Title: A New Beginning (FWFS—What Happened Next)

Author: JAG Junkie (rondayoung@yahoo.com)

Rating: G

Everyone watched in anticipation as the coin spun in the air. When it finally landed, after what seemed like an eternity, Harm and Mac were afraid to look.

“It’s heads,” Bud said with a smile. “Looks like you’ll be going to London.”

“I wouldn’t sign those resignation papers yet, Colonel.” Stunned at his words, everyone turned to the General. “There may be some options you haven’t considered.”

“Go on,” Harm and Mac said curiously.

“Well,” Cresswell began as he sat down next to them at the bar, “When news of your transfers first came up, I called AJ to tell him. He said congratulations to the both of you, by the way.”

“I didn’t realize you knew AJ so well,” a surprised Harm said.

“A year ago I didn’t. But since I became JAG, he and I have talked a lot. He has given me a lot of insight into my people, especially the two of you.” Harm and Mac exchanged sheepish looks.

“He told me this would happen.”

“Sir?” They both said in unison.

“That the two of you would never stand for being 6000 miles apart. And that one or both of you would want to resign.” At their incredulous looks he added, “I guess he knows you better than you thought he did.”

“Guess so.”

“So we talked about some alternatives.”

“Alternatives?” Harm and Mac were intrigued.

“Yes, I can pull some strings and try to get you stationed together, but it may take some time.”

“How much time?”

“Wish I knew, but once you are married, that will probably help speed things up a lot. I will say that the coin toss results were pretty accurate, however.”

“What do you mean, sir?”

Looking directly at Harm, he began, “In order to accept the promotion, you are pretty much locked into taking this billet. After all, there are only so many places for an O-6. For the colonel, on the other hand, there’s a lot more to work with.”

The two exchanged playful looks at his last statement.

“There are possibilities for you in London, but I can’t promise anything that compares to the San Diego billet. Obviously, you can’t work in Harm’s chain of command, so that limits your options. You might end up with a position that, under normal circumstances, would be a second choice of sorts, but it would definitely be better than losing 18 years of service.”

“Understood and agreed.”

“As far as San Diego, I can send Sturgis instead. His name had come up as a very close second, and taking the San Diego position would be a great career move for him. It will help get him ready for his next promotion.” Cresswell quickly looked at Sturgis, whose mouth had suddenly dropped open. “Hey, I don’t know any details yet, but I *can* say that your time is soon.” Sturgis’ gaping expression quickly turned into a big grin.

“In the meantime, Colonel, I’ll need you to stay in DC and help me. There is obviously going to be a big staff realignment, and your help would be invaluable to me. You could help me keep things together, make sure things run smoothly. In return, I will do everything in my power to ensure that you have the long weekends you will need.”

Mac spoke first. “I could stay in your apartment, since I sublet mine and yours isn’t spoken for.”

“And you could help keep an eye on Mattie while she continues her treatment and while the courts process the paperwork. And maybe she could even stay with you once the hospital releases her?” Harm looked at her questioningly.

“Of course. She’s important to you and will be a part of *both* of our lives now.” They both smiled at the sound of the words “our lives”.

They both turned to Cresswell. “Sir, it sounds like we have a plan.”

“Great, I’ll go get started on the paperwork right away. Come to the office first thing in the morning before you go to London and we will iron out the rest of the details.”

The General started to leave, but turned back and looked at Mac. “One more thing, AJ said he would be honored to give you away at the wedding.”

“How did he know…”

Cresswell cut her off, “Like I said before, he knows you better than you thought he did. Oh, and by the way, you are on leave for the next week,” he said with a wink as he started to leave.

Harm and Mac turned back to each other with amazed looks on their faces.

“I don’t think I could have asked for a better solution than that,” Mac said with a big smile.

“I am looking forward to the rest of my life more than I ever have before.”

And with that, Harm leaned in and gave Mac a gentile, lingering kiss, both of them oblivious to the rest of the smiling customers in the bar. Their four close friends beamed with happiness and one General stood at the door watching with as much pride as a father.

“Here’s to new beginnings,” Bud said as they all raised their glasses.

“New beginnings indeed,” Harm said he gazed into Mac’s eyes.

“Indeed.”