Silence.

It's been too quiet around here.  Commanders Imes and Mattoni have been on the USS MIRABLE for the past week investigating the mysterious disappearance of one of the communication officers.  Commander Brumby is on leave for the week…something to do with his commitments to the Australian Navy.  The Admiral's been buried in paper work for the last few days, trying to reconcile the budget.  And Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie?

They're the quietest of them all.  I don't understand it.  Last week, they won a high profile case and instead of celebrating, it was almost as if someone had died.

But that's not the weirdest thing.  During Monday's staff meeting, they not only sat at opposite ends of the conference table, but they both deferred a case they would have fought tooth and nail to get in the past.  Granted they would have been working together, but that's never been a problem before….

I wish Harriet were here.  I mean I know she loves staying home with A.J., but it's times like these when I really realize that I'm out of my element.   <She> had to practically hit me over the head to make me see what we meant to each other, so how in the world can I even begin to find out what's really going on between the commander and colonel?

It's almost as if they're strangers.  And I'm not the only one who's noticed.  Yesterday, when I was in the kitchen, Tiner asked if I knew what was going on between them.  He told me that he hasn't seen them act this way since they were first partnered with each other. 

Even the gunny's thrown them some curious looks…not very often, because he really isn't one to pry…but I've caught him every once in a while.

But it isn't tension that keeps them separated.  It's almost as if he's resigned to something and she's…she's…I don't know…forcing herself to be the textbook Marine whenever she's around him.  When I talk with her, she's just like always…asks constantly about A.J., helps me with my defenses…but around him…she turns into a block of ice. 

I don't think I've seen them exchange one non-work related conversation since last week.  I'd really be worried if their cases seemed to be suffering, but that's just it…she's winning more than ever before, and the commander is doing his normal good work. 

So I guess there's nothing to really worry about.  But, still, it's just weird.  And the silence is killing me.
 

END
 

Go to "Tattered Edges"