A DINNER PARTY
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JAG HEADQUARTERS
Mac and Harm returned to work the next morning. For some reason they were closer now then before. Speaking to those two commanders had an interesting effect on their relationship.
"Tiner, we need to see the Admiral." Harm said for the two of them.
"He's talking to the SecNav now. I'll let you know when he's free." Tiner replied.
"Thank you," Harm said and they went to their respective offices.
MAC'S OFFICE
"Enter," Mac responded to the knock at her door.
"Excuse me Colonel, do you have a moment?" Coates asked.
"Sure, what do you need, have a seat." Mac said.
"Thank you Ma'am." Coates said. "I need someone to talk to and I was wondering if I could bend your ear?"
"Is everything ok?" Mac asked.
"It's fine, it's no secret that I am grateful for this opportunity." Coates said.
"That's nice to hear," Mac said. "I also hear a but in there."
"You do, I think I need to be transferred." Coates said.
"Aren't you happy here?" Mac asked.
"Oh yes Ma'am, I'm very happy." Coates said.
"Then what's the problem?" Mac asked.
"It's hard to explain," Coates said.
"Someone giving you a hard time?" Mac asked.
"Not exactly," Coates said.
"Then what's the situation?" Mac asked.
"You know what Colonel, it's really not important. I'm sorry to have bothered you." Coates said. "May I be dismissed?"
"Dismissed, Petty Officer," Mac said. "Jen are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes, Ma'am, thank you." Coates said and left the office.
Mac watched Coates as she left her office, something was going on with the Petty Officer but she wasn't sure what it was. She shook off the strange feeling and threw herself into the mountains of paperwork on her desk. Before she knew it, it was time for lunch.
"Hey Mac, do you want to grab some lunch?" Harm asked sticking his head in the door, "Mac."
"Sorry what did you say?" Mac asked.
"Where were you?" Harm asked.
"It was nothing," Mac replied. "Do you want to get some lunch?"
"Good idea, wonder why I didn't think of it." Harm smiled.
Mac and Harm made their way to the elevators when they were stopped by AJ.
"You two wanted to see me?" AJ asked.
"Yes we did, Sir." Mac replied. "We wanted to discuss our trip to New Jersey."
"I've read your follow up to the Bell and Elliott case." AJ said. "Interesting way you handled it."
"Sir, we just felt that it was a misunderstanding by all involved." Harm said.
"I see," AJ replied. "Where are you going?"
"We were going to get lunch Sir," Mac said. "Can we bring you something?"
"Colonel, you come back to the office with me, the Commander can pick us both up something." AJ said.
"Aye, aye Sir," Mac replied and followed AJ back to his office.
AJ'S OFFICE
"Have a seat Colonel," AJ said.
"Thank you Sir," Mac said, "Permission to speak freely?"
"Granted," AJ replied.
"What's going on?" Mac asked.
"I have been on the phone with the SecNav all morning." AJ stated. "He has an assignment for you and the Commander."
"An assignment Sir?" Mac asked.
"I think we need to wait until the Commander gets back," AJ sighed.
They sat in the office waiting for Harm. When he finally returned he passed out the sandwiches and took a seat.
"Sir, what's the SevNav's assignment you mentioned." Mac asked between bites.
"The SecNav has an assignment for us?" Harm asked.
"Yes he does," AJ stated. "Apparently, his wife is throwing a dinner party and she would like that handsome Commander and that beautiful Colonel to be there."
"She wants what?" Mac choked.
"She wants to show you off," AJ sighed.
"So we are supposed to go to this dinner and be the poster kids for the military?" Harm asked.
"If you want to look at it that way," AJ replied.
"The SecNav doesn't have a problem with this?" Mac asked.
"He thinks it will be good for P.R." AJ stated.
"Why us?" Harm asked.
"I have no idea," AJ sighed.
"Sir, when is this dinner?" Mac asked.
"Tonight," AJ replied.
"Tonight?" Mac and Harm said in unison.
"Sir, are we to wear our Dress Uniforms? Mac asked.
"Wear your formal dress uniforms." AJ said. "And don't get into any trouble."
"Yes, Sir," They replied in unison.
BULLPEN
"I have a funny feeling about this," Mac told Harm.
"What's the worse that can happen?" Harm asked.
"Going to a dog and pony show at the SecNav's home, you're right, what's the worst that could happen?" Mac groaned.
"Do you want me to pick you up?" Harm asked.
"Please," Mac said. "I have to get to court, I'll see you later."
THE SECNAV'S HOME
They arrived at Secretary Nelson's home with the look of happiness plastered on their faces. How they ended up in this situation was beyond them. Harm was in his dress whites complete with his gold wing while Mac was wearing her evening dress jacket and the full length dress skirt. The really did look like poster children for the Navy and Marine Corps. Standing at the entrance of the Great Room, they waited to be announced.
"Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. and Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie," The announcement was made.
Offering his arm, Harm escorted Mac into the room. All eyes turned to them as they made their way toward Secretary Nelson and his wife.
"Why are they staring at us?" Mac asked through her smile.
"I don't know, I feel like a deer on the first day of the season," Harm said though his 1000-watt smile.
"Let's get this over with," Mac said.
"Commander, Colonel thank you for joining us this evening," Nelson said.
"It's our pleasure, Sir." Harm said.
"Allow me to introduce my wife," Nelson said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Ma'am." Mac said.
"Mrs. Nelson, how do you do?" Harm asked.
"Oh I am so happy to finally meet, Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie," Mrs. Nelson bubbled. "I have heard so much about you. I am so happy you were both able to come."
"Thank you Ma'am," They replied in unison.
"Would you excuse me a moment," Nelson said.
"Now Colonel," Mrs. Nelson said taking her arm, "How do you manage to stay so beautiful and be a marine?"
"May I get you ladies something to drink?" Harm asked.
"Club soda," Mac said.
"Thank you, I'll have another champagne cocktail," Mrs. Nelson said. Harm went to get their drinks and Mrs. Nelson continued. "He is such a handsome man. You are a very lucky woman."
"Excuse me?" Mac asked.
"Oh we women know these things." Mrs. Nelson smiled and patted Mac's arm.
"What things, Ma'am?" Mac asked.
"From what my husband has told me about the adventures you two have been on, it's so obvious." Mrs. Nelson squealed.
"With all due respect Ma'am, they really weren't adventures, they were work related assignments." Mac replied.
"What ever you want to call them," Mrs. Nelson smiled. "I think it's terribly romantic."
"Ladies, here are you beverages." Harm said as he returned.
"Oh there's Melinda Warrenson, she is dying to meet you." Mrs. Nelson said. "I'll be right back."
"Oh, we have problems." Mac groaned.
"What's wrong?" Harm asked.
"She thinks our adventures are terribly romantic," Mac mocked.
"Huh?" Harm replied.
"Good response." Mac said.
"Commander, Colonel this is Mrs. Melinda Warrenson. Her husband is the Director of AARP." Mrs. Nelson said.
"It's so nice to meet you, Dorothy has told me so much about you both," Mrs. Warrenson said.
"Nice to meet you as well," Harm said.
"Commander, promise you will save me one dance this evening." Mrs. Warrenson said.
"It would be my pleasure," Harm replied.
"Colonel, you are such a lucky woman," Mrs. Warrenson said and walked away with Mrs. Nelson.
"That is the second time I have been told I was a lucky woman in the last ten minutes," Mac stated.
"Why do I have the feeling we are on the outside of an inside joke," Harm said.
"I don't know, but this can't be good." Mac said.
The rest of the evening was spent being introduced to Mrs. Nelson's friends. Each one had something to say about how lucky Mac and Harm were and made comments that had just the tinge of a double meaning. The went into the dining room where Mac and Harm were seating across from each other on either side of Mrs. Nelson.
"Commander, do you find it difficult working with the Colonel" Mrs. Warrenson asked.
"Not at all," Harm replied confused. "We have a very amicable working relationship."
"You don't get tired of seeing each other?" Mrs. Warrenson asked.
"No Ma'am, I don't believe we do." Harm answered.
"That's so wonderful," Mrs. Warrenson sighed.
"Colonel, do you plan on having children?" Mrs. Nelson asked.
"One day I hope to," Mac replied.
"Will you continue to work?" Mrs. Nelson asked.
"Many women continue to have careers after they have children." Mac replied.
"The Commander wouldn't have a problem with that?" Mrs. Nelson asked.
"Excuse me?" Mac asked. "I don't believe he would care either way."
"I see," Mrs. Nelson smiled.
As dinner ended and the guests retired back to the great room, Harm had a full dance card. He graciously danced with all of Mrs. Nelson's friends who had requested a dance. He also made it a point to dance with Mac. All eyes were on them as they moved around the dance floor. If Mac didn't know better she would have sworn she heard sighs. The evening came to a close and they tried to make their escape. However as they reached the door they were stopped by Mrs. Nelson.
"Colonel," Mrs. Nelson called out. "I thought we might meet for lunch tomorrow."
"Oh, well I am in court tomorrow." Mac said, "Maybe next week?"
"Nonsense," Mrs. Nelson smiled. "I have an open calendar. You just call me when you get out of court.
"Yes. Ma'am," Mac smiled weakly.
"Wonderful, I'll see you tomorrow." Mrs. Nelson said.
Mac and Harm made their escape and drove back to her place.
MAC'S APARTMENT
"That's so cute. You're having lunch with Mrs. Nelson tomorrow." Harm laughed.
"Keep it up flyboy," Mac warned. "There is something going on with that woman and we are in the thick of it."
"Well, you'll find out tomorrow." Harm said. "So you want to go to bed?"
"Nothing like getting right to the point," Mac laughed.
Harm teasingly picked Mac up and carried her to the bedroom. They helped each other out of their dress uniforms and then after a long hot shower, spent the night making love. What ever was going on with Mrs. Nelson, they would worry about it tomorrow.
