"Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered sir." Mac stood to attention in front of Admiral Morris's desk.

"At ease Colonel." He said, Mac relaxed. "Please take a seat."

"Yes sir. You asked to see me."

"Yes. Mac you know I wouldn't ask you to do this unless there wasn't any other option."

"Do what Admiral?" Mac questioned.

"I need you to go to Italy, Naples more precisely."

"Can I ask why sir?"

"There is a carrier group just off the coast of Italy, their usual judge who was presiding over a case on board, was just admitted to a hospital in Naples with pneumonia, the case has already started, the transcripts will be made available to you on your arrival. I need you to go out there and take over."

"And there isn't anyone else sir?"

"No, I've been trying to find another solution all day. You are the only one available."

"How long will I be gone?" Mac asked.

"A week, two at the most. You'll be taking Petty Officer Coates with you. I would ask unless it was necessary."

"I know Admiral. What time is the transport?" Mac asked conceding saying no wasn't an option.

"1000 from Andrews tomorrow. That will take you as far as Naples; a COD will be arranged on your arrival. You have the rest of the day to go over the notes and transcripts, if you need testimony repeated then recall the witnesses. Proceedings will begin again at 0900 Wednesday morning local time."

"Aye aye sir. With your permission, it appears I have some things to arrange."

"Go ahead Colonel."

~

"Harm, do you have a minute I need to talk to you about something important?" Mac asked stood in the doorway to Harm's office. He was engrossed in a file he was ready.

"Can it wait Mac?" He asked. "I need to finish this and..."

"I have to go to Italy first thing in the morning for two weeks." Mac blurted out.

"Okay maybe it can't wait. Maybe you should come in and explain." Mac closed the door and sat down. "Why exactly are you going to Italy?"

"Technically it's a carrier group off the coast of Naples, but..."

"That doesn't explain why you're going." Harm pointed out.

"I know. The judge who normal covers these cases was taken to hospital with pneumonia, he had just started a court martial, I'm the only one available to go and take over on short notice, Admiral Morris tried to find someone else but he can't. So Jen and I leave for Naples at 1000 tomorrow morning."

"I see. I guess there's nothing we can do about it. I'll talk to..." There was a knock on the door. "Enter." Harm called.

"Sorry to interrupt sir but Lieutenant Simmons is here." Harriet said.

"Harriet, come in a minute." Mac said.

"Yes ma'am."

"Harriet, I need a favour."

"What can I do to help ma'am?" Harriet asked.

"I have to go to Italy for the next couple of weeks, I know it's short notice but do you think you could pick Abi up from day care and keep her until Harm finishes work?" Mac asked.

"Of course ma'am, I'm more than happy to help. I take it this was what Admiral Morris wanted to discuss with you."

"Yes. About the other situation we were discussing earlier, it will give him additional time to come up with a solution to the problem. Keep reminding him of that fact."

"Aye aye ma'am."

"Tell the Lieutenant I'll be another few minutes." Harm advised her.

"Yes sir." Harriet left.

"What was all that cryptic stuff about?"

"Need to know, and you don't right now." Mac replied. "I'd better let you get back to work, we'll talk about this more later, besides which I have to go and break the news to Jen."

"She doesn't know yet?" Harm asked.

"No, she's dealing with the bickering Sgt's. She has them hauling boxes while handcuffed together."

"So I noticed earlier, interesting solution to the problem."

"Blame Gunny it was his idea, this way they can't get away from each other. I'll see you at home."

"Okay."

~

"How's it going?" Mac asked as she found Jen who was directing the operation.

"I think we're finally getting somewhere ma'am." Jen remarked.

"I need to talk to you for a minute."

"Of course ma'am." Jen stepped away with Mac.

"How do you feel about Italy?" Mac asked.

"It's a beautiful country. Why ma'am?"

"We're on a 1000 flight to Naples first thing in the morning. We'll probably be gone two weeks. From Naples we're going out to a carrier."

"From Andrews?" Jen questioned.

"Yes."

"Aye aye ma'am." Mac noticed she hadn't asked why they were going.

"Well talk more after we're done with the Sgt's. Then you can go home and pack and explain what's going on to Jason."

"Yes ma'am. Ma'am, I should really get back."

"Carry on; I'll be in the office."

TBC