AN: Thanks again for the reviews. I enjoy reading each and every one of them. Here is the next part of the saga. Enjoy.

"Mac."

"What are you doing here?"

"Well, Coates contacted me. She told me about Harm being deployed for flight duty and that you were on your way here. Francesca and I were here to see Angels Stadium. I offered to pick you up. I hope you don't mind."

"Of course, I don't mind, sir. I'm sorry. I'm just surprised to see you here."

"Coates thought you wouldn't mind seeing a familiar face."

"Not really. It's good to see you, sir."

"It's good to see you, too. You didn't look so good last time I saw you."

"Yeah. I was pretty beaten up."

"Well, why don't we collect you bags, and I'll take you to your hotel. After you settle in, we can go to dinner. I'm supposed to meet Francesca back at the hotel anyway."

"You're at the same hotel?"

"I am. Francesca likes it out here, so we extended our stay."

"Well, let's go."

Mac and AJ collected her belongings and went down to the car. They traveled in silence till AJ decided to break it.

"So, how are you doing, Mac?"

"I'm doing good, sir. Everything healed up nicely. I just have a couple more doctor's appointments."

"Mac you can call me AJ, you know."

"I know. Sorry, si...AJ."

AJ could tell she was avoiding the question. Neither one of them were very talkative about personal issues. Hell, the only reason he brought it up was because Coated told him she saw Mac crying.

"You know that's not what I meant."

"I know, AJ. I just don't' know what to tell you. I don't' know how much I can say."

"Mac. I'm no longer in the Navy so don't worry about repercussions. Besides, I've watched you and Harm avoid a personal relationship like it was the plague. I saw Harm the night of you accident, and when you woke up. If that wasn't a man in love, I don't know what is. Hell, I even told him to invite me to the wedding."

"You're right about everything, AJ. I'm sorry. It's going to take some getting use to with you no longer in the military."

"I know, Mac. So let's try this again. How are you doing?"

"Honestly, I don't know. It all happened so fast. One minute Harm and I were going somewhere with this relationship. The next minute, he's being deployed. It's not like he's never left before. We all have our military obligations to perform. It's just this is the first time he's gone since we finally admitted our feelings to each other. We did agree to email and talk whenever possible, but it's not the same. He hasn't been gone a day, and I already miss him. I feel so stupid."

"It's not stupid. I missed my ex-wife when duty called. It happens to everyone, and it won't be easy. But I know you two. You both have gotten yourselves in ad out of trouble so many times. You both can survive this."

"I know. Maybe this investigation will take my mind off of it."

"I'm sure it will."

"Thanks, AJ, for everything."

"Not a problem."

"Now tell me all about the parks you've visited."

The rest of the drive was pleasant. They arrived at the hotel, Mac checked in, and went with AJ and Francesca to dinner. It was still early, but her body was still on Washington D.C time. It was a pleasant dinner. Conversation was light, and Mac really enjoyed the company. Mac decided to head back to the hotel after dinner, but she promised to meet up with them some other time. Mac went back to her room and sat at the table to review the case notes. For what she could tell, Corporal Bell was a model marine. He had excellent fit reps, and he was even up for promotion. Something wasn't right about this case. According to the NCIS's initial inquiry, Corporal Bell appeared to not have any enemies. She decided to call Bud tomorrow and have him dig up what he can about Corporal Bell. God, she wished Harm was here. He had excellent instincts. Harm. She realized she hadn't thought about him in a while. She knew he wasn't there yet, but she figured she'd send him an email anyway.

TO: Stickboynavy.mil

FROM: Ninjagirlmarinecorps.mil

Harm,

I wanted to send you and email to tell you where I am. At least that's what I told myself. I actually wanted to tell you I love you and hope you're home soon. The admiral sent me on a murder investigation at Camp Pendleton. I wish you were here. Something's not right about this case. I need you gut feelings. Hell, I need you. Well, I'm going to take a shower and hit the sack. Take care, flyboy. I love you.

Love,

Your Sarah

Signing off, Mac took a shower and headed to bed. Her dreams were filled with visions of her favorite sailor.

Harm, however, wasn't sleeping. His thoughts were filled with his beautiful jarhead. He hoped she would be ok. He had secretly asked Bud and Harriet to look out for her. He knew she was a marine and could handle anything, but he also knew she was a woman. He also wondered why he was being activated. He was 40 years old. Why would they need him? He just couldn't figure it out. He looked at his watch. It was 2200 Virginia time. He made a note to set his watch once he was on the Henry. He still had 4 hours till he reached Bahrain. From there, he would take a hilo to the Henry. Deciding to try to get some sleep, Harm sat back, closed his eyes, and fell asleep. He didn't wake up till it was time to land. Once he landed, he had a few minutes to freshen up before getting on the hilo. Next thing he knew, he was airborne again and on his way to the Henry. Once he landed, he reported to the bridge.

"Commander Rabb reporting as ordered, sir."

"At ease, Commander. I bet you're wondering what you're doing here."

"The thought crossed my mind, skipper."

"Well, I requested you."

"May I ask why, sir?"

"We've known each other for a while, Commander. We will by flying missions that are risky and the rules of engagement are sketchy. I want someone up there that not only knows how to fly, but can make important decisions in a hurry without wondering what the repercussions would be."

"I can see your point, sir."

"I knew you would. Since you just got here, why don't you grab some rack time? Once you've rested, we'll discuss your missions."

"Aye, aye, sir."

Harm saluted and turned to leave. He hesitated for a moment, and he glanced back at Captain Ingles.

"Something on you mind, Commander?"

"Yes, sir. I was wondering how long would I be here?"

"You have somewhere more important to be?"

"Yes, sir. I mean... no sir. I'm here to do my duty as long as I'm needed."

"That's reassuring to hear, Commander. I honestly can't say how long you'll be here. If everything goes well, maybe a month or two."

"Thank you, sir."

"Anytime. Dismissed."

Harm went to the officer's quarters and stowed his gear. For some reason, he was wide-awake. He didn't sleep that long on the plane, and he certainly wouldn't call what he did sleeping anyway. He remembered he needed to email or call Mac and let her know he got here ok. Checking his watch, it was 0400 Virginia time. It was still too early to call, so he decided to email her. He booted up his computer and saw Mac had emailed him. Smiling, he read the message and them hit the reply button.

TO: Ninjagirlmarinecorps.mil

FROM: Stickboynavy.mil

Sarah,

You beat me to it. I wanted to write you first. In case you haven't guessed, I made it here ok. I talked to the Captain. He seems to think that if all goes well, I'll be her a month or two. That seems so long away, but I'm sure time will fly by (no pun intended).

So Camp Pendleton, huh? Sounds interesting. You'll have to keep me posted on what develops, and don't' thing you don't have good instincts. Your instincts have saved my six so many times that I've lost count.

I need you too, Sarah. I miss you already. Well, the skipper told me to get some rack time, so I'll write you soon. I know I will have beautiful dreams of you in a tub. Take care my beautiful marine.

Love,

Harm

After clicking the send button, Harm decided to take the skipper's advice and went to bed. Sleep quickly took him to the arms of his marine.

AN: Well there's it is. I hope you enjoyed it. I'm playing with the next chapter so it may take a bit to update. Now all you have to do is hit the lilac button and review. You know you want to. (evil grin)