Commander Beth O’Neil landed her COD aboard the Patrick Henry with a sadden heart. Today, she was there to pick-up two of her squadron mates to transport them to NAF Atsugi, where Captain Sara Bailey awaited to fly them home to Washington. A 30mm shell, the same shell, that had gone through Lieutenant Abby Reeves’ shoulder, had grazed Lieutenant Commander Sam MacKenzie in the leg – they both had been very lucky that the shell hadn’t hit either of them a inch lower. As it was, it missed hitting her heart and a major artery in his leg.

The Guadalcanal’s helicopters were able to pick up the Charlie 1 aircraft from the beach and air lifted it to the deck of the Henry, where the Night’s maintenance crews were busy repairing her. That’s where Captain Pike caught up with Harm.

“Harm, the Air Force has requested us to keep eight ‘cats in the air around the clock. How do you want to do that with the Nights?”

“Hummm … let’s send Bravo and Charlie up first … then Delta and Echo … I put A3 into C1’s slot … that will give you five sets of eight flying four hour shifts. I would prefer to allow the three remaining Alpha members to free lance so I can evaluate how the other two Echo squadrons are adjusting to their new planes and to keep an eye on my ladies.”

“I agree with your suggestion, so have them check the flight status board in about an hour. They will know when they will need to fly.”

“Yes, sir. If you’ll excuse me, I need to head for the flight deck to see Sam and Abby off.”

When Harm got to the flight deck, he saw the entire squadron waiting for the medical staff to bring Sam and Abby up from sickbay.

“Cassie, I need you take over Charlie flight … check the flight status board … the CAG is sending up eight at a time.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Cece, Bear, and Woody – you’ll need to check the flight status board as well.”

“Yes, sir.”

Everyone turned when they heard the tower’s flight deck hatch opened to allow the medical staff to carry Sam and Abby out to the COD. Each flight member and their maintenance crew gave them a handshake on the walk to the COD. Meg, Kate, Mac, and Harm were the last people who said farewell to their mates and ask them to not worry about ones remaining – their only concern was to get better.

The Office of Homeland Security need to have five Carriers guarding the US, which made the Navy to reactive the four Forrestal-class carriers; CVA-59 – Forrestal, CVA-60 – Saratoga, CVA-61 – Ranger, CVA-62 – Independence and the only deactivated Kitty Hawk-class carrier; CVA-64 – Constellation. The Constellation and the other remaining Kitty Hawk-class carrier, CVA-66 – America, would rotate between Japan and San Diego once a year. The four Forrestal-class carrier air wings would only have F/A-18s on them. The F/A-18 squadrons were given a choice of retraining into the Tomcats or remain in the Hornet but they would be transferred to one of these oldest carriers. Many Hornet people decided to remain in their current planes and it was the worst decision they ever could make in their Naval careers. The Navy command structure never forgave them for making that decision as they recalled all planes that were shot down during the 2^nd Korean War was nothing but Hornets. They would end their careers with more time at sea than anybody else in the Navy including the surface warfare career ladder people as the four oldest carriers would spend four months at sea and only returning to port for two weeks to re-supply themselves. Basically, the Navy didn’t want to tie-up its refueling ships on these ‘home’ water carriers since they were within a day’s sail for their ‘new’ home ports.

During the next ten days the Tomcat squadrons did not get another day off even when the Blackjacks returned on the 26^th. Lieutenant Commander Ken Dean – Toy – reported to Harm that NG had finished converting the two squadrons of F-14D planes that the Howlers and Raptors had taken there to swap for their Echoes. The USS Constitution Battle Group was four days from the AOR, Harm decided to send squadrons from the Constitution and the America to get the refurbished Tomcats. He knew the process that NG was going to do with the D models. They completely tore the plane apart except for its frame and completely rebuilt them into Echoes. The Constitution’s air wing had swapped one of their Hornet squadrons for the only Tomcat squadron aboard the lone carrier guarding the US west coast until the Forrestal-class carriers were back in service.

When Commander Beth O’Neil landed her Cod aboard the Patrick Henry on the afternoon of the 30^th, Vice Admiral Thomas Boone assumed command of the fleet. Tom had news that would make everyone aboard the Henry happy but he waited until his godson, Harm, had returned to the carrier. He was on the bridge as he watched Harm land his Tomcat and taxi to its parking location. After Harm and Beth climbed out of the cockpit, the entire flight deck was suddenly flooded with people.

“What’s going on down there, Captain?”

“Sir, if Harm’s battle tapes confirm their report … what you’re watching down there is the crew celebrate and congratulate America’s Ace of Aces.”

“No kidding.”

“No, sir. Hammer/Skates tied Major Richard I. Bong record of forty combat victories yesterday with seven victories.”

“Does that include the six victories he already had before becoming the Nightingale’s commander?”

“No, sir. Harm/Skates have forty confirmed victories since our arrival in the AOR … Harm refuses to allow his maintenance crews to add their two victories over Bosnia on their plane … Captain Pike and I checked their records … Hammer has four others and Skates has eleven others as well. When we asked him about his reason for not wanting to add additional victory stars … he said ‘They didn’t have anything to do with the Nightingales’ … they agreed not to add their other victories because they want to write Nightingale’s history.”

“Understandable since I know how Harm is … he would rather fade in the background or face a firing squad than to be the focus of attention. But he’s going to be very uncomfortable when he returns home for a while from what Admiral Magnum briefed me about yesterday.”

“Sir, when do you want to have the change of command ceremony?”

“There won’t be one held unless you desire to have one. Do you?”

“No, sir.”

“Good … notify America, Seahawk, and Constitution to replace your planes in the air and to have their Battle Group Commanders retire aboard ASAP.”

“Yes, sir.”

Every television and video monitor aboard the Patrick Henry stopped showing whatever people were watching on them and was replaced with Admiral Boone’s face.

“Good Afternoon, I’m Vice Admiral Thomas Boone and now the AOR commander. My flagship will be the USS Seahawk and not the USS Patrick Henry due to the Patrick Henry has received orders to return home to Norfolk. You will still be here in the AOR until the two flights of F-14 Echoes recover aboard the America and Constitution, but will not be flying active combat missions unless the North Koreans decide to launch another attack at our carrier forces. The remaining Kitty Hawk ships and the two extra squadrons aboard will depart with you … the planes will launch when you are closer to their home base … the Miss Kitty’s ships will leave your company as you near San Diego and become part of the newly formed Constellation Battle Group. Everyone else will remain with the Battle Group. You’re being recalled is due to almost the entire North Korean air force has been eliminated and due to the numerous air combat records this crew has set during your brief month here on station. Congratulations to a job well done and enjoy your sail home.”

The Patrick Henry Battle Group was slowly reforming together after they finished transversing the Panama Canal, which drew the angered protests from numerous freighters, who lost their crossing positions until they found out it was whom taking their slots. It would be another week before the Patrick Henry would dock into her homeport slot at Norfolk. Captain Ingles had received orders that the Nightingales were to land at NAS Norfolk until the ship had docked. Then Captain Pike and himself were to helo over to the Naval Air Station and fly the Nightingales’ Charlie 1 plane to its home base in Washington, DC.

The flight deck aboard the Henry was extremely busy the day before the Henry would make her final leg into port as COD after COD were arriving to carry the Nightingale support personnel to Norfolk after offloading the squadron’s smoke generator pods. When the CODs landed at Norfolk, they were parked next to awaiting CRAF passenger planes that would take the support people home to Washington. They were given the royal treatment, as they didn’t need to worry about offloading their baggage as the air transportation personnel from the base was tasked for that duty.

The first plane to land at Andrews was Commander Beth O’Neil’s COD and then Captain Sara Bailey’s C141B. Both aircraft had been upgraded to allow them to have smoke generator pods installed on them as they put on a preview air show for the thousands of people lining the ramp areas of the base. They would taxi and park at their designated places on the Nightingale ramp. Commander Catlin Pike exited the COD and walked over to the podium platform. She saluted President Jed Barlett.

“Welcome home, Commander.” People could hear what was being said on the platform as it was broadcasted over the hundred speakers that had been set-up for this occasion.

“Thank you, sir. It’s good to be home.”

“Are the Nights ready to arrive?”

“Yes, sir. They are in a holding pattern over the outer marker.”

“Ladies and Gentlemen, I have requested the Nightingales to change their famous arrival show for today. I will turn the microphone over to one of its executive officers, Commander Catlin Pike.”

“Thank you, sir.” Kate stepped up to the podium and switch on the radio. “Now arriving home is Echo 1, which is crewed by Lieutenant Julie Anderson and Lieutenant Eric Jones, who have thirty-five confirmed air combat victories.” The Nights were flying in stacked circles over the outer marker and would make a solo pass down the runway. After all four planes within the flight had done their solo run, they would join up and land as a flight; then walk through their normal arrival dance.

Kate continued announcing the squadron as Delta, Charlie, and Bravo flights arrived; they followed the same pattern as the one Echo flight had accomplished. The exception to the show was when Charlie 1 was announced: “Charlie 1 is currently crewed by the USS Seahawk’s Commanding Officer, Captain Tobias Ingles, and the USS Seahawk’s Commander Air Wing, Captain Christopher Pike. Her normal crew was severely injured during the war … if you would turn your attention to the parking area.” People could see two people standing ten feet behind Charlie flights crew chiefs. “Charlie 1 is crew by Lieutenant Commander Samuel MacKenzie and Lieutenant Abby Reeves, who are credited with twenty-two air combat victories.”

“Now coming into view is Alpha 4; crewed by Lieutenant Arianna Restive and Colonel Sarah Rabb. They are credited with thirty-six air combat victories.” Anna and Mac flew down the runway and pulled into an outside loop to double back to the way they had just come from. “Next is Alpha 3; crewed by Lieutenant Cassie Puller and Lieutenant Commander Meg Austin. They are credited with thirty-six air combat victories.” Cassie and Meg followed Anna’s example. “Next is Alpha 2; crewed by Captain Kathleen Morgan and Lieutenant Jennifer Coates. They are credited with thirty-eight air combat victories.” After Kathy and Jen disappeared, it was very quiet on the ramp. “Finally coming into view is Alpha 1; crewed by America’s Ace of Aces – Captain Harmon Rabb Junior and Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Hawkes. They are credited for forty-six air combat victories and have a career total of forty-eight victories.” Harm and Beth flew down the runway and looped back to join the others.

“Ladies and Gentlemen … The Nightingale’s Alpha Flight has arrived home.” The crowd watched the four blue Tomcats flying down the runway. At its mid-point they stood on their tails and broke into the famed ‘bomb burst’ maneuver while a borrowed F/A18F from the Blue Angels piloted by Captain Pete Mitchell and ‘Charlie’ Mitchell joined them to complete the maneuver. Harm led Alpha down the runway for one more pass to allow Maverick to land without fan fare because Pete was like Harm in that regard and Maverick knew this was the Nightingale’s celebration and was just honored to be part of the fly in.

Alpha parked into their customary locations for their aircraft and walked through their arrival dance. The other four flights had stood together in front of their flights to finish the customary squadron arrival dance with Sam/Abby taking their positions with Charlie Flight as Captains Ingles and Pike had disappeared into the hanger escorted by Gunny Ingles to change into their dress whites. Kate stepped down from the podium wearing a microphone to get Harm’s arrival briefing.

“Ma’am, the Nightingale Squadron has arrived home safe and sound from the 2^nd Korean War without losing a single member or aircraft.”

“Welcome home, Nights.” Kate turned to face the podium platform. “Mr. President, the Nightingales are finally home from the war.”

“Captain, could you have Alpha flight join me up here on the platform?”

“Aye, Aye, Sir.”

Once Alpha had joined the dignitaries on the platform with the President, Admiral Thomas McGuire stood up and walked to the podium.

“Attention to orders. The following personnel have been awarded the Silver Star for their conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat from 05 September 2004 to 03 October 2004.” Admiral McGuire read the names from the entire squadron roster.

The award ceremony continued as he read off citation for the air medal to be awarded to each person. Like he had done with the Silver Star, instead of reading each individual award, he just informed the crowd who was receiving the medal: Lieutenant Julie Anderson – Air Medal with a silver and bronze cluster; Lieutenant Eric Jones – Air Medal with a silver and bronze cluster; until the final air medal was awarded to Harm, which had silver and three bronze clusters on it, which a bronze cluster indicating it was the second to fourth time that he/she had received that medal … once that person had received the fifth medal, the cluster turned into a single silver cluster.

“Lieutenant Jennifer Coates, Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Hawkes, and Captain Harmon Rabb Jr front and center.”

Admiral Thomas Magnum then replaced Admiral McGuire at the podium. Jen took a pace forward when Tom looked at her.

“Citation accompanying the Navy Cross to Lieutenant Jennifer Coates: Rank and organization: Lieutenant, U.S. Navy, Navy Fighting Squadron 213, Place and date: Over the Sea of Japan, September 2004. Entered service at: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Born: 17 April 1980, Hagerstown, Maryland. Other Navy awards: Silver Star, Air Medal with 1 silver and 1 bronze clusters.

“For outstanding heroism and courage above and beyond the call of duty as radar intercept officer of Navy Fighting Squadron 213, over the Sea of Japan. On 14 September 2004, she detected 4 more enemy planes lagging behind the main attack force of over 1200 planes which allowed her flight commander successfully destroyed the four later comers to the battle without releasing a nuclear missile. Boldly searching out an approaching enemy force on 14 September, Lieutenant Coates led her 19 F-14E Navy planes into action and, undaunted by tremendously superior numbers, intercepted and struck with such force that 152 Korean fighters were shot down. Her remarkable flying skill, inspiring leadership, and indomitable fighting spirit were distinctive factors in the defense of strategic American positions in the Sea of Japan.”

President Jed Barlett was handed one medal at a time as he pinned them onto her blouse.

“Lieutenant Coates, raise you right hand and repeat after me.”

“I Jennifer Coates, have been appointed a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

“Congratulations, Lieutenant Commander Coates.” President Bartlet quietly said. “Captain Rabb, would you do the honors, please.”

Harm stepped up to give Jen her four congratulatory kisses for the promotion and the medals, and then they step back into their position as Admiral Magnum looked at Beth, who took a pace forward.

“Citation accompanying the Congressional Medal of Honor to Lieutenant Commander Elizabeth Hawkes: Rank and organization: Lieutenant Commander, U.S. Navy, Navy Fighter Squadron 213, Place and date: Over the Sea of Japan and North Korean, September 2004. Entered service at: Annapolis, Maryland. Birth: 14 August 1968, Butte, Montana. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Silver Star, Air Medal with 2 silver clusters, Purple Heart.

“For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of her life above and beyond the call of duty, as a Group Radar Intercept Leader in Navy Fighter Squadron 213 in action against enemy Korean aerial forces over the Sea of Japan, September 14, 2004. In a daring flight to intercept 4 Korean MIG-29 planes, Lieutenant Commander Hawkes unhesitatingly agreed to hurled their plane into action against a formation of four enemy fighters and during this dive personally exploded four hostile planes in mid-air with accurate and deadly fire. Their last missile against opposition caused the nuclear laden missile to explode, which partially disabled their engines, shattered the windscreen and slashed her face. In spite of this, she helped her injured pilot to bring their battered plane down with skillful precision on the deck of the USS Patrick Henry without further damages. The superb airmanship and tenacious fighting spirit which enabled Lieutenant Commander Hawkes to destroy four enemy fighters in a single flight which saved the entire US Navy presence in the Sea of Japan were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.”

President Bartlet pinned the four medals on Beth’s blouse and wrapped the Medal of Honor around her neck. Beth then asked her to raise her right hand and repeat after him.

“I Elizabeth Hawkes, having been appointed a Commander in the U.S. Navy under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

“Captain Rabb, would you please give Beth her honors?”

Harm looked embarrassed as he quickly looked towards his wife and saw the amused look in her eyes as he leaned down to give Beth her six congratulatory kisses. Beth stepped back into line as Harm faced up to the President.

“Citation accompanying the Congressional Medal of Honor to Captain Harmon Rabb Junior: Rank and organization: Captain, U.S. Navy, Navy Fighter Squadron 213, Place and date: In the Sea of Japan and North Korean, 05 September – 03 October 2004. Entered service at: Annapolis, Maryland. Birth: 25 October 1963, La Jolla, California. Other Navy awards: Navy Cross, Silver Star, Air Medal with 1 silver and 3 bronze clusters, Purple Heart.

“For conspicuous gallantry and heroic achievement in aerial combat above and beyond the call of duty as commanding officer of VF-213 during operations against enemy Korean forces in the Sea of Japan and North Korea, 05 September – 03 October 2004. Repeatedly risking his life in aggressive and daring attacks, Captain Rabb led his squadron against a determined force, greatly superior in numbers, personally shooting down 46 Korean planes between 05 September and 03 October 2004. In spite of the limited combat experience of many of the pilots in this squadron, they achieved the notable record of a total of 583 enemy aircraft destroyed in this period, mainly attributable to the thorough training under Captain Rabb and to his intrepid and inspiring leadership. His bold tactics and indomitable fighting spirit, and the valiant and zealous fortitude of the ladies of his command not only rendered the enemy's attacks ineffective and costly to North Korea, but also contributed to the security of our Naval forces. His loyal and courageous devotion to duty sustains and enhances the finest traditions of the U.S. Naval Service.”

“Colonel Rabb, Commander Pike, Lieutenant Commander Austin, Captain Morgan, Lieutenant Puller, and Lieutenant Restivo would each of you do the honors for one of America’s Ace of Aces.”

“Aye, Aye, sir.”

“Everyone please take your seats if you have a place to sit … I have a small speech to make before Captain Rabb and Commander MacKenzie finish giving the rest of the squadron their honors.” Harm’s jaw just about hit the stage floor as Jed held his hand over the microphone to say. “Think of it as your punishment for refusing to be promoted to Admiral.”

“Two and a half years ago, the entire world thought that forming a entire Naval Fighter squadron consisting of 99 percent women was nothing but a publicity stunt or to remove them from the active squadrons in the fleet. That it was setting women back from the position they fought so valiantly hard to achieve to be on the forefront of the action whenever it occurred in the world. When the Navy came to me with only one name, Harmon Rabb Junior, who they wanted to command this extraordinary group of ladies. I took my time and talked to numerous individuals who knew the man himself.

“I talked to retired Colonel Striker, who trained a sixteen year old kid to survive in the jungles of Vietnam. Master Gunnery Sergeant Crockett, America’s greatest Marine sniper, whom Harm out foxed in a training mission. Retired Captain Bishop, former commander of the Howlers, how Harm saved the squadron from being broken apart. Retired Captain Koonam, Marine Force Recon, how Harm saved his entire Force Recon team. Commander Coulter, a Naval doctor, how Harm took the extra step to see justice was served. As well of many more other retired and active duty Marine and Naval personnel whose lives have been touched by this man. Each individual’s story gave me this insight on one Harmon Rabb Junior. If there were anyone alive who could fulfill the dream I had for this squadron, it would be him. He’s totally dedicated and willing to sacrifice his needs for the greater good of others and shies away from wanting the spotlight on himself. He would rather be back on the front lines in North Korea leading a flight of aircraft or a ground force than to be sitting on this platform today.

“Later this afternoon, I will hand Captain Rabb another Presidential order making him the permanent commander of the Nightingales … it will be his command until he decides to move into another position even if he is no longer cleared to fly. This is like the Presidential order that I gave to him for the members of his entire squadron. But when it was written and still unclear to me yet, he wasn’t included then and it went unnoticed by anyone until he turned down his promotion to Admiral.”

President Bartlet heard a few gasps behind him and saw unbelievable shocked looks on faces in the crowd. It was practically unheard of someone turning down a promotion at any rank. He waited for a few moments before finishing his speech.

“This extraordinary group of people have gathered more awards, medals, and air-to-air combat victories than any other squadron in American history. It makes me proud to be able to call each one of them a ‘Hero’ in my eyes, the American public eyes, and the eyes of the World. I want to thank everyone for showing up today to celebrate the homecoming of the greatest Fighter squadron of all-time.”

It had been a long six-hour party that members of the squadron had to endure before loading up on the uncomfortable military buses that would take them to their homes. The bus that took Alpha flight pulled into the complex, everyone saw Sam and Abby waiting for their arrival. Kathy grabbed her bag and started towards her home.

“Kathy, wait up for a minute please.” Abby asked in a low tone.

“Yes, Abby.”

“After Sam and I were released from Bethesda, we asked for help from the security force that was still here to help us pack-up Sam’s and your possessions. He didn’t feel right about still living with Beth since they are no longer a couple and asked me if it is alright with me if he could move in with me. We’re just roommates and nothing else. I hope you don’t mind that we did that.”

“No, I don’t mind.”

“Kathy, here’s the key to your new place.” Sam held out his old key and videotape to her. “We videotaped your room, so we would know where to place your things inside your bedroom. We weren’t sure where to put the other room’s items and left them in boxes marked where they came from.”

“That’s fine, Sam. I knew that I would need to move since I moved to Alpha flight. You both just saved me from worrying about how to do it without disrupting our four lives. I’ll truly grateful and thank you both. I’ll see you both tomorrow in the club house for the wet down party.” Kathy yawned. “Night and thank you.”

“Harm, are you sleepy?” Mac asked as she turned her head from its customary resting place when they were in bed together to look up at him.

“No, my body is tired from what we had just done but I cannot seem to be able to turn my mind off from thinking about the million of things that need to be done.”

“We were ordered by all three of our commanding officers not to go anywhere close to any place that we work for the next two weeks.”

“I know. You’re not sleepy either, are you?”

“I feel the same way you do but there is something that I’ve been putting off asking you about.”

“What is it, honey?”

“I want you to read a book … really read it and tell me what you think about it.”

“Ok, it might help me to forget what needs to be done. Hand it over?”

Mac reached into her nightstand draw and pulled out Robert A. Heinlein’s book titled ‘Friday’ and handed it to Harm.

“Isn’t this the same book that you asked our roommates to read while aboard the Henry?”

“Yes.”

“And after one of them read it … she and you would disappear for a couple hours. I’m guessing that you talked to each of them about this book.”

“Correct.”

“I’ve never known that you ever discussed a book to another person before.”

“This is the only book that I’ve ever done that with … it opened my eyes and mind to something that had been bothering me for a long while.”

“Ok, I will read and study the book because you want to discuss what’s written in it with me. When I’m ready to talk about it, I’ll let you know.”

“Yes, please.”

“Sit down, sis. You’re driving me nuts by pacing around.” Beth said as she looked up at Mac walking around the living room. Mac sat down into the chair and looked at the two women who were sitting on the sofa wearing nothing but their smiles.

“Sorry, Harm has been reading that book for three days. We went to the grocery story the next morning to re-stock the kitchen and the wet down party that evening. He’s only disappeared a couple times since then and we found him at the wall. It is driving me nuts … I want this to happen, really, really bad.”

<Flashback – 2 Days Ago>
“Evening Ladies and Sam. Before we start ‘wet down’ party. I’ve got a couple of announcements to make. First, nobody is allowed to step a foot within any military installation where a member of the Nightingales work at when we are here at home for the next week. Secondly, Lieutenants Puller and Morgan, front and center.”

Cassie and Kathy stepped up in front of Harm.

“When I agreed with you two to have a more low keyed promotion ceremony, I didn’t agree that it wouldn’t be in front of the entire squadron. With that, please raise your right hand Cassie and repeat after me:

“I Cassie Puller, having been appointed a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

“Sam, will you do the honors.” Mac asked her brother.

“Gladly.” Sam said as he stepped up to kiss Cassie.

“Ok, Sam. You two can come up for air any time now.” Mac quietly said to them as the kiss lasted longer than anyone in the room expected it to. “Kathy, raise your hand and repeat after me:”

“I Kathleen Morgan, having been appointed a Captain in the U.S. Marines under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

“Harm honey, will you do the honors?” Harm and Kathy’s kiss was a brief one.

“Cassie, it would be a great honor to Kate and myself if you would wear these gold oak leaves on your collar.” Harm handed here a jewelry case with two sets of gold oak leaves in it. “We tried to find out why you had never been promoted to Lieutenant Commander before now but we couldn’t.”

“I’ll be honored to wear them, Harm and Kate. I haven’t been disappointed about not being promoted as long as I still could fly a Tomcat … I was worried when the Navy said they were going to retired them and that only the best pilots were going to retrained into the Hornets. When the flyer was posted onto the Blackjacks bulletin board about the Navy forming an all-female squadron … I jumped at the chance since I knew that I really wasn’t wanted there anymore. I’m thankful to whomever it was that pulled my name out of the hat to become one of the founding members of the Nights.”

“You are very much welcome to remain with the Nights until you retire … as is everyone here in this room as stated in the Presidential order. I’m hopeful that President Bartlet will see fit to write a new order to include me as well.”

The Pool House door opened to admit two female security guards. After they looked around the room to ensure that only Nightingale personnel were in there, one of them talked into a wrist microphone.

“It’s clear … only Nightingale personnel.”

The other security guard sang out, “Ladies and Gentlemen, the President and family.”

President Barlett and Abbey Bartlet walked into the pool house.

“Sir, Welcome to the Nightingale’s Pool house.”

“Thank you, Harm. We wanted to stop in to mingle with the squadron and to get a few things settled. First, here is an updated Presidential waiver for the entire squadron … every member from the lowest ranked enlisted member up to it’s commanding officer will not longer need to worry about being forced to transfer out of the squadron unless he or she desires to do so. It, also, states that the enlisted personnel promotions will be handle by the squadron operations personnel and they will not be required to test to be promoted. As for the officers, they will be promoted to the next rank when they reach the below-the-zone time in grade period up until they reach O-6 … anything after O-6 will be up to Congress but don’t be surprised that a number of Admiral or Generals will still be on active flight status among you’re people.”

“Thank you, sir.” Harm’s smile light up the room as weight of sadness of the possibility of leaving the squadron disappeared off his shoulders.

“Speaking of which, you Captain Harmon Rabb Junior turned down the promotion to Admiral down earlier today, does this document change your mind about accepting it?”

“Yes, sir. I knew if I had accepted the promotion earlier that I would have been forced to leave my friends and family. I just couldn’t make myself do that for the good of the Navy.”

“Very well then, raise your right hand and repeat after me.”

“I Harmon Rabb Junior, having been appointed a Fleet Admiral …” Harm paused as it dawned on him that people will be talking about his years after he had passed away. This was the time in the history of the US Navy where a mere Captain had been promoted to Fleet Admiral … there had been other Captain’s promoted to full Admirals. “… In the U.S. Navy under the conditions indicated in this document, do accept such appointment and do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic, that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter, so help me God.”

“Even though you will technically out rank the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and Chief of Naval Operations, your name will always be number two or three on the Admiral’s roster until you are given and accept one of those two positions.”
<End Flashback>

“I know Mac. We got to give him time to digest the concept of a line marriage. You really threw me for a few loops when you brought the idea to me after I joined the flight. It would have never ever crossed my mind that you would be willing to share Harm with the others and me.” Kathy’s face suddenly flushed as she thought about what happened to her every time Harm kissed her.

“It’s not just Harm that’s going to share in the fruits of this line marriage.” Mac shyly adverted her eyes from looking at Beth and Kathy to see their expressions on the bombshell hint that she had just openly said.

“You mean … that we …” Kathy could hardly speak as she realized what Mac was hinting towards.

“Yes, Kathy. Don’t be so shocked … just blame sis here for making me see that side of my personality again.”

~Ring, Ring~

Beth grabbed the telephone and had a hard time speaking. “Hello.”

“Sis, it Mac over there?”

“Yes.”

“Could you ask her to come home, so we can discuss something she asked me to do?”

“Ok, I will, bro. She will be right over. Bye!”

“Sis, that was Harm and he’s ready to talk.”

“Ok, wish me luck.”

“Good luck.” Beth and Kathy stood up as Mac rose from the chair she was sitting down in to give her a hug and kiss goodbye.

Mac paused before entering her home and said a short prayer. When she opened the door, she saw Harm sitting down on their sofa with a wicked look in his eyes. She quietly shut the door behind her and sat down on the other end of the sofa with her eyes locked onto Harm’s face.

“Ok, I’m guessing that you don’t want to talk about the portion of this book that deals with Friday being a courier or her trials here on Earth.”

“Correct.”

“You want to discuss what happened to her after she found out she was really pregnant?”

“Yes.”

“And the unique concept of marriage on Friday’s new home world.”

“Yes.”

“Ok. I understand the concept of the line marriage … it’s along the same lines of the old Mormon Church and the teachings of Allah. Is this a way that you’re trying to tell me that you are willing to allow other women and me to have physical contact with each other?”

“Yes.”

“Why? Do you feel that I’m lacking in what you give me?”

“I couldn’t ask for a better man than you … you give me everything that I’ve even dreamed about for a lover … it’s just …”

“Just what?”

“It’s hard to explain to make anyone to understand.”

“Please try.”

“You know my grandmother was from the old country … after my mother abandoned me … she helped as much as she could to raise me before she passed away … before she died, she taught me the language and culture … afterwards, I turned to the bottle and didn’t remember what happened on a huge number of nights but I did end up in bed with a woman laying next to me numerous times … we were both nude and the room had that nice sexual smell that it sometimes gets after a sexual encounter … after I accepted that I couldn’t prevent Beth from treating me like she treats her real sisters … it woke up something in me and I don’t know how to control the feelings that I’m having for some other women. If I acted without you knowing or approval, I would feel like I was cheating on you with them.

“Then about a year ago, I found that book at the bookstore … it made me realize if I asked for your approval to allow me to act of these feelings … that I should be the same with you and them. Have you noticed anything about the ladies in our flight other than how they look without clothes on?”

“No, I didn’t pay close attention to what they do outside of their work.”

“You mean you never noticed that all of them except for Cassie tend to spend hours upon hours in their houses/rooms except when they would go some place to train or when we would do something as a flight. Aboard the Henry, they would just be lying in the room just wearing the tee shirts you gave them or with nothing on at all whenever they was sure that the hatch wouldn’t be opened. That they all would get dressed to give us a couple hours alone time together and then they would use that time to wash the clothes or do some other chores since none of them had any extra duties aboard the ship.”

“No.”

“Have you ever heard any of them accepting a date, flirt with a guy, or even talk about a guy?”

“No, the only one who talked about a guy was Beth but she was dating him … but she would always seem frustrated or angry with him about something.”

“It didn’t bother you to wake up with two or more additional bodies in bed with us every morning. That they all were happy and content with any attention they received from you.”

“No, I was honored that they all were comfortable with me living in those close quarters with them and that it didn’t seem to bother you that I was giving comfort to them when they were needing it.”

“Haven’t you noticed how tired and worn out they all look like now and when you disappeared to talk to your dad, that we all ended up there as well.”

“I thought that I was just my imagination when I caught a glimpses of them when I was there and really haven’t seen any of them since the wet down. They all look tired and worn out?”

“Yes.”

Harm reached over to picked up his cell phone and punched up #4 on his speed dial.

“Hi, this is Harm. Grab your roomy and haul your sixes over here ASAP. Throw on a robe, tee shirt, or whatever.” He repeated the process when he dialed #5 and #6 on his phone. Then he got up to opened the front door as Beth and Kathy ran across the balcony from their condo, he turned as he heard the elevator dinged and open its door to allow Meg, Kate, Jen, and Anna run the short distance to their front door.

Harm shut and locked the door. He looked at each one and saw that Mac was correct with her assessment that it looked like none of them haven’t slept at all since they had gotten home.

“From the looks that I see in your faces, it doesn’t look like any of you have slept very well since returning home. Why haven’t you said something before now?”

“I’m sorry … don’t get angry. I didn’t know the offer was still valid that I could join you two if I had trouble sleeping.” Kathy said.

“I’m not angry … concerned yes … worried yes … I care very deeply for each of you and it hurts seeming your beautiful faces looking like this. Before we discuss anything more today … follow me.”

Harm jumped up and walked down the hall to the bedroom without looking to see if anyone followed him. He turned down the bed, stripped down to his boxers, lay down in the middle, and looked up at them.

“Mac, your over dressed for bed.” Mac started removing her clothes but stopped when she got to her panties and tried to get into bed. “Don’t stop there, Marine because we both know that you sleep nude when we’re home … so keep going.” She slipped out of them and he offered her preferred sleeping side of him. He looked up at the others. “Well, whatta waiting for.” He wouldn’t let any of them to lie down until they were ready for bed. The order went Anna, Kate, Beth, Mac, Harm, Kathy, Meg, and Jen with his arms stretched along beside the pillows. They all felt him turn his hands up behind Anna and Jen as he slowly gathered them as close as possible. Within minutes after lying down everyone was asleep except for Harm as he pondered whom Mac wanted to be included in this line marriage.

‘To make it fair for Mac, it would need to be an even number that is added so when I with somebody else, she wouldn’t be all alone. I wouldn’t want to be the one who decided which two to join us … it would hurt the other four severely. Maybe she wants to ask all six of them to join into this line marriage. God help me if that’s the case … I have enough troubles satisfying Mac’s sexual needs. I’ve have always treated Anna, Jen, and Meg like sisters and never had thought about doing anything else with them until Hawaii happened. But I would never betray Mac’s trust or their trust by doing anything considered to be sexual in nature towards them. Kate and I had been one-time lovers … it would have never worked since we lived so far apart. With Beth, the rules and regulations kept us apart and I wasn’t in the best condition to get involved with anyone when we started flying together. I ran back to JAG due to realizing that I had very deep feelings for Mac and that I started seeing Beth having the same kind of feelings for me. Afterwards, we had someone’s trust that neither of us would break. Now, Kathy was a totally different story especially after their first kiss and she moaned. I’m not sure if the others smelt that wonderful musky smell afterwards or not but I sure did.’ Harm went into a very shallow state of sleep like Colonel Striker taught him to do while in Vietnam.

Harm woke up realizing that he didn’t remain in his shallow state of sleep the entire night because there were two hands inside his boxers holding him He carefully moved his right arm under the pillow trying not to wake anyone up, so he could remove the hands. When he got a hold of one of them to remove it … the hand started squeezing him. So, he tried the second hand and it done the same thing. ‘Isn’t this just great! I can’t get either of them out.’ Before he could think of something else to do, both Kathy and Mac started kissing him on the neck while their bodies started grinding on his hips. ‘Oh boy! What’s going to happen next?’ Before something else happened, he suddenly sat-up in the bed, which woke everyone up.

“Harm, lay back down … I was having a very nice dream and we were …” Mac said.

“I’ve got news for you there, Mac, part of your dream was real, very real.” Harm flatly said and quickly added. “We wasn’t doing anything … well I wasn’t but you sure was.” Harm turned his head when he caught the sound of someone crying into the pillow. “Whoa there Kathy? Why are you crying?”

“I was having this wonderful dream and you woke me up from it … now I’ll never find out what happened.”

Harm chuckled as he saw the others with confusion written all over their faces. “My dear Kathy … was I in this dream of yours?”

“Yes.” Kathy shyly said.

“Were we?”

“Yes.”

“Well, like the dream Mac had and done … you were doing the same thing.”

“Oh … now I’m embarrassed as well as frustrated.”

“Before we all get into this any deeper than it already is … I need to make a pit stop and some Marine coffee.” Harm crawled to the end of the bed and disappeared.

“Mac … I’m sooooooooo sorry … please forgive me?”

“Don’t worry about it … we never finished having THE conversation … when he found out that none of you have been resting well … he tabled it to ensure that you ‘all did.”

“Do you want us to leave and let you two finished the conversation?” Meg asked.

Before Mac could answer, Harm stepped out of the bathroom. “No, this conversation effects everyone here as to what degree it will affect the most … I’m not sure yet. In order to keep me from getting more distracted by looking at your lovely bodies, Mac will get each of you one of my tee shirts to wear. I’ll be in the kitchen fixing breakfast if anyone is hungry.”

“Well, I guess that settles that question … you sure you want to go through with this Mac?”

“Yes but don’t be shocked when I tell everyone why after breakfast.”

Harm walked over to their Bunn coffee maker and poured the water into it as he opened the refrigerator to get the eggs, cheese, butter, and ham cubes out. Then, he opened the freezer and got out the harsh browns. ‘Let see … there are eight eating and knowing their appetites.’ He reached down and got their biggest mixing bowl they had and cracked open the entire two and half dozen eggs into it. The coffee was ready and he emptied the pot into five mugs before starting the second pot.

“Harm…” Mac started to talk as she grabbed a mug.

“We’ll finish the conversation after breakfast if that’s what you were fixing to ask and yes, you can help me prepare breakfast … ask everyone if they want toast to eat … we’re having ham omelets and hash browns. The harsh browns are already in the oven and the stove top griddle is ready to go … I’ll need help with the toast.”

“Ok. Be right back.” Mac disappeared and returned a short time later. “You want any toast?”

“Please … 2 slices.”

Soon they all had their plates and were sitting down to eat. It was very quiet during the meal as nobody spoke and it was quickly over. They rinsed their plates off and put them into the dishwasher before refilling their mugs and starting another pot going. They all retired to the living room to begin the conversation that would affect them all.

“Mac, I was thinking last night and have a very important question to ask before we re-start talking about the book … who will be invited into it?”

“Beth, Kate, Meg, Anna, Jen, and Kathy of course.”

“Good … that settles that worry. Now in plain English … explain why?”

“Well … I got to explain how I grew up before joining the Marines to give the full explanation. My father was a Marine Gunny Sergeant, who was an alcoholic. He was a mean drunk and would abuse my mother. On my 16^th birthday, she left him as well as leaving me behind with him. He tried as best as he could in his own pitiful way to provide a home for me and was fine until payday when he would get drunk again. My grandmother, his mother, was from Iran … she tried her best to provide what she thought that I needed. She taught me Farsi and all about the Iranian culture until she passed away before I turned 17. I would stay with her a couple of days before and after my dad’s payday. After she died, I had no place to go to escape.

“I turned to the bottle for an escape from the verbal abuse of my father and became an alcoholic like him. On paydays, I would go to his bar and sneak money out of his wallet then I would put some away at the house before I went partying myself that day. My first sexual encounter wasn’t with a male; it was with a woman biker I met one evening. I was so ripped that night that I didn’t know until when I woke up the next morning. I guess that she talked about it to others afterwards and I would end up in bed three quarters of the time with a woman. God only knows when or whom the first man that I slept with and why I never ended up pregnant by someone.

“All I remember from the first male encounter is that I woke up alone and very sore down there. After being broke in so to speak, I never ever had to spend money on another drink. All I had to do was walk into the bar and there was someone willing to feed me all that I could drink. After Uncle Matt took me to Red Rock Mesa to dry me up, we went back to that bar and found out that it was a lesbian bar and across the street was a biker bar. We met the owner walking out of the lesbian bar and she asked me where I had been … everyone was asking where their sweet Sarah was. I put everything in a box in my mind and sealed it until …”

“Until what?” Beth asked.

“You happened and the formation of the squadron, Beth. I didn’t think anything about the first time you kissed me aboard the Henry to shut me up. After Harm and I got married … I was getting my needs fulfilled every night until the first time we French kissed. It unsealed the box and all the memories came rushing back to the forefront. I kept fighting the temptation to bed you as well as the others when they adopted the way you treat me … to say the least I’ve been making Harm’s life a little difficult with being so needy when we’re alone.

“I went to the bookstores about a year ago to pick-up some physiology books to see if there was anything I could do to re-box these feelings … but I only located one book that described what I’m to a prefer ‘T’ and nope to help me with the problem … as I was walking out of the store … that book lying on the coffee table caught me eye, so I brought it. After reading it three times, I came to conclusion that if I wanted to bed a female then Harm should have the same pleasure.

“I’m what they call a bi-sexual, a person who enjoys sex with either sex. I’m not sure if the rest of you are bi-sexual and know that Harm isn’t or if you’re willing to have sexual contact with me as part of the line marriage. There are only a few rules that we be involved with the line marriage.” Mac got up and walked over the to desk and pulled out ten legal documents. “These are legal documents that will bind whoever that signs them into a legal partnership since we legally cannot get married here in the states. There is an island in the Caribbean where we will go after signing these documents to get legally married to each other – Beth and I … Beth and Harm … etc.”

“What are the rules, Mac?” Kathy asked.

“The first one is that this is a closed marriage unless everyone agrees to expand it to others who are females only … we will be Harm’s harem so to speak since I know how he feels about other men wanting to be with me or him being with another guy. If we agree to expand, it will be in pairs and they will be told that bi-sexual tendencies is a requirement since this is for my needs. If anyone decides to leave the marriage, then whatever marital assets and property will be split between all signers of this contract no matter what they had it before signing. They won’t just be divorcing one person, it will be from everyone involved.”

“Will we be able to wear wedding rings?” Jen asked.

“Yes Jen, everyone can wear a wedding ring if they so desire too as well as an engagement ring. Since you will be married to everyone who signs, all I ask is that we pool the fund for them as the sets will be custom made.”

“What about children? I’ve always wanted to have kids but never found the right man to fill that position as a husband/father.” Kate asked.

“You’ll have Harm as your husband and father of your children, Kate. All I ask is that we all don’t get pregnant at the same time or otherwise it will ground the flight. I still want to fly as much as possible and go to Fallon to get my own trophy. Harm, you’ve been quiet the whole time … say something please.”

“You amaze me every day about how you think … I would be lying to everyone if I was offended about you making love with one of them or the possibility of me doing likewise. I don’t know if I’m man enough to keep everyone satisfied in the sexual department … sometimes I have a hard time just keeping you satisfied. Now, add them into the mix … I know that I’ll die a pleasant death from trying … especially considering Kathy and Beth’s responses they had by just receiving a kiss.”

Kathy and Beth, both turned red by his answer. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be sorry … just think about what will happen to you when we do get naked in bed together.”

“Don’t tease me that way, Harm. It’s hard enough keeping you out of my dreams.” Beth said.

~Ding, Dong~

Harm got up to answer the door. ‘Luckily, I put on a pair of sweatpants and a tee shirt in order to cook breakfast.’ He looked through the peephole and saw Commander Lindsey standing there. He opened the door.

“What do you want, Commander Lindsey?”

“I’m looking for Commanders Pike, Austin, Hawkes; Captain Morgan; Lieutenant Commander Coates and Lieutenant Restivo.”

“Concerning what?”

“Just tell me where they are, Captain, or do I need to charge you for obstruction of justice?”

“They all are in my living room.”

“If I may, I can serve them all at once and be done with it.”

Harm opened the door wider to admit Commander Lindsey into his home.

“Ladies, this is Commander Ted Lindsey from the SevNav’s office. He’s here to serve you some papers.”

“What on the earth for, Hammer?”

“I don’t have a clue. Maybe Commander Lindsey would elaborate as to why.”

“Commanders Pike, Austin, Hawkes; Captain Morgan; Lieutenant Commander Coates and Lieutenant Restivo … I’m here to notify you of your Article 31 rights…” Ted paused to pull out a card from his shirt pocket and read what was written on it. “Do you understand what I have just read – please verbally state if you do.”

Kate, Meg, Beth, Kathy, Jen, and Anna all said, “Yes, I understood” and asked what were the charges.

“Each of you have been charged with: Article 92 – Failure to obey regulations; Article 133 – Conduct unbecoming an officer; and three counts of Article 134 – adultery, wrongful cohabitating, and fraternization. An Article 39(a) hearing has been set to convene Monday, 01 November 2004 at 0900 local in courtroom #2 at HQ JAG.”

“Who are the appointed prosecutors?” Harm asked.

“I will be sitting first chair with Lieutenant JG Evanston as my second.” Ted smiled.

“Mac, do you want to beat that smile off his face or do you want me to handle it?” Harm asked.

“The pleasure will all be mine.” Mac smiled.

“Do any of you want to waive your Article 31 rights?”

“I’ll answer for them all, Commander, and it is no. Now, kindly remove your six out of my home before I call security to have you forcefully removed.”

Ted quietly walked out the door as Harm picked up the telephone to call security.

“Security, ensure that Commander Lindsey leaves the grounds and do not allow him to return unless he has a subpoena. Has there been anyone from JAG HQ or the SecNav’s office been allowed on the grounds except Lindsey? Thank you.”

“Mac, can they make these charges stick?” Beth asked. “I know enough of the UCMJ that they prove all the charges, we’re looking at six and half years in prison.”

“Everyone don’t worry about any of the charges sticking … they all will be dismissed within the hour after court convenes.”

“How?” Kate asked.

Mac picked up one of the legal documents on the coffee table. “This isn’t the way I envisioned to get each of you to sign this … if each of you will pick-up a copy of the document.” Mac watched as each of the others picked up a copy. “This legal document is a standard corporation document and basically states that you have entered the CBDJE Corporation and that you pledge all your assets and future assets to the corporation. It goes into details as to how you can remove yourself from the corporation as well as any future people joining it – like I stated earlier that it must be two people at a time and they are required to be females. The last page is what will make the court dismiss all the charges against each of you … note the date is the same day that each of you signed the personal quarter space requirements aboard the Patrick Henry. If you will also note, each packet of documents is specifically for a certain person … this dated Presidential Order has your name and Harm’s name typed in part 1 with my name typed into part 2.

“Harm’s and my packet has a copy of your personal Presidential Order inside it … We, also, have a copy to be placed into each of your personnel files at Bupers in the Pentagon but as you know the entire squadron was given a direct order not to come within spitting distances of any place we could work at.”

“Mac, how did you get the President to sign off on these Orders?” Harm asked.

“I kinda used CJ a little bit … after you briefed us what the Captain wanted us to do and we signed the waiver. I got to thinking that Singer was going to have a field day with it and start keeping track of the times when one of them and you were alone in the room. I told her that I could see trouble ahead due to the request and asked her to get President Bartlet to sign one for each of them. It covers anything the Navy could throw at us for breaking the regulations dealing with female/male relationships as well as female/female ones.”

“I better report on what’s happening to all our bosses … someone’s out to get us and they weren’t too thrilled about our treatment before we left.”

Harm picked up his cell phone and dialed #12.

“CNO’s office, this is Mrs. Wilson. How can I help you?”

“Hi Elizabeth, this is Harm. Is the Admiral in?”

“Hi Harm. No, he isn’t. He’s over at the Chairman’s office discussing something with him. You want me to transfer you.”

“Sure, if you would be so kinda as it would save me from hanging up to dial over there.”

“Anytime, Admiral.” Harm heard music as Elizabeth transferred the call.

“CJCS office. This is Mary Ann. How can I help you?”

“Hi Mary Ann, this is Harm. I need to speak with the Admiral about something that has just come up.”

“Hold on, while I let him know that you’re on the phone.”

“Certainly, will do.”

“Magnum. How’s your leave Harm?”

“Pretty good. I understand Tom is with you right now.”

“Yes, he is and we were discussing you.”

“You might want to place this on the speaker phone … something just happen that I need to report up my chain of command.”

“Ok, your on speak phone now. What happened to make you disobey a Presidential Order?”

“Ted Lindsey was just here and served six members of Alpha flight with Article 32 papers … it all stems aboard the Patrick Henry when we roomed together. Someone here in DC wants to bust us up or get rid of us real badly since we all signed the personal quarter spacing waiver. They go to a Article 39(a) hearing Monday morning.”

“Isn’t that a little quick?” Tom asked.

“Yes, since nobody has been out here to interview any member of the squadron according to security.”

“What are you going to do?” Admiral McGuire asked.

“After I call to inform the President and get his order rescinded preventing me going close to anywhere I can work rescinded … I’m going to pay a visit to a certain Rear Admiral.”

“Go ahead, Harm, but that will be the only place where you will visit today or until the time frame has elapsed Thursday next week. I’ll brief the President. Is there anyway for them to make these charges stick?”

“No, sir. They don’t have all the facts or the documentation that we have in case of something like this happened when we returned.”

“You must have planned for this to happen.”

“No, sir. My wife did. We both know the fleet JAG Lieutenant Singer fairly well and knew that she would stir the kettle when she learned about six single females staying in the same room with me.”

“Plan on seeing us in attendance Monday morning. This has gone on too long and if Admiral Chedwiggen is part of it … prepare to say good-bye to him. I know that he means a whole lot to Mac and yourself whether you would admit to that or not.”

“Yes, sir.” Harm hung the telephone up as he heard the dial tone.

Harm turned to Mac. “Mac, Tom is ticked … if the Admiral is involved, we will not be able to save him from getting punished.”

“I figured as much and will hate to see that happen but if he’s involved with this smear campaign against my love ones … then he deserves to be hung by his balls.”

“Tom has authorized me a trip to JAG HQ to see if he’s involved.”

“He doesn’t know about your promotion either, I guess.”

“No, he doesn’t. As far as I know, there are only seven people outside the squadron that know that I accepted the promotion. CJ is sitting on the press release until we’re allowed to get back to work. I guess that since I got permission to go to HQ JAG that she will brief it in the morning. I’ll wear the button camera to record everyone’s reaction and to get his statement.”

Harm got up to head into the bedroom to dress in his uniform. He returned a few minutes later dress in his uniform and it was the first time anyone had seen him display his Fleet Admiral strips along with his seven rows on his salad bar.

“Harm, keep your temper and mouth in check.”

“I will, dear. Give me a kiss before I leave. Where’s Jen?”

“She’ll be right back … she said she had to do something.” Anna knew what Jen was up to but didn’t want to say what.

Mac tilted her head as Harm lower his for a kiss.

“Are my fiancées going to give me one as well?” Harm’s smile lit up the room and brought smiles on their gloomy faces.

They all walked up and gave Harm a kiss.

“I’ll wait until Jen returns before I leave … I don’t want to miss kissing one of my beloveds.”

Jen opened the door wearing her uniform.

“Sir, Lieutenant Commander Coates reporting for duty.”

“Jen, you’re not required to accompany me.”

“Am I still your aide?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, sir. I’m required to accompany you whenever you go for squadron business. This is squadron business.”

“Very well. Give your fiancée a kiss before we venture off to HQ JAG.”

“With pleasure.” Jen handed Anna her hat as she stepped into Harm’s arms and laid a long passionate kiss onto her beloved and moaned.

“Sounds like you have been learning new tricks from Kathy or Beth.” Harm laughed, as Jen turned red.

“We have been practicing.” Jen shyly answered.

“Oh! You have. Do you need to do anything before we leave? Like changing your …”

“Other than signing this document.” Jen picked up the pen and signed all eight copies. “No, sir. I’m going commando.”

“On that note, we’re out of here.”

Jen pulled Mac’s corvette into the JAG parking lot and parked. She got out to open the passenger’s door to allow Harm to get out of the vehicle. She fell into the proper position as they walked into the JAG building and onto the elevator. She opened the glass door leading into JAG operations and called out:

“Attention on Deck!”

“As you were.” Harm quickly said as he lowered his voice to talk to Jen. “I was kinda hoping to do this quietly.”

“Sir, if you wanted to do this quietly … you shouldn’t have put your uniform on.”

“You are getting as bad as Beth is.”

“Thank you, sir. I’ll take that as a complement.”

Harriett rubbed her eyes not believing what she saw … Harm was walking towards her wearing a Fleet Admiral’s uniform.

“Harriett, it’s good to see you. How are you doing? How’s little AJ?”

“I’m doing just great … he’s fine … when was you promoted, sir?”

“The day after we returned to DC. The President made me an offer that I couldn’t refuse.”

“ Lieutenant Sims, what he means is that he wouldn’t accept the promotion if it meant that he would give up command of the Nightingales. So the President signed an Order stating that he will never be forced to give up the command unless he wants to even if he is no longer qualified to fly.”

Harriett looked at Jen as she spoke and noticed the diamond on her left hand.

“Congratulations on your engagement, Ma’am. You should bring your fiancée over to the house one evening to meet Bud, AJ, and me.”

Jen didn’t know how to tell Harriett that her fiancée was standing right next to her as she saw Harm lean down to whisper something into her ear.

“Harriett, you’re looking at her fiancée standing right beside her … don’t say anything … classified … need to know only right now. Tell Bud you need to come over to the house to see what Mac wants this evening. Ok?”

“Yes, sir. Understood. Tell Mac that I will gladly stop by this evening to see what she wants to talk to me about.”

“If you will excuse us, we need to see the JAG for a few minutes. It’s why I’m here in the first place.”

“Yes, sir.”

Harm walked into Tiner’s office.

“Is he in?”

“Yes, he is. May I announce you, sir?”

“No, I’ll just announce myself.” Harm opened the door and stepped into Chedwiggin’s office.

“Tiner, why did you allow someone to barge into my office without being announced?” AJ stopped whatever else he was fixing to say when he saw the Fleet Admiral strips on the cuffs and stood at attention before realizing that the uniform belong to one Harmon Rabb Junior. “Sir, how can I help you?”

Jen closed the door behind her as Harm walked up to the desk with an amused smirk on her face.

“Admiral Chedwiggin, who authorized the Article 39(a) hearing for six of my officers?”

“I did under orders from the SecNav, sir.”

“Did you have anything to do with it?”

“No, sir. I just followed written orders that I received from the SecNav’s office.”

“Were you under written or verbal orders regarding your treatment of my personnel and myself since Colonel MacKenzie and I were married?”

“Written, sir.”

“At ease. Do you have these two written orders handy?”

“Yes, sir. They are in my safe.”

“Jen, have Lieutenant Simms and Petty Officer Tiner join us to watch the Admiral open the safe and hand the two written orders over to you. Then, you will have them escort you to the copier and make copies of them. They will then place their initials on the top of the copies without reading what they say … afterwards, they will follow you back here and watch the Admiral initial the copies as well. When and if we require to use them in court, they can testify that they are not forged documents that we have generated.”

“Aye, Aye, Sir.”

Jen stepped out of the office to retrieve Harriett and Jason. They watched the Admiral opened the safe and pulled out a folder and handed to Jen. They followed her to the copier, initialed the copies, followed her back into the Admiral’s office, saw him initial the copies, and watched him return the file to his safe.

“Ok, Harriett and Jason. You might be called to testify what you have just witnessed and done today in court if necessary. Jen, go type out that list of witnesses Mac agreed to call during the phone conversation we had while enroute to here and add these three to it. Any questions?”

“No, sir.”

“Dismissed.”

“Aye, Aye, sir.”

“Where are Commander Lindsey and Lieutenant Evanston working out of?”

“The conference room.”

“It’s a good thing that you covered your six with these two written orders … otherwise you would be looking for a rock to hind under after I dropped a fleet on you. Mac and I are happy about that you’re not involved with this more than just following orders.”

<Flashback – 11 August 2004>
~Ring~

“Chedgwiggin.”

“It’s Colonel Rabb … sorry about calling so late but Harm and I wanted you to know that we didn’t have anything to do with what’s fixing to happen to you.”

“I know … Harm tried reasoning with me and asked me numerous times to be civil to everyone but he didn’t know that I was under orders to act the way I did. It was the hardest order that I’ve ever been giving to follow.”

“Is that why you would call Harm ‘on the carpet’ about everything including the days he wasn’t even in the building?”

“Yes.”

“Why would you follow such an unlawful order as that?”

“I was given two options: One, retire or two, be transferred to the South Pole.”

“By whom?”

“I cannot reveal who order me to do this right now and I’m basically breaking the order by having this discussion with you. So, I’m asking you not to reveal what I said to Harm. I know what he will do with the information … he’ll go off half cocked without thinking beforehand.”

“Ok, I won’t tell him right now and I’ll give you the chance to tell him yourself the first time you talk to each other after we return home. Everyone enjoys being able to do something beside watching the grass grow over at the hanger … there’s not enough different jobs for thirty eight of us.”

“I promise that I’ll tell him the first time I see him. Take care of yourself and your flyboy, Mac.”

“I will, sir. Bye.”
<End Flashback>

“Did Mac tell you about the phone conversation the day you ‘all departed for the Pacific?”

“No, sir. She only told me not to worry about you or the heat you were fixing to endure from the treatment we received.”

“There was somebody here in HQ JAG that was spying for the SecNav as well as the CNO. I think I have weeded the person who was spying for the SecNav.”

“Lieutenant JG Evanston?”

“How did you figure that out so quickly when it took me months to locate the fool?”

“He was one of the two individuals that were assigned to HQ JAG after Mac and I announced our engagement. As for eliminating the other one, well there’s no way she would be disloyal to her father by reporting to the SecNav.”

“Who is Lieutenant JG Connie Jones’ father?”

“Well, it’s her real first name but not her real last name unless she’s using her mother’s maiden name … her real last name is Magnum.”

“Thomas Magnum is her father?”

“Yes, I met her later that evening after dropping everything onto your desk the day before we departed. I had to brief the Chairman on the status of our deployment and was requested not to reveal that information about whom she was until after we had returned home. I need to see Ted and get whatever information they have gathered against my people.”

“Who’s going to defend them?”

“Mac will be handing the case by herself.”

“She’s that confident about the case against them.”

“They don’t have the documentation that we possess and neither one has high enough security clearances to get a hold of it. You will be required to prepare the courtroom for classified material to be discussed and to attend. Do request the SecNav to attend the proceedings.”

“Ok, I better brief Admiral Morris about that so he will know as well.”

“It would be advisable and prepare to have the secret service around as well.”

“Oh!”

“Let’s go visit the Commander, Jen. I want to see the look on his face when he sees me in uniform.”

“Harm, can I tag along?”

“Sure, why not Admiral?”

“You out rank me, now. Call me AJ, please.”

“You’ll still be Admiral to me … it won’t matter to me even I’m wearing the five stars of a Fleet Admiral.”

AJ, Jen, and Harm walked out of the Admiral’s office and toward the conference room.

“Attention on Deck!” Jen called out as she opened the door leading into the conference room.

Now standing at attention around the table were Commander Lindsey, Lieutenant Singer, and Lieutenant JG Evanston.

“At ease.” Harm said. “Commander Lindsey, I’m here to pick-up the required Brady documents for the cases against my officers since I was the only one cleared to visit any place where my squadron personnel do work at. You will be facing my wife, Colonel Rabb. Jen, hand over the list of witnesses that she will call to the stand.”

Jen handed Ted that paper she had just finished typing. He started reading off the names out loud. “President Bartlet, Admiral Magnum, Admiral McGuire, CJ Cregg, Captain Ingles, Gunnery Sergeant Ingles, Captain Pike, Admiral Chedwiggin, PO Tiner, Lieutenant Simms, and Fleet Admiral Rabb.”

“You’re also hereby notified that the court proceedings will be censored. Only people who have a security clearance of level five or above will be allowed to attend other than the ones are on the witness list. The courtroom will be sealed and guarded by the secret service. May I have the Brady documents?”

“Yes, sir. Here is everything that we have.”

“Good. You ‘all have a nice day and enjoy the time preparing your case. I’m going to go home and get out of my uniform and enjoy my time off. I’ll see you three in court bright eyed and bushy tailed Monday morning.”

“Attention.”

AJ and Harm walked out the door as Jen called ‘as you were’ as the door slowly closed. The people in the conference room could hear her bust out laughing before it closed.

“Oh, my god. What have you gotten me into Loren?” Ted Lindsey slowly sat down into his chair.

Web Hosting · Blog · Guestbooks · Message Forums · Mailing Lists
Easiest Website Builder ever! · Build your own toolbar · Free Talking Character · Email Marketing
powered by bravenet.com