General Hammond moved to the side, out of the way, as the elevator emptied, returning greetings then stepped inside. For once, he was leaving early. That he was on his way to a meeting at Peterson AFB did not detract from the novelty of it; he was getting out before total darkness, something that rarely happened. Hearing footsteps approach, he placed a hand over the doors to keep them from closing.

"Thank you," the woman said, hurrying inside, looking down at the papers slipping from the file she carried.

"You're welcome, Dr. Freeman," he replied, hitting the "close door" button before anyone else showed up. He wondered what the odds were that the elevator wouldn't stop for more passengers before it reached the surface. Not good, he decided, fishing in his pocket for his keys. Rank has its privileges, he thought as he inserted the fireman's key into the control panel and turned it to manual. He pressed "1"; the elevator began to rise quickly.

Dr. Freeman glanced around the elevator, empty but for the two of them then looked at him, curious.

"Thought we'd take the express," he joked. He leaned back against the wall, trying not to stare at her and debated whether he should try once again. What could possibly happen in an elevator? He took a deep breath and began, determined not to waste a golden opportunity. "Doctor, I have been trying to speak with you for weeks now. Seems there's always something or someone interrupting."

She held the papers in her arms close to her chest. "I must admit that I'venoticed we never get to finish a conversation."

"One of the more frustrating aspects of command," he said, lifting a hand. He glanced up at the digital display where the numbers were slowing. Confidently, he added with a grin, "Shouldn't be a problem in here."

He felt the elevator slow, then stop. He had better get on with it.

Pushing away from the wall, he crossed his arms choosing his words carefully.

"Dr. Freeman," he said slowly, "would you join m-"

"THIS IS SECURITY," the elevator speaker squawked loudly. "DO YOU NEED ASSISSTANCE?"

Dr. Freeman covered her mouth with her hand, struggling not to laugh at the look on his face. He muttered something succinct but heartfelt under his breath, and turned away, looking heavenward for patience.

'THIS IS LT. ACKERMAN. DO-'

"Doctor," Hammond spoke rapidly, swinging around to face her, "would you care to have dinner with me one evening?"

"-ASSISSTANCE? I RE-"

"I'd love to, General," she said, still trying not to laugh.

Hammond looked at her, pleased beyond words.

"- NEED ASSISTANCE? PLEASE REPLY. I REPEAT-"

Alarms began to ring.

"Oh for the love of…" he growled, tearing his gaze away from her. He pressed the "open door" button and removed his key. The doors slid open, the alarms suddenly quiet.

In greeting, there were ten M-16s pointed at them.

Without thinking, he quickly moved to stand between Dr. Freeman and the guns.

"Sir!" one of the guards shouted, the guns snapping up, away, the men coming to attention.

Thinking it best, in case there were other gun sights trained on them, Hammond stepped into the doorway.

"At ease," he barked, looking around. When he was sure it was clear, he moved out of the doorway, allowing her to exit.

A Captain stepped forward and Hammond addressed him self-assuredly. "Key got stuck- took a minute to get it out, that's all," he said, hoping it sounded like a good excuse.

"Yes, sir!" the Captain replied. No trace of disbelief crossed the officer's face, to Hammond's relief.

"Thank you for your diligence to duty…well done," he added, nodding to the men as he and the doctor passed them. He would certainly never try that again!

Neither of them spoke until they cleared the huge blast doors that led to outside the mountain complex.

"I know a restaurant where the waiters don't carry weapons," he finally said, as they walked toward the parking lot in waning daylight. Still embarrassed, he could not look at her. That whole incident was worse than all the other interruptions put together. "Still care to risk dinner with me?"

"I'll take the chance," she answered, unable to keep from laughing any longer.

Hammond cast a sideways glance at her. A smile spread across his face and his heart felt lighter than it had for a long time.