Title: Intimidation and Illusions
Author: kjoseph
Disclaimer: I don't own them. JAG, its characters and affiliates are owned
by Paramount, CBS and Belasariaus productions. No profit is made from this
writing exercise.
Author's notes: This is a continuation of my first fanfic, Resolutions and
Repercussions.
Spoilers: Anything up to and including "Take it Like a Man"
Authors Note: This is a sequel to my previous fanfic "Repercussions and
Resolutions". I would recommend that you read that first to get a general
idea of where Harm and Mac are standing at the beginning of this story.
Warning: This story starts off with a LOT of angst between the characters
even though it is not classified as such. I promise that it will all make
sense, but is a necessary catalyst for this story and character actions and
development. This story also contains some violence and language.
Personal Journal of Harmon Rabb Jr. So truth be told my first week back at JAG was as expected. The Admiral wanted me to reprove my abilities and see what my threshold for grunt work would be. I think my lack of resistance and my diligence surprised him a bit. However when it was all said and done he was happy with the progress and results; not to mention not having to yell at me once this whole week. Well, not entirely true, maybe once, but I still maintain that is was not me who caused a 10 car pile up on the beltway forcing me to be twenty minutes late on Thursday. Hey a little suspense never hurt any CO...but it damn sure hurt my ears when he was done chewing me out. No worries, some things change and some thing never do. Surprisingly my colleagues and friends gave me a warm reception, except for Mac of course. Except for the pleasantries we aren't speaking. The Admiral has now assured me that I am free to be myself, which means I passed his test for the responsibility factor, minus the tardiness of course. We will see how long it takes before I do something to piss him off again. No matter, at least I know he values my judgment and ambitions. Sturgis has been surprisingly supportive of my return. I guess I'll be there to take the brunt of the Admiral's furry should the need arise for it to be unloaded on someone. Sturgis suggests I talk to Mac, but I can't do it. Not yet. It hurts to see her with someone else and I have more pressing matters with Mattie right now. I guess I'll have to tell Mac eventually but now is not the time.
Personal Journal of Sarah Mackenzie How can life get more complex than it is for me now? On the surface everything should be all good and well. My career is going well, I have a new man in my life who keeps me guessing and the passion alive, my friends are well and Harm has his job back so I shouldn't feel guilty anymore. Maybe that is the problem; guilt. Things have not been good between us; in fact they have been virtually non-existent since our return from Paraguay. I know what he did for me and I think I know why he did it and yet all I can seem to do is push him away. I know he is angry with me, lord knows he has the right to be, but I am angry with him to. He seems to be able to show me he cares, but can't say the damned words that would help me take the next step. He should know better than anyone that I need to hear it. I spent the early years of my life hearing nothing but negative from the people who were supposed to love me. Would it kill him to let go and just take a chance...? Well maybe it would, I guess I do know how scared he is, but fear of rejection is there for me too. Maybe its just fear altogether? I told him we would never work out because we both wanted to be on top. While there is some truth to that, the real reason is that I'm just too damn scared to loose control over what I have worked so hard to build. My life, my career and I know he is the one person with whom I could allow myself to loose control over all I've worked for is him. Not that he would ever do that, no that's not Harmon Rabb Jr. But he could have that power over me and that scares the hell out of me. Yes I the independent kick ass jarhead am just a scared little girl when it comes to dealing with my former partner.
PART I The following Monday JAG Headquarters 0900 Zulu
Good morning Colonel,
Good morning Jennifer (PO Coates, stops her from entering her office)
Something wrong Petty Officer?
No Ma'am but the Admiral would like to see you right away.
OK, what's the issue?
I'm not sure, but he is not in a good mood...fair warning.
Thanks for the heads up.
Ma'am, also Commander Rabb is already present with the Admiral.
No wonder he's in a bad mood (sarcastically)
Begging your pardon ma'am, I don't think this had anything to do with the Commander today.
Well it was a fair guess (Smiles)
Go on in ma'am (Mac knocks)
Enter
(Mac enters the office notices Harm already sitting in a chair facing the Admiral's desk) Reporting as ordered sir (Coming to attention) At ease Colonel
(Mac sits in the open chair opposite the Admiral's desk)
Good morning Colonel (In a cold and professional tone)
Commander (Answering coolly)
Ok people listen up carefully. I have been in a meeting with the SecNav since 0400 this morning.
What's the emergency sir?
Stop interrupting Commander and I'll get there.
Sorry Sir
(AJ just glares at Harm, Mac smiles to herself and chuckles silently. Some things will never change she thought)
Last night at approx. 2430 Lieutenant James Sheffield was found in the home of his girlfriend a civilian by the name of Lauren Stratus. The Lieutenant was found unconscious by DC PD, covered in blood that was later deemed not to be his, but that of his girlfriends. She was found stabbed to death in the next room. The murder weapon, a butcher knife, was found right near the Lieutenant.
Sheffield, as in SecNav Sheffield's son? (Asks Mac)
The one and only. (Answers the Admiral in a bitter sarcastic tone)
What does the Lieutenant say sir?
Well Commander not a whole hell of a lot. The obvious implications of his guilt are there and hard to detract, but he says that everything was fine with them last night. They came back to her home from dinner at Dominic's around 2300, she was tired and he had some work to review so she went up to bed and he went to use her study. He woke up to the scene I just described and is still in somewhat of a shock. He's screaming he was framed and his father, my boss seems to believe him.
(Harm and Mac both cringe at the thought of the political nightmare they both were undoubtedly about to participate in. They turn to look at each other, their eyes meeting sharing the common thought that no matter their role in this case, it was not going to be an easy one)
Now there is the overwhelming amount of physical evidence found at the scene to make this seem an open and shut case. However there are some unanswered questions as well as the accused professing his innocence for the last 8 hours. What I don't like is that 1 he worked for Navy Intelligence and that in itself leads to speculation of "what if". Don't underestimate the possibility of a framing. Obviously the political ramifications of this are strong to say the least. The media will be all over this and treating it as pretty cut and dry based on the initial findings that were released this morning. The last thing we need is someone to start screaming cover up so I'm assigning you two to handle this case.
Sir, the Commander has just got back, I'm not sure us partnering up so soon is a good idea. (Spoke Mac as Harm turned and stared at her speechless)
Who said anything about an investigation? This is going to a general court marshal. NCIS took over from DCPD once it was determined that Sheffield was NAVY. They have already done the preliminary and the convening authority found enough evidence to bind this over to a court marshal.
Colonel you will be prosecuting this case and I do not expect you to hold back just because of who the accused is. Do keep an open mind to all the evidence, but proceed with the government's case. Frankly you're the strongest prosecutor that we have on staff so assigning you serves the duel purpose of appeasing the public and ensuring justice is served.
What are the charges specifically sir? (Asked Mac receiving her copy of the file)
2nd Degree murder as the initial findings suggests an act of aggression, argument or act of passion. It will be of course your choice to recommend to the convening authority to adjust the charges if you find that the evidence warrants it.
Am I to assume that I will be defending the accused sir? (Asked Harm attempting to hold back the bitterness that was starting to seethe in his voice)
Correct Commander
Yes sir (Harm looks at Mac and their eyes meet both knowing that this is not going to be pretty).
Commander let me give you a bit of a heads up; you were requested by the SecNav himself to defend his son. He is of course standing by his son's claim to a framing. He feels that if and I quote "there is any shit to dig up, Rabb is the man to hand the shovel to". He believes as do I that your career has entailed finding the truth at no matter the cost or consequence so this one is definitely your baby.
Thank you sir...I think(to himself)
Any questions...
Sir, is it wise for the commander to be taking such a high profile case so soon after his return? (Mac catches herself regretting saying what she was thinking)
Excuse me Colonel? (Says Harm in shock and anger) Since when did you become my appraiser and judge?
You forget I have worked with you for over 7 years (Attempting to cover her lapse in judgment, she attempts to play the comment off sarcastically).
If you have something to say to me Colonel go ahead and say it!
SNAP TOO!!!! (Ordered the Admiral as he thundered out of his own chair rising to his feet)
Both Harm and Mac shut theirs mouths immediately and jump out of their seats to full attention...
That is quite enough! My two senior offices acting like children! Unbelievable and unacceptable! (Turning toward Mac first) Colonel, I'm not sure if you just heard what I said, the SecNav wants Rabb. That is my boss. He will get Commander Rabb and frankly if I wasn't confident in his abilities he would not be here in the first place! So if you will stop questioning my command Colonel....
I apologize sir (Stated Mac sternly)
(Turning toward Harm) And you Commander...maybe you had better think again before you decide to use my office for a personal war ground.
Sorry sir, it won't happen again. (Replied Harm) Damn right it won't! Colonel, Commander both of you need to wake the hell up right now. The media will be swarmed over this trial. I will not stand for EITHER of you to behave in an unprofessional manner. I don't care what you need to do to get through the personal bull shit that is between you, but if for one moment I find that justice is not being served in this case and that the two of you are fighting like a couple of school girls in the sandbox, so help me God, I will bust you both down the ranks enlisted personal for the remainder of your career's in the service! Am I understood?!
(Simultaneously) YES SIR!
DISMISSED!
Harm and Mac walk out with their heads hanging low, both head to their respective offices.
And some things will never change (AJ to himself as he picks up the phone) Coates bring me a bottle of aspirin right away
At once sir...
(Coates brings him the bottle) Sir not to be nosey, but I heard shouting. Is everything ok?
(Rubbing the throbbing vein in his forehead) We better get ready for world war three Petty Officer
(Confused) ...ah yes sir.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Personal Journal of Harmon Rabb Jr. So truth be told my first week back at JAG was as expected. The Admiral wanted me to reprove my abilities and see what my threshold for grunt work would be. I think my lack of resistance and my diligence surprised him a bit. However when it was all said and done he was happy with the progress and results; not to mention not having to yell at me once this whole week. Well, not entirely true, maybe once, but I still maintain that is was not me who caused a 10 car pile up on the beltway forcing me to be twenty minutes late on Thursday. Hey a little suspense never hurt any CO...but it damn sure hurt my ears when he was done chewing me out. No worries, some things change and some thing never do. Surprisingly my colleagues and friends gave me a warm reception, except for Mac of course. Except for the pleasantries we aren't speaking. The Admiral has now assured me that I am free to be myself, which means I passed his test for the responsibility factor, minus the tardiness of course. We will see how long it takes before I do something to piss him off again. No matter, at least I know he values my judgment and ambitions. Sturgis has been surprisingly supportive of my return. I guess I'll be there to take the brunt of the Admiral's furry should the need arise for it to be unloaded on someone. Sturgis suggests I talk to Mac, but I can't do it. Not yet. It hurts to see her with someone else and I have more pressing matters with Mattie right now. I guess I'll have to tell Mac eventually but now is not the time.
Personal Journal of Sarah Mackenzie How can life get more complex than it is for me now? On the surface everything should be all good and well. My career is going well, I have a new man in my life who keeps me guessing and the passion alive, my friends are well and Harm has his job back so I shouldn't feel guilty anymore. Maybe that is the problem; guilt. Things have not been good between us; in fact they have been virtually non-existent since our return from Paraguay. I know what he did for me and I think I know why he did it and yet all I can seem to do is push him away. I know he is angry with me, lord knows he has the right to be, but I am angry with him to. He seems to be able to show me he cares, but can't say the damned words that would help me take the next step. He should know better than anyone that I need to hear it. I spent the early years of my life hearing nothing but negative from the people who were supposed to love me. Would it kill him to let go and just take a chance...? Well maybe it would, I guess I do know how scared he is, but fear of rejection is there for me too. Maybe its just fear altogether? I told him we would never work out because we both wanted to be on top. While there is some truth to that, the real reason is that I'm just too damn scared to loose control over what I have worked so hard to build. My life, my career and I know he is the one person with whom I could allow myself to loose control over all I've worked for is him. Not that he would ever do that, no that's not Harmon Rabb Jr. But he could have that power over me and that scares the hell out of me. Yes I the independent kick ass jarhead am just a scared little girl when it comes to dealing with my former partner.
PART I The following Monday JAG Headquarters 0900 Zulu
Good morning Colonel,
Good morning Jennifer (PO Coates, stops her from entering her office)
Something wrong Petty Officer?
No Ma'am but the Admiral would like to see you right away.
OK, what's the issue?
I'm not sure, but he is not in a good mood...fair warning.
Thanks for the heads up.
Ma'am, also Commander Rabb is already present with the Admiral.
No wonder he's in a bad mood (sarcastically)
Begging your pardon ma'am, I don't think this had anything to do with the Commander today.
Well it was a fair guess (Smiles)
Go on in ma'am (Mac knocks)
Enter
(Mac enters the office notices Harm already sitting in a chair facing the Admiral's desk) Reporting as ordered sir (Coming to attention) At ease Colonel
(Mac sits in the open chair opposite the Admiral's desk)
Good morning Colonel (In a cold and professional tone)
Commander (Answering coolly)
Ok people listen up carefully. I have been in a meeting with the SecNav since 0400 this morning.
What's the emergency sir?
Stop interrupting Commander and I'll get there.
Sorry Sir
(AJ just glares at Harm, Mac smiles to herself and chuckles silently. Some things will never change she thought)
Last night at approx. 2430 Lieutenant James Sheffield was found in the home of his girlfriend a civilian by the name of Lauren Stratus. The Lieutenant was found unconscious by DC PD, covered in blood that was later deemed not to be his, but that of his girlfriends. She was found stabbed to death in the next room. The murder weapon, a butcher knife, was found right near the Lieutenant.
Sheffield, as in SecNav Sheffield's son? (Asks Mac)
The one and only. (Answers the Admiral in a bitter sarcastic tone)
What does the Lieutenant say sir?
Well Commander not a whole hell of a lot. The obvious implications of his guilt are there and hard to detract, but he says that everything was fine with them last night. They came back to her home from dinner at Dominic's around 2300, she was tired and he had some work to review so she went up to bed and he went to use her study. He woke up to the scene I just described and is still in somewhat of a shock. He's screaming he was framed and his father, my boss seems to believe him.
(Harm and Mac both cringe at the thought of the political nightmare they both were undoubtedly about to participate in. They turn to look at each other, their eyes meeting sharing the common thought that no matter their role in this case, it was not going to be an easy one)
Now there is the overwhelming amount of physical evidence found at the scene to make this seem an open and shut case. However there are some unanswered questions as well as the accused professing his innocence for the last 8 hours. What I don't like is that 1 he worked for Navy Intelligence and that in itself leads to speculation of "what if". Don't underestimate the possibility of a framing. Obviously the political ramifications of this are strong to say the least. The media will be all over this and treating it as pretty cut and dry based on the initial findings that were released this morning. The last thing we need is someone to start screaming cover up so I'm assigning you two to handle this case.
Sir, the Commander has just got back, I'm not sure us partnering up so soon is a good idea. (Spoke Mac as Harm turned and stared at her speechless)
Who said anything about an investigation? This is going to a general court marshal. NCIS took over from DCPD once it was determined that Sheffield was NAVY. They have already done the preliminary and the convening authority found enough evidence to bind this over to a court marshal.
Colonel you will be prosecuting this case and I do not expect you to hold back just because of who the accused is. Do keep an open mind to all the evidence, but proceed with the government's case. Frankly you're the strongest prosecutor that we have on staff so assigning you serves the duel purpose of appeasing the public and ensuring justice is served.
What are the charges specifically sir? (Asked Mac receiving her copy of the file)
2nd Degree murder as the initial findings suggests an act of aggression, argument or act of passion. It will be of course your choice to recommend to the convening authority to adjust the charges if you find that the evidence warrants it.
Am I to assume that I will be defending the accused sir? (Asked Harm attempting to hold back the bitterness that was starting to seethe in his voice)
Correct Commander
Yes sir (Harm looks at Mac and their eyes meet both knowing that this is not going to be pretty).
Commander let me give you a bit of a heads up; you were requested by the SecNav himself to defend his son. He is of course standing by his son's claim to a framing. He feels that if and I quote "there is any shit to dig up, Rabb is the man to hand the shovel to". He believes as do I that your career has entailed finding the truth at no matter the cost or consequence so this one is definitely your baby.
Thank you sir...I think(to himself)
Any questions...
Sir, is it wise for the commander to be taking such a high profile case so soon after his return? (Mac catches herself regretting saying what she was thinking)
Excuse me Colonel? (Says Harm in shock and anger) Since when did you become my appraiser and judge?
You forget I have worked with you for over 7 years (Attempting to cover her lapse in judgment, she attempts to play the comment off sarcastically).
If you have something to say to me Colonel go ahead and say it!
SNAP TOO!!!! (Ordered the Admiral as he thundered out of his own chair rising to his feet)
Both Harm and Mac shut theirs mouths immediately and jump out of their seats to full attention...
That is quite enough! My two senior offices acting like children! Unbelievable and unacceptable! (Turning toward Mac first) Colonel, I'm not sure if you just heard what I said, the SecNav wants Rabb. That is my boss. He will get Commander Rabb and frankly if I wasn't confident in his abilities he would not be here in the first place! So if you will stop questioning my command Colonel....
I apologize sir (Stated Mac sternly)
(Turning toward Harm) And you Commander...maybe you had better think again before you decide to use my office for a personal war ground.
Sorry sir, it won't happen again. (Replied Harm) Damn right it won't! Colonel, Commander both of you need to wake the hell up right now. The media will be swarmed over this trial. I will not stand for EITHER of you to behave in an unprofessional manner. I don't care what you need to do to get through the personal bull shit that is between you, but if for one moment I find that justice is not being served in this case and that the two of you are fighting like a couple of school girls in the sandbox, so help me God, I will bust you both down the ranks enlisted personal for the remainder of your career's in the service! Am I understood?!
(Simultaneously) YES SIR!
DISMISSED!
Harm and Mac walk out with their heads hanging low, both head to their respective offices.
And some things will never change (AJ to himself as he picks up the phone) Coates bring me a bottle of aspirin right away
At once sir...
(Coates brings him the bottle) Sir not to be nosey, but I heard shouting. Is everything ok?
(Rubbing the throbbing vein in his forehead) We better get ready for world war three Petty Officer
(Confused) ...ah yes sir.
TO BE CONTINUED...