Subject:  Re: Out of the Darkness - Part V |
Author:
Cathy R. Myers
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Date Posted: 17:57:47 03/12/01 Mon
In reply to:
Cathy R. Myers
's message, "Re: Out of the Darkness - Part IV" on 16:51:40 03/12/01 Mon
Out of the Darkness - Part V
Michael watched the computer screen closely, waiting for a reply. After a few minutes, came the answer for which he had been waiting. The teams were on their way to the cemetery. He would stay on line until Birkoff sent him the answer to his final question, the only answer that really mattered. "Was Nikita still alive?"
The minutes seemed to lag, and time seemed to stand still. Michael looked up to see the old man talking avidly with the librarian. Michael's face momentarily softened. He was glad that the old man seemed to have made a new friend. Michael turned his attention back to the screen willing it to give him the answer he so desperately wanted.
When the answer finally did come, he starred at the computer screen almost unseeing while his brain struggled to assimilate the truth. Nikita was alive. Birkoff said that she was on her way to medical. Michael allowed himself a moment to let the wonderful news wash over him, and then, he returned to the matter at hand.
"Birkoff," he typed into the computer. "I want to lead the team that brings back Manfield."
The reply came back quickly. "Operations says 'no'. He feels that you are too close to this mission."
Michael typed rapidly. "Tell him that I am the only one who has actually seen the layout, and I am wearing a Red Cell uniform. I am the logical one to lead the team."
"Manfield must be brought back unharmed. Can you do that?"
"Yes," was Michael's one word reply.
The screen flashed another message. "Operations wants to make sure that you understand. Manfield is to be brought back alive."
Michael replied to the message immediately. "I understand."
* * * *
Several hours later, Michael found himself once again crouching in front of Red Cell's command center. Having eaten and rested while waiting for the arrival of the Section team, Michael was eager to begin the confrontation.
When all of the teams were in place, Michael began the sequence.
He walked boldly across the yard surrounding the compound until he reached the northeast corner. His advance went almost unnoticed because of the Red Cell uniform that he was wearing. Michael, quickly, eliminated the guard at the entrance and stepped inside.
"Advance to the first mark," Michael ordered his team. "The northeast corner is clear."
Michael's continued walk into the compound went unchallenged. Not expecting an ambush, few men were stationed along the halls. Michael made his way directly to the heart of the compound. Not far from the door to Chester Wakefield's office he was joined by his point man, Lucas Sims.
Michael starred at the man, his expression revealing nothing. "What are you doing here? I ordered you to lead the hostage release."
Lucas' eyes met Michael's and did not back down. "Operations ordered me to accompany you to pick up Manfield."
Michael's voice was firm, permitting no argument when he answered. "I am going to meet Manfield, alone."
Fingers of fear welled up inside of Sims, but he continued to stand his ground. "Operations says that I am to go with you," he stated again. Before the sound of his words had completely faded from the air, he felt the muzzle of Michael's glock against his ribs.
"I'm going in alone. Go secure the release of the hostages. Do it."
As Lucas turned and left Michael alone in the hall, he knew that he had looked into the eyes of death. Michael secured his gun, and approached the steel door in front of him. His hand turned the knob, and the door to Chester Manfield's office opened.
Fifteen minutes later Michael returned to the hall and set the explosive charge. He, then, set out to join the rest of the team, taking no notice of the blood running down his face, covering his hands and soaking into his Red Cell uniform. Manfield's death would later be reported as a suicide, witnessed by Michael, the team leader, and his point man, Lucas Sims.
* * * *
Nikita opened her eyes and looked around the room at the Med Center. Her face was a study in confusion with the events of the last forty-eight hours seeming more like a bad dream than holding any semblance to reality. The nurse on duty bustled around, while she straightened Nikita's covers and checked her IV. Nikita felt weak and was considering another nap when she heard a familiar voice at the door.
"Leave us alone, please."
The nurse, immediately, walked out of the room, leaving Michael and Nikita alone. Nikita smiled as she watched Michael jam the door lock and attach a computer box to the room monitor, scrambling the signal. Michael approached the bed slowly, drinking in every inch of the woman that he thought he had lost.
Michael had arrived in Section over two hours ago from the mission, but instead of going directly to visit Nikita, he had taken the time to bathe and dress. Arriving in a suit and carrying a bouquet of flowers, Michael looked like a man with a purpose when he entered Nikita's room. Placing the flowers in a pitcher near the bed, he turned his full attention to Nikita.
Leaning close, he gently brushed his lips against her brow. "I thought that you were gone forever, Nikita," he whispered against her ear.
Nikita smiled, basking in Michael's unusual warmth and display of affection.
Michael trailed his fingers along her arm and across her cheek. His hands lightly traced the outline of her body against the sheets before he took both of her hands into his and kissed them. He brushed his lips across hers once, then kissed her hard, melting his body into hers. His hands explored her body greedily, as if to reassure himself that she was really there.
"I love you, Nikita. I'll never let you go," he said, intending to kiss her again.
Nikita raised her hand and held him away. "How much time do we have lift on the scrambler, Michael?"
"I set the timer for on hour. We should have about forty-five minutes. Why?"
Nikita sat up and removed the IV from her arm.
"What are you doing?" he asked, a note of concern in his voice.
Nikita smiled wickedly. "Forty-five minutes is not enough time for you to prove to me that you love me, but it's a beginning. Come here." She crooked her finger and motioned for him to come closer. When he bent down, she whispered softly in his ear, "You can start by removing the tie."
Michael tried, unsuccessfully, to maintain his blank facade as he began to remove his tie. Operations had called Nikita, his weakness. Michael had tried to overcome that weakness and lock her out of his life. He had always struggled to maintain control, to be the one in charge. But now, things were different. Michael had the feeling as he looked at his darling Nikita that this was one mission where he would not be the one in charge. Nikita caught his eye and smiled at him once again, and Michael knew that he was right. Nikita ruled his heart now. Now and forever.
The End
Cathy Myers
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