Disclaimer: I do not own any part of JAG but am borrowing a bit. Dani and other original characters I do own. Additionally, I've introduced the subject of rebel forces in Kazakhstan, but these are strictly fictional situations. I do not wish to offend anyone or present the actual country in a negative light.

A/N: Sorry this one is a bit short, but I wanted to get it out there. I have a huge event coming up at work this week and between that, father's day, and family graduation parties, it's been a little crazy. I'll try to make next chapter a bit longer. Happy reading!

0115 ZULU

EMBASSY OF KAZAKHSTAN

WASHINGTON, D.C.

"Thank you," Mac said, as Harm helped her out of the limo in near the embassy.

"You're welcome," he smiled briefly at her then turned his focus to Dani, who glanced to ensure they were following and continued down the path to the front doors with Luka.

"They're treating us like the help you," Mac watched Dani as well.

"What are you talking about?"

"The entire time I was in France, Luka bent over backwards to be chivalrous," she took his arm, "But tonight he's walked through every door first."

"Mac, don't you think you're a bit hypersensitive?"

"They spoke only in French to exclude me from their conversation."

"Now you're being ridiculous."

"I am not," she glared at him, "Dani has that unexplained animosity toward the French in general, and both of them prefer to speak in Russian."

"Maybe they felt like French tonight."

"You can't actually believe that," she looked at him and he shrugged, "You and I both know that Dani can be vindictive and manipulative if she wants to."

"She's your sister, you know her better than I do."

"Come on."

"Yes, the French thing was probably intentional," he relented.

"Thank you," they caught up with Dani and Luka at the door and entered the embassy as a group. Within moments of walking in, the ambassador met them.

"Kosh Keldinizder," he came over to greet the group, and gave Luka a warm handshake, "Good to see you again, Luka."

"Qayirly Kesh Ambassador," Luka replied in Kazakh before switching back to English, "My brother Mika sends his regards. Unfortunately he and his wife got food poisoning last night."

"How terrible," the ambassador turned to Dani and his hand flew to his chest in faux shock, "Countess Daniela, it has been years."

"Too many years," Dani slipped into the role of socialite as he kissed her hand.

"In that time you have grown into a stunning young woman," he assessed and she smiled demurely, "When was it that I last saw you?"

"Six years ago, at your daughter's wedding."

"Of course," he said, "You have an excellent memory, Countess."

"Thank you, but it would be hard to forget such a beautiful affair. Sveta made a lovely bride."

"Thank you. I'm sure you will do the same one day soon," he turned his attention to Mac and Harm, "Now, introduce me to your guests before they conclude that I am horribly rude."

No one could conclude that Ambassador," she laughed, "This is my half-sister, Marine Corps Major Sarah MacKenzie and her date Navy Lieutenant Commander Harmon Rabb. They are both part of the Judge Advocate General Corps."

"It's nice to meet you, Commander," he shook hands with Harm.

"That it is, sire," he answered.

"But I must say it is nicer to meet you, Major," he kissed Mac's hand.

"Thank you, Ambassador," Mac smiled as expected of her.

"Judge Advocate General," the ambassador repeated, "Does that make you both lawyers?"

"Yes it does, sir," Harm answered for them.

"Well the, Major, that is another stereotype you do not confirm."

"I'm sorry, sir, I don't follow."

"Well, had I not been told otherwise, I never would have guessed that you were a lawyer or a Marine," he elaborated, giving Mac a subtle once over, "Which I'm still not sure I believe."

"You think I would lie to you, Ambassador?" Dani broke in, knowing her sister's feelings about men judging her by appearance, "Because if you have any doubts, I am sure the major would take you out back."

"I don't doubt you," the ambassador laughed, "You have a wonderful sense of humor, Countess."

"I try to make up for what my uncle lacks," she smiled back.

"You said it not me," as his laugh died down, he continued, "Now, I must take you and Luka to meet some people. Commander, Major, have a drink and enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you, sir," Harm said as they walked away, "We will."

"Well, now what would you like to do?" Mac asked.

"It's up to you, date," he stressed the last word with a flyboy grin.

"Hey, as the ambassador said, 'her words not mine,'" she laughed, following his gaze to Dani, who was getting her hand kissed by yet another group of men.

"She's quite the social butterfly," Harm observed, "She looks like she was born to do this."

"Groomed more like it," she smirked.

"Of course."

"So, mingle or dance?" she named the two options that would keep Dani in their field of vision.

"I know how you to mingle," he considered eliciting a 'not funny' glare from her, "But I prefer to dance. May I?"

"Of course," she took his arm and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

"Uh-oh."

"What?" her eyes snapped to Dani who was politely chatting away.

"Not her, him," he indicated to a man approaching them.

"Who's he?"

"A long-winded man I met a couple of years ago," he answered, "Prepare to mingle."

"Great," she muttered, quickly hiding her pained face behind a smile.

A/N: Time for you guys to review. I love hearing what all you think about my writing!

Bite Beccy: Luka is quite sketchy…but if he suddenly fell victim to a heart attack the story would be over…

chantelmac: All in good time…

smithknk: Thanks! I get frustrated being creative with my characters, and I'm happy you like them!

RadioRox: I'm a FF writer with ADD…I'm easily distracted but I'm trying to improve…

Starryeyes, AB, Southernqt , Abigaile, MartinaCruz, alisky, charming-kailie, crazybum964, MacHarm4ever: Thanks for reading!