Part 5.c – immediately after 5.b

Harm turned away from the phone, trying not to choke out loud. After Sturgis' stint as Acting JAG, he could have told anyone that Turner would have problems as a CO, especially in a new environment, but no one had asked him.

"Will you do it?"

"There would be several considerations General. Who would the senior staff be, and what about Harm? You're asking him to short-tour?" Mac's voice left no doubt there'd be "conditions" not "considerations." What mess would she be going to? Just minutes before, she and Harm had been planning his retirement, excited about a civilian future together in San Diego.

"You can choose your XO and other staff, just like …uh….before. Some turnover is needed." Cresswell's voice was non-committal. She'd find out fast enough how bad things were at the JLSO.

"Harm, I realize I'm asking you to short-tour from COMUSNAVEUR, but you'd be in San Diego with all your family." Cresswell both dangled the carrot and tried to convey a conciliatory tone at the same time. He knew he hadn't been fair to Rabb since he'd called from the Blacksburg courthouse.

"What would my billet be, General?" Harm tried not to let his excitement show, but at the same time, he was starting to feel hopeful. Maybe he wouldn't have to retire after all. He loved the Navy; it was just his current duties he couldn't stand.

Briefly, Cresswell explained the NCIS SAC's request, emphasizing the investigating, training and supervisory duties, as well as noting the possibility of prosecuting some cases in Federal District Court or at court-martial. "This billet really fits your talents, Rabb." He held his breath, not being able to see, of course, the huge grins on both Harm's and Mac's faces.

"What about my Force JAG billet here Sir? I have no deputy to fleet up." He couldn't help his resentment at the gapped billet from showing in his voice. If he'd had a deputy, either Bud or someone else, things might have been so different. "I can't leave Admiral Randall without a Force JAG."

"I'll pull Colonel Blankfeld from Iraq, her deputy can take her slot." Cresswell was pleased that Harm was concerned about his present command.

Part 5d follows immediately – or as soon as we can get to accept it for posting!