Title: Line of Fire

Author: Pat Steiner and Kimberly Knipp

Rating: R

"Mac!" Harm called excitedly and held his arms up to assist her from the high step.

"Thanks Harm-I've got it." Brumby turned in front of him and took Mac's arm to help her down.

"Partner," he said in an aside to Harm, ignoring the dagger-like glare he received in return.

Brumby did step back as soon as Mac's feet were steadily under her, allowing the two to have their greeting.

"Hi, Mac," Harm said quietly, suddenly unsure of himself.

"Hey, Pilot," she smiled.

"Permission to hug the Major?" Harm smiled as well.

"Of course," she laughed and they exchanged a quick impersonal embrace.

"I've been appointed by Captain Gallagher to be your liaison while you're aboard. He figured since I would know how an investigation is carried out I would be best able to assist," Harm addressed both when he and Mac stepped apart.

"Thank you, Commander," Brumby said formally. "Would you like to show us to our quarters and we'll get started."

"This way," Harm motioned.

pointed. "Mac, I have you right across the hall from me since you're lead investigator, and Mic, you're four down on the left."

"Commander, since the Major and I have to work closely together, it would be better if she and I had quarters in closer proximity," Brumby objected.

"Actually, Mic, this is fine," Mac spoke up and dropped her duffel bag inside the door. "I think one of the two of us can navigate the length of the corridor."

Harm could not resist a small smile of triumph. "Now to meet Captain Gallagher." Harm this time motioned for the JAG team to precede him and he noticed at once Brumby's hand on Mac's back as they retraced their steps.

Just before they reached the bridge, Harm reached out for Mac's shoulder. "You know I want to talk some with you."

"Of course," she turned and smiled. "I'll be around, probably more so than you'll like before it's over."

"Doubt that," he mumbled as the opened the bridge door.

"Captain Gallagher, Commander Rabb reporting with Major Sarah MacKenzie and Commander Mic Brumby for briefing as ordered, sir," Harm announced.

"No, sir," Mac answered politely. "We’ve been traveling since yesterday morning," she stated.

There was an twelve-hour time difference between D.C. and the Sea of Japan so their trip started at 0900 the morning before in Washington and it was now just after 1100 on the carrier.

"Then let’s head to the dining room, shall we?" Captain Gallagher suggested.

Moments later the four of them were gathered around a table in the officers dining area, trays in front of them. Mac had a legal pad and a pen on hand and she waited patiently for the Captain to begin.

"I guess I’m sure where to begin," he stated heavily, picking at his dinner. "I’ve always run a tight ship. This trouble was almost unnoticeable at first but it seems to be increasing."

"Captain, why don’t you start from the beginning and tell Mac and Commander Brumby what’s been going on?" Harm suggested.

"You’re right, Commander. Several months ago we started to notice some thing amiss. First it was equipment that started breaking down. Little things that were more of an annoyance than anything. About a month ago our systems started going haywire. Power would go out in parts of the ship – but never all over. Weapons systems would shut down. You name it, it’s shut down at least once in the past month. Two weeks ago we started tracking unauthorized transmissions to a location off the coast of Turkey. The transmissions are in Kurdish," Captain Gallagher explained further.

"Kurdish?" Mac asked. "What in the world would we be doing with the Kurds?"

"We haven’t been able to translate all of the messages simply because of the code. From what we’ve been able to figure, a group of people onboard are selling secrets to the PKK Army – the Kurdistan Workers Party. As you probably know, their leader was arrested back in February. The PKK, though horribly outnumbered, hasn’t given up their freedom fight. What we don’t know yet is if there’s more to this than just the selling of technology. There hasn’t been a transmission in over three days," Captain Gallagher told her.

"The Captain and I think someone in the group onboard is onto us knowing. We have nothing to base this on and they may just be lying low for the time being," Harm put in.

"So, what exactly do you need from us?" Brumby asked.

"We need to get Bud in here as our computer specialist and start investigating these transmissions and monitoring for others. I also have an idea of who might be involved but some background will need to be done on them, as well. It also wouldn’t hurt to have the background drawn up on Ocalan and the PKK. There is definite reference to them both in one of the transmissions," Harm continued further.

Mac sat back in her chair with a sigh. "I’ll call the Admiral immediately and have him get Bud on the way," she stated.

Back on deck, a ship to shore line was connected and Mac waited for the Admiral to pick up.

"At this time of night it better be something good."

"Hello to you, too, Admiral. It’s Mac."

"Major, I didn’t expect to hear form you so soon. Are you homesick already?" he drawled.

Mac chuckled softly. "No, Admiral. We’ve just finished briefing with Captain Gallagher. We’re going to be here for awhile and it looks like we’ll need Bud," Mac stated directly.

"What’s going over there, Major?" A.J. asked, coming fully awake and sitting up in his bed.

Briefly, Mac went over with him what Captain Gallagher had told them. A.J. was silent for a moment.

"Do you think we need to get a hold of Mr. Webb?" he asked finally.

"I don’t know, sir. Why don’t we wait for a day or two and see what the four of us can come up with?" Mac returned. "We certainly don’t want to jump the gun even though I realize this has the potential to a very drastic situation."

"Very well, Major. I’ll get Lt. Roberts out first thing in the morning. Call if you need anything else," Admiral Chegwidden ordered and hung up.

Mac turned to Captain Gallagher, Harm and Brumby. "Bud will be on his way in the morning," she stated.

"Major, Commander Rabb will go over all that we’ve gathered so far. He’ll get whatever you need beyond that," Captain Gallagher told her.

"Thank you, sir," Mac answered politely.

"Dismissed."

A few minutes later they were on their way to an office assigned for their use. Mac, who was between Harm and Brumby, felt Mic’s ever-present hand on her back fall away. She turned to glance over her shoulder to make sure he was still behind her. Mic was leaning heavily against the wall, bent over slightly with his hands braced on his knees.

"Harm, wait!" Mac called to her former partner.

She turned and went back to Brumby and leaned over a little. She laid her hand on his shoulder to steady him. "Are you having an attack?" she asked softly.

Mic nodded, his head down. "It’ll pass in a moment," he mumbled.

"Why don’t you go lie down? Maybe the ship’s doctor can give you something for this," Mac suggested.

"What’s wrong with him?" Harm questioned, coming to Mac’s side. His eyes narrowed in on where her hand rested on Brumby’s shoulder. He didn’t like the idea of her touching him at all.

Mac looked up at him. "He’s seasick," she stated.

"Seasick? Then why did the Admiral send him?" Harm asked.

"He didn’t know," Mac answered.

"And I suppose there was a reason why you didn’t want him to know, wasn’t there, Commander?" Harm continued, his voice taking on a hard edge.

Slowly, Mic drew himself up straight and met Harm’s eyes. "I have medication for this, Commander Rabb, and I didn’t want to leave my partner to handle this alone," he stated evenly, emphasizing the partner bit.

Harm’s lips flattened into a tight line. "Maybe you should take your medicine and retire to your quarters until this passes. We’re heading into some rough waters and you’ll probably only feel worse."

"Harm!" Mac interrupted.

Harm stared her down. "The Sea of Japan is notoriously choppy, Mac. I’m only stating the truth. If Commander Brumby has motion sickness medicine then I suggest he take it."

Mac turned back to Mic. "Let me help you back to your quarters, Mic. When you’re feeling better you can join us," she suggested softly.

"Very well." The very fact that he didn’t argue told Mac how bad he felt.

Comfortingly, Mac linked her arm through his and they started down the corridor with Harm following behind, a scowl on his handsome face.

Harm wasn’t at all pleased that Brumby was even onboard and it pleased him even less to see that some sort of camaraderie had developed between Mac and the Aussie. He didn’t like the man and didn’t trust him with Mac. But the way she rushed to his side… Harm’s eyes narrowed on her back. Was there something brewing between the pair?

{No way… Mac can barely stand him, he reminded himself. But still, a little voice in his head interrupted. They’ve had three months together as partners. Anything could have happened. You left her remember?}

His hands clenched into fists at his side and it was all he could do not to jerk Mac away from the other man. This uncharacteristic jealousy was swamping him. He wasn’t used to feeling this way about anyone but especially about Mac. He’d always… well, he guessed he’d always considered her his own. And now she seemed to be getting close to Brumby and he hated it. Hated it so much he wanted like hell for the man to just go away and stay gone. He didn’t want the arrogant Australian to touch her or look at her or even…. speak to her. Harm shook his head. He had to get control of this before it got the better of him. JAG was no longer his life. Flying on the carrier was. He made his decision and that meant he no longer had any say in Mac’s life.

Harm continued to scowl as the followed the two partners back to their quarters. Mac opened the door to Brumby's cabin and helped the Australian to the bunk. Harm followed them inside, seemingly unnoticed. He watched as she handed Brumby a cup of water for him to take his medication and then stared in disbelief when she brought a wet washcloth and placed it on his forehead.

"Are you going to be OK now?" she looked down at her current partner who nodded and closed his eyes.

"Are you going to tuck him in and tell him a bedtime story, too, or are we finished here?" Harm could not resist the sarcastic comment.

Mac regarded him for a long moment and then turned back to Brumby. "Mic," she smiled. "Do you want me to tuck you in and tell you a bedtime story?"

"No, thank you, Sarah. I'm fine," he smiled back.

"Then I guess we're finished here," she told Harm, rising to leave. She noted with amusement and a slight feeling of guilt Harm's expression. She had been, in fact, needling her former partner just a little but her concern for her present partner was at the same time genuine.

"Mic, you get some rest," she patted Brumby's shoulder briefly and started out, Harm following closely.

Once in the hallway with Brumby's door now closed, Harm took firm hold of Mac's shoulder.

"What in hell is going on here?" he demanded, his voice more harsh than he actually intended.

Mac turned in surprise and promptly removed his hand from her shoulder.

"Commander Rabb, when you speak to me in that tone I am not going to discuss anything with you," she said, her voice calm and even and her stare letting him know she was serious.

"Now you listen… " he began and stopped in the face of that stare. "Okay, you're right and I apologize, Major," he went on, his tone much mollified. "Would the Major accompany me to my cabin where we can talk?"

"Of course," she gave him a small ghost of the smile with which at one time she favored only him.

He took her arm to lead her the short distance and opened the door for her.

"So this is home for you," she looked around the small, sparsely furnished space.

He motioned for her to sit on the narrow sofa and took the edge of the bed for himself. "I don't spend much waking time down here," he said quietly.

She nodded "Now what did you want to talk about? Something with the case?"

"No," he shook his head vehemently "I want to know how you've been. Your emails don't say much except about JAG. What's been keeping you busy?"

"Do you mean who?" she asked, boldly meeting his gaze. She had been unprepared for his display of discomfort over her partnership with Brumby and now she realized how deeply that feeling ran.

Ham knew she could read his thoughts. She had always been able to tell what was on his mind and apparently the three months apart had not changed that. "Yes, I guess I do," he admitted in a small voice.

"Harm, I'm just going to say this once," she said, careful to keep her voice light. "I did not ask to be partnered with Mic. I was very happy and content with our partnership but you had something else you needed to take care of and I understand that. I do now and I did then even though my motions that afternoon betrayed me. Mic and I work well together, not like you and I maybe but well just the same. As partners we have lost only two cases. As opposing counsels we've each beaten the other once. He's been good to me during our partnership. I consider him a friend Harm and I don't have that many that I can do that lightly."

"And what about our friendship and partnership of almost three years?" Harm asked her after thinking over what she had just said.

"It has a very warm spot right here," she assured him, touching her heart. "But it's on hold right now. Your life is here on the Excalibur and mine is back at JAG." She reached out and set her hand lightly on his arm. "Remember on board the Coral Sea we were talking about flying and you said leaving that life wasn't by your choice? Well having you leave JAG wasn't by my choice either but just like you made a good future for yourself as a lawyer I'm making a future for myself at JAG without you as my partner."

She had chosen her words carefully, afraid that if she had even slightly admitted to how she really had felt about his leaving the emotional scene of her goodbye to him would be replayed here.

Harm looked at her closely, digesting what she was saying. "So you're happy then?"

"For now," she answered noncommittally. "You?"

"Yes," he said firmly, then adding to himself {or at least I thought I was up till now.} "And about you and Brumby," he continued, shaking off that thought.

"Uh-uh, Commander, don't go there," she shook her head. "We are partners, we are friends and as far as I'm concerned that subject is closed."

Had she been trying for a rush of jealousy from Harm she may have felt guilty at that comment; instead she simply enjoyed the establishment of the truth and rose to go.

"While Mic rests I'm going to my cabin to look over some of these notes," she said. "Hopefully he'll be feeling well enough later than we can have a look at some of sites aboard where there's been trouble."

"You and I could take a look now," he offered quickly.

"Harm, you know that's something both partners need to do," she reminded him. "I wouldn't have gone off on my own without you."

"Of course," he knew she was right. "But at least stay here and do that. I could use the company." He hoped the longing he felt to have her alone in his presence was not being transmitted through his voice.

"Yeah, OK," she smiled, trying to hide her pleasure at his request.

He stretched out on his bed to read while she moved to the small desk and began to alternately read and tap out notes on her laptop. Two hours passed and the lack of sleep from the long trip began to catch up with her. She had intended to close her eyes only briefly when the next thing she knew she was falling forward, her head coming in sharp contact with the desk surface.

"Mac, what is it?" he was by her side at once, turning the swivel chair toward him to look at her closely. "Are you all right?"

She shook her head and blinked rapidly for several seconds, then her eyes met his concerned look. "I'm fine really," she assured him. "I guess just grabbing a few hours sleep in the air wasn't enough. I think I need some coffee."

"What you need is some rest," he told her firmly and taking her by both arms, levered her from the chair.

"Harm, I'm fine," she protested but did not try to pull from his grasp.

"I know you are," he said soothingly. "But it won't hurt you to lie down here for an hour. I promise I'll call you if anything comes up."

Suddenly the small bunk looked very inviting and she let him guide her down, taking a moment to realize how much she enjoyed, and had missed, his touch. He dropped the blanket he kept at the end of the bed over her and watched as she closed her eyes, asleep almost at once.

Sure she was asleep, he brushed a lock of her hair away from her face with one finger, letting it graze across her cheek for a brief second. "Rest well," he whispered and dropped heavily onto the small sofa. From somewhere deep in the recesses of his subconscious a little voice said, {You're a fool, Rabb.}

Exactly and hour later Mac woke and rolled to her feet. She looked over to where Harm was sitting on the sofa, his head leaned back and his eyes closed. She touched his arm, startling him into wakefulness. "Pilot, I'm out of here," she told him. "I'm going to see how Mic is and hopefully we can get started. Thanks for the use of your bunk."

"Anytime," he grinned and then turned serious. "I have preflight and then we're gone for an hour or so but I should be free after that. Can I buy you dinner? Our mess makes a mean burger."

"Let me see what my partner feels like doing," she said, ignoring his expression at that. "But, yeah, come find us when you get back."

"Okay." Harm was still scowling.

She walked to the door and then turned and dropped her hand to his arm "You have a mission later?"

"Just routine as far as I know," he nodded. "Why?"

She gave his arm a quick but firm squeeze. "Just be careful, that's all." And without waiting for his reply, slipped from the room. Harm remained at the door, leaving it open a crack to watch her hurry down the hall and knock at Brumby's door.

His scowl returned as he heard her call, "Mic, it's me." And then let herself in. He pictured her leaning over the Australian and his face darkened. It was after all this type of friendship that had been the basis for the relationship he had once shared with the dark-haired major. And for the first time the thought of his upcoming flight did not excite him.

"Sarah, there you are," Mic called, coming from the small bathroom, still toweling his hair.

"You look like you're feeling better," she greeted her partner. "Ready to take a look at some of the places where there's been trouble aboard?"

"Right behind you," he answered. "As for feeling better, let's say I'm controlling it rather than its controlling me." He looked at her intently "Did you and the Commander have a nice talk?"

"Mic," she used that warning tone again. "But we did clear up a few things, yes."

"Let's start from the bottom and work our way up," Mac said as they left his cabin a few minutes later. She consulted the notes on the clipboard she carried. "Ship’s stores section fourteen was the first incident the captain has on his report."

"This place doesn't get much use," Brumby observed, wrinkling his nose and the dust and disarray of the storage area.

"Guess not," she agreed, walking ahead of him. When she turned back to see where he was, the Australian officer was leaning against a crate, holding his stomach. She started over to him and he waved her away. "No, I'm all right. It will pass in a minute. Go, I'll catch up to you."

"All right, " she nodded. "I'm going to take a look back over here. This is where Petty Officer Barkley reported finding those crates of radio parts that weren't on any manifest."

Brumby watched her as he slowly breathed through the spell of nausea that he was experiencing. A low rumbling sound caught his attention and he looked up in time to see several boxes tilt crazily and fall in the direction Mac had gone. He heard her give a sharp cry of pain and surprise and then there was silence.

On the flight deck Harm jumped the last few feet to the surface from the Tomcat's ladder, anxious to clean up and find Mac for that dinner.

"Commander Rabb," Petty Officer Clark called to him and saluted. Harm returned the salute. "Sir, you're wanted in sick bay," Clark told him. "One of the JAG officers has been hurt."

"Who-how?" Harm demanded, feeling the first twinges of fear clutch his heart.

"Don't know, sir," Clark shook his head, "That's all the message I got."

Harm thrust his helmet to the young sailor and took off at a dead run for sick bay, his thoughts racing. He flung open the door, nearly colliding with Brumby as he entered. "Then it was Mac," he gasped when he saw her partner.

Brumby held up his hands for calm. "Commander, she's not badly hurt. Just a couple bruises and a small cut on her head. We were down in ship’s stores and some crates fell on her."

Harm pushed past him, seeing Mac lying on a bed in the rear of the small facility, with Brumby following closely. He started to lean over Mac to speak to her and suddenly turned back to the Australian. "And just what were you doing when you let this happen to her?" he demanded, the accusation in his voice unmistakable.

Harm ignored the man then and turned back to Mac. Bending over, he picked one of her hands up and clasped it tightly. "Mac? Can you hear me? Mac?" he whispered urgently.

Mac’s lashes fluttered once, twice and then lifted and her eyes met his. She stared at him for full moment before he finally saw recognition come into her gaze.

"Harm? " She blinked and then frowned. "Where am I and why are you leaning over me? What happened?" she questioned vaguely.

"A stack of shipping crates fell over on you in the ship’s stores. You took a good knock on that hard head of yours, Marine," he smiled teasingly to cover the panic that still had his heart in a clutch.

Gingerly he touched the tip of his finger to the nasty cut on her temple. Mac winced lightly and turned her head a bit.

"How bad is it?" she murmured.

"Not as bad as it could have been," he answered. "You’ve got a tough head, ninja-girl."

"Major MacKenzie?"

Harm turned to the side a bit and he and Mac both looked up at one of the ship’s doctors.

"I want to keep you in here overnight to make sure there are no affects from the concussion."

Mac frowned. "I’ll be fine in my own bunk. You’re not far away if I get sick," she protested.

"Far enough. I want you under watch. You took a very hard hit," the older man answered sternly.

Mac sighed, knowing he was right. Harm smiled and tightened his grip on her hand. "I’ll stay in here with you if you want until you go to sleep," he offered softly.

Mac closed her eyes for a moment, fighting her own helplessness. "Okay," she agreed.

"Fine. Commander Rabb, pull up a chair," The doctor stated, smiling.

Several hours later, Harm was still at her bedside. She’d long since gone to sleep but he couldn’t quite bring himself to get up and leave her. It was dim there in sick bay and they were closed off in their own little world by a drawn curtain. Bud had come in about an hour ago and Harm was glad to see the younger man. They spent a few minutes together before Brumby took him away to get him started on decoding the Kurd transmissions.

"Harm?"

Harm glanced back down as Mac stirred. "Shh, go back to sleep," he murmured, stroking her hair.

"Harm…. No…. don’t leave…"

He realized then that she was dreaming. He squeezed her hand and brought it up to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "I’m here, Mac. It’s okay. I’m here," he soothed.

She tossed her head on the pillow, her breathing agitated. Harm rose from his chair and bent over her. Sliding his arms beneath her body, he lifted her up into his arms and held her close. Gradually she quieted again and fell back into a deep sleep. Harm was reluctant to put her down so he sat there for several more minutes, just holding her in his arms. Finally, he sighed and pressed her back to the pillows.

"Rest now," he whispered.

The next day, Mac was rested and ready to work and Bud had arrived onboard the carrier. Harm took the three of them to a private ready room where they go look over the incident reports and the coded transmissions. While Harm started helping Mac and Brumby make a list if suspects, Bud went to work on his computer to break the codes.

"I got it!" Bud’s excited voice called out.

"You broke the codes?" Mac asked.

"Yes, ma’am. It wasn’t one of the newer forms and it’s actually a combination of several. And you were right about them selling technology. The transmissions are from PO Third Class William Cannon and Lieutenant James Alvarado. Not only are they passing along our information to the Kurds, but they’re also smuggling out weapons and supplies," Bud explained.

"To the PKK?" Brumby asked.

"Yes, sir. The party is building a strategy to get Ocalan away from the government and back in charge of the PKK."

Mac sighed and looked at the three men. "They need to be put under arrest immediately," she stated heavily.

"Would you like me to notify Captain Gallagher?" Harm offered.

"No, thank you, Harm. Mic and I will take care of it immediately," she answered, effectively reminding Harm that he was no longer a part of the JAG team. "Bud, would print out copies of the transmissions for me in English?"

"Yes, ma’am. Right away."

An hour later, Mac and Brumby were on their way to the ship’s stores with Captain Gallagher and a security team to arrest the two enlisted men. When they reached the area they found it empty.

"Something’s wrong," Captain Gallagher murmured. "They should be here."

Cautiously they moved further into the cavernous storage room, drawing their weapons. They spread out as they went forward, looking around. Suddenly several shots rang out and they dove for cover. They returned fire then all was quiet for a moment.

"You boys would be better off if you throw your guns down and come out with your hands where we can see them," Captain Gallagher called.

There was no answer to his order.

"We decoded all the transmissions, boys. I suggest you come on out," he tried again.

From almost opposite sides of the door, Mac and Brumby both crept forward, hoping to catch PO Cannon and Lt. Alvarado.

"Don’t move, Major."

Mac froze the second she felt the cold press of a gun barrel. She recognized PO Cannon’s deep timbre. He slipped his left arm around her neck and drew her straight back against him, holding her tight. Slowly, they moved out into the light.

"Hold your fire!" Mac called hoarsely.

"Major!" Mic called. "Are you all right?"

"She’s fine, Commander, and she’ll remain that way as long as we get out of here," PO Cannon answered instead. "Now back away, gentlemen, and we’ll get out of your hair."

Lt. Alvarado joined the pair and they started making their may toward the doors. They hadn’t taken more than a few steps when Mac made her move. She jammed her high heel down on Cannon’s foot and then drove her elbow into his stomach. He loosened his hold enough for her to get away from him. From across the room, the other men saw Alvarado take aim at her back.

"Sarah!" Mic cried, darting forward. At the same time Harm flung the door open having learned from Bud where the investigation had led.

"Mac!" Harm added his cry of alarm to Mic's and Alvarado automatically swung his weapon in the direction of the new threat, his finger already beginning to squeeze the trigger. Without hesitation Mic flung himself in between Harm and Alvarado.

It was over in a few brief seconds. Cannon and Alvarado were being held by Gallagher's security team. Harm and Mac looked at each other from across the floor where they had dropped the second the shooting started. Mac nodded that she was all right and Harm gave a long sigh of relief as he scrambled over to her, taking hold of his arms.

"Mic, God, no!" Mac screamed, pulling from Harm's grasp.

Harm followed her gaze to where the Australian officer lay face down, blood pooling beneath him. Mac lifted him into her arms, ignoring the blood that immediately soaked her from his chest wound. It was then Harm realized the full impact of what had just happened. Commander Michael James Brumby had taken a bullet meant for him; and that action was going to cost the Australian his life.

Mac was too much in shock to speak. She could do nothing but hold her partner against her, rocking him gently.

Harm heard Gallagher call for medical help but he knew there was no chance. He leaned over top of Mac, putting his hand firmly on Mic's shoulder. "Thank you," he said softly. "But why?"

Mic coughed and then smiled slightly. "Because I love Sarah. Sarah loves you. Above all else, I would wish for her happiness Harm. To see you killed would have devastated her. I could not allow that. I know you love her too. Take care of each other."

"Oh Mic," Sarah finally found her voice "I don’t . . ." A sob choked her remaining words.

"Sarah, it's all right," Mic got out between painful gasps "You and Harm are together now." He took one last shuddering breath and was still. Harm reached down and pressed his eyes closed as the medics arrived.

"Sarah," he whispered to her. "It's over."

Mac allowed him to lift her up away from her partner, and then pushed away from Harm, running through the ship to her cabin. Once inside the shower she let her tears come.

Two days passed in a blur of activity. Brumby's body was taken to Australia for burial, with Harm and Mac the official military escorts. They participated in the funeral and burial, and spent time with Brumby's parents, and his brother and sister afterward. During this time Harm and Mac did not exchange a single personal word, to include any mention of the shooting.

On the night before they were to leave Mac collapsed onto the bed in her hotel room. She did not feel the urge to cry, nor did she feel exhausted as she might have. She simply felt numb. At first she ignored the persistent knock at the door, knowing who it was. "Mac please can I come in. I need desperately to talk to you," Harm's voice reached her through the door. With a weary sigh Mac slid from the bed to admit her former partner.

"Harm, this is not a good time," she said, her voice flat.

"It is for me," Harm said shortly. "We haven't had a single word with each other since this all happened. I need to know what you're feeling. I want to tell you what I'm feeling."

She turned her back on him walking to the window to stare out at the lighted Sydney skyline.

"Mac-Sarah, please," he begged.

"Okay, you want to know what I'm feeling?" she turned back to him, knowing she was about to lash out but unable to stop herself. "I'm wondering why you chose that moment to barge into that room. I told you before you were not part of the investigation. If you had stayed out . . . ". She stopped when her voice began to shake.

"If I had stayed out, you would be dead now," he reminded her, his body shuddering slightly at the memory of Alvarado's gun aimed at her back. "It doesn't sit well with me knowing that a man gave up his life for mine," he added.

For the first time Mac allowed herself to realize exactly what Brumby's death had brought about: that Harmon David Rabb Jr. was alive. "Oh, God," she moaned and dropped onto the closest chair, weeping softly.

Harm crossed the floor to her, kneeling beside her chair and tentatively put his arms out, making the offer but not wanting to force her.

She looked up at him through her tears. "I love you," she choked out and immediately felt the weight of the world lift from her heart.

"I love you," he answered at once and she melded into his arms.

It was a beginning. There would still be much to work through, but Sarah Mackenzie and Harmon Rabb would do that together as they were meant to be.

And from somewhere above, the soul of Michael James Brumby was admitted to Heaven. He had done what he had been placed on Earth to accomplish.

The End