The Only Constant
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By: Anand Rao
This takes place after the S8 episode 'Fortunate Son'

Chapter One
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DAY 1:

The SECNAV stared at Admiral Cheggwidden with a sickeningly earnest look on his face. "I hope this doesn't disrupt JAG too much, AJ, but these changes. . . they really are for the best."

"I understand, Sir." AJ replied stiffly.

"Well, I'm glad we've had this discussion." The SECNAV stood up, pausing as he exited Cheggwidden's office. "The only constant is change, Admiral."

Left alone in his office, AJ sighed and leaned back in his chair. "Some changes are better than others," he muttered.
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Harm knocked on the admiral's door and stepped inside. "You wanted to see me, Sir?"

"Come in, Commander. Have a seat." AJ stared at Harm for a few moments then leaned forward. "In the seven plus years we've worked together, have I changed much?" he asked.

Puzzled by his CO's question, Harm frowned thoughtfully before answering. "I would have to say that you become less. . . ambitious since we first met, Sir."

"That's the truth." AJ chuckled. "When I first came her, I actually had my eye on the CNO seat." He shook his head ruefully. "That seems like a life time ago."

"Admiral. . . what's this about?"

"The SECNAV came by earlier today with the results of Commander Lindsay's audit."

"Ah. I see." Harm nodded his head in resignation.

"He made some rather. . . drastic recommendations," AJ added.

Harm laughed. "Let me guess. A variety of reassignments?"

"Is that the scuttlebutt?"

"No, I heard that one from Lindsay himself. So, should I be making plans to head for Norway?" Harm asked lightly.

"Do you think this is a joke, Commander?" AJ asked tightly.

Harm stiffened. "No, Sir."

AJ sighed. "I managed to convince the SECNAV the I should be responsible for any reassignments at JAG. So, in general, Commander Lindsay's recommendations will be implemented, but the specifics are going to up to me. You've been here longer than anyone, Harm. I wanted to let know about these changes first." He took a deep breath then continued. "Lieutenant Simms will be transferred back to the OIG. Lieutenant Roberts and Commander Turner will remain here. Colonel MacKenzie will remain in the Judiciary. . . on a permanent basis. As for you-"

"Admiral, I've been thinking about retiring," Harm stated before AJ could finish.

AJ's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Since when?" He demanded.

"For a while now, actually," Harm replied, unable to look his CO in the eye. "Let's face it, Sir, my past two years here have been less than stellar."

"Commander, in the past two years, you've saved more Naval careers than I can count. Everyone from humble Airmen to arrogant two stars, including a young Lieutenant who works in this very office. You've successfully communicated constantly changing ROEs to fleet JAGs and have become something of a leader to the JAG officers who serve upon our vessels." AJ leaned forward. "Oh, and let's not forget that you recently received the Silver Star for saving a carrier group from a nuclear threat. There's a reason you're on the Navy's recruitment posters, Harm. Nobody is perfect, but sometimes, you come damn close."

Harm sat back, stunned. "Sir, I . . ."

AJ cleared his throat quickly. "So, we've cleared up this doubt about your abilities and accomplishments. . . why *else* do you want to retire?"

Harm thought about it for a few minutes, then nodded his head. "Lately, I haven't been able to separate my emotions from my work. I'm not sure what happened. I used to be so good at leaving it all in the courtroom. But now. . ." Harm shrugged his shoulders helplessly.

"Harm," AJ began delicately, "how long as it been since you've had a life outside of JAG?"

Harm blinked and thought about the last time he had done any activity that had not included someone from JAG. Dinners with Mac, basketball with Sturgis, barbeques at the Roberts. . . "It's . . . been a long time, Sir. All my friends are here," he explained.

"I know. It makes for an incredibly strong team environment, one that has proven itself successful time and time again. However, it's a double-edged sword. A change might be good for you, Commander. However, I'd like to offer you an alternative to retirement."

"What would that be, Sir?"

"Captain Deyo retired yesterday. How would you like to take over for him at the Naples office?" AJ asked.

The afternoon had been full of shocks, and to Harm, there seemed to be no end. "But he was head of JAG Europe!" He exclaimed.

"That he was," AJ agreed. "I won't lie to you Harm, this would a very challenging position for you. You wouldn't have any investigative duties, and you'll be lucky to be in court once or twice a year. Your administrative and political skills will be pushed to their limits. You wouldn't really be a lawyer anymore. You'd be a leader."

Harm was visibly shaken at this point. "I don't know what to say, Sir. I mean, I'm not a Captain."

"That will change in about six months," AJ replied evenly. "That is, if you don't screw things up."

"I appreciate your confidence in me." Harm smiled thoughtfully. "Lindsay is going to be pissed."

The admiral allowed himself to express a truly wicked grin. "I know."

"Can I take some time. . . time to think about this?"

"You have a week. Harm, your options are limited," AJ warned. "If you don't take this, you might as well retire and enter a private practice. Lindsay wants you riding a desk buried deep in the Pentagon somewhere."

Harm smiled hopefully. "I don't suppose there are any more openings in the judiciary?"

"I thought you didn't like being a judge. That your strengths don't lie in that area."

"It wasn't that bad. I mean, I could always learn. . ."

AJ chuckled. "If you want to be THAT close to Colonel MacKenzie, there are better ways to go about it." He waved off Harm's immediate protest. "I'm afraid that's not an option, anyway. The SECNAV wasn't entirely pleased with your handling of that friendly fire incident."

"I can imagine." Harm sighed. "I'll let you know when I make my decision."

"Good enough. I'd hate the see the Navy lose you, Commander. Dismissed."

(I guess I should be happy,) Harm thought. (but I'm not.) He left the Admiral's office feeling less sure of himself than he had in any time of his life since his ramp strike.