Present Day

"Not even a text?"

But Hank just shrugged, not brushing her off, though the man was very used to ignoring his superiors, but as if he was still struggling to make sense of what had happened. "There wasn't time."

"In the moment that might work but you had hours afterwards. Especially considering I did reach out to see that you and your team were alright." Sam countered and she was glad to see the Sergeant did seem appreciative of that.

And remorseful about his own lack of courtesy.

"You can't lock me out or inform me what you decide when you decide it." She continued sternly, though she made sure to keep her body relaxed for the rest of his unit who was no doubt watching. "It never works like that but especially not if Tess Danvers is going to work with the department."

Hank just gave another shrug, looking a lot more tired than she'd ever seen him. "She hasn't said yes. And I honestly don't know if she will."

"She will."

Tess Danvers wasn't a woman who backed down from a challenge.

Granted everything she knew about her came from second hand accounts which she normally didn't like to rely on but they were trusted sources with no reasons to lie or exaggerate. And whether they liked the woman personally or not, which seemed pretty split they all agreed that challenging the status quo was her favourite thing to do. And that was exactly why Sam had come to Chicago.

What I won't do is protect the system.

It would worry her colleagues, which was why she never said it so clearly, but that was what she wanted too. Why she'd taken this position and joined the force down in Atlanta in the first place, why she'd studied Criminal Justice. To make the system better for everyone it was meant to serve, not just the ones with the 'acceptable' complexions. A nod from Hank had her looking out into his bullpen and she realized Tess had finally arrived with Detective Halstead, her Ranger according to the rumors about him, and they quickly moved to greet them.

"Can I call this one a stunt?" Sam joked, pleased to see Danvers enjoyed her humor, though her boyfriend raised a cautious brow.

"I think badass rescue is more accurate."

It was so she gave them each a respectful nod then gestured to her arm which was still bandaged, and likely would be for a while. "How bad is it?"

"It's fine." Tess responded with a shrug, quite cavalier for a woman who had just been branded but she supposed this wasn't the first or the last time she'd be injured. "I'm guessing you're all caught up?"

"I am. You're certain the Triad isn't going to retaliate? And that CPD should not?" Sam asked seriously, a gesture that clearly wasn't necessary based on how quickly the other woman started shaking her head.

"I am. Vehemently. The Triad is dealing with Ang themselves. As we speak, I believe."

"Now?" Hank asked, briefly sharing a look with her while Detective Halstead, Jay, explained to the rest of his team how they'd gotten here so quickly but while she'd admit that did surprise her it was not the most important fact.

That was that one of the three heads of the Triad was in their city.

Both she and Hank knew what they should do with that information but they also knew if the man couldn't be convicted on his soil there was little chance it would happen here. It would also undermine the sacrifice Tess had just made for them and make future… interactions with the organization more tense. It was why she hadn't flooded Chinatown with blue last night. Though she was still going to make it clear that CPD didn't tolerate attacks against their own.

And that they considered Tess to be a part of their department.

"They're going to kill him." One of the other officers then stated, the light atmosphere quickly going tense.

Detective Upton.

She was a hell of a cop, dedicated, intelligent, emotionally regulated. There'd been something between her and Danvers last time she'd been here too but when they shared their own look she could see that while the officer was uncomfortable with this situations outcome she understood its necessity.

She should considering she'd done something similar a little less than year ago.

Deciding that was drama she didn't need to be involved in Sam turned back to Tess, giving her a warm but wry smile. "I hear you were offered a position with us?"

"Are you here to take it away?" The other woman asked, she swore almost with a hint of hope but given all she'd been through her hesitance was understandable.

"The opposite. I'm here to expand it."

At first Danvers was still but then she straightened with a slow breath and nodded, her own lips tugging up wryly. "There's a good chance you regret that, but I accept."

"Good. Take some time to decide what you want to tackle first then come by my office and we'll work it out."

Knowing it was more important they get their interpersonal dynamics sorted out she left, both excited and nervous about this new partnership. There was no doubt there would be trouble that came from this, she'd heard all the rumors abut Tess's enemies and that didn't include the dozens that Hank or CPD had but Sam was still confident this was the right move.

For something better to be built something old had to be torn down.