Jim knocked on Captain Slater's office door, his fingers lingering a moment longer than necessary. His heart was heavier than he cared to admit.

  "Come in," came the familiar voice from inside.

  Jim pushed the door open and stepped in, shutting it behind him with a quiet click. "Hi, Captain."

  "Lieutenant," Slater acknowledged, barely glancing up as he slid a signed document across his desk. "Your request for a flight to Argos—for you and Maddie—is approved."

  Jim reached for the paper, his fingers tightening around it. He stared at the words, but they felt distant. Slowly, he let his arm drop to his side, his gaze drifting away.

  Slater leaned back, arms crossed. "You don't look as happy about it as I thought you'd be."

  Jim exhaled, his breath unsteady. "Honestly, sir... I don't know how to feel."

  Slater gestured toward a chair. "Sit down. Talk to me."

  Jim hesitated, then pulled the chair closer and sat down heavily. He dragged a hand through his hair. "On one hand, it's what Maddie needs. The temple, Athena—that's her world. She'll be safe there. Happy." He attempted a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "That should be enough, shouldn't it?"

  Slater studied him. "And on the other?"

  Jim exhaled slowly, staring down at his hands. "She stays. And maybe we..."

  "Build something together?"

  "Yeah." Jim swallowed hard. "Something like that."

  "Does that scare you?"

  A bitter laugh escaped him. "Terrifies me, honestly. It's all happening so fast."

  Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  Slater leaned forward slightly. "Do you have feelings for her, Jim?"

  Jim's head jerked up. "Sir?"

  "Straight question. Do you have feelings for Medusa?"

  Jim's mouth opened, then closed. The words felt stuck in his throat. "I... yes. I think I do."

  "You think?"

  "Okay, I know I do." Jim rubbed his neck, looking uncomfortable. "She's... God, where do I even start? She's beautiful, brilliant, compassionate.... She gets me in ways most people don't. Takes care of me without making me feel weak." His voice dropped. "She makes me feel like I'm worth something."

  Slater spread his hands. "So, what's the problem?"

  Jim's jaw tightened. "What if I'm not enough? What if she gives up her whole life for this and realizes she made a mistake?"

  Slater barked out a laugh. "Christ, Lieutenant! You're worried about her regretting a choice she hasn't even made yet. You plan the divorce before the wedding?"

  "I know how it sounds—"

  "Then stop." Slater's tone turned serious. "Let her make her own decision. Your job isn't to protect her from her choices—it's to support whatever choice she makes."

  Jim's chest ached. "I'll miss her if she goes."

  "I know, I get it. Hell, we'll all miss her—she's wonderful," Slater said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "But part of loving someone is doing right by them. If she chooses to leave, be happy for her. Be a man. Support her—for real. No grumbling. And if she stays... well, you two figure it out together."

  Jim nodded, his throat tight. "Thanks, sir. I have to admit, though—I'm a little surprised by how you're looking at all this."

  "Oh?"

  "I figured you'd be more worried about Maddie losing her powers and leaving the program."

  Slater offered a small grin and nodded. "I get where you're coming from. But we're recruiters. This is the US Army, not a cult. If people want ?to leave the program, we let them go."

  Jim nodded.

  "What matters is that the ones who are here want to be here. Helping them figure out what they want from life—that's part of our mission. If anything, that shows we mean what we say. And that's the heart of what we do."

  "Yeah, I understand."

  Slater's eyes widened. "Do you? Sounds like you're the one that's not wanting to let her go."

  Jim pivoted, not wanting to think about the surprising situation. "So... how are things going with you and Stheno?"

  Slater grinned. "Oh, Stheno. Yeah, she's wild—and I mean that in the best way possible. I keep wondering if this is a dream I'll ever wake up from, but... we're doing great. Thanks for asking."

  Jim chuckled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders. "Glad to hear it, sir."

  He stood, gripping the flight approval a little tighter. "All right... I think I've got this."

  "You sure?"

  Jim met his gaze, determination flickering in his eyes. "Yeah. And... thanks. For everything."

  "Anytime, Jim. Just remember—be a man, first. Got it?"

  With a final nod, Jim took a deep breath, saluted, and left the office.