"Queen Sacrifice"

Shakespeare's Lemonade

Rating: T for action violence, mild language, and some adult themes

Genre: Adventure/Mystery/Romance

Summary: Lori's replacement seems too good to be true. She's friendly, works hard, and gets along with everyone. But that's only the first impression. She has a lot of secrets. While Steve finds her fascinating, there is a problem: she may or may not be involved with Wo Fat.

Pairings: Steve/OC, Chin/Malia, others TBA

A/N: This story takes place after Lori leaves the show but before Steve catches Wo Fat. It's a little different from the kind of stories I normally write, but I hope it is still enjoyable for my usual readers as well as any new ones.

In chess, a queen sacrifice is the deliberate sacrifice of a queen in order to gain a more favorable tactical position.

Prologue

They didn't think things would just go back to normal when the governor fired Lori. No one liked to expect another unwanted team member, but Steve was determined to be prepared for the possibility. And maybe it would be better since the whole team was back together this time. They wouldn't have to go weeks thinking the new recruit was there to replace one of them.

Lori's replacement showed up a few months after her departure. The first impression anyone had was a name on a file.

"Lane Ahearn?" Danny said. "Sounds... Irish."

Steve gave him a look. A look that said I'm pissed about having another babysitter, and you're not making it easier.

"Hey, look on the bright side." Danny spread his arms. "This one probably won't have a crush on you."

Steve's expression only got worse, a mix between annoyance and disbelief that Danny would even bring up such a thing.

"Oh, come on. I knew even before you told me. Everyone knew. Not that it matters."

"Can you stop talking? Just once?" Steve stared at Danny for a long moment. Then his phone rang.

They didn't have time to look into the file of Lane Ahearn any further because they were called to a case. It was unfortunate because they were supposed to meet their new teammate later that day, and Steve wanted to be prepared. He hoped he would get a chance to look over the file at lunch or something.

That didn't happen. They ended up being busy all day, and by the time the team got back to the Palace that evening, there was an unfamiliar black Shelby Mustang in the parking lot.

"Least he's got good taste in cars," Danny said as he and Steve headed inside.

"Yeah, that's exactly what you look for in someone you have to trust with your life." Steve didn't make eye contact as they ascended the stairs. Chin and Kono followed behind them.

"You know, not everyone's purpose in life is to make you miserable," Danny said. "Give him a chance."

Steve made no reply, and the four of them entered the Five-0 office. Standing next to the table was a woman who could only fairly be called short. Her long, curly brown hair obscured her face from the others' view at first. She was looking around the room, and didn't notice them until they had almost reached her. As she turned around, her wide smile reached her blue-green eyes and wrinkled her freckles. She held out her hand to Steve.

"Lane Ahearn, at your service, Sir," she said. "You must be Commander McGarrett."

Steve shook her hand. "Yeah, that's me. You're..."

"What? Didn't you read my file?" She realized quickly that no one had by their confused stares. "Sorry. I didn't think there would be any issues if you knew who I was ahead of time."

"We had a busy day," Steve recovered quickly. "I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to familiarize myself with your background earlier."

"Not a problem." Lane shrugged. "Here I am, in any case."

Steve nodded. "Why don't we talk in my office?"

"Of course. Lead the way, Sir."

Steve made sure to grab her file off the table before crossing the room into his office. Lane remained in an "at attention" posture almost. Steve guessed she was ex-military before opening the file. Turned out there was even more interesting information to be had.

Steve sat behind his desk and waved at the other chair. "You graduated from the University of Washington, ROTC, Army..."

Steve nodded. "Yes, Sir. Twelve years serving my country was probably the best thing I ever did."

"So coming here, did you decide you wanted something a bit slower?" Steve smirked.

"Something like that. My younger brother lives here as well. It's a long way from anywhere I was stationed before."

Steve nodded. "That it is." He closed the file. "So, I'm sure the governor has already briefed you, told you that you work for him and not me."

"There was some mention of that. I'm not entirely sure how the chain of command is supposed to stay intact with rules like that, but, hey, I'm new here."

"Obviously, he's not too concerned if he hired someone so... much like me. At least compared to everyone else around here."

Lane smiled. "I made some good Navy friends while I was in the service."

"Maybe I'm an optimist, but I think this should work out fine." Steve stood up.

Lane followed suit. "Glad you think so, Sir."

"It's Steve. Your office should be ready over here." Steve headed for the door and led the way back out into the main room. The other three were still standing there waiting for them. They could tell by the lack of a "look" on Steve's face that first impressions had gone well.

Steve introduced Lane to all of them. "Danny's the only one who bites." He smirked.

Danny ignored him. "You have a very nice car."

"Oh, thanks." Lane looked like she might be blushing. "It's actually my brother's. He's letting me use it for now."

"Then your brother has good taste."

"Yeah. He wants me to buy it from him so he can upgrade to something I've never heard of."

Kono laughed. "Sounds like some of the people in my family, always getting new cars."

"Nothing wrong with that." Chin nodded.

Lane smiled. "Glad I make a good first impression."

Danny gestured with one hand. "Well, my first impression was that you were a dude, but..."

"You know, I've heard that before, actually."

"Oh? And here I thought I was being profoundly original."

"Sorry. But I'll give you the credit for being the first person to say it quite that way."

Steve stood back from the group a little, watching how Lane interacted with the team. No red flags yet. He hoped it would stay that way. Still, she was the governor's spy, for lack of a better word. She would always be on the outside whether they wanted her to be or not.

It was a difficult place to be because Steve was inclined to like Lane. It may have been her military experience or her accommodating nature. Or maybe something else he couldn't quite put his finger on yet.

As she went to set up her new office, and Chin and Kono left for the night, Danny approached Steve. He didn't say anything at first. He just watched Steve watch Lane through the glass wall.

"Think it might work this time?" Danny crossed his arms.

"Define 'work'."

"I mean, she'll fit in and the governor won't fire her."

"I'm afraid if she does, he will. Lori was fired because she took my side."

"Well, yeah, but she wasn't exactly being rational."

"True. Maybe it will work out. She seems well suited."

Danny snorted. "Well suited? She's like a much nicer version of you."

"What?" Steve turned to face his friend.

"Obviously ex-military. Not cargo pants, but khakis. And the way she walks."

"What are you talking about?"

"Tell me she isn't some super soldier or former spy or something."

"She was an Army officer until last year, but that's not the same thing."

"Ha! I was right. We are all gonna die, just so you know. A blaze of glory. Courtesy of you and the oddly named G.I. Jane."

"Shut up."