Never Say Never
Chapter 5
Monday, April 19, 2000
0930 Local Time
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
Mac barely made it to her office without crying. As she entered her office, she slapped the folder from Tiner onto her desk. She got on the phone and dialed Harm's office DID extension. As she waited for him to answer she looked out into the bullpen. She saw Loren looking at her through the window. She waved for her to come in. Loren hurried in and closed the door behind her.
"Sarah, what's wrong?"
"The admiral just gave me orders for sea duty as SJA on the Guadalcanal. Here look at my orders."
Loren took the folder and pulled out the orders. "You're going to be the SJA of the 4th Marine Expeditionary Fleet? Wow, that's a step-up post. It could get you the full bird. Are you happy about that?"
Mac shrugged saying, "That's not the problem. Look at my return date."
"November 4, so?"
"So! We set our wedding date on October 28. What kills me is that the admiral knew that and still cut the orders for the assignment. He makes me so mad."
"Well, it's only a week after your original date. Did you and Harm make any deposits on anything like the Hall?"
"No, we hadn't even started any of that. We came up with the date only this past weekend."
I'll tell you what. As your maid-of-honor, I'll work with Aunt Trish and Gram to set everything up for say…uhm the 18th. That will give you two weeks to finalize everything when you get back. We'll go over everything remotely. Your emails are going to be frequent, but we'll make it work. Besides it'll give you something besides work to keep you occupied in your off-duty time."
For the first time since she came from the admiral's office, Mac smiled. She said, "Since you put it that way, this should be easier to take."
"Good. Oh, and by the way, you've dialed that number a few times, I'm beginning to wonder if anyone was at the other end. You still haven't got an answer."
"Yeah, Harm doesn't seem to be in his office. I keep getting his voice message. Well, I'll see him tonight to break the news."
Just as she said that, her phone trilled. She looked at the caller ID screen and recognized Harm's cellphone number. She snatched it up to say, "Harm?"
"Yeah, it's me," Harm said disconsolately.
"Harm what's wrong?"
"I just got orders to go to Russia. Cresswell gave some bullshit reason about revamping the Russian code of military justice. He told me that Chegwidden sent the orders over last evening. I'm supposed to leave for Russia this Friday evening. He said the time I'm supposed to be there was open ended with no set date of return. He said and I quote, "you'll be there for as long as it takes." They're not even sending me support staff like a yeoman. He said the Russians will set me up for that."
"Well, I got some orders as well. I'm going out to the Pacific as an SJA of a fleet. I'm to leave the day before you. It seems that Chegwidden was a bit more peeved at us and our romance than we thought. I'm not due to be back until the week after the wedding."
"That's crazy. He must have a huge chip on his shoulder with our names on it. What are we going to do about the wedding? I could at least take a leave from Russia for that and our honeymoon."
"Well, I was discussing that with Loren before you called. We're going to work out the planning remotely. The wedding dress won't be a problem. I'm using your mother's. The only thing that I need to do is have it altered to fit me."
"Yeah, but then again, we can get married tomorrow. We already have the Pennsylvania marriage license. We can postpone the honeymoon till we get back together."
"Well, what about consummating it. I'm a month off the pill. If I get pregnant on our wedding night, which would be tomorrow night, I could face charges from Chegwidden again. Then my career is over."
"Yeah, you're right about that." She heard him sigh on the line before he continued, "We'll work it out somehow. We always do."
"Yeah, we will. Look I still have to sign off on the cases I'm handing over. I'll see you when I get home. I love you Azizam."
"So, do I. I love you Imzadi."
Thursday, April 22, 2000
0800 Local Time
Aeroflot Airlines Departure Gate
Dulles Airport, VA
Mac and Harm were sharing kisses as they said goodbye at her departure gate. There tears running down both their cheeks.
"Remember Mom and Dad are going to meet you in San Diego to take you to the 'Canal."
"You remember to email me when you arrive in Russia. Be careful over there. You don't know who you can trust."
"Tell me about it. I promise I'll watch out there. I know you'll be fine on the 'Canal."
"Yeah, what could go wrong out there. Besides I'll be surrounded by Marines."
"Then you'll feel right at home."
"It won't be as homey as it would be with a certain sailor."
With that Mac laid one her kisses on him. Harm had to reluctantly break it off when they heard the last call for his flight. He blew one last kiss back her before he entered the plane.
Six months later
Sunday, November 5, 2000
1430 Local Time
Dulles International Airport
The Guadalcanal returned to San Diego as scheduled. Frank & Trish were there to meet Mac as she disembarked. After spending the night, she caught an early morning flight from LAX to Dulles.
Loren was waiting anxiously for Mac. She had some not so good news to relay to her cousin. Mac was the first passenger off the plane dressed in civies of skinny jeans, leather flight jacket over a read Merlino wool sweater, pulling her rolling suitcase and carrying her Valpak slung on her shoulder. She saw Loren and quickened her pace to get to her. They shared a long hug.
Loren was the first to break their embrace. She reached for her own rolling suitcase at her feet, grabbed Mac's hand and said, "C'mon we gotta go quick. Our flight's scheduled to leave in an hour. We have just enough time to get our luggage checked and get aboard. Here's your ticket. John Marshall is waiting for us."
As they were walking, Mac asked, "Wh-what's going on Loren? Commander John Marshall in Naval Intelligence? What's he got to do with you?"
"Harms in trouble in Russia. It seems he's disappeared in Chechnya. The last time anyone's heard from him was last week."
"Again, what's Naval Intelligence got to do with you and especially Harm?"
"A month after Harm arrived in Russia, Cmdr. Marshall contacted him. When he found out Harm was in Russia, he signed him up as an intelligence asset in country. Being that Harm had diplomatic cover, he was perfect. He's been notifying NI through me of his movements, whom he encountered and dealt with etc. He found out about a plot to overthrow Putin. A Navy Commander was working for the Russians, feeding them intelligence of our weapons systems. He was caught and I convicted the fucker. He demanded to give us more. But when he was being put into his car at JAG Headquarters, it blew up; killing him and the two Marine Corporals assigned to escort him to Leavenworth."
"But I'm confused. Outside you prosecuting the case, how are you involved? Why has Harm been communicating you?"
"Harm insisted on me because I was the only officer at JAG he could trust. So, Cmdr. Marshall had me transferred to NI as a prosecuting counsel for intelligence cases."
"Does Chegwidden know about you and Harm?"
"No, he doesn't. Also, he's not happy I'm not under his command anymore. But who gives a fuck about his feelings. We have to find Harm."
By that time, they reached the line of electric golf-carts. Loren had already reserved one for them. They stowed their bags on the back of the cart and hopped on. They were at the Aeroflot Airlines counter in a very short time. The saw John Marshall dressed in civies of jeans, and black turtle neck under an all-in-one black and gray winter jacket waiting for them there.
Marshall grabbed their bags and put them onto the luggage scale. They were tagged and sent onto the conveyer belt for loading.
As Marshall processed their luggage, Mac & Loren showed their tickets to the clerk. They were processed and they received their boarding passes. As they walked up the jetway, John said, "We're sitting together. Kate's already aboard."
"Kate who?" Mac asked.
"Lt. Kathryn Larkin from NI. She's been working the weapons spy case with Loren. I'll explain everything on the plane. Just be assured our primary goal is to find your fiancé. Catching the guy who killed the two Marines at JAG will be a bonus."
Mac acquiesced to his logic and held off any other questions she had until they were settled in their seats.
As they sat in their seats, John introduced Mac to Kate. As she sat, Mac asked John, "What about Chegwidden? He's gonna be steamed. I was supposed to report to him upon my return to headquarters tomorrow."
"Don't worry about Cheggers being steamed. You got higher orders."
"From who?"
"President Clinton. He found about Harm missing and he was not pleased that his Naval Officer, under diplomatic cover mind you, were caught up in whatever shenanigans the Russians were up to. With the election this Tuesday, he doesn't want any international controversies getting involved in that. He's campaigning strongly for Jed Bartlett. And by the way, the President extends his congratulations on your upcoming wedding. He expects to receive an invitation. He likes country weddings."
"Once we find Harm, I'll get him one special delivery."
At that the foursome settled down for the flight. Loren was tickled that John put on a royal blue NY Football Giants with the lowercase "ny" on the front, lowered it to cover his eyes and slouched down to sleep."
"Jack Ryan's got nothing on you Mr. Marshall," Loren said to him.
John used his index finger to slightly raise the brim, smiled and winked at her.
Flight enroute to Moscow
After they were at altitude John began to explain what was going on with the whole Russian mess. He and the others were mindful that they were on a Russian flight so they were keeping their voices low.
"As Loren told you, she convicted Commander Wade Carlton. He was caught selling secrets to a Russian Embassy agent named Andre Suknoff. In our investigation of his home, we found a map of Michigan and some plans for an unknown plant marked "rouge." Kate dug deeper into Carlton's life. She found a phone number that Carlton called several times after his arrest. When we called the number, we got none other than the alleged Asst. Secretary of State, Clayton Webb."
"Webb's involved with this, how?"
"Carlton wanted to trade information on a big operation. Webb delayed until after the trial and he was already convicted. Obviously, he was too late. When we he told us that he was going to check out an address of someone who recently bought a remote-control device. When we got there, we met none other than Marc Sokol."
"This gets more and more bizarre."
"Uh, huh. Sokol told us he was there to question a man named Vasiliev Rokatov who was living here. Obviously, he was already gone. Sokol said he believed that he was the assassin that killed Carlton. He asked us if we knew anything about something called "Rouge". Naturally we didn't tell him anything."
"Naturally, "Mac concurred.
"In our research Kate went on the internet and found a connection to plants in Detroit as they related to Russian visitors. She saw that "Rouge" was the code Rokatov gave an auto plant in Detroit that President Putin planned to visit. Webb also told us that Rokatov was connected with a military faction run by two generals named Suknoff and Krylov, that is rebellious to Putin. Webb surmised that they were planning to have Carlton killed because he may had guessed or already knew of their plan to kill Putin at the auto plant. The CIA followed Krylov and saw him talking to Rokatov in Russia. We told Harm to keep tabs on Krylov and Suknoff and be on the lookout for Rokatov."
"So not only are we going to Russia to find Harm, we're trying to prevent Putin from getting assassinated."
"In a nutshell, yes. We've got our work cut out for us. We don't know how much cooperation we can expect there. We can't trust Sokol. We don't know which KGB faction he is really in. We're going to start in Chechnya, as Harm reported Krylov was the Commanding General of the Russian Army Base in Khankala, Chechnya
"At least that's a start," Mac finished.
Near the Russian Army Base
Khankala, Chechnya
Flashback
Six Months Ago
Harm's stint as a legal advisor in Russia started rather inauspiciously. They gave him a desk in an old lavatory with a selection of 30 years old files in Russian. He was working with a Russian-to-English dictionary as he attempted to translate what he was reading. His progress could be described in two terms, slow to none at all. He was sent to Russia to advise on their military's legal system. But at the rate he was going, he knew he would not be any position to advise anyone. He was thinking that they should have sent someone who at least understood Russian. As he thought of that, he ruefully thought of Colonel Cresswell's advice when he was given the assignment. "Just don't shoot holes in their courtroom ceilings."
Harm wondered half aloud, "I got more accomplished doing that than what I'm doing here."
His train of thought was interrupted when a Russian Army Captain came in appearing drunk. He was going to use the toilet before Harm loudly spoke up. "Hey the toilets don't work."
The captain stopped what he was doing and went over to Harm. He looked over his shoulder to see what he was working on. He helped Harm read some Russian files. As the Russian translated, he so was impressed that Harm showed insight into Russian soldiers' problems that he dropped his drunken soldier act.
"I am Captain Volkonov. I hope you realize that some 'do-gooders' in the Kremlin arranged your mission as a way to appease you for the old regime holding your father. But these same people see no advantage in it."
Harm sat back to listen, showing more interest.
"What you should be doing is going after the real villains in our government." Volkonov said.
"Oh really, and who would the real villains be?" Harm asked half intrigued half skeptical.
Volkonov continued his spiel, "One of the real villains is one Colonel General Arkady Krylov. He is very corrupt."
Volkonov showed Harm a photo of Krylov's mansion. "He obtained this by selling weapons to Chechens. He was the Deputy Commander of Western Forces who were fighting the Chechens!"
At that point Harm and Volkonov started working together. Still Harm was cautious as he went about getting information to Loren back in the states.
End Flashback
Now during their work investigating Krylov, Harm agreed to go to Krylov's base, under the cover of observing the legal system from the front lines. When they got there Volkonov met with and asked Krylov to fly him and Harm to a front-line post. Krylov assigned Russian helicopter pilot Sergei Zhukov to fly them around a limited area.
When Zhukov first saw Harm, he showed surprise, which went right by Harm.
During their flight Zhukov flew in air support for the next convoy. He dropped them off to inspect the manifest. While they were on the ground Zhukov was ordered to go to Bamut. While Zhukov was gone the convoy was ambushed. Harm and Volkonov were able to take cover and hold off the Chechens. They were only able to come out from their cover when the Chechens that were removing the cargo told their comrades that they were ready to leave. Shortly after that Zhukov returned.
Before any words were said Harm walked over and slugged him, saying, "You set us up. You lied about everything, about your roles in the thefts and everything else."
Sergei said, "I would not lie to the son of Lt. Harmon Rabb."
Harm was totally taken aback asking, "How do you know about my father?"
Zhukov replied, "Your father escaped from a Siberian Gulag. He was taken in by a farm woman in the village of Svischevo. He later died defending the woman from drunken soldiers. Before that, they lived together as husband and wife. She was my mother and I am his son. That makes you, my brother."
Harm stood there incredulously. Sergei showed Harm a photo that he carried of Harmon Rabb Sr. and Sergei's mother together in Russia.
0554 Zulu
Sheremyetevo Airport
Moscow
When Mac, Loren, Kate and John arrived in Moscow and exited the airport terminal, they met an old friend, at least to Mac. It was Alexi, the opportunist cab driver from Mac and Harm's first trip to Russia.
Mac asked him, "Who are you working for now Alexi, CIA, KGB, FSB or Russian Mafia?"
Before he could reply Alexi was interrupted by a voice from behind them with, "No, he works for me."
It was Sokol.
1721 Zulu
Federal Security Service
Moscow, Russia
Sokol insisted that the naval party go with him to the Federal Security Office. They got into Alexi's cab and followed Sokol there.
When they entered Sokol's office he turned to them and asked, "What are you four doing in Russia?"
"We're in pursuit of the man who killed the two marines in an exploding car in the JAG parking lot, as well as looking for Colonel Mackenzie's fiancé, Cmdr. Rabb," John replied.
Sokol raised an eyebrow at hearing Mac was engaged, saying, "Be that as it may, your pursuit of criminals stops at your shores. You have no jurisdiction here. I should still have you deported."
John suggested, "Why don't we do this. We're after the man who not only killed those marines, but was also planning to kill President Putin as he visited an auto plant in Michigan. Think of how it would look if we were working for you to catch him and prevent him from carrying out his plan."
Sokol still wasn't quite swayed until John said, "Besides, who else can you trust?"
Sokol said, "Okay you follow my lead and follow my instructions. Colonel Mackenzie your fiancé was investigating Krylov. He doesn't know Krylov is in the middle of our investigation of Rokatov."
"Where is Rokatov now?" John asked.
"We've had him under Surveillance since his return to Russia. Right now, he's still in Moscow."
"Where is Harm now?" Mac asked.
"He's in Khankala, Chechnya." Sokol answered.
John just turned to Alexi and asked, "What's the fare to Chechnya?"
1411 Zulu
Russian Army Base
Khankala, Chechnya
As they were came back from the convoy ambush site, Sergei flew Harm and Volkonov back to the army base. When they got there, they set about investigating why Sergei was called away to leave the convoy.
On the way back Sergei told them, "It was Corporal Trapeznikov, the communications clerk who relayed to me the order to abandon the convoy."
But when they went looking for Trapeznikov, they realized he was gone. Krylov allegedly granted him an early discharge. Harm and Volkonov exchanged perplexed looks.
1722 Zulu
Russian Army Transit Camp
Mozdok, North Ossetia
Harm, Volkonov and Sergei were able to catch with Trapeznikov at the exit camp. He told the trio that Krylov ordered the guards to withdraw, then he told them were to find the original signed order.
Harm and Volkonov found the signed order. As they went to find someone to question, they ran into Krylov.
Krylov immediately put Sergei under arrest. "We found stolen weapons on Corporal Zhukov's helicopter. We are charging him with treason."
Same time
On the road to Chechnya
The long ride from Moscow to Chechnya wasn't as uncomfortable as it was first thought it would be. While John rode shotgun up front with Sergei, the three ladies were somewhat comfortable in the back.
"This reminds me of my family's trips to the Jersey Shore. My brothers and sisters and I, I had two of each, would pile into our Dad's Ford Fairlane and endure the ride."
It was cute when Loren, sitting between Mac and Kate, fell asleep during the trip. She'd sway in the car, alternating resting her head on either Mac's or Kate's shoulder.
As they reached the Chechen border, John Marshall's fluency in Russian came in handy as he was able to bribe his way through a guard that was ordered to stop a Moscow taxi. After they got through that, they stopped to change a flat tire, Alexi wanted to turn back.
"Where's your sense of adventure Alexi?" John asked rhetorically.
Alexi just finished changing his tire. He muttered to himself, "The sooner I get you to Chechnya the sooner I can leave Chechnya."
1822 Zulu
Russian Army Base
Khankala, Chechnya
Krylov put Sergei on trial almost immediately. Harm and Volkonov were allowed to defend him. But they were playing against a stacked deck. As they proceeded, they found out that their witness was 'accidentally' killed in a mine accident. To further compound the stacked deck the tribunal was a set up with graft ridden judges who denied all motions and threatened to jail Harm for submitting evidence against Krylov. Krylov lied and Harm had to refute him with the information that Sergei was his brother.
Sergei was sentenced to death, after the judges denied any appeal, to be carried out the next day. Harm and Volkonov went to appeal to Krylov for a stay to appeal, under their law, to Putin. Krylov said, "Why don't you ask Putin yourselves this afternoon when he comes."
In the midst of all this Sokol lost Rokatov from his surveillance. He was immediately worried because President Putin was flying to visit his troops at Krylov's camp.
Eventually Mac's party arrived at the base. The four changed into their Class B uniforms and went looking for Harm. They were told by a guard that he was in the brig. When they got there, they found Harm locked in the brig along with two Russians they didn't recognize.
Harm was totally surprised to see Mac and Loren. He didn't know John yet except from their phone conversations. When Mac got to the cell bars, she reached through to grasp her fiancé's hand. Harm could see that she was very happy to see him.
John went over and reached his hand through the bars to say, John Marshall, Harm. We've been speaking on the phone and this is Lt. Kate Larkin."
Kate reached through the bars and shook Harm's hand
"Nice to finally meet you. What brings you four here?"
"We've been working with Sokol trying to track an assassin that killed a Navy commander that Loren tried and convicted for treason as well as the two Marine guards that died in the same explosion. The assassin is named Rokatov and he's after President Putin." John replied.
"Really, well we've been told that he's due to arrive here." Harm told him.
"So, what are you doing in the brig?" John asked him.
"I was defending my brother against charges of treason."
While Mac, Loren and Kate looked on in astonishment, John asked back incredulously, "What did you say? Your brother?"
"Mac, Loren, John, I would like you to meet Captain Volkonov and my brother Corporal Sergei Zhukov."
Everyone just shook hands first with Volkonov then Sergei.
As they stood to take in the new information John glanced out the window and spotted Rokatov.
"He's here. He's really going after Putin," John said.
"Who are you talking about?" Harm asked.
John pointed out the window at Rokatov. "Him, he's the guy we've been chasing across Russia. He was the one who planted the bomb in the car at JAG.
As Harm stood in the cell looking on in surprise, John went out to inform the guard of the assassin. The guard wouldn't believe him. He forced John back into the brig at rifle point.
Outside Rokatov drove a vehicle loaded with explosives next to the brig.
The guard who was trying to keep them inside, opened up the cell to get John inside. As he did that Harm was able to distract then subdue him. The four men went outside after Rokatov. Rokatov left the truck. Sergei snuck on board and defused the remote device while John hot-wired the vehicle. Harm got behind the wheel and chased Rokatov, who had the remote detonator, down the tarmac. He caught up with him just as Sokol arrived. Sokol took Rokatov into custody. He waited till Putin finished his visit before he went to arrest Krylov.
Tuesday, November 7, 2000
0754 Zulu
Sheremyetevo Airport
Moscow
Mac and Harm stood behind a pillar away from Loren, John and Kate sharing kisses.
"You know, I've been missing doing this these the last six months," Mac said against Harm's lips. She had her arms wrapped around his neck while Harm had his arms around her waist as he rested his hands just above her well sculpted six.
"Yeah, me to. I can't wait until we can finally go further after the wedding. Speaking of which, are we still set for the 18th?"
"Yes, we are. I'll have a week to get everything together. Loren, Gram and Mom have been planning everything via our emails and calls from the 'Canal. Now we have another person to invite or even add to the wedding party. Sergei wants to come to the US. I think he's taken a shine to Loren."
Mac and Harm peaked out from behind the pillar. They saw John slouched relaxed in the waiting seat with his Giants cap on; Kate sitting next to him reading a book; and Loren and Sergei standing near a window viewing the runway openly flirting with each other. Mac and Harm watched as they spoke near each other's ear. Loren would softly slap his arm or find other ways to touch him as she giggled at what he was telling her.
Mac and Harm withdrew back behind the pillar. Mac said, "So begins another romance. It seems I'm getting a brother-in-law in the bargain."
"It seems so. I'm glad Sokol expedited his visa request to go to America as well as providing proof of his parentage. If he wants to, he could apply to be recognized as an American citizen."
"Yeah, that's good. Still I'm wondering; how is Mom going to take that your father fathered a child here."
"Well as soon as we get back home, I'm going to call her and tell her the whole story. She has to understand that Dad couldn't escape Russia and he took comfort in a woman that helped him out of the cold."
"Yes, there is that. Still, I want to be there when you tell her."
"You will be. I wouldn't have it any other way." They shared another smooch.
At that they heard their flight being called to board. Mac said, "C'mon Azizam, let's go home and get married."
