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Date Posted: 20:46:38 04/15/12 Sun
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-58-161-104-186.kybq1.win.bigpond.net.au / 58.161.104.186
Subject: Chapter 230
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "Next few chapters of The Rising Dragons" on 02:31:24 04/05/12 Thu

Chapter 230


Two weeks …

When Nikita had heard those words from Operations it was as if time had stood still. It was inconceivable to her that her superiors would allow them downtime together especially given their feelings about the supposed relationship between the two of them. However much they suspected it may have compromised the mission Madeline and Operations really had no tangible proof, for both she and Michael had performed their duties to their upmost ability. Their leaders though, were never satisfied unless there was 100% containment coupled with a dogged determination to have the end game sooner rather than later. It was a huge bone of contention for Madeline and Operations for that result had not been achieved on this mission yet. It was conceivable that Operations, in particular, laid the blame for that at their feet, hence his recalcitrance and bad mood at allowing them downtime to recover from their injuries. Although there had been a setback in the capture of the triad leaders, Section still had the upper hand. Once the mission resumed, the element of surprise was on their side as the triad thought both she and Michael were dead.

“Enjoy your downtime. Use it wisely to rest and recover for once you return to Section we expect the both of you to immerse yourselves in the Rising Dragons’ mission.”

Nikita had plenty of time to think as they travelled along and Madeline’s parting words also echoed loudly in her ears, little knowing that Michael too was reading between the lines as well.

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

It was not unlikely that Madeline and Operations had discussed the viability of granting downtime, especially when the mission appeared to be in limbo. Heated debate had surely been exchanged between Section’s leaders as to the validity of this decision. The hidden meaning behind their rationale and thinking was always perplexing as Madeline never revealed what she was thinking or why she did the things she did. Nevertheless the fact that sanity had prevailed was gratifying. The question was why? No doubt Madeline’s hidden agenda would be revealed when they had to face a psyche analysis when they returned to Section One. Judging by the concise look Madeline had given Nikita before leaving Med Lab he knew Section’s head strategist had ulterior motives.

With every silver lining there was often a cloud of doom looming. Both he and Nikita knew that when their downtime and eventually this Mission were over that they were going to have to pay one way or another.

At the moment however, Madeline and Operations’ hands were tied. There was no way known that Nikita, or him in particular, could resume the Rising Dragons’ mission so soon after surgery. No matter how quickly he healed, his wound needed time to mend. Nikita too needed time to come to terms with what had happened to her as well. She had vested so much of her personality into this mission that it had begun to take its toll. Michael knew that she would need time to rejuvenate and find the hidden core of her personality that had been so damaged during her incarceration at the hands of Karen and Andy Koo at the monastery.

Now they had two weeks of … freedom.

For several months they had been totally engrossed in the Rising Dragons mission and the capture of the triad’s elusive leader Sun Yee Lok. However, for now, all that they had experienced, all they had suffered on this mission had been banished to the far recesses of their minds. It was hard to believe that they had indeed been granted downtime without surveillance, without interference, without constantly looking over their shoulders. Two weeks of normality together with time to be just a couple albeit a couple that needed time to reassess their relationship, but also to mend from their physical and mental wounds. For two weeks they had the time to recuperate, and reassess where they were and if they would be able to sustain a relationship under the watchful eyes of Section One when they returned.

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

The rhythm of the car’s engine purred in Nikita’s ear. They travelled in silence, each deep in their own counsel and thoughts. She had no idea where Michael was taking her. She really didn’t care. As long as they were together was all that mattered to her. What Nikita did know was that wherever they were going was never far enough away from Section One. Michael concentrated on his driving and had his eyes on the road while she sat quietly in the passenger seat. Scooting deeper into the soft leather upholstery, Nikita stared out the window at the passing countryside as Michael drove them further and further away from the city. Although neither of them said a word, strangely enough, their silence was not uncomfortable.

Nikita was reminded of the first time they had travelled together in the early stages of the Rising Dragons’ mission on the way to Aberdeen. It seemed so long ago now, but the memory of that journey was not lost on her. Nikita wondered if Michael too remembered the consequences of the trip and subsequent events on Lamma Island that had changed their relationship. She looked out of the window lost in thought.

As they’d sped along the motorway she had opened her window to let in the breeze of the balmy day. The air had whipped her tresses around her face but she didn’t mind. She felt free while the atmosphere in the car was relaxed. Driving along it had been so simple for her and Michael to feel that they were two people on an adventurous holiday seeking out exotic locations just like any other normal couple. However, they soon came to realise that they were not that couple, but Section operatives on a specific task to find Tony Wong.

On that first mission she was sure there would be another time and another place to explore the boundaries of their budding relationship away from the prying eyes of Section. Perhaps their two weeks downtime just may be that opportunity to share the private time that they needed for a brief taste of an ordinary life. Although they were away from the visual surveillance of Section One and all other tabs on them, would it be enough to experience total freedom? Would this time be different? She surely hoped so.

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

Nikita cast a pensive glance sideways at Michael who was concentrating on driving. She studied his hands wrapped around the steering wheel, holding it firmly while he guided the car skillfully and masterfully to its destination. On impulse she reached up and lightly caressed his face running the back of her fingertips gently down Michael’s cheek and along his stubbled jaw. He looked over at her and held her gaze.

“I'm surprised.”

“About what?”

“Everything.” Nikita paused then said the first thing that came to mind. “Madeline and Operations.”

“What about them?”

“Don’t you find it strange that they allowed us two weeks downtime together?”

“Everything happens for a reason.”

‘Meaning?”

“It’s a test Nikita. We’ll be scrutinized when we return to Section One. They’ll want to know if our relationship is more than platonic and if it will affect the mission.”

“You’re right … but it isn’t platonic … not anymore.” She cast a shy look his way. “How long will it take them to know we've more than just partners?”

“They'll only know if we let them know.”

“You said they’ll see it in our eyes.”

“We’ll convince them otherwise. It will be possible.”

“And if not? …Then they'll cancel us?”

Michael looked over at her with a serious expression. “That's right. In Section, fraternization is frowned upon if they perceive it to interfere with the success of missions. It is seen as a weakness.”

Nikita playfully taunted, “Am I you’re weakness?”

Michael’s gaze held hers for what seemed a very long moment. Nikita held her breath waiting for his reply. “Yes … and … no. But you’re certainly my conundrum.”

“I understand that Michael, I just don't understand why you need me.”

Without taking his eyes from the road Michael replied honestly. “I don't need you …” He paused before continuing, then looked at Nikita with a direct stare. Recognising her uncertainty at what he might say next he smiled holding her gaze as if to reassure her he spoke the truth. “… I want you.”

Nikita was profoundly affected by what Michael had just revealed. She could not sever her gaze from his. Michael too held her look realising that his words had finally sunk in.

“I'm still not getting used to you.”

“You will. These two weeks of downtime will give us a chance to settle in for awhile.”

“Two weeks in one place … that's a lifetime.”

“Where do you want to go?”

Biting her lip in thought, Nikita nominated the most romantic place she could think of that was as far removed from Section as could be. “Ummm, an island somewhere.”

Reminiscing a past experience, Michael replied. “How about Rhodes?”

“Why Rhodes?”

“There's a restaurant at the south end of the island. It's run by a family I once helped.”

“Old life?”

“No. Section.”

“Do they know that you helped them?”

“No.”

Nikita smiled. “I just love it when I'm right about you.” She leaned over and they kissed. Breaking the embrace she held his gaze with a slight twinkle in her eye. “But we’re not going to Rhodes are we?”

He reciprocated. “No … not this time.”

“Then where?”

“Somewhere special … wait and see.”

Nikita contentedly placed her head against him as Michael continued on their journey.

“Wherever it is doesn’t matter one iota Michael. As long as we’re together is all that counts.”


~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Play on text from … BTP and FLYF

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