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Date Posted: 20:26:14 03/14/12 Wed
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-58-161-97-246.nsw.bigpond.net.au / 58.161.97.246
Subject: Chapter 222
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "Next couple of chapters of The Rising Dragons" on 22:14:22 03/09/12 Fri

Chapter 222

As he walked out of Med Lab, Karl Johnson stopped in his tracks upon seeing Madeline as it had been a couple of days since either of Section’s leaders had last visited their two operatives. He had kept them well informed as to Michael and Nikita’s progress and was not surprised that Madeline had finally decided to pay a visit to Med Lab. He hoped that the reason why Madeline was here was because she and Operations had reached a decision about downtime now that they were showing signs of improvement.

“Dr Johnson I’m glad you’re still here.”

He gave her a nod of recognition.

“How are the patients?”

"The patients are not in the best of moods I’m afraid. Nikita is getting bored and Michael is … well … Michael.”

Madeline was not at all surprised that Michael was far from being a model patient. Section’s top operative was loath to be incapacitated at the best of times and no doubt he was ready to get out of Med Lab.

“Tell me about their progress.”

Karl Johnson held nothing back, knowing that Madeline wouldn’t expect anything less. “Superficially, both Michael and Nikita look as though they are well on the road to recovery. They both have had their intravenous drip removed and their hourly observations reports have been sound. Overall, I’m pleased to say that both of their physical injuries are healing quite nicely.”

“What’s Michael’s status?”

“Considering the state under which he entered Medical on his return from the mission, Michael has indeed made excellent progress over the last couple of days. He has improved significantly but, as you know Madeline, this is not totally unexpected. Michael always seems to heal quickly due to his superb physical conditioning and training.”

“Anything else?”

“Although his blood pressure is a little elevated, I’m not concerned as his other data has been good. Since his blood transfusions, his anaemia has improved, his wound seems to be healing satisfactorily and there has been no infection. Michael is still on pain relief as his injury will be tender for a while yet. He also doesn’t have complete mobility back in his shoulder. Unfortunately, this could take some time. He will definitely need some rehabilitation and physiotherapy to help build up his core strength.”

He gave Madeline an earnest look before adding, “Despite his operation, Michael seems to have fared the better of the two.”

With her non verbal reply, Dr Johnson was unable to gauge Madeline’s reaction to this current news about Michael’s condition as her expression was unreadable. No doubt she was mentally weighing up this information and ticking the boxes in her head as to her next plan of action. Glancing at her he reiterated his point once more, “I am pleased that Michael is showing improvement each day, but I am somewhat concerned about Nikita.”

This time Madeline answered looking at him for clarification, “Meaning...?”

“It’s the wounds I cannot see to treat that worry me. Physically, although Nikita is recovering well, I’m concerned about her mental wellbeing and I’m also worried about her emotional state of mind. She still bears the scars of her captivity. These physical marks are a constant reminder of what happened to her. Under the circumstances it is little wonder that she is emotionally drained. Having been subjected to the kind of prolonged torture she endured, there is no way of telling as to the impact that being incarcerated has had on her psyche.”

Madeline was well aware that the situation that Nikita had faced could cause depression and anxiety and given the nature of her personality, succumbing to either of these conditions was feasible. Although Section operatives were trained to deal with such emotions, maybe, just maybe, given Nikita’s state of mind and the severity of her afflictions that her wounds were deeper than first expected. Reluctantly she too had come to the same conclusion. Having done psyche evaluations on Nikita in the past, it was possible that this mission had had a far greater effect than what her capture and torture by Red Cell and Dominic had done to her on a previous mission.

She listened as Karl Johnson continued.

“The kind of torture Nikita experienced often causes severe mental scars that are much slower to heal than the physical ones you can see. As doctors we don’t know the damage that has been done to a person's spirit or to their subconscious often until it's too late.”

“Yes … I can see your point.”

If what Dr Johnson had told her was true any psyche analysis she’d planned would need to be postponed until Nikita was mentally better. There was no way that Operations would tolerate an operative who was not 100% ready and able to be sent back on such an important mission to capture Sun Yee Lok once and for all. There was much on the line for them. George in particular had already given them a succinct directive. It seemed she had few options but she would need to discuss her findings with Operations after her visit. To bring an End Game to this troublesome triad group, they needed Michael and Nikita to be functioning at their optimum level as they were crucial players in the final scenario.

“When can they be released?”

The doctor considered the question for a brief moment before replying, knowing that his answer may be crucial to the decision that Madeline and Operations would make about Michael and Nikita’s recuperation.

“I want to keep them both in for at least another twenty-four hours. If they continue to show continued improvement, I see no reason as to why they should stay under observation any longer than that. May I add that rehabilitation away from Section One would be the preferred option for the maximum success in their recovery. I think you will find that they will bounce back much better if you and Operations decide that this is the best course of action.”

Madeline was stoic in her demeanor and did not comment on what Dr Johnson had said but merely replied with, “I’d like to see them for myself now.”

Comprehensively put back in his box his replied, “Of course. But I wouldn’t stay too long … Nikita still needs her rest.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

When Nikita heard the electronic “whoosh” of the automatic doors opening and the sound of high heels echo in her room, she immediately knew who had entered. The footsteps came closer and she sensed her visitor’s presence as she stood at the foot of her bed. Nikita was sure that Madeline was scrutinizing her up and down with those unforgiving dark eyes making her own assessment as to her condition. Opening her eyes Nikita met the intense gaze from Section’s second in command.

“Dr Johnson said that you're doing quite well.”

Nikita sat up a little and folded her arms across her chest in a defensive manner as she met her leader’s probing look. “I've been better, but I'll live.”

Madeline gave her a wry smile. “I'm sure you will. You’re looking much better than the first time I saw you.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you feeling?” Madeline asked, although her attempt at motherly concern fell on deaf ears.

Nikita turned and glanced at her. Madeline looked like any concerned parent for their child, but Nikita knew otherwise. Her superior never did anything out of compassion and Nikita doubted the sincerity of her words and the smile she gave her. She was wary of Madeline’s intentions. There was always an ulterior motive and her visit here was no exception. Why was she being so nice? Was she baiting her so that she would drop her guard and say something she shouldn’t? You could never tell with Madeline, but what did she have to lose? Seizing the opportunity presented to her Nikita smiled back and asked nonchalantly, “So … when can I get out of here?”

“Probably in a day or two, but that decision is up to Dr Johnson.”

“Oh …”

Her superior noticed Nikita’s eyes widen with unspoken questions. Madeline guessed that they were concerning Michael’s discharge as well.

“Would that be a problem?” Madeline’s eyes focused on Nikita’s face trying to read her reaction to her statement.

“No …That’s fine. I’m going a bit stir crazy not being able to do anything. “I’m so ready to get outta here.”

Madeline walked closer to the head of the bed. “Yes ... I’m sure you have, but that will change soon enough. Let’s hope Dr Johnson thinks you are well enough in a day or two shall we. Until then I guess you’ll have to amuse yourself, I’m afraid.” She smiled at her again. “I’m sure you’ve had some visitors … that should have help with the boredom.”

“Walter and Birkoff have been here.”

“Yes …” Madeline’s eyes zeroed in on Nikita’s. “… I know.”

With all the surveillance cameras in Med Lab closely monitoring personnel twenty-four hours a day, Madeline was just reminding her that she knew who, when and how often they had visited. To rub salt into the wound knowing that her words would cut Nikita to the bone she added, “I’m sure Michael would have been here as well … If he’d been able.”

Each word Madeline had just spoken was like a bard to the heart. Pressing her lips together, Nikita closed her eyes thinking of Michael in ICU. The pain, of not being able to see him, cut deep. Walter had said he was doing fine but until she had seen him for herself then she would not be at peace. Nikita fought to keep her composure at Madeline’s well aimed taunt. She of all people knew what they’d both gone through on the mission yet she took satisfaction in her vindictiveness coated with concern and veiled kindness to push home a point. How could she have forgotten that there was always a hidden agenda to what Madeline had to say? Section would always be the winner. There was no room for all the qualities she tried to hold onto because Section wanted to browbeat them out of her.

Madeline scrutinized the emotions that crossed Nikita’s face. The tell tale swollen vein in her neck was a dead giveaway that her heart rate had accelerated and her face had lost its colour. There was something between the two operatives that went beyond mentor and material, and knowing that they were to have some downtime together was gnawing at her caw. It would only strengthen their bond and this could affect their performance in the field. Operations would not tolerate collusion between two operatives … especially their two best operatives. It could put Section at risk.

Yet when Nikita looked at her, her composure was evident. She smiled brightly. “I'm sure he will … when he’s able. Maybe I could visit him instead.”

“Yes … no doubt you are keen to see how he is too.”

Noticing that Dr Johnson had re-entered the room, Nikita put her hand across her mouth stifling a yawn and hoping that he might intervene and cut short Madeline’s visit. He caught her eye and came to her rescue.

“I think it is time that Nikita got some rest Madeline. Doctor's orders."

Without turning around she acknowledged his request, “Of course.” She smiled once more at Nikita then gave her shoulder a light tap. “Operations and I will drop by tomorrow to see how you're feeling. He’s anxious to check up on you as well.”

“Thank you.”

Then turning towards Dr Johnson Madeline uttered her next command. “I’d like to see Michael now.”


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

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