Author: Hollyjp
Subject: Finally Caught (HBX December 2007 Challenge Lines)

Finally Caught (HBX December 2007 Challenge Lines)
by Hollyjp


Here are Challenge 2007 lines for December.
Harm: You're a good looking woman, Mac.
You're smart.(Teasing tone for both). Of course you do have a tatoo.
Mac: Every now and then I catch you being nice.
Harm: Keep it to yourself, okay?
I've got a reputation to protect.
(Chains of Command)

Author’s Note: A news report this morning about ‘couple quarters’ being available in Iraq for married couples serving together got me thinking. Apparently the army at least has made some policy changes so that couples can serve together and live together even in war zones. In thinking about it, I thought how something like that might have impacted Mac and Harm. That and the December challenge lines once again gave me something to work with. I have taken poetic license and I also am obviously working in an alternate universe - one that didn’t exist. While I also try to keep with the canon/fanon of the show as much as possible, I love to take this characters into totally different situations and outcomes. Happy New Year to all!


Saturday early afternoon
Favorite Mall
Washington, D.C. area

“I just don’t get it Mac,” Harriet puzzled as she watched her friend across the table as they nibbled on appetizers and sipped their ice tea while waiting for their lunch.

“And you think I do?” Mac shot back, eyebrows raised, her lips twisted in an equally confused half smile.

“I would think that as your skills as a lawyer and an officer you would have figured it out by now,” Harriet affirmed.

“If it were only that easy, Harriet.” Mac sighed. “I think we should just enjoy our lunch and day of shopping together and not waste it on why Harm and I can’t figure out who we are or what we want out of life other that careers in the military.”

“But would n’t it be that much better for both of you if you could have it all?” Harriet persisted.

“Well, yeah of course it would,” Mac agreed smiling. “But we can’t all have it as easy as you and Bud have when it comes to relationships.”

“You think its been easy for Bud and me? Of Mac. . . you are so wrong.”

“I am...I mean I know you’ve had some challenged, every couple does. I just meant that Admiral Chegwidden actually paved the way for you and Bud by borrowing you from the Attorney General’s office. You didn’t have to face the kind of dilemma Harm and I face.”

“I guess...but maybe its because you two are so close and have such specialized skills. I still think this new ruling should help.”

“What new ruling are you talking about Harriet?”

“Oh my gosh....you haven’t heard?”

“Harriet....heard what?”

“In order to keep the troop numbers and reenlistment numbers as high as possible, they passed new orders that couples can not only serve under the same command, but they are providing housing for couples even in combat zones.” Harriet grinned ear to ear as she watched the stunned expression on Sarah Mackenzie’s face.

“How did I miss that one?” Mac wondered.

“Couldn’t say . . . Maybe you’ve been so distracted by that six-foot-four hunk you work with . . .” Harriet teased, “that you missed the news bulletin.

“You could be right.”

“So are you going to call him and try to put this thing you two have into gear?”

“I still don’t know Harriet. I mean Harm and I come from very different backgrounds.”

“Duh, Colonel...look at Bud Roberts and Harriet Simms...talk about polar opposite family situations. You’ve got to look at who you and Harm are now.”

“ I guess. I’m not sure where to start,” Mac admitted as the waitress brought their lunch.

“Well, you’re a good looking woman Mac, beautiful in fact and you’re smart.”

“Yeah...and I have a tattoo.”

“Wow...just think of the fun you can have letting him find it,” Harriet giggled.

“Harriet!” Mac laughed and even blushed a little at the innocent looking Harriet Simms Roberts outlandish suggestion.

“Hey, I’m not that innocent Mac. I am a married woman and I’ve been through four pregnancies. That takes some work and dedication you know,” the blonde grinned.

“You’re as bad as Harm.” Mac sighed, “Every now and then I catch you being nice and then you blind side me!”

“Ssshhhh. Keep it to yourself, okay? I have a reputation to protect.” Harriet giggled.

“I don’t believe it. That’s exactly the kind of thing Harm says. I still don’t know Harriet. Should I wait for him to approach me again?”

“No way. You have to let him think it was his idea, but lay the ground work for him to come up with it...among other things.”

“Harriet!” Mac feigned shock at Harriet’s innuendo. Struggling to control the laughter that suddenly bubbled inside her she acknowledged Harriet’s intelligence. “Maybe you should become a lawyer.”

“No way...I’d rather watch you guys and pick out what’s useful. Then I’ll add in the public relations and business training I’ve had; through in medical knowledge I’ve picked up along the way...”

“Stop, Harriet! I get it. We all know you’re a jack of all trades. So help me figure out what to do and how to approach Harm with this new information.”

“Ask him what he would do if the rules were different.”

“And you think he’ll tell me....no way. He’ll evade the subject as always.”

“Don’t let him. Distract him. Back him into a corner if you have to. Be bold. You know the rules have changed.”

“What if I went to the General and asked for his blessing first?” Mac thought aloud.

“Just don’t tell him who your intended is just in case he decides to - I don’t know - punish you for past events or something.”

“Thanks Harriet...are you finished with your lunch....I suddenly have one more important gift to purchase before I call it a day.”

“You mean to tell me your Christmas shopping is all done?” Harriet asked as they called for the check.

“Christmas shopping? Harriet, its only December fifteenth....I haven’t started shopping for the holidays yet.”

Mac laughed at Harriet’s shocked expression.

“Come on....I have to get the prompts I need to be bold and go after what I want under my tree this year.”

“Say no more Colonel. We’re on a mission to lay the groundwork for your success....and one Harmon Rabb Junior’s surrender.


Monday morning
JAG Headquarters

“Good morning Colonel Mackenzie. You look like you had a wonderful weekend.”

“Thank you Coates, I did. I’d like to see the General if he’s available.” Mac informed the Petty Officer.

Less than thirty seconds later, the General opened the door and invited Colonel Sarah Mackenzie to join him.

“I assumed you’re here about the fraternization case and the impact of the new policy that was issued on Friday.”

“Yes sir...in away.”

“Explain.”

“First, will the ruling impact the pending cases?”

“Actually it will two of them. The other one will go forward at this time.”

“Why is that sir?”

“Because Colonel, two of the cases are what led to this decision to change the policy. As a result, their commanding officer has withdrawn his charges and all parties have returned to their duty stations. The other one is wrapped up with harassment issues so that one needs to go forward...but I don’t think you’re handling that case.”

“No sir...Commander Turner has that one.”

“Lucky him. Now what else is on your mind?” General Creswell asked.

“Sir, if one was to be involved with someone in the same command under the new policy, it would be acceptable in most cases, right?”

“Yes...where are you going with this Colonel?”

“What about in the case of lawyers?”

“As long as the parties involved were not working as opposing counsel there should be no problem. Colonel, is this a personal issue we’re dealing with here?”

“It could be sir. You see, I’ve held back from committing to someone because of military constraints and the impact it would have on both our careers. Now, for the first time, I feel like it might be possible to have it all - a military career, a husband, and a family.”

“You have my support Colonel. I would hope that you would chose someone worthy of you, like another Marine Officer.”

“Sorry sir.”

“Oh well, from the reading I’ve done in Rabb’s file - and the blanks that are there - its my guess that he’s as close to a Marine officer as you’re going to get. Although I’ve had my doubts about the man, if he’s smart enough not to pass up what he could have, I’ll give you my blessing.”

“Thank you sir. I’ll let you know how this turns out.”

“Very well. Dismissed.”

Mac came to attention, snapped a turn on her heel, silently pumped her fist in victory and left the generals’ office with a big smile on her face. Petty Officer First Class, Jennifer Coates caught the look of triumph on her face.

“Good news Ma’am?”

“Yes Jennifer. Have you seen Commander Rabb this morning?”

“Yes Ma’am. He was in filling his coffee cup less than a minute ago.”

“Thanks.” Mac tried to control her glee and the news as she headed for Harm’s office. On the way to Harm’s office she saw Harriet across the bull pen and sent a thumbs up sign. Arriving at his door, Mac tapped before letting herself in. Harm’s smile warmed her heart as he looked up and saw her entering.

“Hey...how was your weekend?”

“Great. Harriet and I went shopping and had lunch.”

“That’s good. Do anything special?”

“Not yet. You?”

“Just worked on one of my cases that goes to trial tomorrow...and spend some time with Mattie of course.”

“Of course. How’s she doing?”

“Mattie will be okay. You look chipper today.”

“I am. I’ve made some important decisions...as has the policy committee.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Have you heard the latest?”

“Can’t say as I have Mac. What’s going on?”

“Several cases have been thrown out of court because of the policy change.”

“Which one?”

“The one that allows couples to serve in the same command and provides couples quarters even in combat zones.”

“Oh, yeah...that one. I lost one case as a result of it.”

“You knew about the policy?” Mac asked.

“Yes. I was asked to review it as well...and tweak it.”

“Oh really. Tell me Harm, does it give you any ideas?” Mac asked, blatantly flirting with the officer and the gentleman. She watched him swallow, as if he was nervous about what she was getting at. See watched him and waited.

“Yeah...maybe a few. I don’t think this is the place to have this discussion, though...do you?”

“You might be right. My place or yours?” Mac asked.

“Yours?”

“So you can leave it you get uncomfortable?” Mac teased him with a wink.

“Yes...no...Mac, don’t.”

“Relax sailor...my place it is. Tonight?”

“Sure.”

“Perfect. See you at nineteen hundred hours?”

“I’ll be there. Chinese take-out?”

“Sure...you know what I like.”

“Sometimes,” Harm agreed as she sashayed out the door. Harm couldn’t tear his eyes off of her as he watched her leave. Shaking his head, he played back that conversation in his head. If he was going to finally have the talk with Mac tonight, he needed to see the General first to make sure he didn’t put his foot into anything. Before he could leave however, his phone rang and duty called.



1900 Local
Mac’s Apartment
Washington DC

The knock on the door was right on time. Mac opened the door trying not to think about the fact that she was freshly showered and naked under the soft zipper-front robe that covered her from under her chin to the floor. Her freshly painted red toe-nails peeked out under the hem of the robe.

“Mac...you’re not dressed.” Harm stammered as she opened the door for him.

“I am too. I’m completely covered from neck to toe. You’ve seen me less covered many times - including the gym.” Mac watched him and fought laughter. “Do I make you nervous?” Mac teased.

“Not me.” ‘Much’ he muttered under his breath. “So eat first?” he asked holding up the brown bag with their dinner in it.

“Eat first, and talk over dinner.” Mac informed him. Come on...I have the table set. Drink?”

“I brought water. Vegetable Lo Mein, Crab Rangoon, Egg rolls...that work?”

“Perfect. I told you, you know me.”

“I do and I know you’re up to something.”

“You think?” Mac grinned. “We’ll talk about that later. I’d like to hear your take on the new policy.”

“I think it was a long time coming. I can see couples being a problem if they are of different rank because of the harassment possibilities, but for two people of equal rank, there shouldn’t be a problem. I lost one of my cases you know because the policy was approved.”

“Sturgis is working the case that didn’t get dropped. I heard he wasn’t happy about it.”

Harm pointed at her before talking a bite of his food. “I heard that too.”

“So...” Mac said as she licked her lips while staring at Harm’s mouth while he ate. “Do you think it will make a difference to us?”

Harm paused as he swallowed watching Mac carefully. There was no doubt in his mind where this conversation was headed now. He smiled, suddenly feeling more confidence then ever before when the subject was broached. “Us?”

“Yeah....you know you and me...partners....friends...” Mac hedged waiting to see if Harm would take the bait.

“Oh...I see. Are you asking if I think we’ll still be friends?”

“No...I mean yes...Harmon Rabb Junior you can be such a pain in the ass,” Mac glared at him as he nonchalantly munched his dinner, relaxing at her table.

“Come on Mac...you invite me over, answer the door fresh from bathing, smelling wonderful I might add,” Harm nodded toward his favorite adversary and comrade.

“Thank you...no changing the subject.”

“I wasn’t...not really seeing as the subject is us...as in you,” he pointed at her with his hand as only Harm could do, “ and me.” He put his hand over his own heart. “Right?”

“Yes.” Mac licked her lips and leaned toward him just a tiny bit as she smiled. “So will the new policy help with our long overdo conversation?”

“Maybe...”

“Maybe?” Mac was incredulous.

“Well Mac, I’m not sure if the time is finally right because of the policy or not...or if its because of this seduction...which by the way you’ve never pulled on me before.”

“And I might never try again,” Mac sputtered at him as he leaned back in his chair and grinned.

“Ah come on Mac...it was just getting good. You never know...it might be just what we need.”

“Just what you need, you mean. I know I’m ready to say what I want to say.”

“So go ahead Mac...say what you want me to hear.” Harm leaned toward her once again enjoying her frustration. After all, he figured, she should experience some of the frustration he’d suffered over the years.

“Fine... I’m sick of the dance, Harm.”

“I know. Tell me something I don’t know.”

“Why should I have to make a fool of myself?”

“Trust me Mac...you’re no fool.”

Mac studied the serious expression now on Harm’s face. Yes she had always wanted him to speak first. However, it suddenly dawned on her that maybe having something to hold over his head wouldn’t be so bad after all.

“Harm, I think this policy takes away the very thing that has held us both back - our careers. I spoke to General Creswell today and he said that he would be able to accommodate two people in his command getting involved, even though were lawyers.”

“You spoke to Creswell?”

“Yes...I didn’t use names though.”

“And so now that our careers aren’t going to be an issue, its okay to talk about this. Is that what you’re saying?” Harm asked.

“Yes. You have a problem with that?”

“Not at all. So say what you want to say.”

“I think we should explore what this is between us, Harm. See if it grows stronger or fades away,” Mac said as she stood from her seat and moved closer to Harm. She stood beside him, her hand on his shoulder, while his eyes gazed into hers.

“Don’t stop now Mac,” Harm murmured as he placed a hand on her hip, guiding her closer to him.

“If I don’t stop now...we may not stop.”

“I know.” Harm urged her forward once again.

Mac bent slightly forward, letting her lips find those beautiful lips of his that she had tasted too few times over the years.

The warm contact ignited what had lain dormant between them all these years. Whether Harm lifted Mac over him before lowering her onto his lap or Mac stepped over him herself they would debate forever. As she straddled him as he sat on the chair while he devoured her lips neither cared who did what first anymore. They were only glad that they finally were exploring the desire and love that blossomed during that kiss.

“Hey Harm?” Mac whispered in his ear after she had gently sucked his ear lobe.

“Yeah?” Harm squawked, obviously aroused now.

“Want to see if you can find my tattoo?”

“I thought you’d never ask.”


The End