Task Force

Back in Uniform

It was the first day back for Lieutenant Jade West and she realized that she wasn't a big fan of the uniform. Before joining the LASD, she thought about joining the LAPD but she knew that Tori was with the department and at the time was avoiding Tori and the rest of the surviving group so she went to the LASD.  Looking back, she thought she should have joined the CHP. She also thought about this being a betrayal to Tori. After she got dressed, she reported to Captain Craig who said, "Welcome back Lieutenant. I heard good things about you," Jade said, "Only good things?" Craig said, "Hey, I don't mind excessive force here and there. Sometimes, cops need to do their jobs without every Tom, Dick, and Harry complaining on the fucking news on how to do our fucking jobs. You came highly recommended by Lieutenant Parker and yes, I promoted him," 

Jade said, "I'll do my best sir," Craig said, "Good to hear and also, it's business as usual. We won't hear anything a for the next few days," She goes into her office and Sean knocks on the door and asked, "How's things back at the LASD?" Jade said, "I didn't really miss it," Sean said, "Make a few runs and make some money and you'll be back writing your books," and left. 

At the Task Force station, the agents were looking at the intel where the next shipments would be while Kate was at looking Tori who was going through paperwork in her office worried about her. Kate said, "Will she be OK?" Callen said, "She will be though I don't blame. She cares about Jade," Jane said, "It's not easy being one of your people or a friend being in this situation. Want me to talk to her?" Kate said, "I'll talk with her,"  

Kate entered Tori's office and asked, "How are you doing?" Tori said, "Well considering that Jade is with those crooked cops, I'm upset," Kate said, "Why?" Tori said, "Why would she join them?" Kate said, "To protect you," Tori said, "I don't need protection, I've been doing this job for eight fucking years, longer than she was," Kate said, "According to her records, she actually has the longer tenure counting her MP days in the Marines," Tori said, "You had to correct me, didn't you?" Kate said, "Afraid so, just tell me this if you were in Jade's situation. Would you do anything different?"

Tori tried to think of an answer but couldn't knowing that she would have done the same thing. Kate said, "The fact that you're pausing means you would have done it," Tori said, "Maybe I would have. Anyway, any chatter yet on the next shipment," Kate said, "Not yet and from the looks of it, it would be for another few days," Tori said, "I'm tired of waiting,"   Kate said, "Patience Captain, you got to have patience. You had patience when it came to solving your friend's murder," 

Jane walked in and said, "Hey Captain, I wanted to say that, she's not alone. There's four NCIS agents as officers. So Jade isn't the only one," Kate said, "Who are the four?" Jane said, "Deeks as himself, Rountree, Lucy, and Jesse," Kate said, "What about Kai?" Jane said, "Someone had to stay on the island and Kai drew the short straw," Tori said, "I know, I just worry," Jane said, "From her records, she's a tough officer. She can handle herself as well as the four agents with her," 

After the work day, Tori went back to her place and as she was about to open her door a voice said, "Hey Vega,". Tori turned around, reached for her gun, and saw it was Jade. This time, Tori kept her weapon in her holster. Jade said, "Thanks for not pointing your weapon at me this time," Tori said, "What are you doing here?" Jade said while holding a six-pack of beer, "I'm here for a peace offering. Unsure what kind of beer you like so I got this,"  Tori said, "I'm not really a beer drinker but come in," 

They entered Tori's apartment and Jade was looking through Tori's  closet as Tori was watching TV and drinking her beer and Jade said, "Do you have a dress in every color Captain?" Tori said, "I think there's some colors I don't have. I don't know why I have so many dresses. I don't wear them that much," Jade said, "You wear them for me and Andre, does he know about us?" Tori said, "I'm afraid so," Jade went to the couch to be with Tori, cuddled with her, and said, "Does he have a problem with it?" Tori said, "No, he did know about our date last night," Jade said, "Didn't you have a date with him the previous night?" Tori said, "Yeah, I wore a nice blue dress," Jade said, "Did you guys?" Tori said, "We made out but we didn't go that far," Jade said, "Is it because of what they did earlier that day?" Tori said, "I think he didn't want to get an eye infection or whatever I got," Jade said, "I didn't mind. Also, did he get you an ultimatum?"

Tori said, "No but he did say he wasn't going to wait forever," Jade said, "In fairness, same here. You know you got to make a decision sometime soon," Tori said, "I know but it's hard not to mention this new assignment is taking most of my time and I'm wondering if I made a mistake having you here with me," Jade said, "I'm pretty sure you're smart not to have classified documents here. Plus trust me I won't do that to you," Tori said, "In high school, you would,"  Jade said, "That was in high school, we're here now. Do you wonder what would have been if Robbie didn't kill Cat?" Tori said, "We probably would have been actors/singers and possibly screenwriters like you became later on. Are you working on the Scissoring reboot?" Jade said, "It's next on my do-to list, I'm on the finishing touches on our book," Tori said, "Thanks for the bonus, Also, How did you get published?" Jade said, "Remember Julie Gayle from KTLA?" 

Tori said, "Yeah," Jade said, "After she left the TV biz news, she opened a publishing company before the pandemic when if I wasn't patrolling the streets, I was writing. I completed the first book and I found her on the Alumni site of Hollywood Arts and next thing I know, I was a best-selling author," Tori said, "Julie Gayle went to Hollywood Arts?" Jade said, "She did and she wants to meet you soon," Tori said, "I like to after this case," Jade said, "Alright, I better go let you be," Tori said, "Also, how was it being back in uniform?" Jade said, "I already miss civilian life," as she is about to leave. 

Tori said, "Do you want me to get you an Uber since you had a beer as well?" Jade said, "Don't worry I already contact for a ride, my Uber should be coming in a few minutes. Just watch my car and make sure it doesn't get towed," Tori said, "Don't worry about your car, I know the landlord. He likes me," Jade said, "Who wouldn't like a cop as a tenant? OK, Bye Sweetass," as she hugged Tori who added, "It's Captain Sweetass to you," Jade said, "Aye-Aye Captain," and she left Tori's place to wait for her Uber driver.