Harm races back down the stairs, two at a time, knowing the General will not want to be kept waiting. As he approaches Petty Officer Quinn's desk, he is told, "Go on in Sir, he's expecting you."

Before Harm can even come to attention, Cresswell tells him to take a seat.

The General gets straight to the point, "Captain, I apologize for interrupting your lunch, but I need you on a transport of out Andrews as soon as you can pack a bag and get there."

Harm replies, "I have a bag packed in the car, Sir, I was told several years ago, long before I was married, that it was better to keep a packed sea bag in my car than golf clubs."

The General chuckles, "I bet I don't need to guess where those words of wisdom originated."

Harm laughs, "No Sir, I'm sure you don't. What can I say? She started her training of me early on in our partnership. Little did I know at the time that she was preparing me for married life. Although, when I pack up the wife & kids' stuff there isn't room in the cargo area for a sea bag or golf clubs. You have no idea how many pairs of shoes that woman considers 'essential' when traveling."

Th General replies, "I don't doubt it, but you won't need any of that this trip. You are headed to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), in Fallon, Nevada. A Captain Jonas has requested you personally for the investigation."

Harm sputters out, "Boomer? I didn't realize he made Captain. When did he get to Top Gun? Sorry Sir, none of that is important, but I am honestly shocked! We served together in the same squadron on the Patrick Henry, and he was barely officer material then. One of the last times I saw him, he was dancing with a blow up doll. I sincerely hope he grew up. What the heck happened?"

The General responds somberly, "A Class A mishap involving two F-18F Super Hornets on a training mission. The planes crashed mid-air. One of the planes was able to land safely, the other crashed into the desert. On the crashed aircraft, the RIO was able to safely eject, but the pilot wasn't so lucky. This is going to be a messy one."

Harm inhales a sharp breath, "Yeah it is." He takes the folder from the General containing the preliminary information, and grimaces as a thought clicks in his head.

Cresswell inquires, "Did I miss something?"

Harm replies, "No, it's just that Mac has an ultrasound later this week, and I don't think I'll have this wrapped up fast enough to be back in time. I'm sorry, please forget I said that."

The General raises his eyebrow in question.

Harm replies with a small smile, "Sorry Sir, I know that you already had suspicions that I just inadvertently confirmed, but Mac seems very hesitant to spread the news until after she has had the ultrasound."

The General grows concerned, "There isn't anything wrong is there?"

Rabb replies, "No Sir. I don't think so, at least not that we are aware of. This pregnancy just feels different to her than the last two and we aren't quite sure why. She just wants to confirm that all is well. It's female logic, General, I will never understand it. However, with her track record, I don't tend to overlook things when she gets weird vibes. They usually mean something; it just isn't always evident what the hidden message contains in the early stages."

The General nods, "I'm sorry, but I really do need you on this investigation. Maybe you can see if Commander Robert's wife could go with her? Or does she not know yet either?"

Harm shakes his head, "No, she doesn't. Mac really is keeping this close hold for now. However, there is one person who could help. I'll call her on my way to Andrews. Is there anything else I need, Sir?"

The General responds, "No. Safe travels, and provide me an update as soon as you have one. And I'm sure I don't need to caution you about the press, I'm sure they have plenty of their own speculations on this, but we are offering nothing until we know what happened."

Harm replies, "Aye Aye Sir. This isn't my first rodeo. I'm become an expert over the years of avoiding the media circus. It probably comes from having dated a producer at one point in my life. Don't ask, it was at a very low point. I'll call you when I'm wheels down and at least have a preliminary update. As soon as I have a sense of what happened here, you will be my first call."


Harm leaves the General's office and runs back upstairs, hoping that Mac hasn't gone back into court yet.

He arrives just outside her chambers, slightly out of breath to hear her yeoman tell him, "She's still in there. I'll just let her know you are back."

She presses the intercom, "Sorry to interrupt, again, Ma'am, but Captain Rabb is here."

Mac chuckles, "Send him in already."

Harm has enough time to close the hatch and turn around to see Mac packing up the various containers of their lunch. She says, "Sorry Sailor, I don't have time for a quickie right now, I have to get back into court. You will have to wait until later tonight to ravish me, but you can snack on what is left of lunch for now to tide you over."

Harm's smile falters, "Uh, Mac, about that…"

The color drains from her face, "What's wrong?"

Harm sighs, "I have to leave. Mishap at Fallon. At least one known fatality. Have to be on a plane out of Andrews ASAP."

Mac gets a tear in her eye, as she realizes what he is telling her. She states, "You won't be here for the ultrasound."

Harm steps over to her, takes both her hands in his, and intertwines their fingers. He quietly says, "It's not likely that I will be back in time, but I will do my very best."

Mac mutely nods. She asks, "Do you want me to reschedule it?"

Harm replies, "No. As much as I want to be there, I know that you need to have your nerves set at ease, and I don't want you to have to wait for me to do that."

Mac says, "I'm not sure I want to be alone for this one."

Harm assures her, "You won't be."

Mac exclaims, "What? Who is going with me? We haven't told any of our friends, so I can't ask one of them."

Harm says, "Not necessary. I'm calling mom on the way to Andrews. I don't want you to be alone either."

Mac lets her inner Marine out, "You don't need your mother to come out here to be with me. I'm a big girl and take care of myself!"

Harm gathers her in his arms, "I know that Mac. But I don't like to see any of my girls upset. Besides, Mom will be ecstatic to spend some time with her grandkids. And, it will make me worry less about leaving you here alone to deal with everything."

Mac burrows into his embrace, and gives a little pout, "Fine. But just so you know, big girls don't cry. And neither do Marines."

Harm chuckles, "Is this one of those 'fines' as in you are ok with this plan, or a 'fine' as in you are right and I need to shut up right now?"

Mac smiles into his shoulder, "Both. And I need to get back to court, and you need to get your six to Andrews. So, hightail it out of here."

Harm releases his hold on her, and brings his hands to cup her face as he softly kisses her lips, "I love you, Marine. Tell the kids I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to say good-bye, but I will come home from my trip bearing gifts."

She laughs, "I love you too, Sailor. Call me when you land."

Harm gives her one last loving look that penetrates her soul, and softly says, "Bye."

As he turns around to leave, Mac swats his six.

He turns around, "What was that for?"

Mac shrugs her shoulders, "Just because." She winks at her, " I'll show you when you get home. Good luck!"