AMNESIA

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RECOVERY ROOM

Mac walked into the recovery room and sat next to Harm.  Again she held his hand, and this time tears rolled down her cheeks.  How was this happening? She was grateful to Ashlyn; she just saved the life of the man she loved.  Now, Harm needed to wake up so Mac could tell him.  Her plans were quickly amended.  Mac had planned to do everything in her power to make Harm realize his feelings first; this injury changed that, Mac wasn't going to wait.  Talk about needing a smack in the head to bring you to your senses.

Two hours later

"Everything looks good.  The rapid eye movement means he's coming back." Ashlyn said.

"I wish he would wake up." Mac said.

"Talk to him, let him know you're here." Ashlyn smiled. "Call if you need anything."

"Harm, it's time to wake up flyboy.  You've had enough rest.  It's time to get back to work.  We need to find out who did this to you." Mac said. "Hey you lazy squid, get up."

"Hey…" Harm said quietly. "Stop calling me lazy."

"Hey," Mac said, "You scared me."

"Sorry." Harm smiled. "Where am I?"


"The base hospital," Mac replied. "You got a bump on the head."

"At least I get to see my wife's face, before some nurse's." Harm replied.

"What?" Mac asked.

"You said I was in a hospital. Usually nurses are all over the place." Harm said.

"Yes they are; what was that about your wife?" Mac asked.

"Isn't that what a female spouse is called? Or do marines use a different term?" Harm teased.

"Harm what are you talking about?" Mac asked.

"You're my wife. Are you sure it was me that got hit in the head?" Harm asked.

"No, yes, I mean." Mac said.

"I love you.  I'm glad we got married." Harm said.

Mac didn't know how to respond.  She just smiled at Harm. "I'm going to get Dr. Spaulding."

"I'll be here." Harm replied.

HALLWAY

Mac walked back to the waiting area to find Gunny and Ashlyn sitting together. 

"Dr. Spaulding, could I speak with you?" Mac asked.

"Of course and please call me Ashlyn." Ashlyn replied getting up.

"Before you go, Colonel,   am going to call the Admiral, is there anything you want me to tell him? Gunny asked.

"Just that the Commander is awake," Mac said.

"Yes, Ma'am" Gunny said enthusiastically.

"Ashlyn, Harm is acting strange." Mac said.

"Colonel, he's been through a major trauma.  It's been two hours since the surgery.  I am surprised he's already awake." Ashlyn said.

"Please call me Mac, but that's not what I mean." Mac said. "He thinks we're married."

"Excuse me?" Ashlyn asked.

"He thinks we're married." Mac repeated.

"Mac, I hate to be personal but are you and the Commander involved?" Ashlyn asked.

"No, not really. Not in that sense." Mac replied.

"May I be blunt?" Ashlyn asked.

"Sure." Mac said.

"I sensed that you have feelings for him, any chance they are returned." Ashlyn asked.

"I was working on finding out." Mac said.

"I think you have your answer." Ashlyn said. "Let me talk to him alone." 

Ashlyn went into Harm's room to check everything.

"Good afternoon, Commander. I am Dr. Ashlyn Spaulding." Ashlyn said.

"You're Gunny's friend." Harm smiled.

"You remembered." Ashlyn smiled.

"But you aren't a Naval Doctor." Harm said.

"No, I'm not, but I thought I could help." Ashlyn replied. "Tell me what else do you remember?"

"How far back?" Harm asked.

"Tell me everything." Ashlyn said as she sat down.

"I was born to Trish and Harmon Rabb…" Harm started.

"Not that far back." Ashlyn laughed. "Fast forward a bit."

"I am a navy lawyer; I married my Sarah two years ago after I ruined her wedding to Brumby when I crashed my plane.  We work together, it's hard sometimes, but we make it work.  Where is Mac?" Harm asked.

"She's outside, she'll be back soon." Ashlyn said. "Do you have children?"

"I hope not, because I don't remember any." Harm laughed.

"You don't. You're safe there." Ashlyn replied. "What else?"

"We were in Norfolk investigating a recent rash of ensign beatings. Hey, how is that ensign I found?" Harm asked.

"He's fine. You remember that too." Ashlyn said.

"Yeah, my memory is fine.  Why do you keep asking?" Harm questioned.

"Just making sure," Ashlyn said.

"Can I see Mac now?" Harm asked.

"I'll go get her." Ashlyn said. "But first the nurse needs to check your vitals."

Ashlyn went back to Mac and found her sitting with Gunny.

"All his memories seem in tact," Ashlyn announced.  "He seems to have added some."

"You could say that." Mac replied.

"He told me he ruined your wedding by crashing his plane?" Ashlyn asked.

"You could say that, too." Mac smiled.

"Well, he also seems to think you were married shortly there after." Ashlyn informed her.

"He thinks he and the Colonel are married?" Gunny said.

"I have never seen this before.  It's almost a reversed amnesia. He has some pretty strong memories there.  Go with it for now." Ashlyn said. "I don't know what kind of trauma he could suffer if he finds out the truth."

Mac went back to Harm's room to talk to him.

"How you feeling?" Mac asked.

"Better, now that I see you." Harm smiled.

"You know, Dr. Spaulding saved your life." Mac informed him.

"She did?" Harm said. "Good thing Gunny knows her."

"Ashlyn saw a hematoma on your scan the doctors missed." Mac said.

"Mac, what's wrong?" Harm asked.

"Nothing, why?" Mac asked.

"You haven't even kissed me." Harm said. "I would think you would want to."

"Oh, right." Mac said getting up and kissing Harm on the cheek.

"No wonder we don't have kids." Harm mumbled.

"What did you say?" Mac asked.

"At least I don't have any cracked ribs." Harm said. "Mac, is everything ok?"

"I'm just worried about you." Mac said.

"I'm fine, so any leads?" Harm asked.

"The only thing Ensign Riley said was a woman called him before he got hit." Mac told him.

"A woman did this to me?" Harm asked.

"Apparently," Mac smiled. "I have to get back to work, Gunny wants to see you."

"Ok, send him in." Harm said. Mac left and got Gunny.

"How are you, Sir?" Gunny asked.

"I had a hole drilled in my head. Pretty good I guess." Harm said.

"That's good to hear." Gunny replied.

"I hear your Doctor saved my life." Harm said.

"Yes she did Sir." Gunny smiled.

"Gunny, keep an eye on Mac for me." Harm said. "I think this hit her harder than she's admitting."

"She was pretty shook up, Sir." Gunny replied.

"Ok, enough visitors. The Commander needs to rest." Ashlyn said walking into the room.

"You got it, Doc." Gunny said. "The Colonel and I need to get back to work."

"So, do I. I have a very special patient here.  It's not every one that let's me drill into their skull." Ashlyn said. "Gunny, be careful."

"You care about him, don't you?" Harm asked after Gunny left.

"I do." Ashlyn said checking Harm's pupils.

"Act on it." Harm advised. "Don't waste time."

"I'll keep that in mind Commander. Thanks." Ashlyn replied.

Ashlyn left the room to give Harm some quiet so he could rest.  She went in search of Commander Perkins to discuss the procedure.

HARM'S ROOM

"Commander Rabb?" Amanda said quietly.

"Hey, Amanda," Harm smiled. "What brings you here?"

"I heard what happened so I thought I would stop by and check on you." Amanda smiled.

"That's very sweet of you, have a seat." Harm said.

"Thanks, so do you remember what happened?" Amanda asked.

"Nothing really, why do you ask?" Harm replied.

"It's just all so terrible." Amanda said.

"Not to worry. We'll get to the bottom of this." Harm assured her.

"Oh, I'm not worried Commander." Amanda said getting up.

"I guess you don't have to be, you're not an ensign." Harm said.

"No, I'm not." Amanda replied.

"Excuse me; I didn't know you had a visitor." Ashlyn said walking in.

"Hey Doc, how are you?" Harm asked.

"Just fine, Commander.  We need to take a little trip." Ashlyn said as two orderlies came in.

"Where we going?" Harm asked.

"Well, after drilling into your skill, I want to take some pictures of my work." Ashlyn joked. "Actually, we need to take another CT to make sure everything is copasetic."

"Amanda; thanks for stopping by." Harm said.

"See you again, Commander." Amanda said and left the room.

"Come on boys, let's get going." Harm said.

Forty-five minutes later, Harm was wheeled back into his room.  They helped him get settled and Harm rang for the nurse.

"Yes, Commander, how can I help you?" She asked.

"Has my wife, I mean Colonel MacKenzie been back?" Harm asked.

"No Sir, but she has called to check on how you are doing." She replied.

"Thanks." Harm said looking at his hand as the nurse turned to walk out. "Oh, one more thing."

"I can't find my watch, or my academy ring. Do you have them?" Harm asked.

"We gave all your personal effects to the Colonel Sir." She replied.

"Oh good, they'll be safe with her." Harm said.

Mac came back later that evening and Harm was sleeping.  She quietly sat with him and watched him sleep.  Gunny and Ashlyn invited her to join them for dinner but she declined.  She wanted to be there when Harm woke up.  She was after all his wife.  Mac began to doze off, the events of the past 24 hours coupled with a day of investigating that lead nowhere, were taking their toll on her.

"Hey sleepyhead," Harm said.

"How are you feeling?" Mac asked.

"Better, how is the investigation going?" Harm asked.

"Not good, we went to Sudsy's and spoke with the bartenders.  They said the women there were the regulars." Mac replied.

"I know that's the angle." Harm said. "It has to be."

"Harm, we need to figure out why these ensigns are being targeted. And why you." Mac said.

"I wasn't a target, I was in the way." Harm replied.

"Good point." Mac said.

"Oh, Amanda came to see me today." Harm said. "I guess my gold wings did impress her."

"Please." Mac said rolling her eyes. "It's not that impressive."

"It worked on you." Harm smiled.

"I really want to work the Academy angle." Mac said, ignoring his comment.

"You believe it has something to do with the class of 2002?" Harm questioned.

"Five victims all graduated together." Mac said. "Is there any other link?"

"You tell me." Harm replied.

"They are from different areas of the country, different social and economic backgrounds, different ethnic groups…" Mac stated.

"The only thing in common is the academy." Harm interrupted.

"You got it." Mac said. "Listen, you get some rest.  I'll be back in the morning. I want to call the Admiral before it gets too late."

"See you in the morning." Harm said and puckered.  Mac leaned over and gave him a quick kiss.

She left his room and called the Admiral. He immediately asked how Harm was and then about the investigation.  Mac advised him of the progress or lack there of on the investigation.

"And the Commander?" AJ asked again.

"Doing… well… he's better, Sir," Mac said with hesitation.

"Colonel, what aren't you telling me?" AJ asked.

"Sir, it's a bit strange. Harm is having memory problems." Mac said.

"That's not uncommon with head injuries. I am sure he will get his memory back." AJ said reassuringly.

"Oh no Sir, he hasn't forgotten anything." Mac said biting her lip. "He seems to have added some."

"Added some?" AJ asked. "Care to elaborate?"

"Sir, he thinks we are married." Mac said quickly.

"We, you and I? Or we, you and he?" AJ asked.

"He and I, Sir," Mac replied.

"Well, isn't that a pretty kettle of fish." AJ said trying to hide his humor. "And what do the doctors think?"

"Ashlyn said to go with it for now.  It should clear up." Mac replied.

"Ashlyn?" AJ questioned.

"Gunny's friend, she came down here when she heard what happened.  It's a good thing she did, she saved Harm's life." Mac said.

"Don't you mean your husband's?" AJ said laughing.

"With all due respect Sir, it's not funny." Mac protested.

"Forgive me Mac, but from where I am sitting, yes it is." AJ said.

"Sir, I don't know what I am going to do if he doesn't get it together." Mac replied.

"Worry about that later, Mac. Right now you need to solve this case and get Harm back here." AJ said.

"Yes Sir, I will." Mac replied. "I will speak with you tomorrow."

"Good night, Mac." AJ said. He was tempted to say Mrs. Rabb, but he realized Mac would not see the humor.

The nurse gave Harm a sedative and he was beginning to fall asleep when he saw a figure in his doorway.

"Who's there?" Harm asked.

"Just me Commander," Amanda replied, walking over to him.

"What are you doing here?" Harm asked.

"Just finishing up," Amanda said. "Some of you academy boys just won't die."

"We what?" Harm said.

"Die, you all need to die." Amanda said as she put a pillow over his face.

THE HALLWAY outside Harm's Room

"Dinner was wonderful." Ashlyn said.

"The company was wonderful." Gunny smiled.

"Thanks for getting me a room." Ashlyn said. "I couldn't drive back tonight."

"Hey, it's the least we could do." Gunny said.

"Let me check on the Commander and then we're off." Ashlyn said as the turned into his room. "Oh my god, what are you doing?"

"Call security." Gunny said as he grabbed Amanda.

Ashlyn yelled for security and then pressed the call button.  She grabbed the oxygen mask and placed it over Harm's mouth.

"Commander, you're ok." Ashlyn said calmly. "Breath slowly, let the mask help you."

"Corporal, put this woman in restraints." Gunny ordered. "Someone get Colonel MacKenzie."

Mac came flying into the hospital. "What's going on?"

"Colonel, I think we found our attacker." Gunny said.

"Is Harm ok?" Mac asked, not paying attention.

"He's fine." Ashlyn said. "We got there before she could do any damage."

"Take her to the CO's office. I'll be there shortly." Mac ordered and went to Harm's room.

"Looks like Ashlyn, saved me again." Harm said as Mac walked in.

"I can't believe Amanda tried to kill you." Mac said.

"I can't wait to find out why." Harm replied.

Mac looked at Harm and slowly shook her head.  "I can't believe this."

"Mac, what?" Harm said.

"Twice in less than 24 hours, I almost lost you." Mac said softly.

"I guess this is the 'for worse' part." Harm smiled.

"I can't believe you're making jokes." Mac said.  She leaned over and kissed Harm. "I love you."

"I was wondering when you were going to get around to saying that. I love you, too." Harm said.

"I have to go and find out what is going on." Mac said walking to the door.

"I'll be here." Harm said.

Mac left the room; she got in the hallway and leaned up against the wall. She had finally admitted her feelings to Harm.  Too bad he thought it was just his wife telling him something he already knew.