Dressed in his dress blues, Rabb stands inside the door to Mac's apartment as Becker closes the door behind him.

BECKER

(sarcastically and obviously annoyed by Rabb's presence)

So, Commander, what brings you here so early in the morning?

RABB

Mac!....(noticing Becker's raised eyebrow indicating his need for an

explanation) Her car's in the shop! She needed a ride to work.

BECKER

And here you are! How convenient!

RABB

(bewildered by Becker's attitude)

Excuse me?

BECKER

Well, you may as well take a number, because the guys have really been lining up around her this morning!

RABB

Really?....Well, Commander, after that little scene you created last night, I'm surprised you had enough nerve to even show your face around here at all!

BECKER

What goes on between Sarah and I is none of your business!

RABB

Well, that's not the impression you gave everyone last night!

BECKER

Probably not, but I'll just bet you loved every minute of it!

RABB

(annoyed, but remaining calm)

Acutally, Commander, I didn't! . (he pauses for a long moment attempting to choose his words carefully) But as much as Mac's a good friend, she does have a tendency to make some bad choices where men are concerned.

BECKER

(his eyes widening with insult)

Is that what you think I am, Rabb? A bad choice?

RABB

For Mac,....Yeah!

His temper flaring, Becker moves towards Rabb in a threatening manner.

BECKER

Well, I really don't give a damn what you think, Commander! And I'm warning you.....stop interfering in our relationship!

RABB

Look Commander, I think you should know that Mac's her own person and what's happening between you two has nothing to do with me!

BECKER

(the tone of his voice sharply rising)

The hell it doesn't, Rabb! Ever since you've been back at JAG things haven't been the same between Sarah and me.

RABB

(defensively)

Well I disagree, Colonel, because from where I'm standing, you are your own worst enemy where Mac is concerned!

Becker shakes his head in disbelief as he moves closer to Rabb and observes him closely for a long moment.

BECKER

You really don't get it do yah, flyboy!........The woman's in love with you!

Shocked by Becker's words, Harm momentarily stands speechless before Becker until the silence between the two men is broken by Mac's voice.

MAC

(immediately noticing the tension between the two men)

Hey, what's going on?

BECKER

(quickly, somewhat embarrassed by his last remark)

Nothing! We were just expressing opposite points of view!

Harm gazes to Mac, and observes her carefully. Dressed in jeans and t-shirt, Mac's complexion is pale, and her eyes reflect the discomfort she is experiencing.

RABB

(with concern)

Mac, aren't you going to work?

MAC

Actually, Harm, I just called in. I'm really not feeling very well!

Sorry I put you out of your way!

RABB

(concerned)

Hey, no problem, Mac, really! Are you going to be ok?

BECKER

(interrupting)

She's fine!

MAC

(glancing irritably toward Becker and then back to Harm)

Yah, sure! I must have a bug or something!

BECKER

(under his breath, but loud enough for Mac and Harm to hear him)

A hangover's more like it!

Mac and Harm gaze at Becker obviously annoyed by his comment.

MAC

Jason, it seems to me that you were on your way out!

BECKER

Not until we iron things out between us!

MAC

There's nothing else left to talk about!

RABB

Aah Mac, if you two need to talk, I....

MAC

(interupting)

No, Harm, stay! (gazing directly into Jason's eyes) He's the one that's leaving!

Becker walks to her gazing angrily into Mac's eyes.

BECKER

Is this really how you want it, Sarah?

MAC

Yes!

BECKER

Well, that's just fine by me, because any woman who'd sleep around just to get even with her boyfriend....well hell, she's hardly worth the trouble!

Becker backs away from Mac observing the shocked and confused expression on her face. Harm approaches Becker obviously agitated by Becker's remark.

RABB

(warning)

B E C K E R!!

BECKER

(ignoring Rabb's warning and rejecting the expression on Mac's face as genuine)

Oh come on, Sarah! Let's quit the innocent act! I saw the good Captain leaving as I drove up just now!

MAC

(confused)

What?

RABB

(grasping Becker's arm)

I think it's time for you to leave!

BECKER

(pulling his arm away from Rabb)

Oh, I'm going!

Becker turns away and starts towards the door.

MAC

Jason, wait!

BECKER

(turning towards Mac, as he reaches for the doorknob)

For what, Sarah? More of your lies!

MAC

(trying to rationalize Becker's words)

Captain Peterson was good enough to give me a ride home last night and that's all!

BECKER

And what, Sarah, he stayed to tuck you in?

Becker angrily opens the door and hastily leaves the apartment slamming the door behind him. Gazing to Mac, Harm finds her staring at the closed door ........the encounter obviously taking its toll as tears begin to well up in her eyes. Drawing close to her, he gently places his hand to her cheek and wipes away the tears.

RABB

Hey, come on, Mac!..... Don't take his words to heart! I'm sure he'll get over it.

Her eyes remaining steadfast on the closed door, Mac remains unresponsive to Harm's words.

RABB

(his concern deepening)

Mac, I really hate to leave you like this, ...but I've got to get going.

Still not responding to him, Harm gently lifts her chin so that her eyes meet his.

RABB

Mac, I've got to go!....Are you going to be ok?

MAC

(placing her hand on her forehead as she nods affirmatively)

I'm ok, Harm, really! You go ahead!

RABB

You sure?

MAC

Yes....go!

As Harm begins to turn away, Mac suddenly blacks out and looses her balance. As she begins to fall, Harm immediately scoopes her up into his arms and carries her to the sofa propping her head up on the sofa's cushioned arm.

RABB

Mac, I think you need to see a doctor! Can I drive you somewhere?

*********

Part 4

*********

MERCY HOSPITAL

1045 HOURS

A young nurse walks down the hospital corridor towards the waiting room. Having been given a detailed description of the tall and dashing young officer, KAREN MICHAELS is immediately able to find Harm in the crowded waiting room.

Seated in a chair close to the windows, Harm quickly flips through the pages of a magazine not really paying attention to the articles printed on them. Glancing anxiously at his watch the nurse approaches him.

NURSE (KAREN MICHAELS)

Commander Rabb...

At the sound of his name, Harm gazes up quickly and observes the tall, slender nurse standing before him.

RABB

Yes, ...I'm Commander Rabb!

NURSE

(smiling)

Yes, I know! From the description your friend gave me, it wasn't hard to find you..........even in this crowd!

RABB

(flattered and amused)

Really!

NURSE

(echoing)

Really! (blushing as she extends her hand) I'm Karen Michaels!

RABB

(smiling as his hand accepts hers in greeting)

Pleasure, I'm sure!

Karen quickly takes back her hand, her face blushing an even deeper red than before.

NURSE

Colonel Mackenzie has been asking for you. So if you'd be good enough to follow me, I'll be happy to take you to her!

RABB

(smiling)

Okay!

With those words, Karen leads Harm off down the corridor.

INT

ER EXAMINATION ROOM

Mac is sitting up on a hospital bed dressed in a hospital gown. She appears uncomfortably cold as she lays underneath the thin sheet that covers her.

MAC

(whispering to herself as she draws the sheet tighter around her shoulders)

Geezz....some heat would be nice!

Mac shivers slightly as the curtains surrounding her bed rattle open and DOCTOR JENNA MARSHALL apears from behind them.

MARSHALL

(chart in hand)

Well, I hope I haven't been keeping you waiting too long!

MAC

(irritably, under her breath)

Only thirty-eight minutes and twenty-four seconds!

MARSHALL

I beg you pardon?

MAC

Oh ....umm.....nothing really! It's just that I need to get to work is all!

MARSHALL

(taking her stethoscope and placing it to Mac's chest)

Well Colonel, I'm afraid that's out of the question!....At least for today, anyway!

MAC

(protesting)

But I'm feeling much better!

MARSHALL

(taking the stethoscope away and noting something on the chart)

Well, that's good! But it doesn't mean you're out of the woods!

MAC

Doctor, what aren't you telling me?

MARSHALL

Just that your body has been through quit an ordeal and you need to allow yourself time to heal....both emotionally and physically!

MAC

(fearing the doctor's next words)

Why do I get the feeling that you're about to tell me something I'm not going to want to hear?

MARSHALL

(hesitating as she attempts to find the right words)

Sarah, there is no easy way to say this!.........but I'm afraid that your suspicions were correct.(she pauses momentarily as if to give Mac a moment to prepare herself ) Test results confirm the presence of semen in the vaginal fluids taken from you this morning! ....I'm sorry, Sarah!

Although Mac had prepared herself for the prognosis that Dr. Michaels had just given, she becomes overwhelmed by the reality of it all.

MAC

(desperate for another explanation)

Could they be wrong? I mean could they have gotten my tests mixed up with someone elses?

MARSHALL

(regretfully)

That's not likely, Sarah, no!

Mac remains silent for a long moment as she tries to deal with the overwhelming emotions running through her being. With a profound horror visible in her expression, her eyes meet Dr. Marshall's.

MAC

(barely audible and with great difficulty, she allows herself to say and hear the words)

Then......I was raped!

MARSHALL

(regretfully)

I'm affraid so!

MAC

(confused)

But why don't I remember any of it?

MARSHALL

Well, as I told you earlier, that's not unusual in cases where date rape drugs have been involved!

MAC

But he just didn't seem like.....

Mac's words trail off as she turns away in disbelief.

MARSHALL

He didn't seem like what, Sarah? The kind of a man who would do something like this?

Mac nods her head in affirmation.

MARSHALL

(continues)

They seldom do! (she pauses for a long moment observing the confusion and fear in Mac's eyes) But what is the most important thing for you to remember is that none of this was your fault.

MAC

Wasn't it? (bitterly) I trusted him!

MARSHALL

You didn't have any reason not to!

MAC

(her voice rising with her indignation)

It doesn't matter! I went against all my instincts and let that sonofabitch into my house! So in the end, it was my fault!

MARSHALL

Don't do this to yourself, Sarah! Feeling guilty for something you had no control over.....

MAC

I did have control, don't you see that? Nothing would have happened if I hadn't of let him through my door!

MARSHALL

Sarah, what you're feeling is normal, but far from the truth!

Mac turns away from Dr. Marshall and gazes out the window to the distant horizon.

MAC

(coldly)

When will you know the results of my other tests?

MARSHALL

I should have the results within the next twenty-four hours or so. I'm hoping that they will come back positive for either Rohypnol or GHB. They are the two most common date rape drugs on the market right now.

MAC

Hoping Doctor? Do you have doubts?

MARSHALL

Personally, no! I've seen too many cases like yours. However, GHB tends to leave the system fairly quickly usually leaving little if any trace at all. Test results are often inconclusive. On the other hand, Rohypnol is detectable for a much longer period after ingestion and the chances are far better for getting positive results.

MAC

And what if the tests come back negative on both?

MARSHALL

Then I'm afraid it's your word against his!

MAC

(turning away in frustration)

And the burden of proof is on the prosecution! How promising!

MARSHALL

Well, let's just take one step at a time, shall we! (pauses) I want you to take it easy for the next twenty-four hours or so. Your body has been through quite a trauma. I am also prescribing emergency contraception which you'll need to start taking immediately. It may cause some more nausea, but that's a small price to pay if it will prevent an unwanted pregnancy. I also want you to be sure to report your assault. I know a detective on the DC police force who will...

MAC

Thank you, doctor, but I'll handle things my way!

MARSHALL

Sarah, I know how embarrassed and degraded you must be feeling right now, but..

MAC

(bitterly)

Have you ever been raped?

MARSHALL

No, I haven't

MAC

Then how could you possibly know how I feel?

MARSHALL

OK,....you're right, I don't! And I apologize for my presumption! But I do know how important it is for you to report your assault immediately and to the proper authorities.

Mac glances past Dr. Marshall and observes Harm entering the ER with Nurse Michaels.

MAC

I will, doctor! In my own way and in my own time! (indicating Harm as the nurse points him in Mac's direction and he proceeds to walk towards her) And please, don't say anything about this to Commander Rabb!

Harm walks to Mac's bedside and is obviously relieved to see Mac.

RABB

(acknowledging the doctor with a nod and gazing to Mac)

Mac, you sure are looking a lot better then the last time I saw you!

MAC

(forcing a smile)

Thanks! I feel better!

RABB

(addressing the doctor)

Is she going to be ok?

MARSHALL

(observing Mac closely)

Well, nothing that a little chicken soup and a bit of bed rest won't cure!

(addressing Harm with a smile) So tell me Commander, have you subdued any terrorists or delivered any babies lately?

RABB

(amused)

No. ...Well, not exactly, anyway!

MARSHALL

Really! (gazing to Mac) Well, then, I think she'll be in good hands, Commander! (pauses observing Mac closely) Please take my advisement seriously, Colonel! You owe it to yourself!

With those words, Dr. Marshall leaves Mac's bedside and walks off down the hallway.

INT

MAC'S APT

1300 HOURS

Mac enters the apartment closely followed by Harm. As she walks toward the sofa, Harm notices her glancing about the apartment as though she were a stranger to it's surroundings. Harm approaches her from behind and gently places his hand on her shoulder.

HARM

(gently)

Mac, are you gonna be ok?

Mac places her hand on his and embraces them both underneath her cheek.

MAC

You're a good friend, Harm!

She takes his hand in hers, turns toward him and gazes affecttionately into his eyes.

MAC

Thanks for everything!

HARM

(smiling gently)

Thanks....and you're welcome, ....but you haven't answered my question.

Mac remains silent for a long moment wanting desperately to confide in him, but too fearful of the consequences that would follow once he knew the truth.

MAC

I'll be okay,..... I promise! (she pauses momentarily to gaze at her watch) Harm, it's nearly thirteen hundred hours, don't you have an........

HARM

(completing Mac's sentence)

Article 32 hearing in half an hour!...Yah! ......I've got to run!

He observes Mac's troubled eyes for a long moment and is torn between his desire to comfort Mac and his duties awaiting him at JAG. Noticing his turmoil, Mac takes his arm and escorts him toward the door.

MAC

Come on, Harm, I'm a big girl and you're going to be late!

As they reach the door, Mac releases his arm and opens the door.

HARM

When you decide you want to talk...

MAC

I'll know where to find you, Harm!

HARM

Okay!.....Take care, Marine

MAC

You too, Sailor!

With those words, Harm reluctantly walks off down the hallway leaving Mac standing alone in the doorway.

**********

PART 5

**********

JAG HEADQUARTERS

HALLWAY

1530 HOURS

The courtroom doors fly open and Commander Rabb walks out into the hallway with Lieutenant Roberts close on his heels. As the two lawyers walk down the hallway, Captain Peterson exits the courtroom in pursuit of Commander Rabb.

PETERSON

(loudly, and in a commanding voice)

Commander Rabb!

Rabb and Roberts pause at the sound of Peterson's voice; Rabb turning back to observe Peterson walking towards him.

RABB

Yes, sir?

Peterson walks up to Rabb wearing an expression of discontent on his face.

PETERSON

What the hell was that in there, Commander?

RABB

Excuse me, sir?

PETERSON

(argumentatively)

I was led to believe that the prosecution had agreed to plead this case down to voluntary manslaughter!

RABB

Yes, sir. Originally that was the case, sir.

PETERSON

So what's changed, Commander?

RABB

Well sir, Commander Mattoni was called away on emergency leave and as a result, this case was turned over to me!

PETERSON

(agitated)

I've been made privy of that, Commander, So I repeat!....What's changed?

RABB

(sharply, becoming annoyed with Peterson's badgering)

The prosecuting attorney, ....SIR!

PETERSON

(his eyes widening at Rabb's arrogance)

You had better watch your tone Commander, or you just may find your six up on insubordination charges!

RABB

(reluctantly coming to posture, further agitated by Peterson's threatening remarks)

Understood, sir!

ROBERTS

(attempting to diffuse the tension between the two men)

Sir, if I may! ...... But the Commander's decision to charge Lieutenant Malory with second degree murder versus voluntary manslaughter didn't come lightly, Sir!

PETERSON

(his eyes remaining steadfast on Rabb's)

The Commander's decision was irresponsible and unfair at best, Lieutenant!

RABB

(his eyes fixed on Peterson his tone softening)

Thanks Bud, but I think I can handle this! (gazing back to Peterson)........ With all due respect, sir!..... I considered all matters of this case very carefully and only after reviewing the evidence and interviewing the witnesses was the decision made to charge Lieutenant Malory with second degree murder!

PETERSON

Malory was forced to defend himself, Commander, and he did it in the best way he knew how!

RABB

Well I beg to disagree, Captain, because Lieutenant Malory's SEAL training gave him an unfair advantage!

PETERSON

Then the Sergeant shouldn't have provoked him!

Rabb is taken aback by Peterson's attitude.

RABB

Sir, with respect! But it sounds to me like you're condoning Lieutenant Malory's actions!

PETERSON

Not in the least! But Lieutenant Malory's record has been impeccable to this point and to see his career blackened because of a stupid mistake, well it just doesn't seem fair to me!

RABB

Well, Sir, neither was the untimely death of a twenty year old Marine! (pausing, attempting to choose his words carefully) I am sorry if you disagree, Sir, but no one is above the law regardless of who or what they are!

At that moment, Admiral Chedwiggen turns the corner at the end of the hallway and walks briskly towards Peterson, Rabb & Roberts.

ADMIRAL

(immediately noticing the tension between Peterson & Rabb)

Good afternoon, gentlemen!

RABB

(acknowledging the Admiral with a nod)

Good afternoon, Sir!

PETERSON

Afternoon, AJ!

ROBERTS

Good afternoon, sir!

ADMIRAL

(gazing to Peterson)

Ahh, Jimmy! My apologies! .... I was supposed to have briefed you on the new charges pending against Lieutenant Malory earlier today...However, I got tied up in a meeting with the SECNAV! (pauses noticing Peterson's agitated demeanor) . ... But it looks as though the two of you have already been discussing opposite points of view!

PETERSON

Then you knew about this!

ADMIRAL

Yes! The Commander and I deliberated over the matter for quite sometime!

PETERSON

And you agreed with him?

ADMIRAL

Well the Commander certainly had a valid argument, Jimmy!

Peterson gazes to Rabb with a look of total frustration.

RABB

(not intimidated by Peterson's demeanor)

Sir, if I may be excused?

ADMIRAL

By all means, Commander!

RABB

Thank you Sir! (gazing to Peterson) Captain........

Rabb starts off down the hallway with Bud following close behind.

ADMIRAL

(calling after Harm)

Oh, Commander!

RABB

(turning back to the Admiral)

Yes Sir?

ADMIRAL

Have you spoken to Colonel MacKenzie at all today?

Rabb notices Peterson's head snap quickly towards the Admiral at the mention of Mac's name.

RABB

(observing the Captain closely as he speaks)

Ahh, yes, Sir!

ADMIRAL

How is she doing?

RABB

Ahh, ....well sir, she's a bit under the weather is all but she promises to be back on the job tomorrow!

ADMIRAL

Good! We're short handed enough around here right now!

RABB

(in agreement)

Yes sir!

Rabb studies Peterson's composure momentarily, noting a sudden uneasiness come over the man. Rabb then slowly turns his back to Peterson and walks off down the hallway.

PETERSON

(gazing after Rabb )

Obstinate young man!

ADMIRAL

Oh, that he can be, Jimmy! But then that's one of the qualities that makes for a good attorney!

PETERSON

Well, he definitely knows his way around the court room alright, I'll give him that much! But I'd like to see how he'd hold up in one of my SEAL training sessions! My guess is he wouldn't make it through the first day!

ADMIRAL

Well, Jimmy, I wouldn't judge the man too quickly!

PETERSON

I don't believe I am, AJ! But...hey....to hell with Rabb! What do you say to an early dinner! We can talk over old war stories!

**********

PART 6

**********

INT

JAG CORE OFFICE

1520 HOURS

Pausing to drop an envelope into her outbox, Harriet gazes up to see Harm entering the bullpen. As he makes his way through the maze of desks, she cordially acknowledges his presence.

HARRIET

Good afternoon, Commander.

HARM

(smiling as he quickly walks passed)

Afternoon, Harriet.

Close on his heels, Harriet follows Harm to his office and pauses just outside the doorway.

HARRIET

(knocking)

Excuse me, Commander!

RABB

Yes, Harriet! What can I do for you?

HARRIET

(smiling as she enters and hands him a couple of slips of paper)

Just wanted to be sure that you got these messages, sir! They're kind of important!

RABB

(taking them graciously from her hand)

Thanks, Harriet! You know, I honestly don't know what I'd do without you!

HARRIET

(delightfully)

Well, thank you, sir! (pauses as Harm quickly glances over the two phone messages in his hand.) Sir, I was just wondering how Colonel Mackenzie was doing!. I mean you rushed right into court when you arrived this afternoon and...

RABB

(noticing Harriet's concern)

She's doing fine, Harriet. As a matter of fact she's.......

His voice trails off as he gazes over Harriet's shoulder and observes Mac entering the bullpen.

HARRIET

(glancing over her shoulder and noting Mac's entrance)

She's......here, Sir!

Harm follows Harriet out of the office and observes the two women greet one another. As Mac walks toward him, he shakes his head in bewilderment at the sight of her presence in full uniform.

RABB

Mac, what are you doing here?

MAC

Working. What else?

RABB

(moving aside as she enters his office)

But the doctor said....

MAC

I know what the doctor said, Harm, .......but I was feeling much better and I just felt it'd be ok! Besides, it's only for a couple of hours!

RABB

(conceding)

Okay!.....But I still don't think you're going against the doctor's orders is a good thing, Mac.

MAC

(meeting his gaze, she attempts to divert his attention from her by changing the subject)

So.....hey, ...I hear the Admiral turned over the Malory case to you.

RABB

(refocusing his attention to the issues at hand)

Yah! .... And it's a good thing, too!

MAC

Why do you say that?

RABB

Well, your friend Colonel Beck.......Aahh, sorry, Mac!....(rephrasing) Colonel Becker managed to get Mattoni to plead down the charges to voluntary manslaughter!

MAC

Yah, so?

RABB

It was murder, Mac! Plain and simple!

MAC

Are you sure? I mean the two men were brawling and Sergeant Nichols pulled a knife!

RABB

Yah well, two witnesses claim they heard Malory threaten to kill Nichols the day before the murder! Besides, Lieutenant Malory's a Navy SEAL, Mac! There was no contest! Sergeant Nichols didn't have a chance even with a knife!

MAC

I agree! But second degree murder?

RABB

The Lieutenant used deadly force, Mac!

MAC

Yes, but did he do it intentionally?

RABB

You don't snap a man's neck with your bare hands by accident, Mac!

MAC

Good point!

RABB

Yah well, not so good for me!

MAC

What do you mean?

RABB

It didn't exactly go over very big with Malory's CO, so now the good Captain's looking for a rhyme and a reason to put my six in a sling!

Mac reacts to Harm's inferrance to Peterson's by turning away and walking toward the window. Noticing her reaction, Harm follows her pausing only a few steps away from her.

RABB

(gently)

Mac, I think it's safe for me to assume that whatever's bothering you has something to do with Peterson! (he pauses for a long moment waiting for some sort of response from Mac. Receiving none, he continues) And as it was my suggestion that you accept a ride home with the man, I'd feel terribly responsible if something happened that.....

MAC

(turning from the window )

Don't even go there, Harm!

RABB

Then something did happen?

MAC

(pushing her way passed Harm and walking toward the door)

No!......Nothing happened.

HARM

Come on Mac, talk to me!

Turning back to Harm, Mac reads the deep concern in the reflection of his eyes.

MAC

(at length)

I'm sorry, Harm, I just can't!

RABB

Mac.......

MAC

(interrupting)

Look, I know it's not a good time right now, but I'm going to ask the Admiral for some personal leave!

RABB

Why aren't you willing to trust me with this, Mac?

MAC

It has nothing to do with trust, Harm! And if you want to be a good friend right now, then you'll have to accept things as they are, no questions asked!

Noting the determination in Mac's eyes, Harm realizes that he would have to accept her terms and reluctantly concedes.

RABB

Alright Mac, if that's the way you want it.

The conversation between the two is abruptly interrupted by Peterson's voice.

PETERSON

Well, I have a question!

Harm and Mac gaze toward the doorway to observe Peterson standing there wearing a smug grin on his face. Both junior officers immediately come to attention.........Harm noticing the shocked expression on Mac's face as Peterson stands before her.

RABB

Sir!

PETERSON

As you were, Commander.....Colonel!

The two officers relax.... Mac obviously uncomfortable by the Captain's presence.

RABB

Anything I can help you with, Sir?

PETERSON

(a note of sarcasm in his voice)

No, Commander, I think you've done enough for me for one day! (turning his attention to Mac) But, I sure could use some company for dinner later on tonight! (pauses) Would you like to join me, Sarah?

Harm gazes to Mac surprised that Peterson has addressed her by her first name and noting her expression of disapproval.

MAC

(sharply)

It's Colonel MacKenzie, Sir! And no, I don't think so!

PETERSON

(insistent)

Well now,.....(and then overcorrecting himself) COLONEL!.....I wish you weren't in such a hurry to turn me down!... I mean, I'll be returning to Norfolk in a day or two and I'd hate to miss the opportunity of wining and dining you!..... So, what do you say?

There is a long silence as Mac stands before Peterson unable to respond to his unwelcome advances.

RABB

(interjecting on Mac's behalf as he notices her obvious displeasure)

With all due respect,..... Captain, but the Colonel has already accepted my offer to a home cooked dinner at my place tonight!

Mac gazes to Rabb somewhat surprised by his intrepidity and relieved by his quick retort.

Captain Peterson, however, is obviously exasperated as he gazes sternly toward the Commander for a long silent moment.

PETERSON

(his eyes fixed of Rabb)

Is that true, Colonel?

MAC

Yes, sir!

PETERSON

Well Colonel, perhaps tomorrow then.

Peterson salutes Mac with the tip of his hand, then turns away and walks off towards JAG's main exit briefcase in hand.

*************

Part 7

*********

EXT

RABB'S APT

1700 HOURS

Parked across the street from Harm's apartment, a man sits behind the wheel of an SUV his identity concealed by the vast shadows of the night!   He sits alone gazing up at the second story window, watching.........waiting........

After several minutes, he leans over to the other side of the front seat, opens the glove compartment and removes a weapon. He rubs his thumb firmly up and down the length of the barrel then drops the ammunition magazine out of the gun and examines it carefully. Fully loaded to his satisfaction, the man quickly slips the magazine back into place.

UNIDENTIFIED MAN

(gazing to his watch and then back up at the window above)

All in due time! .......All in due time!

He places the revolver back into the glove compartment and pushes it shut. The car pulls away from the curb and passes slowly by Rabb's apartment building.

*************

INT

RABB'S APT

Dressed in civilian clothing, Harm is standing over the stove holding the lid of a pot in his left hand while stirring the contents of a steaming pot with his right. Mac is seated on a stool opposite the stove watching Harm with amusement.

MAC

You know, you really didn't have to do all this!

RABB

Well the doctor said rest and chicken soup, right?

MAC

Is that what's cooking?....Smell sure fooled me!

Harm gives Mac a dirty look and then tests the temperature of the soup by sipping a small amount from the tip of the ladle.

RABB

(burning his tongue)

Ouch!

MAC

(amused as she watches him attempting to fan the pain away with his hand)

What's the matter, Harm?    Soups got your tongue?

His tongue still stinging, Harm rushes to the sink and gulps down a cold glass of water.

HARM

(gazing back to Mac)

Very funny, Mac!

MAC

(continuing to taunt him)

So tell me Harm, is there real chicken in that soup or is it veggie chicken soup?

RABB

Boy, talk about ungrateful? ...Now I know that's definitely the old mac I'm hearing!

MAC

Sorry, Harm!....But really, I'm not hungry! You shouldn't have bothered!

RABB

(returning to the stove)

Look, there's real chicken in the soup, ok! It's my mom's recipe!   She used it when I was feeling under the weather! Give it a chance, will yah! It always worked for me!

MAC

Yah well, I sure hope it tastes better than your meatless meatloaf!

At that point, Harm's expression of annoyance is enough to signal to Mac that her teasing has gone far enough. She smiles at him, then quickly stands and walks toward the living room.

MAC

(over her shoulder attempting to change the subject)

You know, I still can't believe you came right out and said what you did to Captain Peterson!

RABB

(replacing the lid onto the pan)

Well Mac, his mannerisms towards you were bordering on harassment! He knew it and he sure as hell knew that I knew it!

MAC

So you felt safe?

RABB

Well, let's just say that I was confident that he'd back off and no doubt that he'd have any room to retaliate!

MAC

Harm, don't go giving him any more reasons to hate you! He's not someone you'd want for an enemy!

Harm brushes off her warning with a shrug of his shoulder; Mac observing him closely as he walks to the refrigerator.

RABB

(opening the refrigerator door)

He'll be going back to Norfolk sooner than later, I hope! (pauses searching through the contents of the refrigerator) And then all of us will be able to breathe a little easier.

Mac becomes uneasy with Harm's last words. She walks closer to Rabb as he continues his search of the refrigerator.

MAC

(her hand running over her stomach revealing renewed discomfort)

Harm, what are you looking for in there?

As Rabb backs out from the refrigerator with several items in his hand, he accidentally knocks off a bottle of wine from the top shelf. The wine bottle crashes to the floor shattering into tiny pieces of glass and splattering wine everywhere.

The shattering of the bottle sends flashes of memory before Mac's eyes as she gazes at the broken glass at her feet.

********

    "Come on Sarah!....Drink...!" the vague grey figure of a man commanded in a distorted voice.   He sat startled across Mac's hips his weight so heavy she could hardly breathe!   She could feel something wet being forced into her mouth and choking on it as she fought its acceptance into her body.   She kept trying with all her strength to fight him off, but his weight was too much, his arms too strong! Soon she could no longer breathe and she could feel herself slowly suffocating. Finally able to pull her arm from underneath the weight of his body, she pushes the bottle out of his hand sending it crashing into the table next to her..

********

HARM

Mac!

The sound of Harm's voice and the touch of his hands against her face brings Mac's consciousness back to the reality of the present. She finds him standing before her his hands gently cupped over her cheeks.

MAC

(shaken by the memory and trembling)

Harm, ......just hold me!

Mac slips into Harm's gentle embrace, her arms wrapped tight against her chest.   Harm holds her close, a deep concern enveloping him as he feels her trembling within his arms.



    *********** TO BE CONTINUED **********