Timing Is Everything
Chapter 36
Sunday, November 22, 1998
1930 Local Time
Andrews Air Force Base
Arrivals Terminal
John and Diane were waiting for their spouses. John was holding his 14 month old goddaughter Sarah Cate to give Diane a break. At two months her pregnancy was starting to show now.
It was a tough four days. John and Diane were almost inseparable during the whole thing. Diane left Sarah Cate to sleep over at Ann Marie's. Being Press Secretary, Ann Marie was privy to the details of the incident and arranged for Secret Service agents to drop off and pick-up Sarah Cate at daycare. She knew that the way John and Diane were working was their way of coping with the idea of that each of their respective spouses was working a dangerous mission together. Diane stayed in the guest room at the Marshall's.
While Bud stayed on the Seahawk, Sarah and Harm went on to Tehran. There a Justice Minister named Nassan met them. He brought them to Bakkar prison where Keeter was being held. Harm was appalled that Keeter was in such a sorry state. Keeter's clothing was ripped and unkempt. He was dirty and his right arm was broken and just laid in a dirty sling.
"Hey Keeter, how are you doing?" Harm asked.
"No Martin Baker" Keeter kept mumbling over and over.
"Minister Nassan, is this how you treat prisoners. He needs immediate medical attention. He has a broken arm and a possible concussion," Harm chastised him
"We were in the process of getting him medical attention when you showed up. If you like we can have a doctor and nurse see him right away and you can come back later to see him. In the meantime he left a letter to be sent to his father," Nassan said oozing oily charm as he gave the letter to Harm.
Harm took the letter and he and Sarah went to the Australian Embassy. They met Brumby and Webb there. The mention of "no Martin Baker" meant that Keeter had not ejected, but had landed the plane. Harm knew Keeter's father was dead. The letter was coded and it spelled out where in the Dasht-e-Kavir Desert the jet was. Webb gave Harm a replacement circuit board for the jet. Webb and Brumby went back to the Seahawk.
Then with the aid of a CIA Operative named Kazzari, Sarah and Harm broke Keeter out of the prison. They set out across the desert. When they came upon the jet, they saw that Bedouins took control of the jet as a shelter. They negotiated with them for $1 Million Dollars in gold, but Sarah had to stay with them as collateral. Going with the Bedouins was also the only way Sarah and Keeter had to get away. They replaced the circuit board but before Harm could take off another complication came up.
Kazzari turned out to be a double agent. He notified the Iranian Army. Only by Harm and Keeter winning the face off in a Western style gunfight were they able to get away. Harm in the jet and Sarah and Keeter across the desert with the Bedouins just ahead of the approaching Iranian Army.
The jet landed on the Seahawk automatically. While Harm was in the simulator Keeter and Sarah arrived. They met in the simulator room with Keeter. Keeter was complaining that Sarah drove him crazy all the way across the desert by her ability to tell the exact time by her "body clock". They flew off the Seahawk to Riyadh and then took a flight to Andrews.
Sarah Cate lit up when she saw her father and her Aunt Sarah followed by Keeter, Bud and Webb. John put her down and she walked to meet Harm. Harm picked his daughter up and spun her around like an airplane. Sarah Cate just giggled in delight. Harm carried her over to Diane and gave his wife a good kiss.
After he shook Bud, Webb and Keeter's hands John embraced his wife. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him down to her for a deep, deep kiss. It was almost two minutes before they came up for air. "I missed you so much," Sarah told him.
"I missed you to," John said holding her chin up with his thumb. "What do you say we go home where you can try on the present I bought you," John said tenderly.
Sarah smiled brightly. "You bought me a present? When did you have the time? Diane called me in flight. She told me that while Harm and I were away you and she were inseparable, barely out of ATAC for more than an hour at a time during the day and you had Diane over at our place and Sarah Cate stayed at Ann Marie's while you were trying to keep tabs on the mission and us. You never did that while I was away on other cases," Sarah said.
"First of all, you said the magic word – cases. Every other time you were away without me, you were working cases, doing legal work. Harm was the one taking the chances flying or jumping around in a fire. You weren't on dangerous missions. It was easier on me when we were together in Russia and I was with Harm. Remember that Diane was a wreck there and you were the cool one. Well this time we both needed the companionship and the support. Working our end of the mission helped us to keep it together. We felt that we were in some kind of control. It was the only way we could cope and stay focused without over worrying. It's always going to be this way when we are apart on this type of mission. We have in Harm and Diane a great support system. I would expect that you would lean on Diane and Harm if I were the one away on a mission," John finished.
"I can understand that." Sarah said as she kissed him again. "You said first of all. What's second?" Sarah asked.
"Well I was able to relax when I heard that you were back on the Seahawk. Then it took you almost a whole 24 hours to get home after that, plenty of time to pick it up. It's your wedding present. I ordered it before the wedding, but it wouldn't have been ready on time for the wedding. It came in two days ago. You'll find it on the bed when we get home," John said.
"Is it something that you're going to take off me anyway or at least wear outside?" Sarah asked.
"I think you'll be able to wear it for a while, no matter what we do," John said.
"Ooh, I can't wait!" Sarah said in a very girlie way. John loved that about her. Under the tough Marine exterior was a real girl who appreciated all the little things, like the sexy lingerie, jewelry and all the other romantic gifts.
2030 Local Time
Marshall Residence
Florida Ave, NW
When Sarah saw what John bought her, she squealed with delight. It was a ¾ length silver fox fur coat. It was lined in silk and had her name "Sarah Catherine Marshall" embroidered in the lining. She shooed John out of the room telling him she needed time to get ready for him. "Give me 10 minutes, I'll call you," she said as she pushed him out the door.
John went into the extra bathroom and changed into his bathrobe leaving his shorts on. Sarah called him. When he entered he saw what she prepared. Sarah turned off all the lights and lit up aromatic oil candles in wall sconces that she installed all around the room. She turned down the bed and was sitting with her legs curled up seductively under her. All she had on was the fur coat, which she held closed across and just slightly off her shoulders.
"I love the way the silk feels on my bare skin," she purred. "I want you to make love to me while I wear this," she said.
John was only too eager to please. Sarah smiled delightedly as he shed his robe and shorts as his erection stood out proudly. She smiled seductively as she opened her coat giving him a full view of all her attributes. He got on the bed as they both had their way with each other.
2315 Local Time
Marshall Residence
Florida Ave, NW
Sarah still had the coat on as she lay across John's body. It covered the both of them as she had one arm across his chest and her legs entangled in his. "How was that Mrs. Marshall?" John asked as he stroked her hair.
"That was wonderful. You know, I was ovulating. I found out on the Seahawk by using a fertility test kit that I brought with me. I couldn't wait to get home so we could do this. The fur coat made it more enjoyable." Sarah said.
"When will we know for sure?" John asked.
"We'll know in two weeks when my period is due or maybe tomorrow. I'll buy some pregnancy tests after mass." Sarah replied.
"Well we'll say a prayer when we go to church tomorrow morning." John said.
"Yeah I went to mass on the carrier before we left. I knew that I would miss mass here. Going to 7:00 Mass with you tomorrow will be nice." Sarah said.
"It's a date." John said as they fell asleep.
Sarah woke up at about 0130 and put her present away. She put on one of her negligees that John loved so much to see her in and went back to sleep.
Monday, November 30, 1998
0942 Local Time
JAG Headquarters
Washington Navy Yard, DC
Sarah and John had spent Thanksgiving Day at the Rabbs. Frank & Trish were there as well as Bud & Harriet. John's parents and sister were up in New York with Matt & Mark at Mark's house.
Sarah told Diane that she might be pregnant. Diane agreed to keep her confidence.
After greeting and telling each other how their holiday weekend time was, Harm & Sarah were receiving orders for their next assignment from AJ.
"The USS Coral Sea is out in the Persian Gulf helping enforce the 'No Fly Zone' in Iraq. It has been experiencing chronic severe power interruptions while in the middle of flight operations. Last night a steam pipe failure with severe injuries was the capper. I am sending you two to investigate. A civilian contractor, name of Yarborrough is working on upgrading the ship's systems. I want you two make sure this isn't sabotage. You leave this afternoon, dismissed," AJ said.
"Aye, aye sir,' Sarah and Harm said as they snapped to attention then left.
When they got out to the Coral Sea they met Yarborrough. He told them that the ship had failures for some time, including lock-outs, system crashes, and false alarms.
As they interviewed the crew they found that those who interacted with him described him as a 'smart guy who likes to remind you of it.' They met another civilian contractor, John Newman. He was the hazardous materials expert. Harm and Sarah found him in a storage locker set up to contain the material until it could be disposed of properly. Harm and Sarah donned the protective clothing that covered them from head to toe before they entered the locker. Newman showed Sarah and Harm the failed pipe. He found that acid was applied.
"Why do you use acid?" Sarah asked.
"The acid is a spontaneous metal dissolver (SMD) used as "liquid torch". We use that in those areas of the ship where flames from a torch can't be used, such as fuel storage areas," Newman explained. Sara touched the pipe with the fingertips of her gloved left hand.
"Don't touch that colonel, it's highly corrosive," Newman warned her. She immediately withdrew her hand then they left the locker.
Before they could start to remove the protective clothing, Sarah called "Harm!" The cry had a mixture of surprise and pain. Harm grabbed her and rushed her to the wash down station. Her left glove that she used to touch the corroded pipe began burning from the acid. The acid dissolved the thick latex and was attacking the skin on her fingers.
After ensuring that all the acid was washed off, Harm helped Sarah remove the rest of her protective clothing. Then they rushed up to sickbay to get her burns treated. Her left index finger and middle finger had 2nd degree burns. The corpsman cleaned the wounds with sterile water then applied 1% silver sulfadiazine' or Silverdine burn ointment to the burns. He wrapped each finger separately in surgitube and netting and then wrapped them together.
"You're lucky that your ring finger wasn't affected. Otherwise we would have had to cut your wedding and engagement rings off. You will lose the finger nails on the two burned fingers though, but they'll grow back," the corpsman informed her. He then gave her a jar of the ointment. "Change the bandage once a day applying the "Silverdine" each time as you saw me do it. Keep the bandage dry and clean. You can wash the burns between applying the ointment and bandages, but gently. It's a good thing you're right handed ma'am."
"Thank you corpsman," Sarah said.
While Sarah was being treated in sickbay, Harm went to the bridge during a "rumble" and everyone watched him as he "armchair quarterbacked" the downing of two Iraqi MIGs. Sarah came up and observed the 'rumble'.
Sarah shook her head seeing how engrossed he was watching flight tapes and walked away. Harm saw her as she was walking away and left the bridge to catch up with her.
"You were good weren't you?" she asked him when he caught her.
Harm responded, "I still am, and status current."
Sarah told him, "You'll never be able to go back, because you're too important to JAG and you have a wife and family to take care of. I'm beginning to worry that you're trading one obsession for another. First it was finding your father, then Roscoe, what's next, flying?"
Harm just grinned and said, "You're just afraid you'll lose me."
She merely responded, "Maybe or that you will lose yourself."
"It wasn't my choice if it weren't for my eyes, I would still be doing that," Harm retorted pointing back to the bridge.
"I realize that you crashed because of your eyes. I also realize because you crashed that you were in the hospital where you met my husband who had to remind you that there was more to this life than flying. If he weren't in the hospital with you and he didn't tell you what he told you, would you have realized that alone and married my sister?" Sarah asked him.
Harm had to lower his eyes before he said, "Probably not. But Diane and I discussed this. She confronted me one day right after Sarah Cate was born and asked me if I missed flying. I told her, only when I'm back on board, or see a jet, shaving in the morning, in my dreams, eating pizza, watching a movie. I also told her that I don't regret joining JAG but it would have been nice if I had left flying on my own terms. We both agreed that if there were some way my eyes can be fixed, I would go back just to prove that it wasn't just my eyes. So if that opportunity presented itself, she would support me."
Sarah responded, "You're a lucky guy to be married to such an understanding woman." Sarah said.
"Yeah I am," Harm agreed.
Then they turned to concentrating on the investigation. Harm told the captain the incidents were either sabotage or vandalism. Harm then called JAG and asked Bud to check the names including civilian contractors. One of the injured sailors told Harm that Newman was in the engine room before the break.
"It has to be Newman," Harm said.
Sarah added, "I think its Yarborough."
Harm asked, "Why?"
"Because he's a disgruntled, former-navy geek who tried to prove himself smarter than everyone else by creating problems then fixing them. I can't figure out why though," Sarah answered.
"I'll bet you dinner either at your house or mine on who the culprit is," Harm offered.
"How about this, the loser pays for dinner at your or my favorite restaurant. I don't think I can stand your meatless meatloaf. It should be declared as hazardous material or toxic waste, it tastes so bad," Sarah reminded him.
Harm grinned sarcastically at her but he began thinking about his 'meatless meatloaf'.
While Harm and Sarah were discussing who might be at fault and dinner bets, Yarborough was in the ship's control room. He spilled coffee on the XO. While the XO went to clean himself and change Yarborough installed a clandestine computer program. Yarborough then left the control room and went to his quarters. The program he installed was a virus that went into effect as he turned on his laptop computer and plugged it into the Internet plug in his room. Almost immediately, multiple outages, alarms and failures started occurring throughout the ship; all while two Tomcats were in a holding pattern with "bingo" fuel.
This forced the Captain to shut off all necessary power in an effort to reboot the system.
Right after the captain shut off unnecessary power Yarborough and Newman met up. They went to the disbursing office. They wore masks as they disabled the petty officer on duty there. Then they stole over a million dollars. They planned to take the money off the ship in the hazardous waste. Only there was a falling out between the two thieves. As they were climbing up a ladder near the side of the ship, Newman kicked Yarborough into the sea.
Right around that time, the theft was reported. Harm and Sarah realized that the power outages & fluctuations were just a diversion. They split up. Sarah went looking for Yarborough in his room. She found the laptop in there. When she pulled the Internet plug all the lights and systems (magically?) returned to full use and two "bingo" Tomcats were able to land.
Harm went after and confronted Newman in Hazmat. As they fought, a container containing acidic material was broken. The material spread all over and started a fire. Newman ripped off Harm's mask. Harm fought back and he knocked Newman out and dragged him to the wash down station.
After it was all over, the Captain asked Harm how he figured it out. Harm baffled him with. "It was my meatless meatloaf."
Sarah suggested that Harm could stay aboard for a few days, and that saving a million dollars would probably be worth a ride in a Tomcat. Harm got his ride. They were able to get home in time for the weekend.
Monday, December 7, 1998
0800 Local Time
JAG Headquarters
Washington Navy Yard, DC
Sarah and Harm returned from their case on the Coral Sea the previous Saturday. Sarah saw how her injured hand worried John and told him, "It's alright; I touched something I shouldn't have that's all."
She did love the care and attention John gave her as he helped her change her bandage every morning after that, including this morning. He was very good at using the Surgitube Dressing he bought at the drug store.
The only thing that bothered her was that having one hand bandaged rendered it semi useless. While she was able to remove the bandage and shower, every other routine task was difficult to perform with one and ½ hands. She couldn't wait for her fingers to heal so that she could get back to normal.
In the meantime it was 2 weeks since John and Sarah had their 'fur coat session'. With the holiday and the urgent need to be on the Coral Sea they hadn't the time to begin testing.
Sarah had that on her mind as she pulled into the parking lot at JAG. She went to 7:00 AM at St. Thomas. While she was there she picked up a brochure about the Big Brothers / Big Sisters program. Keeping in mind what she and John discussed when they first met, she was thinking of passing on her life experiences to someone else besides her child. She knew the value an adult in a child's life, especially one who was troubled, could be. She'd be a good mother to her child and she would teach her what she went through and how to avoid the pitfalls she fell into. She just thought that she had so much more to offer someone who may need her help. She expressed those feelings to John who encouraged her to follow what she thought was right. One of the things she loved about John was his acceptance and encouragement of her dreams, feelings and desires. He once told her, 'I want you to be able to experience all there is in life, our family, friends and colleagues. Just because we're married, I don't want you to feel that you have to isolate yourself." It was one more reason that she was still in love with him.
When she got to her office, she reached into her purse and pulled out the pregnancy test she bought after mass at the Walgreen's near the church. She was thankful that the office was just about empty, though she saw that Tiner came in early. She hurried into the Ladies' Room to use the test. She still had the burn bandages on so she had to hold the box with her ring and pinky fingers on her left hand as she opened the box. She used the test and exited the stall. She didn't need a timer as her internal clock told her the expired time. When it was time she looked at the sign and smiled. She cleaned off the test stick and took it with her to her office. She called Bethesda to make an appointment for her yearly. Then she called John.
John had just come into his office with his coffee when his phone rang. He smiled when he saw JAG's number on his caller ID screen.
"NCIS John speaking," he said answering the phone.
"John, I made an appointment at Bethesda for this afternoon at 1430 hours. Do you think you can be there?" his wife asked.
"I think I can get away, anything the matter?" John asked.
"No nothing's wrong. I took an EPT Test to work with me and the little 'plus sign' showed up." Sarah said happily.
"Wow that was fast. We should have used the fur coat sooner." John said. His tone did little to hide the excitement he was feeling. He was going to be a dad. He couldn't wait to tell someone.
"Funny guy, who knows, we certainly were energetic that night. You acted like you was holding a lot back and couldn't wait to release it. The blood test and the examination will tell us more. I'm using Diane's doctor. Everything turned out well with Sarah Cate. I'm going to tell the admiral first thing before Staff Call." Sarah said excitedly.
"I'm sure AJ will be happy for us. We'll meet at my car in the parking lot. Have you told anyone else?" John asked.
"No, I don't want to tell anyone else until I know for sure after today. Could you please hold off telling Diane and everyone else there until after this afternoon? I'm going to do the same here, except for the admiral." Sarah asked.
John agreed with her, "No problem sweetie. I don't want to jinx it. I'll wait until tomorrow before we let the news out."
"Great, I'll see you later. I love you honey" Sarah said with a catch in her voice. Her emotions got her going.
"I love you to baby. Don't worry everything will be fine." John sweetly said as he caught her emotional tone.
"I know it's just that the idea caught up with me just now. I'll be fine. See you later. I love you," she repeated.
"I love you to," John replied as they ended the call.
Sarah took a deep breath and composed herself. She checked her eyes in her compact mirror to make sure there were no tears, even though they were happy ones. 'This is nothing to be afraid of, everything about this is right.' she said to herself. She went to get some coffee. Then she thought better, no caffeine. She went and prepared herself a cup of non-caffeine tea. She knew that Harriet also being pregnant stocked the break room with some.
While she was there Harriet came in. She saw what Sarah was making for herself.
"No coffee ma'am? Are you pregnant?" Harriet asked in jest.
Sarah dropped the spoon in surprise. Harriet's eyes widened along with her. "You are!" she exclaimed.
"Shhh, not so loud, I only just took an EPT a few minutes ago and it was positive. Only John knows so far. I'm going to ask the admiral for time this afternoon so I can go for my yearly. So keep it to yourself. Don't even tell Bud or Harm, okay Ensign." Sarah said.
"Yes ma'am, my lips are sealed. Is it alright if I just give you a hug then?" Harriet asked happily.
"Yes Harriet its fine." Sarah said with a laugh as Harriet squeezed her with joy.
Right at that moment she heard "Attention on Deck" then the usual "As you were". She gave herself two minutes. Two minutes was just enough time for AJ to cross the bullpen, enter his office, put his briefcase and cover down and sit at this desk. When she knew the two minutes were up, she gave it another 30 seconds. Then she squared her shoulders and made her own way across the bullpen to AJ's office.
Sarah approached Tiner, "May I please see the admiral now Tiner?" Sarah asked in a tone that said 'no' was not an acceptable answer.
"Uh yes ma'am, let me call in," Tiner stammered as he picked up the phone and called in. "Colonel Macken.. er Marshall to see you sir. Yes sir. Go right in ma'am."
Sarah knocked on the door and heard a quick "Enter". "Colonel have a seat, what brings you to me this early?" AJ asked pleasantly.
"Sir I need to go see my doctor this afternoon at 1430." she announced without preamble.
"Is anything wrong?" he asked with some trepidation.
"Oh no sir, it's one of those happy appointments. I took an EPT test this morning. Well let's just say that the plus sign came up." Sarah said happily.
"Well that's great Mac. Does John know? No wait a minute of course he knows. You two jump on the phone to each other so fast with good news it makes my head spin just watching it." AJ said sardonically
Sarah had to laugh at that as she asked, "Is it that obvious? I had no idea."
"Yeah it's that obvious but that's alright. Take the time you need and let me know how everything is tomorrow. Good luck Mac, carry on." AJ said warmly.
"Thank you sir," Sarah said as she got up to leave.
1500 Local Time
Bethesda Navy Medical Center
John was sitting in the waiting room while Sarah went through her examination. They met up in the parking lot and drove to the hospital together. Right about the time he was thinking that he would just bust from the waiting, the nurse came out and asked John to come with her. She escorted him to the examination room where Commander/Dr. Eve Baldwin examined Sarah. Sarah was just buttoning her uniform blouse. John picked up her coat and held it for her. "Thanks sweetie," Sarah said as she shrugged into it. Then they looked toward Eve.
Dr. Baldwin started her brief, "You know I had to look twice when Sarah came in. I thought Diane had switched services. Then I remembered Diane had told me you found each other last year. Anyway Sarah everything looks good. The baby is still very tiny and it's in a good position. According to when you said you were ovulating and when you most likely conceived after that I'd say your due date is right around the end of August beginning of September. Let's call it September 1, 1999. Your only 31, healthy and you don't need to do an amniocentesis so that's good.
Here's your prescription for the prenatal vitamins. No caffeine and cut down on the fat. Your ballet is good as long as there's no jumping or leaping. Go easy on the swing dancing and the tangos and no boxing or kickboxing workouts. Long walks and swimming are good, no running and no heavy lifting. Stay away from the hazardous materials. You were wearing the appropriate protective clothing and the burn to your fingers will not affect the baby. But from now on no more contact with that stuff. Since your Chief of Staff at JAG delegate, delegate, delegate and follow the regulations, 8-hour days only. Dad make sure she adheres to that."
John nodded, "Well my office is only a block away so I'll be there to pull her out or I'll have the admiral kick her out when he has to."
Sarah stuck her tongue out at him.
"Stick to that and everything will be fine. I want to see you once a month until the 8th month and then I will need to see you once a week. Schedule your appointments with Jane my receptionist then go home, be happy and let the world know if you want." Eve said happily.
"Thanks doctor" John and Sarah both said.
"Please call me Eve" Dr. Baldwin said.
"Aye, aye ma'am," they both said. They hurried out the door as Eve waved them out with a shooing motion. They stopped at Jane to schedule their monthly appointments.
"I'll give the schedule to Tiner so that Admiral Chegwidden doesn't send me out of town on those days," Sarah said.
As soon as they got home they called John parents. They were so thrilled to hear they would have another grandchild. Then Sarah called her sister. Harm answered and then gave the phone to his wife.
"Sarah what's up I saw John leave the office early today, is everything alright?" Diane asked.
"Relax everything is fine. I just wanted him with me when I did my yearly and…" Sarah began but she was cut off by a scream of:
"You're pregnant! That is so great." Diane shouted into the phone. Sarah happily confirmed Diane's conclusion.
"When are you due?" Diane asked.
"Well end of August, beginning of September. Eve put down September 1, 99 as the official due date. So that puts me two months behind you and Harriet. Would you please tell Harm that is if he didn't already hear you," Sarah said.
"He was standing right by me. He saw you leaving JAG early, but he didn't know why, now he does," Diane said happily.
"I better call Harriet then and let her know that she can tell Bud. She knew because she saw me making tea for myself instead of coffee. She asked half in jest if I was going off caffeine because I was pregnant. She saw by my surprise that she hit the nail on the head. She promised to keep it secret until I got the chance to tell the office myself. I bet she's ready to burst. Speaking of which, John has to call Ann Marie and let her know to. Let me get off the phone with you so we can do that. I love you sis," Sarah said in conclusion.
"I love you to sweetie," Diane replied as they hung up.
Sarah placed a quick call to Harriet, "You can tell Bud now Harriet, Harm and Diane already know. I'm due September 1, 99. Do me a favor please Harriet; don't go spreading the news tomorrow. I don't mind everyone knowing, but let them hear it from me in my own time, ok?"
"No problem ma'am, I'll see you tomorrow and congratulations again."
"Thank you Harriet. And it's Mac or Sarah when we speak personally." Sarah said.
"Ok Mac, good night then," Harriet said.
"Good night Harriet" Sarah said as they hung up. She gave the phone to John and he called Ann Marie.
"Hey hot stuff, I was just going to call you. I have to tell you something," Ann Marie, said when she answered the phone.
"Hey kiddo, before you do answer this question. Do you think that Andy can stand some company in the playpen next September?" John asked his sister as a preamble.
"Why is Sarah pregnant to?" she asked. She half knew the answer but she wanted John to tell her outright. She knew they were planning a honeymoon baby.
"Yeah she's due September 1st," John confirmed. "And what do you mean 'to?"
"Congratulations 'hot stuff' let me talk to your wife." Ann Marie said happily.
"Congratulations Sarah, guess what?" Ann Marie asked.
It dawned on Sarah right then, "No, not you to! That is so great," Sarah gushed.
"Yeah Peter and I are very happy. It happened just before your wedding. It was a complete surprise. I guess having Andy cleared up a lot of bad stuff. We're due the beginning of August." Ann Marie said happily.
"Have you told Mom & Dad yet?" Sarah asked.
"We called them but their line was busy. Did John tell them yet?" She asked.
"Yes, we called them just before you. Either they are calling Matt and Mark or they can't get through to you because we're talking. Let me get off the phone." Sarah said. They both said goodbye and hung up.
"Boy the phone lines are sure burning tonight," Sarah said to John. "Ann Marie's pregnant to. It happened just before the wedding and they are due early August." Sarah informed John.
"Wow it's amazing that this stuff happens in bunches. It's going to be an interesting summer
Tuesday, December 8, 1998
0845 Local Time
JAG Headquarters,
Washington Navy Yard, DC
Sarah went into AJ's office as soon as she saw him come in. "Sir I'm due September 1st. The doctor told me that I am limited to 8-hour days and no strenuous tasks. The phrase she used was delegate, delegate, and delegate."
"That's fine colonel. I was planning to assign a yeoman to you when I made you Chief Of Staff as your position calls for it. I have her file here. Her transfer came through after you told me that you were expecting. Her name is Petty Officer 1st Class Emma Gardner. 26 years old with high grades coming out of Boot Camp, great computer skills, a year in para-legal school and still attending night school working for her bachelor's. She's perfectly suited for this office. Harriet set her up at the desk that Kate Larkin used. Use her as you need to. Don't let the other officers or ranking NCOs pile on. She answers only to you and I sent a memo to all staff stating that in no uncertain terms. If anyone needs assistance from her, they are to go through you. Am I clear?"
"Crystal, sir, you know it's funny. When we came back from our honeymoon, John and I compared our returning workload. He said he had the advantage of having a yeoman to keep him up to date. Now I have the same advantage." Sarah commented.
"You'll find that they are invaluable for your sanity." AJ replied with a grin. "Lean on her for logistical support and have her handle the mundane and tedious work that you should not handle. You will find that it will be easier on you and the baby. Even during your maternity leave, she'll be available to keep your office going in your absence. And when you come back, you'll find the same conditions that John had upon his return. If there is anything else, carry on," AJ said with a smile.
"Aye, Aye sir," Sarah said as she got up to leave.
As she approached her office, she spied a tall young woman with regulation short light brown hair. She was organizing her desk, putting some personal items on top to make it her own. Sarah stopped and watched her waiting until she was finished. When she opened her large day planner, Sarah approached her.
"Petty Officer Gardner?" Sarah asked.
"Colonel Marshall." Gardner replied standing at attention.
"Yes, at ease" Sarah said with a reassuring laugh as she extended her hand.
Gardner relaxed and took Sarah's outstretched hand and gripped it firmly. "Good to see you again ma'am. I understand that I will be working for you," she asked.
"Yes Petty Officer. Come into my office and we'll discuss your duties," Sarah replied. Sarah waited at the door for her to walk in before her, followed her and shut the door.
"Admiral Chegwidden informed me that you will assist me in all things JAG. First of all I like to get here by 0800. Please be here before that ready to work. Do not get me coffee or tea unless you're getting some yourself. Besides I'm not drinking coffee or any caffeine, as I am pregnant. Along those lines, I'll give you my doctor's appointment schedule and my doctor's name and phone number at Bethesda. Any other Navy appointments we'll work together on them. We'll tell each other about them as we go along. The admiral also informed me that you work for me and only for me. Everyone else has been made aware of this. Please work with Ensign Harriet Simms. She has a handle on everything going on in the office. Make sure you can contact the commander of the Navy Yard Building Services for the goings on regarding our building's maintenance, HVAC, and Housekeeping etc."
"HVAC ma'am?" Gardner asked confused.
"I'm sorry. I married an Engineer's son and picked up his shorthand. H-V-A-C stands for Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning." Sarah answered apologetically.
"Thank you ma'am, my dad just called it the boiler room." Gardner replied warming up to Sarah. "That won't be a problem ma'am. Will I be handling budgets and so forth ma'am?"
"Yes for the JAG Corps and for this building. When that time comes I'll assign an officer, or two, to work with you on that," Sarah said.
"That's fine ma'am. I worked on the budget for NCIS for 3 years. Each year I did it we always got an increase," Gardner replied.
"Really then you know my husband, Assistant Director John Marshall?" Sarah asked.
"Yes ma'am, he Carolyn and I worked on the budget for a week when he came on board. He's nice and he doesn't take any crap."
"Yep that's him. How did you like working for him?" Sarah asked.
"I liked working for him ma'am. He's very professional. He couldn't stop talking about you though. Every time the three of us took a break we would talk about our families and he just wouldn't stop. He is so in love with you. You could see his eyes light up every time your name was mentioned. He couldn't wait for the wedding. It was all Carolyn could do to keep him calm. We were all so happy for the two of you. My husband and I attended your wedding. It was lovely, especially that dance you two did, hubba, hubba. It was so romantic. I wish you and he a lot of luck ma'am," Emma said.
"Thank you Petty Officer, you know I do remember seeing you at our wedding. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself," Sarah said.
"Thank you ma'am," Emma replied.
"Also Petty Officer is such a mouth full and calling you Gardner sounds so mean spirited. May I call you Emma while we work?" Sarah asked.
"Of course ma'am that will be fine," Emma replied with a smile.
"Tell me about your self Emma," Sarah asked.
"Well I 'm the oldest of four. I have two younger brothers and my sister is the youngest at 14. We grew up in Kentucky. My father was a horse trainer for a major stable. He trained 4 Derby winners in twenty-five years. Triple Crown time was our busiest time of the year. My brothers and sister went into that business while I joined the Navy out of high school. I'm currently attending night classes at George Washington University. I major in accounting and business management as well as a minor in forensic psychology. I have a year to go till my Bachelor's Degree. The Navy is paying for it. I love the Navy. It's the one place where being a girl doesn't matter. You either do well and advance or you don't.
I've been married for three years. My husband Michael is a gunner's mate on the Vincennes. He was deployed shortly after your wedding. My land duty suits us fine. We have a daughter named Teresa. She's 2. I already have Teresa in the Navy Yard Daycare right down the street so I can see her at lunch time, if that's alright with you ma'am?"
"No that's fine. If a conflict or emergency comes up, we'll work it out," Sarah said amiably.
"Thank you that's all I have ma'am," Emma concluded.
"Well you and I are going to get along fine. First things first, as I told you I'm pregnant. I'm due on September 1st. So forgive any hormone moments. Second here's my doctor's schedule and phone number. Please put it in that date book you have. Please no matter what is going on, even if you need to hit me with a cattle prod don't be afraid to remind me to go."
"No problem ma'am I know how pregnancy goes," Emma said smiling. "Is there anything else ma'am?"
"Yes here are the files of the cases that I am now working on. You'll find court dates and times and interview dates and times. Put these in your date book. We use Group Wise. Would you please copy my whole schedule in that as well as writing it in the date book?" Sarah requested.
"No problem ma'am," Emma said.
"When I am in court I may need you in there to assist me in collating my information so that I have it at hand when I need it. I'm sure your paralegal experience will come in handy then," Sarah said.
"I can do that ma'am. Would you need me to go with you or attend interviews to keep a record?" Emma asked.
"No necessarily, but it's good to know that I can depend on you for that when I need to," Sarah answered. "I don't have anything else that you need to do, I'll let you go then," Sarah said in a gentle dismissal.
"Aye, aye ma'am," Emma said as she got up to work.
When Emma left, Sarah called John, "I have a yeoman," she said in singsong.
"I know its Emma Gardner, Admiral Chegwidden called BUPERS for a yeoman for you. BUPERS called our personnel office. Her name was next up for promotion and I approved the transfer papers. She's very good. I didn't like losing her but when I saw she was going to be assigned to you, I felt better approving the transfer," John said.
"Why thank you sir. She is going to keep me reminded of my doctor's appointments, court dates, and assist me on cases and so forth. The admiral let the word be known that the other officers and ranking NCOs are not to steal her." Sarah said.
"Well I'm sure that she will do very well for you. On another note, what do we want to have for dinner tonight?" John asked.
"Why don't we have something simple pasta and sauce? You can make the meatballs if you want," Sarah said.
"That's fine I can make it while you go to that meeting with the Big Sisters' Mentoring program you have this evening," John said.
"Oh I forgot all about that. Thanks for reminding me. I'll tell Emma to add it to her schedule," Sarah said gratefully.
"See having a yeoman just paid for itself," John teased.
"I'll see you at dinner. I love you John," Sarah said. She heard John say, "I love you too sweetie" before she hung up. Then she buzzed Emma.
"My husband just reminded me that I have an appointment today at 1800 with the DC Big Sisters, Big Brothers Center. Could you please revise the date book?" Sarah asked.
"Aye, aye ma'am," Emma replied.
Sarah sat back and thought to herself, 'Life can't get any better than this'.