DixieDavenport

Several weeks later found Luke and Dixie in the backseat of the General Lee. Luke had her pants off and she was 'hot'. Dixie nearly begged, "Luke don't stop now." Luke replied, "Hadn't planned on it unless you wanted me to." Dixie said as Luke lowered himself, "You are my first." Luke nodded, "I know. I'll be easy." He was. Dixie was thankful that Luke was the kindest, most gently person she had ever known. Though the next morning she was still pretty sore from last nights events as she made her way to the kitchen where Cooter sat. She saw the look he gave her.

Luke walked over to Beverly at the jukebox after Cooter had been taken out of the Boar's Nest by Rosco. "Co;me on over here with us. I take it you'll need a ride home?" Beverly nodded 'yes' and added, "Luke, Cooter had the wrecker tonight." Luke gave her a bit of a smile. "I've got a key. Come on. I'll finish this beer and switch to pop. Bo can take the General Lee, I'll drive the wrecker and let Maybelle know I have it if there is any calls." Beverly asked, "Really? You'd do that?" Luke nodded, "Yeah. Nothing Cooter wouldn't do for me. I'd sure like to know what Ernie said to him though." Dixie looked at Luke and Beverly as they came back to the table, "What was that all about?" Luke replied, "I don't have a clue, but I wasn't going to let that jerk jump in there and makek it two on one." He looked at Daisy, "Give me a Coke, two beers and a burger. Ya'll want anything?" Dixie and Beverly both replied, "No." They, as well as Daisy knew Luke was trying to 'sober' up a bit before he left the Boar's Nest especially since he was driving the wrecker the rest of the night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter starred at the ceiling and thought about all that Lori had said. He had a bad feeling. A real bad feeling!

Dixie was glad, of all things that she did not blush easy. She was sure if she did Luke's compliment would have made her do so. Luke ordered two beers. Again he 'assumed' Dixie was eightteen. As Luke and Dixie took a seat where Bo and his date were setting, Dixie took a sip of beer. Luke saw a couple looks from Bo and Cooter, who was setting at a near by table with Beverly. Though they gave Luke a strange look neither said a word, but both wondered 'Why' he would be seen out with Cooter's little sister when there were so many more expereinced women here tonight. As the band started to play, Luke and Dixie went to the dance floor. Luke said, "Are you catching the looks we are getting tonight?" "Yeah. Sorry." Dixie said. Luke shook his head, "No problem. I enjoy shaking them up occassionally." Several hours later everyone was having a good time. Cooter and Bo had been drinking pretty heavily. Luke had also drank his share as had Dixie. Dixie and Luke were dancing as Ernie bumped into Cooter, "You 'let' you sister go out with the likes of him. He-- if you planning on letting her be a whore I'll give ya fifty to have a go at it." Cooter looked to see that Beverly was still at the jukebox, he finished his beer and cleaned Ernie's clock! Luke seen Ernie Ledbetter go flying across the bar. Cooter had sent him flying. Luke gave Dixie a gentle nudge toward Bo, "Let me see what's up." Ernie's buddy jumped up to help Ernie. Luke stepped in front of him saying, "It's one on one. Jump him, deal with me!" Ernie's buddy stopped dead. Rosco came strutting out of Boss's office, something crooked was up. Rosco smiled,"Jit jit!! I got em I got em!! alright! just freeze it right there Cooter!!" Rosco walked over to Cooter and slapped the cuffs on him,"Lets go...go join that trouble makin cousin of yours!!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori was starring at the ceiling when.................

Dixie was a bit upset at Lori setting in jail, but she took it as a chance to talk to Luke without Lori around. See though she was younger, Dixie had a real big crush on Luke. Luke had given her the message to go see Lori and that she did.... Lori laid stretched across the bed, when she heard those familiar footsteps she looked up and saw Dixie. She sighed and raised up scratching her head,"Hey cousin.." "I saw Luke at the garage. He said you wanted me to stop by. ....... Here I am." Dixie said. Lori nodded,"You understand why I broke up with Luke right?" Dixie sighed and said, "Lori, sometimes it's hard to know if you two are together or apart. Ya'll break up and get back together so much. What's the reason THIS time?" Lori replied,"You." "Me?" Dixie asked in disbelief, "Me? You have got to be out of your mind. You broke up wth your boyfriend of how long because of ME? Do tell Cousin?" Lori sighed,"You like him don't ya?" Dixie replied, "Ah, .......yeah, ........ along with all his cousins and along with allthe other girls in Hazzard. Why allof a sudden are you backing off cause someone likes 'your' man?" Lori shurgged,"Aint doin me no good settin in here..I'll always love him, but if you really love something enough..you gotta let it go...go for it go get Luke..." Dixie said, "Lori, you will only be here a few more days. I go after him now. What's the point? You'll just sweep him away when you get out." Lori shook her head,"No I wont Dixie...you can have him...." Dixie asked, "So what's the catch? I've seen you go to jail for fighting someone who looked his way? What's this about Lori?" Lori shurgged,"Do you want him or not Dixie???? If ya don't then he** I'll go get him....but if you do GO GET HIM!!!" Dixie looked at Lori, "Lor you are serious? Ok, what happens when I do go after him? IF he gives me a second look and tehn you get out--- Can you REALLY take seeing us together?" Lori smirked,"If I get you two hooked up....I want you to do me one thing....Dont listen to what everyone says...it dont matter if you look good together or not what matters is if you two love each other.." Dixie had just had a birthday an thought she was older she wasn't sure Luke would give her the time of day, "Lori, do you really think he'd even look at me?" Lori leaned against the bars,"Whats the difference tween me and you...sides the age and experience..." Dixie looked at her older cousin. She was better built, more experienced, and everything Luke Duke wanted. Dixie said, "Lori, should I go after him, because you told me to, I don't want him coming between us." Lori shook her head,"He won't cousin....just give it a try ok?" Dixie cautioned, "Ok, but I intend to play for keeps, cousin, with you or anyone else that comes along." Lori sighed and nodded,"Alright....just go fer it already!!!" Dixie nodded, "Ok Cousin. Just remember you gave me the 'go ahead'." Lori nodded and sat on the bunk as Dixie walked up the stairs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie went home and cleaned up. Once she walked into the garage where Luke was under the hood of the General Lee. Hearing someone come into the garage he figured it to be Cooter, "Hey, Coot had me a 3/8's socket." Dixie said, "Well, I ain't Cooter, but I'll get the socket." Luke looked up at the voice and nearly hit his head on the hood of the car. Dixie was dressed in a very short leather skirt and halter top. Luke's eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Never mind Dix. I got it. You don't need to get dirty. WHat's the occassion?" Dixie tried to act a bit innocent, "Occassion? Just felt like dressing up. Tired of being Cooter's 'little sister'. Ya know?" Luke nodded,"Ahhh I see...raided Lori's closet huh? I know it aint none of my buisness but what did she want to talk to you about?" Dixie replied, "No, actually I've had this. I was just waiting on a chance to wear it. As for Lori, let's just say it was girl talk, huh?" Luke nodded. "Girl talk huh? hummmmm?" Dixie asked, "Ya'll aren't dating right now are you?" Luke sighed,"Nahh we ain't...I don't know anymore Dix...when it does work right she leaves me...I don't know what her problem is..." Dixie nodded, "So ever think of dating anyone else?" Luke replied, "Well, about anyone I'd like to is afraid of Lori, knowing our past." "I know someone who isn't afraid of Lori and who has wanted to go out with you for years." Dixie said. She wasn't at all sure she could do this but she had thirty days to try this without Lori being there to compete with.. Luke asked, "Who?" Dixie replied, "Me." For several long tense minutes she and Luke stood looking at each other. Luke looked at the young girl who had to his knowledge celebrated her 18th birthday. She looked a lot older that 18 standing there before him. He......... He smiled and nodded,"That so?" He shok his head and went back to work,"Meet me at the Boars Nest then?? later for a beer?" Dixie was trembling as she relied, "Sure. Sounds good." Later that evening.............

When Dixie heard the rumors she thought that it was really great that she WANTED word to travel about her and Daniel, other wise she would have been pissed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter had gotten a car that all the Dukes and himself could fit into comfortably. The made their way to the base the night before the wedding. All were suprised to see Luke working the gate they came into and Lori the one they left through. From the hotel room they could see Lori flagging traffic. Bo looked at Cooter who stood near the window, "She still out there?" Cooter replied, "Yeah, she is."

Lori did just that and dialed Jesse's number. "Duke Farm." Uncle Jesse answered. Lori said, "Uncle Jesse, this is Lori, I got someone who wants to talk to you." Luke cleared the car as Lori handed him the phone, "Uncle Jesse, this is Luke." Jesse smiled a bit hearing Both Luke and Lori,"Luke...tell me your ok.." Dixie Davenport: "Uncle Jesse we are both fine, maybe a bit over worked but fine." Jesse laughed a bit,"Well that'll teach ya! what ya needin son?" Luke took a deep breath and said, "We would like you all to come up the first weekend in May. Uncle Jesse, Lori has agreed to marry me again." Jesse sighed,"Now Luke...Are you absolutely sure that you and her want to do this again?? you know that you can keep her for keeps this time? Luke spoke up, "Uncle Jesse I wanted her for keeps the first time around." Jesse smiled, it did him good to hear Luke say that,"Well son...If I know that you and her can do it this time around I'll be there....I want you BOTH to promise me that I don't have to go with either one of you to get divorce papers again.." Luke had to laugh a bit, "We have talked about it. We both agree that this time is for keeps." Jesse smiled, then sighed,"Luke...Bo and Daisy will want to come too, I'm gonna need to find some help to look after the farm.." Luke replied, "If you have to hire out a few guys let me know, I can help with that as long as you all are here. Please, Uncle Jesse? I need you all here..." Jesse nodded, "I can get Coy and Vance Luke to come here and watch after the place..I'll be there.." "Tell them I appreciate them and you too. I'll make arangements for you all. The ceremony will be on Sunday. I'm still not sure how much time off I'll have." Jesse nodded,"Luke..long as I get to see you two again I'll be fine.." "Uncle Jesse, that you will, I promise." Luke answered." Jesse nodded,"Im expecting too...Luke, be good my boy...tell Lori to STAY OUT OF TROUBLE! I know that girl can stir up more trouble than shes worth at times!" Luke grined widely, "Yes, Sir, she can. That is a fact. I'l tell her. Get up with Cooter, I think he is planning on coming up too. Maybe ya'll can come together?" Jesse smiled,"Sure thing Luke....take care?" Luke thought to himself even after the phone went dead, "Yeah, ya'll too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at Dixie's school............

Dixie said, "Glad you approve." She gave him a wicked smile as she lowered herself on his lap..... Daniel gasped in suprise! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori slept.... By morning she had forgotten all about the hickey. She checked the board the 'dress of the day' was PT clothing. She glanced out the window and saw rain pelting down. She quickly dressed as the Sgt's right hand person called for them to 'fall out'! Lori went without even thinking! After the normal PT they started a 10 mile run in the rain. breaks consisted of more PT. Lori had memories of being in the brig after the first hour of the training. Everyone was sweating and sweating badly! Lori was setting on a rock under a bit of shelter when Sgt. Hardin walked up. "Corporal Davenport, what is on your neck?"

Dixie replied, "I guess maybe us Davenport girls may just be a natural. I have a cousin that was known for her 'abilities' in bed!" Dixie crawled on Daniel's lap and kissed him passionately. As she closed her eyes she could see Luke. Daniel was in heaven and more than willing to give Dixie exactly what she wanted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke returned to his bunk area. He was hanging his towels from his shower up as Pvt. Farmer walked up to Luke, "Say Duke. Is it really true that you are banging a Sarge here?" Luke knew where these 'rumors' came from and he'd deal with that soon. Luke shut his locker and turned to face Farmer, "Look, Farmer I know where those rumors came from and it my be best for you to leave it as a rumor." Farmer smiled and held his hands up,"Alright....just asking...aweful defensive over it though.." Luke nodded, "Defensive, no. Just figure to mind my own business and like those around me to mind theirs!" Farmer smirked,"Why mind our business when yours is muuuch better.." "Mine may be much better, but IF I had the 'connections' to bang a Sargent, don't you think I would have the connections to cause you a lot of grief?" Luke asked calmly. Farmer thought about it and actually afraid he backed away and left. Luke smirked to himself as he layed on his bunk. Tomorrow was going to be a long day. Nineteen hours days were getting old. He was up at 5 am and on duty til 3pm then was given extra duty working the gate til midnight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori on the other hand..............

Dixie swallowed the lump in here throat, "Yeah, it's just that you were my first, Daniel. I've waited a long time for that. Guess I'm sort of emotional about it. Sorry." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked at Lori in the shadows of the empty trailor. "You think Hartman will give me a pass for Sunday night?" Lori looked at him,"Well....He may just do it, then again, he may not on account of the punishment we're both on.." Luke nodded, "Yeah, I've worked gate every evening until tonight." Lori smiled,"Just tell him I wanted to know if you could have one and see what he says.." Luke laughed and replied, "Yeah, I'll do just that. Thanks Honey." Lori smiled like a possum,"Yup!" "We need to get out of here, before we get caught here. Hartman said I could talk to you on my off time, but I don't think he meant this." Luke said reaching for his pants. Lori sighed and laid there watching him. She didn't move. Luke looked at Lori still laying there, "Lori! Come on Honey? You KNOW we can't afford to get caught." Lori looked at him and got up,"Alright alright! geesh dont have a cow!!!" Luke replied, "I do NOT plan on having a cow, but we don't need to get caught either." Lori giggled,"Keep on having those caniption fits on me and YOU will get us caught!" Luke looked at Lori, "Me? having what fits??" Lori looked to Luke and shook her head,"And here I thought you were the smart one.." Caniption fits---throwing little hissy fits. Luke replied, "I know what one is but I'm not sure when YOU claim I threw one!" Lori sighed,"YOU are throwing one right now!" "I am? How do you figure?" Luke said. Lori mocked him,"Lori! come on honey you KNOW we can't afford to get caught!" Luke said, "Sorry, but I didn't know stating the obvious was a cantiption fit. I'm an E-1 they can't bust me down no farther! You on the other hand, well I feel guilty they busted you down to Corporal. Lori when is the last time you worked gate like you did today for hours?" Lori scratched her head,"uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...." Luke said, "Yeah, that's what I know. I saw you working the gate all afternoon." Lori looked at him shocked some,"You did??????" "Yeah, I did. It was windy, rainy and a real pain to work the gate for ya that long. You were out there while the men were relieved to get warm, yet you stayed out there." Lori smiled, "I'm tougher than they are." Luke grinned, "Yeah, yeah you are." Lori smiled and looked down, then looked to Luke and shook her head kissing him on the cheek before getting up and dressing. She looked over her shoulder at him and sighed,"When do you finish tomrrow?" "Looks like I work the gate to midnight. Joy Joy!" Luke said. The only reasonLori had worked a gate post that day was because they had a truck loose an axel at an intersection and needed more people to do the gates. Lori nodded, "Alright....I get off earlier than you do...hmm" She had the wheels in her head turning. Luke saw that she was thinking and was worried! He waited to hear her plan. Lori had a gleam in her eye as she crinkled her nose,"Whens the next night you work the gate during the day?? like today?" Luke sighed, "Saturday and Sunday, while the others are off base. Yeah, I'm getting screwed!" Lori looked at him,"Well....least you get off those nights...and what you do on your own time is YOUR business..." Luke sighed, "Yeah, I SHOULD get off by 5 but have to be in by 11pm. Are you sure you don't want to wait til we are re-married?" Lori looked at him,"I know I can wait..the question is, can YOU?" "Lori, what choice do I have? I'm sleeping with a barracks of men. Believe me, they got nothing I want!" Luke said. He felt himself harden at the thought of Lori in a barracks of only women. Lori snorted,"I'm in a barracks full of women!! aint like I got a choice either!!!!" Lori licked her lips at the thought of a room full of men. Luke glared at her, "Lori! Would YOU be serious here? You are calling Jesse and Cooter right?" Lori pointed to "Little Luke". "Looks like I aint the only one here thinking either buddy-roe! Yes, I am" "Let them know I want them here too, OK? But you have easier access to the phone and all. Besides, ou may be able to talk them into coming." Luke said. Lori sighed,"I know I know aint gotta tell me twice...though I'd think Jesse would like to hear from you too..." "Yeah, I suppose he would. I'll call him after you do. I got him pretty annoyed on my last call." Luke said. Lori looked down and bit her tongue,"You sure are taking this whole marriage thing like its gonna kill ya or something?" Luke bit his lip and told her something that Lori likely didn't realize, "Lori you have heard Uncle Jesse say the chances of Bo and I raising a family rank right up there with hoggs producing beef, well, I believed that IF I ever married someone it was for keeps. What hit me real hard was loosing you. I don't think I could do it again." Lori nodded,"Don't worry...it won't happen again Luke...cause this time I won't run and let you go..." Luke nodded. He HOPED she was telling the truth, but answered, "Good I'll hold you to that." Lori hugged him,"I promise Luke, I overreacted over something that wasn't my business and like I said, I did what I was known for, I ran.. but Luke, come he** or high water...I WILL make this second time work.." Luke looked her in the eye, "Hear me out, just this once and I'll never bring it up again. I am giving up a hell of a lot of possibilites to be with you. I love you. I want to be a father to my child, but by chosing you I KNOW I"ll never get the other options back. Lori, please, if you don't want me as is for me, tell me now." Lori looked at Luke,"Luke...since I was even barely old enough to talk I've always had a thing for you...Luke, I love you, always have always will. I dreamed of the day you'd ask me to marry me..he** when I was 10 years old I fantasized about it!!! Luke, I told you, if you don't want me...theres the door, BUT don't expect this child or me to ever see you once you hit that door." "Lori, I'm here. I am NOT going anywhere. I just don't want to bui;d my world around you and the baby and have you pullthe rug out from under me. I survived it once. I dont' think I could again." Luke said honestly. Lori sighed,"Luke...I done said I didn't want to go through with it again...my entire life my world revolved around you.... and it still does...he** thats what got me into trouble most of the time.." Luke took her in his arms and kissed her passionately, "Well, Corporal Davenport, I'll see you when we can? I look forward to you being my wife again." Lori smiled and kissed his nose,"Well Pvt Duke I look forward to becoming Mrs. Luke Duke again...mmm what bout this Saturday? think you can meet me at the corner like we did today?" "I'll be there about thirty minutes after work." Luke said. Lori replied, "I'll be there." She knew she'd most likely be off on Sat and Sunday but they would work Luke to 'mess' with him.

Luke was also finished for the day. He stepped up to Lori, "Can we talk? Please?" Lori looked down, "I don't think theres anything to talk about." She was clearly upset and hurt. Luke said, "Lori, there's a lot to talk about and you know it. I've talked to Sgt. Hartman and the Chaplain." Lori looked at him,"Why?" "I've been thinking a lot." He looked around. There was guys from Luke's platoon as well as women assigned with Lori walking back and forth at the corner where they had met, "Do we really want to do this here?" Lori looked a bit confused,"Well...got a better place...I don't even know what your talking bout!" Luke replied as he took her hand, "Yeah, I do. Come on." He took off walking at a fast pace. Once he reached an open area with less people walking around he stopped. "Ok. Now, Lori I love you and you know I always have." Lori nodded,"I know Luke..but, if you love another woman I'm not going to make you do things you don't want to do." She referred to as him being a father to their child. "You know me better than that. I don't usually get forced into anything. I didn't want you to divorce me in the first place." Luke knew she knew what he was asking but he hadn't asked. He decided to give her the traditional proposal, he put one knee on the ground and looked up at her, "Loren Davenport will you marry me again?" Lori looked to Luke and tears filled her eyes, she'd waited a long time for this, even after they got divorced she'd always wanted him to ask her that, for once she smiled and nodded,"Yea...but theres things we gotta talk about..." Luke had a tear in his own eye as he replied, "I know. I know there a lot we need to talk about. Lori if we do this, I don't want to get divorce papers again." Lori bursted into tears and nodded as she fell to her knees in front of him hugging him,"I don't either darlin'.... I don't either.." Luke hugged her back, "There is no promise we'll be stationed together or anywhere near each other. We got to be able to trust each other." Lori nodded and buried her head in his neck,"Luke...I was married to you for a year and trusted you...but, I had to jump to conclusions and do what I did best...run." "I'm tired of us running away from each other and we have something now that can help hold us together, if we let it. This is not going to be easy. I don't know how long you signed on for or if maybe you'll chose to re-sign when your time is up, but I will tell you this, my contract had a nice little clause that read, 4 years OR 'the duration of the operation'. These first few years are gonna be a 'challenge' at best. We couldn't make it work under less challenging circumstances, Lori." Luke explained. Lori nodded,"Luke I..I believe we can make it work, no it's not going to be easy but, I do believe that absence makes the heart grow fonder...and sides I can't re-sign now if I wanted too..on account of.." She pointed to her stomach. She smiled, "And no I don't want you to go to Nam and get your head blown off either!" She smiled and kissed his forehead. "You can sign up for another 4 years, when this term is up in what three years? Just because you have a child they won't boot you out you are trained and better yet, you are trained to train others. By the way, when I talked to Sgt. Hartman, he said that you two used to talk. I get the feeling he knows more about us than he lets on. How much does he know?" Luke had to ask. Lori sighed,"Luke...I couldn't talk to Dixie..I couldn't talk to Cooter, the only one that was my close friend was Hartman...he knows...alot actually..." Luke nodded, "I got that feeling. In fact he was telling me what I needed to do before he had actually given me permission. It was like he thought I should know I had it. I talked to the Chaplain he said that he could do the ceremony the first Sunday in May by then I may be able to talk to Sgt. Hartman and get a pass for Sunday night anyway." Lori smiled and nodded,"And this time...I ain't goin all out either," She giggled, "Well....reckon we orta tell Cooter and Uncle Jesse bout it?" "I'm glad you don't want anything big. I don't think we got that kinda time. I'm not even sure if Jesse and the others will come that far for it." Luke said. He sorta hoped they would but would understand if they didn't. Lori raised a brow to Luke,"Ahhhh I'm sure I'll talk em into it....if not I can give em the old shuck and jive.." "You would too, wouldn't you?" Luke grinned. Lori nodded and smiled,"You can be double da**** sure I would.." "Fine, then, you can deal with them. Jesse isn't real happy with me right now." Luke said. Lori sat down on the ground,"Well...that's you....I could always sweet talk my way to Uncle Jesse, not sure if these puppy dogs eyes will work on him now like they did when we were 5 but I'll try!" Luke smiled, "They likely will and I'd really like it if they came. This is the longest I've ever been away from them, ya know?" Lori nodded,"Yep, I know that...poor ole country boy like you all the way out here in the city.." Luke glared at her. "It seems you hail from the same place I do there, Corporal." Lori smiled,"Yea but I been here longer PVT. !!" "You love that don't you? Out ranking me I mean." Luke said. Lori nodded,"Yep!! I love control!! although, I ain't got too much control over ya.." She pouted. "Till you put that 'leash' on me again, right." Luke was teasing her and hoped she realized that. Lori stopped and looked at him frowning. She didn't answer back. Luke said, "I'm playing with you." Lori raised a brow at him, and didn't smile. She crossed her arms and humphed him. Luke looked around. No one was paying them any attention and he didn't see anyone who knew him. He gently shoved Lori to the ground on her back and kissed her passionately. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie looked at Daniel and hoped she could go through with this without giving herself away, "I want to. You're aren't forcing me." She swallowed the lump in her throat and rubbed up against Daniel as the got to Daniel's car. Daniel said, "Dixie if you want we can go back to my place. I share an apartment with another guy but he's not there tonight." Dixie replied, "Yeah, I'd like that." Daniel drove to the apartment and showed Dixie in. He hadn't thought she would be the type girl to play around on a first date but he surely wasn't going to turn it down. Hours later Dixie layed in Daniels arms in his bed while he slept. She felt the tears build in her eyes. She had never wanted to be with any other man but Luke Duke. He had been so gentle and tender with her. Daniel had been more out for his own pleasure and didn't take into consideration Dixie's own pleasure as Luke had done. That was the difference in an 18 year old boy and a twenty one year old man. Dixie had allowed Daniel to make love to her out od sheer necessity though he was a nice enough guy she didn't love him and it was likely never would.

Dixie had gone to a small store near her school, made a few purchases and returned to the dorm. Her room mate had gone home for the weekend and Dixie had the room to herself. She locked the door, took another look at her calendar, immediately her eyes filled with tears. She went in the bathroom took out a small package and read the directions. Several minutes later Dixie was praying, praying hard that she was just over reacting while she waited for the results. When she saw them her heart went to her shoes. "Oh, God, NOoooooo!" Dixie knew she was carrying Luke's child and had just let him go. She had LET him go just like thta to none other than her own cousin, Lori. ~~~~~~~~~~~~` At the game Dixie and Daniel had a good time. Dixie tried hard not to think about Luke and under the circustances that wasn't easy. Dixie was even being more outgoing than she would ever normally be and as Daniel hugged her as they walked out of the game she nibbled his neck adn blew in his ear as they made their way to his car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke knocked on Sgt. Hartman's door and was told to enter, "Pvt. Duke. What can I do for you?" Luke said, "Sir, I know you know a bit about Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport and myself. Right, Sir?" Hartman nodded,"Yes, I do Private..whats the problem now?" "Sir. Are you aware that she is carying my child? Sir." Luke asked. He figured that since it had come out at the courtmartial and Lori was gone there was no reason to hide it from Hartman. Hartman looked to Luke and got concerned in a way,"Pvt. I heard from some of my commanding officers that was at the hearing she was, but didn't think it true...." Luke felt himself begin to tremble from the inside out and hoped that it wasn't visible to Sgt. Hartman. "Sir. As you may also not know, she is my Ex-wife and yes, Sir. She is carring my child, Sir." Hartman nodded,"I did know she was your ex wife Duke...some things me and her talked about.. in a sense I would say congradulations to you but in another way, the marines looks down apon such behavior but I guess I understand your situation and all that went on." Though Luke had no idea what or how much Lori told Hartman, he was glad the man had some idea of his situation. "Sir. What exactly would we have to do to re-marry that is IF she'd even consider it. Sir." Hartman looked to Luke, "Duke, you mean to tell me you want to marry her? Well, first off you know you'd have to get her consent. And were she's a lower rank now, you can talk to her on YOUR own time and HERS, if she considers it, and I'd say Duke, she would. Then, there's a local chaplin here, you go see him and you'd of course were the blue uniform." Luke looked the man in the eyes, and answered, "Sir, Yes, I would liek to re-marry her. It nearly killed both of us when she divorced me. Sir, does that mean that I have your permission to marry her, Sir." Hartman smiled,"Permission granted Duke.." "Sir. Thank you. Sir." Luke said. He would go talk to the Chaplain and see what arrangements could be made to contact Lori.

Dixie sat in class and looked at the ring she wore from a man who was, to her knowledge setting in a prison cell because he chose to date her. How could she have been so nieve and allowed him to ruin the rest of his life? She was deep in thought as class was dismissed. Dixie was one of the last people to leave the classroom. As she did, she noticed a tall good looking young man standing at the door. When Dixie approached him he said, "Hi, I'm Daniel? I know you are new here and I was wondering if you'd like to go to a basketball game sometime?" Dixie smiled. He was cute. But she knew she was wearing an engagement ring on her hand that belonged to Luke. "Daniel I'm Dixie. To be honest with you right now I am engaged to a guy from home, but their is complications, so though I can't go out now doesn't mean I may not be able to in the future." Dixie didn't lie at all but she didn't know how long in the future it would take to work out the complications. When Dixie returned to her dorm she had a message to call her Mother. She went to her room and called her mother who told her that she had an urgent message for Dixie to call Cooter. Cooter had figured that their mother had her hid out somewhere and he had been unable to find her. His mother denied any knowledge of Dixie's where abouts. That is when Cooter said, "Well, just tell her to call me and I won't even ask where she is." Dixie called the garage. "Hazzard Garage, this is Cooter." He said. Dixie got the frog out of her throat and managed to say, "Cooter?" Cooter said, "I respect you not wanting us to know where you are, Dixie, but Luke did not go to prison but was able to go into the Marines. Who of all people do you think he had as a Drill Instructor?" Dixie knew right then and managed to barely whisper, "Lori?" Cooter said, "I'm sorry but I thought you needed to know." Dixie said, "Thanks Cooter." "Dixie, there is more........ Lori is pregnant." Cooter said. Dixie lied, "It doesn't matter Cooter. Thanks for not letting me waste my life pining for something I'll never have. I love ya brother but please don't give Mom anymore messages to call Hazzard cause I won't and I won't be back. I hate that I'll loose you in this, but I've got to move on. I love you Cooter and goodbye." Dixie hung up the phone and thought 'Oh God, what now?' She looked at her calendar, placed one hand on her stomach and said barely loud enough for her to hear herself, "Please, don't let me be." Dixie spent the rest of the eveing thinking, but mostly crying. Her room mate had offered to listen. Dixie had declined. Late that night she wrong a note to Uncle Jesse. Uncle Jesse, I know you know where Luke is at, I can't know where he is. But, please sent this enclosed note to him and also keep his Mother's ring for him. Love you all, Dixie. The note she wrote Luke was short and not nice. Luke, Congrats on your and LORI's new addition. I sent your Mother's ring to Jesse to keep for you. I figured you want to give it to Lori! Good bye Luke, Dixie ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the next mail call Luke had a letter from Jesse and one with the retun address from Crystal. He knew that on was going to be bad and figured Jesse's likely wasn't good either considering their last talk. He went to find somewhere a bit more private to read these letters......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Over the next couple days of class Dixie ran into Daniel and told him she had gotten word her fiance had been going out on her and she had since broken up with him. She agreed to go to the game with him if he still wanted too. He did. Dixie thought well that's plan A.

At the end of Luke's thirty-five days he was released from the brig bright and early. To his suprised Sgt. Hartman was waiting outside. "Duke there will be a couple buses roll in here soon. My suggestion to you is let them think you arrived early and we already got you processed somewhat and that this is your first go around. But it's you tale either way, I know nothing." Luke realized he was being given yet another break. "Sir. Thank you, I appreciate that. Permission to call home while waiting on the buses? Sir." Hartman replied, "Permission granted." Luke was both eager to call hom and yet dreaded it terribly. He placed the call and waited... "Duke Farm." Jesse said. "Uncle Jesse it's Luke." He said waiting to see what Jesse's mood was. Jesse growled,"Its Luke...Its Luke!!!! the ONLY man that can find his ex wife in the ENITRE United States Marine Corps!!!" Luke knew Cooter had talked to Jesse, "Ah, ...... yeah,...... about that....." Jesse was furious,"About THAT!!!!! Luke!!! she's pregnant again Boy are you stupid??!!!! I thought I raised you better than that?!!!" Luke sighed. "Uncle Jesse you know how we are together. You told me years ago there was something between us. Try as we may, we just can not stay away from each other and yet we can't be together." Jesse almost screamed,"Lukas!!!! you get her pregnant and she has a miscarriage....then, you marry her AND go strictly against what I believe and Divorce her....MAKE UP YOUR MIND BOY OR COME HE** OR HIGH WATER I'LL MAKE IT UP FOR YOU!!!" Luke asked, "Uncle Jesse just how do I do that? I've made up my mind before and walked. We ran right back into each other. She left town, I ran into her in Johnson Co, TN. I moved on against her warning me that me and Dixie had something together. She leaves town and I had NO clue she was in the Marines and I wind up with her being my DI.." Jesse snorted."Either you marry her or do something Boy... cause im tellin ya...IF you two keep this up i'll take a switch to the both of ya!" Luke said honestly, "Well, for starters I can assure you it's already arranged that when the baby is born Lori will ge the baby's share of my paydays. It will have my name, but I don't even know if Lori would consider marrying me again. Besides............." Jesse said lowly,"Besides WHAT???" Luke reconsidered what he was originally going to say and asked, "Uncle Jesse I'm likely going to Nam. I may not come back. Is that right to marry anyone and expect them to be true to me and me to them when I may not come back?" Jesse got suspicious,"Luke....even better question WHY dont you want to remarry Lori?" Luke caught his breath at that question and said, "Ah, ................................ well, ...... we tried it once and it didn't work?" The question in Luke's statement was another dead give away. Jesse sighed,"Luke.....your gonna hurt her again aint ya?????Don't ya think you've already hurt her enough Boy???" "Uncle Jesse I don't want to hurt anyone. I was put in a position and I acted without thinking it through until right after. I know I was thinking with the wrong body part but there is a bigger picture. There are more than just Lori, the baby and me to consider." Luke said. Jesse nodded,"Like another Davenport woman????" Luke dropped his head. "Like another Davenport woman whom I'm trying to get over and who is wearing my ring................. Where could she have went?" Jesse got angry,"You mean to tell me....Dixie wore YOUR ring.... and you slept with Lori???!! LUKAS K. DUKE....COULD YOU BE ANY STUPIDER!!!" Luke answered, "No, sir, I couldn't have, but .........." Jesse growled."BUT WHAT???!!!!" Luke did not want to say what he was thinking but had little choice. Thank God he was several states from Jesse right now. "After that night with Dixie, I was in jail til I came here. Lori was here. She offered. I thougth she understood and walked away. She made me regret that for days! til finally....." Luke trailed off and didn't finish. Jesse nodded,"SO...why do you want to know where Dixie is??? Don't ya think you need to "get over" Lori first...." Luke sighed, "Your right, but I thought I was when Dix and I got together, right up until I saw Lori here. But, ..... ah, .... Dix doesn't even know that I'm here and not........." Jesse jumped on that stated! "In prison for being with HER!" "Yes,..... Sir." Luke sighed. The entire situation had snowballed on him. Jesse was mad,"Luke....I love ya son and always will....BUT..you gotta choose between the two of em!!! its either Lori or Dixie now who is it??!!" Luke sighed. "Without talking to either of them I can't just pick, besides when they both know everything neither may want to even talk to me again!" Jesse asked, "You almost went to prison over Dixie, do you think it's wise to try to find her?" Luke replied honestly, "I just don't know what's wise anymore." Jesse agreed,"You sure got that right....Look, If Lori finds out...she wil NOT except ANYTHING from you AND this whole getting court martialed deal because of you wont go over to easily with her either...." Luke knew Jesse was largely right but couldn't help himself, "Over ME? She STARTED it with ME!" Jesse retorted,"BUT YOU HAD THE RIGHT TO STAY AWAY!!! IT WAS YOUE DECSION TOO!!" Luke again knew Jesse was right. "You are right, but I can't take anything I've done in the past back. I can't change anything, but please, tell me what you think the most rational thing I can do now is?" Jesse stated,"Find Dixie and tell her you either want to be with her or not....find Lori tell her the same...go to Nam if they make you and come home alive.." Luke smiled just a bit. Jesse had away to put so much in prospective. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse that makes alot of scense, but even I want to be with Dixie I still may not be able to because of her age and I'm not sure exactly how to go about finding her." Jesse knew there would be hell to pay when Lori found out for sure,"Yea, I'll see ya at your funeral...when they ship you back here to Gerogia in a pine box!!" Luke wasn't getting at His point. He wanted Luke to see that he had to tell Lori, whether he wanted to or not. Luke asked missing Jesse's meaning, "You're that convienced I'll die in Nam?" Jesse sighed,"No you dipstick!!!! Im talking bout Lori!!!" "But don't you think I need to talk to Dix first? and I have no iedea where to find her." Jesse shook his head,"If you dont want anything to do with Lori..you need to tell her first!!! then, find Dixie.." "Luke said truthfully. Right now, I just want to know that my baby has my name and is taken care of. I don't feel that I need to be with either of them or anyone else right now." Jesse shook his head,"Im hangin up now...only cause im tired of fightin a losin battle that i aint never gonna win!!!" "Uncle Jesse. I'm sorry." Luke said. Jesse sighed,"Its ok Luke...your young and nieve and aint got no sense!!!!" Luke and Jesse hung up as the first bus rolled in. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Ashville, NC. Dixie had gotten settled in her dorm and was getting to know her room mate. She and her Mother had registered Dixie Davenport as Dixie Wiggins. Dixie had started classes and was settling in well.

Cooter hung up the phone and returned to the engine he was rebuilding he picked up the torque wrench and put it to the engine and stopped. He stood there for several minutes thinking. He put the wrench down. He knew that after that phone call if he aattempted to work on this engine right now it would blow sure a shooting as soon as the key was turned on whatever vehicle it was put in. He knew he'd put far to much pressure on it and strip it out. He thought about all that Lori had told him. There was only one thing to do. He grabbed teh wrecker keys, locked the garage and headed for the Dukes. When he arrived Daisy was hanging up clothes. He didn't see Bo, Jesse or anyone else but all the vehicles were there so the others were likely on the farm somewhere. Daisy looked at Cooter as he got out of the wrecker. He never showed up out here this time of day and he looked like something was wrong. In fact he looked a lot older than he ahd last night. Cooter shoved his hands in his pockets and walked over to Daisy, "Is Jesse and Bo here?" Daisy said, "Sugar they are in the barn. Is something wrong?" Cooter nodded, 'yes', "I don't think I can tell this but once. They shoudl break for lunch anytime, right?" Daisy said, "Yeah, I've got ready in fact. You are welcome to stay and if you go get them we can eat now." Cooter sighed, "I'll go get them Daisy but I don't feel much like eating." Cooter started toward the barn. Cooter not feeling like eating sent off warning bells to Daisy! Something had to be badly wrong. ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy, Bo and Jesse waited for Cooter to tell them what was bothering him. Try as they might he only accepted a glass of tea. He waited til they had mostly finsihed lunch before he began. He took a deep breath and began by asking, "Has, ........ Luke, um, ....... recently?" Jesse replied, "No. Actually he's only called twice. Once during the first day or so to say he was there, they were about to be processed, but was told they could each make a quick phone call. The next on was a few days later the first time he ws able to go off base. But, lets see its' been around a month since he's called." Daisy asked, "Cooter? Luke is OK he isn't hurt?" She wasn't sure why anyone would call Cooter instead of the farm if Luke were hurt or something. Cooter said, "Nah, Daisy, he's fine, as far as I know." He paused a long while. Then, said, "I did get a rather strange phone call from someone I haven't heard much from lately, ........... Lori." Cooter saw the suprised looks and continued, "She's kept in touch with me since she left. She asked me to keep that information to myself. I did. But, now I think I need to share this phone call with you all. When Lori left here, she went back into the Marines,.........No one knew that including me for awhile." Cooter said. Daisy was the first to put two and two together, "Oh, ... NO!" Cooter shook his head 'yes', "You got it! They ran head to head with each other AGAIN!" "What?!!!" Jesse exclaimed. "OH, NO!" Daisy sighed. And, Bo asked, "Are they back together?" Cooter held up his hand, "That pretty much sums up my reaction! I don't know how, in the entire United States Marine Corps they could run into each other, but they did........... Well, actually I do know how they ran into each other, Lori has become Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport,..... so when a cadet was penciled onto her list at the last minute she didn't see the name of one Duke, Lucas K., ........ until she took command of the platoon. At THAT point she should have reported knowing him, shall we say, extremely well?" Jesse and Bo both said together, "But, she didn't." Cooter replied, "You know those two. Neither one said a da-- word!" Jesse knew quiet abit about the military structure and a Sgt. Drill Instructor and a Cadet having ANYTHING but such a relationship would be frowned upon. He said, "Holy, Christ!" At the same exact moment Bo said, "Oh, sh--!" Cooter gave them a bit of a laugh, but it lacked humor, "You haven't EVEN begun to hear what happened! It seemed that there was another cadet that saw right through Luke and Lori. Like anyone in five hundred miles could have missed the fireworks between those two. He started watching them close, REAL close and you know them it didn't take long for one to bait the other. THIS time it seems Lori had the upper hand and drove Luke crazy until he agreed to meet her in her 'private quarters'." "WHAT???" Jesse exclaimed. Cooter sighed, "It gets 'better'! It seems the guy was confined to quarters by Lori becaused he failed an important test. Her 'private quarters' quarters were in view of the barracks he was confined to. He saw Luke and Lori there, reported it, but nothing was founded. So, they were off the hook, AND should have known NOT to continue anything with each other, BUT, again, you all know those two....... Lori had something important to talk to Luke about and signaled him to come to her quarters. Of course, he went! It seems after their important talk and what ever else wen ton Luke went to leave the apartment and there was MP's there." Jesse said, "Oh Lord!" Seeing Bo and Daisy's questions, Jesse explained, "Military Police." Cooter nodded, "They were taken to Lori's commanding officer, confined to quarters and eventually charged with Fraternization. It seems they were lucky. Lori did 30 days in the brig and a transfer, Luke is doing 35 days to give her a chance to get gone. That's why you haven't heard from him Lori just got out and is packing." Jesse said, "So he should be calling in a few days?" Cooter nodded 'yes', "Seems they got off lucky after telling the brass they had previously been married." Jesse sighed much to quickly, "Good." Coooter shook his head 'no', "Ya'll remember a few years ago when Luke and Lori got together? Ya know when she turned to Vance cause Luke was involved with Robin?" Daisy gasped. Bo groaned. Jesse said, "Cooter? She's NOT?" Cooter swallowed hard and continued, "Seems what Lori wanted to tell Luke was that she had went to an doctor in town and the pregnancy test came back positive. She had went to a private doctor in hopws of at least buying them some time, but when they were sent to the brig a 'complete' medical exam was done and the military found out she was pregnant! Both knew it wouldn't take anything to confirm that the child is Luke's and both admitted it. Now, my question to Lori was, what are they going to do about it? It seems they had not even talked about getting re-married and frankly, the more I think about it the more I wonder if they should even consider it. Lori is concerned about Dixie's feelings but I told her I have tried to contact her and can't. Mom denies knowing where she is, but I know she knows. Dixie doesn't even know that Luke is not in prison for being with her." The Dukes................

Luke had gotten in the habit of talking to Lori through the wall. They had talked as much as they dared to last night. Luke knew she was getting released today. He sat on the feeling really alone. Lori had said she would call Cooter and tell him she was moving. What bothered Luke was she was likely going to tell him WHY she was moving too. Luke really would like to talk to Jesse right now on the porch over a cup of coffee, well a glass of shine would be better. Luke sighed with everything that had happened in the last six weeks when he was able to he planned to go to the bar and have several beers! He and Lori had been down this road before. She had carried his child before, only to miscarry it. They had been married and divorced. For the second time in his life Luke had gotten the same woman pregnant without being married to her. He knew the right thing to do would be to see what they had to do to get married, but that had been one subject in the last month that neither he nor Lori had brought up. Luke's excuse to himself was he wanted to talk it over with Jesse. Well, in a mere five days he'd get to call home and tell them his side of the story. He was sure they would have already heard Cooter's version of Lori's side of the story by then. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori had seventy two hours to pack and get moved to her new base. Luke would be in the brig another five days. There was no way to see him before she left. They had come up with a plan to be able to write to each other with out anyone knowing who had mailed the letters. Lori knew she should call Cooter. She usually had called at least once a week but for four week she had been in the brig and could not call home. She looked at the phone......

The bugle sounded the wake up call. Jones, Luke and Lori were about to get a new look at the Marine Corps as the Correctional Specialists popped the cell doors and began barking orders. Lori had been far to used to barking orders. It had been awhile since she was yelled at like this. Lori had thought she was in shape. By the end of the day she wondered what had given her that notion. She was hurting in places she didn't even know she had. As for Luke, he may not have been conditioned like Lori was but had been holding his own pretty well in Basic training and he was used to hard work, but he was extremely greatful for the day to be over with. Then, there was Jones who had been struggling in Basic and had no clue what 'work' meant now was fall over onto the bunk nearly dead. He had never been this tired or hurt this bad in his life. He was very sure of that! He did not see how he was going to do this for a month. ~~~~~~~~ For Luke and Lori it was sure to have been a month of their life that they would never forget. As for Jones............

He looked up and thought, 'Well, I now know a few things. Lori wasn't kicked out, but she was in the brig.' It sounded as if she was right above Luke. He got to looking and could tell an elevator or ventation shaft ran behind the wall from floor to floor. Luke almost smiled. He knew once things got quiet he could very likely talk to Lori fairly easy. Knowing she was here bothered Luke, but he took a bit of comfort in knowing he could at least hear her voice. He set down on the bunk and waited. Hours later Luke moved to the corner of the bunk and tapped twice. Lori returned with two taps. Luke said, "Lori how long are you here for?" Lori replied, "A month. You?" "A month and five days to give you time to transfer out." Luke replied. Lori sighed,"I hate this alot you know that?? If I hadn't had opened my mouth to you at the bar and left my feelings alone we wouldn't be here now!!! Luke shook his head, "I had a bit of a choice there remember? You didn't force me into anything." Then he remembered how she had teased him to the point of making him crazy. Those were not the thoughts he needed to be thinking right now! Lori smiled and nodded,"Well..I guess...Luke im sorry..." Luke said, "No, I'm the one who's sorry. They took your command?" Lori replied, "I'm Corporal Davenport now, Luke." Luke swore, "Da-- it! You are loosing way too much on account of me. I know they know about the baby. "

Lori stood to return to the MP when she saw Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell give her the sign to wait. The court then called, "Sgt. DI Loren Davenport." Lori was directed to the chair where Jones had been seated. Inside she swore. Outside she tryied to present an air of professionalism, though she knew that was going to be shot to shreads in the next half hour! The same board member asked, "Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport as a drill instrustor you operate as a commanding officer, is that correct?" Lori took a deep breath before answering, "Sir. Yes. Sir." He then stated, "You are accused of fraternizing on terms of military equality with one or more certain enlisted member (s), in this case one, Pvt. Lucas K. Duke. Is that a correct accusation?" "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori tried to anser without emotion. He continued, "Being that you were Pvt. Duke's Commanding Officer, you were aware that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke was an enlisted member of the United States Marine Corps?" Lori caught a glance at Major Mitchell who barely nodded a look of support for her to continue. "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori was then asked, "You are aware that such fraternization violated the custom that officers shall not fraternize with enlisted members on terms of military equality?" Lori replied with a bit of defeat in her voice, "Sir. I am aware. Sir." He continued, "Under the circumstances, your conduct was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces." "Sir, Yes. Sir." Lori replied. He then flipped through several pages of forms and stated, "Sgt. Drill Instructor, Davenport, I show in you current records that your marital status is single. Is that correct Ma'am?" Lori would have liked to have crawled under a table right then, but answered, "Sir. Yes. Sir. Divorced, may be more accurate. Sir." He asked, "Sgt. Drill Instructor, Davenport who were you married to?" Lori answered truthfully, "Sir, Before returning to the Marine Corps I was married to and divorced from Pvt. Lucas K. Duke before he entered the Marine Corps. Sir." He asked, "Ma'am. You are aware, that this situation should have been reported when Pvt. Duke was put under your command?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." "Did you report this matter to anyone?" He asked. Lori replied, "Sir. No. Sir." Now what Lori knew would happen happened. He stated, "On your Medical Certification it appears that your pregnancy test was positive. Is this correct?" Lori was about to loose what professionalism she had, but managed to replied a bit strained, "Sir. Yes. Sir." He asked, "Based on the statements I have from the MP's, Pvt. Sam Jones, and Sgt. Major Skye. Along with the the report from Major Mitchell, am I correct to assume that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke, your Ex-husband, id the father of this child?" This question was actually easier than she figured, "Sir. Absolutely. Sir." At this point Major Mitchell spoke up, "Sir. Permission to speak? Sir." The board member nodded for him to continue, "Permission granted, Major." Major Mitchell spoke up loud, louder than actually necessary, but it was something he felt needed said, "Sir. With all due respect, as you personally know I have a few skelotons in my past, as we all do. Sir. You know my history, so I won't go into it for those who don't, but let me say in Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport's credit, she has worked very hard to attain and maintain her rank. She is and has been one of the best, most professional Drill Instructors under my command. I have spoken to Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport in reference to this matter and though she did fail to report her relaionship to Pvt. Lucas K. Duke, she had expressed to me that due to their previous relationship that she felt at the time that she and Pvt. Duke could maintain a professional relationship. Sir. I do not advocate her decision to go against the rules, but as you know I can understand them. Sir." Lori had no idea what was in Major Mitchell's past but whatever it was, she knew but the look on the faces of several of the board member, they KNEW. Major Mitchell continued, "Therefore, Sir, I must ask that you honor my recommendation that Sgt. Drill Instructor Lornen Davenport be demoted to Corporal Loren Davenport, be transfered to the Womens Marines Corps, and take a pay cut of 2/3's for as long as you direct. Sir." Mitchell had puposely left out any confinement time in hopes that Lori would not be confined for her actions. The members talked amoung themselves for a long while. Lori actually felt the back of her neck sweating. Finally the head member spoke, "Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport you have been charged with violation of Article 134-23--Fraternization of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. We are takinginto consideration the relationship that you and Pvt. Lucas K. Duke had, thus, it is our decision that you be confined for 1 month and you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 3 months. You will also be demoted to the rank of Corporal and transfered to the Womens Marines Corps." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Corporal Davenport to the brig." Lori's heart went to her shoes as the MP stepped beside her. She turned to Major Mitchell. It took all she could do to keep from crying, "Sir. Thank you, for everything you just did. I will not forget it. Sir." Mitchell replied professionally, "Ma'am. Carry on. Ma'am." Lori squared her shoulders and with her chin up she allowed the MP to escort her out of the hearing room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Next the board called, "Pvt. Lucas K. Duke." Luke took his seat and also noticed, both Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell were present for this hearing. He wished he had some idea what had happened to Lori to gauge what was about to happen to him, but there was no such luck. Luke was told what he was being chaged with and under went much of the same questions that Lori had but the last few differed a bit: Luke was asked, "Is it correct that you and Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport were ar one time married and have since divorced?" Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." "According to a eyewitness report from Sgt. Major Skye you were in Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenports personnal quarters in some degree of undress. Is that correct?" He asked. Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." Luke was then asked, "As a result of the afore mentioned meeting or other such meetings, is it possible that Sgt. Drill Instructor Davenport, your Ex-wife, could have conceived your child?" Taking a deep breath, Luke replied, "Sir. Yes. Sir." Major Mitchell again requested, "Sir. Permission to speak. Sir." The board member nodded for him to continue, "Permission granted, Major." Major Mitchell again spoke up loud, louder than actually necessary, but it was something he felt needed said, "Sir. With all due respect, as you personally know I have a few skelotons in my past, as we all do. Sir. You know my history, so I won't go into it for those who don't, but let me say in Pvt. Lucas K. Duke's credit, I have spoken to his other Drill Instructors and I feel with all due respect, that it would be a disservice to our Country and to Pvt. Duke if he were discharged from the Marine Corps. From what I have learned and seen of this Marine, I am willing to stick my neck out for him, the way certain Superiors did for myself once, I recommend that Pvt. Lucas K. Duke NOT be discharged from the Marine Corps, but given extra 'character building duties' which I volunteer to personnally over see until he completes his Basic training. Sir." Luke could not believe his ears. A Major whom he only knew by sight was stickinghis neck out for him. The members talked amoung themselves for a long while. Lori actually felt the back of her neck sweating. Finally the head member spoke, "Pvt. Lucas K. Duke you have been charged with violation of Article 134-23--Fraternization of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. We are taking into consideration the relationship that you and Sgt. Drill Instructor Loren Davenport had and also Major Mitchell's recommendations, thus, it is our decision that you be confined for 1 month and 5 days, you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 6 months. You will also be subject to DNA testing. If the tests confirm you have fathered a child, after it's birth, 1/3 of your pay will be paid to the mother for support. You will also be responsible for extra 'character building duties' which Major Mitchell has volunteered to over see. For your information Pvt. Duke the added five days gives Corporal Davenport time to pack and transfer on as well as get another group of recurits in. You will be placed with them after they go through receiving. You will have to repeat all the training that you have completed up to this point." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Pvt. Duke to the brig." Luke did have a split second to say, "Major Mitchell. Thank you. Sir."

For Luke and Lori both, this would be a long night. Both had spent the night in the Hazzard County jail before, but this was very different than setting and waiting for morning when Jesse would be there to take them home after Rosco had trumped up a reason to lock them up. No, this was serious. This was very real and could effect them both for a very long while. For Lori as she sat starring at the bars, she knew the regualtions and knew she could be setting here for the next two years and then be sent home with a dishonorable or less than honorable discharge. If that happened, who could she trust with her child, because it looked like its father was going to be in for the same ride. She could only hope that Major Mitchell's recommendation for a transfer, demotion and pay cut was taken which was far better than the maximun punishment. Luke had been wise enough when Jones had told on them orginially to have looked up Article 134-23--Fraternization in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). He had not been happy with what he had found. The maximun punishment could be: Dismissal, forfeiture of all pay and allowances, and confinement for 2 years. While not specifically stated, a general court martial can also reduce a person's grade. Most general court martials reduce the convicted person's grade to the lowest enlisted rank (E-1) when punishment includes time in prison and/or a punitive discharge. For Luke he was an E-1, but Lori was an E-6, he didn't have a lot of time and hard work invested like Lori had. Then, he thought about them having a child together. One part of him wanted nothing more, while there was a part of him that looked at the bigger picture. Here they were both in the United States Marine Corps., Lori could be stationed anywhere anytime they needed her since she was not only trained but a trainer. Then, there was Luke, IF he managed to get to complete his training they almost certainty of him being sent to Vietnam to fight a fight from which he may not return from. Yet, at THIS moment, both this child's parents (and the child itself) were in the brig basically for its conception. Jesse had always said, 'The family that plays together; stays together'; but Luke didn't think this was QUITE what Jesse meant. The shear irory of the situation almost made Luke laugh, but it wasn't funny, not in the least bit. Luke looked down at the yellow scubs he had been issued. He couldn't help but think how much he hated yellow, especially the bright canary type yellow. He asked himself, 'What were he and Lori going to do with a child if the maximun punishment was handed down at the court martial proceedings?' The child could be fifteen months old before they got out of the brig. One part of him tried to hope Major Mitchell's recommendations for him to be allowed to stay in the Marines, but the other part of him also remembered that Major Mitchell had warned him that he may be sorry for that recommendations by the time he was able to complete basic training and he had also failed to mention how much time in the brig they may get. At this point, Luke only knew the worse could be two years. Luke tried to prepare himself to hear the worst and yet hope for anything better. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next morning MP's had the task of getting Lori, Luke and Jones, as well as several others, ready for their proceedings. The men wore the typical dress blues. They were taken to a holding area to wait until they had everyone ready. Once everyone was ready they were headed out to an awaiting bus. It was only now that Luke saw Lori dressed in her dress blues and skirt. He had never seen her in this uniform before and she nearly took his breath away. Once the members hearing the proceedings were assembled, Pvt. Sam Jones was called before the board. Also, Sgt. DI Loren Davenport was called as the charging officer. The MP looked at her and questioned, "You are the 'charging officer' in the case Ma'am?" Lori replied, "Yes, Corporal, I am." Though the Corporal was a bit suprised he motioned her to take her place as the charging officer. Lori noted that Sgt. Major Skye and Major Mitchell were both present. A member of the board asked, "Sgt. DI Loren Davenport did you order the accused to be restricted to certain limits?" Lori replied, "Sir, Yes, I did. Sir." He asked, "What were those limits you placed on Pvt. Sam Jones, Ma'am?" Lori stated most professionally, "Sir, Pvt. Sam Jones was ordered to be confined in the barracks for the evening in question. Sir." He looked at the file, "As his commmanding officer you were authorized to order said restriction?" Lori replied, "Sir. That is correct. Sir." He then asked Lori, "Did the accused, Pvt. Sam Jones know of the restriction and the limits?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes, he did. Sir." He looked at the charge sheet and asked, "According to your report, Pvt. Sam Jones went beyond the limits of the restriction before being released therefrom by proper authority. Where exactly was he, Ma'am?" Lori replied, "Sir. Yes, he was beyond those limits. He was caught by myself at the local establishment known as O'Riley's. He was picked up by the MP's there after I notified them of the above. Sir." He asked Lori, "So, do you feell that under the circumstances, the conduct of the accused was to the prejudice of good order and discipline in the armed forces or was of a nature to bring discredit upon the armed forces?" Lori replied, "Sir, Yes I do Sir. I feel that his actions disrepected my rank and authority. Sir." The members of the board talked amoung themselves and then rendered the following decision: "Pvt. Sam Jones, you have been charged with violation of Article 134-44 Restriction, Breaking of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). This board finds you guilty as charged. It is our decision that you be sentenced to the Maximum punishment and confined for 1 month and you will forfeit two-thirds pay for 1 month." Then, he directed, "MP you may return Pvt. Jones to the brig."

Luke figured they had found out Lori was pregnant during the tests at the infirmary. He only hoped that this did not change Major Mitchell's recommendation. He could live with Lori being placed on medical leave at some point in the future but Luke wondered if she would hate him for it later. He knew that because of him she would be demoted from a position she had worked hard to get and would be limited from now on in her career choices due to the baby. Rationally he knew that she was as responsible as he was for their choices but he still knew he should have thought them through more before he acted. That point was crystal clear as he took in the six by eight cell that he was currently locked in. He had been right. The keys WERE NOT hanging on the wall outside the cell. He was thinking back over the last year about the number of times he had been locked up even indirectly because of Dixie and Lori. A couple hours later as Luke layed on the bunk thinking and MP came by and said, "Duke your hearing will be first thing in the morning." Luke thought that at least this part would be over soon, but wondered how long he may be here in the future.

Lori KNEW they would run a pregnancy test on her. She had just filled out her section of the form to commit Jones to the brig pending the hearing and she now remembered seeing the medical certificate which listed for females a manditory pregnancy test. As she closed the door she swore! She knew they would run every test they could on all them because they could before the day was up. She took off her uniform and put on the hospital gown. God how she hated those things. At least they gave her two to make a robe out of. She stared at the cup for a long while, maybe too long, as there was a knock on the door. "Davenport you alright in there?" the Corporal asked. She swore again, "Yes, just fine." The Corporal stated, "I need that sample soon! We have a lot more to get done today." Lori knew she had no choice in the matter and knew if it wasn't now they would just get it later. She put the sample in the cup and took it to the Corporal. The Corpral then drew blood. Several tubes of blood. Once the doctor came in he ordered everything from EKG, chest X-rays, and many more tests. It was almost 5 pm when Lori was finally told to get dressed. She had been stuck, poked, prodded, X-rayed and scanned all while being guarded by the MP. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Sam had faired no better with the exception of the pregnancy test. They had been given all those test for men's health that they so hate along with all those that Lori had been given. By the time they were told to get dressed all three had been through a day of he-- and it was not over with as they got back into he jeeps with the MP's who headed across the large base. Once they reached the destination, Luke knew he was not in Kansas anymore. This was NOT Rosco P. Coultrane's jail in a one horse town. Just the outside apprearance told him the keys would NOT be left on the desk or hanging on the wall. The senior MP got out of the first jeep and walked to the brig window. He said as he handed over the proper forms, "I got the three I called about earlier. Two male, one female. From what I can gather the two males have a problem with each other. I'd separate them." The LT. on duty said, "Ok, bring in the female first." The Sr. MP came back to the first jeep, "Davenport they are ready for you." Lori took a deep breath. Yeah she had been arrested in Hazzard but as she stepped throught the first gate she knew it was NOT Hazzard. She was met by a female wearing gloves who called out her size to some unseen person, then taken back to an area where there was a half wall and a shower. Lori was directed to undress, searched, told to shower and issued three bright yellow sets of scrubbs. After she was changed into them she was taken to a desk where several forms were completed by the female which basically asked Lori's life history or so it seemed. "I see the pregnancy test was positive. How far along are you?" Lori looked down and hesitated before she spoke,"Bout a week I'd say or less than that.." The information was documented and Lori was taken to get sheets and other issued items. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Sam had been processed and were also in yellow scubbs. They being excorted to pick up their linens also and passed Lori being escorted back from getting her linens. As they passed in the hall................

Major Mitchell had Luke returned back to his office, "Pvt. Duke is it true that Sgt. Dvenport is your Ex-wife?" Luke said, "Sir,Yes, Sir." Major Mitchell said, "That being the case you should never have been assigned to her command. She should have reported it when you first arrived. You would have been transferred to another plattoon and there likely would have been no further problems. As it stands right now, I have no other choice to seek Court Martial procedings on you both. I am recomending that Sgt. Davenport be transferred to the Womens Marine Corps as a Corporal. She will likely take a pay cut and possibly go to the brig for a short period of time. She has been a good Marine and I don't want to loose her over this. As for you I have done some checking on you with your other Sgts. and I had received good reports. In fact they are good enough for me not to recommend you be discharged which is usually what happens to recuirts who get into trouble at this stage. I feel that you will be a good Marine and that's what this country needs right now. I will not lie to you, in your time remaining here, you may wish that I HAD recommended you be discharged, but you will be a better Marine for what you will go through." Luke knew he was in a deep world of sh--! but wisely said, "Sir, Yes, Sir. Thank you for that recommendation, Sir." Major Mitchell sighed, "I hope you can tell me that at your graduation, Pvt." He opened the door and handed the MP's 2 form DD 458 Charge Sheets and 2 form DD 2707 Confinement orders for Luke and Lori to be packed up and taken to Medical to have the Medical Certificate completed in order for the brig to accept them as pre-trail detainees. Due to them being formally charged and facing Court Martial proceedings they are automatically considered 'escape risks' and would be more likely to get into more trouble or attempt to go AWOL. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori thought she would be staying at her apartment until the hearing. She SHOULD have known better. She later figured that's what she got for thinking, or not thinking! She received a phone call from Sgt. Major Skye asking her if she was sure that she wanted to continue Court Martial Proceedings on Pvt. Jones. Lori said that she did. Skye told her that as his commanding officer a the time of the offense he needed her to fill out the Charge sheet and Confinement order so that he could be charged. Lori said she would have them filled out in a few minutes. Skye said he would send a carrier over for them. Lori completed the forms as the carrier knocked on the door for them. They were taken back to Skye for him to have served. Lori had just set back down when there was a second knock on the door. It was the MP's that had been stationed outside her door holding a folder with her name on it. He said, "Ma'am I need you to pack a Seabag with the following clothing and hygenie items and come with me." He handed Lori a copy of a form which read at the top: Confinee's Name: Sgt. DI Loren Davenport Confinee's Command: Sgt. Maj. Skye / Major Mitchell. On the inside Lori's stomach dropped to her feet, but on the outside all she managed was to say, "Sh--!" She knew that she had to pack and rather quickly or the MP's would do it for her. She was accompanied to her room by the MP's who stood outside her bedroom door with the apartment door wide open so that they could not be accused inappropriate actions. Lori was soon ready and was escorted to a jeep where Luke was with two other MP's in a second jeep. The next stop was Luke's barracks where he was give a similar list of items to pack. He was escorted into the empty barracks, where only Jones was, to pack his bag. Jones was smart enough not to buck the MP's and said from across the room, "Going somewhere nice, I hope!" It took almost everything Luke had right then NOT to teach Jones a lesson, but the look on the MP's face told him it would not be wise. Luke packed his things and was taken out to the jeep. The MP's that had given Luke the look when Jones was being cute whispered to Luke, "Your friend in there. YOU just might get the last laugh." Luke was left with the two MP's that had been waiting with Lori as the two MP's that had escorted Luke to get his things went back into the barracks. Luke wasn't sure what was going on, but could use a good laugh right now. He was NOT having a good day and figured it to get worse. The MP that had told Luke about Jones, walked back into the barracks. He was enjoying this probably more than he should but it helped equal out the bad assignments. He walked over to Jones, "Pvt. Sam Jones?" Jones replied, "Yes." The MP handed Jones a list of items. "Pack a seabag with these items now. You have five minutes." Jones looked at the top of the paper where it read: Confinee's Name: Pvt. Sam Jones Confinee's Command: Sgt. DI Loren Davenport. Jones bucked, "I WILL NOT!" The MP unsnapped his pepper spray pouch, "Yes, Pvt. YOU WILL pack or I will pack it for you." Jones opened his mouth again. He just couldn't learn, "She's been relieved of duty." The MP gave Jones a satisfied look without smiling in the least, "Sgt. Davenport was your commanding officer the day I returned you to base from O'Riley's." Jones quickly packed without paying much attention to the list. He would find he had brought things he would not be allowed and had left things he should have brought. Once he was packed the MP's escorted him to the jeep where Luke was seated. Fortunately, for Jones, both were cuffed. Luke could not resist and said, "It would appear that you are going somewhere equally as nice." Both MP's tried hard to cover the laugh they stiffled. Lori was in the jeep behind them and knew Luke had said something to Jones but couldn't hear what. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Minutes later both jeeps stopped outside of the Infirmary where they took the detainees. The MP handed the forms to the Corporal on duty. She said, "Just have a seat and we'll get to you all in a few minutes." Lori was seated on the other side of the room from Luke and Jones. Several minutes later the Corporal called, "Davenport." Lori got up and followed the Corporal into the back followed by one of the MP's. In the back the Corporal looked at Lori's file seeing her rank was listed as Sgt. DI. She looked at Lori and said, "First off, Ma'am as you probably already know, as long as you are accompanied by an MP your rank is not recognized. Secondly, I need you to step into the restroom, put on this gown as you will likely be here most of the day. Finally, I will need a sample from you." She handed Lori a speciman cup.

Luke tossed and turned in his bed thinking about his situation. He saw no good ending to it. ~~~~~~~~~~ Bright and early the next morning there was two MP's at the barracks asking the Sgt. on duty for Luke. Luke dressed in his Kakhis and repjorted to the MP's. They searched him and cuffed him and escorted him to Major Mitchell's office. Where he was told to take a seat while still cuffed. Major Mitchell looked at him, "Pvt. Duke I have an eye witness report from Sgt. Major Skye that states you were in Sgt. Loren Davenport's private living quarters. Is that true, Pvt.?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied officially. Major Mitchell, asked, "You are aware that the housing units for Sgts are off limits to privates?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied. Luke knew he was sunk. Major Mitchell asked, "But you went any way?" "Sir, Yes, Sir." Luke replied. This was not getting any better. Major Mitchell heard a knock on the door and said, "Pvt. Duke have a seat outside until I call for you." Luke went to the door and was seated out side the door where now four MP's stood as Lori looked at him and alked into the Major's office. Luke was glad to see at least she was not cuffed but by her uniform had been relieved of her command.

Jones went to the window. He had memorized every part of the barracks and was going stir crazy. He didn't understand how Skye had returned Sgt. Davenport to command and let Duke off scott free. It was just getting dark and everyone else was out having a drink or at the movies. Jones was alone and bored as he saw the light come on in Sgt. Davenport's apartment. The way the door was he could see her enter the apartment. A short while later he saw movement in Sgt. Davenport's apartment. Jones looked up in time to see Duke enter the apartment. They walked to the bedroom. Jones could see them as Lori unsnapped Lukes shirt and took it off him. The light went off. Jones walked to Sgt Hartman's desk as he had the night duty. "I want to talk to Sgt. Major Skye now please Sir." Hartman asked why. Jones replied, "I feel I am being treated unfairly by Sgt. Davenport being kept on restriction. I want to file a formal complaint." Hartman felt Jones was digging a hole but replied, "I'll put the call through." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skye was at the barracks in ten minutes. Jones said, "I do wish to file a report on Sgt. Davenport about still being on restriction, Sir, but if you will step over to the window I'll show you something. Sir the third and fouth window on the fourth floor happens to be Sgt. Davenport's window. The light is on in the fourth window. That is the living room. It is off in the third. That's the bedroom." Skye asked, "How do you know that?" Jones said honestly, "The entire barracks knew it by the second night we were here. I was standing here because I was bored. I saw Pvt. Duke and Sgt. Davenport enter the apartment and go to the bedroom when I had Sgt. Hartman call you." Skye said, "They are there together now?" Jones replied, "Yes, Sir." Skye stayed where he was and took out his cell phone. He spoke softly where Jones could not hear. He called for two MP's to be sent to Lori's appartment door and do nothing except stop anyone leaving. Skye stayed where he was to see what he coud see from Jones view before having anyone make any further moves. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked down at Lori as he held her naked in his arms. "Are you crazy telling me to come up here at a time when we know they are watching us both?" Lori looked at him and sighed,"Im crazy like a fox darlin...we gotta talk.." Luke looked at her, "I don't think what we just did constitutes 'talking' Honey. Talk, talk about what?" Lori looked down at her stomach then to Luke's eyes. Luke felt his chest tighen, "LORI! For God's sake don't tell me. Not now!" Lori winced and rolled over in under the covers,"Just remember Lukas it takes TWO!!" Luke sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, how well I know that. You're serious? What make you thnk you COULD be?" Lori got up and wrapped the blanket around her, turned on the light, she brung the answering machine to the bedroom and pressed the play button,"Miss Davenport, wil you please call me back its urgent..." ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Skye was watching when Lori with a blanket wrapped around her turned on the light in the bedroom. He watched with more interest now to see if he could see Pvt. Duke there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke said, "OK, who was that?" Lori ran her hand down the side of her and smacked her forehead,"Duhh Luke the Doc!!!" Luke went pale almost snow white, "On base?" Lori rolled her eyes,"No Luke..the one out of town!! I aint stupid enough to go on base!!" "Ok." He let out the breath he'd been holding. "And did you call back?" Lori looked at him,"No Luke..im gonna wait til next week!!! Yes I did!" Luke stood up and started pacing. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When Luke stood up and started pacing, he was in clear view of Sgt. Skye. He was undressed at least from the waist up in a Sgt.'s personal apartment. Skye swore to himself. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke asked, "Lori are you sure?" Lori put her hands on her hips and sighed,"Luke...If I wasn't sure..I wouldn't have told you to come up here!!!" "Oh, God! That's all we NEED right now!" Luke said. How could he have been so stupid? He knew he had been thinking with the wrong part of his body. Under any other circumstance he would have likely felt better about it but this was only going to hang them both. "Honey, I'm sorry. This is going to hang us both." Lori looked to Luke,"Ya thank???? Cause now..I'll be sent home...think I wanna go back to Hazzard??" Luke looked at her, "You are serious? But, you know if I get booted I'm not on my way home? Course I knew that before I chose to come up here." Lori sighed and nodded,"You'll be sent to Nam' were I wanted to go!" Luke said, "Honey if they boot me out I'm on my to prison until our child becomes an adult!" Lori looked down,"Then..it aint your child..." "The he-- it ain't! Who you gonna name, Vance?" Luke threw up the old hurt. He regretted it as soon as it was out of his mouth. Lori looked Luke and smiled, that twinkle in her eye. The wheels were turning in her head. Luke said, "I'm sorry. You didn't deserve that!" Lori smiled,"I got an idea..." "I'm listening." Luke said. Lori looked to Luke,"What if.... they do find out I'm pregnant...I tell 'em it ain't yours cause where they know me and you was together.... they'd suspect it be yours..I tell em it IS Vance's..your cousin's...and of course Vance has to agree...you get off scott free.." "NO!" Luke was not going to be reasonable. Lori looked to him,"Would you much rather have your a** thrown in jail and NOT see this youngin' at ALL?" Luke glared an icy star at her. "Yes! First off I could be sent to Nam and if I am and God forbid don't come back our child and YOU would be taken care of!" Lori snapped at him,"WOULD YA ATLEAST COOPERATE WITH ME??!!" "Yeah, I'll refrain from telling the brass I'm the baby's father until this other investigation is over. I suggest you NOT tell them you are pregnant any time soon. Lori if I can get through these next 4 wks I stand a better chance of tehm not sending me home to Hardcastle." Luke explained. Lori sighed and plopped down on the bed,"WELL!! WHATEVER!!" "Lori it IS my child. Let me be apart of this ones life. Please?" Luke said. He was still hurt over not knowing about the baby they had lost until it was too late. Lori whilred around to Luke, he just opened up a new can of worms,"NOW WAS IT MY FAULT YOU DIDN'T WANT ME INSTEAD OF ROBIN AND YOU LEFT ME????" "No, but had I known I would have made other choices!" Luke said. Lori made a yea right as if, face,"Ohh come on Luke!! you woulda ran at the first sight of a sh**** diaper!!!" "I'm not running now!" Luke said. Lori let out a frustrated sigh,"YOU MEN MAKE THINGS SOO COMPLICATED!!" Luke reached for his pants, "I'm sorry Honey. Really I am, but if you are carrying my child then I want to be the father." Lori sighed and nodded,"I wouldnt want it any other way.." Luke sighed in relief and nodded, "Thank you for telling me. I really got to get before lights out or we are dead ducks!" He pulled on his shirt. Lori smiled to him, and pulled on her pjs going to the door with him,"I know it...Luke...before you go though.... In the bar...I asked if you still loved me and you never answered me.." Luke looked her in the eyes, "Lori I've never stopped." Luke gave her a quick kiss and opened the door. As he stepped out he saw the MP's. Luke's heart went to his shoes. MP #1 said, "Against the wall!" Luke was helped to the wall, searched and cuffed. MP #2 stopped Lori from closing the door. "Ma'am I have orders to escort you to Sgt. Major Skye's office." He took in her appearance and said, "I can give you two minutes to get dressed." Both MP's held Luke there as they waited for Lori to dress in something other than PJ's.

As Luke and Lori exited Skye's office there were 4 MP's stationed outside. Luke knew as he headed back to the barracks that two were his 'escorts' and the other two likely Lori's. He signed in with the Corporal at the desk as Sgt. Hartman had the men on their morning run. Luke saw the two MP's take their position on either side of the barracks door. Luke walked in the barracks and saw Jones there. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori left Skye's office for the second time and this time she saw the two MP's waiting for her and two following Luke as he walked back to his barracks. Lori looked down and walked over to them she looked at them with a, "I'm in trouble look aren't I?" One of the MP's directed her toward her apartment, "This way Ma'am.". Once at Lori's apartment, she opened the door and went inside. She closed the door and listened. The MP's did not leave. She knew Skye had stationed them at her door. She swore! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jones saw Luke and had seen the MP's escort him to the barracks. Jones snickered,"Havin' fun, now Duke?? Maybe you should have been in the barracks last night." Luke would have loved to have put Jones in his place but the MP's were outside and he figured he'd pushed his luck to far already. "And maybe you SHOULD mind your own business!" Jones laughed and looked at Luke with a smug grin,"Why when yours is sooo much better?? I KNEW you and Sarge was getting it ON!" It was taking all the control Luke had to keep his hands off Jones.