Chapter 209 -- LFN Storyboard 2

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Date Posted: 18:13:39 02/08/12 Wed
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-60-224-186-176.vic.bigpond.net.au / 60.224.186.176
Subject: Chapter 209
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "Repost ... Chapters 206 -210" on 17:53:39 02/08/12 Wed

Chapter 209

After leaving his friend Walter, Birkoff hurriedly made his way to his station with an escalating nervous tension coursing through his body. Heading off in the direction of Systems he hoped that he could find out if Operations was in the Perch or if indeed the "gods of fate" had smiled on them and he was not there. In his haste to make it back as quickly as possible, he walked down the hallway with a determined stride knowing that if Operations was occupied in his office then he and Walter would have time to make a search for Michael's personal details. A wry smile crossed Birkoff's face at the thought of his good friend. If it weren't for Walter and his machinations he probably would lead a very dull, boring and uninteresting life inside Section. Walter certainly found plenty of trouble to get them into and now this was another harebrain scheme his friend had initiated.

However, the closer Birkoff got to Systems, the more his inner demons began to materialize and cloud his better judgment. As he hurried along he was beginning to have second thoughts. Birkoff became a little jumpy at the thought of the task that lay ahead, while in his mind he built up a plethora of scenarios of "what ifs". Although he knew that Walter would be as cool as a cucumber, doubt about the usefulness of their planned escapade kept creeping into his brain and Birkoff found it difficult to concentrate on anything else. If anything went wrong then all hell would break loose. He and Walter would be in abeyance before you could blink an eye. How could they explain away why they were in a restricted area and answer the inevitable questions as to why they were there and on whose authority?

Birkoff swallowed nervously doubting if they really were doing the right thing and for the right reasons. He began to question why he got roped into situations he'd rather not know about. He really should stick with his computers; they gave him all the challenges he needed, he thought. Not only that but, Dr Johnson had not said that they needed more blood for Michael � it was really Walter's idea to go and search for Michael's data purely for ultraistic motives. He thought it would be a bargaining tool they could use against Madeline and Operations if and when it may be useful. However, they might go to a lot of trouble to search for Michael's Intel and it could all be for naught � especially if they were caught. Birkoff shuddered at that idea.

His head suddenly lowered and his step was not as assured as before, then, as he rounded the corner that headed into the common area, Birkoff slammed headlong into the very person he thought was preoccupied in Med-Lab � Madeline.

"Oh, excuse me � sorry," he apologized with remorse but some trepidation as well at seeing who it was he had collided with.

Madeline didn't appear to be all that happy. She gave him a quizzical look as if surprised to see him away from his post. "Birkoff?"

"Yes?" He replied nervously caught off guard by her appearance.

"Is everything alright?"

Birkoff looked at Madeline hoping that she was unable to read the expressions that he knew were on his face. His eyes darted up to hers before he lowered them. He found it difficult to remain unaffected in her presence. She had a way with making him feel uneasy and the fact that he and Walter were planning to do something they shouldn't made him feel guilty. Madeline was supposed to be checking up on Michael and Nikita. How had she managed to be finished so soon? Obviously she had seen enough or the patients weren't up to being questioned. However, her appearance had now thrown them a curve ball. If Operations and Madeline were both within sight it would be impossible for either Walter or he to leave their posts to go and start their search. They would now have to leave it for another time. He would also have to let Walter know that Madeline was back.

He looked up at her once more hoping that Madeline would not see his uneasiness. "Everything's fine," was his answer.

"Where are you going?"

"Going?"

Birkoff tried to reply as nonchalantly as possible, but his voice wavered slightly with surprise at her question. He answered with another question which showed that he'd been caught off guard by her sudden appearance. Taking a deep breath he composed himself somewhat. Anxious to keep the conversation between them short and concise Birkoff didn't want to give Madeline any clues as to why he was away from his post. He just hoped that he was able to appear more composed than he actually felt.

"Yes ... going?" Madeline asked looking at him and noticing his reticence. "Are you heading back to Systems?"

"Ah? � Yes."

On hearing his reply she ordered. "Would you inform Operations that I've returned from Med-Lab and will be in my office?"

Her request was succinct. Madeline obviously had things on her mind to make such a demand rather than going directly to his office.

"I will � Is that all?"

Her eyes flicked over his face, but Birkoff stood his ground. "Tell him that I would like to speak with him."

"I will."

Birkoff stood and watched as Madeline's gait quickened as she walked away towards her office. It was then that he noticed the folder she was carrying in her hand. Suddenly it all made sense to him as to why she was not in Med-Lab. The folder must contain the doctor's reports on Michael and Nikita and she needed time to read them.

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

Back at his terminal, Birkoff cast a glance at the Perch and saw that Operations was indeed there. He sat in front of his computer, staring at a blank screen disillusioned but somewhat relieved as well that he and Walter had been thwarted in their plans by mere minutes. But now that Madeline was back, he would need to alert Walter as to what had just happened. First things first though, he needed to page through to Operations re Madeline's orders. However, before he could do so his intercom lit up and the sound of his name echoed.

"Birkoff!"

He looked up towards the Perch and saw Section One's leader staring down into Systems. Judging by the look on his face, Operations didn't look too happy either. Something had triggered his ire, but Birkoff didn't think it was the same thing that had been the cause of Madeline's displeasure.

Summoning bravado he answered, "I was just about to page you sir. Madeline wishes to inform you that she has returned from Med-Lab and is in her office."

"I see."

"She wants to speak with you. Would you like me to page her for you?"

"No � I'll do it myself," was his terse reply.

Birkoff wondered what it was or who it was that had caused Operations to be in such a mood. He seemed more belligerent that usual. "Very well sir," he responded. Then it dawned on him. There was usually only one thing that set him off in this frame of mind and that was a certain visitor. Perhaps this may not be the right time for Walter and him to go searching where they shouldn't. It could be too dangerous, Birkoff pondered.

Once he had severed his connection with Operations, he then set about getting in touch with his friend to alert Walter to the situation that had unexpectedly come up.

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

Once he disengaged the connection with Birkoff, Operations too contacted Madeline knowing that his second in command was back in her office. It was imperative he speak with her as their nemesis had once again made a surprise visit to Section One. "Madeline, are you there?"

"Yes, what is it?"

'What are you doing?"

"Going over Dr Johnson's report. I'll need to speak with you about Michael and Nikita too."

"That will have to wait I'm afraid."

"Why?"

"We have other matters that need our attention."

A little alarmed at Operations' words she asked, "What's happened?"

"Can you come up to Committee?"

"Committee?"

"Yes. George is here."

Madeline was a little concerned as to the reason for his visit. George always seemed to know when there was some crisis happening at One. Obviously he'd been told of the injuries to Michael and Nikita and he was here to find out what their contingency plans were for the two operatives and the Rising Dragons' mission. Trust George to turn up now at all times especially when she hadn't had the opportunity to talk with Operations and discuss Dr Johnson's report or her findings and recommendations about their two operatives. Like Paul, she was not at all happy with George's unexpected visit to Section One. The one thing she loathed was being unprepared but no doubt the two of them would be able to pull the wool over his eyes like they had done before in the past.

Closing Dr Johnson's report Madeline replied. "I'll be right up."

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

Walter had already made his way to their rendezvous place and was pacing back and forth wondering what was taking Birkoff so long to get here. Perhaps Operations was in the perch after all and if so they may have to re-strategise their plans, he thought. Suddenly the personal pager he wore when he left Munitions beeped. He activated the unit and Birkoff's face appeared on the small screen.

"Walter?"

"Hey! Where are you Birkoff? � I've been waiting five minutes and you're a no show. Is there a problem?"

"I think you better get back to your station as soon as possible."

Walter frowned. "Why? What's happening?"

"I'm not sure but Operations is not happy about something and I ran into Madeline on my way back to Systems."

"What! � She was supposed to be in Medical."

"Yeah � I was as surprised as you."

"That could be a problem. Do you know why Madeline left Medical early?"

"No � but she wanted to speak with Operations � and he was in a mood as well. I think George may have called in unannounced," he told his friend.

"That's possible � it would certainly explain his frame of mind."

"Yeah ... you're right."

"Hey Birkoff � this could be just what we were looking for." Walter added enthusiastically. "Perhaps Madeline and Operations will be occupied for some time after all," he replied.

Birkoff felt that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach return at Walter's reply. His buddy was going to give him an ulcer for sure.

"Sit tight. I'll be back soon."

"Okay."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Play on text from � LFM and CAM

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