Title : Where The Sea Meets The Sky
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV – and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw; jtbwriter; beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol and eliv.thade for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
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MATTIE'S SCHOOL
ASSEMBLY HALL
1030 HOURS – THURSDAY
Mattie sat at the front of the auditorium with the rest of the group who represented the school's Anti Drugs and Alcohol program – Say No – as the Principal spoke to the students.
"This school prides itself on its record of high achievement. While other schools in the district have their… problems, currently, we enjoy a rapport with our students that is second to none. Students have access to the best services throughout the school, and to this end we are upgrading our counseling staff to include two new members. Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson will be available to all students to discuss any problems that may arise, and in Miss Thomas we have a qualified sign-language translator, so we can now add to our services for hard-of-hearing students also. Another step in upgrading our facilities. If you will now welcome Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson to the stage, they can say a few words to introduce themselves, and then we will have the members of the *Say No* campaign up on stage to meet the two of them."
Mattie's head had come up at the announcement of the two names. As there had been no prior announcement in school about the introduction of two new counselors, nor their proposed involvement with the *Say No* group, it was a surprise to most students, and adding the two familiar names, it was an even greater surprise to one particular student. As Sue and Jack appeared on stage, Mattie wasn't sure just how she was supposed to approach them. As friends of hers, or as strangers, given that they were at the school undercover, albeit using their real names.
The decision was taken from her when, after their personal introductions, Sue and Jack invited the *Say No* team to the stage, and as Mattie approached they both put out their hands and introduced themselves as complete strangers would. Mattie took their cue, and returned to her seat once the introductions were over. At the end of the assembly, Mattie turned to face the Principal as she heard her name being called.
"Miss Johnson, if you wouldn't mind? Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson would like to speak to the *Say No* team individually. Are you free right now to talk to them? If you require a pass, I can issue it."
"I only have study, sir, so yes, I can meet with… the new counselors." The Principal nodded and began to turn away, but Mattie's voice made him pause and turn to look at her. "I would like to remind the school, sir, that my surname is Grace, not Johnson."
"The school, Miss Johnson, relies on the information shown on birth certificates, and on yours, the name is Johnson. However, if you were to, say, change your parentage, then perhaps you would stand a chance." The Principal made to walk off again, and once again Mattie's voice stopped him. Their conversation was polite but the underlying anger of the Principal at the stubbornness of Mattie was beginning to rise to the surface.
"Then it's probably worth my while informing you that shortly I will be changing my parentage, and my surname will become Rabb."
As Mattie spoke, the Principal rounded on her, his face suffused with red. Mattie took a step back, unsure of what would happen next.
"May I have a word, Miss Grace?" Sue had been watching the war of words between student and principal, and the rising anger in the man. While she and Jack were at the school undercover, and more than surprised to find it was Mattie's school, there was no excuse for threatening behavior, and both Sue and Jack were disgusted by the turn of events. Jack had nodded to Sue to intervene. They could deal with the possible compromise to their operation out of school time.
"Yes, of course." Mattie turned in relief to face Sue, who read her actions correctly, and put her hand out to touch Mattie's arm.
"If you'd like to come with us, the Principal has kindly offered us the use of his office for our meetings."
"That's okay. I need to go there to get my hall pass anyway." Mattie looked across at the Principal when she said this, and he nodded, accepting that he had offered the same earlier. Jack waited while Sue and Mattie joined him, and then they followed the Principal out of the auditorium and towards the Administration offices.
Once they were inside the designated office, Jack closed the door, and turned to face Sue and Mattie with his finger across his lips. To Sue he mouthed the words : 'Principal outside listening. No talk of knowing Mattie. Keep it simple, relative to our investigation. We'll work it out with Mattie later.' Sue nodded to indicate her understanding, and Mattie nodded, getting the basic idea, and not wanting to rock the boat any more than she already had.
"So, Miss Grace, we have you to thank for setting up this program at the school?"
"Not really. It was already started, I just helped to organize it a bit better."
Sue knew the answer to the next question, but she had to ask anyway, it was a part of her cover with Jack.
"Why did you get involved, Miss Grace?"
"Please, call me Mattie," Mattie smiled at both Sue and Jack, and carried on with the semi-charade. "I got involved because of personal reasons. My parents… my mother was killed in a car wreck. My father is an alcoholic."
"I am sorry to hear about your mother. Do you still live with your father?"
"No, he's in recovery. I have a guardian. Naval Commander Harmon Rabb. He's my family now." Mattie's voice dropped, and the tears clogged her throat. It took an immense effort of will to pull her thoughts back from missing Harm, especially knowing that Sue and Jack were friends of his, and she managed a watery smile. "Mushy, huh?"
"Not at all," answered Sue, honestly. "I cry every time I see my dad after I've been away." Even Jack raised an eyebrow at that, and Mattie laughed softly.
"If that's all, I need to get back to class."
"That will be fine for now. We'll need to talk later." Jack was the one to speak now, and he pointed to his watch and put up his right hand, spreading his fingers, indicating five, for five o'clock. "With the rest of your group," he added, for the benefit of the listening Principal. Why the man should be interested in listening at doors was a mystery, considering the *Say No* group was a part of his school anyway, and he would find out all he had to know at a later time. Jack made a mental note to ask Mattie about the man later.
Mattie nodded at Jack, smiled at Sue and made her way to the door. As expected, when she opened the door the Principal was standing there, in the pretext of knocking on his own office door.
"Ah, you've finished. I need to use my office for a while. Perhaps you could start interviewing the rest of Miss Johnson's group tomorrow, and then being available to the remainder of the school students after that. We will have arranged accommodation on the campus for you by then."
"That will be fine, thank you," Jack responded for himself and Sue, knowing she hadn't seen some of the man's words when he walked through his office and past her. Sue nodded in agreement, and then followed Jack out of the room, and out of the school building.
Once in their car, they turned to look at each other and agreed immediately. Even without Mattie's presence at the school, there was something strange about the almost military demeanor of the Principal. Mattie's being there could be both an advantage, and disadvantage. They didn't want to pursue the assignment and put her in any danger.
"It might be better if we let Mac know what we're doing, Jack. I'll give her a call and we can arrange to meet up to talk to her and Mattie at the same time."
"That's okay. Let's get back and give Tara the information on the Principal. If she can pull any military history, maybe Mac can help with that too."
"Done."
"Right." Jack checked his watch and grinned at Sue. "Lunchtime. Your place or mine?"
MAC'S OFFICE JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA 1200 HOURS – THURSDAY
"Hi, Sue!" Mac answered her cell phone, knowing it was Sue from the display.
"Sarah, we need to meet with you today. We met Mattie at her school as part of an undercover investigation we're on. We didn't know it was her school, or we would have advised you earlier." Sue's explanation was concise.
"Okay. What time were you thinking?"
"Five, this afternoon? We could arrange to pick up Mattie from school if you can't make it for that time."
"Wouldn't that compromise you? I can ask Jen to meet her and bring her back here. The Admiral won't mind us using one of the conference rooms after hours. I can run Mattie back to her place after that."
"That would be fine," Sue replied, and then added, "You're still staying at Harm's, hm?"
"Yeah. It makes all this easier somehow."
"Well, if you need company, let me know."
"I will, if Jack can let you out of his sight for long enough…" Mac teased, and Sue laughed.
"I get time off for good behaviour."
"I'm glad to hear it. Okay, see you at 1700."
As Mac closed her cell phone her computer 'beeped' to let her know she had an Instant Message coming through. Checking the ID she saw Harm's 'Flyboy' at the head of the IM page as words appeared below.
Flyboy here, Marine
Marine here. How are you?
Missing you. Sneaked a few minutes in the 'office' between traps while Sturg is off playing detective. Seems replacement JAG gone UA too! The plot thickens.
Possible he's got to stay longer?
Not sure. Admiral wants him stateside. How's Winston case going?
So, so. Making me think.
About us?
A little. BTW, meeting with Sue and Jack today, re Mattie's school. Mattie's okay, but something going down with FBI. S and J didn't know it was Mattie's school when they went in undercover. So far, they're keeping their story, but it might have to change.
I know they'll watch out for her, and so will you. Keep you safe too. And them. Send my best. Send you everything else!!! :)
I'll hold you to that, flyboy. Got to go now. Admiral on deck. Catch you later. Love you, Harm.
Love you back. Sarah, we're okay. If Johnson tries anything, we'll have it covered. The Admiral knows.
Yeah, I know. Hi to Sturgis. Talk to you soon.
You okay with Sturg?
I will be. Mac typed the response, and smiled to herself. I'm better with you! she added.
Of course!
"Colonel, my office, now." Chegwidden spoke as he passed Mac's door, without pausing in his stride. Mac stood up immediately.
"Aye, sir."
"And if that's Rabb, why isn't he out setting traps? Or whatever it is he does out there?"
"I'll be sure to ask him, sir."
Mac, you there?
I've REALLY got to go now. Admiral say's why aren't you 'setting' traps. Not sure if he's joking. Love you, flyboy.
Bye… Harm signed off, but Mac was already out of her office. As she left she had closed her door, but the IM page was still open. When she returned from the Admiral's office minutes later she smiled at the message Harm had left.
Four little letters that meant the world.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To be continued
Author : Jaggie 107
Disclaimer : JAG characters belong to DPB, CBS and Paramount. 'Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye' belongs to PAX TV – and I hope all parties will allow me to have fun for a little while, and replace them all when I'm done. Thank you.
Rating : G to PG-13
Thanks go to cbw; jtbwriter; beegirl, katydid13, ninjaturtle, capriceann, starryeyes10, kirsten, soonerfan, another tracy, tomcat-all, lori4, carol and eliv.thade for their reviews. As before, any reviewers I miss between posts will be added to the list for the next chapter!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MATTIE'S SCHOOL
ASSEMBLY HALL
1030 HOURS – THURSDAY
Mattie sat at the front of the auditorium with the rest of the group who represented the school's Anti Drugs and Alcohol program – Say No – as the Principal spoke to the students.
"This school prides itself on its record of high achievement. While other schools in the district have their… problems, currently, we enjoy a rapport with our students that is second to none. Students have access to the best services throughout the school, and to this end we are upgrading our counseling staff to include two new members. Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson will be available to all students to discuss any problems that may arise, and in Miss Thomas we have a qualified sign-language translator, so we can now add to our services for hard-of-hearing students also. Another step in upgrading our facilities. If you will now welcome Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson to the stage, they can say a few words to introduce themselves, and then we will have the members of the *Say No* campaign up on stage to meet the two of them."
Mattie's head had come up at the announcement of the two names. As there had been no prior announcement in school about the introduction of two new counselors, nor their proposed involvement with the *Say No* group, it was a surprise to most students, and adding the two familiar names, it was an even greater surprise to one particular student. As Sue and Jack appeared on stage, Mattie wasn't sure just how she was supposed to approach them. As friends of hers, or as strangers, given that they were at the school undercover, albeit using their real names.
The decision was taken from her when, after their personal introductions, Sue and Jack invited the *Say No* team to the stage, and as Mattie approached they both put out their hands and introduced themselves as complete strangers would. Mattie took their cue, and returned to her seat once the introductions were over. At the end of the assembly, Mattie turned to face the Principal as she heard her name being called.
"Miss Johnson, if you wouldn't mind? Miss Thomas and Mr Hudson would like to speak to the *Say No* team individually. Are you free right now to talk to them? If you require a pass, I can issue it."
"I only have study, sir, so yes, I can meet with… the new counselors." The Principal nodded and began to turn away, but Mattie's voice made him pause and turn to look at her. "I would like to remind the school, sir, that my surname is Grace, not Johnson."
"The school, Miss Johnson, relies on the information shown on birth certificates, and on yours, the name is Johnson. However, if you were to, say, change your parentage, then perhaps you would stand a chance." The Principal made to walk off again, and once again Mattie's voice stopped him. Their conversation was polite but the underlying anger of the Principal at the stubbornness of Mattie was beginning to rise to the surface.
"Then it's probably worth my while informing you that shortly I will be changing my parentage, and my surname will become Rabb."
As Mattie spoke, the Principal rounded on her, his face suffused with red. Mattie took a step back, unsure of what would happen next.
"May I have a word, Miss Grace?" Sue had been watching the war of words between student and principal, and the rising anger in the man. While she and Jack were at the school undercover, and more than surprised to find it was Mattie's school, there was no excuse for threatening behavior, and both Sue and Jack were disgusted by the turn of events. Jack had nodded to Sue to intervene. They could deal with the possible compromise to their operation out of school time.
"Yes, of course." Mattie turned in relief to face Sue, who read her actions correctly, and put her hand out to touch Mattie's arm.
"If you'd like to come with us, the Principal has kindly offered us the use of his office for our meetings."
"That's okay. I need to go there to get my hall pass anyway." Mattie looked across at the Principal when she said this, and he nodded, accepting that he had offered the same earlier. Jack waited while Sue and Mattie joined him, and then they followed the Principal out of the auditorium and towards the Administration offices.
Once they were inside the designated office, Jack closed the door, and turned to face Sue and Mattie with his finger across his lips. To Sue he mouthed the words : 'Principal outside listening. No talk of knowing Mattie. Keep it simple, relative to our investigation. We'll work it out with Mattie later.' Sue nodded to indicate her understanding, and Mattie nodded, getting the basic idea, and not wanting to rock the boat any more than she already had.
"So, Miss Grace, we have you to thank for setting up this program at the school?"
"Not really. It was already started, I just helped to organize it a bit better."
Sue knew the answer to the next question, but she had to ask anyway, it was a part of her cover with Jack.
"Why did you get involved, Miss Grace?"
"Please, call me Mattie," Mattie smiled at both Sue and Jack, and carried on with the semi-charade. "I got involved because of personal reasons. My parents… my mother was killed in a car wreck. My father is an alcoholic."
"I am sorry to hear about your mother. Do you still live with your father?"
"No, he's in recovery. I have a guardian. Naval Commander Harmon Rabb. He's my family now." Mattie's voice dropped, and the tears clogged her throat. It took an immense effort of will to pull her thoughts back from missing Harm, especially knowing that Sue and Jack were friends of his, and she managed a watery smile. "Mushy, huh?"
"Not at all," answered Sue, honestly. "I cry every time I see my dad after I've been away." Even Jack raised an eyebrow at that, and Mattie laughed softly.
"If that's all, I need to get back to class."
"That will be fine for now. We'll need to talk later." Jack was the one to speak now, and he pointed to his watch and put up his right hand, spreading his fingers, indicating five, for five o'clock. "With the rest of your group," he added, for the benefit of the listening Principal. Why the man should be interested in listening at doors was a mystery, considering the *Say No* group was a part of his school anyway, and he would find out all he had to know at a later time. Jack made a mental note to ask Mattie about the man later.
Mattie nodded at Jack, smiled at Sue and made her way to the door. As expected, when she opened the door the Principal was standing there, in the pretext of knocking on his own office door.
"Ah, you've finished. I need to use my office for a while. Perhaps you could start interviewing the rest of Miss Johnson's group tomorrow, and then being available to the remainder of the school students after that. We will have arranged accommodation on the campus for you by then."
"That will be fine, thank you," Jack responded for himself and Sue, knowing she hadn't seen some of the man's words when he walked through his office and past her. Sue nodded in agreement, and then followed Jack out of the room, and out of the school building.
Once in their car, they turned to look at each other and agreed immediately. Even without Mattie's presence at the school, there was something strange about the almost military demeanor of the Principal. Mattie's being there could be both an advantage, and disadvantage. They didn't want to pursue the assignment and put her in any danger.
"It might be better if we let Mac know what we're doing, Jack. I'll give her a call and we can arrange to meet up to talk to her and Mattie at the same time."
"That's okay. Let's get back and give Tara the information on the Principal. If she can pull any military history, maybe Mac can help with that too."
"Done."
"Right." Jack checked his watch and grinned at Sue. "Lunchtime. Your place or mine?"
MAC'S OFFICE JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA 1200 HOURS – THURSDAY
"Hi, Sue!" Mac answered her cell phone, knowing it was Sue from the display.
"Sarah, we need to meet with you today. We met Mattie at her school as part of an undercover investigation we're on. We didn't know it was her school, or we would have advised you earlier." Sue's explanation was concise.
"Okay. What time were you thinking?"
"Five, this afternoon? We could arrange to pick up Mattie from school if you can't make it for that time."
"Wouldn't that compromise you? I can ask Jen to meet her and bring her back here. The Admiral won't mind us using one of the conference rooms after hours. I can run Mattie back to her place after that."
"That would be fine," Sue replied, and then added, "You're still staying at Harm's, hm?"
"Yeah. It makes all this easier somehow."
"Well, if you need company, let me know."
"I will, if Jack can let you out of his sight for long enough…" Mac teased, and Sue laughed.
"I get time off for good behaviour."
"I'm glad to hear it. Okay, see you at 1700."
As Mac closed her cell phone her computer 'beeped' to let her know she had an Instant Message coming through. Checking the ID she saw Harm's 'Flyboy' at the head of the IM page as words appeared below.
Flyboy here, Marine
Marine here. How are you?
Missing you. Sneaked a few minutes in the 'office' between traps while Sturg is off playing detective. Seems replacement JAG gone UA too! The plot thickens.
Possible he's got to stay longer?
Not sure. Admiral wants him stateside. How's Winston case going?
So, so. Making me think.
About us?
A little. BTW, meeting with Sue and Jack today, re Mattie's school. Mattie's okay, but something going down with FBI. S and J didn't know it was Mattie's school when they went in undercover. So far, they're keeping their story, but it might have to change.
I know they'll watch out for her, and so will you. Keep you safe too. And them. Send my best. Send you everything else!!! :)
I'll hold you to that, flyboy. Got to go now. Admiral on deck. Catch you later. Love you, Harm.
Love you back. Sarah, we're okay. If Johnson tries anything, we'll have it covered. The Admiral knows.
Yeah, I know. Hi to Sturgis. Talk to you soon.
You okay with Sturg?
I will be. Mac typed the response, and smiled to herself. I'm better with you! she added.
Of course!
"Colonel, my office, now." Chegwidden spoke as he passed Mac's door, without pausing in his stride. Mac stood up immediately.
"Aye, sir."
"And if that's Rabb, why isn't he out setting traps? Or whatever it is he does out there?"
"I'll be sure to ask him, sir."
Mac, you there?
I've REALLY got to go now. Admiral say's why aren't you 'setting' traps. Not sure if he's joking. Love you, flyboy.
Bye… Harm signed off, but Mac was already out of her office. As she left she had closed her door, but the IM page was still open. When she returned from the Admiral's office minutes later she smiled at the message Harm had left.
Four little letters that meant the world.
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To be continued