Disclaimer: I do not own anything Hawaii 5.0 that is all CBS and whatever is not in the show I made up so yeah.

Authors Note: Surprise! Happy Saturday!

Decisions

She was going to be late. Even on her day off she could still manage to find something that would distract her from the task at hand. She had an 8 clock reservation for dinner at the Hilton. She was meeting her adviser Pete overseeing the new scholarship program she was trying to get on board for the lab. Who knew that heading an entire science research team was so political. She was mentally creating a list of things she needed to do for some R&R. One was a hike up the mountain. A little alone time and soul searching.

Even though the summer rush was over, there was still so much to do at the lab. She had been back from her semester session for 2 weeks and had thrown herself into work. Maybe companies all over the world wanted to help fund her research seeing the data coming back from the new machines. Grant offers were coming in from all over. She had so many options to sort through. The busy life was working for her and she was blessed for these opportunities.

The mainland had been wonderful. Seeing so many eager minds starting off in the field she loved so much. they had been surprised at how young she was upon arrival but spending every waking hour together in the desert it seemed overshadowed aged. They found she was a professional, this was her expertise and had come to respect her.

Grabbing her keys she kissed Pua goodnight and headed out the door. The Island was surging tonight with people. She loved seeing it so busy and full f life, it was a major highlight living here. She enjoyed calm and relaxed environments but only for so long. She pulled into the parking lot of the Hilton and gave her keys to the Valet before stepping inside. Greg was standing at the door of the restaurant waiting for her. She smiled and approached him, "Oh Pete! It's so good to see you!"

He gave her a friendly hug in return, "Aloha Lia! You are looking refreshed. Hows the lab?"

"Busy!" She chucked, "How's Leanne and the kids."

He let out a controlled breath, "Busy as well. Who knew twin toddlers would be so much work."

She laughed as he escorted her into the restaurant.

She laced her fingers over her plate as he looked through the files.

"Now with the funding are you interested in housing as well or just the actual course being offered." He asked.

"All full. We are currently zoning land areas where we can make small housing for dorms we can offer students. I want them at the disposable of the park and the labs when ever possible. Also maybe 2 or 3 jeeps as well. Strictly for students to use since the staff all have their own."

He whistled, "You are looking at quite a bit of money. But if it were any other person I would say this wouldn't work. Though with your reputation and qualifications. You have offers from all over who want to help fund research.'

She took a sip of her water, "Good thing I have an adviser who I trust to make it all work."

A bit later Pete excused himself for a minute to head to the men's room. She let her eyes wander around people watching. When she looked at the entrance she felt her heart drop.

Commander Steve Garrett was walking through the door. With a very beautiful brunette accessory on his arm. It was as if he could feel her eyes and he looked up. The moment they made eye contact she felt every memory and the rush he had given her. He dropped his smile and just looked at her. The woman tugged at his arm for them to follow their hostess and Lia broke the connection. She reached for her water and took a long sip hoping to hydrate herself. She nervously began to await Pete's arrival back to the table so she could try an wrap this dinner up early. Thinking of excuses that wouldn't make her seem totally insane.

She had politely spoke with Pete for another 20 min before ending the night with lack of sleep as her fall. Pete was understanding and gave her a big hug and whispering he would call her in the morning and maybe even sign up him and his wife for one of her tours. She gave his hand a squeeze and walked out of the restaurant.

She walked outside and handed her keys to the Valet. Praying to the island gods that he would find her car quick so she could make a speedy exit and just get home.

"Lia." A rough voice called out from behind her. Well. Guess this Valet was not quick enough. She turned to face the Commander. He looked good she admitted.

"Hello Steve. Shouldn't you be back inside, I don't think your date would want you out here."

He opened his mouth to speak but couldn't form any words.

"Lia...look this isn't-"

"Isn't what?" She spit out, "This isn't what you wanted me to find out? It's cool. Really. We aren't together anymore. So who you want to be non serious with is your business."

He furrowed his brow, "That's not fair."

"Yeah well." She snapped, "Neither is a breakup through a text message but we all manage somehow."

Her car turned the corner and began heading towards her.

He pointed a finger at her, "That's pretty low considering how chummy you and lawyer bob seemed inside just now makes me seem you aren't so broken up after all."

She raised her hand to respond but just shook her head, "You are a child Steven McGarrett. And a sad one at that." The Valet pulled up, getting out of the car he handed the keys to her.

"By the way Steve. Not serious is a good look for you. Hope you are better with this model than the last."

Without another word spoken she got into her car and drove away. Steve ran a frustrated hand through his hair and walked back into the hotel.

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"Now with your partner I want you guys to take turns. You have the pen in place hanging from the box so now we are going to illustrate what the monitor does."

"Like an earthquake hitting the island?" One of the kids asked. Lia nodded.

"That's right Liliana this box is going to simulate how we measure earthquakes from the volcanoes. So I want you guys to hit the table really hard, and your partners will pull the paper out slowly. Now. Go!"

She couldn't help but feel a tug at her heart watching the kids use their homemade Seismometer. Bob would've loved this. The kids ran up to her with glee as they showed her their readings.

"My earthquake was huge!"

"Look at the jumps! that could've caused a tsunami!"

"Mine would've taken out the city!"

She laughed and took their papers, "OK kiddos. Ku'u aku. Let your partners have a try."

She looked at the back of the visitor zone and saw a woman in uniform standing by the fence. Observing her and the kids outside. She called over one of her coworkers.

"Hey Rani? Watch the kids for a min, I'll be right back." She looked to the little ones. "Keep up with your reading guys. I want full reports on the activity in the area when I get back."

She walked along the path of the visitor center and marched over to the woman who was watching her she seemed familiar but couldn't quite place her.

"Can I help you? I'm Dr. Reynolds. Head researcher. You seem a bit lost-"

"Lt. Catherine Rollins, Naval Intelligence." She held out her hand. Lia was skeptic to take it.

"Naval Intelligence. We haven't had any-"

"I'm not here on official business. I've come to talk to you about a mutual acquaintance of ours."

Then it finally dawned on her, this was the woman from the Hilton 2 weeks ago. Lia laughed and shoved her hands into the pockets of her shorts.

"Lt. If you are worried I am going to try and win Steve McGarrett back let me reassure you that the ship has sailed a moved on." She took a hair tie from her pocket and pulled her hair into a bun. Feeling self conscious suddenly. Catherine smiled.

"I don' know what you have assumed about mine and Steve's relationship, but we haven't been more than friends for quite some time."

"So he just takes all his pretty colleagues out for 5 star dinner than?" She crossed her arms, "Must be a good friend to have."

Catherine bit the inside of her cheek, "Steve and I have been through a lot. We are good friends. I'm here because I'm worried about him. I know what he did was wrong but if you could just-"

"I don't know if you realize it, but Steve McGarrett is an adult. I'm sure he can handle himself. Besides. He made his decision. Not me. I'm the one respecting it. So if you want to play messenger then I would suggest you tell him to do the same."

Catherine sighed frustrated at the young woman in front of her, "I know he is a lot to handle. Emotionally. Believe me but he has good intentions. He still cares for you. greatly. Maybe if you go and see him-"

She gave Catherine a polite smile and looked to the kids, "I hate to break up this pow wow Lt.. But respectively he can greatly care for me from a distance then because he made it clear we are over. Now if you'll excuse me I have to get back to my kids. Good day."

Catherine watched the woman walk back to the children at the day camp. She was getting a headache. Never had she surrounded herself with such stubborn human beings before.

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She was walking out to her jeep for a mid day hike the next day when she saw Steve leaning against her truck. Waiting for her.

"You know stalking is still a crime in this country. Regardless of your rank." She muttered as she tossed her backpack into the open trunk.

"I know Catherine came to see you."

"Oh." She shot him amused look. "You mean your 'friend'. Yes. She did stop by. Nice lady. Very pretty."

He looked away and shoved his hands in his pockets, watching her walk around him to the drivers side door,"I thought we might go and talk somewhere. Let me explain things."

She put her hand on the handle and shook her head, "I really don't have the time Steve." She wanted to let him explain, but she wasn't ready to hear what he wanted to tell her. Her heart wasn't ready.

"Please. Lia." He begged.

She looked at the man in front of her. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe it was the right thing to do.

Get the closure.

"Ok." She agreed, "On my terms though."

He nodded, "Absolutely. Anywhere you want."

She snorted, "Which means the hot dog stand on the beach."

Her assistant Ronny came running out of the house in full alert.

"Dr. Reynolds! We have an emergency on the Crater trail! A boy walked off and fell through the surface into a lava tube."

Lia's eyes went wide and she looked to Steve. In a instant she ran past Steve to her backpack in the trunk and got out her satellite phone. She tossed it to Ronny.

"Ronny I need you to call search and rescue and have them meet me at the accident site. Get a medical team as well. Tell the family to stay away from the hole and monitor only!" She slammed the trunk shut and climbed into the jeep. Steve followed and got into the front seat with her.

"What do you think your doing." She squeaked. "This is an emergency! You can't you-"

"Coming with you."

"I don't think so. This is not your responsibility. This is a job for the professionals."

He begged to differ, "You are my responsibility and you aren't going out there alone."

She was upset and pissed but she didn't argue. She threw the jeep into reverse and they sped down the road to the trail entrance. She jumped out of the car after park and got her bags from the trunk. They ran down the trail as quick as they could. She could see the crowd over looking the bridge above the ground.

"Attention everyone!" She called running up to them. "I need all non family members to evacuate the area immediately. This is a safety protocol. Commander McGarrett will escort you all back to your car. Your full cooperation is needed to get this done."

She watched as they all filtered out, Steve told her he would be right back and to not move.

She walked over to the remaining persons. Which was only one, she figured her to be the boys mother.

"Ma'am? Are you his mother." The frightened woman nodded.

"Yes, Im Michelle Greer. My son..Elijah. He fell through the ground. I'm so worried I can't hear him anymore."

Lia nodded.

"Please!" His mother pleaded grabbing Lia's hands, "He is only a little boy." She began weeping. Lia took the woman into her arms and consoled her.

"I understand you are scared but we have the best people here. Now, I need to know everything."

The mother wiped her eyes with a tissue, "We were reading the information plate at the end of the bridge when Elijah just suddenly hopped the fence. Said he saw treasure in the sand. Then he walked maybe 20 feet and just fell. Please you have to help him."

She squeezed the woman's arm and nodded, "Don't worry Ms. Greer. I'll get him out."

She walked over to the area where the boy hopped over the fence. She got rope, helmet mask, and her carabiner. Footsteps appeared on the bridge.

"I told you specially not to make any moves." He argued watching her gear up, harness already secured. She reached into her pocket and pulled out gloves to put on.

"That boy is in a direct route form a very talkative mountain Steve. There is probably gas flowing through and he could be unconscious. This area has a high concentrated vents of steam that can also appear. So no Commander," She sneered, "I am making a move. If I don't get him out of there now he isn't going to make it." She wrapped the rope around the wooden fence and tied it securely.

"God Damn it Lia." He took the carabiner and clipped it to her harness. Tugging it to make sure it was secure.

"Should I be worried? You got this?" She asked holding onto her harness.

He kissed her swift and hard. "I got you. Now go."

She smiled and slid the gas mask on. She gave him a thumbs up and climbed over the railing. She took a cautious step forward searching for weak spots.

"Stable!" She called through the mask. Steve placed his hands on the railing and watched her head to the open hole. She saw no steam from the vents which meant it wasn't burning below. A good sign. The sparkle in the sand was Silica. The sun making it sparkle in the bright light. She took a step and stopped suddenly. Steve leaned forward.

"What?" He called out, his pulse quickening.

She shook her head and began to turn around. "Nothing, I'm fine. it was just AHH-" She suddenly fell through the ground.

"LIA!" Steve screamed. The rope shot forward with the fall and he grabbed it and pulled to secure it.

The fell knocked the wind out of here when she hit the floor of the tube. Her mask broken on impact. She pushed herself up, blood dripping to the floor. Confused she touched her head and sucked in a breath. That was going to leave a mark. Then she started to cough and her suspicion was correct. There was gas in the tube. She looked around until she saw Elijah's body on the floor. She ran over and turned him over and checked for a pulse. It was there but low. She had to get him out of the exposure. She went into her backpack and got the extra gas mask and put it on the boy. She put her hand on the wall of the tube and she could feel the heat through her gloves.

She could hear Steve yelling from above.

"I'M OK! I FOUND ELIJAH! HE IS UNCONSCIOUS BUT ALIVE!"

It was getting hotter by the second. She could see the steam off of their bodies. That could mean a blast at any second. Above her she saw shadows. Search and rescue surrounded the opening.

"Stay back!" She yelled, "Let me get him hooked to my harness then you can pull me up."

She secured him, their skin hot to touch. She wondered if it was just her that was having a difficult time breathing. Pushing through the wave of dizzyness she got the boy clipped on. When he was secure she tugged on the rope for clearance and she felt them being lifted up slowly. It felt like forever before they made it to the surface. Upon reaching the opening she felt hands grab her sides and pull both her and the boy out of the hole. Her chest burned. Her arms burned. When she tried to draw in air, it seared up into her throat. The paramedics released the boy from his harness and he was whisked away. She was being dragged back as well by Search and Rescue. She started ripping off her harness. She threw off her mask. They lifted her over the fence where Steve took her and brought her into his arms. She turned her face into Steve's shoulder. "Can't. Can't breathe."

"Hold on Lia. I got you. Just hold on."

He lifted her up and began walking towards the Ambulance. A stretcher waiting for them.

"We need to get her to a hospital." She vaguely remembered him telling the paramedics and he set her down. She was drifting in and out of consciousness.

They secured her and lifted her into the back, "We are going to Ka'u do you want to ride with her,"

Steve shook his head. "No I'll drive behind you guys and meet you there. Just get her there safe."

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She heard voices as she came too. Felt hands on hers stroking—light, gentle, soothing touches. She felt horrible. Everything seemed to hurt. She began opening her eyes, she went to speak but nothing came out.

"Hey, easy now. You're a the hospital Lia. You are safe."

When her vision became clear she saw Steve sitting next to her bed. Her hand resting in his.

"The boy?" She croaked out, "Did he make it?"

Steve nodded and scooted the chair closer handing her some water which she gladly took, "You saved his life. He'll be fine. He woke up couple hours ago. Vitals are stable."

She closed her eyes and rested against the pillow in relief.

"I'm going to get the doctor. Sit tight." He kissed her hand and walked out of the room. She looked at her arms and they were wrapped in bandages. She felt pain all over. Steve came back with the doctor in tow. He was at least smiling while looking at chart.

"Ms. Reynolds." he beamed, "I'm very glad you are awake. I was worried when I heard you had been exposed. I'm Doctor Maki"

"How long was I out?" She questioned.

"About 10 hours. You had mild to severe burns on your arms from the steam pocket you were exposed with along with toxic gas. So after having you on a ventilator we were able to clear your system and you should have no long term affects. However..." He looked at Steve.

Lia looked between them both."However what?"

The doctor cleared his throat and looked at her chart.

"You suffered a pretty serious blow to the head on your fall." She went to reach for her head but then advised against it from the burns on her arms.

"That means what doc?"

"It means you need to be under care after you leave for at least a week while you heal. Seeing as you have no emergency contact on the Island-"

She looked back and forth between the doctor and Steve. Then it connected and she shook her head.

"No way. I'll stay here. Or I'll call someone else."

Steve moved to her bedside, "Lia no one else on your list is available and I have medical training."

"You also leave in the middle of the night to go play Gi Joe!" She turned to the doctor, "All the time! Did he mention that!"

Steve held up his hand to quiet her, "Hey! I'm on R&R right now. And it's already been cleared by your work and Aaron."

She narrowed her eyes, "You called Aaron."

He nodded his head in confusion, "Yeah. Lia...He was your Emergency contact. In London. On vacation.."

She groaned and laid back against her pillow.

"Should've just stayed in the Lava tube."

"It's ultimately up to you Ms. Reynolds but I can't let you leave without verified care until your next appointment.

Great. So it was her decision. She actually had to say this was not ok. Knowing it totally wasn't.

She sank in her bed and groaned, "Sure. You can release me into his care. Unfortunately."

Doctor Maki patted her legs, "You'll be fine. I know Commander McGarrett well. You will be in the best hands."

Steve gave her a twenty watt smile. She ignored them both and closed her eyes. Wishing to be anywhere else.