Title: Lies
Rating: PG-13 (violence)
Summary: Mic is attacked and somehow pits Mac
against Harm.

Mic Brumby new the only way to get Commander Harmon Rabb out of his and his fiancee’s life, was to set him up. An idea formed in his Australian brain. “Well see you get out of this one, mate,” he said with a grin.

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

Harm sat up with a start. His head was pounding. Looking around, he noticed that he was in the basement of his apartment building. “How in the world did I end up down here?” he muttered, getting up.

He couldn't remember much of anything that happened the night before. The last thing Harm did remember was unlocking his apartment door. He had just come from McMurphy’s after a long hour of arguing with his partner’s fiancee.

Shaking his head, Harm looked at his watch. “I'm going to be late.” He cursed as a wave dizziness washed over him. Steadying himself, Harm went up to his apartment to change. And take some Advil.

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

Admiral AJ Chegwidden was leaving the break room when he spotted Bud Roberts. “Lieutenant.”

“Yes, sir,” Bud said.

“Would you send Colonel MacKenzie and Commander Rabb to my office as soon as they arrive?”

“Aye, aye, sir.” Just as the Admiral went into his office, Mac came in. “Colonel, the Admiral would like to see you and Commander Rabb.”

“Thanks, Bud,” Mac replied, putting her cover and briefcase in her office. “Where is Harm?”

“I don't know, ma'am. I haven't seen him.”

Mac shrugged. “I guess I'll give him ten minutes.”

Ten minutes later and Harm still had not arrived. Mac headed to her CO’s office anyway and knocked on the door. “Enter.”

Mac did so and stood at attention. “At ease, Colonel MacKenzie.”

“You wanted to see me, Sir?”

“I believe I wanted to see you and Commander Rabb, Col. Where is he?” Admiral Chegwidden asked curiously.

“I don't know, Sir. I haven't seen him. I just got in not too long ago.”

The Admiral looked annoyed. “Tyner,” he said hitting the intercom.

“Yes, Sir?”

“Call Commander Rabb at his apartment and tell him to get here ASAP.”

“Aye, Aye, Sir.”

Chegwidden then turned to Mac. “Now, Colonel, about the Jefferies case...”

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

Harm made it to his office before Bud got to him. His head was still pounding and he couldn't remember much of what happened the night before. Harm sighed and sat in his chair. Leaning back, he closed his eyes.

“Sir?” Bud said. No response. “Commander!”

Harm’s eyes snapped open. “Huh? Where’s the fire?”

“Commander, are you all right?” Bud asked when he saw the bump on his forehead.

“I'll live as soon as the Advil kicks in.”

“Admiral Chegwidden has been waiting to see you, Sir. Colonel MacKenzie is already with him.”

“Thanks, Bud,” Harm replied, getting up. He hoped the Admiral was in a good mood. He didn't know how much more abuse his head could take.

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

Harm was about to knock on the door to Admiral Chegwidden’s office, when Mac opened it. “Harm, where have you been?” she asked, taking in the bump on his head. “What happened?”

Before he could reply, the Admiral shouted, “Commander, in here now!”

“Tell you later,” he whispered heading into his CO’s office and standing at attention.

“You are late, Mr. Rabb. Care to tell me why.” It was an order, not a question.

“Sir, to tell you the truth. I don't remember. I woke up in the basement of my apartment building,” Harm explained.

“What happened, Commander?”

“I don't know, Sir. The last thing I remember doing was unlocking my apartment door.”

Chegwidden sat back with a sigh. “Did you notice anything missing from your apartment? Perhaps someone--”

Before he could finish, Tyner buzzed him. “Sir, Colonel MacKenzie is out here. She’s rather anxious to speak with you.”

“Very well, send her in.”

When she entered, the two Naval officers wanted to be elsewhere. It looked as if she were on a warpath. “Colonel, what’s wrong?” Harm asked, concerned.

Mac ignored him and turned to the Admiral. “Sir, I just received a disturbing phone call from Mic. Something happened last night and he needs my help. Request permission to take the rest of the day off, Sir.”

“Mac, is everything all right?”

“Commander Rabb, you will address me as Colonel MacKenzie, is that clear?” she replied in anger.

Harm’s eyes widened. “Yes, Ma'am.”

“Colonel you may take the day.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Dismissed.”

“Aye, Aye, Sir,” Mac said stomping out the door.

Before Harm left, the Admiral grabbed his arm. “Be careful, Mr. Rabb. She’s pissed.”

"That is an understatement, Sir."

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

Harm caught up with Mac just as she picked up her cover. “What happened Mac? Is Brumby all right?” he asked, taking her hand in his.

When she turned to face him, Harm saw anger, pain and sadness in her eyes. He let go and watched Mac slam her office door and leave.

“Sir?” Bud said coming up to him. “What's going on?”

“That, Lieutenant Roberts, is what I'm going to find out.”

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

“My God, Mic, are you all right?”

“I've been better,” Mic replied.

She took in his bandaged form and the countless number of bruises. “What’s the verdict?” she asked.

“One cracked rib, left arm broken, left knee bruised.”

Mac was furious and began pacing the room. “That bastard! What kind of friend is he? Why did he do this to you? Mic, why haven't you pressed charges against Harm?”

“First of all, Sarah, sit down you're getting me dizzy with all your pacing.” Mac did so. “Second of all, I don't think I need to.”

“Why the hell not?” she screamed.

“Sarah, calm down,” Mic said, taking her hand. “I'm all right. For now I think it’s best.” Mac nodded silently as Mic kissed her forehead.

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

Harm was walking back from the break room, when he felt a sharp pain in his head. *I probably have a concussion.* He sat down and took the two Advil he had in his hand with the water he had just gotten. The phone rang making his head feel worse. “Commander Rabb.”

“Commander."

It was Mac. “Yes, Colonel?”

“How could you do it?”

“Excuse me?”

“Don't play dumb with me, Harm! You know what I'm talking about!”

“I'm sorry Mac, I don't.”

“Just be glad Mic isn't pressing charges or your Naval career would be over! If this happens again, I'll be forced to. Make certain it doesn't, Commander! No one gets away with attacking my fiancee!”

“What?” Harm had no idea someone had attacked Brumby.

“Shut up, Harm! I don't want to here it! I hate you!”

Harm winced as Mac hung up. He was stunned, to say the least. He was so lost in thought that he didn't hear Harriet knocking. “Hello? Earth to Commander Rabb.” When he looked up, Harriet nearly gasped. He was crying.

Harriet shut the door and sat across from him. “Sir, is there anything I can do?” Harm just shrugged. “Please let me help, Sir. As a friend. You mean so much to Bud and I.”

When Harm spoke, his voice cracked. “I was just on the phone with Mac. She... she thinks...” Harm sighed. “Brumby was attacked last night.”

A hand went to Harriet’s mouth. “Oh my goodness! Who do they think...” Her voice trailed off. “You, Sir?”

Harm nodded slowly. “Well, the Colonel thinks so, anyway. I guess I'm just lucky they're not pressing charges. Of course, I don't remember seeing Brumby last night. I don't remember much of anything from last night, actually.”

“Sir, maybe you should get your injury checked out.”

Harm sighed. “The only thing I want to do is wake up from this nightmare. My best friend hates me.”

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

As soon as Harm arrived at work, his eyes wandered to Mac’s office. He nearly jumped when she threw the door open. She walked over to him and Harm saluted her. “Colonel.”

“As you were, Commander,” Mac replied. Before she could leave, Harm called out to her. “Harm, I do not want to talk to you.”

“Mac, please. Why do you believe what Brumby said?”

“Because he is my fiancee, Harm!”

Harm was a little hurt. “So I'm automatically lying? Mac, I have nothing to gain and everything to lose by lying to you! I don't know what you're asking of me.”

“Looks like you'll never know, *Flyboy*,” Mac said sarcastically.

Admiral Chegwidden watched his best JAG team fall apart. “What in the hell is going on?”

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

Fifteen minutes later, Harm was in the Admiral’s office. “Commander. Rabb, I have no choice but to do this. My orders are coming from Secnav.”

“Secnav? Sir, what orders are those?”

He sighed. “Commander, I have been ordered to suspend you.” Harm almost felt as if his heart stopped. He had a feeling he knew why. “Someone has informed Secnav of your possible involvement with Mic Brumby’s assault. Know this, Harm, the Secnav and I, do not believe this to be true, however...”

“Sir, I understand,” Harm said. “You have to do this.”

Chegwidden nodded. “I'm sorry. Dismissed.”

“Aye, Aye, Sir!”

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

Harm shut the door and leaned against it with a sigh. Things couldn't possibly get any worse. “Commander,” PO Tyner called. “Sir, are you all right?”

“I'm fine, Tyner.”

“Sir, if you'll excuse me for saying so, but you look like hell.”

Harm chuckled. “Thank you, Tyner. That’s good to hear,” Harm replied, heading to his office.

Ensign Harriet Sims-Roberts, followed her sullen friend to his office. Harriet really liked him and Colonel MacKenzie. They were terrific friends. As for the Colonel, well she could be such a.... Marine!

Shaking her head, Harriet popped her head into Harm’s office. “Sir, is there--” She stopped when she noticed him packing his briefcase. “Sir, where are you going?”

“Well, Ensign, it seems that I've been suspended until further notice.”

Harriet was shocked. “They really think you assaulted him, Commander?”

“The Admiral and Secnav are on my side, as well as you and Bud, but...”

“The one person you want on your side doesn't believe you, Sir.”

Harm shook his head. “Isn't life ironic, Harriet?” He picked up his cover and headed to the door.

“Sir... Harm,” Harriet said. “Have dinner with me, Bud, and little AJ tonight.”

“You don't have to pity me, Harriet.”

The Ensign was not happy about that comment. “Commander Rabb, I am not pitying you, Sir! Bud and I care for you. You're our friend.”

“I'm sorry, Harriet,” Harm replied with a sigh. “Yes, I'd love to have dinner with you guys.”

“Good. We're eating at 1900, Sir.”

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

“Darien, I don't know how to thank you. The plan was brilliant,” Brumby said stretching his arms over his head. “It’s nice to have a friend who’s a doctor and can make fake charts.”

“Well, Mic, I know how much you want Sarah MacKenzie. Hell, if you weren't marrying her, I'd marry her!” Darien said with a laugh. “And from what I hear of Rabb, it seems as though he dropped his girl for yours.”

Mic grinned. “And with the way Sarah’s acting towards him, Harm Jr. will be devastated.”

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

Mac put her car in park and got out. Looking up, she saw Mic leaving the apartment with a guy she'd never seen before. “Sarah,” he said happily.

“Hi, Mic,” she replied with a smile. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better. Thank you, love.”

Mac eyed Mic’s arm closely. *Wasn't it his left arm that was broken? Any why isn't he limping?*

“Sarah, this is Darien. He’s a friend of my family's. Darien, Lieutenant Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.”

The two shook hands. “It’s nice to meet you, Darien.”

“Likewise, Sarah.” He turned to Mic. “Well, I'd better be going. See you later. Bye, Sarah.”

They watched Darien pull out into traffic. “Mic, you shouldn't be on your feet,” Mac said taking his hand.

At this, Mic realized that he should have been limping. *Aw,, she won't notice. Who am I kidding! This is Sarah MacKenzie!*

“I suppose your knee is feeling better?” she asked.

“Yep, it is,” he said as the entered the building. “It’s still a bit sore, though.” Mac nodded. “Sarah, is there something wrong?”

“What? Oh no, Mic. I'm fine,” she lied. *What is going on?*

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

“AJ Roberts, stop that this instant!” Harriet scolded. Her son was hanging all over Harm.

“No, it’s all right, Harriet.” Harm knelt in front of his godson. “Here, AJ,” he said, handing him a present.

Little AJ jumped up and down with excitement. He tore off the paper and opened the box eagerly. Pulling the gift from the box, he squealed with delight. It was an F-14 Tomcat. “Oh, tank you, Unca Harm! Tank you!”

“You're welcome, AJ,” Harm replied with a smile.

Harriet took Bud’s hand in hers. Little AJ had done the one thing no one else could do: Give Harm something to smile about.

~~~~

It had been a week since his suspension. Harm was beside himself. Now the two most important things in his life were gone. Work... and Mac. He was hoping for a chance to get both back. But now... now it seemed like neither was going to happen.

“Oh well, who am I kidding? My life sucks that way.” The shrill ring of the phone brought Harm back to his senses. “Rabb.”

“Mr. Rabb. Meet me at 434 Baxter Street. Come alone.”

“Wait! What is this about?”

“Just be there at 2100!” the man said. Before Harm could reply, he heard a dial tone. He grabbed his jacket and headed out the door. He had 20 minutes to get there.

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

As soon as Harm arrived, he new it was a bad idea. Looking around, he noticed that the building was abandoned. “This is definitely not good,” he muttered pulling out his cell phone.

“Chegwidden.”

“Sir, this is Commander Rabb.”

The Admiral sighed. “This had better be good, Commander.”

“I'm sorry to bother you, Sir, but I received this cryptic phone message and I thought I should let someone know where I was. I have a bad feeling about this.”

“Where are you? And why?” Harm explained the phone call to his CO. “Why in the hell didn't you attempt to get the call traced?” Chegwidden asked. Before Harm could answer, he felt something hit him in the back of the head.

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

Mac followed a little ways behind Darien and Mic. They were headed to Baxter Street for some reason. Just what were they up to? And why had Mic lied to her?

Mac left Mic’s apartment around 2010. She stayed in her car to see what Mic was trying to pull. 30 minutes later, Mic walked over to Darien. The only thing that caught her eye was the fact that Mic was using both arms and legs now. Had her fiancee really lied to her?

Pushing the thought away, Mac watched in horror as Darien hit the unsuspecting man on the cell phone over the head. She watched Mic stroll casually over and kick the semi-conscious man in the stomach. Before Mac could recover from the shock, the two jumped into the car and sped off.

The Marine cautiously got out of her own car and headed toward the man. He was lying on his stomach. She could hear someone calling out over the phone. Mac picked it up. “Hello?”

“Colonel MacKenzie?”

“Admiral Chegwidden?” Mac said nervously. “Hold on, Sir.” She turned the man over and her worse fear was confirmed. “Harm!”

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

Harm woke up to something bright flashing in his eye. “Doctor, he’s coming to.”

“Commander Rabb.”

Harm opened his eyes fully and realized he was in the hospital. “What? How did I get here?” he asked confused.

“A young woman found you. Colonel Sarah MacKenzie.”

“Mac?” Confusion was still evident on the man’s face.

“Commander, I'm Captain Joshua Taylor, the primary physician here at Bethesda. Would you like me to get the Colonel?”

“No, Sir,” Harm replied. “Is Admiral Chegwidden here?” The doctor nodded and left to get him.

What did Mac have to do with all this?

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

“Admiral, Mr. Rabb is asking for you, Sir.”

“Thank you, Captain,” Chegwidden said getting up from his seat.

The doctor was heading back to the room when Mac spoke up. “How is he, Sir?”

“He has a slight concussion and some cracked ribs. We'll keep him here for a few days for observation.”

“Captain,” Mac said. “Did he say anything about me, Sir?”

“No, Colonel. He was actually surprised you found him. Excuse me."

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

“Commander, you asked to see me.”

“Sir, forgive me if I don't stand up,” Harm said wincing.

“It’s all right, Harm. Do you maybe want to tell me what happened.”

Harm explained the events of the attack. “I couldn't really tell what they looked like, but the voice of the man who kicked me was unmistakable. It had to be Brumby.”

AJ looked at Harm questioningly. “So, you don't believe someone beat up Mic Brumby at all. You think he faked the whole thing?”

Harm nodded. “Because he realized that I am in love with Mac.”

“I thought you and Renee...”

Harm chuckled. “No, Sir. She left me a month ago. When she realized that the one woman I wanted in my life wasn't her.” He slammed his hand on the bed. “How come it took her less than a year to figure out what’s taken me six years!”

***********

Mac sank into the waiting room chair. “Oh God, Harm. What have I done?” The Marine in her lost the battle and began to cry. “I may have lost you forever.”
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