WARNING: Contains spanking of an adult.

Disclaimer: The characters aren't mine. I just borrow them.

For Michi uk.

"But Sir, if I could just talk to her, I'm sure I could get the full story," Harm argued.

"I said no, Commander."

"Sir, I could just call her. I wouldn't even have to go over there."

The Admiral leaned forward across his desk and glared at Harm. "Don't you do it Mister."

"Why not Sir?" Harm asked. He saw Mac turn and stare at him out of the corner of his eye.

The Admiral's nostrils flared and his chin jutted out. "Not that I have to explain myself to you," he said slowly, "but I am under orders from SecNav that Rachel Hodges – or anyone else for that matter – is not to know about her husband's involvement in that mission. As far as she is concerned, her husband was on a humanitarian mission to Ghana." He looked between Mac and Harm for a moment then turned his attention squarely to Harm. "Now, if neither of you have any other insubordinate questions for me, that will be all."

Harm and Mac snapped to attention. "Aye-aye Sir." They turned on their heels and marched toward the door.

"Commander," the Admiral called, predictably. Harm turned around as Mac shot him a look. The Admiral walked across the office and closed the door before turning back to Harm. "That's strike one."

"Strike one Sir?" Harm asked, caught a bit off guard.

"Yes, Mr. Rabb, strike one. I have had about enough of you questioning and disobeying my orders. I have been far too lenient with you…"

"Lenient?" Harm interrupted incredulously. "Sir, I'm not sure I'd say taking paddle to my ass is lenient."

Immediately, the Admiral was in Harm's face. "You interrupt or contradict me one more time and you're going to find out just how lenient I've been. And so help you if you dare disobey me. Now get out." He took a step back so that Harm could leave. "And that's strike two," he said as Harm grabbed the doorknob. Harm turned to say something, but the look on the Admiral's face made him reconsider. Instead, he nodded and left.

No sooner was he in his own office than Mac walked in and closed the door. "Do you have a death wish, Harm?"

Harm sighed. "I hate the politics, Mac. Mrs. Hodges has a right to know that her husband was on the team that rescued their son from those guerillas. And their son has a right to know that his father died trying to rescue him. But SecNav is playing the politics card."

Mac dropped into the chair in front of Harm's desk. "I agree with you. The politics of this sucks. And yes, Mrs. Hodges probably knows more about why their son was in Iran in the first place than we do. But the fact remains, Major Hodges shouldn't have been on that mission to begin with. He let his emotional attachment to the mission cloud his judgment. And he and Lt. Rayes died as a result of it. His son is lucky to be alive, no thanks to him."

"Well gee Mac, is there even a need to investigate? It sounds like you've got it all wrapped up. Perhaps we ought to go back to the Admiral's office and tell him that the case is closed," Harm said angrily.

"Power down, Harm," Mac said defensively then relaxed. "You're right. I'm sorry. But my point is this: I don't think the Admiral is going to tolerate you defying him on this one."

"Yeah, that's pretty much what he said."

"Then listen to him for once. I don't even want to think about what he'd do to you if you disobeyed him. Or worse – if you disobey SecNav."

Harm sighed. "I have work to do."

Mac gave him an exasperated look. "It's your ass, Harm. Just leave me out of it."