Can someone out there answer a 23k recovery question for me. This is my first time doing any recovery flying.

I have 23k on my schedule from the 11th - 23rd of AUG. Am I to assume that scheduling has till 0700E two days prior to my original report to assign me a trip. If they don't assign me a trip I am free to go and pay protected. If scheduling assigns me a trip, does it have to start on the 11th or can it start anytime from the 11th to 23rd.

Last question, is it to my advantage to fill out a recovery slip?

Thanks for your help,
BFS