A few weeks later on the U.S.S. Carl Vinson…

After their mission in Qatar Felice and her squadron returned to the boat. While she had the chance to say goodbye to Epps and some of his NEST friends, Will Lennox was nowhere to be seen. Felice was quite confused about this fact. The day after the celebration and their secret meeting in his office she'd received a text that left her smiling for the rest of the day so his absence so didn't match his words. But she had no time to look for him, because they had to return to the carrier.

The days went on without any news from the handsome Colonel and Felice was too busy to think about their relationship or whatever they had or hadn't. After a long sortie, she was just about to go to her captain, because he had something to discuss with her, when someone called her name.

"Lieutenant, may I have a word with you?"

Felice turned around, smiling. Chris was approaching her. She'd flown with a nugget RIO and couldn't wait to tell her partner about it. But as he had reached her, Felice caught the eye of her navigator. But even she was happy to see him she wasn't amazed about his tone.

"What?" she said, reluctant to encourage her friends' interrogation.

"So, spill. Tell me everything". Chris was far too excited.

Felice tried to dismiss him.

"There's nothing to tell".

"Aw Felice, don't do this to me!" Felice began walking away, forcing Edwards to jog in order to keep up.

"I'm serious." Felice assured. But Chris knew better.

"That's not what I heard."

Felice stopped dead in her tracks.

"And what exactly did you hear, mister?"

Chris gave her a knowing smile.

"Oh, nothing really. Just, that you and some handsome NEST- member got very close to each other after our little party in Qatar."

Felice' face flushed bright red as she put a hand to Chris' face.

"Shhhhh."

Chris couldn't help but laugh.

"I told you to keep quiet. I don't need anything getting to Reigart."

Chris was amazed.

"Oh my gosh. You're really worried about our captain!"

Felice sighed.

"Man, I don't need this shit. I got work to do." She looked at her watch. "I'm already late for my meeting with him."

She was off again, but she heard Chris call out one last time before he stepped into the elevator.

"You can run, girl, but you can't hide."

While she continued her walk to her captain, Felice called herself a fool.

Yeah, what's wrong about me being with another soldier? Lennox is not even on this ship!

She hadn't yet finished her thoughts, as she walked round the next corner and felt her heart skip a beat when she saw a tall man waiting in front of her captain's bureau. As he heard someone approaching him he turned into her direction.

"Will?" she asked as she wasn't quite believing what she was seeing. "Oh my gosh, what are you doing here?"

"Felice…" he started, but then the door in front of them was opened and they were asked to come in.

Felice thoughts were spinning. She nearly even forgot to salute to her captain. He ordered them to take a seat; then he spoke up.

"Lt. Manning, you surely remember Colonel Lennox. After you and your squadron returned from Qatar, he called me and told me about your brave actions. You have volunteered to fight with his team in Chicago even though you weren't familiar with the NEST combat techniques. And you supported the air strike in Qatar in a way only few people would have managed to."

Felice listened and stayed quiet, but she felt an aching knot in her stomach. She looked up as Admiral Reigart continued speaking.

"So he had asked for my permission to put you on his team. He said that a woman in his team would ease stress situations and he told me that your behavior in combat situations was excellent." He sighed, than fixed her with his eyes. "Look, I don't like to lose qualified personnel, but this and your promotion to the rank of a Lieutenant Commander would mean a great career step for you."

Felice sat there for a few seconds. She didn't know what to say. It was Will who spoke next and he was addressing her formally.

"Lt. Manning, I know that it's a tough decision to make. But you would be a real enrichment to my team."

Oh, I bet I would. Especially for your bed, Felice thought angrily. How could he dare to face her with fait accompli! She squared her shoulders and took a deep breath before answering.

"Gentlemen, it's indeed a tough decision to make. And it would be kind, if you concede me some time for thinking about it. I'll let you know about my decision tomorrow."

She glanced to Reigart.

"If that's all, Sir?"

He nodded his affirmative answer and she got up. Before Will could speak to her again, she was gone. After a few words with Felice' CO he took his leave and made his way to find her. He had quite a good guess where she was. As he reached her bunk, which she was sharing with a female RIO, she was just about to open the door. She heard him coming, but she didn't turn around. Slightly Will touched her arm and turned her so that he could look into her eyes. The expression of disappointment and anger at the same time hit him hard. She cast off his hand.

"What were you thinking, Will?" She glared at him then stepped into her cabin. Will followed her and closed the door. Once alone, she vented her anger.

"Gosh, how did you expect me to decide? Give up the job of my dreams and my friends just for being with you? Isn't that a bit selfish?"

"It is selfish, but I want you to be with me, can't you understand that?" he said; his voice as calm as ever, his eyes searching for hers. As she reciprocated his look the emotions she saw hit her like a wave. It was the same look he'd given her in Qatar. Full with fear, concern and something else she couldn't name. On the spur of the moment Felice closed the gap between them and took his hands.

"Of course I do. But what god is it gonna do, if you put me on your team and we are together? So tell me, did you ask Reigart because of my qualifications or because of what happened in Qatar?" she exclaimed with a challenging glimpse.

"Both."

"Wrong answer."

Will sighed.

"As I told Reigart: you would be an enrichment to my team."

"Then we have to stop it before things go too far." Felice whispered not looking up. She was surprised how much it hurt to say those words. She waited for Will of say something, but he didn't.

"Will, there are two ways. One: I refuse your request and we see how things work out between us. Two: I accept and we quit things before they even start. But I will not be with you and be on your team at the same time. This only causes problems and you know that."

For a long time they remained silent. Then Will spoke up.

"But I can't let you put your life on the line in a jet while fighting against Decepticons! I've seen so many good men and women dying and I don't want you to be the next one."

"I can die anywhere." came the short response from her.

Will's thoughts were spinning. He hadn't expected Felice to be that quick at repartee. But he knew that she was right. They had to separate work and private life. But what did he really want? One thing was sure: he wanted her close by so that he was able to protect her. And everything else… Well, we'll see, he thought and tensed locking eyes with her.

"But it would mean a lot to me to have you on my team."

By the look in her eyes he knew that he hadn't convinced her yet.

"I can't promise anything." he continued. "But what I promise you is that I will protect you; no matter what it takes."

Felice looked up when she heard the soft tone in his voice. She managed to give him a little smile. He stepped forward and embraced her. They hold on for a few seconds; then stepped apart.

"Guess, I'll see you in DC." she smirked.

"Call me when you're landing, Commander." Will replied with a wink and left the cabin.