| On Borrowed Time | |||||
| La Femme Nikita | |||||
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| Episode no. |
Season 3 Episode 22 |
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| Directed by | Ted Hanlan | ||||
| Written by | Peter M. Lenkov | ||||
| Production code | 322 | ||||
| Original air date | August 29, 1999 | ||||
| Episode guide | |||||
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"On Borrowed Time" is the twenty second episode of the third season of La Femme Nikita. It was filmed from June 9-17, 1999.
Summary[]
Section’s mission to infiltrate a pharmaceutical company in order to secure a deadly biochemical agent is merely a ruse to finally separate Michael and Nikita from one another permanently. While at the facility, Nikita undergoes forced brainwashing designed to drain her of any emotional feelings for Michael. Has Nikita truly been “adjusted” for good? If so, what can Michael do about it?
Plot[]
[]
Michael and Nikita separately walk the halls of Section One. Michael makes his way down more secluded corridors. When he turns a corner, he comes across Nikita alone and waiting for him. Michael subtly ensures that no one has seen him and he slowly walks up behind Nikita. He stands closely next to her.
Michael and Nikita secretly meet inside Section.
Michael quietly tells her that assignments haven't been posted. Nikita infers that without the assignments, they can't formulate a plan to meet. Michael assures her that there is still time for the postings to happen. Nikita wonders about the delay, but Michael is not concerned. When Nikita speculates that the delay could be about them, Michael rationalizes that if it was, Section would have taken measures to stop them. Nikita turns towards him and suggests that they should "pull back for a while". They stare at each other after the suggestion and then they both push forward for a series of kisses. A sudden bang not far from their location distracts Michael long enough to break their kiss and turn towards the sound. Michael promises Nikita that they'll be together soon. He'll "make it happen" and he tells her to go. Nikita stares at Michael longingly before she turns and walks away, leaving Michael alone.
Act 1[]
In her office, Madeline reviews mission tapes of the previous mission. Operations walks in and tells her that he's reviewed the mission tapes dozens of times and he sees nothing. Madeline points out the Michael knows the system just as well as they do. "Better, apparently," Operations admits. Madeline says that they know what's happening between Michael and Nikita and that they're under no obligation to prove it. "The point is, they're meeting under our noses and we can't stop them. That means there's a hole in the system. If they can find it, that means others can too." Madeline doesn't agree. "Michael and Nikita are unique." She states that they should prioritize stopping them before their efficiency levels are permanently harmed. Operations concedes. He asks if they are ready to move. If they can find an appropriate mission, Madeline says they are. Operations suggests the Geneflex mission. "That will do very nicely," Madeline says. Operations wants to proceed.
At a mission briefing, Operations explains that the chemical breakdown for Gandium 4, a grade one bioweapon, was stolen during bioengineering convention in Prague. Three months later, it was used during an attack in Cyprus. Geneflex is a pharmaceutical lab and producer of over the counter drugs. Section monitored the wire transfer to an account of a company that fronts for Red Cell. Birkoff confirms that satellite surveillance shows that productivity at Geneflex has increased, but distribution of their key product remains the same. Operations tells Michael that he and Nikita will penetrate, retrieve the product and find out who, besides Red Cell, they're selling to. Then they are destroy the lab.
Walter is called up by Operations into the Perch. He tells Walter that Michael and Nikita have deceived them and that he helped them. Exasperated, Walter tells Operations to just "get on with it." Operations compliments him for his long years of service to Section. "I'm afraid your work here as come to an end. You're going to retirement." Walter is shocked. "I deserve better than that," Operations is livid. "I could have had you cancelled." Walter tells him to do it. He admits to violating protocol and that he knew the risks. "Shame on you," is Walter's parting remark.
Michael exits his office and walks over to Nikita who is working at a computer station. He tells her that he wants to verify something by checking her panel. The two of them hold a verbal conversation about schematics for the upcoming mission while simultaneously having a typed conversation on a secure screen that Michael set up. They are suspicious about the mission but are committed to finding a way to be together during its execution.
At the Geneflex facility Michael and Nikita await the plant manager Damien Errol. Michael tells Nikita that they'll work separately to avoid establishing a predicable pattern. Mr. Errol arrives and introduces himself. He notices that they're new and asks about their predecessor. Once Errol has verified their IDs, he proceeds to give them a small tour of the plant.
At Section, Birkoff tracks Michael and Nikita's progress and informs Operations and Madeline of their arrival.
As part of their tour, Damien Errol tells Michael and Nikita that in twenty years of inspections, they've never received a single citation. Nikita compliments him on the achievement. They arrive at R&D, the best place to start he tells them and he leaves them to their work. For all intents and purposes, they appear to be conducting an actual review of the plant. Michael tells Nikita to do the environmental check and verify their safety procedures. They'll regroup in an hour when he's done with his portion.
Michael wanders through R&D. A technician bumps into Michael and apologizes. Michael notices several techs exiting an isolated portion of the area and he proceeds to enter it. He notices a security camera and alerts Birkoff to its location. He then taps into them. Geneflex security is monitoring the security cameras and notes Michael at his current location. He stands in full view of the camera and starts flipping through the pages of a file. Birkoff has recorded 60 seconds of Michael and will tap in the footage to the security camera feed. After Birkoff's go ahead, Michael puts down the folder, opens his briefcase and pulls out a device he uses to survey the room. He notes an anomaly in the south wall. Birkoff checks the building schematics and identifies a small room that was bypassed in a renovation two years ago. He hypothesizes that it must the location where the Gandium is being stored. He tells Michael to retrieve it before Section takes out the lab. Michael tells Birkoff that he'll need ten hours, but Birkoff questions the length of time. He tells Michael that he can work up a profile for eight hours. Michael goes back to stand where the video loop has him. He tells Birkoff that he'll work his profile for ten hours. Birkoff acquiesces. He alerts Michael to the end of the loop and Michael puts down the folder and leaves the room.
Michael approaches Nikita at a different portion of R&D and tells her that he found the Gandium. She asks if Birkoff is working the profile but he informs her that he is. Nikita looks intrigued at the news. Michael suggests that she start writing up what they've found. He tells her that he'll start with Level B. The Geneflex employee that bumped into Michael earlier walks past them.
At Munitions, Walter loads a handgun and rises from his station. Bikoff approaches in search of some revised specs and notices Walter trying to conceal his weapon. Birkoff notices that Walter looks visibly upset and asks why. "They're sending me to Retirement. Operations just told me himself," he tells Birkoff who is shocked at the news. "I guess I just pushed the envelop once too often," Walter laments. "This is my fault. It's because I told them you were helping Nikita and Michael," Birkoff worries but Walter tells him that if he hadn't said anything then they would have found out another way. "You can't beat Section, but you can choose your own way out," Walter tells him defiant and he shows Birkoff the handgun. Birkoff tells him not to do it. "Do you know what Retirement is Birkoff?" Walter asks. Birkoff tells him that he's heard rumors but that no one really knows. "Because it's all medical experiments and pain tolerance and harvested body parts. I'm not going that way!" Walter sees two Section guards approach Munitions. He reluctantly puts his handgun the work table and lets himself get led away. Birkoff promises to get him out but Walter tells him that it'll never happen.
Walter is led to the area outside Containment where he's handed over to two new guards. They arrive at an elevator and Walter shrugs off their hold on him. Together they all walk into the elevator.
Birkoff arrives in time to see the door close on Walter. "I'll get out you out of this, somehow. I swear it," he vows quietly.
Act 2[]
Birkoff approaches Operations in the Perch and asks for a moment of his time. "I just hope you won't do anything drastic," Birkoff says in reference to Walter. Operations is amused and asks for an explanation. "I think we should keep him functional until we're sure the new guy is going to work out," he points out. Operations wonders if has a reason to believe that Walter's replacement won't work out. Birkoff tells him that he doesn't and that he hasn't met the man yet. "His name is Giles. He's been training as Walter's replacement for five years. I'm sure he'll do fine." Birkoff mentions the dozen missions that are currently in play on and given how long he and Walter have worked together, they've established a short hand with each other. "If you could just not do anything irreversible for a few days, just in case we need him." Operations tells him that he'll take it under advisement just before Birkoff leaves the Perch.
Birkoff is back on the main floor of Section One and sees Walter's replacement already working in Munitions with several operatives
At Geneflex, Michael tells Birkoff, who's back at his station, that he needs to "go dark" for ten minutes. Birkoff questions the reason. "I'm going to the quality control and they have subscanners built into the walls." Birkoff agrees and turns off Michael's comm link.
Michael enters the quality control room dressed in protective pressurized suit. He opens his suitcase and lifts a compartment to reveal several vials. In the room are similar vials which houses the Gandium. Michael swaps out the vials in his suitcase the with Gandium on display.
Nikita reaches out to Birkoff and informs him that they still need to get the buyers' list and retrieve the Gandium. She asks about Michael's whereabouts. Birkoff informs her that Michael has gone dark and he asks about her location. She tells him that she's in Applications. "Ferrell is on the other side of the building. Go to his office now and retrieve the buyers' list."
Michael has completed his task and walks out of the secure room.
Nikita makes her way into Damien Errol's office to retrieve the buyer's list. She is slightly delayed when she discovers that the file is encrypted. Birkoff instructs her to decrypt it before she downloads it to Section. As Nikita works her way through the file, Errol walks down the hallway to his office. Michael intercepts him with good news about his plant's perfect inspection record. Errol is pleased at the news. Noticing that they're along he takes the opportunity to ask Michael about Nikita. "You and Nikita, does your relationship go beyond work?" Michael tells him that she's available. "Oh, I wasn't talking about her," he playfully remarks and takes a step closer. Birkoff informs Nikita that he has the buyer's list and Nikita sneaks out of the office, which Michael observes. Understanding Errol's meaning, Michael corrects him. "I'm...I'm straight." Nonplussed, Errol apologizes for the misunderstanding. "Don't be," Michael responds good-naturedly. Errol gives Michael one final appreciative glances he walks into his office.
Nikita appears and informs Michael that she's send the list off and that now they have to retrieve the Gandium. , Michael hands her a slip of paper before he walks away. It reads, "I have the Gandium. Meet Me, RM. 305F"
Birkoff approaches Munitions. Giles, Walter's replacement, sees him and assumes that he's Birkoff. He introduces himself as Dennis Giles and Birkoff welcomes him aboard with a handshake. "I understand you and Walter were pretty good friends," Giles notes. Birkoff confirms that they were. "I just want you know that I'm not here to replace him. I'm just here to do my job," Giles tells him solemnly. "Yeah, we all know what this place is like. I don't hold it against you." Giles is appreciative of the sentiment and Birkoff offers his assistance if he needs help with the transition. Birkoff begins to walk away but he turns back to get Giles' opinion on the Cameroon mission. "Lots of variables. Expected casualties are high." Birkoff offers a tool that he and Walter had been working on together. Giles immediately recognizes it as a wall puncher and marvels that he's never seen one as small as the one Birkoff hands him. "I designed the chip. Walter designed the hardware," Birkoff explains. "Do you think you could add a second frequency?" Giles tells him that he can get right on it. Birkoff heads out and Giles leaves the wall puncher on the work table.
Nikita is wrapping up some of her work when Birkoff informs Nikita that she needs to go off profile. "Bad timing Birkoff. I'm standing watch while Michael gets the Gandium." He tells her that it can't be helped. "It's straight from the top and your comm is being restricted to primary channel." Agreeing, Nikita walks away.
Michael walks through the plant and once again passes by the same man he encountered earlier. When Michael is out of sight, the man pursues Michael. Nearby, Michael has circled around and watches the man set off in the direction Michael had. He knows certain that he's being followed.
Birkoff inquires with Nikita on whether she's on the top floor of Geneflex. She confirms that she is and wants to know what she's doing. "Operations says there's a secondary buyer's list. Hard copy. Should be at the room at the end of the hall." Nikita arrives at the designated location and enters. Inside is Madeline, who is waiting for her. "Have you had your meeting with Michael yet or were you on your way to it?" Madeline asks. Nikita says nothing. "Whenever your last meeting with Michael was, I hope you made the most of it. It's the last one you'll ever have."
Act 3[]
"Geneflex is a front for Section?" Nikita asks. "No, we've infiltrated but we don't control it," Madeline answers. Nikita glances at a device that is also in the room with them and asks if she's going to be killed. "If we wanted to kill you, we could have done so easily anytime we wished." Nikita asks why they chose not do to do. "We've asked that question many times," Madeline tells her. Perhaps in the end, we value what you have." Nikita asks that that is. "Your determination to live life to the fullest. In some ways I envy you, but now the time has come to pay the price. You're going to be adjusted." Madeline explains that Nikita will still be a formidable operative, "but not subject to certain distractions, which have hindered your performance in the past." Two male operatives dressed as Geneflex employees join them as Nikita expresses her doubt on what Madeline is suggesting. One of them injects something into Nikita's neck. "This procedure is quite different from anything you've previous experienced. It involves chemical stimuli, combined with electrobe. Nikita's balance and vision are immediately affected as she begins to lose her balance and slur her words. "I'm a human being. I can't be erased, like a computer program," she manages to get out before she falls over against the male operatives. The men carry Nikita to the device as Madeline watches.
Michael arrives at a door labeled '305F'. He enters and turns on the lights but finds it empty. Nikita is not there. He turns the lights back off and closes the door.
Nikita on a platform as it slips inside the cylindrical shell of the device she's in. She is conscious and unrestrained but unable to move. One she's fully inside, the machine activates and Nikita experiences visions of her past years in Section, starting with her awakening for the first time inside Section One and meeting Michael for the first time, her kidnapping by the the Legion and her rescue, Michael's discovery of her inability to cancel Stanley Shays, Michael kissing her in the Perch, Michael's seduction of her before she almost escaped Section with Eric, her post coital conversation with Michael in the barge, the betrayal when Michael gave her a gun while at dinner together, Michael sleeping her double Abby, Michael stopping her near assassination of the Chinese premier, dancing with Michael while they did surveillance together, dancing with a soft-spoken and amnesiac Michael, the violent encounter with Michael that led to their first time making love, and Nikita fighting off an insistent Michael who questioned her about Adrian. Visions of a present day Michael retreating from her as the procedure takes a hold of her are strongly present.
At Section, Birkoff turns to see Giles working with several operatives who are preparing to head out on a mission. Once Giles is alone again, Birkoff reaches into his pocket and pulls out a remote detonator. He spots the wall puncher still on the work table. Birkoff continues to finger the remote when he sees an operative violently approach Giles about an incorrect piece of weaponry he received. The operative shoves Giles against the wall, grab what he wanted and walks away. Changing his mind, Birkoff once again pockets the remote and heads towards Munitions. He asks Giles if there's a problem and Giles asserts that he gave the operative exactly what he asked for. Birkoff tells him not to worry about it and suggests that he's just being tested. "The truth is, everybody misses Walter," Giles tells him. "I mean you're the only one who's been decent and you were his best friend." Giles is appreciative of his support. He walks away and comments on the operatives' equipment needs. Birkoff begins to arm the wall punch but has to stop when Giles comes back. He's still talking about how he should approach operative demands when he walks away again. This time Birkoff manages to arm the wall punch and turns away from the expected blast. Seconds later, the wall punch detonates and all of Munitions is rocked by the explosion. Alarms are blaring and an operative arrives and helps Giles up. Concerned, Giles calls for Birkoff who was also knocked down. Operations arrives and demands to know what happened. Giles doesn't have an explanation. Giles tries to defend himself by saying that the accident could have happened to anyone. "It didn't happen to Walter in 35 years," Operations harshly tells him. The comment causes suspicion to rise in Giles and he looks towards Birkoff.
At Geneflex, the man who was following Michael walks into a stairwell. Michael grabs him, shoves him against a wall, and holds his arm in a painful grip behind his back. Michael questions his purpose for being there but the man feigns ignorance, claiming that he works there. "You're Section," Michael tells him. Again the man feigns ignorance. "I've trained a thousand operatives. You smell of Section." Despite his weaker position, the man tries to threaten Michael to let him go. In response, Michael tightens his grip, audibly cracking bones and the man groans in pain. "You still have one good arm. If you want to keep it, talk," Michael orders before he grabs the other arm and prepares to give it the same treatment as the first. The man acquiesces and tells Michael that he's part of a backup team. Michael wants to know why he wasn't told. "Preserves security in case of capture," the man says. Michael doesn't believe him but he insists that's what he was told. "They also told you to keep an eye on me and Nikita." The man confirms. Michael wants to know where Nikita is. "There was a shadow profile on my panel. It showed activity on the top floor...right about now." Michael threatens him one final time. "If you're lying, I'll kill you." Michael leaves him and races up the stairs to the top floor of Geneflex.
Michael enters the room but finds it empty. Suddenly, out of far corner, Nikita comes walking out. Michael asks her if she's okay and she tells him that she is. "Operations sent me on a branch mission. There's been a change in the main mission profile. We have to return to Section," she informs him. Everything about her looks normal but Michael is still suspicious. Nikita walks past him and heads towards the door. Michael call out to her. "Are you sure you're alright?" He asks. "Positive," she answers. Nikita opens the door and looks at him expectedly. Michael gives a final look towards the direction from which she'd earlier emerged and follows Nikita out of the room.
Act 4[]
Operations walks into Systems where Birkoff, Michael, and Nikita wait for him. He tells them about Ramone Khasa, middleman to a dozen terrorists groups and the reason they delayed the destruction of the Geneflex facility. Birkoff adds that the buyer's list Nikita downloaded listed near term transactions. Khasa will be making a pick up in twenty four hours. While Birkoff speaks, Operations observes Nikita, who doesn't notice and listens attentively to the mission details. "We'll take Khasa alive and destroy the plant as originally planned," Operations tells them. He dismisses everyone and walks out. Nikita follows closely after him.
"I'm not as confident as you are that the procedure worked," Operations tells Madeline in her office. "They didn't seem any different at the briefing." Madeline tells him that she was watching on the monitor and she doesn't agree. "Nikita was more focused on the mission, while Michael was repressing tension. In the past it's been the reverse," she explains. Operations didn't notice what she described. "Perhaps I'm slipping" Madeline will entertain the thought that she's reaching but she doesn't believe she is. "I propose we use the next Khasa mission as a beta test," Operations tells her. Madeline cautions against them changing the profile and thus alerting Michael and Nikita, which may lead to them altering their behavior. "Then we'll improvise," Operations offers. "Let's see if she's willing to kill Michael."
At Comm, Birkoff alters the teams led by Michael and Nikita that Khasa has just entered the Geneflex building.
Michael's team silently works their way through one of the labs and take their positions.
Birkoff tell's Nikita's Red team to hold their positions. In another part of the lab is Nikita's team, doing as told. They wear gas masks on their heads. They have a clear view of the proceeds with Khasa and the Genflex people, including Damien Errol. Nikita confirms the completion of the exchange with Khasa.
Birkoff instructs Michael's Blue team to set the explosive charges. He then instructs Nikita's team to proceed. They ignite smoke flares that rapidly fill the room with thick smoke. Khasa and his men are overwhelmed but begin firing on Nikita's team, now fully wearing their gas masks. Damien Errol and the rest of the team from Geneflex are alerted to the distress that Khasa is experience and start firing on Nikita's team from a distance. Michael's team responds and engages Geneflex. Nikita's team exits the building with a woozy Khasa and she alerts Section. Birkoff informs Michael's team that the building is hot and that all teams need to exit.
Outside, Nikita and her team reach a secure location away from the future blast of the building.
Michael works his way out of the building, taking down hostiles as he encounters them.
In the Perch, Michael asks if Michael is clear and Madeline confirms that he is. "But Nikita doesn't know it." Operations tells Birkoff to give Nikita orders to destroy the plant, which he then does. "Is Michael out?" Nikita questions. "He should be," Birkoff answers. "Is he or isn't he?" She asks.
"Press the button. That's a direct order," Operations says on intercom.
Nikita looks at the detonator in her hand, unsure.
"Nikita, press the button," Operations orders once more.
Nikita looks at the detonator once more and does as ordered, destroying the Geneflex plant.
"She obeyed," Madeline tells Operations. "She hesitated," Operations counters. "Not for long. She's still processing. Next time she won't hesitate at all."
A smiling Birkoff approaches Munitions to find Walter back at his station. He gives him a hearty welcome back, but Walter is rather subdued. Noticing his non reaction, Birkoff asks him if he's okay and Walter says that he is. Walter resumes his work and a hesitant Birkoff inquires about him physically. "They uh, they didn't remove anything too vital?" Walter asserts that he's fine. "The guy they replaced you with was a real loser," Birkoff shares. "I set off a wall punch in here. I made it look like it was his fault," he confides. "Well why didn't you just stay out of it," Walter tells him bluntly. Confused, Birkoff asserts that he saved Walter. Walter tells him that Retirement was "fantastic." He describes it as "heaven" and adds, "All the dreams I ever had, came to life." A still very confused Birkoff thinks that the whole thing was a trick. "All I know is that I wish I was there right now instead of here," Walter tells him wistfully before he very practically tells Birkoff that he has a lot of catching up to do and that he'll talk to Birkoff later. Walter walks back into his storage area and Birkoff eventually leaves him to his work.
In the Perch, Operations and Madeline watch footage of the mission and debate Nikita's field of vision concerning the plant and on Michael's clearance before the detonation. Madeline explains that there is a 90% certainty that Nikita was unaware that Michael had cleared the building before she destroyed it. Operations calls it inconclusive. "Certainty will come with time. Meanwhile, we have to read the signs. For instance, Nikita left Section an hour ago even though Michael was looking for her." Operations calls it play acting and reminds Madeline that they've done it before and kept right on seeing each other. Operations and Madeline turn and observe Michael crossing the main floor of Section One. Michael catches their eye but continues on his way.
Tag[]
Nikita is in her apartment, painting over her light blue walls in white paint with a roller. A knock on her front door draws her attention and she goes to answer it. It's Michael. She greets him and walks away to continue her task. He tells her that he wanted to see her. Michael slowly walks in and takes note of what she's doing. Nikita gets more paint from the pan and tells Michael that "they're watching the apartment." Michael answers that he's aware of it. Nikita continues to paint her walls indifferent to Michael's presence. Michael walks up close to Nikita and runs his fingers through her hair. She turns momentarily towards him but continues her uninterrupted painting. She stops painting and walks around Michael, again indifferent and not acknowledging him, to get more paint. Michael walks around her and once again runs his fingers through her hair. Nikita looks at him questioningly. "What did they do to you?" He asks her softly. Nikita says that "nothing" was done and continues to paint. Michael reaches for the hand holding the roller and encourages her to drop it. Michael turns Nikita towards him. She struggles slightly before she settles and the two of them stare at each other. Michael is looking for the Nikita he knows and Nikita is confused by his attention. "Nothing," she reiterates. They continue to look at each other while Michael caresses the side of Nikita's face. Michael leans forward and kisses her lightly on the lips but Nikita pulls back from him. He grips her upper arms and implores her to "Tell me." Nikita forces herself out of his hold and stubbornly tell him that she doesn't remember. Michael steps closer to her again and reaches for her hands. Nikita begins to look distressed and Michael's concern continues to grow. Michael holds her hand tighter but Nikita forces them out of his grip and tries to encourage some distance. "It doesn't work. I don't love you anymore," she tells him solemnly. A visibly devastated Michael closes his eyes at her words. Nikita is also distressed and confused. Michael turns and walks away. Nikita gets increasingly agitated until she finally settles. "I won't let them do this," Michael's voice vows.
Cast[]
Main Cast[] |
Special Guest Stars[]
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Episode Quotes[]
- Michael: "We'll be together soon. I'll make it happen."
- Madeline: (to Nikita) "Whenever your last meeting with Michael was, I hope you made the most of it. It's the last one you'll ever have."
- Nikita: "I don't love you anymore."
- Michael: "I won't let them do this."
Music[]
this strange effect | HOOVERPHONIC
ORIGINAL MUSIC
lab nerds | SEAN CALLERY
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