| Subject: London Series-Part 13...Bombings |
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Maximus
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Date Posted: 08:51:13 09/19/06 Tue
In reply to:
Maximus
's message, "London Series" on 13:06:25 09/06/06 Wed
London Series: Part 13
Author: Maximus
Part 13 Title: BOMBINGS
Northside Military Hospital
Room 417
Thursday, 13 October
12:35 Hrs
Sarah’s focus was starting to return and she recognized Harm and Victor and saw Mattie and Geri staring at her. She didn’t feel pain but a very restricted feeling all over her mid-section from the bandages. Harm told her the doctor had told him that everything went as planned, the surgery was a success, and she said would check back after you woke up. After telling her that he loved her, he kissed her forehead and left to tell the nurse that Sarah was awake as the doctor had instructed.
(S)Hey Victor, did Harm call out the marines for me?
(Top) No ma’am. There aren’t many of us and we got to stick together.
(S) You got that right. Thanks for coming.
(Top) Actually I am here for day-surgery. I just wanted to check on you and the Captain before I went there. Are you OK ?
(S) Pretty groggy right now but I don’t hurt. What are you having done? I didn’t know anything was wrong.
(Top) An old war injury, ma’am. Harm probably told you that I couldn’t have children and Harm’s Surgeon said he thinks he can take care of it today. I sure hope so. Jen has been really upset about it. She wants children and so do I.
(S) Do what you can to keep her happy because you both deserve it. We love you guys.
(Top) We know. Well, you get well and we will see you soon.
(S) Thanks Top.
After Top left, Mattie and Geri came close and were glad that she was back with them. They explained that they had to go to class but had waited to make sure she was OK. They both gave her a peck on the cheek and left for their room. Sarah felt like she was the mother to 2 girls instead of only one. The nurses came and checked her vitals and everything else. She noticed one nurse messing with her bag of drip fluid before she went back into soft warm sleep.
14:30 Hrs
Dr. Simms came in and checked Sarah over even though she was in a twilight condition. She responded to the doctor’s request but was sleeping most of the time. Harm asked questions and the doctor went into great detail. She explained there was a very good chance they might be able to be parents. It would depend on how Sarah’s body accepted the eggs.
17:35 Hrs
Harm was enjoying feeding Sarah ice chips as she was trying to ask questions about work and everybody. He told her who had called and told her the latest from Kate and Mac. He told her he had been to Top’s recovery room and the doctor said everything went as planned. Top can now have children and he was very happy.(or it might have been the drugs.) Everything else was under control. She noticed flowers and wanted to smell them and find who they were from. The first were roses from Harm, 2 pink roses from Mattie and Geri, a potted flower from Frank and Trish, a large arrangement from Harm’s command, another from Sarah’s command, tulips from Adora and General Cresswell, and an arrangement of wildflowers from the SECNAV. They all smelled so good and were so pretty.
Harm came close and helped her turn since she had been in the same position all day. Her hip was getting sore from it. She almost turned green when the hot tea and Jell-O were brought in for dinner. Harm stirred a little extra sugar in the tea to make it work for her. Harm fluffed her pillow and told her it was OK to go back to sleep.
Harm explained he had agreed with Mattie to leave at 19:30 but he would return in the morning for breakfast. Mattie had asked for special time with her. Mattie needed to be alone with her and maybe read to her from the next chapter of the book they were both reading. Sarah was flooded with all kinds of feelings about Mattie’s request and Harm’s acquiescence. She learned quickly that she now “belonged” to more that one person. Wow, is this great or what?
Sarah drifted off as Mattie finished page 58 and the page was dog-eared for tomorrow. Mattie came close and picked up Sarah’s hand and held it between both of hers. The tears flowed freely for a time as Mattie prayed that Sarah would be OK and not leave her like her mother had. She then realized that she loved Harm in a “dad” kind of way but what was happening between her and Sarah was becoming a soul-connection type of thing. Mattie left when she was finally forced to go back to her room. Life sure was becoming interesting.
Northside Military Hospital
Room 417
Friday, 14 October
07:30 Hrs
Harm entered Sarah’s room as she was ringing the nurse for more pain meds. She had stretched it about as far as she could and was now giving in. Needless to say she was not a happy camper. After giving her a kiss, Harm helped her move to a different position to give that hip a little relief. He took a seat as meds were added to her drip bag and she started feeling better quickly. She told him about Mattie reading to her and was expecting to see her on her way to re-hab. She asked him to return to work because she was going to ask for pain meds for the day so she could sleep most of the time. She remembered the second day as being the worst on other surgeries. He agreed to after Mattie’s visit and she was asleep. Mattie made a quick pit stop saying Hi’s with kisses and Bye’s as she was on her way to her therapy. Harm stayed close by and watched her drift off and left after he was satisfied that she was OK and being well taken care of.
Harms Office
12:15 Hrs
Jennifer came in to Harm’s office like on a mission. She grabbed the remote and turned on the large TV. Pictures accompanied the story of a bombing and fire at a mosque in the city of the first drop-off point. Harm watched and suddenly found when they gave the address that it was the one and same mosque. He watched as the fire was shown still burning. What a mess. It appeared that the bad guys were after each other.
Harm left his office and drove over to the front gate and unlocked and removed the evidence bags left by the CIA team. He called Top and told him about the evidence and asked him to come to the command home so they could inventory the bags. After taking it in the Library, locking the door, Kate joined them and each bag was opened, inventory sheets removed and then everything accounted for. They found that the only place nude picture negatives were being sent was to the 4 story office building in Derby. The bags contained copies and notations about money and the kind of things like before with one difference.
The bag for the exchange of Thursday, 13 October contained a knife with what appeared to be blood on it. Harm made copies of the evidence inventories and had Kate fax them to everyone on the list. The evidence bags were closed back up and put in secure storage. Harm stood for a time at the entrance of storage feeling that something was not right but he couldn’t figure out what it was.
Harm asked Top if he had told Jennifer about the surgery yesterday. He said he had and she was overjoyed. Harm told him he was happy for them.
Command Home
Sunday, 16 October
20:00 Hrs
Harm had spent most of the weekend at Northside with his 2 girls. Sarah was hurting but getting better. Mattie had a tough time since the decision was made on Friday to remove the catheter and she couldn’t get far from a bathroom. Although unpleasant, this was a monumental step into her future. She could not spend a weekend at home before having this under control. It was a good sight to see Mattie in a wheel chair giving encouragement to her mom pushing the IV stand around the hospital hallways. It was slow going but Sarah enjoyed just being out of bed.
Even though Harm had enjoyed the weekend, this house was lonely without her. Harm finished reading about the Admiral Wilson case, turned off the light, and thanked his God that Sarah was getting better.
Harm’s Office
Tuesday, 18 October
11:43 Hrs.
Harm had taken a moment to drink the last of his coffee and had the TV on to get the latest weather for Sarah’s return home tomorrow. He wasn’t paying much attention until he heard the words “Exotic dance studio.” He turned to the TV seeing a fire where there had once been a building. He listened and found it was the building at drop-off point number 4. He thought that odd but it was apparent that no one had any idea what had happened.
He made a quick trip to the main gate again and retrieved all bags in the blue lockbox. He and Kate inventoried the bags and found more of the same but also a 9mm pistol in the bag from yesterday, October 17. He had Kate fax the inventories and locked up the rest. This thing was really starting to bother him. He started by reviewing everything that had happened. Finally, he went back to the delivery list he had made up and BINGO……….Lt. Mannion had made a delivery at drop-off point # one on October 13 and Chief Grey had made a delivery to drop-off point # 4 yesterday, October 17. AND THEY BOTH BLEW UP…..??????
Was it coincidence or was he missing something ?
Northside Military Hospital
Wednesday, 19 October
11:55 Hrs
After receiving instructions to return for her first follow up appointment on Wednesday the 26th she was given medication and was instructed how to take it. Harm carried Sarah’s bag containing personal items while Manny was bringing the living plants along. A volunteer was pushing a wheel chair with Sarah in it out to the Limo. After all the “thank you’s” were finished and Sarah was made comfortable, Manny drove around to Mac’s office and stopped. Harm went in and brought out an envelope with reports in it and Mac followed him out. Manny put up the black glass, locked and sealed up the car, and turned on the jamming equipment.
Mac answered Sarah’s questions and received orders from her as to what had to be done now. Harm took out the reports and all three of them went over them in detail. The Golden Net grid was about 80% complete and was responding as seen on the plotter in the Command center. Some of the private property issues had been overcame with night time incursions. Mac assured her that Kate had made copies of everything Sarah needed to review. Sarah reminded her that she was expected at A.J.’s meeting Friday morning at 10:00. Mac left the Limo after being excused and they were off for home.
Harm wanted to know if Sarah found it suspicious that two delivery points just so happened to explode and burn within 24 hours of having a delivery made there by a JAG member. Sarah could see the wheels starting to turn in Harm’s mind.
Library Command Center
Thursday, 20 October
11:10 Hrs
Sarah was feeling a bit rough this morning but was assured many times by Kate that everything was under control. She finally relented and made her way back to the master suite to rest. Hazel was doing the motherly thing and was watching after her charge. Sarah was to have chicken soup at 13:00.
Everyone tried their best to stay quiet and Sarah slept most of the afternoon.
Command Home
19:10 Hrs
Manny arrived with Admiral Chegwidden and moved his bags into the blue room. A.J. was surprised that Sarah and Harm were not there to greet him but quickly found, when he asked, that they were in the Library with Kate finalizing reports for his meeting tomorrow. He decided not to bother them but instead made a quick cell phone call to Mac. He asked Manny to take him to Lucinda’s so he could join Mac for a late dinner.
20:15 Hrs.
Being satisfied they were ready for tomorrow, Harm and Sarah left the Library. Harm made a call to Top to make sure he knew A.J. was in town. Top asked if Jennifer and he could come by for a few minutes and of course the answer was yes.
Top and Jennifer arrived and joined Harm and Sarah in the dining room for dessert. After pleasantries were exchanged, Top told Sarah he would like to be part of the takedown of Aziz and Fahd. He wanted to do it for Mary Newman. Top told Sarah that he had heard through the grapevine about the Thanksgiving Party being planned. Jennifer explained that they had been trying to find the right venue to have their wedding and they asked if this could be it. The idea of everyone watching and being part of a wedding during a Thanksgiving celebration just seemed so right to both Harm and Sarah.
The next big question was if Harm and Sarah would stand up for them. Harm gave the YES answer without even looking at Sarah because he knew he did not need to because of what they both meant to them. They discussed what to wear and other details. This would be kept as a surprise to all except the inner circle doing the planning of both the wedding and the party. Jennifer made it a point to say a big “thank you” to both Harm and Sarah for making the surgery for Victor possible. She just knew Harm must have pulled some big strings to help make her dreams a reality. Sarah took Jennifer aside into the master suite so they could discuss girl things about the wedding while Harm and Top discussed the Military receiving line. This was going to be so great for everyone.
Command Home
Friday, 21 October
08:50 Hrs
Harm and Sarah had enjoyed the crisp early morning as they walked. They noticed A.J. in the dining room taking on coffee to make up for his late arrival back to the compound last night. After showers and other enjoyable things, Sarah and Harm collected Kate on their way past the Library and came down for breakfast. Everyone else enjoyed breakfast more than A.J. did.
After Mac arrived, they adjourned to the Library where they meticulously laid out and presented every piece of evidence that they had collected for A.J. to look at. Kate noticed frantic activity on the TV and turned up the volume. The mosque in Derby had been bombed last night and was still burning. Harm explained to A.J. how bizarre the other bombings had been, especially since JAG personnel had made deliveries to both the day before the bombings. As if he were shot, A.J. turned and asked for the evidence from yesterday. Harm stood and waved A.J. up as they both ran to the car to go to the front gate. Harm hurriedly unlocked the blue lockbox, retrieved the envelope, put it in the car and quickly returned to the library. After the room was locked down, they opened the bag. It had notations about many of the same things as the others but also a small ledger book full of names and numbers with what looked like blood on the top cover.
After the inventory sheets were faxed, the bag was placed in secure storage with the rest. Harm just knew he was overlooking something.
Everyone directed their attention back to the evidence and the newly acquired additions. A.J. agreed that most of what they had found would be more help to the Brits than to JAG and could be used carefully to cement good relations with them. He gave them his advice as how the evidence could be presented to place the United Sates in a favorable light. After the meeting was over, A.J. asked for some privacy so he could call SECNAV. Who knows what that was all about ?
A.J.’s call gave Harm and Sarah the chance to talk about him. Sarah told Harm that she was sensing a general unease in A.J. She couldn’t determine the reason but asked Harm to invite him to stay a few more days. Harm agreed because he also had felt that and figured A.J. might be upset because of Sarah’s operation and because she now lacked endurance. A.J.’s protective nature was obvious to Harm and that was nothing less than what he expected from their father-figure.
After A.J. finished and came to the dining room, Harm poured him a cup of coffee and told him that if he didn’t have anything really important planned; he would like him to stick around for a few days. He confided that he had this feeling that something was not right about the evidence but he couldn’t put his finger on it. A.J. said he would need to change his flight but that would not be a problem. Within a few minutes Sarah noticed a calm return to A.J.’s features and knew they had made the right decision.
Command Home
Sunday, 23 October
21:00 Hrs
The weekend was very laidback but busy. Sarah was moving slowly. Trips to Northside to see the girls, and a visit with Bud and Harriett were different but enjoyable with Uncle A.J. along. He seemed to be doing the normal things he enjoyed, like reading, seeing the sights, visiting Mac, running,. .BUT….it always seemed he was watching Sarah for signs that she was OK. He had made it a point to be along when she seemed to be tired or irritable. Harm understood what was going on and would not have had it any other way. Having another man watching out for his wife might have bothered him had it not been the man that was more like a father than a friend.
Command Home
Tuesday, 25 October
08:00 Hrs
As Harm, Sarah and A.J. were finishing breakfast with coffee; Kate came out of the library upstairs and told them to turn on the TV to channel 73. They were showing the pictures of the mosque at the 2nd drop-off point with a huge hole torn out of the west side of the building. The fire had been put out. They were saying that they thought the explosion actually happened in the basement offices. Harm’s initial reaction was to go get the bag from yesterday and A.J. was hot on his trail. After retrieving the bag and returning, all 4 of them could hardly wait to find what was in the bag. They quickly removed the inventory sheet and verified the contents. There were notations about the normal things like money, jewelry, drugs and… a DVD disk. They made copies of the inventory sheet and faxed on. Harm took the bag and stowed it in secure storage. He returned to the library and joined in the discussion. Even though they did not know what was on the DVD, it must be important.
All 3 mosques and an exotic dance studio had been destroyed. (One at every drop-off point) Could this be the work of a religious zealot? Something was not right. Harm just knew it. A.J. had that “hair standing up on the back of his neck feeling” just watching Harm go through his torment. He had watched this happen between Sarah and Harm so many times and he trusted Harm’s instincts. OK, so what do we do ???? A.J. told Harm to get every bag out of storage and take them to the dining room. He told them to line them up by date and let’s find what we are missing.
Every bag was made empty. Every one contained an inventory sheet and copies of important things………… Except 4 bags contained real physical evidence, real things !!! A knife, pistol, ledger and a DVD. What days were those?? They were the days before the explosions… BINGO……Every day that physical evidence was retained and put in the bag by the CIA team, the drop-off point blew up that night sometime. Wow, the sender would have known something was wrong the next day after the package was opened and no knife, gun, ledger or DVD was there. So…they would never know anything was missing if the package blew up when opened. After all, there was a booby trap on every package that the CIA team knew how to get around ???? Was the CIA taking care of business again ?? Everyone agreed that the implications of this line of thinking were not good. Better keep these to ourselves for the time being. We can watch for a few days and see what happens. The Spooks are at it again ???
Northside Military Hospital
Wednesday, 26 October
11:00 Hrs.
Dr. Simms took her time and examined her handy-work and told Sarah that things looked OK. She re-confirmed that Sarah would continue having abdominal pain for another three to four weeks since she had disturbed so large an area. She said she was sorry for leaving a scar to mess up Sarah’s bikini lines. After laughing about that, Sarah told her that she hoped instead that she was going to get big with a baby. They both agreed that was more important than looking good in her bikini.
Dr. Simms explained the “do’s and don’ts” for the next couple of weeks. She told her she needed to call if her cycle started. She confided that she thought the eggs had attached properly and would bet the cycle would be a no-show. Dr. Simms told her to tell Harm he was a “don’t” for at least the next 3 weeks. She made Sarah’s next appointment for Tuesday, 22 November, when she would tell her if she was pregnant or not.
(Sarah musing) Wow, me pregnant ???? That will be hard to get used too. I was always so anal about making sure I didn’t do something dumb and get pregnant, and now here we are trying to move heaven and earth to make it happen. Sharing it with Harm makes all the difference. I hope our child is just half the person he is. )
Before Dr. Simms let her leave, she reminded her that she needed Harm to come in on (Halloween) Monday the 31st to fertilize the other 3eggs for Harriett’s procedure. Sarah assured her that he would be there.
(Sarah musing) I’m going to let Harriett carry a child for me ??? Morning sickness, cold sweats, swollen legs, weak stomach, glowing skin, sexy as hell, big as a barn, craving sex all the time, and large breast. Well, there are some trade offs, I guess. Maybe Bud gets something out of this after all. I hope I glow like Harriett does. She always looked so alive during those times. “Fertile Myrtle” is so lucky. I hope I don’t end up being “Barren Sarah.” Think happy thoughts, things are going to work out. I just know it…… A little pep talk never hurts anybody.)
London Airport
18:45 Hrs
Sarah and Harm watched as A.J. went through the final gate and waved at them. They had both noticed his demeanor change and become settled once Sarah began feeling better and the mystery of the bombing
seemed to be solved. It had been good that he had stayed a little longer.
Harm asked Manny to put the black glass up on the return trip because it had become apparent that Sarah was starting to feel a little frisky. Even though he understood he was a “don’t”, they would do what they could. The trip home was a lot of fun.
Library Command Center
Thursday, 27 October
10:30 Hrs
Mac called Sarah and Kate asking for a total test of the new grid. Her numbers indicated the grid was completed last night. An area of 6,500 square miles was now in a grid that would give data through the satellite to agencies and Governmental bodies needing it. It would take over the code name Golden Net. It covered a block, 80 miles by 80 miles, with London at its bottom. Things like temperature, humidity, audio, rate of change, amount of sun light, and changes of infra-red emissions will be available to the satellite. The test verified all chips working except 19 at different locations. Kate created a report and faxed back to Mac for replacement of those faulty chips. Mac said that all should be replaced tomorrow and asked them to do another test at 13:00 and call her back. Sarah chalked this up as one more task completed. The only thing left was raiding the bad guys.
Harm’s Office
Friday, 28 October
09:30 Hrs
After Harm and Sarah reviewed everything about evidence, Golden Net, and preparing for next weeks meetings with General Cresswell and everyone, it was time to get JAG more involved. Harm called Bud in for a review. Since it was time to start preparing cases against the bad guys, Bud recommended Lt. Allen Vance as the point man on the program. Harm approved and called Vance in to bring him up to speed. It was going to be a huge job but not that difficult. Harm felt Allen was up to the task.
Library Command Center
13:00 Hrs
Kate ran a complete test on the Golden Net Grid and every chip worked as advertised. She faxed the temporary password to MacDill, CIA California, and the data center in Japan and asked them to exercise the system and try to find any problems. She let them know that she was ready to put it “on line” and turn the responsibility over to the State Department.
19:00
Messages were received from all three supporting bodies with perfect performance indicated. Kate asked Sarah to verify all message traffic and satisfy herself that the grid was complete. Sarah verified all pictures and printouts from the plotters showing every chip working. She asked Kate to make a printout of the plotter showing all 6500 chips working and fax it to SECNAV.
(Sarah making calls)
Edward Sheffield!
(S) Colonel Rabb here sir. The Golden Net grid is complete. You should be receiving a fax now verifying proper function of every unit in the grid. When you are satisfied, we can put the system “On-Line”. Upon your approval we are prepared to turn responsibility of Golden Net over to State.
(SECNAV) Good Job. I will fax approval after I verify and will give you the time of responsibility transfer. You and your people have done a great job. Continue to use the equipment as you choose until the raids and seizures are all completed. What is left to do?
(S) First, we have the joint meeting with the Brits on 4 November. General Cresswell will be here for the meeting. We are standing by to assist the Brits to take down the bad guys. I think they will want us to make a huge show of force so they can talk about a joint effort. Second, there are promotions to be given. Third will be the transfer of evidence and record of work to JAG. Forth, we will need to disband and return the marines in my unit back to their duty stations. Finally, the spooks will need to come in and remove the equipment from the command home. I think that about covers all of it.
(SECNAV) I want you involved in the first two and then I want you on the Admiral Wilson court martial as my representative. You are going to be my prosecutor and if he is guilty, I want you to nail his ass to my wall. You will take the lead and the two JAG lawyers, who have brought the case through the article 32, will assist you. They will bring you up to speed because this case starts in just a couple of weeks.
I understand he now wants a civilian attorney as well as his JAG team. Have Harm offer the approved attorney list to him because we don’t have much time. If you have a preference let Harm know.
I will send a message of congratulations that can be given to everyone thanking them for a job well done. You, Kate and Mac are the best.
Thanks again.
(S) Thank you sir.
Sarah leaves the Command Center and finds Harm in the sauna.
(S) Honey, I’m going to get the Admiral Wilson case as SECNAV’s prosecutor.
(H) What? That’s a JAG trial. I have 2 people on it already.
(S) SECNAV is exercising his prerogative so everyone knows the Admiral is not being given special treatment because of rank. Your two attorneys will assist me.
(H) When do you take it over?
(S) As soon as this other is over. A week and a half I imagine. The SECNAV told me the Admiral has requested a civilian attorney.
(H) That’s right. I have given him the approved attorney list.
(S) Why not Linda Vance since Allen is now on the Golden Net case?
(H) Great idea. It’s time to get her onboard. I will make sure her name was on the list.
(S) May I join you ?
(H) Sure, but you better take your clothes off first. I want to check out your pretty scar and a little T&A. Can a pregnant lady still enjoy the sauna?
(S) We’re going to enjoy more than the sauna on the 16th. Who knew 3 weeks could be so long ?
(H)Yea, I agree. Nothing like 9 years. Can you believe we resisted each other for so long? Maybe that is why it’s so good now.
(S)I guess. Better late than never. Sometimes I feel like we missed so much but we’re on track now, sailor. Full speed ahead.
(H)Have I told you how much I am looking forward to the journey with you ?
(S)Yes. I am so glad you asked me to join you. I love you.
(H)Not as much as I love you.
(S)Come here you !
Library Command Center
Saturday, 29 October
08:45 Hrs
Kate brought the fax from the SECNAV down when she came for breakfast. The people at the State Department had been running a continuous dual system since Friday morning and verified that they could take over the Golden Net grid when requested. SECNAV ordered that operational responsibility would shift to State at 23:00 local time today.
Northside Military Hospital
Sunday, 30 October
17:00 Hrs
Harm and Sarah arrived at Mattie’s room with an invitation for the girls to join them for dinner at the canteen. The girls accepted quickly and they got in their chairs so they could be wheeled there. Both girls looked the menu over real well since they no longer had dietary restrictions. The sky was the limit. Even though chili dogs and hot fudge sundaes didn’t seem to go together, the girls pigged out.
Sarah told them how much fun it had been to wait up until 23:00 last night to flip the switch with Kate to transfer Golden Net. She told them she was now going to act as an attorney again to prosecute an Admiral’s case. Geri asked if that was the same case her mother had. Even though it surprised Sarah, she told her it probably was. Harm told her about her father being assigned a big case they had been working on for a long time.
Harm and Sarah asked many questions of both girls trying to find how their treatment was progressing. The changes were coming quickly and Mattie was making very good progress. They sadly realized that Geri was about finished with her re-hab. Harm and Sarah realized they were going to miss her about as much as Mattie would. It seemed like a Kodak moment because everyone seemed to enjoy being with each other and it felt like it should be this way forever.
TBC
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