Title: Order or Choice

Author: Holly

Disclaimers: The usual – I don’t own them; just borrowed them; don’t have money anyway.

Spoilers: Everything up through and including season 8 could be referred to as well as the spoilers for the final five episodes of the season.

Summary: Mac and Harm story about dealing with orders and making choices and the aftermath that each can bring – good and bad.

ORDER OR CHOICE

Part 1

The phone was ringing as Commander Rabb let himself into his loft apartment. In one fluid motion his keys hit the desk and he swooped up the phone, “Rabb.”

“Hey sailor…”

          “Mac…I looked for you before I left JAG.”

          “Yeah, I got your messages…”

          “You still at the office?”

          “Mmmm…I’ve got to tie up a few loose ends before I leave.”

          Something in Sarah Mackenzie’s voice put Harmon Rabb on alert. “Why do I have a feeling you’re trying to tell me something here?”

Harm could hear Mac’s sigh cross the phone line. “Mac? What is it?”

          “I’ve been asked to help Webb on a special mission in South America.”

          “Asked or ordered?” queried a concerned Commander.

          Another sigh from Mac before she answered, “asked…but this is something I feel I need to do – I want to do this, Harm.”

          “Why Mac?”

          “Why not? Webb needs a female to go undercover with him as his pregnant wife. He and I have worked together before and make a good team. I don’t have to leave a family behind to do this. I can’t even claim to have a relationship going with anyone right now. “ Mac closed her eyes and bit her quivering lips as she said it. She was preparing for Harm’s reaction if there was one, yet preparing herself for her own reaction if there wasn’t the one she hoped for. It had been almost two years since the cancelled wedding. Each time she thought they were moving forward with a relationship something seemed to happen that made everything fizzle or at revert back to nothing.

          Harm and Mac’s relationship had certainly changed over the years. It had been almost a year and a half since she admitted to herself and Sturgis that she was in love with her partner, yet Harm seemed to be happy with their friendship and platonic closeness. He did seem to be opening up more often, yet that vulnerable unsure side of Harm that made him so endearing to Mac still stumbled around as he tried to express himself when it came to dealing with feelings. Emotions were hard for Harm as he kept himself in tight control so that he could live up to the creed of “an officer and a gentleman.” Somehow Mac knew that creed was the basis for his reserve when it came to their relationship. In her more confident moments she took it as a compliment and in her weaker moments she thought of it as he didn’t care enough about her to bother.

          The silence on the phone was finally broken by Harm, his voice showing frustration and agitation, “Don’t I count? Haven’t we been working on ‘us’?”

          “Harm, I know you’ll miss me , as will Bud, Harriet, little AJ and the Admiral. And I’ll miss you all too. And yes, we’ve been working on ‘us’ I guess, but there haven’t been any significant changes in an awfully long time…as a matter of fact, I feel like sometimes things have gone backwards, especially since this thing with us trying to be judges. Harm, we’ve had a tough time staying friends again throughout this. I guess you were right, we have too many complications to deal with to try to establish a real relationship. There are too many things one or both of us would have to give up. And you don’t want to break in a new partner.” Mac tried to give him all the inane reasons he’d been feeding her the years.

          For a split second Harm thought about going along with her and not rocking the boat, but a sudden calm focus came over him as he heard himself say, “Are you telling me you want us to have a real relationship, Sarah? Because if you are then I want you to know that I’m ready to make that kind of commitment to us. I haven’t said anything before because you seemed comfortable and content with the way things are. I thought we’d been moving toward the real thing. We spend most of our waking hours together. So do you want a real relationship with me? Do you want to spend the non-waking hours together too?”

“Yes…”

          “Fine. If you want a real relationship then don’t put on the pregnancy belly and take off to South America with Webb.”

          “I can’t do that Harm. I’ll be leaving in two hours and nineteen minutes. It’s too late to back out now.”

          “Will I be able to see you before you leave?”

          “I don’t know. There’s a lot to do before I go and not much time…”

          “Fine…just remember this time it was me ready to make the commitment to you and you that chose duty over us.”

          “Harm I want to see you...be with you before I leave…but it will just make things more difficult when I have to leave.”

          “Are you really going to leave?”

          “Yes…”

          “Be careful. Sarah, I …”the dial tone buzzed in his ear before he could finish what he was trying to say. “…love you. “

          Once again Sarah Mackenzie hung up before she heard the most important words that Harm spoke. She had hung up before he heard the tears in her voice and her resolved wavered.

          Harm hung up the phone as well, his eyes glazed with tears. “Why Mac? Why do you challenge me to go out on a limb and then refuse to stay to hear my response? Haven’t I paid my dues yet for going back to flying? Or is this because I wasn’t ready to make a commitment back in Sydney Harbor?” Harm spun around with his arm extended and his hand in a fist, delivering a blow to the door that rattled the loft wall. At the same time, on the other side of the door, another Commander was knocking.

          Looking through the door, Harm saw a stunned Sturgis Turner. Harm took a calming breath as he opened the door despite knowing that Sturgis wouldn’t leave him alone.

          “What’s going on, buddy? Talk to me.”

          Harm loosened his tie, went to the refrigerator and took out two bottles of beer, offering one to Sturgis. Sturgis accepted as he and Harm settled at the island.

          “Does this have anything to do with Mac’s assignment?”

          “Assignment? You mean choice. She wasn’t ordered to go running off to South America with Webb as his pregnant wife.” Harm practically spat these words.

          “So what’s really eating at you – Mac taking a potentially dangerous mission without you? Or the fact that she’s with Webb and pretending to be his pregnant wife instead of telling you she wants that with you for real?”

          Harm looked at Sturgis in amazement. Finally a scowl crossed his face as he answered, “You know, I worry about her, but I know she can take care of herself in tight spots. She’s rescued me as often as I have her. No…what’s killing me is that she gives me an opportunity to move our relationship to another level but wouldn’t stay with me long enough to hear my answer…And how do you know she wants it for real with me?”

          Sturgis smiles and shook his head slowly, “Sorry Harm. I may have said too much already. So do you want to go grab a bite to eat?”

          “Sturgis?” Harm’s tone was a warning.

          “Harm, look. My life won’t be worth living if Mac finds out what I’ve even hinted at here, so do me a favor and forget I said anything.”

          “No Sturgis, I won’t forget, but I’ll try to reveal my source.”

          “Listen, Harm, she let slip a couple of things out of frustration over a year ago when you were investigating on a carrier and we worked a couple of cases together, much like you’ve done here tonight.”

          “What have I let slip tonight?”

          “Well you’ve claimed in the past you are just friends and tonight you said you were given an opportunity to take your relationship to another level. You haven’t denied that having her pretend to be Webb’s pregnant wife instead of your real one is absurd…no my friend, I think I can finally see how this relationship of yours might be heading.”

          “So tell me what you see.” Harm invited.

          Sturgis took another drink of beer, thought for a minute and then began, “I think the Admiral needs to move one of you to another command so that you are free to get married and start a family.”

          “What makes you think either of us would want a family?”

          “You are kidding right? I’ve seen you with little AJ and Chloe. I see both of you come alive when anyone talks of babies. You both go overboard when you have a case that involves a child. And I’ve seen the pictures of the two of you at little AJ’s christening looking at each other as if you’re both thinking ‘what if this was our baby we are holding.’ Both of you carry that picture with you, have it in your offices and in your homes.”

          Harm exhaled slowly, set the still almost full bottle of beer on the counter and moved over to the window in the living room. Watching the sky from the window Harm started talking as much to himself as his friend Sturgis. “I don’t know why exactly that it’s so difficult for me to move this relationship with Mac to a physical level. At first I tried flirting with her a little and she made it clear she didn’t appreciate it. So I toned it down so that she couldn’t accuse me of sexual harassment. She started to trust me after a while and things relaxed some. It was okay to tease a little or touch when things were intense, but there was always the need to keep things comfortable. I think we came to rely on each other over the years and neither of us wanted to do lose that even thought we never seemed to think it was the right time to move on with things when the other one was ready. For four years I fell deeper in love with her, but there were so many unresolved issues in my life I wanted to get cleared up and we also had to heal from some of Mac’s past too. When we were in Sydney Harbor riding the ferry I knew that something was going to happen. Brumby had been flaunting Mac and her willingness to expose herself to him and not me. I was so jealous, yet I knew if that’s what Mac wanted I needed to let her go so she could be happy with him. I guess I was hurt too. I had stood by her when her husband had been killed even though it looked like she had done it and I was still reeling from discovering she was married and that she’d had an affair with her CO. I had even suspected that her relationship with the Admiral might have been heading there too. When she came on to me and wanted to know if we were going to wait forever I was not in a good place about all this. I was still working things out. She took me by surprise and although I was sure I could work things out in my head and heart, I knew I wasn’t ready yet. I tried to explain to her that it was a good sign that she was the only one I was worried about all the possible consequences of my actions with, but it wasn’t enough for her. She gave up on us and two days later she’s semi-committed to Brumby. If Mac and I are going to get together it will be because we both want it and it will be because we both came to the realization and acceptance on our own – not because on of us convinced the other with a dazzling closing argument or our well intended friends set us up and pushed us together. We’ve both been hurt; we both have a lot of baggage; we both believe in duty, honor, country; we both want children; neither of us want to lose what we have and we are both scared that giving in to ‘us’ and making it real in every sense of the word could overwhelm and in fact trigger the end of a beautiful friendship.”

          Sturgis thought for a moment before responding to Harm’s historical lesson and closing argument. “Have you ever said exactly that to Mac?”

          “No.”

          “Why not?”

           “Well for one thing I don’t think Mac wants to hear what I have to say.”

          “What gives you that idea?”

          Harm shot Sturgis one of his patented looks of exasperation. “Well one time she asked me what I would give up for her and then walked away before I could answer. Then on the phone I tried to tell her I was ready to make a commitment and that I needed her and wanted her to be safe and come home to me, but she hangs up while I’m talking to her!”

          Sturgis could hear the frustration in Harm’s voice and see it in his face. “Look Harm I don’t know all the details about this mission, but I heard the admiral tell Webb that the only way he’d let Mac even hear about it is if he guaranteed Gunny would be involved and near by.”

          “Great…that’s reassuring. The admiral wouldn’t have sent Gunny if he didn’t think Mac would need back-up support. Damn! Why couldn’t he have sent me along?”
          “Let’s see…two senior officers away from the office at once. One just happens to have recently survived a court martial as a murder suspect that resulted in his life being turned upside down. The same officer I might add that is trained for air combat not hand to hand combat.”

          “I can hold my own…”

          “Didn’t say you couldn’t, buddy…but at six-four you kind of stand out and you are emotionally involved and Mac may have had trouble convincing anyone she was interested in Webb with you along.”

          Harm digested this for a moment. “I still don’t like it and I have a bad feeling about this.”

0800

JAG HQ

Harm entered the bullpen the next morning obviously feeling tired and out of sorts. Harriet greeted Harm, “Morning Commander.”

          “Harriet,” he nodded and without hesitating went to his office. He refused to look at Lt. Colonel McKenzie’s office as he passed knowing the empty dark room only mirrored the way he was feeling. Dropping his brief case and cover in his office he proceeded toward the admiral’s office.

          “Tiner, Is the Admiral in?”

          “Yes sir…he said to send you in when you go here.”

          Harm used the side of his fist to deliver three sharp raps to the door frame.

          Looking up over his glasses, Admiral Chegwidden greeted him, “Enter and close the hatch.”

          “Yes Sir.”

          “Have a seat Commander, and tell me what’s on your mind.”

          Harm settled into the chair on front of the Admiral’s desk, “Sir, I spoke with Colonel McKenzie yesterday before she left on this mission.” He hesitated as he thought about how best to approach the admiral.

          “And your point?” AJ growled.

          “Sorry, sir…was the Colonel given an order or a choice to go on this mission?”

          “And why am I answering to you about this?”

          “I’m sorry sir. I don’t mean you any disrespect. I’m looking to you to help me understand why Mac feels she has to do this mission…I mean in one breath she says she wants to be in a real relationship and yet she says she has no reason not to go.”

          A.J. Chegwidden removed his glasses and dropped them on his desk as he leaned back in his chair. A slight smile crossed his face. “And why do you care about whether or not Sarah Mackenzie is in a real relationship or goes off on some mission? And don’t tell me that she needs you to watch her six or that it really makes a difference if she was ordered or chose to go.”

          Harmon Rabb shifted a little in his chair. His military training and poise prevented him from actually squirming, but anyone that knew him, as his CO did, recognized the shift as a telltale sign that the confident, arrogant, pilot turned lawyer was feeling vulnerable and unsure. The situation had nothing to do with official Navy business or his status with his Marine partner. It had everything to do with Harmon Rabb and Sarah McKenzie as two people. The fact that they shared a CO had been one of the excuses used for years as to why things were always so complicated between them. It was also the reason that Commander Rabb sought out the advice and wisdom of his respected CO now. Although they were pf equal rank they could see each other and not be in trouble. It was technically against regulations for Harm and Sarah to be married while in the same chain of command. Harm felt that it was time to talk to the admiral about the options and situation if he was to follow his heart on this situation…provided Mac would ever hear him out.

                     “Admiral, I know where I want things to go with Mac and I. I’ve tried to tell her, but every time I do, she finds a way to not hear me. I know we have something special. I want to find a way to uncomplicated things and make things work for us. As far as this mission goes, yeah, I have concerns. I know Mac can take care of herself. The timing is part of it, I guess. But I want to see if I can’t have some better answers than, “it’s complicated” or “we’ll figure it out when it’s time,” the next chance I get to open up to her.”

          “What does this have to do with your original question about whether she was ordered or made a choice?”

          “Well, sir, I guess it doesn’t. I changed my tactic about the time the question was out of my mouth.” Harm gave the admiral a sheepish grin before continuing, “but sir, I know that you know that we have been working on things the last year or so and I think that if we know what career options might be available to us, it could help us make some hard decisions.”

          “And I would want to take a chance of losing one of my two best investigators and litigators for what reason?”

          “Any way you wouldn’t have to lose one of us sir?”

          “Commander, believe it or not, I’ve been weighing the options probably long before the two of you even had you first conversation regarding your personal futures. One of you could be reassigned to another CO in the area or I could try to pull another magic trick like I did with Bud and Harriet. Of course that would depend on what openings there are and when the move is going to be made.”

          “Sir?”

          “I could wait for the right assignment to open up and move one of you at that time or I can see what’s available now and make an official change now and then you too see if that helps things at all or not. As a matter of fact I could probably have Mac assigned as the military liaison with the State Department, but I don’t see that having her working undercover ops and out of the country all the time would be an asset. That, Commander, is why Mac was given a choice and no an order about the current assignment. As to why she felt compelled to take it, I think she believes in the purpose of the mission which I can’t talk to you about – need to know clearance – and because she is hoping that if she isn’t underfoot every second, you’ll start to appreciate her more.”

          “So this is a ploy to force my hand?”

          The admiral nodded his head, looked down his nose at his Commander and dead-panned, “It looks like it might be working. Now Commander, I would advise you to clean up the mountains of paper work that have piled up while you were in the brig and at trial and use this time to see how it might feel working here without your partner while she’s off on assignment.”

          “Aye, aye, sir. Thank you for your time and advice sir.”

          “Dismissed.”

          Harm stood at attention and then turned on his heel to exit. Back in his office he realized that the admiral wasn’t kidding about the amount of paperwork that he needed to catch up on and he got to work with the single minded determination that had become the root of his obsessions over the years. His newest obsession was getting business in order so that when Mac returned, he could move ahead with his plans to give her the relationship she claimed she wanted.

Friday 2105

Harm’s apartment

North of Union Station

Mac had been gone over a week and Harm had not heard a word. The admiral had told him on Wednesday that he had run into someone that had confirmed that Webb and Mac had made the check-ins with no problems so far. Now it was Friday night and Harm wandered around his loft apartment thinking back over the days since his last conversation with Mac. On one hand he was glad the week days had passed so quickly because that meant that it was getting closer to the time when Mac could be expected to come home. His nights however had not passed as quickly. In fact, each night he found he slept less and worried more. Harm shook his head and laughed a little at himself, “Guess this is what having a real relationship is all about – worrying about the person when they were out of sight and never having them far out of their mind.” Harm walked around his place looking at the photos displayed here and there. Each picture of Mac brought a memory and a smile to his face.

          “Enough Rabb! No more trips down memory lane. Think about what you are going to say to convince this woman you are serious about moving the relationship along when she comes home.” Harm lowered himself onto the couch and closed his eyes picturing their reunion. The first scenario that ran through his mind had Mac knocking on the loft door and when he opened it, they stepped into each others arms declaring their love and sharing a heated kiss. Then he thought about the fact that she might call him to let him know she was on her way home and ask if he would meet her at the airport. He waited with all the other people watching passengers disembark when Mac appeared carrying her carry-on bag. She looked tires but wonderful as she scanned the crowd looking for him and they ran to embrace as soon as they spotted each other. Time stopped as they held each other tightly. Harm took her face between his large hands and looking into her eyes whispered, “I love you Sarah.” She smiled back at him and replied, “I love you too.” Harms mind ran one scenario after the other each one passionate and loving and beautiful until Harm finally fell asleep on his couch.

0328

Harm’s apartment

North of Union Station

“No…don’t leave…Mac...Mac...Sarah, where are you?” Harm woke with a start, his arms held out in front of him reaching and searching for something or someone. Wiping a hand over his face he discovered that his face was wet. The last dream had moved him to tears and brought such a sense of dread that he knew he wouldn’t be sleeping any more this night.

          Getting up he put on his running clothes and left for a good run to try and clear his head. What had started out as a wonderful evening thinking up ways to convince Sarah he loved her ended up driving him to tears and a despair sense of loss. Harm knew that he had often been able to sense when Mac was in trouble – as she was able to sense when he needed her. What he needed to do now was chase away the dreams and his mind’s tormenting fears and get back to reality. Then and only then would he trust his instincts again after the night of haunting dreams.

          His feet pounded the sidewalk until he got to the park where he turned off onto the running trails there. It was still dark but the moon was full and bright and gave him enough light to see on the trails he knew so well. His pounding feet and his heart beat seemed to be keeping time with each other. Slowly Harm’s mind began to clear and he became centered once again. The catharsis of running always did the job.

For nearly two hours he ran before finding himself back at the loft. Heading directly for the shower he knew it was time to track down what ever information he could find about Mac’s mission. He knew that something wasn’t right.

Same time

Paraguay

          The sun was just rising over the mountains when the leaves moved and rustled in the breeze. Footsteps could be heard quietly before the enemy could be seen. Taking quiet shallow breaths, Mac and Webb hid in the jungle waiting to see if they had been made. Intel had gotten through to them with a warning that their cover had been blown. They had changed their plans and hidden waiting for pick up. Yet throughout the night they were aware that they had been followed and watched. It was now a matter of time. Time could be mean safety or death. It all depended on whose side time was on.

          “Mac, listen…I think we’ll be fine, but I want you to know that I wouldn’t have asked you to do this if I thought it would turn out bad.”

          “I know Webb…we had to try and stop these dealers. Some day I want a family and I need to know that everything is being done to keep kids safe – like little AJ and Chloe…and kids that I hope to have someday.”

          “With Harm.”

          “What did you say?”

          “Mac, I know you and Harm have something special. Are you two finally going to admit it and move on so that you can have those kids before too long?”

          “Clayton Webb…are you admitting you are a romantic?”

          “Actually, Mac, I was trying to distract us and give you something good to think about…maybe that last transmission for extraction made it out.”

          “Webb, if you get out and I don’t…will you tell Harm something for me?”

          Webb nodded.

          “Tell Harm I love him and that I’m sorry I was so difficult and kept our last days together in turmoil.” Tears sprang to her eyes as she spoke.

          “Don’t give up yet Mac…it’s not over yet.”

0807

North of Union Station

          Dressing in warn jeans, a Navy sweatshirt and sneakers, Harm sat at his desk and started making phone calls. His first call was to Webb’s boss.

          “Yes, sir. This is Commander Harmon Rabb. My partner at JAG, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, is on a mission with Clayton Webb. She was to check in with me every two to three days. It’s now been five days with no word. Webb had left this number for me in case the Colonel couldn’t get through to me. Has Webb checked in?”

          “We got a garbled message six hours ago that sounded like their cover was blown. We are sending in a surveillance crew to find them and ascertain whether the rescue team needs to extract or if it’s a false alarm.”

          “When do you expect to know?”

          “I’d say within twenty-four hours.”

          “What!”

          “Calm down Commander. It could be sooner if we’re lucky. I’ll be in touch.”

          Harm was left listening to the dial tone. Slowly he disconnected the phone and set it back in the cradle. Glancing at his watch, Harm reached for his keys and headed for his date with his godson, AJ Roberts.

Bud and Harriet’s Residence

          The door opened as Harm took the steps to the porch.

          “Hey Commander!”

          “Hi Harriet, “Harm greeted her with a hug and kiss on the cheek.

          “How are you sir?”

          Exhaling a deep sigh Harm shrugged and with a little smile answered, “Is it obvious I’m worried, Lieutenant?”

          “Only to those that know and love you sir.”

          Nodding and squeezing her hand Harm asked, “So where’s my godson?”

          About then a three foot high blond whirlwind launched himself at Harm’s jean clad legs, “Uncle Harm!”

          “Hey, AJ!” Squatting down to be closer to eye level the tall Navy Commander shook the little boys hand, “So how is my favorite godson?”

          “Good…Did Aunt Mac come with you?”

          “Not today…”

          “Can we go get her?” AJ interrupted.

          “Not today, son. Aunt Mac is away. Maybe next time.” Harm’s heart broke a little denying the young man such a simple request and something he wanted to be able to do himself.

Paraguay

          The noon day sun was beating down on their jungle cover. The heat and humidity was stifling. Battling exhaustion was necessary as they had not been able to sleep needing to stay alert in case the extraction team arrived. So far they had been able to hide from the drug lords and their soldiers. They knew that if they were discovered in all likelihood they would be executed. The enforced stillness and need to be ready to move was causing conflicts for their muscles. They had not spoken since early morning. Each waiting and wondering what would happen next and if their luck had run out.

          Footsteps were heard less then ten feet from their hiding spot. Keeping their breath shallow so as not to give their location away, they waited. Mac could see a camouflage pant leg and boot not far from her face. Holding still and praying that she was hidden from sight Mac waited. Slowly the boot and leg came closer and a second boot and leg became visible. Mac knew it would be over soon. She knew that she had been discovered and that a future relationship with Harm would never be. The point of a gun came into view and the soldier ordered her to rise in Spanish. Mac slowly stood up and decided to take a chance that this soldier was unaware that her cover had been blown. She covered the pregnancy belly with her hands as if she was really pregnant. The soldier shouted to someone and then spoke to Mac in Spanish…one language that she was not proficient at. Staying with her cover story Mac allowed her fear to show through and hoped that she would be able to draw the soldiers away from Clay so that he could escape. Another man arrived and spoke to her in English. “Who are you? Why are you here?”

          “My name is Sandra West. My husband works in the city and he was taking me on a tour of the country-side when we were ambushed. He told me to run and hide …” Mac broke down weeping. “Have you seen him? They were dragging him away from me. Oh! My baby!” Mac bent over holding her stomach as she gave them a story she hoped would work. The men bought it and gently helped her toward a shady area and offered her some water.

          “No…we haven’t seen him. What did these men look like that ambushed you?”

          Mac described five men that could have been most anybody, but she added a few details of another local faction that she hoped these men were not part of. They apparently bought her story and soon two jeeps arrived. They helped her in and took off. Mac had no idea where she was headed, but she knew that Clay now had a chance to get away.

0306

North of Union Station

          The bedcovers were no longer tucked in at the foot of the bed or on either side as Harm thrashed back and forth in his sleep. Each savage move he made dislodged the covers even more. Ever since he finally fell asleep after midnight he had experienced one dream after another. Each one seeming more real and more violent. Suddenly Harm bolted into a sitting position his eyes wide open, his breath coming in short gasps. The covers that had remained on his body were now pooled at his waist. Rubbing his hands over his face he tried shaking off the after affects on his nightmare. He had seen Mac…is danger…guns held on her. He felt her fear but in the same way he knew she was in danger, he also knew she was still alive. As his breathing returned to normal, Harm turned back the remaining covers and swung his legs to the side of the bed. He knew he was done sleeping for tonight. He sat for a few minutes on the edge of the bed thinking out his plan. It was too important not to take some time into planning things out. He couldn’t risk Mac’s life any further by not doing some planning.

          Harm stood up and went in to shower, shave and pack his toiletries. He knew when he left his apartment this time he wouldn’t be back until he had exhausted his search and found Mac. Following the shower he packed two bags. One with uniforms – just in case the Navy supported his trip to Paraguay. The other was civilian clothes – jeans, shirts, everyday clothes.

          The next stop was the Admiral’s office. He knew the admiral would be at his desk by 0700 this day as he had a breakfast meeting with the SecNav and Chegwidden liked to prepare in the quiet office before he faced the inquisition.

JAG HQ

0545

Harm sat at his desk clearing his cases and getting things in order for someone to pick up and go with his cases. He took the time to type his resignation in triplicate so there would be no glitches if he ended up resigning his commission in the Navy. As he was putting the finishing touches on the last of the files he heard a familiar voice in the door of his office.

“Commander Rabb, is there any special reason you are in here at the crack of dawn?”

“Admiral…yes sir, I need to ask your assistance. I have reason to believe that Colonel Mackenzie is in mortal danger. I respectfully request permission to reassign my cases to Roberts and Turner so that I may leave for Paraguay to find her and provide assistance as needed, sir.”

“And what is your reason for this request?”

“She has not checked in with me. No one else has heard from her or Webb and I’m being stonewalled every where when I try to find out anything. Sir, the Colonel has always been there for me when I was out on a limb and I feel that this is my chance to do something for her.”

The admiral paused and thought for a moment, rocked back on his heels and then announced, “Permission denied. You are to stay out of this Rabb. Do I make myself clear?”

“Aye, aye, sir. Sir?”

“What now Harm?”

“Sir, here is the proper form, in triplicate, that states I wish to resign my commission in the US Navy. I’m sorry, sir. I mean you no disrespect, but I have to do this. Sarah Mackenzie means too much to me for me not to take this risk.” Harm’s voice trailed off as the impact of all he was giving up flashed before him for half a second before the thought of what he may be able to have by doing this came into focus.

“Harm, don’t be rash…you could make things worse.”

“Sorry sir…I have to go to her.” With that, Harm picked up the box with his things, his cover and a bag and brushed past the man that had been his commanding officer, mentor and friend the better part of eight years and left JAG.

Air bound for Paraguay

          Harm closed his eyes but did not sleep. He thought back over the mornings events. He needed to have a plan. Although he knew he would use his instincts and make adjustments accordingly, he had to use this travel time to go over his plans. When he landed in Paraguay, he knew he would check out the most resort like hotels, as that is the kind of place that Webb would set up his operations. In his pocket, Harm carried two photos. One was of Sarah and the other one of Webb. He knew that they were not using their own names, but he didn’t know what names they were using so he couldn’t ask for them by name. Instead he would show their pictures and ask first for the beautiful woman in the picture. If they wanted a reason that he was looking for them, he decided to say that he was a private investigator and that he had been hired to find them for an insurance company - possible fraud claim.

          Although Harm was already exhausted his adrenaline was already pumping and he knew there was little chance he would sleep. He could rest his eyes and stay calm and keep his adrenaline rush under control so he could use it when he needed it. His experience as an aviator had taught him how to do that. Just the fact he was doing something had helped him to ease the stress and restlessness he had been experiencing.

At the same time in South America

Between the jungle and the city

The jeep bumped over the rough terrain and Mac hung on to the side of the jeep with one hand, while protectively covering her “unborn baby” with the other. Although she knew her cover may have been blown, to what extent she was not sure. It was possible that they did not know about the fake pregnancy and that it could still give her the edge.

Jungle

          Clayton Webb watched in silence as Sarah Mackenzie was found less than six feet away from him. She had not given his location away and in fact had created a diversion in the opposite direction and a feasible story to explain her presence and send them in the other direction looking for him. She stayed in character for her cover story and he knew she was hoping it would give her an edge. Webb hoped so too as he made his way further into the jungle and began working his way toward one of the extraction points.

JAG HQ

1000

          “Tiner!”

          Petty Officer First Class Jason Tiner jumped up from his desk again and entered the Admiral’s office. He had lost count how many times this made for the morning. When he had arrived, the admiral had informed him that if any calls came in from Webb, Mackenzie or Rabb they were to be put through immediately. He also told him if he heard his name he’d better be in the office by the time the Admiral looked up. Tiner wasn’t sure what was going on, but he knew it wasn’t good.

          “Aye, aye sir.”

          “Tiner, have there been any calls?”

          “No sir.”

          “Alright, get the staff assembled in the conference room ASAP. I have some announcements to make and I don’t want to do this more than once. Dismissed.”

          Tiner spun on his heel and spread the word for the lawyers and office staff to assemble in the conference room. Tiner watched them enter, but waited by the door for the admiral to enter. After their CO entered, the door was closed.

          “As many of you know Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie has been away on a temporary assignment with Mr. Webb. This morning Commander Rabb, having not heard anything for several days chose to take a voluntary separation from his Commission in the Navy and try to locate her. This makes us short staffed and I realize that many of you consider yourselves friends to the Colonel and the Commander and will find this situation stressful. People, we will hope for the best possible outcomes and minimal fallout from the actions and choices made regarding this situation. I will keep you posted if and when I hear any news. In the meantime, the Colonel and Commander would expect you to do your jobs with the same care and diligence as always. Dismissed.”

          Slowly the staff filed from the conference room back to their offices and the bull pen, with a few exceptions. Lt. Roberts, Lt. Sims and Commander Turner stood together, eyes on the admiral and stunned looks on their faces.

          “What is it people?” the admiral barked.

          “Sir, has Commander Rabb really left the Navy? It just doesn’t seem like something he would do sir.” Lt. Sims spoke for the three remaining officers.

          The admiral looked at each face watching him. His own face softened slightly, “Sit down people. Look, we all know that despite the fact Rabb and Mackenzie claim they are only close friends, their relationship is much deeper and complicated than they will admit. They have some kind of bound that somehow lets the other know when they are needed. Colonel Mackenzie accepted this mission knowing full well that it was dangerous. Commander Rabb didn’t like her going but would not interfere, anymore than he would come out and tell her not to marry Brumby. He feels that the Colonel is in danger but he has no evidence and I can’t authorize him to go off on a wild goose chase without a valid reason. He feels strong enough about the situation, his instincts and the Colonel that he is willing to put it all on the line for her. He’s threatened to resign his commission before but I’ve always been able to delay it or we’ve gotten a last minute reprieve and I’ve been able to ignore his request. He has days on the books and I will try to use those days for him before I submit the paperwork but only because I’ve seen this connection they have in action before…like when the Colonel found him after he went for his Atlantic swim two years ago. This is not for public knowledge, but you are all friends of Harm and Mac and I need you to be able to put aside your concerns and focus on the work here. Questions?”

          “No, sir…thank you for leveling with us sir.”

          “You’re welcome Harriet…now let’s get some work done people.”

In South America

Noon

          Sarah Mackenzie was shown into a small room off a garage type building. One man entered the room several steps ahead of the group. The two men with Sarah, one on each side of her, both spoke Spanish. She was able to pick up a little of what they said and knew they were having a discussion as to who would guard her while the other two reported in at the main house. The older heavier build guard motioned for the younger man, the one who had entered first, to join him. As the door closed, Sarah turned to face the man guarding her. She slumped against the wall. Closed her eyes for a second and then whispered, “Gunny, how did you get into this?”

          “Long story Ma’m. Call me Juan or Gomez around her though…by the way pregnancy looks good on you. I bet Commander Rabb isn’t too happy about you taking this assignment.”

          Why’s that G…Gomez?”

          “It’s dangerous and with the baby and all…”

          Mac smiled, “I’m not pregnant…it’s a fake,” she explained as she patted her round padded figure.

          “Oh, sorry Colonel…”

          “Don’t worry about it. Tell me what you are doing here.”

          “Mr. Webb hired me a few months ago, gave me a rough cover story and told me to see if I could get in with the number one drug lord down here. It’s taken some time, but I’ve finally gotten to the point where he sent me on this buy on my own today. Webb’s driver was a plant and knew that something wasn’t just right and then when he heard the two of you talking and using different names, he suspected that Webb was after him. He’s not sure at this point what kind of threat you are, so he has opted to spare you due to your pregnancy. He figures if you turn out to be a threat, he’ll claim your child after it is born and dispose of you then…so don’t let on you’re not really pregnant.”

          “No kidding! Webb said that children are valued down here. I’ve never been treated as royally as I have during this pregnancy while in South America!”

          “Look, M’am…they’ll be coming back soon and I’m suppose to restrain you. Let me get this done before they get back so I don’t have to tie you up tight.”

          “All right Gomez…let’s stay with our stories…maybe by some time until Harm can stage a rescue.”

          “Does he know where we are?”

          “Not exactly, although I did give him more information then I was suppose to and I know that he’s not going to be able to stand missing out on a chance to play hero and he’ll come dashing in here eventually….I just hope he’s not too oblivious and gets here too late.”

Airport

          Harm left the terminal and hailed a cab. With his limited Spanish and gestures he managed to make the driver understand that he wanted to go to a nice hotel in the city. The driver took him to an area where there were several within a short distance. In an older section, Harm spotted a hotel immediately that seemed to have Webb written all over it and went in. He took out the picture of Mac and asked the desk manager if he had seen the woman around there recently. The way the man’s eyes lit up Harm knew he was on to something. The man smiled and told Harm that he couldn’t forget such a beautiful woman “so ripe with child that she glowed and appeared like an Angel or the Mother Mary before them”.

          Harm shook his head remembering Mac’s undercover story. She had looked beautiful to him too, but then she always did. He was not about to let her appearance throw him off track. “Is she still here?”

          “You here to cause her trouble?”

          “No, I am here to help her with something…but she forgot to tell me where to meet her. Can you give me her room number?”

          “Senor, she is not alone…”

          “Yes I know. Her husband is a friend of mine also.” Harm casually slipped the man some bills folded over.

          “Si, Senor… but I do not think they are there. Perhaps I can let you in to wait for them.”

          “That would be very helpful, Senor.” Harm wanted to sigh in relieve but was afraid that it would make the man rethink his offer, so he followed him silently. When they didn’t get a response to their knock, the manager let him in. Harm closed the door behind him after thanking the man again.

          Once inside, Harm began to investigate. He found their suitcases which would indicate they were planning to return. Sinking into the chair to think about what he knew and what he suspected, Harm looked around the room. He noticed the bed, but he knew from experience that Mac would not share the bed unless she wanted to. He smiled thinking about the times she had put him in his place when he had done something that put her on guard. She still would give him an earful although it was usually done in fun. Still, the line they had not crossed was getting fuzzier by the day and this scare was wiping out completely for Harm. She had made it clears she wanted a real relationship. She also made it clear that she felt he was holding up the works, which meant it was not going to be easy to convince her of his sincerity. Slowly his exhaustion caught up to him and he fell asleep in the chair waiting to see if they showed up.

Deep in the jungle as darkness began to fall

Clayton Webb was dehydrated, sun burned, exhausted and very pleased to find a truck hidden in the area they had designated as an extraction point. Without wasting time he cleared it of the brush, started it up and headed for the hotel. He knew that Mac would head back there if she could get free and from there he could get word out to some contacts that help was needed. For a change luck was with Webb and within the hour he was back at the hotel. Not wanting to be seen he went in the back door and took the service elevator to the upper floor to the hotel room. As the door opened, he realized there was someone there and pulled his gun. Equally startled was Harmon Rabb as he leaped from the chair with his gun drawn and aimed at Webb.

Simultaneously both men spoke, “Rabb! What are you doing here?”

“Webb! Where’s Mac?”

Harm gestured for Webb to answer first.

Webb put his gun away and then moved so there were several pieces of furniture between him and Harm. “I don’t know, exactly.”

Harm’s voice became deathly quiet, “What do you mean you don’t know, exactly? What do you know?”

“Gunny’s with her…”

“Gunnery Sergeant Galindez? Our Gunny?”

“One and the same…I hired him to go undercover a few months ago. He infiltrated a drug lord’s troops and has made it fast track to a trusted position. He was with the group that found Mac. They still think she’s really pregnant or at least they did when they found her. They were taking her back to the compound in the jeep. She steered them away from me to give me a chance to get out. She should be safe for now.”

“She’s better be Webb. Where is this compound?”

“No way Harm! I’m not letting you go in there half-cocked and ruin what we’ve worked so hard to set up. We are close to two major drug lords and the terrorists that have missiles aimed at the United States. You interfere at the wrong time and Mac will be in danger.”

“Alright, Webb, I’ll work with you on this but you’ve got to fill me in. You need me right now.”

“I hate to admit it Harm, but you are right. We’ve recently discovered some double agents and I had to take out one already. Nasty business but necessary. Look, Victor – Gunny – is going by the name Juan Gomez. He will probably be able to keep Mac safe at the compound which is where we think they are keeping the missiles. We know they transport drugs in and out of there as well. I’ll take you out there if you’ll agree to do some surveillance. If Mac is in imminent danger we’ll go get her, otherwise we fall back and work on our plan. Agreed?”

Harm studied Clayton Webb for a time and then nodded, “Agreed.”

Two Days Later

South America

On a hill overlooking the compound Webb and Harm crouched behind the boulders and watched the activity below them. The building that Webb identified as the location they were holding Mac was not guarded at least on the outside where a guard would be visible. They had decided that the best way to get in undetected was to walk in casually and then go about their business if there were any distractions.

Same time

Inside the building

          Watching the activity through the window of the shed was the younger guard. Mac was tied up on a chair as she had been day and night for the past 49 hours and 6 minutes. The pregnancy belly's weight pushed against her own bladder and had made frequent bathroom breaks a necessity. Each time they had to untie her to let her use the bathroom and tie her up again afterward. She tried to wait until Gunny was alone with her or at least there to do the ties. He had been careful to tie her more loosely, but in a way so that she could put pressure on the ropes so that if someone else would untie her, they would not realize how loose the ropes had been.

“Gomez, I need to use the facilities again.”

          “Again?” questioned the kid looking out the window.

          “Look, you will have a mess here to clean up if I don’t go soon. Please?”

          “Jose, you get her this time. I want to keep watch for awhile.”

          The younger man moved from the window and untied Mac’s hands and feet allowing her to stand and move toward the bathroom. The good part was, no one questioned her frequent urges to use the bathroom as it was common knowledge that pregnant women often have to contend with babies pressing on their bladders. Each time she was able to get up and move around, it allowed her to keep from getting stiff joints and weaker muscles. It helped her to stay alert.

          Gunny watched the compound and a movement on the hillside caught his attention. There was a dark, tall man and a shorter fairer man walking into the compound from the hills. The familiarity of the two was not missed on him. As Mac was exiting the bathroom, Gomez called to Jose. “I’ll get her. You need to go check out some new arrivals at the main house.”

          Jose nodded his agreement and left.

          “The infantry has arrived Ma’m.”

          “What? I’m being rescued?”

          “Come on Colonel; let’s get you out of here. Webb and Commander Rabb are walking into the back of the compound headed this way. I sent Jose in the opposite direction to help unload a truck that pulled up to the main house. I’m not sure how long we’ll have before we’re discovered. I want it to look like I have you tied up and that I’m allowing you to get a little exercise. Let’s go…”

“Thanks Gunny…”

As casually as they could they opened the door and walked out turning right away from the main house. Eyes darting around the compound, Mac spotted Webb and Rabb walking toward them. At the same time they spotted Mac and Gunny walking their way. Nonchalantly, Webb and Rabb turned so they were between two buildings and waited for Gunny and Mac to reach them. It was as if it had been well planned out. Each person seemed to know each and every move as if it had been practiced over and over again. As Mac and Gunny stepped between the buildings, Harm’s arms opened and Mac stepped into them.

“Mac…you okay?” he asked as his arms tightened to hold her to him and his head rested on the top of hers.

With eyes closed and her head resting over his heart, she answered, “Now I am. But can we get out of here?”

“In a minute Mac. I want to make sure we can walk out of here as easily as we walked in.”

Mac began to move away from Harm a little and he released his hold on her as she looked him in the eye, “Harm, what’s your plan?”

Harm swallowed and for a moment thought back to another time when Mac had demanded to know his plan. Like he had in Russian he got a sheepish grin on his face and shrugged.

“Harm Rabb! Are you telling me that you don’t have a plan? What were you thinking about…never mind! As usual you weren’t thinking! You are so damn mixed-up…things you should do based on emotions, you’ve got to think about and dissect and make mountains out of – but when you should be using your head, making plans, and attending to details you allow your emotions to rule you! Damn it! Harm, how is charging in here without a plan suppose to help the situation?” Mac exhaustion, stress and frustration let loose as she directed everything at Harm, the same person she just wanted to hold her while she held him.

“Enough!” Webb interjected. “I think we can get out of here if we split up and go in different directions. Victor, you hang back a bit and watch their six while they head off up the hill together. Harm, you and Mac hold hands and just stroll up the hill and make it look casual, like a couple of people out for a romantic interlude. I’ll head off that way and circle around to the back side of that knoll from the south side. Gunny, once they seem to be in the clear, you head our way. Questions?”

“Got it. Good luck and see you soon,” Harm spoke holding his hand out for Mac’s hand. She took it and they moved out.

The plan seemed to be working. Harm and Mac made it to the top of the knoll where they slowed near a tree and embraced as part of their cover. “Harm, pretend like you’re going to kiss me and then we can slowly move behind the tree and out of sight. If anyone is watching it will look natural.”

“Good plan…but do I have to pretend?”

As Mac’s mouth fell open and she looked up into his eyes, Harm lower his head and place a slow deliberate kiss on her lips. His arms moved around her and he slowly pulled her into his embrace and behind the tree. They both pulled back slowly but breathlessly and just looked into each other’s eyes. Without words they spoke to one another about the time they had wasted, their need to be with the other and the fear that they still might not make it out.

Mac shook her head first as she became aware of Gunny moving around behind them from his position.

“Sorry, M’am…sir…No Webb yet.”

“N-no, Gunny,” stammered Harm. “Can you see him?”

All three dropped low behind the shrubs and tree to look over the hill. Harm was the first to recover and spot him, “There…they’ve got him.”

“Oh, no…This isn’t good.”

“Where they taking him Gunny?”

“That’s the place they use to torture their prisoners to get the answers they want – even if it’s not the truth!”

“Gunny? Harm? How we going to get him back?” Mac asked.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Harm looked first at one then the other of his team and then sighed. “We’ll come up with something…Let’s drop back and make sure we can’t be seen or heard and try to regroup.”

“Harm, we can’t leave Webb here…” Mac started with a frantic tone in her voice.

“We’re not going to leave him, but we’ve got to be safe to come up with a plan that will let us get back in there to get him. Come on, the jeep we used to get here isn’t far away and there’s some water and supplies.”

The three moved away with Harm in the lead.

Back at the compound

The two other men that had guarded Mac, now had Webb tied up and were standing over him while a third man dressed in a white suit and red shirt asked questions. When Webb wouldn’t answer or if the man didn’t like the answers he got then he nodded to the two men that took turns delivering blows to Webb’s face and body.

“Where's the woman and Gomez?”

“Gone.”

“How did they get out of here?”

“Looked to me like they were walking.”

“Think you are funny?”

“Not really… Uh-oof….”Another blow landed against Webb’s stomach.

“Why are you here?”

“I’d heard you were quite the host. Senor.”

A final series of blows left Webb’s face a bloody pulp and his body racked with pain until he lost consciousness.

Two hours later

At the jeep

          “We got everything?” asked Harm as he made one final visual inspection of their supplies.

          “Yeah, I think so, sir,” replied Gunny.

          “Gunny, drop the sir, please…I’m just Harm now.”

          Mac looked up in surprise at his statement. “What do you saying?”

          “I resigned my commission and I’m on terminal leave at this point.”

          “You what? Harm are you insane? Why on earth would you do that?”

          Harm looked Mac in the eye. He really didn’t want to take the time for this conversation right now, but he knew he had to say something. “Look, I’m going to give you the concise version for now because we can’t take the time to go into all the details until later, but basically when I asked for permission to come look for you the admiral denied it so I resigned my commission so I could get down here to find you. Now that will have to do for now, because we’ve got to get back there if we have a prayer of finding Webb.”

          Tears in her eyes, both for Harm’s act of love in giving up his commission to rescue her and his concern for his friend Webb, she couldn’t speak. Instead she reached out her hand and touched his arm while looking into his eyes and hoping he understood all she was feeling and couldn’t say. Harm nodded and placed his hand over hers for a second before he squeezed it and said, “We got to go.”

          They loaded into the jeep and head toward the compound. Mac had left the pregnancy suit on and this time Harm would be her husband and they would be with their driver who was trying to get them back to civilization as she was in labor. They had their cover story for strangers, but if they ran into people from the compound then they would get in by Gunny being Gomez who had recaptured them. They had rope available to tie their hands and make them look like prisoners if needed. Together they head onto the main road for the compound and all hoped that Clayton Webb would still be alive for them to rescue.

Back at the Compound

          Something told Harm that it was too easy. They had driven right into the compound and stopped the jeep outside of the shed where they felt Webb was being held. No one approached the vehicle even though there were men milling around. A blood curdling scream was heard coming from the shed and no one had to say a thing. They all knew it was Webb’s screams of pain as the torture was inflicted again.

          “Harm! We’ve got to get him out of there now!” Mac was frantic and almost lost her Marine cool at hearing the scream. She shut her eyes and shook her head as if she was trying to remove an image from her head.

          Gunny got out of the jeep and started around toward the shed. “I’m going to see if I can get in there. Stand-by.”

          Harm knew that Gunny’s cover might get them in and then he needed to be ready to help over power the madmen and help get Webb out of there. Mac had her weapon ready to provide cover. Her marksmanship made her the logical choice for that duty and also made Harm feel that she would be somewhat safer than walking into the torture chamber with no protection.

          Harm finally saw Gunny’s signal and moved out to join him as Gunny entered the torture chamber. Harm heard Gunny speak in Spanish to the men inside. It sounded like he was giving them orders and then they seemed to be arguing with him. Soundly the younger man rushed out the door and Harm was waiting for him. He brought the butt of his gun down on the man’s head and he fell there in the walk-way. Harm rolled him to one side and then waited for only a few seconds before he heard a thud and Gunny’s voice calling to him.

          “Harm – Webb’s in bad shape. We’ve got to get him out of here.”
          Harm rushed in and almost lost his stomach on seeing the condition of Clayton Webb. Between the two men they untied him and carried him to the jeep. Sarah Mackenzie was horrified at the condition of the CIA agent when they put him into the back beside her.

          Gunny and Harm were quick to climb in and head out away from the compound. Gunny drove and explained to Harm and Mac that they would need to watch for road blocks. Harm was quiet thinking and listening to Mac talking to Clay in the back. Her concern over Webb didn’t appear out of the ordinary to Harm so he let himself think about the situation and tried to make plans to do all that still needed to be done.

          Somehow luck had been on their side and all four of them had gotten away. Webb needed medical attention right away but there were stinger missiles being sold to terrorist and being planned for us against American soil. Harm knew that he could not ignore that fact. Finally he spoke up.

          “Gunny, pull over up here. I think I remember seeing another farm not far from here on the aerial photos we looked at earlier. If so, they probably have a vehicle of some kind I can appropriate – maybe even a plane. You go on and get Webb and Mac to the hospital and call the Admiral and let him know what’s happening.”

          “Forget it Harm,” Mac’s voice came from the back loud and clear. “You are not going off by yourself after those stingers!”

          “Mac we don’t stand a chance if we stay together.”

          “I know that Harm. Let Gunny get Webb to the hospital and I’ll go with you.”

          “Mac you’re already exhausted and been through enough…”

          “I’m a marine and …”

          “Okay you go with me…we don’t have time for ‘I’m marine, hear me roar,’ and the fact of the matter is you’re right. We’ve a better chance if there are two of us.”

          “Then let’s go. Gunny, take good care of Webb and we’ll see you later.”

          With that the jeep stopped and Mac and Harm got out and took the survival packs with them. As they watched Gunny and Webb pull away, they looked into each others eyes, smiled, took deep breaths and then focused on the job ahead of them.

Three hours later

The hidden farm

          Mac and Harm walked toward the farm that Harm had noticed in the aerial photos. The first thing he spotted was a storage shed and just beyond that a plane was sitting on the runway, warming up and no one in it. He nodded to Mac and they move toward the plane. “Remember, we can still use the pregnancy outfit for our story if we need to.”

          As they drew even with the shed Harm looked in and spotted sticks of dynamite and a lighter nearby. Quickly grabbing up several and stuffing them in his pack he dashed to catch up with Mac.

          Mac nodded and took Harm’s hand as he rejoined her. She followed him to the plane and when no one was around they just got in the plane. They thanked their stars for more good luck as Harm began heading down the runway.

          In seconds they were airborne and Mac and Harm looked down to see an angry farmer running toward the airfield while watching his plane soar over his head and into the sky.

          Mac called out to Harm as they leveled off. “What did you find in that shed?”

          “Dynamite! I brought some with us just in case. It might come in handy,” Harm hollered above the sound of the engine while searching the ground below.

          It wasn’t long before they saw the truck with the missiles loaded on the back. Harm knew he now had a target and a purpose for the sticks he had grabbed before taking off in the plane.

“Hang on to the stick Mac while I see if I can lob this in close enough to do some damage.”

          “You want me to fly the plane?”

          “You can do it Mac…you’ve controlled Sarah when we’ve been up before.”

          Mac held on hoping that she didn’t cause a crash. She felt the plane bounce in the air a little as Harm threw the first of the dynamite sticks. The motion of the plane told her how much force he had put into that throw. The thought barely had time to register before she heard and felt the explosion from below as Harm took back the controls of the plane.

          “Let’s take another pass and then get out of here,” Harm called.

          They repeated the run, only this time as they started to pull up they caught fire from below. The plane suddenly lost power and started to dive while Harm fought to keep it level and above the tree line while he looked for a safe place to put it down.

          “Hhaarrmmmm?”

          “Sorry Mac! We’re going down…I’ll try to keep the nose up as much as I can…”

          “Nnnnoooooo……” The trees loomed closer and closer and branches reached for the plane as they streaked by just as the belly of the plane hit the ground and skidded forward. There was no sound from the engine but the ripping tearing limbs, snapping trees and rustling leaves created a roaring nightmare. Finally there was silence.

Late afternoon

Somewhere in the wilds of Paraguay

          Slowly the birds had resumed their squawking and others their songs. The dense jungle hid a variety of unknown creatures that caused leaves to rustle and made little other noise on a regular basis. Strange calls from high in the trees created an almost surreal atmosphere surrounding the downed plane.

          Both passengers lay slumped in the seats. The woman’s head rested against the left side of the plane. Her eyes were closed. Behind her the tall dark haired man rested his head against the back of the seat where normally his shoulders rested. His eyes were also closed. Both were pale and so far hadn’t moved.

          Awareness came back to both of them at about the same time. Slowly Harm forced his eyes to open. His vision was a little blurry and his head and body ached while his legs tingled as if they had fallen asleep and were just waking up. A low groan escaped in the form of her name, “Mac?”

          She heard her name but refused to open her eyes fearing what she would see and how it might feel. She quietly answered, “I’m here, Harm.”

          “Good…you hurt much?”

          “Don’t know yet…I have a headache.”

          “Yeah, me too. My eyes don’t seem to focus just right yet either.”

          “I think this pregnancy suit protected me almost like an air bag. I’m still afraid to move because I might find I really do hurt.”

          “I know but we’ve got to get out of here and make a shelter before night fall. It would be good to see if there is a water source around and I could use some food. You?”

          “Maybe…right now I don’t think I could keep anything down. I probably have a mild concussion. Not only that, I’m not the best passenger for your brand of flying if you remember.”

          Harm shook his head slowly and a little smile flickered for a second on his lips before they started to get out of the plane. Neither were trapped. Maybe their luck was improving.

They heard a plane overhead, which both looked up to watch while freezing in place. It could be the drug lords, terrorists or help. Not knowing for sure if they would be inviting more trouble or not they watched quietly and waited. The plane was high enough so they were fairly certain that they hadn’t been spotted. They collectively let a sigh of relief and then looked at each other without speaking. Harm studied Mac and looked at the injuries she had sustained before and during the crash. At the same time Mac studied Harm.

          Mac thought to herself as she gazed at her partner of seven years, “Leave it to Harm to be the hero – sort of. First he rushes in to save the day as they are about to fry me alive and then he proceeds to crash the plane and almost kill both of us…”

Harm’s voice broke into her thoughts, “Sarah, I’m so sorry I couldn’t get you out of here safely without putting you in more jeopardy.”

          “Harm…did you crash us on purpose?”

          “No, Mac! You know I didn’t.”

          “Then don’t waste time and energy apologizing when we need to get of here.”

          “You’re right of course. You have a game plan in mind Colonel?”

          Mac sighed, bit her lip as she thought for a second, and then said, “We’ve got about an hour of daylight left so I think we head out and move away from the plane and then try to make camp for the night. I think we both need some sleep and then we can talk over a full plan and debate the finer points while we rest.”

          “Which direction you think we should go?”

          “What is this Harm? Did you take a harder blow to the head then I thought? Do you really not have an opinion or do you really think I have a better handle on things? This is not like you to willingly give me the call.”

          “I just thought it would be wise to use your ground training as a Marine and your sixth sense to give us direction.”

          “Why not your military training? Pilots undergo extensive survival training and you usually delight in reminding me of that as well as the additional training you’ve had undercover as a re-con Marine gunny and the Seal training. This isn’t making sense Harm.”

          “Look, Mac, I’ll explain it all in time, but I think you were right when you said we only have an hour of light left and that we are wasting time and energy on this right now. The priority is to move on. Which way?”

          Mac scowled and then indicated the direction she thought they should go. They grabbed their packs with what few supplies they had and then Harm led the way.

          The brush in the wilderness was thick as typical in a jungle area. They stayed near the clearing the plane had made as they slid through the jungle, but undercover of the brush as much as they could. Harm looked back every few steps to check that Mac was with him and doing okay. Neither spoke, each lost in their own thoughts.

          Mac trudged along behind Harm keeping her focus on his back as he led the way she had chosen. “This just isn’t like Harm…letting me make the decisions…down playing his own skills and training…not being superman. I suppose his ego is bruised from crashing again – with me with him no less – but he’s not acting like himself. I hope he’s not hurt and just not letting me know about it. I won’t be able to handle it if I loose both Webb and Harm. Speaking of Webb, he was acting out of character from the start of this mission. Then to ta