I don't own CSI New York and the Dixie Chick's "Traveling Soldier."

Traveling Solider

What if Mac met Stella while he was a Marine? What if Claire didn't exist? Based off the song "Traveling Solider" by the Dixie Chicks.

Mac was sitting at a diner in Chicago. He was in his Marine attire because he was visiting home before shipping out to active duty.

A young girl, who was Mac's waitress, came back over to fill up his coffee.

"When do you ship off?"

"Tomorrow, I just had my last day with my mom, dad, and two brothers."

"I'm sorry."

"Nah, it's my duty to serve his wonderful country and protect the people I love. I'm a fourth generation Marine and it feels good to be following in my past footsteps."

"Oh, that's interesting."

"Hey, do you want to talk for awhile? I don't have anyone to talk to for some time."

"Sure, I'm off in half an hour and I know where we can go."

Mac and Stella, the waitress's name, were sitting down by Lake Michigan. They had been there all afternoon and were deep in conversation.

"Can I write to you?"

"Sure."

"I mean, I bet you have a boy friend but I don't care. I need a friend to write to."

"That's fine, I don't have a boyfriend. I work, play in the band, or am studying too much to have anytime for a boyfriend."

"Oh, that's too bad."

"Yeah, this is a change for me. My foster dad is probably wondering where I am."

"Oh, do you need to go home?" Mac stood to leave. Stella grabbed his hand and pulled him back down.

"No, I don't need to be home until eight."

"Good because I'm stuck alone until then. At eight, I have to sign in and be ready to ship of to Iraq."

"That's a shame that you, such a wonderful man has to fight such an evil war."

"Well thank you."

Stella slipped into her house at quarter after eight.

"Stella?" her faster dad asked.

"I'm sorry Papa Koda."

"Where were you?"

"I had to drive a friend to the military base. He is shipping out tonight."

"Did you know him long? I don't recall you having a soldier friend."

"His name is Lt. Mac Taylor. I've known him for a day. I met him at work today."

"Not a good thing, running a round with soldiers. How old is he?"

"Twenty-two."

"He is way too old! I don't want you running around with him any more!"