LA FEMME NIKITA
Spec Ops
#202 "Spec Ops"
Written by: Robert Cochran
Directed by: T.J. Scott
Edited by: Richard Wells
Transcript Archived at TWIZ TV.COM
Originally posted at Flash Mission
Transcribed by: Karen H
B = Birkoff
J = Jurgen K = Kudrin
M = Michael MA = Madeline
MO = Monitoring Operative MR = Marco
N = Nikita O = Operations
W = Walter
TEASER
INTERIOR - SECTION / NIKITA'S ROOM
-- DAY
The episode starts with the camera
panning around a small round white room. We are in the 'Surveillance
Room' where Nikita has been placed for observation. She is dressed
in a white tank top and pants. As we watch her we hear the song "Smack
My B****h Up" by Prodigy. [Gee, I wonder what the songwriter was
doing when he titled this song?!] Nikita seems to propel herself
around the room between exercising and lounging on the bed. Her actions
remind me of a four-year old who has been sent to her room as punishment.
Nikita is obviously better and ready to start her 'reprogramming.'
SECTION / MONITORING ROOM
The camera pulls back and we are
now viewing Nikita from a monitoring room. Besides the Operative
manning the surveillance equipment, Operations, Madeline and Michael are
present.
[MA] Her strength
is returning.
[O] Yes.
... Not that she ever seemed what you would call weak.
[M] I'll
set up a program.
[O] No.
[M] She's
ready.
[O] Yes.
... But, we've decided to let ... Jurgen handle it.
[M] Why?
[MA] You're the one
who brought her out. ... You're too close to the situation.
We need complete objectivity.
[O] Jurgen
....
A man enters the room —Jurgen.
He is around thirty-five and self-contained. You realize that this
man holds some power in Section.
[O]
Are you familiar with a case history of an agent named Nikita?
[J] I just
got the file.
[O] About
six months ago she was placed in Abeyance ..., then sent on a Mission against
the Freedom League. At first, we thought she was dead. Then
we received word that she'd been taken prisoner.
[J] You
think she cooperated with the League?
[MA] That's what we
want you to tell us. We want a complete evaluation ..., physical,
psychological, and emotional.
While Operations speaks, Michael is
studing Jurgen. It's apparent that there is a 'history' between the
two men.
[J]
She's mine.
[MA] You own her.
[O] Find
out the truth. You have one week.
Jurgen nods and turns to leave.
He and Michael lock glances.
[J]
Good to see you, Michael.
One more measured look passes between
them before Jurgen leaves.
SECTION / NIKITA'S ROOM -- DAY
Nikita is lying face down on her
bed when the door opens and Michael enters. She immediately sits
up, smiles and greets him in a happy tone, "... Michael"! Michael
slowly enters the room and circles the bed, until he is standing against
the far wall, under the surveillance camera. Nikita is hurriedly
trying to spruce herself up as she talks to him (releases her hair from
its knot) --
[N]
I was wondering when you'd come see me.
[M] You
were in Observation, it wasn't permitted.
[N] Does
that mean I'm out now?
[M] As of
an hour ago.
While standing at the far end of the
room, Michael attaches a small white device to the wall and clicks it on.
SECTION / MONITORING ROOM
We see the Operative manning the
surveillance equipment immediately lose the picture.
[MO] I've lost
sync on five.
SECTION / NIKITA'S ROOM
Michael steps up to Nikita (who
is kneeling on the bed). She immediately leans forward and reaches
for Michael. He holds her off so just her hands are against his chest.
As they talk she lightly strokes him and it is apparent that she wants
to be much closer. [It is also apparent that Michael and
Nikita differ on what is foremost on their minds.]
[M]
We have two minutes. ... Do you know of a man named Jurgen?
[N] I've
heard of him. Special Ops.
[M] You'll
be spending some time with him.
[N] Is that
bad?
[M] Yes.
Operation's not convinced you're telling the truth. Jurgen's been
assigned to find out for sure.
[N] Well,
I won't let him.
[M] Its
not going to be easy. ... Supposedly you were tortured for six months.
Progress too slowly ..., you'll seem damaged; too quickly, and they'll
be suspicious.
[N] I can
handle it. (WHISPER)
When are we going to see each other?
[M] I don't
know. ... Just be careful.
Michael backs up and disconnects the
device under the camera. The monitor immediately comes back on-line.
He gives her one more studied look, then leaves.
SECTION / BRIEFING AREA
Operations is briefing Michael and
several other Operatives (including an Operative named Marco) --
[O]
We received a message this morning from a contact in Hong Kong concerning
a man named Kudrin.
[MR] Wasn't Kudrin in
the Freedom League?
Operations pulls up a blue screen showing
surveillance tapes on Kudrin.
[O]
Yes. He was at a base we incinerated two weeks ago. ... Apparently,
he survived.
[M] That's
impossible.
[O] Not
so. Our contact is reliable. ... Its very likely Kudrin's back
in touch with the remnant of the League ..., so we need him alive for questioning.
Michael, put together a Team ..., you'll leave in a hour.
Michael doesn't respond —seems lost
in thought. Operations has to get his attention.
[O]
Michael ...?!
[M] (RECOVERING)
Of course.
Michael stands and leaves the Briefing
Area to assemble a Team.
SECTION / WALTER'S AREA -
DAY
Walter emerges from his gated work
area and sees Nikita standing next to his work table.
[W]
Wow! Look who's here ..., back from the dead! ... Hi, Sugar.
Walter has a delighted smile on his
face as he walks over and gives Nikita a big hug.
[W]
Uh ..., I wanted to come to see you, but they wouldn't let me.
[N] (SMILES)
I know.
[W] (TENTATIVELY)
The Freedom League was ..., was it bad what they did to you?
[You can tell Nikita is very
uncomfortable lying to her friends about being tortured. Therefore,
she acts more restrained then she normally would. I loved how Peta
played this. Her discomfort came over loud and clear.]
[N]
It was bad enough.
[W] Anything
I can do, you tell me.
[N] Uh ...,
I'll be fine. But thank you.
Walter starts to select various weapons
on his work table, as he adds --
[W]
So, what's next?
[N] I'm
not sure, I ..., I'm going into Rehab with a man named Jurgen. Do
you know him?
[W] Yeah,
I know him.
[N] And
...?
[W] I've
seen him help people ...; I've seen him destroy people. ... You can
catch me later ..., there's a Mission on the pad.
[N] What's
the Mission?
[W] One
of the Freedom Leaguers survived the assault ..., could have been one of
guys that worked you over! ... We bring them back, maybe you can
... pay him back! ... Wish us luck!
With that he smiles and retreats back
through his gated work area. You can see that Nikita is troubled
over this 'news' about the Mission.
SECTION / HALLWAY -
DAY
Nikita is waiting outside the room
where Michael is holding a briefing with the Operatives he selected for
the upcoming Mission. Michael is the last one to leave the room,
and Nikita stops him.
[M]
Michael. ... Is it true that someone survived the assault?
[M] A man
named Kudrin. ... Did you hear about him when you were with the League?
[N] (THINKS)
No. ... But he might know that I was there for only two days, instead
of six months.
[M] Right.
[N] If he's
captured and questioned by Madeline. ...
[M] I'll
take care of it. Just make sure you handle Jurgen.
They hold a quick look, then Michael
continues down the hall.
HONG KONG
INTERIOR - UNDERGROUND -
NIGHT
Michael and a Team of Operatives
move through the crowed alleyways. When they come to bisecting alleys
Michael sends Operatives down them to check for Kudrin. Michael suddenly
sees him ahead at the end of the corridor (the camera shows Kudrin's reflection
in Michael's sunglasses). Kudrin sees Section at the same time and
takes off, with Michael and the other Operatives giving chase. They
are running, pushing and barreling their way through the crowded corridors
and shops (the corridors seem to open on to various shops and restaurants).
Michael is ahead of the other Operatives by a couple of seconds.
[Michael definitely looks like he's in his 'Terminator' mode.
He is wearing a different type of black T-shirt and a leather jacket.
It looks like he hadn't shaved that day, hair is pulled back and wearing
sunglasses.] As Kudrin makes a dash through a crowded restaurant,
Michael pulls out his gun (that has a laser sight) and shoots him, ignoring
the people scattering to get out of gun range. You see people scream
and disperse as Michael slowly approaches Kudrin, gun still drawn.
Just as he reaches him, Marco arrives.
[MR] We were
suppose to take him alive!
[M] I had
no choice.
[MR] Hope you can sell
that to Operations.
As Michael starts to walk off Marco
leans down and feels for a pulse.
[MR] This must
be your lucky day.
[M] What
do you mean?
[MR] He's not dead ...,
not yet anyways. Maybe he'll pull through.
Michael turns and you, once again,
see Kudrin reflected in Michael sunglasses.
[M]
Bring him in.
INTERIOR - SECTION / JURGEN'S AREA
Nikita looks through the window
in the door. She sees a large room, with stairs leading down to a
wide expanse that houses only a table, two chairs and an exercise/training
simulator. A man is sitting at the table. However, before she
can knock, she hears "... its open." Nikita enters, slowly descends
the stairs and approaches Jurgen. He is staring intently at a gameboard.
[J]
Do you know what this it?
[N] Go.
[Chinese game]
[J] Do you
play?
[N] No.
[J] You
should. You'd be surprised what it can teach you.
[N] I'm
not much for games.
Jurgen appraises her for a moment (taking
off his glasses), then rises and moves to stand in front of her.
[Every time he asks this next question his voice gets lower, until its
almost a whisper.]
[J]
Why are you here?
[N] They
sent me.
[J] Why
are you here?
[N] To increase
my proficiency levels.
Jurgen moves closer to Nikita and stares
at her intently.
[J]
Why are you here?
[N] To become
a better Operative.
Jurgen moves back to the table and
replaces his glasses.
[J]
Thought you didn't like games.
[N] I'm
here because I don't want to die.
Jurgen starts drinking from a water
bottle.
[J]
Good. ... You might just live ..., if you obey one .. simple .. rule.
... Don't tell me any more lies.
Nikita holds her hands up in the air.
[N]
The truth, the whole truth, nothing but.
[J] That's
right.
[N] I'm
not sure that's possible in Section.
[J] No need
to worry about the Section. ... You need to worry about me.
Nikita meets his gaze for a moment,
before nodding, then sitting down, rubbing her hands over her pants.
She gazes at the board, asking --
[N]
Shall we begin the session?
[J] We just
finished. ... I'll see you tomorrow.
Nikita give him an uncertain look,
then gets up and leaves. Jurgen studies her as she walks away.
INTERIOR - SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
- DAY
Kudrin wakes up to find himself
strapped to a hospital bed, and hooked up to medical equipment. Madeline
is standing over him.
[MA] Mr. Kudrin.
... You've had a rough couple of days. The doctors say you're
going to live. ... That's the bad news. ... There is
no good news.
As Madeline moves around the bed we
see Michael watching the interrogation from the observation area.
[MA] You'll
notice the pain is minimal, given the severity of your wounds. ...
That's because we've pumped you full of pain killers. The painkillers
we've used are highly addictive ..., and they work very quickly.
If the supply is cut off, you'll suffer not only the pain of your wounds,
but the pain of withdrawal. Most people find the combination unpleasant.
... The remaining members of the Freedom League ..., where are they
...?
Kudrin refuses to answer Madeline.
[MA] When you
feel you'd like to speak with me ..., just push the button next to your
hand.
With that Madeline leaves the room.
SECTION / JURGEN'S AREA -
DAY
Nikita is pacing herself on a jogger
located in the middle of the simulator. She is carrying a gun.
You can tell she is exhausted.
[J]
Hostile action.
Nikita jumps off the jogger and points
at simulated hostile images trying to shoot her. She hits every target.
[J]
One-twenty.
Nikita jumps back on the jogger and
starts a faster pace.
[J]
That's enough.
Nikita leaves the simulator and reaches
for a bottle of water sitting on a table next to the simulator —its empty.
[J]
Sorry. I must have finished it.
Nikita puts the bottle down and grabs
a towel to wipe her face. As she walks toward Jurgen she pulls on
her jacket. Suddenly, hands reach around her from behind. Two
Operatives are attacking. Nikita defends herself, but is finally
pinned down by one of them.
[J]
Stop!
The Operatives leave. Nikita
lies on the floor, spent.
[J]
Your report said they used neuro-shock.
[N] Yes,
that's right.
[J] It damages
nerve tissue. Sometimes its permanent.
[N] Meaning
what?
[J] You
.. may .. have already reached your maximum performance level.
[N] It's
not good enough?
[J] No.
[N] Then
I'm going to have to try ... and be better.
As Nikita says this, she stands.
[J]
Michael's report didn't mention the neuro-shock.
[N] Well,
he wasn't there ..., I was.
[J] He did
the ... initial debriefing.
[N] I was
in pretty bad shape. ... Then, I made ... a final report, later.
[M] I'll
see you this afternoon.
SECTION / DESERTED VAN ACCESS HALLWAY
-- DAY
Michael and Nikita are talking in
whispers --
[N]
He found some discrepancies between your report and mine.
[M] That
was deliberate. A complete agreement would suggest collusion.
[N] What
happened to Kudrin?
[M] They're
keeping him alive.
[N] Have
they questioned him yet?
[M] They're
doing it now.
[N] So,
what do you want to do?
[M] Wait.
Nikita stares at Michael intently.
[N]
So what are we going to do ..., you and I? ... Something happened
between us, Michael. We can't keep pretending that it didn't.
[M] This
isn't the right time.
[N] We may
never have another time. ... We can kiss ..., we can touch. ...
There's nothing stopping us.
[M] They'll
know. They'll see it in our eyes when we look at each other.
And it won't be long before they figure out the truth.
[N] And they'll
cancel us.
[M] Yes.
[N] I'd
be willing to die if it meant in the meantime I could live ..., really
live ..., for just one day.
Nikita moves to kiss Michael, but he
turns his head sharply, saying --
[M]
Nikita, wait.
[N] Until
when?
[M] Until
you've finished Rehab. Until their attention is somewhere else.
[N] And
after that, will there be another excuse?
[M] I don't
know. I just know right now it's too risky.
[N] I came
back for you! For us to be together.
[M] That's
going to be difficult now. We'll have to be careful.
[N] I'm
tired of being careful.
[M] Get
over it!
Nikita stands back, stunned, and stares
at Michael a moment, then stalks down the corridor muttering "Get Over
It"!
INTERIOR - SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
- DAY
Michael meets Madeline leaving her
last session with Kudrin.
[M]
He talked?
[MA] He gave me a location
of a safe house in Munich. It may lead to other locations.
[M] I'll
take a Team out tonight.
[MA] That's a start,
but I think he knows more.
[M] More
about what?
[MA] About the League.
... What else?
[M] Nothing.
[MA] How's Nikita?
[M] She
seems fine. What does Jurgen say?
[MA] Nothing, yet.
Michael and Madeline lock glances for
a moment, then Michael continues down the corridor.
SECTION / NEW 'HOLOGRAM' ROOM
Birkoff has designed a 3-D hologram
of the League's safe house. Surrounding the viewing table are Operations,
Michael and Marco. Birkoff goes over the best plan of attack.
[B]
From what we've been able to extrapolate with Kudrin, our best point of
entry is here. (HIGHLIGHTS A POINT OF THE HOLOGRAM)
[O] Where's
the host system?
[B] In here.
(HIGHLIGHTS ANOTHER POINT)
[O] Room
traffic?
[B] Minimal.
But they will be there to protect the computer.
[O] It has
all Freedom League data on it ..., including their Directory.
[B] Most
of your hostile activity will be in the corridor ..., which means we can't
saturate. We set off an alarm too soon ..., they'll destroy it themselves.
I'd run it single.
[O] Only
one?
[B] (HIGHLIGHTS
POSSIBLE ACCESS POINT) If you enter from here
.., you'll get into the room with minimal resistance.
Operations looks at Marco --
[O]
You take it.
Michael breaks in --
[M]
No.
[O] What?
[M] I've
run this pattern before. I have a higher P.O.S.
Operations thinks a moment, then agrees
--
[O]
All right. Do it.
As Operations leaves, Birkoff give
Michael additional instructions --
[B]
Once you get the Hash Table, give me a pulse. I'll be bringing everyone
in for egress. ... If we pull this off, its more Intel in one place
then we've ever seen!
You can tell from Michael's expression
that he's thinking about possible information he doesn't want seen
by Section.
MUNICH
INTERIOR - FREEDOM LEAGUE SAFE
HOUSE - DAY
The windows of the room holding
the computer have been blackened, but someone has drawn faces and designs
in the black paint. You can see sunlight streaming through these
etchings into the room. Through one of the designs you see Michael
peering in at the sentries posted around the computer. He enters
by bursting through the window, and takes out all sentries posted around
the computer. Without hesitating a moment, he rips the computer apart
with a strafe of bullets.
INTERIOR - SECTION / OPERATIONS'
OFFICE - DAY
Michael is being reamed out by Operations
for letting the League destroy the computer (not knowing that Michael destroyed
it himself) --
[O]
Every one was a hit ..., the computer was yours. ... What happened?
[M] By the
time I'd secured the room, they had destroyed the computer.
[O] What's
going on, Michael?
[M] Nothing.
[O] When
Nikita was missing you had a rough time. Now that she's back ...,
you're having another.
[M] It has
nothing to do with Nikita.
[O] You
of all people should know the dangers ... of an emotional involvement with
colleagues. ... Is there anything you want to tell me, Michael?
[M] No.
They hold a look as the scene fades.
SECTION / JURGEN'S AREA -
DAY
Nikita walks in to start her afternoon
session. She notices that Jurgen is busy calibrating something inside
the simulator and hasn't noticed her. Before Jurgen turns around,
she 'casually' lowers the zipper on her exercise suit and smoothes her
hair. She leans against the entrance to the simulator, asking --
[N]
Another firefight sim?
[J] What
else did they do to you ..., besides the neuro-shock?
[N] Uh ...,
sleep deprivation, propaganda ..., threats. Oh, promises ...
[J] Promises?
Of what?
[N] Money
..., a safe haven on some island.
[J] Sounds
great. Why didn't you accept?
[N] Well,
I didn't believe them.
[J] They'd
kill you whether you cooperated or not.
[N] That's
right.
[J] Soooo
..., why resist? Why not get it over with?
[N] Why
does anybody resist torture?
[J] Most
don't. ... Why did you?
[N] Loyalty.
[J] To the
Section.
[N] Yes,
that's right.
[J] I told
you before ..., if you want to live ..., don't lie to me.
[N] I'm
loyal ... to the Section. That is the way we're trained, isn't it?
SECTION / SYSTEMS HALLWAY
- DAY
Michael approaches Madeline in the
hallway.
[M]
Birkoff just cracked Freedom League's Directory.
[MA] So I hear.
[M] There's
no longer any reason to keep Kudrin alive.
[MA] He may still have
some useful information.
[M] We have
all we need.
[MA] Why are you so
anxious to see him die?
[M] He's
wasting resources.
Jurgen breaks into the conversation.
He is leaning the corridor wall as Madeline and Michael approach --
[J]
Not necessarily. Ask Kudrin about Nikita.
[M] What
about her?
[J] He may
have been in the camp when she was tortured. He could tell us exactly
what they did to her.
[MA] Is that important?
[J] Yes.
... There's something ... she's not telling me.
[MA] She's probably
repressing the worst of it.
[J] Its
not repression.
[MA] Deception?
Michael is staring intently at Jurgen
while he holds this conversation with Madeline.
[J]
Anything Kudrin could tell us would be useful. ... Unless Michael
objects.
[M] No.
Its a good idea.
[MA] Then
its settled.
Michael and Jurgen lock into a long
look before Michael walks away. [I think 'pregnant pause' is a
good description of this last interaction between the two men.]
SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM -
DAY
Jurgen is present when Madeline
interrogates Kudrin about Nikita. We see Michael watching from the
Observation area.
[MA] We're
interested in a woman who was held in Base Camp 4.
[K] There
was no prisoner in Base Camp 4.
[MA] That's not true.
... She was rescued during the assault.
[K] Impossible.
[MA] She was held for
six months. We want to know what your people did to her.
[K] We don't
hold prisoners. We interrogate, then dispose of them.
[MA] Whatever was done
to her, we won't hold it against you personally. In fact, the only
way that you can make things worse for yourself is if you lie.
[K] There
was no .. prisoner! Certainly not for more than a few days!
Madeline studies Kudrin thoughtfully,
then exchanges looks with Jurgen.
SECTION / HALLWAY
Operations walks down one of the
main hallways, stops at a door and types in a code on a keypad located
next to the door. It opens to reveal Madeline's new office.
It is spare —and gray, just like the rest of Section. There are,
however, personal touches that show this is Madeline's office. [One
major difference is that there is not one dressmaker's dummy or stitch
of clothing to be seen. I get the strong impression that Madeline
has just been given a promotion!]
[O]
So?
[MA] I've come to know
Mr. Kudrin rather well lately, and there's a good chance he's telling the
truth.
[O] Perhaps
Nikita was a prisoner, but he wasn't aware of it.
[MA] Perhaps.
[O] Jurgen's
evaluation of Nikita?
[MA] That's she's hiding
something.
[O] If she
wasn't a prisoner of the Freedom League, then she's been outside the Section
for six months ..., free!
[MA] Yes.
[O] So why
would she come back?
[MA] I don't know.
But it raises another possibility.
[O] What's
that?
[MA] That Michael knows
the truth ..., and he lied to protect her. ... A bond between two
agents isn't always such a bad thing.
[It almost sounds like Madeline
is posing this last statement in a way to 'test the waters' of Operations'
feelings concerning this possibility. Operations leaves no doubt
what his thoughts are.]
[O]
This level of betrayal would be unacceptable.
[MA] Yes.
[O] Get
to the bottom of it, then we'll do what we have to do.
Operations starts to walk away, then
turns back and asks --
[O]
Are you happy with your new office?
[Operations states this in such
a way that it sounds as if he was asking Madeline how she liked the flowers
he sent her! I guess in Section you 'say it with a new office.']
[MA] Very.
[O] I'm
glad.
[MA] Thank you.
SECTION / JURGEN'S AREA -
DAY
Nikita is in the middle of a firefight
simulation, she swivels quickly, shooting her laser gun at various holographic
targets which pop up at irregular intervals and locations.
[J]
All right.
[N] How
am I doing?
[J] Your
reflexes are at 90 percent, but your coordination is no better than 75.
[N] Yeah,
I can feel it. I'm still out of sync.
[J] So ...,
we'll step up the pace.
[N] All
right.
As she leaves the simulator, Jurgen
asks --
[J]
Have you started playing Go yet?
[N] No,
I haven't.
[J] Why
not? I told you to.
[N] I didn't
realize it was an order.
[J] In Go,
every move is a cover ... for something else.
[N] Well,
I'm sure its Section's most popular pastime.
Jurgen smiles agreement.
[N]
Anything else?
[J] No.
As Nikita turns to leave --
[J]
Oh ..., there is one thing ....
As Nikita turns back, Jurgen unexpectedly
attacks. Nikita quickly recovers and responds.
[J]
You don't seem out of sync now.
SECTION / DESERTED HALLWAY
- NIGHT
Nikita is crouched in a corner,
waiting for Michael. As he enters the hallway Nikita stands and tells
him --
[N]
He knows I wasn't a prisoner.
[M] How?
[N] Just
does.
[M] Does
he know about us?
[N] I don't
know.
[M] I'm
under suspicion, too. I destroyed a Freedom League computer.
I was afraid it might contain data about their prisoners.
[N] I wouldn't
be in it.
Michael studies Nikita's face for a
moment, then --
[M]
You asked me once what to do, and I said "wait." I have a better
answer now. ... Get away from here. Be free again.
A half happy/half surprised look appears
on Nikita's face.
[N]
You mean it?
[M] I mean
it. ... I have a plan. Its not perfect, but it should give you two
days start, maybe more.
[N] Me?
What about you?
[M] I'll
have to stay behind.
[N] And
if the truth comes out after I'm gone?
[M] That's
a chance I'll have to take.
[N] You'll
do anything, can't you ..., except be with me. ... Michael, you can
go to hell! I ran once and it didn't work. I'm not running
again!
With that Nikita turns and storms away.
Before she can go more than a couple of feet, Michael stops her.
[M]
(WHISPERS) Nikita. ...
There's another way. It won't be easy. It requires something
from both of us. ... I'll get Kudrin to lie to say you were a prisoner.
[N] How
are you going to do that?
[M] That's
my problem. ... Your problem is to take care of Jurgen.
[N] By doing
what?
[M] Whatever
it takes.
SECTION / JURGEN'S AREA -
NIGHT
Nikita makes an unscheduled visit
to Jurgen. He is meditating in the lotus position, his back to her.
Nikita is wearing her jacket with the hood covering her head. Her
expression is serious, intent.
[J]
You're not scheduled.
[N] I though
I'd get in a little extra work, if that's all right with you.
[J] It's
fine. ... What'll it be?
[N] Whatever
you want ..., just give it your best shot.
[J] You
sure you're ready for that?
[N] I think
so.
The camera moves so we see Nikita's
back. She is carrying an assassin-like knife tucked in the back of
her pants. Up to now Jurgen has not turned to face Nikita, but he
gets up and does so now.
[J]
What did you do on the outside?
[N] You
mean ..., before I came into Section?
[J] I mean
during the six months you were supposedly held prisoner by the Freedom
League.
[N] Supposedly
...?
[J] What
were you really doing? ... Where did you live? ... How did
you support yourself?
[N] I don't
know what you're talking about.
As they speak Nikita is slowly reaching
for the knife she has hidden. Jurgen slowly begins to advance toward
her.
[J]
This is disappointing. I was hoping you took me seriously when I
told you not to lie.
[N] I'm
not lying.
[J] You
see, it felt wrong from the start. You were repressing something,
but ... not a memory. More ..., like a secret.
[N] You're
wrong.
[J] Am I?
I don't think so. ... I think I got it right. ... See, I know
why you're here.
Both Nikita and Jurgen start circling
each other, like two predators getting ready for a fight to the death.
INTERIOR - SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
- NIGHT
Michael enters and raises Kudrin's
bed so they are eye-to-eye. You can tell Kudrin is in a great deal
of pain.
[M]
What do you want?
[K] (CONFUSED)
What?
[M] What
do you want?
[K] To die.
[M] I can
help.
[K] Then
do it.
[M] I want
something in return. ... If you do exactly as I say, you'll die quickly.
... If you betray me, I'll see that you remain like this forever.
[K] Whatever
you say, just do it!
SECTION / CORRIDOR
A pair of legs (clothed in pants)
are walking down a hallway. We assume its Madeline on her way to
speak with Kudrin.
SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
Hands (we assume they are Michael's)
pinch off the IV and remove it from the pole. The hands then open
a small container which holds a single black pellet.
SECTION - JURGEN'S AREA
[J]
Tell me why you came back. ... It was Michael ..., wasn't it?
SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
A small pair of tweezers is used
to lift the pellet and drop it into the IV solution, where it slowly drifts
down until it is hidden at the bottom (next to the IV tube opening).
SECTION - JURGEN'S AREA
[J]
He has you under his thumb ..., just like all the rest ...! What,
you think you're the first? Manipulating beautiful woman is his specialty!
... You've heard of Simone?
[N] He loved
Simone.
[M] He's
never loved anyone ..., not even himself.
Nikita's tension levels are rising.
Jurgen seems to be pushing her to act, but acts unconcerned about the outcome.
SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
Madeline enters. You see Michael
watching from the Observation Area.
[MA] You wanted
to see me?
[K] Yes.
[MA] I'm listening.
[K] There
was a prisoner. ... Blond hair. ... We used the most advanced
techniques. ... She suffered ..., but ..., gave us nothing.
[MA] Why didn't you
tell me this before?
[K] I've
told you ... now. ... Kill me!
[MA] I only wish I could.
But, you kept this back ..., and you may be keeping something else back,
too. ... I'm afraid we're going to have to let you live a little
longer.
With that Madeline turns to leave.
As soon as her back is turned Michael takes out a small detonator and presses
the button. The small pellet explodes into Kudrin's IV solution.
SECTION - JURGEN'S AREA
[J]
He's dead inside. ... He's made you dead, too! ... You came
to kill me because he told you to. ... If he told you to have sex
with me, you'd do that too. ... You're his slave!
At this Nikita pulls the knife and
readies to attack.
SECTION / GAMBIT ROOM
A sound coming from Kudrin's bed
has Madeline turning to see the cause. Kudrin is starting to convulse.
She hits a button next to the bed.
[MA] Medic to holding
—now!
Before a medic can arrive Kudrin
becomes still, and his heart monitor flatlines. Out of the corner
of our screen we see Michael turn and walk away.
SECTION - JURGEN'S AREA
[J]
Section will know it wasn't an accident.
[N] I don't
give a damn about the Section!
As they speak Nikita has started to
lunge at Jurgen with the knife, coming closer and closer.
[J]
Neither do I! ... Because death doesn't matter if you've truly been
alive! ... And now you're not thinking about the Section, or being
canceled ..., or anything ..., except what you want ..., to put that knife
deep inside my throat! Isn't that right?!
[N] That's
right!
Jurgen suddenly stops and lets Nikita
point the knife at his throat. You can see Nikita struggling to kill
him ..., but can't. She throws the knife away and collapses on the
floor, sobbing.
[J]
Congratulations. ... You're alive again. ... As far as I'm concerned,
our sessions are over.
Jurgen walks away and leaves Nikita
broken on the floor.
SECTION / COMMON AREA -
NIGHT
Nikita walks over and joins Michael
--
[M]
Is it over?
[N] Yes.
But she looks beyond Michael and watches
as Jurgen passes them, heading for Operations office. We can see
that both Operations and Madeline are there, waiting for his evaluation.
Jurgen gives neither Michael nor Nikita a look as he passes them.
Michael's face turns blank as he realizes what Nikita has done —or not
done.
[N]
He's no danger to us.
[M] You
just signed our death warrant.
SECTION / OPERATIONS' AREA
- NIGHT
When Nikita enters, it is obvious
that she has been sent for. Both Operations and Madeline are there.
[N]
You wanted to see me?
[O] Yes.
Your evaluation is complete.
[MA] You should have
told us the truth, Nikita. ... Jurgen told us everything. ...
The Freedom League used forced hypnotic regression, didn't they? ...
They reduced you to a little girl again, tried to build you back up.
Nikita's expression clears as she realizes
she's not about to be canceled.
[N]
Yes, that's right.
[O] Its
nothing to be ashamed of ..., especially since you didn't crack.
[N] (IMPROVISING)
Well, I ... felt if they put me through it one more time, I might.
[MA] The point is we
could have done a better job of helping you if we'd known. ... As
it is, Jurgen says you've made it nearly all the way back on sheer willpower.
[N] Yes.
[O] In any
event, I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that a Team returned just an
hour ago. ... The last remnants of the Freedom League have been destroyed.
[N] (NODS)
So ..., ah ..., what now?
[MA] You'll work a while
longer with Jurgen. If all goes well, you'll be returned to active
status.
(PAUSE)
[O] Well
done, Nikita.
Nikita gives them a small smile and
leaves.
SECTION / VAN ACCESS HALLWAY
- DAY
[N]
Forced Hypnotic Regression. Does it even exist?
[J] It exists.
It can destroy your emotional structure in a matter of days.
[N] Any
residual effect?
[J] Report
some nightmares, just to keep it convincing. Then ..., in two or
three weeks, come up to full proficiency, and you'll be in the clear.
Jurgen starts to walk away, but stops
when Nikita calls his name --
[N]
Thanks.
Jurgen gives her a small nod and smile,
then walks away. Nikita thinks a moment, then turns and walks down
the hallway to join Michael --
[N]
You still don't trust him?
[M] Why
should he protect us?
[N] I don't
know. ... But he just did.
[M] You've
been in Section long enough, Nikita. You should know better.
Nikita briefly turns and looks back
down the hall Jurgen had disappeared into.
[N]
If he was going to betray us, he would have done it by now.
[M] Betrayal
gets him nothing. ... But he has power over us ..., because he knows
the truth and ... one day ... he'll use that power.
[N] For
what?
[M] We'll
find out soon enough.
[N] No ...,
I don't think so, Michael. ... He's different.
[M] Different
from what?
Nikita gives Michael a long measured
look, before retorting --
[M]
Different from you.
Nikita turns and leaves. You
can see that her words have affected Michael. He briefly closes his
eyes, as if to gather himself.
END