Random Hearts - Part 3

Thursday, 19 June 2003
1935 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ walked in the house, and immediately went to his study to power on his computer. While it was booting, he let Random inside and fed her. Then he went to his bedroom and quickly stripped out of his uniform and into a pair of running shorts and a t-shirt. He needed a good long run this evening; he'd been skipping it far too often lately.  And today at the office was a bear. 

He went back to the study and logged into his e-mail account. He opened Pod's note from last night and reread her answers to his questions and grinned.

Dearest Pod,

Yes, I would love to take a ride in a hot-air balloon with you. Perhaps that can be one of the adventurous things we do when we finally decide to meet. And "Random Harvest"!  I haven't heard anyone mention that movie in years! It was my mother's favorite movie. We watched it every time it was played in the theater back home. I haven't seen it in probably 20 years or more, but I named my dog after it.. I'd love to watch it with you on your new 36" flat-panel TV! ;-)

I'm glad you like the people you work with, and especially your boss. It's difficult to enjoy your work when you don't enjoy the people around you. I'm very fortunate in that, as well. The people I work with are absolutely wonderful; I couldn't ask for a better team. I can understand your frustration in having to accept cases that you would prefer not. I very often have to give assignments to my team, knowing that they would rather not take them on. But the work has to be done, and they do it without complaint.

An interesting combination of favorite colors... red and Navy blue. They happen to be my favorites, too! Red, white, and blue! Our nation's colors. Definitely my favorites, as well.

As for the sexy nightgown, if I gave you one, you are absolutely right -- it would NOT stay on you very long! I take it you don't live close to your sister. Do you get to see her very often? My sister doesn't live terribly far away, but I so seldom see her. It's a shame; I really should do better with that. Bermuda for the weekend sounds perfect! That'll be one of our first getaways, how's that? What kind of puppy would you want? A large breed or small one? Would you want an indoor dog or one that stays outside most of the time?

On to answering your questions of me.

6.  You indicated that you're divorced.  How many times?
Only married once; only divorced once. I have been involved with numerous women over the years, and engaged one other time. She broke the engagement. I was hurt by it, but I now believe it was for the best.

7.  Who is your favorite movie actor?  Movie actress?
John Wayne, without a doubt, is my favorite actor. He could do it all. He was funny, serious, ugly, handsome, warm-hearted, as mean as they come -- you name it and he could play the role. From lover to a man who hated everyone. The Duke captured the screen in every movie he was in. I would probably say that Audrey Hepburn was my favorite actress. There are so many wonderful actresses, though -- as there are actors. But Audrey Hepbuurn played in the roles I liked the best, so I would have to choose her.

8.  Do you wear boxers or briefs (or something else!)?
My, my -- and why do you want to know that? I wear boxers to work and briefs when I'm dressed for leisure. At home, I wear nothing. Care to join me?

9.  Have you ever lived outside the continental U.S.?
Yes, I have. I've lived in Italy and England. Also in Hawaii, Alaska, and Guam.

10.  Which side of the bed do you prefer?
The side you're on, my dear.

Now I need some more questions for you. Okay, while we're getting personal, let me ask you these:

11. Do you wear sexy, matching underwear? Or something more serviceable?
12. What do you sleep in?
13. Do you like to make love with the lights on or off?
14. Do you use a laptop in bed? (Please, God! Let the answer be no!)
15. Without going to check, what color and brand is your toothbrush?

I don't know how much longer I can hold off meeting you, Pod. My waking thoughts each day are of you, and I dream of you at night. You have a lot to live up to! But I'm sure you'll have no trouble there. --Strike

Thursday, 19 June 2003
2115 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac read Strike's note over a third time. She'd almost memorized his other notes by now, she'd read them so often. 'I wonder what a good place would be to meet him?' she wondered to herself. Then she thought again and decided that he would surely come up with a very public place to meet the first time. She was sure of it. Because he would want her to feel perfectly safe. He was just that kind of man. At least he came across that way in his notes.

She began her answer:

Dear Strike,

I certainly hope you have a sexy nightgown in your pocket to give me when we meet... a red one! ;-)

I guess my favorite actor was Gregory Peck. I was so sad when he died last week. Like John Wayne, he could play just about any role. But I never saw him ugly; he was always devastatingly handsome. Only thing that could have been better was had he been bald! As for an actress, I'd say Greer Garson. She's just amazing to me. And I always loved that little wisp of hair that she blew off her forehead... in almost every movie she made! It was her trademark, I guess.  And of course, without her, 'Random Harvest' just wouldn't have been the same!

On to my answers now...

11. Do you wear sexy, matching underwear? Or something more serviceable?
Serviceable for work; sexy sets for leisure... and sometimes none on a date!

12. What do you sleep in?
Depends on who's in bed with me. If it's my sister, I wear a nightgown. If it's you, hopefully nothing at all!

13. Do you like to make love with the lights on or off?
Both. But the first time, I want them on. I want to see you. All of you.

14. Do you use a laptop in bed? (Please, God! Let the answer be no!)
Now why would you want the answer to be no? You wouldn't want me to be working on my laptop while you're making love to me, is that it? Don't you know how to multi-task, Strike?

15. Without going to check, what color and brand is your toothbrush?
I'm still laughing at this one. My toothbrush is Colgate and it's yellow to match the color scheme in my bathroom.

More questions from me now:

16. Wouldn't you like to meet this weekend?
17. Wouldn't you like to meet this weekend?
18. Wouldn't you like to meet this weekend?
19. Wouldn't you like to meet this weekend?
20. Wouldn't you like to meet this weekend?

Get the hint???

Looking forward to meeting you. 

 ...Theropod

P.S. No, I don't use the laptop in bed. 

Thursday, 19 June 2003
2200 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ came in from his run and took a quick shower before checking his e-mail. When he sat down at his computer, he found two new notes waiting for him. One from Pod, and one from his daughter. He opened Francesca's first and found that she had been enjoying her dates and had met someone she really liked. They'd gone out five times now, and she was taking him to meet her mother this weekend. AJ was glad for her. He hoped it would work out. He sent her a quick reply of encouragement, and then opened the note from Pod.

As he read her opening sentence, he decided that he'd have to go shopping soon and find a sexy red negligee. As he reached her questions for him, he decided to go shopping tomorrow on his lunch break. As he finished the postscript, he added the drug store to his list.

Yes!!  I can't wait any longer, Pod. I have to meet you. I have to touch you. How about Saturday? We could meet at the Mall if you'd like. You name the time and any other particulars. I have to see you. All of you. Every single inch of you. Soon. --your Strike

AJ went back and read through her other notes. Then he moved to his bedroom; hopefully she would do this for him from now on. He fell asleep, not remembering that the computer was still on.

Thursday, 19 June 2003
2315 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac heard the chime and ran back to her computer. She opened his note and fell into her chair as she read his words. "Oh, God! Saturday! Yes!!" She quickly hit the Reply button and started typing.

Darling Strike,

Yes! Saturday is fine, and the Mall! What a perfect idea. I'll be there at 2:00. I'll be wearing red, white, and blue. You shouldn't have any trouble finding me. ;-) I am SO looking forward to this!

...Pod

Friday, 20 June 2003
0845 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Walking through the bullpen with a cup of fresh coffee in her hand, Mac heard Harriett say, "I'm sorry, Miss Paretti, but the Admiral is tied up on a conference call right now with the Secretary of the Navy. I can have him call you back as soon as he's free, if you'd like." Mac stopped at Harriett's desk and motioned to her. "Hold on just a moment, please, Miss Paretti." Harriett looked up at Mac with a question in her eye.

"Put her through to my office, Harriett. I'd like to talk to her for a few minutes if she has time," Mac requested.

"Of course, Ma'am," replied Harriett. "Miss Paretti? Colonel MacKenzie would like to talk to you for a few minutes if you have time?"

"Of course, that will be fine. You will have my father call me, yes?" Francesca requested.

"Yes, I'll be glad to," Harriett told her. "I'll transfer you in to the Colonel now."

Mac returned to her office and closed the door behind her just as her phone rang. She picked it up immediately. "Lieutenant Colonel MacKenzie," she said, just in case it wasn't the transferred call. But it was.

"Hello, Mac," said Francesca. "How are you? It has been a long time since we have spoken."

"Hi, Francesca. Yes, it has. I'm doing very well. How about you?"

"Wonderful!" she chirped.

"That's great; I'm glad." Mac hesitated. She wondered now if this was really a good idea. Francesca might be upset to learn that her father had told everyone she was looking for a man on Match.com. "Any new men in your life?"

Francesca almost giggled. "Si! There is one very special man. I will take him home to meet Mama this weekend."

"That's fabulous! How long have you known him?"

"About two months," she told her.

"Is he someone you met through the Internet?" Mac asked casually.

"You know about this?" Francesca asked.

"Your father mentioned it a few weeks ago. He was rather concerned. I think he just wanted a few people's opinions about the company and the whole notion of online dating. He didn't seem to happy about it then. But he hasn't said anything since."

"That is the impression I got from him at first, too. But I received a note from him which he wrote last night, and it was so different. He was encouraging me! That is why I called this morning. To thank him for his words. They were so special to me, and it gave me the confidence I needed. Mama is still very opposed to the idea," Francesca confessed.

"Well, I'm sure your father only wants you to be happy... and safe, Francesca," Mac assured her. "And I'm sure your mother wants the same."

"Si, I'm sure you are right. So, tell me, Mac, what did you wish to talk to me about? Surely not my love life?" she joked.

"Actually... can you keep a secret?"

"A secret?" Francesca laughed. "From whom?"

"Your father, for one!" Mac croaked.

"Of course, Mac. What is it?"

"I wanted to ask you about your experience on Match.com," Mac said in a rush. "I joined it about a month ago, myself."

"Mac!" Francesca squealed. "That's wonderful! Have you met anyone yet?"

"Oh, yeah. Lots of guys. But none of them were what I'm looking for. But there's this one guy..."

Francesca giggled, "There always is!"

Mac laughed, "Uh huh! Anyway, we haven't met yet. We've been exchanging e-mails for the last couple of weeks."

"And these e-mails? Are they just friendly? Or are they more?"

"They started out friendly... but they rather quickly became more. Much more. And we're supposed to meet each other tomorrow. I guess I'm just a little nervous now," Mac admitted.

"I can understand this," agreed Francesca. "I was terribly nervous when I met Luigi. We had written in that way, as well."

"But everything worked out okay when you met?" Mac asked.

Francesca blushed, though Mac couldn't see it. "Oh, yes. Everything worked out very nicely, indeed. We ended up in my bed."

"On your first date?" whispered Mac. She knew that's what she wanted with Strike. But in her mind, she wondered if that wasn't a bit... fast.

"Si," Francesca admitted. "But when we met, it was like we had known each other for so long. Like we were long lost friends finding each other again. We hugged and kissed hello! I do not usually do this on a first date! But we had shared so much about ourselves, we felt like we already knew each other. And, in truth, we did! We just had not seen each other in person."

Mac sighed, "Thank you, Francesca. I feel better now about my date tomorrow."

"I am glad. And good luck! You will let me know how it goes, yes?"

Mac giggled. "Okay! What's your e-mail address?"

The women exchanged e-mail addresses and said their goodbyes. As Mac hung up, her heart felt a lot lighter. "It's going to be fine. Just fine!"

Friday, 20 June 2003
1800 EDT
McMurphy's Tavern
Falls Church, Virginia

AJ walked into the pub and found most of the JAG Ops lawyers already at the bar. "Admiral!" "Sir!" "Glad you could join us, Sir!" they offered their greetings at the same time.

He nodded to them and spoke to the bartender. "Lite, on tap." Then he turned back to his people, "I want to know how you always beat me here on Friday nights," he scowled in jest. But only Harriett and Mac recognized his joke. The men all sat up a little straighter and got somewhat nervous... at which, the two women laughed.

"Well, Admiral, I think it's because you leave later than we do on Friday nights," quipped Mac.

AJ laughed. "Yes, I suppose you're right. Next Friday, come get me and be sure I leave on time!" he told her.

"I'll do that, Sir," she smiled.

"So, does everyone have big plans for the weekend?" AJ asked.

The men relaxed a bit, realizing now that he had been joking. "I'm hoping to have a baby this weekend!" chirped Harriett.

"Harriett!" they all exclaimed, including her husband. Some had excited looks on their faces, others had concern.

"Honey, you're not due for another two weeks," Bud said.

"Are you feeling alright, Harriett?" asked Mac at the same time.

"That's wonderful, Harriett!" exclaimed Sturgis.

Harriett laughed at them all. "I'm fine. Really! No, I'm not in labor. Yes, I know I have two more weeks on the calendar. But I just feel like I'm going to deliver this weekend. I don't know... maybe I won't. Maybe I will. But I feel like it's time."

"Did your water break?" her husband was still not convinced.

"Bud, honestly, I'm fine. No, my water didn't break. Not yet anyway," she added quietly.

"You'll call us if it happens this weekend?" asked Mac.

Harriett smiled. "Of course." Then she whispered, "But will you be home? Or do you have another date this weekend?"

Mac grinned and said just as softly, "Tomorrow."

Harriett giggled. "Good luck!"

"Thanks. I may need it." Then Mac said, "But I'll have my cell with me. You call me if anything happens!"

"Yes, Mother," Harriett teased.

Friday, 20 June 2003
2140 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ got home a bit later than he anticipated. He hadn't had time to go out at noon today, so he determined that he would fight the Friday night crowd at the mall. He WOULD have a sexy red nightgown for Pod when he met her tomorrow. He could have skipped McMurphy's this week, but he enjoyed that time with his people. It was one of the few times they really talked to him like a friend instead of their CO. And he didn't want to miss that.

He'd gone to Tyson's Corner Center when he left the pub, and headed straight for Victoria's Secret. As he stepped inside the store, two young women rushed over and asked if they could help him. "I'm looking for a red negligee," he told them. They pulled out every red nightgown in the store to show him, but it wasn't until they pulled out the last one, that he said, "That's it. That's what I want." He had no idea what size to buy, so he bought a Medium.

Then he stopped at the drug store. And now it was already 2140. He fed Random and quickly made himself a sandwich. He walked into the study and was surprised to find the computer already on. "I guess I forgot to turn it off last night." Then he remembered how he'd fallen asleep. He chuckled, "Yeah, I guess I did!" As he opened his e-mail, he said, "I hope she hasn't given up on me tonight. And I damn well hope she's not out on a date with someone else!" He read her acceptance note from last night and smiled. "She's as excited about this as I am. Good!" Just as he was about to begin typing a new note, the new mail chime sounded. He found another note from Pod.

Well, Strike! Are you ready for tomorrow? I certainly am!

I'm wondering, do you have AIM installed on your computer? If you do and want to chat tonight, my screen name is Theropod. Yes, I created it just for us to talk. And I'm logged on now. Hoping to see you online soon.

...Pod

AJ didn't have AIM installed, but he did it quickly and created a screen name. Then he sent a message to Theropod.

Strike1Ball3: Good evening, Pod.

AJ was surprised how quickly she responded.

Theropod: Hello, Strike! I'm glad you got my note so quickly.

Strike1Ball3: I'm glad you suggested this.

Theropod: Did you already have AIM installed?

Strike1Ball3: No, I had to install it. But it was easy and pretty fast.

Theropod: I'm glad you did.

Strike1Ball3: So am I. So you're ready for tomorrow, are you?

Theropod: I certainly am. Are you?

Strike1Ball3: Absolutely! I even have a little something for you.

Theropod: <ROFL> You didn't!

Strike1Ball3: What is <ROFL>?

Theropod: It means <Rolling on the floor laughing>

Strike1Ball3: Oh! Okay.

Theropod: So what will you be wearing tomorrow, Strike?

Strike1Ball3: A condom, hopefully.

Theropod: Mmm, I think that's a safe bet!

Strike1Ball3: You can always say no, you know. And if you're not comfortable, I hope you will.

Theropod: Don't you worry, Strike. If I don't want it, you'll know.

Strike1Ball3: Good girl. But I'm definitely prepared, just in case.

Theropod: <LOL> Good!!

Strike1Ball3: <LOL> Okay, what's that one mean?

Theropod: <Laugh out loud> or <Lots of laughs>, either one.

Strike1Ball3: Ah, I see.

Theropod: So, how was your day?

Strike1Ball3: Very dull, except when I thought of you.

Theropod: Good answer!!

Strike1Ball3: How was your day?

Theropod: Not too bad. Did you get my note last night or tonight?

Strike1Ball3: Tonight.

Theropod: You know, we could exchange e-mail addresses and then we wouldn't have to go through the Match.com mail.  Would you want to do that?

Strike1Ball3: Sure, that would be fine.

Theropod: Tell you what?  Just for the sake of keeping it Pod and Strike a little longer, why don't we each create an ID on a free service (like Hotmail or Juno or Yahoo)?

Strike1Ball3: You really like this anonymity, don't you?  <LOL>

Theropod: I think it's fun!

Strike1Ball3: It is.  I'm enjoying it, as well.

Theropod: Okay, I'll be Theropod@yahoo.com.  Let me go create it now just to be sure it's available.

Strike1Ball3: I'll do the same.

Theropod: Mine was already taken, so I made it StrikesPod@yahoo.com.  Any luck with yours?

Strike1Ball3: I like that!  Yes, I am now Strike1Ball3@yahoo.com.  

Theropod: Wonderful!  Now we should get our notes just a little faster, I think.  Although they do go through pretty quickly anyway.  But this will be better.  More personal, I think.

Strike1Ball3:  Actually, I would have seen your note this morning if I'd gone in the study before I left for the office.

Theropod: Oh? Why is that?

Strike1Ball3: I left the computer turned on last night. Not something I usually do.

Theropod: Did you leave it on purposefully?

Strike1Ball3: No, it was purely accidental. My mind was on something, or should I say someONE, else!

Theropod: Me, I hope!

Strike1Ball3: Oh, yeah. You. Definitely.

Theropod: What were you thinking?

Strike1Ball3: Of your soft, warm hands.

Theropod: And what were my hands doing, Strike?

Strike1Ball3: Making me feel very, very good.

Theropod: Mmm, really?

Strike1Ball3: Oh yeah. Is that something you enjoy, Pod? Giving a man pleasure that way?

Theropod: Oh, Strike, I'm going to enjoy giving you pleasure in so many ways. That's only one of them.

Strike1Ball3: Damn, I wish it was already tomorrow.

Theropod: Do you now? <grin>  Oh, darn   brb - phone

Strike1Ball3: brb? What's that?

Mac grabbed the receiver and almost barked into the phone. "Hello!"

"Geez, Mac! What happened to you? You were in a great mood all day," Harm said over the wire.

"Sorry about that. I'm in the middle of something, and you caught me off guard. What do you need, Harm? Isn't it a little late to be calling?"

"Late? It's only... oh! Sorry, I didn't realize that it's already 2230. I just thought you might like to grab some dinner tomorrow night, Mac. How about I pick you up at..."

She interrupted him. "I'm busy tomorrow, Harm."

"Another date, hmm?"

"That's right."

"Oh. Okay, well, another time then?"

"Sounds good. Good night, Harm." She didn't give him a chance to reply before she hung up the receiver and turned back to the computer. She grinned when she saw Strike's last message.

Theropod: brb means 'be right back'. And I am.

Strike1Ball3: Lots of jargon I don't know about.

Theropod: You'll get used to it if you chat online much.

Strike1Ball3: I'd rather chat in person.

Theropod: Beginning tomorrow, Strike.

Strike1Ball3: Tomorrow can't come quite soon enough.

Theropod: For me either. This is all so new to me. I've never met anyone this way before. 

Strike1Ball3: It's new to me, as well, Pod.

Theropod: It's like someone told me this morning who is also on Match.com, it's like we've known each other for a long time. We know intimate things that we wouldn't know about each other for a long time, if ever!, if we'd just met at a bar and started dating.

Strike1Ball3: You're right. I don't open up to my dates nearly as much as I've opened up to you.

Theropod: I'm glad.  Strike, I want to try something if you're willing.  Cyber sex.  Have you ever done that?  

Strike1Ball3: No, can't say that I have.  

Theropod: Want to try? 

Strike1Ball3:  Okay, I'm game.

Theropod: Okay, those hands touching you are really my hands...

For the next ten minutes, Mac continued her flow of words until she saw the message come back from Strike:   

Strike1Ball3: Fourth of July!!

And then suddenly, Strike was logged off. Mac sat there waiting for him to come back, but he never did. She had no way of knowing that his phone connection had cut him off and he was unable to log back on. She finally logged off two hours later... at 0100... just as AJ was finally able to get back online. When she was gone, AJ logged off and went to bed, looking forward to meeting her at the Mall.

Saturday, 21 June 2003
1405 EDT
The Mall
Washington, DC

Mac started her second lap around the Mall.  She had arrived early, as was the norm for her, and decided not to just stand or sit waiting.  She would walk.  She would let him find her.  He knew she'd be dressed in red, white, and blue... and she was.  She wore a short Navy blue skirt and a red scoop-neck blouse with white glittering stars all over it.  She had white sandals on her feet, a white bead necklace at her throat, and matching earrings on her lobes.  He couldn't miss her!

Mac looked around to see what other Mall visitors were wearing.  There was a lot of red, white, and blue clothing, but it was primarily on children and a few older adults.  Mac smiled to herself.  'Nope, he certainly couldn't mistake any of them for me!'

She continued walking, only this time, she glanced around her more often, hoping to catch sight of a bald man looking for someone.  And she saw him.  But as she got closer to him, she realized that she knew him.  "Admiral Chegwidden!  Good afternoon, Sir," she smiled in greeting.

He looked surprised to see her.  "Good afternoon, Mac.  How are you?"

"Just fine, Sir; thank you.  You?"

He nodded, "Just fine.  What brings you to the Mall today, Mac?"

Her smile never faltered, "Just taking a walk, Sir."

"You look very nice for someone who's just taking a walk." He winked at her casually as he put his left hand in his pants pocket... and felt the nightgown he had in it. 'Mmm, wouldn't Mac look delicious in this,' he thought, and then chided himself for thinking of someone other than Pod.

She laughed.  "Well, I do have plans for later this afternoon, Sir."  She mused to herself, 'I didn't lie to him.  I do have plans.  When Strike shows up, that is.'

"Ah, I see," he chuckled.  He took his eyes off of Mac to glance around and then looked back at her.

"Are you looking for someone, Sir?"

"Yes, actually, I am, Mac."

"Well, I won't keep you then, Admiral," Mac said as she started walking away.

"Have a nice afternoon, Mac!" he called after her.

She turned back to face him.  "Thank you, Sir!  You, too!"

Thirty minutes later, Mac found an empty park bench and sat down.  Surely he'd arrive soon.

On the other end of the Mall, AJ gave up walking, too, and leaned up against a tree.  Surely she'd arrive soon.  

Saturday, 21 June 2003
1615 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac waited until 1600 before she finally gave up and went home.  Two hours was long enough to wait.  He obviously wasn't coming.  As she walked in the door, she went right to the computer.  She hadn't checked her e-mail before she left for the Mall.  Maybe something came up and he'd had to cancel... surely he'd have sent her a note.

But when she logged on, there was no note in her in-basket from Strike1Ball3.  

She berated herself for her words of the previous night.  "That's probably it.  I mean he did disappear after that.  Never came back online.  He was probably disgusted by what I did... what I said.  I just wish he'd had the guts to tell me so I wouldn't have gone to the Mall and made a fool of myself."

Mac turned off the computer without shutting it down.  She went to her bedroom and kicked her sandals off.  Then she pulled the necklace and earrings off, breaking the strand of beads as she did so.  They spilled all over the floor.  "Damn!" she swore, but she didn't bother with picking them up now.  She was too upset.  She stripped out of her skirt and blouse and flopped across the bed, burying her face in her crossed arms.  Her tears came then, fast and furious.  She grabbed her pillow and pulled it to her as her body was racked with sobs.  Forty-five minutes later, her exhausted body fell into a troubled sleep.

Saturday, 21 June 2003
1830 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ climbed out of his Escalade and walked up the steps to the front door.  He was disappointed.  Extremely so.  He hadn't looked forward to anything so much in years.  So much that he waited four hours for her to show.  And she hadn't.  

As he walked in the house, he thought perhaps Pod had something come up suddenly and that's why she hadn't shown.  So he checked his e-mail right away.  There were no new notes from her.  Only the ones she'd sent earlier... the ones he had committed to memory now.  

'Well,' he thought, 'she had to go out of town suddenly for work once before.  Maybe that's what happened, and she just didn't have time to write.  She'll send me a note when she gets back if that's what it was,' he told himself.

AJ needed to work off his disappointment and frustration.  But the last time he went to the YMCA on a Saturday evening, it was crammed with kids.  So instead, he chose to drive to the beach.  At this hour, there wouldn't be lifeguards there to tell him he couldn't swim out that far.

An hour later, AJ was swimming in the ocean, far past the waves breaking on shore.  He swam fast and hard; he knew he was going to hurt tomorrow.  But what did it matter if he hurt physically?  He was already hurting in a much worse way.  'How the hell could I be in love with a woman I've never even met?'

Monday, 23 June 2003
0902 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac slowly made her way from her office to the conference room for the weekly staff meeting. She was already two minutes late, she knew... but for the first time in memory, she didn't really care. As she closed the door behind her, everyone looked up at her, surprised that she was late and also that she wasn't even hurrying. Not only that, she was staring at the floor, not ahead as she always did.

The Admiral was not in the best of moods; Mac's tardiness and apparent lack of concern didn't help matters. "Glad you decided to join us, Colonel. Sit down and make it snappy," he barked at her.

She looked up at him then, and he could see her swollen eyes. "My apologies, Admiral," she said softly as she took her seat.

AJ had never seen Mac look so forlorn. Not when Mic left her. Not when she was on trial for killing her husband. Not even when Dalton Lowne was murdered. And she'd fallen off the wagon that time. He determined that when this meeting was over, he would have a word with her... just to be sure that didn't happen again.

"Lieutenant Sims, glad to see you're still with us this week. It's going to be a hectic one," he started. Harriett rubbed her swollen belly and sighed heavily. "We have several new cases," AJ began. "First one involves three Seamen who decided to repaint the door of a Marine Captain's cabin last night."

Harm chuckled, "Sounds like Navy vs. Marines, Sir."  Then he mumbled, "Not too smart to pick on an officer, though, guys."

AJ continued, "The painting consisted of derogatory pictures, including one very specifically of said Captain."

"I guess the Navy guys don't care much for him," said Harm. 

AJ handed the file to Mac. "Colonel, this one is yours.  Captain Huddleston is expecting you."  

Mac looked up. "Captain Huddleston? The Guadalcanal, Sir?"

AJ nodded. "That's right, Mac."

She almost smiled. "Thank you, Admiral."

AJ wondered at that. Why would she thank him for an assignment on an amphib?  Sure, she served on that ship a couple of years ago, but why would she be glad to go back?  'I wonder if there was something brewing between her and the Captain? Can't blame him.' "They're in the Pacific now; I believe they were in the Indian Ocean when you were aboard two years ago?" Mac nodded in response.

"Admiral, I'd like to accompany the Colonel..." Harm started.

AJ interrupted him, "You will be, Commander. You were requested to be defense council should charges be filed. The Colonel will prosecute."

"Who are the Seamen, Sir?" Harm asked, wondering if he knew them.

"You don't know them.  But you were recommended to them by one of the Lieutenants who was a witness at the Lasley trial."

"Major Lasley, Sir?" Harm confirmed.

"That's right."

"Who is the Captain, Sir?" asked Mac.

"Captain Theresa Scott," AJ said without emotion.

"Uh oh," Harm groaned.

"That's right, Commander," AJ said.  "The Captain is female."

Mac opened the folder and gasped as she saw a picture of the door. "Oh, my God!" She looked up at the Admiral. "Sir! This is pure and unadulterated sexual harassment!"

"From all appearances, Colonel, that is a correct statement," AJ agreed with her.

Harm, however, objected, "Now, Mac, don't jump to conclusions..."

"Appearances!?" she almost yelled. "What else could it be called?" Then she turned her fire on Harm and slapped the picture in front him. "What the hell would you call this, Commander!?"

Harm looked down at the picture and gulped. The door was painted with pictures of female body parts... and one very large picture of a nude woman with long blonde hair. On her right breast was a tattoo of a butterfly. "I take it this is supposed to be the Captain?" Harm almost whispered.

Mac slapped the photo of Captain Scott in front of him. She had blonde hair that was obviously put up in the back, meaning she had long hair. "And according to her file, she has a tattoo of a butterfly on her right breast."

"So how did the guys know that?" dared Harm. "She must be..."

"It's high enough on her chest that it shows when she wears workout gear, Commander," Mac snipped. "It's not one that's hidden."

Harm knew he had his work cut out for him. He also knew he'd lose if it came to trial. When Mac got a case like this one, she never let go. And she always won.

When the staff meeting concluded and the officers were leaving the conference room, AJ called to Mac. "Colonel, join me in my office for a moment." Mac followed him inside and took the seat he motioned to. "Mac, you seem to be a little more yourself now than you were earlier this morning, but I just want to be sure you're okay. Your eyes are very swollen. And you don't look like you feel well," he offered an excuse.

"I had a difficult weekend, Admiral. But I'm fine now," she replied.

"You're sure?"

"Yes, Sir. Thank you for your concern."

AJ nodded. "Okay, then. Dismissed."

Monday, 23 June 2003
1245 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac was almost finished packing her bag. Harm was picking her up in 15 minutes. Well, he was supposed to. More than likely, he'd be late; he usually was. She debated on whether to include a nice dress. Captain Huddleston had invited her to share dinner with him privately the last evening she was aboard the Guadalcanal. Because their dinner was interrupted by events that required Mac's immediate attention, she never really knew his reason for inviting her. He was a single man; she knew that. He found her attractive; she knew that, too.

'But what about Strike?' she thought to herself. As soon as she'd arrived home, she'd checked her e-mail. Nothing. Just like the rest of the weekend. Nothing. "Hell, I'll probably never hear from him again!"

She grabbed a sexy black number and tossed it in her duffle.

Monday, 23 June 2003
1835 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ logged on and looked for an e-mail from Pod. There was nothing there. 'Last time it wasn't until late Monday night when she got back. She'll write tomorrow,' he decided. He wondered if he should write her anyway... so she'd have something waiting for her upon her return. Then he decided against it. 'What if she didn't go out of town?  What if she really changed her mind? Sending her a note... that wouldn't be a good thing in that case. Better wait...'

Monday, 23 June 2003
2015 HST
USS Guadalcanal
Pacific Ocean

As their helo arrived, Mac and Harm were greeted by the shipboard JAG. "Good evening, Colonel. Commander," the young man said. "Welcome to the Guadalcanal. I'm Lieutenant Jacob Rose."

"Good evening, Lieutenant," Harm said smoothly for both of them. "I imagine the Captain wants to see us before we hit our cabins?" he asked, stifling a yawn.

The Lieutenant shook his head, "Not you, Sir. Only the Colonel." Rose looked at Mac and smiled. "He said you were the interim JAG aboard ship a couple of years ago, Ma'am."

"Yes, I was, Lieutenant. Great crew this ship had then."

"They're a great crew now, as well, Ma'am. Just a few young men getting into some mischief, I'm afraid," he referred to the case at hand.

"Sexual harassment isn't mischief, Lieutenant. It's against the law," Mac rebutted.

The young man nodded. "Yes, Ma'am." Then he asked, "You recall the way to the Bridge, Ma'am? Or do you..."

Mac smiled and interrupted him, "That I do, Lieutenant." She turned to Harm. "You go on ahead, Harm. I'll talk to the Captain, and then be right behind you."

Harm followed the Lieutenant to the cabin he'd be using during their stay aboard ship, while Mac made her way to the Bridge. "JAG on the Bridge!" came the call as she stepped inside.

Captain Huddleston turned around and smiled when he saw Mac. "Colonel MacKenzie!" he said with warmth. "Good to have you back aboard my ship. Sorry it's under these circumstances, though," he added thoughtfully.

"Good evening, Captain. It's good to be back, Sir," she thanked him.

He sighed heavily. "I picked up some new Seaman in San Diego a couple of months ago. They're not very bright, as evidenced by what these three did the other night," he shook his head. "Captain Scott is a favorite among the Marines on board, which is most likely why these kids picked on her instead of one of the other women. She's not an easy one to push around, but she's fair to everyone... and I do mean everyone. Navy and Marines."

"So you don't think these Seamen had a grudge against her? She hadn't..."

"Not a chance," he interrupted, shaking his head. "The men like her. The women like her. She's just a very nice person. These three Seamen were just wanting to pick on a Marine and thought she'd be an easy target, I guess. Forgiving. Problem is, what they did isn't something that can just be 'forgiven'."

Mac shook her head. "Where are the Seamen now, Sir?"

"Locked up in the brig," Huddleston replied instantly.

Mac was surprised until she noticed his grin. She whispered then, "To scare them?"

He nodded. "It's working, too," he replied just as quietly.

"You really don't think this was malicious, do you?" she asked in a hushed voice.

"No, Colonel, I don't. I think it was just some boys playing a prank. But they have to learn that they're not in high school anymore, and when they pull something like this, they pay the piper."

Mac nodded. "I'll have a talk with Captain Scott in the morning, Sir. And then with the Seamen. And I'll let you know my recommendation at that time, Captain."

"Thank you, Colonel." He turned his head and said loudly, "Commander, you have the Con!" He looked back to Mac and smiled, "Come with me; I'll show you to your quarters."

They didn't talk as they walked, but when the Captain stopped in front of a cabin and opened the door, he turned to face Mac. "I was sorry our dinner was cut short," he ventured, remembering back two years ago.

"So was I," Mac returned.

"Perhaps we can try it again... Sarah?"

Mac smiled, "I'd like that... Sam."

"Tomorrow evening?" he proposed. She nodded her agreement. "I'll let you know what time."

"Good night," Mac said as she stepped inside the cabin. As she closed the door, she thought, 'Glad I brought the black dress.' Then she spoke aloud, "Eat your heart out, Strike!" As she said his name, though, tears flooded her eyes and were soon streaming down her cheeks as she readied herself for bed.

Tuesday, 24 June 2003
0530 HST
USS Guadalcanal
Pacific Ocean

Mac poured herself a cup of hot coffee and took a seat at an empty table in the officers' mess. Not a minute later, she heard a pleasant voice ask, "Mind if I join you, Colonel?"

Mac looked up and saw a very pretty blonde Captain. "Captain Scott?"

The blonde nodded. "That's right, Ma'am."

Mac smiled. "Don't mind a bit. Have a seat." Mac waited until the woman sat down, then said, "You saved my having to go look for you later."

"I rather expected you'd be wanting to talk with me, Colonel," Theresa said, taking a sip of her own coffee.

"Any more decoration on your cabin door this morning?" Mac said almost teasingly.

Theresa laughed lightly. "No, thank God!"

"Were you offended by the paintings, Captain?" Mac asked bluntly.

Theresa smiled. "Not really, Ma'am. I grew up with 7 brothers and no mother; she died when I was 3 months old.  My brothers were never very... what's the word I want... couth? around me. They left their Playboy magazines and Lord knows what else laying around the house all the time. I never knew any different until I left home."

"Why do you think the Seamen chose your door to 'decorate'?" Mac asked.

"Probably because they knew I wouldn't press charges against them," she answered immediately.

"You wouldn't?"

Theresa shook her head. "No, Ma'am. They were just having fun. Now had it been pictures of male parts with the female parts? That I would have taken exception to. That's more of a... threat... like a threat of rape kind of thing, you know?"

Mac nodded. "So you really don't think they meant any harm?"

"No, Colonel, I don't. I just wish they'd realized that it's not just me with something like this. I mean, what they did is against the law if it's considered sexual harassment. And I'm pretty sure that's what Captain Huddleston is charging. And they're his men.  Can't really blame him," she sighed. "Just wish it could be different."

"You don't want the Seamen punished?"

"Believe me, Colonel. They're being punished. They're in the brig. Our brig is about the worst place you want to be. Captain Huddleston makes sure of that. He runs a tight ship. But then, you know that... you served here for a while, I understand."

Mac nodded. "A couple of years ago, and only for a couple of months."

"Then you probably heard about the brig?"

Mac grinned as she nodded. "Oh, yeah." Then the two women giggled. "You're right. They are being punished!"

"Isn't there some way you can avoid marring these kids' records, Colonel? They're brand new. They're fresh out of high school, and they really do want to be in the Service." She chuckled, "Of course, they picked the wrong branch..." To which, Mac laughed with her and nodded. Then Scott continued, "They need time to grow up and learn the ropes. And believe me, I think they'll have learned this one!"

Mac didn't make a commitment. "I'll have to talk to the Seamen, and then I'll make my recommendation to Captain Huddleston. It will be his choice as convening authority as to what the charges are."

"Would you like me to accompany you to the brig, Ma'am?" Theresa asked politely.

"That won't be necessary, Captain. But thanks." Mac stood up and took her leave.

She headed straight for the brig. As she stepped into the outer room, the guard looked up. He jumped to his feet when he saw her silver oak leaves. "Colonel!"

"Good morning, Petty Officer," Mac said coolly. "I'd like a word with the prisoners, please. One at a time."

"Of course, Ma'am." The guard turned to the cell and unlocked the door. "On your feet, Gorman!" he yelled.

"Aw, come on, Man! I was still sleeping!" Gorman complained as the other two groaned and turned over in their bunks.

Mac stepped into view and barked, "The Petty Officer told you to get on your feet, Mister!  Now move!!"

Gorman practically fell over himself at Mac's words.  All three Seamen were extremely nervous now; they'd heard about this Colonel... and what a bad first impression they'd just made!  'Oh great... we're really in for it now!' they thought.

Continue to part 4.