Part 3

It had been a hectic and sometimes tension-filled two weeks around CLHQ and Section. Madeline and Operations had been feuding for some time, and it was beginning to wear on everyone. Kathy and Davenport had a huge fight and no one was certain when or if they would make up. A mission went critical at the last minute and it was feared (and hoped by a few) that many of the operatives would still be out in the field when talent night arrived. However, thanks to Trace and Connor's quick thinking, their team saved the day and everyone returned unharmed. It seemed almost too good to be true, but there were no critical missions on tap at the moment and everyone was to be present for the show.

Walter had lent his expertise in taking care of the lighting, special effects and sound equipment. His team was doing a final check on the equipment as Sherry entered the social hall.

"Hey Walter. Everything ready?"

Walter chuckled. "You know it, Sher. This should be an interesting evening to say the least."

Sherry smiled. "And is your number ready?"

Walter nodded. "Yep. I'm all set. And just wait till you get a peek at me in my duds. Michael will be plum out of luck!"

Sherry walked away shaking her head and laughing. Walter was incorrigible. The band was warming up. Birkoff had agreed to be drummer, Mentz was on keyboard, Taylor and Snow were on acoustic and bass guitar respectively. Stacey, Andrea and Deiket had volunteered to be backup singers for anyone that wanted them, and they were warming up. Everything seemed to be set so it was time to head back to her room and change for the main event.

A short time later, Sherry reentered the hall and almost everyone was there. There were plenty of cowboy hats, jeans, denim skirts, T-shirts, suede jackets with fringes, long black trenchcoats, cowboy boots, leather jackets ... you name it and you would probably find it in this room. And almost everyone was in black ... not that that was much different from their day-to-day garb, but since it wasn't mission gear, it was something to behold.

Operations walked over to her. "You are to be commended, Sherry. And it was a wonderful idea ... the country and western theme. It seems everyone has gotten into the spirit." Sherry smiled. "Looks that way. I was a bit worried, but I didn't get quite as much resistance as I thought I would." Operations nodded and then headed for his table ... front and center, where Madeline and North both awaited his arrival. Sherry laughed. This night was getting more and more interesting!

Sherry had requested and received permission from Operations to have Mick act as emcee for the evening's festivities. The only caveat was that Section's location remains a secret from him. Sherry went backstage to check on him. She found him pacing back and forth liked a caged animal. He was a bit nervous to say the least. "There you are, luv. Do you really think this is a good idea? Is Mr. Operations okay with this? What if I insult someone or introduce them in a way they don't appreciate. I mean, they could up and shoot me right on stage."

Sherry laughed. "Mick, stop worrying. You'll do fine. And no one will shoot you, you have my word." Michael walked up behind Sherry in time to hear the end of the discussion with Mick. "As long as you behave yourself," Michael added as his arms went around Sherry's waist. Mick appeared a bit more flustered for a moment. "Of course, Michael, my man. Not to worry. I'll be on me best behavior."

Michael pulled Sherry away from Mick and turned her to face him. "How are you? Nervous?" Sherry sighed. "You wouldn't believe how nervous. I just hope everything goes well." Michael caressed her face. "Of course it will. You worry too much. You will give yourself another migraine if you don't relax." Sherry laughed. "Yeah, well, I won't relax until after we've done our number." Michael turned her around and massaged her tight shoulder and neck muscles, and then her temples. "Close your eyes and take a deep breath." Sherry followed his advice, wishing she could stay right here and forget about the rest of the evening. Michael fingers were working wonders and she could actually feel herself begin to relax ... even if it was only the slightest bit. Sighing, she pulled away. "Thanks, Michael. I really needed that."

Then it was time for the show to begin. Sherry pushed Michael to his seat down front and gave Mick one last reassuring pat on the back. Then she walked out on stage to begin the festivities.

"Good evening, everyone. I want to thank you all for coming and participating in what is sure to be an entertaining evening for all of us. And now, without further ado, let me introduce the emcee for our show ... none other than Mick Schtoppel." There was applause and scattered whistling throughout the crowd as Mick came on stage.

"Thank you, thank you. And now, let's move on to the first act this evening. To get us started off right we have the lovely bird that runs CLHQ. Everyone put your hands together for Northstar, who will be performing Shania Twain's "Honey, I'm Home."

North walked out on stage and planted herself right in front of Operations. The music started and North launched into song, singing directly to the head of Section.

There was loud applause and cheering after North's number, especially from the female operatives. Mick came back on stage still shaking his head. "Next up, ladies and gents, is a duet by two gents I wouldn't want to tangle with, Jurgen and Roy." The two men walked on stage to lots of screaming and whistling. They performed the Montgomery Gentry song "Lonely and Gone."

When they came to the next verse, Jurgen seemed to sing directly to Trace, who was a bit unnerved by the unwanted attention.

After the applause for the two men, Mick announced the next act. "Next up is the delicious popsicle, Kathy, who will be performing Lorrie Morgan's "Five Minutes." Kathy had picked this song after she and Davenport had had their falling out. She hoped he got the message.

There was thunderous applause from everyone after Kathy was finished, although Davenport was looking none too happy. Sherry was laughing and smiling broadly when Kathy came backstage. "Great job, girl," Sherry said. "And if that doesn't straighten ‘em all out, well, then we've got a few more girls who just might!" Kathy and Sherry shared another laugh at the male population's expense and then Mick was announcing the next performer.

"Now you're in for a real treat, especially one certain operative with curly hair. Everyone make welcome one of the newer members of CLHQ ... Sinjn, performing "If I Never Stop Loving You." Everyone clapped and Curlly turned three different shades of red as Sinjn came out and grabbed a stool and moved to sit right in front of her. He took her hand as the music began to play.

Curlly was near tears as he finished singing. She leaned forward and kissed him after he finished the song. "And I meant every word," he whispered in her ear as he got up to go.

Once the applause died down, Mick was ready to announce the next act. "Next up is Section's number one man. Everybody put your hands together for the ultimate man in black ... Michael." Michael walked out on stage, dragging a disbelieving Sherry along behind him. He sat her down in a chair at his table down front. Then he motioned for the band to start the music to Garth Brooks' "Shameless."

Sherry couldn't believe her ears. She knew Michael could sing, but not like that. She was totally amazed, and somewhat embarrassed as well. When the song was over, Michael again walked over to her and escorted her backstage again.

"I didn't know you could sing like that, Michael," Sherry said. Michael shook his head. "No one did, but when I heard the song, I knew it said everything I wanted to say to you. I just hope I didn't embarrass myself too much." Sherry laughed, then leaned over and kissed him. "Oh, I don't think you have to worry about that one bit."

It was almost time for the intermission, and at this point in the program, Sherry had placed Operations, who had made a request to perform a special number. Sherry nodded to Mick to go ahead and introduce Operations. Back on stage, Mick announced, "And now for a special tribute, we have the leader of Section One, Operations."

Everyone applauded solicitously for the head of Section as he took the stage. He picked up the microphone and spoke. "I would like to take this opportunity to pay special tribute to all those men and women who have lost their lives in the service of our country, those who served in the military as well as those whom we have lost here at Section." The music then began and Paul performed a touching version of Billy Ray Cyrus' "Some Gave All."

Everyone remained silent for a few moments after the song. They were all touched by the words of the song and everyone was remembering those who had lost their lives trying to make the world a safer place. Operations finally raised his head and simply said, "Thank you." Sherry walked out on stage then and announced that there would be a short intermission to give the band a break and that there were refreshments available in the next room.

North came backstage all smiles. "Sherry, you've done a wonderful job." Sherry laughed. "Thanks, but I think it's all of you that are the ones that are making it a great night. And you're number was great, by the way." North shrugged. "Thanks. But wasn't that a touching song Paul sang." Sherry nodded. "Yes it was. And how about Jurgen singing to Trace? She didn't look real thrilled about it." North laughed. "No, she didn't. I'm sure she'll have a few words for him tomorrow, if she waits that long!" They laughed again and then Sherry headed off to check on the rest of the acts.

Hmmm what else is in store???