By Denise Miller

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Zulu 0717/ 0217 EST

Harm’s apartment

It was dark in Harm’s apartment except for a few lit candles sitting on the nightstand beside his bed. There were two uniforms scattered across the floor and at the foot of the bed. "Wow! If I had know it felt this right and this good, I would have made love to you sooner."

"That," Mac began rolling over on top of him. "That was incredible, Flyboy."

"I wonder why in the seven years that we’ve know each other this kind of thing never happened before."

"Scorpio’s star is rising along side Pisces." Mac explained.

"What?" Harm questioned with a puzzled look on his face.

"You are a Scorpio and I was born under Pisces and the two signs are rising together which means…."

"Oh, god Mac, please tell me you don’t believe all that astrology stuff."

"No, I don’t but Harriet and Bud swear buy it." They were doing a reading today at lunch.

"I should have known. Glad I missed that one." Harm commented. "Did they say why nothing happened the last time the stars rose together?" Harm inquired.

"The last time this phenomenon occurred was seven years ago." Mac smiled.

"Let’s see seven years ago, we were…" Harm pondered wrapping his arms around Mac’s waist.

"Meeting in a rose garden." She grinned leaning on her elbow.

"You still remember every thing, don’t you?"

"Only the good parts." She replied bringing her lips down to meet his.

Harm wrapped his arms tighter around her body and rolled her over so he is on top. "Let’s give you something else to remember." He mischievously said. Before they could proceed any further the telephone rang. Mac reached for the telephone but was intercepted by Harm. "You got to be quicker." He teased.

"Rabb!" He said into the telephone receiver. "Yes, Bud. What…When…How?" Harm’s face grew grim. Mac watched puzzled at the questions that Harm was asking and what the Lieutenant would be calling about at two in the morning. "Thanks for calling, Bud. Yes, I know how to get a hold of the Colonel…I will tell her. Goodnight."

"What did he want at this hour?" Mac asked concerned growing.

"I don’t know how to say this Mac, but," Harm stopped and swallowed hard. "Admiral Chegwidden is dead."

End part 1

To Be Continued

Part 2

Follows part one.

Harm’s apartment

North of Union Station.

"Dead?" What happened?"

"Yeah, he had a heart attack around 10:30 this evening. He was pronounced dead by the paramedics in route to the hospital."

"Oh no, Francesca?"

"She and her husband Enrico have been notified and are on their way from Milan."

A knock sounded at Harm’s apartment door. Harm pulled on a bathrobe and went to answer the door while Mac grabbed a pair of shorts and US Navy T-shirt out of the laundry basket on the floor.

Harm looked through the peephole then turned the locks and opened the door. "Secretary Burns?" (AN: The new secretary of the Navy. I am assuming that republicans won the election and Secretary Alexander Nelson is out of a job. Wait ‘til you hear who is president.)

The Secretary of the Navy, William Burns, stepped into the apartment. "Commander, I don’t know if you have heard the news yet or not."

"About Admiral Chegwidden. Yes Sir. Lieutenant Roberts was the on call duty person. He just called a while ago to let us know." He said looking at Mac.

"AJ was a good man and a great officer, he will be missed." Secretary Burns stated.

"Yes, Sir. He was the finest CO I have ever served under and he was a fair JAG."

"Well Commander Rabb, that leads me to why I am here. I need you to fill in temporally as "Acting JAG until a suitable replacement can be appointed."

"Me Sir?" Harm inquired. Harm was saddened by his friend and CO’s death. However, both he and Mac knew that this would allow him to gain back some of what he lost when he went back to flying a few years earlier.

"Come now, Commander Rabb, even my predecessor agreed that you could handle this position."

"Secretary Nelson, suggested me for this. I thought he only thought of me as "Harmful Rabb." Harm said half smiling. He came to attention in front of the SECNAV, "I would be honored to serve in this position."

"He does! I will see you at JAG headquarters tomorrow at 0930am for a briefing."

"Yes Sir. Goodnight!" Harm said closing the door.

"Well, I better get my things and be going." Mac said heading towards the bedroom.

"Going? Why? Mac are you okay, Admiral Chegwidden died. I don’t want you to be alone." Harm said wrapping his arms around her and engulfing her into a hug.

"As much as I want to stay here Harm and as much as I really need you to hold me like this. I don’t want anyone to accuse me of fraternization, again."

"Fraternization? Oh!" He said as realization sunk in. "I guess that does make me your CO. Hey, it is only temporary. Right?"

"MM. Hmm." She said into his robe as tear left a wet spot where it spilled on to him. She didn’t know if she was crying for Admiral Chegwidden or for the emptiness that she felt knowing that what she and Harm shared tonight could not ever happened again as long as he was the acting JAG. " I better go, now." She said rubbing her eyes with her hand.

Harm opened the door for her. "I love you, you know." He said wiping more tears way.

"I love you too….Sir." She said stepping into the elevator.

"Mac?" Harm called his heart breaking. He had always thought that at the difficult times, he would have Mac and she would have him to lean on. With his new role, that is not possible.

"I know." Is all she said, closing the elevator’s big steel door.

End part 2

To Be Continued.

Part 3

Three days later.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington, Virginia

Francesca Peretti Pisano dressed in black, sat with her husband Enrico, and her mother Marcella Peretti in the front row of the grave site. A marine honor guard stood in front of her with a folded flag that had been draped over her father’s casket. "From a grateful nation>" he said handing it her . She gently took it from him and placed it on her lap. Enrico placed a hand on her folded hands for comfort. Marcella Peretti wiped tears with a black hanky. She had lost two men whom she loved, now.

Mac and Harriet sat next to Enrico and watched as the family mourned their father and husband. Mac and Harriet comforted each other. Harm and Bud stood behind them and watched. <<Mac needed him. I need her, right now.>> he thought. They had danced around each other the last two days at the office.

__________________________________-

Admiral AJ Chegwidden home

McLean, Virginia (or it could be Leesburg VA. I have seen both used.)

JAG headquarters was a very somber place. The junior staff looked upon Harm for guidance and to get them through this time. Truth being he was hurting as much if not more then most of the staff. Admiral AJ Chegwidden had been like a father figure to him. Sure he had his own father but never really knew him, only a hero’s image a six-year-old boy’s imagination could foster. He also had Frank, a stepfather, whom was never given a chance to even earn his respect when he was young. AJ Chegwidden immediately commanded respect. Not just because Admiral Chegwidden was his CO but he also was a friend and mentor. Not only to Harm but to Mac. She never had a good relationship with her father, nor did Bud. Tiner and Harriet saw him as a father figure, as well. They had good relationships with their real fathers. Heck, Bud and Harriet named their first child after the man.

Harm was deep in thought looking out the window when a voice asked, "Penny for your thoughts, Sir?" Harm looked up to see Bud and Harriet standing next to him.

"Is everything okay, Lieutenant?" Harm asked looking around the room for Mac.

"We were going to ask you that question, Sir." Bud replied. "If you are looking for the Colonel Sir, she left a few minutes ago."

"Said she had a terrible headache, but I don’t think that was really it." Harriet commented.

"Well it has been a very difficult week for everyone, Lieutenant." Harm said playing the cagey. "Admiral Chegwidden’s death hit her hard, I am sure."

"No Sir, I think it had more to do with you and the way you two have been acting lately. Did you two have a fight?" Harriet said crossing her arms in front of her.

"A fight? No, I leave that to you married people." He said picking up the paper plate with leftover food on it. "Bud, would you mind checking in on the Colonel, I need to go back to JAG and get some work done."

"You didn’t eat much, sir. They are just about to bring out deserts."

"I never could understand why they always have food and cake after a funeral." Harm fretted remembering the event at his own house 30 some years ago after his father memorial. "Bud, will you check in on the Colonel?"

"I can Sir, but if you are going back to JAG don’t you go right by her place. I am sure she would rather see you then Harriet and I."

Harm flashed him a <<what is that suppose to mean >> look. Harm opened the front door and turned to back to Bud and Harriet. "And it has nothing to do with Scorpio and Pisces star’s rising." He said closing the door.

Harriet and Bud glanced at each other and smiled.

"What was that all about?" Carolyn asked.

"More of the same. You know Harm is in love with Mac and Mac is in love with Harm and more of the same denial and dancing going on."

"Do you think that they finally admitted…." Carolyn began.

"Nahhhhhhh" the three said together

End part 3,

To be continued.

Part 4

Six Weeks Later

Zulu 15:43/ 1043 hours EST

JAG Headquarters,

Falls Church Virginia

Harm and Mac stood outside of Lieutenant Bud Roberts’s office. For six weeks they ignored each other and danced around in each other’s presence, so that neither would give off the appearance of impropriety. It was more then their broken hearts could take and the pot finally boiled over. Harm and Mac were having a very loud and unprofessional discussion. "Fine Sir, if you do not trust my judgement as your Chief-of-Staff, then you will have my letter of transfer on your desk in 15 minutes. Sir." She said again. emphasizing his new found title of command.

"What is the matter with you lately? Colonel, go cool off." He came back with. "Excuse me." Mac said as she stormed past Harriet on her way to the ladies room.

Bud looked up from his desk. "I am sorry, Bud. You should not of had to witness that. That was out of line and unprofessional of us." Harm apologized.

"Is everything okay, Sir?" Harriet asked.

"I am not sure, Lieutenant. Mac and I just need to get a handle on this new relationship thing. We work better when we are on equal footing." Harm said leaning on the doorframe of Bud’s office.

"Can I do anything, Sir?" Harriet asked.

"Would you mind checking on Mac for me, please?"

"Sure." Harriet said walking off in the direction that Mac ran.

Harm straightened himself. "Sir," Bud called. Harm glanced towards Bud. "If you ever need to talk. You know Bud to Harm not Lieutenant to Commander."

"Thanks Bud. I might take you up on that." Harm smiled.

"Sir."

"Yeah, Bud."

"If you love each other, like I think you two do," Bud added. "Find away to be together."

"How did you get so smart, Lieutenant?"

"I had a good teacher, Sir."

"Harriet?"

"Of course." Bud replied.

Harm retreated to his temporary office. Who ever said command was easy obvious was never acting JAG with a very upset and angry Marine with a broken heart. Harm sat in his chair, eyeing the radio sitting on the credenza. He turned it on low and leaned back into his chair, closing his eyes and letting the music wash over him.

<<This song is so sad. >> He thought. As the song played on, he could vision a picture before him. It many years into the future, he was walking along the reflecting pool when he saw her walking towards him. Both of them had graying hair and creases at the eyes. Age made her look only more beautiful. Their eyes met as she came closer down the sidewalk. Neither said a word and they both continued their own opposite way. <<We are NOT going to let that happened to us. I won’t let it!>> Harm sat there wishing that SECNAV Burns would hurry up and find a replacement for the Admiral. It seemed like SECNAV, Congress, and President McCain were all dragging their heels on this one. He loved Mac. He knew that much. He could not wait to be with her again. She had not been herself lately. It was something more then just the Admiral’s death. She took it hard, but so did everyone else. No, there was something else going on. When this is all over, I am going to find out. <<Nothing will stop us from being together. We have just got to hold on a little longer.>>

Harm was interrupted in his thoughts by Tiner announcing the arrival of Secretary Burns, and Senator Latham. (AN: I am assuming here that Bobbie did run for senator and won and so did John McCain as president, you will see why him as opposed to any of the others in a minute…keep reading)

"Send them in, Tiner." He said into the speaker, clicking off the radio.

Senator Latham and Secretary Burns entered Harm’s office, leaving the door open unbeknowst to anyone. "Harm, good to see you again." Bobbie said.

"You too, Senator."

"Bobbie."

"Yes, Ma’am." He said, smiling at her. "What can I do for you and Mr. Secretary."

SecNav Burns and Bobbie Latham looked at each other. The Secnav gave Bobbie the nod and she continued. "Well, it is what we can do for you, Harm."

"Excuse me?" He asked.

"What would you say to keeping this office permanently." Bobbie grinned. "Congratulations Harm."

"You mean me, as the JAG? Permanently?"

"That would be correct." The SecNav joined in. "Of course there is only one problem."

"Only one, Sir?"

"You might have to trade in those silver oak leaves for eagles."

"Captain?"

"Yes, Harm, Captain." Bobbie answered in a patronizing voice.

"Then in a few years the fast track for Admiral." SecNav mentioned.

Harm looked past Bobbie. His heart sank when he saw a dejected Mac, standing at the door. When her eyes met his, he could see the pain she was feeling. She quickly turned and started to walk back to her office. "Mac!" Harm called after her. He could hear her heels clicking on the floor. "Colonel Mackenzie, in here now, that is an order!" He yelled louder so she could hear him over her pain.

"How much of that did you hear?" Harm asked when she entered the office.

"I didn’t mean to. The door was open. All of it," she sighed. "Congratulations. I am sure you will make a fine JAG." She handed him her letter to transfer request. "My transfer request as promised, Sir."

Bobbie and the SecNav looked at each other confused but remained silent as Harm continued.

"Mac you want a transfer? To the reserves?" He said looking at her confused now. "Are you serious?"

"Have you ever known me not to be?"

"You are giving up your career in the Marines. You love the Corps, Mac. It is a part of you. You said so once yourself. You even begged the Admiral to take you back. You said JAG is where you belong. Why are you giving it all up now?"

"I have my reasons, Harm." She said she said a bit embarrassed that the Senator and SecNav were watching. Harm knew by the tone in her voice not to push it right now.

Harm paused to consider his next words carefully. He looked at the Senator and then at Secnav and then back to Mac. "Senator Latham, Mr. Secretary. I am afraid I can’t except the position. Please find someone else." He said the entire time he kept his gaze fixed on Mac.

"Commander, are you saying you are passing on this opportunity?" Secnav asked, confused.

"That is exactly what I am saying, Mr. Secretary."

"The President is not going to like that, commander. He told me to give you anything you wanted to take this position."

"I am sorry, Sir."

"Harm, don’t give up the position on my account. Admiral Chegwidden has been grooming you for this position since day one." Mac said.

"Oh, it is very much on your account, Mac. On the account that I love you. I don’t care about this anymore. I just want us to be together, we waited too long as it is." He said leaning on the front of his desk. He took one of her hands in his, "I can’t be happy knowing this is going to hurt you. It is not worth it. I’ve lost one person I care about this year. I don’t want to lose you, too.

"No wait Harm I can’t let you do that." Mac said choking back tears. "I want this transfer Harm. I want a life that is simple and good. JAG is too demanding, too risky. I want you to take the JAG position. You would be foolish not to."

"Are you sure Mac? I want you to find something you will be happy doing."

"Oh, I think I know what I would be happy doing." Mac said with a sly smile.

"Harm, may I make a suggestion." Bobbie chimed in

"Go ahead."

"The President wanted you to head up his committee on POW-MIA affairs. With your exploits in Russia and Vietnam and your experience as a family member of a MIA and the fact that you are a lawyer your name was at the top of the list." Bobbie explained. "That is until the untimely death of Admiral Chegwidden." Bobbie paused to allow what she was saying to sink in. "What if I speak with the President to choose Mac to head up the committee. Not that you would be second choice or anything Mac."

"I understand, Senator."

"Bobbie." She smiled at Mac who for the first time since she entered the room smiled.

"That is a great idea, Senator." The SecNav said relieved that he just might not have to go back to the President and tell him that he failed to convince Rabb to take the position of JAG.

"Thank you, Mr. Secretary." Bobbie smiled pleased with herself. "If you and the President approve then the problem is solved. Harm becomes the JAG. Mac heads up and is legal advisor on a high profile committee. "But most of all. You two can finally, and I would like to say it is about time, be together." Bobbie explained. "We all win. What do you say?"

"It up to you, Mac." Harm said looking at Mac. "But only if it is something you want to do."

A radiant smile formed on Mac’s lips. " I think that it would be perfect. A great career, a good man and…"

"Comfortable shoes, lots and lots of them." Harm finished for her smiling that ever drop dead gorgeous smile of his.

"Shoes? That is not what I was thinking. How about babies, lots and lots of them?" Bobbie chimed in.

"We will work on that." Harm said looking into Mac’s eyes.

"Oh I don’t think you have to work on that one two hard." Mac said slyly.

Harm’s jaw dropped. "Well, Mr. Secretary, I think that is our cue to leave."

"I think so, Senator."

"Bobbie."

"Okay, Bobbie, have dinner with me."

"I would love to, Mr. Secretary."

"William." He said offering Bobbie his arm. When he got to the office door he turned back and said. "Oh and Rabb, don’t just stand there kiss her." He chuckled.

"Yes, Sir." Harm obliged and gave Mac a kiss.

"I am such sap!" He chuckled again.

"Yes, William, you are." Bobbie said as they rounded the corner.

When Harm and Mac had finally come up for air. Harm said. "Well, if we are going to have a baby, don’t you think we should get married."

"Harm, I don’t want you too think that you have to out of…" Mac’s words were cut off by him placing another long hard kiss on her lips. Then he quickly pulled away and walked over to the wall safe in his new permanent office. He dialed the combination and pulled out a green velvet box. He opened it to reveal a heart shaped diamond solitaire ring inside. Smiling he said, "I bought this a few weeks ago."

"So, Sarah Mackenzie. If I can’t be your partner at JAG could I interest you in being my partner for life?"

"I think I would like that arrangement, Sir." She said wrapping her arms around his neck and placing a deep passionate kiss on his lips. In which he delightfully returned, to the cheers, applause and a chorus of "Its about damn time."

Harm and Mac looked up to find Bud, Harriet, Tiner, Gunny, Imes, and Mattoni standing in front of the door in Tiner’s outer office. Harm smiled, "Don’t you people have work to do around here." He turned back to kiss Mac closing the door.

(The camera focuses on the door shutting and Mac and Harm kissing is blurred in the foreground. The door shuts and fade to credits.)

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER

DONALD P. BELLISARIOUS

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