Beyond The Pale

Operations: Your reports are very thorough.

Madeline: What's your decision?

Operations: I've got two men and one job. Head Strategist is a significant promotion

Madeline: Michael's more qualified.

Operations: In terms of time served yes. But even looking at your report, Zalman might be better suited for it.

Madeline: (pauses) I wouldn't underestimate Michael's reaction to this.

Operations: (smirks) Michael's a team player.

Madeline: Maybe, but he wants this post, and he knows he deserves it. He may not show it, but he will be resentful.

Operations: (pauses, presses a button) Have Michael come to my office

Female op: Right away, sir.

Operations: Thank you for your input. (Operations smiles, then Madeline does the same)

Operations: I hear you made some progress on the Vincent Tomas situation.

Michael: Yes, I believe we located the nucleus of his operation. I've gone over the layout with Birkoff.

(Operations turns from him, staring out of his tower)

Operations: Michael, I know you expected the promotion to head

strategist(showing Michael behind him listening) And over the years I indicated that the job might one day be yours(facing Michael) but you're a field man, the best I have. The head strategist's position (close up of Michael's face looking at Operations) I believe it would be a mistake, for both of us(camera still on Michael)

Michael: Is that all? (no expression on his face, but his tone was

Operations: This isn't personal, Michael. (both share looks)

Michael: Of course.(his voice was very emotional. Michael leaves, Operations standing, watches him leave. Operations with a smirk on his face)

Nikita: Michael: (great look of Michael looking at her, but you could see he had alot on his mind, Nikita staring at him concerned) What's wrong?

Michael: (staring at her, turning his head, emotional) We're getting out! (Nikita staring at him, shocked)

Nikita: How, that's impossible?

Michael: (staring, emotional) I'll explain, get dressed (Michael standing over her bed, he leaves her to get dressed. Nikita gets out to get dressed, but is distracted, she's staring straight ahead shocked)

table

Operations: Over the last six months, there has been a sharp increase in Red Cell's activities, We believe that Vincent Tomas has taken the helm in Europe and is responsible for the escalation. (we see Vincent on a screen) He's operating as he did in Asia using a well concealed and mobile cell that communicates with a number of satellite substations (shows Michael's face, no emotion) Tactically, we have to strike all locations simultaneously to keep one from informing the other. Zalman, (shows him looking) our new Head Strategist will coordinate the strike from inside Section(Michael

staring at Operations) Michael will lead the cell team in the field. Any further questions will be directed to Zalman (Zalman slys over

Zalman: (smugly) I just wanted you to know, I studied all your files and I have nothing but the respect for the work you've done here. I'm really looking forward as having you as my point man. (sort of sincere look on Zalman's face. Michael, no expression, just staring)

Michael: My team will be ready.

Zalman: Oh, I know that. (Michael no emotion stares at him then leaves, Zalman watching him leave smirking)

Walter: (angry) If you ask me, the whole thing stinks. Everyone around here respects Michael, he's a leader. I don't know what Zalman does besides fit in. (Nikita staring away, listening)

Nikita: He's not a threat.

Walter: Michael say anything to you?

Nikita: (packing for the mission) You know Michael, it's the job, you do it.

Walter: Well, you're pretty much ready here, I'm going to log these

things out. (Walter turns away from Nikita, pressing a button, Nikita staring at him, she looks away, sees Michael approaching, passing Nikita, Walter sees him, and calls out to him)

Walter: Hey Michael, hey hold on (Michael keeps walking, Walter chasing him) Where are you going, you know I can't let you back here. (obviously a distraction, Nikita, watches them, does over where Walter was logging in the weapons. Nikita is using, she presses something and takes out what looks to be a cell phone) Well....... well I can help you if you just tell me what you want.

Michael: I need a note from Zalman, is that it?

Walter: No......no.......nobody is with Operations on this. But it didn't happen for you. It doesn't change the rules. (Nikita rushing back to where she was before Walter left to talk to Michael. Michael and Walter walking back. Michael comes over to Nikita.)

Michael: We're going out in a hour (Nikita slightly looks up at him as he leaves)

Walter: (talking to Nikita as he watches Michael leaving) You're going to have a swell time.

Nikita: We'll be okay(smiling)

Walter: Watch your flank

Nikita: Thanks(smiling)

Walter: Maybe, you better watch his, too. (Nikita slightly smirks, staring at Walter) What are you looking at, Sugar?(sincere)

Nikita: Just the best part of my day(smiling as she leaves)

Walter: (smiling) keep on talking like that, and I'll forget how old I am.

(Nikita stops, turns looks at Walter smiling, Walter the same. Walter turns, he goes back to log in the weapons, Nikita leaving, looking at him slightly sad)

Nikita: How long will it take them to know we've got the field router? (Michael presses buttons)

Michael: Once we use it, they'll know.

Nikita: Then they'll come after us?

Nikita: (looking towards Nikita) that's right. Michael are you running away because you lost a post to Zalman? (Michael is slightly edgy)

Michael: In Section, you either move up or move out.

Nikita: I understand that Michael, I just don't understand why you need me.

Michael: (looking ahead) I don't need you(sincere, he pauses, then looks passes, then looks at her) I WANT YOU!!!! (Nikita, she has dark glasses on, Nikita affected by it as he still looks at her.)

(Operations sitting down where he always has breakfast, lunch etc. listening to the mission, we hear Zalman's voice. Zalman and Birkoff are in Comm.)

Zalman: Status

Birkoff: Seven teams deployed. Team one will make target, they will have two minutes to secure the nucleus station, shut down

communications and acquire Tomas before the satellite teams hit

Zalman: Michael's team?

Birkoff: They're within the perimeter now.

Zalman: Status report, do you have Tomas?

Michael: Condition blue, the location is clear.

Zalman: You didn't find anything?

Michael: (showing Zalman) Looks like they pulled out in the last

twenty-four hours. (As other Operations go downstairs to check the basement, Michael leaves and walks out the door. Nikita is standing by the truck. Michael stands in the doorway, Nikita runs over towards him, he opens the door for her.)

Michael: This way(she follows, they leave through another entrance of the house. Both running, just then Zalman is calling out to him on his earpiece)

Zalman: (impatient) Michael............Michael status, look is there any indication whatsoever that they might have had an advanced

Warning? (Nikita staring at Michael)

Michael: Yes they knew.......end of report(Michael presses buttons on the router, a loud sound they hear back at Section)

Zalman: (feeling his ear) What the hell is going on........Michael: (Birkoff staring at computer, Operations turns off his screen, he looks pissed, gets up to leave)

Zalman: Michael!

Birkoff: It's a jamming signal

Zalman: Michael!

Birkoff: I've got to shift op frequencies and try to get comm back(shows Michael and Nikita)

Michael: (Nikita staring at him) Let's go (both running through the woods)

Birkoff: Try it(pressing buttons)

Zalman: Michael..........Michael?

Zalman: Can anyone hear me?

Male op: This is team 2....Fredericks

Zalman: Thank God, where the hell is Michael?

Fredericks(op): Ah sir, we don't exactly know.

Zalman: What do you mean, you don't know? (Birkoff listening, concerned)

Frederick: He's missing sir, Nikita too.

Zalman: Both of them?

Fredericks: I've got personnel on teams going over the area (Zalman pissed, taking off earpiece, looking at Birkoff)

Zalman: How in the hell did this happen?

Birkoff: (shocked) Somehow they got their hands on a section field router, it's programmed with all of Section's codes and frequencies(Zalman's shocked, he leaves. Zalman goes to Walter's area, calling out to him)

Zalman: Walter!

Walter: (turns and looks) Yeah?

Zalman: Get out here! A field router!

Walter: What about it?

Zalman: Check your inventory! (Walter confused, checks. Zalman looks pissed, looks at Walter. Walter sees one missing)

Walter: You're right, one is missing. Someone must have taken it.

Zalman: Just so that you fully understand how I work here. I don't

tolerate mistakes(Walter staring)

Walter: Then don't make one bigger then you already have. (Cathy in: Go Walter!) (we hear Operations voice calling out to him)

Operations: Zalman..........my office now!

Zalman: I'm on my way sir. (angry) To be continued, Walter.

Operations: You are aware, as Head Strategist, that any mission failure is your responsibility.

Zalman: I'm aware of that, yes.

Operations: You're also aware that any failure on your part is my responsibility.

Zalman: Sir......I(Operations cuts him off)

Operations: Listen to me, I put you in charge of this mission.

Zalman: I won't let you down.

Operations: You already have, make no mistake about that.

Zalman: (sincere) I will find out what happened

Operations: Oh, I'll tell you what happened. (walking over to Zalman) Michael left because I passed him over for you and he took Nikita with him. You should have anticipated that variable. (Zalman looks scared)

Zalman: We'll find them.

Operations: Not standing in here, you won't. (Operations walking away, Zalman pauses, then leaves)

Zalman: You gave him the field router....why?

Walter: (gasping and in pain) I gave them nothing.

Zalman: You answer me Walter. (walking around the room, as we see Operations and Madeline through a glass looking in) Or we can start this procedure right from the top.

Walter: I did answer you (making fun of the way Zalman talks as he

the device on Walter's head comes on, Walter is in pain. Madeline and Operations staring, Madeline who looks displeased at what she sees, looks at Operations)

Madeline: How far are you going to let Zalman take this?

Zalman: You see, I expect being involved with them that you know where they are too.

Walter: You can go straight to........(Zalman cuts him off by zapping him again, Walter's eyes roll, total pain. Just then we see and hear Operations telling Zalman to stop)

Operations: Zalman, that's enough, turn it down.

Zalman: Sir, I will get him to talk.

Operations: Walter, did you do it.

Walter: (shaking his head) No.

Operations (to Zalman): It's over, you heard him.

Zalman: (confused) Sir?

Operations (strongly) Get him out of there.

Nikita: How did you find this place?

Michael: I saw it when we were doing aerial reconnaissance, I noticed it because it was over 50 km from the population zone. (Michael lays the field router in a box)

Nikita: Who owns it?

Michael: I do. (starting a fire)

Nikita: (surprised) Really?

Michael: And I bought the land around it 100 acres

Nikita: (walking around) I like it. (opening a door, looks in. We see a truck, she closes the door)

Nikita: Oh it must be beautiful here in the summer.

Nikita: (finds some records) These look like they've been around

Nikita: I didn't realize you had such talent in the kitchen, Michael.

Michael: (sincere) There's still alot of things that you don't know about me(looking at her) Maybe it's time you learned. (Nikita staring, looks pleased. Right after we see the fire burning, Nikita lying down, she looks and sees Michael coming in with wood. And you know it, their song is playing!!!!)

Nikita: How long do you think we'll stay here?

Michael: Not long enough!

Nikita: I'm so glad you bought me here. (Michael looks incredible in this scene!!!!) I wish we could stay.

Michael: (pauses) Let's not think about the future. Let's just enjoy this while it lasts.

Nikita: (shivering) You know, I couldn't get that window closed today.

Michael: I've got to go into town tomorrow and get some things, I'll pick up a new latch(looking down at her!!)

Nikita: (hinting!!) So I'll be cold tonight then(Michael throws the

blanket over her. (she smiles)

Nikita: (sincere) Thank you. (Michael looking up!)

Operations: What's so important?

Madeline: I reviewed the psych files on both Michael and Nikita. I'm not convinced they're renegade.

Operations: They took the router, that's how they escaped.

Madeline: Maybe this was motivated externally.

Operations: Extortion?

Madeline: Perhaps, but in any case, my instincts tell me that this wasn't a collaboration. Michael's up to something.

Operations: What are you suggesting?

Madeline: If their actions are being controlled, let's find out who it is before we walk into a trap.

Operations: (nodding) Interesting, thank you. (Madeline smiling as Operations leaves, she watches him leave)

Birkoff: Closest I can place them is, they're still in Belgium. yeah, southeast of Brussels.

Zalman: This is reliable?

Birkoff: It's the best we're going to get.

Zalman: Hello Madeline, oh, listen Madeline? (she stops and turns towards him - he walks over to her) You can assure Operations, I will find Michael and Nikita

Madeline: (sincere voice) That's not a good sign.

Zalman: (confused, smirking) Sorry, what's not?

Madeline: Using a third party to mediate communications. It's an indication of instability. (Madeline leaves, Zalman is speechless. Madeline then goes to visit Walter who is having his pulse checked by a woman doctor)

Madeline: Hello Walter

Walter: Hmmmmm(nodding)

Madeline: It wouldn't have been my choice to handle matters this way, but you know I couldn't interfere. (very emotional)

Walter: What is happening to this place? This would never have happened back then. We all had our jobs, we did them, we were a team, we respected each other.

Madeline: We didn't change Walter, the world did. (concern)

Nikita: How is this going to work? (Michael looks up, side on to Nikita, but not looking at her)

Michael: We can be careful, take things slowly. (Nikita nodding)

Nikita: (showing Michael as she says it) There's another option, I

mean(Nikita smiling) we can live the day like its our last(smiling)

Michael: It very well could be. (Nikita turns around, stares at him) both showing intense looks, darn, Nikita looks away! lol)

Nikita: Michael? (still calling his name as she goes downstairs) she gets her gun, looks around, looking out the window, sees a note on the table, it's from Michael "went to town, be back by noon")

Operations: (to Michael) You know what's going to happen. Tell us where the router is, Michael.

Zalman: Take him to containment. (Operations take Michael passing Zalman, Zalman watches. Madeline and Walter staring)

Zalman: What about Nikita?

Birkoff: We still haven't found her.

Zalman: Come on, she must be close.

Birkoff: The terrain is difficult, the roads are rough, she could be

Anywhere.

Zalman: Don't tell me about the labor pains okay, just show me the

Baby!

Birkoff: I'll see if there are any choppers in the area we could call in.

Zalman: I want the entire area covered.

Male op: She's not up here, look for the router. (Nikita remembers, it's still out where they could see it. Nikita sneaks up and gets the router in time, she goes back down and hides)

Male op: They have the signal blocked off. (They leave, Nikita is glad)

Zalman: Is she really worth all this Michael, or would she do even half as much for you? (Michael looks pissed, staring at him, Zalman turns away, shakes his head in disbelief at not being able to break him)

Zalman: You know they briefed me about the two of you, Michael and

Nikita, Nikita and Michael. But having read your file, I must tell you, I'm surprised. (Michael still looks angry) This far, for what.......hmmmm? Love......you? I find that very hard to believe. (just then the door opens, the torture twins come in) Either I severely misread, you, or this is all about something else. (no emotion on Michael's face) Where is she? (Michael looks at him, he won't crack! Zalman looks at the torture twins who are looking at Michael) Make it extremely unpleasant. (Zalman leaves. Walter at Comm by Birkoff is watching on a screen, he hates to watch)

Walter: I don't need to see this.

Zalman: Sir? Is there a problem, how's it going. Well you were right, he's very resistant, Sir. I think one more, Sir, might do it.

Operations: No, I know him, he'll die first.

Zalman: Are you saying I should stop?

Operations: No, I'd like you to try a different approach.

Zalman: Get out. A very impressive showing Michael, and all this for a second rate blonde whore. (Michael looks up at him, although tired) I mean with so many important things in the world worth dying for. Oh that reminds me, before you do die, there is something you need to take a look at(smirking), special presentation Michael, a live feed just for you.(Michael doesn't look at the screen, Zalman standing by a monitor in the room)(oh my god, its Adam, Michael's son, his hair is longer, he's playing outdoors)

Zalman: You know as far as I thought I've been, I had no idea until an hour ago, that you had a son. (Michael then looks at the screen. Michael's eyes incredible here, focusing on the screen. Adam is kicking the soccer ball outdoors with another boy) Now that is something worth dying for(a close up of Adam)(no movement by Michael, just staring at Adam, you could the pain in his face) Something worth living for(Zalman looking looking at Michael, he pauses the screen, Michael staring at Zalman) I know you try not to be concerned what other people think. (Zalman smirks) So hate me, until your dying breath if you must(Michael trying to focus, blinking his eyes) but you may not want to take that dying breath until you're absolutely sure that you're son is safe from the likes of me. (Michael looks at the screen, closes his eyes, his head goes back, Zalman watches smiling) Game over Michael, where's Nikita? (camera zooms in on Michael's face, Michael opens his eyes looking at Zalman, Zalman slightly shaking his head, although smirking) I'm sorry Michael, I can't hear you(strongly) speak up. (Michael very emotional, his eyes incredible, Michael pausing)

Michael: (voice full of emotion, eyes incredible, in pain as he says it) She's at a farmhouse, 5km, west of town(Zalman is pleased, he leaves, Michael turns and looks at the door)

Nikita: (confused) How did you find me?

male op: Michael gave you up.

Nikita: (shaking her head smirking) I don't believe that(just then someone shoots the two Operations, Michael watching Zalman come in)

Nikita: (shocked) Zalman.

Zalman: It's over Nikita, where is the field router?

Nikita: (shocked) You killed your own team!

Zalman: (shaking his head) Not my team, now where is the field router?

Nikita: You're Red Cell.

Zalman: (nodding and smiling) You know what they say, don't give up the day job. (Zalman stands over Nikita, aiming the gun at her, she looks frightened)

Zalman: What is it about you people......Michael....you, what is it

that convinces you that all this is worth dying for?

Nikita: It's people like you.

Zalman: At this very moment, Michael is strapped into a chair, waiting. If I were to go back empty handed. (Zalman tries to kiss her, she looks away, he searches her jacket, he finds the router, he helps her up) I suppose, now that I got this my rising career at Section One would come to an end. (Nikita looks frightened) You know the amazing thing about this unit is that it transmits and receives simultaneously. But when I turn this on Nikita, they'll think they've located you(he leans in and kisses her, he kisses her neck, she looks frightened) it should take them about an hour to get here would you say(as he kisses her neck, Nikita is looking ahead, out of nowhere, see a gun against. Zalman's back, it's Michael, all other Operations that were shot by Zalman gets up, very much alive)

Zalman: (shocked) It can't be.

Nikita: You think about it long enough, it'll come to you. (slaps him across the face, Zalman then is taken away, everyone leaves, except for Nikita and Michael. Michae's eyes very emotional, staring at Nikita, Nikita looking down, then at him)

Madeline: You could have told me.

Operations: Your knowing wouldn't have given us an advantage.

Madeline: It took me nine hours to figure out, I could have used that time elsewhere.

Operations: I actually factored in ten hours, as usual, you exceed my expectations. They were no pressing actions elsewhere, it had no impact.

Madeline: How long has Zalman been arbitrary?

Operations: 14 weeks, Birkoff discovered unusual amounts of black time in his residence.

Madeline: If you had suspicions, why didn't you take Zalman directly to interrogation?

Operations: I wanted to, but Oversight felt he had upward potential. They wanted proof.

Madeline: Have you found where Zalman planted their devices yet?

Operations: Michael is working on that now.

(Michael going in the white room, opens the door, Zalman strapped to a chair, torture twins inside, the twins leave, Zalman shaking, has marks under his eyes, Michael behind him, then standing infront of him)

Michael: I need to ask you a couple of questions. Where's Vincent Tomas?

Zalman: (sincere) Belgrade.

Michael: How many CD's have you installed in Section?

Zalman: Six.

Michael: I need their locations.

Zalman: Yes, of course.

Operations: Walter. (Walter thinking) You've been debriefed, you know why these things happened the way they did.

Walter: (nodding) Yes.

Operations: You endured considerable pain on behalf of the Section without complaint, without incident.

Walter: (laughing) What are you going to do, pin a medal on me? (Operations smiling)

Operations: You know Walter, when I was a prisoner of war(Walter looks up) I made friends with one of the guards(Operations smiling) It was war, we were on opposite sides(Walter nods) but we made friends anyway(Walter looks at Operations) He gave me this(holds up a white crystal) it's suppose to help relieve the pain of life(smiling and laughing, emotional) but I never believed(joking), I didn't throw it away either(rubbing it in his hands, Walter smiles, Operations hands it to him)

Operations: I want you to have it. (Walter looks at Operations) Take a month off. (sincere, Operations walks away, Walter shocked, watches him leave)

Nikita: (smiles) Thank you.

Michael: Dinner was wonderful, thank you(standing over her, staring,

Nikita: Well it wasn't as good as the meal you cooked at the cabin. (Michael staring, Nikita drinking wine)

Michael: (looking at Nikita) I liked it there. (Nikita looking at him nodding and smiling. Quiet moment, both staring away as the music is louder, Nikita is staring away as she speaks)

Nikita:(sad) You know it can't be casual between you and me(shakes her head) I can't do that. (She looks up at Michael, then staring down, Michael is already looking at her, very sincere look)

Michael: (pauses, sincere) I know (Nikita's eyes very emotional as also Michael's. Both intense looks at each other. Michael holds up his glass to her, she does the same, very emotional. Michael drinks staring at her, Nikita still holding the glass out, she lays her glass down!.