Once the shock faded, Nikita was spurred into motion. Her exhaustion and fear could be brushed aside with her renewed determination. She could sleep on the jet to wherever Amanda wanted them to make the exchange, and she could worry about everything after the deal was done. In the meantime, she could make herself focus on preparing Ari for what was about to happen. There was no doubt that they'd hand him over to Amanda in order to save Alex. The hard part then was trying to convince him to go along with their plans, "You're not seriously considering this, are you?"

"Why not? Amanda's right for once. It'd be an easy trade," Nikita shrugged. Ari for Alex, she'd make the exchange even if Amanda wasn't involved. Although she would've preferred if he paid for his crimes- especially since that could help clear Sean's name for Kendrick's death- Nikita would still sacrifice him for Alex. She needed to be safe above all else. After all, she wasn't supposed to have been dragged into that mess. Amanda hadn't been her enemy, just Division, Oversight, and Semak. With them taken care of, Alex could've been free. But she chose to stay and help. Nikita hoped- prayed- that choice didn't cost her everything.

"I have the code for decrypting the black box. You hand me over to her, you'll be giving her the key to all of your government's darkest secrets," Ari instantly argued. He hadn't liked a single word Nikita had said as she caught him up on what was occurring. Yes, it was awful whenever Amanda had anybody kidnapped. However, that wasn't his problem anymore. Stefan was safe, Ari didn't owe Division anything else. He couldn't be their pawn. Especially since the world would end if he was.

"She had access to the box's contents before. We survived," Yes, absolutely, Amanda with a black box was a terrifying thought. Unlike Percy and Oversight, the need to rule the country and keep it from chaos didn't concern her. She wanted everything to burn, and the easiest way to do that would be to release the black box. But if she hadn't done that in the months she had had a decrypted black box, then there was no fear that she would do it the second she had Ari again. Division could have time to stop her before she began that plan. Hell, maybe during the exchange they could find a way to finally stop her.

"Yes, that's because I kept her in check. What do you think she'll do with that information now? She'll topple presidents. She'll cause global conflict. She'll wipe out Division without even blinking," Ari warned Nikita about the shitstorm about to come their way. In the past, he stopped Amanda from unleashing the hell in the box because he didn't actually want the world to burn. He might not have cared about the general population or any country, but he didn't want his son to suffer in the resulting chaos. Nikita was all about protecting the innocent; she had to see the danger there. Amanda couldn't have that power.

Honestly, Nikita didn't give two fucking shits about the world anymore. The Earth could stop moving, the country could burn down, wars could erupt at every corner. But as long as her loved ones were safe, she didn't give a shit. She was tired; she was so tired of always fighting and always running. When did she get to rest. When did she get to settle down. When did she get to have what she wanted. Amanda could rule the world for all she cared. As long as those she loved were safe, she could be happy, "That's tomorrow's problem. Today we save Alex."

Ari hadn't realized how tired Nikita appeared until then. It was as though she was dead on her feet, ready to collapse right then and there. No wonder she couldn't care about anything else. Focusing on rescuing Alex from Amanda was the extent of her limits at the moment. Ari wasn't even sure he could talk sense into her. But he had to try. Someone had to wake Nikita up so she could see the bigger picture. Because once she did, so would the rest of Division, "I'm assuming it's not even a consideration that you'll be signing my death warrant."

"You should have picked your girlfriend better," Nikita bit. The trouble Ari was in was his fault. He had gotten in bed with Amanda, and he had to deal with those consequences. Though, he was right. The instant the bitch had him in her claws and had him unlock the black box, she was going to kill him. Division probably shouldn't force Ari to face that. There had to be another way; there was always another way, "Of course, you can give us the password to the black box. That'll give us a chance to negotiate, give her the code without turning you over."

"Yes, I can't do that," If that had been a viable option, Ari would've already told Division his code for the black box. The less dealings he had with Amanda, the better of a chance he could have at living. Unfortunately, there was no code for the black box. Considering eventual betrayals was something the two were very good at. So, they had prepared for that. If there was no real code to use, then one couldn't stab the other in the back. Though, turning on one another had happened regardless. That was just the way it was.

"Why not?" Perplexed, Nikita wondered. Ari had told Division everything else he knew about Amanda. He told them about her hideouts, her soldiers, her weapons, her funds, everything. So why was he holding out then. He couldn't actually want Amanda to hurt Alex. He had shown no hatred or malice for the young heiress before. He also wanted nothing more than for the bitch to lose after she had betrayed him and gone after his son. So what could've possibly been holding him back. Why would he shy away from telling Division the truth then.

"Because I don't actually have the code. I am the code. It's a subliminal password. The security system only unlocks after I perform a series of tasks on the computer, very much like playing a video game. It's a double lock, so Amanda needs to do the same. The software detects patterns that we ourselves are unaware of," Ari explained. After Amanda had the black box decrypted, the two re-encrypted it together. They made certain that no one, not even themselves, could break into the box and release its secrets. That was partly how Ari had stopped Amanda from burning the world for so long. Yet he wouldn't be able to stop her any longer.

"You guys are just too clever for your own good, aren't you?" Sighing, Nikita finally collapsed in the chair across from Ari. Division couldn't go up against normal villains for once. Why did every single thing have to be so complex and insane. Yes, fine, the way they had encrypted the black box was smart. But it just made things so much more difficult. Couldn't Division have a softball mission, just once. Couldn't they save each other and be happy without all of that shit. Hadn't they been through enough.

Rolling his eyes, Ari decided not to engage in Nikita's sarcasm. The two would just be talking back and forth forever, never getting what they wanted. He had to be more clear about what was at stake. He might've been content with spending the rest of his life in jail, but that didn't mean he wanted to die. He hadn't given that much hope. Division couldn't sign his death warrant yet, especially while he was still around to say something, "Yes, while my death may be meaningless to you, there are a few things I'd like to point out."

"Relax, Ari. We are trading you for Alex. But we'll get you back. As much as you deserve it, we're not gonna let Amanda get her claws into you," Nikita decided. Although she hadn't really discussed that idea with the others- and she had mostly thought of it at that moment- she knew it was the right choice. Amanda couldn't win no matter what, and Ari had to face justice for what he had done- and that justice couldn't come from the bitch. After Alex was safe and sound, Division would get Ari back. He wasn't going to die that day.

"Why not?" Absolutely bewildered, Ari stared at Nikita. Was she really so exhausted that she had gone insane. Had she lost all sense when she had lost sleep. She had nearly killed him the week before while trying to stop the Crimson Resistance. Honestly, if it hadn't been for Michael, there was a good chance that she would've. So what could've possibly changed her mind. It couldn't have been information related. He had told Division everything he knew. And it couldn't have been because she suddenly liked him. Why change. Why not let him die.

"Because…" Mulling over her words, Nikita paused. She could give a million reasons why Amanda couldn't have Ari in her clutches. One, she couldn't have the password to the black box. Two, Ari needed to pay for his crimes and help clear Sean's name. Three, no one- not even another bastard like Ari- should ever be used in Amanda's games. And so on and so forth. But rather than express all that, Nikita closed her mouth. She wasn't in the mood to be logical. She was tired, worn out, and broken. She just wanted to run on pure emotion and rage. So, she finally let herself snap, "Fuck Amanda."

While Nikita was dealing with Ari, Ops waited for the coordinates from Amanda. The instant they had them, they could begin planning their exchange to get Alex back. Most of that planning would have to be spent on travel. There was no doubt that the bitch would pick a location that was difficult to reach. That assumption was confirmed when Birkhoff finally received the coordinates. He cursed once he tracked them, "Amanda sure knows how to choose her vacation spots. The coordinates she sent lead to South Ossetia. Look up 'hostile environment' in the dictionary, and I'm pretty sure they're using stock shots from here."

"War in '08 pretty much left the place a smoking ruin. Russians and Georgians are still in armed conflict, and organized crime groups are profiting from the chaos," Michael shared what he knew of South Ossetia. It seemed like the perfect place for Amanda to set up operations. She fit right into the crime, manipulation of power, and atrocities. She could also hide herself and Alex pretty easily among the war torn land and the people who had been so traumatized they turned apathetic. It was going to be hell bringing Alex back from that. But could Division really expect anything different with Amanda involved.

"It's like the Wild West, if the Wild West had and vodka," Birkhoff couldn't help but comment. It was a gross oversimplification of what was actually occurring in South Ossetia. Yet some of the stressful tension in the room had to be broken. The thought of Alex being kidnapped by Amanda had sent Sean on multiple spirals that led Michael to tell him to leave the room and walk off. The others couldn't freak out as well. They had to keep their heads. They had to relax and stay on top of their game. That was what was going to help save Alex.

"That's why she picked this place for the meet. She's out of manpower. This levels the playing field," Ryan was easily able to guess why Amanda chose to exchange Alex for Ari in South Ossetia rather than stay in Geneva and not risk traveling. With Ari and his money and resources gone, Amanda was struggling. She didn't have the army she once had. So if she truly wanted to take on Division and continue raising hell, she had to get creative. The location she had picked was about as creative and desperate as one could get. Which made her as equally dangerous as she had been before.

"Great. We'll go in small and quiet, just Nikita and Sean," Michael nodded. American agents could not be caught sneaking around in South Ossetia. To keep themselves and Alex safe, it was best to keep the rescue team small. Sean was the obvious choice for the team. Not only would it be impossible to get him to stay in Division while Alex was in danger, but he also had the training to survive the Wild West. Nikita had the same passion and training to rescue Alex. However, Michael was less sure about her going. She had been so tired lately. And she had been hiding things, like what had happened in the fire. She might not be able to handle the mission.

"And Owen," After a few moments of thought, Ryan added. He hadn't seen Owen since he returned to Division. Michael had said there was an issue with him, but he never expanded on it- probably because he was distracted by what happened to Alex. Whatever the issue was, though, it didn't matter. Another agent was needed for the operation, and Ryan decided it should be Owen. His Cleaner skills could come in handy. He could stay in the background while Sean and Nikita exchanged Ari for Alex so Amanda wouldn't affect him. But he'd still be there to provide backup and do what needed to be done.

Michael was already shaking his head before he could actually argue. No way. Absolutely no way was Owen going on that mission. There were three hundred other agents in Division to choose from besides him. Yes, they didn't have the same skills as him. Yes, they weren't close with Alex. And yes, they didn't work as well with Sean and Nikita. But Owen couldn't jeopardize that mission. He had already screwed up enough. Alex's rescue mission couldn't be added to the list, "Owen's in lockup. I put him there after he assaulted a guard."

"We need him. We're taking a flight risk through a hostile theater. It's more than a two-man op," Ryan definitely needed the full story behind why Owen had assaulted a guard. However, Michael could tell him while Ari, Sean, Nikita, and Owen were on a jet bound for South Ossetia. The former Cleaner needed to be out in the field with the former rogue and former Seal. It was their best chance to save Alex. And to stop Amanda from doing whatever she needed Ari and the black box for.

"The guy's a bull. I thought you wanted to go in quietly," Michael continued to argue. Owen's stupidity and rashness had recently almost gotten Nikita killed- it was a miracle she had been pulled out of that fire in time. In South Ossetia with Ari, Amanda, and unknown variables, it would be so much worse. Nikita could die, and so could Alex, or Sean, or an innocent bystander. Michael was a better choice for the op than Owen, even with his unreliable prosthetic. He at least wouldn't get anyone killed.

"Owen will be fine, and we could use him when we recover Ari," Joining the men around Birkhoff's computer, Nikita chimed in. There were other agents in Division that could help her and Sean rescue Alex. But there were none that she trusted more than her team. It was a risk bringing Owen along with his fucked up connection with Amanda. However, Nikita trusted his skills and his need to help the team and protect Alex would outweigh that. He had to come along. For that mission, it was worth the risk.

Ryan, Michael, and Birkhoff all fell silent upon hearing Nikita's plan. Even Sean, who returned to the group after being forced to get some air so he could calm down, stared at her in confusion. What was she talking about. They had made no plans to recover Ari. Once they made the switch for Alex, that was it. They'd bring her home and ensure she was safe. Once they were positive she was okay, then they'd begin their revenge on Amanda. She'd pay for what she had done- of course she would. And so would Ari. Just not on that mission, "We're recovering Ari?"

"After we get Alex back. We can't let Amanda use him to unlock the box," Nikita replied to Michael- the one who had managed to fight through his confusion first. The purpose of the mission remained the same. Alex had to be saved, and she had to be brought home. Yet after the team succeeded in that, then they could recover Ari. Nikita only shared her most logical reasoning for why they had to get him back. She didn't think 'fuck Amanda' would persuade the others as much as it had Ari. Yet her point remained the same. The bitch couldn't dig her claws into Alex or Ari. Both had to be rescued.

"Right, but Alex is the priority," Sean actually found himself agreeing easily with Nikita. Obviously, saving Alex was the priority. If recovering Ari jeopardized that, then they shouldn't do it. But once Alex was returned safely to Sean's arms, his next mission was to kill the bitch. Taking Ari away from her so she couldn't destroy the world with the black box would be the perfect way to knock her down before the team finally finished her off. Amanda couldn't have what she wanted. She couldn't win. So, Division needed to recover Ari. Just as long as Alex was safe and sound first.

Alex could barely peel her eyes open. She was slowly- very slowly- gaining consciousness, but she couldn't open her eyes. It took several blinks and far more effort than it should've just for her to quickly look around before her eyes shut again. She had hoped a quick glance would've helped her. Instead, she felt more confused. And panicked. The last thing she remembered was fighting with Amanda in the police car. What had happened afterwards. Did she win. Did Amanda still have her. Was she safe. Was she alright. Where was she, "Where am I?"

"Don't worry about that now. Be careful. You have been given a lot of sedatives. Phenobarbital, I think, probably some painkillers too," A woman answered Alex's muttered question. Honestly, she hadn't expected someone to answer her. She simply thought that asking that outloud would force her to finally open her eyes and take a good look around. The fact that she had heard a real response startled her. Alex snapped upright, frantically attempting to figure out what was going on. Gently, the woman held her back down and soothed her. She didn't want Alex straining herself. She needed her to relax.

Fear, confusion, and adrenaline helped Alex keep her eyes open. She was finally able to get a good look around the room she was in. She kind of wished she didn't. The room was dirty, desolate, and could quite possibly pass as a horror movie set. Alex couldn't focus on it long. She was going to freak herself out way too much. So, instead, she looked at the woman hovering over her. Alex didn't recognize her. However, she looked so nice and comforting. And she was so gentle with her touch. Alex was soon able to calm down and ask, "Are you a doctor?"

"A medic. I'm Larissa," Larissa smiled softly. Her answer didn't appease Alex's confusion. Yet she continued to calm. Despite what was happening, she was at least in good hands. Or so she briefly thought. She glanced over at what Larissa had been fiddling with and began to panic again. Some kind of drug was being pumped into her veins, and she had to get it out. She couldn't be drugged up again. However, as she moved to tear the needle out, Larissa stopped her. She continued to be gentle as she explained, "It's just saline. You have been out for over twenty-four hours. They told me to watch you, make sure you didn't stop breathing."

Alex continued to struggle to sit upright. Although her muscles were sore and heavy, and her mind seemed more mush than thought, she had to get herself off that bed. She knew she wasn't safe. She didn't recognize where she was, but she definitely knew it wasn't Division. She had to get out of there. She had to make it back to her team. If only her body would listen to her mind. Why couldn't she actually command herself. Had she really been out of it for a whole day- that didn't seem right. Something had to have been going on. Something had to have been wrong. Alex needed to know more. Maybe that'd finally help her move, "Who?"

That question was answered immediately and clearly. With a clack of her high heels against the cracked floor, Amanda stepped into the room. Larissa instantly slank away from Alex's bed, wanting nowhere near that conversation. Alex didn't blame her. If she could shrink away, she would. Instead, she strained herself to sit upright and glare at the bitch. Amanda was completely unfazed by the look. She simply smiled cruelly, "Hello, Alexandra. How are you feeling? I can't have you dying on me now. You're the key to getting everything I want."