LA FEMME NIKITA
Inside Out

#217 "Inside Out"
Written: Maurice Hurley
Directed: Ken Girotti
Edited by: David B. Thompson
Transcript Archived at TWIZ TV.COM
Originally posted at Flash Mission
Transcribed by: Karen H

co-starring:
Gail: Tara Slone
Mowen: Roman Podhora
Andy: Joe Ross
Olga: Susan Hamann
Janklow: Paul Miller Reneberg
Anatole Bisseroff: Martin Doyle
Mentz: Neno Vojinovit
Female Tech: Amanda da Silva

B = Birkoff AB = Anatole Bisseroff FT = Female Tech G = Gail J = Janklow M = Michael MA = Madeline MW = Mowen M1 = Medic 1 M2 = Medic 2 N = Nikita O = Operations O1 = Operative 1 O2 = Operative 2 OB = Olga Bisseroff R = Reneberg TM = Team Member W = Walter


TEASER
INTERIOR - SECTION / WHITE ROOM

Madeline is interrogating a prisoner named Reneberg. Reneberg looks like he's had Madeline's undivided attention for quite a while. And, unfortunately for Reneberg, she doesn't sound happy about the quantity of Intel he's supplied. On a nearby metal table, you see a medicine vial and used syringe. Madeline obviously is not relying solely on her oral powers of persuasion to get Mr. Reneberg to talk.

[R] I've already told you what I know! ... What else do you want?

[MA] I'm not convinced the location you gave us is only used for munitions.

While Madeline interrogates Reneberg, she slowly circles his chair.

[R] (ALARMED TONE) That's what they told me.

[MA] That ..., and what else?

[R] Nothing! I swear!

As Madeline 'circles' Reneberg, she studies his reactions to her questions - noticing he does seem to be holding something back.

[MA] You're on the inside track, Mr. Reneberg. You advise them on these matters. ... No information has been withheld from you. What haven't you told me?

Reneberg shakes his head, a trapped look on his face. Before Madeline can press her advance, however, Operations barges in.

[O] (SURPRISED TONE) Why are you still here?

Madeline's tone is distinctly frosty in reply to this question.

[MA] Excuse me, I'm in the middle of something.

[O] We've already got the location. I need you in Systems.

Reneberg's expression shows he can't believe he is witnessing what almost appears to be a domestic spat. [I enjoyed Reneberg's expression here. He's looking at these two people arguing over when to kill him like other people would argue about who takes out the garbage. His expression seems to say "... I've wandered into the Twilight Zone."]

[MA] The Algiers Mission is still prepping, I have plenty of time. It's not as critical as this.

[O] It's my decision to make and I've already made it.

[MA] We can't send Teams into Glasgow with limited Intel.

[O] I told you ..., we have enough Intel.

[MA] Not in my opinion.

They are at a stalemate. Neither is willing to accede to the other. Operations glances at the prisoner, who is hyperventilating, then makes the entire conversation moot by pulling out his gun and coldly shooting Reneberg. He locks gazes with Madeline as he reholsters his gun.

[O] They're waiting for you in Systems.

Operations exits, leaving Madeline staring after him for a moment before following him. [I think the object lesson here is never be responsible for keeping Madeline from something Operations wants her to do.] Neither seem to give any more thought to the now defunct Reneberg. Madeline only seems to be bothered at Operations trespassing on her 'turf.'


SECTION / CORRIDOR OUTSIDE SYSTEMS

Nikita is standing on the catwalk when she hears Operations and Madeline arguing. They are standing in the corridor outside Systems - right below her. It is obvious that neither is happy with the other.

[MA] I don't think that was the right call.

[O] It's over. Why are we still talking about it?

[MA] I wanted you to know how I feel.

[O] Great! Now I know.

Operations stalks away. Madeline watches his progress a minute, before turning and walking in the other direction. Nikita watches them leave, having second thoughts on their relationship based on what she has just heard.


SECTION / MICHAEL's OFFICE

Michael is, as usual, working at his computer. He looks up when Nikita enters. [I would like to interject a purely personal opinion on Nikita's hair style in this scene. It makes her look like a blond Olive Oyl!] She holds out a computer disk.

[N] I've got the documents. They're on here. (HOLDS OUT DISK) I'm going to need your Mission codes before I can take it to the Profiler.

[M] Good.

Michael takes the disk from Nikita, slips it into his computer drive. As he does this, Nikita walks over and stands next to his window.

[N] What's going on between Operations and Madeline?

Michael looks up his computer accesses the information on Nikita's disk.

[M] What do you mean?

Nikita peers out through the lowered blinds.

[N] They had an argument.

Michael's eyes are back on the monitor.

[M] Probably over the Glasgow Mission.

Nikita turns back to look at Michael.

[N] This was personal.

Michael answers Nikita in an almost absentminded tone, his thoughts focused on entering his data.

[M] They've known each other for a long time.

[N] Before she came to Section?

[M] I don't know.

[N] Well, I know something. They're lovers. ... Maybe not any more, but they were once.

Michael has finished entering his Intel, and logs off the disk.

[M] What difference does it make?

Nikita divulges the real reason she brought up Operations' and Madeline's relationship with Michael.

[N] It can be done.

Michael rises, disk in hand, and joins Nikita at the window. As he hands her the disk, he studies her face. His response, like Nikita's last statement, contains a hidden meaning.

[M] A lot of things can be done. ... Doesn't mean they should be.

Nikita doesn't reply, just cracks a small, almost sad, smile to indicate she 'got his meaning,' before leaving his office. Michael doesn't move back to his desk right away, but instead watches Nikita until she's out of sight.


SECTION / BRIEFING TABLE

Operations is leading a briefing attended by Madeline, Nikita, Birkoff, Mowen and several other unnamed Operatives concerning the upcoming Mission.

[O] We intercepted a Red Cell courier last night. The information he gave up under interrogation, included a location of this house here in Glasgow, Scotland. Birkoff?

Operations pulls up a Blue Screen of the mentioned house. [This is the first time Operations has accessed a Blue Screen that the viewing audience doesn't see. You hear the sound the screen makes when Operations brings it online, but we never actually view the Intel.]

[B] (TO OTHER OPERATIVES) We think it's a Red Cell outpost, possibly a munitions store. I'm running approach scenarios now. Operations switches the Blue Screen off.

[O] Our primary concern is to neutralize the facility. ... If we can bring back alive hostiles without jeopardizing the Team ..., do it.

While Operations speaks, Nikita sneaks a quick peak at Madeline, then Operations.

[O] Mowen, you'll take the interior under Michael's control. He's with the Profiler now.

[MW] Sure.

The Briefing breaks up. Nikita is the last to leave, her face showing she's thinking of something besides the upcoming trip to Glasgow.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff is giving instructions to one of his Techs, when he sees Gail enter Comm. Gail doesn't greet or approach Birkoff, just sits at her station and starts working.

[B] Yeah, reroute them?

[FT] Not a problem.

[B] Yeah.

Birkoff hands the disk to the Female Tech, then walks over and leans down next to Gail.

[B] Hey. ... What happened last night?

Gail doesn't look up, just continues working. Her manner seems a wee bit 'distant.' [You can tell this is Birkoff's first relationship on the way he doesn't pick up that something's wrong. I'm willing to bet Gail has been giving him just slightly less obvious signs of her wish to break up for several weeks.]

[G] What do you mean?

[B] I thought we were gonna (SHRUGS) do something.

[G] Sorry. I got home late.

Birkoff doesn't pick up her tone, and leans closer to Gail.

[B] So ..., how about tonight?

As Birkoff asks the question, he gently runs a finger through Gail's hair. Gail still refuses to meet Birkoff's eyes, just impatiently pushes his hand away as she answers him.

[G] Tonight's ... bad.

Birkoff is now sensing Gail seems distant.

[B] Gail ..., what's wrong?

However, Gail is not ready to 'have it out' right then and tries to postpone the talk.

[G] I've really have to get this done.

Birkoff, however, wants the conversation now, so he simply leans over and quickly keys a few codes into Gail's computer

[B] There. It's done. ... Talk to me ..., what's going on?

Gail now meets his look. It is obvious she is very uncomfortable.

[G] (SIGHS) I'm sorry. ... I really like you, Birkoff ... but its not working.

This is obviously news to Birkoff.

[B] (WHISPER) Since when? You were fine this weekend!

[G] It wasn't fine ..., not for me.

[B] (WHISPER) What did I do wrong?

[G] Nothing. ... I ...

Gail reaches over and touches Birkoff's arm.

[G] It's not you ..., it's me.

[B] Are you seeing someone else?

[G] Of course not. I just ... really need some time alone.

Birkoff thinks a minute, trying to stall off the inevitable.

[B] All right, so ..., you take some time. I understand that. We don't need to make any final decisions. ... You know ..., I need time alone, too. This could be great for both of us, a couple weeks down time ....

Gail breaks in before Birkoff can finish the sentence.

[G] Birkoff ..., no. ... It's .. over. ... I'm sorry.

Birkoff stands awkwardly by Gail's station for a moment, almost in shock. He seems to hover for a moment beside Gail's desk, staring down at her - as if unsure what to do - before leaving Comm.


SECTION / WALTER's AREA

Walter looks up, sees Birkoff walking by and calls him over.

[W] (CALLS OUT) Birkoff! Cam's ready.

Birkoff joins Walter at his worktable.

[W] There you are.

As Walter hands the cam over to Birkoff, he immediately picks up that something is troubling his friend. [To me, this is one of the things I've most enjoyed about Season Two - the developing friendship between these two. You can trace it back to "War," and has steadily developed since. And its not a mentor/student relationship, but one of an equal give and take. "Inside Out" highlights how much Birkoff and Walter have come to depend on the other.]

[W] Hey, what's wrong, amigo?

[B] (QUIET TONE) Nothing.

Birkoff looks down at the cam.

[B] This expansion card's supposed to be grounded?

[W] Oh, yeah ..., huh.

Walter takes the cam back and fiddles with it. However, he continues to question Birkoff as he works.

[W] You still haven't answered my question. Why the long face?

Birkoff hesitates a second, then unloads.

[B] Gail just dumped me (SIGHS).

[W] What?

[B] She said she wants "time .. alone."

[W] Oh, yeah ..., I love that line!

[B] (SAD SMILE) Yeah.

Walter is involved with fixing the cam and unthinkingly asks a question.

[W] Do you know who it is?

[B] (CONFUSED) What is?

Walter looks up at Birkoff.

[W] The guy she dumped you for.

[B] No, she wouldn't do that.

[W] Well, what do you care? With your brains and your good looks, man. (SMILES) You don't want to be tied down, anyway.

[B] (IRRITATED TONE) She's not seeing anyone, okay? She wouldn't lie to me.

Walter swallows what he was about to say and agrees with Birkoff.

[W] Yeah ..., of course she wouldn't. I'm sorry. It was a wrong call.

Walter holds out the modified cam. Birkoff just nods, accepts the device and walks away. When Birkoff is out of sight, Walter rolls his eyes, his expression seeming to say "... why did I open my big mouth"?


GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
EXTERIOR - FACTORY - NIGHT

The factory is located in what seems to be a very sparsely populated area. It has an abandoned feel to it. Mowen is on the building's roof, readying his rappelling equipment.

[MW] I'm in position.

Mowen opens a small trap door located on the roof and enters.


INTERIOR - SECTION VAN

Only Michael and Nikita are in the van. The other Team members are posted as look-outs around the outside parameter of the building.

[M] (TO BIRKOFF) Mowen's on his way in. ... Got him, Birkoff?


INTERIOR - SECTION / COMM

[B] Yeah, I've got him.


INTERIOR - FACTORY

Mowen rappels down from the ceiling to the ground floor. As he lands, he looks around. The room is filled with various machinery and piping. He disconnects from the rope and checks in.

[MW] I'm in.


SECTION VAN

[M] (TO MOWEN) Okay, go.


FACTORY

Mowen starts his inspection of the building. He walks down a long hallway lined with pipes running along the ceiling. He body language seems to indicate that the absence of Red Cell or any traps left by the group makes Mowen uneasy.

[MW] You picking up any warm bodies in here?


SECTION / COMM

[B] No. Infra-red's clear. Mowen continues his search for traces of Red Cell's occupation.


SECTION VAN

[M] (TO MOWEN) Give me some views.


FACTORY

Mowen turns on his shoulder cam. We see a room dark, except for the flashlight beam. Everything has a deserted air to it. Mowen moves into an annex off the main room.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff's monitor shows the view from Mowen's cam. It has picked up some type of laboratory work area. Everything is either smashed or scattered around the table and room.


SECTION VAN

[MW] (VOICE) Are you getting this?

[M] What is it?

[MW] (VOICE) Debris. ... Broker glass, carbon deposits. Looks like residue from a small explosion.

Mowen's cam now zooms in on the debris littering the laboratory table.

[M] Anything else?

[MW] (VOICE) No.

[N] Red Cell cleared out.

[M] If they were ever there at all.

Michael and Nikita trade looks.


SECTION / COMM

[B] What do you want to do, Michael?


SECTION VAN

[M] Team Three, any new activity on the perimeter?


EXTERIOR - FACTORY

The Operative in charge of Team Three is viewing the deserted building from behind a nearby tree.

[TM] No.


SECTION VAN

[M] Mowen, collect some samples ..., then take the perimeter Teams back to Section.


INTERIOR - FACTORY

Mowen removes several vials from one of his pockets and scrapes some samples from the work table into them.


SECTION VAN

[N] What about us?

Michael, who was standing behind Nikita watching the monitor, turns and takes a seat on one of the van's side bench seats.

[M] We'll stay here ..., to do some surveillance.

[N] How long?

[M] Until morning.

Nikita leans on her hand as she gears up for what looks to be a long night.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' OFFICE

Operations turns to Madeline as she enters his office.

[MA] There was nothing in Glasgow.

[O] Was there ever?

[MA] That's what we're trying to find out. Mowen's collected some residue. We'll run it through.

Madeline offers Operations an olive branch in the form of an invitation.

[MA] Would you like to join me for lunch?

[O] Not today.

Madeline may have forgotten their recent argument, but Operations has not.


SECTION / WALTER's AREA

Mowen enters Walter's area, carrying two small evidence cases. Walter comes out of his storage area to greet him.

[W] Hey ..., Mowen.

He sets the cases down on Walter's work table.

[MW] Not much there for you, Walter.

Walter leans down and tries to peer into the semi transparent cases.

[W] You got that right.

Walter walks over to the intercom.

[W] Get Janklow from Biotech down here, please. (TO MOWEN) We'll let him poke around, see what he comes up with.

[MW] (SHRUGS) Whatever.

[W] Thanks.

[MW] Yep.

It is apparent that Mowen could care what's in the cases. His only concern was making sure they got into Walter's hands. He motions good-bye to Walter and wanders back into the Common Area.


SECTION / COMMON AREA

As Mowen crosses the floor to Comm, he winces and rubs his temples, as if he was just hit with a headache.


SECTION / COMM

When Mowen enters Comm he notices Gail standing, her back to him, leaning over her computer.

[MW] Hey, Gail. How's it going?

Gail turns her head around when she hears her name and smiles at Mowen.

[G] Hey. How was Scotland?

[MW] (SMILES) Cold.

Gail looks behind Mowen and sees an irritated Birkoff approaching. She makes a brief face at Mowen, as it to warn him, before turning back to her monitor. Birkoff stands behind Mowen, waiting for the Operative to turn around.

[B] I need that video.

Mowen turns and hands Birkoff the mini disk.

[MW] Knock yourself out.

Instead of leaving, Mowen turns back and continues to 'enjoy' Gail's rear profile.

[MW] (TILTS HEAD) Hmmmm.

[B] Shouldn't you be debriefing?

Mowen turns back around, Birkoff's terse manner finally registering.

[MW] What's your problem, Birkoff? Huh? You've got a bit of an attitude today.

[B] Do I?

[MW] Yeah.

[B] Maybe that's because too many people think Comm is a lounge. It's not. It's where I work.

[MW] Ooh ...... (MAKES FACE)

Mowen holds up his hands as if to surrender and enters the tape section of Comm located in the back, once again rubbing his head. Before Birkoff can turn back to his computer, Janklow enters and joins Gail.

[J] Hey, babe.

Gail straightens and smiles at Janklow.

[G] Hey.

Janklow leans over to give Gail a light kiss. Gail remembers Birkoff and shoots Janklow a warning look. She gives Birkoff a sideways glance. Janklow follows her gaze - and remembers.

[J] (SIGHS) Oh, yeah. ... (TO GAIL) Sorry. (TO BIRKOFF) How ya' doing, Birkoff?

For a moment Birkoff stands frozen, before responding.

[B] (LOW TONE) Good.

Birkoff returns to his seat without giving the couple another look. Janklow turns back to Gail.

[J] (SMALL LAUGH) I gotta go pick up some stuff from Walter. I'll catch ya later.

Gail nods her agreement and Janklow leaves to pick up the samples. After he's gone, Gail looks over at Birkoff staring at his computer, hesitates, then walks over to stand next to him. Birkoff looks up, this expression closed down.

[G] Uh. ... I didn't .. want to ...

[B] What? Didn't want to what?

[G] Hurt you. I .. I didn't want to hurt you.

Birkoff makes a dismissing gesture.

[B] (FORCED SMILED) You're gonna hang out with Janklow ..., and you think that's gonna hurt me? (SMALL LAUGH) Get real.

[G] I'm sorry.

Birkoff looks down and picks up a computer disk laying next to his keyboard.

[B] Be sorry on your own time. Here (HANDS GAIL DISK), strip the noisy frames.

Gail continues to stand staring at Birkoff a second, not used to this brusque behavior. Birkoff looks up and sees she hasn't moved.

[B] Now.

Mowen is still in Comm, watching this exchange with interest. Birkoff notices Mowen standing behind Gail, and takes his hurt out on him.

[B] (CURT TONE) Are you still here?!

Mowen makes an "I'm going, I'm going" gesture before exiting Comm. As he starts to leave, he feels something trickle down his nose and wipes it away with his finger. He looks down and sees a smear of blood on his finger. For a moment he just looks perplexed - then the pain hits him. Mowen yells in agony and calls out Gail's name as he collapses. Before Gail or anyone else can reach him, he starts to convulse, blood now streaming down his face. Birkoff and several other Operatives join Gail in trying to help Mowen.

[O1] He's convulsing!

[B] Get Medical.

[O2] Get hold of him! Hold him down!

[MW] Awwww!!

As Birkoff and the other Operatives hold Mowen down, Gail runs for help.


GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
INTERIOR - SECTION VAN - EARLY MORNING

Nikita is sleepily watching the monitor. Barking and movement in the woods near the building catches her attention. She moves the surveillance camera for a better look, and finds it is a dog rooting among a pile of straw-like material on the ground. As the dog keeps digging, however, something else catches her eyes. Nikita zooms in for a closer look and sees - what could be a hand. Michael is behind her, his head on his arms, taking a nap. Nikita reaches back and lightly touches his arm.

[N] Michael.

Michael wakes up at once, glancing over Nikita's shoulder at the monitor.


EXTERIOR / WOODS NEAR THE FACTORY

Michael and Nikita reach the place where the dog has been digging, shooing it away. Michael kneels down and scrapes away the straw, while Nikita stands guard. A fine misty rain is falling. Nikita looks down at what Michael has uncovered and sees a man in his mid-twenties. She also notes what killed him.

[N] Bullet to the head.


INTERIOR - SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

When Birkoff contacts him, Operations walks over to his window so he can look down at Birkoff as he speaks with him.

[O] What is it, Birkoff?

[B] (VOICE) Michael and Nikita just found a dead body on the site. Should they bring it back?

[O] Can you process it from here?

[B] (VOICE) Sure.

[O] Do that. Tell them to stay put for now.

Operations removes his glass and turns back to Madeline, who is standing nearby.

[O] You were saying.

[MA] Mowen is fading in and out of consciousness (SIGHS), but we're putting him through every conceivable test we can.

[O] Is there anything in his medical history that would explain it?

[MA] No. He's been in excellent health.

[O] Maybe the body they found in Scotland will lead us somewhere.

[MA] Let's hope so. (SIGHS) I'm concerned with the amount of valuable resources we're using to chase faulty Intel.

[O] Hmm. (CHECKS WATCH) I've got to get on with the Agency. Keep on top of it, we'll meet later.

[MA] Fine.

Madeline heads back to her office. Suddenly, Operations hears someone call out Birkoff's name. He looks out his window and sees Janklow hurrying over to Comm.


SECTION / COMM

Janklow's obvious sense of urgency is attracting attention.

[J] Birkoff.

Birkoff focuses on Janklow, all other previous thoughts forgotten.

[J] We need an authorization now!

[B] Why?

[J] We just found out what's wrong with Mowen.

[B] What?

[J] A bacteria ..., an anthrax variant. ...

Birkoff's stares at Janklow a second in disbelief, then springs into action. He immediately keys in an emergency code and gets on the Section-wide intercom.

[B] (INTERCOM) We have a segmentation condition. Proceed to a containment area. You have fifteen seconds.

All Section monitors now show the bio hazard warning.

ACTIVATING
BIO CONTAINMENT
SEGREGATION

Under the large blue lettering of the warning, the seconds are shown in bright red counting down to zero. From Comm you see Operations looking over as he contacts Birkoff to find out what's wrong.

[O] (VOICE) Birkoff, what's going on?

[B] We have a lethal contagion inside Section. ... We're infected.

Everyone is hurrying to the closest containment area. An automated computer voice is now counting off the seconds and giving the bio containment warning.

(COMPUTER VOICE) CONTAINMENT PROCEDURE IN EFFECT.

The fifteen seconds elapse and biocontainment shields drop down over all doorways and exits.

(COMPUTER VOICE) CONTAINMENT IN EFFECT.

Operatives who did not have a chance to reach a containment area are trapped in the Common Area or Section hallways for the duration of the segregation.


SECTION / ISOLATION AREA IN MEDICAL

Medics in full contagion suits enter the isolation area containing Mowen. He is lying on what looks like a surgical table encased in a bioshielding tube that has six sets of cutouts fitted with rubber gloves so the Medical Team can work on him without physical contact.


SECTION / VARIOUS AREAS

Birkoff has linked Comm, Operations' perch, Madeline's office and Walter's Area together for a video briefing. Janklow, who was caught in Comm, is giving everyone a briefing on what triggered the segmentation. He is seated at Birkoff's station, with Birkoff standing just behind him.

[J] (MONITOR) Mowen's isolated. We've got him under observation. The standard lab tests used by Medical all showed nothing. Whatever Mowen has didn't present itself like any documented disease. Biotech stepped in, we analyzed the data. We took samples of his blood and ran it. We found something that was replicating at an alarming rate.

[O] An antigen?

[J] (MONITOR) A genetically modified bacteria. We haven't been able to classify it.

[MA] And you think it's airborne?

[J] (MONITOR) We don't know (SHRUGS), but we shouldn't take the chance that it is. We should stay isolated until we know more.

[MA] (MONITOR) And no one else has presented symptoms?

[J] No.

[MA] We have to assume Mowen got this in Scotland and brought it back. ... Have Birkoff check all civilian populations in the area ..., see if there's any reports of an outbreak.

Birkoff steps forward to join the discussion.

[B] (MONITOR) I've already checked pandemics worldwide. There's nothing like this that we've seen so far.

[O] Are Michael and Nikita still on site?

[B] (MONITOR) Yeah.

[O] Keep them there. ... Tell them to isolate ..., and do a lab on both of them as well as the dead body.

[B] Okay.


SECTION / COMM

The teleconference is over.

[B] (TO JANKLOW) It looks like you're going to be here for a while. (MOTIONS WITH HAND) Why don't you use station three, I'll reroute your files down here.

[J] Thanks.

When Janklow moves to his temporary station, Birkoff sits back at his computer to start rerouting Janklow's files. Gail joins Janklow at his temporary station and leans down, her hand touching his shoulder.

[G] We're safe in here, aren't we?

Janklow removes his glasses and he looks up at Gail, trying to reassure her.

[J] (FORCED COCKY SMILE) We .., oh, yeah. ... These shields are impenetrable.

When Birkoff hears this, he stops what he's doing to break into the conversation.

[B] (DISGUSTED TONE) That's a stupid thing to say. ... What if one of us has already been infected?

Birkoff gets back to work, leaving the other man with nothing to say. Janklow replaces his glasses and gets back to work as Gail returns to her work station.


GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
EXTERIOR - FACTORY - DAY

Michael and Nikita are checking around the outside perimeter of the factory. Just as they near the building, Michael is contacted by Birkoff. Nikita continues to walk toward the building.

[B] (VOICE) Michael, where are you?

[M] Outside, doing surveillance.

[B] (VOICE) Don't go in the building. Get back in the van.

[M] What's wrong?

[B] (VOICE) Mowen's been infected. He's dying. It may have happened while he was inside.

Michael looks up and sees Nikita is just about to enter the building, and motions her back.

[M] (CALLS OUT) Nikita. Over here.


INTERIOR - SECTION / COMM

[M] (VOICE) What do you want us to do? Nikita joins Michael and looks at him, her face showing puzzlement of being pulled back from the building. It is obvious Birkoff's link only includes Michael.

[B] We need blood samples.


INTERIOR - SECTION VAN

Michael is drawing some blood from Nikita's finger.

[N] What happens if we get infected?

Michael looks up at Nikita briefly before placing of dot of her blood on a slide to be analyzed.

[M] We could die.

[N] Oh.

Nikita seems almost unconcerned that they could die. [There was such a BIG difference between the Administrative Ops (Birkoff, Walter, Gail, Janklow) and the Cold Ops (Operations, Madeline -I'm assuming they used to be Cold Ops - Nikita and Michael). The Operatives who usually work inside Section reacted in a more normal way - "what if I catch it and die?", while the Cold Ops seemed almost indifferent - "oh, I may catch it and die." Except for War (and maybe "Noise"), this has really been the first time an episode has shown so strikingly how different these two types of positions in Section are.]


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Madeline is in a video conference with Operations. As they talk Operations unbuttons his top shirt button.

[O] (MONITOR) Update me.

[MA] Mowen's decline remains steady. Janklow's working. We still don't know what we're up against.

[O] (MONITOR) Any new cases?

[MA] No. So far, Mowen's the only one.

[O] (MONITOR) Good. Maybe we caught it early enough. What about existing operations?

[MA] What our substations can't handle, we're handing back to the Agency.

[O] (MONITOR) Keep me posted.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

After breaking off the video conference, Operations turns and looks out over Section. Operatives caught in the Common Area are milling around talking together. All exits leading out of the Common Area are sealed off with bio containment shields.


SECTION / WALTER's AREA - MORNING

Walters' monitor is keyed into Medical's Isolation Area, where Medics are working over Mowen.

[M1] (MONITOR) We have some activity here.

[M2] (MONITOR) Respiration's up ....

As Walter watches the Medics work over Mowen, he contacts Birkoff through his Comm Link. While Walter and Birkoff talk, in the background you hear the Medics trying to stabilize Mowen.

[W] Are you watching this, Birkoff?

[M2] (MONITOR) Respiration's up. ...


SECTION / SWITCHES BETWEEN WALTER's AREA AND COM

Birkoff briefly looks up at Walter across the Common Area - Section geography is set up so that they can see each other from their respective areas - before returning to view the events taking place in Medical.

[B] Yeah, I see it.

[M1] (MONITOR) Temperature's going up.

[W] This is not the Hong Kong flu.

[M2] (MONITOR) B.P.'s rising.

[B] I know. ...

[M1] (MONITOR) Heart rate is going up ...

[B] Have you ever been through this before?

[M2] (MONITOR) Check the I.V.

[W] No. But I did help design their shields ..., over ten years ago. They're safe.

The monitor shows Mowen screaming and writhing in pain. Only the arm and leg restraints are keeping him in his containment shell. Walter winces when he sees this.

[M1] (MONITOR) Blood pressure is rising.

[W] Why don't they give him something for the pain?

[B] They think it would interfere with normal body chemistry. Could skew the data.

[W] Well, that's not gonna happen to me!

Walter gets up, pulls a gun from a nearby shelf, chambers a round, then jams it in his waistband. As he does this you hear Mowen screaming in the background.

[M1] (MONITOR) He's going into convulsions here ... Blood pressure's gone way up! ... We need some backup in here ... stat!

[MW] (MONITOR) (SCREAMING) Awwwww!

[M1] (MONITOR) Get that backup team in here!

Mowen's screaming has Gail turning to look at Birkoff's monitor.

[M1] (MONITOR) Get that backup in here. Hurry!

Mowen abruptly stops screaming and lays limp on the bed. His heart monitor goes flat. The Medics make no attempt at resuscitation, knowing it would be futile.

[M1] (MONITOR) Patient is pronounced dead, 10:15 a.m.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff looks around and notices Gail that watched Mowen die.

[B] I've got to get off Walter. I'll talk to you later.


SECTION / WALTER's AREA

[W] Yeah. Okay.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff logs the Medical camera off his monitor and turns to look at Gail.

[B] It doesn't mean anything, Gail. We're going to be fine.

[G] That's not what you said before.

Janklow turns when he hears Birkoff and Gail talking.

[B] I was wrong. I shouldn't have said that. I was mad ..., or jealous, (SHAKES HEAD) I don't know.

Birkoff studies Gail face for a moment and realizes she needs something to keep her busy.

[B] Why don't you find out if they have the results on Michael and Nikita's blood test?

[G] Okay.

Gail nods, relieved at having something to do, and turns back to her computer.


GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
INTERIOR - SECTION VAN - DAY

Nikita looks over and sees Michael working at his laptop.

[N] What are you doing?

[M] I'm running the fingerprints on the body we found.

[N] Why don't you just download them?

[M] They're using all their resources. They re-routed it back to me.

Nikita's face has a far-away expression, thinking about what's happening back at Section.

[N] It must be pretty crazy back there. ... How's Mowen?

Michael doesn't look up from his screen.

[M] He's dead.

For a moment Nikita watches Michael work, then looks off into space, a somber expression on her face. You can tell the only thing Nikita is worrying about are her friends back at Section. Michael stops what he's doing and studies Nikita's expression. He seems to come to a decision about telling her something.

[M] Nikita ...

As Nikita turns to look at Michael, Birkoff beeps her.

[B] (VOICE) Nikita, are you there?

[N] Yeah, Birkoff?

[B] (VOICE) We got the results of your blood tests. ... You're both clear. The test results were negative.

Michael and Nikita seem neither relieved nor glad about this news, but accept it with the same manner as when Birkoff told them they could be infected.

[N] (SOFT TONE) Thanks.

Michael has uncovered information on the dead man, and contacts Birkoff.

[M] Birkoff.

[B] (VOICE) Yeah?

[M] I have a fingerprint match on the body.

[B] (VOICE) Send it.


INTERIOR - SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Madeline is reviewing something on her pad while sitting at her desk. As she reads, she absentmindedly starts rubbing her temple (identical move to Mowen's just before he collapsed). Her computer beeps, and Madeline turns her attention to her monitor.

[MA] Yes, Birkoff.

[B] (MONITOR) The man they found dead in Scotland was Josef Azderian. He's got numerous ties to the other side.

[MA] As what?

[B] (MONITOR) Lower level stuff: gofer, muscle ..., whatever he could get. He was paid $400,000 Hong Kong dollars a week ago.

[MA] By whom?

[B] (MONITOR) Anatole Bisseroff.

[MA] I know that name.


SECTION / COMM

[B] He's Red Cell. His background previous to that was bioweapons.

[MA] (MONITOR) We were set up. They sent us in there to infect an Operative, knowing we'd bring him back to Section.

[B] It looks that way.

[MA] (MONITOR) (SIGHS) Are Michael and Nikita still in isolation?

[B] No, they're clear.

[MA] (MONITOR) Tell them to get to Bisseroff. Let's find out what we're up against.

[B] They're already on route. ... Do you want me to move any of the computers onto tactical support?

Madeline abruptly tilts her head away from the monitor. Birkoff doesn't think anything is amiss and merely repeats his question.

[B] What do you want me to do?


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Madeline takes a handkerchief and hurriedly wipes away the drop of blood from her nose.

[MA] No, keep all the systems supporting bio for now.

As soon as Birkoff logs off, Madeline disconnects her video receiver, staring down at the smear of blood on her handkerchief in a reflective manner, much like Nikita's when she heard she might die if infected. Operations, however, has noticed her viewer is down and contacts her.

[O] (VOICE) Madeline?

[MA] I'm here.

[O] (VOICE) Why isn't your video up?

[MA] It went down a few moments ago. I'm working on it. What's up?

[O] (VOICE) I just heard from Medical. Three more Operatives have been infected.

[MA] From where?

[O] (VOICE) Munitions, the Clinic and Systems. It's spreading.

As Operations tells her this, you see Madeline refold her handkerchief and wipe her face.


SECTION / WALTER's AREA

Walter is looking out over the Common Area.


SECTION / COMMON AREA

Most of the Operatives caught here have gotten ill. The few remaining healthy ones are trying to make the others as comfortable as possible.

[O1] You're going to be fine.


SECTION / SWITCHES BETWEEN WALTER's AREA AND COM

As Walter stands gazing out, he glances over at Birkoff working at his station.

[W] How are the people in your cell holding up?

[B] Okay.

[W] Is Gail with you?

[B] Yeah, she's here.

[W] Maybe this will bring you guys closer together.

[B] I don't think so.


GLASCOW, SCOTLAND
EXTERIOR - UNIVERSITY CAMPUS - DAY

Michael and Nikita are entering the campus in their search for Bisseroff.

[B] (MONITOR) How close are you to Bisseroff?

[M] We're on our way.


INTERIOR - SECTION / COMM

[B] (EDGE TO VOICE) If he's not there, don't wait. Go right to the secondary location.


UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

[M] I know.

[I love Michael's tone when Birkoff does this to him - states the obvious. Birkoff did the same thing in "Old Habits," when he told Michael that the bomber they were searching for "might be in disguise." Michael's tone when he replied "... I'm aware of that" seemed to say 'Cold Ops can think, you know.']

[B] And remember, he has to be taken unharmed.

[I think this is how Birkoff reacts to panic, reiterates orders that, in a normal situation he would take for granted the Operative would know. I think that Michael realizes this is what is happening, so this time overlooks the fact Birkoff sounds like he's giving instructions to a five-year old.]

[M] What's your status over there, Birkoff?


INTERIOR - SECTION / COMM

[B] Not good.

Birkoff gets up and looks out over the Common Area. Most of the Operatives caught there are either dead or dying.

[B] It's spreading. ... Mowen might have infected everyone before the shields came down.

[M] (VOICE) Is there any way to synthesize an antibiotic in-house?

[B] Janklow's working on it. ... But our hope is that you and Nikita find Bisseroff and he can get one for us.

[M] (VOICE) I'll check in as soon as we make contact.

[B] (REFLECTIVE TONE) Yeah.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

Operations is pacing while he holds one of his 'discussions' with George on his cell phone.

[It's becoming very obvious that Operations just doesn't find a day fulfilled unless he has one of his perky, uplifting conversations with George.]

[O] No, George. We won't let that happen. ... No, the Mediterranean operation has not been affected. Information is being uploaded, it won't be lost. ...

Birkoff breaks into the middle of this conversation.

[B] (VOICE) Sir? Janklow has new information.

[O] I've gotta go, George. ... Yes, I'll call you!

Operations slaps the cell phone shut and orders a teleconference.

[O Okay, conference everyone in.

Operations' monitor briefly shows which Section areas have been linked together for the video conference. Operations, Comm, Madeline's office and Walter's area are all taking part. Janklow is heading the briefing, with Birkoff and Gail showing in the background.

[O] Is everyone on?

[B] (MONITOR) Yeah.

[J] (MONITOR) I've isolated the bacteria. The profile's up on your screen.

The monitor shows a grouping of red blood cells as seen under a microscope.

[J] (MONITOR) These are from Mowen's blood. We've confirmed that it's synthetic. It was produced through DNA shuffling. Once inside the victim, there's an explosive chain of lethal transmissions. Strikes the brain first, causing swelling. Nosebleeds and headaches are the first symptoms.

The monitor now shows a schematic of the human body - in skeletal form. As the scanner moves down the body portions of the body effected by the disease appear.

[J] (MONITOR) From there, it spreads to other organs: lungs, liver, pancreas. We're running dozens of parallel tests to try to combat this thing ...

[MA] (MONITOR) Janklow, stop looking for a cure. We have to operate under the assumption that we can't help those that are already infected. Put your people on the task of finding an inoculation.

[O] How long does the carrier have after the initial symptoms?

[J] (MONITOR) Mowen was eighteen hours, but the rest haven't been consistent. I'd say ... three days ... is the most we could hope for.

[O] And how many people now have it?

[J] (MONITOR) Seventeen percent of Section ..., of which ... half contracted it in the last two hours.

[MA] (MONITOR) Do we have confidence that any of the segments will remain uninfected?

[J] (MONITOR) We won't know that until the spread stabilizes.

[O] Okay, get to work, Janklow. Put up a status on the half hours.

[J] (MONITOR) Yes, sir.

[O] Everyone off, except for Madeline.

Everyone else logs off. The monitor shows an error message.

ERROR: VIDEO OFF LINE
COMMUNICATION (F03) LINK

[O] You haven't been able to fix your video?

[MA] No, they're still working on it.

Operations is suspicious, and decides to investigate.

[O] Hold on.

As he contacts Birkoff, he walks over to his window so he can see down into Comm.

[O] Birkoff, Madeline's A camera's down. Can you get me in there?

SECTION / COMM

[B] Let me see.

Birkoff fiddles with his computer for a moment.

[B] You should be on.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

Operations walks back to his monitor and accesses Madeline's A camera.

[O] Oh, my God.

The picture shows Madeline, flushed, sitting in her chair wrapped in a blanket. She has obviously contracted the infection.

[MA] I'm all right. I can still function.

[O] I'm sending someone from Medical right away.


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

[MA] No, you can't. It's too risky. We need those people.

[O] (MONITOR) I need you.

[MA] No, you need everyone working at full efficiency. I can do what I have to for at least the next six hours.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

[O] Madeline ..., you ....

Madeline ends the conversation by simply turning her camera off..


GLASCOW, SCOTLAND
EXTERIOR - SCOTTISH NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CAMPUS

A small, slight rounded older man walks out of a building, briefcase in hand. As he starts to cross the campus, he is joined first by Nikita (coming up behind him), then Michael. They have effectively sandwiched the man between them.

[N] Dr. Bisseroff?

[AB] No.

[Loved this answer! Bisseroff takes one look at this couple, and decides the last person he wants to be is himself - not that it helps him any.] Michael ignores the answer.

[M] Would you come with us, please?

Nothing else is said as they lead Dr. Bisseroff somewhere they can speak 'privately.'


INTERIOR - BUILDING HALLWAY

Michael and Nikita are interrogating an obviously terrified Bisseroff.

[AB] Please, I really .. don't .. know.

Bisseroff is pleading with Nikita, realizing she will be more open than Michael. Michael simply pulls his weapon out, cocks it and places it against the doctor's temple.

[AB] I .. I can't. ... I can't tell you where it is...

[M] So, there is a cure?

[AB] (PLEADING) They have my wife and my children. If I tell anyone where the antibiotic is, they said they would ....

[N] Who's "they"?

[AB] Red Cell.

[M] Why didn't they just kill you?

[AB] They will ..., eventually. There's more work they want me to do.

[M] Look at me.

Dr. Bisseroff hesitates, then slowly turns his head to look at Michael. As he does this, Michael releases the gun's trigger and lowers it.

[M] What if we get your family back?

The doctor says nothing, but a look of hope starts to appear on his face.


INTERIOR - SECTION / COMM

[M] (VOICE) Birkoff?

[B] Yeah.

[M] (VOICE) Red Cell has his family. We need a way around that.

[B] I'll take care of it.

Birkoff logs Michael off and look up at Gail.

[B] Gail?

Gail turns to look at Birkoff.

[G] Yeah?

[B] I need you to format a 2D Hartley transform ..., high resolution.

Gail is turning back to her computer, when she sees one of the Techs, Andy, sway, then fall.

[G] Oh, my God, Andy! ... Andy!

As Andy falls, both Birkoff and Gail rush to his aid. Janklow doesn't join them, but panics at the thought of being imprisoned with an infected Operative.

[J] Gail, no! He's contagious!

Gail and the female Tech manage to get Andy into a chair, with the help of Birkoff. None of them are concerned about the possibility of contagion.

[B] Sit him up. Bring him here.

Janklow rushes toward the front of Comm and motions at the shields.

[J] (TO BIRKOFF) RAISE THE SHIELD. GET HIM OUT OF HERE! HE's GOING TO INFECT US ALL!

Birkoff briefly turns to at Janklow.

[B] It's too late!

Jankow rushes over to a station and begins keying in codes in an attempt to raise the bio containment shields.

[J] (PANICKING) S**w that! I'm not breathing the same air as him ...

Birkoff rushes over, pulls Janklow off the computer and holds him against the shielding.

[B] Janklow, don't be a jerk. Nobody's going anywhere. Gail turns to look at the confrontation, obviously seeing both men in a different light. Operations hears the commotion, and approaches his window to see what is going on in Comm. Janklow is trying to break away from Birkoff, but Birkoff grabs a hold of his shirt while he tries to calm Janklow down by talking to him.

[B] I know you're scared, we all are. We .. need .. you .. to .. do .. your .. job.

Birkoff holds Janklow's gaze, realizing he is calming down.

[B] Okay?

[J] (NODS) Yeah.

Even after everything has calmed down in Comm, Operations stands staring out his window, realizing Section is disintegrating before him and he is helpless to stop it.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

Operations is standing at his office window, looking down at Walter as he talks with him.

[O] Walter, status.

[W] Six segments are still holding. The rest are infected.

[O] Who's clean?

[W] Three in Comm; one in Systems; two on Level Four.

[O] How about Michael and Nikita?

[W] Birkoff is preparing a package for them. They're going to have another try at Bisseroff, once it's delivered to them.

[O] Let me know the minute you hear from them.

[W] Of course.

Operations logs off from Walter, removing his glasses as he does so. He turns and walks over to back wall of his office as he tries to contact Madeline.

[O] Madeline, are you there?

Madeline doesn't answer.

[O] (ALARMED TONE) Madeline?!

[MA] (VOICE) Yes.

[O] How are you?

[MA] Tired. I'm resting.

[I.e., you call me one more time and I'm disconnecting the Comm Link as well as the video cam!] A look of alarm shows on Operations' face. He hesitates a moment, then walks back to his window and contacts Birkoff.


SECTION / COMM

[O] (WINDOW) Birkoff!

[B] Yeah.

[O] (WINDOW) Open my cell.

Birkoff immediately stops working and swivels round to get a better look at Operations.

[B] What?

[O] (WINDOW) You heard me, let me out.

Birkoff stands and walks to stand next to the shielding to get a better look at Operations.

[B] Sir, you know I can't do that.

[O] (WINDOW) Yes, you can, damn it! ... Punch in the code now!

Their arguments has attracted the attention of Walter and the others in Comm.

[B] Sir, you don't have the authority to supercede. You built in that safeguard in yourself.

Operations leans on the counter next to the window.

[O] (WINDOW) Do it, Birkoff!

Birkoff stands staring a moment at Operations, weighing his operations. Walter is closely watching their argument, obviously concerned for Birkoff.

[B] No.

Operations is furious, and not making any attempt to hide it.

[O] (WINDOW) You're making a grave mistake, young man. I won't forget this.

Operations stalks away from the window. [To me, this always sounded like Operations was threatening to send Birkoff to bed without any dinner!] Birkoff turns and notices everyone is staring at him - the sight of Birkoff refusing a direct order from Operations stunning them. Walter, across the way, turns away from the shielding shaking his head. Operations can be seen sharply pacing his office. Gail walks over to Birkoff, and leans down to speak with him.

[G] (CONCERNED) As you sure that was the right thing to do?

Birkoff only gives Gail a quick look, before turning back to his work.

[B] Yeah, it's fine. ... Did you download the transform to Michael?

[G] Yeah.

[B] Good.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

Operations abruptly stops pacing, turns and stares at the shielding keeping him confined. He puts on his glasses, pulls out his gun, then calmly walks over and empties the gun into the shielding, penetrating and leaving holes and cracks in its surface.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff and the other in Comm walk over to see what had happened.

[G] Oh, my God.


SECTION / OPERATIONS' PERCH

Operations then takes his foot and kicks out holes in the shielding. He removes his coat, wraps it around his arm and uses it to clear away the remainder of the shield. That done, he steps through.


SECTION / CORRIDOR TO MADELINE's OFFICE

Oh his way to Madeline's office he is forced to step over bodies of dead and dying Operatives who were trapped in the corridors. He reaches Madeline's office and uses his gun to smash her door's key coder. He pulls some of the exposed wiring out and rewires the door access, enabling him to open the door wide enough for him to squeeze through.


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Operations manages to squeeze through, the door sliding shut behind him. Madeline is almost comatose in her chair. Operations drops his glasses on her desk and rushes over to kneel next to her chair.

[O] ... What can I do?

[MA] You shouldn't be here.

[O] Of course I should. ... I wouldn't be here today, if it weren't for you.

[MA] (SHIVERING) You always exaggerate that incident. You would have made it out just fine.

[O] I always thought I'd regret things I've done. ... Instead, I regret the things I didn't do.

[MA] (SLIGHT SMILE) The pain is bad enough. Don't go poetic on me. (LABORED BREATHING)

Operations returns her smile. He reaches over and wraps Madeline in his arms.

[O] Just hold on. Michael and Nikita have Bisseroff. ... Maybe he has the antibiotic.

[MA] Maybe. (LABORED BREATHING)

[O] Shhh.


GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
UNIVERSITY / DR. BISSEROFF's OFFICE

Michael is working on the doctor's computer. He stops, looks up at Bisseroff and gives him a slight smile.

[M] Your family's free.

Bisseroff refuses to believe.

[AB] You're lying.

Michael hits some keys that causes the computer to beep, then stands up.

[M] You want to talk to her?

Bisseroff walks around and sits at the computer. He sees his wife, Olga, standing in front of what looks like a cinderblock wall. During the conversation there is a slight jerkiness to her movements, like there is a slight delay in the satellite linkup.

[AB] Olga.

[OB] (MONITOR) Anatole. We're all right.

[AB] Where are you?

[OB] (MONITOR) They won't tell us.

[AB] How are the children?

[OB] (MONITOR) They're scared, but no harm has come to them. ... (PLEADING TONE) Ahh, please, Anatole, just tell them what they want to know ...

Michael has been standing next to the computer while Bisseroff spoke to his wife.

[W] Where is the antibiotic?

Bisseroff still hesitates, just sits staring at his wife's face. Michael goes into his usual 'interrogation mode' for males. He slowly circles the doctor while threatening the man's wife and children in a calm, unemotional voice.

[M] We have your family in our compound. We can free them or we can infect them with the anthrax you engineered. ... Is that's what it takes?

Bisseroff panics at the thought of his family going through the horror he's engineered.

[AB] (PLEADING) No, don't, please.

Nikita is sitting watching the exchange, for once not overly concerned about this man's innocent family, knowing that her friends' lives depend on getting the antibiotic.

[AB] I have a private laboratory.

[N] Where?


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Operations is sitting on the floor, his back against the wall.

[B] (VOICE) Sir?

[O] Yes.


SECTION / COMM

[B] Nikita and Michael just called. They've got the antibiotic and they're on their way in.


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

[O] How long?


SECTION / COMM

[B] Three hours.


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Operations looks down. Madeline is cradled in his arms, seemingly unconscious. He pulls her closer to him.

[O] Hold on. ... Hold on.


SECTION / COMM

Birkoff is sitting at his computer, while Gail is standing next to the bioshield gazing out at Section. Birkoff puts his hands up and rubs his temples. Gail notices and comes over to check on him. She bends down and lightly touches his shoulder.

[G] Hey, are you okay?

Birkoff drops his hands and looks up at Gail.

[B] Yeah, I'm all right.

As Birkoff gets back to work, Gail stands there a moment, then walks back to her computer. She sits down, then turns back to face Birkoff. Birkoff senses her movement and looks over at her.

[G] Um ..., I wanted to explain ... about Janklow.

[B] (SHAKES HEAD) Doesn't matter.

[G] No! It matters to me.

[G] He's older ..., it seemed romantic.

Birkoff looks back down at his keyboard, not wanting to hear Gail's 'confession.'

[B] I don't want to hear this.

[G] All I'm saying ... is that I was wrong.

Birkoff looks up and meets Gail's gaze. There is an earnest expression on her face.

[G] You're the one I want to be with ..., not him. ... That is ..., if you still want me.

Birkoff looks away, obviously unprepared to make this type of decision at this moment.

[B] I don't know, Gail. (SIGHS) I can't think about this right now. ... None of this is gonna matter, anyway, if this antibiotic doesn't work.

A look of concerns flashes across Gail's face. This was a scenario she had not thought about - or not wanted to think about.

[G] You think it might not?

Birkoff's only answer is to shake his head slightly.

[W] (VOICE) Birkoff ...

Birkoff looks over at Walter, who is leaning against his bioshielding.

[W] How much longer?

Birkoff accesses the flight schedule.

[B] The plane's on initial approach. Should be here within the hour.

[W] I'm feeling bad, man.

As Walter says this, he wipes at his nose. He looks down and sees - a smear of blood on his finger.

[B] Hang in there, Walter.

[W] (NODS HEAD) Hmmm.

Walter slowly walks back into his area.


SECTION / MADELINE's OFFICE

Operations is dictating an End Game scenario into his pad.

[O] Situation, critical. Ninety-two percent infected; nineteen dead. ... End Game procedures are in place. All relevant files ... will be downloaded to a secure site. (SIGHS) If the antibiotic ... is ineffective ..., I have programmed (SWALLOWS) an incineration plan ... to contain the outbreak.

As Operations finishes dictating, he sniffs, putting his finger up to touch his nose. It comes away bloody. His expression seems to say "... well, damn." He takes a couple of deep breaths, looking down at the unconscious Madeline, her head in his lap.


SECTION

Birkoff, Walter, Operations - everyone is just trying to hang on until Michael and Nikita arrive with the antibiotic.


SECTION / VAN ACCESS

Michael and Nikita enter Section. They can only get as far as the corridor opening to Van Access before the lowered bioshielding stops them. The corridor on both sides of the shielding are littered with dead Operatives. Nikita looks around in horror as Michael checks in with Birkoff.

[M] Birkoff, we're ready.


SECTION / COMM

[B] You don't need to come in. You can just leave the antibiotic.


VAN ACCESS

[M] You need all the help you can get. Hurry up.

[B] (VOICE) That's crazy. You'll be infected for sure. You don't even know if the antibiotic works yet.


COMM

[N] (VOICE) Open the doors ..., now.

Birkoff hesitates a second, then keys in the codes.


VAN ACCESS

The bioshieldings rise. Michael and Nikita enter, heading for the Common Area, having to step over dead Operatives to get there. Nikita's expression is stone-like as she forces herself not to look at Operatives she has worked with lying on the floor.


SECTION / COMMON AREA

All the bio containment shielding have lifted. As Michael and Nikita enter the Common Area, they are met by all remaining Operatives still standing and Medics with the equipment need for injections. No one says a word. They open the cases containing the serum and injector equipment on the briefing table, and starting loading the injectors with the antibiotic Michael and Nikita brought. Everyone grabs an injector and starts injecting all live Operatives. Michael's first injections are to Birkoff, then Nikita.


TAG
SECTION / MEDICAL

Operations enters Medical. The area is filled with recovering Operatives. He stands and looks around at the flurry of activity, then enters a small side annex, where Madeline is reclining on a hospital bed. Operations stands next to her bed.

[O] (SMILES) Good morning.

Madeline indolently points to a glass of juice on a nearby table.

[MA] I'm thirsty.

[This is one of my favorite scenes. It reminds me of one of Mae West's movies. In the movie, Mae is reclining on a day bed - in exactly the position Madeline is - smoking a cigarette with one of her long cigarette holders, when her maid enters. Mae looks over at her maid and laconically says ..."Beulah, peel me grape." Every time I see this I can't help but think "... Beulah, peel me a grape."] Operations walks over to a side table and comes back with a glass of juice, which he hands to Madeline. Madeline is back to "normal." [Let me rephrase this ..., Madeline is back to her old self.]

[MA] Are we back to full capacity?

It is apparent Operations is just happy to have Madeline back no matter what mood she's in. [Matter of fact, until Operations see Birkoff, he looks like an advertisement for a toothpaste commercial.]

[O] Over ninety percent.

[MA] What about Algiers?

[O] It's under control. I want you to rest.

[MA] I read the report last night. Looks like they had a fair amount of ... panic and emotion.

[O] Yes, there was.

[MA] Now would be a good time to reevaluate our personnel. Get rid of the dead wood.

[O] All ready under review. As soon as you're back, you'll oversee it.

Madeline sees Birkoff enter her 'room' and greets him.

[MA] Hello, Birkoff.

Both Birkoff and Operations look less than pleased to see each other. Birkoff starts to slowly back out of the room.

[B] I can come back.

[MA] No, come here. What do you have for me?

Birkoff holds out an electronic pad he was carrying.

[B] The Drinfeld module.

Madeline takes it and starts looking it over. As she does this Operations and Birkoff trade tense looks.

[MA] Operations and I were just discussing the reactive behavior of many of our Operatives. ... Apparently, you were one of the only ones ... on the floor who kept his head.

Operations seems to be giving Birkoff a slight glare.

[O] As a matter of fact, Mr. Birkoff exhibited ... more control than was even necessary. ...

Birkoff looks like he can feel Frick and Frack breathing down his neck.

[O] ... for which I am grateful.

At that Operations gives Birkoff a slight smile, showing he realized Birkoff was only doing his duty. A relieved look appears on Birkoff's face as he realizes he won't have to deal with Operations' anger at refusing a direct order in front of Operatives.


SECTION / WHITE ROOM

Bisseroff is shackled to 'the chair.' Nikita is standing behind the chair, while Michael is, as usual, circling the prisoner as he questions him.

[AB] What are you going to do to me?

[N] It hasn't been decided.

[M] We may use your talents ... or we may kill you.

Bisseroff seems much calmer now, then before. How his family is safe he'll accept whatever comes.

[AB] It doesn't matter. As long as my family is safe.

Michael says nothing, just follow Nikita out of the room.


SECTION / CORRIDOR OUTSIDE THE WHITE ROOM

As Nikita walks beside Michael, she starts to wonder what Section will do with Bisseroff's family.

[N] So, what about his family?

[M] It's up to Red Cell.

Nikita stops when she hears this, her expression puzzled.

[N] What do you mean? I thought we that we had them?

Michael turns and looks at Nikita.

[M] It wasn't really them. Birkoff simulated the M-PEG. ... Red Cell still has them.

Michael turns and continues down the corridor. Nikita stands for a moment, before following him. It is apparent that, while she still hates the thought of innocents being left out to hang, she has adjusted enough to Section life to accept 'what is.'


END OF EPISODE