VoyForums
[ Show ]
Support VoyForums
[ Shrink ]
VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, [10] ]



[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 15:52:13 01/14/13 Mon
Author: Cammy
Subject: The Consequences of Suppositions, Chapter 13

The Consequences of Suppositions, Chapter 13
By: Cammy
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Rated: R (for language and sexual situations)

Author’s Notes: See Chapter 1.

1930 CET (Local)
Monday afternoon
December 22, 2003
USNSA Naples
Naples, Italy

“She is a fire sign, you know. One day you're near and then you go. Here is a photograph, what do you see? There's nothing there but me. Oh, in the aftermath, it's hard to breath and harder to believe.” – David Berkeley, Fire Sign

Mac had been putting it off all day, and was considering waiting until tomorrow, but the desire to be rid of this dilemma finally won out.

She buzzed her yeoman, "Waters, could you see if Admiral Chegwidden is available for a call? If not, ask Coates what might be a good time to reach him today."

"Yes, ma'am."

Mac returned her attention to the files on her desk, trying her best to focus on the words. She was exhausted, having not slept more than three hours the night before. Sturgis' phone call had been unsettling. What should have brought her finality and solace instead brought unrest and uncertainty.

At least the tossing and turning had made things clearer. She was going to go back to Washington.

As much as she loved being in Naples, staying here wasn't the answer.

Regardless of what was left – or not left – of her friendship with Harm, D.C. was her home.

She needed to go back and make some decisions about the rest of her life. She needed closure and she wasn’t going to hide in Naples any longer.

Whether it was in a few weeks, or a few months, even if he found someone else, at some point she promised herself she would make him explain exactly what he meant when he asked her to stay in Washington and not go to Italy, when he said she might be the ‘only thing’ he needed.

"Ma'am, Petty Officer Coates is getting Admiral Chegwidden for you. Line 3." Ensign Waters' voice came through clearly on the intercom system.

Mac picked up the phone, waiting to hear the Admiral pick up his extension. "Admiral, how are you, sir?"

"I'm fine, Colonel. How about yourself?"

"Good, sir. We've been busy, but the sailing has been hopefully smooth." Her fingers betrayed her anxiety, toying with the label on the file in front of her.

"That’s what I hear, Colonel. I presume you're calling to talk about your next billet?" The Admiral asked without wasting any time.

"Yes, sir.” Mac took a deep breath, steeling herself for his reaction. “If you will allow it, I would like to return to headquarters and resume my duties as your chief of staff."

"Have you really thought this through, Mac?"

"I have, sir. I've been thinking about it constantly, and I want to come home to JAG."

"That will be fine, Colonel. We look forward to having you back.” To her surprise, the Admiral almost sounded relieved. “Since you are choosing not to take the billet there, I do need to share something else with you.”

“Yes, sir,” she waited, starting to feel anxious again.

“There is a permanent opening in the judiciary, and your name has been floated for the appointment by several of the current judges, chiefly Judge Helfman who has led a sort of campaign for you. She and the others were very impressed with your performance on the bench last year and earlier this year. They would like you to join them.”

She ran a hand over her face and laughed nervously. “What does that mean, Admiral?”

“That means, if you’re inclined to accept, it’s yours. Judge Mackenzie has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it?”

“Wow, sir. I don’t know what to say. That’s an incredible offer.”

“You don’t have to answer now. You’ve had a lot of decisions to make these days. I do want you to take some leave though. You've had a hell of a few months there. Tie up any loose ends you have there and then you're free to go. I'll have Bradshaw there after the New Year. Commander Haines can run ops in the meantime. I don't expect to see you at headquarters until the 9th. Your decision can wait until then."

Mac leaned back in her chair, already feeling more at ease at the prospect of returning to Falls Church. "Thank you, sir. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you've done for me."

"You deserve it, Mac. You've done a tremendous job over there, and trust me, it hasn’t gone unnoticed. I need to get on a conference call with the SecNav and CNO, but I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks."

"Yes, sir. Thanks again and Merry Christmas, Admiral."

"You too, Colonel. Take care of yourself."

The knock on her startled her. “Come in,” she said.

Ensign Waters appeared in her doorway, carrying an envelope. “Sorry to interrupt, ma’am. This came via special delivery for you. I wasn’t sure if I should open it or not, ma’am.”

She took the envelope from him. “No, that’s fine. Thank you, Ensign.”

The door closed behind him as she went to open the package. The return address had the U.S. Department of Homeland Security seal.

Oh, Jake, she thought. He’d come through.

Mac ripped open the pull-tab of the package. Inside was a plain manila envelope with no markings and a small white envelope addressed to her.

She opened the card. Inside was white cardstock stationary, emblazoned with Jacob Mansfield’s name and title and the official DHS seal. It simply read: “Mac, the paperwork finally came through. I thought you should do the honors. Best, Jake.”

Mac closed her eyes for a moment, holding the manila envelope in her hands. She fought the urge to call Harm, even though she knew she should. She’d save it until she saw him in person.

She was going home.

2030 CET (Local)
Monday night
December 22, 2003
USNSA Naples
Naples, Italy

“You spend all your time waiting for that second chance, for the break that would make it okay.” – Sarah McLachlan, Angel

An hour later, Mac and Allie were splitting dinner in her office, the air heavy with the finality of a low-key goodbye celebration.

"I can't believe this is probably the last time we're going to be hanging out in your office eating take-out." Allie said as she took another bite of pizza.

The two had placed an order for a caramelized pear and creamy gorgonzola pizza from Naples' oldest pizzeria, Antica Pizzeria Port' Alba. Mac had discovered the small, but famous, pizzeria all by herself a month ago and had referred the restaurant to all her coworkers. The menu had an infinite number of entries, all comprising limitless combinations of toppings and sauces and all of which were to die for.

Mac took a sip of her diet coke. "I know. I can't believe it either. I can't decide whether it feels like I just got here or whether I’ve been here for years."

Mac had held a staff meeting earlier that day, before her conversation with the Admiral, letting them know that she would be transferring back to headquarters and that their permanent CO would be arriving early next year. She was surprised at how attached she had become to some of her officers and was touched when her staff didn't appear pleased at the news of her exit.

By far, she would miss Allie the most. The two had developed a bond that she hoped would remain intact despite her transfer. Harriet was a great friend and very much like a sister to her, but Mac and Allie had more in common.

They continued to talk and snack on the pizza as Mac tried to clear her desk and pack up her stuff. It was a no-brainer though, up until a couple weeks ago she hadn't known there was a possibility of the assignment being anything more than a temporary one, so she had very few personal items in the office.

"So…you never did tell me about your mysterious weekend with Clayton Webb a few weeks ago. What happened?"

Mac rolled her eyes as she stepped away from her filing cabinet and reclaimed the chair behind her desk. "Absolutely nothing,” she paused for a second. “Probably for the best anyway.”

"Really? When we were at that jazz club a few weeks ago, he looked like he wanted to have you for dessert. And, you haven't exactly been kicking him out the door when he drops by either."

Mac laughed at her lack of subtlety. "I know. It just didn't feel right."

"Hmm. He's good-looking, charming, intelligent, impressive job, and probably has more money than God. I think either your standards are bit too high or you've got someone else on your mind. Sounds a lot like the brush off you gave Jake Mansfield.”

Mac shot Allie a warning glare, but replied anyway. "I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed to go away with him. He pulled out all the stops though. Private plane, private cars, palatial guest room, personal masseuse."

"And nothing…?"

Mac leaned back in the soft leather chair. "He didn't get to the villa until Saturday around dinner time. It was like something out of a movie. The house has a third floor terrace overlooking the Apuan Alps. He had dinner brought to us on it, and there were candles everywhere. It was incredibly romantic."

"Except?"

"We started to kiss, and I stopped him, I just couldn't do it. I think I even wanted him to kiss me. God, Allie, it's been so long since I've had sex. But…”

“But you’re in love with a certain naval commander?”

Was she really that transparent? Mac narrowed her eyes. “Facts not in evidence, counselor.”

Allie laughed out loud. “You’re kidding, right?”

“Allie, look. Even if I was, he’s not interested.”

Allie smiled sympathetically. "You sure about that?”

Mac brushed her fingers across tired eyes. "I mean I have this good looking, intelligent, intriguing man who wants to be with me and I turn him down for a guy five thousand miles away who won’t even call me back.”

“Mac, I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Allie hesitated for a moment. “The other night when I was leaving Aret'a'Palm, I overhead Webb and Catherine talking.”

“Oh yeah,” Mac asked, her left eyebrow raised.

“Did you know they were former lovers?”

“I had no idea,” Mac answered honestly. That certainly explained the tension between them that night. “Wow. Really?” She was a little surprised by the complete lack of concern the knowledge brought her.

Allie nodded. “Catherine didn’t seem very happy to see you and Webb together.”

She shrugged. “She’s more than welcome to him.” Mac looked through her open door into the empty bullpen. Even if it was deserted, the office still felt festive. White, red and green holiday lights were strung on some of the office doors and a large and brightly decorated Christmas tree stood in one of the corners.

She stared at the lights for another minute before Allie pulled her away from her thoughts. "Are you worried about seeing him again,” the woman asked cautiously. It was clear she was referring to Harm.

Mac shrugged as she began to sort through the day's incoming mail that her yeoman had placed in her inbox that afternoon. "Honestly, I can tell you exactly what's going to happen. I'm going to go back. We'll avoid each other until it is absolutely necessary that we speak – some case or assignment. We'll both fumble through apologies until we reach a shaky truce, and that will be it."

“You could change that. Say something. Tell him how you feel. You really should,” Allie paused, “before you run out of time.”

Mac was surprised by Allie’s urging. The woman didn’t know much about her relationship with Harm outside what she had learned from the Rasul appeal case and the associated Article 32. Besides, she’d been running out of time with Harm for eight years and counting. It was hardly a new feeling.

She shook her head. “I tried that once. Didn’t really work out.”

Allie looked at her questioningly, but Mac continued to sort through the mail, writing notes on some of the documents and forwarding them to different staff members for follow up and review. "Enough about my nonexistent love life. Tell me how things are going with Calisto."

Allie laughed. "Calisto was weeks ago. I'm currently seeing Adrian. He's a Greek architect and he's gorgeous. You'd like him, he's funny too."

"Allie, please tell me this one at least speaks English." Mac said, grinning.

Relieved to see that the pile in her inbox had dwindled down to a single item, Mac reached for the plain manila envelope, looking for a return address. When she didn't see one, she pulled a letter opener from her desk and sliced through the seal.

"Mac, you're putting too much stock in this language barrier thing. Don't you think at some point words just aren't necessary to communicate?"

“I’ll bet.” Mac rolled her eyes as she pulled a set of documents from the envelope.

“On that note, Mac, I’m out of here. Will you be here in the morning?”

She nodded. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll leave before Christmas. I’ll be around tomorrow.”

After Allie exited her office, she returned her attention to the item before her. Turning the thick stack over, she immediately noticed a small note affixed to the papers:

~~~~~

Mac –

Saw this and thought you should too.

Page 265.

Have a safe trip back to Washington.

C.W.

~~~~~~~~

Confused, Mac removed the note to look at the cover page. She hadn’t even told Webb she had decided to leave Naples yet.

Webb had sent her a copy of Harm's Article 32 transcripts? The same transcripts that, according to the Office of Naval Intelligence, she wasn't cleared to read.

Why on earth…

Per his suggestion, Mac leaned back in her chair and flipped right to 265, squinting to read the small font. Surprised, she realized it was Klein’s cross-examination of Harm.

~~~~~~


Klein: "Commander, would you please describe for us your relationship with Colonel Mackenzie."

Rabb: The Colonel and I have been stationed together here at headquarters for approximately eight years. We've spent the majority of that time as partners. We’re colleagues and friends.”

Klein: “Good friends?”

Rabb: “Yes.”

Klein: "And over these years, have you two ever….you know?"

Rabb: "No, I don't know. What exactly are you asking?"

Klein: "Well, I'm pretty sure that everyone in this courtroom has seen the Colonel."
(Court Reporter Note: Klein holds up a People Magazine, flipping to a picture of Colonel Mackenzie in a swimsuit.)

"She's certainly the complete package, isn't she? Are you trying to tell me that in eight years you two have never hit the sheets, or the conference room table for that ---“

Turner, Roberts: "Objection!"

Morris: "Sustained. Lieutenant Commander Klein, the court would like to remind you that you are referring to two senior officers with, not withstanding the outcome of this trial, impeccable service records. I’m going to let you finish prosecuting this hearing, but I assure you, at the end of this proceeding I will be reviewing your behavior and comments and may suggest to Admiral Chegwidden that punitive actions be taken. You may continue, but I suggest you tread lightly."

Klein: "Commander Rabb, are you in love with Colonel Mackenzie?"

Rabb: “Look, I (pause) I’m not going to answer that. That has nothing to do with…”

Turner: “Admiral – ”

Morris: “Counselor, are you objecting to Commander Klein’s question or your client’s refusal to answer?”

Turner: “Your honor, the prosecution continues to badger my client, asking entirely offensive and inappropriate questions.”

Morris: “I understand your concerns and I’m sorry. I know this is uncomfortable for everyone and I know this doesn’t seem fair, but this entire appeal is predicated on the fact these two JAG officers were romantically involved, leading to this very serious charge. I read Colonel Mackenzie’s deposition. She answered the questions, and Commander Rabb will do the same. I will not let any unanswered questions at this Article 32 be the reason for an overturned espionage verdict at the appellate level. You may continue, Commander Klein.”

Klein: "You know what? I'll make you a deal, Commander. You don't have to answer that question if you tell me where you were on December 18, 2001.”

Rabb: "I have no idea. Should I know?”

Morris: "Commander Klein, if you have a point, I would like for you to get to it quickly."

Klein: "I promise to get to the point, sir. The prosecution would like to enter this as Exhibit M."
(Court Reporter Note: Klein enters Exhibit M into evidence)

Morris: "The court will allow it. Continue."

Klein: "Commander Rabb, on December 18 of 2001, you were in Vienna, Virginia. Ringing any bells now?"

Rabb: "Not especially.”

Klein: "You were at Fairfax Square, the upscale section of Tyson's Corner."

Rabb: "It sounds like I was Christmas shopping, doesn’t it?"

Klein: "I'll say. I am surprised you wouldn't remember this particular shopping excursion – you sure spent a whole lot of money that day. Do you remember buying a watch?"

Rabb: "I do. I bought a watch at Tiffany’s for my mother as a Christmas present that year."

Klein: “Was that the only purchase you made at Tiffany & Company that day, Commander?"

Rabb: "No, it was not."

Klein: "What else did you buy that day?"

Rabb: "I bought a ring."

Klein: "This is a copy of the receipt from that day. It seems you bought a two-carat diamond platinum engagement ring and had it engraved. Would you care to tell the court what the inscription says?"

(Court Reporter Note: Commander Rabb did not answer the question.)

Klein: “Let the record show, the ring is engraved ‘To my best friend, for eternity.’ Commander, I will ask you one last time, are you involved with Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie?”

Rabb: “No.”

Klein walked towards the witness booth, incredulously. “You are in love with her though, right?”

Rabb: “Yes, but…”

Klein:, “And these feelings led you to pass along privileged information?”

Rabb: “Certainly not…”

Klein “Withdrawn. No further questions, your honor."


~~~~~~~~

Mac leaned back in her chair, concentrating on the act of breathing, positive that if she didn't, she might forget how.

She read the pages a second and then third time. The word ‘eternity’ kept rolling through her mind over and over again.

All of this time, and he never said anything, she thought.

She pressed her knuckles into her cheekbone, reeling from the world-altering news.

What was she supposed to do now? Her life had just been turned upside-down.

Impulsively, Mac turned to her computer and navigated to Travelocity’s home page. She wanted, needed to get to San Diego.

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]



Replies:

[> Yes!!! This is going to be great. Way to go Cammy. -- FJN, 16:16:17 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> San Diego? Interesting. I'm so caught up in this story - can't wait to see what happens next! -- Dee, 16:54:58 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> So excited, getting oh so close to totally new chapters, can't wait! -- Ciara, 17:04:18 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> Cammy, wonderful chapter, ships that pass in the night? omg! -- Joy, 17:29:48 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> Please just don't let them pass in the air! :) Could you be bribed into adding the next chapter today? -- Shazam, 21:14:18 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> Please don't let them cross the ocean in opposite directions! -- Debbi - you are certainly building the tension., 22:19:05 01/14/13 Mon [1]


[ Edit | View ]
[> musical planes -- marye904, 19:26:21 01/19/13 Sat [1]


[ Edit | View ]



[ Contact Forum Admin ]

Forum timezone: GMT-5
VF Version: 3.00b, ConfDB:
Before posting please read our privacy policy.
VoyForums(tm) is a Free Service from Voyager Info-Systems.
Copyright © 1998-2019 Voyager Info-Systems. All Rights Reserved.