AN: Thanks again for the reviews. It helps me to know that people like my story. This chapter is kind of short and not much happens. I have great ideas for the next few chapters. I just have to get through these slow ones first. Hang with me and I promise that more twists in the plot are coming. Hopefully soon. :) Sorry in advance for any errors.

Chapter 8 Online Talking

Saturday Afternoon

New suit room 748

4:30pm

Brumby and Renee help Harm and Mac moving into a new room the concierge had set up for them. They finally got adjusted and were able to take a look at the journal that had been written by Cabe, one of the last investigators.

"Hey, check this out." Mac said turning to the last page. "I know we're getting closer to finding out who this sabotager is. The only thing Barry and I could think of was that the sabotager is somehow connected with Iraq. The money that is being sent overseas helps fund the troops with supplies. That could be why this person had targeted this ship. We are getting closer to something. Some people might not be as they appear."

"Why didn't we think of that?" Mac asked looking at Harm, as Cabe's words echoed in her mind.

"It must have slipped our minds somehow," Harm replied.

"Ok, what are you guys talking about?" Renee asked.

"We have a motive. If the sabotagers wanted to stop this money from helping the troops all he are she would have to do is shut down this liner."

"That's an interesting theory," Brumby said. "But do you have any idea yet of whom it could be?"

'Not a clue,' Mac thought.

"Not yet," Harm said. "But we now have a defendant motive. We've only been on this ship for two days so far. We still have time." Harm got up. His stomach was growling and he realized that they hadn't eaten in a while. "Anyone want me to order room service for dinner?"

"Someone must have seen something," Mac said eating the chicken, bean, cheese burrito Harm had ordered for her.

"We'll keep our ears open," Brumby said. "We might hear something," he added finishing off his food.

"After all, people have been talking non stop about that fire," Renee said scooping her chip into the spicy hot sauce. "We're bound to hear something."

"Hopefully we can catch this person soon. I mean he or she might resort to even more dangerous tactics to throw us off their trail and to get us to leave." Harm picked the peppers out of his burrito.

Brumby looked up at him. "At least you found that journal and know of a reason why these people are doing what they are doing."

Later on….

Mac and Harm were finally alone in their new room.

"I loved our last room but this one has a better view," she said, as they gazed out the door onto the balcony. The door was open, and a cool breeze blew through their room.

"Yeah," Harm agreed, as the sun dipped almost out of sight. "I think Marks is trying to make up for giving us the same room the last investigators had."

"I think your right," Mac laughed. "Hey, our lives were put in danger, the least they could do was give us a nice room."

"You know what, I never got a chance to send a message to Bud," Harm said.

"I'm not sure he's still in," Mac said, "but you can try."

"What time is it?" He asked unable to see the clock from where he was sitting.

"5:35," Mac said without even looking at the clock.

"5:35 already?" Harm asked surprised.

"And thirty seconds," Mac added with a smile.

"Where did the day go?"

"I guess we spent most of the day investigating the scene of the fire then cleaning up our room," Mac said. "Listen I'm going to take a nice warm bath, so tell Bud I said hello."

Harm turned on his portable lab top and logged on to the internet. He felt lucky that this room had a line onto the internet. Their old room didn't have one and he would have had to go down to the library on the forth floor to use it. This room certainly had its benefits.

He typed in his instant messenger password and thought of what to ask Bud.

Hey, Bud, It's Harm. How are things going back at JAG? He paused for a minute hopping Bud was on.

It's good to hear from you Commander, Bud typed back. Things are going great. Well everything but the endless amount of paper work.

Is it that bad?

Not too bad. The General seems to think I don't get enough work around here. Oh…Harriet and I are thinking of throwing a get together at my house in the next couple of weeks. Do you think you and the Colonel could make it?

Hopefully, we haven't seen little AJ in a while.

He's been talking about the two of you.

Tell him that we've been thinking of him too.

How are things going on the ship? I bet you have the case practically solved.

Not exactly. We've been thrown many surprises already and we've only been here two days.

Surprises? Bud asked.

So far we have no suspects, our room has been ransacked, there's been a fire, and oh did I mention that Renee and Brumby are here?"

Whoa, slow down. Renee and Brumby are there with you on the ship?

Yeah.

That sounds interesting. How's Brumby doing?

Apparently extremely well. He's dating Renee now.

Wow that must have been a surprise. How are you holding up?

It was a surprise, and I'm fine I've been over Renee for years now. I'm just happy that Brumby and Renee are happy together.

So Brumby doesn't hold any grudges against the two of you, if you don't mind me asking.

Not that I know of.

Oh, sorry. I have to go. The Generals is coming this way. It was good to talk with you. If you need any information on anything I'd be happy to help you.

Thanks, and I'll talk to you later Bud. The Colonel says hello.

Tell her I said hello too, Bud said shutting off his computer, as the General entered.

"Roberts, busy at work I presume," Cresswell said.

"I'm just finishing up this paper work," Bud said.

"Aw, I see. By any chance, was that the Commander you were talking to?"

"Yes," Bud replied hesitantly.

"Did he say how things were going?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"It's harder to find the person responsible than he thought it would be.

"Oh, well if he talks with you again keep me informed about his progress."

"Will do, sir."

"And Roberts…"

"Yes?"

"Go home. It's almost 5:50."

"Yes, sir," Bud said snapping to attention as Cresswell went out. He gathered up this belongings and left for the evening.

End of chapter 8