Three hours later, the four comrades followed the first crow private down several corridors to General Pepper's office, chatting excitedly and ribbing each other on their performances in the Sims. They were all exhuberant, realizing that indeed, they had been able to easily conform to a well-synchronized flight team.

They had easily handled each battle simulation as it was put to them, finding and using each member's strong points and putting them to good use, as the situation demanded, relying on constant communications between them and placing trust in each other.

As they stepped into General Pepper's office, he rose from behind a large desk and came over to them, congratulating them warmly.

"I watched your Sim work, and indeed, you four will be invaluable to our mission. Truly impressive!"

"Thank you, General Pepper." Kaveman said, shaking his hand. "I think we're all ready to carry out this new mission you have for us."

Connor glanced at Kaveman with a wry grin, as CG leaned toward her and whispered in her ear, "Plays along pretty good, doesn't he..."

Connor raised her eyebrows and nodded in surprised agreement, glancing at CG and Cole, who looked similarly impressed. General Pepper motioned the four over to a conference table, indicating them to sit, proceeding to lay out folders before each of them, and drawing up a chair at the head of the table. The mission specs were about to be unfolded, and Kaveman, CG, Connor and Cole all listened with rapt interest...

Later in the mess hall, the companions hungrily devoured their meals, reviewing all that had been revealed to them in their briefing. Kaveman, having been officially designated as team leader, wanted to make sure that no one had any doubts as to their responsibilities, and got into a heated argument with Connor about her tendency to be too trigger happy. CG and Cole watched, surprised, as the decible level steadily rose and other conversation in the dining quarters eventually ceased as others turned to watch the two.

By now they were shouting at each other, squared off across the table, halfway out of their seats. Cole nudged CG, and they tried to calm Connor and Kaveman, but the two angrily shrugged them both off. Connor yelled back at Kaveman after a particularly cutting remark. "Well, if you feel so strongly that I'm gonna put your precious ass in jeopardy, then maybe you better just stay out of my way!!"

Kaveman was seeing red now.

"What do you mean? You think I'm just gonna pull back whenever I spot a target just so you can take the shot??! You're fucking crazy if you think I'm gonna just sit there and hope that you can frag 'em!!"

He continued before Connor could say anything. "All I know is that you don't think before you shoot and I'm not gonna put up with having to watch my back because you don't have any self control!!"

Connor looked shocked.

"Ok, ok," she agreed, eyes narrowing, "so I did tag you a couple of times in FlightSim, but you knew I'd engaged those targets, and you deliberately cut me off! I can't help it if your stupid ego makes you think that you're Mr. Fuckin' Ace Top Gun!! I could've easily taken 'em out, and you hadda get in their and show off your fuckin' bad ass manuevers in front of everyone!"

She leaned forward, menacingly.

"I'll tell you what, Mr. Maverick... I was grinnin' ear to ear when you caught my fire! You got what you deserved, Kaveman..." Kaveman looked like he wanted to strangle Connor.

"Oh yeah???" he said, leaning forward, his face mere inches from hers, "All I can say is, GIRLS can't FIGHT, so you better stay outta my way, don't even think about gettin' near me tomorrow, cause if I even feel you anywhere near me up there, you're goin' DOWN!!" Connor suddenly drew back with icy calm and Kaveman suddenly realized he shouldn't have said that…

CG and Cole froze and the whole place went suddenly silent, all eyes on the two combatants. Connor glared at Kaveman with murderous intent, then suddenly climbed over the table and jumped on Kaveman, knocking him to the ground in an all out scuffle!

The whole place suddenly erupted as everyone clambered over chairs and tables to get a better view of the fight. CG and Cole were momentarily too shocked to interfere, but Kaveman quickly had the upper hand.

Connor had taken him completely by surprise and she landed on top of him as he hit the ground on his back. He felt her hands around his neck, squeezing hard. But Kaveman wasn't too surprised to do something about this…

He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her off of him, throwing her weight to the side and quickly grabbing her around the middle, twisting himself around, reversing their positions, so that Connor was on her stomach and Kaveman on top, trying to pin her down.

Connor had anticipated this, so she pushed off with her legs and yanked forward, throwing Kaveman off balance, and freed her arms, grabbing onto one of his legs and rolling the other direction onto it, making him yelp as his leg bent under. He lost his grip on her, as he had to brace himself to keep from being flipped over.

Connor scrabbled to bring her knees up and kicked hard with both legs, connecting with Kaveman's middle, as she hurridly tried to get to her feet. But Kaveman recovered quickly and grabbed her by the leg before she could get out of his reach and yanked hard.

Connor crashed to the floor and Kaveman scrambled over and grabbed her, flipping her over on her back, straddling her with both legs and pinning her arms above her head. She tried to buck him off, but couldn't.

By now they were both tired and breathing hard, and Connor, with Kaveman sitting on her hips and unable to break his grip on her arms, couldn't budge him, so she gave in and lay still as they glared at each other.

"You had enough??" Kaveman panted. Connor turned her head, avoiding his eyes, suddenly feeling very foolish.

"Well??" Kaveman demanded. Connor looked around quickly, noticing the sea of faces surrounding them.

She reluctantly gave in.

"Yeah...." she growled, still scowling. "Get off me..."

Kaveman let go of her arms and slowly got to his feet, as CG offered Connor his hand, helping her rise. Everyone else started to break up and return to their seats, knowing that the show was now over, and talking amongst themselves.

Kaveman stormed off without a word through one of the far exits and Connor dusted herself off, watching him go, as Cole and CG wondered how they were going to restore peace before their mission in the morning. Connor started heading to the nearest exit, tossing her head in annoyance.

"Hey," Cole called, "where are you going?" Connor gave no indication that she'd heard him and headed out the door. Cole and CG looked at each other.

"Great..." CG said. "Fucking great..."

Later in the Rec. room, CG and Cole were playing their fifteenth round of 8-ball. There were still no signs of either Kaveman or Connor. After the fight, they had searched the entire compound and had no luck spotting one or the other. So, hoping that eventually they'd show up, they'd tried their best to occupy the time till lights out. But neither one was able to concentrate on their shots anymore, so they decided to head back to the barracks, even though it was only 2000 hours.

It was nearly lights-out when Kaveman came to his bunk and lay down, ignoring the questioning stares from CG and Cole and flipping on his side to face away from them.

He angrily fussed with his pillow, seeming as though he'd rather rip it apart as he adjusted it, trying to get comfortable. Connor came in then, trudging up to her bunk and staring at Kaveman's back, scowling.

She glared at Cole and CG as they peered at her, daring them to say anything. They didn't, but glanced at each other as Connor sat down on her bunk. Still staring at Kaveman, who didn't move, she suddenly kicked at his bed, angrily, making the frame shudder as her boot connected with the side bar. Kaveman slowly sat up, turning to face her, as CG and Cole prepared to duck.

To their astonishment and to Connor's as well, Kaveman didn't throttle her, but glared at her, waiting to see what would come next.

Connor and Kaveman stared each other down, neither one moving. The tension was palpable, and CG and Cole both felt their blood pressure start to rise, anxiously awaiting some kind of eruption between the two. Just then, the lights in the barracks went out, dousing everyone in pitch-blackness.

Cole and CG felt their hearts jump at the unexpected darkness and strained their ears, listening for any indication of movement between Connor and Kaveman. It took a minute for their eyes to adjust, but eventually in the faint moon-glow from the window above their bunks they could make out vague movement as Kaveman cautiously stretched out his hand in the dim gloom.

Connor remained motionless for a moment, then, gradually, she reached out and took Kaveman's hand. Kaveman swung his legs over his bunk so that he sat facing Connor, still clasping her hand. CG looked across the top at Cole, who, as well as he could make out in the darkness, was watching as intently as he was. Cole looked over at CG and they both breathed a sigh of relief.

Connor reached out and met Kaveman's other hand, which he gripped tightly. Now they leaned toward each other, knees almost touching, and Kaveman whispered something to her. CG lay back in his bunk, and Cole did the same, unable to make out the conversation between the two, but feeling that finally the storm had passed.

Kaveman and Connor got up and headed out of the barracks. Stepping out the door, they headed down the corridor, silently. They got on the turbo lift and Kaveman hit the button for the roof. Neither one spoke as the lift ascended and they stepped out under the weird night sky, heading for the edge of the building and sitting down, Connor, Indian style and Kaveman, with his legs dangling over the edge.

Kaveman broke the silence first.

"I'm sorry I got mad at you..."

He looked down at the ground far below. For a moment, no one said anything. Connor continued to look out over the moonlit horizon stretching out before them.

Kaveman sighed.

"I don't want to fight with you..." he said, "You know, I never thought you'd jump me... I thought we worked everything out before, Connor." He looked at her. She glanced at him momentarily, turning away quickly to stare out over the landscape again.

"I don't know..." she said, "I guess this whole thing's got me real shook... After everything that happened in Doom... finding out how much of a skunk Cole's turned out to be, nearly getting killed... It's getting harder for me to take, Kaveman... I... I just lost it..."

Kaveman nodded, looking over the vista too. "I know," he said, "I feel like I'm starting to lose my mind..." He looked at his legs, dangling over the edge, knocking his boots against the wall as he swung his feet.

"But," he continued, quietly, as Connor turned her head to look at him, frowning slightly, "you gotta remember I'm on your side."

He didn't look up, making Connor feel like shit.

"I thought you were gonna kill me back in the Mess Hall." she said. "You had every right... I was being a total Bitch..."

Kaveman looked up, his eyes wide.

"Yeah, you were! You're damn right I could've taken you out, but I didn't, did I?? What does that tell you? ...huh??"

Connor hung her head. "I'm sorry too..." she apologized, wondering if this gap was now getting too wide to cross.

"I didn't mean anything I said..." Kaveman said, surprising her. "I shouldn't have gotten on your case about the Sim. I knew I was gonna cut you off... I cracked up when you tagged me..."

Connor peered at him, raising an eyebrow, mystified...

"Huh?? ...You mean, you weren't mad??"

Kaveman shook his head, looking out over the distance with a wry grin.

"No, I knew you couldn't help it. It was my fault."

Connor was confused.

"Then why did you get on my case about it?"

Kaveman looked at her, "I was just being mean. I guess I was kinda upset that that dog-guy, Pepper made me the leader. I don't really want that much responsibility... I don't know if I can handle it. ...So, I picked on you. It was the first thing I could think of to bitch about. I had no idea it would get so out of hand..." He shrugged his shoulders.

Connor tilted her head slightly, absorbing what he'd just said.

"Well," she said, "I just kinda assumed you were always the leader back in Doom... Frankly, I think you're the only one I'd follow... I sure as heck ain't cut out to be the leader, and CG doesn't seem to mind following you. ...As for Cole," they both looked at each other at the mention of his name,

"...well." she said.

They were both silent for a moment, just thinking.

Connor glanced at him, wondering what to say.

"Look..." she said, finally. "I can't speak for the other two, but I have faith in you. You can do it..." Kaveman looked at the ground far below, an uncertain expression on his face.

"Hey..." she continued, trying to boost his spirit, "Remember the pact we made in Doom? No matter what, we stick together? I'm willing if you are."

Kaveman looked at her thoughtfully.

"Ok... Deal." he said, finally looking more cheerful. Connor held out her hand. Kaveman took it in his as they shook hands, firmly. Connor let out a heavy sigh, leaning back and relaxing a little, resting on her hands behind her. Against her will, she couldn't help feeling terribly mischievious...

"I really pissed you off at dinner, didn't I.." she chuckled. Kaveman gave in and grinned, looking at her.

"Yeah!" he agreed, "I wanted to wring your neck!"

Connor glanced at him, momentarily wary.

"How come you didn't hit me? You had a million chances..." Kaveman looked mildly surprised.

"Hit you? I wouldn't hit you. I knew I had to stop the fight though. I can't believe you tried to strangle me..."

Connor grimaced. "Geez, I'm really sorry about that..."

Kaveman laughed. "Don't worry about it. Sure shocked the hell out of me, though!" They both laughed, suddenly feeling relieved.

Kaveman looked at her. "You tired?" he asked. Connor shook her head.

"No way. I'm too wound up now... There's no way I'd be able to just lie down and sleep. ...What about you?"

Kaveman shrugged lazily, "I can't sleep either... I guess I'd like to stay up here if you don't mind my company."

She looked at him, smiling gratefully.

"Wouldn't have it any other way..."

Connor and Kaveman chatted companionably, far into the night.

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