In the Land of Araceptia - Part 1

Tuesday, 1045 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Petty Officer Tiner knocked on the doorframe of Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie's office.  "Excuse me, Colonel," he interrupted the conversation between the Colonel and Commander Harmon Rabb.  "The Admiral would like to see you in his office right away, Ma'am."

Mac sighed.  "Okay, Tiner.  I'll be right there."

"Um, Ma'am?" Tiner hedged.

"I'm coming, Tiner," she said, a little annoyed at Tiner for being what she considered too pushy.

Tiner quickly replied, "No, Ma'am, what I was going to say was... I just wanted to warn you.  The SecNav, the CNO, the CMC, and Clayton Webb are all in there with the Admiral, Ma'am."

"What?!" she exclaimed jumping up from her chair and practically running over Harm as she rounded her desk and headed for the Admiral's office.  "Why on earth are they all here?  Two 4-stars?  AND the SecNav?  What do they want with me?  Oh God... and the CIA?  What now?"

She stopped at the door and knocked.  "Enter!" Admiral AJ Chegwidden bellowed.  Mac's eyes took in the lay of the office as she opened the door and walked inside.  The Deputy Director of the CIA, Clayton Webb, was standing in the corner.  The Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark, was standing by the fireplace.  The Commandant of the Marine Corps, General James Jones, was sitting on the sofa.  The Secretary of the Navy, Alexander Nelson, was sitting behind Admiral Chegwidden's desk.  And the Judge Advocate General, Rear Admiral Upper Half AJ Chegwidden, was standing at the window, his arms crossed, staring outside.  

Mac closed the door behind her and stepped three paces into the office before coming to attention stance.  "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie reporting as ordered, Sir."  

Chegwidden turned to face Mac.  "As you were, Colonel.  I believe you know everyone here."

Mac glanced at each man in the room and nodded slightly at each one.  "Yes, Sir.  That I do."

"Good.  Then can we get on with this?" complained Nelson.  

"Mr. Secretary, I am not convinced that this assignment is in the best interest of Colonel MacKenzie.  Nor do I believe there is any reason why this job cannot be handled by one of my European JAG officers.  They know the country involved.  They know the customs.  They know the laws..." Chegwidden argued.

"AJ, we've already been through all this.  President Bush has already okayed this assignment for the Colonel.  There's no longer a choice here," Nelson told him.

"Admiral, I don't believe that the President was duly informed of all that could go wrong with..." AJ started to address the CNO.

Webb interrupted.  "AJ, listen to yourself!  Mac is the best!  How many times have you told me that?  How can you now be arguing that someone else is better suited to this job?"

General Jones spoke up.  "Admiral Chegwidden, if you didn't send Colonel MacKenzie on this assignment, who would you send?  From this office.  Not the European office.  It has to be from here.  Who would you choose?"

"Commander Harmon Rabb," AJ answered immediately.

"Hell, no!" exclaimed Nelson.  "There is absolutely NO way I'm sending him on this kind of assignment!"

Jones stood up and walked over to Mac.  He stood beside her, and he turned to Chegwidden.  "And do you care to explain to me, Chegwidden, why you think a Navy Commander is better suited to this assignment than a Marine Lieutenant Colonel?"  Jones was yelling by the end of his question.

Mac stood stock still.  She didn't move; she didn't even breathe.  She didn't dare.  Not with the CMC standing so close to her.  'Why the hell did they call me in here when they haven't even decided who's going on this assignment?  Whatever it is!' she thought to herself.

"General, I don't believe that Admiral Chegwidden is downplaying the Colonel's worth over a Naval officer.  I know for a fact that he considers the Colonel his finest officer.  Marine versus Navy has nothing to do with this," placated Admiral Clark.

Mac chanced a glance at Admiral Chegwidden when Clark finished.  His eyes were dark; his brows, furrowed.  He was obviously not happy.  "I'd like a word with the Colonel before we go on," Chegwidden said flatly.  "Colonel?" he said as he approached her and guided her to the far corner of the office.

Mac looked up into his face.  "Admiral, I know you don't mean it that way," she said quietly.  But the others heard anyway.  "You never show a preference for one over the other; I know that.  We all do, Sir."

"Mac, this is about your being a woman.  That's why I don't want you going."  Mac straightened up and looked into his eyes defiantly.  AJ chuckled.  "Yea, I knew you'd react like that.  But Mac, this is Araceptia we're talking about.  They're an up-and-coming country, true.  But they still have a lot of very old world customs.  Women are not appreciated there for their intellect, only for their beauty.  Now I'll grant you, they'll tell you differently.  They'll treat you as an equal most of the time.  But when it all boils down to a decision?  They'll ignore you.  Women are ornaments.  Trophies.  Mac, I have no doubt that you could do the work needed there; hell, Roberts could do it.  Singer could do it!  But for them to take us seriously, it's going to take a man's presence."

"But, Sir, why does the President want me to go if that's the case?" Mac asked.

"It was actually meant as a... a perk... if you will.  You've been amazing this last year, Mac.  Everyone's seen it.  General Jones and the SecNav decided that this would be a pleasant diversion for you.  Sort of like a... a trip to the Bahamas."

"Only it's a trip to Araceptia," said Mac.

"Exactly."

"Admiral, do you want me to refuse this assignment?" asked Mac.

Chegwidden shook his head.  "No, Mac, I don't.  I don't want it offered to you in the first place.  But if it is, I wouldn't want you to refuse it.  That wouldn't be good for your career."

Mac smiled at him; he always looked out for his people.  "Then I won't, Sir.  As long as you're sure."

"Colonel MacKenzie," interrupted General Jones.  "Are you saying that if Admiral Chegwidden preferred that you refuse this assignment, you would refuse it even though you want it?"

Mac turned and faced the highest-ranking officer in the Marine Corps.  "Yes, Sir, I would."

"You don't have faith in your own abilities, Colonel?" he asked.

"I have every faith in my abilities, General.  I also have complete faith and trust in my commanding officer.  And if he believes that strongly that an assignment is not right for me, I will defer to his judgment.  Sir."

"Even over my judgment, Colonel?" the General asked.

"Begging your pardon, General.  You're not my immediate commanding officer.  You don't know me like Admiral Chegwidden does.  And if I may add, Sir, Admiral Chegwidden does not show preference to the Navy over the Marines.  He is always fair and impartial."  

General Jones nodded.  "Excellent reply, Colonel.  You continue to impress me."

"Colonel MacKenzie, doesn't it bother you that Admiral Chegwidden doesn't want you to go to Araceptia simply because you're a woman?" asked Nelson.

Mac looked at Chegwidden, and then back at the SecNav.  "I'd be lying if I said no, Sir.  It does bother me.  But I know that he has a reason.  And I trust his reason."

"So you'd rather not go?" asked Webb.

"I'm a Marine, Mr. Webb.  I go where I'm told."

"Good!  Then you're going to Araceptia," insisted Webb.  "I've already got everything set up for it to be Mac.  We've already got the President's approval here, and we've already got the King's approval there.  It would take another month at least to get a change in personnel approved.  And we don't have a month.  We need that treaty in place with the Kingdom of Araceptia, and we need it yesterday!"

"Very true, Mr. Webb," agreed Nelson.  "Araceptia is very strategic in its location considering our current war on terrorism.  They are located in a perfect spot for both our ships and our planes."

The CNO and CMC nodded in agreement.  "The Colonel goes, AJ," Clark said to Chegwidden.

Chegwidden glared at Webb.  "I needn't remind you, Webb, what I'll do to you if anything happens to the Colonel while she's on this assignment."

"No, you don't," Webb replied, moving his right hand to cover his nose.  "I know exactly what you'll do to me."

"I doubt it," said Chegwidden.  "Your nose will be the least of your worries."  

"AJ, don't worry about it.   Mac will be fine over there.  Things have changed since you were in Araceptia.  The King is actually quite excited that a woman is coming to prepare the treaty."

Tuesday, 1630 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac spent the rest of the day cleaning up her office, passing off her paperwork to Lieutenant Harriett Sims to distribute, explaining case file notes to Lieutenant Bud Roberts and Commander Sturgis Turner.  Harm already had a full case load, so none of her cases went to him.  Finally, at 1630, Mac sat behind her desk and sighed heavily.  "Well, I guess now I'd better see about calling a kennel for Jingo," she thought aloud.

"Why don't you leave the dog on Webb's doorstep?  Let him take care of her while you're gone?" suggested Admiral Chegwidden as he stepped into Mac's office.  Mac quickly rose from her seat as he spoke.  AJ motioned for her to sit back down.  "Keep your seat, Mac.  So, are you about ready?"

"As ready as I can be, Admiral.  I still don't like going on this assignment without your approval, Sir."

"Mac, it isn't that you don't have my approval.  Hell, you could do this stuff blindfolded.  I'm just concerned with how you'll be treated there.  I've been to Araceptia.  I've seen it firsthand.  I know what I'm talking about."

"Do you have any suggestions for me, Sir?"

AJ shook his head.  "Not really, Mac.  The people of Araceptia think they are modern.  They really believe that there is little-to-no difference in their culture and ours."

"But there obviously is a difference," said Mac.

AJ sighed.  "Yes.  But it's subtle at first.  You'll hardly even know it's there.  In fact, you'll be treated well to start with.  Maybe even the entire time you're there.  It's hard to know."

"Admiral, who will be going over there for the treaty signing when it's all said and done?  Do we know yet?" asked Mac.

"Most likely the President.  It would be an affront to the King if it was anyone else."  AJ glanced at his watch.  "Your flight leaves at what?  2230?"

"2250, Sir.  I have plenty of time.  Assuming I can find a kennel for Jingo," Mac said as she picked up the phone book from under her desk.

"Don't want to leave the dog with Webb, eh?" AJ joked.

Mac laughed.  "I'd like to have my dog be alive when I get back, Sir."

"You know, Mac, I've been toying with the idea of getting a dog, myself.  Why don't you let me keep Jingo while you're gone.  It'll give me a good taste of it.  And then I'll remember why I don't want to get one," AJ suggested, grinning.

Mac turned surprised eyes on AJ.  "You want to keep Jingo at your house, Sir?"

"Is that a problem?" he asked.

"No, Sir.  Absolutely not.  I'm sure Jingo would love your house.  Especially your yard."

"Good, then it's settled.  I'll swing by your place at 2000 and you can show me the ropes.  Then I'll take you on up to Andrews and bring Jingo home with me."

"Admiral, there's just one thing.  Jingo... well, Sir..."

"Colonel, you are not going to tell me that Jingo is incontinent, I trust?"

Mac chuckled.  "No, Sir.  It's just that Jingo sleeps..."

"A good deal?"

"In the bed, Sir."

"The dog has her own bed?"

"Not exactly.  Jingo sleeps with me.  So if you take Jingo home..."

"A dog?  I'm going to share my bed with a dog?" 

Mac bit her lip and nodded.

AJ shrugged.  "Okay.  I guess I can put up with it.  At least she won't pull the covers off..."

"He," Mac corrected.

"Huh?"

"Jingo is a 'he', Sir.  Not a 'she'."

"Oh God.  I'm sharing my bed with a male?"  AJ walked out shaking his head.  

Tuesday, 2000 EST
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Jingo barked just before the doorbell rang.  "Right on time, Sir," Mac said as she opened the door for her CO.  "Admiral, this is Jingo.  Jingo?  Come 'ere, Baby."  Jingo was hiding behind his owner's legs.  "Jingo, what's the matter?  Come on, Sweetie."  Mac pulled him around by his collar.  She looked up at AJ apologetically.  "I'm sorry, Sir.  He hasn't done very well with men since Mic left."

"Did he like Mic?"

"Yes, Sir.  But when he was packing to leave, he rather ignored Jingo.  And then... well, just as he walked out the door, Jingo stepped in front of him to stop him.  Mic pushed him out of the way with his leg."  She squatted down and hugged the dog.  "He didn't kick him or anything.  He just sort of... moved him.  And it hurt Jingo's feelings."

"And he hasn't liked men since then?" asked AJ.

"Not especially, Sir."

AJ squatted down to the same level as Mac and Jingo.  "Come here, Jingo.  Come 'ere, Boy," AJ said gently.  "Come on.  I'm not gonna hurt you.  You and I are gonna have fun together, aren't we?  Come on.  Come here."  AJ held his hand out, palm side up to Jingo. 

Finally, Jingo stretched his neck forward and sniffed AJ's hand.  He looked up into AJ's face and then back to Mac's.  Then he sniffed AJ's hand, again.  He took a cautious step toward AJ, and AJ scratched the top of his head and a little behind his ears.  As soon as AJ stood up, though, Jingo backed up.  

"I'm sorry about this, Admiral.  I'd really hoped that after all this time, he would be over this."

"Come here, Mac."  AJ took her hand in his and pulled her to her feet.  Then he pulled her close to him and hugged her gently, immediately releasing her.  "Laugh happily, Mac."  She did, even though she was totally startled when AJ hugged her.  AJ smiled as Jingo stepped forward and looked up at them.  AJ looked down at Jingo.  "Hey, Boy.  You want a hug, too?" AJ asked as he squatted back to the dog's level.  Jingo woofed quietly and took another step toward AJ.  AJ opened his arms and coaxed, "Come here, Boy.  Come on."  

Finally Jingo took the last step forward and nudged AJ's left hand with his muzzle.  AJ immediately took hold of his collar.  Then he stood up and with his free hand, rubbed the dogs head and ears.  Then he let go of the collar.  Jingo nudged AJ's hand, again.  Mac laughed, "He wants you to keep rubbing him!"  She was truly amazed.  "You did it.  He likes you!"

"Everybody likes me," AJ growled.  Mac burst into laughter at such a statement.  "Just took his knowing that I'm your friend is all.  So, do you have everything ready to go?"

"Yes, Sir.  My bag is just inside the bedroom.  And Jingo's food and his dishes are here in the kitchen," Mac said, heading in that direction.

"How much food does this guy eat every day?"

"Two cups of the dry stuff.  And I give him leftovers, as long as they aren't too spicy," Mac said.

"He doesn't like spicy?"

"Oh, he loves it!  I just don't like smelling it afterwards!" exclaimed Mac.  "Although when Mic was here, he gave it to him all the time.  Then I could never be sure which one let loose," she mumbled.

AJ chuckled.  "My mother used to say the same thing about our old dog and my father.  Dad always said it was the dog, but when the dog finally died and it still stunk every night, it sorta gave Dad away."

Mac laughed.  "Yea, I guess that would be a pretty sure give-away."  Mac picked up the two bowls, and AJ picked up the huge bag of dog food.  Mac grabbed Jingo's leash and hooked it on the dog's collar.  "It might be better for you to take him out, Sir."  Mac handed AJ the leash, but he didn't take it.

"No, Mac.  You take the dog outside.  I'll get your bag."  AJ walked into her bedroom and picked up her suitcase.  "A suitcase?"

Mac grinned.  "Hobnobbing with royalty, Admiral.  I had to pack formal and informal evening wear.  Evening gowns don't lend themselves to a duffel bag, Sir."

When they got outside to AJ's vehicle, he told Jingo to get up in the back.  Jingo just looked at him.  AJ picked him up and set him in the back of the Escalade.  "You'll like it back here, ol' boy.  Wait and see if you don't."

As it turned out, Jingo did like it in the back.  He got to walk back and forth across the back of the vehicle, looking out both sides and the back window.  He howled a few times right at first, but then he settled right down and enjoyed the ride.

AJ decided to give Mac some last-minute instructions.  "Mac, there are some customs in Araceptia that you should be aware of.  Just so you don't offend anyone.  Or get yourself into trouble.  If a man offers to buy you a meal, unless you are with a group of people, refuse it.  Pay for your own.  No matter who it is who offers."

"Why is that, Sir?"

"Because if a single woman accepts a meal from a man... any man... he can then request anything from you he wants.  And you are obligated by law to give it."

"Anything?"

AJ turned and looked squarely at Mac, nodding.  "Anything, Colonel."  He faced front, again, and continued.  "If a woman offers, that's fine.  Not even a married man, Mac.  The invitation for dinner must come from his wife."

"Aye, Sir."

"Then there's the matter of contradicting a man.  That's not a good thing to do in Araceptia."

Mac chuckled.  "That's not always a good thing to do here either, Admiral."

AJ laughed.  "True.  But in Araceptia, when you contradict a man, he has the right to have you punished.  Now in your case, all they can do is send you home.  But that, of course, would be most embarrassing for the United States."

"No contradicting men," Mac said flatly.  "I'll remember that, Sir."

"When you finish writing the treaty, don't be surprised if they insist on an American male coming to review the treaty before it's presented to the King.  They may be past that by now, but I doubt it.  If that's the case, just call the office, and I'll send someone over there."

"Harm?" she asked.

"No.  I have it in mind to request Captain Ingalls."

"Captain Ingalls, Sir?  But he doesn't know anything about treaties."

"No, he doesn't.  But that's your job.  Ingalls knows you,  and he knows me.  And I know I can trust him.  I don't have any question that the treaty will be fine when you agree to its conclusion.  Neither would Ingalls.  I want someone higher than you to go as your reviewer.  If I sent Harm or anyone else of equal rank, that would be confirming to the Araceptians that you, as a woman, are not fully capable or trustworthy.  By sending someone of a higher rank... well, that's normal procedure for a lot of things.  It wouldn't draw any question to your abilities."

Mac smiled.  "Thank you, Admiral.  That's very considerate of you, Sir."

"I don't like this whole idea, Mac.  I have a bad feeling about it."

"Meaning you think something bad is going to happen?" she probed.

"No, not really bad.  Just... inconvenient.  Difficult.  It's hard to express.  I'm not really sure what the bad feeling is about.  It's just there, and I don't like it."

They pulled into Andrews Air Force Base, and AJ drove straight to the air field where Mac's plane was waiting on the tarmac.  She said goodbye to Jingo, saluted the Admiral, took her suitcase, and headed for the plane.  

"If you run into difficulty, Mac, don't hesitate to call me!" AJ called as she walked up the steps to the plane.

Mac turned around and waved her thanks.  "See you in a month, Sir!  Bye, Jingo!"

Jingo woofed at Mac and strained at the leash, wanting to run to her.  AJ held him tightly, and pulled the dog to his side.  He reached down and patted Jingo's head.  Above the noise, AJ could hear the dog's whining.  He squatted down next to Jingo and put his arm around him.  "It's okay, Boy.  She'll be back.  Yes, she will."  Jingo turned and licked AJ in the face once before looking back at the plane.  

Mac turned around one last time and was surprised at seeing AJ's arm around Jingo.  Then when Jingo turned and licked him in the face, Mac giggled.  "You're gonna be just fine, Baby," she whispered to herself.  "The Admiral will take good care of you."  Mac waved, again, and then disappeared inside the plane.

AJ and Jingo stayed there until Mac's plane was in the air.  Then he turned and said to the dog, "Well, Jingo?  It's you and me.  What say we go home and see if you like your new digs?"  AJ opened the back of the Escalade and patted the flooring.  Jingo jumped up into the back, wagging his tail.  "Here we go!"  AJ closed the back hatch and climbed in the driver's seat and headed for McLean.

Wednesday, 1430 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Any word from Colonel MacKenzie yet, Commander?" Bud asked Harm.  

Harm shook his head.  "Not that I'm aware of, Bud.  Let's check with Tiner.  Maybe she's called the Admiral's office."  Harm and Bud walked toward Tiner's desk.  "So, do you and Harriett have Jingo, again?" Harm asked him.

"No, Sir.  The Colonel didn't call us last night.  I assumed that she was leaving him at a kennel this time.  He was a little traumatized last time, I think, Sir, because of little AJ."

"He hasn't really been very friendly in the last year or so, either," quipped Harm as the reached Tiner's desk.

"Did I hear you disparage my namesake?  Your own godson, Commander?" barked Admiral Chegwidden as he stepped out of his office.

"Little AJ?  No, Sir!" defended Harm.

"Then who are you saying isn't friendly?" AJ persisted.

Harm grinned.  "Oh, you heard that?  I was referring to Mac's dog, Sir."

"Mac's dog?"

"Yes, Sir.  Jingo.  He's the dog she put of service here a couple..." Harm started to explain.

"Jingo's a fine dog.  What do you mean he's not friendly?  He's just as nice as they come.  A little smelly, maybe..." AJ muttered as he walked toward the break room to refill his coffee mug.  'Need to give him a bath tonight.'

"Admiral!"  Harm and Bud followed him.  "Have you heard from Mac yet, Sir?"

"Heard from her?  What about?"

"Just to know that she arrived safely, Sir."

AJ turned to Harm and stared at him.  "And just why would she need to call me to let me know she arrived safely, Commander?  She was on a military transport.  If anything had happened, I'd have been informed, now wouldn't I?"  Harm and Bud nodded their heads.  

AJ filled his mug and left the two men in his wake.  'Damn, Chegwidden!  You could have told them that she arrived safely.  She did call you, after all.  Granted, it was to check and see how Jingo and I got along last night.  Aw, hell...'  AJ slammed his office door behind him.  The nagging feeling of something going wrong continued to worry him.

Thursday, 1215 CET
Royal Palace Atrium
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac was ready to get to work.  But the Araceptians weren't a people to be hurried.  The King insisted that he show her all the beauties of the palace before she began working with his legal aides to write the treaty.  And because the King had been called away on urgent business on Wednesday, he was only now finishing their tour.  "Your gardens are beautiful, your Majesty.  I am very impressed," Mac offered graciously.

"I am glad that you like them," the King replied.  "Now, we are finished with our exploration of the palace.  Come.  It is time for luncheon.  I will feed you."

Mac remembered the Admiral's words:  "If a man offers to buy you a meal, unless you are with a group of people, refuse it. ... No matter who it is who offers.   Even a married man.  The invitation for dinner must come from his wife."   Mac said, "Your Majesty, I do appreciate your most generous offer.  But would it not be better if I were to begin working on the treaty now?  And take a break for lunch a little later?"

"You refuse to dine with me?"

"Certainly not, your Majesty.  I would be most honored to join you and the Queen for a meal at any time during my visit to your country," Mac said carefully.

The King grinned.  "You have answered well.  And indeed you shall receive a proper invitation from my wife.  You may go."

Mac smiled.  "Thank you, your Majesty."  She came to attention stance, as she would for the President.  Then she turned on her heel in perfect time, and headed for her office.

Friday, 1330 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac was pleased with the two lawyers she was working with.  They really seemed to want to get this treaty right, and right not only for Araceptia, but also for the United States.  Mac was impressed at the dedication the men had, as well as their attitude at her being there.  

She wondered if perhaps Webb was right this time, that things had changed significantly since the Admiral was here.  Maybe their attitude toward women had changed.  But just as she thought this, she remembered the Admiral's words:  "But it's subtle at first.  You'll hardly even know it's there.  In fact, you'll be treated well to start with.  Maybe even the entire time you're there.  It's hard to know."

"Anyone want lunch?  We worked right through the noon hour," said Yoquelm, the senior Araceptian attorney. 

"I'm starving," said Mac.  

Yoquelm's eyes brightened a bit, and he looked at his partner.  Noshem took the hint and said, "I must run an errand; I shall be back in two hours."  

Mac casually watched the interchange between the two men, and saw the look in Yoquelm's eyes.  "I don't suppose you all have a Pizza Hut around here, do you?" she asked.

"Pizza Hut?  No, we do have a pizza parlor, though.  They have excellent pizza pies.  Perhaps this will be to your liking?" suggested Yoquelm as Noshem made his exit. 

"I'd love a pizza," said Mac.  "Do they deliver?"

"Oh yes.  It is just like your pizza parlors in the United States.  Even the same toppings."

"Wonderful!" Mac gushed.  "Do you know the phone number?"

Yoquelm picked up the phone and dialed.  "I order from them frequently.  I know it well."

Mac knew she was going to have to pay for the pizza when it arrived.  But how to arrange it, she wasn't sure.  She didn't want to make it obvious that she knew what he was trying to do, yet she wanted to be sure he didn't continue his attempts.

Thirty minutes later, Mac was standing at the window looking outside.  She saw a car drive up to the entrance of their building and a young man get out carrying a pizza box.  'Well, it's now or never.'   Mac walked back to the table and stumbled over the leg to a chair as she sat down.  She put her arms out in front of her to catch herself, and in so doing, was able to push the pitcher of water over, right into Yoquelm's lap.  

He jumped up from the table and uttered an expletive in his own language. 

"Yoquelm!  Oh, I am so sorry!  What a mess!" cried Mac as she reached for some napkins to wipe up the table.  "You should go to the men's room and dry off.  That's just dreadful.  I'm so sorry!"

Yoquelm agreed.  "Yes, this is rather uncomfortable.  I will be right back."  He left the room and Mac waited for the pizza delivery.

Not two minutes later, the pizza delivery boy knocked on the conference room door.  Mac opened the door and ushered him inside.  She already had her wallet out, ready to pay.  "How much?" she asked.

"65,32"

Mac pulled out 75 and handed it to the boy.  He began to make change for her.  "No, you keep the rest," Mac told him.  The boy's face brightened and he thanked her profusely.  'Well, obviously I over tipped him,' Mac thought to herself.

The pizza boy left just as Yoquelm returned to the room.  "Lunch is here!  Dig in!" said Mac as she opened the box and took a slice for herself.

Yoquelm looked disappointed.  "I was planning to pay for the pizza, Mac," he told her.

Mac looked up at him.  "I know you were, Yoquelm.  But I don't think that would be a good idea.  I'd rather pay my own way at lunch, just like I do at home when my partner and I go out.  It just makes it much more conducive to a good working relationship."

Yoquelm thought for a moment.  "What about dinner?"

Mac smiled.  "Dinner some time would be lovely.  Perhaps Noshem and his wife will join us?  I'd like that."

Yoquelm smiled.  "I will arrange it."  'And I will be certain that Noshem does not join us.'

"Oh," Mac said.  "I meant to ask about tipping.  How much do you tip here?"

"Tip?"

"Yes, like the pizza delivery boy.  The maid.  The taxi driver."

"Oh, of course.  Gratuity.  I had forgotten the word 'tip'.  Usually 5 percent."

"Five?  That's all?" Mac questioned.  Yoquelm nodded.  "No wonder the pizza boy smiled.  I made his day!"

"What did you give him?"

"Worked out to be about 16 percent," Mac said.  "Oops."

"You are right!  You did make his day!" Yoquelm laughed. 

Friday, 2025 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

Noshem stood up and stretched.  "I think it is time to call it a day.  My wife expected me home two hours ago."

Mac smiled.  "I think we're at a good stopping place, anyway, Noshem.  Thank you both for working so hard on this today.  I think we've made some real progress in the short time we've had."

Yoquelm agreed, "Yes, we have.  If we continue at this rate, we will finish certainly on time, if not ahead of schedule."

"That would be wonderful.  The King will be pleased," said Noshem.

"So will my government," Mac added with a smile.  

As Noshem gathered his papers, Yoquelm approached Mac.  "Join me for dinner, Mac?" he asked.

Mac moaned as she stood and stretched, herself.  "Let's make it another time, Yoquelm.  All I want to do tonight is go back to my room and take a  nice, long, hot bath.  And call the Admiral," she added.

"You will call your Admiral from the bathtub?" asked Yoquelm incredulously.

Mac grinned.  "Sure, why not?" she teased.  In truth, she intended to call him first.  Then take her bath.

Noshem and Yoquelm looked at each other knowingly.  'So she belongs to her Admiral,' thought Yoquelm.  "We will see you in the morning, then.  Good night, Mac."

Friday, 1605 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harriett poked her head in Harm's office.  "You still haven't heard from her, Sir?"

Harm shook his head.  "No, Harriett, I haven't."

"I'm sure she's fine, Commander.  Otherwise, the Admiral would have heard something by now, surely."

"Yea, I suppose so.  It's just that I'm so used to being with her on assignments like this.  What if she gets into trouble?  Who's going to bail her out?"

Harriett laughed lightly.  "From what I hear, Sir, it's usually the Colonel bailing you out!"

Harm smirked.  "Yea, I guess you're right."

Harriett heard the Admiral's line ringing and glanced over to see that Tiner wasn't at his desk.  "Excuse me, Sir.  I need to get that," Harriett said as she slipped away.  She grabbed the phone on her desk, "Admiral Chegwidden's office, Lieutenant Sims."

"Harriett!  What a delightful surprise!  It's Mac!" sounded the voice over the wire.

"Colonel!  It's wonderful to hear from you!  How are you?" Harriett asked as she sat behind her desk.

"Just fine, Harriett.  Actually, this country is quite beautiful...what little I've seen of it so far.  But I'm hoping to get out and do some sightseeing before I have to leave."

"What about the people, Colonel?  Are they treating you well?"

"Couldn't ask for more polite people, Harriett.  I haven't met one person yet who was the least antagonistic toward me.  They're all extremely nice."  

"That's wonderful, Colonel.  I'm so glad you're enjoying your stay there.  How about the treaty?  Is the work going well?"

"I'm working with two lawyers; both very fine men.  One of them reminds me a little of Bud.  The other one reminds me of Mic."

"Uh oh," said Harriett.  "Persistent, hmm?"

Mac laughed.  "You got it!  He's just as nice as Mic, too.  Harriett, is the Admiral there?"

"Yes, Ma'am, I believe he's in his office.  Um, Ma'am?  Commander Rabb has been pretty anxious about you since you left.  Would you have time to speak to him for a few minutes before I get the Admiral for you?"

"Sure, Harriett.  Put him on." 

"Wonderful.  Hold the line just a second, please, Ma'am."  Harriett got up and walked to Harm's office.  While Mac waited, she walked into the bathroom and started the water for her bath.  Then she began disrobing.

"Excuse me, Commander?  The Colonel is on the phone now," Harriett said.  Mac could just hear her.

Harm looked up brightly.  "Which line, Harriett?"

"The Admiral's line, Sir.  You'll have to take it at my desk.  I'd rather not try transferring it; my transfer function hasn't been working well lately, and I'm afraid I might lose her," Harriett explained.

"No problem, Harriett."  Harm rushed out to Harriett's desk and picked up the phone.  "Mac!"

"Hello, Flyboy.  You holding down the fort?" she asked as she grabbed her towel from the bar and laid it next to the bathtub.  

"You know it, Ninja-girl," Harm laughed.  "So how are things going over there?"

"Just great, Harm.  Everything is going very smoothly.  No complaints.  How about there?  Any new earth-shattering cases?"

"Nah.  Nothing much."  Harm was about to say more, but he'd heard a click on the line as he was talking.  "Someone there?" he asked.

Mac stepped into the bathtub and sat down.  "Yes, Harm, I'm here," replied Mac.  The click had been too faint for Mac to hear it.

"Rabb?  What the hell are you doing on my..." AJ said at the same time as Mac.  "Mac?" he asked when he realized whose voice he heard.

"Admiral?"

"Mac, I'll talk to you later," said Harm.

"Okay, bye," she replied.  "Hello, Admiral."

"Mac, how's it going?  Anything wrong?" AJ asked.  "What's that noise?"

Mac chuckled as she turned off the water.  "No, Sir.  There's nothing wrong.  That was just the water running in the bathtub.  I turned it off."  

AJ listened carefully; now he could hear the water sloshing around a bit.  "Mac, are you IN the tub?  Are you sure you're okay?"  He couldn't imagine why Mac would be calling him while she was taking a bath!  'Hmm, but wouldn't that be a sight for his sore eyes?  Mac... naked... bathtub...'  AJ groaned.  'Oh God, I hope she didn't hear that!'

But she did.  Mac blushed, even though no one was there to see her.  "Yes, Sir.  It's been a long day.  Actually, Admiral, I just wanted to check and see how you and Jingo are doing without me."  'I should have known better than run my bath before I finished talking to him.  Whatever possessed me to do such a thing?'

AJ laughed.  "I see.  Well, Jingo is just fine.  My bed, however, will never be the same."  Mac giggled.  "So how are things going, Mac?  The treaty coming along well?"

"Yes, Sir, very nicely.  The two lawyers I'm working with are very knowledgeable, and we're making significant headway.  Unless we encounter problems none of us expect, I think we'll be finished earlier than planned."

"Good, good.  What about you, Mac?  Has anyone..."

"I'm doing just fine, Admiral.  I've had a couple of... near misses.  If you hadn't warned me ahead of time, I'd owe a couple of men already."

"Damn.  I really hoped that had changed by now," AJ muttered.

"No, Sir.  It hasn't.  Well, at least I don't think so.  Since I didn't accept the invitation on one count and I paid for the meal on the other, I don't really know for sure.  But the looks in their eyes...  Well, Sir, it's hard to mistake that look," Mac said softly, wishing she'd see it in AJ's eyes, again.  He looked at her that way once before.  In his bedroom, years ago.  But only for the briefest moment.  

"You be careful, Mac.  And if you have problems with anyone, you call me," AJ said protectively.  'Good thing she's not around when I wake up from a dream about her.  She'd know in a second...'

"Thank you, Admiral.  I'll keep that in mind."

They talked for a while longer, then as they were ready to hang up, AJ said, "Enjoy the rest of your bath, Mac."

"I just wish I'd thought to bring some bath salts with me," she quipped.  "I'll talk to you later, Admiral.  Good night, Sir."

AJ hung up the phone.  'Bath salts?  Hmm...'

Saturday, 0930 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac poured herself another cup of coffee.  "This coffee is excellent.  Nice and strong."

Noshem smiled.  "I am glad that you enjoy the coffee, Mac.  I find that most Americans drink their coffee much weaker than we make it here in Araceptia."

"That's true," Mac chuckled.  "Most Marines I know like it good and strong like this, though.  And one or two squids I can think of," Mac said, leaving the thought dangling.

"Squids?  What is that?  Besides a sea creature, I mean?  I trust that is not to what you refer?" said Noshem.

Mac laughed.  "Sorry, it's a term of endearment... sort of.  A squid is someone in the Navy."

"Ah!  Endearment?  Not when I heard it in your country!" laughed Yoquelm.  "There was a Navy and Marine brawl because one of the Marines called a Navy man a 'squid'."

Mac grinned.  "Yes, that happens, too.  But it's also used to joke around with each other.  The Navy guys I work with call me a jarhead... that's a Marine.  And I call them squids.  All in good fun."

"So who is the squid who likes strong coffee as you do, Mac?" asked Noshem.

"The Admiral," Mac said.  "He actually likes his coffee as strong as most Marines do," Mac smiled.

Noshem and Yoquelm looked at each other.  "So, did you call him last night?" Yoquelm asked casually.

Mac nodded as she opened the next folder and began perusing its contents.  "Yes, I did."

"And how is he?"

Mac chuckled.  "Fine."

"You are laughing," mentioned Noshem.

"Am I?  Just a comment he made about his bed never being the same," Mac said without thinking better of it.  She shook her head, thinking of the Admiral and Jingo in bed together.

"So did you enjoy your bath while you talked?" Yoquelm asked.

"Mmm, yes.  That bath felt so good," Mac purred as she remembered.  She looked back down at the folder in front of her.  "Okay, here's something we haven't discussed yet..."

Sunday, 1645 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

Yoquelm and Noshem had spent the last two hours arguing over a very minor point, and Mac was tired of listening to them.  "I'm going to call it a day.  I'll see you both tomorrow."  Mac started pulling her files together to leave.

"We are not finished here," Yoquelm barked.

Mac looked up from the table.  "Excuse me?"

"We are not finished.  You will stay until we resolve this point."

"You don't need me here to resolve your differences, Yoquelm.  This is a point of dispute between you and Noshem.  It has nothing to do with how the treaty is worded."

"You will stay until we resolve this point," he repeated.

Mac was just about to get up and walk out on them.  Until she remembered the Admiral's words:  "In Araceptia, when you contradict a man, he has the right to have you punished.  Now in your case, all they can do is send you home."

She sighed.  "All right, Yoquelm.  You want me to stay until you two resolve your differences?  Fine.  I'll stay."  Yoquelm smiled over his conquest.  Until Mac continued, "Would you like to know my opinion on this entire matter?  It might possibly help you both come to an agreement."

Noshem answered before Yoquelm.  "Yes, Mac.  I would very much like to hear your opinion."

Twenty minutes later, the men agreed with Mac's resolution and they left for the evening.  Yoquelm walked Mac across the street to her hotel.  "Mac, would you dine with me this evening?"

Mac smiled.  "I'm afraid I can't, Yoquelm.  I'm having dinner at the Palace tonight.  I received an invitation from the Queen just this morning."  'What am I going to use as an excuse some night that I don't have plans?' she wondered.  'I'd better come up with something to keep in my back pocket.'

Sunday, 2345 CET
Mac's Hotel Room
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac returned from the Palace at 2335.  She had barely had time to kick her shoes off and change into her nightgown when her phone rang.   "Hello?"

"Mac?  Where have you been all night?  Are you okay?" Harm's voice came over the line.

"Hello, Harm.  Yes, I'm fine.  I had dinner at the Palace tonight, and I just got back to the hotel."

"Hobnobbing with royalty, hmm?" he joked.

"I wouldn't call it hobnobbing, Harm.  We had a very pleasant dinner.  The Queen is quite personable, and she is a true beauty.  I enjoyed her company immensely."

"What about him?"

"The King?"

"Yea."

"Harm, you don't call a King, 'him'.  The King is a very handsome man; he's also very polite and very loving toward his wife.  I find him quite charming."

"Mac, I thought the King of Araceptia was an old bald guy?" Harm said.

Mac sighed.  "He's not old, Harm.  He's only in his 50s."

"But isn't he bald?"

"Almost.  He does have a little fringe over his ears and across the back, very much like the Admiral's, in fact."

"Sounds like he resembles the Admiral...same age, same hair or lack thereof..." Harm chuckled.

"No, the King doesn't look anything like the Admiral.  His eyes aren't nearly as intense or dark.  And his ears are smaller.  His jaw line isn't as well defined as the Admiral's.  And his cheekbones are lower," Mac said.  "No, he doesn't look anything like him at all," Mac thought aloud.

"Mac?  Are you looking at a picture of these two or something?" Harm asked.

"What?  A picture?  No, of course not."

"I just wondered how you remembered the Admiral's face so well, Mac," Harm teased.

"I've worked for him for almost six years, Harm.  I should hope I know what he looks like," Mac argued defensively.  'Yes, and how long have you secretly been in love with him?' her conscience prodded.  "Harm, I need to get some sleep.  I'll talk to you another time, okay?"

"Yea, sure.  Okay.  Good night, Ninja-girl."

"Good night, Flyboy."  Mac hung up the phone.

Thursday, 2130 CET
Mac's Hotel Room
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac and the two Araceptian lawyers had worked hard all week on the treaty.  They were making excellent progress.  Yoquelm still hadn't given up on getting Mac to accept a meal invitation.  But so far, the only ones she accepted were from Noshem's wife and the Queen.  

Each night, Yoquelm asked, and each night, Mac had to come up with a different excuse.  Tonight, she'd run out of excuses.  So she had finally agreed, as long as they could go back to her hotel so she could change for the evening first.  Yoquelm readily agreed to this; he was finally going to have Mac alone and indebted to him.  Mac figured she'd come up with some reason why she couldn't go back out when she got back to her room.  Surely he wouldn't expect to stay and eat with her in her hotel room.  She hoped.

Mac had suggested that Yoquelm wait in the lobby, but he said he'd never before seen the rooms in this magnificent hotel.  So she reluctantly agreed for him to come upstairs with her... "just for a minute, Yoquelm.  You'll have to go back down and wait while I change."  

As Mac opened the door to her room, she stepped inside and Yoquelm followed her.  Their eyes were immediately drawn to a large gift basket in the center of the small table.  "Oh!   What's this?" Mac wondered aloud. 

"Someone sends you presents?" Yoquelm asked suspiciously.

Mac smiled.  "At home, once in a while.  This is the first one here, though," she said.  She set her briefcase down on the desk and walked to the table.  Reaching for the basket, she untied the ribbons that held the plastic wrap in place.  Then she pulled the wrap away and looked for a card.  She found a small gift enclosure card.  It was from... "Intimate Baskets in McLean, Virginia!" Mac exclaimed.  She slid her finger under the flap of the envelope.  "I had no idea they shipped internationally."  Mac sighed as she read the card.

"This makes you happy?  This note that you read?" Yoquelm asked.

"Yes, Yoquelm.  Very happy.  It's from my Admiral," Mac said softly.  She set the card on the table and began taking the things out of the basket.  It was obviously a 'pampering' basket.  There were several tubes of scented lotions:  kiwi, cucumber, strawberry, and melon.  There were also two jars of foaming bath salts.  Then she found a little package of jewelry of some sort; Mac laid it aside to look at later.  There was an inflatable pillow with terry cloth on one side and suction cups on the other to hold it in place.  There was a loofah sponge and a body brush.  There were bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner... all with the same citrus fragrance.  There was a box of dusting powder and a small bottle of cucumber-melon massage oil with pheromones.  'Pheromones?  What are those?'  Then Mac found several aromatherapy votive candles and a couple of scented sachets.  

As Mac lifted out the last of the bottles and boxes, there was still obviously something in the bottom of the basket under the tissue paper.  She spread the paper and revealed a silk rose-colored kimono-style robe.  "Oh, AJ!  This is incredible!" she breathed as she took the robe out of the basket and held it up against her.

"AJ?"

Mac jumped hearing Yoquelm's voice.  She had almost forgotten he was even in the room.  "Oh!  Yoquelm.  I'm sorry.  I forgot you were here."

"I see.  What is 'AJ'?" 

"AJ?" Mac repeated.

"Yes.  You said, 'Oh, AJ.  This is incredible.'  What is 'AJ'?" he asked, casually picking up the card from the table and reading it to himself:  'For your enjoyment Sarah.  Until I see you again, AJ'

"Not what.  Who.  AJ is... the Admiral," she admitted.  "Yoquelm, I really have to call him tonight.  I think we'd better forget about dinner."

"I understand," said Yoquelm.  "Your Admiral is very attentive.  This is a good thing.  I am glad for you.  I will see myself out.  And I will see you tomorrow."

"Thank you, Yoquelm.  Good night."  Mac turned her attention back to the gift basket.  "I can't believe he sent this.  What was he thinking?"

Mac decided to wait and call him at home this evening.  She didn't want anyone interrupting their conversation or by chance, listening in.  So she called room service and ordered her dinner delivered upstairs.  After she ate, she filled the tub and used some of the things from the basket.  She decided not to light the candles this time, though.  "I'll save those for another time."

When Mac finished her luxurious bath, she dried off and slipped into the rose kimono.  It was almost 1800 at home now, so she decided to try calling him.  She sat on the edge of the bed and dialed the phone.  

"Chegwidden!" he barked.

"Admiral?  It's Mac," she breathed.

"Mac!  Hello," AJ said.  At hearing his owner's name, Jingo came bounding over to AJ and barked a couple of times.  "You hear him?" AJ asked Mac.

"Jingo!  Yes, I hear him.  He sounds happy."  Jingo perked up his ears and cocked his head.

"I think he can hear your voice, Mac.  Here, talk to him."  AJ lowered the receiver to Jingo's ear.  'I can't believe I'm doing this.'

"Hey, Jingo.  Hey, Baby.  How's my boy?  I miss you, Baby.  Are you being a good boy?" Mac cooed as Jingo whined and licked AJ in the face.  AJ put the receiver back to his ear just as Mac said, "I love you, Honey."

His heart lurched.  'Oh God, if only she were saying that to me!'  "We're having a good time together, Mac.  And you were right.  He does enjoy the yard... a lot."

"Does he miss me at all?" Mac pouted.

AJ laughed.  "Of course he does, Mac.  When you talked to him just now, he was whining and looking up at me like he wanted me to produce you... right here and now."

"I wish you could," she whispered.

"So do I," he replied immediately.

Both of them were quiet for a moment.  Neither could believe they just said those things to each other.

"Admiral, there was a magnificent gift basket waiting for me this evening when I arrived in my hotel room," Mac said.

"Good, I'm glad it arrived.  In one piece?" he asked.

"Oh, yes.  It was perfect.  Admiral, I can't... I just..." Mac hesitated.  "It really is an incredible basket, Sir.  I can't thank you enough."

"You're more than welcome, Mac.  I hope you enjoy the bath salts."

"Oh I already have, Sir.  I took a bath this evening.  The bath salts are wonderful.  And the pillow is perfect!  I've always used a towel as a pillow before, and it gets all wet and soggy and slides down in the water.  This one stayed put.  It was great.  And the kimono, Sir.  It's absolutely gorgeous!"

'Pillow?' AJ thought.  'What pillow?  Kimono!?  What the hell?  Oh God...what did Tiffany send her?  All I asked for was a gift basket for the bath and to be sure to include bath salts!'  "I'm glad you liked it, Mac."

"Oh, and I just love all the different body lotion scents."  Suddenly Mac remembered the piece of jewelry.  "Oh, I haven't opened the piece of jewelry yet.  I laid it aside so it wouldn't get lost and then I forgot to go back to it, there was so much else to look at."

'Jewelry?'

"I'm sure it's lovely.  I'll let you know the next time we talk, Sir."

AJ cleared his throat.  'I have to get this conversation back on a business level or I'm going to lose it here.'  "So, Mac, how much longer do you anticipate the treaty will take to finish?"

Mac was actually glad for the change of subject.  She was getting a bit anxious; the Admiral wasn't very talkative or responsive about her thanks to his gift.  'It was almost like he didn't want me to know he sent it.  But if that were the case, he wouldn't have included the card.'  "I would imagine another two weeks will do it, Admiral.  We've made excellent progress, and I don't see its taking the entire month as originally thought."

"Good, good."

"Admiral, you said that the President will come for the treaty signing.  Do you expect anyone else from the US to come?"

"Webb will probably be there.  And I imagine the SecNav will want a representative from the Navy or Marines present.  Hopefully, he will give that honor to you."

"Admiral, I did want to ask you...  Umm..." Mac hesitated.

"What is it, Colonel?"

"About Araceptian... men, Sir.  They don't give up easily."

AJ chuckled.  "American men don't give up easily either when it comes to you, Mac.  You know that."

"Yes, Sir.  But I was hoping that my hints and constant refusals would..." Mac sighed.  "Nothing seems to phase him, Sir."

"One of the lawyers?"

"Yes, Sir."

"Is he bothering you, Mac?  Do you feel threatened?  Unsafe?"

"Oh, no, Sir.  Not at all.  Yoquelm is very tactful and not at all threatening.  Just... persistent."

AJ smiled.  "You could always tell him you have a boyfriend back home."

"I believe he already thinks that, Sir," Mac said quietly, hoping he wouldn't ask who.  He didn't.

"Well, feel free to use me as an excuse for not going out in the evening.  Tell him you have to check in with me every night.  Hell, tell him I assigned you a research case for your evenings!"

Mac laughed.  "Just as long as you don't, Sir!"

AJ laughed with her, and Jingo barked his approval at hearing AJ's laughter as well as Mac's over the phone.

"Good night, Admiral.

"Good night, Mac.  Sweet dreams."  'Now why did I say that?'

Mac hung up the phone and walked over to the table.  She picked up the little package and opened it.  "I wonder what this is?" she said aloud as she dropped the piece of jewelry into her palm.  "It's too big for a toe ring, but that's how it's shaped.  And a toe ring wouldn't have these little dangly things...  Oh, look!  They're stars!"  Mac caught her breath.  Two stars.  For a 2-star Admiral.  'Oh my God.'   "I wonder what it could be...OH!!!" she exclaimed realizing suddenly what it was.  "The Admiral sent me a belly button ring?!"  Mac laughed.  "That's impossible!  He would never have sent this!  Not knowing what it was, anyway."  Mac resolved NOT to mention it to the Admiral.  Hopefully he wouldn't ask about the piece of jewelry she mentioned.  Obviously this was a mistake.  He probably thought it was a finger ring or something.

Mac picked up the bottle of massage oil.  "Pheromones.  What are those?" she wondered aloud.  She turned the bottle around and read the label on the back.  "Contains pheromones to increase sexual attraction."  Mac was in shock.  "Sexual attraction?  Maybe he does know what the ring is for," she mused.

Continue to Part 2