I know, the chapter is short. Translation is really troublesome, so...longer or faster, that is the question! But don't be afraid, next chapters will be more...sparkling. I swear! Thank you for reviews and suggestions. I'm really glad you do like it, but please, let me know about any error, or about your opinions, and I'll listen to you (promptly. Sorry, but these days I was on a warm, sunny beach...;))

A thick blanket of smoke prevented me from seeing the ceiling, while the soft bluish light was calling my attention to the farthest end of the room.

1100 EST

JAG HEADQUARTERS

FALLS CHURCH VIRGINIA

"Well, guys. This is JAG HQ, I'm Lieutenant Simms, and till the shots end you can speak to me for whatever doubt or request. I know you deserved this opportunity, so all of us will be happy to help you. If you can, just don't hold up the work, please"

In the office, Harm and Bud, curious, saw those who definitely were three students of some California university school of cinematic arts, getting in the bullpen.

"How does that wife of yours manage to be always so...sweet-natured? What does she have for breakfast? Concentrated sugar?"

"Well...sir..." an embarrassed Lieutenant Roberts began.

"I want it too" the Commander told himself "let's go, while we've enough time to"

The two of them quietly stood up and put on hats and coats. Hopefully, they would have taken to flight unnoticed.

"Where do you think you're going?"

The flight way had already been blocked. By the shape, quite amused, of Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.

"Well...Mac...You know...that investigation..."

"No, I don't know that investigation. Why don't you refresh my memory, Commander?" with the best cross-examination tone, Mac got in the office and approached Harm till she was deliberately menacing his personal space. The cocky-aviator-lawyer now was drawing back, towards his own desk safety.

"Maac!"

"Just one "a", Harm. And your only investigation, as I remember, is about a teleprompter and a prop man. Now, if you don't want to put all of us on AJ's blacklist, I suggest you...TWO" she went on, with a glare at the Lt trying and camouflaging himself "following myself in the bullpen. Now. The sooner this masquerade comes to an end, the faster we come back to the old, healthy art. 92"

With these words, Mac did a perfect about-turn and made for Harriet, shaking her head.

Exchanging knowing looks, Harm and Bud unwillingly dropped everything and followed her in the bullpen.

"Good. Commander, you're always the same, I guess" the Admiral barked in the middle of the little crowd "now that all of them are here, guys, I grant custody of my subordinates to you. Don't let them becoming too swollen-headed. I'll be in my office" and he took refuge behind a well closed door and a solid oak desk: his past experiences with show business hadn't been really so good.

Harriet kept under control the situation again and started introducing the several officers to the "troupe".

"Here they are, the JAG staff. I really don't know what you're looking for, so I'll introduce everybody. If you need other room or further performances, don't hesitate to ask for" then she spoke to the colleagues "Sirs and Ma'ames, these are our new superiors" she grinned "Jake Griffith, Melanie Godard and Steven Coppola"

"And no way. I'm not a Francis Ford's relative. Unfortunately" the last burst out, with an almost automatic reflex "I really said that out loud?"

An awkward silence was the only answer.