Olivia stared.

A promotion? Her?

Good fortune really did fall out of the sky.

A move like this would make her captain. That was an entirely different pill to swallow.

She parroted Kemper's words. "A promotion?"

Kemper laughed softly. "Yes, you. Really. Saying that you deserve one is an understatement, but so is remarking on the fact that you've more than earned a promotion. How long have you been part of the precinct here?"

"Since what feels like the dawn of time. I arrived here in the late nineties, m'am."

"Please tell me what rank you held at the time, under Cragen."

"I was detective, third grade."

Kemper nodded in affirmation. "You've since worked your way up to lieutenant."

"Through hard work, and a lot of determination and grit." Olivia laughed nervously. "I also had help when I lost my way."

"You flatter yourself, Olivia. We're also getting away from the subject at hand. Just before I knocked on your door here, I happened to hear your comment to Elliot about asking the universe for a promotion."

"You did?"

"Mhm. The universe works in mysterious ways, because here I am—and I was already on the to deliver you of this offer. Your words were the cherry top."

"I suppose they were. May I please ask you something about all this?"

Kemper made a 'go on' motion. "By all means, lieutenant."

"Why come forward now, if you've been keeping tabs on me for all these years. I'm just curious."

"Politics at the house of Internal Affairs Bureau is just messy, and the administration preceding mine was difficult, for lack of a better word. I know that you know exactly who I'm talking about."

"Yes, I do, m'am." Olivia said seriously. "What was preventing you from coming to me sooner?"

For the first time since arriving at Olivia's office, Kemper's face fell. But only for a split second.

"Not a what." she said softly. "A who. Ed Tucker."

Immediately, Olivia felt a surprised jolt, but it was followed swiftly by a burning rage. Of course an association with him would come back to get her. Why was this her life?

"Oh. I see. What do you know about my history with Sergeant Tucker?"

Kemper thought about it. "I know that you two were together because that information remains on file in Human Resources, and I saw him on the day he moved to Arizona."

Olivia kept her tone even. "Colonel, are you his friend?"

"No. We crossed paths, sure, but he made it known to me that he didn't appreciate my curiosity about your squad or that I believe in the ironclad grip he does. Ruling with authority isn't. Making sure the people under you are miserable are not." Kemper sighed. "News always reached about how the previous administration really had it out for your squad. That was unprofessional."

"Yes, it was." Olivia agreed. "None of those outrageous charges ever suck."

"Thank heavens they didn't. Were you really suffering from influenza when you were framed and charged for the death of that biker?"

"I wish that was fabricated, m'am, but yes."

"And then Trevor Langan represented you in court? He isn't generally the type to go out on a limb..."

"He did represent me in court. We've been friends ever since, and he even helped me adopt my son."

"How marvelous." Kemper smiled. "I also understand that Trevor, and even Judge Elizabeth Donnelley have been helping you out with all kinds of things ever since your daughter came back into your life. Was that in October?"

"Yes, but it feels like it's been so much longer." Olivia said with a start. "My life has been totally nonstop. It's the new normal."

"Well, well. I'm so impressed with you. Not many people could handle all that's come your way so easily." observed Kemper. "You also learned that Sophia shared a father with Detective Rollins?"

"Oh, yes. It was a shock to everyone. Sophia and Amanda have long since adjusted."

"What about you?"

Olivia spoke with complete honesty. "Like I said, it was all a shock, but I'm relieved to have closure... even if their father had to die for that to become a reality. An open-ended mystery spanning a quarter of a century is no walk in the park. I'm so grateful for the closure because I've gotten to know my firstborn, and I'm very close with Detective Rollins now."

"That makes me happy to hear." Kemper told her. "The records and reports also mention you encountered former Special Agent Dana Lewis again?"

"We did, and I was even able to hold her as she passed away. Dana was very special to me. I miss her every single day, m'am.

Kemper grew somber. "I am so sorry for your loss, Olivia. Truly. I read about your tangos with her. Dana sounded like a fun person."

"She was, even when she put us through the paces." recalled Olivia. "Did you read about Oregon?"

"Yes, I did."

"The case there turned out to be a huge turning point for who I am as a person. I don't know how to describe it. If we hadn't met Dana, it would have have never happened. I wouldn't be who I am. We also wouldn't have met or adopted our sweet Serena if not for Dana."

Kemper chose her words carefully. "So your squad had to send Special Agent Lewis to jail for your family to be complete? For Serena to be born?"

"Ultimately, m'am, yes." Olivia admitted. "I've had to reckon with it. None of it has been easy."

"But you loved Serena enough to adopt her."

"Very true. My daughter is a very happy baby, so that was an easy choice to make. Dana also asked me to take her."

Kemper couldn't help asking the next question. "What would have happened if you had said no?"

"Serena would have been lost to the system because her father was Dana's abuser, and he did not like either of them. Dana told me I was the last hope Serena had." Olivia touched a hand to her heart in an effort to keep the heavy feelings at bay. "I was completely smitten with Serena from the moment I saw her. Bringing her into the family was an easy choice."

"Would you change anything about how you met her?"

"Not at all. If I did, then she would have probably never crossed our paths at all."

"Those are wise words, lieutenant. What does your wife think?"

Olivia folded her hands in front of her on the desk. "Alex on the same wavelength as me. She didn't meet Dana until that last day, but she already knew about the impact Dana had made on me before. My wife also had no hesitation when she heard about the adoption request. She and Serena completely adore each other now. I think they'll be close when Serena is bigger."

"Outstanding." Kemper moved on to her next area of inquiry. "How is Harper? Everything involving her also came up in the reports. I can't imagine how insane things have been on her end, alone."

"Harper is doing fantastic now. So are her babies." Olivia reported happily. "My sister has even just returned to the workforce. Did you know that she's the personal assistant to Trevor Langan?"

Kemper shook her head. "I did not know that. Harper is impressive."

"Thank you. Harper was also the personal assistant to Absolom Briggs until his recent retirement. She also knew Dana, and took care of Serena for a brief spell. Part of me has always know that Serena wouldn't have survived her hell if my sister hadn't cared."

A ghost of an amused smile flickered across Kemper's face. "I see. Then of brave heart and protective really is a family trait for you all?"

"Mhm. Harper is an incredible person who survived unbearable tragedies. Her perseverance and resilience are like nothing I've ever seen." Olivia said truthfully. "Everyone loves her."

"Then I will have to look her up." Kemper decided. "Tell me about Sophia, please. I know who she engaged to because I hear chatter when I go through the courthouse. Hopefully Sophia has found normality with her. I also know that she found Serena that day. Aria Carisi, too."

Olivia nodded. "Sophia is already a mother to four-year-old girl. She and Casey are even expecting two girls and one boy, between them. They even have a place together. My daughter has everything I've ever wanted for her—even a job she loves. That led to her finding the children."

"Incredible. The universe really does have a way of looking out for you and your loved ones, lieutenant." Kemper shook her head in wonder. "How is Detective Rollins? I saw that she spoke to Sophia that day."

"She did." Olivia confirmed. "Amanda was her first call. I sent her to check on Sophia because she's always had a very calming presence about her. She's also my partner, and has no problems with following orders issued by me."

Kemper lifted an eyebrow. "Some could call that blind loyalty or devotion."

Olivia realized she as being tested, but didn't waver. "I have been through so much over the years with Detective Rollins, m'am, that we owe each other our lives. Events like those inspire a close bond like what we have. I wouldn't do anything to destroy it. Neither would she."

"And would your detective tell me the same thing?"

"She would. Amanda is even godmother to my son, and I'm godmother to her daughter. The little one's middle name is Olivia—for me."

"So even before you and Detective Rollins knew that you were bonded for life, you already were because of your children." Kemper observed. "I'm sure that such closeness would certainly inspire friendship. Other things, too."

Olivia read her CO at once. "Are you asking me if I love her?"

Kemper was unblinking. "Do you?"

"That would be a yes, but I love in her the way that I love Sophia. That's the way it's always been. I even love Harper like that."

"Does Amanda know?"

"Yes, and she was very touched." Olivia recalled.

"That's really nice to hear. Has your bond with Detective Rollins ever skewed your objectivity?"

"No. Not once."

Kemper steepled her fingers. "Lieutenant, it's no secret that people paired with you have been recorded as going rogue. There have even been wild consequence. We know that Detective Rollins has had her fair share of scrapes in the past..."

"But...?" Olivia prompted.

"One can't help noticing that Amanda Rollins has also been your most levelheaded partner to date."

This gave Olivia a small turn because she'd never thought about before. "She has been, hasn't she?"

"Mhm. It's admirable." Kemper changed lanes. "What does your son think of everything?"

Olivia smiled warmly. "Noah has adjusted surprisingly well. He's also have having the time of his life. It's really precious. He loves everyone, and everyone loves him. Watching Noah is delightful. My boy also used to be very quiet all the time."

"How's that?"

"Noah could speak, but seemed to be electing not to. Being around all these new people has encouraged him a great deal. Now Noah talks with enthusiasm. Constantly."

"My children were also chatterboxes when they were very small." Kemper chuckled. "What does Noah make of Serena?"

"He worships her, and she always giggles when she sees him."

"That's incredibly sweet. Now for the last question."

Olivia sat up straight again and straightened her appearance. "Yes, Colonel Kemper?"

"What does Alex Cabot have to say about everything? All of these changes have hit her as much as they've hit you."

"They absolutely have, but my wife has handled everything wonderfully. Her strength amazes me. All of that has brought Alex to embracing the unique family we created."

"Even in spite of her abduction, which included a run-in with the Bianchi crime family?" this last fact was also a matter of record.

Olivia didn't waver. "Yes. The Bianchis were instrumental in helping us that day, and the matriarch played a key role in making sure Alex got to the hospital. I don't condone the crazy charges associated with the Bianchis, but without them, I would have lost Alex for good, and our youngest child—who is due any day. None of this has escaped me. Or Alex."

"Good answer." Kemper said as she chose her words carefully again. "I've heard all about Alex's work reputation. It isn't even because of her longstanding association with your people—I also believe that being your squad's bureau unit chief is to do with it. She's also very impressive."

"That will make her day when I tell her." Olivia noted.

"Good." Kemper went in for the final question. "Tell me honestly—has Alex's current association with your squad, or being married to her, clouded your objectivity? In any way?"

"No, colonel. Not in the least. I trust my judgement where my wife is concerned." Olivia said without missing a beat. "She has always been wise beyond her years, and she is my rock. I don't know where I'd be without her. Even my squad, and I even daresay ADA Novak, would be looking in the wrong direction if we didn't have Alex as our anchor. There is nothing to suggest that anyone's objectivity has been clouded since she returned to us in the autumn."

And just like that, Colonel Constantine 'Mad Dog' Kemper felt one hundred percent satisfied about how her conversation with Olivia had gone. She even gave the younger woman her kindest smile yet when she made visible signs of relaxing.

"Those are very splendid answers. I don't see why you can't take the steps to being captain... if you want to."

Of course Olivia did. Being captain was her dream. It always had been.

There was just one thing that was giving her the teensiest amount of pause.

"Wow." she said. "Thank you so much, Colonel Kemper. What you're proposing here is definitely something that I would love. I am so grateful. Honored, too."

Kemper continued to be patient. "Yes?"

"Would I have to leave the Special Victims Unit? Or would I be able to stay?"

Kemper had anticipated this. "Olivia, you have done more than enough to earn the respect of many people at 1 Police Plaza. And I do mean many. Everything you've done, and every hurdle, horror, and triumph you've had is all on record. All of it. Should you be rewarded with a rank advancement, there is not nothing or no one who would ever be able to force you out. This unit would be yours until you retire."

A weight lifted from Olivia's shoulders. "Thank you again. Hearing those words is a big relief. I'll discuss all of this at home with Alex later. When would you like my answer?"

"Tomorrow by noon would be most appreciated. The next exam date will on September thirtieth."

Olivia gave another noisy exhale. It was out of the pan and into the fire.

"Talk it out." Kemper said encouragingly. "I am your friend and all. That's a promise I full intend to keep because I like you."

Olivia just went for it. "Well, between possibly this week and late August, things are going to be so busy for my family."

"I've been gathering that. Please tell me what all is on the agenda."

"We're expecting our youngest child," Olivia ticked each item off on her fingers as she went. "Sophia and Casey are expecting three kids, and Amanda will be having two. Nobody planned for that to all happen at once. There are even two back-to-back weddings planned for the last days of August."

Kemper took all of this in surprising stride. "Your life must never be quiet, huh? Will you be able to handle studying, keeping up with your work duties, and taking care of your family?"

Olivia's answer was very confident. "Yes, m'am. I can handle all of it."

"Just what I wanted to hear from you."

Kemper got to her feet. Olivia copied her, shaking her hand when it was offered. They were sealing the deal.

"Your name will go on the registration list the moment I get your confirmation. I'll also have the study materials brought over here." Kemper informed Olivia. "How does that sound?"

"Completely perfect, m'am."

"Terrific. One last thing—can you keep a secret? From your squad?"

"Yes, I can. What is it?"

"My trip here also includes a having a chat with Detective Rollins. I think it's about time that your top detective should be your top lieutenant. Do you think she'll accept it?"

Olivia's heart skipped a beat. "She really would. I already want it for her."

Kemper gathered up her belongings. "Then I'll go find her. I look forward to your call tomorrow."

"You'll have it, m'am." Olivia opened the door for Kemper. "Thank you again for everything. Have a nice day."

With a final wave, Kemper departed Olivia's office.

The lieutenant sat down on her sofa as she became lost in thought.

Captain Olivia Margaret Benson. That had a lovely ring to it.

A new knock on her door brought her back to earth. Olivia looked up to see that Amanda had returned, and she bore an expression of dazed confusion. It was clear who had she had just been in conversation with.

"Lieutenant, can we talk?" she asked.

Olivia beckoned to her. "Always."

Amanda sat with her boss. "I just had a chat with Colonel Constantine Kemper from IAB. Talk about out of the blue…"

"And what did she say?" Olivia asked knowingly.

"The colonel offered me the chance to take the lieutenant exam in September. Of course I'm going to tell Dominick the moment I can... but Kemper asked for an answer by noontime tomorrow."

"I know that you're going to tell her yes, but what's got you so confused, Amanda? It's all over your face."

Amanda looked like she was working hard to figure a problem out for herself. "A promotion would make me lieutenant, same as you, but the colonel showed up here for a reason. Didn't she?"

"You're spot on." Olivia answered. "Kemper came here to offer me the chance to take the captain's exam."

Amanda stammered in surprise, "R-really?"

"Mhm. I'm going to discuss it with Alex later on. I plan on saying yes."

"That's great, Liv." Amanda said.

Olivia turned to make sure she was facing her friend. "I also plan on being the head of this precinct until I retire. If life smiles on you in all the right ways, then it's my hope that you'll take over for me as the captain one day."

This caught Amanda by surprise. "Do you mean that?"

"Yes. I couldn't imagine a better person to follow in my footsteps than you."

Amanda both shocked and incredibly flattered by the words coming out of Olivia's mouth.

She adored their friendship, and that she got to work with a living legend. Hearing that she was the personal top choice as future successor for this woman was all at once the pinnacle of her career thus far. Amanda didn't know if she could take any more excitement.

The blonde gave her CO a radiant smile. "I want exactly what you said. Being the captain of this precinct one day would be a dream come true, but I am quite content to wait. Thanks, from the bottom of my heart."

"You deserve it. Being lieutenant, too." Olivia told her. "You've come such a long way from who you were when we first met. Progress like that deserves to be recognized."

"Thanks again." Amanda said bashfully. "Sorry I keep repeating myself."

"It's okay, Amanda." Olivia gestured towards her partner's middle. "Have your children settled yet?"

Amanda nodded and rubbed her bump in experimentation. "They fell asleep. I won't be able to get back up for awhile, though. Have Dominick and Fin come back yet?"

"No, but I bet one of them will send me an update soon."

The words were scarcely out of Olivia's mouth when her phone beeped with a text. She was quick to respond before setting her device aside.

"That was Fin. He said that he and Dominick are on the way back here now."

"Perfect." approved Amanda. "I don't know how much longer I can wait to tell them about my new siblings."

"Knowing them, they're going to be elated." Olivia surmised. "You can stay here to wait for them. I doubt it won't be long now."

Amanda made a sound of relief. "Thank you, yet again."

So both women settled in to wait on their colleagues.

They also fell quiet as they began to imagine their plans for the future.