Title: Phone Calls and Price Tags Author: Ali Cherry Summary: Sequel to Phone Call and Drying Out. Disclaimer: Phone Calls and Price Tags Darkness prevailed as the Admiral flicked the switch and shut the door to his office firmly. He sighed, thankful that he could leave the office. The late hour of the night, was calling to him as he closed the door to Tiner's office and stepped into the serenely silent bull pin. It was the only good thing about leaving as late as he was. Nothing moved in the large open area after 1900 hours. Nothing except the fast fingers of Gunnery Sergeant Galindez. "Gunny, What the hell are you doing here so late." With a smug smile that look so much like Rabb's, the Admiral slited his eyes. "Counting paper clips, sir." "Excuse me?" The Admiral's face wrinkled and stretched in askance. "I was finishing up these reports, while I waited for Commander Rabb. I was going to lock up." "Rabb's a big boy, he can lock the office up himself. He probably knows it better than both of us. He's been here longer." A scowl crossed the Admiral's features as he gazed at the partially opened door leading to Rabb' s office. As if summoned, a phone inside rang. The Gunny and Admiral listened intently to the Commander pick up the line. "Rabb. Oh Hey Mom. What? No I just wanted to finish up this brief. No mom I won't stay to long. What? That's great, mom. Really? One of those Prima Donna type painters? I hope it goes well." There was a silence across the distance. The disembodied voice of Commander Rabb dropped a bit, and the tone echoed like an empty ship. "That's alright mom, I understand. No this year isn't any different than last thirty-five. Besides I'll see you Thanksgiving at Grandma Sarah's. What? No I didn't get any letters from Gran while I was at sea. They'll probably catch up to me later. The Bahamas. Wow! So no Thanksgiving. Or Christmas? Long trip. You're doing what over Christmas. A statement? By opening an exhibit on Christmas? What? No Mom, Jordan got transferred to Lisbon. She was upset because I went back to flying. Yeah well that makes about three hundred of you that are mad at me including Colonel Mackenzie. Sorry Mom. It's been a long week. No Mac got a promotion. No mom, I wouldn't have gotten one if I stayed here at Jag. Yeah Mom, I'll talk to you later. I love you and Frank. Have a good dinner. Night." The soft click of the phone landing in the set startled the Admiral. He reached over and shut off the Gunny's light while a folder closed. The Admiral walked over to Rabb's door. With a soft knock, he stuck his head in the door. Commander, the Gunny and I are leaving for the night. Don't stay too late and don't forget to lock up when you leave." The commander looked up from where he was thoughtfully tapping a pencil against his temple. "I won't, sir. Have a good night Admiral." "You too Commander." The Admiral strode across the bull pin to join the Gunny at the elevators. He looked to the young Marine. "Sometimes, Gunny, dreams come with high price tags." "Yes, Sir." The men entered the elevator.