Alrighty people! One more before the ending which will end with a bang. ;) But, not to worry, keep hope alive, the next story will have some body heat moments, some fun convos, some moving convos, action, adventure and - well you get it:P

Enjoy! And yes, this is Mac kicking Maj Steele... literally. ;)

Jackie.

Thanks to: XBlueShadowX, Aimee5, Charmboy4, starryeyes10, Nikki, dansingwolf, jag4ever, lei, Jackia, EternalSleep, Cristina, Tina Frank, achaon, Abigaile, Hieros Gamos, froggy0319, joanoa, JadeAlmasy, SpaceMan546, dansingwolf, carbygirl , JAGJenni, Manda, starryeyes, BiteBeccy, ng59678, LtColDevilDog, martini, mizukimarr, jtbwriter, Macaroon, Lissie, n.k, Lt.jgMegAustin, cbw, dansingwolf, Apion, alix33, jnp, MacHarm4Ever, Tania, Macaroon, harmfan, Jagnut, Claire Vincent, Navy Babe, Nix, Martini. and anyone else I missed for the Feedback..

Part 14 - With A One-Two Punch.

July 15, 2005
0130 Zulu
The Fitness Zone
Georgetown

(AN: Totally made up the Gym & Diner. ;))

Sweat was dripping off of Mac's toned body as she assaulted the punching bag. She always tried getting some time with the bag a couple times a week, preferably on weekends to knock the stress right out. Now, she envisioned Webb's face on the bag as she gave it a round-house kick. "Sonofabitch." She hissed out as her right fist connected with the bag. She gave it a jab, then a series of fast punches. She sat around her apartment for a little while after Webb and Harm had left until the need to take a crack at something overwhelmed her. "Friggin' son. Of. A. bitch!" She stated louder and went in for another punch when a familiar voice called from behind.

"Well, I sure hope that's not me you are punching, Colonel."

Mac spun around and found non other than Major Christopher Steele watching her. "No you aren't in the agency." She drew out and then resumed kicking 'Clay's' ass. She wanted to go with them and make sure no problems befell what Clay stated to be an 'easy mission.' But Clay had insisted that her disappearing would raise suspicion and Harm just had to agree. So here she was, still in Georgetown, pounding a punching bag.

"Agency? What agency?" He said, playing aloof as to who she was referring to. Chris didn't even bother concealing his smirk, but she wouldn't have noticed it anyway.

"CIA." She ground out hitting the bag with such a force that its mount rattled slightly. Chris, noting that she was having to stop because the bag was swaying so much, walked behind it and held it steady while she punched. "My ex, was CIA. . . the bastard." She said with a huff and took a punch so hard that it made Chris groan. Stopping, she glanced at him, her cheeks flushed a lovely shade of pink of embarrassment. "And I have NO idea why I just told you that."

Stepping backwards, Chris took a few swings at the bag. "Well I came to talk to you, actually."

"So you followed me." Mac suggested, it being the only plausible explanation as to how he knew where to find her.

Chris' laughter didn't amuse her at all, neither did his attempt at being cute with the smile he was giving her. "No, I work out here too. . ." He took two jabs at the bag. Well, now he worked out there, ten minutes ago his gym had been located in the other side of town, but Mac didn't need to know that little detail. "I saw you and just. . . Well it looked like. . ."

". . .Like I needed a friend?" She finished for him. Mac didn't want to dislike the Major simply because he was sent in to be Harm's replacement. They were military folk, used to the constant shuffling around of personal. There were some qualities of Chris that she liked, once or twice, when her walls had been down, she'd allowed herself to be civil to him and things were okay. Then there were things that she disliked, like his penchant to use his smooth talking, flyboy smiling ways to get out of things. Even if Harm came back to JAG, Chris would probably be allowed to stay and, for that reason, she needed things on an even keel. For her sake and for Harm's who would likely commiserate with a former flier. Yes, she definitely had to give Chris Steele a second chance, for the good moral in the office. "Good observation, but I am fine, really." She lied and gave a sharp kick to the bag, when he held it for her.

"Actually." Chris grunted, the kick winding him slightly. He took a few deep breaths, trying to keep himself in control as Mac chuckled. She would be a formidable fighter against him and the thought of sparring with her was tempting, but he pushed it aside. "Look, we started off on a bad foot and I just want to start over again."

"Really?" Well, at least they were on the same wavelength.

"Yes, ma'am. I know you started off on a bad foot with Commander Rabb, so. . .I figured if you two could work it out, so could you and I."

Consider the wavelength cut to pieces. His, seemingly innocent comment, had Mac whacking the bag again with a force greater than before. "Not that it should matter to you, but the Commander and I did NOT get off on a bad foot. . ." That was true, but they didn't exactly get off on a good one either, not that Steele needed to know that.

"My apologies for presuming, ma'am." He resisted the need to roll his eyes and shoved down his ego. "I'm sorry, ma'am. . .Let's try again. I am Major Chris Steele, and you can call me Chris." Extending his gloved hand, he waited for a moment, hoping she would accept the 'new' introduction.

There was a small voice in the back of her mind telling her to that the Major needed to take a hike. That little voice wasn't one she could trust completely, it had led her astray several times. It was that little voice that led her to Clay instead of working things with Harm. She had a decision to make: hate him because she could, or learn to deal with him because she was better than that. "Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie, you can call me Mac when we're not in the office. . . past that, Colonel is fine." She smacked his gloved hand as a friendly gesture, then squared herself off to continue punching again.

Chris smiled genuinely. He was finally going to get along with Sarah MacKenzie and hopefully get something out of it for his efforts. "Well that is a start." But, perhaps he was a bit over confident? "Have dinner with me tonight." Yep, smooth he was not.

Any bygones that Mac was attempting to put behind were thrown right out the window with that suggestion. "EXCUSE ME?"

"You do eat, don't you?" He smiled at her again, that seemingly charming smile that men used when they only wanted one thing from her - sex.

"You are inching into fraternization territory, Major. And I, for one, do not like it one bit." Her voice was low, and promising of doing bodily harm if he so much as smiled at her.

"And you haven't red lighted me. . ." He said with a grin which was quickly wiped away when he saw how angry Mac was. "I'm sorry, I was out of line. . . I just have an article thirty something and need all of the help I can get."

"If you even bothered skimming the UCMJ, you'd figure that it's called an Article 32, or did you get your law degree with food stamps?"

Okay, so this wasn't working. Sarah MacKenzie wasn't into the smooth type, or whatever type he thought he was being. "Look, I really need your help."

Mac took off her gloves and reached for her bottle of water. She took a long sip, rolling over the idea a few times. "Fine. . .Tomorrow 1900 sharp."

"Your place or mine?"

Mac snorted. "Neither. . .where do you live, Major?" She didn't know him well enough for either suggestion to be plausible. True, she hadn't known Harm very well either the first time she spent time alone with him in his apartment, but Harm was different. God MacKenzie, you are losing it. She scoffed at the notion. No man compares to Harm.

"Alexandria."

Mac groaned audibly, that was where Clay lived as well. "Okay, there is a restaurant, a diner, it's usually pretty quiet, we can work there." They exchanged details on the diner's local and soon after, Mac was headed back home.

0230 Zulu
Undisclosed Location
Virginia

"What the hell is this place, Clay?" Harm asked then shoved a forkful of scrambled eggs into his mouth. He'd never really eaten with so much gusto, but, after they'd left Mac's he was hit with an insatiable hunger.

Clay grimaced. "Hungry, Rabb?"

Harm glared at him then took a long drink of water. "I've been out of it for over a week and can't even remember the last decent meal I had."

"This place is a bunker. It was created back during the cold war." He refilled Harm's glass of water and settled comfortably into a chair. The place was located in the woods somewhere off of I-95. Webb's father had it built just in case nukes directed at the States were every used so that his family had somewhere to go. "Dad figured we needed a place to hide, just in case. Apparently it was hip to have one in his day."

Harm nodded. "So, what's the plan?"

The map that Webb brought out was a bit more than just worst for wear. It looked as if it had been placed underground and recently dug up. "We go in here, I figure it'll be a ten mile hike, tops." He grabbed a Garmin 12, handheld GPS and, after turning it on, fiddled with some of the waypoints. "We'll use this, it should take us right to the planes. . .Then we call for backup to pick up the bad guys and get the planes out of there."

"And if they are not there?" Webb could have produced a picture of the planes parked by the Lincoln memorial and he still wouldn't have believed him. It just wasn't that easy to move a plane and no one find out about it, especially the agency with the interests they had in the Aurora. "I'm not entirely convinced about this whole. . . scheme, Webb." But, the agent didn't answer, instead continued to play with the GPS. "In fact, I have a feeling you're setting me up."

"Setting you up?" Webb chuckled, as his fingers moved over the GPS' pad, trying to ensure the location was locked in. "You're funny, Rabb."

Harm laughed without amusement. "Funny, yea. . . sometimes." He took a long gulp of water and tossed back two pills which he'd set on the table before he began his meal. "But, if you or the agency is trying to set me up, beware. . .because I'm coming after you and anyone else I find that has tried to tarnish my name. . . I will kill you, all of you, make no bones about it." Never had he threatened someone with such determination, but he'd already lost so much to allow them to take more. This wasn't just about the months he'd stayed in capture, though that is where his anger stemmed from. It stretched from that and to the friends that had been hurt because of the fact. It was about him, Mac and that new chance they got on Christmas, one that may never be worked on.

Webb's head snapped up, he glanced at Harm with his mouth open, slightly confused as to how the conversation had steered itself that way. "Are you making a threat, Rabb?"

"No. . .I'm making a promise."

July 15, 2005
1850 Zulu
The Diner
Alexandria

It was almost difficult for Major Steele to hide his giddiness at going on a 'date' with Sarah MacKenzie. Well, it wasn't a date to her, but he was hoping to have her warm up a bit more to him. He maneuvered his black Escalade into a spot right across from her Corvette. "Hmmm, that's not a bad idea." He said, when a malicious intent regarding the Colonel's vehicle passed through his mind. With a new determination, he pulled out a small kit from his glove box. He made quick work of the Vette's alarm and lock system, then popped the hood. The car was in need of a tune up, "Perfect." It wouldn't be too odd if a few things just happened to go wrong. Taking out a knife, he made a cut on the timing belt, enough to cause it to break once the sprockets in the engine started rotating. She'd be going home with him tonight.

Mac wasn't too surprised to see Chris walking up a few minutes before 1900. He was a Marine, after all and their timing, for the most part, was impeccable. She was determined to work with him and hopefully, get her mind off of whatever Harm and Clay were doing. Before they'd left, Clay had promised it wouldn't be dangerous, they were just going to scope the site and then call for back up. She held Clay to his word that Harm would not be in danger but knew that with Clayton Webb, things seldom went as planned.

"Hello ma'am." He said with his usually charming (read: nauseating) smile. He sat across from her in the booth and settled in comfortably. "Been waiting long?"

Mac shook her head. "A bit, but it's fine. I need to get out of the house today." With a sigh she glanced out the windows as her mind went to the man that held her affections. What were Clay and Harm doing right now? She wondered as her mind conjured up complex scenarios that would make James Bond run for his life. Harm wasn't meant to be anywhere near the CIA and neither was she. So, why then, did they always get mixed up with their ludicrous situations? And what the hell was Steele saying? "Excuse me?"

"I said your mind seems to be a million miles away." It was clear to him that that suave approach wasn't going to work on her, so he was trying for sensitive – something he really wasn't familiar with. "Not to be presumptuous, but you're thinking about Commander Rabb, aren't you?"

Mac's face turned at least three different shades of red as he waited for her to answer. Her mouth opened a closed a few times, but words couldn't formulate. Did Chris know about Harm? No, course not, there was nothing to fear, no reason for him to think that Harm was alive. Right? Therefore, there was no reason to lie. "I ah. . .yes." She grabbed the glass of water and took a long gulp. "He was. . .very dear to me. I'll never forget him." God please, I'll sell my soul for him to be safe.

"I've lost friends before, Colonel. . .You need to let go, else you'll never move on." Right, sensitive, caring, that's what she needed not a man trying to seduce her with every move.

Mac nodded. "Yes, I know. . .but we had a history. . .It's very difficult. . .but let's talk about something else. I don't want my mind on the Commander tonight." No, course she didn't. Though Mac was good at hiding certain things, she was afraid that, at any moment, something would spill or she would unmask an expression that would tip him off. She didn't need that. Harm didn't need that. As for Webb, who cares what he needed? "So, Commander Roberts is wiping the floor with your six I hear?"

Chris snorted, he wasn't very proud of that nor the fact that Roberts had been taking it upon himself to watch out for Mac. "Yes, ma'am. . .I have to admit, I underestimated him."

"Out of the office and in civvies, call me Mac."

"Call me Chris, then." He couldn't help the smug grin that appeared on his face. He was starting to blow cracks in her façade, good. Maybe, by the end of the night, Sarah MacKenzie would be eating out of his hand.

1900 Zulu
CIA Headquarters
Langley, Virginia

Raymond Levine sat at the end of a long conference table among which sat those that had been assisting him with the whole Aurora debacle. A large picture of Harm showed up on the overhead, projecting onto a screen. "Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. . .When we started the program for the Aurora, he was trained to fly the plane along with this man Andy Watson." Andy's picture showed up right next to Harm's in some sort of split screen. "Mr. Watson and Commander Rabb went down somewhere over Canada. Watson was murdered and found with the Commander's weapon. We believe the Commander is alive and well and headed this way."

One of the men named Alex Hendricks stood up. "Mr. Levine, tell us something we don't know."

"Clayton Webb is missing as well." That got the attention of the whole room. Within the spy community, Webb was very well known. He was basically as stable in the CIA. "It's possible that the Aurora's did not blow up after all and Mr. Webb and Commander Rabb have joined forces to sell them to the highest bidder."

Another CIA agent spoke up. "But, Clay was on our side."

"Was, being the operative word. . ." With a dramatic sigh, Levine stood up and began pacing around the table. "Many have been on our side and turned for money or because they have grievances with the agency."

Alex agreed. "Clayton had been out of sorts with the agency when he failed his mission against Agent Tanveer." He followed Levine's movements. "What do you want us to do?"

"I've managed to use disinformation in order to trap Clayton Webb, which, hopefully will be with Commander Rabb. . .He believes the Aurora's are located within the Appalachian mountains. The fool left here with an agency GPS which we added a tracking chip to. We can track him anywhere on this planet. . . Furthurmore, He requested for a team to standby in case he needs assistance and we're going to give them the assistance they really need. . ." Levine walked behind his chair and placed his hands on the back of it, his face fell as he relayed the final details of their mission. "Kill them both."

2103 Zulu
The Diner
Alexandria

Through the first part of their 'working dinner,' Mac wanted to shoot Chris. Friendly chit chat was put aside as she attempted to help with the Article 32. His notes were a complete mess. He didn't know his client's rank or the fact that he'd been demoted for larceny. "Seriously, how did you pass the bar?" He finally asked when he stupidly asked her about a DDO charge that had to do with another client.

Right around the time, Chris was close to begging for help from the agency. He figure it would be a simple dinner date and, with a bit of charm, the conversation could sway into a more personal level. No dice, the woman even made him go out to his car and pick up files on the case. "Uh, I get nervous, really nervous." Okay, that sounded good, so he went with that. "See, I was a great pilot and after an injury I didn't think I had much left to offer the Corps so, I ah. .de-decided to join JAG." He smiled slightly, his face turning red from personal embarrassment of lying so badly. Damnit, what happened to his self-assurance, his ability to think quickly on his feet. Was Mac doing all of this to him? Was he becoming flustered because of her? As he sat there, formulating things to say, his fingers began tapping on the table. "And, to be honest, this is the first case I've tried. . . there I said it." Well, that part wasn't a lie.

Mac reached a hand across and placed it over his, halting his tapping which was working on her last nerve. Chris stared up at her in awe as he felt a zing of electricity at her touch. The electricity, however, was not reciprocated. She smiled slightly and took a deep breath. "Look, you're supposed to be my. . .uh. . .partner or whatever." She said quickly, ignoring the pang of guilt of putting Chris in Harm's rightful place. "So, as such, I am inclined to help you out. . .I'll sit second chair on this one with you."

"Second chair?" He had to search deep within the realms of his mind to conjure up the meaning for that term. "Uh, yea. That would be great." He turned his hand over to clasp Mac's, but she had pulled away once he did and tapped him on the forearm. He could swear he saw a flirtatious grin grace her features. He was wrong.

An hour and a conversation later, about the only thing they both could relate with– the US Marine Corps, Mac was itching to head home and, hopefully, get some much needed sleep. At least, thanks to Harm, there would be no old friend in the apartment, no vodka bottle to torture her. "Thanks Chris." Mac said with a smile as he'd walked her outside and to the Vette.

Chris smiled. "I think I should be the one thanking you."

"See you on Monday." Pressing the transmitter to her alarm, the device was switched off and the automatic car doors opened. She slid in behind the wheel and took a look at herself in the mirror. "Ugh, I need sleep."

Chris walked across the lot to his Escalade and slipped in behind the wheel. He waited for a few moments, pretending to put extra notes on his case as he heard Mac's car start and just as quickly die. He watched from the rearview mirror as she attempted to start the car again, a sick smile spreading on his lips when the car wouldn't turn over.

Mac took a deep breath. "Damnit, I don't need this!" Through her mirror, she saw Chris' car still parked in the lot, making no attempts to move right away. 'No way, I'm a Marine, I can handle this without help.' She pressed the button for the hood, then went around to check on the engine. 'Not like you know what you're doing MacKenzie!' A little voice inside said, a voice that was right. Mechanically able she was not. "Fine!" She headed across the lot and knocked on Chris' window, 'starling' him. "Hey, my car won't start, you wouldn't be able to take a look would you?"

"Sure." Chris hopped out of his car, trying to conceal the evil smirk on his lips. He grabbed a flashlight, followed her to the Vette and 'examined' the engine. He gave it a once order and then found what the 'problem' was. "Ah. . .timing belt broke." He reached in for the belt, an showed her the section where it had snapped in half. "Vette's have a special one, you'll have to order it straight from the dealer. I doubt they'll be open until Monday."

Mac shook her head. "Great. . .thanks though." She pulled out a cell phone and punched in the speed ail number for AAA.

His eyes went wide with worry, why was she using a phone? "W-wha-what are you doing?"

"Calling triple A for a tow truck, I am not leaving my baby here." She relayed the information to the operator and confirmed her location before turning to Chris. "They'll be here in thirty. I'll have them take me home."

Chris nodded, in defeat. This could not be happening! Quickly, he began formulating a plan, there had to be a way. And as usual, there was. "Actually, I have a better idea for you. . . Have them two the car to dealer, they have this overnight drop off where towing companies can leave the car. That way they can fix it tomorrow and you don't have to waste your day waiting for another tow to the dealer."

Mac shrugged, it was a good idea, one that she didn't think about. Well, she didn't even know about that whole 'overnight car drop off', but it sounded like a good idea save one small detail. "And how am I to get home?"

"I'll be your taxi." He offered with a charming smile and waved off her attempts to disapprove. "I won't take no for an answer, besides I owe you for all of your help." And that, my friends, was that.

With a sigh, Mac conceded. They'd waited for the tow, who confirmed Chris' story about the overnight drop off, in fact, he would have done that anyway after dropping Mac at home. Once the flatbed was on it's way, she and Chris headed towards Georgetown. The whole ride had been a friendly one, they'd been discussing more Marine Corps moments, sharing the horrors of boot camp and the crucible until they arrived at her building. Mac turned to the side smiling slightly at Chris as she fumbled for the words to get out. "Look, I am sorry for being so. . . bitchy with you. . .I have a thing or two to learn about getting along with others." She smiled brightly, Harm would be happy to hear her trying to change and be a better person.

Chris took the apology with stride. "I didn't make it easy either. . .I tend to forget that my looks don't get me everywhere."

Mac laughed, how conceited could the man get? She was quickly starting to doubt her previous, kind approach to the Major. "Yea, well. . .I'm sure you'll find a woman to suit your needs, Major. Maybe you need a fellow Marine to put your six in order . .Have a good weekend." As she made to get out of the truck, she felt his hand wrap around her arm and pull her back in. It wasn't forceful, but enough for Mac to get her guards up.

He smiled reassuringly to her, attempting to sway the beating he so richly deserved. "Sorry, I just. . . What if I've found the right woman? What should I do to win her heart?" The look in his eyes changed completely. Nothing friendly came from it, but, in the darkness of his car, she couldn't tell.

"Don't ever lie." She said flatly, recalling her relationship with Webb and the disaster that had become. "And make sure you tell her how you feel before it's too late." That reference was for Harm. "And don't let her slip away."

Chris grinned. "I'd hope you'd say that." In a movement so swift that not even Mac could counter, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her to him. His mouth was on hers so fast, Mac barely knew what hit her. What she did know was that this was not something that she wanted; not from him.

She put one hand against his chest, pushing him back roughly as she attempted to remove his lips which were trying to claim her neck. "Back off!" He grabbed that hand and held it with a force to strong, she knew there would be a bruise. "No! I said, back off." Unable to use her hands or get her feet up over the center counsel, she brought her head down hard against his.

But, Chris was too well trained, he didn't feel it. "You bitch!" He reached for her again, but that moment between her striking and him reaching, she'd managed to lean against the door and bring one leg up, giving him a solid kick a bit too close to his groin. THAT he did feel. "OWW!" For good measure, she wound her hand back and gave him a hard jab, breaking his nose. Though he'd locked the car doors, Mac was too quick, she already had it open and was halfway out. "Get back here!" He yelled at her, pawing through the air, but his eyes were tearing so much, he couldn't see. He did, however, hear the clicking of a pistol, a small one that she usually carried everywhere she went. "Damnit!" Barely able to see, he put the car in gear and sped away from her building.

She kept the weapon pointed at his vehicle as he took a sharp left turn, maneuvering out of her neighborhood. "Oh God." Mac was shaking, her breath hitching from both shock and exertion. Angrily, she paced in front of the building, intent on ending the Major's career. "You'd better brace yourself, because I am brining you up on charges and I will personally make sure your ass goes to Groton Brig for a LONG fucking time."

-

Navy Babe – LOL! I decided to have Mac actually COOK for once. I think it's more of a fanfic thing anyway that she doesn't cook. Woman's gotta cook – or reheat – or nuke – else she'd be broke with all the take out and deliverys! LOL!

Nix – So how was the Webb bashing on this part? I kinda like Harm's promise of bodily harm. LOL! GO Harm!

Ltjg – I need him! For another something. . .um, don't want to give it away. ;)

Tina – All the reasons more to hate Webb are good! Trust me! Else he'll sneak in and be loveable or something :gag:

Nikki – Cancers just rock! We should run the world, it would be much more productive. ;) God help us all LOL!

NK – Hey! He's mine! I wrote him that way! I got dibs… umm well, after Mac that is:D

Martini – I am not THAT bad, I assure you, ask anyone. .. well, cept my ex….ex's… whatever. ;) Don't worry, there will be a body heat section in the next story. Hehehe.

Laura – Thanks! As long as I have nothing better to do, I'll write more. As long as I can't fall asleep until 4am, I'll write more. As long as. . . well, I like writing so I'll just write more. ;)

Jtb – Harm has his dumb moments from time to time, God love him. He sees the whole planes thing as something unfinished. Poor guy. He should be thinking only of Mac and screw the planes. And actually 1 more cliffy, this wasn't really much of one.

Charmboy – YES! I can sleep better tonight, Charmboy has forgiven me;) Sarah MacKenzie bitch slapping Harm? Could be kinky! Hehehe

Harmfan – The answer was no, but don't count her out yet. Mac's sneaky. ;)

Froggy – Yep, them near kisses are wonderful aren't they? He's already gone, no kissing… I thought about it, but talk about AWKWARD. In front of Webb? Ewww… no.

Beccy – Webb's gonna have a problem coming soon. That's all I am going to say. ;)