Operations looked out at the command center, watching Birkoff coordinate a mission in Belgium. The head of Section One was getting tired of George calling him all the time but something he was getting even more tired of was not knowing what was going on in his Section. Madeline came up behind him, saying that the head of Oversight had arrived and was in the tower. Operations acknowledged it and made his way to meet his 'guests' with his partner, Madeline by his side.
"Good afternoon, Paul." George said as his hosts entered the room.
"Hello, George," replied Operations, his voice even though down to business. "To what do we owe this visit?"
"We have found an operative."
"And?"
"Actually, we bought an operative. I want you to see the quality of the product."
Product? Madeline thought, remaining silent as the two men conversed. Interesting.
"I have not seen him yet so it is as much as a mystery to you as it is to me. It comes from higher up, Paul. Just keep him under heavy surveillance and we'll see what to do with him. He will be arriving tomorrow morning. Good day, Paul, Madeline." With that the head of Oversight ended his brief visit leaving Paul and Madeline alone.
"What do you think?" Paul asked as they made their way back to the Perch.
"I don't know. There are so many possibilities. Ask me when I've seen the operative." She replied and walked off to her office, leaving Operations to his thoughts.

Nikita was visiting Walter's workshop since she had nothing else to do when Birkoff came in hurriedly. "Guess what."
"What, Birkoff?" Nikita asked, leaning her elbows on Walter's table.
"There's a new operative coming tomorrow."
"Operatives come in every week." Walter said, coming setting down a stack of panels for the next mission.
"Yeah, but from what I've heard this one has been bought! And get this, Operations and Madeline don't know anything about him."
Bought? Walter questioned himself. This is new for Section.
"Could be just a rumor," the blond woman said dryly.
"I don't think so. There's a briefing about an hour after he's supposed to arrive." The tech replied. Both Walter and Nikita thought he was hoping a little too much.
"Just coincidence." Walter stated and waved both young people away. "Go. You both have something better to do than speculations about a shadow."
"Ask Michael, ok?"Birkoff asked Nikita as they went their separate ways. His only answer was a backhanded wave as she walked away.

Nikita walked into Michael's office and found him reading over a few panels. He looked up and keyed him the code to cut off any surveillance in his office, thinking that this might be of a personal nature.
She sat down in the chair in front of his desk. "Is it true there's a new operative?"
He looked away, finding something interesting to watch outside is window. "No." He stated and punched in the code for surveillance to come back on. "That's all. Briefing tomorrow, 0830."
The woman got up and walked out, not believing a word he had said.