suddenly Michael stormed into the room. Adrian got up and passed by Michael. 

Adrian: I'll leave you two, I'm sure you have thing to discuss. Michael goes to Nikita and wraps his arms around her. She holds him tightly.

Michael: Ni-ki-ta. I thought I had lost you! 

Nikita: I feel good, I'm so glad you're here. I have some news to tell you. Maybe you should sit down.

 Michael: What ......what's wrong .....

Nik: Michael .....I'm, I'm pregnant .....with your child. 

M: I don't understand .....a baby? 

Nik: Yes. 

M: But I always thought Madeline's procedure had been performed on you. 

Nik: That was one thing Madeline didn't do to me. 

M: But how did you manage to not ..... 

Nik: (She smiled) Michael, surely you know about birth control. 

M: But how did you get pregnant .... 

Nik: (laughing) The old fashioned way! 

M: You stopped taking the pills ....but why .... 

Nik: Did it not ever occur to you that I wanted your child.

Adrian suddenly re-entered the room, "Sorry ...but Nikita your father is at Centre and wants to see you and Michael as soon as you're strong enough."

- 6 -

Nikita turned over in the jet's sleeping compartment. She recalled the time she and Michael had met with her father.

At Centre headquarters, Michael and Nikita enter a large office. Her father sat behind a massive desk. 

Father: (getting up and going to Nikita. He tries to put his arm around her but she backs off) Nikita, Adrian says you have news. 

Nik: What - you haven't been told - I'm surprised. 

Michael: She's going to have a child.

Father: Ahhhhhhhhhh, I might have suspected as much. (He walks back to his desk) I have news also. Together with Adrian and George, I have decided to grant you special status in Section, Nikita. And in light of your news, it becomes all the more important. You and Michael can have your own home and now - a nanny for your child .....in a way ...a real life. 

Nik: But we still belong to Section. 

Father: Yes. Nikita walks away and stands looking out the window. "That is no real life." Michael goes to her, putting his arm around her and whispers, "We will find a way." 

Father: But - there is a catch. In exchange for this special status - we have a mission for you in Afghanistan. The El Quaeda are suspected of possessing a nuclear device. You will mount a mission, travel to Pakistan and Afghanistan, and locate that device. 

M: Why aren't the British special ops doing this mission? 

F: (ignoring Michael's question) You, Steel and Nikita will travel as journalists, enter Afghanistan and locate the device. Do you agree to the mission? 

M: Yes...but Nikita will not go - remember she's pregnant. 

N: Michael, I'll be alright! 

F: Yes Michael is correct - only Steel and he will go. 

N: But...... 

F: ....no arguments! 

Nikita sat up abruptly. The private jet had lost altitude suddenly, having hit a small air pocket. She returned to the com in the jet. Walter sat dozing. The plane's maneuver hadn't wakened him. She smiled and placed a blanket on him, then sat down at the com computer, punching in codes. She peered at the screen - "hummmm, Michael's transmitter is intermittent but is still transmitting. What had Steel to do with Michael's disappearance and why had her father insisted he accompany Michael to Afghanistan. Nikita punched in more codes and began downloading an image file. A picture appeared before her eyes -

Nikita touched the screen, "Michael - where are you and who is this woman ........"

Michael and four security guards arrived at a secluded military airport outside London. Michael was not sedated and therefore becoming more aware of his circumstances and was beginning to recall some of the past events in Afghanistan. He still could not remember who the woman was that was killed in the marketplace in Kabul. He still believed she was Nikita.

Michael was placed in a holding cell for the night. The next morning, two security guards and Michael drove through the streets of London. As they approached Piccadilly, the car slowed and stopped.

Guard: (to the driver) What's the matter! 

Driver: More celebration parades for the Queen. The traffic's blocked for miles. 

Guard: Blast! We're in for it if we don't get this bloke to MI6 immediately. 

2nd guard: Let's get out and walk. It'll be faster. 

Guard: I don't know .....oh, what the hell! Come on. The two guards exit the car with Michael, "We better take the cuffs off - too many people will start gawking. 

2nd guard: Right. Michael's handcuffs are removed and the three start pushing their way through the crowds. At that moment, a group of young women bump into the men. One woman walks up to Michael and stands directly in front of him, blocking his movements. 

Young woman: Hey! Aren't you ......(she turns to her friends) You know, that hotty actor from .......... 2nd woman: You're right SPY! It is him! Can we get your autograph! 

Spy: GG - It's HIM!!!! Michael looks taken back and startled by the women. The guards step forward and start to push the women aside. 

Young woman: Hey back off mate! We only want his autograph! As the guards deal with the women, Michael backs away, turns and slips into the crowd, disappearing into the throng. The guards turn, looking frantically around. 

Guard: Where the hell did he go?!!! 

2nd guard: Oh shit, if we've lost him ......we're ...... Michael is consumed by the mass of spectators filling the streets. Michael walked quickly for over an hour and found himself in Hyde Park. He turns down a narrow pathway and glimpses a blond woman pushing a baby carriage. He begins following her. The blond woman sits on a park bench and bends over the carriage to give the baby a bottle. Michael walks up to the woman. She looks up suddenly, "Oh my God, it's you again!" 

Michael: I didn't mean to startle you. The woman looks shaken, "I met you in Prague on the film set, right?"

Michael: Yes, I think so. 

Woman: What are you doing in London? 

M: I'm ....I'm getting ready to return to ......where I came from. 

W: Oh, well, what a coincidence seeing you again. 

M: Why are you in London? 

W: I have a few days off from filming, so I came to London. Actually I made a special trip so James' (motions to the baby) grandfather could see him. 

M: Grandfather? 

W: Yes, you may have heard of him, he's an actor - Richard Harris. 

Michael: No - sorry. (Michael bent over the carriage and looked closely at the baby) I was going to be a father .......

Woman: Oh? 

M: Yes my child and the mother were killed by a suicide bomber. 

W: How horrible! Where? 

M: In Afghanistan. 

W: I don't understand - why were you there? I thought you were an actor! 

M: Actor? No - I've never been an actor. 

W: (looking puzzled) Oh? 

M: Your child is beautiful. 

W: Maybe some day you will have another child. 

M: I don't think so. The mother of my child....that was killed....well....she.....I don't think I could love another woman.

Woman: Would you like to hold my baby? 

M: (pausing) No - I better be going. Michael stared at the woman and her baby and then walked slowly away. 

Woman: (to herself) This is getting to be too strange!

- 7 -

After leaving Hyde Park, Michael wandered the streets of London until dusk.

He came upon a small bistro, entered and ordered an espresso. As the waiter went to get the coffee, Michael suddenly realized he was without any money. He smiled to himself, "hummm, I better look after that." He got up and left, walking until coming upon an internet cafe. He sat at a computer terminal and punched in codes and passwords, transferring money to an account in his name at Barclays Bank. "That should do it." He left the internet cafe and went to an ATM and withdrew $30,000 in US currency. 

Michael felt a fatigue and re-occurring headache coming over him and entered a small up-scale hotel and took a room for the night. Once in the hotel room, he showered and ordered food from room service. He toyed with the food but drank the full bottle of wine. He lay on the bed with only a towel wrapped around his waist; then cast the towel on the floor. Images drifted before him.

The coolness of the sheets felt good on his body. He closed his eyes; jazz music drifted up from a club across the street; blue and red neon flickered on and off throughout the room. Michael's mind was obsessed with thoughts of Nikita.

"Could he ever live without her? And the loss of his child she was carrying." Tears ran down the side of his face. "Ni-ki-ta. I love you. I found it so difficult to tell you that." He got up suddenly and walked to the window. He stood, his nakedness and arousal, present to any person on the street. He grabbed the curtain and pulled it over the window, and returned to the bed. He sat and stared at nothing. "He would return to Afghanistan; to the cottage he had shared with 'Nikita'. He would fight again with the rebels. He mused, "strange the British government bringing me to London. Why would they think I'm more than just a rebel fighter? My memories are...was there another life....a different place I lived?" He shook his head, the re-occurring headache pounding, "my memories are gone.....all except those of Ni-ki-ta."

The next morning, Michael entered a motorcycle dealer and purchased a powerful bike and clothing for this trip across Europe. He had a plan now - bike to Greece, meet up with underground rebels and then make his way to Afghanistan. But first he would need fake documents. That shouldn't be difficult. He made a phone call and spoke to a man who agreed to supply a passport and identity papers for 5,000 pounds. When the man asked Michael how he knew about him, Michael looked puzzled and said, "I'm....not...I have certain memories that supply me with what I need." The man laughed, taking the money, "well that's handy."

Michael straddled the motorcycle and sped out of London.

Nikita and Walter set up a command centre in a hotel in Pakistan. Walter felt there would be a better chance of gaining intel from Pakistan than from war-torn Afghanistan. They had just finished connecting all the computer and communication devices up in the hotel suite. Their cover was that they worked for Australian and Canadian broadcasting companies and therefore needed a variety of communication feeds.

Walter: (sitting at the bank of computers) You're right, Nikita, Michael's transmitter is very weak. It could be - well, maybe someone stole the transmitter and has it in the mountains. 

Nik: You still don't believe he's alive, do you. 

W: Well Sugar, all the intel points to the bombing in that marketplace and he was definitely there. We know that for sure. 

Nik: Then how do you explain the transmitter. We were all implanted with them. You're not going to tell me, someone stole it from his body! 

W: Sugar - I don't know. I'm a little out of my depth here. 

Nik: (goes to Walter and puts her arm around his shoulder) I'm sorry Walter, I know how it looks but....how can I convince you -- I just know he's still alive.

- 8 -

Walter looks up at Nikita, "......you think he's alive .....love will do that." 

Nikita: (kisses him gently) I can't explain it - I just know. 

W: You got a point about the transmitter though. Damn, I wish Birkoff was here - he could come up with a full trace pattern. It'll take me hours, maybe days to figure the co-ordinates out.

Nik: You can do it Walter. In the meantime, I'm going to make a trip to the British military command. They might have more information about the blast in the marketplace. 

W: Okay, I'll keep plugging away here. Good luck, Sugar. 

Nik: (as she starts to leave) Walter, I couldn't do this without you - you know that. 

W: (smiling) I know Sugar. 

Edited by: Lynuslinus at: 3/27/03 9:15:55 pm

Nikita sat in a waiting room at British Command Headquarters. An orderly approached her. 

Orderly: I'm sorry madam. The commander is still tied up. He said to tell you, that he is not really available to talk to the media today. 

Nik: His name again is...... 

O: Commander Firestone. 

Nik: Thank you. She got up and left the waiting room, then walked down a long corridor, making note of the room numbers on the floor. She entered a room, half way down the hall. Another orderly looked up from his desk. "May I help you?" Nikita smiled and walked up to the orderly. "Hi, I think I'm lost. I'm looking for Commander Firestone's office. (She leaned into the orderly) Can you help me?"

Orderly: (blushing and obviously taken with Nikita's beauty) Ah, ah, oh, well....it's down the hall, ma'am. 

Nik: Oh, right. I think I might have just missed him then. I was suppose to meet him for lunch. Do you know his itinerary, maybe I can catch up with him. 

O: Oh.....yes....you know him then......... 

Nik: Well yes, you could say, we're very good friends. 

O: Yes.....well.... 

Nik: He's going to be very disappointed if we don't get together today. 

O: (shuffling papers) Let's see. Well he should be leaving at 01400 hours for inspection of ordinance. 

Nik: (brushing the orderly's cheek) Thanks. Oh, and I hope he's shaved that little moustache and goatee off - it tickles so much. 

O: He...he never had a goatee but still has the moustache. 

Nik: How silly of me, that must have been the commander at the American command. Thanks, you've been a real help. 

O: Right....fine...anything....at all.... Nikita left the office and went to the command parking lot. She sat in the Land Rover and waited. Within the hour a British officer came walking through the parking lot. 

Nikita got out of her car and approached him. 

Nik: Excuse me sir, I wonder if I could have a word.

Officer: Yes. 

Nik: I don't know how to start...what to say...you see my brother was killed in Kabul recently and I want to know where he is buried. 

Officer: He was in the British army? 

Nik: Well no. (she looks around) He was....undercover for the British government. Officer: (looking around also) I don't understand. 

Nik: Is there somewhere we can go to talk - I really need to find out what happened to him. 

O: This isn't the correct procedure - you need to go to military personnel...... 

Nik: I just told you - he was working covertly. 

O: Look, I don't know who you are but this is most...... 

Nik: (starts crying) Oh please, I've come all the way to Pakistan to find my brother. You see I don't think he was really killed! 

O: Miss, I don't think I can help you..... 

Nik: Can we just talk then..... 

O: Talk..... 

Nik: Please, some place quiet. 

O: I don't know......oh, very well, there's a small cafe at the end of the street. Come, get in my car. We can go there. Nikita and the officer drive to the cafe and sit. The waiter brings coffees. 

O: Well, what you tell me is puzzling but there was a chap.... He stops mid-sentence. I'm really sorry but I can't discuss military matters. 

Nik: You just started telling me something. 

O: I know (shaking his head) Look - this is most unconventional. I'd like to help you but ....I can't.....I should take you back to your car now. He rises from his chair and motions for Nikita to follow.

Nikita returns to her Land Rover, she sits and waits as the officer drives his car away. She then punches in a tracking device code into a onboard computer. She follows him at a safe distance. He pulls up to an apartment house and enters. Nikita waits in her car, then goes to the apartment entrance. She uses an entrance device and the door opens. She climbs the stairs to the second floor, looks around and then knocks on the officer's door. 

Officer: (opening the door) My God, what are you....how did you get in here! 

Nik: (starting to cry) Please, please, you are the only one I can depend on!

She falls into the officer's arms, feigning a faint. He brings her into the apartment and takes her to the sofa. 

O: Look, I don't know who you are. I know you've told me your story but....well I can't help you. 

Nik: Do you have anything to drink? 

O: Yes, water...a tea.... 

Nik: No, something stronger. 

O: I have brandy....and....wine.... The officer pours Nikita a brandy, hesitates then pours himself one also. 

Nikita swirls the brandy in the glass, remembering her pregnancy. The officer knocks back his whole glass and sits beside her, she gets up and crouches before him.

The officer is taken aback by this unexpected move. 

Officer: Look, I'll try to help you....but there's only so much I can do... 

Nik: I'm sure you can do anything you want. 

O: (smiling) Well, no..... Nikita gets up and sits at his side, touching his face, outlining his cheeks and eyelashes. She leans in to kiss him. He pulls back quickly. 

O: Very well, I'll try to find out more about your brother ...it might be him we had transported to London. 

Nik: London? 

O: I can't tell you any more now. You really must go (getting flustered) now. Look I'll meet you tomorrow - I'll see what I can find out...

Nikita gets up to leave; the officer follows her to the door. She kisses him gently on the lips. The officer breathes deeply.

Officer: We'll meet at Talimali park at 1300 hour, that's one o'clock. I won't be in uniform, I'll find out what I can ....then...well maybe we can get together for dinner and... 

Nik: You're so sweet to do this for me. And yes, I'd love to have dinner with you and later (she kisses him again, this time more passionately).....well...we'll see.. She turns and leaves. The officer shuts the door, breathing deeply, "my God, beautiful women like this one don't enter my life every day." 

Back in England, Michael steered the motorcycle into the customs and immigration line for entry into France via the Chunnel ( correct spelling Spy?). A customs official took his passport and identity papers and entered the information into a computer. Customs: Please take off your helmet sir.

Michael removed the helmet and looked directly at the customs officer. 

Customs: Very well sir, you can enter the line to proceed. Michael put his helmet back on and pulled the motorcycle into an adjacent rest area. He got off the bike and was adjusting his packs when a young woman approached him. 

Woman: Hi there mate. You heading to France? How about a ride? I'm heading to Paris. 

Michael: I don't think so - I don't have another safety helmet. 

W: (pulling out a helmet from her pack) That's not a problem - I have my own. 

M: Well - fine just as far as Paris. The young woman extend her hand, "great, my name's Spy, what's yours?" "Michael." 

Woman: Gee, I can't really see you face with that helmet on. You traveling incognito or something.... (she laughs) You want to know why I 'hitch' with guys on motorcycles? 

M: Why? 

Woman: (still laughing) Cause then I get to hang on real tight to their waist and .............. 

M: If you want a ride, get on the bike. 

Woman: Sure thing mate - I'm all yours!

The two sped off on the motorcycle through the Chunnel to France.

The next day, Nikita drove to the park the officer had mentioned. The streets were crowded and the traffic heavy. She entered the park and found a place to leave the car. Before exiting the Land Rover, she checked her make-up and hair, musing to herself, "I hope this guy breaks with the intel I need; I'm not in the mood to go full measure with him." The officer drove up in a convertible; Nikita got in the car smiling.