Spoiler: I really thought I could get this written in three chapters. However, when I began to write, the characters came alive, and they have so much to say! I'm losing sleep as these characters beckon me to tell their story. Then, of course, I must have my daily JAG fix on USA, not to mention the Tuesday night fix. I'm accumulating quite the video collection. I thought the male Marine attorney prosecuting Harm showed promise. The female didn't do much for me, although I liked that pencil deal. She used to be on a soap. What's with Mark Harmon? He's a little too weird. Somebody needs to do some quick writing and humanize him.

I admit that I'm exploring the Rabb family dynamics in this piece; they intrigue me. I have an interesting take on Grandma Rabb who should show up, finally, in the next chapter. So, for those of you who like this, I know that there will be at least three more chapters, possibly more. Thanks so much for your kind comments. I apologize if this seems to be slowing down. I did have one person who was concerned that I was moving too fast. I'll be interested to see if I get comments that I'm now moving too slowly.
Chapter 3 Mission: Attempted
2 March 2003

ZULU 1300

JAG HEADQUARTERS

Mac: Tiner, is the Admiral in?

Tiner: Yes, ma'am.

Mac: Ask him if he can give me a minute, please.

Tiner knocks and enters Admiral Chegwidden's office. Thirty seconds later, he reappears.

Tiner: Colonel, the Admiral will see you now.

Mac: Thanks, Tiner.

Admiral: Colonel MacKenzie, what's on your mind?

Mac: Sir, it's a personal issue that I need to talk to you about.

Admiral: Sit down, I have a few minutes.

Mac: Well, sir, it's about the wedding.

Admiral: Meredith and I responded. We'll be there.

Mac: I know, I mean thanks, well, what I mean is I know this will be the second time I asked you, but do you think you could give me away again?

Admiral: Again, Colonel? I don't think I ever did the first time. It seems to me that that mission was aborted.

Mac: Well, you know what I mean. I didn't know how you'd feel doing it again with another guy.

Admiral: First of all, Mac, I do it for you, not for the guy. Secondly, if Rabb came in here and asked me to give him away, I'd gladly do that too. I'd like to think that we've become a bit of a family at JAG under my command.

Mac: Well, I'd like to think that too. You're kind of like our dad, not that you're old enough to be my father or anything, Sir.

Admiral: No, Colonel, you're not young enough to be my daughter.

Mac: Yes, sir.

Admiral: Is that all?

Mac: Well, sir, is there any thing I can do to get rid of this feeling of terror I have?

Admiral: Terror, Colonel?

Mac: Well, I don't know what else to call it. First there was Harm's comment of "All the guys who've been involved with Mac are either dead or wish they were." Then there's the Rabb curse.

Admiral: First of all, Rabb's attempt at humor was poor. Did you ever think that he was one of those who wished he were dead because he didn't have you because of his own ineptness? Secondly, what Rabb curse?

Mac: The men die leaving their women to raise their sons.

Admiral: Is that what you're afraid of?

Mac: Sometimes. Why aren't the women enough to keep them out of the air? Am I enough?

Admiral: Mac, you need to talk to Harm about this.

Mac: I can't. How can I ask him not to fly?

Admiral: You can't. What you can ask is for him to explain why the two have nothing to do with each other.

Mac: Flying and loving?

Admiral: I could explain it to you, but you need to hear it from the man you love. He needs to make you understand. Do you want me to talk to him?

Mac: I don't know. Can I think about it?

Admiral: Don't let this go, Mac. Communicate with the man; he's not a mindreader.

Mac: Thanks, Admiral.

Admiral: My door is always open, Colonel.
3 March 2003

ZULU

JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VA

Commander Rabb: Tiner, is the Admiral in his office?

Tiner: Yes, sir. Would you like to see him?

Rabb: Well, if he has a minute.

Tiner leaves his desk, knocks and enters Admiral Chegwidden's office. Thirty seconds later, Tiner reappears.

Tiner: Commander, the Admiral will see you now.

Rabb enters the office.

Admiral: What can I do for you, Commander?

Rabb: Well, sir, it's a bit personal.

Admiral: Really? I can spare a few minutes. What's on your mind?

Rabb: It's about the wedding, well not really the wedding, more the marriage. How do I know it will last?

Admiral: How do we know anything will last? How do you know your career here at JAG will last?

Rabb: Well, sir, that's easy. If I work hard, do my job, and keep my nose clean, I'll still have a job here.

Admiral: What makes you think that being a husband is any different?

Rabb: Well, isn't that tied up with love and feelings, sir?

Admiral: Commander, do you love being a JAG lawyer every single minute of every single day?

Rabb: Permission to speak freely sir?

Admiral: Granted.

Rabb: No. But most of the time I love it and I am committed to it.

Admiral: Did you love every single minute of every single day of flight school and flying?

Rabb: I can think of a few punch outs that I didn't care too much for, sir.

Admiral: Well, Commander, I think that's your answer to the marriage question as well. I'm sure there will be times that you don't "feel" like doing your job as a husband, but you will be committed, you will do your duty, and most of the time, you will love it.

Rabb: But what about Mac? What if she doesn't love it? What if she's not committed to it?

Admiral: You can't do anything about that, Commander. That's her commitment.

Rabb: But sir.

Admiral: Commander, could Mic force Mac to be committed to him?

Rabb: Er, ah, no sir.

Admiral: Has Mac come to this decision willingly?

Rabb: Well, we did have some help from Webb, but for the most part, I think she's willing.

Admiral: Then you get on your knees and thank God that she has and don't you ever stop being thankful for that. I think you'll find out that , if you have that attitude, things will work out just fine. Anything else on your mind, Commander?

Rabb: No, that about covers it, sir.

Admiral: Commander, have you talked to your fiancee about things that may be bothering the two of you?

Rabb: Not really, sir, do you think I should?

Admiral: Commander, you need to communicate with the woman. Don't leave things unsaid between you.

Rabb: Thank you, sir.

Admiral: My door is always open, Rabb. Oh, did you know that Mac asked me to give her away at the wedding?

Rabb: Yes, sir.

Admiral: Since I'm assuming the surrogate father role in this case, let me warn you that I'll kick your six from here to Russia and back if you ever forget the commitment that you've made to her. Do I make myself clear, Commander?

Rabb: Sir, yes, sir.

Admiral: Dismissed. (Watches Rabb leave). I wonder how many more counseling sessions we'll have before the 28th?

5 March 2003

JAG HEADQUARTERS

Rabb sits in his office staring at his computer screen.

Mac walks in.

Mac: Can I interrupt?

Rabb: Gladly, I'm memorizing Webb's list of code names.

Mac: I was thinking about those last night and wondering why we couldn't memorize English names, it would be so much easier.

Rabb: He wants us to use Arabic names so that we blend into the culture more.

Mac: As if you look like an Arab?

Rabb: There was always Lawrence of Arabia. Did you need something?

Mac: I just came to let you know that we've reached a contract price on the farm.

Rabb: Atta girl, Marine. Do I want to know how much now or after I've had a couple of beers with dinner?

Mac: Eighty percent of asking price.

Rabb: Really? I'm impressed. I would have started at ninety percent.

Mac: Well, I did my homework. The heirs are eager to settle the estate. The house needs a new kitchen, an entire master suite which we have room for on the unfinished second floor, a new roof, new porch floorboards, and to be fumigated of mice and mice droppings. Let's just say that I used the need for those improvements to our advantage in the negotiations.

Rabb: You drive a hard bargain, Marine. So, where's that leave us financially?

Mac: We're about at a push using your "college money" and our savings if we don't build a garage this year. We'll still be mortgage free.

Rabb: What about the kitchen though?

Mac: That's remodeling the existing kitchen.

Rabb: Did we rule out building on a new kitchen? Master bedroom?

Mac: I thought we should just remodel the existing kitchen and add on when we have more time. My figure includes making the entire second floor the master bedroom, bathroom, and and office alcove. I've gotten one quote and am waiting for two more.

Rabb: That leaves the three bedrooms on the first floor to fill up with kids. Two in each bedroom, that's efficient. It'll be our own barracks. Wow. Did I know you were this good?

Mac: You've been busy, so I've just handled it. I wasn't trying to leave you out.

Rabb: If I have to make all of the decisions, one of us isn't necessary.

Mac: Glad you see it my way. Are we meeting tonight?

Rabb: We meet every night.

Mac: I mean to update all the lists.

Rabb: Yes. I'll cook. By the way, when can we close on the farm?

Mac: Since we have no bank involvement, they just need to give us clear title paperwork, so I'd say in less than ten days.

Rabb: I'd really like to be able to move your stuff from your apartment to the farm, even if we have to put it in the barn. I don't want to have to move your furniture twice, once to a storage facility and then once to the farm.

Mac: I packed some boxes last night after you left. Maybe you should do all the cooking for the next three weeks and then I can pack up my kitchen.

Rabb: Smooth move, Marine. That's probably not a bad idea.

Mac: I'd better get out of here so that the Corps gets its money's worth out of me today.
2400 ZULU

Harm's apartment North of Union Station

Rabb: Okay, go over that last week's schedule with me one more time.

Mac: Friday the 20th, Closing on the house. You, Sturgis, Tiner, Gunny, and the Admiral move the boxes to the barn. Once you move my furniture, I'm going to stay at Harriet & Bud's. Jingo is going to the Admiral's house to live with Dammit until we get back from Iraq. .

Saturday the 21st, Your parents arrive. We are scheduled to have dinner with them. I'd like to have someone else there.

Rabb: How about the Admiral and Meredith?

Mac: Run it by your mother and then we'll ask the Admiral

Sunday, the 22nd. I told Harriet that I'd go to church with her. My afternoon is free.

Rabb: Not any more. I'll meet you for church, take you to lunch, and then we'll go to the farm and get some things organized. I think that my mother and Frank want to see the farm.

Mac: Okay, we can do that.

Rabb: What's Monday look like?

Mac: Harriet, Meredith, and I are meeting to take care of these favors. I don't know why I didn't just buy the things and be done with it.

Rabb: Because you're thrifty?

Mac: I didn't know that all of this was going to take so much time. Packing, moving, tying up loose ends and the office, getting ready for Iraq - it's all been so time consuming.

Rabb: You left out planning the wedding.

Mac: That hasn't been so bad. I guess Webb's handlers did me some good. Your mother helped when she was here and Harriet, the woman is a human palm pilot!

Rabb: Are you happy, Mac? Are you excited?

Mac: Right now I'm tired, but I would say I'm content. It's time to take this step. We've both resisted taking it, one of us more than the other, but our relationship had come to a fork and we needed to choose which way it would go.

Rabb: You don't think we could have kept going the way we were?

Mac: Sooner or later we each needed to make a commitment, either to each other or to someone else. We both want a family. We're getting older. If we didn't marry each other, one of us would marry someone else. If it would have been you, I know I would have been crushed. Renee was a nice person, but I wondered sometimes what you two ever talked about. She tried so hard to get along with all of us at JAG, but she was so -

Rabb: Was "shallow" the word you were thinking of? Listen, I'm not going to gloat over my victory, but it used to kill me every time I saw Mic's hands on you. There again, he was a nice guy, just not for my Marine.

Mac: You took Renee to meet your parents.

Rabb: You wouldn't wait for me in Australia. I was trying to move on. I thought that Brumby was your choice. I wanted you to be happy; if he was the one, then so be it.

Mac: But he wasn't, and now you're here.

Rabb: And I'm going to be here, loving you, until we have wheelchair races at the Old Soldiers and Sailors Home.

Mac: Back to the list or we'll never finish. Tuesday is my last day of work. I'm leaving Wednesday free as a contingency day. Wednesday night, Chloe comes in. She'll stay with me at the Roberts' house.

Rabb: That's if Grandma Trish doesn't get to her first. Tuesday, Frank is going to drive to Pennsylvania to pick up Grandma Rabb. She has refused to fly.

Mac: That's nice of Frank.

Rabb: Ha! It's very nice of him, considering Grandma doesn't like him.

Mac: Because he married your mom?

Rabb: Among other reasons, like he's pompous. Anyway, she has a few things from her house that she wants me, us, to have. Things that can't go on a plane. Since you have no definite plans on Wednesday, could you consider spending time with Grandma for me? I have to appear in court to wrap up a Dereliction case for a Marine sentry. I'm planning to take her to lunch, but I'd like her to have someone to talk to other than my mom and Frank.

Mac: What is it that you're not telling me?

Rabb: Let's just say that the Rabb men have a thing for strong-willed women. My mom and grandma have been known to clash occasionally, especially over men my mother marries.

Mac: Do you think they fought over your dad?

Rabb: I think Grandma has mellowed, but my dad was her baby. Oh, my goodness, I just remembered that Sergei gets here Wednesday afternoon. I need to introduce him to Grandma.

Mac: What about on Wednesday night?

Rabb: Well, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. The Admiral has something planned.

Mac: I'm not bailing you out of jail if you get busted in a strip joint like you did before Bud's wedding.

Rabb: Actually, the Admiral mentioned that when he told me he had something more fitting planned.

Mac: Which would be what?

Rabb: Well, I am not privvy to all the details, but a group is going to go on a little camping trip.

Mac: Camping where?

Rabb: That's on a need to know, and apparently, I don't need to know.

Mac: Who's going?

Rabb: I am, of course, and the Admiral, Bud, Sturgis, Alex, Sergei, Tiner, Gunny, Webb, and Frank.

Mac: Frank? Who invited Frank?

Rabb: We needed him to make even teams.

Mac: Teams for what? War games?

Rabb: In a manner of speaking, yes. I think it involves a cross of paintball and capture the flag. We're leaving Wednesday night and will be back on Friday morning.

Mac: You mean Thursday night, right?

Rabb: Well, the Admiral says it'll probably be Friday.

Mac: Well, the future Mrs. Rabb outranks the Admiral in this case, and says it'll be late, even very late, Thursday night. Are we clear?

Rabb: Sir, yes, sir. Can you issue that order to the Admiral? I'd look henpecked.

Mac: You are henpecked.

Rabb: I know, and I love it.

Mac: What are the teams?

Rabb: Well, one team gets Bud and the other gets Frank. Bud will have a few mobility problems which Frank won't have. Frank's liability is that he won't have a clue which end of the weapon to fire or how to read north by looking at the north star. We'll probably divide the Russians too. I think the team captains are the Admiral and Webb, so that leaves Sturgis, Gunny, Tiner, and me. I'd guess that the teams will be the Admiral, Sturgis, Bud, Tiner, and Alex against Webb, Sergei, Gunny, Frank, and me. I have to find a way to get Bud and Frank switched. I cannot be on Frank's team. He'll drive me crazy. I know, I'll pull a switch and substitute you for him. You and I can go off and nobody will find us. Our team would win!

Mac: Of course our team would win. We'd have two Marines! I can't go, much as I'd hate to miss it. On Thursday, Chloe is visiting some friends she had when she lived here. Your mother, grandmother, Harriet, Meredith, Jennifer Coates, and I are going to spend the day at the spa. One full day of pampering and girl talk. We're having the works: manicure, pedicure, facials, salt scrubs, massages, aroma therapy.

Rabb: Whose idea was that?

Mac: Your mother's.

Rabb: Does Grandma know?

Mac: I don't know. Why?

Rabb: Oh, Sarah. You are in for an adventure bigger than the Great Bachelor Paintball Extravaganza.

Mac: You exaggerate! Friday will be another catch up day. The wedding rehearsal is at 1800, followed by the rehearsal dinner at the Admiral's.

Rabb: What's that about anyway? It's not as if my mother and Frank can't afford a restaurant.

Mac: They are having it catered. The Admiral offered, and your mother said it would be more intimate.

Rabb: Did I tell you that my mom is staying with me on Friday night?

Mac: That's kind of sweet.

Rabb: I think she's going to explain the facts of life to me.

Mac: I don't think so.

Rabb: She told me that she'd like to make me breakfast, my old favorite, pancakes and strawberries. My mom loves me so much that she wants to cook for me.

Mac: Harm, you and your mother shared many years of things being just the two of you. I think that this is a very sweet gesture.

Rabb: The thing is, so do I. I've missed our special breakfasts. So then do we have anything going on Saturday?

Mac: Not much. I thought I'd go out to the Naval Observatory in the afternoon and scout around, see what kind of things are out there.

Rabb: Tell you what, I'll meet you there, then take you dancing. Then I'm going to take you flying with me.

Mac smiles.
20 March 2003

1500 ZULU

JAG HEADQUARTERS FALLS CHURCH, VA

Colonel Sarah MacKenzie steps off the elevator and pauses in front of Commander Rabb's door.

Mac: Hey flyboy, I have something for you.

Rabb: I'll just bet you do. Is it anything you can tell me about here?

Mac (throws a set of keys at him): Sure, here's the key to your new home.

Rabb: I'm sorry I was in court and couldn't go to the closing. Did you have any problems?

Mac: No, you have an excellent attorney. She handled the whole thing.

Rabb: Your idea for me to sign a power of attorney was brilliant. I feel like the luckiest man on earth. I'm marrying the B&B Colonel MacKenzie.

Mac: I don't do breakfast.

Rabb: I meant Beautiful and Brilliant.

Mac: I have everything ready at my apartment. You have people and trucks lined up?

Rabb: Yes. You and Harriet will bring food?

Mac: We're bringing Chinese food. How many people?

Rabb: Figure enough food to feed ten. We're on the down slope now.

Rabb's phone rings.

Rabb: Stay here. I won't be long. Rabb. Oh, hi mom. Yes. What about tomorrow? Okay. Well, Mom that's fine, but I'm moving Mac's stuff out to the farm tonight. Oh, are you sure, Mom? No, no, you're welcome to help us move (rolls his eyes). Okay. Are you sure Frank's up to all the physical labor? All right then. I'll see you tonight. I'll fax the driving directions to your hotel. Thanks for letting me know. Bye.

You're not going to believe this, but Mom just called from Chicago and they are on their way.

Mac: They are supposed to be coming tomorrow.

Rabb: I know. That's what Mom thought too, but then Frank had a meeting in Detroit, so his secretary changed the plans, had them meet in Chicago and fly here. Their flight gets in at 1600. They're renting a car and want to help us move.

Mac: Harm, Meredith and Jen are going out to the house to clean, so that we can put some things into the house. The kitchen cupboards are full of mouse dirt! What is your mother going to think?

Rabb: I don't know. Frank will probably offer to hire a cleaning lady for us! Mac, what can we do at this point? If they don't like it, they don't like it. I'm a big boy. I'm marrying the woman I want and we bought the house we wanted. Everyone else can just deal with it.

Mac: I'm going to my office and ordering in for lunch. I'll see you at 1900 at the farm. You have my apartment keys so that you can get in?

Rabb: I'm all keyed up and ready to go.

2155 ZULU

MAC'S APARTMENT

Admiral Chegwidden: Rabb? Military Movers, Incorporated has just arrived. Let's make short order of this move.

Rabb (from the bedroom with clipboard): Why don't we start with the boxes?

Admiral: No, Commander, we start with the large pieces of furniture and then we fill in the smaller spaces with boxes.

Rabb: Oh, okay, that makes sense too.

Bud Roberts: Hello? The Colonel told me that there's a box of cleaning supplies in her kitchen. I'm going to the house to help Meredith and Petty Officer Coates. I figure that every job needs a boss.

Rabb: It's right here, Bud. Could you ask them to hit the kitchen and bathroom first? My mother is coming and we're a little concerned about the amount of rodent debris that she may encounter.

Admiral: Have everyone wear respirator masks and use bleach, Bud.

Roberts: Sir?

Admiral: Haven't you heard of "hantavirus", Bud?

Roberts: No sir, I haven't.

Admiral: It's a respiratory virus that lives in the feces of infected mice that becomes airborne when it is stirred up in dust, as in when you clean out old barns or sheds. The virus causes several fatalties a year in the US. It's best to wet down an area with water and bleach and clean it up that way rather than to sweep first, then mop. I'm sure Petty Officer Coates can swab a deck with the best of them. You may need to use some persuasion with Meredith though.

Rabb: Admiral, do me a favor and don't mention "hantavirus" in front of my stepfather. He'll be calling a biohazard clean up team in.

Admiral: He's a little germ wary? How's he going to do on our bivouac?

Rabb: I'm dreading that.

Admiral: The trip or Frank?

Rabb: Frank on the trip. Admiral, he's never been in the armed services. I don't think he's ever camped. His idea of roughing it is to stay at a four star resort rather than a five.

Admiral: Don't sell him short. He'll be okay. Besides, he's on your team, not mine! Grab your toolbox and start taking that bed frame apart. Oh, Tiner, Gunny, you're here. Grab that mattress and box springs and take them down to the parking lot. Do not put them in the truck, set them next to the truck. Then-

Gunny: Some things never change. You think he learned moving skills in Command school?

Admiral: I heard that! Sturgis, do you think you and I can handle that buffet over there or do we need Rabb?

Trish Burnett: Hello? We're here.

Admiral: Hello Mrs. Burnett, how was your trip?

Trish: Oh, just fine. I'm so excited to be here. Where's Harm?

Admiral: He's in the bedroom taking the bed frame apart.

Frank: Trish, where did you put that bag with my other clothes?

Trish: Oh, I have it here, dear. Just change in the bathroom.

Frank: When do the movers get here?

Admiral: They're here.

Frank: I didn't see the moving van when I parked.

Admiral: You don't understand. WE are the movers. There is no van. We have rented a panel truck and then we have pickups and my SUV.

Frank: Oh. Well, I didn't know you could do that. I learn something new every day.

Harm: Hi Mom! I thought I heard your voice. Frank, you wearing your work clothes?

Frank: I'm just heading in to the bathroom to change. Nice to see you too, Harm.

Trish: Harmon Rabb! You be nice. He's trying.

Harm embraces his mother, kissing her on the cheek.

Trish: What can I do to be of the most help?

Harm: You can take Frank and

Admiral: Do you think you could take the cushions off the sofa and chairs? That would be so helpful. Rabb, make yourself useful and get on the other end of this couch. Sturgis, you, Gunny, and Tiner take the pieces of that bed downstairs. When you get back, start taking the drawers out of the dressers and chests. They'll be easier to move empty. Frank, now that you're ready to work, you can start loading the large boxes in my SUV. The seats are folded down and here are my keys. Okay, Harm, on my count let's go with this couch. 1,2, 3.

Frank: AJ, you really know how to be proactive in many situations. That's an executive trait we look for in hiring.

Gunny (entering the apartment): They teach you that in command school, I hear.

Admiral: Gunny, that's twice. Thanks, Frank, I have a job. Tiner, get the door, will you?
2400 ZULU

Rabb Farm Kitchen Loudin County, Virginia

Meredith: That's the end of that, and not a moment too soon. Here come the trucks. The house needs work, but at least it's clean. Jennifer, you are a tireless worker.

Coates: Yes, ma'am. Thank you.

Meredith: Please just call me Meredith. When he gets here, call him A.J.

Coates: Oh, I couldn't do that ma'am. I'll just call him Admiral or sir.

Meredith: I wonder if I'll ever get used to this. Oh, here comes Mac with the food. Let's have her bring it in here and we'll set up on the counter here and serve buffet style. Where are those plastic plates and utensils I brought?

Coates: We left them in the car while we fumigated. I'll get them.

Admiral: Hello. (quickly kisses Meredith on the cheek) You're really dirty and sweaty.

Meredith: I've been working.

Admiral: You'd better shower tonight.

Meredith: What did you have in mind?

Admiral: I was talking about hantavirus.

Trish: Oh, my, so this is the house. This kitchen is so, so

Frank: Obsolete?

Trish: Oh, Frank, it reminds me of my grandmother's kitchen. In fact, I think that's the same wallpaper my grandmother had. Don't you let Harm hear you criticize this house. The first place a couple has is so special. I remember when my Harm and I got back from our honeymoon and settled into base housing. He and I had such fun playing house. (Looking at Frank) Oh well, that was all a long time ago. What can I do to help?

Admiral: Now Meredith, we need to arrange this more efficiently. The silverware needs to be at the end of the line, so that no one is juggling it while he gets food. Napkins should be at the far end too. That's better.

Mac: Wow! We're not even moved in and all our friends are here for a party.

Harm: Mac, party, nothing. We are hungry. Bud, did you put the beer and sodas in the refrigerator to chill?

Bud: Yes, sir.

Harm: Mac, you need to tell us how we're doing this.

Mac opens her mouth to speak but is interrupted by the Admiral.

Admiral: Tiner, you and Sturgis can easily get that table and some chairs from the back of the truck. Take Meredith's keys and get the lawn chairs out of her trunk. We can easily seat everyone if we'll just wait five minutes. I'm going to remind everyone that we've been moving dirty, dusty things and we probably should each do a thirty second scrub with antibacterial soap while we're waiting for the table and chairs.

Frank: Trish, this guy is simply amazing. Can you imagine what he'd do for a Fortune 500 company?

Admiral: Thanks, Frank, but I told you, I already have a job. Okay, Coates, careful, clear the way for Harriet. Harriet, I don't want you carrying anything quite so heavy. What's in the crock?

Harriet: Oh, sir, I made some beef barbeque for those who don't care for Chinese food. Bud, the rolls and a sheet cake for dessert are in the back of the van. Could you get them for me, sweetie? Gunny, I packed a cooler of iced tea as well. It's fairly heavy, so you'd better get it. Grab the plastic cups while you're there. Oh my, you ladies did a nice job of cleaning things up here. When I was here earlier, the mouse droppings were EVERYWHERE.

Frank: Mice?

Harm: I guess that's why every farm has a cat. Let's eat.

Frank (aside): Trish, did she say mice?

Trish: It'll be okay, dear. You don't have to live here.

Admiral: Let's get the chow and we'll have a toast and then we'll eat. After we eat, we'll get this stuff unloaded and then it'll all be Harm and Mac's problem.

Frank: Trish, he's definitely CEO material.

Harm , Mac, Tiner, Gunny, Harriet, Bud, Coates, Meredith, Sturgis, and Trish: FRANK, he has a job!
21 March 2003

1100 ZULU

Roberts' Home Kitchen.

Harm knocks lightly on the back door. Mac, dressed in Marine sweats, is sitting at the table with little A.J.

A.J. : Aunt Mac, Uncle Harm's here.

Mac: Good morning, Harm.

Harm: I was afraid I'd wake you.

Mac: Nah, A.J. jumped on me a half-hour ago. We're just ready to have Cheerios and apple juice. The coffee should be ready in 10. I just put it on.

Harm: Where are Harriet and Bud?

A.J.: Oh, my Daddy likes to have "Mommy/Daddy" time on Saturdays, so I'm allowed to come downstairs and turn on Disney. Today I have Mac to play with though.

Harm: What's "Mommy/Daddy" time, buddy?

Mac: A.J., can you help me get bowls and spoons? (Shoots Harm a dirty look).

Harm: Hey, buddy, do you have any yogurt and any granola?

A.J.: What's granola?

Mac: Yucky cereal with no prizes and an ugly box.

A.J.: Yeah we have that. Mommy says it helps her be a regular Mommy.

Harm: What's he talking about?

Mac: I'll explain later. Sit down and eat.

Harm: Hey, AJ, do you want to get dressed after you eat and come with Aunt Mac and me? We're going to the farm. There's a big swing and you and I can jump out of the top of the barn into a big pile of hay.

AJ: I have to ask my mommy first. Do my mom and dad have to come with me?

Harm: Nah, we'll just give them some "Mommy/Daddy" time.

Mac: You're incorrigible.

Harm: What? We can leave a note saying "We took AJ to the farm. Please come and get him after you become a regular Mommy and have had some quality "Mommy/Daddy" time." Mac, our children can never speak to our friends.

Mac: Okay, buddy, I'll race you to see who's ready first.

Bud (stumbling bleary-eyed into the kitchen in a robe): Hey, what's all the noise?

AJ: Daddy, Uncle Harm is taking me to his farm to swing on the swing and jump out of the barn. You can play with Mommy while I'm gone.

Bud: Excuse me?

Harm: Mac and I thought we'd take AJ with us to the farm. You can pick him up later this morning. Serve your pregnant wife breakfast in bed.

Bud: I owe you big time, pal.

Harm: For what?

Bud: You will know all too soon. I promise Harriet and I will give you two a break some day.

1200 ZULU

Rabb Farm

Mac: Where's AJ?

Harm: He's swinging on the tire swing under that maple tree by the barn. I can see him from the window. I can see you've got the living room situated. Dining room looks okay. We'll need to paint when we get back from Iraq, but your furniture looks good in there. (Looks around the kitchen and sighs.)

Mac: What?

Harm: I guess I wish that this kitchen were just about eight to ten feet wider. If we could just push that wall back and put those windows back, this kitchen would be perfect.

Mac: Perfect?

Harm: Well, I like to have room to move.

Mac: Do you like surprises?

Harm: Yes.

Mac: Then stop talking about your kitchen.

Harm: Really? Am I getting a kitchen surprise? When?

Mac: Friday morning.

Harm: Okay. I'll stop talking.

Mac: Harm, you set up my bed in the biggest bedroom down here, right?

Harm: Yes, why?

Mac: Well, I wanted to make it up with clean sheets and get things situated in that bedroom. I anticipate that they'll be working on the upstairs as soon as they get the new roof on, so I didn't want the bed up there. If, by some miracle, we get finished in Iraq in a month or two, we'll need somewhere to sleep when we come here.

Harm: Mac, if you'll watch AJ, I'll go make up the bed.

Mac: We both can probably see him from the bedroom window.

Harm: I'm thinking of him as our little chaperone right now.

Mac: Enough said. Who's that pulling into our driveway?

AJ (appears at the back door): Aunt Mac, there's a stranger coming. I'm not allowed to talk to strangers.

Harm: Guess who? My mother and Frank.

Trish: Hello, darlings.

Harm: Morning, Mom. Morning, Frank.

Trish: Hello, young man. I'm Trish. What's your name?

Harm: AJ, This lady is my mommy. You can talk to her. She's not a stranger.

AJ: Is he your dad?

Harm: Well, he's kind of like my dad. My dad died a long time ago, and then my mom married him. His name is Frank. He's not a stranger either.

Frank (squatting down): Hi AJ. I saw a pond across the road. Would you like to walk down there with me and see if we see any tad poles or frogs?

AJ: Well, do you have anything I could catch them with and put them in so I can take them home for pets?

Frank walks over to a box of kitchen stuff, pulls out a Tupperware bowl and lid and says: This would be a good bowl for tadpoles.

AJ: I don't know. It would need air holes so the tad pole could breathe.

Frank picks up a knife and pokes holes: How's that?

Trish: Frank, that was a good bowl.

Frank: So I'll replace it. AJ needed a tadpole container. We'll see you in a bit. We've got frogs to catch.

Harm: Did I just see what I thought I saw?

Trish: He likes children and children like him.

Harm: Since when?

Trish: Since always. We baby-sit for several of his young executives, especially if they are going on a trip and can take their wives. Frank encourages them to get away. Young couples need a break. They trust us, so we keep their kids. Once we had four little boys under age seven for three days and nights. When their parents picked them up, we went to bed and slept for eleven hours!

Mac: I'll bet you won't do that again!

Trish: Sure we will. Next month, we have the same group again, only now it's five boys. The parent's trip yielded another dividend. He's eight months old.

Harm: Mom, you mean he enjoys this?

Trish: Let's say we're both very eager to have grandchildren. Enough talk. What can I do to help? Should I organize the kitchen?

Harm: That's classified.

Trish: Huh?

Mac: Ill tell you later. Could you make up the bed in the front bedroom, Trish? Tiner may stay out here occasionally while we're gone.

Trish: On your honeymoon?

Harm: Mom, I thought I explained to you that Mac and I were going to be sent overseas on an assignment.

Trish: Well, how long will you be gone, two weeks?

Harm: Mom, actually it could be up to a year.

Trish: What?

Harm: The war is going to be a quick one, Mom. We've seen the intel on it. We'll be helping in the clean-up and rebuilding effort.

Trish: It's not safe there yet.

Harm: You're right, but we've both been to dangerous places before. That's why we get sent.

Trish: Don't tell me any more. I pray every night that this won't be another Vietnam.

Harm: I think that's foremost in the minds of the people at the Pentagon, Mom.

Mac: We'll really just be pushing papers, Trish. Our combat duties are in our pasts.

Trish: Harm's received more commendations for flying since he's been a lawyer than he ever did as an aviator. Please, I can't listen to more.

Mac: Then trust me. I'll take care of him.

Trish: Do you want to know my favorite dream?

Harm: Besides six grandchildren?

Trish: I'd like to live to see a three-generation picture of Rabb men.

Mac: Me too.

Harm stares out the window.