Chapter 193 -- LFN Storyboard 2

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Date Posted: 00:51:21 01/31/09 Sat
Author: taurus2124
Author Host/IP: CPE-124-188-4-38.nsw.bigpond.net.au / 124.188.4.38
Subject: Chapter 193
In reply to: taurus2124 's message, "The Rising Dragons - continued" on 00:39:04 01/31/09 Sat

Chapter 193

Making their way along the corridor, Michael quickly scanned the faces of his superiors and the worried yet relieved face of Birkoff. He noticed that Madeline and Operations stood quietly to one side. Although they showed a sign of concern and acknowledged his tacit look, they seemed to be indifferent to the state both he and Nikita were in. As usual it was hard to read the thoughts of their leaders as their demeanour gave nothing away of their feelings. However, Michael knew that an underlying curiosity by Madeline and Operations would need to be appeased when the time came. There was always a hidden agenda with them. The looks they exchanged could mean a range of things including a modicum of real concern for what both he and Nikita had endured, but more importantly Michael knew they were both thinking about what would happen now that the mission had had this set back. Operations would want a full debrief and Madeline would ask her probing questions about the mission.

However, despite their scrutiny, Michael ignored their glances. His main concern was for Nikita. Tightening his arm around her in a caring gesture, he helped her along the corridor toward the waiting gurneys.

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

Operations and Madeline watched the exchange between their two operatives. It was apparent that Michael was protective ... very protective of Nikita. Madeline�s dark gaze assessed the situation. Had the two of them become closer than she thought over the course of this mission? It appeared so. Things had definitely changed between the two operatives. Although Michael tried to disguise it, Nikita was undeniably his weakness ... his demeanour towards her was positive proof that his concern was genuine. But was that all there was to it, or was there more?

This played on Madeline�s mind. Could she exploit their relationship further like she�d told Paul was a possibility in their previous discussion about giving them some downtime together? Having Michael second guess their motives would give them the upper hand. Her belief was that there was no one that she couldn�t manipulate ... Michael, however, would be a lot more difficult. Madeline cast her eyes his way again. Her brow furrowed, her eyes glinted then she smiled enigmatically. She already knew several of Nikita's weaknesses. She could be controlled ... but could Michael? Time would tell. Right now though, it was imperative that Section�s best operatives recovered from the trauma they�d faced at the hands of the Rising Dragons. Manipulations would begin soon enough.

Standing beside Madeline, Operations� demeanour was sullen; his eyes were fixed on Michael and Nikita as if weighing up his options. At the sight of them, his initial anger had been appeased. It was understandable why Michael was behaving in this manner towards Nikita. Judging by the look of her, it was easy to see how much she had endured for the Section. Nikita looked dreadful ... but so too did he, although Michael was doing a good job of disguising his own pain. It was also clear that it may be some time before the two of them had recovered enough to be sent back into the field. That would not be possible now given the apparent poor physical condition they were in. The Rising Dragons� mission would have to be put on hold unless there was another way around it.

Madeline had been correct in her summation; they would need some down time to recuperate ... and they could keep an eye on them at the same time. Operations glanced at them more closely. A bond between two operatives was a good thing, but had things progressed further than either he or Madeline had expected? His eyes became fixated as his mind raced with the consequences of his thoughts. Her plan was indeed a stroke of genius. Michael and Nikita would need to be watched though. Section One could not have a relationship between two operatives that put the very essence of their goals in jeopardy. He wouldn�t hesitate to put them both into abeyance if that occurred.

Operations' stoic stance gave nothing away of his thoughts while any conclusion he may have about what he�d witnessed, was only displayed in a brief glance he conferred Madeline�s way.

Her reply indicated that what they�d witnessed may become problematic. They would need to be more vigilant where their two operatives were concerned.

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

Jolted back to reality Madeline and Operations severed their enigmatic look as a cry of �Coming through!� echoed around them. Two Med-Lab technicians pushed past Sections� leaders and into the narrow access entryway obviously anxious to get Michael and Nikita on the gurneys and to Medical for treatment as soon as possible.

When one of them stepped forward to place Nikita on the gurney, Michael stopped him in his tracks with a look. The man knew that he was not to mess with Michael Samuelle. It was clear that the operative wanted to make sure that Nikita was carefully placed on the gurney and he would see that she was. �No � It�s okay � I have her.�
Stepping aside the Med-tech exchanged a silent glance with the other technician.

Michael somehow couldn�t relinquish his hold of Nikita. It was something that he had to do himself. He gently lowered her onto the gurney, then slowly slipped his arms out from beneath her body. Nikita, however, clung to him and dug her hands into the front of his jacket. Michael winced as her action pulled his wounded shoulder lower. Putting his hands over Nikita�s, he gently pried them loose carefully keeping Nikita shielded from any onlookers� gaze especially those of their superiors. If Madeline and Operations saw anything too overt they would pounce on their actions.

He could not to show too much affection towards her; however, Michael threw caution to the wind despite their audience. Gathering the thermal blanket at the bottom of the gurney, he drew it up Nikita�s body, tucking it closely around her shoulders. His eyes held hers with a probing look as his knuckles accidentally brushed her soft strands of hair. When the med technician screened his body from Madeline and Operations� line of vision, Michael couldn�t resist bending down to her. With his face close to Nikita�s, his eyes travelled all over her face tenderly. He felt his fingers tingle with a longing to entangle themselves in her tresses resting in the crook of her neck.

Michael then whispered just loud enough for Nikita but no one else to hear, �It wasn�t all a lie,� and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.

Slowly he straightened up, but the pain he felt in his shoulder was excruciating. Michael gritted his teeth in pain while trying to show no ill effect from the exertion of placing Nikita on the gurney. He stepped back to let the technician take over grateful that Nikita was as last in capable hands, but he still kept guard at her side. His sole concentration was focused on her and not on his own wellbeing. Michael�s actions, however, had taken their toll on his remaining strength. He was feeling a little woozy after exerting the last ounce of his energy but at least Nikita was stable.

Once Nikita was on the gurney the technician strapped her in and stood aside to wait for Michael Samuelle to be put on the other gurney by his colleague before taking them both to Medical. Judging by his demeanour Michael looked as if he would resist being taken to the infirmary and would except to walk there on his own volition. The Med tech was concerned about him. To his medical eye he could see his deep under eye circles while his face was far too pale. Michael Samuelle had taken a hard beating, yet he watched over Nikita with lack of concern for his own injuries.

The Med-Lab technician looked over to his colleague who stood waiting, but there was some delay as Operations spoke to Michael before he could do what needed to be done.

�How is she doing?�

He heard the question; however, Michael�s concentration was on the beautiful but battered woman he loved in front of him. His eyes caressed Nikita as she lay with her eyes closed on the gurney. Without turning around he answered, voicing his thoughts out loud. �Better than any of us.�

Operations and Madeline shared a look at his cryptic answer but didn�t respond to his accusation. They merely stared at his back then looked over at Nikita once more now that they could see her much better for Michael had obscured their view before.

�Michael?�

Although he heard the sound of Operations calling his name, Michael didn�t immediately turn around for had he done so he would have surely passed out. Rather, he forced himself to gather what inner strength he had. Through the foggy haze of his mind, he realised that it was Operations who was addressing him again. Michael slowly turned to look at his superior. �Yes?�

Operations watched the slow, calculated but normal antics of his operative. Even though he appeared a little worse for wear, it was nothing more than what he�d already seen on previous occasions. Michael had returned to Section One injured after a mission before and as far as Operations was concerned he didn�t see anything that major wrong with him. �We're glad you're back.�

Michael�s soft reply was barely audible. �Thank you.�

Raising an eyebrow at his patent answer, Operations asked, �Were you able to extract an RP on the Rising Dragons?�

The inflection of Michael�s voice rose, answering Operations� question with another question. �An RP?�

Noticing the blank expression on Michael's face Walter stepped forward. �His Retreat Point's still not known. I think we should take Michael to Medical too before he debriefs. There was quite a bit of interrogation equipment at the site and both he and Nikita were tortured badly.�

At Walter�s announcement, Operations and Madeline studied Michael more carefully. Slight concern showed on both of their faces. �Are you all right?�

Without making eye contact with them he gave a vague reply. �Yes. Just ... need a little bit of ... rest.�

Unfortunately, the banal conversation with his superiors drained what strength he had left from him. Michael teetered a little then suddenly lost his balance as his legs buckled from under him. Had it not been for Walter, he would have fallen to the floor.

�Hey � easy there Michael.�

�I�m ... f...fine,� he answered shrugging off Walter�s help.

But Michael was anything but fine. Disorientated, his eyes rolled back in his head, then without warning he fell to the floor trembling.

�Quick!� Walter called out alerting everyone to Michael�s plight.

�What's wrong with him?� Birkoff asked worriedly.

Walter�s eyes examined Michael more closely. Noticing his blood stained jacket his eyes widened with concern when he saw some fresh blood beginning to seep from his shoulder.

All eyes turned his way. The sight of Michael Samuelle incapacitated in such a way was a shock. Suddenly his trembling exacerbated.

�Damn it, do something! He's convulsing!� Walter looked over to where the Medical technician was waiting with the second gurney. His eyes were succinct in their meaning. �Get hold of him!�

The Med-tech pushed the gurney towards Michael quickly making it to his side. Bending down to assess the situation, his appraisal was succinct when he noticed all the telltale signs of Michael�s condition. �He�s going into shock. Let�s move, let�s move!� the Med tech shouted. �C'mon, move it, move it, move it!�

�Do something!� Walter ordered concern etched on his face.

�Help me get him onto the gurney.�

Without hesitation Walter�s strong arms lifted Michael up and placed the weakened Level 5 operative on the second gurney.

�Awwww!... Urggggh!� he moaned.

Walter whispered, �It�s okay Michael ... I�ve got you.�

As the drama unfolded, those gathered looked on in astonishment.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* ~*~*~
Play on text from � War, IO, LFM and PWF

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