Random Hearts - Part 1

Friday, 16 May 2003
2145 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac sat in front of the computer and closed the pop-up advertisement for Netflix.com.  "I really hate those pop-up ads.  I'm going to have to talk to Bud about getting rid of them," she mused to herself, remembering his offer to install pop-up blocker software on her computer.  

When she typed the URL for the next site she wanted to read, she made a typo and ended up with another three pop-up ads staring at her.  "Damn!" she swore, moving her cursor to the X at the top right of the screens.  "Wait a minute... where's the X?" she complained to the last ad.  "There's no X!  How do I get rid of this one?" she raised her voice at the computer.  She looked closer at the ad, and saw the X at the bottom right of the screen.  "Why'd they put it down there?" she grumbled as the ad itself caught her eye.  "Probably so I'd read the ad," she mumbled... as she read the ad.

"Hmmm, I wonder if these online dating things really work?" she voiced her question.  "Isn't this the one that my massage therapist mentioned a couple of months ago?  Match.com.  Yeah, I think it is."  And with that, Mac clicked on the ad.

An hour later, she had found several guys that looked promising from what they included in their profiles.  She decided to take the plunge.  "I guess the only way to meet them and find out is to sign up!"  She clicked on Sign up for FREE.

She looked at the first screen.  "Username?  Geez, what should I call myself?"  She decided it had to be something that no one would recognize as being her.  She'd already decided against including her picture in her profile.  "I don't think I want to tell them I'm a Marine... not yet, anyway.  Might scare 'em off," she decided.  She thought about the things she enjoyed doing.  She liked to lie outside in the sunshine... but a username with anything about that would make her sound... "flighty," she decided.  She liked to eat... but anything like that would make her sound "like a glutton".  She liked to travel... but that got into work, and she wanted to avoid that.

"Well, I love paleontology.  Maybe something along those lines?" she wondered aloud.  She typed PaleoAfficionado.  "Hmm, that's a little stuffy," she decided.  She backspaced over the name and tried again. DinosaurDigger.  "Sounds like I play in a sandbox."  Backspacing over that name, too, she giggled as she thought of another name and typed it.  FlintstoneFan.  "Oh God, that's a good one!" she laughed.  "Talk about a sandbox!"  She backspaced over the letters again.  TRexTracker.  "Naah," she shook her head.  PaleoAddict.  "No, then they might ask about other addictions, and I don't want to have to talk about alcohol until I know someone fairly well."

Mac was just about to give up on the idea of paleontology when she thought of another one:  Jurassic Girl.  "Hmm, that might work," she thought aloud.  Then she remembered the 'Jurassic Park' movies and groaned.  "Those were so awful," she complained, backspacing over the name.  She stood up and stretched.  Sitting in front of a computer was not how she enjoyed spending her Friday nights.  She walked over to the bookshelf that was home to several of her dinosaur models, including the small sculpture of a baby T-Rex she made some years ago.  "I'm hungry!" she realized.

Mac went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.  She peered inside and found a small foil-wrapped package.  "Oh!" she exclaimed, grabbing it and tearing open the foil.  "I forgot all about this!"  She picked up one of the pieces of London broil and ripped it with her teeth.  As she chewed, she moaned in pleasure.  "Mmm, this is soooo good!"  Then she giggled as she thought, 'I'm as bad as the theropods... carnivorous beasts that they were!'  She stuffed another piece of meat into her mouth.  That's when it came to her.  

She headed back to the computer and entered her username:  Theropod.  "That's it!  It's perfect!" she giggled.  She chose a password and entered her e-mail address.  "This doesn't look very complicated," she decided as she looked at the first window.  "Well, I'm definitely a woman," she said as she chose Woman from the pulldown list, "and I'm definitely seeking a man," she continued as she chose Man from that pulldown.  She chose her birthdate, entered her ZIP code, and clicked on Save and continue.

The next window that appeared asked about her appearance.  She specified her height of 5'11", her brown eyes, and her dark brown hair.  " 'Which best embodies your body?' " she read the question aloud.  Looking through the choices, she decided on Athletic and toned.  "Hmm, what's this?" she wondered seeing a selection to Tell us more...  She checked the box and more choices appeared.  "Oh!  Body decor?" she read.  The first choice in the list was Strategically placed tattoo.  She giggled as she checked the box.  "Harm would die if he ever found out where that thing is!"  Then she wondered if Mic ever told him.  "God, I hope not!" she almost blushed thinking about them discussing her that way.

Mac almost missed the last question on that window, but just as she was going to advance to the next one, it caught her eye.  " 'Brag a little:  What's your best feature?' " she read.  "My boobs!" she chuckled as she opened the pulldown to read her choices.  

The next screen asked about her personality.  "Oh gosh... What do I do for fun?"  Mac began typing:

I love to dance; you name the style and I do it!  Ballroom, disco, folk, square, rock.  And I'm not half bad when it comes to belly dancing!  Wanna watch?  ;-)

"Oh, my God!  I can't believe I wrote that!" she laughed, moving on to the next question.  " 'Share the places that fill your fantasies and tempt you to escape your daily grind...' "  Mac gasped.  "No way!!"  

She typed her answer quickly and moved on to answer the next couple of questions.  

" 'What's the last thing you read purely for the pleasure of it, and what did you think?' "  Mac started typing immediately.  She always had at least two books she was reading, and she'd just finished three of them on Wednesday.  "Hmm, 'The Lake House'... that one was boring.  'Until You'... one of Judith McNaught's best, and 'The Admiral's Bride'."  Mac sighed.  "Don't I wish!"  Her thoughts brought her up short.  "Stay on track here, MacKenzie.  You can't have him.  He belongs to Meredith now, remember?  And he's your CO.  You will not go down that road again... ever!"

"My sense of humor?  I guess Clever and Friendly fit the best," she decided.  She chose the items in the next list that were turn-ons and turn-offs to her, and went to the next screen.

"My perfect date? Oh boy..." She read the explanation text, personalizing it to herself, "After I've met and click with someone, what's my idea of the ultimate date? Hmm." She read through all the choices:

Cozy — A cappuccino and fat-free latte, the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked scones echoing my warm fuzzy feeling
Sensual — A decadent dinner so good we could eat it with our bare hands, both of us satisfied but eager to see the dessert tray
Raw — Blissful pain of the tattoo needle, my name in barbed wire on your bicep to match your name emblazoned on my chest
Fun — Boot scootin' across gritty floorboards, the band playing what we'll soon remember as "our song"
Indulgent — Carefree shopping spree, indulging our boutique desires and department store fantasies, too many packages preventing us from holding hands
Thrilling — Clinging for our lives to an impossibly flat rock face, our climbing ropes dangerously yet romantically intertwined
Hot — Commanding the dance floor, a sea of sweaty bodies illuminated by strobe lights while we gyrate to pounding rhythms
Edgy — Exciting highway jaunt at 95mph, screaming expletives at other drivers who dare to swerve into our path
Relaxed — Quiet cuisine shared in the unequalled comfort of home and served by the best chef in town... me!
Revealing — Reciprocal psychoanalysis, the box of tissues at our side soon depleted as we both reveal our wounded inner children
Casual — Refreshingly funny conversation over soup and sandwiches, sharing a smile before we return to work for the afternoon
Intimate — Sensual stroll along the beach, the sunset reflected in our eyes as we hold hands and enjoy the tide
Stimulating — Thoughtful observations on art and culture, stopping for a few precious moments to enjoy cocoa at the museum's cafe
Hilarious — Uncontrollable laughter segueing into embarrassingly loud snorting... Who knew we'd have so much in common?
Natural — Verdant conversations over cobblestone paths, each of us captivated by the perfume of blooming perennials
Nope — None of the options I saw could paint an adequate picture of my first date with you 

"Wow! How could you not find one in all of those?" she asked no one. "I guess... probably... Intimate fits me best." She read the description again. "Yep. Intimate." She made her selection and went to the next window.

"My lifestyle," she read.  She chose the activities that she enjoyed as part of her exercise routine.  " 'Which best describes my daily diet?' " She muttered, "Who would care?"  But she chose Meat and potatoes... and then also chose Junk food junkie.  "Might as well be truthful!" she giggled.

Mac answered the other questions on that window, indicating that she didn't smoke, didn't drink, works in the legal profession, and refused to name her salary range.  " 'Do you live alone?' " she read.  They listed numerous choices, and Mac decided to have a little fun.  She chose You'll never know unless you ask!

She advanced to the window to share her background and then to the one to share about past relationships.  "Gee, they are nosey!"  She read the questions, " 'Why hasn't a great catch like you settled down with someone yet?' "  Mac choked back a sob, "Because he left me practically standing at the altar, that's why!"  She sniffed and tossed her head to shake her tears away.  "Jerk!"  She read through the choices, and checked the box next to Still looking for the right one.  

" 'Have you ever been married or in a committed relationship?' " Mac grabbed a tissue from the box on the desk and blew her nose. "That's none of your business!" she said as she chose This would be a great topic for a second date. She answered the question about children... no, she doesn't have any; yes, she would like some; two would be a good number; adoption? Maybe. Reading the next question about pets made her think of old Jingo. She really missed him. 'I sure hope Chloe pampers him well,' she thought to herself as she checked the boxes to indicate that she liked all animals but didn't have any right now.

"Hoo boy!" she breathed, reading the title of the next window. "Who I'm looking for. Mr. Wonderful, that's who," she quipped. "Okay, these shouldn't be too difficult. A man, obviously. Age? Oh... between 42 and 58? Sounds good." She chose those from the pulldowns. "How close to home? Maybe a radius of 50 miles? Yeah, that takes in a good area. Height? Well, at least 6 feet; I always feel so self conscious when I date a guy who's shorter than me. Eye color? I don't care. Hair color? Makes no difference." She thought of her CO. 'AJ's bald. God, I do love his bald head. What I wouldn't give to run my hands over it... just once!' "Body type... well, preferably not heavyset, but anything else is okay. A few extra pounds wouldn't bother me. Hmm, ethnicities. I don't guess it matters. Faith? Probably Catholic... or another Protestant faith would be okay, I suppose." She selected the Protestant faiths and went to the next question.

"Schooling? Doesn't matter to me. Be a good idea if he speaks English, though," she grinned. "Profession? He can do anything he pleases, I don't care! How much money should he make? God, I can't believe they ask this! What difference does it make how much money he makes? I guess some women care," she sighed. "Definitely want a non-smoker... and I don't want a lush... and I certainly don't want someone who is only separated. He has to be free. Hmm, kids again... He could have them or not, that's okay. But he should definitely want them... or at least be open to the idea." Mac clicked to go to the next window. "Picture? No chance! I'll skip that."

She went to the next window. "Oh my. Here's the tough part. In my own words, describe myself and who I'd like to meet. Great. Okay, I can do this..." she said as she began typing.

What should I tell you about myself? I'm fun. I love kids. I love animals. I used to have a dog, but now he belongs to my little sister. I've been thinking about getting another one; I miss the ol' guy. I travel a lot with my job... oh, but I said I didn't want to talk about work, didn't I? I live in a 1-bedroom apartment, and I love to walk the Mall. (I certainly hope you know which Mall I'm referring to here... it is NOT a shopping mall.) I love to read, and I usually read a couple of books at the same time. I drive a convertible sports car, and no, I don't let anyone else behind the wheel, so don't even ask.

Who do I want to meet? Well, first off, looks are not all that important to me. Sure, I appreciate a fine body, and I adore a bald head. But that's not what really matters. It's what's inside that counts. A man who has his head on straight, who knows what he wants out of life and isn't afraid to go after it. A man who doesn't have a lot of excess baggage. A man who treats a woman with respect and equality, yet knows how to make her feel feminine and special. My ideal man will learn quickly what I like and don't like. He'll know what pleases me... like flowers and love notes, holding hands, a gentle caress, and a romantic evening for two. Have I described you? I hope so.

"Whew!" she exhaled as she reread her description. "I guess that says it all," she decided, thinking that surely must be the last window. But when she clicked Save and continue, there was another question! "My headline?" Mac remembered the profiles she'd viewed before she started creating her own. "Oh yeah... that's that little blurb at the top that catches your eye. I remember."

She thought about what to write and couldn't come up with anything catchy. Finally she wrote: Voluptuous woman seeks bald man. Mac laughed hysterically as she clicked to go to the final window and submitted her profile. "Now to see if I get any takers!"

Friday, 23 May 2003
1530 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac called to Lieutenant Harriett Sims as she walked past her office. "Yes, Ma'am?" Harriett asked from the doorway, moving her hand to support her swollen belly.

"You feeling okay?" Mac asked in a concerned voice.

"Oh, yes, Ma'am.  The baby's just rather active this afternoon, is all," Harriett winced.  "What can I do for you, Colonel?"

"Do you remember that blue dress I wore a couple of weeks ago when we all went out for dinner?"

Harriett nodded, "Yes, Ma'am; it's a lovely dress."

"You think it's okay for a first date? Or should I wear something a little more..." Mac hesitated.

"Conservative, Ma'am?" Harriett offered. Mac nodded. "You said it's a first date. Is it a blind date, too? Or do you know him?"

"It's sort of a blind date. Well, not really. I mean, we've talked... well, chatted... online. We've just never actually met yet," Mac tried to explain.

"So you don't know if he's someone you're really going to want to go out with a second time?" Harriett clarified. Mac shook her head. "I'd probably wear something a little less revealing then, Ma'am. Don't want to give him any ideas," she suggested.

"Good thinking, Harriett. Thanks."

"Sounds like you met him on the Internet, Ma'am?" Harriett asked quietly.

Mac nodded, "Yeah, I did," she almost whispered.

"In a chat room?" Mac shook her head. "No? Where else would you have met..." Harriett's words stopped as her jaw fell open. "An online dating service?" she squeaked.

Mac blushed slightly. "Yeah, I thought I'd give it a try. So far, I've chatted with about 6 or 8 guys. I've had notes from... oh, gee... must be 25 or 30 now."

"How long have you been on there?" Harriett asked.

"A week," Mac said.

"Wow, that's a lot in one week!"

Mac chuckled, "Probably because of what I said was my best feature." Harriett raised questioning eyes to her friend. "My chest," Mac giggled. Harriett joined in her laughter. "This is the first time I'm actually meeting anyone, though. And I'm meeting one guy tonight, another tomorrow afternoon, and another one on Memorial Day. I'm more than a little nervous," Mac confided. 'I just wish one of them was bald!'

"I'm sure everything will be fine. Good luck, Ma'am!" Harriett smiled.

"Luck with what, Mac?" Harm asked, walking up behind Harriett, who scooted away as he spoke.

"Nothing much. Just a date," replied Mac.

"You have a date tonight?" Harm inquired.

Mac nodded her head. When she looked up at Harm, his look was one of surprise... almost shock. "What? You don't think I have dates?" she snapped.

"No! I mean... yes... I mean..." Harm faltered. "Who is he, Mac?"

"None of your business," she replied.

"First date?" he pressed.

"Yes, if you must know. It is."

"Where's he taking you?"

"He's not. I'm meeting him."

"He's not even picking you up?" Harm asked incredulously.

"I told him I'd meet him, Harm. 'Or rather, THEM!' she grinned inwardly. "I like it better that way for a first date." She thought to herself, 'That way if we don't get on, I can dump them and they don't know where I live.' 

Tuesday, 27 May 2003
0845 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Good morning, Colonel," Harriett chirped from Mac's doorway. "How'd it go this weekend?"

Mac looked up from her papers. "Come on in, Harriett. Close the door and have a seat," she smiled. As Harriett did so, Mac continued, "The guy on Friday night was a real loser. All he talked about all night was his ex-wife and how her lawyer ended up with all their money," she shook her head in disgust.

"Did you tell him you're a lawyer?" asked Harriett.

Mac shook her head. "I hardly had the opportunity to say anything!"

"Did he let you talk when you chatted online?"

"Oh, yeah! He was fine online. He asked all the right questions, had all the right answers. He seemed wonderful. I don't know... maybe he was just having a bad day, but I won't be seeing him again. When we were saying good night, he couldn't keep his hands to himself. He pawed me like there was no tomorrow; it was disgusting."

"So there won't be a tomorrow for him with you," Harriett grinned, and Mac shook her head. "What about Saturday's guy?"

Mac grinned. "He was fun. We went to an outdoor festival right in Georgetown. I was a little nervous at first that I'd see someone I knew and he'd find out that I actually live there. But it turned out okay. We ended up having dinner, too. It was supposed to be just lunch and the festival, but we got on so well, we went ahead and had dinner."

"That sounds great!" Harriett bubbled. "You're going to see him again then?"

"Yep. He's a doctor, and he's really nice."

"Divorced? Widower?"

"Never married, actually," Mac told her.

"Mmm, sounds promising."

"Sean is 47, and he works at the Kresge Medical Center in Pimmit Hills."

"So... what else?" Harriett prodded.

Mac grinned. "I let him kiss me good night." Harriett raised her eyebrows. "Really kiss me good night," Mac added.

Harriett wiggled her eyebrows this time. "Oh my!"  

Mac giggled at Harriett's expression. "And I gave him my address and phone number. He called Sunday night and we talked for an hour!"

"What about yesterday's date?"

"He was okay. Nothing really special. Of course, that could be because I was so taken with Sean."

"So do you have any other dates lined up?" Harriett asked.

Mac nodded. "I have another one with Sean tomorrow night. And another new guy on Friday and one on Saturday."

"Are you still nervous about meeting guys this way?"

Mac nodded and then laughed, "But it sure is fun to have dates again!"

Wednesday, 28 May 2003
1130 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Good morning, Ma'am," Petty Officer Tiner greeted the Admiral's fiancée. "Admiral Chegwidden is still in a meeting, but he should be finished any minute now. You have a reservation at the Officers' Club at 1200, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Jason," Meredith Cavanaugh replied. "So, AJ tells me you're studying to become a lawyer, hmm?"

Tiner brightened, "Yes, Ma'am! I have lots of inspiration here at JAG, and I'm doing really well in my courses."

"That's wonderful, Jason; I'm proud of you for wanting to continue your education and further your career."

As she finished talking, the Admiral's office door swung open and several officers filed out. "Good morning, Ma'am," offered Commanders Turner and Rabb.

"Good morning, Gentlemen." Then she whispered and nodded toward the Admiral's open door, "Is he in a good mood?"

"He will be now!" quipped Mac as she followed the men out of the office. She, however, stayed to chat with her friend, while the men headed for their offices. "He's always in a good mood when you're around, Meredith." Meredith smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. In fact, Mac thought she looked almost hesitant.

"Meredith?" AJ called from inside his office. "Come in for a minute; I have to make a phone call, and then we can leave for lunch."

"Well, here goes nothing," Meredith muttered under her breath as she walked in the office and closed the door behind her.

Mac looked at Tiner with a question. "I wonder what that meant?" she voiced.

Tiner shook his head, "No idea, Ma'am."

"Did they have an argument?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Tiner replied.

Mac shrugged and headed for her office. 'Strange,' she thought.

When AJ finished his call, he walked around from behind his desk and pulled his fiancée into his embrace. "I missed you last night, Darlin'," he said gruffly before lowering his mouth to hers.

"Mmm, I missed you, too," she purred in response. When she tried to pull away from him, though, he held her fast. "AJ, I really need to discuss something with you," she said seriously.

"Sounds ominous," he quipped. "Let's talk over lunch, Sweetheart. I didn't take time for breakfast this morning and I'm famished."

"I can't, AJ. That's part of what I need to talk to you about," replied Meredith.

"Oh?" AJ released his hold on Meredith and walked to the sofa. As he sat at one end, he patted the cushion next to him. "Come sit here, then, and we'll talk."

Meredith followed him, almost reluctantly, and sat down at the opposite end of the sofa. He raised an eyebrow at her, but he didn't comment. "AJ..." she started and then sighed, folding her hands in her lap.

"Meredith, what's wrong? You're acting very strangely," AJ said quietly, sliding over to her side of the sofa and trying to pull her into his arms.

"AJ, please... this is difficult enough as it is..." she said drawing back.

"What is?"

"What I have to tell you."

"I thought you said you wanted to discuss something?"

"I do."

"Discussing and telling are two different things, Meredith," he informed her.

She sighed, "Okay. I have something to tell you." AJ raised an eyebrow again. She reached out and took his hands in hers. "This is so difficult..."

"Just say it, Meredith," AJ told her, a sinking feeling coming over him.

"I had a phone call yesterday from Dr. Walker. He's the Chairman of the Humanities Divisional Board at Oxford, you know."

"No, I didn't know," he replied quietly.

"AJ, they've offered me a job teaching Shakespeare at Oxford! That's like a dream come true for any Shakespearean scholar. It's what I've always wanted to do."

AJ smiled, "Then you should accept it, Sweetheart. That's a wonderful opportunity for you. How long is the assignment? One term? Two?" When she didn't answer right away, he continued, "Do you want to postpone the wedding until you get back, or should we go ahead and get married before you leave? Speaking of, when do they want you?"

She shook her head, "No, AJ, it's an appointment to the staff. They want me as a staff professor. It's a permanent position."

"Permanent?" AJ repeated.

She nodded. "AJ, you know I love you. But this is just something that comes along once in a lifetime. I'll never have another chance at this..."

AJ rose from the sofa. "Of course not. And you should take the job. It's what you want. Accept it." His tone was almost flippant. 'But someone like me comes along anytime you want him, hmm?' he thought to himself.

"What about us?" she whispered, standing up and moving behind him, slipping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his back.

"I don't care for the idea of my wife living apart from me, Meredith. If it were for a term or two, even an entire year, that would be one thing. A permanent position is something else entirely."

"And there's nothing over there for you, is there?" she hoped.

He shook his head, "No, Meredith. There isn't." He walked to the door and put his hand on the doorknob. "When do you leave?" he asked.

"Friday."

"You already accepted it, then?" Meredith nodded. "I see."

"I'm sorry, AJ." She slowly removed the engagement ring from her finger and handed it to him. "I'm truly sorry."

AJ took the ring, opened his office door, and said, "Goodbye, Meredith. I wish you all the best."

"Not even a goodbye kiss?" she whispered.

"I think not," he replied in kind.

Meredith nodded her understanding and walked out of his office... and his life.

"Tiner!" AJ snapped after Meredith left the bullpen. "Get me some lunch!" He turned back to his office and slammed the door behind him.

Sunday, 1 June 2003
1835 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac reached for the ringing phone. "Hello?" she answered.

"Hello, Colonel. It's Harriett."

Mac almost laughed. She'd been expecting Harriett to call all day. She was surprised it took her this long. "Hello, Harriett. And it's Mac, as I've told you before."

"I just wondered how your dates went this weekend? Anything good? Did you see Sean again?" Harriett probed.

Mac sighed, "Sean is no more, I'm afraid."

"What!? Why? What happened?"

"I had him come over to my apartment this afternoon. We were going to go out for dinner tonight and maybe a little more later. But while he was here, he saw my cover on the table and asked me who it belonged to. I told him that I'm a Marine. He laughed."

"Oooh, that's not good," Harriett returned.

"I finally convinced him that I was telling him the truth, and he said that women had no business being in the Marines... that we weren't as strong as men and couldn't hold our own."

"Uh oh," intoned Harriett. "I can see it coming."

Mac chuckled, "Yep, you're right. I challenged him."

"And he ended up on the floor?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Hurt?"

"Just his pride, I think," Mac replied. "But he left... said he didn't want to be with a woman who could take him down that fast."

"I'm sorry, Mac," Harriett offered her sympathy.

"It's okay. I'm just glad I found it out now, before we got involved," Mac said.

"True. So what about the other two... from Friday and Saturday?"

"They weren't much to speak of. I probably should go back in and change my profile," Mac mused aloud.

"What about it do you think you should change?"

"My best feature. Seems all these guys want to do is touch my breasts," Mac sighed.

"They try that on the first date?!" Harriett was appalled.

"Oh yeah, they do. They get their hands about broken, but they try."

"That's such a shame. Well, don't give up. I'm sure you'll find the right guy. Just give it time, Mac."

"Yeah... meantime, I'm back to Square 1."

They hung up and Mac powered on the computer and logged on.  She had 7 new notes from Match.com.  She grinned inwardly.  'Maybe I'll just leave my profile alone a little longer.'

Tuesday, 3 June 2003
1245 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac was sitting at her desk picking at her salad and reading a legal brief when the Admiral knocked on her door. "I'm working you so hard you can't even take a lunch break, Colonel?" he asked gruffly. He hadn't meant it to sound gruff; he'd meant it as a joke. But ever since Meredith's visit last Wednesday, his mood had been a dour one and he was having difficulty shedding the cloak of gloominess that surrounded him.

"Admiral!" Mac was startled. She started to rise to her feet, but he waved her back in her chair.

"No, no... keep your seat. Just wondered if you talked to Meredith in the last few days, Mac?" he asked, knowing the two women were friends.

She shook her head, "No, Sir. I haven't. Not since last week when she was waiting for you at lunch time. And then we only said a quick hello."

AJ sighed heavily and nodded. "Okay. I was just curious." He turned and started to walk out of her office.

"Admiral? Is something wrong, Sir?" Mac asked. He turned back to face her and shrugged. "Your expression and whole demeanor has been a little... off... for the last week or so, Sir. I just wondered..."

"Nothing important, Colonel. Thanks for your concern." He headed back to his office. 'Nothing important, indeed. Obviously wasn't important to Meredith... so why should it be to me? Why am I even wondering if she made it to England and is settling in okay?  She dumped me!'

Mac picked up the phone and dialed her friend's office at the local University. 'Maybe Meredith will be a little more forthcoming about what's bothering him,' she thought. Mac was surprised to hear the University Operator answer Meredith's direct line. "I'm calling for Meredith Cavanaugh, please?"

"I'm sorry," the young man replied, "but Ms. Cavanaugh is no longer teaching here."

"No longer there?  What do you..." Mac stammered.  "Where did she go?"

"She accepted a position at the University of Oxford. She left last Friday for England."

"Oxford! England?" Mac repeated in disbelief. 'What on earth is going on?' Mac wondered. 'What about the Admiral? Their engagement?'  "Thank you," she replied and hung up. Mac sat at her desk for another hour before she finally got up and went to AJ's office. Tiner was away from his desk, so she just knocked on the door.

"Enter!" AJ bellowed.

Mac opened the door and walked in. "Admiral, when will Meredith be back?" she asked without preamble.

He didn't even look up. "I have no idea, Colonel," he snapped.

"But, Sir... your engagement...?"

"There is no engagement, Colonel. Dismissed."

"Aye, Sir." Mac turned and walked to the door. She turned back and said softly, "She was a fool, Sir."

He looked up at her. "Thank you, Mac," he almost whispered.  She smiled sadly and shut the door behind her as she left.

Thursday, 5 June 2003
1505 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm breezed into Mac's office.  "Hey, Mac?  Want to see a movie tomorrow night?  'Bruce Almighty'... it's been out a couple of weeks now, and everyone says it's hysterical."  Mac looked up from the folder she was reading, but before she answered, Harm continued, "There's a show at 7:30 and another at 9:45.  I thought we could grab some dinner first and then go to the later show.  What time should I pick you up?"

"No can do, Harm," she shook her head.  "I already have a date for tomorrow night."

Harm's grin slipped a bit; he wasn't used to Mac's having dates anymore; not since Brumby left.  "Oh.  Well, how about Saturday night?"

She continued shaking her head.  "Have a date," she quipped.

"Who is he, Mac?  The guy from a couple of weeks ago?  Where'd you meet him, anyway?" Harm probed.

"No, actually, it isn't the same guy," Mac said without going into any further explanation.

"Oh.  Well, if he cancels on you, give me a call and maybe we can make the movie."

Mac grinned to herself, 'Cancels?  I don't think so.  Neither one of them.'  "Will do, Harm.  Thanks for the invite!" she called as he left her office.

Saturday, 7 June 2003
1035 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ had put off making this call.  He wasn't looking forward to it.  He had actually considered just writing a letter and mentioning the broken engagement in passing.  But he knew his daughter would be hurt if he did that.  So he finally broke down and picked up the phone and dialed.  He sat down on the sofa and reached over to rub the dog's belly.

"Ciao?" He heard his daughter's lilting voice over the wire. 

"Hello, Darlin'.  How's my favorite daughter?"

"Oh, Papa!  It is so good to hear from you!  And I am your only daughter," she reminded him.

He chuckled, "Yes, you are.  But you're still my favorite."

"You are sweet to say so, Papa," Francesca replied.  "How are your wedding plans coming?  Have you set the date yet?"

"No, Darlin', we haven't.  Actually..." he stopped.

"Papa?  Is something wrong?" she asked, noting his hesitancy.

"There's not going to be a wedding, Francesca," he said softly.

"What?  But why?"

"Meredith decided that she'd rather teach at the University of Oxford than be married to me," he said almost flippantly.  

"Oh, Papa!  Did you try to stop her?  Did you tell her you loved her and wanted her to stay and be your wife?" 

"She knew that, Darlin'.  If I didn't want her to be my wife, I wouldn't have made a fool of myself trying to propose.  She knows I love her."

"But did you tell her this, Papa?"

"Yes, Daughter.  I told her.  Let's change the subject, okay?  Meredith is gone, and I'm free as a bird again," AJ replied.  "How are you doing?  Any new men in your life?" he grinned to himself.  His daughter had a new man in her life every time he spoke to her lately.

"Si, Papa!  I have a date tonight and another tomorrow night!  It is such fun!  I am meeting lots of men."

"What?  You mean you're not seeing one guy steadily?  You're still seeing lots of different ones?"

"That's right.  A friend of mine at the magazine got married six months ago to a man she met on the Internet," Francesca bubbled.

"On the Internet!?"

"Si, Papa!  It is an online matching service... how do you say? Dating service. It is all very private.  The others do not receive your name or address or phone number... not even your e-mail address, unless you give it to them. There is a special server that the notes go through and it hides your e-mail address."

"Still, Francesca... are you sure it's safe?  Meeting someone like that?" her father worried.

"Oh, Papa, it is all the rage now!  I know many people who are dating from the Internet.  And I hear that it is even more prevalent in the United States!  Perhaps you should try this?"

"Not a chance, Darlin'," AJ retorted.  "And I hope you'll be mighty careful..."

"I am, Papa.  I do not give out my address or my last name or my phone number.  Only my first name and I meet the men somewhere safe.  Then we go on our date.  And they have all been very nice.  I haven't cared to date any of them again, but once was nice.  And now I have more friends!" she bubbled.

"Okay, you just be careful."

"Do not worry, Papa.  Mama does enough of that for both of you," she teased.

"Your mother knows you're doing this?" he asked.

"Si.  She is more than a little concerned."

"So am I."

"It is perfectly safe, Papa.  As long as I stay with my rules and do not give out my information until I am sure of someone.  And I am, Papa," Francesca assured him.

"What is this site called, Francesca?"  AJ decided he would check it out himself, just to be sure his daughter wasn't putting herself in danger.

"It is called Match.com, Papa.  You will sign on to it tonight and be sure it is safe, yes?" she teased.

"Damned straight, I will," he replied before catching himself.  Francesca laughed delightedly.  "Sorry about that, Darlin'."

"Do not be, Papa.  It tells me how much you love me and want to protect me.  And that is always welcome."

"I do love you, Sweetheart.  And I do wish I could protect you."

"You do a most excellent job, Papa.  And I love you, too.  Very, very much."

"Nice to hear, Daughter.  Have a nice evening, Sweetheart."

"And you, Papa. Tell Harm and Mac I said hello."

AJ hung up the phone and immediately went to his study and powered on his computer.  "Match.com, hmm?  We'll just see about that," he grumbled.  He did not like his daughter using an online dating service.  It couldn't be safe.

Saturday, 7 June 2003
1845 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ had read absolutely everything he could find about Match.com.  And everything he found was good.  He shook his head.  "There has to be a catch.  There has to be something wrong with it."  He decided that the one person of his acquaintance who knew the most about the Internet was Lieutenant Bud Roberts.  AJ picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?" chirped Harriett as she picked up the phone.

"Good evening, Harriett.  It's..."

"Admiral!" she recognized his voice immediately.  "Hello, Sir!  How are you this evening?"

He smiled to himself, 'Harriett always knows it's me, and she always sounds so happy to hear from me.  Makes a body feel good.'  "Just fine, Harriett, thank you.  How are you feeling today?"

"Just fine, Sir, thank you."

"Good, I'm glad.  I wonder, Harriett, is Bud available to talk for a few minutes?  It's personal."

"Of course, Admiral.  He's right here."  Harriett handed the phone to her husband.  "He says it's personal, Bud," she whispered.

Bud's eyes opened wide.  "Personal?" he whispered back in a surprised tone.  She nodded.  "Hello, Admiral," Bud said into the mouthpiece.

"Bud, are you busy?  You have a couple of minutes?" AJ asked him.

"No, Sir.  Not busy at all.  What can I do for you, Sir?" Bud replied.

"What do you know about an online dating service called Match.com?" AJ got right down to business.

Bud almost choked as he took a sip of iced tea.  "Match.com, Sir?" he blurted, bringing Harriett's attention back to him in earnest.

"Yes.  Match.com," AJ confirmed.

"I know that it's a very reputable online dating service, Sir.  I know several men who are active on it, and they have dates almost every weekend.  And I believe Harriett knows one or two women who are on it."

"So it's safe?  No one can find out an address or last name or anything unless you give it to them?" AJ asked.

"No, Sir, they can't.  It's very private... protected..."

AJ sighed.  "I don't know.  I just don't like the whole idea."

"The idea of meeting someone online, Sir?"

"Yes.  I mean, how does a woman know she can actually trust the guy she's talking to?  And then meets?"

"Well, Admiral, it does require a bit of trust, it's true.  But as long as the woman takes precautions and they meet in a public place until she feels comfortable with him, there's really not a lot of difference in meeting someone online than, say... in a bar," Bud tried to explain.  He couldn't imagine why his CO was asking about Match.com.

"What do you know about it overseas?  Anything?"

"Overseas, Sir?"

"Italy, to be specific," AJ said flatly.

"Your daughter?" Bud assumed.

"Yes.  I spoke with her this morning, and she's all up on this online dating thing.  She's going out with a different guy every night... I just don't like it."

"Every night, Sir?  Wow!"

"Well, every weekend," he corrected.

"Admiral, I haven't heard anything bad about Match.com from people who have used it.  The only bad things I've heard are from people who don't even know how it works and have never tried it or even logged on to look at it.  I wouldn't be too concerned if I were you, Sir.  I would think that your daughter would know better than to give out her personal information before she really trusts someone."

"God, I hope so," AJ sighed.  "Thanks, Bud.  I appreciate your candidness."

"Not a problem, Admiral.  If you'd like, Sir, I'll be glad to do some more research into the company itself and see what I can find."

"Kind of you to offer, Bud, but I don't want you to spend your family time doing that.  I do appreciate your offer, though.  Thanks, again."

"Good night, Sir."

"Good night, Bud."

Sunday, 8 June 2003
0915 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ thought about Match.com all night.  He'd hardly slept for doing his own research into the company.  When he still found nothing to substantiate his fears, he finally went to bed... at 0400.  Now he was on his third cup of coffee, and staring into the cold fireplace in the living room.  "Maybe if I go through the registration process and read the questions, I'll feel better about Francesca's being on this thing."  His dog looked up at him and barked.  Then he thought again, "Or feel worse!"

He decided to go for it.  "Hell, it's not like I'm going to let them post it or anything.  I just want to see what the questions are like."  He got up, went to the study, and powered on the computer.  He brought up the Internet and typed www.match.com. 

"She's cute," he said aloud, looking at the picture.  "Damn it, Chegwidden!  You can't already be horny; Meredith hasn't even been gone for two weeks!"  He clicked on Sign up for FREE and looked at the first screen.

"Username?"  He immediately typed in his user ID from work:  AdmAJCheg.  Then he thought better of it.  "What if they're wrong?  What if someone does see this?"  He certainly didn't want anyone thinking he was interested in using an online dating service.  He backspaced over the characters.  "So what should I use?  Well, if I was serious about this, it would rather be a last ditch effort."  He typed LastDitchEffort.  "No, that looks pretty pathetic."  He backspaced again.  TryTryAgain, he typed this time and laughed as he backed over the characters.

"Maybe something to do with constellations?" he muttered to himself.  He chuckled as he thought of being known as TheBigDipper.  "Talk about a double entendre," he grinned wolfishly.  "Vela, the sail."  He shook his head, thinking of some other stars and constellations.  "Carina is the keel.  Naos is ship.  Cetus is the sea monster."  He thought for a moment.  "I like that."  He typed SeaMonster.  "Yeah, that's better than Cetus," he nodded.  He entered a password and his e-mail address.  "They'd better not give that out to anyone," he threatened as he clicked on Continue.

"Damn!" he swore as he read the registration error that appeared.  "Someone's already using that name."  He backed up and tried again.  "Now what?" he thought aloud.  "What about baseball?  Strike two?" he laughed.  "Actually, it's more like strike one, ball three," he groaned.  "Marcella was the strike, and Laura, Sydney, and Meredith were the balls."  He typed StrikeOneBallThr, but it wouldn't let him complete the last word.  "This is too complicated!" he complained.  "Okay, fine!"  He backspaced and typed instead Strike1Ball3.  This time, it was accepted.

"I'm in!" he said triumphantly.  He looked at the first window.  "Well, I'm definitely a man," he said as he chose Man from the pulldown.  "Why the hell do I have to choose what I'm seeking.  I just told you I'm a man!  It should default to seeking a woman," he grumbled as she chose Woman from the next pulldown.  He chose his birthdate, entered his ZIP code, and clicked on Save and continue.

The next window that appeared asked about his appearance.  He read the description of the window to himself, ' "Combine one part sex appeal with two parts self-confidence. Shake well and serve hot. Got the idea? Now answer these questions to mix up your own love potion." '  "Love potion!?" he grunted and shook his head.  "This is ridiculous."  But he specified his height of 6'3" and his brown eyes.  He read the next question, " 'Now reveal a hint about your hair color.'  What hair?" he grumbled.  He chose Bald from the pulldown list.

"Which best embodies my body?" Looking through the choices, he chose Average.  "I'd have picked Athletic, but I don't really think I'm toned anymore.  Not really.  Yeah, Average is best."  He read the last question on that window to himself, ' "Brag a little:  What's your best feature?" '  "Hell if I know," he mumbled as he opened the pulldown to read his choices.  He decided on Judge for yourself.  

The next screen asked about his personality.  He read the description to himself, ' "Without a personality, you're just another pretty face. But you've got nothing to worry about. Answer the following questions thoroughly and thoughtfully to paint a perfect picture of the real you." '  "The real me?  Ha!" he barked.  He continued reading, ' "Here's a great opportunity to get noticed! Instead of saying, 'I enjoy dancing,' express yourself with something like, 'I'm hooked on the local trash disco scene and can't wait to take a date with me.' Have an unusual hobby or enjoy doing something in your spare time? Tell us about it!" '  AJ sighed.  "Hell, I don't know..." he said as he began typing.  "I am not writing anything flowery.  Why am I doing this anyway?" he questioned.  "Oh yeah... Francesca..."

Baseball, swimming, sailing, theatre, astronomy, reading... in no particular order.

He noticed that the favorite hotspots and favorite things were optional questions, so he skipped those.  He decided he didn't mind telling them what book he read last, though, even with its being another optional question.  'Prey' by Michael Creighton.

"My sense of humor?  Don't think my staff even thinks I have a sense of humor," he mused aloud.  He read through the choices and made his decision:  Dry/Sarcastic; blatant humor is for small-minded people.  

Then he read through the items in the turn-ons/turn-offs list and indicated his opinions.

He advanced to the next window.  "My perfect date? It ends in bed!" he chortled.  He read the explanation text, personalizing it to himself, "After I've met and click with someone, what's my idea of the ultimate date? Hmm, like I said, it ends in bed!"  He read through the choices, and decided that Relaxed fit him the best:  Quiet cuisine shared in the unequalled comfort of home and served by the best chef in town... me!.  "Hell, then we're at home and can end up in bed!" he laughed. Then he sobered a little, thinking of his daughter. "Damn, I'll bet that's exactly what those guys are thinking, too," he muttered under his breath.

He advanced to the next window. "My lifestyle," he read.  " 'Take a snapshot of your daily life, slip it in an envelope and seal it with a kiss.  When someone special sees your responses, they'll have a better idea of how the things you do make you ...you.'   Yeah, right," he grumbled. "I can't believe people actually answer all these questions," he mumbled as he chose the activities that he enjoyed as part of his exercise routine. Then he chose his food preference.

AJ answered the other questions on that window, indicating that he didn't smoke, drinks socially, lives alone, works in the Political/Govt/Civil Service/Military arena, and refused to name his salary range.  "That's no one's business but mine," he said to the computer screen.

He advanced to the window to share his background and then to the one to share about past relationships.  He read the description to himself, ' "The people in your life are there for a reason. Knowing them helps potential dates know you. Go ahead: Five quick questions, and you're almost done." '  He read the questions, " 'Why hasn't a great catch like you settled down with someone yet?' "  He read through the choices, and checked the box next to Been there, done that.  

" 'Have you ever been married or in a committed relationship?' " AJ read as he chose Divorced. He answered the question about children... yes, he has one living away from home; more? he'd have to think about that. "Pets? Who the hell cares if I have a pet?" he muttered as he reached over and patted Random's head.  He answered the question; dog.

"Who I'm looking for," he read the title of the next window and then the description. " 'There's a world of lovin' out there... or at least lots of fun dates! Describe the types of singles you'd like to meet, and we'll compare your criteria with theirs to deliver your compatibility.'  Oh, Francesca... I don't know about this. I sure hope you know what you're doing..." he sighed.

He chose his answers from the pulldown lists. "A woman, obviously. Age? Probably between 35 and 50. Radius of 50 miles sounds about right. Height? Hell, I don't care. I guess between 5'2" and 6' would be good. Eye color? Who looks at eye color?" he shook his head in amazement. "Hair color? Makes no difference; just hope she has more than I do!  Body type... slender, athletic, or average. Yeah, that's best. Hmm, ethnicities. I'd still prefer a Caucasian, I guess.  Faith? Protestant, I suppose... or Catholic. They list that with Protestant?  Interesting..."

He finished answering the questions on that window and went to the next one. "Picture? Hell, no!" he said as he skipped that choice.

"Hey, wait a minute! Didn't they say I was almost done 10 minutes ago?" he grumbled as he read the next window aloud. " 'Nothing we could help you say speaks as loudly as your own words. And since no one knows you better, here's your chance to make a great first impression. Tell us about all the things we forgot to ask — about you and someone you'd like to meet.'  What do I say? 'I'm horny; wanna get laid?' " AJ chuckled to himself. Then caught himself up short as he remembered his daughter. "Oh, Francesca..." he shook his head as he began typing.

I am an honest, emotionally and financially stable, dependable man. My daughter tells me that I am also sincere, romantic, passionate, playful, generous, affectionate, and have a great sense of humor. I enjoy going to new places, meeting new people, and having fun with my partner. I also value the more simple pleasures of life. I enjoy traveling, and I like both the beach and the mountains, but I also like to stay home. I love children and animals. I do not smoke, do drugs, or have any addictions.

I'm looking for a special woman to be my best friend and lover, and if things go well, my wife. Romance, an adventurous spirit, willingness to be open to new experiences, and spontaneity are qualities that I admire in a woman. I believe that financial and emotional stability are imperative to a good relationship. I enjoy a good dinner companion, no matter if we share a meal at home or dine out. I work hard, and I play hard, but I can lay back and enjoy a sunny spring day or a warm fireplace on a cold, blustery day, especially so with my special someone. Are you her?

AJ sat back and reread his description. "Good God! That is what I want. I've never really put it down in words before," he realized, feeling a bit shaken. He clicked Save and continue. "My headline? 'Now come up with a catchy headline to attract attention to your profile.' Oh, that's those little sayings at the top of the ads I noticed." He laughed to himself knowing no one would ever read this; he typed: Let's hit a home run!

AJ clicked to go to the final window just as the phone rang. He reached over and grabbed the receiver. "Chegwidden!"

"Good morning, Admiral; this is Harriett."

"Well, good morning, Harriett. How are you this morning?"

"Just fine, Sir. Bud and I decided this morning to have a few people over for a cookout this afternoon, and we were hoping you'd be able to join us, Sir. And Ms. Cavanaugh, of course," she added.

"I'd love to come, Harriett; thanks for thinking of me. Meredith won't be there, however."

"Oh? Is she out of town, Sir?"

"Yes; she's living in England now," AJ replied shortly. Before she could ask anything else, AJ continued, "What time should I be there, and what can I bring?"

"Oh... how about 1500 and just bring yourself, Sir!" she chirped.

"Looking forward to it, Harriett. See you this afternoon."

AJ smiled as he hung up the phone. He looked back at the computer, and not even realizing it, he clicked on Submit profile and promptly shut down his computer.

Continue to part 2.