| Subject: Part 2... Title..18LOVE19H/M |
Author:
Maximus
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Date Posted: 13:24:18 09/07/06 Thu
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 2
Author: Maximus
Setting: First days in London.
Mac’s POV
Part 2 Title: 18LOVE19H/M
After thoroughly enjoying our 5-hour stay at the Airport Holiday Inn, we made our way to Gate 11 and boarded the 747 for our first trip to our new life in London. We talked and embraced for a while until we both ran out of steam and finally went to sleep for most of the flight. The new dreams we had were of a different type that spoke of the new “us” instead of I or me.
Upon arrival at the London airport, we approached the bag claim area and were greeted by Master Chief James Manual, our Senior Steward. Our driver and steward, Third Class Petty Officer Manny Alverez, was already in possession of our bags and was loading them in our limo for the trip to the compound. Technically, both of these men were Harm’s stewards as bodyguards and for the care of the home and grounds but they understood that I was part of the package. Even if they didn’t understand that before, during introductions, Harm made it perfectly clear that we came as a pair or set. (When I’m cut, he bleeds) He introduced me as his wife but also made it clear that I was a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, and would probably continue to function also in that rank. After being formal, we both shook their hands to make clear that we were glad that they were part of our JAG family. Manny took us on the scenic tour pointing out many of the different buildings that Harm, and maybe I, would be required to meet with dignitaries from time to time. Of course he also showed us some of the touristy spots that we had heard about.
Upon arrival at the command home (our new home) in the JAG compound, we met our female steward, Chief Petty Officer Hazel Martinez, who was the chief cook and bottle washer. Hazel was a chef by trade but had been in the Navy for 27 years and that would make her the oldest of our group. She was very outgoing and great to be around. I felt like I was getting a new mom.
The home was absolutely perfect for our needs. Access to the rooms upstairs was by either elevator or by a winding staircase. These rooms would essentially be the family quarters for the Rabb family. The door to the far left, which was visible from the Master Chief’s office downstairs, opened into the Master suite of rooms. The room to the left was the library, study, and office with 2 desks, one for each of us. The huge room to its right was a combination master bedroom and bathroom with sauna. The two rooms on over to the right were guest bedrooms, one of which would be for Mattie when she arrived. The other might make a nice nursery in the future.
The downstairs consisted of the senior steward’s office, a larger formal living/meeting room, dining room, kitchen, pantry, one bedroom (the Blue Room), bathrooms, and stewards quarters on the other side of the kitchen. This was ideal for entertaining and having guests in.
After our bags were stowed, the Master Chief asked us to attend his first staff meeting. He gave orders that when the doors were closed on the Master Suite it was to be considered “Off-Limits” by all personnel. Intercom traffic would be the preferred mode of communication at that time.
He explained what he understood of our future plans to the other stewards and asked us to fill in any blanks if needed. Harm explained about Mattie and what her arrival might mean to them. Also that we were newly married (after a 9 year courtship) and asked them for their indulgence. He told everyone of our love and explained our open affection would be the norm within our home. He confirmed the chain of command with the Master Chief being in charge and responsible for the command home and our safety. Harm gave them all one of those 1000 watt smiles and let them know we would value them. We just gained 3 new friends.
Both Harm and I quickly found that this was really going to take some getting used to. We both felt like “Kept” people. We found that going to the kitchen in our boxers and panties would no longer work. We were still able to cook, drive our own cars, and make our own beds on weekends when one or more of them were on liberty or on leave. We quickly found how much more time we had to make love, study, jog, make love, plan, read, make love, and enjoy what London had to offer.
Monday, First Day
06:45 hrs
Home
Harm and I were up early and went for a run around the inside wall of the compound to get the lay of the land and to wear off some of the adrenaline that kept forcing itself into our systems. This was truly Harms first command billet and I could tell it was bothering him. I have kissed him three times since we got up to try to help him settle down but it was only a temporary solution. What a nice way to try to help him out. I think I am really going to enjoy my job.
Harm kept asking what I was seeing and kept looking for the security patrols and evidence that the compound was secure. I could tell he thought something was wrong. I have a feeling the security duty officer is going to get a new one ripped when Harm gets to him.
During our discussions I mention that we should call back to JAG HQ and ask if we could do it at 16:15 today due to the time difference. Most of the staff should be in HQ by that time. After a while I sensed that Harm had been formulating a plan that included me. He asked me if I could be in uniform, at his office, at 15:00 for introductions at staff call. After my immediate positive response, he seemed to be back to normal. Yes, we do come as a pair, no doubt about it.
When we arrived back home, Hazel had our breakfast ready to be put on the table. Harm asked her to sit and eat with us so we could find out more about her. Even though she felt a little uncomfortable, Harm won her over and cut the tension to zero. She asked about the different types of foods and seasonings we enjoyed and reminded us that the Party for General Cresswell’s visit on the 22nd was being planned with a red, white, and blue theme. We related the different types of food we had seen he and his wife enjoy so she could be prepared. The bedroom on the main floor would be prepared for the General and his wife. Harm would issue orders today to bring in secure land and cell phone lines for his use. In fact, he was ordering them for our use as well.
After getting ready, I sent Harm off to his first day of command with a kiss that should keep me on his mind till I arrive at 15:00. Meetings had been arranged for him in advance for the complete morning.
I received a call from him at about 11:00 which had an alarmed tone to it. He said he had received a message at 10:30 saying that CIA Director Harrison Kershaw was in his jet in-route and wanted to meet with both Harm and I at 18:15 at our home. Harm had long thought that he and I had gone way above and beyond what should have ever been ask of us by the CIA. He was upset and told me there was no way in hell he would even think of allowing his wife and the future mother of his children to be put at any risk again. Even though I spoke words of reassurance to him, he knew that I was still capable of making my own decisions. (Although what he said would carry more weight with me than it had before since we now came as a pair). I told Hazel to prepare for two more for dinner at 18:30 so we could hear what was going to be asked of us. (again)
At the 15:00 staff call, Harm made some very flattering comments about me as his wife, me as his partner for many years, and my rank at the introductions. Everyone in attendance received the message loud and clear that no one was senior to me in his chain of command. I enjoyed watching him as he made the presentation with real style and class. (Maybe he does have a Superman Suit under there somewhere.)
We made our call back to Jag HQ at 16:30 hrs (08:30 their time) and got Jennifer on the line. Harm asked her if she received the note we left. Her answer was yes and she wanted to come to London. She asked how soon the orders could be cut? Tomorrow was the answer. Even at 28 years old she still seemed like our daughter. I spoke to personnel about her orders and confirmed that my leave request had been processed for 35 days. That should give Cresswell enough time to get the San Diego replacement for me and I could resign my commission (if necessary). When General Cresswell finally came on the line, he was very friendly and gracious. We discussed my leave, his visit on the 22nd and other interesting items he thought we should know about. He made a special point of telling us that when certain Generals and Admirals in the European theatre found that I might be available within their chain of command, many interesting ideas and job offers were being formulated. See there, a “Legal Weenie” might still make O6. We told him we were looking forward to seeing him on the 22nd and asked him to check on Mattie for us. He said he had been at the hospital last night and she cheered up when he and his wife arrived. The call was over shortly after we spoke briefly to Bud.
In final resignation, we knew we had to face Kershaw tonight, so we sent Manny over to pick him up in the secure environment of our limo. We both found it totally gut-wrenching to deal with the CIA again in any capacity.
Mr Kershaw was very complimentary upon his arrival and consented to join us for a beautifully executed meal by Hazel. He started by re-living many of the adventures that the agency had asked Harm and I to become part of. He recounted our successes and applauded all of our efforts. It was very obvious that he was enjoying himself immensely. We both kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. He had a riddle for us to think about before the meal was complete. What was the significance of the number 60, 36, 24, 19, 18, 5 and 2 in our lives while helping the CIA?
At the end of the meal Master Chief Manual approached carrying a flaming dessert that Hazel had prepared without liquor, because of me, and made the presentation and served it with style. It was just a taste of what our life was going to be like here.
After the dessert was enjoyed by all, Mr. Kershaw withdrew a green velvet case from his inside coat pocket and opened it in front of Harm and I. It held seven platinum bands each with the same size diamond cut in seven different cuts and/or designs. These diamonds had been custom made for this occasion by the Navy Research Labs. He explained that each diamond was a perfect 1½ carats and had the same exact serial number 18LOVE19H/M engraved into it by laser. He explained that one diamond was to live and the other 6 would be reclaimed and recast.
Mr. Kershaw took his time asking both of us if we had solved the riddle. We both made reasonable guesses but were incorrect.
He then explained the numbers to us. 60 perfect 2 carat diamonds were created and were stolen from the Navy Research Lab. Lt. Maravalis had sold 36 of them which he later made restitution for. Of the 60, 24 stones remained, 5 of which Bud and Mac reclaimed from the smoke shop box, leaving 19 stones. Two of those stones, # 18 and 19, were left in Mac’s apartment, one on the desk and one on her bed by Sadik Fahd in his effort to seduce her. 17 stones then remained at large and were never accounted for. The CIA believed they were used as currency to purchase materials that cost American lives.
The number 2 has other meanings as well. Two was the number of shots required by you, Sarah, to protect yourself and end the life of a man filled with poison, hate and bent on destroying everything good in our country. Two was also the number of beautiful stones returned to us by you, Sarah, after the ordeal was over.
Since it is customary for a man in love to present a beautiful diamond, which he can afford, to his future bride as an engagement symbol, we at the CIA took special notice of your situation. A love, long denied, flourished forth in one day’s time resulting in engagement and marriage in the same day. We might add to everyone’s complete satisfaction and enjoyment. You really do come as a pair.
Believing that we can never adequately repay or thank you both for your services to us, we invite you, Sarah, to choose any ring from this box as your engagement ring, of course with Harm’s approval if that is O.K. The serial number is marked with the numbers 18 and 19 and are the numbers of the diamonds you returned to us. LOVE is what we wish for both of you, and we think H/M is a good display of the final joining of the two of you. Only the stone you choose will live and the others will be recast as smaller stones.
After hugging Harm and getting his approval, I chose the diamond cut in the shape of a heart that reflected a light that I believe I will always be able to see like I see the light in Harm’s eyes. After we both showed our appreciation to Mr. Kershaw, he closed the green case, made his way back to the limo, and back to his jet.
One of our interactions with the CIA had just exceeded our wildest dreams.
TBC
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