DÉJÀ VU OR NOT

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JAG OFFICES

Mac and Harm arrived at work separately.  There was no need to arouse suspicion, although they wondered how long they would be able to hide the new direction their relationship had taken.  In their eyes, it was better to be later than sooner.  Later almost came sooner than expected.

"Excuse me, Commander Rabb.  The Admiral would like to see you." Tiner said.

"Thanks Tiner, I'll be right there." Harm replied. 

AJ'S OFFICE

"Enter," AJ called out in response to Harm's knock.

"Reporting as ordered Sir," Harm said.

"At ease, have a seat." AJ motioned.

"Mac," Harm said as he sat.

"Now that I have you both here, I need to discuss a recent fraternization case." AJ stated.

"Excuse me Sir?" Mac asked choking on her words.

"Sir if I may," Harm began.

"If you may what?" AJ asked confused.

"Well, it's just that fraternization has such a negative connotation." Harm said.

"What would you call two officers engaging in such activities?" AJ asked.

"I would call it the beginnings of a relationship Sir." Mac interjected.

"Be that as it may, there are still rules and regulations." AJ said.

"Of course Sir," Harm said. "But sometimes the rules need to be bent."

"Sir, it's not exactly what you think." Mac said.

"You are both are rather defensive for a couple you don't even know." AJ said.

"Excuse me Sir?" Harm asked. "What are you talking about?"

"I am talking about Commanders Elliott and Bell at NavAir in Lakehurst, New Jersey." AJ said. "What are you two talking about?"

"Nothing Sir," They replied in unison with looks of relief.

"Well, if we are all on the same page, may I continue?" AJ asked.

"Yes Sir," Harm mumbled.

"Commander Catherine Elliot and Commander David Bell were seen on several occasions in intimate positions on and off the base." AJ said.

"Intimate positions Sir?" Mac asked.

"Romantic dinners at local restaurants and kissing in the office," AJ said.

"Sir, if they are of equal rank, what is the problem?" Mac asked.

"Commander Elliott also happens to be married." AJ said handing over the folder.

"So, it's conduct unbecoming," Harm stated.

"You're both going to New Jersey, the CO is charging them and I want this disposed of ASAP." AJ stated. "You can turn over any current cases to Turner and Roberts."

"Aye, aye Sir," They replied and rose.

"Is there anything you want to tell me?" AJ asked looking at them over his glasses.

"No Sir," Harm answered.

"Very well, dismissed," AJ said.

MAC'S OFFICE

"I just saw my entire career flash across my mind and ending in flames," Mac said behind the closed door.

"I can't believe you almost told him," Harm said.

"Me? I'm not the one who said fraternization has a negative connotation." Mac stated.

"No you said it's the start of a relationship." Harm smiled.

"Harm, how are going to investigate this when we are guilty of the same thing?" Mac asked.

"We're completely different. Neither one of us is married." Harm reminded her.

"I know," Mac sighed. "I just can't see bringing charges against two people when we are just as guilty."

"We have to keep it separate." Harm said. "So do you want to drive or should I?"

"Four hours in a car with you driving?" Mac teased.

"It will give us time to talk," Harm stated.

"That it will," Mac smiled. "Pick me up around 1500, maybe we can beat some of the beltway traffic."

"Sounds good, I'll make lodging arrangements." Harm said.

"Make sure you tell them that we are both O-5's." Mac reminded him. 

"I know you don't like to have to share the bathroom." Harm teased.

"I'm going to meet with Bud and then head home." Mac said. "I'll see you later."

ENTRANCE TO THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE

"I cannot believe all this traffic," Mac groaned. "We've been on the road for four hours already."

"Just four hours?" Harm asked. "Not four hours and seven minutes and 32 seconds."

"Actually, it's been four hours, ten minutes and nine seconds, but who's counting." Mac smiled.

"Obviously, you are." Harm said.

"I guess I am being a bit cranky," Mac smiled.

"Is this something I should get used to?" Harm teased.

"If I can get used to your horrible driving, you can deal with me being a little bit cranky." Mac replied.

"What's wrong with my driving?" Harm asked.

"What's right about it? You drive a car like you're flying a Tomcat." Mac laughed.

"I'll have you know, I am a very safe driver." Harm protested.

"I seem to recall an accident a few months back," Mac said.

"That was a set up and you know it." Harm stated.

"Watch the road!" Mac yelled as Harm had to slam on the brakes.

"Never yell at a driver," Harm admonished.

"Never take your eyes off the road," Mac shot back.

"You're a nag," Harm said.

"You're a pill," Mac replied.

There was silence in the car and then they both erupted with laughter.

"I think we just got a glimpse of married life," Harm said through his laughs.

"It's not so bad." Mac smiled.

"No, it's not and it's definitely something to ponder." Harm said taking her hand.

"You think this traffic will ever move again?" Mac asked taking back her hand.

Inch by inch the approached the toll booth, just because they had an EZ-Pass didn't make the journey any quicker.  After they paid the toll, they continued almost halfway up the turnpike to their desired exit.

"Hey Mac, if we get really bored we can go to Great Adventure." Harm joked pointing to the sign.

"I'm sure we'll have time for that." Mac smiled.

"What do I do at the exit?" Harm asked as they went through the exit toll.

"Go east to exit 16B," Mac said. "Just follow the road and then the signs." Mac advised.

Seven very long hours later they saw the sign:

WELCOME TO NAVAIR LAKEHURST

Navel Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division

The Northeast's Largest Naval Aviation Installation

They presented their identifications and proceeded through the entrance.  The first order of business was to check in with the base CO, from there meet with the Commanders, and then get something to eat.  Once that was done they could check in at the Bachelor Housing and get some rest.

BACHELOR HOUSING

HARM'S ROOM

"Thank you for meeting with me at this late hour." Harm said.

"It's not a problem, Commander." Catherine said. "I want this resolved."

"I'm sure you do," Harm said.

"Commander, have you ever known someone and just known it was meant to be?" Catherine asked.

"Yes," Harm said quietly.

"Then you know what I am going through." Catherine stated.

"Commander, the fact remains that you are married." Harm said.

"In name only," Catherine said. "We haven't lived together in eight years."

"Why not just get divorced?" Harm asked.

"I sent him the papers I had no idea he never filed." Catherine said.

"Now you have," Harm said.

"You understand don't you?" Catherine asked.

Harm didn't say anything, he just stared at Catherine.  The talked for a while longer and then she left.

MAC'S ROOM

"Thank you for meeting now," Mac said.

"Are we in big trouble?" David asked.

"Your CO is not happy." Mac replied. "You were not very discreet."

"I didn't think we had to be," David said. "We were off duty whenever we met."

"You realize you were committing adultery." Mac said.

"I've known her for five years and we didn't know she was still married." David said. "When we decided to get married is when we found out."

"I see," Mac replied.

"What do we do now?" David asked.

"I need to speak with Commander Rabb," Mac said, "For now that's all we need."

Ten minutes after the two Commanders left, Harm was knocking on Mac's door. He had a strange feeling coming over him and wasn't sure why.

"Mac, open up." Harm said knocking on the door.

"Sorry, I didn't hear you," Mac said as she opened the door.

"What's on your mind, Marine?" Harm asked.

"Are we making a mistake?" Mac asked.

"A far as what? Our careers? Possibly.  Our lives? I don't think so." Harm replied. "What's wrong?"

"I had this funny sense of déjà vu when I was talking to Commander Bell," Mac explained.

"I had the same feeling when I talked to Commander Elliott," Harm said. "She said was married and in love with another man.  She never told anyone she was married and had an affair with someone she worked with. Sound familiar?"

"It rings a small bell," Mac smiled.  "Commander Bell said something about knowing it's meant to be."

"I got the same feeling from Elliott," Harm said.

"Harm, they could be us.  I mean that could be us." Mac said.

"It could be except for one thing, neither of us is married and we keep things private." Harm smiled.

"How do you want to handle this?" Mac asked.

"Us or the case?" Harm asked.

"Both I guess," Mac replied.

"I don't want to handle us. This is not something to be handled. It's something to be cherished." Harm smiled.

"Will you look at that, Harmon Rabb Jr. saying the right thing," Mac laughed.

"As for the case, I say we talk to the CO as their advocates.  Help Commander Elliott get a divorce and advise them to keep it off base." Harm stated.

"I'm glad you think so, because that is exactly what I had in mind." Mac concurred.

"Now what?" Harm asked.

"You go back to your room and we meet in the morning." Mac smiled.

"I'm going to miss you by my side," Harm said giving her a hug.

"Me too, now get out." Mac said and gave him a kiss.

CO'S OFFICE THE NEXT MORNING

"So, what is your recommendation?" The CO asked.

"Sir, we met with the Commanders last night." Mac began. "I think, we think that this can be handled quietly and without much incident."

"Without much incident, my two senior officers were seen kissing by junior officers." The CO said. "I can't let this go without some type of reprimand."

"Sir, Commander Elliott never realized her divorce was not finalized. She had sent the papers to her husband, he never signed them.  She was then deployed and just figured the papers had gotten lost." Harm explained.

"I am to look the other way because of a confusion with the postal system?" The CO asked. "What about the fraternization?  They were seen by practically everyone."

"Sir, in order for the charges to stick, people are going to have to testify to what they witnessed.  Do you really think anyone is going to?" Mac asked.

"Probably not," The CO smiled. "What do you propose?"

"We plan on helping Commander Elliott get her divorce," Harm stated.

"We will also advise them that they need to keep any and all contact outside of the office." Mac added.

"You believe this will work?" The CO asked.

"I think that along with a small footnote in their next Fit Reps will do the trick." Mac smiled.

"You two are quite a team. Do you always take such a personal interest?" The CO asked.

"It all depends on the circumstance." Harm said looking at Mac.

"I see," The CO said. "Well, if that's your recommendation, I guess that will be all."

"Thank you Sir," Harm said as the rose.

They left the CO's office and went to speak to Commanders Elliott and Bell.  After that they headed back to Washington.

ON THE RIDE HOME

"That was too easy," Harm said.

"That was something one junior officer could have handled." Mac replied.

"So what now?" Harm asked.

"There is a Cracker Barrel off of exit 89, I say we eat." Mac smiled.

"Sounds good to me," Harm said taking the exit.

After a quick bite they were on their way once again.  It was 8pm by the time they pulled into Mac's complex.

"Are you coming in?" Mac asked.

"I think so," Harm smiled.

They retired to her apartment and relaxed in each other's arms on the couch.  Within minutes they were both asleep and very content.