In the Land of Araceptia - Part 2

Tuesday, 1645 EST
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

AJ paced back and forth in his office.  When there was a gentle knock on his office door, he called, "Come in, Harriett!"

Harriett opened the door and stepped inside, smiling.  "I thought you might like a mug of fresh hot coffee, Sir.  And I brought a couple of cookies, too."  She set them on his desk.  "I'm sure she's fine, Sir."

"What?" he barked, turning to glare at Harriett.

"The Colonel, Sir.  I'm sure she's fine."  Harriett smiled gently.  "Tiner said you were expecting a call from her..."

"Almost three hours ago, Lieutenant."

"Maybe she just... couldn't get to a phone, Admiral," Harriett suggested.

AJ shook his head.  "She has an international cell phone with her, Harriett."  AJ sighed, crossed his arms, and looked out the window.  "I knew something was going to happen.  God, I just hope it's not..."  He sighed, again, deeper than before.  "I'll kill him," he mumbled.

Harriett backed out of his office and closed the door quietly.  The Admiral had been uneasy about this assignment of Mac's from the very beginning.  This was not helping things.  "Tiner," she said, "have you tried calling the Colonel?"

"Yes, Ma'am.  There's no answer in her hotel room or on her cell phone, Lieutenant. I've already left messages at the hotel."

"Maybe you should try the legal office where she's working," Harriett suggested.

"Do you think that would be okay, Ma'am?" asked Tiner.  "I mean the Admiral didn't say he wanted me to get her on the phone.  But he is awfully anxious about her not calling in when she said she would.  So I tried anyway."

Harm walked up while Tiner was talking.  "That's because there's a guy hitting on her pretty hard over there.  And Araceptia isn't the greatest place to reject a man.  Of course, it's also not the greatest place to accept a dinner invitation either, from what the Admiral says.  Try calling her at the office, Tiner.  They've worked some pretty long hours; maybe she's still there."

Tiner picked up the phone and dialed the number.  It finally connected and he requested to speak with Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.

"So sorry.  Colonel is gone for the day.  May I take message and have her to call you tomorrow?" the voice replied in stilted English.

"Yes, please ask her to call Admiral Chegwidden right away," said Tiner.  

"Spell this, please?"

"C-h-e-g-w-i-d-d-e-n.  Admiral Chegwidden."

"Very good.  I will have her to call you tomorrow."

"Thank you."  Tiner hung up.  "She's already gone for the day.  I'll try the hotel, again."  Tiner dialed another number and waited.  Then he asked for Mac's room.  No answer.  

Finally, the hotel operator picked up, again.  "I'm sorry.  Sarah MacKenzie is not answering.  Do you wish to leave a message?"

"Yes, please ask her to call Admiral Chegwidden ASAP," said Tiner.

"Spell this, please?"

"C-h-e-g-w-i-d-d-e-n.  Admiral Chegwidden."

"Very good.  I will give her the message.  Good night."

"Thank you."  Tiner hung up.  "Should I try her cell, again?"

"Might as well," said Harm.

Tiner dialed.  No answer.

After another hour of waiting and still no call, AJ came out of his office.  "I'm heading for home.  My cell is on.  If she calls, transfer her to me.  I'll call you when I get home.  Then you can leave.  If she doesn't reach anyone here, she'll call me there.  She'd better..." he muttered this last.

"Aye, aye, Sir!" said Tiner.  "I'll wait for your call, Admiral."

Tuesday, 1945 EST
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

When AJ got home, he let Jingo out in the backyard to relieve himself.  When he came back to the door, he was covered in dirt.  Not mud... but loose dirt.  "Damn it, Dog!  How the hell did you get so dirty in five minutes?!"  AJ gabbed his collar and walked him straight into the bathroom.  "You're not going to be loose in my house with you this filthy!"  AJ closed the bathroom door and started running the water in the tub.  

Jingo hung his head and tucked his tail between his legs.  AJ learned two weeks before that Jingo did not like baths.  He considered them some form of cruel and unusual punishment, that was obvious.  AJ managed to get him in the bathtub and wet him down.  But before AJ got the shampoo on him, Jingo shook his entire body, sending a shower of water all over AJ and the bathroom.  "Jingo!  No!!  Damn it all, look at me!"

AJ shook his head.  "I can't believe this..."  He took the shampoo and squirted it along the dog's back.  Then he lathered it in.  As AJ prepared to rinse it off, Jingo made a move to start shaking, again.  "Don't even think about it!" AJ scolded him.  Jingo lowered his head and whimpered.  

"It's not so bad, Jingo.  Now granted, I imagine it's more fun when Mac gives you a bath.  Hell, I wouldn't mind her giving me a bath..."  AJ jumped when he heard the phone ring.  He practically ran into the door, forgetting to open it, as he ran to grab the handset from the bedside table.  Of course, in his haste, he forgot to close the door.  "Chegwidden!" he barked.

"Admiral?  It's Colonel MacKenzie, Sir."

"Mac!  Are you all right?  Did he hurt you?" his words tumbled forth.

"I'm fine, Sir.  Hurt me?  Who?"

"Where the hell have you been?!" he yelled.  "You were supposed to call me almost SIX HOURS ago!"

"I'm sorry, Admiral.  I was detained.  I couldn't..."

"Detained?!" he continued his tirade.  "Who the hell detained you, Mac?  The Palace guards??"

"Not exactly, Sir."

"WHAT, exactly, Colonel?" he barked.

"I received a summons to be at the Royal Palace at 1530, Admiral, for an audience with the King.  I fully expected to return to the office and then to my hotel early and call you, as I said I would.  But my meeting with the King lasted longer than I expected.  And then the Queen saw me as I was ready to leave, and she asked me to stay for dinner.  And then she wanted to talk.  I've been with Queen Anora all evening, Sir.  She sent a Palace guard to escort me back to the hotel.  I just got here and got all your messages."

"Messages?"

"Yes, Sir.  The hotel operator said you called several times this evening.  And the legal office brought a message over here for me from you, too.  I'm sorry, Admiral.  I really had no control over..."

"Tiner," AJ said.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Tiner must have left the messages, Mac."

"You didn't call?" Mac found she was disappointed.

"No.  But I guess I made life pretty miserable around the office this afternoon.  So I guess Tiner took it upon himself to try and find you."

"I see."

"I was... worried, Mac.  I still don't like the idea of your being there.  I still feel like something's going to happen, and when you didn't call today, I... I was afraid it had."

Mac heard the despair in AJ's voice.  "I'm so sorry, Sir.  I never thought you'd be so worried.  I just assumed you'd know I would call when I could.  I forgot about your feeling of impending doom," she joked lightly, trying to lighten the mood.

It worked; he chuckled... then sighed heavily.  "Embarrassed you pretty well, did I?" he said.

"I'm sure I'll hear about it at the office tomorrow," she giggled.  "But it's nice to know someone misses me over there."

"Oh, you're definitely missed, Mac.  Rabb doesn't behave nearly as well when you're not around," he joked.

Mac laughed.  Then asked, "So, how's Jingo?"

"Oh my God!!" AJ bellowed.  "The dog!"  He went back to the bathroom, and sure enough, Jingo was gone.

"Admiral?  What's wrong?  Where's Jingo?  Is he okay?  What is it?" Mac kept asking because AJ wasn't answering her.

AJ walked out into the living room.  And there he was.  "Jingo!  Get back in here!  Now, Dog!!"

"Woof!" Jingo answered, jumping down from AJ's big leather recliner and walking back to the bedroom.  

"What a mess that's going to be to clean up," AJ mumbled.  

"Admiral?"

AJ followed Jingo back into the bedroom.  "Don't you dare get on that bed, Jingo!" AJ barked at him.  Jingo stopped, just before he jumped up.  "The bathroom, now!"

"Admiral, what's going on?!?" Mac insisted.

"Sorry, Mac.  I was giving Jingo a bath when you called.  I forgot to close the bathroom door when I answered the phone, and he made a beeline for my leather chair in the living room.  Now it's covered in dog shampoo.  He just tried for the bed, too, but I caught him first.  He's back in the tub now."

Mac could hear Jingo whining over the telephone.  "Poor baby.  I usually give him a massage when I bathe him, Sir.  He's probably just missing that."

"You give the dog a massage?"

Mac giggled.  "He likes it, Sir."

"I'm sure he does, Mac.  Hell, I'd sure like it if you massaged me in the bathtub."  'Oh God, tell me I didn't just say that!'

Mac was speechless.  'Did he just say what I think he said?  He was joking.  That's it.  Has to be...'  "Anytime, Sir," Mac decided to joke back.  "But you'll have to return the favor."

"Mac," AJ's voice was low and husky.  "If I ever give you a massage, it won't be in the bathtub."

They were silent for a minute... 64 seconds, to be exact.  Finally, Mac said, "I think I should hang up my end, Sir.  It's late, and I have a full day tomorrow.  If there's nothing else...?"

"Nothing else, Mac," AJ replied.  "Good night."

Wednesday, 1100 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

Mac returned from the ladies' room and smelled the fresh flowers, even before she saw them on the table.  "Oh, how beautiful!" she gushed.  She cupped one of the multi-colored roses in her palm and bent her head to sniff.  "Mmm, just heavenly," she purred. 

"Who sends you flowers?" Yoquelm asked.

"They're for me?" she asked.

"For whom else would they be in this room?" Noshem joked.

Mac smiled as she took the card from the flowers and read it.  Her smile grew even wider as she read.  

"I would say these are from your Admiral," Yoquelm said.  "Am I correct?"

Mac nodded.  "Yes."  She laid the card on the table and inspected the roses, one by one.  

Yoquelm picked up the card and read it aloud:  "Yes, Sarah, you are definitely missed.  Hurry Home.  AJ & Jingo"  He set it back on the table, "We know that AJ is your Admiral.  So who is Jingo?"

"My dog."

Noshem and Yoquelm looked knowingly at each other.  

Monday, 1315 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

The day finally arrived when Yoquelm informed Mac that her work had to be approved by a male.  She was glad the Admiral had warned her about this in advance, or she would have been very angry.  As it was, she simply replied, "That won't be a problem at all, gentlemen.  I'll call the Admiral, and he'll arrange for someone to come over right away."

Yoquelm was surprised.  He expected Mac to argue.  Or at least to balk at the idea of her work not being as good as a man's.  Noshem, on the other hand, was not surprised.  He was most impressed with this American woman.  She had shown respect for their culture and their ways, she had never insulted them in any way, and yet she had not been tricked into owing a man anything... even though Yoquelm pursued her every day.

At 1315 her time, Mac knew the Admiral would be in his office preparing for his Monday 0900 staff meeting.  He'd probably be the only one in the office, its being only 0715 there.  She called JAG Headquarters, and he answered the phone.  "Chegwidden!"

"Good morning, Admiral.  It's Mac."

"Mac!  Good morning.  This is an unusual hour for you to call.  What's up?" he asked.

"The Araceptians would like an American male to review the treaty, Sir," Mac said simply.

"I see.  So they haven't changed much since I was there, have they?"

"Not at all, Admiral."

"I'll be sure to tell Webb," he chuckled.

"So, whom will you send, Sir?"

"I'll try to reach Captain Ingalls.  If I can't get him, I'll try Captain Davis or Captain Weatherly."

"I don't believe I've ever met either of the latter two, Sir," Mac informed him.

"No, but they know about you, so that doesn't bother me.  I really want Ingalls, though.  I'll make some calls and call you back when I have a name.  When will you be ready for him?"

"We're almost finished, Sir.  I'd say he should be here by Wednesday."

"Nice of them to give us fair warning," AJ grumbled.

"When should I expect your call, Sir?"

"As soon as I know something, Mac.  Probably today."

"Very good, Admiral."

"You're taking it well."

"Thanks to you, Sir."

Monday, 1435 CET
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

AJ pulled into the JAG parking lot.  He was not happy.  Captain Ingalls was at sea, as AJ expected, but his ship was in the wrong ocean.  "Why in the world is he deployed to the Pacific right now?  Damn!"  He'd spent the better part of an hour with the CNO and had been unsuccessful in convincing him that Ingalls was the only man for this job.  When AJ failed there, he tried for Davis or Weatherly.  

But the CNO wouldn't have it.  Then he dropped the bombshell.  "Nelson's already approved Commander Lindsey's going as the reviewer, AJ."

"Lindsey!?"  AJ had almost lost it right there, but he held his tongue.  Until he got to his vehicle.  Then he exploded.  He had driven back to JAG in record time.  "Surprised I didn't get pulled over," he muttered to himself as he entered the building.  When the elevator wasn't immediately there, AJ took the stairs two at a time and stormed through the bullpen to his office.  Entering it, he slammed his door, and the pictures on the wall shook.

Harm, Sturgis, and Bud all approached Tiner's desk.  "I guess it didn't go so well," commented Bud.

"That would be an understatement, Bud," replied Harm.

The buzzer sounded, and Tiner was quick to answer.  "Yes, Sir?"

"Get Rabb, Turner, and Roberts in here.  Yesterday!" he snapped.

Harm knocked on AJ's door and opened it.  The three men walked in and came to attention stance.  "Reporting as ordered, Sir!"

"At ease," AJ said.  He was pacing back and forth behind his desk, his arms folded across his chest.  "Anything on the docket this week that could turn critical?  Become a crisis?"  AJ looked directly at Harm.  "Commander?"

Harm thought for a moment.  "No, Sir, there's nothing I consider volatile.  I don't believe any of our cases this week have the potential for... turning critical," he said for lack of a better phrase.

"You agree, Commander?" AJ asked, turning to Sturgis.

He nodded.  "I agree completely, Sir.

"Even with a change in attorney midstream?" AJ asked pointedly.

Harm looked surprised, but quickly recovered.  "No, Sir.  Not even with a change in attorney."  He wanted to ask who was leaving on a new assignment, but with the mood the Admiral was in, he didn't dare.  They'd all find out soon enough.

"Good.  Rabb, you'll be acting JAG the rest of the week, and until I return.  Distribute your caseload between Lieutenants Roberts and Singer as you see fit."

"Aye, aye, Sir."

"Lieutenant Roberts, get me on a flight to Varanon, Araceptia.  I need to arrive there no later than Wednesday morning.  And get me a room at the hotel where the Colonel is staying."

"Aye, aye, Sir."

"I'm assuming everything is fine with the treaty; Mac says it is, and I believe her.  Which means that the President will fly over there on Friday or Saturday for the signing."

"Don't they usually schedule those things in advance, Sir?" asked Sturgis.

"As a rule, yes.  But our government wants this one so badly, the President is willing to move his agenda around to get it done sooner, rather than later," AJ explained.

"Admiral, I thought you were going to request Captain Ingalls to go as the reviewer?" ventured Harm.

"I did.  He's in the Pacific.  I tried for Captain Davis or Weatherly, too.  But the SecNav has it in mind to send Commander Lindsey," he sneered.  "And I'll be damned if I'll agree to that!  So I'm going."  AJ yelled out the door.  "Tiner!  Get Colonel MacKenzie on the phone!"  He looked back at his officers.  "She has a concern that she believes I need to take a look at as the JAG," he said.

"She does?" asked Bud.  "I thought everything was going smoothly..."

"It is, Bud.  That's the reason he's going to give the SecNav for going himself instead of sending Lindsey," Harm explained quietly.

"Ooooh," Bud whispered conspiratorially.  

"That'll be all.  Dismissed," AJ told the men.

"Aye, aye, Sir!"  Harm said.  The three came to attention stance, turned on their heels as one, and left the office.

As they reached the bullpen, Sturgis asked, "Bud, why does the Admiral always have you make his travel arrangements?"

Harm chuckled.  "Are you kidding?  Bud can get you anywhere you need to go at a moments notice.  There won't be a flight, and Bud will find one.  He's amazing!"

Harriett stepped up and said, "He once got the Admiral from DC to Italy on Christmas Eve when every airport on the East Coast was closed because of a blizzard!"

Bud added, "And ever since, he always has me make his arrangements."

"Tiner!" they heard the Admiral's bellow.  "Get me a Yellow Pages!  And haven't you reached the Colonel yet?!"

Harriett grabbed her copy and ran to his office.  "I have it, Tiner," she whispered as she stepped inside.  "Admiral?  You needed a copy of the Yellow Pages, Sir?" she asked as she set it on his desk.

"Yes, I have to find a kennel for Jingo."  He reached for the book and flipped to the Ks.

"For Jingo, Sir?  Isn't he already in a kennel?" she asked.

He looked up at her.  "If he was already in a kennel, why would I need to find one, Lieutenant?" he asked sarcastically.

"I'm sorry, Sir.  I didn't realize you were keeping him for the Colonel."

"I volunteered.  Been thinking about getting a dog, so this was sort of a trial run to squelch the idea."  AJ found the listings for kennels and picked up the phone.

"Sir, do you know which kennel she uses?" Harriett asked.

"No.  One's about the same as another, right?"

"No, Sir.  Kennels are very different.  And Mac is rather protective of Jingo.  I tell you what, Sir.  Why don't you let Bud and me take home with us?  We've kept him for the Colonel before, and we'd be happy to do it, again.  She doesn't like asking us because she thinks it's too much with little AJ.  But we love it.  And little AJ adores Jingo."

"You're sure?" he asked.

Harriett nodded.  "Absolutely, Sir."

He set the phone back on the cradle.  "Well, I'll talk to Mac in just a minute IF TINER EVER GETS HER ON THE PHONE," he yelled this last.  "I'll make sure it's okay, but if you've kept him before, I don't see why she'd object."

"Very good, Sir.  Now, is there anything I can do to assist you in getting ready for your trip, Admiral?" Harriett offered.

AJ shook his head.  "Not that comes to mind.  I'll let you know if I think of something."

"Admiral, Colonel MacKenzie is on Line 2, Sir," Tiner said from the doorway.

AJ nodded at Harriett to dismiss her as he reached for the phone.  Harriett turned and left, closing the door behind her.

"Colonel?  Admiral Chegwidden," AJ said.

"Good afternoon, Admiral.  Were you able to get Captain Ingalls?" Mac asked.

"He's in the Pacific.  I'll be there tomorrow or Wednesday morning at the latest.  Bud is making the arrangements now."

"You're coming, Sir?"

"Would you rather have Commander Lindsey?" he asked pointedly.

"I'm delighted that you're coming, Admiral.  What time shall I pick you up?" Mac said without missing a beat.

AJ chuckled.  "Don't know yet.  Listen, is it okay with you if Bud and Harriett keep Jingo?"

"I hate to impose on them, Sir."

"Harriett requested it, Mac.  She brought me the Yellow Pages I asked for; I was going to call a kennel.  When she realized what I was doing, she offered to take him.  Says that my namesake adores him."

"He seems to."

"I can certainly see why.  Jingo is a delightful dog, Mac.  I'm going to miss him," said AJ.

"Thank you, Sir.  I have to agree.  He is a delight.  Yes, Sir, it's fine for Bud and Harriett to keep him.  If you're sure they don't mind."

"I'll check with Bud before I accept Harriett's offer, how's that?" suggested AJ.

Mac laughed.  "You really think he'd turn you down?"

"No, I suppose not," AJ chuckled.

Tuesday, 2235 CET
AJ's Hotel Room
Varanon, Araceptia

AJ and Mac rode the elevator up to the fifth floor and made their way down the corridor to AJ's room.  "Where is your room, Mac?" he asked as he inserted the key in the door.

"I'm directly below you, Sir.  Same room only on the fourth floor," she replied.  AJ nodded, picking up his bag and carrying it inside.  "Have you had dinner, Sir?"

AJ shook his head.  "No.  I figured I'd grab something when I got here.  Didn't count on the hotel dining room being closed."

Mac smiled.  "Most places here do close rather early, Sir.  The stores are closed by 1800, and the restaurants close by 2200, for the most part."

"Sounds like the US... 30+ years ago."  AJ lifted his bag on the bed and opened it.  Then he moved to the window to look outside.  When he turned around, Mac was hanging up his mess dress uniform.  "Mac, I'll do that."

"It's no trouble at all, Admiral.  Why don't you decide what you want to eat and call room service?  They don't have a big menu after the dining room closes, but they have a few things available until midnight.  The book, there on the table by the bed, lists the room service items," she told him as she shook the wrinkles out of another uniform before placing it on a hanger.

When AJ finished ordering, Mac was just placing his underwear in the top dresser drawer.  "Mac, I can do that," AJ said, a little embarrassed.

Mac smiled.  "I'm almost finished, Sir."  She closed the drawer and opened the next one, placing the last of his clothing in the drawer.  Then she picked up his shaving kit and took it into the bathroom, laying it on the counter.  AJ moved the bag from the bed and set it in the back of the clothespress.  "All done," she said as she came back into the room. 

AJ motioned to the table and chairs by the window.  "Have a seat.  Bring me up to speed on the treaty and the two men you've been working with," AJ instructed her as he removed his uniform jacket and draped it on the back of one of the chairs.  

Mac proceeded to tell him what had transpired in the last couple of days and told him about Yoquelm and Noshem.  Twenty minutes later, a knock at the door announced that the Admiral's late dinner had arrived.  He got up and opened the door.  

A young woman entered with the tray.  "Your dinner, Sir.  And I am pleased to serve in any way."

Mac stood up and stepped forward, putting her hand on AJ's arm.  "Just set our tray on the table.  That will be all.  Thank you," she said.  The young woman set the tray down and then left.  As she closed the door, Mac released AJ's arm and said, "My apologies, Sir."  Mac walked back to the table but didn't sit.

AJ walked up behind her and said quietly, "Was that what I think it was, Mac?"

Mac nodded.  "Yes, Sir.  Room service for men seems to come with dessert on the house," she whispered. 

"What if I'd wanted a little company tonight, Colonel?  You just blew off my chances," he teased.

"My apologies, Admiral.  I shouldn't have assumed in such a way.  I'm sure you need only call back and tell them she forgot something,"  Mac retorted.  "Shall I call back downstairs for you?"

AJ laughed.  "I don't think so, Mac.  Maybe tomorrow night," he joked, and they laughed together.  "Have to take it when it's offered, Mac.  Don't get women throwing themselves at me anymore, you know."

"I find that hard to believe, Sir."

"Well, thank you, Colonel!"

Mac blushed, remembering the belly button ring she was wearing.  'I can't believe I put that on tonight, just to go pick him up at the airport!' she thought ruefully.  'Well, what he doesn't know won't hurt... me!'

"Sit, Mac.  Eat.  I ordered enough for both of us," AJ told her as they sat back at the table.  Mac continued telling AJ about the treaty, explaining the surprisingly few difficulties they'd had while writing it.  

"I'm very impressed with their legal system here, Sir.  It's very modern; it's like it was modeled after ours."

"It was, Mac," AJ nodded.  "That's part of the reason I was here before.  I was assisting them in setting up their new 'legal system'."

"I didn't realize you were here that long, Sir."

"I wasn't.  I was only here about a week.  Then my parents died in a plane crash, and the Navy allowed me to go home for the funeral.  The work here couldn't wait, so they replaced me.  Which, actually, was fine with me.  I didn't particularly enjoy my visit here.  There is some beautiful countryside, though.  Have you seen any of it?"

"No, Sir.  We've worked 7 days a week since I arrived.  And it's dark by the time I leave the office, so I just go straight to the hotel.  Or to the Palace.  One night I was invited to Noshem's house for the evening.  That was nice," she smiled.

"Noshem's house?" queried AJ.

"He's married.  His wife extended the invitation."

AJ nodded.  "Good.  I take it that it's the other one... Yoquam?"

"Yoquelm, Sir."

"Yoquelm.  He's the one who's been hitting on you, hmm?"  Mac nodded.  "Not getting anywhere, though, hmm?" he smirked.

"Thanks to your warning, Admiral," Mac smiled.

"You said there were two men... the first day or so.  Who was the other one?  Will I be meeting him?"

Mac grinned.  "I imagine so," she said evasively.

AJ saw her grin.  "What?  Come on, Mac.  Who?"

She giggled lightly.  "I think it would be best to keep that one to myself, Sir."

"If I'm going to meet the man, Colonel, I'd like to know who it is," AJ said, a little more sternly.

"Yes, Sir," Mac acquiesced.  "King Jessup."

"The King?" AJ said incredulously.  "Good God, Mac!  How did you refuse him and stay in his good graces?"

Mac smiled.  "It was the second day I was here, Admiral.  The King was showing me the Palace grounds.  And he requested that I join him for lunch.  I suggested that it might be a good idea for me to get started working instead."

"You contradicted him?"

"Well, fortunately, he didn't take it that way.  He saw it as a refusal and questioned me on it.  I simply replied that I would be delighted to share a meal with him and the Queen at any time during my stay here."

AJ chuckled, "Oooh, that was smooth, Mac.  Really smooth."

Mac smiled.  "The King seemed pleased with my answer.  And I received an invitation from the Queen very soon after that."

"So your spending the evening with her last week was nothing unusual?" he asked.

"I wouldn't say that, Sir.  I've only been to the Palace four times in the three weeks that I've been here."

"Four times?  And you don't think you're 'hobnobbing'?" AJ laughed.  Mac looked surprised.  He nodded.  "Yea, Harm told me."

"He's a pill."

"When are the two of you going to get your acts together and admit how you feel about each other?" he asked her.

Mac looked up at him, startled.  "I beg your pardon?"

AJ looked down at his hands and then stared out the window.  "I'm sorry, Mac.  I had no right to ask you that.  It's none of my business."

"Admiral, there is nothing between me and Harm.  Nothing except friendship and a working relationship.  We're not romantically involved."

AJ turned around and faced her.  "I know that, Mac.  My question was when are you going to be?"

"Romantically involved?"  AJ nodded.  "We're not.  I'm not in love with Harm, Admiral."

AJ looked at her disbelievingly.  "For the last six years, the two of you have danced around each other.  And you're telling me that there's nothing between you?"

"Funny you should choose those words, Sir.  I said them to Harm only last summer.  Neither of us are willing to give up what we'd have to give up to have the other.  That tells me that we're not in love and not likely ever to be."

"I see," AJ stood up and walked to the window.  He folded his arms across his chest and stared into the darkness outside.  "Well, that's good to know.  I've been keeping my eyes open for a position for one of you since Brumby left last year.  Just in case, you know..."

"I think that's part of the problem, Sir.  Harm wouldn't leave JAG for me."

"And you wouldn't leave JAG for him?"

"No, Sir.  Not for Harm," she added softly.

AJ turned around at this and cocked his head slightly, looking into her eyes.  Mac immediately looked away.  'No.  She didn't mean you, old man.  Don't even go there.'

"If there's nothing else tonight, Sir, I'll go on back to my room now," Mac suggested.

"Nothing else, Mac.  Thanks for meeting me at the airport.  I'll meet you downstairs at 0730 for breakfast, and we'll go to the office from there?"

Mac nodded.  "Very good, Sir.  See you in the morning, then."

Wednesday, 0835 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

"So you are the famous Admiral," said Yoquelm, after Mac introduced them to AJ.  "It is an honor and, indeed, a pleasure to meet you, Sir."  Yoquelm extended his hand in greeting.  AJ shook it.

AJ turned to Noshem and shook his hand, as well.  "It is an honor to meet you, Admiral.  We have heard much of you from Mac."

AJ turned to her and quipped, "Oh?"

Noshem nodded.  "Yes, Sir.  She speaks very highly of you."

"Yes, even before the basket and the flowers," added Yoquelm, pointedly.

"Shall we get to work, gentlemen?" suggested Mac, embarrassed.  "Admiral, we have the completed treaty here for your review," she pushed the folder toward him.  "I would suggest that you read it, paying close attention to Sections 3, 9, and 24.  If you have any questions as you read, we'll be here to answer."

AJ nodded.  "That will be fine, Colonel."  AJ sat down and opened the folder.

Wednesday, 1215 CET
Legal Office
Varanon, Araceptia

AJ finally finished reading the treaty.  He had a few questions, and Mac answered them to his full satisfaction.  He looked up at the three standing on the other side of the table.  "This is excellent work.  I commend all three of you.  I am very impressed.  And the Colonel can tell you, I'm not easily impressed."

Mac smiled.  "That's quite true," she turned to Yoquelm and Noshem.  "It takes a lot to impress the Admiral."

"I trust you both are invited to the signing ceremony?" asked AJ.

Noshem lowered his head as Yoquelm spoke.  "I have that honor for both of us, Sir."

AJ replied, "I see your King tomorrow morning.  I will request that you, also, be invited, Noshem.  As much as Colonel MacKenzie tells me you contributed to this piece of work, you deserve that honor.  I can't say that he'll issue the invitation, but I will certainly ask."

Noshem lifted his head and his eyes were as bright as his smile.  "Thank you, Admiral.  That is most gracious of you."

"You and Yoquelm have been very generous and hospitable to one of my finest officers for the last three weeks.  Believe me, this is the very least I can do to show my appreciation," AJ smiled.  "Now if you'll excuse us, gentlemen, the Colonel and I have plans for the rest of the day."

Mac turned questioning eyes to the Admiral.  'Plans?  We do?' she seemed to ask.

"Colonel?  Shall we go?"  AJ opened the door and allowed Mac to precede him out the door.  They left the building and headed for the hotel.

"I didn't realize we had plans today, Admiral," Mac finally said.  "Did I forget something?"

"I thought you'd like to see some of the countryside, Mac.  It really is a beautiful area."

Mac and AJ went to their respective rooms and changed into casual civilian clothes.  After about 10 minutes, AJ knocked on Mac's door.  "You about ready, Mac?" he called.  "I thought we'd grab a bite to eat before we head out."

Mac opened the door and motioned for him to come inside the room.  "Almost ready, Admiral.  Just have to get my shoes on."  

AJ walked over to the table and admired the basket.  "Nice," he said quietly.

"Sir?" Mac didn't hear what he said.

He turned back to face her.  "Oh, nothing.  I just commented on the basket."

"It really is lovely, Sir.  It meant so much to receive that; I really needed a boost that evening." 

"You're not the only one with impeccable timing, Mac," grinned AJ.

Mac blushed profusely as he said this.  She tried to cover it by lowering her head to put on her shoes.

AJ, too late, realized the double meaning to his words.  'Nice going, Chegwidden.'  He turned to the dresser and picked up a ring.  At least he thought it was a ring.  'Never seen a ring with little dangling things.  What are these... stars?  Hmm, interesting.'  "How the hell does this work, Mac?" he asked casually.

She finished tying her shoes and stood up.  She saw what he was playing with.  'Oh my God; I left that out?!'  "It just clips on, Sir."

"And it stays in place?"

Mac nodded, embarrassed.  "Mmm hmm."

"And it isn't uncomfortable?"

"No, Sir.  It's just fine." Mac began blushing.

"I would think these little stars would get in the way."  

"No, Sir.  They just dangle.  They aren't in the way of... anything," Mac choked out, her color rising even more.

"Mac, are you all right?" he asked, realizing suddenly that Mac was having difficulty speaking.

"Fine, Sir," she gulped.

AJ saw Mac blushing profusely.  Then it occurred to him.  He looked at the ring in his hand and turned it over, again.  "Mac, is this a ring?"

Mac nodded her head.  "Of sorts, Sir."

"Of sorts?"

"Yes, Sir."

"A finger ring?"

"No, Sir."

"A toe ring?"

"No, Sir."

"Mac, do I want to know what this is?"

"Probably not, Sir."

"Probably not?"

Mac shook her head, again.  "Probably not."  'Well, obviously it was a mistake.  I knew he wouldn't have chosen that for me.'

AJ decided not to pursue the matter.  He set the ring on the dresser, and said, "Shall we go?"

Wednesday, 1355 CET
Varanon Cafe
Varanon, Araceptia

AJ paid the bill as they left the little cafe.  The owner winked at him as he and Mac left.  When they got outside, Mac burst into giggles.  "Mac, it isn't funny" AJ snapped.

"It is, too!" she retorted.  "He thinks you're going to get some now because you bought my lunch!"

"When in Rome..."

Mac laughed outright at that.  "You wouldn't dare!" she squealed, turning to face him.

"Oh, wouldn't I?" he laughed.

"You have to catch me first!" Mac said darting off toward the car.  AJ was close on her heels before she even got half way to the car.  He reached out and grabbed her by the waist, picked her up, and tossed her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.  "Put me down!" she laughed, beating her hands on his back as they reached the rental car.  "Put me down, you beast!"  

"Beast!?" AJ flipped her over and sat her on the trunk of the car.  "You think I'm a beast, Mac?" he teased.  "I'll show you beastly," he said as he lowered his head to hers in preparation for ravaging her mouth.  

Just as he was going to devour her, she gasped, "Admiral?"

It was as though someone doused him in the face with cold water.  He jerked away from her and pulled her off the trunk of the car.  "My God, Mac.  I'm sorry.  I can't believe I just did that.  That I...  Oh, God.  Mac, I can't...  I don't..."  AJ was beside himself.  

"It was my fault.  I started it.  My God, I called you a beast!  I am so sorry, Sir.  That was way out of line."

"I played right along, Mac.  It was not your fault.  I'll take you back to the hotel.  I can't believe I..."

"No, please, Admiral," Mac interrupted.  "I'd really like that drive in the country."  AJ looked warily at her.  She smiled up at him.  He never could resist her smile.  "Please, Sir.  Let's just forget what just happened and go on with our plans for the day."

"Mac, are you sure?"

"Let's go," she said walking around to the passenger side of the car and climbing in.

They spent the next several hours driving and sightseeing. Mac had AJ stop the car several times so she could get out and take pictures and admire the view. "This country is magnificent. It's just beautiful!" she gushed.

AJ agreed, "Yes, it is, Mac. One of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen."

"Where are we headed now?" Mac asked.

"I thought we'd watch the sunset from the top of the mountain," AJ said.

"Which mountain?"

"This one, Mac. We've been climbing for the last hour; haven't you noticed?" he teased.

"I haven't really been paying attention to the road. I've been enjoying the scenery."

"Well, if I remember correctly, and they haven't changed it in all these years, there's a turnoff just ahead where we can park and watch the sun go down." They rounded the corner, and sure enough, there was the turnoff. AJ veered the car to the right, and drove very slowly down the narrow path. He parked the car, and they got out. "Be careful, Mac. It's a little rougher walking here than I remembered."

Mac looked at the ground in front of her. "Now I wish I had worn my tennis shoes. I almost did, but when I decided on this skirt instead of pants, tennis shoes just didn't seem quite right."

"The skirt was the correct choice, Mac. Especially coming out into the country."

"Yes, I've noticed that all of the women we've seen since we left the city are wearing skirts."

"Araceptia is modernized in the cities, but not so much in the country yet." AJ found just the spot he remembered. "Over here, Mac," he called to her. She walked toward him. As she stepped forward, he remembered his feeling that something was going to happen.  'Maybe she gets hurt...'  "Careful. Here," he extended his arm to her. "Take my hand."

Mac took it and AJ helped her over the rough spots. "Thank you, Sir." They sat together and watched the sky change colors as the sun sank lower in the sky. As it slipped below the horizon, the world slipped into total darkness, startling Mac. "Oh!" she cried.

AJ reached over and put his arm around Mac's shoulders. "It's okay, Mac. It'll be light again in a few seconds." Just as he predicted, a soft glow appeared on the horizon, and the world was visible once again.

"I've never seen that happen before," whispered Mac.

"This is the only place I've ever seen it," AJ said. "Took me by surprise, too, the first time."

"I'm surprised no one mentioned it in town."

"They may not even know it, Mac. It seems to be just this one spot. Stand up there by the road, and it stays light when the sun disappears. It's really quite strange."

"I'll say."

They sat quietly then for the next 20 minutes, just watching the colors play across the sky. After about 5 minutes, AJ realized that he'd never removed his arm from around Mac's shoulders. 'If I move it now, it'll be rather obvious,' he decided. So he left it there until Mac turned and asked when they were going to eat. He laughed. "You're always hungry, aren't you?"

Wednesday, 1945 CET
Shallase's
Oustansen, Araceptia

AJ pulled the car into the parking lot.  "I ate at this place when I was here years ago.  I can't believe it's still around," AJ said.

"Shallase's," Mac said the name aloud.  "I'm sure this must be the place that Yoquelm mentioned.  This is where he wanted to bring me for dinner several evenings.  Sometimes he just wanted to eat at the hotel, but other times... he suggested the cafe or this place."

"Wish you took him up on it?" AJ joked.

"Not likely," she quipped.  "Besides, I'm getting to eat here now!"  They laughed as they entered the restaurant.

"May I help you?" the hostess asked in flawless English.  She had heard them speaking as they opened the door and knew they were Americans.

"Two for dinner, please," AJ replied.

"Very good, Sir.  And have you dined with us before?"

"Yes, some years ago.  I remember it was excellent," AJ replied, smiling.

"Ah, I see.  If you will follow me?"  The hostess walked through a smoky lounge, then weaved her way through several small tables.  AJ recognized the room as being where his table was before.  Then the hostess turned into another room and opened a door.  "Here you are, Sir.  Mylaia will take your order very soon."  With that, the hostess turned and left, closing the door behind her.

AJ and Mac looked at each other and then around the room.  "I think this place has different rooms for dining alone versus dining with someone. When I was here before, I ate at one of the tables we passed on the way in here," AJ managed to say. "This is definitely a room for two. And two people who do a lot more than eat."

"Now I know why Yoquelm was so anxious to bring me here," Mac said lightly.

"Well?  Do you want to stay, or would you prefer going elsewhere?"

"Admiral, we don't know of any other places to eat.  And we don't want the restaurants to close before we have dinner.  Why don't we just go ahead and eat here?"

"Okay," AJ agreed, quickly sitting on the floor pillows and extending his hand to Mac.  "Care to sit, Mac?" he teased.

"Sure glad I wore a long skirt!" she laughed as she lowered herself to the floor.  "Hey!  You have all the pillows.  No fair!"

"That's because I'm the man, Mac.  If you want a pillow, you have to earn one."

"Oh?  And just how do you propose that I earn a pillow?"

AJ laughed.  "Just slide over here, Mac.  The pillows don't move much.  They're attached.  We're supposed to sit together."

Mac blushed.  "Oh.  Sorry," she giggled.

She was just sliding over and getting comfortable when the door opened and startled her.  "Oh!" she exclaimed, leaning back and losing her balance in the process.  AJ reached out and grabbed her shoulders, pulling her up on the pillows and slightly against him.

"Better?" he asked.

She nervously nodded, not looking at him.  "Much.  Thank you, Sir."

The petite girl who stood in the doorway said, "I am Mylaia.  You wish entire meal?"

AJ replied, "Yes, please.  No alcohol.  Tea instead."

Mylaia smiled.  "Tea right away.  Meal in 5 minutes.  Is good?"

Mac smiled at the girl.  "Very good.  Thank you."

Mylaia waited, though she did smile at Mac when she spoke.  When it became obvious that she wasn't leaving, AJ said, "That's fine, yes."

Mylaia smiled, again, turned and left the room, closing the door behind her.  AJ chuckled.  "Your word wasn't quite good enough, I guess, Mac," he teased.

"I'm surprised at this place, AJ.  None of the other restaurants I've eaten at here were like this.  They were very modern."

"We can still go someplace else, Mac," AJ offered.

"Oh no!  I like it here.  It's just so different.  I'm sure I'll enjoy the food.  This is going to be a true Araceptian meal, I'll bet.  Noshem's wife is such a dear, but she tried to make food she thought I'd prefer rather than Araceptian.  And the Palace serves International foods; I've yet to have a real Araceptian meal."

"Well, you'll certainly have it here, Mac."

Mylaia returned with their tea.  "Pardon, Sir.  The couple next door are from Varanon.  He wishes to share?"

Mac turned to AJ and smiled, saying, "I think that would be fun.  Sharing the room and our meal with an Araceptian couple?  We'd get to have a new..."

AJ shook his head at Mylaia.  "Tell him no thank you.  I do not wish to share tonight.  Perhaps another evening."  Mylaia nodded and backed out of the room.  Mac looked at him with a question in her eyes.  "Mac, he didn't want to share the room.   He wanted to share women."  

Mac's eyes practically bugged out of her head.  "What?"

"He wanted you and he'd give me his wife.  Or girlfriend, or whomever is with him."

"You have to be kidding!"

AJ grinned.  "Did you still want me to say that we'll share, Mac?"

She turned away from him with a grin on her face.  "Maybe I'd get a little respect from the guy next door," Mac quipped.

AJ snorted, "Don't count on it, Mac!  More likely he'd have you naked on the pillows in less than five minutes."  AJ put his hands on her shoulders.

Mac decided to be a little evil.  "Five minutes?  Must not be very sexy.  I'd expect you to have her naked on these pillows in less than two."

AJ's grip on Mac's arms tightened.  "Less than two, Mac?"

Mac could feel the strength in AJ's hands.  'Oh to have him want me.  Take me.  Love me.  But that will never be.'  But then Mac felt him moving her.  Pulling her back toward him, against his chest.  He moved his hands from her shoulders and began slipping them around her middle.  Mac started to turn in his arms as AJ lowered them to a prone position on the pillows.  Just as their mouths almost met, Mylaia opened the door and brought their dinner inside.

AJ looked deeply into Mac's eyes.  "I'm sorry, Mac," he whispered, his voice barely audible.  "I should have insisted we go elsewhere."  He sat up and pulled Mac with him.  Then he released his hold on her.  He looked at Mylaia.  "This looks delicious, Mylaia.  Thank you."

"You ring bell pull if you need anything," Mylaia told him.  "I go now.  Be back in two hours," she added as she closed the door behind her.

"Two hours?" AJ and Mac said at the same time, turning to look at each other.

AJ and Mac enjoyed their meal. "I haven't figured out what the primary spice is, though," said Mac. "Can you tell?"

AJ shook his head. "I couldn't place it years ago, and I still can't. But it's good."

Mac nodded. "Yes, very."

When they finished eating, they lounged on the pillows and talked. They kept their hands to themselves and kept a safe distance between them.  Before either of them realized it, the two hours had flown by, and Mylaia knocked on the door.

Thursday, 0115 CET
Mac's Hotel Room
Varanon, Araceptia

AJ walked Mac to her room. "Thank you for a lovely day, Admiral. I enjoyed today more than all the other days I've spent here, combined!" Mac said.

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, Mac. So did I."

"So, you go see the King tomorrow?"

"We go see the King tomorrow, Mac. I want him to know that you did all the work for this treaty, not me. I'm only here because they insisted a male review it. I'll be certain he knows that I left it exactly as you wrote it."

Mac flushed with pleasure. "Thank you, Admiral."

"I'll meet you downstairs in the morning for breakfast, again?  0700?"

"That will be fine, Sir. Good night."

Thursday, 0930 CET
Royal Palace
Varanon, Araceptia

AJ and Mac arrived at the Palace for their audience with the King.  As the guard escorted them inside, the Queen's handmaiden saw Mac and smiled brightly from the staircase.  "Miss Sarah!"

Mac looked up and saw her.  "Good morning, Gretnea."

"I did not know that you were to come to the Palace this morning," the young woman said as she approached them.

"I didn't actually know I'd be here today until very late last night."  Mac noticed Gretnea glancing at the Admiral.  "Admiral, this is Gretnea, the Queen's maid."  AJ nodded to her and smiled.  "Gretnea, this is Admiral Chegwidden.  He has an appointment to see the King this morning."

Gretnea blushed.  "Oh, I am sorry.  The King will be late, I'm afraid."  The young woman bowed to the Admiral as she spoke.

"Late?  Is there a problem?" asked the Admiral.

"No problem, Sir," Gretnea's face kept getting more and more red.

"Gretnea?" whispered Mac.  "Are they together?"  The woman grinned and nodded.  Mac smiled.  "Thank goodness!  It sure would have been awkward if they still weren't speaking to each other when the President arrives."

AJ looked at Mac.  "What are you talking about?"

Mac turned to the Admiral.  "Well, Sir, Queen Anora was a little upset with King Jessup when I was here last week.  It seems they finally made up last night and haven't quite gotten around to today's agenda."

AJ grinned.  "Sounds like he's got a better agenda planned for today.  Gretnea, when the King gets up, please have us summoned.  We'll be at the legal offices."  He turned to Mac and said, "Let's go."

Gretnea gasped.  "You will not wait?"

Mac turned around.  "Gretnea, are they up?  Awake?  Or are they still in bed?"

The young woman lowered her eyes. "They are still in bed, Miss Sarah."  She said it politely, almost reverently.

AJ turned back to her and said, "Gretnea, if they just made up last night, more than likely they'd prefer to be together today, and not be bothered with the likes of us and a treaty.  We are not leaving because the King is late nor because we are angry or annoyed.  Quite the opposite.  I am delighted that he and the Queen are happily reunited, and I do not want him to feel that he must leave her to talk to me.  If, when he does appear, he desires our presence, we will be back here absolutely as soon as physically possible."

Gretnea looked shyly at the Admiral before her.  Then she turned questioning eyes to Mac.  Mac smiled at her.  "Tell Her Majesty I said, 'You go, girl!', Gretnea."

Gretnea giggled and nodded.  AJ and Mac left the Palace and headed back toward the legal office.

"You didn't tell me about that, Mac," AJ accused.

"It was over a week ago, Sir.  I figured they'd have made up by now."

"Well, as you said, it's good that they have.  It would have been very awkward, indeed, for President and Mrs. Bush to arrive and the King and Queen not be speaking to each other."

"Can you just imagine!?" laughed Mac.

AJ shook his head.  "No, and I don't want to imagine it.  God, that would have been something."

"I didn't realize that Mrs. Bush is coming, Admiral."

"Yes, at least according to the CNO, she is.  Plans could have changed by now, but that's the last I heard.  This is Thursday; at this rate, I guess the signing will be Saturday."

"That won't give them enough time to pull a formal ball together, will it?"

"You're right; I wouldn't think so.  So King Jessup may choose Sunday or even Monday."

Thursday, 2045 CET
Royal Palace
Varanon, Araceptia

When they had risen in the afternoon, the King was at first angry that the Admiral had chosen not to wait for him.  Gretnea was very nervous in front of the King, so she told the Queen what the Admiral had said to her.  When Queen Anora informed her husband of the Admiral's words, the King's opinion of the man changed instantly.  'This is a man who knows what is important.'

He had his wife send an invitation for the Admiral and the Colonel to join them for a casual dinner at the Palace.  And now, AJ and Mac sat on the pillows at a low table for the second time in as many days; but this time, they were opposite King Jessup and Queen Anora.

"You do not seem uncomfortable sitting in this way, Admiral," commented the King.  "I am glad, but it does surprise me somewhat.  Most Americans I know prefer to sit in a chair at a higher table."

"We do have an American-made dining table and chairs," boasted the Queen.  "They are in our formal dining room.  You have seen them, Sarah."

"We thought you might prefer to join us casually this evening, however," added the King.

"I consider it an honor, your Majesties, that you invited us to join you for dinner.  And a casual dinner is always more relaxed and generally far more enjoyable than a formal one," AJ said politely.

"And we sat at a table like this just last night for dinner, your Majesty," Mac addressed the King.  "Which would explain why I didn't fall on my face tonight," Mac joked, looking at AJ.

He chuckled.  "It wasn't your face you fell on last night, Mac."

Mac flushed.  "No, Sir.  I suppose it wasn't."

"Where did you eat last night?" asked the King.

"Shallase's," replied AJ.

"It was fabulous," Mac remembered, glancing at AJ.

The royal couple looked at each other and smiled.  "That is a lovely place.  And they have excellent food," commented the Queen.

"Do they serve food?" whispered the King in a very husky voice, gazing at his wife.

The Queen blushed.  "My dear, we have guests," she said softly.

"So we do.  Guests who know exactly of what I speak.  They were, after all, at Shallase's last night themselves," he said suggestively, not taking his eyes off of the Queen.  "Come," he held his hand out to her, and she immediately slid over and sat close to him.  He pulled her almost into his lap and kept his arm around her.  "Now then.  This is how it is supposed to be," he said, kissing her gently.

AJ and Mac looked at each other and smiled.  The King turned to them just as they smiled.  He said, "Sarah, why do you sit so far away?  Sit closer to your man, where you belong."

Mac expected the Admiral to say something. When he didn't, she knew it was up to her to reply. "Your Majesty, the Admiral is not 'my man'; he is my boss. I work for him."

"But you went to Shallase's," the King insisted.

"Yes, Sir, we enjoyed a wonderful meal at Shallase's."

"Meal, Sarah? That is all you enjoyed at Shallase's?" the Queen asked.

Mac nodded. "Yes, your Majesty."

"Such a shame," the King shook his head looking at AJ. "How were you able to keep your hands to yourself?"

"Your Majesty, our military is very strict about fraternization within the ranks. Colonel MacKenzie reports directly to me. A relationship of any kind outside of the office is completely out of the question."

"Such a shame," the King repeated.

"Indeed," agreed his wife as their meal was brought in and served.

Throughout the meal, the foursome talked freely, discussing the beauty of each other's countries, favorite foods, and AJ even told a few of his old SeAL stories at Mac's urging. When they finished dinner, it was obvious to AJ and Mac that the King wanted nothing more than to take his wife to bed. So AJ suggested that perhaps he and Mac should say good night.

The King replied, "Admiral, I am most impressed with you and your Colonel. Most Americans I have met before are very pushy and desirous only to satisfy themselves.  They have not cared what others want.  I must say that I expected you to bring up the treaty during our meal, and yet you did not.  And now, you suggest that you and the Colonel leave, having not yet discussed the very reason you are in my country, and I know this is because you sense my desire to be alone with my wife."  

He stood up and helped his wife to stand.  AJ followed suit, also helping Mac.  The King continued, "I do believe that had I met you and Sarah before now, I would have long ago agreed to a treaty between our countries.  You have proven to me that not all Americans are as those whom I have met before."

AJ replied, "Unfortunately, your Majesty, many Americans are as you described.  But for each one I know like that, I know at least a dozen who are not.  It's unfortunate that you've only met selfish, arrogant Americans before now.  I can assure you, we aren't all that way."

The Queen smiled, "I knew that about Sarah before I even met her."  All three looked questioningly at the Queen.  "You see, I was sitting on the bench in the Arbor, behind the trees, when you refused my husband's attentions and said you would come to dinner only when I issued the invitation."

The King blanched.  "My dear, I didn't mean to..."

"You didn't mean to get caught," she interrupted him.  "Aren't you glad now that Sarah refused you?" she teased, slipping her arms around his waist and kissing him.  "Now, if you will excuse me, I will go up to my room and wait for you.  Take as long as you need with the Admiral, my dear."  She turned to AJ, and said, "Admiral, it is a pleasure to know you.  Thank you for sharing dinner with us this evening.  And thank you, too, for sharing Sarah with us.  I have so very much enjoyed her company these last weeks."

AJ bowed to the Queen.  "It is definitely an honor to know you, your Majesty.  And it is I who thank you for inviting me to join you for dinner in your home."

The Queen stepped in front of Mac and hugged her.  "Good night, Sarah."

"Good night, your Majesty," Mac hugged her back.  "We won't keep him long," she whispered, and the women giggled.

The Queen left, and AJ said to the King, "Your Majesty, we don't have to do this tonight.  Mac and I can come back tomorrow.  You want to be..."

"We will talk now, Admiral.  It is right that we should do so.  Come.  We will go into my study, and you will tell me what is left to be done.  Then we will set the date for the signing and the ball."

Continue to Part 3