SAM'S DILEMMA

Disclaimers:  I do not own the JAG characters.  Sam and Ashlyn are mine.  As you read you will see countries and heads of state mentioned.  They are purely fictitious.  Enjoy and please let me know what you think.  Remember this disclaimer covers it for the entire story. 

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It has been about seven months since the wedding of Ashlyn and Gunny.  In that time there have been many changes.  Mac and Harm purchased a home in Arlington and moved.  Gunny and Ashlyn purchased a home in Alexandria and Ashlyn is now Chief of Emergency Services at Northern Virginia Community Hospital.  Tiner is still living in Sam's old condo, where Coates is a frequent visitor.  Harriet is back at work, she and Bud are juggling life as the parents of two along with the day to day things that happen to those who are seasoned in marriage.  Sam and Webb purchased a home in Alexandria, not too far from Gunny and Ashlyn.  AJ and Meredith were still going strong as were Bobbie and Sturgis.   As they all knew, life is not always perfect and today was one of those days.

JAG OFFICES

Sam Danaher Webb walked into the JAG offices.  It was not that unusual to see her there.  Since she began "Military Beat" she would often come around and chat.  Lately though, she wasn't just coming around because of the column.  It had been three months since Webb had been banished to Suriname.  Sam wanted to go with him, but Webb refused.  He knew how much this new assignment meant to her and most importantly he feared for her safety.  So, after four months of marriage, they were separated by a continent, but Sam was racking up the frequent flyer miles.  The first week of every month, she boarded a flight to Paramaribo, where she spent the week with Webb.  She was miserable because yesterday the flight left and she was not on it. 

"Hey Sam, what are you doing here?" Tiner asked.

"I couldn't go," Sam snapped.

"Are you okay?" Tiner asked.

"Just peachy, where's Harm?" Sam demanded.

"The Commander is in his office," Tiner replied. He had never seen Sam like this.

Sam walked over to Harm's office and without knocking went in and slammed the door behind her.

"Sam, what are you doing here?" Harm asked.

"I'm going to kick your ass." Sam snapped.

"Sam, can you back up a bit before you pulverize me?" Harm asked. "What's wrong?"

"I didn't go to see Webb because I have a new assignment," Sam said.

"And you want to beat me up because…" Harm asked.

"Here, take a look at this," Sam said and threw a file at him.

"Where did you get this?" Harm asked looking at the file.

The file Sam threw at him was a classified file that had come across her editor's desk.  It contained information about several different CIA missions all of which involved various JAG officers.  The part that Sam had highlighted was regarding the Angel Shark.  Webb had never told her the whole situation and when she read that it was Harm he had gotten the tape for, Sam blew a gasket.

"Does it matter? You're a lawyer. You know I don't have to reveal my sources." Sam snapped.

"Sam, sit down." Harm said trying to calm her.

"I will not sit down, Harm! He was told to stay out of it." Sam stated. "But you knew he wouldn't let you down."

"Sam, Clay told me that he was ordered to stay out of it, after I asked for his help. Not before." Harm stated.

"But you still got what you needed." Sam yelled. "Harmon Rabb, the hero."

"I didn't ask him for that tape. I didn't even know what he had done until it was over." Harm defended himself.

"Great, you didn't know and now I am a part time wife." Sam snapped. "Thanks a million."

"Sam, you're being a bit irrational here." Harm protested.

"Of course I am being irrational!" Sam yelled. "Pregnant women are always irrational!"

"Sam, does Clay know?" Harm said gently with a smile.

"I was going to tell him this week." Sam replied. "Then all this happened."

"Sam, what's the story they want you to do?" Harm asked changing the topic.

"I can't do it, and I don't know how to kill it." Sam said.

"We're still talking about the story here, right?" Harm asked.

"What, oh god yes." Sam said in shock. "Harm, they want a story which could bury the CIA, which means I take down my husband, or I bury the Navy and take all of you down."

"Exactly what are they asking?" Harm questioned.

"Either a piece on how the CIA, and its involvement with such things as the Angel Shark or on how Navy Lawyers are part time spies." Sam stated.

"What happens if you don't do the story?" Harm asked.

"Someone else would get it." Sam replied.

"What if you do the story?" Harm asked.

"What do you have in mind?" Sam replied.

"Just agree to do," Harm smiled. "Now, tell me how you are, really."

"I found out last week that I was 2 months pregnant. I quit smoking and drinking.  I'm miserable. Harm, I miss him." Sam said.

"I know you do," Harm said and hugged her. "Sit down."

"Thanks." Sam said in a calmer tone. "I can do this alone, I don't want to."

"You won't have to." Harm replied. "We're all here."

"I know that, but none of you are Webb." Sam said. "In another couple of months I won't be able to travel."

"Then there is only one thing we can do," Harm said.

"What's that?" Sam asked.

"Bring Webb home," Harm smiled. "And it will be the articles that do it."

THE BULLPEN

Sam and Harm walked out of his office and everyone was standing in the bullpen.  They all heard Sam yelling at him and they heard everything.

"Sam, why didn't you tell me I was going to be an uncle?" Tiner asked.

"Congratulations," Sturgis said. "If you need anything just ask."

"Thanks," Sam smiled. "Listen, I haven't told Webb yet. Let's keep this quiet."

"As long as you stop yelling," Gunny laughed. "Does Doc know?"

"Cute Victor," Sam smirked. "No one knew until now."

"Sam, I'm really excited for you," Harriet smiled.

"We have all the books," Bud added.

"Mrs. Webb," AJ bellowed.

"Yes Admiral?" Sam replied.

"Day or night, anything you need." AJ smiled and hugged her.

It was at this moment that Sam finally relaxed.  She sagged against AJ and sighed.

"What's going on?" Mac asked coming in from court.

"It seems as if Clayton Webb hit the bull's-eye, Ma'am." Gunny remarked.

"That's wonderful," Mac said walking over to Sam.

"Mr. Webb doesn't know yet." Coates advised.

"Admiral, we need to talk to you." Harm said.

"Come on," AJ said turning towards his office.

"Mac and Sturgis, you need to be there too." Harm advised.

They all walked into AJ's office where Sam told them the whole situation.  Once she was finished, they all discussed all the possibilities.  It was going to take time but it was going to happen.  AJ made a quick call and arranged a military transport to Suriname for Sam leaving the next day.

"We'll get things rolling here," AJ announced. "You go see Webb."

"Thank you Admiral," Sam smiled.

"Sam, are you going to tell Webb?" Harm asked.

"I think it would be a good idea." Sam laughed.

"I wish I could see his face," Mac laughed.

"Well, I am not going to tell him about this plan." Sam stated.

"I still can't believe Clayton Webb is going to be a father." Harm said.

"So, do you think he will be secretive?" Mac asked about the baby.

"Nope, I think she will be stubborn," Sam smiled.

"Remember Sam, anything at all. We're here." AJ said as Sam left.