Season X – Episode 5 "Renaissance and Remembrance" By Jared Chapman Disclaimer: I do not own JAG, or any of its characters used in this story. Those of you who do…please don’t sue me. I’m just another one of the thousands of fans who love your shows and I am not profiting in any way from this story. Those of you who read this story…please do not copy or redistribute it. You could get me in trouble and that’s just not nice! However, if you wish to archive it, please send me an email and I will be happy to say ok! Rating: PG Category: Entire series will be Harm/Mac and Other Romance Spoilers: A little bit of everything to date. Summary: Episode 5 of the fictional season entitled “Season X.” Harm and Mac are paired together again when Webb requests them for a mission. In their absence, sparks fly between their two partners and the Admiral gets a unique second chance. Feedback: jared2142@hotmail.com Archive: BTL ---Previously on JAG Season X--- (Scenes from “Scar Tissue”) ---Clip from Field Center in Afghanistan--- “Colonel Mackenzie and Lieutenant Alton of the Navy’s JAG Corp were attacked while investigating a helicopter incident a couple of weeks ago. They were pinned down, but managed to turn the tables and escape. Before they took out the terrorists, Colonel Mackenzie overheard a conversation regarding an attack on our consulate in Naples. When they made their report, I immediately hopped on a plane over here and have since been trying to get information from the locals. So far, I have nothing. That’s where you come in. My contacts in this region are coming up dry and we need a new angle,” Clay explained. “I think I know someone who may be able to help us, Mr. Webb. He’s the leader of the Algafa tribe, located just to the north of here.” “Alright, Major. We’ll start there and see where it takes us,” Clay replied with a serious expression. He was very worried that they were running out of time on this mission. “Thank you for your help, Colonel,” he added as he and Faulk turned to leave. “My pleasure, Mr. Webb,” he responded, then turned to Major Faulk. “Find those weapons, Mr. Faulk,” he said to the Delta officer. “Yes, Sir.” ---Clip from Algafa Camp--- “How much, Captain?” he asked, tossing out a thick stack of American bills. “Two more just like that will do,” came the matter-of-fact reply. Webb didn’t even flinch. He just reached back into his vest and soon twenty thousand joined the original ten thousand on the table. “You are very generous, Mr. Webb,” the Captain replied with the first smile they’d seen from him. “The man you are looking for is Amer Halohm. He leads a group of radicals in the Ghandr region, not far from where you destroyed the trucks. The locals in that area call him ‘the ghost.’” “Thank you, Captain Atti,” Faulk said as the two men turned to leave. When they were gone, the Afghan Captain walked slowly over to the table and began to count his score. ---Clip from Pizza Place--- “You’re in love with her!” It wasn’t a question, but a declaration that was made a little louder than Cindy intended. Now everyone in the little pizza place was staring at them and Harm was blushing bright red. “Sorry, Sir,” she said, as she was now blushing herself. “That’s alright, Cindy. And, you’re right about my being in love with Mac. I’ve never admitted that to anyone before, least of all myself. But, you are right,” he said as he tried to wipe the goofy grin off of his face to no avail. “Harm, you have to tell her!” Cindy said sincerely. “It’s a little more complicated than that, Cindy. There’s a lot of history there, not to mention the effect it would have on our careers,” Harm said, trying to cop out in his usual manner. Cindy’s expression instantly turned from a smile to a scowl. “Harm, you just told me that you would give up anything for her! If that’s true than there is nothing too complicated to overcome. So, you may have to make a career change. So, what! I have been waiting my whole life to hear a man talk about me and feel for me the way you do for Colonel Mackenzie. You can’t deny her that!” she blurted out all at once. Harm just sat in his seat in total shock. He had not expected that at all from his partner, but as he came back to reality, he realized just how right she was. “I’m so sorry, Sir,” Cindy started when she saw the look on her partner’s face. “That was way out of line.” Then she noticed the expression on Harm’s face go from shock to obvious happiness in no time flat. “Not at all, Cindy, not at all. You’ve just made me realize what I need to do. Come on, let’s go!” ---Clip from Afghan Desert--- “I love playing with CIA toys, Mr. Webb,” the Delta Force officer said with a mischievous grin. “Great, isn’t it?” Webb replied, grabbing the earphones from the still open case. He listened for several minutes while Faulk watched thru his rifle’s scope. When the meeting broke, the two spies turned to each other. “What did they say?” Faulk asked earnestly. “It goes down next Sunday night,” Webb replied while his mind raced frantically for a plan. ---Clip from Courtroom at end of trial--- “I am so glad that’s over,” Mac said softly as she sank into his waiting arms. He just held her for a moment. Then they heard the doors to the courtroom opening and they separated quickly. When the doors opened, Admiral Chegwidden entered the courtroom, followed by Clayton Webb and a tall stranger dressed in a class A Army uniform with Delta insignias. Harm and Mac just looked at each other for a moment, wondering what could possibly be going on. “Commander, Colonel, in my office.” ---Cut to opening credits--- * * * * * 1445 Local Time Friday 8/23 JAG Headquarters Falls Church, Virginia ---Inside A.J.’s office--- “Commander, Colonel, come in,” A.J. instructed when Harm and Mac entered his office. Once they’d made their way into the office and were standing in front of his desk, he continued. “Mr. Webb, why don’t you fill them in on where we are?” “Certainly, Admiral,” Webb replied before turning to Harm and Mac. “First, I’d like to introduce Major Alfred Faulk.” “Lt. Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Major,” Mac replied, extending a handshake to the Army officer. “Yes, Ma’am,” he replied, returning her handshake and then extending one in Harm’s direction. “Commander Harmon Rabb. Welcome to JAG, Major.” “Thank you, Sir.” “Major Faulk is an intelligence officer with Delta Force stationed at the Army Field Center at Kabul. He’s been assisting me in locating the missing weapons from the convoy you investigated, Colonel,” Webb explained. “What did you find out?” Mac asked, intrigued. “So far we know that the planned attack on our consulate in Naples is still on. In fact, it’s going to take place on Sunday evening during the consulate’s military award ceremony. The mastermind behind the attack is a man by the name of Amer Halohm, known to Afghan locals as ‘the ghost,’” Faulk replied. “Where do we come in, Webb?” Harm asked skeptically. “We’ve identified the weapons as three small scale bombs containing an high tech explosive. However, we still don’t know exactly where Halohm is hiding the bombs. We are going to have to try and stop him when he tries to plant the bombs. That is where you two come in. You will attend the award ceremony along with Major Faulk and myself. It will be up to us to stop the attack,” Clay explained seriously. Normally, both Harm and Mac would have been very annoyed at having to work on another one of Webb’s missions, but this was different. “Count us in, Webb,” Harm replied when he got a nod from Mac. “Very good. Our plane leaves at 1730. Don’t be late.” ---Cut to Cindy’s office – same time--- Lieutenant Tim Alton walked up to the partially open office door of his good friend, Captain Cindy Thomas. When he looked thru into the office, he saw her sitting behind the desk, engrossed in a case file. He was about to knock, but he stopped, content to just watch her from the doorway for a moment. ‘So beautiful,’ he thought as he admired her. Her long auburn hair was tucked behind her in a neat French braid while one stray lock played across her cheek. He could see the intensity of her bright green eyes and the determined look on her face as she searched the file in front of her. He lost track of the time that he’d been standing there, until suddenly he heard a gruff voice behind him. “You going to knock, Lieutenant? Or, are you just going to stare at her all day?” Tim turned around quickly and found Lieutenant Lauren Singer standing behind him with a devious look on her face. Then she poked her head in the door and looked right at Cindy who had heard the first comment. “Apparently, you are quite mesmerizing, Captain,” she said, then quickly turned and made her way down the hall, leaving a rather embarrassed and blushing Lieutenant Alton standing in Cindy’s doorway. ‘So, he was staring,’ Cindy thought, smiling on the inside. “Did you need to talk to me, Tim?” she asked, keeping a straight face as though nothing had happened. “Yeah, actually I wanted to ask you something,” Tim replied. Having recovered from his embarrassment, he took a seat across from the lovely Marine. “What’s that?” she asked. “Are you busy tomorrow?” he asked, suddenly getting very nervous. At his question, Cindy’s heart did a flip-flop in her chest. “No, I don’t have any big plans. What did you have in mind?” she replied, trying to keep her face from exploding into a huge smile. “Well, I was going to take a ride up to Gettysburg. It’s been a long time since I’ve been there and I hear it’s really nice to see this time of year,” he said hopefully. “I thought maybe you’d like to come along?” “I’d love to,” she replied, unable to hold off the radiant smile that now took over her lovely features. Her smile was instantly mirrored on Tim’s face and his heart started to do summersaults of it’s own. “Pick you up at 0900?” “That sounds nice,” she replied. With another smile, he got up and started for the door. Her soft voice stopped him at the doorway. “So you were staring, Lieutenant?” she asked with a little half smile and an upturned eyebrow. His face turned a light shade of red once again and he returned her gaze. “Some things are worth taking a moment to notice, that’s all,” he replied with a sincere smile and a slight shrug before disappearing into the bullpen, leaving one happy Marine behind. ---Cut to Admiral’s outer office – same time--- Petty Officer Jason Tiner, the admiral’s yeoman, was busy at his desk with a thick stack of office requisitions when he heard someone enter the room. “How are you, Jason?” he heard a familiar voice say. When he looked up he found Doctor Sydney Walden standing at his desk wearing a grin from ear to ear. “Doctor Walden, it’s nice to see you again, Ma’am. It’s been a long time,” Tiner said as he stood to greet her. “Too long, Mr. Tiner,” came a gruff voice from the doorway to the inner office. It was A.J., standing in the doorway with an expression similar to the one the good Doctor was wearing. “Hello, A.J.,” she greeted him with a warm smile. “Sydney, it’s so good to see you,” he replied with a sincere smile of his own. “Please, come in,” he said leading her into the office and closing the door behind them. Tiner just smiled as they disappeared. “After a week of phone tag, I finally decided to just come over here in person,” she said once they were alone in the office. “I’m glad you did, but I have to admit that I am curious as to why you called me now,” A.J. replied. “I came here to apologize to you, A.J. Just over a month ago, Danny was arrested for dealing drugs,” she said, the hurt evident in her voice. “I’m so sorry, Sydney.” “You tried to warn me about him, but all I did was push you away. I wish that I had listened to you then. Maybe things would have been different. If not for Danny, then maybe for us,” she said softly, looking right into his eyes. In a moment, he closed the gap between them, gathered her into his arms, and whispered in her ear. “I’m just glad you’re here now.” “Me too.” ---Cut to Harm’s Apartment – 1630 Local time--- Mac pulled the red corvette into the parking space right next to Harm’s corvette and shut off the engine. She had insisted on picking him up for their ride to the airport instead of the other way around. He, of course, had tried to argue, but to no avail. Now, she sat in the car for a moment and thought about the days that lie ahead. From what little they knew about the upcoming mission, she knew that they would be putting themselves in danger once again, and she had to wonder how they always managed to get tangled up in these things. Then she looked up at Harm’s window and she saw his silhouette moving back and forth and putting things into a suitcase. She had to smile a little bit at that. Even when she was picking him up, he still found a way to be late. With a little chuckle, she opened the car door and began to make her way up to his apartment. “Hey, Marine,” he greeted her with a big smile when he opened the door. Then, before she knew what was happening, he grabbed her hands, pulled her inside the apartment, and placed a soft kiss on her lips. For just a moment she was startled by his actions, but soon her eyes closed and she relaxed into his kiss. “I should pick you up more often, Squid,” she said softly when he finally let her go. A brilliant smile crept across his face and his eyes never left hers. “I’ve been wanting to do that for days,” he said breathlessly. “Me too. Real life just keeps getting in the way,” she replied as she laid her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her for a long time; until, finally, her internal clock told her that they would be late. “We better get going, Flyboy. Italy awaits,” she said, trying to sound happy about the trip. “Sounds good, as long as you’ll be there, Jarhead.” ---Cut to commercials--- * * * * * 1748 Eastern Time Friday 8/23 Somewhere over the Atlantic “Ok, Webb, you want to bring us up to speed?” Harm asked as he handed Mac a cup of coffee and reclaimed his seat next to her. Currently, Harm, Mac, Clay, and Major Faulk were on a CIA owned jet headed for Italy. “Very well, Commander,” Webb replied. “So far we know that Halohm and his men are planning to plant the three bombs in the consulate, during the awards ceremony. There will be military personnel representing ten different nations at the ceremony and we think that the terrorists will try to sneak in disguised as guests.” “What are our people doing about security?” Mac asked. “Nothing more than the usual since 9/11,” he replied. “If we heighten security too much then Halohm will just back away. We need to nail him when he tries to pull off this attack.” “Let me ask you a question, Webb,” Harm said with a curious look on his face. “If we want to nail this guy so badly, why didn’t we just take him out with an air strike while he was still in Afghanistan?” “That was the original plan. Once Major Faulk and I verified the target, we radioed for an air strike, but by the time our planes got to the camp, they were already gone. We think they are probably already in Italy. We have agents in the city trying to locate them and quell the attack before it even starts. The four of us are the last line of defense in case we don’t find them in time.” “Nothing like a little pressure, eh Mac?” Harm said, trying to lighten the mood. “I’ll say,” she replied distractedly. “I’m going to try to get some rest,” she said, leaving her seat and heading for one of the cots at the back of the plane. “That’s a good idea, Colonel. I’ll go talk to the pilot and see what kind of flight time we have ahead of us,” Clay replied, walking towards the front of the plane and leaving Harm sitting across from Major Faulk. “This your first time working with Webb, Major?” Harm asked, trying to make conversation. “Yes it is, Sir. I take it you and the Colonel have worked with Mr. Webb in the past?” “Once or twice. He has this annoying habit of popping up at the worst times,” Harm replied causing Faulk to laugh just a little. “Can I ask a personal question, Major?” “Go ahead, Sir. And, if you like, call me Alfred.” “Alright, Alfred. Call me Harm. I couldn’t help but notice the scar under your eye. Did you pick that up in combat?” “Yes, I did. I was a second lieutenant at the time and assigned to the Delta Force unit in Somalia. I was on the ground the day that the Black Hawks went down,” he replied, the pain from that day etched in his eyes. “I remember that day,” Harm replied in a somber tone. “To this day, I don’t know how I got this scar. The cut was there when we finally made it out and that was the first time I noticed it. A lot of good men died that day, and this scar reminds me every day that I could have been one of them.” “I know the feeling, Alfred,” Harm replied thoughtfully, his eyes gazing out the window at the ocean passing beneath them. “Those wings, Sir. How does a JAG officer come by a set of those?” Alfred asked, bringing Harm back from his thoughts. “That is a long story, my friend,” Harm replied with a smile and a laugh. “We’ve got a long flight, Commander,” Webb replied, rejoining the two men in the seating area. “Six more hours to be exact. Go ahead, Harm, tell us the story of three generations of Rabb air jockeys,” he said sarcastically. “What’s the matter, Webb? You jealous?” Harm replied. “Of you? Not likely.” ---Cut to dinning room of upscale restaurant in D.C. – 2016 Local Time--- “Good evening, Sydney,” A.J. said with a smile when he reached their table for the evening. He had been caught up at the office with Sturgis and Bud and was uncharacteristically late. “I’m sorry to have kept you waiting. I got caught up at the office,” he apologized, his smile never fading for a moment. “That’s quite alright,” she replied, returning his smile. “I have to admit, though, for a moment I thought you had come to your senses and decided to stand me up,” she said quietly, looking away from him. “What in the world do you mean, Sydney?” A.J. asked confused. She didn’t answer right away. She just looked across the room for a moment before turning back to face him. “When I called you, A.J., I just wanted to apologize for the way I treated you when we parted ways. I never expected that you would want to see me again. I especially didn’t expect to end up at a beautifully romantic restaurant with you tonight. I guess I am just wondering why there isn’t any bitterness from you. Today in your office, and just now when you came up to the table, you looked at me as though I never left your life and I can’t find a trace of hesitation in your eyes.” “That’s because I am not bitter,” he said in a simple, matter-of-fact tone. “You made a choice and you followed your heart. I can’t blame you for that, and I am not going to ruin a second chance with you by rehashing the past. We’re here now, together. That’s all that is important to me.” “I knew I missed you for a reason,” she said with a smile, which he eagerly returned. “Would you like to dance with me, Dr. Walden?” he said, standing and taking her hand. “I would love to dance with you, Admiral Chegwidden,” she replied before being swept into his arms and onto the dance floor. It was a beautiful song and soon the good doctor found her head leaning against his shoulder, his arms wrapped tightly around her. It felt so good to be back in his arms. “Do you really think we can start over?” she asked softly, looking up into his eyes. He didn’t reply with words, but with a gentle kiss. “We already have, Sydney.” ---Cut to Hotel in Naples, Italy – 0745 Local Time – Sat. 8/24--- Harm, Mac, Alfred, and Webb walked into the hotel on Saturday morning looking more like four zombies than highly trained operatives. After they had all checked into their rooms, they gathered in Harm’s room to discuss the plan for the day. “Ok, we all need to get some sleep before we do anything,” Webb began. “You think, Webb?” Mac replied sarcastically. Harm had to stifle a laugh and he instantly felt sorry for Webb having to conduct this meeting with a tired Marine present. “Later this afternoon, Alfred and I will go to the embassy and take a look at some possibilities. The two of you should make yourselves seen around the city. Your cover will be that you are both here to receive commendations at the ceremony. Most of the other recipients will probably be sightseeing and it would look odd if the two of you hung around the consulate all day,” Webb said, unfazed by Mac’s remark. Both Harm and Mac had to fight to keep from smiling at their assignment for the day. Neither one of them could think of anything they’d rather do than spend the day together in one of the most romantic cities in the world. “If you insist, Webb,” Harm replied, with a quick wink in Mac’s direction. With that, Clay and Alfred left the room. “So, you up to seeing the sights with your favorite flyboy, Ninja Girl,” he asked, wrapping his arms around her waist. She gave him an odd look and then replied. “I didn’t know Keeter was in town.” Then she turned and walked to the door. “Funny, Marine.” “I’ll meet you downstairs for lunch, Commander. 1300, don’t be late,” she said in a stern tone paired with a sensual smile before walking out the door. “Yep, I am in real trouble,” Harm mumbled to himself before heading for a shower. ---Cut to Cindy’s apartment – 0852 Local Time – Sat. 8/24--- Captain Cindy Thomas walked across the hardwood floors of her new apartment and sat on her couch in an effort to relax. Tim would be there any minute to pick her up and she was just a little bit nervous. She’d spent the last hour picking out the perfect clothes and fixing her makeup and hair. She’d finally settled on a pair of faded blue jeans and a black blouse and she’d decided to wear her hair in a French braid like she had the day before. While she waited, she looked around the living room at the stacks of boxes that were still piled around waiting to be unpacked. As much as she loved her knew assignment, she realized that it didn’t leave her much time to get her apartment organized. Just then she heard the distinct sound of a Harley motorcycle rumbling up the street. Her grandfather had owned a Harley when she was little, and she had many a fond memory of riding thru the mountains of Montana on the back of that bike with her little arms wrapped around his waist. She got up and walked to the window to watch the Harley go by, but when she got there she was in for a real surprise. Tim pulled the black, vintage Softail into the parking lot of her building and parked it right next to her bright yellow Jeep. Then he hoped off, traded his helmet for a USS Ticonderoga cap from one of the saddlebags, and headed for her door. By the time he reached the door and got up the nerve to knock, Lieutenant Tim Alton’s nerves were a complete wreck. In his haste he had forgotten to tell Cindy that they would be riding on his motorcycle today and he hoped that she wouldn’t be upset. A moment later, the door swung open and his heart did a nosedive straight into his gut. He’d seen Cindy at work every single day for weeks, but seeing her dressed in civvies, waiting to ride off with him on a road trip was enough to make his head swim. “Hey there, Lieutenant,” she said softly. “Hey, Cindy. You look great,” he replied nervously. “Thanks, you too. Are we all ready to go?” “Yeah, all ready. Except, you might want to grab your uniform,” he replied. “My uniform? What for?” “You’ll see,” he replied with a wink. ---Cut to commercials--- * * * * * 1420 Local Time Saturday 8/24 Streets of Naples After a leisurely lunch at one of the numerous sidewalk cafés in Naples, Harm and Mac had begun their walking tour of the city. For a long time neither one said a word, both content to just walk together lost in thought. Harm, for his part was trying desperately to come up with a way of explaining his feelings to Mac. After finally admitting to himself that he was in love with his best friend, he had been ready to tell her right then. But, as usually was the case in their relationship, real life had managed to get in the way. He was determined, though, that he would tell her today. ‘Perfect time, perfect place,’ he thought to himself. Then he glanced over at her and watched as she took in the sights. He loved seeing her like this, away from JAG and everything that goes with it. She just seemed more carefree, more beautiful somehow. ‘If that’s even possible,’ he thought. He had meant every word of what he told her in her office. To him, she was the most beautiful thing in his world. Without even thinking, he reached over and took her left hand in his right. She didn’t pull it away, as she might have in the past. Now, she just looked over at him for a moment and winked, and he responded by squeezing her hand. ‘This is nice,’ they both thought at the same time. “Look, Harm. It’s the Teatro San Carlo,” Mac said excitedly, pointing across the street to a large building with tall stone arches and massive pillars. “Teatro San Carlo, what’s that?” he replied “Come on Commander, don’t you know your Italian theater history?” she teased with a raised eyebrow. “Come on, let’s go take a look inside.” ---Cut to Consulate – Same time--- “Ok, here’s the layout, Major,” Webb said as he and Alfred stood in the courtyard of the consulate surveying the surroundings. It was an impressive piece of property, from the twenty-foot high stonewalls that surrounded the yard to the massive pillars that lined the front of the building itself. “Two of my men, both snipers, will position at the top corners of the wall, there and there,” he continued, pointing out two good surveillance locations. “If the action spills into the courtyard, we will be covered from above.” “Ok, what about the main gate?” Alfred replied. “Three Marines, just like on any normal day. However, there will be a full team of Recon Marines concealed in the guardhouse for backup. That should cover the outside. Let’s take a look at the inside of the building and see if there are any special concerns,” Clay said, leading Alfred towards the front of the consulate. “I would suggest we assign two additional Marines to the front door, Mr. Webb. If we need to seal the building, it will be just that much easier,” Alfred suggested. “I agree. Let’s have a look at the reception room and the balconies. Odds are they will plant at least one of the weapons in there.” “Ok, I’ll take the balconies and you take the reception room,” Alfred replied, heading up the stairs located just inside the front door. Meanwhile, Clay strode down a long hallway and thru the double doors leading into the reception room. The room was located at the direct center of the building and opened up three stories high to the roof with two balconies above. Alfred was standing at the rail of the third floor balcony when Clay entered the room. “There are at least a dozen places to plant a bomb in this room alone,” Clay called up to Alfred. “Same problem up here,” he replied. “This is going to be complicated.” “Give me your best guess, Major. If it was you, how would you do it?” “I’d put one on each side of the highest balcony and one in the main room. The explosives on the balconies bring the roof down on the guests and the one on the bottom cleans up any strays,” he replied almost right away. “Sounds like a hunch, Major,” Clay replied, sensing the tone in Alfred’s voice. “Well, it’s not much more than a guess, Mr. Webb. But for now, it’s all we have to go on.” ---Cut to Tim’s Harley – Same Time – somewhere between D.C. and Gettysburg--- ---Scene opens with shot of Tim and Cindy flying down a country highway on Tim’s Harley. Flashes back and forth between different shots of them riding. One of them Tim is passing a car, another Cindy is leaning up to talk to him, and then finally you see a shot of a sign that says ‘Welcome to Gettysburg’ and then you see them fly past on the bike--- After winding their way thru the little town for several minutes, Tim finally pulled the bike up in front of a little bed and breakfast and killed the engine. After they were both off of the bike, Tim looked up and found a confused expression on Cindy’s face. “We’re not staying the night,” she said, not as a question but as a statement. “No, no,” he replied with a smile. “I know the owner, she’ll make us some brunch and let us change into our uniforms.” “Oh, ok,” she replied with a slight sigh of relief. “I’m starved,” she said, and then, as if on queue, her stomach growled. “Good, because Maria makes some of the best pancakes around,” he replied with a smile as the two officers ascended the steps of the ‘Gettysburg B & B.’ “Timothy?” they heard a voice from the door. “Yep, it’s me, Maria,” he replied as the door opened revealing a very small woman with gray hair and thick glasses. “Oh, and you’ve brought a wife with you?” she asked with a wink, causing both Tim and Cindy to blush. “No, Maria, this is my friend Cindy. We work together in Washington.” “It’s been so long, young man. How is your family?” she asked excitedly as she led them into the historic house. While Tim chatted with Maria, Cindy took the opportunity to take in her surroundings. She could tell that the house dated back at least until before the famous battle here. The walls and ceilings were trimmed in beautiful wood, and each room that they passed thru was painted in deep, rich colors with rustic wood floors. Finally they reached the veranda on the back of the house and Maria instructed them to sit while she made brunch. “She seems to know you pretty well, Tim,” Cindy commented then laughed when she saw the expression on Tim’s face. “My parents used to bring me here a lot when I was a kid. My dad was big into history and this was one of his favorite places. We always stayed here and Mom and Maria got to be good friends. I haven’t been here in years, though,” he explained as they gazed out into the field behind the house. “There was fighting just over that hill on the first day of the battle,” Tim said pointing out towards the field. “The Union Army used this house for a supply base during all three days.” “Wow,” she replied, truly intrigued by the story. “So, are you going to tell me why my dress uniform is folded up in the saddle bag of your motorcycle, Lieutenant?” she asked, with a raised eyebrow. “You’ll see,” he replied again. He knew that she would appreciate what he had planned for that afternoon. ---Cut to Teatro San Carlo – Same time--- After taking the guided tour thru the back areas and the dressing rooms of the historic theater, Harm and Mac ventured on their own into one of the private boxes that overlooked the main auditorium. “Wow,” Mac exclaimed at the view before them. The ceiling above was one large painting of exceptional detail. The curtain as well was intricately decorated and the use of stone and plaster throughout the great room was absolutely exquisite. “It’s so beautiful,” she said, turning and looking at Harm. She found him already staring at her as though she were the only wonder in the room. “Yes, it is,” he replied, his eyes never leaving hers. She felt her face flush and she broke her eyes away for just a moment. “You know they say that the acoustics in here are perfect,” she said, as she felt his strong hand bringing her chin back up so that their eyes met again. “That’s nice,” he said softly, staring into her eyes again. “That makes two perfect things in this room.” She felt her heart flip-flop at his words and before she knew it her eyes were closed and she felt his lips descend on hers. The electricity of the kiss caused both of them to forget where they were. That is, until they heard the sound of a throat being cleared behind them. “Excusy, but you must rejoin the tour,” came the courteous voice of their little Italian tour guide. Before they turned to rejoin the tour Harm held Mac close and looked into her eyes once more. He wanted her to see that he intended to tell her how he felt and soon. He knew she saw what he wanted her to see when a soft smile spread across her lips. “Later,” was all that he said. ---Cut to Commercials--- * * * * * 1945 Local Time Saturday 8/24 Castel Dell’Ovo Naples, Italy After their tour of the theater, Harm and Mac had asked their tour guide if he knew of any other attractions that they might enjoy. He had recommended that they attend the cultural dance that was scheduled for that evening in the famous Castel Dell’Ovo. The castle itself was truly breathtaking. First built in the first century B.C., the castle was once the residence of the great Roman general Lucio Lucinio Lucullo. The castle changed hands many times over the next few centuries and was partially destroyed and then rebuilt in the 1500’s. The views from its many terraces are some of the most beautiful in the world. Now Harm and Mac found themselves in one of the luxurious ballrooms and sat stunned at the performance before them. Hundreds of brightly dressed locals were floating about to the strains of traditional Italian music. It was the perfect ending to a truly romantic day. ‘Well, almost perfect,’ Harm thought as he chanced a glance over at Mac who was engrossed in watching the dancers. He leaned in carefully until his lips brushed her ear and he watched as goose bumps made their way up from her toes. Then he whispered in her ear. “Let’s get out of here.” “Ok,” was all she could manage as he captured her hand and led her up to one of the terraces that overlooked the city and the Gulf of Naples. For several minutes they walked together in silence until they reached a spot with a spectacular view of the city. A gentle breeze swept thru her hair as they looked out over the city. Harm knew that if he saw her every day for the rest of his life, he would never forget the way she looked today. As the soft strains of the music from below made their way to the terrace, Harm drew her in to him. “Dance with me, Marine?” he whispered softly, even as they began to move together. “Of course, flyboy,” she replied, melting into his embrace. He held her and they swayed to the music for fifty-four minutes, according to Mac’s internal clock, before he spoke again. He pulled away from her just enough to look into her eyes. “Sarah,” he began, his use of her given name causing her breath to catch. “I have something that I need to tell you,” he said softly. She could see in his eyes that whatever he had to say was very important. “What is it, Harm?” she asked anxiously. She hoped that he wouldn’t back away from her now. They were so close. He took her by the hand and slowly led her over to the railing so that they were once again looking down over the city of Naples. Then he stepped behind her and slipped his arms around her waist drawing her back into his chest. His let his lips wander along at the back of her neck until they reached her ear. He heard her breath catch at the intimate contact. He felt her eyes close even though he couldn’t see them and he knew that he would never again find a moment more perfect than this one. “I love you, Sarah.” ---Cut to Gettysburg National Military Park – Same Time--- Tim and Cindy made for quite a sight riding thru Gettysburg and into the battlefield park in their dress uniforms. Tim still refused to tell the beautiful Marine on the back of the bike why they were dressed this way and the curiosity was beginning to get to her. Several minutes later they were circling the battlefield and she watched the different signs and monuments go by marking the different portions of the battle. Then finally she felt Tim begin to pull the bike to a stop. Directly ahead of them lay a large clearing and a sign that said ‘Pickett’s Charge.’ Both officers dismounted the bike and straightened their uniforms, Cindy in her dress blues and Tim in dress whites. Cindy now understood why he’d insisted that she bring her uniform. It would only be appropriate for what they were about to do. “My father brought me here for the first time when I was only twelve,” Tim said as they stood facing each other at the edge of the field. “We walked across the field as he explained the charge to me in great detail. At the time, I didn’t understand why walking this field could make my father cry. We came back here several times after that, but I never really understood this place until I returned from my first tour with the SEALS. Thousands of men on both sides sacrificed their lives for their beliefs on this field. Americans fighting Americans on American soil,” he said, his voice catching a little at the thought. “They fought for our freedom just as much as any soldier who died on a foreign field.” “It’s hard to imagine that much pain and death right here on our own soil in such a beautiful place,” she replied. With that she reached for his hand and together they set out across the field towards the small cluster of trees that General Lee had made the center of his advance. They walked for sometime in silence before they came to the infamous, stone wall. They both stopped and took in the view from there. They could see the hills and fences that had provided cover to the Union soldiers across the field and they could almost feel the intensity of emotions that had played out over a century before. After a few minutes of silent reflection, the two officers turned and walked back across the field. When they reached the road where Tim had parked the bike, Cindy caught his hand and turned him to face her. By now both officers had streaks of tears on their cheeks and Tim reached up to brush hers away. “Thank you for sharing this with me,” she said softly. He only smiled and squeezed her hand softly. “I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share this with.” ---Cut to Castel Dell’Ovo – Same Time--- “I love you, Sarah,” Harm said softly. Mac let out a gasp at his words and she didn’t respond for a long moment. She wasn’t sure if he’d really said the words or she had just imagined them. Slowly she turned to face him and the look in his eyes said so much. She had seen intensity and passion in his eyes before, but there was no comparison to the fire that burned now in their clear blue depths. “Really?” she asked softly. She knew the answer, but after everything they’d been thru, the question came out by reflex. He smiled his understanding and led her by the hand to a nearby bench. They sat together, their hands never separating for a moment. “Yes, I do. I’m totally, completely, hopelessly in love with you, Sarah Mackenzie,” he said, his entire face exploding with the emotional release of the admission. “I love and cherish everything about you. From the simple things like the way you walk and the way you talk to the more important things like the way you never take any of my crap and the way you’ve always stood by me even when I was wrong. You challenge me everyday to be a better lawyer, to be a better officer, to be a better pilot, to be a better friend, and to be a better man. I’ve always loved these things about you, but for the longest time I was afraid to let you get too close because I was afraid that I would need you. I’ve always strived to never need anyone and for the first time I could see that crumbling away. I could see myself falling so deeply in love with you that I wouldn’t be able to face a day without you,” he said, the words all coming out in a rush. He noticed long streaks of tears running down Mac’s cheeks and he reached out and brushed them away. “Funny thing is, as hard as I fought it for so long, it happened anyway. I do need you. I need you as much as I need air. I’ve fallen so far in love with you that it scares me, Sarah. You are everything to me and I can’t deny it anymore. I want to scream it from the mountaintops!” he finished. For a long moment there was no reply, which made him very nervous. Then she looked up at him again and he could see in her eyes that she was in love with him too. “I love you too, Harmon Rabb,” she said, flinging herself into his arms as six years of emotion poured out in the form of happy tears. “I love you so much.” ---Cut to Consulate – 1915 Local Time – Sunday 8/25--- With the awards ceremony less than an hour away, Webb had decided to call a last minute meeting with Harm, Mac, and Alfred to go over their final strategy. The four operatives were now gathered in a small office adjacent to the reception room. “Ok, I just got off the phone with my team in the city. So far they’ve have no luck picking up Halohm and his men. It looks like we are going to have to stop them here,” he began. “We think that they will use a four to six man team. Three of the men will carry bombs and plant them when they are given opportunity. The others will be armed and watching,” Alfred added. “Of course this is all just guesswork at this point. We are going to have to have a little luck on this one.” “Ok, what do you want us to do?” Mac asked. “Colonel, you will be second on the list of reward recipients. This will give you an opportunity to get to the podium early and get a good look at the crowd. If you see anything unusual in the crowd relay it to me with this wire,” he said, handing her a tiny communication device and a small earpiece. “Commander, you will take up position on the west side of the third floor balcony. We think that the Halohm will target the balconies so keep a close eye,” he said, handing Harm a similar setup to one that Mac had received. “Major Faulk and I will be roaming in the crowd. Hopefully we will get some word from the city team as to what to look for. If not, we are on our own. Do both of you have your weapons?” he asked. They both responded by removing silenced pistols from their jackets and placing them on the desk. “Very well, I think I hear the guests beginning to arrive, so we should go and mingle. Good luck, Commander, Colonel, Major,” Clay said shaking each of their hands with a solemn expression before leaving the room. He didn’t like the odds on this mission, but he did like the players on his team. “Good luck, Major,” Harm said as Alfred stood to leave. “Thank you, Sir, Ma’am,” he said, acknowledging both Harm and Mac before disappearing out the door and into the reception room. When they were alone and the door was closed, the distance they had been maintaining all day disappeared in an instant. Harm wrapped his arms around his Sarah and held her so tight that it almost took her breath away. “It isn’t fair,” she whispered softly as a lone tear made it’s way down her cheek. “What’s that, Marine?” “It’s not fair that we’ve finally found each other and now I have to face the possibility of losing you,” she said sadly. He kissed the top of her head softly and rocked her in his arms. “You aren’t going to loose me, Ninja Girl.” “Don’t make a promise you can’t keep,” she reminded him softly. “I haven’t yet,” he replied. “And I never will.” ---Cut to Commercials--- * * * * * 1446 Local Time Sunday 8/25 Cindy’s Apartment Roslyn, Virginia Cindy was busy unloading the boxes that were scattered across her apartment when she heard the distinct rumble of a Harley down on the street. This sound brought back fond memories of the previous day she had spent with her handsome co-worker. Riding on the back of that motorcycle with her arms around Tim’s waist and the wind from the open road blowing thru her hair had been one of the nicest things she had experienced since moving away from Montana. Then the experience of walking in such a hallowed place with him had cemented the bond that had already begun to form between the two officers. These memories rushed thru her mind in only a few moments as she set pictures up on the shelves next to the fireplace. She was startled suddenly when there was a knock at her door. ‘Who could that be…’ she started to wonder. Then she remembered the rumbling of the Harley from a few minutes ago and it all came together in her mind. ‘He’s here!’ She quickly walked over to the door and looked thru the peephole where she found a very nervous, yet still incredibly handsome looking Tim waiting for her to answer. She swung the door open with a big smile. “This is a nice surprise,” she said, causing him to blush. “Hey, Cindy. I hope you don’t mind me dropping by,” he said nervously. “Not at all. Please come in,” she replied, stepping aside to let him in. “Thanks.” “So, what brings you by?” she asked after they were seated on the couch. She could see him searching for an excuse when he paused and it made her warm inside to think that he came over just to see her. “The boxes,” he finally replied, his eyes betraying his little white lie. “You wanted to help me unpack?” she asked, helping him with his little story. “Yeah, that’s it,” he replied. “I saw the boxes yesterday and I thought that you could use a hand unpacking.” “Thank you, Tim. I’d like that,” she said as they shared a friendly smile. ---Cut to Consulate – Same time--- The beginning of the awards ceremony went by uneventfully and soon it was time for Mac to make her way to the podium. She stood from her seat and made her way to the front of the room dress proudly in her Marine dress blues. Harm stood at the railing of the third floor balcony watching with pride as she strode confidently down the center aisle. Even in this seemingly desperate moment she still took his breath away. As she reached the stage and walked toward the presenter, a Pakistani officer, Harm’s earpiece cracked to life and he heard her voice. “Webb, the presenter, I can see wires under his jacket,” she said, trying to keep her voice quiet. ---Cut to Webb walking at the back of the crowd--- “I see him,” he replied. “Just play it cool for now.” Just then, his cell phone rang. “Webb.” “Are you sure?” he asked into the phone. “Ok, copy that,” he said hanging up the phone. ---Cut to Harm in the balcony--- “Harm, do you see anyone dress in a Pakistani uniform?” he heard Webb ask in his earpiece. “The city team just found three Pakistani officers locked in their hotel room and their uniforms are missing. It looks like just three.” Harm took a quick look around the balconies before he spotted a Pakistani officer across the way on the second floor. Then the man turned and Harm caught sight of a bulge in the man’s uniform jacket. “I’ve got one on the second floor east balcony. It look likes he’s wired,” he said quietly. ---Cut to Alfred on the stairs--- “I’ve got that one. Let’s find the third one quickly and move on them,” the Delta officer whispered into his COM unit. “Roger that,” the other three replied simultaneously. By now Mac was nearly finished at the podium and they knew that they needed to act fast. ---Cut to Harm who is now running along the third floor balcony--- “I’ve got the third one. He’s headed for the stairs and he’s spotted me. We have to move now,” he yelled as he sprinted after the phony officer. ---Cut to scenic park in McLean, Virginia – Same time--- “This was a wonderful idea, A.J.,” Sydney said softly as she reclined against his shoulder. He was leaning himself against a wide tree trunk and enjoying the shade and the closeness that he once again shared with the beautiful doctor. “It is nice here,” he replied, his thoughts wandering. At times like these he often wondered about the things he had missed out on by choosing the Navy life. Sydney could sense that he was somewhere far away and decided to say something. “Yes, it is nice here. But, have you ever thought about leaving here behind?” she asked quietly. “You mean like dropping everything and just traveling. Seeing the world?” he replied. “Yeah.” “Nope, never thought about it before,” he replied matter-of-factly, causing her heart to drop a notch until she heard his next words. “But I am now.” ---Cut to Consulate – Same time--- “Ok, move now!” Mac heard Webb say just as she was about to walk off of the stage. She quickly whirled around and landed a huge front kick across the face of the terrorist who was posing as the awards presenter. This caught the man completely by surprise and he fell to the floor, bleeding from the mouth. In another few seconds he was subdued and the bomb removed by the waiting Marines. “That’s one,” she said into the COM unit. ---Cut to Alfred on the second floor balcony--- Just as Mac began the commotion on the ground floor, Alfred had burst onto the second floor balcony and was now locked in hand to hand combat with a very skilled opponent. Back and forth they went both trading blows and displaying terrific martial arts skills. The Arab man landed a blow to Alfred’s stomach and then one to the back of his head doubling over the Army officer. As he staggered toward the railing of the balcony, the terrorist made his move and went airborne with a flying kick. It was just the opening that Alfred had been waiting for. He caught the kick and spun the man to the ground. A quick moment later, a sickening snap was heard and then a voice in Webb’s earpiece. “That’s two.” ---Cut to Harm chasing third man down stairs toward the basement--- Harm chased the third man down three flights of stairs, not daring to fire at him with a bomb in the balance. When the two men reached the bottom of the stairs that led to the basement, the terrorist turned and looked at Harm with a glazed expression. “Freeze, infidel,” the man said, opening his jacket and preparing to arm the bomb. As he did so, he paced slowly backwards. He didn’t see that an adjacent hallway was approaching on his left. “Easy now. There’s no need to do that,” Harm said, trying to buy them a little time. “Oh but there is,” the man said in an eerie grin. Just then the man reached to arm the weapon as he stepped even with the adjacent hall. Harm heard a muffled thunk and the man dropped to the ground in a heap, his weapon unarmed. Then Clay stepped out from the hallway. “That’s three.” ---Cut to CIA plane over the Atlantic--- “Hey, beautiful,” Harm said softly as Mac sat next to him and cuddled into his shoulder with a sleepy yawn. Clay had had business in Turkey and Alfred was on his way back to his unit in Afghanistan leaving Harm and Mac with the plane to themselves. “Hey, flyboy,” she replied as she felt those wonderful arms wrap around her once more. “Don’t you even think about letting go,” she said softly. “Never,” he said with a chuckle and a kiss to the top of her head. “Say it again, Harm?” she pleaded softly as she felt herself losing the battle to stay awake. “Anytime you want, Marine. I love you.” “Hmmm…I love you too.” ---Cut to Executive Producer’s credit--- * * * * * End of Episode 5 Send Feedback Back to Season X