Ice is buried in a sad ceremony. Word of hers and Jake's hookup hit higher ears, making for an uncomfortable conversation.

~~~~~~~~

"Jesus, I know what this is about," Nora mumbled. "What?" Sydney whispered.

~~~~~~~~
"You want to leave? Hall, this isn't Walmart, you cannot just leave." Nora wrang her hands anxiously. "I just... I don't think it's best for myself and Rooster to serve this mission. We have too many wounds, and it's impacting everybody around us. I don't expect him to leave, which is why I will," She said. Simpson nodded slowly. "You're adults, no? Can you not put these trivial differences behind you for the purpose of the mission? There is a reason we called this group forth: you're the best shot we have." Nora shifted. "I have tried. Many times. He is not interested, and seems intent on reopening healed wounds."

"You understand the implications of this. Do you know what will happen if you quit this mission?" Bates asked. "No sir," Nora answered. "You will not be court-martialed, as this will be your first offence, in essence. You will have a permanent mark on your record. The next step would be dishonourable discharge," He continued. "If you mouth off to a CO, turn up late, refuse a mission, ignore orders or even shit in the wrong room, you'd be done. Out, finished." Simspon barked. "Is that what you want? When all you have to do is ignore Rooster for a few weeks, then you two can WWE it for all I care,"

Nora's shoulders slumped. "Can I have a day to think about it?" She asked quietly. "You get an hour. Till I get back from lunch." Simpson stood. "Choose wisely,"

An hour later, she sat in the office. "I'll stay, sirs. But, can I request one thing?" Simpson gestured with his hand. "I'm glad you're back on board. And you can ask," She took a breath. "Would it be possible to prevent me and Rooster from serving together anymore? No more missions together?" Simpson glanced at Bates. "We cannot agree, but we can put a caution on your records. This would not be anything negative, just a warning for any other commanding officers who come upon your files," Nora nodded with a small smile. "Thank you, Admiral Bates," She said. She turned to Simpson. "And thank you for your time, sir,"

~

A few days later and no conversations were exchanged between her and Bradley. It would appear the warning was put on their files. The only somewhat eventful thing that happened was Rear Admiral Sina hauling her, Sydney's and Pheonix's asses out to a private room. "Lieutenants, do you know why you have been asked here?" Upon no answer, Sina continued. "Jesus, I know what this is about," Nora mumbled. "What?" Sydney whispered. "We have had an anonymous report of a few... exchanges of intercourse within your team." Nora rubbed her nose, something she did when she was irritated. "Now, don't misunderstand me: we couldn't give a damn who you sleep with, not at all. You're adults, not kids. But, this mission requires our team to be in full health. And if one of you ladies conceive a child before you fly, then... well, I'm sure you know what'll happen,"

Sydney blinked. "Wait, would we get a discipline on our record? Ma'am," Sina shifted. "Unfortunately, yes." Nora scoffed quietly. "But what if it was non consensual?" Nat argued. "Then it'd be a different discussion, Lieutenant Trace," Nora shook her head and raised her finger. "Yes?" Sina said. "Are the boys getting this chat as well? Because it's hardly fair to warn us with disciplinary action and not them, especially when it takes two,"

Sina hesitated. "Somewhat. Commander Holdo is warning them appropriately," Biting her lip, Nora nodded in thanks. "For precaution, we will need you three to do a new medical screening. Make sure there are no babies," Sina cleared her throat. "If we refuse?" Nat asked. "Then you will receive a disciplinary action,"

A few days later, the blood work came back for them. Luckily, none of them was pregnant, but Nora was hauled in because her test was different to the others. Upon explaining she suffered from ovarian-related issues, they let it rest.

~

Nora wiped a tear from her eye, sniffing quietly. She rubbed Sydney's shoulder as her uncle Ice was lowered into the ground, resting for the final time. "You ok?" She asked quietly. Sydney turned into her shoulder, crying silently. Nora patted her back as gently and quietly as she could. She watched with a heavy heart as the jets flew overhead, signifying an admiral's death, a friend's death. Ice had been nothing but kind to everyone he met, especially her and Sydney. Sydney was pretty much his niece, borderline daughter among his three sons. She watched as Maverick hammered his wings into the pristine coffin, eyes red with unshed tears. She continued rubbing Sydney's back, long after the main crowd had dispersed. Only Mav, Bradley, Sarah and her sons remained.

"Syd, you should go see Sarah," She said softly. "And the boys, remember, they just lost their dad," With a gentle shove, Sydney stumbled over to Sarah, no doubt crying over the life lost. Nora stayed for a few more moments, mourning in silence. Whilst she didn't really know Ice, he kept in contact with her, updating her on Bradley and Maverick, no doubt doing the same for them. "You ok?" Somebody asked. She sighed heavily. "Not really, but I will be," She faced the blonde aviator next to her. "He was a good man," She gave a wry smile and turned to walk away, groaning silently when the footsteps followed. "If you're looking for another hookup, I'm closed for business," She snapped. "Jesus, what do you peg me as? I do have morals," Jake hesitated. "Probably not good morals, but morals,"

Nora couldn't help the snort and small smile. "There it is," She looked up at him and shook some hair out of her face. "You're not so bad, Seresin, you know?" He bumped her shoulder. "Yeah? I feel like there's a but coming," She giggled. "But... you're an ass," She snickered as she walked off, his indignant sputtering following behind.