SATURDAY, 3 JUNE
1420 ZULU
AIRFIELD HANGER
LEESBURG, VIRGINIA

"Harm, we need to talk about what we are going to say to the Admiral," Mac reminded him, not for the first time that morning, as she looked at him across the wing of his Stearman. Harm was in the process of disassembling the engine for cleaning and routine maintenance and had not spoken very much at all, except to ask Mac to pass him one tool or another.

Mac was getting more and more frustrated with each passing moment of silence. They had spent nearly a week opening up to each other about the feelings between them and he was suddenly shutting down again. Men, she thought with a sigh. Or maybe it was just this man in particular. Well, one way or another, Mac was determined to get him to open up to her.

"Harm, I know we had discussed this before and had decided that we didn't want to go public quite this early in our relationship," she began, forcing herself to remain calm even as he remained focused on his work, refusing to look in her direction. "But after last night, the cat does seem to be out of the bag and we have to deal with it. Harriet has probably already started going down the JAG phone roster, passing on this juicy piece of gossip."

"I'm aware of that," he stated, still concentrating on his engine work. At least he was speaking to her. That was a start.

"Then what's the problem, Harm?" Mac asked gently. "Why can't we discuss this?"

"I don't know," he said quietly. "It's just ..." He trailed off, his tone betraying his discomfort.

"Just what?" she prompted, careful to keep her tone soft and gentle. After everything they had been through, the last thing she wanted was to send him running from her again. They now had too much to lose. "Harm, come on. It's me, Sarah. Please don't shut down on me now. Not after we've come so far in the last week. Please."

Harm's hands stilled and he sighed. Even though she was moderating her tone, he could hear the frustration and hurt just below the surface. He hated that he was the reason for that hurt, but even after the events of the past week, he was still a bit uncomfortable with talking about all these deep feelings they were now exploring. Sometimes he was just able to hide it better than others. Sometimes he just didn't feel like talking and needed to be alone with his thoughts. But he could try to open up. For her.

"I guess I'm just not comfortable with our private lives being the subject of the office grapevine," he finally said, looking down at the engine part in his hands. It was easier than looking at her, easier than looking into her eyes and seeing the hurt that he knew was there, hurt that he was causing.

He's still not looking at me, Mac thought, but at least he's talking. It was a start and would suffice – for now. She just had to go slowly and get him to open up a little more. "This is not the first time either one of us has been involved in a relationship that has been the subject of gossip at work," she reminded him. "So why is this different?"

"It just is," he replied, finally setting the engine piece he held on the ground and moving to stand across the wing from her, his eyes downcast. "I don't know if I can explain. It's just ... maybe I feel that there as more at stake here. We've both already made so many mistakes with each other. I'm just ..."

"Scared?" she finished, prompting him to finally look up at her. He marveled that he couldn't see any traces of hurt in her chocolate eyes, but the small smile on her face did warm his heart.

"Harm, do you really think that I'm not scared too, even a little?" she asked. "Sometimes, when I first wake up in the morning, I find myself thinking that this is all just a dream, a fantasy life that I have to leave behind, going on with my same old confused reality. Then I realize that I'm still in your arms and that I'm finally living every dream I've ever had about the two of us.

"Or we'll be at work, just talking or maybe we're in court," she continued. "It will seem like the same old routine as before. Then we'll brush against each other or our hands will meet under the table and I'll remember what we now have and how new and exciting it is. You're right. There is more at stake here. I know that I've never felt like this about anyone before."

"I haven't either," he admitted, taking her hands in his across the wing. "Do you remember when you asked me if eternity was how long we were going to have to wait?"

Mac nodded, unable to speak. Even after they had talked about that particular misstep, it still hurt to think about it, to even mention it.

Harm squeezed her hands gently. "After this past week," he explained, "Eternity now has a different meaning. Before, you thought that was how long you were going to have to wait for me. Now, it's how long I want to spend with you."

"Oh, Harm," Mac exclaimed softly, a slight tremor evident in her voice, tears filling her eyes.

"Come on, Marine," he teased. "You're going to give the Corps a bad name."

"I don't care," she insisted. "You're getting really good at saying these incredibly sweet things to me. Before you know it, I'll be a weepy mess all the time."

"I don't know about the weepy mess part, but if I ever stop saying those sweet things to you, you have my permission to kick my six for being such an idiot again." They both laughed at that, the tension of the moment finally relieved.

"Seriously," Harm continued, feeling more relaxed. "I just don't want what other people think to affect us in any way."

"I would hope that our friends would be happy for us," Mac answered, all traces of frustration gone. Then she laughed again, "Or if they're anything like Harriet, they'll probably think that it's about time that we got our heads out of our sixes."

"Okay, point taken," Harm laughed, but then he sobered quickly. "But what about the Admiral? AJ Chegwidden, our friend and mentor, may be happy for us, but what about Admiral Chegwidden, our boss? The military doesn't exactly jump for joy at this type of situation."

"True," she admitted, "but he was able to work it out so that Bud and Harriet could remain at JAG together. Maybe he can do something like that for us. If not, then I guess we can deal with that when it happens. Let's not torture ourselves worrying about something that might not come to pass. Please?"

"Can we deal with it if one of us has to leave JAG?" Harm asked, his voice uncertain.

"We love each other, right?" she countered. "We'll still have each other, even if one of us does have to leave. Keep that in mind and I think we can make it through this."

"I'll try to remember that," he conceded.

"You'd better," Mac retorted. "Now, don't you have a plane to work on?"

"Yes, Colonel," he retorted, tossing her a mock salute. He turned back to the engine parts scattered around them. "Speaking of my plane, I was wondering ... do you think you'd like to take a few days leave around the Fourth of July and maybe fly up to Pennsylvania with me and meet my grandmother?"

Mac stared at him in wonder. He wanted to take her to meet his grandmother? This one simple request meant just as much to her as all the tender gestures and the times he'd said 'I love you' the past week. Feeling nervous suddenly, she answered hesitantly, "I'd love to meet your grandmother. I'd be honored."

-----

1450 ZULU
THE ROBERTS' RESIDENCE
ROSSLYN, VIRGINIA

"Bud, we really need to go shopping and get AJ some new clothes," Harriet told her husband as she came out of the nursery carrying their son. "He's growing like a weed." She stopped short when she saw Bud, dressed in his summer khaki uniform, picking up his briefcase, his cover already in hand. "I didn't realize you had to work today."

"I'm sorry, dear," he apologized, crossing the room to kiss both his wife and son. "Lieutenant Singer called while you were in with AJ and said she finally got in contact with that witness we've been trying to track down for the Lardon case, but he is only available to talk to us today because his daughter's getting married tomorrow. We really have to go do this interview now. The trial starts on Monday. Why don't you call and ask Colonel Mackenzie to go shopping with you?"

"Bud," Harriet reminded him, "she's probably, you know ... spending time with Commander Rabb. I wouldn't want to disturb them."

"Well ..." Bud began, interrupted by the phone ringing. Harriet, settling AJ on her hip, picked it up and said, "Hello, Roberts' residence."

"Hi, Harriet, it's Carolyn Imes."

"Hello, Commander Imes," Harriet replied. "Did you need to speak to Bud, ma'am?"

"Actually," Carolyn answered, "I called to talk to you. You know, about our little project?"

Harriet put her hand over the mouth piece and told her husband, "It's for me." Returning to the phone, she said, trying to contain her excitement, "Yes, that project. I have some news on that very topic."

Bud looked at his wife curiously, then shrugged, assuming that Harriet was working on some aspect of a case for the Commander. He put his cover on his head and waved to his family before leaving. Harriet distractedly waved back, her mind on the conversation with Carolyn.

"I was wondering if you'd like to have lunch with me today," Carolyn suggested. "We can discuss how to proceed with our little operation."

"That would be great," Harriet enthused. Here was the perfect chance to share her news with someone before she burst. "I have to go out anyway and shop for AJ. He's growing so quickly that he's outgrowing his all his clothes."

"Why don't I join you, if you don't mind?" Carolyn offered. "I wouldn't mind spending time with that little angel."

"That would be great," Harriet replied. "Bud has to interview a witness today with Lieutenant Singer, so he can't go with me. He suggested I ask the Colonel, but ... well, I can explain that when I see you."

Harriet's last statement piqued Carolyn's curiosity. What was going on with Mac? she wondered. Maybe it had something to do with the news Harriet said she had. "Just tell me where to meet you," Carolyn said. This was one outing she could not wait for.

After telling Carolyn to meet her in front of Macy's at the Pentagon Mall in an hour, Harriet said her goodbyes and hung up the phone. With a smile, she kissed her son. "Isn't it great, baby, that everyone's so happy?" she said softly, her eyes shining.

-----

1545 ZULU
THE PENTAGON MALL
ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA

Harriet exited the elevator in the parking garage and turned the corner pushing AJ's stroller to find Carolyn standing on the sidewalk outside Macy's waiting for them.

"Hi, Harriet," Carolyn greeted her, then bent down to look into the stroller. "Hi, AJ."

"Hello, Commander," Harriet replied as AJ waved his hand and smiled at Carolyn.

Straightening, Carolyn insisted, "We're off-duty and I don't see any uniforms here, Harriet. It's Carolyn."

"Sorry, ma. . . .Carolyn," Harried said. "The Colonel keeps telling me the same thing. Force of habit."

"Understood," Carolyn responded as the women walked into the mall. "I guess it's hard to forget the things that are ingrained into you from the very first day you enter boot camp. So do you want to shop first or eat?"

"Let's eat," Harriet answered. "It's almost noon and I am, pardon the expression, eating for two."

"Come on, then," Carolyn said. "The food court is downstairs."

A few minutes later, Carolyn and Harriet were settling down at a table in the food court with their food, which Harriet pulled some food she had brought along for AJ out of the bag at the back of his stroller. Carolyn didn't wait long before starting her interrogation.

"So, what is your news?" Carolyn demanded. "You sounded so vague on the phone, but you said it had to do with Harm and Mac ..."

Harriet held up her hand, laughing. "I'm beginning to think you are more excited than I am about this." She paused, enjoying leaving the other woman hanging just a little bit.

"Harriet! Come on!" Carolyn pleaded. "What's going on?"

"Well," Harriet began slowly, "you know that Bud and I went to the movies last night and Harm and Mac babysat AJ, right?"

"Come on, Harriet, I already know all this," Carolyn said, realizing that whatever news Harriet had, it must be big for her to be drawing out the moment they way she was. "Just cut to the chase. The suspense is killing me."

"Well, when Bud and I got home," Harriet continued before pausing another moment for affect, "Mac was curled up in Harm's lap and they were both asleep with their arms wrapped around each other."

"Oh my," Carolyn said, a wide smile on her face. "Not quit the same as catching them, you know, in the act or anything ..."

"Carolyn!"

Carolyn laughed. "But still, pretty incriminating circumstantial evidence," she added.

"Especially since they were acting a bit embarrassed and left rather quickly after we got home," Harriet revealed.

"Although we didn't really get to do any matchmaking here," Carolyn said. "I do have to say that is about time those two figured out what was right in front of them."

-----

2143 ZULU
MCMURPHY'S TAVERN
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

After a long day spent at the airfield while Harm worked on his plane, he and Mac decided to stop off at McMurphy's for a quick bite to eat before heading home. Making their way through the Saturday evening crowd, they grabbed a table in a back corner of the bar, out of the crush and where they could have a bit of privacy.

After a waitress came with menus and took their drink orders, Mac commented, "You know, this is a milestone for us. This is the first meal we've had in public as a couple."

"Well, as you said, the cat is apparently out of the bag," Harm said, shrugging. "Don't you think it's about time we got to go out in public?"

"Definitely," she replied firmly, leaning across the table. "No more hiding how we feel."

"No more hiding," he agreed as the waitress returned with their drinks. Lifting his glass, he suggested, "Why don't we drink to that?"

Smiling, Mac lifted her glass and touched it to his. "To no more hiding our feelings."

Across the room, Loren Singer was playing darts with another young woman with almost the same shade of blonde hair and a similar appearance. "So tell me all about your big job as a lawyer, Cousin," the other woman said. "It's been so long since we've had a chance to trade war stories about work."

"Jess, you are a doctor in an emergency room," Loren replied. "In your case, those war stories are almost literal."

"And you are in the military," Jess reminded her. "War is your business. So any big cases going on?"

"None that I'm trying," Loren said, a trace of bitterness in her voice. "My major case right now is a dereliction of duty that I'm prosecuting with Lieutenant Roberts. Decent attorney, but he's not really my kind of attorney. Doesn't seem to exhibit any real ambition. Almost too nice and so is his wife. And the case is kind of dull. Open and shut. Bor-ing."

"Well, I'm sure an attorney with your talents will soon be handling the big cases," Jess assured her. "After all, aren't you the one who plans to be the first female JAG?"

"I'm trying," Loren answered, "but there's almost this favoritism thing going on. The Admiral has his favorites and they are like the blessed few."

"So you need to get in good with this Admiral, right?" Jess asked.

"Not that easy," Loren told her. "You know that Lieutenant Roberts I mentioned? He's one of the favorites at JAG."

"He's a full Lieutenant?" Jess questioned. At her cousin's nod, she continued, "So you're the same rank. What's his secret?"

Loren replied sarcastically, "His mentors were Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie, who are the Admiral's golden children. I mean, recently there was this case where the Colonel got a hold of some information that wasn't allowed to be used in court. Privileged information. So she tries to use it and it comes out that she's seen this report that she wasn't supposed to. You know what happened to her? Barely a slap on the wrist. Almost anyone else probably would have been transferred out of Washington so fast, but not her."

"So this Colonel is big competition at work," Jess mused. "What about this Commander Rabb? Maybe you can get on his good side."

"Been there, tried that," Loren sighed. "He's an excellent attorney, confident, a bit arrogant ..."

"Sounds like your kind of attorney."

"But a tough nut to crack," Loren continued. "And he does most of his cases working with one of two attorneys."

"Let me guess," Jess interrupted. "Colonel Mackenzie or Lieutenant Roberts?"

"Exactly," Loren said, glancing around the bar. "Hmmm, what is this?" she murmured to herself as she caught sight of Harm and Mac at the back of the tavern.

"What?" Jess asked. She moved slightly to see what had Loren so transfixed. "Who's that? Cute guy. Friends of yours?"

"Hardly," Loren snapped. "Meet the infamous Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie."

"So they're the top dogs at JAG," Jess commented. "They look rather cozy back there."

"Yeah, they do," Loren replied thoughtfully. "Interesting. I know the Colonel is no longer wearing Commander Brumby's ring; it's been the talk of the office this week. But as far as I know, Commander Rabb still has a girlfriend. At least, I haven't heard anything about them going their separate ways."

"Doesn't the military frown on this kind of thing?" Jess questioned, indicating the couple.

"It does," Loren answered, the wheels in her mind turning. "It does indeed." This could be very powerful ammunition. The question was how the ambitious young attorney was going to use it.

-----

MONDAY, 5 JUNE
1058 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VIRGINIA

Harriet walked into JAG that morning wide awake and in a very good mood, despite the still early hour. Bud had grumbled a bit about Harriet's intention to head into work early, but she was anxious to get to work after the events of the weekend. This promised to be a very good day.

As the pair waited for the elevator, Carolyn joined them. "Good morning, Lieutenants," she greeted them.

"Good morning, Commander," Harriet replied. "In a bit early today, aren't you, ma'am?"

Carolyn laughed. "I'm not the only one, Lieutenant. I'm just really looking forward to work today."

What had his wife been up to? Bud wondered. "Harriet?" he asked.

"Yes, Bud?" Harriet countered, sensing what he was thinking.

The elevator arrived, cutting off Bud's response. The three officers entered and Carolyn pushed the button for their floor. Just as the doors were about to close, a voice called out, "Hold the elevator." A few seconds later, Alan Mattoni joined them and the doors shut behind him.

"Commander, Lieutenants. Seems like everyone wants to get a early start this Monday," Alan commented as the elevator rose.

Harriet looked over at Carolyn, a question in her eyes. Carolyn shrugged. "I had lunch at Alan's yesterday so we could discuss a plea bargain in one of our cases. So I told Alan and Jackie."

"Jackie was thrilled to hear that," Alan commented. "She's commented before that those two would make a 'cute' couple. And I'm very happy for them."

"I think it's nice to see our friends be happy with each other," Harriet said, shooting her husband a stern look before he could think of scolding her for being such a gossip. Bud sighed. He wasn't sure how the couple in question was going to feel about their private lives being made so public.

The four stepped out of the elevator and headed into the bullpen, finding Loren and Gunny already at their desks.

Everyone exchanged good mornings before the new arrivals headed for their respective desks or offices.

-----

A few minutes later, Bud was in the kitchen getting his morning cup of coffee when Gunny walked in, a look of concern on his face. "Gunny, is there a problem?" Bud asked.

"I'm not sure, sir," Gunny replied. "Have you heard anything recently about Ms. Peterson, Lieutenant?"

"She's back in California as far as I know," Bud replied, not revealing that Harm had told him that he and Renee had gone their separate ways. "Why do you ask?"

"Well, sir, Lieutenant Singer was asking about her, if she and Commander Rabb were still seeing each other, that kind of thing," Gunny explained. "I normally don't discuss such things at work, but I thought I should mention it to someone. It sounded rather odd to me."

"It does sound strange," Bud agreed. "That you for telling me, Gunnery Sergeant. I'll handle it."

"Thank you, sir," Gunny replied, pouring his own cup of coffee before heading back to his desk.

Bud was still standing in the kitchen, his coffee cup in hand, when his wife walked in a few minutes later. "Bud, what's wrong?" she asked, noting the distant look on his face.

Bud shook his head. "I'm not sure, but Gunny said Lieutenant Singer has been asking questions about Commander Rabb and Ms. Peterson," he told her, keeping his voice down so people passing by wouldn't hear.

"That's strange," Harriet said. "Didn't the Commander tell us early last week that they were no longer seeing each other and that she had gone back to California?"

"Yes," Bud said. "But the question is, why would Lieutenant Singer care about Commander Rabb and Ms. Peterson?"

"That is a good question, Bud," Harriet replied thoughtfully. Harriet tried to think nice about everyone, but something told her that Lieutenant Singer was up to no good.

-----

By the time the Admiral entered JAG Headquarters at half past seven, two very different stories about Harm and Mac's relationship had already spread like wildfire throughout the building. By the time he reached the bullpen, the Admiral was very concerned and a bit angry with what he had been hearing in the hallways.

"Admiral on deck," Gunny called out, everyone snapping to attention as the Admiral entered.

Instead of the customary 'As you were', the Admiral paused for a moment and looked around the bullpen. "People, this is a military establishment, not a gossip convention," he said firmly. "Let's get to work, people. Leave the gossip outside." With one more glance around the bullpen, the Admiral finally added, "As you were."

Continuing on to his office, he paused at Gunny's desk, leaning close so only he would hear. "When Commander Rabb and Colonel Mackenzie arrive, please inform them that I would like to see them in my office," AJ ordered.

"Yes, sir," Gunny replied. He too had been hearing bits of the gossip floating around the building and with the questions that Singer had been asking earlier, he had the feeling that she was behind the more malicious of the two stories. Since he had informed Lieutenant Roberts of the questions, Gunny felt confident that the Commander and the Colonel would be informed as well. He truly like both officers, and after the disaster a few months earlier with Tiner, Gunny had learned to keep his nose out of the private lives of his coworkers and to never assume anything about said private lives.

-----

Harm and Mac finally made their appearance just before eight, they were surprised at how quiet the bullpen was. As they glanced around, they noticed that everyone seemed to be avoiding looking at them - or at each other, for that matter. They shot each other a questioning glance as they headed for their respective offices.

Off to the side, Mac noticed Gunny motioning to them and she changed direction to head for his desk. After a moment, she rejoined Harm, who had paused just outside his office to wait for her. "The Admiral would like to see both of us in his office," she quietly told him.

"You don't think ...?" Harm asked, just as quietly.

"I don't know, but something's going on around here," Mac replied, "and I think we're about to find out what."

After stashing their covers and briefcases in their respective offices, they headed for the Admiral's office together while, across the bullpen, Loren noticed and allowed herself a small satisfied smile.

-----

Harm and Mac were told by Tiner to go straight into the Admiral's office. Entering, they found their commanding officer standing behind his desk, looking out the window, and came to attention in front of his desk.

"Commander Rabb, Colonel Mackenzie, reporting as ordered, sir," Harm said sharply.

"At ease," AJ said, turning to them and taking his seat. He looked them over for a moment before starting, "Now, I normally do not involve myself in my officers' personal lives, as long as they come to work and do their jobs. But I've been hearing some things this morning that, to be honest, are a bit disturbing."

Harm and Mac exchanged a quick glance before Harm began, "Admiral, I think I know ..." before AJ held up his hand.

"Please, let me finish, Commander," he insisted. "Now, as I was saying, I normally don't involve myself in the private lives of my officers. But, given some of the things I've been hearing, I feel I need to ask a few questions in this particular case."

Standing, he walked around the desk to stand in front of them. Looking at Harm, he asked, "Commander, what is the status of your relationship with Ms. Peterson?"

Mac glanced at Harm out of the corner of her eye. She had the sinking feeling that she knew where this was heading. Someone had been spreading stories about them, she feared, and it wasn't Harriet. Her breakup with Mic was public knowledge since everyone had noticed she wasn't wearing his ring anymore, but as far as she knew, Bud and Harriet were the only ones besides her who knew about Harm's breakup with Renee. She vowed privately that whoever was doing this was going to be very sorry for calling into question Harm's integrity.

"Sir, Ms. Peterson has returned to California, I believe," Harm replied carefully. "She and I parted ways the day after the Surface Warfare Ball." He also had the feeling that he knew what this was about and was very curious to find out who was behind it. He was furious that someone would try to make Mac sound like 'the other woman'.

AJ nodded, inwardly relieved. He had known both Harm and Mac too long to believe that particular story which was making the rounds, but as a commanding officer, he did need to make sure it would not interfere with his command. And he suspected that they would uncover who was behind that story and deal with him or her.

"Good," he finally said. "Now that we've gotten that out of the way, is there anything that you feel the need to tell me?"

"Actually, there is, Admiral," Harm answered. "You see, Mac and I ... well, sir, we are seeing each other. Socially, I mean." Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Mac give him a reassuring smile.

"I see," AJ said, not really surprised. Even before what had happened at the Sydney Airport in Australia, he had known that there were feelings stronger than friendship between them. Hell, he'd half been expecting something like this ever since he had first introduced the two and warned them not to get involved. As a friend, he was happy for them, but as a commanding officer, he did have to worry about running an efficient office. Not that he expected there to be any problems. They were both too professional to let that happen.

"And you don't expect this 'development' to interfere with your work in any way?" He still did have to ask.

"No, sir," Mac answered this time, the first she'd spoken since they entered the office. "It hasn't so far." Inwardly, she breathed a sigh of relief. The Admiral seemed to be taking this very well.

"Good," AJ replied. "Then as I said before, as long as it doesn't interfere with work, I don't interfere with my officers' personal lives." He paused, looking from one to the other before continuing, "However, if you two decide to make things permanent, shall we say, then we will need to revisit this discussion."

They both nodded. "Understood, sir," Mac replied, echoed by Harm. "You'll be one of the first to know when we make any decisions about our future," Harm added.

"Very well," AJ told them. "That will be all."

Harm and Mac snapped to attention, saying, "Aye, aye, sir," before turning to leave. As they reached the door, AJ called after them, "Commander, Colonel, just one more thing."

They paused, Harm's hand on the doorknob. "Yes, sir?" he asked.

"Try not to have any fights in the office," AJ told them. "Then I won't have to confine you to a submarine for two weeks as punishment."

Harm and Mac almost smiled at the reference to their previous experience on a submarine together, which had come on the heels of a very public blowup between the two at work. Definitely not an experience either was anxious to repeat. "No, sir," Mac replied as Harm opened the door.

In the outer office, they both exhaled, glad that they were over that hurdle. "That went fairly well," Mac pointed out.

"Fairly," Harm agreed, "but I'd really like to know where that other story came from."

"So would I, Harm. So would I."

-----

To be continued…