“Hey, Harm.  Who’s the doll?”  Lieutenant Commander Doug Daniels was staring at Sarah MacKenzie as she walked through the bullpen toward her office. 

“Easy, boy...  That’s not a doll; that’s a Marine.”

“A Marine?  No way!” Doug exclaimed.

“Way!  And she’s a Lieutenant Colonel, to boot.”

“Attached?” Doug asked with a gleam in his eye.

“Nope.  Just broke it off with an Aussie a couple of months ago,” he replied.  “God, I was glad to see that jerk head back down under,” Harm muttered under his breath.

“And you haven’t snatched her up yet?”

“If I’d wanted her, I’d have made my play for her years ago, buddy.  Mac and I work together; we’re partners much of the time.  There really can’t be anything between us, and we both know it.”  Harm’s eyes glazed over a bit as he said, “I think we both wanted there to be something between us for a while.  We even tried it once, but never could get past a friendly hug.  Shame...a real shame.”

“What you need, my old friend, is to get her in a kissing contest.”

“Oh God!  Right!  I haven’t been in one of those in years!  And there’s no way Mac would ever agree to participate.”

“You haven’t been one in years?  Ah, come on Rabb!  You were the champ of our graduating class.  What happened, boy?”

“Life happened, Doug.  I fell in love with Diane, remember?”

“God, that’s who she looks like!”  Doug knew that Mac looked familiar, but he hadn’t placed her until now.  “Damn, Harm.  She’s a ringer for Diane.”  His tone softened a bit.  “And you have to see her every day?  How do you do it, man?”

“It was pretty tough at first.  But Mac is so totally different from Diane, that I almost never think about it anymore.  Mac is, well, ... Mac.”

“I sure wouldn’t mind getting her in a contest.”

“As I recall, you never won too many of those contests,” Harm drawled.

“Not when you were in them.  But buddy, when you weren’t around...I won my share.”

“I never stood a chance at the record though.”

“Hell, nobody did!  I don’t even think that guy was real.  Somebody dreamed him up!”

“I don’t know, Doug.  The stories about ‘The Master’ were always the same.  And he never lost.  Not ONE contest.  Incredible!”

They were laughing as Mac walked up.  

“What’s so funny, Flyboy?” she asked Harm.

Harm choked back his laughter.  “Nothing, Mac.  Nothing at all.  Mac, this is an old Academy buddy of mine, Doug Daniels.  Doug, Sarah MacKenzie.”

“Nice to meet you, Commander.  It’s ‘Mac’,” she said as she extended her hand in greeting.

“Hello, Mac.  Doug,” he said as he shook her hand.  “Harm and I were just heading out for drinks before a night on the town.  Care to join us, Mac?”

“I’ll join you for drinks, but I’ll pass on the rest.  I really don’t feel like a strip club tonight,” she said as she nudged Harm in the ribs.

“Ah, Mac.  You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy Harriett’s bachelorette party.  You really got off on that guy stripping...out of MY uniform!” Harm teased.

Bud and Harriett Roberts were just walking by as Harm reminded Mac of the party.  “Oh, Commander, please don’t remind anyone about that.  I still can’t believe that MY mother took us there!” Harriett said as she shook her head and walked away.

“Poor Harriett.  You know she had nightmares about that place for weeks afterward,” Bud explained.

“Yea, but in her nightmares, the stripper wasn’t just wearing your uniform, Commander, YOU were in it!” Mac laughed.

“That would be a nightmare!” exclaimed Doug.

“Hey!  I resemble that remark,” joked Harm.

They were all laughing as Admiral Chegwidden walked past them and out the door.  “Good night, people.  Have a good weekend.”

“Thank you, Sir.”  “See you Monday, Admiral.”  “You, too, Sir.”  Bud, Harm, and Mac replied in unison.

The Admiral responded only to Mac.  “I intend to, Colonel.”

As the elevator doors closed behind the Admiral, Harm said, “Let’s head on out of here.  Bud, you and Harriett want to join us at McMurphy’s?  Keeter and Skates are going to meet us there.  Mac’s coming, too.”

“Sure, Sir.  We haven’t done that in a while.  We’ll see you in a few minutes.”  Bud went to tell Harriett about their change in plans.

“So, Harm,” Doug started as they headed to the elevator.  “What’s this about a stripper in your uniform?”

Friday, 10 August 2001  
1700 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

There was quite a group gathered around the tables in the back by now.  McMurphy’s was a popular place for the JAG Ops team, and this Friday it seemed like everyone showed up.  Gunny and Tiner were there, even Mattoni.  No one noticed when Admiral Chegwidden arrived; he and his party sat at a booth toward the front of the bar.

“No way!” hollered Keeter.  “I won as many as Rabb during Senior year.”

“That’s only because he didn’t join in as much.  Couldn’t risk Diane’s finding out!” Doug countered.

“She knew.  She always knew!” Harm replied.  “I never could figure out how...but God!  She always pegged me.”

And the guys laughed as Gunny piped up.  “Sirs, you wouldn’t be referring to the infamous ‘Cadets Kissing Contest’, would you?”

“What does a Marine Gunnery Sergeant know about the ‘Cadets Kissing Contest’?” asked Doug.

“Like I said, Sir, it’s famous,” Gunny replied.

“Actually, Gunny, I believe you called it infamous.”  This from Mac who had just stepped back up to the bar for a refill.  “Another tonic water with lime, please,” she requested from the bartender.

“I’ve heard rumors about those contests,” offered Harriett.  “Supposedly, they are quite raucous.”

“Raucous?  No, they’re just good, clean fun, Harriett,” replied Keeter as Harm choked on his beer.

“Harm?  You okay?” asked Mac as she slapped her hand on his back.  “So tell me, guys, what’s all the fuss about a little kissing contest, anyway?  We had those back in high school.  No big deal.”

Keeter and Doug looked at each other and then over at Harm.  “Tell you what, Mac.  Why don’t we have a contest here and now?  You game?”

“What are the stakes...and the rules?”

“Cadets Contest rules.  And one rule is the stakes are not discussed prior to the games,” Keeter replied.

“Yea, well...”  Skates stepped up.  “Tell her the other rules.”  

“That all depends...”

“On?” Mac pressed.

“The number and experience of the participants, mainly,” Doug answered.

“Sounds intriguing,” Mac responded. 

Doug moved closer to Mac and whispered, “Oh, believe me, Mac; the contest isn’t something you’re ever likely to forget.”

“More like the aftermath...” Harm mumbled to no one in particular.

“So, Mac?  Skates?  You girls game for a little fun tonight?” Keeter asked.

“Girls?!”  Mac and Skates yelled in unison.

“What’s the matter, ladies?  Think you’re too old to be called ‘girls’?  Believe me, I use it in the dearest sense,” Keeter explained.

“Watch it, Keeter.  Mac can take you down in two seconds,” Harm warned him.

“Damn right, I can!”  Mac agreed.

“Yea, but can the tough lady Marine stand a little kissing contest?” Keeter pressed.

“Don’t be ridiculous.  Of course I can.”  Mac insisted.  “Skates, you in?”

“Not me.  I got roped into my share of the games when I was at the Academy.  I’ve sworn off them.”

“Come on, Skates!  What’s a little contest between friends?” Keeter asked.  “You chicken?”

Skates glared at him.  He knew that was her weakness.  She couldn’t stand to be called a chicken.  “I’m in!” she growled at him.

Harm took Mac by the arm and pulled her to him.  “Mac, are you sure you want to do this?  It’s nothing like your high school contests, believe me.”

“And how would you know what my high school contests were like, Flyboy?” Mac teased. 

“Mac, this is...”

“Harm, this is just a silly contest.  No big deal.  I’m a Marine.  I can handle it,” Mac insisted.

“You have no idea what you’re agreeing to.”

“Then tell me.”

“I can’t.”

She quirked her eye up at him.  “Mac, I can’t.  Rules are rules.”

“I’m in!” she yelled to Keeter and Doug.  And Harm groaned.

“Hot damn!”  “Yesss!” 

“Okay, so who’s gonna be the Moderator?” Keeter asked, looking around.

“I guess that’ll be me,” Mattoni replied as he stood and made his way over to them.

“Why Mattoni?” Mac asked Keeter quietly.

“He’s the highest-ranking officer from the Academy who’s not a contestant.”

Mac looked askance at him.  He replied, “Rules, Mac.”  And she mouthed an ‘Oh’.

Mattoni stepped up to the bar and announced in a loud voice, “Ladies and gentlemen, if I may have your complete and undivided attention, please!”  The other patrons in the bar stopped talking and looked over at Mattoni and the group of Naval and Marine personnel.  “It is my duty to announce the extension of the ‘Naval Cadets Kissing Contest’.”

AJ looked at his companions and said quietly, “Let’s get out of here...now.”  But no one moved.  Not Admiral Jacobs.  Not Admiral Stevens.  Not even their wives.  They just sat there, all of them, smiling at him.  AJ stood, excused himself, and headed for the door...but he didn’t quite make it before Mattoni finished.

“This contest will include as contestants all the bachelors of JAG Ops.  In addition, if any others would care to participate, you are welcome, provided you adhere strictly to the rules.  There are no exceptions and no exclusions.  Our participants this evening are Miss Sarah MacKenzie and Miss Elizabeth Hawkes!  Let the games begin!”

AJ froze, his hand on the door.  ‘I could just leave.  I’m almost out the door.  No one’s seen me; well, except Jacobs and Stevens...and Doris and Melissa.  Damn!  He’s started the games!  damn...Damn...DAMN!’  He turned around and saw his party watching him.  All of them were grinning like the proverbial Cheshire cat!  ‘Oh my God!  MAC?’  It finally registered whom Mattoni identified as a participant. ‘I’m dead.’
 

Friday, 10 August 2001  
1730 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

“And now, all you bachelors step right up here and form your line by rank!” Mattoni yelled.

As AJ made his way to the group, Mattoni saw him.  “Admiral!  Sir!” he gasped as he snapped to attention.  All eyes were now focused on AJ.

“Commander Mattoni!  The next time you call for the games, be sure you know WHO is present in the room!!” AJ barked.

“Sir!  Yes, Sir!  I am so sorry, Sir.”

“A little late for that!” AJ muttered.  “As you were,” he released him and walked over to join the line.

Mac whispered to Harm, “The Admiral is going to play?”

“Play, Colonel?” the Admiral barked.  “I’d hardly call the games ‘playing’.”  

“Sir, then why are you...”

“No choice, Colonel.  No exceptions.  No exclusions.  Mattoni called it.  Rules of the game.”

“Don’t worry about it, Sir.  I’ll be easy on you,” she said quietly.

“I, however, will not be easy on you, Colonel,” he growled back.  She lifted her startled eyes to his dark ones...darker than she’d ever seen them before.  “Rules of the game, Mac.”

“Mac, just be glad ‘The Master’ isn’t here,” Keeter drawled.  Keeter didn’t notice AJ jerk his head back around at those words.

“‘The Master’?  Who’s that?” she asked.

“No one knows anymore.  Word has it he was...”

“Are we ready, gentlemen?” Mattoni yelled, interrupting Keeter’s answer.  

“Aye, Sir!” they all answered in unison and snapped to attention.

‘The Admiral just addressed Mattoni as “Sir”?  And he’s standing at attention??’  Mac wondered.

“Miss MacKenzie, Miss Hawkes?  If you would please take your places right over here?  That’s it, now turn and face your contestants.”  

Mac looked at Mattoni like he’d lost his mind.  ‘Did he just call me MISS?’

“ Miss MacKenzie will be first up in the first round.”

‘He did it, again!  Is he out of his ever-lovin’ mind?’  Mac turned to Skates with a questioning look.  

“Rules, Mac.  If you’re going to play, you can’t question the rules,” Skates warned her.

“Announcing Round 1!  Basic rules....no hands, lips closed!  In order by rank, beginning with Petty Officer Jason Tiner, then Gunnery Sergeant Victor Galindez, Lt. Commander Doug Daniels, Commander Jack Keeter, Commander Harmon Rabb, and ending with Admiral AJ Chegwidden.  At ease, gentlemen!  Commence with Round 1.” Mattoni was really getting into his role as Moderator.

Tiner stepped forward and approached Mac.  She smiled at him and he grinned back.  Tiner had never before participated in a Cadets Kissing Contest.  He’d heard about them from Day One at boot camp, but he never expected to be included in one.  They were for Cadets...and officers.  ‘God, I’m in a CKC with the Admiral...and Colonel MacKenzie!  I sure hope I don’t win; God that would be awful.  She’d probably kill me!!’   Tiner leaned forward and kissed Mac quickly on the lips.  ‘That wasn’t so bad,’ he thought.  Tiner stepped sideways and repeated his kiss on Skates before stepping back to his place in the line.

Gunny took three long strides and was standing directly in front of Mac, his chest just touching her.  He’d never been in one of these contests before either.  But he sure knew all about them.  He leaned forward and kissed her hard, did the same to Skates, made a quick turn, and resumed his stance in line.  ‘That was awful.  No way did I win that round and I’m only the second one!’ he fumed.

Doug was next.  ‘He sure seems confident,’ Mac mused.  He leaned into Mac, pressing against her as he kissed her.  She had to keep herself from laughing.  This was rather fun, she thought as he moved on to Skates.

Keeter strode forward and bent his head to Mac’s.  He whispered, “This is for saving my life in Iran, Baby.”  And he pressed his lips to hers.  Mac felt a little dizzy.  Wow!  Keeter was a good kisser!  ‘Skates thinks so, too!’ she smiled as she watched Keeter kiss her.

‘Oh, God!  It’s Harm’s turn.’  

Harm wasn’t at all sure about this.  He wanted to kiss Mac, but he wanted to do it privately, not in front of a bar full of people.  ‘Hell, just do it, Rabb.’  He pressed his long, lean body against hers and lay his lips over hers.  He held the kiss longer than any of the others.  And when he stepped back, she could still feel the tingling on her mouth.

“Wow!” she breathed.  Harm just smiled.  He moved on to Skates before he stepped back in line.

AJ knew he was doomed.  He was cursed, that was the only explanation for it.  Well, no, actually, the explanation was that he’d practiced for months before he ever agreed to be a contestant back during his Academy days.  And once he was in the games, he had a hunger for them...and he kept competing, and competing, and competing....and he always won.

AJ stepped forward and stood in front of Mac, just as he often did when he gave her a ‘dressing down’.  He looked deep into her eyes and without even the hint of a smile on his lips, his eyes were glowing at her in anticipation.  “Be ready, Sarah,” he said in a low voice she had never heard before.  And he took another step forward, pressing his entire body against hers; she could feel how hard he was, and it unnerved her.  Then he fused his lips to hers.  “Mmmm,” she moaned.  As he lifted his lips from hers, she leaned further into him, continuing the kiss. 

He moved to Skates and repeated the same process, even telling her to “be ready”.  And she reacted in exactly the same manner as Mac had.  AJ returned to his place in line, a thin smirk on his otherwise expressionless face. 

Both Mac’s and Skates’ eyes flew open at the sound of Mattoni’s voice.  “Round 1 is complete!  And now, lovely ladies, if you would come and stand here, please.”  Mattoni motioned for them to move so they were standing to the left of the men and slightly behind them.  “Contestants stand tall!” Mattoni ordered.  “Ladies, to choose your winners for Round 1, you will walk behind them and slap your winner on the backside.” 

Mac laughed.  “You can’t be serious!” she said.   

Skates turned to her and said, “Oh, Mac, this is a very serious game.” 

Mac laughed, again, but this time, it was a nervous little laugh.  Her winner was so obvious.  But he was her CO.  How could she choose him?  How could she walk behind him and hit him on the ass?  He’d have her up on charges in nothing flat!  She could be court martialed.  Damn; HE could be court martialed!  But he was playing this game; it was his choice.  She decided to be honest.  She walked behind the men and as she passed AJ, she swatted him on the butt.  ‘Wait a minute...did Mattoni say “Round 1”?  What’s that all about?!’  All of a sudden, Mac was very nervous about this game. 

Skates was nervous, too.  The winner was obvious in her mind, as well.  As much as she’d have liked it to be Keeter (she’d always had a thing for him), she knew her winner for this round was the Admiral; no question about it.  She walked behind the men and as she passed him, she patted AJ on the rear. 

“And now, gentlemen.  That one of you earning Miss MacKenzie’s slap on the ass, one step forward!” Mattoni barked. 

AJ took one step forward; Bud gasped.  ‘That’s impossible!  The Colonel would never have...’ 

“Admiral,” Mattoni acknowledged.  “And now, that one of you earning Miss Hawkes’ slap on the ass, one step forward!” 

And AJ took another step forward.  This time Harriett gasped along with Bud as the onlookers began applauding the Admiral’s success. 

“Okay, people, we’ll take a break for 10 minutes,” Mattoni instructed.  “You know the rules; no comparing notes and no drinking.”

 
Friday, 10 August 2001  
1815 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

“Contestants, call to order!  Form your line for Round 2!” yelled Mattoni.  “Reverse order, save for the winner of Round 1 who takes the last spot.  Ready, gentlemen?” 

“Aye, Sir!” they all answered in unison and snapped to attention.

“Miss Hawkes, Miss MacKenzie?  If you would please take your places.  Miss Hawkes is first up in the second round.” 

As Mac and Skates took their positions in front of the line of men, Mattoni continued.  “Announcing Round 2!  Basic rules....hands on, shoulders and above, lips closed!  At ease, gentlemen!  Commence with Round 2.” 

Harm was up first this time.  He reached his hands up to Skates’ shoulders and pulled her in to his chest, lowering his lips to hers in a searing kiss.  Skates response was similar to Mac’s from Round 1.  “Wow...God!...”  Harm flashed his trademark smile before he stepped back and to the side...and on to Mac.

Skates could feel Keeter watching her.  When she looked at him, she was sure he wanted her as much as she did him.  The desire in his eyes couldn’t be forced; it had to be real.  She was sure of it.  He stepped forward and grabbed her by the shoulders, pulling her forcefully to him.  “Liz, you are one gorgeous woman,” he breathed in her ear before descending on her lips.  He’d win this round with her, he was sure of it.  He moved on to Mac and was just as convinced that he’d win her, too.

Doug stepped in front of Skates.  He reached up and took her face in his hands.  Then he lowered his lips to hers and kissed her so hard, she knew her lips would be swollen tomorrow.  As he moved his face away from hers, he traced his index finger along her jaw, tapped her lightly on the nose, and moved on to Mac.

As Gunny approached Skates, he was still deciding how to approach this round.  He knew he still couldn’t open his mouth, and that was his kissing forte...dueling tongues, licking teeth, biting lips.  How could he impress these women if he couldn’t open his mouth?  ‘Deal with it, Marine.  Round 3, you can show them what you’re made of!’  With that resolve, Gunny decided to play it soft this round.  Round 1 he was rough on them; he’d be gentle this time.  He placed his hands on Skates’ shoulders and gently drew her to his chest.  He moved his hands slowly up her neck until they were cupping her face.  Then he very slowly lowered his head to hers and barely brushed her lips with his.  As he backed away, he traced his hands back down her neck, to her shoulders, and dropped them to his sides.  “Oohhh,” Skates breathed.  “Oohhh.”  Gunny smiled as he walked over to Mac.

‘Oh God, it’s my turn, again,’ thought Tiner.  ‘How did I let myself get roped into this?  I wasn’t a Cadet!  I’ve never even seen Annapolis!  And unlike the Admiral, I could have said “no”.’  Tiner pushed himself forward to stand in front of Skates.  He lifted his hands to her face, leaned in and kissed her.  He stepped back and moved to Mac.  

‘Tiner doesn’t do this very often,’ Mac thought to herself as he took his place back in line.

It was AJ’s turn, again.  He stepped forward and stood in front of Skates, the same as he had the last time.  He looked deep into her eyes and with just the barest hint of a smile, he said, “Hold on, Elizabeth; your knees are going to buckle.”.   His gaze held her eyes as he took that last step forward, again, pressing his entire hard body against hers.  His very hard body.  As she leaned into him, he raised his hands.  His left hand swept around behind her neck and tilted her head back, while his right hand cupped her shoulder.  He lowered his mouth and covered hers with his lips.  After what felt to Skates like an eternity of heaven on earth, AJ started to release her.  She suddenly felt herself going down, just as he predicted!  AJ reached out to steady her, and then he moved on to Mac.  ‘Oh God,’ she thought.  ‘That man is incredible!’

“Round 2 is complete!  And now, ladies, please stand right over here.”  Mattoni motioned for them to stand in the same spot as last time.  “Contestants stand tall!” Mattoni ordered.  “Ladies, to choose your winners for Round 2, you will, again, walk behind them and slap your winner on the backside.”

Skates was first.  She didn’t hesitate.  She walked behind the men, and as she came to the Admiral, she smacked his butt.  Mac followed her and did the same.

“And now, gentlemen.  That one of you earning Miss Hawkes’ slap on the ass, one step forward!” Mattoni barked. 

AJ took one step forward; the crowd began applauding.  AJ looked up to see his party standing right in the front of the group...watching and laughing right along with the crowd. 

“Admiral,” Mattoni acknowledged.  “And now, that one of you earning Miss MacKenzie’s slap on the ass, one step forward!” 

And AJ took another step forward.  This time, both Admirals Jacobs and Stevens yelled “Hoo Yah!” and the crowd went wild. 

“Okay, people, we’ll take another break.  20 minutes,” Mattoni instructed.  “Rules are the same.”
 

Friday, 10 August 2001  
1840 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

“Well, AJ, looks like you’ve still got what it takes, ol’ boy!”  Admiral Jacobs slapped AJ on the back as he rejoined his party.

“Oh course he does, Jake!  A talent like his isn’t one that goes away, and I should think would only get better with age,” purred Doris Jacobs to her husband.  “AJ, you can practice on me anytime, you know, Dear.”

“Get in line, Doris!” laughed Melissa Stevens.  

Admirals Jacobs and Stevens looked at each other and then at AJ.  The three men just shook their heads and laughed.  ‘It feels good to laugh’, AJ thought.  ‘I’m sure not going to be laughing when this night is over.  Damn, when tomorrow night is over!  How the hell am I going to work with Mac after this?  And Skates...she’s so young!’

“AJ, when was the last time you were in a contest, anyway?” Melissa asked.  

“Been a long time, ‘Lis,” AJ replied.  “Just not long enough...”

“I always knew you’d come out of retirement.  Can’t keep a man like you out of the ring for long,” teased Doris.

AJ wondered if Jacobs and Stevens knew that he’d had their wives.  Bill Clancy knew about his wife.  Neville Webb knew about Porter. (‘I wonder if Clay knows?  Maybe that’s why he hates me.  Prob’ly.  Damned spook.’)  AJ was convinced the reason the SecNav was such a pain in the ass was because of his wife.  ‘Hell, she didn’t even know Nelson then!’ AJ remembered back to his sophomore year at the Academy when he’d won a sweet young girl.  It wasn’t two years later that she was dating Nelson.  ‘Never did like that man,’ AJ mused.  ‘If I had to count them all, all my women, could I do it?  Prob’ly not.  Damn, Chegwidden, you’re a...’

His thoughts were interrupted by the laughter at his table.  He’d missed the joke.  Hell, he was probably the brunt of it, anyway, so what did it matter.  He was going to be laying someone tonight...and tomorrow night.  And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it.  ‘Just enjoy it, old man.  You know you’ve wanted Mac for years.  Well, you finally have your chance, and hell!  It’s even condoned by the Navy!’

He could hear Mattoni trying to get people’s attention.  The bar was full of people now; no one was leaving because of the contest.  And now it was time for Round 3.

“Go ahead, Master,” yelled Doris.

“Show the little boys how it’s done!” added Melissa.

“KO, AJ, KO!!” hollered Stevens.

“Hoo Yah!” piped in Jacobs.

Harm turned to Keeter and Doug.  “Did you hear that?  Jacobs’ wife just called the Admiral ‘Master’.  And Stevens just mentioned a KO!  You don’t suppose...?”

“Nah...couldn’t be!”  “Chegwidden?  No way.”

 
Friday, 10 August 2001  
1900 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

“Contestants, call to order!  Form your line for Round 3!” yelled Mattoni.  “Random order, save for the winner of Round 2 who chooses his position.  Admiral?”

“Last!” AJ barked.

“Very good.  Ready, gentlemen?” 

“Aye, Sir!” they all answered in unison and snapped to attention.

“Miss MacKenzie?  Miss Hawkes?  This is the final round.  You may decide between yourselves who is first up.”

Mac and Skates looked at each other.  “Doesn’t matter to me,” Mac said.   

“I’ll go first, Mac,” Skates replied.  “Give you time to see what’s coming and prepare yourself,” she whispered. 

Skates took her place in front of the men.  When Mac moved to take her place, Mattoni said, “No, Miss MacKenzie.  This being the final round, the men see it through for one woman first...Miss Hawkes.  When they are finished with her round, it will be your turn.  If you’ll please have a seat?”  He continued, “Announcing the final round, Number 3!  Rules...unlimited!  At ease, gentlemen!  Commence with Round 3.” 

Mac watched in shock as each one of the men approached Skates.  They each took her in their arms; they each devoured her mouth; they each ran their hands all over her body.  That is, each one of them except the Admiral.  Oh yes, he had her is his arms, and he was certainly devouring her mouth.  But his hands.  He kept his hands still...perfectly still.  One hand was draped around her shoulder and around her neck.  The other hand was firmly planted on her ass with such pressure that his knuckles were almost white.  And then Skates shuddered.  Her knees buckled, and her back arched.  ‘My God!  If I didn’t know better, I’d swear she just had an orgasm!’  Mac thought to herself.  ‘But that’s impossible.  Not from a kiss!’

AJ didn’t let go of Skates; he held her up until she was stable on her feet, again.  “You okay, Darlin’?” he whispered for her ears only.

“Oooh, yes, Admiral.  I’m perfectly wonderful,” she breathed back to him.

“Lieutenant Roberts, if you would escort Miss Hawkes to her seat, please?  Miss MacKenzie, I do believe the men are ready for you now,” Mattoni said.

First Doug came up to her.  His arms wrapped around her so tightly she thought she wouldn’t be able to breathe.  She knew she’d have bruises tomorrow.  His hands roamed all over her backside, and then one around to her front on her breasts.  His mouth covered hers and his tongue forced its way into her mouth.  As he slid his tongue across the back of her teeth, Mac bit down.  She’d never liked that form of kissing.  It was disgusting.  It was one thing if they’d just brushed their teeth.  But it was 1900, for God’s sake!  She hadn’t brushed her teeth since 0630 this morning!  As she bit down, Doug ended the kiss.  He knew he’d lost.

Keeter was next.  He swept Mac into his arms and ravaged her mouth...his hands never stopping their travels over her body.  Before she realized it, his left hand had raised her skirt enough that it was now between her thighs and rubbing her through her panties.  ‘God!  We’re in a public place, Keeter!’ she screamed in her head.  She knew he’d try it; he did the exact same thing with Skates, but it still took her by surprise.  She slowly raised her knee until is was positioned just so...and then, just as she was going to thrust it into his groin, he released her.  He knew he’d lost, too.

Gunny wasn’t about to try that with Mac.  She was his superior officer, after all.  He didn’t want to be transferred out.  He wanted still to be able to work at JAG, work with her, with no ill feelings.  But, damn!  He wanted to win this night with her.  As he approached her, she smiled at him, giving him the encouragement he needed.  He reached for her, wrapped his arms around her, and lowered his mouth to hers.  As his tongue penetrated the recesses of her mouth, she moaned.  ‘This is good.  Oh God, Gunny, this is so good!’  Mac felt herself giving in to his kiss.  She let her tongue explore his mouth; she let him bite her lips; she let him suck on her tongue...things she seldom let any man do.  But he was so gifted.  Mac was still moaning her pleasure as Gunny released her with a smile.  He hadn’t gotten that response from Skates.  He was especially pleased that it came from Mac.

This was Tiner’s chance.  His only chance.  He’d never again have the opportunity to kiss the Colonel; he knew that.  And he wasn’t going to blow it.  Sure, he might get busted back to a Seaman, but she was worth it.  And wasn’t there that rule about this contest?  That there were no ranks during the game?  ‘I wonder if that holds true for enlisted men?  I mean, this contest is supposed to be Cadets and officers only,’ Tiner mused.  ‘What the hell.  Go for it!’  And he did.  Tiner pulled Mac into his embrace and ran his hands over her breasts (‘God, she’s so soft!’) and around to her ass (‘God, she’s so hard!’).  And he lost all control.  His mouth descended on hers with such passion, Mac was carried away with him.  When they came up for air and Tiner stepped back, he flushed furiously.  Mac just smiled at him and said, “Thank you, Jason.”

Harm didn’t move.  He stood there and looked at her.  When Mac thought he’d decided to back out, she purred, “Come ‘ere, Flyboy.  It’s your turn now.”  That’s all it took.  Harm had her in his arms in less than a second.  His practiced hands moved over her body with such ease, with such tenderness.  When she felt his hand on the skin of her lower back, she gasped in his mouth.  ‘How did he do that?’  Harm had pulled the back of her blouse out of her skirt and run his hand up underneath it.  As she gasped, Harm drove his tongue further into her mouth.  When he began thrusting his tongue in and out of her mouth, she began to pull away.  As she did, he removed his hand and tucked her shirt back in.  ‘Always the gentleman,’ she thought.  Harm knew he’d won.  He would finally have Mac in his bed tonight.  

The Admiral slowly approached Mac, his hands to his sides, a smirk on his lips.  When he reached her, he put his hands on her arms and pulled her to him.  He spoke so quietly, she almost didn’t hear him.  “Sarah, I won’t let you fall; I’ll hold you up until you’re okay.”  She didn’t have time to think about his words.  He pulled her into his embrace and wrapped his arms around her.  He kept his hands still...just like on Skates:  one hand draped around her shoulder and around her neck, the other pressing her into his erection.  His mouth came down on hers so gently, so tenderly.  And then his tongue parted her lips and he began his assault in earnest.  When Mac thought she would pass out from the pleasure (or was it lack of oxygen?), suddenly she shuddered.  Her knees buckled, and her back arched.  ‘Oh my God!  Ohhh!  Ohhh!’  “AJ!!!” she cried out loud and collapsed into his arms as her orgasm overtook her completely.  AJ did as he promised; he didn’t let her fall; he held her up.  And when Mac was finally able to stand, he released her with a kiss and a whispered, “There’s a lot more to come, Baby.”

“And Round 3 is now complete!  Miss MacKenzie, if you would please visit the ladies’ room for 5 minutes, you’ll choose your champion after Miss Hawkes.” 

Mac didn’t understand why she had to leave the room while Skates chose her champion, but she did as she was told...just like she’d done all night.  ‘I’ll never live this down,’ she thought to herself as she retreated to the ladies’ room.

“Miss Hawkes, please stand right over here with me.”  Mattoni motioned for her to stand next to him.  “Contestants stand tall!” Mattoni ordered.  “Miss Hawkes, to choose your winner for Round 3, and therefore your contest champion, you will grab him by the belt buckle and pull him forward to you.”

Skates hesitated.  She knew the rules; she had to choose the best; everyone would know if she cheated.  But she so wanted Keeter.  He just wasn’t the best.  Second best, yes!  But not the best.  She couldn’t fake it; she couldn’t lie.  She walked past Keeter and stopped in front of the Admiral.  Taking hold of his buckle, she pulled him forward with a smile.  He smiled back and leaned forward to kiss her.  “It’ll be my pleasure, Darlin’,” AJ drawled.

When Mac returned, Skates was sitting down at a table and AJ was back in the lineup.

“Miss MacKenzie, please stand right over here with me.”  Mattoni said.  “Contestants stand tall!” Mattoni ordered.  “Miss MacKenzie, to choose your winner for Round 3, and therefore your contest champion, you will grab him by the belt buckle and pull him forward to you.”

Mac didn’t hesitate one iota.  She walked directly up to AJ, took hold of the front of his pants (not just his buckle!), and pulled him forward.  “Easy, Darlin’,” he said.  “You don’t want to damage the goods before you’ve tried them.”  Mac gasped.  She knew she’d been very forward in the way she grabbed him, but his response threw her.  

“Excuse me?  Before I’ve ‘tried them’?” she choked out.  

“That’s what I said, Sarah.”

Mattoni’s voice interrupted them.  “I’m sorry, I’m afraid I’ve never seen this happen before; I’m not exactly sure to handle it.”

Admiral Jacobs stepped forward and said, “Commander, I believe I can help you out here.  Believe me, I know exactly how it’s handled.  I was in my share of contests with the Master.  Miss Hawkes and Miss MacKenzie, you both...”

“The Master!?” hissed Keeter, Doug, and Harm simultaneously.  “Oh my God!”

“That was a long time ago, gentlemen,” AJ responded.

“But Sir!” cried Harm.  “You are the Master?”

“‘Fraid so, Rabb.”

“You’ve never lost a game, sir!” Harm croaked.

“A game!?  Hell, he’s never even lost a round!” cried Keeter.

“Damn straight,” AJ replied.

“Then it’s true!  That last kiss you gave both of them.  That was the KO!”

“Yep.”

“My God!”  “Who would ever have believed it?”  “Admiral Chegwidden is the Master...”

“What’s the KO?” Tiner asked.

“Kissing Orgasm, Tiner,” Harm replied.  “That’s the Master’s calling card...er, the Admiral’s calling card.  Oh man...”

“As I was saying,” Jacobs began again.  “Both of the lovely ladies chose Admiral Chegwidden as their champion.  Therefore, Miss Hawkes, you have AJ tonight from 2100 until 0530 tomorrow morning.  Miss MacKenzie, you have him tomorrow night from 2100 until 0530 on Sunday morning.”

“Excuse me?  I ‘have’ him?  What’s that supposed to mean?” Mac queried.

“He’s yours to command, Miss MacKenzie.  Anything you want to do, anywhere you want to go, your wish is his command,” Jacobs answered.

“But, but...no!  That’s not right...we can’t.  The UCMJ...it’s against regs...” Mac stuttered.

“The rules of the game override the UCMJ, Miss MacKenzie.  The contest goes back to the first vestiges of the Navy, long before the UCMJ was ever written,” Admiral Stevens explained.
 

Friday, 10 August 2001  
2045 EDT  
McMurphy’s Tavern  
Falls Church, Virginia

“Lieutenant Hawkes,” Skates said as she answered her cell phone.  She and Mac had retreated into the ladies room with the Admirals’ wives.  Doris and Melissa shared lots of old stories about AJ and the kissing contests he was in years ago.  “Yes, Sir, Captain.  I can be there within the hour, Sir.  Not a problem, Sir. ... Yes Sir, he is here with me. ... Will do, Captain. ... Aye, aye, Sir.”  She pressed the Off button on her phone and stuffed it back in her purse.  

“Sounds like you’re leaving us,” Mac offered.

“Looks that way.  Our ship was just called to active duty; all leaves are cancelled, and everyone is due back within 6 hours.  The Captain wants Keeter and me there in one.  So much for my night with AJ!” she laughed.

As the four women left the ladies room, Keeter was on his way to get her.  “Did you hear?” he asked.

“Yea, just had a call from the Captain.  He’s got a helo waiting for us .”

“Let’s move, Lieutenant!”

“Aye, Sir.”  Skates stopped as she reached AJ’s side.  “Admiral, I’ve been called back to my ship.  We’re sailing tonight, so you’re releas...”

“Understood, Miss Hawkes,” AJ interrupted her.  “Next time you’re in town, you let me know,” he added softly. 

“Sir, I...”

“On your way, Sailor, “ he ordered.

“Yes, Sir.  Thank you, Sir.”

After Skates and Keeter left, Mac walked up to AJ.  “So, you’re a free man tonight, after all,” she teased.

“Care to move yours to tonight, Miss MacKenzie?” AJ offered.

“All right, Admiral.  If that’s better for you.”  Mac wasn’t at all sure about this, but the Admiral seemed to be.

“No, Sarah.  This is about you.  For you.  Whatever works best for you is what we’ll do.  It’s your call.”

“Even if all I want to do is play Monopoly all night?” Mac asked.

“Monopoly works,” AJ answered.

 
Saturday, 11 August 2001  
0215 EDT  
Sarah MacKenzie’s Apartment  
Georgetown

“Oh, AJ, you landed on Boardwalk, again!  I’m so glad I put a hotel on that property!  Do it, again, please!” Mac purred.

AJ moved back down on the bed, lifting her legs over his shoulders for the eighth time in only three hours, and lowered his face to her.  “Damn, Sarah, I think those dice are loaded.  Who lands on Boardwalk eight times in one game?” he said as he nuzzled his face between her thighs.  

‘Monopoly money’, she thought. ‘Who needs it?’

‘Damn glad I carry those loaded dice around with me,’ he chuckled to himself as he thrust his tongue inside.