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121. Mercy
Directed by: Joseph Scanlan
Written by: Michael Loceff
Guest Starring: Sean Whalen
Transcribed by Ondriana
JAZZ CLUB
Michael and Nikita are dancing in a swanky, upper class jazz club. Michael is in a black tux, Nikita in a black spaghetti-strapped gown. They’re both in a playful mood and seem to be enjoying each other’s company.
Michael gazes at Nikita while they dance.
MICHAEL: I'm glad you came.
NIKITA (mischievously): How could I refuse your invitation?
MICHAEL: You seem more at ease than I've ever seen you.
NIKITA: Must be the full moon.
The illusion is shattered when Michael notices a man entering the club.
MICHAEL: Perimeter teams converge. Tyler's coming up the north stairwell now. Any new intel, Birkoff?
Flash to Birkoff back at Section.
BIRKOFF: None. We still don't know why he's here.
Flash back to Michael and Nikita on the dance floor.
NIKITA: He's meeting someone at the bar. (to Michael) Do you recognize him?
MICHAEL: No. (to Birkoff) Can you I.D. him?
BIRKOFF: See what I can do. Drayson, give me a view.
Another operative, Drayson, is at the bar monitoring Tyler, and the unknown man. He slides a small cylinder forward and the bar scene appears on Birkoff's computer screen.
MICHAEL: Who is he, Birkoff?
BIRKOFF: I'm not showing a match. He's not in any of our databases.
Birkoff switches to a different computer.
At the bar, the mystery man passes what looks like a film tube to Tyler, who then leaves the bar.
NIKITA: Michael, what do you want to do? They're moving.
MICHAEL: Drayson, stay with Tyler. (Drayson follows Tyler) Teams two and four, pick up our mystery man. Let's find out who he is.
BIRKOFF: What mode?
MICHAEL: Make it look like an arrest.
BIRKOFF: Got it. All teams, switch to "B" channel.
Meanwhile, when Michael doesn’t release her, Nikita shoots him a brief look of confusion.
NIKITA: Aren't we done?
MICHAEL: Not yet.
NIKITA: Not yet.
MICHAEL: (smiles slightly) After this dance.
Nikita looks down, smiling, while Michael continues to gaze at her intently.
COMM
Madeline is with Birkoff, who is reading aloud the information on his computer screen.
BIRKOFF: Richard J. Spidel. Not our typical guest.
Madeline leans forward to read from his screen.
MADELINE: How so?
BIRKOFF: He's clean. I mean, really clean.
Birkoff’s computer screen shows a dark-haired man of average looks, along with the scrolling information Birkoff is reading.
BIRKOFF: Entrepreneur, started with a small software company, then went out on his own. As far as I can see, he hasn't had a gray day in his life.
MADELINE: Why's he meeting with Tyler?
BIRKOFF: Claims Tyler approached him. Looking to invest in one of his companies.
MADELINE: (coolly) Unlikely.
WHITE ROOM
There’s a man in the chair with a hood on his head. When it’s removed, we see the man we saw on Birkoff’s computer screen, Richard Spidel. He’s breathing heavily and looking frightened and startled. His voice sounds incredibly whiney.
MADELINE: I'm sorry, Mr. Spidel, but the hood was necessary for your protection.
SPIDEL: Why am I here? I didn't do anything.
MADELINE: I'll explain everything.
Spidel swings immediately into full panic at Madeline’s nonchalance.
SPIDEL: What is this place? What the hell is going on? I want some answers, okay?
She is utterly unaffected by the tone of his voice and pleas. They could be discussing the weather.
MADELINE: Why were you meeting with Mr. Tyler?
SPIDEL: I already told the other guy!
MADELINE: I know what you told him; now tell me. This time, the truth.
SPIDEL: I did tell him the truth. (he swallows) Look, you can't keep me here. I'm a respected businessman and I haven't done anything wrong.
MADELINE: We'll let you go. I just have one more question.
There is a long pause before she states her question.
MADELINE: What is it about that meeting you're not telling us.
Two Section operatives enter the room, pulling on gloves. Madeline turns and leaves the room, but Spidel doesn’t notice; the gloves rivet his attention. The door swings shut as his breathing goes into overtime.
SPIDEL: Nooo!
COMM
Madeline and Operations walk through Comm.
MADELINE: Spidel has developed a relationship with a young chemist named Stanley Shays. Shays has nothing to do with any of Spidel's other companies.
OPERATIONS: What kind of relationship?
MADELINE: Shays claims to have invented a new polymer, an explosive that has none of the characteristics of existing plastiques.
OPERATIONS: What makes it so special?
MADELINE: It can’t be detected.
OPERATIONS: (looking concerned) How significant is the charge?
MADELINE: According to Spidel, it would take less than five ounces to level a building.
At that, Operation looks surprised. He glances away for a moment, then looks back at Madeline; his surprise has been replaced concern.
OPERATIONS: It's a security nightmare.
TEL AVIV, ISRAEL AIRPORT
The sun shines pleasantly and the airport is full of people waiting to board airplanes. Tyler, a darkly attractive man, wanders around the line of people waiting to step through the security check. He slips the film canister into a woman's purse, then moves away to watch. The woman puts her purse down for the X-Ray scan and passes through Security as Tyler watches closely. When nothing is detected, he slips on a pair of sunglasses and walks away. Meanwhile, the woman heads for her flight. The screen at the gate reads: Sarajevo: Flight 554.
OPERATIONS: (voice over as Tyler leaves the airport) Gabriel Tyler is a high-ranking member of the Freedom League. One of the extremist factions trying to gain leverage in the Balkans.
Cut to Section’s War Room. Walter and Birkoff are sitting at the table, while Operations stands behind the hologram showing Tyler's face.
OPERATIONS: We've been watching him for over a month, hoping the picture would emerge. It now appears he's trying to procure a new, untested weapon.
Now Spidel’s face shows up on the hologram.
OPERATIONS: An entrepreneur named Spidel has teamed with a young man, Stanley Shays, who claims to have created this new breakthrough material. Walter?
WALTER: I talked with Spidel. I heard his story. (he shakes his head in amusement) Don't believe it. This technology is ten years away, not something you cook up in a garage after school. (he grins)
OPERATIONS: (not amused) I hope you're right. Birkoff?
BIRKOFF: I agree with Walter. It's unlikely. But if Spidel is already peddling it to someone like Tyler, I'd check it out.
OPERATIONS: All right, let's do it. If it's the real thing, we need to get the material, the formula and debrief Shays.
BIRKOFF: Do you want us to keep the Op set on Tyler?
OPERATIONS: For the time being, there's no need to pick him up. In the meantime…(smiles)…lets go meet our young inventor.
WAREHOUSE
The Section van pulls up at a warehouse. Spidel, Michael, Nikita and Walter get out of the van. They’re greeted by a couple of madly barking dogs.
SPIDEL: (to the dogs) Easy, boys, it's just me. (to the others) C'mon in.
They enter the warehouse.
SPIDEL: Stanley?
A young man bends over a table with headphones on. He’s totally unaware he has company. Spidel approaches him.
SPIDEL: Stanley!
STANLEY: (looks up in surprise, smiles) Hey, Richard.
He suddenly notices everyone else. They’re all dressed in black, except for Stanley, who’s wearing gray. He looks like a stereotypical geek: black, thick-rimmed eyeglasses, short haircut, nervous looking smile, darting eyes.
STANLEY: What's . . . what’s up with this?
SPIDEL: (speaking sotto-voice) Something came up, we need to do a little demo.
Stanley looks uneasily between Michael and Spidel.
STANLEY: Y-y-you guys investors?
WALTER: This the polymer?
He picks something up from the table.
STANLEY: Hey!
Stanley grabs for the object in Walter’s hand and slaps it back down on the table, just out of Walter’s reach.
STANLEY: Keep your hands off my stuff!
Walter’s reaction is a tight smile and words spoken in disdain.
WALTER: It's not your stuff anymore.
STANLEY: What's he talking about, Richard?
Walter picks up another object on the table, which sends Stanley lunging after him again.
STANLEY: Hey, I said keep your hands--
Nikita grabs Stanley’s arm and turns him to face her.
NIKITA: Listen, Stanley, we're going to be spending a little time together. So let's not make any sudden moves.
STANLEY: Who are you?
Nikita aims a derogatory look at Spidel, who looks away guiltily.
NIKITA: We're here to make sure your partner doesn't get you into trouble.
SPIDEL: We've been bought out.
At Spidel’s clarification of the situation, Stanley brightens.
STANLEY: Really? How much?
WALTER: Where is it?
Taking in Walter’s unfriendly expression, then the rest of the atmosphere, Stanley gives in with a reluctant sigh.
STANLEY: Second drawer.
Walter turns away and opens the drawer. He pulls on a pair of metallic gloves and uses tongs to lift out something that looks somewhat like a hockey puck. There are several of them in the drawer.
OUTSIDE THE WAREHOUSE
The weather is sunny and fine; perfect for a bomb demonstration. Nikita and Stanley are standing together, while Michael and Spidel stand a few paces behind.
NIKITA: (to Shays) So what do you do with all this stuff?
STANLEY: (shrugs) Blow it up.
NIKITA: Why?
STANLEY: It--it's what I do.
Walter passes them with a large metal container on a dolly.
STANLEY: What do you do?
Nikita ignores his question.
NIKITA: I was just trying to figure out why a bright guy like you would waste so much time.
STANLEY: Oppenheimer? Nobel? Ever heard of them? Albert Einstein? They used to waste time too. I think I'm in pretty good company.
Stanley flashes his pearly whites, very self-assured about his abilities. Nikita eyes him in amusement. Meanwhile, Walter leaves the metal container out in a field and wheels the dolly back. Moving behind a group of big metal tubes, he turns and nods.
WALTER: All set.
Walter pushes the button of the remote controller in his hand. Nothing happens. After a few moments, Walter stands from his crouch and faces them with a look of disgust on his face.
WALTER: See? It's what I thought. This material's inert--
The container behind Walter explodes, sending him forward in a literal cartwheel before he falls to the ground. Stanley is all teeth under Nikita’s gaze.
STANLEY: See what I mean?
Walter staggers to his feet, looking slightly disoriented. Michael and Spidel exchange glances.
SECTION
Madeline approaches Operations.
MADELINE: We just heard from Michael. Spidel was telling the truth. It eluded our most sensitive detectors.
OPERATIONS: And the energy yield?
MADELINE: Three times our standard C-4.
Operations is visibly pleased.
OPERATIONS: Not bad. Maybe we can use it.
MADELINE: What would you like to do with Shays and Spidel?
OPERATIONS: We don't need them. They're non-hostile. Hand them over to NSA.
Madeline nods and leaves.
STANLEY’S WAREHOUSE
Stanley busily packs while Nikita sits lazily nearby, sunglasses on, her chin propped up on her hand. When Stanley speaks, his voice shows his grumpy reluctance at having to leave.
STANLEY: I still don't know why I've gotta go do this.
NIKITA: Oh, Stanley, it's no big deal. You spend a couple
of days in Washington bragging to the brass about how smart you are.
You'll be back here in no time
blowing up things.
STANLEY: Well, they can't arrest me because I haven't done anything wrong.
NIKITA: That's right. Who knows, fifty years from now when they mention Nobel and Oppenheimer, they might add Stanley Shays to the list.
They trade smiles.
STANLEY: Are-are they going to pay me for this? Not that I care about money.
NIKITA: Oh, I know, I know, you have a lifestyle to maintain.
STANLEY: (hurt) You don't have to be condescending.
NIKITA: I was just teasing.
STANLEY: I could have made a lot of money doing R and D for Dupont. My own condo, eighty grand a year, but I wanted to do things my way.
Nikita pulls off the sunglasses and gives him a serious look.
NIKITA: Your way. I was curious about your way. I
was wondering what you were planning to tell your family and friends about
your way, the
selling-explosives-to-terrorists way.
Stanley replies in a monotone, uncomfortable at the thought of selling bombs to terrorists.
STANLEY: I didn't know anything about that. Richard snowed me. Now that's the truth. I don't care if you believe me or not.
He turns and finishes packing. Seeing this, Nikita stands and approaches him.
NIKITA: Got everything?
She arranges a hanging bag on his shoulder while he stands mutely. Then, she straightens his coat, grabs his labels and gives him a quick kiss.
NIKITA: For luck, Stanley.
STANLEY: Thanks.
Stanley looks dazed, but he’s smiling.
Nikita watches while Stanley runs out to a waiting car. Spidel is already in the back seat. Stanley climbs in, the car door closes, and two men in suits climb in the front seats. Stanley is still staring at Nikita when the car drives away.
COMM
Operations and Madeline approach Birkoff’s station at a fast pace.
OPERATIONS: (to Birkoff) What is it?
BIRKOFF: This just came in. You should see it.
Operations leans down and peers at the computer screen.
OPERATIONS: Small commercial jet en route to Sarajevo--
BIRKOFF: --crashed about an hour ago. Looks like the plane blew up in mid-air.
MADELINE: Where'd the flight originate?
BIRKOFF: Tel Aviv. . . . Wait a minute, Drayson's been on Tyler since the meet. Checked in this afternoon from Tel Aviv.
OPERATIONS: Bring in Tyler now. Where's Shays?
OUTSIDE, ACCIDENT SITE
Stanley is being loaded into a car trunk by two men.
STANLEY: Let me go! Let me go!
We see the dead NSA guys, the car full of bullet holes, and Spidel. He appears asleep, but he’s bleeding from the mouth . . .
FREEDOM LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS
A yard full of discarded objects leads up to a one-story brick building.
There’s a black, three-story high tank attached to the building.
Stanley is brought inside, looking like a lamb being led to slaughter,
and put into a chair. He and Tyler eye each other.
TYLER: (to the men flanking Stanley) Thank you. (to Shays) Interesting compound, Mr. Shays. How did you make it?
STANLEY: You-you-you wouldn't understand.
We now see there are two other men sitting off to one side. One of them speaks.
MAN 1: We'd understand it, Mr. Shays.
TYLER: Please? Tell us.
Tyler is unfailingly polite, with the accompanying hint of steel that plays havoc with Stanley’s emotions. His situation is going from bad, to worse, to terrifying.
STANLEY: It's a hyalite based. Not a--not a nitrate. That's why it can't be detected.
MAN 1: We know that. But how did you create a branch chain reaction this powerful?
STANLEY: What are you going to use it for?
Tyler leans down so he’s nose-to-nose with Stanley.
TYLER: If I were you, I'd be more concerned about stayin' alive.
Stanley drops his gaze to the floor and brings his hand up to his mouth,
his mind racing with unpleasant thoughts. Tyler walks away, then
returns a moment later with
pen and paper.
TYLER: The formula, please.
Stanley takes both and begins to write.
VAN ACCESS
Michael, Nikita and Walter return from seeing Stanley’s bomb demonstration and seeing him off with the NSA people. Operations pounces on them the moment the door swings open.
OPERATIONS: The NSA vehicle was ambushed.
MICHAEL: What happened?
OPERATIONS: The agents were killed, along with Spidel.
NIKITA: What about Shays?
OPERATIONS: Apparently he was the target. There was no sign of him.
MICHAEL: Do we know who did it?
OPERATIONS: Tyler. We know Spidel gave Tyler a sample of
the polymer, which means they grabbed Shays to extract the formula.
We have to get Shays
before that happens.
They enter Comm.
OPERATIONS: Birkoff, where are we on a location?
BIRKOFF: I haven't been able to pick up the signal. (to Nikita) You put it on Shays, right?
NIKITA: Yeah, on his shirt when I hugged him.
BIRKOFF: His shirt? I thought I told you his skin.
NIKITA: What difference does it make?
BIRKOFF: Thermal conductivity is completely different.
He begins typing rapidly on the keyboard. When we get a glimpse of the computer screen, it shows a locating program. The lines zero in on Stanley’s location.
BIRKOFF: I should be able to . . . got him.
OPERATIONS: Good. Don't lose him. (to Michael) Put together a convergence plan. Let's go. Let's get Shays out of there.
FREEDOM LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS
The Section van pulls up outside the fenced area. Six operatives, including Nikita, disembark, followed by Michael. One of the operatives cuts the fence and lifts it up for all the others to pass through. They run for the building and scatter in different directions.
Michael motions two operatives past him, then enters the warehouse.
He sees two Freedom Leaguers standing together talking and smoking, as
if on a break.
Meanwhile, Nikita enters from a different door. She notices three
Freedom Leaguers and a table set up with lab equipment on a landing above
her. Liquids bubble in glass tubing. She hides behind some
piping.
NIKITA: I'm in.
MICHAEL: Everyone hold. Nikita's taking point.
Nikita moves closer to the landing above; the men upstairs are immersed in what they’re doing and don’t see her. She moves past them and comes to a stairway. She descends to find Stanley alone in a room. He’s tied to a chair.
Stanley sees a figure approaching and his breathing accelerates in fear. When the figure raises a hand to pull the hood off, he sees Nikita and gives her an almost painfully open smile.
STANLEY: Nikita, be careful! I'm wired. Be careful.
Nikita opens his shirt to see a bomb strapped to his stomach.
STANLEY: Nikita, get me out of here.
NIKITA: I will, Stanley.
He’s overcome with relief, his words disjointed and breathless.
STANLEY: They're going to kill me. I gave them a bogus formula, it won't take them long to figure it out.
NIKITA: Just stay calm; I'm going to get you out of here.
STANLEY: Hurry.
Cut to Michael. He hears a car approaching and moves back to the door he came in through. Two vans with more Freedom Leaguers have pulled up outside.
NIKITA: Michael, I've got him. He's restrained and booby-trapped. I'm going to need some help to get him out.
MICHAEL: We have incoming hostiles.
NIKITA: Okay, so what do we do about Stanley?
MICHAEL: Did he give them the formula?
NIKITA: Not yet.
MICHAEL: Okay. Cancel him and get out.
Nikita is stunned by Michael’s command. She stares at the back of Stanley’s head with her mouth hanging open.
STANLEY: Are they coming to get me?
Still grappling with the reality of the situation, she is slow to answer.
NIKITA: Yeah, they're coming.
STANLEY: Well, they're going to need some ballast weights and a voltage supply. You'd better tell them.
NIKITA: Yeah, they already know.
Stanley takes a big breath of relief.
STANLEY: I thought I was going to die in here.
Nikita slowly raises her gun and points it at the back of his head.
STANLEY: You know, Nikita, when I get out of here, I'm going to grow you a diamond. I can do it. All it is, is a carbon plasma, but it'll be real, you'll love it.
Stanley’s face is a crazy mix of fear, relief and adrenalin. Nikita’s face is drawn with remorse. She shakes her head and closes her eyes as Stanley finally registers her silence.
STANLEY: Nikita?
Nikita’s gun is still pointed at the back of his head, but there are tears in her eyes.
STANLEY: Nikita!
NIKITA: I'm sorry, Stanley.
He watches in disbelief as she walks past him.
STANLEY: Where are you going?!
She doesn’t answer or look back. After she disappears around the corner, Stanley’s eyes fill with tears.
OUTSIDE
The operatives run from the building and squeeze back under the fence. Nikita is the last. She can’t resist looking back even as she moves toward the van. Michael follows and grabs her arm, pulling her to a stop.
MICHAEL: Did you cancel him?
She gives him a brief look and answer.
NIKITA: I couldn't.
She tries again to move past him, but he’s not done questioning her yet.
MICHAEL: What do you mean?
Nikita still has trouble meeting his eyes, but her words are firm.
NIKITA: I just couldn't . . . not in cold blood.
At this, Michael lets her pass him and enter the van. He stands motionless for a moment, his mind racing . . . then he follows her into the van.
VAN ACCESS
The operatives enter. An angry Operations is waiting for Michael.
OPERATIONS: What happened?
Instead of following the rest of the operatives down the hall, Nikita stops beside Michael.
MICHAEL: Shays was wired with explosives. There was no time to get him out.
OPERATIONS: That's not what I mean. You had orders, why weren't they implemented?
His tone is terse. Nikita looks slightly guilty as her eyes flick back and forth between the two men.
MICHAEL: We had incoming hostiles. Nikita was in danger of imminent discovery.
OPERATIONS: So?
MICHAEL: Our team would have been exposed. We were at a tactical disadvantage. None of us would have made it out.
Operations aims a cold look Nikita’s way.
OPERATIONS: What about the formula?
NIKITA: Shays gave them a fake.
OPERATIONS: So, let me understand this. We had the opportunity to contain the situation, but we didn't because we . . .
He aims another pointed look at Nikita. Through all of this, Michael’s face looks as if it’s carved in stone. He is showing absolutely no emotion.
OPERATIONS: . . . we were at risk. Michael, my office.
Michael follows Operations down the hallway without a backward glance.
NIKITA: (to Michael’s back) I'm sorry. . . . (whispers to herself) Sorry.
FREEDOM LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS
Stanley is strapped to a gurney by a couple of Freedom League men. An open door lets in the daylight . . . until Tyler steps inside and stands in the doorway. His form blocks the light. Stanley, beyond fear, lashes out at him.
STANLEY: What are they doing to me! What’s going on!
Tyler approaches the terrified young man and his face slowly becomes visible.
TYLER: You gave us an incomplete formula. There was no branch reaction.
STANLEY: I uh--I uh made a mistake. It was a mistake.
Someone pulls off one of Stanley’s socks.
STANLEY: I-I-it’s very complicated. Um, I-I-don’t have my
notebook with me and um . . . and I-I-think I can remember it now.
But please, please . . . don’t
hurt me.
Tyler stares at him a moment then winks at someone behind Stanley. Someone tightens the foot screw. Stanley swings into full panic and fights the restraints.
STANLEY: No! No! I’ll tell you anything you want!
TYLER: We know that. Let’s just be sure.
Tyler gives the nod of approval to begin. A thick, 3” long screw begins to spin and near Stanley’s foot. Stanley’s gut-wrenching scream of pain is the last thing we hear.
MADELINE’S OFFICE
Madeline works at her computer. Nikita enters and stops in the doorway, undecided if she really wants to be here. Madeline ignores her. Finally, Nikita walks into the office, looking at everything but Madeline.
MADELINE: I heard about your mishap.
Nikita turns away and sits on a stool a few feet away, her back to Madeline. She seems sullen and sad, yet at the same time, uncaring that she did something wrong.
MADELINE: What's wrong?
Nikita turns to face Madeline, her expression resigned.
NIKITA: I don't know if I can do this anymore. I don't know how I ever did.
MADELINE: That's what you said when you first came to us. But, despite your own self-doubts, you've performed quite well.
Nikita nods sadly.
NIKITA: Where you see targets and security risks, I see flesh and blood. Someone's son, someone's friend.
MADELINE: That's okay.
The comment snaps Nikita out of her sad reverie. She responds to Madeline angrily, firmly.
NIKITA: That's not okay. I can’t live like this. I can’t take it.
MADELINE: What about when you're not here? How's that going?
Nikita smiles unhappily.
NIKITA: I don't sleep. Lost my appetite. I'm afraid to make a friend outside of the Section.
MADELINE: What about Michael?
Nikita looks up disbelievingly.
NIKITA: Michael? A friend's someone you can trust.
MADELINE: It's true; Michael has played a role with you from time to time. He’s doing his job. It doesn't mean he's incapable of caring.
NIKITA: Michael's not the solution to my problem, Madeline.
MADELINE: What is?
Nikita sighs, looks off into the distance.
NIKITA: I need to know that, one day, when the Section is done with me . . . and I have performed all the functions I'm capable of . . . that I will be free.
She turns and faces Madeline, smiling wistfully.
NIKITA: Will I?
MADELINE: What kind of answer would you like?
Nikita’s smile disappears. Although her voice is hard when she speaks, she looks lost all ready.
NIKITA: The truth?
MADELINE: No. You will never be free from the Section.
As Nikita’s eyes slowly fill with tears, we hear the first notes of Depeche Mode’s The Love Thieves.
NIKITA: Thank you.
Nikita gives a Madeline a long, searching look, then gazes around the office with something like wonderment. Her whole demeanor here suggests that she is looking at things for the last time. With one last smile at Madeline, she leaves the office.
Cut to Nikita walking through Section while the Depeche Mode song continues to play. She comes to a stop at the center. People pass her in zip-time, as if someone’s fast-forwarding life around her.
NIKITA’S APARTMENT
Nikita enters, takes off her coat and goes over to her computer. She begins to type. In a voice over, she reads what she is typing. We see some of the words, part of the sentences, on the computer screen.
NIKITA: The only sins I ever committed were on behalf of the Section.
I'm only guilty of not taking charge of my own destiny. A fake obituary
claimed I died in
prison. In the end, that statement is true.
She finishes the letter and looks around the room, not really seeing anything. Her thoughts are consuming her.
Nikita walks into the kitchen, opens a cabinet and takes out a gun. She checks to make sure it is loaded and the safety is off. Where there were tears in her eyes before, she now looks very determined. She walks to the dining room, stands against a wall and raises the gun to her forehead. There’s no doubt that she means to shoot herself.
Cut to Michael, walking up to her door. He knocks, listens, and knocks again. Nikita lowers the gun and listens numbly.
MICHAEL: (from the other side of the door) Nikita.
Realizing Michael won’t just leave, Nikita puts the gun back in the cabinet and opens the door. Her face reflects an attitude of unconcern.
MICHAEL: We have to talk.
NIKITA: About what?
Michael walks in, forcing Nikita to back up, and closes the door. He gives the room a quick scan.
MICHAEL: I can't protect you anymore.
Nikita looks faintly puzzled.
NIKITA: I never asked for your protection.
MICHAEL: Without it, you'd be dead now.
NIKITA: You seem to care more about that than I do.
When she turns and walks away, Michael remains by the door. He seems at a loss now.
MICHAEL: Why can't you just . . . do the job?
NIKITA: (hands on hips, over her shoulder) I tried to tell you.
MICHAEL: Tell me what?
NIKITA: I'm not who you think I am. I never killed anyone before I came into Section. I know you don't want to believe it, but you know it's true.
As he walks up behind her, she turns to face him. Her face is empty; Michael’s open and searching. He still doesn’t want to believe her.
MICHAEL: It's not important what you did. It's what you do now.
NIKITA: I can't change who I am.
Her words seem to wound him. He takes a breath, closes his eyes.
Before he speaks, we hear his uneven breathing as he fights to control
his emotions. When he
does speak, there’s a catch in his voice.
MICHAEL: Then I can't help you.
Nikita is genuinely confused about why he’s tried to protect her in the past.
NIKITA: Why did you ever?
Michael raises a hand to her cheek and touches her hair, his eyes gentle and expressive. Then, he pulls her into a soft hug. Both of their faces reflect pain and loss and their words are hollow.
MICHAEL: I wish things could be different.
NIKITA: So do I.
THE PERCH
Operations and Madeline are waiting for Michael.
MICHAEL: You wanted to see me?
OPERATIONS: Home has run an analysis. There is no way to surgically remedy the situation.
MADELINE: Shays is not equipped to hold out. Tyler will have the formula, if he doesn't already.
OPERATIONS: We've worked up a containment plan. The team has already been selected. They will consist of six members of the abeyance pool.
Cut to Michael’s face. He looks slightly uneasy.
OPERATIONS: Only the mobile control team members will be returning: you, Walter, and Birkoff. The other six will be sacrificed.
MADELINE: Needless to say, you are the only operative who has the intelligence on this mission.
Mask back in place, Michael nods and leaves. Madeline and Operations exchange a meaningful look.
VAN ACCESS
Michael stands at the van access door as five members of his team pass. Then Nikita rounds the corner, her attention focused on adjusting what she’s wearing. Michael looks stricken. She looks up and immediately sees something is wrong.
NIKITA: Michael? What's wrong?
The mask slips back into place.
MICHAEL: Nothing.
She smiles, gives his arm a pat and moves on past. Michael turns to see Madeline, arms folded akimbo, watching the team leaving. His eyes are dark and definitely angry. He turns away and the door closes.
FREEDOM LEAGUE HEADQUARTERS
Stanley is lying on an upraised bed with an IV dripping into his arm.
Tyler, gleeful, leans down close to Stanley’s head. His words are easy and playful.
TYLER: Good news, Mr. Shays. Our preliminary tests were successful. See, the truth doesn't hurt . . . too much.
STANLEY: What are you going to do to me now?
TYLER: First things first. We'll do a trial run tonight and if all goes well, you're aboard.
STANLEY: Aboard? What do you mean?
TYLER: I told ya, you got the job; you're hired.
Stanley shakes his head.
STANLEY: No. I gave you what you wanted. Now . . . let me go.
TYLER: Listen to me. For every new weapon we create, the other side develops a defense. Unfortunately. We have to stay one step ahead. That's the name of the game. A talent like yours is priceless, Stanley. We're going to make beautiful music together.
STANLEY: No. . . please . . . I can't.
TYLER: Sure you can. You just need a little motivation.
Tyler releases the IV drip. Stanley’s consternation rapidly dissolves into peacefulness. He sighs and stares off into the distance.
TYLER: That's right, enjoy the morphine. You'll be on it the rest of your life. That's why you'll help up.
Stanley’s eyes close. He’s smiling.
IN THE VAN
We see Birkoff, Walter, Michael, Nikita and five other operatives. Walter is working on an explosive. The male operative sitting beside Nikita is having problems.
MALE OP: I can't get this plugged in.
Nikita looks over and quickly sees what the problem is.
NIKITA: It doesn't go there.
She helps him get it adjusted properly.
MALE OP: Oh, right, right. They changed that. I haven't been out in over three months.
NIKITA: Why not?
This seems suspicious to her.
MALE OP: I don't know. I think it's because I screwed up in Zaire.
NIKITA: Really.
She aims a look Michael’s way; he’s heard the entire conversation.
MICHAEL: Walter's prepared the C-4. You'll each be given a charge. Birkoff will give you specific coordinates and access pathways to get there.
WALTER: Once you plant the explosive, signal me. Two pulses.
FEMALE OP: That's a lot of juice. How're we getting out of there?
MICHAEL: You'll be given instructions. Keep your channels open.
The van pulls up outside the Freedom League building.
BIRKOFF: We're at alpha point.
MICHAEL: Let's go.
Michael hops out of the van first and stands by the door as the operatives file past. Nikita is the last one off.
NIKITA: Michael, what about Shays?
MICHAEL: He's collateral.
NIKITA: And if I can get him out?
She’s focusing on the warehouse, her mind already racing with scenarios of rescue.
MICHAEL: Don't try. It'll compromise everything.
Without looking at him, Nikita starts to move away, but he grabs her arm. She is slightly surprised, but has no intention of not trying to rescue Stanley. While Michael is intent on his agenda, Nikita is just as intent on hers; she seems to be listening to him with only half an ear.
MICHAEL: It is important you understand this. Kita, if anything goes wrong and your com unit fails . . .
He hands her a small PDA, but she keeps her gaze down . . . and doesn’t notice how intent his gaze is.
MICHAEL: . . . keep an eye on this. We'll be able to communicate . . . from anywhere.
NIKITA: Michael, what's going on?
They trade a brief look.
MICHAEL: Go.
Nikita moves under the fence and runs to join the other operatives who are surrounding the building. At the far end of the building, she shoots a grappling hook up onto the roof. When it’s secure, she begins her climb up to the top.
Cut to Birkoff inside the van.
BIRKOFF: Okay, Nikita, are you in position?
NIKITA: Almost there, Birkoff.
Flash back to Nikita scaling the building. She reaches the top and pulls herself onto the roof. We now see Michael, who is still standing outside the van. He watches her run along the roof and disappear around the tank at the top.
Cut to inside the building.
Cut to the inside of the van and Birkoff.
NIKITA: (via com) I'm inside.
BIRKOFF: Your point two is to the north.
Cut back to Nikita inside the building.
NIKITA: Point two . . . thirty seconds.
She rappels down inside the building.
NIKITA: Second position covered.
Cut to Birkoff in the van.
BIRKOFF: Continue to plant on point.
Cut to Nikita, who’s been noticed by a Freedom Leaguer. She shoots him.
Cut back to Birkoff.
NIKITA: (via com) We've been detected, Birkoff.
BIRKOFF: Doesn't matter. Get to your position.
Nikita slips through the warehouse and comes to a flight of stairs. The table with the lab equipment on it is behind her. Moving to a support beam, she slides down it instead of taking the stairs. A man hears her coming. As soon as her feet hit the floor, she turns and shoots him.
Cut to Tyler running down a flight of stairs. He’s barking out orders on a walkie-talkie.
TYLER: Get the vehicles ready. Kill anything that moves.
MAN: (from the radio) What about Shays?
TYLER: I'll get him.
Cut back to Nikita. She plants her C-4, activates it, and pulses Walter twice.
Cut to the van.
WALTER: Nikita's in place.
MICHAEL: Start the sequence.
A finger pushes the button. The computer screen reads “All charges set. 3:00 min.”
Cut to Nikita, pulling out.
Cut back to the van.
BIRKOFF: What's our exit strategy?
MICHAEL: Tell everyone to hold their positions.
Walter turns sharply to give Michael a look. Michael meets it with mask in place. Birkoff look on with stunned confusion.
MICHAEL: (whispers) Do it.
Birkoff hesitates for a long moment.
BIRKOFF: All positions . . . stand by.
WALTER: Hey, Michael, we're armed. Get them out of there, now!
Michael is starting to look like he’s disconnecting himself from what’s happening, as if this was a dream. The mask is still in place, but his eyes can’t hide what he’s feeling. He is looking off into the distance when he answers Walter.
MICHAEL: That's not the mission profile.
WALTER: Not the mission profile!? Nikita's in there!
VOICE: Birkoff, what are we waiting for? Get us out of here!
In a move of desperation, Walter lunges for the control switch.
Michael grabs his arm with his left hand and pulls a gun with his right.
It’s aimed at Walter.
Michael's face is deadly calm, Walter’s one of horrific shock.
Cut to Nikita descending the inner wall of the tank. She’s not planning to leave without him. She hits the floor, turns and yanks off her gloves with her teeth. She’s found Stanley.
NIKITA: Stanley!
Nikita takes note of the condition he’s in and is filled with resolve.
NIKITA: Stanley, I'm going to get you out of here.
Stanley groans in answer.
Tyler rounds the corner and shoots at Stanley and Nikita. He hits her in the leg and she stumbles off to one side, but is able to return fire. For the moment, Tyler retreats.
NIKITA: Stanley?
Stanley is dead. Bullet holes litter the gurney bed. She has to grit her teeth and fight back tears of anger.
NIKITA: Oh, Stanley.
Galvanized with purpose, she moves forward in a limp. With a cry of rage, she fires several shots at Tyler and kills him. Groaning and gasping with the effort to walk, she moves toward the gurney bed again, when her PDA unit begins beeping. She stops and pulls it out.
SUICIDEHer situation seems to sink in without missing a beat. She turns the PDA off and moves out.
MISSION.
YOU'RE FREE.
RUN.
DON'T RETURN.
Cut back to the van. Walter, Birkoff and Michael watch the clock tick down. As the clock drops to ten seconds, Walter fights his emotions and Birkoff puts his head on his hands, staring over his fingers at the clock. Michael’s face could be carved in stone.
The building bursts into flames. Michael's face is superimposed on the image of the building exploding.
Birkoff slowly raises his head. Walter, lips tightening, stares straight at Michael. Michael picks up a cell phone and immediately pushes a speed dial.
MICHAEL: Sequence completed.
Birkoff is crushed and Walter looks ready to do murder. Michael turns to look at them.
MICHAEL: Let's go.
His eyes are full of tears.
THE PERCH
Michael stands looking out over Section, his face expressionless. Operations and Madeline are standing together behind him.
OPERATIONS: We pulled NSA's ass out of the fire once again. Report shows we had a hundred percent containment.
MICHAEL: Everything went as planned.
Operations seems slightly regretful and begins what is a difficult conversation for him.
OPERATIONS: (stiffly) Look, Michael, I know Nikita was your material. We often form bonds. (pause) I hope you understand our position.
Michael’s face is still and expressionless.
MICHAEL: Of course.
Depeche Mode’s haunting song The Love Pirates begins.
MICHAEL: Is that all?
OPERATIONS: Yes.
Michael turns away from the glass without a glance at Operations or Madeline. He hasn’t looked at them during the entire exchange. After a moment, Madeline turns to Operations.
MADELINE: We may have some problems with him.
Michael appears below; they follow his progress through Section.
MADELINE: There was something between them.
OPERATIONS: The question is . . . now, can he let it go?
MICHAEL’S OFFICE
Michael enters, unbuttoning his coat. Behind his desk, he taps in the code to shut out security. He looks around the office and outside his window, then reaches for his keyboard.
Cut to a train. It’s nighttime and Nikita is dozing, but her eyes open when her PDA beeps.
NIKITA, ARE YOU THERE?Cut to Michael, who’s looking for an answer on his screen.
Cut to Nikita. She looks out the train window at the full moon and smiles slightly. Then, she looks back at the PDA.
NIKITA, ARE YOU THERE?She raises a hand and switches off the PDA. For long moments, she stares at its blank screen and is near tears when she finally turns her face away.
The train moves off into the night.
END
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