More Contemptous Words

October 20, 2003

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters.

Author Notes: Thanks as always to my faithful beta reader.

Feedback welcome at aerm1@aol.com.

Part 1

"Unbelievable!" The word echoed through JAG Ops as most of the Headquarters staff stood glued to the television monitors. All three major networks, as well as the twenty-four hour cable news shows were broadcasting an interview of a Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel.

"I think it's a damn shame that troops get told when they are going home and then don't get to go." The colonel looked unapologetic about his comments.

"So there you have it, America. A highly decorated senior officer's take on the situation with the Army troops who were punished for speaking out to reporters about the empty promises of their return home following Operation Iraqi Freedom. I'm Jerry Lake, Wolf News 24, reporting from Basra, Iraq."

A telephone rang in the background but went unnoticed by all but the Admiral's yeoman, Petty Officer Jennifer Coates. She answered the call, patched it through to the Admiral, listened to his curt message, then buzzed the two commanders. "The Admiral wants to see you in his office ASAP."

Two minutes later, Sturgis Turner and Harmon Rabb stood at attention in front of their CO. "Commanders Rabb and Turner reporting as ordered, Sir."

"At ease, gentlemen." The admiral looked up from his desk at the two attorneys. "Did you two happen to catch the film clip from Iraq?"

"Yes, Sir," they replied in unison.

"Then I don't have to tell you just how unhappy the SecNav is." AJ winced as he thought of the telephone conversation he'd just concluded. "He is more than a bit disturbed by the colonel's remarks."

"I'm not surprised." Sturgis's deep tones were measured.

"Does he want us to investigate, Sir?" Harm asked.

"No, not investigate. He's moving straight to court martial."

"What!?" Harm's tone was incredulous.

AJ ran a frustrated hand over his head. "Due to the incredibly public forum for the comments made by Colonel Bowles, Secretary Sheffield wants a public forum to address the matter. Turner, you'll be trial counsel. Rabb, you'll defend." He handed each of them a folder. "There will be a transport leaving Andrews tomorrow at 1300 hours for Iraq. I expect you to be on it. Dismissed."

The two men snapped to attention. "Aye, aye, Sir."

As Sturgis turned to go, Harm held back.

"Is there something the matter, Commander?"

"Ah, no, Sir. I was just wondering why Colonel Mackenzie isn't on this case, since it's a Marine matter."

"The SecNav specifically ordered that there were to be no Marines as either trial or defense counsel."

"I see, Sir."

"Good. I trust that you can make Colonel Mackenzie see as well." The corner of the admiral's mouth twitched. "That will be all."

"Yes, Sir." Harm exited the office, intent on the file in his hand. As he entered his own office, he almost tripped on his partner. "Mac! Did I forget something?"

"No. I was just wondering why I'm not being assigned to this case."

"Sturgis told you?"

"Just that he's prosecuting, and you're defending. Not why I'm excluded."

"You're a Marine."

"Yeah, I know that, Harm." She grimaced at him.

"The SecNav doesn't want any Marines involved in the case." He shrugged. "The SecNav seems to take a more active interest in minor cases than Secretary Nelson did."

She sighed. "Isn't that the truth."

Harm put a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Look, Mac. We both know that this sort of case ought to be assigned to a couple of lieutenant j.g.s who just finished law school. But the SecNav is ticked, and he wants to come down hard on the guy." He picked up his phone. "Let me make this call, then I'll tell you the rest." At her nod, he pushed Harriet's extension. "Hey, Harriet. How fast can you get me Marine Lt. Colonel Richard Bowles's service record?...Great. Thanks."

"I'm waiting." Mac grinned at him from the chair she had taken.

"Make yourself comfortable." He grinned back at her. "So do you know this guy?"

"No, never seen him before in my life. But back to the SecNav. Why doesn't he want any Marines involved? Doesn't he trust us to be objective?"

"I don't know. I didn't talk to him. I don't think he particularly trusts anyone to be objective." He looked at her through narrowed eyes while his tongue crept between his front teeth. "What makes you think you could be objective? I heard you gasp at what the guy said."

"He's a Marine, Harm." She looked at him as if making that statement explained everything.

"And you are usually the first to come down hard on miscreant Marines, Mac. Admit it. When the accused is either a Marine or a woman, you come down hard on them."

"And you are always sympathetic to aviators."

"This conversation isn't about me. It's about the SecNav's decision to keep Marines out of the courtroom on this one particular case." He lazily fiddled with a ball point pen. "I'm very sure that he doesn't want there to be any hint of favoritism or impropriety."

"Well, you just said that I'm harder on Marines than on sailors. So what is there to worry about if I prosecute?"

"Perhaps the SecNav wants the guy to at least have a chance of not going to the brig?"

"Cute, Harm. Real cute."

He grinned at her. "I thought so."

Mac snorted. "You know, sometimes I really wonder why I put up with you."

"Really? I would have thought that was obvious. You put up with me because I respect you."

"You do?"

"Yes, I do." He clicked the pen a couple of times. "That and..."

"Yes?"

He gave her a brilliant smile. "You love my meatless meatloaf."

His last comment elicited a laugh from her. "All right. You win. This time."

She rose to leave his office.

"Wait a second, Mac." He looked up with a hopeful expression. "Sturgis and I have to go to Iraq tomorrow. How about I get squared away here, and you and I grab something to eat?"

"All right. I'll go get my own stuff together. Your place or mine? And pizza or Chinese?"

"I was thinking more like Luigi's on 9th Street."

"That works for me." She left his office and returned to her own.

Harm was putting away the various folders on his desk when Harriet appeared in his doorway. "Sir? Here is that service record you wanted."

"Harriet, thanks. You deserve a raise." He smiled warmly.

"You're welcome, Sir."

18:00
Luigi's Ristorante

Sarah Mackenzie sipped on her tonic water, waiting for Harm to decide what to order. "C'mon, Harm. How hard can it be to decide between cheese ravioli and pasta primavera?"

He blinked at her words, bringing the menu back into focus. "Sorry, Mac. I guess I'm a little distracted." He shut the menu and looked for the server.

"I told the waiter we needed a few more minutes." Mac smiled tenderly at him. "So what are you distracted about?"

"Thanks." He took a sip of water. "This case. Something just isn't right about it."

"No kidding." She glared at him. "Senior officers shouldn't be speaking 'contemptuous words' for sleazy television reporters."

Harm shook his head. "That's just it, Mac. I was looking at Colonel Bowles's service record. He graduated from the Academy in 1989, tenth in his class. He served in the Gulf War with distinction--has a Silver Star to prove it. The guy has a Bronze Star from his time in Bosnia and was recommended for another Silver Star for something in Iraq....Did I mention the medal for meritorious service in Afghanistan?"

Mac pursed her lips. "Wow. He must have been one heck of a Marine."

"Exactly. So why would a highly decorated lieutenant colonel make that statement to any reporter, much less Jerry Lake? It just doesn't make sense. I mean, this guy sounds like he probably only eats cereal that's shaped like an eagle, globe, and anchor."

"I don't know, Harm. It does sound fishy."

"Very fishy." Harm stared at the table for a minute, deep in thought. "Would post traumatic stress disorder cause him do it?"

Mac shot him a startled look. "What made you think of that?"

"I was just thinking--Bowles has seen a lot of combat and in some pretty ugly places. From what I know about it, the chances of having PTSD increase the more combat you see."

"True. But is scuttling your own career a usual symptom?"

He sucked in his lower lip. His eyes grave, he replied, "Not specifically, but some people do have problems with keeping their tempers when they are dealing with it."

She looked thoughtful. "You know, I've often marveled at how you seem to have avoided having PTSD, given all the trauma you've been through."

"Who says I have?" he murmured, so softly she almost didn't hear him.

"Harm?"

A discreet cough from their waiter interrupted them. The two officers placed their orders then resumed their conversation as he walked away.

"There is something else that bothers me about this case," Harm said in an attempt to steer the conversation away from himself.

"What's that?"

"Jerry Lake being the reporter. If you, for some unimaginable reason, decided to get your message out to the world, would you use him as your medium of choice?" Harm toyed with his spoon as he spoke.

Mac tilted her head to one side as she considered the question. After several minutes, she finally replied. "No, not him. As you said, he's sleazy. I'd talk to someone like Chuck DePalma or in a pinch, Stuart Dunston." She shrugged a slender shoulder. "But then again, I wouldn't do it at all." She paused to take another sip of her drink. "Why do you think the admiral assigned you to defend?"

Harm grinned ruefully. "Because he knows I'm a sucker for lost causes?"

"I don't think that's it."

"Then what?"

"Maybe he thinks that there is something off about this too. And he knows that you, of all people, can appreciate the position the colonel is in."

Harm stared at her. "Are you implying that the admiral thinks the guy is somehow innocent?"

"I'm not sure, but maybe. I mean, you were innocent, and Bud traced that letter straight back to your computer."

"True, but my computer was hacked. We all saw this guy on television.

"I know, Harm. But perhaps the quote was taken out of context."

Harm smiled at her. "You're good, you know that?"

The corners of her mouth twitched. "Of course I am. Whatever would you do without me?"

"Don't know. Don't want to find out." He reached across the table and squeezed her hand. "I'm gonna miss you, Mac."

"Me too, Harm. But it's only a couple of days."

Their dinner arrived, and they began to eat.

Part 2

Next day
12:00
JAG Ops

A light knock on his door caught Harm's attention. "Oh, hi, Mac." He finished putting papers into his briefcase and closed it. "I was just getting ready to leave."

"I know. I was wondering if you and Sturgis wanted a ride to Andrews." Mac looked hopefully at her partner.

He frowned and shook his head. "No, but thank you. We don't know how long we're going to be gone or when we'll be returning. I'm going to drive and leave the car there." His eyes crinkled as he grinned at her. "But I appreciate the offer. It would have been nice to spend a few more minutes with you, even with Sturgis for a chaperone."

"Yeah. It just doesn't feel right, you going to Iraq with him instead of me."

"Are you afraid he'll get me into trouble?" His eyes lit up with mischief.

"No. I'm afraid that you'll get you into trouble, and I won't be there to watch your six." Mac swallowed the lump in her throat.

Seeing her obvious distress, Harm moved to close his door. Two quick strides and he was beside her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, I'm gonna be fine." Peering into her eyes, he saw tears threatening to spill over. "Mac, I promise. I won't take any headers off the bow, I'll only walk in the middle of roads, and I will wear my flak jacket at all times."

She sniffed back her tears. "What about your helmet?"

"I'll think about it. But I don't seem to remember you wearing one in country."

"Yeah, well, that was in Afghanistan, and no one was actually shooting at us."

"Really? What about the ambush we drove through?"

She sighed in exasperation. "You know what I mean. Please, Harm, be careful. I worry about you."

"I know, Ninja Girl. And I will be careful."

"Is that a promise?" She gave him a determined smile.

"You don't give up, do you?"

"Of course not. Now, counselor, answer the question."

He rolled his eyes. "Fine. I promise to be careful." Flashing her a wide smile, he went on, "Satisfied now, Colonel?"

She nodded. "Since you promised, yes. Hurry home, all right?"

Harm nodded. "I'll do my best. The desert in summer isn't exactly my idea of a good time." He grabbed his cover and briefcase. "I'll call you as soon as we get back."

"I'll hold you to that." Mac smiled once more, then bit her tongue to keep from telling him not to go. She watched him and Sturgis stroll confidently out of JAG Ops, then returned to her own office. After closing the door and the blinds, she sank into her chair, dropping her head into her hands. Mac tried to tell herself that the sooner he left, the sooner he'd return, but her heart wasn't buying it. No way was she going to get a decent night's sleep till she heard his voice. He was going into a war zone without her.

15:00 local
Basra, Iraq
Marine HQ

Harm and Sturgis wearily made their way across the parking area. It had been a long, dull flight from Andrews, and they still had to report in and find their quarters. Hot showers and food sounded like a great idea, but somehow, they doubted they were going to find either.

"Can you explain to me why both of us had to come out here?" Sturgis's deep voice rumbled across the shimmering blacktop.

"We're supposed to see if we can find any witnesses. And escort Col. Bowles back to DC," Harm reminded his friend.

"Why do we need to find witnesses? Didn't we all see the newscast? It seems pretty cut and dried to me."

Harm shrugged. "I don't make the rules; I just follow them."

Sturgis had to laugh. "Sometimes."

"Yeah, well, I've been trying harder lately." Harm had the grace to look sheepish.

"So whom are you trying to impress? The admiral or Mac?"

"Mac, of course. I sank my reputation with the admiral years ago." Harm grinned. "Seriously, Sturgis, we need to approach this case just like any other one. It is possible that the guy is innocent."

Sturgis snorted. "Right. And I'm the Easter Bunny." He shook his head, perplexed. "How can you even think that Bowles might be innocent? We all heard him. The whole world heard him."

"Yeah. Film at eleven." Harm stopped and stared at his old company mate. "Trust me. It's possible the guy is innocent."

"Why are you so sure?"

"Because it's happened before, Sturgis. About four years ago, right after I came back from the Henry, there was a letter to the editor in the Washington Post, purportedly from a Navy lieutenant commander. It was highly critical of the President. And when Bud, Mac, and I investigated, trying to find out who wrote it, we traced it right back to my office computer."

"You're kidding, right?"

"I wish I was. NCIS didn't believe me when I said I didn't write it. They didn't even consider the fact that since I was the one who suggested tracing the email containing the letter, it pretty much meant that I didn't do it."

"So what happened?"

"I was charged, and everyone at JAG was told they were on the witness list, so no one could defend me. Then a very conservative think tank appeared out of nowhere offering to pay for my civilian attorney."

"And I guess you were acquitted, since you're here now."

"Not exactly. I finally figured out who had really written the letter and got her to confess to it at a press conference she wanted me to do prior to the court martial. She worked for the think tank, and they wanted to use me to push their anti-Clinton agenda."

"Man, Harm, you sure do know how to pick 'em."

"I know. So you can see how I'm willing to at least listen to the guy."

"I suppose so." Sturgis took a deep breath. "Still, it's going to be very difficult to prove anything given that news report."

Harm nodded. "I know." He looked at the building in front of them. "I think we're here."

They opened the door and went in. Ushered into the base commandant's office, they snapped to attention.

"Commanders Rabb and Turner reporting as ordered, Sir."

The Marine general returned their salutes. "At ease, gentlemen."

The two naval officers stood at parade rest, waiting for the general to speak.

"Before you say anything, I want you two to know that I have utmost faith in the integrity and the conduct of Colonel Bowles. I do not, for one minute, believe that he would have violated any regulations." The general let out an exasperated sigh. "I have instructed everyone to cooperate fully with your investigation, Commanders."

Sturgis spoke first. "We're not here to conduct an investigation, Sir. We're here to charge Col. Bowles with violation of article 88 under the UCMJ and return with him to Washington for a general court martial."

The general's shock was palpable. "You have got to be kidding! Under whose orders?"

"The SecNav's, Sir." Harm watched the play of emotions cross the general's face.

"I see." The general shuffled a couple of papers. "I imagine you two will need somewhere to conduct interviews. Lt. Martin will show you to a tent. Dismissed."

"Aye, aye, Sir." The two lawyers turned and followed the waiting Marine lieutenant.

16:00 local

"Lieutenant Colonel Bowles reporting as ordered." The squared-away Marine officer stood at attention in the small tent allotted to Sturgis and Harm for their witness interviews.

Sturgis spoke first. "I'm Commander Turner. This is Commander Rabb, JAG Corps. Colonel Bowles, you are charged with violating article eighty-eight of the UCMJ. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court martial. You have the right to an attorney provided by the Judge Advocate General Corps. You have the right to civilian representation if you prefer. You are hereby ordered to return to the United States with us following our investigation here for a general court martial on these charges. Do you have any questions?"

"Yes, I do. What the hell are you talking about?"

Harm spoke up. "Colonel Bowles, I've been assigned to defend you. My advice is to say nothing until we're alone. Commander Turner here is prosecuting the case." He stared pointedly at Sturgis.

"I'll talk to you all later. I'm going to go see if I can find any witnesses." Sturgis left the tent, leaving behind an astounded Marine officer.

"Have a seat, Colonel." Harm motioned to a chair set up at a folding metal table. "It looks like you need some details."

"That's putting it mildly. I meant what I said. What in the hell is this about?"

"You honestly don't know?" Harm was surprised in turn.

Bowles shook his head. "No, I don't even know what article eighty-eight is."

"Contemptuous words, Colonel. It's a very serious charge, punishable by dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for one year if you're convicted."

"Contemptuous words? You're kidding, right? This is a joke?"

"Afraid not, Colonel. Do you remember being interviewed by Jerry Lake a couple of days ago?"

"Yes. So what? A lot of people were interviewed by him. He was fishing for someone to agree with those Army Reserve idiots who were complaining about not getting to go home when they thought they should. What's that got to do with this?"

Harm took a deep breath. "Well, night before last, the entire viewing public of Wolf News 24 saw you say, 'I think it's a damn shame that troops get told when they are going home and then don't get to go.' It was such a hit that ABC, NBC, CBS, and ZNN all picked up the feed." He spared a sympathetic glance for the horrified-looking colonel. "My guess is that the whole damn world saw it. Needless to say, everyone from the SecNav right on up to the President took exception to your comments. The SecNav took over as convening authority and is moving straight to court martial. He wants a public forum to look into what was apparently a very public crime."

"Damn. Let me guess. I'm dead." The colonel ran a hand over his closely cropped hair. "I don't suppose there is a chance that you might actually believe me if I tell you that isn't what I said."

"Lucky for you, I have an open mind. Why don't you tell me exactly what happened?" Harm pulled out a pen and his notepad.

"It was a pretty normal day, all things considered. Jerry Lake showed up, asking people what they thought about those Army reservists. I was one of the people he talked to."

"So did you say what we all heard you say on national television?"

"Well, I guess you could say that I said it, but it's completely out of context."

"So what exactly did you say?" Harm asked patiently.

"I said it was a damn shame that these kids who join the reserves don't read the fine print that says that they are subject to being called up for active duty in time of war."

"What about the 'get told they're going home' part?"

"I said that just because people hear a rumor that troops are going to be sent home on a certain day doesn't mean that they are going to get to go. I said that kids who join up to pay for college ought to be smart enough to understand that things happen, and things change. Especially during a war."

Harm tapped his pen on the pad. "And nobody was close enough to hear what you said?"

Bowles shook his head. "Nobody here. His cameraman should have been able to hear what I said, but I guess that isn't going to help me much."

Harm raised an eyebrow. "You never know. It might." He skimmed his notes on the case. "If what you say is what you said, then you were actually criticizing those who spoke 'contemptuous words.'"

"Right. But how the hell can I prove that?"

Harm grinned. "That's my job, Colonel."

"What are the odds, Commander?"

"They're good. You have a lot of things in your favor. Your service record is outstanding, your CO has only the highest praise..."

"And some sleazy reporter who gave away troop movements during the war is being believed by the entire chain of command."

"Cheer up, Colonel. Someone once hacked into my office computer to make it look like I wrote a letter to the editor criticizing the President's morals."

"What happened?"

"I figured it out and convinced the people involved to tell the truth. The charges were dropped." Harm gave the other man a reassuring look. "If you're telling the truth, these charges will be dropped as well. You'll just get a brief visit to Falls Church." He rose from the table. "I'll let you get back to your duties. I want to talk to some people around here. Oh, by the way, don't talk to Commander Turner without me."

"All right." The colonel left the tent, still somewhat confused.

Harm set off on what would prove to be a futile search for witnesses.

Part 3

1900 local
Marine encampment
Basra, Iraq

"So how did it go?" Sturgis looked up from his cot as Harm entered the tent they'd been assigned.

"About as I expected. No one heard what Bowles said to Jerry Lake. He says that what he said was taken out of context."

"Do you believe him?"

"Yes, I do. But unless I can prove he's telling the truth, it doesn't really matter what I believe. Half the population of the US saw that news bite. Need I remind you that we're just here to look for witnesses and escort him back to headquarters? No way is the SecNav going to drop the charges on this one." Harm wearily rubbed the back of his neck. "What about you? Did you find anything?"

Sturgis shook his head. "No, nothing either one of us can use. Every Marine on the base seems to think that Bowles is the reincarnation of John Wayne or something. No one can believe he would have said what he was shown as saying. But nobody heard what he did say."

"So we have a couple thousand people who can testify to his character, but not one who can testify to his actions."

"Right. And character witnesses won't do him any good until the sentencing phase since everyone on earth knows what they saw." Sturgis grimaced. "It's a crying shame, too. He was a fine officer."

Harm looked startled at the comment. "Was? Aren't you being a bit premature?"

"Buddy, I hate to rain on your parade, but you have nothing."

"I may have nothing now, but let me get enough sleep to be able to remember my own name, and I'll come up with a defense."

A muffled snort came from his old friend. "Man, you are an optimist, aren't you?"

"No, I'm confident."

"Ah...I guess that's why you once shot off an H & K in the courtroom?"

"Can't anyone let that go?" Harm rolled his eyes.

"Nope. It's way too good to let go of, Harm." Sturgis smiled broadly. "C'mon, pal. Let's go find some food and then get some sleep."

"All right. Sounds like a plan."

They left the tent in search of the mess hall.

0600 local
Marine encampment

Unused to the oppressive summer heat, Harm awoke early despite his jet lag and fatigue. Running a hand through his hair, he stumbled to the latrine area, hoping to at least wash his face. As he stood under the trickle of warm water that passed for a shower, he thought about possible defense strategies. The only prayer that Col. Bowles had was if someone would testify to what he really had said. And there were only two people who had heard it, Jerry Lake and the cameraman. The other issue was could someone alter a video tape that smoothly in order to take words out of the colonel's mouth? Harm had no idea, but he could think of a couple of people who would. Mac would probably still be up; it was only ten o'clock at home. He finished his shower and went in search of a phone.

"Hello, I can't answer the phone right now. Leave a message." Mac's clear tones rang out across the thousands of miles of ocean.

"Mac, if you're there, please pick up. I need to talk to..."

"Harm!" Mac practically gasped into the phone. "I was just coming in through the door. How are things?"

"Things are not looking too good for Col. Bowles, unless I can pull a very large rabbit out of my hat this time."

"No witnesses, huh?" She sounded sympathetic.

"Not a one. He says that he said those words, but with a lot of other words around and among them, criticizing the Army troops that were charged."

"So what's your game plan?"

"I need you to do me a favor."

She could almost hear his smile through the telephone. "Oh? What do you need, Flyboy?"

"I need to know if it's possible to edit a video tape so cleanly that no one can tell it's been edited for starters. Then I need you to get me a subpoena for Jerry Lake, his cameraman in Iraq, and both the unedited and edited versions of the tape with Col. Bowles."

"You don't ask much, do you?"

"No, not really." He chuckled lightly. "Why don't you give Stuart Dunston or Chuck DePalma a call for the technical opinion? Stuart owes us one, and if you talk to Chuck, tell him I told you to call."

"All right. How soon do you want the professional opinion?"

"As soon as possible would be nice. The subpoena can wait till tomorrow." He listened to her groan. "I'm really sorry, Mac. But the SecNav's got us on a, shall we say expedited, schedule here."

"Tell me about it. You're due in court at 0900 Monday."

"What! That isn't enough time to prepare a defense."

"I saw it on the docket today, Harm. Listen, I'll try to get a hold of Stuart tonight. I'm pretty sure he's in town this week. I'll call you back after I talk to him."

"Can't. My cell phone isn't working. I'm standing at a pay phone in the mess tent." He heard her lilting laugh in the background. "I'll call you back in an hour or so. Unless you want to go to bed earlier."

"No, that's fine."

"Thanks, Mac. I really appreciate this."

"No problem, Sailor. I'll talk to you in a bit."

"Okay. Love ya."

"Me too."

He cut the connection, and shook his head. Had he really said that? Had she really said that?

22:30 local
Georgetown

Mac thumbed through her Rolodex, looking for Stuart Dunston's number. Finding it, she punched in the digits.

Riiiing. Riiiing.

"Dunston here."

"Hi, Mr. Dunston. This is Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie, JAG Corps. How are you tonight?"

"I'm fine, Colonel. I'm not being court-martialed again, am I?" he asked wryly.

"No, not at all. I just need the answer to a technical question, and your name immediately came to mind. Well, actually to Commander Rabb's mind."

He chuckled. "I see I made an impression. So what do you need to know?"

"He wants to know if it's possible to edit a video tape so that the viewers won't be able to tell if the tape was altered."

"You can always edit out portions of an interview, Colonel."

"Can you do it so that several sentences become compressed into one sentence that doesn't say what was originally said?"

"As in that Marine we all saw spouting off about troops not getting sent home on time?"

"That would be the one."

"If I give away trade secrets, are you two going to let me break the real story?" Dunston asked.

"Maybe. Although that is probably Harm's call."

"Okay. The short answer is yes. A good technician could take a fifteen minute interview and condense it down to a single sentence using a word from each sentence if he wanted. Of course, it there had been a single camera angle during the taping, it would make it much easier."

"Is there any way to tell if it's been done?" she asked.

"I'm assuming you don't think you'll be able to get your hands on the original tape?"

"If you had done something like this, would you keep the original?"

"I wouldn't do something like this, but if you're referring to Jerry Lake, I'd say that he's probably arrogant enough to have kept the before and after tape, yeah." He thought a minute. "But if I were you, I'd do my best to subpoena the tapes before he finds out that there is going to be a court martial."

"What should we look for once we get the tapes?"

"Well, if you get the original tape, it doesn't really matter. You've got the evidence right there. If you only get the edited tape, down in the lower right corner of every frame there should be a time and date stamp. Gaps in the times would indicate editing. It might take some specialized equipment, but I'm sure the Navy has some somewhere."

"Thanks, Stuart. I really appreciate this. As far as the story goes, I'll have to talk to Harm first." Mac smiled at the thought of his reaction to Dunston's opinion. "My guess is that he's going to be grateful enough to give you the exclusive."

"I'll look forward to hearing from one of you, Colonel. Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Mac returned the receiver to the cradle and wandered into her kitchen in search of a cold drink. She still had a while to wait for Harm's call. In the meantime, she could chew on the memory of her partner saying "Love ya" as he finished the last one.

23:00
Georgetown
Mac's apartment

Riiing. Riiing.

Mac dove for the phone. "Hi!"

"Hey, Marine. What do you know?" Harm's voice came over the lines.

"I know that Stuart Dunston wants you to let him have the exclusive on the story of Col. Bowles."

"Does that mean that you got some useful information?"

"Yep. He says that tapes can be edited to that extent. He also says that even if you can't get your hands on the original tape, there are ways to find out if it is a composite."

"How can we do that?"

"Apparently there will be a time and date stamp in the corner of each frame, so if someone with the right equipment plays it, they can see that certain words were said far enough apart that something else was in between."

"Fantastic. Mac, I owe you one. And Dunston. Tell him he can have his exclusive if this pans out."

"All right. How are you all doing over there?"

"Other than eating a mouthful of sand with every bite of food? Not too bad. Being here does remind me of why I joined the Navy, though."

"And what was your reason?"

"At the end of the day, we go back to the ship and take a nice hot shower in an air-conditioned head. We eat real food cooked on real stoves. Marines, on the other hand, seem to think that they are part iguana or something."

"I'll bet. You squids just aren't tough enough is what it is." She laughed at his comments.

"Ri...ight. You Marines sure seem to like us giving you a ride, though."

"Yeah, well, someone has to provide taxi service."

"Okay. I give up. Listen, I better let you get to bed. I'm going to see if I can get some depositions from character witnesses today. I think we'll be heading home tomorrow, especially if we're due in court on Monday." A new question occurred to him. "When was anyone planning on letting Sturgis and me know about the court date?"

"My guess is the Admiral is planning to talk to you tomorrow. Listen, I'll work on getting the subpoenas for you first thing in the morning. You take care of yourself."
"Will do. You too, Mac. Night."

"Bye, Harm." She hung up the phone, a small smile on her face. He was going to be home a lot sooner than she'd thought. Mac headed off to bed, almost happy.