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Part 36

Naval Regional Medical Center Mac's room Camp Lejeune, NC 1725 Local

Ducky looked at the two officers who were still staring at the screen and then over at Gunny Walters who was grinning like a Cheshire Cat. "Would someone like to fill me in?"

Dubby looked at the Doctor, "The Colonel's character witnesses have just made an appearance... en masse."

Mallard's eyebrows rose in surprise, "My word, they're all here for Sarah? That's splendid."

Even after the TV had gone to commercials, Harm and Mac still stood there staring at the screen. Both were feeling somewhat shell-shocked. Ducky quietly gestured to Walters who walked over to stand beside him. Mallard shot a glance at the couple and then looked over at Kate, "Gunnery Sergeant, I think those two need a few moments alone. Might I impose upon you to bring a gurney in here? I'd like to get Kate back to her own room."

Walters involuntarily followed Ducky's gaze to the bed and started a little. He was more than a little chagrined to find that he hadn't noticed the NCIS agent before. "What happened? Is she all right?" He kept his voice down as well.

"She will be. This is what happens when obstinacy overpowers common sense." Ducky took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, "Unfortunately, while Caitlin is normally rather quick on the uptake, I somehow doubt that this particular lesson will sink in."

Dubby rolled his eyes, "I know what you mean."

Ducky grinned as he looked over his shoulder at Harm and Mac, "I believe you do."

Walters smiled in return, "I'll be right back." He quietly exited the room.

Mac turned as she heard him leave and looked over at the Doctor. Mallard gave her a reassuring smile, "We're going to get Kate back to her own bed. The Sergeant has gone to fetch a gurney for me." In less time than he had expected, Walters returned with not only the gurney but several orderlies. Quickly and efficiently they transferred Kate to the gurney. They were out the door in a couple of minutes, followed closely by Mallard and the Gunny.

Once they'd left, Mac went back over to her bed and sat down. Harm followed and pulled up a chair so he could sit opposite of her. He reached out and took hold of her hands, "You okay?"

"Honestly? I'm feeling overwhelmed." She wasn't exaggerating. After everything she'd been through, this felt like more than she could comprehend.

Harm chuckled, "I know what you mean." He glanced back at the TV as if it could suddenly produce some answers. "I can't believe Mom and Frank came down here."

"Oh god, Harm," Mac freed one of her hands to rub her forehead, "They'll have seen Mike's interviews. What am I going to tell them? I mean... I was planning on telling them about my past eventually, but this... What are they going to think now?" She was beginning to look a little panic-stricken, "What if they don't think I should be involved with you?"

Harm recaptured her hand, "Slow down, Marine, you're not thinking clearly. These are my parents, remember? If they're here, it's to show their support." He grinned suddenly, "My mom has been waiting for me to see what was right in front of me for years. Believe me, now that I have, you couldn't chase her off with a stick."

Mac looked at him intently for a few seconds before smiling weakly, "You sure she won't want to chase me off with a stick?"

"Positive," he smiled back and leaned towards her, his eyes half-lidded. Mac willingly closed the distance between them, all too aware of how much she'd grown to need and want this man.

Their lips met and Harm soon deepened the kiss, bringing his hands up to frame her face. He needed this contact with her, more than he would have ever thought was possible. There had been a few times in the last 72 hours when he'd been terrified that he'd never see her again. Unfortunately, since the rescue, there'd been precious little privacy for either of them. There was also the issue of military protocol... Lack of air finally forced them apart. Harm rested his forehead against hers, "We need to get off this damn base." Mac nodded, somewhat breathless..

The sound of a sharp rap followed by the door opening startled them apart. Gibbs strode into the room. "She's in custody," he announced without preamble.

"Until she makes bail," Harm countered with a scowl that was only partly because of Elbert.

Gibbs nodded, "Until she makes bail." The law wasn't always as blind as it should be, some people tended to be more equal than others. He glanced at his watch, "Hopefully, the hearing won't take place until morning and our esteemed Congresswoman can spend a night in jail."

Mac sighed, "One more opportunity to play the martyr." She focused on Gibbs, "Did she give you any trouble?"

He shook his head, "She was waiting for us... with her lawyers."

"What? No TV crew?" Harm asked dryly, leaning back in his chair.

Gibbs flashed him a look, "They were waiting at the police station. I imagine it will make the evening news." He shifted uncomfortably, gazing at the floor before looking over at Mac, "Look, Colonel, it's doesn't really matter what kind of story she spins to the press. We've got a pretty solid case against her for the attempt on you and Kate and we'll get her for the others as well."

"I know, thank you," Mac said simply. Gibbs stood looking at her for a few seconds before nodding abruptly. Without another word, he left the room.

Harm looked at the door as it closed and then turned to Mac with a comically melancholy face, "I hate these long good-byes."

"Harm... " Mac tried to keep a serious demeanor but couldn't help chuckling. His good humor was infectious.

"What?" Harm put on an air of innocence for a moment before switching to a mock leer, "Now where were we, MacKenzie?"

She gave him a sultry smile, reaching forward to trace his jawline with a soft touch and did her best 40's style femme fatale, "We were talking about blowing this popsicle stand."

"Yes!" He stood up, grinning widely and tugged at her hand, "C'mon, let's go." He glanced around the room as if was seeing it for the first time and looked back at her, "Where should we go?" He snapped his fingers, "I know! A hotel room! They're all over the place down here. Isn't that great? It's like they knew."

"Harm," Mac couldn't help laughing at his antics, "I'm not dressed."

"I know. That's perfect." He started checking his pockets, "Car keys. Gotta have car keys..."

"Harm! I am not leaving this base in just a night gown and a robe."

He raised his eyebrows hopefully, "You want to lose the robe?"

"Nooo, I want to get dressed." She tried to look stern but it was a losing battle.

"But... but, wouldn't that be a waste of time? You won't be in them that long. My way's more efficient."

"And not happening, Squid." She gave him a smile, "You could help me get dressed, you know."

He looked surprised for a moment and then grinned slyly, "Yeah, I could, couldn't I? That seems only fair, seeing how I'm going to help you undress." He grabbed her hand again and led the way over to that overnight bag he'd packed for her when she first arrived at the hospital. They were halfway there when the phone rang. Harm rolled his eyes in exasperation and looked at Mac hopefully, "Wanna let it ring?"

Mac rolled her eyes right back at him, "No. What if it's Gibbs?"

"Tell him to get his own girl." Harm growled and then sighed in resignation, "Want me to answer it?" When she nodded, he walked over to the nightstand and picked up the handset, "Commander Rabb." His tone was a bit more brusque than usual. That changed almost immediately as he shot a look at Mac, "Mom! Hi, where are you?" Mac sank down on the bed, unable to contain the tiny spurt of fear. No matter how hard she tried, she'd never been able to completely banish that niggling little bit of worry that she just wasn't good enough for someone like Harm. Despite his reassurances, had the Burnetts finally reached the same conclusion?

"Uh-huh, okay... " Harm glanced over at Mac. From her expression, it wasn't hard to tell what she was thinking. He gave her a reassuring smile, "Sure, that'd be great, Mom... Okay, bye." He hung up and then went and sat down next to Mac, draping an arm across her shoulders. He gave her a little hug, "Mom and Frank, Carol and Emma are on their way here. They didn't want to overwhelm you with everyone all at once but they wanted to make sure you were okay. They should be here in about fifteen minutes."

"Fifteen minutes?" Mac's hands drifted up towards her hair, "Oh god, I'm a mess."

Harm dropped a quick kiss on her cheek, "You're gorgeous and even if you weren't, this is a hospital, not the Ritz Carlton. They know what you've been through. They're worried and they just want to reassure themselves."

Mac shot him a look that told him he was being a man again and stood up, "I need to get out of this nightgown."

Harm sighed plainatively, "THAT'S what I've been saying."

He grinned and ducked as she took a half-hearted swipe at him, "Be serious, will you?"

"Okay, okay," Harm held up his hands in surrender, "Look, why don't you just change into your sweats? That way you'll be comfortable."

She nodded as she grabbed her overnight bag and disappeared into the bathroom. Ten minutes later, she was out with her hair freshly brushed and a little bit of make-up on. She made her way back to the bed while Harm resumed his seat in the chair. They chatted of inconsequential things while they waited. Harm's main goal was to keep Mac from becoming too tense. He knew it was the waiting more than anything else. When the knock finally sounded on the door, she jumped a little. Harm patted her hand, "Steady, Marine. These are friendlies."

Mac took a deep breath and stood up as Harm went to answer the door. There was no way she could make herself remain sitting. The Burnetts were through the door first and while they stopped to greet Harm, Carol and Emma skirted around them and headed for Mac. The warmth of their embraces was reassuring and then Trish Burnett was standing in front of her. Mac went still, her smile becoming a little tentative. Trish eyed her for a moment before opening her arms, "Oh my dear, you don't know how relieved I am that you're all right." By the time, she had finished hugging Mac, Frank was waiting his turn. Emma and Carol turned to greet Harm.

Finally, they all stood smiling at each other for a moment. Mac broke the silence, "Thank you for coming down here. You don't know how much it means to me."

Trish glanced at the others before turning back to Mac, "Nonsense, it's the least we could do after hearing that awful woman." She folded her arms, "Thank goodness she's not one of our Congresspeople. I don't think California can take much more political embarrassment."

Mac looked down at the floor, "Umm, about what Mike's been saying... "

"Mac," Carol interrupted, "Don't you even dare try apologizing." She glanced at the others, "We know what's true and what's not. Your past experiences have made you who you are and I, for one, am grateful to be considered a friend."

The others nodded in agreement and Harm, who had an arm wrapped around her waist, gave her a reassuring squeeze. He looked over at his mother and Frank, "I didn't realize that you knew the Dzuricks."

Trish shook her head, "We didn't. We saw the interview on the news and were just flabbergasted. I called the news station and gave them a piece of my mind for running such a biased piece and Frank called your Admiral to see if there was anything we could do."

Harm's eyes widened as he looked at Frank, "You didn't."

Frank gave his stepson a stern look, "I did. Your Admiral was quite helpful." He glanced over at Carol, "It seems he and the Secretary of the Navy had just finished a rather interesting conversation with Her Majesty. He put me in touch with her and we started planning."

Carol smiled, "Frank is a force to be reckoned with. He arranged for the company jet to pick everyone up. Admiral Chegwidden contacted Lt. Tyler and Lt. Bell - which reminds me, Major Perez and his wife Ellie send their apologies for not coming. Their first child is due any day now." She looked over at Emma and grinned, "Robyn Walters put me in touch with Emma and here we all are. Now we just have to decide how we're going to attack this problem." Carol paused and then said dryly, "Gus is in favor of shotguns."

There was a quiet rap on the door just then and Marius Zali put his head in. He gave Mac and Harm a quick nod while he scanned the group for Carol. "Your Majesty, Gunnery Sergeant Walters and Dr. Mallard would like to come in."

Carol glanced at the two officers and saw them nod, "Of course, Marius, let them in." The pair entered and stopped. Gunny was very nearly at attention and the same could be said for Ducky. Harm stepped forward to make the introductions. Carol smiled warmly at Dubby, "I feel like I know you already. My daughter speaks quite highly of you and your family and I wanted to thank you for giving her a second home to go to while she's at Annapolis." She turned to Ducky and extended her hand, "Dr. Mallard, your reputation precedes you. It's an honor."

Ducky executed a short bow as he placed a light kiss on her hand. Straightening up, he gave her his most charming smile, "The honor is all mine, Your Majesty." Harm quickly finished up the introductions after that and then asked the question he knew Mac was most anxious about. "How's Kate?" He looked at the others, "Kate Todd is the NCIS agent that Congresswoman Elbert shot. She's been having a tough time."

Mallard put up a hand, "She's sleeping. Gibbs is with her right now. I'm afraid she's looking at a few more days in the hospital." He turned towards Mac and smiled, "On the other hand, you, my dear, have been discharged. You're free to go."

Mac looked uncomfortable, "Umm, Ducky, have you forgotten? I'm supposed to be in custody with NCIS. There's that arrest warrant that's still out there." It had been easier to ignore the implications while she was still stuck in the hospital. She didn't relish going to the brig but unless they assigned a guard to her 24/7, that was where she ought to be. She ignored the various sounds of outrage from her friends as she remained focused on the Doctor.

"Yes, well, about that... " Ducky smiled and rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced around the room, "I've discussed the matter with Gibbs and in the light of Agent Todd's testimony - which, incidentally, makes more sense considering the nature of the injuries you both suffered - he suggested that a JAG lawyer might want to contact the local DA and point out the legal consequences of false arrest and gross incompetence."

He raised his eyebrows at Harm who gave him a feral grin and a nod, "That's that, then. Until it happens, however, you may consider yourself in my custody. Just let me know where you'll be."

Mac blinked and glanced over at Harm, "I really hadn't thought about it. I guess we can go back to the hotel."

"You'll do no such thing," Trish said forcefully. "You're staying with us." She looked over at Ducky, "Your people too, Doctor, as soon as it's possible. I think it would be best if we all stayed in one location. It will be easier to plan."

Harm looked at his parents, "What did you two do? Take over a hotel?"

"Nearly," Frank answered dryly. "Actually a friend of mine has property on Bogue Island. There's a duplex that he let's some of his more deserving employees use. He's given it to me for the next week or so."

Harm looked confused, "A duplex?"

Trish smiled, "It has three stories, seven bedrooms and five baths per side and sits on the beach. I think there's enough room for everyone."

"My word," Ducky looked at the Burnetts and grinned, "On behalf of my colleagues, I accept your invitation. We'll join you as soon as Kate's able. Speaking of whom, I should get back. I'll tell Jethro of your kind offer. If you will excuse me." He turned to leave and stopped by Mac, "Don't worry, Sarah, things are looking up."

Mac smiled as she glanced at the people in the room, "I believe you're right."

Ducky followed her gaze and smiled at her, "I didn't mean just this." He looked at the two JAG officers, "Didn't someone tell you? They found your pistol, Sarah, where the Gerrymander went down."

"What?" Mac stared at him in surprise.

"Are you sure?" Harm asked at almost the same time.

Mallard raised an eyebrow, "A Glock 9mm. According to the serial number, it was issued to one Lt. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie of the US Marine Corps." He couldn't help the smug grin, "It was never fired."

"Doctor?" Trish asked, looking a little perplexed.

He turned towards her, still smiling, "Ms. Elbert claimed that the Colonel shot Kate in a struggle over the gun and then they both went overboard."

Trish grinned in understanding, "Oh."

Mac suddenly looked worried again, "What if Mike says I used Kate's gun on her? That would explain why mine hadn't been fired."

Harm spoke up, "Maybe, but it doesn't explain how your pistol wound up miles from where you and Kate were found. Say you were holding Kate's weapon, where would yours have been?"

Mac nodded slowly, "In my holster."

"Which was empty when we found you."

"I could have switched."

"Possible, but not likely. You shoot at the Expert level." Harm looked over at Ducky, "What kind of pistol does Kate use?"

"A Sig Sauer." The Doctor supplied with a bit of satisfaction. The others were watching, fascinated, as the two lawyers went through all the possible scenarios that Elbert might use to explain this damaging bit of evidence.

"A Sig Sauer," Harm repeated. He looked over at Gunny Walters, "Does it make sense for someone who shoots at the level the Colonel does to exchange her personal weapon for an unfamiliar one?"

Walters shook his head, "No, I wouldn't if there was a choice in the matter."

Harm smiled and looked down at Mac, "One last question, counselor. If you were holding two people prisoner, where would you keep the only two weapons on board?"

Mac grinned up at him, "With me, at all times."

Harm grinned back and looked around the room, "I rest my case."