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303. Opening Night Jitters
Written by David J. Burke
Directed by Jon Cassar
Guest Starring: Samia Shoaib, Hrant Aliank
Transcribed by Christine
[Note: Transcript is dialogue only until updated.]
NIKITA'S APARTMENT
NIKITA: Hello.
MICHAEL: Josephine.
NIKITA: Yeah.
COMM
NIKITA: What’s going on?
BIRKOFF: Things are heating up. We’ve correlated three incidents in the last week, and we’ve got intel on some new ones.
NIKITA: So, I’m going out?
BIRKOFF: I don’t know why Michael called you in yet. They’re filling him in now.
NIKITA: These incidents… They correlate to?
BIRKOFF: Vachek.
NIKITA: How long have you known Michael was married to his daughter?
BIRKOFF: Not long. I’ve been monitoring Vachek for years. I just found out about Michael a few weeks ago, same time as you did.
NIKITA: Has Section ever done this before?
BIRKOFF: Develop a blood cover? No. Vachek’s a special case. I’ve never come up again anyone this insulated. With guys like Hussein, Abu Nidal, you get an interval once in a while. Not Vachek.
MICHAEL: Nikita.
NIKITA: Yeah.
MICHAEL: You’re having dinner at my place tonight.
NIKITA: Why?
MICHAEL: Operations wants a confirm. You’ll provide visual.
NIKITA: Confirm what?
MICHAEL: They’ve asked me to poison Elena. Vachek’s already begun a new wave of strikes against the west. We can’t wait any longer. We have to draw him out.
NIKITA: By poisoning his daughter?
MICHAEL: Madeline thinks he’s most vulnerable in that area.
NIKITA: Would you kill her to get to him?
MICHAEL: The drug will only simulate fatal illness.
NIKITA: Maybe for a couple of days. After that, she’ll die.
MUNITIONS
WALTER: It has a yellow tint. Don’t put it in her water. Wine or coffee only. Push the release button once. Right here. It’ll dispense the proper dosage.
MICHAEL: Let’s go.
SAMUELLE RESIDENCE
ELENA: So, how’s the new place coming? Are you all moved in?
NIKITA: Just about. I’m just waiting to get a few more chairs, and then I can have people over.
ELENA: I still wish you’d let me help you with everything.
NIKITA: I’d just rather do it on my own.
ELENA: Fair enough.
MICHAEL: Are we having wine?
ELENA: I knew I forgot something. What should we have, Michael? Red or white?
MICHAEL: Red.
ELENA: Great. I’ve been wanting to try this Merlot.
ELENA: Congratulations on the job, the apartment, and now all we have to do is find you a boyfriend.
NIKITA: This is great. Thanks.
ADAM: I want some.
MICHAEL: You do? How old are you?
ADAM: Mmm… thirty.
MICHAEL: Show me your I.D.
MICHAEL: Everything’s in order. You can have some.
ELENA: Not too much, Michael.
MICHAEL: He’ll be fine. Cheers.
ADAM: Cheers!
NIKITA: This rice is delicious.
ELENA: I’m glad you like it. It’s a special Basmati. You know, Michael and I found these great chairs at an antique store downtown. I’ll give you the address.
ELENA: Michael? Are you done?
MICHAEL: Sorry. Yes. Thank you.
NIKITA: Adam, can you pick my spoon up for me? Thanks, sweetheart.
MICHAEL: Watch it, Adam!
ELENA: What happened?
MICHAEL: Adam almost knocked over the candlestick.
ADAM: No, I didn’t.
MICHAEL: It’s okay. No harm done.
MADELINE'S OFFICE
MADELINE: Unfortunately, I can’t say I was surprised. So, it wasn’t a singularity?
MICHAEL: No.
MADELINE: Under normal circumstances, I would strip you of your Class Five status and take you out from under your cover. However, the situation with Vachek is too volatile. We can’t make any ripples for the time being. You’ve left us now with few alternatives. We’re going to try a new approach. There’s a briefing in ten minutes.
MADELINE: Michael?
MADELINE: Operations was very disappointed.
WAR ROOM
OPERATIONS: Yesterday, financial markets free fell until programmed interdiction closed trading. We pierced the corporate veil of nineteen multi-national holding companies dumping their technology positions. All nineteen companies are controlled by Salla Vachek.
MICHAEL: He may be only realigning assets.
OPERATIONS: No. He’s liquidating. We’ve seen an acceleration of this strikes over the last two months. It’s nothing compared to what he’ll be able to do now. Birkoff?
BIRKOFF: We’ve been running a zero risk strategy on Vachek’s couriers and recon people to protect Michael’s position. That’s about to change.
OPERATIONS: Michael and Elena are still being watched. I’ve asked Tactical to come up with a low profile way to seed one of his people. They should come up with something in a few hours. You’re on standby.
HOTEL ROOM
BIRKOFF: Okay, I’m in. He’s alone in there. Team One, start sequencing.
MICHAEL: Hallway clear. Send in Housekeeping.
BIRKOFF: Hold a second. Okay, go ahead.
MICHAEL: We’re set.
BIRKOFF: All right, they’re ready for you.
MADELINE: Hello, Mr. Beckman. Can you hear me?
BECKMAN: Yes.
MADELINE: You are in this city to do work for a man. What is his name?
BECKMAN: Salla Vachek. He has brown hair. I am afraid of him. I once noticed his shoes.
MADELINE: I’m not interested in his shoes.
MADELINE: Adjust him down. You are in this city to do work for a man. What is his name?
BECKMAN: Salla Vachek.
MADELINE: Good. Where is he now?
OPERATIONS’ LOFT
OPERATIONS: Yes, Birkoff?
BIRKOFF: Beckman gave up the location on Vachek. We sent six teams in to verify.
OPERATIONS: And Beckman’s condition?
BIRKOFF: He took well to the process. He won’t remember anything.
OPERATIONS: Good.
VACHEK HIDE OUT
MISCHA: I just spoke with our friends in North Africa. They’re waiting for your call. Also, after tomorrow’s incident, we plan on leaking a statement to all international news agencies claiming responsibility. Unless, of course, you’d like us to hold off.
VACHEK: Tell me about Elena.
MISCHA: We are maintaining our positions and continue to investigate her primary relationships.
VACHEK: It’s been over two weeks. Have you found anything that would suggest I shouldn’t meet her?
MISCHA: No.
VACHEK: Fine, then contact her and set something up.
MISCHA: It’s still too early. We simply do not have enough information. This is not a good time to be reckless. Please, Salla.
VACHEK: Of course, you’re right. Go forward with the statements to the news service, and uh… get me North Africa.
NIKITA'S APARTMENT
NIKITA: Yes?
MICK: Hello, hello! You are looking very Dolce Gabbana.
NIKITA: Well, you’re looking very… Mick Schtoppel. What are you doing here?
MICK: Isn’t that the question of the hour? Fine. I’m your new neighbor! As in ‘next door’. You know… water the plant, borrow the sugar. Hey? Nice. Studio décor. Very interesting. I can live with it though. I mean, I won’t be here all day, every day.
NIKITA: You’re very funny, Mick.
MICK: Ha-ha-ha. No joke.
MICK: Ah! That bubble thing. You got anything flat?
NIKITA: Why don’t you just cut the drivel and tell me what you want?
MICK: Unlike you, doll, my contract with Section One is a bit more tenuous to say the least. I mean, they use me for my ability to move freely in the world. The French call it ‘savoir faire’.
NIKITA: You’re a lowlife informant, Mick.
MICK: Ouch, baby! The fact of the matter is… they’ve always housed me next door to an operative. Do you know Terry DeHaan? Terry. You know… Terry!
NIKITA: What about him?
MICK: Lived next door to him up until a couple of days ago. Poor chap got himself blown to bits. Diabolical liberty, that. Oh! Very nice.
NIKITA: So, you’re telling me that Section’s moved you in next door to me?
MICK: You got it.
NIKITA: Why?
MICK: Oh, two birds with one stone, I suppose. My information moves in quicker, you get to keep an eye on me. Think of yourself as a conduit to my valuable flow.
NIKITA: Shut up, Mick.
COMM
MICHAEL: What is it?
BIRKOFF: A team checked in. The location Beckman gave us was cold.
MICHAEL: Was it Vachek’s?
BIRKOFF: Yes, but he left more than a week ago. It was abandoned. We’re bringing in samples. We’ll run them.
MICHAEL: Did Beckman withhold the truth?
BIRKOFF: No. He told us what he knew. He was at least two week’s out of Vachek’s confidence.
MICHAEL: What now?
BIRKOFF: I don’t know. They’re discussing it.
SAMUELLE RESIDENCE
MICHAEL: Elena? Elena? Elena?
ELENA: Michael.
MICHAEL: Are you okay?
ELENA: I’m fine. I must have fallen asleep. What are you doing home so early?
MICHAEL: The last meeting was cancelled.
ELENA: Good. You look tired. Are you hungry?
MICHAEL: No, I’m fine. I’m fine.
ELENA: I had a nightmare.
MICHAEL: Elena?
ELENA: I don’t know what’s wrong with me.
HOSPITAL
NIKITA: How is she?
MICHAEL: They don’t know yet. They’re doing some tests.
NIKITA: Where’s Adam?
MICHAEL: With a neighbor.
NIKITA: So, how are you doing?
MICHAEL: Why are you here?
NIKITA: Madeline sent me. She wants you to stay here in case Vachek show. So, how did it happen?
MICHAEL: Section must have gotten to her while I was on the mission. That’s why they sent me out.
MICHAEL: If she dies, they die.
VACHEK’S HIDE OUT
VACHEK: Mischa. I wasn’t expecting you back until tomorrow.
MISCHA: I have some unfortunate news, sir.
VACHEK: What?
MISCHA: Your daughter is ill. She is in the hospital.
VACHEK: What’s wrong?
MISCHA: They suspect spinal meningitis.
VACHEK: How serious, Mischa?
MISCHA: She could die.
HOSPITAL
DOCTOR: There’s nothing to do right now, except wait and see how she responds to the treatment.
MICHAEL: Elena.
ELENA: Michael.
MICHAEL: Shhh.
MAN: Horrible places, hospitals.
MICHAEL: Yes.
MAN: Never anything current.
MAN: I’m afraid you’ll have to leave your wife for a few hours.
MICHAEL: Excuse me?
MAN: If you care for the well being of your wife, you’ll come with us. Without incident.
COMM
BIRKOFF: Okay. Good. Sir? They’re made their move. Michael’s leaving the hospital.
OPERATIONS: And, he’s been stripped of surveillance?
BIRKOFF: Yes, he’s clean.
OPERATIONS: Then, let him go.
VACHEK’S HIDE OUT
MISCHA: We didn’t have to bring him here. We could have used a more disposable location.
VACHEK: There’s no time, Mischa.
MISCHA: There’s somebody that would like to meet you.
VACHEK: Mischa, I want to be alone.
VACHEK: How is she?
MICHAEL: You’re Elena’s father?
VACHEK: Yes.
MICHAEL: What do you want from me?
VACHEK: How’s my daughter?
MICHAEL: You kidnap me to find out about Elena?
MICHAEL: She’s dying, that’s how she is.
VACHEK: What can I do to help?
MICHAEL: Nothing. There’s no chance of recovery. If you want to help Elena, you’ll let me go. She needs me, and there’s not much time.
VACHEK: I’d like to send my doctors to see her.
MICHAEL: There’s nothing they can do. She’s with the best people. Just let me go.
VACHEK: No matter. I’d still like to send them.
MICHAEL: Fine. Can I go now?
VACHEK: Mischa. You can take him back.
MICHAEL: You’ll have to learn to accept the loss of your daughter, just like she had to learn to accept the loss of her father.
VACHEK: You know, I wish I had the choice to live a different life. No one else can do what needs to be done.
MICHAEL: What are you talking about? Who are you!
VACHEK: Apparently someone who is powerless to even help his own daughter. Go. Return to Elena. My men will take you back.
MICHAEL: Why don’t you come with me? So, she won’t die wondering if her father even cares.
VACHEK: I can’t.
SAMUELLE RESIDENCE
NIKITA: What’s that?
ADAM: That’s me when I was a baby.
NIKITA: Oh, let me see. Yeah.
ADAM: That’s me and daddy at Christmas.
NIKITA: That’s very sweet. Great picture. What’s this here?
ADAM: That’s me.
NIKITA: Happy birthday.
ADAM: That’s me on my bike.
NIKITA: Was that your first bike?
ADAM: Yeah.
NIKITA: And, what’s this here with that big trophy?
ADAM: That’s me at karate. I won the trophy and medal.
NIKITA: Did daddy teach you karate?
ADAM: No, I learned it all by myself at karate school.
ADAM: That’s me, daddy and mommy.
NIKITA: Okay, come on. Bedtime.
ADAM: I’m not tired.
NIKITA: Oh, come on. You can put your pajamas on, and I’ll read you a story, okay?
ADAM: Yeah.
NIKITA: Good boy.
COMM
BIRKOFF: This is coming off the live feed, right from Mexico City. Crystal Globe has claimed responsibility.
OPERATIONS: Vachek?
BIRKOFF: Yeah, it’s one of his groups.
OPERATIONS: I thought our intel had this in the Far East?
BIRKOFF: We were wrong.
MADELINE: Maybe not. There may be another right behind us. Keep those sectors active.
OPERATIONS: Who is it?
BIRKOFF: I don’t know. An encrypted channel. It’s Michael.
OPERATIONS: Michael. Where are you?
MICHAEL: At the hospital. Vachek’s men just dropped me off.
OPERATIONS: Did you see Vachek?
MICHAEL: Yes, but he won’t come himself.
MADELINE: What about the location?
MICHAEL: Three hours by private jet, another hour by car. Send the antidote for Elena. Vachek’s not coming.
MADELINE: I’m sure that what he conveyed. He doesn’t know it himself yet, but he will come.
MICHAEL: The symptoms are killing her.
MADELINE: That’s a chance we’ll have to take.
HOSPITAL
ADAM: Thank you.
NIKITA: That should feel better.
ELENA: Michael?
MICHAEL: I’m right here.
ELENA: Where’s Adam?
MICHAEL: He’s out in the hall with Nikita.
ELENA: Could I be alone with him for a moment, please?
MICHAEL: Of course.
ADAM: Is mommy better yet?
MICHAEL: Mommy wants to talk to you. It’s very important that you be a good boy.
ADAM: I am a good boy.
MICHAEL: I know you are. I just want you to listen to what she says. Can you do that for me? Let’s go.
ADAM: Mommy?
ELENA: Come here, sweetheart. I have something important to say to you. I want you to listen to me, okay?
NIKITA: Is Vachek coming?
MICHAEL: It’s possible.
NIKITA: You can’t just let her die, Michael. Call Walter. Get the name of whatever it was they put in that stuff and tell the doctors. It’s not too late, Michael. There’s still time.
ADAM: Daddy, he says it’s grandpa coming to see mommy!
COMM
OPERATIONS: Birkoff!
BIRKOFF: Our people are in place.
OPERATIONS: And, Michael?
BIRKOFF: With Elena. He gave her the antidote. She’s recovering.
OPERATIONS: We have all scenarios working?
BIRKOFF: Whatever he brings, we’re ready.
OPERATIONS: Nobody moves a finger until Michael makes the I.D. He’s the only one who’s seen Vachek.
BIRKOFF: Yes, sir.
HOSPITAL
OPERATIVE: Vachek’s advance team is here.
BIRKOFF: How many?
OPERATIVE: Twelve so far.
BIRKOFF: Sir, they’re lining the halls. What do we do about containment?
OPERATIONS: Make no adjustments. We should be able to handle this without harming innocents.
ELENA: I feel a little better.
MICHAEL: The doctor said you’re going to be fine.
ELENA: How’s Adam?
MICHAEL: He was a bit tired. He’s fine. Everything is fine now.
NIKITA: Hello.
VACHEK: Hello, Michael.
MICHAEL: I’m glad you came. Elena, this is your father.
ELENA: Hello.
VACHEK: Elena.
BIRKOFF: Okay, we’ve got confirmation. Take out his backup.
ELENA: I’ve been asleep.
VACHEK: I don’t mean today. I should have come years ago.
ELENA: I’m so glad.
VACHEK: About what?
ELENA: Because now Adam will know his grandfather.
VACHEK: So much we could have done together.
ELENA: There will still be time for that.
MICHAEL: Her fever dropped. The doctor said her immune system suddenly responded.
VACHEK: When did this happen?
MICHAEL: A couple of hours ago. Say goodbye to Elena.
ELENA: He just got here.
MICHAEL: You have to rest.
OPERATIONS’ LOFT
OPERATIONS: Thank you, George. No, it was a long, hard road. We’re all glad it’s over. Early intel gives us an excellent projection. What’s left of Vachek’s organization can be handled by lower agencies. I appreciate you saying that. Yes.
MADELINE: He was pleased?
OPERATIONS: Oh, yes. You should follow through with your proposal for level nine. There should be no resistance at this point.
MADELINE: Good.
VOICE: Sir, Michael’s here.
OPERATIONS: Send him in.
OPERATIONS: Congratulations. You carried off what everyone at Oversight considered an impossible task.
MADELINE: Elena has been released from the hospital. Physically, she’s fine.
OPERATIONS: And, of course, she and Adam will be provided for. Full package.
MADELINE: Would you like us to copy you on their progress reports?
MADELINE: I think we should acknowledge the personal sacrifice Michael has made and give him some time alone.
OPERATIONS: Absolutely.
MADELINE: You can go, Michael.
NIKITA'S APARTMENT
NIKITA: Mick, I don’t have time for your nonsense tonight. Could you please just go be somewhere else?
MICK: Can I talk to you? Please?
NIKITA: All right.
MICK: They told me they were just going to move a guy from A to B. I didn’t know they would blow up the car. If I had known that, I never would have let the girl go with them. I mean, she had nothing to do with it. Now why didn’t they tell me that?
NIKITA: You want some tea?
The End.
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