Thank you so much for the comments. I am sorry that I have not had a chance to respond personally to each of you, but I do read each and every one of them. They are important and I do take them into account. Thank you.
Cath has made her decision, but sometimes fate has a way of making decisions for us.
Catherine entered the restaurant in full dress uniform and carefully scanned the room.
"May I help you ma'am?" The woman at the hostess stand asked
"I am here to meet Vice Admiral Michaels" Catherine answered
"Yes, ma'am I believe he is expecting you, right this way" The hostess motioned for her to follow.
As Catherine approached, Michaels stood and returned her salute. "Have a seat Lieutenant. I am expecting someone to join us, so please in the meantime have a drink. I took the liberty to order a bottle of wine"
"Thank you sir, but…" Catherine was nervous and drinking with the Admiral was not what she had in mind.
Michaels interrupted "Have a drink, Cathy. I want you to think of this as a friendly dinner. I have known your family a very long time. I have known you since you had pig tails and braces. This is an unofficial official meeting" He laughed at his own comment.
"Thank you, sir, maybe I will" Just as Michaels poured her glass of wine; he noticed the man entering and signaled for him to approach.
"Governor, thank you for meeting us, I believe you have met Lieutenant Rollins" he reached and shook the Governors hand
"Of course, you are Commander McGarrett's, girlfriend" He reached for her hand
"I am not his girlfriend, but yes, we met at the Charity auction last year. It's nice to see you again sir." She returned the handshake.
The Governor and Michaels exchanged looks at her comment and smiled.
The three of them enjoyed a nice dinner and were now on their second bottle of wine. The small talk was charming and though, she enjoyed it, she knew that was not why she was asked to meet with them.
"Sir, Governor, I would like to thank you for the dinner, but I believe that I was asked here for a reason. I know that you were expecting an answer about my assignment and I would like you to know that I have made a decision" Catherine spoke firmly but was soon interrupted
"Lieutenant, I am afraid that offer no longer stands" Admiral Michaels responded
Before Catherine had a chance to protest Governor Denning interrupted "we have a different offer for you"
"I don't understand. You said that position was mine." Catherine protested
"I am sure that you are wondering why Governor Denning has joined us for dinner. There has been some information that has come to my attention which has caused me change my mind. I have been notified that you have been misusing military resources to assist Five-0 on several cases; cases that you were not authorized on and equipment that is for military use only. Are you aware of the consequences for your actions?" Admiral Michaels was speaking directly to her.
Shit! I'm about to be court-martialed, she thought to herself. Her body began to shake and she felt as if she might throw up. That son of a bitch, he did it, he got me court-martialed. Oh my God my father is going to kill me. What was I thinking? How could I have been so stupid? Pull it together Cath, come on think.
"Yes, sir, but I can explain" Catherine responded
"Lieutenant, when Admiral Michaels approached me about this, I explained what a help you were on those cases and how those criminals would have never been caught if it were not for your assistance. I do not always agree with Five-0's methods, but I do know a good opportunity when I see one." Governor Denning turned to face Michaels "This is after all an election year. Public safety is a top priority and I see a great opportunity to show my cooperation with the military. The State of Hawaii needs this affiliation"
Micheals continued "I am assigning you to Five-0 as a Military Intelligence liaison. You will work closely with the team and still have full access to your Naval Intelligence clearance. You will keep your rank and will be considered active. You will not only be representing the Navy, but all branches of the military. You will be reporting directly to the Governor and me. The large military presence on this Island and these past cases proves to us that perhaps there is a need, and who better to fulfill that need, than someone who has already been doing it. This way you can help your friends legally."
"With all due respect, Governor, besides votes, what's in it for you?" Catherine snapped
"Lieutenant, we get an insider with Five-0. One that I assume will get little resistance, and will be accepted. You will simply keep me informed on some of the unorthodox methods and perhaps keep them in line. We feel you are the best for the job." Denning explained
"You want me to spy on them? I won't do it." Catherine insisted
"Not spy, simply observing" Denning clarified
Admiral Michaels leaned in. "Cathy, you don't have a choice. I promised your father I would do everything in my power to prevent you from being court-martialed and well, this is your last chance"
Catherine nodded as she fought back the tears that welled in her eyes. "Okay".
"Great, meet me at the Palace at 9am tomorrow. We will break the news to the team. I think you will enjoy working together and I look forward to having this collaboration with the military." Denning stood up and excused himself
"It's the best thing Cathy dear. Maybe you should go and give your boyfriend, I mean Commander McGarrett, the heads up" Admiral Michaels winked at Catherine, stood, paid the bill, and proceeded to follow Governor Denning out of the restaurant.
Catherine sat alone at the table and finishing the remainder of her wine, wiped the tears from her eyes and carefully walked out.
I wonder how Steve and the Five-0s are going to react to this new development.