Part 8/End

The next morning Kathy woke up in Medlab. She had no idea what she was doing there. "What's going on? Why am I here?" she demanded of the first person she saw.

Northstar woke up to find herself feeling tired, but none the worse for wear. She made her way to her office. Rita saw her coming and met her there. "Hey North. How are you doing?"

North looked at her suspiciously. "I'm fine. Why?" Rita explained to North everything that had gone on the previous two days. North had absolutely no memory of it.

"I claimed Michael was my brother? Where in the world would I get an idea like that?" Rita shook her head. "I don't know, but I love the fact that you thought Operations was a stalker. He was beside himself. Not to mention the fact that he had to pretend Sherry was his daughter. It was hilarious."

Sherry woke up to the feel of Michael's arms around her. It was a wonderful feeling, one she always cherished. She turned to see him watching her.

"Michael?"

He smiled at her. "Good morning. How are you feeling?"

Sherry thought about it for a moment. "I'm a little tired, but I feel okay." She sat up and turned to him. "Michael, what's going on? I don't remember anything about last night. Did someone get me drunk or something?"

Michael laughed. "Or something." He took the time to explain everything to her. She was in turn mortified and laughing hysterically. "Oh man. I actually thought that Operations was my father? And he had to play along?"

Michael smiled. "Yeah. He even promised to give you away at our wedding."

"WHAT?" Sherry laughed. "No way! I don't even want that man at our wedding."

Michael smiled. "Good choice. I wasn't too thrilled at the prospect of him being my father-in-law either."

Once Michael had explained everything, Sherry decided she better go mend some fences with Kathy and see how North was. Michael insisted she have breakfast first. She relented and they had a nice breakfast together. He told her that he had let all his reports pile up while he stayed with her and he needed to get back to his office, so that's where he would be when she got back.

"I knew there was a reason I loved you," she quipped. Kissing him goodbye, she headed for her office. In no time at all, she and North were sharing a huge laugh over the whole situation. There was a knock on North's door and they turned to see who it was. Operations was standing there watching them.

"Come in, Paul," North invited. Sherry got up to leave. She was embarrassed about thinking he was her father. Probably as much as he was at having to pretend he was her father. "Good morning, sir," she said. "I'm sorry about any ... problems I caused over the last few days." He stared at her for a moment and then nodded. "Don't worry about it. I've completely forgotten it. Just don't let it happen again," he said.

Sherry smiled. "Of course not, sir," she said and she started for the door. "North, I'm going to see Kathy. I'll see you later." North nodded and Sherry headed out the door. As she moved into the hallway she heard North ask, "So, what was it like having a daughter?"

"Don't even go there," was Operations' reply.

Sherry walked into Kathy's room and found Davenport there. Kathy was profusely apologizing to him. She noticed Sherry walk in.

"Hello, Sherry."

Davenport turned and stood up to move aside. Sherry waved him back. "Don't move, Davenport. I couldn't have asked for a better sight to walk in on. I'm glad you two are back together."

Kathy looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, Sherry. Chase told me the awful things I said to you. I don't know what to say to make it up to you."

Sherry shook her head. "You don't have to say anything. We were drugged. You couldn't help what you were thinking and feeling, anymore than I could. Can you believe I actually thought Operations was my father!" The trio shared a good laugh over that one.

In a little while, everyone was back at their stations. Operations was in his office looking out over his domain. Madeline walked in to find him that way.

"Is everything under control?" she asked.

Operations nodded. "Yes. Everyone is back to normal. They don't remember what happened over the last two days. It's almost like it never happened." Madeline nodded. "And the scientist?" he inquired.

"He was very helpful. He described the process to me completely. Along with the antidote. He has been dealt with." Operations nodded. It was great to have things back to normal again.

"And the mole?" he inquired.

"One of the operatives we thought was dead on the Brunei mission. Simpson. Firestorm found him and made him a deal. He's wanted to get back at Michael for leaving him there ever since. He was killed in the explosion. Housekeeping confirmed," Madeline explained.

"You know," he turned to her, "whoever came up with the name for Summer Heat, knew what they were doing. This place was like a powder keg, ready to blow at any minute. I'm surprised we managed to hold it together."

Madeline smiled, knowing he wanted his ego stroked. "You did a wonderful job of controlling things. You could have lit the fuse at any time. But you remained calm and held it all together." But she wouldn't let him take all the credit. "With Michael's help, you managed to keep the lid on things beautifully."

Nodding his head to acknowledge her statement, and her jab, he smiled. "So, what do you have on Jakarta?"

The End

This story ©copyright Sherry, 2000