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August 2007, Friday
- JAG headquarters, early afternoon
"The accused and his defense may rise."
Mac - Colonel Sarah 'Mac' Mackenzie - quickly consulted her inner clock. Darn it, she would be late for her meeting with Captain Sebring. She really hadn't thought this case would take more than this morning but God only knew what had gotten into Turner... Oh, well, whatever. She'll get it over with today, spent some time of her weekend to verify what she had in mind for punishment - not that there were many possibilities - and close this court on Monday. Hopefully it would be cooler then.
She refocused on the young face beside Tiner.
"Private first class Christopher Vendell, this court finds you guilty of the following charges..." Quickly she listed the paragraphs and their descriptions, reading from her notes. "Sentencing will commence Monday 1130. Court is in recess."
She banged her gavel and rose from her seat. As she left the courtroom she noticed that the young Marine had turned obviously upset to his defense. Tiner had a hard time calming him down. The disturbingly cold look of the only visitor in the courtroom escaped her attention.
Once outside Mac allowed herself to shake her head. What had that boy expected? He had destroyed some thousands of US dollars, disobeyed orders and endangered not only himself but three other people too. The evidence had been devastating. Sometimes she really wondered what might go on in heads like his.
"Ma'am? Here are the files for your meeting with Captain Sebring. This phone call came in while you have been in court and may I take this?"
"Yes, thank you, Nancy."
Mac traded files with her assistant and smiled warmly at the ensign. She reminded her very much of the young Harriet Sims despite her dark hair. It was the same mixture of dedication, charm and curiosity. And like Harriet she tended to be a little bit too nosy every now and then. Nevertheless, she knew she could consider herself lucky as long as she would have her. But, God, she seemed to be so young. Sometimes they all seemed to be so young. Or maybe it was just she feeling older.
"I don't think I'll need you afterwards so there's no reason for you to stay longer too. Especially in this heat. Have a good weekend."
"Thank you, ma'am. I will." Ensign Arden came to attention and smiled.
Mac had already taken off down the corridor her heels hammering a steady rhythm on the floor. Since she had become a regular judge her life was even more hectic than ever before but she liked it. Being busy prevented her from thinking too much. From remembering. From regretting.
Oh, and there were lots of things to regret.
The loss of her deepest wish: To have children of her own. What a joke. Endosmosis. Sometimes even the fact that it hadn't been the dreaded cancer didn't console her much considering that she was - and had maybe always been - infertile. And four percent had turned out to be not enough.
Then there was her marriage with Harm. Just the thought was enough to bring back the pain she had felt over and over again. After all those years they had finally, finally taken the last step ... and they had spoiled it. Somehow she had forgotten an important fact: Yes, a place didn't change who one was - but neither did a marriage. People didn't change who they were just because they were married. People didn't stop hurting each other just because of a marriage especially when it had always happened unintentionally or without knowing it by some casually spoken words... She had been such a fool.
She couldn't even blame it on Harm alone although she really wished she could from time to time. It would make things ... easier. But it wouldn't be fair. It always took two. Two who were not careful enough, two to misinterpret the things that were said or done. Two to fight with each other. They had always been so good at fighting with each other. She should have listened to herself. Should have listened to her own words after Paraguay. Some things WERE impossible. Physically and emotionally. Like being on top at the same time.
Taking a deep breath Mac shoved these thoughts aside. She had become very good at shoving things aside. It kept her sane.
Steeling herself Mac tucked a short strand of hair behind her ear and knocked at the door of the conference room. She couldn't help being a little bit nervous as she entered. She was a judge herself now but to face Sebring still brought back the old respect she had always felt in his courtroom. And the fact that he was on the brink of becoming a rear admiral lower half didn't help much.
"Captain Sebring, sorry I'm late. The Vendell case took longer than expected."
"Not at all, Colonel. Have a seat."
They sat down and Sebring frowned.
"The Vendell case... Isn't that that one where you have received anonymous letters? Three if I remember correctly."
"Four now, sir."
"Four! I think we should-"
"Sir, with all due respect. I still don't think we must take this overly seriously. Vendell might be angry and upset but he - well, simply isn't the type to make good of a threat. Commander Sturgis agrees with me in that case."
"Well, we'll see. If there're more letters - even just one - we'll put that up to the top of the investigation list. This is getting past of what is tolerable. Now, back to business..."
Glad to be off the hook Mac shuffled her notes while Sebring put on his reading glasses. She felt uncomfortable about those letters but on the other hand really didn't want to draw that much attention to it. She was still new in her position and if General Cresswell got the impression she'd freak out at the slightest problem... Although Cresswell had shown her years ago that he was willing to let the past rest that didn't mean he would not monitor any of her steps if necessary. No, no, it was better to play it down at the moment.
Shaking these thoughts off she concentrated entirely on the task at hand. It really was an honor to take care of Sebring's cases while he would be on holiday but considering that it needed three briefings to hand them over... An hour later her head was reeling from all the things she would have to do.
Wishing Sebring a good time Mac headed for her office, flipping through her notes. Thank God she was able to find her way through the corridors of JAG headquarters on autopilot. Still totally occupied and her eyes firmly glued to the papers she reached the right door, pushed it open and stepped in.
Her foot hit something unusual.
It sounded wet.
Then she smelled it.
Slowly Mac shifted her files to the side so she was able to look down. Her left shoe stood in a red puddle. As she lifted her head her gaze swept through the office and she gasped.
JAG headquarters, Falls Church, Virginia
Harm stormed recklessly through the crowd gathered in the corridors leading to the offices of the judges.
"Where is Colonel Mackenzie? Has anybody seen Colonel Mackenzie?"
He glanced in her office and pressed his lips together.
"Sergeant, have you seen-"
"I think she's in the ladies' room."
Harm turned on his heel and made a bee-line for the mentioned facilities. Pushing the door open he walked right in.
"Mac?"
"Didn't you notice the sign on the door?"
Mac stood in front of the sinks and held one of her shoes in her hand, rubbing it with some paper towels. She didn't look at her former partner and husband.
"I told you! I told you this is no joke! Do you believe me NOW?"
"Harm. This is paint! Red paint!" Mac waved her shoe in front of his face. "It isn't like someone murdered a cat in my office or something. It just smells as if I redecorated it."
"By splashing paint all over your desk, chairs, walls and the floor!"
"You know what I mean." Mac returned to rubbing her shoe.
"You're taking this not seriously enough!"
"I'm taking it seriously! This will go up at the top of the priority list and whoever did it will regret it dearly. I'm just not overreacting."
"You will not stay alone in your apartment this weekend."
"Excuse me?" Mac spun around.
"You will NOT STAY ALONE in your apartment this weekend! It's too dangerous."
"First and most of all this is NOT your decision and second I will not allow anybody to rule my life with hollow threats-"
"Mac, someone has just painted the words 'you will pay for that' on the wall of your office!"
"I'm a Marine; I can take care of myself! A fact you have never got into your head!"
"Now you're acting like a child!"
Instantly Harm regretted his words. Quickly he held up his hands just as Mac lifted the shoe, ready to throw it at him.
"No, Mac, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. Darn it, you know how I am."
"All too well," grumbled Mac but lowered her weapon. Sighing she reluctantly admitted to herself that her former partner was probably right.
"Fine. I see your point. I'll spend the weekend in a hotel."
"You shouldn't be alone."
"Harm-," Mac started warningly but was interrupted by a different voice.
"In that I agree with Commander Rabb."
Turning in surprise they found Captain Sebring standing in the doorway. They blushed simultaneously. Sebring ignored their embarrassment.
"This is getting out of control. Maybe I should order one of the guards to accompany you for the weekend..."
"Sir, this really isn't necessary."
"Sir, if I may make a suggestion: I can cancel my weekend plans and take care that-"
"Oh, no, you will not! I will NOT stay at your apartment and you will NOT cancel your trip to San Diego! Coates said you PROMISED your mother you'll come to Frank's birthday this time and if you excuse yourself again she'll forgive you in about a hundred years if ever! I will NOT be to blame for that!"
"Mac!"
"Harm!"
Sebring cleared his throat loudly, ending the argument effectively.
"I'd say that's enough. You two are worse than you have ever been in the courtroom!" He glared at Harm. "Commander, I don't think your suggestion is the best solution in this case." He turned to Mac. "But Colonel, you will not be alone this weekend and that's an order. Unfortunately General Cresswell has already left but I think my authority should be enough for that. Otherwise I'm sure I can reach him on his cell phone if necessary..."
"No," Mac assured hastily, "No, of course this is not necessary. I'm sure I can find something - uh - suitable."
"Good. I will leave it in your hands but call me as soon as you've made your arrangements. Colonel. Commander." With a last glare Sebring stepped outside and allowed the door to fall shut.
Involuntarily Harm and Mac exhaled at the same time then glanced at each other.
