Disclaimer: None of the JAG characters are mine, they belong to Donald Bellisario and CBS and whatnot.

Yay, more story. Again, thanks so much for the reviews:-D About rescuing Harm, theoretically in a few more chapters, I want to deal with people's reactions and Vukovic a bit first. But rest assured, he will eventually be saved, if a little worse for wear. As for what Cresswell thinks of Vukovic... wait and see. (evil grin then whistles innocently) Anyways, enough of that. Thanks again for reading! Enjoy!

Bethesda

0330 ZULU

Mac leaned against the counter, carefully balanced with one crutch as she filled out the various paperwork required for discharge. Absently she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, expression carefully blank as she gazed at the papers. She reached the emergency contact section and hesitated. Normally she'd have filled out Harm's information but suddenly that wasn't an option and she didn't know what to do. Finally she sighed softly and wrote down Admiral Chegwidden's, figuring he was probably the best idea.

Out of the corner of her eye she could see Lieutenant Vukovic also filling out papers though she ignored him. She saw him finish and glance over at her, clearly about to ask if she needed a ride home. Unfortunately, her car was still at her apartment and she did actually need the ride. On second thought, I'd rather shoot myself that let him take me home, maybe I'll just call a cab, she decided. Taking a deep breath she braced herself for the coming question. But just as he opened his mouth to speak she heard a completely different voice ring out, "Colonel!"

Mac looked up curiously, glancing around. Then she spotted the owner of the voice and broke into a grin, "Bud!" She spied the commander's wife exiting the elevator behind him, "Harriet!" Vaguely she registered Vukovic's irritation at being interrupted but he plastered on a fake smile as he turned to look at the approaching officers.

Bud and Harriet paused, nodding briefly to the lieutenant though Mac noticed their greeting was somewhat less than enthusiastic, "Lieutenant."

"Commander," Vukovic smiled, seemingly oblivious to the cold reception. Turning his attention to Harriet he arched an eyebrow in confusion, glancing at Mac as if to ask her to explain.

Mac simply glanced at Bud, a faint smile hovering on her lips. Bud took Harriet's hand and casually introduced her, "Lieutenant Vukovic, this is my wife, Lieutenant Roberts."

Vukovic flashed a grin that Mac supposed was meant to be charming, "Pleasure to meet you, Lieutenant."

Harriet nodded and smiled in return though Mac noticed it was somewhat more restrained than usual. She frowned slightly and cocked her head, arching an eyebrow slightly at Harriet when the younger woman redirected her gaze towards the Colonel. Harriet simply smiled brighter, this time fully ecstatic, "Ma'am, it's so good to see you!"

Mac laughed softly, reaching out with the arm not holding a crutch to hug Harriet. "It's good to see you too, Harriet. What are you two doing here, where are the kids?"

Bud grinned, stepping up to give Mac a gentle hug also as he answered, "The kids are in bed, Mike's watching them so we could come meet you."

Mac smiled as she glanced from one to the other, "Well I appreciate you coming. What's the General have to say about all this?"

Bud glanced down at his wife then back at Mac, grinning, "You can ask him yourself in a moment. He, Commander Turner, and Admiral Chegwidden should be on their way up by now."

Mac blinked in surprise. After a moment she found her voice, "The Admiral is here?"

Vukovic spoke up, looking completely confused, "Admiral Chegwidden?"

Mac glanced over but Bud beat her to the answer, "Admiral Chegwidden was the JAG for over eight years." He looked back at Mac, "And yes, he's here, said he wanted to see for himself that you were still in one piece."

Vukovic's eyes widened in shock. He couldn't fathom why the Colonel's former CO would come out here to meet her at the hospital. He studied the small group in front of him curiously; Mac was talking quietly with Harriet about the kids, while Bud looked on, periodically shooting a glance at the elevator. Vukovic followed his gaze and automatically straightened as the doors opened and a distinguished, older man exited followed closely by General Cresswell and Commander Turner. Though all were in civilian clothes he couldn't help but come to attention, hoping to make a good impression.

"Well, Colonel, I see you managed to get yourself home in one piece again."

Mac glanced up sharply then automatically came to attention as best she could though her face broke into a huge grin, "Yes, sir."

Chegwidden half grinned, "Relax, Mac, we're not in uniform. And I'm retired, call me AJ."

Mac relaxed against the counter, still grinning, "Yes, sir." She looked over at the other two newcomers, "General, Commander."

General Cresswell and Sturgis both smiled, Cresswell nodding an acknowledgement, "Good to see you both alive and well."

Chegwidden merely rolled his eyes at Mac's insistence on calling him sir before stepping over and hugging her lightly. As he held her he murmured softly, "You holding up ok, Mac?"

She shook her head slightly against his shoulder, "I've definitely been better, AJ."

He released her and stepped back, looking down in concern. She smiled slightly at him, though her eyes hinted at the depths of emotional pain buried inside. AJ cocked his head slightly as he took in the crutch and cast, "How badly are you hurt?"

She shrugged slightly, "I've been worse." He pinned her with a glare, clearly expecting a more informative answer. With a sigh she elaborated, "Broken ankle, three cracked ribs, four bruised, gunshot graze and various bumps, bruises, and scrapes." At the look on AJ's face she stated calmly, "I'll be fine, sir."

Cresswell looked over at Vukovic, "And you, lieutenant?"

"Oh, uh… just a cracked rib, few bruised and some scratches." He was eyeing Mac, clearly having had no prior knowledge of how extensive her wounds were. He missed the looks everyone else shot him, all wondering just how come he'd gotten off so lightly in comparison.

Breaking the sudden lull in conversation Sturgis stepped forward, "Mac, good to see you well."

Mac gazed back at him, clearly searching for something. Apparently finding it she smiled slightly and nodded, "Thanks, Sturgis."

He looked at her hesitantly before asking wryly, "Permission to hug the Colonel?"

Everyone chuckled though the Admiral glanced speculatively at Sturgis. When he'd left the pair had been fairly good friends and now it was obvious something had changed. Mac just grinned and held out her arm, "Of course." Softly she whispered in his ear, "I'm sorry I couldn't get Harm out, Sturgis."

He pulled back and looked down at her with a sad smile, "I know you tried your best, Mac. We'll get him back." She nodded slightly, inwardly relieved that he didn't appear to blame her. Of all her friends she'd feared Sturgis' reaction the worst. Though he and Harm, as well as he and her, had been having a rough time recently, she knew he still cared about his old friend. Just as she knew that Harm still cared for him, even if the two of them were having issues with each other at the moment.

Sturgis stepped back then looked over at Vukovic, holding out a hand, "Good to see you in one piece as well, Lieutenant." Vukovic smiled slightly and shook Sturgis' hand firmly.

Chegwidden glanced over, appearing puzzled, "Who are you?"

"Lieutenant Gregory Vukovic, sir."

"Oh," AJ frowned slightly. He glanced at Mac and noticed her expression; he looked at her curiously only to be met with a slight smile.

"Admiral, I had to list someone as my emergency contact," she hesitated slightly.

He didn't let her finish, simply declaring, "Put me down, Mac."

She smiled wryly and nodded, "Already did, sir."

"Good. Well, I imagine you need a ride home then, right?"

"Yes, sir." He arched an eyebrow at her. She chuckled softly, smiling unrepentantly.

With a mock disgusted look he chose to ignore her response, "Well hurry up then, it's getting late."

Bud, Harriet, and Sturgis exchanged looks, grinning in amusement at the conversation. Cresswell also seemed entertained though Vukovic merely looked puzzled. Mac nodded, grabbing her other crutch, "I'm done, sir. Just need to grab my bag."

"I've got it," Chegwidden bent over and swiftly grabbed Mac's sea bag. She opened her mouth to protest and he pinned her with a glare, "What? Think because I'm retired I can't handle it, Colonel?"

Mac suppressed a smile, "No, sir."

"Good." He glared for a moment longer then looked over at Cresswell. "Do you need her for anything else, General?"

Cresswell shook his head, "No, sir." He looked at Mac, "You're on medical leave for two weeks, Colonel. At that time the decision will be made as to whether to return you to duty or give you more leave."

Mac nodded, "Yes, sir. Thank you, sir."

He waved off her thanks, "Just get well, Colonel."

She nodded again. With a final round of hugs she shook Vukovic's hand then turned and limped off after the Admiral. Bud and Harriet watched the pair leave then turned to the General, "We should be leaving also, sir."

"Of course, I'll see you in the office tomorrow." They both shook his hand then headed for the elevator. Sturgis also took his leave, joining the Roberts in heading home. Cresswell looked over at Vukovic, "Looks like it's just you and me, lieutenant."

"Yes, sir."

"You're also on medical leave for one week. After that you'll be assessed for limited duty."

Vukovic nodded slightly, straightening, "Yes, sir."

Cresswell nodded briefly, "Do you have a way home, lieutenant?"

"Yes, sir, I've already called for a cab."

"Very good, have a good night." With that the general turned and left, leaving Vukovic standing by himself at the hospital desk. He sighed, smiled slightly at the nurse on duty and headed towards the elevators, intent on getting home and sleeping.

"You sure you'll be ok on your own, Mac?"

Mac sighed, leaning against the doorframe with a half smile, "I'll be fine, sir. I promise." AJ eyed her for a moment as if trying to decide whether to believe her. Mac shook her head ruefully, "Honest, I've had worse."

Finally he relented, "I know. I swear, between you and Rabb…" he trailed off as he saw her face go blank. Though there was no outward expression of sorrow he knew he'd blundered by mentioning the commander's name. Mentally kicking himself he started to apologize, "Colonel, I…"

Mac smiled wanly and cut him off, "Don't worry about it, sir. Thanks for the ride, I think I'll go call Jen and Mattie then call it a night." She'd asked casually in the car why Jen hadn't been there also only to be told that Harm's former ward had come in town and that Jen's car wouldn't start. She'd promised AJ that she would call them though she'd been planning to anyways, knowing they both had to be worried sick about Harm.

Thinking about him caused her gut to clench with worry. It was so hard to come to grips with the reality that they were now on opposite sides of the globe. Only unlike other separations she had no idea where he was or even if he was alive. Briefly she wondered if this was how he'd felt when she'd gone missing in Paraguay. With a shudder she stopped that train of thought. She didn't want to think about Paraguay; too much had happened there, most of it bad.

Forcing another smile she thanked the admiral again and waited until he'd gotten on the elevator before closing the door. Throwing the bolt and locking the door she turned and leaned back against it, taking in the apartment. It was somehow surreal to realize that she was actually home again, in her own apartment and alive. After a moment she straightened and made her way to the couch, leaving her bag by the door where the admiral had set it. Snagging the phone she dropped carefully to the couch, wincing slightly as she jarred her ribs.

Dialing, she held the phone up to her ear, waiting patiently for an answer. She didn't have to wait long as the phone was picked up on the second ring, "Hello?"

"Jen? It's Mac."

"Colonel MacKenzie!" Mac winced slightly with a grin, pulling the phone away from her ear at the loud shout.

Almost immediately she heard another extension click on then Mattie's voice, "Mac!"

Still smiling she edged the phone back to her ear, "Hey Mattie."

"How are you?"

"Are you ok?" Both questions came immediately though from two different people.

Mac couldn't help but chuckle softly at their inability to wait until the other was done, "I'm… alive, a little beaten up but I'll be fine. How are you two holding up?"

There was a pause then Jen answered, "We're doing alright, ma'am."

Mattie interjected almost immediately, "Better now that one of you is home safe."

Mac closed her eyes briefly, the amusement fleeing. For an instant a vision of Harm swam before her eyes, cocky flyboy grin in place, aquamarine eyes glinting cheerfully. Taking a slow breath she forced herself to focus on the two girls at the other end of the line. "I'm sorry, guys… about Harm…" Her voice hitched and she couldn't continue for fear of bursting into tears.

After a brief silence Mattie spoke softly, "We know you did your best, Mac."

"That's right, ma'am. Everyone knows you wouldn't leave the Commander behind without doing everything you could to save him first," Jen added.

Mac smiled slightly, still fighting back tears, "Thanks guys. And Jen… call me Mac, please. We're not on duty, heck I'm on medical leave for the next two weeks."

Before Jen could respond Mattie jumped back in, "Two weeks? What happened?"

"Long story, suffice to say I'm not particularly fit for duty what with the crutches and taped ribs." She heard a pair of soft gasps over the phone and couldn't help but feel bad for concerning them. "I'll be fine, guys. I've had worse." She waited a second then continued, "Listen, I'm really tired from all this. How about you two come over for dinner tomorrow, we'll order pizza, ok?"

There was a pause and Mac could hear the two discussing the idea in low voices. She curled into the cushions of the couch and waited patiently, staring off into space. After a bit Mattie came back on, "That sounds good, Mac. 7:30 ok with you?"

Mac grinned, "Yeah, that's fine. I'll see you both then, now get some sleep."

"Aye aye, ma'am." She could hear the grin in both girls' voices as they answered.

With a laugh she hung up, dropping the phone back into the cradle. She sighed softly, gazing blankly at the wall for a long moment. Forcing herself to move she finally got off the couch. Limping over to the door she double checked that it was locked before heading for bed, hoping that somehow the situation would look better in the morning, though she wasn't really counting on it.