Coming Home: chapter one
Disclaimers and random notes: I own all of the characters and everyone thing else pertaining to JAG. RRIIIIIIGGGT. Don't own 'em but I LOVE the show. Ok guys this is my first fanfic so go easy and any suggestions, comments, criticism, or whatever is absolutely welcome. I'm not new to fanfic; I'm just new to the author side of it. Truthfully, the only reason I'm writing this is because I'm bored outta my mind and figured "What the hey, might as well go for it." So I hope this is read by someone and if you feel the need to expound or add to my story: GO FOR IT!! MORE POWER TO YA!! I know there are better writers out there that could do amazing things with this story and if you want to put it anywhere else go right ahead; just warn me first.
It's been five long years. Mac sighed to herself and looked down at the little girl holding her hand while they stood just outside the elevator that would take them to JAG headquarters. Mac gave the girl a reassuring smile but was secretly looking for support from the small child. They were in this together and no matter what happened, they had each other.
As they stepped off the elevator, Mac looked around as if she had never been there. Even though it had been five years, the building didn't change much; the people did though. She recognized absolutely none of the military personnel scurrying around the bullpen entrance and no one noticed her. She walked up to the reception desk while picking up the little girl. The girl had been Mac's only comfort for the last five years and right now, Mac needed all the comfort she could get. Mac looked at the Ensign and was amazed at how young she looked 'Probably just out of college.' Mac thought wistfully.
"Can I help you, Ma'am?" The young Ensign asked politely and smiled at the cute little girl being held by the woman.
"Um, I was wondering if Commander Rabb still worked here." Mac asked hesitantly.
"Do you mean Captain Rabb? He is probably in his office right now. Would you like me to set up an appointment to see him later?" The young Ensign was following orders that only people with appointments got back to see the Captain. He did not like impromptu meetings.
'He's a Captain now.' Mac thought to herself. 'Of course he is. I shouldn't be surprised.' She couldn't help but wonder what would have become of her career if she had been here the last five years. 'Would I be sporting eagles on my collar? I guess we'll never know.' She sighed and replied to the Ensign's question "I need to see him now. I can just walk back to his office if you point me in the right direction."
"I'm sorry, Ma'am, but the Captain only sees people who have appointments. He's very adamant about that…" the young Ensign was cut-off by Mac.
"I'm sorry, Ensign…Miller…" Mac searched for her name.
'She knows ranks; must be a wife.' Ensign Miller thought.
"…But I need to see the Captain now. It's an emergency. I know you're following orders not to allow others back there…"
'Oh yeah, definitely a wife.' the Ensign noted.
"…but if you just walked to his office and told him Sarah Mackenzie was here to see him, I know he wouldn't mind." Mac pleaded with the young officer.
The ensign had heard that name before but couldn't remember where. Either because of the look in the woman's face or because of the odd familiarity of her name, the ensign decided to risk the wrath of the Captain and approach his office. "OK, Ma'am, I'll go ask if he's willing to speak with you right now. Please wait right over there." Ensign Miller pointed to a row of chairs. She turned on her heel and headed for the Captain's office while trying to remember where she had heard that name. 'Hopefully he's in a good mood today and won't belittle me in front of the whole bullpen and instead do it in his office.' The wary ensign thought.
Captain Rabb was not known for his great attitude or caring personality. He was obstinate and gruff with everyone. Most of the JAG staff didn't know why and wouldn't be caught dead questioning why out loud because they feared the wrath of the Captain; but silently, they all wondered what had happened to the man to make him so…mean. Some heard rumors that he lost a big case, some heard that the woman he loved left him for another man and others heard that he just snapped. One thing was clear though, he hadn't always been this way and the few who knew him before the mean Captain surfaced never talked about it. It pained them all to think of what was destroyed the day the Captain lost his soul.
