Title: Trouble in Paradise

Author:FitzG

Summary: Harm invites Mac to spend a week sailing in the Bahamas to make up for the gunshot wound she received from the poachers when they went flying. Unfortunately not everything goes as Harm plans.

Spoilers: References to first season episode Deja Vu and second season episodes We the People, Full Engagement, The Game of Go, Code Blue and Rendezvous. Takes place between the second season finale Rendezvous and the third season opener Ghost Ship.

Disclaimer: JAG characters are the property of Bellisarius Productions.

A/N: This chapter is a little shorter than the opening chapter. However there is more going on than just a look at Harm's thoughts about Mac.

A few notes for my reviewers: Thanks for all the kind comments.

aachon, a nice short review. I appreciate the kind words.
gypsyrose06, I'm glad you are looking forward to reading more.
Jagfan 724, I'm happy you like my new plot idea. I agree so many plot ideas get overdone, especially things like fixing Boomerang, Adrift, or A Tangled Webb.
KC Smith, I appreciate your review. I've been following your story Love, Loss and Family. I love the family you've given Harm and Mac. I suspected that the Josh you were introducing might by Josh Pendy. I'm glad you didn't disappoint me. I'm also glad to hear your husband is doing better and look forward to reading more of Love, Loss and Family. Chapter 3 should be coming up soon.

Keep those reviews coming everyone (both good and bad)

Thanks

Chapter 2

Monday 3 weeks later

0915 EST

JAG HQ

Falls Church, VA

Harm waited patiently outside Admiral Chegwidden's office. Following the morning staff meeting he asked the admiral if he could speak with him this morning. The admiral agreed and told him that Petty Officer Tiner would inform Harm when he was available. Tiner had just called him and told him the admiral could see him. The admiral was just finishing an important phone call and Harm would be able to speak to him when he completed the call. Harm was a little anxious about the conversation. Things had slowed down at JAG lately and Harm planned on asking the admiral for a week's leave time for him and Mac so he could invite her to go sailing in the Bahamas.

As Harm was thinking about these things Tiner noticed that the admiral had completed his phone call. "You can go in now Commander" Tiner said looking up at Harm.

"Thanks Tiner" Harm responded as he knocked on the admiral's door.

"Enter" the admiral called. Harm opened the door and stepped into the office. "Close the hatch Commander and take a seat."

"Thank you sir."

"What can I do for you Commander? Is this about the Winslow case?"

"No sir, the Winslow case is going fine. Commander Mattoni's client has agreed to a plea. I should have the case wrapped by mid-week. Actually sir I'd like to request a week's leave time for both myself and Major MacKenzie."

"You're requesting leave for both you and the major? May I ask why."

"Yes sir, I'm planning to invite Mac for a week of sailing with me in the Bahamas."

"I see. You and the major haven't gotten personally involved, have you?"

"No sir" Harm answered. "Not yet" he quietly added hoping the admiral didn't hear him. Unfortunately by the look on the admiral's face Harm knew he had. "Sorry sir, I hadn't meant to say that last part out load. Sir I know you ordered Mac and I not to get too close, and I know the regs..."

"Easy commander, I didn't exactly order you two not to get too close, more like made a strong suggestion. Perhaps we can forget for a moment that I'm your CO and instead continue this conversation as friends?"

"Yes sir. Thank you sir" Harm replied.

"You and Mac have gotten quite close, haven't you?"

"Yes sir. Mac and I have become friends, good friends. In fact I have to admit that she is my best friend and the best partner I've had at JAG."

"But you'd like something more? You know a personal relationship with Mac would affect both your careers."

"As hard as it is to say, I would like something more than friendship with Mac. I realize such a relationship would affect our careers and if it means one us needs to transfer out of JAG HQ I'm willing to consider leaving."

"It means that much to you?"

"It does sir. Sir you may remember the Schonke case. Diane was my girlfriend at Annapolis. We stayed close since then. I believe I loved her, but before Diane and I could explore a future together she was killed. I didn't think I could fall in love again after her death, but when I met Mac I felt something more. I knew I wanted her to be more than a partner or co-worker. I was glad when we were able to become friends as well as partners. Mac has shared more with me than I thought possible. She's trusted me with her childhood and her past that she didn't need to. At the same time I've been able to trust her with my past. I've told her things about myself I've never been able to tell anyone else."

"Are you in love with her Harm?'

"I believe I am sir.'

"Well Harm, as your friend I'm going to point out that since both you and Mac are at O-4 ranks the regs don't strictly prohibit a personal relationship. It is frowned upon but not against the rules. If either of you should be promoted ahead of the other that would of course change things. As your CO I have to point out that any personal relationship you and the major pursue will need to be kept outside the office. Can you keep things professional with Mac in the office and on any cases you investigate or work on together?"

"I believe so sir."

"In that case I won't interfere. However if you and the major can't keep things strictly professional we will take this up again. If either of you is promoted ahead of the other or you decide to pursue a more permanent relationship then one of you may need to transfer to another billet."

"I understand sir. Thank you sir" Harm replied.

"Now that that issue is settled for the moment let's get back to your leave request. When did you intend for you and Mac to take leave?"

"Either next week or the following one sir, if that's all right with you."

"Next week would be fine. Normally I wouldn't want two of my senior attorney's out at the same time but things are slow around here at the moment. If you feel you can wrap the Winslow case up by mid-week I don't see why you can't have the time. I believe Mac has the Foster case to complete."

"Yes sir, closing argument's are today."

"You haven't invited Mac to go sailing yet have you?"

"No sir, I wanted to clear the leave time with you first. After our mishap when I took Mac flying in my stearman I thought it best to clear the leave time with you first."

"A wise choice commander. If I may ask, when did you intend to ask Mac?"

"I'm planning to ask Mac outside work. Mac and I usually have a working dinner at my apartment once a week to go over cases. I thought it best to ask her outside the office so there are no distractions or tension between us if things don't go well."

"I'm glad to hear that commander. It seems as if you are already thinking of ways to keep your personal relationship with the major outside of the office. If the major accepts your invitation be sure you both file your leave paperwork with Petty Office Tiner."

"Thank you sir. I appreciate your fairness in this situation."

"Dismissed Commander. Don't make me regret this"

"No sir."

"And Harm, good luck."

"Thank you sir" Harm said as he rose from his seat and stood at attention. Then turned smartly and left the admiral's office. As he made his way to back to his office a smile broke out on his face. Now that he had the admiral's approval he only needed to convince a certain beautiful marine major to spend a week with him in a tropical paradise.

TBC