Author: Nancy
Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me. This is for
entertainment only.
Classification: PG-13 violence
Category: Action/drama mostly Harm plus others
Summary: When Harm is ordered to take a group of kids on a tour of
the Air
and Space Museum the unexpected happens. Sorry I don't remember the
law firm
Mic was with so I made one up.
Part 1
"Gooood morning DC! It looks like we are in for another beautiful autumn day in the nation's capital. Today we will be playing all of the Beatles' greatest hits. So let's get the day started off with Eight Days a Week."
One eye strained to see the digital readout on the clock radio that was blared unmercifully loud for a Friday morning while 0700 blinked in time with the music. He reached over and swatted at the doze button..."eight days a week is not enough to show I care." Finally he hit the mark and the radio quieted. He had worked late all week on a case that suddenly ended when his client had a change of heart and begged to plea bargain. 'Yep, this week feels like eight days,and it's just Friday.' he grouched and pulled himself up out of the bed and stumbled to the shower.
Traffic was stalled on the Beltway after a tractor trailer truck turned over spilling pipe over all four lanes bringing the normally busy flow of commuters to a dead stop. Harm had tried to phone headquarters only to find that his cell phone battery was dead. 'Great, just great. Maybe someone else was stuck and let the office know.' He reached for the radio dial and turned on the local station to keep track of the progress.
"Traffic is backed up along the Beltway for at least five miles, so commuters need to take alternate routes because it looks like it could be a while before the lanes are open again. In the meantime for all of you commuters who are stuck along the Beltway, we have another from the Beatles' greatest hits recorded in 1965, Ticket to Ride."
"Cute, real cute!" Harm turned down the volume and opened his briefcase knocking over his go cup of coffee into the open case. "Damn."
He turned up the volume hoping to hear a traffic update on the radio after an unsuccessful attempt at trying to clean up the contents of his brief case. "It's been a hard day's night...and I've been working like a dog." He leaned back into his seat and laughed as he sang along.
"Commander it is so good of you to join us." The Admiral commented dryly as Harm slipped in the staff meeting nearly an hour late.
"Sorry sir, accident on the Beltway." He slid into his chair next to Bud facing Mac and smiled tightly.
The Admiral picked up a file folder, "As I was saying A Navy frigate ran into a fishing boat just north of Norfolk. Charges have been issued against the Captain. Commander Turner, I want you to handle the prosecution and Colonel Mackenzie you will defend." The Admiral passed the folders to the officers. Harm managed not to show any sign of disappointment as he passed the folder.
"There has been a mishap involving a F-14 off the Patrick Henry and a private aircraft." The Admiral looked at Harm who lifted his hand to reach for the file.
"Lt. Roberts I want you to handle the investigation. Lt. Singer will assist." He handed the folder to Harm to be passed to Bud.
"Oh and Commander Rabb will be on special assignment today." Harm looked up brightly.
"A class of fifth and sixth graders from Jefferson Elementary are to take a field trip to the Air and Space Museum today. Public Relations has suggested that the Navy assist. So Commander Rabb since you're an aviator, I think it would be fitting for you to conduct the tour. You have about 45 minutes to get to Jefferson Elementary. You will be accompanying a Ms.Bell and her class to the museum. That's all. You are dismissed." The Admiral closed quickly.
"But Sir, I'm really not that good with kids." Harm jumped up and intercepted the Admiral.
"Nonsense. You have always handled cases involving kids exceptionally well. Hell, didn't you just recently get Airman Tiree a college scholarship!"
"But sir, I have to finish the Harper case."
"Commander, do you feel that the image of the Navy is not important? You were in the last recruiting commercial for the Navy. I thought that image was important to you." The Admiral folded his arms.
"That was not my idea! Sir. It just seems that lately the cases I have been assigned are...ah...not the type I used to be assigned. And now this. Are you not pleased with the quality of my work?"
The Admiral met Harm's gaze with what could have been interpreted as a cross between fury and amusement. He drew in a deep breath, "Commander if I am not pleased with your work, believe me Mister, you will be the first to know! You have thirty minutes to meet that bus. Don't be late again!"
Harm stood stiffly at attention, "Aye-aye Sir."
Harm almost ran into Mac as he crossed the bullpen heading towards his office.
"Sorry," He murmured as he moved to go around.
"Got a new title now Harm?" Mac blocked his way, "Playschool pilot?" She added with a glint of humor.
Bud hearing the remark chuckled, "Hey maybe they will make a movie, like Kindergarten Cop."
Harm felt his self esteem just decline by another ten points. He chose to ignore the teasing because he felt that their was some truth in the teasing. Maybe he was a joke.
Ever since the crash as well as Mac's return as a hero from Indonesia, he had felt out of sync. He knew he wasn't jealous of Mac's new found fame. He was damn proud of her. His friend Turner was an excellent attorney and brought more challenge to him in the courtroom. Even Bud's increasing skills were something he also felt proud of, but he had hit some sort of plateau in his career while everyone else seemed to be climbing. Not to mention, his personal life was taking a down hill path.
He parted ways with Renee only to have Mac keep her distance from him. He knew she needed to recover from her disastrous relationship with Brumby, but he really thought that they could grow closer, instead they seemed to be more competitive than supportive. Right now he needed to feel like he was doing something right. The Admiral, though he denied his displeasure, had assigned Mac or Sturgis all the high profile cases. He felt demoralized. Maybe it was time to look for a different direction in his life. He felt lost.
"What's the matter with Commander Rabb?" Bud's playful demeanor faded when he saw Harm's lack of response to their teasing.
Mac noticed it too, "I guess he's just having a bad day."
"He's had a lot of those lately." Bud added.
Tiner walked over to the two officers, "Has Commander Rabb left already?"
"Yes."
"I have a message for him." Tiner replied.
"I'll put it on his desk," Mac took the note and walked into his office. She realized it had been several weeks since she had crossed his office threshold. He had rearranged. She spotted the picture of them together smiling. They were so relaxed around each other then. Replacing the frame and the note on his desk, she glanced again at the note and then picked it up again to read it. 'Commander Rabb, please call Bill Williams at Williams, Taylor and Briggs. The office facing the river is yours for the asking."
Mac at first wanted to take the note and tear it into shreds. That was the firm Mic had started out with. She never imagined Harm leaving the Navy. The Navy was in his blood. He would hate private practice.
Mac hurried over to Tiner's office, "Tiner, I noticed the note for Commander Rabb was from Williams, Taylor and Briggs. Does he need to respond immediately, because I could page him?"
"I don't think so. That firm has notified him every few weeks since he returned from the Guadalcanal. I think that lawyer was impressed with the Commander. I hope when I graduate that I'm that sought after. That is the most prestigious firm in DC, probably in the northeast. Good thing the Commander likes the Navy so much." Tiner smiled.
Mac relaxed a little, "Tiner, I need to see the Admiral."
Harm stood next to the small yellow school bus that looked like one used for transporting handicapped persons. He put on his best smile as an attractive gray haired woman approached him followed by six children. His smile faded a little as he watched the children. The woman held hands with a little girl who appeared normal except that she seemed to have difficulty focusing. She waved her free hand at some imaginary insect as she shuffled towards the bus.
A boy, small for his age, held tightly to the woman's skirt while another girl with a blonde ponytail and features of Down's syndrome held his free hand. The third girl of the group also had the characteristic Down syndrome slanted eyes. She had short curly brown hair and was a little on the plump side. She held hands with a little boy wearing a fly Navy t-shirt who grinned broadly and drooled heavily.
The woman smiled in greeting as she brought the little crowd towards the bus. "You must be Commander Rabb. I'm Grace Bell and this is my class. I don't know how to thank you for taking time from your important schedule to accompany us to the Air and Space Museum. What do we say to Commander Rabb children?" She prompted.
The pony tail girl and fly Navy boy spoke out. "Thank you Mander Wabb!" The other children giggled and mumbled, "Dank you."
Ms. Bell guided the children on to the bus and returned to speak to Harm. "I could tell you were a bit surprised by the class. I guess no one informed you that this is a special education class. I hope that will not be a problem for you."
"Call me Harm. And No Ma'am, I was just told it was a class of fifth and sixth graders." Harm smiled politely.
"They are mentally challenged, but they are all so bright. We have just completed a unit on airplanes and space travel. I try to take a group to the museum each year. The kids and I were so thrilled to know that a real Navy pilot with two Distinguished Flying Crosses would lead the tour. I know that Wilson's grandfather must have pulled some strings to have this happen." She chattered.
"Wilson?" Harm seemed confused.
"Wilson Clinton, the child wearing the fly Navy t-shirt." Grace stated as if Harm should recognize the name. "He's the little boy who was holding Jenny's hand. The cute little blonde." When he didn't respond, "Wilson is Howard Clinton's grandson."
"Chief of Naval Operations." Harm replied finally putting the pieces together.
"Well I guess we better be going." Grace climbed aboard the yellow bus.
Harm was introduced to each child. Mitchell, hanging on to Ms. Bell earlier was now holding a radio. "Mizz Bellll, Mizz Belll, I wanna play my songs."
Grace Bell turned to Harm to explain, "Mitchell can sing every song the Beatles have ever recorded. One of the local radio stations is playing Beatle songs all day. The only way Mitchell agreed to come was if he was allowed to bring his radio. I figured we could use a little music on the trip." Her light blue eyes sparkled.
"Mitchell let me finish introducing Commander Rabb to everyone and then you can play your songs."
"And this is Chelsea." Grace patted the brown curly topped plump little girl. She pulled her teacher into a loving hug and then turned and hugged Harm. Harm stroked her hair gently and smiled before she released him and returned to her seat.
"Adam is the shy one. Tell Commander Rabb hello, Adam."
He slid down to the floor of the bus and placed his head down on his arms so he couldn't see. "That's alright Adam, you can say hello later."
"Our busy bee over here is Cecile. She is autistic." Ms Bell knelt down and spoke to the little girl who would not make eye contact. "Say hello Cecile." The little girl did not respond.
"My name is Jenny!" The girl wearing a ponytail jumped in and introduced herself. She smiled and reached out and shook Harm's hand. "You are weally tall!"
Harm chuckled. "Maybe a little too tall for this bus."
"My name is Wilson. I'm a pilot, and I fly jets!" The last little boy chimed in and began to spread his arms out and make noises like a jet.
"Commander, our special chauffeur for the day is Mr.Jack Hodge." Grace Bell pointed to the elderly man who grinned and gave a small salute.
"Can I help Mr.Jack dibe the bus?" Adam suddenly perked up from his hiding place.
Jack turned around and opened his arms, and the shy little boy flew into them squeezing the older bus driver tightly. "Adam, today I have to drive the bus, but we can practice steering the bus when we get back. You can wear my special bus driver hat today." Mr. Jack said gently and stroked the boy's hair before popping the black and gold baseball cap on his head. Satisfied Adam returned to his seat.
"Jack is our official bus driver for all of our field trips. He volunteers his time, and the children just love him." Grace explained and gave Jack a conspiratory wink.
"I think that must go both ways." Harm replied.
Harm sat near the middle of the bus as they pulled away from the school. Wilson sat in the seat in front of him and turned almost all the way around so he could face the amused JAG officer.
Harm smiled as the boy studied the gold wings and ribbons on his uniform. "My pawpaw has those. He don't have those." Wilson stretched his hand out and touched the gold wings.
"You like jets and airplanes Wilson?" Harm asked.
"I'm a pilot like you." Wilson grinned and pointed to his fly Navy t- shirt.
"I like that shirt." Harm grinned in return.
Jenny had eased her way over to Harm's seat and pointed to his JAG insignias. "What's that?"
"That means I'm also a lawyer in the Navy." Harm explained.
"I'm a lawyer too." Wilson grinned and nodded.
Jenny smiled and reached over and held Harm's hand. "You are cute." She giggled. "Will you be my boyfiend?"
"You have a pretty pony-tail. I bet you already have lots of boyfriends."
"I have three." She giggled. "How many girlfiend do you have?"
"I don't have any." He smiled sadly.
"I be your girlfiend." Jenny smiled.
"I be your girlfriend too." Chelsea yelled from her seat.
"Chelsea don't yell." Grace Bell admonished with a chuckle. She turned and winked at Harm. "If I would have known there was a vacancy I would have volunteered." Her kind wrinkled eyes twinkled.
Mitchell laughed out loud and began to sing 'She loves you ya, ya ya.' as he turned up his radio so the lyrics of the 1964 Beatles' hit filled the bus with him singing at the top of his lungs.
By the time the group reached the Air and Space Museum they were all singing quite fittingly "We all live in a yellow submarine." Harm had begun to relax and enjoy the trip as he watched each child find something to smile or giggle about. Mitchell had sang along with every song while Cecile seemed mesmerized by the highway as they drove into DC.
Harm was taken by surprise when she spoke as he assisted her off the bus, "12,935" She said without emotion.
Harm looked up to Grace who explained. "That is the number of stripes in the highway between the school and here. She counts them whenever we go on trips. And yes the number is correct. Jack and I have checked ourselves."
"Sometimes she counts mile markers, road signs, houses, other cars. She's amazing. I just wish she would look me in the eye and say hello." Grace said desolately as she watched the little girl stare at the revolving door to the building.
When they entered the large open room where different aircraft were displayed, the children were thrilled. Their excitement was contagious as Harm explained in basic terms the names and uses of each of the aircraft. When they reached a steerman, Harm explained that he had one that he flew. Wilson immediately added that he could fly one also.
"Can we wide in the airpains?" Jenny tugged on Harm's pant leg.
"These planes are only to look at." Harm explained.
Jenny's disappointment immediately dissipated as she spotted the gift shop. "Ms. Bell can we go shopping?"
Grace gathered everyone close. "Your parents each sent enough money for you to buy a t-shirt or a poster. Remember the rules when we go to the store?"
"Don't touch!" Chelsea yelled.
"I think everyone knows that rule now." Harm couldn't help but laugh.
After they exited the gift shop Wilson declared that he was a store clerk because he liked to operate the cash register.
Grace did a quick head count and realized they were missing Adam. "Adam?" she called out.
"Maybe he is still in the store." Harm walked back into the shop, but no Adam was to be found.
Grace began to look a little panicked. Harm said calmly, "Stay with the others. I'll make a quick sweep and tell the security guards to be on the lookout."
Harm retraced their steps looking for the little boy. He was about to give up and return to the others when he looked up to find Adam sitting in the cockpit of a Corsairs. "How in the world did he get up there." Harm said to himself in amazement. He found a security guard who brought out a ladder. Harm climbed up to where the little boy sat pretending to fly the 1960's fighter jet.
"Where are you going?" Harm asked.
"I'm flying around the world." Adam replied without taking his eyes off the control panel. His bus driver cap firmly in place.
"How much longer will it take you to return to the museum?" Harm's voice remained light.
"A long long time."
"Too bad, we were going to go get on the bus with Mr. Jack." Harm said sounding a little disappointed.
Adam stopped and then pretended to turn the aircraft making different sounds. "Landing gear down. Ready to land. Roger." He said to an imaginary radio.
"Roger that. Call the ball two one niner." Harm ad-libbed.
"Making my final descent." Adam said seriously.
"Clear for landing." Harm continued.
Adam made sounds like he was decelerating and then screeched.
"Good landing two one niner." Harm smiled as he assisted the little boy to climb out of the cockpit and down the ladder. For a brief moment Harm recalled sitting in the cockpit of another Corsairs many years ago. 'One day this stick will take you to the moon.' His dad's voice echoed in his mind. 'You were right Dad. I wish you could have seen the space shuttle take off,' He thought. 'At least I had my chance.' He watched the little group gather around Adam. 'He never will.'
After a lunch at Mickey D's they boarded the 'yellow submarine' back to the school. Soon after, Chelsea yelled that she had to go to the bathroom, "Now!" Jack guided the bus down the next exit ramp and pulled into a gas station.
Grace escorted Chelsea to the bathroom while the others waited on the bus. Mitchell sang along with the radio contently to the tune of 'Hey Jude' while Wilson chattered about being a gas station attendant. Jenny giggled at Adam who was playing peek-a-boo, and Cecile entertained herself by tapping her fingers on the window.
The maroon Jeep Grand Cherokee pulled up next to the bus unnoticed. The two men eased out of the vehicle and walked casually towards the bus. One tapped on the door. Jack opened it, "Could you give me directions to Georgetown University?" The man spoke with a foreign accent and appeared to be of Arab descent.
"You need to get back onto the highway and go about five miles and take the Georgetown exit. There will be signs directing you from there." Jack replied.
The man had gradually stepped inside the bus and eased closer to the driver as if to be able to hear better. He nervously looked around and spotted Harm sitting in the middle of the bus. Harm's instincts began to send up red flags, and he started to stand up and walk to the front of the bus. The man suddenly pulled out a handgun and motioned for Harm to sit down. The other man stood watch outside the bus. Harm eased back into his seat cursing his feelings of helplessness. The children seemed unaware of the danger.
Grace and Chelsea approached the bus to be met by the second man who flashed a consealed weapon at Grace indicating that she should get on the bus. She held back her fright as she instructed Chelsea to sit down.
The first man motioned for Jack to shut the door and drive. "What do you want?" Harm demanded tersely.
"We are going to take a little ride. Do not talk unless you are asked or I will start killing the children," The taller man said coldly. He then said something in Arabic to the other man.
The other man whom he referred to as Omar pushed Jack away from the driver's seat and started the bus. The leader's name was Patel, Harm deducted from their conversation. The children were moved to the window seats while Harm, Jack and Grace sat near the aisle to buffer the children from the man holding the gun.
Chelsea became frightened and began to cry loudly causing Patel to become angry. "Quiet the child!"
Grace held Chelsea and rocked her gently. Mitchell started singing loudly, "Michelle". Some of the others joined in.
Patel yelled at him, "Be quiet!"
"Can't you see he is calming her? You want them to be quiet. Let them sing." Harm jumped in.
Patel pointed the gun at Harm and then eased back. "Sing softly."
Grace held Chelsea who was now sucking her thumb while Mitchell continued to sing.
Jack patted Adam and Cecile to reassure them as they drove out of town.
Harm was seated with Jenny and Wilson. Jenny held his hand tightly while Wilson seemed totally unaware of the danger. "Can I hold that gun?" Wilson blurted out before Harm could control him.
Patel grinned, "I see we have the makings of a little terrorist. Come here."
Harm held Wilson back. "I said let the boy come here." Patel demanded and pointed the gun at Cecile's head. Harm relaxed his hold, and Wilson made his way to the front of the bus towards the terrorist.
"So you like guns. What is your name?" Patel smiled evilly.
"Wilson Clinton." The boy replied without fear and reached for the gun.
"Your grandfather is Admiral Howard Clinton." Patel grinned and looked at Harm.
"I want to hold the gun." Wilson begged.
Meanwhile back at JAG headquarters
"Tiner, tell Colonel Mackenzie I can see her now." The Admiral had been tied up on a conference call followed by a meeting at the Pentagon and was unable to see Mac that morning. "By the way, has Commander Rabb made it back yet?"
"No sir, but I'll get Colonel Mackenzie." Tiner replied.
Mac knocked and entered her CO's office, "At ease Colonel. Have a seat. Now what's on your mind?"
"Sir I am concerned about Commander Rabb." Mac began somewhat awkwardly.
"What has he done now?" AJ sat back in his chair.
"Nothing yet. Did you know that a private law firm has been courting him?" Mac explained with urgency.
"So?" the Admiral replied coolly.
"So, he might decide to leave JAG?" Mac sounded alarmed.
"If Harm is not happy at JAG or the Navy, then he should go where he will be. Mac, you seem concerned that he may leave."
"Well Sir, lately he hasn't been ...himself."
"You mean arrogant, overly confident?" AJ smirked.
"He seems...down on himself. Maybe if he were assigned a really challenging case, Sir."
"So you think I assigned Harm to escort that class as a babysitting job to discourage him, teach him a lesson, what Colonel?" The Admiral's tone indicated he was beginning to take offense.
"No Sir, maybe Sir?" Mac responded carefully.
The Admiral shook his head, "Harm was requested by the Chief of Naval Operations Clinton Howard to escort his grandson's class to the Air and Space Museum. When a four star Admiral makes a special request, I do my damnest to cooperate."
"But why did he pick Harm?" Mac sounded surprised.
"Like I told the Commander. His reputation with how he handled the Darlin case, the Tiger cruise just to name a few apparently caught the CNO's attention. Harm personally approached the air command about Airman Tiree. I think that impressed the CNO. Plus the fact that Harm has two DFC's."
"Did Harm know that the CNO asked for him?"
"Hell no. I wanted him to do it because I ask him to do his job whatever it may entail. All I need is my officers to think they have connections." AJ snorted. "Besides Mac I don't think the Commander's state of mind has anything to do with his recent case assignments. Do you?" He added with a smirk.
Mac sat flabbergasted.
"If you have nothing else to say then that will be all Colonel." The Admiral picked up his glasses and began to read a memo.
Meanwhile the bus traveled east towards the hills of northern Virginia. Harm watched their kidnappers vigilantly observing for any signs of weakness. The children were becoming restless causing increased tension in Patel and Omar. Suddenly Harm's cell phone rang. Patel motioned for Harm to hand it over to him. While Harm passed the phone, Jack without warning lunged at the gun. Harm reacted and tackled the man sending all three of them to the floor of the bus. The gun slid to the front, and Omar quickly swerved onto a side road while the men struggled on the floor. Harm had Patel pended to the floor while Jack reached for the gun. Omar grabbed it and slammed it across Jack's skull sending him to the floor. Omar pointed the gun at Jack's head and threatened to shoot if Harm didn't get up.
Slowly Harm stood with his hands in the air. Patel stood up brushing himself off and took his gun from Omar. He aimed the gun at Harm and then lowered it and shot him in the thigh without so much as a flinch. Harm gasped in pain and grabbed his leg as he fell back against the seat. The children were all cried out in fear. Harm pulled himself into the nearest seat and held the wound firmly to stop the bleeding. He quickly regained his composure and looked at the children, "I'm okay. We will be okay." He attempted to reassure the others. Jack remained motionless on the floor of the bus. Grace attempted to go to his aide but was immediately reprimanded.
Patel yelled at Omar in Arabic to which he resumed driving the bus down the side road until they reached a heavily wooded area. Omar and Patel then ordered them off the bus.
Harm managed to stand despite the pain to his right thigh. The bullet, a small caliper had apparently missed the bone and lodged in the muscle. Omar drug Jack off the bus and laid him under a tree where the others were ordered to sit.
Grace immediately went to check on Jack. She looked up in horror, "He's dead." She whispered to Harm not wanting the children to hear. Tears glazed her eyes as she stroked the older man's face.
Harm looked sympathetically to her as the children moved closer to them. Adam went over to where Jack lay and put his head on the lifeless man's chest and held him. Grace struggled with her own emotions and gently pulled Adam away into her arms where she held him as tears ran silently down her face.
Jenny moved over to where Harm sat and looked at his leg, "You need a band aid."
Harm pulled off his tie and wrapped it around the injured extremity and tied it to slow the bleeding. "This is no band aid, but I guess this will have to do." He gritted his teeth and smiled to try to hide his pain.
The children clustered close to Harm and Grace, whimpering softly except for Cecile who rocked continuously with her arms wrapped around her knees in an effort to comfort herself.
Patel looked at his watch, "By now their parents should be wondering where they are. Soon Admiral Howard will be wondering where his grandson is, just like my people wondered where their children were after the bombs were dropped on their villages." He said angrily.
Harm gritted his teeth, "So this is about revenge. Those bombs where dropped on military strategic sites. We don't kidnap children."
"Your government, your president, your Admiral Howard ordered bombs. One of your missiles hit an area populated by civilians. Families where killed...our sons and daughters." Patel said bitterly. "Now your people will know what it feels like."
"That missile was an accident not the intended target like the planes that hit the Twin Towers! There are hundreds of children without parents because of your act of terrorism. Now you continue to be cowardly by kidnapping these children. Children who cannot defend themselves, you bastard!" the tone of Harm's voice was cold.
"Be quiet or I will kill you in front of the children. Do you want that?" Patel shoved the gun so it was aimed at Harm's head. He held the gun for what seemed like several minutes. Harm held his gaze with an equally cold stare. Several of the children began to cry while Grace gasped.
Mac, Stergis and Bud waited uneasily in the Admiral's office, but the Admiral would not share anything until everyone arrived. Suddenly the SecNav and the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Howard entered the room followed by a Naval intel officer.
The JAG officers quickly stood at attention but were immediately ordered to stand at ease as Admiral Howard took charge of the impromptu meeting. "I take it you haven't briefed your people AJ?"
"No sir, I was waiting for you to fill me in." AJ responded and took in a deep breath.
The CNO turned to the Intel officer a Captain Redding who instantly began, "On a return trip from the Air and Space Museum this afternoon two terrorists highjacked the school bus transporting a class of six children, their teacher, the bus driver and your Commander Rabb."
The JAG officers were stunned. The CNO interjected, "One of those children is my grandson, Wilson. Those two bastards called the school to let them know that they plan to kill everyone on the bus unless we meet their demands."
"What demands are they asking to be met, Sir?" AJ frowned.
"That's just it. They didn't give any. They said they would stay in touch." The SecNav added in frustration.
Captain Redding interrupted, "It is believed that the two men are a Patel Hussein and Omar Mohammed. They were admitted to our country under student visas using falsified identifications. They are linked to several bombings in Israel according to their intelligence agency." Redding passed two black and white photos.
"Why are they doing this? If they are trying to attack you personally sir, why the kidnapping?" Bud questioned
Admiral Redding sighed and rubbed his face, "Our intel in Afghanistan reported that Patel Hussein's home was one hit by that stray missile a few weeks ago."
"So you think this is about retaliation? There are no demands." Stergis concluded.
Mac gasped quietly, but enough to catch her co workers attention.
Admiral Howard slammed a fist down on AJ's desk, "You hit the nail on the head Commander. Those damn bastards picked out my grandson and those children because they are special and vulnerable."
"Special Sir?" Bud asked.
"Admiral Howard's grandson and the other children are members of a special ed class. They are mentally challenged." the SecNav clarified sympathetically.
The fear that had been in the eyes of the JAG officers turned to rage. Bud's lips were so thigh that the color paled. "At least Commander Rabb is with them. He dealt with terrorists when we took a Tiger cruise a few years ago."
"That's precisely why I wanted him on that trip! ...I had a bad feeling. My family has tried to not shelter Wilson. " His voice broke, but then he continued, "We can't stop living because of these bastards. We want Wilson to experience life. " He fought to keep his emotions in control.
"Do the other parents know what is happening?" AJ asked softly.
Redding replied, "We have personally contacted them. We are trying to keep this quiet to avoid any panic. The FBI are assisting in sweeping the area where bus was last seen."
"It will be getting dark soon making it more difficult to locate them." Mac spoke calmly, but her expression clearly displayed her worry.
"We better start saying our prayers." The CNO said under his breath.
"I haven't stopped since Sept." AJ replied.
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