"Good morning Jen." Mac said as she came into the office the next morning.

"Ma'am."

"Schedule still empty?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am."

"Can you see if Admiral Morris can spare a few minutes any time today?"

"Yes ma'am."

"Then see if Harriet is free? When she gets here come in with her." Mac instructed.

"Yes ma'am. Coffee?" Jen asked.

"No I'm fine thank you." Mac took her post and went into her office. She was still going to have to figure out a reason why she wasn't drinking coffee anymore again.

Jen and Harriet entered Mac's office and stood in from off her desk.

"Lieutenant Sims and Petty Officer Coates reporting as ordered."

"Relax Harriet; it's not that kind of meeting. Both of you take a seat." Jen and Harriet sat down.

"So why are we here ma'am?" Harriet asked.

"It was bought to my attention that something was seriously a miss and I thought we should rectify the problem." Mac replied.

"Ma'am."

"It seems Jennifer here is still without a dress and I think this matter should be rectified at once. Since we helped the groom choose a ring, we should at least help the bride choose a dress."

"Of course we should."

"So are you busy Saturday?" Mac asked.

"I am now." Harriet smiled. "Any idea what type of dress you want yet?"

"Something very simple and not fussy ma'am. Nice simple wedding nice simple dress."

"Sounds like a plan." Harriet smiled.

"Have you talked to Harm yet?" Mac asked.

"Not yet ma'am. I'm not quite sure how to broach the subject."

"Ask Harm what?" Harriet asked.

"Jen wants to ask Harm to give her away because her family is refusing to come to the wedding." Mac explained.

"They're not coming?"

"No ma'am."

"I thought your father was a minister."

"He is ma'am. He doesn't want to be away from his precious flock for the weekend. He refused to meet Jason, so it was to be expected."

"Still you're his only daughter."

"It doesn't matter ma'am."

"While you're here Jen, there's something else I need to check for personnel. Are you planning on changing your name?" Mac asked.

"Ma'am, I think two Petty Officer First Class J Tiner's would be too much. I think I'll keep it as Coates for work."

"Good idea." Harriet smiled.

"About Harm." Mac said. "Harriet is he busy?"

"I think he was doing some paperwork ma'am."

"Time to bite the bullet Jen." Mac said and putting the phone on speaker she dialled the extension for Harm's office.

"Rabb." Harm answered.

"Commander I'd like to see you in my office right away." Mac said.

"Did I do something?" Harm asked hesitantly. "Because I'm sure I took the garbage out." Jen and Harriet bit their lips.

"Harm, can you just come to my office? You can come straight in."

"On my way." He hung up. Mac switched the phone.

"He's on his way."

"Ma'am did he take the garbage out?" Harriet asked.

"Honestly Harriet I wouldn't know. I didn't check." Mac said. A minute later Harm knocked and entered Mac's office. Jen and Harriet started to stand, but Mac signalled them to stay where they were.

"You wanted to see me?" Harm asked looking at Jen and Harriet before looking back at Mac.

"Jen would like to ask you something." Mac replied. "Jen." She prompted.

"Er....umm...." Jen stuttered.

"Jen..." Harm prompted.

"My family is refusing to come to the wedding." Jen started.

"Did you want me to talk to your Dad?" Harm asked.

"No sir.... Since my Dad isn't going to be there, I need someone to give me away. I was wondering if you'd mind."

"Excuse me?" Harm said.

"She wants to give her away. Now what do you say?" Mac prompted.

"I'd be honoured." Harm said. "But does that mean I have to write a speech?"

"No speeches." Jen replied.

"You're not having speeches?" Harriet questioned.

"No ma'am. I like to think of it as eloping with all our friends there. None of the fuss." Jen replied.

"I have to get back." Harm said. "I have someone coming in in a few minutes."

"I should get back too." Harriet added.

"1000." Mac replied. "I'll pick you."

"Yes ma'am."

TBC