This was urgent. The hint of determination that spread across Jack's face made it undeniable. He could be at home; peacefully sleeping, consuming more water than he ever had, going to the doctor, quitting his job.

Any of those things were logical to do, considering the torment Jack endured hours before.

But, there he was, ascending the stairs to Tony's office, with something urgent on his mind instead.

"Tony?!" Jack called, shoving through the glass door.

The man in question had fallen asleep on his desk. His shirt was mostly unbuttoned, and he rested over a half-sorted heap of open folders.

"Tony?" Jack nudged his shoulder this time, attempting to be gentle. Jack was never good at that.

Out of habit, Tony leapt backwards as his eyes rolled open.

"What, Jack?"

Tony reached for a folder, as if he'd been caught. Of course he had. Jack ignored the charades. Everyone was tired, and he felt terrible that Tony's shift didn't end for another few hours.

Jack shuffled to the door, and carefully shut it.

"When do we have our next interviews?"

"For what, jobs?" Tony cocked his head, slightly.

Jack nodded.

"You know Kim's already on the list. Don't worry 'bout it. Her, an Agent Edmunds, and an… Agent O'Brian are scheduled for training next week, okay? I don't want to deal with it today, Jack."

"It's not about Kim..."

"Then what?" Tony was agitated, a result of being exhausted.

"You're probably not gonna like this."

"Hell if you care. You'll say it anyway, Jack."

"I'm looking to recruit someone."

Jack made a game of avoiding his own request.

Tony was beyond this game. His cheek fell back to its place among the papers; his eyes remained open this time. He glared at Jack until he proceeded.

"Sherry Palmer..." Jack muttered. He glanced to the door, trying to plan for the worst possible reaction.

"Sherry? Good god, Jack!"

Jack could handle this. Tony hadn't even gotten up from his chair.

"She's a manipulative..." Tony scanned his mind for a professional word, "Manipulative, scheming... bitch! I won't hire her."

"I'll come back when you're thinking clearly."


Author's Note: I wrote this late at night... so if you find a mistake, I'd appreciate you letting me know :)

This is the result of re-watching Season Two and Three... nothing groundbreaking.

Let me know what you think, if you think anything at all (what?)

~Sally