Disclaimer: Typical kind of stuff. JAG is the property of CBS and Donald
Bellasario. This is purely a recreational endeavor and no copyright
infringement is intended.
Author's Note: This is the first story I've written so please be patient with me. The idea for this story has been floating around in my head for some time now and I've finally decided to put "Pen to Paper" as the saying goes. This story takes into consideration character developments up to but not past "Meltdown" in season 8. You'll find out why later on.
Summary: The entire JAG family is changed forever when a "Pandora's Box" is opened during an investigation that Harm & Mac are conducting.
PANDORA'S BOX Chapter 1
May 23
2240 Zulu
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
Paramedics burst through the ER doors pushing a stretcher carrying a patient who's life they are desperately trying to save. The ER doctor rushes up and asks what is going on. "Female mid thirties with multiple injuries in and out of consciousness. GSW to the left thigh through and through, facial contusions with possible skull fracture as well as possible internal injuries. Pulse is 45, breathing is shallow and BP is 90 over 60 and she flat-lined once while in route." While the doctor was assessing the situation and ordering the staff what to do what is needed in order stabilize the patient for surgery, a second team brought in another stretcher. "We have another one here!" shouted another team of paramedics. Another doctor meets them at the trauma station listening to the stats being shouted, "A male late 30s to early 40s in and out of consciousness, keeps asking for someone named "Mac". GSW to the lower abdomen and left shoulder, stab wound to the leg right, facial contusions, localized 2nd degree burns to the arms and compound fracture of the left arm and wrist. Abdomen is distended with possible internal bleeding. Pulse is 50, breathing is shallow and BP is 85 over 50."
Stunned the doctor looks at her partner and asks, "I thought they were in a car accident? How in the hell do they get gun shots and stab wounds from a car wreck?"
"I don't know. Call surgery and tell them that we are prepping two patients for emergency surgery."
"Flat-line!" a nurse shouts. "Paddles!" the doctor demands, "Charge to 250. Clear" BOOM "Nothing.." responds a nurse. "Charge to 300.come on buddy stay with us. Clear" BOOM, "Looks like we got a rhythm. Ok lets not waste any more time get them x-rayed and upstairs and prepped for surgery ASAP."
As they are rushed away, one of the doctors looks at the other and asks, "Do you think they have a chance?" After a few seconds, he looks over, and shakes his head. "No. I don't think they do."
May 23 2305 Zulu JAG HQ Falls Church, Virginia
Admiral AJ Chegwidden is sitting in his chair staring blankly at the papers on his desk. He was lost in thought thinking back over the last couple of months. Two people he considered to be more like family than friends had not been heard from since they were placed in hiding by Clayton Webb 2 weeks ago. They were conducting what appeared to be a regular murder investigation in Florida when they came across an arms smuggling operation. They were being put into CIA protective custody after an attempt to kill them failed. That's all that he was told. Everything else was "Classified" and "Need to Know". AJ, pounded on every door he could think of trying to find out what was going on but came up empty every time.
Brought back to reality by his ringing phone he quickly answers hoping that this nightmare is over. He is about to find out that this nightmare just got a lot worse. "Chegwidden.." As he listens to the voice on the other end of the phone the color of his face turns pale and the expression on his face turns to one of shock, horror and disbelief.
Moments later he bursts out of his office. "Tiner, call Meredith and tell her that I cannot make dinner, an emergency has come up and that I'll call later tonight when I get a chance. Find the Roberts and Commander Turner and have them call me on my cell phone ASAP."
Seeing the look on the admiral face he reluctantly asks, "Sir if I may, what is going on? Is there news about..?"
"TINER JUST DO IT NOW!! Upon hearing the admiral shouting at his yeomen, everyone in the office all look towards the young Petty Officer and the Admiral.
Tiner snaps to attention as he watches his CO rush out of the office. "This is not good." He thinks to himself.
May 23 2335 Zulu Bethesda Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland
The admiral rushes into the ER and stops at the front counter looking for information as to what brought him to this place. "Excuse me, I'm Admiral AJ Chegwidden, I was called about 2 of my officers being brought into the ER. Their names are Commander Harmon Rabb and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie"
The young Lt. looked over her charts and shakes her head. "Sir all that we have here is that were brought in with multiple and serious injuries and are now in surgery. They're listed in critical condition. I will call up to the OR and see if they have an update as to their condition."
"Thank you" AJ responds and looks over to the door and sees Bud and Harriet Roberts running in looking for him. "Lieutenants.over here"
"Admiral, what in gods name is going on? What happened?"
"I don't know I just got here myself and all I know is the Cmdr and Colonel were involved in some kind of incident and were brought in with serious injuries and are now in surgery." His last few works trailed off as his eyes caught the sight of someone coming in the ER and look on his face turns from concern to one of absolute rage. He quickly walks towards the door with the Roberts chasing after they see who caught the admiral's eye and knowing what is about to happen. Clayton Webb had just been brought into the ER with his arm in a sling and his head bandaged covering a nasty cut on his forehead.
Looking down at the ground he does not see the former SEAL until he is being picked up and slammed against the wall. "What in the hell have you done Webb? You were supposed to protect them, not get them killed." AJ demands with an intensity in his voice that Bud and Harriet have never heard in their commanding officer. Looking directly into the eyes of his attacker, Webb sees a look that he has rarely seen in anyone before. A look that tells Webb that he has a lot to answer for.
Having just rushed into the ER, Commander Turner notices his CO has Mr. Webb pinned against the wall. "This is very bad." He runs over and tries to help Bud, who his futilely trying to get the Admiral to release Webb.
"Admiral" Turner shouts to his boss trying to get his attention. He knows that he would be on the loosing side of any fight with this SEAL who is running on pure adrenaline and emotion right now. "Admiral let him go. This is not going to help Harm and Mac." After what seem to be an eternity for Webb, Bud, Turner and an hospital orderly are finally, able to pull AJ away from Webb who slumped to the floor upon being released."
Still enraged Chegwidden looks Webb directly in the eye and quietly says. "So help me God Webb, if they die, I'll kill you myself."
The subtle gasp that Harriett lets slip causes the admiral to snap his head in her direction and sees a look of absolute horror on her face. Seeing that look, a look he once saw in his ex-wife, he suddenly realizes what he has done and comes back to his senses and lets Webb go.
Turner quietly dismisses the orderly saying that everything he will take care of situation.
Wincing in pain as he slowly gets up from the floor, he looks at the group of people before him. A group of people that are more like family than coworkers. A family, that trusted him with the lives of two of their own. "Admiral, you may not believe this but right now, but I don't give a damn." He took a deep breath. A breath that he knew would open of open up a floodgate that that was at its bursting point. "In my world, you cannot afford to get close to anyone because as soon as you do, they will be taken from you. I learned that lesson long ago when someone I loved, was killed because of what I do. When she died it almost destroyed me. For the next 6 months I hunted down the bastards who did this and made them pay."
"Webb I'd be joking if I said I actually cared about the loves you've lost but what in the hell does this have to do with Rabb and Mackenzie?" AJ interjected.
"Everything, if you would just listen to me you would find out it has everything to do with them as well as you." Webb replied. "As much as I've tried to fight it, those two.. well all of you really, but especially Harm and Sarah, are the closest thing I have to family. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to protect them or any of you."
The four witnesses to this declaration just stood there. Stunned realizing that they really didn't know Clayton Webb as well as they all thought.
"AJ, if they die it means that I wasn't able to protect them. I let all of you down, I let myself down, but more importantly, I let them down and I can't live with myself knowing that. You wont have to worry about killing me AJ; I'll give you the gun. But not until after I find out who did this and make them pay."
"Both of you stop this right now! Neither of you are doing this situation any good. Admiral your not helping matters by trying to kill the one person we need that can help us figure out who did this. And Mr. Webb, we need you here and not hunting people down on some quest for vengeance. Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie will need us to be strong for them WHEN, not if, they get through this."
AJ, Clayton, Sturgis and Bud all looked stunned at who finally put the proper perspective and what needed to be done.
"Mr. Webb nobody wants you dead."
"Yet" AJ mutters
"Admiral" Harriett admonishes, "We just want to know what happened. Isn't that right Admiral?"
"You're right Lieutenant." AJ responds. Listen Webb; I want to get the bastards as much as you do. In order for us do that I need to know what happened."
"I'm sorry AJ, I can't do that." Webb replies.
"WHAT? Listen Webb"
"AJ, what I means is, that there is a lot more to this situation that you don't know. There is a lot more that happened that resulted in them needing to go into hiding"
"Mr. Webb What are you talking about" Bud asks.
Webb looks directly at the Admiral "They were instructed to tell you a limited version of what happened. Enough for you to understand the reasons why they needed to go into hiding, but not to disclose everything that transpired. For their safety as well as you own."
"Instructed..by whom? Turner asks
"By Me" comes a voice from behind them
Everyone, including Webb is surprised to see the CIA director standing in the doorway. "Well then, Director Kershaw would be so kind as to fill me as to what in the hell is going on, and why two of my best officers and friends are now fighting for their lives? The Admiral questions.
"Mr. Webb, Commander Turner, please call me at this number on a secured line once you any information as to how they are doing." Turning to the Admiral, "Walk with me Admiral, we need to talk somewhere more private." Seeing the reluctance on AJ face Director Cabot quickly adds. "Don't worry we wont be leaving the hospital, we're just going to my car."
Before the Chegwidden can look to any of his staff, Turner assures his CO "It's okay sir, I promise to let you know as soon as we hear something." Nodding his head at the Commander he begins to follow the CIA Director out to this car,
"His car? Why his car?" Bud asks
"If it's the car I'm thinking it is, it has more counter surveillance technology than any other car on the planet. Nobody can listen in on anything going on in that car." Webb answers.
Not a single word was spoken as they walked to the car. Well limo really but nothing he hadn't seen or ridden in before, a typical govt. issue limo sedan. It was another story altogether once he got inside. The entire side panel was outfitted with an impressive electronics system. Clearly, this was no ordinary limo. Once they were comfortable the director pushed a couple buttons and began to tell this concerned Navy Admiral what happened to his people.
"Admiral...AJ, I know you want me to tell you everything about what happened to Mackenzie and Rabb but I can't. Now before you go ballistic on me hear me out. I can't tell you everything because what they stumbled onto is so huge only a handful of people in DC know about it. Others know part of the story, but if the whole story got out before we were able to act on it, then the entire world would be in a shit storm the likes of which no one has ever seen." Kershaw pauses for a minute and pours himself a drink. "Would you care for a brandy Admiral?"
AJ just shakes his head no.
Over the next hour Kershaw explained to AJ that Harm and Mac stumbled on a major weapons smuggling operation linked with 3 terrorist states, Iraq, North Korea, Syria. These countries, working together are smuggling weapons to various Al-Qaida sleeper cells in the US. Some of the stuff has already made into the US but we don't know what and where. Iraq was able to ship out most of its stuff before our invasion, which is why we aren't finding as much as we should. In fact, we have evidence that the French, Germans and Russians even produced some of it and provided them the means to produce more themselves. The biggest reason they wanted more time for weapons inspection to take place was because their intelligence teams needed more time to find the stuff and they sold them years ago and get it out of dodge so to speak. "If another attack on the US was successful using biological or chemical weapons we would be tell were it came from based on signature markers and purity ratios. The last thing the French, Germans, or Russians need right now is to be implicated in the assistance of a terrorist act against the US or another nation. They would be in a world of hurt if it came out that they made the stuff, knew about it and did not disclose it to the UN or us for that matter."
Realizing that this indeed was bigger than AJ ever imagined, Kershaw pauses for a minute to let everything sink in.
"I think I'll take that drink now."
"AJ listen to me. I know what they mean to you and I know that you want to bring the bastards down who did this. But I need you to lay low for a while. I need time to figure out how this breech happened."
"You must be out of god damn mind if you think I'm going to let you. wait a minute. What are you talking about..what breech?" AJ questions already knowing he is not going to like that answer.
Kershaw looks out the window of his car and responds. "You already know the answer to that question AJ." Shifting his eyes to look right him. "I do not how they terrorists found them AJ but it can only mean one of 2 things. Either someone tripped up and saw them at some point and waited for the right time, or I have a major leak that I need to plug and plug quickly."
AJ was about to respond when the phone started to ring. "Kershaw,.. Hold On." Handing the phone to AJ. "It's Commander Turner."
"Commander what is it...? Good, I'll be right there" After hanging up the phone he opens the door. Looking back over at Kershaw he says, "The doctor is headed down to give us an update as to their condition."
"Then by all means lets go."
Just as they get off the elevator and begin walking towards the surgical waiting room AJ hears a sound that send chills all through his body, a sound that pierces his very soul. "NOOOOOO!!!!!"
"Oh my god. Harriett!" AJ takes off running towards the waiting room and is stopped dead in his tracks as he enters the room by what he sees..
(To be continued)
Author's Note: This is the first story I've written so please be patient with me. The idea for this story has been floating around in my head for some time now and I've finally decided to put "Pen to Paper" as the saying goes. This story takes into consideration character developments up to but not past "Meltdown" in season 8. You'll find out why later on.
Summary: The entire JAG family is changed forever when a "Pandora's Box" is opened during an investigation that Harm & Mac are conducting.
PANDORA'S BOX Chapter 1
May 23
2240 Zulu
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland
Paramedics burst through the ER doors pushing a stretcher carrying a patient who's life they are desperately trying to save. The ER doctor rushes up and asks what is going on. "Female mid thirties with multiple injuries in and out of consciousness. GSW to the left thigh through and through, facial contusions with possible skull fracture as well as possible internal injuries. Pulse is 45, breathing is shallow and BP is 90 over 60 and she flat-lined once while in route." While the doctor was assessing the situation and ordering the staff what to do what is needed in order stabilize the patient for surgery, a second team brought in another stretcher. "We have another one here!" shouted another team of paramedics. Another doctor meets them at the trauma station listening to the stats being shouted, "A male late 30s to early 40s in and out of consciousness, keeps asking for someone named "Mac". GSW to the lower abdomen and left shoulder, stab wound to the leg right, facial contusions, localized 2nd degree burns to the arms and compound fracture of the left arm and wrist. Abdomen is distended with possible internal bleeding. Pulse is 50, breathing is shallow and BP is 85 over 50."
Stunned the doctor looks at her partner and asks, "I thought they were in a car accident? How in the hell do they get gun shots and stab wounds from a car wreck?"
"I don't know. Call surgery and tell them that we are prepping two patients for emergency surgery."
"Flat-line!" a nurse shouts. "Paddles!" the doctor demands, "Charge to 250. Clear" BOOM "Nothing.." responds a nurse. "Charge to 300.come on buddy stay with us. Clear" BOOM, "Looks like we got a rhythm. Ok lets not waste any more time get them x-rayed and upstairs and prepped for surgery ASAP."
As they are rushed away, one of the doctors looks at the other and asks, "Do you think they have a chance?" After a few seconds, he looks over, and shakes his head. "No. I don't think they do."
May 23 2305 Zulu JAG HQ Falls Church, Virginia
Admiral AJ Chegwidden is sitting in his chair staring blankly at the papers on his desk. He was lost in thought thinking back over the last couple of months. Two people he considered to be more like family than friends had not been heard from since they were placed in hiding by Clayton Webb 2 weeks ago. They were conducting what appeared to be a regular murder investigation in Florida when they came across an arms smuggling operation. They were being put into CIA protective custody after an attempt to kill them failed. That's all that he was told. Everything else was "Classified" and "Need to Know". AJ, pounded on every door he could think of trying to find out what was going on but came up empty every time.
Brought back to reality by his ringing phone he quickly answers hoping that this nightmare is over. He is about to find out that this nightmare just got a lot worse. "Chegwidden.." As he listens to the voice on the other end of the phone the color of his face turns pale and the expression on his face turns to one of shock, horror and disbelief.
Moments later he bursts out of his office. "Tiner, call Meredith and tell her that I cannot make dinner, an emergency has come up and that I'll call later tonight when I get a chance. Find the Roberts and Commander Turner and have them call me on my cell phone ASAP."
Seeing the look on the admiral face he reluctantly asks, "Sir if I may, what is going on? Is there news about..?"
"TINER JUST DO IT NOW!! Upon hearing the admiral shouting at his yeomen, everyone in the office all look towards the young Petty Officer and the Admiral.
Tiner snaps to attention as he watches his CO rush out of the office. "This is not good." He thinks to himself.
May 23 2335 Zulu Bethesda Naval Hospital Bethesda, Maryland
The admiral rushes into the ER and stops at the front counter looking for information as to what brought him to this place. "Excuse me, I'm Admiral AJ Chegwidden, I was called about 2 of my officers being brought into the ER. Their names are Commander Harmon Rabb and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie"
The young Lt. looked over her charts and shakes her head. "Sir all that we have here is that were brought in with multiple and serious injuries and are now in surgery. They're listed in critical condition. I will call up to the OR and see if they have an update as to their condition."
"Thank you" AJ responds and looks over to the door and sees Bud and Harriet Roberts running in looking for him. "Lieutenants.over here"
"Admiral, what in gods name is going on? What happened?"
"I don't know I just got here myself and all I know is the Cmdr and Colonel were involved in some kind of incident and were brought in with serious injuries and are now in surgery." His last few works trailed off as his eyes caught the sight of someone coming in the ER and look on his face turns from concern to one of absolute rage. He quickly walks towards the door with the Roberts chasing after they see who caught the admiral's eye and knowing what is about to happen. Clayton Webb had just been brought into the ER with his arm in a sling and his head bandaged covering a nasty cut on his forehead.
Looking down at the ground he does not see the former SEAL until he is being picked up and slammed against the wall. "What in the hell have you done Webb? You were supposed to protect them, not get them killed." AJ demands with an intensity in his voice that Bud and Harriet have never heard in their commanding officer. Looking directly into the eyes of his attacker, Webb sees a look that he has rarely seen in anyone before. A look that tells Webb that he has a lot to answer for.
Having just rushed into the ER, Commander Turner notices his CO has Mr. Webb pinned against the wall. "This is very bad." He runs over and tries to help Bud, who his futilely trying to get the Admiral to release Webb.
"Admiral" Turner shouts to his boss trying to get his attention. He knows that he would be on the loosing side of any fight with this SEAL who is running on pure adrenaline and emotion right now. "Admiral let him go. This is not going to help Harm and Mac." After what seem to be an eternity for Webb, Bud, Turner and an hospital orderly are finally, able to pull AJ away from Webb who slumped to the floor upon being released."
Still enraged Chegwidden looks Webb directly in the eye and quietly says. "So help me God Webb, if they die, I'll kill you myself."
The subtle gasp that Harriett lets slip causes the admiral to snap his head in her direction and sees a look of absolute horror on her face. Seeing that look, a look he once saw in his ex-wife, he suddenly realizes what he has done and comes back to his senses and lets Webb go.
Turner quietly dismisses the orderly saying that everything he will take care of situation.
Wincing in pain as he slowly gets up from the floor, he looks at the group of people before him. A group of people that are more like family than coworkers. A family, that trusted him with the lives of two of their own. "Admiral, you may not believe this but right now, but I don't give a damn." He took a deep breath. A breath that he knew would open of open up a floodgate that that was at its bursting point. "In my world, you cannot afford to get close to anyone because as soon as you do, they will be taken from you. I learned that lesson long ago when someone I loved, was killed because of what I do. When she died it almost destroyed me. For the next 6 months I hunted down the bastards who did this and made them pay."
"Webb I'd be joking if I said I actually cared about the loves you've lost but what in the hell does this have to do with Rabb and Mackenzie?" AJ interjected.
"Everything, if you would just listen to me you would find out it has everything to do with them as well as you." Webb replied. "As much as I've tried to fight it, those two.. well all of you really, but especially Harm and Sarah, are the closest thing I have to family. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to protect them or any of you."
The four witnesses to this declaration just stood there. Stunned realizing that they really didn't know Clayton Webb as well as they all thought.
"AJ, if they die it means that I wasn't able to protect them. I let all of you down, I let myself down, but more importantly, I let them down and I can't live with myself knowing that. You wont have to worry about killing me AJ; I'll give you the gun. But not until after I find out who did this and make them pay."
"Both of you stop this right now! Neither of you are doing this situation any good. Admiral your not helping matters by trying to kill the one person we need that can help us figure out who did this. And Mr. Webb, we need you here and not hunting people down on some quest for vengeance. Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie will need us to be strong for them WHEN, not if, they get through this."
AJ, Clayton, Sturgis and Bud all looked stunned at who finally put the proper perspective and what needed to be done.
"Mr. Webb nobody wants you dead."
"Yet" AJ mutters
"Admiral" Harriett admonishes, "We just want to know what happened. Isn't that right Admiral?"
"You're right Lieutenant." AJ responds. Listen Webb; I want to get the bastards as much as you do. In order for us do that I need to know what happened."
"I'm sorry AJ, I can't do that." Webb replies.
"WHAT? Listen Webb"
"AJ, what I means is, that there is a lot more to this situation that you don't know. There is a lot more that happened that resulted in them needing to go into hiding"
"Mr. Webb What are you talking about" Bud asks.
Webb looks directly at the Admiral "They were instructed to tell you a limited version of what happened. Enough for you to understand the reasons why they needed to go into hiding, but not to disclose everything that transpired. For their safety as well as you own."
"Instructed..by whom? Turner asks
"By Me" comes a voice from behind them
Everyone, including Webb is surprised to see the CIA director standing in the doorway. "Well then, Director Kershaw would be so kind as to fill me as to what in the hell is going on, and why two of my best officers and friends are now fighting for their lives? The Admiral questions.
"Mr. Webb, Commander Turner, please call me at this number on a secured line once you any information as to how they are doing." Turning to the Admiral, "Walk with me Admiral, we need to talk somewhere more private." Seeing the reluctance on AJ face Director Cabot quickly adds. "Don't worry we wont be leaving the hospital, we're just going to my car."
Before the Chegwidden can look to any of his staff, Turner assures his CO "It's okay sir, I promise to let you know as soon as we hear something." Nodding his head at the Commander he begins to follow the CIA Director out to this car,
"His car? Why his car?" Bud asks
"If it's the car I'm thinking it is, it has more counter surveillance technology than any other car on the planet. Nobody can listen in on anything going on in that car." Webb answers.
Not a single word was spoken as they walked to the car. Well limo really but nothing he hadn't seen or ridden in before, a typical govt. issue limo sedan. It was another story altogether once he got inside. The entire side panel was outfitted with an impressive electronics system. Clearly, this was no ordinary limo. Once they were comfortable the director pushed a couple buttons and began to tell this concerned Navy Admiral what happened to his people.
"Admiral...AJ, I know you want me to tell you everything about what happened to Mackenzie and Rabb but I can't. Now before you go ballistic on me hear me out. I can't tell you everything because what they stumbled onto is so huge only a handful of people in DC know about it. Others know part of the story, but if the whole story got out before we were able to act on it, then the entire world would be in a shit storm the likes of which no one has ever seen." Kershaw pauses for a minute and pours himself a drink. "Would you care for a brandy Admiral?"
AJ just shakes his head no.
Over the next hour Kershaw explained to AJ that Harm and Mac stumbled on a major weapons smuggling operation linked with 3 terrorist states, Iraq, North Korea, Syria. These countries, working together are smuggling weapons to various Al-Qaida sleeper cells in the US. Some of the stuff has already made into the US but we don't know what and where. Iraq was able to ship out most of its stuff before our invasion, which is why we aren't finding as much as we should. In fact, we have evidence that the French, Germans and Russians even produced some of it and provided them the means to produce more themselves. The biggest reason they wanted more time for weapons inspection to take place was because their intelligence teams needed more time to find the stuff and they sold them years ago and get it out of dodge so to speak. "If another attack on the US was successful using biological or chemical weapons we would be tell were it came from based on signature markers and purity ratios. The last thing the French, Germans, or Russians need right now is to be implicated in the assistance of a terrorist act against the US or another nation. They would be in a world of hurt if it came out that they made the stuff, knew about it and did not disclose it to the UN or us for that matter."
Realizing that this indeed was bigger than AJ ever imagined, Kershaw pauses for a minute to let everything sink in.
"I think I'll take that drink now."
"AJ listen to me. I know what they mean to you and I know that you want to bring the bastards down who did this. But I need you to lay low for a while. I need time to figure out how this breech happened."
"You must be out of god damn mind if you think I'm going to let you. wait a minute. What are you talking about..what breech?" AJ questions already knowing he is not going to like that answer.
Kershaw looks out the window of his car and responds. "You already know the answer to that question AJ." Shifting his eyes to look right him. "I do not how they terrorists found them AJ but it can only mean one of 2 things. Either someone tripped up and saw them at some point and waited for the right time, or I have a major leak that I need to plug and plug quickly."
AJ was about to respond when the phone started to ring. "Kershaw,.. Hold On." Handing the phone to AJ. "It's Commander Turner."
"Commander what is it...? Good, I'll be right there" After hanging up the phone he opens the door. Looking back over at Kershaw he says, "The doctor is headed down to give us an update as to their condition."
"Then by all means lets go."
Just as they get off the elevator and begin walking towards the surgical waiting room AJ hears a sound that send chills all through his body, a sound that pierces his very soul. "NOOOOOO!!!!!"
"Oh my god. Harriett!" AJ takes off running towards the waiting room and is stopped dead in his tracks as he enters the room by what he sees..
(To be continued)