Chapter 23: Your Cell or Mine
The plane jolts again, and Mac finds herself grabbing a firmer hold on Harm's bicep. He doesn't mind in the least. He tells her, "Steady, Marine. That wasn't turbulence, it was just a reduction in altitude."
No sooner has Harm finished saying that, when another announcement comes from the cockpit, "We will begin our descent shortly, and we will be on the ground in London in about 45 minutes. For those of you continuing on to Rammstein, there will be a delay due to a mechanical issue with the transport. You get to spend the afternoon and evening in The Big Smoke, and hope that smog doesn't prevent the plane from heading there in the morning. I'm assured that accommodations are already being set up for those of you affected. You will be happy to note that it won't be at the BOQ either, as they are currently full. So, enjoy the lovely sites of London for a night. Just don't get too drunk and miss the plane in the morning."
A loud roar of laughter can be heard from various personnel on board. The SecNav of course is an exception, but the only expression he ever seems to wear is some form of a scowl. In this case, it's a very deep one. He is sure that the Commandant will not be too thrilled with the delay either. Unfortunately, short of putting Mackenzie and Rabb on a last-minute ticket to Germany on a commercial airliner, he really doesn't have much of a choice.
Harm nudges Mac, "Let's move back up front so I can remind the SecNav that we have a call to make to our CO before getting settled in for the night. Please let me do the talking this time. He already hates me, and we don't need him any more fired up at you. I'll need my gung-ho Ninja-girl on this investigation with me. I'm also sure that Captain Johnson won't be happy with the delay in our arrival, considering the circumstances of the personnel involved. However, he will take that news better from a two-star than from us."
Mac nods her agreement. Just the thought of being in close proximity to the SecNav again is making the anger boil inside of her.
Harm teases, "Now, do you need a hand to steady you to get us back to our original seats?"
The glaring look Mac gives him is the only message he needs to realize she no longer wants his assistance. He waves his hands in surrender, "I just wanted to save you from falling incase we hit turbulence again."
They reach their seats to find the SecNav fidgeting around in his. He complains, "These damn things have got to be the most cramped seats I have ever sat in."
Harm buckles himself in, and comments dryly, "What do you expect Sir, it's the Navy, not the Ritz. These planes were built for practical purposes, not convenience, and most likely by the lowest bidder that met the required technical specs. If you wanted comfort and privacy, perhaps you should have conned one of the Directors of the various Washington agencies to let us use one of their planes. Then we could have been alone, relaxed, gone over files, and had a nice glass of champagne. However, those of us in the Service have become accustomed to living in tight spaces. Just wait until you have to spend the night on a steel rack that isn't big enough for your frame."
The SecNav narrows his eyes at Rabb, grumbling, "There wasn't time. However, that is a good thought if I ever have to make this kind of trip in the middle of the night again." Harm refrains from telling him that it was HIS choice to make this trip.
Harm also tries his best not to tune him out as Nelson continues rambling, "I'll also remind you that I'm not going to the carrier with you. So, while you are sleeping with half of your legs dangling off the rack, I will be enjoying a nice fluffy King Size bed courtesy of the British Prime Minister."
Mac gets a tight smile on her face, ready to interject, but Harm beats her to the punch. With his jaw set, his annoyance clearly evident, he replies, "As soon as we have talked to Admiral Chegwidden, you can feel free to enjoy all the pomp and circumstances that comes with your title, Sir. I'll be happy to enjoy the smells of salt water and jet fuel. But to each their own."
When they touch down in London, Harm gestures for the SecNav to lead the way, more out of duty than respect. He doesn't respect the man any further than he can throw him. Harm and Mac stay several paces behind him, and Mac starts to admonish Harm, "And you told me to tread lightly?!"
Harm gets a goofy grin on his face and asks, "What did I do?
Mac chuckles, "You outright insulted him."
Harm laughs, "No I didn't. I just insinuated that he and I have a very different opinion of the simple pleasures in life."
Mac jokes, "At this rate, we are both going to end up in the brig before we leave London, and we won't be able to bail each other out."
Harm smiles, remembering a time he found himself in a cell and Mac had to come bail not only him, but Bud and the Admiral as well, out of jail. He says, "Well at least this time it doesn't involve a pregnant stripper or my stolen dress whites."
Mac merely shakes her head, "I don't know about you sometimes, Flyboy."
Harm leans over and whispers in her ear, "So does that mean it wouldn't be a good time to ask your cell or mine?"