TITLE: "To Dare to Stem the Tide"
           AUTHORS:  Anne R. and Pat Steiner
           SUMMARY:   Christmas 2003.  The past is much on the mind of Cdr. Harmon Rabb.
           CLASSIFICATION/RATING:   J/S/R/A    PG for language.
           SPOILERS:  In any of our work, any JAG episode may be referred to.
           FEEDBACK:  If you're so moved but never expected nor begged for.  Addy is ssbpmn@aol.com.  
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********************************

 
 Mon. 15 Dec 03
 JAG HQ
 
 "Ebenezer Scrooge has nothing on you," Mac observed.  She was standing beside Harm, watching Bud 
prepare to throw the switch that would light the JAG Christmas tree.  
 
 "Yeah well ho-ho-ho.  That's as merry as I plan on getting this year."
 
 "You should see your face.  It's one big scowl."
 
 "Well that's my consolation.  I don't have to look at it except when I'm shaving."
 
 She was about to answer that when AJ cleared his throat, made his short obligatory speech about 
holidays and family and JAG and Bud hit the lights.  Polite applause and it was over.
 
 Harm wasted no time in retreating to his office and when Mac followed him, his scowl deepened.  "This is 
not a good time."
 
 "Oh. OK."  She turned around, stepped out, and five seconds later was back in.  "How about now?"
 
 "Mac," he glowered.
 
 "Harm something is bothering you and I don't think I'm going to let you push me away.  Remember I tried 
that on you when my father was dying, among many other times, and you used that same scenario on me.  
You wouldn't let me stew and I want to help you now."
 
 "Mac these last few months we haven't exactly been. . ." he tried.
 
 "Don't you think I know that," she snapped.  "And I've been looking for a way that we could make it better.  
So excuse me if I'm trying to find out what's wrong with you now.  Is it me?  JAG?  Missing the CIA?  Help 
me out here Flyboy.  I'm not of a mood to play twenty questions.  Whatever happened with us in the past, I 
think we're still friends.  Are we or are we not?"
 
 "We are. But it's not something I want to talk about here."
 
 "OK I can accept that.  Now would it be out of line if I invited you to come over tonight and we talked?  Do 
you even remember the last time you were at my place?"
 
 "Uh. . .no."
 
 "Well that makes two of us.  We can order some food and you can tell me what's deprived you of your 
Christmas cheer.  It's more than just your dad and your usual Christmas bum-out isn't it?"
 
 "Yeah it is, and yeah it would feel good to talk like we used to," he sighed.  "I just don't know if that's a 
good thing.  For either of us."
 
 "Oh good night nurse it's a meal we're going to share.  Like we used to back in the dim dark past," she 
groaned.  "And if you change your mind about talking, that's OK too.  No strings.  I'll crank up the fireplace 
even--light the log."
 
 That brought a slow smile to his face.  "Will you wear the flannel cowboy PJs?."
 
 "No."  And she turned on her heel and left.
 
 As soon as she was gone, Harm pulled the letter from Sergei from his drawer once more. 
 
 My brother, 
 	I can only assume because you did not answer my last letter that you do not approve of what I 
am about to undertake.  For that I am sorry.  I wanted your support.  I do not understand but your life is 
your own.  I have decided that with or without your help and backing I am going to find the truth.  I have 
taken a leave of absence and also put my marriage plans on hold.  Ivanna thankfully understands.  I hope 
you do.  I will keep you informed as best I can, though of course at this moment I do not know where the 
search will take me.  
 	Perhaps you will keep me in your prayers---Sergei.<
 
 With a muttered Sailor-curse, Harm folded the letter and placed it in his pocket.  Why could his brother not 
let the past stay in the past 
  
 *****************
 Mac's Apartment
 6:00 PM EST
 
 "You came" she smiled as she opened the door. "I was wondering if you were 
 going to try change your mind and not come after all."
 
 "I'm here" he sighed. "Just not in the best of moods. And I apologize up 
 front for that."
 
 "I can live with cranky Harm. And I just ordered Chinese so just sit down 
 and make yourself comfortable."
 
 "You know I really shouldn't subject you to my bad mood."
 
 "When has it stopped you before" she teased. "Harm chill. You're not going 
 to ruin my night or anything if you don't want to talk. I do understand that 
 sometimes you have stuff you don't want to share."
 
 "It's not that I don't want to share. It's just not something I want to 
 think about."
 
 "You're not in trouble are you?" she frowned.
 
 "No" he shook his head as he sank down on her sofa. "I got a letter from 
 Sergei."
 
 "He's okay isn't he?"
 
 "He's fine. He and Ivanna are actually engaged. And were making some serious 
 wedding plans."
 
 "Were? Did something happen?"
 
 "No. They're still going to get married. It's just been delayed while Sergei 
 goes off on  his wild goose chase."
 
 "What wild goose chase?"
 
 Harm stood up and paced the living room, finally stopping to look out her 
 window. He hadn't intended to tell her everything. But sometimes it was just 
 so easy to talk to her.
 
 "Harm?" she prodded softly as she walked over to him, her hand going gently 
 to his arm. "Harm what is it?"
 
 "Sergei's looking into what happened to our father" he sighed. "He wanted my 
 help but I've ignored his letters."
 
 "We know what happened to your father" Mac frowned. "And so does he right? I don't 
 understand."
 
 "Apparently he's not convinced that he's been told the truth. Don't even ask 
 me where he got that idea from but it's what he's thinking. And Ivanna is 
 supporting him and he thinks I should support him too."
 
 "But you don't want to" Mac said softly.
 
 He shook his head and turned to face her. "Mac we've been down that road. 
 It's not something I want to rehash again."
 
 "I know. And that much I do understand. I was with you remember. It wasn't 
 easy then and I don't want to see you go through it again."
 
 "Thank you. Would you tell Sergei that for me?"
 
 "If you want me to I will."
 
 "Really?"
 
 "Of course" she smiled. "Why would you think I wouldn't? We've always been 
 and always will be friends."
 
 The sound of the doorbell kept him from answering and a few minutes later 
 they were enjoying Chinese in the kitchen.
 
 "Thanks this is perfect" he said between bites of fried rice. "I probably 
 would have just gone home and drank a beer and flipped channels till I fell 
 asleep."
 
 "This really has gotten you in a funk hasn't it?"
 
 "I guess it's because it just came out of the blue. I didn't expect anything 
 like this from Sergei."
'Harm, just tell me to shut up when my opinion is no longer wanted by you," she said after a moment's 
thought while she twirled lo mein onto her chop sticks.  "But you know what, we--you and I--bought into the 
old woman's story awfully easily.  We didn't get any verification."

"I know," he replied quietly, impaling a shrimp on his own eating implements.  "At the time I remember 
being exhausted and drained and so relieved that it was almost over.  Relieved that you hadn't gotten hurt 
on my behalf too."

"Thanks.  That's sweet," she smiled gently.  "And I'm going to refrain from reminding you that you're talking 
to a Marine here."

"Thank you.  So yeah.  Basically that's my problem.  I'm conditioned to find Christmas a downer anyway; 
and now Sergei is on this campaign and wanting my help.  I don't like that I'm not supporting him. I feel like 
I let him down when I wasn't able to get it fixed for him to stay here; now I'm doing it again."

"What is it that Sergei wants to investigate?"

"All he told me originally was that he had reason to believe some of what we've come to know to be family 
history is not totally true.  He says he has reason to question Pitchta's story.  And this all started a couple 
of months ago when he decided he would do his family tree as part of what he would bring to the 
marriage."

"And you don't want to relive all that.  You found your father, and accepted what we were told and put it to 
rest."

"Exactly so.  Yes."  He took a long drink of his milk before continuing.  "The man is dead.  Has been for 
twenty years now.  Buried in the forest."

"OK.  So you've made that decision.  Just tell Sergei you're not interested in a replay."

"It's not that easy," he murmured. "There's the matter of it's not to much for one brother to ask another for 
help.  Just as important, my god Mac I wanted the truth and thought I had it but what if I don't.  Now I'm not 
sure I can live with the uncertainty Sergei has planted.  Damn him.  Why couldn't he leave well enough 
alone."

"Because he's young and impulsive.  Reckless youth.  Like a certain commander who ran away from home 
to try to find his dad when he was sixteen," Mac smiled warmly.

"OK so what sage advice have you got for me?"

She slid her hand across the table and placed it atop his.  That you don't shut me out.  I don't know what I 
can do but I want to help." 

"You already have," he nodded, looking down at her hand on his and around at the warm apartment and 
food leftovers.  "Thank you.  At least I feel better able to tell Sergei I'm not going to be a willing participant 
in a resurrection of a long dead matter."

"Even if what we have accepted as truth is wrong?" she asked gently.  "I guess what I'm asking too is how 
badly do you want to know the real story--if what we know isn't it; and how badly do you want to accept 
what we know and not delve any further?"

He opened his mouth to speak and stopped, shaking his head.  "Mac I don't know.  I can live with what we 
found four years ago.  What if I can't live with what we find out now."

"Well in the first place you're not alone," she reminded him sternly, pressing her hand down hard on top of 
his for emphasis.

"You mean that don't you," he breathed, again looking at their hands.
  
 "Yes I do. And wherever this road should take you, well I'll be there with 
 you."
 
 "Mac what if this road goes somewhere I don't want to go. Somewhere I don't 
 want you to go. I can't ask you to do anymore than you did last time. As it 
 was I almost got you killed."
 
 "I can handle myself remember?"
 
 "No" he said as he shook his head. "It's crazy to even think about doing 
 that again. Everything is just starting to calm down here again. And if I 
 tell the Admiral I want to leave and go help Sergei find my father, he's 
 either going to set me up for a psych eval or sending me packing for good."
 
 "What exactly is Sergei asking you to do?"
 
 "He wants my help in Russia."
 
 Mac drew in a long breath. "Then you may have to make a decision here 
 sailor. Because you're probably right about the Admiral."
 
 "Mac I just got my career back" he sighed. "I'm not sure I'm ready to lose 
 it again on some whim of Sergei's that may turn out to be nothing."
 
 "I don't know what to tell you. This has to be your decision."
 
 "What would you do?"
 
 "Harm I'm not you."
 
 "If you were me, what would you do?" he asked. "Would you risk your career 
 to find your mother?"
 
 "If it were my mother, no" she said softly. "But if it were someone else 
 that I cared for very much, well then I'd probably do it. Without a second 
 thought. Like you do when you came to find me in Paraguay."
 
 He opened and closed his mouth several times before letting out a long sigh. 
 "I didn't even think then," he said finally. "I just knew that my career 
 wasn't as important as you."
 
 "Is it as important as finding out the truth about your father? Harm you 
 were willing to give it all up three years ago for him. Why not now?"
 
 "Maybe because of I'm afraid of going through that all again" Harm admitted. 
 "I can't bury him again Mac. It was too painful the first time."
 
 "I know. And the last thing I want to do is see you hurting like that 
 again."
 
 "So it's easier just not to face it."
 
 "Is it? Or will it drive you crazy like it did the first time when you 
 thought he might be alive."
 
 "It'll probably drive me crazy" he sighed.
 
 "Then I think you know what your answer is," Mac said softly. "And just know 
 that whatever you need, I'm here for you."
 
 "The Admiral is going to kill me."
 
 "I'd be happy to go with you when you talk to him. He wouldn't dare kill 
 both his senior attorneys."
 
 "He's not going to let both of us go either."
 
 "He won't have a choice" Mac shrugged. "I'll make it real easy for him."

Harm's eyes narrowed.  "Just what are you talking about?"

"When you came to Paraguay for me, you turned what I did for you in Russia into small potatoes," she 
replied softly.  "So if you're planning to go to Russia then I'm coming with you.  It's just that simple."

"No it's not," he returned.  "In the first place I haven't decided if I'm going; and in the second, I sure as hell 
won't let you throw away your career.  But one thing's in our favor.  It's December and things are slow.  We 
have leave out the six both of us.  He may let us get away with ten days or so.  If it comes to that."

"You can't decide can you," she whispered in sympathy, sidestepping the matter of their career 
considerations for now.

"No.  I go back and forth.  From desperately wanting to know what Sergei managed to find if anything--to 
wanting my father buried in the Tiaga and resting in peace.  Tell me what to do."

Her eyes widened in surprise.  "For the whole eight years we've known each other, you have never asked 
that of me.  In fact some things like your taking flight status you've done without even telling me."

"Yeah OK guilty," he grumped.  "Now I just want to know what to do."

"Sorry Partner.  I can't.  Even if I knew in my heart what was best.  I can't tell you what to do.  I can tell you 
whatever it is, I don't want you to do it alone."

"Well that's something at least.  Thanks.  And that's all I want to say on that for tonight.  Can we watch a 
movie or are you sick of me?"

"Go put your six on that sofa and get something on," she groaned.  "I'll be right there."

She made short work of the little mess they had created and when she came to the sofa found him sitting 
with his arm across the back, as if delineating her spot.  With a soft smile she settled down beside him and 
felt his arm drop across her shoulders.

"OK?" he whispered, suddenly self conscious.

"If anything you do is ever  not, I'll let you know.  When have I ever been shy about that," she replied, 
letting herself relax against him.

The movie was over all too soon and he carefully extracted himself from her.  "Thanks.  Thanks for 
everything," he said softly, starting toward the door.

"You're welcome.  For everything.  This was great.  I hope we can do it again."

"Of course we can."  She took a long breath before continuing.  "You know Harm there was a time when 
you and I were in and out of each other's places, we jogged together, ate together while we worked and 
somehow. . ."  Her voice trailed off and she shook her head.  

"It all went to hell somewhere didn't it," he whispered without hesitation, this time not backing away from 
talk about them.  "Just seems like there was so much.  My flight duty, Mic and Renee.  Then that passed 
and we were getting on track when Afghanistan hit and Bud and. . ."  

She put a gentle hand to his mouth.  "Don't.  Don't because you're going to get to Paraguay and Clay and I 
don't want to even begin to touch on any of that."

"Sure.  But someday we're going to have to talk about it," he pointed out gently.

"Maybe.  Or maybe we can just put the whole thing down to I must have been suffering from hormonal 
dysfunction due to pretending I was pregnant."

"OK I can do that," he grinned.  "Good night Mac.  Lock up when I leave."

She nodded and walked him to the door, opening it slowly.   "Drive safe, and get some sleep.  This Sergei 
thing with your dad will work out."

"I know.  Thanks."  He touched the back of his hand to her cheek, surprising them both, and slipped 
through the door, leaving her shaking her head in amazement.  If she lived four lifetimes she would never 
figure out that man.
=================
For the next two days, Harm did not mention his dilemma and Mac refrained from asking, figuring he would 
further discuss it with her if he was of a mind.

"You don't look happy," he observed when he joined her at lunch that afternoon  "See it's all that crud you 
eat."  

"Hey.  No the burger is great.  I've just found out I'm going to New London," she sighed.

"The Patterson case?"

"What else," she groused.  "That's going to take at least a week.  Not looking forward.  It's a messy case.

"Yeah it is," he nodded in sympathy.  "I wish I was going with you."

"I wish it was you going," she teased. 

"Well the least I can do is cook you a goodbye dinner," he offered, adding softly, "I'm going to miss you."
 
 "Yeah right" she smiled.
 
 "No I'm serious. I will. It's been nice reconnecting."
 
 "Well it isn't going to stop just because I'm going away. And with any 
 amount of luck I'll be home for Christmas."
 
 "I'm not sure where I'll be" he murmured and Mac frowned at him.
 
 "Okay sailor what's that supposed to mean? And don't tell me nothing. 
 Because I know the wheels are turning up there."
 
 "Nothing. I'm just still thinking about Sergei."
 
 "And going to Russia?" she whispered. "Harm you wouldn't dare leave without 
 telling me would you?"
 
 "I haven't made up my mind yet" he sighed. "And no I would tell you. Well 
 maybe after I was gone I would have called you."
 
 "Harm if you go, I want to go with you."
 
 "Oh that's going to fly with the Admiral. Sir I need to drop the Patterson 
 case on someone else cause I need to hold Harm's hand while he goes to 
 Russia."
 
 "I don't consider it holding your hand. I consider it being there for a 
 friend."
 
 "And I appreciate that" Harm said with a small smile. "And I haven't made 
 any definite plans yet. Hell I haven't even decided I want to go."
 
 "Promise me you won't go without telling me."
 
 "Mac if you're in the middle of something, I'm not going to bother you."
 
 "Harm I want your promise that you won't leave without telling me. I mean 
 it."
 
 He opened and closed his mouth several times before finally letting out a 
 long sigh. "Okay. You have my word."
 
 "Good. Now what time are you cooking me dinner?" she smiled.
 
 "Six. My place."
 
 "I will be there. And thank you."
 
 **********************
 Harm's Apartment
 Six PM EST
 
 Harm was whistling softly to himself when Mac knocked at the door and he 
 greeted her with a warm smile.
 
 "Hey right on time."
 
 "Smells wonderful" she smiled back. "You didn't have to go all out you know. 
 I mean all I did was order take out."

 "Yeah well in that case it was the better choice" he grinned.
 
 "Keep it up Rabb and there won't be any presents with your name on them" she 
 laughed. "Lumps of coal and that's it."
 
 "Sorry. And have a seat. I think everything is ready."
 
 "Candles" Mac smiled as she looked at the table. "Wow."
 
 "No I'm not planning on seducing you" he teased. "I just thought it would 
 look nice."
 
 "Darn. Here I was hoping you were."
  
"Well I could arrange that," he smiled, his eyes lighting up.

"Uh thanks, but I'll pass being a notch on the Rabb bedpost," she laughed.  "Though let's see, where 
would you put me?  Would I have my own place or would you squeeze me in between Renee and Annie?"

"Cute.  Real cute.  But you're right.  We're more than just a seduction.  A one-night stand."

"Yeah we are," she nodded.  "You're only like this with me remember."

"I am.  Have a seat.  You hungry?"

"Only starved.  What's in the oven?"

"Lamb."

"You're kidding," she smiled.  "Harm you didn't have to do that for me."

He shrugged and shook his head.  "I avoid meat most of the time because I prefer other things, but I do fix 
it, especially for guests.  Especially for guests I care about."

She blushed and said nothing, and he guided her into a chair. 

"Harm I'm only going to be gone a week," she reminded him when he had put the food out, and her hand 
shot out to grasp his wrist.  "Unless you're making our last night in a while together because you think it 
could be more than just me going away."

"Mac no.  Honest," he said quickly.  "Nothing has changed since this afternoon.  No more news and no 
decision.  Please let it go.  I won't do anything without telling you.  I gave my word.  I haven't heard 
anything else from Sergei.  Maybe he's come to his senses and he and Ivanna ran off to Las Vegas-astok 
and got married." 

She giggled at that and relaxed.  "Well then pass the lamb."

At the end of the movie they watched, he flipped off the TV and turned to her.  "I was serious before when I 
said I'm going to miss you," he whispered, turning himself so that he was more facing her.

She smiled softly and turned likewise, both of them sitting facing each other on the sofa.

"I'm not gone very far," she smiled.  "And unlike someone else I will stay in touch."

"Ouch," he laughed and opened his mouth to speak and then stopped.  He had opened up to her once 
before with disastrous results.  His attempt to communicate feelings in Paraguay had led to a wide chasm 
between them.

With understanding born of eight long years of knowing this man, she smiled again, reaching out to take 
both his hands.  "Harm you know it might be better if we didn't try to talk.  That doesn't seem to work for 
us."

"I'm aware," he sighed, automatically letting his fingers entwine with hers.  "So what uh. . .what did you 
have in mind, being as we're not going to see each other for a week and all."

She leaned forward and captured his lips in a kiss that was gentle at first, then more serious.  Taking her 
desire as permission, he responded in kind and a second later found himself pulling her to him, wrapping 
his arms across her back.  

"Sarah?  Sarah how far do you want this to go?" he whispered, his voice husky with desire.

She raised her head and her eyes met his.  "As far as you want to take it Flyboy."
 
  "I want to take it all the way," he admitted. "But I don't want to rush 
  anything either. We've just found this and I don't want to muck it up."
  
  "Then maybe we should just keep doing what we're doing" she said softly. "At 
  least for the moment."
  
  He nodded. "But I can still do this right?" His lips found hers in another 
  long kiss and she smiled when they parted.
  
  "Oh yeah."
  
  "I really wish you weren't going away" he sighed as he leaned back, pulling 
  her back with him. "The timing really sucks."
  
  "You want me to tell the Admiral that?" she giggled. "Maybe he'll send 
  Sturgis instead."
  
  "I know you have to go. I just was getting real used to you again."
  
  "It's only for a week at the most. And then we'll have the rush of the 
  holidays. Which if we're here I hope we can spend together."
  
  "Of course. Well except for my Christmas Eve."
  
  "I still want us to be together. Dinner and then Chaplain Turner's service. 
  And then we can go together to the Wall. I'd like to do that--if you don't mind me intruding."
  
  "You wouldn't be intruding. And when I think about going there I think about 
  Sergei and his ludicrous idea."

  "Why is it so ludicrous? What if your father is alive?"
  
  "Then I'd want him back here so he could be a part of my life" Harm 
  shrugged. "I don't know how Mom would feel but if he is alive somewhere, 
  well I think he deserves to come home."
  
  "But you're not convinced he's alive?"
  
  "No. Mac why would Pitchta have lied to us? What reason would she have had?"
  
  "To protect him?" Mac offered. "Harm I don't know. Maybe she was afraid if 
  she told you anything else something would happen to him."
  
  "Why not tell Sergei the truth?"
  
  "I don't know. You got me on that."
  
  "See that's what keeps going round in my mind" he sighed. "I could see her 
  lying to me. But why Sergei? It just doesn't make any sense."
  
  "Unless she was doing it to protect your father."
  
  "From what?"
  
  "Harm I'm just talking out loud here" Mac said gently. "I don't have any 
  answers for you. I wish I did but I don't."
  
  "I know and I'm sorry. Talking about this always upsets me. Which is why 
  it's best left the way it is."
  
  "So you're not going to go help Sergei find your father?"
  
  He didn't answer and Mac knew he was still fighting with himself to come up 
  with the right answer.
  
  "Well whatever choice you make, just remember I'm here," she said softly. 
  "If you need me to go to Russia, I'll be there. If you want to drop the 
  subject and never talk about it again, then I will."
  
  "Thank you" he sighed. "For being there and for understanding."
  
  "That's what friends are for" she smiled.
  
  "Friends? That's all we are?"
  
  "You know what I mean. Okay so we're more than friends. And maybe we can be 
  a lot more than friends."
  
  "I hope so" he whispered. "Now where were we before I got sidetracked?"
  
  "Let me refresh your memory" she smiled before leaning forward for a long 
  kiss.
   
 "Feel free to refresh me any time," he grinned.  "And expect me to pout that you're leaving."
 
 "I'm only going a few hundred miles north of here," she laughed.  "We can talk every day if you're of a 
mind."
 
 "I'm of a mind," he nodded happily.  "This is so strange.  Suddenly you and I seem so simple and it's the 
rest of my life that's complicated."
 
 "And that will work itself out too," she said softly.  "And you know what too, just because Sergei has told 
you he doesn't trust Pitchta's story, how does that follow that your dad is alive?"
 
 "I. . . well actually I don't know.  But it's a conclusion I jumped to," he admitted sheepishly.  "Of course if in 
my heart I really believed that, I'd be on the next plane.  As for Sergei, well it started out as a search for his 
roots.  Now if he thinks that, I'm afraid he's going to be disappointed.   Like I was."
 
 She nodded and squeezed his hand.  "You were holding out hope when we went I know."
 
 "Like the little lost six year old," he smiled.  
 
 It was with the utmost reluctance that they parted at the end of the evening.  The next morning she made 
her flight, and he quietly went about his duties at JAG.
 
 A few days later, Harm told her he had taken on a complicated murder case of his own, and her case 
became more muddled and difficult, to the point where it was necessary to leave New London for the 
Connecticut countryside to talk to people who knew of the defendant.  For those three days she and Harm 
played phone tag, neither of them connecting, and when she came back to New London, twenty-four hours 
passed without her hearing from him.
 
 When a day beyond that went by, she was determined to call JAG HQ and see what she could find out.  
Glad that court was done for the day, she stepped inside the lobby of the Guest House, and when she 
heard a familiar voice call her name, she literally jumped.
 
 "Clay?  Clay my god I thought you were in. . .good grief I'm so surprised to see you I can't even remember 
where I thought you were," she gasped.  "How did you find me and why?"
 
 Clayton Webb rose slowly from the chair.  "Finding you wasn't hard.  I called the office to talk to you, and 
when they said you were up here, and had been for several days, well that explained a lot."
 
 "Clay you've got thirty seconds to start making sense or I'm going to tell that nice security guard, who's 
armed, over there that you're a wanted terrorist," she hissed, already starting to feel that whatever he was 
here for, it had to do with Harm.
 
 "Let's go to your room," he told her, and there was something in his tone that made her shudder as she at 
once led the way. 
 
 Once inside her room she set her things down and locked the door behind them, not sure why.  "OK Mr. 
Spook.  What explains what, and don't tell me for a second while I pray this has nothing to do with Harm."
 
 "Sorry."
 
 His tone again chilled her and she sat down on the bed.  "Clay, please.  Please don't tell me you're here 
because he's. . .but why would I even think that when he's in DC safely working a murder case."
 
 "Because that's what he made you think.  He's not even in this country Mac."
    
  "He promised me" she gasped. "I made him promise me he wouldn't do anything 
  without telling me and he did anyway."
  
  "Well not really" Clay sighed as he pulled out an envelope. "He left this 
  for you. I guess it's his way of telling you without actually having to face 
  you."
  
  For a moment she just stared at the envelope, too hurt to even take it from 
  him. This wasn't what she'd expected from Harm.
  
  "Sarah open it and read it. I'm sure he explained himself."
  
  "He broke a promise" she snapped. "One I made him make because I knew he 
  would do something stupid like this."
  
  "For good reason Sarah. Because he loves you and he doesn't want you in 
  trouble."
  
  "And you know this how?"
  
  "We uh talked before he left" Clay admitted sheepishly.
  
  "And you waited until now to tell me" Mac shrieked. "How could you?"
  
  "Because he made me promise and quite frankly I was with him in his decision 
  to not have you go along. We both had the same motive behind it. Protecting 
  you."
  
  "I do not need to be protected" she retorted. "And I'll remind you Clayton 
  Webb that I could take you out any day of the week if I wanted to."
  
  "Okay okay I'm sure you can. So Rabb and I are a little sexist when it comes 
  to you. We tend to forget you're a Marine. That happens when you love 
  someone you know. All you can think about is making sure nothing happens to 
  them."
  
  "Clay don't go there please."
  
  "Sarah no matter whatever happens, you'll always have a piece of my heart" 
  Clay said quietly. "Even if I know the rest of yours belongs to Harm."
  
  "We were just starting to make things work" Mac sighed. "And then I got sent 
  up here."
  
  "I know. He and I talked a little about you before he left."
  
  "What did he say?"
  
  "I think it's best for him to tell you that" Clay said with a small smile. 
  "It won't be as good coming from a third party."
  
  "When did he leave and why are you here now to tell me he left? Did 
  something happen?"
  
  "Two days ago. And far as I know nothing has happened. I know he arrived 
  because he left me a message that he might be calling me for help."
  
  "What kind of help?" Mac frowned.
  
  "I don't know and that's why I'm here. I haven't heard from him since I got 
  the message that he was in Moscow and going to meet Sergei."
  
  "So he could be in trouble" she whispered.
  
  "I didn't say that. He could just be out of touch because of where he and 
  Sergei are."
  
  "It's been almost two days since I've heard from him. We were trading voice 
  mails but I haven't gotten anything from him in almost forty-eight hours."
  
  "That doesn't mean he's in trouble."
  
  "Do you know where he was going?" Mac demanded. "And do not even lie to me 
  and tell me you don't because I know you do."
  
  "Sarah you can't go running after him."
  
  "You can either help me or I'll go myself Clay. Which is it going to be?"
  
  "You know that I would do anything for you" Clay sighed. "But I really dont 
  want to face the wrath of Harm."
  
  "Then I'll go alone."
  
  "Sarah."
  
  "Clay I'm serious. Help me or I go alone."
  
  "Fine" he said finally. "You read while I make arrangements." He shoved the 
  envelope in her hand before pulling out his cell phone and dialing.  "Just how do you expect to get the 
Admiral to agree to you traipsing halfway across the world following your partner's wild hair anyway?" he 
demanded as he waited for the phone to connect.  "And go ahead and open that--it's not going to bite 
you."
 
 "We're in a recess anyway," she said softly.  "Long story and I come off badly in it.  And Clay, some things 
just supersede military protocol.  Like when he came after us in Paraguay."
 
 "Yeah tell me about it," he sighed in resignation.  "Which is why I owe him and can't turn my back now.  I 
just wish I knew. . ." His finger went up to indicate the call was connected and she walked away, slapping 
the envelope against her palm. 
 
 "Harm why?" she murmured, just loud enough for Clay to hear.
 
 "Open the frickin' letter," he screeched.  "Uh no sir, not you.  Sorry."
 
 Mac returned Clay's glare before starting to open the envelope.  Only then did she how it was addressed.  
"Sarah".  Not Mac.  Sarah.  He had so seldom used her given name, where she had heard it from Clay a 
hundred times over in Paraguay.  Carefully she slit it open, removing the folded page with a slightly 
shaking hand.
 
 Sarah. [That name again].  I have no right to ask you to not be angry.  I did break my promise.  By the 
time Clay delivers this to you, I will be in country.  He'll explain the situation.  I just wanted to tell you 
myself that I had gone, and that there was no choice.  Hopefully once I get there I'll find everything is OK.  
Sergei and I will talk and somehow this will work out.   The other thing I want to work out is us.  You and 
me.  I haven't given up on that, and I hope this doesn't make you want to run the other way.  I'll see you 
soon.  Take care.  Harm<<
 
 "Thank you.  Appreciate it Ted and I owe you big time. . .oh I'm sure you will collect."  Clay hung up the 
phone as Mac turned around.  "Harm is going to kill me for this."
 
 "Well look at it this way, you get to live a few more days that way.  If you'd refused, you wouldn't make 
sundown today.  Now what's Harm talking about here?  What do you know?"
 
 "I know that Sergei, with some help from me indirectly, has enough evidence to discredit Pitchta's story.  
Only I have no idea what it would be replaced with.  Harm may wish well enough had been left alone."
 
 "Which was the dilemma he was griping about before he left.  Clay I don't understand what Sergei might 
have told him that would make him drop everything and run off like that."
 
 "How about Harmon Rabb Senior being alive?"
 
 Her breath caught tightly in her chest.  "Is that the case?  Is that what you're trying to say?"
 
 Clay held up his hand for her to slow down.  "No.  I honestly don't know.  Right now we're working from 
the perspective that Pitchta's story is full of holes.  But it doesn't necessarily follow that Lt. Rabb is alive.  
Only that the circumstance of is death might be different.  You with me so far?"
 
 "Of course.  Despite a brain that's fried from this case I've been working on. But there's something you're 
not telling me, else you would be content for Harm to dig his own grave."
 
 Clay nodded soberly.  "Yeah. Sorry there is."
 
 "Should I sit down?" she laughed nervously.
 
 "Just keep a grip OK.  Harm was in Moscow and planning on meeting Sergei.  I gave him the name of a 
contact there.  A man I could trust.  Mikhail Ivanof.  Now maybe he simply decided he didn't want to 
confide in this man but. . ."  His voice trailed off and Mac took a deep breath.
 
 "He didn't make the contact did he?"
 
 "No.  Basically he's dropped out of sight.  His hotel room hasn't been checked out of, but nor has it been 
occupied.   Now the possible course of action is to wait and see if he surfaces, but I'm not sure we can risk 
that."
 
 She swallowed hard, pushing away a dozen scenarios of disaster that flashed before her eyes.  "Clay he 
has enemies there.  As does Sergei."
 
 "Yeah I know.  Hence I'm going.  And obviously so are you."
 
 "You got that right."
 
 "What are you going to tell the Admiral?" he asked with a wry smile.
 
 "I'm going to call the duty desk and leave a message.  This way I'm not DDO at least," she replied, 
mimicking his smile.
 
 "Sarah do you realize what you're doing here?" Clay sighed. "I've always 
 given you credit for having more brains than Harm and right now I just want 
 you to be sure of what you're about to do."
 
 "I'm about to go find someone I care very much about" she sighed.
 
 "What about your career?"
 
 "I have friends at the Agency."
 
 "No. I helped Harm but there was no way I would put you in that position 
 again. I still have nightmares about Paraguay as it is and I dont even want 
 to think about you out in the field somewhere."
 
 "There's always the civilian world. Clay we're wasting time here. I'm going 
 to call JAG and leave a message and then we are out of here.
 
 "Are you sure this is what you want to do?" he asked again. "I can just as 
 easily go there myself and let you know what's going on."
 
 "No" she shook her head. "The only reason Harm didn't tell me he was going 
 was because he knew there might be trouble. And I'm guessing that's why he 
 hasn't called me since. So knowing what I know, there is no way I can sit 
 here while he's over there."
 
 "Okay I thought I'd try again. You know I care about you too and I don't 
 like the idea of you getting involved in this either."
 
 "But you came here anyway and told me" Mac said softly. "You didn't have to 
 but you did. Why?"
 
 "Because I know how you feel about him. As much as I hate to admit it to 
 myself, I know what he means to you."
 
 "Can we save this for later?" she sighed. "We're wasting time."
 
 Clay nodded. "Okay. We've got a flight out of JFK later tonight but we've 
 got plenty of time to drive there."
 
 "I'll be ready in five."
 
 "Sarah you're sure?"
 
 "Clay go warm up the car" she told him. "I'll be there as soon as I make a 
 phone call and check out."
 
 She left the briefest of messages with the duty desk before packing up her 
 stuff and hurrying outside to where Clay was waiting in the car.
 
 "Did you even tell him where you were going?" Clay asked.
 
 "No. He'll probably know anyway."
 
 "You know you two are probably both going to be looking for employment when 
 this is all over" he sighed. "AJ is going to send you both packing after 
 this."
 
 "So be it. But I owe this to Harm."
 
 "I don't even want to think about how angry he's going to be at me for 
 bringing you there."
 
 "You have no choice" Mac reminded him.
 
 "I could tell you no and take you back to DC."
 
 "But you won't now will you?"
 
 "No I won't" he sighed. "And you know why."
 
 "Clay you know if there was no Harm you would have my heart" Mac said 
 softly. "But I couldn't give it to you when he always had it."
 
 "I know. Trust me Sarah I know. I saw it the first time you two met. I knew 
 at that moment I'd lost you forever."
 
 "We will always be friends. If you can live with that."
 
 "I'll take you any way I can have you," he said with a small smile. "You're 
 way too important to me to not have in my life."
 
 "Enough sap Clay. We've got a plane to catch."
 
 "I really hope you and Harm get it right one of these days" he sighed. 
 "Because you've given up a lot for him."
 
 "And he's done the same."
 
 "I didn't mean JAG."
 
 "You meant you. And yes I have given up a lot. But deep down I know Harm and 
 I have something. Something very special."
 
"I did mean me," Clay smiled sheepishly.  "But I want your happiness Sarah.  And if it's with Harm, well so 
be it.  Truthfully I wouldn't want you to settle for me.  Which is what it would be I think.  Like it almost was 
with Brumby."

"Yeah.  That was settling. Big time.  But then I was thinking, OK maybe it's not so bad to be loved like Mic 
loved me.  Long as one of us did.  That probably didn't make a lot of sense."

"No, I know what you're saying.  I just don't believe you're saying it," he groaned, taking her arm.  "Shall we 
motivate?"

Not until they were in the air, out over the Atlantic, did Mac turn to Clay and give his arm a shake to get his 
attention from his magazine.  "What?" he murmured, not looking up.

"I want to know what you and Harm talked about.  About me," she whispered.

"No.

"Excuse me?  No?"

"No.  I told you that needs to come from him.  Unless. . ."  He drew a long breath before going on.  "Unless 
he can't."

Her hand went to her mouth and she stifled a sob, knowing exactly to what Clay was referring.

"Sarah you're going to need to hold it together," he reminded her gently.  "I'm afraid we're going to need 
LTC Mackenzie more than we need Sarah."

She gulped and nodded.  "I know, and you know from Paraguay if the heat's on I won't let you down."

"And that's the only reason you're not sitting back in the US right now."

"Glad you didn't try to make me," she murmured, leaning back and closing her eyes.  A moment later they 
opened again and she looked out of her window into the black sky.  "Keep him safe Lord.  For me."

MOSCOW
8 HOURS LATER

"How's your Russian Clay," she asked as they were awaiting baggage claim. 

"I can order a vodka rocks and ask where the men's room is."

"Well that will get us a long way.  Not.  Harm's Hotel?"

The cab driver took them to a small place away from the center of downtown and Mac smiled to herself 
thinking of Alexei from when she and Harm were there before.

"Did you send him to this place?" Mac frowned when they stood on the sidewalk in front of the doors.

"No.  I assume Sergei.  Wanted him to stay someplace out of the way."

"Well this is it."

"Yeah but this is the kind of cozy non-touristy thing that would be good for meeting."

"Not for someone not speaking Russian," she fretted.

"Sergei," he reminded her, taking her arm and leading her inside.  "I'm assuming Harm's room is still 
occupied.  A few rubles to the housekeeper should get us inside.  I'm not sure what we'll find there, but 
maybe some kind of indication where he might have gone.  Come on Ms. Russia 2003."

Mac's Russian skills and Clay's having remembered to change American dollars at the airport did in fact 
get them admitted to Harm's room.  "What did you tell her anyway?" he asked.

Mac smiled and shook her head.  "My secret."

The startled female cry that came a second after Clay opened the door made them both jump.  Mac froze 
in place behind Clay when he stepped forward and he reached back and tugged her inside.  

"Who the hell are you?" Clay demanded at once, seeing Mac was too surprised to speak.  

The woman jumped from the bed, grabbing a sheet around her, staring at them both in the same shock 
wave Mac was feeling. She spoke several words in Russian and Mac turned to Clay with a slight sigh of 
relief.
 
"It's okay. She works for Mikhail. She asked if you were Mr. Webb."

"What the hell is she doing in Harm's room?" Clay demanded.

"Waiting for Mister Rabb" she answered in hesitant English.

"Have you seen him?" Mac asked. "Has he been here at all?"

The woman shook her head. "No. Mikhail asked me to wait for him. He did not 
come to the meeting. Mikhail think he could have trouble."

"That's not what I needed to hear" Mac sighed. "What's your name?"

"Alina."

"Mac. And of course this is Clay."

"Okay Alina, where can we find Mikhail?" Clay asked. "It's not that I don’t 
trust you but I'd much rather talk to someone I know."

"I can call him and he come here."

"Are planning on staying here?" Mac asked. "Because quite frankly I could 
use some time to clean up and get changed before he comes."

"Well there's enough room for both of us" Clay murmured as he looked at the 
bed. "Provided you don't mind sharing with me again. If she's staying she 
can take the chair."

"I not stay now that you here" Alina answered.

"But you will get Mikhail and have him come right?" Clay asked. "I really 
need to speak with him."

Alina nodded. "You rest. I will go get Mikhail."

She hurried to the bathroom after grabbing her clothes and for a moment Clay 
couldn't help staring after her.

"See something you like Mr. Webb?" Mac said with amusement.

"Well she is sort of cute" he smiled.

"But do you think she's telling us the truth? That's all that matters to 
me."

"I guess we'll have to wait and see if she brings Mikhail to us or someone 
else" Clay sighed. "And now that I think about it, maybe it would be a good 
idea for you to go somewhere else until I know for sure who she is working 
for. This could all be a set up."

"Like you're going to get me to go somewhere else and leave you alone" Mac 
scoffed. "You must be jetlagged Clay because there's no way in hell I'd do 
that."

"It was worth a try. But I think one of us should stand guard until we know 
for sure what's going on. I'll take first watch and that way you can get 
some rest."

The door to the bathroom opened and Alina hurried out. "I will bring Mikhail 
back as soon as I can."

"We'll be here waiting" Mac assured her. "And please hurry. We're very 
concerned about finding Harm."

"I know you are. And we will help."

A few minutes later they were alone in the room and Mac let out a long sigh 
as she dropped to the bed.

"You okay?" Clay asked as he sat down beside her.

"Clay why was he staying here? And why didn't he meet up with Mikhail?"

"Sarah I don’t know. But we'll figure it all out. I promise. But you should 
try and get some sleep. I know you're exhausted."

"I don't think I could even if I tried" Mac sighed. "I'm way too wound up."

"Well at least go get cleaned up" he urged. "Maybe you'll get relaxed enough 
then to sleep. I'll keep an eye on things."

"Well a bath would be nice."

"Then do it. Go."

"Thanks for doing this" Mac said softly as she looked at Clay. "You have no 
idea how much I appreciate this."

"Well I kind of started all this back with Sergei," he shrugged.  "I can 
see it through.  For you."

"How did you get to be such a sweet man," she smiled and kissed his cheek.
"OK I'm going to be drowning in that tub.  You'll let me know if anything
happens."

"You'll be the first," he promised.

An hour passed with Clay making some calls to Moscow contacts while Mac 
Sank to chin level in the old fashioned tub.  As hard as she could she tried to
reach out to Harm.  Nothing.  "Harm where are you," she breathed, stifling 
a sob and shutting off tears she knew would not help.  Finally yielding to the
anxiety and exhaustion, she refreshed the hot water in the tub and closed 
her eyes.

"Did you really drown in there?  Sarah?  I'm coming in."

She was suddenly back in Paraguay, even more so when Clay knocked again and
walked in without waiting for her invitation.

"What is it about my baths that seem to be public viewing?"

And even more so when she saw him staring at her.  "What?"

"I'd forgotten how beautiful you were," he shrugged, not knowing he was parroting Harm's words.  
"Anyway, Alina called and she and Mikhail are on their way over.  So you might want to get 
dressed. Though don't do it on my account."

"Red light Mr. Spook.  I'll be right out.  Dressed."

"Damn."

She was brushing back her damp hair when they arrived, and when Mikhail
walked in, he had Alina by the hand.

"Clayton, good to see you again," Mikhail greeted him in accented but
otherwise well spoken English."

"You too my friend," Clay returned.  "This is Sarah Mackenzie."

"Of course it is," Mikhail smiled and when he took her outstretched hand, 
he kissed it softly, old world style.  "Clayton told me much about you on my
summer visit to Washington."

"Including how you broke my heart," Clay smiled.

"Actually Sarah Clayton told me he understood that you were in love with
Harmon Rabb."

"Something which is never going to go away so I may as well give in to," 
she sighed.  "Trouble is I can't find him to surrender to.  Mikhail do you know
where he is?  Can you take us to him?  Or to Sergei Zhukov for help?"

"Please Sarah.  My brain still processes the English to Russian and I have 
to do the reverse before I an answer," the handsome Russian smiled.  "Clayton
has told me how it is between you and Mr. Rabb."

"Where is he?"

"If I knew I would take you to him."

"Or are you saying that because he told you not to?"

Mikhail shook his head at once.  "Sarah no.  He called me when he arrived.  
I made arrangements for him to stay here and told him I would be in touch in
forty-eight hours.  I attempted to check out some of his information 
without success.  I told him to meet me and he did not.  No one here at the hotel 
has seen him since before that time.  I am at a loss and for that I am sorry.  
I know you were counting on me."

"Well it was too much to hope this was going to be easy," Mac signed.  
"Have you got any word on his brother?"

Mikhail looked to Clay upon hearing the question, unsure of what to say.
"Clayton is it all right to tell her?"

"You're damn right it's all right to tell me," she erupted before Clay 
could respond.  "No one in this room, no matter how well-intentioned, had better
even think about keeping anything from me.  I'm a United States Marine for
godsake."

"You are also a women in love," Clay pointed out gently.

"And one thing has nothing to do with the other.  I'm here on a mission."

"Mikhail, answer the Marine's question."

"Well right now the information I have been able to gather, plus what Mr.
Rabb faxed to me from Sergei . . ."  His voice trailed off and Mac shot him 
A deadly glare.

"Yes ma'am.  At the moment there is no evidence to substantiate that Mr. 
Rabb
and Mr. Zhukov are brothers."
  
  "What?" Mac gasped. "You must be mistaken."
  
  "I am sorry ma'am. I only go by the facts."
  
  "And just what facts are those?" she demanded. "And did you tell this to 
  Harm before he vanished?"
  
  Mikhail shook his head. "No. I was going to at our meeting. But he never 
  made it to the meeting."
  
  "Okay so at least I know he's not in some funk about that" Mac sighed. 
  "Course it makes me think someone didn't want him to find that out."
  
  "I do not know ma'am."
  
  "What facts do you have Mikhail?" Clay asked. "About Sergei I mean."
  
  "It is very confusing. The timing of Mr. Zhukov's birth is the major point 
  of discrepancy. I am not sure the papers are real."
  
  "In what sense?" Mac asked.
  
  "I am not sure he was born when it says. And in order for Mr. Rabb and him 
  to be brothers, Mr. Zhukov would have had to have been born during a very 
  specific time, right after Lt. Rabb's death."
  
  "And you don't think that's the case?"
  
  "Well I am not sure of a many things" Mikhail sighed. "I am not sure Lt. 
  Rabb is the father of Mr. Zhukov and I am not sure he is dead. I do not 
  believe Mr. Zhukov's mother has been completely honest.  If she is his mother."
  
  "Why would she lie?" Mac sighed.
  
  "To protect Lt. Rabb if he is alive."
  
  "You think it's possible? Honestly."
  
  "Anything is possible ma'am. Mr. Rabb was never given proof that his father 
  was in fact dead. Just a story."
  
  "Well as much as I want to find out what really happened to Lt. Rabb, my 
  main concern right now is finding Commander Rabb."
  
  "Yes ma'am I understand. And I wish I could be of more assistance."
  
  "Clay there has to be someway we can find him" Mac sighed. "A man just 
  doesn't vanish off the streets without someone seeing something."
  
  "Here they do" Alina said quietly. "It will not be easy to find him if 
  someone has taken him."
  
  "Why on earth would anyone do that?"
  
  She shrugged her shoulders. "I do not know. Sometimes it is just being in 
  the wrong place at the wrong time. Other times tourists are singled out."
  
  "Or someone Harm has crossed paths with before found him" Mac moaned. "Clay 
  I can't believe you let him come over here knowing he still had enemies over 
  here."
  
  "It's not like he asked my permission" Clay retorted. "Sarah you know your 
  partner better than anyone else. He never asks permission. He just does what 
  he wants. And usually without a great amount of thought."
  
  "I wish he'd told me. I would have stopped him."
  
  "You really think you could have? Be honest with yourself Sarah. If Harm had 
  any inkling that his father might be alive, nothing was going to stop him 
  from coming here."
  
  "You're right. And this is getting us nowhere. We have to find Harm. I just 
  don't even know where to start looking."
  
  "No and you're too exhausted to even think" Clay said gently. "Sarah we both 
  need to get some rest. You'll be no good if you get worn out."
  
  "I'll be no good if we don't hear from Harm soon" she sighed. "Clay he's 
  missing. We have to find him. Before it's too late."
   
 "Whoa hold up on the planning of the man's funeral please," Clay groaned.  "Mikhail do you have any 
reason to believe Mr. Rabb could be in any immediate danger?"
 
 "Clayton you know as much as I do, Russia is a dangerous place," he shrugged.  "Right now I have no 
information that there is anything sinister in Mr. Rabb's disappearance.  He knew I had information, but 
perhaps he had another source.  He most certainly did not know the two of you were coming."
 
 "He should have brought me along and then we wouldn't be having this discussion," Mac muttered.
  
 "No I'd just be here looking for the two of you, not to mention when we talked about his coming over here, 
that was the one thing he wanted to avoid,," Clay growled.  "OK fresh morning start."
 
 "And where would you suggest Clayton?"
 
 "Can you get us to the area where Sergei was born?"
 
 "If you have money for train tickets and documents showing you are legal visitors here of course," Mikhail 
nodded.  "Is that where you think Harmon would have gone?"
 
 "Mac?" Clay deferred the question to her.
 
 "Talk about a wild goose chase and thousands of square miles," she murmured.  "Yes I think that's what 
we should do.  Uh. . .that is assuming the documentation is correct as to his birth place?"
 
 "It would be correct as far as Sergei was told," Mikhail frowned.  "I mean as far as he was told all of his 
growing years.  The hometown of Pitchta Zhukov is no doubt where he was raised.  With Pitchta as his 
mother.  Whether the baby she gave birth to was fathered by Harmon Rabb senior is something else 
again."
 
 "Then it's possible she's not even his mother?" Mac scowled, picturing the old woman in her mind.  
 
 "We will know more once we get there.  And I would have to agree that the most likely place for your 
Harmon to begin his search would be there."
 
 "Your Harmon," Clay laughed and poked Mac's arm.
 
 "I don't think I want to claim him," she sighed, trying to keep some of her fear at bay.  "Then we'll head 
there first thing in the morning.  Mikhail fix it for us would you."
   
 "I will" Mikhail promised. "But please you must both get some rest. It is a 
 long journey and you will not do good if you are tired."
 
 "You heard the man" Clay sighed. "We need some sleep. Both of us."
 
 "But we'll go first thing in the morning right?" Mac asked. "Please I don't 
 want to waste anymore time than we have."
 
 "First thing" Mikhail nodded. "Alina and I will be back in the morning."
 Clay followed them to the door and once they were gone, locked the door 
 before returning to the bed where Mac sat.
 
 "You take the bed. I'll sleep in the chair."
 
 "Clayton Webb don't you dare" Mac sighed. "We can share the bed. You know I 
 don't have a problem with that. You'll never get any sleep in that chair."
 
 "You sure?"
 
 "Get in the bed mister."
 
 He slipped out of his pants and shirt before crawling into bed beside her. 
 "Thank you. I'm sure you'd rather be sharing this bed with Harm."
 
 "Clay right now I just want to know he's okay" she said softly. "Then we'll 
 worry about the rest after that."
 
 "Mac we'll find him. I promise."
 
 "Thank you. For everything. I don't know who I would have turned except 
 you."
 
 "Get some sleep. It'll all look better in the morning."
 
 Mac rolled over and closed her eyes as she uttered a silent prayer 
 heavenward for Harm's safety.
 
 She wasn't sure how long she'd been asleep when she heard a noise outside 
 the door. At once she was awake and she gently nudged Clay as she reached 
 over him to the nightstand for his gun.
 
 "Clay wake up. Someone's at the door" she hissed.
 
 "If Mikhail is a double, I'm going to have his ass" Clay muttered.
 
 The door opened a moment later and Mac aimed her weapon as the person walked 
 into the room and turned on the light.
 
 "Harm" Mac gasped when she realized it was him. "Thank God you're okay."
 
 "Mac" Harm frowned. "Mac what are you doing here? And that's a stupid 
 question. I see you have Clay in bed with you again so obviously you two are 
 busy."
 
 "Rabb get a grip" Clay retorted. "We're here because you disappeared. Do you 
 have any idea how worried she was about you?"
 
 "Worried enough to crawl into bed with you again?"  Harm's shock and confusion at seeing them was 
making him less than polite and grateful, a fact he was aware of and yet he could not stop himself.
 
 "You know you really don't deserve her" Clay snapped. "And so help me if she 
 weren't in love with you, I'd be happy to leave you here to deal with this 
 mess yourself. I'd get her on the first plane out of here and let you handle 
 this alone."
 
 "No one asked you to come in the first place Webb."
 
 "And no one asked you to come for us in Paraguay but you did," he countered right back.  "But there's the 
fact she wouldn't go back with me.  Else I would consider it.  But I won't leave her here to deal with you, 
and whatever is going on here, alone."

"Could we remember I'm here," Mac yelped.  "Rabb, Webb, I'm not going anywhere.  Not without both of 
you.  Now Harm what have you found out?"

"A lot, and none of it that remotely makes two and two equal four," he sighed.  "Look if you guys are 
through with that bed, could I use it?  I haven't slept in a good while.  And there's no way I can explain 
what's been happening right now.  Not until I sleep and get some coffee."

"You do look worse than something the cat would have drug in," Mac sighed.  "But I think you're alert 
enough to process this.  Clay and I were only sharing the one and only bed, intending to come look for you 
in the morning."

"We need to go to Beloika," he murmured, casting longing eyes at the bed and ignoring what she was 
communicating to him.  "I mean I need to go to Beloika.  You and Clay can stay here.  Or go back to 
CONUS.  That bed looks great.  Sorry I disturbed you."

"Rabb you are making even less sense than you usually do," Clay growled.  "Which can only mean you're 
totally wiped out.  Lie down there.  Mac lie down with him and keep an eye on him."

"OK but what about you?"

"I doubt I'll sleep any more tonight anyway.  And I think you guys need some time," he replied.  "I'll bring 
you guys some breakfast about 0900.  Sound good?"

"Yeah," Harm agreed and collapsed into the bed with a decided groan and a grimace that he tried to hide, 
not successfully.

"Harm are you all right?" Mac asked at once.  

"Just exhausted," he murmured.  "And haven't gotten over the surprise of seeing you two here."

"Yeah well think how we felt in Paraguay," Clay reminded him.  "See you guys in the morning.  With coffee 
and cinnamon rolls."

"Your reward will be in heaven," Mac smiled and walked him to the door.

"Sarah, keep an eye on him," Clay whispered when he had stepped into the hallway.  "He really seems out 
of it."

"He said he was exhausted."

"Yeah I can easily buy that--from the look of him, but it seems more than that.  Like he's dazed or even 
hurting.  Just watch him; and if he needs help you can give me a call."

"Thanks Clay.  Look about what he thought about you and me. . ."

"Forget it.  I know full well where your love lies.  I won't play the role of your second choice, someone you 
turn to if you can't have him," he smiled softly.  "My name isn't Brumby,"

That brought a gentle sheepish smile to her face.  "You know for someone who hasn't been around a 
whole helluva lot, you sure know me pretty well."

"It's the business I'm in," he smiled and leaned down to kiss her gently.  "See you later."

She found that Harm had curled into a ball on the bed, facing the wall, when she returned and she lowered 
herself carefully beside him, knowing from his even breathing he was asleep.

Several times she reached to touch him and stopped, wanting him to rest, and stopping herself.  She 
refused to think he was regretting the steps they had made before he left, and yet something was most 
assuredly bothering him.

Sometime during that dark night it happened.  He awoke and reached for her, and she reached back.  The 
feel of his long arms drawing her to his chest, his mouth on her mouth and on other places, and she 
melded her body to his.  It was over in just a short time, and they both fell back to sleep almost at once.
  
 Morning came too early and with a groan Mac pushed herself from the bed. 
 Harm still lay asleep and for a moment her hand gently brushed his forehead.
 
 "Why can't we ever get it right?" she sighed. "We had it going right and 
 then this."
 
 "Mac" he murmured as he pushed his eyes open.
 
 "You look like hell Harm. Whatever you've been doing while you've been here, 
 it hasn't been agreeing with you."
 
 "Long story. Is Clay here with the coffee yet? And my ticket to Beloika."
 
 "Our tickets to Beloika" she corrected. "You're not going alone remember. 
 Clay and I are going with you."
 
 He shook his head. "Mac no. This is a big mess that I don't want you in the 
 middle of. Please."
 
 "Harm I'm not leaving. And I want to know what happened to you. Why weren't 
 you here to meet Mikhail."
 
 "I had another tip I was following. Something that was real. I just ran into 
 a little trouble along the way. Fortunately Sergei bailed me out."
 
 "You've seen Sergei?"
 
 "He's supposed to meet me here later today so we can go to Beloika."
 
 "Harm why are we going back to Beloika?" Mac asked. "And I want you to be 
 straight with me please."
 
 "Look Sergei knows there's some inconsistencies with Pitchta's story. In 
 fact right about now neither of us are real sure we're related."
 
 "This was the tip you were following?"
 
 "No that was something else," he said with a grimace as he pushed himself to 
 a sitting position.
 
 "Okay mister was is wrong?" she demanded. "And don't tell me anything. I 
 know you're hurting and I want to know why."
 
 He was saved from answering by Clay's knocking and the door.
 
 "Coffee for everyone" he smiled. "Rabb you don't look a helluva lot better 
 than you did last night. Didn't you sleep?"
 
 "I don't remember anything after I hit the bed" Harm sighed.
 
 "He was gone and so was I" Mac told Clay. "I guess the jet lag finally 
 caught up with me and I was able to sleep."
 
 "Good. Because in addition to coffee I've secured our tickets to Beloika."
 
 "Sergei's coming too" Harm told him. "He's supposed to meet me here in about 
 an hour."
 
 "Harm about Sergei" Clay started.
 
 "We know. We're probably not brothers. But we're going to find out who his 
 real family is and where my father is."
 
 "You don't think he's dead?" Mac whispered. "Harm did you find something?"
 
 "I'll explain on the way to Beloika" he sighed. "Right now I need some of 
 that coffee and then a hot shower."
 
 He pushed himself off the bed and stumbled slightly as he made his way to 
 Clay. Clay quickly put the coffee down on the desk and reached a hand to 
 steady him.
 
 "Not quite awake this morning" Harm murmured by way of explanation.
 
 "So I see. Sarah why don't you grab your shower while I get some coffee into 
 our friend here."
 
 "Yeah sure" Mac frowned. She hesitated a moment before finally grabbing her 
 stuff and heading to the bathroom.
 
 "Okay Rabb you want to tell me what the heck is wrong with you?" Clay hissed 
 as he helped Harm to the nearby chair.
 
 "Nothing I'm just tired."
 
 "Bull. I've been out in the field long enough to know when something is 
 wrong. And something is very wrong with you. Now you can either tell me or 
 wait until Sarah comes out but I can assure you if she knows something is 
 wrong, she's going to flip."
 
 "It's nothing. I'm fine."
 
 "Damn it Harm that woman loves you and if anything happens to you she'll be 
 beside herself" Clay sighed. "Don't do this to her."
 
 Reluctantly Harm lifted the left side of his shirt and Clay let out a low 
 whistle at the sight of the knife wound.
 
 "I don't suppose you went to the hospital did you?"
 
 Harm shook his head. "No. And I'm not. And don't you dare say a word about 
 this to Mac."
 
 "Harm that needs medical attention."
 
 "Sergei was going to try and get some antibiotics for me. At least it's not 
 bleeding anymore."
 
 "No that's the least of your worries" Clay frowned. "I'm a lot more 
 concerned about an infection setting in."
  
"Thank you Dr. Webb for that second opinion which concurs with Dr. Zhukov's."

"You're welcome smart-ass.  You know you don't do cute real well.  Now why no real doctor?"

"Because a real doctor requires showing one's passport.  Socialized medicine remember.  And I'm not 
sure who I can trust at this point."

"And I thought I was paranoid," he groaned.  

"Plus this kind of injury is hard to explain."

"I'd like to hear the story now that you mention it."

"On the train.  Please.  I want to get us out of this city.  Even more so with Mac here.  Unless you can take 
her back to DC."

"Not unless I drug her and put her into a burlap sack," Clay scoffed.  "Rabb the woman loves you.  God 
only knows why."

"I love her too Clay," he said softly, ignoring the jab.  "And that's why I don't want her here.  If she was hurt 
because of something I was in to I couldn't live with that."

"And it's going to be better for her that she watches you drop over?"

"It's not that bad.  I'm going to have some food and coffee, and a shower, and Sergei will have the pills for 
me when we meet at the train.  Problem solved.

"Except the one that involves you being an idiot," Clay sighed.  "And by the way, thank you for confirming 
your love for her.  It's good to be right."

"Was there ever a doubt?"

"To me?  Hell no.  You and her--your feelings for each other?  Well maybe doubt is the wrong word.  Try 
denial."

"No thank you.  I did that once.  During the whole time she was with Brumby.  In fact I used a nice young 
woman as a partner in my crime.  A pretty woman who never did anything wrong except to fall in love with 
a man who couldn't love her back."

"And wasn't she doing the same thing with the Australian?" Clay posed.

"What are you, my shrink.  And don't even bring up Jordan."

"Who me.  Eat.  You need it.  And have my orange juice too.  You need every bit of vitamin C you can 
find."

"Now you're channeling my mother.  Juice thank you.  And coffee, and something edible."

"Well you were on a roll until that last part.  I've got deli leftovers in here."

"If it's food," he sighed. 

Mac emerged while they were setting out the food, moving slowly herself.'

"And what's wrong with you?" Clay frowned.  "You look like you rode a horse ten miles yesterday."

"Oh I'm just sore.  Must have slept with my legs curled funny or something," she frowned and took her first 
good look at Harm.  "I gather you've already asked what's wrong with the cadaver here."

"Closed subject.  Eat your breakfast.  It's a long train ride and I wouldn't guarantee there will be food 
aboard."

Leaving the hotel room in its state of disarray, they took a cab to the train station and it was not long before 
Sergei met them.

"Hello beautiful Colonel," he greeted Mac first, kissing both of her cheeks.

"Sergei good to see you," Mac smiled.  "You look good.  I would ask if life has been treating you well but I 
know better."

"This is a difficult time.   But hopefully we are about to find some answers.  And may I say how beautiful 
you remain."

"Oh please," Harm groaned with a small grin.  "It's getting deep in here.  Sergei did you get what we talked 
about?"

"Yes of course but. . ."

"Thank you," he interrupted, casting a wary eye to Mac.  "Shall we?"  As he was speaking he was looking 
around the platform, watching each passenger.

"You are acting beyond strange," Mac told him.

"I'm not comfortable here OK?" he snapped, taking her arm to hurry her aboard.
 
 "Harm what is with you?" she frowned once they were seated. "And why on 
 earth are you sweating? Are you sick?" At once her hand went to his forehead 
 and he quickly pushed it away but not before Mac had touched his forehead.
 
 "You are warm mister. And don't even try and tell me you're not because you 
 are."

 "Mac I'm fine" he sighed. "Please. We have a schedule to keep here. Our 
 contact in Beloika isn't going to wait for us."
 
 "When do you plan on sharing with me what's going on here?" she asked.
 
 "The less you know the safer you are" he muttered before leaning his head 
 back and closing his eyes. Mac watched him for several seconds before 
 scooting over to the seat behind where Clay and Sergei were sitting.
 
 "Okay Sergei what the hell is wrong with him?" she demanded. "He is not 
 well."
 
 "He is just tired," Sergei said carefully.
 
 "No it's more than that. He feels like he's running a fever."
 
 "Sarah I'm sure he's fine" Clay offered. "He's jet lagged and these two have 
 been on the go since he got here. He'll get some more sleep on the train and 
 he'll be fine."
 
 "Maybe" she sighed. "He's real uptight about something."
 
 "He is uneasy about you being here Colonel" Sergei smiled. "He does not want 
 you to get hurt."
 
 "Well he should know I can handle myself. And while he's sleeping, why don't 
 you tell me about you and Ivanna. I heard there were some wedding bells in 
 the near future."
 
 Sergei blushed slightly. "She is wonderful. And once this is all over, we 
 will be married."
 
 "She supports you in this?" Mac asked.
 
 "She wanted to come but I would not let her. It is too dangerous. I 
 understand why Harm does not want you here."
 
 "I don't understand the danger."
 
 "We will explain when we get to Beloika" Sergei answered. "You should rest 
 Colonel while we have the chance."
 
 "He's right" Clay spoke up finally. "Go on Sarah. Close your eyes for a 
 bit."
 
 "Me what about you?" Mac countered. "I was out like a light last night. I 
 bet you didn't sleep at all."
 
 "Well I could use a little shut eye," he admitted.
 
 "Go on. I'm really not tired and I'd like to keep an eye on Harm."
 
 She returned to her seat next to Harm, frowning again when she looked over 
 at him. There was something wrong, despite what they were telling her.  She touched his forehead with 
two fingertips and looked back toward Clay, finding him watching her.  "I'm worried," she mouthed.

"I know," he replied softly.  "We'll get through this and then make sure he's taken care of."

"Thanks."  She sank back into the chair next to Harm's and slipped her hand into his before allowing 
herself to close her eyes though she would not sleep.  It was a Marine doze--wherein she was aware of 
things around her though her body was relaxed.  For the next four hours she remained that way, moving 
only when her need for coffee and bladder relief made her do so.  

Clay was asleep, his head resting on his hands, though Sergei was wide awake, staring out the window.  
The train car was sparsely filled and the few passengers who remained awake paid her no mind as she 
approached Sergei, pressing a cup of coffee into his hands.

"Thank you beautiful Colonel," he smiled.

"Mac or Sarah please," she begged with a smile of her own.  "And I want to know what's going on.  Harm 
won't tell me, and Clay wants to protect me.  From you I expect honesty."

Sergei took a long drink of his coffee while Mac's eyes bored into him.  "Yes.  You deserve that.  Given 
your love for my brother.  If he is my brother."

"Even if he isn't, he's still your friend."

"Yes of course."  Sergei rose and stepped over the sleeping CIA agent's feet.  "Let us move back here 
where it is more private."  He took her arm and she willingly followed him to the rear of the car, making a 
stop beside Harm to check him.  Her fingers once again touched his forehead and Sergei smiled softly.  
"There is love in your touch, but then I knew that from when I was with you before."

"I've loved him for a long time," she admitted with a wry smile.  "And now you are the third person on the 
planet to know that.  In fact it's not something I've even put into words with Harm yet."

"And what exactly are you waiting for?" he asked.

"Oh Sergei I don't even know," she sighed.  "Not any more.  For a long time it wasn't how the game was 
played.  It was part of the dance.  But honestly for the first time it may just be the right time.  But that's not 
what you and I are going to talk about.  You're going to tell me what I need to know that brought Harm 
here."

The young man bit his lip and lowered his head before answering. "As part of my preparation for my 
wedding, I wanted to present Ivanna with as much of my family history as possible.  It never occurred to 
me that I would open up. . .what you call a can of worms."

"You're not sure you're Harm's brother?"

"Our contact in Beloika will have some further information on that.  But at this point that is not the biggest 
issue.  There is reason to believe everything Harm was told about his father's death was a lie."

"That saving your mother was not how he died?"

"Not only that, but also that Harmon Rabb senior was alive when he was removed from Beloika.  And that 
he may very well still be alive today."
 
 "Alive?" Mac gasped. "You're serious? This isn't some hoax?"
 
 "No I do not think so" Sergei shook his head. "I think he may be alive. But 
 I do not know if he is my father."
 
 "I'm sorry. It has to be hard not knowing the truth."
 
 "I want to know but not for me but for my brother also," Sergei said as he 
 looked over at Harm. "Even if he is not really my brother, I will always 
 think of him as my brother."
 
 "As will he" Mac said softly.  "And I hope this time he really does find the 
 truth. He walked away last time thinking he knew the truth and had put it 
 all to rest and now he's not so sure."
 
 "For good reason. I really believe that Harm Sr. is alive."
 
 "Please Lord" Mac murmured. "That would be the best Christmas present Harm 
 could ever have. Getting his father back. He's missed so much by not having 
 his father with him."
 
 "I know. And for his sake I do hope it is the truth."
 
 "Sergei why do you think this" she asked. "Harm wouldn't tell me anything 
 about why we were going here. Except to talk to someone."
 
 Sergei looked over at a sleeping Harm before letting out a long sigh. "He 
 did not want you to know Colonel. He was concerned about you."
 
 "And I'm concerned about him Sergei. I know there's something wrong with him 
 and not one of you will tell me what it is. He's going to need my help 
 Sergei and I need to know what's going on so I can help him."
 
 "I cannot tell you."
 
 "Will you tell me what's wrong with him?" Mac sighed. "I know you and him 
 were talking when we got on board. You had something for him. What is it?"
 
 Again Sergei looked over at Harm. He had been torn about what to do since 
 the train had left the station. He knew Harm needed the antibiotics he'd 
 managed to get his hands on but he also knew Harm hadn't wanted Mac to find 
 out. But from where he was sitting he could see that his brother was getting 
 sicker and he needed to get the antibiotics in him. They were almost to 
 Beloika and there were no more stops before their destination.
 
 "He is not going to be happy that I have told you" Sergei sighed as he 
 reached deep into his pocket and pulled out the small bottle of pills. "He 
 needs to take these."
 
 "What are they?" Mac frowned as she looked at the unmarked bottle.
 
 "Antibiotics. He was injured the other night."
 
 "Injured" Mac hissed. "Dammit Sergei what happened to him that he needs 
 antibiotics. And why the hell is he on a train to Beloika if he's not well?"
 
 "Colonel please" Sergei whispered. "This was his decision. You know he will 
 not listen to anyone."
 
 "Oh I know that. Now tell me what happened to him."
 
 "He has a knife wound on his side" Sergei said softly and Mac's eyes widened 
 with alarm. "Please Colonel do not be upset. If he takes the antibiotics, he 
 will be fine."
 
 "Fine. A knife wound is not fine. He shouldn't even be here. He should be in 
 a hospital."
 
 "No. Too many questions."
 
 "Sergei he needs medical attention" she hissed. "Now."
 
"There will be a nurse in Beloika who will attend him without question."

"I don't want him to die," she whispered, suddenly tearful.  

"Nor do I.  But you know him.  Once he decides he will do something, it's a what you call a done deal."

"Stubborn jackass you mean," she muttered, sniffling back a small sob.  "How was he hurt?"

"That takes us to why he did not want you here.  Mikhail and Harm were accosted.  It was meant to look 
like a common street crime but it was not.  It was a warning.  A warning to back away. There are people 
who would not want the United States Government to discover that Harmon Rabb Sr. and most certainly 
others are alive."

She opened her mouth to speak and stopped, realization dawning.  "POW's sent to Russia during Viet 
Nam?"

He nodded soberly.  "Mr. Webb tells me you were onto that before and when the story of how our father 
supposedly died satisfied Harm, it was dropped.  There have long been rumors that some American POWs 
have been sent to live out their lives in a remote part of Russia.  Most people discount them.  The 
government of course staunchly denies that any prisoners from the conflict arrived in Russia.  But then we 
all know that official positions do not always have the backing of the truth."

"Tell me about it," she murmured.  "Thank you Sergei.  Thank you for being so honest and straight forward 
with me."

"You are most welcome.  I know that my brother--and for now I will continue to call him that--did not want 
you here because of the danger, but that deep inside, he is glad you are at his side.  Which is how it 
should be."

"And thank you for that," she smiled, taking the vial of pills from his hand.  "I'll take care of this myself.  And 
give him a piece of my mind while I do it."

She obtained a container of juice and sat down next to Harm, giving his arm a sharp poke, but not before 
once more checking his fever.  "Hey Moron wake up," she hissed, poking him once more.  Harm sat up at 
once, feeling the pain through his side as he did so.

"Hi," he managed.

"Don't hi me," she muttered, holding up the bottle of pills.  "What in the hell were you thinking?  Where was 
your head mister?  To undertake a trip like this when you're hurt and sick?  You've pulled some half assed 
maneuvers before but this has got to be the biggest muck-up yet.  Plus thanks to your brother who doesn't 
believe I should be kept in the dark--unlike you--I know pretty much what's going on here."

"Yeah well I'll deal with him later," he growled.  "But at least you know why you don't belong here.  Mac this 
is dangerous stuff.  If we see it all the way through we're going to embarrass the Russian government in 
that so called court of world opinion."
 
"Well right now the only opinion you have to be concerned about is mine.  Let me see where you're hurt."

"No thanks.  It's just sore.  The guy slashed at me and I attempted to get back but I don't move as fast as I 
used to.  Ten years ago he would have just hit air."

"And any slower and he might have hit your liver," she scolded.  "Sergei said there's a nurse meeting us.  
At least that's something."

"Yeah.  A guy named Anatoly Vashon.  He's willing to help in return for passage out of the country.  And 
he's bringing a nurse who won't ask questions."

She nodded and handed him two of the pills.  "Maybe these will keep you from getting sicker at least."  He 
chugged the juice down with the medication and rested his head back against the seat.  

"Harm I want you to know that I hope we find your dad alive," she said slowly, curling her fingers into his 
palm.  "Just promise me if we don't. . ."  Her voice trailed off as she was not quite sure how to put into 
words the fear for him she was feeling.

"If we don't, at least I'll know I tried," he sighed.  "But if he is being held somewhere, all this time, I owe it to 
him to make the attempt.  You know this is going to sound sappy, but I honestly do feel if I'm anything at all 
today--if my life has amounted to anything--then it's because of his genes of course but more.  Because of 
his spirit being inside me."
 
 "And he'll always be with you. And you know that I'm here for you no matter 
 what."
 
 "And for that I can never thank you enough."
 
 "Rest" she urged as her hand gently stroked his warm cheek. "We'll be to 
 Beloika soon and then we'll figure this all out."
 
 "Stay here with me" he murmured as he reached for her hand. "Please."
 
 "I guess Clay can manage without me" Mac teased as she took her hand in his. 
 "Rest Harm. You're not well and hopefully those pills will help."
 
 He nodded and closed his eyes once again. Mac's hand continued to gently 
 stroke his forehead, praying that when they got to Beloika there really 
 would be someone to take care of him.
 
 "So did you know about his wound?" Mac demanded when Clay came and sat 
 behind her and Harm. "And don't lie to me because I'll know if you are."
 "I found out this morning yes" Clay sighed. "But there was nothing I could 
 do about it. He's a little stubborn in case you didn't notice."
 
 "He shouldn't be here. You and I both know that."
 
 "Well nothing was going to stop him Sarah. So we're taking care of it the 
 best we can in the mean time. He'll be okay once we get him to Beloika."
 
 Their arrival in Beloika couldn't come soon enough for Mac, her concern for 
 Harm growing.
 
 "Okay where is this nurse?" she asked Sergei. "Because he needs someone to 
 look at him right away."
 
 "I will find them. You help Harm."
 
 It took Clay's assistance but Mac was finally able to help Harm from the 
 train and down to a bench while Sergei went in search of their informant and 
 the nurse that had been promised.
 
 "Hang on sailor" Mac said softly. "We'll get you help real soon I promise."
 
 "We in Beloika?" he murmured as he forced his eyes open.
 
 "Yeah we are. But first we're going to take care of you. You are not looking 
 too good right now."
 
 Sergei soon returned with a large man and a just as large woman.
 
 "This is Mr. Vashon and Mrs. Volkov. They have a car waiting."
 
 "Thank you" Mac murmured as she and Clay both moved to help Harm to his 
 feet, Sergei waiting to assist as well.
 
 The old car looked like it would barely run but Mac was more than happy to 
 help Harm into it, knowing that help would be far way. They drove but a few 
 miles from the station before pulling up at an old farmhouse.
 
 "Here?" Mac frowned.
 
 "They will question if we take him to town" Sergei explained. "Mrs. Volkov 
 will be able to take care of him here."
 
 "I hope so" she muttered, not liking the looks of the old house but knowing 
 they had little choice.
  
"She will get him on his feet until you can take him home," Sergei assured her.

"Well that can't be soon enough," she groused.

"Sarah don't make him go home until he's found what he came for," Clay whispered.  "He'll just come 
back."

"Yeah not if I drug him and chain him to me."

"Kinky," Clay grinned.  "Can I watch?"

"Get away from me.  Help him inside can you?"

Anatoly was spreading what passed for a clean sheet onto the bed when Clay and Sergei brought Harm in 
and carefully laid him down.  Mac did not miss the grimace that passed over his face and she reached for 
his hand while Sergei and Clay helped remove his shirt.

The bandage that Sergei had applied was deteriorating rapidly, and with a clucking sound Raisa Volkov 
pulled it off.  

The wound was inflamed and ugly, oozing a yellowish fluid and from the look on her face, Mac knew it was 
not good.  

Raisa and Sergei exchanged several Russian phrases and Mac simply looked at them until Sergei looked 
back at her, realizing she was understanding every word and not liking it a bit.  Words like infection and 
blood poisoning were no less scary delivered in Russian.

"Raisa speaks enough English to get by," Sergei smiled.  "Anatoly as well."

"I just want to know how we are going to help him."

"I will cut," Raisa said slowly, motioning with her finger.  "I will cut.  Let out poison.  Put on clean bandage 
and medicine."

"Cut?  Cut on him?  Are you out of your mind?" Mac screeched.  "No way."

"No way you're damn right," Harm groaned.  "That's how I got this in the first place--someone cutting on 
me."

"Infection," Raisa insisted, pointing to the fluid.  "Wound closed.  Bacteria locked inside.  He could die."

"He'll die if you do that," Mac replied in Russian, wanting to be understood completely.  "This is no hospital.  
There's no sterility here."

"And he could die if I don't."

"Or we could take him to a real hospital," Mac spoke in English.

"Mac I'm not going anywhere until I accomplish what I came for.  This is my decision isn't it?"  Harm sat up 
half way, swaying slightly.

"Yes it is," she sighed in capitulation, catching hold of him once more.  With one hand she pushed his 
sweaty hair from his forehead.  "Harm I don't want to lose you.  Please."

"And I don't want that either.  But you have to see we're in too deep to back out now.  At least I am.  My 
fondest wish would be for Clay over there to take you back to DC."

"When pigs fly," she returned.  "So Flyboy you want this nice lady to fix you up?"

"Yeah.  I do.  And then I want to find my father.  Or at least the real story this time."

She took a deep breath and brushed his hair back once more.  "OK.  Let's let her get to work then."

"This will hurt," Raisa warned twenty minutes later.  Harm was lying on his side, his head cradled in Mac's 
lap, with the others standing back from the bed.  He held a rolled piece of gauze between his teeth, and 
both hands were clenched tightly in Mac's.
 
"You hang on there Sailor," she whispered, leaning her head down to kiss his warm damp forehead.   "You 
and I have a lot of unfinished business between us."
  
  He nodded as Raisa made the first cut and at once Mac's hand tightened 
  around his. The procedure took but a few minutes as Raisa quickly did what 
  she needed to open the wound and clean it before bandaging it again.
  
  "Harm" Mac whispered when Raisa was finished. "Harm you still with me?"
  
  He was more pale and ashen than before but he nodded as she helped him roll 
  onto his back.
  
  "He will need to rest" Raisa told Mac in Russian. "At least for a few 
  hours."
  
  "Trust me I will make sure that is the case" Mac replied as she stroked the 
  hair back from his forehead. "He's not going anywhere just yet."
  
  "Continue to give him the antibiotics" she continued. "And make sure the 
  fever does not get worse."
  
  "Thank you" Mac sighed. "I know you have done this at great risk to yourself 
  and I am very grateful for your help."
  
  Raisa nodded and with one final check of her patient gathered her coat and 
  belongings.
  
  "I will take her home and then come back" Anatoly told them. "Then I will 
  take you to where you need to go."
  
  "Do you trust him?" Mac asked Sergei once Anatoly and Raisa were gone. "Do 
  you really think he'll come back."
  
  "He wants to go to America. He will come back. But we cannot go right away 
  anyway."
  
  "No we can't" Mac sighed as she stroked Harm's forehead. "He's going to need 
  some rest."
  
  "And so do you" Clay spoke up. "And while he's resting you can do the same. 
  You didn't sleep on the train and I know you're exhausted."
  
  "He's right" Harm murmured.
  
  "Okay I'm not going to argue with both of you" she sighed. "So fine I'll lay 
  down here with him."
  
  She made herself comfortable next to Harm, mindful of his wound as she 
  wrapped her arms around him.
  
  "Rest sailor. It's going to be okay. I promise."
  
  "I can't believe I thought I had a chance with her" Clay murmured a few 
  minutes later as he and Sergei walked out of the room, both Harm and Mac now 
  asleep.
  
  "You and the Colonel?" Sergei frowned. "No. He loves her. And she him."
  
  "Yeah well for a while I thought maybe she could love me. I guess I was just 
  fooling myself."
  
  "There is someone for you Mr. Webb" Sergei smiled. "But it is not the 
  Colonel. Her heart belongs with my brother."
  
  "In my line of work it's probably better there isn't someone for me" Clay 
  sighed.
    
 "Mr. Webb I do not for a minute believe that," Sergei smiled. 
 
 "Well it's not fair to a woman that I disappear with hardly any notice," he said ruefully.
 
 "For the right woman would you change your life?" Sergei posed.
 
 Webb cocked his head in thought.  "Yeah.  Yeah I think I would.  Maybe I'm getting too old for the spy 
business."
 
 "Well it does seem to me you would have much to offer with your experience."
 
 "Possibly, but lets not talk about me.  How are you with all this?  How does it feel to think you might have 
been told wrong about your past?"
 
 Sergei shrugged.  "Right now my concern is with Harmon and him being well.  My father has always been 
a shadow in my past anyway.  I barely remember him.  If I tell you something will you not laugh?"
 
 "Do my best."
 
 "All right.  The first time I met Harmon, I felt a connection between us.  For that short time I was in 
America that connection remained.  And when he arrived here on this trip I felt it still.  I believe him to be 
my brother." 
 
 "I hope so.  I hope this turns out well for everyone's sake.  Including Sarah's."
 
 'I believe Mr. Webb that had she not given her heart to my brother many years before, you would be a 
man whom she could love."
 ============
 Sometime in the night Harm moaned in pain and Mac at once was awake.  "Easy Sailor you're OK.  I'm 
right here with you."  She quickly dipped a cloth in the basin of water left on the bedside table and wiped 
his face.  
 
 "Mac?"  It was a murmur in the fog of pain and sleep. 
 
 "Yeah Harm.  Right here.  Not going anywhere."  
 
 He reached for her and she snuggled closer to him in reassurance.  Reassurance that quickly turned to 
something more.  As it had back in the hotel in Moscow.   And as she felt his lips seek hers, memory of 
that flooded to her.   He was half asleep, drugged by medication and dulled by pain and exhaustion but he 
wanted her.  Again.  And she responded.  Her body at first, set alive by his touch, and then her heart.  The 
man she loved was making love to her once more and she was responding in kind.
 
 Afterward he wrapped his arm around her and fell back to sleep.  This time however she was not able to 
do the same.  Unlike the first time, she felt invigorated and alive, warm and loved.  Very loved.  "Dear god 
let it be so," she breathed.
 
 She was still awake two hours later when dawn broke, daylight coming in around the gaps in the curtains.  
With nature calling, she began to extract herself from Harm, causing him to groan and open his eyes.  
"Hey.  Don't leave me," he whispered, sounding for all the world like a forlorn little boy.
 
 "Head call.  I'll be right back," she said softly, feeling the memory of last night wash over her.  "And then I 
have to tell you something." 
 
 "It wasn't a dream was it?" he whispered. "We…..we made love?"
 
 She nodded slowly. "Like we did the other night in the hotel. Only I didn't 
 remember it until last night."
 
 "I wanted you."
 
 "And I wanted you" Mac whispered. "And right now I just want you to tell me 
 this isn't going to change everything."
 
 Harm weakly reached his hand to her cheek and brushed it gently. "Never 
 Sarah. I promise you that."
 
 "Thank you" she said softly. "And you need to rest and I need to find the 
 little Marine's room."
 
 "You're coming back right?" he asked.
 
 "Of course. You rest. I promise I'll be back in a minute."
 
 When she returned his eyes were once again closed and she gently wiped his 
 forehead with the cloth, relieved to find out that his fever seemed to be 
 subsiding. He was still far from well but she knew that wasn't going to stop 
 him from continuing his mission.
 
 "How is he?" Sergei asked as he peeked his head in the room.
 
 "Better. Still a bit of a fever though. I'd try and convince him to rest for 
 another day but I know that won't happen."
 
 "No it won't" Harm murmured as he opened his eyes. "Sergei what time are we 
 meeting Colonel Milkov?"
 
 "We have plenty of time to get there brother" Sergei told him. "You should 
 rest a bit more until we have to go."
 
 "I don't want to miss our meeting" Harm sighed and with a groan he pushed 
 himself to a sitting position. His side ached and for a moment the room spun 
 wildly around him until Mac gently pushed him back down.
 
 "Harm please take it easy. At least for a little while longer. I promise 
 we'll have you to whatever meeting you're talking about but in the meantime 
 you need to take it easy."

 "I hate this" he moaned.
 
 "Yeah well at least you're alive," Mac said quietly. "And thank God Sergei 
 had the mind to arrange to have someone here to meet us. If we'd waited any 
 longer you might not be with us."
 
 "And for that I owe you little brother" Harm sighed.
 
 "I'm just glad you are going to be okay" Sergei smiled. "I am going to make 
 some breakfast for us before we start off. Anyone hungry?"
 
 "Starving Marine" Mac smiled. "And I'll be happy to help you."
 
 "You stay with Harm. Mr. Webb is going to help with breakfast. And then when 
 Anatoly gets here we will go."
 
 Sergei left them alone and Mac sat down on the edge of the bed next to Harm.
 
 "So tell me about this meeting today" she said softly. "Who's this Colonel 
 Milkov?"
 
 "He used to be a guard at a POW prison. And he's agreed to talk to us about 
 it."
 
 "You think he can tell you if your father is there?"
 
 "I'm hoping he can."
 
 "And if he does?"
 
 "Mac you know the answer to that" Harm sighed. "If he's here and he's alive, 
 I'm going to get him out. No matter what. But I won't ask you to be a part 
 of that."
 
 "You don't actually think I'd just fly home and leave you here do you?" she 
 whispered.
  
"Part of me wishes you would.  Part of me is so scared something is going to happen to you," he 
whispered back.  "But the other part of me is totally glad you're here and sharing this with me.  I need you 
either way.  No matter what happens I need you."

"Well right now you are totally stuck with me," she smiled, putting her hands around his.

"I wanted. . .about what. . .what happened.  What we did," he stammered.  "I feel like I should apologize 
and yet I don't want to."

With a small smile she put a finger to his lips.  "Please don't.  I wanted it as much as you did.  Wanted you 
as much as you did me.  I don't remember much of the first time except that it was warm and sweet.  Last 
night was the same, but I felt loved too.  Warm and loved."

"I think you should go with that feeling," he told her solemnly, leaning forward to kiss her softly.  

"I think I will."

"OK knock it off you two," Clay groaned.  "You'll have plenty of time for that once we get what we came for.  
Harm you want to eat and see if you can travel?"

"I'll be fine.  Yes most definitely I want to do this today."

"I'll give you a thousand bucks to take today and rest," Mac muttered.

"You can't buy me," he grinned.  "Let's eat."

Afterward Harm accepted Mac's help to get dressed, carefully keeping his face impassive so that she 
would not read pain.  He would rest later, when he found out his father's fate.

Despite their early start, it took all of the daylight hours to drive through the desolate country side, terrain 
broken only by the occasional small town.  

"This is the Colonel's town and then Milkov's home should be on the road just about three miles," Sergei 
pointed out on the map to Clay behind the wheel.

"I'm just surprised you guys stopped for directions last town," Mac called from the back seat, where Harm 
had spent the trip mostly dozing against her.

"Well we're about there now," Sergei sighed.  "Harmon I hope we have not come this way at the risk to 
your health for nothing."

"Look, Milkov agreed to tell us what he can recall," Clay pointed out.  "It may or may not be of help."

They fell silent again, until Clay slowed the car.  "This is the road right Sergei?"

"Yes right here," he replied excitedly.  "Harmon are you awake?"

"I am now," he replied, pushing himself upright.

"Sergei, since you're known to this guy, go up and make sure we're expected and welcome," Clay ordered.  
"Though right now driving back all that way is just not going to happen."

Sergei eagerly ran to the door which was opened by a man in his sixties.  He and Sergei spoke animatedly 
for a moment and Sergei waved Clay around to the back to park.  Mac opened the car door and stepped 
out stiffly, stretching sore muscles.  She reached back inside for Harm and this time he could not suppress 
a groan.  "I uh. . .I'm not sure I can make it," he confessed.  "I'm pretty stiff and sore here."

At once Clay came around to them, reaching in and helping Mac to lift Harm out, and Sergei met them at 
the door.  "Colonel Andrei Milkov, his wife Irina," he announced and made introductions.

"Welcome to my home," Andrei smiled broadly.  "We do not often get visitors, especially those who have 
traveled so far.  And I do know why you have come, but please, let us not talk business, especially 
unpleasant business, before we have some warm food."
 
"Sir it would be. . " Harm began only to be silenced by Mac's hand clamping around his wrist.

"Thank you Colonel," she smiled.  "And you can be sure we're starved.  Irina that smells wonderful."

Irina's smile indicated she did not speak English and Mac smiled as well, addressing her in Russian.

"Show off," Harm muttered.

They sat around the wooden table in the old house and Irina served bowls of soup and bread.  

"How do you say thank you so much for this great food?" Harm asked as he managed to clean his bowl 
despite his discomfort and concern about his father.

Mac told him, repeating the Russian words twice, then a third time very slowly, only to have him bungle it 
still.  "You're hopeless."

"He tried," Andrei laughed.  "Now Mr. Rabb, I believe you have a picture to show me?"

From his inside jacket pocket, Harm withdrew the information he had on his father.  Which was more than 
meager.  "Do you recall this man?"  He  passed the photo that had sent him to Russia the first time to the 
man and waited anxiously for his response.
 
 "Cola. Milkov?"
 
 "Yes I remember him," Andrei said quietly. "He was a prisoner for many years 
 while I was there."
 
 "Was?" Harm whispered. "He's not anymore?"
 
 "I do not know. One day I did not see him again. But that may simply be 
 because he was move to another area of the prison. That was done to make 
 sure the prisoners did not become friends with us."
 
 "So he could still be there?" This from Mac and Andrei nodded.
 
 "Yes."
 
 "Do you remember when he was brought there?" Sergei asked.
 
 Andrei frowned and was thoughtful for several moments as he searched his 
 mind. "It was many many years ago. I do not remember exactly when. But I 
 remember that he had been hurt when he was brought in."
 
 "Hurt? How?"
 
 "He'd been shot. I do not know how."
 
 "The story Pitchta told us" Harm murmured as he looked at Mac. "He was shot. 
 But he wasn't killed. Why would she have told us that?"
 
 "Maybe she did not know" Mac shrugged. "Her brothers had told her he was 
 dead. Maybe he wasn't and they just let her believe he was."
 
 "But why? And how did he end up back in a prison?"
 
 "Harm chill" Mac said gently. "I'm sure Andrei doesn't have answers to those 
 questions. I'm not sure anyone does."
 
 "I can tell you that he had escaped another prison" Andrei told them. "That 
 was why he was brought to my prison. To make sure he never escaped again."
 
 "Maybe Pitchta's brothers told her that he was killed so she wouldn't think 
 about him being locked up again" Mac offered. "I don't know Harm. I'm not 
 sure anyone does."
 
 "No and it doesn't matter" Sergei spoke up. "All that matters is that he 
 might still be alive there."
 
 "If he is, you will not be able to get him out" Andrei sighed. "No one has 
 ever gotten out of there alive. It is well guarded."
 
 "Even today?" Clay asked. "I mean, it's been twenty some years. Surely 
 they're not still guarding the prisoners that closely anymore."
 
 "I have not been there for two years. But when I was there, it was guarded 
 closely."
 
 "But you know the layout right?" Harm asked. "And how we might be able to 
 get in?"
 
 "You are asking a lot Mr. Rabb" Andrei said soberly. "I do not know that I 
 can help you that much. What you want to do is very dangerous and could get 
 us all killed. And we cannot even be sure that he is still there."
 
 "Is there anyway you could find out first?" Clay asked. "Anyone at the 
 prison you could trust to tell you."
 
 "Not without them wanting something in return."
 
 "Whatever it is I can make it happen."

Harm raised his eyebrow to Clay.  "If it's a matter of money. . ."

"Well at some point it probably will be, but let's play it by ear.  Andrei we need for you to take us there."

"I cannot take Americans to the front gate," he objected vehemently.

"No of course you can't," Clay soothed.  "We'll wait out of sight or in the nearest town for you.  How far is 
the camp?"

"Three hours drive, over not very good roads.  Perhaps the lovely woman Sarah will wait here with Irina."

"What a good idea," Harm yelped, his face lighting up.

"Yeah well you know where you can stuff that," Mac told him.
================
"The prison camp is on this road," Andrei announced as he swung the large American car from a 'not very 
good' road to one much worse.  Harm, with benefit of one of his pain pills, had
dozed for much of the trip, his head resting on Mac's shoulder as before.  

With Andrei's pronouncement, he awoke sharply, and at once his hand tightened around Mac's.  "We're 
there?"

"Yeah Sailor, and your hand like a girl's.  All cold and clammy."

"Sorry," he whispered with a small smile.  "Should I let go?"

"Don't you dare.  I'm as anxious--and scared--as you are."

"We will drive by as if we are just taking a ride,"  Andrei continued.  "I will not slow down so look quickly."

As it turned out, there was no need for caution.  

"Oh my god." Sergei was the first to voice his emotion.  The camp stood deserted.  Deserted and burned.  
Not a sign of life. 

Andrei hit the brakes and brought the car to a halt in front of the gate that now stood open.  The steel 
fence strung with razor wire at the time remained the only evidence that there was once a prison camp 
here.

"I had no idea," Andrei said in awe.  "I have not kept in touch.  Of those with whom I was friends, none 
remained at my last visit and I have heard nothing of this disaster."

"The prisoners.  What would have happened to them?  And how could a fire like this happen?"

"The barracks in which the prisoners were housed were just wooden frame buildings," Andrei explained 
quietly.  "Remember too, prisoners here were criminals from all over the country, not just the political 
prisoners like your father.  When the government exiles a person, for political or criminal activity, it was to 
one of these places.  But I get off subject.  Fire was an ever present danger.  The buildings were heated by 
wood stoves.  We had many near tragedies when I was here."

"We may as well get out and look," Clay sighed.  "No reason not to.  Unless. . .Harm?"

"No absolutely I want to see," he said firmly, giving Mac a little push toward the car door.  

She climbed out and reached back for him.  Clay and Sergei stood nearby, only to have Harm wave them 
off.  He pulled his hand from Mac's as well and walked through the gate, moving steadily albeit slowly.

The others hung back and watched, letting him have this time alone except for Sergei who followed him, 
keeping his distance.

Finally Mac could leave him no longer and she started off after him, easily almost catching up to him.  
"Harm?"

"He was here Mac.  All the while I was in the US.  All the while I was finishing up growing up, Annapolis, 
flight school.  All that time, he was here."

"It would seem so," she said softly.  "Let's just be careful to believe too quickly this time."

He started off again, walking from one burned out building to the next, imagining in which one his father 
might have been held. Mac followed him several feet behind, as did the other three men.  At the last one, 
Harm stopped short and stared.  It was a graveyard.  A prison cemetery of those who did not survive their 
incarceration.  In stunned horror, Harm walked to the first row of graves and sank slowly to his knees.

"He could be buried here.  Buried here in one of these plots," he moaned tonelessly, turning around to look 
for Mac.

She came to his side at once, squatting beside him, wordlessly slipping her arms around him.

"Harmon, some of these graves go back to before even I came to be employed here," Andrei offered.  
"And I would imagine some are fire victims."

"What. . ."  Harm had to stop and clear his throat before he could continue.  "What do we do now?"

"We will drive into Volka and take lodging for the night," Andrei replied.  "I will ask there of the local 
authorities what happened here, and where the survivors were taken.  Do not lose heart and hope."

"I don't believe we've come this far to find more death," he whispered, struggling to his feet with Mac's help 
and then pulling from her grasp.  "Excuse me."  With that he pushed away from her and began to walk 
slowly through the rock covered graves.
  
 "Give him a minute" Clay said softly when Mac started towards Harm. "He just 
 needs to realize it's not over yet."
 
 "Clay what if it is?" Mac whispered. "I mean, I think we've all been living 
 with the thought that he's still alive. And I know as much as Harm didn't 
 want to set himself up to be hurt again, I'm afraid that's exactly what's 
 going to happen."
 
 "I am sorry" Andrei sighed. "I did not know this had happened. But that does 
 not mean that all the prisoners died. He may still be alive somewhere else."
 
 "And that's what we need to find out" Clay murmured. "Where that somewhere 
 else is."
 
 "I will talk to Harm" Sergei offered. "And then we can go on."
 
 He walked over to where Harm was still numbly walking through the rows of 
 graves and Harm looked up at him.
 
 "You know he could be any one of these. They're not even marked."
 
 "He could be but I do not believe he is" Sergei said quietly. "In my heart, 
 I believe he is still alive and we will find him."
 
 "You sound pretty sure of that" Harm sighed.
 
 "Faith Harmon. Sometimes I do not think you have enough of it."
 
 "Sergei I've been here before. I came here four years ago thinking I was 
 going to find him alive. And I didn't. That hurt."
 
 "I know. And I'm sorry. But I don't want you to give up now. We will find 
 him."
 
 "You're not even sure he's your father" Harm countered.
 
 "No I'm not. But maybe he is. And until we find him, I'm not going to give 
 up hope. I think we should go to town and get a room for the night and then 
 we will find the new location of the prison and go there tomorrow."
 
 "So you're saying I'm wasting my time looking at these graves?"
 
 "He's not here Harm. I know it."
 
 He walked away and Harm stood there for several seconds while he debated 
 Sergei's words. Finally he made his way over to where the others were 
 waiting.
 
 "So what's our plan?" he asked quietly.
 
 "Rest and we'll figure it out in the morning" Mac said softly as she gently 
 wrapped her arm around his waist, very mindful of his sore side. "You look 
 like you've had enough for today."
 
 He leaned heavily on her as they made their way back to the car and once 
 inside, he closed his eyes and leaned back in the seat.
 
 Andrei drove them to Volka and after several attempts finally found them 
 rooms for the night at a small inn.
 
 "Sergei you and I should down to the bar and see what we can find out" 
 Andrei said once they'd gotten to the rooms. "I think it is best if you 
 three just wait here. They will be suspicious of American's questioning the 
 prison."
 
 "And one of us needs to rest anyway" Mac nodded. "And if you get a chance, 
 some food would be great."
 
 "We will" Sergei promised.
 
 Clay helped Mac get Harm inside the room and onto one of the beds while 
 Sergei and Andrei went to the bar.
 
 "You're still a bit warm" Mac frowned as her hand brushed Harm's forehead. 
 "You need some more of those antibiotics."
 
 "And rest" Clay added. "He's not going to get better running all over the 
 country."
 
 "I'll be fine" Harm sighed. "Once this is all over, then I'll rest. Right 
 now all that matters is finding out where all the prisoners were taken."
 
 "I just hope it isn't too far from here" she sighed. "You are not up to this 
 Harm. Like Clay said you need to rest."
 
 "I have to do this" Harm murmured tiredly. "I have to know the truth. The 
 real truth. No matter what it is."
 
 "Harm you will," Clay assured him.  "We're going to see this through."  

"I just can't believe we were so close."

"And we still are," he insisted.  "Harm don't let yourself give up yet.  Have some hope.  And some faith.  I 
know you were shot down last time but this time it could just be OK."

"Clay you'll let us know as soon as Sergei and Andrei find out something won't you?" he asked, his eyes 
closing and his arms reaching instinctively for Mac.

"Do you guys want to be alone?" he laughed.

"No I thought we'd invite you to join us," Harm groaned sarcastically as he and Mac began to get settled.

Clay's eyes opened wide.  "Whoa.  Wow.  Sorr-eeeee.  I've been asleep at the switch.  Somewhere along 
the line you two have finally remembered you love each other.  And now you're going to. . ."  

"Get out Webb," Harm warned.

"Yes going.  Now. Quickly," he laughed.

"I thought he'd never leave," Harm sighed as soon as they were alone and wasted no time in pulling Mac 
to him.

"Harm you need to rest," she objected just before his mouth closed over hers.  

"Well I have other needs too," he sighed, "but in the case I do think rest is going to take precedent.  But I 
could get pretty used to making love to you Colonel Mackenzie."

"And I could get pretty used to letting you.  Remember I told you how it made me feel."

"Remember I told you to go with that," he smiled and sobered quickly.  "Sarah I'm not afraid to say it to 
you.  Honest I'm not.  I just want it to be special and meaningful the first time I do."

"Harm. . ."  The day's exhaustion had made her close to tears anyway and that put her over the edge.  She 
sniffled softly at his sentiment, and at hearing him confirm his feelings, and his long arm wrapped around 
her.

"Dammit where are they?"  An hour later Harm forced himself awake from what had been a restless sleep 
at best and he raised up so quickly he gasped in pain, plus almost threw Mac bodily from him.  "Sorry.  I 
guess I'm too anxious."

"No kidding.  Just warn me the next time so I can bail out," she smiled and kissed his cheek.  "If you're a 
really good boy and lay back down I'll see if I can find out."

"No Mac.  Remember they said it wasn't a good idea for Americans to be asking about the prison and 
prisoners."

With a devilish smile she let him have a string of Russian.

"I'm never going to know what you just told me am I?"

"Nope.  I'll just walk down to the bar and see what I can pick up.  But you have to promise to wait up here.  
You no more could pass for Russian than I could for Chinese."

"You'll be careful?"

"My middle name," she laughed.  "Should I send Clay in to keep you company?"

"Do I look that desperate?"
 
  "No. You rest. I'll be back."
  
  "Mac please be careful," he said again. "I mean it. The people who tried to 
  stop me and Sergei before could still be around."
  
  "I will. I'm just going to the bar. Soon as I get information, I'll be 
  back."
  
  "And you don't think it'll take you long?"
  
  "Nope" she smiled. "I'll see you in a bit. Rest. You need it."
  
  Mac made her way down to the nearby bar and walked in, spotting Sergei and 
  Andrei in a corner talking to two other men. She didn't acknowledge them and 
  instead made her way to the bar.
  
  "Beautiful lady is alone," a man said to her in Russian. "Can I buy you a 
  drink?"
  
  "I'm driving so just tonic water" she answered in fluent Russian.
  
  It took her two more tonic waters to learn that the prison had been moved an 
  hour further away and that her admirer was a guard at the new prison. From 
  what he told her, she gathered the prison was less secure than the original 
  one had been due to its location so far out.
  
  "I really need to go," she said finally. "Thank you."
  
  His hand went at once to her arm and he gripped it roughly. "You cannot 
  leave."
  
  For a moment Mac debated her next action. She could easily take the man but 
  not without starting a brawl and getting herself noticed. Then she suddenly 
  saw Sergei coming towards her.
  
  "Ivana what are you doing here with this man?" Sergei demanded angrily in 
  Russian. "I told you to wait at home for me."
  
  "I knew you were here again" Mac retorted. "Are you drunk again?"
  
  The man quickly moved away, thinking he was in the middle of a domestic 
  dispute. Mac and Sergei kept up the act for a few more minutes before Mac 
  finally grabbed her purse and headed out of the bar alone. They had given a 
  stellar performance and she gave Sergei a quick nod before leaving the bar.
  
  Anxious to tell Harm her news, she didn't wait for Sergei and Andrei and 
  instead started back to the hotel alone. She'd taken but a few steps from 
  the bar when a figure stepped out from behind a car and grabbed her, his arm 
  going around her neck and cutting off her air supply almost immediately.
  
  "Tell Mr. Rabb to go home" the voice hissed in her ear as she struggled 
  against her captor. "Otherwise someone is going to get hurt really bad. I'm 
  not going to tell him again. This is his last warning."
  
  A moment later she was released and given a hard shove to the ground. She 
  lay there taking in deep gulps of breath when she heard Sergei's anxious 
  voice.
  
  "Sarah. Are you okay?"
  
  She could only nod; her breath still coming in short gasps. "I'm okay" she 
  managed. "It was a warning. To Harm. To go home."
  
  Even in the dark she could see the concern on Sergei's face as he gently 
  helped her to her feet. "We have to be careful" he murmured. "There are 
  people who do not want us to find this place."
  
  "Well we're not going home. Not now."
  
  "Are you sure you are okay?" he asked.
  
  "I'm fine. And let's not say anything to Harm. He'll just freak."
  
  "Unfortunately he will be able to tell" Sergei frowned as he looked at her 
  neck. "It is red and there are finger marks."
  
  "Great. Both him and Clay are going to go into flip mode."
  
  "They both love you."
  
  "And I love both of them but in completely different ways" she sighed. "And 
  right now all I want is to be in Harm's arms."
  
  "Let's go. Andrei should be a long shortly."
      
 "Someone does not want Harm to find these people.  I didn't think we'd be followed here."
 
 "The people who attacked us in Moscow have long arms and deep pockets," Sergei sighed, taking her 
arm.  
 
 "Sergei, I'm not sure I understand this," Mac frowned, trying to think despite the exhaustion that was 
making her mind numb.  "All of this happened so long ago.  Why keep it hidden now?"
 
 He shrugged and shook his head.  "Sometimes the ways of the Russian government are hard to fathom.  
But they pay these prison wardens well.  By the prisoner.  Plus there is the embarrassment factor."
 
 "But no one in the present day government had anything to do with keeping POWs from Vietnam here," 
she pointed out as they neared Harm's room.
 
 "But no one in the present day government has attempted to fix it either," he smiled ruefully and opened 
Harm's door.  "You want me to go in with you?"
 
 "No maybe he's asleep," she whispered.  "Thanks Sergei.  I owe you."  She closed the door and started to 
give a long sigh of relief.  Until the light flipped on.  
 
 "There you are."
 
 "How do you feel?"
 
 "I'm OK.  Worried about you some.  Couldn't sleep.  Head call.  Is everything OK?  Did you find out what 
we needed to know?"
 
 "Everything is fine," she lied, her ribs starting to remind her of where she had hit the ground.  "I had a nice 
chat with a guy who turned out to be a guard at the prison that took the fire survivors.  Now obviously I 
didn't go for the ID, but we should be able to find it easily enough."
 
 "OK thanks," Harm sighed.  "How do you put up with me anyway?"
 
 "Very easily," she smiled.  "I happen to. . ."
 
 "Sarah I just heard.  Are you OK?  I wish I'd been there."  Clay's anxious voice entered the room just 
ahead of him bursting through the door.
 
 "Thank you Clayton.  I'm fine.  No real damage except that I hadn't planned on volunteering what 
happened."
 
 "OK both of you hold it right there," Harm fairly yelled, wincing at the effort.  "I want to know what 
happened, whether you planned on volunteering it or not."
 
 To Harm's amazement, silently Clay reached out and pulled the collar of Mac's shirt from her neck. 
 
 "Sergei ratted me out didn't he?"
 
 "He did the right thing," Clay told her sternly.  "We don't need secrets."
 
 "When was I going to hear about this?" Harm demanded, striding towards her, and as soon as he saw her 
neck, all the anger left him.  "Mac.  Mac I'm so sorry."
  
 "Harm I'm fine. Please don't freak. It was just a warning."
 
 "From whom?" Clay asked.
 
 "I don't know. But it's not going to stop us. We know where the prison is 
 and we'll go there tomorrow."
 
 "No" Harm shook his head. "Clay you and Mac are leaving first thing in the 
 morning for Moscow. And then I want you both out of the country. You are not 
 staying for the rest of this. Sergei and I will handle it alone."
 
 "Have you lost your mind?" Mac demanded. "Harm you are in no condition to do 
 this with help, let alone on your own. Clay and I aren't going anywhere."
 
 "You're going back home where it's safe. And that's the end of the 
 discussion."
 
 "No it's not."
 
 "Mac I'm not letting anything happen to you. This was close enough. You're 
 going home."
 
 "Who do you think is going to win this one?" Clay said to Sergei with a 
 small smile.
 
 "Both of you out" Mac ordered. "Mr. Rabb and I need to have a little talk 
 here and I'd prefer we have it in private."
 
 "Shall we still plan to go in the morning?" Sergei asked.
 
 "Yes" Mac answered before Harm's "No."
 
 "That clears it up" Clay smiled. "Uh don't forget to make up when you two 
 are done. That's the best part of fighting."
 
 "Get out" Mac moaned. "Now."
 
 A moment later they had the privacy they wanted and Mac let out a long sigh. 
 "Okay Mr. Rabb let's talk."
 
 "Mac you could have been killed tonight" he said quietly. "And it would have 
 been my fault. Do you know what that would do to me?"
 
 "Harm nothing you say is going to make me leave you here alone. Because it 
 would be the same for me. How do you think I would feel if I left and 
 something happened to you? I could never live with myself."
 
 "Then you know why I want you to go."
 
 "But I won't. And nothing you say will make me change my mind."
 
 "Has anyone ever told you you're the most stubborn woman in the world" Harm 
 sighed as he reached for her and she happily moved into his arms. "And I'm 
 going to owe you triple time for this."
 
 "I'll let you know when I want to collect," she said softly. "But for right 
 now I just want to see you through this. To where ever it leads us."
 
 "I'm just so scared something is going to happen to you." He gently pushed 
 her back so he could look at her neck, cringing at the sight of the red 
 marks. "Will you at least tell me what happened?"
 
 "I was walking and not paying attention. Someone came up from behind me and 
 grabbed me. And basically told me to tell you to back off. I just don't know 
 how they followed us here."
 
 "Unless someone gave us away" he sighed.
 
 "Well you never know for sure you can trust anyone here. Andrei seems on the 
 up and up but who knows."
 
 "So what do we do?"
 
 "We move forward. Harm we're this far. We can't turn back now."
 
 "I'm so scared," he admitted as he once again pulled her to him. "And not 
 because of what we might find out about my Dad."
 
 "It's going to be okay sailor," Mac said softly. "But I can see you're in 
 pain and you need to rest. Enough talking and let's get you in that bed."
  
"Did you get your neck looked at?" he demanded, not moving.

"This from the man who got his side slashed with a knife, a dirty knife at that, and didn't get medical 
attention.   Get in that bed.  Do I have to sic Clay on you?"

"Clay is going to go enjoy the vodka Sergei was ordered to bring me," Clay grinned.  "Harm let me give 
you a hand."

"I'm fine," he objected and took a step, only to nearly fall.  That hand Clay had just mentioned came in very 
handy, keeping him from hitting the floor.

"OK Rabb, you are signing off for the night," he growled gruffly.  "Mac is OK.  She had a bad scare, but 
that's all it was.  The man could have snapped her neck if he'd wanted to but he didn't.  It was a warning 
and it's over.  Good night."

Wordlessly, Harm allowed Clay to escort him back to bed, looking to be sure Mac was right behind him.  

"OK you two need anything before I get to that vodka?" he asked.

"No we're good," Mac told him.

Harm reached out to grasp Clay's arm.  "Thanks.  And please tell Sergei thanks for taking care of 
business.  She's pretty important to me."

"OK now I really need that drink," Clay groaned.  "Rabb you're in love with the woman.  Face it.  Admit it 
yourself and to her.  Good night."

Mac avoided Harm's eyes as she slipped into bed next to him while Clay left the room.  She turned the 
bedside light off lay down carefully beside him, cautious to not bump his side.

"Clay's right you know," he said into the darkness.  

"I know," she whispered back.  "For the first time in a long time Flyboy, I think you and I might just be on 
the same page."

"Then we're OK?"

"We're very OK.  Most assuredly we're OK."  She snuggled into his chest and his arm went over the top of 
her as they fell into sleep.

FOLLOWING MORNING

Mac moved silently from Harm's grasp.  She had remained under his arm and against his chest all night 
and despite the soreness coming from her neck had slept well.  Still moving quietly, she tapped at the door 
of the adjoining room.  "You guys decent?"

"Come in Sarah," Sergei called.  "Andrei is in the shower and Mr. Webb is dying."

"It's self inflicted I take it?"

"Yes it is.  He decided we would match shots when I came up."  Sergei gestured to one of the beds where 
she could see just the top of Clay's tousled hair beneath the covers.

Mac laughed and walked over to the bed, pulling back the covers from his head and chest.

"Whichever one of you cretins just did that is a dead man," Clay groaned painfully without opening his 
eyes.  With surprising speed his hand shot out and grabbed for her, locking around her arm and pulling her 
down onto the bed.

"What the hell is going on in here?"  This from the connecting door way.  Harm had at once sensed her 
being gone and got up to follow her.

"Harm.  Bet this looks funny," Mac sighed from where she was leaning against Clay.
 
 "I can explain."
 
 "I'm waiting," he said with a small smile. "Because this is likely going to 
 be the best argument you've ever made Colonel."
 
 She started to speak when she suddenly realized he was simply giving her 
 hard time. "You had me going there for a second."
 
 "Oh come on, I wanted to hear this" Harm laughed.
 
 "Your woman just disturbed a man who had way too much to drink last night" 
 Clay moaned. "And I was getting her back. And good morning to you by the 
 way."
 
 "Well I hope I look better than you do" Harm sighed. "Cause you look like 
 hell Clay."
 
 "Sorry but you only look marginally better than him," Mac said as she 
 climbed from Clay's bed and made her way over to Harm. "Not enough resting."
 
 "Well we don't have time for resting. We need to get to the prison and see 
 if he's there."
 
 "Harm we can't just walk in and say we're here for Lt. Rabb. We need some 
 kind of plan."
 
 "Well the only two of us that speak Russian are you and me Mac" Sergei spoke 
 up. "I think it would best if we went in first."
 
 "Oh no" Harm said at once. "No way is she going in there without me. If they 
 find out who she really is, they'll kill her. We all go in together."
 
 "We need a way in without someone seeing us" Mac sighed. "I wonder if Andrei 
 had any luck getting more information."
 
 Andrei emerged from the shower a few moments later and it was then that they 
 learned he had in fact come up with more information once Sergei and Mac had 
 left him alone in the bar.
 
 "And old friend of mine is still working there" Andrei told them. "He will 
 be willing to help but for a price."
 
 "Whatever it is, we can do it" Clay assured him. "Money, passage to 
 somewhere. Whatever he wants, we just need to get in there."
 
 "Both. He wants to set up a new life in America. His wife died and his two 
 sons have already gone to America. He wants to be with them."
 
 "We can make it happen. But before we do all this, I think we should find 
 out if Lt. Rabb is still there."
 
 "I have the picture," Harm said quietly. "Can we meet him somewhere and ask 
 if knows if he's seen Dad."
 
 "I think that would be a wise move" Andrei nodded. "I can meet him for lunch 
 and take the picture. And see what he knows. If he is still there, then we 
 can make a plan."
 
 "Harm can you live with that?" Clay asked. "I know we're close and you want 
 to go in, but I think it's best we know first that he's there."
 
 "I can live with it" Harm said softly.
 
 "That'll give you more to rest anyway," Mac said softly. "If Andrei comes 
 back with word he's there, we'll make our plans for tonight."
 
 "And if not, we'll go home" he finished somberly.
 
 "Let's not go down that road yet" she chided him gently. "We've come to far 
 to find nothing. But while Andrei is talking to his friend, I want you 
 resting. If we're going to do a prison break tonight, you need to get some 
 rest."
 
 But resting was the last thing on Harm's mind and while Andrei was meeting 
 his friend, Harm could do nothing but pace the small hotel room.
 
 "Harm please sit down" Mac urged. "I wanted you to rest."
 
 "Mac I can't sit" he sighed. "When he comes back, we're going to find out 
 whether Dad is alive or not. And if he's not…" His voice trailed off and he 
 let out a long sigh. "I knew I wasn't ready to do this again. It was so hard 
 the first time and it's not any easier now."
 
 "I know and I'm sorry" she said softly as she wrapped her arms around him. 
 "I want this to be over for you but I want it to end in a good way. I want 
 so much for him to be alive. For that dream you've been holding onto for so 
 long to come true."

 "I want it to" he whispered. "And I want to know the truth about Sergei."
 
 "Sergei is your brother" Mac said with a small smile. "It's so obvious that 
 there's a part of your father in him. And maybe that's the missing piece. 
 Maybe Sergei's father is your father but Pitcha isn't his mother."
 
 Harm nodded. "I just want to know the real truth. About everything this 
 time."
 
 "And hopefully we'll find out. Sooner than later."
   
"I can't leave until we do," he pouted.  "I can live with it either way.  I just can't go home without the truth."

"Harm as a personal favor to me, would you come lie down.  Please."

He nodded and came to her side, waiting while she rolled to the far side of the bed and then dropping 
beside her, giving an involuntary groan as his body hit the firm mattress.

"I'm sorry," she whispered and he shook his head.  "No I'm sorry.  For bringing you into this.  Sorry and 
scared."

"Well just stop it right now," she said firmly.  "I'm fine and I'm right where I want to be.  And I thank god 
Clay came for me.  I'd be totally frantic by now."

"I'm glad you're here.  Sorry but glad and that made no sense."  He carefully pulled her into his arms.  "Did 
we remember to put up the do-not-disturb sign?"

"No but I left Sergei guarding the door," she smiled and his lips closed over hers.

Two hours later he was sleeping soundly with Mac lying mostly awake at his side when there came a light 
tapping at the door.  "Rabb put your pants on and get out here."  Clay's voice.

"Clay, Harm's asleep, and the state of his pants are none of your business," she hissed.

"I'm awake," Harm murmured, not quite getting his eyes open.

"Harm, Andrei's back," Clay called softly.  

"I'll be right there," he managed, swallowing hard and looking to Mac.  "I'm not sure I want to know," he 
whispered.

"Yeah you do.  Let's see some of that fighter pilot with the ice water in the veins Rabb."

"OK.  I'll try.  Can I have a minute and then I'll be right out."

"Sure."  She leaned across the bed and kissed him gently.  "It's going to be fine."

"I know.  Either way I still have you."

"Yes you do and don't forget it."  Another quick kiss and she quickly pulled her clothes about her before 
leaving him alone.

"Andrei, you have something for us?" she asked at once.

"Yes I do.  Harmon?"

"Here I am," Harm called from the doorway.  "Lay it on me."

"I wish it was good news."

"I. . .it's. . .it's not?  He's not. . " Harm stammered and Mac at once returned to his side.

"Easy Sailor.  Andrei let's have it without any sugar coating please."

"My friend could not tell from the picture.  There is a prisoner he believes could be.  But Rabb or Harmon is 
not the name he goes by."

"We have to see for ourselves," Harm said firmly.  "I mean I have to see."

"You were right the first time," Mac chided him.  "Andei how do we do this?"

"Two only.  And of course it should be Harmon.  One with him.  For a guarantee like we spoke of, he will 
get them in, and smuggle the father out.  Clayton that is not going to be a problem am I right?"

"I've got connections.  It can be done," Clay nodded.  "Getting in and out with Lt. Rabb is the big issue."

"Yes it is," Andei agreed.  "Plus we still have our enemies to contend with."

At once Harm turned to Mac who smiled and put two fingers on his lips.  "Don't even try," she whispered.  
"I'll only follow if you try to make me stay behind."

 "Mac you're not going in the prison. If something goes wrong, I want you on 
 the outside."
 
 "I will go with him," Sergei said quietly. "I am the only one besides Sarah 
 and Andrei who can speak Russian and Andrei cannot go in."
 
 "Sergei no" Mac shook her head. "I want to go."
 
 "It would be better if it were Sergei" Andrei told her. "A woman will arouse 
 too much suspicion. We will wait with Mr. Webb outside and be ready to go 
 quickly."
 
 "Like he's going to be able to move quickly" Mac frowned as she looked at 
 Harm.
 
 "Mac I have to go. And Sergei will go with me. This is the best way."
 
 With Mac still grumbling they set the plan in motion. Sergei and Harm would 
 go to the appointed door and Vladimir Marenko would let them into the prison 
 and take them to the man he believed to be Harm Sr. Then he would help them 
 all to escape through another exit before anyone else caught on.
 "Before we do this lunacy I want a few minutes alone with you sailor" Mac 
 sighed as the time neared. "If you boys will excuse us please."
 
 Everyone left the room and Mac let out a long sigh. "Why didn't you want me 
 there?"
 
 "Because if this does all go south, at least I know Clay will get you the 
 hell out of here" Harm said quietly. "And at least you'll be okay."
 
 "I'm not going to be okay if anything happens to you" she whispered. "Do you 
 have any idea how scared I am for you? You're already hurt and you're not in 
 any condition to make a run for it if does go bad."
 
 "I'll be fine. I have to go in there Mac. You know that."
 
 "I don't want to lose you" she whispered, hating herself for the tearfulness 
 her voice held but at the same time not able to stop it. "Dammit Harm we've 
 finally gotten to a place we've never been to in our relationship. A good 
 place."
 
 "I know. And when this is all over, I promise that's not going to end."
 
 "Just promise me you're coming back to me."
 
 "I have no intention of doing otherwise" he sighed as he pulled her into his 
 arms. "But if I don't, there's something you need to know."
 
 "No" she said as she pressed her fingers to his lips. "Not now. Tell me when 
 you get back."
 
 "Sarah" he moaned.
 
 "This way you have to come back to me" she whispered. "And now a kiss for 
 good luck."
 
 It was more than a good luck kiss and they only parted when the need to 
 breathe forced them to.
 
 "We need to go" he managed. "Sarah I wish you'd let me…"
 
 "No. When you get back."
 
 A knock at the door told them it was time to go and Harm let out a long 
 sigh. "When I get back, I'm going to tell you something I should have told 
 you a long time ago."
 
 "You guys ready?" Clay asked when Harm opened the door. "It's time to rock 
 and roll."
 
 "Ready as we'll ever be" Harm said with a small smile. "You ready little 
 brother?"
 
"I am.  For whatever we find."

Harm turned back to Mac who had remained in place.  "You going to say good bye or good luck?"

"Neither.  And both," she answered softly.  "But mostly I'm going to focus on what we'll have to say to each 
other after this is done."

"You do that," Harm smiled and winked.  Harmon Rabb actually winked at her. She had not even known he 
had the capability.  With a quick wave he and Sergei disappeared from the doorway.  Clay gave her a 
quick nod and started to close the door only to have her call his name.

"Yeah?"

"Come in and close the door for a second," Mac told him, sitting up on the bed and smoothing the covers 
to make a place for him.

"Something on your mind?"

"Couple things."  She took a long breath as she organized her thoughts.  "If the worst happens and this all 
goes to hell, would you please make sure he knows I love him with all my heart.  I know it's bad of me to 
ask this of you and I'm sorry."

"No it's totally fitting you should be asking me," he replied quickly. "Because you know how I feel about 
you.  I'd do anything for you."

"You will tell him then?  I know this is sounding silly but it will help my worries if I know that the last words 
he might hear on Earth are that he was loved by me."  She managed to get out the last word before a sob 
choked her throat and she looked at Clay pleadingly.

"Relax Colonel it's in good hands," Clay smiled and started to get up.

"No one more thing," Mac begged, clearing her throat so she could speak.  "Take care of them.  Harm and 
Sergei please.  But also take care of yourself.  I may not be in love with you Clayton Webb but you are 
very important to me.  My life wouldn't be the same without you in it."  As she had done in Paraguay, she 
leaned forward and their lips touched.  It was not about romance.  Not then and not now.  It was about two 
people who cared for each other and who needed each other.

"Bye Sarah," he smiled and he was gone.  At soon as he closed the door the room seemed stiflingly empty 
and she dropped back onto the pillow, shutting her eyes tightly and whispering a prayer for their safe 
return.

"You know a less secure man would have minded you being in a bedroom with his. . " Harm faltered for 
the word and Clay gave him a shove towards the door.

"You could just say woman he loves you know."

"Yeah I could."

Two hours later three cold men crouched on the hillside above the rear of the prison.  "Clay tell me this is 
going to work," Harm begged.

"The plan is simplicity personified," he grinned.  "If it works."

"If."

"If it works, we'll be long away from this area before anyone even misses Lt. Rabb or Mr. Marenko."

Harm checked his watch and looked to Sergei. "It's time. Let's go."

Clay held his breath as Harm and Sergei crept towards the rear door of the 
prison. He waited anxiously and as they reached the door, it opened slowly.

"Please be Marenko" he murmured to himself.

Harm turned and gave Clay a thumbs up to let them know it was okay before he 
and Sergei entered the prison.

"We do not have much time" Marenko told them. "The guard change is going on 
right now. We must hurry."

"Take us to him" Sergei urged. "Now."

They made their way down several halls, twice having to duck behind doors 
when other guards suddenly appeared. For a moment Harm thought they'd been 
had by Marenko but the guards passed and Marenko urged them onto the cell 
block area.

"Here" he announced as he reached a cell, his key quickly opening the door 
and both Harm and Sergei hurried inside before anyone could see them.

It was darker in the cell and finally Harm's eyes adjusted enough that he 
could see someone lying on the cot. That someone started to rise, coming to 
attention as he always did when the guards came in his cell.

"State you name prisoner" Marenko ordered.

For a moment the man before him didn't answer. "What is this all about?" he 
said finally. "You know my name."

"Your real name Lt. Not the name you've been using. Please hurry. We do not 
have much time."

Harm had stood there staring, doubting not for a second that the man that 
stood before him was his father. Despite the fact that he hadn't seen him in 
thirty-four years, he knew it was him. Their eyes met and Harm saw the spark 
of recognition in his father's eyes.

"Lt. Harmon Rabb. My name is Lt. Harmon Rabb. Harm, you've finally found 
me."

The End 

Chapter 2 in January.  Finding Lt. Rabb was only the beginning.  Now they have to get him—and 
themselves—out.