A/N- it has been brought to my attention that there was a slight mix up with the last chapter. Please make sure before you continue, that you have read the pervious chapter "Kabul"
Chapter 36
"Thunderball"
0900 hours, 2 November 2001, US Navy Judge Advocate General (JAG) Headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia.
It had been nearly 10 months since Clark Palmer had bombed JAG Headquarters. In that time frame, JAG HG had been re-built and refurbished. And now it was host to a very unique event: The Court Martial of US Army Special Forces Captain William George Hazard. At the insistence of Hollis Mann, and with the permission of Lieutenant General Robert Hull, the US Army Judge Advocate General, the location of Billy's trial would be moved to US Navy JAG HQ in Falls Church, and would be conducted by Navy Personnel.
Billy, dressed in his dress uniform, sat quietly at the defendants table as he and his lawyers waited for the judge. His Uniform stood out like a sore thumb in the Navy Courtroom. With his tan Ranger beret tucked neatly under his insignia shoulder boards, he sat perfectly straight and still in the chair. On the shoulder of his left sleeve were his Ranger and Special Forces Tabs. On his chest were with Paratrooper Jump wings, which were pinned above the "fruit salad" of ribbons on his chest. Those ribbons included his POW Medal, the Russian Legion of Merit, and the Bronze star.
Seated in the gallery, behind the defendants chair was Izzy, also in her dress uniform. No matter what, she was gonna stand by her man. Seated next to Izzy was Chester, also in dress uniform, who was there to support his wife, Meg, who would be defending Billy. It had been over 5 years since Meg had set foot in a JAG Courtroom. And now she was back, for possibly the biggest case of her life.
"All rise" the bailiff yelled as the Judge entered. "This Court Martial is now in session, the matter is before the court is docket #2151824, US v. Hazard. The Honorable Judge Admiral Morris Stiles is presiding"
"Be seated" the Admiral said. "Counsel, please mark yourselves present" the Admiral said.
"Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie and Lieutenant Budrick Roberts for the Government, your honor" spoke up Colonel MacKenzie.
"Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. for the defense your honor" Commander Rabb said.
"Megan Martin for the defense your honor" Meg said, who, unlike her co-counsel, was not in uniform.
"Ah, Lieutenant Austin, how nice to see you again. When was the last time you were in my courtroom?" Admiral Stiles asked.
"5 years admiral" Meg replied.
"And I see you're married now"
"Yes Sir, 5 years now" Meg said.
"And now you're in private practice. According to my records, you are on permanent retainer to one Michael Corinthos Jr." the admiral stated.
"Your honor, whom ever may, or may not have me on retainer, is no business of this court" Meg said firmly.
"Still a pistol" Stiles said. "Very well then, let's begin. Captain Hazard, please rise" Billy did as instructed. "Captain Hazard, the prosecution has quite the summary of charges under the UCMJ. I will read them out numerically. After each charge, please indicate whether you wish to plead guilty or not guilty. Please keep in mind, if you refuse to answer, the court will take your silence as a plea of guilty. Is this understood?"
"Yes Sir" Billy said.
"Your Honor, on the behalf of my client, we wish to plead not guilty to all charges and specifications" Meg spoke up.
"That being said Counselor, as to the 3 most serious, I think it would be best if we heard from the defendant himself" the judge said. "Captain Hazard, to the charge and specification of violating Article 118- Murder. How do you plead"
"Not Guilty" Billy answered.
"To the charge and specification of violating Article 104- Aiding the enemy. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty"
"And, oh yes, to the charge and specification of violation of Article 106a of the Uniform Code of Military Justice- Treason. How do you plead?"
"Not guilty" Billy answered.
"Very well" the judge said. "Any pre-trial motions?" he asked.
"Yes your honor, motion for dismissal of all charges" Meg said.
"Motion denied" the judge answered. "Anymore"
"No your honor" Meg said.
"Very well, this court will re-convene today at 1300 hours, when at such time the Viol Dire will begin. Until such time as the general courts martial begins, the defendant will be confined to the disciplinary barracks at Anacostia. This court is in recess" the judge said as he slammed his gavel and stood up.
As Billy and Izzy shared a goodbye kiss, the bailiff walked over and placed handcuffs on Billy, before leading him out. "They're gonna me testify against him aren't they?" Izzy asked Meg, as the bailiff led Billy out of the room.
"Yeah" Meg said solemnly.
"What if I plead the 5th?" Izzy asked.
"Then you'll only convince the Jury of Billy's guilt without actually having said anything" Meg said as Chester waked over.
"Well, that didn't seem too bad" he commented.
"Colonel MacKenzie was all but drooling after Admiral Stiles told everyone about me being on Sonny's retainer" Meg said. "If that somehow gets out during the trial, it'll hurt Billy even more" she confessed. "No deals either, Tony's specific instructions"
"All or nothing" Chester said.
"Exactly" Meg said. "Let Bridget know, Me and Harm will do our best, but we can't win this case" Meg said gravely.
1900 hours local time, 2 November 2001, USS Seahawk, Task Force 83, 12 miles off the Afghanistan Coast, Arabian Sea.
"Ten-hut" Colonel Colleton yelled when Major General Morrell stepped into the room. Since he wasn't technically in the military, Clayton Webb, everyone's favorite spook, remained seated. As did Tony, who was in the middle of smoking a cigarette, as remain seated.
"Don't you stand when a superior officer enters the room?" Morrell asked as he took a seat at the small conference table.
"Irv, I'm not in uniform, and its only the 4 of us here" Tony said. Tom Colleton sat down next to Tony, pulled the cigarette out of Tony's mouth and stubbed it out in the ashtray. "I was smoking that" Tony complained. Unlike both Irv and Tom, Tony was dressed in local garb.
"Your wonderful wife made me promise not to let you smoke" Tom paused when Tony started to light another one. Tom reached forward and ripped up the cigarette. "not to let you smoke anything" Tom said.
"There is nothing 'wonderful' about my wife" Tony joked. "So what's the news Clay?" Tony asked.
"At 0830 hours on 4 November, there will be a meeting between high level AQ/Taliban leaders and Major General Qasem Soleimani" Clay said.
"The Commander of the Quds Force?" Tony asked, referring to the para-military wing of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.
"The very same"
"What the hell is he doing in Afghanistan?" Irv asked.
"That's unclear" Clay said. "But we do know, is that if he is here, he planning something big"
"You want us to grab him" Tony asked.
"Soleimani doesn't travel light. He'll have a people with him. Not to mention the enormous AQ presence. A snatch and grab is a no go" Clay said.
"Then I guess I'll have to kill him" Tony said.
"Exactly"
"No" Tom finally spoke up.
"What?" asked a shocked Tony.
"It can't be Tony" Tom said. "If we kill him, the 'Movie Buff' can't be involved"
"Why?" Tony asked.
"Just before me and Irv left Washington, I received an encrypted message from Liat. Mossad is increasing its presence in Afghanistan" Tom said. "We need to find another way"
"How about Three?" suggested Morrell
"He's on assignment" Tom said.
"I know a guy" Tony said. "I'll fly in country tomorrow and pick him up tomorrow"
"Ok then" Irv said as he stood up. "Me and Tom have to head back to Washington" he said.
"Colonel, can I speak with you?" Tony asked as after Webb and Irv left the room.
"What's up?" Tom asked.
"Did my daughter mention why Mossad is increasing its presence in Afghanistan?" Tony asked.
"They were tipped off that 'Movie Buff' was in-country" Tom said.
"By who?" Tony asked.
"She didn't know" he paused. "Tony, I know he's your best friend, but have you" Tom was cut off when Tony shot up and grabbed him by the lapels and slamming him against the wall.
"You listen to me, and you listen good. Malachi Ben-Gidon is my best friend, I would die before I betrayed him, and he would do the same for me. Got it?" Tony said as he released Tom. "I'll contact you when the job's done"
1600 hours local time, 2 November 2001, Cathedral de St. Charles, Caen, Normandy, France
From the upper balcony, Three and Karine watch silently as the priest burned the incents around the coffin, which was cover by a black cloth, bearing the letter "AD", the initials of the deceased. Standing near the coffin, was the deceased's widow, dressed in all black, a veil covering her face. "The Coffin. It has your initials, 'A.D'" Karine pointed out to Three.
"Better him than me" Three replied.
"At least you have been saved the effort of removing him. Colonel Durand passed away in his sleep, so they tell me" Karine informed him. Three watch closely as Mrs. Durand slowly left the cathedral, looking up at him as she did. "You look disappointed, you did not kill him yourself" she surmised.
"I am" he replied. "Antoine Durand murdered 2 friends of mine" he justified. The 2 of them then stepped outside, onto the terrace, as they watched Mrs. Durand approach her limo.
"Is there anything else my people can do for you, Staff Sergeant DiNozzo?" Karine asked, trying to get a smile out of him.
"Later, maybe" Three said. He watched as Mrs. Durand opened the back door to her limo, and she stepped inside, as the car drove away. "As I said, later. Come on" Three said as he grabbed Karine's hand.
20 minutes later- The Durand Estate- 2 miles east of Caen, Normandy, France.
When the limo pulled up, Widow Durand quickly exited the vehicle, entered her large home, and quickly made her way up the large staircase to her private study. She entered the large room, locking the door behind her, only to find someone waiting for her. Stilling across from her was an 18-year old, dressed in street clothes. It was Three.
"Madame" Three said as he rose to his feet and walked towards her. "I've come to offer my sincerest condolences" Three said as he punched her across the face, knocking her over the table in the middle of the room. "My dear Colonel Durand, you shouldn't have opened that car door yourself" Three said, not fooled by the Colonel's disguise. The Colonel quickly grabbed one of the decorative wooden chairs that had surrounded the table, and slammed it against Three's shoulder, knocking the young man back against a large armoire. Durand drew a throwing knife from his sleeve and tossed it at Three, just barely missing his ear. Durand charged Three, but Three quickly countered by pushing the armoire forward and dropping it on top of Colonel Durand. Three quickly lifted up the armoire, pushed it to the side, and pulled off the man's wig; confirming that he was in fact, Colonel Antoine Durand. Durand reacted quickly, swinging his legs out, knocking Three onto his back. When Durand dove at him, Three quickly rolled out of the way, sending Durand sliding across the room's white marble floor. Durand was then quickly on his feet. He desperately tried to get Three by pushing over the large grandfather clock, but it missed by a mile. Durand then picked up a large vase, hurling it at Three. The vase struck him in the face, momentarily staggering him. Durand rushed over to his desk, trying to find his gun. Three reacted quickly, grabbing another of the decorative wooden chairs and tossing it across the room at Durand the chair hit Durand in the side, knocking him to the floor. Three quickly rushed over and slammed Durand up again on of the room's many doors. Three balled up his fist and delivered a stiff shot to Durand's stomach. Durand recovered quickly however, quickly changing their positions slamming Three up against the wall, before delivering a right hook to Three's jaw. Durand then tossed Three to the floor. Three got up quickly and delivered a haymaker to Durand's nose, knocking him to the floor. Three quickly grabbed the back of Durand's collar, picking him up, and tossing him towards the large fireplace. Durand, well aware of his surroundings, grabbed one of the fire place pokers and swung it wildly at Three, catching him just above the elbow. Three clutched his arm in pain as Durand kicked him in the back and knocked him flat on the floor. Durand swung the poker again, catching Three in the back with the spike. "Ahh," Three yelled in pain as he donkey kicked Durand in the stomach, Three quickly rose up, and jumped on Durand's back, forcing the larger man to the ground. Three grabbed Durand's head, and jerked it violently, snapping his neck killing him. Three groaned in pain as blooded dripped from the wound in his back.
With time a factor, Three quickly got to his feet, making his way outside to the terrace. With grunts of pain, he forced himself over the edge, landing in the bushes below. He quickly rolled off them, just as Karine pulled up in her green 1999Toyota Camry. With a grunt, Three opened the passenger door, threw himself inside, as Karine drove away. "Well?" Karine asked.
"Send flowers" Three said with a bloodstained smile.
0900 hours local time, 3 November 2001, Firebase Phoenix, Kandahar province, Afghanistan.
Wearing his tan camo ACUs and camo cap, Tony slipped on his Aviator sunglasses as the UH-1 Huey flew towards the Firebase. With Mossad's increased presence in Afghanistan, Tony would have to be very careful. To that effect, he was now flying in-country to pick up an AROQ (Army of the Republic of Quebec) sniper he had worked with during Operation Frozen Fury.
When the Huey touched down at the Firebase, Tony jumped off and was greeted by a familiar face. "Todd, how we doing" Tony asked as he slapped his friend on the back.
"The guy you radioed me about, St. Clair, he's dead. Caught a mortar round with his teeth early this morning" Lieutenant Colonel Manning informed him.
"Got anybody else?" Tony asked, un-phased.
"I got a 2nd Lieutenant, but he's nowhere near St. Clair's 40 confirmed" Todd said.
"How many has he got?" Tony asked.
"0" Todd said. "Fresh out of sniper school"
"He's still a Ranger isn't he?"
"Just barely. He graduated West Point back in June"
"Jesus Christ, that's the best ya got" Tony asked.
"He's a decent shot" Todd defended. Tony sighed.
"Where is he?" Tony asked.
"Over there" Todd said as he pointed to a row of tens.
"The one in the back?" Tony asked.
"Yeah" Todd said.
"Why is he over there?" Tony asked.
"He lives separate from the rest of the men, cook their own food—Moosh food. Smells like shit" Todd said.
"Not to the enemy" said Tony. "Send him in" Tony ordered.
"Right" Todd replied.
A few minutes later, the man walked into the CP, where Tony was studying his profile. "2nd Lieutenant Austin Kearns, reporting as ordered Sir" he said as he saluted.
"Have a seat Lieutenant" Tony said as he waved to a chair across the table from him. "Where are you from?" he asked.
"West Springfield, New Hampshire, sir" Lieutenant Kearns replied as he took a seat.
"I take it you came to be a marksmen by putting food on your mother's table" Tony said.
"Grandmother's, sir. My parents died a while back. Me and my little brother were raised by our maternal grandmother" he explained.
"Where'd you learn to shoot?" Tony asked.
"Boy Scouts, Sir" he replied.
"You're kidding?" Tony asked with a smile.
"No Sir, I was an Eagle Scout" Kearns replied seriously. The smile disappeared from Tony's face.
"Austin Joseph Kearns, born 23 June, 1981?"
"Yes Sir"
"West Point" Tony said, reading from his file.
"Yes Sir, class of 01', graduated in June" he said.
"If you're an Eagle, how are you still a 2nd Lieutenant?" Tony asked.
"One of the many perks of being a 'century man'" Austin explained.
"How many?" Tony asked.
"154"
"Lieutenant, I do believe that is a record" Tony pointed out.
"Yes Sir, it is, and please, call me AJ" he replied.
"Fine, AJ" Tony seethed . "Jesus, Todd, what is with your outfit and the AJ's?" Tony asked as he turned around to speak to Todd Manning, who was enjoying a crappy cup of Army coffee. Todd only shrugged. "Whatever" Tony said as he turned back to Lieutenant Kearns. "According to your file, you graduated last in your class at the Academy, yet, your fitness, test, and field scores are off the charts. Not only that, but it says here you have a Olympic Gold Medal?" Tony asked.
"Baseball, sir. Last year in Sydney" AJ explained.
"Lets cut to the chase. I came here today, looking for an AROQ sniper, who is was going to use for a highly classified mission. He is now dead, and you're the only chance I have to complete this mission in the time frame I have. So I'll make this simple. Did you go to West Point for the free education, or to serve your country?" Tony asked.
"What's the target Sir?" AJ asked. Tony reached over and handed AJ a photo.
"Major General Qasem Soleimani" Tony said.
"He's Iranian?" AJ asked.
"Yeah, unofficial enemy" Tony said. "Code name: Red Shirt. He the commander of the IRG's Quds force. The target will be at a location 21 klicks away, tomorrow morning at 0900. It's a high-powered meet-and-greet- with Al-Qaeda"
"Will he be alone Sir?" AJ asked.
"He sometimes travels with a bit of an entourage" Tony said. "You leave at 0700 hours tomorrow" Tony said. AJ nodded, stood up and saluted, before exiting the tent.
"So he's gonna do it?" Todd asked after AJ left the tent.
"Yeah, he's gonna do it" Tony said.
"Kearns, he wouldn't happen to be?" Todd was cut off when Tony held up his hand.
"Yeah, AJ is his son, but they didn't have a great relationship from what I remember. Some things are just better left buried" Tony answered.
"He reminds me of someone, no his father, but someone else" Todd said.
"I'm gonna need another one of your men, for a spotter" Tony said.
"who?" Todd asked.
"Bartlett?" Tony asked.
"Fine"
"Yo, Reggie?" Tony yelled as he approached 1st Sergeant Bartlett's tent.
"Over here" came a voice from the side of the tent. Tony found Reggie, stretched out on a beach towel, working on his tan.
"Jesus Reggie, put a shirt on, this sun'll boil that pasty white skin of yours right off you" Tony said.
"Whatever" Reggie said as he sat up and slipped on an olive drab t-shirt. "What's up Colonel?" Reggie asked.
"I need a favor" Tony said.
"Sure, you saved my butt back in Somalia, anything. Name it" Reggie said as he stood up.
"You're a qualified spotter right?" Tony asked.
"Yes Sir" Reggie replied as he slipped his hands into his pockets as he and Tony started walking down the road.
"I need you for a special mission, I need you to make sure the sniper gets off his shot" Tony said.
"So then, I take it the sniper won't be you" Reggie asked.
"2nd Lieutenant Austin Kearns. You know em?" Tony asked.
"Yeah, the newbie is so wet behind the ears, it rains when he shakes his head" Reggie joked.
"I'm serious Reg" Tony said.
"Alright, I'll do it. I'll keep the youngster alive Reggie said.
24 hours later.
The next morning, 2nd Lieutenant Kearns and 1st Sergeant Bartlett, both dressed in gilli suits, and they faces blacked out with camo paint, boarded a Huey that would take them to the target.
AJ and Reggie setup their snipers next on a hillside, about a half klick from the AQ camp. At 0900 hours exact, General Soleimani's convoy arrived, accompanied by 3 truck loads of soldiers. "A bit of an entourage, my ass" AJ complained as he looked down his scope.
"Red Shirt located. Do you have in sight?" Reggie asked as he looked through his scope.
"Red Shirt confirmed" AJ replied as he flicked off the safety. The 2 men watched as the General exited his car.
"Niner-eight-zero to gate" Reggie said. AJ adjusted his sights accordingly. "One-zero-zero-five to table" Again, AJ adjusted his scope. "Wind… 5 miles left" Reggie said. AJ watched as the General sat down at the small conference table.
"Target in sight" AJ said. He was about to pull the trigger when a helicopter, a Russian Mil-8, flew over them. "What the hell?" AJ said as he looked up from his scope.
"Movie Buff, Movie Buff. War Machine, over" Reggie said into their radio.
"Go War Machine" replied Tony over the radio.
"We have target in sight, but no shot" Reggie said.
"Say again" Toy said.
"No shot" Reggie repeated. "Helo obstructing target"
"Helo? AQ doesn't have air support" said a shocked Tony.
"Position in jeopardy. Our position is compromised. Over" Reggie said.
"Shh, we're still a go" AJ said as he took aim down his sights once again.
"We have no go" Reggie told him.
"Clear" AJ whispered as the Helo flew back and forth in front of them.
"Don't take the shot!" Reggie warned. AJ took careful aim. He watched carefully as he timed the rotation of the chopper blades. AJ squeezed off the 1st round. He watched, as the bullet buzzed past the blades, unobstructed. The bullet struck General Soleimani in the chest. AJ quickly worked the bolt, chambering the next round. He fired again, the bullet hitting the General's head.
"Come on" AJ yelled as he slung the rifle across his back. He grabbed Reggie and they ran down the hill as the chopper opened fire on them.
"Ahh" Reggie screamed in pain as a bullet struck his stomach. Reggie then fell to his side, and began rolling down the hill. AJ quickly sprinted after him. When he reached him, he grabbed Reggie's M-16 and opened fire on the chopper. Several of the 5.56mm bullets struck the engine, causing smoke to bellow from it. The chopper began to spiral out of control, and crashed into the hillside.
"Come on" AJ said as he threw down the M-16 and picked up Reggie into a fireman's carry.
1 hour later.
Tony, accompanied by Todd, scanned the landscape with their binoculars as their Huey flew over the drop zone. The chopper made several passes over the small valley, but found nothing. "Sorry about your men, Todd" Tony said.
"You wanna make another pass, DiNozzo?" Todd asked. Tony shook his head. As the chopper began to fly away, Tony looked back one more time.
"Hold it!" Tony yelled. "Go back again". The chopper quickly made a turn and landed in the valley. Tony smiled as he saw AJ approaching, Reggie on his back. "Hell of an ad for the Boy Scouts" Tony joked.
"You wanna know something, Tony?" Todd yelled as AJ approached. "I told you he reminded me of someone, and I was right. He's you, 10 years ago" Todd said with a smile.
"We gotta go!" AJ yelled as he placed Reggie down on the floor of the chopper. "He's got a chest wound and he's bleeding out fast!" AJ yelled. AJ jumped into the Helo as it dusted off.
"Tony" Reggie weakly. Tony bent down, placing his ear over Reggie's mouth so that he could hear him. After a minute, Tony nodded. Reggie held up his hand, and Tony grabbed it, tears running down his face.
"You got it Brotha" Tony promised as Reggie's blood began to pool in his mouth. Tony watched as Reggie's chest stopped rising and falling. Within Minutes, 1st Sergeant Reginald "Reggie" Bartlett, serial number 1949234, was dead.
Once the Helo was back at the firebase, Bartlett's body was turned over to Grave's Registration. Tony debriefed AJ and sent him on his merry way. After that, Tony found Todd waiting for him outside the CP. "Bartlett was a good man, Todd" Tony said.
"I know. What did he say to you, on the chopper?" Todd asked. Tony took a deep breath and lit a cigarette.
"Ever since his parents died, he's been legal guardian of his 2 siblings, Rex and Molly. He asked me to take care of them" Tony said.
"Are you gonna do it?" Todd asked.
"I gave Reggie my word, I intend to keep it" Tony said.
2000 hours, 4 November 2001, Penthouse, Adams House Hotel, Washington D.C.
Thanks to some legal maneuvering by Meg, Billy had been released from pre-trial confinement at Anacostia, and instead would be placed under house arrest, confined to the Penthouse Suit of the Adams House Hotel. "You're the best Mrs. Martin" he said as he gave Meg a kiss on the cheek.
"Don't leave this Penthouse" Meg warned.
"I know, I know" Billy said as he shed his coat.
"Good Luck" Meg said as she exited the Penthouse. In the hallway, Tali and Bridget were waiting for her. "Well?" Meg asked them.
"Tony is on board. He said if it happens, he'll be there" Bridget said. "It's all up to Billy now" she added.
"Izzy!" Billy called out.
"In here" she replied from the kitchen. Billy walked in to find her cooking dinner.
"Hey" Billy said as he leaned on the counter next to her. "We need to talk" Billy said.
"Ok" Izzy said as she continued to prepare dinner for the 2 of them.
"Izz, I'm done for. Thanks to Major Mann, there's no way out for me" Billy said.
"Billy, we've already, had this conversation, I'm not going to run. I'll stand by you no matter what" Izzy said.
"Yeah I know" Billy said. "But if you stand by me, you'll be forced to testify against me, and then I'm screwed" Billy said as he watched Izzy grabbed a stack of plates of the counter. "Izabella Freya Howsham-Gibbs" Billy began.
"Yeah…" Izzy said as she turned around only to find Billy down on one knee, a small black velvet box in his hand. Izzy's jaw dropped at the same time as the plates in her hands, which were now shattered on the floor.
"Izzy, my love. I love you, more than words could possibly describe. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But I can't do that from a jail cell. Izzy, the only way I can be with you, is if you're my wife. Izzy, will you marry me?"
Izzy eyes filled with tears as she emphatically nodded her head. "Yes, yes, oh God, yes!" she screamed.
Please Review.
A/N- just so it's clear…
1- the "AJ" mentioned in Chapter 35 is Alan Quartermaine Jr.
2- the "AJ" mentioned in Chapter 36 is Austin J. Kearns
(Sonny's voice)- Next time on "28 Seconds: Strength & Honor"-
As final preparations for Billy and Izzy's wedding are made, Tony & Kate argue over Tony's promise to adopt Reggie's siblings, leaving their fate hanging in the balance. Meanwhile, old faces return, as friends & Family descend onto Marshlands for the Big Day. Finally, tragedy strikes a Unit Member, proving that not everyone, gets their happy ending.