Chapter XX - Incident at Potomac Park

1230 Local_1730 Zulu
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Laurie, Harriet, and Jennifer were taking advantage of the unusual warm snap on this February Friday afternoon to have lunch in the front courtyard. Harriet and Jennifer were on one side of the table and Laurie Singer was on the other side.

"It's the truth," Laurie said in response to their verbal disbelief on what had taken place in Mac's office.

Harriet started to shake her head again but her smile gave her away. Jennifer started grinning as well.

"You guys are impossible," huffed Laurie in half jest. Then she began grinning too.

"We saw him go in," Harriet admitted to seeing His Honor Captain Sebring. "He just didn't think we noticed him."

"We're just good little staffers who go about our duty," Jennifer quipped with a twinkle in her eyes. "We didn't see nuttin'."

That last comment earned Jennifer a snort of laughter and hand clasped over the mouth of Lieutenant Singer. If anyone else in the courtyard noticed their antics, they didn't say anything.

Still this scene, if viewed by someone who had not visited JAGC Headquarters since December, would not be believed. Lieutenant Loren Singer sitting with eternal foe, Lieutenant Harriet Sims, and Legalman 2 Jennifer Coates and the three of them sitting and talking like three girlfriends in a college cafeteria.

"I'm just glad he didn't hold it against me," Laurie said as took another sip of her decaffeinated tea.

"You mean the staring?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes," Laurie said looking down at her salad for a moment and then back up at them. "I'm sorry, really, if I've done it to either of you."

"It must feel odd, being here and yet, having re-learn who are," Harriet ventured.

Laurie shook her head. "I don't have to re-learn, I just have to make the connection between my fragmented memories and who you are."

Jennifer took a sip of her diet soft drink. "No disrespect meant ma'am, but why didn't you stay on Medical Leave? No one would have faulted you for doing that."

Laurie again shook her head, a wry smile on her face. "Because Jennifer, it wouldn't have helped. This is the new me. The doctors aren't sure I'll ever totally recover who I was. They thought putting me back here at JAG might jog my memory…."

"And has it?" Harriet asked hoping that it had.

"Some, but not nearly as much as it should," Laurie admitted. "I feel sometimes like I'm fresh out of Annapolis. Other times I feel pretty comfortable and then I run into something I've forgotten. Like when I placed that file in Mac's car. You know, the one involving the drowned paratrooper? Was I really that calculating? Did I really get Mac, the Colonel, thrown off that case?"

Harriet and Jennifer exchanged sympathetic looks. "Laurie, you didn't put that file in the Colonel's car," Harriet said quietly.

Laurie put down her cup. "How do you know that?"

"Oh it took a while, but one day Commander Brumby was on the phone with someone, and he just happened to leave his door open as I was walking by."

Laurie's eyes went wide. "He admitted doing it?!"

Harriet nodded "He was crowing to friend of his in Perth about how he had finally gotten Mac to come around to his way of thinking. He had been angling to find a way to get Mac to come to Australia – possibly permanently. It was his last day at JAG and he thought everyone had secured for the day."

"Why didn't you tell anyone?" Laurie managed to get out.

"It was his word against mine, and I had listened in on a private conversation. Besides Mac, the Colonel, thought she was in love with him and probably would have brought charges against me if I had said anything," Harriet said glumly.

Now it was Jennifer's turn to confess. "I didn't come on board until all this was over, but it was common knowledge among the staff that while you didn't do the actual deed, you didn't mind personally benefitting from her misfortune, Laurie."

"And you learned this from Harriet?" Laurie said in an astonished voice.

Jennifer exchanged an embarrassed look with Harriet and nodded her head.

"And all of you kept the secret all this time?"

Harriet shrugged her shoulders. "Who would have benefitted from knowing what really happened, Laurie? Commander Brumby went back to Australia, the Colonel went to the Guadalcanal TAD as their Staff Judge Advocate, and you, sorry, Loren, were making enough waves without us adding to them."

"So I didn't put the file in the car?" She shook her head in disbelief. "Okay, so if I didn't, why do I remember doing it? I was in her car, I see myself there."

"Oh you were in her car all right. But something in you – maybe who you are now - wouldn't let you do it. Brumby got irritated with you and told you he should have - and I quote: 'never shoulda sent a Sheila to do a man's job'. And he told you to make yourself scarce."

Jennifer finished for Harriet. "Then Loren told him 'good, because I don't want to be tied directly to this' and then you…she coolly walked inside and let Mic Brumby do the dirty work."

Laurie looked shamed faced at her two new friends. "I was still a sleaze for letting him do it and benefitting from it." Laurie looked directly at Harriet. "No wonder you hated me."

A wry smile appeared on Harriet's face. "Oh there were lots of other things you did. Trying to sabotage Bud's career, cozying up to the Admiral during the Atef manhunt, running us ragged every chance you got-"

Laurie began coloring. Now the images, though still fragmented, were fitting together better. "God Harriet, how can you be friends with me now?"

Jennifer piped up. "That's easy Laurie – you're not Loren. Really."

Confused, she looked to Harriet for clarification. "I was always taught that if someone was sincere in their apologies, that I was to forgive them. We all have our moments of weakness and fear and I felt most of your actions were due to your family life and never having any real friends before."

Jennifer took her hands in hers. "We saw inklings of that other person from time to time, Laurie. In a way you were like a wild animal – slow to trust, quick to attack or retreat if threatened. But every once in a while, we saw a different side of you - the person you are now, ma'am. And we're really glad we got to know her."

1031 Local_1531 Zulu
Courtroom Two
JAG Headquarters

Saturday

"Objection Your Honor!" Mac said in as an indignant a manner as she could.

Captain Owen Sebring gave Carolyn an irritated look. "Sustained. Commander Imes, please refrain from editorializing,"

"Yes, Your Honor," she replied. Damn, Mac had checkmated her again. This strategy of talking about Renaldo Jenson's exemplary service record and his crimes being overblown by the local news media, which had sounded so good when discussing with her second chair, didn't seem so hot now.

Carolyn glanced at Sherry Vansen. She could see Sherry was champing at the bit, wanting to add her two cents on this case. This was only the Lieutenant's second big assignment. Mostly since she had arrived on station, the Admiral had her assigned to oversee junior officer investigators, Marks, Taylor, Pertsch, and Bernard. Now she was getting the chance to show off her courtroom skills.

With a silent nod of agreement, Carolyn sat down and Lieutenant Vansen stood up. "Your Honor, despite the Trial Counsel's objection, we have clearly presented our case and Corporal Jenson himself readily admits some missteps were made, but in all honesty, there isn't enough evidence presented to warrant a Court Martial."

Judge Sebring looked over at Mac. "Colonel?"

Mac and Laurie exchanged a glance. It was time to unleash their knockout punch. Laurie stood. "Your Honor, we know it is highly unusual to bring in witnesses during a hearing, but the Prosecution feels it is important that this voice be heard.

"Objection your honor!" Sharon snapped "We were not aware of any witness of this nature. We move that she not be allowed to speak until we've had a chance to talk to her,"

Owen Sebring steepled his hands in front of his face as he thought about the request. "Sustained, I'll allow the witness to speak. Lieutenant?"

Laurie nodded. "I call Gabriella Valez to the stand,"

The slight young Hispanic girl made her way to the front of the courtroom. As soon as she was sworn in, Laurie approached her.

Laurie Singer smiled at the girl. "Good morning, Ms. Valez."

Gabriella was nervous but managed a small smile herself. "Good morning Lieutenant."

"Ms. Valez will you please tell the court your story?"

Gabriella cleared her throat before she spoke into the mike. "Yes ma'am. Three weeks ago, when my friend was attacked, no one thought there was a witness to what had happened. It was my friend's word against his."

"So why are you here, Ms. Valez?" Laurie asked.

The pre-teen looked at her with sad eyes. "Because I saw what happened to her. I was there."

"Why didn't you come forward before now?"

Gabriella looked at the Corporal. "I was with a boy that I wasn't supposed to be with when we saw it happen. My mother, she had forbidden me to see this boy. We were both afraid that if I came forward to try and help Mariana, I would get in trouble."

Laurie had to keep them from locking eyes. She didn't want Gabriella bolting if she felt threatened and the best way to prevent that was by keeping her focused on telling her story. "What did you see Ms. Valez?"

The question pulled Gabriella's eyes back to Laurie. "I saw Corporal Jenson strike my friend repeatedly and when she was unable to defend herself, he had his way with her."

You mean he raped her while she was semiconscious?" Laurie clarified for Judge Sebring.

"Yes." Was her one word answer.

xxxxxx

Renaldo was furiously whispering with Carolyn and Sherry. It was obvious Sherry Vansen was furious with the Corporal and though she tried hard not to show it, Carolyn was also upset with their client.

Captain Sebring rapped his gavel. "Counselors, is there something you would like to share with the court?"

Carolyn reluctantly stood and addressed the Captain. "Your Honor, we need a moment further to confer with our client,"

"Granted,"

Carolyn Imes sat back down. The whispering only went on for a few more moments before Commander Imes stood again.

"Your Honor, our client would like to plead guilty to the rape charge but still maintains his innocence on the other charges."

"So noted. Colonel, does the Prosecution have anything further to say about this?"

Mac stood to address the judge. "No Your Honor."

"Very well. The court does find that there is sufficient evidence for a General Court Martial. Jury selection will begin here on Monday morning at 1000. This hearing stands adjourned." The naval Captain rapped his gavel on the desk to indicate the hearing was over. He got up and left the room.

Mac turned to Laurie after he left and Carolyn, Sherry and her client had exited the room. "Congratulations, Lieutenant." She said with a smile.

1102 Local_ 1602 Zulu
Laurie Singer's Office
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Friday morning, the following week

Laurie sat down in her office chair, exhausted. They had won the case, but Laurie didn't feel like celebrating. It wasn't because of hard feelings with the defense team. Both Carolyn and Sherry had been gracious and complimented her and Mac on a job well done. Truthfully though, she felt as though she was more of spectator than anything else. Once or twice she got up, did her part, but mostly, this was the Colonel's show.

Corporal Jenson was now headed to Leavenworth on a reduced sentence thanks to Carolyn and Sherry, but Laurie felt like it was a hollow victory. It was time to face facts. She just wasn't a JAG lawyer anymore. As she sat there looking at the paperwork on her desk, her mind drifted off to another time when she was sitting here. Not with a mound of papers, but with a laptop….

'You're early,' She heard herself say to Commander Theodore Lindsey who was standing in her doorway.

Teddy Lindsey gave her a lecherous look that made Laurie nauseous. 'Well, actually when you told me you had thought about our little arrangement, I just had to stop by…'

Laurie saw a sickening smile on her face as well. Sure, she was stringing Teddy along, but she didn't mind the companionship. 'Well it's not ready for you just yet-I was going to give to you at dinner tonight….' She finished tapping a few more keys. 'There, that should do it…'

The leer disappeared from Teddy's face. 'What are you talking about?'

Laurie saw herself smirking. 'You want to get revenge on the Admiral and others here at JAG Ops, right? Well this ought to help with that.' Laurie saw herself turn the laptop toward Teddy Lindsey's eyes.

Teddy's eyes bulged in shock. 'T- those are p-personnel files!' he stammered. 'How?'

Laurie heard herself snicker with delight. 'You wanted the evidence didn't you? Well I got it for you. This diskette contains everything you need to put an end to Admiral Chegwidden's career….'

Teddy, though, was still flabbergasted at her audacity. 'W-why are you doing this, what's the catch?'

Laurie heard herself practically cooing. 'No catch honey. You're going to produce the report that destroys the good Admiral and I'm going to sail on up the career ladder when everything goes to hell here-'

Laurie sat up as if she had been struck by a cattle prod. "Oh my God," she breathed.

Teddy Lindsey had been telling the truth! Mac and others' speculation was right! She had helped him and most likely she was going to blackmail the SECNAV's special assistant as thanks for the audit that would have destroyed JAG Corps Headquarters.

Laurie felt her stomach lurch as bile rose in her throat. How could she have been so stupid? She bowed her head and wept.

xxxxxx

"Tiner! Is the Admiral available?"

Jason looked up to see a slightly disheveled Laurie Singer standing in front of her. Her eyes were still a little red from crying and her face was still flushed.

Yeoman One Tiner immediately sprang to his feet. "Lieutenant! Ma'am! Is everything all right?"

She held up her hand to keep him from approaching, but the look in her eyes conveyed her urgency. "I'm fine, Tiner, but I need to speak with the Admiral if he is available."

"Right away, ma'am!" Tiner strode over to the Admiral's door and knocked.

"Enter!"

Tiner opened the door and stuck his head in. "Sir, Lieutenant Singer asked to see you right away!"

The former SEAL was knee deep in reports. His brow furrowed with concern as he looked up at his Yeoman through his reading glasses. "Do you know why, Tiner?"

The Yeoman One blanched at his faux pas. "Uh, no sir, should I ask sir?"

AJ stood up, a scowl crossing his features. "Just send her in Tiner."

Jason stood back from the door. "Go on in, ma'am." As soon as she entered his office Jason shut the door.

AJ could see something was wrong. He took off his reading glasses looking at her with concern. "Lieutenant?"

Laurie didn't know what to do next…damn her memory loss. She opted for standing at attention after giving him a salute. "Sir, I know who gave Commander Lindsey the information he needed for his audit," she announced.

The Navy-Marine Corps JAG sat stock still. "Go on, Lieutenant."

"It was me sir, I did it." Tears began to prick the corners of her eyes as she continued to stand at attention.

The Admiral stood up. Despite the pain he still had from his accidental ejection over the George Washington National Forest a week ago, he walked over to where she was standing. "Sit down, Lieutenant," he said gently. He was fighting every instinct to yell at her, but only because he knew it would do no good. Loren was gone and Laurie was left to pick up the pieces.

Tears were starting to stream down Laurie's face. AJ felt helpless. "Lieutenant, are you sure about this? Are you absolutely sure?"

Laurie's face crumpled as she nodded. "I had another flash of memory just now in my office. I remembered I had an after-hours meeting with Commander Lindsey and gave him the files he would need to get you fired."

The JAG had wanted to skin the scoundrel that was responsible for nearly sinking his command, but that was before Laurie confessed. Never in his wildest dreams would have believed that Loren or Laurie would have done this.

Laurie reached out and grasped his arm like a lifeline. "Sir, you've been so good to me. I am so sorry," she whispered. When he didn't say anything, she burrowed her head into his shoulder."I don't know why Loren would do that."

AJ sighed heavily as he rubbed soothing circles on her back as she continued to cry. "It's all right, Lieutenant, let's talk about this later…take the rest of the afternoon off…."

JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Monday morning

"Good morning, Lieutenant," Tiner said crisply to a nervous looking Laurie Singer. The Admiral had not been in on Saturday so decided after taking care of court related business with Commander Helfman, she would talk to him. But now her courage was deserting her.

Laurie's eyes darted to the Yeoman and gave him a half-hearted smile. "Is he in yet?" The way she said 'him' made it sound like she was going to meet her executioner.

Jason Tiner gave Laurie a reassuring smile. He had heard all about what had happened on Friday and knew his CO would do the right thing. "Don't worry ma'am, it will be all right." He really felt for her. Jason wanted things to go right for her. "Go right in, he's waiting for you."

Laurie gave him a warmer smile to thank him for his reassurance. She took a deep cleansing breath as she stood in front of the door. "Here goes nothing," she said as rapped on the door.

"Enter," came a gruff voice from within.

Laurie looked back at Jason and saw nearly the entire JAG Corps staff had stopped what they were doing. Harriet and Jennifer stood in front of the group and nodded to indicate they were with her in spirit.

Laurie entered the room, "Um, Laurie Singer, reporting as ordered sir," She stood stiffly at attention after she had closed the door.

AJ looked up from the legal briefs he had been working on. Laurie Singer looked very ill at ease and was standing so rigid the former SEAL was worried she might pass out.

"At ease, Lieutenant," and then remembering that she might not remember what to do, added, "Please take a seat."

Laurie shook her head no. "If you please, sir," she said tensely, "I'd rather remain standing."

The Admiral looked at her for moment through his reading glasses and then nodded. "All right, but relax your stance, Lieutenant, before you faint. Do you remember the at ease position?"

Confusion crossed Laurie's face. "At ease, sir?"

AJ stood causing her to involuntarily step back. He gave her a fatherly smile. "Arms behind your back, fingers interlocked, knees slightly bent so you won't pass out, like this."

AJ assumed the position and Laurie quickly matched what he was doing.

"Outstanding Lieutenant," he said smiling. "Textbook perfect."

"Thank you sir," she said returning his smile.

"Are you sure you don't want to sit down?" he asked again as he looked at her baby bump when he said it.

"No sir," Laurie said in a confident voice reminiscent of Loren Singer. "I want to remain standing, that is, if you don't mind, sir." The last part was definitely Laurie Singer.

AJ nodded thoughtfully. "All right Lieutenant," He took off his reading glasses and gently sat back down at his desk.

"Sir, Admiral, let me begin by apologizing for my actions against this office and the JAG Corps Headquarters staff. I can never undo the damage I did to this office or to you, but I would like to mitigate what I've done as much as I possibly can. What I may have done in collusion with Commander Lindsey was reprehensible and a betrayal to your command. Though I cannot remember everything I did, I will accept any punishment you mete out without protest. Up to and including a dishonorable discharge and/or prison time."

AJ sat studying Laurie Singer as she stood before him. True, Loren Singer had worked with Theodore Lindsey, giving the Commander top secret and classified files that had caused SECNAV Sheffield to temporarily lose confidence in the Admiral and his command. But that was done by Loren Singer. Not this woman. This was no longer the selfish, hard-driving, overly ambitious Lieutenant that had joined his command back in November 1999. This was a different Lieutenant Singer, caring, still hard working, but in different way, but also thoughtful, considerate, and more likable.

Still, she knew enough to know she had done wrong and expected to be punished for her actions.

The former SEAL sighed. "Lieutenant, you're right, what you did was unconscionable and without excuse. I should call security and have you escorted down the brig at the Naval Yard."

Laurie's lower lip trembled but she remained stoic. "Yes, sir, I understand sir. You may go ahead and call them sir. I'm ready."

AJ looked at her again for a moment and then shook his head. "No, Lieutenant, I'm not going to do that."

"Sir?"

"Lieutenant…" He paused and resumed in much softer voice. "Laurie, how much do you really remember prior to Commander Lindsey throwing you off that bridge? Be honest with me."

Laurie looked at the JAG for a long moment and then sighed as if a great weight were being lifted off her shoulders. "About the actual incident? Nothing sir. About my life before that, I've pieced together a mosaic of my past experiences here at JAG Corps Headquarters and working here with everyone. About my education and military training? Bits and pieces that I'm still working on. About my legal experience? About the same."

AJ got up from behind his desk and sat down on the front edge in front of her, arms crossed.

"But that doesn't mean, I'm not responsible," she continued as she looked at him. "What I did was wrong, I know and understand that."

"Laurie…Lieutenant, please sit."

Laurie nodded and sat down. AJ turned the adjacent chair so it faced her and sat down.

"Laurie…you are a different person. You can't be held responsible for what was done."

"I did some reading on this sir, and yes I can, you have that right as my Commanding Officer," She replied.

AJ nodded. "I do, but I also have the ability to pardon you and waive any charges that might be brought against you. As JAG and your CO, I have that right."

Laurie nodded and gave him a brief smile.

"How is your occupational therapy going?"

"I submitted a report yesterday to Tiner as required. Overall, slow sir, some days I have flashes of who I was – don't really care to experience them sometimes – but other days it's like banging my head against a brick wall."

"Lieutenant I want you to consider something. You don't have to give me an answer right now, but I want you to think about this."

"Yes sir."

"I want you to remain on medical leave. You have enough time left on the books do so."

Laurie didn't like that idea. "But sir, that leaves your office down an attorney."

AJ smiled paternally. "We've been there before, Lieutenant, we can cope."

Laurie nodded, giving this idea some consideration. Then she bit her lower lip and looked at the JAG. "Sir, there's something else I should broach with you."

AJ wasn't sure what she was going to say next, but wanted her to feel like she could tell him anything. Well, almost anything. "Go ahead."

"The Sergeant who saved me, James Garrel? I'm afraid I might be guilty of fraternization with him, sir."

AJ raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You've had a relationship with him?"

Laurie blushed furiously. "No sir! Nothing like that, but we have been friendly to each other,"

AJ gave her a thoughtful look. "I see,"

"James, I mean, Sergeant Garrel, isn't at fault. He's told me this is wrong and has worked hard to stay away from me."

"But you have feelings for him." AJ added.

"Yes sir, I do, I haven't acted on them…yet…but I want to, sir." She gave him a sly smile and then became stoic again.

AJ chuckled softly at her candor on this situation. "Well, Lieutenant, we all have feelings like this about someone that sometimes appear, but if you haven't acted on them, then you haven't done anything wrong."

"We've spent time together," she blurted out.

He held up a hand to stop her. "It's a gray area Lieutenant, but coming to me and telling me about this was a good thing to do."

Laurie decided in for a penny, in for a pound. "Sir, to be perfectly honest, I think I'm falling in love with him, he's kind, caring, considerate-"

"That's okay, Lieutenant, I get the idea," AJ said feeling his face color.

Laurie was momentarily chastised by having embarrassed him. "Yes sir, sorry sir,"

AJ gave her a wry smile. "It's all right Lieutenant. Tell me - do you really love him?"

She looked at him and nodded. "I do, sir."

"What are you willing to do for him?"

Laurie spoke without hesitation. "I would be willing to quit, sir, if I have to."

AJ sat back. There. She said it. That's what he was waiting to hear from her. Commitment.

"You mean resign your commission? You feel that strongly about him?"

She nodded again. "Yes sir, I do."

AJ looked at her for moment. Though he could tell that she was scared, she wasn't about to back down. He sighed. "All right, we should get the paperwork started. I need a letter from you indicating you are resigning your commission from the U.S. Navy and the date that this is effective."

"All right sir."

He gave her another inquiring look. "Are you absolutely sure about this Lieutenant?"

Her fear seemed to subside. "More sure than about anything else that I've done since my fall, sir."

"What about your legal career?" That was the million dollar question.

"I think we both know the answer to that one, sir." It was true, with her partial knowledge hindering her, she really couldn't be a lawyer.

AJ had to agree with her. She had thought this through – at least to this point. "That's true, Laurie. What are you going to do?"

For a moment Laurie's fear returned. Then she shrugged. "I really don't know sir, but I'll find something. I have a few ideas in mind."

He had expected more of a plan of action. But maybe she was keeping that to herself. "If you need a letter of reference…" He offered. It was the least he could do.

Laurie gave him a smile. It was not her usual smile but considering everything that had happened in the past few days it was nice to see it again. "Thank you sir, very much. I'd appreciate that." She looked around and then back at him. "Um, by your…leave…sir?"

It was evident she was trying to do this right. AJ knew chuckling at her would just make her feel even more uncomfortable than she already was. She clearly felt she was out of her element, but she was trying to do the right thing – protocol-wise.

"Dismissed, Lieutenant. Close the hatch on your way out."

Laurie turned and left. AJ was going to say something to her about not doing an about face, but then he decided it wasn't worth it. Laurie was definitely not Loren. And probably wouldn't be again.

He watched as she exited the room. When she had closed the door, he scrubbed his hand across his face and sighed deeply. Now he'd have to explain to the SECNAV her decision and hope it didn't cause his command any further problems.

xxxxxx

Laurie looked up when she heard someone rapping on her door jamb. She had been so involved in working on her letter that he hadn't heard him approach. It was Bud J. Roberts standing in her doorway looking at her.

She gave him a bright smile. "Hey Bud, come on in, what's the matter?"

Bud Roberts still wasn't used to this new Loren, er, Laurie…this person…who was working in Lieutenant Singer's office. It was her, yeah, but it wasn't her….

"Bud? Did you need to see me?" she prompted politely.

Bud brought himself back to the present. "Oh yeah, sorry Lieutenant. Do you mind?"

"And I thought I had the corner market on staring off blankly into space," she quipped lightly. The comment prompted Bud's face to flush crimson.

Laurie could see that Bud Roberts was clearly embarrassed. "Oh Lieutenant, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to embarrass you. Please, sit."

Bud began in his usual fumbling way when facing an uncertain situation. "Loren, I mean, Laurie. I, uh, just wanted to-"

If Bud got any redder he'd look like a beet. Now Laurie started to color. "Bud, it's all right, please, sit? Again, I'm sorry for teasing you like that. It was uncalled for."

Bud gingerly sat down in the chair facing Laurie's desk. He still couldn't believe the change in her. Was this the same woman who had tried to sabotage his career, his marriage?

Laurie tried giving him a friendly smile. "Now, what did you come to see me about?"

Rather than fumbling over her name again, he opted to get right to the point. "The Colonel mentioned to me that you were considering resigning." he said without preamble.

Laurie was simultaneously surprised and flattered. Surprised that Mac had told Bud this and flattered that Mac cared enough to share her concerns with Bud about her.

Laurie sighed and gave her full attention to the Lieutenant. "Bud, I've given this a lot of thought, this is not something I'm rushing into."

"But you're a good lawyer, L-Laurie." Bud offered lamely.

Laurie chuckled at his attempt. She could see now why Harriet loved him so. "I used to be." She admitted quietly.

"Your injuries?" Bud replied in the same quiet voice.

Laurie nodded. "Partly that,"

Before she could continue the junior JAG Corps attorney rushed on. "I hope it's not due to any lingering animosity or feeling that I hold anything against you, because I don't-"

"Oh Bud, if only it were that easy," she said interrupting. Her comment made Bud's eyes flare in surprise.

"Sorry, that came out wrong. Bud, what I mean is, it's not just the injuries. I'm just not the same person. I can't just pick up where I left off."

"But your occupational therapy-" he countered.

"Is good, but it can't it fix everything." She said honestly. She could see that Bud was going to give her another counter-argument. He was a lawyer after all. She appreciated what he was doing. But she also didn't want raise false hope.

"Bud, you don't know how much I appreciate how much help all have you – you, the Colonel, Commander Rabb, Commander Turner, Harriet, Coates, Tiner, even the Admiral – all of you have given me."

"I hear a 'but' there." Bud added.

She gave him a shy smile. "But I'm a different person. I do okay here, but okay is not enough. My priorities have changed. I hope you understand. It's nothing that you or anyone else has done. This is my decision. All right?"

xxxxxx

Tiner stuck his head in the open doorway. "Sir, Lieutenant Roberts wishes to speak with you,"

AJ looked up from his seemingly never-ending paperwork pile. At least the conversation with the SECNAV had gone well. As per usual Edward Sheffield didn't seem surprised that she wanted to resign. At least there wouldn't be any problems coming from that direction. Now he just hoped Lieutenant Roberts wasn't bringing him some new trouble.

"Send him in, Tiner." He replied, mentally bracing himself for what might happen next.

Bud came in and came to attention.

AJ looked up at junior JAGC officer. "At ease, Lieutenant, what can I do for you?"

"Sir, about Lieutenant Singer-" Bud began in earnest.

Uht oh "What about Lieutenant Singer?" AJ said with a hint of unease in his voice. What now?

Bud steeled himself for his presentation. "Sir, Lieutenant Singer may not be the person that she was, but she shouldn't be let go because of her injuries."

Bud obviously thought that Laurie's decision to resign was his idea. "I see, and why not Lieutenant?" AJ wanted to see if he would say it.

But that wasn't Bud Robert's style. "For the same reason you didn't give up on me Sir. I'm eternally grateful for what you did for me, but Lieutenant Singer deserves that chance as well, maybe even more so than I did, sir."

AJ studied the Lieutenant. Just when you think you had him figured out…. "Even though she tried to sabotage your career, you think she deserves another chance?" he asked. It was a pointed question, but then Loren Singer had put him through a lot.

Bud didn't flinch at his comment. "Yes sir, I do." Bud said firmly.

"Have you talked with Lieutenant Singer recently?" he inquired as only the JAG can.

"Well uh, yes sir, and she told me your meeting with her and she's thinking about resigning." Bud replied.

"She is." AJ knew she was doing this but he wanted to hear the Lieutenant out.

"Yes sir. Admiral, you can't let her do this." AJ could see Bud was almost frantic about this. It was time Bud knew everything about what was going on with Laurie Singer.

"Lieutenant…Bud, please take a seat."

Bud sat down. AJ could tell that Bud feared some kind of rebuke. "Son, I wish it were that easy. When it comes to Lieutenant Singer-"

"Sir-" Bud began.

AJ held up his hand. "Hear me out, Lieutenant." Bud nodded. "Son, Laurie Singer realizes she has serious mental difficulties to overcome. I'm willing to give her extended medical leave if she wants it, but the truth is, I don't think she does."

Bud looked genuinely confused. "Why not Admiral?"

Maybe a baseball analogy could help. Hell, at this point, it couldn't hurt. "Sometimes as you well know, life throws us a curveball. If we hit it back and it goes into the outfield and we get a single or double or even a triple play, that's great. But other times, we hit a foul ball or an automatic out."

The junior JAG officer nodded his understanding. "So she's sacrificing her career at JAG Corps?"

AJ nodded. "Maybe. But that's her decision and her decision alone. But I, ah, also know the Lieutenant is a very resourceful person and will pick herself back up again."

"Will you help her Sir? Can we help her sir?"

"Yes Lieutenant, I will, and I think she would appreciate any gestures on your part or anyone else to help her."

-TBC…