LA FEMME NIKITA
Catch a Falling Star

Big Jim: Dear sweet Lord.

Operations: Mr. Corman, what's going on?

Corman: It's gone sir. No tracer pulse, no IR, nothing on the resonators. We lost it.

Operations: Yes. Yes. I understand… Yes I do… I know what it means… thank you very much. (he flips the phone closed and turns to Maddy) That was Center. Mr. Jones. They're considering me to take over George's position at Oversight.

Madeline: and George?

Operations: They didn't say.

Madeline: When do they expect to make a formal decision?

Operations: Soon. I'm sure they're waiting to see how I handle this downed satellite situation. He did reiterate the importance of handling this quickly and efficiently.

Madeline: Then you'll send in Michael and Nikita?

Operations: Yes… if all goes as I expect it will…

Madeline: Congratulations will be in order.

Operations: Uh huh

Scene 3 - Briefing

Operations: This is com-sat Alpha. It is Center's most sophisticated satellite and it also serves as the link for 6 other orbiting birds. Every byte of data that is up-linked or down-linked passes through Alpha. Yesterday it dropped from its orbit and we lost communications to Corman.

Corman: Orbital decay began about a month ago and all attempts to re-establish were unsuccessful. Now I've extrapolated a curve based on Alpha's trajectory just before we lost contact. Given a plus or minus factor of 80KM we suspect that the satellite impacted in the United States. IN a town just north of Chattanooga Tennessee called Dingman's Hollow.

Operations: Center is highly exposed on this mission. The amount of confidential data and classified information contained in Alpha's central processing unit is critical. Michael and Nikita will go in alone. Under U.S. Clearance performing a universal geological survey. This is a small town with a small population. We cannot risk exposure. The details will be on your panels. Mr. Corman will be handling tactical.

They all rise to leave and Corman walks over to where Nikita and Michael are standing.

Corman: Look, I realize this is new for you boss, I just want you to know I can handle the job.

Nikita: I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Michael: We'll need our panels in 20 minutes (he walks away and Nikita puts her hand on Corman's shoulder then she walks away)

Corman: Right

Maggie: Howdy.

Michael: (smiling) Hi

Maggie: We've got fried chicken and taters, fried chicken and biscuits, fried chicken and bread and if you're watchin' your weight (looks Michael over) you don't seem to have a problem, we've got fried chicken and nothin' else.

Michael: We're from the Universal Geological survey. We'll be spending a few days here. Can you recommend a place to stay?

Preacher: did you come to check out our rocks?

Tiny: You might want to start inside of Big Jim's head. Never could figure out what's makin' that rustling sound in there.

Nikita: We're going to be studying some land formations. You know, erosion patterns, weather patterns.

Big Jim: Tell you what. If I was travelling with you… sure wouldn't be rocks I'd be lookin' at.

Maggie: Ignore him. All that cholesterol goes right to the brain. Ain't much here in town. Momma's if ya gotta. It ain't much but it's clean and comfortable about half a block from here.

Michael: thank you. (they both get up and walk to the door)

Preacher: Come on back tomorrow. I think we're having fried chicken. (more laughter from everyone)

Scene 5 - Jason's office

Jason: Are you sure nobody has called?

Voice: I checked the phone logs for the last 3 days. No one named Seymour has called.

Jason: What about voice mail?

Voice: We checked everything sir.

Jason: Check it again. (a woman walks into the office) Hey sugar buns.

SugarBuns: Everything okay?

Jason: Yeah, everything's fine. I got some things on my mind.

SB: I would say. You were supposed to meet me at Le Cirque over an hour ago.

Jason: Yeah yeah I’m sorry I lost track of time.

SB: Well as long as you didn't lose track of me.

Jason: No.

SB: Anything wrong?

Jason: I'm a little worried about a friend that's all.

SB: Anyone I know?

Jason: No, it's a business thing but I was expecting to hear from him over a week ago and not a word.

SB: Did you try calling him?

Jason: did I try calling him? It's a little more complicated than that. I just hope that nothing's happened to him.

SB: Well you know what? I always go by what my dad used to say. No news is good news. I'm sure by now you would have heard right?

Jason: You're right. You're right again. Let's go eat.

Mom: Well they're pretty much both the same size. One's a little bit more feminine if that matters to ya. That one right there. (points to a room and Nikita takes a look)

Nikita: Oh thanks. It's fine, thank you.

Mom: oh good. Now I make coffee in the morning but the rest of your meals you'll have to take over at Maggies. There's a phone in the living room. Collect and credit card only please. There's plenty of towels, so y'all make yourself at home.

Michael: Thank you.

Mom: good, Uh just what was it you said you was studying here?

Michael: rocks.

Mom: Uh, rocks… well goodnight.

Michael: good night.

Nikita: It's beautiful here.

Michael: You're beautiful. (more caressing)

Nikita: I used to dream that there were places like this somewhere. Safe, warm. Do you ever think of anything like that?

Michael: Yes. (kisses her head and then again on her forehead)

Nikita: You never talk about it. (more tender touches by Michael)

Michael: Inside. Nobody can change it. It will always be what I need it to be. (more kissing)

Nikita: Is it anything like this?

Michael: A little maybe… you're there. (KISS)

Corman: I'm picking up a thermal footprint about… 2 clicks SSE of your position.

Nikita: I see it. Field over there… There's a road up ahead… Affirmative. I confirm a geographical anomaly. We're on our way.

Michael pulls the jeep up and stops and they both get out and walk over to an area of the field. There is an area that looks scorched.

Nikita: Well something definitely did land here. It's a crater about 6 meters in diameter. It's fresh.

Operations: Just a crater? NO sign of the satellite?

Nikita: Not yet but from all appearances I'd say we found the point of impact.

Corman: what is it?

Nikita: if the satellite did land here it's been moved. There's a fresh cut of tire tracks. A truck most likely leading toward an old barn.

BJ: Hey you guys okay? Hey look, I’m real sorry about that. Maybe next time you can wave a white flag or something so that we can know it's you.

Michael: Oh, you mean it's someone else you wanted to kill?

BJ: Well no, I wouldn't say kill exactly. But uh we do get our fair share of poachers around here and best to let em know we mean business.

Nikita: Oh yeah? What are they trying to poach?

BJ: Now you're sure you're okay? Look I know you folks are gonna be all over the place for the next while. It might be better if you gave us advance warning next time as to just where you'll be.

Michael: Okay, we'll do that.

BJ: Oh look, it's coming up on lunchtime and I feel so bad about all this. Why don't you let me buy you a meal?

Nikita: Well we're not really…

Michael: Well actually yes. I'm starting to get hungry. Good idea.

BJ: alrighty then. ( they leave the jeep where it is and go with him)

Michael: Nikita. It's a solar panel. It's used to charge the batteries that maintains satellite orbit.

Nikita: so that means someone had to load the satellite in their truck and drive it across that field and into this barn.

Scene 10 - Still nighttime - Momma's Bed and Breakfast. - We see Nikita come out of her room where she heads downstairs. No one seems to be about. The front door is open and the screen is flapping in the wind. Nikita gets to the bottom and goes thru a door but nothing there. She walks back into the dining room where she sees a plate with toast on it as if someone left because they were interrupted. She goes outside and looks around. She hears something down the street and goes to investigate. She walks over to Maggie's diner where the good ole country music is still playing on the radio. She looks in and sees that the place is deserted and she goes inside. There is food left on plates in the booths and the counter. She goes behind the counter and then she touches the food. I get the impression that it is still warm. Nikita then goes back to the B&B and just as she is about to go back into her room we see 'Mom' waling up behind her with a cup of tea.

Mom: couldn't sleep?

Nikita: Uh… no.

Mom: It's herbal. Chamomile to help you get to sleep.

Nikita: Yeah. Thank you very much.

Mom: that will put you right out. It worked on all my children and it always works for me. (she hands the cup to Nikita)

Nikita: I'll just let it cool.

Mom: Well not too long now. You don't want it to get cold.

Nikita: No. thank you.

Mom: Well goodnight. (Nikita takes a sip of the tea and then making a face spits it out)

Jason: To what do I owe this pleasant surprise? (she gives him the tickets) Plane tickets? To Aruba? Who are you going with?

SB: Very funny. First class round trip. Four days on the beach and in the sun and you get to apply the sunscreen.

Jason: Darlin' I…

SB: No. No excuses. You've been working way to hard. No that the merger has been completed… trust me. It will be good for you. You'll like it.

Jason: Have I told you how much I love you?

SB: Talk is cheap. We leave Friday. (she leaves)

Jason: Is it Friday yet?

Michael: so you didn't see anybody?

Nikita: It's like they just picked up right in the middle of what they were doing and left. Did you get anything from Corman?

Maggie comes up to them and refills their coffee.

Maggie: too much of this will keep you up at night. Breakfast is on it's way.

Nikita: thanks.

Michael: See the postman over there. Watch how he's eating. He didn't change hands. ( they both watch the guy)

Nikita: What?

Michael: After he cut his food he kept the fork in his right hand. Usually Americans put their knives down and switch the fork to the right hand.

Nikita: maybe he wasn't born here.

Postman: Great chow Mags. I better shove off though. Catch you later.

Maggie: Later Harry.

Nikita: (on phone with Corman) So the owner of Momma's Bed and Breakfast is Selma Hertz. Big Jim, my guess is Jim Huntington. 751 Oak St. and then there's Leonard Paul Treakle, 16 Palmer Rd.

Corman: Are you sure?

Nikita: Yeah. What's wrong?

Corman: Leonard Paul, Jim Huntington, Selma. Nikita, these people, every name you've given me… they're all dead. (Nikita hangs up the phone and looks at Michael)

Nikita: It's the same as last night.

(Mikey takes something out of his pocket. It's some kind of tracking device.)

Michael: the Church.

Preacher: I already told you. My name is Leonard Treakle and I’m the pastor at the First church of… ( more moaning and groaning as he is stretched some more by Michael)

Nikita: What is that? ( she notices some kind of marks on the mans wrist) Have you seen that before Michael?

They are sending the data back to Section to Corman.

Corman: the insignia is related to a terrorist organization called, Chornish sturm, Black Storm.

Nikita: In Czechnia. They're on our hit list right below Red Cell.

Corman: What's going on there? You located the satellite yet?

Nikita: Not yet, but it seems as though we stumbled across a Black rm sleeper base.

Corman: Sleeper base?

Nikita: Yeah. It's where they train their agents to look, act, think and breathe just like the locals. It gives them a base of operations right in the heart of the US. From there they can dispatch sleepers to anywhere in the country when ever they need to.

Corman: That's quite a coincidence. An Oversight satellite to crash right in the middle of a terrorist base?

Nikita: Yeah. I was thinking the same thing… What information can you give me regarding the satellite's orbital decay and codes that were issued before it crashed.

Corman: Coming right up ( he punches some keys) I'm getting a lockout on it Nikita.

Nikita: Who issued it?

Corman: It's coded. Would Birkoff have done this?

Nikita: There's no reason why he would.

Corman: Give me a few hours. I can crack this. (pause) Hey good luck out there.

Nikita: thanks. (she walks back over to where Michael and the preacher are) He's Black Storm. Did he tell you anything.

Michael: they have the satellite. The mailman is their courier to the outside. He's bringing in an unlocked device.

Nikita: (bending down) You don't want to keep any high tech equipment in your humble little burg is that it? So where is the satellite?
Preacher: I told you everything that I'm going to.

Nikita: That truly is a shame.

Preacher: It doesn't matter. You two will be dead long before me.

Maggie: I don't know. They say it was a heart attack. Found just sittin' there right in the pew.

BJ: Poor man probably didn't know what hit him.

Tiny: Give's ya pause.

(Michael and Nikita are sitting in a booth when the Postman walks in and hands Maggie a brown envelope)

Postman: Here you go Maggie. (he leaves and Michael follows)

Michael: Excuse me. Do you know if there is a library in town?

Postman: Ah… sure. You hang a left on Elm St. it's a stones throw from there on the corner. You can't miss it. (Mikey says something in what I take to be Russian and the postman responds in the same language. He realizes his mistake)

Corman: Come on… Huh… yes.

Madeline: We have a problem.

Corman: Everything I could find suggested that the satellite was crashed on purpose.

Madeline: do you know by whom?

Corman: I was working on that when you called me. But everything that I could see leads back to Oversight or Center.

Operations: Can you think of a reason why Oversight would intentionally crash a satellite containing valuable data right into the heart of a terrorist base?

Corman: I don't know… Not unless..

Madeline: go on

Corman: Well if the data was useless. Providing the enemy with useless intel would distract them for years.

Madeline: You're very astute.

Corman: Thank you. But Michael and Nikita (pause) were sent in to make it look convincing. To make every effort to retrieve the data. But Michael won't fail.

Madeline: You've put the pieces together quite well.

Corman: And if Michael dies trying… will make it look all the more convincing.

Operations: Very good Mr. Corman

Madeline: (to operatives) Take him to containment.

Corman: What for? Why? No!

Operations: You'll proceed to Dingman's Hollow. Michaels mission is to make every effort to retrieve the satellite data before the enemy can get their hands on it. It's up to you to make sure that he fails.

SB: Everything okay Jay? (he sees her as a blur) You seem tired.

Jason: I don't know if it's work catching up to me. Too much wine? I can barely keep my eyes open.

SB: that’s okay. You've got four days to feel a lot better.

Jason: I love you. (he is obviously drugged and passes out)

Postman: Inside the shed. (Michael opens the doors and its there.

Michael: I have to remove the data drive.

(he does something and then you see the postman looking behind Nikita)

Mom: Nice and slow now and forget about your guns. (Mom, Maggie, Tiny and BJ are there) You can take it out, you can show it to me, you try and use it, it'll be mashed potatoes and gravy before you pull the trigger. (the guns are taken away)

BJ: Section Issue

Maggie: Give me the toy. (Michael punches some numbers into the panel and then takes it out and hands it Maggie)

Mom: good. Tiny (he grabs the envelope from Maggie and takes the thing from there and puts it in the satellite.)

Tiny: Something's wrong. He's done something to it. Some kind of lock code.

Mom: (grabbing Nikita) You have a little less than 5 seconds to give us that unlock code before I repaint this shed in white girl. (LLOLOL)

Michael: 12Z ?? 1035

Davenport: Sir. We are in position.

Operations: The courier is using the cover of a US postal worker. As soon as they get what they want they'll send it out with him. I want confirmation when that happens.

Davenport: Yes sir.

Tiny: got it.

Mom: We were always told you were trained to go down for the mission. HA!

Michael: we haven't finished the mission.

BJ: He's got big ones. I'll give you that.

Tiny: (handing the thing to Mailman) She's all yours.

Postman: All right. See you guys tomorrow.

BJ: so what are we going to do with this geo team over here.

Mom: Tiny get your truck ( we see him back up a wood chipper! Fargo anyone???)

Mom holds her gun on Michael and Nikita. Mikey does one of his smooth moves by turning quickly and grabbing a hold of Mom's gun killing all of them. Then we see the highway where the mail truck is driving along.

Davenport: Sir. The mail truck just cleared the outer marker.

Operations: Michael and Nikita:

Davenport: We're moving to position two.

Madeline: (who is with Ops) Congratulations.

Operations: (on the phone) Yes I'm pleased to report that the mission status went exactly as planned… well thank you… I'll expect to hear from you then.

Nikita: Davenport?

Davenport: I have word that the mailman is not to be apprehended.

Nikita: I don't understand Davenport.

Michael: Data base was a dummy.

Davenport: I'm not authorized to discuss that.

Nikita: they wanted us to sell bad intel to Black Storm. They wanted it out.

Davenport: The courier's gone. They believe they have what they want. I have to take you in.

Michael: there's just one problem.

Davenport: what's that?

Michael: We didn't fail. (pause) the new lock code I gave them contains a self destruct.

We see the truck going down the roadway and then boom! It blows up.

Voice: Sir. Mr. Jones calling for you.

The phone keeps on ringing but Operations does not answer it.

Woman1: Come back. You're always welcome at Momma's. Come back soon now ya hear?

Woman2: Sir. They're clear. (to Operations on the phone) We've secured the town.

Operations: There's an outside briefing at 1800 hours.

Woman1: yes sir. We'll be ready.

(Nikita and Michael in the car)

Nikita: so we've replaced all these people with our own?

Michael: Yes. They had a field trace on the mailman. We hit Black Storm central 12 hours ago.

Nikita: so Dingman's Hollow…

Michael: Section 6

They drive off and as they leave town you see the sign that says you are now leaving Dingman's Hollow

Jason: Noelle? Sugar buns? ( he sees a phone, picks it up, no dial tone and he gets up.

Walter: You guys were great out there. Not sure if everyone is as happy about that as I am. (he looks up and so do the other two and they see what looks like Birkoff wandering the hallway)

Jason: Man I'm tired.

We see Madeline and Operations come into the area.

Walter: Dear Mother of God.

Nikita and Michael just look. A bit surprised too I might add.

Jason: (still walking and looking around) Damn phone's dead. Anybody know how to get room service in this place? (two operatives appear behind him)

He looks around and then realizes he is not in a hotel. Pan back to see the whole area with Maddy, Ops and the others.

The End