Title: Deployment III: Missing Mac 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: Even during war military life must go on as a present day event touches too close to home for Mac. 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: Deployment 1, 2 and 3 (version NC-17) are available at http://www.jagundercovers.com/warning.htm and http://pub10.ezboard.com/bbehindcloseddoors Performing in this saga: Missy Elliott featuring Ludacris sings "One Minute Man", Shakira sings "Whenever, Wherever" while No Doubt sings "Hey Baby" Feedback: Would be nice… so where is it? Permission to Archive: Permission granted. Story Written March 2002 ***************************************************** THURSDAY - 0918 LOCAL MAC'S APARTMENT Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie was in bed and she felt great. She rolled over and came face to face with the reason for her contentment. Still sleeping next to her was the love of her life: Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. She took the moment to look at him, to REALLY look at him. She committed his features to memory as if she were about to be separated from him and she needed the image burned into her brain. So focused was she that he awoke and she hadn't noticed. "There'll be an exam later." He said, running an appreciative hand over her bare hip. She started, and then smiled. "Morning, Lover." She reached over and kissed him. Their relationship was still fresh and exciting, so it didn't take more than this to arouse his passion. "A man can get used to this." He kissed her back. "One would think that after six weeks you would be used to this. After all you seem to wake over here more often than at your place." She smiled and snuggled up to him. He poked her "Aren't we late for work?" She moved in closer. "Nice try, Flyboy, but **WE** have the morning off. I get in at 1300 and you at 1330." "I always wondered at that." "What?" her muffled voice sounded as she had buried her face in his chest. "At our return times. I realize that we worked late on this case but why the staggered return?" he wondered. She raised her head to be heard clearly. "When I see AJ I'll ask him." She replied sarcastically. He suddenly rolled over onto her. "Ms Mackenzie have I told you lately that I love you?" "That's Lt. Colonel to you." She smiled "and now that you mention it. No you have not." "Then for the record Lt. Colonel – I love you." He kissed her and she reciprocated. "I love you, too, Harm. That's why this is always so wonderful for us." She punctuated the moment. "Yeah, yeah, right there. Keep doing that." "Is that what I am to you, just a plaything?" he teased. "I like to play with you." She laughed. Then she pulled herself up to initiate a deep and meaningful kiss. Once the kiss ended Mac said "Do you know how difficult it is to be aloof around you at JAG?" "Tell me about it." He agreed. "This need to keep the relationship quiet is going to kill me yet." He sat up abruptly. "It's worse, though, when we are on the same case whether apposing or not." She remained lying down. "Like this case?" "Have you EVER known me not to remain focused on a case?" he accused. She shook her head. "Well I am having problems with this one and not because of the client but because of co-counsel." He confessed. "Commander, if you are having problems with your partner maybe I should report you to the Chief of Staff?" she teased. "Funny, Mac. But the problem is that I have no problem!" He wailed. She chuckled. Her hands moved from behind him to caress the muscles of his broad chest. "You find this funny?" "No! No! It's not that." She assured him "Can you imagine the reactions of the bullpen not to mention the Admiral if they ever find out?" He smiled at the thought. "Bud will stutter through the whole thing, Harriett will be overjoyed. She's a matchmaker at heart, it doesn't matter whom. Sturgis will take on the **I told you so** look and the Admiral will skin us." "Well as they say in for a penny in for a pound." "Meaning" "Meaning that you told me that you love me. Now show me." She explained. "You're greedy you know that?" Harm pointed. "Commander!" Mac used her best CO voice. "Yes ma'am. Right away ma'am." He grinned and complied. Being with her was always exciting. Even though they didn't have to go until the afternoon, they still might be late for work. =========================================== 1400 LOCAL JAG HQ Mac stood from her seat in front of Harm's desk. "Is that the best they're going to offer?" she complained. "Apparently so." Harm replied. "Let's go to trial, then." She concluded. "Mac, our defense isn't ironclad. This is a man's life we're talking about here. We have to present it to the Petty Officer and let him decide." "When he asks, how are you going to advise him?" "To think about it carefully. Even the great Sarah Mackenzie can't guarantee an acquittal on this one." "I think our defense will hold up fine. Mattoni's not got much more than circumstantial evidence." "Mac, he's got an eyewitness." "That witness isn't credible and you know it." "Don't let your ego get in the way of protecting your client." "My ego? That's like the pot calling the kettle…" She accused, flippantly. "God, you're sexy when you argue with me." He whispered. "We can sneak out of here a little early today. We can go home and have the most hellacious argument you ever saw." "And Petty Officer Matthews?" "No, I'd prefer to have you to myself." He grinned. "Okay, you win. We'll advise the client that his best chance is to go to trial." Now, she smiled. She wanted to say something to redirect the conversation back to their after hours plans, but was interrupted. Srurgis Turner knocked then opened the door. "Is it safe to enter?" he asked. "Why wouldn't it be?" Harm queried. "Well, you two have been kind of tense lately. I don't want to get caught in your crossfire." Mac swallowed hard and shot Harm a nervous glance. "Don't be ridiculous. Come in, Sturgis." She addressed him. "Actually, I can't stay. I just came to deliver a message." Harm and Mac both looked at him, expectantly. "The Admiral wants to see both of you in his office ASAP. That is, if you can quit arguing long enough." "Oh. This isn't an argument." Mac informed him. "Not yet." "Thanks, Sturgis." Harm replied. When he had left, Harm stood. "Let's see what he wants. Come with me, Mac." "That's what you always want, isn't it?" He couldn't believe she had said that. He just stared at her with an open mouth, as they moved toward the door. + + + Admiral Chegwidden didn't look up from what he was reading when they entered. After they had come to attention, he spoke, "You have both investigated cases of sexual harassment before, haven't you?" "Yes, Sir." They both answered. "Good, then I won't have to remind you about the Navy's no tolerance policy regarding this sensitive issue." "Sir, has there been an allegation?" Harm ventured. "Yes, Commander. An accusation came in from a female officer at the Navy's temporary outpost in the Philippines. She's accused her C.O, of improper and unwanted advances. " "The Philippines? Admiral, wouldn't that be handled by our Pacific office, rather than here in Washington?" Mac entered the conversation. "Normally, yes, Colonel. Now that we're at war, however, the resources in some of our field offices are stretched pretty thin, so we have to shift them around a little to keep things running smoothly." "What do you want us to do, Admiral?" Harm came to the point." "I want you to be thorough and discreet. We can't afford to let this thing snowball in the press. Nor can we afford to not have it taken care of quickly and fairly." "How would you like us to proceed, Sir? Do you have any details?" "Lieutenant Sheila Evers is currently serving as a procurement coordinator at our Philippine outpost. She's got an outstanding service record, and has been promoted on schedule. Her performance evals have been very good. Tiner is gathering all of that information now for you to review. While attending a training seminar in San Diego last week, she told a superior officer that her C.O. had sexually harassed her. Apparently her attempts to get it reported at her duty station had not been successful. " "Do you mean that somebody was covering it up?" Mac guessed. "I don't know, Colonel, but I want to know. Is that clear?" "Aye, Sir." She and Harm responded, automatically. "What do we know about the C.O.?" Harm asked. "Also an outstanding officer -- highly decorated. He's served in the Middle East." AJ continued. "Sir," Harm had to say it," maybe this Lt. Evers is just young and overwhelmed by being in a combat zone. She could be overreacting." AJ nodded. "Yeah," Mac conceded, "or maybe she was sexually harassed." Harm smiled at her, but had to continue with his point. "Mac, every woman in the military is not being victimized by the system and her officers." "She returned his smile, halfheartedly, "But, some of them are. Who's the commanding officer, Sir? We should find out more about him." "Let's see." The Admiral referred back to his notes. A Colonel Tom Lawson. Do you know him, Mac?" Mac's blood went cold. Of course she did know him from their brief encounter in Afghanistan and she knew that he was guilty as hell. He has sexually harassed her, then. She had reported it, but hadn't followed through on it. He had been transferred out, another officer had come in, their camp had come under attack, Harm had wanted to fall in love with her, Bud had been kidnapped; too much happened that superceded that concern in Afghanistan. But now, he'd done it again. She had another chance to stop him. If they had trouble finding evidence, and her recollection was that he didn't leave much of a trail, she might be a material witness who could help corroborate the charges in court. For that reason, she silently decided to keep her previous encounter with this Colonel Lawson to herself -- at least for now. Then she thought of Harm, the man that she loved so much -- far more than she had ever imagined that she was capable of loving anyone. He had never known about Lawson's advances toward her. If he had, he'd have gone ballistic. Harm would want to go after him, and it would blow their chances of catching him. They were only just beginning to build a life together; she couldn't risk that, or Harm's career. No, it was best all around if she just kept this to herself, for now. "I met him once, briefly, Sir." She told her C.O. " He was the officer I relieved in Afghanistan, but I don't really know anything about him." Well, it wasn't really a lie, she told herself. It was more like a strategic omission. She was making a decision using her initiative designed to put a particular battle plan into effect. At least that's what she told herself. "If their was an attempt to squash Lt. Ever reporting this, we don't know who might have been involved. So, we have a cover for you -- just to make sure nobody interferes with your investigation." "Cover, Sir?" Harm asked, cautiously. "Yes. There have been some supplies missing in the procurement office there. From that have come some unsubstantiated allegations of misappropriation and smuggling. The base commander, General Earl Arthurs has approved you to come and investigate this, because it impacts the war effort. As far as everyone knows, that's why you're there. Look into that, but keep your other assignment in focus, as well. With the current world situation, we need a swift resolution to this. Investigate the allegations, and, if necessary, charge Colonel Lawson so that we can move on this." "Aye, aye, Sir." They chorused. "Tiner's making your travel arrangements. Be ready to leave at 1900." They were dismissed and headed out the door. Harm followed her back to her office and shut the door. "What are you smiling at?" she challenged him. "Just thinking how you're going to look on a tropical beach in a skimpy bikini." "Skimpy bikini? Beach? Harm, we're going to the Philippines to work, not for a vacation." "Maybe, we can make it a little bit of both." He replied, seductively. "We're investigating sexual harassment, I shouldn't even pack a bikini." "Okay, lose the bikini. Better still." He eyes her, suggestively. "You're hopeless!" she concluded, swatting him on the arm. "No, I have lots of hope." As he said it, he pinched her rear end, and then quickly drew his hand away. When she didn't move, he leaned in to kiss her. She pulled, abruptly away. "Not here." She admonished him. Then, let's go home. The Admiral will give us the rest of the day to pack; it's only a few hours until our flight." "You're on." She announced, with a sly, come hither smile. Their planning was interrupted by Tiner at the door. He gave them their travel itinerary and the background information for their investigation. "Oh, and Ma'am, Sir, the Admiral said to tell you that you can go home to pack whenever you're ready. He's already prepared Lt. Roberts to take over the Petty Officer Elswick case that you have coming up." "Thank you, Tiner." Harm acknowledged. "I think I will head out, then. Do you need a ride, Mac?" She looked at him strangely until she realized that Tiner was still in the room. "No thanks Harm. I'll see you at Andrews to catch the transport at 1900. + + + LATER HARM'S APARTMENT NORTH OF UNION STATION He opened the door to admit her, then, immediately enveloped her in a huge embrace. Their kiss was passionate. They began to melt into each other. Mac's sensed were on total overload. When she could feel his body reacting, she pulled sharply away. "Sarah!" he pleaded, trying to kiss her neck. "We have one hour and twenty two minutes before our transport leaves Andrews. If we start this now, we'll never make it." "But, I need to be with you." He argued. "It's a long flight. We'll be together then." She said it, but she knew it wasn't what she wanted right now, either. "On a plane full of people?" he countered. "Are you saying that our being together is no good if we're not having sex?" "Of course not!" "Then get your cute little six out in the car." He complied, but he reached to squeeze a generous breast on his way by her. Mac had to close her eyes and sigh heavily. How she craved this man's touch! =========================================== 1300 LOCAL US BASE, NEAR ZAMBOANGA BASILAN ISLAND, PHILIPPINES Harm and Mac arrived at the Base on Basilan Island, having been shuttled in from the capital, Manila. The place was humming. They were located in the south of the country with about six hundred and fifty troops who were expected to take part in training and advising the Philippine military in its fight against the extremist Abu Sayyaf Muslim militants who were suspected of having links to Al Qaeda. They disembarked and the wall of heat hit them. It had welcomed them in Manila but being back on the pressurized plane their bodies had readjusted. Now they faced the combined onslaught of heat and humidity that came with being six degrees north of the equator. They broke out into an instant sweat. A Second Lieutenant approached them. "Sir? Ma'am? I'm Lieutenant Matthew De Foe, your liaison. If you come with me General Arthurs will meet with you now." "Lead on." Harm acknowledged. They crossed the compound and entered the office of Brigadier General Earl Arthurs. They snapped to attention. "Sir, Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie and Commander Rabb reporting!" Mac reported. "At ease." The General instructed, as he leaned back in his chair. He surveyed Mac "You the senior of the two?" "I am." Mac was surprised at the question. The General snorted and leaned forward. "The Department of Justice has prosecutors in London, Paris, Rome, Bogota and Mexico City, but has none in Asia. That being the case, you are the only legal recourse I have for a thousand miles." He looked at Harm. "Get the picture?" "Yes sir." Harm replied, and he didn't necessarily refer to the legal situation. "I am told that there are accusations of some smuggling of illegal arms, drugs and other contraband through the supply procurement area used for getting supplies for the ships, which dock here." He was still looking at Harm. Mac replied, "That is our understanding, Sir." "Do what you have to do." He instructed. "Dismissed." "Aye sir!" They snapped to and turned to leave. "Colonel." Arthurs called. Harm hung back. "Not you, Commander." Harm stepped out of the office but didn't leave. "Sir?" Mac returned to face the General. "I assume those oaks you wear are deserved and not obtained by other means." He said. "If you wish, Sir, you may assess my file." She offered. "Not necessary. I am the ranking officer here and YOU WILL show me your metal eventually and you will either prove or return ASAP to JAG. Are we clear?" "Understood, Sir." She replied. "Dismissed." "Aye, Sir" + + + As she stepped out of the office Harm pounced. "What was that about?" "The rules of engagement." She said and walked away. Harm watched her retreating form in wonder. This woman he had fallen in love with never ceased to amaze him. ====================================== 1435 LOCAL INVESTIGATION ROOM The duo was assigned a room to work out of and they were soon deep into the investigation. Keeping to the cover story of the smuggling they probed for information on Colonel Tom Lawson. They finally got to Lt. Shelia Evers. The interview hadn't got far when the Lieutenant changed the topic. "Sir, Ma'am, with all due respect, I thought you were here on the sexual harassment charge." Mac put her pen down. "Enlighten us, Lieutenant." The woman took a deep breath. "I work in the supply procurement area with Colonel Lawson: he's my CO. Last month while on duty, the Colonel groped me as a prelude to propositioning me." "This is a serious accusation, Lieutenant." Harm said. "I know, Sir." "You said as a prelude to propositioning you. Did he say anything?" Mac asked. "Yes, Ma'am, he said that ***"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 tried to make him understand that this was not appropriate behavior, but he took it as a joke and informed me that he regarded my resistance as foreplay." Mac went cold. The recollection could have been a replay of her encounter with the man. "You seem to remember in a very detailed manner." Harm challenged. "Photographic memory, Sir." She explained. "Besides, a woman doesn't easily forget being blatantly intimidated and disrespected like that." Mac took control of herself. She tried to speak but her voice cracked. She coughed to clear it then asked "Why didn't you report it before now?" "I did, Ma'am! To General Arthurs! When I realized that nothing would happen, I contacted my Congresswoman. Have you met the General, Ma'am?" Mac nodded. She knew what Evers was hinting at. "The General is not …" Evers groped for a word that would not get her court-martialed "… is not..." Mac took pity on her. "It's ok, Lieutenant, we know." The woman sighed in relief. "So you'll investigate?" "Well we are not here for that." Harm lied "But we'll see what we can do." The reply didn't go too well with Lieutenant Sheila Evers but it was more than she had when she had first walked in. "Thank you." "Dismissed." Mac said. "Aye!" =========================================== 1906 LOCAL OUTSIDE MAC'S QUARTER'S After five hours of interviews all Mac wanted to do was hit the sack. She left Harm finishing up the notes and headed for her quarters. After a shower and a few hours sleep, she figured she'd feel human again, so she arranged to meet him for dinner. "Well! Well! Well! What have we here?" Mac heard the familiar voice of Colonel Tom Lawson. Even after all this time, she'd know it anywhere. Lt Evers had been right, a woman doesn't forget that sort of experience easily. She turned to face him. "Evening Colonel." "Is that the best you can do?" he leered. He couldn't help himself it was automatic. "May I help you sir?" she replied. "Well, when you put it that way." He said. "Did you have something in mind sir?" she tried to remain calm. [Surely he isn't going to blatantly proposition me?] She thought. "Oh, yes." He assured her. "But it can wait." He changed tactic "Welcome to the Philippines, where the war front has moved to and the locals don't want us." "Something I should know, Sir?" Mac was all formality. "Eventually." He leaned on a nearby post. "I hear an investigation brings you here to my neck of the woods?" She fed him the party line. "Mmmm. Interesting. When you have some free time I'd like for us to socialize a bit. We didn't have much time last time." He offered. "If memory serves, Sir, the last time I had to defend myself quite firmly." They obviously had different interpretations of the incident. "You're a beautiful woman and I lost my head. I assure you that that is not who I am. I wish to apologize and make amends. Although nothing happened." He replied. "Give me the benefit of the doubt and you'll see you'll owe me an apology, Colonel, for your suspicions." Lawson told her. "If I find that I was wrong, I'll give you one." Mac promised. "If I find that I am right, I'll give you something entirely different. Am I clear?" "Crystal" He grinned her. "Night, Colonel." He sauntered off. Mac turned and continued to her quarters. =========================================== 1035 LOCAL INVESTIGATION ROOM "I still don't see why we can't just come out and say we are investigating Lawson." Mac grumbled. Harm sighed. Mac, the marine, at times was too much for this Navy boy to handle. "Mac, the man's a senior officer with a lot to lose, he might try to interfere with the investigation. Not to mention that he might try to cover things up or intimidate the victim -- or victims. I can't believe that is happened only to Lt. Evers. There has to be more. Also, he may try to coerce potential witnesses." Mac remained silent but Harm knew her. "Mac? What's wrong?" "Nothing." She replied innocently. His eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Nothing." She repeated. She looked at the witness list. "We'd better continue with the interviews." He shook a finger at her. "You're up to something." She gave him an exasperated look. "All right, all right." He teased "… I'll find out sooner or later. Who's next?" =========================================== 2020 LOCAL INVESTIGATION ROOM It had been a long day and Mac was tired. Harm had gone off somewhere. She had no idea where. She stretched out and idly compared the conditions in the Philippines to that of Afghanistan. Her thoughts were interrupted… Second Lieutenant De Foe walked in. "Evening, Ma'am, have you seen Commander Rabb?" "Nope." She replied. He looked putout. "There a problem, Lieutenant?" "I don't know, Ma'am. The General asked for the Commander." He replied. "Maybe I can help." She volunteered. "I don't know, Ma'am. The General asked for the Commander." He repeated. She signed. "Well, he's not here and all you've got is me." "I don't know, Ma'am. The General asked for …" "…. the commander." She finished. Mac stood. "Lieutenant. Let's go see what the General needs." "Aye, Ma'am" he still looked doubtful. + + + 2031 LOCAL GENERAL ARTHURS' OFFICE Having gotten over the disappointment of not getting the Commander, General Arthurs' reluctantly settled for Mac. "I need a JAG." He grumbled. "You got one, Sir." Mac was irritated but maintained her poker face. "Abu Sayyaf has had an American missionary couple and a Philippine nurse hostage for the past eight months in their remote jungle camps. Intelligence thinks they have found the camp." Arthurs' revealed. Mac made no comment. "I'm about to send in one hundred and sixty Special Force Troops to effect a rescue. They are deployed here on the island for the counter-terrorism exercises. They have with them the sophisticated equipment needed, including night vision goggles and unmanned spy planes to help pinpoint just such rebel hideouts." Still Mac made no comment. "Are you aware of the legalese regarding troop movement here?" He asked. Now she spoke. "According to the Philippine constitution, overseas troops are not allowed to enter into combat on Philippine soil unless under a formal treaty. These exercises are ostensibly to provide training to Philippine troops in their campaign to root out the Abu Sayyaf fighters, not to extend the war front." "You see the problem." The General grumbled. She did. "Have we been asked to assist in this maneuver, Sir?" Mac needed a loophole. "Only informally, by my counterpart." His regard for her was changing. Mac's brain raced. "Sir what are the odds of a training exercise taking place at 2300 tonight and the session coming across an Abu Sayyaf camp?" He grinned. "I'd say damned high!" he jabbed his intercom. "Get me Colonel Jackson ASAP!" he turned to Mac. "Thank you, Colonel." "You're welcome. That all, Sir?" "Not by a long shot." He replied. Jackson walked in. "You sent for me, Sir?" "Yes you and the Lt. Colonel here are going to be running a training exercise at 2300 tonight at these coordinates." He began pointing to the maps on the wall as he briefed them. =========================================== 2347 LOCAL ISLAND OF JOLO Mac had made a mad dash to her quarters to get squared away for the mission. She had looked for Harm but he was still nowhere to be found. So she had left without briefing him. Since they had begun their romantic relationship, a little over a month ago, they had had the "if I don't come back from a dangerous assignment" talk several times. After all, they were military officers in a time of war. But still, she would have liked to have seen him, even briefly, before she left. It was incredible to her just how much strength she drew from this man. Now here she was in the sweltering jungles of the Philippines about to effect what was an illegal mission, under the guise of training. Her six was on the line. [Why else do you think the grizzly sent you?] She thought. She slapped her neck. The place was a hive of activity: mosquitoes, crickets and frogs, to name a few, sang the song of the night. Her clothes stuck to her both from the humidity of the jungle and her own sweat. She wiped her brow. As the Judge Advocate on site, it still rested with her to authorize the target. "Goldilocks, this is Papa Bear, do you read?" The voice of the advance team came through on the handheld radio. [Who thinks of these code names?] Mac wondered as she listed to the conversation. "Goldilocks here go ahead Papa Bear." Colonel Jackson replied softly. "The porridge is cold. Do you read … I repeat the porridge is cold." The soldier reported. "Copy that. Return to the den, Papa Bear. Out." Jackson turned and cursed. "Sorry." He apologized to Mac. "No need. I've used them myself when needed. Great stress relievers." She grinned with him. "I take it that the hostages are no longer where expected." He nodded. "Mission aborted." The team regrouped and returned to base with no encounters with the Abu Sayyaf. =========================================== NEXT DAY - 0800 LOCAL MAC'S QUARTER'S Mac groaned as the continuous pounding on her door finally woke her up. She fell out of the bed and groped her way to the door. She flung it open to find Harm about to start another round of banging on the door. "Damn it, Harm." She growled. "Where the HELL have you been!" He demanded as he strode past her and entered the room. "Welcome" She snarled as she closed the door after him. "Did it ever occur to you to ask the General?" That gave him pause. "The General? I thought…" She was out of her fog by now. "Thought what!" her eyes narrowed. "Nothing." He backed down. He caught her outfit. "Mac why are you in BDUs and your face… you were on a mission!" She nodded. "I looked for you, but didn't have time to search or leave a message. It was gear up and get out. I just got back." He had the decency to look embarrassed. "Sorry." "For what? For disappearing with out a clue? Sorry for waking me up? Sorry for what, Harm?" she challenged. "For everything. Look I'll leave you to get some zzs and I'll see you later." He proposed. Too tired and grubby to argue she nodded. Harm turned to leave, but, then thought better of it and bent to kiss the top of her head; first. She appreciated the gesture. She'd of liked better to have him come to bed and hold her, but still, this simple act comforted her greatly. =========================================== 1309 LOCAL MESS HALL She'd slept, bathed and changed into clean clothes. That was Mac's definition of human. It was missing one more component, however – food. She headed for the mess hall; once fed she'd be ready to do battle with the world. The line was not as long as it could have been, but it wasn't short either. She grabbed a tray and the necessaries and joined the queue and chatted with the persons on the line as her eyes wandered around. She wasn't looking for anything in particular, her eyes just drifted around noting empty seats as possible spaces to have lunch, when her eyes fell on a couple. She stared. Harm was seated with Lt. Evers, seated rather closely, Mac noted. Suddenly he flashed his flyboy grin at the woman who laughed at whatever it was he had said. Mac couldn't help herself; it was compelling watching her man flirt outlandishly with the young woman. She hadn't realized that they had become friends. In an instant, she wondered where Harm had been the previous day when she'd looked for him before her jungle mission, and why he hadn't looked for her until this morning. Could he have been with the young Lieutenant? She was very attractive. The line moved along and Mac automatically moved with it, but she continued to watch as though it were the cliffhanger to a soap opera. When he suddenly shifted position and placed his arm over the back of the woman's chair; she closed her eyes. When she opened them the line had moved along and it was now her turn to be served. Once done, Mac tuned to pick a spot to sit – preferably away from the unfolding interaction. Of course her eyes went automatically to the duo. The Lieutenant was now completely under Harm's spell. She hesitated, not sure where to sit, when suddenly…. "Colonel Mackenzie!" Colonel Jackson called. She turned towards the voice but in her peripheral vision, she saw Harm's head snap up. "Colonel Mackenzie, come join us!" Jackson invited. She joined the Colonel and a number of the team from the mission and sat with her back to Harm. As groups do at the lunch table, they chatted about nothing in particular until Jackson suddenly said. "Mac I'm having a birthday bar-b-que on Sunday. Anyone told you about it?" "I'm afraid the conversations I've been having with the folks round here don't lend themselves to bar-b-ques." She smiled. The group chucked. "It's the Colonel's birthday." Captain Phillips said. "Any excuse to let the hair down." Jackson explained. "So consider yourself and Rabb invited. Phillips here will show you the way." She nodded "Thank you. Do we bring anything?" "EMPTY STOMACHS!" The entire table chanted as one. The mess hall burst into laughter as the chorus could only be about one thing. Mac's smile deepened. JAG would always have a place in her heart but there was something to be said for field assignments. If asked what she had had for lunch she could honestly say that it tasted like cardboard. She'd completely lost her appetite but had eaten anyway. She really tried not to watch Harm with the young Lieutenant during lunch, but she couldn't help stealing an occasional glance. After a while, they got up and left together, laughing and talking. They were obviously enjoying each other's company. Mac could not blame Lt. Evers. Harm was the most interesting and exciting man in the world -- and so damn good looking. + + + Later that afternoon, Harm showed up while she was in their temporary office going over all the official statements they had collected, he sat down across the table from her. "Anything jump out at you?" he asked. "Yeah, Lawson seems careful about going just so far. He propositions women, but always uses language that, when repeated, could be interpreted a number of ways. The victims know exactly what he means, but the words aren't entirely damning." "Clever bastard." Harm concluded. "Yeah, he is." She rubbed her sore neck and stretched a little. Harm stood and moved behind her to massage her shoulders, then leaned down to kiss her neck. Mac pulled away, as though she had been burned. Standing, she walked away from him. "What's wrong?" he ventured. "Harm, where were you last night when I looked for you before the mission?" "Doing research, why?" "Was Lt. Evers helping you with your research?" "As a matter of fact, she was. How did you know?" "I didn't know that the two of you had become so close." "I wouldn't say close, really." "Give it up, Harm. I saw the two of you in the mess hall. It was all you could do to keep your hands off her; and she was swooning." "Oh, God!" Harm exclaimed. He moved toward her, trying to put his arms round her, but she resisted. "Don't touch me!" she spat. "Sarah, surely you don't think…. Baby, let me tell you what happened." He couldn't believe she was jealous -- over this. "I don't need details. I think I can imagine what happened." The ire in her voice was scathing, Hadn't he all but admitted to being with this woman? She couldn't believe it. Her whole world was crumbling. She had known all along that it was just too good to really be true. It was just that she had allowed herself to think that this relationship with Harm might be the real thing. She'd been naïve and had let her guard down. Still it hurt. How could he! She stormed out of the room, leaving him bewildered. TWO HOURS LATER MAC'S QUARTERS She knew it was Harm, but she opened the door anyway. He crossed the threshold into the room, closing the door behind him. One glance at her beautiful face showed that she had been crying. It broke his heart. He would rather die than hurt her. His hand moved to gently touch her shoulder. "Sweetheart, let's talk." Mac was calmer this time. "There's really nothing to talk about, Harm." "It's not what you think, Sarah. Please let me explain." She turned away from him and sobbed. "I don't think I can see you right now. Please leave." Harm wanted to protest, but felt her pain, so he didn't. Instead, he said, "We will discuss this later. I love you." And left. She stared at the door. How could he do something like this then say he loved her? He really did not care -- that's what hurt the most. + + + LATER MESS HALL Harm looked for her at dinner but didn't see her. He waited around after he had eaten in case she came at the later seating. But Mac did not come. Now, he was worried. His marine never missed a meal. He went back by her quarters, but no one was there. Tomorrow they were scheduled for an early start for interviewing more personnel. He'd turn in, get a good night's sleep and be here to pick her up first thing. Try as he might, though, sleep did not come easy on this night. Had he blown the only really important relationship of his life over a stupid misunderstanding? No, he'd just have to make her listen to the truth about what had happened. =========================================== MAC'S QUARTERS BEFORE DAWN A hazy fog hovered over Sarah Mackenzie as she slowly wakened to a pounding in her head. Or…no, it was at the door. Checking the bedside clock against her internal timekeeper, she wondered who in the hell would be waking her up at 4:30 in the morning. It could have something to do with the case, so she got up and trudged to the door. It was Harm. She had been dreaming about him, and it was a disappointment to wake without his arms around her. But then… it all came flooding back --Lt. Evers, everything. "Damn it, Harm, it's the middle of the night." He didn't really wait to be asked before coming in. "It's almost morning, and I couldn't sleep without you." "I'm surprised someone else wasn't there to take my place." "There could never be anyone else in my life. You know that, Mac. This has been the most miserable night I can ever remember. We have got to straighten this out." "I'm too tired to play games with you." She yawned. "I just want to know one thing. Do you love her?" "Who? No. I don't love anybody except you. And I miss you, Sarah." "What about Lt. Evers?" "I don't think she made up the allegations against Lawson." "Of course she didn't. Did you think she did?" "I had some doubts. We couldn't find any other female personnel who had supporting stories, so I investigated how Evers would respond to male attention." "How?" she was beginning to wake up now. "I gave her some unsolicited attention. She was a little flirty, but she did not respond dramatically like someone who was looking for somebody to accuse." "That's what you were doing with her in the mess hall yesterday!" a light was coming on, now. "Yeah, I can't believe you were jealous." "You could have let me in on the plan." "And I should have. I'm sorry. There wasn't really time. I felt like it was the right time to do it if I was going to find out anything." She looked into his eyes. "I'm sorry I overreacted and didn't let you explain." "It surprised me. I thought our relationship was more secure. I thought you knew how much I love you." With this, he moved closer to drape his arms lovingly around her. She circled her arms around his shoulders and kissed him. It was full of passion and meaning. Her world began to rebuild around her. How could she have doubted him? His hands roamed up and down her back as he pulled her close. The kiss ended only because they were forced to breath. She took his hand and led him toward the bed. "Baby, it's almost time for work." It was a hollow protest on his part. "Just hold me for a few minutes." Mac asked. He willingly complied. "So, you think Lawson is guilty, them?" she asked. "I do, but I'd feel more confident about it, if we had another woman who could provide supportive testimony about his behavior." "We do." "Hunh? Who?" "Me." "Lawson came on to you, just in the few days we've been here?" "Yeah, and in Afghanistan too." She felt Harm's muscles tense. "Why didn't you tell me before?" "Because I didn't want you to go off half cocked and get yourself in trouble." "I'm fully cocked." He pulled her closer. "I'm going to kill the S.O.B, but I'm fully in control of myself." Mac's hand on Harm's shoulder restrained him. "You're not going to kill him. We're going to nail his sorry ass to the wall." "How?" They spent the next hour or so talking. Mac reported to Harm about her encounters with Lawson, including how she had defended herself. Then, together they hatched a scheme, which would allow Lawson to incriminate himself, and prevent him from victimizing any other women. As they lay on her bed, holding each other; they rehabilitated their relationship, confessed their love and put the finishing touches on their investigation. They were a little late for their first meeting, but the world was back in an even kilter. =========================================== SUNDAY – 1325 LOCAL COLONEL'S BAR-B-QUE Whenever, wherever We're meant to be together I'll be there and you'll be near And that's the deal my dear It looked like the entire base was on hand. It really was an opportunity to relax. Harm and Mac could not only hear the music but as they approached they could also feel it. They rounded the corner, entered the yard and were immediately spotted. Hey baby baby hey baby baby hey Girls' say girls' say Hey baby baby hey baby baby hey "Colonel! Commander!" Captain Phillips greeted them over the pounding music. "It's a Sunday bar-b-que call me Mac." She replied. "By all means, Ma'am!" Phillips accepted "Dance with me, Ma'am?" Having had a similar struggle with Bud and Harriet, Mac gave up while she was ahead. "Lead the way!" Harm was happy to stay put. He spied Lt. Evers and prayed to all Gods known and unknown that the woman kept her distance. So far at least one God was listening. Two beers and twenty minutes later he was still at the same spot watching Mac this time in a conga line. Watching the movements of her incredible body was something he could sure get used to. Tonight I'ma give it to you, throw it to you I want you to come prepared, ohhh yeah (oh yes) Boy it's been a long time, a crazy long time And I don't want no minute man, and that's real Give it to me some more Suddenly the line swerved, and as Mac went by she grabbed him, and just like that he was on the dance floor. Her hand on his arm had felt natural, but it was when it slid down to grab his butt that he had been excited into the motion of the dance. This overly familiar gesture was part of their purpose in being here, but it still turned him on. "Hey!" The rambunctious group greeted the new addition. As the song died down the chef, who happened to look a lot like Colonel Jackson, shouted, "Come and get it!" In a move worthy of any branch of the military the conga line never broke formation. The long snake of humans moved as one and formed a line at the food counter. Harm held firmly to Mac's waist until it was time to take his plate. She smiled seductively over her shoulder. + + + Armed with a sample of everything that was being offered, whether recognizable on not, Harm and Mac headed for the shade of a tree to tuck in. "Did you spot him?" Mac asked in a muffled voice. "Don't speak with your mouth full." Harm teased, "Yes. He hasn't taken his eyes off you for a moment. Well maybe a moment… but he has been watching." Mac swallowed and retorted. "Funny Rabb." He shrugged his shoulders and stuck the fork with food into his mouth. "I suppose that it is safe to say that Colonel Tom Lawson is hooked. We just need to reel him in." His mouth full Harm nodded his agreement. "Glad you agree." She said. "Now all I need to do is enjoy myself." "… because so far it has been all work." Harm said mockingly. She stuck her tongue out at him. "Oh eloquent Colonel. Eloquent." He replied. "Stick that out at me again and be prepared for the consequences." She waived her coke bottle at him before she drank from it. "Promises, promises." As the day proceeded, they stayed close together. They danced and held hands and touched, all as though they were trying to be very discreet. This show was only intended for an audience of one. Harm even stole a few well-planned kisses. =========================================== SUNDAY – 2213 LOCAL MAC'S QUARTER'S It had been an exhausting day, if not thoroughly enjoyable. It was now time to execute the game plan. The partners sat in Mac's room. "I can't believe that he followed us back." Mac said. "What's this we thing?" Harm replied, "It's you he followed." She stood. "I'm going to bed." He remained seated as she headed for the bathroom. When she emerged in t-shirt and shorts he was still rooted to the spot. "Harm? You ok?" "I don't know what to do. Now that we are actually executing the plan, do I stay in the chair or on the bed?" She burst out laughing. He glared at her. "Something funny, Mac?" She walked up to him and whispered in his ear. "The moment I lie in that bed and fall asleep can you really resist?" He gulped. "Point, Counselor." Draping her arms loosely around his neck, she continued to whisper "and so?" He looked her in the eye. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" "Not in a long time. I suggest you have much making up to do." She moved to the bed. "I'm going to bed. Do what comes naturally to you." "Oh, now you asked for it!" He warned. "Promises, promises." She replied. He didn't come to bed immediately. She wondered for a moment if, perhaps, he might not join her at all. Just as she began to relax and drift toward sleep, however, she felt his strong arms circle her and his powerful hands begin to roam over her body. =========================================== MONDAY - 2109 LOCAL MAC'S QUARTERS There was a knock on Mac's door. "Who is it?" She called. She had just left Harm so unless he'd forgotten something it couldn't be him. "Tom Lawson." The voice said through the door. "Just a minute." She called. She paused long enough to switch the surveillance equipment on and then headed for the door. "May I come in?" He asked. She swung the door open for him to enter. "May I help you, Colonel?" "Always, and please, it's Tom. It's Mac, right?" She repeated her question. "I came about that date you promised me." He explained. "First, I promised no such thing and second, it's late." She pointed put. He moved towards her and she moved away. "Is there nothing I can do to change your opinion of me?" "Why is it so important to you?" she enquired. "I keep saying this: you are beautiful and smart – an irresistible combination." "So you keep saying." "Looks like Rabb thinks so too." He said. "You lost me." "I don't think so. I know you gave Rabb some, so what's wrong with me?" he demanded. "Colonel…" "Tom" he corrected. She didn't skip a beat. "… are you suggesting …" "Don't give me that!" He snapped. "You think I don't know that Rabb bedded you last night! What I want to know is why you won't put out for me!" "Colonel! I will have you know that the who, what, where, when, why and how of my sexual life is NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS! NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM!" + + + It had been a long day of continued investigations. Harm had dropped Mac off at her room and had wandered aimlessly around. Tom Lawson, so far, hadn't approached Mac, despite their show the day before. But he had other things on his mind. He loved Mac but, as usual, he had messed up and he had come so close to loosing her that he dared not breath. He needed for her to believe that she was the only one for him, but how? Coming up with no strategy, he eventually he returned to his quarters. He opened the door and heard the equipment recording. That meant only one thing -- that Tom Lawson was in Mac's room! He groaned. Mac was dealing with the slime ball and he was nowhere near as backup. He switched the monitor on. The sound of Mac's voice ricocheted throughout his room "…NOW GET THE HELL OUT OF MY ROOM!" Harm watched as Lawson reached for Mac. That was all he needed. + + + Lawson reached for Mac. "I don't think so. Mac. If you can give it to a Commander, I figure you can give it to a Colonel. After all, I'm higher up on the food chain." She dodged his reach. How could this man have gone through the ranks and not get caught? She could not believe the unfolding scene. He moved forward again, and this time she was caught as her back came up against the bedroom wall. He tried to kiss her. She struggled to avoid him. Suddenly, the door crashed open as two burley MPs rampaged in with Harm following close behind. "Get this man off me and arrest him!" Mac roared. "Aye, Ma'am!" As Lawson struggled in the embrace of the two security officers he scanned her. "All you had to say was 'no.' " Harm snorted. "If you remember, I told you once that if I found that I was wrong about you that I'd give you an apology." Mac reminded him "But if I found that I was right about you, that I'd give you something entirely different. Well, here it is. Colonel Tom Lawson you are under arrest. I am charging you with one count of assault and two counts of conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. And that is to start. Get yourself a good lawyer." "Get him out of here." Harm ordered. After the men had gone Harm spoke to her. "You ok?" She nodded. "I'm also charging the General with dereliction of duty for not reporting Lt. Evers' complaint." "Remind me not to get into your sights when you are mad." Harm said. "Oh, but you are in my sights, Commander." She stated. He gulped. "Mac..." "Harm, it's been a long night and I'm tired. Goodnight." "But Mac…" he began. "Remember to turn off the surveillance tape when you get back to your room." She said. He paled. He'd forgotten that they were being recorded. As she put him out she spotted the door. "Damn it! My door is broke I need a new room." Harm quickly went next door to shut off the taping equipment. Then, he returned, entering through the damaged doorway. "You can't stay here, without even a door." He commented. "You have something else in mind?" she smiled seductively. "Come to my room, Let me take care of you tonight." Without responding, she let him lead her to his quarters. "I am tired." She reminded him. He sat her on the edge of the bed, and then moved behind her to massage her neck and shoulders. She sighed. They gave in to the mutual feelings of desire and passion that overwhelmed them. Afterward, they lay securely together, reveling in the sheer joy of each other. =========================================== 1345 LOCAL INVESTIGATION ROOM Harm and Mac were clearing up the paper work on the case when Lt. Evers walked in. "Sir?" "Come in, Lieutenant." Harm waived her in with his best flyboy grin. Mac grimaced. "I told you, its Shelia." She smiled, but it dropped when she spotted Mac. "I just wanted to thank you for believing in me." "You are welcome, Lieutenant." Harm replied emphasizing the rank. Mac was remaining silent. "I didn't expect for the General to be caught up in this as well." "The General's feelings toward women in the military should have had no bearing on how he handled your complaint. Let that be a lesson to you." Harm explained. "Yes, Sir." She was sober. "I heard that you are throwing the book at Colonel Lawson." He glanced at Mac. This was getting awkward. There were three people in the room and it was obvious that one was abstaining from the conversation. Harm listed off the charges. "We are charging him with: Solicitation, Attempted Rape, Assault, Conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman and a variety of General Articles including: False swearing; Obstructing justice; Wrongful interference with an adverse administrative proceeding and anything else the Judge Advocate General may feel needs adding." "Wow!" she was impressed. "Will you prosecute, Sir?" "I don't know." He replied. The lack of participation by Mac was beginning to affect him. "We're busy here, Lieutenant. That'll be all." "Sorry, Sir. Aye, Sir. Ma'am." Mac nodded. "What was that about!" Harm demanded as soon as he calculated Evers could not hear. "What?" "You didn't say one word!" He accused. "One was not needed." She pointed out. "Ah hah." He said. "You finish packing. I'm going to confirm our flight arrangements." she said and waltzed out of the room leaving him standing alone among the boxes of evidence. "Is this how it's going to be?" he asked himself. =========================================== 0810 LOCAL JAG HQ The team had reported in to Admiral AJ Chedwiggen and they now sat waiting for their CO to finish with his yeoman. The Admiral was finally done and focused on his senior team. "That was some piece of work, People." He leaned back in his chair. "Not to mention the unorthodox manner in which the case played out." Harm fought the urge to squirm "Well, Sir, it finally came down to fighting fire with fire. There seemed to be no other way than to provoke the Colonel." "With spectacular results!" AJ grinned. "It was ingenious, People. Confront the perpetrator with the thing that stresses him the most! Colonel, I realize that you are a formidable opponent in the court room, but it seems the Marines have a secret weapon in you." "Thank you, Sir." She smiled. "It did take two to tango." "Glad you noticed." Harm said. "Well, I would have preferred the Marines." She said. "Navy not good enough?" Harm asked. "I'd like to hear that answer, Colonel." AJ piped. She shrugged "They get there in the end." Harm pointed at her. "I was there for you!" "Eventually." She pointed out. AJ shook his head "You're a hard woman, Colonel." He wrapped up the session. "Welcome back, People. There is much work awaiting you, not the least of which will be the court martial of Colonel Lawson. But there is time for that." "Aye, Sir." Harm said. "Good to back, Sir." Mac said. AJ nodded. "Good to have you all back. Dismissed." =========================================== 2010 LOCAL MAC'S APARTMENT Harm watched as Mac stirred a pot on the stove. "Dinner will be ready very shortly." She announced. Good," he replied, "I'm starving." Harm, do you think the Admiral suspected anything… about us, I mean?" "No, I don't think so. We've always worked well together. Why would he think anything had changed?" "But, it has changed." She commented. With that, she moved close to him and wrapped her arms tightly around his waist. "For the better, I hope?" he finally replied. "I think so." She concurred. "I still like working with you." Mac led her partner and lover toward the living room couch. Harm, ever mindful of what was going on around him, turned off the stove and followed, obediently. They cuddled for a while, and then continued making dinner. While they ate, they discussed the case they had just returned from. He was amused. "Are you telling me that you would have done it the same way, even if I hadn't been there? You'd have pretended to be with some other guy to make Lawson jealous?" "If you weren't there, I might have been with some other guy?" "So, my being thee wasn't important to you?" "Oh, Harm, of course it was. I loved that we could work together and really accomplish something, no matter what was going on in our personal lives." "Now that we are so close, we'll be an unbeatable team." He offered. "We were always an unbeatable team." "But life is better now.' He concluded. She nodded, and they shared a deep, passionate kiss. "Do you think our relationship will ever cause us problems working together?" she thought out loud. "It could, but it doesn't have to." He decided. "We can make this work to our advantage, Sarah." She smiled at him, but she wondered if it was true. Could their romance really help their work? Or was it destined to always present a problem for them? They watched television and held each other for most of the evening. + + + Several hours later, Harm carefully extricated himself from her embrace and stood. "Where are going?" she wanted to know. "Home." "Why?" "The Jenkins appeal is number one on the court docket tomorrow, and I really need to see my client before the hearing. That means a very early morning for me. I don't want to wake you that early; you're too tired and you really need your sleep. So, it's best all around if I just stay at my place tonight." "I don't sleep well without you anymore." As she said it, she stood and circled her arms around his waist. "I know, Baby; me either. But we're both wiped out from this Philippines trip. I think it best if we try. I'll see you tomorrow at the office though, right? "You better." "Buy you lunch after I finish in court?" "Okay." She kissed him with intensity and passion that almost made him change his mind. But after he had left, and she was getting ready for bed, she thought that this night apart might be good for them. She couldn't explain to herself exactly what it was, but something about their relationship had begun to feel strange. Once in bed, sleep eluded her. She kept seeing Harm in her mind, but not with her. Was this just moving too fast between them? They had waited six years to deal with their feelings, and then all of a sudden they were in this relationship. There was no thought, no planning -- just bam! It seemed good, but maybe it wasn't really working out. She tried to stop this thinking. The time in the Philippines on such an emotionally charged case had taken too great a toll on her. She didn't really mean these doubts. She got up and walked around the apartment, then headed back to bed. Almost immediately the thoughts were back. After all, hadn't Harm basically pressured this relationship into existence? She had wanted to go slower to evaluate everything more. Mac knew one thing for certain: she loved him, more than she could imagine. But was that enough? Were they losing something else? Was this really right -- right now? The pros and cons played out in her head, over and over. She knew that she couldn't give him up, not entirely. Maybe it would be best if they just stayed really good friends who occasionally have earth-shattering sex. (Oh, yeah, that part of it was good, very good.) Harm would never go for pulling back like that, though. Every possible scenario played out in her insomnia- ridden mind. How could she guarantee salvage on their relationship? A little before dawn, she knew what she must do. She didn't necessarily like it, but she knew. It was going to be so difficult. She picked up the phone to call him. Like a lovesick teenager, she just had to hear his voice. When he answered, she was tempted to just hang up. Instead, she just whispered. "I love you." Harm was left holding the dead line. "Mac! Mac!" he called into it, but she was already gone. =========================================== 1230 LOCAL JAG HQ, FALLS CHURCH VA. The Admiral had not been speaking lightly about the workload and both Harm and Mac had been thrown in at the deep end. Harm was faced with a pile of court appearances and this latest was the last day of an Article 32 hearing to determine if his client should go to trial for first-degree murder. They were going to trial. As soon as the Judge's gavel hit the desk indicating the end of the session Harm was out the door in search of Mac. He felt a drive to see her that he could not explain. Where the Marine was concerned he didn't bother to explain the need. He needed to see the love of his life and that was all his heart needed to know. He headed for her office but it was vacant. He checked the kitchenette it too was empty. He was about to check the library when Petty Officer Tiner intercepted him. "You looking for the Colonel, Sir?" "You know where she is?" "She's gone to Quantico to get a deposition, Sir. Um, Sir, the Admiral asked to see you as soon as you came out of court." He said. "Thank you, Tiner." Harm headed for the Office of the Admiral. + + + FIVE MINUTES LATER "Sir, you sent for me?" AJ Chedwiggen waived the senior lawyer in. "Commander. We have as situation at Norfolk. The fire department there went to investigate a bonfire and got more than they bargained for." He handed over the file. "Be warned, Harm, the photos are graphic." It wasn't often the Admiral used his first name. "I'm sending you and Singer out there." "Singer? Sir?" Harm cringed. "Problem, Commander!" AJ's voice went up a decibel. "No, Sir!" Harm hastened to assure his CO. "Mmmm." He softened. "I know the Lieutenant's reputation and I also know you'd rather have Bud. But he is in the first fortnight of a six month assignment to the US Embassy in New Dehli as a legal advisor." "I'm happy for him, Sir." Harm declared. "I know. You are expected at Norfolk ASAP, so I suggest you collect the Lieutenant and get a move on. Dismissed." "Aye, Sir!" =========================================== 1816 LOCAL JAG HQ Having spent the afternoon with Singer, Harm was worn out. The crime was a gruesome one and Singer had all the finesse of a Halloween creature. His need to see Mac was even more overwhelming. He spotted Tiner. "Tiner! The Colonel back yet?" The Admiral was on his way home when he heard the question. "Commander, my office, now!" The two men entered the office. AJ closed the door and turned to face Harm. "Commander. The President has decided on the countries we will be sending military advisers to as part of our expanding war on terrorism." He started. "Sir?" Harm was confused. Was he about to be reassigned? "The orders arrived this afternoon from the SECNAV. Colonel Mackenzie is TAD to India effective immediately." AJ announced. Harm swayed. AJ dropped his case to catch him. "Commander! You all right!" "Sir… Yes, Sir!" Harm struggled with the news. "When does she ship out, Sir?" AJ checked his watch. "She is to be at Dulles within the hour." He studied Harm. "Dismissed." + + + Harm positively bolted to his office and dialed her cell number. There was no way he'd get to her in time, a call would have to do. "Lt. Colonel Mackenzie." Her voice came though. "Were you going to leave without saying a word?" he accused. "I left a message on your answering machine." She defended. "Did you ask for this TAD?" He voiced his fear. "No." She replied "but I think it is opportune." "What? How!" "I think we need time apart." She explained. "I explained about Lt. Evers." He said. "It's not about her. It's about us." She replied. "Mac…" "Look Harm this is not a conversation for a phone. We'll talk when I get back." She promised. "How long is the TAD?" "Three months." She revealed. "God damn it!" he shouted. The security guard looked his way. "Goodbye, Harm." She said sadly. "This is not over Mac. Not by a long shot!" he said then whispered "Be safe, My Love." Then he hung up. He flung the phone across the room. Mac was on her way to India and Bud was already there, so why the HELL was he in DC with slippery Singer? THE END