4 hours later

Harm and Mac strode through the doors of ER, searching for Francesca. They found her at the nurses' station pleading with the nurse on duty to let her see the list of the casualties coming from the stadium.

"I'm sorry miss, but it's too soon to be able to ID everyone."

"Then how am I supposed to know…is my father alive or dead?"

The nurse didn't get a chance to answer, as Harm and Mac approached and decided to step in. Mac flashed her Identification, and asked to see the list of the dead and injured. Reluctantly the nurse handed her the clipboard. She turned to Francesca. "She's right, there are an awful lot of John Doe's on this list. I don't see his name listed though, so that's a good sign."

Francesca gave a pessimistic nod, as Harm turned to her. "How long have you been here?"

"Nearly six hours. Surely they would be able to tell me something by now. Unless he's…" She trailed off, unable to finish her thought.

"AJ's a fighter. We all need to remember that. He probably stayed behind to help out with others who are injured."

Francesca's face brightened. "You think so? Or…maybe he's looking for me." She turned toward the door. "I have to get back over there and tell him I'm okay."

Harm grabbed her shoulder. "If he was looking for you, he would have been here by now." He sighed. "Anything's possible, especially with him."

"Why don't we all sit down, and…" Mac was interrupted, by a crew of Paramedics bursting through the side doors. On the stretcher lying on his stomach was a very badly burned AJ. The flesh of his back was charred, torn, and covered in fist sized blisters. They hadn't covered his wounds for fear the blankets would stick to what was left of his skin. He was unconscious.

For a long moment no one moved, though all of their faces paled considerably at the site of the father figure they knew and loved in such a state. Mac reached out and grabbed Francesca by the elbow, preventing her from sprinting to her father's side. The EMT's were still rushing him through the doors.

"We've got severe damage to the back torso area. Respirations are weak. Severe lung damage likely. Recommend immediate stabilization, and then surgery." The EMT barked at the nurse behind the desk. She hit the ground running, and immediately made the proper calls to clear an OR for AJ.

Harm, Mac, and Francesca stood staring after the double doors that led to the OR unit. The reality of the situation hit Francesca first, and she raced over to nearest garbage can and promptly threw up her breakfast. Mac walked over to the waiting area and got a glass of water for her, then told Harm she had found a decent place for them to sit and wait. He nodded, and headed to the nurse's station.

"Hello," He said to the nurse politely. "My name is Harmon Rabb, I'm here for Admiral Chegwidden." He nodded his head toward the double doors. "The man who was just rushed into surgery. I'd appreciate it, if you could tell us of any news that comes your way about his condition."

"Are you family?"

Harm glanced over at Mac and Francesca, now sitting on a couch in the waiting area. Were they family? One of them of course, by blood, but he and Mac? Absolutely. "Yes we are," He told her. She didn't question him.

"Okay, I'll let the doctor know."

Harm smiled. "Thank you." Slowly he walked over and sat next to Mac. Unconsciously reaching over and taking her hand. He nodded toward the nurse. "She'll keep us informed."

Mac nodded but remained silent. Francesca sat staring at the glare off of the tan speckled tile beneath her feet. Tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks. She didn't bother to even wipe them away.

The hours passed and they shifted in their seats, searching their minds for something to distract them from the fear that clutched at their hearts. If they could keep busy, they wouldn't have time to mull over the worst case scenario. Harm adjusted his back for the 50th time, and then reached idly into his pocket. He was thankful to find his cell phone there, as an idea came to him.

He leaned over to Mac. "I'm going to go call Bud and Harriet, and the rest of the JAG crew."

She acknowledged him, but didn't respond verbally. He gave a quick, encouraging squeeze to her hand, and then stepped out the door to use the phone. Ten minutes later he returned. "Bud and Harriet are on their way. The boys are already spending the week with the Simms' anyway, so baby sitting is not a problem. Everyone else has to stay behind to hold down the fort, but they all send their best."

Again she met his eyes, but didn't say anything.

"Mac are you alright?"

She pursed her lips, and then suddenly stood up. "I have to get out of here," She said, and headed out the door without looking back. Harm didn't flinch. He knew where she would be.

Francesca looked up and spoke for the first time in hours. "Where is she going?"

"To work things out."

TBC….