Title: Shipped Out
Author: Mosquito (autopsy_candidate@yahoo.com)
Date: 28-12-01
Rated: PG (PG-13 perhaps because of the occasional bad language and some of the situations.)
Classification: Fictional
Summary: The actions of September 11th have caused some major changes in the world. Raw emotions are released and people are seeking retribution. The groups of marines are being formed to go off to Afghanistan. Mac is being sent off to war. How will this change her relationship with Harm?
Disclaimer: JAG is owned by CBS, and is not my property. Nor are the characters directly related to JAG mine. EG: Harm, Mac, Bud, Harriet, Chloe, and Admiral Chegwidden. Agents Mulder and Scully, and Charlie belong to Chris Carter and FOX network. I have no interest in profiting off of this story, and do not intend to distribute this for money, but rather for enjoyment.
Author's note: I came up with this idea while watching the episode where Harm goes back to active duty. I thought, what would happen if Mac was forced into active duty?
Dedication: This story is dedicated to Sam. She is the one who showed me the finer aspects of writing romance fiction. She is also the only one I can tease about Bug-me (Brumby). However, I have no intention of adding him to the plot. In my opinion his leaving was a plus to the show, and just in the way of what I consider the inevitable. However, she always keeps me company with her stories on sweater-boy, and she and I are the only ones that can really exchange Aussie stories. Therefore, this story (Though probably not to your liking) is dedicated to you. "I'm not your average damsel in distress."
This story is also dedicated to all the lives lost as results of the September eleventh plane crashes, and the war in Afghanistan.
Shipped Out
We're all on ship decks ready to leave, with nowhere to turn.
The enemy's waiting out there for us:
It's cold, it's dark, and it's wet.
This will be something some of us will never recall,
Those that are dead.
So tell my husband I love him,
Give my children a kiss,
For all the wars I've fought in,
I'm proud to fight in this.
The barrack door opens,
We start running into the night,
There's no enemy to be seen.
All I see is wasteland, for as far as the eye can see.
We're fighting the fight,
The American fight,
Retribution for what they've done:
Killing the Twins with innocents,
And their leaders are now on the run.
Shipped out
By Mosquito
Part1
I was called into the Admiral's office at exactly 0900 standard military time. Upon my arrival I noticed another man was in the room, one I recognized as General Winslow. He was a two star general of the US Army. I had met him before, when I requested to be sent to JAG to help my uncle. Uncle Matt and the General had been boyhood friends, and had Uncle Matt not stolen the Constitution he would have been a General sometime now, too.
I saluted when I entered.
"At ease Colonel." Admiral Chegwidden said.
I stood at ease and waited for someone to speak.
"How far are you on the case?" The admiral asked.
"I go into court tomorrow." I said. "I have sufficient evidence, I should win."
"Who are you up against?" The General asked.
I turned to him and said, "Commander Rabb, Sir."
"Mackenzie," The general started, "Your time with JAG has ended. We're pulling you back."
"Yes, sir."
"I know that you have been out of duty for a good time now."
"Three years, Sir."
"Yes, I know. I've been following your carrier with admiration. You've done well here, Mackenzie."
"Thank you sir."
"But the fact of the matter is, we don't have enough trained Special Forces marines to go into Afghanistan to find Osama Bin Laden. You're a good marine, a great marine. You've got special ops training, and you've got a brain, which won't get you killed. So, what do you say, Colonel? Do you agree with the mission?"
"Well, sir, I'm a good lawyer-" I started.
"Fantastic lawyer." The admiral cut in. "Mac, you have got a choice in the matter, there is a loop-hole. The only way you can stay here, is if you change from army to navy."
I looked at the Admiral. Change from army to navy… all that training would be gone, and I'd have to start all over again. But not only that, I'm a marine. I can't move. I have to do what I'm trained to do. I can't let my teammates down. "No, Admiral, You know I would love to stay with JAG, but I could never leave the United States Marine Corps. I am a marine, and that will never change."
"Semper Fi, marine." The general said.
"Semper Fi, sir." I said. I looked at the Admiral, who, though was saddened had a proud face on him. My smile was apologetic.
"Very well, you are to report to Quantico tomorrow, to begin your retraining."
"Yes, general."
"I'll leave you now. You're to report to Colonel Essman in 48 hours." Then he exited the door.
I didn't move. I stood in attention, but my eyes were looking at something in the distance. Through the window I could see Harm get out of his car. Harm. I'd be leaving him. The idea hadn't hit me.
"Mac." The Admiral pulled me back.
I looked back at him.
"Do you want me to tell everyone?"
"Yes please." I said looking down on the floor.
"Dismissed. Get me your cases by the end of the day that you won't be finishing."
"Yes sir." I said, and looking at the floor I walked towards the door.
"Sarah." I stopped in my place. "I'll tell them tomorrow after you get out of court. You had best tell Harm tonight… and Mac, I'm proud of you. Not many people would willingly go into war. Do us proud Colonel."
"Yes, Sir…. Thank you sir." I said, and then left the room. My office was across the mess. I walked with my head held high. I was after all a marine, and marines do not burry their heads in the sand. I would go to war, and I would come home. I had to. The only thing left was to get my unfinished business done now. If I didn't and I died on the field, then I would regret my life, or I would worry and panic. I couldn't have that. I needed to get my business finished. There was no alternative. The rules of war: leave with a clear conscience.
I went to my office and closed the door, pulling the blinds, and then picked up the phone. Dialing Chloe's number.
"Hello?" Came a child's voice.
"Hey Chloe it's Mac."
"Hey, Mac, are you coming to visit me?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"No, Chloe, I'm calling cause you won't be seeing or hearing me for a while." I said. Tears were streaming. The idea that I might never see Chloe again hurt me.
"What's going on, Mac?"
"Chloe, you know how the US is sending troops out to Afghanistan?"
"You can't go, Mac!" Chloe protested.
"I have to Chloe."
"How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know."
"But you are going to come back, right?"
"Of coarse." I said.
"You have to come back, Mac."
"I'll be back, you'll see me again." I could tell that Chloe was crying almost as hard as I was. I tried to hush her, but it didn't seem to be working.
Then finally when I did calm down, Chloe asked, "Have you told Harm yet?"
"No, I'm going to tonight, hopefully. I have to go now and finish my work, so I can leave. I love Chloe, and as soon as I come back, I'll come and see you."
"Okay. Take care, Mac, and come home safe."
"I will." Then with a lot of sobs I put down the phone. I just sat in my chair thinking. I'd never been so emotionally drained before.
Just then a knock came on my door. I quickly wiped my eyes and then let the person enter.
"Mac, about this case we're fighting in court tomorrow, I'm going to see if we can gat the case passed off, because I don't have sufficient facts. This case isn't worth our time."
"Whatever Harm." I said. I was digging into my handbag for a tissue. "Why is it I can never find a tissue when I need it the most?!" I yelled and threw the bag on my desk, and then leaning down I closed my eyes.
I noticed that Harm was sitting quietly in the chair across from me. I heard his clothes rustle, and then felt his hand as he put his handkerchief in my hand.
"Thank you." I said softly, and as I brought it up to my face I heard Harm speak again,
"Mac, why have you been crying?"
"I rather not talk about it now. Are you free tonight?" I asked opening my eyes. They were pleading. I looked directly into Harm's eyes in hopes of seeing them light up. When they did this, he would agree with me. But it never came.
"I'm sorry Mac," harm said, "But it's Renee's birthday, I can't skip that. On any other night I would have, but I really can't miss this date."
I was quiet. "I understand." I told him.
"How about tomorrow night?" He offered
"No, It's okay Harm. If you get the case passed let me know." I said. "I have a lot of work to do before I can leave tonight, so if you don't mind I need to get back to it."
"Yeah, no problem." He said getting up. When he stood, I admired his body. He was a very handsome man. If I didn't think that I would have to kill myself. Anyone who wasn't blind would see that. From head to toe he was perfect, and it was this perfection that I was in love with. He's handsome, he's intelligent, he has manners, but most importantly, he's there for me when I need him…. When he can be. Put those thoughts behind you, Sarah, you need to start focusing on the task. You promised Chloe you'd come home, and that's what you're going to do.
I looked down at the files on my desk. 'I need help.' I thought. I went to the Admiral.
"Tiner, I need to see the Admiral." I told the admiral's assistance.
He nodded and reached for the intercom, and then announced me.
"Send her in." The admiral's authoritative voice came through.
I walked in to see the Admiral in a meeting with Harm. I saluted and said: "I'm sorry Sir, but the work is just too much for me to do in an afternoon." I explained.
"I understand." He paused. "Commander Rabb, what have you still got to do today?"
"I have three more cases to review and research, Sir." Harm told the admiral.
"Will you be needing Lieutenant Roberts?" The Admiral asked.
"No sir."
"Alright. Colonel, you have both Lieutenant Roberts and Ensign Sims at your disposal."
"Thank you, Sir." I said.
"Dismissed. And Mac, at two o'clock you have permission to call your uncle. They'll be expecting your call on the hour."
"Yes Sir." I said. Then turning I left the room. I looked back after passing through to see Harm's confused eyes. Then I closed the door, put my head up and left the Admiral's waiting room.
Entering the pen I called out: "Lieutenant Roberts, Ensign Sims, in my office now." I watched as the husband and wife walked side by side into my office after me. "Harriet, close the door would you? And Bud, close the blinds." I said.
The blond headed lady moved to the door and closed it. The dark haired man walked to the windows and began closing the blinds. I waited until they were both settled in seats across from each other.
I took a deep breath, these were two of my most trusted friends. They had always been there to back me up when Harm couldn't. I sighed and then looked at the two of them. "I'm leaving." I began. "In the news lately you know how chaotic it's getting in the world. I've just been reassigned to go to Afghanistan on a Special Forces Marine troop to find Osama Bin Laden."
Harriet gasped. Bud said: "But Ma'am, isn't there something that can be done?"
"Well, there was an alternative, I would have to join the navy to stay here."
"But you can't." Harriet said.
"No, I can't. I'm a marine. My place is with my own group. I have to go."
Harriet was crying silently.
"Have you told Commander Rabb?" Bud asked.
"No." I looked down at my fingers. "I was going o tonight, but Renйe's birthday is tonight, and he needs to go out with her."
"But ma'am, you have to tell him. Both your lives will be hell if you don't." Harriet said.
"We'll manage. I don't want the two of you to tell him. I want to tell him myself, but if I don't get to I want the two of you to tell him after I have left. Okay?"
They both nodded.
"Good. Now, for me to leave, I need to have all my cases up to date, so I need the two of you to help me finish them. There's about six, so there's a lot to do. Harriet, I want you to research on the Campbell case." I handed the folder to Harriet. "I just need preliminaries. Okay?"
Harriet nodded and left.
"Okay Bud. Because you have a law degree I want you to help me with the accounts?"
"No problems ma'am." Bud took the folder from me.
The three of us worked non-stop for the last six hours of the working day, and then Bud and I worked another two on overtime. Finally at seven thirty they finished the last case, and they took their leave.
Our case had been passed, so there was no need to come back tomorrow. I'd said my goodbye's to Bud and Harriet, and then on my way out I noticed that the Admiral's light was still on.
I walked into his office and saw his sitting at his desk looking out the window. He turned in his chair and looked at me as I put the six cases on the desk in front of him.
"So you won't be in tomorrow?" The Admiral asked.
"No sir. I have no reason to be here." I said. I'll pack tonight, and then tomorrow buy all the necessities I need, as well as go and hand my apartment key to Bud and Harriet. They said they'd keep an eye on things for me while I'm gone."
The Admiral nodded. "What about Harm?"
"I won't have the opportunity to tell him. Would you do that for me, sir? I'm clocking in early. I'll sign into Quantico around two o'clock tomorrow. I have a reputation to keep up."
"So as General Winslow said, first in everything."
"Yes, Sir, the early bird catches the worm."
"So it does, colonel." The Admiral stood up and saluted to her. "Good hunting Colonel."
"Thank you, Sir." I saluted back. "It was an honor to serve under you in JAG."
"It was an honor having you to serve under me." He said.
Then with a smile I turned and left. I looked around my old office and then taking my box of personal valuables I left the office to what would be my second leaving.
When I got home I put the things away and then began packing my bag. Only what you really need. I packed my uniform and my toiletries, and then I looked around. I was missing something. I knew I was. I opened my side drawer and picked up a lacquer box I had bought when I was in Moscow. In it I kept photos. I picked out four. One of Chloe, one of Uncle Matt, one of my father, and the last one was one of Harm and me. I loved this photo. It was taken in Russia Both of them with the helicopter they had both flown in. Harm sitting on the back seat of the copter, I standing beside it. Tears flowed as I realized for a second time I may never see them again, or that I might see my father.
I put the photos in my bag and then closed my bag and left it by the door. I was too tired to do anything anymore. I was fed up of it all. I just lay on my sofa and closed my eyes, thinking of the conversation I had had with Uncle Matt.
"I'm going to Afghanistan, Uncle Matt."
"With which team?"
"Special Forces."
"Are you ready?"
"I don't know. I have a lot of loose ends I can't tie up."
"Just don't think of them, block them out of your mind."
"I won't be able to."
"Try, because those are the loose ends that can kill you."
"I know, Uncle Matt."
"Come back to me, Sarah."
"I will. You'll see me again."
"Then go and get that rat's ass." He ordered.
"Yes, Sir!"
"Take care, I love you."
"I love you too, Uncle Matt, and I'll be careful."
I fell asleep with my uncle's words floating around: "Try, because those loose ends can kill you."
Author: Mosquito (autopsy_candidate@yahoo.com)
Date: 28-12-01
Rated: PG (PG-13 perhaps because of the occasional bad language and some of the situations.)
Classification: Fictional
Summary: The actions of September 11th have caused some major changes in the world. Raw emotions are released and people are seeking retribution. The groups of marines are being formed to go off to Afghanistan. Mac is being sent off to war. How will this change her relationship with Harm?
Disclaimer: JAG is owned by CBS, and is not my property. Nor are the characters directly related to JAG mine. EG: Harm, Mac, Bud, Harriet, Chloe, and Admiral Chegwidden. Agents Mulder and Scully, and Charlie belong to Chris Carter and FOX network. I have no interest in profiting off of this story, and do not intend to distribute this for money, but rather for enjoyment.
Author's note: I came up with this idea while watching the episode where Harm goes back to active duty. I thought, what would happen if Mac was forced into active duty?
Dedication: This story is dedicated to Sam. She is the one who showed me the finer aspects of writing romance fiction. She is also the only one I can tease about Bug-me (Brumby). However, I have no intention of adding him to the plot. In my opinion his leaving was a plus to the show, and just in the way of what I consider the inevitable. However, she always keeps me company with her stories on sweater-boy, and she and I are the only ones that can really exchange Aussie stories. Therefore, this story (Though probably not to your liking) is dedicated to you. "I'm not your average damsel in distress."
This story is also dedicated to all the lives lost as results of the September eleventh plane crashes, and the war in Afghanistan.
Shipped Out
We're all on ship decks ready to leave, with nowhere to turn.
The enemy's waiting out there for us:
It's cold, it's dark, and it's wet.
This will be something some of us will never recall,
Those that are dead.
So tell my husband I love him,
Give my children a kiss,
For all the wars I've fought in,
I'm proud to fight in this.
The barrack door opens,
We start running into the night,
There's no enemy to be seen.
All I see is wasteland, for as far as the eye can see.
We're fighting the fight,
The American fight,
Retribution for what they've done:
Killing the Twins with innocents,
And their leaders are now on the run.
Shipped out
By Mosquito
Part1
I was called into the Admiral's office at exactly 0900 standard military time. Upon my arrival I noticed another man was in the room, one I recognized as General Winslow. He was a two star general of the US Army. I had met him before, when I requested to be sent to JAG to help my uncle. Uncle Matt and the General had been boyhood friends, and had Uncle Matt not stolen the Constitution he would have been a General sometime now, too.
I saluted when I entered.
"At ease Colonel." Admiral Chegwidden said.
I stood at ease and waited for someone to speak.
"How far are you on the case?" The admiral asked.
"I go into court tomorrow." I said. "I have sufficient evidence, I should win."
"Who are you up against?" The General asked.
I turned to him and said, "Commander Rabb, Sir."
"Mackenzie," The general started, "Your time with JAG has ended. We're pulling you back."
"Yes, sir."
"I know that you have been out of duty for a good time now."
"Three years, Sir."
"Yes, I know. I've been following your carrier with admiration. You've done well here, Mackenzie."
"Thank you sir."
"But the fact of the matter is, we don't have enough trained Special Forces marines to go into Afghanistan to find Osama Bin Laden. You're a good marine, a great marine. You've got special ops training, and you've got a brain, which won't get you killed. So, what do you say, Colonel? Do you agree with the mission?"
"Well, sir, I'm a good lawyer-" I started.
"Fantastic lawyer." The admiral cut in. "Mac, you have got a choice in the matter, there is a loop-hole. The only way you can stay here, is if you change from army to navy."
I looked at the Admiral. Change from army to navy… all that training would be gone, and I'd have to start all over again. But not only that, I'm a marine. I can't move. I have to do what I'm trained to do. I can't let my teammates down. "No, Admiral, You know I would love to stay with JAG, but I could never leave the United States Marine Corps. I am a marine, and that will never change."
"Semper Fi, marine." The general said.
"Semper Fi, sir." I said. I looked at the Admiral, who, though was saddened had a proud face on him. My smile was apologetic.
"Very well, you are to report to Quantico tomorrow, to begin your retraining."
"Yes, general."
"I'll leave you now. You're to report to Colonel Essman in 48 hours." Then he exited the door.
I didn't move. I stood in attention, but my eyes were looking at something in the distance. Through the window I could see Harm get out of his car. Harm. I'd be leaving him. The idea hadn't hit me.
"Mac." The Admiral pulled me back.
I looked back at him.
"Do you want me to tell everyone?"
"Yes please." I said looking down on the floor.
"Dismissed. Get me your cases by the end of the day that you won't be finishing."
"Yes sir." I said, and looking at the floor I walked towards the door.
"Sarah." I stopped in my place. "I'll tell them tomorrow after you get out of court. You had best tell Harm tonight… and Mac, I'm proud of you. Not many people would willingly go into war. Do us proud Colonel."
"Yes, Sir…. Thank you sir." I said, and then left the room. My office was across the mess. I walked with my head held high. I was after all a marine, and marines do not burry their heads in the sand. I would go to war, and I would come home. I had to. The only thing left was to get my unfinished business done now. If I didn't and I died on the field, then I would regret my life, or I would worry and panic. I couldn't have that. I needed to get my business finished. There was no alternative. The rules of war: leave with a clear conscience.
I went to my office and closed the door, pulling the blinds, and then picked up the phone. Dialing Chloe's number.
"Hello?" Came a child's voice.
"Hey Chloe it's Mac."
"Hey, Mac, are you coming to visit me?" Chloe asked hopefully.
"No, Chloe, I'm calling cause you won't be seeing or hearing me for a while." I said. Tears were streaming. The idea that I might never see Chloe again hurt me.
"What's going on, Mac?"
"Chloe, you know how the US is sending troops out to Afghanistan?"
"You can't go, Mac!" Chloe protested.
"I have to Chloe."
"How long will you be gone?"
"I don't know."
"But you are going to come back, right?"
"Of coarse." I said.
"You have to come back, Mac."
"I'll be back, you'll see me again." I could tell that Chloe was crying almost as hard as I was. I tried to hush her, but it didn't seem to be working.
Then finally when I did calm down, Chloe asked, "Have you told Harm yet?"
"No, I'm going to tonight, hopefully. I have to go now and finish my work, so I can leave. I love Chloe, and as soon as I come back, I'll come and see you."
"Okay. Take care, Mac, and come home safe."
"I will." Then with a lot of sobs I put down the phone. I just sat in my chair thinking. I'd never been so emotionally drained before.
Just then a knock came on my door. I quickly wiped my eyes and then let the person enter.
"Mac, about this case we're fighting in court tomorrow, I'm going to see if we can gat the case passed off, because I don't have sufficient facts. This case isn't worth our time."
"Whatever Harm." I said. I was digging into my handbag for a tissue. "Why is it I can never find a tissue when I need it the most?!" I yelled and threw the bag on my desk, and then leaning down I closed my eyes.
I noticed that Harm was sitting quietly in the chair across from me. I heard his clothes rustle, and then felt his hand as he put his handkerchief in my hand.
"Thank you." I said softly, and as I brought it up to my face I heard Harm speak again,
"Mac, why have you been crying?"
"I rather not talk about it now. Are you free tonight?" I asked opening my eyes. They were pleading. I looked directly into Harm's eyes in hopes of seeing them light up. When they did this, he would agree with me. But it never came.
"I'm sorry Mac," harm said, "But it's Renee's birthday, I can't skip that. On any other night I would have, but I really can't miss this date."
I was quiet. "I understand." I told him.
"How about tomorrow night?" He offered
"No, It's okay Harm. If you get the case passed let me know." I said. "I have a lot of work to do before I can leave tonight, so if you don't mind I need to get back to it."
"Yeah, no problem." He said getting up. When he stood, I admired his body. He was a very handsome man. If I didn't think that I would have to kill myself. Anyone who wasn't blind would see that. From head to toe he was perfect, and it was this perfection that I was in love with. He's handsome, he's intelligent, he has manners, but most importantly, he's there for me when I need him…. When he can be. Put those thoughts behind you, Sarah, you need to start focusing on the task. You promised Chloe you'd come home, and that's what you're going to do.
I looked down at the files on my desk. 'I need help.' I thought. I went to the Admiral.
"Tiner, I need to see the Admiral." I told the admiral's assistance.
He nodded and reached for the intercom, and then announced me.
"Send her in." The admiral's authoritative voice came through.
I walked in to see the Admiral in a meeting with Harm. I saluted and said: "I'm sorry Sir, but the work is just too much for me to do in an afternoon." I explained.
"I understand." He paused. "Commander Rabb, what have you still got to do today?"
"I have three more cases to review and research, Sir." Harm told the admiral.
"Will you be needing Lieutenant Roberts?" The Admiral asked.
"No sir."
"Alright. Colonel, you have both Lieutenant Roberts and Ensign Sims at your disposal."
"Thank you, Sir." I said.
"Dismissed. And Mac, at two o'clock you have permission to call your uncle. They'll be expecting your call on the hour."
"Yes Sir." I said. Then turning I left the room. I looked back after passing through to see Harm's confused eyes. Then I closed the door, put my head up and left the Admiral's waiting room.
Entering the pen I called out: "Lieutenant Roberts, Ensign Sims, in my office now." I watched as the husband and wife walked side by side into my office after me. "Harriet, close the door would you? And Bud, close the blinds." I said.
The blond headed lady moved to the door and closed it. The dark haired man walked to the windows and began closing the blinds. I waited until they were both settled in seats across from each other.
I took a deep breath, these were two of my most trusted friends. They had always been there to back me up when Harm couldn't. I sighed and then looked at the two of them. "I'm leaving." I began. "In the news lately you know how chaotic it's getting in the world. I've just been reassigned to go to Afghanistan on a Special Forces Marine troop to find Osama Bin Laden."
Harriet gasped. Bud said: "But Ma'am, isn't there something that can be done?"
"Well, there was an alternative, I would have to join the navy to stay here."
"But you can't." Harriet said.
"No, I can't. I'm a marine. My place is with my own group. I have to go."
Harriet was crying silently.
"Have you told Commander Rabb?" Bud asked.
"No." I looked down at my fingers. "I was going o tonight, but Renйe's birthday is tonight, and he needs to go out with her."
"But ma'am, you have to tell him. Both your lives will be hell if you don't." Harriet said.
"We'll manage. I don't want the two of you to tell him. I want to tell him myself, but if I don't get to I want the two of you to tell him after I have left. Okay?"
They both nodded.
"Good. Now, for me to leave, I need to have all my cases up to date, so I need the two of you to help me finish them. There's about six, so there's a lot to do. Harriet, I want you to research on the Campbell case." I handed the folder to Harriet. "I just need preliminaries. Okay?"
Harriet nodded and left.
"Okay Bud. Because you have a law degree I want you to help me with the accounts?"
"No problems ma'am." Bud took the folder from me.
The three of us worked non-stop for the last six hours of the working day, and then Bud and I worked another two on overtime. Finally at seven thirty they finished the last case, and they took their leave.
Our case had been passed, so there was no need to come back tomorrow. I'd said my goodbye's to Bud and Harriet, and then on my way out I noticed that the Admiral's light was still on.
I walked into his office and saw his sitting at his desk looking out the window. He turned in his chair and looked at me as I put the six cases on the desk in front of him.
"So you won't be in tomorrow?" The Admiral asked.
"No sir. I have no reason to be here." I said. I'll pack tonight, and then tomorrow buy all the necessities I need, as well as go and hand my apartment key to Bud and Harriet. They said they'd keep an eye on things for me while I'm gone."
The Admiral nodded. "What about Harm?"
"I won't have the opportunity to tell him. Would you do that for me, sir? I'm clocking in early. I'll sign into Quantico around two o'clock tomorrow. I have a reputation to keep up."
"So as General Winslow said, first in everything."
"Yes, Sir, the early bird catches the worm."
"So it does, colonel." The Admiral stood up and saluted to her. "Good hunting Colonel."
"Thank you, Sir." I saluted back. "It was an honor to serve under you in JAG."
"It was an honor having you to serve under me." He said.
Then with a smile I turned and left. I looked around my old office and then taking my box of personal valuables I left the office to what would be my second leaving.
When I got home I put the things away and then began packing my bag. Only what you really need. I packed my uniform and my toiletries, and then I looked around. I was missing something. I knew I was. I opened my side drawer and picked up a lacquer box I had bought when I was in Moscow. In it I kept photos. I picked out four. One of Chloe, one of Uncle Matt, one of my father, and the last one was one of Harm and me. I loved this photo. It was taken in Russia Both of them with the helicopter they had both flown in. Harm sitting on the back seat of the copter, I standing beside it. Tears flowed as I realized for a second time I may never see them again, or that I might see my father.
I put the photos in my bag and then closed my bag and left it by the door. I was too tired to do anything anymore. I was fed up of it all. I just lay on my sofa and closed my eyes, thinking of the conversation I had had with Uncle Matt.
"I'm going to Afghanistan, Uncle Matt."
"With which team?"
"Special Forces."
"Are you ready?"
"I don't know. I have a lot of loose ends I can't tie up."
"Just don't think of them, block them out of your mind."
"I won't be able to."
"Try, because those are the loose ends that can kill you."
"I know, Uncle Matt."
"Come back to me, Sarah."
"I will. You'll see me again."
"Then go and get that rat's ass." He ordered.
"Yes, Sir!"
"Take care, I love you."
"I love you too, Uncle Matt, and I'll be careful."
I fell asleep with my uncle's words floating around: "Try, because those loose ends can kill you."