(Disclaimers will follow at the end of the story.)

North was sitting in her office going over the day's reports when her phone rang.

"North here." She listened for a few moments. "Oh no. Okay, I'll be right there. Thanks for calling." She hung up the phone and immediately started dialing again.

Ten minutes later, Kit, Trace, Aly, Rita, Curlly, Stacyj, Sylvia and Nabiki were gathered in North's office. North addressed the solemn group.

"I just received a phone call from an FBI agent. It appears that Sherry has been attacked. She is in a hospital not too far from here. She seems to be in very bad shape. She was unconscious when he found her, and she hasn't regained consciousness yet. Since she hasn't been able to tell anyone what happened, he is assuming that someone attacked her and pushed her down a flight of stairs. I'm going down there right now. You are welcome to come with me, but I will need some of you to stay here and get in touch with Michael. He's out on a mission. I"m not sure when he'll be back, but you should tell him as soon as he gets in."

The girls discussed it among themselves for a bit and then Trace spoke. "Since I'm co-mom of this group, I'll stay here to look after things. Stacyj and Nabiki have offered to stay here and inform Michael when he gets back. The others are going with you. But please, keep us informed."

"You know we will, Trace," Kit answered. Then North, Kit, Aly, Rita, Curlly and Sylvia headed for the hospital.

As they were en route to the hospital, Rita voiced the question everyone was asking. "Why would someone attack Sherry? Do you think it had something to do with Section? And what was the FBI doing looking for her?"

Aly agreed. "I was wondering the same thing. It's not good that the FBI was looking for her, is it?"

North sighed. "No, it's not. But, we don't know if they were. Perhaps he just happened by and found her. Or maybe he was going to see someone else in her building. As for the others, if it was Section related, we have to get her out of that hospital and into medlab immediately. Operations will hit the roof if Section is compromised."

Once they arrived at the hospital, North let the girls out and went to find a parking space. Kit went to the desk to ask where their friend was. They were told she was in the ICU ward on the second floor. As soon as North joined them, they headed upstairs.

The ICU Unit took up a huge portion of the second floor. There was a central nurses' station surrounded by what looked to be about 20 critical care rooms. Each room was equipped with all types of life-saving machinery and equipment. Each patient was monitored closely at the nurses station.

North was about to approach the nurses station to find out which room was Sherry's when she looked around and saw Mentz guarding one of the rooms. They she looked around a little more closely. Discretely stationed here and there around the floor were Davenport, Snow and Taylor. She hadn't noticed before, but she assumed there were others similarly positioned throughout the first and second floors of the hospital. Operations was taking this threat very seriously.

North turned to the others and pointed to Mentz. "I guess we don't have to wonder which room is hers." The others looked around as well and noticed some of Section's finest handling surveillance and protection. "Wow," Curlly said. "This must be serious. Do you see who's here?"

The others nodded. Just then, a very handsome man came out of Sherry's room. He was tall, well built with short, wavy brown hair, and very well dressed. He noticed Mentz sitting outside the door to Sherry's room and stopped. "Who are you and what are you doing here?" the man asked him. Mentz looked up and simply answered, "I'm with security." The man stared at him for a moment and then asked for ID. Mentz pulled an ID badge from his pocket and showed it to him. He nodded, handed it back to Mentz and then said, "Good. If you see anything at all suspicious, let me know." Then the man headed to the nurses station.

North decided it was time to find out who this man was. She walked up to him. "Excuse me. I just saw you coming out of Sherry's room. Are you the FBI agent who found her?"

John Grant stopped and looked at the group of women standing next to him. "Yes, I am. I take it you are Northstar?"

North nodded her head. "Yes, I'm Sherry's ... cousin." She hoped he didn't pick up on the slight pause before she had said cousin.

John nodded at them. "I'm John Grant. I'm with the FBI."

Kit spoke up. "How is she? Has there been any change?"

John sighed. "No, she's still unconscious. They ran a bunch of tests but so far no change. I was just coming to check with the nurse to see if she could tell me anything."

Kit nodded. "Allow me." She walked over to the nurses station and introduced herself. "Hello, I'm Kit. I am here to see Sherry. Could you please tell me what her condition is?"

The nurse looked at her sympathetically. "I'm sorry. Are you family?" Kit hesitated for a second and then replied. "Yes. I'm her sister. And I'm a nurse. So, if you could please tell me what is going on ..."

The nurse apologized. "I"m sorry. Of course. Your sister had a terrible fall down a flight of stairs. She took a nasty blow to the head. She is still unconscious. We have taken x-rays and a cat scan. The doctor should be around shortly with the results. She has stabilized, but she is still critical. That's all I can tell you right now." Kit thanked the nurse and then returned to the others.

"They've done x-rays and a cat scan. She is stable but critical. We don't have the results of the tests yet. The doctor should be here soon. I'm going in to see her. North, are you coming?"

North nodded and then turned to the others. "I think we should take shifts sitting with her. She will want to know someone is with her and, we can't be too careful."

John Grant was puzzled by that last remark, but he let it slide. Perhaps they were worried the jerk that did this would show up and try again. Well, not if he had anything to say about it. He wasn't leaving until he knew she was out of the woods. He had already contacted his team members and asked them to check it out, find out what they could.

After Curlly, Rita, Sylvia and Aly were seated, John went back into Sherry's room. North and Kit watched him enter. There was something more to this John Grant. He seemed a bit too interested for an FBI agent on a case. North decided to dig a little. "So John. What would the FBI want with Sherry?"

John looked over to North and smiled. "Actually, they don't. Want her, I mean. Sherry and I had dinner plans this evening. I was coming to pick her up and found her laying at the bottom of the stairs."

Kit turned to looked at North. Interesting. Sherry had dinner plans with this handsome FBI agent? Why hadn't she told them? They would definitely have to grill her when she woke up.

Kit asked John how long he had known Sherry. "Oh, it's been a few years. We dated for a while. We haven't seen a lot of each other, especially since she's taken that top level government job, but we keep in touch. We get together every once in a while for dinner or a movie or something.

Kit, remembering that she was supposed to be Sherry's sister, said "Okay. Now I think I remember her talking about you. It's nice to see that you've remained friends."

John nodded. "Yeah. I don't have many female friends. She is a special lady. There's not much she wouldn't do for her friends, and vice versa."

North and Kit both nodded. John apparently knew her well.

************

Out in the waiting area, another man entered. He was handsome, tall and lanky, with dark hair. He was wearing a long, dark overcoat. He had Fed written all over him. Aly, Sylvia, Rita and Curlly watched him.

As he approached, he noticed the heavy security that seemed to be in place. Oh, they were very discreet to be sure, but he could spot them a mile away. He had more than his share of dealings with secret government agencies and he knew how they operated. When he arrived at the nurses station, he flashed his badge. "I'm Agent Mulder with the FBI. I'm here to see Sherry. Could you tell me how she is?"

The nurse sighed. It was gonna be a long day if FBI agents kept wandering in to see her patient. She must be someone mighty important to have the FBI so interested and security standing outside her door. "She is still unconscious. We don't have the test results yet. One of your friends is already here. Agent Grant. He's in with her now. Her sister and cousin are with her as well.

Aly had been listening to the conversation. Another FBI agent? What was going on? "Did you guys hear him? Another FBI agent. Is Sherry in some kind of trouble? Operations is gonna go ballistic. I hope Michael gets here soon. He'll know how to handle this." Rita, Sylvia and Curlly nodded.

Fox Mulder walked into Sherry's room and noticed the people in the room. He had a passing acquaintance with John Grant. And neither of the women seated in the room were Sherry's sister. He had met her and she was not here. Who were these women? Probably more of that secret government group that was so pervasive here today. He'd have to keep an eye on things.

John Grant noticed Mulder walk in the room and snorted. "Mulder. What brings you here? I can assure you there are no extraterrestrials in this room or in the immediate vicinity."

Mulder ignored him and turned to the ladies. "Hello. I'm Fox Mulder with the FBI. I just heard about what happened. How is she doing?"

Kit handled the introductions. "I'm Kit, Sherry's sister and this is North, her cousin. She's stable but critical. We'll know more when the doctor arrives with her test results." Fox studied the women closely. They appeared to be genuinely concerned for Sherry, but he knew they were lying. At least the one who claimed to be her sister was.

Kit noticed the agent studying her. Perhaps he knew Sherry better than they thought. Maybe he knows her sister. That's it, Kit thought, he knows I'm lying. Kit turned to North. "I think maybe we should let Aly and Rita or Curlly and Sylvia come in for a while. If you gentlemen will excuse us."

Both men nodded and watched them leave. Mulder then turned to Grant. "What are you doing here?"

"We were supposed to be having dinner together. I'm the one who found her." Fox almost laughed. "You were having dinner with her? I thought she had better taste than that."

John was losing patience. "Listen Mulder. At least I'm a normal guy. I'm not all caught up in alien conspiracies. By the way, what are YOU doing here?"

"I told you. I just heard and came to see how she was doing. We've been friends for a long time." John nodded, accepting his explanation.

Kit and North were filling the others in on the developments inside the room. "I think Agent Mulder knows I'm lying about being her sister," Kit said. "I'm not sure why he didn't call me on it, but he knows."

North thought about it for a minute. "Well, if he is friends with her like he says, then I'm sure he knows she's involved in some serious top level government job. He wouldn't want to blow any cover that might have been established for her. Besides, he's with the FBI. I'm sure he knows how these things work."

************

Just then a tall, dark haired handsome man wearing a white doctor's coat marched up to the nurses desk. He too, had noticed the extra security that seemed to be in place. Of course, he knew the reason for it. "Hello. I'm Dr. Jarod Miles. I'm Sherry's personal physician. I will be taking over her case. I want her test results now."

The girls all exchanged glances. "Personal physician?" Rita asked. "Since when does she have a personal physician? And if she did, it would be someone from Section. I've never seen this man before."

"Neither have I," North admitted. "It seems we have yet another player in this little drama. Aly, Rita, I suggest the two of you get in there as quickly as possible and find out what's up. When Dr. Miles has the test results, I want him to tell all of us."

Aly and Rita nodded and headed into Sherry's room. They noticed the two FBI agents were not getting along very well when they entered her room. Aly introduced them. "Hello again, Agent Grant. I'm Aly, and this is Rita. We are Sherry's friends." John nodded. "Call me John. This is Agent Fox Mulder. He's a friend of hers as well."

Aly and Rita sat by Sherry's bed. John nodded out the door and Fox agreed. "Ladies, we will just wait outside with the others. If there is any change, let us know." Rita nodded and then she and Aly started talking to Sherry, hoping to bring her around.

A few moments later, a nurse handed Jarod a chart. Her perused it carefully and then entered her room. He had noticed the two women entering Sherry's room earlier. He also knew there was a group of interested friends, including two FBI agents waiting outside. He would have to be very careful.

He checked the machines monitoring Sherry and then checked her vitals once again. He had a deep frown on his face. Aly noticed and called him on it. "Doctor, what is it? Is she going to be okay?" Jarod motioned for them to follow him out of the room. Then he walked over to the rest of the group awaiting word on her condition.

"I believe you are all here for Sherry?" When everyone nodded, he continued. "I'm Dr. Jarod Miles. I have her test results here. There seems to be a problem."

North stood up. "What is it? What problem?"

Jarod continued. "Well, the x-rays and cat scan show no significant damage. She had a definite bump on the head, and she has lacerations and contusions, but nothing that would keep her unconscious for so long. It appears that she is slipping into a coma. Her vital signs are decreasing. Right now we don't have any idea of what would be causing this."

Kit, grateful for her nurses training, asked. "Have you run any blood work yet?" Jarod smiled. "That is my next order of business. I was just about to order it." Kit nodded. Jarod knew he was risking his cover, but he had to ask. "Do any of you know of any medical problems she's been having recently? Any conditions I should know about?"

The group had all heard him tell the attending nurse that he was her personal physician. So why was he asking about this? Shouldn't he already be aware of her medical condition?

Kit finally answered. "No, we haven't noticed anything and she hasn't made us aware of any problems other than the migraines she experiences occasionally." Jarod nodded and went to give the nurse the orders about her blood tests. As soon as he was finished, North walked up to him and pulled him to the side.

"Okay, Dr. Miles. Spill. I know you aren't her personal physician. Are you even a doctor?" Jarod sighed. He knew he was risking a lot, but he had to answer. He only hoped he could convince them to keep quiet. "You're right. I'm not her personal physician. But I am a very good friend. She helped me out of a very difficult situation once, and we've been close ever since. She's probably the closest friend I've ever had. And yes, I do have medical training." North listened carefully and knew he was being honest with her.

"Okay, fine. So, what do you think the problem is?" Jarod sighed and answered truthfully. "I don't know for sure, but I have a suspicion. I'm not going to speculate though, until I have those test results. Now, why don't you go back there and convince your friends that I'm not here to do Sherry any bodily harm."

North smiled and nodded. "Thanks, Doctor." Jarod smiled and answered. "Your welcome. And please, call me Jarod." Jarod then headed back into Sherry's room to check on her.

North explained the situation to her friends and they relaxed. Curlly joked, "Boy, she certainly is lucky. Just look at all the handsome men that are coming out of the woodwork!" The girls all laughed and agreed. John and Fox just smiled.

************

Curlly and Sylvia then went to sit with Sherry a while. A short time later, a very tall, dark haired handsome devil dressed in Navy dress whites rushed into the ICU unit. Rita turned to Kit. "Someone is certainly lucky. Look at that guy. Wow!" They listened as he asked the nurse for Sherry's room. "I'm her attorney. Is it okay if I see her?"

The girls all started laughing. "Her attorney? Dressed in Navy dress whites?"

Harmon Raab, Jr. walked into Sherry's room. He noticed the young women sitting by her side. "Hello. I'm Harmon Raab. I'm her attorney. How's she doing?"

Curlly and Sylvia introduced themselves shook hands with the handsome lawyer and then sighed. "Not well, I'm afraid. The doctor says she's slipping into a coma and they can't understand why. The cat scan and x-rays didn't show any reason for it. Now we're waiting for her blood test results."

Harm nodded and then reached down and took Sherry's hand. "Hey there, Sher. What are you doing in here? You're supposed to be the hard-headed one, remember. Now come on and wake up. I'm not gonna let you get out of our flying date so easily. No way. Some little bump on the head is not gonna stop us. No way. So just get yourself awake here and out of this bed. And if I have to make it an order, I will."

Curlly almost cried at the sound of his voice. He was apparently a very close personal friend of Sherry's. How did she have all these men at her beck and call, anyway? Two FBI agents, a doctor, and a Navy Commander? And then, there's always Michael. What a lucky lady!

Curlly and Sylvia slipped out of the room to give them a few private moments. They walked up to the others. Sylvia explained. "He seems to be a very close friend of hers. He was almost in tears talking to her in there. I had to get out before I started bawling like a baby."

The others were intrigued as well. "Well, he told the nurse he was her lawyer. Now, how he expects us to believe that when he's apparently a Navy lawyer, I don't know."

A nurse went into Sherry's room to change her IV and check her vital signs. Harm came out and walked over to Curlly. Then he noticed the whole group sitting there. "So are you all here for Sherry?" They all nodded and then he spoke. "She's a lucky lady to have so many friends." Before North could speak, Agent Grant beat her to it. "So, I heard you tell the nurse you were her lawyer. How can that be? She's not in the military."

Harm sighed. "By the way, I'm Harm. Harmon, Raab. And yes, I'm a JAG lawyer. We've known each other for a long time. Years. We dated when I was in law school. And there have been a few times when she's asked for my legal advice. It was just a small stretch to call myself her lawyer. We had plans to meet up next week to go flying and have a picnic. As soon as I heard on the news what had happened, I came down to check on her."

Kit almost yelled. "This was on the news? Oh man. Now what are we going to do?"

The three men weren't quite sure what the big deal was, but they all knew Sherry worked in some top secret government group, so they figured it had something to do with that. And apparently these women did too. Just then, Jarod walked up to the group.

North saw him first and jumped up. "Jarod. Did you find anything? What's wrong with her?"

Jarod's expression was grim. "It appears that she's been poisoned. We haven't isolated the poison yet, so we're not sure how to treat it. It's not any type of common poison. The lab has made it top priority. We are giving her a wide-ranging antidote for now, but I'm not sure it will work. I'm going to head back down to the lab to see if I can speed up the process."

As soon as Jarod left, Fox pulled out his cell phone and dialed. "Scully. I need you down here immediately. Sherry's been poisoned. They don't know what it is. We could use your help in isolating what they gave her. Good, I'll see you here soon."

Everyone was watching Mulder as he closed the cell phone. "Dana Scully is my partner. She's also a doctor and forensic pathologist. And, she knows Sherry. They met when Sherry and I were hanging out together a few years back. It was nothing serious, but we had fun."

"Wow, I'm surprised she could keep all you guys straight!" Rita laughed. The others all laughed as well, helping to ease the tension they were all feeling. A few minutes later a short red-haired woman with a very purposeful stride walked in. She headed straight for Mulder. "Mulder, I got here as fast as I could."

"Scully. Thanks. Let me get you to the lab and introduce you to Dr. Miles. He's working on the poison, but I'm sure he will be grateful for all the help he can get."

As they walked away, North got up. "I'm going to call Trace and update her." North returned shortly. "I told Trace what was going on. I asked about Michael. His team hasn't returned from the mission yet. I hope he gets here in time." The other girls all nodded. They knew Michael would be devastated if something happened and he hadn't been able to get here.

A few hours and many cups of coffee later, a very weary Jarod and Scully walked toward the group. "We've isolated the poison. Thanks to Agent Scully's brilliant work, we managed it in much less time than we would have otherwise. Now the lab is creating the antidote. It shouldn't be too long. I only hope Sherry can hold out long enough. Just then, the code blue alert sounded. It was coming from Sherry's room. Jarod and Scully ran into the room and took charge. The three men and six women paced anxiously outside the room.

It seemed like forever before Scully reappeared. "She's stabilized. We almost lost her, but Jarod pulled it off. He is certainly an amazing man."

"Thank God," Harm said aloud, echoing the sentiments of all concerned. None of them wanted to leave her room. Jarod finally relented. Okay, fine. But stay quiet and give her plenty of room to breath. John and Harm carried extra chairs in the room for those who wanted to sit. They all took turns going to her beside and talking with her.

John, Fox and Harm each took her hand when they talked to her. They seemed to each have things that they needed to say to her. They rest of the group stayed off to the side to give them privacy.

************

After another hour, Jarod and Scully came in with the antidote. "Here it is people. Let's hope it works."

Just then a voice spoke from behind them. "It had better work." No one had heard the man enter, but they all understood too well the implied threat. They turned to see a tall, handsome man, dressed completely in black enter the room. He moved with quiet grace and he commanded authority.

North let out a sigh of relief. "Michael. I was worried you wouldn't get here." Michael nodded. "So was I. The job took longer than expected. As soon as Stacyj told me what had happened I came straight here."

Michael looked over the assembled group. He knew them all. Sherry and he had had many long talks and she had told him all about her life. He made special note of the men she mentioned and had them all checked out. Aside from being a little arrogant, cocky and even a little strange, they were all very honorable men. He knew he could trust her with any of them.

Michael's first reaction was to get her out of here and into Section. However, he knew that was impossible now. The assortment of men in this room would not rest until they found her if she disappeared. Agent Grant was a member of the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force. He was very good. Fox Mulder was the top profiler in the FBI before he went weird and took over the X-files. However, he was still an amazing agent. Harmon Rabb Jr. was the best JAG had to offer and he was a top-notch investigator as well. And then there was Jarod. Jarod was what was referred to as a "pretender." He was a genius who could become anything he wanted. It appeared that right now he was being a doctor. He knew Jarod would be able to find Sherry if he wanted to. For that matter, the others probably could too. They all had government sources ... some of them high level. He couldn't risk it.

Jarod stared at Michael and Michael returned his gaze. A silent communication seemed to pass between the two men. Each acknowledging the other and realizing the other knew who they were. Michael then nodded and Jarod proceeded to give Sherry the antidote.

"It shouldn't take very long for the effects of the poison to begin to wear off. However, it will take a while for her to be back to 100%. I would think within ten or so minutes we should see the first signs of improvement."

Michael moved to her side and sat down on the bed. He took up one of her hands and kissed it. "Cherie, you must come back now. There are many people here who need to see you. They are people here who could not live without you in their lives. Please wake up."

Sherry's head started moving back and forth. Everyone held their breath. Michael continued to whisper to her. Her eyes hadn't opened yet, but she began to speak. "No, no ... Jarod!"

Michael laid her hand back down and turned to Jarod with a look that would have withered an ordinary human on the spot. Everyone in the room was watching this drama play out. North knew something had to be done quickly. Michael would not allow Jarod to live if he had done something to Sherry.

She walked over and placed a restraining hand on Michael. "Michael, please. We don't know what she meant. Maybe she was just calling out for him. We don't know that he did anything to her."

Jarod couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You think I did this to her? Michael, I'm sure you know me better than that."

Michael took a deep breath. "I thought I did. Perhaps I was wrong."

Just then, Sherry spoke again. "Have to warn Jarod. No... no .... no!" Then just she jerked awake. Michael was by her side immediately. Jarod had made a move to go to her, but Michael made it clear he wasn't to move until he was certain it was okay. John and Fox had taken positions on either side of Jarod after Sherry's first mutterings, just in case he was to be apprehended.

Sherry groaned as the lights hit her eyes. She closed them again and took a deep breath. She felt like she had been hit by a truck. Then it all came flooding back to her. She gasped and then opened her eyes again. Once they focused, she noticed Michael sitting on her bed, brushing the hair back from her face. "Michael?"

"Yes, cherie. I'm here. You were in an accident. Can you tell me what happened?"

Sherry tried to get a bit more comfortable and grimaced with the effort. "It wasn't an accident, Michael. I was pushed. Michael ... I have to warn Jarod."

Michael quieted her down and then motioned Jarod over to the bed. "He's here, Sherry. He's right here."

Sherry looked over to Jarod and sighed with relief. "Jarod. Oh, thank heavens. But, wait, you're still in danger. That's what I wanted to tell you. They did this on purpose. They wanted you to come to me. They knew you would. You have to get out of here."

Jarod listened and then understood. He whispered to her so that only she and Michael could hear. "The Center?" Sherry nodded. Jarod, who was the soul of compassion and kindness, wanted to kill someone. This was his fault. They had never before pulled something like this with one of his friends. It seems their tactics were changing. "Ms. Parker, did she do this? I can't think that she would have. No, it was Lyle, wasn't it? I should have killed him when I had the chance."

Sherry shook her head no. "No, Jarod. It was Mr. Rains." Michael had heard enough. He walked outside and told Mentz not to let anyone but the nurse in or out of the room. Then he got Davenport and explained what needed to be done. As soon as he knew his orders would be carried out, he returned to Sherry's room.

Each person took a turn at talking with Sherry and letting her know how happy they were that she was back among the living. Finally, Jarod spoke up. "Okay, she needs her rest. If you want, you can wait outside as you did before, but right now she needs rest."

Everyone filed out and sat in the waiting room. They still weren't 100% sure she was out of the woods and didn't want to leave until they were. Michael made no move to leave. Jarod was about to say something to him, but then changed his mind. He knew Michael would not allow anything to happen to her. As he was about to leave, Michael stopped him. "Jarod. Thank you. You saved her life. I will be forever in your debt."

"Forget it, Michael. Besides, it's my fault she's here in the first place. If the Center hadn't been trying to get me, this never would have happened."

Michael considered what he said. "You are still not safe. You must stay here until you are free to move about again. I know that the hospital is being watched."

Just then Michael's cell phone rang. He answered it, listened and then closed it.

Jarod spoke. "I have to leave. I can't let them get away with this. I have to stop Mr. Rains."

Michael looked at him and then replied. "That is no longer necessary. It has been taken care of."

Jarod couldn't believe it. It hadn't been that long ago that Sherry told them what had happened. And Michael had taken care of it already? It really made him wonder exactly what type of organization Sherry was involved with. He wasn't sure we was thrilled with Michael's way of "taking care" of it, because he was pretty sure that he meant Rains was dead. However, at least he was now free to leave again and Sherry wouldn't be in any immediate danger again.

The next afternoon, Sherry was sitting up in her hospital bed, waiting to be released. Michael was with her, as were North and Kit. There was a knock on the door and Harmon Raab, Jr., dressed in civilian clothes, and as handsome as ever, walked in carrying a small bouquet of flowers.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything," he said as he entered the room.

"Harm!" Sherry called out to him with great affection in her voice. Harm walked over and gave her a hug and a kiss. "Hey lady. You better never ever do that again. I've never in all my years had a scare like I had yesterday."

"Not even all those times you were piloting those tomcats and doing all those daredevil acrobatics?"

Harm laughed. "Nope, not once. Just don't you ever do that to me again. Do you hear?" Sherry laughed and nodded. "I will certainly try my best."

Just then Agent Grant walked in the room, carrying a stuffed teddy bear. He smiled when he saw Sherry sitting up and looking much better. "Hey there pretty lady. This here bear needs a home and I was wondering if you could see that he got one."

"Oh, isn't he cute?" Sherry exclaimed. "Yeah he is," Kit answered, not looking at the bear. "Kit, I meant the bear."

John, feigning hurt, turned to her. "Hey, watch it. A poor guy's ego could get bruised here pretty easily." Sherry laughed and hugged and kissed him. "Oh John, you know I think you are adorable. I just can't let Kit try and steal you away," she said as she winked at him.

Soon there was another knock on the door and Fox Mulder wandered in. "Hey, Sherry. What are all these other guys doing here cutting in on my time. I thought we had an exclusive thing going, here." Sherry smiled and hugged Fox as well. He handed her a wrapped gift and then kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm almost afraid to open this, Mulder." It was most obviously a videotape. She knew Fox had a penchant for sports videos. She just hoped he wasn't trying to pawn one off on her. She opened the package and then burst out laughing. She held up the video so the others could see. It was ‘Men In Black.' Everyone in the room had a good laugh at that.

Jarod heard the laughter and entered with a smile. "Uh people, this is a hospital. Can we keep it down in here, or I'm going to have to ask you all to leave. So, how's my patient feeling today?" He reached down and hugged Sherry as well. "I'm feeling much better, thanks to you."

Jarod got a serious expression on his face and Sherry knew what he was thinking. "Jarod, listen to me. I don't want you blaming yourself for this. It wasn't your fault. So stop it right now!"

Jarod looked up to her and smiled. "Yes, ma'am. Who could resist an order like that?" Sherry took his hand and clasped it tightly. She stared into his eyes and they exchanged a silent communication ... an understanding that only one other person in the room could even begin to guess at. Michael knew there were things about Jarod that he didn't know, but he had a pretty good idea of what the man had been through in his life. In fact, his life wasn't all that dissimilar to what Michael himself lived with.

After a few moments, Jarod smiled. "Ah, the reason for my visit. I have the lady's release papers. All signed. Just need to get you a wheelchair and you are free to go."

Sherry moaned. "I do not want a wheelchair. I am not going to ride in a wheelchair. No way, no how." They all knew that stubborn tone ... if she said no, she meant no. However, she was still very weak and they knew she shouldn't be walking around too much yet.

"If you do not ride in that wheelchair, then I will carry you," Michael warned. Sherry stared at him for a moment. "Well, now there's an intriguing idea." She knew the others were watching this. If there was one person that could get her to back down, it was Michael. "Being carried in Michael's arms, or riding in a wheelchair. What kind of a choice is that?"

North laughed. "Yeah, I don't think that was much incentive to get her to take the wheelchair, Michael." They all laughed. Michael smiled. "I never said how I was going to carry her. Perhaps I'll just throw her over my shoulder and carry her fireman style. That should get some interesting looks from the hospital staff and visitors."

Sherry looked determined for a few more seconds and then gave in. "Oh, all right. I wouldn't want Michael to hurt himself or anything. Send in your wheelchair, Jarod."

Once all her things were gathered and Sherry was settled in the wheelchair, John Grant spoke. "Hey Sherry. I have just one request."

She looked up and him. "What's that, John?"

"The next time you want to have a reunion of all your men ... could you find a better way to do it?

The End

This story ©copyright Sherry, 1999

Disclaimers: John Grant does not belong to me. He belongs to NBC, Profiler and those who created it. Fox Mulder and Dana Scully belong to the X-files, Fox, Chris Carter and the rest of their creative team. Harmon Rabb, Jr. belongs to JAG, CBS, Donald Bellasario and his creative staff. Jarod belongs to NBC, The Pretender, and its creators. Sigh ... just think how wonderful it would be to own all these ... Oh yeah ... Michael doesn't belong to me either (darn it!). He belongs to La Femme Nikita, Joel Surnow, Fireworks Productions, USA, etc., etc.