Chapter 30

Friday August 18, 2004

North of Union Station

2000 Zulu

Harm killed the ignition to his SUV and slowly exited the vehicle. He couldn't remember a time in the recent past when he was so thoroughly mentally exhausted; not even when he was flying quick switch hops off the Henry. The conversation he'd had with Rivers that day, and the suddenly revelation of his story had shocked Harm to the core. He'd never been so wrong about a case before, never so blind. As Harm walked up to his building a long dark government sedan pulled up against the curb next to him. The driver got out and stood at attention holding the rear door open.

"Commander Rabb, the Secretary would appreciate a moment of your time." the uniformed Petty Officer said.

"Not much of a choice is there Petty Officer." Harm said walking around the car and sliding in. "Mr. Secretary." He added when he saw Sheffield sitting inside the car.

"Commander. So good to see you again."

"Is it sir?"

"I've always liked you Rabb. However I got a call today from Director Kershaw about a JAG investigation that was getting close to one of his agents he needed to protect. Would you know anything about this Commander?"

"I assume you're referring to Rivers sir."

"What has your investigation revealed?"

"Sir…I'm not sure that I can reveal that."

"Commander…need I remind you who I am?"

"Not at all sir. I merely cannot tell you anything because I've come across new information I need to digest in order to form my opinion of the investigation sir."

"What is this information Commander?"

Harm hesitated before he answered. He knew that this was the man who reported to the president, but he himself wasn't sure about the information. "Rivers apparently killed Riley in self defense sir, not murder."

"Why would it be self defense?"

"Apparently Rivers had been sent to investigate the same thing as Riley and Austin; the only difference was that Rivers' information pointed to Riley as the subject of their investigation." Harm said quietly. He noticed the utter lack of shock in the Secretary's eyes. "You knew sir!"

"I just found out this evening Commander. I think you should discontinue your investigation Commander."

"Are you ordering me to back off of a murder investigation sir?"

"I am Commander. You now know it is not a murder that you are investigating, there is no murder investigation. Let it drop Commander."

"Aye aye sir." Harm said hesitantly.

"Excellent!" the SecNav said pleasantly slapping his hands against his knees. "Now then…it appears you have been a very naughty boy Commander."

"Sir?"

"Captain Krennick has requested an investigation into your relationship with Colonel MacKenzie." the Secretary said. Seeing Harm's imminent protest he held up his hand. "Commander, let me ask you. Have you ever acted improperly with the Colonel?"

"No sir." Harm said with steel in his voice.

"I know that Commander. AJ and I have had many a late night conversation about you and the Colonel. We both knew how you felt about each other, and it was, I admit, somewhat entertaining to see you both dance around each other in an effort to deny your feelings."

"Then why the investigation?" Harm asked confused.

"I didn't say I was going to act on the Captain's request. In fact, she will no longer be the interim JAG as of Monday morning. Admiral Burke has been voted in as our new JAG. I think Captain Krennick would do well to oversee JAG operations in…Alaska I think."

"Sir?"

"Let me ask you something Commander. Is it true that you have signed testimonies that Krennick has been sexually harassing you?"

Harm hesitated before answering. As it was he still wasn't willing to ruin another officer's career. Finally he nodded shortly. "I do sir."

"I will send a courier to your office on Monday to collect the testimonies Commander."

"Sir?" Harm asked, confused by the Secretary's order.

"Captain Krennick has been…improper in the past. I've heard many rumors about Captain Krennick. I will be speaking with her on Monday about this…and if she does not take care to control her behavior then I would be forced to take your testimonies and convene a board of inquiry. Captain Krennick is no longer a concern to you Commander, and your honour remains intact, and many many young officers do not have to worry about her treating them like a piece of meat."

"I…thank you Secretary." Harm said shocked.

"Do you love the Colonel Commander?"

Harm was shocked at the Secretary's question. "Sir, respectfully I don't see how this is any of your concern."

"Commander, everything relating to my people is my concern." Secretary Sheffield said with a small smile. Holding up his hand he continued. "Commander, I do not mean to pry…I just wondered if you would be able to consider a possible solution to your…problem with the Colonel."

"What sort of solution sir?" Harm asked warily. "I won't do anything to hurt the Colonel."

Holding up his hand the Secretary smiled. "Nothing so drastic Commander. It is just that Naval Intelligence finds themselves short an operative who is a qualified pilot. Interested?"

"Are you asking me to transfer to Naval Intelligence sir?"

"Commander, I could consider it a great favour if you would…consider…the option."

Harm sighed. When the Secretary of the Navy asked someone to consider something Admirals jumped. "Sir…"

"Harm…I may call you Harm?"

"Of course sir." Harm answered. He wasn't about to say no to the Secretary of the Navy.

"Harm…I'm going to be blunt with you. When the JAG selection board next sits you will be my candidate. It is a shame I wasn't able to suggest you this time around, but I can't have a Commander issuing orders to Captains and Admirals. Admiral Burke has assured me he would give me five years as JAG, and then we'll see about his retirement. I am of the opinion that a tour with Naval Intelligence would allow you an insight into another facet of the investigative procedure. You've more than proven you have what it takes Commander, you can be the best operative Naval Intelligence has."

"Sir…" Harm began but the Secretary held up his hand again.

"Harm…I can promise you that you will be stationed here in Washington for the whole time you're with Naval Intelligence. Obviously you will be in the field at times, but you will be working out of the Pentagon. You will be reporting directly to Admiral Denis, and you will be getting an early promotion to Captain."

Harm was floored at this last statement. He still had another year to get his four before he was up for Captain. "Thank you sir. But why?"

"I have plans for you Harm, and I can't have you questioned by every Captain in the fleet. You need to be free to do what needs to be done, and the rank of Captain will ensure that you can do this. As to why I'm asking you to transfer? Let me just say this Commander. You will remain in Washington; you will be able to see all your friends from JAG; and you will be able to act on certain feelings you have for a Marine lawyer you and I know. AJ's last request was that I work out a way for you and MacKenzie to be together…this works out for both of us."

Harm was floored. He knew he should be wary of a favour offered by the Secretary of the Navy, but if it let him be with Mac he was willing to take his chances. Swallowing hard he just nodded to the Secretary. "I'll do it sir. And thank you sir."

Sheffield held out his hand and Harm took it in his own for a firm handshake. "You report to the Pentagon on Tuesday. Take Monday to clear out your office and explain things to your friends Commander. Admiral Burke knows this is going to happen so you shouldn't have any problems with him."

Harm was barely listening to Sheffield as he thought about his relationship with Mac. He'd finally admitted to himself that he loved her…now he needed to admit it to her. Suddenly he had an idea…something that he had dreamed of many times. "Mr. Secretary…I hesitate to ask you for another favour."

"Ask away Commander. I have a feeling you're going to be repaying them back in full."

Hesitantly Harm looked at his feet. "What would it take to get into the rose garden sir?"

"The White Houses' Rose Garden Commander?"

"Aye sir."

"Why?"

Harm bit his lip before answering. "That is where the Colonel I met sir. I think it would be a good place to…well lets just say I'd think it would be a good place for me to admit to the Colonel how I feel sir."

"Let me check something Commander." Sheffield said with a smile. Pulling his cell phone from his jacket pocket he hit a speed dial number and then waited. "Bailey, its Charles. How are you?"

"Good good. Would I be able to speak to him for a minute?" Sheffield continued.

"Thanks Bailey. Listen…why don't you and Linda come by for dinner this weekend? Emily will love to see you. Good. Thanks again Bailey."

After a moment Sheffield continued. "Good evening sir."

"Thank you sir."

"Sir…I have a Commander in the Navy with a special request sir…"

"Commander Rabb sir."

"Yes sir, that's him."

"He would like to gain access for himself and another to the Rose Garden."

"Tomorrow? I'm sure that will good for him sir. Thank you sir." Sheffield said and then hit the disconnect button.

"The President has allow you access tomorrow afternoon at two Commander."

Harm was shocked to his core. He had just been granted access to the White Houses' Rose Garden. "Thank you sir."

"Good luck son."

"Thank you sir."

"I'll see you in my office at 1100 Tuesday Commander."

"Aye aye sir. Thank you again." Harm said and then exited the Secretary's sedan. With a new spring in his step he took the stairs up to his apartment two at a time whistling an unnamed song. He had to make plans…had to get Mac to come with him tomorrow.

Saturday August 19, 2004

Mac's Apartment

1800 Zulu

Harm got out of his SUV and walked around the back to pull out his guitar and two dozen roses. He'd never done anything like this before, but somehow he felt Mac would appreciate it. He'd called her that morning to make sure she'd be home when he got here…he'd told her he needed to discuss the Rivers investigation. Walking up to the sidewalk Harm set down his guitar and began to spread the roses on the ground around him. Pulling out his cell phone he pushed the number 1 speed dial and waited for Mac to answer.

"MacKenzie."

"Mac…its me."

"Hey Harm…you on your way over?"

"Something like that. Mac…go out onto your balcony?"

"Why?" Mac asked suspiciously.

"Mac…do you trust me?"

"You know I do Harm."

"Then please go out on your balcony." Harm asked patiently.

As he watched the door to Mac's apartment opened and he saw her walk out onto her balcony. Hanging up the phone he looked up at her with a smile.

"Harm?" Mac called down from where she looked down on him. "What are you doing?"

Without an answer Harm took up his guitar and started to play. For twenty minutes he ignored Mac's questions as he sang every romantic song he could think of. He did his best to ignore the crowd that his singing was gathering as well and finally played the final chord and set his guitar down. Looking up at Mac he held up his hand and smiled.

"Come with me Mac. I have something I want to show you."

"Harm?" Mac asked quietly enough that he couldn't actually hear her…just see his name on her lips.

"Trust me Sarah."

Nodding Mac disappeared back into her apartment and was soon standing beside him. "What are you doing Harm?" she asked quietly.

"Trust me Sarah."

"I do Harm, but…"

Holding his finger up to her lips he silenced her question and took her hand to lead her to his SUV.

Forty minutes later they pulled up to the public gate at the White House. Rolling down his window Harm smiled at the gate guard and said "Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie."

"Thank you sir. Someone will meet you in the west parking lot."

Nodding Harm rolled up his window and slowly drove his SUV down the street onto the White House grounds until he got to the west parking lot. Exiting the vehicle he walked around to Mac's door and opened it for her. Taking her hand to help her out he smiled reassuringly to her and didn't let go of her hand.

"Commander Rabb?" a polite voice said.

Turning towards the voice Harm smiled at the dark suited man who stood there.

"Yes?"

"My name is Agent Burrows. He asked me to show you the way."

"Thank you Agent Burrows." Harm said with a smile as he gently pulled Mac's hand to get her to follow him and Agent Burrows.

"What are we doing here Harm? Did you rack up another medal I didn't know about?"

"Not exactly Sarah."

"Then what are we doing here?"

"I thought it was a nice day…and I thought you'd like to join me here. Patience Colonel." Harm said with a smile.

After a few minutes their guide stopped and looked at them seriously. "Here we go Commander. I will await you here."

"Thank you Agent Burrows." Harm said gratefully.

With a smile at Mac Harm led her through the low gate that took them into the Rose Garden.

"The Rose Garden Harm? What's going on?" Mac asked suspiciously.

"I just thought I'd go for a walk today and hoped you'd want to join me."

"Harmon Rabb…you're up to something."

"That I am. But you're going to have to be patient a little longer. We're almost there." Harm said with a wink. Taking her hand again he led her deeper into the garden until they came to a stone bench and marble fountain. Gently guiding Mac to the seat Harm thrust his hands into his pockets and turned to face her. Slowly he went down on one knee.

"Harm?" Mac asked quietly.

"Sarah." Harm said quietly fighting the moisture he felt in his eyes. Slowly he pulled out a worn ring from his pocket.

"Harm? What are you doing?"

"Something I should have done a long long time ago Sarah. I've loved you for as long as I can remember Sarah…and I've fought it in the name of our careers. I can't fight it any longer…I've had to live without you, and I can't do it again." Harm said quietly holding up the ring. "I know its not much Sarah…it's a little battered but you have my heart and my love. I should have told you this so many years ago. What I'm trying to say…"

"Yes." Mac said quietly with tears in her eyes.

"You'll marry me?"

"Yes!" Mac cried and then jumped up to throw her arms around Harm.

A gentle cough caused both to turn around.

"Mr. President!" Harm said in shock.

"Commander, Colonel. I'm glad you two have finally decided to do this."

"Sir?" Harm asked confused.

"Secretary Sheffield has told me why you wanted to use the Garden today Commander. He also filled me in on the…interesting…past you two share."

"Congratulations you two." The First Lady said from beside her husband.

"Thank you ma'am." Mac said with a radiant smile.

"Excuse us…we didn't mean to intrude…we were just taking a walk and thought we'd come by and congratulate you." The President said shaking Harm's hand while the First Lady gave Mac a hug.

"Thank you sir. You don't know what this means to us." Harm said as he put an arm around Mac's waist. Smiling they watch the President and his wife walk down the path and into the deeper Garden with their silent shadows following behind.

As they stood there holding each other Harm felt Mac stiffen up next to him. "Harm…what about the regulations? What are we going to do?"

Turning her to face him Harm smiled down at her. "Its ok Sarah…its all worked out. I'm changing my designator…"

Pushing herself away from him Mac's eyes flashed as she said "Harm! How is this a solution?"

Putting his hands on each side of her face Harm quieted her with a kiss. "I'm not going back to flying, not exactly."

"Then what?"

"The SecNav has 'requested' that I transfer to Naval Intelligence." Harm said quietly.

"Why?"

"He thought I'd do well at it…and it would allow me to do this." Harm said as he pulled Mac in for another deep kiss.

"But what about…"

"Its all worked out Sarah. I'll be working out of the Pentagon and the Secretary promised I would stay working out of Washington when I wasn't in the field. He knows how important everyone at JAG is to me." Harm said. He didn't think it would be the right time to tell her that the Secretary wanted him to be JAG one day. "Oh yeah. And you won't have to deal with Krennick anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"There's a new JAG starting on Monday…Admiral Burke. Krennick is going to be overseeing JAG ops in…I think the Secretary said Alaska." Harm said with a smile as Mac laughed.

Remembering he still held the ring in his hand Harm gently took Mac's left hand in his and slid the ring onto her finger. "Its so beautiful." She whispered.

"It's the ring my dad gave my mom, and his dad gave his mom. And one day we'll give it to our child to give to his wife."

"Our child." Mac whispered with tears once more welling up in her eyes.

"You didn't forget did you?"

"Forget what?" Mac asked with a mischievous smile.

"The anniversary we have this year; AJ is five sweetie. And that means that you and I…" Harm finished with a wink.

Mac laughed and threw her arms around him once more as she whispered fiercely in his ear "Then we should get started, don't you think Commander?"

Laughing Harm pulled her against him tighter and kissed her passionately.

As they walked out of the Rose Garden hand in hand Mac looked up at him. "Why did you finally decide to ask?"

"Because I've wanted to for years…and besides a Lieutenant Commander, a Captain, an Admiral and the Secretary of the Navy ordered me to make you an honest woman. Can't really say no to that if I wanted to." He said with a laugh. Stopping he gently turned her chin so she was looking up at him with those beautiful eyes he was now free to loose himself in. "Sarah…you are my world, my everything. We have wasted too much time trying to live in the past…to have what we once had. I meant what I said when I said I should have done this years ago. I love what we had Sarah…but I want to build something new, something special with you by my side. We have a lot of time to make up, and I don't want to waste another minute of it."

Placing a quick kiss on her lips Harm wrapped his arm around his fiancée's waist and led her out of the Rose Garden so that they could plan the rest of their lives with each other.