"Colonel, this had better be good." Admiral Morris said as he sat down. "Aren't you supposed to be in court?"

"Yes sir, I was on a twenty minute recess, but I've instructed Petty Officer Coates to inform everyone that there will be a delay and I'll let them know when I'm ready to continue." Mac replied.

"So why interrupt my proceedings?"

"I received this sir; I thought you should see it." Mac took the evidence bag which Sturgis was still clutching from him and handed it to the Admiral.

"Who knows about this?" Admiral Morris asked after he read it.

"Us, Petty Officer Coates and Special Agent Gibbs over at NCIS. He's coming to collect it and run some tests on it."

"What exactly is it sir?" Brett asked as he had been the only not to see the note.

"A death threat against Colonel Mackenzie and her daughter Abigail if she doesn't get the case against Captain Krennick dismissed."

"Apparently I'm entering territory I don't want to enter." Mac added.

"Are we taking this seriously?" Brett asked.

"Of course we're taking this seriously." Mac snapped.

"Colonel focus; is Abigail safe?" Morris asked.

"Yes sir, I called her day-care they know not to release her to anyone but me or Harm. The place is like Fort Knox, she should be okay for now."

"I presume you're taking the rest of the day off at least?"

"No sir, I have a court martial in progress, it should be tied up in the next couple of days."

"I'm having the security upped around your office and court room. Only the parties involved are to be allowed in."

"Yes sir."

"You should also inform Admiral Chegwidden and Captain Rabb."

"Admiral, Captain Rabb is going to be at Norfolk all day on a case." Sturgis informed him.

"Call him and fill him in, Colonel."

"Yes sir." Mac replied.

"Admiral, you don't think that Captain Krennick was involved with this threat do you?" Brett asked.

"She's capable of it." Morris said.

"Sir?"

"Commander, Captain Krennick has always been motivated to get ahead by whatever means possible. It's possible that if she didn't send it personally, she knows who did."

"Sir, she already tried to blame Colonel Mackenzie for this when she was informed of the charges, she also expressed her opinions of the Colonel during the interview I conducted with her before she requested a lawyer, which wasn't favourable." Faith said.

"Considering I only met her in person a couple of weeks ago, it's a little harsh. I may not have been her biggest fan, but I wasn't anything other than a professional." Mac countered.

"Colonel, I believe you have several people to talk to, I'll have the extra security in place in a few minutes. Tell Agent Gibbs that I would like a copy of his report on this note."

"Yes sir." Mac turned and left.

"Admiral..." Sturgis started.

"I know this could possibly change things. As at this stage there is no proof that Captain Krennick is involved, but we'll allow NCIS to determine that. Everything that has been spoken about in this office will remain here and shall not be repeated." He paused. "Well resume in five minutes. I need to make a phone call. Dismissed."

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

TBC