TITLE: "New Beginnings II - Our Year" AUTHORS: Anne R. and Pat Steiner SUMMARY: The second chapter of the New Beginnings series, in which Harm and Mac make tentative steps toward making 2002 ‘our year’ as they promised at the close of Chapter 1. Rated PG for mild language and violence. DISCLAIMER: JAG belongs to CBS, Paramount et al. No copyright infringement is intended with this work of fiction. FEEDBACK: Yes, if you're moved to do so, to [SSbpmn@aol.com] and it would be much appreciated by both of us. However, if your intent is only to tell us you are not liking our work, please don't spend the time. While we realize our work does not please everyone, we do ask that the journey be respected. NOTE: All parts of this story and previous chapter will be available at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/AnniePatJAGstories No subbing is required to read from the message archives. Also, previous chapters, as well as our other efforts, should be available at http://www.netroenterprises.com/exlibrisjag/ or the Harm-Mac shipper archive at- http://www.shipperarchive.com/fanfic/ "New Beginnings II-Our Year” JAG HQ January 2, 2002 "You sure you should be here" Mac fretted as she and Harm made their way to the break room for coffee before the staff call. "Mac, I'm fine" Harm assured her. "You're worse than Mom." Mac had made Harm call Trish and tell her what had happened on Christmas Eve. She'd done her share of fretting as well, with Mac ensuring her that she would take care of her son. "Commander, glad to have you back" AJ smiled when Harm and Mac entered the conference room a few minutes later. "Feeling better." "Yes sir, I've had a good nurse" Harm smiled as he looked at Mac, who blushed at his words. Harriet gave Bud a nudge who just looked at the pair with confusion. "Okay, and on that note, let's get down to business. As some of you might have noticed we're missing two members of the JAG team. Commander Turner has been reassigned to the JAG office at Pearl effective immediately. He'll be in later before heading to Pearl this afternoon." AJ paused before continuing. "And secondly, Lt. Singer has received a dishonorable discharge from the Navy." "Sir?" Harriet spoke up. "May I ask why?" "Several reasons Lt." AJ replied. "Unknown to all of you NCIS had been investigating Lt. Singer for sometime now for acts unbecoming an officer. I won't go into detail but sufficient to say there was enough evidence against her and she was offered the option of a dishonorable discharge which she took." "Sir that's going to make us rather short staffed isn't it?" Mac spoke up. "Especially with Harm still not completely well." "Hey, I was cleared to return to duty full time" Harm countered. "Yes I know you were and yes I'm aware we're short staffed" AJ smiled. "But it's just temporary. I promise I'm working on replacements for both Lt. Singer and Commander Turner. In the meantime, I'm going to need all of you to pitch in and help out a little more until that time." "Understood sir" was the chorus of replies. "And of course it was anything but a quiet holiday weekend" AJ sighed before handing out the cases. "Bud since both our clients are at the Naval Yard, you want to ride together" Harm asked after staff call. "Sure sir, just give me a minute" Bud replied. "Did you know about Turner or Singer?" Mac asked as she followed Harm into his office. "Just as surprised as you are" Harm replied. "Well not totally surprised about Singer. Between you and me, she finally got what she deserved." "Be honest why don't you Commander" Mac smiled. "I didn't know you felt that way about the Lt." "Mac come on. You know she was the one who put that evidence in your car that time." "You know that?" "Not for fact but I knew she was the one" Harm sighed. "And after that stunt she pulled in the courtroom when she was cross examining Harriet, I'm not the least bit surprised." "Well I honestly won't be sad to see her go either" Mac admitted. "I just hope the Admiral gets the replacements in soon." "Sir, I'm ready," Bud said as he stuck his head in Harm's office. "I'll see you later," Harm said as he reached for his briefcase. "If I get back in time, you want to do lunch." "I think we can manage that" Mac smiled. "Drive safely. It's icy out there." "Yes mom" he grinned as he put on his coat. "And button up" she chided as she followed him out. "Button up?" AJ laughed, having overheard her. "You his partner or his mother?" Mac laughed good naturedly. "Sorry sir. A few days of nursing him and I guess I'm in the habit." "He is OK isn't he?" AJ asked, suddenly serious. "I mean I know he was returned to duty by the doctors, but in your opinion?" "My opinion is biased sir," Mac smiled. "I mean I'm the one who sat with him for the first four nights while he coughed and rubbed his back and. . .why do I suddenly feel I'm giving you more than you need to know." "I'm understanding perfectly Colonel," AJ told her. "I'm glad he has such a friend. Both of you." "We're working real hard at it sir." Mac looked past AJ to the snowy landscape and the fresh coating of ice, saying a silent prayer for his welfare as AJ gave her a quick nod and returned to his office. Jan 9, 2002 930AM "For someone who's client just got found not guilty you're looking pretty grim Colonel. I was going to invite you for a mid morning Starbucks to celebrate." Mac looked up to the normally pleasant sight of Harm hanging in her doorway. "Yeah well I got rid of Potts, that was almost child's play, but the Admiral handed me something else. And it's in New York." "Let me take it." "You don't even know what it is," she laughed. "Not to mention, if the Admiral wanted you to take it, I imagine he would have given it to you. It's a stalker case. Navy recruiter, fired his counsel and asked for a JAG representation." She took a long breath and looked down at the case file, not wanting him to see her distress over the type of case. "Let me take it," he repeated. "Tell the Admiral you've got enough on your calendar." "Harm I've never backed off an assignment of any kind, and neither have you. So you know I won't. It's going to be fine." "I hate being short handed like this," he moaned. "I should at least be going with you." "I won't be gone long anyway, since it's already in trial," she sighed and then smiled gently. "I'm going to miss you Sailor. I'm pretty well used to sharing dinner with you." "Yeah me too," he muttered, not liking this new circumstance. "When you do you leave?" "Not until 1640. I've got the Wagner thirty-two this afternoon that I didn't want to dump. Take me to the airport?" =============== Reagan National 1630 Hrs "Take care of yourself Sailor," she laughed softly, recalling another time she said those words, under much more dire circumstance. "You too Marine." He laughed as well, catching her reference. As she had done on the desert, she lifted her arms to take him in a long hug. This was the first time they had been apart since Christmas as they had shared dinner and evenings since his attack, with him following her home and then at the end of the evening, making the drive across D.C. to his place. "Call me soon as you get to your hotel and let me know you didn't get attacked on the way there please," he begged. "Harm I'm not going to Beirut here," she reminded him. "But yes I will." She started to step back from him, only to have him put his hand to the back of her head to stop her. "I think that hug isn't going to quite do it this time," he whispered and brushed his lips across hers. "OK I can let go now." ************** Three Days Later JAG HQ's 07:30 AM With a long sigh, Harm walked across the bullpen to his office, feeling as though he'd never left. With Mac in NY, he'd stayed late to keep up to date on everything. He'd hoped she'd be back soon, but her call after the first day in court hadn't sounded promising. He reached his office and had just set down his briefcase and hung up his coat when his phone rang. "Rabb" "Morning sailor" "Mac" he smiled. "This is a surprise. How you doing Marine? I was a little worried when I didn't hear from you last night." "We ran late" Mac sighed. "And by the time I got back to the hotel, I crashed." "How's it going up there?" "Case from hell. Morgan is a total slime ball." "But you're giving him your best defense right?" "Yes sir" Mac sighed. "Even if he doesn't deserve it. Seriously Harm, if you saw this guy and the way he looks at women." "Including you?" Harm demanded, the warning bells going off in his head. He knew a little about the case from what Mac had told him the first night, and he got the idea that Morgan was a first class psycho. "Easy sailor. He's not going to do anything to his attorney." "Mac, I don't like the sound of this" Harm sighed. "I really wish you would have let me take this case." "Well, I'm here and I'll get through this" she assured him. "We should have closing arguments this morning and then it'll go to the jury." "So you might be out of there soon?" Harm said hopefully. "Keep your fingers crossed. How's things there?" "Busy. Miss having you here partner." "Tell me you're not working yourself to death" Mac said worriedly. "I'm doing what I have to do keep up on things" Harm sighed. "And before you start mother henning me, I'm fine." "If I didn't have to be in court in a half hour, we'd discuss this more" Mac sighed. "But I've got to run. I'll talk to you soon." "Take care Mac" Harm said softly. "I miss you." "Miss you too" Mac whispered before hanging up. Harm dropped the phone and sat there for a second, Mac's words about Morgan not sitting well with him. "Commander, you're in bright and early this morning" AJ remarked as he walked into Harm's office, interrupting Harm's thoughts. "Just trying to stay on top of everything sir" Harm sighed. "Any word from your partner?" AJ inquired, knowing if Mac had called anyone it would have been Harm. "She thinks it should be going to the jury today" Harm replied. "That's all I know. Except that Morgan sounds like a total slime ball." "Yeah I know" AJ sighed. "When I read the case file, I figured that was the case. But he still deserves the best defense Commander." "And Mac is giving him that" Harm said with a small smile. "Well I do have one piece of good news. I've managed to fill one of our empty slots." "That is good news sir" Harm smiled tiredly. "When do they start?" "Today actually" AJ smiled. "Lt. Hastings will be here shortly. I'm counting on you to show her the ropes." "Her?" "Yes Commander, her" AJ sighed. "Is that a problem?" "No sir, not at all" Harm said quickly. "I'll be happy to take the Lt. under my wing. Provided she's nothing like Lt. Singer." "Lt. Hastings came very highly recommended from the San Diego JAG office. I don’t think you have to worry about her being like Lt. Singer. Captain Summers assured me she's highly motivated but without the attitude" "I'm looking forward to having her on board then sir" Harm smiled. "Good" AJ smiled. "Cause she's here." He turned to greet the young Lt., who quickly saluted her new CO. "Lt. Hastings reporting for duty sir" "At ease Lt.. Welcome to JAG HQ's. " "Thank you sir" the tall auburn haired woman replied. "Glad to be here sir." "We'll see how glad you are at the end of the day" AJ smiled as Harm stood up and walked over to the door, getting his first look at the Lt. "Lt. Brooke Hastings, this is Commander Harmon Rabb" AJ introduced him. "He's the senior man at JAG and he'll be showing you around here." "Actually my partner is Chief of Staff," Harm flung over his shoulder to AJ, needling him for a second about rank he lost when he went to fly. AJ simply shook his head and walked into his office. "Partner?" Brooke asked. "Sarah Mackenzie, Colonel, USMC," he smiled proudly. "She's in New York on a case. Come on this way. We'll start on this floor with the law library and work our way back to here. I trust someone arranged desk space for you." It took an hour for them to make the rounds as he showed her through the JAG building and helped her to get her ID tag made, ending back at Tiner's desk. "Sir I was just coming for you," the young petty officer frowned and gestured toward the TV, now on mute. "What am I looking at?" Harm asked, his eyes narrowing as he focused. Wordlessly Tiner hit the volume. His ears were immediately assaulted with word of a shooting in a courtroom in New York City. Harm grasped hold of the edge of Tiner's desk to steady himself. "Give me the short version Tiner." "The suspect killed himself sir, but not before he took down four people. He apparently grabbed the guard's weapon and started firing, then put the last round in his mouth." "And we think this could be Colonel Mackenzie's case?" Harm asked, barely able to get the words out. "The suspect was Lieutenant Gilbert Morgan," Tiner said quietly. "I'm sorry sir," Brooke stepped forward at the look of distress on Harm's face. "Sir, can I help?" "It was Mac's client," he gasped. "Excuse me?" "The shooter, in the courtroom, it was Mac's client. Excuse me. I've got to get hold of her and make sure she's OK." Before Harm could get his legs to move, AJ stepped from his office. "Ah Commander I see you've heard," AJ told him, his voice somber. "Why don't you come into the office." As he was speaking he was wrapping his hand around Harm's arm to lead him. "I need to talk to her," Harm gasped, trying to pull away, desperately afraid AJ was about to give him bad news and trying to deny the possibility. "I need to know she's OK. I should have been with her. In fact I wanted to take the case and she wouldn't. I should have. . . " "Commander. . .Admiral," Tiner was attempting to get their attention. "Commander you were not given that case and there was no need. . ." AJ began sternly, finally seeing Tiner waving at him with the phone. "Tiner take a message." "Yes sir," Tiner smiled. "Colonel Mackenzie, I'm sorry but the Admiral and Commander are. . ." That was as far as he got before Harm launched himself at him for the phone. "Mac" Harm gasped as he grabbed the phone from Tiner's hands. "Mac, are you okay?" "Calm down sailor" Mac said quietly. "You sound like you're about to have a stroke over there." "I will unless you tell me you're okay," Harm said anxiously. "Mac?" "I'm okay," she said with a long sigh. "No you're not. Mac tell me what happened." "Can I do that when I get back?" she said as she willed back tears. "My flight leaves in a few hours and I need to clear some things up before I go. But I wanted to let you know I was okay." "What's your flight number?" Harm asked softly. "I'll meet you at the airport." He hung up seconds later, promising to be there when she arrived later in the day. "How is she?" AJ asked as Harm sank back into the chair in AJ's office. "She said she's fine but she didn't sound fine" Harm said with a long sigh. "But she'll be back later today." "The fact that she's coming back today should tell you she wasn't hurt" AJ said with a small smile. "Or if she was, not badly enough to require her to stay there." "Thank God for that" Harm said softly. "Not that it's any of my business Commander, but are you and the Colonel working on something a little more permanent than friendship?" "We made a promise to each other to make this year our year" Harm admitted sheepishly. "We're going to try and do what we haven't been able to do for the past seven years." "Well son, it's about time" AJ smiled. "And as long as it doesn't interfere with the business of running this office, you have my blessing." "Thank you sir" Harm said as he stood up. "I guess I should get back to Lt. Hastings. Before she thinks I'm a complete basket case." "So she learned in an hour what we've all known all along" AJ grinned as Harm walked out of the office. "Lt." Harm called as walked to where she was standing talking to Harriet. "Sir, is the Colonel okay?" Harriet asked quickly. "She's fine and she's coming back later this afternoon" Harm said with a small smile. "She didn't give me any details, just that she was okay." "I'm so glad," Harriet said with obvious relief. "I'm going to tell Bud. He was worried too." "You guys all seem like one big family" Brooke commented as she followed Harm back to his office. "How long have you all worked together?" "Mac and Bud came on board the same time" Harm replied. "Which was six years ago. Harriet came a year later." "She was telling me she works for the Inspector General because her and Bud are married" Brooke nodded "And the Admiral?" "He started right before Mac and Bud. So yeah, we've all been together for a while." "And you've been partners with the Colonel the whole time?" Brooke inquired. "Yes. We're sort of close." "I could tell by how upset you were," Brooke said with a small smile. "You obviously care about her a lot." "Uh, I think we should start on another subject Lt." Harm said as a faint blush crept into his cheeks. "Sorry sir" Brooke said quickly. "I apologize if my comments were out of line." "That's okay Lt." Harm sighed "Shall we get back to getting your acquainted with everything?" "Yes sir" she smiled. The rest of the day passed quickly as Harm worked with Brooke on the first of her cases. To his relief he found her to be nothing like the Lt. she'd replaced. "So what do you think?" AJ asked as Harm stopped in his office before leaving. "I have to say so far I'm impressed sir" Harm replied. "She seems to be pretty bright and seems eager to learn. And her personality is a whole lot more pleasant. Everyone seems to like her, sir." "Good. One down, one to go" AJ sighed. "You're going to pick up Mac I assume?" "Yes sir." "Get out of here then" AJ smiled. "I'll see you both tomorrow if she's up to it. She may need a day or so after what happened." "Sir, you know she won't" Harm said with a small smile. "Unless you order her to." "Like that will work" AJ scoffed. "It never has before," Harm grinned, giddy with happiness that he was about to see her again, to see for himself that she was all right. ================== It was not until he reached the airport that he realized only ticketed passengers were allowed through the security gates. For a long minute he stood and debated the possibilities, and then he strode up to one of the uniformed guards. "Harmon Rabb, JAG corps," he said softly, showing his ID. "It's important I get to gate seventeen." The guard looked him up and down and Harm heard himself say in a lowered voice, "official business". "Charlie, let Commander Rabb through please." "You got it. This way Commander." Praying that this breach would not get back to AJ, he hurried toward the arrival gate, where he alternately paced and leaned against the glass watching for the aircraft. When it arrived, he quickly relocated to the head of the jetway and when he spotted her his breath caught in his throat. He could tell even from the distance she was exhausted and as she grew near that she was pale and shaky. "Harm," she breathed as soon as he reached for her. "Marine it's good to see you," he responded, his arm at once going across her back in support. "Do you want to go have some coffee or would you sooner go on home?" "I'd like it if you'd take me home please," she answered. "Right now nothing sounds good except a hot bath and bed. It's been a helluva day." "Yeah I gathered that from the TV," he said softly, taking her bag from her and leading her out of the terminal. She was silent for the drive into the city and when he reached her building she put a hand on his arm as he put the lever into Park. "Harm thanks for coming for me." "Hey that sounds like a dismissal," he objected. "I was planning to. . .well hoping that. . ." He paused and gave an exasperated snort. "You want to be alone don't you?" "Yeah I do," she admitted. "It's just been a horrible day and I feel like I can't be around anyone right now. Is that OK?" "No but I do understand," he sighed. "Just so you know, I'm going to wait until I see the light go on in your place." "OK you can do that," she smiled wanly. "Hey the Admiral offered you some time if you need it." "I'll think about it," she nodded and Harm felt the first prickles of alarm play at his spinal column. "Are you OK?" "Of course I am," she insisted. "Look I saw a man blow his brains out today and it just hit me hard that's all. A night's sleep and I'll be fit for duty, promise." "OK, but promise me something else--that you'll call me--ME--if you need anything." "You got it, and thanks again for coming for me. I did not want to face a cab driver." Harm nodded and stepped from the car, pulling her bag from the back and hurrying to meet her as she stepped out. Her feet touched the ground, and before his horrified eyes, her legs gave way. "Whoa OK Wonder Woman you're not fine. And no way are you getting rid of me now," he gasped as he dropped the bag and his arms closed around her, lifting her back to her feet. "Now I'm taking you upstairs, and staying with you as long as I think you need help. Don't even think about arguing, you won't win." "OK OK," she surrendered, realizing she had no choice. Keeping a close hold of her, he walked her to her apartment. Once inside he at once began to take her coat. "Harm don't," she shrieked as soon as she realized what he was doing. The white bandage around her upper arm told him at once what was wrong. "When did you plan to tell me about this?" he yelped. "You were shot? You didn't tell me? I told the Admiral you weren't OK. I should have listened to my instincts. I should have. . ." "This is why I didn't tell you," she explained, with just the suggestion of a smile. "It's just a graze, really. I lost some blood, they gave me a transfusion and I left." "With the doctor's blessing?" he demanded, his eyes fixed on the bandage still. "No." Her voice was small and quiet, and his response was anything but. "Jesus Christ Mackenzie are you out of your mind?" "Harm, I just wanted to get out of there" she whispered, willing back the tears that threatened. "I didn't want to stay there another second I didn't have to." "Im sorry," he said softly, gathering her into his arms. "I didn't mean to yell. I just can't believe you'd do something like that." "Would you feel better if I said I did it because I really wanted to see you?" she asked quietly. "No" he said quickly. "Well, maybe. No. Don't confuse the issue here Marine." "Harm, please" Mac pleaded as she stepped out of his arms. "It's over and done with. I'm fine and right now I just want to find the bathtub and soak and pretend the last four days never existed." The tears she'd been attempting to keep at bay finally slid down her face and with a long sigh he once again pulled her close to him. "Okay, I know it's been a rough week for you" Harm said softly. "And me yelling at you isn't helping. I'm sorry. But it's just because you freaked me out a bit there when I realized you'd been hurt." "Sorry. That's why I didn't tell you anything on the phone. I knew you'd lose it." "So when it comes to you I go a little ballistic sometimes," Harm said with a small smile. "Why don't you go find that hot bath and I'll find us some dinner?" "Harm, I'm really not hungry" she sighed as she let go of him. "I know but I'll just go pick up some soup or something light like that okay?" he prodded gently. "I'm betting you haven't eaten all day." "And you'd win that bet" she said quietly. "I'll see what I can do about eating. Right now I just want to soak for a while." "Go. I'll go get us something. You'll be okay alone?" "Yeah I'm fine really" she assured him. "You look anything but Marine. I'll go get that food and you go soak." He watched her slowly make her way down the hall to the bathroom before leaving. He made a quick run to the local deli, returning a short time later with soup and sandwiches. "Mac" he called as he walked in. "Mac?" There was no reply and for a moment he froze with fear as he remembered how woozy she had been. If she'd gotten dizzy and fallen in the bathroom.he left that thought unfinished as he hurried to the bathroom. "Mac" he called anxiously as he opened the bathroom door. "Mac?" He let out a long sigh of relief as he found her in the tub, her head back against the wall as she slept. "Harm?" she murmured before realizing where she was. At once she was awake and quickly sank below the bubbles. "Harm, what are you doing in here?" she demanded. "Having another stroke thank you" Harm sighed. "You didn't answer when I called for you and I was having all kinds of visions I'd rather not talk about." "Sorry" she said sheepishly. "I guess I was more tired than I realized." "Well I've got soup and sandwiches. You want to join me for dinner?" "I'll be out in a few" she promised. "And I'm sorry if I scared you." "I'll survive" Harm smiled. "Just don't let it happen again." She joined him a few minutes later in the kitchen, dressed in a pair of sweats and USMC sweatshirt. "Thank you the soup is good" she said between spoonfuls. "Ill pass on the sandwich though. This is all I can handle right now." "Save it for tomorrow. Since you'll be home resting." "Harm" Mac said with a long look. "I don't need to take tomorrow off. Besides, I'm sure with me being gone, there's plenty of work to go around." "Actually the Admiral finally managed to find a replacement for Singer" Harm replied. "She started today." "What's she like?" "Nothing like Singer thank god" Harm smiled. "I think you'll like her. She's pretty bright and she seemed to get along real well with everyone. She came highly recommended from the San Diego JAG office and I think she's going to fit in real well at JAG." "And what is her name?" "Brooke. Lt. Brooke Hastings." "Can't wait to meet her" Mac sighed as she pushed away her soup. "Harm, I hope you don't mind but I think I'm going to head to bed. Thanks for everything." "If you think I'm leaving you alone, you're crazy." "Harm" she started. "Mac, I'm staying here tonight. I'll get up early and go home and get ready. But I am not leaving you alone." "I want to tell you you don't have to stay," she sighed, "but frankly now that you're here I have to admit I don't like the idea of being alone. Still though. . ." "Still though my six," he exploded. "Who brought me home from the hospital and stayed with me until I made her so crazy she ran screaming from my apartment." "You did not," she yelped in protest and realized he was teasing. "I couldn't leave you at home alone with a head injury like that." "Bullseye," he grinned, dropping a hand to her shoulder. "And think of it this way, if I go home now I'm only going to lie awake and worry about you. This way you'll sleep, I'll sleep and in the morning we can see how you are. And if I let you go to work." She was about to explode once again when she realized he was again teasing. "OK Rabb if you can manage my sofa you're welcome to it. I just need my bed." "Then let me show you to it," he grinned, his hand guiding her in that direction. "Thanks for everything," she smiled, gratefully letting her tired body be folded under her bedcovers. "Good night partner." "Good night," he grinned and when he dropped the covers on her she reached for his hand, bringing the back of it to her lips for a quick kiss. At the same time his eyes locked with hers and he gave her a small nod. The bond between them tightened another notch. Just after 4AM he heard her sobbing softly and he threw off his blanket, hurrying to her bedside. "Mac, Mac wake up. You're OK," he whispered awkwardly as he sat on the edge of the mattress and pressed a gentle palm to her cheek. Her eyes flew open at his touch and she stifled a sob. "I'm sorry. Your big tough kick ass Marine partner is falling apart here. Again." "Again my six," he scoffed. "I can't even use all the fingers of one hand to count how many times that's happened. Mac you had a rough day, a horrible experience. Give yourself permission to be affected by it, and above all, quit worrying about how I'm going to react. I'm your partner, and the person who cares most for you in this world." He swallowed hard and added quietly, "at least I hope I am." "You are," she whispered. "Thanks. I'm OK now. Honest." "I know you are," he smiled, "but if you don't mind I'm going to sit with you until you sleep." She nodded, her head buried in the pillow and he trailed his hand along her hair down onto her back and rubbed gently until her eyes closed. =============== 0830 Hrs "What the hell," Harm gasped and sat up, realizing from the daylight flooding the room his plan to get up and go to his place to dress had failed, a victim of his own stress and exhaustion. A quick look in the bedroom confirmed Mac was still asleep as well and he gave a long sigh of relief at her even breathing. "JAG," he gasped and launched himself toward the phone. "Tiner, it's Rabb. Call off the search party and let me speak to the Admiral please." "Sir, good morning," Harm greeted his C.O., trying to shake off the fog of recent awakening and in desperate need of coffee. " I'm sorry sir, Mac and I are still in bed." "You want to try again Commander?" AJ thundered. "Oh god yes, thank you," he gasped as he heard himself. "Sir Mac was slightly hurt in the shooting yesterday and should have stayed in the hospital but Colonel Hardheaded came home. She was weak and exhausted last night and I stayed with her." His last words contained a touch of defiance and AJ smiled on his end, picturing Harm protecting her at any cost. "Commander at ease. How is the Colonel?" "Still a bit shaky sir" Harm replied. "I think what happened yesterday hit her a lot harder than she thought it would." "You think you can convince her to stay home?" AJ asked. "I'll try sir, but you know how she is" Harm sighed. "If that's the Admiral, tell him we're both on our way" Mac mumbled as she pushed her eyes open. "I'll see you later Commander" AJ said with a faint smile as he hung up. "Mac, you really should stay home and rest" Harm fretted as she sat up. "Nothing personal, but you don't look a whole lot better than you did last night." "And what exactly am I going to do here besides stare at the walls and remember Morgan blowing his brains out. No thank you. I'd rather go to JAG and at least be busy enough that I don't have to think about that." "Fine, but on the condition that you allow me to drive you today" Harm countered. "I don't like the idea of you driving alone when you're like this." "Harm" she said with a long sigh. "Either I drive or we stay home" Harm said firmly. "Anyone ever tell you you drive a hard bargain counselor" Mac said with a small smile. "Many times" Harm smiled. "Now go get showered while I make us some coffee. Unless you'd like a little help in the shower." "Now you're pushing squid" Mac groaned as she pushed herself off the bed, praying her legs would hold her. Harm watched her walk to the bathroom before heading to the kitchen to make coffee. JAG HQ's 10:00 AM EST "You know we would have both gotten here a lot sooner if you would have just let me drive alone" Mac said as they walked off the elevator. "Yes but that wasn't the important part" Harm countered "Getting you here safely was." "Good Morning Sir" Brooke greeted Harm a few minutes later in his office. "Everything okay?" "Fine Lt." Harm assured her. "I'm sorry I wasn't available this morning to help you out." "That's okay sir" Brooke smiled. "Bud was helping me out in your absence. He says he learned everything from you and the Colonel." "Mac and I did train him well" Harm smiled. "Well if you have any questions, you know where to find me." "If you have a few minutes, I do have a few things I'd like to run past you on the McDougal case." "Sure, why don't you bring your stuff over while I go grab a cup of coffee" Harm replied. Brooke was leaning over him, laughing and smiling when Mac walked in a short time later. "Harm, I…" Mac stopped at the sight of the tall woman leaning over his shoulder. "Um, excuse me. I didn't mean to interrupt." She felt the immediate stab of jealousy as she watched this woman, so obviously at ease with her partner already. The fact that she was tall and beautiful did nothing to stop Mac's insecurity. "Mac, come in" Harm said quickly. "You haven't had a chance to meet Brooke yet. Lt. Brooke Hastings, this is my partner, Colonel Sarah Mackenzie." "Colonel is very nice to meet you" Brooke smiled as she extended her hand. "I've heard quite a bit about you already." "I'm not sure that's good or bad" Mac said with a forced smile. "Trust me, it's all good" Brooke continued. "And I'm glad to see you're okay. I was with the Commander when we heard about the shooting yesterday." "Thank you" Mac replied, finding herself beginning to like the woman despite her initial fear when it came to Harm. "And welcome to JAG. If you need anything or any help getting settled, please let me know." "Seeing as how this is my first time living in DC, I may take you up on that offer" Brooke smiled. "Excuse me, Sir, ma'am's" Tiner interrupted. "The Admiral asked to see all of you." "The summons" Harm smiled as he stood up. "Come on Lt., you're first meeting in the Admiral's office." Minutes later they were seated in the Admiral's office along with Bud. "It's okay Lt." AJ smiled when he noticed Brooke's slightly nervous appearance. "You'll get used to these little summons as Mr. Rabb calls them." "Sir, I.." Harm stuttered. "At ease Commander" AJ grinned. "I'm just trying to break the ice a little for the Lt." "Yes sir" Harm said sheepishly. "The reason I've called you all in here is because we've got a new case that needs priority. It involves one of the staff of the JAG office at Quantico." He paused and opened the case file. "Major Ryan Nichols has been accused of sexually assaulted Ensign Megan Miller. She claims that on a recent late night of working, the Major attempted to convince her to partake of a sexual encounter with him, and then when she refused, he attacked her." "Sir, I'd like to prosecute this case" Mac spoke up. "I figured you might" AJ nodded. "And I'd like Lt. Hastings to assist you. Commander, you and Mr. Roberts will defend Major Nichols." "Yes sir" Harm replied. "We'll get right on it. Where is the Major being held?" "He's at Quantico at the moment" AJ replied. "You and Mr. Roberts can escort him to the Brig at the Navy Yard." "Let's go see what the man has to say," Harm smiled and AJ gave them a dismissal nod. "Mac hold up," he called to her. "Bud bring the car up front please." Mac stepped aside. "You ready to make a deal already Commander?" she teased. "Not hardly," he growled. "No I want to know that you're OK. And I want you promise that if you start feeling bad you won't walk it off or work through it or any Marine BS like that." "Harm I'm fine really. I'm just a little shaky this morning, but I'm very glad to be here and not home where all I can do is close my eyes and see that horrible man shooting and remembering that I tried to grab the gun when he shot me. . ." She stopped as she realized she was revealing new information--realized from the look of shock that was spreading over his face. "You're telling me that of all the people in the courtroom you took it upon yourself to try to subdue this guy?" he breathed, his mind trying to comprehend what she was saying. "He was my client. I felt responsible," she admitted sheepishly. "Plus he was closest to me, and everyone else was kind of frozen and. . .and I really don't want to talk about it any more OK. I'm fine. Go get your client. Don't forget my copy of the case file so I can nail his six to the wall." "Yes ma'am." His answer was automatic as he processed the image she had planted from the incident. That he could have easily been helping with funeral arrangements today was abundantly clear. "You take it easy while I'm gone. I don't want to get a call that you got sick. Still recovering from that cardiac arrest I had while I watched ZNN yesterday and then the stroke I had when I found out you'd been hurt. Now I'm trying to cope with the knowledge that you put yourself at risk deliberately." "Go do your job, and I'll do mine," she laughed and gave him a teasing push, at the same time touched by his concern. Since Christmas there was a difference in how they related to each other. Harmon Rabb Senior had shown them the way; now all they had to do was stay on the path. =========== 3 Hours later "Ma'am Commander Rabb is back---you wanted me to tell you," Brooke told Mac from her open doorway. "But he's brought their client with them." "You're kidding," she responded, getting to her feet slowly and to the door in time to see Harm and Bud escorting a Marine Major across the bullpen to an interview room. "Should they have done that?" "Well it's not procedure, but he's in their custody so it's not against regs either," Mac frowned, her eyes fixed on their client and she shuddered slightly. "Ma'am you OK?" Brooke asked anxiously, knowing she was not one hundred percent recovered from her ordeal of the day before. "Yes of course," Mac assured her. "Just not that enthused about having someone accused of sexual assault in the building." "Accused being the operative word ma'am, with respect," Brooke chided her gently. "Lieutenant, I think you and I could be friends," Mac smiled, turning her attention away from Nichols to focus on the younger woman. "So when it's just us, no one else around, why don't we drop the formality and the rank and along with that, you call me Mac and I'll call you Brooke, OK?" "Oh yes thanks," Brooke enthused. "I'd like that. I really want to fit in here. I can't believe the Admiral selected me. I know he must have had other candidates with more experience and better qualifications." "Well there was that you could get here on short notice," Mac smiled again. =================== "Why don't we start at the top Major," Harm nodded, dropping his legal tablet on table. "Take us through that evening, starting say from when you and Ensign Miller were first alone." An hour later Harm emerged, leaving Bud with their client, and immediately came to Mac's office bringing the case file that now contained Nichols' statement. "You doing OK?" he asked anxiously. "I think so," she nodded. "You ready to gas the Major yet?" "He's innocent Mac." "Excuse me? You're pretty confident there aren't you Perry Mason?" "He was set up," Harm told her quietly. "He gave her a bad rating, and she swore she'd get even with him for stymieing her career like that." "Well I see he's certainly snowed you," she retorted, reaching for the file. "Why don't you at least read the man's statement before you find him guilty and accuse him of snowing his attorney," Harm suggested. "And you might want to entertain a motion to dismiss." "I might," she nodded. "I might also want to jump in front of a Metrobus. Harm when I saw him I got cold shudders. Attempted rape. He's not being accused of a parking violation here." "Maybe you'd like to look at the evidence rather than taking notice of the vibes you're getting," Harm told her, nonetheless looking from her out to the door of the room where Nichols waited. "You know I will," she smiled. "So what are you doing with him anyway? Why did you bring him here?" "I wasn't going to--was going to take him right to the brig and interview him there," he sighed, "but there was something about him. We talked some while they were getting his release papers up and I don't know. Maybe it's the same thing with you. Only with me its vibes of innocence." "We'll see Commander" Mac challenged. "I happen to think you client is guilty and I'm going to see to it that he gets what he deserves." "Mac, what are you basing your opinion on?" Harm asked. "My instincts" Mac replied. "And they tell me Major Nichols is guilty." "Have to prove it first" Harm reminded her. "And no, we're not going to take any plea bargains either." "I wasn't offering" Mac retorted. **************** JAG HQ's 2 Days Later "Ensign Miller, please come in" Mac said as the young woman walked into her office. "I'm Colonel Mackenzie and this is Lt. Hastings. We're handling the prosecution of Major Nichols." "I'll be happy to provide whatever information you want" Ensign Megan Miller replied. "I want him put away before he tries this on some other unsuspecting woman." "That's what I intend to do" Mac smiled. "Start from the beginning. Tell us everything about your relationship with Major Nichols." For the next hour Brooke took notes as Ensign Miller recounted her story to them. Mac handed her a kleenex as she finished her story, the tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm sorry" Ensign Miller sniffled. "Every time I talk about what happened I get upset." "I know" Mac said sympathetically. "And I'm sorry but you know you're going to have to do the same thing in front of the members." "I'll do my best ma'am" the young woman replied. "And I will also warn you that Commander Rabb, the defense counsel, isn't going to be nice like I am. He's going to attempt to pick you and your story apart during his cross examination." "It's not a story," Ensign Miller cried. "I'm telling the truth." "I know, but it's the defense counsel's job to plant the seeds of doubt in the member's minds" Mac replied. "So if there's anything at all in your past that I should know about, now would the time to tell me." "No ma'am. Nothing that I can think of." "Good" Mac smiled. "I don't think we'll have a problem finding Major Nichols guilty. You're testimony of course is the key to that." "I'll do my best ma'am" she replied. "Is that all for today?" "Yes. Be here tomorrow at 08:00 sharp. Admiral Morris hates to be held up because a witness doesn't show." "I'll be here ma'am" Ensign Miller said as she stood up. "Thank you ma'am. For everything." "Mac, you really think we're going to win this one?" Brooke asked once the Ensign was gone. "Brooke, first off, despite what you've heard, Harm is not unbeatable" Mac smiled. "Secondly, Ensign Miller's testimony will be more than enough to ensure that Major Nichols is locked away where he belongs." "I didn't mean to imply we couldn’t beat him" Brooke replied. "It's just that I've heard how good he is." "He's good, Brooke. But we're going to be better." ************** Same Time Navy Brig "Anything at all would be helpful Major" Harm sighed. "So far, you haven't given me anything that's going to help your case." "Sir, you know I'm innocent" Ryan Nichols replied. "Yes, I do. But I'm not the one deciding your fate. And unless you tell me something that's going to help me out here, the members are only going to hear Ensign Miller's tearful story of how you tried to rape her." "I know" Ryan said dejectedly. "And I know you'll do your best sir. I just can't believe this is how my life is going to turn out. I was hoping that one day I might be working at JAG HQ's. Now I'll be lucky if I don't end up in Leavenworth for the next 10 years." "Hey, don't give up yet" Harm chided him. "We'll come up with something. I've got Bud searching for any and all information he can find on Ensign Miller. There has to be something in her past. Think Ryan. Is there anything at all about her that might help us?" "Sir, I told you why she did it" Ryan sighed. "I gave her a bad rating and she decided to get revenge. Course how am I supposed to prove that." "I think I might be able to help out with that" Bud smiled as he walked into the small conference room. "You found something?" Harm demanded. "No someone" Bud replied. "Someone who will testify that Megan Miller planned this whole thing out. And it's not the first time she's done something like this either." "Spill it Bud. What have you got?" "A friend of hers. Well they were friends. Turns out Megan Miller is not the saint she pretends to be. Says Megan came to her after Ryan gave her the bad rating, ranting and raving about getting back at him. She'll testify that she helped fabricate Megan's story of being assaulted. That after the alleged attack, she and Megan went out and celebrated before Megan filed the report the next day." "Witnesses to the celebration?" Harm asked. "They celebrated at home. But she did say that they stopped at a local 7-11 and Megan was flirting with the guy behind the counter that night. I think we can track him down and get him to testify." "I knew I taught you well Lt." Harm grinned. "Nice job Bud." "Sir, you think this will do it for us" Ryan asked excitedly. "You might be able to get me off." "By the time I'm done with Ensign Miller, the charges will be dismissed and you will be a free man" Harm replied. ================== MAC's APARTMENT 7PM "Hey you haven't said two words since I got here," Harm told her gently as he put away the last of the dinner dishes, putting a light hand on her back where she was bent over the sink. "Sorry. Not very good company," she sighed. "Hey we've gone beyond the point where we have to entertain each other," he reminded her. "I'm just worried about you is all. You're not coming down with something are you?" "No not at all." She wiped her hands and turned to face him. "OK, it's the case, OK. With no physical evidence of the attack, it's just his word against hers. A sharp major on the fast track to his first star against a marginally performing Ensign who joined the Navy only for college money and knows her performance not going to help her get it. Single guy, hasn't been getting any, so one night he tells said ensign things would be easier if she were nicer to him. Nothing that hasn't happened a thousand times. Except this ensign reported him." "And under the new climate of investigating any hint of impropriety, this man is going to be crucified," he returned. "Because he dared to do the right thing--dared to say she was not performing to standards. The easy thing would have been to simply give her all above averages. Hell he--or she--would be moving on so who cares, she becomes someone else's problem. But he didn't do that. He took a stand and said this officer needs training and an attitude adjustment and for that he's about to have his career ruined." "You know what--I think we'd better change subjects," she sighed, pressing her fingers to her temples. "You're really not feeling well are you," he said softly, thoughts of the case vanishing in his concern for her. "You think we could skip TV and go right to the part where I take a hot bath and some Advil and go to bed?" she requested. "I'm really terrible company." She ran her hand down the length of his arm before she continued. "We promised this was going to be our year. Something I think about every day. But I also think about chances we've had before and messed up. I don't want that to happen again. I especially don't want something like this case to be the cause of tension." "Mac we're going to oppose many times over the next year," he pointed out. "We're going to be at odds and we're going to argue and disagree. It's all part of who we are and what we do." "I know," she whispered. "But right now me and my headache want to be in denial." "OK I'm going, but I'm going to call you later to be sure you're OK," he smiled. He slipped into his jacket and she walked to the door with him. "Thanks for understanding. Will you call me?" "Yeah I will." Their eyes locked for a moment and the message that was transmitted between them was as clear as it would have been had they spoken the words. "I think so. Yeah, I think it's time we added this to our good nights." And he bent down to graze his lips across hers. "Good night Ninja girl." ============== JAG HQ 730AM "Commander good morning. Got a minute please?" AJ stopped Harm as he was heading for Mac's office. "Of course sir." At the same time he looked at the darkened office and frowned. "Harm I have Major Nichols at the top of a very short list of candidates for staff attorney here," AJ explained, noting Harm's distraction. "I was about to request he visit for an interview when this all came up. I gather you believe his innocence?" "Yes sir," Harm told him firmly. "I believe he was set up, and that I'll prove that, and then I'm going to petition that the incident be wiped from his record." AJ nodded. "If you succeed, I still want to consider him. I want your recommendation if the outcome of this is favorable." "Yes sir," Harm nodded and again his gaze strayed to Mac's office. "Son the Colonel is in. Obviously she's just not making that fact known," AJ smiled. "Why don't you go see her." "Yes thank you," he breathed gratefully, and wasted no time in striding to her door, knocking softly and not waiting for her permission to enter. "You OK? You're sitting here in the dark. Normally you've got your blinds up, your door open, and you're eating," he smiled, underlying concern in his voice. "What can I do to help?" "Close the door," she requested as she got up from her desk. When she was sure they had privacy she gave him a small smile accompanied by a long sigh. "I think I could use a hug." At once he took her into his arms. "Hey, what's wrong?" he said softly. "Nothing, I'll just be happy when this is all over," Mac said softly. "You going to be okay when I kick your six in court" Harm teased softly. "As long as this is over" Mac sighed. "It will be soon" he promised. ************* Court Room JAG HQ's 12:00 PM EST "Okay Major, it's our turn" Harm said as they returned from the lunch recess. "We're going to turn the tables on Ensign Miller." "Sir, she was pretty convincing this morning" Ryan sighed. "I could tell the members were sympathetic." "I didn't get in my cross examination yet Major" Harm smiled. "And with Caroline Waters testimony I don't think we'll have a problem." True to his word, Megan Miller began to fall apart during his cross-examination. When Bud escorted Caroline Waters into the courtroom, she finally broke down, admitting that she'd made up the story because Ryan Nichols had given her a bad rating. "Admiral, the prosecution requests that all charges against Major Nichols be dismissed" Mac said quietly. "Thank you sir" Ryan smiled as he and Harm walked out of the courtroom. "I can't tell you how much I appreciate this." "Just doing my job" Harm replied. "Uh, can you wait for me in my office. I need to talk to Colonel Mackenzie." "Yes sir" Ryan replied and followed Bud back to Harm's office. "Mac, do you have a few minutes?" Harm asked as she and Brooke walked out of the courtroom. She stopped and Harm pulled her to the side. "You okay?" he asked. "Yeah I'm fine," she said with a forced smile. "I guess you were right." "Mac, I'm sorry I had to do that to you in court" he said quietly. "Hey, don't apologize" she chided him. "You we're defending your client. Just because we're…well you know…doesn't mean I expect you to go easy on me in court." "So you're not mad at me?" he asked hopefully. "No sailor, I'm not" she smiled. "And honestly I'm just relieved this is all over." They started back and were walking through the bullpen when Mac noticed Ryan walking into the Admiral's office. "What's he doing with the Admiral?" Mac asked. "Major Nichols was the top candidate for our open position until Ensign Miller made her allegation," Harm said quietly as he led her into his office. "I think the Admiral still wants to bring him on board." "You're not serious" Mac shrieked. "Mac, calm down. Major Nichols is an excellent attorney. And I honestly think he'd be a good addition around here." "Harm, I don't like him. I can't explain it. He just makes me feel uneasy." "You're letting Megan Miller's words cloud your judgment" Harm said softly. "Mac, he didn't do anything to her. She made everything up. You believe that right?" "Yeah I guess" Mac sighed. "But I can still hope the Admiral doesn't like him." *************** JAG HQ's 1 Week Later "Welcome to JAG Major" Mac said with a forced smile. Much to her displeasure the Admiral had selected Major Nichols for the open JAG position. "Ma'am, I look forward to working with the best" Ryan smiled. "I have a lot to learn from you and Commander Rabb." "Well I'm sure the Commander will be a good teacher" Mac replied. "Now if you'll excuse me." "She doesn't like me does she sir?" Ryan asked Harm as Mac walked into her office, closing the door behind her. "Just give her a little time" Harm sighed. "Once she realizes what kind of lawyer you are, she'll lighten up a bit." "I hope so," Ryan said as he wandered to his new office. "Mac" Harm called softly as he knocked on her door. "Mac?" "Come in" came the muffled reply and he walked in. "Mac, what's wrong?" Harm demanded as he noticed at once her red eyes and tear stained face. "It's nothing" she sniffled as she wiped her tears away. "Mac, talk to me. What's wrong?" "I think I'm being stalked" Mac whispered. "And I think its Ryan." THE END