A/N: You didn't think this was going to be all fuff, did you? *grin*


Chapter 7; Dark Menace:

Monday 08:13 ZULU

Near the Natanz FEP (Fuel Enrichment Plant), Natanz County, Isfahan Province, Iran:

Inside, the modern facility looked like any other hi-tech office building in the western world, except for the lack of windows. As the top of the complex was fifty feet below ground level, the view outside would leave much to be desired. It was in this facility, where Al-Qaeda would develop and plan its most devastating attack on the western world. A plan which would make 9-11 look like a Saturday night mugging.

In one of the offices, one man looked over his latest acquisition to be used in the war against the infidels, a war which cost the life of someone very close to him. Obtaining a PAL (Permissive Action Link) had been the lynchpin in the plan Sayyid and his departed brother had conceived to bring the west to its knees. But thanks to the CIA, and a certain female Marine, his brother Sadik would not live to see the fruition of their plans.

Sayyid Fahd was obsessed with two missions in life, the destruction of the American seat of power, and exacting vengeance on the one responsible for his brother's death.

Fahd set aside the documentation on the PAL, and thumbed through the latest intelligence reports on the whereabouts and associations of his quarry. Behind him, a collage of photographs was tacked to a corkboard. In each picture, the dark haired American military officer was seen along with one of her known associates. Killing her isn't nearly enough, Sayyid thought to himself. I want her to know the pain of losing someone close.

For a while, Fahd assumed that a CIA agent by the name of Clayton Webb was the person whose death would cause her the most pain. In a joint venture with the al-Harakat al-Islamiyya, better known in the west as the Abu-Sayyaf Network, they hired a rouge British agent by the name of Simon Tanveer to end the life of Webb in front of his then girlfriend, Sarah MacKenzie whose life would have been taken very soon after. But the plan had been thwarted forces unknown and it was learned that Tanveer himself had been killed.

For Sayyid, this was just as well as he leaned through his vast network of intelligence sources that Webb and MacKenzie were not nearly as close as he had been led to believe. While her friends were not plentiful, the Marine Lt. Colonel did have very close ties with another family of naval officers and their four children. She also kept in touch with her former commanding officer, ironically, the same man who defended Mustafa Atef, Retired Rear Admiral A.J. Chegwidden, the former US Navy Judge Advocate General.

But the one man who seemed to be with her more than anyone else, was her longtime colleague, a Navy Commander by the name of Harmon Rabb Jr. Through his brother, he had learned that the tall former aviator had traveled to Paraguay on his own to find MacKenzie. One of the last things his brother had done was rigged the battery in Rabb's vehicle to explode thus taking him out of the picture so he could pursue Sarah.

Sayyid had warned his twin of the foolishness of his quest to lure the western raised woman back to the truths of Islam. "While her heart may still hold some of the ancient ways, she is too far gone for you to reach, my brother," he had said. But his brother had become fixated on bringing her back to the path, a fixation which cost him his life. A life I will avenge.

...

Tuesday 18:00 ZULU

JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA

Commander Turner was gathering his paperwork together when a knock on the door drew his attention.

"Colonel," he said, as he snapped the clasps to his briefcase shut. "I take it you heard the news?"

"Yeah, I did," she replied. "Leave it to Harm to find his way into trouble by just completing his quals."

Sturgis only nodded. After three years he still found talking to her difficult, something which had only gotten worse since his stint as acting JAG. Mac had become more distant, not just to him, but to everyone in the office, even Harm. Like everyone else at JAG, he was befuddled by the multifaceted relationship which the Colonel and the Commander maintained. Soon after they had met, Mac had revealed something to him purely by accident.

"Why don't the two of you just move on?" he had asked.

"Because it won't work"

"Why?"

"Because, I'm in love with him," she had said, just as if she were placing an order.

Mac had sworn him to secrecy; that is not to tell a soul, anyone. Especially Harm. To his credit, he had never broken her confidence, but he still couldn't help but wonder if she still harbored those same feelings. A lot had happened between them over the past year and a half. It wasn't until he looked up again that he saw genuine worry in her eyes. He stopped what he was doing and gave her his full attention.

"Mac, what's on your mind?" he asked.

"The General had me read the preliminary report, Sturgis. I'm worried about what's going to happen to Harm."

"If he followed procedure, he'll be fine, Mac," replied the former submariner. "If he didn't…he's probably facing an Article 32."

"Sturgis, you know Harm," she said, almost pleading. "He wouldn't have fired unless there was a good reason…"

"I know that, Mac."

Turner paused for a moment to form his thoughts. She is concerned, and not just as a friend.

"Look," he began. "We don't know what happened, yet. Let's get the facts sorted out and we'll see where the chips fall. If Harm followed procedure, he asked permission before he engaged the target and he'll be off the hook."

"I suppose you're right," she surrendered. "I'm sorry; I've got too much on my mind right now."

"How's the new guy, Lt. Vukovic, is it? How's he working out?" asked Sturgis, redirecting the conversation.

"He's part of the problem. I caught him brokering a plea bargain with Lt. Mayfield today. He's sitting second chair and he goes off and pulls this without even asking me. Even as first chair, I wouldn't broker a plea deal without conferring with my co-counsel," she offered. "It's common courtesy."

"He lets his enthusiasm get away from him; sounds to me like he needs a short lease."

"That's just the point, Sturgis; he made it through OCS, law school, and served eighteen months on the Carl Vinson and he doesn't know a damn thing about the chain of command. Vukovic seems to think this is all a big joke."

"You don't particularly like him, do you?" he asked suddenly. He could see that his question had set her back and she took a moment to recover.

"No, she said, after a pause. "I don't, and I took an instant dislike to him which is why I'm questioning myself. Is it just me?"

Turner reached for his jacket and cover.

"If you have the courage to ask yourself that question, you don't need me to give you the answer. Tell you what, Mac," he said as they walked towards the elevator. "I'll try to spend some time with him after I get back from the JFK. Maybe I can give you a fresh perspective."

"Thanks," she said. "When you see Harm, tell him I said hello."

"Sure thing, Mac, see you in a few days."

When she had mentioned Harm, her whole face had lit up and Turner took notice. Something has changed between those two.

...

23:12 ZULU

Mac's Apartment, Georgetown:

Mac had just finished eating when her phone rang.

"MacKenzie."

"Hey, ninja girl."

"Hey yourself, flyboy," she replied. Her spirits were immediately raised when she heard his voice.

"I heard that you like to go busting up the china," she quipped. "How is it that trouble always finds you anytime you fly?"

"Bad news certainly travels fast," he replied. "I don't suppose there is any chance that the General is sending you out?"

Mac smiled at that but they both knew better. "Not a chance in hell, sailor, the General still has me on babysitting duty."

"Uh…oh, Vukovic turning out to be more than you can handle?"

"I haven't killed him yet, if that's what you're asking. But never mind him, tell me what happened."

"I was halfway through my traps when the CAG sent me to intercept an unidentified aircraft which had penetrated the no-fly zone surrounding the oil rig. It turned out to be a single engine Cessna on autopilot. At first the pilot and passenger appeared to be unconscious, so I flew in front of them trying to get their attention. When that didn't work, I tried to lift their wings…"

"I remember the last time you tried that," Mac said, interrupting.

"Yeah, well this time it didn't work. The plane snapped back on course. They were about ten seconds out when I noticed the pilot's lips moving."

"He was praying," said Mac, a statement rather than a question.

"That would be my guess. I had about five seconds left so I got in behind him and unloaded my 20mm on him. There wasn't much left when I finished."

"Harm, did you call for weapons free?"

"There wasn't time. The aircraft would have hit the platform. I didn't find out there was an Iraqi dignitary on the aircraft until after I landed and Captain Abraham relieved me of duty."

Mac was worried. While she knew Harm had probably done the right thing, the fact that he didn't request permission to fire would almost certainly put him before an Article 32.

"You're probably going to face a hearing…"

"Mac, I didn't have any choice. If the aircraft had hit the platform…"

"I know, and I agree with you, Harm. Look, Sturgis is coming out there, and you know how he is about protocol. To be honest, I'm glad the General didn't send me. Based on what you've told me I'd have no choice but to recommend a hearing. Are you sure you didn't leave out any mitigating circumstances?"

"The CIC gang never received a flight plan from the Iraqis. They gave some bull shit story about communications problems."

"Well, that's something we can use at the hearing," she remarked.

"We?"

"Yeah, flyboy, we," she said adamantly. "Don't even think about facing this alone. As far as I'm concerned anything we discussed tonight is attorney/client privilege. I'm going to defend you, if it comes to that."

"If Cresswell lets you," said Harm.

"He already agreed, albeit reluctantly. This will be two you owe me, flyboy."

"You have any ideas on how I might repay you," he asked, suggestively.

Yeah, let me have my way with you when I see you next, she thought. "I'm sure I can come up with something."

"There goes our weekend getaway…"

"It's okay, Harm," she said. "There'll be other weekends, let's just get through this, deal?"

"It's a deal, ninja girl."

...

Wednesday 23:05 ZULU

JAG HQ, Falls Church, VA:

"You pull a stunt like that again, Lieutenant, I'll have you up in front of the rules council. I may do that anyway. That will be all."

Mac watched as Lt. Vukovic turned to leave. He stopped suddenly and turned to face her.

"Do you want to know why you won't have me in front of the rules council, ma'am? Because you like what I did."

"Don't bet your career on it, Lieutenant."

He turned and left her office. Mac stood there for a moment trying to calm herself. She hadn't been this angry in a long time. Mac wasn't sure what pissed her off more, that fact that he pulled an unethical stunt like that, or that he seemed to be pulling the wool over Creswell's eyes.

Once she had stopped seeing red, she sat down and pulled the Lieutenant's personnel jacket out. I sure this guy has pulled something like this before; I just have to find it. Mac knew he had served with Mayfield before but she didn't want to drag her into this until she had some more evidence. If she went to the General now, Vukovic might get off with just a reprimand and right now, Mac was after his ass.

Mac scanned through the computer records looking for anything that might stick out in his career, but most of what he had worked on was routine. There was the case that impressed the General, she thought. She pulled up the computer file on the case but the information was nothing more than a summery and disposition. Mac would have to go to the original records to learn anything of value.

She decided that she would look tomorrow as she had several file to drop off anyway. Besides, Harm was due back from the carrier tomorrow evening and they were going to drive to Blacksburg so they could take off early Friday morning. Mattie and Tom had invited them to stay at the house and have breakfast before they flew to Myrtle Beach.

Sarah had been so relieved when Harm called earlier to give her the good news. The Iraqi dignitary who was supposed to have been in the plane had been found murdered. Jordanian terrorists had hoped to use the flight to destroy the oil rig. Now, instead of facing an Article 32, it looked like Harm just might be up for his third DFC. She couldn't help but be extremely proud of him as his accomplishments as a part time aviator rivaled most full time pilots. He would have had his second Silver Star had it not been for having to resign his commission…

Sarah forced her thoughts elsewhere. Thinking about the upcoming weekend had cooled her temper and she didn't want to spoil her mood by dredging up bad memories. She closed her briefcase and secured for the evening. The General had announced that the JAG conference slated for next week had been rescheduled for the following Monday which meant she didn't have to catch a flight as soon as she returned from leave.

As she was about to enter the elevator, PO Coates intercepted her.

"Ma'am, the General wants to see you right away."

Damn, so much for getting away clean, she thought. "Thanks, Jen."

When Mac walked into the General's office, she ran into the two people she never expected to see again; Deputy Director Harrison Kershaw, and Special Agent Clayton Webb. So affected by shock, she almost forgot protocol. It was a few moments before her Marine training kicked in and she snapped to rigid attention.

"Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, reporting as ordered, sir," she said, facing her CO and ignoring the other two men.

"At ease, Colonel, have a seat."

Sarah would have preferred to stand but she could tell from her CO's expression that he had received her hidden message. She took the seat offered to her next to Kershaw. Clay was still standing beside the General's desk and she tried but was unable to read his expression.

"I believe you know Director Kershaw and Agent Webb," began the General.

"I do, sir," she replied, keeping her eyes on her CO.

"It's good to see you again, Colonel," offered Kershaw.

"With all due respect, you'll forgive me if I don't share your enthusiasm, Director Kershaw. The last three times we collaborated, it nearly cost the life of someone I hold very dear," she stated flatly, "not to mention my own."

"Nature of the business, Sarah," said Webb, speaking for the first time. "You know that, as well as we do."

"Your business, Agent Webb," she fired back. "Not mine!"

Her deliberate formality had hit the mark and the impassive façade on Webb's face cracked. She had to push down the feelings of guilt.

"Stand down, Colonel," interjected the General. "We're all on the same side here."

"My apologies," Mac offered.

Kershaw handed her a picture. "Do you recognize this man, Colonel MacKenzie?"

Mac took the photo and looked down at it. Despite the fact that she knew he was dead, her heart still went cold by the malevolent expression in the man's eyes. I hope you are burning in hell, she thought to herself.

"Of course," she replied, after composing herself. "This is the man responsible for the death of those two missionaries in Paraguay. He almost killed you, Clay. Gunny, Harm…me." Her emotions were very close to the surface and it took every ounce of self control she possessed to maintain her composure.

"The resemblance is amazing, but this isn't Sadik," said Kershaw, dispassionately. "Meet Sayyid Fahd, Sadik's twin brother," the DDI went on. "While Sadik may have been the heart and soul of the operation, this man is the brains. He holds a master's degree in nuclear physics from Stanford with a strong minor in electrical engineering. We have reason to believe he and his brother were the lynchpins in an Al-Qaeda plot to detonate a nuclear device in a major US city."

"He was trying to obtain a Permissive Action Link," said Mac, remembering her last conversation with her nemesis. "I was of the understanding that we thwarted that plot."

"So did we," Webb added. "That is, until we came across some new information last year." Webb paused to look at his boss who simply nodded for him to continue. "What I'm about to tell you is Level Two classified. Eighteen months ago, the French Navy was involved in a Broken Arrow incident involving a cruise missile. While the nuke itself was recovered, a key component was unaccounted for."

"The PAL," stated Cresswell.

"That's correct, General. Cooperating with both British and French Intelligence, we learned that a radical Islamic terrorist organization, based in the Philippines had obtained possession of the Link. In the process, we also discovered the Brits had a mole in their midst. We didn't yet know who the mole was, but we knew he or she had all the details of our operation."

"And because they knew you were involved, you faked your own death to throw them off the trail," said Mac.

"Not only me, the two other agents whom I was working with, one British, and the other, French. I'm sorry, Sarah," Clay said, sincerely. "I couldn't tell anyone, not even my mother knew all of the details. It was simply too risky. The agent hired by the Abu-Sayyaf Network would have stopped at nothing to find us. You saw what happened to Laurie-June…"

"Damn-it Clay, if I knew what was going on I could have prevented her death," said Mac, her temper now fired up. "You didn't see what that bastard did to her…"

"You don't know that, Colonel," interjected Kershaw. "Even I didn't know Tanveer was the mole."

"Wait just a second," interjected the General. "How did JAG end up in the middle of a CIA operation?"

Mac turned to face her CO. "Just before Admiral Chegwidden retired, Commander Turner conducted a JAG-MAN investigation aboard the USS Thomas Lyons. Three civilians, along with three sailors, lost their lives in a rescue attempt in heavy seas…"

"Let me guess, the three civilians were the three Intel Agents."

"Yes sir," replied Mac. "When Commander Turner returned to HQ, he made a point of asking me where Clay was assigned. I became suspicious and started asking questions and that is how a stumbled on the operation."

"I told you she was a good investigator," remarked Kershaw.

"Yes, well, we're getting off track here," countered Cresswell. "How does this affect my people now?"

"Of course, General," replied Kershaw. "Six months ago, Sayyid turned to his colleagues in the Abu Sayyaf Network, whom were now believed to be in possession of a PAL; the same one which was missing from the French cruise missile. Our latest intelligence reports show that the PAL was delivered to a secure facility somewhere in Iran, the Isfahan Province to be more specific, but we haven't yet been able to pinpoint the exact location. It is also believed that they have acquired enough nuclear material to construct a suitcase nuke capable of leveling Manhattan Island."

"Well, that is disturbing to know," Cresswell said acidly. "What is the intelligence community planning to do about it?"

"We have an idea, but it's risky," offered Kershaw. "We can try to smoke him out. According to our sources, Sayyid has pledged vengeance against the person he holds responsible for his brother's death and the person closest to her…"

"Harm?" said Mac, speaking involuntarily. "What does he have to do with this?"

"Maybe nothing," answered Kershaw. "It was our impression that Fahd believes that you and Agent Webb are still involved. That is one piece of intel which still needs to be confirmed before we can proceed further. For the time being, Colonel, you should be aware that you may be under surveillance, both by our people and theirs. We'll be keeping an eye on your associates as well, if only for their own protection."

"Why do I get the feeling that the CIA is looking to pull my people in on another one of their operations?" asked Cresswell. "Don't you people have agents trained for this sort of thing?"

"Of course we do," said Webb. "But that in no way precludes using others when the opportunity presents itself."

You're an asshole, Webb, thought Mac, suddenly losing any sympathy she might have had for him. She was about to voice her displeasure when her boss interjected his own.

"Look, I don't really care about your logistical problems. Quite frankly, they are none of my concern. My people are lawyers, not secret agents. Now Lt. Colonel MacKenzie is an outstanding and decorated Marine and I have no doubt that she can handle herself in a sticky situation, but she is not an intelligence agent. I don't know what kind of deal you had with Admiral Chegwidden but, in case you haven't noticed, he isn't running things around here anymore. So before the two of you get any lame brained ideas about using any of my officers, you're going to have to convince me that their presence is essential to the mission, and even then, I'm not going to order them to go. So far, your operations have done nothing to further their careers."

"Perhaps you should ask Colonel MacKenzie why she refused a decoration," quipped Kershaw. "We'll be in touch."

When they were alone, Cresswell turned to his Chief of Staff. "Would you like to tell me what that was all about, Mac?"

"Not particularly, sir."

"In that case, let me make it an order, Colonel. I want to know what he is talking about. If I'm going to keep JAG out of this, I need to know what I'm up against."

Sarah looked down at her fidgeting hands. How can I explain something to him that I don't even understand myself? She hadn't even told her former CO the whole story about what had happened down there. It's like this General, my best friend threw away his career to save my sorry ass and I tossed him out of my life like yesterday's garbage.

"Sir, my reasons for refusing the decoration are very personal. In a nutshell, it wasn't me who deserved the award, it was Commander Rabb."

"Commander Rabb was on this mission?"

"Not officially, sir. He resigned when the Admiral refused to let him come after me when Webb and I missed check-in," she replied. "Had Harm arrived an hour later, I would have been tortured to death…"

She struggled to hold her composure as her self control was all but gone. Apparently seeing her distress, Creswell rose from behind his desk and took the seat next to her.

"Mac," he began, "I know this is difficult for you, but if a credible threat exists against one or more of my staff, I need to understand the circumstances. You can leave out the personal stuff and whatever you say here will not leave this office."

Sarah looked up into the eyes of her CO seeing the same look of caring and compassion, she had so often associated with the former JAG. Trusting her instincts, she began to tell her story. Mac left out most of the personal details; her conversation with Harm in the hotel room and what was said at the taxi stand. She also avoided most of the details about her relationship with Clayton Webb.

"So you see, General, it was Commander Rabb who deserved to be decorated, not me. Hell, all I did was hold the aircraft steady while he lobbed the explosives at the truck. Had it not been for Harm, Webb and I would have been dead. Harm gave up everything he was, and everything he had for me. It simply wouldn't have been right for me to accept a decoration at his expense."

General Cresswell nodded. For a while he said nothing and just stared out at the window. After a few minutes he turned to her and said, "You know, Colonel, as I've gotten older, I've found myself wondering if some of the people who occupy today's military truly understand the values of integrity and self sacrifice. And without fail, whenever I find myself questioning those facts, someone comes along and restores my faith in the institution I've sworn my life to protect. Thank you for that. You are an officer of unimpeachable integrity, Mac. You've come a very long way from that impressionable young First Lieutenant who was stationed at Okinawa all those years ago."

"I'd like to think I learned a few things since then, sir. I've still made my share of mistakes along the way."

"Haven't we all?" he offered. When she didn't respond, he continued. "From what you have told me, neither you, nor the Commander could have stopped Sadik and his men alone. I'm going to look into this. As I understand things, Commander Rabb would have still been on terminal leave when all of this took place. This still places him in the military during the events."

"Which would make him eligible for a decoration," Mac finished for him.

"Correct," said Cresswell. "I'd like you to reconsider your own decision in this matter, Colonel. By having these things on your service record, it effectively erases the damage done by staying in the same billet as long as you have."

"Permission to ask the General a question, sir?"

"What's on your mind, Colonel?"

"I've been here at JAG for almost nine years, sir. I like the people I work with, and to be quite honest, I'm happy here, more than I've ever been elsewhere. Is it so wrong to want to stay in a place where you are happy?"

"Colonel MacKenzie, I've been in the Corps over twenty five years and in twenty five years, I've moved fifteen times. Change is a fact of military life, in fact, of life in general. Nothing ever stays the same, Mac."

The General stood and walked over to the window. With his hands behind his back, he looked out over the parking lot.

"Colonel, you, Commander Rabb, and Commander Turner are senior officers; both you and Rabb are ready for your own commands, in fact, you've been ready for quite some time. The service has a lot of young inexperienced officers coming up the ranks. Some of them will find integrity in themselves, like Lt. Mayfield seems to have. And some; like Lt. Vukovic, are going to need a little guidance."

Mac felt her heart stop as the General turned to face her. The surprise must have been evident on her face as the General continued.

"Did you really think that I didn't know about his little charade, Colonel?"

"I didn't know what to think, sir. You seemed to be singing his praises. I was on the phone with Lt. Revere's real father when you came in. How did you know, sir?"

"The gentleman who pretended to be Revere's father belongs to an acting troupe which my wife is acquainted with. You're wondering why I didn't call Vukovic out on it?"

"The thought had crossed my mind, sir."

"The skipper of the Carl Vinson is an old academy classmate of mine. Don't act surprised, I do have a couple of squids I consider friends. Some of them could make it as Marines, don't you agree?"

"I could think of one or two, sir"

"Matt Emerson called me a few weeks before Christmas about a certain JAG officer stationed aboard his ship. He couldn't cite anything specific, but his gut tells him that there is something not quite right about this guy. When I asked about his FITREPS, Captain Emerson told me they were just about perfect. Nobody is that perfect, Colonel so I had orders cut to bring him here. I paired him with you because I like your style, if there was anything funny going on, I'm sure you would find it. It pleases me to no end that he didn't pull a fast one on you."

"Well, while I appreciate the vote of confidence, sir, could you at least give me a heads-up next time?"

"I like to keep my people on their toes, but I'll think about it. So, tell me, how do you plan on handling our little problem? I already assume that you chewed his ass."

"Not as much as I'd like, sir. He still thinks I like what he did. I was considering putting him before the rules committee, but if I did that, he just might draw a reprimand. Before I do anything, I need to know if his career is worth saving. Commander Turner offered to spend some time with him next week and give me another point of view."

"I think we are in agreement. Keep me informed. I meant what I said; he's got fire in his belly and if we can set him on the right path he'll be an asset to JAG. If not, well, I'd rather know sooner than later."

"Will do, sir."

The General relaxed his stance before he spoke again. "You still have plans with the Commander this weekend?"

"I'm looking forward to it, sir. We're leaving tomorrow evening for Blacksburg where the Commander keeps his plane. Mattie, she's the girl who was the Commander's ward until a few months ago, invited us to stay with her and her father. We leave from Blacksburg Friday morning."

"Rabb flies a vintage Stearman, doesn't he?"

"He does. The plane belonged to his grandfather. When Harm was recovering from his ramp strike, he restored the aircraft. I'm not an aviator, and even I have to admit it's a beautiful aircraft."

"It'll be a bit cold for the first leg I'll bet," the General offered. "Anyway, Colonel, I won't keep you. Enjoy your weekend."

"Thank you, General."

"Dismissed."

"Aye aye, sir."