Chief Dodds and Lieutenant Olivia Benson stood in her office in what appeared to be a tense discussion.

"Chief Dodds, I'm thrilled that you want to install a new detective into Manhattan SVU, but I can reassure you that we are under control here. I've got Fin, Rollins, and Carisi. We're good." Benson tried to say, calmly.

"And I understand that, Lieutenant, however, NYPD protocol states that there must be a minimum of four case detectives not including yourself. I have already found someone whom the department and myself find would be very suitable for the 16th. You can interview if you would like, but we think that she'll be up to your standards." Chief Dodds said sternly, but with a sense of reassurance.

It had been a long year for the Manhattan Special Victims Unit. After Sargent Mike Dodds' death, a whole had been left in the heart of her squad. Not to mention, that Chief Dodds was still under much duress, as could be expected after losing his son. Despite how at odds Benson could be with Dodds, he did have good judgment.

"I understand, Chief, and I trust you. You have good judgment. I'll be more than happy to take this new detective on, but as you said, I would like to interview her before giving her the clear for a transfer to SVU. You can even sit down with me during the interview. Where is she transferring from? I'd like to have some idea of who this officer is."

"Her name is Elizabeth Suarez, 26. She's originally from Queens, and has been with the department for four years. She's coming from being a patrol officer, actually."

Benson stood astounded. No one had been pulled straight from patrol to a unit like SVU in over twenty years. Olivia herself was the last to have done it.

"So she's inexperienced? Dodds, I don't want an inexperienced detective. I need someone who has some experience in dealing with cases like these."

"She does have the experience, just not in the NYPD. Suarez was promoted to third grade detective status two years ago, but she was deployed to Iraq before her transfer could occur. She was in the ROTC in college, graduated from Fordham, top of her class. She started the academy at 21, and was a patrol officer within the following year. She served in Analytics and Logistics with the Marines over in Iraq. You can look at her accolades from the department, as well as the Marines, and you will see that she is quite apt for the job."

Benson glanced over the girl's resume, and as much as she hated it, Dodds was right. She would be a critical asset to the squad. Quick on her feet, both mentally and physically. She was in top physical shape, and was listed as a great negotiator. She thought outside of the box and at 26, she had accomplished a lot. Purple Heart recipient and honorably discharged from the U.S. Marines.

"I trust you, Dodds. I don't think I will need to interview her. Her file states that she just returned from her two year tour in Iraq about two weeks ago. Has she passed departmental clearances for a physical and psychiatric evaluation? I would want her to start as soon as possible."

"She passed both with flying colors. Signs of PTSD, but that can be expected with soldiers returning from stressful war zones. She will meet with the department psychiatrist weekly to make sure she is adjusting well into civilian life. Suarez said she could even start tomorrow at the earliest." Dodds said.

"Well, great then. Approve her transfer and let her know to report to work first thing tomorrow morning. I am excited to have her on board."

Benson stuck her hand out and shook Dodds' hand. For the second time in her career, Dodds had handed her another seemingly great detective.