Disclaimer:
I own nothing related to or affiliated with Disney, ABC Daytime, or General Hospital. Characters are not mine; they are merely being borrowed.
AN:
Soooo... awhile ago I posted a little onshot call Strategic Maneuvers. Some of you may remember it. or at least how I left it. It was always the plan to revisit the story. Eventually. lol Well eventually happened recently.
This first chapter is just a little refresher for those of you who haven't read Strategic Maneuvers. I can't wait to hear what you think.
~Kelly~
Identify and Evade Chapter One
Jason hated flying on commercial flights. He'd much rather be the one at the controls. Only this time it wasn't exactly his call to make.
He'd been ordered to DC for a meeting. Jason wasn't even sure why. Only that he was expected to be at Admiral Robert Chesterfield's office at 0900. He hoped that this meeting would end with being reassigned to anywhere but Port Charles, New York.
Jason doubted that was going to happen. Lansing was still pissed about the little buzzing incident from months before. It didn't help that the man already hated him for several other reasons. None of which had to do with his actual performance and everything to do with the fact Lansing was an asshole.
Maybe Admiral Chesterfield would be more reasonable. Jason had never met the guy, personally, but he had a reputation for being fair. All he could do was hope.
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Elizabeth waited nervously for her meeting to start. Despite her earlier confidence she was worried about this assignment. Like Lainey said she wasn't a publicist. But, she was pretty sure that was the point. She wasn't known for having an agenda. Which, of course, meant nothing.
Admiral Chesterfield had known her for years. They met through her brother Steven, a doctor in the DWOB program. Having two young daughters around Elizabeth's age made the older man feel protective towards her. Maybe that's why he questioned her choice of subject for this particular project.
"Are you certain about this Elizabeth? I mean Commander Morgan isn't going to be happy with your plan."
"Of course he isn't, but I'm also sure he'd do practically anything to get reassigned," Elizabeth said thinking back to that night several days ago.
The idea of using Jason for her project immediately occurred to her. He was, after all, perfect for what she had in mind. However, Elizabeth had waited hoping the extra time would make the Lieutenant Commander more agreeable. Or at least more desperate to leave the backwater town she called home.
"Besides," she added, "he's practically a perfect candidate."
"Except," the Admiral looked over at her, "for the little matter of following the rules."
"I said practically and no one is perfect."
Robert sighed as he realized Elizabeth wasn't going to drop the idea of using Jason Morgan. She was right about most of her points, especially about him wanting to be reassigned. Lansing, he had to admit, was probably going too far with his punishment. Not to say that the Commander was blameless in this mess. And it was a huge mess, practically a bomb waiting to explode. Maybe this idea of Elizabeth's had merit, after all. Well as long as Captain Ric Lansing didn't find out what was going on.
"If you're sure then," the admiral consented
"I'm very sure," Elizabeth nodded. "I've given it a lot of thought, I promise."
"Well, the Commander should be arriving soon. Perhaps I should break the news to him alone."
Elizabeth pouted at the suggestion, but didn't argue too much. "I'll wait for you in the conference room."
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"Good morning, sir," Jason said shaking the Admiral's hand. He was grateful when the older man motioned for him to sit. He happily sank into a chair facing the desk. His nerves wouldn't have taken standing for too much longer.
"Commander Morgan," he looked up at the younger officer, "after hearing about you I have to admit it's good to finally meet face to face."
"I'm afraid to ask who's been talking about me."
Robert nearly smiled at the admission. It seemed the younger man wasn't oblivious as to why he was in the situation he was in. Maybe there was hope for Commander Morgan, yet. "I assume you're referring to Captain Lansing?"
"Yes, sir."
"Well, I have to admit he's mentioned your name a time or two. However he hasn't been the only one." Sitting back in his chair, he studied the commander for a moment, "How would you like to be reassigned?"
"Port Charles is a..." Jason paused momentarily searching for the correct word. He was aware that he had to be careful what he said. One wrong move could have him and Johnny stuck in Port Charles, New York permanently. "It's an interesting place, but I feel I could more useful somewhere else."
"Very tactful Commander, maybe you've finally learned your lesson."
"I'd like to think so, sir," he admitted the praise catching him off slightly off guard. Now, Jason knew the Admiral was up to something. If only he had some idea as to what it could be.
"Good. Then I'm open to the possibility of transferring you to another base."
"No offense, sir, but what's the catch?"
"Excellent question," the admiral nodded approvingly. "Although, I am surprised you asked. There's this pet project I'm working on. It's a marketing program to draw in new recruits, specifically for the ROTC."
Jason shifted uncomfortably in the chair. He wasn't sure he liked where this was going. "I'm not sure how you expect me to help."
"I've been told," Chesterfield looked pointedly at the commander, "that you would make a good model for the material."
"You mean model literally don't you, sir," he asked after a brief silence. Being an actual model was nowhere in his plans. However, if it meant getting reassigned he'd do just about anything at this point.
"What do you think Commander," the Admiral asked rhetorically.
"May I speak frankly, sir?"
"For now."
Jason let out a long sigh before continuing. He couldn't afford to screw this chance up. It might be the only one he's going to get. "I think, sir, that this is probably the only chance I have of getting away from Captain Lansing and I'd be a fool to turn it down."
"Excellent! I'm sure Elizabeth will be happy you agreed."
"Elizabeth?" He nodded remembering another Elizabeth, if this is anything like the one at that dive, Jake's, at least it could be a tolerable assignment. He'd found himself attracted to that Elizabeth. Maybe it was the way she played pool. She had spunk.
He followed the Admiral out to the conference room. Who are you kidding Morgan, it could be downright fun. But what are the odds?
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The conference room was spacious but bare. It was designed for function not beauty. Normally, Elizabeth didn't mind such details. She generally liked things to be simple. The only exception was her work. It was the one place she enjoyed creating something complex. For her it was a challenge to make people see the beauty of something messy. And she loved challenges.
Maybe that's why she'd taken this job. Lord knows it was going to be a challenge. That is, if they could even get Commander Morgan to agree.
She had just sat down at the table when the door opened. "How did it go," she asked turning toward the door.
Jason heard the voice before he saw her. Inwardly he groaned. She sounded the same as the girl from Jake's. It couldn't be.
He looked up as he moved aside for the Admiral to enter.
Jason took in the petite brunette and knew that somewhere the Gods must be laughing. How could it be her? How the hell did she know Admiral Chesterfield?
"So," Elizabeth stood from her seat, "I guess you said yes."
"He did," the Admiral confirmed. "I'm going to leave the details up to the two of you."
Elizabeth put out her hand, "Thank you, sir." He gave her hand a quick pump and was out the door.
Jason stood silently and just tried to breathe thinking that maybe Lansing's punishment was better after all.
Elizabeth watched the play of distress the Commander was trying to hide and had the grace not to laugh, "So," she sat down, "we have a lot to talk about."
"Elizabeth?" Jason tried to school his expression, "I don't understand. What are you doing here?"