Friday, 10 August 2001
1110 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA

Petty Officer Tiner put the call on hold and buzzed the conference room.  "Excuse me, Admiral, but Mrs. Stolzer is calling on your private line, Sir."

"Put her through, Tiner," the Admiral instructed.  When he heard the transfer click, he spoke.  "Jolene?  AJ.  You'd better not be canceling on me," he joked.  No answer.  "Jolene?"

"Yes, AJ, I'm here."

"You are canceling on me, aren't you?" AJ deduced.

"I'm sorry, AJ.  David called this morning.  His ship docks this afternoon at 1400."

"He's back early," AJ frowned.

"Yes, a whole month," she gushed.

"You tell him from me that he has bad timing."

"Actually, AJ, his timing is always...excellent."

"Too much information, Jo," AJ laughed.  "Tell him I said hello.  I'll catch up with the two of you next week."

"Thank you, AJ," she said softly.

"What'd you think I was going to do, Jo?  Insist that you go with me and leave your husband at home...alone...his first night back from sea duty in 4 months?" he chuckled.  "I don't think so!"

"David will be upset with me for canceling on you at the last minute, though."

"Then don't tell him we had plans.  If you don't mention it, he'll never know."  He glanced up to see surprised looks on several faces around the table.

"You're a special man, AJ Chegwidden.  Thank you."

"Bye, Jo.  Make him happy," AJ smiled.

"Oh, I plan to," she answered dreamily.

AJ sighed as he hung up the phone.  He punched the intercom button to get Tiner back on the line.  "Tiner, see if you can Elaine Jenkins on the line; she's Captain Jenkins wife."  AJ set the receiver down and looked around the table.  "Where were we?  Oh, yes...Lieutenant Singer, you were arguing with Lieutenant Roberts about the Daniels case."

The meeting continued until Tiner interrupted, again.  "I have Mrs. Jenkins on the line now, Sir."

"Elaine?  AJ Chegwidden."

"AJ!  How wonderful to hear from you.  How are you, you handsome devil?"

AJ chuckled, "Fine, Elaine, just fine.  And you?  How are you doing these days?"

"Perfectly wonderful!  Allan comes home next week.  I'm floating around on Cloud Nine," she purred.

"I don't suppose you're free tonight to go to..."

"No, AJ, I'm not.  I have Brian's birthday party to attend tonight.  Why?  What'd you have in mind?" she asked.

"Nothing worth missing your grandson's 4th birthday party for, Elaine," AJ answered.  "Take care, and tell everyone I said hello."

"I will.  Bye now."

AJ hung up the phone.  "Damn.  Stag," he muttered under his breath.  "Okay, people, what's left?" he asked.  

The meeting continued for another hour before they adjourned.  Everyone made a beeline for the door; everyone, that is, except Colonel MacKenzie.  She felt badly for the Admiral.  He'd obviously been stood up for a date tonight, but she wasn't really sure what kind of date it could have been, considering he asked the wives of two Naval Captains.  It just didn't make sense to her.  Finally, when she'd worked up enough nerve, she spoke.  "Plans for the weekend, Sir?" she asked.  'Oh, that was brilliant, MacKenzie!'

"Hmm?  What?" he asked absently.

"I just asked if you had plans this weekend, Sir," she repeated.

"Oh, there's a damned dinner dance I have to go to tonight," he mumbled.

"And you were taking Captain Stolzer's wife, Sir?" she asked, trying to hide her shock.

"Yea, that's right..."

"Excuse me, Admiral.  Captain Stolzer is on Line 1, Sir," Tiner said, poking his head in the conference room.

"Dave!  You old sea dog!  How are you?" AJ exclaimed as he punched the speaker phone.

"Doing just fine, Admiral; thank you."

"Dave..." AJ said in a tone that brooked no argument.

"Okay, okay... AJ.  Listen, I just wanted to call and thank you for taking care of Jolene for me these last few months.  She's really sounded almost happy when she talks about your taking her out."

"I've enjoyed her company, Dave.  It was my pleasure," AJ said as he collected his papers.

"Do you think she's doing okay?  I mean... really?" 

"Yes, I do, Dave.  She's coping.  Last couple of times I was with her, she didn't even cry."

"She told me.  She was so proud of herself."

"She has reason to be.  So, I hear you're docking this afternoon.  That's great."

"How'd you hear that?  Oh God...you had plans with Jo tonight, didn't you?  That dinner thing at the Academy...it's tonight.  Damn!  I should have thought of that and waited to call her."

"No, you shouldn't have.  Hell, Dave, she's your wife!  You're the one she wants to be with, not me.  And don't tell her you know she cancelled; she thinks you're going to be upset."

"I'm sorry, AJ.  Really, I..."

"Don't even think about it, Dave.  Hell, I'm just glad you're home.  She needs you."

"Looks like we're almost in, AJ; I'm gonna have to go.  I'll talk to you later, man.  Hey, thanks, again!" and the line went dead.

"Captain Stolzer knows you were taking out his wife, Sir?" Mac asked incredulously.

AJ spun around and glared at her.  "What the hell do you mean by that, Colonel?" he growled.

"Well, I mean...Sir... I, um... It sounded like.." she stumbled.

"Dave and Jolene Stolzer are very old and dear friends of mine, Colonel.  Just as Allan and Elaine Jenkins are.  When the men are at sea, I take their wives out for dinner once in a while, per the men's request, I might add," AJ said coldly.  "And Jolene has had a rough few months; her mother died just after Dave left this last time. She took it pretty hard; she was as close to her mother as I've ever seen anyone be."  Then he looked straight at Mac and said, "I do not hit on other men's wives, Colonel."  AJ picked up his pile of papers and walked to his office, taking a seat behind his desk.

'Oh you handled that like a pro,' Mac thought to herself.  She followed the Admiral to his office and knocked on his door as she spoke.  "Admiral, I didn't mean to imply..."

"Colonel, I have work to do.  And so do you," he said shortly, not even looking at her.

"Yes, Sir.  I am sorry, Sir.  I would never imply that you...  I mean, I know you better than...  You would never..." Mac struggled.

AJ looked up at Mac.  "Having trouble finishing a thought, Colonel?" he said dryly.

"No, Sir.  Not a thought.  A sentence.  My thoughts are complete.  Admiral, you're the finest man I've ever known; I know beyond any question that you would never become involved with a married woman.  I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, Sir," Mac explained.

AJ sighed.  "Have a seat, Mac," he motioned to the leather chair in front of his desk.  "Thank you for the compliment."

"I meant it, Sir."

AJ smiled slightly.  "Tonight's... event... is at the Academy.  It's a dinner dance of sorts, and I have to be there.  I always try to get out of those things; they're rather... stressful.  When I do have to attend, I always take someone with me who is...how shall I say this...unobtainable.  Yes, that's a good word.  Unobtainable.  That way there are no expectations, no misunderstandings, no conflicts of interest.  It just makes the evening...well..."

"Boring, Sir?" Mac offered.

AJ laughed.  "Boring!?  God, yes!  Actually, you're right.  It does make for a pretty boring evening. But it's a hell of a lot easier on me.  I don't have to dance with every woman present like I do when I go stag.  And usually I can get out of there at a fairly decent hour.  Not tonight, though.  Damn.  I sure wish Francesca was in town," AJ mumbled, shaking his head.

"Would I do, Sir?" offered Mac.

He looked up at her.  "Would you do for what, Mac?"

"Your... date... for the evening, Sir.  I would fit the description...unobtainable, no expectations, no misunderstandings..."

AJ stared at Mac.  "Are you offering to...?  Mac, I don't think..."  He stopped and considered her offer.  "Hell, why not?  Yes, Mac, you would do just fine.  Are you free this evening?  Would you be available to go to this thing with me?"

Mac smiled.  "I wouldn't have offered if I wasn't available, Sir."

"It's formal.  Almost to the extreme," he grumbled.  "And it's old school...meaning you..."

"I know about old school, Sir.  My uncle is old school," Mac reminded him.

"That he is.  All right, Mac.  If you're certain you want to do this…" He stopped. "No, this won't work. You're single.  It won't work."

"But why, Sir?  If I'm in your chain of command and everyone knows it, then it's obvious the only reason I'm there is as an escort.  Right?"

"It isn't just a dinner, Mac.  It's an entire weekend.  The only way I get away with not staying for the weekend is because I take a married woman.  No one expects me to stay when I have…"

"So we stay for the weekend.  What else is involved besides the dinner dance, Sir?" she asked.

"You'd agree to stay for the weekend, Mac?" he asked incredulously.  "It's Parents' Weekend for the Plebes."  He stopped and looked at her, again.  "You're sure about this, Mac?" he asked.  

At her nod, he described the rest of the weekend.  "It actually started yesterday, but I don't have to be there until tonight.  There's always a faculty/alumni dinner dance on Friday night.  Isn't really part of the weekend; they just hold it the same night.  That starts at 2000, but I have the dubious honor of greeting parents for two hours prior to our dinner and their movie.  Then tomorrow there's a dress parade at 0900, and the Plebes reaffirm their oaths sometime around the noon hour.  The afternoon is pretty much open...sailing, outdoor concerts, visiting the ship in port.  Tomorrow evening is a small party at Admiral Ryan's home.  He's the Superintendent of the Academy.  Sunday morning is the service at The Chapel, then more sailing and such in the afternoon.  We can leave anytime after 1700.  

"Sounds like fun," Mac said with a smirk.

"Mac, you don't have to do this," the Admiral said.  "I'll have to stay the weekend whether you go or not.  You don't want to ruin your weekend by having to..."

"Admiral, I'd be honored to attend with you, Sir," Mac interrupted.  He looked at her disbelievingly.  "Really," she assured him.

"Okay.  We have to leave here by 1630."

"Very good, Sir," Mac replied.  "Um, Admiral.  There's just one thing.  Would it be all right if I took the rest of today to find a new dress?  I don't know that I really have one I'd consider extremely formal...for old school.  And then I need to pack and get back here..."  Mac stopped talking when she realized the Admiral was dialing the phone.

AJ had taken out his billfold and found a calling card.  He dialed the number and requested to speak with Marianna.  "Marianna?  AJ Chegwidden.  I'm sending someone over to you, and I want you to take care of her personally.  She needs a gown for this evening and, well, just deck her out for a weekend at Annapolis."

"Of course, AJ," gushed Marianna in a very thick Italian accent.  "I will be most happy to take care of her.  What is her name?"

"Sarah.  Sarah MacKenzie," AJ said as he smiled at Mac.  "She'll be there within the hour," he said and hung up.

"Marianna, Sir?  You don't mean Marianna from Montblanc Boutique on Connecticut Avenue?"

"Yes, you know the place?" asked AJ.

"Every woman in Washington knows the boutique, Sir.  And Marianna is a legend!  She never takes new clients.  How do you happen to know her, Sir, if I may ask..."

"Francesca knows her, actually.  I've met her a few times, and she's helped me with gifts for my daughter.  Birthday, Christmas...you know.  Well, you'd better get a move on, Mac. You only have about 4 hours before we need to leave."

"4 hours and 7 minutes, actually, Sir."  Mac left the Admiral's office with a smile on her face and a bounce in her step.  But when she entered her office, her face fell.  'Oh God, I forgot!'  There sat a client.  She had made an appointment for this afternoon to take a deposition, and here he sat.  A fellow Lieutenant Colonel.  She couldn't very well reschedule him now.  "Colonel, thank you for coming.  I'm sorry to keep you waiting."

"No problem, Colonel MacKenzie.  I'm a few minutes early, actually."

"Colonel, I'm going to need just another minute; I'll be right back," she excused herself and went back to the Admiral's office.  His door was now closed.  "Oh no.  Tiner, I really need to talk to him..."

"I'm sorry, Colonel.  The SecNav just blew in; he'll probably only be about 10 minutes, though.  I can call you when he's free."

"No, I have a client waiting for me.  Just be sure he doesn't leave until I've seen him, okay?" she requested.  "I have a deposition I have to take this afternoon."

"Of course, Colonel," Tiner replied.  "I'll be sure he sees you before he leaves."

About 30 minutes later, the SecNav left AJ's office, and Tiner told his CO that the Colonel needed to see him.  AJ headed to her office and opened the door.  "You wanted to see me?" he asked, interrupting her meeting, but motioning for both Colonels to keep their seats.

"Admiral, yes, Sir."

"I see you are taking a deposition this afternoon, Colonel."

"Yes, Sir," she replied, looking into his eyes, begging for his understanding.  

"How much more time do you need, Colonel?" he asked softly.

"I don't see how it'll be possible, Sir.  I'm sorry," Mac replied as she bit her bottom lip.

AJ just nodded and closed her door on the way out.  When he got back to his office, he called the Boutique, again.  "Marianna, something's come up and Sarah won't be able to get to you.  If you can pull together an ensemble for her and deliver it here to the office, I'd certainly appreciate it."

"But of course, AJ.  You need it by when?"

"We're leaving at 1630...um, that's 4:30 this afternoon."

"Oh my!  I have very little time, but we can do this for you.  Now tell me a little about Sarah and your weekend so I will know what to choose."

Friday, 10 August 2001
1615 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA

Gunny looked up when he heard a strange voice.  "Excuse me, I have a delivery for Sarah MacKenzie?"  He had a garment bag and a small yellow suitcase in his hands.

"I'll take it," Gunny replied.

"I'm sorry, Sir.  I was told to be sure to deliver these directly to Sarah MacKenzie's hands.  I'm to wait if she's not available right now."

"She's in a meeting.  You can sit over there," Gunny pointed to a chair by the water cooler.

Just at that moment, Mac opened her door and thanked the Colonel for taking the time to come to JAG on a Friday afternoon.  Mac looked over at Gunny and the young man standing by his desk.  "Gunny?  Something I can help with?" she offered.

"This fellow has a delivery for you, Colonel," Gunny replied.

"Are you Sarah MacKenzie?" the young man asked.

Mac turned to face him.  "Yes, I am."

"Your delivery from the Montblanc Boutique, Ma'am."

"Montblanc?  But I didn't order..." Mac stopped.  'You don't suppose...'  "If you'll just bring it right in here, I'd appreciate it.  Thank you."

Mac signed for the delivery, then picked up her phone and called the Admiral's cell phone.

"Chegwidden."

"I just received a delivery from Montblanc.  I guess I'll be going after all?" she said softly.

"Good, good.  I'm sure Marianna chose well for you.  We'll leave in 15 minutes."

"I'll meet you downstairs, Sir."

"No, Mac.  I'll stop by your office and get you."

At exactly 1630, the Admiral stepped into Mac's office and, seeing Gunny standing by her desk, said, "Are you ready, Colonel?"

"Admiral.  Yes, Sir, I'm ready.  Gunny, we'll finish this discussion on Monday.  Thanks, again, for your help.  Have a good weekend."

Mac retrieved her cover and the garment bag from the coat rack in the corner of her office.  As she bent over to pick up the yellow suitcase, AJ  took it from her.  "Let me get that for you, Colonel.  Good night, Gunny."

"Good night, Admiral.  Colonel.  Have a good weekend," Gunny said as he held the bullpen door open for them to walk through.

"That we will, Gunny," AJ replied with a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. 

"We, Admiral?" Gunny asked before he thought better of it.

"Colonel MacKenzie is joining me at the Academy this weekend, Gunny," the Admiral answered.  Gunny looked at Mac strangely.  "She wished it on herself, so don't feel sorry for her!" the Admiral joked.

"I still say it sounds like a fun weekend, Admiral.  And at least there's no football game to suffer through!" she added.

The Admiral and Gunny looked at each other and frowned.  "Yea, damn.  No games yet," AJ mumbled as he and Mac got on the elevator. 

When they reached the parking lot, Mac commented on leaving her vehicle in the lot all weekend.  "I really should let the guards know," she said.

"Would you prefer to take your car than mine, Mac?  It's up to you; I don't mind.  Actually a convertible at Plebe weekend?  Be kinda fun.  But it's your choice," the Admiral said.

"You wouldn't mind, Sir?  I would love to take the 'Vette.  I've gotten so spoiled with going topless."

AJ smirked.  "Topless, Mac?  I thought the phrase was "top down"?"

Mac blushed.  "Picked that up from Harm, I'm afraid, Sir."

"Ah, yes, that does sound like Rabb," he replied as they made their way to Mac's car.  She opened the trunk, and he set the yellow suitcase inside.  "Let me get my bags before you put the dress bag in, Mac," he said heading for his Escalade.  He returned with a small suitcase and a suit bag of his own.  He had gone home early in the afternoon to pack his own case for the weekend.  All he had packed originally was for this evening's event.  He put the suitcase in next to Mac's and laid the suit bag on top.  He took the dress bag from her and laid it over everything.  The last thing he put in was his cover, then he closed the trunk lid.  "Shall we go?"  Mac held her keys out to him.  "You want me to drive?" he asked.

"Unless you'd prefer not to, Sir," Mac said with assurance.

"Hell, I'd love to drive this thing!"  He went around to the passenger side and opened the door for Mac.  She climbed in and he handed her the seatbelt.  "You ever let Rabb drive this thing?" he asked.

"No, Sir, I don't," she laughed.

Once he knew Mac was situated, he shut her door and climbed in the driver's seat.  He put the top down even before he strapped himself in.  He looked up and joked, "Great view!"  Mac laughed.  They stopped at the guardhouse for the Admiral to inform them his Escalade would be in the parking lot all weekend.  "Gunnery Sergeant Galindez and Petty Officer Tiner know how to reach me if necessary," he added.

"Aye, Sir!" the guard responded, standing at attention as the Admiral and Mac drove away.  As soon as the car was out of sight, the guard called upstairs to JAG Ops.  "Gunny, it's Miller at the gate.  What's going on with the Admiral and the Colonel?  They're going off together for the weekend?!"

"Calm down, Miller," Gunny said.  "He has a thing at the Academy he has to attend and the Colonel is going to suffer through it with him, that's all.  She must have drawn the short straw at staff meeting today."  Gunny had no idea how the Colonel came to go with the Admiral for the weekend, but he wasn't about to let rumors begin flying.

Friday, 10 August 2001
1700 EDT
US Highway 50
EnRoute to Annapolis, MD

The Admiral concentrated on getting out of the DC area Friday rush traffic, so neither of them spoke for the first half hour.  Finally, the Admiral broke the silence.  "Mac, I appreciate your willingness to come with me this weekend; I really hope you don't regret it."

"I'm sure I won't, Admiral.  It sounds like it'll be a very enjoyable time."

"One thing, Mac.  You won't be in uniform this weekend, and I will be...off and on.  We need to come to an understanding about names."  He glanced at Mac; she was looking at him and didn't say anything.  He continued, "When I'm in uniform during the day, it would probably be best if you addressed me in the usual way.  In the evenings, though, I think 'AJ' would be more appropriate.  Would you be comfortable with that?" he asked.

"Admiral, are you sure you want me to do that?  I mean, wouldn't it appear more like I'm really just..."

"Yes, Mac, I'm sure.  If you're comfortable with it, that is," he interrupted.

"Very well, Sir.  What about during the day when you're not in uniform, Admiral?"

"Depends on the situation and who we're with.  If it's Midshipmen or families, keep it formal."

"I think I can remember that, Sir."

"When we arrive, we'll go straight to the Gatehouse and unload the car."

"At the gatehouse, Sir?  Why would we leave our things at the gatehouse?"

He laughed.  "Not the gatehouse as in the entrance.  The Gatehouse is a B&B just across the street from the Academy's main entrance.  That's where we'll be staying."

"I love Bed & Breakfast inns.  They're so...homey."

"This one's no different.  Homey as they come.  I was surprised that Lucille had room for us this weekend.  She's usually booked solid for a parents' weekend."

"I guess we lucked out," Mac said.

"I guess we did at that, Mac," he smiled.  "Once we get unloaded, I'll need to head on to Mother B.  I'm in the Receiving line this afternoon.  Then I'll go back to the Gatehouse and change for the dinner dance.  Pick you up then."

"So I should just sit tight while you receive people for two hours?" Mac asked.  "Or can I explore?"

"Feel free to roam about the grounds, Mac.  If you stay in uniform, you can go in just about any of the buildings.  In civvies, you'd be limited.  Your choice," he advised her.

"You said you'd be at Mother B.  What's that?"

"Bancroft Hall."

"Sir?"

The Admiral laughed.  " 'Mother B' is the nickname for Bancroft.  It's the dorm, actually.  For the entire brigade of Midshipmen.  It's named after George Bancroft.  He founded the Naval School in 1845 while he was the Secretary of the Navy.  Butted up behind Mother B is King Hall; that's where the Midshipmen eat their meals.  All of them together, served at the same time.  It's pretty amazing."

"Young being the operative word, Mac," he grinned.  

She laughed.  "I'm kidding, Sir."  

"You'd better be," he chided.  "You pay attention to anybody but me this weekend, and I'll..."  He stopped.  'God, did I say that?  Tell me I didn't just say that!'  

"You'll what, Sir?" Mac laughed all the more.  

"I'll send you home."  

"It's my car," she retorted. Mac couldn't believe they were teasing each other like this. It had seldom, if ever, happened before.  

"I have the keys!" he chuckled.  

"Okay, so you'll be in the Receiving line from what, 1730 to 1930?" she clarified.  

"Right.  Dinner is at King Hall for the Midshipmen and families from 17 to 1900, so the Receiving line will be just outside from 1730 to 1930."  

"And the dinner dance begins at 2000?  Can you get back to the B&B and changed in time, Sir?  Should I bring your uniform to Bancroft and you change there?" she suggested.  

"No, I'm hoping to sneak out of the line a little early.  But if I can't, we'll just be a few minutes late going over to Mahan."  

"Mahan being...what, Sir?"  

"Mahan Hall.  That's where the Grand Ballroom is located, and where the dinner dance will be.  Oldest building on the yard; built around the turn of the century.  The last one," he joked.  Mac looked at him quizzically. "The last century, Mac," he explained.

"Oh!" she smiled.

"Named after Rear Admiral Alfred Thayer Mahan," the Admiral continued.

"Just about."  

"Then they need to build another one," Mac said quietly.  

"Another one?  Why?" AJ asked innocently.