Disclaimer: See Chapter one.
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Beginnings
Chapter Two: Returning to JAG
By Ann Parker
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0900 EST
20 March 2003
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia
"Well, I have to say it's good to have you back, son," commented Admiral Chegwidden. He looked up at the Gunnery Sergeant standing at attention before his desk with a smile. Well, as much of a smile as a Seal would offer.
"It's good to be back, Sir," replied Victor Galindez. He meant it too. His tour in Afghanistan made him realize just how much the JAG offices had become a home to him. He concluded it was something about the officers that worked there. They made you want to stay there for life after only five minutes. When he was informed his tour was done he knew exactly where he wanted to be stationed.
"Why don't you take a seat, Gunny? Tell me a little about your tour overseas." AJ said, gesturing towards a chair. Gunny obliged.
"Well, Sir, I'm sure the Commander and Colonel informed you about some of my duties when they had their investigation last May," Gunny stated. His superior nodded. Rabb and MacKenzie not only informed him of Gunny's duties, but also included his lost love and his little scuffle with Webb, which AJ found quite amusing. He knew he had rubbed off on the young Marine.
"My duties pretty much stayed the same through the whole tour," he finished. AJ decided not to press the issue. He knew from personal experience that most don't like discussing their combat experience.
"Well, I'm sure you were a great asset to your team just like you were and are here," AJ commented.
"Thank you, Sir," Gunny replied.
"Now, let me tell you about all the changes that have occurred here," AJ stated. "First off, are you aware of Lieutenant Roberts' accident?" Gunny replied with a nod.
"Terrible thing, Sir. I wish it had been possible to visit him. How is he doing?" Gunny asked and AJ smiled softly. Rising from his seat, he headed to his bookshelf. He picked up one of the very few framed photographs in his office. With it in his hand, he headed back to his officer and sat beside him.
"Actually, he is back on active duty. Currently, he only has problems with a few activities like climbing ladders. This makes carrier investigations a problem, but he'll get there with time," stated AJ. Gunny smiled and nodded.
"That's a remarkable comeback, Sir," he commented.
"Yes it is, and it's thanks to a friend of Commanders Rabb and Turner, a Miss Lisa Marshall." AJ handed Gunny the picture. It was from the Christmas party. All around the Roberts' tree stood Gunny's JAG family with the addition of two, which AJ pointed out. "That is Dan Wilson, Lisa's boyfriend who flew in for the holiday." Gunny slightly gazed at the tall blond as AJ spoke. Something about Dan set him off. Gunny sensed this man wasn't trustworthy.
His eyes shifted as AJ continued. "And that is Lisa. She flew in from San Diego at the beginning of December and by Christmas Bud was back at JAG full time. She's a miracle worker." Gunny couldn't help but stare at her. In the photo before him was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. It seemed like her green eyes pierced through him and her hair was a golden halo around her. In a word, she was breathtaking.
"She's…that's amazing, Sir," he sputtered out. His eyes never lifted from the photo. AJ looked at Gunny with a mixed expression of both concern and amusement, but Gunny didn't notice. AJ hoped Gunny wasn't falling for a woman he had never met. As far as he knew, Dan and Lisa were still together and Gunny didn't deserve anymore heartbreak.
"Yes she is, Gunny," he replied, gently taking the picture back and setting on the shelf. "She even helped Rabb and MacKenzie figure out their feelings for each other." AJ headed back to his chair as he heard Gunny chuckle slightly.
"It took an outsider to get them to confess their love for each other?" he asked between laughs. AJ smiled, everyone knew those two loved each other before they did.
"Sadly, yes it did. However, that brings me to the next change. Commander Rabb is now assigned to the SecNav and spends most his time with him and other Washington bigwigs. He still has an office here and works here when permissible," AJ advised. Gunny nodded in reply.
"In other matters," AJ continued, "Lieutenant Sims is pregnant again, so you will take over some of her duties when she goes on maternity leave. Petty Officer Coates has joined the staff, allowing you more time with investigations than before. Lieutenant Singer has since transferred to a new location in hopes of moving up the promotion line," AJ listed.
"Understood Sir, is that all?" asked Gunny.
"Luckily, yes. Good to have you back Victor, dismissed," AJ ordered. Gunny stood up and snapped to attention.
"Thank you Sir." Gunny turned on his heels and quickly was at the door.
"Gunny, one more thing," AJ stated and stopped Gunny from leaving. He turned to face the Seal.
"Yes Sir?"
"How does tomorrow night sound?" AJ smiled as a confused look came over the Marine's features. "For your welcome back party, son. You and I both know Harriet will want to throw one."
Gunny smiled and nodded, "sounds good Sir."
"All right, dismissed," AJ said.
"Aye Sir." Gunny left the Admiral to his thoughts. What would happen if Gunny met Lisa?
~~~~~
0630 CENRAL
21 March 2003
Dan Wilson's Apartment Building
Chicago
A very groggy Lisa paid the cab driver and hopped out of the yellow car, slinging her bag over her shoulder in the process. As the taxi pulled away, she glared at the rain clouds over head and walked into the lobby of Dan's apartment building. The bad weather had delayed her flight for hours. She finally arrived in Chicago as day broke.
Worry overtook her as she climbed the stairs. Every time she called him she got the answering machine. He must have noticed her number on the caller ID. She was hopeful that he would at least talk to her in person.
She arrived at his door and knocked softly. No answer.
"He must still be asleep," she thought as she dug out her key, and let herself in. She wasn't more than a few feet in the door when she froze. There, in her boyfriend's kitchen was a blond woman wearing only a robe, Dan's robe. Lisa's throat closed up as the shock set in. He had already moved on?
"Hurry up, will you," said Dan to the blond, coming up behind her and kissing her neck. Lisa's grasp on her purse loosened and the black bag landed on the floor in a thud. The two in the kitchen turned to see their visitor. "L-lisa," stuttered Dan. "What are you doing here?"
At first she couldn't respond. Her mind was racing a mile a minute, as she tried to grasp the situation before her. As it slowly digested, she spoke. "I came to talk things out with my boyfriend, but I don't see him anywhere," she snapped.
She tried to fight the pain, tried to block it like she did with everything else, but couldn't. She refused to let him see her cry. She quickly picked up her purse, through the key at him, and headed out the door.
"Lisa wait!" exclaimed Dan, chasing her. Lisa kept walking down the stairs. She had to ignore him to allow her walls to build up. Showing her emotions wouldn't help the situation.
"Please Lisa, listen to me!" Dan grabbed her arm and spun her around.
"No! I don't want to hear what you want to say! We had one big fight and you are already sleeping with someone else? Or were you already sleeping with her before the fight, and this was your way of getting out of it without being honest?" She tried to turn away, but he still had a hold on her.
"I'm sorry Lisa. I didn't expect this to happen," he said, letting her go. "I never meant for us to end like this." Lisa simply turned to meet his eyes. His pleading orbs met her icy glare.
"Well it did. If you had just told me the truth, maybe I would have some respect for you. But apparently you are just a yellow as your bimbo's hair. It doesn't matter; you don't deserve me anyway. Goodbye Dan," she stated without emotion. She spun on her heels and left Dan standing there.
Heading out the building, Lisa fought to keep her composer as she found a cab. "O'Hare," she directed the driver. It was time for a fresh start in Falls Church.
~~~~~
1330 EST
21 March 2003
Dulles International Airport
Washington DC
Harm stood at the gate, checking his watch. He needed to head back to Headquarters ASAP. He had a meeting the Admiral and the SecNav in a half-hour and the place was already a little crazy with Gunny's return. Everyone was trying to figure out what the other was doing. He slightly smiled at the thought of Gunny coming back. He definitely brought a certain attitude to the office.
"I bet he and Lisa would get along great," he thought. They both spoke their minds and were great people to have on your side.
"Who would I get along great with?" teased Lisa as she walked up to him. Harm blinked. Did she just appear out of no where?
"Did I say that out loud?" he questioned as he hugged her, silently noticing her puffy eyes. He could tell she had been crying. The fact that she was alone did not escape him either.
"Yes you did. Now, who is this person?" she answered as they began to leave.
"Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez. He worked at Headquarters until taking a tour in Afghanistan. He just got back yesterday," Harm replied. Lisa nodded.
"I think I remember you mentioning a Gunny," she said, enjoying the fact that Dan hadn't been mentioned.
"Where's Dan?" Harm asked casually, trying to be gentle with the subject. He watched her eyes close as she released a sigh.
"He's not coming," she replied and sped up her walk towards Harm's SUV.
"He had to work?" Harm continued, catching up with her. Lisa shook her head.
"Only if you call sleeping with some blond working. Dan and I are over, Harm," she stated without looking at him.
"Do you want to talk about it?" he asked. He knew that was why she had been crying.
Before Lisa could reply, Harm's cell phone rang and she silently thanked the gods. "Rabb," Harm answered.
"Commander, I need you here," stated AJ.
"I'm on my way, Sir. I just had to pick up Lisa from the airport. I'll run her to my place and then head straight to Falls Church."
"Lisa's in town? Well, just bring her with you then. It will save time," AJ stated.
"Aye Sir." Harm hung up the phone and looked over at Lisa. "I need to head to Headquarters." She nodded.
"That's fine. I'm sure there is someone there I can talk to," she joked. Both knew there were plenty of people that would like to talk to her.
"Okay then, let's go." They reached his SUV and were on their way.
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