Timing Is Everything
Chapter 49
Monday, February 7, 2000
0945 Local Time
JAG Headquarters
Washington Navy Yard, DC
When Harm and Sarah came into work on Monday they faced a whirlwind of activity before they went out to their next assignment.
A film producer named Renee Peterson was hired by the Navy to produce a recruiting commercial and was frustrated by being stuck with the "legal" aspect instead of something interesting. She ran around arrogantly abusing everyone at JAG, even Singer. Before she could approach them, Harm and Sarah left the office. AJ assigned them to assist in a mock trial by cadets at Iron Force Naval Academy where his friend Commander Haglan worked. The academy was 30 minutes south of Navy Yard.
The cadets were trying gunners mate Gregory Riordan, posthumously, for 29 counts of 1st degree murder when he blew up a gun turret to get even with his shipmates for hazing him. Billy played the part of Riordan and Luisa (and Sarah) his defense council. Steve (and Harm) was prosecuting.
As they delved deeper into the original investigation they found that the original investigators believed that Riordan filled his boda bag with accelerant and placed it in the turret. The cadets dug a little deeper and they found a real witness that would testify so Haglan said, "Lets have the trial that the Navy never had."
Terence Connor testified that he had filled Riordan's boda bag with grease and saw him throw it overboard. As a result of this found knowledge Harm and Sarah went back to JAG and asked AJ to re-open the case? AJ said no and to just finish the case and get back to work.
Tuesday, February 8, 2000
1230 Local time
Iron Force Naval Academy
Harm and Sarah told the kids of Chegwidden's decision. However, they all said no because they didn't work for Chegwidden. After they made that decision they broke for lunch.
While they were chatting, Harm told Sarah, "You know sometimes I think I missed out on being a kid, trying to be the man of the house, I should have gone to a disco."
Sarah said, "I know what you mean, I've seen you dance."
Harm smiled and then asked Sarah, "Are you and John still taking dancing lessons?"
"Oh sure we are. We stopped when I got too big with Caroline to be graceful or even stay upright. Now we go every other Friday night. Ann Marie and I still meet up on Tuesdays with our three kids to dance ballet. We six should go out one night. Leave the kids with a sitter and try it."
"Ballet?" Harm said surprised.
"No silly, partner or ballroom dancing," Sarah said.
Harm added, "You know Diane may go for that. Even though we couldn't get enough of each other when I came home and still can't, I'm kind of envious of what you and John have. You two always seem to find the time to get out of the house. With the three kids it's tough to get out."
Sarah felt the need to really lecture her partner and brother in law, "Listen to me Lt. Commander you have a wonderful life and a wonderful wife. Diane and I may be sisters and twins, but we are not alike. She told me once that even though she likes to dance, she is not into it like John and I are. It's also hard work. John and I had to do some major practicing to dance the tango at our wedding. What with the trip to Russia and his rehabilitation it was a miracle that we were able to go to the lessons we did to pull off that performance. The instructors worked really hard with us. After all the work they did, we just had to invite them to the wedding. I think they were happier that we pulled it off than we were."
Harm added, "I remember you guys were good.
Sarah added, "To get back to Diane and me, growing up she had all the nice things that her adoptive parents could get her. You know what I went through. Believe me she doesn't think she is missing out on anything. You are all she ever wanted from the time she first saw you when you both started at Annapolis 15 years ago. She doesn't care whether she stays home with you every night for the rest of her life or goes out with you dancing every night. She is happy any way she can get you. So please don't tell me you're envious. What John and I have works for us.
Besides like I said John and I go out every other week. When we do go out on Friday, we take Chloe and Caroline with us. You should see how they giggle when they see us dance and twirl around. So we can give up dancing any time, but we enjoy it so much because it's another way for us to be intimate and have fun. We also enjoy just sitting at home relaxing, looking at our baby and enjoying each other's company."
Harm asked, "Why did you two decide to take dance lessons?"
"It began as a way for him to get closer to me after I told him I liked ballet. After the shooting it turned into being part of his therapy. He still doesn't have full feeling in his left foot almost a year and a half after he was shot. We found out about that before we left G.W. During our time up in Plattsburgh he had to re-learn how to recognize how his foot felt when he walked, ran or danced. He may never get the full feeling back there again, at least not the way it used to feel. That's why we dance. If you tell him you know that, I will never confide anything with you again."
Harm was completely surprised at that saying, "Don't worry my lips are sealed. You would never know it the way he moves."
"That's from the dancing." Sarah replied.
"What about when he was running with the Giants?"
"The running he was told to do at Giants camp helped him along in the process of learning how his foot felt when he was running." Sara said.
"Well I appreciate that you told me what you did. It made me think a little more about what I have and to appreciate it more. Thanks Sarah," Harm said.
"You're welcome Harm. Now let's get this case finished so the admiral doesn't blow a gasket." Sarah said as they got up from lunch.
1430 Local Time
Iron Force Naval Academy Gym
The mock court let out early so Louisa asked Sarah if she would show her some workout techniques. Sarah agreed as she had her gym gear in her car for joining John later. Sarah called John saying that she was working out with Louisa and that she would see him at home after his workout. "I'll be out of here by 1630 and I'll be able to pick up Caroline on time by 1730 as usual."
John had no problem with the arrangement.
During the workout Louisa told Sarah, "Steve is trying to hit on me. He actually chastised me for hanging out with Billy. He thinks Billy is a loser."
Sarah counseled her saying, "Guys like Steve have an ego the size of a football. He's one of the handsome kids who think they're smarter than anyone else. He also thinks girls are there to be wives and mothers only. He'll find that he still has a lot of learning to do. As for you, you have to be better than the men but don't rub their noses in it. Think like a woman but act like a man."
Wednesday, February 9, 2000
1140 Local Time
Iron Force Naval Academy
The kids found another witness, a Seaman named Shepard Carmine. He testified that he saw a man come out of the turret with a bloody nose 15 minutes before the explosion. Shepard turned out to be a sort of nut saying that the Soviets had used a rail gun to blow the turret up. Despite that though Harm and Sarah had Bud check the sick bay records. He found that PO Michael Saunders lied about how he got his bloody nose.
Gunny helped Bud find Saunders through his ex-wife, Kathy. Harm went to the tavern Saunders worked at and got him to admit he had thrown Riordan a blanket party and held him upside down by the ankles over the rail above the screw until he cried.
When Harm bought the finding back to the kids Louisa was so happy about the findings, she hugged Billy. Steve had become so jealous of that he and a couple of his friends beat up Billy in the showers. They threw a blanket over Billy and punched him Louisa found out when she saw Billy's shiner. She said, "Billy you have to report this.
Billy declined saying, "He's not worth the trouble. I'll beat him in court."
Billy remembered a letter written to Riordan by Kathy "with love'. Sarah and Harm went to talk to Saunders "ex" again. This time she admitted that the two were fighting over her and she chose Riordan. When he died she was four months pregnant with her son, now named Greg Riordan after his father.
Harm went back to Saunders and shamed him into testifying to prevent Greg from being embarrassed when he found out.
Thursday February 10, 2000
1130 Local Time
Iron Force Naval Academy
Chegwidden attended the final day of trial to correct any possible miscarriages.
Saunders said he went into Riordan's turret and picked a fight over Kathy. While Riordan's back was turned he saw someone load an extra bag of propellant but didn't say anything about it. Riordan was acquitted in the mock trial and Chegwidden said he would take care of the real case.
On the way out he stopped Harm & Sarah. He asked them, "I seem to recall that I ordered you two to drop this case."
Sarah replied for the two of them, "Well sir it wasn't our case to drop. The cadets saw something was done wrong and they used their own initiative to set about correcting it."
AJ just smirked at them and said, "Uh huh. Either way nice job."
Sarah and Harm both replied, "Thank you sir."
1430 Local Time
JAG Headquarters
Washington Navy Yard, DC
When they returned to headquarters later that afternoon Chegwidden tried to help Renee with her commercial.
AJ gave a masterfully powerful speech. "Miss Peterson, you have to understand that we are trained in the art of war, but the profession of peace."
At that point Renee paused and told him, "You have great presence, but that was too hokey and will never sell."
She still continued to malign what she saw at JAG. She called Bud the Pillsbury Dough Boy. She said Sarah was too masculine or severe looking in her uniform. (Sarah wanted to punch her lights out.) She thought Tiner's dissertation on his filing was achingly boring.
Then when she saw Harm she went back to AJ, "Admiral, what I'm seeing here is not very exciting. The closest person I see that may do well on camera is the tall one with the dark hair with the wings over his ribbons. What's his name?"
"You mean Lt. Commander Rabb?" AJ asked.
"Yes that's him. He almost works. Does he do anything else besides being a lawyer?" Renee asked.
"Well he just returned from a cruise in the Adriatic on board the aircraft carrier Patrick Henry. He was assigned as the Staff Judge Advocate of that fleet, but he did some flying."
Before AJ could continue Renee spoke up, "Ooh that sounds interesting. Could you please arrange a meeting?"
AJ told Renee that he would. She gave AJ her business card and left the office. After she left he summoned Harm to his office. "Miss Peterson seems to think that you would do well in her commercial. I want you to speak with her. Tell her about all, and I mean all the things you do in this Navy. Why don't you try the Washington Monument during 'magic hour' that you told me about when you and Diane were dating."
Harm grimaced at that. He didn't want to take another woman to one of his and his wife's favorite places. So he thought of another plan saying, "Sir, why don't I just ask her to come to dinner at the house? It would be a lot easier on Diane and me. It's a little more relaxing than sitting out in the open or at a crowded restaurant."
"That's a good idea commander. Do that. Let me know what the results are. I want this commercial done, dismissed" AJ said.
Harm snapped to attention saying, "Aye, aye sir."
When Harm returned to his office he first called Diane and told her of what the admiral has him doing, then he called Renee. Both women were enthusiastic to the arrangement. They all made dinner plans for 6:30 the following evening.
Friday, February 11, 2000
1830 Local Time
Rabb Residence
Fairfax, VA
Diane fed the twins and gotten Sarah ready for bed early in anticipation of having Renee over for dinner. Diane knew Harm wasn't very enthused about the commercial and she wanted to make the evening easier for him.
Renee showed up right on time. When Diane answered the door she was taken aback. "Colonel Marshall, I didn't know you were going to join us.
Diane smiled at the usual mistake. As she shook Renee's hand and took her coat she said, "Good evening Miss Peterson, I'm Sarah's sister Diane Rabb. Harm told me all about you."
"Not all bad I hope," Renee said modestly.
"Oh not at all, he did say that you seemed to be very high energy." Diane said.
"Well in my business you have to seem to be that way when all it really is, is hurry up and wait" Renee replied.
Harm came out at that time with Sarah Cate, "Miss Peterson good of you to come" he said shaking her hand.
"Please call me Renee. And who is this lovely young lady?" Renee asked bending down to look Sarah in the eye.
Sarah put her hand out to shake which Renee gladly took. "I'm Sarah Catherine Rabb and I'm 2 & ½ years old."
Renee shook her hand in a very gently exaggerated motion saying, "Well I'm very pleased to meet you Sarah. Tell me girl to girl do you think your daddy will look good in a commercial on TV?"
Sarah giggled at the question and said, "Will daddy have to wear his uniform?"
"Yes he will. I am making a commercial about what he does in the Navy. Would that be alright?"
"Then I guess it's alright as long as mommy says it's alright." Sarah said.
The adults all laughed at that.
Sarah Cate took Renee by the hand saying, "C'mon I'll show you my baby brother and sister." The twins were in playpen in the living room. Harm had put in a Thomas the Tank Engine tape in the VCR.
Renee was totally enchanted by the two asking Diane, "May I hold one they are so beautiful."
Diane readily agreed and picked up Trey and put him into Renee's arms. "Trey is the easier going of the two. He'll let anyone hold him. Samantha is a little picky. She needs to get to know you before she lets anyone but Harm and I pick her up. She was like that to Harm when he first came home after his cruise on the Patrick Henry. It took him a week of caring for her before she would stop crying when he would pick her up."
"Oh tell me about the cruise. How long was it? What did you do? Did you see any action?"
Harm picked up Samantha and they all sat down. Harm told Renee of the cruise. What his duty station was, his flying and so forth. Diane went in to set up for dinner. After a time Diane called everyone into dinner. She put the twins in their high chairs and Sarah Cate in her booster seat.
Renee asked, "So including doing your work as the Staff Judge Advocate for the fleet, you flew missions."
"Yes, I started out of the academy as a pilot. Back in 1991 during the Gulf War, I was involved in a ramp strike or a crash on the carrier 'Patrick Henry'." Harm told Renee of his vision problem and that he got it treated and that he need to prove he could still fly before he felt that he could walk away from it and dedicate himself totally to the law.
Diane spoke up, "What Harm so modestly didn't tell you was that he was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for what he did in 1997 and he has been nominated to receive a second one for what he did on this last cruise." Diane went on to tell Renee of how he received both DFCs.
The rest of dinner went very well. Harm and Diane described their meeting at the Academy and their own romance. Renee came away from the evening with a renewed enthusiasm to the project.
As she prepared to leave Renee said, "Let me take the weekend to map out how we can do the commercial, write a script and all. I'll call you at your office by Monday or Tuesday the latest. I'm sure we'll work well together." Renee had another idea, "Diane would you like to be in the commercial. We can show that women can go as far as the men in the Navy and it would add another recruiting hook to the project.
Diane was totally surprised to be asked. She looked at Harm as he said, "You know that sounds like a good idea. Let's take the weekend to think about it Renee. I'll let you know when you call next week."
"Oh good I hope you say yes Diane I think it will be so great." She shook Harm's hand and then pulled Diane into a hug saying, "I had a wonderful evening and your children are beautiful. Good night."
"Thank you and good night Renee. Good luck with everything." Diane said hugging her back.
When they closed the door Diane turned to Harm and said, "I like her. She seems to be a very genuine person. Not at all like what you described. She reminds me of you, totally dedicated to her work."
Harm could only shrug saying, "Well that will make it easier to work with her then, knowing that you like her. Do you think you would like to be in the commercial?"
"You know I have to check with John and the NCIS Legal Department. Being that I work with classified information there are some restrictions on what I can and can't do. After I speak with him, I'll be better equipped to make a decision. I would really like to do it. It'd be nice for us to finally do a Navy project together."
Harm pulled her into a tight hug and gave her quick kiss. Then they went to clean up and get the kids ready for bed.
Monday, February 14, 2000
1815 Local Time
Marshall Residence
Florida Ave, NW
John and Sarah enjoyed a good weekend. They went out dancing on Friday night. They took Chloe with them to the dance studio. She held Caroline on her lap and giggled along with her they watched Sarah & John move across the floor. John even took Chloe out onto the dance floor and danced with her. On Saturday they all relaxed and went to mass. On Sunday they all sat around at home and relaxed all day. Then it snowed again Monday morning. Sarah took the Trailblazer with Caroline to the Navy Yard Daycare center and John drove his 'company' car to work. He dropped Chloe off at school to save her the trouble trudging to the Metro Station in the snow.
When Sarah came home with Caroline there were two surprises waiting for her. Sarah found a bouquet of two dozen roses in a vase waiting on the kitchen table. There was a roast in the oven and potatoes on the boil and John was nowhere in sight. Sarah had Caroline in her arms and she took off her snowsuit and put her down in her playpen before she read the note attached to the bouquet. ('To the only girl that gets my lips, all my love, Your Hot Stuff'.) Sarah smiled at the gesture sniffing at the roses. Other than dealing with Caroline at the beginning, middle and the end of her workday, it was the first time that she smiled all day.
John came up from the basement with a few pieces of firewood. "I thought I heard you come in, Happy Valentine's Day sweetie."
As they hugged each other and shared a long kiss. Caroline just squealed from her playpen at her parents wanting some of her father's attention. John picked his daughter up and raised her high and brought her close for a good hug and many kisses, Caroline just giggled and squealed some more. Sarah sat down and enjoyed the happy scene
Sarah told John, "You know other than Caroline this is the first nice moment I've had today."
John was immediately concerned. As he settled Caroline on his arm he asked, "Why what happened?"
Sarah told him about the case she was assigned earlier that day. After Staff Call, Admiral Chegwidden asked Sarah and Mic Brumby to come into his office. When they came in and closed the door, AJ told the two officers, "Have a seat."
Turning to Sarah AJ asked her, "How do you feel about Capital Punishment Colonel?"
Sarah said, "I'm in total agreement with capital punishment sir."
Turning to Brumby AJ asked his opinion.
Mic replied, "Well in Australia we don't have capital punishment so my opinion is moot."
"Well I have a case here that you two will handle." AJ said then he opened the file that was on his desk and read the details.
"A Corporal Caleb Farmer received the death sentence for shooting at a marine squad doing calisthenics, killing three and wounding three in July 1987. Now the case is coming up for an appeal."
Sarah finished describing the briefing to John saying, "And Chegwidden assigned me to the defense and Brumby got the prosecution."
"How are you going to deal with it?" John asked.
"Well I'm going to go to Leavenworth to interview Farmer." Sarah said. "Can you get off tomorrow and stay with Caroline?"
"Sure sweetie or better yet I'll take her to NCIS with me. Everyone has been nagging me to see her. You know how I can't stop talking about her." John said. He then surprised Sarah when he leaned over and gave her a quick kiss and added, "and you."
Sarah smiled her special watery smile that she brought out for John's unexpectedly tender moments.
"I love you hot stuff," Sarah said.
"I love you to Ninja Girl." John replied. "Go up and change and I'll start a fire in the living room. Dinner should be ready in about an hour. Afterwards you can pack for your trip."
She said slyly, "You forget I always have a bag packed. You know 'U.S. Marine first to fight' and all.
As she got up John reached for her and got her in a hug around her waist her and gave a passionate kiss. Then she walked upstairs. She changed into jeans, slippers and zip up sweatshirt and came down to meet John and Caroline in the living room. John had a roaring fire going. The furniture in the living room was oriented to face the fireplace in one direction and the TV just off to the side. He had Caroline in his lap. Sarah took her to her lap and opened her shirt and put Caroline to her breast.
John was about to say that it may be too early to feed the baby but sensing that he was going to comment Sarah said, "I know it's a little early, but I want to get her ready for bed early so that we can have dinner and get to bed early ourselves. Tell me Captain Marshall; are you up for some bedroom calisthenics?"
John put his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close. He reached for her sweatshirt zipper and pulled it the rest of the way down. He whispered in her ear, "Why wait for later? Chloe's at her friend's house for a science project sleepover so we have the whole house to ourselves tonight."
Sarah was immediately up for the idea. "Let me put the baby in the playpen."
John gently stopped her and said, "No leave her feeding, as we make love. Just sit there and let me do all the work."
Sarah had read about women making love while a baby suckled at the breast but had never had a desire to try it until now.
First John dashed into the kitchen and turned down the oven and turned off the fire under the potatoes. Then he dashed back into the living room.
John sat back down and started to kiss Sarah's neck and shoulders. She sat back and let John undress her. She switched arms as he pulled off her sweatshirt and unbuttoned and zipped her jeans open. Then she adjusted her hips as John pulled the jeans down along with her lace panties.
John loved that all her underwear was the pretty kind. He loved to look at her as she walked around in the morning getting dressed.
John then got himself undressed. He led Sarah over to the end of the sofa where it was an extended chaise. He sat down and maneuvered himself until he was completely seated. He held onto Sarah as she shimmied on her knees till she was over him. Through all the jostling and unexpected movements Caroline still hadn't unlatched from feeding. This and the fact that John's erection was standing proudly, waiting for her to engulf it made her very wet. John held his hands on her hips and guided her down. Sarah let go of Caroline with one hand and took hold of him to guide him right into her. She let him go as she felt his tip go right where it belonged. She held fast to Caroline as she sank lower, drawing him deeper into her. She felt him pump his hips into her till he was in her up to his hilt. Then she felt him withdraw just a little bit then push back into her. This stroking became more leisurely but still intense. She knew he was trying to prolong the experience. Through it all Caroline just continued to suckle.
John held his hands on her hips to hold her up. As he got closer to his climax he moved them until he had his fingers splayed across the front of her pelvis. He moved his thumbs so that they were stroking her clit from both sides. The feeling of him caressing her most intimate part and her baby suckling hard on her breast sent Sarah right through the roof. She came in very intense orgasm as she pushed down and held her hips down onto John. John felt it as she came and this sent him right to his own climax. They stiffened as they expended themselves then they both collapsed. John had a hold of both Sarah and Caroline.
It was at this point that Caroline unlatched herself as she became sated. She stayed asleep in her mother's arms.
Sarah sat on John's hips as she felt him withdraw from her. As she held onto her daughter she looked down as her husband gazed back at her. She sank further into the love she saw in his eyes and said, "That was something navy."
"No marine that was something else." John said as he sat up and pulled her to sit next to him to give her a deep kiss.
As they got up Sarah raced upstairs still nude to put Caroline in her crib. She came down and put her sweats back on. John cleaned himself off and got dressed. He turned the potatoes back on to warm them for a time. He and Sarah then worked on getting their dinner ready. Every time they passed each other they caressed, kissed and generally rubbed themselves lovingly against each other. They were still making love.
When the roast was ready and John sliced the meat as Sarah mashed the potatoes put the vegetables in the microwave to heat up. They sat down to enjoy the meal, casting loving glances at each other. Through the whole meal preparation, they didn't speak as in conversation only to ask for items and so forth. After a couple of helpings, they wrapped up and put away the leftovers and put the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. As they walked hand in hand into the bedroom they stopped in to check on Caroline. She was still asleep. Sarah changed her diaper and put a sleeper on her. They left the door open as they went into their bedroom and made love again.
2345 Local Time
Marshall Residence
Sarah and John lay in the afterglow of their lovemaking. They brought each other to climax a couple of times. Sarah was resting her head on his chest. She turned and told John, "You know John I was ovulating. Caroline may have sibling in nine months."
John rolled over until he could cup Sarah's face as he let her see the big smile that graced his face. "I am so glad to hear that. I hope it's true. I love you Sarah Catherine Marshall."
"And I love you John Patrick Marshall." She settled into his embrace as they fell into a restful sleep.
Tuesday, February 15, 2000
1100 Local Time
U.S. Disciplinary Barracks
Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas
Sarah waited in the interview room at the prison. She took the 0730 Flight out of Reagan National. John drove her to the terminal and then took Caroline with him to work. As she waited she patted her belly hoping that there was a new baby there.
She got up as she heard the door being unlocked. Two guards escorted Caleb Farmer in. He was chained at his waist where his wrists handcuffs were connected. He also had leg irons on. Her idea of this man before she saw him was strong and tall, but as she would tell John that night that he was 'smaller than she imagined. Now she needed to hear why he did what he did.
Sarah introduced herself saying, "Mr. Caleb I'm Lt. Colonel Sarah Marshall. I've been assigned as your defense for your appeal. I need to know some things, first of all why?"
"Colonel I have no excuses the rest of the squad made my life hell. They all thought they were better than me, better marines. I was always the slowest, the smallest. I'd ask for help but they would turn me down. They just wouldn't let up. I was driven to drink and lost my mind." Caleb whined.
"Why not just resign or quit? Why did you feel you had to shoot them?" Sarah asked.
"That was the only area where I was at least keeping up with them. But they just weren't impressed. So I thought that I could show them. I picked the spot. I got some liquid courage and then just started popping off shots at them. If anything it made them listen." Farmer said.
Sarah looked at him with a mixture of disgust and pity. She said, "I'll work on your case the best I can. But it does not look good. I'll be in touch." She got up and started to put her things away and got ready to leave.
1730 Local Time
Arrivals terminal
Dulles International Airport, VA
She was lucky there was a flight out of Kansas City to Dulles later that afternoon. She called John to let him know her arrival time at Dulles. On the flight she examined the case file, especially the trial transcripts. She was a bit dismayed at what she found, but she now had a starting point for the appeal.
She put the case file away as she sat back to relax for the rest of the flight. She was a bit amused when her seat neighbor, a salesman named Reed tried to hit on her when he saw her put the file away. She got him to back down when she flashed her wedding and engagement ring at him and told him, "My husband is a SEAL and a Navy law enforcement director. The last man that bothered us ended up in a federal prison. Also see these two badges. They signify that I am an expert in pistol and rifle marksmanship. So if you don't want to end up either in prison or shot up Mr. Reed, I suggest you sit there quietly and leave me alone."
Needless to say being adequately intimidated Mr. Reed sat back and left her alone for the rest of the flight.
As she came through the jet way she saw John holding Caroline. She practically ran into his embrace. After they shared a kiss, John took her briefcase and travel bag. Sarah settled Caroline on her hip as they walked through the terminal. John asked her about the interview.
"He was such a pathetic person. I thought he was strong and tall, but he was 'smaller than I imagined. He reminded me of a broken down one-eyed cat, a bird killer. You loathe him but felt sorry for him at the same time. He said that he shot at his platoon because they made fun of him, tried to make him quit. They hazed him unmercifully. He is a hard person to defend. I did find a way to gain his appeal, but it's not going to make me very popular with the admiral." Sarah said.
"Why would he have a problem?" John asked.
He whistled in amazement when Sarah told him. "I can see how that wouldn't go over very well." He replied.
To change the subject to something more upbeat, Sarah asked, "So how was 'take your daughter to work day'?"
"Caroline was a hit. Kate, Carolyn and Abby just fell in love with her. Thomas was totally enchanted. Gibbs gave her a miniature special agent badge. McGee got her giggling when he showed her photos of you and I that he took at our wedding that he had on his computer. You should have seen it, he had her on his lap and when your picture came up she said mama. Dinozzo asked me if she liked older men because and I quote 'she was just so beautiful he may wait the 20 years for her to come of age."
"Yeah that sounds like Tony. He's such a charmer." Sarah said with a chuckle.
"Oh I almost forgot. Diane is going to do a recruiting commercial with Harm. A producer named..." John began.
Sarah finished, "Renee Peterson. I met her on Friday. She said that my uniform was too severe to be appealing. I wanted to punch her lights out."
John smiled at that saying, "Well it seems that your sister likes her since Renee asked her to do the commercial with Harm. Diane asked me if she was allowed to do it seeing that she works with classified material. We checked with legal and they said as long as she only mentions that she is in the Navy and why she wants to serve and such its fine. She and Harm are going to do the commercial with Renee tonight. We're stopping at their house to pick the kids up so they can stay over our house tonight."
"Well I can't wait to see how that commercial comes out." Sarah said sardonically.
They got to their car and went home. They stopped to pick up the Rabb children. There was a fun and noisy production of switching and strapping the baby seats in the Marshall's Trailblazer before they pulled away. On the way home they bought a few pregnancy tests.
1900 Local Time
Capitol Studios
Constitution Ave, NW
After John and Sarah picked up the children Harm and Diane went to their appointment to perform their speaking parts for the recruiting commercial with Renee. Renee faxed them a copy of the script as soon as Diane told her that she was approved to do the commercial.
"Diane I'm so glad you got approval to do the commercial. I hear your bother in law is your boss. How did that happen?" Renee asked.
Diane explained, "Well without revealing what it was for, the four of us, Harm, Sarah, John and I got involved with a fact finding mission. My assignment at NCIS was only supposed to be temporary to facilitate the job we were doing. After we accomplished what we did John put in a formal request to keep me on at NCIS to continue the work that I was doing. My original superiors at the Pentagon approved and there I went. It's the same job I was doing at the Pentagon and I really enjoy working there. It's a very relaxed atmosphere and John is a big part of that. He has a way of getting the people that work with him feel at ease."
Renee asked Harm, "So Harm how did Sarah get to work with you at JAG?"
Harm explained, "Well to begin with John was working at JAG a few months before I got there and almost 3 years before Sarah got there. When I met Diane, we didn't know she had a sister. Diane only found out she had a sister after her mother and father died. A year after I got there, John and Sarah met at JAG. They were assigned to retrieve the Declaration of Independence when, oddly enough, Sarah's uncle stole it. They were each awarded the Legion of Merit Medal for that. When Sarah and John returned to JAG after her uncle's trial, I met her and I was totally floored by how much she looked like Diane. When they came to dinner that night Diane gave Sarah this letter."
Diane extracted her mother's letter explaining her and Sarah's birth details.
Renee read it and even she started crying. "That is so romantic. So John and Sarah met at JAG and John didn't stay in JAG because?"
"Well regulations do not allow spouses to serve in the same unit or chain of command. John was promoted and offered his position at NCIS, which he accepted. Being that he and Sarah would no longer be in the same chain of command, he asked her to marry him." Harm then described John's proposal to Sarah in AJ's office.
"Wow romance just runs through that office." Renee commented.
"Yeah we've all found our own little islands of happiness. So Rene what do you need Diane and I to do for this commercial?" Harm asked.
Renee began to outline how the commercial would go, "Well I'll use some stock footage the Navy has provided of Tomcats being launched and flown, sailors working on them, ships sailing, working on the ship and in what do you call that darkened room?" ("CIC" Harm provided) "Yes that's it. We'll have you saying how rewarding it is for the two of you. We'll end it by having the two of you saying together 'it's a pleasure to serve.' First let's do a quick rehearsal. Try to remember the words the other says that precede the beginnings of your line. It'll make it easier to do your lines."
Diane and Harm rehearsed the script a couple times with Renee. Renee instructed them on the inflections of what they were saying. They figured they were ready to go.
"Now you two will be in front of the green screen. We're going to CGI the file footage behind and around you. When you look into the monitor in front of you, you can see what is going on behind you so you won't get disoriented. So if you're ready to begin we can get your speaking parts in tonight and we'll edit everything over the next few weeks. But first let's get your make up done. Without it you will appear green as you stand under the bright lights. Go with Jason here. He and his minions will take care of you."
Harm and Diane went with Jason to the makeup room. When they came out Renee had them set up in front of the green screen. Then they started. The director had them turn and stand every which way and speak their lines in close up, wide shot, singly and together. They were at it for 2&½ hours. There were many line flubs, giggling, hearty laughter and forgotten lines, equipment glitches and microphones falling or dropping into the shot. All through it all Harm and Diane were having fun because Renee was a constant comforting and encouraging presence. She was the reason Harm and Diane did not become impatient and short tempered. They finished with a streak of three perfect takes.
It was 2345 when they walked out of the studio with Renee. "Well that was fun. We'll edit it down to the best-performed lines and fill in the visual effects. I think we have a good commercial here." Renee said.
Harm and Diane agreed as they walked to the parking garage. The handed their parking tickets to the valet. The Rabbs car came first. Diane and Harm warmly embraced Renee as they said goodbye. As Diane embraced her she said, "It was fun Renee you were great. We would never have gotten through this without you."
"No you guys were great. You two were the heart of the commercial. I'll let you know when we have the finished product. Let's do dinner tomorrow. Is that Australian Commander seeing anyone? What's his name Mike or Nick?"
"Mic Brumby and no he's not. He was seeing a Washington lawyer, but he's not now. Why don't you give him a call at JAG tomorrow?" Harm suggested. "You can come to our place."
"Oh no dinner is my treat. After all, the Navy is paying for it. I mean what's a transaction without a meal?"
Harm and Diane could only agree. They made promises to call and arrange dinner for Thursday night and said goodnight.
Wednesday, February 16, 2000, JAG HQ
Washington Navy Yard, DC
Sarah came in early to prepare her brief for Farmer's appeal. She asked Gunny to do some research for her.
When Gunny brought her the old case files, she asked him, "What do you think?"
"Ma'am I was there the day of the killings. One of my friends, Sgt. Kryler was shot and is now a quadriplegic. No disrespect ma'am but I hope you lose your appeal."
Harm stopped in and asked, "How are you doing with the case?"
"Well the basis of my appeal is that Farmers previous attorney did not give an adequate defense."
Harm said, "Then his counsel should fry for not giving him the right defense."
"Harm you don't understand. Farmer's defense attorney then was Commander AJ Chegwidden."
Harm whistled in astonishment and said, "Good luck with that marine."
Sarah could only smirk at his hasty retreat.
After Sarah prepared her appellate brief she submitted it to the Admiral.
He read it and handed it back to her saying, "Its fine."
"Sir I'm sorry that I have to go this way." Sarah said in apology.
"Don't worry about it Colonel."
"But, sir, I'm arguing inefficient defense counsel, your counsel." Sarah said in dismay.
AJ had enough. He braced her to attention and stared her down saying, "Lock it up, marine. You didn't join this office to protect my damn reputation. Do the job you were assigned to do. Dismissed!"
Sarah turned about faced and marched from the office.
2030 Local Time
Marshall Residence
When she got home she started to feel much better. John had dinner ready as he stayed home to watch the Rabb children and Caroline. Diane and Harm followed Sarah home to pick up their kids. While John and Harm were switching the car seats Sarah changed out of her uniform. When she came down, the Rabbs were ready to leave. She kissed Diane, the kids and Harm goodnight and then she settled in for the evening with her family.
After dinner everyone was in the living room. Chloe was sitting on the couch feeding Caroline from a bottle. The TV was on a comedy that everyone liked. Sarah then told John of her encounter with the admiral.
John told her, "As I have observed AJ, he likes to go against the grain. He wants to put his lawyers into positions out of their comfort zones. I know you. You'd like nothing better than to prosecute Farmer. But AJ knows how good an attorney you are. That's why he assigned you the way he did. Also don't worry about his reputation. He's already a "two star". Do you really think they didn't look at Farmer's case when he was being selected to be the JAG?"
"Yeah I suppose your right. Thank you sweetie, you always make me feel better." She gave John a look that said, 'Let's get the kids to bed early.'
Chloe caught the look. She finished feeding Caroline and was burping her on her shoulder. "Look guys, why don't I put Caroline to bed. I'll change her and get her settled. After that I'll be in my room talking to Carrie on my cell phone."
Without another word she got up with Caroline and bent to give a kiss first to John and then to Sarah. Sarah pulled her into a brief hug and gave her a good kiss in silent gratitude.
John waited a few minutes until he heard that Chloe was finished with Caroline and gone into her room and closed the door. He then took Sarah's hand and led her to the basement. He closed the basement door. When they got down to the bottom of the stairs, Sarah turned and wrapped herself around her husband. They managed to settle onto the couch where they proceeded to make out like teenagers. They managed to get all their clothes off and wrap themselves up in the throw blankets that were on the couch as they coupled.
After they climaxed, they spooned each other as John lay with his back against the back of the couch as he encircled his arms around his Sarah as they napped for a while. About 0200 Sarah woke up. At first she was disoriented, but then she recognized where they were. She smiled as she shook John awake. John got up and put on his shorts and pants. He gathered up the rest of his and all of Sarah's clothing. Sarah just wrapped a blanket around herself and they walked silently to the 2nd floor. They weren't embarrassed or afraid that Chloe would come out and see them. Chloe was a mature thirteen year old and she knew that John and Sarah were just acting like a normal married couple that couldn't get enough of each other. They had also told Chloe of their desire to have another baby.
They got into their room and put on their bedclothes. Sarah then peeked in at Chloe. She bent to tuck the covers a little more snugly around the sleeping teenager and plant a soft kiss on her cheek. Chloe just turned over and mumbled, "Goodnight mom".
Sarah's heart just leaped for joy at the endearment. She then went into the nursery to check on Caroline who was sleeping as peacefully as could be. Sarah stood and looked down as she lay on her back. She wondered what her baby was dreaming as she saw her kick her feet and clench her tiny fingers into tiny fists. Sarah thought to herself, "I am so lucky to have this life and these children. Knowing I have this makes it easier to deal with people like Farmer.
She went back into her bedroom and snuggled up against John as she fell into a restful sleep.
