Chapter 18

A/N: I know it's been a hot minute since the last update. I was stressing out about the accuracy of this chapter and that caused me to put off writing and uploading. I know there will likely be things that are not accurate to real life - but that is the nature of fan-fiction. Constructive criticism is always welcome, I do like to learn from those who know more about the subject than me - but please do it in a respectful way. We're all lovers of a good story, so let's keep it that way.

JAG Headquarters, February 13, 2017, 7:42am Eastern Standard Time

Mac's mind was going a mile a minute as she pulled into the parking lot of JAG Headquarters. She knew she was seventeen minutes and forty-three seconds early for her meeting with General Cresswell, but she always preferred to be on time than to be tardy. Once she pulled her car into the parking spot, she turned her key and listened to the engine settle from its idle hum to pin-drop silence. After taking a moment to gather her thoughts, she grabbed her things, locked her vehicle, and headed for the entrance to the building.

Since she was arriving much earlier than most of the other staff members, she didn't run into anyone to distract her from her routine. She simply made her way to the elevators and rode up in silence as she was the only one occupying it. Once on the floor of JAG, the doors opened and she stepped out. She looked toward the offices half expecting to see the usual hussle of Navy lawyers hard at work. Mac shook her head, realizing it was foolish of her to expect such a thing this early in the morning.

Mac made a point to stop by her office before her meeting with the General. It had been a while since she had been there, and she wanted to make sure everything was in its place. She also needed to set down her belongings as she did not want to bring them in with her to the meeting this morning. She turned her key in the lock and opened the door, revealing her office - exactly as it was when she left over a week ago. Mac set down her belongings in their designated places and took a deep breath before exiting her office and making her way over toward General Cresswell's Yeoman. The young man was fairly new to his position, but fit in quite well.

"Good morning Petty Officer Burgess," Colonel Mackenzie said as she approached the man.

"Good morning, ma'am. The General wanted me to inform you that he's ready for you," Petty Officer Burgess stated.

"Thank you, Petty Officer."

"You're welcome, Colonel," replied the Yeoman. He made his way around the desk and over to the door in order to hold it open for Mac. She stepped inside and the Petty Officer shut the door behind her. She stood at attention waiting for General Cresswell to acknowledge her and inform her of the nature of this urgent meeting.

"Good morning, Colonel," General Cresswell said. "At ease, Marine."

"Good morning, sir," Mac replied, standing at ease.

"You're probably wondering why I have called you in for this meeting." Mac nodded her head. "In short, I am getting old." Mac gave a small chuckle at the comment. "And with old age comes retirement."

"Very understandable, sir, especially with your daughter's career in the Navy picking up," Mac said. "How soon are you thinking of retiring?" She asked.

"Well, that depends…" General Cresswell began to say. "I do not want to leave as my predecessor did - without a replacement. I want to ensure that there is no gap between myself as JAG and whomever takes my place next."

"Understood, sir," Mac said, thinking back to the months Commander Sturgis Turner was acting JAG after Admiral A.J. Chegwidden retired.

"That's where you come in," he said.

"Excuse me?" Mac asked.

"You are on the short list to become the next JAG - the first female JAG."

Mac's mouth opened as if she were going to speak, but no words came to her. Her eyes widened and her thoughts raced. She knew that her many assignments - especially the billet in San Diego - would push her career further, but she never imagined this situation. Mac never thought that she would have the opportunity to be the first female JAG especially since she was much younger than most other candidates for the position.

"Thank you, sir. It would be an honor," Mac finally said when she was able to speak.

"You don't have me to thank - you have your outstanding service record to thank," the General said, smiling. "Also," he continued, "I probably don't have to remind you, but if selected, this position would guarantee you a promotion to General."

"Yes, sir," Mac said, smiling. "An excellent capstone for my career in the Marine Corps. Sir, when should I expect to hear back?"

"The selection review board still needs to meet. As far as I know, that is scheduled for later this week. I don't anticipate you having nearly as much trouble as I had seeing as the SECNAV is not playing favorites."

"That's good to hear," Mac replied, remembering the full senate hearing General Cresswell needed to endure before receiving his promotion for the job.

"As of right now, keep it on the down-low. I know you'll tell your close friends here at JAG, but do not go telling everyone in the Navy and Marines."

"Understood, sir," Mac replied, glad that she can at least tell her closest friends like Harm, Bud, and Harriet. "Is there anything else I need to be aware of?" Mac asked.

"No, Colonel, there is not. If you don't have anything further to discuss, you have my congratulations and may be dismissed," General Cresswell stated.

"Aye-aye sir!" Mac replied, snapping to attention before exiting the General's office. As she was closing the door behind her, she took a look around imagining the office one day being hers.