Title: "SAVING THEIR ‘SIXES’!" F. F. Author: John Ball. E-mail address: Rating: PG. Classification: JAG story that stands alone, but second of a Trilogy. (2/3). Category: Romance. Harm/Mac. Synopsis: ---The ‘past’ catches up, affecting Harm & Mac’s life together. This story is a sequel to "GRIZZLY----------CONSEQUENCES", and finds the happy couple six months down the "track",---Sarah, though still reasonably slim, is 4 months pregnant! Spoilers: "Webb of Lies", "Silent Service", "Yeah Baby", "Front & Centre", "Psychic Warrior" Disclaimers: JAG and its characters are the property of Belisarius Productions and Paramount. This is a recreational endeavour.--- Neither is profit being made, nor copyright infringement intended,---please believe! ***************************************** (To tell any story,--without the sometimes-‘less than perfect’ record of human limitations, --bodily functions,--strengths & weaknesses,-----the expressions of :- courage & fears,-- religious beliefs or non-beliefs,----is not only to diminish ‘light and shade’, but to destroy the very ‘Matrix’ of "Reality"! ---Anon---). "What profit is there in revenge?--Kill your enemy, sure, - but why die for him?---Live and take all that was his, and your revenge will be the more sweet.!" ---Anon---. "SAVING THEIR ‘SIXES’!" (2 Part Episode)---------- FIRST PART 0425 hrs Romeo---(Eastern), Nos103-105, 6th Floor, THE APARTMENT of COMMANDER HARMON "HARM" RABB JR., & COLONEL SARAH "MAC" MACKENZIE-RABB, NEAR UNION STATION, WASHINGTON, D.C.. Harm and Mac emerge from the lift of the 6th floor in their Apartment building. Mac puts their packages down carefully alongside their Apartment doorway.—Harm and Mac draw their guns, and Harm unlocks both ‘snip’ and ‘dead’ locks, and kicks the door open! They both adopt a defensive stance, as they, with guns held in front at the ready, advance into their Apartment. HARM: "Nothing so far!"—Harm breathes, as they cautiously venture further into the immediate passageway. They continue carefully, and check out the smaller service rooms, and then, finding the kitchen/dining area clear, they inspect their lounge.---"Nothing!" ---Harm states quietly. MAC: "I’ll get the ‘Takeouts’ Honey", Mac says with relief.---She walks out of their front door, scoops up the packets and comes into the kitchen and places them on the Breakfast Bar. Harm and Mac then, together, walk towards the lounge window, when suddenly----Thwumph! Thwumph! Thwumph!----Harm and Mac are thrown across the room on to the floor with the force of high powered rifle fire,---and clutching their chests, they look at one another in disbelief and shock! HARM: "I’m sorry Mac"---he rasps out "Give me your hand Honey, at least we can die together!---They clutch a hand, to each hand as they breath their last.---- MAC: "We had such hopes,---oh Harm, I love you………" And Harm with Mac breathe their last! --------Mac watches herself and Harm lying on the floor of their Apartment, as their blood oozes out of their chests, with a sort of detachment. ---Everything starts to become hazy, and the room starts to spin slowly with faces appearing and cars, wheels, different other things and more faces, all starting to merge in a kaleidoscope of confused colour and motion, and somehow she knew that this was deja- vu, and she started to scream, but nothing seemed to come out.---She started to scream louder, and found that she was screaming this time!! ************************************************* HARM: "Honey---hush!"------Harm held her sobbing body in his arms, and soothed Mac with kisses across her tear stricken eyes. He kissed her forehead and then her tear stained cheeks and gently inquired, "Another nightmare Sarah?" Then smoothing away the hair falling across her face he said softly, "I’m here holding you tight my beautiful ‘jar-head’---don’t cry!" Tears were welling up in Harm’s eyes as he felt the intensity of her sobs.----"The same nightmare?"---he inquired gently.---Mac nods and shudders and says, MAC: "Not a good advert., for a so-called tough Marine, Harm!" HARM: "That’s not in it Sarah!--- today we’re going to do something about it very definitely my love!"---Harm spoke with steely intent in his voice. --After a while she finally dozes off, but Harm remained wide awake.---He caressed her gently, and placed his right hand over her now not quite flat abdomen, where their baby was forming.---Mac moved instinctively closer into his embrace, giving a contented sigh of pleasure. Later, as he was fixing breakfast, he decided to ring Webb on the cellphone, and not risk the housephone!---GEE I MUST BE PARANOID, he thought,----- just in case it was ‘tapped into’, and said, ---"I’m going to ask you a favour Webb old man!---Yep its Harm Rabb here!"----Webb replied---- WEBB: "You’re not in trouble again are you?---Do you want me to save your ‘six’, or both your ‘sixes’?" Harm replied------ HARM: "Look it’s not what you think, but it could be if I don’t get you to do something for Mac and I. Can you get Mac and I a bullet proof vest each, to fit nicely, especially Mac, I’m letting you know she’s expecting,---4 months gone?----You know the ones—deluxe models that come with the ‘theatrics’—chicken blood---you know---you’ve used in your ‘Winess protection Programs’?--- And Webb we’ve got to have these today old man!"----- WEBB: "You’re serious about this aren’t you Rabb?"---(Going on without waiting for Harm to reply). "I realise that you must have a good reason for requesting these, and you’ll tell me later I know,--I presume that you believe that your lives are threatened?" HARM: "Yeah, you’re right, but I can’t say why just now.—When do you think that we can have them?" -----Harm was feeling,--- under the ‘cold light of day’,--- that it might be a little foolish, but his instincts told him the opposite could be true! WEBB: "O.K. I respect your hesitation to tell me just now!"-----Webb answered.----"I’ll personally bring them over to the JAG office around, let’s see,----1400hrs today O.K.?" HARM: "Really owe you this one Webb!"---Harm answered gratefully. (Clayton Webb really smiled as he said), WEBB: "But Commander this is like an old broken record you know old man, repeating the same old line!---But I suppose it'’s ‘decreed’ to save not just your 'six’, but now your family’s as well!" HARM: "O.K. Webb, I appreciate that you’ve got to have your fun!---See you at 1400hrs!"---Harm cut off Webb before he could ingratiate himself any further, and said to Mac. ---"Well Honey, you’ll have to come to work even though you mightn’t feel like it eh?" MAC: "I don’t mind, and I do feel an awful lot better, and I’ve even got an appetite,---well anyway there are two of us to feed now Sailor! Thanks to you!"---She said smiling sweetly. ------------------------------------- 1350 hrs Romeo---(Eastern), JAG HEADQUARTERS, FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA. HARM: "Hey Mac, can I see you in my office for a few minutes in the next minute or two?"---Harm asks her. MAC: "Did friend Clay drop the ‘items’ over Harm?"----She asked as she came in through Harm’s office door. HARM: "Yep he was as good as his word Honey.---I’ve got them here, so it’s going to be interesting seeing if they fit, and particularly a certain pregnant Sarah Rabb!"---Harm banters. MAC: "You’re going to pay for all these wisecracks Flyboy.---You’ll have to really work hard to even get a smooch tonight when we get home!"---Mac said slyly. HARM: "Well let’s close the blinds and get changed Mac"----And so they commence removing their uniformed shirts, ----and at this precise moment the Admiral knocks twice and swings the door open, catching them with their shirts off and trying on the vests.--- ADMIRAL: "What the…..?---Couldn’t you guys wait until you get home?"----He jokingly asked, as his eyes took in the scene.---"I saw the blinds drawn and wondered what was wrong", he added. HARM: "Admiral sir,--- Mac and I feel the necessity to wear these bullet-proof vests.---We almost feel foolish in giving way to our concern in this, except for several very intense nightmares that Mac has experienced."---Harm was feeling embarrassed as he explained.--- MAC; Mac added quickly.--- "Sir, as you know, I was pretty hard-headed about listening to people’s fears of the paranormal, until the incident involving my friend Chloe.---That sort of changed my mind!"----. Admiral A.J.Chegwidden looked thoughtful as he listened to them both, and seemed to get lost in thought,--- then he surprisingly said, ADMIRAL: "Contrary to what you think Commander, Colonel, I do not think that you’re foolish.---There are more ‘things’ in heaven and earth, beyond our ‘field’ of natural vision that we can even imagine.---So--- I do value the so-called ‘woman’s intuition’, believe it or not, and I commend not only you Colonel for getting the Commander to listen to you, but also you Commander for having the good sense to listen to your wife!----So, just carry on, and I’ll go further and ask you Commander, will you trust me with a set of keys to your Apartment?---just in case something unforseen happens--?" ------Harm looking both relieved and respectful said, HARM: "Sir thanks for that!---The ‘cold light of day’ and all that!----Here you are sir!"----(Handing over his set of keys to the Admiral)----"And I thought I’d let you know sir that Mac is pregnant 4 months."---Harm said proudly.----Mac coloured a little as the Admiral replies, ADMIRAL: "Well congratulations!---Am I going to be another godfather for this one?" , shaking Harm’s hand and giving Mac a ‘peck’ on her cheek, and then he gruffly went on.---- "Now can we get some work done around here people?---There’s still about 3 hours in which we might possibly do something—O.K.?---Carry on!" HARM & MAC: "Thank you sir!"---The Admiral exits Harm’s office wearing a concerned smile on his face, and murmuring, ADMIRAL: -----"Never a dull moment around here!---I’ve said that before---Brother!" HARM: "Well?---Is it fitting reasonably well sweetheart?"---he asks Mac. MAC: "Yep, it’ll be O.K., it’s a bit bulky but I’ll get used to it!" she said straightening her shirt.---"I’ll "try it" on Harriet, and see if she notices any difference.---She’s smart at picking up on appearances, --- doesn’t miss a thing!" --- With this Mac goes on with the work that had been interrupted earlier, aware that indeed Harriet was giving her the "once over", and looking suitably curious!----On an impulse Mac decides to let Harriet in on the news that she was expecting.---This might throw her off the ‘scent’ of what had been happening she thought. ----Harriet, of course squealed with delight, and spontaneously hugs Mac,-----and to Mac’s amusement it wasn’t long before Harriet had Bud’s ear! --------------------------------- 1810hrs Romeo, Nos 103-105, 6th floor, HARM & MAC’S APARTMENT, NEAR UNION STATION, WASHINGTON, D.C. ---Harm & Mac called to get their "Belteway Burghers" , and bought a punnet of alph-alpha sprouts as well for the growing baby, (the latest ‘concession’ to the usual diet), Mac already felt the ‘fluttering’ of new life within her, and feeling HUNGRY, they parked the SUV in the basement carpark of their Apartment building and got the lift to the 6th floor. Harm and Mac emerge from the lift and stand before their Apartment door.---As Mac puts down their packages carefully alongside the doorway, she was acutely aware of the fateful deja-vu feeling, and whispered to Harm as they drew their guns, MAC: "Wouldn’t it be terrible if we went through this scene now,-----repeating this for ever and ever ----the same DESPERATE ACTIONS?" HARM: ---As Harm unlocks both the ‘snip’ and ‘dead’ locks, and kicks the door open, he fiercely whispers, "This is real MARINE!---Watch your ‘six’!" ----They both adopt a defensive stance, as they,--- with guns held in front at the ready, advance into their Apartment. "Nothing so far!"---Harm breathes, as they cautiously venture further into the immediate passageway. They continue carefully, and check out the smaller service rooms, and then, finding the Kitchen/Dining area clear, they inspect the Lounge.---"Nothing!" Harm states quietly. MAC: Feeling like this has all happened before Mac goes almost ‘dreamlike’ and gets the packets from outside their Apartment front doorway,---scoops up the food packets, and comes into the Kitchen/Dining area and places them on the Breakfast Bar.---Harm locks the door behind her and follows.--- HARM: Harm says, "We’ll draw these curtains in the Lounge window immediately just in case…." ------Mac is hesitating, not quite sure why---. They walk together towards the window, when Suddenly-------"Thwumph!--Thwumph!--, and Thwumph!"---- MAC: ----Mac screams at the instant the bullets strike!----"EEEEAAAAAAAOOOOWWKKK!!" -----Harm and Mac are thrown across the room on to the floor with the force of the high-powered rifle fire, -----and, clutching their chests look at one another almost in disbelief. ----They feel as if they’ve really been shot, as if a mule had kicked them! -----There was hardly a sound with those shots Harm thinks automatically---"Using a ‘silencer’," he thinks , as he almost ‘blacks out’ with the pain of the force of the 2 shots impact on his chest.---Harm rasps out, HARM: "Are you O.K. Sarah?---Did the vest stop the bullet O.K.?" Mac manages to barely speak, since she was half winded,--- MAC: "Yes,---I think I’m alright!"---she gasps, and continues----"That was definitely not good for ‘junior’!---Though it was upper chest, thank goodness!----Glad that you made me wear it!" Harm cautioned Mac,--- HARM: "Don’t move what ever you do!---just reach out a hand as if we’re really dying and act the part in case this killer is looking at us through his rifle-scope O.K.?---Now!"---Harm slowly reaches out his hand to Mac and clasps her hand in his,--- acting the part, as he further says to Mac,---"Now just close your eyes as if we’re dying together!---I love you Sarah---my love!" MAC: Mac also whispers to Harm, "I love you, and I’m glad that we can still have a future together,---God willing!" (CAMERAS FADE OUT---------) Earlier at JAG HEADQUARTERS, FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA. Admiral A.J. Chegwidden paced the floor of his office.---He was still pacing the floor when his two top JAG officers left the ‘Bullpen’ to go for the day at 1745hrs. ----The humorous scene,--- catching Harm and Mac with both their shirts off, and slipping bullet-proof vests on had really caught him by surprise momentarily.---So he’d made the ‘trite’ comment---His confidence in their ‘new relationship’ working out reasonably well, being ‘secretly married,--- ‘took a ‘dive’! He wondered whether married life was making them both paranoid.---Where was their courage?---What was the matter with Harm?---Once he would have just laughed at even the suggestion of putting on a vest on the mere premise of a woman’s nightmare! But as he listened to Mac, and realised that it was a recurring nightmare she’d been having’ he then remembered that his own mother had experienced this sort of thing with an incident with his dad, who unfortunately hadn’t listened to her, to his cost! Then there was A.J.’s former marriage that had landed on the ‘rocks’, as he’d repudiated Francesca’s mother’s fears for his safety as a Navy ‘Seal’---Only because of her insistence had he not undertaken a certain mission that she had felt ‘something’ about, and had stepped aside, and given someone else the opportunity, which resulted in this guy ‘s death---for which he’d felt bad about!--- When he went back to her, he found that she’d taken Francesca and vanished, and in the limited time left in Italy, he wasn’t successful in finding her, at the time! ALL THIS FLASHED THROUGH HIS MIND IN SECONDS! ---before he had replied to his two top JAG officers, altering what would have been his usual reaction to what they had just divulged! 1755 hrs-------- A.J.’s mind was made up!---Grabbing the ‘phone he dialled up the number of an ‘elite’ Navy Seal Team’s CO. ADMIRAL: "Hal?",---he enquired,---"A.J.!---Are you still looking for ‘an emergency-type Exercise’ for your men?----I know that they’re usually ‘spoiling’ for a fight! ADMIRAL H. "HAL" DEMPSTER: "Good to hear your voice A.J.!---Soon as I heard it,--- I thought----don’t think it is a social call!.--- still chasing those lawyers around the ‘Bullpen’?" ADMIRAL A.J.: "Yep Hal, got to keep crackin’ the whip!---Human nature being what it is! ADMIRAL HAL: "So A.J. what’s on your mind?" ADMIRAL A.J.: "O.K. ---Are your men still holding the ‘Mobilisation from Scratch’ record?" ADMIRAL HAL: "Yes sir!---A.J. what,--- and where--- is it?" ADMIRAL A.J.: ""I’ll come right to the point!---It’s a shore based job first of all!---I need a ‘surveillance team’ to ‘shake down’ an Apartment Block opposite the Apartment Block in which two of my married JAG officers have an Apartment on the 6th floor---No 103.---I’ve a ‘hunch’ that their lives are in danger.---They have dealt with a lot of ‘crooks’ in and out of the Navy over some years now, and something has happened which I can’t tell you about, at the moment Hal. ADMIRAL HAL: "This ‘record’?---O.K. you’ve got me going!---, where is the Scenario?" ADMIRAL A.J.: "Right!---The Apartments are located just north of Union Station, Washington D.C., You know!---There’s a number of multi story Apartments around there.---These are ¼ mile away, and have shops---Burgher Bar,---that sort of thing, alongside the officers’ Apartment building. ADMIRAL HAL: "Our ‘record’?---well it’s 15mins. Plus the time to get to a scenario.---We operate as you know still from ½ a mile south of Washington D.C.,--- so, as you’ll want to know A.J., how soon?---it’ll be,--- I calculate—22mins from the time I contact them!" ADMIRAL A.J.: "I’m grateful Hal!---I owe you!---Who’s the Commander to keep in contact with?---and are you likely to be there at your office for the next say 2hrs?" ADMIRAL HAL: "It’s Commander ‘Axe’ Wilson who’s your man A.J.,---your cell-phone number still the same?---I’ll give it to him right away!" ADMIRAL A.J.: "Yep and thanks Hal!---In one sense I hope that I’m wrong!---Not usually though..---thanks again!" ADMIRAL HAL: "O.K. A.J.-----We’ll ‘move’ it!---Over and out!" -------------------------------------- 1816 hrs Romeo, Nos 103-105 6th floor, HARM & MAC’S APARTMENT, NEAR UNION STATION, WASHINGTON D.C. Meanwhile Harm and Mac are lying flat out on the floor of their Apartment, having been struck by ‘fire’ from an apparently high-powered rifle.---Harm says, HARM: "We’d better lie absolutely still like this until the light fades some more!---You never know that whoever shot us, still hasn’t got his ‘scope still trained on us!’’-----he said without moving a muscle.---The red stuff you see oozing out is chicken blood Mac,---not yours sweetheart!" MAC: "Mac found her voice and replied, "Uukk!---it’s horrible!--- though I’ve been in worse scenarios, --- your poor carpet Harm!" HARM: "How like a woman to worry about blood on a carpet!"---Harm quietly chuckled. MAC: "Sailor,---that’s a ‘sexist’ remark!---If I wasn’t "flat out", you’d pay for that!"---she threatened. HARM: "That’s my girl everytime!"---Harm replied in banter,--- grateful that she seemed O.K. after all! Harm continued---"If the ‘phone goes also, don’t jump!--- or answer it either!--- MAC: "But we can’t keep lying here for ever!--Yuk!" Mac replied. HARM: "Be patient Sarah,"---Harm said tenderly,---"Better to be lying here warm, than to be cold and ‘dead as a mackerel’ ……(Mac interrupts),--- MAC: "But what’s your plan sailor?" she inquires.----Harm’s answer is interrupted by the ‘phone, and when the answerphone ‘kicked in’, whoever it was, did not speak in response to the recorded message-----! HARM: "---Wonder who that was?" Harm said, and went on,---"A.J. may ring…….speak of the Devil.." as the ‘phone rings once more…! After the answerphone kicked in, A.J.’s voice came on loud and clear, ADMIRAL: "I hope that you guys are alright!---Since you haven’t answered, knowing that yous should be home, and in the light of your concerns, I’m on my way over---now!" HARM: "Good ole A.J.!---I was hoping that he just might do what he’s just told us.---When he comes in, using the keys I’ve given him, we’ve got to still remain like we are.---I’ll speak to him quietly and I think that he’ll get things going , to organize our mock funeral!" MAC: ----Mac gasps in consternation as she replies, "You can’t be serious Harm!---Think what it’ll do to our families!---It’d kill them!" HARM: "Hey steady on there girl, it’s probably the only way out , to successfully ‘ flush out’ this would be murderer Honey!---We could get……."---just then the ‘phone goes yet again, and after the answerphone kicked in there was silence once more.---"The same guy I’ll bet!" Harm muttered. MAC: "I see what you mean Harm!", Mac answers-----. HARM: -----"Anyway, we could get perhaps Bud and Harriet to contact our families, but on second thought hmmm --- maybe not !---Perhaps Friend Webb might be able to help there, so that we don’t ‘tip our hand’ to this murderer! ----So as and when we get away from here, it’ll be Webb who can get us to a "Safe House", and we’ll have to lay low while the Navy/CIA guys sort it out.---That’s the plan Sweetheart!---So lie back and rest awhile Honey!" MAC: (A quite unladylike noise comes from Mac)----"Aaghrh!---Sounds complicated to me!---How’re you gonna convince the ‘Experts’ Flyboy?---I think you’re flying high again!", she growls…. HARM: "Trust me Sweetheart!---Remember that Webb used his apparent death, (with all the ‘trimmings’ not so long ago!---So he’s had experience with the ‘arrangements’ first hand Honey!" MAC: "Yes Harm maybe you’re right!"----replied Mac.---Mac started to try and think of another time, and another place to ease the discomfort that she felt in this position.------ (Mac’s voice,-- low --, expresses her thoughts).---‘Our Wedding/Elopement,---so romantic, yet being able to include her Uncle Matt, (thanks to the Admiral), Bud and Harriet and their baby, little A.J., with the Admiral as ‘Best Man’, and Bud as Groomsman, Harriet as Matron of Honour’-------FLASHBACK-------to Wedding night. Harm, carrying Sarah his bride kicks the hotel door shut of their ‘Honeymoon Suite’, and carries her over towards the bridal suite’s bed, and gently puts Sarah down.----They both assist one another to disrobe.---Her Wedding gown, and his Tuxedo,--- carefully, yet with controlled haste, but with excitement!---In the previous few days, when Harm and she had discovered their love, which had been brought to the surface because she had nursed Harm through the torrid effects of concussion and amnesia, they had realised just how deep their love for one another actually was! -----Now,---as they caressed one another, fire and electricity coursed through both of them as they moved almost undressed to their bed.-------(CAMERAS FADE)…… ----Mac’s voice continues---‘Our love-making felt, oh so right!----Harm’s care…even in this act, to please her, and not himself so much!----As a woman, I ask myself, ---"How could I have been so wrong, and have ‘missed it’ going into these other relationships, which have ‘palled’ almost overnight??---This felt complete!-----Oh God, we---, Harm and I, have been made for each other!----With Harm, I realise, ---with his deep love, ---and with mine, combined,--- this has given better than I could ever have imagined!---More than this, as I snuggled into his strong arms afterwards, I realised that I could just stay right there in his arms for ever! Then later, Harm had once again said that he loved me, I knew in my heart that it was not just because of physical gratification, but that it had been true for some time now!---How could I have just missed those caring glances, and expressed concerns over the last three years?---Sure, I have thought that he was an extraordinarily loyal partner, and didn’t really love me like I love him, ---in my heart of hearts I’ve had to admit that I do,----BUT it was there all the time!!---But I’d tried to tell myself that in his eyes, the relationship was purely ‘platonic’---except for ‘THAT KISS’, and his regarding of me as not ‘dancing with a sister’!!---Then there was that comment he’d made, something about ‘no man is interested in being friends with a woman who looks just like you’!---well except for me, of course, I’m like a brother!----LIAR!--- LIAR!---He was attracted to me!--- ---He’d been jealous over Dalton and ‘Bugme’, as he called Mic Brumby!----But of course Harm was doing his ‘share’ adding to our confusion by dating Bobbie, Jordan and Renee.---Ah but that ‘kiss of life’ Harm had given me when Hodge had just about strangled me!.---Waking up and seeing his face, with the tingle of his lips still upon mine, as he shared his ‘life-breath’ with me!---Then his genuine caring love, as he wrapped his arms around me in that loving embrace!---Sure it wasn’t sexual as such, but it was deeper!---Harm, why did you wait so long, Honey?---Those stupid Military Regs! ----Uugghh!---- I knew deep down that I had this longing for Harm’s company.---At the time dared I call it infatuation?---It was just there!---Why did I privately weep when Harm went flying again? Why couldn’t I recognize the feelings I had for him then?---And then when Harm had come back to JAG with his ‘Flyboy grin’ expecting all to ‘fall at his feet’, and I’d had the insane desire to rush into his arms once again,---and having to ‘steel’ myself against this. ---I should have recognized Harm’s jealousy over Mic’s and my relationship.—Harm hadn’t helped by making that fool comment of his, that she and ‘Bumpy’ didn’t have any ‘chemistry’ together. I suppose jealousy makes men say stupid things! But am I ever thankful to "Sarah", his yellow Biplane, that had, in a sense, brought us truly together!---Even though it seemed to let them down with a fuel problem.---The Grizzly Bear that had attacked Harm,-- I am almost thankful for.---What a ‘chain’ of events! ----Now six months since our Elopement---Marriage! -----Then by mutual consent, having whispered to Harm that morning, as we ‘weaved’ in and out of traffic on our way to HQ, "tonight according to my Body clock is the NIGHT! Honey, when "We go halves in a Kid!"----And Harm acting ‘supercool’ and casual, belying his excitement, and his remark as we pulled into HQ carpark, "Will it be my good looks, and your brains?"---And my answer, "Either way we’re winners, ---hopefully not twins though!!" ----And that NIGHT!---That I’d really felt in myself that something wonderful had happened.----At the moment of ‘ecstasy’, Harm’s ‘spirit’ spread right over me, and ‘join’ mine as we had ‘made love’!---"Oh Lord that was it!---You’re not going to let anything happen to this ‘love-child’ will You?" HARM: -----Harm murmured "Oh Lord , You’re right!" to himself. MAC: "What did you say Honey?"---Mac asked. HARM: "Oh ?--- nothing, I was……" ----- The sound of heavy knocking on the door!---Admiral Chegwidden yells out, ADMIRAL: "Commander ---Colonel, answer me, are you there?"----The sound of keys turning in both locks, the opening and shutting of the door, and the Admiral’s footsteps walking quickly towards the Lounge,----"Oh my God, they’ve got yous!",------ he almost yells with dismay. HARM: ---Harm speaks quietly--- "Admiral sir,---CODE GREEN, we’re both O.K. just in case the place is bugged!---I think maybe it might be outside in the Apartment-Lift-Foyer area if at all.--- But just to be on the safe side sir, we’ve just been communicating in whispers, Mac and I. ----Suggest that you draw the curtain drapes of the Lounge windows immediately sir!" ADMIRAL:---(Whispering as well)---"Very wise Commander and Colonel!---How long have you been like this?"---he asked, drawing the drapes as he said this.---The Admiral takes in the scene in several sweeping glances.--- MAC: "Exactly sixteen minutes and 35 seconds Admiral!"---she says confidently.---(Harm still can’t get used to her inbuilt ‘clock’, and says predictably), HARM: "How do you do it Colonel?"---Mac smiles sweetly. ADMIRAL: "So---have you heard anything since, like the ‘phone, or whatever?"---he asked. HARM: "Yes Admiral, --- two rings with no message left on the answerphone both times! The first time before your call, and then the second one not long after yours sir!" ADMIRAL: "Very suspicious indeed!", the Admiral answered.---I noticed that there were 3 bullet holes in the Landscape window, and by the look of it the assassin used high powered rifle ammo.,’ and did you both sustain all three hits?" HARM: "Yes sir,---Mac received one,---fortunately high up in the vest, thank goodness, and I received two hits, reasonably close together.---Whoever it was is an excellent marksman. The fact that he didn’t use automatic fire is fortunate,--- and,--- to me,--- shows that he had a considerable degree of confidence in his marksmanship!"---Harm ventured. ADMIRAL: " I mustn’t waste time.---So here’s the plan. You guys are officially ‘dead" O.K.?---At least that’s what we’re going to report!---I’m getting on the cellphone immediately, and calling Webb and the Leader of the ‘Special Navy Seal Team" ,( that I’ve already got on ‘Surveillance Drill on these opposite Apartment Blocks), to this Apartment, and letting them know what’s happened! ----Also, I’m going to call in the special Navy Team, who do the photography, measurements ‘thing’ along with a Doctor to pronounce you guys officially ‘dead’, so don’t move more than an inch or so in the meantime.---We’ll make it as quick as we can!---Thinking of you Colonel" ----"O.K. I’ll get this done!"----A.J. moves into the kitchen/dinette area to use his cellphone. HARM: (To Mac)---"A.J. sure moves fast when he’s got the ‘bit’ in his teeth Mac!"---I’m impressed!--- He’s obviously done some real thinking about our situation.---I’m amazed that he ‘s already got that ‘Seal Team’ already in place.---It shows that he listens to us at times!" MAC: "Good ole A.J.!---It’s certainly not for nothing that he’s the JAG!--- Impressed!" 12 MINUTES LATER: The Navy Team, along with the Navy Doctor come in to the Apartment, and start in on the measurements of ‘bodies’ position, bullet penetration position on the glass window, (amazingly intact). ---Harm and Mac keep as still as possible. ---The Doctor, who had been briefed by A.J. as soon as he’d arrived, went through the examination procedure immediately, and pronounced the ‘time of death’ as between 1800hrs to 1830 hrs. The Photographer photographs the ‘bodies’ and also ‘shots’ of the bullet holes in the lounge window.---In a surprisingly short time, and due to the Admiral’s ‘disconcerting’, manner, they do the bare necessary ‘moves’ and hurriedly leave! ---Mean- while Clayton Webb arrives, and gets into a ‘huddle’ with the Admiral.---Webb disappears out into the Lobby and emerges a few minutes later with a small video camera with loose tape etc. attached that he’s just removed from the Lift Lobby, and says, WEBB: "You guys were ‘spot on’ weren’t you?---Quite a convincing show for the Navy!"--- with a sardonic grin. HARM: "I’ll let that one go Ole friend.---Many thanks again!"----The Doctor assists Mac up to her feet, while A.J. helps Harm as well.--- DOCTOR: "Well Sarah, I’d better give you a little examination since I’m told that you’re ‘expecting’--- Perhaps we can use the privacy of the bedroom?" WEBB: "Hang on doc for just a minute or so, we’ll close every blind across the windows in the Apartment.---You never know!"---Webb said quickly.---(Blinds are pulled down etc.----) HARM: "The towels are in the cupboard at the end of the kitchen sink unit doctor.---I’ll grab one too!" Harm adds, distastefully taking off the bullet-proof vest, with the ‘blood’ still dripping a little. ADMIRAL: "So that video camera was aimed where….Webb?" WEBB: "Right on to their Apartment doorway A.J.---and the wiring goes up to the roof, by the look of it!" -----(Knock at the door---Admiral goes to answer it, and Harm hides himself in their bedroom as well). CDR. WILSON: "Admiral Chegwidden?---(The Admiral nods),---"Commander ‘Axe’ Wilson, Special Navy Seal Unit under Admiral Dempster, reporting Sir!" ADMIRAL:---"At ease Sailor, what have you got ?" CDR. WILSON: Well sir we have ; 1/ A very interesting ‘In House’ video tape of the Apartment Block’s activities, (opposite here), covering time from 1750 hrs to 1840 hrs,---- the time being now 1855hrs,---I’ve got a man going through it once more to be sure of our findings sir!" ADMIRAL: "I see,---go on!" CDR. WILSON: "And ,---2/ We’ve conducted a search on a room’s basis of the estimated ‘line of fire’ possibles, from the 6th and 7th floors, including the roof of this Block opposite.---We have found that a room directly opposite here, on the 7th floor has been occupied up until about 1800 hrs sir. ---The occupant, apparently a paraplegic, was seen using his motorized wheelchair into the lift and descending to the basement car park, and entering his van and exiting the Apartment Block at approximately 1825 hrs, just as we were setting up the ‘Surveillance Scenario’ sir. ADMIRAL: "O.K. continue,---what’s the significance?" CDR WILSON: "Well we noticed him do the usual wheelchair ‘mount’ into his van, and we never looked at him again ‘as it were’ sir, as he drove off.---But we took his registration number as with others at the time.---But when we searched his room,--I may add thoroughly sir, which includes wrapped up rubbish in the ‘kitchen tidy’, we found three ‘spent’ hi.-velocity shells which were wrapped up very neatly and placed inside the bin!" ADMIRAL: "What?---That’s excellent Commander!---You got the Registration, and have you posted an APB with the Police?" CDR WILSON: "Well I hesitated initially posting the APB, but I thought that we’d have to get the Police on perhaps a limited basis eventually sir.---The van was actually parked up the road for about 15 mins.,’ after leaving the carpark, one of the men reported,--- and since then apparently this van has since been returned to the Rental Company!---I just got that call a minute or two ago as I came up to the Apartment sir!" ADMIRAL: "Have you got anything else to add Commander?" CDR. WILSON: "Just this sir, ---the van has been virtually ‘swept clean’, but the Rental Company advised us that a broken electronic device that picks up either radio or TV signals was found in the van.---Oh just one other thing, we wonder if this paraplegic is in fact disabled, as the motorized wheelchair’s tyre marks ceased inside his Apartment.--- It looks as though he moved normally inside the rooms,---The ‘In House’ video footage would also seem to confirm this, because his legs didn’t seem to be less than normal size in the way they looked on the wheelchair." ADMIRAL: Anything else about him particularly?" CDR WILSON: "Sir he seemed to be a fairly big and well built man, about 6’3 to 4", sporting a full beard, that’s about all Admiral sir!" ADMIRAL: "Before you go ,I want you to meet Special Agent Clay Webb, with the CIA".---(A.J.calls Webb over), who had just let himself in, unobtrusively, a moment or so ago.---"This is Commander Wilson, Clay, ---would you share your ‘findings’ with Mr Webb Commander?" CDR WILSON: "Yes sir!----Pleasure to serve under you sir!" ADMIRAL: "O.K. ---Commander you’ve done well!---also the info’ about this ‘electronic device’ is probably very important to this investigation!---I’m going to commend you and your team very highly to Admiral Dempster!---Couldn’t be better!---Would you make sure that we have a video copy, and a copy of your report later on as evidence, Commander?"---Dismissed!" CDR WILSON: "Thank you sir!"------(As Cdr Wilson shares with Clayton Webb, Webb shows some excitement, and after Wilson had left, asks to see Harm as well as A.J.) WEBB: "Whoever attempted to assassinate Sarah and you Harm, made some pretty meticulous plans!---Obviously you weren't aware of the video camera placed in the Lift-Lobby and aimed directly at your Apartment door were you?" HARM: "No there wasn’t anything there this morning, as far as I can remember."---Harm answered, and added,---"When we got home our attention was focused on the doorway, getting into the Apartment with our guns at the ready, and not anything much else at the time!" Webb then went on to say,---- WEBB: "I’ve found that the video camera was connected to a short range TV transmitter, and this was in an equipment locker right next to the Lift-well on the roof, which happened to have a power source! ----It was well planned, and I agree with Commander Wilson that this suspect who used the motorized wheelchair had perfect cover for moving his gear around,---his weapon, ---probably a portable 4" to 6" TV, plus the now damaged receiver left in that van! ADMIRAL: "That certainly adds up Webb, and also more importantly, this assassin’s real ‘neck’---parking his van up the road after he’d driven out of the basement parking lot, and remaining there for the 15mins or so.---Pretty cool customer! He could very well have been the one who placed those 2 ‘phone calls while you were lying on the floor Commander!" WEBB: Looking surprised Webb comments,---"I didn’t know about that Harm!---What else should I hear from you guys?" HARM: "Well as far as I’m aware, there’s nothing else, except to say that Mac and I played "very dead", and just in case this guy had his rifle-‘scope on us we barely moved a muscle until the Navy photographer and the others, except for the Doctor, who’s with Mac now, had left".---The Admiral interrupted….. ADMIRAL: "I was extremely careful to close their Apartment front door, once I assessed that the Commander and the Colonel had survived the shooting, so that their security was secured,---‘bugs’ planted outside their Apartment etc---and we’ve decided to do a "Webb" on this one,---we’re……" ---Special Agent Webb interrupts…. WEBB: "Hey A.J. that’s not fair!"---and continues, "you’re going to ‘leak’ this to the press that the Commander and the Colonel---recently married have been shot by an unknown Assassin!---And what about the rest?"---Webb was quick to ask! ADMIRAL: "They will be buried with full Military honours Mr Webb, in 2 days time!---Would you be able to arrange for their safe passage to a "Safe House" tonight?"--- adding, ---"the Navy has already cordoned off this area.---No Cops and no Media!---A ‘Meat Wagon’ is to arrive shortly and I think it’s too risky to use the Commander and the Colonel on the stretchers---just in case!"---A. J. said, passing a weary hand across his forehead.----Meanwhile Mac and the Doctor had emerged from the bedroom, and the Doctor spoke saying, DOCTOR: "She’s a very fortunate young woman, people!---Another 2"- 3" further up and the vest wouldn’t have helped her!---She checks out just fine, and the baby, as far as I can ascertain will not be affected.---She needs complete rest though!"---Looking inquiringly at the men. ADMIRAL: "We’re just finalising our plans to that intent Doctor.---Thanks for your considerable help! ---Can you make the "official Death certificate", plus your other ‘findings’, available to the JAG office ASAP?---We’re going ahead with the "funeral" in 2 days time Doc.’ and thanks for everything!"---the Admiral stated with firm intent.---The Doctor nods seriously and makes his leave--- WEBB: " I’d advise you all not to ease up on security until we’re all well away from the Apartment Block!---How do we know that this would be assassin hasn’t "U-turned" , obtained another car, and at the moment is watching the ‘activity’ from ¼ of a mile away?---Maybe---you know for he seems to be a cool customer!"----Webb cautioned. MAC: " So----, catching up on what you guys have been discussing, I take it that we’re officially ‘dead’, and Clayton Webb you’re about to whisk us away to a "Safe House", right?---(Nod from Webb).---" We’ve got to wait for the Ambulance or whatever to supposedly take our ‘corpses’ to whereever?" ---Mac asks.---The admiral nods and continues, ADMIRAL: "I’d advise you in the meantime to have something to eat, and get cleaned up before too long, as you’ll be facing possibly a half night of travel Colonel,---You too Commander!" ( Mac and Harm heat some food in the Microwave, and have their showers in the darkened bathroom.---Special Agent Webb and Admiral Chegwidden go over their plans)--- -----Meanwhile the ‘Meat Wagon’ personnel have arrived, and under the cloak of strict security, have brought ‘body bags’, and substituting objects of soft furniture, bedrolls etc., carry the stretchers out with realistic action , and into the vehicle! ---Other men roll 2" official tape out restricting entry etc., from the entrance out unto the kerbside.-----In the Apartment of Harm’s and Mac’s, a ‘Sweeper Team’ from the CIA is already cleaning up the Lounge floor and have removed the Carpet square for cleaning, so that, should the Police by some ‘loophole’, manage to gain access, then there will be nothing left as evidence. ----Clayton Webb, has been busy, but Mac has managed to get him to have some food and he has had some black coffee to keep him awake for the next few hours---he’s asserted, to save their ‘sixes’!!----Harm had made a wry grin as Webb had really laid that one on!---Haah! 2214 hrs Romeo, IN WEBB’S S’CHARGED ‘NONDESCRIPT’ CAR, TRAVELLING SOUTH-WEST, SPECIAL AGENT WEBB DRIVING. ----Harm went over in his mind what the Admiral had said to them both before they left.---- ADMIRAL: "Now you two,---you’re pretty special to me, I want yous to know!---I don’t want you to worry, either of you, and take good care of the little lady Harm!---That’s an order!---There’s no going back now.---We’re committed!---JAG will leak this to the Media, who will somehow get the explicit photogaphs of the "unfortunate pair", and no doubt publish them! ---Webb here tells me that in the "Safe House" there is a TV with a good recording facility—upmarket hitech model, for just the sort of thing that you two will be wanting to do, for when you televise the Funeral.---This is going to hit the ‘headlines’!---Harm had interjected with…. HARM: "Sir, this is going to be murder on our families, unless they’re given a ‘wheeze’ about the truth of what’s happened."---Harm had shown his concern…. ADMIRAL: "Before it hits the news, there’ll be contact by some reliable Special Agent that Mr Webb here has already actioned!---Webb grinned even more widely as he’d said once again… WEBB: "Saving your ‘Sixes’ again Guys!"----Harm had, (gratefully), shaken Webb’s hand, while Mac had expressed her thanks by giving him an affectionate kiss on his cheek.---"O.K. guys’, he’d said,--"don’t go overboard!" -----They had also done the same for A.J.--- and he’d reacted gruffly,--- ADMIRAL: "This is the Navy Commander, Colonel,---I know you’d do the same for me!---So remember I don’t want any ‘slip-ups’ looking after my godchild, O.K.?---The crew back at JAG meanwhile are going to go over all the old convictions that you’ve both been involved within the several years you’ve been with JAG!---If you do see something on the Funeral coverage, then tell Mr Webb here by ‘Phone,---Who knows,--- you may remember something along the way!---Now go!"----. HARM : ----------"Yep!----That’s why he is the JAG!"---he murmured to himself, as Webb’s car ‘chewed’ up the miles.---"Hey Webb ole man, this thing ‘s a bit of a wolf in sheep’s clothing eh what?----Motor-wise,--- handling--- and so on?" WEBB: "Good description, Harm!---It does the job!"---he said with false modesty. HARM: "This is a bit of a revelation, this ‘wolf in sheep’s clothing’ bit!---It usually reflects what a guy is either hoping to be , or is really like!--- ole man!"---Harm says banteringly. Webb chose to ignore the ‘bait’ and drove on into the night----Harm, despite himself couldn’t help but check that their car was not being followed.---Like regularly, every 15 minutes! Webb finally said to Harm after the 6th time,---- WEBB: "Ease up Harm, I don’t think that there’s any way this would be Assassin would be on our tail.-----If it’ll help you, we have organized unobtrusive surveillance at selected points along the way, and had there been anyone following us then I would have had this relayed to me on this special frequency!"----So catch some sleep,--- keep Sarah company Harm!---I’ll wake you when we get to the midway stop O.K.?" -----So Harm put his arm around Mac and went to sleep.----His last thoughts were, ----"Lord thanks for sparing us both!"---- ---------------------------------------- 0200 hrs, Sierra, (Central Std. Time), WEBB’S S’CHARGED CAR, SOMEWHERE IN TENNESSEE. (Webb is shaking both Harm and Mac awake, the car having stopped outside a suburban home in this small town) WEBB: "Hey,--- you guys wake up!---We’ve stopped half-way to our destination.---I need some sleep myself, otherwise we won’t make it!----Come on!" -----Webb looked a little strained, but cheerful!---Good ole Webb Harm thought! HARM: "Thanks for what you’re doing ole friend!"----he said spontaneously.---- -----Webb cleared his throat and gruffly said, WEBB: "This private home belongs to trusted friends of mine.---They lost both their children in a car wreck 10 years ago, and they’ve bravely been helping us ever since!" Harm felt that Webb, was ‘almost human’ after all, and Mac smiled a dazzling ‘thank you’, and said, MAC: "Really appreciate your kindness Clay!---Just in time for a ‘comfort stop’!" ----The older couple treated Harm, Sarah, (as she introduced herself), and Webb, as their very own family, and after welcoming them, gave Webb, Harm and Mac a mild coffee and home cookies, and "shooed’ them off to bed.---The ‘Ensuite’ facility Mac really appreciated, as already the forming child within her made her conscious of her bladder’s need for relief. ----Mac drew Harm close to herself as they settled between the wonderfully clean sheets, and kissed him saying softly, "I do love you Harm!---I realized just how much, when we were lying there on the Lounge floor after being shot at, with sore chest , but still alive!---and grateful that the ‘mule kick’ had been high enough so that it wouldn’t have hurt our baby!" HARM: -----Harm replied, "I too, want to say that I love you so much Sarah, and I did a lot of thinking, lying on that floor as well!----I’m going to tell you later when we get to the "Safe House", for we’ll have plenty of time on our hands then…………" -----And as he was speaking they just drifted off…… ---------------------------------------- In the morning at 0800hrs, Webb was knocking on their door, WEBB: " Hey guys, ---we’d better be on the move soon!" ----After breakfast they hugged their hosts, and were on their way south-east again, (Harm noted), and they settled down watching the scenery go by.---Harm seemed pre-occupied with his thoughts, and Mac gently poked him, MAC: "Hey, Sailor, a dollar for your thoughts!" HARM: " Oh---just trying to match up what Grandma said about ‘things’!"---And Mac didn’t get to pay Harm the dollar! ---------------------------------------- 1105 hrs Sierra, THE "SAFE HOUSE", SOMEWHERE IN ARKANSAS. ----Webb had been on his cellphone to A.J. which, Webb had assured them, had a ‘scrambler’ device in it.---Harm had asked about A.J.’s , and had Webb’s assurance that he’d given him a cellphone that had an ‘unscrambler’ in it. WEBB: "I’m leaving you guys one of these as well, so that you can not only contact me but also the Admiral!"---Benefit of the latest in Technology!---right?" A.J. had confirmed their earlier ideas about this ‘wheel-chair suspect’----Looking harder at the video clip, they’d seen that the wheelchair did have a large ‘luggage’-type ‘carryall’ at the rear of the machine, which could easily have taken the ‘gear’ of the Assassin. ----The Admiral had taken only Bud and Harriet into his confidence for ‘security’ reasons, and they were sworn to secrecy, and were encouraged to act the part of grieving friends for Mac and Harm’s sake!---A.J. also had another reason for telling the couple. ----Webb had asked A.J. to get the ‘mug’ shot blown up as much as feasible, and relay it to his office ASAP.---- -----Webb cleared his throat to get their attention.---(Pompous blighter Harm thought!)----- -----"Now I’m going to relay that ‘mug-shot’ of that guy through our coded system when I receive it.—If you send a Fax out , it’ll only get my office for ‘security’ reasons O.K.?---- Now---- there’s food in the ‘fridge and milk in the deep freezer.---Don’t go out in to the community!----Keep the blinds drawn and the music low!"--Is that clear?"---So I’ll be in touch with you guys every day at 0900hrs and 1800hrs Central time O.K.?---Any questions?" -------Harm and Mac had a battle suppressing grins with Webb’s school-teacher act, so they just nodded silently to him, and said "Thanks ole chap!" ------They watched Webb back his car out of the drive with mixed emotions! HARM: "I’ve got to re-write my ‘auto-response’ to that guy!"---Harm said, shaking his head! MAC: "Yes, he’s a nice guy deep down, and I know he’s ‘held a candle’ for me for quite a while!"---Mac said with her smiling eyes ‘look’.----At Harm’s arched left eyebrow quizzical expression she goes on,---"Look a girl’s got to bask in all the admiration real or otherwise, when she’s pregnant, ‘cos she doesn’t look her best,---husband!!" HARM: "That’s my girl!"---chuckles Harm,---"It’s good to see your fighting spirit’s up after what we went through yesterday my love!",---giving Mac a kiss on her cheek. MAC: "Not so fast flyboy!", she answers, placing her arms around his neck, and locking her fingers together.---She lightly brushes her lips across his, and, as he responds, deepens her kiss, and they kiss with passion, coming up breathless as Mac releases her arms around his neck.--- HARM: "Hey, I thought that the man is the usual leader in initiating ‘lovemaking’?"---Harm banters. MAC: Mac, always quick with an answer, said, "Did I initiate any such thing?---‘Shaky’ ground Sailor! ---‘The bigger they are, the harder they fall’!-----Eeek!", she squeals, as Harm kisses her around the neck, and ‘growls’ in her ear! HARM: He says, "I once heard a young lady astride my ‘Harley Davidson’ grab me around my waist, and declare---"Gotcha!"---but I didn’t think too much about it at the time!---But now I’m beginning to wonder?---You know the old saying sweetheart?---HE CHASED HER AND CHASED HER UNTIL HE WAS CAUGHT!"--- ---(Mac by this time, was collapsing in giggles, helped on of course by Harm’s tickling just above her hips)----When she came up for air, she said’,--- MAC: "Oh that was delicious sweetheart!---Thank you for helping me to laugh,---but it was a bit painful on the bruised chest darling!" HARM: Harm, glancing at his watch says, "It’s 1530hrs at the moment. We’ll tune into the TV news at 1700hrs.---That’ll be the time-slot, since we’re 1hr behind, ---want to record what the news brings up.---So ---I’ll set it up."---(Looking into the cabinet),---"Yep plenty of tapes, great!" ---So Harm busies himself setting the machine up--- TO .BE CONTINUED ******************************************************** Title: "SAVING THEIR ‘SIXES’!" ‘ex libris JAG’ Author: John Ball. E-mail address: Rating: PG. Classification: JAG story that stands alone, but second of a Trilogy. (2/3). Category: Romance. Harm/Mac. Synopsis: Set a little in the future.---The ‘past’ catches up, affecting Harm & Mac’s life together. This story is a sequel to "GRIZZLY----------CONSEQUENCES", and finds the happy couple six months down the ‘track’,---Sarah, though still reasonably slim, is 4 months pregnant! Spoilers: "Webb of Lies", "Silent Service", "Yeah Baby", "Front & Centre", "Psychic Warrior". Disclaimers: JAG and its characters are the property of Belisarius Productions and Paramount. This is a recreational endeavour.---Neither is profit being made, nor copyright infringement intended, please believe! "SAVING THEIR ‘SIXES’!" (2 Part Episode)---------- SECOND PART ----Commander Harmon "Harm" Rabb Jr., and Colonel Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie-Rabb, Have been shot by a would-be Assassin.---Fortunately they had worn CIA-type Bullet-proof Vests, and, apart from some severe bruising, are not injured!---They have been ‘whisked away’ to a "Safe House" by Special Agent Clayton Webb, and, apart from the Admiral and several trusted others, the world at large believes that they are assassinated.---Their "funeral" is being held in 2 day’ s time!---- 1545 hrs Sierra, THE EVENING AFTER THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION, THE "SAFE’ HOUSE" SOMEWHERE IN ARKANSAS. MAC: Mac just rests back on the couch looking at Harm with fondness in her eyes, and starts to rub her tummy.—Harm noticing what she’s doing goes on, HARM: "Now you and junior need feeding soon!"---Going to the refrigerator, and opening it he says, "Great!---Clay you’ve even managed to get some fresh eggs for us!---How did you do that? ----so shortly a ‘Harmon Special’ coming up sweetheart!’ MAC: Mac, rising to the occasion says, "And, pray, what may that be?" HARM: Harm answers, "Now……let’s see.---Hmmmm…….cheese, german sausage, smattering of chilli, a tomato, onion, into a thick omelet, spiced with salt and pepper!!---Gee my mouth’s ‘watering’ already!---Uugh!---How does that sound Mrs MacRabb?’ MAC: Mac moans and says, "I’m positively ‘drooling’, and about to languish in your arms O mighty Commander!---Take me and support me, feed me, love me!---No not that at the moment!---I’m hungry!-----Help! Help!"---Harm sardonically smiles at her response, saying, HARM: "What an admission for a Marine!----My lovely ‘jarhead’!"----Harm quickly organizes the electric frypan, and has the ‘super-omelet underway while Mac finds a frozen loaf of bread which she thaws out in the microwave cooker, sets the table, has the kettle on for instant coffee-----all finished and ready by 1645 hrs!--- Mac’s ‘mmmm’s and ‘ahhhhhh’s’ with eyes closed as she tucks in to the omelet, causes Harm to grin widely!---She responds with, MAC: "Don’t you say anything Sailor!---I’ve got to eat for two now, and it’s all your fault!" HARM: Harm has an even wider grin as he replies,---"Takes two to Tango Honey!, anyway the news is on!"----The Announcer deals with International news first, and then, headlining’ the national news, with a video clip says, NEWSREADER: "This is the Apartment of Commander Harmon Rabb Jr., and Colonel Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb, where a Sniper’s bullets claimed their lives at approximately 6-15 pm yesterday!----(Zoom on the bullet holes in the Apartment’s window) The Media has not been allowed into the murder scene, but these photographs taken by the Navy Investigation personnel, show the couple as they held hands at the moment of death! ---- ----This murder speaks of tragedy of indeed ‘Shakespearean’ -type drama, in that, we understand this highly qualified couple as the Navy’s Top JAG Lawyer team have been secretly married for only six months, and we have it from a reliable source, that Colonel Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb, and Commander Harmon Rabb Jr., were expecting their first child! MAC: "How----?" ---Mac interrupted, "did they find out about that?----Who…..?I don’t know!" NEWSREADER: "It seems that their Assassin was lying in wait for them in an Apartment opposite to their Apartment Block, and that the Assassin used a high-powered rifle with telescope, and that it seems that this murderer was extremely accurate with his rifle-fire! There is much speculation as to the reason for the slaying,---perhaps it was a killing of ‘revenge’?---They were, after all dealing with prosecutions at times of many people,---many of them who were real criminals, and have been involved for a number of years as JAG lawyers, so that it may be difficult for the Navy to find the Killer. The Navy term JAG means Judge, Advocate, General, which gave these two Officers considerable power to ‘prosecute’,-- ‘defend’, and ‘judge’, a defendant, these powers are above their civilian counterparts!----They both have traveled the world extensively in pursuit of Justice for both the Military, and civilians affected by military personnel’s’ misdemeanors, --real or alleged! -----So who was it?---We cannot say, but CZS will keep you informed of developments.---Their Funeral will be held at Arlington Cemetery in 2 days time……Other news…….." HARM: Harm switching the newscast off says, "Well who let that one out of the bag??" MAC: "You’re meaning the pregnancy?" ---Harm nods, "I’m wondering if A.J. purposefully let that one ‘slip’ for a reason, perhaps Harm?" HARM: "I don’t know,---it would have been impossible to hide shortly anyway,---perhaps in A.J.’s wisdom he thought that he’d give the Media something to get their ‘teeth’ into, so that they wouldn’t get too nosy about other things until the Funeral’s over?" ----------------------------------- (The next day) 1630 Romeo, JAG HEADQUARTERS, FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA. ----- Admiral A.J. Chegwidden’s Office.----Meeting in process with the Admiral, --Special Agent Clayton Webb, -- Lieutenants Roberts, Bud and Harriet,---(who’s called in for 2 days). ADMIRAL: "Lieutenants I understand that though you’ve had this mammoth task in wading through all the likely suspects, that you’ve now got a ‘short list’ to give us correct?" BUD: "Yes sir!---If I may qualify this list sir?"---Admiral nods---" We may not possibly have the er.. Assassin amongst the names, but you’ll notice that three of these people are aliens,--- the other two Americans!" WEBB: "Yes Admiral", Webb agrees,---"having ‘looked over their shoulders’, I agree with their selection of suspects.---Though one thing troubles me.---The face of the man in the Wheelchair.---His face doesn’t match up!" ADMIRAL: "Well of course he could merely be a ‘hit man’, what about that?" WEBB: Webb went on,---"Could be.---We’ve checked out the van.---It was hired out of State for two weeks, now at a depot in Washington.---It’s still with ‘Forensic’.----His whole ‘operation’ speaks to me of a lone effort.---The planning---the monitoring, short range transmission, and TV pick-up…..".--- ADMIRAL: (Interrupting)---"He obviously checked on his victims after the shooting, ‘parking up’, down the road from the Apartment Block, for at least 15 minutes, using that video camera and transmitter ‘set-up’!---Hmmmm, could be!----However we’ve got to deal with all of the information logically, and eliminate all possible suspects!--- ---So Lieutenants, do a ‘run’ on the movement of these five anyway!,--- recent history, that sort of thing, because we need to get the whole picture!---Treat it as a necessary security exercise, even though it appears that we have got this other promising lead.---Understood?---O.K. dismissed!--- ---Hey Mr Webb, there are on or two things that we need to sort out, O.K.?"----- WEBB: "Yes A.J.?" ADMIRAL: "Have you contacted the relatives of the Colonel’s and the Commander’s?" WEBB: "That was arranged immediately I left the "Safe House", on my way back.---I had the Agents actually call physically to Harm’s parents and his grandmother, and we managed to track Mac’s Uncle Matt down in Arizona!--- they all reported that it’d been done approximately 3 hours before the news was aired last night.----(The Admiral looked relieved, and continued), ADMIRAL: "This ‘mugshot’ of this guy in the wheelchair, how can we get it to the Commander?" WEBB: "That’s been taken care of A.J.---In the next hour or so, I hope to fax a computer enhanced copy to Harm over the coded Fax machine that’s actually at the "Safe House"---Webb said looking pleased with himself….. ADMIRAL: "So ---I’m confirming with you that the ‘Funeral’ is at Arlington tomorrow.---Does the CIA have any objection to this, Clayton?" A.J. asked. WEBB: " As far as we are concerned A.J.?--The answer’s no.---We should be ready to nab any likely suspect there, should the suspect show him or herself. ---Harm Rabb is going to be in contact with me by cellphone while the Ceremony is in progress, and if he identifies anyone who appears even remotely suspicious we’ll apprehend that one.---That’s the plan A.J. at the moment!" Webb answered. ----------------------------------- 1803 hrs, Sierra, "SAFE HOUSE", SOMEWHERE IN ARKANSAS. MAC: (Picking up the cellphone),----"Mac here, is that you Clay?" WEBB: "Yes, Sarah,---as I promised,--- I’m calling to check up on you guys!---Everything O.K.?" MAC: "Yep, ---we’re just starting to get curious as to what’s happening in the big wide world out there!---Have Bud and Harriet got any likely suspects lined up?" Mac questions.--- WEBB: "I was there looking over their short list as well and we’ve not really got anything yet!---I’m about to ‘fax’ over this ‘computer enhanced’ mug-shot of this guy that was in the motorised wheel chair that the "In House" video picked up,---so I’ll sign off and shoot this through now!" Webb answered.---(The fax appeared after a minute or so and Harm grabs it) HARM: ---After looking at it intently for about a minute, Harm looks up at Mac and says,---"I’m not certain, but there is something about this face that’s familiar!---I’d like to get a ‘computer enhanced’ mugshot of this guy without his beard!---Can you contact Webb on that cellphone Mac, and get him to do that for me?---He’ll get it done faster if you ask him Honey!"--- MAC: "O.K. Harm, consider it’s done, and while I’m doing that can you recall that little promise you made to me, that you’re going to tell me about what you were thinking about while we were lying on the floor at the Apartment?"---she sweetly ‘nagged’. (Mac makes the call and passes on Harm’s request, and found that Webb has already thought of it and will be sending it over as soon as he can get the Computer to himself). A LITTLE LATER THAT EVENING---------------------- (The Fax machine ‘spits out’ the mugshot of this guy on the wheel chair, and Harm studies it and gives a long low whistle)---- HARM: "This is interesting Honey, because we may have found our ‘Suspect’!---This guy’s name is Lt. Jack Evans, who had a nickname of ‘sharp-eye’!---This guy looks leaner and meaner than Jack was, as I recall.---Still the Computer’s only working on an indistinct image, and if it is Evans then at least we can put a face to the crime!"---Harm said thoughtfully, and continued----- ----Evans though was a fantastic shot with a weapon.---He has blue and brown eyes,--- unusual! Though we had our differences, he was basically a nice happy guy.---We did put on gloves for ‘four rounds’ to see who’d win so that the lucky guy could date the Computer Training Officer. She was temporarily on board training people on newer more updated Computer software.---I was the winner on points ---just!….and"---(Mac interrupts), MAC: "Sounds like a ‘Flyboy’ I know!"…..she banters. HARM: ------(……ignoring the interruption), -----"things weren’t too ‘sweet’ between us after that, though I offered to let him date her after all.---He went out with her after that, just the once, and the Lieutenant found that she wanted me after all that." MAC: "What did she look like ‘Loverboy’?"---(Mac’s eyes were looking a wee bit green),----- HARM: " Actually"------(drawing it right out),---she was a brunette,---good looking!----a bit like you!" MAC: "Then what happened?---Mac sounded "casual",---"Was it serious Sailor?" HARM: Harm tried to be "casual" as well as he replied, "Naah!---I was ‘saved’ from that "fate"!---Green eyes ‘becomes’ you Mac!-------Actually it so happened that a week later, that I had the ‘Accident’, when , as you know, my RIO was killed and I was ‘messed up’---I didn’t realise that my RIO had been close friends with Evans.----Evans got really nasty, and threatened me at the Carrier accident, and also at the Funeral. MAC: "What did you think at the time?---Mac asked. HARM: "I thought that it was a natural reaction, and I dismissed it.---I had several psychiatric sessions, and as you know went over to Grandma’s for Convalescence,---not to mention flying "Sarah" for therapy!"---Harm answered. MAC: "Do you think that Evans could possibly have carried this grievance all this time Harm?"---Mac asked concernedly. HARM: Harm answered thoughtfully,---"If this is Evans, then it would seem to be true.---I still feel that what this bearded man has done is out of Character for Evans!---Not from what I remember of the guy before our fight!"---Harm said shaking his head in disbelief! ----So---where to now?---I’m thinking that maybe hopefully, he just might turn up at the Funeral.---If he does, then Webb and his men will nab him, we can only wait and see! -------"Think I’ll give him a quick call!"---Harm said. LATER--------------------- HARM: "Webb was very interested in what I had to say about Evans Sweetheart"---Harm announced to Mac,--- putting an arm around her waist that just was showing that extra pound or so.---Mac swiveled around to face her man, and said slyly, MAC: "Is that so Flyboy,---I’m glad,--- and you’re still going to tell me something interestingly later, aren’t you ?---It’s ever on my mind, ‘husband’"---- HARM: "I could take a couple of leads from what you’ve just said Mac, but something tells me that "she" is sweetly ‘nagging’!"---Harm banters. MAC: "I’m waiting!"----Mac ‘sings’ softly, with eyes dancing, and lips turned up at him seductively. HARM: Harm displays ‘cold’ disdain, and, with eyes averted, sighs, "What I’ve gotta go through to keep a promise!"---Then quickly giving her a firm hug, he walks her over to the couch and sits her down while squatting on the rug in front of her.---She still ‘sings’, MAC: ----- "I’m waiting!"----- HARM: "O.K.!----This is what I was thinking while I was lying on the floor in the Apartment, after we were shot at.---First, I had that thought, ‘what if we are actually dead?---And this is what it’s like on the other side!----Then I remembered what Grandma was telling me once,"…… GRANDMA RABB: "You know Harm this body of mine maybe is getting old, but inside, I feel like I’m 21! -----One day I’m not just gonna get me a ‘face-lift’, ---I’m gonna have me a ‘body-lift’, and what Harm do you think of that?" HARM: "Out of respect Grandma I’d say that you had a good reason to tell me this!---Sure is an original statement!" MAC: "And so did she tell you what it was that she was meaning Harm?"---Mac asked prompting him. HARM: "Grandma then took an old photograph, and asked me to look at it, and as I did she told me the story of a mountaineer, who had a camera with him, and had been snow-trekking over the ‘Great Divide’, and had heard a voice saying "Take a picture!"---and he had looked around him and didn’t see anyone, and, mystified,---started to go on, when the voice spoke again saying, "Take a picture!", and then reluctantly, he did take a picture." MAC: Mac’s curiosity really working overtime, urged,---"Come on Harm what happened?" HARM: "Well Grandma went on and said that this man, who had taken this picture of what seemed to him a senseless ‘mish-mash’ of boulders in amongst snow and small shrubs and so on, was ‘staggered’ to see the picture that I was now holding!" GRANDMA RABB: "So Harm what do you see, son?"---she asked me, and I’d replied, HARM: "It’s a picture of Christ like the old Art Gallery paintings from medieval times Grandma! ----And she’d gone on to tell me of her faith that had ‘kept her going’ when it all ‘stacked up’ against her through her life.---She’d wanted me to have her sort of ‘faith’ that would satisfy my ‘heart’s longing’, but I wasn’t ready for it yet, ‘cos really, I wanted to "do my own thing" first,---I had plans Honey!"---Harm finished quietly. ---"She explained that one day, when she got to that ‘beyond’, that she’d even regain her "youth", because she said that Christ promised all ‘believers’ that they’d have a new sort of body just like His, when he came back to life that Easter, before he levitated past the clouds back to heaven. ---To me it was great for Grandma to be religious, but not me!----But then it seemed that Christ was speaking to me while I was lying on the floor as if He challenged me, and asked me, ‘What if you’d really died?’ ----‘What if……?’ Then ---I’d said---"Oh Lord, You’re right!"----- MAC: "She’s a great Lady Harm!---She really helped me when I went with you to that ‘Thanksgiving Dinner’ that time!---I really did feel different as I did my best to forgive the things that my dad and my mum had done! ----It’s so special belonging to your family Harm!---I do love you!---I believe that we’re going to get out of this mess somehow!" ----Mac said with conviction.-----Harm just looked at his beautiful wife… HARM: "We’re going to be alright my love somehow!"---(Looking upwards),---"He’s answering Grandma’s prayers for us Sweetheart!" ------------------------------------- 1400 hrs ROMEO, SPECIAL NEWS TELECAST CZS NEWS. ARLINGTON CEMETERY, WASHINGTON D. C. -------Through the ‘Arch-way’ of swords held high by the Navy Officers immaculate in Dress Whites, the Cortege moved slowly down towards the graves. ---A full Military Guard of Honour bore the ‘bodies’ of Commander Harmon, "Harm" Rabb Jr., and his wife, Colonel Sarah, "Mac" MacKenzie-Rabb to their last resting place.----The Military drummers ceased their ‘tattoo’ as the Cortege came to a halt at the grave-side! ---Upon the command, the Guard of Honour, as one man, raised their arms, and at the order, a volley of gun-fire sounded,---then another,--- and the Guard, as one man, lowered arms and came to attention as the National anthem was played by the Military band. ---The Navy Pall-Bearers then came to attention, did an ‘about-turn’ and with the two flags now removed from the coffins, marched in ‘slow-time’ several steps, stopped, and then ceremoniously folded each flag in unison, and, finishing, --- presented these to the ‘Next of Kin’. ---As the Padre opened the Holy Bible and commenced to read from Psalm 23, the TV Cameras swept over the crowds gathered in mourning.---The Cameras made even wider ‘sweeps’ over the people, detailing reactions of different faces. ---Admiral A.J. Chegwidden came to the small portable lectern, cleared his throat and commenced to speak. ---"These two fine Officers, I believe, have given their lives for the good of their Country!---A no more dedicated two people to the cause of Justice I have never met!---Their belief in, and actions, in the pursuit of fair and impartial Justice world wide, in the sense of advocating this on the behalf of civilian and the military personnel thus affected, has through JAG, shown exemplary courage in all spheres and at all times! ---I, as their Commanding Officer, take my hat off to these two people who’ve been ‘cut off’ in the prime of youth!---This sacrifice of their lives, enshrines them as true heroes! ---Person or persons unknown had decided to take the lives of these two friends, who have in the last six months become husband and wife.---There is one consolation in that, as they breathed their last, they spent their final moments holding one another’s hands.---Commander Rabb was known……………" 1520 Sierra, "SAFE HOUSE’, SOMEWHERE IN ARKANSAS. ---Harm and Mac, as they watched, couldn’t help feeling a strange sense of ‘unreality’, as they continued to watch this ‘moving’ ceremony.---They turned to one another,--Mac speaking first, MAC: "It makes me wonder if I am really, actually, alive right this moment!"--- HARM: "I’ve got to admit the same strange feeling too Mac!"---Harm said, and went on,---"It’s almost unreal looking at this whole Scenario.---Like it could really be us in those coffins!---Except for one thing, you’re not supposed to feel the pain you suffered at death when you go beyond.—So ‘they’ say!---Like this ‘mule kick’ feeling in my chest right now Honey!" MAC: "You do know how to bring us back to ‘terra firma’ Sweetheart!"---Mac said almost thankfully. HARM: "We’ve got to keep our eyes ‘peeled’ Sarah, because if we spot that ‘bearded guy’ I’ll ring Webb immediately.—The cellphone will……----Hey! - they’re filing through throwing the flower heads on the coffins now…."---- MAC: "Wonder if he’ll turn up Harm?….Come on –come on—come on!" HARM: "There he is Mac!---See that guy turning around to walk toward us from the left hand grave?--- Yeah!---There!----That’s him!---Freeze framing him right now!---Now for the zoom….Yep. Let’s see!---It’s Evans but without the beard!---Tricky, and he’s walking O.K. too!" -----As Harm rings Webb, the CIA boys are already accosting Jack Evans, and accompanying him away from the scene.---- WEBB: "Oh so you were looking hard Harm!"---Replied Clayton Webb, as he spoke to Harm. HARM: "Glad to see you guys were right on to Evans Clay!---Did he seem surprised?" Harm asked. WEBB: "No he didn’t actually.---In fact as he threw some flowers in, he said a rather strange thing, which went something like---"…. mean it to get this far", or something like that We’ve actually got it recorded!---that’s why we ‘moved’!" HARM: "That could be important later Clay.---See if you can zero in on that please!---Now what I want to know is….."----(Webb interrupts with), WEBB: "When can you guys come home?---I suppose!"----Harm laughs as he answers, HARM: "How did you guess?---anyway hang on a moment I’ve got to speak to the ‘Boss-lady’!" MAC: "I’m glad that you recognize my existence Sailor, otherwise it could have had repercussions! Are you going to ask me if I think that we can take the risk and surface back home? Mac asks. HARM: "Right on yet again Marine!---Well?" MAC: "May I speak to Clayton Harm please?---That you Clayton?"---Mac inquires. MAC: "I was following the conversation, and I am feeling like we could risk coming back to Washington, but I don’t know at this stage whether I could face another car trip Clayton, would it be possible for you to use your considerable sphere of influence and get us a ride back in a Helo?---Would really appreciate that if you can!"---(Mac was using her ‘silky’ voice routine).--- WEBB: ----"So Harm recognizes the Boss of the ‘home’ does he?"---Webb was feeling good about having a crack at the great Harmon Rabb, but since he didn’t get a reply from Mac, he continued,---"I think that I might be able to arrange a Helo, as it happens.---I’ll come back to you on that one shortly Sarah, so I’ll say goodbye for the moment O.K.?"--- HARM: "The great ‘gratuitous’ Special Agent Clayton Webb, who’s in the business of scoring!--- I suppose I let myself in for that one eh Mac?"---Mac smiles as she answers, MAC: "Just let him have his little bit of fun Harm,---he’s been working really hard to save our ‘sixes’ and besides which, we’ve got a Helo ride!"---she says gaily. ----Later that afternoon, having been in contact and arranged for a rendezvous at the town’s local park/reserve, Webb arrives in a Helicopter, and whisks the pair back to Washington, and, having paid a quick visit to their Apartment, they book in to the Central Hotel.---- ---Webb tells them that the CIA and the Navy have decided to have Jack Evans charged with Murder, but also be given a thorough Psychiatric examination, as his whole behavior pattern is paradoxical. ---Evans will be arraigned subject to the Psychiatric report, before a Civilian Court in six weeks time.--- ---Harm and Mac are given three weeks ‘Compassionate Leave’, and after contacting their friends Bud and Harriet with baby, and unofficially visited with A.J., they make a trip to La Jolla to visit with Harm’s mother Trish, and Frank, Harm’s step-father for several weeks. ---Harm and Mac, now back in the Hotel Central, find that they can’t face staying at their old Apartment, which they visit infrequently only to get clothes etc.---They make their first unofficial visit to JAG Headquarters, ---Galindez, Tiner and remaining staff having been previously warned under pain of dismissal not to let the Media know that they are still alive!--- Harm, for reasons of his own, wants Evans to have additional Psychiatric and Physical examinations in this waiting period before the trial. 2½ weeks before the trial, Harm drops a "bomb-shell", and requests that Bud, (with Harm’s assistance), should be the Defence Counsel for Jack Evans.---The Admiral’s initial response was incredulous, but in earnest consultation with both Harm, Mac and Bud, grants permission. AT THE PRELIMINARY HEARING, 2½ WEEKS BEFORE THE TRIAL: The Accused, exNavy Lieutenant Jack Evans, is accused of conspiring to kill both Commander Harmon "Harm" Rabb Jr., and his wife, Colonel Sarah "Mac" MacKenzie-Rabb, by planning to shoot them both with a high-powered sports rifle, over a distance of approximately seventy-five yards.---That the Accused had planned this killing with a high degree of serious intent, and that though the Defence wished to plead Clemency on the basis of Insanity, the D.A.’s office wished to state that it will be pressing ahead with this prosecution! THE TRIAL. 0930 hrs Romeo, HIGH COURT, WASHINGTON D.C. (Court Crier); "ALL RISE!" ---The Judge enters,---he indicates to The Assistant D.A. to procede. C., QUINN: ----"My name your Honour, ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, is Counsellor William Quinn.---I will seek to prove that Mr Jack Evans has held a grudge over an incident, that is, a fight between Commander Rabb, one of the deceased, and Mr Jack Evans the Accused, over a Navy Computer training Officer,---Lieutenant Carol Smith approximately ten years ago.---That he has plotted to kill Commander Rabb and his wife Colonel MacKenzie-Rabb with calculated cunning and malice, thereby deserving a sentence no less than 1st degree murder!" COUNSELLOR LT., ROBERTS: LT., ROBERTS: ----"My name your Honour, and ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, is Lieutenant Bud Roberts, Defence Attorney for Mr Jack Evans, former Lieutenant of the United States Navy.---I will make a plea for Clemency on the grounds of Insanity!" C., QUINN: ----Your Honour, ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I submit to you that it would be a mis-carriage of Justice and certainly a waste of tax-payers money to not convict this fiend and hellion as quickly…." LT., ROBERTS: ---"Objection Your Honour!---The Prosecutor is maligning the Accused who has not been proven guilty and is influencing the members of the Jury!" JUDGE: ----"Sustained! ----Kindly refrain yourself from taking this sort of liberty Counselor, and proceed!" C., QUINN: ----"Yes your Honour,---as I was about to say, this…man,--- Evans, ---to me is guilty, and I ask, is it not an insult to one’s intelligence, to be listening to my eminent young Attorney plead a case for Temporary insanity?"…… LT., ROBERTS: ---"Objection your Honour!---The Prosecutor should be dealing with facts and not opinions?---He’s leading the Jury!" JUDGE: ----"Sustained!---This is not a promising start Counselor!---As you know already, your younger colleague assures me that he has made the plea on "Reasonable Grounds", so that there is no excuse for you Counselor to take this liberty!---Proceed Defense!" LT., ROBERTS: "I would like to call my first witness to the stand your Honour,--- Lt., Commander Carol Smith.---(She comes to the stand, and takes the oath) OFFICER: " Do you swear by Almighty God to solemnly tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God?" CDR., SMITH: "I do, so help me God!" LT., ROBERTS: "Did you know the then Lieutenant Harmon Rabb, ten years ago, and did you ‘date’ him on several occasions?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes I knew him and we did date sir!" LT., ROBERTS: "Did you also know Lieutenant Jack Evans ten years ago, and did you also ‘date’ him?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes I knew him as well, and we did date." LT., ROBERTS: "Can you describe what happened between Lt., Rabb and Lt., Evans with regard to the ‘fight’ that they were involved in?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes I can.---They decided to go four rounds with boxing gloves,---supervised, in the Gym, and the declared winner would have the reward of dating me.---It was all very flattering to me sir!" LT., ROBERTS: "Then who actually won the contest?" CDR., SMITH: "It was Lt., Rabb, on points sir ---he didn’t knock him out, though it was a hard fight!" LT., ROBERTS: "Do you think….." CR., QUINN: "Objection you Honour!---Counsel should not be seeking an opinion!" JUDGE: "Sustained!---We require facts Counselor not opinions. Please proceed." LT., ROBERTS: "I’ll rephrase my question,---Did you see any noticeable behavioural change in Lt., Evans after their fight contest?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes I did!---I saw a decided behavioural change in him, like he became a sort of different personality.---Even though Lt., Rabb decided, out of the goodness of his heart to offer to let him date me after all.---Jack Evans took him up on it and we dated, but I didn’t want to continue as I felt that there was something not quite right about the man!------ CR., QUINN: "Objection your Honour! The witness has expressed her opinions, I move that they are irrelevant, and that they should be struck from the record your Honour!" LT., ROBERTS: "Your Honour!---I believe that what my witness had to say is indeed relevant to the case that I’m presenting, as the Court will see unfolding, sir!" JUDGE: "Objection overruled, and Counselor Roberts this indeed had better be relevant!---Proceed!" LT., ROBERTS: "No further questions.---Your witness, Prosecutor Quinn!" CR., QUINN: "Commander Smith, we understand that the then Lieutenant Harmon Rabb subsequently had a most unfortunate accident in a near fatal crash due to his ‘night blindness’ problem, in which his RIO was killed and he himself was injured.---Do you remember it Ma’am?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes I witnessed it!---It was horrible, besides which it happened in stormy conditions!" CR., QUINN: "Was this RIO a good friend of Evans?" CDR., SMITH: "Yes he was." CR., QUINN: "Was he upset about it, and did you think he hated……" LT., ROBERTS: "Objection your Honour!---Prosecutor is leading the witness!" JUDGE: "Sustained!---We want facts Counselor!" CR., QUINN: "I’ll rephrase that your Honour.---We know that he was upset at the loss of his good friend!---Did you hear him make any threats to Lt., Rabb?" CDR., SMITH: "Well yes I did , he said, ---"You’re going to get it one day ‘Hot-shot’!" CR., QUINN: "No further questions your Honour!" JUDGE: "You may step down Commander, and thank you." CR., QUINN: "I would like to submit these Exhibits as evidence your Honour! Exhibit A/. An "In House" video footage clip, taken on the night of the murder.---Perhaps we could have the courtroom blinds drawn.---As you see your Honour, ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, we have prepared two TV sets for this presentation. ----As you will see this man,--Mr Jack Evans deliberately planned these murders, going to extraordinary lengths to execute his fiendish plan.----As you see, this bearded man, Evans, now clean shaven, is shown entering the lift at the seventh floor by motorized wheelchair posing as a paraplegic!---This shot now shows him exiting the lift at the basement carpark, and finally boarding his van, after which , as you see, he is driving off.----Your Honour, --- ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, this van, (a ‘rental’), was later seized at the Rental company’s Washington depot, inside which was found finger-prints of the accused, plus a broken electronic device we believe was used to receive TV transmission from a camera mounted in the lift-foyer monitoring the Apartment doorway of the victims!---(May we have the lights on again please?) Exhibit B/. Three high velocity bullet shell cases that fit the ammunition of a Sport Model Winchester 270. This exact type weapon belonging to Mr Jack Evans, was later obtained from Evan’s home after his arrest.---The bullets taken from the bodies of the victims, and supplied to us from the Navy, showed microscopic bore marks identical to this confiscated rifle’s bore! Exhibit C/. This weapon I now submit as well.. Exhibit D/. These deformed bullets are the ones taken from the bodies of the victims. ----To my mind your Honour, and ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, this man, known as Lieutenant "Sharp-Eye" Jack Evans, formerly of the United States Navy, and now an Electrical Engineer is guilty of pre-meditated 1st degree murder!---There cannot be a plea of Insanity! I rest my case!" JUDGE: "Counselor---Lieutenant Roberts please continue!" LT., ROBERTS: "Yes sir your Honour!---I would like to call to the stand an eminent Specialist and Surgeon in Neurology and Brain Surgery,---Doctor Brandt!" (He comes to the stand and takes the oath). OFFICER: "Do you swear by Almighty God, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" DR. BRANDT: "I do! So help me God!" LT., ROBERTS: "Doctor, have you examined Mr Jack Evans, the man there who stands accused?" DR., BRANDT: "Yes I have!" LT., ROBERTS: "What were the ‘findings’ that you made when you examined Mr Evans?" DR., BRANDT: "Are you, I take it , referring to the examination I made upon Mr Evans’ head?" (Bud nods). "I first of all X-rayed Mr Evans’ skull from three different positions.---I found that there was a ‘mechanical’ depression on the left side of the skull, which I estimate to have been there for at least ten years or more!" LT., ROBERTS: "Do you think….." CR., QUINN: "Objection your Honour!---Counselor leading the witness!" JUDGE: "Over ruled!---This Specialist has ‘expertise’ Counselor. I think the Court should hear what this man thinks about what might have or not have happened, even if it is an elapsed time of ten years!---Carry on Counselor Roberts." LT., ROBERTS: "I’ll still rephrase it.—Doctor is it still your expert opinion that there would be brain pressure and possibly a personality change as a result of such possible injury?" DR. BRANDT: "Yes, as a Neurosurgeon, I can definitely show, that in my experience, on a number of patients such ‘pressure’ of the brain at this point of the skull, has had an effect on my patients’ personalities!" LT., ROBERTS: "Is it your considered opinion, that a battering of the head, which happens in even a fight with boxing gloves, sustained by Mr Evans, could account for the personality change that appears to have arisen?" DR. BRANDT: "A qualified yes---most probably!---But there would have had to have been previous injury of some kind earlier in his life I think!---The bone-mass on the X-rays indicate to me that a ‘fight’,---unless tremendously severe, wouldn’t have done all of the damage that I found.---A ‘fight’ would most likely have severely aggravated that condition, which had already been weakened by earlier injury, or injuries!" CR. QUINN: "Objection your Honour!---Speculation!---Even by a Neurosurgeon!" JUDGE: "Over ruled!---Be careful Counselor Quinn!---I’m not convinced of the integrity of your Objections!---Do you wish to cross examine the witness?’ CR., QUINN: "No questions your Honour!" JUDGE: "You may step down Doctor, and thank you for the information!"-----(Then to Bud), "Have you any other Witnesses?"----(Bud nods). LT., ROBERTS: "Yes your Honour, I’d like to call the Accused’s mother ,Mrs Annette Evans to the stand sir!" (Mrs Evans is brought to the stand and takes the oath). OFFICER: "Do you swear by Almighty God, to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" MRS A. EVANS: "I do, so help me God!" LT., ROBERTS: "Mrs Evans, what was your husband, Jack Evans’ father like as a father.---Did he treat him well?" MRS A. EVANS: "Well, he was a disciplinarian, and used to beat the boy at times!"--- LT., ROBERTS: "Did he at any time beat the ‘boy’ around the head?" MRS A. EVANS: "Yes I’m afraid he did. He was fond of just that!---Young Jack was a nice boy, but you know how boys are at times!---One time, as a sixteen year old, he made his father so mad, because he picked the lock of the gun cabinet in the hallway and got his dad’s pride and joy out of the cabinet, that Winchester Sports 270.---Did he ever ‘lay’ into him!---I thought that he was going to kill him, and so I stepped in between them and even got hurt myself Counselor!" LT., ROBERTS: "Is Mr Evans his father reconciled to Jack, or are they still estranged?" MRS A. EVANS: "I’m sorry, but Mr Evans has passed on sir, he did suffer a fatal heart attack 12 years ago!" LT., ROBERTS: "My condolences Mrs Evans, I didn’t realize!" (Turning to the Prosecutor), "Your witness!" CR., QUINN: "Mrs Evans, when you speak of your son the Accused, as being a ‘nice boy’, can you tell the Court whether he was sort of calculating,---always ‘working things out’ style of thing as his nature, even--- sometimes?" MRS A. EVANS: Mr Quinn, he wasn’t like that.---He was always ‘open’!---I know what my son was like! Whether it was the Navy, or just why he’s like he is now ,---I do not know, I have no explanation!" JUDGE: "If there are no more questions for Mrs Evans?----Good!----Then you may step down and thank you!" the Judge said kindly.--- Counselor Roberts have you any other witnesses?" LT., ROBERTS: "Just two more your Honour!---I would like to bring before the Court Commander Harmon Rabb, and Colonel Sarah MacKenzie-Rabb!" A HUBBUB OF SURPRISE RIPPLES THROUGH THE COURT…………. JUDGE: "Counselor Roberts!---I could hold you in Contempt of Court for this action!---What is your explanation?---Did you know that the Commander and the Colonel were still alive?" LT., ROBERTS: "Your Honour I did, but, it was necessary, I believe, to uncover the truth about Evan’s ‘Personality change" in this extreme situation sir!" JUDGE: "I see your reasoning somewhat, but I’m not entirely convinced Counselor, this of course alters everything!" CR., QUINN: "Your Honour, Evans should at least be tried for ‘Attempted Murder!" JUDGE: "What other ‘surprises’ have you got for us Counselor Roberts?"-------- (Harm and Mac, meanwhile have taken off their ‘old and grey’ wigs etc., and Harm approaches the Bench) HARM: "Your Honour, would you grant me permission to speak to the Court sir?--As you may know I am a JAG Lawyer, and Lt., Roberts and I have worked together for some time now."--- JUDGE: "This is very irregular, but permission granted,---give the Court information pertinent to this case only, is that clear?" HARM: "Yes your Honour and thank you sir!---Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, we have been in hiding because we were not sure of who the person, or persons, really were who had tried to shoot us!"-------- (Then looking levelly at Jack Evan he said,)---"Jack I’m sorry, that if our ‘fight’ over the Lieutenant Smith here, caused you such distress over obviously many years!" ----(Jack Evans looks incredulously at Harm and Mac and blurts out,) EVANS: -----"But…but ---I shot you, and your wife Harm!---Am I dreaming?---I saw you both get shot through the rifle’s telescope, and the blood---it was oozing out!!---How can this be?---I know that I shot you both from the seventh floor!!---How---?" HARM: "Thanks to HIM--- up there, we put on these ‘Theatrical’- style bullet proof vests the very night that you made this attempt on our lives! ---The Navy ‘leaked’ the realistic photographs to the Media, and the rest you know!--- ---a little higher Jack, and we wouldn’t be here, just as well you are a crack shot! ----We don’t hold any malice against you.---We want to help you, and my wife and I want you to have a remedial operation to relieve this pressure on your brain so that you can get back to the out-going personality that I once knew!" ---Turning to the Judge Harm continued--- "Your Honour that’s our ‘witness’ together this day sir!" (The whole Court is stunned into Silence for a few minutes, and then the Judge replies,) JUDGE: "Commander and Colonel, answer me this question,---why so generous?" HARM: "Your Honour,---my grandmother, a sincere ‘believer’, helped me greatly after this Carrier crash, and she showed me in that ‘book’ we take our oaths upon that Christ says "Love your Enemies, and do good to those…etc" JUDGE: "Those are wonderful and lofty concepts Commander, but we’ve got to be practical in this ‘day and age’!" MAC: ----"Your Honour,---I was given several intense nightmares, which I believe were warnings from ‘Him up there’!---This alerted us to wearing these life-saving bullet-proof vests sir! HARM: "Your Honour,---we cannot do less!---As a Navy pilot, I’ve had to kill, or be killed!---I’ve stared ‘death’ in the face, and I know that ‘violence’ against violence ---many times,--- is not the answer!--- I’m very hopeful that Jack Evans will make a good recovery sir! JUDGE: "Thank you Commander Rabb for that ‘moving’ statement and request for Clemency,---frankly I have never experienced anything quite like this in all the 25 years I have served on this Bench! ----I thank you and your wife for this great humanitarian and gracious offer to the one who could easily have been effective in blotting out both of your lives!--- -----(Then addressing the Jury he said,) ---Men and Women of the Jury, you’ve heard the evidence set before you! ---Consider this fairly and impartially, this day!---Recess until 3pm this afternoon.---If no verdict has been reached we will reconvene tomorrow at 1pm, or as however long it takes the Jury to reach an agreement!"---- OFFICER: -----"ALL RISE!" (Three and a half hours later) JUDGE: -----"Members of the Jury have you reached a unanimous agreement on the verdict?" JURY FOREMAN: "Yes we have you Honour!" JUDGE: -----"How say you then, Guilty or Not Guilty?" JURY FOREMAN: "Guilty, your Honour, --- of attempted Murder while insane,--- due to Schizophrenic disorder.----A most difficult decision Sir!" JUDGE: "Do you have any recommendations ladies and gentlemen of the Jury?" JURY FOREMAN: "Your Honour,--- we request clemency in the light of the medical evidence sir!" JUDGE: ----"Very well..---In sentencing you, Mr Jack Evans, this Court realizes that it cannot force you to undergo ‘Corrective Surgery’, so that, you have an option,--- that, you, 1/, either serve 13 years for "Attempted Murder", ---or 2/, that you undergo ‘Corrective Surgery’, and,---after convalescence, to undergo Psychiatric Assessment,---being evaluated once every 2 months, for a period of 12 months. -----Further, that you, Mr Jack Evans, be ‘held over’ on Probation for 5 years, beginning immediately, (should you decide for the second option).---Should any breach of this trust be made, then this Court will have no option but to have you arraigned, and re-tried for this ‘Attempted Murder’---Is that clear? Have you anything to say Mr Evans?" EVANS: "Yes your Honour!---I am deeply moved by the actions of Commander and Colonel Rabb, who really have given me another chance at ‘Life’----I offer my heartfelt apologies, which, I know can never be enough, for the terrible things that I’ve put them through!---Will you accept this Harm and Mrs Rabb?"----(Harm and Mac nod assent). OFFICER: "ALL RISE!" (As everyone disperses, A.J. comes over to Bud, and says,) ADMIRAL: "Well done Lieutenant Roberts!---I’ll be making a recommendation of promotion after this!!" BUD: "Sir, it was really Commander Rabb’s insights and his generosity sir!" HARM: "Don’t ‘undersell’ yourself!---It was great!"---(Shaking his hand). MAC: "Oh Bud!"---(Kissing him), ---"You were brilliant,---just like Harm!"-----Bud’s chest visibly swells,--- and Harriet pokes him in the tummy,---deflating him, but at the same time wrapping her arms around him and saying,---- HARRIET: "I so love you, my clever Bud, ---Honey!"----(Bud’s right eye is looking wildly around for help, as only Bud can do!) ADMIRAL: "O.K. everyone,--- can we go now?----Dismissed!-----Oh Commander, Colonel, can I see you for a moment outside please?" ----They make their way out, and A.J. continues---, "Would it be presumptuous of me to say that you’re already thinking of not going back to the Apartment to live again?" HARM: "Sir?---Very perceptive of you Admiral!---Actually that’s true!" ADMIRAL: "The reason I’ve tackled you about this is because I’ve tried to imagine how I’d feel in similar circumstances, and also because I have a friend in Realty, who may be able to help you with a property or so in Virginia here itself. ----Now I don’t want you two to think that I’m shoving my nose into your business, but I thought that I’d speak up O.K.?---Let me know!" HARM AND MAC:---"Thank you sir!"---(Harm)---"We’ll talk about it real soon, and let you know ‘soon as’, Sir!---Thanks again!" -------------------------------------------- 0923 Hours Romeo, Hotel Room 391, CENTRAL HOTEL, WASHINGTON D.C. MAC: "Harm, I want to talk to you!"---(Mac says looking levelly into his eyes) HARM: "What have I done now Sarah?"----He says apprehensively.--- MAC: "Don’t look so worried!---Have you got a guilty conscience?---First of all, come here Flyboy!" ----Mac says, wrapping her arms around Harm’s neck, clasping her hands together and drawing him close to her.---Her body molded into his, and she kissed him lightly. ---As he responded, her kiss deepened until they were lost in a passionate embrace.---Her closeness excited him and it started to go deeper, but she broke from the ‘clinch’ and laughing up at him said,--- ----"I still want to talk to you Flyboy,---now that I’ve got your attention!" HARM: ----Harm starts to freeze up, and getting worried says, "What is it?"---almost demandingly. MAC: -----Laughingly Mac says, "I didn’t really mean to tease you Honey, because I do realise how insecure the average male is, including you my darling,----what I’d like to know is,---how would you like to take this Sarah in "Sarah", to visit Sarah your grandmother?---For a couple of days or so, away from all this?" HARM: -----Relieved, Harm sweeps her off her feet, and hugs her,---smothering her hair, face and neck with kisses.---"My Darling Sarah,--- always the tease, who can out-guess her disadvantaged Spouse I admit,--- at least not all, --- but only some of the time! ---My beautiful wife who, this time, has an unfair advantage over this ‘mere male’! ---I love you!" T H E E N D. **************************************************************