TITLE:  "After the Mistletoe V: Frozen Wilderness
     AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
     SUMMARY: The kiss of Answered Prayers leads to more.  Rated PG for 
mild 
language. Some chapters will contain mild violence as well.
            The fifth of the After the Mistletoe series in which Harm 
and Mac deal with 
the ramifications of the mistletoe kiss.  The arrival of Sergei is not 
a factor in this 
series.
     DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al.  No copyright 
infringement is intended with this work of fiction.
     FEEDBACK:  Yes, if you're moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and 
it 
would be much appreciated by both of us.  However, if your intent is 
only to tell 
us you are not liking our work, please don't spend the time.  While we 
realize our 
work does not please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected.
       NOTE:  All parts of this story and previous chapter will be 
available at 
                 http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories
          No subbing is required to read from the message archives.
     
    Also, previous chapters, as well as our other efforts, should be 
available at
    
    http://thearchive.mine.nu:85/exlibris/
    
    or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at   
http://www.shipperarchive.com/fanfic/
     

Previously in ATM:   Fraught with loneliness for the woman he loves, 
Harm calls 
Mac to let her know where he is having his rehab for his injured back.  
The share 
a weekend together and Mac returns to D.C, leaving Harm to complete the 
rehab.

“After the Mistletoe V:  Frozen Wilderness”

JAG HQ
6 Days Later

Lunch time quiet had descended upon the normally busy building.  An 
unusually 
warm mid-February day had sent most people out for lunch.  Mac had 
declined 
offers from both Sturgis and Harriet.  The loneliness of the week had 
settled over 
her like a dark cloud.  It had been a perfect reunion weekend between 
her and 
Harm.  The love between them was much in evidence, and all too soon it 
ended 
with Sturgis bringing her back to D.C. while Harm remained to continue 
his 
treatments and rehab.

No one in the building paid any attention to the figure who walked up 
to the side 
entrance and gained admission with a key card.  The long hallway was 
deserted 
and he slipped easily along the wall.  With a quick smile he saw her in 
her office, 
bent over her legal tablet making intense notes as she looked back and 
forth 
between it and her computer screen.  She had angled her chair so that 
her back 
was to the door, giving her no chance to spot the intruder.

The radio was playing in the background, covering any sound his 
footfalls might 
make, and it was a simple matter, given her concentration, to come up 
behind 
her.  

Before he could do more than put a hand on her shoulder, she let out a 
Marine 
style battle cry and delivered a back handed chop to his midriff that 
sent him 
reeling backwards, landing him up against the wall, gasping for breath.  

At the same time she leaped from her chair to come face to face with 
her 
attacker.

"Harm?"  That was all she managed before she dissolved into shock.

"I think so.  I'm not sure at this point," he laughed, shaking his 
head.  "Once a 
Marine, always a Marine huh Colonel."

"Harm I hurt you.  I had to have," she gasped, backing away from him in 
horror.

"You didn't I promise," he smiled, trying to reach for her only to have 
her back off 
another step.

"What are you doing here anyway?  How did you . . . .I mean we'd 
planned that 
Sturgis and I were going to come down together tomorrow."  Her eyes 
narrowed 
suspiciously.  "Harmon Rabb promise me you didn't check yourself out 
early."

"I didn't honestly," he grinned.  "I was done with the intense program.  
Straight 
now.  Now I'm back, and I'm doing two afternoons a week at Bethesda for 
strength.  It's not a hundred percent--hell it's not even seventy-five, 
but it's OK.  
I'm back."

"Oh yeah you are," she breathed and a second later was in his arms.  
"You're 
back with me--where you belong and I love you."

"Love you too," he whispered, looking over her shoulder just in time to 
see AJ in 
the doorway.

"Ahem," he smiled.  "Mr. Rabb is it not customary to report to your 
commanding 
officer upon your return."

"Yes sir, but I'm not officially back," he smiled, making no move to 
release Mac, 
who kept herself pressed against him for a long few seconds before she 
remembered her place.  

"Sir," she gasped, starting to back away from him.

"As you were," AJ ordered, "and I mean that literally.  Commander you 
have 
been missed by that Marine."

"I missed her too sir, and thank you," he smiled, again reaching for 
her.  She 
melded once more into his arms, murmuring "thank you sir.  Of course 
I'm still 
waiting to find out how he got here, and exactly how he is because he's 
not likely 
going to tell me."

"Then come to my office both of you, where there happens to be a pizza 
waiting.  
Turner said you refused lunch Colonel.  So I was going to share a pizza 
with you.  
Now we'll split it three ways, and the Commander won't have any choice 
but to 
give straight answers."
 
 "So am I going to get a call saying you've escaped?" AJ asked once 
inside 
 his office.
 
 "No sir. As I told Mac, I'm finished with that part of the rehab. I'll 
be 
 finishing up a couple afternoons a week at Bethesda."
 
 "How did you get back here?" Mac asked and then smiled. "Let me guess. 
Our 
 buddy Sturgis."
 
 "Actually his friend Lucy" Harm smiled. "She needed to come up to DC 
for the 
 day so he arranged for her to bring me."
 
 "Lucy?" AJ inquired.
 
 "A friend of Sturgis' from Pearl who's now assigned in Norfolk" Mac 
replied. 
 "Good friend you might say."
 
 "I'll stay out of that. I have a hard enough time staying out of you 
two's 
 lives."
 
 "Speaking of which sir, it's not going to be a problem with us working 
 together and being together is it?" Harm asked.
 
 "Long as you keep your private business out of the office I have no 
problem 
 with it."
 
 They chatted more over pizza before Harm finally rose, bringing Mac up 
with 
 him.
 
 "Sir, if it's not a problem, could Mac have the rest of the day off? 
We need 
 to do a little catching up."
 
 "Get out" AJ grinned. "I'll see you back at 08:00 Colonel. Commander, 
I 
 don't expect to see you until I've received the notice from your 
doctor that 
 you've been cleared to return to duty."
 
 Both nodded and quickly hurried from AJ's office.
 
 "Did you have plans sailor?" Mac asked once they were alone in her 
office 
 again.
 
 "Nothing I can talk about here" he grinned slyly.
 
 "Your place or mine?" she grinned back. It had been a long week 
without her 
 Flyboy and she was glad he was back for good.
 
 "How about yours?" he suggested. "I know there's nothing at my place 
and I 
 know my Marine will be starving."
 
 "You think my place will have any more than yours" she teased. "Your 
Marine 
 doesn't cook remember."
 
 "We'll have to remedy that."
 
 "Shall we sailor?" Mac said as she grabbed her briefcase and purse.
 
 **************************
 Mac's Apartment
 2 Hours Later
 
 "You know every time seems better" Harm sighed as they lay together in 
the 
 tangled sheets, her head comfortably resting on his chest. "I missed 
you 
 this week."
 
 "Me too" she said quietly. Too quietly and he looked down at her.
 
 "Hey, something wrong?" he asked as he gently lifted her head so she 
was 
 looking up at him. "Mac?"
 
 "No" she said quickly.  "Everything is fine."
 
 "No it's not so spill it Marine," he said seriously. "What's going on 
in 
 that mind of yours?"
 
 She said nothing for a few moments before finally getting the nerve to 
 speak. "Harm, is this all we're ever going to be?"
 
 "Is what all we're ever going to be?" he asked, not understanding what 
she 
 was saying right away.
 
 "You know" she sighed. "Bedroom partners."
 
 "Hey, no way" he said quickly. "When I talk about us, I'm not just 
talking 
 about us in the bedroom. Yeah that's a really good part of it but 
that's not 
 all that's to our relationship. Don't even think that."
 
 "Well we have spent a good portion of the time we've been together in 
the 
 bedroom," she said quietly.
 
 "Sarah, that's not why I'm with you. I'm with you because I love you. 
Not 
 because I love making love to you. I want more than just the bedroom. 
I want 
 the whole kit and caboodle."
 
 "You do?"
 
 "I do," he said softly. "And I know who I want it with. Hell I've 
known that 
 for a while. It just took a while for my heart and head to get 
together. 
 What about you Ms. Mackenzie?"
 
 "You've known for a long time what I've wanted" she smiled.
 
 "A good man, a good career and lots of comfortable shoes" he grinned 
 remembering what she'd told him all those years ago. "And a baby."
 
 "That too" she said softly. "One that looks just like you and but has 
my 
 brains."
 
 "So what's the problem?" he asked softly.  "We're on the right track 
to all 
 that Mac. We've just skipped a few steps ahead."
 
 "That's my Flyboy. Always the overachiever."
 
 "Got me what I wanted didn't it? The woman I love in my arms. It's all 
going 
 to work out Mac. We've been through so much already. It's our turn to 
have 
 it all. I love you Sarah. And we're going to make this work. You just 
have 
 to have faith and believe in us. In me."
 
"You have no idea how much I want that," she sighed.  "It's what I've 
always 
wanted with you.  Even when I was with Mic it was what I wanted."

"Could have fooled me," he yelped.  "You guys were the epitome of 
happiness."

"Mic was an abuser."

His eyebrows shot to their zenith.  "He hurt you?  My god where?  How?  
I'll kill 
him."

"Harm he. . ." she began and broke into laughter at his seriousness.

"Hey I'm not kidding here.  This man hurt you?  Dared to touch you?"

"Relax Flyboy," she smiled and patted his hand.  "He didn't hurt me 
like that, not 
really."

"Quit talking in riddles.  Did he hurt you or no?"

"He never hit me or anything like that.  He was an emotional abuser 
Harm, but I 
didn't recognize it when we were together.  His ways seemed normal to 
me 
because of my dad and mom---that's the way they related to each other.  
And 
anyway, I don't want to talk about him.  He's gone.  On the other side 
of the 
world.  I want to talk about us.  What do you see for us?"

For a moment he did not answer and she pulled back from him, her face 
an 
unreadable mask as she flashed to a boat in Sydney Harbor and a ship in 
the 
Indian Ocean.  At once he read her thoughts and he pulled her back to 
him.  
"Don't.  Don't even.  I am not like that any more.  You need to not 
fear what I'm 
going to say just because I take a couple seconds to make sure what I'm 
going to 
say is what I mean.  You know what, in the courtroom or the cockpit I 
can think 
on my feet.  When it's important---when it means everything to me in my 
personal 
life, I blither.  And I hate myself."

"Don't," she smiled, kissing him lightly as the tension left her.  
"Don't hate 
yourself please.  It's me too.  I'm paranoid.  This is what I've wanted 
for so long 
that I'm afraid it's not going to come to pass."

"Even when you were with Mic?"

"Especially when I was with Mic.  I was so envious of Renee. . . which 
brings me 
back to our initial discussion---bed.  I don't just want to be your bed 
partner."

"Like Renee."

"Yeah.  Like Renee."

"No.  No way.  What do I see for us you asked me a minute ago.  Right?  
You still 
want my answer?  I promise you it has nothing to do with our sex life. 
. .well OK it 
does, but that's just a small part of it."

"OK Flyboy you're on a roll.  Go with it."  She propped her chin on his 
chest, 
squiggling her fingers absently across its plains.

He stilled her hand, kissing the palm and his other hand rested on her 
middle.  "I 
see you and me together first and foremost.  I see this hand wearing my 
ring.  
And I see this belly large with my baby."

Her mouth opened to speak but no sound came out.

"I've finally made you speechless," he laughed and kissed her cheek.

"You damn right you have," she gasped.  "That's really what you want?  
What 
you want for us?"

"Oh yeah.  Without a doubt," he said firmly.  "At the risk of you 
calling me an 
overachiever again of course."

"Yes you are but I love you," she laughed.  "That's all going to take 
some time to 
accomplish you know."

"Well we'll think of something to do in the meantime," he leered.  "And 
one thing 
is to talk about living arrangements.  I know I'd moved in here while 
I've been 
incapacitated but I'm fine now--well at least fine enough to manage.  
In body.  In 
spirit, I don't want to leave.  But living together is a big step and 
we may not be 
ready.  And be honest now.  If we don't have that between us we don't 
have 
much."

"Everything is pretty jumbled right now," she said slowly. "I do know 
one thing 
though.  Right now at least this is how I feel--that I don't want to 
spend another 
night I don't have to without your arms around me."
   
  "Neither do I" he whispered. "So do I stay here? Until I drive you 
crazy and 
  you kick my six out the door."
  
  "I'd never do that" she smiled. "But it's probably not a bad thing 
that you 
  still have your place to go to. In case I drive you crazy and you 
need to 
  escape."
  
  "Never" he whispered as his lips found hers in a long kiss.
  
  ******************
  JAG HQ's
  2 Weeks Later
  
  "Harm no way"
  
  "Mac, I've been cleared for duty."
  
  "Okay, both of you stop before that headache I just got rid of comes 
back" 
  AJ sighed.
  
  "Sir, I apologize. But I don't think Harm is ready for that kind of 
duty 
  yet."
  
  "Commander?" AJ said as he looked at Harm.
  
  "Sir, you got my release that says I'm cleared for regular duty. I 
don't 
  think it's a problem."
  
  "Your partner obviously does" AJ said with a small smile. "Why don't 
you two 
  fight it out while I go get another cup of coffee. I'll be back in a 
few 
  minutes."
  
  He left them alone and Harm gave Mac a long look.
  
  "Mac, what's the problem?" Harm sighed.
  
  "I don't think you're ready for this kind of assignment" she 
countered. 
  "Harm, you've only been back on duty for a week. I just think this is 
too 
  much."
  
  "Were just going to Fort Drum to investigate Private McCall’s death. 
  We'll talk to a few people, go to the accident site and that's it. 
There's 
  nothing strenuous and no reason I can't handle it."
  
  "Harm, we're going to Fort Drum. Which in case you forget is in 
  Watertown, NY. The place that gets four feet of snow at a time. And 
is 
  usually about 30 degrees colder than here. The cold isn't going to 
make your 
  back feel and better and walking in all that snow isn't going to be 
easy 
  either."
  
  "Mac, I'll be okay" he assured her. "It's not like we're going out on 
  exercises with them. We're just going to see what happened and that's 
it."
  
  "I still don't like it. I'd feel better if you stayed here and 
Sturgis went 
  with me."
  
  "I wouldn't. And Sturgis is busy with the Marshall trial. So you're 
stuck 
  with me Marine."
  
  "Just promise me you'll let me know if it's too much" she sighed. 
"You know 
  the only reason I'm even questioning you going is because I care 
about you."
  
  "I know but really I'm fine. And with you hovering all over me how 
much 
  trouble can I get in" he smiled. "Besides, I'm not about to let you 
go up 
  there alone and have some hotshot Army investigator hitting on you."
  
  "Worried about a little competition Flyboy?" she teased.
  
  "Never" he grinned. "Because no matter what happens during the day, I 
know 
  whom you're going to be with at night."
  
  Before she could reply AJ returned to his office.
  
  "Tell me we've come up with a solution" he sighed. "I told General 
Mellner 
  that I was sending two people up today to assist with the 
investigation and 
  I don't want to have to call him back and tell him my two senior 
officers 
  are squabbling over the assignment."
  
  "No sir, not necessary" Harm assured him. "The Colonel and I will 
both be 
  going to Fort Drum to work with the Army Investigator."
  
  "Good" AJ said as he handed him the folder. "Here's all the other 
relevant 
  information. We want this wrapped up quickly and quietly, without any 
  pointing of fingers at the Army.  Your job is to determine if there 
was any 
  negligence that contributed to Private McCall's death. Either by our 
men or 
  their men."
  
  "Understood sir" Mac assured him.
===========  
  Dulles International
  4 Hours Later
  
  "It's not too late to back out" Mac said as she and Harm headed for 
the 
  gate.
  
  "Marine I have never backed down from an assignment and I'm not going 
to 
  start now" he reminded her. "I'll be fine. Besides, I'm sure it's not 
really 
  that bad up there."
  
  "We'll see sailor" she murmured under her breath.
  
  She watched him grimace as he stowed the carryon bag in the overhead, 
  despite his attempts to hide the pain.
  
  "Still hurts doesn't it?" she said as they sat down.
  
  "I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't occasionally" he sighed. 
"But 
  that's just something I'll have to deal with from now on. It's never 
going 
  to be like it was before. And before you say a word, no I shouldn't 
have 
  stayed home."
  
  "You are one stubborn sailor" Mac sighed. "And I won't say another 
word on 
  the subject as long as you promise me that if it gets any worse 
you'll tell 
  me and not just sit there in pain pretending to be fine."
  
  "Promise. Now can we drop it and enjoy our little flight to Syracuse. 
It's 
  probably going to be the last moments alone we get until we get back 
to DC."
  
  "I uh guess we won't be able to share rooms will we" she said softly.
  
  "I don't think that would look real appropriate up here do you?"
  
  "No probably not. I guess I can handle not being in your arms for a 
few 
  nights."
  
  "All the more reason to get this wrapped up as quickly as possible," 
Harm 
  said as brought her closer to him and wrapping his arm around her.
  
  "I hear you sailor" she sighed.
  
 All too soon the aircraft was setting down in Syracuse.  Mac felt the 
bump of 
landing and lifted her head from his shoulder.  "I guess we're here.  
Thanks---you 
make a good pillow."
 
 "My pleasure," he whispered.  "And don't think we're not going to have 
zero 
contact while we're here.  I've gotten way too used to holding 
you--we're just 
going to have to be creative about where and when that's all."
 
 "Thanks.  I needed to hear that."
 
 "Huh?  You needed to hear that I care about you?  Like you didn't 
already 
know?"  His voice dropped to a lower whisper.  "I happen to love you 
remember."
 
 "Thanks."
 
 "OK Mackenzie what is it?" He demanded in that same bare whisper.  
"Talk to 
me Sarah."
 
 "Please don't pay any attention to me," she sighed.  "I'm just having 
like. . .well 
unsettled feelings or something right now.  I don't know what it is.  
The case or us 
or. . ."
 
 "You're having doubts about us?"
 
 "Not doubts.  Just maybe feelings of well we've been on a honeymoon of 
late 
since you got back from Portsmouth and I've loved it and now we're back 
to the 
routine and we tried before and. . .and I'm babbling.  Shutting up 
now."
 
 "Do you love me?"
 
 The direct question brought a gentle smile to her lips.  "Oh yeah 
Squid. I love 
you. I just hope it's enough."
 
 Her doubts would not be helped thirty minutes later when they had 
collected 
their luggage and the government car pulled up as promised.  The woman 
who 
alighted was easily Mac's height but there the similarity ended.  She 
was a 
Nordic blonde, and the knit tights she wore below her bulky sweater 
only 
accented her shapely legs.  Mac found herself hoping that sweater was 
hiding 
two hundred pounds.
 
 "Commander Rabb, Colonel Mackenzie?  I'm Melinda Hoover."  
 
 "You got it.  Major Hoover?" Harm asked with obvious appreciation for 
their 
contact.
 
 "Yes sir."
 
 "We didn't expect the OIC to come for us," he smiled, holding out his 
hand in 
greeting.  "Thank you Major."
 
 "Mindy please sir," she smiled, now her turn for admiration as she 
looked Harm 
up and down, not releasing his hand right away.
 
 "And I would be Colonel Mackenzie," Mac announced, managing to keep 
all but 
a slight hint of sarcasm from her voice.
 
 "Yes ma'am, pleased to meet you," Mindy smiled, forcing her attention 
from 
Harm to Mac.  "And I wanted to pick you up personally because it's a 
good 
chance to talk and this way I can see that you're settled in VOQ.  
Sometimes the 
night person they leave on duty over there isn't the brightest bulb in 
the string."
 
 "Thanks," Harm smiled and bent to pick up their bags, only to stop 
midway, his 
hand going to his back.
 
 "Commander you OK?" Mindy asked in immediate concern while Mac gave 
him 
a stern glare for the attempt.
 
 "My partner here has a line of duty back injury and the doctors were 
foolish 
enough to return him to full duty but that doesn't mean he's well and 
if he doesn't 
behave himself he's going to end up back in bed," she exploded.
 
 "Yes ma'am," Mindy smiled.  "Let me get those.  I am uninjured."
 
 "The commander noticed," Mac smiled thinly, taking his arm to guide 
him to the 
car.  "I never realized you were a leg man," she added while Mindy was 
busy 
stowing the bags in the trunk.
 
 "Hey I can look can't I," he grinned. "Lord knows I did at you often 
enough."
 
 "Oh please," she groaned.  "You couldn't see past Renee."
 
 "I'm going to pout now," he laughed lightly, letting her help him into 
the back 
seat.
 
 "No pouting allowed," Mindy called, having caught the last exchange as 
she slid 
into the driver's seat while Mac joined Harm.
 
 "You doing OK Sailor?" she asked as Mindy pulled the car out into 
traffic.  
 
 "Well a hot shower and a pill won't be turned down," he admitted and 
with the 
darkness of the back seat slid his hand over to wrap around hers.
 
 "Commander how did you injure yourself?" Mindy asked.
 
 "Racked up my back punching out of an F14 over Iraq," he replied.
 
 "I saw that on the news," she exclaimed.  "And that's where I know 
your name 
from. The Iraqi's said you had been killed."
 
 Mac's hand trembled slightly in his and he squeezed hard.  
"Exaggerated Major 
obviously.  So why don't you tell us something about this case we 
haven't read in 
the file."
   
 "Not much else to tell you" Mindy replied. "McCall got lost in the 
blizzard 
 and by the time they found him he'd froze to death."
 
 "Pleasant way to die" Mac murmured. "Why were they still doing the 
exercise 
 if the conditions were too dangerous?"
 
 "They didn't know they would be ma'am. That storm just came out of 
nowhere. 
 See up here, one quick change of the wind and you go from sunshine to 
a 
 blizzard. That's what happened during the exercise. Conditions had 
been 
 right when they started out but then the lake effect kicked in and 
suddenly 
 there's three feet of snow and below zero wind chills."
 
 "So you don't suspect this is anything but a tragic accident?" Harm 
 questioned.
 
 "No sir. No reason too. I think once you talk to the others you'll 
agree."
 
 "See told you this wouldn't be anything too hard" Harm whispered to 
Mac. 
 "There's nothing for you to worry about."
 
 "No just Ms. Norway up there" Mac sighed.
 
 They arrived at the VOQ and Mindy quickly hurried out to grab their 
bags 
 while Mac assisted Harm from the car.
 
 "I'd definitely say that hot bath is in order" she said gently as she 
helped 
 him up the few stairs to the door.
 
 "Joining me?" he teased.
 
 "I wish. You know I can't."
 
 "Well no one will question if you go to the O'club and bring me dinner 
back 
 and join me in my room with it. Seeing as how I am injured and all."
 
 "Sneaky Rabb" she grinned. "One of these days I have to get Sturgis to 
tell 
 me those stories about you and Keeter at the Academy. I'm sure there's 
some 
 treasured moments I'd enjoy hearing about."
 
 "Note to self, pay off Sturgis" Harm smiled. "I'm sure I can buy his 
 silence."
 
 She helped him inside and Mindy appeared seconds later, leading them 
to 
 Harm's room first.
 
 "Is there anything else I can get you Commander?" Mindy asked as she 
set his 
 bags down. "Dinner?"
 
 "No, I think my partner will take care of that once she gets settled 
but 
 thanks for the offer."
 
 "Of course" Mindy said dejectedly. "I'll be back in the morning to 
take you 
 both to your meeting with General Mellner. Colonel, do you need any 
 assistance to your room?"
 
 "No thank you" Mac smiled. "I think I can handle it from here Major. 
We'll 
 see you in the morning."
 
 "Yes ma'am" Mindy said quickly, realizing she'd effectively been 
dismissed.
 
 "Little possessive there Marine aren't you?" Harm smiled when Mindy 
was 
 gone.
 
 "Who me?" Mac said innocently. "I don't think so."
 
 "Get over here" he ordered and at once she made her way to him on the 
bed, 
 allowing him to envelop her in a long hug that quickly turned into a 
kiss. 
 Before either of them could stop themselves, they were stripping each 
other 
 down, their clothes on the floor beside the bed in a pile.
 
 "We shouldn't be doing this" Mac panted when they parted just long 
enough to 
 take in oxygen. "Not here. What if someone hears us?"
 
 "Do you want me to stop?" Harm murmured as he kissed her neck.
 
 "No" she gasped. "Do you?"
 
 "Couldn't if I wanted to" he managed before his lips found hers again.
 
 Afterwards they lay tangled together in the sheets, neither one 
wanting to 
 move. With a sigh Mac finally pushed herself up, reaching for her 
uniform on 
 the floor.
 
 "Hey where you going?" Harm murmured as he reached for her once she 
was 
 dressed.
 
 "As much as I'd love to stay here I can't" she said softly. "And this 
Marine 
 is starving. So I'm coming to head over to the O'club and get us some 
dinner 
 and then I'll be back for a bit before I go back to my room. Which I 
need to 
 go find before I go get us some food."
 
 "You want me to go with you?" he asked as he pushed himself up, 
grimacing as 
 he did so.
 
 "No, why don't you take that hot bath. I need to drop off my stuff and 
by 
 the time I run over there and come back that should give you plenty of 
time 
 to soak."
 
 "You sure? I can always soak later."
 
 "No you stay" Mac said as she dropped a quick kiss on his forehead. 
"I'll be 
 right back." She grabbed her bags and headed for the door.
 
 "I love you Sarah," he said softly.
 
 "I love you too" she smiled as she turned to look at him again. "See 
you 
 soon sailor."

Once he was alone he took one of his pills and lowered himself gingerly 
into the 
tub, letting the hot water rush up around him with a long sigh of 
contentment and 
a smile on his face thinking of Mac.  They were getting along so well 
since his 
recovery.  Much in love, and the future theirs he felt.  He sank back 
into the tub 
and as the minutes passed became more and more aware of how long she 
had 
been gone.  "Call her," the little voice in his head ordered and he 
began to rise, 
only to find he could get only a few inches off the tub floor before 
the pain in his 
back forced him back down.  "Perfect, just F-ing perfect," he groaned, 
calculating 
how long he might sit there before he would be missed, and wondering, 
more 
importantly, what was taking Mac so long.

Ten more minutes passed and he had just taken a deep breath in 
preparation for 
a yell for help at the top of his lungs when he heard the door open.

"Hey Sailor I'm back.  You decent?"

"No I'm not decent and where the hell have you been?" he exploded.

She set down her load and walked to the open bathroom door, remaining 
discreetly to one side. "Harm calm.  The O club had a kitchen fire 
earlier so I 
walked across the way to the pizza stand but that was closing and this 
Army 
officer suggested a place in Black River that makes wonderful pizza and 
he 
offered me a lift since he was going there himself. So while I was 
waiting for what 
seemed like hours I had a sample.  He was right.  Anyway, I ordered 
deep dish.  
You know that takes forever; and then I did in fact try to call you but 
your cell is 
off, not to mention in your pants.  That would be them here on the 
floor."

"So you're OK?"

"I'm fine.  I had a very nice talk with Kevin while we were waiting for 
our pizzas 
and he dropped me back here."

"And you have no idea how much better that makes me feel," he sighed.  
"So tell 
me about this Kevin."

"He's the Morale Support Officer here," she smiled.  "Back from Germany 
six 
months ago.  He's not quite as tall as you, blonde hair, the biggest 
blue eyes I've 
ever seen on a male and a great personality.  Should I go on?"

"Only if the next sound you want to hear from this bathroom is me 
retching."

"I figured him and me might double with you and Mindy.  Does that work 
for 
you?"

"Maa--aaac," he wailed.

"This from the man who called me possessive.  Harm I'm yanking your 
chain.  He 
dropped me off and said he was in a hurry, because he'd promised the 
kids a 
double pepperoni for their good report cards."

"Oh."  

"Now get on out of there.  Your half is getting cold.  It doesn't have 
the meat 
grease like mine does to keep it insulated."

"I can't."  Another wail.  "I can't get up."

"Excuse me? Harm what's wrong?"  Her alarm was deep and immediate and 
she 
was by his side a flat second later.

"Let me call the paramedics," she urged, fighting the sudden fear that 
was 
washing over her.

"Mac I just can't get up.  I can't get enough leverage.  The tub is too 
deep and my 
legs are just worn out is all.  All I need is you to pull me up.  But 
don't let me hurt 
you."

"Harm I can bench press your weight.  But if you can't stand when I 
lift you, your 
ass is going to be in an ambulance.  I'm scared here."  She trembled 
slightly as 
she hooked her arms around him from behind, under his arms and across 
his 
chest.  "OK Sailor, on three.  One. . two. . .three," and she pulled 
him upward.  
As soon as she took most of his weight he was able to get his legs 
under him 
and slowly he steadied himself on his feet.

"Have I mentioned how much I hate this?"

"Have I mentioned how much I wish you were still on leave?" she 
retorted, 
reluctant to let him go.

"Just remind me not to sit down in that deep tub," he sighed.  "Thanks.  
I'm OK 
now I think.  Uh maybe I should get dressed."

"Well not on my account," she smiled.  "Are you really OK.  I'm telling 
you I'm 
scared here."

  "I'm fine. Now that I'm on my feet, I think I can manage."
  
  "All right. You need any help getting dressed?"
  
  "No. I can manage really. I'll be out in a few seconds."
  
  She nodded and left him to dress, keeping her eye on the bathroom 
door as 
  she munched on her pizza. He joined her a few minutes later, gently 
lowering 
  himself to the bed.
  
  "Thanks for uh helping me out" he sighed. "I wasn't looking forward 
to the 
  prospect of having to yell for help."
  
  "Which brings up the point that you really aren't ready for this yet. 
I have 
  no idea how you charmed the doctor into releasing you back to work."
  
  "Mac" he groaned.
  
  "Okay, no more lecture" she said quietly. "But if you have any more 
  incidents like that, I'm sending your six home."
  
  "So you can go find Kevin again?" he pouted.
  
  "Oh yeah that's it exactly" Mac retorted. "I need to get involved 
with a 
  married man cause my record doesn't already have enough of those bad 
marks 
  on it."
  
  "Sorry. That was uncalled for."
  
  "Yes it was Mr. Rabb. Especially since you were the one who was so 
friendly 
  with Mindy."
  
  "I was not. I was just being nice so she'd tell us what was going on. 
In 
  case you forgot we're outsiders here."
  
  "Okay, maybe we're both a little touchy about this subject" Mac 
sighed. "I 
  guess since it's the first time we've worked together since we uh got 
  together, it's a little different. I was used to the women throwing 
  themselves at you before but now, I guess it bothers me."
  
  "And you don't think I worry about you finding some more able bodied 
guy to 
  sweep you off your feet. Especially now that I couldn't lift you off 
your 
  feet if I wanted too."
  
  "I'm perfectly happy with the sailor I've got" Mac said softly as she 
  scooted closer to him on the bed, pushing the pizza box aside at the 
same 
  time.
  
  "Well I'm perfectly happy with the Marine I've got" he whispered as 
he 
  leaned forward for a kiss.
  
  "And we'd better not start that again" Mac sighed when they parted. 
"You 
  need to rest and I need to find my own room."
  
  "I wish you didn't. But I know you do."
  
  She nodded as she stood up. "Course I'm not totally sure I should 
leave you" 
  she fretted.
  
  "I won't go back in the tub," he said with a small smile. "Well, I'll 
use 
  the shower next time. Promise."
  
  "All right. I'm out of here."
  
  "Night Sarah" he said softly as she walked to the door. "I love you."
  
  "Night Harm" she smiled as she looked back at him. "I love you too."
  
  *********************
  Mindy was waiting for them the next morning outside the VOQ, a wide 
smile on 
  her face.
  
  "Morning Commander, Colonel" she greeted them as they walked out. "I 
hope 
  you both slept well."
  
  "Maybe one of us did" Harm groaned. The mattress on the bed was too 
soft for 
  his back and he spent most of the night tossing and turning to find a 
  comfortable position. Of course not having Mac in his arms hadn't 
helped the 
  situation either.
  
  Mac opened her mouth and promptly shut it at his warning glare. 
Somehow he'd 
  suffer through this investigation.
  
  "We've got time for breakfast before we meet General Mellner" Mindy 
  continued on. "I guess there was some trouble in the O'club kitchen 
  yesterday so as long as you don't mind, I'll be happy to take you to 
this 
  great little diner just off base."
  
  "Sounds great" Harm said with forced cheerfulness and Mac shook her 
head as 
  she helped him into the car.
  
  "Seems a little colder today" Mac commented once they were inside the 
car.
  
  "Yes ma'am it is" Mindy nodded.  "Hopefully the snow isn't going to 
start up 
  again. So far the winds are keeping it south of here in Buffalo."
  
  "Let's hope it stays that way" Harm murmured.
  
  "Don't like the cold and snow Commander?" Mindy smiled as she looked 
back 
at him.
  
  "I didn't mind before I punched out for a third time" Harm smiled 
back.
  
  "Third time?" Mindy gasped. "Wow. I'm surprised you went back up 
after the 
  first time."
  
  "I didn't for awhile" Harm replied and Mac leaned back in the seat 
and 
  closed her eyes as she listened to Harm tell his tales to Mindy. She 
didn't 
  want to hear again how he'd been lost at sea and then how she'd 
almost lost 
  him again in the desert.  Those were painful memories that she was 
still 
  dealing with and she was relieved when they finally reached the 
diner.
  
  She managed to turn the conversation back to the investigation at 
hand while 
  they ate, Harm finally sensing her discomfort with the subject of his 
  mishaps and steering clear of the subject when Mindy tried to ask him 
more 
  about it.
  
  After breakfast Mindy took them to General Mellner's office for their 
  meeting.
 
 "Colonel Mackenzie, Commander Rabb reporting sir," Mac announced as 
she 
and Harm stepped inside the well appointed office.
 
 "Sit please," the pleasant looking older gentleman smiled, not unlike 
AJ might.  
"I'm not ever glad to see JAG investigators but in this case we 
probably can use 
the help.  No offense Major.  And of course the other reason is that we 
don't want 
to be accused of any cover up since it was a Marine on Army grounds."
 
 "Never sir," Mindy smiled.  "And I welcome Commander Rabb to help me. 
. 
.excuse me.  I welcome the team from JAG."
 
 Mac swallowed the comment billowing in her throat and instead turned 
to the 
General.  "Sir, are you confident from the reports you read, that the 
Captain 
leading the training took all due precautions?  It was after all plenty 
cold and 
there was already snow."
 
 "Colonel you need to understand the concept of Winter Training," 
Mellner 
smiled.  "These units come here because this is training they can get 
no other 
place.  You know for a long time it was thought the need for winter 
training was 
passé since it was not likely we'd fight a ground war in say Russia.  
Well now 
we've got new enemies, and unlike the mid-east desert, they do have 
winter."
 
 "Yes sir," Mac nodded thoughtfully, "is there any point at which you'd 
say the 
conditions were too adverse?"
 
 "We would not have started in white out."
 
 "Which is?"
 
 "Where all you can see in front of you is white, but that's what 
happened once 
they were in the midst of the exercise."
 
 "And then it was called off?"
 
 "Yes Commander it was," Mellner said firmly.  "But McCall panicked.  
They had 
been briefed on white out procedures, but the man panicked and ran.  He 
didn't 
wait--he just lost it, for lack of a better term.  In white out ten 
feet from his group 
he would neither see nor hear nor they him.  Might as well be five 
miles."
 
 "And what should he have done?" Harm asked, his pen poised to write.
 
 "There's a whistle signal, plus radioed instructions, to abort and the 
people make 
for a designated spot."
 
 "And do you believe Captain Ashcroft when he said he felt like it was 
too 
dangerous for the entire group to stay and search for McCall.  Did he 
make the 
right call?"
 
 "Commander you're not from around here are you?" Mellner smiled.  "If 
you'd 
ever seen white out, you'd not ask that question.  He followed 
procedure to the 
letter.  Major Hoover's investigation has turned up no irregularities 
and I talked 
with the young man myself.  He's pretty upset.  He's been in charge of 
our WT 
program here for three winters now and the most he's ever had to happen 
to one 
of his people was a broken ankle."
 
 "I can't imagine just aborting an operation and leaving a man behind."  
Harm 
shook his head.  "But maybe it's one of those things you had to be 
there."
 
 "Lylyanna," Mac murmured, her mind suddenly back in another time and 
place.
 
 "Excuse me?" Mellner frowned, not sure what she was saying.
 
 "Sometimes there's not any other way---no choice," she sighed, and 
Harm 
immediately covered her hand with his.  She looked up and met his eyes, 
realizing he had heard and understood.  "Thanks."
 
 "So where from here?" Mellner asked, smiling slightly at the sight of 
these two 
officers, obviously close, not concerned about his presence to express 
support.
 
 "We'll want to interview all concerned," Harm answered, not removing 
his hand.  
"And we'll want to see the area, and perhaps talk to you again if 
that's OK sir."
   
  "Of course" Mellner replied. "In the meantime, Major Hoover and Major 
  Hillman have been assigned to assist you with whatever you need.
  
  "Thank you sir" Harm said as he stood up, Mac coming up with him.
  
  "So where would you like to go first?" Mindy asked once they had 
exited the 
  General's office.
  
  "Let's start with Captain Ashcroft" Harm said after a moment's 
thought. "And 
  then we'll talk to the others."
  
  "You know if you two split up this will go a lot faster" Mindy 
commented. 
  "Lt. Hillman could take the Colonel and they could talk to half the 
team and 
  you and I could interview the other half."
  
  "Normally the Commander and I work together on an investigation" Mac 
  retorted.
  
  "I'm sure you do" Mindy smiled. "But this will save time and I know 
you 
  wanted to see the area in question before it gets dark. Weather 
service is 
  calling for the winds to change tonight so you might not be able to 
go out 
  there tomorrow if the snow starts up again."
  
  "She's right Mac" Harm said carefully, knowing Mac wasn't going to be 
happy 
  with him spending the morning with Mindy. The last thing he wanted to 
do was 
  say the wrong thing and have Mac think he wanted to when he really 
didn't.
  
  "Fine" Mac said with a forced smile. "If that works for you, it works 
for me 
  as well."
  
  "Good" Mindy said happily. "I'll go get Major Hillman and then we'll 
get 
  started."
  
  "Mac" Harm started when Mindy walked away.
  
  "Dont even start now," Mac said irritably. "And although I know 
you're 
  right, I still don't like the idea of you being with her all 
morning." She 
  was about to say more when she saw Mindy walk out of one of the 
offices down 
  the hall, a tall blonde haired man following behind her. "Course 
maybe this 
  wasn't such a bad idea after all" she smiled.
  
  "Colonel Sarah Mackenzie this is Major David Hillman" Mindy smiled as 
she 
  introduced them.
  
  "Pleasure to meet you ma'am" Major Hillman smiled as he extended his 
hand.
  
  "You to Major" Mac smiled back, ignoring the glare she was receiving 
from 
  Harm. It had been his idea to spend the day apart. "And please call 
me Mac. 
  There's no reason we need to be so formal."
  
  "David then" he smiled back as he led her to the door.
  
  "What time are we meeting up again?" Harm demanded.
  
  "Uh, whenever you'd like" Mac said with wide smile. He gave her a 
long glare 
  in return, which didn't go unnoticed by the others. 
  
  "Sir, why don't we plan to meet back here at 13:00" David spoke up. 
"Mindy 
  said you wanted to go out to the area of the exercise as well and 
that 
  should give us plenty of time to do that."
  
  "Sounds good" Mindy smiled. "We'll see you two later. Commander?"
  
  With a long sigh Harm watched Mac walk out with Major Hillman, 
kicking 
  himself for agreeing to Mindy's plan. He'd known what her true motive 
had 
  been and he'd fallen right into her plans.
  
  "Is he married?" Harm asked as he and Mindy made their way out.
  
  "Nope. Just broke up with his girlfriend a few weeks ago. Poor guy's 
looking 
  to settle down and he can't find anyone who wants more than a one 
night 
  stand."
  
  "Great" Harm muttered under his breath. All Mac needed was some guy 
looking 
  for the same thing she did. So what if he was in New York. She'd 
dated Mic 
  when he was in Australia.
  
  "Something wrong Commander?"
  
  "No, let's just get this done" Harm sighed.
  
  After a morning of interviews, they headed back to General Mellner's 
office 
  to meet up with Mac and David. All the team members had corroborated 
Captain Ashcroft's story that PO McCall had panicked and had not 
followed the 
proper procedures when the whiteout hit.
  
  "See not much to investigate sir" Mindy said as she led him into her 
office.
  
  "No there's not" Harm agreed. "But I would still like to go out to 
the 
  exercise area to get an idea of what it's like."
  
  "And as soon as the Colonel and the Major return we will" she assured 
him as 
  she checked her watch.
  
  "Didn't they say they'd be back by 13:00?" Harm sighed as he checked 
his 
  watch as well.
  
  "I'm sure they'll be back any moment. They may have just lost track 
of 
  time."
  
  "Mac doesn't lose track of time" Harm countered. "She can tell time 
without 
  a watch."
  
  Mindy gave him a peculiar look but said nothing. Her attempts to gain 
any 
  ground with the handsome Commander had yielded her nothing so far. 
And she 
  had a good idea why that was.
  
  "About time" Harm growled when Mac and David hurried into the office 
a few 
  minutes later. "Did we forget what time we were meeting up?"
  
  "Sorry sir" David said quickly.
  
  "At ease Commander" Mac said sharply. "We're a few minutes late. The 
last 
  interview took longer than we thought. We still have plenty of time 
to get 
  out to the exercise area before it gets dark."
  
  "You might want to reconsider that," David said as he pointed 
outside. 
  "There's a little bit of snow starting. It's possible that the snow's 
moving 
  in sooner than they thought."
  
  "It's just a few little flakes right now" Harm countered. "If we go 
now, 
  we'll be back before it gets to coming down too hard."
  
  "Did you forget the meal called lunch?" Mac asked.
  
  "It won't take us long to go out there, take a quick tour and come 
back" 
  Harm retorted. "We can eat later."
 
 "Perhaps the Colonel would let a Major buy her lunch?" David offered.  
 
 "Only if this Major can do the same for a certain Commander," Mindy 
piped up 
and Mac groaned at once.
 
 "We're starting to sound like a bad MASH rerun. I suggest we all share 
lunch.  
And if we're going to check this site before that momentous event we 
need to get 
going.  Jeep or what?"
 
 "Well the men march out there," Mindy told her, "but if we're not in 
the mood for 
a five mile trek, it will have to be snowmobiles.  There are roads, but 
they're 
under as much snow as the terrain.  Colonel, Commander, you ever?"
 
 "No I've missed out on that," Harm moaned sarcastically.
 
 "Actually I have," Mac grinned.  "I didn't go to the University of 
Minnesota in the 
dead of winter for nothing."
 
 "I'll call over there to have them get two. . ." David began only to 
be cut off by the 
ringing of his cell phone.  "Major Hillman sir."  He was quiet for a 
moment and 
then, "Yes sir.  I'm on my way."  He put away his phone and looked 
toward 
Mindy.  "Lieutenant Michaels attempted suicide a little while ago in 
his cell.  
Colonel Foster is out for blood.  I need to get back."
 
 "Better you than me," she chortled.  "If he asks about me, you don't 
know me--
you never knew me."
 
 "Thanks," David growled.  "Colonel, a raincheck on that shared meal 
before you 
leave?"
 
 "I think the four of us could do something like that," Mac smiled.
 
 "Works for me," Mindy added.  "David can you stop and ask someone in 
the Rec 
shop to gas up two machines for us.  Harm and I will share. . . I mean 
the 
Commander and I."  She blushed and went on more quietly.  "That's OK 
right?"
 
 "Well I'm not going to drive one of those beasts," he grinned.  "But 
the fact that 
Johnette Wayne here can doesn't surprise me."
 =================
 "Colonel you sure you're going to be OK on that thing?" Mindy asked as 
Mac put 
on her helmet and gloves and mounted the noisy vehicle.
 
 "Oh yeah.  I also ride motorcycles."
 
 "Since when?" Harm demanded and Mac only smiled and dropped her visor, 
glad they would not be able to see the grimace she knew she was going 
to make 
when Mindy got aboard and Harm climbed up behind her, knowing he would 
have no choice but to wrap his arms around her to hang on.
 
 Once they were settled, Mac gave her a wave, indicating for her to 
take the lead.  
Harm turned around as Mindy roared off, concerned that Mac might be 
exaggerating her ability in competition with Mindy.  But no, she was 
right beside 
them and even managed to let go with one hand long enough to give them 
a 
wave.  Let go while he was already holding on in fear of his life.
 
 In very short order they had left Main Post behind and were skimming 
along 
beside the river.  Fifteen minutes later at the edge of what seemed a 
vast 
wilderness spreading out before them, Mindy stopped and shut off the 
machine, 
not moving for a moment as she enjoyed the feeling of Harm's solid body 
pressed against her back.  For his part, Harm was not moving, taking 
the time to 
catch his breath, until he felt a tapping on his shoulder.
 
 Mac, having dismounted, had lifted her visor and was smiling broadly, 
her 
cheeks pink with cold.  "I had forgotten how great doing that is.  I 
spent a lot of 
Sunday afternoons I should have been in the law library chasing Mark 
Chambers 
across Lake Minnetonka and then we'd have hot chocolate in his loft 
and. . 
.never mind.  Mindy where are we?"
 
 Mindy casually leaned back against Harm.  "About three miles away from 
the 
river valley where they were training.  Just wanted to make sure you 
two were 
OK.  Harm?"
 
 "Between being scared out of my mind on the back of this snow going 
Tomcat 
and hearing about Mark Chambers and the Loft of Passion, just 
wonderful," he 
growled.  "Let me up please.  I need to use the Little Sailor's Room."  
 
 Mindy slid forward and Harm started to rise from the seat, only to 
have his knee 
buckle as his first foot took his weight.  
 
 "Whoa easy," Mac yelped, grabbing his arms.  "Your back?"
 
 "No. . .yes," he admitted reluctantly.  "Obviously bending over like 
that is not the 
best for it, but I'm OK.  Except for my bladder.  Excuse me."
 
 Mac released one arm, keeping hold of the other.  "You need any help 
there?"
 
 "Not since I was two," he grinned, pulling away from her and hobbling 
behind a 
nearby large tree.
 
 "Go ahead and write your name Squid, you know you want to," she 
hollered 
after him.
 
 "You and him are pretty close," Mindy sighed quietly.  "Not that I 
blame you."

     "We have been partners for six years now" Mac informed her. "You 
tend to 
  close to someone after that long."
  
  "Well when it comes to partners, you hit the jackpot" Mindy replied.
  
  "Yes I'm very lucky" Mac agreed as Harm emerged from behind the tree.
  
  "All right, let's get this show on the road" Harm said as slowly made 
his 
  way to the snowmobile. "Before these little flakes get any bigger."
  
  Mindy nodded and moments later the two snowmobiles were once again 
speeding through the wilderness, Mac riding beside Harm and Mindy. The 
snow 
  continued to increase in intensity and Mac questioned the wisdom of 
coming 
  out now.  She knew Harm had been irritated by her spending the 
morning with 
  Major Hillman. But it hadn't been her plan and she hadn't enjoyed 
being away 
  from him. Her mind elsewhere, she didn't notice the stump that 
suddenly 
  loomed in her path. By the time she did see it, it was too late to 
maneuver 
  out of the way.  The front of the snowmobile hit the stump, sending 
it and 
  her flying into the air. Her scream alerted Harm and Mindy to the 
trouble 
  and Harm watched in horror as she landed in the snow, the snowmobile 
landing 
  on part of her leg a second later.
  
  "Stop" he yelled unnecessarily, Mindy having already slowed the 
machine and 
  was bringing it back around to reach Mac.
  
  "Mac" he screamed as he hurried to her, somehow forcing himself to 
move 
  despite the protests his body was giving him. He saw the snowmobile 
still 
  resting on her lower leg and without a second thought, attempted to 
move the 
  machine off. His back screamed with the movement and he couldn't 
stifle the 
  gasp of pain.
  
  "Harm, no" Mac gasped, pushing her eyes open at his sound of pain. 
Her 
  breath had been knocked out of her when she landed on her back, but 
at the 
  sound of Harm's pain she'd forced herself to move.
  
  "Commander let me help" Mindy said as she reached the pair, and 
seconds 
  later the two managed to push the damaged snowmobile off Mac's leg.
  
  "Mac, how bad does it hurt?" he demanded as he crawled to her, 
unstrapping 
  her helmet and taking it off.
  
  "Well it's not the most pleasant feeling" she managed as he cradled 
her 
  upper body against his.
  
  "It might be broken," Mindy said quietly. "Colonel do you think you 
can 
  stand?"
  
  "I can try" Mac said with a deep breath. Harm waved away Mindy's 
attempts to 
  help and she stepped back as he gently pulled Mac to her feet. She 
let out 
  an immediate gasp of pain and fell into his arms. He managed to hold 
back 
  his own groan of pain as he gently helped her to the ground.
  
  "I'm sorry" she moaned.
  
  "Mindy we need to get her back to the base right away" Harm grimaced. 
"I 
  want you to take her back and then come back for me."
  
  "NO" Mac shouted. "I won't let you stay out here alone. You're 
hurting just 
  as much as I am."
  
  "Not as much as you are" he countered. "Major, you have an order. 
Take the 
  Colonel back now. I'll wait here."
  
  "Colonel?" Mindy sighed.
  
  "NO" Mac said with as much strength as she could muster. "I outrank 
the 
  Commander and I will not allow him to stay out here alone."
  
  "Would someone please tell me what you want me to do then?"
  
  "Mac, please" Harm begged. "You're hurt and you need to get back to 
the 
  base. Please let Mindy take you while I wait."
  
  "No way sailor" Mac whispered. "I told your RIO that I would never 
leave you 
  no matter what the circumstances and I meant that. If you stay, I 
stay."
  
  "I'm on the record as saying I hate this" he sighed.
  
  "I guess I'm going alone to get help then," Mindy said quietly.  
"I'll leave 
  the emergency supplies from the snowmobile with you. She hurried over 
to the 
  machine and returned with the pack that had a few essential survival 
items 
  and handed it to Harm. "I'll be back as soon as I can."
  
  "Please hurry" Harm said as he hugged Mac closer to him.
  
  "I will" Mindy said as she climbed aboard the snowmobile. She took 
off 
  leaving them alone in the middle of nowhere.
  
  "Why wouldn't you let Mindy take you back?" Harm demanded when they 
were 
  alone.
  
  "I told you" she sniffled, feeling tears of pain and frustration. 
"There's 
  no way I was leaving you out here alone. It's cold and snowing" Her 
voice 
  broke and a small sob escaped.
  
  "I'm sorry" he sighed he hugged her closer. "I didn't mean to yell. 
But I 
  hate that you're hurting and we're stuck out here like this." He felt 
her 
  shiver and pulled her closer. "I hope she gets back soon."
  
  "She will" Mac sniffled again as she buried her head against him.
  
  For the next half-hour Harm watched as the conditions continued to 
  deteriorate around them. What had been a few large flakes was 
suddenly 
  turning into a major snowstorm, with visibility down to next to 
nothing as 
  the white stuff blanketed them.
 
 "I am right now kicking myself for not picking you up bodily and tying 
you to 
Mindy's machine," he told her after another twenty minutes passed.  
"Because 
right now it's occurring to me that she's not going to get back out 
here until this 
storm stops.  White out Mac.  What we've been talking about.  It's 
happened 
again--only this time it's happening to us."
 
 "It won't last long maybe."
 
 "No you're right.  It's going to clear off and then the bottom is 
going to fall out of 
the thermometer.  The whole world is going to freeze.  I've got to get 
you to some 
kind of shelter.  Maybe along the river.  There should be some rocks 
and a cave 
maybe."
 
 When she didn't answer right away a bolt of fear went through him and 
he bent 
over here, giving her a firm shake.  "Sarah?  Sarah honey?"
 
 "Yeah I'm OK," she whispered.  "I'm just so cold and. . ."
 
 "And your leg is killing you."
 
 "No."
 
 "No?"
 
 "I can't feel it," she sighed.  "Maybe you'll get your chance to repay 
my nursing of 
you."
 
 "I hope not.  I mean I would in a heart beat but I hope. . .God Mac 
I'm scared.  
Come on let's get you somewhere warmer.  We've got some emergency stuff 
here.  You're a Marine.  Help me help you survive."  He rose and began 
to tug 
her to her feet.  She managed with almost total support by him to at 
least 
balance, only to collapse into his arms as soon as she tried to put any 
weight on 
her leg.
 
 "Let me down," she ordered.
 
 "No way," he told her, pulling her to him until it was as if they were 
one.  "You 
just keep that leg up and lean on me.  We're heading for the river 
bank."
 
 "How?  You can't even see it."
 
 "No but I've got inborn navigational skills," he grinned and kissed 
her cheek.
 
 "This from the man who missed the exit off the Beltway for JAG last 
week," she 
groaned, her words separated by short gasps for breath.  
 
 "Shut up Mackenzie," he ordered.  "You're already on my shit list for 
not going 
back with Mindy."
 
 "Couldn't. . .couldn't leave you. . .out here."
 
 He silenced her with a long kiss and started them off.  They had made 
only 
about twenty feet when she fell, going limp in his tiring grasp.  
 
 "Not going to work," she whispered, her face contorted from cold and 
pain.
 
 "The hell it's not," he growled, leaning down and this time lifting 
her in his arms, 
knowing even as he did so his face would betray the  amount of pain 
that would 
shoot through his back.
 
 "Put me down Commander," she ordered, just as he knew she would.
 
 "No way Colonel.  No way," he answered.  "You can file DOD charges 
when we 
get back if you've a mind to, but at least you'll be alive to do so."
 ================
 MAIN POST
 Same Time
 
 Major David Hillman paced the floor in the Outdoor Sports shop.  The 
storm was 
hitting in full fury and he knew Mindy and the two JAG officers were 
not back.  
"Sir anything I can do?"  
 
 "Thanks Sergeant no," he sighed.  "I'm going to have to report them 
missing but 
I know there's nothing can be done now.  Damn this weather.  Damn that 
I 
couldn't go.  And damn that. . ."  The roar of a snowmobile engine 
stopped his 
words and a huge grin split his face.  "Never mind.  Thank God. That 
was going 
to be a mountain of paperwork."
 
 Sergeant Lansing smiled to herself.  He had seen the two Majors work 
together, 
having worked with them several times.  Friends yes. Friends who could 
be 
more.
 
 The snowmobile pulled up out front and David wasted no time in 
flinging open 
the door and sprinting toward the dismounting driver.  He held his 
breath seeing 
only one occupant, letting it out when he saw the long blonde hair fall 
from the 
helmet.  "Mindy thank god," he managed.  "This is a helluva storm.  Are 
you 
OK?"
 
 "Harm and Mac are still out there, but I'm OK," she panted, struggling 
to get her 
breath, exhausted from the cold and wind.  She took two steps forward 
and 
stumbled toward David who just did manage to catch her.
 
 "You look less OK than I think I've ever seen you," he gasped.  "Get 
in here."
 
 "We have to go back out" she gasped. "We can't leave them out there. 
Mac's 
 hurt and Harm isn't well himself."
 
 "What happened?" David demanded.
 
 "Mac was riding alone and she hit a stump and got airborne. The 
snowmobile 
 landed on her leg and there's a good possibility it's broken. We need 
to get 
 back to them."
 
 "Not in this we can't. There's no way we can get a team out. It's too 
 dangerous. Just like last time."
 
 "I shouldn't have left either of them there" Mindy berated herself. 
"But 
 there was no way all three of us could ride on the one snowmobile."
 
 "Why didn't Mac come back with you if she was hurt?"
 
 "Because she wouldn't leave Harm" Mindy said quietly. "In case you 
didn't 
 figure it out, they're in love with each other. He wanted her to go 
with me 
 but she wouldn't leave him alone."
 
 "That's devotion to your partner" David sighed.
 
 "More like love" Mindy smiled. "So any thoughts you were entertaining 
about 
 the Colonel you'd best forget."
 
 "I wasn't. And I could say the same for you."
 
 "Yeah I know. Seriously David, we have to do something. I left them 
with the 
 emergency supplies but with the storm like this, I'm afraid we're 
going to 
 have a repeat of what happened last week."
 
 "Mindy there's nothing we can do," he said quietly. "You know that as 
well 
 as I do that until the storm lets up there's no way they can risk 
sending 
 out a crew. And don't forget you're talking about two seasoned 
officers who 
 know what to do in these kinds of situations."
 
 "I know. But it doesn't make it any easier knowing they're out there."
 
 "It's not your fault. So don't even start blaming yourself. But we'd 
better 
 let General Mellner know what's going on and get the crews ready so if 
there 
 is a break we can get out to them. And then I'm taking you back to 
your 
 quarters."
 
 "David no. You'll need me if the storm breaks to led the rescue teams 
to 
 them."
 
 "At least let me take you back so you can shower and change" he 
countered. 
 "Before you get sick."
 
 "I guess that might be a good idea" she said with a shiver.
 
 "It's not an option Major" he said firmly.
 
 "You're just afraid you'll be stuck with all my work if I get sick" 
she 
 teased between chattering teeth."
 
 "Yeah that's it exactly" he sighed. "Try more like I happen to care 
about 
 you."
 
 **************
 With the blinding snow still coming down, Harm trudged his way 
through, 
 hoping he was coming towards the river soon. Every step sent pain 
shooting 
 through his back but there was no way he was going to stop until he'd 
found 
 some kind of shelter for them. To his relief he finally stumbled 
across the 
 river, and minutes later a small cave amongst the large rocks. It was 
barely 
 large enough for the two of them, but it would at least provide a 
break from 
 the snow and the wind. He gently laid her on the cold ground, his 
first 
 concern getting a fire and getting them warm. With his back still 
screaming 
 in protest he headed out to the snow again, returning with some wood 
to at 
 least get a small fire started. The emergency pack had some matches 
and in 
 no time he had the fire going.
 
 "Sarah" he said gently as he lifted Mac so that he was cradling her in 
his 
 arms. "Come on honey, wake up."
 
 She finally forced her eyes open and looked up at him. "Hurts" she 
murmured. 
 "Cold."
 
 "I know" he sighed as he drew her closer, ignoring the pain it caused. 
"But 
 we'll be warmer soon."
 
 Mac nodded and as more consciousness returned could see the pain 
etched in 
 his face.
 
 "You carried me didn't you?" she said softly and he nodded.
 
 "I had to. We had to get out of the storm or we would have froze to 
death 
 like Private McCall."
 
 "Does it hurt real bad?" she whispered, reaching a hand to trace his 
cheek.
 
 "Not any worse than your leg probably is. I'll be okay."
 
 "I'm sorry. You've probably ruined all that rehab you did. And it's my 
 fault."
 
 "Hey stop that right now" he chided her. "This is not your fault. It's 
my 
 fault for not sticking with you like I should have."
 
 "Thank god you weren't on there with me" she shuddered. "You could 
have 
 really hurt your back again. Not that carrying me god knows how far 
didn't."
 
 "Mac, I'll be okay. Please stop blaming yourself. I was the one who 
was 
 determined to come out here today. Despite Major Hillman's warning 
that the 
 snow was coming in."
 
 "You just didn't want him to be right," Mac said with a weak smile.
 
 "Yeah and if anything happens to you because of it I'll never forgive 
 myself" he sighed. "I just hope that Mindy made it back safely. It's 
bad 
 enough that I've risked your life coming out here."
 
 "I'm sure she did. And we'll be okay until they send help. I think I'm 
 actually starting to warm up a little."
 
 "Good" he said as he hugged her tighter. "And when we're back to 
safely you 
 and I are going to have a little talk about you refusing to leave."
 
 "I'd do the same thing again," she said softly. "I can't imagine what 
it 
 would be like to be back at the base knowing you were out here alone. 
 There's just no way I could ever do that."
 
 "Not what I wanted to hear Marine" he groaned.
 
 "I know. But I lived through both your crashes and both times I 
thought I 
 was going to lose it worrying about you. I'd rather be here than back 
there 
 not knowing if you were okay or not. I don't think I can go through 
that 
 again."
 
 "I'm sorry. I know that must have been hard for you."
 
 "More than you'll ever know" she whispered. "And both times we hadn't 
 exactly parted under the best of circumstances. And both times I was 
so 
 afraid you'd never know how I really felt."
 
 "Not the case anymore" he said softly.
 
 "No it's not," she said with a small smile. "I love you Harm."
 
 "And I love you" he sighed as kissed her forehead. "And we're going to 
get 
 through this and we're both going to be fine. I promise you that."
 
 "I was worried about being out here with you," she said tiredly. 
"There's no 
 one I trust with my life more than you."
 
 "And I won't let you down. You rest. I'll keep an eye on the fire and 
the 
 storm."
 
"You rest too Mister,"  ordered firmly.  "Come here you."  She pulled 
him into his 
arms as much as he was in hers.  "Body heat like they taught us in 
survival.  Like 
they teach the WT guys here I'm sure."

"Now there's an image I didn't need," he groaned.  "Two guys huddling 
together 
going--Fred please, it's body heat."
===============
"You care. . .?" Mindy stammered.  "I. . .I. . .and instead of standing 
here like a 
chattering fool, why don't I go get warm.  I want to be ready to go out 
with S and 
R soon as the weather clears."

"Yes I care," David replied quietly, letting his eyes meet hers and for 
a quick 
moment touched the back of his hand to her nearly frozen cheek.  "Come 
on.  I'll 
make some hot chocolate while you shower."

They went inside long enough for Mindy to call the base XO to report 
the 
incident, knowing that there would be nothing done until the storm 
lifted, then 
David drove her to her building.

MINDY'S Quarters
30 Mins. Later.

"Mindy I don't hear you," David yelled through the bathroom door.  "You 
OK in 
there."  In reply the water finally shut off and she hollered back, 
"Yeah I'm fine.  
Just couldn't get enough of that water.  How's the chocolate coming."

"Marshmallows are floating," he called.

She appeared a moment later in a large flannel bathrobe, her hair 
wrapped and 
for a moment all he could do is stare.  "Well you don't look very 
major-ly at the 
moment."

"I don't feel it either.  What I do feel is an overwhelming sense of 
guilt that I left 
two people, two people technically in my charge, out there," she 
murmured, 
accepting the steaming cup of liquid from him.  "Two words--Private 
McCall."

"Hey you stop that now," he chided her.  "These two are seasoned 
officers.  I 
didn't get to know them obviously but I don't see either of them 
panicking.  Plus 
it's obvious they care about each other.  They'll take care of each 
other.  It's 
probably a good thing you didn't try to make one come back without the 
other."

"You got that right," she sighed.  "Look soon as we have this and I 
finish thawing 
I want to get over to the shop.  I'm the only one knows exactly where I 
took them.  
The S&R team will stumble around out here if all I tell them is the 
river valley."

"I think you've had enough for one day," David protested.  "And the 
radar isn't 
showing much of a let up."  He gestured toward the muted TV.  "I don't 
know if 
we'll get back out there before morning."

She looked at him in horror.  "Hey they may not panic like McCall did, 
but at the 
same time they're not going to survive over night.  They're in no way 
equipped.  
We were supposed to be coming right back."  She choked down a quick sob 
of 
frustration and David covered her hand with his.  

"You're getting upset is not going to help them," he chided her.  "Soon 
as it's 
safe, we'll find them.  Together."

"Thanks," she sniffled, turning her hand beneath his to squeeze his 
fingers 
against hers.  "You're a good friend, and by the way, I care about you 
too."

An hour later they made their way back across post to their office.  
The storm 
had not abated and what would have been a ten minute drive took thirty, 
and 
involved a near collision with a jeep.

"Major at ease.  Now," Colonel Grummond thundered and David at once put 
a 
calming hand on Mindy's shoulder.  "I understand full well the 
seriousness of the 
matter.  Did you not just hear me tell Lieutenant Smith to put a team 
on standby 
to get out there?  Did you not learn anything from the death of Private 
McCall, 
and lastly, where is your respect for my rank?"

"Sir my partner is bothered by having left two fellow service members 
to face the 
elements," David spoke up.  "May I ask you to cut her a little latitude 
here."

"Very little.  Both of you get out of my sight," Grummond growled.  
"I'll let you 
know as soon as we're ready to go out.  Won't be any time soon though."

Under his grasp, David felt her about to speak again.  "Thank you sir," 
he said 
firmly, pulling her away.

Once away from the other officer, Mindy irritably pulled away from him.  
"This 
sucks," she whispered, tears of frustration nearly at the surface, 
making her even 
more angry.

"I know but there's nothing you can do about it" he said quietly. "It's 
not 
 your fault and there's no sense beating yourself up over it."
 
 "I have to do something" she sighed. "I refuse to just sit here."
 
 "You have no choice" he started, stopping when he realized what she 
was 
 thinking. "Oh no. There is no way on earth I'm letting you go back out 
 there."
 
 "I wasn't asking your permission" she retorted.
 
 "Mindy be reasonable here" he begged. "You can't go out there in this. 
It's 
 insane to even consider it."
 
 "I will not sit here and do nothing while two people are out there. If 
 Colonel Grummond wants to bring me up on charges for this, fine. But 
there 
 are two injured people out there and I'm going to go find them before 
its 
 too late."
 
 "No you are not," he said firmly. "I will not let you do this."
 
 "Try and stop me" she countered.
 
 "Mindy please" he tried again.
 
 "David no.  I will not sit here for the next twelve hours waiting for 
the 
 skies to clear. Not when two peoples lives are at stake."
 
 "You know if the General finds out about this, you might be kissing 
your 
 career goodbye" David said quietly.
 
 "I know. And for that reason I'm not asking you to come with me. It's 
my 
 fault they're out there. Not yours."
 
 "I can't let you do this" he started.
 
 "David" she managed before he silenced her with two fingers to her 
lips.
 
 "You didn't let me finish. I was going to say that I couldn't let you 
do 
 this alone. I'm going with you."
 
 "You don't have to do this" she whispered. "You're going to have a 
great 
 career here at Fort Drum. General Mellner loves having you on his 
staff."
 
 "I won't care about my career at Fort Drum if you're not here with 
me," he 
 said softly.
 
 "No" she shook her head as she stepped back from him. "I will not be 
 responsible for something happening to you. I know how crazy this 
whole 
 thing is and it's okay for me to do it but you can't."
 
 "What the hell do you mean I can't? You're worried about me but I'm 
just 
 supposed to let you walk out into that blizzard alone and not think 
any of 
 it?"
 
 "Yes. You have to."
 
 "I have to do no such thing. Either I go with you or I tell Colonel 
Grummond 
 what you're planning on doing."
 
 *****************
 The storm had continued around them and Harm had done his best to keep 
the 
 small fire going. It had required another trip out to find more wood, 
a move 
 that his back had protested. He'd stiffened up from holding Mac in his 
arms 
 and it had been a jolt of pain when he'd finally managed to push 
himself to 
 his feet. He'd just returned from his latest trek when Mac stirred 
again.
 
 "Harm" she murmured as she realized his arms were no longer around 
her.
 
 "Right here sweetie" he assured her as he gently lowered himself to 
the 
 ground, barely able to do so without gasping in pain.
 
 "You're hurting aren't you?" she demanded, forcing herself awake.
 
 "Well let's just say that the week of rehab is probably just about 
shot" 
 Harm sighed.  "But right now that's not my main concern. Getting us 
through 
 tonight is."
 
 "It's not letting up is it?"
 
 "No, and it's colder. And I barely found this little bit of wood to 
keep the 
 fire going."
 
 "There didn't happen to be any food in that survival pack did there?" 
Mac 
 asked sheepishly.
 
 "Considering someone was too pig headed to have lunch before coming 
out 
here you're probably starving" Harm sighed as he reached for the pack. 
"And it's 
 not much but there are a few granola bars and some water. Which you 
can have 
 since I was such a jerk."
 
 "No we'll share. Despite the fact you were a jerk. Which I forgive you 
for."
 
 "I'm glad you do, cause I'm still kicking myself for it."
 
 "Well stop it" she chided him. "Because there's enough blame to go 
around 
 that you don't have to shoulder it all. If I'd been paying more 
attention to 
 where I was going, I wouldn't have hit the stump."
 
 "Dreaming of Major Hillman?" Harm teased.
 
 "Oh yeah that's it exactly" Mac rolled her eyes. "More like trying to 
figure 
 out why the man I love doesn't trust me alone with another man."
 
 "I trust you" Harm said quickly. "I don't trust him."
 
 "He's in love with Mindy" Mac smiled.
 
 "What? Where did you get that from?"
 
 "Woman's intuition. You men are so oblivious to these things."
 
 "Okay so is she in love with him?"
 
 "She is she doesn't know it" Mac smiled again. "Especially when tall 
 handsome sailors wander into her life."
 
 "I think you've lost it Mackenzie" Harm shook his head. "There's no 
way. 
 They probably haven't ever even dated."
 
 "Just cause they haven't dated, doesn't mean they can't be in love."
 
"Who are you, Doctor Ruth," he laughed, hugging her tightly as the wind 
hit them 
again.  "So let me get this straight, she was hitting on me but she's 
in love with 
him.  God that sounds like you--sleeping with Brumby and in love with. 
. .shutting 
up now."


"No it's OK," she said softly.   "I know I was pretty mixed up back 
then."  She 
gave him a a sly smile.  "On the other hand you presume an awful lot 
there."

"I do not," he retorted and then turned quietly serious.  "Because I 
was doing the 
same thing.  "Not one of my more proud moments in my life.  I kept a 
woman--a 
nice woman, a woman who did nothing wrong except fall in love with a 
man who 
couldn't do the same, hanging around just to share my bed."

"Been there done that wore the ring," she laughed softly.  "All in the 
past Sailor.  I 
just want to know where we see ourselves from here."

"The first place I see us is out of this cave, alive," he returned 
grimly, suddenly all 
serious.  "Mac we don't know what's up with your leg.  You need help."

"Yeah well so do you," she sighed.  "And neither of us are leaving this 
shelter 
until this storm stops.  Mindy knows where she left us.  She'll be back 
for us."

"Unless she didn't make it back herself."

"Then David, who also knew where we were headed, will be frantic to 
find her, 
and thus us.  Relax Sailor," she sighed, and picked up a handful of 
snow, holding 
it to his mouth.  "Have a drink and cool off."

"Funny," he groaned.  "You know right now all I can think of is how hot 
I was in 
the desert, and how I'd kill for just a tad of that heat."
==============
Mindy flashed angry eyes at David.  "You'd tell him?  Turn me in?  
Squeal?  Give 
me up?"

His eyes met hers and he never wavered this gaze.  "Yeah.  Yeah I 
would.  To 
keep you from going out there alone and maybe getting hurt or worse, 
yeah I 
would.  And you'd hate me for it maybe, but at least you'd be alive to 
do that."

"I don't want you in trouble. . .or hurt," she whispered.  

"Then we'd best both go and make sure neither happens to either of us," 
he 
answered.  "So far we don't have a direct order to stay put.  If we're 
careful to 
keep it that way, we can pull this off with only a reprimand maybe.  
Now do I go, 
or do you risk getting a direct order to stay?"

"You go," she whispered, reading his determination.

He helped her on with her coat and they walked quietly out the back 
door.  The 
storm hit them as soon as they cleared the building and he 
instinctively put his 
arm across her, pulling her close as they walked the distance to the 
Sports shop, 
carefully keeping to the road lest they get lost in the swirling white.  

The shop had been locked up and it was a simple matter for David to use 
a pass 
key to get in.  "We are going to be in such deep shit," he murmured.

"But we'll have saved two lives.  Still not too late to back out you 
know."

"Would you be willing to let them take their chances?"

"No.  I can't.  I know I won't be able to live with myself if they died 
out there and I 
didn't help," she told him.  "And now, even if you went to the Colonel, 
I'll be on a 
machine and out of here before he can do anything."

"OK let's do it," he said quietly, "but we have to do something else 
first."

She cocked her head quizzically.

"I'm not going to die before I know what it is to do this," he 
explained, and before 
she could react, he had cupped his hand at the back of her head and 
brought her 
to him, kissing her gently at first and then with slightly more 
intensity when she 
did not resist.  "You can smack me now," he said when they parted.  "It 
will have 
been worth it."
   
 "I'm not going to smack you," she said slowly. "I guess I just never…" 
Her 
 voice trailed off and she looked away.
 
 "You never what? Thought I found you attractive and wanted to get to 
know 
 you better?"
 
 "No. I mean, you were always with someone else."
 
 "And did you notice I never stayed with any of them very long" he 
smiled. 
 "Cause no matter who I dated, I kept thinking about you."
 
 "You did?" she smiled.
 
 "Yes. But you didn't seem interested in anything more than friends so 
I 
 never pushed the issue."
 
 "I didn't know you felt that way. I figured being friends was all you 
 wanted."
 
 "A little bit of miscommunication" he smiled. "And once we find Harm 
and Mac 
 I think you and I should sit down and have a long talk."
 
 "I'd like that. But I do want to find Harm and Mac first. I'm really 
scared 
 for them David."
 
 "I know. And that's why we're going to do this. Even though I'm scared 
to 
 death that you're going out in this."
 
 "I'll be fine" she smiled softly. "I have you with me don't I?"
 
 "Yes. And I want you to stick close. I hate that you're going to be on 
a 
 separate machine."
 
 "It's the only way we'll get both of them back" she sighed. "And as 
long as 
 you stay close we'll be fine. I have to lead remember. I know where I 
left 
 them."
 
 "Have I mentioned I really don't like this" he sighed. "But I know 
you're 
 bound and determined to go and I'm not letting you go alone."
 
 "Then we'd better go Soldier," she said softly.
 
 He nodded and moments later the two snowmobiles were slowly making 
their 
way across the frozen land, the nearly zero visibility keeping them 
from going 
 above a few miles an hour. What had taken 15 minutes earlier in the 
day took 
 over an hour, Mindy stopping the machine to try and determine if she 
was in 
 the right area.
 
 "What's wrong?" David shouted over the wind.
 
 "I'm not sure if we're in the right place?" she yelled back. "I don't 
see 
 the other snowmobile around. I think we need to go further."
 
 "How much further?"
 
 "I don't know" she wailed. "It's hard to tell out here."
 
 "Mindy if you don't know we'll have to head back" he shouted. "We 
can't stay 
 out here."
 
 "No" she shouted back. "They're around here. I'm not going back until 
we've 
 found them."
 
 They climbed back onto the snowmobiles, going a bit further before 
they came 
 across the other snowmobile. They dismounted once again, looking 
around the 
 area for any sign of Harm and Mac.
 
 "Where'd they go?"
 
 "I don't know. Unless they went down by the river thinking there might 
be 
 some kind of shelter down there," she yelled.
 
 "By the rocks" he shouted and she nodded.
 
 Once again they climbed aboard the snowmobiles, heading towards the 
river.
 
 ***********
 Mac lay nestled asleep in his arms while Harm kept his eye on the 
weather 
 outside. There was no sign of it letting up and the fire he'd made had 
just 
 about burned out, just a small glow still radiating from it. He pulled 
Mac 
 closer to him, wondering if in fact they were going to get out of this 
one 
 alive. If they didn't, he had no one but himself to blame. He should 
have 
 known better. He shouldn't have even allowed her to come out with 
them.
 
 "Okay Lord, I know I've been asking for a lot recently" he sighed with 
a 
 look heavenward. "But this time it's real important."
 
 Over the wind he thought he heard the sound of an engine before 
realizing 
 how ridiculous it was to think that. He knew there was no way they 
would 
 send out the search and rescue until the storm broke, just like the 
night 
 Private McCall had died. And if they did die at least they wouldn't be 
 alone.
 
 Again he heard a noise and this time he gently extracted himself from 
Mac, 
 somehow pushing himself to his feet despite the pain. It wasn't 
possible yet 
 he could hear the snowmobile engines coming nearer. Braving the wind, 
he 
 ventured from the protection of the small cave and out to see if 
someone was 
 there. The sound of the engines stopped and moments later he heard 
someone 
 shouting his name. Through the blinding snow he finally caught a 
glimpse of 
 two figures coming towards him.
 
 "Harm" Mindy yelled.
 
 "Where's the rest of the search and rescue team?" Harm yelled when he 
only 
 spotted David with her.
 
 "It's just us sir."
 
 "What?" Harm shouted. "What do you mean it's just you two?"
 
 "We might be needing a lawyer Commander" David shouted. "But we'll 
discuss 
 that later. Right now we just want to get you two back."

"You're out here without permission aren't you?" Harm yelled.  "You 
came out 
here to get us against orders."

"Not exactly Commander," Mindy panted.  "But we did haul ass before we 
could 
get an order not to.  How's Mac?"

"Cold and in pain--at least she is when it's not numb," he grimaced.  
"Can we get 
her back?"

"You think she can take a ride on one of these?  And how about you?  
You're not 
looking that good yourself?"

"I'm hanging in there.  We need to get her out of this storm and her 
leg looked 
at."

"Let's do it," Mindy nodded.  "David can you get her?"

"No let me," Harm objected.

"Commander you're barely carrying yourself at this moment," Mindy 
reminded 
him.  "Let David get her and take her with him.  He's a lot better able 
to help her."

"OK yeah," he agreed reluctantly, knowing that if he tried once again 
to lift her 
with his back the way it was, he could very well drop her.

"Mac it's David," he called reaching out his hand for her.  "Mac we're 
here to take 
you back.  Can you wake up for me?"  He shook her arm and finally she 
opened 
her eyes.

"Harm?"  Awareness was slow in returning and as her eyes opened wide 
she 
screamed his name.

"I think you're being paged," Mindy smiled as Harm heard her and at 
once dove 
back for the opening, knowing he would not be able to fit inside with 
David at her 
side.

"Mac honey I'm right here," he called softly.  "David and Mindy brought 
the 
snowmobiles and they're going to take us back.  Let David help you OK.  
I can't.  
I hate that I can't, but right now I'm afraid to try to lift 
you--afraid that I wouldn't be 
able to hold you."

"Back away Navy," David ordered with a quick laugh.  "Army and Marine 
coming 
through."  He turned his attention to Mac, lifting her up.  "Come on 
Mac.  You've 
got a frantic Sailor wanting to see you."

"I want him too.  David, make sure he gets taken care of please.  His 
back. . ." 

"Absolutely," he promised.  "Now work with me here.  See if you can 
raise up." 

With David's support he got her up and all but carried her out.  The 
second she 
saw Harm she reached her arms out for him and he gathered her in an 
awkward 
hug.

"You're not OK," she breathed, trying to touch his cheek with numb 
hands.

"We're both going to be fine thanks to these two," He assured her, 
leaning down 
enough to kiss her cold nose.

"Let's move," Mindy ordered, giving David a little push.

"See you soon Marine," Harm whispered.  "I love you."

"And I love you," she returned.
========
ARMY HOSPITAL
Ft. Drum

"We did it," Mindy sighed once they had turned over Harm and Mac to the 
doctors.  "And now we have to face the consequences.  You know they 
know 
what we did by now."

"Yeah I know.  But we'll. . ."  He stopped and looked at her closely, 
hearing her 
ragged breathing and seeing that she was leaning heavily on the bench 
she was 
standing next to.  "OK Major, I am officially relieving you," he told 
her.  "Back to 
your quarters.  You're exhausted here.  And from there we can call our 
boss and 
confess.  He knows we're not a flight risk."

"We're in trouble.  No, I'm in trouble," she sighed.  "It's not your 
fault.  And I'm 
going to make sure they know that."

"No way," he told her, putting his arm around her shoulders to lead her 
to the 
door.  "I'm not letting you take the rap alone.  Or to cover for me."
   
  "David" she started before he silenced her with a quick kiss.
  
  "We're in this together remember?" he smiled. "Now let's move it 
Major."
  
  *********
  The first thing Harm realized when he woke was that he wasn't cold 
anymore. 
  The second thought was that Mac was no longer in his arms. He opened 
his 
  eyes and looked around, finally remembering that Mindy and David had 
gotten 
  them back to the base hospital at Fort Drum.
  
  "Morning Commander" the nurse smiled as she walked into his room.
  
  "Mac. Where is she?" he demanded. "Is she okay?"
  
  "If you mean Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, she's in the room next door and 
she's 
  going to be just fine."
  
  "Her leg? It's not broken?"
  
  "Fortunately no" the nurse replied. "Badly contused from where the 
  snowmobile landed but not broken."
  
  "Thank god" Harm sighed. "I need to see her."
  
  "Don't even think about moving out of that bed mister" the nurse 
threatened. 
  "You've strained an already hurting back."
  
  "Tell me something I didn't know" he groaned. "But I still need to 
see her."
  
  "I'll see about having the Colonel brought into see you when she 
wakes" she 
  replied.
  
  Before Harm could reply he heard her scream of his name and at once 
he 
  attempted to push himself up.
  
  "Mac" he yelled back as the nurse pushed him back down on the bed.
  
  "Commander, I will see to the Colonel. Now you stay in that bed or 
else."
  
  She hurried from the room and next door to Mac's room.
  
  "Colonel please" the nurse said as she reached Mac's bed.
  
  "Where's Harm?" Mac demanded.
  
  "Colonel relax. He's right next door to you and he's fine. I just had 
this 
  discussion with him about you. You're both going to be just fine. 
You've got 
  a leg contusion that's going to be painful for a while but otherwise 
you'll 
  be just fine."
  
  "And Harm?"
  
  "His back is strained again. And when he gets back to Washington, I'm 
sure 
  the doctor there is going to want him to do some rehab again."
  
  "I want to see him" Mac pleased. "Please."
  
  "Well if it will keep both of you quiet" the nurse sighed. "But you 
  shouldn't be out of bed yet."
  
  "I don't have to be out of bed," Mac said with a small smile.
  
  The nurse just shook her head but minutes later had arranged for 
Mac's bed 
  to be moved into Harm's room.
  
  "Close but not good enough" Mac said when she and Harm were alone.
  
  "Mac, please be careful" Harm fretted as she attempted to push 
herself off 
  the bed.  "And you shouldn't be doing that."
  
  "Better than you trying to move" Mac managed as she gently hobbled to 
his 
  bed, his arms opening to reach for her. Somehow she managed to join 
him on 
  the bed and seconds later she lay contentedly against him, mindful of 
his 
  back. "Much better."
  
  "Yes it is. I was so afraid we weren't going to get out of that last 
night" 
  he whispered as he held her as tightly as he could.
  
  "I knew we'd be okay. You've never let me down before Flyboy."
  
  "I wasn't sure this time," he admitted. "We were running out of 
options real 
  quick."
  
  "We need to thank Mindy and David for what they did" she sighed. "I 
hope the 
  General goes easy on them."
  
  ***************
  General Mellner's Office
  Same Time
  
  "Ready to face the music" Mindy sighed as she and David waited 
outside the 
  General's office.
  
  "Yes ma'am" he assured her. "And remember we're in this together. I 
don't 
  want to you hear anything about how you're the only one who should 
take the 
  heat for this."
  
  "I know. And thank you for taking care of me last night. I was pretty 
wiped 
  out."
  
  "Just glad to be there" he smiled. "And no matter what happens next, 
we'll 
  get through it."
  
  She nodded and moments later they walked into the General's office.
  
  "Major Hoover and Major Hillman reporting as order sir" she said as 
they 
  stood at attention.
 
 Behind the cover of the General's large desk, David bumped his hand 
against 
hers and their fingers interlocked for a second.
 
 "I'm not sure whether to kick your butts or pin medals on them," 
Mellner growled.  
"At ease.  Sit.  I'm ready to listen to anything reasonable you've got 
to say."
 
 "My fault entirely sir," Mindy spoke up at once.
 
 "No sir it most certainly was not," David objected vehemently.  "I was 
a willing 
partner.  She didn't hold a gun to my head and make me steal a 
snowmobile."
 
 "No what she did do was tell you to stand down and you didn't listen," 
she 
retorted.  "Sir it was my idea, and my plan, and one I fully intended 
to carry out---
alone."
 
 "Yes and that's exactly where it was flawed.  No way was I going to 
let her go 
out there alone sir.  Both Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb were 
hurting 
and no way could she have brought them both back."
 
 "I would have managed," she maintained.  "I didn't want him risking 
himself or 
his career for this.  I left them out there against my better judgment 
and I wanted 
to bear the responsibility of getting them back."
 
 "You could have died out there trying," David screeched and it was at 
that point 
Mellner threw up his hand for quiet.
 
 "At ease both of you.  The headache my wife gave me this morning is 
now a 
migraine thanks to you two.  OK, here's the deal.  Letters go in both 
of your files, 
commending your courage and resourcefulness, and reminding you about 
use of 
the chain of command, procedures, and so forth.  Can you handle that?"
 
 "Yes sir," David said at once and Mindy added her agreement.  "Thank 
you sir."
 
 For a moment there was silence and a long look passed between them, 
not 
unnoticed by the General.  "Discretion Majors, please," he smiled.  
"Before I'm 
forced to tell you a story about a young Lieutenant named Mellner who 
was 
assigned to Ft. Carson with another young Lieutenant about twenty-two 
years 
ago.  This would be the woman who gave me this headache.  Get out.  
Both of 
you.  Dismissed."
 
 Both junior officers came to attention and then walked out, breathing 
a long sigh 
of relief when David closed the door behind them.  "Shall we go see 
Harm and 
Mac before we start on the paperwork?"
 ==========
 "Never a camera when you need one," David declared from the door to 
their 
room once they reached the hospital.
 
 "I think it's sweet," Mindy smiled, unconsciously leaning against his 
arm.  The 
gentle pressure made him look over at her and he shyly slipped his arm 
around 
her shoulder.  
 
 "This is OK isn't it" he whispered.
 
 "It's very OK," she assured him, now fully resting against him while 
they looked 
at the pair nestled in each other's arms in the hospital bed.
 
 "They're in love."
 
 "Well duh," she laughed and impulsively kissed his cheek.  "Of course 
they are.  
I knew that pretty fast.  I mean he made it clear he wasn't interested. 
. ."
 
 "And you were?"
 
 "I was just being open to extreme possibilities," she admitted.  
"Because I didn't 
think you and I would ever. . ."  
 
 "You thought wrong didn't you," he interrupted by kissing her soundly, 
and it was 
to that vision that Mac awoke, pulling free of Harm's grasp to sit up.
 
 "Harm, we have guests," she laughed.  "OK get a room you two."
 
  "I didn't know they allowed bed sharing" Mindy laughed as she and 
David 
  walked into the room.
  
  "The Marine has a way of getting what she wants" Harm smiled as he 
once 
  again recaptured Mac in his arms.
  
  "You two are so cute together" Mindy smiled. "I have no idea how I 
missed 
  that in the beginning. And Mac, you should have hauled off and decked 
me for 
  hitting on Harm like that."
  
  "Uh, the thought crossed my mind" Mac laughed. "But you're not the 
first one 
  who'd done that. And honestly this was the first case we've handled 
together 
  since we became a couple and I was just trying to keep our personal 
lives 
  out it."
  
  "But haven't you worked together for six years?" David asked.
  
  "One of us was a little slow at figuring things out" Harm smiled.
  
  "We both were" Mac corrected him. "But that's all behind us now. And 
it 
  looks like you two have moved in that direction in well."
  
  "We're exploring the possibilities," David said as he reached for 
Mindy's 
  hand.
  
  "So what did the General have to say about what you did?" Harm asked. 
"Are 
  you going to be needing a lawyer?"
  
  "Fortunately no we won't be needing your services" Mindy replied. 
"All in 
  all I think the General was pretty understanding about everything."
  
  "Everything being you two as well?" Mac smiled.
  
  Mindy nodded happily. "A small lecture about discretion and that was 
it."
  
  "Then I guess everything worked out" Harm sighed. "And we owe you two 
a big 
  thank you for what you did last night. This woman means the world to 
me and 
  if you guys hadn't showed up when you did I don't know what would 
have 
  happened."
  
  "Just glad we could help" Mindy smiled. "And we'd better get out of 
here and 
  let you guys get some rest."
  
  "Thanks again for everything" Mac said softly. "Before we head back 
to DC, 
  maybe we can get together for dinner or something."
  
  "A double date" Mindy grinned. "Sounds like fun."
  
  "I hope it's better than the last double date I was on" Harm groaned, 
  remembering that horrible night when he and Renee had gone out with 
Mic and 
  Mac."
  
  "It will be sailor," Mac said as she leaned over and kissed him. 
"You're 
  with the right person this time."
  
  ***************
  Two Days Later
  VOQ  Fort Drum
  
  "You sure you're up to this?" Harm fretted. "You can barely walk."
  
  "Harm, we're going to dinner that's all" she smiled. "Besides, I walk 
just 
  about as good as you do. And as soon as we get back to DC you're six 
is 
  going to Bethesda for more rehab."
  
  "We're going to have to hire a nurse to take care of both of us" he 
  complained.
  
  "I think if we ask nicely Sturgis and Bud and Harriet will be willing 
to 
  help us out for a few days. So stop worrying."
  
  A knock at the door stopped his reply and he slowly made his way to 
the 
  door.
  
  "You two ready to go?" Mindy asked as she and David walked in.
  
  "Ready as long as you two don't mind waiting for us slow pokes" Harm 
smiled. 
  "Neither of us is moving real fast."
  
  "You need any help?" David asked.
  
  "I think we can manage" Mac smiled as she looped her arm around 
Harm's 
  waist.
 
 "I hope you two like seafood," David spoke up.  "We're going to Diane 
and Paul's 
out at Cape Vincent's.  That's on the St. Lawrence.  In the summer you 
can sit on 
the patio and watch the barges, but of course right now all we've got 
is ice."
 
 "Sounds perfect," Harm nodded, his arm going around Mac's back.  "You 
going 
to make it there gimpy?"
 
 "Cute Sailor, real cute," she groaned.  "At least I'm not going to 
need therapy."
 
 "Hey it's not that bad.  An hour in the hot tub soaking my back while 
Angie. . .oh 
whoa I didn't ever tell you that part did I."
 
 Mac had to look at him twice before she convinced herself he was 
actually 
teasing.  "The only nurse I saw you with was Olga, and the Redskins 
only wish 
they had her on their line."
 
 "I don't think I envy you man," David grinned, taking firm hold of 
Mindy's arm as 
they walked across the icy parking lot.  
 
 At the restaurant they were shown to a corner table overlooking the 
frozen 
water, the ice reflecting the dock lights.  "A thousand miles removed 
from D.C." 
Harm sighed, kissing Mac's cheek.  "And we're back to the place 
tomorrow."
 
 "Then what?" Mindy asked gently.  "With you two I mean and just tell 
me to shut 
up if I'm being too personal."
 
 "Not real sure," Mac smiled.  "We've been kind of taking all this one 
day at a time 
since he came back from his crash.  I know we've both got a desk full 
of cases 
waiting.  But the other thing--well, a day at a time."
 
 "I just know we're not going to be apart," Harm said firmly.  "We've 
tried it, and 
we suck at it."
 
 Twenty minutes later Mac was eyeing the whole lobster occupying Harm's 
plate.  
"You know what, I just realized I prefer my food bear no resemblance 
dead to 
when it was alive."
 
 "So what happened on your last double date that was so awful?" Mindy 
asked.  
"We never did hear that story."
 
 "Mac was with her fiance," Harm growled.
 
 "Whoa long story coming up," David chortled.
 
 "Not quite," Mac smiled.  "I was engaged for a short time. . ."
 
 "Fifteen months, ten days," Harm interrupted.
 
 "I didn't realize you were counting," she giggled.  "And part of that 
time, most of it 
in fact, the ring was on the other hand remember Flyboy?"
 
 "Let's not go over bad memories please," Harm begged, and broke into 
the 
lobster claw with a vengeance, the shell pieces scattering under the 
assault of 
the instrument, much to the amusement of the other three.
 
 "I think he was imagining the guy's scrawny neck in the center of 
those jaws," 
David laughed.
 
 "Don't talk to me," Harm growled and Mac turned his head toward hers.  
 
 "Listen Lobster Breath, I'm in love with you.  And that's all that 
matters."
 
 THE END