JAG Headquarters
Admrial Chegwidden Office
The Admiral had spent the last half an hour on the phone with the SECNav, trying to talk him out of sending Harm TAD to the Patrick Henry. He pointed out that he's already down a lawyer due to Col Mackenzie being out on extended medical leave.
But the SECNav didn't seem fazed by this, he only told him. He'd send his aid over to fill in for Rabb. The Admrial didn't know what else todo. He was worried that Harm would disobey orders if he needed to. Especially with Mac getting close to her due date.
He decided to call Congress Woman Latham, and see if she could asst him in putting this to a stop. He waited for her to answer.
("Admrial this is a surprise, what can I do for you?")
"Help me knock some since into the SECNav."
("What has he done now?")
"He's ordered Rabb, TAD to the Patrick Henry."
("And you being the JAG can't put a stop to this?")
"I've spent the last half an hour trying, normally it wouldn't be such an issue. But I'm worried Harm will disobey orders this time."
("Why would be do that, Harm loves carriers. I'd think he'd be thrilled.")
"In the past you'd be right. But since he's married to Col Mackenzie now and they're expecting twins..."
("When did Harm get married?")
"A while ago, like I was saying. I wouldn't put it past him to disobey orders."
("Admrial I don't know what I can do.")
"Look I'm not a Washington insider or anything. But if you know something or anything that you can use on him. Please do it, I'll be in your debt Congress Woman."
(" I'll see what I can dig up. I'll do it for Harm. How soon before he has to report?")
"72 hours."
("Well A.J looks like I've got my work cut out for me.")
They both hung up, the Admrial pinched his nose. He picked up his phone. "Tiner send Commander Rabb in."
("Yes Sir, I'll get him for you.")
Tiner buzzed Harm. "Sir The Admrial would like to see you."
("Thank you Tiner.") Harm got up and headed to the Admrial's office. "Sir you can go right in."
Harm smiled at Tiner and walked in. He stood at attention in the front of his CO. "Harm just sat down. I'm not going to beet around the bush here. I've spoken with the SECNav, he will not remove the TAD assignment."
"Sir what about.."
"Let me finish, I've also spoken with Congress Woman Latham, she's going to see what she can do on her end. For now go home Harm. Spend time with Mac and those babies. If anything changes,I'll inform you."
Harm ducked his head. He stood up. "Thank you Sir."
"Don't thank me yet. Go home."
Harm just walked out and headed back to his office, he went about securing it at least for the day. He knew he'd have to come back, if his orders didn't get changed back. His thoughts now went to Mac and his children.
God how would he tell her. How could he tell her. Her emotions are all over the place right now. This is the last thing she needs. Her doctor didn't want her under any stress, and he knew this was going to cause her stress.
He went about finishing his business and started to head out. Bud stoped him. "Sir is it true, that your going TAD to the Patrick Henry?"
"Bud how did you find out?"
"I overheard Lt Singer telling Lt Aldridge." Harm looked around for Singer. "Bud it's true for right now." That's when he spotted Singer. "I'll be right back Bud." Harm walked over to Singer. "Lt,I need to speak with you now."
"Yes Sir."
"How did you find out about my TAD assignment? And don't you dare lie to me."
"Simple Sir I saw the orders when they were faxed in. I was waiting to use the fax machine."
"And you felt the need to share this with Lt Aldridge?"
"Well I thought he would be interested, since he was the JAG on there at one time."
"Lt, you of all people should know, that orders are classified. I could and should have you brought up on charges. If you pull a stunt like this again I will see it that you get sent to Iceland."
"Yes Sir." Lt Singer walked away. She knew she needed to make a phone call, but now is not the time or place.
Harm walked back to his office picked up his belongings and headed out and home to his family.
Harm and Mac's Apartment
North of Union Station
Harm opened the front door, he looked around for Mac. He walked the rest of the way in. Placing his groceries down on the counter along with his case and cover. He walked up stairs to their bedroom. That's when he found his wife..
Laying on her side on his pillow, her hand resting on their children. He just stood and watched her sleep. She looked so peaceful. And so beautiful all at the same time. He knelt down beside her.
"God Sarah, how do I tell you this? How am I supposed to deal with this? How are we going to deal with this? How am I supposed to leave you alone? I promised to always be here! Now I'm having to break that promise."
Mac slowly opened her eyes when she heard Harm talking to her. She just listened to him. Something bad must have happened. She turned to face him. "Harm what's going on?"
"Sweetheart I don't know how to tell you this."Harm stood and sat down next to wife.
"Harm your starting to scare me. Please just talk to me!"
He took her in his arms. "Baby I've been.."
Knock Knock.. "Stay here Sarah, I'll get it." Harm got up and went down to his front door, he looked out the peep hole.Great he thought as he opened the door.
"Congress Woman Latham, how can I help you?"
"Well you can let me in to start with." Harm smiles and moves to let her walk in. In the meantime Mac walked down from the bedroom. She made her way over to Harm.
"Harm what's going on? Why is she here?"
Bobbie looked from Harm to Mac, "You've not told her?"
"I was just about to."
"Harm?"
"Bobbie can you give us a minute?"
"Sure I'll just wait in the living room." Mac watched as the Congress Woman just made herself at home.
"Baby I was trying to tell that I've been sent TAD to the Henry. I report in 72 hours."
"WHAT? How can they do this to you? Your the acting chief of staff at JAG. They can't just do this to you."
"May I speak now?" Both looked over at Bobbie.
"Please go on ." Harm said
"I've managed to get your orders overturned at least for the time being."
"Bobbie how'd you do that?"
"Let's just some information that the SECNav might not want to come to lite, want at least for right now. In exchange for him resending your TAD assignment."
Harm smiled. "Thank you Bobbie. I'm in your debt."
She walked over to him and Mac. She placed her hand on Harms chest. "Well I'm sure I'll think of way collect at some point. I do see congrats are in order." She looked over at Mac.
"How far along are you Col?"
"Right at 7 months."
"Twins right?"
"Yes?"
"Admrial Chegwidden told me. Well I've taken up enough of your time for the evening. I'll be in touch Harm." Bobbie walked out the door. Harm walked over and locked it behind her.
"That's what you where going to tell me? That you where being sent to the Henry?"
"Yes. Sarah I didn't want to go."
"So how is the Congress Woman involved?"
"Admrial Chegwidden called her when he couldn't get anywhere with the SECNav."
"I see, and when did all this happen?"
"Today, I swear to you baby."
"Harm I believe you. I know you'd never lie to me. And I know you'd never jeopardize our relationship or marriage.Its not who you are."
Harm pulled Mac into his arms. He breathed a sigh of relief. At least for now he didn't have to worry about being on a carrier in the middle of the sea.
Office of The Secretary of The Navy
Allison walked in, she stoped at the desk and wait on Secretary Nelson to acknowledge her. He looked up. "Commander you've put me in a very hard place right now. I had to resend Rabb's TAD to The USS Patrick Henry."
"What? Why, Mr Secretary?"
"Congresswoman Latham, has some information on me that I do not need coming to light."
"Oh really, well just leave her to me. I happen to know a few things about the Congresswoman that you can use against her. Than you can Redo the orders to send Commander Rabb back to The Patrick Henry and place me at JAG."
They both smiled at each other. "Alison I love the way your devious mind works."
"Thank you Mr Secretary"