Summary: A young F-14 RIO is fixated on a JAG wanting to change his designation back that of Naval Aviator. A higher ranking officer thinking he's dumping her for an airplane. Female vs. Female clash.

PS: If you aren't sure of the setting, watch JAG Season 4 Episode 24, "Goodbyes". Ignore the main plot.

JAG Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia

1643 Zulu

I clipped on the visitors passed then asked the desk Petty Officer where I could find the person I'm looking for. "Thank, Petty Officer," I said entering the JAG lift. One hand clutching my headgear and the other holding the thick booklets, I thought through once again what I was going to say to him. Suddenly, I saw the six-foot four inch tall guy. I blurted out and smiled, "Commander Rabb, it's Skates sir." He gestured towards me with a folder and eyes with the indication of recognition, he answered, "Lieutenant Elizabeth Hawkes, RIO on the Seahawk." Great, he remembers me! I nodded and heard him continue,

"What brings you to JAG. You're in some kind of trouble Lieutenant?"

I replied remembering my lines , "Came to see you sir. You're as much trouble as I need." Ok, better to laid it out straight, "F-14 flight manual, weapon systems handbook…"

He spotted my reason for coming. "NATOPS checklist. Oh…" Suddenly, I noticed the whole office was staring at us two. Oh Shit. "Why don't we step into my office, Lieutenant." Phew. "Where are you stationed now?"

"Just finished LSO school, report to NAS Oceana next week." That's the truth.

"You still of F-14s?"

"Is there anything other way to go?" I replied with a smile. Yes, damnit the best bird in the Navy! And I'm in it in order to fly with the best!

"My squadron's deployed to the Med on the Patrick Henry. I included the open book exam for all three manuals..." I tensed a bit, waiting for the next response...

"How did you know I might need this?" Uh oh oh, the six-four thousand dollar question…

"My fiancé work's for SECNAV's office. He was telling me about this ageing retread…" Ouch, I said the two words…some half lies there.

"Aging retread?" Super Ouch.

"Those were his words sir," I replied. Well not exactly...

"Ow.." He placed his hand to his heart.

"You're name came up and I uh figured that these come in handy." Well in handy so that you'll...

"Thank You." Phew!

"Maybe we'll get to fly together some day." Wait, what did I say?

"Maybe, you'll get to be my RIO," he replied.

"If you're lucky sir." Daminit! He's said my dream out loud!

"That's something to look forward to," we both emitted a short laugh.

Suddenly, I heard his phone ring. Why wouldn't it? He's a JAG…

"Hey excuse me,"he muttered and picked up the phone. "Rabb."

"Commander, Agent Holland," I heard the voice on the line say.

"Agent Holland, could you hang on for one second please," He turned back to me, "Uh, this is going to take a while." Simple apologetic tone. Oh well…

"No problem sir, I got to meet my guy for lunch. Maybe I'll see you at Oceana." Ok, the first part was a lie. Still, I came to do what I accomplished. And yes I do want to see you at Oceana...

Exiting his office, I bumped into another O-4. "Excuse me, Commander," I said.

To be continued…