A/N: Hello everyone! I hope you like the first chapter! I have the next 10 written and ready to go, so updates will be frequent! I would love to hear how I'm doing-leave me a review! Happy reading!

"Her record speaks for itself" Sergeant Parker said mildly, looking at his team spread out around the conference room table. "And she did out preform every other applicant". He was fairly confident his team would select this applicant; she was his first choice. However, right now it was vital that the team felt like they had control over what was going on. He wanted everyone to feel like they made a group decision. It had only been six weeks since Lou's death. Greg was no longer able to put off the inevitable as the Commander had now ordered him to hire a replacement.

"Out preform? More like slaughtered them and all of our records" Wordy interjected. "I would be okay with her watching my back. I didn't know anyone could move that fast".

"Same," Jules began "She tends to fall into more defensive positions than offensive in hand-to-hand combat, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. She still managed to win every match. Her shooting was outstanding; she's rivaling Sam here. Plus we need more girls around here".

Sam nodded his consent; showing his agreement with Wordy and Jules.

"I'm impressed, she's young, but she's managed to get a lot of experience under her belt. Her military service is impressive—8 years in with 4 in special forces" Sam commented. "I was a little suspicious about her stature, she just seems so small, but she more than proved herself"

"I don't know…something feels off about this. She's almost too good. Her paperwork doesn't exist before 1986—"Ed Lane began before Parker cut him off.

"I am aware of this discrepancy. She had some exceptional circumstances in her past and those files have been sealed. I have spoken with the chief about her and her superiors from her military career and she has been fully vetted", Sergeant Parker explained. "It's not that she doesn't exist, or that the files don't, it's a case of a name change. Her records are only sealed for a case she was involved in as a minor. She changed her name—legally. That's why there isn't a paper trail".

"I noticed something weird about those the format of those files…" Spike began quietly. Everyone turned to him with guarded eyes. So far Spike had been silent about the replacement of his best friend. Everyone seemed to be surprised that he had gone as far as to look at anyone's file, let alone go to the trouble to access them online rather than the paper copy provided.

"Again, expected." Parker began, "Cadden was born in the U. S. those files are from the United States, she moved here 14 years ago".

Spike nodded to show his understanding.

"U. S. likes to do it their way," was his only comment.

"What's her name, her old one, I mean?" Wordy asked.

"That I am not authorized to answer. Her request-she changed it when she was adopted". Sergeant Parker answered. He had prepared to answer questions about this applicant. She was the best, but she also came with some conditions. These were usually grounds for disqualification. But, given what Greg knew, he wasn't going to penalize her for a past that she couldn't control. It helped that she had powerful people in her corner and she seemed to be willing to go above and beyond to prove herself.

"I don't know boss, I don't like it" Ed Lane was still unconvinced. "She has the skill, but why is her past part of a sealed file? What baggage is she carrying?"

"I'm okay with her" Spike said quietly, staring at the table.

Everyone exchanged glances. Spike had taken Lou's death the hardest. For him to give his blessing on the replacement was unexpected and carried extra weight.

"Her dad is Joe Cadden" was Spike's only explanation. Apparently he had noticed the glances that were being traded around him.

That had everyone's attention. Sam sat up in his chair, eyes wide.

"Woah…the Joe Cadden?" Sam questioned. "I didn't know he had a kid".

Sam in particular understood the weight of that name. Joe Cadden was possibly one of the few people who garnered more respect than his father in the military.

Jules and Wordy both looked at Sam curiously, clearly not understanding the connection.

"Joe Cadden, as in Special Forces. As in one of the most elite, highly trained member of the military, Joe Cadden. Higher than my father." Sam explained.

Wordy raised his eyebrows at the news. He had no idea that this applicant was so well connected. He wondered why she bothered applying when her dad could easily get her in.

"He doesn't have children biologically," Parker sighed, answering Sam's first question. "He adopted her 15 years ago. He keeps it quiet, tries to keep her out from his shadow and protect her. She personally asked me to keep that out of her file. Didn't want it to color anyone's assessment of her. Apparently she is well aware of her father's reputation," the Sergeant noted with a hint of approval in his voice. "However, it is due to his report that her records haven't disqualified her. He personally has given evidence to the reasons behind the sealing. His reports corroborate with her commander's and training officer's reports of her emotional and mental wellbeing".

Joe Cadden was one of the most well know Special Forces operative in Canada. His accomplishments were heralded across the nation. Rumor had it that he had been asked to run operations but refused, preferring to apply his skills in the field and lead teams. Normally you weren't allowed to choose assignments in the military, let alone Special Forces. However Joe Cadden's reputation and skill set was that impressive that the military was willing to bend a little if it meant Joe continued his service. Of course, Joe was also known for his patriotism. There was little that would sway him from leaving the service. If Cadden had made her connection known then she would have been immediately fast tracked, as Sam had. Her discretion showed a level of integrity and personal determination that impressed the team. Spike had apparently made that conclusion when he found out Cadden's familial connections.

"Well…I guess we can try her out and if I see anything that shows even a moment of instability, she is gone" Ed Lane hedged. He wanted to keep Spike talking, but he also needed to protect his team. He resolved to watch the rookie closer than he ever has before.

"Alright, sounds like a deal. Everyone okay with Elizabeth Cadden?" Seeing the nods from his team members Sergeant Parker stood up and left to deliver the lucky news.

Elizabeth was nervous. Scratch that—Elizabeth was petrified. This was it. Everything that she had been working for all summed up in one moment. She held her breath as she waited for Sergeant Parker to announce who had made it past the rigorous trials and into the elite unit that was SRU Team 1.

"Congratulations Elizabeth, welcome to Team 1". Gregory Parker announced, a slight smile on his face as he looked at the new recruit.

Elizabeth couldn't believe it. She had made it. She was in. She barely heard her numb lips utter a faint thank you to Sergeant Parker. A sense of relief filled her only to be rivaled by a sense of pride blossoming. No one thought she had been capable of such a feat. In fact, as she glanced around right now, the other men (note that it had been only men and her) were looking at her with undisguised hostility and jealousy. Elizabeth lifted her head and ignored them. She had won the spot fair and square.

While Elizabeth Cadden had been ruminating on her success, the rest of Team 1 had gathered around her to give their congratulations.

"Jules, looks like we are changing your sign!" Sam joked, smiling at Elizabeth.

"About time we got another girl around here. I'll happily forfeit my sign!" Jules easy conceded.

Sam held his hand out to Elizabeth, "Welcome to team 1. You get to wear the cool pants now".

Elizabeth smiled at Sam, appreciating the kindness.

"That's what everyone wants, right? Cool pants are worth it" Elizabeth said, smiling.

The rest of the team finished congratulating her, alternating between shaking her hand and clapping her on the back. They had all filed out to their respective locker rooms. There had been a hot call earlier which had taken most of the day and left the team members weary.

"Welcome to the team Elizabeth, you start tomorrow 0400 with me for extra training in the morning. Get some sleep tonight" Ed Lane said unsmiling before clapping Elizabeth on the back and walking away.

Elizabeth barely had time to utter a bewildered "yes sir" before Ed was out of sight. Sighing she looked back at now empty meeting room—a thrill shooting through her as she realized she could now officially call it her work. She expected some backlash for her joining. Especially considering she was replacing a fallen team member. Already she seemed to be on her team leader's bad side.

"Don't worry about Ed. He's just intense," Sergeant Parker said with a chuckle. "Although, he isn't kidding about the training… I would go easy on the celebrating tonight." This time Elizabeth had gathered herself and was able to smile and utter a confident thank you.

"Listen, Elizabeth, I want to be transparent here" Sergeant Parker began. Elizabeth tensed. She was sure that this was some form of a joke and he was about to tell her she wasn't on the team. Elation quickly fell.

"No, no, it's nothing bad," Sergeant Parker assured, accurately reading her facial expressions. "Obviously, you know that I knew about your father. I want you to also know that I know about the case. Joe informed me of the specifics and gave me the files. Now I haven't shared that information with anyone on the team. I don't believe that it is mine to share. You can choose to share it if and when you feel ready. Although I would encourage you to put trust in your teammates.

You've shown that you can cope and work well despite this…tragedy. However, I want you to know that my door is always open to you, whenever you need it and for whatever reason. If there is something that hits too close to home, let me know. I won't think anything worse of you for it. No one will. Don't think that you made it here because I felt sorry for you or because your father pulled some connections. You made it here because you deserve to be here. You should be proud of yourself. Your scores shattered the previous records".

With that Sergeant Parker himself retired to the locker room. Clearly the call had taken more out of the man than he wanted to admit.

Elizabeth didn't know what to think about what her Sergeant had just said. Part of her was furious with Joe for sharing such personal information. Not even her commander in Special Forces had access to her case. That information was something that Elizabeth guarded and kept close to her heart. Despite the sense of betrayal, she knew why Joe had done it. She was going to be on traumatic calls. There were going to be triggers. She knew that Sergeant Parker needed to know. She just wished she had been consulted. Control was something Elizabeth had been fighting for since it had happened.

The sense of reassurance that Parker had just provided though was almost worth the intrusion into her privacy. She no longer needed to worry that he would find out her true name and fire her. She couldn't believe that knowing what he did, Sergeant Parker had advocated for her. Silently, she snorted thinking about his words to share it with the team. If she had her way, no one would ever hear anything about her past for the rest of her life.

Smiling again Elizabeth allowed herself to bask in her success for a couple more minutes before gathering her gym bag and heading to the parking lot. Elizabeth slide into her jeep and pulled out into traffic to head home.

She tried to contain her excitement but she wasn't able to quell the emotions coursing through her. Giving in, she pulled out her phone and hit speed dial. After barely one ring the recipient picked up.

"Well?" A deep male voice questioned. Elizabeth bit her lip, she could hear the anticipation in the voice and was overjoyed that she got to respond affirmatively.

"I got it!" Elizabeth crowed. "I'm in Team 1!"

"Yes! I knew it! Drinks tonight—we have to celebrate. Where are you?" The voice questioned, filling her with delight.

The voice on the phone was Joe. He had been coaching her from the beginning and had been the one insistent that she try out when a spot had opened on the team.

"I can't" Elizabeth sighed, "I have to go in tomorrow at 0400…the team leader doesn't seem to like me too much. He wants to do an early morning practice. I think that's code for break the rookie".

"Well Liz, that's normal. Given why they had an opening, expect a little flak from everyone. Just do your best and they'll see. We'll celebrate later. Just be careful heading home, okay? I can tell that you're on the road" Joe's comforting reassurance filled Elizabeth's heart with warmth. She knew better than to take Constable Lane's words to heart but she couldn't help feeling a little discouraged.

"Will do Dad" Elizabeth stressed the word, laughing as she said it. Turning serious, Elizabeth frowned saying "Thanks for the consult on the info to Sergeant Parker". She hadn't meant for that to slip out, however, it was bothering her more than she cared to admit.

A sigh echoed over the phone line.

"Elizabeth…I did what had to be done. You know you can't do that job without telling them what's happened to you. It's too dangerous for you and the team".

Joe knew just the right things to say. He knew that appealing to her sense of duty and being a team player would immediately win her over.

"It's better that it came from me. I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but I didn't want you to throw your tests because you were worried about what everyone knew".

Again, Joe knew best. Elizabeth hated that. She wanted to take care of herself. Elizabeth surely would have suffered if she knew people had access to that information. She probably wouldn't have made it past the first round of cuts.

"I know…I was just surprised when Sergeant Parker mentioned it to me today…I appreciate you looking out for me. I just really wanted to do this on my own" There was a note of rejection in Elizabeth's voice.

"You did Elizabeth. Nothing I said colored anything. In fact, you had more working against you than any other applicant. No one else had to prove that they were a good candidate and prove that they are capable despite having a...well a rough past. I didn't him everything Lizzie, just what happened to your parents. He doesn't know the other parts"

"Thank you" Elizabeth said, her voice colored with relief. "You're right. You're being careful too, right? You're coming back." The last part wasn't a question.

Elizabeth knew he was capable to handle his assignment. She just hated him being gone. She hated even more that he couldn't tell her anything that was going on. Their promise for drinks was a web connection with each of them drinking alone on their respective sides. A bit unorthodox but something both of them cherished. It was something only made possible by Joe's leadership of his unit and Elizabeth's own connection with Joe's teammates. They all loved her and while they gave Joe hell for being soft they all turned a blind eye to his extra usage of the web cam.

"Yes Lizzie, I'm coming back. Just hang on for a few more months. I'm shipping out tomorrow so from now on it'll be SAT phone" Joe's calming voice came. "How are the nightmares? You sleeping okay?" The concern was palpable.

"They are…they are fine" hearing the dead air Elizabeth knew that Joe saw through her act. "Look, they aren't pleasant, but it's around that time again. Nothing a couple of sleeping pills hasn't been able to handle. And they are just nightmare—not terrors".

"Alright, just take care of yourself Elizabeth. Good luck tomorrow—remember sometimes you have to punch first. I love you baby girl"

"Love you too Joe, stay safe."

Hanging up the phone, Elizabeth smiled again, excited for her first day, albeit early, tomorrow.