Thanks to Kate for beta-aing:-)

Chapter 2: Making Introductions

SVU Squad Room – 2 Weeks Later – Monday, June 5th -- 8:00am

Olivia was at her desk rearranging a few pictures. She had brought her new digital camera that was loaded with pictures of Kaitlyn so she could show Cragen, Munch, and Fin how much she had grown.

"It's good to see you back, Liv," called out Munch, reaching over to hug her.

"Thank you, John," replied Olivia. Fin came over and greeted Olivia with a hug as well.

"So, how is 'Little Liv' doing?" asked Fin.

"She's doing fine," answered Olivia, chuckling at Fin's pet name for the baby. "She's very loud and likes to get your attention. Then, when she wakes up at night and I go in the room to check on her, she always wants to play and I'm like 'not right now but maybe tomorrow.' She definitely keeps this mommy busy and is a sweetheart."

They laughed about that and the guys began to discuss their latest case, Elliot's transfer to the Queens SVU, and who Olivia's new partner would be. Meanwhile, Cragen walked into the squad room as Olivia was showing Fin and Munch the pictures of Kaitlyn.

"Welcome back Olivia," said Cragen.

Olivia grinned, "Thanks Cap. It's great to be back." She was relieved to be back on duty at work, but she missed being at home with her baby and it felt weird that Elliot wasn't here. She would get used to it, though. At least she would get to go home and see him every night.

"Your new partner will be here in a little while," announced Cragen. "Her name is Faith McDowell and she's transferring from the Brooklyn SVU. Her boss said she was there for two years after being promoted to Detective."

"Excuse me, is there a Captain Donald Cragen here?" asked a voice.

Everyone turned around and saw a young woman in her early 30s standing in the doorway. She was about the same height as Olivia and had shoulder-length blonde hair.

"I'm Captain Cragen," Cragen answered, motioning the young woman into the squad room. He then turned to Olivia, "Detective Benson, I need to see you in my office."

Olivia nodded and followed Cragen to his office with the other woman trailing behind him. She assumed that this was her new partner. Cragen closed the door after the two women had walked in and stood in front of his desk.

"Detective Benson," said Cragen in a business tone. "I would like you to meet your new partner, Faith McDowell."

Olivia gave Faith a friendly smile and extended her hand, "Hi, it's nice to meet you. I'm Olivia Benson."

Faith smiled and shook her hand, "It's great to meet you too."

"Why don't you guys get acquainted with each other and with Munch and Fin?" suggested Cragen.

Olivia and Faith nodded and went into the squad room. Faith was introduced to Munch and Fin, who both were glad to meet the new detective on the squad. Olivia went around the room and showed Faith the rooms upstairs, the meeting room, and the interrogation rooms where they brought suspects in for questioning. 'This is all going to work out great.'

Queens SVU – 33rd Precinct – 10:30am

Captain Michael Taylor walked into his office and sat down at his desk. He was a middle-aged man in his late-40s who wore a crew cut and had the voice of a drill sergeant, but he wasn't as strict.

He eyed the two detectives sitting in front of his desk and began to speak, "Stabler, I heard that you and Mike Sandoval have already met each other in the past."

Elliot cleared his throat, "Yes, sir, we have. He helped one of the detectives at the Manhattan SVU on one of his old cases back when he was in Narcotics."

"I learned a little about the ropes of this unit from being there a few days," said Sandoval.

Taylor nodded, leaning back in his chair, "Good for you, son. I talked to Captain Cragen and he thought that you guys would make a good team. Elliot, you have a lot of experience working in sex crimes and Sandoval can learn from you."

"We got a case that just came in. There have been three reports of attempted rapes in the Jamaica and Astoria areas," Taylor continued, handing Elliot a piece of paper and a case file. "You two go and interview the victims."

"We're on it, Captain," said Sandoval as he and Elliot walked out of the office.

Elliot and Mike walked out to the side of the building towards the car when Mike tossed the keys over to Elliot.

"You can drive today," said Sandoval.

"Thanks."

Elliot and Mike got in the car and drove off. He smiled and thought that they were going to make a great team together.

TBC