Title: Coming Together I: Going Home

Author: DayDreamer

E-mail: elizden@knology.net

Rating: PG

Category: Romance, Angst [Webb/Other]

Classification: Story

Spoilers: None, but in upcoming stories -- Retreat, Hell, Webb of Lies, Exculpatory Evidence, Hero Worship

Added: 09/13/02

Summary: Webb is given an assignment to escort an American home from Jordan. This person becomes a new member of JAG at Adm. Chegwidden's request.

1900 Zulu (Jordan time, 5pm)

King Hussain's Palace

Jordan (Middle East)

Elizabeth sat quietly in her room, alternately stirring into space and praying. Her world was about to change drastically with barely a day's notice. She had been so happy living in Jordan. King Hussain, Prince Raje, and Secretary Ramir had become her family, her best friends. They all knew that one day she would return home, but leaving now was unplanned and wholly unexpected for all of them.

She was trying hard to keep her spirits up, but the heaviness was almost getting the best of her. The King, Raje, and Ramir all reflected the same sadness. She hadn't had much time with them today because they were all trying to carry out their normal daily activities so as not to alert anyone of her impending departure. The four of them had stayed up late the night before, reminiscing, laughing, and saying good-bye without voicing the words. How they had managed to hold back the tears was beyond her. There was an unwavering bond of love and respect between them that transcended their obvious differences, and they somehow knew that that would never change.

She looked around her beautifully decorated room and smiled. She had lived in the King's home for eight years. Through the years, her quarters had slowly been transformed into what could only be described as a luxury suite. Raje, Ramir and King Hussain had all ordered different items for her whenever they felt the urge since she never asked for anything. They had impeccable taste and loved giving gifts. They spoiled her. But the things that they had given her didn't compare to the love and friendship that they shared. They were each father/brother/friend all wrapped up together and she would miss them.

Ramir stood at the door watching her for a moment. He wished there were some way to change things so that she could stay, but it was no longer safe for her. They would not risk a repeat of what had happened six years ago. Normally Ramir stood tall and proud, his 6'4" frame towering above most men. But now, he was tired and sad.

"Elizabeth, come, it is time." said Ramir softly.

"He has arrived?" asked Elizabeth, needlessly.

"Yes, he has been here for several hours."

"Hours? Why didn't you tell me?"

"We wanted to give you time to rest. We were all awake until the early hours. And we had things to discuss with him before we entrusted you to him."

Knowing the three of them, the' things to discuss' was the main reason that they had not told her that the escort from the United States had arrived.

"Ramir…" Elizabeth said, almost in tears.

"I know. " said Ramir, and held out his hand.

Elizabeth took a deep breath, walked forward, and placed her hand in his. They walked down the hall and through the atrium to the main receiving room. They walked slowly, but unfaltering. Elizabeth was sure that her leaving now was God's will, so she was prepared to face her new life with the same commitment to listening to and obeying Him that she had lived her life by in Jordan. And that hadn't been difficult, though she had been an American Christian living in a Muslim household.

Ramir opened the door to the Great Room and allowed Elizabeth to precede him. King Hussain and Prince Raje were standing near the far entrance speaking in low tones with a man. They all looked up as Secretary Ramir and Elizabeth entered. Elizabeth looked at the American just as he looked up at her and she stopped.

"Elizabeth?" asked Ramir.

Elizabeth didn't hear him, nor was she aware that she had stopped walking. She was still staring at the American and he was staring at her.

Clayton Webb forgot what he was about to say next. He had looked at the woman that he was to escort home (by order of the State Department upon King Hussain's request) and his thoughts had deserted him. Slowly, he became aware that she was staring at him just as intently. It was like he knew her, had know her for a long time. Or maybe he had been waiting for her for a long time.

King Hussain, Prince Raje, and Secretary Ramir looked from one to the other, and then looked again. A small smile spread across each of their faces and they visibly relaxed. The King secretly gave a small shake of his head to signal the other two not to comment, and then they all cleared their faces and walked forward.

"Elizabeth, let me introduce you to the gentleman that will see you home," said King Hussain.

"This is Clayton Webb, he works for your State Department. Mr. Webb, I would like for you to meet Ms. Elizabeth Halliton."

They just stared at each other, but slowly came out of their daze. Elizabeth knew him. They had never met, but she felt like she had know him for a long time. She couldn't explain the feeling, but she was sure that he felt the same way. It was in his eyes, the way he looked at her; and he didn't try to hide it. She immediately liked him for that. He had a quiet, but sure way about himself. And if she had to quess, she would say that he didn't miss much but he wasn't obvious. She liked his bearing. A lot.

Clayton recovered first, "Ms. Halliton, I'm pleased to meet you." He walked forward with his hand outstretched.

"Hello, Mr. Webb. Please call me Elizabeth," she said, shaking his hand.

He didn't immediately let go, but she didn't notice.

"Thank you, Elizabeth, and it's Clay."

They stood there holding hands, looking at each other. Elizabeth felt that he somehow knew just what she was thinking and feeling. It was so strange, yet comfortable. Suddenly she was at ease with going home.

Clay felt that they were speaking without talking. And he didn't want to stop. She was the one. He liked her. She spoke quietly, but confidently, and she didn't hide from him. Her eyes were very intelligent and he knew that she didn't miss much, though she wasn't bold in revealing that. He liked her, yes.

They finally dropped hands and turned to face the others. They were all standing there, legs apart, arms folded across their chests, with questioning looks on their faces. Elizabeth and Clay looked at them, looked at each other, and then back at the King, Raje, and Ramir as if to say "Is something wrong?"

Clay turned to Elizabeth and said, "Elizabeth, I'm afraid we have to leave immediately. We are taking a somewhat convoluted journey home, and I've arranged transport at various locations. We have a pretty strict schedule to keep."

"I understand."

Elizabeth went to the King. They kissed on the cheeks and hugged each other. She repeated the same parting with Prince Raje and Secretary Ramir.

"We will send your things soon, Elizabeth, including your library," said Raje with a sad smile.

"Thank you. I'm going to leave now, while I can," said Elizabeth, with tears in her voice.

"Yes, you must," said King Hussain, holding back tears.

Elizabeth and Clay walked out of the Great Room, into the long hall, and out the side entrance. Anyone looking on would have wondered why the three men inside did not see them to their car. But Elizabeth understood, as did Clay.

1400 Zulu

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

(Earlier the same day)

"Where's Rabb?" asked Adm. Chegwidden.

"Right here, Sir," said Rabb as he quickly entered the room and took a seat across from Mac.

"Staff meetings begin at 0900 sharp, Commander, not one minute after."

"Yes, sir."

"First order of business, case assignments. A petty officer Roelle is accussed of negligence in a mishap aboard the USS Stingray. The mishap almost cost 3 submariners their lives, but luckily all turned out well. Col. MacKenzie, you and Lt. Roberts will investigate. The Stingray is scheduled to dock in Norfolk in five days. The two of you will board the sub in the Atlantic and stay onboard until it docks; hopefully you can conclude your investigation by then; if not, the crew will all remain onboard until you're done. I do not expect you to rush this investigation, is that clear?"

"Yes, sir."

"Yes, sir."

The admiral continued with handing out the assignments, and just as everyone was preparing to leave he held them back.

"One last item to discuss," said the Admiral while leaning back and removing his glasses. " We are getting a new addition to JAG. Her name is Elizabeth Halliton and she will join us in approximately four weeks."

Everyone looked at the Admiral with surprise. "Is she Navy or Marine, Admiral?" asked Harm, smiling at Mac.

"Neither, she's civilian," replied the Admiral.

"A civilian, sir?" asked Lt. Sims.

"Yes, a civilian."

"Is she an attorney, sir, " asked Lt. Roberts.

"Yes, she's an attorney."

"Most civilians have a specialty; what is Ms. Halliton's specialty, Admiral?" asked Col. MacKenzie.

"That's a good question, but I don't believe she has a specialty. A bit of background, Ms. Halliton is a native of Oklahoma, but she's lived in Jordan for the past 10 years where she's been a legal advisor to the King of Jordan on U.S. law. She began working for the King 8 1/2 years ago while still in her second year of law school. She obtained her law degree over the internet from Columbia University …"

"Excuse me, Sir, did you say she obtained her law degree over the internet?" asked Lt. Singer, interrupting the Admiral.

"Yes, I did," replied the Admiral, knowing what they were thinking.

Everyone laughed, believing he joked. When they realized it was no joke, they laughed even harder.

"That's enough, people," Adm. Chegwidden said with patient authority.

"Sorry, Sir."

"Excuse us, Sir."

"As I was saying, Ms. Halliton graduated from Columbia and has been working for the King of Jordan ever since. This past year she became an employee of our State Department upon the President's insistance, though continuing to work in the Jordan government in the same capacity. Tensions have risen in Jordan and it has been decided that it is best that she return to the States."

"Sir, why is she coming to JAG and not the State Department?" asked Harm.

"Actually, Commander, she'll work for the State Department as well as JAG. Let me explain; the U.S. and Jordan have maintained a very good relationship these past 10 years. Our government wasreluctant to acknowledge that this was largely due to the fact that the King of Jordan has had someone inhouse acting as an advisor on all aspects of U.S. law, to include military law. But they changed their minds on that score about three two years ago. It helps to smooth negotiations and talks when each side understands each other – or at the very least when one side understands the other.

"The State Department would like to see the U.S. develop the same relationship with other foreign governments. With that intent, they have employed Ms. Halliton as a legal advisor to foreign governments. However, it's not exactly a full time job right now. They initially offered her an ambassadorship, but she promptly turned that down. I believe her reply was that she is a lawyer, and her plans are to practice law. Not wanting to let her go, they laid their cards on the table regarding the new position, but again she turned them down. It was she who pointed out that what they were offering was not a full time commitment. I learned of the situation and suggested she work for me when she isn't on assignment with the State Department. The State Department liked the idea; I also liked the idea." 'Not to mention State's paying 2/3 of her salary', added AJ to himself.

"Sir, what will she do here?" asked Cmdr. Turner.

"Right, sir, has she tried many cases?" asked Lt. Singer.

"As a legal advisor, she hasn't had much opportunity to be in the courtroom."

"Sooo, how many cases has she tried, Sir?" asked Lt. Roberts.

Pausing for a moment, the Admiral looked around the room. "None. That will be all. Dismissed," he replied while standing, cutting off further speculation.

1700 Zulu

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Everyone had a busy day and didn't get a chance to discuss the news until lunch. The usual crew met at the deli around the corner. A few minutes later, Lt. Singer joined them.

"So, an internet education, maybe she plans to specialize in internet law," was Lt. Singer's opening remarks with a 'touch' of sarcasm.

"Maybe, it is a growing area of law," replied Col. Mackenzie with a smile.

"Yea, but Ma'am, have you seen much need for that specialty in the Navy? asked Lt. Roberts jokingly.

"It doesn't really matter, because one thing is obvious – the Admiral wants her here," noted Cmdr. Rabb.

"I agree," from Cmdr. Turner. "I don't think the Admiral would have volunteered to have her work here if he didn't think she would be of service."

"Maybe he didn't have a choice, since the State Department didn't want to let her go," said Lt. Singer. "Seems to me they were the ones trying to please her."

But Cmdr. Rabb pointed out, "The Admiral isn't a person to be coerced into anything."

"No, Harm, but he does have superiors that he has to answer to," noted Col. MacKenzie.

"I know, but he didn't say that the State Department placed her here; he said that he suggested it."

"I wonder what she's like. The Admiral didn't give us much on her," Lt. Sims observed.

Harm replied, "I get the feeling that was deliberate, but I guess we'll find out in four weeks."

0600

The Watertown Apts.

Washington, D.C.

(Monday, 4 weeks later)

Elizabeth sipped her juice as she finished her morning studying. She usually read her Bible in the early morning and today was no different. She was excited and a little nervous about reporting to JAG today. The past three weeks had been hectic. Debriefing after debriefing, though they were called 'introductions'. She had met everyone from the President to the Attorney General, not to mention this and that Senator and Congressperson. She was happy to hear that she would report directly to the Secretary of State, Cameron Morgan. She liked him, he was a straightforward man and they had had a mutual respect for the other.

As she began getting ready for the day, she looked around her bedroom and noted that she liked her apartment, but she didn't feel at home. Maybe that had something to do with the fact tht she hadn't unpacked or bought furniture. She had clothes in the closet, toiletries in the bathroom, and a set of mattresses in her bedroom, minus one bed. She had glasses and one non-stick vegetable steamer/skillet/pot in the kitchen. Her things had arrived from Jordan last week, but she couldn't bring herself to open the boxes and crates just yet. She had left the family and life that she had known for the past 10 years and she knew that being reminded of that right now would be her undoing. There were many boxes and crates; she really wasn't sure what they all contained. She knew that the crates probably contained her extensive law library. Thanks to Clayton Webb, she had an apartment that had a room equipped to serve as a library.

Clayton Webb…No, she couldn't think about him right now or she would definitely be late. Everytime she thought about their trip home, she lost track of time. They hadn't talked since the trip because she had been so busy. Her evenings were spent looking for a church home and getting to know her way around D.C. via buses and cabs. Her days, well, let's just say she knew Capital Hill pretty well now. But Mr. Webb was picking her up today to take her to JAG. She didn't know what to expect, really. She knew that they would eventually talk and that kept her patient. The trip home would probably have appeared strange to others. They hadn't talked much, but it had been like they hadn't needed to. And then there was that kiss….

Elizabeth decided to dress in a dark blue Chanel suit, two inch heels, and wear her hair up. She was medium height, 5'5'', and had a slim but curvaceous build. The suit fit well but wasn't at all tight, and the skirt fell just below the knees. Her hair was long, almost midway down her back. She had had to take special care of her hair when she lived in Jordan because the sand and dry climate was not kind. And there hadn't been an abundant supply of hair-care products for African-Americans. She no longer permed her hair, but used a special treatment that achieved the same straightening effect with longer lasting, better results. Ramir's wife had taught her how to care for her hair years ago.

(2 hours later, the doorbell rings.)

Elizabeth took a deep breath and went and opened the door. She looked at Webb, neither of them speaking at first.

"Good morning, Clay."

"Good morning. Are you settling in okay?"

"Yes. I haven't had a chance to thank you for finding the apartment for me. It's exactly what I would have chosen myself. Spacious, a nice view, two bedrooms, and a library."

"I'm glad you like it."

"Shall we go? I'll just get my purse."

"Of course."

"Will you tell me more about Adm. Chegwidden? I would have liked to meet him before reporting to work, but everything has been so hectic."

Clay helped her into his non-descript, black sedan. Elizabeth arched an eyebrow at him, smiling, when she saw the car. Clay smiled back.

Getting into the car and buckling up, Clay said, "Don't worry, the Admiral understands. AJ Chegwidden is a straight-up kind of man and his people like and respect him. But he's no push-over. He demands that his attorneys operate with good character and integrity, just as he does."

"What else would you expect from an ex-Seal?"

"Exactly. You'll meet the others today, also. They're a pretty good group. I've worked with Cmdr. Rabb and Col. Mackenzie several times, as well as the Admiral. Nervous about meeting them?" he asked, with a glance at her.

"Maybe. The Admiral sounds like a good man. I'm still surprised that he would hire me without having met me. I look forward to talking with him. You seem to like them. Are they all friends of yours?"

"I guess you could say we're friends; we're all on the same side."

Elizabeth gave Clay a questioning look, "Now, what kind of answer is that, Mr. Webb?"

"What do you mean?"

"Translated, I would say your answer suggests that you don't let people get too close. But I'm guessing they are your friends. Not that I'm judging you. I don't necessarily think of everyone that I know as a personal friend. Before I became friends with King Hussain, Prince Raje, and Secretary Ramir I don't think I fully appreciated what it meant to be a friend, or to have a friend."

Clay thought to himself, 'she's good at reading people.' It made him uneasy for a moment but then he decided that he wanted her to know him. He didn't want to hide from her or have her hiding from him. Remembering their first meeting and the trip from Jordan, he knew that they still had that same openness with each other. The next moment he was thinking maybe he was putting too much into this. Maybe it was all in his head, just the way he felt about her. That thought actually made him feel ill.

"Thanks for taking me in today," Elizabeth continued. "I plan to car shop Thursday and Friday, but in the meantime, I'll take the bus and cabs."

"You won't have to take the bus; the State Department is delivering a loner car to you later today. And if you need help buying a car, let me know. No, wait. I'm sorry, I'll be out of the country Thursday and Friday."

"That's okay. You've done plenty for me. So, where are you off to? Escorting another expatriate home?"

"No, just other business for State."

Elizabeth thought, 'Now that was definitely avoidance. He didn't answer the question, either one – where he's going or what he's going to do'.

"By the way, you look very nice," said Clay.

"Thank you. Glad you noticed," teased Elizabeth.

"I noticed," Clay said, looking at her and smiling lightly. He'd been doing a lot of that lately. He had seen her at the State Department a few times and his heart had always skipped a beat and made him smile.

1230 Zulu

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Adm. Chegwidden had arrived at the office early, but he could hear others stirring in the bullpen. He was sure he had heard Cmdrs. Rabb and Turner, and yes, Col. Mackenzie also. Pretty soon he heard the Roberts and Lt. Singer, and even his yeoman had arrived. He chuckled to himself, thinking they were all in early since the civilian attorney would arrive today.

AJ had Ms. Halliton's personnel file on his desk reading it again, but he put it away just in case anyone walked in. He had made it a point not to mention everything that he had learned about Ms. Halliton, though it hadn't been easy avoiding direct questions. He wanted them to form their own opinions. In the staff meeting the week before they had asked about her again and he had said little. Just that he expected them to make her feel welcome and to give her whatever assistance she would need. Questions were asked about Elizabeth handling cases, and he had told them that she would try cases, second chairing for a while until she was settled in and comfortable with courtroom procedures.

He walked into the break room where everyone had gathered waiting for their first cup of coffee. 'Good mornings' were said all around as everyone pretended that it was usual for them to be in so early. Finally Lt. Singer spoke up and asked if today was the day that the civilian attorney would arrive.

"Yes, she should be in today, probably in the next 30 minutes. I trust you all will make her feel welcome and show her the ropes?" queried the Admiral.

"Of course, Sir."

"Yes, Sir."

"Good, carry on."

The Admiral went back to his office with a grin on his face. He had to admit it, he was excited about the new arrival. He had the feeling that she would be an outstanding attorney. He was much impressed with her breath of knowledge and the work that she had done in Jordan. Secretary of State Cameron Morgan was a good friend of his, and from everything that the Secretary had told him, he knew that she was very knowledgeable in military law, as well as criminal, tax, corporate, and family law.

By 0800 everyone had arrived at JAG. The Admiral had gone to each of his senior officers and spoken with them on some matter or the other, killing time until Ms. Halliton arrived. At 0835, the Admiral, Rabb, Turner, and MacKenzie were talking near his office when Clayton Webb and Elizabeth Halliton walked in. Elizabeth did a quick look around the room before her eyes settled on the Admiral. She smiled, immediately knowing who he was even before she saw his ensignia. She and Clay had not been noticed right away so they walked further into the room, Clay leading her to the Admiral and his group. The Admiral looked up, smiled and came forward to meet them.

Clay greeted him, "Good morning, Admiral."

"'Morning, Clay."

"Admiral, I would like for you to meet Elizabeth Halliton. Elizabeth, Adm. AJ Chegwidden."

"Good morning, Admiral. It's nice to finally meet you," smiled Elizabeth, offering the Admiral her hand.

"Good morning, Ms. Halliton. It is indeed a pleasure to finally meet. I've heard a lot about you."

The others gave Adm. Chegwidden a curious look, thinking he could have shared some of that information with them.

"It couldn't have been a lot, sir; there isn't much to tell," replied Elizabeth, laughing softly.

AJ laughed and turned to his officers. "Let me introduce you to my senior officers. This is Col. Sarah MacKenzie, Marine Corps; Cmdr. Harmon Rabb, Navy, and Cmdr. Sturgis Turner, Navy."

Mac shook hands, saying "Hello, and it's Mac."

"Hello, and you can call me Elizabeth."

Harm offered his hand next, "Nice to meet you, it's Harm."

"Hello, Harm," said Elizabeth. "It's Elizabeth."

"Ms. Halliton, it's nice to meet you. Call me Sturgis."

"Thanks, Sturgis, and it's nice to meet you as well. Please, call me Elizabeth."

"Well, Ms. Halliton, I hope you're enjoying being back in the States. Have you gotten settled in okay?"

"I'm getting there, Admiral. But mostly I've been involved in lots of debriefings…excuse me, I mean 'meetings', joked Elizabeth, smiling sideways at Clay.

Clay gave her a quirky smile and a slight roll of the eyes, knowing she was joking at his expense. Adm. Chegwidden and the officers laughed, knowing that 'debriefings' were exactly what she'd gone through.

"We have a 0900 staff meeting and you'll get to meet the other officers at that time. You and I can talk in my office after the meeting and I'll have someone showing you around most of the day, but you'll meet the rest of the JAG crew as well."

"Thank you, Sir."

"Well, Admiral, I'll leave Ms. Halliton with you," said Clay. He turned to Elizabeth then and said, "Elizabeth, I will see you at the State Department, no doubt. But if you need anything, just give me a call, okay?"

"Thanks, Mr. Webb, I will," replied Elizabeth. She got the feeling he was saying goodbye, and not just for the moment. He turned and walked toward the entrance of the bullpen. Elizabeth turned back to the Admiral.

"Let's go into my office, Elizabeth."

"Yes, sir, but may I have a moment?"

"Of course."

"Excuse me."

She turned toward Webb who was almost at the entrance, and called him, "Mr. Webb?" Webb turned around and Elizabeth walked over to him.

Speaking in a low voice so that only he would hear, Elizabeth said, "You're not seriously going to walk out of here as if there's nothing between us, are you?"

Clay knew what she meant and wasn't at all surprised that she had known his thoughts; but he had given it a lot of thought. He didn't want to count on anything developing between them, despite how he felt about her. Her world had been turned upside down without warning and he didn't know if she truly felt the way he did or if she had just been dependant upon him in an emotional way.

"You need to get your bearings and find your place here. I know that it hasn't been easy for you to start all over after leaving your home and friends the way that you did. But I'm sure that you'll do well, both here and at State. You don't need me."

Elizabeth looked at him thoughtfully, then lightly shook her head in agreement, saying, "I see. So, I was or am this distraught, fragile female that has had her life turned upside down and I just needed you for temporary emotional support. Is that about right?"

"Yes," said Clay, looking her straight in the eyes. Both were careful to keep their expressions neutral since others were watching.

Clay broke eye contact, but then looked back at her and said "But, if you feel the same way in, say, four months, give me a call."

Elizabeth looked in his eyes without commenting for several seconds. Then she said, "You are right about one thing. I do need to get my bearings here. But, Mr. Webb, I'm not in the habit of calling up men. So, if you don't call me in four months…." she told him with a raised eyebrow and slight nod of her head.

"But in case you don't make that call, let me thank you now. I truly do appreciate all that you've done for me. And, Clay, I'm not an emotional weakling. Take care."

With that, she walked back to Adm. Chegwidden who waited patiently. Clay looked after her until he realized that Rabb and MacKenzie were curiously watching him. He turned and left the room, on his way back to CIA headquarters.

End of Part I