Title: The Grand Plan

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: Harm and Mac deal with the challenges of a new JAG with very clear ideas and plans to execute the way JAG operates while learning to relate to each other in new ways.

Rating: Mostly PG although it builds to NC-17 in places. While I won’t post it at most sites, if you are reading the story and it starts to get too hot for your taste, skip to the end of that section and pick up at the next heading. You won’t miss much of the story or romance and can avoid the steam.

Spoilers: Bits and pieces of any episode of JAG maybe referred to but don’t rely on the time line matching up because it may or may not depending on how I use the bit or piece. They call it creative license.

Disclaimer: JAG is the property of Bellisario Productions, CBS, and Paramount. I have borrowed their characters for entertainment purposes only. No monetary gain will result from their appearance in my story.

Author’s Notes: I have no idea exactly how JAG Headquarters is laid out. I’ve tried studying it when I watch the show but if Harm’s in any scene I can’t see anything else! Camera angles make it hard to be sure so I’ve again used creative license to create the floor plan I want to have for my story. If you’ve actually been there and have trouble suspending your reality, pretend that it has been renovated since you were there.

Special Thank you to Kate for agreeing to beta my work and pointing out a few things that I think made my final piece much better.

THE GRAND PLAN

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September 13, 2004

JAG Headquarters

Fall Church, Virginia

Lights bulbs flashed and microphones were extended as the swarm of reporters tried to catch the attention of the new JAG. Each reporter tried calling out the question that would get the attention of the crusty Marine that had been promoted to a two star general in order to take the post as Commanding Officer at JAG Headquarters located in Falls Church, Virginia.

From her office window Lieutenant Colonel Sarah “Mac” Mackenzie watched with nervous trepidation as the man she had heard so many unpleasant comments about made his way through the determined reporters on his way into JAG for the first time this morning. Today life at JAG would either get better or worse and the one that would make it so was on his way into the building while the current Chief of Staff looked on.

Standing in her office doorway, watching her watch the new JAG approach was Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior. From her profile he could see that his long time partner, adversary, friend and lifeline was chewing her bottom lip and rubbing her arms - both signs of agitation. He watched and waited not wanting to say the wrong thing as he had a habit of doing over the years, but in an effort to be there if she needed him.

Last night they had gone out for dinner and she had opened up to him that she was worried about the pending changes the new JAG would bring. They had discussed the military position that you didn’t get too settled because serving your country meant you needed to be ready to go anywhere at any time. Chegwidden had told them often enough not to get too comfortable with each other as he knew that one or both of them could be reassigned. Somehow the fates had settled into an alignment and stayed that way for nine years. Something which is rare for anyone making a career in the military.

For nine years Harm and Mac had fought their attractions for each other trying to remain friends so that when the time came and one of them was reassigned, it wouldn’t hurt as much. Harm had left JAG to return to flying once only to discover that as much as he loved to fly, he loved being a lawyer even more. Mac had taken TAD assignments and tried falling in love with an assortment of men so that she could protect her heart from becoming to attached to the handsome naval aviator turned lawyer that she had been assigned to work with only to finally accept that he was the only man that hadn’t passed through her life.

Turning away from the window, Mac saw that man standing in her doorway.

“Hey, Harm. He’s on his way.”

“You okay?”

“We’ll know soon what the new JAG has in store for us. Until then I’ll try to keep it together and not let my imagination run away with me. Thanks for asking. How you doing?”

“I’m fine...accept for worrying about you. Nothing we’ve heard would indicate that I would necessarily be a target for the man, while we have heard some things that might not bode well for you...’The man has a plan - women belong with their families and men belong on the lines,’ one article said. He won’t get away with that approach with you, Mac.”

“Harm I don’t want you to get in trouble over me. I worry about that as much as I worry about his attitude toward me.”

“I know. I won’t take action unless warranted and I’ll try to be smart about it.”

“You know, Harm, Admiral Morris had indicated they he could use some more judges. Maybe I should go that route.”

“Mac you love being in the courtroom and making your case as much as I do. Don’t give it up unless you are sure that it is what you want to do. I love the investigative part of my job as much-maybe more- then I do arguing the case before a judge. But the two things combined are unbeatable. The day will come when one of us is going to have to make some tough choices. Let’s not rush it. Okay?”

Mac smiled, “When have we ever rushed anything that has to do with the two of us?”

“Well, one could say we’ve rushed to conclusions and assumptions about each other at times.”

“Yes...and its brought us nothing but trouble, Harm.”

“I know. Hey Mac...he’s coming in. As senior officers we’d better be there to greet him.”

“Let’s do it.”

Mac and Harm made there way to the bull pen and snapped to attention as General Creswell entered the JAG ops area.

“At ease. Good morning. I am General Creswell and make no mistake about it, I am in command of JAG ops from this moment on. I will meet with the senior attorneys in fifteen minutes in the conference room. The rest of you can expect to hear from your superiors as to your status later today. Dismissed.”

Everyone watched Creswell disappear into his office before they took a normal breath. Then the buzz started and accelerated as various ones debated whether this would be their last day at JAG or if they would be reassigned and Creswell’s people brought in. Harm and Mac exchanged looks before Harm raised his voice enough to make an announcement that would stop the uproar.

“Back to work people. You still have jobs to do.”

“Harm, is Sturgis in court or on assignment?”

“He and Bud are in court with Captain Sebring I believe.”

“Should we send a message that the new JAG has arrived and wants to meet with the senior attorneys?”

“You’re right. We could send a message with the court clerk.”

“I’ll do it as Chief of Staff...may be one of my last acts in that position.”

“Mac...”

“It’s okay Harm. A lighter work load may be a nice change.” She smiled trying to look at the bright side.

Harm shook his head and returned to his own office where he picked up his active files and a folder of notes. He looked around and tided his desk just a little more. This small out of the way office that had smelled so bad when he first arrived back at JAG had been functional and served to remind him that he needed to stay focused. While he missed his spacious office next to Mac’s it was more because of it’s proximity to her then the actual office.

When Harm had first returned it was a blessing he was stuck in here because seeing her every day and watching Webb come get her for lunch would have killed him. Somewhere in the back of his mind he knew without being told that Chegwidden had done him a favor in the disguise of a punishment. Harm chuckled to himself vowing to thank the man next time he emailed him.

Harm met Mac in the bull pen and without missing a stride they moved toward the conference room. They were the first to arrive and they took their usual positions at the table. They had just pulled in their chairs when Sturgis and Bud hurried into the conference room and rushed to take a seat.

“He’s here I take it.” Sturgis stated.

“That’s why we sent the message to Sebring. Was he upset?” Harm asked.

“Didn’t seem to be. He called for a recess and announced to us that we were needed in the conference room ASAP.”

Harm looked across the table at Bud. “You okay Commander Roberts?”

“Fine sir...just wondering.”

“We all are Bud. Let’s just wait and see.” Harm assured him.

The conference room doors opened and the four officers jumped to attention. Marine General “Biff” Creswell strode into the room, his eyes taking in the four senior officers while his face seemed to darken.

“Where are the rest of my attorneys?”

“This is it sir,” replied Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.

“At ease. Have a seat and lets see if what I’ve got is anything to work with.”

The fours JAG lawyers looked at each other and without saying a word seemed to have a conversation that said, ‘We are in trouble here folks if this is going to be his attitude.’

“Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, USMC; Chief of Staff...”

“Yes sir.”

“I see you’ve done some work with the CIA.”

“Yes sir.”

“Was this by choice or were you ordered to do so?”

“I was asked to do a job but given the option. Once asked I accepted the responsibility as an order.”

“I see. You have a rather interesting file Colonel and I question whether you are the right person to be Chief of Staff. It looks to me that you have the ability to do field work and nothing that would prevent you from taking assignments that have you out of the country for extended periods of time. I prefer a Chief of Staff that is here in the office on a regular basis. I will be replacing you as Chief of Staff. You do have an outstanding record as a trial lawyer in both defense and prosecution. I see you have also spent time on the bench as a judge.”

“Yes sir.”

“I think your talents would be better served as our head lawyer. You will be responsible for supervising and training the junior lawyers we bring on staff. Any questions?”

“Yes sir. That was part of my job as Chief of Staff. Are you saying that the Chief of Staff will no longer be responsible for training new lawyers?”

“That’s right Colonel. The Chief of staff had way to many duties to do any of them well without burning themselves out. I’d rather see the duties and responsibilities shared among more senior attorneys so that if we loose one, we aren’t rendered helpless.”

“Commander Harmon Rabb, Junior?” Creswell asked as he looked at the four attorneys.

“Here sir.”

“Commander Rabb, I had heard about you long before I ever got here. Your file reads like a work of fiction but the ribbons on your uniform tell me that you are for real. What is it about JAG that draws you more strongly then flying?”

“Finding the truth sir.”

“Interesting answer. I spoke to the SecNav before I took this assignment about my idea to split the Chief of Staff responsibilities up. I also discussed the idea of having a Chief Investigator. I feel you would be the right person to fill that role. In addition to taking lead on investigations you would also be training young JAG lawyers to be better investigators. Do you have any problems fulfilling the role as Chief Investigator?”

“No sir.”

“Even with having a teenage ward?”

“My ward was returned to her father three weeks ago sir. There is nothing that would prevent me from accepting the responsibilities of this position.”

“Very well. This change is effective immediately.”

“Lt. Commander Bud Roberts.”

“Yes sir.”

Commander, I an honored to have you on my staff. There are few individuals that have the mettle to overcome what you have and earn a promotion. You have a good record as both an investigator and a lawyer. There are enough blemishes so that I know you are human while they are slight enough not to alarm me. You have a young and growing family, correct?”

“Yes sir.”

“Very good. I feel that you are exactly what I am looking for to serve as Chief of Staff. You will be here on a regular basis which is what I prefer and I am sure your family would prefer not having you gone for extended period of times. Now that doesn’t mean you won’t be going away at times but they will most likely not be for extended periods of time. You have shown to have good computer skills and can do a lot of research from here and should be able to handle the new software for keeping track of staff schedules, leave and assignments.”

“Yes sir.” Bud couldn’t keep the smile off his face or out of his voice. The pride was evident in the way he sat and held his head and in his eyes when he made eye contact with Mac and Harm, his two mentors. They silent communicated to him and to each other their pride and pleasure at his new assignment.

“Commander Sturgis Turner.”

“Yes sir.”

“Commander, your file doesn’t show me very much. You appear to stay under the radar most of the time...must be the submariner in you.” Creswell seemed to be trying to make a joke and everyone cautiously smiled. “You have some honors to your credit but Admiral Chegwidden’s final comment interests me. It says, ‘Commander Turner has recently been faced with his humanity and has struggled to find out that he is not as perfect as he has strived to be throughout life. I hope that this will make him a better person, a better officer and a better lawyer but it remains to be seen.’ Have you anything to add to this Commander?”

“Sir, I think all of us had a difficult year last year, and while I do not agree with all that the Admiral wrote, I do agree that as each of us has struggled to find our footing again we have become stronger as a result. The Admiral left in May and it is now September. In the three months he has been gone I served as the acting JAG and while I am willing to relinquish the reins to you, I learned a lot from the experience. While I don’t know if I am a better person or lawyer as yet, I do feel that I have become a better officer.”

“Very well. Do you have a problem stepping back into the roll as just another JAG lawyer?”

“No sir.”

“Then we shall see how things go and if we find something to which you are better suited we will make it so. Until then, I expect you to work as part of the senior JAG team and fill in and assist the other three as needed.”

“Yes sir.”

“Now we are going to rearrange the way JAG ops is set up. We have two large offices off the bull pen. I believe they belong to Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Turner.”

“Yes sir,” they answered in unison.

I would like those two offices converted into small conference rooms. On the other side of the Bull Pen there are three smaller offices and I would like Mackenzie, Rabb and Roberts to use those. I believe there are four more offices in the hall way to the right. Turner you take the one closet to ops and we’ll fill the other three if we can with some new lawyers we’ll bring on staff. The hallway to the left I believe has four small rooms. Two have windows and the other two do not. Use the two with windows for a couple of designated investigators that may not be lawyers. The other two can be used as closets for all files and supplies. Questions?”

“Yes sir,” Harm was taking in all that Creswell was outlining to them. When he had talked about designating a couple of investigators he thought of two people immediately. “General, we have one person working in the office that I feel would make an excellent part of our investigative team and I know of another person that I would like to try and get back here.”

“Who are you thinking of Commander?”

“Petty Officer First Class Jennifer Coates. She served as Admiral Chegwidden’s yeoman after returning from the Sea Hawk where she worked as Robert’s legalman. Her background gives her good insight in things to look for in an investigation.”

“I would concur, General,” added Sturgis. “Petty Officer Coates worked undercover for us on a couple of cases and did very well.”

“Colonel Mackenzie?”

“I think Coates would make a valuable contribution to an investigative team.”

“Then make it so. Who else did you have in mind, Commander Rabb?”

“We had a Gunny working here for awhile before he requested a transfer to active duty in Afghanistan. I know he ended up working with CIA for awhile but I think he might be interested in returning to JAG to do investigations with us.”

“His name?”

“Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez, sir.”

Everyone looked expectantly at the General.

“Gunny Galindez worked here?”

“Yes sir.”

“I don’t care what you have to do, get him back here. He was with me years ago and he was one of the best. I thought he had left the Corps. If he’s active I want him.”

“Aye, aye Sir.” Harm struggled to suppress his glee. So far this meeting was turning out way better then he had expected. He glanced at Mac and saw that she seemed more relaxed. Her little smile and silent communication to him indicated that she was intrigued by the new JAG’s ideas and plans. He knew they would talk later. 

“Commander Roberts,” instructed General Creswell, “before you secure for the day I want a list of candidates that we can consider to expand our legal staff. I would think that a new crop should have graduated in the spring and by now should have passed the bar. See who you can find. Also see if there is anyone assigned to ships or other locations that would fit out needs here. I am aware that there has been a shortage, but it seems like we could find some new blood that deserves a chance to show their stuff here with us.”

“Yes sir,” Bud responded as he wrote furiously making sure he didn’t miss any orders.

“Also, as Chief of Staff I would like you to direct maintenance to provide the muscles to move the offices as I instructed. Commander Turner, would you see if you could secure the appropriate furniture from the warehouse to make those two large offices into small conference rooms?”

“Yes sir.”

“Colonel Mackenzie, seeing as Commander Rabb has seen fit to claim my yeoman as one of our investigators, perhaps you could suggest some suitable candidates to fill in until I can make a final decisions.”

“Yes sir.”

“Very well. Roberts and Turner you are dismissed. Mackenzie and Rabb, I would like you to remain for a moment.”

Mac and Harm looked at one another as they wondered what General Creswell was going to hit them with next. When the door closed behind Sturgis, the General dove in.

“The SecNav told me that the two of you had a close relationship of an undetermined nature. He also said that when an investigation was conducted on the JAG offices last year he was told by a reliable source that although you were close you both put duty before that relationship and that when alone with the opposite sex you both conducted yourself with honor and dignity. I believe what he said. I also am aware that you were willing to go after the Colonel when a CIA op went bad and I commend you for not being willing to give up on your partner. I am also glad that you were able to return to JAG and they found away to make your time away as a temporary assignment. Were you aware of that Commander Rabb?”

Harm realized that his astonished expression must have tipped the General off to the fact that he was not aware that his record show him TAD to another agency. “No sir, I was not aware that was in my record. I assumed it showed a break in service.”

“Well Commander, that is neither here or there at the moment. I am curious however if the rumors regarding the relationship the two of you have is something I should be concerned about.”

“Well sir, if you are asking if Colonel Mackenzie and I see each other outside of work, yes, we do.”

“So you are dating?”

“Yes,” they answered together.

“Commander, I know I am putting you on the spot here, but I’d like to know if you have honorable intentions toward the Colonel.”

“I’m sorry sir, I’m not exactly sure what you are asking.” Harm was a little nervous about how Mac would react if he stated for the General what his intentions were if that was what he wanted to know.

“Let me put it another way Commander Rabb. At this point how do you see your relationship with Colonel Mackenzie in the next three or four years developing?”

Harm glanced at Mac and saw her eyes nervously darting between the General and himself. “I hope that she will be in my future forever sir. If we are able to find a way to bridge the gap from what we have to what we want, then someday we’ll get married and have children...I hope.”

“I see. Colonel Mackenzie, were you aware of this grand plan the Commander has or will this make it difficult for you to work together?”

“We’ve been dancing around the grand plan for years General Creswell. I don’t think hearing him state the plan will have any negative impact on our ability to work together.”

“Then if you keep that aspect of your life out of this office it will not be a problem for me. I have had other married couples work together without problem and I am willing to ask for a similar dispensation to allow that to happen should it ever reach that point. However, if I find that your personal relationship has a negative impact on this office or on your ability to perform your duties, I will not hesitate to transfer one or both of you out of JAG. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes sir!” Both Harm and Mac made it clear that they read his message clearly. The squabbling and bickering they had fallen into so easily in the past would not be tolerate by General Creswell the way Chegwidden had accepted it usually with humor and tolerance.

“Very well. I think we have a lot of changes to initiate and I am sure you both have cases you are also currently working on. Tomorrow morning I will meet with you all again to review the cases. Please pass the word. Dismissed.” With that, General Creswell stood up from the table and snapping a sharp turn on his heal he left the room.

“Wow...Hurricane Creswell strikes with no warning...news at eleven...Do you believe that Harm?” Mac collapsed against the back of her chair her head spinning.

“He is something. How do you feel about all the changes?”

“At first I thought he was saying I was incapable of doing the job until I realized that he thought that the job was impossible. I think sharing the load the way he has it broken out with you and Bud is great. I feel bad for Sturgis, though.”

“Yes but Mac, Sturgis has hated having to take center stage and serving as the interim JAG was a stroke of genius on Chegwidden and the SecNav’s part. He’s had to learn to look at two sides of every issue. He’s had to experience the political pressure and not shut himself off from the reality. I think it has made him a better officer and I think it will make him a better person. He is a good lawyer and a good investigator and he was a good student but he’s never had something he was outstanding at or passionate about. I think he’ll like serving sort of like an assistant to each of us...whoever needs him most at the time.”

“Creswell certainly nailed our strengths right away. I think Bud is a bit overwhelmed at the moment though, don’t you?” Mac smiled thinking of the young bumbling Lieutenant (jg) she first met when she came to JAG. He sure had grown up.

“I’m proud of him Mac. He’ll handle it.”

“I know. Hey we better get back to work.”

“Yes, but you know you and I have a lot to talk about tonight too.”

“I know.”

“Pick you up at nineteen hundred?”

“How about we eat at home tonight?”

“Want me to pick something up?”

“I’ve got some chicken stew in the freezer I can heat up and I’ll make some dumplings for it?” Mac suggested as an alternative plan.

“What time do you want me to be there?”

“Have your seabag in your car?”

“Yes.”

“Then follow me home and change into something from your sea bag if you want?”

“Okay...it’s a date.”

“I like it when you say things like that, Commander,” smiled Mac as she returned to her office to pack up and move to a new space.

2013 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

 Harm and Mac sat side by side on the couch, with their heads back and their feet up on the coffee table. Their hands touched between them. Turning their heads so they could look at each other without moving much they both started to grin.

“I am so tired. I thought when Creswell started outlining his plan that it would take us the better part of the week to execute all the changes...especially to the office space,” commented Mac.

“But just think Mac, its done. Tomorrow will be business as usual - sort of.”

“True. I’m glad that Bud didn’t have to move his office.”

“He was able to focus on getting us the list of candidates that we have to review tomorrow and he was able to track down Gunny and get the paperwork started that will bring him back into the mix.” Harm paused before he delved into the topic that always made him a little nervous. “Mac, we need to talk about what was said today.”

“I know, Harm...but we’re both tired and I’m not sure I have the energy that I need to deal with ‘us’, you know?”

“Yes...but Mac, hear me out.”

“Okay, go ahead.”

“I wasn’t assuming anything today. I know we have a lot to work out to make the jump from friends to whatever...but I meant what I said. I hope that we can work it out because if we can then I want you to be my wife and I want us to raise a family.” He held up one hand knowing what she was going to say. “If it turns out that we can’t have our own children, we can adopt. We both know we have the capacity to love kids...you with Chloe and me with Mattie...so we’ll look for some little girls and little boys that need us and make them ours if we can’t have our own. Right?”

“I know you’re right Harm...I am more concerned about keeping our relationship out of the office. Chegwidden put up with our squabbles, where Creswell won’t.”

“I think he will if they are the work related ones...just not the ones that are based on us as a couple. I think we’ll be okay, Mac. I also think it takes pressure off of us thinking that if we move our relationship forward, as we are hoping to do, one of us is not going to have to give up JAG, by the sound of it.”

“You really meant it when you said you’d always be there for me, didn’t you?”

“Yes. You still aren’t sure?”

“I guess not. I mean I know there will be times where I’ll want you to be with me and duty will call you away, but what about those times that you are involved in something interesting and I’m feeling needy?”

“Mac, if I know you need me I’ll find away...whether its by phone or instant messaging or putting my arms around you and holding on tight. But you have to tell me when you need me because I might not know. You tend to hide your pain...we both do. You withdraw and I get testy. That’s part of what dating does. It gives us a chance to learn about the other one.”

“How did you get so smart?” Mac asked as she slid over so she could rest her head against his shoulder.

“I guess some of the reading I did to figure out how to parent Mattie also made me realize how things are suppose to work for us too.”

“I’m glad. Do we need to talk anymore tonight?”

“No. You want me to leave so you can go to bed early?”

“No...I was hoping that maybe you’d hold me a little...”

“I can do that,” Harm turned to slip his arm around her as she came up onto to her knees on the couch beside him. Wrapping both arms around his neck and laying her head in the crook on his shoulder he turned her to settle her across his thighs. He let one hand lightly caress her back while the other rested on her outer thigh.

Mac looked up into Harm’s eyes with a smile on her face. Hoping he wasn’t miss reading the signals he lower his head and let his lips touch hers lightly. They had started kissing goodnight after they had gone on dates, but this was the first time he had initiated kissing her just for the enjoyment of kissing her. Harm felt Mac’s hand slide through his hair and apply pressure to the back of his head deepening the kiss a little more. He kissed her lips and placed feather light kisses all over her face and neck, trying not to go to far or to fast.

Mac delighted in the kisses Harm was giving her and didn’t hesitate to kiss him back. She became fascinated with his right ear and smiled when she heard Harm groan her name as she let her tongue and fingers explore that crooked shell on the side of his head.

“Mac....Mac....Sarah, please...I need to stop...you need to stop.” Harm slowly and regretfully pulled back and separated himself from their growing passion. “Mac, don’t be upset. I’m not rejecting you. I liked this too much and we’re not ready for the next step yet. Please don’t be mad at me Sarah...”

“I’m not mad Harm...you’re right...we were getting carried away...but it was nice, wasn’t it?”

“Mmmmm, very nice.”

“So we can do this again sometime?” Mac asked.

“I hope so.”

“Good.”

“Let me up so I can go home.”

“You don’t have to leave yet do you?”

“I don’t have to...but I think I’d better.”

“Stay for coffee if I promise to behave?”

“Okay,” Harm smiled. He didn’t want to leave and she apparently didn’t want him to go. He hoped he wouldn’t embarrass either of them before he got his body under control again.

In the kitchen, Mac made the coffee and while it brewed she wiped herself down with a cold cloth. Harm’s kisses were wonderful, but feeling his body react while she played with his ear had really made her temperature rise. She knew he was right to stop their forward progress tonight, but at least he wasn’t running from her like he had in the past.

0855 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

General Creswell entered the bull pen area from his office. “If I could have your attention for a moment...as you know we made some major changes here at JAG yesterday. For some of you the changes will be minimal while others may find life at JAG very different and maybe intolerable. If that’s the case, I suggest that you adapt or request a change in your duty assignment. This morning I will be meeting with my senior attorneys to review cases and potential candidates to fill the empty slots here at JAG.”

“Once we finish that up, some of you will be meeting with your department heads. The investigative staff will meet with Commander Rabb and Lt. Commander Roberts in the corner conference room while the legal aide staff will meet with Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Turner in this one immediately behind me. Petty Officer Coates will be posting a list of staff that will meet with me about operations in this office and the opening as my aide. We will meet in the large conference room. Dismissed.” General Creswell proceeded to the conference room like the hurricane he was becoming associated with. By sheer luck, the four senior lawyers had reached the conference room ahead of him and were standing at attention when he entered.

“At ease. Have a seat. Let me start by first saying I am impressed at how efficiently you all worked yesterday in making the changes I outlined. Now I would like to start a case by case review. I want to know the status of each and every open case we have. Colonel Mackenzie, we’ll begin with you.”

For the next hour they went over each case. Creswell noted who was working defense and prosecution on each case and who had conducted the interviews. He also noted at what stage of the proceedings they were and which judge if any had been assigned. It took them slightly over an hour to review all the cases. Each one stayed alert as they never knew when a question was coming their way.

“Lt. Commander Roberts?”

“Yes General?”

“I realize that assigning cases will be a new responsibility for you. I am sure the Colonel will be willing to assist you until you feel more comfortable. In the event that you have any questions and she is not here, please do not hesitate to check with me.”

“Yes sir.”

“Very good. Now I understand that you were able to identify nine lawyers that could be available to fill slots here at JAG. Give me a brief synopsis on each one please. I think we will start by bringing in three new junior lawyers.”

“Ensign Jason Tiner graduated law school last year before going to Officer Candidate School and Naval Criminal Justice School. He is currently working with the base JAG at Oceania. So far his duties have been mostly preparing documents and doing legal aide work, however he worked here at JAG as an aide and was the Admiral’s yeoman prior to going to OCS. We all know Ensign Tiner and feel that he would be a good choice to bring here where we can work with him.” Colonel Mackenzie waited for General Creswell to comment.

“Go on Colonel.”

“Yes sir. Lt. Mark Haskell is a marine JAG at Pendelton. He’s requested a transfer to the east coast so he can be closer to his family. His father was killed last year in Iraq and his mother is alone trying to raise and provide for the three younger children in his family. One in college and two in high school. He was offered an early out but wants to make the military his career and asked instead to be transferred closer to home.”

“Where’s home?”

“Baltimore Maryland.”

“Keep going.”

Commander Turner took over. “Marine Lt. Cassie Nystrom just graduated from law school last spring and passed the bar in June. She is on leave currently and waiting new orders. She was earmarked for Pearl, but east coast is her first choice.”

“Next.”

“Lt.(jg) Toby Brady is a Naval academy graduate and due for promotion to full Lieutenant. He was graduate from Georgetown law school and passed his bar last January. He’s been serving at Norfolk as their legal advisor to the men in port. No investigative or trial experience but it is what he wants.”

Bud presented the next one. “Lt.(jg) Sylvia Warner is currently in Japan working with the JAG office there which also doubles as the diplomatic corps at this time. She has requested a transfer and is looking for more trial experience.” Bud paused and General Creswell motioned him to continue.

“Captain Brian Ingles, USMC, is working downstairs with legal aide and prior to that was stationed in San Diego. He has defended three clients and won two of the three cases. All three clients were charged with unauthorized absence.”

“Why is he here and not still trying cases?” asked the General.

“He had an issue with the senior attorney in San Diego and chose to take a step back and wait for a chance to get in somewhere else.” Bud explained the request as best he could to the General.

“What do you know about the senior attorney in San Diego?” Creswell asked them.

“I’ve had a few run-ins with him sir. I think it would be worth talking to Ingles face to face seeing as he is right here.” Harm remembered the trial of Mike Roberts and knew that the JAG lawyers in San Diego would not be the kind he could work with. He hoped that the General would give him the benefit of the doubt and at least talk to him.

“You may be right. Let’s finish these up.”

“Lt. Marsha Cantrell, USMC, is also at San Diego. She has plenty of experience defending but does not have a great record. She has been there for four years and in order to get a promotion needs to move up or move out. She feels her chances are better if she transfers.”

The General just nodded.

Harm took over presenting the last two. “Captain Marcy Rivers, UCMC is currently stationed in Naples Italy. She has experience as a trial lawyer and has requested a transfer stateside. East Coast is her second choice.”

“Yes, I am familiar with Captain Rivers. She would make a good addition if she wanted to be here. Continue.”

“Lt.(jg) Adam James also in Naples, Italy. He’s been sitting second chair to Captain Rivers. After being in Italy for two years, he is requesting a transfer home. He’s from Alexandria, Virginia. His wife is pregnant and they were hoping to return and settle in before she delivers in January.”

“Anyone with a questionable record?”

“Not that we are aware of at this point sir. We were planning to do a more in-depth investigation when we narrowed the field a little,” Harm told him.

“Very well. Commander Rabb, have your investigative team do the background checks and have them on my desk by sixteen hundred hours today on Ingles, James, Haskell, Tiner, and Cantrell. Colonel Mackenzie, set up phone interviews for tomorrow for the ones that can’t be here in person. I’ve blocked off four hours beginning at thirteen hundred hours tomorrow.”

“Yes sir.”

“Dismissed.”

Harm, Mac, Bud and Sturgis rose, acknowledged his dismissal and left the conference room together. From the large conference room they split into two groups and headed for the smaller conference rooms.

“Well, Bud, what do you think so far?” Harm asked his friend and colleague.

“I think this man makes a plan and stops at nothing to carry it out. I told Harriet last night that it’s a good thing he wasn’t here when she had little AJ. He’d have ordered her to stop the labor until she arrived at the hospital and made sure that one of us was there to make sure it was done as he directed.”

“I don’t know Bud. He seems to have a soft spot for families. He made sure that your talents were being utilized while trying to keep you home as much as possible. He told Mac and I that as long as we keep it out of the office he doesn’t care that we have stated dating. He even went so far as to say he would be willing to try to get special dispensation so we could both stay here at JAG if we were to get married. I think he’s a task master Bud, but I think that he feels people belong in relationships and having families and those that don’t are fair game for long assignments, travel, and unusual and unpredictable schedules and hours.”

“You could be right, sir.” They both looked up when Jennifer Coates knocked on the door.

“Come on in, Petty Officer Coates. Welcome to the JAG investigative department. You along with Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez who should be arriving at any moment will be working closely with our legal department to do any number of investigative work. Today we have five candidates that we need to prepare a through background check on. The reports need to be on General Creswell’s desk by sixteen hundred hours today. Commander Roberts, please work with Petty Officer Coates and help her get started. I’m going to see if I can locate our missing Gunny.”

Harm left Jen and Bud to start the investigations while he went back out to the bull pen area. He looked around not really sure who to ask if anyone had heard from Gunny. He noticed a note on his office door and crossed to check on it.

‘Commander Rabb, Gunnery Sargent Victor Galindez called. His vehicle has been disabled and he is awaiting transport to HQ. Will arrive ASAP. PO Powers’

Harm turned back toward the corner conference room and at the door he heard the elevator open. Turning he saw the wide grin of Gunny Galindez.

“Gunny! You made it...”

“Reporting as ordered sir.”

“Come on in and join the team. We’ll fill you in as we go.” Harm opened the door and announced to Bud and Jen that the fourth member of the team had arrived.

Gunny was greeted warmly. When things settled down again, they filled him in on the changes.

“General Creswell is the new JAG. He has made Bud here the new Chief of Staff.”

“What about the Colonel?”

“She’s now head of the litigators...a new separate department within JAG,” Harm explained.

“There have been some major changes,” commented the gunny.

“I think they want to show NCIS that we can conduct viable investigations as well, so they made us into our own department. Lt. Commander Bud Roberts will assist with research while we work with the litigators to do the investigations. Jen has been moved into an office near me, and you will have the one next to her. Even have your own windows, Gunny.” Harm nodded his head as Gunny shook his in amazement.

“Okay, today we focus on the background checks. When you finish, come see me and I’ll give you some other things to look into. I still have a couple of cases to finish and so does Bud. We’ll need to split our time between helping you if you need it and wrapping up those cases. Shall we adjourn?” Harm asked looking around. At the nods of agreement they left and Harm showed Gunny his office. Jen offered to get him set up with passwords for the computer and locate anything he needed as she was still finishing some of her office duties. He thanked her before stepping into the office with Commander Rabb.

“How are things with you and the Colonel, sir?” asked Gunny.

“Looking up, Gunny. The last time I saw you was seconds before she pulled the rug out from under me and told me there could never be ‘us’. I took it pretty hard but thought I still had a chance until Chegwidden shut me out too. Things were pretty bad for a few months but we started patching up our friendship first...neither of us could let that go. Then I realized that I didn’t believe she wanted Webb, but she probably thought she didn’t have a choice. I went to work trying to give her choices. Of course, we’ll never know now what would have happened because Webb was killed...” Harm trailed off leaving the thought unfinished.

“My money would have been on you either way sir. So have you convinced her to rethink her position?” Gunny asked with a knowing smile.

“No, Gunny, she came to the conclusion on her own that despite everything, I’ve always been here. I may go away but I always come back. She asked me if I would always be there for her and I assured her I would. We’ve been dating.”

“That’s a great start. I look forward to seeing her. It will be great to work together again sir.”

“That it will, Gunny...that it will.”

Friday September 17, 2004

1845 Local

Harm’s apartment

North of Union Station

By the time they had secured for the day everyone of them was exhausted. Harm had planned to have Mac and Gunny over for dinner. They all needed to tie up loose ends from Paraguay - the last time they had been together. At the last minute Gunny and Jen were sent to do an undercover investigation on a case Strugis was working. Now Harm was just as glad that it was only going to be Mac coming over. As if on cue she knocked lightly before trying the door. It had taken him all summer to get her to just come in and to use the key he had given her. Tonight she knocked but entered without him coming to open the door.

“Harm?”

“Hi Mac...be right with you.”

“Long week, huh Sailor?”

“You got that right.” Harm said as he pulled his T-shirt down and crossed the floor to where Mac stood by the island. Leaning over he kissed her lightly. “Mmmm I needed that.”

“Yeah?”

“Oh yeah. And what do you need after the week from hell?” Harm asked her as he held her arms lightly at the elbows and looked down at her.

“A good meal...comfortable clothes...and maybe a good looking sailor to make me feel all tingly and special...” Mac loved the look he got in his eyes when she flirted with him.

Dating Harm was turning out much better then she had thought it would. So far he had kept her informed when his plans changed, something she could appreciate and understand. He was attentive and never took their relationship for granted while always making the transition steps seem easy.

“Well, why don’t you change into something more comfortable and get out of those shoes. I’ll put dinner in the oven and then I’ll see what I can come up with to make you tingle. How’s that?”

“Good plan, Commander.” Mac reached up to plant a kiss on his cheek and then moved past him to his bedroom snagging her tote bag on the way. She had brought both jeans and shorts. It was warm enough tonight that the shorts and halter top won out over the more modest jeans and t-shirt. Hanging up her uniform next to Harm’s she slipped into the soft knit shorts and matching halter top which just met the waistband of her shorts. She put her shoes, nylons and bra into her tote bag and returned to the island where Harm was pouring them each a glass of ice water.

“It’s been an unusually warm week for September, hasn’t it?” Mac asked as she accepted the frosty glass of water.

“Yeah...it usually cools down at night at least...” Harm’s voice trailed off. He couldn’t take his eyes off of Mac. She always looked beautiful to him, but seeing her bare shoulders and back told him that she was braless. It made him tingle. He wasn’t sure if he was going to be able to make her tingle without getting himself in trouble tonight.

Mac walked up close to Harm as she set her glass back on the island. She slid her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest.

“Mac? Are you okay?” Harm asked trying to see her face.

“Yes. I just wanted to feel special and to have you make me tingle. The best way I know to do that is be in your arms...and have you in mine.” Mac’s voice was barely above a whisper.

Wrapping his long arms around her he rested his face against her hair. He let his finger tips explore the exposed skin of her arms and back. Mac’s hands at his waist seemed to be exploring to and he gasped a little in surprise when he felt her hands on his bare back.

“You get to feel skin so I do too, mister.” Mac warned him.

“That’s fair enough.” He whispered in response lowering his head to try and capture her lips with his. He found her forehead and then her nose and eventually worked his way to her lips. She was waiting for him and her lips eagerly met his. They stood next to the island and lost themselves in that kiss. When they finally pulled back and looked into each others eyes, Harm was sure that she was aware of what their kisses were doing to him...just as he was aware that her breasts had reacted to his kisses and his touch on her back.

“Are you tingling yet?” Harm asked her.

“Mmmmm. Harm?” Just then the timer went off.

“Dinner’s ready...what were you going to ask?” Harm asked Mac as he slid from her arms to go get their dinner.

“Oh nothing that can’t wait.”

“You sure?”

“Yes Harm. It smells good. What is it?”

“I used some leftover chicken and mixed it with broccoli and carrots and baked it with a cream sauce with biscuits baked on top.”

“Sounds good.”

Together they sat in silence and ate. They seldom had awkward moments anymore and up to this point they were able to work through them fairly quickly. Tonight it seemed as if they both knew that a big step was in front of them. They both wanted it and thought the other one did as well. They both struggled with the question, was it too soon?

By the time they had finished dinner and washed the dishes, Harm had decided to find out. “Mac, I know we are teetering on the brink of something major here and I want to be sure you are ready to go there before I do something you can’t forgive me for.”

“I know. I’m unsure too, but I think its time we try at least.”

“Good,” and with that he reached for her and lower his head to kiss her again. Mac accepted his kiss and returned one of her own. This time neither one tried to control the passion between them, but let it grow and burn on its own. Somehow, Harm had moved them to the living room and sat on the couch with her in his arms. His lips wandered along her bare shoulders and to the base of her neck.

Her fingers tangled in his hair as she guided his head and lips lower to the cleavage exposed by her halter top. His fingers found the buttons at the back of her neck and he lifted his head unable to find his voice to ask, but wanting to make sure she was okay with things before he went on. Mac could only smile and nod.

Harm managed to work the buttons free and as Mac leaned back over his arm, he eased the top away from her exposing her beautiful breasts to his eyes. Raising his eyes after a moment to look into Mac’s eyes, he found his voice to whisper.

“You are so beautiful, Sarah. I want you so much.”

“Touch me Harm...make me tingle.”

He took her up on her invitation and lowered his mouth to taste her skin as he kissed and tasted her breasts, finally closing in on the erect nipple of one while his fingers teased the other.

Mac’s fingers were in his hair as she held his head to her while glorying in the shivers of passion that chased through her body at his touch. Slowly Harm returned to kissing her lips and Mac used the opportunity to work her hands under his t-shirt again, this time lifting it up, exposing his chest to her view and to her touch.

Mac pulled away from his kiss so that she could look at him. Slowly he realized that she wanted him to remove his shirt. He obliged. He felt her nails lightly scraping his chest and nipples while she kissed and tasted him like he had her. It was almost more then he could endure.

“Maacc...Sarah...please...”

“What do you want Harm?” she whispered as she looked him in the eye, praying he wasn’t going to stop them yet.

“To hold you...I want to feel you against me...”

Mac slid her arms around his neck and straddled his lap as she slowly rubbed her bare breasts against his naked chest. The friction send tingles through both of them. Harm held her against him more tightly so she couldn’t tease him with her rubbing. Once again he kissed her lips. He felt her lips part and invite him to explore her mouth. He slipped his tongue inside her mouth, letting his tongue tangle with hers.

Sarah Mackenzie had kissed men in her life and she had been kissed by some very experienced and passionate men. She had never experienced with anyone of them what she experienced that evening with Harm. He felt the tremors building in her body as they kissed and caressed. He felt them in his body too but he kept them controlled and gave everything he had to her in his kisses. When she cried out and collapsed against him he wasn’t sure at first what had happened. He looked at her as she lay in his arms and saw the tears rolling down her face.

“Mac? Sarah are you okay? What happened?”

“I’m okay...Harm...I think...wow...that’s never happened to me before...like that.”

“Did you just...um...have an orgasm?”

“Yeah...from kissing you...that’s never happened like that to me before.”

“Me either...I mean...never mind now is not the time for me to be saying something wrong. Are you okay?”

“I’m more then okay. When you say you’re willing to make me tingle you really mean it, huh?”

Harm shrugged. “I’m not sure what I should do here.”

“Hold me...”

“Aahh...you like to cuddle afterwards huh?”

“And you don’t?”

“I do actually, it’s just um...” Harm wasn’t quite sure he should point out to her that while she was in a lethargic state, his body was still humming with need. As Mac settled herself back into his arms she must have felt his predicament.

“Oh...Harm I’m sorry...I wasn’t thinking.”

“It’s okay. Just sit still.” Mac snuggled into his arms.

“You know Mac, we need to talk about something.”

“What’s that Harm?”

“Well, I know that the doctor said it is probably a long-shot that you’ll get pregnant, but what about protection as well as birth control?”

“Harm the doctor had to take me off birth control pills because I fell into that small group of women with endometriosis that it doesn’t help. In fact it almost made things worse. I’ve been tested and I’m clean, so if you are we don’t need to worry about disease, but...”

“I’m clean...but?”

“Do we want to risk a pregnancy? Mac asked Harm.”

“Mac, I told you I’m ready to close the deal but only if you are ready and want it too.”

“Then maybe taking chances with pregnancy would be okay...”

“Let’s think about it and next time we can decide if it feels right or not.”

At some point Mac’s halter top had been pulled back in place, but Harm’s t-shirt was missing. She was still snuggled into his arms as they talked. Harm held her and before long he felt her body relax and knew she had fallen asleep. Carefully, he moved her onto the couch so that he could get up. After standing, he eased her onto the couch and covered her with the afghan that his Grandmother had sent him for Christmas last year. He watched to make sure she was still asleep and made his way to his bathroom where he took a cold shower.

He knew that one of the issues that they were working through was her trust in him. If tonight being about her and her needs helped her to see he would always put her needs first and that she could trust him to be there for her, then the cold shower was certainly worth it. Once he was dry and dressed in clean silk boxers he returned to the living room to check on Mac. She was still sleeping. He carefully lifted her into his arms and other then wrapping her arms around his neck, she slept. Just as carefully he put her into his bed and then went to turn out the lights. Finally he slid into bed beside her and in the dim light from the window he turned on his side to watch her sleep. Relaxed, contented and exhausted from the demands of the new JAG during his first week on the job, sleep claimed Harm within minutes.

September 20

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm had been alone when he woke up Saturday morning. Mac had left a note that just said, ‘Thanks for last night.’ He had tried to call but had only gotten her voice mail. He had left messages for her but had not heard anything back until this morning. She had called while he was out running.

“Harm...It’s Mac. Must be you are out running. Sorry I didn’t get back to you this weekend. Talk to you at JAG.”

Frustrated that he had missed her call but relieved that she didn’t sound upset with him he looked forward to seeing her this morning.

He saw her the minute he entered the bull pen area. She smiled but returned to the conversation she was having with the General’s new aide. Harm entered his office and picked up his file for staff call. This morning the three new lawyers were coming on board. When he looked up he saw Mac coming toward his office with a smile firmly in place.

“Morning Sailor.”

“Good morning. Everything okay?”

“Yes. Did you get my message this morning?”

“I did. I was worried.”

“I know. I needed a little time to adjust to things I guess.”

“And?”

“I’m okay with everything...or will be after I...umm...well let’s just say that the next time is your turn.” Mac smiled that beautiful smile of hers.

Harm gulped a little knowing he needed to reign in his libido before it got him into trouble. Shaking his finger at Mac he smiled and scolded, “You behave.”

“I will. There’s too much going on to day or I’d be tempted to torment you all day.”

Harm laughed. If Mac was flirting with him she was feeling good about things and confident in herself. The tension gone, they grabbed their files and headed for the morning meeting.

Harm, Mac, Bud and Sturgis were seated at the table when the General joined them. They reviewed the cases so far and the General was apprized as to which cases the new lawyers would be pulling for the first assignments. He agreed with their decisions and commended them for working effectively as a team.

“I couldn’t have asked for a smoother transition from my stand point. Thank you.”

“Your welcome, sir,” responded Mac for all of them.

The door opened to admit three new staff members.

“Ensign Tiner, Lt.(jg) James and Lt. Cantrell reporting as ordered.”

“At ease. Grab a seat and we’ll do introductions.” As they scrambled into the open seats, the General began the introductions. “As you know I am General Creswell. I’ve only been here a week myself but I have this to be a team oriented crew to work with and am sure you will settle in to the routine in no time.”

“Commander Harmon Rabb; Head of investigations. I will be working with you on your investigations and we have two non-coms that can assist with undercover work and tracking down information, people or objects that you need for your case. You will meet them later.”

“Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie; I will be overseeing your courtroom performance and will be available to give you helpful tips along the way. Welcome.”

“Lt. Commander Bud Roberts; Chief of Staff. I will assign you cases as they come in as well as your duty days and schedule your leaves if they are granted. I can also assist with you with research and investigations as part of the Investigative team.”

“Commander Sturgis Turner; I assist Roberts, Mackenzie and Rabb in their duties and will probably be prosecuting many of the cases in which you must defend. Remember that what happens in the courtroom is not personal and you should work to separate the things that are said in done in court from what happens when we are working as a team at JAG.”

“Ensign Jason Tiner. It’s good to be back at JAG. I’ll do my best to live up to your expectations.”

“Very well, Tiner. I can assure you that if you don’t live up to my expectations you will be replaced. Next.” General Creswell did not hesitate to let Tiner know that past experiences at JAG meant little or nothing to him and that Tiner would have to prove himself as a lawyer to stay here.

“Lt. (Jg) Adam James. It’s an honor to be given a chance here at JAG Headquarters.”

“Yes, it is.” Everyone cringed at the tone in the General’s voice. It was clear he wouldn’t suffer fools lightly.

“Lt. Marsha Cantrell.”

“Very well. Roberts will show you around and to your offices after you have been given your first assignments. We work as a team here folks...not a family. Family’s are for outside of the work place and work hours. Those of you with families will be given more local assignments while those with out ties should be prepared for the longer travel assignments. It’s all your’s Colonel, Commanders...” and with that ominous welcome the JAG left the conference room to allow the others to get on with business.

After a more personal and less formal welcome by the senior officers, Tiner, James and Cantrell all seemed more visibly relaxed. Rabb and Mackenzie were going to share the mentoring of Tiner. Turner was to take Lt. James under his wing, while Roberts would work with the slightly more experienced Cantrell.

The remainder of the day was spent settling in the new attorneys and trying to wrap up two cases in court. One was a plea bargain with Harm prosecuting and Mac defending and the other was the sentencing hearing on a case that Harm had defended while Roberts had prosecuted.

When he was secured for the day he left his office at the same time Mac stepped from her office.

“Hey, Marine. How’s it going?”

“Very well,” she looked at Harm to see if he caught her humor. He had.

“Let’s get out of here before you get us in trouble,” Harm whispered as he escorted her to the elevator. On the ride down, they were alone. Mac reached up and placed a quick kiss on Harm’s chin.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day.”

“You have?”

“Yup...and a few other things.”

“Mac....”

“Your place or mine Sailor?” she whispered as the elevator stopped and the door slid open.

“My place...Take out...”

“Eat in?”

“Mac, behave...” he warned again seeing the twinkle in her eye telling him she was feeling playful. “What would you like me to pick up for our dinner?”

“I’ll get it this time. You go home and get comfortable.” She winked at him as she left him by his car and went on to hers. If he wasn’t mistaken, her hips swayed a little more and she stood a little straighter as she turned, making sure her profile was clearly visible.

He laughed and shook his head in defeat. It looked like it was going to be a fun evening if he would relax and just let it happen. Mac had and it was his turn. This wasn’t about who got to feel good first or most. It was about trust. She showed him that she trusted him enough to let herself go. It was his turn to show her he trusted her to the same degree.

When he got home he quickly changed out of his uniform, and took a quick shower. He slipped into some soft cotton knit fitted boxers and pulled on his favorite worn jeans. He chose a short-sleeved button shirt also in a soft cotton knit. It moved with him but was easy to take off later if...

“Harm? Foods here!”

“Good timing Mac.”

“I’ve told you before I have great timing. I’ll prove it later...”

Harm reached for her then and pulled her into his arms to kiss her. She returned his kiss although neither of them were ready to let it burn out of control yet. She backed away setting the food down on the dining room table.

“I’ve waited for that all day.”

“Really? I’ve been waiting for that since Saturday morning.”

“Dinner first...just like Friday night.” Mac set about getting plates and silverware and Harm poured them some ice cold water.

Harm enjoyed the food and Mac’s playful attitude. She touched him every chance she got and brushed against him with her breasts as well. The anticipation of what she would do after dinner was building rapidly and Harm was counting the seconds until Mac would declare she was full. Deciding to help things along he decided to try a few tactics with her. First he began staring at her breasts and making it obvious where his eyes were focusing. For good measure he licked his lips a little letting his tongue play with his lip as if he was tasting her like he had on Friday. It worked like a charm.

Mac announced she was going to change while he put the food away. He watched her retreating back before turning with a grin to take care of the leftovers. He refilled their water glasses and took them to the living room. He sat on the couch leaning against the arm with one leg on the couch bent slightly at the knee. He knew she would be able to see what the anticipation of being with her was doing to him.

When Mac returned she was wearing shorts again but this time with a tank top. She glided over to him and leaned down to kiss him. She knew the minute she felt his touch she would not back down. She also knew that he was looking forward to this as much as she was. Friday things had happened naturally and she wanted tonight to be natural as well so she sat down and leaned against him, kissing him and encouraging him to kiss her.

She felt herself beginning to lose control again and that’s when she took control urging Harm to let her explore him and give himself up to her touch and her kisses. She unbuttoned his shirt and kissed and tasted his chest as she exposed it to her view inch by inch. She scooted back a little so she could move down his body as she kissed and tasted her way along the fine hair line that went down his stomach and under the waist band of his jeans. Mac lingered at his naval with her tongue, while she smoothed her hands up and down the soft denim of his jeans from knee to thigh.

“Mac...please...I need you to touch me.” Harm struggled to talk.

Mac followed his plea and let her hand close over the ridge in his jeans. She let her finger nail trace the length of the ridge slightly overwhelmed at what she was dealing with. Curious to see if it was illusion or not, she reached for the button on his jeans and eased it open. The zipper slowly part as she placed kisses on his bare skin until she reached the waste band of his underwear. Hesitating only briefly she reached into the fly opening and freed him. It was no illusion.

Rethinking her plan of attack just slightly, Mac let her fingers trail over his erection very lightly until she felt him shiver. She replaced her finger then with her tongue, letting it taste and touch him along his length. Once she worked her way to the head, she used her tongue to follow the ridge around the head until her mouth was over the tip. Slowly she drew the very tip into her mouth and flicked it with her tongue. She heard Harm moaning and felt him beginning to lift his hips toward her. Slowly she lowered her mouth further over him until encasing him in the damp warmth of his mouth. She wrapped her hands around the lower portion of him to support him and hold him in a position where she could give him the most pleasure.

Harm’s hands were tightly grasping the leather of his sofa. His head was tossing back and forth and he struggled to keep control. He didn’t want to hurt her but he wanted what she was giving him. Mac sensed his dilemma and knew he needed a signal from her that she was ready and prepared for him to let go. Without a word, she began to apply more pressure with her mouth as she wrapped her lips around the tip and then she began to slide her tongue around him faster and with more pressure as stroked him with her hands.

“Yes...oh yeah...so good.” Harm murmured as his excitement increased. Mac picked up the tempo a little more as she felt Harm’s hips begin to buck. She knew he was fighting to keep some control - not because he didn’t trust her - but because he didn’t want to hurt her. She continued stroking him with her hands while she rested her neck.

“You’re not going to hurt me Harm, so let it go. I’m ready for you.” And with that she plunged her mouth back over him, while she continued to hold him in one hand and stroke the rest of the package still hidden from her sight inside the knitted boxers with the other.

Harm felt like he was ready to explode and he couldn’t hold back. He felt himself bucking into her mouth while her hand gently squeezed and held him. He heard a rumble coming from somewhere deep inside him and felt the sound tear through his throat as he emptied himself into her mouth and into the cooler air when she release him from her mouth. Her hands stayed with him, easing him through until his body stopped pulsing.

Harm felt himself force his eyes open, somewhat afraid of what he would see. Eventually he was able to focus and he saw Sarah Mackenzie smiling at him her eyes soft with concern.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes. Are you?”

“Yes...a little embarrassed maybe.”

“That’s okay...but you don’t have to be...I mean you still have some secrets from me.”

“I do?”

“Yeah...I may have touched but I haven’t seen it all with my eyes yet,” Mac smiled remembering Kate Pike telling her that Harm couldn’t handle working with someone that knew the color of his underwear. Mac knew that he could handle that. It was having someone see him loose control that he struggled with...or seeing him fully exposed without his underwear maybe. She grinned at the idea.

“What are you smiling about?”

“Don’t get paranoid...it’s nothing about you. I’m smiling because I got you to let go. You really trust me completely don’t you Harm?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. You know, we should really get you cleaned up...”Mac noticed that the sticky substance was on her top as well as on Harm’s boxers and stomach. She grabbed his shirt that was behind him and used the soft knit to wipe his stomach up a little. “Looks like you’re going to need another shower Harm.”

“Join me?”

Mac nodded. Together they stripped off their clothes and cleaned up in the shower. They took turns drying each other until they were both fully aroused and with no more body parts hidden from loving eyes they climbed onto Harm’s bed and made love again, fully this time. They both discovered that they were well matched in their rhythm and preferences. They fell asleep in each others arms only two hours before sunrise. It would turn out to be a long day.

0805 Local

Tuesday

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Commander Rabb. Colonel Mackenzie. I need to see you in my office at once,” barked General Creswell as they stepped off the elevator that morning, both craving caffeine to keep them awake.

“Aye, aye sir,” Harm acknowledged his Commanding Officer as he and Mac exchanged a look and followed him into his office.

The inner office hadn’t changed much when AJ Chegwidden left as far as looks go, but the room felt very different. Before Harm and Mac could come to attention and report in, General Creswell put them at ease and told them to have a seat.

“We have a situation in the Middle East and we need you there. You will begin with the investigation and then if necessary you will both need to be prepared to enter the courtroom.”

“What’s happened sir?” asked Mac.

“We have another case of prisoner abuse...only this time it is against our own people.”

“Sir,” Harm tried to clarify what the General was telling them. “Are you saying that American military are accused of abusing other Americans that are being detained while stationed in Iraq?”

“That’s exactly what I’m saying! The last time it was bad enough when the army was nailed for abusing Iraqi prisoners, but what on earth is this world coming too when we can’t even treat each other with respect and dignity!” Creswell bellowed his rage at the indignities and Harm and Mac reached another level of respect for the man. He was harsh and abrupt at times and yet his values were much like theirs and like their former CO.

“I want you on your way ASAP. Arrangements have been made for travel and lodging. I expect you to check in every other day. Dismissed.”

Harm and Mac went into emergency mode immediately. Harm picked up their travel information while Mac informed Tiner that they were being called away and that Turner and Roberts were picking up the cases that couldn’t wait. Jason was to follow their orders and assist Gunny and Petty Officer Coates on the investigations while they were gone.

Mac also let Bud and Sturgis know what was happening before packing her lap top, cell phone and charger and meeting Harm as he locked his door.

“Seabag packed Mac?”