Title: The Gifts of Life

Author: Hollyjp

Summary: This is a Harm and Mac story, in some ways typical of most of my stories - mostly about romance, relationships, and happily ever after...but I threw in a few things along the journey that were a little different for me. I guess it would be considered AU as I don’t see most of this happening ever on the show we watch.

Spoilers: Anything through Season 10 including spoilers for upcoming Season 10 episodes and my own speculations.

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.

Chapter 1

January 7, 2005

1845 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm closed the door to his apartment behind him as he flipped on the light switch by the door. Hanging up his keys he proceeded to his bedroom where he set his cover on the shelf, hung up his long black coat and began removing his uniform. It had been another long day at JAG. Something wasn’t quite right but he was having trouble identifying the exact problem, which made it difficult to fix.

He smiled to himself imagining Mac telling him it was another one of his obsessions, always trying to fix things and make them right. In a way he supposed she was right. However, there was one glaring problem with his own life that he couldn’t seem to fix. He felt so alone. He had family - his mother and step father, a grandmother, a step-brother and sister-in-law, even a godson. Yet for all of those family members, he still felt alone. He didn’t have someone that needed him and that cared about his needs before all others.

While Mattie had been with him, and even having Jennifer Coates next door, he could take care of them. They needed him to do things for them. They enjoyed doing things to help him. They had helped him to open up and not only show how he felt, but express those feelings. Now they were gone.

Mattie had returned to her father. They still talked on the phone, and Harm saw her about once a month went he went to Blacksburg to work on his plane. He enjoyed seeing her and hearing about her life. Her father, Tom Johnson, had become a friend and he was glad that things had worked out for him.

Jennifer had needed a big brother when Harm had come into her life. He had been there when she needed him and in turn, she had been there to help him take care of Mattie. Together Mattie had repaired her life and had been able to get her father back. Jennifer had chosen to pursue an education in the field of psychology and had enrolled at the University of Maryland. She was able to take courses on line and through interactive TV as well as at their satellite program in Washington, DC. Jennifer no longer needed Harm as she once had, and had recently moved away from him after her experience with Pia coming back into her life and trying to destroy her.

So here Harm sat in his comfortable soft worn and faded jeans and a flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up, nursing a bottle of cold water to quench his dry throat and wishing he wasn’t alone. He thought about fixing dinner but couldn’t think of anything he really felt like eating.

He glanced at the phone on his desk, but couldn’t think of who he would call. He had promised Mac he would let her come to him. Since Christmas Eve and her accident they had been growing closer. She was more open with him and they were finding more time to spend together. She still needed to feel in control and he had agreed to let her set the pace. Funny things was, he had forgotten to ask her if he could call if he needed her.

Shaking his head in puzzlement again, Harm spoke aloud to himself, “I need Sarah Mackenzie in my life. Without her nothing seems to make sense. I lack purpose and direction...and hope.” From somewhere inside him years of after action psychological reviews, words of wisdom from his family and commanding officers, and even his own advice to clients the advice he needed screamed in his own head.

Sorting through the noise to find it however, was turning out to be more of a challenge then he had thought. The noise in his brain created a pain that he couldn’t stand and he covered his ears trying to block the noise to no avail. The roar in his ears increased and the pain forced him to curl into a ball to find relief. His last conscious thought as he hit the floor, was that the cold felt good on his face.

Same Time

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

“Chloe! It’s so good to hear your voice.”

“I’ve missed you Mac. Are you okay?” Chloe asked.

“I’m getting there. For the first time in a long time I think I will be alright.”

“Are you seeing Harm?” Chloe hedged.

“Chloe, Harm and I have been trying to regain our friendship...and I feel good about that. He’s been very kind and patient with me as I’ve dealt with every thing this past year.”

“You mean he’s not being a jerk?”

“No, he’s not. Chloe. He’s been here for me whenever I need him...and he’s given me space when I need it too. When I had my accident at Christmas, he came to the hospital and sat with me all night long. We’ve been talking, Chloe and getting to know each other again.”

“So are you going to give in and tell him how you feel?”

“Chloe, I’m not sure how I feel anymore.”

“Mac, you’ve got to be kidding me! Let’s take this from the top...”

“Chloe,” Mac warned as the teenager warmed up to this favorite form of torture she had perfected over the years.

“Chloe, nothing...Now listen to me, Mac.” Chloe’s voice was filled with love despite her taking the upper hand. Resigning to the inevitable Mac acquiesced.

“I’m listening.”

“Did you or did you not say that your intuition or whatever you call it only works with people you have a deep connection with?”

“Yes I did.”

“Did you or did you not pinpoint a spot on a chart that led to Harm being found in the middle of the Atlantic?”

“You know I did.”

“Does that mean you have a deep connection with Harm?”

“Yes, I guess it does.”

“Very good. Now, did Harm give up the one thing that you felt meant the most to him to come rescue you?”

“Yes.”

“And why do you suppose he did that?”

“Because that’s Harm, Chloe.”

“Would he have given up his career for Mattie?”

“I guess not...he found a way to bring Mattie with him when he returned to the Navy.”

“Right.”

“I wasn’t expecting that question Chloe.”

“I know...I’ve learned I have to vary my questions or you come up with new excuses.”

“You’re pretty smart...” Mac’s voice drifted off.

“Mac, what is it? You sound funny all of a sudden.”

“I don’t know...I just had the strangest feeling that Harm needs me.”

“Duh! Mac, you two need each other. That’s what I’ve been trying to get you to realize.”

“No...I mean I think he needs me right now. Chloe, I’m sorry but I’ve got to go.”

“Call me later and let me know what happened, okay?”

“I’ll call when I can, Chloe...thank you.” Mac disconnected the call and grabbed her cell phone trying to reach Harm. His answering machine came on at his home address and his voice mail picked up on his cell. With her cell phone in her hand she grabbed her things and headed for her car. She may end up feeling like a fool, but she wasn’t going to stop now. She wasn’t going to take a chance that this was a false alarm. She didn’t get feelings this strong that often and when she did they usually proved to be very real. Tossing the cell phone on the seat beside her, she headed toward Union Station.

1921 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Harm?” Mac called as she knocked on the door. She thought she heard a moan, but nothing else. Trying the door, she found it unlocked and she carefully pushed it open calling his name again.

“Harm? Are you here?” Stepping inside the room , she found him laying on the floor by the island, his hands holding his head. He was moaning as he lay on the floor.

“Harm! What is it? Are you hurt?” Mac rushed to his side, alarmed at the heat she felt rolling off his body when she knelt by his side. Brushing his hair off his forehead, she felt for a pulse and found it rapid under her fingers and then she would lose it only to find it again. Rubbing his shoulder, she tried to rouse him but his muttering was intelligible from his moans. Grabbing for the phone she called 911.

“Yes, this is Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. I need an ambulance for Commander Harmon Rabb Junior. I found him on the floor, unconscious and moaning. He is holding his hands over his ears and he feels warm. His pulse is fast when I can get it, but sometimes it fades and then comes back.” Mac gave his home address as well.

“We have dispatched an ambulance to that address, Ma’am. Stay on the phone with me so I can get more information. Is he breathing on his own?”

“Yes, but it seems shallow...or something...I can’t quite describe what’s different about it.”

“Is he face down or face up?”

“He’s on his stomach and his head is turned to his left, so the right cheek is on the floor.”

“Can you turn him over?”

“I think so...I have to put the phone down.” Mac dropped the phone and positioned herself so she could roll Harm over.” As she eased him over his hands came away from his ears, and she could see how red the skin was as if he had been trying to block out a loud noise for some time.

“Okay, I have him on his back,” Mac told the operator.

“Very good. Do you know how to take a pulse?”

“Yes.”

“Please try to get a reading...carotid if possible.”

Mac picked up the pulse but she was only able to maintain it for eight seconds before she would loose it again. In frustration she went back to the operator.

“I could only get a steady pulse for six to eight seconds before I would lose it again. At six seconds I had about ten beats and at eight I got to thirteen before I lost it again.”

“How long between the time you lost it and you would get it back?”

“I hear the sirens now.”

“Good...how long?”

“Three to four seconds...sorry.”

“Okay, can they get in?”

“Yes...I’ll go to the door so I can see them when they get to the top of the stairs or come off the elevator.”

“They’ll take it from here, Colonel.”

“Thank you...” Mac disconnected the call and reluctantly left Harm’s side to get him the help he needed. “In here...he’s over here.”

“Yes, Ma’am...just step back and let us see what we’ve got here.” The two EMT’s worked quickly and calmly. Harm’s shirt was opened exposing his chest as they listened to his heart and attached electrodes to monitor his heart beat. His temperature was taken and found to be elevated. His breathing was shallow but he was breathing on his own.

“How long has he been out, Ma’am?”

“I found him this way twelve minutes ago. I had tried to call him before that and he didn’t answer his phone. He could have been out at least thirty minutes now...maybe longer.”

“Are you family?” the older EMT asked watching Mac and waiting for a response that didn’t come. “Does he have family nearby?”

“No...he’s been my partner at work for over eight years and my best friend...he’s...he’s...important to me.”

“We’ll put you down as family then,” the EMT smiled at her. Mac gave him a weak smile in return as the other EMT strapped Harm to the gurney and they prepared to leave to get him to the hospital.

“Where are you taking him?” Mac asked as she followed them out grabbing Harm’s keys, shoes and bomber jacket as she went locking the door behind her.

“Bethesda, Ma’am...unless he takes a turn for the worse.”

“Thank you...” Mac rushed to her car and headed for Bethesda as quickly as she could, knowing that she couldn’t travel as fast as the ambulance did. On the way she contacted General Creswell.

“General Creswell.”

“It’s Colonel Mackenzie...Commander Rabb is being rushed to Bethesda...something is wrong...I found him collapsed at home on his floor...”

“Mac, calm down...I’ll have Commander Turner meet you there.”

“Thank you, sir.”

2103 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“What is taking so long?” Mac demanded as she paced the waiting room again.

Commander Sturgis Turner watched her circle the waiting room again, not quite understanding her level of distress.

“Mac, they’ll let us know what’s wrong when they know something. Pacing is just going to exhaust you and it doesn’t help Harm.”

“I know...but I can’t sit still.”

“So tell me what you know.”

“He was really warm...I think I heard the EMT say his temperature was 102 but I’m not sure. His heart was beating really, really, fast and then I would lose it and then it would come back again. His ears were red like he had been pressing on them before he lost consciousness. His breathing was shallow...”

“Had he complained of not feeling well recently?”

“No. We worked all day yesterday and today on a case. The only time we were apart for more then a few minutes, was when I went to pick up lunch today.”

“Food poisoning?”

“I don’t think so Sturgis...we shared Lo Mein...”

“Flu?”

“He didn’t show any signs that I noticed today or yesterday.”

“Maybe it hit fast...”

“Sturgis, Harm has talked about the sick feeling you get before the flu hits several times. He knows when he’s getting sick. He would have said something to me.”

“Even now?”

“Yes...even now. He would have said something and made an excuse for us to not work closely together because he wouldn’t want me to catch it.”

“So then we wait for the doctor.”

“I hate this!” Mac declared vehemently as she threw herself into the chair next to Sturgis.

Commander Sturgis Turner had known Harm for more then half their lives, and their relationship had gone up and down over that time. Their respect for one another as well as the common bond of being at the Academy together had weathered more then one storm in their friendship. His stint as acting JAG he figured would be nothing more then more of the same. The one thing that Sturgis wasn’t sure he and Harm could get through was the unexplainable relationship between Harmon Rabb and Sarah Mackenzie.

Sturgis had his own issues with Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, that he wasn’t sure he could explain to anyone. On one hand the woman scared him. He had no doubt that she could take him in any physical competition with the exception of a foot race, and both she and Harm had given him a run for his money a few years ago at the JAG-a-thon.

It was the uneasy feeling Sturgis had around Mac that really got to him. It was as if she got close to him, she would know what he was thinking and feeling without him saying a word. Yet for all of her perception, she and Harm were as clueless about each other today as they had been three years ago when he met her. Bud and Harriet and even Bobbie Latham had talked about this unexplained connection the two of them shared.

Sturgis was convinced that the woman Harm had talked about when he had come to JAG by saying that she had him although he didn’t have her, was none other then Sarah Mackenzie. Mac had even admitted to him that she was in love with Harm, but had threatened him that he couldn’t share that secret. She had seemed shocked that she had said it out loud. From that day on she had seemed to build her walls tighter and higher to protect herself and her secret.

Sturgis had watched Mac come unglued when Harm had been arrested for Singer’s murder and then not allowed to be involved in the case in anyway. Harm come unglued after he was cleared and Mac had gone on a mission with Webb to Paraguay. Neither of them handled the aftermath of Paraguay well, and yet this past year he had watched them take steps back toward each other. It was like a giant magnet pulled them together or pushed them apart depending on how things lined up. Recently the friendship magnet seemed to be realigned, pulling them together once again.

Sturgis had also noticed that Harm had changed this past year. He was no longer brash or arrogant with Mac like he had once been. He was protective of her and it had been the result of his own differences with both Mac and Bud that had driven this latest wedge between him and Harm.

Harm had come to his office and informed him that he could expect his full cooperation while he was acting JAG, even though he disagreed with the Admiral and SecNav’s decision. He himself didn’t want the job, but he felt Mac should have been given the opportunity. He also told him that he felt his appointment was the direct result of his statements about Lt. Commander Roberts and Lt. Colonel Mackenzie to the SecNav.

“I don’t like your attitude Sturgis. I’ve had to reexamine who I am and how I do things. It’s tough, but I hope you do the same. It will make you a better person and a better leader.” Harm had excused himself from Sturgis at that point and had gone on to follow Sturgis’ directives - even if he didn’t like them. Harm had given Sturgis no reason to complain, yet made sure that his thoughts were known to Sturgis at the very least.

“Excuse me...are you here for Commander Rabb?” the emergency room doctor stood before them in blue scrubs.

“Yes. I’m Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. This is Commander Sturgis Turner. How is he? What’s wrong?”

“I’m Dr. Stevenson. We’re not sure what’s causing his symptoms, but we have started some treatments that he is responding to. We have determined that he has some sort of agent in his system that is reacting like an infection...hence the fever. We have him on an IV and are pumping antibiotics into him and fluids. His temperature has dropped to just over a hundred, which is a good sign.”

“What about his breathing and heart rate?”

His breathing is better and although his heart rate is down, and slightly more steady we are watching it and it still concerns us. We’ve done more blood work and are calling in a forensic specialist to examine him.”

“A forensic specialist? I thought that was for autopsies and the like,” Mac questioned with a frown.

“Normally it is, but I want to rule out an injection, bee sting, or other things that we wouldn’t necessarily see with the naked eye.”

“Will it hurt?”

“No...but we’d rather do it while he is still unconscious as it can be pretty humiliating to be searched that thoroughly when awake.”

“Dr. Stevenson, are you calling in NCIS to do this?” asked Sturgis.

“Yes. Dr. Mallard is actually here now.”

“Can I speak to him?” asked Mac.

“When he’s done I’ll ask him to give you a report. Will you be here?”

“Yes.”

“This could take a while.”

“I’ll be here.”

Chapter 2

2103 Local

Naval Medical Facility

Bethesda, Maryland

“Ducky...glad you could make it.”

“What do you have for me Rick?”

“Commander Harmon Rabb Junior. Forty-one years old...single...aviator...lawyer...”

“I know this chap...helped prove him innocent over a year ago. Tell me what you’ve got.”

“Brought in unconscious with fever, irregular and rapid heart rate, shallow breathing...No symptoms of cold or flu just two hours before he was found unconscious in his home by his friend and partner, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie.”

“Ah yes, the lovely Colonel.”

“She’d like to see you when you are finished with your exam.”

“Very well...let’s see what we can find Commander...are you hiding any secrets from us...or have you learned your lesson?” Dr. Mallard kept up his chatter to his unconscious patient as he began his exam. He began with a special magnifying glass and light and explored the area in front of and behind the commander’s ears, along his jaw and throat and down his neck toward his collarbone.

“Well, Commander, let’s slip this gown off you so I can check other hiding places...” Dr. Mallard, with Dr. Stevenson’s assistance removed Harm’s hospital gown and draped a sheet over him from the waist down. Dr. Mallard continued along Harm’s collarbone and down his arm. He then lifted his arm and checked the arm pit area, up and around the pectoral muscles. He then repeated the process on the other side.

Satisfied that there was no hidden secrets on Harm’s upper body, he continued toward Harm’s naval and into the groin. Harm’s genital region was exposed as the sheet was completely removed.

“Sorry about this Commander, but we need to make sure that someone hasn’t compromised you and this is the best way to be sure. Just relax and it will be over soon.” Dr. Stevenson shook his head as Dr. Mallard spoke to his unconscious patient.

“Oh...what have we here, Commander?”

“Find something, Ducky?”

“I’m not sure...” Ducky adjusted his light and position as he carefully examined the Commander’s genitals. “Rick, look at this...tell me what you see.” Ducky stepped back so Rick Stevenson could look.

“I’m not sure...it could be a scratch...”

“Get my camera, Rick. Hold him like this so I can get a clear shot of the area. We can take the imagine and blow it up...study it in more detail.” After taking the pictures, Dr. Mallard continued with his examination of Harm’s inner thighs and legs. He found two more suspicious areas which he photographed, both appearing to be little more then red raised areas at first. The exam covered every inch of the front, back and sides of Harmon Rabb Jr. as well as all orifices.

“Rick, help me to put him on his side and position him as if he was sitting.”

“Together they managed to move the two hundred pound unconscious man into a rough sitting position while laying on his side. From the back, Ducky noted that the areas of concern he had photographed were not as visible as he had anticipated. He moved to the front, and immediately thought he had identified the problem.

“Rick, I suspect that this man rarely sits on his buttocks as most of us would. It would be quite uncomfortable I would think after a while. Grab a couple of those wedges for me and help me to place them between his knees.”

Once the foam wedges were in place, Dr, Mallard again examined Harm from the front and back.

“Rick take a look at this.” Rick Stevenson stepped behind Harm on the bed, and noted what Dr. Mallard was again photographing. The underside of Harm’s genitals were clearly visible between his legs and the suspicious areas were all in the same general location in this position.

“What are you thinking, Ducky?”

“Our Commander here, has apparently sat on something that was tainted and it is causing an infection.”

“Accidental or intentional?” Dr. Stevenson asked as he watched Ducky take a scraping from each of the areas and put them on slides, marking each one carefully and placing them in his bag.

“Good question. He’s not the type to go to an infirmary without significant symptoms or a serious problem thereby inflicting this type of personal examination on himself willingly. My guess is that when it happened he probably ignored it not wanting to let on. I’d like to talk to the lovely Colonel and see if she is aware of anything unusual happening - any discomfort he might have had or expressed to her in the past few days.”

“Let’s get him comfortable and covered again and I’ll take you to her. I knew if any one could figure this out, you could.”

“Let’s see what the blood work and scrapings show so we can get you well again Commander. When you come around you’ll have some tenderness but it won’t last long.” Dr. Mallard excused himself from the room.

2210 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

Dr. Stevenson and Dr. Mallard found Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie waiting alone in the waiting room staring out the window.

“Colonel?”

“Dr. Stevenson, is there any news?”

“Maybe. This is Dr. Mallard. He just completed a thorough forensic exam on the Commander and has some questions for you.”

“Alright...go ahead.”

“Colonel, do you recall any time in the past couple of days when the Commander might have sat on something?”

“No...yes! I think it was Monday...We were in the courtroom and Harm sat in his chair and then jumped up. I asked him what was wrong. His face got red, and he said nothing. He wiped off the chair muttering something about spilling his coffee on the seat. I never gave it another thought.”

“Do you know how often they clean the court room?”

“I think they sweep every night.”

“Would the chair likely be in the same place?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Thank you Colonel. We may have found the cause.”

“Can I see him yet?”

“That’s up to Dr. Stevenson.”

“Dr. Stevenson?”

“You can go sit with him for an hour and then I think you should go home and get some real sleep.”

Mac entered Harm’s room and gasped at what she saw. He was obviously naked under the thin sheet that was placed over him. While it served to cover him, the sheet was thin and left little to the imagination. Harm would be mortified to find out then anyone that came in to see him would see him this exposed and vulnerable. Mac had often kidded him about being a prude, but the truth of the matter was he was a very modest man, despite his dashing good looks, beautiful face and well toned body.

Mac found a stack of hospital gowns on the shelf and selected one. She managed to work it up both arms, a little at a time and then snapped it behind his neck. She tucked it around the sides of his body and by averting her eyes, was able to pull it down to cover him to mid thigh. She then placed a heavier sheet over his lower body and found a light weight blanket to cover him from mid-chest down as the room was quite cool.

She touched his forehead and realized that his temperature was closer to normal. Harm had always given off abundant body heat, so it was hard to tell if it was normal for him or just closer to normal.

Smoothing the hair on his forehead with a gentle hand, her face was close to his. When his eyes flickered open, Mac was there to give him an encouraging smile.

“Hi...how you feeling?”

“Don’t know...sore...what happened?”

“I found you unconscious on your apartment floor. You had a fever and your pulse was fast and ‘thready’ they called it. I called 911 and they transported you to Bethesda in an ambulance. They couldn’t figure out what was wrong with you so they started treating you for an infection and had a forensic specialist come in and take a look at you.”

“What do you remember?”

“Feeling odd...alone...like something wasn’t right...ears hurt and the noise was awful.”

“Where are you sore, Harm?”

“Mac...you’re not my doctor...”

“I know that...I just wanted to make you comfortable and I needed to know where it hurt before I could help.”

“I need to see the doctor...”

“Alright. I’ll get Dr. Stevenson for you.”

Mac left Harm’s room and asked the nurse to send Dr. Stevenson to see Harm as soon as possible as he was complaining of being sore but wouldn’t talk to her about it.

Dr. Stevenson informed Mac she needed to go home and she could see him tomorrow during regular visiting hours. Reluctantly she left.

“Commander Rabb...glad to see you are awake. How do you feel?”

“Like somebody tried to scrape the skin off my...burns like hell.” Harm complained.

“I’ll have the nurse come in to tend to you. You’ll feel better after a sponge bath and there’s some ointment she can apply to the area that should help the discomfort.”

“No thanks doctor...I’ll wash up and put the ointment on myself...”

“Did you dress yourself as well?”

“Excuse me?”

“When we finished your examination, we left you with just a sheet over you thinking you would be more comfortable...now you have a johnny on with a heavy sheet and a blanket over you.”

“I was naked under a sheet?”

“Now, Commander, there’s no room for modesty when we are trying to help you.”

“Like hell there isn’t! Oh God...Mac...”

“Is that the lovely Colonel that was here to see you?”

“Did she...I mean...I think she must have dressed me...”

“Well then I’d thank her because no one around here would be that concerned about your need for modesty...and I’ve sure you don’t have anything she hasn’t seen before.”

“You’d be surprised.” Harm muttered.

“Maybe I would be...however, your fever is down; we think we identified the source of the problem, hence the soreness you’re complaining of; and your pulse is finally starting to stabilize. I would say you are on the mend. When we get the lab results back tomorrow I’ll be up to see you and we’ll go over the treatment plan and see if we can’t get you out of here and back home soon. Dr. Mallard may want to talk to you in the morning as well.”

“Dr. Mallard?”

“The forensic doctor we called in to go over you with a fine tooth comb so to speak.”

“Oh God! Did he...?” Harm felt his face flush from embarrassment at the doctor’s affirmation. “This just gets better and better doesn’t it?” Harm remarked sarcastically.

“Listen, Commander, we knew that something had been introduced to your system somehow to cause you to spike a fever, show signs of an infection and become unconscious. You’re damn lucky you were discovered when you were given that it was a Friday night and from what I’ve garnered, you could easily have gone until Monday morning before someone noticed you were missing.

“The embarrassment of the kind of exam you under went is not a lot different from what a female rape victim has to endure in order to prove she did nothing wrong. That said, you should be thankful that Dr. Mallard was able to locate the site as quickly as he did. Yes you will be a bit sore, but that’s the only way we could be sure what was introduced to your system and make sure that any site infection is taken care of.

“I’m sure the idea of losing any of your vital equipment would not please you either, and if some type of agent is found still in the area, that eats the flesh or creates long lasting effects, I doubt you will want to face that either. Start thinking of this as the lesser of the evils and get past it,” Dr. Stevenson spat having totally lost it with his pretty boy, prima donna naval officer patient. “I’ll send a nurse in.” he added before leaving the room.

Harm lay silently in his bed stunned. He had behaved badly and he knew it. He didn’t quite know why he had lashed out at the doctor who’s job it was to help him. He didn’t know why he got angry with Mac for trying to protect his virtue in case he had other visitors. He certainly should be glad they had found the problem and were treating it. He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Suddenly the exhaustion closed in on him. He closed his eyes and let sleep take him away. He was unaware of the doctor and nurse returning. He slept while they cleaned his wound and applied an ointment to help him heal.

0735 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“Rick, I’ve got some more information for you on your Commander.”

“What you got Ducky?”

“Abby has been working on the toxicology and isolated three substances that were introduced to his system. We also found all three substances in the samples we took - one from each of the three areas. Alone, nothing much would happen, but together in his body it created a chemical reaction that left alone would have caused his system to shut down. One of those substances was a bacteria, one an accelerate, and one a virus. The virus I’m still concerned about. The bacteria will be killed off from the high antibiotic you started him on. The accelerate can be counteracted with high doses of Vitamin B-12 and C. The virus however, we are trying to isolate further and see if we have a vaccine or anything that can control or isolate it. How is the patient doing by the way?”

“Well he had the typical irrate reaction when he realized the type of examine we had given him. He felt violated and ungrateful and pretty sorry for himself.”

“Did you go the unappreciated doctor route or you’re damn lucky to be alive route?”

“Kind of a combination of the two.”

“He come out of it?”

“Don’t know yet. Haven’t seen him yet this morning. I suspect he’ll bounce back.”

“He should be started on a series of injections over the next five days that include the antibiotics, B-12, C and hopefully soon we’ll have some idea of what can address what appears to be viral. If it is the vitamin C should help as well. ”

“Sounds like he’ll be here as our guest for awhile.”

“Probably. The virus-type agent is what appears to be causing the heart to race and behave erratically and that’s nothing to mess with. I hope Abby and I can isolate it and refine the treatment within the next few hours.”

“Keep me posted, Ducky...and thank you.”

“It’s nice to keep one alive once in awhile.”

1100 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“Yes, is Dr. Stevenson available please?” asked Mac at the nurses’ station.

“I’ll page him.”

“Thank you...” Mac waited by the nurses station and five minutes later a tired Dr. Stevenson joined her.

“How is he doctor?”

“Angry, humiliated, remorseful, sedated, and improving.”

“Oh...is that to be expected?”

“Yes. Come with me.” Dr. Stevenson led Mac into an office two doors from the nurses’ station. “Look, I’m not sure if it will help or hurt for you to know what he’s been through, but I’m going to explain it to you so you can decide for yourself what kind of land-mines you might be negotiating while he recuperates.”

“Alright.”

“The examination that Dr. Mallard gave him was quite humiliating due to the location of the punctures. I tell male patients that feel violated by this exam that its no different then what a female has to go through when they’ve been raped. In order to get evidence and to figure out what level of help is needed, it’s a necessary evil.”

“Does he know I dressed him?”

“He came to that conclusion.”

“I didn’t see anything...but I wanted to protect him if someone came to visit.”

“I think he’ll understand that, even if he’s a little embarrassed at first when he sees you.”

“What is the prognosis?” Mac asked as she waited for the doctor to review his case notes.

“For the bacterial infection and accelerate we identified, we’re in good shape. The antibiotic he’s getting with his IV, the injections and some topical ointment should take care of those issues. As for the virus-type agent that was introduced to his system, we are still trying to identify exactly what we are faced with and determine the best course of action. He will be hospitalized for at least five days for a series of injections.

“Can he have visitors?”

“For now.”

“May I go see him?”

“Yes. Just remember if he lashes out at you its coming from embarrassment and coping with all he’s endured. Try not to take it personally.”

Mac straightened her back ready to deal with whatever Harm sent her way. She paused outside his door and took a deep breath and found a dazzling smile to wear on her face as she entered.

“Hey Harm. How you feeling?”

“Mac...I feel a bit like an over exposed pin cushion at the moment. I rang for the nurse, but I haven’t gotten a response. Could you see if one is available?”

“Can I help?”

“Just get the nurse for me...and wait in the waiting room for a few more minutes.”

Mac turned to leave and then turned back to Harm, “Just so you know, I did put the johnny on you and the sheet and blanket before I left last night...I didn’t want you to wake up or have visitors like that...I didn’t see anything Harm...”

“Mac!” Harm called to her as she turned to leave. When she stopped he went on. “Thank you. Tell the nurse I need to use the head.” Mac continued on her mission with a smile. In his own way, Harm was showing that he trusted her and that felt good.

“Nurse, Commander Rabb needs to use the head,” Mac told the nurse that bustled behind the desk.

“He can’t get out if bed yet. Please give him the urinal and pull the curtain around the bed. We’ll be by later to take care of it. Thanks...we are short staffed today and have an emergency to deal with.” The nurse rushed off again. Harm was not going to be happy.

Without a word, Mac returned to the room, pulled the curtain around Harm’s bed and handed him the plastic container.

“Sorry. They have an emergency and they don’t want you getting out of bed yet. They’ll be by to take care of it later. I’ll be back in five.” Mac left an astounded partner in his bed as she left the room. Once out of sight she couldn’t stop her grin.

Behind the curtain Harm groaned. The continued indignities of hospitalization just made him cringe. It was use the plastic container to relieve his bladder or risk embarrassing himself in other ways. This was the first time he had emptied his bladder since being in here and they had been pumping fluid in him for twelve hours! With another groan, he managed to shift himself and get positioned so that he could use the offensive container.

Once he was done he had to sit it on the bedside table while he covered himself. With that done he carefully turned to set the almost full container on the far side of the bed on the floor. He knew the odor would be apparent to anyone walking into the room so he made up his mind to have Mac dump it when she returned...if she didn’t mind. His luck changed however, as the nurse bustled in and removed the offending item before Mac could return to his room. The nurse noted his output on the chart which hung at the foot of his bed and then pulling back the curtain she gave a cheery wave and departed.

“Harm...can I come in?”

“Yes...thanks Mac...I know I’m not making this easy on anyone...its just...I feel so exposed.” Harm was making an effort to talk but Mac could hear the strain it was on him.

“I know Harm, and I think we all feel vulnerable and exposed when we are ill and in a hospital. I’ll do what I can to make it better for you, you know. But I want you to rest and let the treatments make you better.” Mac hoped that Harm would understand and let her take care of him, the same way she knew he would want to take care of her.

 “Did you feel exposed when I sat by your hospital bed Christmas Eve?”

“No...not until after I was feeling better then I thought about how little I had on when you were here with me.”

“I don’t think I’d better think about that right now...I’ll save that image for later when I feel better,” Harm grinned as his eyes drifted close. He felt Mac’s hand on his face as he fell asleep.

Mac went to place some calls. She started with Commander Turner.

“Sturgis?”

“Yes Mac. How is Harm doing?”

“It looks like he will be in the hospital for at least five days. They hope to identify the viral agent that was introduced into his system soon. Has NCIS been by to get the chair and check the courtroom for possible evidence?”

“Whoa...back up Mac...what evidence...what chair?” Sturgis asked totally confused.

“They have reason to believe that something was inserted in the chair that Harm used in the courtroom and that he sat on it...were you there when he jumped up and then brushed at the chair? I thought he had spilled hot coffee...but that wasn’t it at all. Something sharp was in that chair and it had contaminates on it that introduced bacteria, accelerate and a virus into his system.”

“I’ll secure the courtroom until they can pick it up and investigate.”

“Thanks Sturgis. Talk to you later.”

Mac returned to Harm’s bedside and waited for word from the doctor’s and for Harm to wake up. She sat quietly next to his bed as he slept not realizing that she was chewing her lip as she thought over the past few months.

It had only been three weeks since her accident on Christmas Eve. She had been calling Harm’s name and the EMT had thought to look in her PDA and found Harm’s name and number. Due to his unusual name it hadn’t been hard to track him down.

As he sat beside her hospital bed that night she realized that he had in fact meant what he said about always being there for her. He also did as she asked and if she indicated she needed space he gave it to her. She had told Dr. McCool that it had always bothered her how self-centered they became when trying to deal with a relationship between the two of them.

She didn’t realize until she had relived that conversation the night of her accident that she, Sarah Mackenzie, was the one that made the relationship self-centered. She had somehow tried to test every man and when one, Harm, gave her what she asked for, she found fault because he did. She was the one that set the rules of engagement and then found them lacking. Harm on the other hand had only cared that she was happy and if she said she was, then he accepted it and supported her. If she wasn’t happy then he gave her advice and suggestions of how to handle the situation, but although he gave his opinions - and he had plenty of them - he abided by her decisions.

Tears sprang to her eyes when she thought back to the year that so many people they knew were pregnant - Loren Singer...Harriet...Renee...and what did Harm do, ask if she wanted to move up the time table. Like a fool she had said no...yet thinking back on it, maybe her chances of conceiving two years ago would have been better. Maybe Paraguay and Clay could have been avoided. Maybe they could have made it work back then. They had become so close. They finished each others thoughts and were often on the same page.

Harm had thought she would want to have a baby like the others around her and so had offered to adjust the time table on their deal...even though he hadn’t been able to say the words then, somehow she knew his reasons were the same then as they were now. Instead of pushing her and saying, “Mac, I’m tired of waiting and I think we should go ahead and do this now,” he had asked her and accepted her refusal.

Then last year, shortly after returning to JAG he had come to her and asked for her to be a reference so he could become a legal guardian to a teenage ward, she got angry because he hadn’t told her sooner and then to add insult to injury she had gotten angry because he didn’t fight her when she had said ‘never’ in regards to them having a relationship.

She had at least been able to partially redeem herself by showing up in court and almost baring her soul completely. When that hadn’t been enough, she had gone to Tom Johnson and the judge and pulled a few strings to make it happen.

“I’m such a fool!” Mac jumped as she said the incriminating words aloud. Setting up she looked to see if her outburst had disturbed Harm. He seemed to be asleep still, so she relaxed again in her seat.

Fifteen minutes later Dr. Stevenson returned. He quietly checked the monitors and the chart at the end of Harm’s bed. He checked the IV and noted the chart before turning to Mac.

“How long has he been asleep?”

“About an hour.”

“His vital signs are looking much better. Dr. Mallard has isolated the third substance and has found three possible treatments. He hopes to have a suggested course of treatment or an antidote as well. They will be bringing lunch in shortly. Try to get him to eat something. Also, he can have all the water and gingerale he wants. I’d like to get him off the IV and up on his feet as soon as we can. Risk of pneumonia is too great otherwise.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” Mac assured Dr. Stevenson. “Actually I’m surprised he’s sleeping through us talking.”

“I’m not...” Harm muttered with his eyes still closed. “The lights in here hurt my eyes so I’ve been keeping them closed. I’ve been awake for awhile now...thinking.”

“I’ve turned the lights off Commander,” Dr. Stevenson informed him.

“Thanks.”

“Are you more comfortable?”

“Yes. When are you going to let me get up?”

“Your heart rate has stabilized although it’s still a little faster then I’d like. As I told the Colonel, if you eat some lunch and start getting fluids, I’ll remove the IV and then we’ll try going ambulatory.”

“Shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Commander, I don’t think you have any idea how weak you are at the moment. Walking to the head and back will probably take as much effort as a half-marathon.”

“Harm, look...I know you want to get your independence back, but until we know exactly what we’re dealing with, I don’t think we should take any unnecessary risks,” Mac insisted.

“Alright. But will you call Sturgis and have him pull the case file he and I were working on last summer.”

“Which one Harm?”

“The one that he and I had our big fight over...he’ll know which one.”

“Harm...”

“Mac, please...I’m having a little trouble concentrating...remembering details...of the case...I just know we had a real blow-out over it.”

“Alright...I’ll call him now.”

“Thank you.” Harm waited until Mac had left the room before asking the doctor what he wanted to know.

“Is there a chance that this...injury...or the substances...could impact my ability to father a child?”

“Yes...but we can do a test.”

“What does it entail?”

“When you are up to it, you provide us with a sample of your semen and we test for motility.”

“The sooner the better.”

“You let us know and we’ll run the tests.”

“Thank you, Dr. Stevenson.”

“I’ve got some other patients to check on and then I’m heading home for dinner with my family. I will be back later.”

“Thanks again, Doctor.”

Harm relaxed against his pillow with the head of the bed raised. He had been pushing Mac to think positive about her chances of conceiving. Now, he had to hope that he still had the ability to live up to his end of the bargain.

Chapter 3

One Week Later

Bethesda Medical Center

1912 Local

“Dr. Stevenson, I’ve had enough! I would rather recuperate at home. This is wasting tax-payers money for me to be here when I could be in my own home doing the same thing.”

“Commander, I understand you are frustrated. The antibiotics we had you on alone were enough to create havoc with your system, but when we were forced to add prednisone to your treatment, it created another dilemma. Your resistence was already weak, and prednisone has made your immune system even weaker. It will take another two to three days for your blood counts to level off. Once that happens, I will sign you out of here.”

“Fine!”

Dr. Stevenson shook his head and left the irritated patient to brood on his own. As he closed the door to the room, he turned and saw Lt. Colonel Mackenzie approaching. The woman had been here by his side every evening until he had fallen asleep and had spent most of the weekend here by his side as well. They had a bond and a trust that the nurses all talked about. He had to admit, despite Rabb’s growing impatience to go home, he had made a remarkable recovery. He was obviously delighted at having the Colonel nearby and it was a fascinating relationship to watch. He suspected that she was the reason he was concerned about the ability to father a child.

“One moment Colonel...” the doctor stopped Mac from entering the room.

“Dr. Stevenson, how’s he doing?”

“He’s angry because I won’t let him go home yet. I forgot to do one thing while I was in there before. Could you wait just a few minutes before you go in?”

“Of course...Can he have coffee yet?”

“Yes.”

“Great, I’ll go get him a cup downstairs.”

“Commander Rabb,” Dr. Stevenson spoke as he entered Harm’s room again.

“What?”

“Are you still interested in having that test done we spoke of?”

“Yes.”

“Good. Then I’ll put a container in your bathroom and if you’re feeling up to it you can leave a sample. The fresher the sample the more reliable the results so let the nurse know so they can get it to the lab right away.”

“Great...”

“Look, if you want your guest to help you just ask the nurse to give you some privacy...”

“My guest?”

“Colonel Mackenzie will be here shortly. I just thought...”

“Stop thinking! We don’t have that kind of relationship.”

“I’m sorry...my mistake.”

“Did you say anything to her about my request to have this test done?”

“No, of course not.”

“Good. Please don’t.”

“Anyway, I thought it might be easier for you to leave the sample here before you go home. It’s up to you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.” Harm watched the doctor leave again and then got out of bed and slipped on his robe. He was looking forward to going home, wearing real clothes and sleeping in his own bed. Mac had stopped at his place and picked up some pajamas and a robe so that he at least had those.

Harm was amazed at how easy their conversations were becoming - most of the time. He made his way into the bathroom and swung the door shut. He had been ready to celebrate when he had finally been allowed to walk to the bathroom on his own and had not had to use the urinal and bedpan. As he emptied his bladder he spotted the cup on the shelf the doctor had left for him. Shaking his head he thought about what he would need to do to leave that sample. Mac had called him a prude before and he supposed in some ways he was, but he had ended up mastering some self-serving techniques between the time that Renee had left and now. There had been opportunities to be with women, and some had interested him to some degree, but they weren’t the woman he wanted so he had held off.

He was washing his hands when he heard someone enter the room.

“Harm?”

“Oh hi, Mac...be right there,” Harm called as he dried his hands and returned to his room.

“I brought you some good coffee, if you want it.” Mac gestured to the bed table where she had set the coffee cup.

“Great...thanks.”

“How are doing today?” Mac asked as she watched him return to the bed and sit on the edge.

“Really starting to go stir crazy...you know Mac, you don’t have to spend all this time with me. I know you have other duties and responsibilities and this is just adding to your work load.”

“Harm...you are not a duty or a responsibility...I happen to like spending time with you...usually. Do you really think that coming to visit you is work?” Mac asked dismayed at her partner’s attitude.

“No...I guess not.”

“Harm what is it?”

“It’s nothing, Mac, really. So you got any interesting cases we can talk about?”

“I don’t want to talk about cases...I want to talk about what’s eating you.”

“Nothing is eating at me Mac...I told you, I don’t do hospitals all that well and I’m ready to go home and the doctor is not ready to let me go. You know, if it wasn’t for your daily visits I don’t think I would have made it this far.”

“Yes you would. Oh, Harm...here’s the file you asked me to get for you from Sturgis. He said to read it over and call him if you think it gives you any insights.”

“Thanks Mac...this is great! I had thought he refused and you just weren’t telling me.” Harm came off the bed to take the file from her and Mac noted the sudden change in his attitude - a change for the better. Mac watched the sparkle in his eye and the determination in his jaw.

“Does this have something to do with what happened to you?” Mac asked.

“It might.” He sat the file to one side, “I’ll read it over tonight, after you’ve gone and then maybe next time you come we can talk about it, okay?”

“Okay. Harm...can we talk about something?”

“Sure...what is it Mac?” Concern etched his face as he studied her face looking for clues as to what was bothering her.

“At Christmas, after my accident, you stayed with me at the hospital and then took me home and took care of me and made my Christmas...special. You made it easy for me to accept your help. I thought we were moving forward...slowly...but forward.”

“Yes. I did too.”

“Why are you pushing me away now?”

“Am I?”

“It feels like that at times.”

“I’m sorry. I’m glad you are here. I guess it’s the lack of privacy and the humiliation of having to undergo some of the tests and treatments they’ve done...you’ve called me a prude before Mac...”

“Harm do you think its been easy for me to talk honestly with you about my medical problems?”

“No...I don’t suppose it has...but you said I needed to understand what was going on.”

“And you think I don’t need to understand what’s going on with you?”

“Do you?”

“Yes...I do.” Mac’s gaze met Harm’s and she saw the truth of her words register in his brain.

“I’m sorry...how much has the doctor shared with you?” Harm knew this wasn’t going to be easy, but he also knew that Mac needed to understand some of the details in case he wasn’t going to be able to fulfill his part of the deal.

“I know that they had to give you a thorough examination while you were unconscious because you wouldn’t have stood for it if you were awake. I know that Dr. Mallard discovered some punctures and they think it may have been what was in your chair in court that morning. I know that the antibiotics have worked and you’re getting better but they are concerned about your immune system because of needing to put you on Prednisone.”

“You know most of it then.”

“Except?”

“We don’t know yet if the punctures, the stuff that went into my system could make it impossible for me to father a child...”

“When will they know?”

“When they run some tests - after I give them a sample...” Harm knew his face was turning red as he spoke.

“You mean you have to...?” Mac made a motion with her hand as she asked.

“Yes...It’s not funny, Marine!”

“You’re right Harm...it’s not...” Mac couldn’t stop the giggle that surfaced.

“Maacccc.....” Harm bit his lip trying not to smile yet having to admit that the situation - if not the reason - was humorous.

“I’m sorry Harm...it’s just you’re such a prude and the idea of you having to...well do that in a hospital room when anyone can walk in to check on you...How are you going to manage it?”

“It’s not going to be easy.”

“What happens if you can’t?”

“I’ll have to wait until I get home and try there...then I have to get it back here soon after to get the most accurate results from the test.”

“Oh Harm...I’m sorry for laughing...I more then anyone know how much you want to father a child and I hope that even if we can’t work things out you have that option...but the idea of you having to...you know...”she used the hand motion again, “is just too funny. Aren’t there any other ways?”

“Nothing I’d agree to if I don’t have to.” Harm remarked shuddering at the thought of a needle going in to extract a sample.

“If I thought I could help I would,” Mac told him suddenly becoming serious as she moved across the room to sit on the bed beside him.

“You would?”

“Yes...I mean I know we don’t have that kind of relationship yet...but we have to start somewhere eventually if we’re doing to do this, right?”

“Yes. Are you sure?” Harm asked her as he leaned a little closer, unable to take his eyes off her lips. He saw her moving closer and felt her lips touching his...her hand sliding up his thigh. He closed his eyes and tried to picture them in his bedroom at home. He deepened the kiss and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer to him. “Sarah...”

“Harm...”

“Excuse me. Shall I come back later,” asked Sturgis from the doorway.

“Sturgis!” Harm pulled back and watched in dismay as Mac stood and returned to the chair reaching for her coat.

“I’ll talk to you later, Harm...I’ve got to go.” Mac glanced quickly at Harm and then scooted past Sturgis Turner as she hurried to her car and the safety of her home.

“Sorry, Harm...looks like I interrupted something.”

“Don’t worry about it...I mean, what do you think we’d be doing in a hospital room, anyway Sturgis...she was just giving me a good-night kiss.” Harm explained, his body still tingling from that too brief contact with Sarah Mackenzie’s lips.

“Did Mac give you the case file?”

“Yeah...I haven’t reviewed it though. Did you think of something?” Harm asked.

“I did. Remember the guy that had all those molding dishes in his house when we were there to investigate?”

“Yes...and we couldn’t connect him to the others at all.”

“Right. You may have provided us with the connection. We were convinced that someone dealt with biological warfare, but we over looked an important piece of the evidence...the moldy food on the dirty dishes.”

“Sturgis you are a genius!”

“Not really. I didn’t think of it until after Mac asked about the file. I pulled it out and reviewed it before I gave it to her. I started thinking about that whole case and when I remembered that filthy stinking house - something clicked into place.”

“We’ve got to call NCIS.”

“Done.”

“Thanks Sturgis...and I owe you an apology for the way I behaved during that case. I wasn’t in the best mood at the time.”

“No need. Have you and Mac worked things out?”

“Yes and no.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

“Sturgis, right now things are complicated and I can’t divulge Mac’s personal information and its tied up in mine right now. Maybe eventually...thanks for asking.”

“Let me get this straight...you have things you need to talk about but the only one you can talk to them about you aren’t comfortable talking with?”

“That about sums it up...although Mac’s been great and we are talking more easily now.”

“Yeah...I’d say the non-verbal communication is improving too.”

“Sturgis...”

“I’ll leave now before I step in something I don’t want to step in. I’ll let you know if I hear anything from NCIS.”

Harm watched Sturgis leave. He reached for the phone and dialed Mac’s phone number. She answered on the second ring.

“Hello?”

“Hey...you okay?” Harm asked in a soft voice.

“Yes. You?”

“I’m fine. Look Sturgis reviewed that file before he gave it to you. Its given us a lead and he’s called NCIS.”

“That’s good news.”

“That it is...Look about earlier...”

“Don’t worry about it Harm.”

“I’m not worried...I just wanted you to know that I’m really sorry we were interrupted. I enjoyed the kiss and I hope when I’m home...we can try it again.”

“Oh...I’d like that.”

“And Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“About the other thing...I’m going to try and dream about where the kiss might go and see if that helps. Night.”

“Harm...” Mac only heard the dial tone in her ear. She smiled as she hung up the phone trying to not to think of where Harm’s dream might take him. She really didn’t want to take a cold shower before she went to bed.

Turning off the light and settling himself into bed, Harm could still feel Macs lips on his and her hand sliding up his thigh getting closer and closer to him. He allowed himself to imagine where things might have gone if Sturgis hadn’t shown up. Just thinking about the kiss effected him. He tentatively touched himself just to see if her touch would have caused him any pain, or if he was healed enough to have enjoyed having her touch him. His touch became a little firmer and still he had no discomfort.

Friction however, might be different and so he tried skin to skin contact and again, ...no pain. That was a good sign. The agony of applying ointment was over and to do what needed to be done, wasn’t gong to be physically painful at least. Harm yawned and rolled onto his side. He decided to go ahead and indulge his fantasies until he fell asleep. Maybe by morning his dreams would make the task easier to complete.

0430 Local

Harm’s Room

Bethesda Medical Center

Harm awoke early as he had hoped. His dreams of Mac, inspired by their kiss the night before had been effective. Bethesda Medical Center was no different from any hospital and by 0500 the nurses were waking up patients and checking vital signs before the end of their shift. Harm eased out of bed without turning on any lights and made it to the bathroom closing the door and locking it.

Closing his eyes and continuing what had started in his dreams, he stroked himself slowly at first and then more rapidly, varying the speed and intensity, trying to imagine Sarah Mackenzie wrapped around him. He felt himself tighten and tried to prepare for the inevitable remembering the specimen cup at the last second. He couldn’t stifle the groan that came with the specimen as he caught it in the cup. Slowly, his heart rate returned to normal as did his breathing. He capped the specimen cup and returned it to the shelf.

Turning on the light he washed himself and relieved his bladder before flushing the toilet. Shaking his head he turned to go back to bed, hoping he could get some sleep before the nurses arrived. No such luck. The nurse was waiting for him as he stepped out of the bathroom.

“Are you alright, Mr. Rabb?”

“Yes.”

“Are you sure? I thought I heard you groan when I first came in.”

“Old age.”

“Well, let’s check your vital signs. You are up very early this morning.”

“Yes well...”

“Did you sleep alright?” the bubbly young nurse continued.

“I slept fine.”

“You seem a little grumpy this morning, Mr. Rabb.”

“Yeah, well I have my reasons.”

“Are you sure you’re alright?”

“I”m fine, nurse. Just take the information you need and perhaps you could leave me alone for an hour or so.”

“Your pulse is a little elevated this morning...as is your blood pressure.” The nurse wrote the information on the chart and continued asking her questions. “Have you voided this morning or during the night?”

“Yes.”

“Did you measure your output?”

“No.”

“Oh, I see here you were going to leave a specimen for Dr. Stevenson to run some tests on. Were you able to do that?”

“Yes.”

“Where did you leave it?”

“On the shelf...” Harm’s mortification was now complete. This girl, his nurse, only a few years older then Mattie, would know what he had been doing in the bathroom while she waited for him.

He watched as she entered the bathroom and wrote his name on the label, affixing it to the container and placing it on the cart.

“We’ll get that right down to the lab.” She made another note on his chart and then smiled at him, “This would explain the slight elevations in your stats this morning. I’ll take them again in an hour or so before I go off duty, just to be sure.”

“Thanks.” Harm leaned back on his bed and started to grin. He wished he could share this with Mac. She would enjoy the discomfort he had gone through and yet he knew that talking about such intimate things with her would help draw them closer.

1622 Local

Harm’s Room

Bethesda Medical Center

“Commander Rabb, I have the results of your test for you.”

“Dr. Stevenson...can I father a child?”

“There shouldn’t be any problem. For a man your age, your motility and count are above average.”

“That’s a good thing, right?”

“If you are looking to father a child, it’s a great thing...of course, I’ve heard that men with high motility and sperm count are often those that father twins and triplets. Do multiple births run in your family?”

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Well I hope the news is welcomed.”

“It is.”

“I understand you were a bit embarrassed when the nurse picked up the specimen this morning. They are use to it. It happens more often then you might realize.”

“Well, when I think about the indignities this whole experience has put me through, I guess someone knowing isn’t that bad.”

“Well, we’ll need one more specimen today...”

“What?”

“Not that kind,” Rick Stevenson laughed at the outrageous look the Commander gave him before hearing him out.

“What kind?” Harm asked.

“The vampire type...we’ll need another blood sample today and if everything checks out with that, you’ll be able to go home tomorrow.”

“Thank you.” Harm was certainly relieved at that news.

“Now it will take another six weeks to wean you off the Prednisone and I want blood work done every other week. If you get a cold or notice bruising, I want you in the Emergency room immediately. If you notice any discomfort when you resume sexual relations with your partner, you should have it checked out.”

“I didn’t have any discomfort to give you the sample.”

“And I don’t expect any, but if you do, don’t be macho about it...get in here.”

“When can I return to duty?”

“Next week...limited duty. No traveling until we’re close to being off the Prednisone,” Dr. Stevenson informed him. “Now as for other activities, I would avoid people that you know are sick and I wouldn’t plan on running too far too fast just yet. Maybe start out with an easy mile for the first week.”

“A mile? I that all?”

“What are you use to doing?”

“Ten to fifteen miles at least three times a week...sometimes more...five on the off days.”

“Alright...one mile the first three days, then you can add a mile every other day until you’re up to the five miles...Don’t go over the five miles until after your next check up and blood work. The worse thing you can do is push yourself too far too fast.”

“Alright...I don’t want to end up back here, so I’ll do what you say.”

“That’s good enough for me.”

Chapter 4

1855 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm had been home for two days thanks to Sturgis coming to get him. Mac had been sent TAD to the USS Stennis the day after their kiss and he hadn’t seen her yet. He hated to admit it but even after getting home, he still felt washed out and tired, way more then he liked. The first day he went running he couldn’t make the entire mile and ended up walking the last quarter of a mile. He walked another mile before turning back. He knew he needed to get moving.

The second day he had completed the first file but he walked the second mile again before turning and walking the two miles back to his apartment. He picked up some food at the grocery store on the corner and checked his email between naps. He hoped to hear from Mac, but so far nothing. He heard the phone ringing as he was unlocking the door.

“Rabb?”

“Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for an hour...are you alright?”

“Mac. It’s good to hear your voice. Are you home?”

“On my way...answer the questions ‘Flyboy’,” she ranted.

“Yes Ma’am!” Harm couldn’t stop the grin from bursting forth on his face. “I’ve been to the grocery store this trip. Earlier I went for a run, came home checked my email - and I didn’t have one from you by the way - took a nap, checked my email again - still nothing from you - and then I went back to the store to pick up some things so I can make supper. Want some?”

“Yes.”

“When will you be here?”

“In about fifteen minutes.”

“See you then Marine. Doors unlocked, just come in.”

Harm whistled as he went to work putting together a meal to share with Mac. The scallops in the broiler, the asparagus in the steamer and the salad veggies being chopped and diced as he waited for her to arrive. The salad was put in the refrigerator to chill before he heard the door open.

“Harm?”

“Hey, Mac. Come in...you’re still in uniform. Did you bring a change of clothes?” Harm asked as he approached her.

“Yeah, in my carry-on bag.” She held up the bag as Harm approached and then smiled as she realized what he was about to do. He bent his head and kissed her on the lips. It was a sweet gentle kiss, although short, but perfect to convey his joy at having her home with him.

“I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you too. And you’re really feeling better?”

“Yes...and I have lots to tell you if you want to listen after we eat.”

“I’d like that.”

“Go change...get comfortable...Dinner will be ready in about ten minutes.”

“Okay.”

Dinner dishes done, they took their cups of tea and headed for the sofa. They sat on each end, turned to face each other.

“You said you had a lot to tell me, Harm. You ready to fill me in?”

“Yes, I am. I got the results back from the test I had done. It’s good news Mac...this thing has not effected my ability to father a child. That brings us back to your situation. Have you given any more thought since Christmas about us?”

“Yes...it’s about all I’ve thought of.”

“And?”

“Harm, I...”

“I’m sorry Mac, I said I wasn’t going to push you and that’s what I’m doing isn’t it?”

“It’s okay Harm. I’m nervous about making that step with you, but I know that having a baby with you is what I want.”

“Good. That’s great Mac...I know you probably want to ease into this, but I wanted you to know that Dr. Stevenson hasn’t given me any restrictions...whenever you’re ready...”

“Harm, I think we need to go with a few more kisses and getting use to the idea before we make that step.”

“I know...” the disappointment evident in Harm’s voice. “Why don’t you slide over here so we can at least hold hands?”

“I can do that...for a price.”

“A price? What is this going to cost me?”

“A story.”

“What kind of story?”

“How you managed to get the sample for the test.”

“Maacc...alright...move over here.”

Mac grinned and slid across the sofa, leaning her back against Harm as his arms closed around her.

“Start talking, Flyboy.”

“Well, there’s not really that much to tell. After a night of thinking and dreaming about that kiss before you left, I was ready when I woke up in the morning. I got up before the nurses came around and went into the bathroom in the dark and went to work producing the requested specimen...it didn’t take that long. I was feeling pretty proud of myself, and came out of the bathroom to find this young chipper nurse waiting for me and concerned because she heard me groan in the bathroom...I was not about to explain what she heard. Anyway she took my vitals and was concerned because my blood pressure and pulse were slightly elevated. Then she noticed the order on the chart and asked me if I had produced it. She then figured out what she had heard and why my vitals were elevated...”

“Oh Harm...I can just imagine how mortified you must have been.”

“I was...but I kept thinking, if I could only tell Mac about this...she’ll help me see the humor in the situation.”

“Thank you.”

“For what?”

“For doing that for us...for our plans...for our future.”

“You are very welcome. I got a lot of mileage out of that one kiss you know.”

“Want another one?” Mac whispered as she turned her face and looked up at Harm.

“Yes.” Harm lowered his head and captured her lips with his. Mac turned in his arms and slid her hands up his chest as she opened her mouth under his and invited him to deepen the kiss. He accepted her invitation. Harm pulled her closer and Mac ended up on her knees on the sofa next to him. She captured his face between her hands and took control of the kiss. Harm’s hands rested on her hips and tightened as Mac deepened the kiss even more. Pulling her lips from his before resting her forehead against his she couldn’t stop the smile on her face.

“Am I moving to fast for you?”

“Not at all...why the sudden turn around Mac?” Harm asked a little confused after her request to take things slow earlier in the evening.

“It’s not that sudden...when I arrived here that night and found you collapsed on the floor I knew I was being foolish. While you were recovering, I did a lot of soul searching. Christmas Eve we talked about the fact that I had been pushing you away. I decided that when we got a chance to move things forward, I needed to make sure you were in no doubt as to where I stood.”

“Couldn’t you have just said, ‘Hey Harm...I’m ready to make the move now’ or did you need to torment me a little?” Harm grinned taking the sting out of his words.

“I really wasn’t sure if I would be able to let go after all this time...but the kiss we shared in the hospital made me think that we could do this. I guess I was a little aggressive. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize Mac...I liked it...and I really am ready to let go. Want to stay tonight and let me prove it?”

“I can’t tonight Harm...give me a couple of nights, okay?”

“Aahh come on Mac...give me a chance to show you how good things can be between us.”

“Harm...not tonight.”

“Give me one good reason...”

“I have my period...”

“I’m sorry Mac..I shouldn’t have pushed...I’m sorry...”

“It’s alright Harm...just know that I want it too...and I guess I miss led you with that kissing demonstration before...” Mac apologized.

“Stop. You don’t need to explain or apologize. You have the right to stop at any time and I shouldn’t be questioning your decision.” Harm captured her face in his hands and kissed her sweetly on the lips - without passion. “There will be another time...the right time.”

“Count on it, Harm.”

“I am.”

Four Days Later

0730 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Welcome back Commander Rabb. The General would like you to stop by the conference room as soon as you can,” greeted PO Coates.

“Thanks Jennifer. The others already there?” Harm asked not seeing Mac, Sturgis or Bud around.

“I believe Commander Turner is with him. I haven’t seen Commander Roberts or Colonel Mackenzie as yet. Oh I almost forgot, he had coffee set up in the conference room for you and has ordered an assortment of food items be brought in around nine, sir, so I think you’re in for a long morning.”

“Thanks again. Better not keep him waiting.” Harm dropped his briefcase in his office, the one vacated by Commander Turner when Creswell had come on board. He grabbed a pen and legal pad and headed for the conference room.

“Good Morning, General. Petty Officer Coates said you were expecting me.”

“Welcome back Rabb. Grab some files and start looking. We’ve got some mid-year graduates of law school available to us and I want to bring on board at least two junior attorneys to get some training. I’d like to ‘ear-mark’ two others to watch and put in other assignments where we can be sure they can be developed and ready to step in if needed. With the holidays we made it through the Colonel’s mishap, and fortunately she was back before you went down on us. It understand they aren’t giving you full duty status for a few weeks yet.”

“Yes sir.”

“ I thought I’d take the opportunity to have you start training some of the new staff.”

“We’re all going to have a hand in their development, so we’ll all have a say in the top five. I’ll maintain my right to make the final decisions.”

“Yes sir.”

“You’ll find files by you. If you think a candidate would be worth talking to, put the file in the center. If not, put it in the pile to your left. When you finish your pile, you’ll find my rejects to your right. Repeat the process with those files. Just because I’ve rejected them doesn’t mean that we won’t take a chance. It only means nothing caught my interest on first review.”

“Yes sir.” Harm looked at Sturgis carefully reviewing the file he had open in front of him. Soon he found himself immersed in the first file. He was barely aware of Bud and Mac entering the conference room at the same time and of the General repeating the instructions to them.

An hour later, the General announced that they all should take a break and suggested they might like to get more coffee. Once they had refilled their cups, Harm realized that Mac was sitting to his left.

“Morning Mac. Finding any young Bud type lawyers in your pile?”

“Not yet...found a few Singer types though,” Mac grinned.

“Please...don’t even go there. I can’t imagine having to train someone even remotely like Singer again.” Harm stated without a trace of humor. Cups filled and pastry in hand, Harm, Bud and Mac chatted while Sturgis and Creswell stepped out of the conference room.

“What about you Commander Roberts? Find any up and coming lawyers that could fill your shoes?”

“One shoe now sir...”

“Bud...”

“Actually sir, there were two candidates in my pile that I think have potential. Have you found any?”

“Not a one.”

“Colonel, what about you?”

“I found one but I’m afraid he’s going to be more like Singer then like you Bud.”

“A male singer, huh? Hope he can carry a tune...” Harm quipped as the other groaned at his poor joke. They were all laughing when Sturgis and Creswell returned.

“Enjoying this process people?” asked Creswell.

Harm squinted his eyes as he looked at his Commanding Officer trying to size him up. Every now and then the man showed signs of having a sense of humor. Then other times, a sense of humor was severely lacking. Harm was still trying to learn to read the man. Sturgis seemed to be the only one that didn’t struggle with the new General. Harm suspected that they shared a similar affliction - they both lacked a natural sense of humor or had lost it along the way.

“I think we were just finding a little humor in the moment, sir.”

“Let’s find a lot less humor and see if we can locate some sorely needed help for this office. I cannot believe how depleted the staff in this office has become. It can’t all be from deployments. If it is, then we may have to look for some civilian supports in the meantime.”

It was there cue to get back on track. Another two hours passed before General Creswell called for another break. This time, they all left to check for messages, stretch their legs and answer nature’s call. When they reconvened fifteen minutes later, Creswell gave them new instructions as Coates collected the files in the discard piles in front of each of them.

“We have reviewed all the files once through. I have instructed Petty Officer Coates to collect the discarded files and take care of them. We will now review the files that caught peoples attention. It looks like there are fifteen files in all. I want to select five to interview. Among those I want no less then two marines...more would be acceptable.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’ll repeat the process with the fifteen files we have left. Please select three files to start with that you haven’t already reviewed if possible. Use these score sheets as you review the candidates. Any questions?”

“No sir.”

“Very well. Let’s find us some help.”

The next hour went by quickly. At the end of the hour, they had separated the files into Marine Corps and Navy candidates. Each file had been scored five times.

“We will reconvene at thirteen thirty and review the results of our scoring. Petty Officer Coates will score the sheets and have a tally ready for us after lunch. I appreciate your diligence in this matter. Dismissed.”

“Aye-aye, sir!” Harm stood as did the others and waited until Creswell had departed.

“You guys want to hit Benzinger’s for lunch?” Harm invited.

“Yeah...that might be a nice change, Harm...thank you.” Sturgis accepted the invitation first.

“Sounds good sir. I need to call Harriet and check on things first, then I’ll meet you there.” Bud agreed to the plan.

“Mac?”

“Wouldn’t miss it.”

“You riding with me?” Harm asked. “Sturgis?”

“Sure.”

“Thanks.”

“Let’s go then,” Harm rounded up the crew and the three of them headed for Harm’s SUV. They were just pulling out when they saw Bud. Harm slowed down.

“Jump in Bud.”

“Thanks sir.”

“How’s Harriet doing?”

“Everything’s is fine. She actually suggested that we try to get together soon. The babies are finally on schedule and they are already sleeping through the night. You know, I just love going home every night to Harriet and the kids. AJ is getting so big and he’s helpful most of the time now, but when I get home we have our special time together.” Bud rattled on and on about family life.

Harm glanced over to Mac sitting in the front seat next to him. Her face turned looking out the passenger window, but Harm knew that she was fighting back tears. Hearing Bud so happy and enthusiastic as he talked about his family was tearing Mac apart and Harm had to find away to stop the discussion.

“Sorry to interrupt Bud, but I just happened to think that I remember Benzinger’s saying they would be closed for renovations this week. Would you rather try the new place here nearby or hit the Asian Palace again?”

“That’s up to you, sir.” Bud answered.

“Sturgis?”

“Let’s try the new place...that alright with you Mac.”

“Yes...fine.”

Once Harm parked in front of the restaurant they all piled out. Harm stepped next to Mac and as soon as he could isolate them from the others he stopped her.

“Mac, are you okay?”

“Yes. Thank you for derailing Bud’s monolog though.” Mac smiled at him.

“Remember, I’m ready when you are...we need to take the first step if that dream is going to have any chance.”

“I know. My place or yours tonight?”

“Maaaccc...how am I suppose to concentrate this afternoon with that on my mind now?” Harm grinned.

“What? All I asked is if you want to get together at your place or mine. I’m not making any promises beyond that, Sailor.” Mac grinned in a playful flirty mood again.

“Thank you. What would you prefer?”

“My place...nineteen thirty...”

“I’ll be there.” Harm grinned as he escorted her to the table where Bud and Sturgis were already seated and looking at their menus. By some miracle no one asked what had delayed them.

After a fairly relaxed lunch with no talk of work, the four made their way back to Harm’s SUV and then back to JAG. They arrived in the conference room just ahead of the Major General.

“Have a seat folks. I have received a score card based on the tally of your individual sheets. Petty Officer Coates also made a few notes of her own initiative. Actually this is interesting information. While all of us placed the same five candidates in the top five, Colonel Mackenzie and I had the same rank for the five and top ones while Commanders Roberts and Turner ranked the candidates the same. Commander Rabb, you had an interesting mix. You agreed with the Colonel and me on your number one choice but your number two choice was the same as Roberts and Turner. Would you care to explain how you came to your decision?”

“Lt. Vukovic has had a little more experience then the others and while he has not always made the best decisions, his scores would indicate that training and experience could help him to be among the best. Lt. Mayfield on the other hand, hasn’t had a lot of experience in law, but her scores were good and she comes with excellent recommendations. She also has shown the ability to work hard and proven herself by getting chosen for OCS. She also beat Lt. Vukovic in the debates when they competed head to head...and that’s without experience.”

“Interesting Commander. Commander Turner, you placed Vukovic very low, as did you Mr. Roberts. Can you explain your reasons?”

“Yes sir. Lt. Vukovic is a loose canon. We have enough of them here at JAG and we don’t need another. We are suppose to be defending our clients and shouldn’t have to worry about our colleagues becoming our clients all the time.”

“Lt. Commander Roberts?”

“Well, sir, I score Lt. Vukovic lower because I’m not sure he believes in getting to the truth. I think we’ve always maintained an atmosphere here at JAG, thanks in part to the influence of Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie that the truth is the most important thing.”

“Interesting. Colonel?”

“Agree with everyone. There is an element of truth in what everyone has said, but I think he has the potential to become a good lawyer. I also think that it will take a strong hand to help him develop and I think we have a strong enough team here to do a good job with him if he is wiling to put in the time and effort.”

“I concur. I have one concern about Lt. Mayfield that led me to score her in the lower end of my top five. We can give her experience, but if we take on Vukovic, the fact that she has bested him could lead to problems. I’m not sure I’m willing to take on the kinds of problems that could ensue from having them here together and perhaps working together at JAG.” Creswell explained.

“Sir?”

“Yes Commander Roberts?”

“If I might speak to your concerns...”

“Of course. I welcome any insights in this matter.”

“Well sir, I’ve been here at JAG almost as long as Commander Rabb and I’ve worked with Colonel Mackenzie since I’ve been here. They both have experience with new lawyers - thinking of both Lt. Singer and myself, but, sir they’ve overcome personal and professional differences to become a solid team. Even when they don’t agree, they both want to the truth to come out. Their experience working through the tension of getting along - or not - would be valuable if Vukovic and Mayfield were brought on together.”

“You have a point Roberts.”

“Sir I must object. Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie do not have a good track record of being able to work things out and I can see the situation escalating if they are each assigned to work with one of these new lawyers. It will either turn into a Navy versus Marine Corps thing or a men versus women competition.” Sturgis Turner was speaking emphatically to make a point but to Creswell it sounded a lot like whining and something he wasn’t prepared to deal with.

“Yes well that’s your opinion. I haven’t seen any inappropriate behavior between the two since I’ve been here and I was watching for something. I think in this case your concerns are unfounded, Commander Turner.”

Harm and Mac exchanged glances but kept their counsel letting Sturgis self-implode as he had claimed Creswell had done before the Joint House and Senate committee during his confirmation.

“I thank you for your time an effort on this matter. Your team work and diligence has been noted and I think I would like Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb to accompany me to my office where we will try to reach these folks by phone and see if we want to cut their orders or not.”

Three hours later, after speaking to all five candidates on the phone, Creswell, Mac and Harm all agreed to have orders cut immediately for Lt Sam Vukovic and Lt. Angela Mayfield. Little did they know the challenges that would face them when these two arrived on the scene.

 Chapter 5

1930 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Harm had knocked on Mac’s door several times with no results. He was getting nervous and took out this key and open the door and called to her.

“Mac? You decent? Mac?”

“Harm? I’m sorry I soaked in the tub and lost track of time. Come on in and I’ll be right with you.” Mac called from her bedroom where she was scrambling to decide what to put on. She had been so lost in her daydreams of where their relationship might take them this evening, that she had lost track of time. She had heard the last knock, but he had started calling to her before she had been able to get a robe on and open the door for him.

Greeting him still wet from her bath and in a robe that often gapped open with nothing on underneath was a little too blatant at this point. Quickly she toweled off and towel dried her hair, choosing to let it dry naturally leaving soft curls around her face. Slipping into a matching set of satin under garments and a thigh length sweater dress which buttoned from neckline to hem she padded out in bare feet to greet Harm.

“Hey sailor...you impressed the boss with your negotiating skills today.” Mac spoke as she walked up and stopped so her body was just touching his. Harm smiled and then bent down to drop a kiss on her lips...one that last just a little longer then two friends greeting but not as long as either of them wanted.

“You look fantastic, Sarah.”

“Thank you,” Mac looked at Harm dressed in a silky off white shirt and jeans. She could tell that he wasn’t wearing an undershirt under the white button shirt, which fit snugly across his well developed chest and back and was even tight around his arms. Mac found herself reaching out and trying to reach her hand around his upper arm.

“Mac? What are you doing?” Harm watched her and had to chuckle at her antics.

“I just realized that you’re not the ‘stickboy’ you once were.”

“No...you told me to work out more so I did.”

“You pick the craziest times to listen to me...” Mac nudged him a little with her body as they stood in the kitchen where Harm was fixing tea for them.

“Mac, are you okay...I mean Bud really got going there today about family and I even wanted to stuff a sock in his mouth.”

“A dirty one I hope.”

“No he’d have spit it out and started talking again...a clean one he would have accepted much better.” Harm rationalized.

“Harm, I really don’t want to resent them for having each other and a family...I just want it too.”

“I know, Mac...that’s what tonight it all about isn’t it? Moving us down the road to having what they have?”

“Yes...”

“Good...then let’s go sit down and talk while we drink our tea.”

“Harm...what are we going to talk about?”

“You’ll see...come on.”

Settled together on the sofa, Harm opened the conversation and took Sarah Mackenzie by surprise for the second time that day.

“Mac, we have a history of misunderstanding what the other is saying. I don’t want that to happen tonight, so I’m going to revisit a conversation we had during the Dining-Out for the Admiral.”

“Alright.”

“When I told you that I was tired of looking in on your life and that I wanted to be a part of it, what did you think I met?”

“That you wanted us to try dating...that you wanted us to plan a future together...have a baby.”

“Yes...you’re right. But there’s more to it, Mac...Sarah...I want all those things, but I want what Bud and Harriet have. I want you to be my wife. I want to come home at the end of a long day at work and spend time with our children and you. After the children are in bed, I want us to cuddle up and talk about our day and I want us to go to sleep at night wrapped in each others arms , knowing that we love each other and that we can face anything as long as we are together. I want us to create a home and traditions for our family. I want us to create the magic that I think we can have between us. Am I going to fast for you?”

“Oh Harm...I had no idea you felt that way...I mean I hoped we could have a future together...but I really thought you were just settling into life with our friendship...I thought that because you had lost Diane you would never love like that again and I was second best.”

“Oh Mac, Honey, no...you are not second best...you are my first and only choice...I never felt this way about Diane...I’m not sure I ever would have.” Harm set his cup down and drew her into his arms, holding her and rocking her against him. Mac let him and reveled in his strength as he held her. The tears shimmering in her eyes were of happiness and the overwhelming emotions she was feeling. “I really didn’t mean to push you and I’m not asking for a declaration from you at this point. I just wanted to state my intentions because I know how much that means to you.”

“Yes it does...and I’m glad you told me. It’s what I want too Harm, but its going to take me a little time to be comfortable with you and me in this kind of relationship. Although knowing where you want to see this go does help - a lot.”

Harm bent his head to capture his lips with hers. He nibbled on her bottom lip and then worked his way out to her ear, where he tasted and tantalized the little shell of her ear. While he worked his way from her ear down her neck, Mac, decided to do a little exploring of her own and managed to unbutton his shirt to his waist band. While her fingers explored the hair roughened texture of his chest and the swell of his muscles, she lost track of Harm’s exploration. She looked up into his eyes when he pulled back a little and then grinned down at her while their eyes met.

“You’ve been busy...”

“I’ve been wanting to do that for years,” Mac grinned at him as he sat there with his shirt unbuttoned and her hands laying against his naked chest.

“Don’t let me stop you...” Harm smiled. “Of course, you undid four buttons...so I should get to undo four buttons.”

“You think?”

“Yes, I do.”

“You man enough to try it?”

“You women enough to let me?” Mac never had time for a response as Harm captured her lips with his while his hand went to work on the buttons on the front of the dress. Harm’s lips then began to journey down her neck to explore the newly exposed skin between her breasts and the creamy swell of each globe. He retraced the path he had taken until he reached her lips again, kissing her long and deeply one more time.

Looking into her eyes, he held her face in his hands and watched her eyes darken and blaze with passion while he felt her hands on his belt buckle and then the button and zipper on his jeans. He groaned as he felt her hands getting closer to his arousal. He dropped his hands from her face and touched her breasts with both hands, covering them, caressing them through the black satin bra. Discovering the front clasp, he released it and watched her breasts spill out into is hands as he heard her gasp.

“Sarah? Do you want me to stop?”

“Oh God, no...please don’t stop. I want to feel your hands on my body...I want to feel you,” she told him before reaching for him again.

(Rated NC-17)

Harm looked at Mac, half laying under him on the sofa, her breasts spilling out of her now opened bra. Her sweater dress unbuttoned to her waist. His own clothing at least partially undone and his erection straining against his jeans despite them being unzipped. Harm grinned as he realized that they were both breathing hard and he watched Mac staring at his arousal as he slowly reached out to further unbutton her dress, letting his finger lightly trail over the exposed skin and against the black satin bikini underwear he felt her doing the same to him as she finished unbuttoning his shirt with one hand, and then tracing the line of hair from his navel to where it disappeared below the waistband on his briefs.

“I thought you’d be wearing boxers...” she murmured.

“I often do, however, sometimes I prefer a little more control...other times a little more freedom.” Harm gave her the sexy little grin with the raised eyebrow that warned her he was in a playful mood.

“And do you want control or freedom right now,” Mac whispered as she licked her lips hoping he would give her the answer she wanted.

“Freedom would be...welcomed.”

“Then let me help you.” And Mac reached out to slide his jeans and briefs down over his hips. Harm was kneeling on the couch beside her so she was only able to get them to his thighs, but it was enough to free him to her eyes and to her touch. She studied him with her eyes. She had always suspected he was well endowed, but the reality of him in his glory was more then she had anticipated. As if in slow motion she reached out to touch him knowing he was watching her, waiting for a reaction.

Every women he had ever been with had been impressed by his physique. Most had enjoyed fondling him but had been careful during intercourse, somewhat fearful of whether intercourse with him would be painful. He had always held back and been very careful and gentle. Carmelita, from years past, and Jordan had actually been the only woman that had celebrated his size and had allowed him the chance to truly let go. Now, he waited for Mac’s reaction.

He watched her lower her head and kiss the tip of his erection and then lick the pearly drop that had formed at the tip.

“Mmmmm, you taste good.” Mac heard Harm groan and looked up to smile into his eyes. “I think we should move this to the bedroom Harm...what do you think?”

“Yes...” Harm pulled up his jeans and briefs so he would be able to walk. Hand in hand they walked to her bedroom. Standing beside the bed, Mac slid the shirt off his shoulders laying it over the chair. Next was her sweater dress, followed by his jeans. Harm took Mac into his arms again with her bra hanging open and kissed her eyes, her nose and her lips, feeling her nipples harden against his chest as he let his tongue enter her mouth and duel with her tongue.

Mac’s bra landed on the chair next and then they each stepped out of their last remaining garment and stood back to take in the natural beauty of the other as they stood naked and vulnerable before each other for the first time.

Harm reached for her then, and lowered her to the bed, kissing her deeply as his hands touched her body. His hand caressed her thigh and then covered her mound as he pressed his erection against her side. His fingers explored her raised bud, knowing it was sensitive to his touch and then he allowed his fingers to find her moistness. He needed to know if she was ready to accept him yet and although she was aroused, he knew it wasn’t enough yet. He trailed kisses down her neck and found her breasts. With his mouth he licked, tasted, and suckled one, while his hand rubbed and pinched the other lightly, teasing the already erect nipple even further.

“Harm, I want to touch you...I want to taste you...”Mac pleaded.

“Not yet, Mac...I won’t last long if you do and I want to be inside you tonight.” Returning his attention to her breasts for another taste, he then moved lower to her navel, allowing his tongue to dip in and play with the navel ring he found there. Her gasp of pleasure told him she enjoyed that too. This time when his hand searched between her legs, he found her dripping in anticipation. He inserted one finger and then two, while working her bud with his thumb. He could feel her begin to tighten around his fingers and he slid in the third one, and searched for the spot he knew would take her over the edge.

He found it right away and he felt her body start to hum as her orgasm built. Lowering his head to capture her lips with his one more time, he increased the rhythm of his caresses until he felt her go over the edge. Her cries could not be stifled although she bit her lip in effort to control her response.

“Let it go Sarah...feel it...it will get even better, I promise...” and while he watched her with her head thrown back, her breasts heaving from her rapid breathing, he raised up and positioned himself between her legs. Carefully rubbing himself against her to lubricate his erection with her moisture he watched her open her eyes and watch him in the softly lit room. When he was sure he was lubricated enough to be able to enter her easily he positioned the tip against her and slowly began to push himself into her, anticipating the feel of her silky velvet enclosing him.

“Now, Harm. I want to feel you inside me...I want you to feel the intensity of what I just felt...Yes..give me more of you...”

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You won’t.”

“Mac, before we go any further, do you want me to use a condom?”

“No. Although its highly unlikely I would get pregnant, I don’t want to miss a chance if it can happen. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes.” He lowered himself over her, kissing her deeply, caressing her breast, and easing himself deeper into her warm welcoming heat and then slowly pulling back before easing in further on the next stroke.

“Please, don’t stop Harm. I want you...I want to feel you let go.”

Harm felt her legs wrap around his hips, lifting herself to improve the angle of his thrusts, and bringing him deeper inside with each stroke. She was beautiful with her head thrown back, and her breasts free with the erect nipples tantalizingly near his mouth on each down stroke. He lathed first one then the other with his tongue, swirling the nipple with his tongue as he increased the pace of his strokes.

“Oh God yes Harm! Mmmmmm....so good....” Mac moaned as Harm felt her interior muscles begin to tighten and clench around him as he stroked and thrust with his hips, driving her higher, making her breasts bounce with his force. He wanted to send her over the edge again, before he found his own release, which he knew wasn’t far away. He eased one hand between them to find her bud with his thumb as he placed his hand on her mound. Immediately he felt her orgasm hit her again and before the waves had passed, he was experiencing his own intense orgasm as he emptied himself inside her. He stiffened and his thrusts slowed as wave after wave of pleasure rippled through him.

When they were both sated, his lips sought hers as he rolled them so she was laying on top of him, their bodies still joined.

(End section - Rated NC-17)

“Are you okay?” Harm asked, his voice husky but tender as he spoke, brushing the hair away from her face.

“Yes...that was amazing...I didn’t expect to feel...I don’t know...so moved...so intense...so different.”

“You feel different?”

“Yes...like I was cherished...like it meant something more then good sex...or a means to have a baby...”

“It meant a lot more then all those things to me.” Harm admitted to her, not breaking eye contact.

“I know...”

“Tell me what you know, Sarah...please...” Harm pleaded with her to put the words in place to describe what they had experienced.

“I know we didn’t have great sex...we made love.”

“Yes, that’s exactly what we did. Honey, I know I hurt you in Sydney when I said I couldn’t let go yet...but I wanted this for us...not just good sex...that’s why I was only this way with you. You are the only woman I love. I wasn’t ready to settle down before, but I am now...and when you’re ready...I want us to have it all.” He watched the tears well up in her eyes and the smile on her face as she looked down into his green eyes.

“I do love you Harm. I’ve loved you for a long time. Just ask Sturgis.”

“Ask Sturgis? What does he have to do with anything?”

“When Sturgis and I were working the case with the nuclear specialist that was murdered - about three years ago...not long after the Jag-a-thon...he was commenting on the tension between us and he asked if we had ever slept together and when I said no, he suggested that maybe that would help the tension and I said it wouldn’t help and he asked me why and I just blurted out that I was in love with you. I couldn’t believe I had said it and then I thought it might get back to you and you would show me interest out of pity or something....”

“Sarah, stop. Yes, we may have lost some years together and endured some heart break, but maybe it just wasn’t right back then. Now I think it is. I think we are in the same place at the same time finally.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“Let’s just give us some time to be together for now. Let nature take it’s course.”

“Okay...” Mac yawned and tucked her head against Harm’s shoulder. “Are you as tired as I am?”

“Probably...do you want me to leave so you can sleep alone?” Harm asked.

“Do you want to?”

“No...but if you prefer...”

“No...I want to wake up with you and maybe do this again later once or twice,” Mac smiled.

“Just don’t forget I’m not as young as I once was...but morning is a pretty sure bet,” Harm whispered as he curled around her and settled into get some sleep.

0730 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac arrived together in their own vehicles the next morning. Harm waited for Mac to come around her car before entering the building and riding the elevator to JAG ops. Neither of them could hide the contentment they were feeling and it didn’t take long for people to notice a change. Harm and Mac were oblivious to their new aura and that people were aware that something had drastically changed in the lives of one Commander Rabb and one Colonel Mackenzie.

“Good morning Sir, Ma’am,” Bud greeted them as he stepped off the elevator.

“Good morning, Bud. You know, you are a senior officer now. No one is going to question you using our first names,” Harm started in on Bud. They had been friends for years, but Bud reverted to formal address each time.

“In that case Harm, perhaps you and Mac, would be free to have dinner with the Robert’s household this evening. Last night AJ asked if we could have you over and Harriet had been planning to make her Eggplant Parmesan tonight, so we thought we’d see if you were free to join us.” Bud looked from one to the other and didn’t miss the silent message passing between them.

“Are you sure Harriet is up to company with the twins and all?” Mac asked.

“She said she would welcome more adults in her life about now, Mac.” Bud assured her.

“Then we’d love to join you. Anything we can bring?” Mac asked.

“No Ma’am...Mac, but thanks for offering.”

“What time would you like us there, Bud?” Harm asked.

“How would eighteen thirty work, Harm?” Bud suggested.

“Sounds great Bud.”

“I’ll let Harriet know. She’ll be thrilled.”

Mac and Harm each headed for their offices and the work waiting for them. They weren’t aware of Bud watching them or going to his office to call Harriet.

“Sweeties, its me. Mac and Harm accepted the invitation for dinner for tonight at eighteen thirty like you suggested. There’s something going on with those two.”

“Oh Bud, are they fighting again?” Harriet asked dismayed at the thought of them losing the hard won ground they had gained.

“No...definitely not fighting. Remember the first time we slept together...how they knew?”

“Bud! Are you telling me that the Commander and the Colonel, after all this time...are sleeping together?” Harriet nearly shrieked in Bud’s ear.

“I think so...I’m not sure...but something is very different. You know how when we’ve asked them before to come over as if they were a couple, one would answer and then the other one would?”

“Yeah...”

“Not this morning. Hey answered for each other...like you and I would.” Bud couldn’t keep the delight out of his voice or the grin off his face. He looked like the impressionable young lieutenant junior grade he had been when he first started at JAG.

“I can’t wait to see them together tonight. I would love to get to them like they did us that time.” Harriet giggled.

“Oh, and try really hard to use their names tonight and not their titles. They’ve already been on my case about it again this morning.”

“I will. Thanks for calling me.”

“Okay. I’ve got to go Sweetie. I love you.”

“Love you too!”

It would be a long day for Harriet waiting to see for herself what must be very obvious for her naive husband to have noticed.

When Harm and Mac secured later that day, they agreed that they would go to their own apartments to change into civilian attire and then Harm would pick Mac up so they could go together to the Roberts. Although they had not done anything that seemed out of the ordinary that day, their closeness was obvious to those that knew them. The tension between them was gone, and in its place a peace and contentment and a sense of belonging.

Major General Creswell noticed that something was different between his two senior attorneys, but he couldn’t figure out what it was, and after watching them he saw nothing that seemed alarming. They weren’t nervous. They were both productive. They were pleasant to each other and those around them. Harm had gone to lunch in the cafeteria with Commander Turner while Mac had been gone to interview a client with Commander Roberts. He shook his head not sure what had changed, but certain that something had. He decided to watch and wait and not worry unless he saw anything that indicated problems.

When Harm arrived at Mac’s dressed in his button fly jeans and a purple shirt, he was greeted with a kiss.

“I’ve been wanting to do that all day.” Mac whispered against his lips.

“I know. Think anyone realized what a momentous change has occurred with us?” Harm asked.

“No. I guess all the years of practice we’ve had keeping our relationship out of the office and ignoring it ourselves has paid off.” Mac told him. “We’d better get going.”

“Mac, are you going to be okay around the babies and all. You know Harriet is going to gushing about them,” Harm warned her out of concern.

“I know. I think I’ll be fine. I’ve decided to keep myself optimistic...after all I never thought we’d get together and we have...I’m open to the possibility that a baby could be in our future.” Mac kissed him again as she turned after he helped her into her coat.

“Do you think we should let them know...about us I mean?” Harm asked.

“If they ask I won’t lie. She’ll probably be so tied up with the kids that she won’t notice anything different, even if we held hands in front of her.”

“We’ll see. Harriet’s pretty shrewd at times. I’ve got this feeling...never mind...let’s go. An evening of kids, eggplant parmesan and friends await.”

1825 Local

Robert’s Residence

Rosslyn, Virginia

Bud and AJ greeted Harm and Mac at the door. AJ offered to take their coats and once they gave them to him, he marched off to put them in the den.

“He’s gotten so grown-up,” Mac commented watching AJ walk away.

“Yes he has. Come on in and see the others before they grow up too. Sometimes it seems that fast.” Bud led them into the living room where Harriet was just standing up from having a talk with her eighteen month old sone about proper etiquette with his two infant sisters now on a blanket on the floor.

“Harm, Mac...come on in. Jimmy, can you say hi to Uncle Harm and Aunt Mac?” In response the little boy hid his face against his mother and peeked out from behind his hand. “He’ll warm up in awhile. I just had to get after him for being too rough around the babies.”

“Oh Harriet...they’re beautiful!” Mac exclaimed, kneeling down to look at the little girls in their sleepers laying on the floor.

“They are pretty adorable. I just changed them and was going to give them a bottle before we sit down to eat. Want to help?” Harriet asked.

“Can I? I’d love to.” Mac smiled eager to hold one of the warm sweet babies in front of her.

“Harm and I’ll take Jimmy and AJ with us and go sit in the den. Let us know if we can help, okay?” Bud offered.

“Go. We’ll call you when dinner is ready.”

Harriet offered one of the babies to Mac first. “That’s Sophie you have. I have Hannah. The bottles are in the kitchen.”

Once they were settled, Harriet watched Mac with the baby. She smiled and cooed to the baby, burping her when it was time like a pro. Harriet had watched her before with both Jimmy and AJ but this time was different. Just in the few seconds Harm and Mac had been together, Harriet sensed the changes that Bud had mentioned. She still was sure it was exactly what he thought, but she would watch for the signs. In the den, Harm and Bud were having a conversation of their own.

“Harm, yesterday at lunch when I was talking about my family, did I upset Mac? Because if I did I didn’t mean too.”

“It’s alright Bud. Yes, she was upset about something and your talk of family reminded her of something she was trying not to think about, but you don’t have to avoid the subject of your family. She’s okay about it again.”

“Harm, I don’t want to push my luck here, but are you two...I mean...things seemed different with the two of you today.”

“How so?” Harm couldn’t believe the turn this conversation was taken.

“You and Mac seem closer...happier...more satisfied with life I guess.”

“Good way to put it I guess. Bud, its no secret that Mac and I have had a special bond for years.”

“Yes.”

“Well, I guess we’ve both grown up and have decided that we want what you and Harriet have...a home, a life together and if its in God’s plans, children.”

“So you’re dating?”

“For now...Bud, I may as well tell you that I want to marry Mac, and I’ve told her I do. She’s had a rough couple of years and although she’ll probably give in to the Rabb charm before long, right now we just plan to enjoy getting to know each other like two people dating do.”

“I’m happy for both of you. I’m also surprised that you didn’t give in and admit it sooner.”

“What do you mean sooner, Bud?”

“Well I think even Admiral Chegwidden figured you two would get together eventually.”

“Yeah...and he warned us the day we met not to get too close because we’d have to work together. We took it to heart, Bud...until we couldn’t deny it any longer.” Harm blushed as he realized what he had practically admitted to his friend and colleague.

Bud just smiled as he redirected his sons playing on the floor at their feet.

In the kitchen, Harriet was doing her own research into the situation.

“I know you were pretty upset about Webb’s death. Are you seeing anyone new yet?”

“Yes and no...I’m seeing someone but its not someone new, not really.”

“Care to tell your friend about it, Sarah?” Harriet teased.

“Harriet, I have to tell someone...Harm’s asked me to marry him!”

“And did you say yes?”

“Not yet...not officially. We’ve been friends and partners a long time and we’ve denied our feelings for each other for so long that I want to just enjoy a little time getting to know him as a lover before he becomes my fiancé. Is that crazy?” Mac asked.

“No. Not at all.” Harriet smiled. Her will to embarrass her friend and tease her about something that she had waited so long for was replaced by happiness. “Enjoy this time in your life, when it’s the two of you learning about each other because when the children come along, although you enjoy it, the time together alone sometimes gets harder to find. Bud and I built a solid foundation for our life together as we learned about each other as lovers.”

Mac blushed realizing that without much effort, Harriet had found them out. “Harm and I aren’t planning to publicize this change for now. We’ll keep it out of the office.”

“Like always?” Harriet grinned, her eyebrows raised questioningly.

“Harriet, Harm and I have always kept our relationship out of the office.”

“Right...and pigs fly! You two have brought every ounce of tension between you in the office for years. The more you denied it existed, the worse it got!”

“Really?” Mac asked amazed that people thought something was between hem for years. Shrugging she added, “Well now they probably think we hate each other...”

“No they don’t...whoops!”

“Harriet? What did Bud tell you?”

“Just that he said you two seemed to be satisfied this morning like he hadn’t seen either of you in a long, long, time...and that it seemed to be with each other. He said when he issued the invitation you accepted it as a couple and you never have done that in the past.”

“Wow...one night and the world can tell.”

“Yeah...some of us give it away being nervous and trying to hide it while others give it away just being satisfied and content.”

“Harriet...I hope we didn’t spoil things teasing you the way we did.” Mac apologized to her friend.

“Actually I think it helped us get past our nerves. Made the second time much better.

“I’m not sure I could survive if the second night with him is much better then the first,” Mac murmured.

“I think we’d better put these two into their cribs and start dinner before I start imagining things better left unimagined,” Harriet teased.

By the time Harm and Mac got back to her apartment, they were ready for another night of passion and love. Bud and Harriet were delighted with the romance that had blossomed between the two long time friends.

Chapter 6

Harm had been cleared for full duty and Harm and Mac had settled into a pattern in their personal life. They stayed at her place Monday through Thursday night and at Harm’s on the weekend. Of course they often took off on the weekends. One weekend they went to Blacksburg to see Mattie and another weekend they drove to Pennsylvania to spend time with Harm’s grandmother.

At Jag Headquarters things had begun to reflect some changes as well. Lt. Sam Vukovic was the first of the junior attorneys to report for duty. Lt. Angela Mayfield had been delayed due to an unfortunate family emergency.

Harm had worked with Sam as they reviewed cases together and discussed options. He had been impressed with Sam’s quick mind but a little concerned with some of the options he presented as possible avenues to explore.

“Excuse me, Commander Rabb?” PO Coates spoke from Harm’s door as he and Lt. Vukovic discussed an approach on yet another case they were reviewing.

“Yes, Petty Officer, what can I do for you?”

“Actually, the General asked me to have you report to his office, while I take the Lieutenant and this file to Colonel Mackenzie, sir.”

“Carry on, Coates. I’ll see you later, Lieutenant,” Harm dismissed the young lawyer as he headed for the General’s office. Wrapping on the door marked private which was partially opened, Harm addressed his commanding officer. “General?”

“Come on in Rabb. Have a seat.”

“Alright sir.”

“Commander, I understand that you have not completed your flight quals you started this past fall. Is it your intention to finish qualifying?”

“Yes sir.”

“Well, I think we may be able to kill two birds with one stone. I have an investigation that needs to be done on the USS John F. Kennedy and you need to complete your F-18 quals. If I send you out to complete the investigation you can then stay on and maybe do your qualifications before returning to JAG. Will that work for you?”

“Yes sir. Can you tell me more about the case sir?”

“American Seahawk Helicopter fired at a boat, disabling it. They want to hold them accountable for the damages. I want you to investigate the incident and determine if they were within their right to fire as they claim they were. Something isn’t adding up here. I need you to check it out.”

“Yes sir.”

“Good luck on your quals...if they let you in a plane.”

Harm left Creswell’s office to find Mac. It didn’t take long. She was pacing in his office when he arrived there.

“Mac? What is it?”

“Your leaving?”

“Yes. I’m being sent on assignment...but that’s not what’s upsetting you is it?”

“No...Harm, I’ve caught a new case as well. I have to defend a Marine for illegally confiscating an SUV from an Iraqi citizen who turns out to be the son of a Sheik and one of Creswell’s best friends.”

“The son or the Sheik?”

“What?”

“Never mind...Who’s prosecuting...Turner?”

“Yes, along with Lt. Mayfield...our other new kid.”

“Okay, there’s nothing there that would cause this agitation from you normally. What’s going on?” Harm leaned against his desk and reached out a hand to stop her pacing when she was in front of him. “Let me in Mac.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Mac..I might be finishing my F-a8 quals...is that the problem?”

“No...I would never deny you your flight status.”

“Then what is it, Honey?” Harm asked softly allowing their personal relationship to sneak in. It was Mac’s undoing. She turned to him then with her eyes shimmering with unshed tears and put her hands on her hips.

“How am I going to sleep without you next to me?” Mac blurted. They stared at each other for thirty seconds before Harm grinned and Mac actually giggled. “I’m sorry...I’m being foolish. It’s just I am so use to you being with me...I’ve slept so much better since we’ve been together...I know I’ll worry about you...that’s only natural and I understand duty...but I still don’t like having either of us gone.”

“I know...I feel the same way...but I’ll be back...I will call you...and send emails...as often as I can...I promise. I have to get things ready to go.”

“I know. Any words of wisdom for me with the new kid?”

“Watch him...some of his ideas are rather underhanded.” Harm cautioned.

“Your seabag in the car?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I’ll take a taxi and you can use my car to get home.”

“No...take the car. I’ll catch a ride with Jennifer.”

“You sure?”

“Yes...kiss me?”

“I can’t the way I want to...this will have to do...” Harm lowered his head and placed a brief kiss on her lips without touching her otherwise, before he strode out of his office and headed for Andrews.

Mac returned to her office and the waiting Lieutenant who was zealously reviewing the case before them.

“Colonel, I think I’ve found a line of defense that would work.” Lt. Vukovic greeted her when she returned.

“Really? We haven’t even interviewed our client yet. I wouldn’t assume too much until we have met with him to hear what he has to say.”

“But its all here in the file, Colonel. We don’t have to waste time with more interviews...”

“Yes. We do. I don’t know where you learned to be a lawyer, but no self-respecting lawyer I know would attempt to build a case before they’ve even talked with their client. Is that understood?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“I want you to go to your office, and set up a time for us to meet with the defendant - our client- later today or tomorrow morning at the latest. Can you handle it?”

“Yes, Ma’am!”

“After you do that, let me know and then you can get started pulling cases that might be similar in nature. Dismissed.”

“Ma’am. Yes Ma’am.”

Mac watched as Lt. Sam Vukovic snapped a salute, turned and exited her office. He may be considered a hot shot new lawyer, and some people had compared him to a young Harmon Rabb, but there was a major difference as far as Mac could tell. While Harm could be arrogant used charm to get what he wanted, he also embraced the truth. Sam Vukovic said and did things that appeared to be above board at first, but upon further inspection appeared to be more sneaky or devious then anything Harm had been accused of over the years. With Sam Vukovic, Mac was afraid the devious, sneaky side really did exist.

Persian Gulf

USS JFK

“Commander Rabb JAG Corps reporting sir.”

“At ease Commander. Glad to have you on board. I understand that this visit has a duel purpose.”

“Yes sir.”

“We’ll give you some time to interview those involved and then perhaps we can get you in the air and let you see first hand what we are dealing with out here. I’ll direct CAG to schedule you for quals.”

“Thank you sir.”

Once he had dropped his gear at his assigned quarters, he headed for the on board JAG office to settle in there. Harm began calling in the men he wanted to interview.

“Lt. Commander Regatti, tell me what happened on the day of the incident.”

“Well sir, we were patrolling in a SeaHawk Chopper and we spotted this fishing boat that was traveling toward the JFK at a high rate of speed. My Arabic isn’t great sir, but I used the bullhorn and ordered then to change course. I repeated my identification and then told them to stop. They continued and I warned them again that if they did not respond and change course we would have to fire.”

“And what did they do?”

“They kept coming sir. So I ordered the men to fire just ahead of them. When they continued, I ordered them to fire again for contact.”

“So your only reason for firing was their failure to respond to your commands and the rate of speed they traveled.”

“No sir...yes sir...”

“Which is it Regatti?”

“Those are the clearly observable and explainable actions sir.”

“But there was more?”

“Yes sir, but I’m not sure I can explain it fully. There was something about their behavior that seemed wrong sir.”

“Are you telling me that you based your decision on instinct?”

“In a way maybe...I just felt I had no choice. In my estimation the carrier was in danger of being attacked.”

“By a fishing boat?”

“Sir...we’ve all read the reports that the al-Quaida have their own navy disguised as a fishing fleet. I believe that the fishing boat we fired on was part of that fleet. I can’t prove it, but something tells me that there was more to that fishing boat then what we are allowed to see.”

“I read in the file that NCIS tried to board the fishing vessel after the damages were incurred and they found nothing to substantiate your claims.”

“Yes sir...but I still feel I was justified in my actions.”

“Alright, Regatti, I still have others to talk to and I’ll talk with the on-board NCIS team as well. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

Harm continued interviewing men for another three hours before he decided to get some rack time in his quarters. With any luck he would get called to go up tomorrow and while he was up maybe he could get a chance to investigate the fishing boats in the area for himself. He decided to call Mac, even though he would probably wake her up.

0230 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

“Hello?”

“Mac?”

“Hey Harm...you okay?”

“Yes. Did I wake you up?”

“Yes...but I’m glad you did. I’ll go back to sleep after we talk. How’s it going?”

“The case isn’t looking any easier from here. How are things going with Vukovic?”

“I don’t want to talk about that slimy weasel Harm.”

“What would you like to talk about?”

“Us...I’d rather not be talking though...if you were here I’d be wrapped in your arms and probably kissing you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...Be careful out there Harm.”

“I will. Don’t worry about me. I’ll email you later. Get some sleep.”

“I love you...”

“I love you too Sarah.”

Next Day

USS JFK

JAG Office

<Knock, knock>

“Commander Rabb?”

“Yes?”

“I’m getting a squad ready to go up for maneuvers and one of the scheduled men is ill and unable to go up this morning. Would you like to move into his slot?” CAG questioned.

“Yes sir!”

“Very well. Suit up and meet us on top.”

“Aye, aye sir.” Harm rapidly turned back to the computer where he was just getting ready to send an email to Mac. He added a few more lines. {CAG just stopped in and asked me to take a slot in the squad he’s ready to take up. Got to go. Hope while I’m up I get to collect more information on this fishing boat incident. Something isn’t adding up. Love, Harm.} He then sent the email and logged off the computer before rushing to change into flight gear.

Geared up in flight suit and waiting in the cockpit of the F-18 waiting for his turn to launch, Harm reviewed the instruments in this new bird that he had limited experience flying. It wasn’t his beloved Tomcat, but it had its fine points. This new bird required a one-man crew where the Tomcat had utilized a two man crew. This bird was able to carry more weapons and had been adapted to have more flexibility. The more he flew the F-18's the more he appreciated the chance he was being given to qualified on the new aircraft. Most pilots his age, that flew as little as he did, would not be given this chance to retrain and qualify. He knew that if it hadn’t been for his successful introduction to the aircraft while he was while the CIA and the on-going conflicts requiring more air patrols and higher security, then he would not be getting this chance.

Flying wasn’t his life any more, but he still loved it. No, his life was in the law and with Sarah Mackenzie. If he lost his commission in the Navy and his ability to fly, he would miss it, but it wouldn’t cause the devastation that being without Sarah Mackenzie would cause. With that he was called to launch.

Harm could hear the other pilots call in and did the same when it was his turn.

“Squad leader, Blue-dog one in position.”

“This is Blue-dog two in position.”

“Blue-dog three in position.”

“Blue-dog four in position.”

“This is CAG. We’ve got you on the screen and had a clear copy from everyone. Proceed to the first set of coordinates and report in when you arrive.”

“Copy that CAG.”

The flew in formation for about fifteen minutes and then each peeled off to their precise coordinates. Harm heard the CAG back on the horn.

“Blue-dog team. We’ve been informed that we have fishing boats on the move again in the general area you are covering. Drop down to first level and check things out before we continue the mission.”

“Blue-dog one. We copy that order CAG.”

“Blue-dog four, drop it down to secure channel and code in.”

“Copy CAG. Dropping and coding.” Harm responded to the order and did as he had been instructed.

“Blue-dog four. CAG, do you copy?”

“Crystal, Hammer. Listen, this is the area where we had the trouble you are investigating. No one else that’s up with this squad is aware of that. Just wanted you to know.”

“Copy CAG. Returning to open channel.”

Harm had dropped to the lower flight level and was watching the fishing boats below him. As he had been told by Regatti, they were traveling at an usually high rate of speed for fishing trawlers. He was high enough up so that details weren’t that clear, but he noticed on one of the boats, they seemed to be a lot of activity in one area of the deck. He wasn’t sure what was happening, but he averted his eyes to scan other areas of the fishing boat. He didn’t see anything suspicious but he did notice that the fishing trawler had definitely slowed since he had first spotted it. He circle around and when he satisfied himself that nothing was alarming, he called in.

“Blue-dog four. I’ve just checked out one of the trawlers...I could see some activity on board, but nothing suspicious. They slowed their rate and are now apparently putting out lines. Stand by for coordinates.” Harm transmitted the coordinates and waited for affirmation.

“This is CAG. Rendevous with squad at upper level Blue-dog four. We copy coordinates.”

“Roger. Taking elevator up.”

Harm resumed formation with the squad and they proceeded through the maneuvers that had been outlined. Blue-dog three had some problems but eventually was able to complete the moves to everyones’ satisfaction. Blue-dog three was another ‘older’ pilot like Harm, about five years younger actually, training on the F-18 after having flown for years in an F-14.

Finally they were called in to do touch-and-goes before they would do their traps and call it a day. Harm was at the end of the line and watched the others touch down and then return to the air with no problems. Harm followed suit and returned to the air. He watched them land one at a time as he played around, rolling and doing loops, as he became more and more comfortable with his aircraft. Finally it was his turn to trap.

“This is blue-dog four. I’ve got the ball.”

“You’ve got good position Hammer. Bring it on in.”

Seconds later Harm was snapped to a halt. He shut was rolled to the side where he shut down his ride before dismounting. His feet had barely hit the deck when the CAG was headed his way.

“You looked good up there Hammer. You haven’t lost a thing transferring to the new bird.”

“Thank you sir.”

“I was told you had an active inner child...suppose that helps.”

“You’ve spoken to Commander Roberts, must be. That’s what he tells people when I have a chance to get in the air.”

“Those loops while you were waiting to trap were inspirational,” the CAG kidded with him, impressed with the flying he had observed.

“They keep me agile...at my age you have to use any trick in the book to give you the advantage against these kids.” Harm ducked through the hatch after the CAG.

“Get any more information to use for the investigation, Harm?”

“Not really...but I think I know what Regatti meant, when he said there was something he couldn’t put his finger on at first. Problem is, I can’t explain it.” Harm told the CAG.

“Damn, I was hoping you’d be able to get a better handle on it. Maybe next time. We’ve got you in the schedule. You’ll be doing traps this afternoon and then again tonight. Five of eight...”

“Looking forward to it.” Harm snapped his heels before changing out of his flight gear and then heading for the JAG office and checking to see to see if there was a return email from Mac. He had the computer up and running within seconds and smiled when he saw the noticed that he had email.

{Harm, I’ll just bet you are having a blast playing in the air again. Right now I have to admit I think I would rather be flying in an F-14 with you then here dealing with the new kid. He’s going to drive me nuts. Met Lt. Mayfield today. She’s the calm rational presence that rolled her eyes at both Sturgis and Sam during our meeting today. I think she’ll fit in well...just not too well Flyboy. Remember I don’t share. Miss you and call or email when you can - night or day. Love, Mac}

{What a delight to have your email waiting for me after playing in the clouds. There is something not right about those fishing boats but I can’t figure it out. I’m on the training schedule now. Traps this afternoon and tonight. Have to score three or better on five of eight traps both times. Piece of cake...I miss you. Love, Harm.}

Pushing the send button Harm sat back in his chair. His mind went back to the fishing trawler he had seen. Regatti was right. Something didn’t add up with the fishing boats. It wasn’t just the speed that they traveled. An idea began to form in his head. It was time to go talk to Regatti again.

Next Day

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Lt. Vukovic, would you care to explain what you were thinking in there?” Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie stood glaring at the young lieutenant that had just created an uproar in the courtroom while sitting second chair to her.

“I was defending our client.”

“No, you were being underhanded and sneaky! Commander Turner and Lt. Mayfield as prosecution had a right to that information, not to mention me as first chair!”

“There’s nothing wrong with what I did, Colonel, and you’ll get the win as much as I will now. You should be thanking me.”

“Watch yourself Lt. Vukovic. I don’t know how you were trained, but I can’t imagine that your law professors ever purported your means of doing things.”

“You might be surprised, Ma’am.”

“I certainly hope not. Mr. Genuzzi, our client does not need to be defended with these means. If he is innocent then he needs to walk away with his head held high, not with people always wondering if he got off on a technicality or culpable negligence on our part.”

“It would be negligent not to do all we can to get our client off.”

“I will not condone unethical methods nor will I let this pass.”

“You’ll change your mind when we win.” Vukovic quipped feeling self-confident and showing his arrogance with his demeanor.

“That’s where you are wrong,” Mac grimaced. In all the years she had worked with Harm, even when they were adversaries, he had never crossed the line to the degree that this upstart had repeatedly on the one case. With her voice cool and showing total command Mac pulled herself to her full height and let Lieutenant Sam Vukovic have it.

“At-ten-tion!” Mac waited until he had stood at attention before approaching him. Hands behind her back, she began, “You will show me the respect due a senior officer in the United States Marine Corps. You will not present anything in court prior to my explicit approval. You will receive a letter of reprimand in your file which can be removed if there are no more similar infractions reported within a two year time period. Major General Creswell will be informed of this situation as will the other senior attorneys here at JAG. It is time you proved yourself to be the lawyer you have the potential to be and quit relying on underhanded, unethical methods just because you think you can. Is that understood?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Dismissed.” Mac returned to her desk and was about to check her email when she heard applause at her door. Turning she saw General Creswell.

“I knew there was still a Marine in there, Colonel...and a good one.”

“You heard?”

“Yes. Send me a copy of your letter when you are finished and I will call him in. Not sure that I have a lot to add, but it won’t hurt for him to hear it again. I will let you present the information to the other senior staff at the next meeting.”

“Thank you sir.” Mac quietly collapsed into her chair as the adrenaline left her and the General walked away. She needed to hear from Harm about now only she didn’t have time to check her email. They were due back in court shortly.

Chapter 7

Carrier Deck

USS John F. Kennedy

Persian Gulf

“Commander Rabb. You are hereby relieved of duty and will be confined to quarters until an investigation of this situation is completed and a decision is made as to whether or not you will face an Article 32 hearing where the decision to send this matter to court martial will be determined.”

1529 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Colonel Mackenzie.”

“Yes, Ma’am. It’s Coates. The General wants you in his office ASAP. I’ll notified the court.”

“On my way.” Mac hung up the phone and rushed toward the General’s office with a sense of dread. When she entered Bud and Sturgis were already there with the General.

“At ease...have a seat Colonel. I’ve asked you to join me so I only have to do this once. I was just notified that Commander Rabb has been relieved of duty.” He held up his hand knowing that Mac and Bud at least were close to interrupting him before he could finish. “Commander Turner, I am going to ask that you turn your current case over to your second chair. Mr. Roberts can assist and advise if it is needed. I want you to investigate this matter. If Rabb is guilty of shooting down an unarmed civilian plane he will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law...by this office. If he played fast and loose with the rules, he will be held accountable. Do I make myself clear?”

“Crystal, sir!”

“Commander Turner, I’ve asked that they text message as much information as they can so that you can access it with the PDA on your way. Coates should have your travel information for you. Dismissed. Not you two. We need to talk.” Creswell turned to Mac and Bud.

“I know you are going to ask why I would send Turner over either of you to investigate this matter. Here’s the answer you’re too close. Any questions?”

“No sir.” Mac responded.

“Did he finished his investigation sir?” Bud asked.

“He’s finished with it for now. IT seems he was in the air further checking out one of his theories when the incident occurred. Now we have two open investigations and Turner will have to wrap up both. Colonel, do you feel that Lt. Mayfield will be able to complete the trial on her own?”

“Yes sir. There is only closing arguments left and I know she was going to present that anyway.”

“Roberts check in with Mayfield to see if she needs anything and keep me apprized of any concerns. Dismissed.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Back in her office, now that the trial was postponed until tomorrow at 0900, Mac checked her email. She had just read Harm’s last transmission which he would have sent almost twenty four hours ago. She hoped that even though her was confined to quarters, that she would be able to get through to his cell phone. She tried and only got the voice mail.

“Harm, I heard...call me if you can. Creswell sent Turner. He’s on his way. I love you.” Not satisfied that she hadn’t been able to get through she also sent an email before turning back to her desk and writing the letter of reprimand for Vukovic.

USS JFK

Persian Gulf

Harm was escorted to his quarters. Once there he sat on his rack in shock. This is not what anyone at JAG needed, least of all Mac. He reached for his cell phone and then thought of the time. She should be in court. He’s wait awhile before he tried to call her...maybe until she was at home. Dropping the cell phone he let the events of the past twenty-fours hours replay in his mind.

<Flashback>

“Regatti, I have a few more questions for you?” Harm asked.

“Yes, Commander...I don’t think I have any more to tell you then before, but ask away.”

“When you were over the fishing boat that was headed for our ship, was it in direct line with the oil refinery off shore?”

“Yes sir...it could have been.”

“Alright...when you first spotted the fishing boat you said it was the speed at which it was traveling that alarmed you but that there was something going on that you couldn’t put your finger on that made you sure the boat was not friendly. Did you see any movement on deck that was puzzling that drew your attention?”

“Yes sir...they seemed to be working rapidly to hide something...but I can’t prove it and I can’t explain why I felt that way. As I told you before, there is nothing I can prove.”

“Did the boat that you observed have guns visible?”

“None that I saw sir.”

“Thank you Regatti. I don’t have the answers yet, but I think I know what to look for if I spot them again.”

<End Flashback>

Harm paced the confines of his quarters. After what he had just seen which had prompted his action, they wouldn’t allow him to finish his report. He didn’t know who would be arriving from JAG to finish the investigation. He knew they might send someone out from Naples, or they might send Bud, even though they had worked together. The one person he hoped they didn’t send was Sturgis. This would be exactly the kind of case where Sturgis would be of little help he feared. Laying on his rack he decided to get some rest.

Two hours later

Harms Quarters

USS JFK

Taking out his cell phone Harm checked his voice mail. He got the message from Mac. Sturgis was on his way. He would hope for the best. Deciding that Mac would be home, he selected her number from the memory option and waited for it to connect.

“Mackenzie.”

“I love you too.”

“Harm! Are you okay? What’s going on?”

“Mac, it’s a long story and I don’t have the battery power to get into it now. I got your message.”

“Harm, just tell me one thing.”

“What do you want to know?”

“Do you think they have a case against you?”

“Obviously they think they do or I wouldn’t have been relieved of duty and confined to my quarters. I think if we can get the evidence we need, I’ll be cleared without the Article 32 or Court Martial being an issue.”

“But you’re concerned that Sturgis was sent to investigate.” Mac stated it as a fact.

“Yes.”

“Harm, Creswell said that both Bud and I were not options for this investigation. He felt Sturgis didn’t have anything to prove and would be your best option.”

“He may be right.”

“So how are the new kids doing?”

“Vukovic is an arrogant, unethical, slime ball that doesn’t need to play dirty but chooses too.”

“Wow...don’t anything back with you Mac? Is he like I was in my younger days?” Harm asked remembering how mad Mac got with him sometimes.

“No Harm he isn’t. You looked for the truth and you would find ways to present the evidence you had and get to the truth. This guy wasn’t playing by the rules and he crossed the line by not sharing information he had with prosecution or me.”

“Uh-oh. Dress him down?”

“Yes and wrote him up. Creswell heard part of what I had to say and backs me. There will also be disclosure to the other senior attorneys and a two year probation for the crap he pulled.”

“I’m proud of you Marine.”

“I’m proud of you too Sailor...”

“Better wait and see how this plays out.”

“Don’t need to, Harm...I trust you...I know you wouldn’t fire without cause.”

“Thank you. I’ll talk to you again as soon as I can. Love you.” The knock on the door as he disconnected the call was too soon to be Sturgis. He got up to answer the door.

“CAG...”

“I brought you some food. Feel up to talking?”

“Thanks. Come on in.”

“I’m sorry about this Harm...”

“No, you had to do it. I’m a JAG remember...I know how this works.”

“I know. But you are also a damn good pilot and I want you qualified on these F-18 birds and I want you up in the air. Regatti came to see me.”

“Yes.”

“He said you thought you were on to something regarding his case.”

“Yes...and now it ties to my case.”

“Is there something you want to tell me that I can share with our flight squads for when we go back up? Can we help get some evidence that would make the case for either you or Regatti?”

“Maybe you can CAG. When Regatti spotted the boat approaching the ship it seemed to be in line with the off shore oil refinery. When I was in the air, and I saw the fishing boat it was in a very similar position. I also noted a lot of activity on the deck and I watched it carefully...so carefully that I think I missed the real cause for concern. Guns.”

“Guns on a fishing boat?”

“Yes. I was watching the fishing boat and went in for a closer look. This time I didn’t watch the activity on deck. I forced myself to look everywhere else...and I saw guns in the portals just above the waters edge. As I got closer they started pulling them in. The on deck activity was a distraction so they had the extra five seconds or so to get them out of sight. I was just going to radio in what I observed when a small private plane came out of no where and headed for the oil refinery. I radioed to them and they did not respond. I did everything I could think of just like Regatti had with the fishing boat. Finally I felt that I had no recourse but to take the shot. They were getting close enough to the refinery so it appeared to be their target.”

“Like the kamikaze’s in World War II?”

“On that idea...I was picturing them re-enacting the World Trade Center actually.”

“If it wasn’t a private plane Harm, I don’t think anyone would have questioned it.”

“I know.”

“I’ll see what we can do about getting some pictures that will support your story. Regatti backs you unfortunately until he’s found innocent that won’t help much. Eat your food. A Commander Turner should be here in the morning.”

“Thanks CAG.”

0712 Local

USS JFK

Persian Gulf

Harm opened the door at the knock.

“Come on in Sturgis.”

“What have you got yourself into this time Rabb?” Sturgis Turner stepped into the close quarters and sat in the chair.

“Ready to listen?”

“Start from the top.”

“I was up for the second day of maneuvers in the Hornet and I was told that I was the closest to some blimps they wanted checked out. There have been problems with fishing boats in the area and possible attempts at the oil refinery from those fishing boats. They appear to be operated by Al-Quaida.”

“Stick with the facts Rabb.” Turner warned as he made notes while Harm talked. “Keep going.”

“I dropped down to check out the fishing boat and I saw guns in the portals just above the waters edge. I was circling around for another pass when a small plane arrived and appeared to be heading directly for the oil refinery. I tried to radio him and nothing. I flew in his path trying to dissuade him. Nothing changed. He was dropping altitude and keeping up speed as he headed directly for the refinery. I had no choice but to fire on him.”

“Do you know who was on that plane Harm?”

“No.”

“The Deputy Minister of Economy for Iraq...now do you understand why you’ve been grounded?” Turner asked his colleague.

“Yes, but it doesn’t change the facts, Sturgis. I had cause to take the action I took.”

“So you say.”

“Look Commander Turner...I know I don’t live up to the self-righteous standards you set for everyone,” Harm glowered, “But I sure as hell don’t go around shooting planes out of the sky for no reason. If I hadn’t taken action and that plane had hit the refinery, it would have had devastating effects on the economy and you know it, whether you’ll admit it or not.”

“This isn’t about me, Harm...this is about the political decisions that have been made and any appearances of impropriety are going to be carefully scrutinized.”

“Are you telling me you think this should go to court martial?” Harm asked incredulously.

“I’m saying I need to investigate further, but based on the information I have so far, yes, you will most likely being facing a court martial.”

“May I make a couple of calls from the JAG office?”

“I’ll take you down...I don’t think you need to be confined to quarters...as long as you stay out of it and let me do my job. I also think you might as well be put to work in the JAG office since you’re grounded anyway.”

“Thank you Sturgis.” Once in the JAG office where he could access the phone system, he placed his first call. The gruff voice that answered made him smile despite everything.

“Chegwidden.”

“Sir, It’s Harm...”

“Harm, its good to hear from you.”

“I hope you still think so when you know why I’m calling.”

“What’s the matter Rabb?”

“Sir, I’m calling from the USS JFK. I was doing an investigation here, and they allowed me to complete the next phase of my quals...while I was up there was an incident...sir, are you still licensed to practice law?”

“Yes. You want me to defend you? Mac prosecuting?”

“No I don’t know if they’ll let her or not...we’re together sir.”

“Finally...I’m glad for you. Now what are the charges?”

“They are investigating now sir, but I suspect that Commander Turner will find something to charge me with. I just want to know if you would be willing and able to defend me should the need arise.”

“Would Mac work with me?”

“I’m sure she would sir.”

“Then have her call me and keep me apprized of the situation. I’ll start boning up just in case. Turner’s a good man, Harm. I don’t think he’ll be vindictive.”

“Just in case sir, I’ll feel better knowing you’re willing to step in if necessary.”

With that call made, Harm checked the time and decided to call Mac anyway...she had said anytime day or night. He punched in her number and waited. She picked up on the first ring.

“Harm?”

“Yeah, its me. You weren’t asleep were you?”

“No...what’s happened?”

“Nothing definite. Sturgis got here and we just talked this morning. He’s going after me I’m sure.”

“Did he say that?” Mac asked, the surprise evident in her voice.

“What he said was that based on the information he had, he thought it looked like I would be facing an Article 32 and then court martial.”

“I’ll talk to Creswell about being your defense.”

“Thanks Mac, actually that’s why I called. I asked the Admiral if he would defend me.”

“And?”

“He wanted to know if you would work with him.” Harm could hear the relief in her voice when she spoke.

“That’s a great idea. I’ll clear it with Creswell.”

“And Mac?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for this. There is no way I believe that you have done anything that warrants a Court martial.”

“There was some good news.”

“Tell me.”

“Sturgis didn’t feel I needed to be relieved of all duty so he’s put me to work in the JAG office doing scut work again. His only directive was to stay out of his way and he can’t change the fact I’m grounded.”

“Then he must not think you’re guilty of much or he wouldn’t take the risk.” Mac reminded him.

“You know Sturgis...take the conservative road just in case.”

“Harm, I know its not easy ...you and Sturgis have been friends for a long time...he’ll be there for you like you’ve been there for him.”

“Yeah, well, I think our friendship maintained because we didn’t see each other that often. IT’s not withstanding the stress of being in the same office all the time.”

“That’s jealous talking.”

“What am I jealous of Sturgis for?”

“Maybe because he doesn’t take the heat for others like you do and you’re ready to be a team player but he’s not living up to the concept in your mind and still manages to dodge the heat that still finds you.”

“I suppose. Mac, I’ve got to go. I’ll talk to you later as soon as I hear anything more.”

“Hang in there, Flyboy...you’ll get your wings back soon.”

Seven hours later the door to the JAG office opened and Sturgis and the ship’s Captain walked in. Harm knew from the set of Sturgis mouth that the news was not good.

“Commander Rabb, you are hereby informed that you are being charged with Dereliction of Duty and war crimes resulting in the death of the Deputy Commissioner of Economy for Iraq. An Article 32 hearing will be conducted on board the USS John F. Kennedy. Do you understand your Article 32 rights?” Sturgis continued with his unemotional voice.

“Yes.” Harm hissed, turning to the Captain. “”Has the CAG returned yet?”

“No. Harm you are grounded...”

“I know that sir. The CAG thinks he can get some photographs that will clear both Regatti and me of the charges that have been filed against us. I was hoping you would wait until that happened, before proceeding with the charges.”

“I’m sorry, Rabb. Commander Turner felt that a rapid hearing would be more beneficial in the long run. I think it make take some of the heat off which would help you in the long run. We’ve got a team heading this way and hopefully within a day or two we can proceed.”

Discouraged and disappointed in Turner’s self-protective line for all decision making, Harm fought his anger and resentment toward the man that he had called friend for years. The last year had been one where he felt Sturgis had shown his true colors. They were all little things in general, but added together, they showed a lack of character that Harm had never before noticed in the man. All Harm could do now was wait, hope the CAG and his squad had a lucky photographer among them and...do more scut work.

Chapter 8

Next day

USS JFK

Persian Gulf

Harm waited on deck as the COD doors opened and Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and retired Admiral AJ Chegwidden approached him. He shook hands knowing the hugs would have to wait until later.

“They letting you run loose on board after all?” asked his former CO.

“Yes sir. Figured I wouldn’t do much damage as long as I wasn’t in the air. Let’s go in where we can talk. Squads about ready to launch.”

Harm escorted them inside and led the way to the bridge where they reported in. Harm waited outside for them and when they returned took them to the JAG office where they reunited with Commander Turner.

“Sturgis...it’s good to see you...wish the circumstances were different.” AJ greeted him.

“Good to see you sir. Mac, did you turn over the case to Vukovic after all?”

“No. Lt. Mayfield did a nice job on closing and had me worried, but the members saw things my way. Freed me up to make this trip. Commander Roberts is holding down the fort with the kids - that is if Vukovic survives Creswell’s ire. Harm, how you doing?” Mac turned noticing the dark circles under his eyes. The man wasn’t sleeping. “Have you been eating at all?”

“Some...drinking coffee and water mostly.”

“Harm...”

“Mac, we’ll discuss this later. Right now I think you need to meet with Sturgis. I’ll be in my quarters.” Once Harm left, AJ and Mac turned to Sturgis Turner.

“What do you have Turner?” AJ demanded.

“We’re charging him with dereliction of duty and war crimes in shooting down a private plane that resulted in the death of a top Iraqi leader.”

“We know the charges. What do you have for evidence?” the former JAG shot back.

“You mean beyond the audio tape of his transmissions, the plane wreckage and the dead Iraqi official? Not much, but I don’t think I need much more to send this to court martial,” Sturgis Turner responded feeling confident of his position.

“You can’t be serious?” Mac asked with her arms braced against the top of the desk as she leaned forward toward Commander Turner.

“Very serious. This isn’t an issue that can be let go. You know as well as I do Mac that Harm plays fast and loose with the rules to suit his own purpose - he pushes the limits and it was just a matter of time before he was going to go too far.”

“I have to agree with the Colonel on this Turner...I think you’ve gone to far. You don’t have all the evidence yet and you have not put it in context.” Chegwidden kept his voice soft and quiet and all the more powerful for it. Turner squirmed a little under the intense scrutiny of his former commanding officer. Mac’s obvious anger was easy to deflect, but the steely eyes and quiet calm tones absorbed instead of deflected. It got Commander Turner’s attention like nothing else would.

“I don’t suppose your client would plea out and have this be done with,” Turner suggested.

“I would advise him against it. Colonel, let’s go see our client.” Their backs to the prosecuting attorney, they didn’t see him gulp or slump as they shut the door behind them.

AJ and Mac had gone to talk to Harm about the case. They had only been there about five minutes when AJ informed them he was going to go check on some information and that he would see them in an hour or so. Once the door shut, Harm and Mac embraced without a word just clinging too each other at first.

“How are you Mac?” Harm asked gently.

“Worried about you...Harm you need to take care of yourself. You’re not eating or sleeping and as a lawyer, it makes me wonder what its eating you...as your friend, it tells me that something is bothering you. Are you afraid they aren’t going to let you continue flying?” Mac asked as she cupped her hand against his face.

“Part of me is I guess...actually Mac, this whole case has been eating at me. I wanted to be home with you and working on us, and instead I’m here and getting myself in hot water.”

“At least we can sneak a little time together while I’m here...and then hopefully we’ll be going home soon,” Mac tried to comfort him.

“If we are going home soon, that will mean I’ll be facing a court martial. My record won’t stand the hit. I’ll be gone soon...aged out at Commander...” Harm’s depression was evident in his voice and body language.

“Stop it! You hear me? I will not stand for you to give up. AJ and I are certainly not going to give in to that sanctimonious, self-righteous prig that wouldn’t stick his neck out for anyone or anything! “ Mac’s eyes flashed as she let out her frustrations and personal dislike and distrust toward Sturgis Turner.

“Power down, Mac...I hear you. You’re right. I’m letting this eat me up instead of standing firm on my convictions. I know that Regatti did what he had too and shouldn’t be charged or penalized for shooting at that boat, anymore then I should be for taking out a private aircraft that was in the act of becoming a bomb heading straight for that refinery.” He stopped and took a breath as he watched Mac cool off and relax as well.

“You know Mac, we have some time alone, I don’t think we should waste anymore of it.” Harm drew her into his arms once again and placed a kiss on her lips that lingered and deepened drawing them into their own vortex allowing them to lose themselves in each other for just a few minutes. Too soon it ended when they hear someone knocking on the door to Harm’s quarters.

Harm jumped to get the door as Mac, quickly straightened her clothes and checked her lipstick. She was relieved when she realized she had only used a clear gloss today. That meant no tell-tale signs would be on Harm embarrassing them both.

“CAG! Admiral...come on it. You have something?” Harm asked as he took in the grinning faces of the two men entering the small quarters.

“Look at these photos Harm. Tell me what you see.” AJ instructed him.

“Guns! Plainly visible...in every one of these photos...that’s got to be at least three different fishing boats!” Harm’s excitement mounted as he looked at the stack of pictures the CAG had handed him. He felt Mac squeeze his shoulder and knew she viewed this as good news as well.

“Harm...we also ran into a private plane while we were in the air. Look at this photos as well.” CAG handed him a second set. This time the photos showed another private plane, almost identical the one he had been forced to take out. These photos clearly showed that the plane had been altered to include a weapon system. In one shot, explosives were clearly visible on the interior of the plane. Harm looked up with raised eyebrows at the CAG and the retired Admiral.

“Did it attack? Did you have to shoot it down?” Harm’s questions tripped off his tongue.

“Actually we were able to force it to land in friendly territory and NCIS has a team combing it as we speak. I think we have enough evidence here to make Turner think twice about pursuing this hearing. We’re going to meet with the Captain and Sturgis now. Want to join us?”

“Let’s go.” Harm pronounced with a grin.

The entourage arrived in the Captain’s conference room. Once they had the SecNav and General Creswell on the speaker phone, Chegwidden asked CAG to present and explain the pictures that they had taken. Commander Turner asked a few questions, but once the CAG had finished his explanation of what they had experienced and photographed in the air, the SecNav came on line and spoke.

“This information confirms the information I received from CIA operatives in the area just prior to your call. They said that the plane that Commander Rabb shot down had been loaded with explosives and the Iraqi official was their prisoner. Their intended target had been the oil refinery, but the dog-fight and crash at least served part of their purpose...and Commander, the evidence indicated that the Iraqi official was dead before the explosion.”

“Secretary Sheffield, do you feel that charges still need to be preferred against Commander Rabb or Lt. Commander Regatti for the incidence in which they were involved?” asked General Creswell.

“No sir, I see no need. Commander Turner?”

“If everyone is satisfied with the evidence then I think we can wrap up this case,” Turner concurred.

“Very well, all charges will be dropped against Rabb and no fines will be levied against Regatti,” announced the Captain.

“Commander Turner?”

“Yes General?”

“I would like you to wrap up the reports on both Regatti and Rabb seeing as they were connected,” instructed Creswell.

“Yes sir.”

“Rabb, finished your quals if they’ll still have you and then get back here to JAG where you belong.”

“Aye, aye, General.” Harm smiled.

“Mackenzie?”

“Yes sir.”

“Next COD.”

“Yes sir.”

The dial tone signaled the line had been disconnected. Everyone filed out of the Captain’s office and the CAG turned to Harm.

“Commander Rabb, your squad is going up in twenty-minutes. Can you be ready?”

“Yes sir.”

“Then make it so.”

Everyone went their separate ways leaving Mac and Harm alone by Harm’s quarters. They stepped inside where he would get his things to return to the air, but shared a quiet moment before Mac went home and Harm took flight.

“I knew it would work out, Harm.”

“I think you were more confident then I was. Thanks for coming.”

“Anytime...but I’d rather have you back home with me for awhile.”

“I’ll be home soon. I should be able to finish up in two or three days...make it home Friday night probably.”

“I’m counting on it Harm. We’ve got some things to work on you know...and the timing might be good...”

“The things you say to me...kiss me good-bye. We both got flights to catch.” Harm took Mac in his arms and kissed her with just a hint of passion...something to keep them both thinking...and then he picked up his things and made his way to the flight deck.

Friday 2054 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Unlocking his door he was surprised to find the apartment dark, until his eyes adjusted and he realized that there was a warm golden glow coming from his bedroom. Smiling he made his way up the stairs and set his sea bag down before tossing his cover and hanging up his bomber jacket. Kicking off his shoes, he began unbuttoning his shirt without taking his eyes off the woman waiting for him in his bed, the room lit only by the candle on the far side of the room. Pulling the tails of the shirt from his pants, he undid the cuffs and removed the shirt. His heart was racing but it wasn’t obvious by the slow deliberate movements he made.

The brown eyes watching him never wavered as he also removed his t-shirt. Taking another step toward the bed, he reached down and slid off first one sock, then the other, before he unbuckled his belt. The owner of the brown eyes stretched like a cat, happy with the saucer of cream appearing before it. The pants were unbuttoned and unzipped with deliberate care before they were lowered and stepped out of. With only his navy issue boxers remaining he made his way around the bed where he dropped his watch on the bedside table before turning and heading into the bathroom.

“Be right back, Mac...I need a shower,” Harm tossed over his shoulder before strolling into the bathroom and turning on the water. It was a solid four seconds before Mac recovered her surprise enough to protest.

“Harmon Rabb, Jr.! You are a tease!” Mac followed him into the bathroom in time to see his naked six disappear into the shower stall. Grabbing a wet wash cloth she tossed it in at him before stomping back to the bedroom.

“I can’t believe you just did that...” Mac sputtered as she returned to the bedroom.

“I won’t be long Mac, I promise...but trust me...I need a shower before I touch you...I’ll make it up to you I promise.” Harm quickly shampooed and rinsed his hair before he soaped and rinsed his body. Stepping out of the shower he towel dried his hair, and wrapped the towel around his waist while he brushed his teeth. With water droplets glistening on his skin, he returned to the bedroom. Mac had resumed her place on his bed in the candlelight.

“You are so beautiful.” Harm knelt on the side of the bed and leaned down to finally give her the hello kiss he had withheld earlier. He felt Mac’s soft hands glide over his naked chest and then around his waist. He then felt the towel, his last piece of covering fall away. “Tricky,” he smiled against her lips.

“Yeah...you think so? You know what else I can do?”

“Uh-uh....show me...” Harm whispered against her warm and eager mouth, and she did.

0730 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Morning,” Harm mumbled as he opened his eyes slowly, recalling their magical evening that had lasted late into the night. “You know, Sarah, you have rejuvenated me. It’s been years since I’ve been able to recover as quickly and as many times as I did with you last night...if I’ve ever done that before...”

“Feeling your oats, are you Mr, Rabb?”

“No...I’ve been feeling you, Ms. Mackenzie.”

“And how did I feel?”

“Perfect...absolutely perfect.” Harm smiled as Mac began kissing him again. Between kisses he tried talking to her. “You...know...what...Mac?”

“What?”

“I think we should do three things.”

“Oh yeah? What’s that?”

“I think...we should...plan our...wedding...look for...a house...and...do...that again,” Harm ended with a kiss that lead to another session of love-making.

Sunday Evening

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

Harm and Mac were just finishing their dinner of roast chicken, baked potatoes, and glazed carrots after a weekend of doing laundry together, grocery shopping, re-packing sea-bags and the other mundane every-day duties and responsibilities that one catches up on during the weekend when one is single and works.

“Harm?”

“Yes?”

“Did you mean what you said Saturday morning?”

“If I recall we talked a lot Saturday morning in between make-out sessions.”

“About the three things we should do?”

“Yes,” Harm smiled at her. “I meant every word.”

“Okay.”

“Okay...what?”

“Okay...let’s plan our wedding and look for a house.”

“Really?”

“Yeah...I had hoped for a question to answer...but I’ll take it your way.”

“You want an invitation?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay...” Harm stood up and walked around to her side, dropping on to one knee. He gently took her hands in his the way he had in the hospital and on the patio in Annapolis.

“Sarah, I love you and I want to be a part of your life and I want you to be a part of my life. I think we’ve got as good a shot as anybody to make it work-maybe better...Will you marry me?”

“Yes.” Mac smiled into his eyes. Her gaze never wavered and her smile was magnificent. Harm stood up and pulled her with him. He swooped her up into his arms and held her tightly against him, while his eyes looked to the heavens and he said a silent prayer of thanks. He let her slide to the floor again, but began placing kisses all over her face. Mac couldn’t help herself and started to giggle.

Grinning with his thousand watt smile, he couldn’t stop himself from asking, “When?”

“Well, we could probably manage a small private ceremony in late March or early April when there are blossoms on the cherry trees...or we could wait until May and do the dress whites and gold wings ceremony at Annapolis if you wanted or...”

“Mac...what do you want?”

“Harm it’s about what we both want.”

“That’s easy...I want to marry you...as soon as reasonably possible. Beyond that I have no particular preferences...I want it to be your dream wedding.”

“Really?”

“Yes...so what would you like?”

“A simple ceremony with our closest family and friends...I want the wedding dress...the wedding cake...the first dance...”

“Throw the bouquet?”

“No...too embarrassing for everyone involved.”

“You want me to wear a uniform or a suit?”

“Depends on a few things...like when and where...can I do some research and get back to you on the details?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you Harm...” Mac leaned into him and kissed him again.

“Now about the house...” Harm led her to the sofa where they curled up together, their dinner and dishes forgotten about for the time being. “What things are important to you?”

“My dream house has a huge bathtub, a fireplace, a porch, a garage and a back yard.”

“That’s it?”

“Well kitchen and bedrooms and all the other stuff...What’s important to you?”

“A convenient kitchen, a place to work out, an office area, garage would be nice...maybe a workshop.”

“I’ll make a deal with you...I’ll work on the wedding plans and you play house hunter. When you get two or three houses that you think might work, we’ll go see them together. I’ll start researching and let you know when I’m at decision points...is that fair?”

“I can do that.”

“Can you also work on the third thing with me again?”

“Now?” Harm acted surprised which made Mac laugh. He loved that he had the ability to make her happy after all.

“Well sometime this evening...actually, let’s take care of the dishes and food first.” Mac hopped up and got busy cleaning up.

“Maaaccc...” Harm followed her and while she rinsed dishes he nuzzled her neck as he rested his hands at her waist. She tried to ignore him but he could hear her breathing change and he knew he was getting to her. She pulled away as she put food in the refrigerator so he crossed his ankles as he leaned against the counter and watched. As she dried her hands, he renewed his attack on her senses only to have her turn and wrap her arms around his neck and her legs around his waist. Their mouths fused in a kiss, he somehow made it to the bedroom where he once again showed her how much he loved her.

Chapter 9

1345 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

A couple of weeks had past with little or no disturbances at JAG. Lt. Sam Vukovic continued to walk a fine line but so far had not crossed the line. Lt. Angela Mayfield had continued to hold her own and performed flawlessly in her duties. General Creswell had asked to meet with the senior attorneys to discuss the two newest staff members.

“You’ve had a chance to see both Mayfield and Vukovic in action in a variety of roles. I’d like to hear what each of you think of each of them. Roberts?”

“Well, Lt Vukovic thinks he’s smarter then anyone and that he is able to manipulate people to his will without them realizing what he’s doing.”

“But you see through him?”

“Yes sir.”

“So do you think you’re smarter then everyone Commander Roberts?”

“No sir.”

“Is he doing his job?” Creswell pressed.

“Yes, sir I think he is.”

“And Lt. Mayfield?”

“She excels at opening and closing arguments and is solid in every other aspect that I’ve seen so far.” Bud continued.

“Commander Turner?”

“Well sir, I think they both still need seasoning, however, Lt. Mayfield certainly knows how to conduct herself in the courtroom.”

“I’ll come back to you later, Commander. Colonel Mackenzie?”

“Sir, I have not seen anything that changes my opinion of Lt. Vukovic. He has potential, but he had not shown me the moral aptitude, integrity, or honor that he should in this position. I’m not certain he can change. Lt. Mayfield on the other hand, while solid in the court room has not been involved in the investigative arena very much. I would like to see he pull more investigative assignments so that we can get a more rounded view of her skills.”

“Thank you Colonel Mackenzie. Commander Rabb, have you had enough exposure to these two to give us your input?”

“Yes sir. I was concerned about Lt. Vukovic’s approach to cases before I went away on assignment and ran into my own problems. If it weren’t for the fact that it would be playing with people’s lives, I’d love to give him a run for his money and give him a dose of his own techniques...the problem is, I can’t do that to people.”

“No...but could you do it to him?” Creswell asked.

“Sir?”

“If Lt. Vukovic was charged and had to face court martial, could you use his techniques against him?”

“I’m not sure I’m following sir.”

“Colonel, you and Commander Rabb have both been on the bench before, correct?”

“Yes sir.”

“Commander Roberts, have you ever done any play acting?”

“A little sir.”

“I think Colonel Mackenzie should be on the bench and Rabb should prosecute while Roberts defends Lt. Vukovic on charges. You know there is a history between Mayfield and Vukovic. Perhaps she would give us something we could use to charge him with to teach him a lesson...Do you think Lt. Mayfield would help us on this?”

“We could ask her.” Mac said, catching on to Creswell’s plan.

“Explain it to the others Colonel. They’re looking lost.” Creswell gave his barely there smile.

“We charge Lt. Vukovic with something that seems like a minor case and a misunderstanding. Rabb has a reputation for being able to pull a rabbit out of his hat at the last minute and walking the line himself. No one will question if I give Harm a hard time as the judge or if he convinces me to see things his way. The shock of having to face a court martial because someone used devious methods or lied should prove our point. The charges of course are fake and after the verdict and his reaction and catharsis we’ll do the ‘gotcha’ thing and if he’s as smart as we think, he should learn from the experience.”

“And if he doesn’t?” asked Turner.

“We cut him loose and file real charges with the bar and get him out of the court room for good.” Creswell announced.

“What will my role in this be?” asked Sturgis.

“Nothing...you don’t have the make-up to pull this off.” Creswell informed him. “Colonel, would you be willing to talk to Lt. Mayfield and see if she is willing to go along with this?”

“Of course.” Mac agreed.

“I’ll talk to Admiral Morris so he knows what we are going to do. We need to make it look as real as possible.”

“What if he decides to go with his own civilian lawyer?” Sturgis asked.

“Not this guy. He’s more apt to insist he defend himself,” responded Harm.

“If he does then Commander Roberts will be assigned to sit second chair,” Creswell informed them.

Mac, on her way back to her office after the meeting with Creswell, happened to run into Lt. Mayfield as she stormed out of Lt. Vukovic’s office.

“Lt. Mayfield, join me in my office please.” Mac held the door and waited for the young woman to enter. “Have a seat, Angela. You look like you are about ready to explode. Talk to me.”

“Ma’am, its nothing...”

“Angela, your body language tells me that there is a problem and I saw you leaving Lt. Vukovic’s office. I’ve worked for years with an arrogant, cocky, know–it all...well until he finally grew-up...and I know how important it is to be able to vent when they push your buttons. So spill it to one who knows.”

“Yes, Ma’am. Begging your pardon Ma’am, I’ve heard the stories about Commander Rabb and nothing I’ve heard indicates that he was ever as despicable as Lt. Vukovic. I’m not sure I can work with him Ma’am.”

“Make your case.”

“He waits until the last possible second to disclose any information which forces me to scramble and burn the candle at both ends trying to get ready on time; he ‘accidentally’ includes lists of people that are not even involved with the case so I’m sent on wild goose chases; he gives me notes that can’t be read or that are misleading because of ‘typos’ he claims; he misdirected my client so that I had to request a delay because I hadn’t been able to meet with my client; Ma’am he does so many things to create problems with my work and to unnerve me or anyone he is going up against that - well I’m not sure its ethical but he always claims it was an accident and the judges seem to let him get away with it.”

“We have noticed some of these things as well Angela. How would you like to help us teach him a lesson?”

“How Ma’am?”

“Give him a taste of his own medicine.”

“Do you think it would work Ma’am?”

“We do. But we need your help to pull it off. You’ve known him longer then any of us, correct?”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

“We were thinking maybe there was a hint of something that would seem like fraternization and we could ‘charge’ him with that.”

“Not really Ma’am...I mean we did date a long time ago but only a few times. I broke it off with him after I saw him pull a few underhanded things. I also didn’t like his reaction when I won the debates. I’m not sure I could be convincing about fraternization charges...but unethical behavior I could get behind. I could air a lot of dirty laundry on him...things I’m sure he’s even forgotten about.”

“Would you be willing to ‘play act’ with us...maybe even find one or two other people from his past that would be willing to go along with this ruse?”

“I’m sure I can. I know a lot of people that would love to make him squirm. I guess the thing that bothers me most about Sam - Lt. Vukovic, is he’s good enough at what he does that he doesn’t need to resort to these tactics.”

“We agree. That’s why we aren’t really going to press charges, but we want him to see how close he is to crossing that line and really doing some damage.”

“You keep saying ‘we’ Ma’am. Can I know who is in on this?”

“Of course...General Creswell, Commander Rabb, Commander Roberts, and myself. Commander Turner and Admiral Morris are aware of it, but will not be taking an active role. I’m going to be assigned as judge; Roberts will be assigned to defend him and Rabb will prosecute. You will be one of Rabb’s star witnesses. Now what did Sam do this time that sent you into a rage?”

“Well Ma’am...this time he claims that the files he was suppose to turn over to me were accidentally left at home. It’s another delay tactic.”

“Very well. Hang on while I talk to General Creswell.” Mac waited for him to pick up when she buzzed his office. “Sir, it’s Colonel Mackenzie...I have Lt. Mayfield with me sir, and I think we have the perfect situation to put the plan in action...No, sir...fraternization wouldn’t be believable, but after the letter I put in his file, a charge of unethical behavior would be more believable and we could get people willing to go along with this ruse to give him a wake-up call...Yes sir, she’s her with me now...she was storming out of his office when I was returning to my office...its been an on-going problem sir...minor things mostly that create havoc and put him at an unfair advantage...yes sir, we’re on our way.” Mac set down the phone and looked at Angela Mayfield with a smile. “Ready to take action?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“We’re going to Creswell’s office, to report this complaint. Creswell will call him in and inform him of the charges. Let’s go.”

1510 Local

Creswell’s Office

JAG HQ

“Colonel, I’ve been thinking...we can’t have you sit on the bench as you were involved in the case. We could have you prosecute however. Could you pull off the tactics if we put Rabb in as the judge?”

Mac thought for a minute and remembered Harm’s stint as a judge and thought of all the ways that Rabb could bend the rules while she prosecuted.

”What if Turner defended him and Roberts was my second chair? I think it would be more believable and the dynamics between Rabb and Turner right now would create a little more tension perhaps.”

“Good point Colonel. I actually think Turner felt left out before...Coates, would you have Rabb, Turner and Roberts, come to my office, now. Please.”

When they reported, they were informed of the changes and Turner was delighted to be included this time. Rabb was excused and Coates was ordered to get Lt. Sam Vukovic ASAP. Creswell called Admiral Morris to inform him of their plan. The court room was available the following Wednesday and Rabb would be booked as presiding. That was posted before Vukovic ever got to the General’s office.

1945 local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Harm I’m telling you, you should have seen Sam’s face. He doesn’t know you’re going to be the judge yet but because of the letter I wrote and put in his file, we had actually laid the ground work to make this believable. Angela was priceless. She glared at him in the office while the charges were read and then admitted to me afterwards that she had all she could do not to burst out laughing. Sturgis was his indignant best protesting that these charges were trumped up and this was a hoax and not to worry he had connection and could make this go away! It only made Sam squirm more.”

“And its perfect that we all had Wednesday clear so we could do this...not let it hang. Let’s just hope Sturgis wasn’t too convincing.”

“He wasn’t Harm...it was perfect. Now I’m counting on you to help me come up with some tactics that I can use to be convincing too.”

“Bud may be able to help you as well...he’s creative.”

“Remember how he got into playing judge that time with the Admiral...oh wait, you weren’t there that weekend...”

“No...I was other wise occupied...”

“Sorry Harm...”

“No need. Jordie and I had good times but I knew that it wouldn’t be more then it was...she didn’t and I’m sorry she was hurt by my youthful callousness, but she eventually understood and said she learned a lot about herself and became a better person for our time together. I can live with that, I guess.”

“She was always convinced we would end up together.”

“And she was right. I’d like to be together with you right now, as a matter of fact.”

“Oh really?”

“Yes, I would.” Harm reached for Mac and pulled her towards him for a kiss only to be stopped by a hand against his chest.

“Hold up...we have things to discuss first before we get together.”

“Mmaacccc....” Harm groaned. “Now what?”

“Wedding...house...up-dates...?”

“Oh yeah...I’ve found two houses to look at and there are appointments set up for tomorrow. Can you make it?” Harm asked her.

“What time?”

“First viewing is at nine and the second is at ten.”

“Works great...I have an appointment at one,” Mac smiled.

“Do I need to go?”

“Nope...not to this one.”Mac assured him.

“So?”

“I have some things to check out tomorrow but by tomorrow night I should have the wedding date and location narrowed down to two choices for you.”

“Now can we get together?” Harm whined as he nuzzled her neck and pouted causing Mac to throw back her head and laugh. Mac gave in willingly to his tactics.

0720 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Morning Handsome.” Mac purred as she stretched and looked at Harm’s face so close to hers on the pillow.

“You really think I’m handsome?”

“Harmon Rabb! Have you looked in the mirror lately? Don’t you realize that as you have matured, you have gotten even better looking?” Mac watched his face and it suddenly hit her. Her sometimes arrogant and cocky handsome Naval aviator-pilot really didn’t understand how attractive he was to women. His bashfulness wasn’t a trick. He really wasn’t sure of himself anymore. “Harm, you really don’t realize that women practically drool over you?”

“Mac, stop. I’m a middle-aged lawyer and an almost washed up pilot...when I was younger maybe...yeah I knew I was attractive to women...but until you it had been three years...”

“Did I do that to you?”

“No!”

“Harm, don’t lie to me...did how I respond to you - or my lack of response to you make you that insecure?”

“It may have contributed,” Harm admitted.

“I’m so sorry...I really didn’t realize how much you cared for me at first. Why couldn’t you tell me before?”

“I wanted to Mac...but I didn’t want to burden you or make you feel sorry for me...”

“I’m so sorry Harm...I’m so sorry...” Mac kissed Harm and held him close to her.

“Mac, I’m okay...don’t feel guilty or beat yourself up. There were a lot of factors that eroded my self confidence in some ways. And you know what, you’ve more then restored my confidence in all the ways that matter...I know you find me attractive I know that you and I can please each other in every way that matters. And it only matters that I can please you.”

“Wow...you’re even sounding romantic at times Harm.”

“Ssshhhh..don’t spoil my womanizer, romance-less soul-less reputation.” They shared a smile and a quick kiss.

“Shower first, or fix breakfast,” Mac asked.

“I’ll fix breakfast...go ahead and hit the shower.”

“You know what I’d really like?”

“Dead animal?”

“No...I really want oatmeal with cinnamon and raisins.”

“I can do that. Coffee?”

“Of course.” Mac slipped out of bed, naked, and headed for the shower, while Harm pulled on his sweat pants and t-shirt.

2205 Local

Harm’s Apartment

North of Union Station

“Home at last,” Harm said as he set down his keys and hung their coats on the hooks.

“We accomplished a lot today. So have you decided which day you want to get married?” Mac asked.

“You said I could choose from March 12 or April 2?”

“Yes...and either one gives me what I want.”

“Then I want March 12.”

“Okay. So do you want to know what kind of wedding it will be and where?”

“Yes.”

“On March 12, 2005 we will be married in a candlelight ceremony - and you will be in uniform - at the chapel at Annapolis. Chaplain Turner will perform the mostly traditional ceremony.”

“Thank you...my mother will thank you...My Mother!”

“Harm?”

“I haven’t told my mother about us yet.”

“Then I think we should call her right now.”

“We can tell her about the wedding and the house at the same time.”

“Harm, you’re going to send her in to shock.”

“No...she’s going to say, what took you so long?” Harm grinned as he grabbed the phone and led her to the couch. He kissed Mac while he waited for the line to connect.

“Hi Mom.”

“Harm! It’s good to hear from you. How are you?”

“Good. I have some news for you...”

“Am I going to like it?”

“I think so?”

“Does it have anything to do with Mac?”

“Yes. Are you busy March 12?”

“Are you coming to visit?”

“Not that day...we’re getting married at the Chapel at Annapolis.”

“Well what took you so long?” Trish asked causing Mac and Harm to exchange a smile.

“Well we each had some things to work out.”

“And now you have?”

“Yes.”

“Congratulations to both of you. I’ll put March 12 in my calendar, son.”

“Thanks Mom...we have more news too.”

“Should I sit down?”

“No...We’re buying a house. Found one today that we both liked and we made an offer. We’ll see if we get it now.”

“Will you both be able to stay at JAG?”

“Probably not. We’ll talk to Creswell and it will be his call.”

“What are some of the options?”

“Well, one of us could get transferred to Quantico, the Pentagon, Pax River, even Annapolis. Like I said, we’ll have to wait and see.”

“Does Mac have her dress yet?”

“I don’t know. Would you like to talk to her?”

“Of course.”

“Mac, my mother...”

“Hello Mrs. Burnett.”

“Please don’t be so formal, Mac. Call me Trish or Mom.”

“Thank you Trish.”

“Mac, dear, do you have your wedding dress yet?”

“No...I’ve looked at a few.”

“Look I have mine that I wore when I married Harm’s father. I’m going to send it to you, and you decide if its anything you want or can use.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes. And no obligation...just take a look at it.”

“Thank you. I will”

“Is my son treating you right?”

“Yes, he’s wonderful to me.”

“Did he buy you an engagement ring?”

“Not yet.”

“Let me talk to him again.”

“Harmon?”

“Yes Mom.”

“Why haven’t you gotten her an engagement ring yet?”

“Wrong question.” Harm grinned at Mac.

“Did you buy her a ring?”

“Yes.”

“Have you given it to her yet?”

“No.”

“Did I ruin a surprise?”

“Not yet.”

“I have my old engagement ring, should I send it when I send my wedding dress? It would throw her off track maybe.”

“You can...thank you.”

“I can’t wait to fill Frank in, Harm. Congratulations.”

“Thanks Mom. Take care.” Harm set down the phone and turned his attention to Mac. “You know, we’ve had quite a day. We looked at two houses and placed a bid on one of them. You performed miracles and arranged our wedding. We’ve been out to dinner, told my mother about our wedding...what would you like to do now?”

“Sit here with you like this for a little while?” Mac murmured as she leaned her head back against his shoulder from her position nestled against his side on the couch. Her body relaxed against the warm strength of his.

Chapter 10

Monday

0655 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Major General Gordon Creswell sat at is desk reviewing his notes for the morning’s staff meeting. He heard a knock on his door and paused, somewhat puzzled as to who would beat Coates in, besides himself.

“Enter.”

“Good morning Sir. Would you have a minute to speak to Commander Rabb and myself about a matter?” Mac asked from the doorway.

“Come in Colonel...Commander.”

“Yes sir.”

“At ease, both of you. What’s going on?”

“Sir, as you know, Commander Rabb and I have been together at JAG now for almost nine years. Over that time we became very close...”

“Get to the point Colonel.”

“Yes sir. Commander Rabb and I are getting married on March 12, sir. We are prepared for one of us to be transferred to another command. In the meantime we will continue to keep our personal lives out of the office.”

“Are you sure you want to do this Colonel?”

“Sir?”

“Permanently hitch yourself to a Squid? You’re just beginning to get your Marine fire back - your competitive spirit.” Mac and Harm couldn’t stop the smiles as they heard Creswell’s comments.

“Will all due respect sir, I’m afraid you don’t realize how much this Squid is like most Marines in that regard.” Mac couldn’t keep the sparkle of happiness out of her eyes as she thought back to the competitive aspect that had characterized their relationship so many years. “Sir, one reason that it took us eight years to get together was because I thought Harm was too competitive and that it wouldn’t work with both of us needing to be first at everything we did.”

“What changed?”

“I grew up sir,” Harm spoke at last. “I decided that I’d always win if Mac was in my life and that anything else was icing on the cake.”

“Spoken like a true Squid...although I must say Rabb, from what I’ve seen you are the exception.”

“Thank you sir.” Harm nodded his appreciation for his commanding officer’s back-handed compliment.

“Congratulations. I will do my best to keep you both close to the area. Is there a preference that one of you have?”

“Sir,” Harm spoke up. “With the blemishes in my record, the likelihood of me making Captain is probably...” Harm’s voice trailed off as he realized what he was about to say. At the last second he changed his approach. “Let me rephrase that...there are enough blemishes in my record that a Captain’s board would need to be looking for a very unusual set of skills or abilities in order for me to make Captain. Lt. Colonel Mackenzie on the other hand, has a better then average chance of making full Colonel. I ask that whatever changes need to be made, please give her the opportunity to fulfill her career potential.”

“Don’t under estimate yourself or your value to the Navy, Commander.”

“Sir, in regards to our engagement, we want to keep it quiet until after we’ve taught Vukovic his lesson.”

“Very well. Dismissed.”

Harm and Mac left Creswell’s office and headed to get coffee before beginning the day.

“Harm, don’t fall on your sword for me...we’re beyond that.”

“Yes we are...in some ways. Look Mac, I was going to say my chances weren’t good about making captain, and then I remembered what you said Dr. McCool told you, about just because the chances were slim, didn’t mean it couldn’t still happen. That’s why I backtracked and rephrased. You didn’t think we still had a chance, but we’re getting married. No more giving up for either of us. We have dreams and we’re going to go after them. If we don’t achieve our dreams then we’ll still be happy because we’ll have each other and we’ll choose new dreams to focus on.”

“Remind me of that when I’m having a pessimistic moment, okay?” Mac smiled at her fiancé.

“You got it, Marine. Let’s get to work.”

Wednesday

0830 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Sam Vukovic squirmed in his chair yet again. He had not believed the charges could be real when Creswell had informed him of them last Friday, but then he had met with Commander Turner on Monday, who seemed to lack any sense of humor and who had drilled it into his head that this was no laughing matter. He kept telling him how it was bad enough that Mackenzie already had issues with him, but that Rabb was filling in on the bench while Sebring was away, and that the last time Mackenzie tried a case before Rabb, it wasn’t pretty.

Rumor had it that Mackenzie would be going at this with something to prove and that she was a force to be reckoned with when she was fired up. Turner had met briefly with Sam again on Tuesday, saying he had a lot to do to get ready and a busy schedule. Now it was getting close and Turner was frantically trying to meet with last minute witnesses that had been brought in.

“What can you tell me about your dealings with a Lt. Rob Moritz?” Turner was asking.

“Rob’s an old classmate...a little slow on the up-take if you ask me. Angela probably told Mackenzie about that little incident...”

“Spill it Sam.”

“One of my first assignments was against Moritz. I accidentally picked up some of his papers with mine and didn’t find them until we were in the courtroom. It was an accident, but Robbie got all hot under the collar and claimed he couldn’t be expected to do his job without materials he needed. The judge reprimanded him and forced him to continue. He never did get his act together that day.”

“Knock that smile off your face, Moritz. Rabb’s not going to be swayed by your sweet talk and humor. He’s been there done that and knows the difference between walking a fine line and crossing it. He’s not going to cut you any slack.”

The reality of the situation was finally getting through to Vukovic, yet he still felt that it was circumstantial, bitter grapes, and Rabb would have to disallow most of the testimony that had been lined up. At the very least the rush to judgement aspect that Turner was going to go for would get the case thrown out. Yet there was a niggling doubt and concerned that invaded Sam Vukovic’s conscience that hadn’t been their before.

Moving to the courtroom, Sam realized that they were late and that everyone else was in place by the time Turner and he walked in. All eyes were on him as they made their way to the table and took their seats.

“Thank you for joining us. Colonel Mackenzie?”

“Yes sir. We are charging Lt. Samuel Vukovic with unethical behavior and behavior unbecoming an officer.”

“Lt. Vukovic, how do you plead?”

“Not guilty sir.”

“Very well, Colonel are you ready to prove your case?”

“Yes sir I am.”

“Then call your first witness.”

“We call Lt. Angela Mayfield to the stand.”

The guard did not know that these proceedings weren’t real, as did any of the others that had not been in on the planning. Angela Mayfield was sworn in and Mac began questioning her.

“Lt. Mayfield, could explain how you know the defendant, Lt. Sam Vukovic?”

“Yes, Ma’am. We have know each other for awhile. We met at OCS and dated a few times. We were also at CJS together and I beat Lt. Vukovic in the debates. I was then sent home on leave for six months while my mother faced cancer and eventually died. I returned to duty here at JAG last month to discover that Lt. Vukovic had also been assigned here.”

“We’re sorry about your mother Lieutenant.”

“Objection...the Colonel is painting this witness with a sympathetic brush your honor,” Commander Turner protested.

“I’ll allow it. It helps set the context. Go ahead Colonel.”

“Thank you Commander Rabb. Now Lt. Mayfield, could you explain to us what happened last week between you and Lt. Vukovic that led you to file your complaint?”

“Yes Ma’am. He misdirected my client and forced me to request a delay from the judge who had warned us about creating delays in her courtroom.”

“Objection.”

“Over-ruled.”

“Is this the first time he has created problems for you?”

“No Ma’am.”

“Please tell us how Lt. Vukovic has impacted your ability as an attorney.”

“He waited until the last possible second to disclose information in the Hilderman case, which forced me to work until well after midnight and to start again the next morning before zero five hundred before going to court at zero nine hundred. Then on the Wallace case, he gave me a list of people that are not even involved with the case and it was on top of the actual list.”

“Have there been other things that have happened. Lt. Mayfield?”

“Yes. On the Dyllard case, the notes he gave me were illegible and when I complained to him he typed them and then had so many typos that he provided me with misinformation.”

“And how did this impact the case?”

“I had incorrect information which took me longer to verify and get correct and when I presented my case I ended up looking foolish because he claimed that I was presenting information to prove a matter that was already established.”

“And what was the result?”

“Lt. Vukovic convinced the judge that I had misread the notes he had given me by showing him a clean copy.”

“And did you show your version of the notes to the judge?”

“No Ma’am I couldn’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because that morning, just before court, Lt. Vukovic came into my office and spilled coffee on the files. That was one of the papers that was so bad that it had to be thrown away. The ink was literally washed away when the coffee spilled on it.”

“What was Lt. Vukovic’s reaction?”

“He apologized and offered to get me a fresh copy of the notes.”

“And did he?”

“Yes. He handed them to me as we arrived in court. I had no need or time to look at them, I thought, before I presented my case.”

“Objection your Honor.”

“On what grounds?”

“This is her word against his. We have no proof, no evidence that she isn’t making this up.”

“You Honor?” Mac broke in. “That’s what this hearing is about. A fact finding mission. The witness swore an oath to tell the truth.”

“I agree with the Colonel, Commander. Over ruled.”

“Thank you. That’s all for now.”

“Commander Turner, do you have questions for this witness?”

“Yes, I do. Lt. Mayfield, what explanation did Lt. Vukovic give you for the last minute disclosure?”

“He said he thought I had already been given the information.”

“And what about the extra list of people?”

“Claimed it was an accident.”

“Aren’t you really just upset about him ending the relationship with you? Aren’t these sour grapes, Lieutenant?”

“Objection! Counsel is badgering the witness.”

“Sustained.”

“Your honor!” Turner hollered.

“Sustained...move on.” Harm returned with clenched teeth.

“I have no further questions for this witness at this time.”

“Colonel, call your next witness.”

“We call Lt. Robert Moritz to the stand.” A plain, non-descript looking young man approached the stand. Once Lt. Moritz was sworn in, Mac began getting his story. A definite pattern was unfolding, one that even Vukovic was forced to see.

“Good morning, Lt. Moritz. Thank you for making the trip. Could you please tell us how you know Lt. Vukovic?”

“Yes Ma’am. We were in boot camp together and then met up again at OCS and Criminal Justice School.”

“And how would you characterize your relationship?”

“I’m not sure...hunter and the prey maybe...or bully and the geek.” Every one twittered at his explanation.

“I think we get the picture. Lt. Vukovic thinks he’s better then you, doesn’t he?”

“Objection!”

“I’ll rephrase your honor...Lt. Moritz, had Lt. Vukovic ever told you how he thinks of you?”

“Yes Ma’am. He told me on more then one occasion that I belong at the computer doing research not in the public eye where my mere presence would create an eye sore.”

“What about your work? Has he made comments to you about the quality of your work?”

“He said that my openings and closings were boring and that the judges and members would fall asleep the way I did things. He told me I should make things more exciting, living on the edge a little.”

“What do you think he met by that?”

“He was telling me that unless I was as dramatic and flamboyant in my approach as he was, I wasn’t any good. I took it to mean he thinks he’s better then the rest of us.”

“Thank you Lt. Commander?”

“Lt. Moritz, have you ever seen a judge take issue with the way Lt. Vukovic does things?”

“No sir.”

“Why do you think that is?”

“I’ve never been in court against him sir.”

Commander Turner picked up his notes from Colonel Mackenzie and reread the phrase aloud, “...It is as if...the judges overlook everything he does. When I have been in the court room, judges don’t usually tolerate the type of behavior exhibited by Lt. Vukovic...Your Honor, this information that was provided to me was misleading.”

“Over ruled. Counsel can’t be held accountable for your lack of care and understanding reading notes and not clarifying what you didn’t understand.”

“I have no further questions for this witness.”

There was a disturbance at the back of the courtroom and the bailiff approached Commander Rabb, the presiding judge. “Sir, there are three people here asking to make comments in this case.”

“Send them in.” Harm watched the two first lieutenants and the gunnery sargent enter the court room and stand at attention. “One at a time state your name and explain why you are here.”

“Lt. Michael Knotts, sir. I heard that someone was finally calling Lt. Vukovic on his tactics. I wanted to share my experience with him.”

“Lt. Marcus Lopez sir. I also have pertinent information.”

“Gunnery Sargent Kyle Delbert. I also have witnessed Lt. Vukovic’s behavior which was unbecoming of an officer.”

“Colonel Mackenzie, are these witnesses you’ve called?”

“I spoke to each one on the phone. I did not list them as witnesses as they told me that they would not be able to attend.”

“I can accept that. Commander Turner, would you like a chance to interview these witnesses before we hear from them?”

“Yes sir, and also time to confer with my client.”

“Granted. We will take a thirty minute recess.” Harm lowered the gavel and left to the judges chambers where Creswell was waiting for him.

“Commander, what do you think?”

“Commander Turner had been doing a convincing job as defense Counsel. Everyone is making their role very believable. It also seems like we really could press charges and make them stick.”

“That’s good, because if he doesn’t get the point of all this and continues with this behavior, I will press charges. Carry on Commander.”

“Aye, aye, sir.”

Harm used the time to review a couple of his own cases while he waited for the time to pass until ‘court’ would resume.

Conference Room

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Lt. Vukovic, I am going in to hear what these people have to say. Are any of them going to offer information that can help your case?” Commander Turner wanted to know as he punched each word as he spoke.

“I doubt it sir.”

“Lieutenant, you had no one for me to call that could help your case. Your word is being portrayed as nothing to trust...do you want to sit and listen to what these people have to say or are you ready to change your plea?”

“What happens if I change my plea? What will Colonel Mackenzie agree to?”

“Shall I go talk to her?”

“Yes.”

“Alright. Stay put and use the time to think about what you are going to say in your own defense. I know the Colonel and Commander Rabb well enough to know that you are going to have to make a statement on your own behalf before this is going to be put to rest.”

”Yes sir.”

Colonel Mackenzie’s Office

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“Colonel Mackenzie, my client is considering changing his plea. What is your best offer?”

“Commander, does your client just want to get off or does he really get the point?”

“I believe he gets the point, Colonel.”

“Excellent. He needs to make a public apology to those people that were effected by his callous behavior. He needs to state for the record enough of his discretions so that prosecution is certain he understands everyone that suffers as a result of his underhanded methods. For the record, one of the people that came in was found guilty of the charges against him as a result of Vukovic’s lies and manipulations. He spent two months in the brig before the guilty party was discovered during another trial.”

“You are playing this very close to real, Colonel.”

“Yes I am. The more I gathered the more serious the situation was becoming. However, General Creswell, Harm and I all agreed that he’s young, spoiled, and should have a chance to change things.”

“We will see you in the court room where he will make his statement.”

1106 Local

Court Room

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

“It is my understanding that a plea agreement had been reached. Colonel Mackenzie, would you outline the terms?”

“Yes Your Honor. We will accept full disclosure of Lt. Vukovic’s deeds and acknowledgment of how he his action impacted others including public apologies toward those individuals effected by his actions in exchange for a guilty plea.”

“Have other consequences been discussed?” Judge Rabb inquired.

“Your honor, further consequences will be left to your discretion after hearing the defendant’s statements.”

“Very well, Lt. Vukovic please rise. Are you prepared to give your statement?”

“Yes sir.”

“Please come forward and be sworn in.”

Colonel Mackenzie swore Lt. Vukovic in and then returned to her seat.

“Go ahead,” Rabb instructed.

“I have come to realize that I cannot control my world to the extent I wish too. It hurts to many people. As a child growing up I was pampered and because I was good-looking I seemed to get every thing I wanted and people would do what I asked. Pranks always got the desired result for me.

“Afterward I would apologize and be forgiven my human error. I never saw how my actions impacted those around me...and when I did I would rationalize it that anybody could use the same techniques I did and if they didn’t it was there lost and my advantage.

“Then, some of my techniques were used against me by Lt. Mayfield and Lt. Moritz which resulted in my losing a debate. Instead of learning from the unfairness I felt, I just tried harder to get away with what I did. As a result, Gunnery Sargent Delbert was found guilty of a crime he didn’t commit. Gunny, I’m sorry that you went through all that. Had I been fair and just, we would have had the evidence in court that day that would have cleared your name and kept you from the brig.

“I’ve spent a lot of time thinking the last three days how terrifying it can be to face brig time. An innocent man shouldn’t have to go through that.

“At the same time, I now realize that I haven’t been innocent. I am guilty of hurting people and being deceptive. That is not how I was taught to be as an officer. I lost sight of that.

“I haven’t been here at JAG very long, but Lt. Mayfield has been dealt a lot this past year and I did nothing to help her ease into her first cases here. I immediately started playing what I thought were pranks and therefore quite funny, until she made me realize today that she has been dealing with a lot. I gave her unnecessary work to do increasing her caseload and created distraction that could have cost her the case and put other innocent people behind bars.

“Colonel, I’ve never had to face losing someone like you have, I don’t even know if I have the capacity to feel like most people. I’ve been sheltered, pampered and spoiled and I never thought about the stress someone must cope with while trying to do a stressful job until now. I had heard the phrase, ‘the human factor’ but never really understood it before. When we take off the uniform, we are still people living life the best we can...I forgot that other people take off the uniform too. I’m sorry to have added to your stress when you were worried about someone you cared about.

“The people at JAG have a reputation for being the best of the best. I have not lived up to that expectation. I would like another chance to show that I am a good lawyer and that I can be a good person...with the help of people that are willing to show me the errors of my ways.”

Sam Vukovic hung his head to regain his composure. He never had faced the risk of losing something important to him. He had never let the walls down and allowed himself to care or to feel beyond the superficial. In the court room, in front of these people, most of which he had treated poorly in one form or another, he faced losing the respect he thought the uniform gave him. He only now realized that he wanted the respect as a person and not the respect of the uniform. That was what had been missing.

During his introspection, he didn’t see the looks that passed between Colonel Mackenzie, Commander Rabb, Commander Turner, Commander Roberts, and General Creswell. The silent acknowledgment that he got the message they were sending to each other.

“Lt. Vukovic,” Commander Rabb began. “I hope you truly understand the message we have been trying to send you and that your words are true and from the heart. If not, and you continue to exhibit this pattern, then you really will be faced with these charges. These people here today are here to teach you a lesson. And while for some they are here for a taste of revenge, many of us believe in you and want you to be able to be the officer, person and lawyer that we feel you have the potential to be.”

“You mean this was all a ruse? I’m not going to have this on my record?” Sam Vukovic looked at the senior officers in the court room.

“Not if you meant what you said and you step up to the plate and become the Marine you were taught to be,” General Creswell glowered at him. “I will not have someone in my command that cannot learn from their mistakes and become a better person for it. Everyone of us here has made mistakes. We are all human. But if we try and do the right thing, if we learn from our mistakes, it makes us tougher, stronger, smarter and more compassionate.

“I’d like to thank Commanders Rabb and Turner, Colonel Mackenzie, and Lt. Commander Roberts as well as the rest of you for your work in preparing this lesson. It is my sincerest hope that it will pay dividends in the future and be worth the time, expense, and heartache endured. Dismissed.” Creswell turned on his heel and left.

The witnesses spoke to Lt. Vukovic briefly and then left, leaving the senior attorneys and Lt. Mayfield to wrap up with Lt. Vukovic.

“You know, we use to get together as a group about once a week. Sometimes to have a drink; sometimes for a meal. We haven’t done that in a few years. I think we need to start that tradition again. What do you say to all of us having lunch together today?” Harm asked the group.

“Sounds good to me,” Creswell announced from the door.

“Sir, I didn’t realize you had returned,” Harm turned to include the General.

“I like the idea. I think it would be a fitting finish to this exercise. Shall we try that new place that opened up about two miles from here?” Creswell suggested.

All were in agreement and the return of the weekly JAG family times had officially begun.

Chapter 11

Tuesday

0459 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Mac felt something tickle her nose and got a strong aroma of roses. Opening her eyes, she realized the bedroom was softly lit by candles and Harm was leaning on his elbow, propping up his head using a red rose to lightly brushing it over her face.

“Happy Valentine’s Day, Sarah.”

“Wow...good morning...and Happy Valentine’s Day to you...this is a surprise.”

“Good...I want to surprise you - keeps you off center and give me a chance,” Harm smiled as he claimed her lips for another kiss.”

“A chance for what?”

“Romance? Mystery?” Harm shrugged a little and continued to touch her face and neck with the rose. Each time she would brush it away from her face, he dangled it in her face a little more. Kissing her again, he grew a little bolder with the rose and began to outline her beautiful breasts, pushing down the sheet to expose them to his view. He heard her little gasp, telling him she liked what he was doing and it was arousing her. Soon the rose was forgotten and placed on the bedside table while Harm and Mac enjoyed some early morning passion.

They ended up rushing to get ready for work and grabbed a bagel and coffee from the drive-through on the corner for the ride to Falls Church and JAG Headquarters. Harm continued to carry the rose around and tease Mac with it each chance he got.

“Do you have plans for dinner tonight?” Harm asked her as they parked in their usual spot.

“Well, I was thinking of having a dinner delivered at home for us from Luigi’s. Do you have a better offer?”

“No...that will work...Mac,” Harm started as he waved the rose in her face yet again.

“Harm, stop with the rose...it turns me on thinking about what you were doing with it this morning...the way you woke me up...”

“Really?” Harm grinned feeling rather pleased with himself, but frustrated at Mac’s less then stellar powers of observation this morning. “I’ll remember that...but Mac...Sarah...I really wanted you to have this before we went to work today. This isn’t as romantic as I had planned, but I can’t believe you didn’t see what is in the rose...” Once again he touched her face with the rose and held it up for her to see.

This time, the light caught it just right and the reflection drew her attention.

“Harm - is this...?” Mac stopped looking up at him in amazement.

“An engagement ring. We continue to do things backwards Mac...we discuss having a baby before we even go out on a date. We buy a house and plan a wedding before I even give you an engagement ring...”

“I think we’ve even experienced a divorce or at least a separation before we’ve exchanged vows too.” Mac smiled, her eyed shiny with happy tears.

“Will you marry me Sarah?”

“Yes. Thank you Harm...this is beautiful...but it’s not the ring your Mom sent is it?”

“No...I had already found this one and picked it out. I want you to have the other one, if you want it, but it isn’t what I pictured you would want to wear day in and day out as an engagement ring.”

“Smart man. Your mother’s ring is beautiful and there are times I would wear it on my right hand, but you’re right...this is more me. Thank you Harm, it’s beautiful.”

He slid it on her hand and they got out and entered JAG together. Today they would officially announce their change of status and tell the staff of Harm’s pending reassignment.

0800 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Harm and Mac entered JAG ops without a second to spare. As they entered, Petty Officer Coates called out, “At-ten-tion!”

“At ease people. There are a few announcements that need to be made. Beginning today, Commander Rabb will begin his new assignment as an advisor to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. They were knowledgeable about Commander Rabb as he had been in high profile situations over the years and they still wanted him. However, they also said that there will be times they won’t need him and during those times, he will be on loan to us here at JAG. For that reason, he will continue to have an office here with us. He has several open cases he will be completing as well.

“Commander Rabb’s experience as a pilot and in combat coupled with his ability to serve as legal counsel was a very attractive package to the Joint Chiefs. It seems that he is also an attractive package to Colonel Mackenzie as well...Commander, would you like to make the announcement?”

“Thank you sir. As most of you know, Colonel Mackenzie and I have quite a history together, but despite that, she has agreed to become my wife and allow me the honor of being her husband. We’ll be getting married on March 12 in the Chapel at Annapolis.” The group applauded and then General Creswell released them to return to their duties.

“Thank you sir,” Harm turned toward the General. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity.”

“Well, Commander, there was interest in Colonel Mackenzie, but I thought I needed to keep the Marine here in my command. I want a chance to beat her at the pistol range next time.”

Harm turned to see Mac looking at her ring.

“Feel okay?”

“It’s perfect. I never expected things to come together as well. We get to work together some and you get to have a challenging job that incorporates both of your areas of expertise. If only...” Mac trailed off as tears came to her eyes.

“Mac...stay positive...the doctor said that a positive attitude is important. We’ve only been trying a month. And we know from our research that the window of opportunity is really about seventy-two hours each month.”

“I know...I’ll see you later, okay?”

“I love you. Have a good day.”

“I love you too, Harm.”

1850 Local

Mac’s Apartment

Georgetown

Mac juggled her keys, the dozen roses that had been delivered to the office earlier in the day, and her brief case as she made her way into the apartment. Harm had been called to his new office shortly after lunch with a Navy issue car, so Mac had driven herself home in his SUV.

She had tried to call him several times to find out what time he expected to be home, but had only reached his voice mail. After leaving three messages, she had stopped trying to call.

Once she set things down in the apartment, she checked her messages.

“Hey Honey, its me. Sorry I didn’t catch you at JAG, but why don’t you change your clothes and meet me at the new house. There’s been a slight change of plans but not a thing for you to worry about. I’ve got my cell phone recharging, so call if you won’t be able to make it before 1930 okay? See you soon. I love you.”

The line disconnected and Mac had to smile. That man was full of surprises lately. They had gotten word that the bid had been accepted on the house they liked in Arlington Heights. She suspected that he had arranged to have her surprise dinner transferred to the new house.

Mac went into rapid Marine mode, stripping off her uniform as she went, and adjusting the shower. She combed out her hair, jumped in the shower and quickly shampooed and showered before toweling drying while she pulled out her clothes. She tossed the satin underwear and the sweater dress she had worn the first night they had made love onto the bed. She took out her tights and knee high boots before tossing the towel aside and getting dressed. Combing out her hair she allowed herself three minutes to blow dry it before putting on the dress and the boots. Slipping into her coat, grabbing Harms keys and her purse, she was on her way in sixteen minutes flat.

The trip to the new house in Arlington Heights was only twelve minutes from her apartment. She found it with no problem, although she didn’t see Harm’s car in the drive way. Locking the SUV she made her way to the front door and rang the bell.

Harm answered it right away. She was greeted with a kiss and hug and then led into the candle lit dining room that had been set up with a table and two chairs, a warming table, an ice bucket, more roses in a centerpiece in the middle of the white lace covered table.

“Wow! Harm this is fantastic. How did you get the key early?”

“Happy Valentine’s Day Mac,” Harm handed her the papers and a set of keys to the house including the remote for the garage door opener. “Do you mind that I signed everything without you so I could surprise you?”

“Oh no...this is a wonderful surprise.”

“Let’s eat the dinner you arranged, and then I’ll show you the rest of the surprise.”

Harm and Mac enjoyed their dinner. Before having desert, Harm took her hand and led her on a walk through of their house. The downstairs floor plan included the kitchen, dining room, living room, office and a bathroom. A door from the kitchen opened onto the back porch which connected to the garage. The basement was finished with designated areas for exercise equipment, a laundry room, and what could be a family room. Upstairs there were three bedrooms, and two bathrooms with another area that could be used for an office area. It was a 1950's type cape home that had been updated to include vinyl siding.

They walked into the master suite to find Harm’s bed from his apartment.

“Harm? When did you do this?” Mac asked.

“Actually Sturgis helped me. He picked up the rental truck I had ordered and met me at my place. While I was waiting for him, I packed some stuff...come here.” Harm led her into the closet area. Clean uniforms were hanging side by side in the closet and in the drawer were underclothes and nightwear for each of them. In the bathroom was their toiletry items that had been at Harm’s as well as some fluffy towels and wash clothes.

“What do you think Mac? Shall we christen our new home tonight...on Valentine’s Day?” Harm asked.

In response, Mac, touched by all he had done, moved into his arms leaving no doubt in his mind that she wanted him as much as he wanted her.

That weekend, the rest of their things from Harm’s apartment were moved into the new house. Harm also found someone to rent the space, Lt. Sam Vukovic. He had been staying at temporary quarters at Quantico and was thrill to find a bachelor pad of his own. Angie Mayfield was interested in taking over Mac’s apartment. It felt like the new generation of JAG was moving in while the seniors were moving up and on.

The following weekend, Mac’s apartment was vacated. By combining the furnishings from their two apartments, they had more then enough to get started in the new house. Many of their duplicate items were offered to the new tenants of their old apartments.

March 6

0730 Local

New House

Arlington Heights, Virginia

A little less then a week before the wedding, Harm and Mac were laying in bed talking about their plans. Harm realized that Mac had gotten very quiet and suspected that realizing the day before that another month had passed and she wasn’t pregnant yet had a great deal to do with it.

“Honey, what’s the matter?”

“I was just thinking about those two empty bedrooms down the hall...the ones I wanted to fill with our babies...”

“I know...give it a little time...we’ve only been trying two months...and we’ve been busy.”

“I know. Still, I’ve been thinking...I wanted to feel that I created something and carrying a baby would give me that sense of accomplishment...but I was thinking...there’s more to just carrying a baby. The real work is once they are placed in your arms and given into your trust and care.

“Harriet creates a loving home and a nurturing environment for her children...my mother couldn’t do that and sustain it...I mean she did for a little while but then her needs were too great and she couldn’t do it. If I was able to create a home for another child...one that I didn’t create...then I guess I would be taking on the greater challenge wouldn’t I?”

“Yes.”

“And I could focus on creating a loving home, right?”

“Yes.”

“Harm, do you think after we get back from our honeymoon, we could talk to social services about taking on a foster child that might be available for adoption?”

“Do you want to start with foster care or go straight to adoption?”

“Let’s start with foster care...I mean, you’re in the system because of Mattie and I’m in the partner program because of Chloe...”

“Does this mean you want to stop trying for our own child?”

“No. But I want to remove this driving need I feel and maybe it will improve my chances for conception. You were right you know when you said that the most important thing was we do this together.” Mac leaned over to kiss her fiancé with a new resolve and openness about her.

March 12

2000 Local

Chapel at Annapolis

The candle light shimmered while the tiny white lights twinkled on the patio at the Officer’s Club across the way. The music began and Sarah Mackenzie walked down the aisle in a vintage wedding dress previously worn by Harm’s mother when she had married his father. Sarah was breathlessly beautiful as she glided down the aisle in the vintage dress with its delicate pearl beads on the sheer inset connecting the pearl crusted silk choker at her neck to the silk covering her breasts glowed; the shimmer of the silk in the bodice and skirt; and the silk covered shoes on her feet.

Harm wore his mess dress uniform as he waited for Sarah to reach him and take his hand. Harriet waited to stand next to Mac while Bud waited at Harm’s side. At last, Sarah placed her hand in Harm’s. Chaplain Turner led them through their traditional vows. After the ceremony they posed for pictures with Harriet and Bud and then Trish and Frank Burnett. Another picture had Chloe and Mattie with Harm and Mac.

When they finally filed out of the chapel to make their way to the Officer’s club everyone was there waiting for them. Once there they were toasted before they began to eat their late dinner. Harm and Mac enjoyed their wedding dance before cutting the cake. They carefully fed each other the first bite without smashing the cake in each other’s faces as everyone had anticipated. At 2200, Harm and Mac made their way into the limo waiting to take them to the airport. They flew to Frank’s place in the Bahamas for their honeymoon.

Chapter 12

April 6

1530 Local

JAG HQ

Falls Church, Virginia

Mac had been busy enough all day that she didn’t have time to dwell on the discovery that another month had come and gone and she still wasn’t pregnant. She had suspected it when she had melted into a pool of tears over nothing the night before. She and Harm had been decorating the two extra bedrooms and picking up some baby and toddler furniture in case Child Protective Services had a child to place with them.

They had a variety of car seats on hand in the basement as a result of shopping at used furniture places. They also found that having some items on hand, like booster seats, high chairs, and baby swings were an asset when Harriet and Bud brought their family for a visit.

Mac answered the phone before she left her office to consult with Angie on a case.

“Lt. Colonel Rabb.”

“Sarah Rabb?”

“Yes.”

“This is Marta from Child Protective Services. Are you and your husband still interested in providing foster care?”

“Yes!”

“Well we have a four month old baby girl and her two year old brother that we need a home for. They were found in an abandoned car and we have been unable to locate their parents although they have been identified.”

“Are the children injured?”

“No. They have been at one of our homes for observation for three weeks and we are confident that they will need long term foster care and may be available for adoption. We know that their father, a Marine, just returned from Iraq. Their mother had grown up in our system and has no one of her own. She met him while she was in the Corps as well, but left so they could marry. From what we’ve been able to find out, he had no family either.”

“Oh those poor babies...What are their names?”

“Sonya and Zachary...we felt that you and your husband being military would be good candidates. As you know, we can help you with daycare until you find your own approved daycare provider...oh I see where Harriet Roberts has already been approved to do child care and she is able and willing to take your children anytime as she is a stay at home Mom. You are lucky to have this available to you.”

“Thank you. Do you want us to pick them up?”

“No, we’ll bring them to you. Would five o’clock be okay?”

“Yes, I can be there. I’ll call my husband and they secure here and head home.”

“We’ll bring ‘starter packages’ to help you get through tonight and tomorrow. We find that it makes it helpful when we drop children on people’s doorstep with so little notice.”

“Ill see you later, Marta...thank you.” Mac hung up and immediately dialed Harm’s office. Today he was at the Pentagon.

“Commander Rabb.”

“Can you get out early and be home by seventeen hundred?”

“I think so. What’s going on?”

“Marta called...she’s bringing us two babies!”

“Twins?”

“No...well one baby - Sonya, four months old and a two year old boy, Zachary. Brother and sister.”

“I’ll be there. You okay?”

“Yeah...they think their parents have been killed and both of them had no family. All they had was each other.”

“Congratulations, Mom...time to create that home we talked about.”

“Yeah....I’ll see you at home.”

1500 Local

Rabb Residence

Arlington Heights, Virginia

“Harm, there here!”

“Okay. Let’s go meet them.”

“Hello Mr. Rabb, Mrs. Rabb...Sorry, Commander and Colonel...I forget to use ranks all the time.”

“It’s okay Marta...we’re Harm and Mac to most people outside the office. Where are they?”

“Right here.” Marta opened the back door of the car, reached in to unbuckle a dark haired, brown eyed little boy. He was dressed in blue jeans and a red t-shirt that spelled out ‘USMC’ on the front. Over that he had on a yellow fleece jacket unzipped. He wore sneakers with lights in the soles that flickered when he walked.

“This is Zachary.”

“Zachary, meet Harm and Mac...you are going to live with them for awhile.” Marta watched as Harm knelt down to the little boy and reached out to shake his hand.

“Hello Zach...I’m Harm...and this is Mac...We’ve been waiting for a little boy like you to come share our home.” He shook hands with the little boy who looked at him with his big eyes. Zach spotted the medals on Harm’s uniform.

Zach reached up and touched the medals on Harms chest whispered, “Daddy...” before bursting into tears. Harm gathered the little boy into his arms and picked him up and held him, rubbing his back.

“It’s okay son...go ahead and cry. I know, you miss your real Mom and Dad, but we’ll take good care of you. We’ll try to find them too. Ssshhhh....” Harm soothed the toddler while Mac and Marta looked on. As he quieted, Marta reached in and removed a baby carrier from the backseat handing it to Mac.

“I also have bags for each of them in the trunk.”

Mac picked up the carrier with baby Sonya. Her hair was a shade lighter then her brothers and she was asleep so Mac couldn’t see her eyes. Marta stood by the open trunk waiting for Harm and Mac to take the things there.

They each took a backpack stuffed full and Marta removed a box and proceeded to carry it up to the house. Zach clung to Harm as they made their way inside.

They took the children upstairs to the bedrooms first. A crib and a playpen were set up in one room...the one closest to Harm and Mac’s room. They had also collected some toys and Harm tried setting Zach down to show him the toys. At first, he hung on to Harm’s leg, and just stared at the toys. Then he went to where Sonya slept in her seat and pointed to the baby.

“Sonny...” and he kissed her forehead. “Nap.”

“That’s right, Sonya is sleeping...taking a nap. Have you eaten? Are you hungry?”

“P-but’r!” Zach announced smiling at Harm.

“Have they eaten dinner?” Harm asked Sonya.

“No. There is a paper in each bag that tells you what foods they like, and what they don’t like. We were able to get some clothes and toys from home, but we are limited to what fits in one back pack. Is there anything you want to know or anything you need before I leave?”

“I guess not.”

“Very good. I’ll see myself out. Someone will contact you from our office to schedule visits and check in each week. Have a good night.” And with that Marta was gone.

“Wow...Harm...we have an instant family.”

“Yes, we do. I think we need to take tomorrow off to get settled in. I’ve already called in and arranged it for me. Why don’t you take him down and start supper? I’m going to unpack their bags and then I’ll change her before I come down and join you.”

“Good plan, Marine...see you in the kitchen. Come on Zach...let’s go get rid of this uniform and then fix dinner.”

“P-but’r!” Zach said again smiling at Harm and nodding his head, yes. His little arm resting on Harm’s shoulder. Harm set him down on the bed and got his coat off and hung-up. Zach slid off the bed and followed him holding to Harm’s pant leg. Grabbing his jeans and a t-shirt, he finally got changed just as Mac came in the room carrying the baby in her arms.

“I haven’t perfected one handed dressing yet,” Harm grinned when she raised her eyebrows finding him still there.

“Problems?”

“Just takes longer when someone is hanging on to you. So what does our little man like and dislike?”

“Always asks for peanut butter but will eat most things. If he refuses something, don’t make him eat it as he will vomit if he does. Something about his gag reflex is over active when he doesn’t feel just right and certain foods or orders can trigger it.”

“Sonya?”

“Unknown basically...still on formula. I’ll have to go see a pediatrician with both of them. I have copies of their medical records in their bags. There’s not much for clothing. He’s not toilet trained apparently. I found a couple of pairs of training pants, a pull-up and a couple of diapers. I’ll see what’s in that box when we go downstairs. Why don’t you take Sonya down and I’ll see if he needs a clean diaper?”

“Okay...how about that Zach. You go with Mac and get dry pants on before you come downstairs.”

“No! Potty...”

“Do you use the big potty, Zach?” Harm asked. Zach nodded his head in response.

“Will you tell us when you’ve got to go?” Again he nodded.

“Sonny -baby. Zach big boy!”

“Okay, Big Boy...let’s go then.” Harm scooped Zachary up in his arms and was glad to hear the child giggle as they jogged down the stairs.

Mac shook her head and laughed listening to them. Once she was changed, she put Sonya in the snugly and headed downstairs. She loved the feel of the baby nestled against her.

Zach was in the high chair eating a cracker with a touch of peanut butter on it while Harm was fixing dinner. He had a salad ready for Mac and himself with cold chicken and feta cheese. For Zach, he chopped up some chicken, had chunks of cucumber, tomato, cheese, apple slices, and a sippy cup with milk. He set the plate with the finger food on it in front of Zach and offered him a child size fork. He used it with ease.

“Hey Mac, I set the swing up if you want to put her in there while you eat.”

“Thanks. Good idea...although I’ve got to admit I like carrying her against my body.”

Zach watched his sister in the swing. The baby girl had finally woken up and opened her eyes enough that Harm and Mac were able to see her green eyes. Without exchanging a word they knew the other one was aware of the coincidence...

<FLASHBACK>

“With your looks and my brains, he’s be perfect,” Harm had said.

“What if she has your looks and my brains,” Mac countered.

“That could work too.”

<END FLASHBACK>

Once again it looked like the fates had conspired to make Harm and Macs words come true. It was an omen.

EPILOGUE

On May 18, 2007 Sarah and Harmon Rabb became the adoptive parents of Sonya and Zachary Rabb. Two children that needed their love that also fulfilled their promise to each other. Later that same day a phone call came from the doctor’s office.

“Mrs. Rabb?”

“Yes.”

“This is Dr. Chen’s office. Congratulations.”

“Excuse me?”

“Your test was positive...you’re pregnant.”

“Thank you,” Mac set the phone down and turned to her husband. “Harm...we did it! We did it! Thank you!”

“You’re pregnant?”

“Yes!”

Harm picked her up and swung her around before setting her down and kissing her. On AJ Robert’s eighth birthday they achieved what they had accepted was not going to happen, Mac was going to get to carry their own baby.”

November 12, 2007

2150 Local

Naval Medical Center

Bethesda, Maryland

“I have to go soon Mac, but you did great in there today,” Harm whispered as he kissed her lips. She was exhausted after giving birth to twins. Both babies were over five pounds despite being born about a month early. “Get some sleep. I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Night...Love you.” Mac whispered half asleep.

Harm walked past the nursery again to look in on his son and daughter sleeping in their basinet as they had most twins do in the hospital. Science had shown that separating twins too quickly often resulted in a failure to thrive. Separation three to five days after birth had significantly higher success rates.

Tears came to his eyes as he realized how lucky he and Mac had been to conceive in the first place and then to have her carry to viable term and give birth to two healthy babies...a boy and a girl...he felt that he had again used up all his luck and that he needed to be very careful so that he could enjoy the gifts he had been given in his life.

THE END