On a Trail of Terror Author: Nik Rating: PG Disclaimer: I do not own JAG or any of the characters in this story. This is just for fun. Terrorist Holding Camp Secret US Army Base Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 20, 2002 1100 Local And to think I begged for this assignment. Demanded it actually. Why, oh why, did I ever agree to this? Damn Webb! But I couldn’t blame him. Not really. This was all my idea. But I never dreamed it would come to this. Never dreamed I would be sitting here, in a US prison camp, mistaken for a terrorist and unable to reveal my true identity. For to do so, would guarantee the death of the only man I ever really loved…Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 29, 2002 2022 Local Harm invited me to dinner at his apartment tonight. Why, I don’t know. He said he had something to talk to me about. In a secret place in my heart, I hope he wants to talk about “us” but I try to squash that idea. Knowing Harm, he probably wants to talk about our latest case, or Bud, or some other mundane topic. But, hey, he promised to fix me some real food, nothing “meatless”, so I say, what the heck. Sure, I’ll come over. Besides, whatever it is he wants to talk about, it doesn’t matter. I am going to see my Flyboy tonight. And if he tries to talk about work, I’ll just try to wrap that conversation up real fast. Its been so long since we’ve spent any time outside of work together. I survey myself in the mirror. I hope he doesn’t think this outfit is too skmipy. Oh well, maybe it will spur him into the real “talk” I’ve been waiting for. I finish getting ready and, ok, I admit it….actually prance out the door and into my vette. Oops, I told Harm I’d call when I was leaving. Oh well, he knows I’m never late. He’ll be there. Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 29, 2002 2050 Local I check the lasagna one more time. I get better at making this stuff all the time. I even put italian sausage in it for the Marine. I tasted it. Its pretty good if you forget about the greasy dead animal part. Oh well, I’d eat a live snake for Sarah. I am here, in my apartment, waiting for Sarah to get here for our dinner, and if I don’t chicken out, our talk. Its been too long. Too long for me to get my head of my six and realize that I have to tell her. If I don’t, I know I’ll lose her eventually. Hell, I almost lost her last year. And so many times, I’ve asked myself. What would I have done at her wedding? Would I have stopped her? Lord knows I didn’t want to see her marry that idiot. The thought still makes me want to puke. So finally, I answer myself…Yes. I would have stopped her. Tried at least. That night I told her to come to me, I was going to tell her. Tell her I loved her, always have. And then…things blew up in my face again. Renee’s dad, Mac leaving. And I was so scared, I couldn’t tell her fast enough. The right way. What I am going to tell her tonight. That I love her. I need her. I want her to marry me. I check my posket one more time for the ring. Good its still there. I’d hate to lose it before she even sees it. That thing cost me 6 months pay. But she’s worth it. Her hair, her eyes, her… The doorbell rings, pulling me from my reverie. I check myself in the mirror one last time. I’ve been paranoid about getting tomato sauce on these dress whites. I want to do this right. Besides, I think, you know what they say about dress whites and gold wings… I practically dance over to the door, pulling it open quickly, not even checking to see who it is like I usually do. I know its Sarah. “Caroline!” I say. ::Shit! What the hell is she doing here:: I ask myself? “Uhh come in. “ “Harm..I’ve been wanting to see you. Wow…dress whites and gold wings….you know what they say…” She says, kind of seductively. ::Great:: I think. ::I’ve got to get her out of here. Sarah’s going to be here any second. And she’s never late.My beautiful Ninja Girl, with eyes the color of….Snap out of it Rabb. Get this chick out of your apartment now.:: “Uhh Caroline..” I begin rather lamely. She’s taking off her jacket. Moving towards me. I notice she’s wearing some dinky Walmart tube top. This would actually be kind of funny if it wasn’t happening to me. I’m backing up slowly. I almost trip over something and instinctively grab for something. I grab her unintentionally and she grabs back.. I am beginning to feel like Bud, cornered and bumbling. “Caroline,” I say more forcefully., trying to extricate myself. She’s not letting go. “I have a guest coming in a few minutes..Can I call you tomorrow or something?” What a line, I think. But I really will call her tomorrow. I just don’t have time to explain right now that I am not available. Before I get the entire sentence out, she’s kissing me. Groping in classified places. I am stunned. I pull my mself away, regain composure, and tell her to leave. I’m sorry, I say, but I am taken. She leaves, a little pissed, but oh well. That might have worked a few years ago. But not now. Not when I am so close to finding happiness with Sarah. My Sarah. The only woman I will ever love. Outside Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 29, 2002 2055 Local I stand here unable to believe what my eyes are telling me. I feel like I just took a vicious kick in the gut. Didn’t I just do this last year? Except its a different blonde this time. Its that bitch Caroline. So that’s what he wants to tell me. I see them, him in those damn dress whites, and her in a two dollar tube top. I see them, through his window kissing and what looks like will be much more in a few minutes. I puke violently, retching out the remains of the Beltway Burger I had for lunch trying to miss this green Pontiac Sunfire. Shit, I puked on someone’s car. Screw it. I throw myself into my car and leave. Where I’m going I have no idea. I just know I can’t go in there and listen to whatever crap he is going to say. The bitch can have him. They deserve each other. Outside Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 29, 2002 2100 Local Omigod I can’t believe he just turned me down. No one ever turns me down. I hope I don’t sound whiny. Oh well, no one can hear me. I can’t believe he turned me down.. Omigod…someone puked on my car. Gross! I am going straight to the car wash. I can’t believe he turned me down…… Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 29, 2002 2300 Local What the hell happened to Sarah? I’ve called her apartment since 2130 and she hasn’t been there. Left so many messages her machine is full. I’m driving over there. JAG Headquarters Falls Church March 30, 2002 0005 Local I’ve driven around all night trying to figure out what to do. I started driving to Cape Hatteras, but gave up after about an hours drive and came back here. What am I doing here? I thought I loved it here. But I don’t, not really. What I’ve loved is Harm. But that’s over. Oh good. He came. JAG Headquarters Falls Church March 30, 2002 0005 Local I’m heading over to JAG in the middle of the night because Sarah Mackenzie wants to see me. I must have it for her as bad as Rabb does. I can’t help but wonder what she wants. I try but I can’t think of any recent cases she might have been involved in that would require my assistance,. Well, maybe she needs some information on someone. But in the middle of the night? “Clayton. Thanks for coming. “ “Sure, Mac. Whats up? This must be important if you’re tracking me down at midnight on a Friday night.” I can’t help but notice the say she’s dressed. She looks like she’s been on a date or something. I hope her and Rabb finally got their heads out of their “sixes” and realized what I’ve known for 5 years. They are meant for each other. “Yes Clay it is. I need to get out of here asap. Assign me something. Anything. “ “Mac…” I begin. I really don’t want to get drawn into whatever is going on with her and Rabb this time. “Don’t argue with me, Clay. I am leaving here one way or the other. Now either I resign my commision and disappear or you give me an assignment until I figure out what I want to do. This town is making me crazy.” “Is it the town or is it a certain Navy Commander?” I know why she’s doing this. That idiot Rabb said or did something stupid again. If I could kick his ass, I would. Repeatedly. “WE BB! Do not even try this crap with me. There is no Navy Commander in my life, not even as a friend, and I prefer it that way. DO NOT discuss this with me. Now, whats it going to be?” “Alright Alright Mac. I happen to have an assignment…but I don’t know if its one you would want.” “I don’t care if its investigating penguin poop in the Antarctic. Just give it to me.” “I will need you to infiltrate a group of suspected terrorists in the Middle East. They have Arab and Russian ties, so with your background and language skills…you could prove invaluable to this mission.” I figure this sounds dangerousenough to dissuade her from taking it. I’ll buy a little time under the pretext of getting her a better assignment. In the meantime, I’ll talk to Rabb and get him to fix this, once and for all. “That sounds perfect Clay..When can I leave?” Shit. I should have known she would take it. “Whenever you’re ready, Mac. I assume you want me to clear this with the Admiral?” “Yes, please talk to him. And give me two days to get things settled up here. “ “Ok I’ll call you tomorrow with the specifics..you’re going to have a new identity and will need traveling money and everything. “ “Ok Talk to you tomorrow.” Outside Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 30, 2002 0100 Local No sign of her. I’m sitting in my car with my cell phone, just about to call the police when I see her pull up. She doesn’t seem to see me. I start to get out of my car to ask her what happened, when I see how she looks. Short skirt, heels, a skimpy see through top barely covering a thing. Man, her hair and her makeup’s all messed up too. Damn, she went out on a date. A hot date from the looks of it. She forgot all about coming for our talk. I guess I’ve been dreaming. It really is too late for us. Hell, I guess there is no “us” anymore. I’ve finally run out of chances. Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 0600 Local I am packing my stuff quickly. I don’t want to be here when Mac calls. I know she will. I left about a thousand messages on her machine last night, and when she gets them and realizes she forgot about our dinner, she’s going to try to call and apologize and probably talk about her new guy. And I don’t want to hear it. Can’t hear it. Not now. Maybe in a few days. Maybe never. I’m going to fly Sarah to the beach and just relax for a couple of days. I have Monday off anyway…so what the hell. There…almost done. Just need to carry the bag to the SUV and off I go. Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 0630 Local I approach the apartment, hoping I am not going to piss Rabb off by waking him up so early. But I need to talk to him asap, before he has a chance to do anything stupid and to make sure he makes it right with Sarah..before she leaves on this suicide mission. Because, that’s what it is, really. There’s no way she would make it out of there alive. Because there’s something I couldn’t tell her. Something that would jeopardize the mission and our nation’s safety. Even if she made it out of the terrorist camp alive and was able to reveal her identity to our forces there, there’s a double agent in our military that most assuredly would kill her. And we don’t know who it is. Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 0635 Local Damn…he’s not here. His Lexus is gone. I debate with myself on whether to break into the apartment to look for a clue as to where he is. Finally, I decide. I’m going in. I go in the apartment. It’s a mess. Uneaten lasagna. Discarded dress whites. Someone’s leather jacket. A lady….hmmm. Doesn’t really look like Mac’s style. Being the observant CIA agent that I am, I also notice it doesn’t match the outfit she was wearing last night. Could Rabb have another woman? Is that what this is all about? What an idiot. I bet he’s hooked up with that bimbo I saw him talking to the other night at that restaurant. Damn…he just met her too. He moves fast. I search for other clues, but realize I’ve found the most important one. A ring. Quite expensive one at that. Now why in the hell would he ask that bimbo to marry him? Quickly putting two and two together, I surmise that Harm must have asked this bimbo to marry him, she refuses since she just met the idiot. He calls Mac to cry on her shoulder again, she gets pissed and calls me. I realize that I need to go home. Because what I really want to do is track Rabb down and shoot him. Repeatedly. Caroline’s House Alezxandria March 30, 2002 1200 Local “Omigod. I can’t find my jacket. Where could it be? I want my leather jacket. Do I sound whiny? Oh well, no one can hear me. Where the hell is that thing? I bet I left it at the carwash.” Roberts Residence Washington DC March 30, 2002 0730 Local “I’ll get it Bud.” Who in the world is ringing our doorbell at 0730 on a Saturday morning, I think to myself. “Hello Harriet.” she says. Its Mac. “Can I come in?” I tell her of course she can and she comes in. She tells me she’s leaving tomorrow and is going to be gone for a while. She wants to say goodbye to us and little AJ. I ask if it’s a business or personal trip and she says “It’s a business trip for personal reasons.” I instantly know. Commander Rabb did something. Or said something. For a decorated fighter pilot and a lawyer almost as good as Perry Mason himself, he sure can screw up a relationship in 5 seconds flat. I decide not to go further in this discussion, for now anyway. “Litttle AJ is still sleeping…He usually gets up around 0700, but I guess he’s sleeping in.” She tells me don’t worry about it, she’ll hang out for a few minutes and if he doesn’t wake up, she’ll come back. I can’t help myself. She looks so sad. I ask her if she wants to talka bout it. She says no, then yes. Then she doesn’t say anything. “Did Commander Rabb do something wrong?” I ask hestitantly, I really don’t want to upset her more. Plus, I could be wrong. It could be totally unrelated. “No…” she says. “Yes…I don’’t know. He did something that made me feel lke I want to die..like I’m already dead even. But I don’t know if its wrong. Maybe I’m wrong. Maybe this whole thing was never there..never meant to be more than whatever it is…I guess I’m not making any sense…” I tell her I’m sort of getting a general idea..but I ask her to tell me specifically…what happened? Maybe we can figure out a way to fix things. “I saw him getting it on last night with another blonde bim….uhhh woman. No offense intended Harrriet.” I stifle a laugh because she thought I would be offended by the blonde statement. Lord knows I’ve run across plenty of brunette bimbos. She continues…”He invited me over to talk about something. I’ve been waiting for months for him to get up the nerve to tell me he wants a relationship. I never dreamed he wanted to tell me it was over…before it even got started. Damn him! ” I ask her did they ever talk? She says no, she puked and ran…the first time he’s made her puke without a plane she says. I find this funny and again try to stifle a laugh. “No, ” she says. “We haven’t talked. And I don’t plan on it. I don’t want to hear what he has to say. I really don’t think I could make it through that speech without killing him.” She looks dead serious as she says this. I remember in that instant that she is a Marine, trained to kill. Then she says so softly, I can barely hear her… “And I can’t kill him Harriet…I don’t even want to hurt him. I just want him to be happy…and he’ll be much happier wthout me complicating his life. ” Just then, AJ wakes up and runs to Aunt Mac…and I begin to formulate a plan. I am going to talk to the commander myself. And I don’t care if its gets me written up…I’m telling him how it is. Outside Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 0900 Local I am standing here by my car, at Commander Rabb’s apartment, feeling a little nervous about what I am about to do. What I am about to do is probably going to end my career in the Navy. That’s ok though, because he really needs to hear what I have to tell him. That he’s being a complete ass. Its obvious he’s in love with the Colonel and he’s running scared. He’s a typical commitment phobic male. Then, I notice his SUV is gone. He’s not here. That’s ok…I’ll catch him sooner or later. Outside Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 1400 Local Here I am back at the commander’s apartment. I am sitting in my car and seeing no sign of him. I have got to talk to him today, before Mac leaves for wherever she’s going tomorrow. This green Sunfire pulls up with a blonde bimbo wearing an Everlast sports bra inside, with Kid Rock blaring on her CD player. Somehow, I know immediately who this is. Mac wasn’t kidding. This chick is total trailer trash. What in the world could the Commander be thinking? I get out of the car to ask her if she knows where the Commander might be. She says no. She was hoping he was home. She left her jacket at his apartment the night before. “So, are you the one he is in love with?” she asks. I’m instantly confused. “Why would he be in love with me?” I ask. “You’re the one he was uhhh…with last night,” I say, trying to clarify. “Me? Don’t I wish. Nope, he kicked me out of his apartment. Even after I put my best moves on him. Said he was involved with someone who he was expecting at his apartment shortly. Told me to go. And do you know the worst part? Someone puked all over my car last night.” Suddenly, I feel like I need to puke too. Mac got this so wrong. I’ve got to get to her before she does something stupid. Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 30, 2002 1430 Local “Hello Clay,” she says. I am standing here at Mac’s door, getting ready to some in to her apartment. I am here to give her the information on the assignment. And to tell her that I will get someone to clean up her apartment and take care of Jingo and all that while she’s gone. I am going to need her to leave immediately, one day earlier than planned. I would really like to delay her departure so I can talk to that idiot Rabb…but we need someone in place immediately. A source informed me that they are planning something big…and there’s no time to waste. She’s the only one I’ve got, and she’s got to get into position asap. The nations safety is at stake. Besides, I tell myself, she’s good. Damn good. Maybe she’ll get out of there alive. Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 30, 2002 1435 Local Webb came for me early. Oh well, I have no reason to stick around here much longer. He’s going to take care of the arrangements with the apartment, the vette, bills, and Jingo. I’ve called Chloe and told her I am going away for awhile. I’ve said goodbye to Bud, Harriet, and little AJ. And I am trying to forget about Harm. “Let’s go.” I say, trying not to change my mind. I would so like to see him one last time. Just to burn his image into my memory again. But I realize its too late. The image of him and that bitch will forever be in my head. “You can give me the details while you’re driving me to the airport.” Outside Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 30, 2002 1445 Local “Well, her car’s here,” I think. Why isn’t she answering the door? I pull out my cell phone and call her number. She doesn’t answer and her machine is evidently full of messages, so I am out of ideas for the time being. Then, I have a brilliant idea. Well, a good idea at least. I’ll leave her a note. I write that I have to talk to her immediately, before she leaves. That I have good news for her that she needs to hear. To call me as soon as she gets this note, and don’t worry about waking up little AJ. I write in all caps “DO NOT LEAVE TOWN UNTIL TO TALK TO ME!!” I leave her apartment building, secure in the knowledge that this will be resolved before she leaves. I have no doubt she will call me as soon as she gets that note. I mean, after all, she has to come out of that apartment sometime, right? Holiday Inn Oceanfront Virginia Beach March 30, 2002 1400 Local This stinks. I can’t relax. I know I just got here, paid for my room and all….but I can’t stay. I know I need to talk to Sarah and tell her how I feel. I’ve run away from her enough. If its too late…well then its too late. But I’ve got to tell her I’m in love with her. Today. Maybe I can convince her to give me one last chance. And then, well, lets hope the money I spent on this hotel, not to mention the ring, won’t be for nothing. Outside Mac’s Apartment Georgetown March 30, 2002 1800 Local I came here directly from the beach. I know I look like a bum, but I don’t care. If she wants me, it won’t matter what I’m wearing. And if she doesn’t want me…I try to put this possibility out of my head. If she rejects me, I’ll deal with it. Somehow. But I’ve got to know. Does she love me? I am knocking and getting no answer. That’s funny….I saw her car outside. As I wait at her apartment door, silently begging her to open the door, I see a note on the floor in front of it. It looks like it was taped to the door but has fallen off. I can’t help myself. I have to read it. Its from Harriet. I don’t know what the hell’s going on, but it looks like Mac’s leaving town. Or worse…already left. And what’s this “good news”? Why the hell is she leaving town? I consider breaking into her apartment to try to figure out whats going on, when I realize that if she’s in there, she will probably kill me. And if she’s not, the alarm system will go off. I decide to go to Harriet’s to find out what she knows. Before I leave, I tape the note back to the door, just in case Sarah comes back from wherever she went. Roberts Residence Washington DC March 30, 2002 1830 Local “Rabb.” “Sturgis.” What is Rabb doing here, I wonder. I am here at Bud and Harriet’s, babysitting again. I agreed to do this once a month, and tonights the big night. Rabb comes in and states the obvious. “You’re babysitting. So Harriet’s not here.” “Nope. They went to dinner and a movie. Whats going on?” I say. He starts rambling on about Harriet leaving a note and Mac being gone. He’s making no sense. I beginning to think he’s drunk. That’s when I notice..he looks like hell and he reeks too. I realize he must have gotten wasted the night before. I tell him to go home, shave and take a shower. Harriet and Bud are due back around 2200 and I promise I will get them to call him asap. After he leaves, my curiosity won't let up. I am reading “Goodnight Moon” to little AJ for the fifteenth time, but I can’t stop thinking about the situation at hand. Mac’s gone, he said. And Harriet left a note? That makes no sense. But Mac leaving…now that could make sense. After knowing what she told me a few months ago and seeing the state that Rabb is in today, it all makes perfect sense. Rabb said or did something idiotic again. Chegwidden Residence Arlington March 30, 2002 1830 Local “What do you mean, ‘She’s on a Top Secret mission for the CIA?!!’ She’s a JAG lawyer, not some Special Ops Agent. Get her back here, NOW, Webb. I mean, NOW.” “She requested the assignment, sir. Its approved by the SECNAV. Besides, I can’t pull her back now. It would jeopardize the mission.” And her life, I think to myself. But I don’t say anything about that. He’s already on the verge of strangling me. “And no one saw fit to inform me prior to all this taking place?” “We tried. You’ve been gone all day. And your cell phone was going directly into voice mail. If you check them, you’ll find that - ” He cuts me off abruptly. “Shut up Webb. You are going to figure out a way to get her back. The hell with your mission. And I’ll tell you another thing. When Rabb finds out about this, you know you’re going to be a dead man. I don’t know what happened last night to make her run like this, but I do know Rabb is going to kill you. Probably with his bare hands.” “With all due respect, sir, I don’t Rabb is going to be too concerned.” “What the hell makes you say that, Webb. You know he’s been in love with her for five years. And when he finally gets his head out of his six and asks her to marry him, she pulls this crap. And you help her. What are you, a complete moron? Webb, I swear – “ I cut him off. “What did you just say?” “I asked if you were a complete moron.” “No, before that. Something about marrying. Rabb was going to ask Mac to marry him?” “Yes he was. Probably did already. Friday night. He was going to cook her a nice dinner and ask her. He asked for Monday off for the both of them so they could be together. Or so he could pull himself together if she refused. I saw the ring, Webb. He’s going to be paying on that thng for years.” Damn! I think. Now what am I going to do? Mac’s probably going to come home in a body bag. And Harm’s going to kill me if the Admiral doesn’t first. And this mission is probably going to go down in flames. Because I realize there’s only one way to even have a chance at resolving this situation. And it probably won’t work. Rabb’s going to have to go to Afghanistan. Roberts Residence Washington DC March 30, 2002 2215 Local Sturgis just left. He told us Harm came by to talk to Harriet. She filled me in on everything while we were at dinner. Sometimes Commander Rabb can be a real moron. I sit down to watch TV while Harriet is getting ready for bed. Little AJ is sleeping and I start flipping channels. A commercial catches my eye. Normally I ignore all commercials, but this one looks kind of cute. There’s a kangaroo in it, my favorite animal. As I watch, I can’t believe my eyes. Commander Brumby? In a commercial? I thought he went back to the RAN. “Harriet!” I yell. “Get in here asap! You’re never going to believe this!” Roberts Residence Washington DC March 30, 2002 2216 Local “What in the world is Bud yelling about now?” I wonder. He’s going to wake up AJ for sure. I tell him I’ll be there in a minute. I call Harm’s apartment, hoping he’s going to answer this time. Harm’s Apartment Washington, DC March 30, 2002 2216 Local “Rabb.” I answer the phone in my customary way. Surveying the now clean apartment, as well as my own showered self, I feel much better. I am still concerned that Mac may be gone but at least I think I can handle the situation now. “Commander Rabb..Its Harriet.” “Where is she Harriet?” I start to get panicky again. Forcing myself to calm down, I await her response. “I don’t know sir. But she hasn’t called me yet. I left her a note – ‘ I cut her off. “I know about the note. I saw it. Where is she going? Why is she running?” I ask. Then she drops a bombshell. Sarah’s running because she thinks I want that bimbo from last night. Why does this stuff always happen to me? I’ve got to find out where she’s going. I rush Harriet off the phone and promse to call her back. Not really wanting to bother the Admiral, but fearing I have no choice, I call him. I figure there’s no way she would take off without talking to him. Chegwidden Residence Arlington March 30, 2002 2220 Local “Chegwidden.” “Admiral. Its Commander Rabb.” “I’ve been waiting for you to call me, Rabb,” he says. “You have? Then you know where she is?” I say. He knows who I am talking about because he says, “No, I have no clue where she is. But I know who does. Clayton Webb. Go find her Harm. Bring her back to JAG, to you. You better fix it this time Rabb. I don’t know what you did, but you better fix it.” I thank him, hang up, and stare at the phone. I’ve got to call Webb. He’s going to have to tell me where she is. I consider various methods of torture I could use on him to get the truth. Then I realize, I won’t be doing any of that. I’ll just tell him, either he goes and gets her. Or I do. Its as simple as that. JAG Headquarters Falls Church March 30, 2002 2320 Local This is feeling like last night all over again. Rabb called me and wanted me to meet him here to talk about this situation with Mac. He sounded amazingly calm, but I suspect he wants to kill me. So here I am at JAG headquarters, waiting for Rabb. I’m 10 minutes early and I know he’s going to be late. He is always late. JAG Headquarters Falls Church March 30, 2002 2320 Local I arrive at JAG a few minutes early and see Webb’s car is here. I let myself inside the building and proceed to my office. Webb is waiting there. I greet him and get right to it. I demand to know where she is. He stupidly says he can’t tell me. “Where is she?” I demand again. I grab the CIA agent by the collar and I feel the uncontrollable urge to beat the shit out of him. I force myself to be calm. I let go of Webb, somewhat reluctantly. This is no way to get her back. I can’t explain whats happening, but I feel like I might cry. JAG Headquarters Falls Church March 30, 2002 2320 Local Great. Rabb’s starting to flip out. He looks like he’s going to cry or something. “Come on Rabb,” I say. “We..uhh…. you will get her back.” “Damn right I will,” he says. “I’m going after her.” I figured he was going to tell me this, so I waste no time. I might as well have him on an assigned mission. Otherwise, I have no doubt he would storm in there to get her, blow her cover, and probably get himself killed in the process. I give him a large packet of information and brief him on his new assignment. Foil these terrorists in whatever they’re plotting, uncover the identity of the double agent, and retrieve Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie. Harm’s Mom’s House La Jolla, California April 1, 2002 0700 Local Harm just called me bright and early to tell me he is leaving on a secret mission. He is probably taking a big risk even telling me that much. As I always did his father, I tell him I love him and wish him a safe return. Admiral Chegwidden’s Office JAG Headquarters April 1, 2002 0900 Local “Tiner! Get in here!” I hear the Admiral yell for me. Great, he’s on the warpath again, I think. “Yes Sir?” I say as I enter his office. “Tiner. Check this out.” He says as he points to the TV, stopping the VCR from rewinding and pressing “play”. I look at the TV, wondering what is going on. I figure there must have been some kind of news event that I missed. As I watch, I see a kangaroo hop across the screen, and a familiar face appears. “Is that - ” I begin. He cuts me off. “Commander Brumby!” he exclaims. “We’ll I’ll be damned.” And he starts laughing. I am confused but begin laughing along with him. Abruptly, he stops laughing and glares at me over the top of his glasses. “Tiner, Commander Rabb and Lt. Col Mackenzie are going to be out of the office on an extended assignment. Please update my and their calendars to reflect this and inform the appropriate office personnel. Dismissed.” En Route to Afghanistan Flying somewhere over the Atlantic April 1, 2002 1200 EST I am sitting here in this airplane, on my way to Afghanistan. I’m supposed to be working for Webb - and I am, but my real reason for being here is for Sarah. I need to find her before she’s hurt, or killed, or … I can’t bear to think of the possibilities that could lie ahead for her. I briefly ponder my own safety, but only in the context of getting her out of there. Because if something happens to me, she has no hope at all. I’m her only chance at living through this mission. But I try not to think of that. I will accomplish my goal. I will rescue my Sarah. Or die trying. En Route to Terrorist Group Headquarters On a dirt trail, Afghanistan April 1, 2002 1600 Local I am almost there. I’m riding a very uncooperative horse over dirt trails with a bearded guy who smells only slightly better than Jingo after a good rain. “We’re here.” my guide says in Russian. He thinks I am from Russia, trained in the old ways of the Cold War. My cover story goes that my parents were killed spying against the Americans in 1985. And therefore, I hate the US and I want to see the country fall. Although for different reasons than these terrorists, I am supposedly uniting with them in a common goal of destroying the most powerful country in the world. My new identity is in place, my weapon is within easy reach, my currency is in my pack, the details of my assignment are committed to my memory, and Harm, of course, is never far from my thoughts. I may never get over him, but I once I’m off of this damn horse and in position, I’m going to do my best to never think of him again. But for now, one last time, I think of him again. The way he lights my day with his smile, the way I tingle when he’s near. How his eyes flash when we are arguing, how they turn soft when he’s apologising, how they fill with longing when he sees airplanes. How I am always lost in their green-blue depths, drowning in a sea of desire. I wish for the millionth time he felt these things for me. I will always love him. And he will never know, or care. En Route to Afghanistan Flying somewhere over the Atlantic April 1, 2002 1210 EST I check my pocket again. Its there. I brought the ring with me. When I find her, I will tell her everything. And, if my prayers are answered, she will return wearing my ring. I love her beyond reason. And I hope she knows. And cares. Roberts Residence Washington DC April 1, 2002 1830 Local Bud must be crazy. He keeps insisting he saw Commander Brumby in a commercial with a kangaroo and a vacuum cleaner. I try to placate him a bit by agreeing to keep an eye out for the commercial. Then, I realize what he’s up to. Its April Fool’s Day and he is trying to have a little joke on me. We’ll HA HA Bud. Jokes on you. I don’t believe it for a second. Conference Room JAG Headquarters April 2, 2002 0930 Local Why do I always get stuck with this crap, I wonder? “Singer,” begins the Admiral. I try not to glare at him. “Is there a problem?” “No sir.” I state. “No problem.” “Good, ” he says and leaves the room. I follow shortly after, fuming about this recent turn of events. Rabb and Mackenzie are gone, no doubt on some lover’s vacation, uh, “assignment” I mean. Yeah right. Assignment. And I am stuck here, with Bud’s leftover cases because he has to take over most of Rabb’s and Mackenzie’s. What he isn’t handling, Turner will be trying to squeeze in. I am getting the lamest cases in the world. I start listing them to myself. 1. US Navy v. Petty Officer Lee. Failure to get his pet cat spayed. Destruction of Navy property by said unhousetrained cat. 2. US Navy v. Ensign Brinkley. Improper Driving. Apparently Brinkley was applying eyeliner and talking on her cell phone when she rearended her commanding officer’s classic Corvette, denting the vehicle. And many more, stupid, petty, cases. The admiral even mentioned he might try to bring in a temporary lawyer to ease the crunch. I guess Rabb and Mackenzie are going to be gone awhile. I just don’t understand why he would need to do that. I’m the best lawyer around here. Chegwidden’s Office JAG Headquarters April 2, 2002 0930 Local I am sitting here in my office. Rabb and Mackenzie are gone. Although I don’t want to speculate on the possiblity, they might not be coming back. We’ve got cases out the yin yang in this place, Turner and Bud are about the only competent lawyers I’ve got right now. I’ve got to get a real lawyer in here to help Turner and Roberts. Of course, Singer is, yet again, doing some of her maneuvering for some kind of plan of advancement that only she understands. I gave her a ton of useless cases to keep her busy. She looked like she was capable of spitting nails in that meeting. Or at the least, simple murder. As I sit in my office, I begin to formulate a plan. Singer’s got to go. I think for a minute. She’s been itching for an overseas assignment to contribute to her career plans. I think now is the time to accommodate her wishes. “Tiner!” I yell, pressing my intercom button. “Get Lt. Singer in here.” Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan April 2, 2002 0600 Local I’m finally here. I made it in last night. Went straight to my quarters, which for now, is a tent. They are working on building more permanent housing, but for now, a tent is it. I am here on the pretext of ensuring that any terrorists captured are treated according to proper military law. The detainees are picked up from whereever, then transported here - where they are stored in metal containers, disinfected, fed, checked by a doctor, interrogated by some really mean guys from special ops, and eventually sent to Guantanamo. Already, I’m having some thoughts about the metal container policy. This morning I met most of the senior officers, including Colonel Tom Starling, an Army guy. I’m keeping my observation skills on heightened awareness. I need to find out who this double agent is asap. For now, Starling is on the top of my list. Why? Well, we know that whoever has been leaking information to the other side is a top commander. Some of the information leaked was only known to a total of three people. One of those I haven’t met, one is Starling, and the other is another Navy guy. Captain Johnson Broderick. And for lack of a better reason, instinct. But I trust no one in this place. The informer could be anyone. Chegwidden’s Office JAG Headquarters April 2, 2002 0900 Local “Of course, I want the assignment, sir,” I say. I can’t believe it. The admiral has finally figured out what I have known all along. I am a great lawyer, deserving of high profile and important cases in exotic locales. Investigating, lawyering, I can do it all. “Good. You ship out tomorrow at 0800.” “Yes, sir.” I say. “Don’t you want to know where you’re headed, Lieutenant?” he asks. “Yes, sir, of course,” I say. I can’t wait. I know its going to be good. I did just recently mention I have been studying Italian. “You’re going to Seattle, Singer,” he says. Chegwidden’s Office JAG Headquarters April 2, 2002 0900 Local Singer looks like she wants to kill me with her bare hands. “Seattle, sir?” she says. “Yes. I say. Is that a problem?” She says no and then I dismiss her. I call Tiner and tell him to get Bud in here. He’s going to have to postpone Singer’s cases until we can get someone in here to help out. Terrorist Group Headquarters Middle of Nowhere, Afghanistan April 5, 2002 0800 Local I am sitting here in my tent, with that aggravating horse, an equally annoying camel and yet another stinky, bearded guy waiting outside my tent flap. We are to go into “town” today to purchase a supply of food and ammunition for our group. While I am out, I am supposed to somehow meet up with one of Webb’s guys to update him on the status, unbeknownst to my bearded terrorist buddy, of course. Which is this: These assholes are planning to attack the “Secret” US military base located about 30 miles south of the terrorist’s camp. And they are going to do it within the next week. My assignment: suicide bomber. Yeah right, like that’s going to happen. What I also found out is that they have a double agent positioned in the US camp. He has been leaking information to them. He will inform us as to when is the optimal time for us to attack. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to obtain any information on his identity. I can, however, inform Webb’s guy what I know so far. If I can find him. For a brief, painful moment, I wonder what Harm is doing at this very moment. I hold back the torrent of tears that threatens at every breath, and start towards the flap. “I’m ready,” I say in Russian, and exit the tent. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan April 5, 2002 0800 Local Well, I’ve met the three main suspects, and I still think its Starling. In fact, after doing some investigation into his finances, I am convinced it is him. He recently had three deposits of $50,000 each into a savings account under his wife’s name back in the states. And those are just the ones we have been able to find. There have been three separate incidents of intelligence leaks over the past two months. And the first deposit was about 7 weeks ago. I do believe we have our man. I put together a plan to make absolutely sure that he is the one. I figure I can leak some accurate sounding but totally false information to him and see what happens to it. Better yet, I’ll tell each of the three suspects a different story. I figure my Ninja Girl will get a hold of the intelligence, and inform Webb. Whichever story Webb gets back to me with, well, that’s going to point right to the shithead doing this. And it might even bring Sarah out of this mess completely if I do it right. Briefly, painfully, I finger the ring on a chain around my neck, safely hidden under my uniform, I wonder where she is. What she is doing at this precise moment. Wherever she is, she’s carrying my soul with her. I hold back a whimper, and head to the head. I’m going to cry and I can’t do it here. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan April 15, 2002 2200 Local I’m in my tent again, changing into what Sarah has always called, “spy clothes”. I completed my plan, leaked the information and received the expected result. It was definitely Starling. I leaked the info to Starling, he told his terrorist friends, they told Mac, she told Webb. It all worked perfectly. Except Mac is still in there with those fanatical freaks. But Starling is in a metal container, alive of course, but no longer a threat. Now I know this isn’t legal…he’s still one of our own guys, evem if he did help the enemy, and almost get Sarah killed. I decide to overlook this for a day or two. We now know where these fanatics are located and what they are planning. They are going to attack this camp tomorrow morning. But it won’t happen. Their camp will be attacked first. The only problem is, I can’t reveal that Mac is undercover with those terrorists. Webb says until we know for sure that there was no one else on our side leaking information, her life would still be compromised. Damn Webb! I think for about the thousandth time today. I persuaded Lt Col. Matthews, in command now that Starling is gone, to allow me to accompany the troops tomight, under the guise of enforcing legalities. Thank the lord they didn’t decide to just bomb the whole place. Matthews fell for my little story, so I am leaving in a few minutes to rescue Sarah. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan April 16, 2002 0700 Local We didn’t get them all. We killed most of them and captured three. I’m dead inside, trying not to hope she’s alive. I saw the three we got and looked at every last corpse and still didn’t find her. I’ve heard reports though, that there was one body missing on the second count. This scares me. Where the hell is Sarah, and is she still alive? Heading towards “town” on a horse On a dirt trail, Afghanistan April 16, 2002 0700 Local I pretended to be dead. Then when no one was around, I took off. I still don’t know who that double agent is, and I’m not about to go up and announce myself without being sure I’m safe. I located that horse that I used to hate and now adore, she being my only way out of here. She’s taking me to town, where hopefully one of Webb’s guys will find me. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan April 15, 2002 1200 Local I got captured. I’m here in a metal container awaiting whatever is to be my fate. I think I’m flipping out though, because I just saw someone I thought was Harm. I almost called for him. Instead, I fainted. When I came to, I was here, in this tin can. The more I think about it, the more I realize…it had to be him. Webb must have sent him in to find this double agent and, hopefully, save me. Surely Harm will find out my whereabouts and find a way to release me without arousing the suspicion of the double agent. I fall asleep, secure in the knowledge that my flyboy will save me. No matter what else he’s done, I know I can count on him for anything. Somehow, some way, he will save me. I just know it. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 20, 2002 1200 Local “What the hell do you mean, there’s another prisoner??” he yells at me. This dude looks like he is going to kill me. “Let me get this straight. One of your guys captured a woman the day after the April raid and no one decided to inform me of this until today? Three months laer? My God, she could be dead!” “She’s not dead, sir. None of the prisoners have died. They’re all fine. And, sir, we didn’t think it was important to bother you will the details of every capture. You’d seen the holding area. You went on this mission. You’re here for the legalaties.” He snarls at me to get out of here and heads for the six-pack, which is what we call the area with the metal holding tanks. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 20, 2002 1205 Local I can’t believe these idiots didn’t tell me they had another person. I’ve been sitting in this hellhole for three months, praying for a sign of Sarah. Webb hasn’t heard anything since the April raid and has been trying to convince me to give up and come home. That she was gone, probably wounded in the raid and unable to reach safety before the place was leveled. I couldn’t accept this. Never could I accept it. I couldn’t bear the thought of having my Sarah lost, never to be recovered, like my father was so many years ago. So now it appears that Webb was wrong again. Sometimes I really like it when Webb is wrong. I arrive at the six-pack and demand to see the prisoner captured the day after the April raid. After a few moments of argument, I emphatically threaten his life, and he lets me in. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 20, 2002 1210 Local Someone is coming in my cell. Probably to deliver me some food or take me to the shower area. I get to shower by myself, since I’m the only woman. As hot as it is here, those cold showers still suck. Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 20, 2002 1210 Local Its her. I run to her before she even realizes its me. I fall into her, my tears coming nonstop. She realizes its me, and soon her tears are mingling with my own. I kiss her face, her lip, her ears. Wherever my mouth happens to land. She’s kissing me back, telling me she can’t believe I’m finally here. She’s been waiting, she says. I tell her I love her. There’s no one else. An “I love you too Harm” pours from her perfect lips as I kiss her again. “I have so much to tell you” I say. “So do I, ” she says “I bet you do, “ I say. I carry her out of her cell, telling the guard who she is. He argues for a second and realizes its futile. He calls Matthews to come and deal with this situation. Matthews’ Office Secret US Military Camp Undisclosed Location, Afghanistan July 21, 2002 0900 Local “And that, sir, is how Lt. Col Sarah Mackenzie ended up a prisoner in our holding camp.” I conclude my explanation of who she is and what we are doing in this place. “Very interesting, Commander..” He states. “I have an idea, ” he says. I start feeling a little nervous. Sarah is recuperating in sick bay. She is actually fine, according to the medics who checked her out. I spent the night by her cot, holding her hand while she slept. I haven’t tried to talk about what happened before she left and what I want for the future. I want to make absoultely sure it’s the right time and place. No interruptions. I need to get this right. “Why don’t you guys get out of this hellhole and go home? You’ve done a great job Commander. The Colonel too. Too bad she didn’t know before she was captured that Starling was exposed. But…nothing to be done about that now. Its obvious you are in love with her..so take her home and make it happen.” I agree and thank him, after which he puts me on leave and frees me to visit with Sarah until we fly home. I feel the ring again, safe around my neck. And I wonder briefly, if she would mind me presenting it to her while she’s in a sick bay tent, in the middle of Afghanistan. --------------------------------------------------------------------- This is the end!!! Send me a line and let me know if liked the story and if you think I should make a new "chapter" to see what happens when they get back home.