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Title: A Dream Of Hope Author: TC Amlin, Codedriver@aol.com Summary: Mac deals with the disappearance of the men in her life. Disclaimer: A Dream Of HopeSarah Mackenzie's Apt. 0500 EST Oct. 1st 2000 Sarah awoke with a start. The dream came again that night. It was the same thing every time. The man was walking toward - on the beach like before with the sun on his back. She couldn't see who he was but he walked toward her with determined strides. Purpose evident in every step. She didn't know if she should be afraid of him or not. She couldn't even see his face - just that he was tall and had dark hair. What was he after and why did he keep coming at her in these dreams? She got up and walked over to her window and watched the rain coming down, she shivered against the coolness from the panes. It was the dream that started the day Mic disappeared on his way back to Australia, Webb had been reported killed on an assignment in Iran and that they had finally learned the news that Harm had been shot down and was listed MIA. Before she could continue her thoughts she was distracted by a cry from the other room. She walked over to the crib where her 3-month-old son Matthew lay crying trying to tell his mother that that he was hungry. " It's okay now mommy is here." She said to the infant who was calming down with the soothing tone of her voice. She sat down in the rocker she kept by the fireplace and nursed her son. She pondered the morning, her first day back at JAG since she had left on maternity leave. She had taken extra time and the Admiral had been more than helpful in helping her. She had gotten used to being home all day with Matt, but thanks to AJ, Matt wouldn't be far away since he had started a daycare in the building for personnel serving there. Falls Church, VA. JAG HQ 0905 EST "Welcome back Colonel, how is Matt?" Bud asked as he approached Mac. "Thanks and it is great to be back to work, " She said lying, " Matt is fine, but he wasn't happy to be left with the sitter. I really think that it was harder on me than him." "He'll be fine ma'am. You can at least go and see him on your breaks. I know that o enjoy going and seeing AJ sometimes. Oh, ya," he said to Mac as she turned to head to her office, " The Admiral wants to see you asap." "Thanks Bud." She responded back as she headed to her office to at least drop off her cover and briefcase. She looked at the stack of mail on her desk and sighed before she headed to the admiral's office. She had to wait a few minutes as AJ finished up a phone conversation before Tiner announced her. She came to attention and was quickly told to be at ease and take a seat. "Ready to get back to work Colonel?" "Yes and no sir. It was very difficult to leave Matt this morning, but I guess I will just have to get used to it." AJ smiled at Mac in understanding. " It won't get easier Mac, but at least he is here in the same building, not across town. Anyway, I just got off the phone with Sec. Nelson. He let me know that they have some leads." Somewhere He ached all over, and nothing made the pain go away. He had lost all since of time and wished that Mac were there so she could tell him. He knew that several days had passed because his wounds from his last session had nearly healed. How many days had he been out of it for them to heal that much? He did remember briefly that one of the guards had mentioned a year, God had he really been there a year? What did his family think? Were they even looking for him anymore? He dreamt of the last time he had seen Mac, and that was his final thought as he drifted back into oblivion. Mac's Apartment Oct. 2nd 2000 2100 EST She leaned back into the sofa enjoying the brief tranquility of Matt being asleep, giving her some time with her thoughts. 3 men, 3 different outcomes and new evidence for all; Mic it seemed was supposed to go undercover and had been made out before he had even left the US. The cartel he was supposed to infiltrate had had a mole in the main office. It had taken a year for them to discover the leak and plug it. The fate of the Commander was still not known but at least they had a trail. Clay had managed to escape the explosion that killed his partner but his whereabouts were still unknown. Like Mic, he had just vanished. At least they could still be alive. Harm finally came to the top of her list, his plane had been found and both seats had been ejected. There were reports of prisoners being held and among them a few American pilots. An insider had brought out pictures of a female in a flight suit, Mac had been able to identify her as Elizabeth ' Skates' Hawks. Harms RIO. Mac cried herself to sleep before Matt woke her up a few hours later, woke her up from the dream. A Hillside somewhere In the morning The young man tripped as he ran falling over the side of the cliff. He brother yelled to see if he was okay. After checking him self out her started to get up. Yelling back up the small his he said yes he was fine before he tripped again. This time when he checked himself out he realized that he was sitting on the remains of a person. The Hillside somewhere That afternoon Oct 2 2000 The Investigators shifted through the site and everything around what was left of a male, approximately 35 years old that had been there nearly a year. There were signs that he had been shot and the only other details they could find was a ring and a picture. JAG Oct. 3rd 2000 Morning Mac walked out of the elevator chatting with Carolyn as Bud came up to her along with Lt. Commander Zac Grey, the lawyer that had joined the team after Mic had left. His charm was that of a rock and so was his attitude. He was a great lawyer but Mac couldn't stand him even at all. Lucky enough because of her pregnancy the Admiral had kept her close to the office and had assigned Kate Pike as his partner and Bud as hers. She and Kate got along as well as they could but a jealousy stemming from their respect friendships with Harm made it hard. "Morning Colonel, Commander. How are you today?" Bud asked the ladies as they passed by. "Fine Bud and you?" Carolyn asked first. "Okay. I guess. Little AJ was up all night with an ear infection. Needless to say, I got to sit up the longest because Harriet has the flu." "Sorry to hear that Bud. Tell Harriet if there is anything I can do just call me. But I will have to do it long distance. I don't want to expose Matt to anything." Mac said with a smile as she entered her office with Bud right behind her. She heard Carolyn laughing as she went in search of coffee. "Where are we on the Beaumont Court-martial?" "Ready as we are going to be Ma'am. I have interviewed everyone that can be and it looks like we can get him on all charges. I have set up a meeting with Zac and Kate this afternoon after they are through with court so we can offer them a plea bargain. I have everything here for you." "Well Bud since you are on top of this I will sit second chair. You have worked hard and deserve the credit." "Thank you Mac." He said back as a huge smile crossed his face. Mac smiled back. It had taken awhile for Bud and Harriet to call her Mac or Sarah as Harriet called her. It had been their support that had helped her through the past year since that fateful day. "Excuse me Colonel, Commander." Tiner said as he poked his head into Mac's office. " The Admiral wants to see you." "We are on our way." She said with a sigh getting out of her chair. Minutes later they were seated with AJ holding a fax in his hands, shifted in his seat and then spoke. " A body was found yesterday, the remains are believed to be a male about 35 to 40, dark hair and the body was found with a ring and a picture. No uniform or other insignia could be found. The picture was of you Colonel." AJ sat silent for a minute as he watched her take in the information. "The Investigators want to know if you can put a date and time on the picture. I told them when I thought it was taken but I'm not sure. And who you think might have had a copy of it with them." Mac was left speechless as she was handed a copy of the photo. She stared at it. It had been taken when her hair was much shorter. The date at the bottom was partially gone, but it had the beginning Oct 20 something. Harms Birthday party in 98. " Uh, the picture is from Harm's birthday before he left. Clayton took the photo but I know that Harm and Mic both had copies." She flipped to the next photo of the ring. An engagement ring. "Not much was left of the inscription in the inside except Sarah." "Where was the body found sir?" Bud asked trying to take some of the pressure off of Mac as she stared at the ring. "The Middle East is all that NIS will tell me. They are apparently working with the Russians and an underground group. They did tell me that Commander Brumby's pass port has been circulating over there. It seems that the cartel he was supposed to infiltrate has dealings with the Syrian's. So they have no idea if this is him or not. They are bringing the body back for an autopsy. They hope to match dental records with Rabb, Webb or Brumby. They were hoping to narrow it down with the picture and ring but." He left the rest unsaid as he looked to Mac. She was lost in thought. She had been seeing Mic and Clay off and on after Harm had left until they had met for the Buxton trial. Then she had taken a step back and reviewed her options. All three of them had held a spot in her heart and she knew that all of them cared as much for her, but it was one lone man that had won all of her heart. She just sat there as she tried to fathom her life without him. "Mac, don't sit there and get lost in regret. We will know something as soon as the autopsy is finished." AJ said, as he knew she was going over everything since they had learned the news last year. Everyone had pondered who Matt's father was and she never let on and had even left out the name on his birth certificate. She had made the comment to Harriet and Sydney one night that when she could tell the father face to face that he had a son, then she would let everyone know. They had asked the hard question that if he was dead what was she going to tell everyone. She responded back that her son would know everything he need to know about his father, but until then it was her business. Sydney had told AJ to let it drop because of other conversations with Mac. Ones that included a woman who had feelings of not being worthy of love and everyone she does love dying. And three men that you cared a lot for disappearing the same day was just too much for anyone. AJ had along with Mac's okay become a surrogate grandfather for Matt. Along with the Roberts posing as aunt and uncle. She finally looked up and into her commander's face. Seeing compassion in them she let out the breath that she had been holding. " I will try sir. I just hope that this nightmare will end soon." "I hope so too Colonel. I really do. If you need anything just let me know. Otherwise I am sure you tow have duties to attend to." Mac and Bud got up and left the room. AJ closed the folder on his desk and prayed for the man that the remains belonged to. Oct 8th 2000 Geneva Switzerland Mid afternoon The US diplomatic team passed the bottle of Tylenol around as they sat back down at the table for negotiations for the POW's. They had at least gotten a list of the Americans. They had sent it on to Washington for verification of who had been listed KIA and MIA and the confirmed found and identified. The list was shorter than what they had hoped for but the 16 names of those that were at least alive. Mac's Apartment Morning Mac put Matt down in his playpen and answered the door to find AJ, Bud and Harriet. "They know who the body belongs to don't they?" She asked seeing the answer already written there. She let them in and closed her eyes in prayer as she closed the door. Syria A prison cell Same time The prisoner awoke from his pain-fogged world of sleep and realized that he was not alone. For the first time in months he had a cellmate. Now was that person friend or foe. "Who's there?" Came out of the darkness and drew the prisoner from individual thoughts. "Who do you want it to be?" Came the response. The voice sounded familiar but the prisoner couldn't place it. The prisoner tried to make out the voice but the lose of hearing had caused everything to sound fuzzy. "Who are you?" "Oh my God. You're alive." Came the response Both prisoners were elated to find the other but the elation was short lived as the guards drug them both out to the interrogation rooms. Syria POW camp Oct 7th 2000 At night The two prisoners kept quiet as they were dragged to a waiting truck. For the first time in some time they were outside and with other prisoners. As they were thrown up into the back they searched for familiar faces and both found a few. Syria Near an airfield Oct 15th 2000 The prisoners were wasted they had been marching for 7 days without a rest except at night. Several of them were near death but no one would leave anyone behind, so those that could carried the sick. Not knowing the destination was bringing down what little moral there was of being together. The prisoner glanced down at the friend that they had carried for the past few days, knowing that the end was near. The wounds that had never healed and those added by torture had finally played a toll on the body that could not be reversed. With the guards watching every movement and sound the only communication was by eye contact. Oct 20th 2000 Falls Church, VA. JAG HQ 1130 EST AJ walked out if his office just in time to see Mac and Bud come from court. Smiles graced their faces for the first time in weeks since they had buried their friend. The family had been spared the details of the death and at least had the knowledge that he was found and now at peace. Everyone had been concerned with the stoic Marine who had never shed a tear in public. In private her closest friends knew better but left her to her self. "I take it that you won Lt.? He asked Bud when he got within earshot. "Yes sir. Colonel Mackenzie's closing argument was stellar and got the conviction." "I just finished the great job you did Bud. It was your win, I just get to share it." "I guess drinks are on us then?" Carolyn asked as she came up to join the conversation. She had lost the bet whether or not Bud could beat Zac and Kate. Kate just passed by and headed off to her office. Mac followed her and felt her pain. Zac for his part stormed through the bullpen and into Kate's office with a glare none of them had ever seen before. "What time and where?" Bud asked. Trying not to chuckle as he watched Zac. "McMurphy's tonite at 7? Is that okay with everyone?" "Not for me, I don't have time to get a babysitter but Bud if you and Harriet want to drop off AJ I will watch him." The Admiral knew that she was just using Matt as an excuse to stay home but over looked it and nodded to Bud that it was okay to say yes. Better some of them go out then none of them. They all needed a stress release and an outing tonight would defiantly help. "Thank you ma'am. I'll call Harriet and let her know. Excuse me sir." "Well, had better go and get Matt and prepare my home for AJ." Mac said turning away from the Admiral. "See you later Colonel. Commander, Sydney and I will be there at 7." "See you then sir." Geneva Same time The talks had lasted into the night and finally a compromise was met that would free the American POW's. All that was left was where they would be exchanged and 16 men and women would be coming home. Oct 24th 2000 Frankfort Germany US Hospital Looking out the window, the patient thought about the hell he had been through since he had last seen her. She had been passive in her response to him the last time they had spoken and it hurt knowing that she had more than likely moved on with him being gone for so long. He hoped that she would at least be happy to see him and that she would take the news that he had to tell her well. Oct 25th 2000 Mac's apartment Morning Mac had finally had a night without the dream. Not knowing what that meant she had been at least grateful for a full night's sleep in over a year. She walked into the kitchen to make herself a cup of coffee after feeding Matt. For some reason he seemed fussier than normal. She clicked on the TV as she leaned against the counter, turning the channel to ZNN. "Today's top news story is the release of 12 American POW's after lengthy talks in Geneva. Among those released include several Department of State personnel, several Navy and Air Force pilots and crews. The names are being withheld until the next of kin are notified. The American Delegation also got the release of the remains of several POW's that died in captivity." Mac turned down the volume and called AJ. "Sir, do you know yet?" "I am trying to get names now Mac. As soon as I know, you will know." He said hanged up on her. Several hours later She sat on the couch holding Matt. She had cried as she got the news of who had made it home. They were due to be home by Saturday. Matt had finally calmed down as she sat and told her son stories of his father. After calling Mac, The Admiral had called the Roberts' and told them who had made it out and that he had been badly injured and tortured, many of his wounds would take some time to heal. She was brought out of reverie as Harriet came over and sat with Mac as she dealt with the end of a trying year. They talked about the future now that the past was going to be laid to rest. Oct 28th 2000 The crowd waved flags as the 12 POW's disembarked form the plane. Several of them were being carried out on stretches or pushed in wheelchairs. It took her several moments but Mac finally found the face she wanted to see. She felt his gaze bore into her and with no thought to protocol she ran to him and threw her arms around him. AJ, Sydney, Harriet, Carolyn, Bud and Tiner slowly made their was to the one that had made it home. No one, even the stoic Admiral, had a dry eye as they watched the scene before them. Oct 28th 2003 Mac watched as the man was walking toward her on the beach like so many times before with the sun on his back. She couldn't see who he was but he walked toward her with determined strides. Purpose evident in every step. She knew she didn't have to be afraid of him. She couldn't even see his face but she knew by his build that he was tall and had dark hair and that he lived in her dreams. Beside him ran a small boy dodging the waves as they came crashing in. She looked beside her as her youngest son let out a cry when he realized that his daddy wasn't playing with him too. "About time you got back here dear. Clay and I were getting hungry." She said as her husband got close enough to hear her. "Well Marine, you are always hungry and you seemed to have passed that trait into our youngest. They said dinner would be ready around six so that..." "Gives us 15 minutes to get back to the house. Here, " she said getting up handing her their son. " you carry him and Matt, you carry the blanket." "Yes mommy." Matt said, a miniature of his father, as he grabbed the blanket and took off towards the house. Two sets of eyes watched the young family comes walking up the beach. Frank put his arm around Trish. They had endured a lot before and after Harms release. He had come home badly injured but with Mac's help along with having Matt to recover for. He had made a full physical recovery, but the horror of having Clay die in front of him was a wound that he would never get over. He had named their second son in his honor. Mac felt the arm of her husband wrap around her as they headed up to the house. He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "I love you Sarah." The End |
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