A/N: Thanks again to those who have reviewed. Luckily for you :) I'm stuck at home with a nasty case of impetigo—think chicken pox but itchier. SoI'mactually getting tocompose as the character come to me...happy happy joy joy!



For Every Action 4

The balmy night air wieghed heavily on Mac until she stepped onto the gangway to the USS Ticonderoga, Guided Missile Cruiser 47. The fan tail was decked in colored lights and the crew wore their own brand of civilian beachware for the Hawiian themed concert party. Mac smiled as another couple approached Lt. Colonel Gregory. "Colonel MacKenzie, this is Lt. Stuart," he nodded at the petite blondewearing a navy blue sundress. "And this is Lt. Commander O'Hare."

"Tom." the tall dark skinned man offered as Esign Stuart stepped forward to take Gregory's arm. Mac nodded, suddenly understanding her presence.

"Mac." she said taking the Commander's arm. Heading for the buffet table arranged along the starboard side of the fantail, Lt. Stuart turned tospeak to Mac.

"That's a lovely dress ma'am."

"Thank you. It's Mac."

"Elaine. Nice to meet you." she beamed as Gregory and O'Hare disappeared in search of drinks. "Kevin said he'd roped you into coming because you were mad at the other JAG officer that came down with you."

"He's right."

"Tom's a great guy. He lost his wife about a year ago." she stopped and turned to nod at the well lit drawbridge. "She was hit head on by a drunk driver. Killed her instantly."

"It's very sad." Mac commented as compassionately as she could.

"Well, now with all the craziness over there on the Gates" Elaine shook her head. "I don't know how he does it."

"Tom works on the Gates?"

"Yeah. He'sthe X.O." I'm sure you'll see him tomorrow."

"Mmm. I'm sure." Mac thought about what Harm would say. Thought about how it might affect the investigation, and decided to roll with it. At best she'd have a high ranking source on the Gates at worst she'd have one more thing to worry about during this investigation. Having a good time seemed to be worth it. "Well, let's not talk about it now." Mac said as she saw the men head back with their drinks. "I would like to talk to you about the women who've been killed though."

"Anytime, Ma'am."



~*2*~

He stood in the shadows a moment before joining the lovely Petty Officer Gilradi again. Soon he ask for a tour below decks, he'd make it sound a little suggestive, but not too much because she was in general a good girl. He plastered a friendly smile on his face and fingered the semmingly innocent key chain in his pocket. When he saw he r look his way, he stepped out of the shadows smile in place and walked her into a dance.



~*3*~

Mac returned to her room shortly after the concert ended feeling light as a feather. Talking to a rational, mature, adult for the last few hours had been like heaven, and while she wished she could say there'd been chemistry between them they both knew it wasn't there by the end of the evening. Sighing Mac sat on the edge of her bed and kicked off her shoes just before the door between her room and Harm's burst open. "Have a good time, Colonel?" He asked with a grim look toward the hem line of her dress.

"What? Have you been waiting by the door all night—or what?" She got up and shrugged. "Never mind I don't care." God how I wish that was true. "Yes, as a matter of fact i had a great time."

"What about Lt. Colonel Gregory? Did he have a good time?"

"Well, I can't speak for Kevin," she paused long enough to let Harm simmer over the fimilarity of using Gregory's given name. "But he and his girlfriend seemed to be have a nice time when I left." She let the viciousness of her mood drive her through the conversation.

"Girlfriend?"

"Yes. Girlfriend." Mac answered harshly, deciding to omit meeting Tom O'Hare. This is definitely not the time.

Harm calmed down a greatdeal when he realized the concert hadn't been a date, but now he was confused. "So why--?"

"He had an extra ticket just like he said, Harm."

"Mac,I --"

"Really I don't want or need to hear it, Harm." She sighed and pulled open the drawer where she'd stowed her night clothes. Deciding on something feminine, she pulled out an ivory column of silk that had Harm's jaw dropping and his already over worked imagination running a mile a minute. "I'm tired Harm. We've got an early morning with Commander Self. What 'd you say we get some sleep and forget this day ever happened?"

"Agreed." he nodded, putting his handout to shake hers. Hwen their hands touched Harm wanted desperately to pull her tired firgure into his arms and hold on for dear life. Instead, he squeezed her hand and spoke quietly, "Get some sleep, Mac. Can't havemy Marine looking haggard in the morning." he let go and walked back to his room with out another word or look back.

"His Marine?" She whispered.

My Marine? He thought wanting to smackhis forehead like a tongue tied teenager. What's that gonna cost me. But the grin that covered his face had little to do with cost and everything to do with possession.