| Subject: London Series - Part 9.......Pictures...... |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 04:15:27 09/15/06 Fri
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 9
Author: Maximus
Part 9 Title: PICTURES
Northside Military Hospital
Monday, 12 September
10:00 Hrs
The C141 landing and exchange at London Airport had been as if choreographed. The air controller had directed the C141 to a restricted area of the tarmac to the waiting hospital helicopter. The medical crew from the helo moved into the C141 with the hospital gurney and transferred Mattie on it and strapped her in. She was loaded on the chopper, along with Harm, as the C141 returned to runway 19-Left to prepare for takeoff. As the engines of the helo were coming up to full power, they watched as the huge grey aircraft gracefully took to the air. The trip to the hospital was but 14 minutes long but seemed longer because of expectations. Sarah was waiting on the roof helo-pad when they arrived. Everything stopped for hugs and kisses. Harm and Sarah followed the gurney as Mattie was moved about to her new semi-private room. Sarah noticed a huge change in Mattie. She seemed much stronger and was now experiencing feeling in many parts of her body. They both enjoyed just looking at each other and talking as mother and daughter.
(S) I have something special for you which I wished my mother had given me. Here are two identical rings with both of our small birthstones on them. One for you and one for me. Harm had them made special for us, the ladies he loves and who love him. This is something only you and I can share. No one else, just us……….……… …..without we give you a baby sister.
(M) Thank you for the ring. I love it. A baby sister would be so cool. Any chance??
(S) Oh yeah. We are working on it in more than one way. I will explain later. We will be doing it here in the hospital so we will keep you in the loop.
All three attended a meeting in Mattie’s room with Lt. Cmdr Rice who was Mattie’s new primary doctor. He spoke at length about the new regimen which Mattie would now undergo. Therapy sessions would be very intense and concentrate on movement and building muscle mass. At least three hours a day would also be devoted to school work in a class with her roommate who was also in rehab.
Mattie was told that her first weekend home visit would be allowed as soon as she was ambulatory and could go to the bathroom by herself. It was going to take a long time but it was meant to give Mattie a strong incentive to progress quickly. As Harm and Sarah held each other and looked on, they saw a very determined young lady which was to have a profound effect on their lives.
Harm, Sarah and Mattie met Geri Vance, Mattie’s new roommate, upon Geri’s return from her therapy session. Geri was a 15 year old cerebral palsy patient and the daughter of Lt. Allen Vance, an attorney on a fast track in Harm’s command. She had undergone leg muscle cuts to allow her leg bones to grow straight. She was starting rehab to work on the muscles as they healed. Harm knew he just had to get to know Lt. Vance better since he had such a special daughter. Harm and Sarah asked many questions and let Geri know that they would be following her progress also. Harm called his office and asked Jennifer to schedule a meeting with Lt. Vance in his office at 14:00 tomorrow.
London Airport
Tuesday, 13 September
09:35 Hrs
Manny was holding up a sign with a big red A.J. on it when this long, tall drink of water, dressed in jeans, walked up and asked what that meant. Manny told him he was waiting for an Admiral that he had never met and the Captain had told him to put A.J. on the sign. A.J. stuck out his hand and told him “the Admiral” is here. A.J. instructed him that he needed to go by the command home first and then wanted to tour London. Manny made a quick call to Harm and Sarah when he was still about 15 minutes out giving both a heads up. Both Harm and Sarah were waiting when A.J. arrived in the limo.
(S) Welcome to our home where love lives. It’s good to see you again, sir.
Sarah moved forward giving her father-figure a big hug. Harm shook his hand and invited him in asking if he had his breakfast before leaving. When A.J. answered no,
Harm motioned to Hazel who took it from there. Harm escorted him to what was going to be Mattie’s room upstairs where he would be staying. After he had a chance to freshen up, he came back down to a full breakfast and two of his greatest fans waiting to hear what had been going on in his life. After discussing his time with Francesca and everything else, he asked of he could use Manny and the Limo for the day. Sure, it had already been planned. Harm gave instructions to Manny including the listed sights to be avoided at all cost. A.J. told them he would be back late and not to wait dinner on him.
Library Command Center
11:00 Hrs
(phone ringing)
Colonel Rabb!
(clerk) May I speak with Mrs. Graves, please.
(S) Hold the line and I will get her for you.
(K) Mrs. Graves here.
(clerk) Mrs. Graves. I am calling to tell you we have your pictures ready. When could you stop by to pick them up?
(K) There must be some mistake. I don’t know anything about pictures.
(clerk) Are you Mrs. Graves that visited the Blue Moon Club last Friday night?
(K) Yes I was there. I did not have pictures taken.
(clerk) Yes there are pictures. Could you pick them up today?
(K) Yes. I can be there at 1:00. Where do I pick them up?
(clerk) Please come to the Blue Moon west door labeled “Business Office”.
(K) Thank you.
After hanging up, she turned to Sarah and discussed the strange call. She had clearly noticed that she had been repeatedly referred to as Mrs. Graves. The only place she could remember bright enough for pictures was when she had made love in the family bathroom. It had been a real turn-on.
Sarah immediately called Mac to see if she had received a similar call. She had just finished the call and was puzzled by it all. Mac had been repeatedly referred to as Mrs. MacGregor. Sarah told both to go on the internet and find who the credit card charges were paid too since the men at the Blue Moon had insisted on it. Evidently that was an information source they had used.
Sarah called Harm and discussed what had happened. He said he would be home momentarily and would meet with Sarah and Kate. He called and asked Top to join him at the command home.
They all had a seat around a table in the library and discussed different ideas. Kate told them the charge was paid to Aziz and Fahd Services instead of the Blue Moon. Since it was evidently a shakedown of some kind, Top suggested that they use a wire and video if possible to gather evidence. Since the title Mrs. had been used so much, Kate and Mac were to go in civilian clothes and act married. A quick call to Mac had her involved and her meeting was to be at 15:00. She was asked to come by Top’s office to receive the wire before going. Top had to work fast to find a way to put video in a purse or a bag.
After being properly wired up, Kate attended her appointment. She was met by a Mr. Aziz who was well dressed and business like. He presented her with 5 pictures which showed her either doing something to or having something done to her by the man that took her to the family bathroom. It was evident that all actions were consensual. Mr. Aziz enjoyed showing and looking at the pictures with remarks about her hot body. After giving her the pictures, he remarked that he knew she was married and the negatives could be purchased for $5,000. ($1,000 each) Otherwise her husband would receive copies of the pictures. He said that her credit card had given them all the needed information and a payment plan or other arrangements could be made.
What other arrangements? If she liked sex, she could work for them from “The Red Fox” which was a club like the Blue Moon but for men. They would give her a credit of $200 for each trick she would turn when she was called to. Another way, since he thought she had a very responsible job and traveled about England, she could get credits by delivering packages for them when she went on trips.
She gave them a very confused look and said she would try to find a way of buying the negatives back but she had to get back to work before she got into trouble. Mr. Aziz told her he would call next week to discuss the matter further as he moved his hand over and felt her six.
Mac’s meeting went about the same way but she had captured some video since Top had found a way to put a camera in a handbag. The video actually showed Aziz holding up and offering the negatives for sale. Mac had told him she might work out the money working when called from the “Red Fox.” Everyone wanted to see where that would lead.
After a thorough de-brief by Sarah and Harm, Mac headed for the hospital and Kate went into investigator mode. She went into “Golden Net” asking for anything and everything connected with Aziz, Fahd, Blue Moon, Red Fox, and Aziz and Fahd Services. She was not at all surprised when several hits started to appear showing 3 more clubs owned by Aziz and Fahd Services. Since it appeared that several offenses and illegal activities were involved, she immediately asked MacDill and CIA California for data and help.
Harm’s Office
14:00 Hrs
(intercom buzzing)
(Jen)Lt. Vance here for his appointment.
(H) Please send him in and after you find what kind of coffee he prefers, please get us both coffees.
(Jen) Yes sir.
(Knock-knock)
Enter!
(Lt.) Lt. Vance reporting as ordered sir.
(H) Have a seat Lieutenant. We found out yesterday that your daughter, Geri, was going to be roommates with our Mattie. We were very impressed with her when we met her. I wanted to find out more about you and your family because I thought she was so special.
(Lt) My wife, Linda, and I certainly feel she is special. We have two other children without disability but she seems to bring out the best in all of us.
(H) Sarah and I would like to invite you and your family over for hamburgers and hot dogs on Sunday at 13:00 if you could manage it. This is not to be thought of as a command invitation but just lunch between concerned parents. If you can’t make it we will understand.
(Lt) I think we would like that. What would be accepted dress?
(H) I will be comfortable in jeans and shirt and hope you would be also.
(Lt) Thank you, we will be there.
(H) I was hoping you would. Bring the photo albums if you have them.
(Lt) Thank you.
Command Home
Wednesday, 14 September
20:00 Hrs
(SECNAV arriving)
(H) Mrs. Sheffield, Mr. Sheffield, welcome to our home where love lives. The blue room has been prepared for your stay and Petty Officer Alverez will be bringing your bags there soon. Have you had anything to eat except airplane food.
(SECNAV)No. We came straight from the airport.
(S) That’s good. Chief Martinez has prepared something special for you in the dining room. She does a great job.
(S) Mrs. Sheffield, would you like to freshen up before dinner? If so, please follow me to the blue room where you will be staying.
After enjoying a nice tasty dinner and coffee, everyone sat around talking of what would happen tomorrow. The meeting was going to start at 09:00. After the Sheffield’s turned in, Harm and Sarah went for their evening run which was great for relieving the stress of the day and centering their thoughts on each other. After tomorrow, the Cresswell wall would come down.
Library Command Center
Thursday, 15 September
08:35 Hrs
A buffet breakfast was assembled at 07:00 and A.J. came down first. Harm and Sarah returned a few minutes later from their jog and hit the showers. By 08:30 everyone had finished breakfast and Master Chief Manual and P.O. Alverez was standing by to take Mrs. Sheffield on a mall shopping trip since she could not attend the meeting.
Kate invited everyone into the Library to demonstrate “Golden Net” while waiting on Captain (Mac) MacGregor, Top, and Bud to arrive. She had prepared a movie type video of the activities of Harm, Sarah, Mac and Top since 05:00 this morning. They were all very impressed with the capability after seeing Mac preparing and traveling here to the Command Home, Harm and Sarah jogging and seeing Top doing his tours of the security of the compound and now pulling up out in front. After everyone arrived and was properly introduced, the meeting was started.
Sarah started by reviewing the facts:
Golden Net was convened to find why most of the Jag team (which was providing reports and therefore intelligence) was not in the field at all times
at the same daily distribution. (leaving a void in intelligence.)
The assembled Marine contingent consisted of about 200 people and watched over and investigated the Jag team to determine what was happening.
Everyone involved had received the implant of the miniature chip.
The life of PFC Mary Newman had been saved as a direct result of the miniature chip that allowed her location to be known.
Her conclusions: (all in the written report to be filed with SECNAV)
Even though there were many reasons for what was happening, the daily distribution was found to be correct and not abnormal.
Many frauds, blackmails, and other illegal activities appear to have been uncovered as a side fact and can be delved into if wanted but would have little effect on the gathering of intelligence.
Some Jag members were found to be donating large portions of their monthly pay to one or more religious Cults and it was suggested they be transferred back to the states without mention so no confrontation would arise.
A Lt. JG Doug Hampton, in records, has spent several nights with his wife in the Chinese Consulate but we have not found anything indicating he has done anything wrong. I recommend he be returned to a duty station in the U.S. to allow restoration of good order and discipline here.
Every service person should receive the new Mod-1 version of the miniature chip. The newest version could be turned on and off by satellite when needed to allow extended battery life. This could affect better deployment of resources.
If a continuous intelligence source is desired, the 14721 chip should be installed in the field by the marine team in a known grid pattern. The 14721 looks like a piece of Chicklet gum in a dirty power pole color, which can be placed at almost any GPS coordinate on something immovable. It is simple peal and stick and each has its own serial number and ID. Once the grid is constructed, it should function without intervention into the future.
A different JAG attorney should be brought in to interview all JAG personnel involved in suspect activities to give credence to the fairness of the court.
If illegal activities are proven off compound, the local office of Scotland Yard should be included in the bust and the dispensing of justice.
After hearing the facts and recommendations, SECNAV and A.J. asked questions about frauds, blackmail and illegal activities and were assured that contingency plans were in place to complete every corrective action if agreement was reached in this meeting.
After much discussion by all parties, SECNAV Sheffield approved every action to be taken except the service wide implantation of the new Mod-1. Another prototype was being looked at that might be superior. He did agree and support that some chip should be deployed.
He would authorize shipment of as many of the 14721 chips as the intelligence community wanted so the marine team could start constructing a prescribed intelligence grid week after next.
He announced that General Cresswell had chosen Cmdr. Manetti to interview and seek evidence to help prove many of the crimes being perpetrated against JAG personnel. He wanted every possible action be taken to bring the guilty to justice. He wanted action to start immediately with implementation jointly controlled by Captain and Colonel Rabb.
A buffet lunch was on the dining room table for everyone after the 14:23 adjournment of the meeting. Everyone joined in and more lighthearted discussion followed. After everyone had eaten, SECNAV accompanied Harm, Sarah and A.J. back to Harm’s office. Harm had Jennifer pass the word to everyone of a 16:00 JAG staff call to be attended by everyone for SECNAV’s comments.
SECNAV discussed details he wanted included in these final 6 weeks of “Golden Net’. He asked A.J. to assist Harm and Sarah for the next couple of days to finalize plans to implement the final part of this operation. A.J. was to stop back by in 4 weeks to go over results. He reminded Sarah that another high profile assignment was waiting and he would appreciate quick and complete closure of this operation. He asked Sarah to convene the Marine team for a 10:00 meeting tomorrow for his comments. Sarah opened her cell phone and called Mac giving her the order to have everyone in formation at the hospital at 10:00 hrs.
The 16:00 staff meeting turned out to be a love fest as the SECNAV lavished praise on the great job being done by everyone. He explained that crimes committed against this JAG team had come to his attention and that a Cmdr. Manetti would be arriving to help interview and investigate to bring the guilty to justice. He asked for everyone’s indulgence. He also introduced Colonel Rabb as the commander in charge of this activity and invited anyone who felt that they had been victimized to contact her. All in all, the meeting was a huge success. Very few in the Navy had ever had the Secretary of the Navy compliment and pay them such attention.
After dinner was enjoyed by all, the Sheffield’s asked for usage of the limo for some sightseeing about London. P.O. Alverez prepared the car as Harm called
Top for a security team. Before the car was ready, 3 armed male marines dressed in business suits and 2 ladies arrived in a black Lincoln. The two ladies would share the limo and the 3 men would follow in the Lincoln. Only their haircuts gave them away.
Sarah made a call to Mattie to check on her and to find when her therapy and lunch was scheduled for tomorrow. Mattie said that both she and Geri would be in her room from 11:00 on, with lunch at 12:00 and with school starting at 13:00. Sarah asked her if they both liked Chinese food and if they would like company for lunch. After Mattie discussed it with Geri she said OK. Mattie reminded her she had not seen her for 3 whole days. Lunch was a go.
Sarah called Harriett and asked if she could drive herself to Northside for their 13:30 appointment with Dr. Simms. Sure, was the reply. Sarah explained why she had to be there earlier with the SECNAV and everything made sense to Harriett. Sarah told her she would buy her lunch and pay her back if she could stop by the Chinese take-out and bring food for 4 for about 11:45. Harriett agreed and the lunch was set up.
A.J. had decided to start some of the investigation activity and had borrowed Harm’s SUV. After looking at the nude pictures of Capt. MacGregor, he decided to visit the Red Fox. After he entered the club, ordered a drink, and cased the place he told the barkeep that he was interested in something special. Shortly a bar employee came over to him and invited him to a room down the hall. He explained that he was only going to be in town a couple of days and wanted to enjoy the company of someone special. A book of photographs was produced that had the same basic pose of many lovely naked women. The cost for a full night was to be $300 payable in advance and the lady would come to him. He took his time looking through the book until he came to the photos of Kate and MacGregor. He pointed to MacGregor and said this is what he wanted and took out his money. In exchange for the money, he was given her phone number and a brass coin with the number 12 engraved on it and was instructed to give it to the lady at the end of the evening if everything was satisfactory. (The lady could redeem it for the $200 credit.)
After leaving the club with coin in hand, he opened his cell phone and called the number for MacGregor and told her what he had done. Since he knew Sarah and SECNAV would be at the hospital tomorrow morning, he asked her to ask Sarah for the coin. He also paid her a compliment for going along with this embarrassing assignment. Her service record would have an explanatory notation enclosed should the photos ever become public. She thanked him for being understanding. Upon arrival at the command home he sought out Sarah and Harm and explained what had taken place and gave Sarah the coin.
Command Home
Friday, 16 September
07:45 Hrs
When A.J. came down for breakfast he found an envelope with his name on it containing $300 cash as a payback for last nights expenses and an extra $100 with a suggestion that it would cost this amount for a nice dinner with Captain MacGregor. Sarah had taken this from petty cash and written up a voucher for it. She thought they both deserved some appreciation for what had been done.
After everyone had finished breakfast, both Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield loaded into the Limo with P.O. Alverez at the wheel. He had been told to have them at the formation area at Norhside Military Hospital at 10:00 hrs. His plan was to take a route that included some of the tourist sites on the way.
Sarah and Kate put the top down on the corvette and enjoyed the trip to Northside. Kate tried to discuss Golden Net items with Sarah but found her preoccupied. Kate finally asked her what was going on. It became apparent that Sarah was upset about shots, babies and hospitals. Kate reminded her that she was now married to Harmon Rabb and not much should ever scare her again. Suddenly Harm’s Marine returned.
Sarah called the formation to attention when the limo with SENAV in it approached. Sarah, Mac and Kate were waiting on a small platform as the Sheffield’s arrived. Mr. Sheffield gave his opening remarks and praised the work and effort each and everyone had put forth. He thanked them and explained that changes were being processed by Colonel Rabb to move to a new level of effort. He announced he had approved a unit citation for their good work. He presented advancement of 5 to Staff Sergeant, 7 to Sergeant, 11 to Corporal, and 28 to PFC. He left everyone with the knowledge that what they were doing was making a difference. After he completed his remarks, he thanked everyone, joined his wife and entered the limo to leave. Everyone gave him a round of applause as the car drove away. When the noise died down, Sarah took the podium and announced the work schedule for the next two weeks. Some of the assignments had not been finalized but would be distributed by Capt. MacGregor. Sarah called the entire unit to attention and started at the north end with her inspection. She confirmed the total unit was one squared away group of leathernecks and turned them over to Capt. Macgregor for dismissal. Sarah was proud of her first unit of command. Not bad for a legal weenie. She made a quick cell phone call to her Knight in Shining Armor to tell how she felt about her marines. He was proud of her and she needed to hear it.
Sarah told Kate she would call her cell phone after the doctor’s appointment to find where to pick her up for the return trip home. Kate was having lunch with Mac and two male lieutenants from the Marine unit and it was going to be special.
Sarah’s cell phone was ringing as she entered the hospital and it was Harriett. Sarah had forgotten to tell her where to meet her and she told her room 310. Sarah entered Mattie’s room and gave her a hug and also gave one to Geri. Since these two were in this together, Sarah found she had love enough to go around. When Harriett arrived she snuck the food into the room in a very large purse and closed the door behind her. All the food packages were placed on a table beside Mattie’s bed and everyone filled their plates. This was the first real non-hospital food Mattie had had since Sarah had left D.C. and she was loving every bit of it. Sarah had snuck chicken soup in for her in D.C. after she had been ok’ed for solid food. Everyone laughed and talked about anything on their minds. Mattie wanted to know details of why Sarah was there today. Sarah quietly explained the formation, shots, surgery and possible implantation. Harriett explained she was there as a possible surrogate mother for Sarah and Harm. Mattie was amazed that they were taking such radical steps to have children but knew it must really be important to them. She could see she needed to be well enough to be with them no later than 9 months from now if she was to be part of this huge experience. Both Sarah and Harriett stayed until the school teacher arrived to talk about Algebra and English. Mattie and Geri received hugs from both adults before they left for their doctor appointment.
Dr. Simms took Harriett first and completed a total physical and history. Harriett was in fine shape for a woman that had had 5 children. The only dilemma was that Harriett’s cycle had ovulation expected on October the 5th and that was 5 days before eggs would be collected from Sarah. They could give Harriett the two eggs already collected or be safer and wait another month for Harriett’s implantation.
Sarah received the shots as scheduled and tried to keep a firm upper lip. Dr. Simms discussed what she had found with both ladies and asked that Sarah and Harm make decisions about Harriett’s implantation. Sarah was scheduled for shots again next Friday, the 23rd.
Sarah and Harriett stopped at the hospital canteen for coffee and to talk for a few minutes. At times like these their friendship seemed so important to both. Sarah needed to know things like “did Harriett really want to get big again and be so uncomfortable.” Harriett assured her that it was all going to be “so worth it” to her. Sarah still had this nagging feeling that she was asking too much from her friend. Harriett finally asked her to believe that she wanted just this one more chance to help God bring a life into this world. Sarah hugged Harriett and shed a few happy tears after she finally understood what Harriett wanted to do. They parted better friends that they had been.
The ride back to the compound was quiet for both Sarah and Kate as they both reveled in their experience of the day. They both understood that a lot of work remained but at least they were now going to take action and put some bad guys away. Kate had to laugh when telling Sarah about a cell phone call Mac had received during lunch in which A.J. had invited her to have a quiet dinner with him this evening. Since he was retired, she had accepted.
Command Home
Saturday, 17 September
11:45 Hrs
After everyone had finished breakfast, they sat about talking about many things which might be happening in the future. A.J. seemed to be having a very good morning. It may have had something to do with his dinner date the previous evening. SECNAV made a point of mentioning two legal cases which might be of interest. Admiral Wilson had been accused of raping 29 year old Lt. Cmdr. Fay Edwards and his Article 32 would be coming up soon. The second was the court martial of a Lt. Vukovic of the JAG Corps who had been accused of fabricating evidence to win legal cases. Sarah got the feeling these might be something like a “high profile assignment” he mentioned before.
A.J. and Mr. Sheffield spent about 45 minutes alone together while others were preparing for SECNAV’s departure. It would have been interesting to hear what had been discussed.
Mr. and Mrs. Sheffield wanted to say their goodbyes here and only A.J. would accompany them to the airport. After the Limo was loaded with their luggage, Harm and Sarah thanked them for coming and invited them back at any time. Hugs between the ladies and handshakes among the men saw them off to the airport for their 15:10 flight.
After they left, Hazel and the Master Chief cleaned, striped beds and freshened up the blue room and moved A.J.’s things there since he would be staying for another few days.
Harm, Sarah and Kate spent time in the Library forming up action plans for the work to now be done. Housing for Cmdr. Manetti was decided since she was expected to arrive on Tuesday the 20th and be TDY to Harm’s command for as long as needed. She could use the office next to Bud’s for her work and interviews. All of what had been collected would now be used to correct some bad situations.
Command Home
Sunday, 18 September
13:45 Hrs
Harm and Sarah had attended Sunday church services at the compound chapel as had become their custom. Bud, Harriett and the kids were there and enjoyed coffee with them after the service. The informal setting allowed others in Harm’s command to interact with the three senior officers on a personal level which had become the hi-light of these mornings. This informal interaction was great for morale and allowed the Rabbs to get to know everyone.
Upon arrival back at the command home, Hazel met them with information that the lunch with the Vance’s would be ready at 13:15. She said she was doing something special for the kids.
Lt. and Mrs. Vance arrived with their children right on time and were invited in by Sarah.
(S) Welcome to our home where love lives. While you are with us we wish you would dispense with military formality. My name is Sarah and you already know Harm.
The Vance’s introduced themselves as Allen and Linda.
Harm came forward and greeted both and then asked “and who do we have here” to the children. The answer came from Mary age 4 and Tom age 7. Tom explained that he was in the same school class as Bud’s son A.J. Harm made small talk with them until Hazel picked up on it and invited the children to follow her for a surprise.
Sarah led everyone into the dining room where cold drinks and all the fixin’s for a picnic were waiting. After talking for a bit about Geri and the children, Hazel interrupted with a large platter of hot hamburgers and hotdogs. The children came in with hamburgers shaped like Disney characters and hotdogs decorated with bright colors of mustard and ketchup. Everyone filled their plates and sat about eating and talking about comfortable things. Linda brought out the picture albums which followed the progress of their children, most especially that of Geri. Sarah and Harm let Allen and Linda know that they would be visiting the girls often and invited them to come along anytime it was handy. They just knew they were going to get emotionally attached to Geri and wanted to make sure it was OK with her parents before it happened. Allen had already found Harm to be a people magnet and was not surprised. He knew Geri would like them a lot.
The conversation revealed that Allen had met Linda in Law school and they had married after Allen joined the Navy and then JAG. Linda continued to work as a civilian criminal attorney until Allen received orders to London. She had been enjoying her time as a full time mother and wife even though she missed her work.
Sarah asked if she had maintained her credentials and had a strong working knowledge of the UCMJ. Linda said yes because she had represented several in the military. Harm asked if she would consider working part time when service people needed civilian representation if her husband was not involved. Her answer was a qualified yes if both Allen and she could agree. Civilian attorneys with this knowledge were in short supply in this part of the world and this could work out great for all. Harm told her that he would add her name to the approved attorney list if they agreed. He asked her to call Jennifer at his office with their decision.
Sarah exchanged phone numbers with Linda and both agreed to leave messages when they knew when they would be going to Northside to visit. Harm and Sarah had just added two more nice people to their “friends” list.
Top called at 19:30 asking if he and Jennifer could drop by for a few minutes to visit. The answer being “of course” and Harm and Sarah had to hurry and get dressed. A white gold band with a brilliant diamond was being worn on Jennifer’s left hand and needed to be shown to their friends. Harm and Sarah might have gone a little overboard with their enthusiasm but it was excusable since the happiness of these two was very important to them. These people, after all their history, had been hand picked by the Rabbs. No wedding date had been set but Sarah and Harm could tell it would not be long.
Harm’s Office
Tuesday, 20 September
13:15 Hrs
P.O. Alverez had been at the airport to pick up Cmdr. Manetti and had brought her to check in with JAG. After her conversation with Jennifer, she was ushered into Harm’s office. After the pleasantries, they reviewed what General Cresswell had instructed her to accomplish. Harm explained how Sarah’s “Golden Net” had been used to collect information which she could now use in her interviews. He gave her the Library Command Center phone number and asked her to call for a time to see Sarah. When excused, she stopped by Jennifer’s desk for her office and housing assignments. It was going to be good to work with everyone again.
Command Home
20:00 Hrs
A.J. had met with Harm and Sarah many times over the past two days when possible to discuss plans and methods of how to finish Golden Net. After he was convinced that solid plans were in place, he told them he was satisfied. He asked permission to stay a few days more to enjoy London which was fine with Harm and Sarah.
Command Home
Wednesday, 21 September
08:00 Hrs
This day seemed to have started off differently when Sarah had declined to go running with Harm and instead insisted he come back to bed for some early morning love-making. Not that he minded at all. Since the Cresswell Wall came down things had changed in good ways. They were not getting as much sleep but holding each other had made up for all of it. Breakfast would just have to wait.
Harm’s Office
16:45 Hrs.
(phone ringing)
Captain Rabb!
(T) Top here. I have a situation here that requires your presence right now. How fast can you get here?
(H) I will leave right now.
Harm buzzed Jennifer but she did not answer. He was putting on his coat as he passed Jen’s desk and she was nowhere to be seen. He didn’t have the time to deal with it now as he charged out the door. He came to a squealing stop in front of the security office and ran inside to the sound of “Happy Birthday to You” and balloons and streamers everywhere. Today was Harm’s birthday and he then understood more about why the early morning had been so pleasant. She always made his days brighter.
Hazel had set up a huge buffet table with all kinds of food for all friends that had been invited. Gag gifts were presented and graciously received and were laughed about by all. Sarah finally gave her gift of the complete 6 CD set of all of the songs of Jackie Cabrera which Harm had tried forever to get. Now there was someone that appreciated what a guitar could do. Harm was smiles from ear to ear and gave Sarah a big sloppy kiss which brought a laugh from everyone. Harm was so surprised that Jennifer had been able to go through the day without him finding out about the party. Another year older but life just seemed to be getting better by the day.
TBC.
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