Gone Camping - Part 1

Friday, 21 June 2002
1015 PDT
NAS North Island
Coronado, California

Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie walked across the field heading back to the main office complex.  Mac tried to speed him along, "Hurry up, Harm!  If we make our report to the Captain now, we can still catch the last transport back to Andrews.  Get the lead out!"

"Mac, I don't think we're quite finished here," Harm replied.  "We still have to talk to the Lieutenant's RIO."

"Harm, we have all the information we need.  You even said so last night before we turned in."

"I know, Mac.  But after talking to the Lieutenant this morning, I really think we should talk to his RIO before we close this out," Harm argued.

"Harm, I really want to get home today," Mac said, very annoyed.  "My leave starts at 1700."

"Mac, what's more important?  Getting home today or seeing justice done?"

"Damn it, Harm!  You know that RIO isn't going to tell you anything different than we've already heard!"

Friday, 21 June 2002
1645 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Chloe Madison stepped off the elevator and promptly tripped over her large duffel bag.  "Oooh!" she cried as she started to fall.

"Woooah, there!" a deep male voice sounded as she felt two strong hands on her arms which kept her from landing on her face.  "You all right?"

Chloe nodded as she looked up into the face of a handsome, young Marine guard.  "Fine.  Thanks.  I've seen you before, haven't I?"  Chloe remembered having seen this handsome man before, but she didn't remember thinking him sooo attractive.  'Hmm, I'll have to remember to ask Mac about him.  Good lookin'!'

He nodded.  "I believe so.  I'm Lance Corporal Banks.  And you're Lt. Col. MacKenzie's sister, aren't you?"  Banks picked up her duffel bag and motioned her to precede him into the JAG Ops bullpen.

"Yes.  No.  Well..." she stumbled over her words as she walked in front of him.  "She's not really my sister, but..."

"She's your friend, then?" he amended.

"Yes.  She's my friend.  And my 'big sis'."

"So she is your sister?" Banks asked.

"No," Chloe said, shaking her head.  "Just in the program... the 'big sis/little sis' program..."

Seeing Chloe and the Marine, Lieutenant Harriett Sims interrupted them.  "Chloe!  Didn't you get my message?"

"Hi, Harriett!" Chloe bubbled.  She turned back to Banks and said, "Thanks for your help, Corporal.  If it hadn't been for you, I'd have fallen flat on my nose!"

He smiled.  "You're more than welcome.  Shall I set your bag in the Colonel's office?"

Chloe nodded.  "That would be perfect.  Thanks."  She watched as he walked to Mac's office, deposited her bag, and left the bullpen, his back ramrod straight.  "God, is he gorgeous!" she whispered.  Then she turned her attention back to Harriett.  "Where's Mac?"

"Chloe, didn't you get my message?" Harriett asked, again, rather amused at Chloe's reaction to the handsome Lance Corporal.

"Message?" Chloe asked.  "What message?"

"I called your grandmother's house at 1:30 and left a message.  The Colonel isn't back yet.  She's still in California."

"Oh no!" exclaimed Chloe.  "She promised!"

"Chloe, she's on a case.  She expected it to be finished and that they'd fly back this afternoon.  But they had to talk to some more people today, and they can't get..."

"They?  Who's 'they'?  Who's with her out there?" Chloe asked.  'As if I don't know.'

"Commander Rabb."

Lieutenant Bud Roberts walked up to his wife's desk.  "Did I hear you say that the Commander and the Colonel aren't coming back until tomorrow, Harriett?"

She nodded.  "That's right."

"I knew he'd convince her to stay for the air show," Bud chuckled.

"Air show?"  "What air show?" asked Harriett and Chloe simultaneously.

"There's an air show tomorrow morning out there.  It's a vertical challenge.  The Commander really wanted to be there to see it.  I kinda figured he'd talk the Colonel into staying an extra day," Bud explained.

"Why that..." Chloe began.  She stomped her foot and crossed her arms in front of her chest.  "He is such a pain in the ass!" she yelled.  "I can't believe he tricked her like that!"

"Chloe!  Lower your voice, and watch your language!" Harriett scolded.

"What's going on out here?" asked Admiral AJ Chegwidden.  He heard Chloe's outburst as he left his office to get a fresh cup of coffee.

"Sorry, Admiral," Chloe said.  "But Harm is just being a pain in the aaaa... butt.  He tricked Mac into staying out in California for an extra day just so he could watch some stupid air show."

"Chloe, Harm and Mac are in California on a case.  An important case," AJ explained.

Chloe countered, "Yea, well, when Mac called me early this morning, she said everything was all but finished.  All they had to do was talk to the head guy out there and hop the plane back east.  Now they're staying another day.  And it's all Harm's fault.  He wants to watch some stupid air show tomorrow morning.  I'll bet he hasn't even told Mac about that yet!"

AJ looked at Bud.  "What do you know about an air show, Lieutenant?"

But stammered, "Well, Sir, the Commander did mention that there is a vertical challenge air show scheduled for tomorrow morning.  And he did mention that he hoped the case lasted long enough that they could stay over so he could see the show."

AJ folded his arms in front of him.  "He did, did he?"

Bud continued quickly, "But, Sir, I'm sure that the Commander wouldn't have lengthened their investigation just so they could stay an extra day."

AJ raised an eyebrow.  "You're sure of that, are you, Lieutenant?  Care to make a wager on it?  You'd lose."  AJ shook his head.  "Tiner!" he called to his Yeoman. 

"Yes, Sir?" Petty Officer Tiner was quickly at AJ's side.

"Get Colonel MacKenzie on the line.  I want to know what's going on out there."

"Aye, aye, Sir!"

AJ turned to Chloe.  "And just what brings you to JAG today, Chloe?  You spending the weekend with Mac?"

She nodded.  "Actually we were supposed to be going camping.  She's off next week, and she was taking me on the annual YMCA campout.  We're supposed to leave tonight."

"Camping?  Sounds like fun.  I haven't been camping in... damn... it's probably been 10, maybe 15 years," AJ remembered as he headed to the break room to get his coffee.

Chloe looked back at Harriett.  "So now what do I do?"

Harriett sighed.  "Well, you'll just have to stay with us tonight.  The Colonel will be here tomorrow afternoon, and you can figure out what to do then."

"And we'll miss the campout," Chloe muttered.

"Can't you just join them tomorrow evening?  You'll only miss the one day..." suggested Bud.

"You can't do that.  If you don't start with the group, you can't join them later," Chloe explained.  "At least the kids can't.  The adults can pretty well do what they want to, I guess.  But the rules are really strict for the kids.  You don't start with the group, you don't go."

"What if someone else took you for the first day?" suggested Harriett.

"Yea, right," sulked Chloe, flopping down into the nearest chair.  "Who?" Then she thought about the handsome Marine.  "How about Corporal Banks?"

Harriett grinned.  "I don't think so, Chloe.  But if we think about it, we might come up with someone... someone else."  She winked at Chloe.

"Come up with someone for what, Lieutenant?" asked AJ as he strode back through the bullpen toward his office.

"Someone to go with Chloe tonight so she can go on the campout.  The Colonel could join them tomorrow afternoon."

AJ nodded.  "Ask around.  Probably someone who'd want to go..."

"Excuse me, Admiral," interrupted Tiner.  "I have the Colonel on the line now, Sir."

AJ returned to his office and picked up the receiver.  "Colonel, what's going on out there? Why are you staying another day?  I thought the case was wrapped up?"

"So did I, Sir.  But the Commander felt the need to speak with Lieutenant Harber's RIO before we closed the case."

"Get anything useful from him?"

"No, Sir.  All we succeeded in doing was missing the last transport home today.  We'll be returning tomorrow morning, Sir."

"Tomorrow morning, Mac?  Are you sure?" asked AJ.

"Sir?" Mac said in confusion.

"There's an air show out there in the morning, Mac.  You really think you're going to drag Rabb away before the show?"

"An air show, Admiral?  An air show??" Mac exclaimed.  "I'll kill him!  I will have his hide on a..."  She heard AJ chuckling over the line.  "My apologies, Admiral.  I was not aware of any air show," she said coldly.

"I didn't think you were, Mac.  Not with Chloe here waiting to go on a campout with you.  And not with your leave beginning at 1700 today."

Mac grumbled a bit and then said, "Is Chloe there, Sir?  Harriett didn't reach her in time?"

"I guess not, Mac.  Because she is here.  And she is probably just about as angry at Harm as you are right now."

"I doubt that, Sir."

AJ laughed.  "Don't.  I walked out there a few minutes ago hearing her say, 'he is such a pain in the ass'."

"I'm sorry about that, Admiral," Mac apologized for her little sister.

"No need, Mac.  I understand completely."

"I just feel bad for Chloe," Mac said sadly.

"I believe that Harriett and Bud are trying to find someone to take her on to the campout tonight, and then you can join them tomorrow," he offered.

"That would be great, but I don't know of anyone I'd feel comfortable to take her, Sir.  If she were my own daughter, that would be one thing.  But she's not.  And she's supposed to be in my care this week.  I can't let just anyone take her off on a campout... even for just one night."

"Perfectly understandable, Mac.  I wish there were something I could do to..."

"Would you, Sir?" she interrupted.

AJ stopped.  "Would I... what, Colonel?"

"Would you take her, Sir?"

"Mac, I don't think that would..."

"Admiral, she loves you.  And I trust you.  And I know her father would be okay with your taking her tonight.  She couldn't be in safer hands than yours."

"Mac..."

Mac realized suddenly what she was asking of her commanding officer.  "Admiral, I'm sorry.  I had no right to ask you to do this.  Please, Sir, just forget I said anything.  It's fine, really."

"Do you really think she'd want to go with me?" he asked.

Mac had a  glimmer of hope.  "I know she would, Sir.  She always speaks very highly of you."

"And you'd come and join the campout tomorrow afternoon.  And then I'd come home.  Right?"

"Yes, Sir.  Exactly."

AJ sighed.  "Hell, why not?  I don't have anything better to do tonight!  I was just going to sit out on the patio and read.  Might as well go camping!"

"Are you sure, Admiral?"

"Sure, Mac.  I'll do it.  I'll take her.  Just don't forget to come and relieve me tomorrow!"

Mac laughed.  "I'll be there by 1700, Sir."

"Good, good."  AJ hung up the receiver and wondered why he had so readily agreed to this.  "What the hell came over me?" he thought aloud.  

He walked back out to the bullpen and found Bud and Harriett locking up their desks preparing to leave for the day... and take Chloe with them.  Chloe sat in a chair, looking totally depressed.

"Chloe, you still want to go on that campout tonight?" AJ asked her.

She hardly lifted her head at his words.  "Can't.  No one's interested in going with me, and I can't go alone.  Dumb rules.  There's gonna be a zillion grown-ups there anyway.  So what if there's not a zillion and one for ONE night?" she griped to herself.

"Chloe, I just got off the phone with the Colonel.  And she's agreeable to my taking you on this campout... for the first night only... then she'll come out tomorrow afternoon and I'll go home.  That is... if you would be okay with my going with you," AJ told her.

As he spoke, Chloe looked up at him.  Her face burst into a huge smile, and she leapt out of her chair, throwing herself into AJ's arms and jumping up and down hugging him.  "Yes!  Yes!  Oh, Admiral, that would be so cool!!  I'd love to go with you!  Oh, yes!!  Thank you!!"

As excited and happy as Chloe was, Bud and Harriett were that shocked.  They stared at the Admiral in total disbelief.  "Admiral, you're going to take Chloe on the campout?" asked Harriett.

"Looks that way, Lieutenant," AJ replied as he hugged Chloe back.  "Now, what time does this thing start?  Do we have time for me to run home and change?" he asked Chloe.

Chloe nodded her head.  "We have to be at the Y by 6:45 to load the buses.  We leave at 7.  That's enough time, isn't it, Admiral?"

AJ looked at his watch.  "1730.  Gives us 75 minutes.  At this hour on a Friday night?  It's going to be cutting it pretty close, Chloe.  Which Y is it?  The Armed Services Y in Springfield?"

"That's the one that's sponsoring the campout, I think.  But because of where we're going, they said for everyone to meet at the one in... oh, gosh... I can't remember..."  Chloe stammered.  

"Well it could help to know where we're going, Chloe," he joked.

"I have the papers in my bag.  Wait a second."  Chloe ran to her duffel and unzipped the side pocket.  She took the papers out and handed them to AJ.

He unfolded them and read the letter.  "McLean!  Damn, that's convenient!" AJ chuckled to himself.  "And we're going to... the GW forest.  About 100 miles from here.  Not bad.  Okay, Chloe, we have plenty of time.  The McLean Y is only a couple of miles from my house.  Come on, let's head out.  We'll even have time to grab something to eat," he added as his stomach rumbled, causing Chloe to giggle at the sound.  "How many are going on this campout, anyway?"

"I think Mac said there'd be about 20 kids... and every one has to have an adult with them."

"What age are the kids, do you know?  Any young ones?"

"Oh, no.  Just teenagers.  The little kids don't go on the long trips.  Just overnighters."

"Well, I'll have to drive my vehicle so I can come back.  You want to ride with me or would you prefer to ride in the bus?"

"Oh no!  I'd much rather ride with you, Admiral!" Chloe gushed.

Friday, 21 June 2002
2345 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

AJ sat next to Chloe on a log around the campfire, his arm around her shoulders as if it was the most natural thing in the world.  Chloe smiled.  She would so like to see Mac and the Admiral get together one day.  'They're just so perfect for each other,' she thought to herself.

Everyone had already unloaded the buses and set up their campsite.  AJ had their tent up in no time, and he helped several others who seemed to be having trouble.  Now they were all relaxing around the campfire.  The leader of the group was talking, giving instructions for the week's activities.  "Now, as you know, everyone here is from a military family.  And we have ranks with us from Privates and Seaman Recruits all the way to a bird Colonel..."

AJ grinned inwardly.  'You've got higher than that, buster,' he was pleased that no one had recognized him.  Surprised, but pleased.  Before he realized it, though, Chloe was on her feet.

"And a Rear Admiral, Upper Half!" she called out proudly.  AJ grabbed her hand to pull her back down to their log.  "This is Admiral AJ Chegwidden!  The JAG." she said as she fell back into his lap and giggled.

There were a few gasps, and almost every one of the adults sat up straighter on their logs.  AJ could hear several of the women say, "My God... I let a two-star put up our tent!"  

The leader looked over at Chloe and AJ.  "Is that right?  You're Admiral Chegwidden?"

AJ sighed as he nodded and moved Chloe back to her spot on the log instead of his lap.  "That's right.  I'm only here for the one night, though.  Lt. Col. MacKenzie was delayed on an assignment, so I brought Chloe tonight so she wouldn't miss the campout."

"Well, Admiral, I was going to suggest that we leave ranks out of our..."

"Absolutely," he agreed immediately.

"But, I don't know, Sir.  Now... I mean, we've never had an Admiral or a General on our campouts before.  I'm not sure that the others would be comfortable with first names."

AJ looked around the campfire circle.  "Look, I'm only here for one night.  And this campout is for the kids.  You usually leave rank at the door..."  He smirked, "Well, in this case, back in the city..."  A few of them chuckled.  "That's fine.  My name is AJ.  Use it."  No one looked convinced.  "That's an order," he added.  "And the last one you're going to hear from me on this campout."

Chloe slipped her hand in AJ's and leaned into him.  "Thank you so much for bringing me... AJ."  She giggled.

AJ turned and grinned at her.  "You, I can still give orders," he quipped, and they all laughed, the tension broken.

"Okay, then!" the leader called out.  "We have a busy day tomorrow, so I suggest we all turn in and get a good night's sleep.  You can start your breakfast fires as early as 0530, and they all need to be out by 0700."

AJ and Chloe headed for their tent.  "In you go!" AJ said.

"What about you?  Aren't you sleeping in the tent?" Chloe asked, surprised.

"I thought I'd sleep out under the stars."

"Admiral, I really don't mind your sleeping in the tent with me.  I trust you," Chloe said quietly.

AJ turned to look at her.  He saw she was completely serious.  "I'm glad you do, Chloe.  That means a lot to me.  But I really do like sleeping under the stars once in a while, and I haven't done it in... years.  If you'd prefer that I sleep in the tent with you, that's one thing.  But if you don't mind..."

Chloe brightened.  "Oh, I don't mind, Admiral.  I'm fine either way.  As long as you're going to be right there by the entrance to the tent.  I mean, you're not planning to go off someplace..."

AJ chuckled.  "I'll be right here, Chloe," he said pointing to the ground in front of the tent.  "No one will get past me, I assure you."

She smiled.  "Thanks."  Chloe reached up and hugged AJ's neck.  "And thanks for bringing me tonight, too."

"My pleasure."  And he realized that it truly was his pleasure.  So far, he was having a wonderful time.

Saturday, 22 June 2002
0545 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

AJ sat on a log in front of his small cooking fire, sipping his cup of coffee.  He'd risen at 0500, taken care of his bed roll, shaved, taken a dip in the lake in place of his morning shower, and gathered wood for his fire.  At exactly 0530, he lit it and put the coffee pot on to boil.  While he waited for that, he gathered more wood for fires.  And now, he sat enjoying his coffee... and waiting.  Gradually, the campsite came alive.

When everyone was finally awake, refreshed, and fed, the leader called everyone back to the large circle.  "Okay, here's what's on the docket for today's activities.  We've got a 2-hour group hike this morning.  That's two hours of hiking, not resting.  We leave at 0900 and should be back here by 1130... depending on how fit you campers are!  You're on your own for lunch and the afternoon is yours to do what you want."

"Only two hours?" said AJ quietly.  That surprised him.  This was, after all, a military group.  'Well, I guess with the kids... but they're teenagers!' 

"And just a reminder!" the leader continued.  "Today's hike is only two hours.  But we increase it every day!  And tomorrow, you'll each wear a day pack on your back.  By the end of the week, you'll be hiking for 6 hours!  That's still not much for some of you, but believe me, for these kids... it's a lot!"

0900 rolled around in no time, and the group headed off for their first hike.  Chloe was sticking pretty close to AJ, and he wasn't really sure why.  There seemed to be plenty of kids who tried to befriend her.  But she preferred his company.  When they took a break about 45 minutes into the hike, AJ suggested quietly that Chloe might want to take a leak in the woods.

"Admiral!  I can't do that!  Someone might see!" she whispered urgently.

"Chloe, if you have to go, you have to go.  And it's always better to do it while we're stopped and everyone's otherwise occupied than making the group stop later on... and they all know why.  Don't you think?"

She pondered this for a moment, and then replied, "I can't.  I don't have another pair of shorts with me.  I'll just hold it until we get back to the campsite."

AJ looked questioningly at her.  "Why would you need another pair of shorts?"

"Because I'll get these wet."

AJ hid his amusement.  'Ah, now I know the problem.'  "Chloe, have you and Mac ever gone camping before?"  She shook her head.  "Ever gone camping with anyone before?"

"Not like this.  It was always in an RV.  With a bathroom."

"So no one's ever told you how to take a leak outside and not get wet," he said.  She shook her head.  "Okay, come with me."  

He took her hand and they walked off into the woods together.  "Admiral... I don't think..." Chloe started to object.

"It's a lot easier for guys, of course," AJ said as they walked.  He found just the right spot as he continued, "We just find a tree, unzip, pull it out, and pee."

Chloe blushed furiously.  She couldn't believe the Admiral said that... to her!  AJ saw her red face, but he continued.  "For a girl, though, it's a bit more tricky because you have to pull your pants down.  First thing, you look for a bush... about 3 feet high and a good 3 feet wide.  Sometimes you have to look a while, but you'll usually find something that will hide you."

"Like this bush?" Chloe asked.

AJ nodded.  "Like this bush.  You don't want to be completely hidden."  Chloe gasped her surprise.  "In other words, you want anyone you're with to know you're behind the bush.  It wouldn't do for a guy to walk around the bush and see you with your drawers down, now would it?"  he chuckled.  Chloe blushed, again, and shook her head.  "So you don't want the bush to be too tall.  Wider is fine... better, actually.  But not too tall.  Now, once you find the right spot, look around and be sure there aren't any critters..."

"Critters?" she squealed.

AJ laughed.  "You know... squirrels, chipmunks, ants, bees... anything that's apt to come around you and startle you or sting you."

"Oh.  Okay."  Chloe looked around.  "I don't see anything."

"Good.  Always be sure you have your paper on hand before you pull your shorts down."  Chloe pulled a wad of biodegradable toilet paper from her pocket and showed him.  AJ nodded.  "Good.  Next you pull your shorts & panties down together... but not too far.  Just to your knees.  If you pull them all the way down to your ankles, they're going to get wet."

Chloe nodded.  "Tell me about it..." she quipped.

AJ grinned.  "Squat and pull your shorts forward so there's nothing behind you.  Then you're ready to pee.  Slowly.  You pee fast, and it's going to shoot forward and still get your clothes wet.  Slowly, it goes down to the ground.  When you finish, pull your shorts back up as you're standing up."

"And you're sure I won't get all wet?" Chloe asked hesitantly.

"Positive, Chloe.  You do it like I said, and you'll be fine."

Chloe looked around nervously.  "Okay.  I'll try it.  But you have to stay here!  Don't let anyone come around this bush!"

AJ chuckled and walked around to the other side of the bush.  "I'll be right here, on this side of the bush."

"Now, tell me, again..."  AJ stepped her through it, and Chloe was all smiles when she reappeared.  "I'm dry!" she said happily.

"I'm glad," he laughed, putting his arm around her shoulders and walking back toward the group.

Saturday, 22 June 2002
1130 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

"So, Chloe, what's for lunch?" asked AJ as they reached the campsite.

"Lunch?"

AJ nodded.  "You did bring rations, didn't you?"

Chloe shook her head.  "I forgot to tell you... Mac was bringing all the food.  All I had were those Pop Tarts we ate for breakfast."

"Okay.  So we'd better go see what we can find to eat," said AJ.  "Come on.  Let's go fishing."

"Fishing?"

"You hungry?" he asked her.  Chloe nodded.  "Then we go fishing."

"Hang on a second," Chloe said, and she ran off behind their tent.  Two minutes later, she came back and said, "Come on, Admiral.  We're having lunch with Tim and his dad."

"Who?"

"Tim and his dad.  They invited us to eat with them," Chloe said.

AJ shook his head.  "Don't want to work for your lunch, eh, Chloe?" he chuckled as he followed her.

"Tim, this is Admir..." Chloe started, but AJ interrupted her before she finished.

"AJ.  Thanks for letting us share your lunch," AJ smiled at the boy and his father.  He nodded at Chloe, "This one doesn't want to get her lunch out of the lake."

"Can't blame her for that!" laughed Tim.  "I'm Tim and this is my dad, Bruce.  Here, Chloe, sit by me.  You can share my soda."  

Chloe looked at AJ hesitantly.  When he nodded his approval, she smiled and sat down with Tim.  "Thanks."

Tim's father was very quiet through lunch.  But the kids weren't.  They talked up a storm, and by the end of an hour, AJ figured they'd be inseparable for the rest of the week.  He looked over at Bruce with a question in his eyes.  "You okay with this?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, Sir.  She seems to be a very nice girl, Admiral."

"Bruce.  It's AJ," he corrected him.

"I'm sorry, Admiral.  I don't think I can..."

"So, where are you stationed, Bruce?"

"On the USS Enterprise, Sir.  I'm a Petty Officer, Second Class."

AJ nodded.  "Good ship."

"Yes, Sir.  She's a great ship.  And we've got the best Captain in the Navy, Sir," he added proudly.

AJ smiled.  "Good to hear men speak well of their COs."  AJ looked straight ahead instead of at Bruce.  "Look, Bruce, I know the difference in our ranks is pretty significant, but out here... today... we're just two men on a campout with a bunch of teenagers.  I'd really prefer it if you'd call me AJ.  At the very least, drop the 'Sir'."

Bruce nodded.  "Very well... AJ.  I'll try."

Saturday, 22 June 2002
1545 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

Chloe and Tim spent the afternoon swimming in the lake.  AJ and Bruce sat on the shore watching them have fun.  "You swim, Bruce?"

"Yeah, I do.  But not that well.  I've been taking lessons at the Y every time I'm on leave.  I made damn sure Tim learned how when he was just a little tyke.  I didn't want him afraid of the water like I was."

"If you were afraid of the water, how'd you end up in the Navy?" AJ asked, surprised.

"My dad was Navy.  He insisted."

AJ nodded his head.  "Happens all too frequently, I'm afraid."

"That's why I'm still only a PO2 at my age.  I didn't really accept my lot in this man's Navy until about 3 years ago.  I was still a Seaman after 10 years.  But when my wife got cancer 3 years ago, we had a long talk.  And it helped.  A lot.  I went back aboard a different man.  And my COs have seen that.  They're helping me make up for lost time.  I'm really proud of where I am now... and who I am."

AJ smiled.  "Glad to hear it, Bruce."  AJ was going to continue the discussion, but Bruce returned to the topic of swimming.

"Do you enjoy swimming, Adm... AJ?" Bruce caught himself.

AJ nodded.  "Very much.  I was in the teams way back when.  Loved the swimming part the best, I think.  Dump us out in the ocean miles from shore... and we swim in."

"Hey, Dad!" called Tim as he and Chloe came running out of the lake.  "We have anything to snack on?  Chloe and I are hungry!"

"Yeah, sure.  I'll get you something."  Bruce stood up and headed to their tent.  He looked ahead and saw a gorgeous, voluptuous woman walking toward the lake.  Because he was staring at her, he missed his footing and tripped over a log.  As he fell, his leg twisted beneath him.  Crack!!

"Bruce!"  "Dad!"  "Mr. Davis!" AJ, Tim, and Chloe called out as they saw him go down. 

Bruce rolled over onto his back, his eyes closed.  "Guess I still don't have my land legs back.  Damn."

"Just lie still a minute," he heard a feminine voice say.  His eyes flew open and he saw her.  "You are real," he said just as AJ and the kids reached him.

"Mac!  You're early!!" Chloe squealed.

"Welcome aboard, Mac," AJ added.  "Bruce, this is Mac."

"Mac?"

"Sarah MacKenzie.  I'm called Mac," she said.  "That leg's broken.  I heard the bone snap."

"Yeah, it is," agreed Bruce.  "In fact, it's right at the edge.  See?"  He moved his hand and lightly touched the spot.  "Damn, that hurts!"

They were joined now by two of the Y leaders.  "You say it's broken, Bruce?"

He nodded.  "Definitely.  Compound fracture... look, it's just under the skin.  I move the wrong way and it'll pop right out."  

"Gee, Dad, if you'd been looking where you were going and not at her, you might not have fallen," Tim teased.

AJ grinned when he saw Bruce flush.  'A-ha, so that's what he was doing!'  AJ quipped, "If he'd been looking where he was going and not at her, he wouldn't be a man, Son."

Mac turned surprised eyes to AJ and blushed, herself, as the others laughed.  "Well.  Thank you, Sir.  I think."

"It's AJ out here, Mac.  If it goes for them, it goes for you," he corrected her.

She nodded.  "Very well... AJ."

AJ and one of the Y leaders fashioned a splint on Bruce's leg and helped him back to his campsite.  

Chloe and Tim were sitting on the log they'd shared at lunch, when Bruce said, "I guess that's the end of our camping trip, Tim.  I'm really sorry."

Chloe slipped her hand in Tim's.  "I wish you could stay."

"Me, too.  But we weren't going to stay the whole week anyway.  Dad has to be back aboard ship on Tuesday night, and I'm flying out to Nevada to spend the rest of the summer with my grandparents.  So we were going to leave Tuesday morning," Tim explained.

"I still wish you could stay longer," Chloe said.

Bruce spoke up.  "I'm sorry, Chloe.  I should have been watching where I was walking... and not ogling your sister."

AJ chose that moment to walk into their little circle.  'Hard to do... not ogle her... especially when she's dressed like that.  God, I can't believe she wore that skimpy top... and those shorts are up to her butt!  Have to keep reminding myself that she works for me!'  

AJ spoke, "Thought I'd come help you pack your stuff, Tim.  Your dad should stay off of that leg as much as possible until he gets a proper cast on it."  He turned his attention to Bruce.  "I'm leaving here this afternoon, now that Mac's here for Chloe.  I'll be glad to take you with me."  Bruce nodded his agreement.

"Admiral," said Chloe, "it's such a shame that Tim has to leave today.  I mean, the campout just started."

"That it is, Chloe.  A real shame," agreed AJ.  He went inside the tent and snapped the release on the tent pole.  

"Wouldn't it be great if he could stay?  He has to leave on Tuesday anyway..." Chloe continued.

AJ had the tent down in seconds and was folding it up.  "Yes, it would, Chloe.  I know you two had a lot of fun today."

"Would you stay with him, Admiral?" Chloe asked boldly.  AJ looked up and saw the pleading in her eyes.  "Please?  Pretty please?  With sugar on top?"

"Chloe..." he began.

Bruce heard what Chloe was saying.  He interrupted.  "Chloe, that's not fair.  The Admiral only just met us today.  I can't ask him to stay here with my son in my place.  It isn't right.  No, Tim and I will go on home.  You two exchange addresses and phone numbers if you want, and maybe we can let you get together later."

Chloe lowered her eyes. "I'm sorry, Admiral.  I was just being selfish.  Mac's taught me better than that.  And my grandmother tries to," she added with a little laugh.  "I'll go help Mac unpack."  She turned to Tim, "Be sure to say goodbye before you leave, okay?"

Tim agreed as he stood up and began to help AJ pack their belongings.  

"I really am sorry about this, Tim.  I know how much you've been looking forward to this campout," his father said sadly.  

"It's okay, Dad.  At least you broke your leg looking at something pretty fantastic, hmm?" he teased.

AJ and Bruce laughed.  "That she is, Son," agreed Bruce.  "Don't know how you do it, AJ.  Have her around you all the time and not...  Well, you know."

AJ grinned.  "Actually, it's not so bad.  She's a knock-out in her uniform, too, but at least that covers most of her... unlike that outfit she has on today."  They chuckled.  "And she does exude an air of independence... and quiet efficiency.  And she's a Marine.  The old adage, 'Never mess with a Marine'?  It definitely applies to Mac."

"I'll bet she's something in an evening gown," added Bruce.

"Damn straight!" AJ blurted out.  He looked up a little sheepishly... his look then turned into a wolfish grin.  "You should see her in a bikini."

"See who in a bikini?"  Mac's voice was unmistakable.  

AJ closed his eyes and sighed as he turned around to find Mac watching him.  "You, Mac," he replied boldly.

She grinned.  "Is that a request... AJ?"

Without missing a beat, he answered, "Yes, in fact, it is."  Bruce, Tim, and Mac were surprised, and it showed.  "Not for me, Mac.  I've seen you in a bikini before... or at least, pictures.  Give Bruce here a thrill, why don't you?  After all, he did break his leg because of you!  He's in pain because of you..."

"AJ..." started Bruce.

But Mac interrupted.  "Why certainly."  And she proceeded to slowly lower her shorts and kick them off... revealing her very skimpy bikini bottoms.  Then she pulled her crop top over her head... very carefully... leaving behind an even skimpier bikini top.  She threw her clothes aside and turned around slowly giving the men an eye full.  "This is what you wanted to see, I believe, gentlemen?"

Bruce and Tim sat there staring at her, not uttering a word.  Finally AJ spoke.  "Yes, Mac, that's what they wanted to see.  Where's Chloe?" he said as he continued packing.  He had to get his eyes and thoughts off of Mac or he was going to have trouble very soon.

"She's down by the lake," Mac returned.  "She'd like to spend a few more minutes with Tim.  Think you can spare him?" she asked.

"Sure.  You go ahead, Tim," AJ said.  "I'll get the rest of this.  No problem.  We'll be ready to leave in 45 minutes."

"Can I help?" offered Mac.

"No thanks, Mac.  I've got it." 

Mac nodded and picked up her clothes.  She decided to play a little more, so she walked around the little circle and trailed her clothes over Bruce's head, giggled, and headed back to her tent.

"Wooow!" exclaimed Bruce when Mac was just out of hearing distance.  

AJ chuckled.  "She's something..."

"That's for sure!  Probably a good thing I'm not staying.  I'd probably make a complete fool of myself around her."

"You wouldn't be the first, Bruce."

"I hope Tim's okay with that... he seemed to be, didn't he?"

"Okay with what?" AJ asked, confused.

"With my... well... looking at Mac.  Watching her.  Hell, ogling her!" Bruce said, almost disgusted with himself.

"He seemed okay with it; he was teasing you about her," AJ offered, wondering where this was coming from.

"It's the first time I've done that... since his mom died last year.  I didn't mean to..."  Bruce sighed.  "I guess I just haven't really been looking at women..."

"Mac's a hard one not to look at," AJ said quietly.

"That's for sure."

"Bruce, you're going to be laid up with that leg for a while.  You still going to have Tim go to Nevada?"

"Oh yeah.  His grandparents will insist on it."  AJ looked askance at him.  "They're his maternal grandparents.  Since my wife died, they're very protective of their time with Tim.  I can't blame 'em."

Saturday, 22 June 2002
1730 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

"Come and get it!" called Mac.  "Chloe!  Tim!  Come on!  Supper's ready!" she yelled toward the lake.  As the kids reached the cook fire, Mac said, "Grab the plates and stuff, Chloe.  Tim, can you get the drinks?"

"Yeah, sure," he readily agreed.  "Gosh, Mac, I didn't know you were cooking supper for us before we left," he said as they followed her.

AJ and Bruce looked up, surprised when they saw Mac approach with a cook pot in her hands and the kids trailing behind her with the dinnerware and sodas.  "What's this?" asked AJ.

"Supper!" announced Mac.  "Thought you all should have a good meal in you before heading back to the city.  Hope you like pork and beans."

"Eeeewww, gross!" cried Chloe.  

"Disgusting," added Tim.

"Sounds great to me," said AJ.  "You did put mustard in there, right?" he asked, peering into the pot.

"Brown mustard.  Of course," Mac replied indignantly.

The kids were still looking grossed out when Bruce said, "Hey!  Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Tim.  Just be thankful Mac made supper and included us."

They all sat down and Mac dished up the plates of pork and beans.  She handed the first plate to AJ, then Bruce, then Tim, next Chloe, and then she kept one for herself.  AJ dove right in.  "Mmm, really good beans, Mac."

Bruce added his compliment, "They are!  These are gooood."

Chloe and Tim looked at each other, then down at their plates.  They shrugged and each took a bite.  Their eyes lit up and they looked back at each other.  Tim spoke with his mouth full.  "Mac, these are great!  Hope there's more in the pot!"  Chloe nodded her agreement.

Mac laughed.  "So you like them, do you?  Good.  I'm glad.  One thing a Marine knows how to cook:  pork and beans!" 

"So, are we leaving right after we eat, Dad?" asked Tim.

Their meal was interrupted by one of the Y leaders.  "Having an early supper?  Smells mighty good."  Mac smiled her thanks.  He turned back to Bruce.  "I guess I didn't communicate very well with Joe earlier.  I thought he knew that AJ was taking you two back to the city this afternoon.  Well, he called for a medical transport.  It just arrived to take you down the mountain to the hospital."  

Two men walked up wheeling a gurney between them.  One of them dropped on one knee in front of Bruce and said, "Here, let me take a look at your leg and see what we've got.  I'm Craig, by the way."

Craig removed the makeshift splint and examined the leg.  "Definitely compound...  That thing is a hair's breath away from coming through the skin.  Might even do it on the way down this bumpy mountain road.  My bet is they're going to have to go in to set this one.  Man, you really did this up right.  What happened?"

Tim laughed.  "He was eyeing her!" he said as he pointed at Mac.

"Oh come on, Tim.  Give your dad a break!" said Mac.

"Don't need to.  He's already got one!" Tim laughed at his own joke, causing the others to laugh with him.

Bruce suddenly realized what the medic was saying.  "Wait a minute.  You mean they're going to have to do surgery?"

"Most likely.  You'll be in for... oh, a couple of days, I'd say. If you're lucky, they won't put you in traction."

Bruce paled.  "Oh God... this is just what I need..."

AJ piped up.  "Bruce, I'll call your CO and let him know what happened.  Now, in the meantime, is there anyone I can call to come and stay with Tim at a motel while you're in the hospital?  He's not old enough to stay by himself."

"Just my sister," started Bruce.

"Aunt Agatha?  Oh, please, Dad!  Not her!  She's sooo weird!"

"Tim..."

"I'll just stay at the hospital with you..." Tim pleaded.

"No, Son.  There won't be much for you to do there, anyway.  If I thought Agatha would do it, I'd suggest she come up here and you could stay on the campout until Tuesday..."  

AJ interrupted, "You'd want him to stay up here?  What if I just stay with him, like Chloe suggested?"

Bruce turned to look at AJ.  Everyone was suddenly silent.  "AJ, I can't ask you to do that."

"You didn't ask.  I offered."

"But still..."

"Tim and I can stay here until Tuesday morning, and then we'll swing by the hospital and pick you up and head for home.  I'll put Tim on the plane for Nevada, and get you settled at your sister's place.  What do you say?"

"AJ, I really don't..."

"Tell you what.  I'll even set up a date for you with Mac when you're back on your own two feet," AJ chuckled.

Mac laughed outright.  "Oh you will, will you?"

Bruce flushed.  "I don't think that's such a good idea, AJ.  I'd probably fall and break my other leg!"

"Come on, Dad.  Whattya say?  Can I stay?" begged Tim.

"It would be better than having you mope around the hospital, I guess," Bruce exaggerated.  "Okay.  If you're sure, AJ."

"Wouldn't have offered if I wasn't sure," AJ replied quickly.  "Damn shame I already packed everything up!"  He looked at the pile.  "Okay, you two," he said to Tim and Chloe.  "Start unpacking!"

While they put the tent back up, the medics got Bruce secured on the stretcher and ready for the bumpy ride to the hospital.  "Hey, Tim!  I'm leaving now!" Bruce called to his son.

Tim rushed over to the gurney.  "Dad, are you sure about this?  I can still go with you."

"No, Tim.  It's better this way.  You've been looking forward to this trip for ages.  It's not fair that it be cut short if it doesn't have to be.  You just behave yourself."  He motioned for Tim to bend over closer.  "And remember," he whispered, "AJ is an Admiral.  Treat him with respect.  Obey him without question.  You got that?"

"Yes, Dad.  I will.  Don't worry," Tim smiled.  "And Dad, don't flirt with but one nurse at the time, okay?" he teased.

Bruce's face lit into a broad grin.  "I'll behave."

Saturday, 22 June 2002
2215 EDT
George Washington National Forest
West Virginia

The entire group was sitting around the large campfire again, just as they had the prior night.  But this time, Chloe was sharing a log with Tim, and AJ was sharing a log with Mac.  Mac looked over and saw the kids holding hands.  AJ followed her gaze and grinned.  "She moves fast," he whispered.

"She?" Mac said disbelievingly.

"Uh huh.  Chloe was the one who took his hand first this afternoon. And she's the one who picked it up tonight."

"Oh God... have I taught her nothing?" Mac lamented.  AJ laughed; actually, it was more of a low, deep chuckle.  'God, he is sooo sexy,' Mac thought.  'Yeah, and he's still your CO, so get your mind out of the gutter!' 

They sang some old time-y camp songs and told a few jokes around the campfire.  Then one of the Y leaders stood up and spoke.  "Okay, campers!  The daily hike is 3 hours tomorrow.  And don't forget your day packs... and no, they can't be empty!  They don't have to weigh a ton, but somewhere between 5 and 10 pounds.  Not even as heavy as your book bags for school!"

"Yeah, but we don't hike for 3 hours with our book bags!" one of the kids yelled causing the others to laugh.

Chloe looked over at Mac.  "If mine gets too heavy, you'll take some of the weight, won't you, Mac?" she asked, feigning innocence.  

"Chloe, it won't get too heavy.  It's only 3 hours, and I'm sure we'll stop several times," Mac said.

The leader was still talking.  "So, I encourage you all to get a good night's rest so you're ready for tomorrow's activities!  Remember, no fires before 0530 and out by 0700."

"Mac, can we go swimming?" asked Chloe.

"Chloe, it's 2230.  Don't you think it's a little late?" asked Mac.

"No, it's perfect.  Pleeeease?" she begged.

Mac laughed.  "Okay.  Go change."

Tim and Chloe jumped up and ran to their respective tents.  AJ glanced at Mac.  "I guess this means I have to go, too?"

Mac laughed.  "That's right!"  She stood up and grabbed his hands to pull him to his feet.  "Come on you!  Up!"  AJ didn't budge.  Mac pulled harder; he still didn't budge.  "What'd you do, glue yourself to the log?"  Mac was laughing so hard, AJ wasn't having any trouble at all staying put.  But at that comment, he flipped his hands around, took hold of her hands, and pulled.  "Wooooah!" she cried as her knees buckled, and she fell forward, her face landing right in AJ's chest.

"Gee, Mac, if you wanted to sit in my lap, why didn't you just say so?" he teased as he twisted her around easily and plopped her butt on his thigh.  

Just as the moment was about to become uncomfortable, Chloe yelled from the tent, "Mac!!  Hurry up!!"

AJ released his firm grip on Mac and they both stood up.  By the time they reached the tents, Tim and Chloe were already changed and heading for the lake.  "Don't go in until we get there," instructed AJ.  The kids nodded their agreement and took off, holding hands.

Mac turned and watched.  "I didn't realize that Chloe knew anyone going on this trip."

"She didn't.  They met today."

"Today?  And they're already holding hands?"  Mac was shocked.  "God, I'm getting old...  Wasn't it just last year that she was a precocious little girl getting chocolate all over your office and hiding in the elevator shaft?"

AJ chuckled.  "Yeah, it seems like it.  But it's been a few years, Mac," he assured her.  "But you're not getting old."

Mac snorted as they reached her tent and AJ continued on.  "Yeah, right.  I'm not getting old.  I'm getting better, hmm?" she called after him.

AJ turned around and grinned wolfishly at her.  "Yep," he winked at her and went on to his tent to change.  Three minutes later, AJ called to her, "Come on, Mac!  The kids are waiting!"  He stopped at her tent.  "What's taking you so long?  As skimpy as that suit is, it couldn't take that long to put it on!" he teased, turning to look toward the lake.

Mac stepped out of the tent quietly, tiptoed up behind AJ, and whispered sexily in his ear.  "The smaller the suit, the longer it takes to make sure everything's covered."

As she said her first words, AJ felt her breath on the back of his neck and it sent a chill up his spine.  He turned to look at her.  She was incredible.  'God, what a body!'  Then he reminded himself that she was his subordinate and, therefore, off limits.  "Nice suit," was all he said.  "Come on."

They weren't the only ones who decided to take a late night swim.  There were 5 or 6 kids already in the water with their adult counterparts standing on the shore.  As Mac and AJ reached the lake, Chloe urged them to go in, too.  "Just because none of the other adults are going in, doesn't mean you can't," she reasoned.

"Very true, Chloe," replied AJ.  "And I, for one, thoroughly enjoy a late-night swim."  He leaned over to Mac and whispered, "Of course, when I do, I usually go in the buff!"

Mac knew he was baiting her... teasing her... trying to embarrass her.  But she rose to the occasion.  "Really, AJ?  That's my favorite, too.  Skinny dipping late at night.  Mmmm," she purred, running her hand lightly across his chest as she walked in front of him and out into the water with the kids.  'Oh my God!  I can't believe I just did that!'

Continue to Part 2