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

0710 ZULU

She was standing on a bridge. Heavy mist swirled thicker and thicker around her, blocking everything from her sight. She narrowed her eyes, searching each shifting mass. Her heart raced until it became one constant thrumming. Was that something? Was that? The phantomlike mist played trick after trick with her. But there was something out there - she knew there was and this time she wasn't leaving until she found out what it was.

"Be careful."

The words came out of nowhere. She jerked to a halt, her heels digging into the cement. She peered into the mist, all doubts and trepidation disappearing. It wasn't a fluke after all. The voice really was there. Someone was really there.

"Go back."

She hesitantly stepped forward, searching for the voice. The deep mist shifted again and again like the tides against the shore. She looked everywhere - left and right, behind her and back in front again and then... Then she saw where it was coming from. There was a woman - but she was too far... she squinted into the fog and took another step closer. Then another. There was something different about the shape tonight. She wasn't sure what it was. Closer and closer she went until a frigid blast of air slapped her head on. Shivering, she wrapped her arms around her waist and kept going.

"Who are you?" she called. "Why are you doing this?"

"Go back. You're in danger."

"From what?" she called, frustrated.

The shape seemed to move farther away even as she drew closer. It looked like a woman. She looked harder, trying desperately to make out the shifting edges of the apparition. Fear pounded in her body, her heart beating so fast it almost hurt. Her stomach clenched deep inside with nerves and she felt sick. Swallowing it down, she forced herself to keep going.

"Get out!"

Another voice sounded and there was no doubt this one came from a man - a furious, hateful man. Trembling with fear, she stumbled to a halt and waited, her hands clenched into fists at her side. Resolutely, she stood her ground.

"Who are you?" she demanded again, trying to keep her voice steady. "What do you want?"

"Be careful."

This was the first voice. Confused she whirled around, trying to see who was talking. Even the apparition was gone now. Only the heavy, dense fog encircled her. The hair on the back of neck rose. Someone was behind her. Her heart almost stopped beating when she realized it. Whoever it was didn't feel friendly. She froze, unable to move and unsure of what to do next. Squeezing her eyes shut, she struggled to breathe. On the count of three she'd run. Whatever it came closer and closer. It was almost to her now. Almost ready to grab...

Mac abruptly closed her mouth on the scream that tore from her tight throat as she heaved herself up in bed. Heart pounding furiously, she sat perfectly still, trying to get her bearings. The nightmare had seemed so real that she didn't even realize where she was at first. As her eyes came into focus she saw the familiar surroundings of her own bedroom in the dim glow of the bathroom nightlight. Breathing raggedly, Mac shoved her hands through her sweat-soaked hair and cursed the air blue. It the same damn dream that had been waking her up every single night for the past two weeks. And it was upsetting her more and more as the details became clearer.

Drawing a slow, steady breath, she flipped the covers back and slowly swung her feet to the floor. It was early - just after four but she knew there'd be no going back to sleep now. This was becoming routine as the nightmares continued to plague her each night. A run would help clear her head and then there was plenty of work at the office she could be doing.

0730 ZULU
UNKNOWN LOCATION

A lone figure stood in the darkness of his office, looking out the window at the mist-enshrouded night. His plan was beginning to come together and soon he would have her. After years of waiting and planning... waiting for just the right moment to lure her back. Now that moment was finally here. The momentum of it swelled within him until it blotted out everything else. The power that was in his grasp. Power he held over her and all of those around her. He would have her and he would eliminate any interference. They would all be sorry for what they'd done to him. He would destroy everything she held precious and then he would have her all to himself. There would be no one to take her from him at the last minute like before. A slow, menacing smile curled his lips. The sweet taste of revenge was in his mouth now and once a man tasted that kind of power...there would be no stopping him.

1200 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VA

Harm stepped off the elevator, thankful to get in early. He had a pile of paperwork on his desk that he needed to go through. Not to mention an Article 32 hearing opposing Bud that morning. As he was passing Mac's office, he was surprised to see her in.

"Hey, what are you doing here so early?"

"I woke up at four am and couldn't go back to sleep. Just thought I'd get an early start on the day," Mac replied as Harm stepped further into her office.

"Anything in particular keeping you up?"

"Just a really strange dream."

"Want to talk about it?" Harm asked.

"No, I can't even explain it to myself let alone anyone else."

"Well, I'll see you later this morning."

Mac watched Harm walk into his office. It had been a strange summer. While she was still wearing Mic's ring on her right hand, there was this undercurrent of something more between her and Harm. Hell, she thought, there had always been that undercurrent. But it was sort of swept away with the tide after he went to flying. But somehow, since Mic had returned to DC, it had resurfaced. Mac gave her head a slight shake and went back to work on her reports. Since the unforgettable mission to Twentynine Palms, she felt they were on more of a roller coaster than ever. The talk they were supposed to have went to the back burner.

A few weeks ago they'd been in one of the most romantic cities in the world and before they could so much as make it back to their room to privacy, Mic and Renee had shown up and spoiled the moment. Something was always getting in the way and Mac wondered fleetingly if it would be that way forever. Maybe it was God's way of telling them anything more than friendship wasn't in their future. But then again, she reasoned, the feelings she felt for the tall Commander would fade - especially with the attention she received from Mic. And somehow that just hadn't happened and Mac sadly doubted it ever would. The hold Harm had on her heart just went too deep to ever be cut away.

1600 ZULU
JAG HEADQUARTERS
FALLS CHURCH, VA

"Colonel, the Admiral wants to see you," Mac looked up to see Tiner standing in her door.

"I'm on my way."

"Reporting as ordered sir," Mac stood at attention beside Harm in the Admiral's office.

"At ease. I have a new and interesting assignment for you two."

"Does it involve Webb, sir?" Harm asked, skeptically.

"I hope to God not," AJ laughed. Sobering, he looked at them again. "Remember the mock war games you two observed several years ago?"

"The one where I ended up on a sinking Russian ship? Very well," Harm answered.

"Well, the Russians want to repeat the performance. Not the sinking of the ship, just the games. I'm sending you to Moscow to help coordinate the event."

Harm and Mac looked at each other.

"Is that wise, sir, given the last time we were there?" Mac asked.

"The Russian Admiral I spoke with knows all about your little escapade the last time and everything should be all right. You leave tomorrow morning."

Harm and Mac both turned to leave. Outside Chegwidden's office, Harm turned to Mac.

"Why don't you come over for dinner tonight and we can try and have a game plan together in case they try to force something on us?"

"Won't Renee get upset?"

"She's in New York."

"Seven?" Mac asked.

"Sounds good."

2359 ZULU
HARM'S APARTMENT
NORTH OF UNION STATION

"You're early," Harm quipped as he opened the door.

"Aren't I always?"

"True. Dinner should be ready in about ten minutes."

"It smells good."

"Thanks. I'm surprised Mic let you out of his sight so soon after we got back from Venice."

"Mic doesn't have me chained, Harm. You need to accept that he's a perfectly nice guy."

"Do I?" he questioned, staring at her for a moment.

Mac felt him watching her. Maybe it was finally the right time and place for that talk. An hour later, they had devoured dinner and gone over what they knew of their assignment. Mac stood up to stretch her arms.

"Tired?" Harm asked.

"No," she answered quietly. She noticed Harm watching her again. "Do you think maybe now would be a good time for that talk?"

Harm was shocked. It was the first time either one of them had brought it up. There were several times over the summer where they had almost had it, but they had never mentioned that it was about to happen. It was just an implied talk.

"S-s-sure," he stuttered. Mac noticed the fear on his face.

"We don't have to if you don't want to."

"Mac, I want to. We've been beating around this bush all summer. It's time to stop. Why don't you have a seat on the sofa?"

Mac walked across the living room to the black sofa by the window. She sat down, tucking her feet up under her. A few minutes later, Harm joined her, handing her a cup of coffee. They sat in silence for a few moments, both waiting for the other to start. After about five minutes of silence, Harm started laughing.

"What's so funny?" Mac asked.

"We're lawyers Mac, we shouldn't be at a loss for words."

"You start."

"Why me?"

"You're the one who kissed me in Twentynine Palms."

"You kissed back."

"True," she replied softly, looking at him for a moment, before looking down at the floor. "Harm, what is happening between us?"

"I don't know Mac, really I don't. I thought that whatever feelings that we had were buried after I came back to JAG."

"I tried so hard not to let your leaving affect me. But it hurt."

"I know. But you know that I never meant to hurt you, right?"

"That's probably what hurts the most, the fact that you didn't mean to do it. But you did, Harm."

Harm set his coffee down and turned to face Mac. "And you don't think accepting Brumby's ring, albeit on your right hand, hurt me?"

"I didn't do it to spite you, Harm. I was just..."

"You don't owe me an explanation, Mac. I just want to know one thing."

"What?" she asked.

"Do you love him?" he asked gently, before his lips came down on hers.

It wasn't like the heated one they shared in California. It was soft and gentle and promising. They broke apart reluctantly.

"Not the way I should," she whispered. Harm wrapped an arm around her and they held onto one another for a moment. He placed a soft kiss on her forehead and cupped her face with his hand.

"How should you love him?"

Mac looked into his eyes and was surprised at the depth of feelings she saw there. She brought her lips to his and kissed him again. They kissed for endless minutes until the ringing of the phone interrupted them. Harm broke the kiss when he heard Renee's voice on the machine.

{Hey, I'm going to be stuck in New York for a few more nights. I'll give you a call when I know when I'm getting back. Why don't you see if Mac and Mic want to go with us to the movies on Friday night? Love ya.}

As her voice faded and the machine clicked off, Mac turned to Harm. "This is so much more complicated than you and me."

"I know," he nodded his head in agreement.

"It's wrong for us to decide about 'us' when we're both still seeing other people."

1425 ZULU
BRITISH AIRWAYS FLIGHT BA224
DULLES INTERNATIONAL
WASHINGTON, DC

Harm, with concern, watched as Mac fumbled with her carryon, lifting it into the overhead compartment with less than steady hands. All day she had seemed more than distracted and distant as they had briefed Bud, Singer and Imes on the cases they were handling. Was it apprehension about their return to Russia? Was it confusion or regret over what appeared to be growing uncontrollably between them? Growing between them while both were still shackled in other relationships? Or was it something more?

"Here, let me get that."

"I got it." With unsteady hands, Mac gave the carryon a final shove that seemed to take all her strength, and managed to cram the luggage into the compartment over their seats.

"Window or aisle?" A forced smile that didn't reach her eyes crossed her face as she turned towards Harm.

"With these legs?"

"Aisle. Definitely aisle."

"If you don't mind..."

"No, the window's fine. Besides, maybe I can grab some sleep with the window as my pillow at least until we land at Heathrow in 7 hours, 15 minutes and 36 seconds."

Harm let Mac slip in before him, noticing once again the dark circles that had spread under her beautiful eyes. He helped her get comfortable with the pillows and the blankets that the stewardess had passed her, his mind wandering to the night before. The feel of her in his arms, the feel of her lips on his . . . and the two strangers who now occupied their personal lives' . . . instead of each other. So much complicated unfinished business that they both could have to take care of before they could decide about 'them'.

Mac saw the strange look on Harm's face and the distant light that seemed to spark in his eyes. "What?"

"Nothing. Once we get to cruising altitude, try to get some rest."

Settling in his own seat, he closed his eyes, trying to avoid her stare, knowing his eyes would betray him.

****

Mac fell into a fitful sleep as Washington disappeared beneath them and once again the bridge . . . the mist . . . the fog . . . the woman . . . the man . . . and the frigid blast of cold air of her dream engulfed her. Tossing fitfully in her seat, her heart racing uncontrollable she whispered the terror filled words again. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"Mac?" Sleep laden, Harm reached for her in the dimmed cabin as she continued to mumble and move away from his touch.

"Mac, wake up."

"Who are you? What do you want from me?" She struggled against him . . . she struggled against the strange man on the bridge.

"Mac! It's Harm. Stop it. You're safe. It's just a dream." Harm lifted the armrest between them, unbuckled their seat belts, and pulled her in his arms. "Shhhh . . . it's just a dream. Go back to sleep. I have you."

Though still trying to resist the menacing stranger of her dreams, the strength of the recognized voice and the warmth of the embrace lifted the misted haze of her dream. "Harm?"

"Go back to sleep, Sarah. It was just a dream and you're safe." He held her tighter against him, feeling her relax and spoon further into his arms as he gently kissed her forehead. "Always . . . forever . . . safe together."

"A dream . . . yes, just a dream," Mac whispered the words, nestled against him and wrapped her arm firmly around his waist. Harm became her pillow the beating of his heart lulling her into a peaceful sleep filled with only the two of them. "Yes . . . always . . . forever . . . safe together."

2005 ZULU
SHEREMETIEVO 2 AIRPORT
MOSCOW

It had been a long trip and both were exhausted by the time they had retrieved their luggage and passed through immigration and customs. As they made their way through the arrival exit, they noticed an older gray-haired civilian holding up a sign, which had 'Rabb' simply inscribed.

"Well, he certainly isn't Alexi."

"That he isn't. What do you think, military or politician?"

"Definitely not military. He's dressed too well." Mac smiled at the wounded look on Harm's face, as they quickly made their way towards the man.

"Hey, are you . . ."

"Commander Rabb, Colonel MacKenzie. Welcome to Moscow. My name is Michael Roth. I am the Legal Attache with the US Embassy. I hope your flight was a pleasant one." Roth extended his hand first to Harm and then to Mac and smiled ceremoniously.

"Mr. Roth, thank you. It was pleasant, but long."

"Yes, I can imagine, Commander. If you'll just follow me I have a car waiting to take you to your hotel."

Following closely behind Michael Roth, Harm leaned and whispered to Mac. "They sent a lawyer to meet us?" Before Mac could respond, she saw the older man turn toward them. "Yes, I am an attorney, however Legal Attache with the American Embassy in Moscow is an FBI position. This way, please."

HOTEL METROPOL
1/4 TEATRALNY PROYEZD
MOSCOW

"Well, this certainly isn't the Posolskaya." Mac was mesmerized with the lavish hotel surroundings filled with Russian

History since it was initially built in 1898. The lobby area was filled with furniture, chandeliers, vases, sculptures all antiques from 18th and 19th century and countless of what appeared to be valuable paintings.

"I hope you find the accommodations satisfactory? The Russian Navy insisted on providing them. I'll get you registered, since the reservations were made under the name of the embassy. While don't you make yourselves comfortable, while I register you."

They settled themselves in the reception area as Michael Roth disappeared in the crowd milling by the registration desk. Harm watched as Mac stared at the high ceilings of the hotel adorned with romantic period frescos. Even exhausted and jet lagged, she was still so beautiful. He couldn't help staring at her, his male libido forcing a smile to cross his face and his eyes to dance with desire, as he remembered the white silk nightgown Mac worn on their last trip to Russia.

Mac felt his eyes on her and turned to see the faraway fire. "What's so funny?"

"Uh . . . You did leave the lingerie at home this time, Marine, didn't you?"

"Actually, no. There's just actually a little less of it this time."

Neither spoke another word, but simply just stared at each other. Words no longer necessary, their eyes taking them back to another place, to another time, when they had allowed their fears, their obsessions, their sense of duty to prevent an intimate memory to be created between them.

"Commander? Colonel?" Returning, Michael Roth instincts were tuned to the silence that spoke obvious volumes between the two officers.

"Commander Rabb? Colonel MacKenzie?"

Harm broke eye contact first, rising at the sound of the older man's voice. "Sorry, I imagine jet lag has gotten the better of us. Are we all set?"

"Yes. The bell man will show you to your room."

"Room?" Simultaneously, Harm and Mac voiced the single word with the hope, yet fear that laced through their hearts.

"Yes, room. They have booked you a two-bedroom suite, assuming it would facilitate any work that you might have to accomplish during your stay. Is that a problem?"

"No, the accommodations will be just fine. Thank you, Mr. Roth."

"Fine, Colonel. There will be an embassy car here to pick you up at 0930 hours. There will be a briefing at the embassy, between the Observers and the Commanders of both fleets participating in the war games. Have a pleasant evening."

The door closed behind him with a click that echoed into the far reaches of both their hearts. Slowly, Harm and Mac turned to look at each other. Unbidden images filtered into Mac's mind as she looked at her partner. Times in the past of being in a room not unlike this one. Times of being in close quarters and knowing it could lead them back to ground neither one seemed to want to tread. But this time she felt a sense of urgency she'd never felt before. As she studied his beloved face, saw the lines of tension etched around his mouth and eyes, she felt something she'd never felt before. A sense of foreboding that this trip would be far from simple. Maybe it was the nightmares. Maybe the unease between the two of them. But whatever the cause, Mac didn't want to face it. She wanted to turn around now and go straight back to DC. Back to their normal, everyday lives, where if nothing else, they were at least safe. Or maybe they wouldn't be safe at all.

"Mac?"

Harm's velvety voice interrupted her thoughts.

"What?" she asked.

"You okay? You spaced out on me for a minute there."

"I'm fine," she murmured almost too quickly, turning away so he couldn't see her face.

Harm sighed and reached up to squeeze the back of his neck where a headache was building. "Maybe it would help to talk about it," he suggested gently.

"Talk about what?" Mac asked, knowing full well what he meant.

He sighed again. "I won't push you but I hate to see you like this. If you change your mind all you have to do is say so."

"Thank you," she answered and disappeared into one of the rooms to unpack.

1930 ZULU -TWO DAYS LATER
THE KREMLIN

The war games were well and truly underway and Mac and Harm played the dutiful roles of observers. As their second day drew to a late close, the pair were returned to the hotel by limo where Mac got an unexpected surprise as they walked into the lobby.

"Sarah, love! I didn't think you were ever going to get back!"

Mac felt her heart settle somewhere into her shoes the instant she heard Mic's voice. Slowly, she turned in his direction, feeling Harm's eyes on her. Swallowing hard, she forced a tight smile.

"What are you doing here?" she hissed as he came to her side.

"I was missing you, love, so I thought I'd surprise you with a visit."

Mac stared at him like he'd sprouted another head. From the corner of her eyes she saw Harm move a few feet away to give them privacy. Mic bent to kiss her but Mac placed a hand against his chest to stop him and turned her head.

"You shouldn't have come," she told him firmly. "I am on an assignment and right now I need to focus on it."

"Come on now, love, we can have short bit of fun together tonight. You're not on duty twenty fours hours a day."

"No, Mic. I'm sorry you made the trip all the way out here for nothing but you can't stay. Please, go back to Washington," she stated flatly.

Mic's mouth flattened into a grim line. "This wouldn't have anything to do with the fact that you and Rabb are sharing a suite, would it?"

"Just what are you insinuating?" Mac demanded, her eyes narrowing.

"Just that it looks odd when a man finds his bride-to-be sharing a room with another man," he pointed out, almost sneering at her.

"Go home, Mic. Right now. I don't want to talk to you and you're not welcome to stay here. And when I get home, we're going to have a long, overdue talk," she hissed angrily.

As she started to turn, Mic grabbed her arm and jerked her back to look at him.

"Now wait just a minute..." he started.

"Let her go, Brumby."

Harm was at her side in an instant, knowing she wouldn't appreciate his interference but not being able to stand seeing Brumby manhandle her.

"This isn't your business, Rabb. Butt out," Brumby sneered.

"She is my business and I believe she asked you to leave," Harm stated, his voice very low and quiet but the threat behind it unmistakable.

Mac jerked her arm free of Mic's hand and took a step closer to Harm, staring down the Australian who's ring she still wore. Mic gave her one last hard look.

"This isn't over, Sarah," he spit out and turned on his feel to walk away.

"Thank you but that was unnecessary," she stated crisply, still looking in the direction Mic had gone.

"Sorry," Harm answered unrepentant.

"I'm tired and I'd really like to just go up to bed," she continued, heading for the elevator.

When they got up to their room, Harm flipped on the lights and watched as she got a bottle of water from the mini bar.

"Why didn't you let him stay? Can't blame a man for trying," he commented.

Mac picked up the trace of sarcasm in his words and spun around. "It's really none of your business, Harm, what Mic and I do," she retorted, watching as he carefully chosen words struck home.

"Guess that's true enough," he nodded, keeping his face a blank. "But next time we go on an assignment you might try keeping your personal life out of it." And with those parting words he went into his room and shut the door.

Frustrated and angry, Mac went into her own room and slammed the door hard enough to rattle the walls. She turned and started unbuttoning her uniform when she saw it. Stopping in her tracks, she stared at the plain, white envelope on the bed. Slowly, she walked across the room and reached for it, her fingers trembling. Inside was a single square of paper and on it the words, 'You're in tremendous danger. Go back.'

She read the simple note over and over, heart pounding. It was the same words from her dreams. Slowly, she willed her hands to stop shaking and put the paper back in the envelope. Then she tucked it away in her briefcase and changed for bed.

Later, the dreams came again. The fog, the cold, the fear that paralyzed her limbs. But this time she saw a changing in the mists. Shapes took place, faces came into focus. Admiral Chegwidden - urging her to do what was right. And Webb - telling her to trust what she knew. And there was someone else, someone she felt immediate danger from. The one she should fear. The fog swirled again and she looked back to the Admiral and Webb then back to the other man. She squinted, trying hard to make out his face. He was coming toward her, something in her hand. It was a gun. Mac backed away in fright, then realized she was holding a gun, too. Hands shaking, she pointed her weapon at him.

"Kill him, Sarah."

A new voice came from behind her, right at her ear. "Kill him before he kills you."

Mac recognized the voice but she couldn't remember who it belonged to. She kept her gaze of the man coming at her. Suddenly he came into focus and she felt a scream leave her dry throat. It was Harm! And he was pointing the gun at her...

Her screams woke Harm from a fitful sleep and he bolted out of bed. Running across the suite, he jerked open her bedroom door and found her sitting in the bed, her arms outstretched as if holding a gun. She kept screaming and he raced to her side, grasping her upper arms and giving her a firm shake.

"Mac! Wake up!" he commanded.

Her head snapped back and for an instant she only stared at him, her expression dazed. As recognition dawned in her dark eyes, so did something else. Something that looked like fear. Before he could say anything, she jerked away from his touch and scrambled back on the bed. Confused, Harm started to reach out for her.

"Don't touch me!" she cried, her whole body trembling.

"It's all right," he murmured soothingly. "You were just dreaming."

She shook her head wildly. "No, it was real..." her voice trailed off as she tried to bring reality into focus. "You..." she stopped abruptly.

"I what?" he prompted gently.

"Nothing," she shook her head. "Please, leave me alone. I just want to go back to sleep."

"Mac, why won't you let me help?" he demanded, frustrated and helpless over what was happening to her.

"I don't need your help," she spat."

Harm rose to his feet. "Fine," he snapped. "Maybe you should have let Brumby stay after all!" he growled, unable to stop himself from picking at her.

"Get out!" she yelled. "Just get out and leave me alone!"

"Fine!" he yelled back and left the room, slamming the door behind him.

Shaking with a combination of fear from the dream and anger, she sat there for a long time staring at the closed door. What on earth was happening to them? And more than that, why was she having dreams of Harm pointing a gun at her?

1830 ZULU
HOTEL METROPOL
1/4 TEATRALNY PROYEZD
MOSCOW

The War Games were finally over without incident and Harm and Mac only had one final duty to survive . . . a state dinner hosted by the Russian Navy. Though neither of them was in the mood to attend the function, they knew both militarily and politically it was a necessity and they both intended to represent their country with honor. Both had never mentioned the incident that seemed to push them apart again. Both had been civil. Both had been professional. But both had also felt the deterioration in their relationship. Back to before their summer of tumultuous emotions . . . back to before their first passionate kiss......back to . . . What was happening to them? Mac's nightmares had continued and woke Harm each night. But after her rejection and the crazed look of fear in her eyes, he just stood outside her door each night with his heart racing. Listening to her screams, he waited with bated breath until she quieted. Once he was satisfied she was all right through the closed door he retreated to his room to spend another fitful and restless night.

Mac dressed in the solitude of her bedroom, her mind taking her back to the darkened events of her dream. She sighed audibly as the only vision that haunted her during her waking hours was the vivid vision of Harm and the gun. Harm and the gun that he was pointing at her. As much as she tried to dismiss the action, as ridiculous, as incredulous, it was the only segment of her dream that became more real, more pronounced as her dreams continued each night. She tried to convince herself, it was just a product of all the stress she had been through. She tried to convince herself, it was a product of the disaster her personal life was in. But as she tried to rationalize and justify the action she knew was inconceivable, she also couldn't help but wonder if it was an episode of remote viewing . . . like when she had seen the tree, when she had seen the lighting, when she had seen the road. Like when she had found Chloe, when no one else could.

Harm stood at the window in the living room of the suite, gazing at the swirling patterns of traffic that raced beneath him lost in his own thoughts of the last week. He cursed himself for his cowardice. He cursed himself for his insecurities. He cursed himself for his jealousy. Since Mic's appearance and departure, things had changed between them, fueled by the dreams that disrupted their sleep each night. Tomorrow they would be going home. Home to Renee . . . home to Brumby . . . home to the way things had been . . . home to the way things had been before the summer.

"We'd better get a move on it, Sailor. We don't want to keep our hosts waiting." Mac exited her bedroom and as Harm turned toward her, she felt the electricity pass through her tired body, unable to avert her eyes from his piercing green eyes. What stood before her was not the dark image from her dreams. What stood before her was the 'man' of her dreams in his dress whites and gold wings.

"You look beautiful, Marine." He whispered the words as he moved towards her.

This time he didn't see the fear in her eyes, as he held her gaze with his own. This time he saw what he had seen so many times throughout the summer in her eyes. The look that had given him hope. The look that had Mac tried to avert her eyes, as he moved closer, but the kaleidoscope of emotions that sparked in his eyes was too compelling.

"Not drab or mousy?" She stammered the words.

"Hardly. You're beautiful. So beautiful." He gently traced her face with his hands and felt her tremble at his touch.

"I know a director who would disagree with you." She tried to move away as she dropped her gaze, but his touch was too intoxicating.

"Mac . . . we need . . . I need."

"I know . . . Harm . . . I. . ."

Like the string of a tangled kite that snapped suddenly in the wind they were forced apart again without voicing the words they so desperately needed to say, as they heard the knocking at their door.

"Harm, we need to go."

"Mac, no. Not until . . ."

Mac moved away from him toward the door, as the knocking became more insistent. "We need to go. We're going to be late."

"Right." He stiffened and grabbed his cover, cursing silently another moment in time that had been taken from them.

A sudden chill passed over him when he exited the suite, afraid that all the missed moments in time were becoming a lifetime of denial.

1200 ZULU
GRAND KREMLN PALANCE
MOSCOW, RUSSIA

"Tell me once again what we are doing here?" Harm whispered to Mac as he watched the waiter go by.

"We need to make nice," she rolled her eyes.

"I don't want to even be in this country, let alone in this building."

"I'm going to find the bathroom," Harm replied, handing Mac his empty glass of champagne. Mac watched his retreating back. She thought over the events of the past few weeks. Their talk before they left Washington, the fight that had ensued after Mic showed up. They had finally gotten to the point in their lives where they were both ready for each other at the same time, but the universe was conspiring against them. After all these years, why was it always so hard for them to find the words?

After having found the bathroom, Harm was meandering through the hallway. He was walking by a closed room, when he heard shots coming from inside. The investigator in him caused him to run toward the door and swing it open. He was surprised to see a young guard standing over the body of what appeared to be a Russian Admiral. The guard dropped the 9mm in his right hand, and reached around his back to pull out another gun. He fired several shots at Harm. Instinctively, Harm ran and picked up the discarded 9mm and chased the guard out of the room, firing twice, but missing both times. Mac, along with all the guards and everyone else in the room, ran toward the source of the gunfire. In the ensuing melee the guard escaped Harm. Harm continued his pursuit down a long corridor, unaware that the outer perimeters of the building had been sealed. Five minutes later, he reached an open door, only to be greeted by police.

"Freeze," the police spoke in Russian.

Even though his Russian consisted of 'Dos Vodonya' and a few choice swear words Mac had taught him, he understood the meaning. He dropped the gun.

"You're American." The same policeman spoke, this time in broken English.

Mac saw the commotion and knew what was about to happen. She walked up to the police and caught sight of Harm. She glanced in his eye, and saw him shaking his head in disbelief. He still didn't realize he was holding the murder weapon.

"He's not talking without his lawyer," Mac said to the police in Russian.

"And where would his lawyer be?" the cop responded in English.

"I'm right here." She watched as one of the other officers went to Harm and handcuffed him.

"You will follow us," the Russian officer ordered.

"You bet I will," Mac muttered under her breath as she gave the man a sharp nod and gathered up her long skirt to hurry after them.

When they reached Moscow's equivalent to a police station, Harm was taken away from Mac to be locked up and she was allowed to make use of a phone where she immediately put a call in the Admiral Chegwidden.

"Chegwidden," he answered gruffly.

"Sir, it Mac."

"Colonel? What is it? Is something wrong?" A.J. demanded immediately.

"Yes, sir, there is," Mac answered, a slight tremble in her voice. "Harm's been arrested."

TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK...