Disclaimer: As usual, don't own them, wish I did.

Ha! Told you it wouldn't be as long! Not as soon as I would have liked but I had to go out of town yet again. Fortunately, this should be the last time for a while as my apartment situation and whatnot is all finally cleared up. Thanks to MichelleLee, harmfan, mjag, zeilfanaat, froggy, EY, Delilah Wigglesworth, Radiorox, cbw, MartinaCruz, BrittanyLS, snugglebug, minorcadence, starryeyes, Beach chick, and anyone else I missed! I really appreciate you all reading my story and taking the time to review. Thanks to everyone who's reading this (who'd've thought people actually like my writing? go figure). So here's chapter 23, enjoy!

The smile that Vukovic had plastered on his face slipped slightly as he glanced between the two other officers in confusion. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in the sight of Mac and Harm holding hands. He was fairly certain of what he'd interrupted but since he hadn't actually seen anything he couldn't press the issue. Of course this seriously put a crimp in his plans.

Vukovic was jerked from his musings by the sound of a throat clearing. He frowned slightly when he realized Commander Rabb was glaring at him while Colonel MacKenzie was gazing at him impassively, one eyebrow arched slightly. Forcing another smile he started, "Sir, Ma'am, how are you --"

He didn't get a chance to finish the sentence as Harm cut him off, asking again, this time more forcefully, "Who are you?"

Vukovic blinked in surprise, answering automatically, "Lieutenant Gregory Vukovic." He didn't notice the way Harm tensed at the name, nor did he see the slight pressure Mac exerted on her partner's shoulder as she shot him a warning look. Silently acquiescing, Harm subsided, still glaring at the lieutenant. He'd gotten the same sense of familiarity from the young man as from the previous officers. But this time the recognition was tinged with a distinct dislike for the man and hearing the name jolted memories free.

Mac glanced at him again and subtly tightened her hand. She could tell from the look in his eyes that he was remembering events but she didn't want him causing a scene. Harm glanced at her, his eyes clearly saying "who me?" Mac looked hard at him, silently reinforcing the desire for him to stay quiet. He quirked a smile back, conceding for the moment before he looked back at Vukovic who was looking more confused by the moment.

The lieutenant hadn't had much chance to observe the pair on the carrier or in country and what he saw now left him floundering. He'd heard they were close but this silent communication was unnerving. His gaze snapped back to Mac as she spoke, her voice cool, "So, lieutenant, what brings you here?"

"I wanted to see how you two were doing, ma'am," he flashed a smile, doing his best to seem sincere. Harm snorted softly, unimpressed. Vukovic's smile faded as he asked tentatively, "And I um, was wondering if I could speak to you, ma'am? About a few things?"

Mac gazed at him steadily, "So talk."

"In private?"

She immediately shook her head, stating adamantly, "No, you can either talk here or not at all. For that matter, shouldn't you be escorted?"

Vukovic stiffened, how dare she? The thought flitted across his mind but he squashed it, not wanting thoughts like that to affect how he spoke. Though he agreed he needed to seem as charming and friendly as possible to have any hope of getting through to her. Of course it'd help if her blasted friend wasn't sitting next to her. He still refused to think of Harm as her partner. He managed to reply calmly, forcing the smile to stay on his face, "My lawyer and the court agreed that I needed to be neither confined nor escorted prior to the hearing."

"Ah," Mac nodded noncommittally. She'd been expecting that to be the case as the hearing wasn't really an admission that he was guilty of anything and seeing as he wasn't being accused of violent crimes it made sense. In his lawyer's place she'd have done the same, but then again, as someone on the other side she really wished he had been locked up, if only for her own sanity. When he didn't continue she cocked her head slightly, "Well?"

"Ma'am, I'd really prefer to speak to you in private."

This time it was Harm who spoke up. His voice didn't give away any of the anger he was feeling, but for the first time since he'd been found he sounded very much like a Navy Commander, "That's not going to happen, lieutenant."

Vukovic looked startled; he hadn't been expecting the commander to interfere, especially not after the apparent memory loss. He studied the man lying in the bed intently for a moment and felt vaguely uncomfortable when he realized he could detect no sign that Harm was anything but the man he usually was. Vukovic began to wonder if the initial question had simply been a ruse on the part of the two older officers. Suddenly he wasn't sure of anything. Clearing his throat he answered, "With all due respect, sir, that's not up to you."

Harm gazed back, his face impassive as he watched the lieutenant. Internally he smiled smugly when Vukovic squirmed slightly, uncomfortable under the scrutiny. However, Harm didn't reply, allowing Mac to take charge of the conversation again. Mac couldn't keep the irritation out of her voice when she answered and Harm could feel the tenseness in her hand, "Commander Rabb is correct, lieutenant, and I am getting tired of repeating myself. Now, you can either discuss whatever it is you wished to discuss or you can leave."

Vukovic sighed in frustration, shooting Mac an annoyed glance. Why does she have to make everything so difficult?, he wondered irritably. Finally he asked, trying to phrase his question as carefully as possible, "I was wondering about your report. On the Iraq situation."

"That's none of your business, lieutenant." Mac was gradually getting more annoyed, she wished he would just leave, or better yet, drop off the face of the earth. Unfortunately neither seemed to be too likely at the moment.

Without thinking he shot back, "My career is certainly my business, colonel."

Mac stiffened, narrowing her eyes at Vukovic. Quietly she replied, "Watch your tone, lieutenant, before I add disrespecting a superior officer to your charges."

Silently Vukovic ground his teeth together. He spoke carefully, trying to keep the irritation out of his voice, "My apologies, Colonel. The report seems to be directly affecting my career; I was interested in what you said."

She cocked her head to the side slightly, "That's none of your business, lieutenant. My report is mine; I wrote the facts and submitted it to the general."

"I see, and that had nothing to do with the charges that have suddenly been brought against me?" This time he couldn't keep the edge of anger from his voice.

Mac's own voice grew harder, Harm could tell she was pissed and was rather amazed that the lieutenant couldn't see it. "Whatever charges have been brought against you are being brought by the United States Navy, not me. You have a problem with them bring it up with General Cresswell."

"So you're telling me you had nothing to do with it?"

"I think it's time you left, lieutenant," Harm interjected, his voice steely. He didn't bother to hide his anger, fixing Vukovic with a cold stare.

Vukovic shot him a glance, becoming more furious by the moment, "Not until I have my answer, sir."

"Lieutenant Vukovic!" Mac snapped out, causing the lieutenant to jump slightly. His head snapped up and he automatically straightened. Glowering at him Mac slowly stood, her voice quiet, "You need to leave, now."

"I --"

"You are dismissed, lieutenant. Rest assured I will be bringing this up with the General." He gaped at her, unable to comprehend that she was threatening him. His mind flashed back to her previous threat to report him, but he had a sinking feeling that this time she meant it. "Now, lieutenant." Vukovic snapped his mouth shut and came stiffly to attention. With a sharp nod he turned on his heel and stalked out, practically shaking with anger.

Mac waited until the door had shut behind him before sinking back into the chair, dropping her head into her hands. Harm looked over at her, feeling his ire increase more. He'd disliked the lieutenant from the second he'd seen him, both in this meeting and his first meeting. He knew he was biased because of Mac's own dislike for the lieutenant but he couldn't really see any reason to change his own opinion. The conversation had brought back memories, both of his initial meetings with the lieutenant in JAG headquarters and again on the carrier.

"It's not that I don't like him…"

Harm grinned again and finished her sentence, "It's just that you don't like him."

He sighed softly, remembering Mac's assessment of the lieutenant when he first arrived on the carrier. Harm had found it a bit odd at the time but after hearing her description of his actions during the investigation he couldn't fault her for it. And once he'd seen for himself how the lieutenant looked at her Harm had decided he would gladly maim the younger man.

Now, after actually witnessing a confrontation between them Harm wanted to maim him just on general principle. Realizing Mac still hadn't spoken he looked back over at her in concern. Cursing the fact that he was practically immobile for what had to be the millionth time he asked softly, "Mac?"

She didn't look at him, muttering into her hands, "I swear, I'm going to kill him."

Harm grinned impishly, "Can I help?"

She peered at him over her fingers. Seeing the grin she chuckled, shaking her head slightly in resignation. After a moment she replied, moving her hands slightly so as to be heard more clearly, "Unfortunately I think the General would frown on that."

He winked back at her, asking jokingly, "Who said he has to know?" She looked at him askance for a moment before laughing. Smiling contentedly, Harm settled back into his pillows, his mission accomplished. After a moment he frowned slightly, commenting, "Still, you definitely should talk to Cresswell about this."

Mac muttered darkly, "Oh trust me, I will." They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Mac sighed softly, "Will you be ok for an hour or so?"

Harm looked up at her, startled, "I suppose so, why? Where are you going?"

She smiled reassuringly at his concern, "Just home to change and repack my bag. And to feed the dog."

He frowned, "Dog? I don't remember much but I'm fairly certain you didn't have a dog before."

She laughed softly, "No, you're right, I didn't." Her mirth was gone swiftly, replaced by a sad frown as she recalled the circumstances surrounding Hammer's purchase. Harm watched her carefully but didn't speak, sensing that she would elaborate in a moment. After a short time she added, "I bought him while you were missing."

"Ah," he thought about that for a moment before asking, "What's his name?"

Mac smiled slightly, her eyes reflecting her amusement, "Hammer."

Harm blinked, "You named your dog after me?" Slowly a silly grin spread across his face as he repeated, softer this time and with a hint of astonishment, "You named your dog after me…"

Mac grinned and nodded, ruffling his hair affectionately, "Yes, I did, don't let it go to your head, flyboy."

Harm flashed her an endearingly innocent, little boy look as he asked, "Who me?"

Laughing out loud she nodded, "Yes, you." She shot the door an irritated glance as if silently warning it to stay closed this time before leaning over and kissing him softly. Pulling away after a long moment, Mac rested her forehead against his, murmuring, "You're sure you'll be fine?"

He smiled up at her and stole a kiss before answering, "I'll be fine. Though, I do fully expect to meet this dog with my name at some point."

Chuckling she dropped another kiss on the top of his head as she stood, "Don't worry, you will. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"OK," Harm watched her hobble across the room. She had just reached the door when he called out, "Mac?" When she turned her head to look at him quizzically he smiled and added softly, "I love you."

Flashing him a brilliant smile, she answered, "I love you, too." She held his gaze for a moment more before turning and slipping through the doorway, anxious to get home and back as quickly as she could. In his room Harm let out a slow breath, relaxing back against the pillow with a foolish grin on his face. He shifted his gaze to the window, idly watching the passerby.

Same Day

Mac's Apartment

1630 ZULU

Clayton Webb paced in front of Mac's apartment irritably. He was still miffed over that incident with the MPs in Naples. Sure, the Agency had gotten him out within the hour but the idea that he'd actually been arrested, however temporary, irritated him. The fact that Sarah hadn't even seemed concerned about it, hadn't attempted to correct the story just added insult to injury. Huffing in annoyance he glanced at his watch for what had to be the hundredth time in the past ten minutes. He knew she was back in the States but so far hadn't shown up at her apartment. He also knew she was most likely at the hospital with Harm, but at the moment Clay had no great inclination to be around large concentrations of military personnel.

He heard the elevator door open and froze in mid-step, head swiveling around to see who would exit. Silently he watched as she exited the elevator then stopped when she noticed him. Clay frowned slightly at the look of irritation that flickered across her face before he forced a smile, "Hello, Sarah."

Mac sighed and began moving forward again, pulling out her keys, "What do you want, Clay?"

"I wanted to apologize. For Italy."

She glanced at him sidelong, "Fine, you apologized."

Clay sighed in frustration, "Will you at least talk to me?"

"No," Mac juggled her bag around so she could open the door, intending to close it in his face once inside.

Unfortunately he set his hand against it, preventing her from doing so. Taking a deep breath he spoke as calmly as he could, "Look, Sarah, I'm sorry, I just want you to be happy."

Mac stopped dead and turned slowly, an incredulous look on her face, "Excuse me?"

"I want you to be happy."

"I am happy. With Harm."

He gave her a pleading look, "Just give me one more chance?"

"One more chance for you to vanish? So you can pretend to be dead and god knows what else? No, I don't think so."

"Sarah --"

"No, Clay. We're done, I'm with Harm, and it's going to stay that way."

He gazed at her silently for a long moment before finally nodding slightly. "I see. Tell him to get well soon." With a final nod and sad smile, Clay dropped his hand, allowing the door to close. He stared at the door for a long moment before shaking his head slightly and turning for the stairs. He didn't like the result but he finally realized all he was doing was pushing her further into Harm's arms. Clay finally had to concede he'd lost to the Commander in the end. Despite all that had happened in and after Paraguay she still loved him.

Bethesda, US Naval Hospital

1730 ZULU

"Hey," Harm smiled as Mac entered the room. He was beyond bored and grateful he had company again. Of course it didn't hurt that the company was in the form of his partner.

Mac smiled back, "Hey yourself." Dropping her repacked bag against the wall she made her way to Harm's bed. Settling herself into her chair she grinned at the disappointed look on his face, "What?"

"Don't I get a kiss hello?" He gave her his best puppy dog look though she could see the humor glinting in his eyes.

Chuckling she leaned over, "I suppose so." She kissed him softly, lingering for a moment before pulling away slightly. She smiled and murmured against his lips, "Hello."

He grinned back, murmuring in reply, "Hello." Mac moved back in her chair, absently holding his right hand with hers. Harm studied her for a moment, still grinning. His brow furrowed slightly as he commented, "You changed." He took in the sight of her in jeans and a long sleeved shirt; she'd been in uniform since the first time he'd woken up.

She nodded, eyes twinkling in amusement at his observation, "General Cresswell called while I was home. He put me back on medical leave until Wednesday so I figured I might as well be comfortable."

Harm grinned smugly at her; "I could help with that…" he trailed off suggestively.

Laughing, Mac batted him lightly on the shoulder, "Maybe some other day, flyboy."

Still grinning, he nodded, "I'll hold you to that." They sat in silence for a moment before Harm asked, "Did the General have anything else to say?"

Mac gave a one armed shrug, "Just a reminder that Vukovic's Article 32 is tomorrow."

"You'll be going?"

Mac smiled grimly, "I'll be testifying."

Harm snorted softly, "He won't know what hit him." She nodded in wordless agreement. He cocked his head slightly, "Did you talk to him about earlier?"

"I mentioned it. He wants me to talk to him about it in person during a recess."

He gave her a sympathetic look, "Sounds fun." Mac grimaced, she still wasn't certain about the General's attitude towards her since the Iraq situation. Cresswell hadn't mentioned it since their initial conversation but that didn't calm Mac's nerves any. Shaking her head slightly she pushed the thoughts away, deciding to worry about things tomorrow.

JAG Headquarters

1730 ZULU

Sturgis stared at the file in front of him unseeingly. Irritated, he slapped it closed, leaning back in his chair with a huff. He and Bud had been working on their case ever since returning from the hospital and everything seemed to be falling into place. Sturgis had sent Bud off to lunch ten minutes earlier and had intended on going to eat also. So why am I still sitting in my office? he wondered.

He knew why, though Bud hadn't mentioned it he could sense the younger man's confusion and disapproval at his reaction to Harm. Sturgis couldn't fault him for it; he didn't even know himself why he'd acted that way. Admittedly, Harm's presence would be beneficial to the prosecution but he'd clearly seen the IV and monitors his longtime friend was hooked up to. Sturgis couldn't actually fathom how Harm had survived, judging by the number of casts and bandages it appeared that his fellow officer should have been long dead.

Sighing, Sturgis dropped his head back, resting it on the back of his chair. After the realization of Harm's predicament he should've left well enough alone. He didn't know why he'd tried to push the issue at all. Correction, he did know, he just wasn't terribly happy with himself about it. Maybe Harm and Mac were right about his attitude. Letting out another sigh Sturgis concluded he probably needed to apologize to both of them, and then sit down and have a long talk with them about everything.

Glancing at the clock, he stood. He'd apologize later; first he had a hearing to win for his friends. Smiling slightly as he recalled the interaction between the pair, he grabbed his cover and headed to lunch.

Bud chuckled to himself as he ended the call on his cell. Harriet had left him a message to call her during his lunch. He'd done so only to have his ear talked off by his excited wife about Harm and Mac. Bud was certain he now knew much more about his two friends than he ever wanted to, most of it speculation on Harriet's part.

He couldn't deny that there had always been something between the two lawyers. For that matter, he knew very well there was something there, as his previously broken jaw could attest. But he'd opted to ignore it and not pry, having no desire to get tangled up in whatever complicated mess their relationship tended to be. His wife on the other hand had completely opposite ideas. With a grin he recalled her ecstatic squeal as she'd informed him proudly that Commander Rabb and Colonel MacKenzie were in love and that Colonel MacKenzie had said so herself.

He felt somewhat sorry for the two of them, knowing Harriet would now try everything to get every last bit of information from them. Bud had at least managed to persuade her to leave them alone until after the hearing was finished. Which meant she'd be calling Colonel MacKenzie the second Bud told her the hearing results but he couldn't help that. Taking a quick look at his watch he realized he still had time to eat before meeting with Commander Turner again.

Vukovic came to attention in front of General Cresswell's desk, stating, "Lieutenant Vukovic reporting as ordered, sir." He wondered if the General could hear his pounding heart. He had no idea why he was here. Vukovic had received a call an hour ago from Jen telling him the General wanted to see him at 1230 sharp. So he stood, wondering desperately why he'd been called and having a sinking feeling that it had something to do with the conversation in Commander Rabb's hospital room.

The General had yet to acknowledge him and Vukovic was tempted to repeat himself. Deciding that would be a bad idea he continued to stand at attention, waiting tensely for Cresswell to speak. The General appeared to be more engrossed in the papers on his desk than in the officer standing in his office. After a few minutes Vukovic shifted restlessly. He was about to speak up when Cresswell ordered absently, "At ease, lieutenant"

Cautiously Vukovic shifted to rest position, watching the General warily. Cresswell hadn't even glanced at him, still intently perusing his paperwork. Finally, after what seemed to be an interminable wait, General Cresswell set aside his papers and looked up at the lieutenant, folding his hands on his desk. He still didn't speak, however, studying the young man in silence. Vukovic shifted uncomfortably and finally asked, "You wanted to see me, sir?"

Cresswell leaned back in his chair with an almost casual air, "Yes, I did, lieutenant. You went to visit Commander Rabb this morning?"

Vukovic frowned slightly and answered slowly, "Yes, sir."

"And how is the Commander?"

"He seemed… well enough, sir."

"And the Colonel?"

"Sir?"

"Colonel MacKenzie, she was there was she not?"

"I uh… yes, sir."

"So then, how was the Colonel doing, lieutenant?" Cresswell watched Vukovic intently, his expression giving nothing away.

Vukovic swallowed and replied carefully, "Tense, sir."

"Well, I suppose that's to be expected isn't it?"

"Yes, sir…" Vukovic was starting to panic slightly. He wasn't sure where the General was going with this but he knew it wasn't good. The questions were perfectly innocuous, nothing hinting that he had any knowledge of what had happened at the hospital but Vukovic felt his stomach slowly tying itself in knots.

Abruptly Cresswell leaned forward, pinning Vukovic with a glare, "Lieutenant, it has come to my attention that you have perhaps been a bit… over-zealous in your desire for more information about your case." Vukovic barely had time to consider replying before the General continued, "I will only say this once more. The charges are being brought against you by the United States Navy. I will not tolerate any implications otherwise, nor will I tolerate harassment of my senior officers. Is that clear?" His tone brooked no argument.

Swallowing hard, Vukovic nodded, "Yes, sir."

"Good." General Cresswell stared at him for a long moment, "That is why I am amending your list of charges to include several counts of disrespecting a superior officer. Your attorney and the prosecution will be notified. You are dismissed." Not even bothering to watch the lieutenant come to attention, Cresswell turned his focus back to the papers spread across his desk. Stiffly, Vukovic came to attention then turned and stalked out, shaking internally with anger and fear. This trial had just gone from horrible to absolutely terrifying in a matter of minutes.

harmfan - hope I answered your question!

mjag - yeah, I plan on having some of that. But unfortunately dogs aren't really allowed in the hospital. Soon though!

zeilfanaat - who else would have such horrible timing:-P

EY - they are, I just opted to move most of that discussion to the chapter after this one. It gets addressed, I promise!

snugglebug - heh, of course it is. And wow, thanks for the praise. :-D It means a lot to me, thanks a bunch!