Title: Deployment II: Warring Factions Author: Anne Taul [annetaul@insightbb.com] and Rising Sun [jagrslc@yahoo.com ] The FF of Anne Taul is archived at: http://www.geocities.com/atjag101 The FF of Rising Sun is archived at: http://www.geocities.com/jagrslc For updates on FF by Rising Sun join: jagrslc- subscribe@yahoogroups.com Rated: PG-13 (NC-17 available) Classification: JAG Story/Adventure/Romance: Harm/Mac Summary: As the war touches home, Harm and Mac struggle to define their relationship. 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. Authors' Notes: This story was triggered by the story Deployment by Anne Taul, NC-17 version is available at http://www.jagundercovers.com/warning.htm, while the PG-13 version is at http://www.geocities.com/atjag101/non_nc17/series_deployment/deploym ent1.htm Feedback: Would be nice… so where is it? Permission to archive: Permission granted Story Written January/February 2002 ************************************************************ 1300 LOCAL BETHESDA NAVAL HOSPITAL The tall olive skinned man was wheeled out of the hospital. Like many patients before him and many others to follow he had objected to being wheeled out. After all, as he explained, all he did was have his appendix taken out. They way they acted one would think it was open-heart surgery! The staff, however, was familiar with the song and was not joining in. The senior nurse took her Drill Sergeant stand and the Marine Major finally surrendered to a superior force and slipped into the chair grateful that she hadn't offered to lift him into it. Finally, there he was at the entrance to the medical facility and he tried to recall where he had parked. Then he remembered Beverly had called for a taxi, as he didn't think he would have been able to make the drive safely. He reached for his cell as he touched it; it rang. The suddenness of the ring as he reached for it startled him. He flipped it open. "What!" "Well, excuse me." His sarcasm was heavy. "I have spent the last two weeks in hospital, turning on my cell was not a priority." He walked away from the entry as he listened. "You have some nerve calling me on an open line like a cell to discuss this…" He was cut off. "Of course that's better. I'll meet you there." Again he listened. "First of all, I have been preoccupied being in the hospital so no I have not been too focused on that; second what is the rush and, third wait till we meet face to face!" He was getting more and more irritated. "If you keep pushing I may not even bother… now I said I'll meet you and I will!" he snapped the cell shut. Then he remembered that he needed a taxi. He reopened the instrument and dialed. + + + NEXT DAY 1400 LOCAL DULLES INTERNATIONAL He had met with his contact. There had been much shouting as the testosterone levels had become elevated, but finally sanity had prevailed and the two men had calmed down. At sun set they had prayed together, then eaten and continued to talk. If he was honest with himself, much of what was discussed made a lot of sense. He finally said so. Having finally understood what was being discussed and the repercussions involved he had agreed that it was kismet, fate, it was to be. He'd gone home and packed a bag. Now here he was, ironically, on an AA flight and headed east. He settled back in the luxurious seat as only provided in First Class and admonished himself for not calling his mother. He'd write to her when he landed. Marine Major M. Alexander Phillips, MAP to his friends, got comfortable and fell asleep. + + + SAME DAY SECOND RECONNAISSANCE BATTALION CAMP LEJEUNE – 1600 LOCAL MP Martinez spotted Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez sauntering across the compound. "Gunny!" He called. "Hey Martinez, que pasa?" "Nada… you seen Major Phillips?" "Na not since…" Victor paused. "Uh huh." The MP said. "He was due here at 0800 today." "You check the gate log?" Victor asked. The MP gave him a look that said. Do I look like a damn fool? "Sorry." Gunny apologized. "You know what you gotta do." "Mmmm." The MP grumbled "Gracias." He turned and walked away. "De nada" Victor replied. He wasn't happy; here they were facing war and it seemed that they now had a Marine Major AWOL. "Damn it!" he cursed. ========================================= 1117 LOCAL JAG HQ, HARM"S OFFICE Harmon Rabb leaned back in his desk chair and propped his feet up on the corner of his desk. That morning he had botched an evidenciary hearing, giving the ambitious Lt Singer a clear advantage in their upcoming litigation. But he couldn't really think about that. All that was on his mind right now was a beautiful, dark - haired marine. Mac had been gone for two months, but she was still haunting his dreams and interfering with his powers of concentration. They had spent the night together the night before she left for deployment in the Middle East, and it had been the most incredible night of his life. It wasn't just the sex, although that had been more incredible than he could have ever imagined, it was her. The way she looked, the way she smelled, and the way she felt in his arms, all these things played over in his mind. He missed her so much. He had finally told her that he loved her, a secret that he'd hidden away for so long. She had repeated the same words to him, and he knew that she meant it, but he feared that the confession didn't hold the same meaning for her that it did for him. He recalled how she had warned him: <<< He gazed deeply into her big brown eyes and said, "I love you, Sarah." She almost panicked. "Harm, I'm gone in the morning. I don't have anything to give you but tonight." He assured her, "That's all I need.">>> Had he ever really said that? He supposed he'd just been so blinded by his desire for her, and by his sadness at the prospect of her leaving that he would have agreed to anything she had said. But there was no way that he could be satisfied with having her one night, then letting her go. Why had it been so easy for her? When she woke up that morning, she didn't seem conflicted about leaving at all: <<< "I told you that this one night was all I wanted – that it was enough. But, Sarah, it's not. I want more. I love you." "Harm, I love you too, but I've got to get in the shower right now." She stood. He grasped her hand in his and admired her form. Then he brought the back of the hand to his lips and kissed it. "Goodbye, Darling." >>> Just like that, she had walked out of his life. Obviously, her feelings didn't mean the same to her as his did to him. Otherwise, how could she have left him? Harm knew that Sarah Mackenzie was THE one for him. He would never want anyone else. He had thought that she knew it too. The first few emails they had exchanged had been peppered with remembrances of their night together and words of love and commitment. Then, after three weeks of training at the embassy in Iran, where she had become intimately familiar with the political situations in the war torn areas of the world, she had gone to Afghanistan. She hadn't answered any of his communications for a while and when she did, she politely thanked him for the memories, but stated that any further relationship was not in her future. Harm figured she was just busy with her new responsibilities, so he could be patient. But nothing had changed in the weeks she'd been deployed. He was so depressed by her abandonment of their love. He was convinced that she did love him the way he loved her, but when would he ever get the chance to make her remember? Making love to Mac had been the climactic experience of his life. He remembered every detail of how she looked, how her body felt in his hands. Her skin was so smooth. They fit together so perfectly. He was brought out of this sweet remembrance by a knocking on the door. "Yes." He responded. The door opened to admit Petty Officer Tiner. "Commander, the Admiral wants to see you and Lt. Roberts in his office, right away." "I'll be right there, Tiner. Thank you." Harm stood and moved toward the door. He was glad that the material of his uniform would conceal the wet spot, which had formed in his underwear. Oh, he missed her. ========================================= ADMIRAL CHEGWIDDEN'S OFFICE JAG HQ Bud was waiting for him, so that they entered together. They took the seats that their C.O, offered them. "Gentlemen," Chegwidden began, "do either of you know anything about Major Mustafa Alexander Phillips?" "Who, Sir?" Bud responded. "No, Sir." Harm concluded. "He's a squadron training leader at Camp Lejeune. The doctors at Bethesda did an emergency appendectomy on him two weeks ago." "How does this concern JAG, Admiral?" Harm asked, impatiently. "He was released back to duty but never showed up." "Then, he's UA, Sir?" Bud guessed. "Yes, Lieutenant, he is. Now, though, we know that he left the country." "Can't the military police just bring him back?" Harm asked. He didn't see any relevance here. Major Phillips, known to the intelligence community as MAP…..it's from his initials……..has been suspected for some time of having terrorist ties in the Middle East." "Then how did he get to be an officer in our marine corps, Sir?" "He's an American citizen. Second generation Afghani, I believe. Anyway, what we've discovered now is that he has been contacted several times over the last six months or so by terrorist groups in Afghanistan, including those run by Osama bin Laden." "Uuuh" Bud cringed, slightly. "Exactly." Lieutenant. "Apparently he hasn't joined them yet, but there is fear that he might. We've got to figure out if he's involved and how. Gentlemen, I don't have to tell you what would happen if it was discovered that a senior US military officer knew about the September 11th attacks before they occurred? If there's any evidence at all that MAP knew about those plans and could have prevented all those deaths, we must find out and we must hold him accountable." "Sir, is there evidence of that?" Harm asked. "I don't know, Commander. MAP was identified by civilian airline employees as a passenger on a flight from Atlanta to London yesterday. We have no idea what his final destination is or where he is now, but we know that he's not with his battalion at Camp Lejeune. We need to find him, and we need to do it before the press gets hold of this. There should be no reason for anybody to think that the military cannot take care of its own business. We have to get him to talk and hold him accountable for whatever he's involved in." "When he's tracked down, will he be transferred back here for questioning, Sir?" "That's my plan. , but if we can gather enough evidence to charge him with treason, we'll probably skip straight to court martial. But we have to gather the evidence before we make that decision." "The two of you leave for Camp Lejeune at 1700 to investigate what we have against him. Depending on what you find, we'll decide how to proceed. Surely he'll turn up somewhere or you'll figure out where he went." ========================================= NEXT AFTERNOON CAMP LEJEUNE, NORTH CAROLINA Bud and Harm had been sitting at a conference room table interviewing base personnel all day. Everyone seemed to know MAP, and everyone had some kind of opinion about him. Harm rose and shook hands with the officer who was just leaving. "Thank you, Captain." Then, to Bud, "That was very interesting." "Sir, just because Major Phillips practices the Islam religion, doesn't make him a terrorist." "No, of course not, Bud. But haven't they been saying that this is a religious war?" His religious identification with the cause, might make him more likely to join in." "I don't think we can assume that, Sir." "Maybe not, I just said that it was interesting." "Should we call the Admiral with what we've got so far?" "Bud, we don't have anything so far." "I don't think we will until we find Major Phillips." "Where do you suggest we look? Nobody here seems to know where he is." "So, what? We go back to Washington and wait?" A knock on the door ended their speculations. General Horace Clancy entered. "Commander, Lieutenant, did you find my staff helpful, I hope?" "Yes, Sir." They chorused. "Good. Gentlemen, I want this traitor brought up on charges immediately when he's found. When can he be court martialed?" "Sir, we don't know that he's done anything except left town." Bud commented. "He's one f them. I bet he's gone over there to join them." Harm cleared his throat, but refrained from responding to this. ========================================= 0919 LOCAL COMMAND GROUPING OF THE NORTHERN ALLIANCE ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN Mac had spent much time processing paperwork. She was amazed and constantly wondered at the mounds of paper. Who would have thought that conditions in the field could generate so much paper? It was worse than JAG! As the thought crossed her mind she invariably reflected on Harm. That in turn usually led to her cursing their lousy timing. Today, however she had been called up before the Command Grouping of The Northern Alliance to testify on the congruency of the enemy's actions and their cultural/religious beliefs. Mac sat facing the panel of the top brass of the Northern Alliance. British Admiral Fenton Smyth-French addressed her. "Colonel, I find your testimony most intriguing. Elaborate for me on the Al-Qadar, which seems to be very similar to the Al Qaeda" "In its literal form "Al Qaeda," is an Arabic word meaning "the base", however terrorists have taken the word and used it as a title for an international terrorist network alleged to be led by Osama bin Laden…" General Thomas, the American representative and Chairman interrupted her. "Alleged Colonel? Is that lawyer speak I'm hearing?" She smiled. "I was a Judge Advocate, Sir, and I am a lawyer." "I see." He chuckled, "Continue." "Al-Qadar …" She resumed, "On the other hand means Divine Predestination. Muslims believe in Al-Qadar, however, this does not mean that they do not have or believe in freewill, for they do." "Colonel that is a very interesting but the burning question is - Will the Taliban support Al Qaeda?" General Thomas pressed. "They have shown a willingness in the past to support and there is no reason to assume that the support will not continue." She projected. "You say that with great confidence Colonel. You have no doubt on that point?" Admiral Smyth-French demanded. "No, Sir." She responded. "Why?" He insisted. "Because of the belief in Divine Predestination, that belief includes certain basic points, among them being that God has recorded all that has happened and all that will happen. Thus whatever God wills to happen happens, and whatever He wills not to happen does not happen. Now if what has, is, and will happen is already decreed then the Taliban are following a path that cannot be wavered from. They have supported Al Qaeda and will continue to do so for it is Al-Qadar, Divine Predestination." "I don't understand." The representative of the United Nations spoke at last. "You speak of free will and Divine Predestination in the same breath. Surely that is a contradiction?" "It would seem to be such on first glance…" She conceded, "… however it is believed that Allah has given freewill and all are responsible for their choices. The Taliban are in the unique position where their free will matches perfectly that of the Divine Predestination. " "Any further questions?" The Chairman of the Command Grouping asked. There were none. "Thank you, Colonel that was very illuminating. Dismissed." "Aye, Sir." + + + As Mac emerged, a Corporal approached her. "Colonel Mackenzie?" "Yes." "Colonel Mendoza asked for you to join her in her office." He relayed the order. "Thank you, Corporal." She headed towards the office. ========================================= 1145 LOCAL COLONEL ALICIA MENDOZA'S OFFICE "Lt. Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered." Mac stood at attention before the higher ranked officer. "As you were." The Colonel instructed. "You speak Arabic I'm told." "Farsi, Ma'am." "US intelligence officers found this in a house in Jalalabad, a city in eastern Afghanistan." Mac took the package and peeped inside. "A video tape, Ma'am?" Mac was intrigued. "We need to know what it says. Assemble a team. You have twenty-four hours to give me the gist of the tape. Details can follow later. Questions?" "No, Ma'am!" "Dismissed." ========================================= TWENTY-FOUR HOURS LATER Mac had learned that the bigger the team the less that got done. As such her team consisted of three persons, one was one of the official translators for the United Nations Mr. Khalid El Hadary, the other was Arab-American Sergeant Major Mohammed Gouda, and the third was herself. They had soon gotten the gist of the tape. Approximately one hour long, it consisted of what seemed to be three different segments: about twelve- minutes on a visit to the site of the downed U.S. helicopter in Ghazni province, with two sections showing what seemed to be a courtesy visit by Bin Laden and his lieutenants to an unidentified Shaykh. From what they could see the Shayhk appeared to be a cripple from the waist down and appeared to take place in Qandahar at a guesthouse. They sat stunned for a moment. "Check it again, Sergeant Major." She ordered. She was not about to bring this stick of dynamite to a superior officer without a further check. "Colonel, with all due respect, that is not necessary. The tape has been check by us individually, in pairs and as a group. It says what it says. This tape shows bin Laden apparently celebrating the deaths of those who were killed on September 11… shocking, but there you have it." El Hadary told her. "I suppose you are right." She sighed. "Thank you, Gentlemen very much, for your time and effort. I will report to the Colonel on our findings. Go get some well deserved rest." "You are welcome, to be sure." El Hadary replied. ========================================= ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN No sooner had the tape been released than orders had come for Mac to join the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, Special Operations Forces/Marine Expeditionary Units under the command of General Blakeman near Kabul, Afghanistan. As second in command she was relieving Colonel Tom Lawson and joining the units at the moment when all Special Forces Units had been placed on alert. The tape had indeed proven to be the stick of dynamite that she had regarded it as. Every major and minor media house carried it. What had finally put her butterflies to rest was that the transcript and annotations independently prepared by George Michael, translator, Diplomatic Language Services; and Dr. Kassem M. Wahba, Arabic language program co-coordinator, School of Advanced International Studies, Johns Hopkins University had shown that there were no inconsistencies in her groups translations. It made her proud to think that even under battlefield conditions her little team had performed not just well, but to international standards. ========================================= EN ROUTE TO WASHINGTON On the flight back to Washington, Harm and Bud went over each testimony they'd collected from the people they had interviewed at Lejeune. The base chaplain, Captain Evers, had spent a lot of time with Major Phillips as he struggled with his Muslim faith and how that played out in the current world situation. According to Evers, MAP had finally come to terms with the extreme actions of the radicals being a perversion of his religion, rather than an expression of it. He had absolutely denied that Phillips had harbored sympathies for the terrorists or their actions. He was as enraged as all of America by the events of September 11th. Beverly Atchison, a civilian who worked as a waitress in the officer's club, had dated Phillips off and on for over a year. As a matter of fact, she had been out with him the night his appendix had ruptured. She had reported that he talked, then, mostly about the intersquad competition that was coming up soon. He was his normal self -- nothing unusual. Lt Colonel Davis, who worked closely with MAP every day told them about Phillips' struggles against the prejudice that some people automatically adapted toward persons of Middle Eastern descent after the terrorist attacks. He had said that his co-worker in no way identified himself with those extremists. The JAG officers had checked through all of the base phone records that could be attributed to Major Phillips. There were quite several international calls listed. The only way to narrow these down to provide usable information was to ask the base communications office for help. Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez, formerly assigned to JAG headquarters, was rotating through this department as part of his special ops training. The three men were glad to be reunited briefly. Harm and Bud knew that they could trust the gunny to track down all the relevant information. What they found was that MAP had made 5 phone calls in the past month to Afghanistan and Pakistan. The numbers were all different, but could be run through a computer data base. This was totally circumstantial; he could have been calling relatives. The data check, though revealed that at least three of these numbers were registered to known Al-Qaeda sympathizers. It was damning, but still it wasn't proof. His C.O., General Clancy, detailed a conversation he had had with the major in which he had expressed an inner conflict over the fact that he still had relatives living in Afghanistan, as well as a few friends. That was a difficult position to be in when your own country was at war with that one. The two JAG officers reviewed all their data, but concluded that none of it was in any way conclusive. It merely painted the picture of a confused and conflicted officer who was in a bad situation. The Admiral had told them that the intelligence community believed that the terrorist forces had been recruiting MAP, but they found no reason to think that he had decided to join them. If only he hadn't left the country, he wouldn't look so guilty. As it was, both Bud and Harm were inclined to believe the worst of Major Phillips. They wondered where he was. For his sake, they hoped he wasn't headed for Afghanistan. ========================================= POLITICAL DELEGATION NEAR KANDAHAR Mac's tour of duty had afforded her a wide range of experiences. For three weeks she had been attached to the political delegation near Kandahar, there she had participated in direct negotiations with delegations from both enemy camps and other countries that wanted to be involved in the US war against terrorism. It was slow work, which focused on the "big picture" of the war effort. Overall strategies were devised and changed regularly. It had been a change from JAG, but hardly what she had anticipated being sent into a combat zone. Now, however, she was ready to leave. Her new assignment was on the front lines. She was going to the Marine Corps command bunker in the Afghani desert, near Kabal. This forward unit consisted of the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division and a variety of American and British special force units. It was the first processing area for prisoners taken from Al Qaeda troops. It could be a dangerous duty station, she supposed, but that wasn't what bothered her about it. The thing that made it seem unpleasant was that it felt like it was taking her farther away Washington, from JAG -- from Harm. Harm. She thought about him so much. She missed their talks. She missed his teasing. She missed --- him. That night they had spent together, the night before she shipped out, stayed with her all the time. They had gone to dinner together, then her going away party. When they had danced together, his body pressed so tightly against hers. Back at her apartment, she had initiated a nightlong lovemaking session that had surpassed every expectation she had ever had. It had been the most wonderful and memorable night of her entire life. Dismissed early on the eve of her departure, she went to her hotel room to pack. Stuffing things into her duffle, she was aware that she probably wouldn't see accommodations this nice for a while. On the field of battle, you could expect only the barest minimum of amenities. But she'd been in those conditions before, it wouldn't bother her. A photo fell to the floor, from its place wedged in between her garments in a drawer. It was the one she kept hidden, only looking at in privacy. It was Harm next to his yellow Stearman, wind whipping through his hair. She shouldn't have brought this at all, but she just couldn't leave it behind, the way she had left him behind. When she sat down on the bed to study the picture, daydreams crept up on her. At one time they had been mostly fantasy, but now those fantasies had been replaced with remembrances. Staring at the picture, she could see him in several situations. He was such a giant in the courtroom; when he paced in front of the jury box, her heart pitter-pattered. She was lost for a moment in the sensation of his tongue exploring her mouth, while his lips fused themselves with hers. Then, the feel of his hands roaming over her body made her shutter. His firm, muscular body molded so perfectly against hers too. These were her memories of Harm. She loved the man, and did really miss him. Since her departure, he had continued to pester her via email to commit to an actual relationship. She would love to really be with Harm as a couple, but she knew that it just wouldn't work between them. She would never open up that way with a man again until she could be sure that it would last forever. And as much as Harm told her that it would, she knew that they just couldn't go there together. That resolve, though, didn't stop her from thinking about what it might be like to have a long-term relationship with him, and to wake up in Harm's arms every morning. That would be the most wonderful part. After packing, Mac attended her final pre-mission briefing. She took copious notes to make sure she got all the details right. She would transfer to the marine bunker and report to its C. O., General Henry Blakeman. Blakeman was an experienced, career officer who had special expertise in the combination of Special Forces and Military Intelligence. Right now, at the marine command bunker, he was detaining and processing military prisoners taken in the desert, while directing teams of Recon marines in their special assignments. Mac would assist him in these activities, while making sure that the prisoners received all their legal rights and due process. There may also be some negotiation duties. She was looking forward to working with the General. + + + KANDAHAR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AFGHANI/PAKISTANI BORDER Mac was scheduled to relieve Colonel Lawson of the 10th Mountain Division and was preparing to transfer out, when orders arrived reassigning her. She would be joining the Division in one month's time when this tour was over. She had been assigned to the Marines at Camp Rhino. The Marines had established Camp Rhino in November as their initial forward operating base in southern Afghanistan. It was comprised of roughly 1,500 Marines, which included members of the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit of Camp Pendleton, California, and the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Mac was in her element this was a fighting unit. No paper pushing here! Less than one month on the ground and the Unit had had its first enemy engagement. They had attacked a Taliban convoy of vehicles that was attempting to run a roadblock near Kandahar. When the dust (and there was much of that) had settled seven people were dead and three vehicles destroyed. Mac arrived and was given the task of assisting with the pull out. After spending roughly a month at Camp Rhino, the Corps was shifting its operations to the logistically superior Kandahar International Airport. Though dangerous, for they were on the fringe of enemy territory, the move had exhilarated her. Getting physical and barking orders, it was a soldier's wet dream. After all she was Marine first … lawyer second. Once again her duty station shifted again as the Corps needed her skills. She often asked her self which skills were needed. It was like being in DC all over as she dealt with the politician types who were planning and coordinating activities for the actual military outposts. Then there were her analytical skills where she worked with information gathered in the field and was able to see the overall picture, the real military workings of the campaign. Before long the time was up and she grabbed her duffle bag to head to her next station, this time on the front. + + + NEXT DAY MARINE COMMAND BUNKER DESERT, NEAR KABUL AFGHANISTAN A jeep transported Mac, along with a load of supplies, from a helicopter to the bunker. A patrol was taking enemy fire in a sector near this area, so precautions were being taken. Once inside the bunker Colonel Tom Lawson met her. He was a rather youngish, nice-looking man, who was transferring out the next day. For the time being, though, he was in command of the outpost -- at least until General Blakeman returned from a meeting he was attending. Something about the Colonel didn't set well with Mac, and she soon found out why. Lawson showed her around the main command area of the bunker and briefed her on the active missions and prisoners being detained. He dismissed the other marines in the area and they were left having a private conversation about the effectiveness of a station like this to the overall war effort. When she leaned over the desk to pick up a file, she felt his hand casually come to rest on her rear end. He squeezed slightly as she stood back up. "Excuse me," she addressed him, "I think your hand has accidentally slipped." "No accident." He assured her. "Out here in the middle of nowhere where the enemy is crawling up our asses, we all have to take care of each other. I think you and I could help each other a lot." "I think not." She concluded, and in one smooth motion, she had his arm pinned behind his back. "Don't ever touch me again. Is that clear?" He nodded and she released him. Then he whispered, "Foreplay, I like it." She sighed. Mac spent most of the rest of the day getting acquainted with the other marines working in various areas of the bunker. It was late when she decided to turn in. Her mind was already pulling up images of Harm and plotting possible scenarios in which a relationship between the two of them would work. Honestly, there weren't any that she thought were really feasible. <> she thought, and knew it was true. It had been a long time since she's been exposed to anything quite that blatant. But he was leaving tomorrow, so she wouldn't have to worry about it. She probably would have to mention it to the General when he returned, though. As she got ready for bed, there was a knock on the door. Colonel Lawson was there. She didn't invite him in, but he entered anyway. When she protested, his answer was, "A girl as pretty as you shouldn't have to sleep alone. I just thought you'd like some company. We can just forget about that little incident out there." Mac was flabbergasted. What a creep! She turned on him and spoke with venom, "Colonel, I suggest you not forget our previous encounter. Now get out of here!" He reached up to gently touch her cheek. Mac didn't think. She reacted. Grasping his arm, she flipped him unceremoniously over her shoulder so that he landed hard on the floor, right on his hindquarters. Opening the door, she threw him out. She didn't want to think about Lawson. She lay on her cot and thought, instead, about Harm. ========================================= NEXT DAY Blakeman arrived early. He and Mac got quickly acquainted, and he let her in on his priorities. He planned to capture as many Al Qaeda prisoners as possible. He hoped that they might find one that could be used as either an informant or a spy. Blakeman was glad to have Mac on board and was determined to use her to the fullest for as long as he could keep her stationed here. He was mostly interested in her legal and language skills. Yes, she liked General Blakeman very much. He was a good man. She couldn't help but be reminded of Harm in that way, as well. ========================================= 1300 LOCAL JAG HQ Harm and Bud had returned and were reporting to Admiral Chegwidden. "Tiner! Didn't I tell you that I didn't want to be disturbed!" AJ stopped the briefing session. "Sorry sir." The Petty Officers voice came through the intercom. But Mr. Webb… Hey!" The door swung open and Clayton Webb strode through. "Sorry, but all that was taking too long." AJ glared at the Agent and wondered at his gall. "Good you are here already." Webb spoke to Rabb. "Webb." Harm acknowledged warily. "I understand that you are investigating the disappearance of one Marine Major M. Alexander Phillips." He held up his hand "Don't ask how I know. I am here to tell you that the primary objective needs to be the tracking down of the Major also know as MAP. We want him returned to the US to stand trial, but more important than the trial is that we need to get him before he can join the terrorists in Afghanistan and be a threat to the US by passing on vital military information." "And what makes you think that the Major is in Afghanistan." Bud asked. Webb remained silent. "Answer the question, Webb!" AJ commanded. He took a deep breath "We have been monitoring him added to which CIA and military intelligence forces around the world are looking for him and most intel received indicates that he is in that country." "Let me see if I understand this right." Harm said. "You have been monitoring him and he still eluded you?" "Yes." Webb was forced to admit. AJ had another question in mind. "So what are you not telling us?" "Must you always ask that?" "Seems like a good question." AJ retorted. "We suspect that he is, in fact, located in Afghanistan and there is a good chance that he is near Mac's position as there has been an increase in activity there." Harm's heart rate increased dramatically he was sure that the others could hear. Web continued. "I want Rabb to go get him." "Go get what!" AJ thundered, "You have no proof that the man is where you say he is. If and when he is found we will haul him back; in the meantime my officers stay put!" Webb stared at the Admiral who stared right back. Webb relented and walked out. "The gall of some folk." AJ muttered, then as if noticing the two officers for the first time. "Dismissed!" As they walked out he jabbed the intercom "Tiner! Next time I tell you that I don't want to be disturbed – don't disturb me!" he cut the young man off. ========================================= MARINE COMMAND BUNKER DESERT NEAR KABUL, AFGHANISTAN Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, USMC, brushed the latest layer of dust off her uniform. It was a futile gesture. The winds were high and everything was covered with the desert dust and sand. She had vague memories of what it was like to be clean. What she wouldn't give for a nice hot bath right now, or even a shower that wasn't subject to water rationing. A marine came in with reports to give her. She sat down behind her desk to accept his paper work. "Thank you, Corporal." "Ma'am, Team Two's still out there, but they should be back any minute. After they bring their report, that'll be everything for today. Is there anything else you'd like?" "No, I'm just going to put these together for the General, then we'll be through with this round of information. But, thank you." "My pleasure, Colonel. Just let me know if any of the Recon teams can do anything to assist you further." Mac dismissed him and began going through all her data. There was a burned out campfire in sector 2A, near their West perimeter, but it was at least two days cold. A few empty shell casings didn't mean much either. The marine Recon teams patrolling the area had gathered various pieces of information like this, but nothing really significant had been found. General Blakeman, sector commander, leaned over her desk. "Anything?" he asked. "No, Sir. We have tiny bits of data, but nothing that even seems worthy of putting in these reports. None of this is relevant to our search for the Al- Qaeda." "Everything goes in the reports, Mac. You know that. You're a lawyer, I'm sure you've seem many cases where things that didn't seem important at the time turn out later to be key information." "Yes, Sir." She affirmed. "Maybe it'll all fit together when we identify a key missing element." "Of course." He agreed. "Or maybe your keen legal mind will pick up on some connection we're just missing right now." He concluded before heading back to his own office. <<>> those words set her thinking about a person who could make evidence out of nothing. Harm. She wished he were here to help her look at this and find some kind of pattern. He was so good at stuff like that. But, she knew she was kidding herself. She wished Harm was here because she ached for him. She missed him terribly. They had been friends for so long. And the night before she left, when they had become lovers, only intensified her longing for her former partner. She needed to forget about that, though. It had been one night -- nothing more. They had been two lonely people who cared for each other a great deal, but nothing more than that night, incredible as it was, could ever come out of it. A marine entering rapidly from her left interrupted her thoughts. "Colonel, Colonel," he called. "We caught the traitor." "Slow down, Private. What are you talking about?" "Ma'am, that officer who went UA and left the States, the one you showed us the picture of in our last briefing…… Major Phillips, we caught him, Ma'am. He was heading to the border of the cave region. Team Two is bringing him in." MAP, one of the Marine Corps' most wanted. Her head reeled. Capturing him was a major kudo for this unit. "Have him put in the detention chamber. And let me know when he arrives. I want to question him." She ordered. "Aye, Ma'am." The marine acknowledged. Mac picked up the picture on her desk of Major Mustafa Alexander Phillips, a.k. a. MAP. She walked purposefully into the General's office. "Sir, we've got that breakthrough you've been waiting for." General Henry Blakeman and Mac discussed the MAP case for some time. Their intel suggested that this man had been recruited by the Al- Qaeda while they were still under Taliban protection. Obviously, they couldn't let a US marine fall into enemy hands, but Blakeman thought maybe they could use this man to infiltrate the Al-Qaeda network and gather more information. Of course, there were several potential problems and unknowns in this plan, so he assigned Mac to investigate them and determine the feasibility of planting a homegrown spy. + + + TWO HOURS LATER The interview of MAP had been a grueling one. If he had any direct knowledge of bin Laden's activities at this point, he was keeping it quiet. He did seem to indicate a certain amount of sympathy with the Al-Qaeda crusade. That, in itself was damning. She had to keep reminding herself that she was evaluating him as a possible spy, not prosecuting him. There were too many questions at this point to be able to give the General a favorable report. Would the major even cooperate with a mission like that? If he did, could they trust him to remain loyal to the US? Could he convince the enemy that he really was a traitor? All of this still had to be worked out. But if he could successfully infiltrate the Al-Qaeda stronghold, it could end this war, and save untold lives. She had to hand it to the General it was a good plan. Her mind began working through some of the details of how he could be inserted and how his information could be retrieved, if all the questions could be answered satisfactorily. ===================================== 0314 LOCAL THE COMPOUND, LANGLEY WEBB'S OFFICE It was after three in the morning and Webb was still at his desk at the CIA Headquarters. No wonder he was a single man. No sane woman would put up with this. Did that by extension make his mother insane? He must be the insane one being at his desk at this ungodly hour. He took a sip of his coffee and fought down the instinct to spit it out. It was stone cold. He been daydreaming as he stood watching the tiger fish in his aquarium, wondering if he'd ever meet a young version of his mother; a woman to love him and accept his mistress, the CIA. He figured that he'd met that woman but if Rabb had any sense he'd snap her up. He returned to his desk. When it came to Mac, Rabb was such a damn fool that maybe there could be a chance for him? He snorted … who was he fooling, Mac had eyes only for Rabb. Where Rabb's eyes were, not even Webb knew. He finally decided that his sleep deprived coffee laden brain would no longer function. He made preparations to go home. His desk finally cleared, he reached over to switch off his desk lamp when his phone rang. "Damn it!" He said out loud. The caller ID indicated that it was his contact in Afghanistan. He remained standing. "It is quarter to four in the morning in DC. This had better be good." Webb spoke with no preamble. As the person in the other end began to tell their tale Webb began to smile. He placed first his case then his coat on the desk. "When?" He asked. He finally sat as he continued to absorb the information. "OK, I'll take it from here. Lie low and I'll be in touch." All thought of sleep and family took flight. He pulled out a folder from a drawer and read the dossier. He really did not need to review it but he did just to be certain. "We got you. You SOB." He said as he contemplated the eight by ten photo of Marine Major M. Alexander Philips aka MAP. ===================================== 0936 LOCAL JAG HEADQUARTERS Having had one hour sleep Webb had only managed to take the time to shower and shave. He had done some more paper work and now he faced the lion in his den. "So! Webb to what do we owe the pleasure of your company this time!" AJ snarled. He didn't dislike the Agent he just got the most fun intimidating him. Webb deposited the file on the Marine Major on the Admiral's desk. "We got him." AJ glanced at the name and smiled grimly. "He's mine, Webb." "AJ…" Webb warned. "We want him out of there before he can do any harm." "And you think I want him so as to hold his hand! I'm putting that SOB on trial for his life!" He shrugged "When we are done if the CIA wants him, then you may have the remains." "Cute." "Why the hell are you here any way?" AJ suddenly got suspicious. "I need Rabb to go get him." Webb confided. "Why!?" Webb gave his first reply "He can go there and collect MAP as part of his case." AJ knew Webb and there was always the fine print. "Now, tell me what you are not telling me." Webb squirmed "It's who's got him." "And that is?" "The Marines. To be precise, Mac has him and the Marines intend to keep him." Webb revealed. "The hell you say." AJ seemed to double in size. "We'll see about that." Webb stood to leave. "I had no doubt that you could take care of this." With that he left. Once in the elevator he heaved a sigh of relief for what he had omitted was that the Marines were holding MAP on his say so. Just on the off chance that MAP could be used. In these unsettled times all sides had to be played. So while his right hand tried to use MAP as a spy his left wanted him nailed to the wall. He stepped out and headed to his vehicle whistling "Stars and Stripes." ===================================== 1009 LOCAL JAG HEADQUARTERS Commander Rabb and Lt. Bud Roberts stood in the Admiral's office and waited. They both had seen Webb's arrival and subsequent departure without so much of a hello. Now they waited. The orders were short and to the point. "The Marines in Afghanistan have your UA. Go get him. If you don't have him, don't come back. Am I clear?" AJ growled. "As crystal." Harm fought back his joy. He was going to Afghanistan! He would see Mac! Or die trying, but see her he would. He noticed his CO watching him "Sir?" "Dismissed Commander! You have one hour and thirty minutes to get to Andrews. I suggest you stop daydreaming and move!" "Aye, Sir!" ========================================= 1125 LOCAL GENERAL BLAKEMAN'S OFFICE - AFGHANISTAN Harm would not admit it out loud, but he was excited to be in Afghanistan. He was a warrior, trained for combat, and today the combat was in Afghanistan. He stood for a moment and absorbed the atmosphere. Now there was only one element missing… Somewhere in the sea of humanity that faced him was Mac. He'd locate her soon, but in the mean time he needed to report in. He walked across the compound and was allowed access to the Commanding Officer's Office. Harm walked in and snapped to. "Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Bud Roberts reporting in, Sir!" "At ease." The General ordered. As the two men stood at ease Blakeman finished with his liaison officer, when done he looked up at them. "Gentlemen, as JAG Officers, I assume you know Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie." "Yes sir!" They chorused. "Good … cause you will have to go through her to get to me." Blakeman informed them. "Sir?" Bud said puzzled. "I understand that JAG wants the Major. Well, take a number. It seems that the Marine Corps want him too. I leave it to the lawyers to work it out… Dismissed!" The three Officers snapped to attention and then left. + + + OUTSIDE "Chief!" Mac stopped the Master Chief as he walked by. "Ma'am?" She turned to Bud and Harm. "Have you all been quartered yet?" "No, Ma'am." Bud answered. Harm just watched Mac. "Chief, show these Officers the lay of the land." "Aye, Ma'am… this way, Sirs." "Bud, you go with the Chief. The Colonel and I will start negotiations." Harm instructed the junior member of the team. "Aye, Sir." Bud picked up the bags and followed the Master Chief. ===================================== 1205 LOCAL MAC'S OFFICE Harm could contain himself no longer. He scooped her up and landed a kiss on her lips. "Harm, put me down! What the hell is the matter with you?!" She arranged her camouflage uniform. "What do you mean **what is the matter** I haven't seen my girl in months, much less touched her. What do you think is the matter!" he was confused. "Girl?" "Alright, woman." He misunderstood. She shook her head. "You misunderstand. There is no us. There was a night that I will never forget and never regret but you have no girl, at least if she is called Mac." She explained. Harm heard what she said but refused to believe what he had heard. "I don't believe you. You love me I know it. Don't do this, Sarah." She was becoming angry. How many years had she longed for Harmon Rabb? Now that they were in the middle of war, he wanted love and romance. "This is a place where we can have no romantic relationship." She pointed out. "Granted, but that doesn't mean that feelings die in the face of bombs. We love each other and you need to acknowledge that!" "…and you need to get a grip of the reality in which we exist!" She snapped, then regretted and softened. "Harm after that night, had I stayed in DC … maybe there would be an us… But there was no morning after. I am in the thick of a war and you are passing through. There can be no us, no matter how badly you want it." "I can see that we are not going to resolve this in one sitting. I promise you this … I am on your scent. I hope to have a bit more style than Brumby, but I will be just as relentless. You love me Mac, on that I will stake my life and I love you and on that you can stake yours… but for now we table the discussion." She sighed in relief until he said. "But we will revisit this before I leave." "Don't you EVER give up?" He gave her his flyboy grin "No" he made a mental note that not once had she denied that she loved him. "Now regarding my prisoner." She chuckled "Your prisoner? You mean mine?" "The prisoner." He conceded. "I have him on article 85 – Desertion, article 86 - Absence without leave, article 87 - Missing movements, article 104 - Aiding the enemy, and before this is over I suspect that we will be adding article 106a. - Espionage and Treason." He stood with his arms folded. "Impressive… but we haven't finished debriefing him." She said. "Fair enough. How long will that take?" He asked. "Who knows?" She was vague. "Maaac" He drawled "You playing games with me? Don't try some diversionary tactic. The General has already indicated that the Corps wants this guy." "Now would I do that?" she as all innocence and Harm was not buying. "Well; I suppose the longer the debrief takes the more time you and I have to spend some time together." He grinned; this was like playing chess with a black widow spider. One wrong move and it was over… the game and the man. "Not going to happen. We can't give you MAP and you are not hovering around me." She was tired of this game or was it dance? She thought. Harm was about to reply when the Master Chief assigned to Bud came bragging. He stood to attention. "Sorry to disturb, Ma'am but Lt. Roberts is missing!" Mac could not believe what she had just heard. She zoomed in to the Chief. Harm had a case of déjà vu as he watched Mac deal with the Chief it reminded him of Admiral AJ Chegwidden. "Talk to me Chief." She ordered. "Well, Ma'am, I did as ordered and got the Lieutenant and the Commander here their quarters. When the Lieutenant decided that he needed to go on a personal reconnaissance of the area; something about gathering information on the lay of the land. Next thing I knew he had strayed outside the perimeter and the opportunists out there grabbed him." "And you just stood there!" Harm bellowed. "Sir, it happened so fast." The Chief protested. "Fast! You don't know fast Chief. But you will … you will!" Mac promised him. "Who gave chase?" "No one, Ma'am." Mac was about to have apoplexy "Say what!" "We were pinned by live fire, Ma'am!" He explained. "Who have you reported this to?" Harm interjected. "The General, Sir. He sent me to brief you and to tell you he wants to see both of you ASAP." The Chief informed. "Thank you, Chief Mayers." Mac said. "You're welcome, Ma'am." He turned and left. When he was out of ear shot Mac turned to Harm "And you expect romance under these conditions?" They debated the pros and cons of a love life in war condition the entire walk back to the General's Office. As they approached the office Mac vocalized what they were both thinking. "It's probably because of our carelessness and preoccupation with each other that this has happened. Had one of use been with him…" "I know." Harm agreed when she trailed off. "We need to call the Admiral on this." "Harriett!" Mac said. "We have no other choice." He persisted. "We'll need to inform Webb." She added. "Webb! What the hell for?" Harm was shocked at the suggestion. "You think you are the only one working the MAP case? CIA wants him too. So when at the CIA…" "Call Webb." He finished. She nodded, smiled as they entered the General's Office. "Commander! Colonel! Come in!" The General waived them in. "What kind of man is this Lt. Roberts?" "A good man and officer." Harm testified. "A bit naïve but of good heart." Mac added. "Have we had any contact with the kidnappers, Sir?" "Oh yes, Colonel. A message was delivered to the perimeter … they'll give us Roberts for Major Mustafa Alexander Phillips. Or we get the Lieutenant returned in a minimum of five pieces." ===================================== 1517 LOCAL JAG HQ "You sent for me sir?" Harriet walked in as her CO waived her in. He was at the window looking out. She remained standing. He finally looked at her "As you were, Lieutenant." She relaxed. Then he said, "Have as seat." AJ didn't know which was worse to tell some one that their loved one was dead or MIA. In this case kidnapped, but there was no way to soften this so he plunged in. "Lieutenant… Harriett … at 0826 local Lieutenant Roberts was kidnapped by Taliban extremists. They are holding him pending the release of Major Phillips." AJ said the man's name as if it had a foul taste. She just sat as if turned to stone. "Lieutenant… Harriett?" The Admiral was becoming worried. "Did you hear me?" She gulped "Aye, Sir." She whispered. She was barely holding on to her sanity. It was one thing to rant and rave in the bullpen while pregnant; it was something entirely different to do so in the JAG's Office and she was not pregnant. AJ stood and came round to her side of his desk. He sat on the nearby chair. "Harriett. Mac and Harm are out there. They'll bring him back." He touched her shoulder. His soft words of encouragement coupled with the gentle touch broke her. Even as she sat ramrod and ready the tears rolled down her face in silent testimony to her pain and fear. AJ handed her a box of tissues, which she used. He repeated his platitude. She finally spoke with a trembling voice. "Bud may be a doofus, Sir, but he's my doofus and I love him. I knw this could happen but it…" She couldn't continue. "I know, Lieutenant, I know. But we'll get him back. Even if I have to go kick some six myself." AJ was grim "If you need anything…" She gave him a watery smile. "Thank you, Sir." "Dismissed." "Aye, Sir." ================================================== 0413 LOCAL NEAR THE AFGHANI MOUNTAINS The temporary bunker set up near the Afghani Mountains was a flurry with activity since Harm had emerged from his quarters in the early morning. Members of the marine detachment were moving about performing their duties and keeping a watch out for signs of the enemy. But Harm had eyes for only one marine in the building, and she stayed very busy. Mac paced back and forth between her desk, which received updated reports every 10-15 minutes and the computer terminal, where she hoped an email message containing information about her missing friend would appear. Harm watched her and ached to comfort her. The computer was in a secluded alcove, so as she bent over it, he came up behind her. His hand gently touched her arm. "We'll find him." He whispered. "I hope so, Harm." "Sarah," his voice was low and soothing, "it's my fault that he was even here. We'll get him. Let me help you." His arms wound themselves around her and tried to pull her into a hug. She pushed him away. "Not now, Harm. Not here." "I love you, Mac. You know that. I think we should be together now. We need to help each other, and we need to pick our relationship back up where we left off." "Relationship? Harm, we don't have a relationship. We had one night. That's all it was. There's nothing to pick up." As she said it, she wasn't sure whether she was trying to convince him or herself. The pleading sadness in his eyes almost got to her. She reached to touch his cheek. Harm grasped the hand and kissed its palm, then he backed her against the wall and stole a kiss. It was a soft touching of their lips. She didn't resist, so he moved to make it a deeper, more passionate contact. Until… General Blakeman's booming voice filled the room, "Colonel Mackenzie." Mac quickly detangled herself from Harm's grasp and moved out to address her C. O. "Yes, Sir." The General, accompanied by a young man that she didn't know, moved toward her. Blakeman handed her a file. "This is Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez from Recon team three. He has some news for you." "Yes, Gunny" Mac asked anxiously. "Ma'am, while conducting our routine patrol this morning, one of our men dunked into a cave to take a look. We do that randomly all the time. Well, Ma'am, he found a pretty elaborate system of rooms, many with barred doors, and a lot of activity. When the enemy troops had cleared the passageway, he looked into all the caven/rooms. Sure enough, Ma'am, he identified Lt. Roberts in one of them. It was the farthest room on the right, Ma'am. " "Who was this marine, Gunny? I want to talk to him immediately." "I'm afraid that's not possible, Ma'am." "Why not?" "Corporal Allen was killed when he stepped on a mine on our way back in from the patrol, Ma'am. All we have is just what he relayed to us in our report before we started back." "Stepped on a mine? I'm sorry, Gunny." "Thank you, Ma'am. It's a great loss to our squad." "I'm sure it is. I wish I didn't have to be this urgent, but I need to know the location of the cave and everything the corporal told you before his death. " "Aye, Ma'am." Hernandez answered and moved with her toward her desk. Harm came too, but she didn't have the heart to stop him. She just introduced him to the gunny and let him join in the interview. After they had gotten all the information, they began to make plans to move in and locate their missing comrade. All the years of working so closely together made the planning easy and comfortable. Soon they presented their plan to General Blakeman. He listened carefully. "Fine, Colonel. It sounds like a good way to go. But you can't go in there without cover. You need a squad of trained marines to lead you in and assist." "Actually, Sir," Mac challenged, "Commander Rabb and I thought we'd do better sneaking in on our own." "I'm sorry, Mac. I can't allow that. It's too risky." Harm sighed audibly. Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez and another man stepped in. "Colonel Mackenzie, Team three would like to volunteer to lead the rescue, Ma'am." The unknown man stated. "And you are?" she answered. Gunnery Sergeant Hernandez introduced his companion. "Ma'am, this is Lance Corporal Privot. He and I have discussed it with the other members of our team, and we feel that this would be the best way to honor Corporal Allen's memory. We can be ready to leave when you are." "Thank you-- both of you." Mac said, looking to General Blakeman for his reaction. He only nodded. "Commander Rabb and I will be ready to go at midnight. That way we can take advantage of the darkness." "Good idea, Ma'am. Team three will meet you at the South perimeter check point then." Harm and Mac withdrew to the alcove, which housed her desk to prepare. + + + THAT NIGHT 2357 LOCAL Harm and Mac arrived at the rendezvous point dressed in black and ready for action. Lance Corporal Privot was assigned as their personal link to the team, then they moved out toward the mountain caves. The marines had scoured this area a number of times in their search for Ossama bin Laden, so it was fairly familiar territory to them. To Harm and Mac, however, it seemed desolate and God forsaken. When they reached the right cave, Privot and another team member escorted the lawyers to the entrance. They, then, moved to the outside to provide cover and lookout. Harm and Mac were left alone just inside the cave mouth. "Last passageway on the right." Mac repeated their information. "You want me to go?" "No. No, I'll go. You cover me." She pulled her handgun from its holster and readied it. "Be careful." She instructed. "Don't worry." Harm advised. Then he placed a firm hand behind her head and leaned in to kiss her lips, lightly. Before she could protest, he was gone, on his way down the passage. She could do nothing but watch. The sensation of his lips against hers, though, burned with the memory of their former passion. He was right, she hadn't forgotten. Every little sound within the cave was amplified into a loud noise. It made her nervous for Harm to be out there. She had to dismiss it as being personal, but something in her knew better. A stray thought crossed her mind that if he walked into a trap or got injured, it would be her fault. She couldn't let anything happen to Harm, so her level of alertness increased even more. As she watched, he disappeared to the right. He'd found the right place! They'd have Bud back in a few minutes. Harm was there for what seemed like a long time. And when he emerged, he was alone. A lump formed in Mac's throat. He moved quickly back beside her and whispered, "He's not there." A noise from the other end of the passageway alerted them to another presence in their cave. Harm moved against the wall, pulling Mac along with him. His back was against the wall, and her back was against his chest. With am instinctive need to protect her, Harm wrapped his arms around her and held her close. She didn't object. When he felt her begin to relax against him, he leaned forward and kissed her neck. Mac continued to hold her weapon in the ready position, but cocked her head to the side, giving him better access. Eventually, he worked his way around to her mouth and kissed her soundly. She opened her mouth to his probing tongue and felt the heat of his passion. When the guards outside signaled to them, they abandoned the kiss and moved out of the cave to rejoin the rest of the squad, which had been patrolling the vicinity. The reunited squad headed back to the perimeter area. In route, though, they encountered an Al-Qaeda patrol at the distance. Gunny Hernandez gave the signal for them to take cover. Everyone dived into nearby trenches. Harm ended up next to Lance Corporal Privot. "Got an extra weapon?" he asked, urgently, looking around the area. Privot handed him a handgun much like the one Mac was carrying and warned him, "Stay put, Sir. Let us handle it." Harm didn't even acknowledge him. As soon as the coast as clear, he made a run for an adjacent trench, to crouch beside Mac. 'What are you doing?" she mouthed, silently. Instead of answering, he put both arms around her and held on tight. She struggled, half -heartedly, until he whispered. "I love you. If we're going to die… I want us to die together." She smiled weakly. "Not a good day to die, Flyboy. The marines will take this one yet." Several bullets whizzed past from the enemy patrol, which had spotted the Recon team. Mac stood and returned fire, along with several of the squad members. Panicked, Harm pulled her back down to him. This time, she did throw him off. "Harm, not here. Not now." Harm knew he should have been thinking about the life or death struggle they were currently engaged in, but all he could concentrate on was her words <> She hadn't told him to get away or forget it. She hadn't said never. There was hope for him yet. And it was that hope that overtook him as he returned enemy fire and helped the Gunny guide the squad back inside the safe perimeter. ========================================= MARINE HEADQUARTERS BUNKER DESERT NEAR KABUL, AFGHANISTAN "Marine Major Mustafa Alexander Phillips was captured by fellow Marines here in Afghanistan. Apparently the Major was here not on US business. EXACTLY what the Major is doing here is being kept secret by the powers that be. It is seems that MAP as he is known is a very wanted man. It seems that the Al-Qaeda wanted him. While of course the Marines want him, however the Judge Advocate General also wants him as does the Central Intelligence Agency. Informed sources also indicate that the top brass of the Northern Alliance wants him too! So with all this wanting going on… the question remains who will get him? This is Stuart Dunston, ZNN Reporting from ..." The TV suddenly went blank. "What the… " Mac swirled round. "What do you want!" "You and I need to talk." Clayton Webb said to Mac. "You mean WE need to talk." Harm said. Webb stared at him then said "You and Mac disagreeing over what to do with MAP is about to cause an international incident, if it hasn't already." "I have my orders and they are to take possession of the good Major." Harm replied. "We all have our orders." Webb countered. "But we can't separate the man so we have to decide who gets him first." "Does the Alliance really want him too?" Mac asked. "Apparently so." Webb confirmed. "Where does Dunston get his info from?" Harm marveled. "God knows." Mac replied as she beckoned to a Marine to enter. "Sir, a call for you from Admiral Chegwidden." "Thank you. Patch it through." Harm ordered. He caught Mac's eye. "How much you wanna bet he saw the ZNN report?" She chuckled "On a sure thing? Take the call flyboy." Harm reached for the phone. ===================================== 1300 LOCAL JAG HEAQUARTERS AJ Chegwidden slammed the phone down. It shattered. [Damn it!] He thought [This should have been a simple prisoner transport assignment for Rabb and Roberts! And they now are stuck in negotiations with the press giving a ball-by-ball commentary!] "Tiner!" He shouted. The Petty Officer came in on the run. "Yes, Sir?" "Get me a new phone!" He barked as he rubbed his hairless head. Not for the first time he was glad for the lack of it. For he knew he'd have lost any he had. "Yes, Sir." Tiner replied. There was a knock on the door. "Enter!" he shouted. Harriett entered. "Sir? Is this a bad time?" He softened. "Oh no. Have a seat Lieutenant. What can I do for you?" "Has there been any word from Commander Rabb?" she was almost afraid to ask. He snorted. "There have been many words from Rabb." He caught her frightened look and relented. "They are still looking. Bud will be fine, he's been trained by the best." "But he's only a lawyer, Sir!" She explained. Then realizing what she had said. "What I mean, Sir…" He stopped her. "It's ok, I understand." There was a knock on the door. "Enter!" AJ called. "Sir… your new phone." Tiner walked in and plugged it in. AJ caught Harriett's puzzled look but said nothing. "Thank you, Tiner. Dismissed." He was left with the petite blonde and he didn't know what to do. Every time he walked through the office he could feel her eyes tracking him. All credit to her, she didn't come to him often...but those eyes. She stood. "Thank you, Sir." He nodded and rubbed his head as she walked out. He reached for the phone to relay to the SECNAV the latest. He hung up before dialing. He reached for his coat … this deserved a visit. ========================================= MARINE HEADQUARTERS BUNKER DESERT NEAR KABUL, AFGHANISTAN Harm replaced the receiver back into its cradle. "Well?" Mac demanded, "What did he say?" "You mean you couldn't hear?" He was sober. His CO had just chewed him up and spat him out. She reached over and touched his arm in empathy. She'd faced the wrath of Rear Admiral AJ Chegwidden. Even half way across the world it was not an experience she cared to repeat. Webb spoke, breaking her train of thought. "Mac we need to talk… without you Rabb!" "Let's walk." She said. They wandered around the camp with no special destination in mind. "Have you decided on what to do with MAP?" He asked her. "Which part of the ZNN report did not strike you as true?" she stopped. He did as well. "General Blakeman has issued specific orders that MAP stays here 'til he is satisfied that the tactical and strategic threat is null. Then and only then JAG gets him." Webb breathed hard. "Then maybe we should consider removing him." Mac acted without thought and was in his face before he realized that she had moved. "You over step your bounds Webb, and friend or no, I will have my Marines on you so fast that you will pray for capture by the Al- Qaeda." He gulped. "Do we understand each other?" she hissed. He nodded. "Good." She walked off and left him standing in the middle of the camp. He pitied Harm in his negotiations with that woman. ========================================= MARINE HEADQUARTERS BUNKER DESERT NEAR KABUL, AFGHANISTAN Mac, sitting at her desk, continued filling out the daily reports. Harm was sitting across the desk, watching her intently. He just couldn't help himself. It was hard to take his eyes off her. She looked up. "What?" "Nothing." "Then why are you staring at me?" "Because you are the most beautiful thing I've ever seen." She had to smile at that. She looked down at her dust covered uniform and ran her fingers through her hair, which hadn't been washed for several days. She laughed, just a little, but said, "Thanks, I needed that." Then turning philosophical, "There sure isn't much beautiful out here, is there?" "You are, Sarah." "Harm…..I……" She didn't finish the thought, as General Blakeman appeared to ask, "Did all the troops see that photograph of Lt. Roberts during the briefing?" "Yes, Sir." She responded. "But, Sir, I feel like I should be out there looking for him. I'm not doing him any good here. General, he's a friend. Can't I join one of the patrol squads?" "Mac, I feel inadequate in that regards too, but our marines are the best. They'll find him. As much as you want to be out there, you can't be. You're too emotionally involved." "What should I tell Admiral Chegwidden when I call to report in, Sir?" Harm interjected. "Tell him that we're doing everything possible to find the lieutenant." "Aye, Sir." ========================================= JAG HQ ADMIRAL CHEGWIDDEN'S OFFICE "Lt. Sims is here, Sir." The voice of Petty Officer Tiner alerted the Admiral over the intercom. "Send her in, Tiner.' He instructed. The blond lieutenant came in, looking distraught. "Is there any word, Admiral?" "Not yet, Harriet, but I'm expecting Commander Rabb to call in any minute, so I wanted you to be here." "Thank you, Sir." AJ stood and placed a supportive hand on her shoulder. "How are you holding up?" "I'm trying to be strong, Sir, but it's hard." The intercom buzzed. Tiner's voice announced, "Commander Rabb calling from Afghanistan on line one, Sir." Chegwidden started to pick up the phone, but thought better of it and pushed the button for the speakerphone. "Hello, Commander, Harriet and I are here to hear your report. What have you found?" "Do you know anything about Bud?" Harriet was, again, at the verge of tears. "Harm really wished the Admiral hadn't made this an open conversation, but answered, "No, Harriet. We don't know where he is yet, but we expect to find him any time now." Harm went on to tell the Admiral about the search efforts, the inability to learn anything from interviewing the prisoner and the fact that General Blakeman seemed to have plans for MAP that didn't include a quick trip back to the States. Mac walked to stand near Harm, as his call wound down. "Let me talk to Harriet privately." She requested. Harm handed the phone to the colonel at the same moment that the Admiral pushed a button and handed the phone to Harriet. The two women talked for several minutes, with Mac trying to comfort and reassure her friend. Neither of the men really knew what was said, but they both hoped that it helped the worried wife. + + + AN HOUR LATER MARINE ENCAMPMENT A young marine strode purposefully toward Mac, a message in his hand. "Ma'am, the patrol unit outside the south perimeter just returned." "Good, tell them to get some rest." She ordered. "They have news, Ma'am." "What news?" Harm hopped to his feet. At the sound of something going on, General Blakeman emerged from his quarters to join them. "Sirs, Ma'am, Lt. Pelphrey's squad has reported that they observed a small detachment of Al-Qaeda troops moving up in the mountains about a mile and a half from our secure perimeter and. Lt. Roberts was with them." "Thank God." Mac declared. "How did he look?" "They said he looked fine, Ma'am, but you'll have to ask them yourself." "Where are they?" Harm wanted to know. "They're debriefing in the armory, Sir.' "Why don't the two of you go find out everything they know." Blakeman suggested. Then we'll plan a search and rescue." "Aye, aye, Sir.' They chorused. + + + TWO HOURS LATER Satisfied that they had learned all they could from the patrol team, Harm and Mac were again reporting to the General. "Sir, if you send the two of us with a Recon team, thee will be plenty of backup to get him out." Harm stated. "No, Commander, the two of you aren't going anywhere. While I appreciate your enthusiasm, you are both too personally involved." Mac picked up the file she had laid on his desk. "Sir, the wartime protocol requires that a senior officer accompany a squad into the field every thirty days. It's our thirtieth day, General. I have to go." "No. Mac," Harm started, but she cut him off. "A senior officer, but not necessarily you, Colonel. I'll go myself." General Blakeman concluded. "Sir, I know you are a man of action and really want to get out there, but I don't think that's wise. General you are the highest-ranking officer in this entire sector. We need you. It's just not justified to take that kind of risk with your life, Sir." "Thank you, Colonel, but I'll be fine. Please alert Recon Team three to get ready." She wasn't pleased with his decision, but what could she do? She said, "Yes, Sir." + + + FOUR HOURS LATER COMMUNICATIONS ROOM MARINE BUNKER DESERT NEAR KABUL, AFGHANISTAN Mac and Harm entered the area together. Mac spoke to the marine on duty at the radio. "We've been on our way down here since you sent the message that Lt. Roberts had been rescued, is the team back yet?" "No, Ma'am, and they're not likely to be." He said, sort of off-handedly. "Say again!" Mac instructed. The young man took the earphones off and set them down on the desk in front of him. "Ma'am, I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but…" Harm cut him off, "But, what?" "Sir, Ma'am, the South perimeter sentry radioed in a little while ago to say that the team was spotted and came under heavy fire before they got even half way back." When he saw Mac react, he continued, "I'm afraid it's bad, Ma'am. Our people went after them and reported that at least three members of the squad had been shot and one was dead. They're on their way back now." The color drained from Mac's face. "Bud' she whispered. Harm moved to her side and reached out to support her. "You don't know that Bud got hit." "But I don't know that he didn't. Harm…." She didn't look too steady to him. "Colonel, you've been going nonstop for days. You really need some rest. Come with me." He wrapped a supportive arm around her waist and guided her back out into the main area of the bunker. Calling over his shoulder to the radio operator, he said, "Let me know anything you hear." He was worried about her. She began to lean on him more and more with each step. His plan was to take her into her quarters and tuck her in bed, then return to the radio room to await news. Her room was really just a segregated area off the main bunker, but there was a door and some privacy. Mac tried to argue with him as they entered, but he was firm about her needing her rest. He sat down with her beside him on the bed. He could tell that she was really tired. "Harm," her speech slurred a little, "what if something happened to Bud?" "I'm sure he's okay, Sweetheart." was all Harm could think of to say. Mac reached up to touch his cheek. "I couldn't stand it if anything happened to you." He was about to assure her that nothing was going to happen to him, when she surprised him. Mac leaned in very close and kissed him tenderly. He touched her shoulder and, by mutual effort, the kiss deepened into a passionate exploration. She came up breathless and clung to him. "Don't leave me." She requested, when he started to get up. Her hands had a tight hold around his neck. Harm took the opportunity that was presented. "See, I told you that you were wrong, and that you did love me." "Harm," she stated, firmly, "I never once said that I didn't love you. What I said was that we can't have a relationship." "He wasn't sure what she was talking about, but he loved holding her in his arms this way, so he just held her, silently for the short time it took for her to go to sleep. + + + 45 MINUTES LATER MAC'S QUARTERS MARINE HQ He must have fallen asleep with her, because he was awakened to a knock at the door. He lay her down flat on the bed and went to talk to Gunnery Sergeant Harnandez of Recon Team three. "What happened out there, Gunny." "I need to report to Colonel Mackenzie, Sir." "The colonel's asleep. You can talk to her later. What happened?" "Sir, we rescued Lt. Roberts and started back, then we came under heavy enemy fire. We took cover, but there were too many of them." Mac joined them at the door. "Go on, Gunny." She encouraged. Harm reached unseen to grasp her hand and they listened together. "We returned fire, but we suffered causalities. After we radioed in, our radio was hit and destroyed. The perimeter sent people to get us, and that's how we got back. The injured men are being treated in the infirmary." "Who was injured?" Mac was almost afraid to ask. "Lance Corporal Privot took a hit to the shoulder and Lt. Roberts' leg is wounded." He stopped and took a deep breath. As soon as they heard that Bud only had a leg wound, Harm and Mac entwined their fingers. "Ma'am, General Blakeman is dead." Mac gulped hard and Harm had to out an arm around her to steady her. "How did it happen, Gunny?" she asked. "Ma'am, he was a hero. He died protecting us. He said he wouldn't let any more of his marines get hit, so he drew the fire away from us so that we could get better cover. " "I'll call Washington.' She said. "Colonel, that makes you our commanding officer now.'" Gunny Hernandez stated. "Mac in charge of the war. Now I've seen everything." Harm teased. ========================================= MARINE BUNKER INFIRMARY Mac and Harm moved quickly into the hospital area to check on Bud. Harm had wanted to call Harriet immediately, but Mac decided that they should actually see their comrade first. They stopped first at a bed occupied by Lance Corporal Privot. His shoulder was bandaged and he was sleeping. The corpsman informed them that he had been sedated to keep him from moving around too much, but that he would be okay in a few days. "How's Lt. Roberts doing?" Mac asked the medic, as they moved toward his bed. "He'll be fine, Ma'am. He's just got to stay off that leg." Before they rounded the corner to see their friend, Harm whispered in her ear, "We've got to call Admiral Chegwidden so he can tell Harriet." She nodded and asked the corpsman to bring them a phone. "Bud, it's so good to see you. How do you feel?" Mac bent to kiss Roberts' cheek. Harm shook hands with his friend. "Commander, Colonel, is sure is great to see you both." "How does the leg feel?" Harm inquired. "It hurts, but they tell me it will get better." They visited for a few minutes, then the telephone arrived. Bud was greatly saddened to hear of General Blakeman's death. Like the Recon Team leader, he recounted the officer's final moments as heroic ones. "Bud, Mac's the commander of the whole sector of the war now. She's like one of the Greek goddesses of war, with the big shield." Harm provided. "Congratulations, Ma'am." Bud said. Then, "May I call Harriet?" "My command is only temporary, until the new post commander can get here. We were going to call the Admiral and have him talk to Harriet, but maybe you should call directly." It turned out that AJ was at Bud and Harriet's house staying with her when the call went through. When Bud finally got on to talk with his wife, Harm and Mac withdrew to give them privacy. Harm draped an arm around Mac's shoulder and guided her out of the infirmary and back toward the main bunker. "C'mon, war goddess, let's get you some more rest." "I don't have time, Harm. Now that I'm in charge, I've got things to do." The first thing she did was wrap both her arms around his waist as they walked "Darling, I'm worried about you." he told her. "Ok, Ok, I know now is not the time." he said then let the topic drop. ========================================= Mac's sleep had been restless, the kind that doesn't fully refresh. After they had visited Bud, Harm had dropped her off here at her quarters, and then headed off to the guest barracks. They had shared a tender goodnight kiss. Mac knew that she would be resting easier if she'd asked him to stay. She wished she had -- oh, not for anything physical, maybe, but just to hold her. He was so gentle. And she loved him so much. It was getting harder and harder to push him away. But she knew that there was no chance for a real relationship between them. She knew it, but denying it was beginning to tear her apart. How much longer could she hold out? These were the thoughts that drifted through her mind as she came slowly awake. She wished Harm were there. But it was only 0300, so she turned over to go back to sleep. That's when she heard the commotion. There was yelling, the sound of something falling or collapsing and several gunshots. Probably she was dreaming it, so she continued her drift toward slumber. The noise got closer and there was a loud knock on her door. Now she had to get up. An overly excited young lieutenant panted, "The prisoner, Ma'am, somebody tried to kill him." "Which prisoner?" she asked, after all, there were several in the compound. "Phillips." He replied. Beginning to be more awake, she now focused her eyes on the man. "Calm down, Lieutenant. Take a deep breath. What happened?" "Four enemy soldiers somehow got in past the guard. They had a knife to the major's throat. One of them said something about executing a traitorous dog. Ma'am, they drew blood. I think they would have killed him too, if the sentry hadn't spotted their point of entry and come in to help the guard chase them off." "I heard shots." Mac proclaimed. "Who fired the shots?" "Our inside patrol, after the guard alerted them." "Did we capture any of the intruders?" "No, Ma'am, I'm sorry, they all got away." Sometime during this interview, Harm had arrived on the scene. "Where's my prisoner now?" he inquired. "Sick bay, Sir. He's having the corpsman check his neck wound." "Good." Rabb acknowledged. Mac glared at him. "What do you mean, your prisoner?" As soon as the lieutenant had left, Harm pulled her aside. "Are you okay? I heard the shots and I was afraid..." "I'm fine." Her tone was a little indignant. Harm looked from her to his feet, then back again. "Bud and I should take MAP and get out of here right away. Any plans you had to use him as a spy are blown now. They figured that out, otherwise why would the Al Qaeda have sent soldiers here to kill the "traitorous dog." His being here makes this a dangerous place." "No, Harm, we're in the middle of a war zone. That makes this a dangerous place. But you're right about the infiltration plan being shot. But, have you actually charged Major Phillips with anything yet?" "It would be best to have that taken care of before we get back to Washington. I'll talk to Bud; we can start working on the charge sheet right away." "I'll help." Mac offered. Harm stood back and crossed his arms over his chest. "You don't work for JAG anymore, remember?" "I can still help." She stated firmly. "It's my job to keep my marines as safe as possible. If getting that prisoner transferred increases the security around here, then it's part of my job." Now, he stepped closer and slipped his arms around her waist. "Okay, but really I'm only interested in the safety of one marine." She smiled, and let him kiss her lightly before pushing him away. + + + 30 MINUTES LATER INFIRMARY MARINE BUNKER When they went to talk to Bud about the case, they found that he was beginning to stand and put a little weight on his injured leg. Mac questioned if it might be too soon for this, but the corpsman told her that the muscles might get too weak if they didn't get some exercise. So, Lt. Roberts was permitted to move around for a few minutes at a time on crutches. He was glad to see Harm and Mac and ready to concentrate on work instead of his injury. MAP's bed was just inside the room, so that they had to pass him on their way in. Mac stopped and talked to him. It was obvious that he was frightened of his current circumstance. Still, he didn't have any information, but at this point, he would probably be willing to talk. With Bud mobile, they moved their work session back into the main area of the bunker. This way, Mac could monitor the activities under her command. Harm hadn't really expected her to work with them on drafting the charges, but she seemed so interested, even excited, that he couldn't leave her out of it. "Ma'am," Bud addressed her, "I don't think we can make desertion stick. It's been less than thirty days and there's no way to prove that he wasn't planning to return." "Guess you're right." She conceded. "Then, strike article 85 and replace it with article 86, Unauthorized absence." "Then, there's always article 87.' Harm offered. "Missing movement," she clarified. "That'll stick." After a few minutes, Harm spoke up again, "Hold on, Mac, article 104, aiding the enemy, the members will never go for that. We don't have any evidence that he actually did anything.' "He was in their camp when the recon patrol picked him up." She countered. "That might constitute espionage and treason under article 106a." Bud suggested. "You'll probably need a witness as to his intentions." Mac concluded. "Did you hear anything in the investigation that you could use that way?" "Not really." Harm answered. They continued working until late in the night. By the time they finished they had a substantial list of charges that they thought were appropriate for a court martial. Mac received word that Colonel Hank Bramblett would arrive first thing in the morning to assume command of this outpost. It seemed like perfect timing since she knew that she would need to travel to Washington to testify in the Phillips court martial. She appointed a special unit high security marine guard to take custody of Phillips and travel along with Harm and Bud to take him to stand trial. Just because it made the travel plans simpler, she'd travel with them too. + + + LATE NIGHT MARINE COMMAND BUNKER She was truly exhausted, so Mac let Harm walk her to her quarters. This seemed to be a recurring theme for them. Standing at the door, she wanted so badly to ask him to stay. The idea of another restless night wasn't appealing. Somehow, she knew that she'd rest better with him than without him. But she controlled the urge. Now was not the time for that. And, more than anything else, she didn't want to let him think that she could give something that she couldn't. No, any kind of lasting relationship was out of the question. It just wouldn't work. So, Mac settled for a warm embrace and a kiss, which turned out to be rather more passionate than she had intended. + + + MAC'S QUARTERS MARINE BUNKER She had been so right. Sleep didn't come easily, and when it did she only tossed and turned. Something was missing. Then, the door opened and he came. She shuttered and came full awake. She reached for her lover, but the bed was cold. She rebuked herself sternly. It must've been that kiss, but she needed to quit fantasizing about this man so much. It was going to be more difficult than ever to hold him at bay. She knew she was weakening. + + + HARM'S GUEST QUARTERS MARINE BUNKER The kiss goodnight had been very sensual. He could feel how much she really loved him. Why wouldn't she agree to explore that love in depth with him? He was frustrated. To top it all off, saying goodnight to her had really left him wanting. Suddenly the room was very lonely and the bed, icy cold. He longed for her. ========================================= 2040 LOCAL MARRIOTT HOTEL ISLAMABAD, PAKISTAN Mac felt human again. She had been so immersed in battle mode that she had forgotten the luxury of a simple hot shower and the lack of dust that came with it. She entered the dining room of the hotel and spotted Harm instantly. Her heart fluttered. Oh yes, she loved him, she thought, but life always conspired against her. She moved to join him. Harm watched Mac walk across the dining room to meet him. Her hair was still damp from her shower. He liked her hair like that. Well… he confessed he like everything about her. He smiled broadly. She sat. "That smile calls for an explanation." "I was just thinking that once I admitted my feelings for you how easy life has become." He said. "Add to that the fact that the most beautiful woman in the place just sat at my table and life is good." "Life easy?" You call this mess with MAP easy?" She chided. "No matter what life throws at me, the woman I love, loves me back and so life is great." He affirmed "Where's Bud?" She looked around. "His leg was acting up so he's having room service." She grinned "Can you see him with a limp?" Harm also grinned at the image. The waiter arrived and they ordered. + + + HOTEL BAR After their meal the two friends settled into a secluded section of the Hotel Bar. With drinks in hand they relaxed with each other. "This is going to be a high profile case." Mac sipped on her tonic and lime. "Tell me about it. One thing is sure you're not counsel for either side." He emptied his beer. She grimaced "The trial of the century and I'm relegated to a witness." "A key witness." He comforted her. "You think you'll get to prosecute?" she wondered. "I should think so… but what I wonder is who will defend?" "One can only hope that he'll get a civilian." She speculated, "Maybe the Islamic community will sponsor one." "As you say the case of the century." He agreed, "You want another drink?" "Sure." She replied "My office still available?" He finished ordering then turned to her "… and which mortal would move in?" "Over your dead body I take it." She chuckled. He relaxed and chuckled with her. "You intend to move back in?" She got wistful "That would be nice." "Yes it would. I miss you, Mac." "I miss you too but…" "I know, I know……. the distance." He grumbled. "Talk about lousy timing. You were there with me all those years and when do I straighten up and fly right--when you leave." "I don't know what to say." She confessed. "Say you love me." He instructed. "I love you." She obeyed. "Say I won't loose you." He said. "You won't loose me." She replied. "Say we can have a relationship." He pushed. She remained silent. "Mac?" he called. "I can't say that and you know it. I am in DC long enough to testify and then I return to Afghanistan. As much as I love you… and I do, this is war and duty calls." He bowed his head. She was right, but there had to be a way. He looked at her. "Do you think I won't wait? I love you. I've wasted so much time that every moment is precious. Give us a chance." Mac marshaled her strength, feeling as she did towards him, it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain her position. "It is not a matter of waiting. I am on the war front. I may return in a body bag. You may meet someone. A relationship needs contact. There is an ocean and two continents between us. Why won't you understand?" "There is logic in what you say… but my emotions won't let me lie." He answered. "I know it's hard. I understand completely, but it cannot be." She begged. "You won't let it be." He stood abruptly. She was taken aback. "Harm?" He kissed the top of her head. "I need to come to terms with this." He left money for the bill and walked out. "Damn it." She muttered. Then returned to her room. ===================================== 2210 LOCAL MARRIOTT HOTEL - MAC"S ROOM The phone rang. She grabbed it. "Harm?… oh Mr. Secretary." She listened as the SECNAV gave her a direct order, which took precedence over all others. "Aye, Sir." She said and hung up. "Well" Was all she managed. Her stay in DC was now two fold. She was now charged with the duty of looking through the personnel records to find a suitable candidate to infiltrate Al Qaeda. MAP was no longer an option. There was a knock on the door. She opened to find Harm standing there. "May I come in?" She swung the door open and he walked in. "I came to apologize. I had no right…" She stopped him. "Its ok, I understand the forces driving you. You think I don't want to be with you? That I wouldn't enjoy just collapsing into your arms and never rising again?" She paced the room "BUT IT CANNOT BE! Why are you doing this?!" "I didn't come here to rehash an old debate or cause you pain." He said. "Then why are you here." The SECNAV's orders still ricocheted in her brain. "As I said … to apologize." He stared at her. "Kiss and make up, as it were." It was her turn to stop and stare. She opened her mouth to speak then shut it without uttering a word. The atmosphere of the room changed. It suddenly became charged as the two looked at each other. Mac unconsciously licked her lips. Harm made a decision and crossed the room to her. He swept her up. When he finally put her down he claimed her lips. She responded. Her whole body burned. Harm was already lost in her when she broke the kiss. "Harm." She wanted to stop him and he knew it. He placed a finger on her lips, and said in a husky voice. "Shhh, for once no talk… just feel." And before she could stall him with her sharp mind, he kissed her again. Despite all the arguments to the contrary; despite the knowledge that they would argue the pros and cons of a distance relationship; despite the logic that this should stop, Mac gave herself up to the avalanche of pleasure. ===================================== 0504 LOCAL MARRIOTT HOTEL - MAC'S ROOM Mac awoke with a feeling of completeness that had evaded her, her entire life. She could feel the warmth of Harm's body as he curled himself around her. The weight of his arm draped protectively over her felt good… too good. She gently disentangled herself. She was too vulnerable where this man was concerned and if he started his argument for a relationship again she was not sure that she could resist. She headed for the shower. Harm heard the shower running. He got up and entered the bathroom. "Morning, Beautiful" "Hey!" She replied over the noise of the running water. She emerged from the bathroom, wrapped in a towel, and he left to go to his room. As he made his way there, he vowed that this dressing to leave would stop. Mac would not only change her mind about the working of the relationship… but she would marry him. He needed to get a ring when he got back home. ===================================== 0810 LOCAL MARRIOTT HOTEL BREAKFAST ROOM Mac felt light and had difficulty controlling the smile that kept seeping through. Despite the intense feelings, she felt the need to repeat her position on them being unable to conduct a relationship. Harm was not a happy man. "Are you saying that all I am is a one night stand?" She was shocked. "You can't believe that." "I don't know what to believe." He hissed. "Then let me tell you. You keep pushing for something that I cannot give. What I can give is not enough for you… but that's all I have now." She replied just as quietly and intensely. "I have never lied to you, Harm. You are doing this with your eyes open." He nodded and conceded. "You are right. I'm sorry." "Nothing to apologize for." Then she saw Bud heading their way and she burst into a grin. She poked Harm. "There he is, cane and all." She chuckled. Harm shook his head in amusement "Morning, Bud." "Sir… Ma'am" He eased himself into a nearby chair. "Are we still scheduled to leave with Major Phillips in one hour?" "We are." Harm confirmed. "How'd you spend the night?" Under her amusement, she really was concerned. "With my leg throbbing… your night had to have been better than mine." Bud replied innocently. Harm chocked on his orange juice and Mac not daring to look at him left for the buffet table. + + + ONE WEEK LATER JAG HQ, AJ CHEGWIDDEN'S OFFICE "Gentlemen, sit." Admiral AJ Chegwidden instructed "Commanders Turner and Rabb, Lieutenants Roberts and Myers" The four men obeyed and awaited the orders. "One case is going to dominate our lives for the foreseeable future. That is the Court Martial of Marine Major M. Alexander Phillips." He passed one file to Harm and one to Sturgis. "Commander Turner, you'll defend. Commander Rabb, you'll prosecute." "Yes, Sir." The two men chorused. "Lt. Roberts, you will second chair Commander Rabb, Lt. Myers you are with Commander Turner." "Aye, Sir!" The junior officers replied. "Dismissed." + + + OUTSIDE THE OFFICE "Harm, we need to talk." Sturgis said. "If it's about your client we have nothing to talk about. If it's about Bobbie Latham, then by all means, lets talk." Harm replied. "I'll see you in Court." He walked away with Lt. Myers following. + + + TWO DAYS LATER "You called for me sir." Sturgis walked into his Commanding Officer's Office. "Yes, yes come in. How goes your case?" AJ asked. "Well Sir, it's been only two days but we're working on it and I'll be ready on Court Day." He assured the Admiral. "Mmmm. Well Commander, I have news for you. The Major is no longer in need of your services." "Sir?" Turner was confused, "I don't understand." "Some members of the Islamic Community have come together and hired Professor Walker Blackburn to defend the Marine." AJ clarified. "Sir?" Turner questioned. "Why would they want to do that? I thought they were trying to keep out of this." "Apparently, the American Islamic community is now trying to put as much distance as possible between itself and the radical extremists in the Middle East who are misusing their religion to perpetuate violence and terrorism." "So?" Sturgis attempted to tie it up. "Son you're off the case. The Professor will be in some time today to confrere and take over." "Understood sir." Sturgis replied. AJ studied him "You ok, Son?" Sturgis chuckled "I think the word is relieved, Sir." AJ chuckled, "Know what you mean. Dismissed." "Aye, Sir." ========================================= 0900 LOCAL JAG HQ FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA It was Mac's second day back in Washington following her two-month deployment overseas. Not much had changed here, but having been in a war zone had intensified her perspective on a lot of things, apparently. The sense of where she was comfortable was one of those things. Even though she didn't work for JAG anymore, this still felt like home to her As she walked by, two men emerged with Admiral Chegwidden from his office. "Colonel," her former C.O. addressed her, "I'd like you to meet these gentlemen." "Yes, Sir." She replied, moving toward them. "This is Mohammed Kuffar, from the American Nation of Islam." Then, indicating the other, "And this is Mr. Walker Blackburn." Mac's mouth fell open just a bit at the sound of the name. "THE Walker Blackburn, from Harvard Law?" she asked. "The same." Blackburn responded. "Gentlemen, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie." AJ supplied. "Ah, Colonel Mackenzie." Blackburn began, "I will need to interview you as soon as possible." "In regards to what?" she asked quietly. "Mr. Blackburn is defending Major Phillips." Chegwidden answered. "I'm impressed." Mac complimented. Then added, "…and a little surprised. How could the major afford representation like you on his salary?" Kuffar, now spoke up, " The American Nation of Islam has retained Mr. Blackburn's services. I'm sure you can understand how anxious we are to distance ourselves and our religious convictions from those of the radicals who are using a peaceful religion for violence. Since Mustafa Phillips is one of our members, helping his defense is good for everyone." "I see." Commented Mac, noncommittally. Just at that moment, the Admiral was called away. Mac continued talking to these visitors who filled her in on what they saw as the differences in their brand of Islam and that practiced by terrorists. After a few minutes, Bud Roberts appeared to tell Mac that her prisoner had arrived at the brig and was ready to be questioned. She introduced the Lieutenant to the visitors and asked if he would show them around the office and make sure that they got the chance to meet Commander Rabb. "Yes, Ma'am." Bud replied, crisply. After goodbyes to Kuffar and Blackburn, Mac left to see her witness. THREE HOURS LATER JAG HQ The interview hadn't been much help for her case. She was having trouble even concentrating on this one. Mac was beginning to regret telling the Admiral that she would help out at JAG while she was here to testify in the Phillips case. She kept thinking about the Phillips court martial. Harm was an excellent attorney, but did he even have a chance against an ace litigator like Walker Blackburn? She made careful notes in the folder off the top of a whole stack piled on her desk. Deep in thought, she didn't even hear him come into her office. Well, it wasn't really her office anymore, but no one else had moved in When Harm realized she hadn't noticed him, he gently knocked on the doorframe. This startled her and she looked up. He just grinned. "Can I help you, Commander?" "Actually, I was hoping you were free for dinner tonight." "Yeah, I guess so." She conceded. "Great, I'll pick you up at six." "I'll look forward to it." He left. And she was already looking forward to a quiet evening with Harm. ========================================= THAT EVENING LA TOURS RESTAURANT WASHINGTON Harm raised his glass and fixed his eyes on his date's. "Sarah, have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?" She blushed in response. "Thank you for this." She said quietly. "I think a nice dinner out is just what I needed." "My pleasure. You know, if we were an official couple, we could do this all the time." "Don't Harm." She shot him a stern warning glance. "You're going to keep avoiding this, aren't you?" "I'm not avoiding. I've dealt with it. I told you that we just cannot have a relationship together. Not now. It just wouldn't work between us. I don't want to talk about this. Let's just finish eating." "Okay." He really didn't want to pressure her too much. + + + LATER MAC'S APARTMENT Harm sat on the opposite end of the couch from Mac and eyed her carefully. "I could tell at the office today how much you've missed the legal work. Are you going to talk to the Admiral about having you transferred back?" "Not sure yet. I might. You're right, I do miss it, but I would miss combat action too, I think. I'll have to work on that decision some more." He moved closer. His arm draped around her. She didn't move away, so he leaned in and kissed her very gently. "While you're assigned someplace else, we don't work together. There wouldn't be any regulation that could get in the way of our being together." "It's not the military regulations, Harm. We just couldn't be together. It wouldn't work." Now he nuzzled her neck. "I do love you." He whispered in her ear. "I love you too." She confessed. Then she wrapped her arms around his neck and initiated a deep kiss. Just as his hands started to roam, she cut him off and pushed him away. "You've got a meeting with Judge Harrison Morris early tomorrow for the prelims on the Phillips case. Are you ready?" "I guess so." He answered, reaching for her again. She moved away. "You better go, so you can get plenty of rest." "Aw, Mac." He complained. Mac escorted him to the door and kissed his cheek before he left. + + + AN HOUR LATER HARM'S PLACE Harm lay in bed staring at the ceiling. He as trying to figure out why she said she loved him and kissed him that way but wasn't willing to have a real relationship. They had made love twice and it had been so incredible. She didn't have a problem with that. Why couldn't she make a commitment? <> he thought. Why was she doing this? ========================================= 1300 LOCAL HARM'S OFFICE It was almost a week before Harm and Mac saw each other again. He asked Tiner to have her stop by his office. When she got there, he was very busy going over his notes. She cleared her throat and he looked up at her. "Oh, there you are." "You wanted to see me?" "Yeah, I'm going to call you as my first witness tomorrow. Do you feel prepared or should we go over your testimony?" "I think I have it under control. The events are very clear to me, because Blackburn has interviewed me three times." "Three times? What's he seem to be looking for?" "Holes in your case. What else?" "Mac, can you be more specific?" I don't know. Harm, I'm not sure what he's looking for, but he seemed very interested in my relationships with Bud and with you." "He did? What did you tell him?" "You're both friends." "Is that what you and I are Mac? Friends?" "Yeah, I think so." "I think about you in a very friendly way sometimes." "Don't go there, Harm." He held his hands up in surrender. ========================================= NEXT DAY - 0802 LOCAL JAG HQ "In what has become the trial of the century Marine Major M. Alexander Phillips is being tried for among other things Espionage, if found guilty the Major could face the death sentence. Today Marine Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie takes the stand. Known in the Courtroom for her brilliant lawyering skill she now finds herself on the other side of the box as she steps into the role of witness. Based in Afghanistan, the Colonel may be the one witness that the defense team is dreading. Will the Colonel turn out to be as formidable a witness as she is a lawyer? As we are not allowed to film the proceedings viewers will have to tune into our hourly update... the next of which is due at nine o'clock. This is Chuck DaPalma for ZNN in Falls Church, Virginia at the Headquarters of the Judge Advocate General." ========================================= 0905 LOCAL JAG COURTROOM As predicted the trial of Major M. Alexander Phillips was a sensational one and the press was on a feeding frenzy. Everyone and anyone who knew the man had become an instant celebrity. Everyone heaved a sigh of relief when the SECNAV turned down a continuous line of requests from TV networks to cover the trial from within the courthouse. Security was on the verge of total collapse as the Military Police struggled to execute their duties in the face of the wave after wave of press that camped daily on the JAG compound. Many of the press remembered Mac and the Kingsley Case from Trial TV, so when it came to her turn to take the stand, her whole life flashed again before the world on video. The Judge faced with this Pandora's box was Admiral Harrison Morris; he had set the ground rules from day one and so far had managed to keep control of his court… barely. Today was another day in the soap opera called the Trial of MAP. "Commander Rabb are you ready to call your first witness of the day?" The Judge asked. "Yes, Sir, the Government calls Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie." He just had time bite his tongue as he almost called her Rabb and not Mackenzie! He needed to take control of his fantasies! The Gunnery Sergeant swore her in. "Do you swear that the evidence that you give shall be the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" "I do." She swore. "State your name rank and duty station." The Gunny instructed, then sat. "Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie, stationed with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division, Special Operations Forces/Marine Expeditionary Units, Afghanistan." Harm stood. "Colonel, what is the mission of the Marines in Afghanistan?" "To provide the commander-in-chief an operational maneuver capability from the sea." She replied. "Were your stationed in Afghanistan when the Major was caught?" "Yes." "The Court has already been told of the conditions under which he was captured. Can you tell the Court what occurred once he was in your custody?" "General Henry Blakeman and I discussed the case for a while." "To what end?" He pressed. "Our intel suggested that the Major had been recruited by the Al-Qaeda while they were still under Taliban protection…." "Objection!" Walker Blackburn jumped up "Hearsay." The Judge could not believe his ears. "Are you saying that the information provided by the various intelligence agencies to assist with their mission is hearsay?" Blackburn did not reply. "Over ruled. Continue, Commander." "What would this have meant to the war effort?" Walker objected again "There is no way the Colonel would have known that." Harm rebutted "Colonel Mackenzie was the second highest ranking officer at the time and with the death of General Blakeman, she took command until recently. One Marine expeditionary unit typically includes about 2,200 personnel. The infantry battalion uses amphibious assault and light- armored vehicles, and the aviation unit employs helicopters and fixed- wing aircraft such as "Harrier" jets. I submit that the Colonel was well placed to know such things." "I agree. Over ruled… you may answer, Colonel." "It could have had devastating blow. As such, we couldn't let a US Marine remain in enemy hands. The General, however, thought maybe, just maybe we could use Major Phillips to infiltrate the Al-Qaeda network and gather more information. There were several potential problems and unknowns in this plan, of course, but if it could be done it had the potential to assist greatly. "That is when he assigned you to the Major." "Yes. He assigned me to investigate the feasibility of planting a spy in the form of the Major." She replied. "Thank you, Colonel." Walker Blackburn stood and walked slowly toward the witness stand. "What form did this assignment take?" "Interviews." "The result of which was?" "If he had any direct knowledge of bin Laden's activities, he was keeping it quiet." She said. "Could it have been possible that the Major had nothing to say because there was nothing to say?" Harm objected, "There is no way for the Colonel to know what the Major thought." "Sustained." The Judge agreed. "What do you know about the Major?" He asked. "Pardon? I don't understand." "The let me rephrase. As a fellow Marine did you and the Major talked only of war?" Walker inquired. "No. The Major informed us that there has been a long tradition of military service in his family, on father's side, and a tradition of medicine on his mother's side. In keeping with the family tradition his Afghan/American father is an Admiral and a veteran of Desert Strom who is still on active duty, while he joined the corps." "Is this normal for prisoners to give their family history this way?" "No." "… and it is still your contention that Major Phillips had been contacted by the Al-Qaeda?" Blackburn continued. "Yes." She responded. "How can that be?" He demanded. "It had been established by investigations conducted by the Judge Advocate General's Office as well as the Central intelligence Agency." She replied. He changed strategy. "So you and the General thought that maybe, just maybe the Major would become a spy for the US?" "Yes." "Did you present this to him?" He pounced. "No. Lieutenant Roberts got kidnapped by Al-Qaeda and was offered in exchanged for the Major…" "Ah yes, the kidnapping. Colonel, the Commander had you tell us about the events that led to Lieutenant Roberts' abduction. You didn't tell us, though, how that made you feel. So, Colonel, what effect did the lieutenant's kidnapping have on you?" "Objection. "Harm stated. "The Colonel's emotional reaction to Lt. Roberts; disappearance has no relevance to Major Phillips' political affiliations." "Your Honor," Blackburn countered, "Lt. Roberts' was abducted as a direct result of my client's capture. In fact, his release was the ransom demand. Obviously, the defendant's political ties, or those he was assumed to have, influenced these events." "I agree. Overruled." Morris stated. "Answer the question, Colonel." Mac looked the defense attorney squarely in the eye. "I was upset by the Lieutenant's disappearance." "Why was that?" "Because I was concerned for his safety." "Like you would be for any fellow officer?" "Yes." "Now, Colonel Mackenzie, isn't it true that you were more concerned? Isn't Lt. Roberts a close friend of yours?" "Yes, he is." She wasn't sure where this was going, so she looked at Harm. He didn't seem to know either. "And while he was missing, you interviewed Major Phillips?" "Yes." "Isn't it possible that since the enemy had asked for his release, that you just assumed that he must be involved with them?" "No, Sir." "Surely you were worried about your friend's safe return. So, didn't you, at least on some level, blame him for the Lieutenant's disappearance? Maybe when you talked to him, you were so overcome with your worry that you projected an image of the enemy onto him?" "No." "Couldn't your judgment, maybe even your recollection of what he said be clouded, just a little bit?" "No, Sir." "Come on, Colonel, you were in a war zone with a prisoner who held the key to your friend's safe return, are you saying that there's no way that these circumstances could have influenced your perceptions of him?" "No, Sir, they couldn't have." She looked at Harm again. They both knew that he had raised doubts about her testimony in the members' eyes. Blackburn continued. "What about other personnel who were there." With a hand gesture toward Harm, "What about Commander Rabb? Might his safety have influenced you? Colonel, what's your relationship with Commander Rabb?" "We're friends." She stated. "The same way that you and Lt. Roberts are friends?" "Yes." She really hated lying like that. But on one level it was true. Harm shot her a quizzical look. She wondered what he had thought she'd say. "Thank you Colonel." Walker sat, satisfied. "Commander, redirect?" The Judge offered. "Yes, Sir." He jumped up. "The kidnapping not withstanding Colonel; why wasn't the Major offered the deal to work for the US?" " Soon after General Blakeman was killed in a rescue of Lieutenant Roberts. The Judge Advocate General and the CIA had standing requests for the Major's transfer for prosecution, as a result, the offer was not made." "Did the Major ever indicate any amount of sympathy with the Al-Qaeda crusade?" Harm asked. "Yes, he did. That was also another reason why the offer was not presented." She confirmed. "Thank you, Colonel. No further questions." Harm informed the judge. "You may step down, Colonel." Admiral Morris told her. Anticipating the paparazzi, Mac had capitalized on her knowledge of JAG and had used a back entrance. As a result she had not seen any of her friends. She now corrected that omission. Harriett spotted her first; at her shout of, "Colonel," Mac found herself surrounded by JAG staff and friends. She managed to disentangle herself and head for the Admiral's Office, her original destination. ========================================= ADMIRAL CHEGWIDDEN'S OFFICE AJ was happy to see her. He would not admit it to a soul in the office, but he missed Mac. She was efficient in her work and kept his office running smoothly and most important, she managed to keep Rabb in check. "Colonel, how are you?" He offered her a seat. "I've been better, Sir." She chuckled. "Now maybe you'll have more sympathy on your witnesses." He chided her. "Not if I stay where I am, Sir. No chance of court duty there." She was rueful. He caught the tone. "Mac? Something you want to tell me?" She took a deep breath. She had been toying with the idea but hadn't really considered action. Now here she was facing the opportunity… she grabbed it. 'Sir I… there is an aspect to being on the front line that sets the warrior in me alight. I even found myself in command." She paused collected her thoughts then continued, "I could make a lengthy argument as the why, but the simple truth is that JAG is where I belong and I want back in. Is there ANY way you can help me, Sir?" AJ twitched as he exerted masterful control not to dance a jig round the office. Help? Hell he'd do one better! He'd get her reassigned! He took control of himself then said solemnly "I won't sugarcoat it, Mac, it will be difficult but I will talk to the SECNAV and the Marine Corps designator about the assignment." She heaved a sigh of relief. "I can ask for no more than that, Sir. I am here for on assignment for the SECNAV before I return." "Understood." She stood. "It was good to see you, Sir." "Same here." ========================================= The trial was a stressful one. It seemed to go on forever. Harm was performing very well, even against Blackburn, but there was no way to tell which one had the edge. Mac attended the court sessions every day. But she rarely saw Harm outside the courtroom. She had researched military personnel thoroughly, eventually finding an Army Officer of Saudi descent that could possibly fill the SECNAV's request for a potential spy. She really thought he was the best candidate, and she passed this on to the Secretary. Besides the case itself, the Admiral, the SECNAV and several others in an effort to bring the trial to a quick and satisfactory close were pressuring Harm. What really helped him hold it together was being able to look out in the gallery and see Mac there to support him. As soon as this case was over, he'd convince her that they should always be there for each other -- that their relationship would work. He hated that they weren't spending any time together. But his strong love for her would sustain him. This was what he was thinking about, sitting in his office one day after the trial had recessed for the day. He had tons of work to do, but his shoulders were aching and his back was sore; he just couldn't concentrate. The door of the office had been left open when he entered. So, she just walked in without knocking. "Hi." She greeted him. "Hey, Mac. How do you think it went today?" "You scored points in the cross of Colonel Clayton. But Blackburn getting that whole line about the radical newspapers excluded was a blow. Overall, I think you're holding your own. It could go either way." "Yeah." He agreed, slumping forward toward his desk. Mac walked around behind the desk and grasped his shoulders in her hands. She kneaded the tight muscles and massaged them. He sighed as he told her how good it felt, he could get used to this. ========================================= The MAP trial was exhausting. Walker Blackburn seemed to counter every one of Harm's points, even before he finished making them. Rabb was frustrated, the Admiral was frustrated, the SECNAV was angry; and everyone in the JAG offices felt the pressure of this sensationalized trial. Harm worked late into most nights, then returned very early most mornings. He wasn't getting much sleep and wasn't eating well at all. Mac was worried about him. As a temporary JAG her caseload was light, so she tried to assist Harm as much as she could, but still, the burden on him was significant. For his part, Harm spent all the time he could get away from the Phillips case thinking about Mac. He needed for her to sit down and talk through this relationship issue with him. If, indeed, she had valid points, he needed her to lay them out for him. They needed to discuss them and work through them. He waited patiently, not mentioning it to her until he felt the right time had come. ========================================= 1330 LOCAL JAG HQ FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA It was two days before he anticipated closing arguments in his trial, and he just had to get away from it, if only for an evening. When she came to his office to drop off the transcripts she's been reviewing, he asked her. "Hey, Mac. This trial is long and starting to wear on both of us. And I think we really need to talk." "About what?" "About us." "Harm, there is no "us." I don't want to get into that whole relationship argument again." "No, neither do I. I'm not going to pressure you anymore. I promise. I just want to talk. Friends talk, you know. How about you come by my place after work. We'll order in some Chinese food. We'll eat. We'll talk. We'll eat. It'll be fun. What do you say?" "No high pressure? No overt seduction?" "I promise." He held up his hand as if in pledge. "Okay." She agreed. "When I leave here, I'll go home and change clothes, then I'll come by." "Great." If he didn't even touch her, being near her would be enough. ========================================= 1600 LOCAL TIME MAC'S TEMPORARY OFFICE Mac sat at her desk staring at the brief in front of her. She had read the same paragraph at least a half dozen times, but it still hadn't registered in her mind. She couldn't concentrate and she knew why. She was anticipating spending the evening with Harm. They hadn't spent much time together lately and she did miss him. <> she thought. But wait a minute --- when the case was over and she wasn't needed as a witness anymore, she'd have to leave and go back to her duty station in Afghanistan. Who knows when she'd ever get back to Washington? Or when she'd ever see Harm again. "Better just enjoy what's going on now, Mac." She told herself. At that moment, Harm knocked briefly, and then came in. She looked up and greeted him, "Oh hi!" "Sarah," he began. "I've got a problem." His use of her first name always got her attention. "Problem? What's wrong?" Admiral Morris has ordered a private evidenciary hearing in his chambers immediately after the court session today." "That's not so unusual." Mac commented. "Except that we're going to run late today anyway. We're in recess now, but I've got to get back in a few minutes, and we're nowhere near an ending point for today. By the time we finish the session and have that hearing, I'm going to be running pretty late tonight." He paused, and then continued, "I wouldn't mind, except that we have plans." "Harm, don't worry. We can have the talk you want later -- or tomorrow or anytime." "No, I want to do it tonight -- as soon as possible." Harm reached in his pocket and handed her a key. "You go on to my place like you planned. Make yourself at home. I'll be there as soon as I possibly can. Is that okay?" She stood and took the key. "Of course, that's fine. I'll bring something to read. You be sure and pick up some food on your way home, though." "Thanks, Baby. I really am sorry." He bent and quickly kissed her cheek. "Don't be sorry. Get on back to court. I'll see you when you get home." + + + LATE THAT NIGHT Harm got out of the car and headed toward his building. Looking at his watch he saw that it was after midnight. He certainly hadn't meant to be this late. Mac's car was around the corner, so she was still here. He felt badly that she had waited so long. Their talk would have to wait for morning -- he was too exhausted right now. Opening the door, he saw an empty pizza box -- at least she'd eaten. What he didn't see was Mac. His eyes scanned all around, but she wasn't here. The bedroom! Maybe she had gone to sleep while waiting. Harm stood at the bedroom door staring at the most beautiful sight he ever hoped to see. Mac -- his Mac -- was sleeping in his bed. She just looked so peaceful. She lay on her left side, facing the edge of the bed, arms and legs askew. He didn't want to wake her; he only needed to touch her. So, he moved quietly. He stripped off his clothes and slid into the bed beside her. Moving close so that his chest was against her back, he settled in comfortably. The arm he draped around her pulled her closer. With his face buried in her neck, he fell asleep. + + + Mac awoke first, and was immediately aware of him surrounding her. It felt good and she didn't want to wake him. It must've been pretty late when he got in. His arm was around her, making her feel safe. She just stayed very still, feeling that and the sensation of his bare chest against her back. Soon, though, Harm sensed the change and began to drift awake. "Good Morning, Beautiful." He whispered in her ear. Then he kissed her neck. Mac snuggled in close. Neither knew how long they lay there, lost in the feel of each other. It was too comfortable to question. Finally, Mac kissed his chest and spoke, "Harm? What did you want to talk about?" "Talk? I don't want to talk?" "Yes, Honey. That's why you asked me to come here tonight -- so we could talk." "Oh." He remembered. "Sarah, you've told me over and over that we cannot have a relationship. I love you, so I'm trying to understand your point of view. But, Darling, you've never told me why. You said it's not the regulations and it's not the distance between our duty stations, but you never said what it was. I want us to be together. At least tell me what makes you so sure that it wouldn't work for us." She took a deep breath and snuggled in to him again, but never looked into his face. "Let's see," she began, "there's Chris and John and Dalton and Mic and Annie and Jordan and Renee…" He cut her off. "What do our former lovers have to do with it?" "Don't you see Harm? Neither one of us has a good track record with relationships. We haven't been able to make a single one work, either one of us. You and I just aren't relationship material." "Whoa, wait a minute." He answered. "You're telling me that you won't commit to being with me because we've both had failed relationships in the past?" "We just don't have what it takes, Harm. And you mean too much to me to risk losing you to a bad relationship." He pulled away and looked deep into her eyes. "Mac, the reason that none of those other relationships worked out for us is because they weren't with the right person. You and I can make this work. We're right for each other." "I still don't think it's a good idea." She concluded. Harm kissed her passionately. "Don't say that. Let's sleep on it. We have to get up in a few hours." She returned his kiss and snuggled back into the nest of his arms." ========================================= Harm's closing summation had been powerful. He concentrated on the facts. From her seat in the gallery, Mac watched the members' reactions with a practiced legal eye. They seemed to understand what he was saying. She thought that after this summation, he had a good chance of winning the conviction. She was proud of him. Everything seemed to be going the way of justice in this trial, until… When Walker Blackburn stood to deliver his closing argument, the atmosphere of the courtroom changed. He cleared his throat and walked to a position in front of the jury box. His major points were recounted, and then he said something that surprised Mac and the other observers in the room. "Ladies and gentlemen, since the tragic events of September 11th, our country is in a turmoil like we've never known before. We want to be hyper-vigilant against the possibility of terrorists in our midst, and understandably so. But there is a difference between being aware of that possibility and being paranoid. Major Phillips is being singled out because of his religious beliefs to shoulder the brunt of that paranoia. He has demonstrated no hostile actions toward America or Americans. The fact that he practices a particular faith or that his ancestors came from a particular place does not make him a terrorist. We cannot allow the military or, indeed, anyone to believe that it does. What we have here, ladies and gentlemen, is an echo of the 1950s, when, Senator McCarthy and others searched for communists under every rock in this country. The same type of loose, undefined criteria that defined the people who were marked and ruined by that sad chapter of history are now being applied to my client. I charge you to keep yourself from being paranoid. Don't let another witch hunt begin in this country. You must acquit Major Phillips; he's done nothing wrong. He is not a terrorist." Mac shivered, slightly. That's why Blackburn was so good. She was almost convinced herself, for just a moment. It was hard to read what the members were thinking, but Harm was obviously shaken a bit. When the members left to begin deliberations, Mac followed Harm out of the courtroom and onto the patio of the JAG HQ building. He sat at a table there, and she sat beside him. "Mac, I was so sure that I had this one. I thought my case was really good, and I thought I was convincing. Then, he pulled out that closing that changed everything." "You don't know that Harm. You do have a strong case and you did present it well. The decision won't be based only on the summation. You know that. This could really go either way now." He moved to slip an arm around her waist. She pulled away and moved her chair away as well. "Not here, Harm, Not where someone might see." "Mac…" She reached for his hand with hers and squeezed it. He smiled at her. "Whatever the verdict, will you come to my place for dinner tonight?" she asked. "I think maybe I would like to talk about what's going on between us." "You would?" he sounded excited. "I'm not promising anything, but I think we could talk and after this trial, you need to relax." He assured her that he would be there. Bud Roberts, who had been sitting second chair, burst out to announce that, in record time, the members were returning. The three of them hurried back into the courtroom. The members found MAP guilty of unauthorized absence, missing movement and disobeying a direct order. Those would get him some sanctions and a probationary period of instruction. On the more serious charges of treason and espionage, however he was found not guilty. Walker Blackburn and the representatives from the American Nation of Islam beamed. Harm's shoulders slumped a bit. When Blackburn walked over to his table, the two men shook hands, but Mac knew that Harm didn't like to lose. She waited in the back of the room until he walked out, and then whispered in his ear, "See you tonight, Sailor." This did make him smile. + + + THAT NIGHT MAC'S APARTMENT Mac opened the door to Harm's knock; her smile and the aroma of something wonderful cooking greeted him. He kissed her cheek and gave her the flowers he'd brought. Mac seated him on the couch with a promise that dinner would be ready soon. Then she carried a plate of appetizers and a glass of juice out to him. She sat down in his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. They shared a passionate kiss and he made a comment about liking the appetizers. She kissed his neck and nibbled on his ear before getting up. Mac disappeared into the kitchen and he asked if there was anything he could do to help. "Come sit at the table. Everything's ready." She informed him. They enjoyed a nice leisurely meal and talked, intermittently, about the case. She concluded that he had done the best job it was possible to have done. When she brought out the dessert, he changed the conversation to be about them instead. "Mac, we never really settled anything about our relationship." "I've been thinking a lot about that." She responded. "Counselor, I think you made a very good point about other relationships not working out because we weren't with the right person. We might very well be the right combination to make something work." He reached for her hand. "Does that mean that you are my official girlfriend now?" She squeezed the hand and smiled at him. "If we're going to try this relationship -- give it a chance-- I think we both need to agree to some pretty specific conditions." "Like what?" "First," she began, "neither of us can have any lofty expectations. We just have to take it one day at a time and see what happens." "I can do that. What else?" "If we're going to give it a real chance, we have to promise to be totally honest with each other -- all the time." "I wouldn't have it any other way, Sweetheart." She smiled at the endearment. "You realize that's going to be doubly hard with me half way around the world." He looked sad. "You haven't heard anything from the Admiral about changing your designator?" "No. I asked him about it this morning and he said he was still waiting to here from the Marine Corps." She took a deep breath "Time has run out. The case is over; my assignment for the SECNAV is done. There is no excuse for me to hang a round. So I'll need to ship out soon." Harm's heart sank as he felt the dreadful case of déjà vu. "…and," she continued, "we keep it private, at least for now. We can't have any public displays of affection. And we don't tell anybody, not the people we work with or even your parents… at least for a while. It's got to be a secret." "That may not be easy." He commented. She raised her eyebrows. "But we can do it." He said. "I love you, Sarah." She rewarded him with a sweet smile and a gentle kiss. They spent the night holding each other and celebrating this new level of commitment between them. ========================================= NEXT MORNING JAG HQ FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA Mac had gotten into the habit, as had the Admiral and the rest of the JAG staff, of joining the staff briefings. So as per usual she sat in on what promised to be her last. The Admiral had called a special staff meeting to hand out a whole stack of new assignments. He handed Mac a folder. "Colonel, I have some special orders for you." "What's that, Sir?" she inquired as she took the file. She opened the folder and a look of pure joy spread across her face. "What is it, Mac?" Harm asked. Chegwidden answered for her. "Colonel Mackenzie has been permanently reassigned to this office." Now Harm smiled too. Their hands joined under the table for the rest of the meeting. Afterward, he followed her to her office. "Welcome back, Colonel." "Why, thank you, Harm." Coming in and shutting the door, he continued. "This will make our new relationship much easier." "Yes." She agreed. "But remember, this is just on a see how it works out basis." "It'll work out." He was emphatic. A knock on the door brought Admiral Chegwidden into the office with them. "Commander, Colonel, I just wanted to congratulate you both on an outstanding job on the Phillips case." "That was Harm's case, sir." Mac stated. "Don't be so modest, Colonel. I know you worked hard on that one too. Good work, both of you." "Thank you, Sir." They said in unison. After he had left, Harm turned to her to affirm this. "You did do a nice job with this. Thank you." "I just helped. You and Bud did all the real work." She confessed. He turned to leave but she stopped him. "I'm sorry, Harm. I know you expected to win this one." "Oh, I did." He concluded. She shot him a quizzical glance. "Blackburn may have gotten the verdict, but I got the girl." THE END