Title: Greener Author: Nancy Summary: When Admiral Chegwidden makes a career change, everyone at JAG is affected. Classification: PG-13 Category: Drama-Harm/Mac Disclaimer: JAG and characters do not belong to me and I don't make money etc from doing this. I just like to create stories. Two star Admiral A.J. Chegwidden rubbed his eyes and tiredly leaned into his high backed leather chair that creaked familiarly in response. He had been reflecting on his years in the service and especially the last year as the judge advocate general for the Navy. Still reeling from Lt. Bud Robert's article 32 hearing he groaned at how close the young officer came to loosing his career. Hell, he got off lightly, the officer chuckled without humor. He nearly lost Harm in a tomcat mishap last spring and Mac to her emotional turmoil from a failed engagement. The Secnav was breathing down his neck on every decision he made these days and dammit he was getting tired of dealing with that fisty little, don't go there Seal you'll never stop, he reprimanded himself. Singer had suggested he needed to get a life. Now that's another headache. If she wasn't trying to stir something up just to give him indigestion she was busy promoting her own career at the expense of others. Yep, it's time to move on and let someone else take the helm of this storm battered ship. It was time to experience the finer things in life. Visions of his beautiful daughter and a stress free job at Annapolis coaching the baseball team chased away the tension of his earlier thoughts. He picked up the letter before him and signed it. ********* The staff meeting proceeded as usual with the Admiral handing out assignments and receiving updates on the current cases. "If you have no further questions I would like to make an announcement of sorts." The Admiral stood with his hands behind his back and drew in a deep breath. "As of next week I will no longer be serving the Navy as the judge advocate general. After much thought and soul searching, I have decided to transfer to Annapolis to serve as an instructor and baseball coach." He paused and observed the various expressions of his staff before proceeding. "It has been an honor to have had the opportunity to serve in this capacity and with each of you. Thank you." He smiled warmly and glanced around the table to see tears fall freely from Lt. Harriet Sims' eyes and the shiny eyes of Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. Lt. Bud Roberts frowned thoughtfully, while Commander Sturgis Turner nodded and smiled sadly. Lt. Singer grinned broadly and was the only one to voice her thoughts, "Congratulations Sir, I'm sure you will enjoy your retirement!" "Thank you Lt. Singer, but I'm not retiring." AJ responded coolly and finished his scan of the table to see Commander Harmon Rabb staring intently at the pencil he held in his hand without any noticeable emotion. "Of course sir." Singer replied contritely while maintaining a large smile. The Admiral nodded and exited the room towards his office leaving his staff to sort out the information he had just dropped on them. "I wonder who will replace him!" Loren Singer commented receiving nasty glares from the other officers. "No one could replace the Admiral." Bud spat irritably. "I'm sure Lt. Singer only meant in inquire as to who will be our new CO. You are right Lt. Roberts. Whoever steps in will have some mighty large shoes to fill." Sturgis Turner placed a light hand on the younger officer's shoulder. "Maybe, it will be one of you." Singer persisted. "Commander Turner or Commander Rabb." Harm only glared and strolled out of the room. "What did I say?" Loren replied innocently. "Lt. Singer, put a sock in it." Harriet smiled sweetly and joined the others in leaving the room. "Well, apparently the good Lt. Singer doesn't think I have the qualifications." Mac said sarcastically and followed Harm into his office. "You are an obstacle to her goal to be the first female JAG, remember." Harm rolled his eyes, walked over to his window, and stood quietly. "I remember when he came." Harm words were so soft that Mac had to strain to hear them. "That's right, I forgot you were at this office before the Admiral." Mac walked over and stood next to Harm allowing him to share his thoughts at his own pace. "He was a real pistol compared to what was here before." Harm chuckled before continuing. "I guess I had this fixed notion that he would always be in that office." "Yea, I remember thinking the same thing when someone else had the nerve to leave." Mac smiled warmly catching his confused look. Harm raised an eyebrow and turned to face her. "As I recall, I wasn't the first to leave." "Did I leave? I thought I just took some leave time." She responded innocently. "Thanks to the Admiral." Harm smiled. "And you. Had to come back to keep you out of Leavenworth." Mac voice conveyed her affection towards the tall handsome litigator. "And I came back to the people and place I care most about." He answered dropping his gaze away from her. Mac reached out and touched his face so that his eyes returned to hers. "And to the people who care most about you. " She added softly bringing a warm glimmer to his blue eyes. "Excuse me, Sir." Mac and Harm immediately stepped back away from each other at the intrusion. Lt. Singer stood at the door with an odd look on her face. "The Admiral would like to see you both." "Thank you Lieutenant." Harm replied stiffly allowing his expression to fade into a slight sneer. *********** The two officers stood before their commanding officer at attention awaiting his word to stand at ease. The Admiral laid down the folder he had been studying and indicated for them to sit. Clearing his throat, he looked at each of the officers. "I just wanted to tell you both personally that I didn't make this decision as hastily as you might have thought." "No Sir, that was not my thought." Mac responded immediately while the Admiral turned his gaze to Harm awaiting his response. "Spill it Harm." The Admiral coaxed the silent officer. "Sir, you owe me no explanation." Harm met the stern gaze of his commanding officer. "I know I don't, but here it is whether you want to hear it or not. I've always gone where the Navy wanted me to go and now I want to go where I want to go. I'm tired of fighting and it's time for me to let go and check out what I've been missing. It's time to find out if the grass on the other side is greener." He said honestly. "Yes sir, I understand probably more than anyone when I went back to flying. I was able to put my career in order. I appreciated your letting me return." "It all has to come to an end at some point. I don't want to be so old and burned out that I won't be able to enjoy the remainder of my life. I want to spend time with Franchesca. I want to coach baseball. It is one of my unfulfilled dreams. I was offered a baseball scholarship before I accepted my appointment to Annapolis. I still wonder from time to time what would my life have been like if I would have gone down the other path." The older man seemed to lose himself in his thoughts. "Well, then it's time to go find out, Sir. I hope you find your dream to be all that you hoped for and then some." Mac replied in a soft caring tone. "We will miss you sir." "Thank you Mac." The Admiral smiled and glanced over to Harm who smiled slightly. "If it helps, I never regretted leaving to fly again. A part of me will always be in a tomcat." Harm acknowledged. "I must add that I've had the privilege to serve under many honorable capable officers, but you will always be my example of excellence." The Admiral smiled and nodded, "That means a lot to me, thanks Harm. I hope you two will help the new CO have a smooth transition." "Yes Sir." The three officers stood and exchanged handshakes. ** Admiral Charles Cutner assumed the position of Judge Advocate General within hours following AJ's departure. Though somewhat shorter in stature than his predecessor, his arrogant posture demanded attention as he entered the bullpen. Hand picked by Secretary Alexander because of his fastidious attention to details and deadlines, he was sorely lacking in interpersonal skills. Among the other admiralty, he was referred to as Admiral Cutthroat. He immediately had Tiner replaced and began to reorganize the structure of JAG. Over the first few weeks, he called each staff member in for a personal conference quizzing each about details in their personal service record. The coolness of his personality was matched only by his sarcasm and belittling remarks. The SecNav had given him a blank check to build his own staff. "After a thorough analysis of the staffing pattern here, I've decided that some changes must be made. Commander Turner will be my chief of staff, Colonel Mackenzie will stay, and Lt. Roberts will stay for the time being. Lt. Singer will be my personal aide, and Commander Rabb will be transferred back to the fleet. Commander Rabb, I understand you have experience on carriers. You will be over the JAG officers assigned to Enduring Freedom." He added dryly. "Although you are quite popular with fleet command, I don't play favorites in my command." Lt. Singer had a hint of a smirk on her face as Cutner made his last remarks. "Yes Sir, when will I ship out?" Harm replied stiffly. "You will have three days." Martin replied tonelessly. "Oh and Lt. Sims will transfer back to her original duty station. There is no room for bending regulations. That will be all. Commander Turner and Lt. Singer, I need you in my office." Harm, Mac, Bud and Harriet sat in stunned silence as the others left the conference room. "How can he do that?" Bud finally spoke up in disbelief. "I know he can do it, but why?" "New command, new rules, Bud." Harm replied with a heavy sigh. "At least Commander Rabb and I won't have to walk around on egg shells." Harriet added weakly. "Yea, you get to go where the action is and get some flight hours while you're at it." Mac tried to sound upbeat failing miserably. "I miss THE admiral." Harriet sniffed back a tear. "It'll be alright, honey. It's not like you will be half way around the world." Bud reached over to console his wife and then quickly added. "I didn't mean it like that, Sir." The younger officer looked remorsefully at the two unhappy senior officers. "I know Bud. I'm going to miss this place." Harm added gently. "I guess I need to tie up loose ends so I can get ready to leave. Sergei is still at our grandmother's. I need to call him." Mac followed Harm to his office closing the door and blinds, "Harm, this could be a real career booster." She walked over to him and touched his arm. "We ARE getting too good at saying goodbye. I guess it's from all the practice we've had lately." Harm's tone was morose as he reached out to touch her cheek. "Will you water my plants for me?" He smiled disheartened by the situation they were facing. Tears were beginning to trickle down Mac's face, "I thought you didn't have any plants." "I'm going to go buy some before I leave." He reached up with his hand and caressed her face wiping away tears with his thumb. ** Adding salt to the wound, Admiral Cutner ordered Mac to Parris Island for the remainder of the week on an investigation, so that she and Harm had no time for any real good-byes. Instead, she received a dozen roses the afternoon she returned to her apartment with a note attached. 'Sarah, I am back on the Seahawk again, but it isn't the same without you here. What you said about leaving your personal problems behind you when you are on a carrier is not quite true. Love, Harm' Sarah pulled one of the roses out of the vase and smelled it's sweet aroma, 'What is it with me and men half way around the world? Keep yourself safe Sailor, I'm not there to watch your six.' ********** "Honey how was your day at the Provost General's officer?" Bud called out as he tossed his cover and tie on a table of their apartment. "It is okay." Harriet entered carrying a plate and glass. "I warmed up your dinner. AJ's sleeping." She added and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Only okay?" Bud sat down and sipped on his beverage. "You know how it is. It takes a little while to get to know everyone." Harriet played down her dismal day spent in a large file room alone. "How was your day? Any new cases?" "I've been filing pretrial motions and processing freedom of information requests." Bud sighed using his fork to stir the food around on his plate. "You haven't done that sort of thing in over a year?" "We have two new lawyers on board and they were assigned the really interesting cases." The dejected tone brought a surprised look from his wife. "Did Commander Turner make the assignment?" "Admiral Cutthroat, has him at the Pentagon most of the time, and Colonel Mackenzie hasn't set foot in her office in over two weeks." "He also announced that we would be getting an additional two lawyers in two weeks." "Well look on the bright side, maybe you won't have such a heavy workload and can get home earlier." Harriet growled teasingly in her husband's ear. "I think the only reason I'm still assigned to this office is because everyone else is gone or new." Bud responded despondently. "What about Loren?" "Oh she'll probably get an accelerated promotion, and I'll be assigned as her work slave the rest of my time." "Eww." Harriet groaned. "You know what is so scary? Admiral Cutner actually trusts her. He's been giving her cases that Admiral Chegwidden would have only assigned to the Colonel or the Commanders. She doesn't have the experience to handle them and doesn't know that she's in over her head." "Well, let her sink." "But knowing Loren, she'll latch on to someone and take them under with her." Bud rubbed his throbbing head. *********** four months later... Harm stood on the bridge with Captain Deglin, the shipper of the Seahawk, watching the Tomcats return from another bombing run over Afghanistan. "I just got word that were sending in a battalion of Marines into north Pakistan. Command wants a JAG to go in since the area is a political time bomb. Who do you recommend Commander?" "I've reviewed the service records on all the JAG's assigned to this operation and none have any real field experience." Harm frowned. "There is one JAG that has had undercover and special ops training." He looked over to the Captain with a smile. The Captain shook his head, "What the hell haven't you done? Fly the space shuttle?" "I did get the chance to fly and land the shuttle simulator. It is called the flying brick." Harm chuckled. "Damn, you've seen more action as a JAG than I have on this carrier." Deglin grunted and laughed. "While you go with the Marines, I'm going to need someone here. You think Colonel Mackenzie may be free?" ********* Admiral Cutner gritted his teeth seething in anger as he listened on the speaker phone. "Sir, I understand that you believe I should send in a junior JAG officer, but as I explained earlier, no one has any field experience. I cannot in good conscience send someone into situation that could endanger his life or anyone else's for that matter. Command here wants someone who has experience." Harm argued. "Commander, I have issued a direct order. I don't give a rat's ass what you or the command there wants. You are the officer in charge, you will not go on this operation, and you will send another JAG to accompany the marines. Do I make myself clear?" "Crystal." Harm replied angrily and slammed the phone down. Taking a few deep breaths, he placed a call to the Pentagon. ********* "Your strategy is not going to work in this case Loren. You are going to jeopardize the case." Bud struggled to hide his exasperation from the over confident attorney. Bud was second chair while Loren basked in the limelight of her position ignoring all the warning signals Bud saw flashing brightly before them. "I'm first chair! If you can't follow my lead then get out of my way. I'm sure Admiral Cutner would love to hear my input on your attempts to confuse the issues!" She threatened and walked away. "Go ahead, I'm sure you've already filled his ears with your lies." Bud muttered as the Singer pranced towards the courtroom. "Talking to yourself Bud?" Mac's voice was a welcome intrusion to his frustration. "Colonel Mackenzie! I'm so glad you've returned. Everything is going to hell around here. I feel like I'm about to crash head-on with an 18-wheeler in slow motion with the Caffe case." Bud babbled anxiously. "Slow down, have you talked with Commander Turner?" Mac replied with concern. "He's been with Congresswoman Latham all week. The Admiral practically reassigned him to assist her full time." "I'll try to talk with the Admiral this afternoon after you update me." ******** Mac knocked on the Admiral's door and entered. Cutner gave her a sharp glance. "Sit Colonel, it seems you will be leaving for the Seahawk this afternoon. Commander Rabb will be accompanying a Marine company into Pakistan, and you will temporarily replace him in his duties. When you see the Commander, tell him that after this mission he is to report to me immediately!" Mac saw his hand tremble in anger. "Yes Sir. Sir may I speak to you about the Caffe case?" Mac used her most humble tone to try to appease the volatile CO. "I already spoke with Lt. Singer. I will speak with Lt. Roberts after you leave." He spouted. "But Sir, there is some evidence that." Before she could complete her sentence the Admiral stood up. "Colonel, I told you I have it handled. I don't need two of my senior officers conspiring to undermine me. DISMISSED." He barked. Mac drew up to attention. "Yes Sir." Mac exchanged a look of sympathy with Bud as she exited the office and passed Bud who now entered the 'lion's den'. "Good luck Daniel." ********** Harm made his way into the bowels of the carrier to find a Marine Captain Brad Payne meeting with his officers. The group of jarheads paused as Harm stood tentatively at the hatch. "Captain Payne, I'm Commander Harm Rabb. I'll be the JAG accompanying you into Pakistan." "Come on in Commander. We were just finalizing our plans. It's going to get pretty rough out there, I hope you know how to use a weapon." The captain's disapproval was evident. "I do Captain and can hold my own with a bayonet, and hand to hand when needed." Harm didn't want to get into a pissing match with this jarhead. The Captain nodded in approval and finished the briefing. "Commander, this is Sergeant Major William Cochran. You will be sticking close to his six during this mission." "Sergeant Major." Harm acknowledged the crusty old Marine who stood in height almost equal to his own. His dark tan and deep creases testified of years of outdoor training in the hot sun. "Sir, just don't get in the way or slow me down, and we'll get along just fine." The Texas drawl accentuated the apparent threat as he sized up the JAG officer. The man had two basic expressions disdain and ominous. One would never find the sign of a smile on his hardened face. "You won't even know I'm there." Harm responded coolly while maintaining eye contact. "Sergeant Major has had more combat experience than any man on this ship. If he says jump then you better listen." Payne testified. "Been to Southeast Asia?" Harm suddenly found the man intriguing. "Did two tours?" "Did you know a Colonel Stryker?" "Yep. You got wings. Why aren't you flying?" The sudden change in direction of the conversation indicated the Sergeant Major wasn't going to talk about himself. "I still fly." Harm replied cryptically. The older Marine just huffed and drew himself to attention before leaving the compartment. ******** Mac arrived just minutes before Harm and the unit of Marines were about to board a helo bound for their destination. "Hey stranger," Mac gave him a quick hug. "What no promotions this time?" Harm grinned as he looked towards her collar. "Nope, you haven't changed your designator yet?" She replied without missing a beat checking out his desert BDU's. "Nope, but I keep finding myself hanging out with Marines." He fended frustration. "Higher class of people on the military food chain." The familiar voice of interrupted the banter. "Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galendez! How are you?" Mac smiled. "Busy, I almost feel homesick for JAG with the Commander and now you here, Colonel." He smiled. "You going to watch out for the Commander?" Mac added with a serious tone. "Oh, he's got one of the best watching his six." Gunny returned. "Better than me?" Mac pretended to be shocked. "You haven't met Sergeant Major Cockran, besides I don't need a baby sitter." Harm groaned. "There must be a story behind this somewhere." Mac raised an eyebrow. "Not yet, but I'm sure there will be when I get back." Harm grinned. "I've got a helo to catch. Good seeing you again Ma'am. See you later Sir." Gunny dressed in his desert BDU's and combat gear passed on out to the flight deck. "Me too." Harm picked up his backpack and slung it over his shoulder. "I'll be waiting." She smiled easily. "I'm counting on that." His voice took on a soft pleading character. ** Charlie Company poured out of the large CH-53E Super Sea Stallions into the desert mountainous region of northern Pakistan near the Afghanistan border. Immediately they were ordered to disperse in small squadrons and start combing the area for pockets of the al Quada terrorist cells that were hidden in the caves of the treacherous region. The small scout group was composed of an Afghan interpreter, Lt. Steve Smith, Master Sergeant Cochran, three additional Marines, a reporter with the APA and Harm. Master Chief Cochran respectfully known as Cockroach by his men in the lead-scouting group because of his history of being able to slip in and out of enemy lines. Daylight had arrived just minutes after the large helicopters lifted into the air returning to the Seahawk waiting patiently in the Arabian Sea. Reports of casualties among the civilian friendlies prompted the State department to advise the President to evaluate the military actions in the area more closely resulting in Harm's presence in this action as well as Colin Barnes with the associated press. . Evidence of earlier bombing missions left the area scared with large open pits and the caustic smell of burnt debris from dilapidated structures. Cautiously the Marines surveyed the area for any sign of Talliban fighters while Barnes snapped off a roll of film. The majority of the inhabitants of the region had evacuated when the terrorist groups began to spill over into the area. Cockroach signaled for the group of stop as he took the barrel of his automatic rifle and brushed away enough sand to uncover a landmine. "Looks like they were expecting us cowboys." The chief's gravelly voice warned. "I thought that the UN put a band on landmines?" Colin Barnes snapped pictures and looked to the Marine for answers. "Somebody forgot to tell the GD turban heads." The grizzly Sergeant Major replied sarcastically. "This may explain some of the reports of civilian casualties." Harm commented. The squadron made their way slowly towards a mountain ridge locating no less than thirty landmines on the trail. "I don't see any civilian casualties. I think it was just some more bullshit put out by those turban heads to make us look bad." Cockroach grumbled. "I think the Sergeant Major missed his calling. He should apply for the diplomatic corp." The APA reported muttered to Harm. Harm glanced at the Afghan interpreter for any indication that he took offence to the Sergeant Major's comments. The interpreter simply ignored the political incorrectness of the man and continued to take instructions. Harm had no doubt that if one of the younger Marines had made such a slur the Afghan would have responded differently. "Most of these cultures respect age and would overlook such a comment." "Who the hell you referring to, Commander?" Harm was startled that the old warrior had walked up to the pair and overheard his last statement. "No one in particular Sergeant Major." Harm carefully backpedaled bringing an amused look from Barnes. The scouting patrol continued over the next few days working their way closer to the Afghan border and deeper into the mountainous region looking for signs of the enemy. "Take ten." Lt. Smith called out as they reached a small pool of water fed by a mountain stream. The squadron dropped wearily by the pool and refilled their canteens and added water purification tablets. Harm pulled off his cap and used his empty canteen to pour water over his head in an attempt to cool off. "Don't cool off too quickly cause I don't want to have to haul your ass back to the rendezvous point, Sir." Cockroach warned acidly accentuating the word sir. Tired and irritable, Harm stood up and faced the man looking him square in the eye. "Sergeant Major, do you have a problem with me?" "Besides being a shyster lawyer squid that I have to baby-sit, I haven't decided yet." Cockroach replied undaunted by Harm's tone, stance or rank. "So you don't think that a JAG officer has any business here?" Harm responded icily. "Wars aren't fought in courtrooms. When a Marine has to get permission from a lawyer to fire his weapon, then that Marine will be the next to die." Each word was spoken slowly with unrestrained contempt. "That's exactly why I'm here Sergeant Major. To speak out for what you are doing so that your hands will not be tied. We don't need anymore Vietnam conflicts." Harm's tone was low and deadly. "Humph." The older Marine sneered and walked away. Harm settled back down, filled his canteen, took a long slow drink and wiped his brow. ********* The last drops of bottled water were swallowed, and AJ removed his ball cap to wipe away the sweat from his forehead. He picked up his clipboard and glove to walk back to the training room. "Good practice midshipmen!" He called out to his players as they headed off the field. AJ smiled to himself. 'First winning season in years.' His thoughts then drifted to his life at JAG and the people he left behind. 'Hell, they could at least have called or come to one of the games.' He thought dejectedly. ********** Bud wiped his brow and stood up to interrupt Loren. "Sir, the defense has another witness." Singer cast him a sharp look as Admiral Morris agreed to the request. After Bud questioned the witness and the prosecution crossed, the defense rested. Within an hour the jury panel returned with a not guilty finding for Lt. Caffe. Lt. Caffe turned to Bud and shook his hand, "Thank you, that last witness proved everything I had claimed happened." He smiled in relief. Singer pulled Bud aside and lit into him. "What do you think you were doing?" "I was defending our client!" "You made me look like a fool in there!" "You obviously didn't need any help in that department!" "I'm going to report your actions to the Admiral." She threatened. "What are you going to report? That I found a witness that cleared our defendant?" Bud rebuffed sarcastically. "You won't win Loren." "We'll see." The threat was acid as she gathered her briefcase and exited the courtroom leaving Bud not so much afraid, but weary. The Marine squadron entered a valley and one of the Marines spotted another mine field. "Looks like we are going to have to circle back." Lt. Smith conferred with Cockroach and Harm. Suddenly they were drawn to the sound of animals bleating. On the opposite side of the valley a group of goats herded by two young Bedouins boys approached. The two boys that couldn't have been more than eight years of age were guiding their small herd of goats towards them and into the mine field. The Afghan interpreter began to shout at them to turn back, but the boys apparently did not speak Afghan and continued to walk towards the deadly clearing. Barnes aimed his camera carefully and began to snap off pictures. All the Marines and Harm began to yell for them to head back. The goats picked up the pace startled by the noise and ran directly into the minefield. The boys ran after the frightened animals. Harm threw down his backpack and ran towards the boys. "COMMANDER, STOP YOU'll BE KILLED!" Lt. Smith screamed as they watched helplessly. "Damn fool." Cockroach muttered and pointed his weapon and began firing at the ground where Harm and the young Bedouins were. A loud explosion blowing dirt and rocks near one of the goats sent the animals scurrying back to their shepherds. "What are you doing?" Barnes yelled at Cockroach as he continued to fire all into the ground where Harm ran. One of the boys retreated while the other stood frozen in fear as Harm approached. Just as Harm reached the boy a terrified goat scooted by and set off another explosion. Harm dove towards the boy knocking him on the ground and covered him with his body as blast impacted the pair. Cockroach and the other Marines continued to fire into the ground creating a clear path as two addition mines exploded. Cockroach dropped his weapon and cautiously advanced to the fallen Naval officer and boy. **** Mac stood on the bridge of the Sea Hawk pacing restlessly. "Colonel, you're going to wear a path on the deck if you keep that up." The skipper observed. "Sorry Sir." Mac responded with a quick worried smile. "What's got you so anxious Colonel?" "Just a little worried about my partner." She confessed. "You were cool as a cucumber when he flew in with one engine the last time you were here." He noted. "I don't know. This just doesn't feel right. Have you received any word?" Mac implored as she felt a sudden sharp pain to her head. She reached up and rubbed her temple in an attempt to ease the pain. "Colonel, you look a little pale. Go down to sick bay and get something for that headache. I'll let you know any news as soon as we hear something." The skipper suggested more as an order. "Yes sir." ********** Cockroach eased Harm over careful of his bleeding shoulder. "Bring me the medic's bag!" As soon as he rolled Harm off the youngster, the boy jumped up, ran towards his companion, and disappeared into the hillside. "That was a damn stupid thing to do Sir." Cockroach muttered as he applied pressure to a bleeding gash on the unconscious JAG. After verifying that Harm had no obvious broken bones, he lifted him over his shoulder in a fireman's carry and moved out of the danger zone. Placing him gently near a couple of straggly trees that provided shade, one of the Marines who served as a medic began to assess and clean the wounds on his shoulder and head. The stimulation brought Harm back to the world of the conscious, and he tried to sit up only to be pushed back down by a hovering Sergeant Major. "Take it easy Perry Mason. It's not your time to cross examine the witness." Cockroach's gravelly sounding voice ordered and for the briefest of moments, a look of compassion crossed his stone cold features. "Looks like you have a piece of shrapnel in your shoulder, Commander. The head wound looks superficial." The medic reported as he continued to apply pressure to the shoulder wound to stop the bleeding. "Where's the kid? Is he alright?" Harm's vision began to clear and again he struggled against the strong hands of the medic and the Sergeant Major. "He's okay. He and the other one took off into the hills. I'm afraid one of his goats didn't fair so well. We might have goat tonight instead of MREs." The older man chuckled gruffly. Lt. Smith returned the radio he had been talking through down and walked over to Harm and the others. "How are you doing Commander?" "Besides the loud ringing in my ears and one hell of a headache, I'll be fine." Harm was assisted to a sitting position, which brought to his attention the real focus of his injuries. "Aauggh! Dammit!" He tried to reach for his shoulder only to have a strong hand pull it away. "Let the medic do his job Perry Mason. You can sue the bastards who planted the mines later Sir." Cockroach instructed dryly. The Lieutenant squatted down to take a closer look at their casualty. "Commander, I just talked with Captain Payne. They can't send a helo in. No landing space and the wind through these valleys is too strong. We will meet them at the LZ about twenty miles due east. Do you think you can make it?" The young black officer asked as he looked for conformation from the medic. "Yea, I've survived a few t-shirt moments like this before." Harm tried to laugh only to grimace when a sharp pain struck. Barnes knelt down. "Commander that was the bravest thing I've ever seen." "Damn stupid thing to do." Cockroach huffed and walked away with the Lieutenant receiving a disapproving glare from the reporter. "Why in the hell do the Marines keep an old wise ass like him around." Barnes muttered where Harm could hear. "Because old wise asses like that know what war is all about. Because he was right. I risked everyone's life not just my own. We don't know if there are any Talliban forces near, but now that they've heard all the commotion they will be finding us soon." Harm defended between grunts of pain as he slowly stood with the help of the medic. For the next few hours, the group climbed their way slowly through the mountainside towards the rendezvous point with Charlie Company. Cockroach, Lt. Smith and one of the marines carefully scanned their surroundings, as it became dark. Barnes and the medic stayed close to Harm who for the most part required little assistance. They broke for camp and radioed in their location for the night. "Sorry no fires tonight." Lt. Smith informed the group. "I just received word from naval intel that there has been some movement near here." The medic checked Harm's shoulder wound and worriedly noted redness around its jagged edges. He gently palpated the heat that accompanied the redness indicating infection was setting into the wound. "Owww, take it easy corpsman." Harm snapped irritably. "Sorry sir, looks like your wound is a little infected. I have a broad spectrum antibiotic I want you to take, and I'm going to give you something by injection for the pain." "No strong pain med. If we have to move out quickly, I will need to be alert." Harm responded as he swallowed the pills and chased them with some water from his canteen. "Here is some Tylenol." The corpsman handed Harm a couple more tablets and a MRE. "No, I don't think I can eat." Harm looked a little green as he smelled the prepackaged meal. "Sir, you need to eat while taking that antibiotic." The medic coaxed. "What's the matter Commander? Marine chow not good enough for you? You flyboys are used to gourmet meals from what I've heard." The old marine taunted. Harm leaned gingerly back against a large rock and managed to take a few bites of the MRE of unidentifiable contents ignoring the man's remark. "Why don't you leave him the hell alone?" Barnes cornered the callused old Marine. "You don't know a damn thing about being a soldier Barnes. Why don't you go find a pencil and write a poem or something." Cockroach growled and walked away into the darkness to a point where he could stand first watch. Several hours later unable to sleep, Harm sat up and scanned the camp when he heard a noise. Quietly he reached for his pistol and clicked the safety off. "If I'd been the enemy, you'd have been dead long ago." Sergeant Major Cockroach Cochran eased by Harm and handed him a cup of water and some more pills. "Ben Casey asked me to give you these." Harm gratefully swallowed the mild pain reliever and additional antibiotics. Cockroach handed him a Butterfinger candy bar. "Thought you might like this better than another one of those MREs." "Thanks Sergeant Major." Harm broke it in half and handed the other piece to the Marine who slid down next to him. "It'll be daylight in another hour. They will probably come before then." The Marine stated. "They've been stirring all night." Harm reached for his sidearm and checked it. Cochran then quietly began to awaken each member or the group. As he reached Barnes a sudden loud, spitting noise of an automatic weapon firing began. Each member took cover and began to fire in the direction of the flashes. Harm was on the edge of the camp next to a group of large boulders. Cockroach ran across the camp as bullets fired just missing him as he dove next to Harm behind a large boulder. Lt. Smith could be heard on the radio-requesting backup. Cochran picked up his radio, "Leiutenant, you and the others need to take the high ground for better cover on your left. I'll stay with the commander." Lt. Smith directed the rest of the group up the side of the hill and behind a ridge. Harm and Cochran where pretty much pinned down. "Cockroach, Charlie company can't send any air protection because of our location. They are sending backup. It's just going to take a while. How are you doing on ammo?" The Lt. reported on the radio. "We have enough to last about an hour unless they get to aggressive." Cockroach responded. ********** Mac stood on the bridge as the skirmish between the patrol and the Talliban soldiers could be monitored over their radio transmission. "They're trapped." She looked helplessly towards the skipper who listened intently to the radio exchange. Movement was seen all around the hemmed in patrol. The Talliban force continued to fire at the two groups of men as they slowly edged their way closer. "Captain Stryker was my CO in one of my last tours in Vietnam." Cochran whispered roughly. "We were trapped in a godforsaken jungle, and the VC were all over us like white on rice. We had a bunch of Marines still wet behind the ears." Harm listened between the snapping sounds of gunfire. "What happened?" "I'll tell you when we get out of here." A harsh chuckle floated from the older man as the gunfire hit so close to Harm that pieces of stone hit his face. "Damn." "You okay?" "That damn ringing sound in my ears from the mind blast was just about gone." Harm rubbed his head. "Quit your bitching, least you have an ear to hear with, Sir." "You remind me of another Marine, I know." "Fine officer I'll bet." "She's one hell of an officer." "She!" "Why am I not surprised by this response?" Harm groaned. "Women don't belong in the Marines!" "I'll let you take that up with her. You'll lose." "Humph!" A loud explosion threw them both to the ground as a missile hit directly above them. "Cochran? Cochran?" Harm whispered not receiving an answer he shook the man who lay motionless next to him. Harm withdrew his hand when he felt the warm liquid of a wound on his fingers. Cochran began to stir. "Cochran, lay still!" Harm ordered. "You need to try to get out of here. Get the lieutenant to draw fire and get out of here." The voice was barely loud enough for Harm to hear. "Not unless you come with me." "Can't. My leg." Came an anguished reply. Harm pulled the Marine up next to him with his good arm. "I've got two good legs." "You can't return fire and drag me Commander with your injured shoulder." Cochran protested. "I thought you were a Marine. Marines don't leave their men behind." Harm fired back angrily. "You're not a Marine." The answer was matter of fact and Harm found it oddly funny considering their circumstances. "No, but I've played a Marine Gunny Sergeant before on assignment." Harm continued to chuckle. "Yours wouldn't be the first Marine's ass I've gotten out of trouble." "Next time I get a parking ticket. I'll call you up, Commander Perry Mason. Now get the hell out of here Sir!" Cockroach demanded using his best threatening tone. "No." Harm responded and looked around for signs of movement towards them. "Stupid squids." The wounded man mumbled. "Watch it Sergeant Major. I do outrank you." Harm smiled and then caught movement to his right. Several Talliban fighters were making their way towards them. "So arrest me." His voice sounded weaker. "It is considered an honor for a warrior to die in battle." Cockroach moaned in pain. "Well you'll have to receive that honor in another battle." Harm pulled the man to his feet and picked up his radio transmitter. "Draw fire lieutenant. We're going to make a run for it." The Marines on the hill began to fire continuously as Harm half dragged the injured Marine towards a group of boulders closer to the others. Gunfire popped all around as they fell behind a large stone. Gasping for breath Harm scanned his surroundings as daylight began to peak over the hills. He needed to more quickly before they would be seen. He picked up the now unconscious Marine and took a deep breath and dragged the man the last twenty or so feet towards his companions. He felt a sharp pain in his injured arm as he pushed through towards the other Marines, determined to make it to safety. They made it just as the enemy forces began to descend on their old location. The medic quickly picked up the Sergeant Major and carried him to a safer location as Harm stumbled behind holding his bleeding shoulder and newly wounded arm. Daylight spread quickly over the valley, and the enemy began to retreat. The sounds of additional gunfire nearby grew louder. Lt. Smith, Barnes, Harm and the other Marines looked questionably at one another as the crackle of the radio alerted them that their reinforcements had arrived. ******* The helicopter carrying the tattered team arrived on the deck of the Sea Hawk several hours later. Mac stood just inside the carrier near the flight deck anxiously waiting. Lt. Smith, Barnes and the two other Marines were the first to disembark while the medic helped carry Sergeant Major Cochran's stretcher towards the hatch where Mac stood. Mac saw Harm emerge looking rather beleaguered with a make shift sling on his right arm. He had refused to be carried and insisted on walking to the infirmary on his own power with a little help of a Marine who keep a secure hand on him. Unable to hold back any longer she broke regulations, ran half way across the flight deck without safety gear, and embraced the target of her anxiety. Recognizing his Marine running towards him, he held open his one good arm to reach for her. Unable to repress all the physical and mental stress any longer as he pulled her warm familiar body next to his and held her almost afraid that if he let go she would disappear. The sounds of the busy flight deck faded as she reached up and brought his face down to hers, and they kissed with a force not so much out of passion, but relief. Feeling him waver a little she pulled back and tearfully touched the dressing on his head and his injured arm. "Come on flyboy. You need to see a doctor." Looking and feeling somewhat dazed, Harm grinned and pulled her next to him with his good arm. "Thanks for waiting for me." "Where else would I be." Her dark warm eyes conveyed the emotion he needed to see. Harm reported to JAG ops to be greeted with applause from the staff. Sturgis was a little surprised to see the flush of embarrassment in his long time friend's face. "I thought you would be used to all of this attention by now Commander." Bud, Harriet and Mac stepped up grinning at the awkwardness of their friend. Harm rolled his eyes and shook his head at the comment. "I only did what anyone of you would have." "How is the arm Commander?" Harriet focused on the sling that held his right arm secured. "Little sore, but it should be good as new in a few weeks. I've missed you guys." Harm looked around at his old stomping ground. "It's not the same." Bud replied in a guarded tone. Harm observed the change of expressions in his friends' faces. They all appeared tense. "What's going on?" He quizzed only to be interrupted by Admiral Cutner's new yeoman. "Sir, Admiral Cutner is waiting to see you." Harm breathed in deeply. "I think I would rather face the Talliban again." He smiled. "Harm didn't seem too thrilled about seeing Cutner." Sturgis remarked as the group watched Harm enter in what they all referred to as the lion's den. "Cutner didn't want Harm to accompany those Marines into Pakistan. Harm went over his head to get permission." Mac explained. "But Harm came out a hero. If Cutner does anything, it will make him look bad." Harriet responded. Harm stood stiffly at attention as Cutner ignored him and continued with his task. Despite Harm's earlier remark about his arm, the truth was he was still experiencing a great deal of pain, but he would never let the arrogant Admiral see his discomfort. Finally he laid down his file and looked intently at the tall officer who stood before him. "At ease Commander." He finally responded, but did not suggest that the injured officer have a seat. "I've just received a notice from the 9th Battalion commander that you will be recommended for another medal." The smile on the man's face was strained as he stood up and walked around his desk to face Harm. He then continued holding a tight smile on his lips, "I know your type." He hissed. Harm frowned, "Sir, I'm not sure I understand what you mean." "The pentagon's full of old war horses that sit around boring everyone with their tales of battle. They pat each other on the back and stroke each other's egos. You've been around DC long enough to read the writing on the wall." His paranoia began to surface. "You think that you can get rid of me using your influence. Well you are wrong Mister!" Harm drew up to attention and avoided responding to his ranting. Cutner pulled out a manila folder and shoved it into Harm's hand. Harm had to lay the folder on the desk to open it. It contained photos of the mission. The last picture was of he and Mac kissing on the flight deck. 'Oh crap.' Harm looked to his commanding officer with confusion. "Sir, this is not what you think." "It looks like two officers in the same chain of command expressing feelings in an inappropriate way!" "Sir, Colonel Mackenzie and I are close friends." "I can see that." The man smiled sardonically. "Sir, we are of the same rank." "This behavior has interfered with the good order of this command." "Sir, I have not been here for the past six months." Harm replied incredulously. "Let me put it so you will understand. I've read through Colonel Mackenzie's service records. She has faced an Admiral's mast for her behavior related to perjury on a case where she murdered her ex-husband in defense of her former lover." "Colonel Mackenzie was cleared of all charges." Harm couldn't believe where the man was taking this. "And received a letter of reprimand for her conduct. All it would take to effectively end her career is to have more allegations related to her conduct with a fellow officer. Do you get my drift!" The man was seething as he stood inches away from Harm. Harm was flushed with anger. "She is one of the finest officers in your command. Why would you want to end her career?" "I agree. She has much potential. I could choose to have the reporter not print this picture and Colonel Mackenzie's career would be safe." He grinned coldly. Harm suddenly realized the point of this confrontation. "In exchange for?" "Your letter of resignation from your commission by the end of the day." Harm stared emotionlessly at the photo in front of him. "I'll do better than that, you'll have it on your desk within the hour." He turned and exited the room disregarding protocol and slammed the door. The group of JAG officers who had greeted him that morning noted the anger as Harm approached the Admiral's yeoman. "Petty officer, I need you to type a letter for me." Harm stood over the young enlisted man and dictated his letter. As soon as it was printed, Harm barely scanned it and then painfully stretched his injured right arm so that he could sign the letter. "Give this to Cutner." He instructed and brushed past his colleagues without saying anything. Mac ran after him only to have him close the elevator doors in her face before she could catch up with him. She turned and looked questioningly towards the other officers. Cutner's yeoman approached the group. "Admiral Cutner requests each of you to see him in his office immediately. The group entered the office sharing uneasy glances. Cutner stood with a serious demeanor, "I have some distressing news to share. It seems that Commander Rabb has resigned his commission and is now on terminal leave." Sturgis frowned while Mac and Bud looked shocked. "Sir, I don't understand. Why would Commander Rabb do that?" Sturgis spoke for the group. "He felt that he could no longer effectively serve the Navy." Cutner replied matter-of-factly. "Sir, I find that hard to believe." Mac blurted out. "Colonel, are you calling me a liar?" Cutner's tone became threatening. "Sir, the Commander has served the Navy in many capacities and in all of them he has been distinguished. Perhaps he could have transferred out of JAG if he was no longer considered effective." Mac responded with anger in her tone. "He has already resigned. You are all dismissed." Cutner replied as he gritted his teeth and made tight fists. The officers stood at attention and filed out of the room. ***** Harm had driven aimlessly until he finally parked his SUV at his place of refuge. His normally crisp appearance was somewhat disheveled as he walked towards the long black wall. "I'm sorry Dad, but it's over. I would risk my life, my career for my principles but not hers." "Didn't expect to run into you so soon Commander." The gravelly voice of Sergeant Major Cochran drew Harm from his reverie. "I'm here just checkin in with some ole buddies." Harm didn't respond immediately. Cochran scanned the wall and found the reason for the tall man's presence. "Your Dad?" "Yep." Harm sighed deeply and looked at the gruff Marine that shared his last assignment. "You look a hell of a lot better than you did in Pakistan." "I would say the same for you, but I'd be lying, Sir." The older man huffed. "You look like you just lost your best friend or do lawyers have friends." Cochroach taunted. "You don't have to call me sir anymore." Harm smiled slightly. "I guess that blast in Pakistan did something to my ears. I know I didn't just hear you say that you weren't in the Navy anymore." "You heard right." "Well I'll be damned, what in the hell did those m*****f*%!!!** do? I my day you would have gotten a damned medal for your actions. I guess you screwed up by saving my sorry six!" The Marine gruff demeanor never changed as he ranted. Harm raised his eyebrows in amusement as several pedestrians moved away offended by the language. "No, it wasn't your six that got me in trouble." Harm grinned. "Well what are you going to do now that you aren't flying around the world getting dried up old Marines out of s*** holes." "To tell you the truth, I haven't gotten that far." Harm rubbed his head and winced at the shooting pains in his arm. "Let me buy you a beer to celebrate your new career whatever it may be Commander and I'll tell you about Captain Styrker." Cockroach limped slowly towards the end of the monument. "It's Harm." "Friends call me Billy." "I thought they called you Cockroach." "Only people who I respect call me Cockroach to my face. You can call me Cockroach." **** Mac had tried to contact Harm all evening only to reach his answer machine. She finally gave up, drove to his place, and used her key to let herself in and wait. The sound of two very drunk men singing some song that made even Mac blush woke her. Harm was half dragging an older man wearing a Marine's uniform while stumbling himself through the doorway. Both stopped mid-song as Mac stood before them with a look that reminded Harm of his mother the first time he'd been caught drinking. "Maaaccc!" Harm slurred and then put on a large grin. "Who's your friend?" Mac suppressed her need to smile. "Major Seeergeant William Cockroach!" Harm chuckled. "Billy this is Colonel Sarah Mac Mackenzie. Toughest marine in the corp!" Harm hiccuped and groaned. Cockroach attempted to stand at attention and then began to rock backward. "Whoa! I don't ordinarily appreciate women in the corp, but Harm here says you are one kick ass Marine." He recited before passing out on the floor. "He was shot in Pakistan. Can't hold his liquor." Harm whispered and chuckled. "He can sleep here." "You look like you could use some sleep yourself Commander." Mac began to lead Harm towards his bedroom. "No more Commander...just Harm!" He instructed waving his hand towards his chest. "Just Harm, you are drunk!" Mac pushed him onto his bed and began to pull off his shoes and unbutton his shirt. "Mac, I don't think tonight's a good night. But you can use my shower if you want." Harm whispered loudly and leaned forward in a failed attempt to kiss her causing Mac to almost burst out laughing as she eased his shirt off around his injured arm. "That hurts Mac." Harm whined pitifully and rubbed his shoulder. "Well, I'm afraid to give you one of your pain pills with all the alcohol in your system you might not ever wake up." Mac explained and brushed her hair away from her face in frustration. "That would be okay." Harm fell back into the bed throwing Mac on top of him. She pushed herself up enough to see his sleeping face. "This is not how I imagined this would be." She said softly, rolled her eyes, and finished undressing him. She pulled his feet around and pulled the covers over him after carefully propping his wounded arm up on a pillow. "Sleep well flyboy because tomorrow you're going to feel like hell." Mac bent over and kissed him on the forehead. "Night Ninja girl." Harm muttered and began to snore softly. Mac returned to the living room to find the Sergeant Major sitting on the sofa looking like he'd only drank coffee all evening. He stood up, "Colonel, hope I didn't offend you with my behavior earlier." Mac looked confused, "I thought, you looked... Who are you and why are you here?" "I'm Sergeant Major Cochran, I ran into the Commander at the wall earlier tonight. He told me he left the Navy, and we went to have a few. He was downing them pretty steady so I just wanted to make sure he got home okay." The gruffness had softened. "I remember you on the Seahawk. You pulled Harm out of the minefield." Mac smiled. "Ma'am to get the story right, he saved my ass. I don't usually take to squids, but this one could have been a Marine." He added with a no nonsense tone, while his eyes showed respect for the younger man in the next room. "He's saved a few Marines before, in and out of the courtroom." Mac nodded. "So I've heard. I thought maybe he got himself in some trouble. He kinda acts before he thinks." "That's true. Did he tell you why he resigned his commission?" Mac frowned. "He just said something about keeping us Marines out of trouble." Cockroach replied. "I guess you can take it from here." He stood up carefully still sore from his wounds. "Take good care of him Colonel." "Thanks Sergeant Major. You are right. He would have made a good Marine. But don't tell him I told you." She smiled at the gray haired Marine and received a small salute in return. The next morning Harm woke up to a head-splitting gut-turning hangover to end all hangovers. His moans brought Mac into the bedroom with a cup of coffee and a couple of Advil. Harm looked at her through squinted eyes, "I think I'm going to be sick." Mac ran over and grabbed a wastebasket just in the nick of time. "Just shoot me." Harm gasped after he finished retching. "Sorry, didn't bring my side arm with me. Here drink this and take these." She handed him the Advil and coffee and placed a wet bath cloth on his neck. "Thanks, when did you get here?" He mumbled careful not to speak too loudly. "I was waiting for you when you came home last night." "Sorry, Mac. I hope I didn't say anything I shouldn't have." Harm grimaced at the pain in his head. "You didn't. Where is Sergei?" "Cross country bike ride." "Okay, spill it. What happened in Cutner's office yesterday?" "I resigned my commission. Don't you need to get to work?" Harm began to focus more on the face that wore a concerned look. "Why?" she folded her arms across her chest. "For health reasons?" Harm smiled changing tactics to get her off the subject. "You're not going to tell me." Mac said in mild exasperation. "Does it matter?" Harm shifted uncomfortably. "Yes it does. You are behaving just like Mic. He would make these decisions without consulting me!" Mac felt her anger swell. "I'm not Mic, and we are not engaged." Harm said softly totally disarming Mac's anger. "You're right. There is no reason for you to consult me on your decisions. I better go. I'll be late." Mac stood up abruptly. "Mac, that's not the way I meant it." Harm started to stand and realized he was in his underwear. "I don't remember getting undressed." "You don't remember a lot of things." Mac whirled around and then left him with his mouth dropped open. Admiral Chegwidden sat on the bench of the baseball field at Annapolis reflecting of the past season. He patted himself on the knee for this season's record. Why did he feel so...bored? This is what he had dreamed of for the past few years and now that he had it he felt like soup with no seasoning, no spice. "Admiral?" Bud Robert's voice surprised the former JAG. "Lt. Roberts, it's good to see you. Have a seat. How is Harriet and AJ?" He found himself gushing. "Both are fine. AJ is talking up a storm and rides his tricycle like a pro." Bud answered proudly and then sighed. "You didn't drive all the way down here to give me an update of AJ. Spill it." The former CO leaned back. Bud spent the next hour telling the Admiral about the events at JAG headquarters since he had left. "...and then Commander Rabb suddenly resigned his commission." "Wait, Harm left the Navy? Harm's not the type to run from a battle. If anything he's fueled by a challenge." The Admiral removed his ball cap and rubbed his head. "He just told everyone that is was time. Sir, if you want to know the truth, if things continue as they are. As soon as I've met my obligation to the Navy, I'm thinking about leaving too." Bud replied seriously. After Bud left, AJ picked up his cell phone and placed a call to the Pentagon. Cutner paced angrily in his wood paneled office, "I gave you an order, and I expect to have it carried out!" "Sir, if I carry out that order I will be violating the codes of the USMJ! I will not carry out the order as stated!" Sturgis stood at attention. "I'm the JAG! What I say goes Commander! Do you understand?" The older officer yelled and slammed a file folder on the desk sending its contents across the floor. "Perfectly." Sturgis responded calmly and walked out. "Yeoman!" Cutner barked over his intercom. "Sir, he stepped out. Can I help you?" Harriet Sims responded. "Come in here and clean up this mess." He ordered and grabbed his cover. "I have a meeting at the Pentagon." Harriet looked at the paper-covered floor and grunted as she began to pick up. She stopped and noticed that among the papers were some enlarged photos. Curiosity getting the best of her, she started to examine them and realized they were taken from Harm's assignment to Pakistan. She grimaced at the pictures of the minefields and Harm throwing the young boy out of harm's way. Then she saw a picture that brought a huge smile to her face. Harm and Mac locked in a passionate embrace kissing on the fight deck. Harm's face was dirty with a bloody dressing on his forehead, and his clothes showed bloodstains along his right sleeve where he had been wounded. Mac was holding his face as she kissed him while Harm looked to be pulling her up to him with his left arm. Both had their eyes closed. Harriet turned the picture over and saw the stamp of the APA photographer that had snapped the picture. He had written, 'A Hero's Welcome'. "Humph, never saw that in the Navy Times or the Washington Post." Harriet grinned and thought nothing more of the picture. "Harriet, Bud called and wanted me to tell you he'd be late." Mac peaked into the office where Harriet was just picking up the last of the papers. "Great picture Ma'am." Harriet smiled as she set the folder or the desk. "What picture?" Mac smiled back with a confused expression. Harriet giggled and pulled the one out of Harm and Mac. Mac's mouth dropped open. "Where did you get this?" "It was among some of the Admiral's things that he threw on the floor." Harriet responded. "I wonder how long he's had these." Mac flipped through the other pictures. "I don't know, but the photographer's name is stamped on the back." ******** Harm was struggling with a part of his stearman's engine when AJ approached. "Dammit." Harm pulled his right arm back and rubbed it. He didn't have to wear the immobilizer anymore, but the soreness was still present when he strained his arm. "Need some help?" Harm's grease smudged face popped up. "Sir, good to see you. What are you doing out here?" He reached for a rag and wiped the grease off his hand before extending it to his former CO. "It's AJ. Only one of us is still in the Navy, part time anyway. How are you doing Harm?" AJ shook the younger man's hand. "Enjoying this nice warm day." Harm grinned. "Didn't sound like it when I walked up. What do you have there?" AJ walked around to the exposed engine and tightened the part Harm was trying to remove. "There!" "Thanks AJ. I was trying to get it out." Harm nodded. "Well Damn, why didn't you so something." AJ reached back into the engine and struggled with the part until it came loose. "How about something cold to drink?" Harm offered as the two walked towards his SUV and opened an ice chest filled with bottled water. "Where's the corvette?" AJ sipped on the bottle. "It's stick shift. I don't quite have the strength back in my right arm." Harm took a long sip of cold water. "Yea, I heard about your little mission into Pakistan. You will probably get another medal for that as well as a service ribbon for your time. Oh, but you aren't in the Navy anymore." AJ drew out the last statement. "Just following your example. Looking for greener fields." Harm looked away. "Hell the grass may look greener, but once you stand in it, it doesn't look so green. I kind of miss the occasional weeds and mole holes in my old lawn. Gave me a challenge." AJ replied cryptically. "I think the weeds and moles miss you too Sir." Harm smiled. "I think the weeds and moles miss you too." AJ clinked his water bottle against Harm's. Mac had Sturgis, Bud and Harriet come into her office and showed them the pictures from the folder in Cutner's office. "Nice pictures Mac. But what does this have to do with Harm's sudden departure?" Sturgis inquired while Bud became totally immersed in looking through all the other pictures. "Don't you understand? Cutner is using this picture to blackmail Harm." Mac's dark eyes were flaming. "How would he do that? You and Harm are of the same rank." Sturgis still looked bewildered. Bud and Harriet exchanged uncomfortable glances as Mac explained, "I faced charges for murdering my former husband. Harm found evidence to clear me, but in the course of the trial, it was brought out that I had an affair with my former CO. The statue of limitations protected my CO, but it was noted in my service record. As you can see I don't have the cleanest of service records. Cutner probably threatened to damage my career if Harm didn't resign." Mac watched Sturgis's face carefully attempt to hide his surprise. "But you two don't have 'anything' going. Do you?" Sturgis asked. "No. Besides what you see in this picture. That is as far as it ever has gone between the two of us." Mac sounded disappointed bringing smiles to the junior officers. "Well that picture shows more than an friendly greeting." Bud added receiving a sharp poke in the ribs from Harriet. "I mean that you two definitely care about one another." "Cutner buried the whole story somehow." Bud frowned and looked at the pictures. "This wasn't a classified mission, but nothing more has been said." Sturgis began to smile, "Bud you are a genius!" "Thank you sir. I think." Bud replied. "What if the story went public. Pictures and all. He won't be able to use it against Harm. Mac are you willing to take the risk?" Sturgis turned to Mac who smiled. "I'm a Marine. I don't leave anyone behind." She said raising her eyebrow. "Harriet, get in touch with the photographer listed on the back of these pictures." Sturgis began their planning strategy. "The colonel was in People magazine." Harriet added. "Get in touch with them and someone from the Times and the Post." Sturgis added. "Bud, I want you to help me track down who else was responsible for burying this story." "Cool." "What about Harm?" Harriet asked. "I've got that covered." Bud grinned. "We have someone else helping us with this." The two lieutenants left the senior officers in Mac's office. "Mac are you okay with this? You're a little quiet?" Sturgis observed Mac. "I once asked Harm what he would give up for me." "Well I guess you have your answer." Sturgis nodded. ******* Harm juggled the bag of groceries trying to open the door to his apartment when Mac approached and took the bag away so he could better manipulate the key. "Thanks, I'm still a little clumsy." Harm smiled and opened the door. Mac looked into the bag, "Looks like dinner." "Will be in about an hour. Would you like to stay? I owe you dinner for the other night." Harm asked with a touch of embarrassment. "The other night? Did something happen the other night?" Mac teased and began to unpack the items from the bag. Harm turned away to avoid making eye contact and put several items in the refrigerator. "Did it?" "No, my uncle taught me not to take advantage of inebriated men, no matter how cute their sixes are." She teased causing him to blush. "I can't believe you said that." He chuckled and shook his head. "I appreciate your gallantry." "Do you?" Mac challenged. Harm looked at Mac ready to respond with all of his excuses from the past, but stopped. "Actually, discretion may be the better part of valor, but valor is not indicated in this situation." He rebutted and leaned on his elbows facing her on the opposite side of the bar. "Yellow light Commander?" Mac leaned forward meeting his gaze. "You can call me Mr. Rabb or Harm. I'm a civilian. And my behavior is not dictated by traffic lights or the Navy." He moved within an inch of her face so that he could feel her breath on his face. "Well Mr. Rabb, who does dictate your behavior?" She whispered as his lips moved to touch hers in a slow gentle but firm kiss. "Need you ask?" He replied softly after their kiss broke apart. "I'm really not that hungry." Mac replied slightly breathless from the kiss. "I'm not either." Harm held her gaze communicating his desire as he walked around the bar that separated them and pulled her into a full embrace kissing her long and deeply. "On second thought, I'm famished." Mac replied as they broke the kiss and she pulled him into another kiss that suggested they move this moment into the bedroom. "Starving." Harm moaned and led her towards the bedroom while the sound of rain began to beat against the windows. ******** A sharp clap of thunder aroused Harm from his sleep. He opened his eyes to see Mac standing at the door to his bathroom with just a towel wrapped around her. He smiled sleepily. "Are you really there? Or are you just a hallucination?" Mac gave him her most seductive smile, "It's raining outside, it's great weather for making love." Harm sat up and rubbed his eyes. "Mac?" "Are you alright? I was just teasing." Mac came over and sat on the bed. "Yea." He reached out and tentatively touched her. Feeling her soft warm skin he drew in a deep breath and smiled. "I thought for a minute...never mind." "How about a shower and then you can prepare that dinner. I really am hungry...for food." She giggled and pulled him out of the bed towards the shower. ******** "The article will be released in the Washington Post tomorrow and People Magazine already is planning on an article about the mission." Harriet announced proudly. "I found out that the department of public relations was instructed by Admiral Cutner to withhold releasing the article due to sensitive information related to the war effort which is a line on bull." Sturgis announced. "Seems someone put a bug in the Secnav's ear and I have a meeting with him this afternoon with affidavits from a half-dozen officers including Admiral Morris related to Admiral Cutner's behavior. Looks like he will be asked to take a prompt early retirement." Sturgis smiled. "What about the Colonel? How will this affect her career?" Bud asked. "It depends on our new CO." Sturgis responded. "Looks like Harm is up for another medal. The Secnav has agreed to disregard his resignation if he requests to be reinstated." Sturgis added happily. "The Navy is the Commander's life." Bud replied confidently. ******** The next day Cutner was no where to be seen with scuttlebutt reporting that he experienced chest pain and possibly experienced a mild heart attack after his meeting with the Secnav. Mac walked into the bullpen with a light step. "Morning Sturgis, Harriet, Bud." She smiled. "Don't you just love how the air smells after the rain." The three officers looked to one another and big grins appeared. "The eagle has landed." Sturgis mumbled bringing chuckles from Bud and Harriet. "I wonder who our new CO will be?" Bud added worriedly. Petty Officer Jason Tiner appeared at the office door. "Commander, Lieutenants. There will be a mandatory staff meeting in the conference room immediately." "Tiner! When did you get reassigned?" Harriet walked over and gave the young man a quick hug. "This morning." He smiled as the officers congregated into the conference room. "Good morning, people!" The familiar voice of AJ Chegwidden greeted the surprised officers. "The Secnav has asked me to step in and fill the vacancy created by Admiral Cutner's illness. Looks like he will be opting for early retirement." Chegwidden announced bringing further smiles to the group with the exception of you know who. The door to the conference room opened and everyone expected Harm to come strolling in late as usual, but Matonni quickly headed towards the nearest chair. After business was finished, Sturgis stood up. "To welcome the new JAG, I would like to invite everyone to McMurphy's tonight." ******** Everyone showed up in casual attire that evening. Harm and Mac appeared at the same time just as the party was beginning to take off. Several toasts had already been made when the pair approached the bar. AJ handed Harm a beer and ordered Mac a club soda with a twist of lime. "To Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. who's bravery saved two more Marine's sixes." The Admiral toasted bringing chuckles from the room. Harm looked confused. "I thought I was trying to keep from getting shot." He explained modestly. "Two? As I recall Sergeant Major Cochran saved my six. Who is this other mystery Marine?" Mac added, "Me." She circled her arms around his neck. "You didn't need to be saved." Harm smiled as she gave him a kiss that brought hoots and whistles from the group. "I didn't specify what you saved me from." Mac whispered in his ear with another quick kiss. "Can you two autograph my picture." The bartender pulled out a picture from the Post of the pair kissing on the Sea Hawk with the caption reading, 'A Hero's Welcome.' Harm paled. "Mac?" His flustered look earned him another long passionate kiss. "It's okay. My new CO thought is was a great picture. He's ordered an 8 by 10." Mac grinned mischievously. Bobbie pulled Mac to the side-leaving Harm alone with AJ at the bar. "Well Harm, I have an opening for a another lawyer." AJ offered as the two men watched Bobbie and Mac chatter happily. "Thanks for the offer, but I don't know if I want to come back." Harm replied with his gaze never leaving Mac. "You know what we talked about, looking for greener grass." He chuckled and then continued. "For the past year or so I've been doing some soul searching. It took me awhile to realize what I've always wanted, and I don't want to lose it." He looked to his CO for understanding. "You were considering this move before all the crap hit the fan." The Admiral realized and shook his head. "One thing I can say about my career in the Navy. It's been a good life." The older man added with a whimsical smirk. "But it sure doesn't keep you warm at night." "Yes Sir, excuse me sir." Harm walked over to Mac and led her to the dance floor. He held her tightly as they swayed to the music of R. Kelly that floated throughout the bar taking them both to a place where only they exsisted..."I love you Sarah." "I was in a tunnel and couldn't see the light And whenever I look up, I couldn't see the sky But then I climbed the hills and saw the mountains I hollered help cause I was lost Then I felt the strong wind and heard a small voice saying The storm is over, the storm is over now And I can see the sunshine somewhere beyond the clouds I feel heaven, yea, heaven's over me. Come on and set me free In the mist of my battle, all hope was gone Downtown in a rush crowd and felt all alone Every now and then felt like I would lose my mind Been racing for years and still no finish line But then I climbed the hills and saw the mountains I hollered help cause I was lost Then I felt the strong wind and then a small voice saying The storm is over, the storm is over now And I can see the sunshine somewhere beyond the clouds I can feel heaven, heaven's over me Come on and set me free Somehow my beginnings stepped right in Then it became my friend Now I can depend on the voices of the wind When it's saying the storm is over The storm is over now And I can see the sunshine somewhere beyond the clouds I can feel heaven, heaven's over me Come on and set me free..." The end "Lt. Singer, I understand you would like to broaden your horizons, find greener pastures and so on and so forth. I'm sending you to a new duty station in the Aleutian Islands. Be sure to pack lots of warm clothing." THE Admiral smirked as he handed the speechless officer her new orders. Leaning back into his leather chair he felt a strong since of accomplishment and smiled to himself, 'Sometimes this job has its perks.'