TITLE:  All Out Warfare
AUTHORS: Bridget Walker, Marge Harkins and Pat Steiner

"Harriet you look amazing" Bud assured her.
Harriet looked down at the dress self consciously. "Thanks to Renee."
"I was glad to help" Renee smiled, "you just never know..." The ringing
of her cell phone cut off her words.
"Do you never leave home without that" Harm glared at her and she
glared
back, moving away to speak quietly.
AJ tugged at Sydney's arm. "If I'm going to make a speech, I need a
drink. Excuse us."
Harm looked at Mac and then back to Renee where she was talking
animatedly into her phone. "I'm sure it's a matter of national security"
he
laughed, "probably what Puff Daddy is going to wear in his next video."
Mac followed his gaze to his current girlfriend, wondering not for the
first time what they had in common, except the bedroom and that she did not
like to consider. Harm and Jordan she had almost understood, at least they
had the Navy in common. Her eyes fell to the ring she wore and she
wondered
also not for the first time what Harm really thought about her relationship
with the Australian officer, if you could in fact even call it a
relationship
at that distance. She knew he was jealous, but seemingly not enough to
galvanize him into speaking out for her.
"And then last week it was.. Mac? Mac are you all right?" Too late Mac
realized Harm had been talking to her and now had his hand wrapped around
her
arm as he bent low to look into her face.
"Mac?" He shook her arm slightly.
"I'm fine" She brought herself back to the present.
"You scared me" he admitted, ''like you zoned out there for a minute.
Let me guess, you were in Sydney with...."
"Harm you'll never guess." Renee's shrill voice interrupted him and he
turned around, hoping his face did not reveal the annoyance he was feeling.
"I got the job."
"Job?" He frowned and shook his head, not comprehending.
"Harm what did I talk about all last week?" she demanded, "and what was
I
upset over not getting? Well now I've got it. Robson bailed and the
director's gig is mine, but I've got to be there tonight so they can bring
me
up to speed and we can start first thing in the morning. Oh this is so
great. I don't believe it." She gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "I'm
out of here. I'll call you as soon as I can from L.A." With that she
disappeared through the double doors.
"What was that?" Mac shook her head in puzzlement.
"Damn'd if I know" he answered. "But obviously I was supposed to. We
do
tend to flit in and out of each other's lives." He gave a short laugh and
looked at Mac, for the first time appreciating how beautiful she looked in
that red dress. "How would you like to have a handsome Naval aviator turned
lawyer, who happens to have a great personality as well, to escort you in
to
the party?"
"Hey that sounds great" she laughed. "Would you find me one and let me
know when he arrives."
"Everyone's a comedian these days" Harm moaned. "The talent show is
later after the speeches." He held his arm to her, "join me Colonel
please."
"I'd like that" she responded, all teasing gone from her tone as she
hooked her hand around his arm. "Though I don't know how fun I'll be at a
cocktail hour when I'm having club soda with lime."
"Your company is all I'm concerned with" Harm assured her, covering her
hand with his and walking her through the doors.
The cocktail hour passed pleasantly as Harm and Mac mingled with the
guests. As dinner was called, Mac realized with a small smile that Harm
had
not left her side the entire hour and that she liked his close attention.
They were laughing and joking with ease they had not experienced since his
return from flying.
They sat down to dinner; she with the prime rib and he with chicken
breast and teased each other about that as well.
"What is with you two tonight?" AJ finally asked, "not that I'm
complaining mind you. I swear Mr. Rabb since you got back the tension
around
here has been thick enough to cut. This is a pleasant change."
"I know" Harm nodded soberly, "a lot of things have made things
difficult
since I got back. Most of it caused by me. I guess we're just starting to
get our rhythm back."
Mac smiled, not looking up from her plate, and yet conscious of the
steady pressure of Harm's leg against hers as with tight seating their
chairs
were pressed close together.
Main course--dessert and coffee--speeches and finally the orchestra
struck up the first selection for dancing.
"That would be our cue to be excused" Harm smiled, pushing his chair
back
and sliding Mac's out at the same time, offering her his hand.
"Commander are you asking me to dance?" she looked up at him, amusement
on her face.
"No I have to go to the head and I'm afraid of long hallways" he
retorted. "Of course I'm asking you to dance. If I have to I'll beg."
"Ah no need, I hate to see a grown Commander cry" she smiled.
He held her hand as they walked to the dance floor, then placed it at
the
back of his neck as they glided out onto the smooth wooden squares. That
selection stopped and he held her firmly, indicating he was in no way ready
to relinquish her company. The next piece was slow, a definite romantic
mood
setter and Mac's other arm went around his neck as if it was the most
natural
thing in the world. At the same time he put his arms around her waist and
urged her closer to him.
"You feel awfully good to hold like this" he whispered as they swayed
back and forth and to his surprise she sighed and put her head on his
shoulder and he responded by resting his chin on top.
"Wish this song would go on the rest of the night" she murmured,
"because
it's giving me a chance to do some clear think....."
"What the bloody hell?" the unmistakable voice of Commander Michael
James
Brumby startled them both from their thoughts. Instead of releasing her
however, Harm's arms tightened protectively around her.
"Sarah Catherine Mackenzie explain yourself" Brumby demanded. He had
obviously been drinking, though not to the point of drunkenness and he
immediately stepped forward into their personal space. "I said what
exactly
is happening here?" he shouted.

"Damn you, Sarah. You will answer me" Mic yelled, reaching to pull Mac from Harm's arms. Harm saw Mic
intent and sidestepped his outstretched hand, moving Mac with him. Harm felt Mac's body stiffen with
tension. Imperceptibly, Mac moved closer to Harm. Mac's fingers clenched the back of Harm's neck.

Trying to calm Brumpy down, Harm spoke quietly "Mic, you have it all wrong, nothing is happening here. I
was just dancing with Mac." Harm could see that they were now the center of attention in the room. The
orchestra had stopped playing, and people were standing to get a better view of the confrontation.

"Well, mate, it appears that something is definitely happening here. You looked awfully cozy dancing with
my fiancée" Mic snarled as he stepped closer to them. Harm once again moved, turning so that Mac was
behind him. Mic was not to be deterred "Surprised to see me, aren't you Sarah? Tell me, how long have
you been carrying on with Harm here? Is there anyone else that I should know about, too? I bet you didn't
think I'd find out, did you? Thought it was safe to play your little game while I was down under. I bet you
never expected to see me here at the ball. Do you think it's fun having two men at your beck can call?"

As Mic's words filled the ballroom, Harm could feel Mac begin to tremble. Looking down at her, he could
see the toll the hateful words were taking on her. Harm knew Mac well enough to know that she was
reliving the drunken, malicious words of her father. Many times Harm had cursed Mac's father for the
abuse he heaped on an undeserving child. The effects of the abuse that she still carries with her to this
day. He wasn't there to protect Mac from her father, but he certainly would defend her from Brumpy. Mic
continued his rant "They have names for women like that, you ...."

"That will be enough, Lt. Commander." AJ barked walking up to Brumby and grabbing his arm. "This way"
AJ directed, bodily pulling the Australian with him toward a side room. "I'm not through with you yet,
Sarah." Mic yelled over his shoulder.

"Colonel, are you OK?" Harriet asked, Bud following closely at her side.

"Harriet, would you stay with Mac please? I want to have a few words with Bugme." Harm asked, his teeth
clenched tightly, trying to contain his rage. "Certainly, sir." Harriet replied, putting her arm around Mac.

"I'll join you, sir" Bud volunteered. "OK, Bud, but this time, watch where you stand. I don't want to punch
you in the jaw again!"

Mac watched as Harm and Bud walked towards the other room.

"Harm, wait. I've got to talk to Mic." Mac called after him. Harm stopped, turned and looked at Mac.


"What do you mean you have to talk to Mic? Come on Mac! After everything that has happened. Please
don't go out there? Let me take care of it. Let me take care of you."
Mac swallowed the lump that had suddenly appeared in her throat. She could not believe it. Harm was
finally voicing his feelings. He was not holding back, and as much as she appreciated it she knew that she
could allow him to go out there and 'defend her honour'. The Lieutenant Colonel in her would not allow it to
happen. Reaching up towards her partner she lightly cupped his cheek in her hand.
"Listen to me Harm. And I mean really listen to me. I don't want you to interrupt okay?"
Harm merely nodded at Mac's request.
"At this moment I would love nothing more for you to go out there and punch the daylights out of him for
embarrassing us all and for ruining my life, but then the vicious circle would continue. By that I mean, you
two and your need to one up each other."
Harm opened his mouth to disagree but was halted by Mac bringing her finger to lightly trace his bottom
lip. "You told me you wouldn't interrupt."
Harm sighed in resignation, and nodded once again as a sign for her to continue.
"Ever since Mic came to JAG, you guys have been acting like Frat boys from different houses. If one does
something then the other once has to show him up, whether it be in the court room, on a beach in Sydney
or on a ferry. I want it to stop, and I am going to be the one who is going to make it stop. I am going to go
outside right now and talk to him. I am going to tell him that it is over and that I can't marry him. I am going
to tell him that it would be in his best interest to stop calling me and to go back to Australia. Don't you see it
Harm? Tonight has made me realise that he is not the man I thought he was and not the man I want."
Harm reached up and removed Mac's hand from his cheek. He did not relinquish it however, in fact he
clasped it tighter and held it between them. "Okay Mac. I won't go out there and pummel him but only on
one condition."
Mac smiled. "And what would that be sailor?"
"That you allow me to come outside and stand a discreet distance away. I promise Mic won't see me. It is
just that considering the state that he is in, I don't trust him, and I know that you are a Marine and that you
are more than capable of handling yourself, it would just make me feel better if I was there to watch you six.
Okay?"
Mac ran her thumb over the top of Harm's hand. "I think that I can live with that Flyboy. Now I think I better
get out there before he comes back in here and makes another scene."
"And we know that would not look good for any of us. After you." Mac walked towards the exit in front of
Harm. Her head held high as she felt the comfort of Harm's hand at the small of her back guiding her and
giving her strength all at the same time to do what she needs to do.
Harm watched from the outside doorway as Mac made her way over to where Brumby was standing. He
watched with some pain to his heart as she tentatively reached out and clasped his shoulder and gently
turned him around. Although he could not hear the words, Harm knew that Mic was not liking was he was
being told. With every second that was passing Harm could see Mic getting angrier and angrier, it was
clear that Mic was yelling at her. Harm could barely restrain himself from going over and knowing the cocky
Australian over the balcony he was leaning against. But he knew that he had to stay here. He had to stay
here and keep is word. Because keeping his word to Mac meant anything. Things had by now gotten
worse. Harm could tell that now Mac was yelling back, he could see it in the way that her spine had
tightened. Brumby was obviously not taking to subtlety because the next thing Harm knew Mac was taking
the ring of her finger and throwing it at Mic with all the strength she could muster.
Mac turned her back on Mic intent on getting away from him as soon as possible. The man just would not
understand. As she went to walk away she was stopped by Mic's hand pressing into her forearm. She tried
to break free but his grip only intensified. Focusing only on trying to break free Mac did not notice Harm
and the others getting closer and closer. In fact Harm was almost running towards her. Mac turned back
towards Mic in order to order him to let her go but was greeting by his other hand raised in the air. Mac had
no doubts in her mind at that moment that Brumby was going to hit her.
The next few moments were a blur for all involved. Before Mac knew what was happening, she was broken
out of Brumby's grip and pulled into a pair of strong and definitely familiar arms. And Mic, well he was on
the ground, where a very angry Ex Seal had tackled him.
"Nice tackle Sir!" Exclaimed Bud, who had witnessed the entire scene. "Very impressive."
"Thankyou Lieutenant" replied the Admiral as he pulled himself to his feet and dusted off his mess dress
before reaching down and hauling Brumby to his own feet. "I considered it to be Admiral's privilege to get
to do that. I have been wanting to do it for almost two years."
Mac turned her head from where it had been buried in Harm's chest but did not relinquish her arms from
where they were snaked around his waist as she tried to gain some control. "Thankyou Admiral. It is
certainly appreciated. I know that I could have handled the situation myself...."
"Nonsense Colonel, no thanks are necessary, and I don't care if you are the strongest Marine in the Corps.
We were here, there was no need to handle it yourself."
"I know that Sir, but thankyou anyway."
Harm in the meanwhile had not said anything. He only held onto Mac with a grip that would take an entire
Seal team to break. His gaze was focused purely on the man who was being held up by his CO. And the
look was definitely one of pure unadulterated hate.
Mic caught his gaze and obviously hadn't learnt his lesson about messing with Mac and those who loved
her, because once again he felt he needed to have the last word. "Well well Rabb. It looks like you have
finally won. It looks like you have finally got the girl. Well has far as I am concerned you can have her. You
have probably been doing her for years anyway. After all she is nothing but a whore."
Words like that spoken about Mac incensed an anger in Harm that he had never felt before. Gently
dropping Mac out of his embrace he stalked over to where the Admiral had a firm grip on Brumby. Harm did
not acknowledge the Australian, just looked over to his CO who gave a small nod. Before Brumby knew
what was happening he was flat on his back on the ground again, put there by a single punch to the jaw by
Harm.
Without even looking to the man he felled, Harm turned on his heel, gently nursing his left hand. He was
sure that he had broken something. Walking back over towards Mac, he gently pulled her back into his
embrace which she welcomed. Harm turned his head and once again made eye contact with his CO, and
said his first words since he and Mac had left the ball. "If it is alright with you Sir, I think the Colonel and I
have had enough of this party. The standard of the guest list has somewhat diminished."
"I could not agree with you more Commander. I will take care of things here. Why don't you take the
Colonel home? Secure yourselves for a few days until all of this blows over. I will be in touch."
Mac and Harm pulled themselves to attention as much as they could without relinquishing their hold on
each other. They then made their way to the elevators. They knew that because of everything that had
transpired here tonight. They had a lot to talk about.


The elevator door closed on them, leaving them truly alone for the first
time.
"I'm sorry" Harm said simply, "sorry this night turned in to such a mess.
Maybe I should have let you handle it completely; but I swear Mac that man
does something to me and it's more than anger. There's something about him
that's almost malevolent. I've sensed it before and I do now. The thought
of you being with him before didn't just anger me, it scared me."
"It's OK Harm" she smiled. "Actually he scared me tonight too. I've
seen him angry before. Even felt it but tonight he was totally out of....."
Harm's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean you felt it?" He took hold of
her arms and looked sharply into her face. "Spill it Marine. Has he hurt
you before?"
Too late she realized her mistake and clamped her hand over her mouth.
"Yes" she admitted, flushing under his scrutiny, and knowing he would not
rest until she had confessed the whole story. "When I visited him in Sydney
in April. One night he'd had a couple beers and I told him to leave me alone
which set him off. He pushed me hard against the bedroom wall and called
me...well never mind.  And there's been a few other times too.  But it's over now."
"Good thing I didn't know all that an hour ago" he muttered, "I'd have
killed him on the spot." Some of the anger he felt was being transmitted
into his grasp of her and he immediately let her go. "And you couldn't tell
him no even after that. Why Mac?" His tone was gentle but urgent and his
eyes locked with hers.
"I was afraid" she said softly and unwanted tears appeared on her cheeks,
"afraid I wouldn't have...."
"What?" he frowned, thumbing at her tears.
"You" she whispered, barely audible.
Harm hung his head, his chin touching his chest as he realized exactly
what she was saying, and what it must have cost her to admit that.
"You do now" he said as the elevator's bell dinged indicating they had
reached the parking garage.
"I'm sorry?" she sniffled, not understanding.
"Have me" he smiled, "as much of me as you can take."
She drew her breath in. "I can take quite a lot Squid" she smiled
through her tears, his words suddenly bringing back her spirit.
She picked up his hand in both of hers and he gave a small gasp of pain.
"I'm sorry" she whispered, holding it gently and immediately realized how
swollen and discolored it was becoming. "This is going to be looked at right
now" she told him "and don't even think about arguing. Just be glad it's
your left hand."
She propelled him toward her car, her hand clamped firmly around his arm.

Two long hours of waiting, xrays, more waiting and a verdict of severe
sprain later they were back in her car.
"Harm I think I'd sooner go to your place if it's OK" she said slowly.
"I don't feel I want to go home....and I don't want to be alone if you don't
mind."
"I don't want you to be alone" he answered at once, "not until we know
what Brumby may be capable of after tonight." He gave a short laugh,
"besides the admiral ordered us to sort things through remember. We have a
lot to talk about. And I promise, no backing off on my part this time."
"I'm holding you to that" she nodded.
"Please do" he responded. "And if I start to try, I want you to take a
two by four and hit me upside the head."
"Let me write that down in case I have to use it in court" she teased.

HARM'S APARTMENT
WASHINGTON D.C.
"Sit" she ordered as soon as they were inside and he had locked the door.
"Coffee and a bowl of ice for your hand. You know what they told you."
"You know I could get used to being taken care of" he laughed, but his
tone was serious.
"What, Renee doesn't do a good job of that?" she retorted, suddenly
remembering the blonde in Harm's life.
"No, Renee takes care of Renee" Harm smiled and then turned serious.
"You may as well know the truth about her and I."
Mac's breath caught in her throat and fear that Harm would tell her
things were serious between them gripped her.
Harm sensed at once the change in her and pressed his good hand over hers
where they were clenched on the table. "I don't love her Mac, not at all.
We've had some fun but that's as far as it would ever go." He toyed with the
ring fingers of each hand. "And it a brutally honest moment, the man
admitted that as long as the woman he cared about was considering marrying
another man, he figured he may as well have his fun" he intoned as if reading
a passage. "But that's the god's honest truth Sarah."
"I believe you" she assured him quickly, now sharing the feeling he had
experienced earlier, admiration for admitting something painful. "Now it's
my turn. I don't love Mic either. I thought I did at one time. I thought I
could... well settle is the only word I can think of here. I thought he was
all I deserved you know?"
"Sarah no" he said firmly, using her first name for the second time to be
sure he had her attention. "You deserve much more. Not that I'm saying you
would find it in me. Relationships are nothing I'm good at."
"Maybe you and I have never tried the right person to relate to" she
offered, a small smile teasing her lips.
"I think you're right" he said seriously, playing with her hands again.

They sat there, looking at each other.  Not sure what to say next, Mac glanced at Harm's hand.  "Does it
still hurt?" she asks.  "Just a little, I think I'll live.  Trust me, growing up I survived worse injuries.  But then,
my mom always did have her miracle cure."  Harm grinned. 

"Miracle cure?  This I have to hear." Mac laughed.  "You don't know about a mother's miracle cure?" Harm
laughed.  Harm's mood sobered when he remembered Mac's early childhood.  "Mac, I'm sorry, I forgot for a
minute, can you forgive me?"  he asked,  clasping her hand.

Mac grinned at Harm "Well, I'll forgive you, if you tell me about your mother's miracle cure." 

Harm laughed "It's no big secret, my mom would always kiss where it hurt.  After that, the pain would go
away." 

Mac took Harm's hand in hers "Well, modern medicine it isn't, but if it works......"  bending over his hand,
she kissed where his knuckles were red and swollen.

Looking up at Harm, Mac couldn't help but grin "Did it work?"    Harm laughed "Like a charm, told you it
was a miracle cure."  Looking down he saw Mac cradling his hand in hers.  It just felt so right.  Maybe this
new relationship thing wasn't such a bad idea.  They had a strong friendship, but could it be more?  The
last thing Harm wanted to do was jeopardize that friendship.  But, it was a chance that they had to take. 
They had to try and see if their friendship could grow.

"........... Harm,  Harm" he snapped his head up at Mac's call.  "Are you still with me?" she asked. 

"I'm sorry, you caught my mind wandering there.  What did you say, Mac?"

"I was saying that I just realized that I don't have any clothes with me.  I guess we should have stopped at
my apartment and picked some things up on our way here. "  Pointing to her evening gown "This isn't going
to be the most comfortable thing to sleep in."

Standing, Harm headed to his bedroom.  Calling over his shoulder "I think we can find something a little
more comfortable for you.  Might be a little big for you though."

"Harm, beggars can't be choosers" Mac laughed, joining him in the bedroom as he rooted through a
drawer.    "Anything will be fine."

Harm chuckled "You may re-think that statement, Marine."  Turning he handed her a large sweatshirt. 
"This should do the job.  I'll make the bed up for you while you get changed."

"Harm, I'll sleep on the couch.  There's no way I'm taking your bed."

"Not an option.  Besides, you've had a rough night.  I want you to try and get some rest.  I hate to bring this
up, but I don't think we've heard the last from Brumby."  Harm added.

Mac's eyes clouded over when she heard Harm mention Brumby.  "Harm, what do you think Brumby will
do?  I know he is mad that I broke up with him, but there was no way I could accept his proposal.  Not after
he attacked me in Australia."

"Why didn't you break up with him then  Why didn't you tell me what happened?  You know I would have
helped you?" Harm asked quietly.

Mac glanced up at Harm, her eyes shinny with unshed tears   "I wanted to, but I was scared.  I was alone in
a foreign country.  I didn't have anyone to turn to.  Then I started to think that maybe I was over-reacting. 
Maybe I forced his behavior......"

Mac hung her head, not wanting Harm to see the tears that started to leak from her eyes.  Gripping her
chin gently, Harm raised her eyes to meet his.  "Listen to me Mac, he had no right to attack you.  No one
has the right to physically or verbally abuse you.  You had the right to say "no" to his proposal.  And most
of all, remember that you are not alone.  You'll never be alone.  Whatever you need, I'll be right by you
side.  Remember that."  Carefully, Harm wiped the tears running down her cheeks. 

Mac placed her hand over Harm's hand on her cheek.  Closing her eyes, she nodded at Harms last words.

"Why don't you get changed now?  It's been a long night and we could both use some sleep.  OK?"  Harm
questioned.

"OK.  Harm, thank you.  Thank you for everything.  I don't know where I'd be right now if it weren't for  you." 
Mac managed to choke out.

Harm stroked Mac's face "Anything you need, I'm here for you, Mac.  Don't forget that.  Now, go get
changed."

Mac mocked saluted him, turned and headed for the bathroom to change.

Harm pulled fresh sheets from the closet and  made the bed up for Mac.
Hearing her enter the bedroom, Harm turned and couldn't resist smiling at
her. She held the shirt up in front of her, modeling it for size. "Hmm,
I'd say that that shirt is going to be little big on you." His smile grew bigger when he saw the expression on
her face "Something wrong, Mac?"
Mac glanced down at the huge sweatshirt engulfing her body. Glaring at Harm,
she asked "You just had to give me a shirt that says "ANNAPOLIS" didn't you?

Now you're not going to tell me this is the only extra shirt you own."
"Of course I had to Mac, and it's the one I save for all my overnight guests.
When else would I have the opportunity to see you supporting the Navy?"

A smile spread across Mac's face and she chose to ignore his 'guests' remark.
If Renee had worn this shirt, she did not want to know it. She had a feeling that she knew of a way to make
partner squirm.
"See me supporting the Navy huh? Are you insinuating that you are going to get the opportunity to see me
in this shirt Sailor?"
Harm blushed from scarlet from the innuendo that Mac threw his way and began to stutter. "Th.. That's not
what I meant Mac. I.. I just meant that you would be wearing the shirt and that.."
Harm was put out of his misery by Mac laughing and putting up her hand. "I know what you meant Harm. I
was just having some fun with you. Has it been so long since we have had fun like this, that we don't even
know when we are anymore?"
Harm nodded. "Things just haven't been the same since I went back to flying. But I hope that over the next
few days we can talk and we can get things back to normal."
Mac shook her head. "I have a feelings that things are never going to be the same as it was Harm. I have a
feeling that after this weekend there are going to be a few changes in our lives and not all of them for the
better."
Harm sighed in agreement. "I know Mac. I have that feeling as well. Now enough of this chit chat. You look
like that you are about to drop and I want to get the couch set up so that I can lay down and forget about
my hand for awhile. So why don't you pop in there and get dressed."
"No!" Mac replied. Her answer shocked Harm.
"No? What do you mean no? To which thing that I said?"
"All of them. I am not getting dressed until you do. With your hand there is no way that you are going to be
able to get out of your mess dress by yourself. And also there is no way in hell that you are going to sleep
on that couch when you are injured. For a starters you are way to big for it. I can just see it now, you will
turn over in your sleep and end up laying on top of it. Then it will end up worse than it is now."
Harm put up his hand in protest. "Mac. We have already discussed this. You have had a rough night.
There is absolutely no chance of you sleeping on the couch."
A smile played on Mac's lips and she met Harm's eyes steadily. "I know that Harm. I am not going to sleep
on the couch, and neither are you. We are both going to sleep together right there." Mac pointed to the
bed. "And as to the next issue, that of whether I sleep in a US Navy shirt, if you think that's going to happen
you'd better do a fast re-think sailor."
"Maybe I'll just put it on you" Harm threatened, his eyes laughing.
"You and what Navy?" she answered immediately.
"Challenge accepted" he laughed and pulled the shirt from her, not realizing until he had done it that she
would be left only in underwear, and he froze in place.
"Don't kill me" he whispered.

"Do the words die a dog mean anything to you" she laughed, feeling not at all self-conscious in front of
him.
"You're going to wear this shirt" he laughed as well, approaching her. She
stood still in front of the bed until he lunged for her and then quickly sidestepped. He could not stop his
forward progress and fell headlong onto the bed, his arm tucking under him as he instinctively tried to
break his fall.

"OK Uncle" he gasped, rolling over in pain.

"Oh Harm I'm sorry" she yelped, "here let me see"

"No it's OK" he assured her, "though I wouldn't mind that mother's cure again."

She lifted his hand and placed a quick kiss in the palm and snatched up the shirt and ran for the bathroom.


 Once inside she sank down onto the commode seat and before she could stifle them, sobs and tears
racked her body.

"Mac what is it?" Harm's concern was deep and immediate, the sound having carried through the thin
bathroom door.

"Nothing I'm fine" she answered at once, thoroughly embarrassed at letting her emotions come through so
plainly. "Showering now."

Before he could do or say anything, the shower water ran loudly. He paced the floor anxiously for the
fifteen minutes she took and as soon as the water was shut off he called her name.

"You're OK right?"

"Yes I'll be right out" she assured him. "Sorry so emotional before. Women in combat--I've told you that
before."

"And you know what I've told you" he smiled, putting his hand against her cheek, reminiscent of that long
ago night when they were in similar circumstance and facing the possibility of Clayton Webb's death.

She leaned into his hand as she had done that night and smiled gratefully. "Could you maybe take me to
bed now? I'd really like to forget this night ever existed." "Well most of it" she added after a moment's
thought. "You and I are....well there's something happening between us. You feel it don't you?"

"Yes I do" he said solemnly, "and I would love to take you to bed, thank you."

She started to object and then realized he was teasing her.

"I know you mean to sleep" he grinned. "This is not the time for any discussion more serious than which
side of the bed you prefer. And I warn you I'm a covers hog and Renee complains about me snoring."

Mac's face immediately changed upon hearing that and she looked away. "She's not going to be very
happy about me staying here."

"It's not her call" Harm said firmly, "besides...Mac I don't love her. A future with her has never crossed my
mind, unlike...well let's leave it at that. But I'll take care of Renee Peterson when the time comes."

He took his finger and brought her face back to face him, giving her the quick grin she knew so well. "It's all
going to be OK, that I promise you, you in the ANNAPOLIS....no wait, that's the shirt but what have you
done?
What have you done to my shirt?"

"Relax Sailor" she smiled, sniffling away the last vestige of tears, "I didn't hurt the precious shirt--it's just
inside out that's all. Now if we have to evacuate, no one will know that I'm in an Academy shirt."

Harm laughed and gave her hair an affectionate tussle. "Come Ninja-Girl, bed." He held the covers open
for her and she crawled to the far side, he following her in and for a few minutes they each lay on their
backs, staring at the ceiling in the darkness.

"Hey we're lying here like cord wood" Mac finally laughed, "and I can't sleep but on my side anyway."
"Or corpses" Harm laughed as well. "No I'm a side sleeper myself. Shall we execute...what...a right face?"
"Yes please" she giggled and they did so. Another few minutes of silence and she tentatively reached her
hand behind her, fumbling for his.

"Watch that hand woman" Harm teased, and caught it, immediately threading his fingers with hers.

"I think I can sleep now" she sighed, squeezing her fingers tightly to his and closing her eyes. "Harm thank
you. Thank you for everything."

"No don't" he told her quickly. "We're going to work through this, together.
Sleep now. It's going to look better in the morning."

They quickly fell asleep, the excitement of the evening had taken a toll on them. 

The apartment was quiet, except for an occasional snore from Harm.  Mac had scooted closer to Harm,
tucking the back of her head against his shoulder.  Harm's arm was lightly draped over her waist.

Mac started tossing lightly, but not waking Harm.  In her dream, Mac again heard Brumpy again making his
dirty accusations, then the voice and face would change.  It was no longer Mic, but instead her father
screaming at her in a drunken rage.  As the dream progressed, the screaming became louder and more
vial.  Mac looked around her, looking for Harm.  He would surely help her, but he was no where to be seen. 
She couldn't find the Admiral or Bud, either.  Now both Brumpy and her father were there, moving closer to
her.  She tried backing away, but soon found herself against a wall.  There was no where for her to run.    
Seeing two men approaching her,  she once again looked for help.  Where was Harm?  He had promised
her that he would be there for her.  Mac looked up to see Brumpy and her father stop in front of her.  They
both raised their hands, preparing to hit her.  Mac opened her mouth, screaming Harm's name as loud as
she could.

Mac's screaming Harm's name jolted him awake.  Turning toward her, Harm called her name while shaking
her gently.  The nightmare would not release Mac.  Once again she sobbed his name, only louder.

Sitting up on the bed, Harm drew Mac up into his arms.  "Mac, wake up, it's only a dream.  Come on, wake
up!  No one will hurt you.  I won't let anyone hurt you." Harm continued to call to her.  Slowly the nightmare
began to retreat.  In it's place, Mac started to become aware of a pair of familiar, warm arms holding her
and a soothing voice calling to her.

"Harm" Mac managed to choke out, burying her head against his chest.  Harm released a breath that he
didn't know he was holding.  "I'm right here.  I have you, nothing is going to happen.  You just had a bad
dream." he soothed while gently rubbing her back.  Harm let Mac sit quietly for a few minutes, regaining
her composure. 

"Do you want to tell me what the dream was about?" he finally questioned.  He felt Mac nod her head "I
was back at the hotel.  Mic starting accusing me of being a a a......." she broke off, unable to continue. 
Harm could hear the tears in her voice.
Holding her tighter he whispered "It's OK, you don't have to talk about it.  Just remember, it's over.  You're
all right." 

Mac took a deep breath "No, I have to talk about it.  You have a right to know.  It was horrible.  I was back
at the hotel.  Mic was accusing me of being unfaithful.  He was yelling at me like he did at the ball.  Then,
the next thing I knew, my dad was there, he was drunk......he was yelling at me also.  I looked around for
you, but I couldn't find you.  I looked for the Admiral or Bud, but no one was there, except Mic and my dad. 
They backed me up against a wall, .......... they were going to hit me.  That was when I remember
screaming your name."

Harm continued to hold her.  "Are you OK now?" he asked. 

Sniffing and wiping her eyes Mac nodded "Yeah, I'm alright.  I'm sorry I woke you." 

"Don't worry about that.  Just so you're alright, that's all that matters." Harm murmured.  "Do you think you
can go back to sleep now?"

Mac finally raised her head from his chest and looked at him "I think so." 

Harm helped her lie down, tucking the covers over her. 

"Harm, do you think you could hold me?  After that dream, I'd feel safer if you held me."  Mac softly asked.

"Mac, whatever you want." Harm pulled her back into his arms.  Mac tucked her head on his shoulder and
wrapped her arm across his stomach.  "Comfortable?" Harm questioned.  Mac nodded "yes".  "Good, now
go back to sleep." Harm soothed, dropping a light kiss on the top of her head.

Harm laid there, forcing himself to stay awake until he could tell by Mac's breathing that she was asleep.  
Only when he was  sure that she was sleeping peacefully, did he join her in sleep.

They both awoke the next morning to the sound of the doorbell.    Still wrapped in each others arms, Harm
slowly released Mac, and climbed out of bed. 

Stumbling to the door, he looked out the peep-hole.  Seeing Harriet and Bud, he opened the door and
motioned for them to come in.

"Morning, sir.  Oh, we woke you up.  We're sorry, sir.  It's just that we realized that the Colonel didn't pack
a bag last night, so we stopped at her apartment and picked some clothes up for her." Bud said.

"I'm sure she'll appreciate that, Bud.  She wasn't too happy about the shirt I gave her to wear last night."

"Commander, how is she doing this morning?" Harriet questioned.

"I'm fine, Harriet.  Harm took good care of me last night"  Mac  walked down the steps from Harm's
bedroom.

 Harriet and Bud looked at each other.  They truly could not believe the sight in front of them.  Here was
the Colonel coming out of the Commander's bedroom clad in nothing but a sweatshirt.  Closer inspection
by Harriet made her eyes go wide.  Not only was Mac clad in a sweatshirt, but the sweatshirt was inside
out.  Suddenly Harriet felt very uncomfortable.
 
 Tugging on her husband's sleeve Harriet spoke.  "Um. Bud we have dropped off the Colonel's stuff.  I think
we can go now."  Harriet spoke with conviction but unfortunately Bud did not understand why she wanted
to leave and Harm and Mac were oblivious.
 
 "Why would we want to leave Harriet.  We just got here."
 
 "I don't want to leave baby AJ for too long Bud."
 
 "What are you talking about Harriet, you know that AJ is with your mother."
 
 Harm joined in.  "Stay Harriet.  Mac and I are locked down for the next few days.  We could do with the
company."
 
 Mac lightly swatted Harm on the arm from her position on the armrest of the couch next to where Harm
was sitting.  "Are you saying that I am not good enough company flyboy?"
 
 Harm laughed.  "You know what I meant Marine.."
 
 Mac grinned.  "Of course I do Harm.  But anyway, yes Harriet, Bud, thankyou for dropping my stuff by. 
Please won't you join us for breakfast?"
 
 Harriet was reluctant to stay, but knew that she was not going anywhere, when Bud was making himself
comfortable on the other couch. 
 
 Knowing that the visitors were staying, Mac sat down next to Harm on the couch.  Unconsciously Harm put
his arm around her shoulders and she snuggled into his embrace.
 
 As he sat with Mac in his arms, Harm could tell that something was up with Bud.  He was fidgeting
nervously, and he would not sit still, even though he had his arms around Harriet.
 
 Shaking his head at the Lieutenant he decided to just ask him.
 
 "Bud what's wrong? You don't seem to want to sit still?" he joked.
 
 Bud immediately looked down at his hands.  "Um well, Sir, Ma'am, it has to do with something we
witnessed at the Colonel's apartment."
 
 Bud's statement was greeted by a sharp jab to the ribs by Harriet.  "I thought we agreed not to tell them
Bud?"
 
 "But they have the right to know."
 
 Harm interrupted the fight before it turned into a full on domestic.  "Firstly Bud, I am Harm and this is Mac,
and secondly, if there is something going on at Mac's I want you to tell me.  I can make it an order if you
wish."
 
 Bud shook his head.  "That won't be necessary Sir.. um Harm."
 
 "Well then Bud spill."
 
 "Well Harm, Mac.  When we arrived at the Colonel's apartment, we saw a note tacked to her door."
 
 Harm was immediately on alert and pulled Mac further into his embrace.  Gravely he asked.  "What did it
say Bud?"
 
 "Basically, it was from Mr Brumby.  He wanted to know where the Colonel was.  He said that he would find
her."
 
 Mac could not suppress a gasp. 
 
 Quietly she spoke.  "There's more isn't there Bud?"
 
 Bud did not answer so Mac looked at Harriet.  "There's more isn't there?"
 
 "Yes there is Mac.  When we went inside, we saw your answering machine blinking.  Because we knew
that we were coming over here, we decided to listed to your messages so that we could pass them on. 
What we found was 7 messages from Brumby."
 
 "What did they say?" asked Harm, who was struggling to contain his anger, but knew he had to for the
woman beside him.
 
 It was Harriet who answered.  "Each message we listened to got worse and worse.  They started out just
reiterating what was written on the note.  But as they wore on, he got nastier and nastier.  By message
seven, he was making threats towards the both of you."  Harriet then produced the answering machine
tape from her purse.  "We thought that you would want this."
 
 Harm reached out and took it from her.  "Thankyou Harriet, Bud.  You did the right thing telling us about
this."  Gently he reached over and turned Mac to face him.  He went to ask her if she was alright, but right
away he saw her face crumpling.  Without a second's hesitation and a thought to her state of dress,  Harm
pulled Mac into his lap.  He gently pushed her head into his shoulder and encouraged her to cry. 
 
 Harriet and Bud on the other hand were astounded.  They had never seen the Colonel react like this.  And
the Commander.  Well they would rather not go there.  They both watched as Harm comforted Mac.
 
 He pulled her more securely into his lap, and rained kisses on the back of her neck.  At that moment all in
the room heard the door opening and the mistakable sound of the voice of Renee Peterson.
 
 "Harm, it's me.  I lost the job and ..."
 
 Renee stopped in her tracks at the sight in front of her.
 
 "I knew it!" she screeched.
 
 Harm sighed.  This was all he needed.  Without altering his position he looked up at the woman who had
interrupted Mac's very private moment.  "It's not what you think Renee.  Something has happened and.."
 
 Renee put her hand up.  "Sure it isn't Harm.  I go away for not even eight hours and what do I find, her.  In
you lap no less."
 
 Placing one last kiss to the back of Mac's neck, Harm gently set her back on the couch.  Quickly he stood
so that he and Renee were toe to toe.
 
 Harm went straight to the point.  "Get out!" he ordered pointing towards the door.
 
 Renee could not believe it, no one spoke to her that way.  "I will not get out. I am your girlfriend. If anyone
should get out it should be her."
 
 Harm snatched his key from Renee's hand.  "Well that is never going to happen Renee.  It's over.  Instead
of listening to my explanation you immediately got on your high horse.  I've had it.  As far as I am
concerned you can get on that horse and ride as far away as from me as possible.  It's over."
 
 Before Renee knew what had hit her, she found herself standing on the other side of the door.  <Well.>
she thought.  <now it is definitely over between us.  He won't get a second chance this time.> With that
Renee marched between towards the elevators.
 
 Meanwhile inside, Harm resumed his position on the couch and once again pulled Mac into his lap.  They
sat like that for a while, before Mac broke the silence.  "Shouldn't you go after her."
 
 Harm let out a short laugh.  "Go after her? Not a chance.  It has been coming for a while.  I am right where
I want to be thankyou.  Mac seemed to accept this response because she once again burrowed her face
into Harm's shoulder
 
 
 
Mac thought this over for a moment, not wanting to feel guilty about Harm's losing Renee, and at
the same time having a difficult time not.  "I'm sorry" she said finally.
"I'm not" he told her and looked to his guests.  "Harriet, Bud let's go get some breakfast.  There's
an old army sergeant runs a place down on the next block that serves the best French toast you've eaten.
"OK, and then I have to relieve Mother of AJ" Harriet sighed, "she says she didn't come all this way
to baby-sit when there's perfectly good shopping to be done in Georgetown and on Connecticut Avenue.
Mac was still having doubts.  "You're sure about Renee?"
"I wish you would not bring it up again but yes I'm positive" Harm told her firmly, "and now that you
have, let me just add that I did not and do not love her. I saw nothing in her that compelled me to think of
having a future with her.  OK counselor, let it go and move on."  He stopped short and then looked around
in distress.  "And I'll tell you what the next topic is---Commander....or Mister I guess...Michael James
Brumby.  And what he did at your place.  Mac I'm not liking this at all.  You said he's already been violent
toward you once."
Both Harriet and Bud gasped at that but said nothing.
"He's capable I guess" Mac said slowly, "but more likely he simply got drunk Guinness and let what
he was feeling come out.  I can let go of Renee if you can let go of Mic."
"Compromise" Harm proposed.  "We have breakfast and then we ask the DC police to meet us at
your place.  Maybe they can pick the guy up and lean on him a little, even though they wouldn't have much
beyond misdemeanor threats.  Might be enough to send him packing to Australia."
"OK done" she agreed.  "I guess we'd best dress if we're going to get that breakfast."  She kissed
his cheek and excused herself, picking up the bag Harriet had brought."
Once she was in the room with the door closed, Harm gave a long sigh and toyed with the tape. 
"I'm afraid I can't be as cavalier about this as she" he admitted.  "The man has never set well with me, and
much less so right now."
"Sir please don't let her be alone in her apartment" Harriet begged, letting her fear show.  "What if
he's got some kind of Jekyll-Hyde problem, perfectly charming one minute and violent the next."
"To get to her he'll have to go through me" Harm said firmly "and he won't like what he runs into if
he tries."
"I feel a little better" Harriet sighed, "but listening to those messages on that machine, I was
shaking."
"If Brumby comes near her he won't live long enough to regret it" Harm promised.

It took the remainder of the morning to accomplish breakfast and then to confer with the police at
Mac's apartment.  Harm played the tape for them, with Mac hearing it for the first time and she sidled to
Harm at the first sound of the Australian accent. 
"I've got you" Harm assured her and she shook slightly against him before regaining her resolve. 
"We'll keep a look out for him" the police sergeant promised, "but DC is a big place--a lot of nut
cases out there I'm afraid.  He's probably going to have to come to you most likely.  I just hope we can get
to you in time.  Ma'am I suggest you not be alone until this is resolved."
"No need to worry about that" Harm said vehemently.
"My white knight" Mac laughed, and Harm was glad to see some of her spirit there.  She tugged his
arm.  "Come on Squid, we have time to get a good run in the park before we catch an early movie and then
some dinner.  If you think you can handle all that."
"Jarhead I can take anything you can dish out" Harm scoffed, giving her a shove toward the door.

ROCK CREEK PARK
WASHINGTON, D.C.
"Wearing those skimpy shorts is distracting" Harm whined as they were doing their stretching
exercises at the beginning of the five mile marked course. 
"We just said the winner eats free tonight" Mac smiled, "nothing in the rules about what to wear. 
Now what about my head start?"
"In your dreams Marine" Harm returned.
"Oh yeah" Mac laughed as they stood together on the path.  "Then deal with this."  She gave him a
light quick shove, just enough to throw him off balance so that she got a five step head start.
"That's gonna cost you" he yelled and began his run after her.  She easily maintained the lead she
had gotten and he was just deciding the view from behind her was not something to complain about as he
concentrated on her long dark legs as they ate up the ground, accentuated by the pale blue jogging shorts.
They were about half way through the five miles when from several feet ahead and around a bend
in the trail he heard a man's voice, though he could not make out the words and then Mac's short cry of
surprise.
"Mac what?" he screamed back and a second later he came upon them.  A large man holding her
and she struggling. 
"Let her go.  Who are you?" he demanded sharply, his hand automatically reaching for a weapon
that was not there and then for Mac who looked dazed and was trembling slightly but was pulling away
from the stranger at the same time.
"Easy mister" the man held up one hand and released Mac with the other.  She went at once into
Harm's grasp and he looked her up and down as she leaned against him.
"Harm it's OK" she panted.  "This gentleman and I just met head on and the curve and he knocked
me down and pulled me back up."
"OK" he breathed, a long sigh of relief escaping his body.  He leaned down to look at her closely
and pushed some of the hair back from her sweaty face.  "Are you hurt anywhere?"
"No, the trail broke my fall" she laughed.  "No really I'm OK, but after the other it just startled me
more than it should."
He nodded and turned to the intruder.  "Sorry if I came on a little strong sir--but we had some
trouble and it's made me a little jumpy.  You should know though that these running trails are one way for
just that reason."
"Sorry new here" he smiled and looked to Mac.  "And I'm glad you weren't hurt.  In fact I kind of
bounced off you."
"She's a Marine" Harm told him, with pride in his voice.
The man laughed and saluted in jest before moving off the running trail to walk back to the main
area.
"Had enough Marine?" Harm questioned.
"You wish" she retorted, shaking off the incident and starting up her run again.
Harm shook his head in amazement and began to trot after her, feeling his heart still pounding
from the alarm he had experienced.
It took him nearly to the end of the marked trail but he did finally catch her, laughing as his legs
finally matched hers stride for stride.  With a final leap he crossed the end line and then caught her in his
arms as she followed.  "Looks like you're buying" he exalted gleefully and swung her around.  She began
to laugh so hard that she became weak in his arms and he laughed as well, the sound echoing in the
nearby trees.
"That was fun Sailor" she panted, wiping her eyes finally.  She looked at him closely and shook her
head just a little sadly.  "We used to be this way all the time you know" she pointed out, her voice wistful. 
"I don't know what happened.  It's like just all got away from us somehow."
"Too much outside influence, time and circumstances" he shrugged, "but none of that matters now. 
I think we both can see that we want back what we lost."
"Yeah" she nodded quietly, taking his hand and meshing his fingers with hers.  "Let's go get a cold
drink."
They crossed over to the main picnic area and stopped at the refreshment stand for sodas.  He
took a long drink of his and gave a short laugh.  "Usually I'm only this way with beer, but I need the head." 
"So go already before you have an accident" she laughed as well.
While he was gone the wind changed and she was suddenly downwind of the burger stand.  "Food
time" she said to no one in particular and walked the several yards to join the line.
Harm in the meantime returned to the table where he had left her, seeing their drinks but no sign of
her.  Fighting panic rising up in his throat and already cursing himself for leaving her, he looking around
frantically.  "Sarah? Sarah where are you?"  His alarm made him use her first name without thinking and it
was on his lips again when he spotted her returning from the burger stand with a tray.
"Ooohh" he gasped, all the air leaving his lungs and he sank onto the picnic bench.
"Harm are you all right?" she asked in quick concern when she reached him, and noting his pallor,
reached to feel his forehead.
"Do you realize how much you just scared me" he demanded, pulling away from her hand.  "I came
out and you weren't here.  Now it may be unreasonable but I started imagining a hundred different
scenarios for what might have happened to you, none of them pleasant.  And you were in the hamburger
line?  You scared me to death and maybe risked your life for a hamburger?  What were you thinking?"  His
voice had gotten louder as his tirade progressed and when he stopped he realized she had shrank away
from him, and was almost cowering.
"I'm sorry...I....I didn't think" she stammered.  "And I'll try not to let it happen again, but I can't....I
can't bear you yelling at me--not you.  You sounded like my dad just then; and also...."  She stopped and
hung her head, suddenly ashamed.
"Also what?" he asked gently, his entire being filling with contriteness at the mention of her dad.
"When Mic and I would argue, that's the tone he used" she admitted, "like I was worthless"
"How often did that go on?" he demanded, feeling anger against the Australian well up all over
again.
"More than I should have allowed" she admitted softly, "much more." 
"Oh Sarah" he sighed, sitting her on the bench and standing in front of her, pressed her head to
his chest and rubbed her back.  "I wish you would have told me a long time ago."
"I couldn't" she said, her voice muffled by his chest.  "I was ashamed and scared and...well I just
couldn't tell anyone.  And he was careful to only grab me on my upper arms where it wouldn't show in my
uniform."
"He's a dead man" Harm muttered, adding a curse under his breath.
Mac lifted her head and wiped a stray tear.  "Please just don't do anything that's going to take you
away from me" she begged.  "That would be far worse than anything he's done to me."
"I'll be careful" he promised and hugged her quickly, then sat down with her.  "Now what artery
clogging dead animal did you bring me here?"
"It's a veggie burger" she answered, her good spirits somewhat restored by his joking.

They spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying each others company, something that they hadn't done for a
while. Harm kept a close eye on Mac, never leaving her out of his sight. After an early movie, they returned
to Harm's apartment.

Mac called first dibs on the shower. While she was in the shower, Harm noticed the light flashing on his
answering machine. Pressing the play button to hear the messages, the first message was blank, someone
had hung up.

Harm was walking to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water just as the second message started to play.
Mic Brumby's angry voice filled the room. "Mac, I know your there. Pick up the phone. I need to talk to you.
Mac, pick up the phone!!! Or is Rabb telling you not to? He thinks he has won, but he hasn't. You'll always
be mine. This isn't over yet. Remember that, Sarah."

Harm stood frozen as Mic's words sounded through the apartment. He could tell that Mic had been
drinking, but wasn't yet drunk. Harm promised himself that he wouldn't let anything happen to Mac. She
had already been through enough.

Walking to the kitchen drawer, Harm pulled his weapon out and loaded it. His attention was drawn to Mac
as she walked down the steps from his bedroom, toweling her hair dry "Bathroom is all yours."

Mac stopped when she saw the determined look on Harm's face, then she noticed the gun in his hand.
"Harm, talk to me. What's going on?"

Harm walked to the answering machine, playing the message for Mac. Chills went up Mac's spine at the
sound of Mic's voice and words. Closing her eyes, she fought for composure. She couldn't believe that this
was happening. Opening her eyes, she looked at Harm. Seeing the intense look on his face, she grew
worried. "Harm, what are you going to do?"

"You heard the message Mac. You can't trust him. He's physically abused you before. He's not going to
give up, I know he is going to come after you again."

Mac motioned to the gun lying on the counter "Is that really necessary? I don't want you risking your life or
career because of Mic."

"I'm going to be prepared if he shows up. I have a really bad feeling about Mic. I don't trust him, and I won't
stand by and let him hurt you." Picking the gun up, Harm entered his bedroom and placed the gun on the
night table, then headed to the shower.

Mac looked at the weapon. Harm was willing jeopardize everything for her. How had she let herself be
caught in such a mess? She should have been able to see Mic's true colors. Hadn't she learned anything
growing up around a drunken abuser?

Pulling the covers down on Harm's bed, she fluffed the pillows up and settled in. Clicking the remote to the
TV, she flipped the channels until she came across an old Fred Astair and Ginger Rogers movie.

She was engrossed in the movie when Harm came out of the shower. "What are you watching?" he asked
as he joined her on the bed. "Fred and Ginger, now hush, I don't want to miss anything. This is a great
movie." Mac declared.



As they were watching the movie, Mac snuggled closer to Harm, resting her head against his chest. Harm
grinned at her, it felt so good to have her this close. He could tell by her breathing that she had fallen
asleep. Retrieving the remote, he clicked the TV off, and turned out the light. He contemplated moving to
the couch, but he didn't want to wake Mac up. Plus, he was enjoying holding her in his arms. Dropping a
soft kiss to the top of her head, Harm closed his eyes, quickly falling asleep.

His dreams started almost at once. They were back at the Surface Warfare ball. He was once again
dancing with Mac, her head resting against his shoulder. They were swaying to the music. She felt
incredible in his arms.

Suddenly a voice rang out through the room "Sarah Catherine MacKenzie, explain yourself." Harm's dream
followed the events from the previous night. As the Admiral moved to usher Mic from the room, Mic pulled a
gun. "Think I'm going to let you go? You belong to me, no one else. Do you hear me Sarah? If I can't have
you, no one will" with those words, Mic pulled the trigger. Harm tried to pull Mac out of the way, but it was
as if he was frozen in place. He watched in horror as the bullet stuck her. His tried screaming her name,
but was unable to utter a sound. He watched Mac fall to the ground, covered in blood.

Harm jerked himself awake, sighing, he realized that it was a dream. As he tried to calm his pounding
heart, a voice broke the silence "Why do I put up with you? I told you to cook my dinner. Where is it girl?
You are to obey your father, do you hear me?"

Harm turned to see a man that he didn't recognize, standing over a younger Mac. She was shaking and
crying as she stood in front of the man. Harm watched in horror as the man raised his hand and started
beating Mac. She cowered, trying to protect her face from the blows.

"You better show your father some respect, girl" Harm was shocked, this was Mac's father? How could a
father abuse his daughter so?

Harm tried to move to Mac's side, to pull her away from her vengeful father, but his feet were planted firmly,
he could not move. Closing his eyes to the image in front of him, a soundless cry caught in his throat.

Opening his eyes, the father was gone, in his place stood Frank Coster. Mac's stalker gripped Mac's arm
firmly, as she struggled to free herself. "You're mine now, Sarah. You belong to me. We're going to be so
happy together." Harm lunged for Mac, reaching her in two strides, he pulled her in his arms. "No, she's not
yours. You can't have her. She's mine." Harm yelled as he pulled her away from Coster. "She's mine." he
shouted, holding Mac tightly to him.

"Harm, wake up. What's wrong? Harm!!" Mac's cry finally penetrated his terror filled mind.

Waking up, Harm realized that he had been having a nightmare. He was clutching Mac tightly in his arms,
as if never to release her.

Sighing deeply, Harm loosened his arms, freeing Mac. She sat up on the bed, watching him. "Harm, are
you alright?"

"I had a dream. No, a nightmare. First Brumby, then your dad, then Coster. They were all trying to hurt you,
to take you away fr...... " Harm stopped himself from finishing that last line.

Taking a deep breath, he finished "They were going to hurt you."






 Mac sighed.  "Oh Harm!" Quickly she maneuvered herself so that she was sitting behind him on the bed
and therefore was able to wrap her arms around his waist.  Harm reveled in the contact and covered her
hands with his own.
 
 The feel of Mac's arms around him and the memory of the dreams became too much for Harm, and he
allowed the tears that pricked behind his eyelids to trace down his cheeks.  Mac with her arms still firmly
wrapped around her partner, could feel the slight hitching in his chest, and lifted one hand in order to tilt
his face towards her.  The sight that she saw broke her heart.  Here was the strongest man she knew,
crying, because he couldn't save her in a dream.  No one had ever shown that kind of emotion towards her
before, and Mac felt her own tears near the surface.  Using the hand that rested on Harm's chin, Mac
raised her fingers and gently brushed away the tears.  She then adjusted her body slightly so that she
could kiss each of his cheeks, letting him know that it was alright.
 
 Harm closed his eyes at the sensation, and gave in to the feeling of his partner comforting him.   Mac's
hands dropped to their original position, and once again she was wrapped around him.  Together they
stayed in that position.  Each gaining strength from the other and each knowing that the relationship with
each other is slowly changing.
 
 They stayed like that for a long time before the silence was cut by the telephone ringing on Harm's
nightstand.  Feeling that Harm had finally become relaxed in her arms Mac leant over and answered it.
 
 "Colonel Mackenzie speaking."
 
 "No.  It is none of your business."
 
 "I am going to hang up on you.  No!"
 
 At her last 'no' Mac dropped the phone onto the bed and released Harm.  She then moved over to her side
of the bed and curled up into a ball. Instantly Harm was concerned, and instantly he knew exactly who was
on the phone.  He wasted no time in picking up the receiver and barking into it.
 
 "What did you say to her Brumby!"
 
 Harm could hear the sly grin on Brumby's face as her answered him.
 
 "Oh nothing much Rabb, just told her what I was going to do to her once I found her."
 
 Harm felt his anger instantly bubble to the surface.
 
 "That is not going to happen Brumby.  There is no way in hell that you are going to get to her.  You will
have to get through me first."
 
 "Well now.  Really? I don't think that should be a problem.  Now tell me Rabb.  How long has she been
sleeping at 'your house'?  Since the beginning of your partnership?  Has she always been doing the both
of us?"
 
 At those words Harm knew that if this man was in the room with him he would have no hesitation in killing
him.  "Listen to me you sonofabitch.  You can say whatever the hell you want about me.  But you never
ever say anything about her got it? And if you ever come anywhere near her or me, you will be taking a
step closer to shaking hands with the devil at the gates of hell."
 
 With that declaration Harm slammed down the receiver.  Letting his anger take over him, he picked up the
phone and threw it at the opposite wall, where it smashed and dropped to the floor.
 
 Mac jumped at the sound and buried her face further into the pillow.  <She was scared.  Some of the stuff
Mic said that he would do.  What if Harm couldn't stop him?>  This time it was she who allowed the tears to
fall freely, and they did so,  accompanied by huge gut wrenching sobs.  Finally her inner turmoil was
allowing itself to rear its ugly head.
 
 The sound of Mac crying into the pillow, broke Harm's heart, while at the same time made his anger
towards that arrogant bastard increase.  He truly wanted to kill him for what he had done to this amazing
woman in front of him.  He knew that there would be time to deal with Brumby later.  His priority was Mac,
just like moments before her priority had been him.
 
 Gently Harm placed a hand on Mac's thigh, he pulled so that her legs were stretched out on the bed and
he was able to cover and entwine them with his own.  Next he lifted up her torso so that he was able place
his left arm under her, Harm then used the rest of his body to cover Mac completely so that she was
cocooned in his embrace.  Harm found himself whispering simple words to the woman lying underneath
him.  Simple words that he knew would bring some comfort.  Soon he accentuated these words with gentle
kisses to her face.  These had an affect because he felt her relax under him and fall into a restless
slumber.  Harm tightened his embrace, and buried his face in the space between her shoulder and her
neck.
 
 Softly he whispered. "I love you Sarah, I will protect you, and I will never let you go."
 
 Harm then allowed himself to follow the woman in his arms into the world of sleep.

Mac stirred comfortably in Harm's grasp, too comfortable to move in fact and trying to ignore
nature's call.  It was when she became fully awake that his last words registered within her.  He had told
her he loved her, given her the words she had waited so long to hear.  She turned within his grasp and put
her lips to his ear.  "And I love you Harmon David Rabb" she whispered. 
He moved just slightly and she smiled, wondering if he had heard.
The noise came just as she was resettling herself, feeling his arms go around her in his sleep.  It
was slight at first.  A small scraping sound followed by what seemed like a lock being turned.  She lifted her
head slightly, straining to hear.  Then there was total silence in the apartment save the ticking of the
mantel clock.  She shook her head in exasperation with herself, amazed that with her training and
experience she was letting noises in the night spook her. 
"Sarah, Sarah I'm here now" the words broke insistently into her sleep and she sat straight up, her
violent move within Harm's grasp, waking him as well.  "Are you dreaming now?" he murmured, trying to
tighten his hold of her. 
"No she's not Rabb" Brumby's heavily accented, drink-slurred, voice echoed in the silent room. 
"But your worst nightmare is about to become your last moments on earth."  With that he flipped on the
overhead light and Harm and Mac squinted in the sudden brightness. 
"Oh god no" Mac was the first to see it; the 9mm handgun in Brumby's hand. 
"That's right Sarah" Brumby said softly, his voice chilling them both.
Harm leaped upward intending to put himself between her and Brumby, only to be stopped by the
loud sound of the safety being removed and the gun leveled to him.
"Harm" she gasped in immediate fear for him, clamping her arm on his to restrain him.
"OK you're in here, and you've got the best of us Mic" Harm said softly, "now what do you want
from us?"  As he was speaking he was attempting to edge closer to Brumby again, desperate to put himself
between Mac and the Australian and at the same time he was trying to figure how he could get to his own
weapon in the nightstand drawer without endangering her.
"Keep still Rabb" Brumby ordered coldly.  "I know what you're trying to do and I'm not going to let
you interfere.  What I want is actually pretty simple.  Sarah and I are going to have a last time together;
and we're going to allow you to watch."
"You sick bastard" Harm growled, rising from the bed toward his enemy.  "You won't touch her as
long as there's breath in my body."
Brumby gave a short derisive laugh.  "I can play it that way too.  Now get back down there."
Harm crouched as if to lunge for him and Brumby swung his arm in a short arc, catching the side of Harm's
head with the gun.  Harm fell backwards, dazed, blood flowing quickly from a gash high on the side of his
head.
"Harm no" Mac screamed in terror and fell next to him, trying to check him, pulling his head onto
her lap, and leaning over him, stroking his hair and trying to stop the blood flow.
Brumby grabbed her arm, roughly pulling her from beneath Harm, and she turned on him, now livid
that this man whom she once thought she loved had hurt Harm, perhaps badly.
"Leave him" Brumby ordered, "if he doesn't want to watch that's OK, but I'm going to have you one
last time."
She pulled away from him with all her strength, at the same time raising her knee and delivering a
solid blow to that area where a man is most vulnerable.  Out of the corner of her eye she could see Harm
slowly sitting up, his senses returning and she dropped back toward him. 
Brumby screamed in pain and rage and leveled the gun to her head.  "This is where it ends Sarah"
he roared, and his finger moved to the trigger. 
At that moment Harm had no doubt he was intending to murder them both, starting with his Sarah. 
He took a deep breath in an attempt to clear his head and with a powerful hand to her back, shoved Mac
from the bed.  At the same time he heard the first shot and he rolled to the nightstand, coming up with his
weapon and clicking off the safety all in one motion.
"Brumby" he shouted, wanting the full attention of the man he was about to kill.
The Australian turned to him and a second later Harm put three bullets square into his chest.  He
staggered back, his eyes already staring vacantly ahead as he collapsed in death.
Harm dropped to the bed, panting hard from the exertion after this head injury and crawled to the
edge of the bed, leaning over the edge.  "It's OK now, he's dead Sarah" he gasped, fighting the pain going
through his head and blindly reaching for her at the same time.  He touched her upper body and she did
not move, and he forced himself to focus, wiping the blood from his eyes with an impatient hand. 
"Oh god no please no" he gasped in horror when his eyes cleared, for her shirt was red with blood. 
He froze, his hand in mid air and his mouth opened in shock and fear.  Finally he forced himself to reach
for her again, a badly shaking hand to check for her pulse.  His fingers were a mere inch from her neck
when her eyes flew open.
"Harm, oh Harm" she got out before flinging herself forward, locking her arms around his neck, her
finger tips digging solidly into his back and he rolled from the bed as they clung together.
"Sarah it's OK, where are you hurt" he whispered, "let me see."  He was trying unsuccessfully to
push her away from him, wanting desperately to check the source of the blood smearing her shirt.
"Oh I'm not, it's your blood" she began to laugh, and then the laughter quickly turned to sobs, quiet
at first and then long and loud, muffled only by her face being buried in his shirt.
"It's all over now" he said soothingly after rocking her for several minutes.  "Calm down.  You're
safe and no one is going to hurt you."
She lifted her head, her sobbing ceasing.  "Where's Mic?"
"His body is on the other side of the bed there" Harm sighed, "but I dispatched his worthless soul
to hell where it belongs."
"Thank you" she sighed, "then it's really over."  She reached up and touched his head, her fingers
dipping into the blood.  "You need a doctor now."
"I'm fine" he grinned, "just want to hold you."
"I want that too" she smiled, "but not while you're bleeding.  Besides you could have a concussion. 
I was scared to death he had really hurt you."
"No more than I" Harm returned, "I was scared that you were.."  He stopped and shuddered hard. 
"Never mind, like you said, it's over."  He hugged her tightly then, pressing his cheek to hers, not releasing
her even as she reached above him for the bedside phone. 
"I need an ambulance and the police right away" she spoke as soon as the 911 operator
answered.  "Yes that's right" she confirmed the address and hung up, relaxing back in this arms for a
moment before reaching for the phone again and calling Bud.  "I don't intend to leave your side so we need
someone who can deal with the police while you're being looked at."
Harm nodded, the head injury now making him dizzy and it was becoming difficult for him to focus. 
He began to blink rapidly, holding tightly to Mac and swaying slightly while she asked Bud to come.
"You stay with me now sailor" she ordered sternly, new alarm rising within her and then impulsively
she kissed him, surprising them both.  "There could be more where that came from" she said softly, "but
you're going to have to wait until you get better for it."  Seeing Harm seemingly worsen before her eyes
brought new tears and she fought them, knowing she had to be strong for both of them now.
First to arrive was the paramedic team and they quickly got Harm up onto the bed, having to pry
Mac away from him so that they could check him. 
"This one is dead, very dead Tucker" the woman who was bending over Brumby told her partner. 
"What have you got?"
Tucker looked up from where he was bandaging Harm's head.  "Most certainly a concussion" he
answered, flicking his penlight into Harm's eyes.
Mac gasped and tightened her grasp of his hand. 
About the time Tucker finished with his bandage job, the police arrived and Mac rapidly explained
what had occurred, all the while keeping her hold on Harm. 
"Ready" Tucker finally announced, satisfied Harm was safe to transport.
It was at that moment Bud arrived, pushing his way to the bedroom and then shrinking back in
shock when he saw the body of Michael James Brumby sprawled on the floor.
"Bud it's OK" Mac called to him.  "He tried to kill us.  Harm got him first."
Bud shook his head.  "Sir are you OK?"
"He's going to be checked now" Mac answered for him.  "Would you stay here and take care of
these officers please."
"Yes ma'am" Bud nodded, still dazed.
It took Mac exactly sixty seconds to dash to the bathroom, stripping off the Annapolis shirt and into
her own clothes and five minutes after that she was sitting opposite Harm's stretcher in the back of the
ambulance as its siren screamed, clearing a path through the D.C. streets.
Once at the hospital Harm was whisked away from her for Xrays and a CT scan.  "I'll be waiting for
you" she called as his gurney disappeared around the corner.  "I love you" she added in a soft whisper.

 It seemed like forever, but Harm finished in Radiology and was returned to an examination room. He
asked the technologist to find Mac, he needed to see her, hold her after their ordeal.
 
 Outside Harm's room, two nurses were commenting on the good looking patient, speculating if he was
available. Their hopes were dashed when the technologist directed Mac to Harm's room.
 
 Mac entered Harm's room, relieved to see Harm awake and sitting up in bed. Moving to his side, Mac
impulsively kissed him.  "Looking a lot better than the last time I saw you.  How are you feeling?"
 
 Reaching for Mac hand, Harm attempted a grin for her "Well, other than a killer headache, I'll be fine.  You
are OK, aren't you?"
 
 "I'm fine, now that I know you're OK.  Had me scared there for a while.  When I saw the blood, I ...I thought
I was going....... to lose you.  Harm, ....... after the past few day........I don't know what I would have done if
something had happened to you.........I can't imagine not having you in my life." Mac confessed, tears
starting to course down her cheeks.
 
 Harm gently brushed Mac's tears away.  "Hey, I'm fine.  I'm not going anywhere.  Nothing will ever
separate us.  You know,  you've always told me that I had a hard head.  I just had to go and prove you
right."
 
 Mac giggled at Harm's attempt at humor, after the night they've been through.  "You should listen to me
more often then!"  Mac was quiet for a minute, enjoying the closeness with Harm.  Finally, she spoke
quietly, asking hopefully  " Harm, did you mean it when you said that nothing will ever separate us?"
 
 "Sarah, it took almost losing you tonight, but I never want anything or anyone to come between us. " 
 
 Mac sat on the edge of Harm's bed, there hands tightly entwined.  "I feel the same way Harm."
 
 A silent figure stood in the doorway.  Harm and Mac were unaware that they were no longer alone, or that
their declarations had been overheard. 
 
 Clearing his throat, he drew the attention of his two officers.  Mac turned at the noise, quickly jumping off
the bed.  "Commander, you're not looking as bad as I expected.  How do you feel?"
 
 "Admiral, sir, a.....a slight concussion.  I'll be fine, sir.  I'm to be discharged as soon as the release papers
are signed."
 
 "Good, glad that you're going to be fine.  Colonel, you will keep an eye on the Commander, won't you?"
 
 "Yes, sir.  I'll make sure he follows  the doctor's orders."
 
 "Well, that will be a first.  I'll talk to you later."  Turning to leave, he stops and turns back to Harm and Mac. 
"Might as well take some of your recovery time and start talking to each other.  I mean really talking." 
 
 "Yes, sir." They both replied, glancing quickly at each other, wondering how much of their private
conversation he heard.
 
 Harm was the first to speak, drawing his hand across her cheek as he did so.  "I think he'll be supportive of
us, and he's right--we do have much to talk about."

Mac looked away and Harm brought her face back to his.  "Speaking of talking" he ordered sternly, "don't
turn away from me, not ever again.  And I promise I won't do the same to you.  Now what's on your mind? 
Give it up Marine."

"I just feel like....." she began and took a deep breath.  "OK.  Before you left to fly, you and I were best
friends and we were working toward something more than that weren't we?"

He nodded silently, his eyes urging her to continue.

"I understand all the reasons you went to flight duty and I don't want to go back over that ground anyway,
but you know that your leaving tore me apart.  It took me a long time to get it back together; but I did.  I
learned that I could live without you by my side.  I put my career back on track, and my life.  Then when
you came back things weren't the same.  You were disappointed over your flight termination but mostly I
was afraid to get close again and so I held you at arm's length.  Then with Mic for a while I thought I had
found what I wanted and I was wrong, so wrong."  She stopped and realized a look of fear was on his face. 
"Oh Harm this is not to say I don't want a future with you.  I do, very much--more than anything.  I love
you."

"But" he prompted with a small smile.

"But we need time" she answered softly.  "Time to process all that's happened to us since that awful day
when I cried in your arms."  She looked into his eyes, begging his understanding.

"Yes" he said simply.  "Yes we do and now we have all the time in the world; only let's not make it too long. 
I see us together in the future--you, me, a couple of kids."

"I see that too" she admitted with a quick smile, "and no, we won't make it too long.  I love you, and nothing
is going to separate us again.

He folded her into his embrace, and as the dawn spread over the gray city below them, the future became
theirs to have and to hold.

THE END

For now.  This will be sequeled as Harm and Mac find out that taking this time may not be the best idea.