Chapter 208 -- LFN Storyboard 2

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Date Posted: 18:05:46 02/08/12 Wed
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-60-224-186-176.vic.bigpond.net.au / 60.224.186.176
Subject: Chapter 208
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "Repost ... Chapters 206 -210" on 17:53:39 02/08/12 Wed

Chapter 208

Madeline looked over to where Nikita was asleep hooked up to monitors and equipment. She walked slowly over with Dr Johnson close behind her and stood at the bottom of Nikita's bed watching for any sign that she would awaken. Meticulously studying the sleeping patient her eyes lingered for a while on Nikita's bruised jaw and split bottom lip. The doctor observed Madeline's face for some sign of emotion, any small hint of empathy for what Nikita had suffered at the hands of the triad � but there was nothing. Madeline's expression remained one of detached interest.

In response to her apparent indifference, Dr Johnson felt compelled to give Nikita some more time before Madeline felt the need to interrogate her. With bravado he dared to test the waters. "Nikita needs her rest. She's not in any fit state for prolonged conversation at the moment and is certainly not coherent yet for a 'Question and Answer' session. She'll be more lucid by the morning once all of the drugs have gone through her system."

Madeline was fully aware of the doctor's stalling tactics, but quietly applauded his audacity and concern for his patient. "Is that so?"

"Yes, in my professional opinion � it is."

Madeline gave a wry smile which Dr Johnson could not see. She knew he was on edge with her visit to Med-Lab, but that was of little concern to her. However, this one time she would abide by his opinion � there was plenty of time to interrogate Nikita and Michael. Today she wished only to see how they were faring.

Her non answer of a muttered "Hmmm?" gave Dr Johnson no indication of what Madeline was really thinking. He waited beside her on tenterhooks. This conversation could go any way. He may just have raised her ire one too many times and was pushing his luck, but he stood by what he believed was best for his patient. Dr Johnson glanced at Madeline for a hint of her mindset � but she remained aloof.

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

Nikita had dozed off again since Walter and Birkoff had visited her, but on hearing voices in the room her eyes fluttered and slowly opened. Tilting back her head she looked up to find two people standing at the end of her bed, one a man and the other a woman. Recognising Dr Johnson, Nikita's eyes followed him as he walked closer to her bed. He gently touched her shoulder and gave her a gentle shake.

"Nikita � you have a visitor."

She turned her head to look at the woman standing at the foot of her bed. Frowning Nikita focused on the woman's face gazing down at her. She blinked several times and it was not long before the familiar expressionless face of Madeline came into focus. Then she spoke.

"Hello Nikita."

Shifting restlessly on the bed, she tried to sit up. "Madeline."

"How are you?"

Nikita felt a little intimidated by the scrutiny of Madeline's gaze. Although her words seemed sincere, Nikita still felt the sting of the hidden message because of Madeline's tone of voice. She felt as if her injuries were an imposition to the Section and the Rising Dragons' mission. "Groggy � I can't seem to stay awake," she replied trying to sit up more comfortably in the bed. As she did so, Nikita screwed up her facial muscles in discomfort as a jolt of pain suddenly caught her in the ribs.

Noticing her distress, Dr Johnson asked, "Do you need some more pain relief?"

Nikita was thankful for his concern. She looked at him. "No � I'll be fine."

"I can see you've been through a tough time Nikita," Madeline added.

"Yes."

"But you're okay?"

"I'm fine."

"We're glad that you are back safely. Operations and I can't wait to hear your debrief about the mission and rescue." She looked at Nikita before uttering her next request. "I hope you are up to some questioning tomorrow."

"Of course."

"Get some rest then. There is someone else I need to see now."

"Thank you."

She looked at Nikita a moment longer, before nodding to Dr Johnson her intentions of visiting with Michael in ICU next. When Madeline's back was turned he smiled reassuringly at Nikita and patted her hand before exiting her room.

Nikita watched them leave then closed her eyes for a moment, before opening them to stare up at the ceiling. Her mind was centred on just one person � Michael.

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

Madeline made her way to Michael's room with Dr Johnson close on her heels. All that he had discussed with her earlier was plainly evident. Like Nikita he too was hooked up to all types of medical equipment monitoring his vital signs. Still dressed in his white operation gown, Michael's face was ashen. His shoulder was heavily bandaged and Madeline could see the evidence of his torture sessions etched on his face. He had deep circles under his eyes and he looked like he had taken a solid beating. Michael's arms rested above the covers and two intravenous drips were attached to his arm. One held his blood, while the other a solution of nutrients, glucose and pain medication. An oxygen tube was also attached to his nostrils to aide his breathing. Judging by his condition Madeline was resolved to the fact that he may indeed need more time than she or Operations had anticipated for his recovery. Madeline could feel Dr Johnson breathing down her neck with an "I told you so�" She would need to study his suggestions for their recovery closely after all.

Approaching Michael's bed Madeline stood beside it. Without looking at Dr Johnson she asked, "How is he doing?"

"Better than any of us expected."

"That's good. I see he is still being transfused."

"Michael has received several litres of plasma and so far he's responded well to treatment. Although he may look anaemic I can assure you that he is 100% better than he was."

"Excellent. Then his blood supplies are adequate?"

"Yes � This is the last unit of blood that he needs, however, I won't remove the cannula from his hand just in case. I don't think there is a need for more but as I have already stated � it is still a waiting game. We need to remain vigilant that's why Michael will be in ICU for a few days."

"Then there is a good chance that he will recover sooner than expected?"

"It's possible ... but you already know my thoughts on both of their rehabilitation. I have outlined my recommendations in your report. You will need to allow enough time for both of them or else there is the possibility of a relapse, particularly in Michael's situation. I'm not being presumptuous, but I would hasten to suggest that you and Operations deliberate carefully as to your plans for Michael and Nikita before you send them back into the field."

If looks could kill he would be a dead man, but Madeline said nothing. Dr Johnson hoped that he had presented his case as best he could � the rest was up to Section's leaders. He only hoped that Madeline was not infuriated by his unrelenting persistence, after all, he only had his patients' best interests at heart.

"I assume that you will let me know of any changes in either Michael or Nikita's conditions?"

"You have my word."

Madeline gave him her enigmatic, emotionless look then gave him one final order. "Now, I'd like to speak with Michael � alone."

"Of course."

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

Madeline was smarting a little from Dr Johnson's audacity to be so bold with her. Such insubordination would have resulted in cancellation and she was very tempted to place him in abeyance for his brashness. However, he might just have a valid point. Michael and Nikita certainly had been through much for the Section. However, she was also faced with a conundrum. They would need to tread carefully before she and Operations made any decision about their rehabilitation. They could not appear to be overly lenient, but on the other hand they needed to be reasonable. Michael and Nikita would need some recovery time.... and having it together made good sense. She had already had some discussion with Operations on this very point, but she would need to compromise on the amount of time Operations would be willing to give them. He was adamant that Michael and Nikita were needed back on the Rising Dragons' mission ASAP. However, after seeing the two operatives, Madeline knew that too little time could be detrimental, but too much could also backfire. They didn't want to give Michael and Nikita time to strengthen their relationship ties � but they did need them to be up to optimum performance. There was much at stake and wise decisions would need to be made that would be the most beneficial to capturing the last members of the Rising Dragons' triad.

Looking at the sleeping patient on the bed, Madeline gripped Michael's wrist and placed her thumb over his vein feeling for his pulse. She looked over at the heart rate monitor at his bedside and watched the machine beep as she counted the pulse beats. His pulse was normal � that was a good sign. She leant forward and examined him in repose. It was hard to believe that the man before her was actually mortal. Michael was obviously vulnerable at the moment due to his injuries and Section needed him to be up and running so that they could achieve the end game required for this mission. Hence the sooner he recovered the better.

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

Michael slowly opened his eyes to see Madeline leaning over him. He was a little startled to see her but was able to control his reaction to her intense scrutiny. He felt listless and when he tried to sit up he jarred his shoulder. A sharp pain shot through him and he winced in agony. Knowing that Madeline was examining his every move, he did his best to suppress how he felt. He bit the inside of his lip to stop the groan escaping, but Madeline saw the pain in his eyes.

"Madeline?" He was dry in the mouth and his voice was raspy.

"Hello Michael."

"How long did I sleep?"

"A couple of hours. Are you all right?"

"Yes. Everything's fine. Just � need a little bit of ... rest."

"How are you feeling?"

Michael thought for a moment. He really felt terrible but that was not the answer he could give Madeline. Instead he replied, "Okay, I guess."

"Good. Operations and I are glad you pulled through the surgery."

"Thank you."

"Rough mission?"

"Not great." Michael tried to sit up a little more but found it increasingly difficult especially with his sore shoulder and all of the equipment attached to his body. He looked at Madeline. "Where's Operations? I need to debrief."

"There will be time for that later. Right now you need to rest."

"Thank you."

Despite what he'd been through, Section's aloof Michael was back on his game. His 'thank you' was unemotional and dispassionate, but Madeline expected nothing less of their Level five operative. He had not asked a thing about Nikita's wellbeing, though dare say he wanted to � but just not from her. He had also not complained about his own situation, yet she could see that it was an effort for him to sit up comfortably. He was obviously in great pain. Madeline studied Michael for a moment longer and he too gazed at her with little emotion. When he said nothing further, she realized their conversation had gone as far as it could this time. When he was better they would reassess his relationship with Nikita and what was good for the mission's success. Right now though, she had Dr Johnson's report to read. She also needed to confer with Operations. Once they had studied all the data, they would need to make a decision as to how they would proceed with their two operatives and the Rising Dragons' mission.

In parting she added decisively. "I'll speak with you again soon."

Michael watched Madeline leave the ICU, then closed his eyes briefly, before opening them to stare up at the ceiling. His mind was centred on just one person � his Nikita.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Play on text from �. Mother, HL, NW and CAM

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