Discalimer: I still don't own them, though I wish I did.

Catherine has a career decision to make. Will the status of her relationship with Steve determine the outcome or will she follow her dream?

The sun was just starting to set and the gentle breezes filled the air. Kono sat and observed her surroundings. Steve and Danny were having an animated conversation on the Lanai. Chin was standing at the grill and watched the two discuss what each thought was the best method of grilling a burger. Catherine was standing, leaning against a palm tree talking quietly on the phone. She occasionally looked around to see if anyone was close enough to hear. Kono simply nodded her head in disbelief as she watched the sun slowly make its way into the horizon. Such an amazing sight and they all missed it, she thought to herself.

"Sir…yes sir…I am completely aware of that sir…I will have a decision soon…yes sir…thank you, I do appreciate it. Yes, I am aware that there are others that want this. Yes, sir, Thank you. Good night sir" Lt Catherine Rollins carefully ended the call with a sigh.

"What was that all about?" asked Kono as Catherine approached and sat down beside her.

"Oh nothing, really" she was a terrible liar.

"Come on Catherine, I know something's been bothering you all week. Steve might be stupid enough not to notice, but I did" Kono persisted

Catherine looked around to make sure that nobody was close enough to hear their conversation "Can you keep a secret?"

"Of course" Kono leaned closer

"Well, you know since the Enterprise was decommissioned and my deployment was up, I have been looking for something different. I got a job offer" Catherine whispered

"That's great, doing what?" Kono whispered back

"My C.O. recommended me for a position in NCIS, in DC" Catherine responded

"NCIS? Cool! Oh wait, you mean DC as in Washington DC?" Kono suddenly realized Catherine's dilemma. "So are you going to take the job?"

"I don't know. I want to, but I don't want to leave here. I can take this job and go to DC. I always wanted this, it's what I love… or I can stay here and…"she hesitated

"Steve?" Kono finished her sentence for her

"Yeh" Catherine pursed her lips and bowed her head

"Listen, you guys have managed long distance before, why is this any different? You shouldn't have to give up your dream job. Steve loves you, he'll understand" Kono was sure

"I'm not so sure about that, Kono. Now that we've had some time together, things are different. If I go, I'm afraid that will be the end. This is going to be permanent. This is a conscious decision that I make, not an involuntary deployment that we have no control over. He won't get it. He'll see it as me choosing the job over him. Besides, things haven't exactly been wonderful between us. I mean, it's not like we've made any promises" She began to play with her hair

"It's tough. Think about it. I for one would love for you to stick around, but I know what it's like to lose a chance to fulfill a dream. Make sure that you're happy. Everything else will fall into place. "She leaned over and hugged Catherine

"Hey, what's going on over there? The burgers are ready!" Steve shouted from the patio

"Girl stuff!" Kono shouted as the two women stood up and approached Steve and Danny standing vigil over the grill.

"Is everything ok?" Steve asked as he gave Cath a peck on the lips

"Yeh, everything's fine. Those burgers smell so good" She reached for the plate he held in his hands

Catherine walked over to the table where Kono sat with Danny. Kono leaned over and whispered "You have to tell him"

"Tell who what?" Danny announced as his mouth was full of food

"What, do you have ninja ears or something? How the hell did you hear that" Kono responded defensively as Catherine stared with a look of fear

"I have excellent hearing, thank you, now what is the big secret?" Danny leaned in and asked

"Nothing!" Both women exclaimed in unison

"Come on ladies, tell me. Oh no, are you pregnant?" He asked

"NO! Why do I look fat?" Catherine looked down at her nearly perfect abs

"No, No, No, not at all, it's just, what could be so secret, that you won't tell me?" He quickly tried to retract his statement

Kono leaned in and told Danny about Catherine's job offer. "You can't say anything, Danny"

"Please Danny, I don't want him to know until I've made a decision. Please" She looked directly in his eyes as she waited for a response.

"Ok, ok" he answered reluctantly

Steve approached carrying a tray of toppings. He placed them on the table and looking around noticed the serious expressions on his friend's faces. "What?"

"What?" Danny echoed

"Why are you all so serious?" Steve questioned

"We are not serious. This needs ketchup" Kono reached for bottle and quickly changed the topic of conversation.

Danny, Catherine and Kono exchanged glances, reaffirming their commitment to keep this secret. Steve noticed and wondered what his friends were hiding from him.

TBC..

Ok what do you all think so far?