Title:
Shifting Gears
Author: Rising Sun
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Rated: PG-13
Summary: The relationship between AJ and Mac changes.
Classification:
JAG Story/Romance: AJ/Mac
Spoiler: Going
After Francesca, People vs Mac
Disclaimer: NONE of these characters are mine! No copyright infringement intended. All other characters depicted are purely fictional and any similarities to actual people are purely coincidental.
Author’s Note: Mac’s lecture came in a well-timed e-mail. Don’t know who wrote it. By the time it got to me it had been round the world several times. Who ever you are – Thanx!
Feedback: Send it.
Permission to archive: Permission granted.
Story written – June/July/August, 2002
1000 LOCAL
JAG HQ
“Enter!” AJ Chedwiggen bellowed.
Mac popped her head through the door. “You sent for me sir?” She asked. With such a bellow she wasn’t quite sure.
AJ softened at the sight of her he beckoned to her. “Come in, have a seat Colonel.” She did as instructed and waited.
He passed her a file. “Have a case for you. Murder most foul as they say. Staff Sgt. Shelia Ross is missing presumed dead. The prime suspect is her husband Gunny Sgt. Paul Ross.”
“Excuse me sir but if there is no body…”
“How can it be murder?” he finished. She nodded and again waited, as the Admiral seemed to have zoomed out on her.
“Sir?” She prompted.
“Mmm? Sorry Mac.” He apologized. “The case. The accusation of foul play is from the locals. Go find out if there is a murder or an AWOL.”
“Aye sir!” she hesitated.
“You have something
else, Colonel?” He noticed her hovering.
She took a breath
and spoke her mind. “No, Sir. I thought maybe you'd want someone to talk to.”
He leaned back and
folded his arms. “What, precisely, would we talk about?”
She swallowed “May
I speak frankly, Sir?”
“Seems like you're
bound and determined to.” He leaned back in his chair and contemplated her.
“Well, I know this
is difficult for you and I thought maybe a friendly shoulder to cry on?” She
was dying here. “This isn't going well, is it?” she gave a watery smile.
He smiled “You have
a gift for the understatement.”
“Just forget about
this?” She was already praying for a hole to open up under her.
“Already have.” He
returned to work. “Close the hatch on your way out.” Thinking she had gone he said softly to himself” Thanks, Sarah.”
He nearly leaped
out of his skin when she turned at the door and said. “You’re welcome sir.” And
with that she left.
=========================================
TWO WEEKS LATER
MAC’S OFFICE
Mac was daydreaming
about the latest escapade at JAG. [“Permission granted anytime you want.”]
Surely the Admiral HAD to have been hallucinating? If not then she had
been. She felt the presence and looked
up. “Sir!” She snapped to.
“At ease Colonel.”
AJ instructed and then just stood there.
[“Permission granted anytime you want.”] Did I really say that? What am I doing here? He turned to leave.
Mac waited for her
CO to say something. He suddenly turned
to leave. “Sir!” She called out.
He stopped.
“You wanted
something sir?” She encouraged and watched him contemplate his options. What
could be weighing on him so? “Sir if I
may be presumptuous do you wish to speak somewhere more appropriate?”
AJ felt like a
teenager. He grappled to get control of himself. “Thank you Colonel. Yes I would like that. There are some issues I’d like to sound off
on you. Say 1700 my office?”
She had pushed once
she pushed again. “May I suggest 1900
at Il Pirata” then added hurriedly “That way we can eat and get the work done.”
AJ smiled Mac was
notorious for her hunger and taking care of it. “Agreed.” He left with a spring in his step. Business or not – he had a date with Mac!
=========================================
1934 LOCAL
IL PIRATA
RESTAURANT
She took the time
to update AJ on various staff issues and the murder case that he had assigned
her. Finally they were down to coffee and still he had not broached the topic
near his heart.
As Mac sipped
coffee strong enough to strip a car battery, AJ finally addressed the issue at
hand. “I’m thinking of transferring out.”
Mac fought
valiantly to finish the coffee as it threatened to choke her. She got control
and spoke with a slightly strangulated voice. “Out of where?”
“JAG of course
where else!” He demanded.
“Well sorry sir but
it seemed so incredible that I had to ask.”
“All right now that
we have set the stage what are your thoughts?” he asked.
[I think that I can
date you.] She thought but said. “Why
the sudden need to move? And where would you go? Last time you were on liberty you confessed to being a failure at
that. Retirement will kill you.”
“Retire!” He
snorted. “Who’s talking about retiring? I want a new posting!”
“Harm finally too
much for you sir?”
He chuckled at the
quip. “Rabb is a life time work. No I
think that its time for me to move on.
I’m considering a coaching post at Annapolis.”
Her eyebrows jumped
into her hairline. “Annapolis?
Coaching? In what!” The conversation
was fast going beyond CO and Junior.
“Yep I almost went
into pro baseball but ended up in the SEALS and never looked back till now.” He
reminisced.
Mac was
flabbergasted and for a moment was speechless.
But then she spoke. “Well sir
you must follow your heart. We will
miss you [I will miss you.] JAG will not be the same but we will back the
decision.”
[Follow my heart?]
Her words scorched his heart. “Thank you Mac.
I haven’t decided yet but I thank you for allowing me to sound off.”
“Any time sir.” She
assured him as an unsolicited thought cropped up [“Permission granted anytime you want.”]
=========================================
TWO WEEKS LATER
MAC’S OFFICE
Harm walked into
Mac’s office. “Any progress on that lack of a body murder?”
She sighed. “It is alleged that the man killed his wife.
There is no body to be found. The Coast Guard is full of theories and
speculation but I have no body. It’s
barely two months and the man has a new girlfriend…”
“That must go down
well with them.”
“Tell me about it.” She agreed, “Here’s the best part. The same week Staff Sgt. Ross disappears he ships the kids to their maternal grandparents. By the way she the grandmother is also screaming murder!”
“He sent the kids away?” Harm echoed.
“He sent the kids away.” She repeated.
“Sounds like you have a cold case.” He observed.
“Sounds like. But if it is murder I want that SOB.” She growled.
“Down girl down.” He teased.
“Grrrr!” She
mimicked a dog.
=========================================
SAME DAY
2049 LOCAL - MAC’S
APARTMENT
“Sir?” Mac was
surprised.
“May I come in?” AJ
asked.
She opened the door
wider, glad for the fact that she was in slacks and shirt even if they were
tight and she was barefoot.
AJ entered and
tried not to gawk. He was so used to Mac in Marine Greens that any other outfit
was cause to stare her in appreciation.
She waived him to a
seat. “May I get you something?”
“No. I’m fine
thanks.” He remained standing.
She waited.
“In light of the
fact that you helped me a few weeks ago by discussing my options I wanted you
to know that I have decided to move on and take that coaching job.”
“Oh sir!” And
before she thought twice Mac had moved in and hugged him. “I’ll miss you!”
Automatically he
hugged her back. God it felt good to hold her!
Suddenly reality
set in. “I’m sorry sir. That was so out
of line.” She apologized.
“I won’t tell if
you don’t” He grinned and turned to leave. “I have a feeling that Harriett will
do the same.”
Mac smiled at the
image of AJ entangled in Harriett’s hug.
“I assume that Harm will be JAG?”
“Had you been NAVY
it would have been you. But…” He
replied.
“Understood.”
He stepped though
the door and as Mac closed the door she could have sworn that she heard him
say. “Permission granted anytime you want.”
=========================================
TWO MONTHS LATER
JAG OFFICE
“You sent for me?”
Mac popped her head into Harm’s office.
“Yeah come on in.”
He waived her in. “How goes that cold
case of yours?”
“Frozen.”
“What are your
cases at the moment?”
“I’ve locked horns
with Sturgis on the Civil Rights violation on the Greyhound Bus, while drafting
a MOU with Bud for the use of bases in the Philippines and my personal
favorite. I’ve got Singer’s client
nailed to the wall on the drugs bust at Camp LeJune.” She rattled off.
He passed her a
file. “Here’s another.”
She opened the file
and read it. “Lecture? Me! Oh for
heavens sake!”
“Admiral
Chedwiggen’s request.”
She softened
instantly. “Well why didn’t you say so in the first place!” She grinned.
=========================================
AJ CHEDWIGGEN’S
OFFICE
ANNAPOLIS
AJ looked up and saw Mac standing in the threshold. “SO you
finally reach to my neck of the woods!”
“On invitation no less.”
She quipped.
“Need the expert assistance of a former JAG?”
“No” She laughed.
“Thanks for accepting.” He opened his arms “This is my
little kingdom.”
“Little indeed it’s bigger than your former office.”
“We work hard.” He joked.
They chattered for a while then Mac stood she’d out lived
her welcome. “I really must be going.”
He followed her to the door of his office. She was itching to kiss him but resisted valiantly. Permission
granted indeed.
Suddenly AJ hugged her. “I’m really glad you came.”
“I thought you were a serious Professor!” Her body hummed.
“Don’t tell anyone.” He faked concern.
“I really have to go.” She began to disentangle herself from
his embrace.
“I’m sorry that was WAY out of line.” He suddenly realized what he had done in the heat of the moment.
“Forget about it.” She assured him.
“OK. May I take you
to dinner tonight?” he asked gingerly. “After all you are the guest of the
team.”
“That would be nice.”
“Pick you up at 1900.” He arranged. “Let me walk you out.”
“1900 is fine and I can find my way out.” And on that she
was firm.
=========================================
1900 LOCAL
DAX’S PLACE
“So how is Rabb
making out as JAG?” He’d been monitoring from afar but he wanted the inside
story.
“Actually he’s
being the model citizen. The job has caused him to grow up.” She reported.
“Never thought that
could happen.”
“I’ll have to
confess that I had my doubts there too.” She confessed.
“And you? What are
you up to?
“Same ole same
ole. The cold case you gave me may
never be solved and my needs are still simple, a good man a great career and
lots of comfortable shoes. The score is still two out of three.”
“May one assume
that men are still the missing link?”
“One may.”
“So have you a topic
in hand?” He changed the topic.
“And then some.”
She assured him.
=========================================
1255 LOCAL
STAFF LOUNGE
It was “D” Day – Delivery Day. Mac had indicated that she had wanted an informal setting for her meeting with the fellow staff of AJ Chedwiggen. He had taken her at her word and they were meeting in the staff lounge. Still Mac felt uncomfortable speaking to the academics. She took a calming breath and started.
“I will admit that I wondered what it is I could bring to you. Then inspiration struck when the usual assortment of College Catalogues began arriving at JAG and I got to thinking about the Class of 2005. For the students you face this year will graduate then.”
She looked round and all were attentive. So far so good, she continued. “So with this in mind I have put together a list to try to give you the Faculty a sense of the mindset of this year's incoming freshman and with no further ado here is this year's list:
The people who are starting college this fall across the nation were born in
1983.
On the political front - They have no meaningful recollection of the Reagan Era and probably did not know he had ever been shot. They were prepubescent when the Persian Gulf War was waged. There has been only one Pope in their lifetime. They were ten when the Soviet Union broke apart and do not remember the Cold War. They are too young to remember the space shuttle blowing up. Tianamen Square means nothing to them.”
Someone gasped.
Mac rattled on. “ As far as the pop culture is concerned. Bottle caps have always been screw off and plastic and there have always been ballpoint pens. Atari predates them, as do vinyl albums. The expression "You sound like a broken record" means nothing to them. They have never owned a record player. They have likely never played Pac Man and have never heard of Pong. They may have never heard of an 8-track. The Compact Disc was introduced when they were one year old. They have always had an answering machine. Most have never seen a TV set with only thirteen channels, nor have they seen a black and white TV. They have always had cable. There have always been VCRs, but they have no idea what BETA was. They cannot fathom not having a remote control. They don't know what a cloth baby diaper is, or know about the "Help me, I've fallen and I can't get up" commercial. “
As AJ listened he didn’t know if to laugh or cry, but he listened intently to her.
“They were born the year that Walkmen were introduced by Sony. Jay Leno has always been on the Tonight Show. They have no idea when or why Jordache jeans were cool. Popcorn has always been cooked in the microwave. They have never seen Larry Bird play. They never took a swim and thought about Jaws.”
“Colonel if you meant to place me in my time you are succeeding in spades!” A woman broke in.
“And there is more.” Mac promised. “This is a Military College so imagine when they arrive and the Vietnam War is ancient history to them as is WWI, WWII and the Civil War! They have no idea that Americans were ever held hostage in Iran.”
A man nodded. “That is a fact. I teach Military History and these kids don’t have a clue.”
“They can't imagine what hard contact lenses are. They
don't know who Mork was or where he was from. (The correct answer, by the
way, is Ork) They never heard: "Where's the beef?” "I'd walk a
mile for a Camel," or "De plane, de plane!" They do not care
who shot J.R. and have no idea who J.R. was. Michael Jackson has always
been white. There has always been MTV. They don't have a clue how to
use a typewriter and my very favorite … Kansas, Chicago, Boston, America, and
Alabama are places, not bands.”
She was done and the place was silent, but for a moment. Then the staff room erupted into debate.
=========================================
NEXT DAY
0800 LOCAL
MAC’S OFFICE
Mac snapped to as
Harm entered her office. “As you were.”
He said automatically. He still wasn’t used to the change in the professional
relationship. “Starting your own
greenhouse Mac?” He asked as he studied
the bouquets of flowers.
She actually
blushed. “They’re from the Admiral.”
“As in Chedwiggen?”
“The one and the
same.” She confirmed.
“What did you tell
them up there?”
“The truth.”
“Wow.” He said and
left.
[Wow indeed.] She
thought as she pulled out the card from the envelope again. Apparently she had not been dreaming for
there it was in black white. The card
read:
I meant what I said - Permission granted
anytime you want.
She reached for the
phone to thank him.
=========================================
MAC’S OFFICE
1509 LOCAL
Mac was returning
from interviewing a client when Harm intercepted her. “You have someone waiting
for you in your office.”
“Anyone we know?”
“Nope but be warned
that cold case of yours may be warming up.” He said.
She frowned.
“Don’t ask – don’t
tell.” He quoted Navy policy that had nothing to do with their conversation.
“Mmm.” Was all she
replied with as she continued on.
“Colonel Mackenzie?”
The woman in her office asked.
“Yes how may I help
you Miss.?”
“Lennon. Andréa
Lennon.”
Mac waived her back
into her seat and she took hers behind the desk. She repeated. “How may I help you?”
“I am the girlfriend
of Gunnery Sgt. Paul Ross.” The woman started.
Mac could have
kicked herself. The case was at such a
stand still that she had allowed other more active cases to occupy her mind not
to mention a dashing former CO. The
name Andréa Lennon should have rang a bell. She managed to keep a straight face
and continued to listen to the woman.
“Of late I have had
reason to suspect that Paul did kill his wife.
Nothing I can put my finger on… just instinct you know?”
Mac nodded encouragement. Oh yes she knew about instinct.
“Anyway.” Andréa
continued. “He finally told me what
happened.”
Mac could not
believe what she was hearing. The man had got away with the murder and now he
was telling his girlfriend?! “Go on.”
The woman took a
calming breath. “We were in bed and out of the blue he starts to tell me.
Actually boast about it.”
+ + +
“Apparently it was
their wedding anniversary and they had gone boating. They made love constantly
on that trip and at some point the lovemaking turned deadly as he snapped her
neck. He weighted the body down and
then waited till he saw another boat. Once spotted he began the charade of searching
for the Staff Sergeant. Of course she was never found.” Mac reported to Harm.
“Any wonder?” He
was amazed. “What’s your strategy?”
“Well she and he have
had an argument and she’s walked out on him.”
“Damn!” Harm
cursed. “We can’t use her we need stronger evidence or else its hearsay.”
“We need a wire.”
Mac finished.
“Exactly.”
“She knows her man.
She says.” Mac offered an out. “She says that before the week is out he’ll
call. And she agreed to wear a wire.”
Harm’s depression
turned to joy. “I’m impressed. Colonel.”
“Why thank you sir.” She grinned at him.
=========================================
2300 LOCAL
DOMINATRIX RESTAURANT
When Mac had got back to her office there had been a message on her voice mail inviting her to dinner. She had accepted.
Since she had visited campus all he could do was think about Mac. Now curiosity was killing AJ Chedwiggen, he had to know. “Now that I’m no longer your CO I can ask the burning question.”
“Inquiring minds want to know?” Mac sipped her after dinner coffee.
“Something like that.”
“Go ahead.” She granted permission.
“When are you and Rabb ever going to get your act together?” He asked simply.
She took the question in stride. “I seem to remember a certain Admiral on my first day on the job advising me then a mere Major and I quote: Don't get too close. You'll be working together. Unquote.”
“Oh yeah and you and Rabb take my advice ALL the time.” He sneered.
“Seriously sir.”
He stopped her. “Mac I’m not your CO. We are not in uniform and I’m feeding you. Call me AJ.”
She adjusted “Seriously AJ. There is no Harm and me. Friends. Good friends but friends.”
“Mac.” AJ drawled, “No man in his right mind is interested in being friends with a woman who looks like you.”
She had him “Really AJ?” she asked pointedly and locked eyes with him.
[Damn! I walked into that one.] He thought. “Truth is truth Mac.”
“Really and are you in that group?”
AJ remembered an accusation from Brumby from years gone bye. “All of you. Rabb, Roberts even you sir. You’re all a little in love with Mac.”
The two star Admiral changed topic. “The Annual Ball is coming up I’d be honored if you’d attend with me.”
She noted the change and let it slide. There’d be other times. Now that she knew the feelings were mutual it was just a matter of time before she reeled him in. “If memory serves me that’s in one weeks time.”
“The Saturday.” He confirmed.
“Are you asking me out on a date?” She couldn’t resist the opening to tease him.
“Is this a date?” He countered.
“Isn’t it?” the ball was back in his court.
“Then a date it is.” He conceded.
“Then a date it is.” She agreed “I’d be honored to be escorted by you to the Ball.”
=========================================
THE ANNUAL SENIOR’S BALL – ANNAPOLIS
Mac had arrived the Friday night having endured the week’s wait. She then proceeded to spend almost every moment with AJ Chedwiggen. They had toured the campus something she hadn’t had a chance to do on her previous visits and now she was in his arms as they danced at the Ball.
“Did I tell you how beautiful you look in that gown?” He asked.
“The gaping jaw gave an indication, but don’t let that stop you from actually saying so.” She replied as they continued to twirl.
“Then Colonel may I
state for the record that you look absolutely beautiful in that gown.” He said.
“I don’t know how you do it but you look great even in that Marine Green.”
The song finished
and they headed back to their seat. As
she sat her pager went off. His eyes widened.
“You’re on duty this weekend?”
“No. But certain
people always need to be able to get me. Chloe for example.” She checked the
device the number was not familiar. She dialed her cell. “Mackenzie.”
AJ watched the play
on Mac’s face and knew that something was happening and that if she were to be
in the action then he would not be far behind. She snapped the phone shut. “I’m sorry AJ but I need to leave.”
“A case?”
“My infamous cold
case just got white hot.” She stood. “I
need to leave.”
“Not alone.” She was
about to object, “Consider me back up.”
“I consider you
more than that.” She replied and didn’t wait for his answer. She turned to
leave.
He caught up to
her. “That statement will be examined at a later date Counselor.”
“Aye sir.” She grinned.
They got into her corvette. Built for speed Mac threw it into gear
giving AJ a full view of her long legs and they were off. “Call Military Police and tell them to meet
is at 25th and Vine.” She asked.
=========================================
25TH AND VINE
Paul Ross had dumped Andréa Lennon unceremoniously at roadside point. Without informing Mac that the game was afoot Andréa with the wire had tried to get Paul to repeat his confession. He’d repeated it then they’d argued and now she was on a street corner waiting for Mac.
Paul returned, “Get in the car!”
“No!” She screeched.
“I said get in the car!” He commanded.
Mac’s car pulled up. “Need any help?”
“NO!” Paul replied.
Mac and AJ stepped out of the car. The Military Police chose that time to rendezvous with the group. Paul recognized the uniform he whirled on Andréa. “Why you…” He pulled a gun and began firing.
The Police fired back with deadly accuracy. When the dust had settled Paul was dead and both Mac and AJ had been shot. “Mac!” AJ ignored his injury. “Get an ambulance here ASAP!”
The officers scattered one went to make the call another dealt with Andréa and a third with the former Paul Ross.
AJ knelt next to Mac who was barely conscious. “Mac my love hold on.” He begged of her in a whisper, “Please darling I love you – hold on.”
Mac passed out.
The wail of a siren could be heard approaching.
=========================================
LOCAL HOSPITAL
Mac and AJ were
taken to separate examination rooms and despite the fact that she had passed
out AJ was the one with the more serious of the wounds. She was soon stitched
up and released.
There was really no
reason to explain herself, the nurse took one look at the elegantly dressed
woman and knew she was not to be messed with.
“Ma’am?”
“AJ Chedwiggen. He was
brought in with a gunshot wound.”
“Ah yes he’s in
examination room four.” Mac made a move to go the room, when she was stopped.
“You can’t go down there. Only family is allowed.”
“I’m family.” Mac
lied with a straight face.
“Oh well that’s ok
Mrs. Chedwiggen.” Mac didn’t correct the assumption.
She entered the
room and gravitated to the man as he lay on the trolley. “You ok?” She placed a hand on his forehead.
“Mac? Honey?” He
was groggy.
[Honey?] “Yes I’m
here.”
“You can take him
home in a couple of hours. We’ll just keep him a while.”
“OK.” She followed
the aide as he took AJ to a room to rest.
Three hours later
he awoke to find her still at his side. “Mac!”
She jumped and
reverted. “AJ! I mean Sir!”
“Under the
circumstances I think AJ is in order no?” he grinned.
Given the inch Mac
proceeded to take the mile. “I heard you.”
“Sorry?” He said.
“I head you at the
scene. I head you say you love me.” She
confronted him.
“I can explain.”
“Why would you want
to?” She asked.
He gulped. “OK I’ll come clean. I have always been attracted to you and
recently the feelings have intensified.”
“So you DO love
me?” She pressed.
“Yes.”
“And I had to pull
that out of you?” she challenged.
“I am your CO there
were protocols.”
“Were. You were my
CO. I am no longer in your chain of command.” She pointed out. She stood and
kissed him. At first he was surprised
then he kissed her back.
“I accept your
offer and I also accept that permission granted anytime I want order.”
“Amen for orders.”
He chuckled.
“Once we heal from
these wounds I have some orders of my own.” She assured him.
END