AN: Chapters will be coming weekly or so, maybe faster. Please tell me what you think!

CHAPTER 1: Uncle Matt, Chloe, Trish

BAILIFF: Hear ye, hear ye, the court of True Love, Destiny, and Fate is now in session. Judge Q. Pidd presiding. You may take your seats.

Harm and Mac found themselves sitting side-by-side at the defense table in what looked like one of the courtrooms at JAG HQ. Their mouths dropped wide open as they took in their surroundings. What was normally the prosecution's table was empty; not even a set of chairs were placed there.

A short, but intimidating looking man sat before them; dressed in the traditional black robe of a judge. He was slightly on the chubby side and had curly, short blond hair. His eyes were a piercing shade of blue and he had the most peculiar smile on his face.

As they both turned their curious looks away from this seemingly familiar-looking judge, to see what or who was behind them, Mac let out a soft gasp. The benches of the courtroom were filled with a large amount of people. Military and civilian, friends and family; they were all people who had at one time or another crossed paths in the lives of Harm and Mac. People like Mic Brumby, Frank and Trish Burnett, Bobbi Latham, and even Matthew O'Hara. Even little AJ Roberts was there, seated quietly next to his parents.

They turned back to face each other and were about to ask the other what was going on when the judge finally spoke, reading from a open file.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: In the matter of The People v. Harmon Rabb, Jr. and Sarah MacKenzie, it has been decided that after ten years of "dancing around" each other, both persons having the inability to commit to any form of a long-term relationship whatsoever, and being unable to find what is commonly referred to as their "soul mate" that this court will decide what shall happen in the relationship between Harmon Rabb, Jr. and Sarah MacKenzie. After a careful and thorough reviewing of the facts and events that have led us to this point, it will be decided whether they are not meant to be together and shall remain as just friends or if, in fact, they are fated to be each other's soul mates and in such case that the latter is found, this court will also decide what form and sort of punishment shall be awarded.

The judge looked up to see Harm and Mac's stunned reactions; their eyes wide open, as well as their mouths.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Any objections?

Harm and Mac looked at each other, several poignant questions running through their minds. First on Harm's mind though, was that going through all this was going to bring up some pretty bad memories and he didn't want Mac to get hurt. Both of them had suffered enough through the years.

HARM: Your Honor, I would like to protest and move for a dismissal of these charges.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Why?

HARM: Because whatever the relationship is between the Colonel and myself is just that, sir. Between the two of us; it should not be made public knowledge.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: shaking his head. Ahh, but most of the events of your "private relationship" have occurred in public, in the presence of many of these people seated behind you today. It has been decided that since the two of you cannot seem to deal healthily with your relationship outside of the courtroom, that it would be in the best interest of all parties involved if the relationship was defined and analyzed in a courtroom setting. Being that you two are considered to be two of the military's top lawyers, it was felt by many that a courtroom would be a place in which you both would not only behave in a somewhat professional manner, but also one in which that you both would be comfortable. One must also consider the fact that this room will be neutral ground for both of you. This way, the full explanation and truth of the situation thereof might be brought to pass and the confusion and misunderstandings that are usually known to follow in your many "discussions" will be void and events will be made clearer. Motion denied.

MAC: But, your Honor.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: holding up his hand to stop her. I'm sorry, but your relationship and the events thereof have effected many in your lives. The people are tired of waiting for you two to "get your heads out of your sixes," so to speak.

Underneath the table, Harm reached for Mac's hand in a gesture of comfort, giving it a gentle squeeze. Not knowing what else to do but go along with this weird and unusual, but needed event, they let things go on.

He leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Are you going to be okay with this?"

"Nothing else seems to have worked, Harm. I have to agree with them, I'm tired of this dance between us," she sighed.

"If you're okay with it, then so am I," he told her, waiting for her assurance.

Things had been tense, to say the least, for them over the past year. They had been starting to get things back on track, but with Webb showing up alive and the possibility of Harm being recalled to fly because of the War on Terrorism, things had become much more stressful.

There were still many issues between them, many fights still being yelled out, so much tension apparent. Maybe this was what they needed to get through everything between them. Nothing else seemed to work.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: We will now hear opening statements. Prosecution, you may begin.

PROSECUTOR: Thank you, your Honor. Ten years. Ten years full of misunderstandings, miscommunication, and mistakes. Ten years is a long time for any two people to figure out a relationship and not come up with a solution. Especially for two people who are so obviously meant to be together. It has been shown over the past several years that when they are trying to solve their problems, something or someone gets in the way. Harm and Mac have always been there for each other, through thick and thin. They have followed each other to foreign countries and into dangerous situations. We plan to prove that these two are indeed meant to be soul mates and their actions over the past several years are only proof of this. Harm and Mac all too often put the needs of the other above those of their own. They are partners at JAG, best friends in and out of the military, this much they will admit to. They are each deeply in love with the other, but too afraid of hurting their partner and losing their friendship. We plan to prove that the bonds of their friendship will only be strengthened if they take their relationship to the next level. The many witnesses will tell about experiences they participated in or witnessed that will attest to the point in which we plan to prove. Thank you.

The judge then looked at Harm and Mac expectedly as Prosecutor took her seat.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Well?

The two military lawyers looked at each other again, still very much confused as to what was going on or what the proper proceedings should be.

The judge sighed.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Do you two wish to make a statement in your defense? It is assumed, that you two will want to speak in your own defense.

MAC: You mean, to defend ourselves as just being friends and nothing more?

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Yes, that is what you both believe to be true, isn't it?

Harm and Mac looked at each other again, unsure. Not wanting to assume that the other wanted what they wanted so deep down inside, they nodded in the affirmative at the judge's question.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Very well then, who will speak?

As the two continued to sit there in confusion and silence, Prosecutor sighed and stood up. They were behaving most uncharacteristic-like and she was determined to give them a few more minutes to gather their bearings.

PROSECUTOR: Your honor, may I make a suggestion?

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Go ahead.

PROSECUTOR: It is my suggestion that the two not be allowed to make a statement. They obviously cannot come to an agreement at this time and since they have had so many years to speak in their own defense and make their own choices, however blind they may have been, it is my belief that we not allow them this time to make the same excuses. I move that we begin with the witnesses.

Before Harm and Mac could realize what was being done, the judge was already speaking.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Motion granted. The prosecution may call its first witness. And just as a reminder to all witness, please keep your testimony brief and to the point. We have many people to get through and would like to make this as quick as possible.

Prosecutor stood and smiling sweetly at Harm and Mac, she turned to face the back of the courtroom.

PROSECUTOR: The prosecution calls Colonel Matthew O'Hara to be its' first witness, Your Honor.

From his seat in the second row, Colonel O'Hara arose and moved towards the witness stand, taking a seat. He gave his niece a warm smile, trying to assure her that all would be okay.

PROSECUTOR: Colonel O'Hara, could you please tell us your relationship to Colonel MacKenzie?

COLONEL O'HARA: I am her uncle.

PROSECUTOR: Could you please tell the court about the first time you met Commander Rabb?

COLONEL O'HARA: A group of men and I had stolen the Declaration of Independence and the military sent my niece and Commander Rabb out to investigate. Sarah led him to the caves where we were, turned on him, with the purpose of trying to help me before Rabb would do anything. To make a long story short, Commander Rabb fought in my defense at my trial.

PROSECUTOR: And do you believe he did so because of his feelings for your niece?

COLONEL O'HARA: Maybe, I don't know. Commander Rabb is just that kind of man who would help out someone in need.

PROSECUTOR: And did you suspect then that there was something going on between the two?

Harm and Mac jumped to their feet.

HARM & MAC: Objection!

JUDGE Q. PIDD: On what grounds?

Like as was his habit, Harm spoke without truly thinking.

HARM: Colonel O'Hara has spent the past 9 years in Leavenworth, far away from both Colonel MacKenzie and myself. He was only around us for a few weeks, he does not quite have the experience to judge on the state of the relationship between the Colonel and I.

Mac looked about ready to hit Harm. Out of the corner of her mouth, she muttered, "Thanks, Harm. Just announce it to the whole world that my uncle's a criminal."

Harm was the only one who could have heard her and he did. He turned slightly and bent down to whisper to her. "I did not just do that. Your uncle is not a criminal and most of those people here understand that. I'm just trying to help stop this. Isn't that what you want?"

She snorted. "Like you would know what I want."

"There was a time when I thought I did, but you're so confusing. Women should come with an instruction manual."

Sensing a full-blown argument coming on between the two, the judge stepped in.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Objection overruled. Counsel is not asking the witness to testify on the current state of the defense's relationship. You may continue.

PROSECUTOR: Colonel, I will repeat the question. Did you, at that time, suspect that there was something going on between your niece and the Commander?

COLONEL O'HARA: At the time, I was not sure what to make of the two of them and the state they were in. There did seem to be some sort of tension, but that just may have been because they were new partners and just getting to know each other.

PROSECUTOR: Describe this tension, if you please.

COLONEL O'HARA: Well, they were new to each other. Commander Rabb was used to winning the women over with his cocky smile but my niece can be quite stubborn. There were times when it seemed as though he was trying to charm her a bit, but she steadily rebuffed his kindness. I believe that she finally believed that he was just trying to be a friend when he offered to defend me.

PROSECUTOR: Just a few more questions, Colonel. Could you please tell us why you wanted to be here today?

COLONEL O'HARA: I want my niece to be happy. She has been through so much and she seems to only be truly happy when with Commander Rabb. I have read about their many adventures and exploits through the years, she has called me several times to talk and during those phone calls, she speaks of Commander Rabb in a way I have never heard her speak of anyone, not even when she was engaged to Mr. Brumby. I'd like to say that I know my niece fairly well and it is my belief that both she and Commander Rabb are quite fond of each other.

PROSECUTOR: Thank you, Colonel. That is all, Your Honor.

Prosecutor returned to her seat, smiling triumphantly.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Thank you, Colonel O'Hara, you may return to your seat.

MAC: Your Honor? Don't we get the opportunity to question the witness?

JUDGE Q. PIDD: In normal circumstances, yes, but these are not normal circumstances. As it seems that you and Commander Rabb could not even come together enough to make an opening statement, and in light of other events, you will not be allowed to cross-examine the witnesses.

HARM: But, Your Honor?

JUDGE Q. PIDD: You two had your chances to solve things between you two. One or both of you somehow managed to mess up all those chances. This is a chance for your friends and family to speak their opinions and have them be heard. You spent ten years trying to prove that you two were just friends, now they get their chance to prove otherwise. Prosecution, you may call your next witness.

PROSECUTOR: The prosecution would like to call Miss Chloe Madison to the stand.

Mac, at hearing this name, put her hands to her head and let out a small groan. The time she had brought the young girl into the JAG office was so embarrassing, this was sure to be far worse. The still precocious teenage girl took her seat on the stand, obviously happy to be there.

PROSECUTOR: And what is your relationship to the Colonel and the Commander?

CHLOE: Mac's my big sister, we were both part of that big sister/little sister program and Harm's just a good friend who Mac's in love with.

PROSECUTOR: So you believe Mac's in love with Harm?

CHLOE: She talks about him a lot and when she called to talk to me about work like the first time she had met everyone, she told me how incredibly sexy her partner was.

MAC: gasping loudly I did not!

JUDGE Q. PIDD: Colonel MacKenzie! Please, silence.

Mac slumped back down in her chair, knowing that she was sunk. Oh, the things Chloe could and most definitely would tell. Harm sat next to her, two conflicting emotions running through him. Part of him was concerned that this kind of trial, event, would only make things worse between the two of them and hurt both of them far worse than anything had before. The other part, one which he couldn't help but feel, was delight. Mac thought he was sexy!

PROSECUTOR: And do you think Harm was in love with Mac?

CHLOE: Oh, definitely. They always had this look on their faces when they looked at each other. It was like they were the only two in the room.

PROSECUTOR: A look?

CHLOE: Like they wanted to kiss each other.

PROSECUTOR: Did Mac talk about Harm often?

CHLOE: Uh-huh, every time she would call and I would ask about Harm, she would tell me about their latest adventure. She would tell me all about him. Then sometimes, she would start complaining about his latest girlfriend. And there was that whole thing with her wedding to Mic.

PROSECUTOR: Please explain.

CHLOE: I'm sure someone else will explain it later, but basically when it came time for Mac and Mic to reschedule their wedding after Harm's plane crash, it didn't happen. Mac wouldn't directly say so, but it was all because of Harm that the wedding didn't go on.

PROSECUTOR: What else?

CHLOE: There was this one night when I was staying with Mac and Harm came over and they sent me out of the room so they could talk but I listened to them anyway. Harm told Mac that that he was returning to flying and when he left, she just kind of sat there in shock. It was like she didn't want him to go. She said she didn't know what she was feeling, but she never denied being in love with Harm.

PROSECUTOR: Anything more?

CHLOE: I just want to say that I think they're so totally in love with each other and that I think they should get married and I want to be the flower girl cause I didn't get to be last time and I think they're just totally perfect for each other!

Some members of the court broke out into small fits of laughter at the girl's excitement and exuberance.

PROSECUTOR: Thank you, you may step down now. I would like to call Mrs. Patricia Rabb Burnett as my next witness.

Harm watched as his mother made her way gracefully to the stand. He should have known that she would be here and at the forefront of this. He eagerly awaited her words, curious as to what she would speak about.

PROSECUTOR: Would you please state your relationship with the Commander?

TRISH: I am his mother.

PROSECUTOR: So you have seen how your son behaves around many of his girlfriends?

TRISH: Only a few.

PROSECUTOR: Why only a few?

TRISH: Harm hardly talks about what's really going on in his life. I guess I like to bug him a little too much about his dating life. I'll hear names here and there every so often but he hardly mentions his girlfriends to me.

PROSECUTOR: And in what way does he talk about Mac?

TRISH: smiling fondly When I come out and directly ask him about Sarah, he just says that she's fine and that's it. He doesn't want to hear any more questions about her from me.

PROSECUTOR: Was he like that when you talked about other girls?

TRISH: Somewhat. What is interesting is that when he calls, he likes to talk about her if I don't bring it up. He's very proud of many of the things she's done, as he's told me. Harm likes to talk about how hard she's worked, about how many trials she's overcome, and how she almost always comes out on top. And when I tell him what a wonderful woman she is, he becomes almost shy and embarrassed.

PROSECUTOR: Would you say that he is in love with her?

TRISH: It seems as though he is. My son seems to be quite fond of Sarah. And I believe she's been good for him. He needs someone to keep him in line, to challenge him and she does that. He's matured a lot over these past few years, I believe, due mostly in part to her influence in his life. I just want him to be happy.

PROSECUTOR: Thank you, that is all.

JUDGE Q. PIDD: knocking the gavel twice We'll take a brief recess and return shortly to continue. Thank you.

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