A/N - Forgotten about us? Well, I had awesome holidays, actually got to meet Nat! It was going great until she made me sit down and type out 9 WHOLE PAGES of this fic.. while she sat down and watched JAG mind you. Hehe.
But aside from that, we're pretty pleased with this bit. It's long, another warning, but we've spent AGES on it, and the story has pretty much come together.
We have introduced a few new characters - who by no design of our own have turned into Mary Sue extraordinar. For that I apologize, but it couldn't be helped.
I hope you enjoy!!
A/N From Nat - Ok I can't remember who said this but I still remember, it has been in my head since the last chapter. Someone said that Mac is out of character, how she is worried and angry about Harmon being taken. Now I'm not going off at the person who wrote this but, don't you think Mac has the right to act this way. She should worry, she should wanna kill the person who has taken her son and she should cry, she should be upset, any mother should be. It's not just Mac. Any mother would act this way! The only other fact is that she is a marine, so she could be a little bit more dangerous, but she is still a mother, this is her child, I think we all would act a little out of character, if that was our child kidnapped. Sorry, I just had to say something about that, anyways, sorry about the delay!!
But it's finally done and might I add that I had tones of fun writing this, so enjoy!
Little extra - I once again find myself looking for a beta. Heaven knows where my other ones are disappearing too. If you are interested, and don't mind doing not only JAG, but Stargate fics too, please leave a message in your review (hint hint) or email me at capt_n_carter@gaters.net
Thanks!!
Feedback - Yes!
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The days went slowly. With no leads the police couldn't do much but 'keep an eye out' but they promised they would call if anything turned up. Mac expected Mic to call, to bargain, to demand or to plea, but the phone stayed dead. Mac was getting desperate, pacing the lounge room while Harm made dinner.
Nights had become eerily quiet in a house once bursting with life of the two three year olds
And both Mac and Harm found little to talk about. They sort comfort in each other's arms, but it did little to ease the ache in their hearts that their children once filled
They were loosing hope, and slowly becoming distant, even too each other.
Suddenly the phone went off, and Harm dived for it, Mac close on his heels
"Rabb."
"Captain Rabb, this is Clayton Webb. Long time no see."
"Clay!" Harm turned to Mac with his eyebrow raised, "What's up?"
"I heard about your children Captain, so I did a little digging. It seems our Australian friend decided Mac's son needed to go home."
"He took them back to Australia?"
"As far as we can tell. He hired a private plane early this week, headed for..."
"Webb, how fast can you arrange a flight for Mac and I?"
"Already taken care of. It's set to leave the moment you get there...." Webb gave them quick instructions, then went silent for a moment. "Bring them home Harm."
"I will...and Clay?"
"What?"
"Thank you."
"Just doing my job Captain. Now you go do yours." Then as fast as the call had began, it was over.
Mac had trained Harm well. Both already had bags back, and within moments were heading towards the airport - Webb's details hastily scribbled on a piece of paper, clutched like a lifeline in Harms hand.
He pulled up too the base with a screech of tires, and Mac threw him a look. He grinned an apology. It wouldn't do their kids any good if they got themselves killed just trying to make it to the airport.
Webb met them in the car park, standing at the doorway of the base. "Captain!" He called, waving them over. He let them inside, before speaking, "Your planes ready on the runway, just waiting for you both. I've talked to the Admiral, he's both given you stress leave until you've brought the children back. Although officially unaware of what you're doing, he stipulates you're to hold yourself to your military standing. He doesn't want to have to clean up any messes."
Whatever dream either of them had of flying to Australia, kicking the crap out of Mic and bringing their children to safety was firmly squashed, but Harm grinned anyway, "He get you to quote that one Clay?"
Webb flashed him a tight smile, then steered them towards the back of the building, "We've arranged a pilot for you, RAAF pilot actually, but she'll be able to help you with anything after you've landed. And a Marine will be joining you as well. She'll act as a bodyguard.. guide. What ever roll you feel she needs to fill."
"Australians?" Harm questioned doubtfully.
Webb glanced at Harm "The pilot yes. Your Marine is an American solider, and a damn good one. Trust me Captain, you'll need their help. When you've landed, you'll meet my opposite number. Don't believe a word she says about me."
Before Harm could respond to the cryptic sentence, Webb pushed open the large glass doors and pointed them towards a small passenger plane. "There's your ride people." He turned to both of them, "Good luck."
"Thanks Webb." Mac said with a smile, and they started towards the plane. Halfway towards it a lithe form appeared in the doorway, lightly walking down the steps and jogging towards them.
She met them a few meters from the plane.
"Captain?" She asked.
Harm nodded, "Captain Harmon Rabb. This is Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
The woman let off a quick salute, and then she broke out into a grin, "Major Natalie Anderson. Marine Core. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to know we have a Marine watching our backs Anderson." Mac said with a smirk in Harms direction.
"Call me Ando ma'am." The woman started walking towards the plane, "Phantom's just making some last checks. We should be ready to go as soon as you are."
"Phantom?" Harm questioned with a raised eyebrow as they reached the plane.
"Major Kathryn Sanders sir, RAAF." A second woman ducked out from under the wheel, snapping off a quick salute, her eyes quickly taking in the two officers before her, "I'll take you where ever you wanna go sir."
Harm nodded, the grins of the two women infectious, "You fly jets Phantom?" He asked.
Phantom grinned, swinging up to the cock-pit, "Whenever I'm not charting Naval officers halfway across the country sir."
---------
Harm sat in the passenger plane, lightly dozing, the planes engine lulling him. Mac was deeply asleep, her head resting against his shoulder. Since the children's disappearance, neither had gotten much sleep, and he was glad she was letting herself relax enough to find some now. Across from him, sitting lazily in a chair was Ando, her face buried in a book.
An out of place noise brought Harm awake, but he caught himself from moving, intent not to wake Mac up. He glanced up at the doorway to the cockpit, where Phantom stood with a grin on her face.
"Who's flying the plane?" Ando asked, her eyes not leaving her book.
Phantom grinned, moving to take a seat facing them, "You didn't think I could do this one on my own did you? Jen's up there."
"You two seem to know each other well." Harm said cautiously, causing Ando to finally raise her eyes. She shared a quick look with Phantom, who nodded slightly, then turned to Harm and shrugged, "Yeah. You could say that."
Harm frowned, then tried another approach, "Webb seemed to hold you both in high regard."
Phantom let out a laugh before controlling herself, and Ando grinned, "Yeah. Clay's known us for a while too."
"How?" Harm was a lawyer. It had never helped to play around with questions, and he wasn't about to start
"Let's just say Webb's done us a few favors in the past." Ando went back to her book, but Phantom couldn't keep the smug look off her face.
"We pay him back whenever we can."
Harm nodded. The answers seem to satisfy him for the moment. They weren't the first people Webb had done 'favors' for. "What about this opposite in Australia? I hope you know who he is, 'cause Webb sure can be cryptic when he wants too."
Ando glanced at Phantom again, and then grinned, "Don't you mean she, Sir?"
"She?" Harm raised his eyebrow. Now something was defiantly wrong. As far as Harm knew Webb, the man did not go around associating with extremely attractive, younger females.
"It's a she. Sir." Phantom rested her head back against the wall, her eyes drifting shut, "You might wanna get some sleep too sir. We're still a few hours out, and it'll be close to lunch by the time we drop in."
Harm nodded, and then glanced at Mac, only to have his attention back to Phantom. "Sir?"
"Yeah?"
"What's the deal with you and the colonel sir?" She asked, her eyes still closed.
"You weren't briefed before the mission?"
"They slapped a 'need to know' sticker on it and sent us on our way." Ando mumbled from behind her book, almost to herself
Harm nodded, but didn't say anything. Both Majors realized they weren't gonna get any information out of the Captain so soon...
--------
Harm woke with a start. Mac was still asleep against him, and Ando was snoozing peacefully across the other side of the plane. Phantom had disappeared, but he guessed she was back in the cockpit. He frowned, trying to determine what it was that woke him. Then he understood. The engine noise was shifting slightly, and he knew they were coming into land. He glanced out the window, still feeling groggy from his sleep, and the fact that it was about 19 hours earlier by his internal clock. It was daylight outside. He could see there was a welcoming party waiting for them.
The impact of the wheels hitting the runway jolted Mac out of her deep slumber. But Ando slept on.
"Morning sleeping beauty," Harm whispered "Or should I say afternoon. The whole different time thing has already put me out of the loop."
" 1300," Mac replied, her eyes still closed as she stretched.
" Jeez I should have now." Harm mumbled to himself. "Well we just landed, so time to wake up and get off this plane."
"Hmmm." Mac opened her eyes to see Phantom appearing from the cockpit.
She walked over to Ando, standing over her. " Hey, Ando, wake up." Phantom said poking her.
" Leave me alone" Ando mumbled.
" Wake up!" Phantom said a little louder this time and kept poking her.
" Ok, ok, I'm up already, Just stop poking me for crying out loud!" Ando sat up in frustration.
" Ok, Commander, Colonel grab your gear and lets get off this bird shall we."
" Yeah, lets. Is that the welcoming party out there?" Harm questioned.
Phantom looked out the open door and grinned. "Hey Ando, check this out. Fi's here and she comes baring gifts!"
"Fi's here!?" Ando exclaimed and jumped out of her seat and ran off the plane.
" Fi?" asked Mac.
" Clay's better half, Ma'am." Phantom replied. " Come on she's waiting for us."
"Umm... Phantom? Don't you have any gear with you? Like clothes? That type of stuff?" Mac asked.
" Fi's got my gear ma'am." And with that Phantom exited the plane.
"Mac, I've got the feeling were not being told everything here."
" Yeah, I'm getting that feeling too Harm."
They got the gear together and hopped of the plane. Walking over to where the 3 girls were standing they watched as one by one they pulled the girl named Fi into a happy hug. When they were finished, Fi took it upon herself to introduce herself.
"Sir, Ma'am. Fiona Wood. ASIS. You must be Captain Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie." She said extending her hand and shaking both of theirs.
" Nice to meet you Fiona. I wish it was on better circumstances," Harm replied.
" Me too Captain. Here, put your stuff in this car and get in and when we get going. I'll bring you up to speed with everything we know." Fi smiled.
" Sure, but it's Harm and Mac." Harm smiled back and he and Mac headed towards the trunk of the car.
" So Fi, do you have all of our stuff?" Phantom asked.
"Yep, I got all of it, it's in the trunks of your cars," Fi grinned, "But you'll have to do something about those uniforms, you two stick out like sore thumbs." She turned and pointed to the 2 cars sitting on either side of the limo.
Ando walked over to the 1968 cherry red Chevrolet Corvette and eyed it carefully, then looked at Fi. " The scratches are gone from last time." she stated.
" Yeah I got them fixed. Think of it as an early Christmas present." Fi smiled and chucked a set of keys at Ando. " Clothes, weapons and that cute little bear that guy gave you last month are in the trunk."
Phantom started laughing, and even Mac and Harm managed to smirk as Ando stalked towards Fi and clipped her over the back of the head.
"Thanks a lot."
Fi fended her off, "Just doing my job Ando!"
Ando glared at Fi "Don't stop teasing me and maybe I'll do my job and put my foot up your...."
Mac glanced at Harm, and the naval aviator started forward, prepared to break up the fight that was imminent, until Phantom grabbed his hand, "Hold a sec Captain, I want to see this."
Harm shot her a confused looked, and Phantom laughed, "Yeah, your probably right." Then she moved next to Ando in a flash, pulling her back. "Yeah well how 'bout you give me my keys Fi? Or am I going to have to find my own way in again?"
All three girls laughed at that comment and relaxed.
"Sorry Nat." Fi smiled.
"Tis k girl." Ando moved to her car, her voice muffled as she started speaking, "So tell us what you know, because we haven't been told anything. I was woken up at 2100 and told to get straight down to the airfield. I was supposed to go on maneuvers tomorrow.... Today.. Whatever, and so I'm not a happy camper. What the hell is going on?"
" A few days back the Captain's and Colonel's kids, Harmon and Sarah, were kidnapped by the Colonels ex-husband Commander Michael Brumby. Brumby is part of the Australian Navy. Clay called me a couple of nights ago and asked me to keep an eye out for him because he thought he might try to return to Australia. Brumby and the Colonel lived out here until they split up and she moved back to DC. But anyway, yesterday I got a call from Sydney airport. A guy with Brumby's description was seen exiting a private plane. He has returned to Australia, but there was no sign of the kids, so we couldn't arrest him. We are just watching him at the moment. As soon as I told Clay, he wanted you two to bring the Captain and Colonel to the land down under. And I don't have to explain why too you guys do I?" Fi grinned.
" I think I can figure it out." Phantom rolled her eyes at Fi.
As the girls were talking Mac and Harm hopped into the limo.
"Something is up Mac. I mean, these girls have defiantly worked together before. The way they are talking, they go way back. And they seem to know Clay pretty well too." Harm stated.
" Maybe they're CIA." Mac replied.
" Yeah maybe." Harm sighed and wrapped his arm around Mac pulling her closer, then kissed her forehead. " I'll just be glad when this is all over, something is just not right and I can't put my finger on it."
--------------
"You guys should try to get some sleep." Fi stood at the door way to the hotel room, tucking her car keys into her pocket, "I'll be around first thing in the morning, and we'll get started on finding Brumby."
"Wait a minute," Harm stopped her before she could leave, "Why not now?"
Fi's eyes searched the Captain's face before replying, "These things take time. Be patient."
Harm's face darkened, "That's my daughter out there, and I'll do anything in my power to get her back as soon as possible." Harm took a step towards the younger woman, intimidating.
Fi stood her ground, "You could be the President for all I cared." She shot back, "But you still have to wait for the morning." Ignoring the steaming Captain for a moment, Fi turned to Ando and Phantom, who stood in the middle of the room, just waiting, "You two sure you can handle this one?"
Phantom grinned, then gave Ando a friendly nudge, "You think we haven't dealt with top brass before?"
Ando laughed, then her face softened into a smile at Harm's dark look, "Don't worry Captain. We'll get your kids back in one piece. You've got the best in the business looking after you."
The three girls walked into the corridor of the hotel, talking quietly, and Harm went looking for Mac. He found her in the main bedroom. She was sitting on the bed, a small photo of Harmon in her hands. Tears fell slowly down her cheeks, and she did nothing to check them. She looked up as Harm entered, "He told me he wanted to go home. If I'd just let Mic see his son..."
Harm moved to sit next to her, his hand falling to her lower back, "Hey." His tone was slightly scolding, "Don't go starting with 'What if's'. We both know they get us no where."
Mac nodded, then angrily wiped her tears away, looking back at the photo of her son, "Damn him." She whispered softly.
"Mac, look at me." Harm gently cupped her chin with his finger, and brought her to face him, "If it wasn't for Brumby," he said softly, his thumb trailing over her tears, "We would never have realized what we meant to each other. We'd probably still be at JAG, dancing around each other with the painful flirting and the hints too subtle for us to comprehend. He brought us together Mac. And he brought you Harmon."
"Only to pull us apart."
Mac wasn't only referring to herself and her young son. The gap between her and her lover grew further apart every day the children were missing. So long had they spent their lives, confiding in themselves, only having themselves to turn to in time of stress. They hadn't adjusted to each other before this tragedy, and it got harder and harder to breach the gap as the two grieving parents drew further and further into themselves.
"I love you Mac." Harm said softly, and he reached down, pushing her chin up gently with his fingers to capture her lips in a kiss.
Mac pulled away gently, looking into the depths of his eyes, and she saw his pain. Pain at loosing his daughter to a man he hated. Pain at hating a man that had fallen in love with, and taken possession of, the woman he had always wanted. Pain at having the woman he had always wanted in his arms, only to be unable to breech the barrier she had erected around herself after the kidnapping of her child.
---
Phantom quietly slipped around the corner, taking pains not to be seen or heard by the distraught couple. She sat across from Ando on the couch, who was busily searching through her bag.
"What ya looking for?" Phantom questioned, leaning back and plopping her dusty boots on the glass table.
"My weapon." Ando's voice was muffled as her head was stuck halfway down her bag.
"You taking first watch?" Phantom asked with amusement, her hands coming to rest behind her head.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, flygirl," Ando responded, still rummaging around in her bag, "But you just spent the last twelve or so hours flying across the world. Even if I hadn't known you for the past 18 years, I'd STILL know you'd be asleep before your head it the pillow." She came up for air, a triumphant look on her face and weapon in hand, only to find Phantom, eyes closed, fast asleep.
" That would be right," Ando mumbled to herself, "And you just proved my point, even though you're not awake to realize it!"
------
* Seven Hours later*
Mac lay awake, content for the moment to stay in her lover's arms. Harm had fallen asleep over an hour ago, but for the Marine Colonel, sleep was elusive. It was dark, a few hours after midnight, and Mac was hungry. Not only had sleep evaded her since her child had gone missing, but also the time to eat. She slipped out of Harm's arms, careful not to wake him, and crept towards the closed door. Without a sound she opened it, then noiselessly slipped through into the darkened lounge room.
Without warning, a strong arm incased her throat, snapping her head back and before she could scream, she felt the cool metal of a gun barrel against her neck.
"You've got about five seconds to give me a reason why I should let your head stay attached to your shoulders." Breathed a harsh, but not all-together unfamiliar voice against her ear.
Mac's body shivered, but her voice was steady, "It's Mac."
"That's a pretty damn good reason." The bruising grip around her throat relaxed, and time seemed to stop for an instant, until a low watt lamp flicked on across the room to reveal Ando's grinning face, "Gave me a bit of a scare Colonel."
"I scared you..." Mac shook her head.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah.." Mac rubbed her eyes, "I haven't slept like that in a few days actually." She moved to sit down on the couch Phantom had vacated earlier that night, then looked up at the Marine Major, who gently placed her weapon back in it's holster. "Natalie.." she stopped when Ando looked up sharply, "Can I call you Natalie?"
Ando relaxed, "Sure."
"Good. Come sit with me for a second, would you? I have some things I want to explain and I'm sure you have questions. Talk to me Marine to Marine."
Ando laughed at that, then sat in front of Mac, "What do you wanna know Colonel?"
Mac relaxed against the back of the couch, "That was a pretty impressive move back there." She commented, rubbing the marks across her throat.
Ando shrugged like it was no big deal, "I'm a marine, Colonel. You should be able to pull a move like that."
Mac smiled, "It's been a few years since the last time I needed to pull a move like that."
"You miss it?"
"Yeah... it was my life, but I chose to stop to have my family. If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn't. My only consolation was that it gave me little Harmon, and ultimately brought me to Harm."
"Were you and the Captain close before all this happened?"
Mac frowned, "We used to work together.... Before I moved to Australia with Mic."
" Yeah but were you close?" Ando questioned again.
Mac gave a small laugh and thought about their many years together as partners and where it had taken them. Her thoughts took her back to Sydney harbor, and the conversation which had pretty much made up her mind to be with Mic. She really didn't know what Harm had had to let go of. Maybe it was just excuse to push her away. But then again, Harm hadn't been happy when she went running to Mic, and now she knew that it was because he wanted her, just like her for him.
Ando interrupted her train of thought and brought her back to the present, "Ma'am?"
Mac nodded her head slowly, "Yeah. We were close...."
Ando waited for more, and was about to prod deeper when Mac continued on her own.
".....As close as the Military allowed us to be. From the very beginning we hit it off. Harm could read me like a book, and I learned pretty soon I couldn't keep anything from him. We'd opened up to each other, trusted each other. But..." she trailed off, her eyes staring at some point about Ando's head, "But we never took it any further then friends. I didn't know then if it was because of our professional relationship at work or..... other complications." Mac didn't go into any detail of Diane, and Ando was left guessing, "But when we were so close to the next step, Harm backed off and pushed me away. I got engaged to Mic, and even now I have no idea why. All through my engagement, Harm and I both knew it was a mistake, but neither of us would admit it...." Mac let a small smile creep onto her lips, "Even after he kissed me at my own engagement party."
Ando's mouth dropped open, "He kissed you at your own engagement party?"
" Yeah, after he pretty much told me that he loved me."
" So why did you still marry Mic?" Ando questioned, clearly confused.
" Well..." Mac began " It was never the right time and Harm was with Reneé and Mic was just so persistent.."
"Renee?" Ando cut her off.
"Yeah, Harm's girlfriend at the time.. little Sarah's mother. They got married after I left. But anyway there were just so many complications, then the next minute I was saying "I do" and moving to Australia with Mic" Mac finished and looked down at where Mic's ring used to sit on her finger, but was now bare.
Ando was in deep thought about the story Mac had just told her. She wondered how two people could be so stupid.
" So what about you? You three girls look like you have known each other for awhile."
Ando grinned, "It's a pretty long story Ma'am."
Mac smiled back and leaned against the couch, "I'm not going anywhere Major."
Ando shrugged, "Fi, Phantom and I met at school."
Mac sat there and waited for more, but when Ando didn't continue she urged her on. "And?"
Ando laughed, "Ever since... forever we'd wanted to join he CIA. The second we were over eighteen and had enough cash we came over to America. To cut a long story short, only Fi was accepted, but she'd sworn she wouldn't complete the dream without us. So we broke into Langley."
It took Mac a second to realize what she'd said, "Langley? As in CIA headquarters?"
Ando nodded, "Yeah."
Mac sat there in shock. " As in one of the most heaviest guarded facilities in America?"
" Well that's what they thought, didn't they." Ando gave a small laugh.
"So what, you didn't get caught?"
"Ah.. not exactly. A few.. friends of Clay picked us up, and he interrogated us, before turning us loose."
Mac didn't look impressed, "Turned you loose?"
"Okay, so he got Fi into the ASIS, Phantom into the ADFA and me into the Marine core." She responded quickly.
"How come?"
"That would be classified Ma'am. But trust me, it's all perfectly legal."
That last comment threw Mac off, but before she could comment, Phantom poked her sleepy head through the door.
Ando looked up at Phantom and grinned, happy for the distraction. "You look like hell."
" I feel like hell," Phantom retorted, "This time difference always throws me off.".
"Who you trying to kid Phantom? You always look like this when you wake up."
Phantom picked up a cushion, and pegged it at her friend, "Thanks a lot."
Ando laughed, dodging the cushion, " Well Colonel, goodnight, good morning, good day, whatever. I'm off for some sleep." Ando got up and walked towards the bedroom, nudging Phantom as she passed, "Tag, your it."
------
Phantom stood at the window, her eyes scanning the road below. Dawn was an hour past, but she knew after having stood watch for half the night, Ando would be out of it for a few more hours, and both the Colonel and Captain would enjoy whatever time they could together before having to face the world once more.
A familiar car screeching up in front of the hotel caused Phantoms lips to curl into a smile, and she watched, thoroughly amused as Fi stepped out, looking like she had just woken up.
Suddenly Phantom's grin dropped. Fi's hair was out, a clear indication she was too harried, or worried, to do it up. Something was very wrong.
Fi cleared the stairs two at a time, and Phantom met her at the doorway, Ando, suddenly wide-awake and coherent, by her side.
"What is it?"
Fi didn't seemed phased that neither girl had offered anything in the way of greeting, but pulled out a unmarked envelope from her bag. Opening it, and pulling out a sheet of paper she placed it on the desk for both girls to read.
December 1st
Racken Warehouse
One Million
Come alone, and the children will be returned.
"It's a bit brief." Phantom commented and Ando poked her in the ribs.
"An Australian Commander, and you expect what? A full itinerary of his day?" Ando responded, and all three woman laughed.
"Common, this is serious." Fi reminded them gently, but unnecessarily. Although fooling around and cracking jokes, both girls knew what was at stake, and Phantom, somewhat suddenly subdued, went to wake up the Naval Aviator and his Marine Colonel.
Mac and Harm read the note, and Harm's brow creased in concentration, but made no comment.
Mac pointed to a logo at the top of the page, "A hotel?" She asked.
Fi nodded, "Novotel. It's in Darling Harbour, in the centre of the city. These writing pads come free in every room. We've got teams checking it out now."
Mac turned to Harm, who was still looking at the note in concentration. "What is it?"
"That writing..." he said slowly, "It is Mic's?"
Mac looked at it closely, then shook her head, "I don't know. It's familiar, but I don't think it's his."
"I know." He stood staring at it for a moment longer, then handed it back to Fi. "So what are we going to do?"
Fi folded the letter back up and placed it in her bag, "You are going to meet him. The biggest issue here is keeping the children safe. Once they're secure, we'll deal with Brumby. We've got men staking out the warehouse, we'll see if we can't get a sniper up in the roof before he shows, or maybe a swat team. We're still unsure if he's working alone, and if he's got accomplices, having a full riot squad down stairs won't help matters much. For the moment, all we can do is wait."
Phantom rolled her eyes, "Just peachy."
-----
Two days later, Harm stood in front of a large, abandoned warehouse, a heavy suitcase in one hand and Mac beside him. They were early, but he didn't really think it mattered. Mic was probably inside, with the children. With his child.
Suddenly Harm felt his heart stuck in his throat, and an overwhelming hatred towards Mic surface. Then and there Harm vowed that if Mic had so much as touched Sarah, he was going to kill him.
Mac's warm hand slipped into his, and she looked him in the eye, "You okay?"
Harm nodded slowly, but didn't speak as they started moving forward. He couldn't understand the sudden rush of anger, but he couldn't control it. Mic had kidnapped his child. Mic had denied him Mac. Mic had been the cause of so many problems for so many years, Harm just wanted to end it all.
Mac entered the single door first, and Harm followed close behind, in a room void of anything but dust, and moved to the dead centre. And waited.
------
Mic stood in the shadows, unbelieving of what he saw before him.
'She had come!' Were the first thoughts through his mind, until he saw Harm. And suddenly Mic's vision clouded over.
Mac was his. He knew that. The gold band on his finger proved it. She was his, and he suddenly realized Mac must have come with Harm so he could get rid of the Naval officer once and for all.
With Harm out of the way, he and Mac were free to live out their lives.
Mic moved out of the shadows, his weapon concealed behind his back, and faced the two offices.
"Mic." Harm snarled his name, but Mic ignored him, his eyes trained on Mac.
"I knew you'd come." He breathed the words, "For me."
"I'm not here for you." Mac came back, thoroughly disgusted, "I'm here so Harm and I can take our children home."
"You and Harm...." Mic trailed off, his eyes darting between him, then his eyes narrowed, "You bitch, you set me up! Your gonna pay for this!" he yelled angrily and raised the gun that was clutched in his right hand.
"Mic, no this isn't going to solve anything!" Mac cried.
"Yeah, come on Mic, let's just put the gun down." Harm agreed.
Mac and Harm both knew they would be okay if things went bad, because Ando was sitting up outside a window, hidden away with her sniper rifle.
Harm knew, because this had been discussed earlier, that there were two things that would make Ando fire that rifle. One, if Harm gave the signal and two, if there was any other gun shots that didn't belong to Ando. Harm prayed that the first one wouldn't happen, but most of all he hoped to dear god that the second one wouldn't happen at all. So Ando sat and watched and waited.
Mic raised the gun and pointed it at Mac, then he stopped and smiled, a cruel twisted smile the didn't reach his eyes, "No, you know what, I'm not going to kill you Sarah. No, you should be alive. To watch him die." Mic's gun then moved around and was now pointing it at Harm.
"No! Not Harm, please Mic. You can't. Take me instead. Kill me!" Mac yelled at him, daring him. She placed herself in front of Harm, protecting him, shielding him, just in case he called her bluff.
"Sarah, don't." Harm whispered. Harm knew Mic didn't care if Mac was standing in front of him, he saw it in his eyes. He was going to pull that trigger, no matter what.
"Fine then Sarah, have it your way. You die first."
Now the next few seconds felt like they were moving in slow motion. Mic's 'you die first' was still echoing in her ears when she felt Harms arms around her, spinning them both around, then down to the floor. They hit hard, Harm's body trembling momentarily. Somewhere in between she heard two gunshots. One was just before she hit the ground, the other immediately after it. Mac raised her eyes from the ground and looked over to where Mic was standing, the gun that had been clutched so tightly in his hand just a few seconds ago, was now falling to the ground. His eyes had rolled back into his head, and blood dripped from the hole in his head, right between the eyes. His body started to fall. Micheal Brumby was dead before he hit the floor.
Mac's head swirled back around to look at Harm, who was still lying on top of her, protecting her, saving her. "It's over." She whispered, and brought her hand up to caress his cheek, but it was covered in blood.
She didn't understand, she didn't feel like she'd been shot. She looked down, pushing Harm off her and checking herself over, but she was clean. Maybe it was Mic's. Suddenly, Harms silence sent cold shivers down her spine and her head snapped around to look at him. Harm lay on his back, eyes closed and blood oozing from his shoulder. "Harm!" Mac screamed as she pulled him into her lap. "Harm! Wake up damn you. Open your eyes."
He didn't respond.
Mac reached into her jacket, pulling out her walkie talkie, "Ando, get an ambulance in here ASAP! Harm's been shot."
Ando was already moving. She had fired as soon as she'd heard Mic's shot go off, and she never missed. She'd known it the second Harm had been hit, but it had taken Mac's scream for her to respond. She picked up her radio and yelled into it, "Phantom, get a god damn Ambo in here ASAP! Harms been shot!"
Mac shook Harm, "Harm, open your god damn eyes. That's an order Captain."
There was a movement, his eyes fluttered open. Not much, but he could just make out Mac. "Mac." He whispered.
"Shh, it's okay Harm. You're going to be okay." Mac cooed.
Harm started coughing, and his eyes closed.
"Damnit Harm, open your eyes!" Mac yelled again, till this eyes opened just barely and she continued, "Why the hell do you have to be so mucho huh?"
Harm gave a small smile at their old joke, "Not being macho, just protecting the woman I want to grow old with. The one I want to marry and have a hundred babies with." His voice was barely audible, and he swallowed hard.
Just hearing him say it made Mac's heart jump into her throat. He did want to marry her.
*Bang*
Mac's head shot up to the direction of the noise. It came again, and the door to the warehouse vibrated. It had been locked shut after they'd entered and Mac debated in her head if she should leave Harm and open the door. Looking down at his pale face, she knew she couldn't.
There was another thump, then Ando and Phantom came crashing through the door, tripping over each other and falling flat on their faces. Behind them, not bothering to stop to help the two woman, the Ambo's rushed passed to Harm's side. The moment Mac had just had with Harm was lost. She just hoped he would be around long enough so she could remind him of what he had said.
The medics, reaching Harm's side, tried to get the distraught Mac out of the way, but weren't having much luck.
Phantom, managing to untangle herself from Ando, moved to Mac, trying to persuade her to move, "Common Colonel, let's back up. Let them do their job."
"No, I have to stay with him." Mac said, shrugging away from Phantom.
Phantom tried a different approach, grabbing Mac and pulling her back with a large amount of force. Mac slid back, and the medic's went to work, but Mac wasn't going to stay there. She struggled violently against Phantom, then let a fist fly. Her right hook caught Phantom off guard, and connected with the left side of her face. Phantom fell back, but before Mac could blink, Ando came running over, and shoulder charged Mac, sending her sprawling across the floor.
Phantom, recovering from her shock, moved back over, helping Ando to restrain Mac.
"Damnit Colonel! Get a grip on yourself!" Ando yelled, then slapped Mac across the face, snapping her out of it. Mac stopped struggling, staring blankly at Ando, then looked over at Phantom, who was clutching the side of her face.
Ando released her grip on Mac, who stood up, blinking slowly, then looked over at Harm, who was now being moved from the building and followed him without a word.
Ando looked over to Phantom and grinned, "You okay?"
"Sure. It takes more then a Marine to take me down." Phantom grinned back.
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. I musta kicked your six ten times over when we were kids." Ando teased.
"Only when I wasn't kicking yours." Phantom retorted.
Ando just laughed, offering her hand to Phantom and helping her up. Then they both followed Mac and the gurney outside.
-----------
Mac sat quietly in the waiting room, Harm's jacket in her lap, his dog tags clutched in one hand and with his academy ring in the other. She looked down at her hand, then slowly pushed it onto her bare ring finger.
Harm had been rushed into surgery straight away when they had arrived at the hospital. Mac had taken his personal effects before he had been stripped down, not trusting the nurses.
Phantom and Ando had gone back to the hotel to change and eat, but they had promised to be back as soon as they could. Mac thought about the two women, and her behavior earlier. She had some apologizing to do. How could she just freeze up like that? She was a Marine for crying out loud. Harm could have died, yet she sat there throwing punches like she was the only one that matter. She shook the thoughts from her head and tried to focus on what had happened before Harm had got shot.
Mic's words had really confused her. 'I knew you'd come for me.' What on earth had be been talking about?
Mac's train of thought was interrupted by a clearing of the throat. She looked up to see Fi standing there.
Mac looked up at the younger woman, expecting to see the cold hardness in her eyes that she'd come to expect from government agents, but the only thing she found was concern.
"I thought you might like some coffee." Fi offered, handing out the steaming cup.
Mac accepted, but couldn't find her voice to thank her. Fi seemed to understand, taking a seat next to her and peeling off the lid of her own cup. They sat in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, and the minutes ticked by.
Suddenly Fi turned to Mac, "Phantom's face is gonna be okay. " Her lips twitched into a grin, "Ando threw a slab of meat on it, then decided she was gonna eat out tonight."
Mac burst out laughing, nearly choking on her coffee, then turned to Fi with a sincere smile, "Thanks."
Fi returned the smile, "No worries."
Mac relaxed back into her chair, then turned back to Fi, "How could something so simple and so planned out go so wrong? Mic's dead, Harm's in hospital, and we're no closer to finding the children."
"Well...." Fi paused, then shook her head slightly and laughed, quoting, "'If many things can go wrong, they'll all go wrong at the same time.'"
Mac gave a little laugh, then mumbled, "This is so true."
Fi shrugged, "I haven't seen the girls since you guys got back, so I'm not entirely sure what happened."
Mac looked amused at that, almost like she didn't believe it was true, but went on and told the story anyway, "The strange thing is what Mic said. Going on about how I was there for him."
"But what about the note?"
"I'm not sure. It was like he didn't even...." Mac trailed off.
"....know about it." Fi finished for her, "So you think someone else sent it?"
"But who else would have known? I mean, Mic was there right?" Mac stopped, lost in thought. It didn't make any sense.
The tapping of the nurses shoes on the cold tiled floor brought Mac's head up, and the woman informed Mac that while Harm was still unconscious, he was going to be fine, and she could go see him now.
"Are you coming?" Mac asked Fi as they both stood up.
"No I'll uh.. wait for Ando and Phantom." Fi smiled, "They should be here any second."
Mac nodded, picking up his jacket, then moved slowly to Harm's room. The Naval Aviator lay peacefully on the hospital bed, his shirt off and his left shoulder bandaged. Sitting down, she got a sudden urge to feel him close, but the best she could do was to wrap his jacket tightly around her. Pulling it close, she stuck her hands in the pockets, then immediately pulled it out again. Clutched in her fingers was an envelope.
Curious, Mac unfolded the letter within, and her eyes narrowed. She stood up, walking back into the waiting room where Fi now stood with Ando and Phantom.
"Fi, do you still have the ransom note?" She asked.
"Sure." Fi produced the note from her case and handed it over, "What's up?"
Mac's eyes scanned the letter, then she pointed too the logo at the top of the page, "Did the search turn up anything at that hotel?"
"No, we didn't find anyone of that description, or traveling with children." Fi confirmed, still confused.
Mac closed the letter calmly, then looked up, "That's because we're looking for the wrong person."
~**~**~**~**~
Phew. You guys exhausted? I am!
Next chapter is coming soon-ish! Reviews help me type faster!!
But aside from that, we're pretty pleased with this bit. It's long, another warning, but we've spent AGES on it, and the story has pretty much come together.
We have introduced a few new characters - who by no design of our own have turned into Mary Sue extraordinar. For that I apologize, but it couldn't be helped.
I hope you enjoy!!
A/N From Nat - Ok I can't remember who said this but I still remember, it has been in my head since the last chapter. Someone said that Mac is out of character, how she is worried and angry about Harmon being taken. Now I'm not going off at the person who wrote this but, don't you think Mac has the right to act this way. She should worry, she should wanna kill the person who has taken her son and she should cry, she should be upset, any mother should be. It's not just Mac. Any mother would act this way! The only other fact is that she is a marine, so she could be a little bit more dangerous, but she is still a mother, this is her child, I think we all would act a little out of character, if that was our child kidnapped. Sorry, I just had to say something about that, anyways, sorry about the delay!!
But it's finally done and might I add that I had tones of fun writing this, so enjoy!
Little extra - I once again find myself looking for a beta. Heaven knows where my other ones are disappearing too. If you are interested, and don't mind doing not only JAG, but Stargate fics too, please leave a message in your review (hint hint) or email me at capt_n_carter@gaters.net
Thanks!!
Feedback - Yes!
----------
The days went slowly. With no leads the police couldn't do much but 'keep an eye out' but they promised they would call if anything turned up. Mac expected Mic to call, to bargain, to demand or to plea, but the phone stayed dead. Mac was getting desperate, pacing the lounge room while Harm made dinner.
Nights had become eerily quiet in a house once bursting with life of the two three year olds
And both Mac and Harm found little to talk about. They sort comfort in each other's arms, but it did little to ease the ache in their hearts that their children once filled
They were loosing hope, and slowly becoming distant, even too each other.
Suddenly the phone went off, and Harm dived for it, Mac close on his heels
"Rabb."
"Captain Rabb, this is Clayton Webb. Long time no see."
"Clay!" Harm turned to Mac with his eyebrow raised, "What's up?"
"I heard about your children Captain, so I did a little digging. It seems our Australian friend decided Mac's son needed to go home."
"He took them back to Australia?"
"As far as we can tell. He hired a private plane early this week, headed for..."
"Webb, how fast can you arrange a flight for Mac and I?"
"Already taken care of. It's set to leave the moment you get there...." Webb gave them quick instructions, then went silent for a moment. "Bring them home Harm."
"I will...and Clay?"
"What?"
"Thank you."
"Just doing my job Captain. Now you go do yours." Then as fast as the call had began, it was over.
Mac had trained Harm well. Both already had bags back, and within moments were heading towards the airport - Webb's details hastily scribbled on a piece of paper, clutched like a lifeline in Harms hand.
He pulled up too the base with a screech of tires, and Mac threw him a look. He grinned an apology. It wouldn't do their kids any good if they got themselves killed just trying to make it to the airport.
Webb met them in the car park, standing at the doorway of the base. "Captain!" He called, waving them over. He let them inside, before speaking, "Your planes ready on the runway, just waiting for you both. I've talked to the Admiral, he's both given you stress leave until you've brought the children back. Although officially unaware of what you're doing, he stipulates you're to hold yourself to your military standing. He doesn't want to have to clean up any messes."
Whatever dream either of them had of flying to Australia, kicking the crap out of Mic and bringing their children to safety was firmly squashed, but Harm grinned anyway, "He get you to quote that one Clay?"
Webb flashed him a tight smile, then steered them towards the back of the building, "We've arranged a pilot for you, RAAF pilot actually, but she'll be able to help you with anything after you've landed. And a Marine will be joining you as well. She'll act as a bodyguard.. guide. What ever roll you feel she needs to fill."
"Australians?" Harm questioned doubtfully.
Webb glanced at Harm "The pilot yes. Your Marine is an American solider, and a damn good one. Trust me Captain, you'll need their help. When you've landed, you'll meet my opposite number. Don't believe a word she says about me."
Before Harm could respond to the cryptic sentence, Webb pushed open the large glass doors and pointed them towards a small passenger plane. "There's your ride people." He turned to both of them, "Good luck."
"Thanks Webb." Mac said with a smile, and they started towards the plane. Halfway towards it a lithe form appeared in the doorway, lightly walking down the steps and jogging towards them.
She met them a few meters from the plane.
"Captain?" She asked.
Harm nodded, "Captain Harmon Rabb. This is Colonel Sarah Mackenzie."
The woman let off a quick salute, and then she broke out into a grin, "Major Natalie Anderson. Marine Core. It's a pleasure to meet you."
"Nice to know we have a Marine watching our backs Anderson." Mac said with a smirk in Harms direction.
"Call me Ando ma'am." The woman started walking towards the plane, "Phantom's just making some last checks. We should be ready to go as soon as you are."
"Phantom?" Harm questioned with a raised eyebrow as they reached the plane.
"Major Kathryn Sanders sir, RAAF." A second woman ducked out from under the wheel, snapping off a quick salute, her eyes quickly taking in the two officers before her, "I'll take you where ever you wanna go sir."
Harm nodded, the grins of the two women infectious, "You fly jets Phantom?" He asked.
Phantom grinned, swinging up to the cock-pit, "Whenever I'm not charting Naval officers halfway across the country sir."
---------
Harm sat in the passenger plane, lightly dozing, the planes engine lulling him. Mac was deeply asleep, her head resting against his shoulder. Since the children's disappearance, neither had gotten much sleep, and he was glad she was letting herself relax enough to find some now. Across from him, sitting lazily in a chair was Ando, her face buried in a book.
An out of place noise brought Harm awake, but he caught himself from moving, intent not to wake Mac up. He glanced up at the doorway to the cockpit, where Phantom stood with a grin on her face.
"Who's flying the plane?" Ando asked, her eyes not leaving her book.
Phantom grinned, moving to take a seat facing them, "You didn't think I could do this one on my own did you? Jen's up there."
"You two seem to know each other well." Harm said cautiously, causing Ando to finally raise her eyes. She shared a quick look with Phantom, who nodded slightly, then turned to Harm and shrugged, "Yeah. You could say that."
Harm frowned, then tried another approach, "Webb seemed to hold you both in high regard."
Phantom let out a laugh before controlling herself, and Ando grinned, "Yeah. Clay's known us for a while too."
"How?" Harm was a lawyer. It had never helped to play around with questions, and he wasn't about to start
"Let's just say Webb's done us a few favors in the past." Ando went back to her book, but Phantom couldn't keep the smug look off her face.
"We pay him back whenever we can."
Harm nodded. The answers seem to satisfy him for the moment. They weren't the first people Webb had done 'favors' for. "What about this opposite in Australia? I hope you know who he is, 'cause Webb sure can be cryptic when he wants too."
Ando glanced at Phantom again, and then grinned, "Don't you mean she, Sir?"
"She?" Harm raised his eyebrow. Now something was defiantly wrong. As far as Harm knew Webb, the man did not go around associating with extremely attractive, younger females.
"It's a she. Sir." Phantom rested her head back against the wall, her eyes drifting shut, "You might wanna get some sleep too sir. We're still a few hours out, and it'll be close to lunch by the time we drop in."
Harm nodded, and then glanced at Mac, only to have his attention back to Phantom. "Sir?"
"Yeah?"
"What's the deal with you and the colonel sir?" She asked, her eyes still closed.
"You weren't briefed before the mission?"
"They slapped a 'need to know' sticker on it and sent us on our way." Ando mumbled from behind her book, almost to herself
Harm nodded, but didn't say anything. Both Majors realized they weren't gonna get any information out of the Captain so soon...
--------
Harm woke with a start. Mac was still asleep against him, and Ando was snoozing peacefully across the other side of the plane. Phantom had disappeared, but he guessed she was back in the cockpit. He frowned, trying to determine what it was that woke him. Then he understood. The engine noise was shifting slightly, and he knew they were coming into land. He glanced out the window, still feeling groggy from his sleep, and the fact that it was about 19 hours earlier by his internal clock. It was daylight outside. He could see there was a welcoming party waiting for them.
The impact of the wheels hitting the runway jolted Mac out of her deep slumber. But Ando slept on.
"Morning sleeping beauty," Harm whispered "Or should I say afternoon. The whole different time thing has already put me out of the loop."
" 1300," Mac replied, her eyes still closed as she stretched.
" Jeez I should have now." Harm mumbled to himself. "Well we just landed, so time to wake up and get off this plane."
"Hmmm." Mac opened her eyes to see Phantom appearing from the cockpit.
She walked over to Ando, standing over her. " Hey, Ando, wake up." Phantom said poking her.
" Leave me alone" Ando mumbled.
" Wake up!" Phantom said a little louder this time and kept poking her.
" Ok, ok, I'm up already, Just stop poking me for crying out loud!" Ando sat up in frustration.
" Ok, Commander, Colonel grab your gear and lets get off this bird shall we."
" Yeah, lets. Is that the welcoming party out there?" Harm questioned.
Phantom looked out the open door and grinned. "Hey Ando, check this out. Fi's here and she comes baring gifts!"
"Fi's here!?" Ando exclaimed and jumped out of her seat and ran off the plane.
" Fi?" asked Mac.
" Clay's better half, Ma'am." Phantom replied. " Come on she's waiting for us."
"Umm... Phantom? Don't you have any gear with you? Like clothes? That type of stuff?" Mac asked.
" Fi's got my gear ma'am." And with that Phantom exited the plane.
"Mac, I've got the feeling were not being told everything here."
" Yeah, I'm getting that feeling too Harm."
They got the gear together and hopped of the plane. Walking over to where the 3 girls were standing they watched as one by one they pulled the girl named Fi into a happy hug. When they were finished, Fi took it upon herself to introduce herself.
"Sir, Ma'am. Fiona Wood. ASIS. You must be Captain Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie." She said extending her hand and shaking both of theirs.
" Nice to meet you Fiona. I wish it was on better circumstances," Harm replied.
" Me too Captain. Here, put your stuff in this car and get in and when we get going. I'll bring you up to speed with everything we know." Fi smiled.
" Sure, but it's Harm and Mac." Harm smiled back and he and Mac headed towards the trunk of the car.
" So Fi, do you have all of our stuff?" Phantom asked.
"Yep, I got all of it, it's in the trunks of your cars," Fi grinned, "But you'll have to do something about those uniforms, you two stick out like sore thumbs." She turned and pointed to the 2 cars sitting on either side of the limo.
Ando walked over to the 1968 cherry red Chevrolet Corvette and eyed it carefully, then looked at Fi. " The scratches are gone from last time." she stated.
" Yeah I got them fixed. Think of it as an early Christmas present." Fi smiled and chucked a set of keys at Ando. " Clothes, weapons and that cute little bear that guy gave you last month are in the trunk."
Phantom started laughing, and even Mac and Harm managed to smirk as Ando stalked towards Fi and clipped her over the back of the head.
"Thanks a lot."
Fi fended her off, "Just doing my job Ando!"
Ando glared at Fi "Don't stop teasing me and maybe I'll do my job and put my foot up your...."
Mac glanced at Harm, and the naval aviator started forward, prepared to break up the fight that was imminent, until Phantom grabbed his hand, "Hold a sec Captain, I want to see this."
Harm shot her a confused looked, and Phantom laughed, "Yeah, your probably right." Then she moved next to Ando in a flash, pulling her back. "Yeah well how 'bout you give me my keys Fi? Or am I going to have to find my own way in again?"
All three girls laughed at that comment and relaxed.
"Sorry Nat." Fi smiled.
"Tis k girl." Ando moved to her car, her voice muffled as she started speaking, "So tell us what you know, because we haven't been told anything. I was woken up at 2100 and told to get straight down to the airfield. I was supposed to go on maneuvers tomorrow.... Today.. Whatever, and so I'm not a happy camper. What the hell is going on?"
" A few days back the Captain's and Colonel's kids, Harmon and Sarah, were kidnapped by the Colonels ex-husband Commander Michael Brumby. Brumby is part of the Australian Navy. Clay called me a couple of nights ago and asked me to keep an eye out for him because he thought he might try to return to Australia. Brumby and the Colonel lived out here until they split up and she moved back to DC. But anyway, yesterday I got a call from Sydney airport. A guy with Brumby's description was seen exiting a private plane. He has returned to Australia, but there was no sign of the kids, so we couldn't arrest him. We are just watching him at the moment. As soon as I told Clay, he wanted you two to bring the Captain and Colonel to the land down under. And I don't have to explain why too you guys do I?" Fi grinned.
" I think I can figure it out." Phantom rolled her eyes at Fi.
As the girls were talking Mac and Harm hopped into the limo.
"Something is up Mac. I mean, these girls have defiantly worked together before. The way they are talking, they go way back. And they seem to know Clay pretty well too." Harm stated.
" Maybe they're CIA." Mac replied.
" Yeah maybe." Harm sighed and wrapped his arm around Mac pulling her closer, then kissed her forehead. " I'll just be glad when this is all over, something is just not right and I can't put my finger on it."
--------------
"You guys should try to get some sleep." Fi stood at the door way to the hotel room, tucking her car keys into her pocket, "I'll be around first thing in the morning, and we'll get started on finding Brumby."
"Wait a minute," Harm stopped her before she could leave, "Why not now?"
Fi's eyes searched the Captain's face before replying, "These things take time. Be patient."
Harm's face darkened, "That's my daughter out there, and I'll do anything in my power to get her back as soon as possible." Harm took a step towards the younger woman, intimidating.
Fi stood her ground, "You could be the President for all I cared." She shot back, "But you still have to wait for the morning." Ignoring the steaming Captain for a moment, Fi turned to Ando and Phantom, who stood in the middle of the room, just waiting, "You two sure you can handle this one?"
Phantom grinned, then gave Ando a friendly nudge, "You think we haven't dealt with top brass before?"
Ando laughed, then her face softened into a smile at Harm's dark look, "Don't worry Captain. We'll get your kids back in one piece. You've got the best in the business looking after you."
The three girls walked into the corridor of the hotel, talking quietly, and Harm went looking for Mac. He found her in the main bedroom. She was sitting on the bed, a small photo of Harmon in her hands. Tears fell slowly down her cheeks, and she did nothing to check them. She looked up as Harm entered, "He told me he wanted to go home. If I'd just let Mic see his son..."
Harm moved to sit next to her, his hand falling to her lower back, "Hey." His tone was slightly scolding, "Don't go starting with 'What if's'. We both know they get us no where."
Mac nodded, then angrily wiped her tears away, looking back at the photo of her son, "Damn him." She whispered softly.
"Mac, look at me." Harm gently cupped her chin with his finger, and brought her to face him, "If it wasn't for Brumby," he said softly, his thumb trailing over her tears, "We would never have realized what we meant to each other. We'd probably still be at JAG, dancing around each other with the painful flirting and the hints too subtle for us to comprehend. He brought us together Mac. And he brought you Harmon."
"Only to pull us apart."
Mac wasn't only referring to herself and her young son. The gap between her and her lover grew further apart every day the children were missing. So long had they spent their lives, confiding in themselves, only having themselves to turn to in time of stress. They hadn't adjusted to each other before this tragedy, and it got harder and harder to breach the gap as the two grieving parents drew further and further into themselves.
"I love you Mac." Harm said softly, and he reached down, pushing her chin up gently with his fingers to capture her lips in a kiss.
Mac pulled away gently, looking into the depths of his eyes, and she saw his pain. Pain at loosing his daughter to a man he hated. Pain at hating a man that had fallen in love with, and taken possession of, the woman he had always wanted. Pain at having the woman he had always wanted in his arms, only to be unable to breech the barrier she had erected around herself after the kidnapping of her child.
---
Phantom quietly slipped around the corner, taking pains not to be seen or heard by the distraught couple. She sat across from Ando on the couch, who was busily searching through her bag.
"What ya looking for?" Phantom questioned, leaning back and plopping her dusty boots on the glass table.
"My weapon." Ando's voice was muffled as her head was stuck halfway down her bag.
"You taking first watch?" Phantom asked with amusement, her hands coming to rest behind her head.
"Correct me if I'm wrong, flygirl," Ando responded, still rummaging around in her bag, "But you just spent the last twelve or so hours flying across the world. Even if I hadn't known you for the past 18 years, I'd STILL know you'd be asleep before your head it the pillow." She came up for air, a triumphant look on her face and weapon in hand, only to find Phantom, eyes closed, fast asleep.
" That would be right," Ando mumbled to herself, "And you just proved my point, even though you're not awake to realize it!"
------
* Seven Hours later*
Mac lay awake, content for the moment to stay in her lover's arms. Harm had fallen asleep over an hour ago, but for the Marine Colonel, sleep was elusive. It was dark, a few hours after midnight, and Mac was hungry. Not only had sleep evaded her since her child had gone missing, but also the time to eat. She slipped out of Harm's arms, careful not to wake him, and crept towards the closed door. Without a sound she opened it, then noiselessly slipped through into the darkened lounge room.
Without warning, a strong arm incased her throat, snapping her head back and before she could scream, she felt the cool metal of a gun barrel against her neck.
"You've got about five seconds to give me a reason why I should let your head stay attached to your shoulders." Breathed a harsh, but not all-together unfamiliar voice against her ear.
Mac's body shivered, but her voice was steady, "It's Mac."
"That's a pretty damn good reason." The bruising grip around her throat relaxed, and time seemed to stop for an instant, until a low watt lamp flicked on across the room to reveal Ando's grinning face, "Gave me a bit of a scare Colonel."
"I scared you..." Mac shook her head.
"Sleep well?"
"Yeah.." Mac rubbed her eyes, "I haven't slept like that in a few days actually." She moved to sit down on the couch Phantom had vacated earlier that night, then looked up at the Marine Major, who gently placed her weapon back in it's holster. "Natalie.." she stopped when Ando looked up sharply, "Can I call you Natalie?"
Ando relaxed, "Sure."
"Good. Come sit with me for a second, would you? I have some things I want to explain and I'm sure you have questions. Talk to me Marine to Marine."
Ando laughed at that, then sat in front of Mac, "What do you wanna know Colonel?"
Mac relaxed against the back of the couch, "That was a pretty impressive move back there." She commented, rubbing the marks across her throat.
Ando shrugged like it was no big deal, "I'm a marine, Colonel. You should be able to pull a move like that."
Mac smiled, "It's been a few years since the last time I needed to pull a move like that."
"You miss it?"
"Yeah... it was my life, but I chose to stop to have my family. If I could go back and do it again, I wouldn't. My only consolation was that it gave me little Harmon, and ultimately brought me to Harm."
"Were you and the Captain close before all this happened?"
Mac frowned, "We used to work together.... Before I moved to Australia with Mic."
" Yeah but were you close?" Ando questioned again.
Mac gave a small laugh and thought about their many years together as partners and where it had taken them. Her thoughts took her back to Sydney harbor, and the conversation which had pretty much made up her mind to be with Mic. She really didn't know what Harm had had to let go of. Maybe it was just excuse to push her away. But then again, Harm hadn't been happy when she went running to Mic, and now she knew that it was because he wanted her, just like her for him.
Ando interrupted her train of thought and brought her back to the present, "Ma'am?"
Mac nodded her head slowly, "Yeah. We were close...."
Ando waited for more, and was about to prod deeper when Mac continued on her own.
".....As close as the Military allowed us to be. From the very beginning we hit it off. Harm could read me like a book, and I learned pretty soon I couldn't keep anything from him. We'd opened up to each other, trusted each other. But..." she trailed off, her eyes staring at some point about Ando's head, "But we never took it any further then friends. I didn't know then if it was because of our professional relationship at work or..... other complications." Mac didn't go into any detail of Diane, and Ando was left guessing, "But when we were so close to the next step, Harm backed off and pushed me away. I got engaged to Mic, and even now I have no idea why. All through my engagement, Harm and I both knew it was a mistake, but neither of us would admit it...." Mac let a small smile creep onto her lips, "Even after he kissed me at my own engagement party."
Ando's mouth dropped open, "He kissed you at your own engagement party?"
" Yeah, after he pretty much told me that he loved me."
" So why did you still marry Mic?" Ando questioned, clearly confused.
" Well..." Mac began " It was never the right time and Harm was with Reneé and Mic was just so persistent.."
"Renee?" Ando cut her off.
"Yeah, Harm's girlfriend at the time.. little Sarah's mother. They got married after I left. But anyway there were just so many complications, then the next minute I was saying "I do" and moving to Australia with Mic" Mac finished and looked down at where Mic's ring used to sit on her finger, but was now bare.
Ando was in deep thought about the story Mac had just told her. She wondered how two people could be so stupid.
" So what about you? You three girls look like you have known each other for awhile."
Ando grinned, "It's a pretty long story Ma'am."
Mac smiled back and leaned against the couch, "I'm not going anywhere Major."
Ando shrugged, "Fi, Phantom and I met at school."
Mac sat there and waited for more, but when Ando didn't continue she urged her on. "And?"
Ando laughed, "Ever since... forever we'd wanted to join he CIA. The second we were over eighteen and had enough cash we came over to America. To cut a long story short, only Fi was accepted, but she'd sworn she wouldn't complete the dream without us. So we broke into Langley."
It took Mac a second to realize what she'd said, "Langley? As in CIA headquarters?"
Ando nodded, "Yeah."
Mac sat there in shock. " As in one of the most heaviest guarded facilities in America?"
" Well that's what they thought, didn't they." Ando gave a small laugh.
"So what, you didn't get caught?"
"Ah.. not exactly. A few.. friends of Clay picked us up, and he interrogated us, before turning us loose."
Mac didn't look impressed, "Turned you loose?"
"Okay, so he got Fi into the ASIS, Phantom into the ADFA and me into the Marine core." She responded quickly.
"How come?"
"That would be classified Ma'am. But trust me, it's all perfectly legal."
That last comment threw Mac off, but before she could comment, Phantom poked her sleepy head through the door.
Ando looked up at Phantom and grinned, happy for the distraction. "You look like hell."
" I feel like hell," Phantom retorted, "This time difference always throws me off.".
"Who you trying to kid Phantom? You always look like this when you wake up."
Phantom picked up a cushion, and pegged it at her friend, "Thanks a lot."
Ando laughed, dodging the cushion, " Well Colonel, goodnight, good morning, good day, whatever. I'm off for some sleep." Ando got up and walked towards the bedroom, nudging Phantom as she passed, "Tag, your it."
------
Phantom stood at the window, her eyes scanning the road below. Dawn was an hour past, but she knew after having stood watch for half the night, Ando would be out of it for a few more hours, and both the Colonel and Captain would enjoy whatever time they could together before having to face the world once more.
A familiar car screeching up in front of the hotel caused Phantoms lips to curl into a smile, and she watched, thoroughly amused as Fi stepped out, looking like she had just woken up.
Suddenly Phantom's grin dropped. Fi's hair was out, a clear indication she was too harried, or worried, to do it up. Something was very wrong.
Fi cleared the stairs two at a time, and Phantom met her at the doorway, Ando, suddenly wide-awake and coherent, by her side.
"What is it?"
Fi didn't seemed phased that neither girl had offered anything in the way of greeting, but pulled out a unmarked envelope from her bag. Opening it, and pulling out a sheet of paper she placed it on the desk for both girls to read.
December 1st
Racken Warehouse
One Million
Come alone, and the children will be returned.
"It's a bit brief." Phantom commented and Ando poked her in the ribs.
"An Australian Commander, and you expect what? A full itinerary of his day?" Ando responded, and all three woman laughed.
"Common, this is serious." Fi reminded them gently, but unnecessarily. Although fooling around and cracking jokes, both girls knew what was at stake, and Phantom, somewhat suddenly subdued, went to wake up the Naval Aviator and his Marine Colonel.
Mac and Harm read the note, and Harm's brow creased in concentration, but made no comment.
Mac pointed to a logo at the top of the page, "A hotel?" She asked.
Fi nodded, "Novotel. It's in Darling Harbour, in the centre of the city. These writing pads come free in every room. We've got teams checking it out now."
Mac turned to Harm, who was still looking at the note in concentration. "What is it?"
"That writing..." he said slowly, "It is Mic's?"
Mac looked at it closely, then shook her head, "I don't know. It's familiar, but I don't think it's his."
"I know." He stood staring at it for a moment longer, then handed it back to Fi. "So what are we going to do?"
Fi folded the letter back up and placed it in her bag, "You are going to meet him. The biggest issue here is keeping the children safe. Once they're secure, we'll deal with Brumby. We've got men staking out the warehouse, we'll see if we can't get a sniper up in the roof before he shows, or maybe a swat team. We're still unsure if he's working alone, and if he's got accomplices, having a full riot squad down stairs won't help matters much. For the moment, all we can do is wait."
Phantom rolled her eyes, "Just peachy."
-----
Two days later, Harm stood in front of a large, abandoned warehouse, a heavy suitcase in one hand and Mac beside him. They were early, but he didn't really think it mattered. Mic was probably inside, with the children. With his child.
Suddenly Harm felt his heart stuck in his throat, and an overwhelming hatred towards Mic surface. Then and there Harm vowed that if Mic had so much as touched Sarah, he was going to kill him.
Mac's warm hand slipped into his, and she looked him in the eye, "You okay?"
Harm nodded slowly, but didn't speak as they started moving forward. He couldn't understand the sudden rush of anger, but he couldn't control it. Mic had kidnapped his child. Mic had denied him Mac. Mic had been the cause of so many problems for so many years, Harm just wanted to end it all.
Mac entered the single door first, and Harm followed close behind, in a room void of anything but dust, and moved to the dead centre. And waited.
------
Mic stood in the shadows, unbelieving of what he saw before him.
'She had come!' Were the first thoughts through his mind, until he saw Harm. And suddenly Mic's vision clouded over.
Mac was his. He knew that. The gold band on his finger proved it. She was his, and he suddenly realized Mac must have come with Harm so he could get rid of the Naval officer once and for all.
With Harm out of the way, he and Mac were free to live out their lives.
Mic moved out of the shadows, his weapon concealed behind his back, and faced the two offices.
"Mic." Harm snarled his name, but Mic ignored him, his eyes trained on Mac.
"I knew you'd come." He breathed the words, "For me."
"I'm not here for you." Mac came back, thoroughly disgusted, "I'm here so Harm and I can take our children home."
"You and Harm...." Mic trailed off, his eyes darting between him, then his eyes narrowed, "You bitch, you set me up! Your gonna pay for this!" he yelled angrily and raised the gun that was clutched in his right hand.
"Mic, no this isn't going to solve anything!" Mac cried.
"Yeah, come on Mic, let's just put the gun down." Harm agreed.
Mac and Harm both knew they would be okay if things went bad, because Ando was sitting up outside a window, hidden away with her sniper rifle.
Harm knew, because this had been discussed earlier, that there were two things that would make Ando fire that rifle. One, if Harm gave the signal and two, if there was any other gun shots that didn't belong to Ando. Harm prayed that the first one wouldn't happen, but most of all he hoped to dear god that the second one wouldn't happen at all. So Ando sat and watched and waited.
Mic raised the gun and pointed it at Mac, then he stopped and smiled, a cruel twisted smile the didn't reach his eyes, "No, you know what, I'm not going to kill you Sarah. No, you should be alive. To watch him die." Mic's gun then moved around and was now pointing it at Harm.
"No! Not Harm, please Mic. You can't. Take me instead. Kill me!" Mac yelled at him, daring him. She placed herself in front of Harm, protecting him, shielding him, just in case he called her bluff.
"Sarah, don't." Harm whispered. Harm knew Mic didn't care if Mac was standing in front of him, he saw it in his eyes. He was going to pull that trigger, no matter what.
"Fine then Sarah, have it your way. You die first."
Now the next few seconds felt like they were moving in slow motion. Mic's 'you die first' was still echoing in her ears when she felt Harms arms around her, spinning them both around, then down to the floor. They hit hard, Harm's body trembling momentarily. Somewhere in between she heard two gunshots. One was just before she hit the ground, the other immediately after it. Mac raised her eyes from the ground and looked over to where Mic was standing, the gun that had been clutched so tightly in his hand just a few seconds ago, was now falling to the ground. His eyes had rolled back into his head, and blood dripped from the hole in his head, right between the eyes. His body started to fall. Micheal Brumby was dead before he hit the floor.
Mac's head swirled back around to look at Harm, who was still lying on top of her, protecting her, saving her. "It's over." She whispered, and brought her hand up to caress his cheek, but it was covered in blood.
She didn't understand, she didn't feel like she'd been shot. She looked down, pushing Harm off her and checking herself over, but she was clean. Maybe it was Mic's. Suddenly, Harms silence sent cold shivers down her spine and her head snapped around to look at him. Harm lay on his back, eyes closed and blood oozing from his shoulder. "Harm!" Mac screamed as she pulled him into her lap. "Harm! Wake up damn you. Open your eyes."
He didn't respond.
Mac reached into her jacket, pulling out her walkie talkie, "Ando, get an ambulance in here ASAP! Harm's been shot."
Ando was already moving. She had fired as soon as she'd heard Mic's shot go off, and she never missed. She'd known it the second Harm had been hit, but it had taken Mac's scream for her to respond. She picked up her radio and yelled into it, "Phantom, get a god damn Ambo in here ASAP! Harms been shot!"
Mac shook Harm, "Harm, open your god damn eyes. That's an order Captain."
There was a movement, his eyes fluttered open. Not much, but he could just make out Mac. "Mac." He whispered.
"Shh, it's okay Harm. You're going to be okay." Mac cooed.
Harm started coughing, and his eyes closed.
"Damnit Harm, open your eyes!" Mac yelled again, till this eyes opened just barely and she continued, "Why the hell do you have to be so mucho huh?"
Harm gave a small smile at their old joke, "Not being macho, just protecting the woman I want to grow old with. The one I want to marry and have a hundred babies with." His voice was barely audible, and he swallowed hard.
Just hearing him say it made Mac's heart jump into her throat. He did want to marry her.
*Bang*
Mac's head shot up to the direction of the noise. It came again, and the door to the warehouse vibrated. It had been locked shut after they'd entered and Mac debated in her head if she should leave Harm and open the door. Looking down at his pale face, she knew she couldn't.
There was another thump, then Ando and Phantom came crashing through the door, tripping over each other and falling flat on their faces. Behind them, not bothering to stop to help the two woman, the Ambo's rushed passed to Harm's side. The moment Mac had just had with Harm was lost. She just hoped he would be around long enough so she could remind him of what he had said.
The medics, reaching Harm's side, tried to get the distraught Mac out of the way, but weren't having much luck.
Phantom, managing to untangle herself from Ando, moved to Mac, trying to persuade her to move, "Common Colonel, let's back up. Let them do their job."
"No, I have to stay with him." Mac said, shrugging away from Phantom.
Phantom tried a different approach, grabbing Mac and pulling her back with a large amount of force. Mac slid back, and the medic's went to work, but Mac wasn't going to stay there. She struggled violently against Phantom, then let a fist fly. Her right hook caught Phantom off guard, and connected with the left side of her face. Phantom fell back, but before Mac could blink, Ando came running over, and shoulder charged Mac, sending her sprawling across the floor.
Phantom, recovering from her shock, moved back over, helping Ando to restrain Mac.
"Damnit Colonel! Get a grip on yourself!" Ando yelled, then slapped Mac across the face, snapping her out of it. Mac stopped struggling, staring blankly at Ando, then looked over at Phantom, who was clutching the side of her face.
Ando released her grip on Mac, who stood up, blinking slowly, then looked over at Harm, who was now being moved from the building and followed him without a word.
Ando looked over to Phantom and grinned, "You okay?"
"Sure. It takes more then a Marine to take me down." Phantom grinned back.
"Yeah, you keep telling yourself that. I musta kicked your six ten times over when we were kids." Ando teased.
"Only when I wasn't kicking yours." Phantom retorted.
Ando just laughed, offering her hand to Phantom and helping her up. Then they both followed Mac and the gurney outside.
-----------
Mac sat quietly in the waiting room, Harm's jacket in her lap, his dog tags clutched in one hand and with his academy ring in the other. She looked down at her hand, then slowly pushed it onto her bare ring finger.
Harm had been rushed into surgery straight away when they had arrived at the hospital. Mac had taken his personal effects before he had been stripped down, not trusting the nurses.
Phantom and Ando had gone back to the hotel to change and eat, but they had promised to be back as soon as they could. Mac thought about the two women, and her behavior earlier. She had some apologizing to do. How could she just freeze up like that? She was a Marine for crying out loud. Harm could have died, yet she sat there throwing punches like she was the only one that matter. She shook the thoughts from her head and tried to focus on what had happened before Harm had got shot.
Mic's words had really confused her. 'I knew you'd come for me.' What on earth had be been talking about?
Mac's train of thought was interrupted by a clearing of the throat. She looked up to see Fi standing there.
Mac looked up at the younger woman, expecting to see the cold hardness in her eyes that she'd come to expect from government agents, but the only thing she found was concern.
"I thought you might like some coffee." Fi offered, handing out the steaming cup.
Mac accepted, but couldn't find her voice to thank her. Fi seemed to understand, taking a seat next to her and peeling off the lid of her own cup. They sat in silence, both lost in their own thoughts, and the minutes ticked by.
Suddenly Fi turned to Mac, "Phantom's face is gonna be okay. " Her lips twitched into a grin, "Ando threw a slab of meat on it, then decided she was gonna eat out tonight."
Mac burst out laughing, nearly choking on her coffee, then turned to Fi with a sincere smile, "Thanks."
Fi returned the smile, "No worries."
Mac relaxed back into her chair, then turned back to Fi, "How could something so simple and so planned out go so wrong? Mic's dead, Harm's in hospital, and we're no closer to finding the children."
"Well...." Fi paused, then shook her head slightly and laughed, quoting, "'If many things can go wrong, they'll all go wrong at the same time.'"
Mac gave a little laugh, then mumbled, "This is so true."
Fi shrugged, "I haven't seen the girls since you guys got back, so I'm not entirely sure what happened."
Mac looked amused at that, almost like she didn't believe it was true, but went on and told the story anyway, "The strange thing is what Mic said. Going on about how I was there for him."
"But what about the note?"
"I'm not sure. It was like he didn't even...." Mac trailed off.
"....know about it." Fi finished for her, "So you think someone else sent it?"
"But who else would have known? I mean, Mic was there right?" Mac stopped, lost in thought. It didn't make any sense.
The tapping of the nurses shoes on the cold tiled floor brought Mac's head up, and the woman informed Mac that while Harm was still unconscious, he was going to be fine, and she could go see him now.
"Are you coming?" Mac asked Fi as they both stood up.
"No I'll uh.. wait for Ando and Phantom." Fi smiled, "They should be here any second."
Mac nodded, picking up his jacket, then moved slowly to Harm's room. The Naval Aviator lay peacefully on the hospital bed, his shirt off and his left shoulder bandaged. Sitting down, she got a sudden urge to feel him close, but the best she could do was to wrap his jacket tightly around her. Pulling it close, she stuck her hands in the pockets, then immediately pulled it out again. Clutched in her fingers was an envelope.
Curious, Mac unfolded the letter within, and her eyes narrowed. She stood up, walking back into the waiting room where Fi now stood with Ando and Phantom.
"Fi, do you still have the ransom note?" She asked.
"Sure." Fi produced the note from her case and handed it over, "What's up?"
Mac's eyes scanned the letter, then she pointed too the logo at the top of the page, "Did the search turn up anything at that hotel?"
"No, we didn't find anyone of that description, or traveling with children." Fi confirmed, still confused.
Mac closed the letter calmly, then looked up, "That's because we're looking for the wrong person."
~**~**~**~**~
Phew. You guys exhausted? I am!
Next chapter is coming soon-ish! Reviews help me type faster!!