Chapter 6
August
JAG
Headquarters
Conference
room
"Commander, you and Colonel Mackenzie will be going out to the Seahawk to investigate a series of accidents with suspicious circumstances," said AJ, handing them a file each.
"Aye sir," said Harm.
"Yes sir," replied Mac.
After being dismissed, they got their things ready and headed off to board the COD that would take them out to the carrier.
USS
Seahawk
The
following day
"You cannot be serious?" Mac said.
"Do you have a better plan?" asked Harm.
"No, but your plan is not an option," said Mac.
"Nothing will happen Mac," said Harm.
"Harm, the Lieutenant is a suspect in this case and you're going to go flying with him?" asked Mac.
"He seems comfortable talking to me. If we go up he might tell me what we need to know. I'll be fine," said Harm.
"You're putting yourself in danger and excuse me if I don't like the idea of that. I think as your partner and best friend I have the right to be worried. Not to mention I still can't bear the thought of you flying again," said Mac, turning away so he couldn't see the panic that was quickly setting in.
"Mac, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring back bad memories," said Harm gently.
"Don't you feel scared to go back up?" asked Mac, still not facing him.
"I'll never forget what happened last time but I'm not scared to go back up. It was an accident and I won't let that stop me from loving to fly," said Harm.
"I can't forget it Harm. Just the thought is enough," said Mac.
He touched her shoulder and turned her around to face him. Mac's eyes were sparkling with unshed tears and she ducked her head quickly. Harm said nothing but wrapped his arms around her, comforting Mac in the way only he could. Mac smiled despite her fears as she felt him kiss her hair.
"Thanks Harm," said Mac a short time later as they pulled apart.
"You're thanking me even though it's my fault you're upset?" said Harm, wiping away the moisture he found on her cheeks.
"Well, you did a good job comforting me," said Mac with a smile.
"I'm glad," said Harm.
"I'm sorry, I know the memories are still fresh from my accident. I won't go up if you don't want me to," said Harm.
"It's okay. I know you're a great aviator and I trust you," said Mac, touched that he was so considerate of her feelings, even when it came to flying.
"That means a lot Sarah. I'll be good up there I promise. No dangerous stunts involved," said Harm.
"I know that you always keep your promises," said Mac.
"Do you realise we managed to have a disagreement and resolve it without hurting each other?" said Mac.
"Hurting each other is a thing of the past. I'm so glad we've reached this point," said Harm.
"Me too," said Mac smiling.
"Go on, and have fun. Be careful with what you say to the Lieutenant," said Mac.
"I will," said Harm.
"Good luck," said Mac.
Harm grinned. "Thanks."
Mac stood out on Vulture's Row scanning the skies for the F14 Harm had taken off in. She was frightened for Harm but was trying to ease her own fears by remembering that Harm was a great aviator. After what seemed like hours, though her internal clock told her otherwise, she saw the F14 approach the carrier. Preparations were made and the F14 touched down, a perfect landing. Mac let out a sigh of relief before heading back inside to greet Harm.
"Hi Mac," said Harm when he saw her.
"Hi," said Mac.
Harm gave her a quick hug and looked at her carefully.
"You doing okay?" he asked.
"I am now," said Mac.
"Did you find anything out?" she asked, lowering her voice to a whisper.
"I'll tell you over dinner," said Harm.
"Dinner?" asked Mac.
"Yeah, it's our usual day," said Harm as if it was obvious.
"We're on a carrier and you still want to have our weekly dinner?" asked Mac smiling.
"Sure, I'll always make time for dinner with my favourite Marine," said Harm giving her his flyboy grin.
"Unless of course you don't want to," he continued, raising an eyebrow at her.
"I definitely want to," said Mac with a smile.
Fifteen minutes later they were settled at a table in the mess, eating their meals and talking softly about the case.
"He as good as told me that he hates it here and can't stand anyone on board," said Harm.
"As good as?" questioned Mac.
"From what he was saying that's definitely the gist of it," said Harm.
"But is it beyond reasonable doubt?" mused Mac.
"Mac, this guy could hang himself with his own testimony if he repeats even some of it in court," said Harm.
"We still don't have enough evidence though," said Mac.
"Probably not, but we can get it," said Harm.
"We keep digging?" asked Mac.
"Of course," said Harm.
"All right, we'll interview more of the crew tomorrow," said Mac.
"We can search the Lieutenant's quarters too," said Harm.
"Sounds good," said Mac.
"Okay, enough case talk," said Harm.
"I agree," said Mac with a smile.
"All right…five years from now, where are you and what are you doing?" asked Harm.
Mac thought for a moment. "JAG is where I belong so I'm still there. I've got a husband, one or two kids and lots of comfortable shoes," said Mac.
"Three out of three," remarked Harm.
"I can dream," smiled Mac.
"I think your dream will come true," said Harm.
"I hope so," said Mac.
"How about you?" she asked.
"I'm at JAG, and I'd like think I'd be married with kids too," said Harm.
Mac smiled. "I'd like to see that, the flyboy as a family man."
"You don't think I could do it?" asked Harm smiling back.
"I know you could, it would just be interesting to see," said Mac.
"I'm sure you'll be there to witness it," said Harm.
Mac merely smiled, the husband she'd seen in her mind's eye was Harm but he didn't need to know that, not yet anyway. Unbeknownst to Mac, Harm's thoughts mirrored her own, being unable to imagine his future without Mac in it as his wife.
AN: Thanks for the feedback to chapter 5 everyone!