Disclaimers: I don't own the characters, I'm just writing it for fun. No money involved. I don't own the songs either. "The Prayer" is Celine Dion's and "Oh Little Town of Bethlehem" is Lewis H. Redner's.

Story By: Gabrielle:-) [email protected]

**Have a Happy New Millennium's Eve and Millennium! :-) This is a new start for everyone! Have fun!

***This is for the child in all of us.

December 31 at JAG:

"You know Bud, we all have to be on our best behavior. All those kids are coming this afternoon. Maybe you shouldn't have put the mmmfm....." He kissed the word right out of Harriet's mouth. Mac smiled from the other side of the room. Harriet and Bud were still so cute together, even after marriage and a baby they looked like they'd just fallen in love yesterday.

"BUD!"

"What were you saying about mistletoe?"

She smiled at him and shook her head as he walked away with a smile like hers. Bud had made the office look very Christmassy this year, and he was still enjoying it.

It had been a fairly good Christmas for all of them. The Admiral was back home now, but had spent the holiday with his daughter in Italy, just as he had the prior year. Bud and Harriet had the joy of their sons first Christmas. Mac was in good spirits even though she didn't have much to do for Christmas. She had found that although she didn't have hardly any family, she was part of a wonderful family. She spent Christmas Eve with Bud and Harriet, and on Christmas Day she and Harm had had dinner together. Surprisingly enough, this year it had been Mac trying to cheer Harm up. She was realizing just how much she had and how far she had come, so she was in a great mood. Harm on the other hand....

Christmas Eve:

Mac paused outside of Harm's office before going it, knowing he was in a lousy mood without any reason to be at all. Maybe she could cheer him up. Mac poked her head in.

"Harm, wanna go to lunch?"

"Not really."

"Aw come on." She walked into his office and sat down.

"Mac, what are you doing?"

"Sitting in a chair in your office trying to get you to come to lunch with me."

He frowned.

"Oh come on Harm, what is with you? Is there a case I forgot about, is the Admiral mad at you... what Harm?"

He didn't say anything.

"Ok. Well, as far as I know, your case load is light just like mine, the Admiral is, as he has been all week, in a very good mood, and it's Christmastime! So why are you in such a bad mood?"

"Why are you in such a good mood? Last time I looked you didn't have anything to do on Christmas either."

"Thanks Harm, I needed the reminder." She got up to leave.

"Mac wait. I'm sorry. Look, it's just... everybody is in this great happy cheery mood, and well.... I'm just not into it, that's all. I have no reason to be. My mom's with Frank on a cruise again this year, I couldn't get enough days off to visit my Grandmother, and well...Jordan and I are...It's just not a good year, ok?"

"As I recall, last year wasn't such a good year for me, and I didn't act like a spoiled little boy."

"You aren't a boy."

"Harm! That's not what I mean and you know it. I wasn't exactly having a great Christmas last year, but I didn't walk around like it was the end of the world. I did bug you I guess for a little friendship, and I am bugging you again for it this year. I don't have anyone either Harm. You know that. So, why don't we just be here for each other, and be happy for everyone else? So as not to start a third world war?"

He didn't say anything.

"Fine. I'll go to lunch by myself." She started to leave.

"No, Mac... wait. I'll go."

December 31:

Things got a little better after that, and they did have fun at dinner on Christmas Day. Today it was work as usual for many. Unfortunately New Year's Eve was just another day like any other with the Government. But something was different this particular day. Mac looked away from Harriet and around the office. The office was quiet, many people did have off, and the few who were on duty weren't thrilled about it. They had to be extra careful this year with all the Y2K problems and terrorist threats that had been received. There was a special schedule of events leading up to midnight. That was hours away, eight hours and twenty-six minutes to be exact, but still, something seemed to be...odd.

Mac watched a little girl sitting in a chair nearby playing with a doll. She was Major Elizabeth Tafoya's daughter. Major Tafoya was new at JAG, and she wasn't supposed to have been on the duty list for this day, but she had to come in anyway because of a problem with one of her cases. The Admiral hadn't been happy about the fact that her daughter had come in also, but the little girl wasn't causing any trouble, so he let it go. Besides that, little A. J. was also in the office for the day, so the Admiral bit his lip and dealt with the fact that his JAG office seemed to be turning into a school yard.

Even that didn't explain the odd feeling Mac was noticing. She decided it was her imagination, and laughed it off as she went into her office. A few minutes later however, after Tiner told her the Admiral wanted her to join Commander Brumby and Commander Rabb in his office, the odd feeling had come back full force, and with good reason. Standing at attention they all got the frightening news.

"You all should know about all the millennium threats that have been coming in for the last year. Most have been chalked up to jokesters, however there are a few that were taken seriously. Unfortunately the precautions taken to halt these threats, well, at least this one particular threat, have been unsuccessful."

"Sir?" Brumby as usual couldn't hold his tongue and wait for the explanation.

"Well, Commander, it seems this office has been quarantined."

Their mouths all dropped for a second of surprise.

"Admiral...why?" It was Harm's turn to be pushy.

"There was a threat that was sent directly to the White House this morning, no one knows where it came from yet, but we do know whoever it was meant business. About an hour ago they found an unknown bacteria in the hand soap of every bathroom in the building. The building has been sealed and we are supposed to separate anyone feeling sick from those who aren't feeling sick. Also, anyone who used the bathroom soap is to be separated as well, whether they are sick or not. My first question for you three is, who washed their hands today?"

Mac held her breath before speaking.

"I did sir. I've been in the bathroom twice today." She continued to stand at attention, even though she could hardly feel her legs under her as the realization hit her of what was happening. Harm and Mic stayed silent and didn't move. The Admiral took a deep breath.

"Colonel please return to your office, close the door and stay there."

"Yes Sir."

Before she walked out, Harm stopped her by speaking.

"Mac, wait. You aren't...you don't feel sick, do you?"

"No Harm. I'm fine."

He smiled.

"Colonel?"

"Yes Admiral?"

"We'll get this taken care of quickly Mac."

She nodded and left, going strait to her office. On her way she saw Bud playing with A. J. out of the corner of her eye. When she sat down at her desk, a tear fell to the pill of papers below. All she could think of were the two children and their parents in the office. Why did they have to be there...

About an hour later:

Harm, Mic and the Admiral had successfully separated everyone in the building with little chaos. It was good that they were all military, mostly everyone in the building had been trained to stay calm in just this sort of situation. So people had cooperated with little trouble. No one had gotten sick yet which everyone was thankful for. But for those who had used the bathroom soap, it was a waiting game. Even for those who hadn't the wait was already like torture. Bud hadn't used the bathroom that day, but Harriet had several times, and she'd changed A.J. in there too. So, they had been separated. Harm and Mac of course had been separated. And Major Tafoya had to leave her daughter who had used the soap in the bathroom to wash her hands after playing with some pens on her mommy's desk. Everyone who hadn't used the bathroom soap was worried about those who had. They also ran their day over and over in their heads... had they touched anyone who had used the soap, or anything that had been touched by someone who had...was it airborne...what was it......when would help arrive? Harm stayed away from everyone, he and Mac had worked together all morning, and he was sure he'd touched her or at least a pen or something that she had touched. Harm didn't think it was airborne yet, but he wasn't sure. He'd seen help arrive. They showed up in the typical alien/outer space type suites. The Admiral had informed both he and Mic that they were bringing inflatable mattresses, blankets and other supplies to one of the court rooms to the back of the third floor. That was where they were planning on bringing anyone who got sick. Those who had used the bathrooms had been taken to the third floor and were to stay there. Everyone else was on the second floor. No one else was to be anywhere else in the building.

Harm sighed. He knew this was bad. He only hoped no one was sick yet. Particularly, little A.J., Harriet and Mac. He figured they were keeping the Admiral informed, and he hoped Admiral Chegwidden would keep him informed also.

A few hours later:

It was getting dark outside now, and people were quieting down. Everyone had been aloud to call their families, which they were glad for, but no one was happy about the fact that this was how they would be spending their New Year's Eve. Mac didn't have anyone to call, and neither did Harriet. The computer system in the building had been shut down and there wasn't much for them to do, so they were playing cards trying to keep their minds occupied. Everyone was trying to keep their minds occupied. Mac took her turn, and then when she was finished she looked up to search the room hoping maybe she'd see something new. She did, but she wasn't happy about it. Several people had disappeared...

On the Second Floor:

"Rabb."

"Yes Sir." Harm stood up.

"People are starting to get sick."

"Sir?"

"Harriet, A.J. and Mac are still all fine. A.J.'s taking a nap from what I hear, and Harriet's playing cards with Mac."

"Trying to keep themselves occupied Sir?"

"I would imagine so Commander. I thought you'd want to stay informed. Sorry it's bad news."

"Yes Sir. Thank you Admiral."

The Third Floor a while later:

Mac took another look around the room. It was totally dark outside now, and with the dark brought the true depth of the danger they all faced. Everyone except for Harriet, A.J. and herself, was gone. The room was empty.

Harriet saw the look on Mac's face, and it scared her, but she could do nothing. She looked around, noticing the emptiness also. How had everyone gone so quickly and without them even noticing? It was all happening so fast, and yet it seemed like it was all taking forever.

Harriet stood up, but immediately sat back in her place. Mac looked at her face. Harriet's eyes were closed, and sweat was starting to appear on her forehead.

"Oh no... Harriet no..."

A few minutes later, Mac held A.J. in her arms and watched them help Harriet down the hall to the back court room.

Well kid... it's just you and me. Let's not get sick, ok?" She held back tears and started to turn away to take A.J. to look out a window, but Mac saw something, someone come walking up and follow behind where they'd just taken Harriet. It was Harm and he looked terrible. Mac had to sit down and remind herself to breath.

"Harm..." This time she couldn't stop the tears. She pulled little A.J. close to her. He just rested his head on her shoulder unsure of what else to do. Only a few months old, he had no idea of what was going on.

"No....Harm, God no..."

Near 10pm:

"Colonel?"

Mac stood at the window with A.J. still in her arms. He was giggling as she would cover his eyes and then move her hand so he could see the lights of Washington D.C. Mac was trying to keep things as normal as possible for him. She turned at the voice. It was one of the infectious disease docs.

"Colonel, you and the baby can come downstairs with the others. A few of them have gotten sick also, but no one has gotten sick in a while. It seems t be halted. The quarantine is of course still in effect, but we feel it's safe for you and the baby to be checked and then aloud to join the others."

Mac just stood there for a second, then started to follow him. They got out into the hallway, but just before they reached the elevator, Mac stopped.

"Ma'am?" The doctor turned back.

Mac gave A.J. a kiss on the cheek and handed him to the doctor.

"You go down and keep you're daddy company."

"Ma'am...what..."

"Take him down with the others. His father is down there as far as I know. He'll be happy to see his baby."

"But Ma'am, what about..."

"I'm staying here." Without even thinking about it, Mac turned and walked down the hallway and into the back courtroom.

"Ma'am? Colonel!" He couldn't stop her. She was gone, in with those who had gotten sick...

Just before 11pm:

Mac sat on the floor in a far corner of the room. Harriet was sleeping just to her left and Harm was on her right, also asleep. They both looked very pale, just like everyone else in the room did. Everyone but Mac had their own inflatable mattress and blanket. Thirteen people in total. Mac was the only one not sick in the room, not including the docs. She watched Harm's breathing and thought about the conversations she and Harm had had on Christmas Eve. To her it seemed that if anything happened to him, she wouldn't want to be alive. It was simple to her. All she could do was hope she got sick too. It was an odd wish, but she couldn't walk out of this without him. It was her fault he was sick. She had used the bathroom, not Harm. Why hadn't she gotten sick instead?

"Damn it." Her voice wasn't above a whisper, but someone still heard.

"You aren't supposed to say bad words."

Mac looked around to find where the small voice had come from. Just in front of her a little to the left was Major Tafoya's daughter. She was sitting up in her inflatable bed facing Mac.

"My mommy said I shouldn't say bad words. So, I guess you shouldn't either, right?"

"Right." Mac tried to smile.

"You aren't sick."

"No, not yet."

"Oh. Will you get sick?"

"I don't know sweetie."

"Oh. What's your name?"

"Sarah, what's yours?"

"Nicole."

"How old are you Nicole?" Mac felt so terrible for this poor little girl. And her mother had to be downstairs worried out of her mind.

"Seven. My mommy works here. You do too, don't you?"

"Yes."

"You're a Marine like my mommy."

"Yes, I am. And I'm a lawyer too, like your mommy."

They talked for a long time, until Nicole couldn't stay awake anymore. She had a fever like the others. It seemed that there wasn't any pain involved, only a little nausea at first, then fever and fatigue. Mac was glad the little girl wasn't in any pain, but she wished she was sick instead of the child.

"You wish you could be sick and not her, don't you Colonel?"

Mac turned to see a man that looked vaguely familiar. He was in his mid thirties she guessed, with dark brown hair and a dark face. The man was laying on a mattress to the left of where Harriet still slept. He had a kind face; Mac smiled at him, but she just couldn't place how she knew him.

"I know how you feel. I can see it in your face when you look at that child. You want to be sick and not her. I am sick, and I still wish I could take it away from her. It's just not fair, is it?"

"No." Mac looked out over the room full of sick people and the man followed her eyes. He looked at all the people and came up with another thought.

"I wonder if we've missed the new year yet."

"No, not yet. It's 2336. You've got twenty-four minutes to go."

He looked at her with a curious smile. Mac knew what he was thinking.

"I know, I didn't look at a watch so how do I know, right?"

"Yep, that's about what I was thinkin'."

"I have no idea. I just know. I always just know."

"Well, that's luck. I'm glad you're here, I forgot to wear a watch today of all days, and I would hate to miss the new year. Especially this year. It's very special."

"Yeah. I guess."

"You don't sound sure."

"Well, it was special.... but now... how can it even seem a little special to you now?" She stared at him sympathetically.

"I'll bet Colonel that it's a new year none of us will forget. That makes it special, doesn't it?"

"Yes but..."

"Special times aren't always good times."

Mac smiled softly at him. She wished she had his courage.

"But if we all die.... then how do we remember it?"

"I guess we just have to believe we will and let the rest take care of itself.... You love that man, don't you?" He motioned to Harm with his eyes. Mac couldn't say anything, but she knew he was right.

"You do." He paused for a minute letting her think about what he'd said. Then he went on.

"Will you do me a favor and be sure to tell me when it's the new year?"

"Yeah, I promise."

"Thanks Colonel."

"You read rank?"

"A little. I've seen you in the building before too. My name's Henry. You're usually busy or leavin' in a hurry though, I don't think you ever really noticed me. It's ok, you always seemed like a nice person. And you are Colonel Mackenzie. You are." He rolled on his side facing away from her. She stared at his back for a while, and then it came to her. Henry... Henry was the man who collected the trash every day. He was the maintenance man. Mac was overwhelmed with how kind he was, and she was angry with herself for never really paying attention to him. He kept the building spotless.

"Henry?"

He turned his head to her.

"Yes Ma'am?"

"Thank you."

He smiled.

"I don't know for what, but you're welcome."

"I promise to tell you when it's 2000. Ok?"

"Yes Ma'am. Thank you." He put his head back down on the pillow.

A few minutes before 12am:

"Well, I guess Y2K doesn't matter now, huh?"

"The hell with Y2K."

"The world is going to come to an end anyway. At least it is for us."

People were whispering near Mac and she was listening through the quiet dim light. She felt the seconds tick by slowly ... one after the other. She felt people in the room giving up hope more and more as each second past by. Just three minutes ago the first of them had died. He had been one of the JAG lawyers Mac didn't know too well, but it still ripped her up inside when she saw them remove his body. Up until then they weren't sure it was fatal. Now they knew. He was one of the first to get sick. A young, strong man; he had been the father of two boys. Mac let a few tears slip. She could feel her body getting hot, and Mac knew she was getting sick now too. It was only a matter of time.

Nicole stirred in her sleep. The people nearby kept talking. All the air in the room seemed totally still. Harm and Harriet continued to breath evenly on either side of Mac. And the seconds kept falling away slowly... one by one. Until finally Mac turned to Henry.

"Henry." He turned at her voice.

"Yes?" It was as though he were a little boy waiting for Santa Claus to come. His light heart made Mac feel peaceful. She smiled for him.

"It's Midnight."

Her words lite up a world of light on his face. He had waited a long time for the millennium, and he was so glad he'd lived to see it.

"2000. Well. What will they think of next Colonel?" He shook his head.

"I don't know Henry." She laughed.

He smiled then turned serious before laying his head back down.

"Thank you. You made my night Colonel. You're a very special lady you know it."

"No I'm not. There isn't anything special about me."

"Sure there is. Don't you see... When we all saw you walk in here, and you weren't even the tiniest bit sick... well, that was special. I know you didn't do it for any of us. You did it for your friends here, but it still meant a lot. You showed us courage Ma'am. True courage and love. I know you coulda gone down with the others and never had a bit of trouble. You didn't though. You stayed by their side, your friends'. That's a real marine. That's a real person. I don't mean they all shoulda done it, that would be plain stupid... but... well, you see.. don't you? You gave us hope Colonel. Don't you ever forget that." He winked at her and turned his head away to sleep again. Mac stared at his back again for a long time. She had to remind herself to breath every few seconds. His words had taken her breath away. It was something she would never forget. Mac wondered how she could ever repay him. She didn't realize, even after what he'd said, that she'd already repaid him more then enough.

Nearby the people continued to talk. Mac turned as she their voices reached her again.

"Well, it's so sad. That man first.... and soon all of us too."

"Yeah. I guess we'll never see 2000."

"You already have. It's after midnight." Mac didn't move when she said the words and she didn't say them very loud, but many people heard what she'd said. It became very quiet and all eyes seemed fall first on Mac and then to the ground. A silent sadness filled the room, more sadness then had been there all day. People were realizing that they had made it to a new century ... but would never live to see the sun come up on the first morning of 2000. For several minutes no one said anything. Everyone was giving up.

Then, out of nowhere, something ended the silence. People raised there heads to hear someone singing. It was a child's voice, light an airy, but pure and beautiful too. Mac looked up to where the voice was coming from. It was Nicole. This seven-year-old child had more hope and courage then anyone in that room, and she had found a way to share it.

"I pray you'll be our eyes,

And watch us where we go

And help us to be wise

In times when we don't know.

Let this be our prayer,

When we lose our way.

Lead us to a place,

Guide us with your grace,

To a place where we'll be safe.

I pray we'll find your light

And hold it in our hearts.

When stars go out each night,

Remind us where you are.

Let this be our prayer

When shadows fill our day.

Lead us to a place,

Guide us with your grace,

Give us faith so we'll be safe.

A world where pain and sorrow will be ended,

And every heart that's broken will be mended.

And we'll remember we are all God's children.

Reaching out to touch you,

Reaching to the sky.

We ask that life be kind

And watch us from above.

We hope each soul will find

Another soul to love.

Let this be our prayer.

Just like every child

We need to find a place,

Guide us with your grace

Give us faith so we'll be safe."

No one said a word when she stopped. Most people in the room were crying, some were so taken by the child's song, that they could hardly remember to breath. Mac sat there staring at Nicole with a tear stained face and a smile. Nicole looked back at her.

"My mommy loves that song. We sing it together, every night. It's a prayer. And I just thought we should say a prayer. Is that ok?"

Mac started to cry again.

"Yes baby, that's ok." She laughed through her tears and got up to give Nicole a hug. Then they sat on her bed together, looking out over the floor full of people. All eyes were on them, including Harm's and Harriet's.

"Happy New Year Flyboy." Mac directed her whisper to Harm. He smiled weakly from his pillow.

"Happy New Year. What are you doing here?"

"I got sick too Harm. I got sick too." He knew she was lying, but he didn't have the strength to argue with her. All he could do was smile at her. He became even sicker knowing she would die too. He laughed inside himself, 'Stubborn Marine... Jarhead..'

Mac turned back to Nicole,

"So, now what?"

"Now we sing more. It's late, and were all tired. Why don't you sing us a lullaby?"

Mac blushed. She didn't think she'd have the courage to sing as Nicole had. But as she looked around at all the faces... faces of people she knew, worked with.... people with families and friends they may never see again. Somehow, fear of embarrassment didn't matter here. No one would judge her, they would only be grateful to her, for bringing them hope. Mac looked down at Nicole. It took the innocence of a child to remind all of them what was really special.

Mac looked at Harriet, then to Harm... and then, Mac did something Harm would never ever forget, she sang.

"Oh little town of Bethlehem,

How still we see the lie;

Above thy deep and dreamless sleep

The silent stars go by.

Yet in thy dark street shineth

The ever lasting light.

The hopes and fears of all the years

Are met in the tonight."

Mac had chosen this a Christmas carol because she'd heard a man on the radio that morning who wanted Christmas to last and last if not all year long, at least until January. Well, it was January 1st, but Mac figured she would keep the hope of Christmas alive. They all needed it, now more then ever.

"For Christ is born of Mary,

And gathered all above;

While mortals sleep the angels keep

Their watch of wond'ring love.

Oh morning stars together,

Proclaim the holy birth.

And praises sing to God the King,

And peace to men on earth."

January 1st:

Sun poured into the courtroom and seemed to blanket the sleeping sick. Mac had fallen asleep sometime during the night and now her head rested softly against the wall behind her. Harm was awake and watching her. He knew she had come in that room because of him, and he hoped so badly she wouldn't get sick. Maybe he could talk to her, convince her he wanted her to be ok and go on with life, and then if she didn't get sick she would do as he asked. Now he just watched her face as she breathed slowly and evenly. Harm sure did loved that jar head. He was going to miss her...

Harm started to sit up. He was hungry, so he figured he'd get up and see if there were any food supplies. As he sat up, and started to stand, Harm realized something. He was hungry. How could he be hungry as bad as he felt.... but... he didn't feel bad. He felt fine. Totally fine.

Harm looked around the room. Mostly everyone was sleeping. He had to see if anyone else felt like he did. He walked over, knelt down to Harriet, and shook her softly.

"Harriet, wake up.. Harriet!"

"Mmm... what? Huh.. Harm? Hey, good morning."

"Harriet, do you still feel sick?"

She thought for a minute, letting her mind take a quick overview of how her body felt. Then, with a puzzled look, she shook her head.

"No, Harm... I feel fine."

Harm turned to another person near her, and then another and another until everyone was awake. They were all perfectly fine.

Finally Mac began to stir with all the commotion. She opened her eyes and looked around at the celebrating people, totally confused by the fact that they were all laughing, wishing each other a happy new year and hugging. Harm saw her and walked over. Kneeling beside her he smiled,

"Happy New Year you stubborn Jarhead!"

No one ever knew for sure what had happened that night, but they all knew for sure that something in that courtroom changed when Nicole sang her prayer. Only one person died due to the terrorist act, and the others will treasure his memory forever. Perhaps it was the man who died that sent the miracle. Perhaps it was a miracle to bring in the new year. Or perhaps it was the first miracle of the 21st century, proving that even in this new millennium, miracles will still happen. Maybe it was all of these things combined.

Whatever it was that saved them all that night, it came from the hope and the fear of many people, and one little girl's courage to share it. Like Henry said, they'd never forget that night ... it truly was a special night.

THE END