REC: Tick Tock by Nikita31J7

[abby82]

Title: TICK TOCK
Author: NIKITA31J7
Characters: Michael, Nikita, Birkoff
Rating: PG-13
Length: 1051 words
Content Notes: None Apply
Author Links: Author on Livejournal

Summary: 'Close' only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades

Why this must be read: You know what I really love? Stories that take place during Nikita's two year training period. Cool training montage aside, I kinda felt cheated that we never got more time covering that period. That's where this story comes in and it's done so well that I kinda take it as canon. This story covers Nikita's computer training with Birkoff and expands on the deleted scene where she's doing everything but pay attention to his instruction. This story also has the added bonus of interweaving some subtle exploration of Michael's blood cover. Nikita's training coincides with the birth of Adam so it's interesting to see how Michael is pulled in these different directions. I really felt like I stumbled upon a treasure trove when I found this author's livejournal page. I'm in hardcore grabby hands with her fic. I need more. Elena and Adam constantly figure into her stories, even if they're in the periphery. If that's your jam, then you're in for a real treat.

Excerpt: "Nikita had attitude; enough for ten recruits, but she was all over the board. Makoto she liked, and worked hard to please. Walter she challenged, though she was now performing above par. Even progress in her ‘deportment’ lessons with Madeline, while not yet overriding 19 years of neglect, was acceptable; and beneficial. Madeline had instructed Michael to introduce her to Nikita as her “new mother”; and the ploy seemed to be effective. Nikita, though still wary, was forming a sort of maternal or familial connection with Madeline, which the older woman would no doubt later exploit.

It was in Systems that Nikita was failing dismally. Not only did she not follow Birkoff’s instructions, she completely ignored his presence; snapping her gum and rolling around in her chair during her “lessons.” Michael couldn’t seem to make her realize that tactical knowledge was even more important than field work if Nikita wanted to survive as a Cold Op. It wasn’t as if she couldn’t learn; she was certainly intelligent enough. For some reason she just wouldn’t, and that was going to get her cancelled. At five pm tomorrow, barring a miracle.

Nikita was in Systems now; draped over the arms of her chair and spinning in lazy circles. Birkoff couldn’t even get near her. Not that he wanted to after she’d held a stylus to his jugular. Prodigy, genius; whatever his reputation, Birkoff was a skittish 17-year old kid around Nikita."

Link: TICK TOCK by NIKITA31J7