Laughter ALERT! And, because this chapter stars Billy, there is an F word.

Billy

Commander Holleran signed off on Spike's seven-day leave. Back at the Barn, it wasn't business as usual for Team One.

Ed Lane was in a narky mood, he asked Sgt Parker, "What's wrong with that guy?" pointing to Spike. "He's circled Winnie's desk a hundred times today he's making me dizzy, I swear on my grandmother's grave that if he circles it one more time I'm going to thump him."

Greg laughed his head off. "It's ok, it's all new. The novelty will wear off." Ed Lane gave Greg a look that could kill, "You said that about Babycakes, it's been four years Greg, four years and he's still infatuated with that robot. Look at him! Look at him!"

Sargent Parker peeped out of the briefing room to find Spike leaning on Winnie's desk, his fist on his chin, watching her work. "He's behaving like a puppy. I'm telling you Greg they can't work the same hours. They're so sweet together, they're giving me toothache." Greg can see that his TL has a point, a valid point, but he's prepared to give it time.

"Anyway, he's going on leave for seven days from tomorrow. He's only here to debrief and to introduce his temporary replacement." Ed was knocked off his perch, "What temporary replacement? When were you going to tell him about this!"

"You should meet her she's a fire-ball. Oh, I think she's here. Come."

By the time they reached the lobby. Billy had wrapped herself around Spike who lifted her up like a child. This surprised Winnie who still had no knowledge of Billy and most certainly none the wiser about Spike's nasty date with a pressure pad bomb. Raf and Sam both came out of the locker room to find out what the commotion was all about. The rookie was delighted to see Billy again, the cute dynamo from Down Under.

When Spike and Billy were finished with their happy reunion, Greg did the introduction. "Billy here will be Spike's temporary replacement for seven days, she's on secondment to RCMP from the Australian Royal Air Force's EOD Team. She starts today. Spike is going to brief her on his toys and team procedures." Billy gave them all a cute silly grin.

"Billy, this is Ed Lane, Team Leader of Team One." Ed extended his hands. Billy took it and he swore that his hand swallowed hers. She does not even come up to my navel. Ed didn't know whether to laugh or cry, What the hell?

"This is Sam, ex JTF2." They shook hands. "You sure your parents didn't just ask you to buy a bag of sugar?" Billy laughed, "You can do better than that." It put everyone at ease.

Greg grabbed Raf's shoulders, "And this guy needs no introduction." "Raf, hi." They shook hands, she raised her eyebrows teasingly, "Hetty." They both laughed at their own "private" joke, and Greg laughed right along. Sam, Ed and Spike looked at one another and shrugged.

They walked over to despatch, "And, last but not least, Winnie. We have many despatchers but she works with us mainly. This is Billy." Winnie smiled and offered her some of her sweetheart candies. Billy thanked her for the "cool lollies."

Spike showed Billy around. They went to the gun cage, the gym room, the locker rooms. "When do I get to meet the other members of Team One?" Super Geek was momentarily puzzled, Billy pointed to the ladies, "Oh yeah... they must be in the training yard. They're very competitive." He said with a silly grin.

While they were doing the rounds, Raf and Winnie caught up. "What do you think of her?" Winnie played dumb, "Who?"

"Billy."

"I think she's very cute and she'll fit right in. She's seems very friendly with Spike." The rookie detected a slight tinge of jealousy, "I think they met during one of those bomb disposal exercises. She disarmed the bomb Spike was sitting on…"

"Bomb? What bomb?"

Raf was horrified, "You didn't know? Forget I said anything." Winnie wasn't going to let him off easily, "What bomb? Please, I want to know. There's nothing worse than being kept in the dark." Raf acquiesced and told the whole story.

"Why didn't he tell me?" Raf simply said, "because he loves you and he didn't want you to worry." That appeased the pretty despatcher but it scared her, too. She remembered Spike asked her, "Can you do this?" Would I have said yes if I knew about the bomb?

Billy and Spike spent a lot of time in the basement. They pretty much had the same toys, the only difference was what each country called theirs. If she's taking his role in his absence, she needed to know where everything was. Billy was a fast learner, very impressive. Few people could match up with Spike general knowledge of bombs and robotics, Billy was one of them.

When they were done, they all gathered at the briefing room and Billy was finally introduced to Jules and Leah who made her feel welcome. They discussed procedures during a hot call. "And, that ladies and gentlemen concludes our introduction and briefing today. Let's break for lunch, when we get back, its patrol the streets of Toronto-time." Raf couldn't wipe the smile off his face. Well, I'm always driving around with Spike. Billy is Spike's replacement, therefore, I'm driving around with Billy. Greg knew what Raf was thinking and he's not in the mood to oblige.

After lunch, Greg divided them into teams, "Jules and Leah (south). Ed and Raf (west side)." Greg burst out laughing when he registered Raf's crest fallen face but he's having too much of a good time.

"Sam and Billy (east)" and just to extend more pain, he called out to Spike. "You, come over here. Or I will demote you to despatch". Everyone laughed and Billy immediately caught on, "Fuck me! What did she see in him?" Everyone laughed harder. Ed decided right there and then that he really, really liked Billy from Down Under.

"Yes, Boss," Spike came over scratching his head.

"You and I, north side."

"Boss?"

"What? You're holiday doesn't start till tomorrow. You're on duty today. The City needs you so pay attention." The Techie put his tongue out at Greg, "You're mean."

And Raf said, "Very mean."