This strange partnership concerned the General, but he knew enough of the Commander to know, that he would never make a move on the Petty Officer, no matter how sure he was of her feelings for him, as long as the both of them were still in the Navy and liable to fraternization charges.

Another issue came rushing forth in his mind, an issue he'd been meaning to talk to her about for the last week.

He crossed his arms on his chest and leaned against a wall, deciding to just get through with it.

"Petty Officer, there's something else I've been meaning to ask you."

Jen knew what was coming and prepared herself for it.

"Yes, sir. My enlistment, right?"

Gordon was pleased that nothing escaped the intelligent young woman.

"Exactly. Your enlistment is up next month. Have you been thinking about what you will do about it? You are an excellent Yeoman, Admiral Cheggwidden gave you high praise in his fitness reports and even though we had some differences in opinion, I would gladly give my recommendations, if you decide to re-enlist."

Jen bit her lip, knowing that the moment of truth had arrived. She'd been avoiding thinking about it, but with the latest developments in her life, she was now sure of her decision.

"Yes, sir. I have decided not to re-enlist and would like this leave to count as terminal leave."

"Oh?" the General raised his eyebrows in surprise. 'Maybe there is more to their relationship than I thought. But, there is no proof of it and since she's leaving, I won't be making it an issue.'

"Yes, sir. For the past month I've been receiving some job offers from legal firms in D.C.. They are for a limited time and they are part time jobs." which was the complete truth. But before the accident happened she never intended to accept any. Now it was different. After seeing in each other's eyes what they saw, she knew she could not be content with just being Harm's friend anymore. She wanted more. The crash made her very aware that we sometimes live on borrowed time and she didn't want to have any regrets if something happened to either of them in the future.

"And why would you quit a full time job for a part time job?" Gordon wanted to know, interested in what her plans were.

"I've been studying Psychology for little more than a year now. The jobs I've been offered are all well paid, I will be earning with a part time job as much as I was earning full time in the Navy and this will give me more time to work on my studies and there won't be any chances of me being sent to a warzone anymore." she shuddered at the memory of what happened the last time. She had it all planned out. Now if only he would accept her reasoning.

"I'm assuming the Commander knows of your plans?" questioned Gordon, curious as to whether they planned it together.

"Uh, not all of the plans, sir. The Commander did encourage me to start College and to study, but he doesn't know about my plans of leaving."

'That man is definitely very good for her. Not only did he help her get her life back in order, he's even actively encouraging her to become something much more, helping her build her confidence and overcome her self-imposed limitations. If there is something more between them, I wish them the best of luck. They really belong together.'

"Ah" he thought for a while before continuing "Well, if that is so, then you have my blessing. If you need a recommendations from your ex-employer for your new job, just stop by and I'll gladly write it up. The paperwork for your retirement will go through without delay so you can go forth with your plans."

He knew he made the right decision judging by the happy smile Jen had on her face. Deciding to be a little bold and wanting to see the brash young PO squirm just a little, he just plowed on.

"As for your other plans" he glanced at the door to the Commander's room and was gratified to see her squirm uncomfortably. He smiled an evil, little smile and continued "As of right now you're on terminal leave and no longer subject to Navy's regs. As I said, as for your other plans, I hope they work out the best possible way."

Jen smiled hesitantly, not sure if he meant it the way she thought he did. But the brief evil smile she thought she saw, just confirmed her suspicions. This man just kept surprising her.

With that the General shoved away from the wall he was leaning on and started down the corridor. Just when Jen was meaning to turn around and again enter Harm's room and continue her vigil, he stopped and looked at her over his shoulder.

What he said next completely floored her.

"Make that man happy, Jen" he said gently "God knows you both deserve it. I have never even seen him smile. I want to see smiles on both of your faces before the year is over and I expect a wedding invitation in my mail by the next Christmas."

The shock from hearing the words caused Jen to choke on her own breath. While she was recovering from the shock, the General resumed his determined stride down the corridor, all the while laughing a little diabolicaly. It reminded Jen a little of the criminals from bad B movies when their plans worked. Shaking her head she turned around and entered Harm's room.

Meanwhile Gordon was walking down the corridor, feeling pretty good about himself and still chuckling. Seeing a nurse looking at him oddly, he suddenly realized where he was and decided it would be better he stopped laughing, lest he wanted to be kept there for a psych eval. Composing himself he gave the nurse a glare that made her scurry away and hurried out of the hospital before the men in white with a straight-jacket could appear.

He was glad about how the hospital visit turned out, because no-one except for his wife knew that he was a romantic at heart. He had to keep the image of a strong-fisted no-sense-of-humour General, unless he wished for the office to become lax from the knowledge that he was a softy in reality. That would just not do. Wanting to keep them on their toes, he decided to drop by the office a little before closing time, even though he said he wouldn't be returning that day anymore. After all, an alert office was an efficient office...

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