TITLE:  "Bermuda Holiday"
                   AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
                   SUMMARY/SPOILERS:  A weekend getaway turns into one of those vacations 
from Hell.  We've all had them.  Any JAG episode may be referred to in our work.  The story is 
set late summer 2002, without regard to Sergei or Bud's injury.
                  CLASSIFCATION/RATING: S/R/A       PG for mild violence and language
                   DISCLAIMER:  JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al.  No copyright infringement 
is intended with this work of fiction.
                 FEEDBACK:  Never expected let alone demanded.  Always appreciated.  We simply 
ask that the work and the effort be respected.  Feedback addy is SSbpMN@aol.com.
                 NOTE:  All parts of this story as well as much of our other works, are available at 
                    
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required.  Please ignore any notice of adult content you may see-there is no R nor NC17 
content there.
                    
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http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag
                                  
                                  or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at    
http://hmarchive.topcities.com/index2.html  [sadly, not always up and running]
                    
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                              http://destined.to/btlarchive - {BTL H/M Fanfiction archive.}
        
        NOTE:   This is a stand-alone story, not connected in any way to any of our other writing.
+++++++++++++++++++++

"Commander Rabb," Harm growled into the phone, eyeing the pile of folders on his desk and 
the other two lights that were blinking, indicating he had other calls.  "Keeter if this is a social 
call I'm swamped," he groaned when his friend had identified himself.

"What are you doing this weekend Rabb?" Keeter demanded, ignoring his dismay and 
plunging ahead.  "Would you be up for a weekend in Bermuda?"

"Keeter are you asking me to come spend the weekend with you?" Harm laughed, momentarily 
forgetting his workload.

"Rabb get a grip," he groaned.  "I rented a place and now something's come up and I can't use 
it.  It's a long weekend.  Take Renee and go have a good time.  You can write me a check 
later."

"Keeter you don't pay attention.  Renee is gone.  Dumped me for a funeral director she knew in 
high school remember.  And that was a year ago."

"Sorry, that's right.  I've uh. . .been gone a lot.  So who are you seeing now?"

"No one and thank you for reminding me of the pathetic state of my love life."

"So take Mac," he offered.

"Oh get real would you.  Mac would not want to.  Mac sees enough of me.  It's not like we 
haven't been traveling together lately."

"Then she should be used to you leaving your underwear on the floor.  Take Mac and have a 
great time."

"I'm telling you Mac doesn't. . ."  he got out before Mac herself breezed through his door.

"What doesn't Mac?"

"Want to go to Bermuda for the weekend," he answered distractedly.

"Whoever said that was a lying SOB.  And who the hell are you talking to?"

Harm put his hand over the mouthpiece. "Keeter.  Who thinks you'd like to go to Bermuda with 
me for the weekend."

"And what makes you think I wouldn't? Unless you'd not want me to that is?"

"I don't even know if I'm going," he yelped, removing his hand.  "Keeter let me call you back.  
Mac is here now."

He hung up the phone and leaned back in his chair, shaking his head.  "The man can be a 
lunatic.  Bermuda.  Of all places."

She shrugged, carefully noncommital.  "I wouldn't mind getting away from DC."

He thought that over for a few seconds, carefully considering the possibilities.  "You think we 
could actually get away for a few days?  Together?  When it doesn't involve a case?  And not 
kill each other?  And not come back as enemies?"

"We're talking what, three or four days?  And Bermuda?  With a whole town and miles of 
beach if we need to get away from each other."  She gave him a soft smile of persuasion.  
"Come on.  It could be a good time.  And judging your mood of late, a getaway might be good 
for you."

"I don't have a mood," he scowled, picking up and then throwing down the case folder on top.  
"OK yeah.  You want to?"

"I'd love to," she smiled.  "I'll bring the Australia blue bikini.  Both halves."

"Deal," he grinned, and suddenly the rest of the day did not seem too bad.
=================
Friday Afternoon
Mac's Apartment

Mac was waiting out front when Harm pulled up, both of them grateful to the Admiral for 
allowing them the afternoon to pack and drive to Dulles for their flight.

"I would have come up," he chided her, taking the bag that hung from her shoulder from her 
and tossing it in the back of the SUV.  "Where's the rest?"

"Uh. . .that was it."

"Are you serious?"

She looked at  him quizzically.   "Harm we're going for three days.  I brought three nice 
dresses for evening and some sweats and tee shirts with shorts and jeans and the usual 
under. . .never mind.  We're not going on safari here."

"Well I know but when Renee. . ."

"Hey I am not Renee," she laughed goodnaturedly.  "But yeah I'm sure she didn't travel light."

"Four piece matched set, crammed to the gills," he grinned as well, taking her arm to walk her 
to the door.  "I am really looking forward to this."

She turned to look at him, hearing the lightness in his voice, a lightness that had not been 
there very much over the summer with all that had happened. "Yeah me too Flyboy.  And I 
want to give you a check for my half."

"No."

"No?"

"No.  You can buy me dinner once maybe, but this is my treat otherwise.   My idea, my 
begging you to come."

"Hey you didn't put a gun to my head, and I was doing my share of the begging," she smiled 
and for a brief second touched her fingertips to his cheek.  "I think we might both benefit from a 
little time away together."

He nodded and actually whistled as he walked around to the driver's side.  Yes it might in fact 
be a great weekend.
  
  His good mood quickly faded as they fought the traffic to Dulles, Harm 
  growing impatient with the other cars trying to make their way out of the 
  city as well.
  
  "Harm chill" she ordered as he let out a litany of swear words when the 
  traffic came to a screeching halt again.
  
  "We are never going to get there on time" he groaned as he looked at his 
  watch again.
  
  "We will if you don't get us killed first," she said patiently. "We've got 
  plenty of time to get there before the required check in time. We'll be 
  fine."
  
  "Well I hope you have your jogging shoes on" he sighed. "Because the way our 
  luck is going so far we're going to be at the last gate in the farthest 
  concourse."
  
  An hour later his prediction came true as they checked the screens and found 
  that their gate was in fact nearly at the end of the concourse.
  
  "So when did you become the psychic one?" she panted as they hurried around 
  the crowds of people.
  
  "I'm not" he groaned. "It was just a lucky guess. I hope this isn't an 
  indication of how our trip is going to be."
  
  "Don't be cursing us anymore" she laughed. "I'm sure from here on out we'll 
  have smooth sailing."
  
  They arrived at the appointed gate with just minutes to spare as the final 
  boarding call was made for their flight. It wasn't until they were seated 
  that they both let out a long sigh.
  
  "Made it" she smiled. "See I told you we had plenty of time."
  
  "God I'm out of shape" he panted.
  
  "Yeah you are a bit winded sailor" she laughed. "You slacking off in the 
  exercise department?"
  
  "Not much fun running by yourself" he shrugged.
  
  "You know I run everyday. You're more than welcome to join me."
  
  "Maybe I will when we get back" he sighed. "Well at least we made the 
  flight."
  
  "And now you can sit back and try and relax" she smiled. "This weekend is 
  supposed to be fun remember. A few days in the sun and sand."
  
  "With you and your blue bikini" he grinned and she playfully smacked his 
  arm.
  
  "You wish" she teased. "What if I didn't pack it?"
  
  "You said you were going to."
  
  "I did" she grinned. "Just wanted to see what you'd say if I told you I 
  didn't."
  
  "Cute Marine" he groaned. "I'll get you back for that. When you least expect 
  it. Consider yourself warned."
  
  "This is going to be a fun weekend" she smiled. "So why couldn't Keeter make 
  the trip?"
  
  "Who knows" Harm sighed. "He's always involved in something top secret and 
  then he can't get away at the last minute. But I guess it worked to our 
  advantage."
  
  "That's for sure. A weekend in Bermuda is not something I'd pass up."
  
  "Well thanks for coming along with me. I didn't really have anyone else to 
  ask."
  
  "Trusty old Mac" she said softly.
  
  "Hey I didn't mean it that way" he protested. "I mean it that I didn't have 
  anyone else in my pathetic life to ask."
  
  "It has been a while for you, between women hasn't it Commander?" she said 
  quietly.
 
 "Oh yeah but when I feel the need I just go downtown and cruise until I find someone who's 
got a Sailor fantasy and then. . ."  Her look of surprise and horror kept him from continuing and 
he broke into a giant guffaw at the sight.  "If you could see your face.  I had you going for a 
minute."
 
 "Yeah you did, and then I realized not even you would be that stupid," she grumped, looking 
away.
 
 "In answer to your question," he went on calmly.  "Yeah it's been a while, but you know what, 
by the time that big forty is staring you down, you kind of don't think that much about the act 
itself any more.  In other words, you want there to be love behind it.  Well at least that's where I 
am."
 
 "So, Renee?" she asked hesitantly.
 
 "Mac I think you know the answer to that," he replied quietly.  "I flew half way around the world 
to talk to you about that."
 
 "Talking is not one of our best things," she reminded him with a rueful smile.
 
 "No it's not," he agreed readily and to her surprise, threaded his fingers into hers in one swift 
motion.  "Maybe on this trip we can kind of relax and do a little of that.  We've got no schedule, 
there's no JAG, no interruptions, just all us."
 
 "Yeah I'd like that a lot," she said after a second's pause during which she got over her 
surprise.  
 
 They fell silent as the jet became airborne, heading out over the waters of the Atlantic toward 
the small island country.  Snacks were served and the passengers settled into dozing, reading 
and quiet talking.  Mac was content to look out her window, feeling herself growing drowsy and 
almost shyly she slipped her hand in to Harm's once again.
 
 "You don't. . .it's OK?"
 
 "Of course I don't mind," he whispered.  "My hand is your hand."
 
 "Thanks," she sighed.  "You know I have a confession to make."
 
 "Do I look like your priest," he grinned and raised an eyebrow.  "Is this something sexual?"
 
 "No Moron.  I was just going to mention that much as we fly, I've never really been 
comfortable with it and lately even less so.  I've in fact started to worry that I'm heading for 
some kind of flying phobia."  The words were no sooner out of her mouth than the plane gave 
a giant lurch forward and then fell.  Fell toward earth as if it was a giant elevator heading for 
the bargain basement.
 
 Mac opened her mouth to scream, not that some others hadn't beaten her to it, but nothing 
came out.  And eight seconds later it was over.  The plane was flying straight and level, and 
most important, forward.  Her hand convulsed in Harm's and she swallowed her scream, which 
came out as a squeaky almost sob.  "Are we OK?" she managed.
 
 "Yeah we are," he answered quickly, trying to gauge her reaction to see if she was OK.  "Hey I 
was scared for a few seconds there too.  My logical self was saying, 'it's just bad turbulence 
and it will be over soon' and my emotional self was screaming 'my god we're all going to die'."
 
 "It was like an air pocket then?" she asked shakily.  "We didn't lose two engines or 
something?"
 
 "Nah.  You would have seen them fall away in flames if that was the case."
 
 "Harm stop," she almost shrieked and at once he was sorry.
 
 "Whoa OK excuse me I'm sorry," he gasped.  "No more plane talk.  Are you OK?  You're 
actually shivering a little here.  You got a sweater or something?"
 
 "No not with me, but I'll be fine," she sighed, shrinking back into her seat.  "I'm just glad we're 
OK.  My flying phobia didn't need that."  
 
 "No I'm sure," he agreed and before she could stop him he had pushed the flight attendant call 
button.  "My friend needs a blanket if you can please," he requested, despite her trying to 
shush him.  "That little incident unnerved her a little."
 
 "Yeah well I'm just glad we wear these black pants," the attendant grinned as he reached into 
the overhead and handed one down to Harm.  "No one was expecting that.  Bless trained 
pilots."
 
 "Amen," Harm nodded as he tucked the blanket over her, his look to her daring her to object.  

"Thank you," she whispered, making herself small against the back of the seat.
 
 The flight was uneventful as they began their descent over Hamilton and she pushed her arm 
from beneath the blanket to seek his hand.  "Long as you don't mind?"
 
 "Don't mind a bit," he assured her.
 
 "Ladies and gentlemen this is Captain Bates," came the calm quiet voice all commercial pilots 
are issued along with their license.  "They're having a small crisis on the ground so they've 
asked us to remain up here for a little bit.  So why don't you folks just sit back and enjoy some 
of that beautiful water below us, and I'll tell them we don't want to be up here all night."
 
 "Harm?"
 
 "We're fine I'm sure," he said quickly.  "Could be anything from a runway problem to 
something with ATC.  Just hang tight--we'll be in our cottage soon enough."
 
 "Right now some aspirin and a hot tub sound awfully good," she admitted, "but I don't want to 
waste any of the beach or swimming or eating time either."
  
  "You'll have plenty of time for that tomorrow" he promised. "And I'm sure it 
  won't be long before we're on the ground."
  
  "You were saying sailor" Mac groaned a long twenty minutes later as they 
  continued to circle above the airport. Weary travelers were growing 
  impatient with the delay and the flight attendants were doing their best to 
  keep them happy with more free beverages and snacks.
  
  "Okay so I was wrong" he sighed. "Shoot me."
  
  "It's not your fault. I just would like to get off this plane and to our 
  cottage so we can relax."
  
  Clearance for landing was finally granted and ten minutes later the wheels 
  of the plane hit the runway.
  
  "Finally" Mac said happily. "I am so ready for that hot bath."
  
  "Instead of a late night dip in the ocean?" he smiled.
  
  "Um, now that's a toss up. I may take you up on that one sailor."
  
  They made their way off the plane and through the airport towards the 
  baggage claim area. A short time later Harm frowned as the final pieces of 
  luggage made their way around the conveyor belt.
  
  "There better be more" he sighed. "Or else it's going to be a long weekend."
  
  "Why do I get the feeling we're cursed" she groaned after the airline 
  representative determined that their luggage had accidentally been placed on 
  a plane going to Miami instead of their plane.
  
  "Only because everything has gone wrong since we left home."
  
  "I can't believe they sent our luggage to Miami."
  
  "Well at least we'll get it tomorrow" he sighed. "We just have to get 
  through tonight and then we'll have our luggage."

  "So much for our late night swim."
  
  "Who said we couldn't swim?" he grinned.
  
  "Red light Commander" she grinned as well. "I didn't know skinny dipping was 
  part of the vacation plans."
  
  "Well you have to make the best of the situation" he countered.
  
  "Good argument counselor but it isn't going to work."
  
  "Can't blame a guy for trying" he grinned.
  
  "Rabb you are hopeless," she said as she gave his arm a playful punch. "Why 
  don't we just find our cottage instead and call it a day."
  
  He nodded and they headed outside to find a taxi to take them to the 
  cottage.
  
  "We'll have to look into those scooter rentals," Mac said as the taxi passed 
  by several tourists on the motorized scooters.  "Otherwise we'll be doing a 
  lot of walking."
  
  "Good idea. Once we come back and get our luggage."
  
  A short time later the taxi pulled up at the small cottage just off the 
  beach.
  
  "Well I have to say Keeter sure has good taste in vacation spots" Mac 
  remarked as Harm paid the taxi driver. "This place is beautiful."
  
  "Yeah it is pretty nice," Harm said as he looked around once the driver had 
  been paid.  "I wonder how he came to find this place. It's not the kind of 
  place I picture him being at."
  
  "Well his loss is definitely our gain" Mac smiled. "Let's see what it looks 
  like inside."
  
  Harm led her inside and moments later he gave her a sheepish look when he 
  realized that there was only one bedroom.
  
  "Sorry. Keeter didn't tell me much about the place. You can take the bed and 
  I'll take the sofa."
  
  "You're such a gentleman" she smiled. "But that sofa is about a foot short 
  for you. I'll take the sofa. You take the bed."
  
  "I can't ask you to do that."
  
  "You're not. I'm volunteering. Otherwise the only option is for us to share 
  the bed."
  
  "Are you opposed to that?" he asked.
  
  "Only if you don't hog the covers" she smiled. "Otherwise I have no problem 
  sharing. It's a king so there's plenty of room."
 
 "I could call room service for a divider," he teased, remembering another time when they had 
shared sleeping facilities.  "Of course tonight I don't think we're going to have to worry about 
incoming."
 
 "Thank god.  You want to take a shower?"
 
 "Is that an invitation?"
 
 "It's an offer for you to use the shower first," she groaned. 
 
 "No you go have your soak.  I'll flip channels while you're doing that."
 
 "Yeah it's not like we have to unpack. That guy better be right and that it's being sent tonight 
and will be here first thing.  Thank god basic things like soap are already here."
 
 She went into the bathroom as he dropped in front of the tv, taking a long look around.  The 
only ventilation came from a square skylight type window in the ceiling and she pulled the 
chain to open it, letting in some welcome nighttime breeze to chase the stale locker room air 
from the bathroom.  The tub filled quickly and to her amazement there was bathoil and fluffy 
towels.  "Now if I just had clean underwear," she muttered as she turned out the light and lit a 
large candle, then stepped into the tub where a second later she was sinking up to her nostrils.
 
 Harm dozed in front of the tv, finding the channel selection limited, and Mac was doing 
likewise, thoroughly relaxing in the warm water and wanting to put the plane ride behind her.
 
 It was a good twenty minutes later that he heard her shout his name for the first time.  Except 
that he was almost asleep and was not sure if he was dreaming.  The second time he was 
sure he was not.  He sprang over the back of the sofa and was at the door of the bathroom 
three seconds later. "Mac what's wrong?  Are you hurt?  Should I come in?"  His words fell 
over each other in his agitation.
 
 Only silence greeted him and he pounded the door.  "You've got exactly one half second to 
answer me or you're going to have two hundred pounds of sailor in there with you."
 
 "I'm already not alone in here," she gasped.  "I think it's a bat.  Came down through the 
skylight and put out my candle.  It's still flapping in her somewhere.  I'm sorry I screamed.  I 
must have scared you, but I was asleep almost and it brushed my face and then got the 
candle.  Startled me to death.  Harm it's pitch black in here and the bat can see but I can't and 
here it comes. . ."
 
 "Mac it won't hurt you," he soothed.  "Turn the light on."
 
 "Harm what part of pitch black do you not grasp," she hissed, flailing the air at the sound of 
the beating wings.  "I couldn't find the switch if it bit me. Open the damn door."
 
 "You got it."  A second later a very wet Marine, a towel clutched around her, hurtled into him.  
 
 "Get rid of that bat.  He's holding my only clothes hostage," she ordered the startled Naval 
Aviator, his eyes wide at the sight of her towel clad body, not unlike a vision he had once 
before.  She retreated into the bedroom, still clutching the towel around her.
 
 "Right.  Just the man for the job," he told her, reaching into the nearby closet for a broom.  "I'm 
going in."  He flipped the light on, spotting the small creature easily, cowering in a corner.  
"There you are you little. . ."  Raising the broom like a weapon he was about to deliver a fatal 
blow when Mac shouted his name.
 
 "No don't hurt it.  Just get rid of it," she shrieked.  
 
 Thrown off balance by trying to stop mid-motion, he landed hard against the side of the large 
tub and as if he was doing some kind of Chevy Chase pratfall, ended up halfway in the water.  
"Could this day get any better," he moaned, watching the water slosh over the sides.  
Meanwhile the bat hung on, not moving.
  
  "Harm are you okay?" she gasped.
  
  "Just peachy" he groaned as he pushed himself up. The bat remained in place 
  and a moment later he managed to throw the towel over it. He quickly scooped 
  the towel and the bat up and hurried out the cottage door, letting the 
  creature free a moment later.
  
  "Happy?" he sighed as he returned to the cottage. She'd finished putting back 
  on her clothes and was now waiting on the sofa for him.
  
  "Thanks. Are you sure you're okay?"
  
  "Well I'm sure I've got some bruises somewhere."
  
  "Sorry. I should have just let you handle it but I didn't want to kill it."
  
  "No it's okay," he said with a forced smile. "I'm fine. But I think after 
  that I'm ready to crash. There's been enough excitement for one day."
  
  "Let's hope tomorrow is better" she sighed.
  
  "Amen. Okay Marine let's see what this bed is like."
  
  She headed to the bedroom and he made one last check of the cottage door 
  before following after her. He started to strip from his now wet clothes and 
  she couldn't help but watch.
  
  "Admiring the view?" he smiled.
  
  "What view?" she teased.
  
  "The one you've been staring at since I undressed" he grinned.
  
  "Don't flatter yourself Flyboy. I was just zoning there for a moment."
  
  "Of course" he nodded as he turned off the light and carefully made his way 
  over to the bed. Moments later he climbed in beside her and for a few 
  seconds neither moved.
  
  "We're not going to sleep frozen like this" she said finally. "Maybe I 
  should let you have the bed and take the sofa."
  
  "No this is fine," he said with a long sigh. "We spent a night in the desert 
  together we can share a bed. And you can move a little closer. I don't 
  bite.  Even though we hardly need body heat."
  
  She scooted closer and made herself comfortable against him, both finally 
  relaxing.
  
  "Night Harm" she murmured.
  
  "Night Mac" he sighed.
  
  It was several hours later that she felt the mattress move as Harm slid 
  from the bed.
  
  "Harm you okay?" she asked tiredly.
  
  "You don't happen to have any Advil in your purse do you?" he sighed.
  
  At once she was awake and climbed out of bed, following him to the living 
  room. She finally caught sight of the look of pain on his face and she 
  quickly led him to the sofa as she reached for her purse.
  
  "What's hurting?" she asked.
  
  "My back" he sighed.
  
  "From falling earlier," she said softly. "I'm so sorry. How bad is it?"
  
  "I'll be fine if you have some Advil" he replied. "Otherwise I might as well 
  stay out here cause there's no way I'm going to sleep."
  
  "You're in luck," she said as she finally pulled out the small bottle of 
  Advil. "There's a few left in here. I'll get you some water."
  
  She headed to the kitchen and returned a moment later with a small glass of 
  water. He quickly downed the pills and with a sigh leaned back against the 
  sofa.
  
  "Thanks" he said finally.
  
  "You're welcome. Are you going to come back to bed?"
  
  "No I think I'll hang out here for a bit until these kick in. But you don't 
  have to stay up with me."
  
  "Actually I'm pretty awake now," she said as she dropped down on the sofa 
  next to him. "So what do we have for TV?"
  
  "Not much" he said as he reached for the remote.
  
  An hour later she was asleep on his shoulder and he gave her a gentle shake.
  
  "Come on Marine" he said softly. "Let's go back to bed. And you're going to 
  have to walk cause I can't carry you tonight."
  
  "How's your back?" she murmured as he helped her to her feet.
  
  "Better. Hopefully we'll get some sleep and everything will be better 
  tomorrow."
 
 "It has to be," he moaned, one hand on his back where he had banged it, and she quickly 
wrapped an arm around his waist.
 
 "Now how did we do this earlier," he asked, a sly grin on his face.
 
 "What--room service isn't here with that room divider yet?" she laughed, climbing into the bed 
first and holding her arms for him.  "Let's have you Flyboy, watch your back."
 
 He lowered himself slowly, amazed that he felt so at ease with her and she helped him get 
settled.  "This is not going to stop me from enjoying our mini vacation," he vowed.  "You 
SCUBA?"
 
 "Uh sorry no.  We don't have a lot of Marine frogmen."
 
 "Good.  It will be fun teaching you, and I know the coral and the fish have to be beautiful."
 
 "I'd like that.  Good night again."
 =============
 Pounding on the door woke them four hours later.  "That's either the luggage, or the landlord 
telling us Keeter's check bounced," he groaned as he levered himself from the bed.
 
 "OK it's luggage," he reported after a minute. 
 
 "Did you tip the delivery person?"
 
 "Actually I was so glad to see him I kissed him.  OK Marine up and moving out.  We've got an 
island to see."
 
 "Coffeeeeeee," was her response.
 
 "We can fit that in," he assured her.
 
 "You're awfully chipper for a man with a bad back.  Are you OK?"
 
 "Yeah it's just sore.  I'm fine.  We'll get some breakfast and then decide what the day's 
adventure will bring."  He grabbed her hand and pulled her from the bed, letting her land all but 
in his arms.  "You're up aren't you Boot?"
 
 "I was never a boot," she remind him.  "So do I actually have clothes now or what?"
 ====================
 "Well starting to feel human again," she declared after a few sips of the strong coffee set 
before her in an outdoor cafe.  "Yesterday with the plane, the luggage and the bat is all fading 
fast.  I'm glad we're doing this.  Seems strange to be with you out of uniform, not on an 
assignment."
 
 "I like it," he declared  "In fact we've had a good summer haven't we.  Since we got back from 
Afghanistan.  It's been kind of calm and quiet and you and I. . . ."
 
 She waited a moment and when he did not continue she gave him a gentle smile.  "Flyboy you 
were on a roll there.  Go with it."
 
 He shrugged helplessly.  "I was just thinking I like how things are between us right now."
 
 "So do I," she nodded.  "Let me ask you--and I don't want to scare you so feel free to take the 
fifth, do you see things between us. . .well moving on from there?"
 
 "Yeah I do, and you're right, it does scare me," he answered after a few moments' thought, 
and he reached for her hand.  "On the other hand, I'm also determined not to let the best thing 
that's ever happened in my life get away from me."
 
 Her eyes opened wide at those words.  So seldom did he talk seriously that way.  Twice she 
swallowed before speaking again.  "I'm not going anywhere, and that you think of me that way 
is. . .I don't know what it is frankly, except that I feel the same way."
 
 The arrival of their food precluded further conversation and they ate in comfortable silence.  
"OK Ninja-girl, take your pick of activities," he urged.  "Except for shopping maybe.  I'll hold off 
buying the Bahamas shirt until the last."
 
 "I believe I heard an offer to teach me to SCUBA," she proposed.
 
 "Yes you did," he nodded.  "How's your swimming?"
 
 "I can handle myself," she said firmly, hoping he would not have occasion to find out she was 
not a strong swimmer.
 ===============
 NORTH BEACH 
 2 Hours Later
 
  "Remember to breathe normally now," Harm coached after he had helped her on with her 
tank.  "Like we practiced at the shop."
 
 "I'm a quick study," she smiled, staggering just slightly under the weight.  "Been a while since I 
did fifteen miles with full pack."
 
 "It won't feel like anything once the water takes its weight," he reminded her, taking her hand 
to lead her forward into the water.  "Nervous?."
 
 "No.  Because I know you won't let anything happen to me," she smiled again, her face 
glowing with anticipation.  "Let's do it."  

  They made their way out to the deeper water, finally reaching the spot 
  they'd been directed to by the shop owner.
  
  "You ready?" Harm asked.
  
  "Ready as I'm going to be."
  
  They donned their masks and checked their equipment one last time before 
  diving into the crystal clear water. Harm kept close to Mac, making sure she 
  was okay. She gave him the thumbs up that she was fine and they started down 
  to the coral reef. They swam closer to the reef, both awed by the beautiful 
  sights around them. A large beautiful fish caught Mac's attention and she 
  swam towards it, leaving Harm who was looking at something else. She finally 
  caught up to the fish, admiring it from just a few feet away.  She turned to 
  swim back to Harm who had realized she wasn't with him and was now coming 
  towards her.  As she reached him she took a breath, only to have nothing 
  come through the hose. She grabbed his arm and at once he realized her 
  problem. He quickly handed her his mouthpiece, allowing her to take several 
  breaths as he began to lead them to the surface. They continued to share 
  oxygen as they made their way up, finally breaking the surface a few seconds 
  later.
  
  "Are you okay?" he panted once they were above the water.
  
  She could only nod, numbed by what had occurred. He quickly guided her back 
  to the shore where they both dropped to the sand in exhaustion.
  
  "Are you sure you're okay?" he asked again.
  
  "I'm fine" she managed. "Thanks to you." Her words ended with a long sob and 
  he reached for her as the tears started to flow.
  
  "Shh it's okay" he soothed. "It's all over now."
  
  He held until her tears finally ceased and she looked up at him. "Sorry" she 
  whispered.
  
  "There's nothing to be sorry about" he said gently. "That was pretty scary 
  for your first time."
  
  "I went to take a breath and I couldn't" she whispered.
  
  "I don't understand what happened. I'm going to have a talk with the guy at 
  the shop that's for sure. You could have died."
  
  "Just tell him what happened" Mac sighed. "For all I know it might have been 
  my fault. Maybe I did something wrong."
  
  "And that's my fault for not making sure you were ready for this" he 
  fretted. "I'm sorry."
  
  "Its not your fault. Please don't blame yourself. But it's going to be a 
  long time before I try that again."
  
  "Come on let's take the stuff back and then head back to the cottage" he 
  said as he helped her to her feet. "I think after that we need some down 
  time."
  
  She nodded and they headed back to the scuba shop to return their equipment.
  
  "I don't understand" the shop owner said as he looked at Mac's equipment. 
  "But it looks like the gauge is bad. And I know I tested it before you left. 
  I'm sorry."
  
  "Have you ever had this happen before?" Harm asked.
  
  "First time" the man sighed. "I only buy the best equipment and this is the 
  first time I've had anything like this happen."
  
  "Looks like our string of bad luck continues" Mac murmured as they left the 
  shop. "If I were the paranoid type I'd swear we'd been cursed."
  
  "I must be the paranoid type then" Harm sighed. "Because I'm beginning to 
  think that. Nothing has gone right on this trip so far."
  
  "Maybe it's a sign."
  
  "Sign of what?" he frowned.
  
  "That we shouldn't be together" she said softly.
  
  "No. It's a sign that I should never take a vacation that Keeter booked. You 
  and I together is not a bad thing."
  
  "It's not?"
  
  "No it is not" he said firmly. "And we're going to have fun and enjoy this 
  trip if it kills us."
  
  "I wouldn't say that too loud sailor" she sighed. "You might just be 
  tempting fate."
  
 "Yes ma'am.  So what would you like to do now?  And that reminds me, don't make any plans 
with another guy for our last day here.  We're taking a sightseeing trip over the area.  And I do 
mean over."
 
 "Over as in up in the air?"
 
 "You bet.  A pontoon plane.  We can set it down on the beach at any one of these islands and 
swim and picnic and watch the sunset."
 
 "Uh you're flying this flying boat?"
 
 "Of course.  I'll get a crash course. . .I mean a little instruction before we go up, but I do hold a 
valid pilot's license remember; both private and then the Navy lets me once in a while, not 
often enough."
 
 "More than often enough for my taste," she sighed with a small shudder as she remembered a 
certain rainy May night over a year ago.  "OK it sounds fun, but I'm packing a parachute just in 
case."
 
 "Oh ye of little faith," he chortled.  "OK now what do you want to do this afternoon?"
 
 "Well nothing that involves water," she declared.  "Ocean water I mean.  I want to shower off 
this sand and then maybe walk along the beach.  Then later I think we should do the scooter 
thing."
 
 "Sounds like a plan."
 
 She started to speak again, and her words were lost in a long cough.
 
 "Mac?"  His concern was immediate.  "You swallow some water or what?"
 
 "No I'm OK," she insisted.  "And what's sad is I was having a great time.  It was one of the 
coolest things I've ever done.  And I think I want to again, just not real soon.  You think when 
we get home we could sometime and what am I saying, no one scuba's in the Potomac."
 
 "No but they do off the Eastern Shore all the time off boats," Harm laughed.  "Sure we can."  
As he spoke he was looking at her closely and she did not object when he took her arm to walk 
the rest of the way to their cottage.
 
 "You might should take it easy," he fretted.  "You're sounding a little breathless and wheezy to 
me."
 
 "Maybe it's the company," she smiled.  "See what you do to me Flyboy.  No I'm OK.  I don't 
think I've ever had that happen before where I've gone to take a breath and there wasn't any 
air.  And I told myself you were right there and wouldn't let anything happen to me, but that fear 
rush took over."
 
 "It scared me too," he admitted.  "Glad you're OK.  Now you don't let any bats in this time 
OK?"
 
 "That window is staying locked," she laughed.  "I won't be long, and then I do want to take that 
walk.  Maybe pick up shells."
 
 "You got it."
 
 She showered quickly and came out to go into the bedroom to dress.  Hearing the door close 
and the shower turn on, she felt safe in dropping her robe while she started to dress.  Safe 
until she heard his startled gasp behind her.  
 
 "Mac I'm sorry.  I have my eyes closed.  Promise."
 
 At once she grabbed the robe and clutched it to her, then turned around, amused to see him 
with his hand over his eyes and a slow red creeping up his face.
 
 "Relax Commander.  So you got a free shot at my backside.  No big deal."
 
 "Tattoo," he gasped, his eyes still covered.  "I saw it."
 
 "Well by all means, get the scoop to the Navy Times," she groaned.  
   
  "I will" he teased.
  
  "Rabb get out of here" she ordered.
  
  "Yes ma'am" he smiled before turning and walking out of the room. She 
  emerged fully dressed a few minutes later and they headed down to the beach.
  
  "Okay now this is what vacation is all about" she sighed as they dipped 
  their toes in the warm water.
  
  "Yes it is" he agreed. "Walking on a quiet beach with a beautiful woman 
  beside me."
  
  "You feeling okay sailor?" she frowned as she looked at him. "Cause I could 
  have swore you just said something about being with a beautiful woman."
  
  "I am with a beautiful woman. You. And I'm really glad you came with me on 
  this trip. Despite all our misfortunes."
  
  "Okay what do you want?" she asked.  "Because you're buttering me up for 
  some reason."
  
  "No I'm not. I'm just being honest."
  
  "Why the sudden burst of honesty?" she asked. "Not that I mind."
  
  "Today really scared me," he said quietly. "I keep thinking about what might 
  have happened if you hadn't been right next to me when that happened."
  
  "But I was and you handled it brilliantly" she said softly. "Without a 
  second thought you did what had to be done."
  
  "I was on auto pilot. I just knew I couldn't let anything happen to you."
  
  "Harm it's over and nothing happened. It was scary but I'm still willing to 
  try it again. Just not on this trip."
  
  "Agreed" he said with a small smile.
  
  They walked a bit more in silence before returning to their cottage.
  
  "Okay time to rent our scooters so we can see some of the island" Mac 
  declared.
  
  "I still don't see why they don't let us drive" Harm complained.
  
  "Small island, lots of tourists. I can see why they don't want all those 
  cars. And the scooters will be fun."
  
  An hour later they picked out their scooters, Mac insisting on her own. 
    
  "You don't want to ride with me?" Harm pouted.
  
  "No. I just want to drive myself" she smiled.
  
  They were given helmets and instructions for driving, including the very 
  important fact that they needed to ride on the left side of the road.
  
  "You ready Marine?" Harm asked. "I've got a list of destinations that are 
  supposed to be fabulous."
  
  She nodded and moments later they were on their way across the island. She'd 
  trusted him to the itinerary and wasn't surprised when they headed up to a 
  large lighthouse.
  
  "Figured we could see a lot of the area up here" Harm smiled as he climbed 
  off the scooter.
  
  "Perfect view" Mac agreed as she looked around. "We climbing up to the top?"
  
  "Of course" he smiled. "You ready for a workout? It's 385 feet to the top 
  but the view is supposed to be even better up there."
  
  "Let's do it sailor. I knew I brought my camera for something."
  
  Both were panting by the time they reached the top and he quickly led her to 
  a spot away from the other tourists.
  
  "Worth the effort?" he smiled as they looked out over the island.
  
  "Oh yeah" she said as she started to click pictures. "The view is 
  spectacular."
 
 "It certainly is,"  Harm smiled, leaning back against the rail and appreciating his partner.  In 
her denim shorts and simple blouse tied just above her waist, little or no make up, she was all 
things beautiful.
 
 Mac lowered the camera at those words.  "OK, you are not my Sailor.  Where is my Harmon 
Rabb.  And remember Palmer, we've been down this road before."
 
 With a slow smile he casually removed himself from the overlook rail and walked over to her, 
keeping his eyes locked with hers.  "I don't know that Mr. Palmer would have done this," he 
whispered and before she could react, he cupped her face between gentle palms and kissed 
her softly.  "At least if he did, it would not be with the feeling behind it."
 
 "No I guess not," she whispered as well, not removing her gaze from his.  "On second 
thought, I like this Harmon Rabb much better."
 
 "It's easier when we're not at JAG," he sighed.  "Though you once tried to point that out--that 
we weren't even on the same continent, and I didn't listen.  I started us on a long road to hell 
that night didn't I?"
 
 "Yeah, but it was as much my fault," she smiled shyly.  "I ambushed you, and then when you 
rejected me, I ran from you."
 
 "But that's all over with now right?"
 
 "Oh yeah, in the deep dark past," she nodded, still smiling.  "We've got plenty of time to make 
up for it don't we?"
 
 "You bet we do," he answered, and this time it was she who initiated a kiss, then calmly 
picked up her camera once more.  Outwardly calmly.  Inside her emotions were churning and 
she knew he could hear her heart pound.  At that moment what she had wanted more than 
anything seemed almost in reach.  

Harm in fact was sharing that same emotional ride, and when she had finished her picture 
taking he came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her middle, reveling in the feel of 
her leaning back against him.
 
 "I could stay like this forever, right in this spot." she said softly, to the accompaniment of a 
large stomach growl.  "Unfortunately there's no food up here."
 
 "Watch out folks, hungry Marine here.  What did you have in mind?"
 
 "Are you kidding?  Where was your nose when we came through that street market.  I've 
never smelled so much good stuff.   Especially that meat they were cooking."
 
 He turned her around to face him.  "Tell me you're not planning to eat street vendor food.  
Please."
 
 "Harm, I'm starving and I didn't come all this way to eat ordinary American stuff.  Come on, 
there's sure to be something you can eat there too."
 
 "Only if it's factory sealed," he grumped, giving her body a quick hug before releasing her.  
"We're not ready to turn in the scooters are we?"
 
 "Oh hell no," she laughed.   "I want to take them into the hills on the other side of Hamilton 
soon as you feed me."
 ===========
 "There's twenty different kinds of dead animal being cooked in this place," Harm groaned as 
he looked around the market place.
 
 "And it all smells wonderful.  I'm heading right over there for some that sausage stuff with the 
onions and peppers.  You?"
 
 "I think just some of that bread and cold juice.  Meet you at the table over there?"
 
 He was already seated when she arrived with her plate of food and his nose wrinkled at once. 
"Mac that doesn't even smell good."
 
 "Of course it does.  You're just anti meat."  She took a large bite of the sausage and teasingly 
offered it to him.
 
 "Get that poison away from me," he laughed.  "But you go right ahead.  Maybe we can take 
the scooters up and walk it off later."
  
  "You don't know what you're missing" she grinned before taking a large bite 
  of the sausage sandwich.
  
  "I'll pass thank you."
  
  He watched her gulp down the rest of her food before finally leading her 
  back to the scooters.
  
  "Let's head to the hills sailor" she smiled.
  
  "You should be walking after all that grease. I swear I don't know how your 
  arteries don't get clogged eating all that junk."
  
  "It wasn't junk. That was good food."
  
  "Yeah right" he scoffed. "Follow my lead Marine."
  
  It wasn't long before they'd made their way over to the other side of 
  Hamilton and up to the hills that provided an awesome view of the island.
  
  "This has got to be one of the most beautiful places in the world" Mac 
  sighed. "I think I want to stay."
  
  "I don't think we can afford the cottage on a monthly basis" Harm laughed. 
  "But you're right. It is wonderful here."
  
  "Tell me again why Keeter gave this up" she smiled.
  
  "No clue. He just said something came up and he couldn't make it. His loss 
  is definitely our gain."
  
  "Despite our few misfortunes along the way" she laughed.
  
  "I think it's all behind us now," he said confidently.
  
  "Where to next?" she asked. "You've got the sightseeing itinerary."
  
  "I was thinking we'd head back to the cottage and relax for a bit before we 
  head out to dinner. Maybe take another walk on the beach."
  
  "Sounds good to me. I'll be right behind you sailor."
  
  They climbed on their scooters and Harm led the way as they started down the 
  hill. They were half way down when he suddenly sped away from her.
  
  "Harm" she yelled. "Slow down sailor."
  
  As they approached the intersection she soon realized the problem. His 
  scooter had only continued to speed up and she knew at once that he had no 
  brakes. She could only watch in horror as the scooter barreled down the hill 
  towards the intersection. Horns from the few cars blared as they saw the 
  runaway scooter coming and Mac screamed as he reached the road, seeing 
  several cars coming his way.  Somehow he made it across the street without 
  being hit, finally jumping from the scooter as it the sidewalk on the other 
  side of the street. He landed hard on the nearby grass and Mac held her 
  breath as she hurried to his side.
  
  "Harm" she cried as she reached him. He hadn't moved and for a moment she 
  feared the worst as she dropped to the ground beside him. "Harm talk me please."
  
  "I'm okay" he gasped as he tried to catch his breath again.
  
  "Easy" she fretted as he attempted to sit up, her hand gently rubbing his 
  back. "Slow deep breaths."
  
  It was several minutes before his breathing finally eased and he gave her a 
  weak smile. "It's okay. Don't look so scared."
  
  "Harm you could have been killed" she whispered. "Do you know how close that 
  car was to you?"
  
  "I was going too fast to notice. The brakes went out and there was nothing I 
  could do to stop it."
  
  "You are so lucky. Is anything else hurt? How's your back?"
  
  "Just add a few more bruises onto of the one from the other night" he 
  sighed. "But otherwise I think I'm okay."
  
  A small crowd had gathered and a policeman made his way over to them.
  
  "Are you okay sir?" the officer asked.
  
  "I think so," Harm said as he looked up at the man "The brakes went out as I 
  came down the hill."
  
  "We'll inspect the vehicle" the officer nodded. "But the shops usually take 
  good care of the scooters."
  
  "I don't know what happened" Harm sighed. "One minute it was fine and then 
  suddenly I hit the brakes and nothing happened."
  
 "Well I'll be having a word with the shop owner here if we find shoddy maintenance you can 
be sure of that," the officer said firmly.  "We don't like the idea of getting our tourists hurt."
 
 "I'm OK, battered but alive," he smiled, nodding to Mac who still looked worried.  "Hey Ninja-
girl, lighten up.  I'm OK."
 
 "Yeah well I wish we had the instant replay so you could see by how much that car in the 
intersection didn't miss you by.  Then when you didn't move, I thought you'd broken your neck 
flipping off this thing."
 
 He smiled and shook his head, dropping a quick arm around her shoulders.  "My friend is a 
little upset."
 
 "Seeing the person I care about most in this world almost be splatted under a car tends do 
that to me.  Officer we'd like to get a cab back to our cottage if that's possible please.  You'll 
take custody of the scooters?"
 
 "Yes ma'am on both counts," he smiled and with his fingers between his teeth emitted a shrill 
blast.  As if by magic a cab came around the corner nearly on two wheels.
 
 "Well if the scooter didn't get you, the cab ride will," Mac smiled, guiding him to the vehicle.
 
 They were safely dropped at their door however, with a long sigh of relief.  "Shall we have that 
walk you mentioned and then we'll see about dinner," Harm offered.
 
 "You feel up to it?
 
 "Absolutely," he insisted.  "Harmon Rabb is not one to turn down a walk on the beach with 
sunset imminent, with a beautiful woman."
 
 "Well you'll have to settle for me for that last one," she smiled.
 
 "Hey do not sell yourself short Missy," he scolded.  "You are beautiful.  Inside and out.  And by 
the way, before what you said about me being the person you care about most, well that 
feeling is mutual.  And before too, on the top of the lighthouse, when we kissed.  That wasn't 
me just wanting to. . .well OK it was but there was meaning. . .and I think I'm going to quit while 
I'm ahead here."
 
 "Good thing because I was about to haul you over to the hospital to see if  you'd hurt your 
head when you were dumped off the motorcycle," she giggled.
 
 "Hey Sailor trying to be serious here," he groaned, taking her hand.  "Come on, let's go see 
the sun sink into the water and then we'll see about dinner.  Maybe something with live music 
and it's a nice night to walk back into town."
 
 The sun was a huge ball of fire by the time they reached the beach and she stopped in her 
tracks to stare.  "Wow.  Like I said, I'm resigning JAG, buying that cottage and becoming a 
beach comber."
 
 "Am I invited?"
 
 "Does this answer your question?"  As he had done on the lighthouse deck, she gave him a 
long slow kiss.
 
 "Yeah I think that covers my question counselor," he panted, holding her tightly against him.  
And as at the lighthouse, her stomach once again growled.
 
 "Do you do that in bed too?" he demanded.  "Just when the guy gets romantic, you decide 
you're hungry."
 
 "I guess maybe you'll have to find out won't you," she teased and giving him a quick shove to 
set him off balance took off running.
      
  It didn't take him long to catch up with her, grabbing her and tackling her 
  to the sand. They landed in a pile, both laughing hard.
  
  "I've got you now Marine" he whispered as he managed to find his way on top 
  of her, pinning her arms above her head.
  
  "And what are you going to do?" she asked.
  
  His answer was a long kiss, leaving them both breathless.
  
  "Am I going too fast for you?" he whispered. "Because if you want me to back 
  off I will."
  
  "If I wanted you to back off I'd have flipped you off me by now" she smiled. 
  "And you're moving at just right speed sailor."
  
  Her stomach growled again and he smiled. "I'd better feed you first" he 
  laughed. "And then we'll pick this up later. But first dinner and maybe some 
  dancing under the moonlight."
  
  "Sounds wonderful" she sighed. "You do have some romantic bones in your body 
  don't you?"
  
  "Just a few. But don't let anyone know."
  
  He rolled from her and helped her to her feet a few seconds later.
  
  "You feeling okay from earlier?" she asked as they walked back to the 
  cottage.
  
  "Fine. Just a little sore is all. But not too sore to show you a good time 
  tonight."
  
  "Good. I'm looking forward to it."
  
  Dinner was accomplished at a nearby restaurant and afterwards they headed 
  out to the patio where the music was playing.
  
  "Care to dance?" he asked. "We've got the music and moonlight."
  
  "Love to" she smiled and he led her out to the sand.
  
  For the next hour they danced under the stars and moonlight, staying out for 
  the fast dances as well as the slow ones.
  
  "I had no idea you could dance like that " Mac smiled as they headed to the 
  outdoor bar. "I figured you were the slow dance only type."
  
  "Surprised you huh?" he grinned. "Are you having fun?"
  
  "I am having the most wonderful time of my life" she whispered. "Thank you. 
  This has been incredible."
  
  "And there's more to come" he said softly before his lips found hers in another of their long 
kisses.
  
  "Maybe we should take this back to the cottage," she said softly when they 
  parted.
  
  "Lead the way Marine" he smiled.
  
  It didn't take them long to make it back to the cottage and they were barely 
  inside the door before he reached for her again, his hands working to 
  quickly unzip her dress.
  
  "Mac are you sure?" he asked when they reached the bedroom.
  
  "Don't stop now sailor" she whispered and he quickly swooped her into his 
  arms and carried her to the bed. In a matter of moments all articles of 
  clothing had been removed and he slid down on the bed on top of her.
  
  "You are so beautiful" he whispered as his hand caressed her. "Do you know 
  how long I've dreamed of this moment?"
  
  She said nothing and Harm looked up at her, surprised to see the color 
  draining from her face. "Mac what's wrong?"
  
  "I think I'm going to be sick" she managed before pushing him away and 
  leaping from the bed. She just made it to the bathroom before the dinner 
  she'd just had made its way back up.
  
  "Mac" he called worriedly as he slid back on his boxers and grabbed her robe 
  before heading to the bathroom. "Mac"
  
  "Kill me now" she moaned as she leaned back against the wall.
  
  "Not an option" he said as he reached for a wash cloth. After running it 
  under cold water he gently pressed it to her forehead. "I brought your robe. 
  Let's at least get you in that."
  
  She nodded and stood up long enough for him to help her into before sinking 
  back to the floor just in time to be sick again.
 
 "You know I was kidding before about what you do just when the guy gets into it," he 
whispered, dropping back beside her.  "Honey what's wrong?  What's made you. . .uh never 
mind.  Two words, sausage and peppers."
 
 She looked up at him as he was speaking and the second later as soon as she heard 
'sausage and peppers' her stomach rebelled once more.  "OK that's gotta be all.  It's empty," 
she gasped, flailing with one hand to be helped up and holding to her middle with the other.  
"God what a mess.  I'm so sorry."
 
 "I just care that you're OK," he told her, getting her onto her feet only to find her completely 
unsteady.  "And you're warm.  Very warm.  Wonder what passes for medical care on this rock."
 
 "No I'm OK.  I don't want some strange doctor poking at me," she protested.  "You tried to tell 
me not to do that. Not to eat that stuff.  I hate it when you're right."
 
 "I'm sorry I was right too---this time," he sighed, holding her as close as he could,  mindless 
that he was still naked from their attempt at love making.  "OK let's get you in bed and see if 
you can't get over it on your own but I'm hauling your Marine butt into the hospital if you're sick 
again."
 
 Too dizzy and weak to argue, she let him lead her back to their bed, gratefully collapsing onto 
her pillow.   He quickly donned his boxers and crawled in next to her only to have her push him 
off.  "I'll infect you."
 
 "Honey if you're going to do that, you already have," he smiled, taking the pillow and putting it 
onto his lap as he sat with his back against the headboard.  "Come here."
 
 Before she could object, he lifted her upper body onto the pillow and wiped her face with the 
cloth he had brought from the bathroom.  "Try to get some sleep now," he urged.
 
 "No what about you?" she murmured, nevertheless allowing herself to snuggle into the cool 
pillow and to enjoy the touch of his even cooler hands.
 
 "I'm fine.  And when you're well I'm telling you I told you so about the sausage."
 
 "I'm sure you will," she smiled.  There was quiet for a moment and she looked back into his 
face.  "Harm about before, what we were doing---or started to do.  I. . ."
 
 "I'm sorry."
 
 "You are?"
 
 "Uh. . .yeah I guess," he frowned, trying to read her thoughts.
 
 "OK.  Then I am too."
 
 "You are?"
 
 "Harm I can't do this with you.  Be a man and tell me you're not sorry.  That you wanted to 
make love to me."
 
 "I'm a man and I wanted to make love to you."
 
 "I wanted you to.  Very much," she whispered with a long sigh of relief.
 
 He smiled gently and leaned down to press his lips to her temple.  "Is that you asking for a 
rain check?"
 
 "You better believe it."
 
 "Then as soon as you're feeling up to it."
 
 "Is that a promise?"
 
 In response he moved his lips to hers, partaking in a soft gentle kiss.  "Sleep now."
    
  *************
  The sun was high above the sky when they both finally woke. It had been a 
  long night for both, with Mac waking several more times and running to the 
  bathroom before finally falling asleep again. He'd stayed with her each 
  time, holding her and gently wiping her face with cool cloths.
  
  "Harm" she murmured as she stirred.
  
  "Are you going to be sick again?" he gasped, awake at once.
  
  "No" she sighed. "I don't think there's anything left inside of me to come 
  out."
  
  "How are you feeling?" he asked, his hand gently going to her forehead. "At 
  least you don't seem to have a fever anymore."
  
  "Like I got run over by a train. But I think whatever it was it's over."
  
  "Well that doesn't mean you're getting up and going anywhere. I'm going to 
  go out and see if I can bring back something easy for you to handle for 
  breakfast and then we'll see how you're feeling."
  
  "I thought we were doing the plane ride?" she sighed.
  
  "We will. Tomorrow before we leave. Remember our flight isn't until later in 
  the day. We'll have plenty of time for our ride before we leave."
  
  "Harm we can't sit here all day" she moaned.
  
  "I want you to take it easy. If you're up to it later we'll go out and do 
  some more exploring. But for now that bed is your duty station for the 
  moment."
  
  "All right. But that doesn't mean you have to sit here and babysit me. 
  There's no reason why you can't go out and enjoy the day."
  
  "I'll enjoy it much more right here with you" he smiled before dropping a 
  quick kiss on her forehead. "You rest. I'm going in search of breakfast."
  
  She was sleeping when he returned a short time later and he gently sat down 
  on the edge of the bed, his hand gently stroking her forehead.
  
  "Harm" she murmured as she stirred.
  
  "Sorry. I didn't mean to wake you. How are you feeling?"
  
  "Tired but okay" she said with a weak smile. "Is that breakfast? Not that 
  I'm sure I'm ready for it."
  
  "I've got a few things for you to try and get down" he said gently. "We'll 
  start with some tea and see how that goes."
  
  "I'm sorry about this" she sighed as she pushed herself up.
  
  "Hey it's not your fault. And I'm more concerned about you being okay than 
  worrying about seeing the island. Let me make some tea for you and then 
  we'll talk more."
  
  "Thanks for taking care of me" she said as he stood up.
  
  "Well you know I expect my reward later" he smiled. "We have some unfinished 
  business to attend to when you're feeling better."
  
  "Yes we do" she blushed.
  
  "I'll be right back. You stay put."
  
  The day was spent inside the cottage until Mac finally insisted she was well 
  enough for a walk on the beach in the late afternoon.
  
  "I can't believe we have to leave tomorrow evening" she sighed as they 
  walked hand in hand along the beach. "This was too short of a trip."
  
  "Maybe next time we can stay longer" he smiled.
  
  "I'll hold you to that one" she smiled as well. "Because this has been 
  great. Getting away from everyone seems to have put a lot of things in 
  better perspective."
  
  "Like us."
  
  "Yeah us" she said softly. "Is that what we're working on?"
  
  "Mac I don't want a one night stand with you" he said seriously as he 
  stopped walking and turned to you. "I hope you know that."
  
  "I wasn't sure" she whispered. "I was hoping that wasn't the case."
  
  "If I'd wanted a one night stand I would have done it a long time ago. But 
  that's not what I want. I want us to work on something permanent here. Of 
  course only if that's what you want."
  
  "You have to ask?" she whispered. "Of course that's what I want."
  
  "So do I" he whispered before leaning forward for a long kiss.
  
  "I wish we didn't have to leave here" she said when they parted.
  
  "Why's that?"
  
  "Because I'm afraid we're going to go back and this is all going to be a 
  dream. That everything will be like it was when we left."
  
  "I promise it won't be" he said softly. "And you know I've never broken a 
  promise."
  
  "I know. You ready to head back to the cottage?"
  
  "You tired?"
  
  "No I was thinking we could pick up where we left off last night" she 
  smiled.
   
 "You remember where we stopped?"
 
 "I think we were kind of doing this," she grinned, giving him a long kiss as her hands let him 
know she did in fact recall exactly what they were doing before she became ill.
 
 "That would be about the place," he laughed, taking her hand and breaking into a halfway run, 
mindful she did not have all her stamina back as yet.
 
 It was a repeat of the night before once they were inside.  Clothes dropped to the floor as they 
went from the door the few short yards to toward the bedroom, finding the broad sofa closer 
and he pulled her down with him there.  Several kisses later he finally signaled for her to stop.  
"Sarah. . .Sarah," he panted, "you have to know something first before we do this."
 
 Her eyes widened and her face took on a puzzled look.  "OK," she said softly with 
apprehension evident.
 
 "You have to know that I love you," he smiled.
 
 "Oh is that all," she whispered, relief evident.  "Not that that's any small thing.  I happen to 
love you too.  Very much.  And right now I want you to make love to me."
 
 That was exactly what he did, on the sofa at first, then twice more during the night when they 
woke up and sought each other.  Both were awake to greet the sunrise, which as soon as he 
saw, he pulled her from the bed so they could walk out onto the beach to see it.
 
 "This is major perfect," he laughed.  "We're seeing the sunrise from the beach and tonight in 
the plane we'll see the sunset."
 
 "When did you turn into such a romantic?"
 
 "About six or so years ago when I fell in love with a beautiful woman," he sighed.  "Just call 
me slow on the uptake."
 
 "How about if I just call you the man I've been in love with for forever," she replied.
 =================
 The day passed quickly with a late morning meal, a swim, and packing.  Harm had planned 
the timetable exact.  He would return the plane to the rental facility at the airport in time for 
them to catch their late night commercial flight back to DC.
 
 At the airfield, Harm made short work of stowing their luggage in the tail and running through 
the pre-flight with the mechanic.  "OK Mr. Rabb you're all set, full tank and all.  Keep an eye on 
the weather.  It's a little unstable and a squall can blow up out of nowhere.  Otherwise you're 
good to go.  You planning to stay among the Bermuda Islands right?"
 
 "Yeah I am.  In fact I'm going to pick one from the air and set down for a picnic supper."
 
 Mac meanwhile was standing close by, trying to not let her apprehension show.
 
 "Mac what happened in the mountains isn't going to happen here," he said firmly.  "There's no 
one poaching deer I can guarantee you that, and I've looked at everything close.  We'll actually 
circle the field and make sure we're OK.  OK?"
 
 She nodded and let him help her aboard, smiling when he kissed her just ahead of closing her 
door.
 
 He was the one smiling as they took off, seeing her holding white knuckled to the arm rests 
and knew she was also holding her breath.  He made a gentle lap around the airfield, keeping 
his eye on the gauges and listening to the engine.  "OK she's sounding and looking good.  I'm 
going to get some altitude here and then you can take her."
 
 "What?" she screeched.  "Take her?  Rabb now I know you've lost it."
 
 "Hey you can drive in DC traffic, you can fly in empty sky," he laughed.  "Not to mention 
there's nothing you can do that I can't fix one second later."
   
  "No way" she said quickly. "Not with the way this vacation has gone. I'm not 
  going. The moment I take over something will happen."
  
  "Mac nothing is going to happen. Come on. I'm sure you've always wanted to 
  try flying."
  
  "Actually no. I leave that to professionals like you."
  
  "Mac come on. Just try it. I'm right here next to you. It's going to be 
  fine."
  
  "Can we save that for another trip?" she begged. "Maybe next time. I'd 
  rather just watch you handle things."
  
  "All right. But when we get back home I'm going to take you up in Sarah and 
  you're going to see how easy it is."
  
  "Okay we'll do that. At least we'll be over land. And not over miles and 
  miles of ocean with just a few little islands around."
  
  "You really are nervous about this aren't you?" he asked.
  
  "I'm not nervous about you flying. I trust you completely. I guess it's just 
  because of everything that's happened this weekend. I feel like we're 
  tempting fate a bit here."
  
  "It's going to be okay. You just sit back and relax and before you know it 
  we'll be on some beautiful island eating supper. Try and enjoy it a bit. The 
  scenery from up here is breathtaking."
  
  She had to admit he was right and she finally found herself relaxing as she 
  looked down at the clear ocean waters. She tensed slightly as he headed down 
  to the one of the islands but he landed without incident and a few minutes 
  later they were eating their picnic supper on the white sandy beach.
  
  "Stunning isn't it?" he said softly.
  
  "Yeah it is. And we're practically alone here aren't we?"
  
  "I didn't see too much around here when we came in" he smiled. "Most of 
  these little islands are uninhabited."
  
  "So we are all alone?" she grinned.  "Totally?"
  
  "Yes we are Colonel. Did you have something in mind you wanted to do?"
  
  "What do you think Commander?"
  
  "Well if I were alone on an island with a beautiful woman like you" he 
  started as he leaned towards her, gently pushing her down on the sand. "I 
  can think of a few things I'd like to do."
  
  "Are you going to talk or are you going to show me?" she whispered.
  
  "Both" he smiled. "See first I'd get you on the sand like this. And then I'd 
  kiss you like this." The words were barely out of his mouth before his lips 
  found hers in a long, passionate kiss.
  
  "What's next sailor?" she panted when they parted.
  
  "I'd slowly remove your shirt" he whispered as his hands gently unbutton the 
  cotton camp shirt she wore. He gently kissed his way up her neck to her lips 
  where another long kiss ensued.
  
  "And then what happens?" she whispered.
  
  "And then I remove anything else that's in my way and I make love to you" he 
  said breathlessly.
  
  There were no more words as the remaining items of clothing were quickly 
  removed, their bodies joining together as one on the beach.
  
  "I really hope this island is uninhabited" she sighed later as she lay in 
  his arms.
  
  "Little late now" he smiled.
  
  "How much more time do we have? I don't want to miss our flight tonight. The 
  Admiral will not be happy if we tell him we're not there because we missed 
  our flight because we were making love on the beach of some island."
  
  "We have time for a quick swim" he said softly.
  
  "I'm not dragging out our luggage to get my swimsuit."
  
  "Who said we needed suits. Remember we're all alone out here."
  
  A small smile crossed her face as she realized what he meant. "Skinny 
  dipping in the ocean Commander?"
  
  "Why not?" he grinned before suddenly lifting her into his arms and carrying 
  her to the water. She slid from his arms and dove into the clear water, 
  surfacing a moment later. He quickly joined her, reaching her from behind 
  and pulled her around to face him.
  
  "I got you now" he whispered.
  
  "So what are you going to do with me?" she teased.
  
  "I think you know the answer to that" he smiled before pressing his body 
  against hers, their lips meeting again in a long kiss. He lifted her from 
  the water and carried her to blanket, where they made love again.
  
  "Okay now I really don't want to leave" she sighed contentedly later.
  
  "I know but we have to" he said as he checked his watch and looked up at the 
  sky. "Otherwise we might get stuck in that squall that's heading our way."
  
  She followed his gaze and sat up. "I guess we'd better get packed up pretty 
  quick then."
  
  "Yeah I want to beat that before it gets here" he nodded.
  
  They made quick work of reloading their stuff but the dark cloud was closing 
  in on them as they took off.
 
 "Harm?"
 
 "Yeah honey, just relax OK," he soothed, keeping his eyes on the cloud to their side and the 
sky ahead of them.  "You strapped in good?"
 
 "Yeah but I don't like the sound of that."
 
 "I just don't know if we can get far enough away not to have the turbulence," he said quietly.  
"Get ready to bounce.  In fact I'm starting to wonder if I shouldn't have insisted we wait it out 
even if it means missing our flight."
 
 "What can I do?  And don't say pray because I'm way ahead of you there."
 
 "You can tell me you love me," he grinned.
 
 "You know I do," she retorted.
 
 "Now I can die happy," he smiled, feeling the small plane give it's first shudder.
 
 "You are not at all funny," she groused.  "Put the pedal to the metal or something and get us 
out of here."
 
 "Yes ma'am," he nodded as the shuddering increased, brought about by the storm that was 
chasing them.
 
 They spotted it at the same time.  A glowing red light from the instrument panel.  Mac stared 
and Harm gave it a sharp rap with his knuckle, praying it was a false signal.  If anything it 
glowed brighter.  
 
 "Oil," she whispered.  "OK is that like the one in my car?"
 
 "Yeah it is.  And it's even worse news up here.  We can't pull over and pop the hood."
 
 "Can we make the airport?"
 
 "As in before the engine seizes?  No.  I'm going to have to set us back down, and I want to do 
that little thing before that happens or the landing is not going to be a happy one."
 
 "There's no lights down there.  Nothing but islands and water.  None of those islands have 
people," she gasped.
 
 "A minor problem compared to engine failure," he reminded her.  "Hopefully she's going to 
hold together long enough to get close to the shore.  Otherwise we'll have to swim."  He urged 
the plane into a gentle bank and tried to find a likely spot, not wanting to waste any time 
looking however.
 
 "Swim you're saying?  In that?"
 
 "I'm seeing I'm seeing," he sighed, for the storm had turned the before gentle swells into major 
breakers.
 
 "Harm I was fine in the water when we were just paddling around but I'm not a strong 
swimmer," she said, attempting to keep the fearfulness from her voice.  "I mean I can swim 
enough to do the laps for my PT test but. . ."
 
 "If it comes to that I'll be holding on to you," he promised.  "This crate should float even in the 
surf long as I can set it down just right.  You ready?  And do you trust me?"
 
 "I'm ready," she nodded, reaching over to kiss his cheek quickly.   "And I trust you with my life.  
Just like I always have."
  
  "And I won't let you down" he promised. The engine on the plane finally gave 
  out and Mac soon realized they weren't going to make it to the land.
  
  "Hold on" Harm yelled as the plane headed towards the angry sea. Mac closed 
  her eyes, the force of the plane hitting the water snapping them back open 
  again. They'd hit hard, the force causing the plane to immediately begin to 
  take on water.
  
  "Mac get out" Harm ordered, his hands already working on his seatbelt.
  
  For a moment she sat frozen as she felt the water hit her feet. Panicked 
  hands finally reached for the seat belt as the water continued to pour in, 
  slowly covering her feet and then her ankles.
  
  "Mac come on" Harm called as he punched out the windshield, knowing it would 
  be the only way out as the water continued to pour in around the doors.
  
  She fumbled with the seatbelt, her fear of the ever rising water panicking 
  even more. The water continued to rise and she let out a sob as she fought 
  with the seatbelt.
  
  "Mac" Harm screamed as he realized she was still strapped in, the water 
  almost up to her waist.
  
  "I can't get it unbuckled" she wailed, panic about to overwhelm her. Her 
  hands continued to fumble as he hurried to her.
  
  "Mac let go. Let me get it" he ordered as she continued to try and get the 
  seat belt unbuckled. "We don't have much time."
  
  "No go" she yelled, her mind only comprehending that she was stuck in the 
  seat and was going to die and she didn't want him to die as well.
  
  "Mac let go" he snapped, finally managing to push her hands away so he could 
  work on the seat belt.
  
  "Please go" she begged as the water continued to rise. "You can still get 
  out."
  
  "Not without you" he said vehemently, his hands working the seatbelt that 
  she'd twisted up in her panic. "I'm going to get you out of here and we're 
  both going to be fine." He forced himself to take a deep breath of calm, 
  knowing a cool head would get them out.
  
  She turned suddenly quiet, her fear numbing her as the water closed in 
  around her. It was up to her chest and in a matter of moments it would cover 
  her completely.
  
  "Mac come on" he shouted a second later, his hand pulling her up from the 
  seat. He guided them to the window he'd punched out, carefully maneuvering 
  both of them through it. They were met with the large swells and almost 
  immediately Mac sunk below the water, coming up sputtering and coughing a 
  second later.
  
  "I can't swim in this" she managed as she fought to stay above the large 
  waves.
  
  "Relax and I'll tow you in" he ordered as he lifted her head above the 
  water. "Don't fight me. Just relax. I won't let you drown."
  
  She did as he said, relaxing in his grip to make his job easier. He did his 
  best to keep them above the water, but an occasional swell would drag them 
  below and he'd quickly push them back up above the water. He could feel the 
  exhaustion setting in but he wasn't going to give in. The beach was in 
  sight; he just had to get them to it. After what seemed like forever, they 
  finally reached the shore. They collapsed in a heap in the sand, both 
  coughing hard.
  
  "Are you okay?" he managed between coughs.
  
  She could only nod, still numbed from what had happened. He reached for her 
  and gathered her against him, rocking her gently as she started to sob.
  
  "It's over honey" he whispered as she clung to him. "I've got you and 
  nothing is going to happen to you."
  
  He held her while she sobbed, the storm continuing to soak them more. 
  Finally she raised her head and he gently kissed her forehead.
  
  "Are we going to be okay?' she whispered.
  
  "Well at least we're on land" he sighed. "And when we don't return the plane 
  they'll send someone out to look for us."
  
  "Harm our plane is gone. How will they find us? We're just a tiny speck from 
  up in the air."
 
  "They will" he promised. "Somehow they will."
  
  **********************
  JAG HQ's
  Following Morning
  
  "Tiner where the hell are Rabb and Mackenzie" AJ demanded. "And don't tell 
  me I gave them another day off."
  
  "Uh no sir" Tiner stammered. "They were supposed to be here this morning. 
  The Commander said they were taking the late flight back from the Bahamas 
  but they'd be here first thing in the morning."
  
  "Try calling them" AJ sighed. "And then find out if their flight was 
  delayed."
  
 "Yes sir.  What would you like me to tell them if I find them?"
 
 "How about asking them if they're going to deign us with their presence," he replied with 
exaggerated patience.
 
 "Yes sir."  Muttering "I hope they don't say no", Tiner left him alone.
============= 
 "OK sir, I've got some news but it's not going to be what you want to hear," he reported an 
hour later.
 
 "Tiner don't stand there cowering in the door.  I'm not in the habit of killing the messenger.  
What is it?"
 
 "Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb did not make their flight last night to the US.  They 
had tickets but they were no shows.  Still working on it sir."
 
 "I do not believe this.  No yes I do," AJ moaned.  "I swear if they're just screwing off 
somewhere I'm going to. . ."
 
 "Who's screwing off?" 
 
 "Webb I need you right now like I need an inflamed boil," AJ groaned, spotting the newest 
arrival in his office.
 
 "Sorry, there wasn't anyone out there except security and my badge got me right in."
 
 "I'm sure.  Note to self--court-martial the security guard.  Is this an official visit Mr. Webb?"
 
 "I was bringing Rabb some information he asked for last week, nothing big," Clay frowned.  
"I'm getting the impression he's not here?  Mac too?"
 
 "No.  They're in Bermuda.  Seems like Commander Keeter had a cottage reserved and didn't 
use, so he offered it to them.  And God knows what's happened after that."
 
 "Sir, did you want to go over. . .oh sorry I didn't know you were in a meeting."  Bud stuck his 
head in and back out immediately.
 
 "No it's OK Mr. Roberts, come in.  Everyone else is," AJ nodded and looked at Tiner.  
"Shouldn't you be out there on the phone?"
 
 "Yes sir, going," the young petty officer yelped.
 
 "AJ, Harm and Mac, they went to Bermuda?  To Keeter's cottage?  And they're missing?"  
Clay looked from him to Bud, whose eyes grew large and wondering.
 
 "The Commander and Colonel are missing in Bermuda?" Bud gasped.  "Wow.  Bet they were 
out in a boat or a plane and they went into the vortex."
 
 "Excuse me Lieutenant?  Vortex?  What the hell are you talking about?" AJ demanded.
 
 "Never mind what he's talking about.  There could be a bigger problem," Clay said quietly, 
reaching behind Bud to close the door.
 ====================
 ISLAND in the BERMUDA AREA
 
 "Nice job on the fire," Mac approved, appreciating its warmth to add to what the sun was 
providing.  "I don't believe you managed to grab the survival kit.  You're pretty amazing there 
Flyboy."
 
 Harm dropped down beside her and wrapped his arms around her, feeling her still-chilled 
body radiating cold.  "Well if we can dry off and warm up that will be something.  Now if room 
service would answer the damn phone so we can get some breakfast."
 
 "You think they've sent up S and R right?"
 
 "Oh yeah, but there's just a lot of ground--and water--to cover.  On the other hand this fire is 
going to help.  Mac I'm so sorry.  So sorry. I should have known.  After the disasters of this trip, 
I should have known taking a plane up was risking fate."
  
 "It's not your fault. And please don't blame yourself what happened."
 
 "Still I should have known better" he sighed. "I almost got you killed."
 
 "You saved my life" she reminded him. "When I completely panicked and lost it, 
 you kept a cool head and got me out."
 
 "I was anything but cool" he whispered. "I was just as scared as you were. I 
 just wasn't going to let anything happen to you."
 
 "And you didn't. And you've done a good job of taking care of me so far."
 
 "I wish there was more I could do" he sighed. "But unfortunately we're 
 pretty much stuck here until they find us."
 
 "Well at least someone knows we're missing" she sighed as she burrowed 
 closer to him. "Course the Admiral is probably thinking we're UA and at the 
 beach somewhere."
 
 "No he knows us better than that. And the charter company will tell him we 
 never came back. He'll know something is wrong."
 
 ***************
 JAG HQ 
 
 "Okay Webb what's going on?" AJ demanded.
 
 "It's possible Harm and Mac ran into some bad company down there" he sighed.
 
 "What kind of bad company?"
 
 "Keeter's been working undercover on an espionage case" Clay replied. "He's 
 gotten close enough to ruffle some feathers but he doesn't know who those 
 feathers belong to."
 
 "And what does this have to do with Harm and Mac?" AJ demanded.
 
 "The cottage in the Bahamas was rented to Keeter. Not Harm and Mac. If 
 someone wanted to get rid of Keeter, they might have gotten Harm and Mac 
 instead."
 
 "Sir, with all due respect, that sounds a bit far fetched" Bud spoke up.
 
 "And the idea of a vortex sucking them up isn't it?" Clay glared.
 
 "Mr. Webb you know how many planes have vanished in that area" Bud 
 countered. "And a lot of them were never found. And no explanation was ever 
 found."
 
 "Webb how likely is it that someone might have gone to the Bahamas to take 
 out Keeter?" AJ sighed.
 
 "Very" Clay said quietly. "One of our informants gave us the information. 
 I'd say it's a ninety percent possibility."
 
 "Why in the hell didn't someone tell Harm and Mac they could be in danger?" 
 AJ demanded.
 
 "We just found this out. I dismissed it at first because I knew Keeter 
 wasn't going to the Bahamas. I had no clue he'd given the trip to Harm and 
 Mac."
 
 "So they could be in trouble" AJ sighed.
 
 "Sir I think we should look at all possibilities" Bud spoke up again.
 
 "Including little green men?" Clay scoffed. "Roberts this isn't the Twilight 
 Zone."
 
 "Okay you two" AJ said as he rubbed his already aching forehead. "Let's 
 stick to what's important. We know Harm and Mac never made their flight last 
 night. We need to find out why."
 
 "Sir I'd like to go down and look for them."
 
 "All right Bud" AJ nodded. "See what you can find out. And let me know 
 ASAP."
 
 "I'll go with you" Clay said suddenly. "If they did run into trouble, I'm 
 going to find out who and make sure we nail these bastards once and for 
 all."

"Oh yeah?  That would be great," Bud enthused.  "I'd love to get involved in something you're 
doing again."

"OK, two rules.  I'm in charge and if you say vortex or Bermuda Triangle to me, I'm getting duct 
tape and it won't be for your mouth only."

"Yes sir."

"Mr. Webb," AJ spoke up again.  "I'd be interested to know how a simple vacation cottage can 
be part of some Agency set up?"

"You know I can't tell you a whole lot AJ," he said calmly.  "Keeter and his partner, who 
happens to be of the female persuasion, took this cabin with the intention of doing a set up for 
their op.  The op went south before they could take occupancy.  So they thought.  Then it was 
back on, but it was too late to contact Keeter and Ballanger.  And as far as Keeter was 
concerned, no one knew the cottage was for anything but a weekend getaway and I'm simply 
assuming he figured there was no problem inviting Harm and Mac to take advantage of it.  I'm 
certain he didn't share that originally it was part of an Agency plot that's for damn sure."

"No I'm sure he didn't either," AJ sighed.  "OK go.  Both of you.  And I expect Lieutenant 
Roberts to be returned in the same shape you're taking him.  Unless of course you can 
manage to shave ten pounds off him."
================
BERMUDA  AREA ISLAND

"You don't look quite as frozen as you did," Harm smiled, dropping three more pieces of 
driftwood onto the fire.  "And we're about dry I think.  And starved."

"You got that right," Mac sighed.  "But there should be food right?  It's an island, and while it's 
not tropical, there's stuff growing.  You were a boy scout weren't you?  You can forage?"

"I was an Eagle Scout," he replied staunchly.  "But what about you Colonel Marine.  You did 
survivor training right.  Lived off the land and all that."

"Yeah.  But the question is, do we really want to eat bugs?  I mean are we there yet, given that 
we're expecting rescue?"

"Point taken."  He reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet.  "Let's you and me see what 
there is that would be considered edible by human standards."
==============
JAG HQ

"Bud I don't understand why you're going," Harriet wailed softly, eyeing Clay who was waiting 
for him at the elevators.

"Because we have two JAG officers missing.  Missing in the Bermuda Triangle and the Admiral 
has asked me to be part of the search," he replied excitedly.  

"Yeah well that part is scary enough.  That you're going with Mr. Webb even more so."

"Harriet we'll be fine.  I'm actually excited about this."

"I know.  It's all over you, and that kind of excitement could let something happen to you."

"No.  It won't.  I promise.  But Harriet it's a chance to get out from behind a desk and files.  Like 
the Commander and Colonel do.  And I'm taking it.  I love you.  Hug AJ for me."

With that he gave her a quick kiss and hurried to catch up with Clay.  "Ready sir."

"Roberts let's do one thing right off.  No sir please.  Webb or even Clay is fine."

"Then you have to call me Bud please."

"Deal."

They made their way to the airport through the traffic and once in the air, Bud casually reached 
into his case and withdrew a thick folder.  

"A magazine wouldn't do you?" Clay asked.

"Oh I have them too sir. . .uh Clay.  But the Bermuda Triangle is a special interest and I 
brought some stuff to refresh me on and then to share with you like partners do."

Clay simply looked, letting Bud hear what he was saying.

"Opps.  You don't want to hear about that area.  Sorry.  Anything else?"

Clay continued to look.  

"The partners thing?"

A nod this time.

"OK.  We are not partners.  Got it."
 
  "This is going to be a long trip" Clay groaned as he leaned back in his seat 
  and closed his eyes.
  
  While Clay dozed, Bud read through the material he'd gathered about the 
  triangle. Beginning with the disappearance of 5 Navy Bombers in 1945, there 
  were almost 150 cases of aircraft vanishing in the Bermuda Triangle. There 
  weren't as many ships but there were still several that had vanished without 
  a trace. If Harm and Mac had gone up for a flight or gone out on a cruise, 
  they might never see them again.
  
  "You still reading that stuff?" Clay demanded when he woke.
  
  "It's fascinating stuff. And there is no explanation for most of the 
  disappearances."
  
  "If Harm and Mac disappeared I can tell you why" Clay scoffed. "And it isn't 
  because of the Bermuda Triangle." He paused before adding an "either way we 
  may never see them again."
  
  "We'll find them," Bud said determinedly.
  
  "I hope we do" Clay said soberly. "Because I'd really like to be wrong in 
  this case."
  
  A short time later they landed in Bermuda, immediately securing a cab to the 
  cottage. They located the keeper for the cottages and after some persistence 
  from Clay managed to get him to take them to the cottage Harm and Mac had 
  stayed in.
  
  "Well they obviously had all their stuff with them," Bud said as they 
  surveyed the cottage.
  
  "Or someone took all their stuff" Clay countered. "Either way it doesn't 
  tell us anything."
  
  "We need to recreate their last day. Find out what they did and if anyone 
  saw them."
  
  "If anyone was here while they were" Clay sighed. "This is a tourist area. 
  People come and go. And we have no way of knowing where they might have 
  been."
  
  "It's not that big of an island. We'll hit the normal tourist spots and see 
  if anyone remembers seeing them. Knowing the Commander they may have gone 
  out sailing or even taken a plane up for a day."
  
  "You really think we'll find them that way?" Clay asked.
  
  "I don't think we have much of a choice," Bud said quietly. "It's going to 
  take some good old detective work on our part to find them."
  
  "If we ever find them"
  
  "We'll find them. They're not dead."
  
  "Bud I'm not sure you realize what kind of people we might be dealing with 
  here" Clay sighed. "If they thought Harm and Mac were Keeter and his 
  partner, they're dead. These guys shoot first and ask questions later."
  
  ***********************
  On the island
  
  "Sunshine" Mac sighed. "It feels so good."
  
  "Yeah till you get thirsty sitting out in it" Harm countered. "We're going 
  to have to go see if there's any fresh water on this island."
  
  "You're not holding out much hope of search and rescue finding us are you?" 
  she said quietly.
  
  "It's my fault for not giving the charter company an idea of where I was 
  going" Harm sighed. "Instead of saying we'd be going to one of the islands."
  
  "You had no idea this would happen. So stop beating yourself up about it."
  
  "I'll beat myself up until I get you out of this mess. Which hopefully will 
  happen sooner than later."
  
  "Well it hasn't been twenty four hours yet," she said quietly. "But I'm sure 
  the Admiral is hot on the trail to find us."
  
  "I hope so."
  
  "Come on" she said as she rose from the sand. "Let's go see what's on this 
  island. Seeing as how we might be staying a while."
  
  "You know I'm lucky you're a Marine" he sighed as she helped him to his 
  feet.
  
  "Why's that?" she smiled.
  
  "Because any other woman would have been hysterical at the thought of being 
  stranded on a deserted island."
  
  "True. I can't picture you and Renee out here" she laughed. "Well I could. 
  But you probably would have killed her by now."
  
  "You're probably right" he smiled. "She wouldn't have enjoyed a night under 
  the stars like you did."
  
  "You know we seem to have this thing about getting stranded together."
  
  "Remind me that next time we go away it's somewhere that we can't get 
  stranded like this" he smiled.
  
  "Is there any place like that?  You've seen Deliverance haven't you," she demanded.  "I swear 
that movie gave me nightmares for weeks when my father rented it.  I couldn't have been more 
than ten or so and I couldn't take my eyes off it but then that music kept haunting my sleep."
 
 "And the sad thing is, we've seen and done enough that you could have nightmares of real 
life," he smiled, tugging her along.
 
 "Oh yeah I do that too," she sighed.  "The mountains, Iran, the Watertown, they all get into the 
rotation."
 
 "Yeah," he said quietly, slipping his arm around her waist.  They walked back into the heavy 
undergrowth, knowing they would hear any sound of approaching rescue, until there came the 
sound of a waterfall.  "Fresh water I bet," he laughed, taking her hand and tugging her along.  
"Oh yeah there it is."
 
 The water was fresh and cold, the ten-foot falls dumping into a lagoon surrounded by trees 
bearing an assortment of edibles.  "Well this would be a good place to build the cabin Ma," he 
grinned.  "We'll plant crops out back there, maybe some cotton, then Bessie and her calf can 
be right over there."
 
 "Rabb you have lost it," she declared, dropping onto her belly to lap at the water.  "I pay more 
than  a dollar a bottle for water not half this good."
 ============
 THE COTTAGE
 
 Bud took a long breath, looking around the neat rooms.  "Sir, whatever happened to them, it 
didn't happen here.  This is not a crime scene.  Not unless this unnamed enemy stopped and 
cleaned up."
 
 "Yeah I know," Clay frowned.  "Like they left for the airport totally normally but somehow they 
didn't make their flight.  And I can't help but wonder if they weren't waylaid on the way."
 
 "We can see if the police have any reports of abandoned or wrecked cars," Bud said 
thoughtfully, agreeing with his theory.  "And sir, please.  I feel real strongly about this.  They 
really easily could have taken a plane up or a boat out.  There can't be that many of those 
places around.  I feel like we need to check.  OK."
 
 "Yeah OK we'll cover all bases, promise," Clay nodded.  "Just remember those two words 
you're not allowed to say.  We can check with the authorities to see if there's any kind of 
search and rescue operation underway.  OK Lieutenant, I'll let you pick the next stop.  Move 
out."
 =============
 THE ISLAND
 
 "That water is cold," Harm laughed, taking several drinks himself.  "How long do you think 
you'd last in there, submerged to your neck say?"
 
 "Harm I don't want to get all wet again," she objected.  "I just got these clothes dry."
 
 "Well who said anything about clothes," he leered.  "Challenge Marine?  Who can last the 
longest?"
   
 "Oh I know the answer to that."
 
 "Prove it. Cause I think you'd be running out of there in a few minutes 
 saying you're freezing,"
 
 "You're on" she said as she stood up. "But only up to our necks. I don't 
 want to get my hair wet."
 
 "You afraid of getting a hair out of place" he laughed. "In case you forgot 
 no one is going to notice you but me."
 
 "Cute. I just don't want to get my hair wet again," she said as she 
 unbuttoned her shirt and slid it off. He watched her, taking in her curves of 
 her body as she took of her bra, finally moving to her shorts and underwear.
 
 "You just going to gawk or you going to join me?" she smiled when she 
 realized he hadn't moved.
 
 "I was enjoying the show" he sighed.
 
 "I thought we had a challenge? Or did you decide it was a losing endeavor?"
 
 "No way" he grinned as he stood up, quickly removing his shirt and shorts 
 and then his boxers before starting towards the water with her.
 
 "Ohhhhhhh" she gasped when her feet hit the cold water.
 
 "To cold for you Marine?" he laughed as he continued to walk into the cold 
 water. "Do you admit defeat already?"
 
 "No" she said as she tiptoed in further. She knew it was just a matter of 
 getting her body adjusted to the water. Slowly she moved further in, gasping 
 again when the water reached her stomach.
 
 "Ready to give in?" he smiled as he looked over at her.
 
 "Why are you?" she countered.
 
 "Of course not. I'm not the one gasping at the cold."
 
 She said nothing and continued to walk further out while he took a moment to 
 adjust to the water.
 
 "Okay sailor" she said when the water was nearly up to her neck. "I'm here. 
 What about you?"
 
 "Cold?" he teased.
 
 "No not at all" she lied. In truth she was freezing but she knew she could 
 handle this longer than him.
 
 Moments later he was at her side, the water not quite as high on him as it 
 was on her.
 
 "So we're just going to stand here and freeze now?" she asked.
 
 "Well see it's just a matter of mind over body" he whispered as he reached 
 for her. "Right now you're shivering. But you won't be soon." He pressed his 
 body against hers as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
 
 "Why is that?" she whispered.
 
 "Body heat" he smiled. "If I let go of you, you'll be cold again."
 
 "Then don't let go of me" she whispered before their lips met in a long 
 kiss.
 
 "You mean like this" he laughed as he suddenly pulled her arms away from his 
 neck.
 
 "Harm no" she squeaked as she clung to him tighter.
 
 "Afraid of a little water?" he laughed as he walked further into the water.
 
 "Harm it's going to be above my head" she wailed, the water now up to his 
 neck.  "You promised I wouldn't have to get my hair wet."
 
 His response was cut off as he took another step, the floor suddenly going 
 out from under them as they sunk below the surface. Panicked, Mac clung to 
 his neck and took several seconds before he was able to maneuver them above 
 the surface. They broke the water gasping and he quickly swam back to where 
 the water was lower.
 
 "I'm sorry" he gasped. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine now, thanks to you.  Sorry I panicked.  Something about having my lungs fill 
with cold water did that to me.  I'm not a good swimmer--which you saw the other night."

"Oh yeah," he nodded, shuddering at the memory.  "Let's get out of this ice water bath.  Every 
part of my body is tingling.  But I don't think it's totally from the cold.  That I have a beautiful 
woman, whom I happen to love, attached to me, has something to do with that."   

"You know when you talk like that I start having visions of you and me staying here forever," 
she giggled.  "Mr. and Mrs. Castaway."

"Well I like that Mr. and Mrs. part," he told her, not a trace of teasing in his voice.

"Harm don't toy with me," she returned, planting her feet firmly despite the freezing water.  
"Don't play with my emotions.  They're kind of fragile right now after we've been together these 
couple days.  It's been so perfect and I don't want it to end.  Although being stranded didn't 
figure in there but that's beside the point."

"Are we getting to one?  Point that is?" he asked gently.

"Yeah we are," she replied, drawing him into a long kiss for her next move.  "That was to 
illustrate the point I'm about to make.  I'm in love with you.  And I'm afraid to go home."

"What did I promise you before we left the cottage?" he chided her, understanding at once she 
was voicing an insecurity.  

She flushed and looked away; and he pulled her from the water before either spoke again, 
guiding her in to a patch of sunlight that immediately began to bake the cold from them.

"What did I promise you?" he repeated.  "And before you answer keep in mind that I also am in 
love with you."

"OK I guess I'm worried about nothing then?" she asked hopefully.

"A whole lot of nothing," he assured her.  "As for that Mr. and Mrs. comment, that's a subject 
we're going to re-visit when we get home.  Only it's going to be in a proper setting."

"OK .  I can handle that," she nodded, sniffling back a lone tear.  "Now how are we going to get 
off this rock, assuming we want to."

"I think we have to," he laughed.  "And I guarantee we'll be found.  Put that in the file with my 
other guarantee, the important one--the one about us."

"I'm going to hold you to your word Sailor," she smiled, reaching for him once more.  A kiss 
sealed their agreement and she broke away from him, scooping her clothes and with fingers 
shaking slightly from the cold they both dressed.
================
FOUR HOURS LATER

"Sir thank you," Bud smiled as he piloted the small boat up to the dock where Clay waited.  "I 
know there's other people out looking but I think we might get lucky.  Besides we've exhausted 
everything else haven't we?"

"Stop the sir, and stop the justification," Clay growled.  "It's OK.  I agreed that a tour of the 
nearby islands couldn't hurt.  My people are no where, and the authorities are just treating this 
as an ordinary missing tourist case that will resolve.  I wish I could be that relaxed.  But since 
you did all the good leg work this afternoon that impressed me, I'm going along.   You know 
where we're going now right?"

"Oh yeah.  Maps and charts here.  Food and water and blankets."

"Excuse me?  Blankets you're saying?  Food and water?  Why Mr. Roberts?  Are you planning 
an overnight adventure?"

"Well I'm not really sir, but I did want to be prepared.  You've roughed it before surely."

"Yeah I've slept in places a rat wouldn't, but in all honesty my idea of roughing it is when the 
hotel room has only one movie channel."

 "I guess that means you don't camp out" Bud smiled.
  
  "Not unless I have to" Clay scoffed. "Why anyone would want to sleep on the 
  ground in some tent is beyond me."
  
  "Well hopefully we won't have to stay anywhere tonight."
  
  "You're thinking we're going to find them aren't you?" Clay asked.
  
  "Of course we are. They're alive somewhere. We just have to find them."
  
  "You keep thinking that" Clay sighed. "And let's get moving while we have 
  daylight."
  
  ****************
  Unknown Island
  
  "This is better" Mac sighed happily as she and Harm stretched out on the 
  warm sand of the beach.
  
  "Yeah and this way if anyone is looking for us we can at least get their 
  attention" Harm replied. "I'm sure it's just a matter of time before someone 
  comes."
  
  "We hope. I'm not looking forward to finding dinner again."
  
  "I know. And trust me if there were anyway to get you off this island I 
  would."
  
  "It's okay. We'll be found soon."
  
  "And if we're not?" he sighed.  Despite his earlier conviction that they 
  would be found he was beginning to have his doubts.
  
  "Let's not go there yet sailor" she said quietly. "We're going to be found. 
  I know it."
  
  "And how do you know that?"
  
  "God wouldn't be cruel enough to leave us here. Not after you mentioned us 
  being Mr. and Mrs. Rabb."
  
  "You know for a long time I never thought there would be a Mrs. Rabb" Harm 
  said softly as he rolled over and looked at her. "I was pretty sure she was 
  going to be Mrs. Brumby first."
  
  "All in the past sailor. Way in the past."
  
  "Yeah it is" he smiled. "And we're together and that's all that matters. 
  Well besides getting out of here so I can make you Mrs. Rabb."
  
  *****************
  "Roberts this is an exercise in futility" Clay sighed as they headed back to 
  the boat after visiting another island. "We should have gotten a plane and 
  looked for them that way."
  
  "Yeah and we might have vanished like they did" Bud countered. "You know 
  that more planes than boats have vanished out here."
  
  "Don't even start with the triangle stuff" Clay groaned. "I'm too hot and 
  tired to listen to that mumbo jumbo."

  "Sorry. No mumbo jumbo. But we have to keep looking. We have a few more 
  hours before it gets dark. And then we'll have to find a place to camp for 
  the night."
  
  "All right. Even though I think we're going about this all wrong."
  
  "No we're not," Bud said determinedly as he checked the map and guided the 
  boat towards the next small island.
  
  ************
  Harm heard it before Mac. The sound of a boat. Coming towards the island.
  
  "Harm is that?. . ." Mac started.
  
  "Yes" Harm shouted as he caught sight of the small speck in the water. "It's 
  a boat. And it's coming this way."
  
  He jumped to his feet, waving his hands in the air frantically in hopes of 
  getting their attention. Mac joined him and they held their breaths as the 
  speck moved closer and closer to them.
  
  "Bud" Harm shouted as he and Mac headed towards the boat. "What are you 
  doing here?"
  
  "Rescuing you and the Colonel sir" Bud yelled as he stopped the engine on 
  the boat.
  
  "Webb?" Mac smiled. "How on earth did Bud get you out here?"
  
  "It's a long story" Clay sighed. "But I am so glad to see you two alive. I 
  wasn't sure we would."
  
  "I know there's a story there but you can tell us later" Harm smiled. "Right 
  now we just want to go home."
  
  "How long have you been out here?" Clay frowned, "And just real quick, tell me you weren't 
brought here by. . .well OK how did you get here?"
 
 "I put a plane that lost oil pressure down in the surf," Harm frowned as well, automatically 
looking to Mac, "which wasn't fun but we survived it.  Are you telling me we might have another 
problem?"
 
 "Uh. . .OK no it's probably not real likely then," Clay sighed, feeling himself relax some.
 
 "Clay there's got to be some reason you're here," Harm pressed.  "You don't normally pull 
Search and Rescue duty."
 
 "Keeter and his partner who had rented the cottage did so as part of a set up on an op," he 
explained reluctantly.  
 
 "And he offered it to us?" Harm suddenly raged.  "He set us up?"
 
 "Harm calm," Mac said softly, her hand to his arm.
 
 "No don't Harm calm me.  If the man set us up I'm gonna kill him.  You could have been. . ."  
He slowed his speech as he realized both Clay and Bud were looking at him oddly, obviously 
sensing a difference in his reaction.
 
 "OK whoa time out here," Mac held up her hands.  "Clay we'll hear the story later unless 
there's something we need to know right now."
 
 "No.  We're fine.  Far as I know right now we're fine," Clay said softly.  "Promise."
 
 Harm sent Mac another long look, which Clay picked up on right away.  "OK I'm getting the 
picture," the agent said quietly with a small smile of understanding.  "Right now there's no 
reason to think anything is going to happen."
 
 "OK," Harm nodded with a long breath of relief.  "Bud I trust you know where we're going?"
 
 "Yes sir.  Plenty of charts and maps and we're going to head out over the water right that 
way," he pointed.  "Straight back to Hamilton."
 
 "The master navigator," Clay snorted.
 
 "Hey I got us here didn't I," Bud yelped.
 
 "Yes you did Lieutenant and we are beyond grateful," Mac assured him, turning back to look 
at where they had come.  "Bye bye Island."
 
 Bud gunned the motor and with another quick check of the charts, guided the boat into the 
more open water.  "Just sit back and relax."
 
 Open water was right.  The islands faded into the distance, with the main island ahead of 
them but still several miles off.   The ocean swells increased and the wind picked up as they 
went.   Harm leaned back and dropped a casual arm around Mac's shoulders.   "You holding 
up OK Marine?"
 
 "Oh yeah.  It's been the vacation from hell in some respects but it's also been great."  It was at 
that exact moment that the motor began to sputter and die.
 
 "Bud what the hell is going on?" Clay and Harm demanded almost at the same time.
 
 "Uh. . .off hand I think we're out of gas," he mumbled. 

  "Roberts" Clay shouted. "You said you had everything."
 
 "Okay almost everything" Bud whispered. "I'm sorry. I forgot about the gas."
 
 "Bud it's okay" Harm interrupted. "We'll just call for help on the radio."
 
 "Oh yeah of course" Bud smiled. His smile quickly faded as he fumbled with 
 the machine which didn't seem to want to work. "It's dead," he said after a 
 few moments. "We must be in the area of the Triangle where electronic 
 devices don't work."
 
 "My cell phone should work" Clay growled as he pulled it out. But like the 
 radio the cell phone had no power and with growing agitation he threw it 
 down in the boat.
 
 "Sorry sir" Bud said quietly. "But I'm sure someone will find us out here."
 
 "Hopefully before that storm comes" Mac sighed as she pointed to the dark 
 cloud that was approaching. The waves had grown larger, tossing the small 
 boat around.
 
 "Great" Harm sighed. "Just great. Another storm."
 
 "Only this time we're on the water" Mac said fearfully.
 
 "We'll be okay," he said softly as he dropped his arm around her. "But just 
 in case you should put on one of the life jackets. Clay what kind of swimmer 
 are you?"
 
 "Well I'm no sailor" he sighed.
 
 "Then take the other one. Bud you can handle yourself in the water right?"
 
 "Yes sir" Bud nodded. "You don't think the boat will get swamped do you?"
 
 "No but it's best to be prepared" Harm sighed. "The storms can get pretty 
 bad out here."
 
 "Harm" Mac whispered and he turned his attention back to her.
 
 "Honey what's wrong?" he said as knelt down in front of her, her pale face 
 alarming him at once.
 
 "I think I'm getting seasick. From the motion."
 
 "Okay just take a deep breath and let it slowly" he coached. "Just try not 
 to think about the waves."
 
 "It's not working" she said shakily a moment later. "I think I'm going to be 
 sick."
 
 He quickly guided her to the edge of the boat and held onto her while she 
 vomited in the water.
 
 "I'm sorry" she wailed when she'd finished.
 
 "Well obviously you're no Sailor Marine," he said gently as he helped her 
 back down in the boat. "But you're going to be okay. We'll ride this out and 
 then someone will find us."
 
 "I think I liked being stranded on the island better" she sighed as she 
 leaned her head against him.
 
 "I'm sorry Colonel" Bud said softly. "This is my fault."
 
 "There's no sense blaming anyone" Harm spoke up before Clay could. "And it 
 won't be long before we run across another boat."
 
 "You hope" Clay sighed as he sank down on the bottom of the boat.
 
 "You okay Clay?" Harm asked.
 
 "No comment."
 
 "Don't tell me you get seasick too" Harm sighed.
 
 "I'm fine as long as the boat doesn't stop."
 
 "Sir I'm sorry" Bud said quietly.
 
 "Bud it's okay. We're all going to be fine. As soon as this storm passes 
 maybe we can try the radio again."
 
 Minutes later the storm that had been in the distance was upon them, the 
 water bouncing the boat from wave to wave as the thunder and lightening 
 crashed around them. It wasn't long before Clay was hanging over the side of 
 the boat along with Mac, both sick from the motion of the waves.
 
 "How come this doesn't bother you?" Mac said weakly as Harm helped her back 
 down.
 
 "You can't fly if you get motion sickness" Harm smiled. "This is nothing. 
 You remember what it was like in the MIG."
 
 "Oh god" she groaned as she clutched her stomach. "Don't remind me."
 
 "Sorry" he sighed. "Just try and take it easy honey. Hopefully this storm 
 won't last much longer."
 
 She nodded and laid her head against him, weak and tired from being sick. He 
 gently pushed the wet hair back from her forehead, the rain continuing to 
 come down on them. It wasn't until he heard someone being sick again that he 
 looked up and saw Bud hanging over the edge.
 
 "Sorry sir" Bud groaned as he leaned back into the boat.
 
 "What kind of sailor are you Roberts?" Harm demanded.
 
 "Not a very good one sir" he sighed.

"We'll tattoo that on your tombstone."

"Well sir in my defense, this is the first time.  I don't know what hit me except that it's got to be 
the influence of these waters.  Water that's traveled all through the Triangle sir."

"If I wasn't so sick, I'd be strangling him right now," Clay muttered.  "This is beyond asinine.  I 
just don't get sick."

"Yeah well your face is greener than the water is blue Mr. Webb," Harm chortled as he turned 
to Mac, helping her to rest against him.  "Honey it's OK.  The storm will pass over and we'll be 
able to contact someone or at least the water will smooth out and we can see what we need to 
do."

"Oh Roberts, would you look at this," Clay groaned in misery.  "The Marine gets his sympathy.  
You and me he'd sooner toss overboard."

"Yeah well I'm not in love with the two of you," Harm grinned.

"I knew something was different," Bud murmured, managing a smile despite his churning 
stomach.

"So did getting away to this little honeymoon hideout prompt that discovery?" Clay asked.

"Well it's not a discovery, it's an acknowledgment of something that's been there forever," 
Harm reminded him.

"I'd speak up and agree with you but I'm too busy dying," Mac sighed.

"Well don't start making funeral arrangements yet.  I can see the clearing line.  The worst that 
can happen is we'll have to row to one of these island and try again."

"Like sleep on the beach?" Clay yelped.  "You're not serious."

"Very."

Clay groaned and threw his upper body over the side.

"Harm would killing me be out of the question?" Mac sighed.

"Totally.  I have big plans for you in my life.  No one ever died from seasickness."

"Sir that's not quite true," Bud spoke up.  "There was a guy about twenty years ago got caught 
in a storm here and he got sick and couldn't stop and they. . .they couldn't save him."

"I needed that story right now," Harm groaned, pressing Mac protectively to him.  

"Sorry sir, but. . ." 

"Bud shut up."

"Yes sir.  Sorry."

"No, shut up and listen.  I swear I hear chopper blades, coming from where the storm has 
passed over."
 
 "How could a chopper know we were here?" Bud frowned. "It can't be a 
 chopper."
 
 He looked up just as the lights from the chopper overhead beamed down upon 
 them. For a moment he just stared upward before letting out a shout.
 
 "Aliens."
 
 "Bud it's not aliens" Harm groaned. "It's the people who are going to get us 
 off this boat and back on dry land. Likely whoever you chartered the boat from 
 told them we hadn't made it back and they sent out a search and rescue 
 crew."
 
 Moments later a line dropped down and a man with a bullhorn leaned out the 
 chopper.
 
 "Is anyone hurt that will need assistance getting up?" he called. "We can 
 drop the basket if you need it."
 
 "No we've got it," Harm shouted and reached for the rope.
 
 "Mac you first" he ordered as he helped her to her feet. "You've been the 
 sickest the longest and you need to get off here. Can you do this alone?"
 
 "I think so," she said weakly.
 
 "Just don't let go. I love you," he said softly. "I'll see you soon." He 
 gave her a quick kiss before motioning to the men in the chopper that she 
 was ready and moments later she was slowly lifted up and into the chopper. 
 He held his breath as she was pulled up, praying she would be able to hold 
 on all the way to the top. She did and he let out a long sigh of relief once 
 she was aboard the chopper.
 
 Clay followed Mac and Harm looked to Bud as the line was returned.
 
 "You're next Lieutenant" Harm said as he reached for the line.
 
 For a moment Bud stared at him before taking the rope from Harm. He clung to 
 the rope and Harm motioned it was okay to start lifting him up.

 They were half way up when Bud suddenly started shouted to Harm and pointing 
 below at the water, which was being rippled by the whirl of the chopper 
 blades.  Suddenly he let go of the rope, dropping into the water below.
 
 "Bud" Harm screamed before diving over the side of the boat where he'd seen 
 Bud go down.
 
 "What's going on?" Mac demanded as one of the men from the rescue crew 
 looked anxiously over the side while another started down on another rope.
 
 "Your other friend let go of the rope and the other guy jumped into get him" 
 he informed her. "And neither has surfaced yet."
 
 "Harm" Mac screamed as she flung herself to the edge of the chopper. "Harm."
 
 "Easy ma'am" he said as he pulled her back. "Nigel will get them both."
 
 Below them Harm broke the surface of the water and took a deep breath before 
 diving back under in search of Bud.  Seconds later he emerged again with 
 Bud, gasping and choking. Nigel meanwhile had reached them and quickly tied 
 the rope around Bud before signaling for them to pull him up.
 
 "You okay sir?" Nigel yelled to Harm.
 
 "I'm fine" Harm assured him.
 
 They waited while Bud was towed up and moments later the rope dropped back 
 down again. Nigel motioned for Harm to take it. Mac's open arms greeted him 
 as he reached the chopper and Bud gave him a sheepish look.
 
 "What in the hell was that all about Lieutenant?" Harm demanded as he sank to the 
 floor of the chopper, Mac still clinging to him.
 
 "I don't know sir. It was like an outer body experience. It was like I was 
 being sucked up into the spaceship and so I let go. I'm so sorry sir. With 
 the lights and the swirling water it was just so unreal."
 
 "Only to you Roberts" Clay moaned. "Course you're the only one who's had the 
 Bermuda Triangle on their mind the whole time."
 
 "Everyone okay?" Nigel asked as he reached the chopper.
 
 "Fine. Get us home buddy" Harm sighed as he pulled Mac closer to him.
 
 ***********************
 Twenty Four Hours Later
 
 "I think we have new meaning to the word vacation from hell" Mac smiled as 
 she and Harm waited at the Bermuda airport. Bud was perusing the newsstand 
 in search of more information about the Triangle while Clay was on his cell 
 phone.
 
 "Well there was one good thing that came out of it" Harm said as he looked 
 to where their hands were joined.
 
 "True. A very good thing. I think we owe Keeter something for this."
 
 "No way. I have a few words for him when we get back. I still can't believe 
 he sent us somewhere that could have put us in danger."
 
 "Harm I'm sure he didn't even think about that. And nothing happened. Well 
 at least not with the bad guys."
 
 "That's because they nailed the bad guys three days ago" Clay said as he 
 walked over to him. "That's why Keeter canceled the trip at the last 
 minute. He knew he was almost there and he wanted to nail them. And he did."
 
 "So we were never in any danger?" Mac asked.
 
 "No you weren't. Not from that," Clay sighed. "And to think I spent the last two days 
 worrying about you two and you were fine."
  
"Well it's nice to be worried about anyway," Mac smiled and looked to where Bud was in an out 
of the way chair talking to Harriet.  "Someone else was worried too.  And if you'll excuse me, 
I'm needing the ladies room."

"Are you OK?"

Both Mac and Clay looked at Harm in surprise at his question, and he gave a sheepish grin.  
"Sorry.  Little on edge here after everything that's happened to us.  I hope the Bermuda Board 
of Tourism doesn't ask me for a testimonial."

"Parts of it were great," Mac smiled, giving his hand a quick squeeze before heading across 
the corridor for her destination.

"You came out of it OK," Clay told him, smiling as Harm watched her go.  "I mean you in fact 
came out better than when you went in obviously.  About time for you and her wouldn't you 
say."

"Yeah.  Very much so," he replied.  "And you're lucky yourself mister.  If something had 
happened to her because of. . .well no need to go there.  Especially when I should be grateful 
to you and Bud for coming for us."

"All in a day's work," Clay nodded.  "I think I'll get some coffee.  You need anything?  Never 
mind, the only thing you need will be right back."

"You got that right."

By the time she returned the setting sun was painting the sky brilliant shades of golds and reds 
and he slipped his arm around her waist.  "You ready to go home?"

"I think so," she said slowly, "but home to. . ."  Her voice trailed off and he knew exactly what 
she was thinking.

"Home to what I promised you.  Us."

With those words, two roads became one.

THE END