The Majors' relationship continued through the fall. It usually meant that Jennifer met the Major on Saturday morning after he had run with the college's ROTC unit. She would spend the weekend with Johnson; accept during those times she was at her reserve training. Each of them were fine with the situation.
Law school was going well and she was asked to write an article on the UCMJ for the school's law review. She was in her dorm room in the afternoon when another of the major's famous texts showed up on her phone. This time it was just a picture of the Major dressed in his BDUs "Can you get in a uniform and meet me in MIL. 102 in about an hour."
She texted acceptance and pulled the uniform that she uses during the reserve weekend. She checked herself in full-length mirror mounted on the door and adjusted the beret and her hair. She wanted to look as professional as possible. She found the Military Science Building and it was strange that she had to return salutes from so many people. She rarely wore her uniform on campus, so it was a new experience. She found Rm 102, and walked in.
Someone called "Attention" and several students rose and stood at attention. "Everyone but Meyers and Walton can sit," said the major.
Several of the group sat and the two cadets that the major called out stood at ease. "Gentlemen I don't believe I gave you permission to stand at ease," said the major. The two cadets assumed the attention position. The major pointed to a chair and asked Jennifer to sit.
The major stood and explained whom Major Connolly was "She is the leader of the headquarters group of the 1157th located at the reserve center. She is also pursuing a law degree at the university. She and I served in the 10th and served together in Afghanistan. I asked her here to offer legal advice, if needed. Sgt. Richards Please tell everyone what you told me."
An African-America NCO stood and said; "I was walking though the dorm after returning from a date; I was heading to my room when I observed the cadet lieutenant and cadet sergeant knock on two cadets dorm rooms. They verbally abuse the cadets and chased them outside at 24:00. I saw them start to force the cadets to perform exercises in the yard while verbally abusing the cadets. It was at that point that I intervened and dismissed the cadets to their rooms. I brought the incident to your attention this morning."
The major looked at the two cadets that were standing and paused. He finally spoke, "Cadets do you remember that oath that you took when you joined this unit? It has three parts one about cheating, one about lying and one about theft. I am going to ask you one question, and please remember your oath, were you directed by any of the staff to roust two cadets out in the middle of the night and force them to do PT?
"No Sir" was the reply.
"Then what justified the activity, you are leaders not bullies."
"Sir, the two cadets were not performing up to standard and I thought some extra PT would get their mind right," said Meyers.
"Yes possibly extra PT would be in order, but not accompanied by verbal abuse and at midnight. This could have become a hazing incident you two could have been suspended from school. It also could have brought an investigation from headquarters." responded the major.
There was silence in the room.
"Cadet Meyer to your knowledge have any other unit leaders initiated late night maneuvers with members of their units, outside of normal training, and remember your oath?" said the Major.
"No sir" was the response.
"So you two guys got some idea left over from summer camp and thought you would copy that in an attempt to get these two cadets to perform up to standard? Until Further notice Myers you are reduced to Cadet Corporal and Transferred to B Company. Walton you are also reduced to Cadet Corporal and transferred to A Company. You to are dismissed," said Roberts.
The two cadets walked out of the room. "Sergeant I want you to lead C Company until we can find two people to promote. Post a notice that there will be an all unit assembly tomorrow after dinner. The only people excused will be students with night classes. I am going to nip this problem in the bud as they say."
The Sergeant and the other Cadets who witnessed the session left the room leaving the Johnson and Jennifer.
"What did you need me for you seemed to handle that with out any advise from me," said Jennifer.
"Your presents added an air of legitimacy, also I wanted an outside observer," said Major Johnson.
"I am hardly an outside observer since you have been inside of me so many, many times," said Jennifer with a slight laugh.
"Let's get something to eat," said the Major.
"I don't believe that you and I have both been in uniform at the same time, I found it weird that I had to return all the salutes when I walked in here," said Jennifer.
The pair walked across campus toward the campus' hotel where the Faculty club was located. They were taken to a table and presented with menus and a wine list. A younger man dressed in black pants and white shirt with a black apron tied around his waist, approached the table and recognized Jennifer.
"Could I interest you in a bottle of wine?"
"Ok Bill what is the deal I thought that you were working at a downtown law firm?" asked Jennifer.
The law firm gig is only two days a week. I work here on weeknights I have an interest in food and beverage so this is a good place to practice,"
"What kind of pink sparklers do you have?" asked Major Johnson.
We have a good one made by Mumm Napa," responded Bill.
"We will start with that and then decide on other wines later," said Major Johnson.
Bill withdrew and Johnson looked into Jennifer's eyes.
"I don't know if I have ever seen you in Uniform since we served together," said Johnson.
"I only bring this out for reserve weekend. I will have a lot of time in the office uniform when I start working for JAG," said Jennifer.
Bill returned with an ice bucket and a bottle of the wine. He poured two glasses and stuck the bottle in the bucket and left. "What are we celebrating, Major?"
"Me seeing you in uniform. No I just thought it would be a good way to start dinner," said Johnson.
"And what are we doing after dinner, Major?"
"I plan on walking you back to your residence and kissing you good night, because I know your schedule," said Johnson.
"Hey maybe I don't want to be put away like an old coat," said Jennifer.
