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Part 4 – Biting The Hand That Feeds
"Will you bite the hand that feeds?
Will you chew until it bleeds?
Will you get up off your knees?
Are you brave enough to see?
Do You want to change it?" – Nine Inch Nails: "The Hand That Feeds."
0359 Local
Harm's Home
Oceanside, California
"Ugh." Harm groaned as he lay down in bed after his third trip to the head. He'd been trying to fall asleep for the better part of three hours, but it was no use. Peering over at the green LED lights on his clock, he saw it to be four am. With a huff, he rolled around in bed, finally coming to lie diagonally across the mattress. He knew why he couldn't sleep. Hell, it was the same reason why he often had sleepless nights back in London and DC. "No, you're not going to think about her." But it was too late, his mind was already one step ahead.
It had always been this way, until their immanent departure. In London, he'd managed to find some peace with himself, a co-existence between him and his fantasy realm. Eventually, between work and girlfriends and other things, he remembered less, but didn't ever forget. Even his dreams had gotten easier on him, most of them didn't even dwell on her. Then, there were the occasional dreams, the ones he only seemed to have when he was alone, hurt, scared or lonely. Those were all about her. Her smile, her voice, her laughter, their good times together.
Loneliness described him now to the 't'. Victor had called him on it several times, suggesting that, though things seemed good on the outside, he saw the subtle differences in the inside. With a frown, Harm turned over in bed, curling himself up in the fetal position hoping he'd get some reprieve. He'd started reaching for it with his hand and immediately chastised himself. 'No.' His brain said, 'Don't do it.' With a sigh he scooted closer and was again reprimanded by his mind. 'This is ridiculous! You're a grown man, not a child!' Still, even grown men needed comfort. He extended his hand and immediately brought a pillow close to him. 'I can't believe I am doing this again.' But, even before his mind had a chance for another tête-à-tête with him, his arms wrapped around the pillow and he held on tight. It wasn't like holding her, not that he ever experienced it quite like this. Sure, he'd held her before, hugged her, protected her from the cold, but he never held her in the basic way that his body craved for.
With a defeated groan, he shoved the pillow off of the bed and flipped onto his back. "Damnit, I'm losing it." He said with a gruff tone and almost immediately felt so confused. Inching over to the edge of the bed Harm extended his arm and with his hand grasped the pillow. He brought it back up to the bed with him and again snuggled up. He felt like an idiot, much like he did the first time he ever noticed doing it. But, that night he'd fallen asleep well, by tricking his mind into believing, and now he would do it again.
'There's an easier solution, ya know?' His brain taunted and when he opened his eyes, through the darkness of the room, Harm could see the phone sitting on the nightstand. 'Call her.'
"Yea, that's what I'm gonna do, call Mac in the middle of the night." That wouldn't go very well, at all. In fact, he'd imagined she'd ream him a new one up and down town if he did that. There would be a better solution - he would go see her tomorrow. There wasn't much to do in regards to cases. At least, nothing that needed his immediate attention. He could, very well, just head over to the Joint Services office and check things out. Besides, he wouldn't have to go there to see her. Bud and Harriet were his friends, they worked in that office. It had been a long time since he'd been in contact with them. Vic was there, Mayfield and even Graves, he was sure they would like to see him. And Coates, well she was like a daughter to him, it would be nice to see her too. While there, he could investigate a case they'd received two days earlier.
With a grin, he wrapped his arms tighter around his pillow, allowing his memories of their good times to take him into dream land.
1156 Local
Joint Legal Services Southwest
San Diego, California
"Objection! Your honor, the witness couldn't possibly know what the defendant was thinking." Mac shook her head with amusement. It was always fun to watch some of her own officers go up against those from other offices. She'd done her best to cultivate her group, to help them prepare properly for cases and yet, they still stepped into the realm of rookie mistakes. This time though, Mayfield was wiping the floor with Lt. Commander Jacobs who usually worked out of the Southeast office.
She sat at the very back of the nearly empty courtroom. Besides heading up the office, she often helped her staff, gave them pointers. Mayfield had taken many of those pointers to heart and was well on her way to being the star judge advocate of her office, next to Bud and Mac of course. "Ma'am?" Turning slightly, she looked up to find Petty Officer Coates. "Sorry for the interruption, but you have an urgent call from HQ on line two." She whispered, then excused herself.
Mac sat a few seconds longer, this case wasn't a particularly difficult one, but it should have been wrapped up days ago. With a sigh, she stood and made her way down the hall, out of the court rooms and across the open air walkway to the Joint Legal Services office. "Colonel MacKenzie." She spoke into the line, then smiled when she heard Major General Cresswell on the other line. "Yes, sir. . .things are. . .interesting, but they are going well. Yes, sir. Lt. Commander Roberts is a godsend. . .Lieutenant Vukovic? Sir. . .Well, his fit reps are coming up, I am not too sure he is the candidate for an accelerated promotion, sir." She liked Cresswell ever since the two of them sat down, while she was stationed in Falls Church, and had a little discussion about her past. They were both Marines and understood how things worked. However, perhaps the only thing that she and Cresswell just did not see eye to eye on, was Vukovic. He saw a rising star in the making. She saw a poor officer who seemed to make up, instead of abiding by military rules. "I will be very clear in my report, sir. . .thank you." Rolling her eyes, she said her goodbyes, then placed the headset back into its cradle.
"Why me?. . .Out of all the places to stick him, why with me?" It wasn't that she didn't like him. She just. . .didn't like him. Too many things about Vic reminded her of earlier years when she was a party girl. From the moment he arrived she strictly reminded him that JAG was not a dating pool. That he was to keep his pencil in his pocket and his eyes on his work. She really didn't care who Vic dated, but needed to make sure that trouble would be kept OUT of her office. So far, so good, though, on occasion, he and Mayfield would squabble over ridiculous things. In some ways, they reminded her of the squabbling she used to have with Harm. Yep, it was a definitely good thing that they hadn't slept together. She could only imagine just how bad that squabbling could get.
Using all of his credentials, Harm headed into the base and made a beeline for the Joint Legal Services offices. He was pleasantly surprised he still remembered where everything was. It had been a while since he'd visited that area of the base. It was always odd, however, not to be in uniform and to be classified a civilian though, technically, he was anything but. He still served his country and being a reservist allowed him to get behind the stick of a Hornet with more frequency than before. When he had changed to reserve status, he'd also changed his designator once again. He lost his love for the law.
Taking a deep breath of encouragement, he opened the door and headed into the Joint Legal Services offices and was greeted by Jennifer Coates. "Commander!" She yelped out immediately. "I mean, Captain. . ." Remembering where she was, Coates came to attention.
"It's just Harm now, Jen." Harm said with a smile and waved her off. Walking around the desk, he reached over and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry we didn't keep in touch. . .it was. . .difficult."
Coates knew just how difficult it was. Though she hadn't spoken much to Harm since he'd left for London, she and Mattie kept in contact. There were things that the teenager saw. Things about her guardian that just didn't make sense and, often, a little 'older sister' advice was needed. "I understand Mattie is with your parents, sir. . uh. . Harm?"
"Yes, they'll be away for a few months on a cruise. . .Mom spoils Mattie constantly."
"Captain!" That exuberant, male voice could only come from one person.
Turning around Harm came face to face with one Lt. Commander Bud J. Roberts. "Bud." He took the younger man's hand, and braced himself as he was pulled in for a hug. "Woah, easy there."
"Harriet told me that the Colonel saw you. . .Since when have you been living here?"
"About a year or so. . .Gunny, you know? Victor Galindez? We're running a PI office down here. . ."
Bud frowned slightly. Is this what had become of his mentor? Had he given up his will to serve his country and the law? "But, what about the Navy, sir?"
"I'm a reservist. . .I couldn't give it up entirely. . ." He remembered, very well, his decision to just pack it up. After the fiasco with Susan and the problems he had with people in his command, it became too easy to toss it all aside. Not to mention, the law. . .he'd lost most of his respect for it. "But, it's going well. . .the reservist gig is, actually, very decent. . . We have some good people working for us. . . And Bud, stop calling me, sir. . .If I am out of uniform, it's Harm. . .Same goes for you too, Jen."
Though he should have been angry at his friend for not keeping in touch. Bud, as well as most people that knew Harm, couldn't dislike the man. He had this charm that made him loveable. "Well, Harm. . .We'll have you over for dinner sometime soon. . .Harriet is off today, but I know she is dying to see you. And the kids, they're so. . ."
"Captain Rabb?" Vukovic nearly rammed straight into one of the guest chairs as his curiosity got the best of him. This man wasn't someone he thought he'd ever see again. It just wasn't possible and yet, there he was. Vic bit back a sigh, stiffened his back and moved forward to greet the senior officer. "Sir, long time no see."
Harm looked the younger man up and down. There was still that cocky, arrogant officer that he'd come to know. Strange. In Mac's command, he was sure that anyone would be broken. "Actually, out of uniform it's just Harm."
"Well, Just Harm, you can call me Vic." It still bothered Vukovic that he never had a chance to sharpen his claws against the Great Harmon Rabb. "How are things?" That little bit of friendliness was all Vic needed to get the ball rolling. He always liked Harm, though, to be honest, detested that whole holier than thou lawyer attitude the senior officer had. It was similar to what Mac was trying to beam into her people's heads. Still, putting merits where they belonged, Harm was a hell of a lawyer once and one that could still teach him a thing or two.
"I'm doing good Vic. . .How have you been handling Colonel MacKenzie as your CO?" He nearly chuckled at the question. Though there had been some odd mixture of presence between the Lieutenant and Mac, a conversation the two had before they went their separate ways clearly ironed out the fact that she really couldn't stand him. "Is she a good boss to have?"
Such an innocent question, with nearly a handful of ways to answer. Vic simply chose the wrong answers. "Oh, it's just fine. . .we have a few kinks to iron out, but she is a wonderful CO. . .A little rough at times though. You know what I mean." He nudged Harm almost in a way as if there were an inside joke between the two of them.
Raising an eyebrow, Harm turned to Bud who just shrugged and excused himself. Standing there he took a good look around the office. It was nearly as large as JAG HQ. Well, it had to be, seeing as they had to service all of the Pacific States. There were a few touches on the wall of things that, no doubt, Mac had rearranged. Grinning, he noted the office had more of a Marine command presence, than that of the Navy. He could almost visualize her heading up and down their bullpen, giving orders to subordinates. He was sure that she was a good leader, well liked and respected. As for Vic, he wasn't too sure that the younger man ever understood much about respect. As far as he could recall, he should have made Lt. Commander by now and only wondered what the man could have done to be passed up by the review board. "Is the Colonel available today, Vic?"
Grinning, Vic nodded towards Mac's office which was located at the end of the bullpen, through a small office where Jen's desk sat. "Oh, yes is she available. . ." Perhaps the lightness of meeting Harm again and the fact that they were acting semi-chummy, obliterated Vic's scruples. The next comment was one that wouldn't sit very well. "In fact, rumor has it she is very available. . .She's just difficult to catch, but not impossible. . . You probably know about this, but I heard that she was dating her CO in Okina. . ."
"Lieutenant!" The bustle in the bullpen came to a complete halt when Harm used his commanding voice, the one bestowed onto him during his years in the service. He rarely used it, in fact he was pretty laid back when it came to being a commanding officer. What amused him the most was that the cocky Lieutenant was standing ramrod straight at attention. Harm came in dangerously close to the younger man, his taller frame overshadowing and foreboding. "Whatever you think of her, remember she is a senior officer and as such, is to be respected. . .Spreading little rumors around is probably the reason why you haven't been promoted yet. . .I never want to hear anything negative from you about the Colonel or any of the other officers in this office, do I make myself clear?" So many years and still he felt the need to play savior and saint to his former partner.
The tone of Harm's voice left no room for misunderstanding. "Uh, Yes, s-sir. . I mean Harm."
But, Harm didn't back away, at least, not without making a final point. "On second thought, you can just call me sir. Are we clear on that Lieutenant?"
Her head was buried in a file, reading through an appeal that she was to handle personally. It was a case that Vukovic had screwed up beyond repair. To be fair, he was handled the information a day or two before the case and Bud, who was lately as good as her and Harm ever were, tore Vic's defense to shreds. Mac didn't notice the little scuffle in the bullpen and didn't see Harm. There was this odd feeling inside, one of familiarity. "Lieutenant, I need the Bradford court-martial files ASAP. . .I've been handed the appeal and. . ." Looking up it took her a few seconds to register what was going on. Vic was standing at attention, his eyes cast forward and unseeing. Harm, who had been reprimanding the Lieutenant just a few seconds earlier, backed off and smiled charmingly at her. "Harm?" She really didn't think they'd see each other again so soon. He had a business and if the night before told her anything, he was a very busy man. So, why was he here?
"Hey Mac." He couldn't help the stupid smile that came over his face. It was nice seeing her again in this work setting. Though it wasn't Falls Church, it brought back a lot of pleasant memories.
"What are you doing here?" And there went her voice, sounding flighty again. Damnit, how did he do this to her, just like that? Clearing her throat, she straightened her spine, trying to seem more like a CO instead of a total girl.
"Oh, I was in the neighborhood, I had a client to speak to who lives at the MOQ. . .So I decided to drop by and see if you were free for lunch." Well, that was true. His client, Virginia Markham, was a former Ensign with beliefs that her husband, a Lieutenant jg, not only had a mistress, but a whole second family. It was a small case, nothing to really pay the bills, but Harm and Gunny often took military cases. People who didn't want to get in trouble with their commanding officers. People who were good at heart and didn't want to bring down anyone else if their suspicions were disproved.
There was something in his eyes, an asking that almost made her give in and shirk her responsibilities. But, she couldn't. Actually, she wouldn't. Hadn't she promised herself she wouldn't let her heart wrap her up with Harmon Rabb again? "Well, that's nice. . but I can't. . ."
"No?" Disappointment was evident in his tone of voice, but he bit back a frown. In fact, he didn't even pout.
"No. . .I was just out on recess, court starts back up in twenty."
Harm looked at his watch. He had time, in fact, he didn't have to speak to Mrs. Markham for, at least, three more hours. "Well, if you don't mind, I'd like to sit in. . .see you in action."
Maybe she should have started up an argument as to why he couldn't stick around. But, she felt disappointment might have been the best way. "You're welcomed to stick around, but I'm not in court today, Mayfield is. . .I've been sitting in." At the look of surprise on Harm's face, she clarified. "I have a reason. . . . It's one of those cases." She knew he would understand what she meant.
"Yea, I know what you mean." It wasn't too rare for her to take a hard-line on a specific case; there had been the occasional ones where her by-the-book, no nonsense judgment went out the window. Harm knew too well that Mac's weaknesses came about during the cases dealing with domestic disturbances and addictions. The way her shoulders were slumped, her demeanor held in check for those around her, he knew that she was taking this case much more seriously than they knew. "You're good for those types of cases. You usually do the right thing."
"Not always. . . " She said with a shrug, recalling too many times how her emotions had gotten the best of her. Mac glanced up at him, forgetting where they were for a moment and that one Lieutenant Vukovic was watching everything closely. "I guess when I said that you were ruled by emotions, I didn't take myself into account." They stood there, staring at each other as if they were the only two people left in the world.
Vic didn't like that one bit. Any further ideas of making nice with Captain Rabb dissipated. He was now competition for the Colonel's affections. Yes, some people truly didn't get it. "Ah, Ma'am, the files are on my desk, shall I retrieve them for you?"
Snapping out of it, Mac turned her head, hiding the light blush that tainted her cheeks. "No, Lieutenant, please give them to Petty Officer Coates. . .I'll go over them with a fine tooth comb tonight. . ." She recovered nicely, turning back to Vic. "Tomorrow morning be prepared to give me a full synopsis of the case and points I should concentrate on. . .I want to see where things went wrong."
"Ma'am, as I pointed out to you before, nothing went wrong. . . It's just that I. ."
'Why me?' She thought again. What the hell was it about Vukovic and his attitude towards her? "Lieutenant, I am not going to negotiate with you. . .I am your COMMANDING OFFICER. If you do NOT understand what that means, please let me know, I'll be sure to strip those bars from your epaulets and give you an OCS crash course from hell." She waved Harm to walk in front of her. "If you so much as question my authority once more, I'm going to make sure that you don't see the inside of a courtroom for a least a year." Sighing, she headed out behind Harm, through the double doors and into the open corridor which linked the courtrooms with the JAG offices.
"Some things never change, huh?" He was so damned tempted to let her in on that little tidbit on her being available, but hard to catch. It was a song and dance he knew well, but he and Mac were the same rank. The disrespect of Vukovic to treat an officer, three pay grades higher, in the ways he did Mac, was just unacceptable and disgusting. "Why did Cresswell send him over?"
Mac opened the door and Harm held it open for her to walk in. "Honestly? I happen to think that the General was fed up with him. . . They were shifting things around at HQ. Everyone was shipped out and fresh blood came in. . . Wasn't all too bad, I got Bud in the deal." She headed into the courtroom, gave Mayfield a smile of reassurance and slipped into one of the seats.
Harm waved at the Lieutenant who smiled back at him, then slid in next to Mac. "So why do you take it from him? Hell, in the past you wouldn't have let me do half of what he does to you." It was always rather curious that she let Vic slide when he'd been reprimanded for much less during their years of friendship.
There were reasons for that and she knew he didn't catch them. "I don't put up with him, they order me to, there is a difference." That was a half truth, but if she was really honest, there was a reason why she didn't put up with Harm's crap. She had loved him back then. She knew that giving in an inch and allowing Harm to run right over her would open a hole in her heart a mile wide. Mac gave as good as she got, even throwing in a few of her own in order to knock that ego off of him. Vic, she didn't love, she barely liked him. So it was easier to let him get away with things, easier because she didn't care. Easier because, if he did something stupid out of his own accord, it would be another reason to get rid of him.
"I don't think that's the only reason. . .I think you. . ." Thankfully, the sound of the gavel and the beginning of the hearing stopped Harm from saying something he would regret later. Yes, even an older Harmon Rabb Junior had that foot in the mouth problem.
Quietly he sat next to Mac, noting how her body tensed as Mayfield took to drilling the witness. She did it with finesse, her abilities clearly sharper than before. The case, he discovered, was about a Marine Captain, Anna Jenkins a the Major Maxwell Hudson who she claims drugged and then raped her. The case was special to Mac especially since Jenkins had been accused by Hudson of seduction. He even claimed they were lovers, a senior officer involved with a junior. Mayfield held the ace in the hole by way of an elderly woman (that she and Mac had spent weeks trying to track down) who had seen Hudson carrying a drugged/drunk Jenkins into her apartment off base.
After an hour and a half, it took the jurors no more than ten minutes to deliberate and sentence Hudson to Leavenworth prison. "Thank God." Mac said under her breath, sighing heavily as Hudson was cuffed and taken away by the bailiff. "We didn't think we could get that witness. . .Our case would have meant nothing."
"She did a good job, Mac. . . You've obviously taught her a few tricks." Smiling, he stood and headed behind Mac who stayed behind to congratulate Mayfield.
Mac shook Mayfield's hand. "This is why she's been pulled up for accelerated promotion. . . Good job, Lieutenant."
"Thank you, ma'am." Mayfield turned to Harm and smiled. "Sir, it's great to see you. . . It's been a very long time." She shook Harm's hand then excused herself. "I'd love to catch up some, sir, however I need to wrap this report up. Sir, ma'am." She moved quickly pass the pair and out of the courtroom.
Harm stared at the younger woman who seemed so cool and collected. A woman who was in the service and knew the rules, the regs, and knew how to follow them. It baffled him that, at some point, she and Vic probably shared breathing space. "How did she and Vukovic date?"
Mac wondered the same thing. "They were young and stupid? I'll tell you one thing, I don't think he'll EVER be able to charm her again."
"Never say never. . .If he's willing enough and she's lonely. . .You never know." He shrugged, then looked at his watch. "How about lunch? I have about twenty minutes."
"That's not enough time, but. . . follow me." She headed back into the JAG offices and weaved through the bullpen towards her office. "Jen, any messages?"
Jen, who was on the phone handed a sheet of paper with several names and numbers scribbled all the way down. Covering the receiver she glanced up at Mac and sighed. "I'm on the line with the caterers for the JAG conferences, apparently someone misplaced our fax. . .I'll make sure that it's wrapped up before I leave today, ma'am."
"Thank you, Jen." Mac opened her office and waved Harm in. "It's not as big as the General's office, but it's very nice and the view is to die for."
Harm walked towards the windows looking out towards the ocean and docks. There was a carrier that was about to deploy in a few days. No matter how many times he told himself that being a reservist is what he wanted, sites like that just gave him a pang in his heart. "I flew off of her during Desert Storm and crashed into her during my ramp strike." He stared out, taking a deep breath to control his emotions. Even when he was old and gray, the Navy would be in his blood.
It was tempting for her to tease him about the far off look he would often get when talking about carrier life, but she wouldn't. Actually, if she recalled, the last time she teased him about flying was when he took her up in an F-14. After her botched wedding with Mic, when she spent time on the LHA, she came to understand his love of the sea. It had ended up becoming part of her as well. It had become another link to him, one that she'd always treasured even when she tried to hate him. "It wasn't your fault, Harm. . .you couldn't help your eyes."
"I know." He knew, too well, but it was far too easy to just blame yourself.
Reaching across, she retrieved a note pad off her desk and began to scribble down certain details. Parts of her kept screaming for her to stop, that this was a mistake. Having Harm in her life meant heartache. But, she just didn't care. Maybe it was time to let that past go? "Here." She handed him the paper adding a shy smile that could only be a trademark of hers. "I am securing early today since it's Friday and we've all wrapped up the open cases." Harm glanced down at the scribbling on the paper and then up with a look of confusion. "That's my place."
The section of town wasn't out of her league. With their pay grade, she could have even gotten something nicer. No, it was the type of homes that were located there. It just didn't fit Mac, at least, it wouldn't have in the past. "I know where this is. . .you have the beach right across the street, right? Nice locale."
"I thought so too. . So? How about. . . six? Seven?"
"Six is fine. And I'll try to be early." He teased, knowing his knack for arriving to places late.
Laughing, Mac headed towards her door, holding it open for him to step out. "Uh huh, you early to something? Don't think so."
"I'll catch you later, Mac." He said, in a voice low enough for no one to hear. "Thanks for the invite." With that he turned from her door, said his goodbyes to Coates and was out of the office.
Vic was leaning against Mayfield's doorframe, his eyes cast towards the Colonel who was standing under her own doorframe with what he could only describe as the look of a young girl who had just been asked on her first date. "Greg, pouting never was something that looked good on you." He rolled his eyes, then turned to glare at Mayfield who had also witnessed the Colonel's change of attitude around Captain Rabb. "Awww, what's the matter? Did you expect her to just fall to your feet in worship?"
"Is there something you want from me?" Vic was getting quite irritated with this constant animosity between the female JAGs and himself. "Because, you need to stop busting my chops."
Mayfield chuckled. Often, while off duty, Mac, Harriet, Coates and herself would have a girls night out. Nothing wild or risqué, but just a time to let loose without the need for the opposite sex. Though no one had been able to crack the Colonel over her relationship with Harm. They knew there was a closeness there. They knew he'd hurt her, maybe even broken her heart. "Honey, I'll stop busting your chops when you start minding your business and behave like you should when you wear that uniform." She had asked him once if he'd slept his way out of OCS and though he implied that he didn't, she was starting to doubt him. "Lay off of Colonel MacKenzie, Gregory, you're going to get burned."
He whipped quickly, coming face to face with her. "Sweetheart, you're jealous."
"Oh yea. . .Jealous of what I had and tossed out. . .You know, you may have won Graves over with that stupid 'she left me at the alter' line, but not me. . .I know you, I went to OCS with you and I know the truth. . .So, before I slap you and bring us both up on charges, I suggest you wipe that smug ass grin from your face and get back to work." She never was the type to back down from any challenge with him. In fact, it made her day to see him so pissed off and not be able to do a damned thing about it.
"Is that an order?"
She couldn't help the grin that was suddenly plastering itself on her face. "Yes. Now, get away from my door, I have a report to finish." She pushed passed him then slammed the door before he had anything to say about it.
- - - - - - - - - - -
NK: (Almost changed your name to DK ;)) – Yea, Savage got softer, but I find a lot of bands do that. It's like the first album has to be as commercial as possible to sell it and the ones after that are very 'artsy.' And, guess what? I am not very 'artsy.' Have you heard Darren's solo stuff? Some of it is great, others, well, he needs Daniel back with him. Ugh! Yea, that part with Gunny was sad, but one of my more well written things. Wow, I am making sense, that just sucks. ;)
Britainy: I would love to see DJE try to do that accent. But picturing HARM with the fake mustache, beard, glasses, playing an Aussie just sounded amusing. I was going to make him Spanish, not sure how the Aussie thingy came about. No offense to people from the Land of Oz. I do have friends from that neck of the woods. :)
VeroChan: Thanks for the review! Hope you stick around.
EasterBunny: The only reason I would bash you would be because I've not had a Cadbury egg in like three years and you never leave me plastic eggs filled with anything anymore either. But :sighs: I will persevere. Do I answer everyone? No, if they are really short, no. Actually, depends on my mood. This IS time consuming. If I am in a hurry to post a chapter, I won't write anything at all. No offense. :)
Amy: Thank you! It will unfold, as usual, with all of my oddities. ;)
Sam: Yep, she's a full Bird, not sure if I put that or not. Too lazy to go back to check. ;) Yea, too many people "loved" Harm's wire. ;)
Cristina: I love laying the smack down. It gets me in trouble, but I am usually not the silent type. I love Harm, so, don't get me wrong, I do also like his Knight In Shining Armor side, BUT. . . that doesn't mean he's perfect, because the man ain't. neither is Mac. They're two humans who have hurt each other a good deal. I think they need to heal before they crash into bed together. Is that so wrong?
Jill: It's fun! Cool! You'll love the stakeout chapter then. ;) It's taking me a few days to write, but it's damned amusing. ;) That will be in a chapter or two.
Freezepop: You have any chocolate freezepops? Suddenly hungry here!
Cbw: Hey, the laughs and stories are free! ;) Glad to make you ummm laugh or chuckle or like flat out laugh your ass off, whatever I do. ;)
BlueJay: The possibilities ARE many. And with Harm and Mac you know trouble is abound. ;)
LtCmdrFlyGirl: Thank you!
Highplainswoman: I agree with the abandonment issues. I think people don't recall that or don't care to remember at given points. I've been upset with the characters, but when you sit back and take in the big picture, they are both a product of their pasts and can't trust people easily. They are fun to manipulate in stories though. Hehehe.
JamieAClassyOne: Thanks for the review LOL! On FOJ you get the PG13 version, here you get the one with all of the curse words in place. And on JAG Angst Anon, you get any of the smut if there is smut in the story. Works well, me thinks. ;) You can lick Vic's wounds, don't worry. But I might have to start selling tickets. ;)
Ey: Still, loving that nick. ;) Haven't heard of Keith Urban, but I am lately on a rock and roll/metal fix along with an 80s fix. God bless internet radio. ;) Mr. Smith's last name was done on purpose, yes. :) I do know his real name is Smith. It's a funny last name all in itself because Mr. Smith, Mrs. Smith, sounds like the names of people who don't want to give out their real names, you know?
LtJGMEG: Harm's probably about to go AWOL or demand more money from us writers. The poor man needs a break! If he's not saving the world, he's saving Mac. If he's not having problems with Mattie, then it's Chloe or Josh Pendry. ;) Poor Harmy!
Snugglebug: Harm's wire just rocked. LOL! I could imaging Mac blushing at that. I love the nasty reviews, they just amuse me. Then again, I have a sick personality. ;)
Froggy: LOL! Well, my brain SAID you typed ELOPING. Maybe I'm the one on crack? No no, just some muscle relaxant from hell. :P
Achaon: Yep! It's fate! Or a writer called Jackie. Who knows:)
Jaggurl: 2-3-4 NO they are all DIFFERENT NUMBERS! Sheesh!
BiteBeccy: I am a meanie? I'll have you know that! That! That! Well, yes I am. ;) I have the T-shirts to prove it! ;)
Tracy: Rock on! Love that term! Now I have Fleetwood Mac's "Gold Dust Woman" in my head. Argh! Trouble-magnets? LOL! I might have to use that term, oh yes. ;)
Dansingwolf: Harm's wire? Around Harm's umm "little sailor" ;) Yea, a lot of baddies might pop up in this one cos you know I can't leave well enough alone ;)
Denaliyasha: It could happen! And it could work as in the show too:D It's not any crazier than some of the stuff they pull on JAG so. :)
Nix707: Any more hate reviews! Have we cast out their evil spirits with the voodoo dolls I made? Yes? No?