"Tiner, get me Williams, Turner and Roberts now." AJ instructed on Monday morning.

"Yes sir, right away." Tiner replied.

There was a knock on the door a few minutes later.

"Enter." AJ called.

"Commander Turner, Major Williams and Lieutenant Roberts to see you sir." Tiner announced.

"Come in and stand at ease." AJ instructed. "Tiner close the hatch behind them."

"Aye aye sir." Tiner closed the door and returned to his desk.

"You wanted to see us sir?" Sturgis said.

"Yes. Captain Krennick has decided that she will avail herself on JAG representation. Since you are prosecuting Major that leaves you out. Lieutenant?"

"Admiral, with all due respect I was around when Captain Krennick and Commander Rabb were conducting an investigation together, I've seen her behaviour perhaps I would not be the best person to represent her."

"I can respect that. Commander Turner." AJ prompted.

"Sir, Major Williams asked me to be her co-counsel in this case, with your permission Admiral of course."

"Very well." AJ agreed. "And Rabb is off the limits as he is going to be called as a witness."

"Actually sir, I doubt we will be calling Captain Rabb." Faith stated.

"Would you care to explain why not Major, given that you have several witnesses about the Captain's conduct towards Rabb?" AJ asked.

"Sir, I had the opportunity to speak to Lieutenant Commander Austin yesterday when she returned my call. Some information came to light about a conversation that she had with Captain Krennick when Captain Rabb was held prisoner by the Chinese several years ago."

"As far as I know Rabb's relationship with either of those never went beyond that of co-workers and in Austin's case friendship."

"That would be true sir. But the information could be a little embarrassing sir."

"I'm sure that the Captain could handle a little embarrassment Major." AJ stated.

"Yes sir, but I was thinking more of Colonel Mackenzie sir. I don't think tarring anyone's reputation would benefit the case and if we call Lieutenant Commander Austin even if we don't ask the question I'm sure Captain Krennick's counsel will, I'd rather not put them in that position."

"Very well it's your case, handle it as you see fit. Now I have to find the Captain an attorney."

"Admiral, I have a suggestion for someone suitable. I used work with him before and he likes cases with overwhelming evidence against him." Faith said.

"Does this person have a name?"

"Lieutenant Commander Brett McPhalin. He was transfer to Pearl just before I was offered a job here sir."

"Tiner, get me the personnel file of a Lieutenant Commander Brett McPhalin he's station at Pearl Harbour, ASAP." AJ instructed over the intercom.

"Aye sir."

"The rest of you are dismissed."

"Aye aye sir." They all stood to attention before leaving.

"What information don't you want revealed in court?" Sturgis asked as they all headed back towards their offices.

"Sir, don't ask, just know that Captain Krennick blames Colonel Mackenzie for this and she said as much in front of witnesses. I'll be prepared the Chinese incident if it comes up in court."

"And when was Harm kidnapped by the Chinese?" Sturgis questioned.

"About eight years ago sir." Faith replied. "But we'll talk later; I'm due in court in fifteen minutes, if you'll excuse me."

"Bud do you know anything about it?" Sturgis asked.

"Only vaguely sir. Would you like me to find out more about the incident?" Bud asked.

"If you have the time, Lieutenant, if you have the time."

"Yes sir."

#

"You know if you want to know what happened with the Chinese you should have just asked me." Harm stood leant against the door jam of Sturgis's office.

"You've been busy all day." Sturgis replied.

"Well here's Bud's file on the incident." Harm tossed it on Sturgis's desk.

"Why don't you tell me what happened?" Sturgis said.

"I was held hostage and tortured by the Chinese, who made me think I was talking to my father but it was all in my head. Between Krennick, Meg and a Chinese officer who wanted to defect I got out and I'd rather not think about it if it's all the same to you."

"So did Austin tell you about any of the conversations between her and Krennick while you were held hostage?" Sturgis asked.

"No, she didn't want to talk about it."

"Well something in one of those conversations is the reason why Faith doesn't want to call either you or Austin as witnesses."

"I can't think of anything that would be a problem." Harm said.

"Faith isn't concerned about you; she doesn't want either of you to testify for Mac's sake."

"And she won't tell you what it is?" Harm questioned.

"No. She says she'll be prepared for it, if Krennick's lawyer brings it up but she's not going to do it."

"Who is Krennick's lawyer anyway?" Harm asked.

"Faith suggested a friend of hers a Lieutenant Commander Brett McPhalin, he's stationed at Pearl. What happens from there is up to the Admiral."

"I have to get back to court. We'll talk later."

"Aye aye sir." Sturgis said.

TBC