Chapter 2: The Squad Room

Bella

While I was driving home, Dad and Daniela called. They were unable to come as planned. They were going into deep space for the next month. I understood. The transport would arrive around seven this evening with the furniture they had for me.

"Bells," Dad said, "we'll have a couple of weeks off after this mission. We'll be there to see you."

"I can't wait," I said. "How long will you be in communication range?

"It's a silent run, no communication unless it's an emergency. Who's your emergency contact?"

"Captain Sam Uley. My first officer," I answered.

"I've heard good things about him. He'll take go care of you if needed."

"Good to know."

In the background, I heard the call to general quarters.

"Stay safe, Bells," Dad said and the line went dead.

I blew out a breath. He and I didn't say goodbye before missions. It was always stay safe. I can't remember when we started saying it to each other, but it was a comfort.

Closing my eyes, I said a silent prayer for the Dynasty.

Getting out of my car, I carried the groceries in and it only took two trips. I was dreading the big trip for supplies I had to make soon. It took no time to put away what little I bought. Once done, I found the boxes labeled kitchen and started putting things away.

By the time I had the ten boxes unpacked, I was ready for a break. Going into the living room, I eyed the rest of the boxes as made my way down the hall to my bedroom. The ensigns for the base were nice and put my bed together. It still needed to be made, but it could wait. Pulling out some fatigues, I changed having decided to go explore the base and see if my team was in the office.

~ Black Cat ~

'Black Cat Squad,' the frosted window read in black letters. There was a black silhouette of a panther baring its teeth underneath it. In its paw was a badge 'custodiet et nos semper,' Latin for 'we will always guard.' The image was a bit disconcerting and made me pause in the hall. I stared at the image, wishing it could defend me like the squad protected others. Taking a deep breath, I put my hand on the door and entered the squad room. Computer monitors were on and my team was busy working. The click of the door made me jump as someone looked over their shoulder.

"Can I help you, Admiral..." he started in a gruff voice. His eyes widened and he swallowed as he zoned in on my nameplate. "Admiral Swan. Sorry. We weren't expecting you until Monday." He jumped to his feet and called the squad to formation.

I had come in, wanting to see them sweat and to see what kind of work ethic the team had. I've seen some teams that like to mess around when the boss was away. It didn't seem like this squad was like the others I've heard about. They were quick to action and were hard at work.

"Captain Sam Uley," the gruff voice said, saluting me.

Sam was my first officer. Although I had the authority, I saw no use in changing the dynamics of the squad. Sam's service record was clean or else he wouldn't have made captain. He was quite tall, about a head and a half taller than me. He appeared to be older than me. I was envious of his copper skin, given I went from white to red if out too long in the sun without a high SPF sunblock. He was muscular, able to handle his own in any fight. I gave myself a moment longer before returning the salute.

"At ease," I said. The squad relaxed and I went on. "I'm Admiral Isabella Swan. I go by Bella. I don't know how strict your last commanding officer was, but I want you all to know when we're in the squad room, I'm lax. No saluting. Out and about, all formality. If you don't slack off, we'll all get along."

There were several relieved sighs. "I can speak for everyone. We are not ones to slack off, Admiral," Sam remarked.

"Bella," I said. "Informal, remember. And, please, speak freely. No need to ask me for permission."

The squad laughed. "Glad to have you here, Bella," a female voice said from the back. "It will be a nice change and I won't be the only female."

Leah Clearwater. She was new to the squad, joining in the last month. Her service record was packed full of disciplinary reports. Her weaponry specialty was outstanding with high marks in almost all weapons. One remark stood out on her last evaluation: A spitfire. Spitfires could be quick to temper or highly emotional. How she made it to an elite security squad was beyond me? Stepping around Sam, I took a few steps to get her into my view. Leah was about my height and shorter than the men around her. Her hair was cut short, brushing her cheekbones.

"And I'm glad to be here, Leah."

Every head turned to Leah who had gone pale.

'Yes, I know your name,' I thought when her eyes meet mine. There was fear in them. I hoped she got my underlying message: one false move, you're gone.

Leah gulped and then nodded.

I internally shook my head. 'Could she read my mind?' It seemed like she could. It was the only way I could explain her reaction to my stare.

"Sam, would you show me where I'll be calling home base? The rest of you, back to work."

"Right this way," he said, pivoting on his heel.

I followed, taking in where both copiers were. The squad room was larger than I thought.

"Beds," Sam said, indicating a room. "Locker room is off it."

"So, the team has to stay over?" I asked.

"At times, or when whatever mission ended late at night and crashing here makes better sense."

I nodded. Sam paused and pointed out the kitchen area. Peeking inside, I noted it was more like a galley. There was a small cooktop, oven, two microwaves, a full-size frig, and a farmhouse table with benches on either side.

"Meal breaks are staggered. On the rare occasions we all eat together, there's the conference room next to your office."

"Gotcha," I said as we started walking again.

He pointed to the right. "The heads are down this hall or in the locker room."

In no time, we were standing in my office. It was large with floor-to-ceiling windows. Part of the u-shaped desk was facing the gorgeous view of the distant mountains. For a moment, I didn't care that it was overcast. Turning away from the window, I noticed the walls had been painted and lay bare.

"There is a room with photographs, paintings, and such in the building. Admiral Olden thought you would like to choose your décor."

"Very thoughtful of him. I met him a few times and he reminded me of my grandfather," I remarked with a wistful smile on my face.

"Olden left a lot of people with that impression. He also kept a desk in the bullpen. I've kept it available for you." He paused in front of the open door. "Any questions, I'll be happy to answer."

I smiled at him. "Where's the other desk?"

Sam smirked as if saying, 'cohesion is key.' Or, was he trying to convey something else? Like my place was in my office, behind closed doors.

"In case I want to be among the rest of the group," I added. "I'm a firm believer in leading by example and not asking others to do something I'm not willing to do."

He looked over his shoulder a moment and then turned back to face me. "The team will appreciate that. There are times when they might get annoyed with you being out among us. We like to decompress after missions."

I understood where Sam was coming from. "You do realize I'll be going out on missions with you, right?"

His eyes widened. "What! It's not safe for you, Admiral."

"Low blow... referring to my rank." I shook my head with a laugh. "But that's your job. And, remember, I lead by example. I will be going on missions and not sitting on the sidelines."

He huffed out a breath. "I would rather have you in the command center, giving us direction and aide. I know it's your call, Bella. Your safety is what matters. I would hate to have something happened to you and then have to explain to command why you were in the field."

A valid point, but I wasn't about to share with the team how I would be able to protect myself. The only thing that could kill me would be a fatal blow. My special, magical powers would heal me. Two Star Command doctors knew my secret and they wouldn't dare expose me lest they expose themselves.

"Thank you, Sam, for being open and honest with me. I plan on evaluating the situation before deciding where I will best serve each mission best. If it's dangerous, I will stay back. All I want to do is prove to the team that I am capable of not only given orders but doing the same job they do."

"Fine by me," Sam remarked. I followed him as he moved back toward the entrance. Next to him was a cubicle with my name on it. It had three high walls. Not much privacy. Not much of anything. Minimal. Enough to get the job done.

I sat and booted up the computer, logging in. There was nothing of importance and wouldn't be until Monday when I would be copied on all communications about the Forks base or Black Cat. Not wanting to leave, I navigated to the Black Cat's operational procedures and started reading, looking for ways to streamline. They were tight but I found some areas where improvement could be made.