A Time to Die
Author: Musicat
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters. I am
simply borrowing them for entertainment purposes only.
Rating: NC17 
Spoilers: All Ye Faithful
Summary: Someone is out to kill off the JAG staff.
They must find the culprit before it’s too late.
Warning: Minor character deaths. Harm/Mac Shipper
Alert!
Comments: Welcome at musicat12@yahoo.com. Thanks and
enjoy!

1245 Zulu (0745 EST) 
January 10, 2003
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Not much snow had befallen Virginia so far this
winter, if fact for mid January it was unusually warm.
The ground was shiny, the remains of a small rain
shower that had passed through during the night. This
morning the sun shown brightly and with the exception
of a few fluffy clouds the sky was clear and blue.

The Admiral’s car pulled into the nearly empty parking
lot and pulled into its space. Rear Admiral A.J.
Chegwidden stepped out of his car and paused for a
moment to take in the fresh morning air. Normally the
Admiral would be too busy or preoccupied to think much
of the weather, especially when it was not the kind to
inhibit his commute. Today he couldn’t help but have a
smile on his face as he lingered in the beauty of the
morning. 

Ever since the Roberts’ Christmas gala, AJ couldn’t
help but be happy. He felt as if a huge burden had
been lifted from his shoulders. The last few months
had been hard on him. His relationship with Meredith
Cavanaugh had been taking a toll on him. He had been
tormenting himself as to the handling of her
attraction for danger. At the Roberts’ on Christmas
Eve, he saw something extraordinary in her. When she
first sat down at the piano, he was expecting yet
another disaster. What he witnessed had taken his
breath away. She could really play. As he watched her
play, he saw something different in her. He saw the
woman that he had first been attracted to all those
months ago.

Since Christmas, his relationship with Meredith had
been terrific. He no longer felt afraid by every
little thing she did. He began having a little faith
in her. He was also beginning to have a little faith
in himself as well.

The Admiral’s happy thoughts were interrupted by the
greetings of Petty Officer Jason Tiner.
“Good morning Admiral,” he started. “It looks like it
is going to be a beautiful day.”
“Yes it does, Tiner. Yes it does,” the Admiral replied
with a smile as they made their way into the JAG
building.

******************************

Tiner and the Admiral stepped off the elevator and
made their way into the empty bullpen. Tiner and the
Admiral were always the first one’s in the office. The
remainder of the JAG crew would be filing in about
0800 hours.

The Admiral headed straight into his office, per his
usual routine while Tiner crossed the bullpen into the
kitchen to get started on the morning pot of coffee. 

Tiner picked up the pot from the coffee maker and
began rinsing it out in the sink. Tiner was busy
washing the pot when a noise caught his attention. He
placed the pot in the sink and shut off the water so
he could better listen. Without any other noises
interfering, he could now hear a definite sound
emerging from the bullpen. The noise was that of
ticking. Tiner followed the noise into the bullpen and
walked around slowly trying to find its origin. Tiner
walked around a few desks but finally found that the
noise was emanating from a trashcan under one of the
desks. He looked into the basket and was shocked by
what he saw. He saw a small box sitting in the
trashcan and in the box was a clock ticking in a
countdown. The numbers read 1 minute and 35 seconds.

“Oh my God!” he exclaimed, immediately realizing what
he was looking at. He quickly ran to the wall near the
elevator and pulled the fire alarm. Then he ran in the
direction of the Admiral’s office, meeting him outside
his door.
“Tiner, do you know what is going on here?” the
Admiral asked seemly put off by this interruption.
“Yes sir, there is a bomb here,” Tiner answered
quickly.
“Are you joking Tiner?” 
“I wish I were sir. We have just over a minute,” he
told him. They both immediately headed for the
stairwell.

*********************************

Mac’s vette pulled into her parking space and she sat
in her car for a moment. She had seen Harm at the last
traffic light and knew he wasn’t far behind her. Mac
turned and noticed his car pulling up so she reached
for the handle to exit the vehicle. Just as she was
about to open the door, she noticed Tiner and the
Admiral running from the building in a hurry. Before
she had a moment to react to what she was seeing, the
building before her exploded. She quickly dropped to
the floor as rubble hurled toward her.

Harm was just pulling up to the guard shack when he
saw the building explode. Harm’s quick thinking and
fighter pilot skills kicked in as he had to maneuver
his car to avoid a large chuck of debris while at the
same time, trying to not hit the guards or the JAG
Headquarters sign. Harm stopped his car and watched as
a large section of the building landed only meters
from him, crushing the guard shack, instantly killing
the guard that was still inside of it. The other guard
managed to get out of the way and take cover. 
Harm climbed out of the car and took in the sight
before him. Harm was momentarily distracted as he
heard another car pull up behind him. He watched as
Petty Officer Jennifer Coates quickly jumped out her
car and ran to his side.

“What happened sir?” she asked in a panicked voice.
“I have no idea…” he started but paused when his eyes
came upon the Admiral and Tiner lying on the ground.
“Admiral!” Harm shouted as he and Coates ran to their
location. Harm ran to the Admiral’s side and
immediately surveyed the pile of debris that appeared
to be crushing his leg. The Admiral began to stir and
moaned in pain.
“Are you alright sir?” Harm inquired.
“I think my leg is broken,” he responded.
“Don’t worry I’ll get you out of here,” Harm assured
him as he began removing the pieces of metal and
cement off the Admiral.

Meanwhile, Coates was attending to Tiner. He had a
gash on his head and several cuts on his arms and legs
but was conscious and began to smile when he realized
Coates had placed his head in her lap. She assessed
his wounds and looked into his eyes. 

“It looks like you have a concussion Tiner,” she told
him as she placed a soft hand on the side of his face.
Tiner smiled and placed his hand over hers.
“You have soft hands,” he whispered.
“I think you’re going to be just fine,” she told him
with a half-ward smile, knowing full well that he was
using his situation to his advantage. Coates looked
over at Harm as he removed the last bit of rubble off
of the Admiral.
“Is he okay?” she asked worriedly.
“Looks like a broken leg,” Harm replied, noticing the
Admiral was already trying his best to stand he
grabbed his arms to help him. “Take it easy Admiral,”
Harm told him as he helped him to his feet.
“We can sit them in my car until the ambulance
arrives,” Harm informed Coates who was helping Tiner
to his feet. “Is he okay?” Harm inquired about Tiner. 
“He’s got a concussion sir, and a few scrapes,” she
replied as they helped their injured friends to Harm’s
car. After the Admiral and Tiner were settled into
Harm’s car, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed
911.
“This is Commander Harmon Rabb with the JAG corp. JAG
Headquarters has been destroyed. We need fire and
rescue here immediately,” he spoke into the phone.
“Thank you,” he spoke and hung up the phone. “They’re
on their way,” he assured Coates.

Bud and Harriet Roberts’ soon pulled up in their
minivan, and stopped when they saw the scene in front
of them. Both quickly exited their vehicle and were
approached by Harm and Jen.
“What happened sir?” Bud asked in shock.
“I don’t know Bud,” Harm answered.

Harriet noticed the two injured men in Harm’s vehicle.
“Are Tiner and the Admiral okay, sir?” she inquired.
“Tiner has a concussion and the Admiral has a broken
leg. They were both pretty lucky though,” Harm
informed them.
“Where’s the Colonel, sir?” Bud asked.
“I haven’t seen…” Harm froze as his eyes fell upon
Mac’s vette, being crushed by debris.
“Oh My God!” he yelled as he sprinted as fast as he
could to Mac’s car. Bud followed slowly behind him.
“Mac! Mac! Are you in there? Are you okay?” Harm
yelled trying to get through to his partner.
“Harm!” she called from under the wreckage.
“Mac! Are you hurt?” Harm replied grateful to hear her
voice.
“I’m okay but I’m trapped in here,” she yelled in
response. 
“Don’t worry help is on the way. Just hang in there.
We’re gonna get you out of there in no time,” he
replied trying to reassure her. No sooner had he said
that, than he heard sirens approaching and a fire
truck pull into the lot.
“Hear that Mac? Help is here. Just hang on!” he told
her. “Hey over here!” Harm yelled to the firemen
exiting the truck. Three firemen ran to Harm’s
position to help.
“There is a woman trapped in this car. She’s alive,”
he told them quickly. Without another word, the four
men began the task of removing the debris that was
crushing Mac’s car. Harm was grateful that the hardtop
had taken most of the trauma. If it had been spring,
she would have been dead for sure.

Harriet and Bud watched as the firemen (and Harm)
cleared off Mac’s car. The debris was soon cleared and
the firemen used the jaws-of-life to pry the car open.
Once they got through, they found Mac and pulled her
out of the wreckage. She was immediately welcomed into
Harm’s embrace. He wrapped his arms around her and
held her tight.
“I’m okay Harm, really” she tried to assure him,
although it was nice to know he cared.
Harm pulled away from her slightly, only enough so his
arm could fall over her shoulder as he led her to an
ambulance for treatment.
Harriet and Bud ran to meet them. “Are you okay
Ma’am?” Harriet asked, worried about her friend.
“I’m okay. I was lucky. I’m just glad it’s not spring.
If it wasn’t for the hardtop, I’d probably be dead
right now,” she told them. Harm smiled as he recalled
having just thought the same thing only minutes ago.

Mac sat down on the ambulance and let the paramedic
clean and bandage the cuts on her arms and forehead.
It took a moment before she realized it, but Harm was
still holding on to her hand as he stood by her side.
She smiled to herself until she felt a sting from the
antiseptic being poured on her arm.

Harriet and Bud noticed the ambulance holding Tiner
and the Admiral pulling out of the driveway.
“Excuse me,” Harriet directed to the medic working on
Mac. “What hospital are they taking them to?”
“Bethesda,” the paramedic answered. “All done Ma’am,”
he told Mac. “You were lucky,” he added.
“Thank you,” she replied as she stood from the
vehicle.
“What do we do now sir?” Bud asked Harm, looking for
orders.

Harm looked at the building before answering. “Well we
can’t exactly go to the office. I say we all head to
Bethesda and meet Tiner and the Admiral. Then we can
go from there,” Harm told the gang surrounding them.
“Yes, sir,” Bud replied.
“Mac you can ride with me, seeing that your car isn’t
going anywhere,” Harm offered.
“Sounds like a plan,” Mac agreed.
“See you in Bethesda,” Harriet told them as she and
her husband headed towards their van.
“Ah Lieutenant?” Coates spoke up suddenly. Bud and
Harriet turned to her. She was having trouble finding
the words she desperately wanted to say, this not
going unnoticed by Bud, he let her off the hook.
“Would you like to ride with us Jen?” Bud offered.
“Thank you sir, I would like that very much,” she
replied with relief. The three headed off to the van
and climbed in.

Harm put his arm around Mac again and led her toward
his car. He opened the door and began helping Mac into
the passenger seat.
“I am capable of doing this myself, Harm,” she told
him trying to play the strong marine.
“I know you can, indulge me won’t you?” Harm replied.
“Ok, just don’t make a habit out of it,” she conceded.
“No Ma’am,” he replied as he flashed his ‘flyboy’
smile. She couldn’t help but smile back at her caring
partner. Once she was in the seat, he fastened her
seatbelt and closed the door.

Harm walked away from the vehicle and headed toward
the fire chief.
“Excuse me? Are you the chief?” Harm inquired.
“Yes I am,” the man replied.
“I am Commander Harmon Rabb with the JAG corp. I work
here…used to work here,” he introduced.
“What can I do for you Commander?”
“I was wondering if you had any ideas as to what
caused this, sir?” Harm inquired.
“Well an Admiral Cheg..”
“Chegwidden,” Harm offered.
“Yes. Admiral Chegwidden informed me that his
assistant, Petty Officer Tiner, found a bomb left in
the JAG office,” the chief informed him.
“A bomb?” Harm asked in shock.
“We haven’t been able to get up there yet to recover
it,” the Chief added.
“We are all going to meet the Admiral at Bethesda,”
Harm started as he pulled out a business card from his
pocket. “Could you keep me informed if you find
anything?” Harm requested.
“I think I can do that,” he replied taking the card.
“That is my cell phone number, please call as soon as
you know something,” Harm asked.
“Sure Commander, but just so you know, it may be a
while before we find anything,” the chief told him.
“Understood, thank you,” Harm parted and he returned
to his vehicle, to his awaiting partner.
“What did you find out?” Mac questioned the moment
Harm opened the door.


Harm entered the car and sat for a moment before
answering.
“Harm what is it?” she asked getting concerned.
“It was a bomb Mac,” he replied seriously. “There was
a bomb placed in the JAG office.”
Mac’s face turned pale. 
“Someone was deliberately trying to kill us all?”
Harm noticed the change in her face and took her hand
in his and intertwined their fingers together. “It’s
going to be all right Mac. We are going to find the
bastard who did this,” Harm assured her.
“I know we will,” she replied with a half smile. 

******************************

1435 Zulu (0935 EST)
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland

Harriet, Jen, and Bud stood up as Harm and Mac entered
the emergency room.
“How’s the Admiral?” Harm asked.
“His leg is broken, he was given pain medication. He
is getting a cast as we speak,” Bud informed them.
“And Tiner?” Mac interjected.
“A minor concussion. He took 10 stitches to his
forehead. He’ll be ok,” Coates informed him.
“That’s good to hear,” Mac replied.
“Can we see the Admiral?” Harm inquired.
“A nurse will let us know when we can go in,” Harriet
told him.
“Look before Mac and I left headquarters I spoke with
the fire chief. He told me that Tiner apparently found
a bomb in the office. That is what took out the
building,” Harm filled them in.
“Oh my goodness,” Harriet spoke.
“Who would try to take out JAG Headquarters sir?” Bud
asked with a panicked expression.
“I have no idea Bud,” Harm replied.
“You don’t suppose its Clark Palmer do you sir?”
Harriet suggested.
“He’s still in Leavenworth last I checked and besides
a bomb in the middle of JAG headquarters is not really
his style,” Harm replied. 
“You should check him out regardless, Harm,” Mac
suggested.
“I will, don’t you worry,” he replied.

The gangs’ conversation was put on hold by the
approach of a nurse.
“Excuse me, are you with the JAG corp.?” the nurse
asked.
“Yes we are,” Harm answered.
“I am Lieutenant Hodges. Admiral Chegwidden would like
to see you all,” she told them. “Please follow me,”
she instructed them as she led them into an examining
room.

Harm, Mac, Bud, Harriet, and Jen followed Lt. Hodges
to Admiral Chegwidden’s room. As they entered the room
they saw the Admiral in a navy t-shirt and sweats. His
right leg was wrapped in a Navy blue cast. Tiner was
sitting in a chair with a bandage on his forehead.
Tiner stood at attention when the officers entered the
room.
“At ease Tiner,” Mac told him. Tiner retook his seat.
“How are you feeling Admiral?” Harm inquired.
“I’ve been better, but I’ll live,” AJ replied. “Are
you all alright?”
“We’re fine sir,” Harriet answered.
“Petty Officer Coates, I’m sorry, you’re brand new to
JAG and look where we are,” the Admiral apologized.
“I always knew that working at JAG would be an
adventure sir,” she replied light-heartedly.
“You have a gift for the understated,” he replied.
“Yes sir,” she replied.
“So what are your orders, sir?” Harm asked the
Admiral.
“First of all, you can get me out of here,” he replied
gruffly.
“Where to?” Harm returned.
“My house. We can set up temporary headquarters
there,” the Admiral replied. “We need to get a hold of
Commanders Manetti and Turner before they get back to
the office today. Also we need to find out if anyone
was caught in the blast,” he ordered them. 
“Yes sir,” Harm replied. “Admiral, you and Tiner are
welcome to ride in my car,” Harm offered. 
“Thank you Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“I’ll find out if you are released sir,” Mac offered
exiting the room. Harm turned to face Bud.
“Bud why don’t you see if you can track down anyone
else from JAG. Tell them we’re meeting at the
Admiral’s,” Harm suggested. “I’ll call Manetti and
Sturgis.”
“Yes sir,” Bud replied as he pulled out his cell phone
and headed outside.

1545 Zulu (1045 EST)
Admiral Chegwidden’s Home
McLean, Virginia

Harm’s SUV pulled into the driveway followed by the
Roberts’ minivan. Harm exited the car and quickly ran
to the opposite side of the vehicle to open the door
for the Admiral. Before Harm had the chance to open
the door, AJ had already opened the door and was
attempting to climb out.
“Let me help you Admiral,” Harm tried to stop him.
“I was a SEAL for Christ Sake. I can handle it
myself,” the Admiral protested.
“Yes sir,” Harm replied backing away from the Admiral.
He struggled a bit but did manage to eventually pull
himself out of the vehicle with Tiner close behind
him. “Can I get your keys sir?” The Admiral handed
Harm his keys and Harm ran up to the house to open the
door. As the Admiral made his way up the stairs, Mac
and Tiner fell in step at his sides, with Harriet,
Bud, and Jen, heading up the rear.

The JAG crew made their way into the house and headed
into the Admiral’s living room.
“With your permission Admiral, I can start a pot of
coffee?” Jennifer Coates suggested.
“Thank you Petty Officer,” the Admiral replied.
“I can get that Ma’am,” Tiner interjected getting up
off the couch.
“Just rest Tiner, I can handle it,” she assured him.
He conceded and retook his place in an over sized
chair. The rest of the group took seats around the
living room.
“Have you been able to contact everyone?” the Admiral
asked Harm.
“I got a hold of Sturgis and Commander Manetti, they
are on their way here from Washington,” Harm informed
him.
“I spoke with Commander Mattoni. He was caught in
traffic and didn’t make it to the office for his
meeting with Commander Imes. They were supposed to
meet at 0730 hours sir,” Bud informed the group.
Commander Mattoni was at headquarters when I called
him. Carolyn’s car was still in the lot, and no one
has seen or heard from her sir,” Bud finished with a
sad voice.
“My God, Carolyn,” Mac said in shock.
“She was a fine officer,” the Admiral told them.
“Yes sir,” the gang agreed in solace.
“What are we going to do Admiral?” Tiner asked.
“Well first of all, someone can hand me the phone and
I will call the SECNAV and get an investigation
going,” the Admiral told them from his position on the
couch. Harm handed the Admiral the phone. Just as he
was about sit down, his cell phone went off.
“Rabb,” Harm answered. He listened as the caller
spoke. “Yes, sir. Thank you sir. Please let me know if
you find anything else. Thank you,” Harm hung up and
had a sad expression on his face.
“What is it Harm?” Mac asked seeing the look on his
face. 

Harm sat down next to Mac before answering. He was
about to begin when Coates entered the room with two
cups of coffee. She handed them to the Admiral and
Colonel Mackenzie before heading back to the kitchen.
Harriet got up and offered her a hand. Soon Jen and
Harriet had rejoined the group after everyone had
their coffee.
“So Rabb you were about to tell us about the phone
call?” the Admiral urged him to continue.
“Yes sir. That was the fire chief on the phone. I
asked him to call me when he found something,” Harm
started.
“What did they find?” Mac asked.
“Six people are confirmed dead. Sergeant Charles
Kasey, he was one of the guards at the gate. Petty
Officers George Gathers and Ray Kilmer worked
security, Judges Colonel Blakely and Rear Admiral
Morris, and Commander Carolyn Imes,” Harm told them
with a heavy heart. The whole room was silent as they
thought of their fallen comrades.

Their solace was interrupted by a knock at the door.
Harriet got up to answer the door. 
“Hello Commanders,” Harriet greeted as she let Sturgis
and Tracy in.
“So what is going on?” Sturgis asked.
“Hello Commanders, please have a seat,” the Admiral
greeted them. “How was everything with the
investigation in Washington?”
“Ensign Wilson took a plea. Dishonorable discharge and
no confinement,” Sturgis informed him.
“Very good,” the Admiral replied.
“Are you alright sir?” Tracy Manetti asked noticing
the Admiral’s leg.
“Well let’s just say it’s a good thing that the
JAG-a-thon isn’t for another ten months,” the Admiral
joked.
“Yes sir,” she replied.
“So is it true? Did someone really blowup
headquarters?” Sturgis asked.
“Afraid so Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“So what do we do sir?” Tracy asked.
“For now, we must try to go on with our duties the
best we can. The SECNAV is sending the CIA in to
investigate,” the Admiral replied as Harriet came over
with two cups of coffee.
“Would you like some coffee Ma’am? Sir?” Harriet
asked.
“Thank you kindly, Lieutenant,” Manetti responded.
“Thank you Harriet,” Sturgis replied taking the
coffee.
“Was anyone seriously hurt?” Sturgis asked.
“Colonel Blakely, Admiral Morris, and Commander Imes
were caught in the building. Their dead,” Harm
informed him.
“I’m sorry,” Sturgis reacted. “They were fine
officers.”
“How horrible,” Manetti added.

******************************

Throughout the remainder of the day the JAG staff was
joined by Commander Mattoni and a few others who came
and went. They continued their case work as best they
could without their files and resources. Harm stayed
in contact with the investigators and learned that the
bomb had been made with C-4 and that no other bodies
had been discovered in the building.
Being that it was Friday and after the stressful air
of the day, Admiral Chegwidden called it a day at 1500
hours. Tiner convinced the Admiral to allow him to
stay the night to help him out. Harm and Mac agreed to
bring Tiner to headquarters in the morning to pick up
his car. Mac would take the Admiral’s car until she
could get a replacement for hers. 
As the JAG staff parted ways for the weekend, they
wished each other safe travels. Harriet and Bud
dropped Jen off at Headquarters to pick up her car.
Harm and Mac left together after parting with Sturgis
and Tracy.








2015 Zulu (1515 EST) 
Harm’s Car
Somewhere on the Beltway

Harm and Mac drove in silence, trying to enjoy the
beauty of the afternoon sky, but were both plagued by
visions of the morning’s events.
“What do you say to dinner at my place tonight?” Harm
broke the silence.
“I really want to go home and shower,” she replied.
“That’s fine, you could use a shower,” he joked as he
flashed his ‘flyboy’ smile.
“Hey, thanks. You sure know how to make a lady feel
better. I thought you were supposed to be my friend?”
she replied smacking his arm.
“I am your friend Mac. That’s why I can tell you the
truth. Besides I was just kidding. You’re just as
beautiful as always,” he replied, quickly aware of
what he had just said.
“Thanks,” she simply replied as she blushed.
“Here we are,” Harm changed the subject as he pulled
up in front of Mac’s apartment. “What do you say I’ll
pick you up 1830 hours. I’ll make dinner and we can
watch a movie. Bring your overnight bag.”
“Pretty presumptuous aren’t we?” she teased.
“I thought we could go for a run in the morning and
then we’ll pick up Tiner and get the cars,” he told
her.
“Ok. 1830 and don’t be late flyboy,” she smiled.
“I’ll be here,” he replied. He watched her walk into
her apartment before he drove off toward home.

*****************************

2230 Zulu (1730 EST)
Admiral Chegwidden’s Home
Mclean, Virginia

“Would you please have a seat Tiner!” AJ yelled as
Tiner was busily tidying up after the JAG crew from
the afternoon’s work. 
“Sorry, sir. I just didn’t want you to have to worry
about the mess, sir,” he told him.
“You’re making me dizzy Tiner, sit. You are supposed
to be taking it easy. How is your head anyway?” the
Admiral inquired getting Tiner to stop and finally sit
down.
“I’m feeling okay sir,” Tiner replied.
“Tiner why don’t you turn on ZNN for a while,” the
Admiral suggested leaning back on the couch to get
comfortable.
“Yes, sir,” Tiner replied picking up the remote and
turning to ZNN. Tiner and the Admiral listened
carefully to the news brief.
“This is Chuck DePalma reporting from Falls Church,
Virginia with a special news break. The Headquarters
building of the Navy’s Judge Advocate General Corp.
was left in ruins this morning as an explosion ripped
through the complex killing six military officers. The
authorities are not releasing the names of the victims
nor are they releasing any details as to what caused
the explosion. JAG duties have resumed as the
surviving officers deal with this tragic event. We
will keep you up to date as the story unfolds. This is
Chuck Palma reporting,” Tiner and the Admiral listened
as they remembered the morning’s events.


2345 Zulu (1845 EST)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Harm opened the door carrying a bag of groceries. Mac
was right behind him carrying her overnight bag. As
they entered the apartment, she dropped her bag by the
door and removed her coat, revealing a Marine Corp
sweatshirt and sweatpants. Harm placed the grocery bag
on the kitchen counter before removing his jacket and
hanging it by the door.
“Why don’t you get comfortable? I am going to change
and then I’ll start dinner,” Harm told Mac as he
headed into the bedroom. 
Instead of taking Harm’s advice to relax, Mac went
into the kitchen and began removing items from the
grocery bag. By the time Harm emerged from his
bedroom, dressed in a Go Navy sweatshirt and sweats,
she already had all the contents of the bag laid out
on the counter.
“I thought I told you to relax Mac,” he scolded as he
approached the counter. 
“I will…later,” she replied. “Let me help with
dinner?” she requested.
“Okay, why don’t you fix the salad while I cook the
salmon,” he conceded.
“Thanks,” she smiled softly before carrying the
lettuce to the sink. 

Harm and Mac enjoyed their time together fixing
dinner. Mac would periodically splash water at Harm
and he would retaliate by tickling her. At one point
they were having so much fun they almost forgot about
the fish cooking on the stove. 
The two friends ate dinner in silence, taking comfort
in the peace and safety of their surroundings. They
simply ate their dinner and listened to the classical
music that was playing in the background.

0110 Zulu (2010 EST)
Harm’s Apartment
North of Union Station

Mac and Harm had moved to the living room. Mac sat on
the couch with her legs folded into her chest while
Harm placed the video in his small television which he
had moved to the coffee table.
“You should think about investing in a larger TV,” Mac
teased.
“Come on Mac, you know the only reason I have this one
is because Webb left it here,” he replied as he sat on
the couch next to Mac.
“I know but it would make movie nights better,” she
smiled.
“Well we’ll just have to sit close that’s all,” he
remarked. The next thing he knew Mac had moved closer
to him on the couch.
“That’s not what I meant Mac,” he said in almost a
whisper.
“I know. Would it be too much to ask to sit with you
tonight?” she asked timidly.
“Not at all. Come here,” he replied changing his
position on the couch. He placed one leg on the couch
and the other on the floor. Mac sat on the edge of the
couch between Harm’s legs.
“What’s wrong?” Harm asked wondering why she was
sitting on the edge of the couch. He soon had his
answer as she angled the television to their new
position.
“Nothing,” she replied as she slid back against Harm’s
chest. He automatically wrapped his arms around her
and held her close.
“Is this okay?” he whispered, hoping she didn’t feel
uncomfortable with their closeness.
“It’s fine,” she whispered. He smiled at her reply. He
felt very lucky to have his dear friend with him
especially after this morning’s tragic events.
“Mac if you want to talk about this morning, I’m
here,” he whispered.
“I know you are,” she replied resting her head on his
chest. “Right now I just want to sit here and watch
the movie okay?”  
“Okay,” he replied as he leaned his head on hers
momentarily before the movie began.
Harm had chosen ‘The Count of Monte Christo’ for the
movie selection of the evening. Mac and Harm really
didn’t get into the movie much and were soon fast
asleep in each others arms, exhausted by the day’s
events.

1430 Zulu (0930 EST)
January 11, 2003
JAG Headquarters Parking Lot
Falls Church, Virginia

As Harm’s SUV pulled into the parking lot, Harm, Mac,
and Tiner took in the site of the remains of their
office building. As they exited the vehicle, they
observed a moment of silence for their fallen
comrades. The three walked over to where Tiner’s and
the Admiral’s cars were parked. It was lucky that
neither car was damaged much beyond a few minor dents.
“Well these cars certainly were luckier than mine,”
Mac commented.
“Maybe it’s a sign Mac, to buy a more practical
vehicle,” Harm responded with a light hearted chuckle.
“This coming from the man that was practically
obsessed with his own vette back in the day,” Mac
retorted.
“Yes, but now I drive a more sensible car,” Harm
replied pointing to his SUV. 
“If you two don’t mind, I am going to head home. I
would really like to shower and change,” Tiner
interrupted.
“Go home Tiner,” Harm replied. “Get some rest. We’ll
see you at the Admiral’s on Monday.”
“Thank you sir, have a good weekend,” Tiner nodded.
“Ma’am,” he nodded.
“Tiner,” she returned. He got into his car and drove
away.
“I could really go for a hot bath,” Mac commented.
“Is that an invitation?” Harm asked slyly. Mac didn’t
respond she just gave him a deadly stare in return.
“So your place for dinner this evening?” Harm quickly
changing the subject.
“1900?” she replied.
“I’ll be there. Do you want me to bring anything?”
Harm inquired.
“Just yourself, I’m cooking tonight flyboy,” she
replied. 
“Ok I’ll see you there,” she replied as she climbed
into the Admiral’s car. Harm stood there and watched
as she drove off. Harm was heading back to his car
when he saw Commander Mattoni and his wife pull into
the driveway. Harm waited to greet them.
“Commander,” Harm greeted. Commander Mattoni and his
wife approached Harm.
“I sure am going to miss Commander Imes,” Mattoni
commented looking at the rubble.
“She was a fine officer,” Harm added.
“That she was,” Mattoni replied. “I keep going over it
in my head. If I hadn’t been caught behind that
traffic accident yesterday, I’d probably be dead too.”
“It wasn’t your time to die,” Harm answered.
“I guess not,” he replied looking at his loving wife.
“Well I will leave you two alone. I have some errands
to run,” Harm told them. “I’ll see you on Monday,”
Harm added as he left the loving couple. Harm jumped
into his car and was soon headed toward home.

****************************

1910 Zulu (1410 EST)
The Roberts’ Minivan
Somewhere in Virginia

Harriet and Bud Roberts sat in their car as they
headed toward their next destination. Harriet had let
Bud drive again, and he was smiling with the feeling
that being in control gave him. 
“Don’t forget we need to stop at the drug store on our
way home,” Harriet reminded her husband.
“Don’t worry I didn’t forget,” he replied.
“I’d like to call the Admiral when we get home,”
Harriet told Bud. “I hope he is managing okay without
Tiner there.”
“I’m sure he’s fine. I bet he has his entire house set
up for his convenience already. SEALs never give in to
defeat,” Bud replied. “But calling him would be a nice
thing to do.”
“Be careful of this intersection Bud,” Harriet warned.
“I see it,” Bud replied.
“I’m sorry. You’re doing fine,” she replied with a
smile. Just as she began to relax, she felt the speed
of the car increase as they approached the
intersection. “Bud what are you doing? Slow down,” she
told him being to worry.
“I’m trying, it’s not working,” he replied as he
applied pressure to the brakes.
“What’s not working?” 
“The brakes. I can’t stop!” he exclaimed.
“Oh, my God!” Harriet yelled becoming more afraid. 

Bud tried down shifting but found it had little effect
on the speed. He next tried the emergency brake. This
action slowed the car significantly, but it was still
moving uncontrollably. Bud steered carefully as he
tried to avoid the other cars in the road.
“Bud!” Harriet yelled as she pointed to a grassy
meadow with a slight incline off to the side of the
road.
“I see it,” he replied as he steered the car in the
direction of the incline. The car bounced around as it
rolled off the pavement onto the dirt and grass. The
slight incline was enough to stop the car’s forward
motion and rolled it back slightly before coming to a
complete stop. Bud and Harriet sat frozen for a moment
while their minds caught up to what had just happened.
After a moment they both exited the vehicle and
hurried to meet each other in front of the vehicle, a
slight distance away from it however. Bud and Harriet
held each other tight as they thought of their close
call. Both sat on the ground to rest as Bud pulled out
his cell phone. After placing a call for help, he took
his wife’s hand in his and their fingers intertwined.
“Why is this happening Bud?” Harriet asked on the
verge of tears.
“I don’t know. Maybe it was a split brake line or
something,” Bud tried to comfort her, although after
the previous day’s events, that wasn’t the only
possibility that came to his mind.
 “What if it wasn’t merely an accident? Yesterday
someone blows up Headquarters and now we are almost
killed in a freak car accident?” she returned on the
point of hysterics.
“Harriet calm down. The police will be here soon. We
will find out what happened. This and yesterday is
probably just a coincidence. 
“I hope you’re right. You should call Mac and Harm and
the Admiral just to be on the safe side,” she
suggested.
“If it will make you feel better, I’ll do that,” he
agreed as he picked up his phone again to dial the
Admiral’s number.

1945 Zulu (1445 EST)
Admiral Chegwidden’s House
Maclean, Virginia

“Yes,” the Admiral answered the phone from his place
on the couch. “Are you and Harriet alright?” he
questioned with a worried look on his face. “I’ll be
extra careful. I’ll call Tiner, Manetti, Mattoni, and
Sturgis, you call the others,” the Admiral ordered.
“Keep me informed. Be safe,” the Admiral parted and
hung up the phone. 
“That was Bud,” AJ addressed his girlfriend Meredith
Cavanaugh. “Bud and Harriet had a problem with the
brakes on their car.
“Are they okay?” she asked with concern.
“They’re fine. Their car is being looked at,” he
replied.
“Do you think it had anything to do with yesterday?”
Meredith speculated.
“It was probably a coincidence but we are going to let
everyone know to be extra careful just in case.







1948 Zulu (1448 EST)
Mac’s Apartment 
Georgetown

Mac was showering when she heard her phone ring. She
turned off the water and wrapped herself in her robe
as she ran to answer the phone.
“Hello?” she answered. “Hi Bud, what’s wrong?” she
listened a moment. “Are you and Harriet alright?” “I’m
glad to hear it,” she replied as she pulled the robe
tighter around her body. “Yes of course. I’ll call
Harm and let him know,” she hung up the phone then
dialed Harm’s phone. After several rings, his
answering machine picked up. “Harm it’s Mac. Bud and
Harriet were in an accident. They are okay, but are
worried it was related to yesterday’s bombing. Call me
when you get this,” she hung up and thought for a
moment before dialing his cell phone. After getting no
answer their either, she began to worry. She went into
her bedroom to get dressed so she could go find Harm.

2025 Zulu (1525 EST)
Harm’s Apartment 
North of Union Station

Mac exited the elevator and approached Harm’s door.
She knocked several times but got no answer. Mac was
about to leave when she caught a whiff of gas emerging
from Harm’s apartment. She once again knocked on the
door yelling Harm’s name. With no response she pulled
out the spare key she had and unlocked the door. She
opened the door and immediately put her jacket sleeve
over her mouth and nose. The apartment was filled with
gas. She immediately spotted Harm lying on the floor
in the living room.

“Harm!” she yelled as she ran to his side. Harm was
unconscious and wasn’t breathing. She quickly grabbed
his arms and dragged him into the hallway. She
carefully closed the door to contain the fumes. After
doing so, she dropped to Harm’s side and began
performing mouth to mouth. After several seconds, Harm
began coughing and opened his eyes.
“Mac,” he spoke in barely a whisper.
“You don’t think I was going to let you go that easily
did you?” she teased with a worried smile.
“I always wanted to wake up in a beautiful woman’s
arms,” he threw back with a smile.
“Come on let’s get you out of here,” she told him as
she helped him to his feet. Mac helped Harm down the
flight of stairs and onto the side walk where he sat
on the curb. She immediately pulled out her cell phone
and dialed 911. 
“They’re on their way,” she told him as she brushed
his cheek with her hand.
“It seems that you’re my guardian angel,” he
whispered.
“And you are mine,” she replied with a sweet smile.
“Let’s get you to the Admiral’s car,” she suggested
not wanting to be near the building in case his
apartment blew up.
“We are having some luck this weekend huh?” Mac tried
to joke.
“I am lucky you came along when you did,” Harm
replied. “Why are you here? We weren’t supposed to
meet for a few hours.
“Bud and Harriet were in a car accident,” she started.
“Are they alright?” Harm asked in fear.
“They’re okay. Apparently their brakes went out, but
Bud was able to get it under control,” she told him.
“Bud was driving?” he asked in surprise.
“Yeah, he has been since Christmas eve. Apparently he
is doing really well,” she informed him.
“Mac, that still doesn’t explain why you came,” he
returned to the subject at hand.
“I’d tried calling to warn you in case their accident
was related to JAG. When I couldn’t reach you, I got
worried and came right over. It is a good thing I got
here when I did. Another few minutes and you would
have…” Mac was unable to finish as she tried to fight
back the tears that had formed in her eyes. 
“Hey it’s okay,” Harm comforted as he wiped away a
tear that had fallen on her cheek. “I’m here. I’m
okay,” he whispered. “We are connected you and I. I
didn’t die because you weren’t with me,” he told her
seriously.
“Oh that makes me feel better,” she replied sounding
hurt.
“No, what I mean is that I know deep inside that we
have been through too much together. I think that when
we die, it will be together, and I don’t know about
you, but I am thinking that time is going to be many
many years from now,” he told her with a smile. His
explanation made her smile as well. They focused on
each others eyes for several moments, until the sounds
of sirens broke their connection.
“You stay here and rest. I am going to go direct the
firemen. I’ll be right back,” she told him as she
squeezed his hand that lay on his lap. He smiled back
at her before she left his side.

2220 Zulu (1720 EST)
The Roberts’ Residence

Harriet was busy in the kitchen preparing a salad when
her husband Bud entered the room with a smile on his
face.
“You look quite happy, Bud,” she greeted.
“I am happy. I was just watching little AJ from the
window. He is running and laughing and playing,” Bud
started with a smile. “The simple happiness of a
child.”
“Soon we’ll have two,” she replied smiling as she
placed her hand to her stomach.
“That’s what made watching AJ even better. The thought
that we’ll have two children to bring laughter and joy
to our home,” he replied walking over to Harriet.
“You are so wonderful,” she replied and placed a kiss
on his lips.
“I love you Harriet.”
“I love you too,” she replied with another kiss.
“Speaking of the happiness of a child, dinner is just
about ready. Can you call little AJ in to wash up?”
“Sure,” Bud replied and headed for the backdoor. “AJ!”
he called, not seeing his son. After calling again, he
saw little AJ running from around the side of the
house.
“Look what I found daddy!” AJ yelled cheerfully as he
ran toward his father.
“What have you got there?”
“I found a ball,” he replied with an innocent smile as
he held up his possession to show his father. Bud’s
eyes opened wide as he saw the contents of AJ’s hands.
It was not a ball at all. I was a grenade.
“Oh my God, no AJ put that down, it’s not a ball!” Bud
yelled running for his son.
“Sure it is daddy, look,” AJ reached for the ball with
his other hand, removing the pin in the process.
“No!” Bud yelled as he reached his son and snatched
the grenade from his son’s hand. He immediately tossed
the grenade as far as he could into the backyard. The
grenade exploded on impact. Little AJ screamed at the
sound of the explosion and Bud pulled his son behind
him for protection. Seconds later Harriet was at their
side and a look of horror masked her face as she saw
the fiery remains of the explosion.
“What happened?” Harriet asked in panic.
“Little AJ found a grenade in the yard and thought it
was a ball,” he explained. “I got it away from him but
not before he had pulled the pin.” Bud remained calm
as his wife grabbed their son and became hysterical.
“Harriet, take AJ inside and call 911. I am going to
make sure that that was the only one,” Bud told her
and headed out around the house, but not before giving
his wife and son a long hug.
 

2310 Zulu (1810 EST) 
Mac’s Apartment
Georgetown

“I still think you should have gone to the hospital
Harm,” Mac told Harm as they entered her apartment.
“You know how much I love hospitals,” Harm replied.
“Besides I’m fine,” he tried to assure her.
“You must be the most stubborn man on the planet,” she
told him.
“You know you love me,” he replied off the cuff with
his ‘flyboy’ smile. She chose to ignore the comment.
“I am going to start dinner, why don’t you go take a
shower, and lie down. I’ll wake you when dinner is
ready,” she suggested with a smile.
“Is that an order Colonel?” he teased.
“Only if I have to make it one, now go,” she replied
strongly.
“Yes Ma’am,” he teased with a salute before heading to
the bathroom.
Mac smiled as she went into the kitchen. 

******************************

Mac had finished preparing dinner and decided to wake
Harm from his nap. She walked into the bedroom quietly
and stopped at the doorway to take in the sight of the
beautiful man asleep on her bed. He looked so peaceful
that she didn’t have the heart to wake him. She was
about to leave when his voice stopped her.
“Are you going to stand there all night or are you
going to join me?” he asked his eyes still closed.
“I thought you were supposed to be sleeping,” she
replied with a smirk.
“I wasn’t really tired,” he answered opening his eyes
to look at his partner.
“Well dinner’s ready,” she replied.
“Come lie with me for a minute?” he asked shyly.
“Dinner will get cold,” she replied nervously.
“It can wait a few minutes. I promise I won’t try
anything. I just want to lie here with you for a
while,” he invited with an innocent pleading in his
eyes.
“Only for a minute,” she conceded and walked over to
the bed. Harm moved further into the middle of the bed
to make room for her. Mac lay down and when she was
comfortable, he pressed his body against hers,
wrapping her in his arms.
“Thank you,” he whispered as he closed his eyes.
“You’re welcome,” she replied softly. The two stayed
in that position for several minutes, simply enjoying
each others’ presence. 
Harm and Mac’s state of contentment was interrupted by
a strange sound close by. Harm and Mac’s eyes opened
wide but didn’t move as they tried to determine the
location of the rattling sound that was getting louder
by the second.
“Harm,” Mac whispered as she looked down at the floor
directly in front of her. Harm instantly saw what had
caught her attention. They were staring face to face
with a large rattlesnake in attack position.
“Mac, don’t move,” Harm whispered. “Where’s your gun?”

“In the nightstand, behind you,” she whispered trying
not to move. Harm slowly removed his arm from where it
had been draped over Mac’s stomach and slowly leaned
back toward the nightstand. “Hurry Harm it’s getting
closer,” she whispered.
Harm managed to finagle the drawer open and his hand
found the weapon he was searching for. He released the
safety clip and slowly moved his hand over Mac’s body
and pointed the gun at the snake. One shot rang out
and the snake flew against the wall and piled to the
floor.
“Nice shot,” she told him as they both sat up on the
bed.
“This is getting ridiculous,” Harm commented.
“Do you think there are anymore?” Mac questioned.
“I don’t hear any, but who knows,” Harm replied as his
eyes scanned the room. 
“Ok, here’s the plan,” Mac offered. “I am going to
jump out of this bed toward the door. Cover me. Once I
get there I will be able to see under the bed. Then
we’ll know if it is safe or not,” she told him
standing up on the bed.
“I’ve got your six,” he replied pointing the gun
toward the floor. “Go,” he whispered and she darted
off the bed landing by the door. She regained her
balance and looked under the bed.
“All clear,” she told him with a relieved smile. He
quickly got off the bed and headed toward Mac. They
quickly left the room and closed the door behind them.
“This is getting serious, Mac. Someone really wants us
dead,” Harm told her as they moved into the dining
room. “We need to get out of here, out of D.C.” Harm
decided.
“I’m going to call the others,” Mac replied. As she
walked toward the phone, it began ringing. Mac looked
surprised and glanced over at Harm before answering
the phone. “Hello?” “Harriet what is it? No calm down.
Tell me what happened,” Mac tried to calm her
hysterical friend. While Mac listened, Harm sat on the
arm of the couch awaiting was inevitably to be bad
news. “The good thing is that everyone is ok,” Mac
started. “Although I don’t know for how much longer.
Look, Harm and I were just heading out. We think it
would be a good idea for us all to get out of
Washington. We will come pick you up, then he’ll head
to the Admiral’s. We’ll call everyone to meet us
there. Keep your eyes open until we get there,” Mac
explained. “See you soon,” Mac parted as she hung up
the phone.
“What happened?” Harm questioned before Mac got a
chance to speak.
“Little AJ found a grenade in the yard. He thought it
was a ball. Bud got it away from him but not before AJ
removed the pin. Bud tossed it into the backyard
before it detonated. They are pretty panicked,” Mac
explained.
“Oh my God. Is everyone okay?” Harm asked in panic.
“Just shook up,” she answered sitting on the couch arm
where Harm had previously been. “We have to get out of
here,” Mac told him with fear in her eyes.
“We will. Get your things together, I’ll cover your
six,” he told her pulling out the gun. Mac slowly
walked into the bedroom, Harm right behind her. Mac
quickly grabbed some clothes and a hairbrush from her
dresser. Next she carefully went to the closet to
retrieve her overnight bag. She placed the clothing in
the bag and looked around quickly before leaving the
room, Harm right behind her.
“I am just going to get a few things from the bathroom
and then we can go,” she told him. Harm remained close
but stayed in the living room.
“Hey, do you mind if we swing by my place before we
get Bud and Harriet?” Harm called to Mac still in the
bathroom. 
“That would be a good idea,” she commented popping her
head out from the bathroom door. “That is unless you
want to wear those clothes all weekend,” she teased.
“No that’s ok,” he replied with a grin.
“Ok, let’s get out of here,” she told him, her bag
thrown over her shoulder. Without another word, Harm
tucked Mac’s gun in his belt at his back and followed
her out the door.

0115 Zulu (2015 EST)
Outside of Luigino Restaurant
Washington, DC

“That was a fabulous dinner,” Bobbi Latham commented
as she and Sturgis walked, with arms linked, down the
street. “I’m sorry I have to cut this evening short,
but I my flight leaves at four A.M.,” Bobbi explained
as they approached her car. 
“I told you its fine,” Sturgis replied sweetly. 
“I promise, I’ll make it up to you as soon as I get
back,” she whispered.
“Hmm, I think I’m going to have to hold you to that
Congresswoman,” he replied with a smile.
Bobbi returned the smile, as Sturgis leaned in and
placed a firm kiss on her lips. As their kiss deepened
slightly, they moved closer as their arms wrapped
around each other. After a few moments Sturgis pulled
away to look in Bobbi’s eyes.
“Have a good flight,” he whispered.
“I’ll call you when I get back,” she replied. Sturgis
placed a soft kiss on her lips before they parted.
Sturgis opened her door and waited until she pulled
away. Sturgis then crossed the street toward his own
car. He opened the door and climbed in and turned on
the ignition. Just as he was fastening his seatbelt,
his phone rang.
“Sturgis,” he answered. “Hi Harm what’s going on?” he
listened. “Is everyone okay?” “What? I can’t hear you.
Hold on,” Sturgis stepped out of the car and walked
away until the signal improved. “That’s better now
what…” Sturgis was cut off as his car exploded,
throwing him further from the vehicle.
“Sturgis! Sturgis!” Harm yelled over the phone.
Sturgis was shaken up but was not hurt badly. He
picked up the phone and returned it to his ear.
“What the hell is going on Harm?” Sturgis started. “My
car just blew-up that’s what,” he answered getting
upset. 
“Where are you?” Harm asked over the phone.
“The Luigino Restaurant,” Sturgis replied.
“Stay there. Mac and I will pick you up,” Harm replied
before hung up the phone.
Harm looked over at Mac as he put his phone away. “His
car blew up, Mac,” Harm informed her.
“Is he okay?” she replied.
“Yeah, angry but okay. He had to leave his car to get
a better signal,” he replied.
“It looks like your call just saved his life,” Mac
replied.
“We are getting out of here tonight,” Harm told her
with a determined look.
“Where to?” 
“That will be the Admiral’s decision,” Harm answered.



0300 Zulu (2200 EST)
Admiral Chegwidden’s Home
McLean, Virginia

The Admiral’s van pulled into the driveway. Mac was
still driving with Harm on the passenger side. Bud,
Harriet, little AJ, and Sturgis sat in the backseat.
As they exited the vehicle they noticed that the
driveway also housed the vehicles belonging to Jen,
Tiner, Tracy, Ms. Cavanaugh, and Alan Mattoni. Bud,
Harriet, AJ, Sturgis, Harm, and Mac approached the
front door and were greeted by Jennifer Coates.
“Good evening. It’s nice to see you all safe and in
one piece,” Jen greeted.
“Well we’re in one piece. I’m not sure about the safe
part,” Harm retorted.
“Yes sir,” she agreed as the group entered the
Admiral’s house. Meredith greeted them as they
entered.
Admiral Chegwidden, Jason Tiner, Alan Mattoni, and his
wife Jackie, were seated in the living room. Meredith
took a seat next to AJ, and Jen sat down between Tiner
and Tracy. Bud, Harriet, and little AJ got a seat on
the open love seat. Sturgis took a seat next to Alan
and Jackie. Mac walked up behind Bud and Harriet and
said hello to her godson. Harm stood behind Jen and
Tiner, with his arms crossed. 

“I’m glad to see that everyone is alive,” Chegwidden
began. “Give me a full report,” he ordered, referring
to the additional incidents.
“Sir if I may?” Mac asked to start.
“Go ahead.”
“There was a gas leak at Harm’s apartment this
afternoon. He wasn’t breathing when I found him,” Mac
began. “We went back to my place. A few hours later we
discovered a rattlesnake in my bedroom. Harm shot it
with my weapon.”
Bud jumped in to explain his family’s encounter.
“Little AJ found a grenade in our backyard. He thought
it was a ball. I grabbed it from him but not before he
pulled the pin. I tossed it and it took out part of
our backyard,” Bud explained.
“My car blew up this evening,” Sturgis added. “I had
just left Congresswoman Latham. I got in my car and
turned on the ignition. I received a call from Harm
but the signal wasn’t good so I walked away from the
vehicle until I got a better signal. That’s when my
car blew up,” Sturgis had many visible cuts on his
face and arms from the incident.
“Is Ms. Latham alright?” Meredith asked.
“She left before it happened,” he replied.
“That’s good,” she replied in relief.
Harm noticed scorch marks on the wall by the Admiral’s
kitchen as his eyes wandered around the room, on full
alert.
“Admiral what happened to your kitchen?” Harm
inquired.
“The stove caught fire,” he responded looking at his
girlfriend. “Fortunately neither Meredith nor I was in
the kitchen at the time.
“Everything kind of fits except for Mac’s place and my
own,” Tiner interjected.
“What do you mean?” Mac asked.
“Well most of the attacks have been fire or explosive
based, but the snake in your apartment doesn’t quite
fit,” he replied.
“You also mentioned something at your place?” Harm
questioned.
“Yes, I got home from the store and found a bunch of
tarantulas in my apartment,” he answered.
“What did you do?” Jen asked, seemingly disgusted by
the idea of the spiders.
“I had just walked into my place. I hadn’t even closed
the door yet when I spotted them. I ran out of there
in a hurry and called animal control,” he explained.
Jen seemed a little calmer after his explanation. 
“Has anything happened to you Commander?” the Admiral
addressed Commander Mattoni.
“No sir,” he answered the group looked amazed. “Jackie
and I stayed at her sister’s place last night. We
haven’t been to our house yet,” he added.
“What about you Jen?” Bud asked realizing she was the
only one not to have shared a story.
“Nothing. I haven’t had a single problem,” she told
them timidly. Harm saw her expression and had a good
idea what she was thinking.
“Don’t worry Coates. I don’t believe anyone here
thinks you’re responsible for this,” Harm assured her.
“I would understand if you did being that I haven’t be
targeted,” she replied.
“Well you are new to JAG. Whoever is behind these
attacks clearly has a beef with JAG and probably has
been for a while. The person or persons is probably
unaware of your transfer,” Mac speculated. “We all
trust you Jen.”
“Thank you Ma’am,” she replied and leaned against the
back of the chair.
“We need to find out who is responsible for these
attacks, but I would suggest that for the time being,
we should get out of dodge,” Harm suggested.
“I agree,” the Admiral told him. “I have an old friend
who owns a summer home in Athens, Ohio. He has agreed
to let us stay there for as long as we need to. If we
leave now, we can make it there by morning,” he
informed them as he slowly pulled himself up off the
couch.


1330 Zulu (0830 EST)
Safe House
273 Elm St.
Athens, Ohio

As the tired JAG staff exited the two vehicles, they
stood in awe of the house that was to be their refuge
for the next few days. The home was a large, white,
pre-civil war Victorian, fully restored to its
original beauty.
“Admiral this house is amazing!” Harriet exclaimed.
“I agree. It’s incredible, sir,” Sturgis commented.
“As long it has a bath tub and a comfortable bed, I’ll
be happy,” Mac added as she stretched her arms above
her head.
“This way people,” the Admiral pointed as he headed
toward the door as fast as he could manage on the
crutches. The group followed behind the Admiral, with
the exception of Tiner. He ran ahead with the keys to
unlock and open the door for the Admiral. Once inside
the foyer, the Admiral assigned rooms and ordered the
group to clean up and rest then report for a meeting
and lunch at 1300 hours. It was decided that the
Admiral and Meredith would take the far bedroom on the
first floor, Tiner and Sturgis would take the room
next to the Admiral’s. The Roberts’ would take the
largest room on the second floor, with Mac and Jen in
the room next to them. Tracy would take the small
child’s room on the second floor. The Mattoni’s would
take the third and final room on the second floor.
Harm chose to sleep on the couch in the first floor
living room, but would keep his things in the room
Tiner and Sturgis shared. 
The gang went off in their separate directions to
freshen up.
“Harm do you want to use the shower before Tiner and I
get settled?” Sturgis offered.
“Thanks, I can wait. Go ahead, I’m going to go to the
grocery store,” he replied.
“Well don’t say I didn’t ask,” Sturgis replied.
“I won’t,” Harm chuckled and Sturgis headed toward his
room.
Everyone went to their rooms with the exception of
Harm. He headed back out the door to get food and
supplies from the grocery store they passed on their
way into town.

1800 Zulu (1300 EST)
January 12, 2003
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

Everyone was gathering in the dining room for the
scheduled meeting. Everyone, with the exception of
Harm and Sturgis, took a seat at the table with the
Admiral at the head. Harm and Sturgis entered from the
kitchen carrying trays with assorted sandwiches that
they had prepared for lunch. Everyone grabbed a
sandwich and ate in silence, as most of them had not
eaten much in the past twelve hours. 
After everyone had had their fill of lunch, the
Admiral began the meeting.
“First I’d like to say, that it is nice to have the
whole gang together, despite the circumstances,” he
started trying to lighten the mood. “I spoke with the
Commander of the bomb squad. It was determined that
the bomb at JAG and the one in Commander Turner’s car
were made by the same person. They are processing the
bomb components in hopes of identifying the creator.
Investigators are also trying to track down the origin
of the Rattlesnake and the Spiders, however apparently
it really isn’t that difficult to obtain the
creatures,” the Admiral explained. “Commander, did you
have any luck with Special Agent Clark Palmer?”
“I spoke with the warden at Leavenworth this morning.
He assured me that Palmer was still there and has been
on his best behavior as of late,” Harm answered. “I
still think that he could easily be a part of this so
I asked him to put together a list of inmates whom
have had any interactions with Palmer and to cross
reference that list with those inmates that were
convicted through this office,” Harm informed him.
“Very good Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“Admiral, I told them to contact you directly if they
find anything,” Harm added.
“Thank you Commander,” the Admiral replied. “For now
all we can do is wait and see what the investigations
uncover. Since today is Sunday, I am ordering everyone
to relax and recover for the remainder of the day. We
will meet back here for dinner at 1900. Does anyone
have anything else to add?” he asked. Everyone looked
around but no one else spoke up. “Thank you very much.
Dismissed,” the Admiral ordered. All the Naval
personnel stood to attention, as they all said, “Aye
aye sir.”
Everyone began filtering of in separate directions.
“Well we didn’t get to go for a run yet this weekend.
Anyone up for a run around town?” Harm asked as
everyone began walking away. Mac, Sturgis, Tracy,
Tiner, and Jen opted for the run. They all agreed
they’d meet back in 5 minutes, ready to run.

1845 Zulu (1345 EST)
Downtown 
Athens, Ohio

Harm, Mac, Sturgis, Tracy, Tiner, and Jen all were
jogging at an easy pace, as they made their way down
the sidewalks of Main St. They took in the sights of
the quiet little town. There were eye catching
displays in many of the store front windows. There
were a few people walking along the street, going
about their daily routines. 
“This is such a cute little town,” Jen commented.
“Definitely the kind of place to take a quiet
vacation,” Mac added.
“I don’t know, I think I would prefer someplace with a
little more action,” Sturgis replied.
“That is something I would have thought Commander Rabb
would say,” Tiner interjected.
“I’ll have you know, that I have enjoyed the
peacefulness of quiet places like this in the past,”
Harm defended in a strong tone.
“I’m sorry sir I didn’t mean to offend you. I just
thought you loved the action,” Tiner apologized. 
“Don’t worry about it Tiner,” Harm laughed. “I wasn’t
offended. I do love the thrill of pushing it to the
edge, but I also take pleasure in the slow pace of the
quiet,” Harm explained.
“Yes sir,” Tiner replied. The others looked at Tiner
who was clearly embarrassed, and smiled. The group
continued their run with a light-hearted mood. As they
continued down the street, they passed a mother
pushing a baby in a carriage. Jen and Mac smiled at
the site of the child.
“I can’t wait to have a baby,” Jen spoke up. This
comment caught the others slightly off guard.
“Are you seeing anyone Petty Officer?” Sturgis asked
bluntly.
“Not at the moment sir. I’m not really in any hurry, I
am just looking forward to being a mother,” she
answered.
“Ah,” Harm replied glancing in Tiner’s direction.
Tiner had a scared but relieved look on his face. Harm
had to smile at this.
“I would love to have a baby girl someday. I grew up
in a household full of men,” Tracy commented.
“What about you Ma’am? Do you want to have a baby?”
Jen asked Mac.
“Someday. With the right man,” she replied briefly
recalling that her promise with Harm had one year left
to run. Harm looked away from Mac but was smiling on
the inside. The group continued their run as it took
them away from the main road.


0630 Zulu (0130 EST)
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

The house was dark and quiet. A single light emanated
from the kitchen where Sturgis was standing watch.
Harm was on the couch desperately trying to fall
asleep. His mind was replaying the events of the past
three days. 

He was just pulling up to the guard shack when he saw
the JAG building explode. He maneuvered his car to
avoid a large chuck of debris. The car turned and he
saw the JAG sign in front of him. He again turned the
wheel to avoid the guard running for cover. He watched
as a large section of the building landed only meters
from him, crushing the guard shack. 
His mind flashed to seeing Mac’s car crushed under
debris. He sprinted as fast as he could to Mac’s car.
His eyes surveyed the wreckage. His heart pounded as
he searched for his trapped partner. It seemed like a
lifetime before she was finally in his arms.
His mind flashed again, this time he was lying in
Mac’s arms, desperately trying to breathe. She had
tears in her eyes and her face was pale with worry.
Again his mind flashed, this time to the night he and
Mac fell asleep in each others arms on his couch. ‘We
never did watch that movie’ he thought as a small
smile formed on his lips.

Harm’s thoughts were interrupted by a movement behind
him. He lifted his head off the couch and spotted the
very woman that had been plaguing his mind.
“Mac?”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you,” she whispered
as she stopped her movements.
“It’s okay. I couldn’t sleep,” he assured her.
“Me either,” she told him as he sat up on the couch.
“Want to talk about it?” Harm asked as he motioned for
her to join him on the couch.
“Not really,” she replied with a sigh as she took a
seat next to Harm. When Mac’s eyes made contact with
his, Harm recognized the same pain that he knew could
be found in his own. He wrapped his arm around her
shoulders and placed a soft kiss on her forehead
before guiding her to rest her head on his chest.
“Do you want to stay here with me tonight?” he
whispered. He waited for a reply. He knew that he
needed her with him if he was to get any rest and he
felt that she probably needed the same. “Mac?” he
whispered when he heard no reply.
“I want to stay Harm, but…” she replied timidly.
“You’re worried about what the others will say,” he
finished her sentence.
“It’s just,” she started as she once again brought her
eyes to meet his. Harm pressed his finger to her lips.
“Its okay, Sarah, they will understand why we need
this,” he told her as he removed his finger from her
lips and cupped her cheek in his palm. “We all have
come close to death on several occasions in the last
few days. Our lives have been turned upside down. The
only thing we can depend on now is our friendship, our
bond, our love,” he told her. The last part was barely
a whisper, but she heard it.
“Love?” Mac questioned as tears formed in her eyes.
“Yes, Sarah. I love you, and I hope that you love me
too,” he held his breath hoping he wasn’t wrong in his
assumption.
“I do love you Harm. I have for such a long time,” she
replied with tears running down her face.
“Please don’t cry,” he replied and placed a soft kiss
on her lips. As he broke the kiss, Mac pulled him back
for another, very much like he had done the night of
her engagement party. The kiss was pure and sweet,
neither hungry nor rushed. It was warm and filled with
love. After a few moments, Harm broke the kiss and
pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly in his
embrace.
“We’re together now, we can survive anything,” he
whispered. As she listened to his words, she knew he
was right. She exhaled a sigh of relief and closed her
eyes as she fell deeper into his embrace. After
several moments of silence and peace, Harm guided them
to lie on the couch. He made sure she had enough room
before he pulled her close. They lay in a spooned
position on the couch and within minutes, both were
sound asleep. Sturgis emerged from the kitchen and
spotted his two friends asleep on the couch. He took a
moment to admire the sight of them and smiled. “It’s
about time,” he whispered as he returned to the
kitchen. 







1115 Zulu (0615 EST)
January 13, 2003
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

The living room was still dark, being that the sun
hadn’t risen yet, when Harm began to stir from his
sleep. He opened his eyes and smiled as he looked at
the beautiful woman asleep in his arms. Harm placed a
gentle kiss on her cheek in an attempt to wake her.
She stirred and opened her eyes to see her partner
staring back at her.
“Good morning beautiful,” he whispered.
“Hi,” she replied. “How did you sleep?”
“I haven’t slept that great in a long time. I should
fall asleep with you in my arms every night,” he
replied with a smile.
“So what do we do now?” she questioned.
“Well first I am going to kiss you, and then we are
going to get up before everyone else wakes up,” he
told her.
“That’s not what I meant…” she replied but was
silenced as his lips descended upon hers. She fell
into his kiss and he pulled her body closer into his.
Harm’s tongue traced her bottom lip, seeking entrance.
Mac opened her mouth and welcomed his invasion. Her
tongue met with his as they enjoyed the sensations of
each others heat. Their passionate make-out session
was soon interrupted by someone clearing their throat.
They broke apart and noticed Sturgis standing by the
door. They both jumped up off the couch and stepped
away from each other.
“Look, we can explain…” Harm started nervously.
“Don’t worry about it. I am glad you two finally got
your acts together,” he replied with a smile. Harm
gave him a look. “I’m happy for you both. It is
certainly about time,” he told them.
“Are you going to say anything to the Admiral?” Harm
asked his longtime friend.
“I’ll let you decide your own course,” he replied.
“Thanks Sturgis,” Mac replied.
“No problem. Just make sure I’m invited to the
wedding,” he replied and left the room before Harm and
Mac had a chance to respond to his comment. Harm and
Mac stood in silence for a moment, uncomfortably. They
soon heard the house beginning to stir.  
“Mac, can you and I go for a walk later? I want to
talk about this; us,” Harm whispered.
“Are you having second thoughts?” she asked sadly.
“Not in a million years,” he answered. “Are you?”
“No,” she replied. He pulled her toward him for
another searing kiss, before the others came down.
When they finally pulled away from each other, Mac
headed back to her room, and Harm went to the room
Sturgis and Tiner shared, to change and shower.







1845 Zulu (1345 EST)
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

Jen was in the kitchen cleaning up from lunch when
Tiner entered the room.
“Hello Jen. Can I call you Jen?” Tiner asked
nervously.
“Yes you may call me Jen, Tiner,” she replied. “Tiner
may I ask you a question?”
“Sure,” he replied holding his breath for the
question.
“May I ask what your first name is?” she asked.
“Jason, Ma’am,” he replied with a smile.
“You really don’t need to call me Ma’am. Last I
checked, I do believe you out rank me here,” she
replied with a smile.
“Can I ask you a question Jen?” Tiner asked.
“Sure Jason,” she replied.
“Are you regretting coming to JAG?” he asked.
“Why would you think that?” she asked curiously.
“Well after all this. I mean the guy responsible for
this didn’t even know about you. You just happen to be
in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he told her
seriously.
“Look I didn’t join the Navy to hide from danger. And
I am not going to be scared away by some nut case,”
she told him.
“You’re pretty great Jen,” Tiner said shyly.
“Thanks Jason. You’re not so bad yourself,” she
responded. Their bonding moment was interrupted by
Meredith as she entered the kitchen.
“Oh hello,” Meredith greeted. “I didn’t realize anyone
was in here.”
“Can I get you something Ma’am?” Tiner asked as he
fumbled with a basket of fruit on the counter. 
“No I just came to get some juice for little AJ. I can
get it thanks,” Meredith assured him.
“Speaking of, I am going to go see if the Admiral
needs anything,” Tiner told them and quickly exited
the room. Meredith smiled at his exit.
“That young man has it bad,” Meredith commented.
“Ma’am?” Jen questioned.
“Please call me Meredith.”
“Ok Meredith.”
“It is quite obvious, Tiner is smitten with you,” she
told Jen.
“I think it is just because I’m new here,” Jen
replied.
“Trust me, I know these things. That boy likes you,”
Meredith assured her.
“Well thank you. I should go find some way to be
useful,” Jen told her and exited the room. Meredith
poured the juice into a plastic cup for AJ and exited
the kitchen as well.


*********************


Harriet was playing with little AJ in the living room
when Mac entered the room. 
“Hey what have you got there?” Mac asked as she
approached the child.
“Auntie Sarah!” he greeted her with a big hug.
“Oh thank you. I was just thinking about how much I
needed a hug from my favorite little guy,” she replied
with a smile.
“I got a new truck! See,” he happily explained.
“That is a great truck AJ,” she replied.
“We left in such a hurry I didn’t get to pack any of
his toys. Harm picked this up for him while he was at
the grocery store yesterday,” Harriet explained.
“Well did you thank Uncle Harm for the great new
truck?” Mac asked the happy three-year old. 
“Yup,” he replied and returned to playing with his
truck.
“How are you holding up Harriet?” Mac asked.
“I wish were back home, but I’m okay. Bud has been
really strong for little AJ and me,” she replied.
“That’s great, Harriet. You definitely found a good
man,” Mac told her.
“Yes I did. I am grateful for him every day,” Harriet
smiled.
“I hope I will have what you and Bud have someday,”
Mac sighed.
“You will. Just as soon as Harm gets his head out of
his six,” Harriet commented.
“Harriet?” Mac replied shocked at her friend’s
statement.
“I know he would be good for you Mac. You two just
need to talk to each other about what has been there
for years,” she continued. Mac looked surprised.
“Don’t look so shocked. We have all seen the unspoken
connection between you two.”
“Can you keep a secret Harriet?” Mac asked.
“Sure.”
“That unspoken connection is no longer unspoken,” Mac
told her with a smile.
“You mean?” Harriet replied with hopefulness.
“Harm told me last night,” she told her as her whole
face glowed.
“Love?” Harriet asked.
“Yes,” Mac replied.
“And you too?” Harriet smiled even brighter.
“Yes,” Mac replied and Harriet hugged her excitedly.
“So are you dating?” Harriet whispered.
“I think so,” Mac answered unsurely. “We haven’t
really talked about it yet.”
“Well I am so very happy for you, Mac.”
“Thanks Harriet. Please don’t say anything to anyone.
We kind of want to keep it to ourselves for now. Only
you and Sturgis know,” Mac explained.
“How did Sturgis find out?” Harriet inquired.
“He kind of walked in on us this morning,” Mac
replied.
“You mean…”
“No, we were just kissing,” Mac assured her. No sooner
had she said that, than the topic of their
conversation walked through the door.
“Afternoon ladies,” Harm greeted.
“Hello Commander,” Harriet greeted.
“Harriet, please, it’s Harm,” he reminded her.
“Yes sir,” she replied. 
“Mac I was going to check out the property, would you
care to join me?” Harm asked.
“Sure I could use some fresh air, besides it isn’t a
good idea for any of us to be wandering away on our
own. God knows how much trouble you could get into,”
she responded with a smile. “I’ll talk to you later,”
she told Harriet before leaving with Harm. “Let me get
my coat,” she told him.
“I’ll be right here,” he replied with a smile. “Hey
buddy,” Harm greeted his godson. 
“Uncle Harm!” AJ squealed in delight as he ran to give
him a hug. Harm picked him up and swung him in the
air. AJ giggled as Harm flew him around the room like
a plane.
“Hello sir,” Bud greeted as he watched his best friend
play with his son.
“Bud, it’s Harm,” he told him as he returned AJ to the
floor. “We’re not in uniform and we’re in Ohio hiding
out from a madman who is out to kill us all,” Harm
reminded him. Even after all these years and the fact
that he was his son’s godfather, Bud still had trouble
calling Harm by his first name.
“Ah, yes sir, ah Harm,” he replied uncomfortably. 
“Are you ready to go?” Mac asked Harm as she entered
the room.
“All set,” he replied. “Bud, if anyone needs us, we
will be taking a walk in the woods behind the house.
I’ll have my cell on,” Harm told his friend.
“No problem sir. Enjoy the walk and please be
careful,” Bud replied as he joined his wife and son on
the floor.
“Don’t worry I’ll keep him out of trouble,” Mac
replied teasingly. Harm simply glared at her. Harriet
smiled at the comment and Mac and Harm headed out the
back door.

The air was cool, but mild for this time of year. Harm
and Mac headed away from the house and into the large
forest that sat behind the house. For several minutes,
they merely walked in silence, enjoying the beauty of
nature.
“We sure don’t get to see this much nature at home,”
Harm started.
“Definitely not,” Mac replied. They continued in
silence for a few more moments. Harm glanced behind
him to see how far they were from the house.
“Would you mind if I held your hand?” he whispered.
“Not at all,” she blushed as she offered her hand to
Harm. He took it in his own and they continued to
walk, hand in hand.
After another few minutes of silence, Mac had a
burning question that she needed answered.
“Harm, can I ask you something?” she questioned as she
stopped walking.
“Anything?” he replied looking at her.
“After all this time, you finally told me that you
love me,” she started.
“Yes,” he replied wondering where this was going.
“Did you only do it because we almost died?” she asked
nervously.
“That’s why I said it now, but that’s not why I said
it, Sarah,” he replied softly as he placed his hand on
her cheek. “I have loved you for such a long time, but
there was always something getting in the way,
something preventing me from telling you. After seeing
that you were almost killed, and the fact that
technically I was dead for a minute, all the reasons
for not telling you, didn’t seem so complicated
anymore,” he told her, causing her eyes to tear. “I
would never forgive myself if one of us died before I
told you of how much in love with you I am,” as he
finished his explanation, his eyes began to tear as
well.
“And I am very much in love with you,” she whispered. 
Harm wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into
his kiss. He kissed her softly at first, but soon
their need for each other intensified. Mac pulled her
body closer into Harm’s. Harm walked them backwards
and gently pushed Mac up against a tree. He deepened
the kiss as Mac wrapped her arms around his neck. She
became more excited as she felt his strong body
pressed up against hers, and felt his hands exploring
her body. His hands snaked up under her shirt, and his
touch was electric against the cool skin of her back.
She felt the desire growing deep inside her as their
passion began to overtake them.
“God Sarah, you feel so good,” he breathed in her ear.
“Harm…I…want…you…,” she whispered between breaths.
Harm didn’t need anymore encouragement. He slid his
hands under her bottom and lifted her up. She
immediately wrapped her legs tightly around his waist.
This new contact let her feel the hardness of his
arousal against her warmth. As their tongues continued
to battle, Harm brought his hand up to meet her
waiting breasts. She let out a moan of pleasure as his
warm hands massaged her cool tender skin.
“I love you, Sarah,” Harm whispered breaking his lips
from hers.
“I love you,” she replied as the feelings of his
ministrations threatened to overwhelm her. He stopped
temporarily to look in her desire glazed eyes.
“You are so beautiful, my Sarah,” he whispered, trying
to control his desire for her. “Are you sure you want
to do this out here?” he questioned, remembering that
they were in the middle of the cold forest.
“I…” she tried to answer but the words didn’t come
out. She simply stared into his loving eyes as her
breathing calmed. “Harm?...” she tried to continue but
was interrupted by the ringing of his cell phone.
“Perfect,” he muttered. Without releasing her, he
answered the phone. “Hello? Ah, yes sir. We are in the
forest, just…exploring,” he answered with a smile. Mac
began licking his earlobe as Harm listened on the
phone, trying to retain his self-control. “Yes sir, we
will be there sir. Yes sir,” he answered, still
distracted by Mac’s torturous actions. “Yes sir,” he
replied before hanging up the phone. “That was the
Admiral Mac,” he told her. “I’m sorry, I just couldn’t
help myself,” she answered with a sly grin.
“Well I guess I am just going to have to get even,” he
replied with a playful tone.
“Give me your best shot sailor,” she challenged. He
quickly snaked a hand behind her back and, in one
quick flick of the wrist, unclasped her bra. He then
used his other hand to remove her shirt, unveiling her
full firm breasts to his hungry eyes. Before Mac had a
chance to adjust to the cold air Harm captured one of
her hardened nipples in his mouth. She let out a loud
moan as the sensations surged through her body.
“Harm, I can’t take this anymore,” she moaned.
“What do you want?” he asked looking into her eyes.
“I want you inside me,” she moaned.
“It’s very cold out here sweetheart,” Harm warned.
“I need you baby. We’ve waited too long already,” she
told him.
“Ok,” he whispered as he lowered her off of his waist.
He removed his jacket and placed it on the ground, and
then lowered Mac to lie on the jacket. Harm removed
Mac’s camies and panties and took a quick look around
to ensure they were alone. She opened her legs and
Harm took in the vision of her. He lowered his head
toward her core, but Mac put her hand on his shoulder
to stop him.
“Not this time, please, I want you inside me,” she
pleaded. He nodded and lowered his pants and boxers.
He moved himself over her and placed a kiss on her
lips as he waited at her entrance. Mac wrapped her
legs around his waist and pulled him into her. They
both let out a moan as this new sensation washed over
them. Harm waited a moment for Mac to adjust to his
invasion. She quickly got impatient and began rocking
her hips into his. He quickly found her rhythm as he
began to slowly thrust deeper and deeper into her
core. His lips once again captured hers and he kissed
her gently and slowly. This slow rhythm didn’t last
long for the passion soon began to overtake them. Harm
was afraid to rush but Mac began rocking her hips
faster, encouraging him. As he thrust faster and
harder he felt his climax quickly approaching. He
brought his hand down between them and began circling
her clit. He had wanted her for so long that there was
no way he was going over the edge without her. 
“Harm!” she yelled as her climax wracked through her
body.
“Sarah!” her muscles tighten around him causing him to
fly over the edge right behind her. Harm collapsed on
top of Mac, holding her tight. They lay like that for
a minute while they regained their composer. 
“I love you,” she whispered in Harm’s ear. He lifted
himself up to look into her eyes.
“I love you too Sarah,” he replied.
“I hate to break this moment, but I am cold,” she told
him.
“Of course you are, we just made love in the middle of
the forest in January,” he laughed, she replied with a
smile. He pulled out of her and helped her to her
feet. They quickly redressed and looked around to
ensure their privacy.
“Come here baby,” she asked as she held her arms out.
“I love it when you call me that,” he whispered.
“Come kiss me baby,” she told him with a sweet smile.
He stepped into her arms and embraced her tightly. He
placed a soft kiss on her lips. After a few moments,
Mac broke the kiss. “What did the Admiral want?” she
asked referring to the earlier phone call.
“Oh, he has news and wanted everyone to get together
at 1500 hours,” he replied.
“Ah, baby?” she replied with a worried tone.
“Yes, sweetheart?” he replied with a sweet smile.
“It is 1517,” she informed him.
“Oh shit!” Harm exclaimed getting nervous.
“Baby, relax,” she told him as she wrapped her arms
around Harm’s waist. “We got lost. Plain and simple,”
she told him.
“Lie to our C.O?” he questioned with a sneaky smile.
“Not lie, mislead. We did get lost,” she replied. He
looked puzzled. “We got lost in each other,” she added
with a smile.
“Did I tell you how much I love you?” Harm replied.
“Yes, but a girl never gets tired of hearing it,” she
replied as she kissed him again.
“As much as I love this, we really need to get back,”
Harm told her.
“Yes, we should,” she agreed. They quickly walked back
in the direction of the house.







2025 Zulu (1525 EST)
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

“Sorry we’re late sir,” Harm apologized as he and Mac
entered the dining room where the rest of the group
was waiting. “We went for a walk in the woods and got
a little… disoriented,” he explained.
“You two got lost?” the Admiral questioned with
suspicion. 
“We were enjoying the scenery so much that we didn’t
really pay attention to where we were going,” Mac
added.
“I see,” the Admiral replied. “Well have a seat.” Harm
and Mac took their places around the table. They
didn’t make eye contact with each other much, trying
to look innocent. Sturgis and Harriet both looked at
the two and had a pretty good idea of why they were
late. Sturgis smiled but made sure to be discrete.
Harriet gave Mac a look. Mac simply grinned at her
friend. 
“Now that everyone is here,” the Admiral started with
a glare in the direction of his tardy senior lawyers.
“I received a phone call from Leavenworth. They have
reported that a Chief Petty Officer Kevin Kelley
escaped from work detail two weeks ago,” the Admiral
explained.
“I remember that case, Kelly was charged with
espionage and three counts of murder,” Mac
interjected.
“Harm and I convicted him on all counts,” Sturgis
added.
“It was Bud’s research that finally swayed the
members,” Mac added.
“It wasn’t all me, I mean it was more like a team
effort,” Bud rambled nervously.
“No one is blaming you Bud,” Harm assured him.
“Yes sir. Thank you sir,” Bud replied.
“Do the authorities suspect Kelley sir?” Mattoni
inquired.
“He is on the list. It seems that he definitely had a
grudge against JAG and the Navy,” the Admiral
answered. “Also you may be interested to know
Commander,” the Admiral directed to Harm. “Chief Petty
Officer Kevin Kelley was sharing a cell with an
admirer of yours.”
“Special Agent Clark Palmer sir?” Harm asked.
“Afraid so Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“Well I would say that Kelley seems like a viable
suspect,” Mac stated.
“Palmer has always been after me. He’s never gone
after the rest of the staff before,” Harm explained.
“He might not have the means to get you Harm, but I
don’t think he would give up the chance to encourage a
fellow inmate to seek revenge against the mighty
Harmon Rabb and JAG. Sir,” Bud injected bluntly. “I’m
sorry sir, I didn’t mean for it to sound like that,”
he apologized. 
“No need to apologize Bud. You are absolutely correct
in your assumption,” Harm assured him.
“Yes sir,” Bud replied.
“So what should we do sir?” Petty Officer Coates
inquired.
“Don’t worry Jen, we’re safe here. No one knows where
we are,” Tiner assured her.
“Thank you Tiner,” she smiled. “But I was referring to
how we were going to catch this guy,” she informed
him, trying to hold back a giggle.
“Yes Ma’am,” Tiner replied embarrassed. The Admiral
tried to seem frustrated but couldn’t help but see the
humor in it. Meredith on the other hand, couldn’t hold
back a bright smile. The romantic in her caught the
glimmer in Tiner’s eye toward Jen.
“The authorities are searching for Kelley in the D.C
area. It’s safest if we stay here and wait it out,”
the Admiral suggested.
“Sir?” Harm questioned in surprise.
“Do you have something to add Commander?”
“Yes sir,” Harm replied. “I was just thinking that
waiting around doesn’t seem like the Navy thing to
do.”
“Nor the Marine way sir,” Mac interjected. 
“I am fully aware of what I’m saying. Don’t forget I
was a SEAL Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“Yes sir,” Harm and Mac replied.
“Look I understand that you all feel helpless right
now but the lives of everyone in this room are at
stake,” he told them.
“Sir, I would have to agree with Rabb and the Colonel.
We can’t just sit here and wait for this man to take
us down. And I really don’t think we can hide out here
forever,” Sturgis interjected.
“With all due respect sir, everyone in this room is
quite capable. We’ve made it this far. I would suggest
that we fight sir,” Harm suggested.
“I would concur sir,” Mac replied.
“Does everyone feel this way?” the Admiral asked.
Everyone at the table agreed with the exception of
Mrs. Mattoni. She was still scared but she understood
how everyone felt.  
“Ok Commander, what do you suggest we do?” the Admiral
inquired.
“First we need to let Kelley know where we are,” he
started.
“How exactly do we do that?” Sturgis inquired.
“Clark Palmer,” he answered. “I will call Palmer at
Leavenworth and ask him about Kelley. I will use the
house phone here. Palmer will then trace the call back
here. He will then contact Kelley and tell him where
we are,” Harm explained.
“What makes you think he’ll do all that or even if
he’s able to sir?” Harriet asked.
“Trust me, Palmer can do it,” Harm replied.
“Ok so assuming all that happens, what do you suggest
we do then?” Alan Mattoni asked.
“We set up an ambush,” the Admiral interjected.
“Yes sir,” Harm replied.
“Before we do this, I want everyone to realize the
seriousness of this course of action. Also, I will not
order this operation. We will proceed only if everyone
agrees to this course of action. All those in favor
please raise your hand,” the Admiral stated strongly.
Everyone took a moment and looked around at each
other. Harm raised his hand, followed quickly by Mac,
Sturgis, Tiner, Bud, Harriet, and Jen. Mattoni looked
at his wife before raising his hand. His wife took a
deep breath and raised hers as well. Meredith raised
her hand followed by the Admiral. “Ok. I want tactical
and defense plans for my inspection by 1900. If
everything is to my satisfaction, Rabb will make the
call in the morning,” the Admiral ordered.
“Dismissed.”
Everyone stood from the table and went their separate
ways.  
“Do you really think this is going to work?” Sturgis
asked Harm as they walked toward the living room,
followed close behind by Mac, Harriet, and Bud.
“We can’t sit and wait for Kelley to take us out. And
we certainly can’t hide out here forever. No matter
how lovely it is here,” he replied with a smile
directed at his beautiful partner.
“I just hope this isn’t another one of your death
defying concoctions,” Sturgis replied.
“They haven’t let me down yet,” he replied smugly.
“Even superman had his Kryptonite Harm,” Sturgis shot
back.
“Though this may be another of his many suicide
missions, I don’t see we have any other choice in the
matter. At least if we attack here, we have the home
advantage,” Mac defended her partner.
“What do you think Bud, Harriet? Do you think it is
worth it, with little AJ here?” Harm asked their long
time friends.
“Well sir,” Harriet began and took a deep breath. “My
son was almost killed in our backyard. Bud and I were
almost killed in our car. I don’t want to be the one
to do nothing and then a few weeks from now, find my
son…” Harriet couldn’t finish her words as tears began
to overwhelm her. Bud comforted his wife and finished
answering Harm’s question.
“Sir, we are doing this to save the lives of our son
and our unborn child as well as everyone else here. We
have to put an end to this. We all have jobs and lives
to get back to. The greater risk would be to do
nothing,” Bud answered confidently.
“Spoken like a true hero,” Sturgis complimented.
“So are you with me on this?” Harm directed to
Sturgis.
“To hell and back,” he replied mimicking words of
Harm’s past.
“Alright, let’s get to work then. We have plans to
make,” Mac ordered. They all went their separate ways
to gather supplies. Harm quickly glanced over at Mac
before exiting the room with Bud. Mac and Harriet
stayed in the living room.
“Where is my godson?” Mac inquired.
“With Miss. Cavanaugh, she insisted on watching him
for a while. Just between you and me Ma’am, I think
her biological clock is ticking, if you know what I
mean,” Harriet whispered with a smile. Mac smiled
back.
“Well I think the Admiral would make a wonderful
father. Again. I know he missed a lot of his
daughter’s childhood. I think he would do quite well a
second time around,” Mac replied.
“Yes Ma’am,” Harriet replied with a giggle.
“Permission to speak feeling Ma’am?”
“I think discussing our CO’s love life already
qualifies. Please Harriet call me Mac,” she replied.
“Mac. Did you and Commander Rabb…you know?” she asked
nervously.
 “That’s classified,” Mac replied with a blush.
“Was he good?” Harriet asked boldly.
“Amazing,” Mac answered dreamily without realizing.
Harriet’s face lit up again and Mac’s face turned a
brighter shade of red.
“Just promise to invite me to the wedding,” Harriet
commented.
“You know Sturgis said the same thing this morning
when caught us kissing,” Mac told her. “What was there
an office pool of something going?”
“Ah…I’m afraid that’s classified Ma’am,” Harriet asked
with a smile as she avoided Mac’s eyes.
“And who may I ask won?” Mac inquired.
“I believe it would be Commander Turner. After he saw
how you two looked at each other at the Christmas
Party, he bet that you two would be together before
Valentine’s Day,” Harriet informed her.
“I see. What was the pool up to?” Mac asked.
“500 dollars,” Harriet replied. Mac seemed shocked.
“I think when all this is over, we are going to have
to find some more work to do, because clearly everyone
in the office has way to much time on their hands,”
Mac told her only half serious.
“It’s just that we have all been watching the soap
opera that is you and Harm, unfold for years now
Ma’am,” Harriet replied cautiously.
“I think soap opera is an understatement,” Mac replied
with a giggle. “Well speaking of my partner, I think I
am going to go find him and see what I do to help.
After all we just got together, there’s no way I’m
going to let him do anything stupid without me there
to cover his six,” she told her friend with a smile.
“Yes Ma’am. I think I am going to find my husband as
well,” Harriet replied. Both women headed toward the
kitchen in search of their significant others.


0345 Zulu (2345 EST)
January 13, 2003
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

Harm was sitting on a green futon couch in the
enclosed porch off the front of the house looking out
into the dark night. As Harm yawned, he was
momentarily unaware of the woman walking through the
door. It wasn’t until she closed the door that he
registered her presence.
“Hey there Sailor,” she greeted.
“Evening beautiful,” he replied as he turned to see
his partner standing before him with two cups of
coffee.
“I thought you might like some coffee, being that
you’re on watch until 0300,” she offered a cup to
Harm.
“Thanks,” he replied as he took the cup from her. “If
you drink that, you’ll never get to sleep,” he
commented noticing her sipping from her own cup.
“I thought I’d keep you company,” she replied as she
joined him on the couch.
“As much as I love having you here, you really should
try to get some sleep,” he told her caringly.
“I will. When you do,” she answered determinedly. 
“Ok,” he replied as he placed a soft kiss on her lips.
“I don’t deserve you,” he whispered.
“You’re right,” she teased. “But you’re stuck with me
squid,” she smiled.
“You always have a come back for everything. Have I
ever told you how much I love that about you?” he
whispered.
“I love you too,” she replied returning a gentle kiss.
“Well if you are going to keep me company, then you
can’t distract me. I have a house to watch over,” he
told her.
“You mean we have a house to watch over,” she smiled.
“Yes we,” he replied wrapping his arm around her
shoulders.
“So I had a chat with Harriet this afternoon,” Mac
started.
“What about?”
“Did you know that the office had a pool going about
when the two of us were going to get together?” Mac
asked.
“Really?” Harm couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Apparently it has been going for at least a year or
two.”
“So who won?” Harm inquired.
“Sturgis. He guessed that we’d be together before
Valentines Day,” she answered.
“Really? How much did he win?”
“Five hundred dollars.”
“Five hundred dollars? Well well, I didn’t know we
were such a hot topic of conversation,” he replied
smugly.
“Apparently we have been for some time.”
“Well I think when things get back to normal, we need
to find some more work for the staff,” Harm smiled.
“I told Harriet the same exact thing,” they both
laughed. “So flyboy, we have 3 hours and 5 minutes
before Tiner comes on watch. What ever can we do to
pass the time?” she asked with a sly smile on her
face. 
“I don’t know, Colonel. Did you have a suggestion?”
Harm replied curiously. Mac’s answer was in the form
of a hard kiss on his lips. Harm enjoyed the kiss but
soon gently pushed her away. “Mac, as much as I want
to kiss you and never stop, I have to keep my eyes
alert. I am on watch,” he told her.
“Not a problem Commander,” she whispered before
licking his ear causing him to shiver. Mac began
kissing his neck as her hand slowly traveled to his
thigh.
“Mac…”
“Shhh. Keep your eyes on the sky flyboy,” she
whispered as she kissed a trail back up to his ear.
Harm stared directly in front of him, trying to
maintain his control. Mac’s hand moved to his waist
band and began to open the button. 
“Mac please…” he mumbled as she reached her hand
inside his pants. As her hand came in contact with his
warm skin, a shiver ran up his spine, causing his
erection to grow harder. Mac pushed back his pants and
freed his throbbing member. Harm tried to retain his
composer as her hand wrapped around his large shaft.
Her hand moved slowly up and down the shaft as her
other hand continued to massage his thigh. As she
removed her lips from his neck, she noticed his eyes
had fallen closed by her ministrations. 
“Keep your eyes open flyboy,” she whispered as her
dark brown eyes locked with his.
“Mac please,” he tried to speak. Mac placed a kiss on
his lips.
“Keep your eyes open,” she repeated before lowering
her head to his lap.
Mac lightly licked the tip of his shaft before
circling the slit with her tongue. She then proceeded
to use her whole tongue to lick from the base of his
shaft to the tip. Harm was thoroughly enjoying Mac’s
ministrations but was following her orders to keep his
eyes open. His eyes constantly surveyed the front
yard, trying to keep on his task. Harm’s concentration
was obscured by Mac’s hot mouth completely engulfing
his penis.
“Oh God Mac,” he moaned. Mac smiled to herself as she
continued her assault. Her hand began pumping faster
and harder as her mouth did the same. It wasn’t before
to long that she felt him tighten under her pressures.
“Mac please, I’m about to cum,” he moaned as he tried
to remove her mouth from his shaft. Mac wouldn’t have
it. She increased her movements to bring forth his
release. His head flew back as he spilled his seed
into her mouth. Mac milked him of every drop before
she finally removed her mouth and raised her head to
meet his eyes. His face was flushed as he recovered
from his pleasure. She smiled as she studied his
beautiful face.
“That was…wow,” was all Harm could say.
“You’re very welcome,” she replied as she licked her
lips slowly. She leaned in slowly, not knowing whether
or not he would mind being kissed after oral sex. He
placed his hand on the back of her head and pulled her
in for a passionate kiss. After several passion filled
moments, Harm broke their kiss and looked into her
eyes.
“If you don’t mind me saying, you have the most
amazing mouth,” he whispered.
“Well I’m glad you approve,” she smiled in reply.
“I do,” he replied. “Can I return the favor?”
“Right now you have security to maintain. I can take a
rain check,” she replied and placed a light kiss on
his lips.
“A rain check I fully intend to honor,” he whispered.
She smiled but was betrayed by a yawn. “You should get
some rest,” he told her.
“I want to stay with you,” she replied.
“Fine, but only if you rest. I’ll wake you if there is
a problem,” he told her.
“Ok,” she conceded. Harm slid to the end of the futon
and grabbed the blanket he had brought out earlier. 
“Come here,” he asked as he motioned for her to rest
her head on his lap. She lay down and rested her head
on his thigh. He covered her with the blanket and
tucked her in tight. He then gently rubbed his hand
across her forehead, pushing aside a strand of hair.
“Sleep well my love,” he whispered. Mac didn’t hear
his comment, she had already fallen asleep. He smiled
as he stared at his beautiful partner.

0800 Zulu (0300 EST)
January 14, 2003
Safe House
Athens, Ohio

Harm was still keeping a close eye on the yard, but
took the time to look down at his sleeping partner
every now and then. Harm’s attention was shifted as he
saw Petty Officer Coates enter the porch.
“Jen what are you doing here?” Harm whispered. “I
thought Tiner was going to relieve me.”
“He is. I volunteered to keep him company sir,” she
replied also in a whisper. “Has she been asleep long?”
Jen asked referring to Mac.
“About two and a half hours,” he replied.
“Well I am going to be out here the rest of the night,
if you want to bring her to our room. And you are
welcome to sleep in there as well. The beds are more
comfortable than the couch,” she offered.
“Thank you Jen. I appreciate it,” Harm replied.
“You’re welcome sir,” Jen replied. Suddenly Tiner
appeared in the doorway.
“Morning Sir, Jen,” he greeted.
“Tiner,” Harm replied. “Well I think that is our cue
to head to bed. That is if you two have everything
under control here,” he told them.
“Yes, sir,” Tiner replied. Harm gently picked up Mac’s
head so he could stand. He then gently picked her up
in his arms, careful not to wake her.
“Goodnight sir,” Jen told him.
“You two kids behave yourselves now,” he whispered
with a smile.
“Yes sir,” Tiner answered with a slight hint of
nervousness. Harm left the porch with a sleeping Mac
in his arms.
“I’m happy for them,” Jen directed to Tiner.
“Yeah, I’m just sorry I lost the pool,” Tiner replied
as he took a seat on the futon. Jen laughed as she sat
down next to him.

1300 Zulu (0800 EST)
January 15, 2003

Harm woke to the warm sun on his face. He opened his
eyes with surprise as he realized that his woman was
not in his arms. He looked over to his side and saw
Mac curled up against the far edge of the bed. Harm
smiled at her sleeping form. His mind remembered Mac’s
mouth pleasuring him expertly. Then he remembered that
he owed her a favor in return. He careful got up off
the bed and walked over to the door. He clicked the
lock shut and walked to Mac’s side of the bed. He
gently rolled her on her back. He was thankful that
she didn’t stir. He then carefully lowered her sweat
pants off of her hips and down her legs. Once removed,
he dropped the pants to the floor. He looked up at her
face. Man she’s a hard sleeper. She must really be
tired, he thought with a smile. Next he pulled the
small amount of fabric she called under ware from her
sleeping form. He stepped back and took a moment to
admire the sight of the half naked woman before him.
Mac stirred slightly and her legs moved further apart
from each other. Harm smiled at this movement. He
walked to the edge of the bed and gently pushed Mac’s
legs farther apart, revealing her silky folds to his
hungry eyes. He climbed on the bed between her legs
and slowly lowered his head to the place he longed to
touch. He took in the heady scent of her femininity.
He used his fingers to gently spread her folds and his
tongue gently grazed over her clit. His tongue began
gracing soft circles around her bundle of nerves. Mac
began to stir as surprising sensations began tickling
her body. Mac opened her eyes and focused her eyes on
Harm’s head between her legs.
“Harm what are you…” her sentence was interrupted when
Harm placed two fingers inside her moist core. “Oh
god,” she moaned as her body arched away from the bed.
Harm could feel Mac’s body tensing, he knew she was
close. As he continued working on her clit, he placed
a third finger inside her core and began pumping
faster. “Harm!” Mac moaned as her climax washed over
her. Harm removed his fingers and lapped at her
juices. As Mac’s body calmed Harm lifted his head and
looked into her passion-glazed eyes. A bright smile
was spread across his face as he climbed up over her
to bring his face near hers. “That was…wow…talk about
a nice wake up,” she told him as she brought her hands
up to his head. 
“Consider it a thank you for last night,” he
whispered. She intertwined her fingers in his hair and
pulled him in for a kiss. She could taste herself on
his lips and the tingling returned to her core.
“Harm?” she whispered.
“Yes,” he answered looking into her eyes.
“I want you inside me,” she whispered. “Right now,”
she wrapped her legs around his waist and flipped him
over on the bed in one swift move.
“Yes Ma’am,” Harm answered surprised by her aggressive
move.
She climbed off of him and pulled his pants and boxers
off in a quick move.
“Wow you are amazing baby,” he replied reaching for
her and pulling her to him. He brought her lips to his
and kissed her forcefully. He pulled her tight and
wrapped his legs around her. Mac pulled away from his
kiss and leaned to his ear. “I want you now. I want
you to take me hard and fast. I want you to fuck me
Harm,” she whispered.
“Yes Ma’am,” he whispered. Harm rolled her on her back
and gently pinned her arms to the bed above her head.
“I love you,” he whispered before pushing into her hot
tight core. “Oh god, you feel so good.”
“Come on baby, give it to me,” Mac demanded rocking
her hips into his. He did as she asked and began
thrusting into her, slowly at first but quickly
picking up the pace as her body pushed him. “I’m so
close baby,” she moaned as he thrust into her body.
“Harder, harder,” she chanted. “Fuck me baby. Fuck me
hard.” Harm released her arms and braced himself on
the bed. He pushed harder and harder, as he slammed
into her hot core again and again. “Oh yes, yes,” she
cried, trying to control her volume. Harm felt Mac
muscles quivering around him as she came hard and
fast. He pumped into her three more times before he
emptied himself into her womb. As his orgasm subsided,
he collapsed on top of her.
“That was amazing baby,” he whispered breathlessly.
“You are incredible,” she answered.
Harm lifted himself off of Mac’s chest. “I never would
have imaged that you had a wild side like that,” he
whispered.
“I’ve never been able to let myself go with anyone
before. You make me feel like I can do anything. With
you I feel like I could fly,” she told him. He placed
a soft kiss on her lips. He began to pull out of her
but was stopped by her legs still wrapped around him.
“Don’t leave me yet,” she requested.
“I wasn’t going anywhere. I just wanted to cuddle with
you,” he told her.
“We can. Just stay inside me a while. You feel so
good,” she told him.
“Ok,” he replied and rolled them on their sides and
wrapped his arms around her. She placed her head on
his chest and began tracing lazy circles around his
nipples. “Mmmm…” he mumbled into her chest.
“I love you Harm,” she started. He lifted his head and
looked into her beautiful brown eyes. He was about to
reply when she continued. “I have never felt this safe
or alive with a man before. With anyone for that
matter,” she told him as tears began to form in her
eyes. 
“That’s because you’ve never been with your soul-mate
before. No one will ever love you the way I do Sarah,”
he whispered and placed a light kiss on her lips.
“Harm…”
“I know baby,” he told her. “You and I are forever,”
he whispered and placed another kiss on her lips. This
time the kiss lingered a while. Mac’s hand lay flat
against his chest while the other softly moved across
his back. Harm gently pulled one hand from under her
and brought it under the front of her shirt, seeking
her breasts. “Someone is a little over dressed here,”
he whispered. She smiled and leaned forward while he
removed her sweatshirt. He smiled as he glanced upon
her full breasts. He brought his hand to cup one and
gently massage it. His lips caught hold of the other
and he sucked her nipple into his mouth. Mac moaned as
the sensations began to take hold of her again. Mac’s
body began rocking into his as his ministrations
continued. Mac’s muscles began tensing against his
shaft that was still buried deep inside her. Her
contractions quickly brought his member back to life.
As she felt his hardness stretching her she rocked her
hips into his, desperately needing the friction. Harm
understood her desires and slowly pulled out of her.
“No,” she cried. He smiled at her and stopped his
movement just at the edge of her core.
“I’m not going anywhere baby,” he whispered as he
slowly thrust into her as far as he could. She moaned
as he filled her even deeply than he had before.
“Oh yes. I love how you fill me completely,” she
whispered before capturing his mouth with hers.  The
kiss was soft at first but they both needed more.
Harm’s tongue traced her bottom lip seeking entrance.
Mac gladly opened her mouth and allowed his invasion.
His tongue explored her mouth expertly. It was as if
he was trying to memorize every inch of her. As his
hand continued to worship her breasts, her hands
snaked down his back and settled on his firm buttocks.
She grasped his firm skin and pulled him even further
inside her. Harm broke the kiss and glanced in her
passion filled eyes.
“I love you Sarah,” he whispered.
“I love you Harm.” Harm removed his hand from her
breast and reached under her left leg and placed it
over his shoulder. He readjusted her position under
him and pulled her closer. Their new position allowed
him to fill her even deeper. “Ohh…” she moaned as he
pushed into her further. He stopped moving and
lingered a while. He smiled at her and captured her
lips in another loving kiss. After a few moments Mac
began to get impatient and began rocking her hips
again. He took her cue and slowly thrust into her hard
before pulling almost completely out of her. Just as
he reached the end of her core, he pushed in again
hard and deep. “Oh yes,” she replied. Seeing that she
liked that maneuver, he repeated the same thing again
and again, gradually getting faster and harder. Before
too long, both were coming dangerously close to the
edge. A few more hard thrusts and Mac flew over the
edge with Harm right behind her. He kept thrusting
until she had milked every drop from him. He stilled,
released her lips and smiled at her.
“Forever my love,” he whispered.
“Forever,” she repeated with a tired smile. After a
moment Harm slowly pulled out of her and pulled her
into his arms. She rested her head on his chest and
within moments both were sound asleep.






1530 Zulu (1030 EST)
January 15, 2003

The Admiral, Sturgis, Mattoni, Bud, and Tracy were
busy looking over pages spread across the dining room
table. 
“These plans should work well. Alan, make a list of
the supplies we’ll need,” the Admiral ordered.
“Yes sir,” Mattoni replied as he reached for a notepad
and pen.
“Sturgis, you are in charge of handing out
assignments,” AJ continued.
“Yes sir,” Strugis replied.
“As soon as Mac and Harm wake up, I’ll have Harm place
the call to Leavenworth. We’ll also need someone to go
to the store to pick up the supplies,” he finished.
“I can do that sir,” Bud volunteered.
“Good. Take some help. There are a lot of things we’ll
need.”
“I would be happy to help sir,” Tracy volunteered.
“Thank you Commander,” Bud replied. Just then Bud
noticed Harm and Mac enter the room. “Good morning
Sir, Ma’am,” Bud greeted his friends.
“Sorry we over slept,” Harm offered to his CO.
“You two were on duty until 0300. You are allowed to
get some sleep Commander,” the Admiral replied.
“Yes sir,” Harm replied. Mac and Harm walked up to the
table and began glancing at the plans. “Are we ready
to begin sir?”
“Yes we are Commander. All we need now is for you to
make that call to Special Agent Palmer,” AJ informed
him.
“I’ll get on that right now sir,” Harm replied and
headed toward the kitchen to use the phone.
“What can I do to help sir?” Mac asked eagerly.
“Bud and Tracy could probably use an extra set of
hands with gathering the supplies,” AJ suggested.
“As soon as the list is complete, we are going to head
into town,” Bud informed her. 
“The list is complete,” Mattoni told Bud as he handed
him the list.
“Thank you Commander,” Bud replied and took the list.
“Well I guess we are all set then,” Tracy stated.
“Are you ready to go Ma’am?” Bud asked Mac.
“Sure let’s go,” Mac replied. She glanced at the
kitchen quickly, looking for Harm. He had not
re-emerged yet. She discreetly shrugged before joining
Tracy and Bud, who were already heading for the door.
Sturgis intercepted Mac on her way to the door.
“I’ll tell him where you’re going,” he whispered.
“Thanks Sturgis,” she replied softly.
“No problem,” he replied with a smile and watched the
three exit out the front door.
 “Sturgis, have you seen Petty Officer Coates this
morning?” the Admiral asked as he made his way to
Turner’s position.
“She stood second watch with Tiner last night sir. I
believe she is still asleep,” Sturgis informed him.
“I don’t remember assigning Jen to that duty,” the
Admiral replied.
“You didn’t sir. I believe she felt that it was in the
best interest of security that no one stood watch
alone. As was Mac’s thoughts when she joined Harm on
watch,” he explained.
“I see,” AJ replied. “Coates seems to one for taking
her own initiative. She’ll fit right in with this
bunch,” he continued with a smirk.
“Yes sir. Also it is my understanding that Coates and
Tiner have become friends,” Sturgis supplied.
“Tell me Commander,” AJ started.
“Sir?”
“When did my office become the dating game?” AJ asked.
“Dating game sir?” Sturgis asked in surprise.
“First Bud and Harriet and finally Harm and Mac and
now Tiner and Coates,” he clarified.
“How did you find out about Harm and Mac sir?” Sturgis
asked.
“I may be old but I’m not blind Commander,” AJ
answered.
“No sir,” Sturgis agreed. “If it’s any comfort sir, I
do believe Jen and Tiner are just friends.”
“For now, I see how he looks at her,” AJ added.
“Yes sir.”
“What do you say we get back to work,” AJ suggested.
“We do have a lot of work to do,” Sturgis agreed and
headed back to the table with the Admiral. As they
arrived at the table Harm re-entered the room.
“I made the call to Leavenworth sir. Palmer was only
too happy to hear of our situation. He also told me
that he wished that he could do something to help,”
Harm informed them with a smirk.
“Will he inform CPO Kelley?” the Admiral asked.
“I am sure he is working on it as we speak,” Harm
answered.
“Bud, Mac, and Tracy left to get supplies,” Sturgis
informed him.
“As soon as they return, we will begin preparing for
our expected visitor,” the Admiral told them.

0145 Zulu (2045 EST)
January 15, 2003

The JAG staff had spent the entire day preparing the
house and surrounding area for the arrival of CPO
Kelley. Mines and motion sensors had been set up
around the perimeter of the property. Traps were set
in various places outside the house. Several key
places inside the house were also rigged for
emergencies. 
Now that the plans were complete and prepared for, the
JAG staff was taking a short break before they began
duty at their posts. They were all scattered about the
house but remained connected by way of walkie-talkies
which they all carried. Tiner and Jen were in the
living room keeping watch on the motion sensor
warnings.

“Here’s your coffee,” Tiner told Jen as he handed her
a mug.
“Thanks Jason,” she replied as she took the cup from
him. He blushed as he sat next to her on the couch.
“What?” she asked as she noticed his blush.
“Nothing…it’s just…I like it when you call me Jason,”
he told her nervously.
“You don’t have to be nervous with me Jason,” she told
him assertively as she moved closer to him.
“I don’t?” 
“No,” she whispered. Tiner leaned in closer to her,
inches closer and closer to her lips. Just as their
lips met, the sound of a bell stopped them. Both
pulled away at the sound and jumped off the couch.
“The perimeter warning,” Tiner stated. “Someone’s
here.”
Jen picked up the walkie-talkie from the table where
she had left it earlier.
“Attention all personnel, this is base. The fox is
approaching the hen house. Repeat, the fox is
approaching the hen house,” Jen announced over the
radio. “Incoming from the southeast quadrant.”
Meanwhile, Tiner had pulled his gun and had shut off
the lights in the living room. He knelt beneath the
window with his gun pointed toward the ceiling as he
peered out from the corner.
“This is Sturgis, Harm and I have the suspect in our
sights,” Turner reported from his position behind a
string of bushes that lined the back of the house.
Harm had his gun pointed at the dark figure moving in
the shadows. 
“Is this guy really that stupid?” Harm whispered as
they watched the suspect walk closer and closer to the
trap that had been set up earlier. It was just a
simple net lining the ground set to a pulley on a
tree. This trap was primitive but so far the suspect
had not seen it.
“I think he is,” Sturgis whispered in return. A moment
later the suspect stepped on the net and it set and
scooped the man up into the trees. Harm and Sturgis
surveyed the surrounding area before leaving their
hiding spot.
“Cover me,” Harm whispered as he walked slowly toward
the prisoner, his weapon pointed at the trap. Harm was
wearing a pair of night vision goggles that had been
purchased at the local gun shop that morning, so he
was able to get a clear view of the suspect. As Harm
approached the hanging trap, he surveyed the area and
spotted a handgun and a backpack that had been dropped
when the trap was set off. Harm kept his weapon on the
prisoner as Sturgis came up from behind him and picked
up the weapon. He placed the gun in his belt and then
picked up the backpack. Sturgis opened the pack and
inventoried its contents. 
“Harm there’s enough Semtex in here to take out half
the town,” Sturgis stated as he showed the contents to
his partner.
“Well, well,” Harm replied. Sturgis pulled out his
radio as he placed the bag carefully on the ground.
“This is Sturgis, the suspect is in custody,
requesting immediate backup,” he broadcast over the
radio. 
“This is Mattoni, I’m on my way.” “Don’t do anything
until I get there,” the Admiral ordered. “Everyone
else hold your positions.”
Harm and Sturgis waited until Mattoni and the Admiral
had joined them before they slowly lowered the trap.
As the man was lowered to the ground, he sat perfectly
still as four weapons were locked on his head.
“Are you Chief Petty Officer Kevin Kelley?” the
Admiral questioned. The man did not respond. “I am a
Rear Admiral, I suggest you answer my question Chief,”
he demanded. Still the man just sat there in silence. 
“This is Chief Kelley sir. I remember his case well,”
Harm replied. 
“Do you have anything to say for yourself Chief
Kelley?” the Admiral asked. The man still refused to
speak. “Fine. Take this man into custody. The
authorities should be here any minute,” he ordered.
Harm handcuffed the man, and then he and Alan Mattoni
escorted the man toward the front of the house with
the Admiral following close behind as best he could on
crutches. Sturgis carefully picked up the backpack and
slowly carried it following the same direction of the
others.
Once the men reached the front yard, the Admiral gave
an all-clear order over the radio. Soon the remainder
of the staff had joined them on the porch to wait for
the police. The Admiral hobbled up to the man and got
right in his face. “You realize that you’ve just
turned your 15 years in Leavenworth into a death
sentence don’t you?”
“I’m only sorry that I can’t take you all with me,”
the man answered.
“Oh you are going to be a lot sorrier than that,” AJ
replied in anger. Just then several police cars pulled
into the driveway. AJ backed away from the prisoner
and Harm forced him to walk toward the police officers
exiting the vehicles.
“What have we got here?” one officer asked.
“I am Rear Admiral AJ Cheggwidden with the United
States Navy,” the Admiral began. “This man is wanted
in Virginia for several counts of murder and attempted
murder and for prison break from Leavenworth.”
“And you can add possession of illegal explosives,”
Sturgis interjected as he handed the bag of Semtex to
the second cop. The cop was hesitant to take the bag.
“Don’t worry it is perfectly safe. You might want to
call the bomb squad to pick it up though,” Sturgis
assured him.  
“I’ll do that,” the officer replied as he carefully
took the bag from Sturgis. Meanwhile the other cop was
already settling the prisoner into the back of the
police car. The first police officer returned to the
Admiral after securing the prisoner.
“Should we send him to Virginia or straight to
Leavenworth?” the cop inquired.
“You can send him straight to Leavenworth. He will be
dealt with on the murder charges through the Navy,”
the Admiral answered.
“Yes sir. If there is nothing else…you all have a nice
evening,” the cop said farewell and went on his way.
“It’s over,” Harriet stated.
“I can’t believe how easy that was,” Harm added.
“What do you mean?” Mac asked.
“I mean the man walked right into our trap, and didn’t
even put up a fight,” Harm replied.
“Harm is disappointed because there was no real
action,” Sturgis added with a smirk.
“I think we have all had enough action for a while,”
the Admiral interjected.
“Yes sir,” Harm agreed.
“What do you say we all get some rest and we can head
back to Washington in the morning,” the Admiral
suggested.
“It will be good to get home sir,” Bud replied. The
others agreed as they began filtering back into the
house.




EPILOGUE

Six months later.

“Do you Harmon Rabb Jr. take Sarah Mackenzie to be
your lawfully wedded wife, through sickness and health
till death do you part?” the priest asked a slightly
nervous tomcat pilot as he stood at the alter in his
dress whites and surrounded by his friends and family
in the large church.
“I do,” he replied with a smile as he looked at the
beautiful woman at his side.
“Do you Sarah Mackenzie take Harmon Rabb Jr. to be
your lawfully wedded husband, through sickness and
health till death do you part?”
“I do,” she replied as she gazed into her partner’s
loving eyes.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss
the bride,” the priest finished.
Harm stepped closer to Mac and pulled her into his
arms as his lips captured hers for the first of many
kisses as a married couple.