A/N: Harm returns to JAG. But someone isn't happy about him being back. I need to do something with the Hughes character.

Revenge

JAG Headquarters
June 18, 2001
0730 Local

Commander Harmon Rabb stepped off the elevator at JAG headquarters with Mac by his side. It seemed like a lifetime since he was last here, but only seven weeks had passed since the admiral gave him the TAD assignment on the Patrick Henry.

He paused, then looked at Mac.

"You okay?"

"Yeah. Just thinking about the last time I was last here. When I told you I was going to the Henry. I hurt you that day, and I'm sorry."

"Harm, it's okay. You told the truth. I didn't want to hear it then, but you were right. I was planning to marry the wrong man. I'm just sorry it took you dumping a forty-million-dollar aircraft in the ocean to make me see the truth."

He flashed her a grin. "Well, whatever it takes."

"Don't joke about it. I could have lost you."

"You have me now."

Mac smiled. "Yeah, I do, don't I?"

Gunny was the first to greet him as he walked into the bullpen. "Welcome back, Sir."

"Thanks, Gunny. It's good to be back." He looked around the room at the familiar faces—Bud, Harriet, Tiner, Mattoni, even Lt. Singer was smiling.

The admiral stood outside his office with his arms folded. He nodded in greeting. "Commander Rabb. Good to see you. You and the Colonel can take a few minutes to get settled in, and then I want to see both of you in my office."

"Yes, sir."

On the other side of the bullpen, Lt. Cdr. Rick Hughes listened with interest to the admiral's words. Maybe he wouldn't have to do much after all, but he'd do what it took to remain at headquarters.

Two nights ago, he'd heard the jilted Australian's words. It was all he could do to remain at the bar and listen to the sob story. Had there not been the possibility of there being something in it for him, he would have turned and gone the opposite direction.

So, he endured the sob story of how a certain Lt. Colonel had ditched him for another man. And not just any man, but her partner at JAG. Brumby stated he suspected there had always been something between the two officers, but now there was no doubt about it.

Hughes's attention perked when the blubbering idiot told of almost catching the two of them in the act. He wondered what the admiral would do if he knew. Surely, he wouldn't send the two of them on out of town investigations.

But he wouldn't march into his CO's office immediately. He would bide his time, observe the two of them, looking for any improprieties while on the job.

Harmon Rabb Jr. may be back at JAG, but if he had anything to say about things, it wouldn't be for long.

Twenty minutes after arriving at JAG, Harm and Mac knocked on the admiral's door.

"Enter."

"Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie reporting as ordered, Sir."

"At ease. Have a seat."

"Yes, Sir."

"Commander, as I said earlier, it's good to have you back. I trust you're ready to resume your duties."

"I am Admiral."

"Good, good. Colonel, I believe you're lead attorney on the Ryan court-martial."

"That's correct, Sir. Lt. Roberts is sitting second chair. We're due in court at 0900."

"Any reason to believe he can't handle it without you?"

"No, Sir. Bud, uh, Lt. Roberts is doing a fine job. We're pretty confident we'll get a conviction."

"Good. As of now, you're off the case. I'll inform Admiral Morris. I know the two of you have been through a lot lately, but I received word this morning of an incident, and I need my best team on it. Lt. Amy Evans, a crypto officer onboard the Seahawk, has accused her commanding officer, Captain Selman, of sexual harassment. Selman has an outstanding record and is up for promotion. Obviously will put things on hold.

"The Seahawk is docked in Norfolk. I'm sending the two of you there for the investigation. Shouldn't take more than three or four days."

Harm and Mac glanced at one another.

"Is there a problem?"

"No sir, but—" Mac nodded at Harm.

"Admiral before you send us out together, there's something you should know. Colonel Mackenzie, that is Mac, and I need to inform you there has been a change in our relationship."

Chegwidden crossed his arms and leaned against his desk. "Is that so?"

"Yes, sir," Harm said. "Mac and I came to an understanding. We, uh—"

"We're seeing one another. Socially that is." Mac finished for him.

A slow smile crept across the admiral's face. "Will this cause any problems with the two of you working together. Facing one another in court?"

"No, sir."

"Not at all, sir."

"I trust the two of you will be discreet and maintain proper decorum while in uniform."

"Absolutely."

"Then I don't see a problem. We can revisit this conversation in the future should the need arise, and deal with the chain of command issues."

"Thank you, sir."

"Admiral, given the recent circumstances, Mac and I thought it best not to tell anyone else for the time being."

"Understandable. No one will hear it from me. Dismissed."

They stood, then walked toward the door. Before opening it, Chegwidden called to them. "Harm, Mac?"

They turned, surprised by him using their first names. "Congratulations. It's about damned time."

Once outside the admiral's office, Harm asked. "How long will it take you to get your things together?"

"Just need to talk to Bud. I shouldn't be more than half an hour."

"Okay. I'll get the car, then meet you downstairs at 0930. I suppose you have a bag packed."

Mac nodded. "And I suppose you don't?"

Harm's grin said it all.

"I'm going to have to teach you a few things, Flyboy. We'll swing by your place, then get on the road." Mac saw Rick Hughes across the bullpen, and his eyes were on her and Harm. Something about that man grated on her nerves. Ignoring him, she went to Bud's office.

Twenty minutes later, she gathered her things, then started toward the elevator when Cdr. Hughes stopped her.

"Going somewhere, Colonel? We're supposed to be in court at 0900."

"Since when did you become my keeper?"

"I'm not. Just reminding you."

"I don't need any reminders from you. Is that understood?"

"But Mac—"

She raised her voice, not caring who heard her. "I told you it's Colonel Mackenzie to you. I am a superior officer. If you have a problem following orders, I will take this up with the admiral."

"Colonel, please. Calm down. I meant no disrespect."

"Out of my way." Mac pushed past him and walked toward the elevator.

"Where are you going?"

"None of your business." She pressed the elevator button and silently prayed the doors would open soon. Otherwise, she was apt to commit murder right here at headquarters. She'd had a bad feeling about Hughes from day one but shrugged it off due to the fact he'd been brought in to replace Harm. Now Harm was back, and her perception of the man hadn't changed. Maybe she would speak with the admiral when she returned from Norfolk.

The doors opened, and she stepped inside, leaving Hughes standing there. Under any other circumstance, she would have gone to the opposing attorney to explain why she was no longer on the case. But as far as she was concerned, Hughes could take a long leap off a tall building.

It had been a rough day for Rick Hughes. Not only had he been bested in the courtroom by a junior officer, but he'd also been furious to learn Admiral Chegwidden had sent Colonel Mackenzie and Commander Rabb together on an investigation.

He was supposed to be Colonel Mackenzie's partner now. It should have been him going to Norfolk, not Rabb. He had to do something about JAG's golden boy. Otherwise, his days at headquarters would be numbered.

But what?

An idea came to him. He had information they admiral wasn't privy to. Once the admiral heard his two senior officers were in an intimate relationship, he wasn't likely to send them out together.

His decision made, he walked to the yeoman's desk. "Tiner, I need to see the admiral ASAP."