A/N: Thanks to everyone who left a review on the last chapter. I appreciate the encouragement. I love happy endings, but there's going to be a little angst in this story before we learn Harm's fate.

Searching

Olivia and Juliet's Restaurant
May 25, 2001
2100 Local

"Almighty and merciful God, as we await the fate of our comrades…"

Mac closed her eyes and listened as the chaplain said a prayer for Harm and Lt. Hawkes. Her thoughts drifted to the last time she spoke with him.

Aren't you going to wish me luck?

But she refused, allowing anger and hurt to stand in the way. He was her best friend. Why couldn't he attend her wedding?

You know the reason.

But he pushed me away.

Did he?

Yes, he said he couldn't let go.

No, he said "not yet."

"Amen."

When the chaplain finished the prayer, Mac switched into her "take charge" mode. She sought out a waiter and had him bring a phone into the room so they could communicate with the Patrick Henry. It wasn't long before search and rescue had picked up a survivor.

"We have a survivor on board. It's Lt. Hawkes."

Where was Harm?

"Any sign of Commander Rabb?" Admiral Chegwidden asked.

"No, sir. Let me ask Lt. Hawkes. She didn't see Commander Rabb eject, sir."

"Any speculation as to where he is?"

"Hard to say. He could have punched out late. That would put him—"

"What's happening, Angel?" Captain Ingles asked.

"We're getting pushed around, skipper."

"Can you keep her in the air?"

"I'm trying, sir! I'm trying!"

"Viking, take another sweep of the area before we call it quits."

"Roger that, skipper."

"Under those conditions, the commander could be a few hundred yards away," Mac said. They can't leave before they locate Harm.

"We've identified the problem, Colonel. Those conditions are dangerous for all."

"Sir, with all due respect."

"We can't risk an entire crew for one survivor."

"This is Admiral Chegwidden, Captain. No one is blaming you. When will you launch again?"

"When the weather improves, Sir."

"Thank you, captain. Carry on."

"Aye, aye, sir."

The Admiral pressed the button to end the call. Mac ran from the room, needing to be alone. She found a quiet spot near a window. Lightning flashed, and rain pelted against the building, but the storm outside was no match for the one raging within her.

Mac, you have someone who will always love you.

He'd told her he loved her. Okay, his words left room for interpretation, but the kiss they shared that night said it all.

And you have someone who loves you.

Yes, she loved him. Probably had since Red Rock Mesa. How did things get so messed up? Why couldn't they make things work? She was at her rehearsal dinner. Tomorrow was her wedding day, and she was marrying a man who loved and cherished her. It should be the happiest day of her life. Why then did she feel so miserable.

Because you don't love Mic.

But I do love him. After all, I agreed to marry him.

You're settling.

No! Mic loves me. He's offered me a home, marriage, a family.

And what do you think he'll do about your relationship with Harm?

Nothing. Harm and I work together. We're best friends. Mic understands.

Does he?

A week earlier, when she was researching the events that occurred with Captain Mackenzie on the USS Somers, she'd had a dream. Or was it a vision?

She'd seen Mic as Captain Mackenzie. Saw the execution of the four men. When she saw the fourth man's face… It was Harm. Was the dream an omen? Would Mic destroy her relationship with Harm? Make her sever all ties?

You know he will.

A loud clap of thunder jolted her from her thoughts. None of that would matter now if they couldn't locate Harm.

If he's gone, what will I do without him? I didn't even tell him goodbye. Didn't wish him luck.

Tears rolled down her cheeks. She cried for her best friend. Wept for the man she loved.

That was how Mic found her a few minutes later.

"Sarah, are you okay?"

Wiping the tears, she turned to him. "I'm fine, Mic. Just needed some time alone."

"They found Skates. They'll find Harm. Come back out, Sarah. You need to be with those who love you." He reached to take her hand.

Yes, I do need to be with him. But right now, he's missing.

"Not now, Mic." She turned, then walked away.

JAG Headquarters
May 25, 2001
0330 Local

Admiral Chegwidden "rallied the troops," and they all gathered back at JAG Headquarters. One of their own was missing. They couldn't be part of the search team, but they weren't going to remain idle.

Bud ordered Tiner to tune in ZNN as well as the Navy and Marine Corps news. He had Gunny get charts of the Western Atlantic and place them on a rolling bulletin board.

Mac sat in her office, still feeling numb. Mic was on the phone, checking on wedding preparations. He ended the call. "Tables and linens arrived at the hall. They're unloading the flowers as we speak. Why don't we wait and see what happens before we postpone the wedding? If they find him in the next few hours—"

"They'll take him to sickbay, and we'll be waiting for a report on his condition."

"But Sarah, it's our wedding."

Mac rose from the chair. "You don't get it, do you, Mic? My best friend is missing."

"Your best friend? And what am I?"

Her eyes flashed anger. "Don't go there. I don't need this from you right now. There is no way I'm going through with a wedding until I hear news about Harm."

"And I don't have a say in this?"

"Stop being so damn selfish!"

"Okay, I'll make some phone calls." Mic left the office.

Bud stuck his head in the door. "Ma'am, we just heard the storm is easing, and they're resuming the search for Commander Rabb."

"Thank you, Bud. Have you seen Chloe?"

"I'm right here," the teenager said. "Any luck yet?"

"Come in and close the door."

"Are you okay?"

"No." Tears began to roll down her cheeks.

"But Mac, it's Harm. Isn't he, like, invincible?"

"It doesn't look good."

"You don't talk like that."

"Just being realistic."

"Then why aren't you trying to find him?"

"He's in the middle of the ocean."

"No, like you found me. The time I was thrown from my horse."

Why didn't I think of that? Harm once said he always knew where I was. Can I do the same thing for him?

"Okay, Chloe, but I'm going to need your help."

Mac closed her eyes and held Chloe's hand. In her mind's eye, she saw churning waves. The sea was rough, the conditions dangerous.

Harm!

Where are you, Harm?

Why couldn't she feel his presence? See where he was?

Think. Concentrate harder.

And that's when she saw it. A life raft. Floating on the waves. The only trouble was the raft was empty. Still, she had to try. She walked into the bullpen and pointed at the coordinates on Bud's map.

It was daybreak when Admiral Chegwidden assembled everyone in the bullpen. "I just received word from Captain Ingles. They've continued to search, but other than finding his empty raft, there is no sign of Commander Rabb. With the sea conditions and water temperatures as they are, the chance of survival after these many hours is next to impossible. I'm sorry, people." The usually tough as nails SEAL's voice broke. He turned and reentered his office.

The silence in the bullpen was overwhelming. Everyone was shocked to learn Harm likely hadn't survived. Mac rushed to her office and closed the door.

It's my fault. If I hadn't been so adamant about him attending my wedding.

"I'm sorry, Harm."

She laid her head on her desk and sobbed.