| Subject: London Series - Part 5.....Secret Mission |
Author:
Maximus
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Date Posted: 08:15:22 09/11/06 Mon
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 5
Author: Maximus
Part 5 title: SECRET MISSION
Library Command Center
Wednesday, 28 July, 05
09:00
This was the first morning of Operation Golden Net and Sarah and Kate were watching the plotter as different red and white dots started to move about as assignments were given and work began. Even though it was interesting, nothing could be determined from it since it was so early. The first few days, especially the weekend, would be used to establish a base line for residence and basic activities.
Since this could involve almost 700 people at any given time, knowing and verifying their residence by GPS was a starting point. Sarah had Captain (Mac) MacGregor detail 3 female marines as an investigative team. They would do a lot of things but right now Sarah needed detective work when subjects were spending the nights somewhere else other than their listed residence. The residence list might not be up to date or it might be more than that. Since the modern GPS had an address for about every 4 square feet, sleeping on the couch rather than in the bedroom could be detected. .
This system was so well refined that at any given time a movie could be watched on the plotter that would show where a single individual spent every minute of their time for a whole day or even for the whole 6 weeks of the first phase of Golden Net. It was so accurate that it could be used as evidence.
Some of the most useful and important data was when and where people gathered, grouped or converged together. MacDill was going to be on top of this quickly and would need our team to verify addresses, to find where these meeting places were and to find who owned each place. This would keep our investigative team busy all the time.
CIA California was starting with the money trail for everyone in Harm’s command. All deposits, checks, visa and master card, electronic payments and any other transfer device was being checked by computer to determine where everyone was spending their money. All suspicious or unexpected spending would be flagged for more investigation. Spending by everyone would then be compared together to find how many were spending at the same places or addresses. Special comparisons would be tabulated when spending exceeded what would be expected. It was going to be a monumental task but not for the computers available.
The data center in Japan was tabulating results of any and everything it was being fed. It was supplying reports to the command center computer and would respond to special request from Sarah and Kate.
Weekend
Sarah and Harm spent the weekend doing things like washing and waxing their cars, shining shoes and taking care of uniforms. The other daily activities were now taken care of by the stewards and it added so much free time to their lives. They had made good use of the sauna a few times but found it exhausting since it was so hot. The bath and shower always held special surprises after that. They found that they had to be more careful since Kate spent a good bit of her time in the Library Command Center. The door to the master suite was changed so its normal position was closed instead of remaining open like it used to be.
They attended church services on Sunday morning as was becoming their custom. They found it set a different tone for the people that attended as well as themselves.
Sarah took the Golden Net duty Sunday afternoon so Kate could join Mac who was spending the afternoon over at the compound swimming pool with other Golden Net platoon officers. They were getting to know everyone and a couple of the male marine lieutenants were showing some interest. Kate had been putting in long hours and this would be good for her. Besides, it opened up the Command Center as a playground for some of Sarah and Harm’s fantasies.
Library Command Center
Tuesday, 2 August
09:00 Hrs
After the initial base line was established, 454 out of the 513 people in Harm’s command were found to be spending time at their listed residence. Of the other 59, GPS coordinates were supplied and would need to be followed up by the investigative team. Sarah faxed this information to Mac and the follow up was assigned.
Library Command Center
Thursday, 4 August
09:00 Hrs
Of the 59 individuals not at their listed residence, 43 had moved to new addresses and the change of address had not made it all the way through the system.
Of the 16 remaining, 9 were found at addresses belonging to either their boy or girl friends. Seven names remained that were not easy to account for and would require some more leg work by the team to verify addresses to GPS readings. These same names were sent to MacDill, CIA California and the data center in Japan. Maybe they could assist in some way.
13:00 Hrs
Since yesterday was the end of the first week, Sarah and Kate had been overloaded with reports this morning covering the first data conclusions since start-up. The investigations of the marine contingent were now going to be better directed to solving puzzles and mysteries. Many long lists of needed items from MacDill and CIA California would need to be worked through and provided to the data center needing them.
Mac assigned duties to fulfill the data requirements. Sarah directed the special investigative team to work with the internet to query municipal records to find what addresses corresponded to located but unknown meeting or congregation points and to find who owned them. Questions were now being proposed and the work would now begin in earnest.
16:15 Hrs
(phone ringing)
(Harriett) Hello.
(S) Is this Harriett?
(Harriett) Yes Sarah, I am having allergy problems.
(S) Sorry to hear it. I need to ask for a special favor. A secret mission. I will pay you back when you get here.
Harriett listened to what Sarah needed and agreed to do it since they would be leaving later Saturday on their way to London.
Rabb Home
21:00 Hrs
Even though Sarah and Harm had to admit that they were getting more uninterrupted sleep these days, they enjoyed that their baby making activities were still way way ahead of schedule. They still delighted in the feelings of being teenagers or early 20’s marrieds. Their days of being alone and doubting each others feelings were forever over. The feeling of “oneness” could not be overrated. They found the thrill of being involved in dangerous missions and trials was being replaced by the thrill of becoming and belonging to each other.
Harm’s Office
Friday 5 August, 05
16:10 Hrs
Harm had asked Jennifer to make calls to the Juvenile Court back in DC at different times to try to catch someone in early since they were 8 hours behind London time. It had not worked out well this afternoon and she was told by someone that it would be at least another 30 minutes. She made her way to the lunch room and got a fresh cup of coffee for both Harm and her. She knew he was wired up pretty tight today since he didn’t know the results of Mattie’s case yesterday. She knocked and then delivered his coffee the way he liked it. She reported that it would be 16:40 or later before anyone was in, but assured him she would stay on top of it. He was OK with it and she felt good about that.
She excused herself and went back to her phone to call when the time was up.
16:40 Hrs
(buzz)
(H) Yes Jen.
(Jen) I have Juvenile Court on line one. Can you take it?
(H) Got it.
(H) Captain Rabb!
(Clerk) This is Sylvia Winters with the Juvenile Court in the District. I understand you have questions about the Mattie Grace petition.
(H) I have petitioned to become her Guardian again since her father was unable. Can you tell me what decision was made at yesterdays meeting?
(Clerk) Yes. Your petition has been granted.
(H) When can I take control of her care?
(Clerk) Since the petition was signed yesterday, you can as soon as you sign the legal papers.
Harm let out the breath that he didn’t realize he had been holding. Finally. He made sure he understood what he needed to do and asked Ms. Winters to fax everything needing to be signed by both he and Sarah, since his new wife now shared his love and responsibilities. They would have all the necessary authority to make any and all decisions concerning Mattie and her care.
(buzz)
(Jen) Yes Captain.
(H) They approved the petition. Mattie is ours. They will be faxing papers that Sarah and I will need to sign. Make sure to gather everything together when they arrive. Please call personnel and make sure Mattie will be on my medical coverage as of today. If they have papers that need to be signed, please get them for me. Please call Bethesda and find how soon they can move Mattie there from Blacksburg so they can do the workup on her to determine when she can come here. Let me know if you have problems. I will return here with Sarah later. I am going to find Sarah now. Thanks.
Rabb Home
16:50 Hrs
(H) She is ours! They found in our favor. How about that?
(S) Great. How long before she can fly?
(H) I don’t know. She will need to be moved to Bethesda right away so someone can make that decision. I have Jen making the calls right now. I wondered whether this day would ever come.
(S) I know. I think you have found that waiting for your ladies is always worth while. Haven’t you?
(H) Yes. You have made my wait worth every minute of it. Thank you for being mine.
(S) Have you called Mattie yet?
(H) No. I came home so we could make the call together.
(phone ringing)
(Mattie) Hello.
(H/S) Hello Mattie, Sarah is also on the line with me.
(S) Hi Mattie. Did you hear that they signed the papers? The people from Bethesda will be coming for you in a couple of days to take you there and determine when you can come to London. I think your life is going to become somewhat exciting for a while. What do you think about that?
(Mattie) I think it is great. I have wondered if this day would ever happen. Thanks for hanging in there for me. My father called last night after he was told. He was upset about the outcome but he understood that it was really what was best for me. I will need to spend time with him again someday if he ever gets his life back in shape. I am sad for him but I am so glad that you guys love me.
(S) We are so looking forward to you being with us. We have Northside Military Hospital here and I imagine you will need to be there for rehab for a while. When we call tomorrow, we will have more information for you. The move is not going to be long now.
Your room will be ready and waiting for you when the time is right. It’s right next to ours. You will need to get used to our stewards. We have 3 and they are the very best. Hazel, the chef, is something else. Her food is so great and she is like a mom to me. She hasn’t made meatless meatloaf yet but Harm eats everything she makes and so do I. I think you will really like and enjoy being around her. Maybe she can teach you about cooking, decorating, and entertainment. I know everyone will like you.
(Mattie) Everything sounds so good. I am ready to come over right now. Please keep calling me so I know what is going on.
(H) You got it. By the way, the Roberts family is coming to London also. They will be here when you arrive. We will call you tomorrow so have a good day. Love you.
(Mattie) Thank you so much for taking care of me. Bye.
Harm’s Office
17:55 Hrs
Harm and Sarah had gone back to his office to look over and sign all of the legal forms about Mattie. The court had sent new legal documents giving both Harm and Sarah power to make decisions about Mattie’s medical care. Everything was faxed back and they expected the finalized court documents would be faxed back here. A call was made to Bethesda to confirm that arrangements were being made to transfer Mattie there from Blacksburg. The transfer should happen over the weekend since things were not as busy. It appeared that Jennifer had covered every base and had made everything work well. She is such an asset to Harm and Sarah.
Harm and Sarah went by the office on Saturday morning, after their run, and collected the faxes that pertained to Mattie, copied them and locked the originals away. They had seen them and verified they were OK Friday night when they came over the slave fax in the Command Center but needed to leave those copies there for operational reasons.
They enjoyed a rather laid back weekend even though either Sarah or Kate needed to be available to everyone working with Golden Net information. They met with Top and Jennifer at Lucinda’s Italian restaurant, a new place that Top had found close to the compound, on Saturday evening. The food was delicious and the company was great. Harm had brought a VCR tape of “The Bodyguard” staring Kevin Costner and gave it to Top to watch. He wanted to know if Top could train PO Manny Alverez like Costner had trained the limo driver in the movie. If not, Top said he would find someone that could. Harm and Sarah took special note of the intimate way that their friends were communicating with each other. They both understood how powerful feelings could be when two people (like themselves) could speak without words being said. It was so good to see Jennifer enjoy part of the good life.
Harm and Sarah continued their journey of knowledge about each other during the times they were able to be alone together during the weekend.
Rabb Home
Monday 8 August, 05
07:00
Top had called and explained that our Saudi Embassy was going to be closed today and tomorrow because of a very high likelihood of problems. Top requested that the compound security be put on heightened alert. Harm quickly agreed and Top was given the order to make it so. It was going to slow down and cause problems at the incoming gate but better safe than sorry.
11:00
Harm had arranged for P.O. Alverez to pick up the Roberts family at the airport upon their arrival to London. He loaded their baggage and strollers and quickly had them on their way to the compound. Because of the recent bombings, a more direct route was being taken to shorten that possible exposure. Once inside the compound, he took them by to look at the home designated for the chief of staff on their way to the command home.
Sarah and Harm were waiting to greet them on their arrival.
(S) Welcome to our home where love lives. We are so happy that you decided to come to be with us here in London.
(Harriett) It is so good to see you. This sure is a step up from your apartment in DC.
(S) Yes it is but the people are what make the difference. She turned and introduced each steward individually to everyone and made everyone feel comfortable.
After everyone was introduced, Sarah asked Harriett how the secret mission had gone. Harriett motioned for Sarah and Hazel to lead her to the kitchen. She revealed the special items which she had in a small cooler that she had been guarding. Hazel beheld 6 “Beltway Burgers” in all their glory. Harriett opened one and took off the vegetable parts before she heated it in the microwave. After it was hot, she added the veggie parts back again and gave it to Hazel for her taste test. Umm good. Sarah had not been able to explain to Hazel how the burger really tasted and needed her to determine what made it so much better than any other. Hazel dissected this creation and wrote down every ingredient she could detect while eating the rest. Two other burgers were heated for Sarah and Harriett leaving 3 for the freezer. Hazel knew she could duplicate this creation for Sarah and add something she missed from home. The secret mission was a success.
Since their stay would be for only one night (they could move into the new home tomorrow) the Master Chief ask how they wanted to work between the Blue Room downstairs and the other empty bedroom upstairs. Four children brought with them their own logistical problems but it was no match for Harriett. She would work out the bath and sleeping arrangements with little concern
(H) Hazel has prepared something special for us in the dining room if you guys are up to it. She also has prepared something tasty for the kids.
Everyone enjoyed lunch together and caught up on the past month. The Roberts were amazed to find Harm and Sarah on a completely different level of intimacy with each other. They looked like they had been married for years instead of weeks. Harriett knew their love had always been there but they never allowed themselves the luxury of living it. She was so happy for them. This was one of her dreams coming true.
After lunch, PO Manny Alverez took Harm, Sarah, Harriett and Bud to the Chief of Staff home while Hazel and Kate looked after the little ones. It was a split level with 4 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. It was every bit as nice as the home they had just left in DC. The master bedroom was upstairs between the other rooms. It was ideal for a family with small children. Even though it was only furnished with the basics, it would do very well until their furniture arrived. They seemed very pleased with the way it was decorated. The colors used were bright and cheery and their furniture would fit in without any extra redecorating. The office and about everything they would need, before their things arrived, was within 1500 feet of the home. They would make do very well.
Manny took everyone on the 50 cent tour of the compound showing where all the different buildings were and how to get to them.
After retuning to the command home, Harm explained that Bud’s first day was to be Thursday 11 August at 08:30 with his introduction at the 13:15 staff call. Bud and Harriett could use the time between now and then to acclimate the children to their new home and get AJ ready for school.
Harm confirmed the evening meal for everyone at 18:00 with Hazel. She had everything well in hand. Harm and Bud took the SUV to the front gate where the rental car, which had been authorized for Bud, had been delivered. After being checked over by the guards, the car was processed in and Bud now had a way to get around. Bud followed Harm back to the command home so he would not get lost.
After a nice meal and a lot of great conversation, Bud and Harriett set about doing the family things needed to get their four children ready for bed. Sarah had volunteered and was in tee shirt and jeans ready for the battle. Little AJ had made up his mind that Sarah was the only one that could give him a bath and she was ready. She envisioned herself looking like a drowned rat before the evening was over. It was great fun to be with there friends.
Rabb Home
Tuesday, 9 August
07:30 Hrs
Bud and Harriett were excited about the new home and had everyone up early. Hazel was one step ahead and had a breakfast buffet set up with items the kids would get a kick out of. Waffles made like Disney figures, chocolate chip pancakes, lots of whipped cream, eggs and of course cereal. Sarah always enjoyed her chocolate fix in the morning, afternoon, night and any other time. The Roberts packed up early and drove to their new home. Life seemed to be getting better by the minute.
Library Command Center
Tuesday, 9 August
09:00
Mac had called to give Sarah an update on many items of interest. Of the seven people unaccounted for by residence, 6 were found to be at the homes of locals. The team was checking the records now to find who or what owned the addresses in question. The seventh, a Lt. J.G. Doug Hampton (who worked in records), was found to have spent 4 evenings at GPS coordinates of none other than the Chinese Consulate. Mac told Sarah that one of her marines, PFC Jerry Smith, had been a paralegal before the Corps and suggested he be moved into records to watch after Hampton. Sarah agreed and called Harm to get his approval. Even though Harm was not to take any corrective action, he could always use help in records. Harm had Jennifer put the transfer in motion. The PFC could report in Thursday 11 August.
Library Command Center
Wednesday, 10 August
It had been 12 days since Golden Net had gone on line and data and reports were flowing in rapidly. A lot of investigation and reports from the marines following JAG personnel were starting to paint a rather broad picture.
Harm’s Office
Thursday, 11 August
14:30 Hrs
Bud reported in promptly at 08:30 for his first duty day in London.
Sarah had picked up and brought Harriett to Harm’s office so she would also be there for staff call.
Harm introduced Bud during the 13:15 Staff Call as the new Chief of Staff. He also introduced Harriett as Bud’s wife and as a Lieutenant in the reserve. He told of their past history and about the close working relationship they had shared in the past. Individual congratulations were in order after the meeting was over. Everything had gone very well.
Both Bud and Harriett marveled at how large and beautiful Bud’s new office was. A lot of old wood grain and Marble made it look very inviting. It was much larger and nicer than his old office.
After things slowed down, Sarah asked Bud to attend a working lunch at the command home tomorrow at 12:00 hours which he graciously accepted. Seemed a bit unusual but should be interesting.
Library Command Center
15:40 Hrs
After arriving back to the command center, Sarah made two more calls to include Top and Mac in the working lunch. Both would be there.
That was quick. It had only taken 2 quick calls and Sarah’s new idea was taking shape. She needed to bring these three together and talk about Golden Net. The enormity of this system could be important to everyone and she wanted them to understand why.
Command Home
Friday, August 12
12:00 Hrs.
Sarah, Harm and Kate were ready when Bud, Top and Mac arrived. After Sarah swore them all to secrecy, they were led upstairs to the Library Command Center to watch a short movie presentation on the plotter. Kate had prepared the combined presentation showing where these 6 people present spent their time since 05:00 this morning through the current time. It also showed what their vitals and respiration rate was during the whole time. You could see Harm and Sarah on their morning run and Mac doing her calisthenics by her quarters and later her trip here. It showed the many trips Top had made around the compound this morning as he checked on security and visited with Jennifer. It showed Bud as he scurried about the new house helping with the children and then later on going to the office. Everyone was greatly impressed.
They returned to the dining room where Hazel had prepared a buffet for lunch. Sarah and Kate were very impressed with all the data that was available about all the participants of Golden Net and she wanted these three to be part of it. She explained how Top (as senior security noncom) could use this if anyone was missing or unaccounted for. It could pinpoint their location within a few feet and give their life status. Abductions and holding someone prisoner could be quickly responded to. Bud had been included since he was now second in command and he had actually selected the marine participants. He needed to know but could not respond to it just like Harm could not yet. Mac explained how the marine contingent was carrying out their duties and told of some of the things they had found. She was also impressed because she had never seen the output of everyone’s efforts and now understood some of the “big picture”.
This had been important to Sarah because these individuals needed to know how her system could save lives. She felt they were each important to her and Harm.
14:30 Hrs
Sarah received a call from the shrink, Dr. Phillips, with an appointment for 13:00 on 17 August asking that both she and Harm attend this last follow–up meeting. “Last meeting” being the important words she added it to their calendar.
Harm’s office
15:30 Hrs
After being told of the appointment, Harm decided to check on his medical tests again. The doctor said that everything came back normal and in good working order. This was good to hear just in case surrogacy became an option.
16:30 Hrs
(phone ringing)
(H) Captain Rabb!
(Top) Top here. We have confirmed that the wounded intruder was Abdula Osman and really is the brother to Hussain Osman. Scotland Yard has not found out why he was here. They originally thought he was here after payroll but since we went on electronic transfer, that doesn’t make much sense. We evidently have something he wanted, I just can’t figure out what. It looks like he will be out of circulation for a while. I will stay on top of it and keep you informed.
(H) Thanks. What did you find out about driving lessons?
(TOP) I called in a favor from a buddy in Paris and he will be here for the whole day on the 23rd. Can you make Alverez and your limo available for that whole day? This guy used to teach Secret Service guys evasive tactics and should be just what you need.
I wanted to tell you that Jennifer and I had a nice time with you guys at Lucinda’s last Saturday. Thanks for the invite. We will need to do more of that kind of thing if it isn’t a problem for you.
(H) We will pick our times. Jennifer knows when we have free time and I am sure we can work it out. You two mean a lot to us.
(TOP) That’s nice to hear. I will stay in touch. Thanks again. Bye
Sunday, 14 August
Harm and Sarah were up early and completed their run while it was still relatively cool. They attended church services later and returned home just about 12:00. Upon arrival, they could hardly find a place to park. As they opened the front door they were met with balloons, party hats and a crowd of their friends. Today was Sarah’s birthday and Harm had not said a thing earlier. Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Sarah, happy birthday to you. Kate had made calls to the invitation list and Hazel had prepared everything around a summer theme. Hamburgers, hot dogs, salad, soda, dip and chips were in great supply and everyone was having a great time. Sarah received many gag gifts which allowed her friends and troops to rag on her a little. It was all fun. The Roberts family gave her a large birthday card signed or finger painted by everyone. Even foot prints by the twins. Kate presented many birthday greetings by fax from JAG HQ and other friends. Even the SECNAV remembered this year.
Harm gave her the traditional free spa day that she always looked forward to and enjoyed. It was great to be pampered for one whole day. He also mentioned that he had something special planned for later. It was so nice to be remembered by her friends.
Wow, great weekend.
TBC.
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