The Heart Wont Lie: Unless your Luke and Lori.

[LoriDavenport]

Lori's heart sankto the pits of her stomache as she took the cup. She knew it, she was caught dead... a urine test was one of the many tests you could take to find out you are pregnant....and Lori didn't need a test to know she was. She swallowed and squeaked,"Is it necessary?" The corporal nodded,"Yes ma'am it is.." Lori gulped and went to the back room...

[DixieDavenport]

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................

[LoriDavenport]

As they passed in the hall Lori gave Luke the look that they were caught. Luke sighed and looked down. He'd have to coe clean sooner or later about it being his baby. She'd be put on medical leave, go back to Hazzard and cooter'd join the marines just to kill him!! Himand Jones were taken to the same place that Lori was were they went through the same procedure.

As the MP led Lori down a long hall way with cells, she sighed when they stopped and unlocked one. They pointed to her to get in, she slowly went in, They shut the door behind her and locked it. When the locked had clanked as loud as it did...she shuddered and beat her head on the bars.

On the next floor, Luke and Jones were taken away to their cells, Luke was placed on one side at one end, and Jones on the other. Luke sighed and thought about the look Lori had given him when she passed him in the hallway....

[DixieDavenport]

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.

[LoriDavenport]

The MP made his way to Jones' cell and announced the same thing. The MP with Lori made his way to her cell, "Ma'am your hearing will be first thing in the morning.." Lori sighed and nodded. Lori thought she knew she should have thought through this clearly. She loved Luke, always have and always will...She sighed as she thought about Luke, Dixie, Cooter, everyone... she remembered the harsh times the good times, and mostly the bad times.... She hung her head and rubbed her eyes. She looked up her head propped in her hand.

[DixieDavenport]

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."

[DixieDavenport]

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."

[LoriDavenport]

As Lori was being escorted back to her cell, she gave herself a slight smile and entered the cell. When they locked the door, she sighed,"Thank god thats over with..." Was all she could say, she thought that the punishment that was given to her was more than likely going to really hit her in the Women's Marines Corps, If she trianed to be a DI over there, she knew they'd cause her he**....She leaned her head back against the wall and felt her stomach, what got her was Major Mitchell, sure she always respected him, not only because she had to, but because he was one of the best here and she could see him making it to a general if he kept it up, same as Skye. She looked around and heard voices and the women talking. She heard one down there that cried and went on saying she shouldnt be here, she'd been doing that since they brung her in, all the women sighed and looked down, Lori got peeved and spoke up,"WOULD YOU SHUT UP DOWN THERE??!!! IF YOU WAS PUT IN HERE LIKE THE REST OF US YOU DESREVE TO BE HERE!!!!!" The woman sniffled and asked Lori what she was in here that made her so special. Lori swallowed and answered,"NOW IF I WANTED MY BUSINESS OUT TO THE WORLD ID TELL YA.....SIDES, ITS FAR WORSE THAN ANYONE IN HERE CAN TOP!" The woamn all shut up and looked at Lori through the bars, she hunkered a bit and humped her shoulders."What?" They were all curious as to what she was doing in there, they all heard talk of her being the first woman to be a DI in the MEN'S corps. She sighed and shook her head No. The women sighed and set down, the crying one shut up.She knew for one whoole month she'd set in this god forsaken cell, whilst Luke sat below her. She sighed and stomped her foot.

Now, as Luke was entered into his cell, he heard the thump, it was loud enough to be heard and the walls wasn't sound proof..they fixed it up that way so The MP's on duty could listen to the prisoners to see if they planned to escape or not. It was a brilliant idea, Luke sat down and heard a tap tap up above, he looked around and stood on the bunk, he tapped the top a couple of times and sighed. Lori, however was shocked as it scared her to death. She tapped it again, and in response got the same tap back. She raised a brow and shook her head she continued to do so. Luke was getting tired of it and spoke loudly,"DANG IT STOP!" Lori heard the voice and was shocked,"LUKE?!!" The women all jumped,"A MAN WHERE??!!" Lori sighed and turned red,"No where..."

Luke heard Lori's voice and his mouth fell open,"LORI??!!!" The men, having the same response as the women,"A WOMAN WHERE????!!" Luke sighed and as Lori did, he turned red,"False alarm..."

He looked up and thought............

[DixieDavenport]

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. "

[LoriDavenport]

Lori sighed,"Yea...they do... Hey, for me to see you again...it doesnt matter how much I lose its all worth it.."

Luke felt a familiar chill run down him when he heard Lori say that. How many times had he heard that from her. "Just don't hate me later."

Lori looked confused,"Why would I hate you?"

Luke knew she wasn't following his thinking, "You're loosing a lot of what you worked for and you'll have the baby. Who knows where either of will be in a year." He hoped she knew he meant due to where they were stationed.

Lori nodded,"Ahh that...Well...I'll never hate ya Luke...I didn't hate ya when you were caught with Dixie..."

Luke almost laughed, "Yes you did Well maybe not when we got caught but for being with her to begin with."

Lori giggled and replied,"Well I might have just a little bit...but I just can't understand us!"

"Darlin that makes TWO of us! Can you imagine, when this gets back to Hazzard?" Luke sighed, "I sure don't want to be real close to Jesse at the time."

Lori snorted,"Uncle Jesse??? you better hope Cooter dont join the Marines and KILL YOU!"

"That thought has already occured to me and you are absolutely right!" Luke shook his head.

Lori laughed. They talked for a while and finally decided to give it up. Lori went to her bunk and slept. Luke doing the same.

[DixieDavenport]

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............

[LoriDavenport]

As for Jones when he got out he acted all cocky and big and brave. He snickered when he saw Lori pack her things and was heading to the Womens Marines Corps that was an hour away from the mens. Jones walked over to her,"It would seem it would have been easier on everyone if you'd just shared 'that stuff' with me. I wouldn't have told a sould about you and Duke getting on if you'd gave me a little too the Sarge -- Oh I forgot, Corporal!" Lori smiled,"Jones...I wouldnt give you any if you was the last low life on earth....sides....Id have to have a microscope with you....fromwhat ive heard at least...Luke's developed maybe you should take some pointers???" Lori smiled smugly and walked off.

Luke.........

[DixieDavenport]

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......

[LoriDavenport]

She looked at the phone and bit her lip she sighed and picked it up dialing Cooter's number. When the operator connected the call she heard Cooter,"Coot??its....uhhh...Lori.." Cooter nodded,"Hey Lor...nice to hear ya again...." Lori sighed and kicked at the floor,"Cooter I gotta tell ya..." She began her story and told Cooter EVERYTHING!!!

Cooter was shocked. He wan't sure WHY though. He knew Lori and Luke had been together and broke up and fought and made up more than anyone he'd ever known! He wasn't sure what the answere was for them. Each time they tried it failed. They had each walked away from teh other and kept ending up right back together! yet they couldnt' stay together! He just didn't know! "LORI!!!! HOW??? How do you TWO keep doing this? And what are ya'll gonna do about it?"

Lori sighed,"I dont know Cooter ive asked myself the same thing!!! I dont know how we keep doing it we just DO!!!! Well....there aint much we can do coot...I'll have the baby and have to have a guardian for it for whenever they need me.."

Cooter asked, "Are you two going to get married again?"

Lori dropped the phone and there was a long pause on the other end of the line. Cooter got worried,"Lori???"

Lori picked the phone up,"Coot....I uh...I dont know..."

"WHAT?????? You mean ya'll haven't talked about it?"

Lori winced,"Lord Cooter...no we aint...you honestly think he'd re marry his ex?"

Cooter stated matter of factly, "He da-- well better!"

Lori squeaked,"What about Dixie??"

Cooter shook his head, "Lori I don't know. She left before Luke was able to get out of those charges by going into the MArines. She doesn't know and I have looked I can't find her!"

Lori sighed,"Well Ok...I'll talk to him bout it Coot..."

Cooter agreed with her and they hung up she finished packing.

[DixieDavenport]

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................

[LoriDavenport]

The Dukes all hung their heads. Jesse sighed,"After all these years I raised Lori from a little tyke and her and Luke go off and pull some stunt like this!!"

Cooter sighed,"Uncle Jesse, I raised her the ithr half of her life and grew up with Luke!!!! Sure they always had their ups and downs and fought like 2nd graders most the time...but...never something like this!!"

(Sorry, I had to bake cookies!!!)

[DixieDavenport]

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.

[LoriDavenport]

Lori sat in her DI class at the Women's Marines Corps. She sighed, They were much more easier than the ones at the Men's Corps. Lori felt as if she would go crazy here. She had to first though be promoted to Sergeant. She THOUGHT, should be easy enough. Lori shook her head at some of the stuff they taught the women. Mostly, it was first aid and howto be a nurse, nothing much.

~~~~~~~~

Luke sighed as he pulled out a piece of paper,

Dear Crystal,

Hello, I was writing to inform you of some things.... Like one, when you read this, im sorry. I really and truely am. But, This has more to do with Dixie. I....I still love her, im trying to get over her I promise I am and... She has my ring. Im sorry I really am. Im trying to find her now to talk...Uncle Jesse kinda threatened me and well I broke over and wrote to you to tell you... I love you...I always have and always will, BUT I love Dixie too and I cant choose, least not now.... Im sorry that you got court-martialed and that you were sent away and lost your ranking...I know that was partially my fault. I feel low down right now...Me and Jesse talked, we thought that maybe if I married you.... it would be ok again, but I told him you'd never consider marrying me... so, I guess i'll leave ya... bye.

Love,

Lukas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When Luke sent the letter out, off base, he sighed and hung his head walking back.

About a day later, Lori went to check the mail, when she saw the letter with the name Crystal, on it, she had that gut feeling.

When Lori read it, she had tears in her eyes. No one was around, she was in the reading room. Lori shook her head, and for the first time in many a year she balled her eyes out.

She wrote him back,

Dear Lukas,

You are the most dumbest, stupidiest I cant even think of words to describe you and your actions!! YOU FAIL TO TELL ME ALL OF THIS AFTER I LOST EVERYTHING I EVER WORKED FOR??!!! DONT YOU EVER TELL ME YOUR SORRY, SORRY DONT CUT IT THIS TIME!!! I DONT WANT A DA**** THING FROM YOU!!! FOR ALL I CARE GO RTO VIETNAM AND GET YOUR HEAD BLOWN OFF CAUSE THATS WHAT YOU ARE TO ME LUKE, YOUR DEAD!!!!! I loved you and probably always will because im just that stupid! Im not even sure I want this baby to have your name!!! Luke, i waited since I was 5 years old to tell you I liked you...I got older I did...we screwed up...now we screw up again....Luke, I didn't want to divorce you the first time around!!! seems to me your the one that doesnt want to marry me again...so you know what go find Dixie...go marry her instead of me thats what you want isnt it??

Sincerely,

An old friend

She sent the letter out the same day, hoping he'd recieve it the next, not wanting to hear from him again.

[DixieDavenport]

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.

[LoriDavenport]

Luke read the note and hung his head. She had done and already jumped to conclusions once more! He sighed and looked at the phone. Then, before dialed the number he read the other one from Dixie. And again, he hung his head, of all the girls he could have fun with he lost her. He sighed and picked the phone up to call Jesse.

Luke waited and hoped Jesse would be the one to answer the phone."Duke Farm." Jesse answered.

Luke said with his voice full of pain, "Uncle Jesse. I'm gonna loose them both and my child if you don't help me here."

Jesse sighed,"How'd I know I'd get this phone call from ya? Well son its simple, talk to Dixie and tell her that you'd love to be friends with her or something, don't leave her out of it. Then, talk to Lori. Tell her how you feel about her."

"Uncle Jesse you know I've always loved her. I loved her enough NOT to think about the consequences of my actions."

Jesse nodded,"Well....then if you love her enough for that...have you talked to her about marriage...I know you've heard it enough..."

he added,"Its simple Luke...what exactly DO you need my help with?"

"Because I've already tried that." Luke sighed.

Jesse sighed,"Well Luke...I cant help you if I dont know what you need help with I mean son its simple...tell em how you feel bout em and marry her if ya want if you dont you dont"

"It just that it's even more complicated now. We couldn't hold a marriage together living under the same roof. WIth our history, do you think it's possible for us to do it a miles away from each other?"

Jesse smiled,"As I've said..absence makes the heart grow fonder."

"You know she didn't trust me to go to town with Bo. How will she deal with me being miles away?"

Jesse chuckled,"No women were you are...and I think she'd know you wouldn't press your luck with another woman there if one should appear"

Luke sighed so loud that he knew Jesse heard him, "I guess that means I need to talk to the CO and likely the Chaplain."

Jesse sighed as well,"Do you want to marry her?"

There was a long silence on the other end of the phone. Luke finally said, "Yes........ No....... Maybe,....... Yes, if I knew it would work, yes."

Jesse got frustrated,"LUKAS!!!"

Luke said, "Sorry, Uncle Jesse." Luke shook his head, "I"m going to talk to Sgt. Hartman."

Jesse nodded,"So I take it you want to?"

"Yeah." Luke said. Then added, "I want my baby to have me too."

Jesse smiled,"Im proud of you Luke...take care now.."

Luke smiled to himself and nodded,"You too Uncle Jesse.."

Luke hung up and ran his hand through his hair, he sighed as he made his way to Hartman. He knew that he would be in his office.....

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lori sighed and wondered if she should write him back and apologize to him for what she said, but she figured she needed to tell him that anyways. She looked down at her stomach and wondered,"Do I really want this baby to have his name?"

~~~~~~~~~~~`

Meanwhile, Daniel was getting ready for the game tonight, he thought he really did like Dixie, and hopefully that she'll give him a chance......

[DixieDavenport]

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.

[LoriDavenport]

Luke sighed as he made his way down the street as the chapel was a few blocks away. He sighed as he passed the Women's Marines barracks, he thought he saw Lori, but he didn't. He groaned a bit as he entered through the white doors, and down the quiet halls. He looked around and spotted the chaplain. He walked up to him and softly asked,"Sir? are you th chaplain here?" The man turned and with soft gray eyes smiled,"Yes sir I am...how may I help you?" Luke sighed,"See sir...Im wanting to re-marry my ex wife...shes in the Women's marines corps right now and well...we made a mistake and she lost almost everything she ever worked hard for, in fact, she DID lose everything cause of me and ever since our divorce it's killed us both.." The chaplain smiled to Luke,"Well sir...if she agrees I can only do it a month from sunday...that puts you in the first sunday of May." Luke nodded,"If thats when it can be then ok..." The chaplain nodded to him and smiled. Luke smiled back and nodded, walking out. Now...the hard part...he had to talk to Lori...when push came to shove she was the more stubborn than a tennesse mule. He shook his head and walked on.

Lori sat on her bunk and sighed, she was complete for the day. She looked around the room and decided to take a walk. She changed into normal civilian clothes she sighed and walked around the corner, but as she turned the corner who should she run into than none other than Luke....

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daniel in the meantime smiled to Dixie, he got more and more excited by the minute. he stopped and looked at her,"You sure seem happy....why so?" Dixie couldn't tell him,least not now. She smiled and blew in his ear more,"I dont know..." She looked up at him. Daniel smiled and chuckled softly to Dixie,"Well if you really want to do that already we can..I aint gonna object to it...but I dont want you to rush into anything you dont want to.."

(Now mind you if you know your Vietnam history, you'll know why I chose that date...Vietnam war first began on this exact date, April 30, 1959)

[DixieDavenport]

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.

[LoriDavenport]

Lori kissed him back and blushed,"Lukas...." Luke smiled at her and pinned her down. Lori looked up and then around,she smirked and rolled him over taking his hand leading him to an un used trailer near the back of the Women's barracks. She smiled to him and picked the lock. Luke looked at her and shook his head,"Lor...if they catch us here they'll..." Lori smiled,"Do absolutely nothing...this isnt apart of the Women's barracks darlin... its one of my buddies, she said I could stay here if need be." Luke nodded,"Ahh I see.."Lori nodded and lead him to the back,"So dont worry and enjoy...." Luke grinned like a possum,"Not a problem there darlin'....." And so Lori and Luke got down to business.

Luke......

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Daniel, all the while woke up and looked to Dixie, he saw her crying and asked,"Is everything ok?"

Dixie.........

[DixieDavenport]

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.