1400 Zulu/9:00AM EST
JAG HQ
Falls Church, Virginia
Peter, Caine, the Ancient, and the rest 101st precinct's team stepped into JAG headquarters, and even though they were used to the bright lights, big city atmosphere back home, they still seemed a bit overwhelmed by the sight. Uniformed naval officers were buzzing around their respective offices, each protecting the United States of America in there own way, by fighting for Justice and making sure that the 'the new military' doesn't get too out of hand.
"Hey Pete," Strenlich laughed.
"You think you'd survive in here?"
"Without a doubt." Peter smirked confidently at his commanding officer.
Just then, an attractive young woman in standard naval dress about average height approached them.
"I'm Petty Officer Jennifer Coates, the Admiral is expecting you. Follow me." She said
"Hey Chief, I think Pete would do pretty good in here!!" Blake laughed to Strenlich, nudging him in the ribs with an elbow gently. Strenlich let out a deep sigh, rolled his eyes, and continued to follow his fellow officers, which made Blake laugh even harder. Petty Officer Coates simply smiled at Peter.
Caine, the Ancient, and the officers of the 101st, entered Admiral Chegwidden's office to see a group of well-dressed naval officers laying in wait for them. Among that of the officers, was a very attractive female marine, who seemed to catch Peter's eye rather quickly.
Caine leaned over to Peter and spoke gently, "One who stares so intensely at others, must first find himself."
Peter quickly straightened up at his father's comment.
"Welcome, officers of the one hundred and first. Welcome to JAG HQ. I'm Admiral A.J. Chegwidden and these are my colleagues,"
"Well some of them," the Admiral said coarsely eyeing the one man in the suit and tie.
"And the team you'll be working with."
"This is Commander Harmond Rabb Jr. Former naval aviator and now one of our top attorneys within JAG."
The Commander shook each of the visitors' hands.
"Call me Harm." He said with a smile.
"Commander Sturgis Turner, another of our top attorneys here at JAG."
Sturgis nodded in approval.
"Lieutenant Bud Roberts, a budding lawyer in his own right, if you'll pardon the pun.
Bud grinned like a Cheshire cat at the Admiral's description of him, eagerly shaking each of the visitors' hands.
"Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, the best there is,"
The Colonel blushed before adding with a smile, "Just call me Mac."
Strenlich stepped forward inconspicuously.
"Nice to see you again, Mac."
"Hey Frank, how's Molly?"
"Yeah, the wife's doing great."
The two hugged.
"You two know each other?" Peter asked surprised.
"Yeah. I served under Mac's uncle Matt."
"Maybe if you didn't claim I yelled so much, you'd learn something." Strenlich laughed.
The Admiral was just about finished when the man in the suit and tie towards the back of the room stepped forward and cleared his throat.
The Admiral looked up from behind his glasses and dryly mumbled, "Oh yes... Special Agent Clayton Webb."
Webb scowled at the far from stellar introduction given by the admiral.
Peter stepped forward and began to introduce himself and his accompanying party.
"Detective Peter Caine, hundred and first precinct. Albany, New York. Blaisdell is my foster father. "
"This is my partner, Detective Jody Powell."
"Detectives Kermit Griffin and Robert Blake."
Kermit adjusted his trademark dark green sunglasses that shone like the eyes of a cat, and finished with a simple nod to acknowledge his presence. Blake, a little tired from the flight, yawned a great big yawn before realizing where he was and then straightened up and quickly nodded embarrassed.
"Chief of Detectives and also a former marine, Frank Strenlich. Mac, of course you know Frank."
"Captain Karen Simms, head of the hundred and first. She took over when Blaisdell left the hundred and first to return to mercenary duties on Rykker's Island."
A.J. stepped forward.
"Captain Simms," he said as he shook her hand.
"I tend to like women in charge. I have no doubt you can handle yourself." He added with a wink.
Harm, Mac, Webb, and Sturgis were all in shock. They just weren't sure what to make of the Admiral's personal greeting to Captain Simms. Bud, on other the other hand just burst out laughing.
"Alright Sir!!" Bud laughed.
"Lieutenant?!" A.J. said sternly.
Bud quickly straightened up.
"Yes Sir!!" he replied stiffly, although he was noticeably embarrassed.
Harm, Mac, and Sturgis had a hard time containing themselves. Blake, however, was on the floor in stitches.
"Detective!!" Captain Simms scolded.
Blake got up quickly and straightened up.
Peter laughed and shook his head.
"My father Kwai Chang Caine and our good friend the Ancient,"
Both men took fist to palm in front of them, and bowed modestly in unison.
"Why do they call you the Ancient?" Mac asked.
"Because I am so old." the Ancient said gently with a smile.
Mac smiled, "Of Course."
Webb was becoming agitated.
"What do we need the old guys for?!"
Caine stepped towards Webb.
"I am Shaolin." Caine acknowledged as an answer to Webb's question.
"Look, I don't care if you're trying to save the emperor of China. This is government business!! Not Kung Fu!!"
Peter and Caine looked at each other.
Kermit, annoyed by Webb's attitude towards Caine and the Ancient got right into Webb's face.
"Listen," Kermit yelled getting Webb's full attention.
"I don't really give a damn if you're special anything. We came for Chegwidden's help to get Blaisdell back. Caine and the Ancient are as good as it gets. Believe me. So I'm not too interested with what some government whipping boy has to say about anything, let alone whether or not Caine and the Ancient can handle themselves."
"Wait. Why do we need lawyers anyway?" Jody asked obviously not impressed by Mac.
"For the same reason you brought Caine and the Ancient. These are not only the best attorneys JAG has to offer, but their combat experience is more than adequate. Also, I will be accompanying you on this mission myself. Blaisdell saved my life and I owe him that much." A.J. answered.
"Mac has made hotel arrangements for you and your guests, Detective Caine. Ladies and gentlemen, we resume here tomorrow at 1400."
"Sir!!" Mac saluted, standing at attention.
"At ease, Colonel." A.J. said.
Mac, Caine, the Ancient, and the officers of the 101st turned and left.
A.J. then addressed Harm, Sturgis, and Bud.
"Commanders, Lieutenant, I need you to dig up all the intelligence you can find or not find on every known and unknown or even speculated Al Queda outpost along the pacific seaboard. And I mean everything."
He turned to Webb.
"You!!"
"I need you to gather everything the United States government has on all current and past relations between North Korea, Al Queda, and Iraq. Specifically, the newly signed North Korean Arms and Intelligence Treaty. If there's any fine print, I'll find it."
Harm was confused. He wondered if A.J. knew more about the reason behind Blaisdell's disappearance than he first let on. He assumed A.J. just didn't want Peter and Kermit getting too emotional and blowing the rescue effort because of their closeness to Blaisdell. He quickly rethought his analysis of the Admiral's behaviour and questioned.
"North Korea and Iraq, sir?"
"Yes, Commander. I have a feeling I know what's going on and I intend to get Blaisdell back and possibly stop World War Three from starting a few decades too early."
"Wait a minute Chegwidden!! If this is an international issue much less a federal one, I expect your knowledge of the situation to be made clear to me and my superiors." Webb commanded.
"Alright, whipping boy. You want to know how far this goes? Then sit tight."
Webb hated being belittled by A.J. He straightened his tie annoyed.
"In my opinion, everything for the past twelve years was a front. A meticulously calculated cover up to keep the world guessing and never letting on to the real story. 1991, Iraq purposely loses the first gulf war reluctant to use the weapons of mass destruction they were known to have. Sanctions are laid, so they sell every last drop of weapons and military intelligence, split between Al Queda and the Koreans. 1998, President Clinton orders the attack on questionable Al Queda outposts in Afghanistan. The American people hear it as liberation from a band of ruthless mercenaries and are accepting of it."
A.J. continued...
"September 11, 2001, the American people are held at the whim of a group of terrorists who later claim responsibility to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in retaliation for the '98 attacks and the denied release of known Al Queda members being held here in the United States. Fast-forward to March 2003, President Bush begins the second gulf war against pending United Nations jurisdiction, igniting mass international media speculation like a Molotov cocktail on a gas tank. While the world watches the fall of Saddam Hussein, behind the scenes, the Koreans ally themselves with Al Queda, all the while building upon their WMD program. By this time, Al Queda are just a glorified squad of bounty hunters, murder for hire. The United States is now seen as an unruly tyrant willing to do as it pleases to the international community."
"US-Canadian relations are also in jeopardy considering the recent outbreak of SARS, Mad Cow Disease, and also the lack of Canadian support going into Iraq. The Canadians being our most respected ally, between military and free trade agreements, not to mention they're right next-door and are possibly the most respected country on the planet, isn't looking too good for us either."
A.J. turned to face the window and continued his thought aloud.
"So why Blaisdell? Well, I'll tell you. Blaisdell is known all over the planet as a respected soldier. The Germans know it. We know it. The Koreans, French, Canadians, British, Chinese, Japanese all know it. You name it; they all know Blaisdell well. So what's the best way to piss off a few dozen countries at once? Snatch an internationally respected war veteran and known mercenary and hold him at ransom during an already intense international firestorm, and considering it's an election year I don't think that's a coincidence either."
"They're expecting us to go after North Korea. It'll just make us look power hungry. Sooner or later they figure the UN will step in and shut us up or they'll use the weapons of mass destruction they have and claim self-defence. Either way, the US faces elimination or opens the start of the third world war. They want nothing more than to be rid of us and they do anything to get there."
"Are you happy now, Mr. Webb?" A.J. asked finally concluding his thought.
The look on Webb's face was a classic one. He was absolutely pale from head to toe at the sheer thought of the Admiral's theory.
"Dismissed." A.J. finally said sternly.
"Aye Sir!!" Bud, Harm, and Sturgis all said in unison before turning to leave.
Harm laughed patting Webb on the back.
"Come on Webb, you look like you saw a ghost."
Peter, Caine, the Ancient, and the rest 101st precinct's team stepped into JAG headquarters, and even though they were used to the bright lights, big city atmosphere back home, they still seemed a bit overwhelmed by the sight. Uniformed naval officers were buzzing around their respective offices, each protecting the United States of America in there own way, by fighting for Justice and making sure that the 'the new military' doesn't get too out of hand.
"Hey Pete," Strenlich laughed.
"You think you'd survive in here?"
"Without a doubt." Peter smirked confidently at his commanding officer.
Just then, an attractive young woman in standard naval dress about average height approached them.
"I'm Petty Officer Jennifer Coates, the Admiral is expecting you. Follow me." She said
"Hey Chief, I think Pete would do pretty good in here!!" Blake laughed to Strenlich, nudging him in the ribs with an elbow gently. Strenlich let out a deep sigh, rolled his eyes, and continued to follow his fellow officers, which made Blake laugh even harder. Petty Officer Coates simply smiled at Peter.
Caine, the Ancient, and the officers of the 101st, entered Admiral Chegwidden's office to see a group of well-dressed naval officers laying in wait for them. Among that of the officers, was a very attractive female marine, who seemed to catch Peter's eye rather quickly.
Caine leaned over to Peter and spoke gently, "One who stares so intensely at others, must first find himself."
Peter quickly straightened up at his father's comment.
"Welcome, officers of the one hundred and first. Welcome to JAG HQ. I'm Admiral A.J. Chegwidden and these are my colleagues,"
"Well some of them," the Admiral said coarsely eyeing the one man in the suit and tie.
"And the team you'll be working with."
"This is Commander Harmond Rabb Jr. Former naval aviator and now one of our top attorneys within JAG."
The Commander shook each of the visitors' hands.
"Call me Harm." He said with a smile.
"Commander Sturgis Turner, another of our top attorneys here at JAG."
Sturgis nodded in approval.
"Lieutenant Bud Roberts, a budding lawyer in his own right, if you'll pardon the pun.
Bud grinned like a Cheshire cat at the Admiral's description of him, eagerly shaking each of the visitors' hands.
"Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, the best there is,"
The Colonel blushed before adding with a smile, "Just call me Mac."
Strenlich stepped forward inconspicuously.
"Nice to see you again, Mac."
"Hey Frank, how's Molly?"
"Yeah, the wife's doing great."
The two hugged.
"You two know each other?" Peter asked surprised.
"Yeah. I served under Mac's uncle Matt."
"Maybe if you didn't claim I yelled so much, you'd learn something." Strenlich laughed.
The Admiral was just about finished when the man in the suit and tie towards the back of the room stepped forward and cleared his throat.
The Admiral looked up from behind his glasses and dryly mumbled, "Oh yes... Special Agent Clayton Webb."
Webb scowled at the far from stellar introduction given by the admiral.
Peter stepped forward and began to introduce himself and his accompanying party.
"Detective Peter Caine, hundred and first precinct. Albany, New York. Blaisdell is my foster father. "
"This is my partner, Detective Jody Powell."
"Detectives Kermit Griffin and Robert Blake."
Kermit adjusted his trademark dark green sunglasses that shone like the eyes of a cat, and finished with a simple nod to acknowledge his presence. Blake, a little tired from the flight, yawned a great big yawn before realizing where he was and then straightened up and quickly nodded embarrassed.
"Chief of Detectives and also a former marine, Frank Strenlich. Mac, of course you know Frank."
"Captain Karen Simms, head of the hundred and first. She took over when Blaisdell left the hundred and first to return to mercenary duties on Rykker's Island."
A.J. stepped forward.
"Captain Simms," he said as he shook her hand.
"I tend to like women in charge. I have no doubt you can handle yourself." He added with a wink.
Harm, Mac, Webb, and Sturgis were all in shock. They just weren't sure what to make of the Admiral's personal greeting to Captain Simms. Bud, on other the other hand just burst out laughing.
"Alright Sir!!" Bud laughed.
"Lieutenant?!" A.J. said sternly.
Bud quickly straightened up.
"Yes Sir!!" he replied stiffly, although he was noticeably embarrassed.
Harm, Mac, and Sturgis had a hard time containing themselves. Blake, however, was on the floor in stitches.
"Detective!!" Captain Simms scolded.
Blake got up quickly and straightened up.
Peter laughed and shook his head.
"My father Kwai Chang Caine and our good friend the Ancient,"
Both men took fist to palm in front of them, and bowed modestly in unison.
"Why do they call you the Ancient?" Mac asked.
"Because I am so old." the Ancient said gently with a smile.
Mac smiled, "Of Course."
Webb was becoming agitated.
"What do we need the old guys for?!"
Caine stepped towards Webb.
"I am Shaolin." Caine acknowledged as an answer to Webb's question.
"Look, I don't care if you're trying to save the emperor of China. This is government business!! Not Kung Fu!!"
Peter and Caine looked at each other.
Kermit, annoyed by Webb's attitude towards Caine and the Ancient got right into Webb's face.
"Listen," Kermit yelled getting Webb's full attention.
"I don't really give a damn if you're special anything. We came for Chegwidden's help to get Blaisdell back. Caine and the Ancient are as good as it gets. Believe me. So I'm not too interested with what some government whipping boy has to say about anything, let alone whether or not Caine and the Ancient can handle themselves."
"Wait. Why do we need lawyers anyway?" Jody asked obviously not impressed by Mac.
"For the same reason you brought Caine and the Ancient. These are not only the best attorneys JAG has to offer, but their combat experience is more than adequate. Also, I will be accompanying you on this mission myself. Blaisdell saved my life and I owe him that much." A.J. answered.
"Mac has made hotel arrangements for you and your guests, Detective Caine. Ladies and gentlemen, we resume here tomorrow at 1400."
"Sir!!" Mac saluted, standing at attention.
"At ease, Colonel." A.J. said.
Mac, Caine, the Ancient, and the officers of the 101st turned and left.
A.J. then addressed Harm, Sturgis, and Bud.
"Commanders, Lieutenant, I need you to dig up all the intelligence you can find or not find on every known and unknown or even speculated Al Queda outpost along the pacific seaboard. And I mean everything."
He turned to Webb.
"You!!"
"I need you to gather everything the United States government has on all current and past relations between North Korea, Al Queda, and Iraq. Specifically, the newly signed North Korean Arms and Intelligence Treaty. If there's any fine print, I'll find it."
Harm was confused. He wondered if A.J. knew more about the reason behind Blaisdell's disappearance than he first let on. He assumed A.J. just didn't want Peter and Kermit getting too emotional and blowing the rescue effort because of their closeness to Blaisdell. He quickly rethought his analysis of the Admiral's behaviour and questioned.
"North Korea and Iraq, sir?"
"Yes, Commander. I have a feeling I know what's going on and I intend to get Blaisdell back and possibly stop World War Three from starting a few decades too early."
"Wait a minute Chegwidden!! If this is an international issue much less a federal one, I expect your knowledge of the situation to be made clear to me and my superiors." Webb commanded.
"Alright, whipping boy. You want to know how far this goes? Then sit tight."
Webb hated being belittled by A.J. He straightened his tie annoyed.
"In my opinion, everything for the past twelve years was a front. A meticulously calculated cover up to keep the world guessing and never letting on to the real story. 1991, Iraq purposely loses the first gulf war reluctant to use the weapons of mass destruction they were known to have. Sanctions are laid, so they sell every last drop of weapons and military intelligence, split between Al Queda and the Koreans. 1998, President Clinton orders the attack on questionable Al Queda outposts in Afghanistan. The American people hear it as liberation from a band of ruthless mercenaries and are accepting of it."
A.J. continued...
"September 11, 2001, the American people are held at the whim of a group of terrorists who later claim responsibility to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in retaliation for the '98 attacks and the denied release of known Al Queda members being held here in the United States. Fast-forward to March 2003, President Bush begins the second gulf war against pending United Nations jurisdiction, igniting mass international media speculation like a Molotov cocktail on a gas tank. While the world watches the fall of Saddam Hussein, behind the scenes, the Koreans ally themselves with Al Queda, all the while building upon their WMD program. By this time, Al Queda are just a glorified squad of bounty hunters, murder for hire. The United States is now seen as an unruly tyrant willing to do as it pleases to the international community."
"US-Canadian relations are also in jeopardy considering the recent outbreak of SARS, Mad Cow Disease, and also the lack of Canadian support going into Iraq. The Canadians being our most respected ally, between military and free trade agreements, not to mention they're right next-door and are possibly the most respected country on the planet, isn't looking too good for us either."
A.J. turned to face the window and continued his thought aloud.
"So why Blaisdell? Well, I'll tell you. Blaisdell is known all over the planet as a respected soldier. The Germans know it. We know it. The Koreans, French, Canadians, British, Chinese, Japanese all know it. You name it; they all know Blaisdell well. So what's the best way to piss off a few dozen countries at once? Snatch an internationally respected war veteran and known mercenary and hold him at ransom during an already intense international firestorm, and considering it's an election year I don't think that's a coincidence either."
"They're expecting us to go after North Korea. It'll just make us look power hungry. Sooner or later they figure the UN will step in and shut us up or they'll use the weapons of mass destruction they have and claim self-defence. Either way, the US faces elimination or opens the start of the third world war. They want nothing more than to be rid of us and they do anything to get there."
"Are you happy now, Mr. Webb?" A.J. asked finally concluding his thought.
The look on Webb's face was a classic one. He was absolutely pale from head to toe at the sheer thought of the Admiral's theory.
"Dismissed." A.J. finally said sternly.
"Aye Sir!!" Bud, Harm, and Sturgis all said in unison before turning to leave.
Harm laughed patting Webb on the back.
"Come on Webb, you look like you saw a ghost."