Thanks for all the reviews. I know I said real-life Bush Administration characters would appear in the last chapter, but they didn't. Maybe over here. It is a challenge to figure which Bush Administration official is which in 2003. As before, the story below is entire fictional and does not represent the political actions of any US administration.
This takes place before Kate Todd entered the NCIS World but to alter the storyline a bit Gibbs and Fornell were already best friends before the "Harmon Rabb" and "Yankee White cases.
Gibbs' Home
Somewhere in Virginia
2000 hours local
"You didn't exactly leave the front door open, I had to enter via the back," Senior Special Agent Tobias Fornell called as he descended the steps into the basement.
"And usually I find you watching old Western movies this evening. You're down here instead. What's the new boat's name? Diane?"
"Names don't really matter," Gibbs said, continuing to scrub.
"I recognize this signal. You're annoyed or angry with me again." Gibbs didn't immediately reply.
"What's it Jethro? Still angry that I suggested Blackadder to you? So I'm sorry she was a Pain in the Ass. She's out of the Bureau now, if that is any consolation for you."
"That whiny girl is the least of my worries," Gibbs mumbled, still shaving the wooden block.
"Then what's bugging you? That the FBI had too much credit for the attack against POTUS?"
Gibbs dropped his polishing equipment and finally blurted, "It's because you always have insider knowledge which stops me from performing my job."
"Hey, hey what insider information? You have the same security clearance as I do…"
"My gut tells me you know something about a potential attack against a US Navy target, you and a whole host of people."
"You're…gut? Jethro you've thought too much with it. Yes, I've heard about the threat from NSA and we have a task force set up to look into it as well. But that's as far as I know. I swear."
Gibbs stared at his long time friend for a few minutes then blurted, "I still think you know something else."
"Know? I know…ok this is what I think, and it's just a guess. It's something larger than just the Navy, something which neither of our agencies can handle."
On board Air Force One
En route to Beijing, People's Republic of China
One day earlier due to the International Date Line
The seat belt sign blinked green and everyone started to unbuckle their belts. You may be in the world's most powerful aircraft which could help POTUS direct a war, Skates thought, yet you still needed to obey the seat belt signs. The Japan trip was pretty interesting—POTUS gave rather detailed speech and answers on US trade, defence and cultural policy exchanges to Japan. He also did give a rather over-patriotic speech to the troops at Kadena Air Force Base.
Despite having to stand in the sidelines and sometimes in a nearby separate room, Skates still got to exchange greetings with a number of Japanese and civilian officials. None of them, even those who spoke English, gave any special interest in the device she was holding in her occasionally sore left hand. I'm just another figure amongst this sea of Executive Branch and federal government family, she thought. I carry the briefcase that can help start or response to a nuclear attack or large scale national disaster, but no one cares who I am. Oh well, she thought, it's just a job, a temporary job...
Well, it's not the only task I have, Skates thought. I'm also to help one of my bosses look out for anyone or anything that might have a relation to the disappearance of my processor, Hayes. Disappearance, so far the story she hear made it sound like a murder. Which probably means I am also a target. Damnit, she thought, someone get me back to my noisy carrier where I can teach newbies how to operate weapon systems and how to fly. Harm, you're in the legal corps, help me?
"Commander," a staffer suddenly interrupted her pessimistic thoughts. "Staff meeting, side conference room, now." He didn't even say please, she thought as she lifted the doomsday device and her service head dress. As it was with other with or White House-related or joint forces events, there was a sea of Navy, Army, Air Force and Marine officers and enlisted personnel, as well as civilians. Skates immediately spotted the Deputy National Security Advisor Hadley at the front of the room.
"Listen up," the same staffer who briefed them at the White House began. "We'll in landing in Beijing in just under an hour. As you know, the PRC hasn't exactly been that supportive of our efforts in the War on Terror. The President won't be visiting major landmarks but we expect some sort of state-supported protest against us during the visit. As mentioned, keep a look out, do not stray from the team and under no circumstances should you engage in conversations with PRC officials beyond anything sanction by your superiors. If in doubt, refer to me or my team. Mr. Deputy National Security Advisor?"
What a long title, Skates thought. "I just like to repeat what Jim has said. The PRC may not be an ally or an adversary, but we need to strengthen our relationship with the country; it's helping with anti-terror efforts in the Pacific. As it is with all our overseas trips, the USSS and our security staff will scan your living quarters but this being China, they may especially tap your conversations, where even you are. You," he indicated towards Skates. "Yessir," she immediately stood up at attention, not likely the rude tone or the several dozen eyes looking at her. "You must be extra careful with yourself and the Football. Stick behind and really do not talk to anyone."
"Yes sir," she repeated. I am a target, she thought gloomily. A big target with no one to run to.
JAG Headquarters
Around the same time
"Court is adjourned," Judge Seabring banged the gravel and the court rose. "Nice one again, Bud," Harm shook hands with the junior JAG. "That was a great defence."
"Thanks to you sir," Lieutenant Roberts replied. "You gave me the suggestion. Join me and Harriet for a coffee break?"
"Nah, I've got something to catch up with." Back in his office with door closed and blinds drawn, Harm retrieve a file from his safe and tapped his pen against it. Laramie, Laramie who the hell are you? Why aren't you on the service records database?
"I'm busy!" Harm cried at the sudden knocking on the door. "Sir." The chirp voice responded.
"Yup Coates?"
"Sorry if you are sir but you know me..."
"Know you?"
"I'm sometimes nosey sir and forgive me, Commander," The young Legalman Second Class began, "but I was overhearding the case you had in the JAG duty officer's office and..."
"Step in Jennifer," Harm used her first name which surprised her. Door locked and blinds drawn once more, Harm motioned her to carry on.
"Well, I over her sir and I well saw her exit. You know I'm just new here but I've made good friends with the Master-at-Arms especially Corporal Wright..."
"Don't tell me you're dating him."
"No sir, nothing to that level. Anyway, I was chatting to Jon during break not office hours sir, and we were at desk. Well, I remembered the time that lady left sir, so I flicked through Jon's record book. But there was no record of the that lady entering or even leaving the building at all!"
To be Continued
PS: It's shorter than usual, but that's how it is.
