AN: Here's the next part of the story. Thanks to everyone who have reviewed the story, and had been patient with me in regards to updates. I have one more chapter to write, and I will try to finish it today so I can put this baby to bed and work on the last part of this trilogy. Enjoy.

While Bud was dealing with the Admiral, Harm was trying to regain his composure. He was lying in sickbay as the events of the last few hours replayed in his head.

Flashback

It started like any other mission. He was supposed to escort a supply plane into Baghdad. The mission went off without a hitch until his alarm went off.

"Hammer! We got SAMs on our six, and they're heading of the C-130!"

"Roger, Shadow. Tuna, we have company."

"I see them, Hammer. I'll get rid of them. You stay with the plane."

"Roger that. I'll radio the ship."

Harm radioed the ship as Tuna took care of the SAMs by dropping chaff. The then took care of the SAM sites. It looked like the danger was over till the SAM alarm went off again. Harm immediately radioed the ship for backup. He was informed that reinforcements would be arriving in 2 minutes. Harm was ordered to help Tuna with the threat as soon as backup arrived.

In the meantime, Tuna was having trouble fighting the SAMs on his own. If help didn't arrive soon, he was sure he wouldn't survive the mission. Tuna was too busy trying to locate the SAM sites to notice the antiaircraft fire till it was too late. A round slammed into his plane, causing him to lose control.

"I'm hit, Hammer! I'm hit!"

Luckily reinforcements arrived just as Tuna was radioing Harm.

"I'm on my way, Tuna!"

Harm turned around, opened the afterburner, and rushed back to Tuna. Somehow, Tuna managed to regain control of his plane, but the damage was done. The shot caused his left engine to catch on fire, and he was also losing fuel.

"Tuna. Are you ok?"

"I've lost my left engine, and it looks like I'm losing fuel."

"Can you make it back to the ship?"

"I should be able to."

"Head back to the ship. I'll find the SAM site."

"Roger. Be careful, Hammer. I think there's antiaircraft guns in the area."

"Will do, Tuna."

Harm found the other SAM sites, and quickly took them out. He was also able to take out some of the antiaircraft guns. He was firing on the last one, when it managed to get a shot off. In the blink of an eye, the shot crashed through the canopy. Pain shot out form his shoulder.

"Hammer...Hammer, are you hit?"

"Yeah. I think fragments from the windscreen got me. What about you? Are you hit?"

"Just some cuts from the windscreen. Where were you hit?"

"My right should mostly. I also have a cut over my eye."

"Think you can land this bird?"

"If I can land from the backseat, I can certainly do this."

"I don't think I even want to hear that story."

"I don't see why not? It's a good one."

"I bet it is. How about we discuss this AFTER we land."

"Deal."

"Then let's do it."

Harm had Shadow radio the ship to alert them of Harm's injuries. As they approached the ship, Harm prayed. He couldn't leave Mac now. Not like this. He lined up with the ship, called the ball, and barely caught the #3 wire. Powering the plane down, Harm said a quick thank you, got out the plane, and proceeded to vomit on the deck. He was immediately taken to sickbay, where they gave him 8 stitches over his right eye, and removed the piece of windscreen embedded in his shoulder. He was ordered to remain there till the doctor cleared him.

End Flashback

So many things were going through Harm's mind. He took time to re-evaluate his life. So much has changed. When he used to fly, he took a lot of risks. After all, he thought he had nothing to lose. It was all different now. He had Mac. Reaching into his flight suit, Harm pulled out the ring. Somehow, he knew Mac had given him the strength to land that plane. Looking at the ring, Harm made a decision. He decided to give up flying when this was over. The risk, to him, was too great now. With his decision made, Harm closed the box, put it up, and went to sleep.

Just as Harm was getting off the plane, Mac sat up in her bed with a sudden wave of nausea hitting her. She ran to the bathroom, where she proceeded to vomit. After cleaning herself up, Mac climbed back into bed and tried to remember what woke her up so suddenly. Harm's face popped into her head. Something happened to him. She was sure of it. Mac grabbed her laptop and checked her email. There was an email from Bud giving her the information on Gabrielle and thanking her for her support. She had no new emails from Harm. Mac began to panic. She knew something was wrong. She focused her thoughts on Harm, hoping to feel him somehow. After a few minutes, calmness swept over her. He's alive. That she was sure of. Mac quickly sent him an email. With a sigh of relief, Mac got up and prepared for her day.

Mac gathered her information and sat at the table to call Kershaw when there was a knock at her door. Glancing through the peephole, Mac didn't recognize the man on the other side. She though about ignoring him, when he spoke.

"Colonel Mackenzie, Kershaw sent me."

"Kershaw sent you... but how did her...?"

"You really want me to answer that?"

"Not really."

Mac opened the door and allowed the stranger in. He was much taller than Webb but shorter than Harm. She guessed he was 6'0" and weighed 240lbs. Not bad looking either. His blonde hair and blue eyes with that body would get any woman's attention.

'Great! Now I sound like Harm.' Mac laughed at the thought, which caused the agent to look at her quizzically.

"You don't want to know, Agent...?"

"Culp."

"What can I do for you Agent Culp?"

"Actually. It's what I can do for you, Colonel."

"Really? Why don't you have a seat and explain."

Once there were seated Culp reached into his inside pocket, pulled out an envelop, and handed it to Mac.

"I think you will find it's contents interesting."

Mac pulled out the contents. They included a fact sheet, case file, and a picture of who appeared to be Corporal Elliot, but the name was different.

"John Lawrence?"

"I think you know him better as Corporal Elliot."

Mac flipped through the case file. The pieces were starting to come together. It seems Elliot was in the witness protection program. He was an informant for the FBI in a high profile case involving drugs. He turned states evidence in return for getting a new identity and life. What Mac didn't understand was why she was given this information, and why did he join the Corps. Culp could see the confusion on her face.

"I bet you are wondering why Kershaw wanted you to have that."

"The question crossed my mind."

"It's actually pretty simple. You see, we were about to bust the biggest drug smuggling ring in almost 5 years, and the FBI decided to stick their noses into it. The got a hold on Lawrence and forced him to turn state's evidence. When he did that, we lost any chance of tracing the drugs to the Al Queda operating in the area."

"So what you're telling me is that this is some sort of pissing contest between the CIA and the FBI?"

"Well, when you put it that way..."

"Never mind. I don't want your explanations. What I do want to know is why join the marines? There's always a chance he could be found out."

"It's not my job to care about that. He always wanted to be a marine, so they gave him his shot."

"I just don't see what this has to do with my case."

"Don't worry. You'll figure it out. Now if you will excuse me, I have other business to attend to."

Mac walked Culp to the door and let him out. She took the information and sat on the bed. It didn't make any sense. What did all this mean. God she wished Harm was here. He always helped her figure things out. HARM! She almost forgot. Mac grabbed her laptop and checked her email. Seeing an email from Harm, she clicked on it.

TO: Ninjagirlmarinecorps.mil

FROM: Stickboynavy.mil

So you were worried about me, huh? You have nothing to be worried about sweet thing. I'm fine. I just miss you. I do have some good news though. I'm coming home! Now take a deep breath. I don't want you to pass out on me. The skipper thinks I've had enough fun and decided to ship me home. I leave tomorrow morning, and should be home be Wednesday. Good news, isn't it. I can't wait to see you again. I miss falling asleep with my arms wrapped around you. I miss nuzzling your neck to wake you up in the morning. I miss the reason we would have to make a mad dash to work or be late... I think I will stop there before I have to go take a cold shower.

So how's the investigation going? Do you have it wrapped up yet? Will you be home when I get in? I know I have a lot of questions. I jus can't want to see you again my beautiful marine. I won't have time to call you before I go. I will try to get in touch with you when we land in Germany. Till then, take care, and know that I love you.

Harm

He's coming home! Mac smiled. She couldn't believe it. She wished she could be there to pick him up, but this case was still weighing on her. She would just have to plan a special welcome home gift for him when she got back. He said he was ok, but she had a feeling he was hiding something from her. Well she will just have to figure out a way to get it out of him, and she will definitely have fun doing it. She replied to his email and picked up the phone. Since Harm couldn't help her, she thought of someone else.

"Chegwidden"

"Hello, AJ."

"Mac. How are you?"

"Fine, sir. I have a question for you."

"Shoot."

"I received some information from an unlikely source and was wondering if you could help me putting the pieces together."

"I don't see why not. You want me to come to your room?"

"If that wouldn't be a problem."

"I'm on my way."

"Thank you, AJ."

Mac had just put all the information together when AJ knocked at her door.

"AJ. Come on in. Would you like something to drink?"

"Water would be fine, Mac. Thank you."

They sat at the table as Mac explained the new information. After she was finished, AJ sat there for a few minutes before responding.

"I can see why you would be confused, Mac. It doesn't make much sense. I agree with you that you need to question Corporal Elliot again and Ms. Turner"

"I plane to do that today. Gabrielle lives a few miles from here, so I'm going to see her first. Corporal Elliot should be off duty by the time I get to him."

"You want someone to come with you?"

"I'll be fine, AJ. I am a marine you know."

"I know that Mac, but I don't want to have to deal with Harm if anything should happen to you. Promise me you will call if you need help."

"I will, AJ. Thanks for the offer."

"Anytime. Any word from Harm?"

"He's coming home!"

"When?"

"He leaves tomorrow and should be in by Wednesday."

"That's great news, Mac."

"That it is."

"If you no longer need me, I'll be going. I'm meeting Francesca for lunch."

"No problem. Thanks again for your help."

After AJ left her room, Mac gathered her things and went to meet Gabrielle.

Well there it is. I hope you enjoy it. Now all you have to do is hit the lilac button and review. You know you want to. (Evil grin)