Hey all! This is my second attempt at a JAG fanfic. Please, be kind. I take criticism, just when constructive and not rude. I would love to hear how I could improve. Anyway, here goes. This is just chapter 1. I have chapters 2 & 3 already done and an outline of the whole story, so just make sure you review to give me that reason to press on. Thanks for the support. And I'm always looking for a beta reader if anyone's interested. According to response, I'll get the next chapter up soon. Enjoy.

midnight

ps-As for Undercover-Yes, I'm working on it. We jsut have a slight problem. I have stuff all map out for it, but it's at home. I moved away to college this year and left that at home when I moved. I really want to stick with the original plot that I have, so until I can get home and get that, we're on hold. There's no way I would ask my mother to find it and mail it to me. That's just asking for it to get lost. Sorry people, but I'll try to get home as soon as things allow.

1315 Local

Admiral's Office, JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

3 October 2001

"Just a moment, gentlemen," the Admiral told the two men seated in front of his desk. "Tiner! Are Rabb and MacKenzie out of court yet?" he asked by intercom.

"Yes, sir. They are out here waiting."

"Then send them in," he ordered his yeoman.

"Aye, aye, sir!"

Immediately, the door opened and the two officers entered. They came to attention before A.J.'s desk.

"At ease; and please, have a seat. Commander Harmon Rabb, Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, I'd like to introduce you to the Secretary of Defense, Michael Walsh, and the Secretary of State, Hunter Morgan." The four exchanged nods of greeting. "They would like to speak with you," the Admiral informed Harm and Mac.

"Commander Rabb," Secretary Walsh began. "I realize this may come as a surprise, but we'd like to pull you from J.A.G. to come work for the Defense department."

"And we'd like to offer you a job, Colonel," Morgan inserted.

"As an effect of 9/11, we are being allowed to expand our departments so that we can take measures to hopefully prevent future acts of terrorism," Walsh explained. "Both of you are familiar with international law, making you the best possible assets to both offices. We understand that you love it here, but sometimes sacrifices must be made."

"And we, of course, are willing to reward these sacrifices. You will both receive a salary increase, plus you will be promoted by January at the latest," Morgan informed them. "It may not fully make up for being pulled, but we'll try."

"What exactly do these jobs include?" Mac questioned.

"And will we be kept in D.C.? or will this require moving?" Harm added.

"Though the jobs are different in many aspects, they'll be set-up somewhat like your jobs here," Walsh explained. "You'll be based out of D.C. and travel. You will be out for extended times most likely, and there is always a chance that you won't be home between assignments."

"And," Morgan interrupted, "other than that, we can't discuss it now."

"We're willing to give you some time to think about it, but I'm afraid we cannot spare more than two hours," Walsh continued.

"How soon after you get an answer would the job start?" Mac threw in.

"Immediately," chimed both Secretaries.

"Sir?" she questioned.

"Colonel, you know I'd be sad to see either of you leave. You, both of you, are extraordinary lawyers. The two of you have done wonders in mentoring Bud. If this was for anything else, I'd have told them no from the beginning. Yet, there are so many more ways you can serve in the war on terrorism. So, in the end, the decision is yours."

"But, sir…" Harm started.

"Commander, he's right. Your investigative skills and knowledge of the law have preceded you," Walsh said.

"Why don't we leave it at that unless you have any pressing questions," Morgan suggested. "Take some time and think, talk it over with each other. Preferably, don't talk to anyone else about it yet. We'd like to keep things low profile for now."

"Alright," Mac agreed as Harm nodded.

"Then, dismissed," the Admiral ordered. Both snapped to attention before exiting the office.

1400 Local Time

Bullpen, JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

"My office or yours?" Harm queried as he fell into step behind Mac.

"Yours," she replied.

Together, they crossed the bullpen and entered Harm's office, shutting the door behind them.

"Well, any thoughts?" Harm asked as he moved behind the desk to sit.

"Why us?"

"I don't know, Mac. Maybe because we've worked with the CIA and have done some work on high profile cases."

"Is that enough though? We'll probably be required to attend parties with our new bosses. There will be politicians, government officials, and ambassadors at these things. Rules will change mid-game, trapping us in tangled webs."

"We've managed before, Jarhead."

"In short burst at a time. This will be continuous. Can we do it?"

"Yeah, we can. Have faith, Marine," Harm reassured her.

"Okay, Sailor, we've figured out we're going to take the jobs. Now, let's figure out the rest of it."

"What next then?" Harm let Mac lead.

"Apartments. I don't think I will be able to just let mine sit empty for months on end. I could sublet, but to who?"

"Surely some petty officer or someone is looking for a place. Harriet would know. She could probably even help take care of it if you don't have time," Harm pointed out.

"I wouldn't want to burden her," Mac protested.

"Just see what she knows to start with."

"Alright. Any suggestions on storage? Even if I do find someone to take my place, I'm going to have to store at least part of my stuff."

"There's a storage room behind the bedroom of my apartment with a second door in from the hallway. You could use that."

"Then, I won't have anywhere to stay when I'm here," Mac stated.

"Maaaccc…" Harm sighed. "How often do you think we will really be home? Especially, at the same time?"

"Rarely," she conceded. "Then, I think I know where you're going with this."

"So, we'll share? And if we're ever here at the same time, I can take the couch."

"That's negotiable, but for now the general plan works, just hinging on getting someone to take my place," Mac said, using a legal pad from the desk to make notes.

"Then how about telling my mom and Frank?" he suggested as the next topic.

"And my Uncle Matt," Mac added. "I assume your mother'd prefer a phone call?"

"Most likely," Harm concurred. "So, you'll add that to the list you're making?"

"Mmmhmm." Mac continued to make notes as Harm watched, unable to tear his eyes away from her even as she completed the simple task.

"What about telling everyone?" Harm threw in.

"Oh, no!" Mac softly gasped. The pad and pen softly slid into her lap as she slumped in the chair. "How are we going to deal with this! We're probably going to miss little A.J.'s birthday!"

"We don't know that for sure, Marine. Don't worry about it until you have to. We'll be here for them when we need to be," he assured. "Anything else?"

"No," Mac admitted. "Shall we go grab a late lunch and then let them know?"

"Yeah. Let's go."

1525 Local Time

Bullpen, JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, VA

"Commander! Colonel!" Tiner called. "The Admiral wants to see you A.S.A.P. Let me put your covers in your offices."

"Thank you, Tiner," Mac said as they passed over their covers and headed towards the Admiral's office. Harm gave a short rap on the door and at the call of enter let Mac precede him into the room.

"At ease. I don't believe we need to go through introductions again," the Admiral stated dryly, eliciting chuckles from the others. "Be seated, please." He motioned to the two empty chairs.

"No reason to beat around the bush," Walsh declared. "You haven't had your two hours yet, but our bosses are pushing for an answer now."

"So, do you have an answer for us?" Morgan jumped in.

"Glancing at the Admiral first, the two lawyers shared a look before answering together, "We're in.