Title: Charade/Act 2 Author: Rising Sun For feedback e-mail me at: jagrslc@yahoo.com For updates on my new FF join: jagrslc-subscribe@yahoogroups.com FF Archived at: http://www.geocities.com/jagrslc Rated: PG-13 Summary: Mac's unique skills are called into play AGAIN, this time to save the life of the daughter of the President of the United States. Classification: Adventure Disclaimer: JAG characters portrayed belong to JAG, CBS and Paramount Television. No copyright infringement intended. All other characters depicted are purely fictional and any similarities to actual people are purely coincidental. Feedback: Would make my day! Story Written January 13, 2002 =========================================== PROLOGUE It had been three months and change since Mac and Harm and been on Webb's last hair brained mission. Mac had been transformed into a woman of mystery and exquisite taste. It had all happened so fast that she had not had the time to contemplate the ramifications of the intense training until it was all over. Every one involved had been surprised at how well she had readjusted to her return to JAG. Not the least of the surprised was Mac herself. All in all the transition had been smooth. It was only after a few weeks of being home that she realized that her husband Captain Harmon Rabb Jr. had been holding his breath. This new woman she had morphed into had been out of this world and Harm had not been sure he could handle her. Mac was woman enough. The concerns had all been in vain and Mac had settled back into her life with the minimum problems. There had been that one moment though. It was the annual Christmas Ball and as she slid into the Marine Green décolleté floor length evening dress that Harm had got for her and she never noticed that she had also slid into Cassandra Richardson. Cassandra was the character that Webb had cooked up for her to go undercover. She swept into the ballroom, attitude and upper crust accent perfect and intact, and proceeded to interact with every person in the place with the utmost charm. Harm knew exactly what had happened; Mac didn't realize till after to her great horror and the patrons at the affair never knew what hit them. If the Goddess on his arm every now and then flashed supreme in public Harm could live with that. All in all life at the Rabbs was good. ====================================== 1515 LOCAL JAG HQ Five people sat in the Office of the Judge Advocate General: The JAG himself Admiral AJ Chedwiggen, his Chief of Staff Colonel Sarah Rabb, Congresswoman Bobbie Latham, her Military Attaché Captain Harmon Rabb and Deputy Director Operations for the CIA Clayton Webb. "Now that we are all assembled Congresswoman we're all ears." AJ said. "Thank you AJ. I am here with a Presidential request." She replied. The whole room snapped to attention. "The fewer who know the better. President Kennedy is due to make a state visit to Mexico soon and his daughter Mackenzie is scheduled to accompany him. The White House has received threats against Ms Kennedy." "What kind of threat?" Webb demanded, as he wondered why the White House had not seen it fit to tell the CIA of such things. "Threats of the kidnapping kind." Bobbie replied. "The President has asked me to liaise on his behalf with the necessary powers so as to find a solution." "And for that you come to JAG ma'am?" Mac asked. Bobbie handed her a file. Mac opened it and groaned. She had read not one line from the file for the photo said it all. She should have realized. People were always commenting on her resemblance to Mackenzie Kennedy even their hair was cut the same, now here was her "twin" in her lap. She looked at Bobbie. "The President is my Commander in Chief his request is an order. What does he propose?" "A switch." "Elaborate." AJ demanded. "The Colonel and Kennedy are two peas in a pod. It is my suggestion that Mac switch with Mac." Bobbie responded. "Mac?" Mac inquired. "Mac is Kennedy's nick name. One less hurdle for you to deal with." Bobbie smiled. "If the press is anything to go by Ms Kennedy is a force to be reckoned with. Is she on board with this?" Webb asked. "It took much persuading on her father's part but she will cooperate, with what ever solution is recommended." Harm spoke for the first time. "Why not just abort her section of the visit?" Mac asked. "Obviously you don't know the Kennedys." Bobbie replied. Mac looked at her CO. "Who is the Colonel's back up?" AJ asked. It was a Presidential request there was no doubt that the "request" would be granted. "Webb and I. Just like last time." Harm replied. "Mac knows how to play rich. So the orientation will only focus on the mannerisms of Ms Kennedy." "That file contains her bio. Learn it. Commit it to your soul for your life may depend on it." Bobbie said seriously. "The three of you go to Camp David tonight at eight. Mac at some point you will be spending time with the Kennedy clan at their home. The President will decide when." "Tonight!" AJ's brain was cranking Mac had a number of cases pending and she was his Chief of Staff with a myriad of duties to perform. "Tonight." Bobbie confirmed. "This ball needs to start rolling now and the fewer people who know the better. Mac and Mac cannot be seen together or even one after the other in case someone decides that the de ja vu is suspect… and so tonight it is!" AJ sighed and conceded "Tonight." =============================================== = THREE WEEKS LATER - 1209 LOCAL CAMP DAVID It had been a hectic three weeks. Mackenzie Kennedy had proved to be quite helpful with the assignment. Once she had accepted the fact that the switch was to take place she had done all humanly possible to assist. Mac was now talking a break with lazy walk along Hunting Creek, the President was due in that evening and after introductions Mackenzie was to leave for parts unknown and Mac was to step into the role of daughter. The State visit was in two weeks. "Hey." A voice cut the silence. She knew that voice in her sleep. "Hey" She turned to watch her husband approach. "You ok?" She took a deep breath. "Harm this assignment in many ways is easy in others…" "I know kitten." He empathized. "I am supposed to call my Commander In Chief daddy!" Harm couldn't help chucking. She hit him playfully. "Not funny flyboy." "Look at it this way. The staff already know that the First Daughter has a thing for her bodyguard." She looked at him in horror. "No!" "Yes!" He grinned. "Lighten up Mac. Your great Uncle Jack is reputed to have done worse. Look at it as carrying on the family legacy." "Can I cite you for contemptuous words?" she smiled. "Oh well if I am going to face a court martial let it be for something!" He grabbed her and gave her a quick but definite kiss. =============================================== = 1720 LOCAL CAMP DAVID Five people occupied the Office of the President of the United States of America. The President himself Warner Kennedy, his daughter Mackenzie Kennedy, Colonel Sarah Rabb, Military Attaché to Congresswoman Bobbie Latham, Captain Harmon Rabb and Deputy Director Operations for the CIA Clayton Webb. "Daddy." Mackenzie greeted her father. "Hey kiddo." Warner hugged her. With his wife dead some ten years his thirty something year old daughter had become his world. He knew she would marry and have her own home one-day but in the mean time she was with him and he enjoyed her company. She was also the closest to a First Lady he could offer the County. He finally focused on the three witnesses and did a double take. Mackenzie stepped in and introduced the others. "As you were." The President instructed. He couldn't take his eyes off Mac. "It's uncanny." He observed. "Dressing alike didn't help." His daughter said. They were both in blue faded jeans, Marine Green shirts and boots. The effect was eerie to all who knew them. "When do you leave?" Warner asked. "Tonight after dinner." She replied. "I'm not saying where in case it becomes a factor. But there are people who know where to reach me if needed." She assured her father. "Then you step in." He said to Mac. "Aye sir." "It's daddy." Warner smiled. "Yes sir… daddy." Mac tried out the title. He opened his arms at the Marine Colonel. "Come here Mac." Hesitantly at first Mac moved towards Warner Kennedy. They hugged. "If we are to be family it had better start now." "Aye… sorry. Yes daddy." Mac said. [She had better get this daddy thing right or all was lost.] She thought to herself. With one arm around each woman he spoke to the men. "Gentlemen if you would be so kind to leave me with my daughters?…" "Aye sir." Harm said and left followed by Webb. =============================================== = 2120 LOCAL CAMP DAVID Mac had concealed herself until all the dishes had been brought in for as much as possible it was not to be common knowledge that there were two Macs. But the staff probably knew anyway but she was not about to provide proof! She had sat quietly and observed how Kennedy Father and Daughter interacted. Dinner had been a riot. With only the role of father to play, the President had relaxed completely with his daughter. They had chatted about everything from World Affairs to the latest antics of her dog Dax. Then it was time to part and at 2100 Colonel Sarah Rabb USMC stepped into the role of Ms Mackenzie Kennedy, daughter to the most powerful man in the world. Warner lit a pipe and smiled as Mac frowned. "I know I know … it's not good form me." "You said it I didn't." Mac replied, "What did the Surgeon General tell you?" "Bah! That old curmudgeon don't know jack shit!" he replied. "Daddy!" Mac squealed. "I don't indent for you to keel over during some ceremony because your arteries have finally clogged up." The she raised her hands in surrender. "I give up." "Again?" he said. "As you are so fond of informing me… you have got this far with a pipe in your hand you may as well go all the way." "Well said daughter well said." He heaved himself out of the chair, moved to her side and kissed her on the top of her head. "Night dear." "You ok daddy? Seems early for you to be turning in already." Mac asked. "I'm ok kiddo. Just tired. It has been a hell of an evening." He assured her. "Sure has." She agreed. He leaned lower to whisper in her ear. "If I hadn't been there for the switch I would not know the difference. Thank you Colonel." He stood and walked out before she could respond. =============================================== = ONE WEEK LATER - 2120 LOCAL WHITE HOUSE, OVAL OFFICE Mac stepped into her "father's" office. "Daddy?" She interrupted, "Oh I'm sorry I didn't realize that you were busy. I'll come back later." "No no come on in kiddo." Warner called. "You know the Secretary of the Navy." "Indeed I do." Mac smiled at the man who didn't have a clue as to who she actually was. He smiled back. "What's up?" Warner asked his daughter, as he guided her to one of the windows away from the meeting. "I have some time in my schedule I was thinking of going to Valhalla." She informed him. "When are you thinking of going?" "Tomorrow. Can you come too?" She asked. "Ah honey I don't think I can swing it." He groaned. She moved up close to him "Come on daddy the break will do you good." She pleaded. They turned as they heard the SECNAV chuckle. "Something amuse you Nelson?" The President asked. "Sorry sir but in my experience when my wife and or my daughter want something I surrender at the first shot across the bough." Nelson said. Mac rested her head on Warner's shoulder and virtually purred. "OK OK I surrender. We'll go for the weekend how's that." He conceded. "Great. Thanks daddy." She had an ulterior motive. She needed to see the family home to round off her knowledge of the character that she was playing. She headed towards the door and stopped short of the threshold. "SECNAV I want to apologize for the interruption and the obvious abuse of female charm." "That's quite alright Miss Kennedy as a father myself I understand completely." He cooed. Mac smiled at him winked at her "father" and left. =============================================== = NEXT DAY- 0921 LOCAL WHITE HOUSE, ROSE GARDEN "So Mr. Security Guard talk to me." Mac was leaning on a tree holding a meeting with Harm and Webb. "We got another threat." Harm informed her. She got serious "You have it with you?" "Here." Webb handed her a photocopy of the threatening letter. She grabbed it and read, "Notice how it says if you come and not if you go?" she said. "Yeah we picked that up." Harm concurred. "So now what?" She asked as she ran her had up his arm. "Do you have my wedding band safe Mr. Rabb?" "I do." He showed her that he had it wearing on his little finger. "Don't do that." Webb warned. "What?" Mac asked. "Rubbing his arm. Next we'll see it on the National Enquirer." Webb complained. "President daughter in love with body guard." "You mean like this?" she proceeded to rub Webb's cheek. "…and it happens to be true." "Mac!" Webb blushed as Harm grinned. "We don't expect to have much of a change in the arrangements, but we will have to be vigilant." Harm said. "That means we are getting a female operative?" Mac inquired. They looked confused. "Well if security is so tight I can't see either of you following me into the toilet." She grinned. "As a VIP I leave that all to you to work out. I'm off. Brief me when you are done." On that note she left the two men. "How do you handle her?" Webb was bemused. "With a firm hand." Webb snored his disbelief. =============================================== = 1109 LOCAL WHITE HOUSE Mac came barreling round the corner and ran straight into Warner. "Whoa where's the fire!" Warner asked. Mac chuckled "Running late for a meeting." "Ah there reason we live." He smiled. "See you for dinner?" She asked. "Doubt it." He apologized. "Ah there reason we live." She echoed. She leaned over and kissed him on his cheek "See ya daddy." "Be good!" he yelled after her. =============================================== = TWO DAYS LATER – 0908 LOCAL JAG HQ "You sent for me sir?" "Come in. Close the door. I thought you would find this interesting." AJ turned and faced the TV. There on the news was Colonel Sarah Rabb posing as Mackenzie Kennedy cutting the ribbon as part of the opening ceremony for a new daycare center in Harlem, New York. The woman faced him and smiled. "We Mac's learn quick." "Mac… that is an understatement." He chuckled. When Mackenzie Kennedy had walked into his office with the offer to take Sarah Rabb's place at JAG his first reaction had been to say no. In fact he had said no. But the woman had been able to persuade him, as she put it apart from breathing; Kennedy's knew three things at birth: money, politics and law. She was not a military lawyer. In fact she practiced a highly specialized aspect of the law – environmental. It was enough for her to step in as Chief of Staff with no cases to deal with, but with the ability to talk the talk and to deal with the paperwork. She was also in the reserves so understood chain of command. AJ had changed his initial reaction and with Bobbie Latham's backing they had hidden the President's daughter in plain view of all. Now here they were getting confirmation that Mac had passed the acid test too. [What a mission!} AJ thought. =============================================== = ONE WEEK LATER - 1821 LOCAL ON BOARD AIR FORCEONE "Welcome on board sir… ma'am" The steward said. "Hi Jackson." Mac said. "How are the pups?" "Managed to get homes for all." The man replied as he got the Kennedys comfortable and the rest of the entourage settled themselves in various other sections of the plane. "Oh I'm so glad… I really would have taken one…" she began. "… but Dax would have objected." He finished. She grinned at him in agreement. + + + The plane had leveled off and Jackson walked up to Mac with a tray of drinks. "The usual ma'am?" This had been the one variable that Mac had had a serious concern about. Mackenzie Kennedy's favourite drink was tonic, lime and vodka. Mac as a recovering alcoholic of over ten years sobriety did not drink. She could smell the alcohol from where she sat. "No." she saw his surprise. She stood. "Jackson. Daddy and I have a bet running. Who can give it up longer… Him and his pipe verse my vodka and me. Now I am convinced that I'll win this one but I'll keep it running for the whole trip, just to rub it in. It's a short trip and should be synch." She smiled at him. "Spread the word ok?" Jackson smiled at her. He really could deny Mac nothing. "This is going to be fun." He walked away to change the drink. + + + Mac was doing some last minute reading on her visit to Mexico. Mackenzie was no piece of fluff on her father's arm. She was going to Mexico on a fact-finding mission on the Army's Southern Command Humanitarian Assistance Program, while the President was there to sign the latest economic treaty with their Southern neighbour. She looked up as she felt a presence. "Get you anything ma'am?" Harm queried. She smiled. "Sit with me Rabb." He complied. "Drink ok?" He asked pointedly. "Just what I ordered." She stressed the "I" He nodded his understanding. "Security to your satisfaction?" "Yes ma'am." "Good." He stood and left. They were on the mission now and all was business. + + + Mac flopped down next to her "father" "Hey." She said softly. "Still working?" "Hey kiddo." He tipped her head and kissed the top. "The paperless office is an oxymoron." "Don't I know it." "I miss your mother." He said suddenly. Mac was not prepared for that. "I miss her too. You ok daddy?" She and the President had been running this act for a while now had he forgotten who she was? He sighed. "Yeah I'm ok. Just that every now and then I miss her more that normal. No big deal." She kissed his cheek. "I know. I know." He adjusted his position so that she could rest her head on his shoulder. They were found in that position asleep when Jackson came to announce that they were about to land. =============================================== = 2116 LOCAL MEXICO CITY The first order of business was a welcome reception, which entailed the who's who of Mexican and American society. Porter Webb had trained Mac not so long ago in handling just such sorties; she proceeded to handle the event with ease. She left the unease to Harm and Webb. Mac had headed to the ladies room and was touching up her makeup when she spotted the woman coming up behind her, with handkerchief in hand her intent was clear. Mac made her intensions just as clear. As the woman lunged at her she sidestepped and the force took her past Mac and straight into the mirror. It was an easy matter to karate chop her behind her head and leave her out cold on the floor. She found Webb waiting outside. "Get me a female to go to the john with me and this time it's not a joke." She growled softly. "Attempt number one is on the floor in there. Clean it up." She continued back to the reception. Webb scrambled to comply. =============================================== = NEXT DAY - 1821 LOCAL MEXICO CITY In addition to Harm and Webb, Mac now found herself being shadowed by a female operative. She was forced to ignore all three as she focused on her agenda. It had been an intense series of meetings where various Colonels and Directors made presentations and answered her numerous questions. It was now 1821 and she still had one meeting to go… but her Mackenzie genes were kicking in. She needed food and called for a one-hour brake. Mac and her three "shadows" stood in a secluded section of the hallway near the garden to review the day. They were near enough to the other participants but far enough that they could not be heard. As they talked quietly the heard the guns crank. Mac groaned. "I don't believe this!" "Believe." Webb said grimly "Rabb can you see anyone?" "Not yet." An accented voice floated their way and said in English. "No one will get hurt we only want the Kennedy woman." Mac locked eyes with her husband. She began to move toward the voice. "Can't let that happen ma'am." Harm said. He instructed the female operative. "Xavier stay with her. Webb you're with me." Mac and the Agent hit the deck as Harm and Webb separated. There was instant gunfire. Mac rolled over to a tree and sat up with gun in hand. By this time there was pandemonium in the hotel, with people screaming and running in all different directions. American and Mexican military were soon converging on her location. "Miss Kennedy! You ok?" An American Colonel demanded as he prayed that she was all right. "Yes I'm fine. Rabb and Webb went after them. Get some men to follow and assist." She looked around "I had a female guard with me." "She's here ma'am." Some one said. "She's been shot." Mac pushed through the crowd. Get a doctor here now!" She snapped. + + + By the time Harm and Webb returned the Doctor had taken care of Xavier and she was on her way to the hospital. "You get them?" She demanded. Harm shook his head. "We're not familiar with the terrain. They gave us the slip." Mac wanted to scream in frustration. "My suite now!" She walked off with the two in tow. =============================================== = 2018 LOCAL MAC'S SUITE Webb barely had time to close the door before Mac flung herself at her husband nearly knocking him over in the process. "Are you all right?!" She demanded, "Oh God Harm if you had been shot!" "Take it easy kitten." He assured her. "I'm fine." He held her close. "You sure?" He tilted her chin up and kissed her deeply. Webb turned away. "That convince you?" Harm grinned at her. "Mmmm" she smacked her lips "More." "Later." Webb cut in. Mac glared at him, but conceded. "OK… Webb this is getting out of hand. Why the need to grab me?" "As pressure to stop your father from signing the treaty or as penalty for doing so." Webb speculated. There was a knock. Harm disentangled himself reluctantly and answered the door. "Sir." He granted President Kennedy access to the suite. Once inside he and Webb left and stood outside. Warner hurried towards her arms open. "Come here kiddo. I just heard. You ok?" "I'm fine." She assured him. "Not a scratch. An agent got shot and the would be kidnappers escaped. I'm still a bit jumpy but all in all I'll survive." Warner hugged her tighter. "Mac if something ever happened to you I don't know what I'd do!" he confessed. Again Mac wondered at this man's perception of her. "It's all right daddy. I'm not going anywhere and I'm safe." He let her go. "So how was your day?" She guided him to a sofa. "I never ceases to amaze me how much can be packed into a one day visit." He told her. "Tell me about it. It was session after session after session." She agreed. "You eaten yet?" "No" "How about room service." She suggested. "Just me and my old man." "Hey watch who you calling old." He faked horror. "But you have you forgotten the cultural extravaganza at nine thirty?" She jumped up. "Sweet Jesus! With all the excitement I had! Out!" "You putting me out?! The President of the United States?" he wailed. She stood arms akimbo. "Out - Daddy dearest unless you want an international incident. Can you not see it? Presidential daughter snubs Mexican hospitality for Mexican food." Warner chuckled, shook his head and stood. "I will knock on your door in five minutes." "Ten!" She shouted as she headed for the shower. =============================================== = 0821 LOCAL ON BOARD AIR FORCEONE The cultural event had passed with no further incident that Mac was aware of, but operatives had caught a gunman posing as an usher and arrested him. He was handed over to local Police who had hopes that either he or the woman from the first attempt would lead them to the rest of their cronies. "Now I know why I dodge these trips." Mac said. "That was one whirlwind visit!" Warner chuckled "Make you a deal." She got guarded "Uh huh." "We'll spend a weekend at Valhalla if you go to Vancouver with me next month." He proposed. "Which weekend is that exactly?" she quizzed. He howled in laughter "You got me!" Mac joined him in his mirth. He leaned over and whispered in her ear. "Thank you for my daughter Colonel." "You're entirely welcome." She said softly. =============================================== = TWO DAYS LATER - 0821 LOCAL CAMP DAVID There was no one to witness the switch. "Thank you." Mackenzie said. "You are quite welcome Ms Kennedy." Mac assured her. "Please. You have lived my life and saved it. I should warn you that I was living you life as well. So call me Mac everyone does." "Strange … everyone calls me Mac too." She grinned "And thank you." "For what? Getting shot at?" "For letting me share your father. I lost mine when I was young." "Ah." Her clone said. "You're welcome… goodbye." "Goodbye." And with that the two women separated. =============================================== = 0912 LOCAL OUTSIDE OF CAMP DAVID "Mac explain something to me." "Sure Webb if I can." "How do you do it? Go from that kind of life back to yours with no apparent culture shock. Not that there is anything wrong with yours." She smiled "Tell him Harm." Without missing a beat he replied. "Because she is coming back to the man who adores her." "And there you have it." She said. "My wedding ring Rabb." "Aye ma'am." THE END