1345 Zulu
JAG Headq.
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
Falls Church, VA

AJ said at his desk, not focusing on the paper in his hand. He'd been staring at it for the past 10 minutes, but he couldn't keep his mind off Mac. She was one of his best lawyers and Chief of Staff, not to mention she dealt with Harm like none of his previous partners had! He was damn proud of the way she'd turned out since her first case at JAG.

AJ smiled as he remembered the way Harm used to be before Mac was assigned as his partner. He'd been one cocky, arrogant Navy pilot-turned lawyer who still had his head up his six to this day. He used to be able to get his way with any woman by flashing his infamous Rabb grin, but when he got to Mac, he was in for one hell of a surprise! Not only was Mac immune to his smiles, but also to his tactics in the courtroom.

It hadn't taken Mac long to whip Rabb into shape, which was way overdue! AJ had also watched Mac over the years as she managed to pick herself up every time she fell; always bouncing back to the Mac everyone had come to love. In his opinion, Mac was the strongest person, not to mention woman he'd met so far.

She'd come from a terrible childhood and alcoholic addiction just to show the world she could do something with herself when she became a Marine. AJ viewed Mac with proud eyes like a father and considered her like a daughter.

He wished she didn't have to go through something so hard as to watching the person you care most about in life die slowly before you. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he dialed Mac's cell phone number to see how she was doing.

* * *
1346 Zulu
Infirmary Room
Leavenworth Prison

A sharp ringing in her pocket stirred Mac from her uneasy sleep, forcing her to dig around in the side of her uniform for the phone.

"Hello?" Mac asked, quietly exiting her uncle's room so as not to disturb him.

"Mac, it's AJ, how are you doing?" AJ asked.

"I'm okay sir," Mac stated.

"That's good, I don't want you wearing yourself out," AJ said seriously.

"Don't worry sir, I'm a marine, I can handle it," Mac answered, trying to
convince herself. "I've gotten through the paperwork, but he won't be discharged until tomorrow morning" she went on with a sigh.

"I thought as much, I knew you probably wouldn't make the discharge deadline in time for him to be released today. I wish he could be," AJ replied.

"Me too sir." Mac said.

"How is he doing Mac?" AJ softly asked.

"Well, sir he's asleep right now, he said he's been tired and weak lately. It
didn't take long for him to wear out after we went over hospice choices. It really worries me though," Mac told him.

"It's to be expected Mac, but you can't wear yourself out worrying like that. Your uncle needs you to be strong for him, and if you're constantly worrying about him, you won't be able to look after him or yourself. Don't worry Mac, things happen for a reason, whether you see it or not," AJ said gently.

"I know sir, but sometimes it's just so hard to sit back and take it," Mac replied, feeling another headache coming on.

"You have to believe that things work out for the best. I find that it helps to say that to yourself in tough situations Mac," AJ advised kindly.

"Thank you sir, I will try to remember that, it just might help," Mac said
as she rubbed her forehead.

"I know you need to get some rest too Mac, keep me updated on his condition," AJ requested.

"Okay I will sir, goodbye," Mac clicked her cell-phone shut and returned to her uncle's room where he remained asleep.

* * *
1509 Zulu

Harm gazed out over the water as his thoughts centered on Mac. He just knew something was wrong, and he was about to find out. He made his way back to the crowded room that had been donned as his temporary living quarters for the remainder of the investigation. Taking his cell phone out of his bag, he hit number 1 on speed dial.

* * *
1509Zulu
Admiral Chegwidden's Office
JAG Headq.
Falls Church, VA

"Admiral, Commander Rabb is on line one sir," Tiner's voice came through on AJ's intercom.

"Put him through," AJ said at once, wondering how the investigation was going. Glancing at his watch, AJ noticed he was 15 minutes late from when he was supposed to report in. I should've known Rabb wouldn't be on time.
Hell, he'd be late for his own funeral! the Admiral thought with a wry chuckle.

"Good afternoon Admiral," Harm greeted.

"Same to you Commander," AJ replied. "How's the investigation going Rabb?" the Admiral asked.

"Well, I'm having a hard time getting anything from my client Commander West, it make take a few days more than I imagined, but I promise I will get this wrapped up as soon as I can sir," Harm informed him.

"Good, I just want the damn SecNav off my back as soon as possible. I can hear my neck frying at this moment because he's breathing fire down it," AJ said.

Harm couldn't suppress laughter at his C.O.'s description. "Um, sir, can I ask you something?" Harm asked in a serious tone.

"Depends Commander," AJ replied curiously."

"I wanted to know how the Colonel is doing, I mean, with my cases and all, I just didn't want her to um…you.. know, overwork herself," Harm stammered, trying to keep the concern out of his voice.

AJ sighed inwardly, knowing that Mac hadn't told him after all. I'll give her until tomorrow, AJ thought while thinking what he would tell Harm. "Commander, a situation came up suddenly that needed the Colonel's marine training and experience, so I had to reassign your cases and hers to Lt. Singer, but I can assure you Singer is handling them well. Unfortunately, Colonel Mackenzie can't be reached at this time, Commander Rabb," AJ replied calmly. He didn't exactly tell the truth, but he didn't lie…exactly.

Harm was aware there was more to Mac's situation that the Admiral was saying, but he decided to let it go for the moment. He trusted that the Admiral would never willfully put Mac in danger, but still…something just
wasn't right and it worried Harm deeply. "Well, tell her I need to talk to her as soon as she returns sir, it's important," Harm told his C.O.

If I can't get it through the grapevine, I'll go to the direct source Harm thought silently.

AJ knew Harm knew he wasn't telling him everything, but since he was the Admiral….there wasn't much Rabb could say about it. This is when being an Admiral really pays off, AJ thought with a small grin. "I will make sure she gets the message Commander. Keep on that case and wrap it up before I get toasted," the Admiral said.

"Yes sir, I will. Good bye," Harm said as he hung up the phone. Sighing, he went to the mess hall to grab some chow and review his case notes.

* * *
1527 Zulu
Leavenworth Prison

Colonel O'Hara awoke from his deep sleep and slowly opened his eyes to find his niece staring absently out the window. He observed her quietly, not wanting to disturb her, knowing she was in deep thought. He knew how hard his illness and the reality of his death was on her because he felt the emotional pain every time he thought about the special moments that he'd never get to attend. He would never get to walk his niece down the aisle at her wedding, hold her hand while watching her bring her children into the world, or even participate in making the special memories they'd made together since she was little. A tear slipped down his cheek at these thoughts, but he didn't bother to wipe it away.

Moving on to other thoughts, Colonel O'Hara wondered why Harm was not here; he knew from the first time he laid eyes on the young naval officer that there was something special between him and his niece. He had seen them together a few times when Mac had brought him home for Christmas from Leavenworth. Matt could see the love for Harm shining in Mac's eyes whenever she spoke about him, which was quite often. But since she'd arrived, there had been no mention of him so far. Matt wished that they would figure it out soon because they both deserved to be happy, especially Mac. She'd been a true trooper since the day she was born. Even as her first few weeks of life threatened to take her away from him, she never gave up.

It was in her all along to be a Marine, he knew she would make a fine one and she had. She'd suffered through so much in her lifetime; still managing to turn out the amazing woman she was today. He loved her with all his heart, loved her like she was his own daughter 'Hell she practically is' Matt thought with a proud smile.

He continued to watch her stare out the window, wondering what she was thinking. As if she read his thoughts, she turned around abruptly, noticing
he was awake.

"Good afternoon Uncle Matt," Mac said, reaching down to give him a gentle hug.

"Same to you Sarah," Matt replied, returning the hug. He looked at her closely noticing weary look in her eyes and asked, "Have you even slept at all?"

Mac didn't want to worry her uncle so she replied, "Yes, I got some sleep Uncle Matt, but more importantly, how are you feeling?"

Colonel O'Hara knew she was trying to change the subject and let it go for the moment. "Oh much better, however I am starving here. I would like to
get up and stretch a bit, I've been lying here all day," Matt said, pulling himself to a sitting position.

"Well, I'm not hungry but let's see if we can't get you something to eat at the mess hall," Mac replied, helping her uncle out of bed. Together they slowly made their way down the hallway to the mess hall, arm in arm,
laughing like old times.

* * *
1721 Zulu
JAG Headq.
Falls Church, VA

AJ closed his officer door, glad that the weekend was finally here. He had reviewed report after report from Lt. Singer and now realized what a hard load Mac had had, not only with her cases, but with Harm's as well. Mac's client, Petty Officer Leckerd had been relieved of his DDO conduct and her other client, Seaman Dodd still had his court martial coming up. Harm's client had not gotten off so easily. Lt. Commander Bardstin was found guilty on two counts of vehicular manslaughter and destruction of government property. Lt. Singer had represented both clients as best she could with her experience, and in AJ's opinion Harm's client deserved what he got. He looked out slowly over the bullpen with its empty offices for his staff had already gone home for the evening.

He gazed into Mac's office, which had remained untouched since the day before. AJ hoped that Mac was going to get through this and return to being the Marine everyone loved. Deep in his thoughts, AJ didn't notice that he wasn't alone until a tap on his shoulder brought him back to reality with a shock.

"What are you still doing here sir?" AJ heard, recognizing the voice at once as Harriet's.

He turned around to face his young officer replying, "Well, I would like to
ask you the same thing, Lieutenant."

"Well sir, I was trying to finish filing these reports for Lt. Singer's court case tomorrow. As you recall, my babysitter called about little AJ being sick and I had to be at home for most of today sir," Harriet responded.

"Oh yes, I do remember. Why don't you take it home and work on it later tonight Lieutenant? Your son needs you at home and I'm sure Bud can help you," AJ offered.

"Are you sure sir? Lt. Singer has court in the morning and it's imperative she has these files properly organized sir," Harriet replied.

"Yes, Lieutenant, I am sure. Now go home please, and take good care of my godson," AJ ordered gently.

"Yes sir!," Harriet beamed proudly at the mention of her son. Starting out the door, she turned around and asked "Sir, where is Colonel Mackenzie? I haven't seen her in the office today, and I thought she had court tomorrow morning as well?"

"Um….sit down Harriet," AJ said, using her name to indicate a serious discussion was coming. Harriet sat in the chair by her desk, wondering what was wrong with Mac. "This is to be kept between you and me, is that clear? You can't tell anyone at this time, not until I tell you it's okay," AJ said firmly.

"Understood Admiral," Harriet replied seriously.

"Mac got a call the other night about her uncle. He was tested for cancer, and I hate to say that the results came back positive," AJ informed her.
Harriet instantly got a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach, knowing that most cancer patients didn't survive the grueling battle with cancer.

With a sigh, AJ continued, "Mac was told he doesn't have much time left, about a month, so she had to fly down there day before yesterday to see about him. Leavenworth allows terminally ill patients to live out their remaining time at home, depending on the conduct of the patient. Mac will be returning with her uncle as soon as she can."

"Does Commander Rabb know about this sir?" Harriet asked, still in shock over the news.

"No, not as of right now. Mac specifically asked me not to let him know of her uncle's illness until she can think of a way to tell him herself, so you
cannot say anything about it to Harm," AJ replied. "I told her she'd either tell him herself by tomorrow, or I would," AJ went on.

"Oh, this is just awful sir!" Harriet exclaimed once AJ had finished.

"I know Harriet, I wish she didn't have to go through it," AJ said sadly.

"Sometimes I just don't understand life sir, why things have to be so complicated, so hard," Harriet replied sadly. Mac was one of her best role models and Harriet thought of the older woman as her sister. No matter how busy she was, Mac always found time to talk with Harriet and give her advice on Bud. Harriet knew how much Mac loved Harm, even though Mac had never openly admitted it, and she also knew Harm reflected the same love for her as well. She wished they would just see what everyone else saw so plainly! Breaking out of her thoughts, Harriet rose from her seat and said

"Well sir, I need to be going home now, if the Colonel calls, please let her know our thoughts and prayers are with her."

"I certainly will Harriet, take care of yourself and be careful going home tonight," AJ said, opening the front door of the bullpen for her. Although they both headed for home in different directions, their thoughts were centered on the same person….Mac.