MOM MAC

DISCLAIMER: I don't own these characters. 

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INS OFFICES

Mac took the day off from work.  She wanted to go with Ahmed to his immigration hearing.  Mac felt some sense of kinship and responsibility to Ahmed.  If not for his father, she would not be alive.

"Mac, do you think they are going to send me back?" Ahmed asked.

"No I don't. You have no family to go back to. I can't imagine they would send you back." Mac said giving his hand a squeeze.

"What about a place to live?" Ahmed asked. "I can't stay with you forever."

"No, you can't. Ahmed I promise until a permanent home is found, you can stay with me." Mac said smiling.

"Why are you so kind to me?" Ahmed asked.  Before Mac could answer Melinda Joplin walked over.

"Good morning Colonel MacKenzie. Ahmed, how are you this morning?" Ahmed said.

"Fine thank you miss." Ahmed replied.

"We will be meeting before the judge." Melinda said.

"I have to go to court? Will I be arrested?" Ahmed fearfully asked.

"Ahmed, this is a hearing to determine your status, not a criminal court." Mac reassured him.

"Will they send me back?" Ahmed asked Melinda.

"I will do everything I can to help you. I promise." Melinda replied. "It's time to go."

INS COURTROOM

They entered the courtroom and sat in the gallery.  There was another hearing ahead of them.  The wait was nerve racking for Ahmed.  His life stood in the balance. His hands were shaking a bit and Mac reached over, held his hand and gave him a smile.

"The matter of Ahmed Mirza." The Bailiff announced.

"That's us." Melinda said with a smile. "Your Honor, my name is Melinda Joplin and am here to request the petition for residency of Ahmed Mirza be granted."

"I reviewed this petition this morning. I do have some questions. Is Mr. Mirza represented by counsel?" The judge asked.

"Your Honor if I may? I am Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie; I am currently assigned to the Naval Judge Advocate General's office and am a member of the Virginia Bar Association.  I would be happy to represent Mr. Mirza." Mac said.

"That's fine." The judge replied. "Miss Joplin I am not clear as to Mr. Mirza's circumstances.  The petition states that he is an orphan and came to this country on his own.  What happened to his family?"

"Your Honor, Mr. Mirza's mother and sister were killed while trying to escape from Al-Qaeda." Melinda stated.

"And his father?" The judge asked.

"We have been advised that his father is also dead." Melinda replied.

"Where did this information come from?" The judge questioned.

"You Honor, the information is reliable but classified." Mac interjected.

"Colonel MacKenzie, you realize this is not a military courtroom do you not?" The judge asked.
"Yes Sir, I do.  However at this time I ask that you understand there were extenuating circumstances regarding the death of Mr. Mirza's father." Mac stated.

The judge shook his head, "Colonel MacKenzie and Miss Joplin, I would like to see you in my chambers.  Recess for 15 minutes."

THE JUDGES CHAMBERS

"Colonel MacKenzie, exactly what occurred that couldn't be disclosed in open court?" The judge demanded.

"Your Honor, Mr. Mirza's father was an unwilling member of the Al-Qaeda.  He was instrumental in the rescue of an American." Mac answered.

"And there is proof of this?" The judge asked.

"Yes Sir, the details are classified." Mac replied.

"Then tell me why do you know? Is it standard procedure for marine Colonel's to be privy to classified information?" The judge asked.

"Sir, if you contact Clayton Webb, Special Assistant to the Undersecretary of State, at the Department of State, he can confirm everything." Mac stated.

"This is highly unusual. He has no family?" The judge asked.

"Your Honor, based on the fact that his mother and sister were killed by Al-Qaeda and his father committed suicide, we believe that sending him back to Turkey or Afghanistan would put his life in jeopardy." Melinda stated.

"What about family here?" The judge asked.

"We have no knowledge of any family in this country your Honor." Melinda said. "Since the petitioner is a minor we will be looking at foster care."

"Interesting.  Granting asylum and finding him a place to live." The judge said.

"Your Honor, Ahmed has been staying with me.  I would like to have him continue to be my guest until something permanent could be arranged." Mac said.

"Colonel, you seem to have a personal interest in this young man.  May I ask why?" The judge questioned.

"Your Honor, I am currently a Big Sister and feel that it would be in his best interest to have a stable situation in light of his recent tragedies." Mac said.

"Colonel, I do hope you realize this undertaking. I will grant the petition and assign temporary custody to you." The judge said.

"Thank you your Honor." Mac replied with a smile.

THE COURTROOM

They returned to the courtroom and it was entered into the record that Ahmed would be able to stay in the United States and be placed in Mac's custody temporarily.

"I can stay?" Ahmed asked.

"Yes." Melinda said. "Your case will be handed over to Social Services and they will find a home for you."

"For now, you are going to stay with me." Mac said with a smile.

"Why are you so kind to me?" Ahmed asked.

"Your father helped an American, I am helping you as thanks." Mac said cautiously.

"I am grateful to you." Ahmed said with a smile.

They left the courtroom and the INS building and drove back to Mac's apartment.

MAC'S APARTMENT

"Welcome home." Mac announced. "For now at least."

"Thank you so much for everything." Ahmed said.

"Well, I think we need to get you enrolled in school." Mac said.

"School? I will be able to attend American schools?" Ahmed asked, his eyes growing wide with excitement.

"Yes you will. Although I am not quite sure how to go about this." Mac said. "I think I need to call for some assistance."

Ahmed nodded and shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know much more than Mac did.  Mac went to the phone and placed a call.

"Meredith Cavanaugh please." Mac said. "Meredith, hi it's Mac. I need a favor."  Mac explained the situation to Meredith and by the time the conversation was done, Meredith has given Mac all the necessary information to get Ahmed enrolled in school.  Meredith also advised Mac that it was winter recess and the schools were closed until after New Years.

LATER THAT EVENING

Mac and Ahmed returned from some more shopping to find Harm there cooking dinner.

"I figured a celebratory dinner was in order." Harm said with a smile.

"This is wonderful." Mac said giving him a kiss. "I need to make a phone call."

"Ahmed, welcome to our family." Harm said.

"Thank you, you are all so kind to me." Ahmed said.

"Get used to it." Harm said with a smile.

They ate dinner and Ahmed went to his room to say his prayers. 

"Harm I have an idea." Mac said.

"Mac, he can't live here." Harm protested.

"Oh I know that.  With the traveling and the caseload it would not be good for him. He needs more stability."

"What did you have in mind?" Harm asked.

"I called Chloe's grandmother.  She agrees that what Ahmed has been through is horrific.  She also said that Ahmed would be more than welcome there." Mac said.

"I never even thought of that." Harm said smiling.

"Ahmed's case will have to be transferred to the Social Services department there, however I think with the backing of a marine and a certain spook, it shouldn't be a problem." Mac said.

"When are you going to tell Ahmed?" Harm asked.

"Right after you call Webb." Mac said with a smile. Harm picked up the phone and made the call.  Webb was more than willing to push things along.  According to him, Ahmed would be a member of the Anderson family before the end of the week.  Mac went to Ahmed's room and asked him to join them in the living room.

"Ahmed, I have some good news for you." Mac said.

"More good news.  This is unbelievable." Ahmed said.

"I have very good friends who live in Vermont.  Actually they are more then friends.  There is a young girl there named Chloe, she is like a little sister to me.  I have spoken with her grandparents and they would like you to come live with them." Mac said.

"You don't want me?" Ahmed asked sadly.

"No, that's not it at all. My job requires me to be away.  I cannot give you the family environment you need." Mac said. "The Anderson's have a farm and are warm wonderful people.  Besides, this way you are still a part of my family.  We just won't live in the same house." Mac said smiling.

"I trust you. If you think this is best, then I will go." Ahmed said. "Mac, I do not understand why you are so kind to a stranger."

Mac and Harm exchanged glances

"Ahmed, the woman your father helped was a fellow officer." Mac began.  "We are all grateful to him for what he did. She told us that his last words were of protecting his family."

"So you do this because you have guilt?" Ahmed asked with tears in his eyes.

"No Ahmed, I do this to honor his memory." Mac said.

Ahmed looked at Mac and nodded, "I think it was Allah's will that I came to that military base."

"Ahmed, you know if I could change things I would." Mac said sympathetically.

"Ahmed, we are in your father's debt forever." Harm added.

"No, you have given me a family again.  My father would be pleased to know how you have cared for me." Ahmed said with a smile. "I am glad he saved that woman. Otherwise, you could not have saved me." With that Ahmed hugged Mac and then Harm. "If it is acceptable, I will go to bed now." Ahmed retired to his room. He thanked Allah for his good fortune and went to sleep.  It was the first time in a long time he slept soundly. 

"Wow." Harm said.

"He is an amazing kid." Mac said with a smile.

"You are an amazing woman." Harm said.

"Why thank you. Harm do you think I did the right thing telling him?" Mac asked.

"Webb wouldn't agree but I think you did." Harm said. "Besides you didn't say who the woman was."

"That's why I am marrying you. You agree with me." Mac said with a laugh.

"And all this time I thought it was for my striking good looks." Harm joked.

"Oh that too. Hey lets get to bed. Tomorrow is New Year's Eve." Mac said.

"Mac where is Ahmed going to spend tomorrow?" Harm asked.

"I hadn't even thought of that." Mac replied. "This mom stuff is not easy."

"Well not when you start with a 15 year old.  Bring him to the office, it's going to be a slow day." Harm said.

"Sounds good. Let's go to bed." Mac said with a smile.

They went to bed and had a good night. Tomorrow was New Year's Eve and all was looking good.