Summary: AU. Summer of 1999. When AJ Chegwidden unites the forces of two lawyers who never met to investigate a mishap on the Henry, some lives are changed forever.

Disclaimer: I write everything for entertainment purposes only. Don't sue me, I don't own anything, and I don't have any money.

That story comes from watching ROE a second time, and having an idea with planes and craziness. Back then, I said to myself, 'hell, just go with it'. So, I did. I loved writing it!
Last week, I retrieved it from the dust it had accumulated from being untouched on my hard drive since March, 2008. It was the first story I wrote from A to Z, not beginning in the middle like I always do. Okay, no aircraft or military protocol specialist here. I took the 'weirder things have happened' thing really seriously.

Sit back, relax, and just enjoy. And if you'd leave some lil' note at the end, I'd be honored.

Edit: it was reported to me that the original script did need clarification, I hope this is better. Plus, you're right. Some of it was confusing.


Monday, June 14, 1999
1855 Zulu – 2055 local
Fantail of the USS Patrick Henry
Somewhere in the Adriatic Sea

Let me introduce myself.

Lieutenant Commander Harmon 'Harm' Rabb, Jr., USN. I've been an aviator, F-14's, for thirteen years now. I went to the Academy, Annapolis class of '85, then in flight school. From there, I had three very, very good friends. Lieutenant Commander Jack 'Keeter' Keeter. Lieutenant Commander Sturgis Turner. And Lieutenant junior grade Diane Schonke.

Keeter. He's a pilot, like me. Trained on F-14's, like me. In fact, we often fly our missions together. I'm lead, he's my wingman – I can't help it, I'm better. I remember him, a while ago, asking me for advice. He was offered a job at the CIA and didn't know if he wanted to take it. I just told him 'do what your guts enjoy best' and he stayed fighter pilot. We're currently deployed aboard the USS Patrick Henry. My second, his third tour on board this ship. Not as much memories as on the Seahawk. The ship we crossed the line in – February 3, 1987. I still remember it, and I'm sure he does too. He's married. Keeter's married. To a very pretty five foot seven Hispanic-type civilian. Sometimes I can't believe it. I mean… he used to have one girl in each port. And one day, he comes back married from a one day leave in Spain. Five years and counting. Always faithful. I know him. And I'm a little jealous sometimes. I never was the 'one girl in each city' type. Okay, maybe a little, when we stayed in one place for a long time. The only one I ever loved is dead. Three years and counting. May you rest in peace, Diane.

Diane. March 18, 1964 - May 27, 1996. A real genius. She was murdered by her former XO on board the Seahawk, because she could end his career. He didn't report her complaint of sexual harassment. Hopefully, the case was quickly and correctly solved. Captain Hollbarth won a life sentence in Leavenworth. It was one of the few deployments where I wasn't on the Seahawk. It wasn't easy, but I put my mind as ease with it. Now, I only have good memories. Almost. My friends were there for me. Thanks, folks. I'll never forget my Crypto friend. She really was beautiful…

Sturgis Turner. He's a bubblehead. Short enough to sleep in those tiny boxes, I suppose. And one day, he got into the law program. Since then, he serves as a JAG on subs. He's on deployment too, somewhere near Iceland I think. He's sometimes thinking about transferring on dry land. Something I would never do on my own free will. If it makes you happy, buddy! Maybe sometimes you'll pay us a visit. We'd like to see you soon. Above the water.

I love my life. I was born a pilot. Third generation, actually. Gramps was killed in '42 during World War II, my Dad in Nam. At least I have graves to visit. They're not far from each other, in Pennsylvania. I myself had a very close call in '91. I came a few feet away from a ramp strike. They checked me, the plane and the weather. I was cleared and kept my flight status. More fear than hurt. My former RIO is currently Keeter's. Lt. Cdr. Kevin Mace's one of the most experienced him or I ever had. With Skates – Lt. Elisabeth Hawkes, we're so lucky. And, frankly, we all passed thirty. The old guys. When you know that the crew average age is twenty one…

On the flight deck, a helo just landed. Pilots and RIOs all know what this is all about. Why a helo landed at 2115. Mishap investigation. I should know, I was there, I witnessed the whole thing. We were flying over the Kosovo's no fly zone. Four birds in the air. Mine, Keeter's, Snake's and Bear's. Keeter and I had our mission carried on. Bear did encounter small difficulties – okay, big – and tried to go back to the carrier. Snake stayed with her, at a secure level. Bear had the mishap. Keeter and I weren't not far. Witnesses. No harm for the crews, we're just a little shaken up.

Mishap equals JAG investigation. Damn.

Pilots don't like lawyers. Pilots like pilots – same bird's better – and RIOs. Lawyers have serious tendencies to consider us as crazy and unfit people. What do they know? They're pencil pushers. I never care, why should I?


1940 Zulu – 2140 local
USS Patrick Henry
Officer's wardroom

Here I finally am.

It's my second visit on the ship. My JAG partner is already here. Actually, I don't know him. And it's not just because he's not based from the headquarters, like I am. Our CO also keeps him buried in subs. Commander Sturgis Turner became a bit famous for that trait, actually. So, he's a squid. Why am I not surprised?

As for me? Well, since last January, I'm Lieutenant Colonel Sarah 'Mac' Mackenzie, USMC.

We're here to investigate on a mishap due to technical problems. At least, that's what they told me. Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden, my C.O., didn't say much about the case. He just grunted once or twice, and then made Commander Tuner is my partner. He insisted on repeating that we were going into a war zone, and that we had to respect the rules and interfere as little as possible with the scheduled missions. That is probably why I only arrived at 2115. And that I have yet to meet that bubblehead-squid.

When he came into the room, I extended my hand towards him. A quick flick of surprise passed on his face. That is curious. I'm sure he saw a Marine before.

We greeted, introduces ourselves, and then, he jump right into business.

"Do you know why I'm here?" He seemed surprised to be there, and to tell the truth, I was, too.

"No, Commander. Do you have any reserves?" Like working with a Marine?

"No, Colonel. I just happen to know very well our two prime witnesses." I quickly shot a glance to the witness list. I knew what to look for. I read the files during transportation – well, the preliminary report about the mishap, and the eight service records.

"Lt. Commanders Jack Keeter and Harmon Rabb?"

"Yes, Keeter and Harm. We go way back, up to Annapolis. It's clearly stated in my service record that I at least am acquainted with two witnesses, so, why me?"

I wasn't told of any specific reason, so I just told him what I believed to be true. I had never done an investigation like this either. It was strange.

"I'm a Marine, you are a submariner. Maybe you'll have the truth being their friend. Investigations involving pilots and RIOs are never easy… the little club is closed to intruders."

"It's more than that, Colonel. I live to see their faces the first time they see you." So that is why he was surprised. And?

"Why is that, Commander?"

"I can't tell." He sounded like a child who had been told a secret, and was teasing a friend with it. Except that we're not children. Nor friends.

"Commander… Do I have to use force? I'm prepared for anything." I'm primary on this. I need to know any and all peculiars in order to be effective. That squid was starting to annoy me.

"You asked." He was borderline insubordinate. Good thing I'm not his superior. "Well, Colonel, put on a Navy uniform, junior grade bars and you're a ghost. The ghost of our long gone friend." Okay, I wasn't expecting any of that.

"Ghost, Commander?" And I had no time for stupid ghost stories.

"Yes, Colonel. She – Lieutenant Diane Schonke – was murdered three years ago. She was our best friend, an excellent cryptograph officer. She and Commander Rabb were very close." Okay, maybe that isn't a stupid ghost story. It would render the investigation either easier, or more difficult. Something I didn't need. Time is against us.

"Thank you. I understand. War time and war zone mishap. Pilots. Plus, we are on a tight schedule here. They figured that somehow we'll have more luck with the crew. May I suggest we begin at once?" No time to lose.

"Very well, Colonel. Let's go see if they're right." Okay, the good impression that squid had made on me was back. When he wasn't acting like a child, he seemed very dedicated, and very capable. Probably very agreeable to work with, too.

"Commander?"

"Colonel?"

"I'm unfamiliar with carriers. Can you lead the way?"

"Yes, Colonel. This way, please."

And very nice, too.


(Sturgis)

1955 Zulu – 2155 local
Same location

So, boys. I hope you don't believe in ghosts. Keet', you will be surprised. Harm, you will be… well, I'm not entirely sure. I hope to see you alone after this. She insisted on beginning now. I concur. It wasn't not good to have her on board without knowing.

We arrived in the officers' wardroom, and took a seat. To a young ensign standing there, she ordered tea. Huh, Colonel… a beer would go a longer way. Okay, maybe not in an official matter like this. We're on duty. But I know that slightly inebriated pilots talk better. And seeing how you're right about the fact that it is a very little, and very closed club, well… we'll just have to see what they tell us.

"Colonel, who do we call?" I think I know where she wants to start, butt verification never killed anyone. I think.

"Commander, I suggest we drop rank. We're already outranking everyone involved in this. We're both on the O-5 pay rate. I'm Mac." Okay, no way I'm telling her she's wrong. But informality is good. I like that.

"Sturgis. So, who should we call?" Still waiting on that verification, Mac.

"Your friends. I want to hear first-hand what happened, witness side. See if there's any problem. You don't think they'll…"

"Have their story straight? No, Mac. Honestly, they have known procedure and me for the last eighteen years. I don't think they'll make themselves guilty of conspiracy or perjury. It'll be the truth. I'm not saying they'll talk a lot either. Solidarity is a strong word between pilots and RIOs. Air crews are very close, and the good ones even more so. Life, profound friendship and trust – they all depend on it.

"We'll see about that." She tuned back to the ensign that had just brought tea back. "Ensign, tell Lt. Commanders Keeter and Rabb to report here ASAP."

"Aye, ma'am." He saluted, and left the room one more time.

Beware boys, she's stubborn too. I hope you had your share of surprises today. And, Harm, don't stare.


(Keeter)

2000 Zulu – 2200 local
USS Patrick Henry
Bunk immediately following Harm's

A knock on the door. Finally. I've been grounded and restricted to quarters almost all day. Damn.

Well, not exactly. Since Harm and I are bunkmates, I'm restricted to the next quarter. Why the hell does he have our bunk? His Silver Star' ribbon? This one he got right before the end of the Gulf war, when he stayed behind on low fuel to protect our troops and allies from enemies he spotted from the air, and had a second close call. The better grades he had at the Academy? I'm the older one. Damn.

Well, maybe I let him have it just because he's Harm. My best friend, and the best known part of our legend. At least, I'm in khakis. I had the right to change uniforms. And I kept my wife's picture with me. She's my lucky charm. I kind of carry her everywhere

I exited the bunk only to discover that lucky bastard who stayed next door.

"You too, Harm?" I still had no idea where we were going.

"Yeah. Well, the sooner the better. Let's get this over with. I don't know you, but I don't cope very well with grounding and restriction to quarters."

"Tell me about it." We were back from an hour of liberty for only thirty minutes and already I wanted to be out again.

He turned to the ensign who was still at attention after knocking on our doors.

"Ensign?"

"You're both expected in the officer's wardroom, sirs."

"Thank you, ensign." I replied, being nicer than the gigantic ape next to me.

"Aye, sir." He saluted, and left.

"Ready?" He was annoyed, I could tell, and I just love pushing his buttons.

"Are you deaf, Keet'?"

"Shut up, Harm. Let's go. Don't let JAGs wait." I took lead, and he followed me.

We just turned to reach the wardroom when he spoke again.

"I don't like outranking JAGs. They're not pilots." We're going to go far with remarks like that. I don't either, buddy. But I don't think we have any choice in the matter. Damn.

"Right with you. But hey, we're due to be promoted to full Commander by the end of the month, remember?"

"If they didn't stop it before it happens." His pessimism was tiring me. Okay, so it had already almost happened to him once, so what?

"Stop worrying. You were in that bird?" I was getting annoyed, too.

"No."

"So quit worrying and quit whining. I swear you won't die in combat. The ulcer you're cooking by all this overthinking will have you first." Gosh, I feel like the big brother here.

"Keet…"

"Shut up. We're here." Case in point. I stooped walking. He had to change attitude before I opened that door.

"I'm lead, you enter first." Mission accomplished.

"Bastard" He was smiling.

I opened the door and froze the minute I saw the two occupants inside the room.

"Keet?" He asked from behind me. Good thing I hadn't resumed walking, or he would have come crushing into my back.

"You sure you want in?" I tried to warn him, as if anything could magically change.

"Yeah, why?" He said, the tone in his voice asking me if I was crazy, or just stupid.

"You didn't have you adrenaline high today." Well, you're about to.

"Do I have to kick you?" He was getting annoyed again.

"Fine. Consider yourself warned." We had to go in anyway.

"You became paralyzed in the last minute?" Sturgis' voice. Harm's eyes widened. So, he knew Sturgis was there.

"No, sir. You have to excuse Harm, he's the one who stopped walking." As if. But they don't know that.

He slaps my arm, hard. "Oww." He didn't have to make me pay for that line.

"Commander Keeter, resume you walk. Carry Commander Rabb in if you have to. Ensign, you can go." Sturgis, again. He's the only one inside talking, so far. The same ensign that had come for our asses left the room, and the four of us alone.

"Aye, sir." I had two oak leafs in front of me, so I went formal. It felt weird to call Sturgis 'sir'.

"Walk." From Harm. Fine, if you say so.

Don't day I didn't warn you.