Chapter 8
The 'personal' tour had stalled out in Major Carter's lab. Harm had been very inquisitive of the work that Sam was doing at the SGC and she was more than happy to share her knowledge and experiences with him. Throughout the conversation, Harm would jump in with a question about this or that, again catching everyone off guard. To say that everyone was surprised by the lawyer's apparent, in-depth background of science would be an understatement. This is where Jacob and Mac found SG-1 and Harm.
"So Harm, tell me, how is it you know so much about what I am talking about here?" asked Sam.
Before he could answer, Mac interrupted from the doorway. "Yeah Flyboy, what gives? I mean, I have known you for 8 years and never have I seen you take an interest in science, much less to the degree needed to fit in here. This isn't your typical scientific knowledge, now is it?"
Harm smiled at her question and responded with a smirk, "Well, I guess you don't know everything there is to know about me, do ya Jarhead?"
"Nice deflection Harm, but it isn't going to work this time. How is it you know so much about this stuff? I mean you are asking questions and inserting bits of knowledge that no one without a working knowledge of physics should be able to ask. So again I say, what gives Flyboy?"
Harm knew there was no way he was getting out of this one. He would have to answer her questions or face the wrath of Sarah MacKenzie for a long time to come. "Okay fine, I will tell you, but if I do you have to promise not to laugh at me Mac. There is a reason why I haven't shared this with you or anyone else for that matter."
"I promise I will not laugh at you Harm."
"Okay, well here it goes. As I mentioned earlier today to Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill, I had a ramp strike back in 1991. The unfortunate result of that ramp strike was that I was laid up in bed for about three months. Needless to say, I had a lot of free time on my hands. So, when I wasn't going through bits of depression because of the loss of my flying career, I was reading. A lot. And one of the things I was reading was a bunch of old astronomy books my grandmother had lying around the house. Apparently my grandfather and father were both big astronomy buffs so there was a lot of material around the house to read. At first, it was a way to pass the time, but over time I found the information and the mythological stories associated with stars and constellations very interesting. My father also had a telescope in the attic that my grandmother brought down for me. She set it up for me outside and whenever I could venture out, I would spend hours just searching the sky and absorbing everything I could. I really think it was one of the things that helped me to recover. I just looked up at the sky and it made me realize that my problems weren't all that bad. I mean, we are just this little tiny planet in a distant corner of this galaxy and I am just one person on this planet. It made me realize in the grand scheme that my problems were small compared to those of others. Once I was done recovering and had returned home, I had a decision to make. This was about the time I decided that I wanted to stay with the Navy. I figured I had two choices. I could go law or I could go astronomy, or astrophysics. I decided that law was the better choice because it would move me away from flying. I knew with a degree in astronomy, I would have dreams of becoming an astronaut or something and that was not an issue I wanted to deal with. So I went to law school. Anyway, to fast forward a little here, I still had a great interest in science so when I had a chance I took a few science courses at night or during the summers when I could squeeze them in. Eventually, I got my Bachelor's degree in astrophysics. To be honest, I didn't even know I was so close to a degree. The professor's at the university kept recommending classes to me so I kept signing up. The next thing I know, I had a degree. And there is my story."
Mac stared at Harm with a look of disbelief. "You mean to tell me that you have a Bachelor's degree in astrophysics?"
"Yes I do. I also have a Master's degree in Astronautical Engineering in addition to the Bachelor's degree I received at the Academy for Aeronautical Engineering. It seemed like the logical thing to do, just combine the efforts of my two Bachelor's degrees and get a second advanced degree to go with the Law degree."
"I can't believe this Harm. Why didn't you ever tell me?"
Harm smiled and said quietly, "You never asked."
Now Mac was mad. "I never asked? You have got to be kidding me, I had no idea I should be asking. I mean, I have been to your home and worked with you for eight years and I have never seen a sign of anything that would tip me off to this. How was I supposed to know to ask? And for that matter, why is it you felt you needed to keep this from me?"
Harm could tell by her voice that she was starting to get just a little perturbed and decided to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible. "Mac, Sarah, the reason I never said anything is because I thought you all would make fun of me. I mean, here I am a big bad ass pilot and then you would find out I am just some science geek. No offense Major Carter.."
"None taken." Sam quickly chimed in.
Harm continued, "The truth is that I didn't want your perceptions of me to change. Therefore I didn't share this revelation with anyone. Not even my mother or grandmother knows about this. It has been my secret all of these years. I guess that is no more."
To say that Mac was surprised would be an understatement. On the verge of a heart attack would have been a better description of her at that moment. Eventually she found her voice and responded to Harm's revelation. "Harm, I am not really sure what to say here. I mean, I am proud of you for all you have accomplished and I can guarantee you that I won't make fun of you..much. Just kidding. I guess that I am just shocked. I mean, you never seemed like the type of person who would like this kind of stuff and so it just took me by surprise. And I promise you I will keep your secret for you. But I do expect a more detailed explanation later. For now, I think we need to focus on what we came here for. Personally, I don't think I can handle anymore 'surprises' today."
Harm let out the breathe he had been holding and said a silent prayer for the reprieve that seemed to come his way. "I agree Colonel MacKenzie, I think it is time we put this all behind us and begin this investigation." Turning to Colonel O'Neill he changed the subject as quickly as possible, "Colonel O'Neill, I think it would be best if we interviewed Major Wilkins at this time."
O'Neill had been taking in all of this information quietly from the corner. For a few minutes there when Rabb was laying out the charms on Carter and then when Colonel MacKenzie entered, he was sure no one knew he was there. Of course, reality had a way of rearing her ugly head and the reasons for these JAG Officers' presence was front and center once again. "No problem Commander Rabb. If the two of you will follow me and Major Carter we will be glad to show you to Major Wilkin's quarters."
Colonel MacKenzie was back to her professional mode, "Thank you Colonel O'Neill."
As the group of officers made there way down the hallway, Mac was watching Harm out the side of her eye. She could not believe she never knew this about him. Even though their friendship had taken a few hits in recent years, she was certain that there was no one in this world she was closer to, including her Uncle Matt, err Uncle Jake that is. To find out all of a sudden that there was a BIG part of Harm's life she was completely unaware of was sort of disconcerting. Okay, to be truthful, it was extremely disconcerting. She decided that she needed to get a little more information from Harm about all of this to put her mind at ease. She slid a little closer to him as they waited for the elevator to arrive at their level. Very quietly she whispered to him, "So Harm, is there anything else I should know about you?"
Harm looked at her sheepishly as he thought how to respond to her question. Finally he decided to get all of the big surprises out there now so as not to have to face her tirade again. "Uh, well there is one other teensy tiny thing."
"I'm almost afraid to ask. Does this have to do with the secretive Astrophysics Degree?"
Harm grinned, knees shaking ever so slightly, "Would you kill me if I said yes?
Mac rolled her eyes and let out a long breathe, "No Harm, I am not going to kill you. At this point, I don't think you could tell me anything that would shock me anymore that I already am."
Harm took a half step back, "Hehe, don't be to sure. What I didn't mention earlier is that the Master's Degree is not the end of it. I have been working on my Doctoral Dissertation for about a year and a half now. I figure about another year, and with the committee's approval, I will have my Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering."
Mac's mouth hung wide open. Okay, so maybe there was something else that might shock her. "You mean to tell me that you are going to be Doctor Harmon Rabb Jr.?"
Harm scrunched up his face and hissed back, "Ewww, see when you say it like that it just sounds dirty."
Mac had to laugh at that response. "Sorry, I guess I am just surprised is all. I mean Harm, yesterday you were a damn jet jockey at best and now I find out you actually have a brain."
"Thanks a lot, friend." Harm said with an insulted tone in his voice.
Mac reached for his arm, "I am just kidding Harm. I have always known you were an intelligent guy, I just didn't realize how intelligent. I guess we all learned something new here today."
Harm had to frown at that last comment because he knew deep in his heart she was setting him up for a major sarcastic remark. If he stayed quiet and didn't respond, he would save himself the anguish of having to listen to her ribbing. Of course, Sarah MacKenzie knew him way too well. It would drive him insane to let a comment like that fly by unanswered. No matter how long he held out, she would wait patiently till he took the bait. 'Oh well, I guess I will get it out of the way now.' "And what exactly have I learned here Mac?"
"That I will be making fun of you for at least the next six months, Mr. Pocket Protector." She had to stifle a giggle as Harm fell for her trap. Granted, he probably saw it coming from a mile away, but that didn't make it any less satisfying.
"Hey, just for that see if I ever buy you another Beltway Burger ever again. And by the way, I will have you know that some of the stuff in my dissertation has already been used. So there."
About this time the elevator doors opened and the four officers left its confines and made there way down the hall. Continuing with there conversation, Mac let her curiosity get the better of her, "What kind of stuff Harm?"
"Oh nothing to mind boggling. Just some ideas I had for enhancing structural integrity to space faring craft. I don't know the specifics except that it was used on some project called Prometheus. To be honest, Major Carter could probably tell you more than me seeing as how this project is handled by the Air Force."
"Well, since you brought it up, why don't you ask her?"
Harm shook his head, "Because you're the one who wanted to know, not me."
Mac rolled her eyes and spoke to the Major, "Major Carter, have you ever heard of a project ran by the Air Force called the Prometheus Project?" The two Air Force officers stopped abruptly causing Harm and Mac to nearly crash into them.
Carter was the one to respond with just a little concern in her voice, "Where did you hear that name Colonel MacKenzie? I don't think anyone ever briefed you on that since you have been here?"
Mac flushed as she stammered over her response, "Uh, no, you're right, we haven't been briefed on it. Harm was just telling me that some of the data from the dissertation he is currently working on was being used by the Air Force in a project called Prometheus."
Now it was O'Neill's turn to respond, "And how is it you know of this project Commander Rabb?"
Harm gave Mac a 'Thanks a lot' look before answering Colonel O'Neill, "I pulled up the name of the project when I was with the CIA. I was doing a search of my name and found that part of the technical data I had included in a previous rough draft of my dissertation was being used for a project called Prometheus. I wasn't able to find any other information except for the fact that it was being done by the Air Force. I just figured they were using the data for some new air craft or something in Skunk Works. Why, is it something to do with what you do here?"
Carter turned to O'Neill and gave him a questioning look. O'Neill pondered her silent request for a moment and then nodded his permission. Carter turned to the two JAG officers, "Actually Commander Rabb, I am the chief scientist involved in the Prometheus Project. The Prometheus, or more precisely the X-303, is a brand new space faring vehicle capable of reaching speeds much greater than the speed of light. The technology used for the X-303 is a combination of Earth and alien technology. If some of your data was used for the design of the Prometheus then I would very much like to talk to you about it."
Harm was practically beaming now. "Sure, whenever you want to talk about.."
"Not right now Commander Rabb, Major Carter," interrupted Colonel O'Neill. This Commander Rabb was really starting to piss him off just a little. "Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb are here to do a job. I think it is best if we let them get to it."
Feeling slightly chastised by the Colonel's remarks Sam was the first to respond, "Understood sir. I guess Commander Rabb and I can continue this conversation later. If you will all excuse me I have a few things to finish in my lab." Giving a polite goodbye to Mac and Harm and a not too subtle viscous glare at O'Neill, Carter quickly made her way down the hall towards the elevators.
'Damn, I am going to pay for that later,' thought Colonel O'Neill. 'Oh well, I guess I will let her simmer down a little and then go apologize and beg for mercy.' Turning back to the JAG attorneys who were finding a lot of interest in the walls at this moment, O'Neill decided to break the awkward silence, "Well then, I think I will leave you two here. The Major's quarters are just around this corner. Just show your I.D.'s to the guard and he will let you in. If there is anything else you need, please feel free to ask."
Both lawyers bid their farewell to the Colonel and waited quietly for him to disappear around the corner. After he was gone Mac leaned in and whispered to Harm in a conspiratory voice, "I don't think he like you very well Harm."
Harm turned and looked at her with a surprised expression, "What the hell did I do to him? I have been nothing but cordial to him since we met."
"My guess is he is feeling slightly territorial right now. I mean you come in here with your pilot's wings to match his and your very colorful service record; not to mention the near Ph.D in Astronautical Engineering. My guess is he feels threatened by your presence."
Now Harm was really confused. "And why would he feel threatened by that? I mean, wouldn't he see me as a fellow pilot?"
It amazed Mac how a man like Harm could be so..so oblivious sometimes. "To put it bluntly, he thinks you are hitting on his girlfriend."
Okay, that was so not the response Harm was expecting. "His girlfriend, I haven't hit on..wait a minute, you mean Major Carter? Mac, he is her commanding officer. I seriously doubt they would risk all of what they have here so they could have a relationship."
Mac couldn't decide if she should be pissed at Harm for his last comment or just feel sorry for him for making that ridiculous statement. In the end, she decided to let it go, "Harm, I didn't say they had a relationship. All I am saying is he probably has feelings for her and doesn't like it when other flyboys like yourself come in strutting their stuff. To answer the obvious question on your mind right now, no, I don't think they are actively involved in a relationship right now. But I do think there are some pretty strong vibes coming from both of them. Nothing against you Harm, but my guess is that Major Carter is just testing his feelings for her indirectly by showing an interest in you. She bats an eye, he ruffles his feathers; I mean, can we say ego booster or what."
"Hey Mac, thanks for putting it so eloquently there. I just love the fact that I am being used so some over the hill zoomie can impress his woman."
Mac stepped closer to Harm, brushing his arm while she batted her eyes, "Oh Flyboy, I am sure there's a woman out there who loves you very much."
Harm raised an eyebrow and felt his temperature rising under his collar. "You think so Mac?"
Mac leaned in closer and whispered in his ear, "Yeah I do. And when I meet her," she said as she started to walk away, "I'll give her your number. Your ego is in definite need of some stroking." She paused briefly and turned around with a smile on her face, "You coming Commander, we have a client to interview." With that she rounded the corner before she started laughing just loud enough for Harm to hear.
"Very funny Marine."
*****I know this chapter might be a little unbelievable with the direction that I took Harm, but please don't crucify me for this little 'revelation' of his. I promise that Harm is not going to be the hero by pulling something out of his hat like Carter normally does. I just thought it would be an interesting aspect to add to the Harm/Mac relationship. Harm's knowledge of science is not going to delve into the theoretical so there is no need to worry (assuming you were of course). I will leave all of the really crazy, off the wall scientific epiphanies to Carter. Anyway, just thought I would drop this little tidbit in here and also let you know that I have big plans for this story. I know where I want it to go, it is just figuring out what exact path to take to get there. I hope to write quite a bit over the next 3 or 4 days, so be looking for frequent updates. Okay, enough from me, back to the story.*******
The 'personal' tour had stalled out in Major Carter's lab. Harm had been very inquisitive of the work that Sam was doing at the SGC and she was more than happy to share her knowledge and experiences with him. Throughout the conversation, Harm would jump in with a question about this or that, again catching everyone off guard. To say that everyone was surprised by the lawyer's apparent, in-depth background of science would be an understatement. This is where Jacob and Mac found SG-1 and Harm.
"So Harm, tell me, how is it you know so much about what I am talking about here?" asked Sam.
Before he could answer, Mac interrupted from the doorway. "Yeah Flyboy, what gives? I mean, I have known you for 8 years and never have I seen you take an interest in science, much less to the degree needed to fit in here. This isn't your typical scientific knowledge, now is it?"
Harm smiled at her question and responded with a smirk, "Well, I guess you don't know everything there is to know about me, do ya Jarhead?"
"Nice deflection Harm, but it isn't going to work this time. How is it you know so much about this stuff? I mean you are asking questions and inserting bits of knowledge that no one without a working knowledge of physics should be able to ask. So again I say, what gives Flyboy?"
Harm knew there was no way he was getting out of this one. He would have to answer her questions or face the wrath of Sarah MacKenzie for a long time to come. "Okay fine, I will tell you, but if I do you have to promise not to laugh at me Mac. There is a reason why I haven't shared this with you or anyone else for that matter."
"I promise I will not laugh at you Harm."
"Okay, well here it goes. As I mentioned earlier today to Major Carter and Colonel O'Neill, I had a ramp strike back in 1991. The unfortunate result of that ramp strike was that I was laid up in bed for about three months. Needless to say, I had a lot of free time on my hands. So, when I wasn't going through bits of depression because of the loss of my flying career, I was reading. A lot. And one of the things I was reading was a bunch of old astronomy books my grandmother had lying around the house. Apparently my grandfather and father were both big astronomy buffs so there was a lot of material around the house to read. At first, it was a way to pass the time, but over time I found the information and the mythological stories associated with stars and constellations very interesting. My father also had a telescope in the attic that my grandmother brought down for me. She set it up for me outside and whenever I could venture out, I would spend hours just searching the sky and absorbing everything I could. I really think it was one of the things that helped me to recover. I just looked up at the sky and it made me realize that my problems weren't all that bad. I mean, we are just this little tiny planet in a distant corner of this galaxy and I am just one person on this planet. It made me realize in the grand scheme that my problems were small compared to those of others. Once I was done recovering and had returned home, I had a decision to make. This was about the time I decided that I wanted to stay with the Navy. I figured I had two choices. I could go law or I could go astronomy, or astrophysics. I decided that law was the better choice because it would move me away from flying. I knew with a degree in astronomy, I would have dreams of becoming an astronaut or something and that was not an issue I wanted to deal with. So I went to law school. Anyway, to fast forward a little here, I still had a great interest in science so when I had a chance I took a few science courses at night or during the summers when I could squeeze them in. Eventually, I got my Bachelor's degree in astrophysics. To be honest, I didn't even know I was so close to a degree. The professor's at the university kept recommending classes to me so I kept signing up. The next thing I know, I had a degree. And there is my story."
Mac stared at Harm with a look of disbelief. "You mean to tell me that you have a Bachelor's degree in astrophysics?"
"Yes I do. I also have a Master's degree in Astronautical Engineering in addition to the Bachelor's degree I received at the Academy for Aeronautical Engineering. It seemed like the logical thing to do, just combine the efforts of my two Bachelor's degrees and get a second advanced degree to go with the Law degree."
"I can't believe this Harm. Why didn't you ever tell me?"
Harm smiled and said quietly, "You never asked."
Now Mac was mad. "I never asked? You have got to be kidding me, I had no idea I should be asking. I mean, I have been to your home and worked with you for eight years and I have never seen a sign of anything that would tip me off to this. How was I supposed to know to ask? And for that matter, why is it you felt you needed to keep this from me?"
Harm could tell by her voice that she was starting to get just a little perturbed and decided to diffuse the situation as quickly as possible. "Mac, Sarah, the reason I never said anything is because I thought you all would make fun of me. I mean, here I am a big bad ass pilot and then you would find out I am just some science geek. No offense Major Carter.."
"None taken." Sam quickly chimed in.
Harm continued, "The truth is that I didn't want your perceptions of me to change. Therefore I didn't share this revelation with anyone. Not even my mother or grandmother knows about this. It has been my secret all of these years. I guess that is no more."
To say that Mac was surprised would be an understatement. On the verge of a heart attack would have been a better description of her at that moment. Eventually she found her voice and responded to Harm's revelation. "Harm, I am not really sure what to say here. I mean, I am proud of you for all you have accomplished and I can guarantee you that I won't make fun of you..much. Just kidding. I guess that I am just shocked. I mean, you never seemed like the type of person who would like this kind of stuff and so it just took me by surprise. And I promise you I will keep your secret for you. But I do expect a more detailed explanation later. For now, I think we need to focus on what we came here for. Personally, I don't think I can handle anymore 'surprises' today."
Harm let out the breathe he had been holding and said a silent prayer for the reprieve that seemed to come his way. "I agree Colonel MacKenzie, I think it is time we put this all behind us and begin this investigation." Turning to Colonel O'Neill he changed the subject as quickly as possible, "Colonel O'Neill, I think it would be best if we interviewed Major Wilkins at this time."
O'Neill had been taking in all of this information quietly from the corner. For a few minutes there when Rabb was laying out the charms on Carter and then when Colonel MacKenzie entered, he was sure no one knew he was there. Of course, reality had a way of rearing her ugly head and the reasons for these JAG Officers' presence was front and center once again. "No problem Commander Rabb. If the two of you will follow me and Major Carter we will be glad to show you to Major Wilkin's quarters."
Colonel MacKenzie was back to her professional mode, "Thank you Colonel O'Neill."
As the group of officers made there way down the hallway, Mac was watching Harm out the side of her eye. She could not believe she never knew this about him. Even though their friendship had taken a few hits in recent years, she was certain that there was no one in this world she was closer to, including her Uncle Matt, err Uncle Jake that is. To find out all of a sudden that there was a BIG part of Harm's life she was completely unaware of was sort of disconcerting. Okay, to be truthful, it was extremely disconcerting. She decided that she needed to get a little more information from Harm about all of this to put her mind at ease. She slid a little closer to him as they waited for the elevator to arrive at their level. Very quietly she whispered to him, "So Harm, is there anything else I should know about you?"
Harm looked at her sheepishly as he thought how to respond to her question. Finally he decided to get all of the big surprises out there now so as not to have to face her tirade again. "Uh, well there is one other teensy tiny thing."
"I'm almost afraid to ask. Does this have to do with the secretive Astrophysics Degree?"
Harm grinned, knees shaking ever so slightly, "Would you kill me if I said yes?
Mac rolled her eyes and let out a long breathe, "No Harm, I am not going to kill you. At this point, I don't think you could tell me anything that would shock me anymore that I already am."
Harm took a half step back, "Hehe, don't be to sure. What I didn't mention earlier is that the Master's Degree is not the end of it. I have been working on my Doctoral Dissertation for about a year and a half now. I figure about another year, and with the committee's approval, I will have my Ph.D. in Astronautical Engineering."
Mac's mouth hung wide open. Okay, so maybe there was something else that might shock her. "You mean to tell me that you are going to be Doctor Harmon Rabb Jr.?"
Harm scrunched up his face and hissed back, "Ewww, see when you say it like that it just sounds dirty."
Mac had to laugh at that response. "Sorry, I guess I am just surprised is all. I mean Harm, yesterday you were a damn jet jockey at best and now I find out you actually have a brain."
"Thanks a lot, friend." Harm said with an insulted tone in his voice.
Mac reached for his arm, "I am just kidding Harm. I have always known you were an intelligent guy, I just didn't realize how intelligent. I guess we all learned something new here today."
Harm had to frown at that last comment because he knew deep in his heart she was setting him up for a major sarcastic remark. If he stayed quiet and didn't respond, he would save himself the anguish of having to listen to her ribbing. Of course, Sarah MacKenzie knew him way too well. It would drive him insane to let a comment like that fly by unanswered. No matter how long he held out, she would wait patiently till he took the bait. 'Oh well, I guess I will get it out of the way now.' "And what exactly have I learned here Mac?"
"That I will be making fun of you for at least the next six months, Mr. Pocket Protector." She had to stifle a giggle as Harm fell for her trap. Granted, he probably saw it coming from a mile away, but that didn't make it any less satisfying.
"Hey, just for that see if I ever buy you another Beltway Burger ever again. And by the way, I will have you know that some of the stuff in my dissertation has already been used. So there."
About this time the elevator doors opened and the four officers left its confines and made there way down the hall. Continuing with there conversation, Mac let her curiosity get the better of her, "What kind of stuff Harm?"
"Oh nothing to mind boggling. Just some ideas I had for enhancing structural integrity to space faring craft. I don't know the specifics except that it was used on some project called Prometheus. To be honest, Major Carter could probably tell you more than me seeing as how this project is handled by the Air Force."
"Well, since you brought it up, why don't you ask her?"
Harm shook his head, "Because you're the one who wanted to know, not me."
Mac rolled her eyes and spoke to the Major, "Major Carter, have you ever heard of a project ran by the Air Force called the Prometheus Project?" The two Air Force officers stopped abruptly causing Harm and Mac to nearly crash into them.
Carter was the one to respond with just a little concern in her voice, "Where did you hear that name Colonel MacKenzie? I don't think anyone ever briefed you on that since you have been here?"
Mac flushed as she stammered over her response, "Uh, no, you're right, we haven't been briefed on it. Harm was just telling me that some of the data from the dissertation he is currently working on was being used by the Air Force in a project called Prometheus."
Now it was O'Neill's turn to respond, "And how is it you know of this project Commander Rabb?"
Harm gave Mac a 'Thanks a lot' look before answering Colonel O'Neill, "I pulled up the name of the project when I was with the CIA. I was doing a search of my name and found that part of the technical data I had included in a previous rough draft of my dissertation was being used for a project called Prometheus. I wasn't able to find any other information except for the fact that it was being done by the Air Force. I just figured they were using the data for some new air craft or something in Skunk Works. Why, is it something to do with what you do here?"
Carter turned to O'Neill and gave him a questioning look. O'Neill pondered her silent request for a moment and then nodded his permission. Carter turned to the two JAG officers, "Actually Commander Rabb, I am the chief scientist involved in the Prometheus Project. The Prometheus, or more precisely the X-303, is a brand new space faring vehicle capable of reaching speeds much greater than the speed of light. The technology used for the X-303 is a combination of Earth and alien technology. If some of your data was used for the design of the Prometheus then I would very much like to talk to you about it."
Harm was practically beaming now. "Sure, whenever you want to talk about.."
"Not right now Commander Rabb, Major Carter," interrupted Colonel O'Neill. This Commander Rabb was really starting to piss him off just a little. "Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb are here to do a job. I think it is best if we let them get to it."
Feeling slightly chastised by the Colonel's remarks Sam was the first to respond, "Understood sir. I guess Commander Rabb and I can continue this conversation later. If you will all excuse me I have a few things to finish in my lab." Giving a polite goodbye to Mac and Harm and a not too subtle viscous glare at O'Neill, Carter quickly made her way down the hall towards the elevators.
'Damn, I am going to pay for that later,' thought Colonel O'Neill. 'Oh well, I guess I will let her simmer down a little and then go apologize and beg for mercy.' Turning back to the JAG attorneys who were finding a lot of interest in the walls at this moment, O'Neill decided to break the awkward silence, "Well then, I think I will leave you two here. The Major's quarters are just around this corner. Just show your I.D.'s to the guard and he will let you in. If there is anything else you need, please feel free to ask."
Both lawyers bid their farewell to the Colonel and waited quietly for him to disappear around the corner. After he was gone Mac leaned in and whispered to Harm in a conspiratory voice, "I don't think he like you very well Harm."
Harm turned and looked at her with a surprised expression, "What the hell did I do to him? I have been nothing but cordial to him since we met."
"My guess is he is feeling slightly territorial right now. I mean you come in here with your pilot's wings to match his and your very colorful service record; not to mention the near Ph.D in Astronautical Engineering. My guess is he feels threatened by your presence."
Now Harm was really confused. "And why would he feel threatened by that? I mean, wouldn't he see me as a fellow pilot?"
It amazed Mac how a man like Harm could be so..so oblivious sometimes. "To put it bluntly, he thinks you are hitting on his girlfriend."
Okay, that was so not the response Harm was expecting. "His girlfriend, I haven't hit on..wait a minute, you mean Major Carter? Mac, he is her commanding officer. I seriously doubt they would risk all of what they have here so they could have a relationship."
Mac couldn't decide if she should be pissed at Harm for his last comment or just feel sorry for him for making that ridiculous statement. In the end, she decided to let it go, "Harm, I didn't say they had a relationship. All I am saying is he probably has feelings for her and doesn't like it when other flyboys like yourself come in strutting their stuff. To answer the obvious question on your mind right now, no, I don't think they are actively involved in a relationship right now. But I do think there are some pretty strong vibes coming from both of them. Nothing against you Harm, but my guess is that Major Carter is just testing his feelings for her indirectly by showing an interest in you. She bats an eye, he ruffles his feathers; I mean, can we say ego booster or what."
"Hey Mac, thanks for putting it so eloquently there. I just love the fact that I am being used so some over the hill zoomie can impress his woman."
Mac stepped closer to Harm, brushing his arm while she batted her eyes, "Oh Flyboy, I am sure there's a woman out there who loves you very much."
Harm raised an eyebrow and felt his temperature rising under his collar. "You think so Mac?"
Mac leaned in closer and whispered in his ear, "Yeah I do. And when I meet her," she said as she started to walk away, "I'll give her your number. Your ego is in definite need of some stroking." She paused briefly and turned around with a smile on her face, "You coming Commander, we have a client to interview." With that she rounded the corner before she started laughing just loud enough for Harm to hear.
"Very funny Marine."
*****I know this chapter might be a little unbelievable with the direction that I took Harm, but please don't crucify me for this little 'revelation' of his. I promise that Harm is not going to be the hero by pulling something out of his hat like Carter normally does. I just thought it would be an interesting aspect to add to the Harm/Mac relationship. Harm's knowledge of science is not going to delve into the theoretical so there is no need to worry (assuming you were of course). I will leave all of the really crazy, off the wall scientific epiphanies to Carter. Anyway, just thought I would drop this little tidbit in here and also let you know that I have big plans for this story. I know where I want it to go, it is just figuring out what exact path to take to get there. I hope to write quite a bit over the next 3 or 4 days, so be looking for frequent updates. Okay, enough from me, back to the story.*******