Epilogue

One month later...

Kate looked at the carrier looming up above her. She'd seen it and others but it looked so big right now. A case had come up just that morning keeping her friends from seeing her off. The good-bye parties had been enough as a farewell, but Kate did wish that they had made it. Maybe this wouldn't seem so intimidating if Tony were here cracking jokes. A sigh from beside her distracted her from her rapt contemplation. She looked over.

"Second thoughts, Stan?" she asked.

"Of course," Stan said with a smile, looking at the carrier. "But those second thoughts are quickly followed by third and fourth thoughts that lead me back to my first thoughts...which are what dominate."

Kate laughed.

"And you?" he asked.

"Only worry that I won't be able to cut it, but I hope that will fade as I start working."

"The skipper likes you. You're good at your job. You'll be fine."

"Right."

"And the first time they cross you will teach all those sailors that you're no doormat."

"They'd better not try treating me like one."

"Well, in my experience, they're pretty respectful of authority so long as that respect is reciprocated."

"Sounds like a good plan to me."

Stan tore his eyes away from the carrier and looked at Kate.

"You know what, Kate?"

"What?"

Stan leaned in and kissed her quickly.

"You'll knock 'em dead."

"Thanks, Stan."

"You'd better get on board. You don't want them waiting on you...like some girl."

Kate laughed but then her smile softened a bit.

"Stan, keep in touch this time, okay? Let me know how things are going."

"I will...or at least, I'll try. Give me a long-distance head slap every so often and I'll start learning my lesson."

"It's a deal." Kate hefted her two duffels and walked up the gangplank onto the carrier.

The skipper came down to meet her.

"Welcome aboard the HST, Agent Todd. I'll show you to your quarters and your office."

"Thanks, skipper."

"It's going to be a bit of an adjustment, having a female Agent Afloat, but I think you'll be fine, and my sailors had better toe the line...and they know it."

"I'm not worried, skipper."

He slapped her on the back. "Excellent, Agent Todd. Welcome aboard."

Kate looked back once and waved at Stan. He waved back and then headed off to his responsibilities. Kate looked around at the deck once more and then followed the skipper. This was about as frightening as joining NCIS had been.

...and look how well that had turned out.

With a smile, Kate headed off to start her new position.

FINIS!