Everything in Time

Chapter 6

Sunday, October 16, 2005

0130 Hours Local Time

Secure Hangar

Joint Base Andrews

Prince George's County, MD

Because the forensic investigation of the gun battle at the Nellis AFB hangar took so long, the C5 was delayed in taking off until just before 1730 hours local time, three and half hours late.

The NCIS party stood waiting for the loading ramp to lower all the way open. Maggie caught her breath in surprise and practically flew out of the back of the plane when she saw Thomas standing beside Diane and Harm Rabb at the bottom of the loading ramp smiling his trademark smile up at her.

When they broke for air after sharing a loooong kiss, Maggie raised her head and said, "Hello husband I guess you did miss me."

"No only that wife, I'm very happy that you came through okay after that gun battle. Taggard called me and told me all the details. I can't believe Ki showed up and was still after me."

"You mean after us. He had a crosshair on both of us for getting Lilly Catherine away from his bombing. Remember he wanted her dead as well. Did you tell Lilly that Ki was dead?"

"Yes, I did. After I got off the phone with Taggard, I was able to reach her on the George Washington in Hawaii. She was very relieved. Still she wondered if anyone else was out there ready to come after us."

"Well, we'll just have to keep vigilant. We still have to dig into Buxton's and Ki's cellphones." Maggie held up the evidence bags containing those same phones.

At that Diane came up to relieve Maggie of them saying, "We'll start digging into them as soon as we get the warrant authorizing our examining them. Until then, it's Sunday morning. Let's take the rest of today and chill. We'll talk at Headquarters Monday morning. By that time, we'll have the warrant and more information to share."

Everyone agreed to that as they went to their cars to leave. While St. John went with the Magnums and Sergei with the Rabbs, the two Kates, Beth, Michelle & Victor were taken to the Andrews Arrivals' Cab stand to ride home that way.

Monday, October 17, 2005

0830 Hours Local Time

NCIS Headquarters

Washington Navy Yard, SE

The Magnums, Rabbs along with St. John Hawke and John Marshall met in NCIS' main conference room to discuss the Airwolf cased.

Diane started the meeting with, "First of all I'd like to thank all our people for the great job they did retrieving & protecting Airwolf and rooting out a dangerous enemy agent in Ki and a traitor in Buxton."

After everyone acknowledged the kudos, Diane went into the briefing, "When he went digging into Buxton's life since he was on the Patrick Henry, Harm came up with some information that may surprise you."

"When I heard that X-Man was associating with old DSA agents and who they were, I backtracked some of their names and records. It turns out the records go all the way back to Palmer's time at Bradenhurst's secret base near 29 Palms. That was during the time Bud Roberts and I investigated the crash of a Marine chopper there. Records that were confiscated from Bradenhurst's files showed that the drone that crashed into the Marine chopper was looking for Airwolf."

"Did anyone go to speak to Palmer about that?" Maggie asked Diane.

"Yes, I sent Paris Summerskill's Red Team to Leavenworth to speak to Palmer. He was less than cooperating. After that they went to 29 Palms and the old Bradenhurst Base. They found a computer hard drive that the clean-up team must have forgotten. That's where Harm found the records that he spoke about. When they decrypted it, it showed that Bradenhurst was researching Airwolf. Also, DSA agents that were left adrift after that agency was broken up, found work for some cartels in the Golden Triangle in Laos, Thailand, Myanmar and most especially Vietnam. That's where Ki comes in."

"How?" Maggie asked.

"We called an agent we still had in the Vietnamese government. It seems after Ki came back from that POW swap; he was disavowed by their intelligence people. So, he hooked up with one of the Triangle cartels and Buxton was a pilot for the one that Ki joined. One could surmise that the DSA agents who were also working as mercenaries for the cartel kept talking up Airwolf and that made Ki and Buxton keen to go after it in the US. We're still trying to ascertain when and where they entered the country undetected. We know that Buxton met up with John Royce, the ex-marshal, in the Philippines and that's when they found out about Artemus or Dominic."

"Ki said that he wanted Airwolf to fulfill his revenge against Thomas and me. Can we surmise what he had in mind?" Maggie asked.

St. John replied, "Well we could come to the conclusion that he was waiting for us to bring Airwolf to him. We would not have been able to fly it out until we updated the computers and repaired whatever atrophy that occurred while it was in the cave. The reason that I chose Skull Mountain was because it was high & dry; so, there was very little decay. To get back to Ki, if he got hold of it, he would have outfitted it with weapons to blow up whatever he had in mind."

"What did the search into the cellphones bring up?" John Marshall asked.

"Well, Buxton's phone was a burner and showed nothing other than more burner phone numbers. The only one that was repeated was Ki's. Buxton didn't have it for very long." Diane explained.

"So, there's nothing to go one?" John asked.

"So far. We're still doing a deep-dive into Palmer's friends at the DSA and we're coordinating with the DEA and the US Marshals in going after John Royce and Ki's drug cartel friends," Diane explained.

Thomas concluded the meeting with, "Well I'd say that this ends the search for Airwolf. We'll deal with anything as it comes along, like we always do. In the meantime, we'll have the technicians at Andrews go over it and make the necessary repairs and maintenance. We'll paint it up to meet Navy standards and repurpose it for the Navy's & NCIS use out of Cherry Point, North Carolina with a new 'Wolf's Lair' support team working there. But this time we'll be a bit more secure out in the open. Diane, do you think Sergei would like to be assigned to that detail?"

"Well I'll ask him and arrange with his CO at Cherry Point. Hell, the crew at there would be just as thrilled to get their paws on 'The Lady' as Sergei was."

Everyone chuckled at that as they started to leave the room.

Monday, November 7, 2005

1830 Local Time

Rabb Home

Ashby Place

Fairfax, VA

Diane and Mattie were in the kitchen cooking. Diane was teaching Mattie the finer points of making homemade Marinara meat sauce. They were interrupted by the ringing of the house landline.

"Honey can you get that? I'm up to my elbows chopping onions."

Harm was in the living room watching the kids play. He picked up the extension and listened for a bit. Then he got up and went into his study to finish the call. Diane and Mattie went back to preparing the sauce. They looked up when they saw Harm come out of the study. Diane didn't like the look on his face as she realized that the phone call was bad news. She rinsed her hands at the kitchen faucet and approached him. As she got closer, she saw tears running down his cheeks.

"Honey what's wrong?"

Harm went to his wife and wrapped his arms around her before he replied, "That was Tom Engle, Gram's neighbor that helps her on the farm. Gram passed away early this morning."

"Oh my God. What happened?"

"Well Tom went to the house to see her to begin their day. There was no answer to his knocking so he went in. After not seeing her on the 1st floor, he went out to the barn. He didn't find her there or anywhere else outside, so he went up to her bedroom and found her lying face up in bed. When she didn't respond to his call or presence, he checked her and didn't find a pulse. She was cold and just beginning to stiffen. He called the sheriff and he called the local mortician. Apparently, she passed away in her sleep," Harm finished with a sob.

"Oh, Harm I'm so sorry." Diane said as she held her husband and let him cry on her shoulder. She was also shedding her own tears.

As she watched her parents dealing with their grief, Mattie discreetly went about to gather the younger children, in the living room and guide them quietly into the bedroom side of the house. After she did that she went back to be with her parents.

"Mom, Dad are you guys going to be alright?"

Harm & Diane broke apart to gather Mattie into a hug while she explained, "Yes, sweetie we will be. Gram was 86 years old. Remember we celebrated her birthday last August 15. She lived a good life. You just don't ever want to hear that someone you love very much passes away."

"Do you want to tell the younglings?"

Diane smiled at Mattie's name for her siblings as she answered, "Just Sarah and the twins. Natalie's only three. She's too young to understand."

At that the three adults went into the bedrooms to tell the children the sad news.

Saturday, November 12, 2005

1530 Local Time

Rabb Farm

Belleville, PA

Harm & Diane notified his parents, Jen & Sergei, Sarah & John as well as all their Navy associates of Gram's passing. Sarah and John told his parents, Ann Marie and Mark & Matt, Uncle Matt & Deanne.

After Harm called them, Traci & David Medwick and Harriet & Bud Roberts sent their condolences from Japan and each sent a bouquet of flowers through the mortician that handled the funeral. Harm thanked them, understanding why it wasn't practical for them to leave Japan.

Harriet & Bud were still dealing with their less a year-old fraternal twins, a girl Nicolette (Nikki) Marie after Bud's grandmother & a boy Douglas Roland after Harriet's grandfather & father born on January 28, 2005. While Traci & David were dealing with their own infant, a girl, Mary Akina (Akina=spring flower in Japanese) on September 17, 2005.

The wake was one day on Friday with the funeral on Saturday at Sarah's Methodist Church. She was buried in the family plot nestled in a corner of the farm where her parents and two siblings were buried.

The repast was held in the barn that was cleaned, prepared and heated by a local catering company that specialized in that kind of dual service. There was no set seating as all the attendees found seats at tables where they all knew each other. Chloe & Mattie were wrangling Michael Chegwidden and all the Marshall and Rabb kids. They were being typical kids, walking in and out of the barn exploring all the places that they could.

Harm was making the rounds of the guests, thanking them for coming. He eventually came upon the table where Maureen & Jim Marshall were sitting with Ann Marie & Peter Matthews with Mark & Christine and Matt & Leslie Marshall along with their families.

After he greeted all of them with either a kiss to the ladies and a handshake to the guys, Harm said, "I'm really touched you came all the way out here for Gram. She told me she loved having more family to send Christmas and birthday cards to."

It was Leslie who replied with, "Oh Harm how could we not come. When we first met Gram she so much as declared us part of her family. The children all loved getting their birthday cards from her."

"Yeah, she loved having the big family in her later years. It kept her going."

Eventually Harm made his way over to the table where Gen. Creswell & Dora, President & Dr. Bartlett, AJ & Sydney with Francesca and SECNAVs Nelson & Sheffield with their wives were sitting to show his appreciation.

"Thank you all for coming."

"It was our honor to be here Captain," Jed Bartlett replied.

"I here that you're doing well in your LSO Captain," Sheffield offered.

"We have a good team there, sir," Harm replied.

How is your daughter Mattie doing after her accident?" Abbey Bartlett asked.

"Well she's met all her rehab goals and is doing nicely continuing in outpatient rehab. She's waiting until next September to begin at Virginia Tech. Right now, she's running around here somewhere with Chloe Marshall and our other children and her cousins. She calls them 'the Younglings'," Harm said looking around.

Everyone laughed at Mattie's description. Just then they heard Mattie yell, "Bring that kitten back here you little scamp!"

They all turned to see little Natalie Rabb running away from her big sister through the tables giggling as she carried a small black & white kitten in her little hands yelling, "I wanna keep it."

As Natalie got within range of her father, Harm stuck his arm out and scooped his youngest up saying, "And what are you up to Miss Rabb?"

"Gram's cat Millie had kittens. I wanna take one home with me. Can I daddy?" Natalie asked her father in a perfect 3-year-old whine.

"Well who's going to take care of him if you take him away from his mommy?"

"Nah uh! It's a 'her' Daddy. See no pee-pee like me," Natalie said, turning the cat over to show her father the underbelly.

That brought roars of laughter from the guests at the table.

"Well she's got the basics down Harm," Jed Bartlett said in between his own laughter.

"It's no wonder. She a very curious little girl. She was at the Marshalls and was watching Sarah changing David when she asked, "What's that? I don't have that." So, Sarah and Diane told her that only boys have that not girls," Harm said chuckling as he sat down next to Abbey.

"That means she's normal kid. Thank God mine are grown," Abbey said with a smile as she stroked Natalie's silken black hair.

"Well can I take her home Daddy? Pleeease?" Natalie asked.

"What did we say about the animals here on the farm. They belong here where they can run around, not stay cooped up in a house when you go to nursery school."

"Oh okay, I'll give her back to her mommy. At least we can come back to visit them," Natalie said as she slid off her father's knee. Mattie was there to escort her out to where Millie was nursing her kittens.

At that Diane and Sarah came over to say hello. After the two sisters finished greeting everyone, Creswell asked Sarah, "Colonel, do you think we could set up a meeting sometime the week after Thanksgiving?"

"Ah sure sir. Let's get our yeomans to set it up. Anything I need to know?"

"Well we'll see. The time between now and then will give me time to have an answer ready for you."

"I look forward to it then sir."

Harm left that table and found Sergei and Jennifer sitting with Loren & Robert Austin. Both mothers were sitting with their daughters on their lap.

After thanking all both couples for coming Harm asked Jennifer, "So ensign, how are your Masters Classes at GWU going?"

"They're good. I'm getting good marks on my midterms. At least going to these classes are easier on my time than the 13 weeks of OCS. It just about broke my heart seeing Tammy only by facetime on my cellphone. I can't thank you guys enough for taking care of her during then and Sergei's simultaneous 10 weeks at Quantico."

"You're very welcome. After all that's what family is for. Did you guys find a house yet? Your apartment is getting small for the three of you," Diane asked.

"Yes, in Maclean, not far from the Chegwiddens' house. Sydney put us onto it. We got a favorable rate on the mortgage as new officers and first-time homeowners. It's got three bedrooms with a master suite and three baths; and the commute is a breeze into GWU and to Andrews where Sergei takes the weekly helo shuttle to Cherry Point."

"That's kinda big for a family of three," Diane said.

"Well not too big. It's going to be a family of at least four in about 8 months," Jennifer replied modestly.

"Oh my God, you're pregnant? Did you plan that or is it a surprise?" Diane said as she reached to give Jen a hug.

"Well both. We couldn't wait to get back together after we both went through OCS. We always wanted to have more than just Tammy."

"Well that's great news Jen. Any pick of names yet?" Harm asked.

"Well if it's a boy, we want to name him Franklin Alexei or if it's a girl, Patricia Elizaveta after Dad and/or Mom" Jennifer said looking over at Frank & Trish Burnett sitting across the table.

Hearing that Trish just about melted. She got up and rushed around and met Jennifer halfway and they shared a hug.

"Oh my God, thank you Jennifer." Trish said in between sobs of happiness. Everyone around the table applauded the announcement.

When she first heard that Harmon Sr. had fathered a son in captivity in Russia Trish was a bit reluctant to accept Sergei as family. She started to warm up when she sent Harm, his father's letters to be tested for familial DNA. In her accompanying letter to Harm, she told him about her miscarriage of twins and that Harm was to welcome Sergei as the brother he was born to be. After Jen & Sergei got married, Jen was actively serving as the broker between Sergei and Trish's acceptance of each other and reconciliation as a family. She urged Trish to have her and Frank be the grandparents to her children. Trish grew to love Sergei as Harm's brother and Jen as a daughter-in-law. After Sergei and Jen decided to change their last name to Rabb, Trish and Frank set forth the process to adopt Sergei as their own son. So, their naming their next child after either Trish or Frank seemed natural to Jen and Sergei.

"That's really great Sergei. It's nice to hear good news out of this week," Harm said as he and his brother got up to share an embrace.

Eventually it came time for Harm to address the retinue gathered at the repast, "Diane and I would like to thank all our family & friends for coming. Gram was the most special person in our family. She loved that she had a great big family to share her life with; two grandsons with families and all the Marshalls with their families. She helped me recover here from my injuries from my ramp strike. She urged me to restore Sarah, our biplane Diane and I named after her; and she urged me to go onto law school, saying to me, "Harmon, you're not going to fly forever."

There were the expected chuckles from that last line.

"So, in the spirit of her Irish heritage I offer a toast that she often shared that was appropriate to this farm, 'May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again, may you be in heaven in the hollow of God's hand an hour before the devil knows your dead."

There were chuckles at the toast mash-up and applause at the sentiment.

It wasn't long after that when the repast broke up and the guests started to leave.

Thanksgiving Day

November 24, 2005

1645 Local Time

Rabb Farm

Belleville, PA

Harm and Diane settled Gram's estate the week after the funeral. Sarah Rabb left a will outlining all her wishes. Harm inherited the farmhouse, barn and all the adjacent farm property. Harm set up to continue to use the local agricultural cooperative that Gram used to tend the crops. Gram's will stipulated that the harvest be continually given to the local charity food pantry set up for low-income families that lived in the area.

Diane and Harm took leave from their jobs to go through the farmhouse and barn to sort out all Gram's possessions; deciding what to keep, give to their family members or give away to charity. Trish and Frank stayed on after the funeral to give their son and daughter-in-law a hand. Gram left her jewelry to Diane to distribute as she saw fit to her daughters and nieces.

Now Thanksgiving brought the Rabbs and Marshalls up to Belleville to celebrate the holiday, even though it was a bit melancholy being the first holiday that Gram wasn't there.

As Trish, Diane and Sarah were preparing the feast, Diane asked, "So Sarah, any word as to what Creswell wants to have meeting about?"

"Not a word. When we set a meeting for Monday at 0930, he didn't say anything. He's keeping his cards close to the vest until then. I got a feeling that he's has a teaching position ready to offer me though. We spoke about that last April at Admiral's Scotchel's retirement ceremony.

"Any indication where it might be?"

"Well I did hear that the Naval Academy's Leadership, Ethics and Law Chair was retiring. I don't know who the powers that be are considering for the position, or even if they're going to fill it."

"Would you want to teach at the Naval Academy while Chloe is till attending there?" Trish asked.

"I don't think that would be a problem. When she has to take a law course, there are other professors for that. Though it would be interesting to have to commute between DC to Annapolis. Still I'll wait to see what Creswell has in mind."

"No sense planning anything until there's something to plan," Diane said sagely.

The holiday feast was served a bit after that. The two families stayed up on the farm until Sunday morning then made the trip back to DC & Virginia.

Monday, November 28, 2005

0930 hours

JAG Headquarters

Washington Navy Yard, NE

About 15 minutes before she scheduled to meet the general Sarah was waiting in the anteroom to Creswell's office speaking with his yeoman, a young Marine E3 Lance Corporal named Maryam Antoon.

"How is your sister Lisa doing lance corporal?" Sarah asked.

"She's doing well ma,am, she's a Captain now at Quantico in the command chain of the Military Police on the base. She really enjoys her work. She got married shortly after she completed OCS. She has two kids, a boy 2 years and a girl 18 months. The billet allows her to go home every night to be with them."

"Good to hear. What are your plans?"

"Well I'm still in college at George Mason in Fairfax for another 2 years. I major in Management. The Marines are paying for it through the assistance program."

"Well good luck lance corporal."

Just then Creswell called to Antoon's phone. "Yes general. ~ Yes, sir she'll be right in." She looked up to Sarah who nodded and went to knock on the door. She entered when she heard to 'Enter!"

Creswell was from behind his desk to meet her halfway across the office with his hand out.

"Good morning Colonel." He said as he clasped her hand.

"Good morning general."

He pointed her to the informal seating area near the fireplace where Sarah sat at one end of the couch and Creswell at in the armchair opposite her.

As they got comfortable, Creswell started, "Well colonel how would you like to teach law to our new crop of midshipman?"