I forgot to acknowledge google dot com for their help with the translation in German, Spanish and Russian in the course of this story.

Also special thanks to Janlaw for her expertise to help flesh out this section. You made it a whole lot better. Thanks a zillion.

Chapter 66

Chelsey had tried to get into two different law schools three times, but her scores were too low, and no amount of her father's badgering the admissions worked in her favor. What Chelsey didn't know, because her father refused to tell her, was that her application had been repeatedly rejected; not only because of her low LSAT scores, but mostly because her reference letters had been less than glowing. (I don't know if there are letters of reference for law school, but for the sake of the story, let's say there are.)and stated the unvarnished truth about her. In polite terms, Chelsey was a lying scumbag. Chelsey's first thought was 'How did that trailer trash make it into law school?'

Mac was enjoying the looks of astonishment on the faces of her former classmates who'd recognized her; especially Chelsey, and noted that she'd needed a little push to stand when Mac entered the room. Her time on the bench made it easy for her to school her features into not revealing anything.

Mac explained to the other spectators, and to both attorneys, even though they had already been informed of the group's presence, that there was a group of students in the courtroom. "They are under the same restrictions as any adult. That means there will be no outbursts from anyone, after all, this is a court of law. This also means no talking to each other." She was directing this to Chelsey in particular, but everyone needed to hear the edict. "No cell phones or any other electronic device may be on at any time. After closing arguments, I instruct the members, and then while they are deliberating, I will allow the students to ask questions. I know that the chaperones might also have questions for me, but if they want to ask a question, they can wait until after court is over. Trial Counsel will give his closing argument first. You may proceed."

Harm was enjoying watching his wife in her position as judge. He didn't get to watch her very often; he couldn't appear in her court as counsel, and the chances to slip in for a few minutes to observe were few. Besides, he had an ulterior motive; he was keeping an eye on the adults in the group, especially the woman who crept him out. He had the feeling this was the same woman who'd made life miserable for Mac when they were younger.

Chelsey had turned about five shades of green, red, and white as she reluctantly stood. She couldn't believe it, Sarah, the daughter of a worthless drunk, whose mother had run away from home the night that Mac had turned fifteen, had obviously made it through law school, on her back most likely, and had somehow hoodwinked the military into giving her this cushy job. She knew the remark about questions by the adults was directed to her specifically.

Her daughter just smiled at her, and not for the first time did Chelsey wonder if the hospital had given her the wrong baby, because despite the fact Courtney looked like a younger, prettier version of her mother, she was sure Courtney was not hers. She was a kind, gentle soul, nothing like any of her family. Her despised mother in law and her daughter were much more like mother and daughter, they were the only members of either family who people seemed to honestly like. Prenuptial agreements signed without reading, had forced Chelsey and her husband, Darien, to stay married. A divorce, on any grounds, reverted everything, including their homes, to their parents' irrevocable trusts. Chelsey and Darien had no choice to stay together; they loved the lavish lifestyle their families had given them since birth, thus they tolerated each other's multiple affairs.

The court martial went to the members within the hour and after the accused had been taken from the court while the members deliberated to decide her guilt or innocence, Mac again directed her attention to the "guests". "Trial and defense counsels can stay and answer questions if they like, but I am not requiring them to stay. Students of Goldwater High School, from the great state of Arizona, do you have any questions for me or the attorneys?" Bud and Sturgis both stayed.

Several hands went up, so Mac chose the hand that went up the quickest. "The young man in the red striped shirt, what is your name and what is your question."

Chapter 67

"Next question--the redhead, in the second row Cara's daughter was the only redhead in the room.

"I noticed that the Commander and you have the same last name. I take it you're married to each other. Can you work together?"

Chelsey had not noticed the name on Sarah's nameplate; she'd been too busy trying not to say a word to see something so trivial as a last name. 'How did that tramp manage to get her claws into a guy like him? I know, I'll talk with him later, and see if he wants to be with a real woman.' Of course it would be Melody, Cara's goody two shoes daughter who would ask that question.' Chelsey schemed as Mac smiled at the students.

"Yes, we do, we're married, with children." Normally, when she spoke to student groups that came to the courtroom, she didn't offer that information, but this was a special group. She wanted certain people to hear specific information. "Because we are married, he cannot appear before me in court as it would be a conflict of interest, but for years we were partners here at JAG."

There were looks from the teen girls who saw the romance of two co-workers falling in love.

Mac continued, "When we married, I transferred to the judiciary. The Judge Advocate General at the time admitted that between the Commander and I, the obvious choice to be a judge on a permanent basis was yours truly. Don't get me wrong, the Commander is a fine litigator, but the few times he's been on the bench he found it difficult. When I was transferred I had to take a special course at the Naval Justice School In fact, all Navy and Marine Corp attorneys are called "judge advocates" – we have to go to the Naval Justice School, those who are selected be judges have to take additional courses."

She could have explained in more detail, but it was getting close to lunchtime and unlike her pregnancy with Valerie, she seemed to be hungry all the time, which amused Harm to no end. "One more question, and then we will break for lunch. "

"The young man in the third row, with the blue spiked hair" Mac noticed Chelsey grimaced when the boy was chosen, and Chelsey's daughter grinned. 'Must be the boyfriend, wonder what old Chels thinks about that relationship?' she thought with inward glee. Courtney's boyfriend, who her mother had forbidden her to date, or spend time with, was enjoying spending time with Courtney because her mother couldn't say anything as this was a school-sponsored trip. "Zachary Greene---What are the differences between civilian and military lawyers?"

Mac decided she'd have Sturgis answer that question, "I'll have Commander Turner answer that question."

"Unlike many civilian attorneys who are in private practice and often charge a high hourly rate, a military attorney is a commissioned officer and is paid according to whatever his or her pay grade is. As a military attorney, I compete for promotion against other Commanders in the JAG Corps, such as Commander Rabb. Colonel Mackenzie-Rabb and other Marine judge advocates have to compete against other Marine line officers. A military attorney is assigned a duty station for a tour of duty and assigned a job. A few attorneys here have been at headquarters for a long period, Commander Rabb, and Lt. Commander Roberts, but for the most part we are transferred every couple of years, we go where we are sent, but we can indicate where we want to be stationed. As for clients, if you're assigned as defense counsel, you don't pick your clients, they are assigned to you. It is our sworn duty to give our client the best defense, even when we think they are guilty as sin."

"One quick question, the blond young lady on the end in the second row" Mac saw they still had time before it was noon.

"Courtney Rogers, do JAG's do other types of lawyering?"

Mac explained that there were lawyers who dealt with family law issues, and some were dealing with medical malpractice and other civil law issues. She finished with, "there is a wide range of practice areas for judge advocates. With that, we will break for lunch. The defense and the trial counsels are not required to be back, unless the members come back with a verdict. I would like all of you to be back here in one hour, and will take more questions."

"All rise," the bailiff said as she rose and left the courtroom.

The students and their chaperones remained standing, waiting for the Commander to dismiss them. They would be staying at JAG during lunch. Harm could tell that Chelsey wanted to confront Mac, so he told the entire group. "The judges' chambers are by invitation only; if you go in there without permission, unless you have business there, you will find yourself in the brig before you can blink!" Chelsey got the message, at least temporarily and actually did her duties as a chaperone. Harm escorted the group to the cafeteria, telling them they were welcome to sit outside and enjoy the unseasonably warm day.

"This is warm?" Chelsey muttered.

"I forgot, you're from Arizona," he laughed, "I'll meet you by the first floor doors in fifty five minutes." Mr. Castillo, the lead chaperone took over. Harm went to Mac's chambers to enjoy lunch with his wife.

Chapter 68

At 1300, they were al back in the courtroom except Bud and Sturgis, who remained in their offices until the members reached a verdict.

"This afternoon will be conducted a bit differently," Mac said as soon as they were settled. "Commander Rabb and I will continue to answer your questions, but we will do this in a more informal manner. However, at any time we may be notified that the members have reached a verdict. At that time, I will leave for a moment and court will resume, and at that point the same rules apply as they did this morning."

Using the chairs normally reserved for counsel and the accused, Harm intentionally sat in the counsel chair since sitting in the accused's chair still gave him goose bumps after nearly two years. Mac had to smile at this.

"I want you all to ask a question, so those who haven't asked me a question yet, please do. When I have answered all the students questions, if there are any questions left unanswered, then the adults may ask. State your name first."

"Adrianna Castillo, can a civilian attorney appear before the court?"

"Yes they can, any accused, enlisted or officer may retain civilian counsel, and the only requirement is that they be a member in good standing of the Bar," Harm answered. He'd requested Mac as his civilian counsel back when was accused of killing Konaplonik.

"Warren Lloyd-Mitchell, my grandfather was a JAG officer during Vietnam. He said that no woman can serve aboard ships, is that still true?"

Mac took this one, had this kid been hiding under a rock all his life. "In 1978 Congress changed the law to permit women to serve on ships and since then both female and male JAG officers have been stationed on various ships. JAG officers are usually placed on aircraft carriers and certain other large ships. In fact, female line officers are in command of warships and are fighter pilots. When my husband was an aviator, he had a female RIO."

Warren looked disappointed; Mac figured he held many of his grandfather's views about women in the military. She was correct.

"Adam Weston", Shannon's stepson, asked the next question. "What are the similarities and what at the differences from civilian criminal law?"

"One thing stays the same. The accused is still presumed innocent, and Trial Counsel must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt. Just like any District or State's attorney has to for a conviction. And as in civilian court you can ask for trial by a Military Judge or by the members - the jury."

"There are differences though" Harm took over "It could be that the accused could have a judge for the trial and members of a panel for sentencing if they are convicted."

There were a few questions of a more personal nature, and Mac told them in a no nonsense tone, "I've told you more than most groups, so my answer is I choose not to answer that question, or as lawyers often say, 'no comment'." The boys asking the impertinent questions had been bribed by Chelsey to do that. The looks they were getting from the other students and the other chaperones did not bode well for the three young men when their trip to JAG was over.

"If there are any questions that pertain to the law, or the Navy or the Marine Corps, I'll take more questions; otherwise you have the option Mr. Castillo, of having the group remain in the building until the members come back with a verdict, or you can leave at this time." By putting the onus on the students' teacher, she knew there would be no more problems from the group. Mac had expected at least one inappropriate question.

"Courtney Rogers, Colonel Rabb, what happens if someone pleads guilty, is that different in the military?"

Mac was relieved to get a question she could answer. "If the accused pleads guilty, the Military Judge conducts an examination of the accused to make sure that the accused is factually and legally guilty - otherwise the Judge cannot accept a guilty plea. In some states you are able to plead guilty and not admit guilt but that does not apply in a military court."

This piqued the attention of the students, even the three knuckleheads who'd originally paid more attention to Chelsey's ass-ets.

"Steve Braun, I apologize for my question earlier, it was inappropriate," the teen was contrite. Mac could tell, she'd been a litigator and a jurist long enough to know when someone was just saying the words.

"Apology accepted." Mac said, "Ask your question."

Steve asked, "What happens if and when someone is convicted at their court martial?"

"I will have Commander Rabb answer that question, in just a moment." The bailiff had just given her the signal that a verdict had been reached. "This will be the last question as the verdict has been reached and court will reconvene in ten minutes."

Harm had first hand experience as he'd started the process for an appeal before his transfer to McNeil Island so he took the question after a glance from Mac. "As JAG officers we can also be assigned, as appellate counsel, and like the trial itself, we might be assigned as either appellate defense counsel or appellate government counsel. That's a separate duty station. In the military, there are two levels of appeals. The appeals court judges for the intermediate appellate court are senior JAG officers. That would count either of us out. We aren't senior enough in rank. When it comes to judges on the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, they are civilian judges who are appointed by the President for a term of years. The Colonel herself has been an appellate counsel: she was once temporarily assigned to be the defense counsel for a death penalty case when it was on appeal."

Even Chelsey seemed impressed to hear that Mac was given that level of responsibility.

"That will be it for the question and answer time. When the courts martial resumes, the same restrictions I imposed are still in place. There are certain crimes that do not have a civilian counterpart and they are considered strictly military offenses. The accused has two charges against her that fall into that category and I will explain it to you after the verdict has been announced."

A few minutes later Mac asked the President of the court, "do you have a verdict?"

'"Yes, we do Your Honor." The bailiff took the Findings Worksheet with the verdict from the President of the panel. Mac saw the verdict, it had gone as she expected.

"Will the accused and counsel please rise." Lance Corporal Eleanor "Nelli" Olson stood with a smirk. Bud glared at his client as he stood and the smirk quickly left her face.

"We find the accused, Lance Corporal Eleanor Olson, USMC, guilty of all charges and specifications."

Hearing this, the bravado disappeared from the accused; Nelli thought that she'd be able to get away with the offenses she'd committed. Growing up all she'd had to do was bat her eyelashes and her mother had given in to her demands. Her father had insisted, however, that she enlist in the armed services and serve her country, before he would pay for any college or university. She wanted to go to fashion school, as her mother had always said she had a unique style and planned to attend one in her hometown, as soon as her enlistment was up. She'd done well in the Marines until she went home on leave. Her closest friends had boyfriends who were showering them with the lifestyle they'd grown accustomed to growing up. Nelli missed the high life. She'd decided to supplement her income; her father had arranged it so that the principal of her trust fund did not get into her greedy hands until she was twenty-five. Bud had tried, to convince his client to take the plea agreement. She'd foolishly insisted on a court martial and was now beginning to realize the gravity of her actions.

Mac polled the panel, which consisted of a Lt. Colonel, a Major, two Captains, two Gunnery Sergeants, and a Staff Sergeant. They had been unanimous in their verdict. "Lance Corporal Olson, as you have been found guilty on all counts and specifications, you will remain in the brig until sentencing, which will occur this Friday at 0900. Court is adjourned until then." The corporal was shackled for her return trip to the brig.

Her mother sat there stunned; she couldn't believe that her daughter had robbed a bank, much less one on the base that she lived on. Her stepfather, Lars Williams, who'd raised her since she was in diapers, was disgusted with his wife. She'd done everything to undermine his attempt to give the girl a solid upbringing. He was thankful that her ex-husband before his death a year ago, had tried to instill some sense of honor in his daughter, but Rietta's influence had been too strong. "Rietta, I told you before we married, that if you didn't get some morals in your daughter, she'd turn out to be a bad penny. I was right. Let's go." He left the courtroom and she had no choice but to follow.

When the courtroom was cleared of all the other spectators Mac returned and sat in her ergonomically correct chair. "I think there may be some questions, am I right?"

"Colonel McKenzie-Rabb" Melody Torres asked, "I noticed that the corporal was charged with Unauthorized Absence, and Dereliction of Duty in addition to armed robbery. Why?"

"Melody that is an excellent question, on the morning of the robbery, the corporal did not show up for duty at the armory, and did not have an authorized reason to be absent, that is the reason she was charged with that crime. She was found derelict in her duty when she purposely did not lock the door to the armory so that her partner in crime could steal the weapons that they used at the credit union."

"Are there any other questions?" The students shook their heads. The chaperones were proud of most of the group; most of the queries had been thoughtful and inquisitive, the questions from the boys had been unnecessary and dealt with privately. "It has been a great honor to have students from my alma mater here. I hope that you were able to learn a bit about the military and military law today. Enjoy the rest of your time in DC, and best of luck during your competition."

Chelsey had enough, she couldn't keep quiet any longer, and knowing that court was over she could risk the outburst that had been building all morning, since she'd first seen Sarah MacKenzie. "Sarah, you killed Eddie, he was supposed to meet me that night…he was Phillip's father!" As she said these words, she moved from the gallery closer to the bench. Harm sprang up from his seat and went to stop the woman before she could attempt to harm his wife.

TBC