Admiral Chegwidden shuffled through the various cases. "Commander Rabb, we have a Petty Officer accused of embezzling funds from the O Club in Norfolk. You'll defend." He slid the folder across the table.

"Aye sir." The tall commander opened it and briefly scanned the contents.

"Commander Turner."

"Yes sir?"

"Apparently the middies down in Annapolis became a little too exuberant this weekend. A barroom brawl spilled into the street and turned into a near riot. The state troopers had to intervene. Find out who started it and do what you can to assist the Commandant in soothing ruffled civilian feathers."

"I'll do my best, sir." Sturgis looked up to see Harm give him a sympathetic smile.

"Colonel," AJ looked at a folder. "The military police at NAS Memphis together with Federal authorities have broken up an internet porn ring. I'd like you to go out there to oversee the investigation and make sure all the ends are wrapped up quickly. The Navy is juggling enough negative publicity and I'd like to have this embarrassment handled by the time the media jumps on it."

"Aye sir," Mac hesitated a moment, "Admiral? Won't I be stepping on the toes of the base JAG?"

"Apparently not, Colonel. Lieutenant Commander Brighton was one of those arrested."

Mac's eyebrows went up in surprise. "I'll get right on it, sir."

"Fine, Colonel," Admiral Chegwidden paused and then said, "Lieutenant Singer will accompany you."

"Thank you, sir," Lt. Singer said with a satisfied smile.

Harm chanced a quick look at Mac. Her face was completely blank. He winced mentally, this wasn't good. All she said was "Yes sir" in a neutral tone.

AJ looked around the table, "That will be all. Dismissed." He waited while they came to attention and began to file out of the room, "Colonel? A moment please."

She turned and waited, her face still expressionless, "Sir?"

"Colonel... Mac... I realize the Lieutenant is probably your last choice for a partner on a case." AJ looked at her for a moment, 'Damn, she's really ticked.' He cleared his throat and continued, "Singer needs more seasoning in the field and I need someone to show her that she doesn't need to run roughshod over everything in her path," he paused again and then said dryly, "and it will get her out of the office before Lt. Sims tries to kill her." He gave a silent sigh of relief when he saw Mac relax and glance away for a moment.

She looked back at him with a ghost of a smile, "Will I be expected to keep anyone else from trying to kill her?"

"Within reason, Colonel." He smiled back. "Tiner has your travel arrangements. You'll leave first thing in the morning."

Harm did his best to hover unobtrusively in the bullpen, not easy at 6'4". He was waiting for Mac to come out of the conference room. When he saw her, he moved in on an intercept course.

"Hey." Harm said nonchalantly as he walked with her to her office. He followed her in and shut the door, "You okay?"

"Yes. No. I don't know." She dropped into her chair with an exasperated sigh. "It was all I could do to keep from strangling her during the McBride case. And then that stunt she pulled with Harriet and Bud." She propped an elbow on her desk and rested her chin. "How much do you think it would cost to get the flight attendants to jettison her midway?"

Harm smiled, "That would depend on whether or not she opened her mouth before you made the offer."

Mac chuckled, "Maybe I can get Tiner to change her travel arrangements, Tennessee by way of Afghanistan."

"When do you leave?"

Mac glanced at the itinerary, "Flight 386 out of Dulles at 0920. Gives me twenty-three hours and fifty-two minutes to adjust to having Lt. Singer as a partner." She looked at Harm, "That's not nearly enough time."

"Look, why don't you stop by my place after work? I'll make you a 'Good-Luck-You're-Gonna-Need-It' dinner." Harm grinned at her.

Mac arched an eyebrow, "Cute, but aren't you going to be in Norfolk? When would you have time to cook?"

"Okay, why don't you stop by my place after work and I'll order a 'Glad-It's-Not-Me' pizza." Harm said without missing a beat.

"Jerk," Mac said with smile. "What time?"

"How about 1930?" Harm said as he stood, he needed to get going.

"Sounds good. Oh, and Harm?" He stopped in the doorway and looked back. "Thanks." He waved a hand and headed out.

Washington, D.C.
Dulles Airport
0715 Local

Mac glanced at Harm as he maneuvered his SUV through the airport towards the area designated for departing flights. Sometimes she felt she knew him better than she knew herself and other times... well... Harm was, without a doubt, featured in the dictionary under 'enigma'. To be fair, she was probably found under 'incomprehensible'. Mac smiled wryly to herself - obviously they were meant for each other. She had finally admitted her feelings about her best friend to herself (... and Sturgis - what the hell had she been thinking?!), she just wasn't sure about him. When she had been swept up in the firestorm of the 'Archangel' case, it had seemed like they were drawing closer. As things settled down in the aftermath, so had their relationship. Harm seemed content with the 'best friends' routine and she'd be damned if she'd get herself killed just to attract his attention. The absurdity of that last thought almost made Mac laugh out loud, she settled for a quiet chuckle. She glanced over to see Harm watching her with a puzzled smile. She shook her head and grinning, said, "There's fifty cents in it for you, Rabb, if you'll take my place on that plane."

Harm raised his eyebrows, "I'm shocked! You think you can buy my integrity for fifty cents? ... The going rate's a buck."

"It's not your integrity I want on that plane, mister." Mac rejoined, now she was laughing.

"And the part you want would be... ?"

Mac was saved from answering when he pulled into the parking area. Instead, she said, "Thanks for the ride, Harm. You really didn't have to do this, I could have driven myself."

Harm shrugged, "But then you'd be worried about your 'vette the whole trip. You better get going. Have a safe flight and don't forget to return Singer in the same condition you found her."

"Do I have to?" On impulse, she leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you." Grinning at his expression, she added, "Try to behave yourself while I'm gone."

Harm smiled, that was a pleasant surprise. If he'd seen it coming, he could've turned his head just a bit... The rest of her words registered and he looked over to see Mac grinning at him. Putting on his best wounded expression, he said, "Who? Me? Sturgis is the rowdy one." He watched her disappear into the terminal and then pulled away from the curb. Their relationship was solidifying, he was hoping to let it progress naturally. Mac had a tendency to throw up walls when pushed emotionally; something he could thank that SOB father of hers for. But the next time those walls went up, he planned to be inside the gates.

Memphis International Airport
Memphis, Tennessee
1045 Local

Mac and Singer walked out of the gate area. It had been a quiet flight. They'd gone over the details of the case, Mac had told the lieutenant how she planned to handle it. Neither felt inclined to small talk, so the rest of the trip was spent in silence. Fortunately, it wasn't very long. Mac turned when she heard her name being called.

"Colonel MacKenzie? Lieutenant Singer?" At their confirming nods, a young ensign came to attention. "Ensign Tyler, ma'am," he said addressing Mac. "Welcome to Memphis. May I take your bags? I have transportation, ma'am, if you'll follow me please." He was slightly built, with a soft southern accent.

They handed over their carry-ons. "Thank you, Ensign," Mac said as they walked with him down the concourse. "How far is it to the base?"

"Less than thirty miles, ma'am, but with the traffic, it will take about an hour to get there," the ensign replied looking over at Mac. "I'm assigned to the JAG office. I'll be your driver while you're here."

"I see," Mac said with a smile, "Thinking about becoming a lawyer, Ensign Tyler?"

"Yes, ma'am," he said with enthusiasm, "I'm taking pre-law classes at night. Commander Brighton says... " his voice trailed off uncertainly.

They walked along in silence for a few minutes when Mac spoke again, obviously changing the subject, "I've been trying to place your accent. Are you from this area?" Behind her, Lt. Singer rolled her eyes. If there was anything less interesting than the ensign's career plans, it would be his place of origin.

Ensign Tyler hesitated, catching the look on Singer's face. When he saw Mac's questioning glance, Tyler said hurriedly, "Ummm, not far from here ma'am. I'm from a little town near Murray, Kentucky. It's right by the southwest corner of the state." They arrived at the car and Tyler quickly stowed the bags in the trunk and went to unlock the doors. He was feeling somewhat confused. The office had been in turmoil ever since the arrest of Cmdr. Brighton. Then the news that they were getting not one, but two JAGs from Headquarters.

He'd been anxious ever since he learned he would be their driver. Not only would he be ferrying around two big-league JAG officers, but one of them was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marines. In his limited experience, Marines weren't famous for their warmth. He'd been hoping the Navy Lieutenant would be approachable and he wouldn't have to deal with the Colonel at all. Apparently, he'd gotten it backwards, it was the Lieutenant who looked at him like he was dirt.

He was vaguely relieved when Colonel MacKenzie decided to ride shotgun. Perhaps the drive to base wouldn't be too uncomfortable. They were mostly silent as he negotiated the Memphis traffic. When he turned on to Hwy. 51, Mac remarked, "It's beautiful country out here. Everything's so lush."

"Yes ma'am," Tyler said, glancing her way. She was still looking out the window. She looked back at him and smiled.

"I grew up out west. This much greenery still surprises me." She resettled herself in the seat, "So tell me, Ensign, it's pretty landlocked out here. What made you decide on the Navy?"

He offered a tentative smile, "Well ma'am, according to my daddy, the service would make a man out of me. I get airsick when I fly and I wasn't crazy enough to join the Marines..." He froze, the look of dismay on his face was almost comic. He stammered, "I'm sorry, Colonel! No disrespect intended, I ... "

Mac interrupted him, "Ensign." He glanced at her in trepidation. "We prefer the term 'enthusiastic'."

"Yes, ma'am," he said hesitantly. The Colonel was letting him off the hook? Maybe this assignment wouldn't be so bad...

Lt. Singer sat back in disgust. She'd have been all over that ensign's six. Then again, she would have never bothered with such a banal conversation. He was their errand boy, not some long lost relation. All she was concerned about was that he jumped when she told him to. At least they were almost to the base and could get started on this assignment. Loren was anxious to show them all what she could do.

As they entered the base, Tyler looked over at Mac. "Where to, ma'am? I can take you to the VOQ first, if you prefer."

"Why don't you take us to Headquarters, Tyler? We need to make our regards to the post commander. Afterwards you can drop us at the military police CP and I'd appreciate it if you would take our bags to our quarters. Then go get yourself some lunch."

"Yes, ma'am." He paused and then asked, "Colonel? Would you like me to bring you and the Lieutenant something to eat when I come back?"

"Thank you Ensign. I may take you up on that." Mac said as they pulled into a parking space in front of the Headquarters building. Tyler jumped out and hurried around to open doors for the two officers. He watched them stride into the building and leaned back against the fender to wait.

Mac saw the yeoman pop to attention as she approached his desk, "As you were, Petty Officer. Lt. Col. MacKenzie and Lt. Singer to see Admiral Crowley, if he has a moment."

"Yes ma'am." As the petty officer reached for his phone, the door to the Admiral's office opened. All three came to attention as Admiral Crowley and another officer walked into the outer office.

Admiral Crowley stopped and looked at them. "As you were," he said. "You must be the JAG officers from DC."

"Yes sir," Mac replied, "Lt. Col. MacKenzie and Lt. Singer. We were just reporting in."

"I see," the Admiral turned and gestured to the other officer, "This is my chief of staff, Captain Koslov. We were just on our way to lunch. Join us, won't you?"

"Thank you, sir." Mac glanced back at Singer, who gave a minute shrug. It hadn't been a request.

O Club
Memphis NAS
1215 Local

After they were seated, the four officers gave their lunch orders to the waiter. The Admiral and Captain Koslov both ordered bourbon with their meals. Crowley raised his eyebrows when Mac asked for water. "You'd better be careful, Colonel. You'll damage the reputation of the Corps... or was that some sort of backhanded criticism of myself and Captain Koslov for drinking on duty?"

Mac shot him a quick look of surprise and then said carefully, "No sir, all it means is that I don't drink."

"I see," the Admiral said. He sat and looked at her, then continued abruptly. "I understand you're Admiral Chegwidden's chief of staff. I'm surprised AJ could spare you from your duties." He smiled and indicated Captain Koslov, "Eric barely has time to turn around. You two should get together and compare war stories about dealing with irascible old men."

Mac nodded and gave a small, wary smile. Beyond the inference that she was somehow remiss in her duties, there'd been that edge to his voice again. The Admiral definitely had a burr under his saddle about something. She wasn't sure if it was resentment on his part for the invasion of his turf or a problem he had with her personally. Either way, she planned to tread lightly.

Lt. Singer sat back and watched with a certain amount of glee. Finally, someone who was less than impressed with the high and mighty Col. MacKenzie. This could work to her advantage.

The food arrived and they all devoted the next few minutes to eating. Then the Admiral dabbed at his mouth with a napkin and remarked, "I believe I saw you on CourtTV last year, Colonel. You made quite a spectacle of yourself."

Mac froze for a second and then said calmly, "It wasn't by choice, Admiral." She wondered what the hell was going on, this was remarkable behavior for a superior officer.

"Of course, Colonel," he said smoothly. "You certainly manage to find yourself in all sorts of situations, don't you? I understand you were right in the middle of this debacle involving that allegedly illegal covert operation." Ignoring the look on Mac's face, he continued, "It was quite a blow to hear about Charlie Jacobs' death. We went back a long way, he and I were roommates at the Academy. My two boys are... were his godsons. He was fine man and an outstanding officer. It's reprehensible how his name is now being dragged through the mud, don't you think?"

Mac sat perfectly still, not trusting herself to speak. She was still having nightmares because of that bastard. They'd gotten so bad that she had started going to a therapist that Emma Fine had recommended. Only Admiral Chegwidden had been aware of it. She had decided he needed to know in case he felt it necessary to replace his possibly unstable chief of staff... . Finally, Mac carefully folded her napkin and placed it on the table. She stood up and came to attention, "If you'll excuse me, Admiral, that's an ongoing investigation. I'm not at liberty to discuss it."

She turned to leave when the Admiral's icy voice stopped her in her tracks. "I don't recall dismissing you, Colonel." Reluctantly, she turned back and came to attention again. He eyed her for a moment and then said, "You're a loose cannon, Colonel. I don't know how you've managed to survive this long in the military, but I won't stand for it on my base. You will toe the line and to that end, I will be overseeing all facets of your investigation while you're here, is that understood?"

Mac was silent and then said in a tightly controlled voice, "With all due respect sir, the Lieutenant and I answer to the Judge Advocate General. You have no jurisdiction over this JAG investigation. It will be my privilege to keep you informed of our progress and I hope to have your cooperation, but you do not have the authority to intervene." She paused and looked him in the eye, "Permission to withdraw, sir?"

White-faced with anger, Admiral Crowley gave an abrupt nod.

Mac turned and marched out of the O Club. Singer followed a minute later. She found the Colonel standing at the curb, talking to a chief petty officer. After he had saluted and left, Mac looked at Singer, "Well Lieutenant, this is going to make our job a little more difficult. The MP's post is about a mile from here. Ensign Tyler isn't due back here for another thirty-eight minutes. You can wait or walk." With that, she headed down the street.

Singer watched the Colonel walk away. MacKenzie had to be insane if she thought for one minute Loren would consider walking a mile anywhere. And that scene with the Admiral... admittedly he was out of line, but to spit in his eye like that was certifiable. Singer's eyebrows rose and a slow smile crept across her face. '... Yes, it must have been the terrible stress of the last few months. It's not surprising that poor Colonel MacKenzie might begin to crack... '

Mac settled into an easy stride. She intended to walk off her anger before she got to the MPs. She'd been here one hour and forty-six minutes and things had already gone to hell. Had Chegwidden known about Crowley's relationship with Jacobs? She thought about it and dismissed the idea. The Admiral wouldn't have done that to her without some sort of heads-up. It would be difficult, but not impossible to work around the irate post commander. Mac didn't truly expect a lot of help from Singer, but some sort of ambush wouldn't be out of the question. She smiled sourly to herself, there was nothing quite as invigorating as being beset by allies as well as enemies.

Military Police
Memphis NAS
1305 Local

Mac walked into the lobby and up to the front desk. The lance corporal came to attention as she approached. "As you were, Corporal," Mac said, "I'm here about the case involving Cmdr. Brighton. Is Capt. Perez available?"

"Let me check, ma'am." The corporal scanned through a paper on his desk. He looked up, "Yes ma'am, would you like me to have him come down?" He reached for the phone as he spoke.

"No thank you, corporal." Mac said. "If you would tell me how to find the captain's office, you can call and let him know I'm on my way up." After listening to his directions, Mac made her way to the elevators. Several minutes later, she stood in the open doorway, "Captain Perez?"

A short, heavily-muscled young man came to attention and then smiled, "Colonel MacKenzie? Please, come in and have a seat." They shook hands and Mac settled down in a chair. The captain picked up a folder and handed it to her. "This is the report about the bust, ma'am. I don't know how familiar you are with the details."

Mac accepted the folder and opened it up. "I've read the case report. How did you find out about Commander. Brighton?"

Captain Perez sighed, "Actually, the FBI contacted us. They had an operation in place that they'd been working on for the last six weeks or so. When they realized they had some military personnel, they brought us in to coordinate the arrests."

"How many others besides Commander Brighton?"

"Four, ma'am. Two petty officers, a staff sergeant and a seaman recruit. Would you like some coffee?"

She shook her head, "No thanks." She read through the report, "Well, Captain, everything seems to be pretty straightforward. You and your people did a good job. I suppose now I need to head for the JAG office, is it far from here?"

Captain Perez beamed, it was nice to be complimented once in a while. Normally, what they heard while doing their job wasn't printable. "No ma'am, it's not." He hesitated, "Colonel?" Mac looked at him. "I'm sorry ma'am, I just remembered - when Commander Brighton heard that JAGs from Headquarters were coming, he asked if he could speak with you. He's here in the brig."

Mac raised an eyebrow, "Very well. Would you take me to him?"

JAG Headquarters
Falls Church
1335 Local

Admiral Chegwidden glanced at his phone as Tiner's voice came over the speaker, "Admiral? Lieutenant Singer is on line three. She'd like to speak to you."

"Thank you, Tiner." The Admiral sat for a second, then sighed and picked up the phone, "Chegwidden."

"Admiral, I'm sorry to bother you... " Singer paused.

"What is it Lieutenant?" He really wasn't in the mood for games.

"Sir, have you heard from Colonel MacKenzie?"

AJ sat up a little bit, "No Lieutenant. Is there some reason I should have?"

Lauren sighed, "I was hoping she had contacted you. I seem to have lost track of her after she blew up at Admiral Crowley."

"Excuse me Lieutenant?" AJ said incredulously, "Colonel MacKenzie did what?"

"Well... 'blew up' is maybe a little strong," Singer hedged, "Admiral Crowley invited us to lunch with his Chief of Staff, Captain Koslov. We were chatting. I didn't hear everything, when suddenly Col. MacKenzie stood up and pretty much told the Admiral to butt out and that he had no authority over her. Then she left. I tried to smooth things over, sir. I know she's been under a lot of stress these past couple of months. By the time I got outside, she was gone."

"I see," Admiral Chegwidden said slowly. "Thank you for calling Lieutenant. I'll look into it."