I will be finishing several of my stories so I have been thinking about this new one; from Maddie's standpoint. It will be interesting.

New Assignment

Chapter 1

Maddie Rawlings loved being a helicopter pilot and so when she was told she would be flying the famous Admiral Tom Chandler to the equally famous Nathan James, simply because she knew how to fly an analog helicopter; she was thrilled. Of course; the old huey left a lot to be desired, but it was an interesting assignment, even if being an Admiral's shuttle was a bit below Maddie's skill set.

It was less than ten minutes into the flight and she could tell Tom Chandler was a tortured soul. She understood PTSD but she also believed in getting the help required and moving on. She struggled when people refused to admit they needed help. She didn't expect them to just suck it up, but apparently Tom Chandler held himself to an impossible standard.

Once on deck, they were greeted by another admiral, Mike Slattery. Of the two, Admiral Slattery had lost far more, but he was upbeat and well-respected by everyone he met. He invited Maddie and her crew to the galley to eat and helped them get settled since they would be utilizing Maddie, her crew and the old huey.

There were some sort of diplomatic conversations going on between Mexico and Cuba's leading military and political people on board the James, and things were going well until a fight broke out in the galley. Instead of waiting on the Chief Warrant Officer; she handled it herself. Maddie was surprised when Admiral Slattery pulled her aside afterwards.

"Look, I appreciate you doing that but it could have escalated the situation. Men like them don't appreciate when women step in like that. I don't mean to sound chauvinistic but be careful." Admiral Slattery said.

"I just didn't want them to waste any food, Sir." Maddie said. She could tell that Admiral Slattery was having trouble keeping a straight face.

"Well, since you have your priorities in order." Admiral Slattery remarked. He nodded at her, indicating the conversation was over. As he walked away, Maddie could have sworn that he was laughing under his breath.

"I think he likes you." Jennifer Ortiz, or Slider; as she was better known remarked.

"He's an Admiral." Maddie said.

"And you've already decided you are out after this. He's a widower and you're young and pretty. No harm, no foul." Slider said.

"I am sure he might feel differently. He still wears his wedding band, so he still is devoted to her." Maddie commented.

"Ah, so you noticed. Just bide your time." Slider answered.

"I am not dating anyone." Maddie told her as she walked away in frustration.

"Oh, I wasn't talking about dating. Just having a bit of fun." Slider said to her back. All Maddie could do was shake her head.

Hours later, there was a knock on her door. Somehow she had scored her own quarters and so Maddie put a sweatshirt over her camisole and opened the door. She was shocked to find Admiral Slattery on the other side. "Sir?" Maddie asked.

"There will be a mission tomorrow morning. 0600. Can you have your crew ready?" Admiral Slattery asked.

"Of course, Sir." Maddie answered.

"Thank you." Admiral Slattery said.

"You're welcome. Have a good night, Sir." Maddie said.

"Get some rest, Lieutenant." Admiral Slattery answered before walking away. As she watched him go down the p-way, she wondered why he didn't just send the message to her rather than breaching protocol simply by being in female officer's area of the ship. It was a little odd.