The entire time Nikita informed Michael and Birkhoff of the damaging intel she had against Division, she paced. She couldn't stand still. She also couldn't look at the two. She just let her rage fuel her, unwilling to focus on anything else. Her growling stomach and scratchy throat certainly called for her attention. But she wouldn't give in to their demands. She didn't want to eat or drink. She only wanted to keep moving- keep running. And the sooner she told the rogues everything, the sooner she could escape their damn safehouse, "That's all I know."
"That's all you know? Or that's all you're willing to share?" Michael challenged her. Nikita finally stopped moving to glare at him. She didn't even have to tell him and Birkhoff about the changes in Division or the operations that were in the works while she was there. She could've left them in the dark- left and never seen them again. They didn't get to be picky about what she told them. The two should've been grateful she decided to talk, especially after what Michael had said to her. She should've just slapped him and been done with it. But a part of her knew he was right. She wanted Division to burn for what they did to her.
"They're gonna kill General Safwani at the Wykland Hotel today at six. There will be four agents. Who they are, I don't know. I was supposed to pick them out, but I bailed. Figure it out when you save him," Highlighting the most important information, Nikita bit. She gave Birkhoff and Michael enough intel for them to form countermissions and cause real damage. She completed her side of the deal. She could be done, even if the part of her that wanted to burn Division screamed, "Oh. And if you really want to stick it to Percy, tell Safwani the oil companies hired Division."
That was it. Nikita had said what she needed to; she could leave. So why did she have to force herself to pull away. She was going to blame her exhaustion, and the fact that she had to find the laundry room to collect her cleaned clothes. Although she didn't have a lot of clothes (so, any pair of underwear she had counted), that shouldn't have been her concern. She could make up for her loss. Without even a nod of goodbye to the rogues, she began to head towards where she thought the exit was. Michael tried to reach for her as she slipped from his grasp, "Where are you going? We need your help planning."
"And, if we want to interfere with Division's frequency tonight, I need to set something up at the hotel," After a moment of tense hesitation, Birkhoff added. His words actually got Nikita to stop in her tracks. She knew Michael would say anything to make her stay. Maybe she should listen to him. He obviously had her best intentions in mind. What was that moment in the hallway, after all. She didn't want to think about it. Everything was easier if she focused on rage. It would be simpler if she could finally escape it all.
"Fine. I'll show the nerd around and what the proposed entry points are. After that, I'm serious. I'm gone and you don't find me," Nikita agreed to one last stipulation. She made certain Michael stayed away from her, however. Something about him kept pulling her back- kept easing her anger. She had to shake him loose. She also had to get out of his sweats. While she changed into her cleaned clothes, Birkhoff gathered the equipment he needed. Michael didn't say anything, yet the look in his downcast eyes clued the hacker in on his thoughts. They had to do everything in their power to make her stay. The nerd sighed.
It wasn't his intention to help Nikita. Birkhoff couldn't understand why Michael wanted to so badly. It wasn't as though they were friends. That bridge had been burned long ago. Maybe it was simply because having a rogue Nikita as an ally gave them an edge. Her knowledge was power. The Safwani countermission was already shaping up nicely with her intel. The rogues could have a real shot at Division with her help. A lot would have to be worked through to reach that point, however, "Look. I don't trust you. But Michael thinks you're worth it, for some reason. He needs you to help take down Division. I can't be both a super hacker and his partner."
Nikita didn't react to his words. She stayed focused on assisting Birkhoff set-up his tech. She hadn't uttered a word beyond what was necessary. Most of that was her anger. Yet she was also deeply confused about what she was doing, and what she intended to do next. Yes, she was going to run. But, was she really going to get high again. That didn't sit right with her. The only thing that did seem right was giving intel to the rogues, "After the Safwani hit, Percy will be in DC at that Senatorial fundraiser. I was supposed to go as arm candy. Glad I dodged that bullet. But, uh, if you really want to kill Percy, that's your chance."
"Thanks, Nik," Birkhoff was genuine with his appreciation. He was also surprised. Nikita just shrugged. She had to tell him. Killing Percy in a public place was a longshot, especially with only one day to plan. But the chance had to be taken. She wanted the two rogues to take it. The bastard would die, then Amanda, then Division. Everyone could have revenge, and there would be no more suffering. Nikita was content with that, turning to walk away for good. Except, once more, she was stopped by good intentions, "Mind telling me where you're going next?"
If Nikita's back wasn't turned towards Birkhoff, he would've seen her smug 'I have a plan' grin. He should've expected it, regardless. Of course she wouldn't tell him anything. She would stalk towards him, however, eyes alight with mischief. Weight had been lifted from her shoulders; she could feel a piece of herself again. The nerd barely caught a glimpse of it, however. The next thing he knew, he was gaining consciousness in a park, his tech bag around his neck, and his body taped to a rocking horse. At least his cellphone was turned on. All he had to do was tap the screen with his foot, "Hey, Mikey. We're all good to go. But I need your help."
Michael was quick to answer the call. He tracked Birkhoff's location, and sped on his way to meet him. The hacker had been far too quiet far too long for the agent's liking. He feared something had happened- he feared it involved Nikita. Yet, when he arrived at the park, he had to stifle his laughter. Nikita struck alright. Fortunately, it was a harmless move. She more than likely duct taped Birkhoff to the springy rocking horse so he wouldn't follow her as she finally ran. Michael rolled his eyes and hid a chuckle, "Good to know she's still excessive."
"Why were you trying so hard to help her anyway?" Birkhoff huffed. Michael didn't respond. As he focused on cutting through the duct tape and ensuring his friend didn't fall flat on his back, the reality of the situation weighed down on him. Nikita might've shown she could still be ridiculous and playful, but she was long gone. She refused help or a life to live. She'd rather run than find comfort. Though, what he was doing wasn't finding comfort either. At least he knew he was worth living- somewhat. Michael was lucky Birkhoff was there to interrupt him from his thoughts. At least enough to read them, "She relapsed didn't she?"
"I just hope she doesn't do anything else destructive," Quietly, Michael muttered. He should've known Birkhoff would've come to that conclusion eventually. It wasn't as though it wasn't obvious. Unlike them, going rogue had broken Nikita. She was forced to escape hell again, and again she didn't believe she could handle it. Shaking his head, Michael cleared away those thoughts. There was nothing he could do about that then. Freeing his friend had to take precedence. He swiped his pocket knife through one last layer of tape, and Birkhoff went flying backwards. Both probably would've laughed had grave seriousness not settled on their shoulders.
Aimlessly wandering the city was a bad idea. Nikita strived with goals in mind. She'd do one thing, then the next, then she'd reap the rewards. What real rewards came from running from the rogues, however. She was exactly where she was after escaping foster care and Division. She was alone on the streets, susceptible to anything she could use to harm herself. Except, unlike the past, she knew she was better than that. Michael somehow got that through to her. He let her know she was better, and that she could have a goal to set her sights on. Revenge had felt blissfully amazing when she had gouged out Brandt's eye. What other bliss could she achieve.
Helping save Safwani and giving Michael a chance to kill Percy covered Nikita on the Division front. But, her rage extended deeper than that hellhole. Amanda couldn't be touched just yet- mainly because she had no idea how to get to the bitch without getting killed first. And the concept of Oversight alone was over her head. Fortunately, there was someone far more local she could enact her vengeance on. Years of pain could be eradicated with one simple act. She could feel bliss with the pull of the trigger. She actually had the power to kill Gary, "Hi, Daddy."
Pouring all of his attention on the mission distracted Michael from Nikita. He had to wrap his head around the fact that some people just didn't want to be saved. He had tried his best. He spoke from his heart; he helped get her clean. But if she was going to run, then she was going to run. Despite the fact that she had opened up to him in return- that she had been so soft and sincere when she saw how much he was hurting- he couldn't force her to stay. He just had to hope his words got through to her. He also had to hope that the intel she gave him and Birkhoff was solid enough for a damaging mission. He bet it was, though. She wouldn't lead him astray.
All of her intel and assistance held up during Safwani's rescue mission. Michael did hit a snag when he ran into Roan, but luckily Birkhoff was able to run interference and help him out. The General was saved, and was able to present the information of what happened to the UN. That should shed some light on Division and make Percy scared. But Michael couldn't get too far ahead of himself. He had to intercept the bastard at that Senatorial fundraiser. It wasn't to kill him as Nikita had believed he would do, however. He had to get intel from him first.
However, as Michael made his approach towards Percy, a surprise waltzed through the door. Nikita marched up to the bastard, plastering on a fake smile. She cleaned up well; she looked nothing like the woman he had found on the streets. Michael was stunned. Percy didn't flinch. Until, she detonated a car bomb outside and pulled her gun. Chaos erupted. Undercover Division agents emerged, prepared to kill Nikita before her mission was complete. She attempted to fight, but the other rogue in the room shoved her away. He dragged her with him to the back alley, while the guests rushed to the front. She tried to evade him, but he persisted, "Nikita!"
Although she didn't want to stop, his voice held her back. Why couldn't she figure out how Michael had such an effect on her. Nikita wanted to completely blame the moment they had had in the hallway. Two people couldn't have a heart to heart like that and expect things to be normal between them. Except, she knew the weight of their relationship extended past that. There were years of push and pull that drove her insane. Why couldn't he make his intentions clear right off the bat. And why couldn't she think straight enough to understand him, "What the fuck, Michael! I had him. All of this could've been over."
"No it wouldn't have. We can't kill Percy. Not yet," Michael shouted in return. He probably should've told her that before. Hell, Birkhoff could've said something when she gave them the tip. Except, in their defense, no one expected Nikita to try and kill Percy. She had been laying low for months. One day with the rogues couldn't have changed her mind that much. She had dragged her feet in assisting them that morning, so how was it by night that she was willing to kill Percy. Something else was going on with her. If only she would talk to him.
"Then why are you here?" Nikita sounded as though she was accusing him. Accusing him of what, even she wasn't quite sure. Michael could guess that it was the fact that he wanted her to talk when he wouldn't either. But, really, she simply couldn't get control over her emotions. She hadn't healed from the stress and hell she had put her body through- she still hadn't truly eaten or drank water. She was only jumping from one point to the next, never allowing herself to think, be, or heal. Her confusion and rage had reached its peak, and she was ready to explode. How had she rationalized that that was better than drugs.
"To bug him. Find out where the black boxes are," Keeping his voice low, Michael admitted. Nikita stared blankly at him. It surprised him how much she didn't know about Division. Although she was the star agent, she wasn't allowed into Percy's or Amanda's inner circle. Maybe they had learned their lesson after he went rogue. They controlled the amount of information, so no one could come after them. That was part of the reason the rogues were dying for more intel. Nikita could still help with that, "Percy has evidence of all of Division's jobs on harddrives. The second his heart stops, those secrets get released. This country won't recover."
"Who cares?" Attempting to match his hushed tone backfired. People were going to overhear, and the protection of the alley wouldn't last. But, again, who cared. Nikita wanted her revenge. She wanted Michael to get justice for his family. She wanted to save others like she couldn't save Alex. The only way to do that was to kill Percy. That clarity came to her after she shot Gary. Monsters needed to be removed from the world. Since she was a monster too, she was perfect for the job. Vengeance and justice would be met, and she'd fade away for good.
"I care. You think killing Percy is the only way to save innocents? First his secrets go away, then him. You can help us do that," How had they gotten so close. Somehow, without the two even noticing, they had moved so close that their chests brushed with each heated breath. Michael suddenly became aware of Nikita's proximity as he pleaded once more for her to stay. He should've pulled away- given her space. But he couldn't. She had to see the sincerity in his eyes. She had to know what he was offering her was real.
A part of her was very much aware of what she should do. To actually serve justice, to save people, to be better, to take care of herself, she knew she had to go with Michael. Yet Nikita hadn't allowed herself to think for so long, she wasn't sure how to start then. Her emotions were guiding her. Instead of another hit for relief, she was grasping for revenge. It was the same kind of destructive bliss. She simply had more control over it. Nikita was cognizant of her choices. Her head was clear enough for her to know just how much she was shoving Michael away from her, "You destroy Percy and Amanda your way. I'll kill them mine."