1727

VOQ

San Diego NAS

Harm had called Mac a few minutes after his conversation with the chief of security. She had immediately started researching the young ensign. Thomas Dean seemed like a nice young man with a bright future. What could have made him change so drastically? Everything in his past appeared normal. He had grown up in a small town. He had played football and, was one of the more popular guys in high school. His father, and grandfather had both been in the navy, and following the tradition, Thomas and his best friend Steven had inlisted after their graduation. Thomas had a girlfriend, Lisa Robertson. They'd met two years ago, and they planned to get married in April. So far his life seemed perfect. Why would he of all people do something like this? Mac stood up. There was a piece of the puzzle missing, and to find out what had really happened, she needed to find out what it was. Perhaps Bud could help.

She picked up the phone and called JAG HQ.

"Lieutenant Roberts!"

"Hi Bud. It's Colonel Mackenzie."

"Hello Ma'am. How are things in San Diego?"

" It's been slow moving, but it seems like we might have gotten a break. I need you to do some digging for me. Our suspect is an ensign by the name of Thomas Dean. I want you to check phone records and bank statements. I need a reason for his actions. He just doesn't seem like the kind of man who would coldhartedly steel a 40 million dollar aircraft."

"You've got it. I'll call you later with what I can find."

"Thanks Bud. Say hi to Harriet for me"

"Will do. Bye Ma'am."

The same time.

San Diego NAS

After his call to Mac, Harm had begun to look around. He had asked his fellow aviators about Dean, but had come up empty. He now decided he needed to talk to the best friend. Steven Patterson worked as an F-14 mechanic, and he wasn't a hard man to find. When Harm walked in to the hangar, Patterson was just putting, the finishing touches to one of the aircraft

"Ensign Patterson?"

"Yes, Sir! Can I help you?"

"I hope so. " Harm trailed of. He was trying to find a way to get his answers without blowing his cover. "I'm Commander Allenby. I just transferred here and I hear that you're the man to talk to when you have car trouble."

"That would be me. What kind of car, and what's the problem?"

"It's a corvette, and I don't know. It just wont start. I love driving it but my mechanical skills are limited."

"Aren't we telling tales, Commander Rabb."came a third voice from behind. "You are a great mechanic. You build that car yourself.."

Harm spun around at the sound. He found three men standing behind him. Two holding guns, and the third was Ensign Dean.