Author: Lace
Subject: HBX Challenge December 2008 A new start

I know I should be focusing on my next exam, but I just needed to write.

I wrote this in a hurry. All mistakes are my own.

They don't belong to me and all that....

It's set in the beginning of season ten.

HBX Challenge December 2008

A new start

Mac walked into the Admiral's office, or the Admiral's previous office as he was now retired and the office was occupied by Commander Turner, the acting JAG.

“You wanted to see me.” Mac focused on her friend, who looked overwhelmed with work.

Sturgis looked up from the file he had been reading.”Yes, I have new orders for you. The Marine Corps are sending you to Iraq.” Sturgis handed Mac a piece of paper.

Mac nodded. “Great.”

“You knew about it?” Sturgis wondered because of the unsurprised look on Mac's face.

“I requested to be put in the field for a period.” Mac made a move to leave. “If that was all?”

Sturgis searched Mac's face. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Absolutely.” Mac confirmed.

Sturgis offered his hand. “Good luck.”

Mac shook his hand. “Thank you Sturgis. Good luck to you too, and for what it's worth, I think you'll do an excellent job as acting JAG.”

“That means a lot coming from you.” Sturgis said sincerely.

Mac left his office, feeling lighter than in a long time.

Five minutes later she was in Harm's office.

Harm smiled when he saw her. “Hi Mac, what's up?”

Mac hesitated. “I need you to listen to me without interrupting.”

Harm nodded. “I can do that.”

“I need a break Harm. A break from everything, to get my head back on track. I need to go away for a while, and I know that I have no right to ask this of you, but I need you to wait for me. I promise I'll come back to you, ready to focus on you and me. A new start.” Mac searched Harm's face. “You can talk now.”

“Where are you going?” Harm stood and walked around his desk.

“Iraq.” Mac gave him the paper she was holding in her hands.

He read through it. “You'll be leaving tomorrow. That's soon.”

“I know, but it's what I want.” Mac reached for his hand. “I need this.”

Harm searched her eyes, before he nodded his head and smiled slightly. “I'll be here when you get back. Just promise me that you'll come back to me”

Mac pulled him in for a hug. “I promise.”

“And you have to let me know how it goes over there.” He kissed her head. “An email at least once a week.”

Mac nodded against his shoulder. “I promise.”

“And when you get back we're going to make it work.” He kissed her head again. “I love you.”

Mac released him from the hug before she kissed him. “ I love you too.” She whispered against his lips before she deepened the kiss.

A few minutes later she said her goodbye and left his office, their time would come.


Two months later
Iraq

Mac was just finishing up her report when her Commanding Officer walked into the tent.

“Colonel Mackenzie, the hero of the day.” General Beaufort yelled high enough for everyone in the tent to hear.

Mac jumped to her feet and snapped to attention.

“As you were. After what you did I should salute you.” The General offered his hand to her. “I'm proud to have a legal weenie like you in my Command.”

Mac shook his hand. “Any word on Corporal Kensington and Captain Walker Sir?”

“They will both make it thanks to you Mac.” The General reassured her. “Have you gotten those cuts checked out?” He pointed to the right side of her face.

“Yes Sir, nothing to worry about.” Mac handed him her report. “Here's my report Sir.”

The General was amused. “You don't waste any time do you Mac?”

Mac laughed softly. “Not if I can avoid it Sir.”

“You make the rest of us look lazy Mac.” The General gave her a nod. “Keep up the good work.” Then he left.

Mac sat down in her chair and opened the last email from Harm.

Hi Mac.
How's it going over there?
I miss you around the office.
Be safe and I'll see you soon.

I love you

Harm


Mac decided to write him back.

Hi Harm.

I got into some trouble today, but I'm fine.
Had to drag two soldiers to safety while I dodged bullets.
I was thinking about you while we hid out and waited for backup to come.
I needed this assignment to remember what's important in life, but I have to
admit that I miss you like crazy and right now nothing is more important
than getting back to you. Is that to sappy? I'll blame it on the adrenaline from
today's incident.

I love you too

Mac

Mac sent the email and smiled. Hopefully she would be on her way back to JAG soon. She liked the work she was doing now as well, but she really missed the courtroom. And more importantly she missed Harm. After everything that had happened lately, Clay and her condition, she had needed an assignment like this to remember what was really important in life. She wanted Harm, he was the one and only who mattered.



A month later
Iraq

Mac had just gotten back after a three day trip to a village, and she was really looking forward to have a shower.

“Mac!”

She turned and came face to face with Captain Brennan. “Hi Jack, what's up?”

“I hear you'll be leaving us soon.” Jack smiled. “Looks like someone will be back in the States, drinking real coffee and giving the sailors a hard time.” He teased.

Mac had to laugh. “I can't wait to drink that coffee. And for the sailors, there's only one sailor I'm interested in giving a hard time and I'm going to enjoy every minute of it.”

“I still can't believe you're going for a squid, isn't there some kinda law against that.” Jack loved giving Mac a hard time about her email buddy, the squid.

“Stop giving me a hard time Captain, or I might have you degraded to Corporal.” Mac teased.

“Yes Ma'am, I'll behave.” Jack pretended to be scared.

“I'm hitting the shower, and then I'll be packing my bags. I'll be thinking about you when I'm sipping that coffee.” Mac smiled.

“Good luck Ma'am, it's been an honour to serve with you.” Jack offered his hand. “I hear they're giving you a medal for your actions here. It's well earned.”

Mac shook his hand. “The honour has been all mine. Take care.”


Three days later
Washington D.C

Mac got off the plane and looked around. She spotted him right away, his tall, handsome features were impossible to miss.

He waved when he saw her, and he smiled widely. “Mac!”

She started walking towards him. “Harm!” Then she was in his arms, hugging him as close as possible. “I missed you.”

Harm kissed her head. “I missed you too.”

He released her and searched her face. “You look tired.”

Mac laughed softly. “So do you.”

“I was to nervous to sleep last night.” Harm admitted.

“Nervous?” Mac touched his cheek. “About?”

“I don't know, I just couldn't wait to see you again.” He hesitated. “ And I guess I was nervous that you might have changed your mind about us.”

Mac kissed him deeply. “I have never been more serious about anything in my life.”

“Good.” Harm kissed her again. “Let's get you home.”


Several hours later
Mac's apartment


Harm lay awake, watching her sleep. She looked peaceful and relaxed; he couldn't remember having ever seen her like that before, she was like a new Mac.

“Why aren't you asleep?” She opened her eyes and focused on him.

Harm put his face close to hers. “I just feel really happy for the first time in my life. It's like nothing can go wrong from now on.”

“I know how you feel.” She pulled him closer. “This is how it'll be from now right? You and me, together for ever?”

Harm nodded. “I don't want it any other way.”

“Good.” Mac kissed him deeply. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” He kissed her again.