"Knock knock." Harm tapped on Sturgis's office door.

"Harm buddy. Come in, I could use the distraction for a few minutes."

"I need a favour." Harm sat down.

"Harm, I can't take any more cases. I'm swamped; do you know how much effort it takes to prosecute the chain of command of a carrier crew? On top of that I have the CNO, SecNav and half the Italian Government looking over my shoulder."

"It's not a case I swear." Harm said.

"Then what's the favour?"

"Are you busy Saturday night?" Harm asked.

"Not at the moment. Why?"

"Can you baby-sit?"

"You want me to baby-sit? Wouldn't Harriet or Jen be better people to ask?"

"Harriet and Bud are having Mikey and Big Bud over for dinner. Jen and Tiner just got engaged I think they probably have plans for Saturday night. So it was either you or the Admiral and seeing as you are her godfather..."

"You know that could be seen as attempting to blackmail me."

"It's not blackmail; it's just appealing to your better nature. She'll probably sleep the whole time anyway."

"Why exactly do you need a babysitter anyway?" Sturgis asked.

"I thought I should take my wife on a date that didn't involve pizza and a movie in front to the TV."

"You want to take Mac on a date?" Sturgis questioned.

"Yes. Apparently being married doesn't mean I have to stop dating, it just means if I date anyone other than Mac she'll kill me."

"Good to know. So did she guilt you into this?"

"No, this is my idea. So what do you say buddy?"

"What time?"

"1900?"

"I'll be there." Sturgis agreed.

"Thanks. Do you want some coffee?"

"Yes."

~

"Is this Colonel Mackenzie's office?" A delivery boy asked as he stood by Jen's desk. "Someone told me it was this way."

"Yes. Those for the Colonel?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Follow me." Jen got up and knocked on Mac's door. Mac was trying to decide whether Bud had presented enough evidence to lead to his case going to court martial.

"Enter." She called.

"Colonel, you have a delivery." Jen said.

"Send them in." Mac said intrigued.

"You can go in." The delivery boy entered.

"These are for you Colonel." He handed her two dozen red and yellow roses.

"Thank you."

"If you just sign here." He held out a clipboard. Mac signed.

"If you just wait a second I'll get you a tip."

"It's all been taken care of. Have a nice day." He turned and left.

"They're beautiful flowers ma'am. Who do you think they're from?"

"Well I only know one person who sends me roses." Mac plucked the card out and read it. "Just when I think I understand him he goes and does something like this."

"Ma'am?" Jen asked. Mac handed her the card. "Marine, would you please go with me to Giorgio's Saturday night? Love your squid Harm. P.S. I already arranged a babysitter." Jen read. "That's so sweet and romantic."

"Jen, did Harm ask you to baby-sit?" Mac asked.

"No ma'am."

"I know Harriet and Bud have plans on Saturday night, who did he ask to baby-sit?"

"Commander Turner, the Admiral?" Jen suggested.

"Umm. Jen I need a favour..."

TBC