Sleeping With The Enemy

Originally aired in Canada, July 1, 2000

Transcript by Northstar

Quinn: Substation 3 is down.

Ops: How is that possible?

Quinn: The self-destruct has been activated from an outside source.

Ops: And you didn't foresee this? (we hear an alarm in Section) Now what? (we see a screen that says Self Destruct activated)

Quinn: Our self-destruct mechanism has been activated.

Ops: Shut it down.

Madeline: There's a chance that might not happen. Whoever did this issued a chain directive. They want to destroy the sections like a stack of dominoes.

Ops: Activate the failsafe.

Quinn: I did. It won't engage.

Ops: We need to evacuate.

Ops: Quinn, I've ordered you to leave your post. We're 50 seconds to critical.

Quinn: I can stop this.

Madeline: You've nothing to prove.

Quinn: Except that I can do my job. (she and Ops trade looks)

Ops: Get to work.

(30 seconds to self destruct)

The countdown begins… 10 - 9 - 8 - etc until we get down to 1 second when Quinn finally manages to shut it down.

Quinn: Walter? I got a message that you wanted to see me?

Walter: Way to go little sister. You got your feet wet.

Quinn: Excuse me?

Walter: Your first day on the job. You saved our bacon. Welcome to the big leagues.

Quinn: Is your bandanna on too tight. Operations thinks I dropped the ball.

Walter: Forget about Operations. Substation 3 is beyond our security zone. You couldn't have known. You done good. Birkoff would have been proud.

Quinn: Yeah well I hear he's dead. Stiffs do nothing for my ego. So what are we drinking?

Walter: Very old scotch for special occasions.

Quinn: You know this isn't going to get you lucky.

Walter: (shaking his head) Like I said, I was just welcoming you to the neighborhood.

Quinn: Hmmm, well neighbor, just keep it zipped and out of my way and everything will be just peachy. (she leaves)

Walter: (whispering) Birkoff. (as he takes another drink from the flask)

Ops: I just got off the phone with Mr. Jones.

Madeline: What did he want?

Ops: Birkoff in his office first of next month.

Madeline: A transfer?

Ops: Yes. He can never find out what happened here. I can't afford the anomaly on my record.

Madeline: I'll get Jason ready.

Ops: Can you do it?

Madeline: When I’m done neither Mr. Jones or anyone else will ever know the difference.

(we cut to a scene where we see Jason doing sit-ups)

Ops: As you know Sub Section 3 was taken out of play yesterday morning. The strike was massive. The final damages report… 100% causalities. As best we can determine the self destruct code came from an outside source. Now Quinn's trace was incomplete but her calculations showed a definitive link to Red Cell.. Now since they were able to penetrate our system, for security measures, only the red line and satellite links will be operational. (a holographic image appears) This is Colin Starnes. He's currently chief tactical advisor for Red Cell. Quinn.

Quinn: We've been using satellite tags to get an exact location for him. We believe we have him contained within a 6 hour window.

Ops: We're going to use that window to extract Starnes. Michael your team will handle field tactical. The target will be taken alive. Details are on your panels.

Starnes: Charming (as he looks around. We then see Madeline walk into the room)

Madeline: This entire process can be painless. The choice is yours.

Starnes: For some pain is a pleasure.

Madeline: Good. Then you should enjoy yours (she turns and leaves)

Enter the Torture twins with their ever-practical cases. Female TT smiles wickedly as she turns to Starnes.

Scene 6 - Operations Perch

Madeline: Starnes claims that Red Cell isn't culpable for the hit.

Ops: You believe him?

Madeline: After this morning's chat, I don't think he has the strength to lie.

Ops: Then what DO you know?

Madeline: Our intel confirms that 2 of Red Cell's locations were hit within hours of the hit on Sub Station 3.

Ops: so we're dealing with a 3^rd party?

Madeline: that's not what Red Cell believes.

(the intercom beeps)

Ops: What is it Quinn?

Quinn: I've got Red Cell field operatives being withdrawn and moving into a unified tactical position.

Ops: They think it's us.

Madeline: And they're getting ready to strike.

Ops: Not unless we attack first.

Starnes: Come on in. Welcome. I'd offer you a drink but alas my hands are tied. (he is released from his restraints) I would have thought you would have killed me by now. Losing your edge?

Ops: Perfecting it. I have a proposition for you.

RCOp1: I have a coded transmission for you from Section One. You'll need this key to unlock it.

Director: (we see a hologram of Starnes) How is it that you're still breathing? Section One protocol is to terminate all captured operatives.

Starnes: Operations wanted something only I could deliver. A meeting with you.

Director: Intriguing. But you don't actually think I'd consider it do you?

Starnes: Since tactical strategy falls under my purview I expect you to agree to it.

Director: You no longer work for me.

Starnes: Then consider this a consultation. We're in a stand off. You either agree to work together or you annihilate each other. I highly suggest you accept the offer. Section knows your next move. You don't really have a choice.

Quinn: Ten seconds until the channel is clear. Incoming cyber text. Secure on the line.

Ops: You understand why I call this meeting?

Director: You believe that someone is trying to play us against each other. What are you proposing?

Ops: Mutual truce for 48 hours.

Director: that's not going to happen.

Ops: consider it. We both sustained significant losses. If we pool our resources together we might be able to expedite the enemies termination.

Director: And if we don't?

Ops: Further causalities on either side could result in corporal impact.

Director: If I were to agree to a moratorium on Red Cell activities what guarantee would I have that you'd do the same?

Ops: We can exchange key operatives to ensure the truce.

Director: You already have one of my people.

Ops: You mean Starnes? He's dead. Besides I want someone a little further up the food chain, a key operative that isn't expendable. One of ours for one of yours.

Ops: The Director has agreed to the truce. To secure it we'll exchange an upper level team member. Quinn? (hologram comes up) Satin Tate. An expert profiler graduated Georgetown University at 16. She applied to the CIA and was hired due to her exemplary academic record. At 19 she became a free agent the joined Red Cell a year later. In less than 3 years she worked her way to 2^nd in command. She'll be with us for 48 hours.

Nikita: You want us to work with the enemy?

Ops: Satin is going to lend us her expertise and assist in finding who is responsible for the attack. (we see some looks between Michael and Nikita. He as usual seems expressionless)

Michael: Whom will we be sending in exchange? (Madeline steps forward)

Madeline: I'll get ready.

Ops: Play by their rules but remember your secondary objective, (to Maddy in the car) Get as much intel as possible and locate a window for transmitting.

Madeline: Transmitting could jeopardize the truce.

Ops: That's not your concern. Just send everything you find to Quinn, but remember whatever you find out I want to know first.

Director: Not what you expected is it?

Madeline: It seems adequate.

Director: Section One's exposure of our main base and the capture of the Cardinal were significant set-backs but we're rebuilding. What we lack in resources we more than make up with our tenacity.

Madeline: You've always been a formidable adversary.

Director: We've downloaded the necessary data on the substations that were hit. This will be your workstation. Please. (Madeline sits down at the computer) If there's anything I can get you?

Madeline: A glass of water please.

Scene 11 - Section - Somewhere in Systems. Satin is working on the computer. She is watching Michael out of the corner of her eye. He then goes over to her.

Satin: Our shared Intel shows there is a definite pattern to the attacks. The methodology was identical. This task was simple comparative. Any rookie could have done it. That's not the case with the profile you requested. I'll need security clearance to access data like that.

Michael: that's not possible.

Satin: How do you expect me to do my job?

Michael: Quinn will run the data for you.

Walter is watching Satin as Nikita walks up to him.

Nikita: and what did you expect? Horns and cloven hooves?

Walter: That's exactly what I see. All wrapped up in a pretty little package. We're going to have to keep our eye on her.

Nikita: Not under this roof. Her hands are tied.

Walter: don't believe that for a second Sugar. Adrian once said, Poison one flower and eventually the whole garden dies.

(he leaves and Nikita watches as Satin walks up to where Michael is working)

Satin: Truce remember? We're supposed to be helping each other.

Michael: I expect your report in 3 hours.

Satin: You'll have it in 2.

She goes back to her computer and continues to try to access secure data but isn't having any luck.

Quinn: You relayed a command code without a security seal?

Operative: Sorry.

Quinn: sorry? Sorry gets you a one way ticket to containment. Look… look why don't you go to van??boy and ask him to issue you a brain. Then go back to your little data-crunching cubicle and drop in a security seal. Now go!!!

She sends him away and then runs into Jason

Jason: Hi.

Quinn: Back up. You're messing with my (didn't understand what was said her but not important)

Jason: You must be Quinn.

Quinn: And you are?

Jason: I am your new second. Madeline's orders. I’m to observe and lend a hand when needed. My name is Jason.

Quinn: So you're the twin?

Jason: Yeah. Well not everything is the same. Maybe you should take a test drive and see for yourself? (he winks at her)

Quinn: I'll pass.

Jason: that's cool. There's plenty of time darling. I’m sure you'll change your mind

Satin: The report. (she hands it to him) You're much better looking in person.

Michael: you can go now.

Satin: Older yes. Your face filled in with so much character. I'm not surprised considering things you must have gone through since being here.

Michael: what is your point?

She takes out a piece of paper and it is a picture of Michael during his Paris days. Long hair and scruffy looking and shows it to him placing on his desk.

Satin: I've carried this for years. You were my inspiration Michael Samuelle. A fighter, total dedication and passion for your cause. You fought with sticks and stones yet managed to make them see things your way. Where is this man? What happened to him? You once believed in something you thought was worth fighting for. How long are you going to let them use you?

Michael: there's a meeting in Systems in 20 minutes (she shoves the paper towards him and leaves the office)

Michael looks at the picture and as he does he remembers back to when he and Rene Dion had met up again. (they show the scene where they first met up and Rene asks if it is really him. Then we see where Rene gets shot by Nikita)

Scene 14 - Systems

Ops: What have we got?

Satin: Well there are several possibilities. We're still looking for a definitive.

Ops: don't be evasive. You're here to assist in a search. Take a position and tell me what you think.

Satin: Well after reviewing all the hard data I believe that a random must have attacked the substations.

Nikita: is that possible?

Satin: think about it. Red Cell and Section One are both protected to a degree from each other. But, not from a guy with a grenade and a cause.

Michael: I don't accept that.

Satin: Cause you think I’m wrong or because you didn't think of it first?

(looks are being exchanged between Satin and Michael and Nikita and Ops both seem to be aware of them)

Ops: Quinn's transmit Satin's analysis to Red Cell and see if they've come to a similar conclusion. In the meantime I want the rest of you running profiles of possible freelance candidates. That's all.

Satin: Michael wait. Why is it so difficult for you to accept my theory? For once we're fighting for the same goal.

Michael: I know.

Satin: think about it. You used to be a random yourself. You even once believed that one man could make a difference. You were special Michael. This place has changed you.

Nikita is watching all this take place

Madeline: I've narrowed a possible location on the random. Tell Quinn to focus on the NE quadrant.

Ops: Good. And the Director?

Madeline: As you requested he knows nothing.

Ops: Keep it that way.

Madeline: For how long?

Ops: at least 12 hours. Whatever it takes, stall him. I don't want him finding this person before I do. (Maddy doesn't look to happy about this)

Nikita: There's a briefing in 10 minutes.

Michael: I'll get Satin.

Nikita: Operations wants her excluded. I'm supposed to keep her busy running a Sim on level 4. (she leaves and then Michael picks up the paper and folds it up)

Satin: I assume our deal still holds? Sure I'm not being kept out of the loop? Your briefing had nothing to do with our current status?

Michael: No.

Satin: (she walks up closer)Ok, how long are you going to play this out? There's no secret that there's tension between you and Section One. (she places her hand on his back) Everyone's expendable Michael… even you. You know how they work, you won't even see it coming. Don't you remember what it's like to fight with friends? People you can trust? It's time for you to make a choice.

Michael: I have to go.

Scene 18 - Systems

Quinn: I've locked on the co-ordinates that Madeline sent regarding the random and located the nucleus of their headquarters.

Ops: How big is their operation?

Quinn: Small

Michael: How small?

Quinn: I haven't had any luck using thermal to scan for a concise head count.

Ops: They may be mobile.

Quinn: Nothing I've seen indicates that.

Ops: Our time is critical. We'll proceed without total data. We don't have any other choice but to go in blind. There are only hours left for this truce. I expect your team ready within the hour.

Scene 19 - Mission - nighttime

Michael: First team is mobile.

Quinn: Ok Michael, we've got movement on site. Top floor.

Holland: I move this way, I am so getting ahead of you. This is so easy. (he notices Michael) But I'm still 3 substations ahead of you. But I guess it's your move.

Ops: He thought he was playing a game?

Quinn: A war game.

Ops: How could he get into our system without detection?

Quinn: the guy is a genius. Right off the charts.

Ops: It's never been done.

Quinn: That's because we've never encountered a guy like this. Best of hacking all leave traces. He circumvented all security by loading an R45 footprint.

Ops: so once he had access to our mainframe he had total control.

Quinn: Exactly. He disabled the defense system, then detonated the self-destruct. Even rigged it to look as if the players were attacking each other.

Ops: That would explain how you got a partial trace to Red Cell.

Quinn: Right. Like I said the guys' a genius. (she moves away)

Ops: This R45 footprint… can we use that to access Red Cell?

Quinn: if we wanted to break the truce. The R45 footprint would set permanent damage into motion.

Ops: Wait. (he looks to the TT's) You can go now. (They pack up and leave the room)

Holland: I'm sorry.

Ops: That doesn't matter.

Holland: What is it?

Ops: I'm willing to wipe the slate clean. Give you a fresh new start. And all I ask in return is your cooperation.

Holland: Sure, fine, that sounds like a plan.

Ops: (smiling)You've made the right choice Mr. Holland.

Holland: What do you want me to do?

Ops: I want you to pretend this is still a game and help us wipe out the other side.

Holland: Okay.

Ops: (laughs) Good.

Scene 21 - Red Cell/Section

Madeline: Any news on the random?

Ops: Not yet. (hmmm interesting!! He is lying to her)

Madeline: I would have thought Quinn could have narrowed it down by now.

Ops: Apparently it is more challenging than you anticipated. I'll keep you posted.

Madeline: I'll look forward to the results.

Ops: You'll be the first to see them. (Maddy doesn't look to happy about things)

Scene 22 - Tactical/Red Cell

Jason: I have Madeline on B channel.

Quinn: Madeline?

Madeline: I have a short window.

Quinn: I'll get Operations.

Madeline: No. There's no time. I just want to know… has the random given you any useful information?

Quinn: So far he's admitted to the hits and setting off the self-destruct.

Madeline: anything else?

Quinn: Just that he thought he was playing a war game.

Madeline: How did he gain access?

Quinn: he said he used an R45 footprint.

Madeline: have you located it?

Quinn: Not yet.

Madeline: Just one more thing Quinn, I'd like to see the most recent data.

Quinn: that's been frozen.

Madeline: On whose authority?

Quinn: Operations.

Madeline: He doesn't want ME to see it?

Quinn: Madeline I have a cipher channel coming in. I have to go. (she disconnects Maddy)

Jason: You lied to her. There's no cipher channel coming in.

Quinn: And your point is?

Jason: It's obvious something is going on.

Quinn: Yes. Operations is using Holland to destroy Red Cell.

Jason: Madeline's going to get caught in the cross-fire.

Quinn: I have a feeling she won't be missed.

Jason: and if she survives? She'll go to war with Operations. Trust me darlin' I've seen this kind of boardroom backstabbing first hand and it gets messy. This place will be looking at some major corporate restructuring. You and I will be forced to choose sides.

Quinn: No that won't happen. Madeline is as good as dead. She's in the dark. Operations isn't telling her anything. Get back to work.

Michael: for Rene.

Satin: thank you Michael.

He walks out and Nikita is there waiting.

Nikita: What did you just do?

(Michael moves a little closer and they just eye each other. I think Nikita realizes that something is up.)

RCOperative: Sir, we just received this from Satin. (he shows a disk)

Director: (pointing to Maddy) Escort her to her quarters. (the door closes) Let's see what we've got. (they put the disk in and the data comes up on the screen) that's Section One's directory.

RCOperative: Sir, there's more.

Director: Well put it up.

RCOperative: It looks like we may have the co-ordinates for Section One.

Director: Give it to me.

RCOperative: They're encrypted Sir. I'll start the decoding process.

Ops: Quinn I need you to trace a cyber plant.

Quinn: Urgence?

Michael: A communiqué between Section and Red Cell.

Quinn: I'll get right on it. (she goes to leave)

Michael: No. Do it here.

Ops: This is eyes only. (she move to the console)

Director: With Section One's directory and co-ordinates we could wipe them off the face of the earth. How long until we have the exact co-ordinates? (pause) How long?

RCOperative: 20 minutes.

Quinn: They're running a program she sent them.

Ops: Good. There was a self-destruct signal laid into the text. Satin believed Michael was helping her. She'll be responsible for destroying Red Cell. I want you to activate it.

Back at Section One we see Quinn pushing the button for the self-destruct at Red Cell. Both Michael and Operations are watching her.

Director: What's going on?

RCOperative: Self Destruct mechanism has been activated.

Director: Well over ride it. Quickly!

RCOperative: I am locked out of the system.

While all this activity is going on we see Madeline at a door. She puts in the card to open it and she glances around probably wondering if she will make it out in time.

RCOperative: There is nothing I can do.

The Director and the operative look at each other and we see the shot from above before the place explodes.

Nikita: Is Madeline dead?

Michael: there were no survivors.

Nikita: I don’t know how I feel.

Michael: We destroyed Red Cell's base of operations.

Nikita: I know what the trade off was. I can't help but wonder whether it was worth sacrificing one of our own.

Ops: working with the enemy has had some residual effects on morale. Can you handle it?

Michael: Of course.

Ops: all things considered, the operation went well.

Michael: I've instructed Quinn to revamp our system security.

Satin is walked in by 2 operatives. She glares at Michael.

Satin: You deceived me.

Michael: I did what I believed in. (they take her away and Michael leaves)

Operations is standing in the middle of Systems when he hears footsteps. He slowly turns to see Madeline walking in. It is done in slow motion and then he sort of half grins. When she reaches him you're not too sure what she is going to do. She has her gloves in her hands and I almost thought she was going to slap him with them.

Operations: Congratulations.

Madeline: thank you.

She walks away but Operations didn't look very happy to see her.

The end

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