Tuesday, 27 May 2003
0845 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Good morning, Colonel," Harriett chirped from Mac's doorway. "How'd it go this weekend?"

Mac looked up from her papers. "Come on in, Harriett. Close the door and have a seat," she smiled. As Harriett did so, Mac continued, "The guy on Friday night was a real loser. All he talked about all night was his ex-wife and how her lawyer ended up with all their money," she shook her head in disgust.

"Did you tell him you're a lawyer?" asked Harriett.

Mac shook her head. "I hardly had the opportunity to say anything!"

"Did he let you talk when you chatted online?"

"Oh, yeah! He was fine online. He asked all the right questions, had all the right answers. He seemed wonderful. I don't know... maybe he was just having a bad day, but I won't be seeing him again. When we were saying good night, he couldn't keep his hands to himself. He pawed me like there was no tomorrow; it was disgusting."

"So there won't be a tomorrow for him with you," Harriett grinned, and Mac shook her head. "What about Saturday's guy?"

Mac grinned. "He was fun. We went to an outdoor festival right in Georgetown. I was a little nervous at first that I'd see someone I knew and he'd find out that I actually live there. But it turned out okay. We ended up having dinner, too. It was supposed to be just lunch and the festival, but we got on so well, we went ahead and had dinner."

"That sounds great!" Harriett bubbled. "You're going to see him again then?"

"Yep. He's a doctor, and he's really nice."

"Divorced? Widower?"

"Never married, actually," Mac told her.

"Mmm, sounds promising."

"Sean is 47, and he works at the Kresge Medical Center in Pimmit Hills."

"So... what else?" Harriett prodded.

Mac grinned. "I let him kiss me good night." Harriett raised her eyebrows. "Really kiss me good night," Mac added.

Harriett wiggled her eyebrows this time. "Oh my!"  

Mac giggled at Harriett's _expression. "And I gave him my address and phone number. He called Sunday night and we talked for an hour!"

"What about yesterday's date?"

"He was okay. Nothing really special. Of course, that could be because I was so taken with Sean."

"So do you have any other dates lined up?" Harriett asked.

Mac nodded. "I have another one with Sean tomorrow night. And another new guy on Friday and one on Saturday."

"Are you still nervous about meeting guys this way?"

Mac nodded and then laughed, "But it sure is fun to have dates again!"

Wednesday, 28 May 2003
1130 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

"Good morning, Ma'am," Petty Officer Tiner greeted the Admiral's fiancée. "Admiral Chegwidden is still in a meeting, but he should be finished any minute now. You have a reservation at the Officers' Club at 1200, Ma'am."

"Thank you, Jason," Meredith Cavanaugh replied. "So, AJ tells me you're studying to become a lawyer, hmm?"

Tiner brightened, "Yes, Ma'am! I have lots of inspiration here at JAG, and I'm doing really well in my courses."

"That's wonderful, Jason; I'm proud of you for wanting to continue your education and further your career."

As she finished talking, the Admiral's office door swung open and several officers filed out. "Good morning, Ma'am," offered Commanders Turner and Rabb.

"Good morning, Gentlemen." Then she whispered and nodded toward the Admiral's open door, "Is he in a good mood?"

"He will be now!" quipped Mac as she followed the men out of the office. She, however, stayed to chat with her friend, while the men headed for their offices. "He's always in a good mood when you're around, Meredith." Meredith smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. In fact, Mac thought she looked almost hesitant.

"Meredith?" AJ called from inside his office. "Come in for a minute; I have to make a phone call, and then we can leave for lunch."

"Well, here goes nothing," Meredith muttered under her breath as she walked in the office and closed the door behind her.

Mac looked at Tiner with a question. "I wonder what that meant?" she voiced.

Tiner shook his head, "No idea, Ma'am."

"Did they have an argument?"

"Not that I'm aware of," Tiner replied.

Mac shrugged and headed for her office. 'Strange,' she thought.

When AJ finished his call, he walked around from behind his desk and pulled his fiancée into his embrace. "I missed you last night, Darlin'," he said gruffly before lowering his mouth to hers.

"Mmm, I missed you, too," she purred in response. When she tried to pull away from him, though, he held her fast. "AJ, I really need to discuss something with you," she said seriously.

"Sounds ominous," he quipped. "Let's talk over lunch, Sweetheart. I didn't take time for breakfast this morning and I'm famished."

"I can't, AJ. That's part of what I need to talk to you about," replied Meredith.

"Oh?" AJ released his hold on Meredith and walked to the sofa. As he sat at one end, he patted the cushion next to him. "Come sit here, then, and we'll talk."

Meredith followed him, almost reluctantly, and sat down at the opposite end of the sofa. He raised an eyebrow at her, but he didn't comment. "AJ..." she started and then sighed, folding her hands in her lap.

"Meredith, what's wrong? You're acting very strangely," AJ said quietly, sliding over to her side of the sofa and trying to pull her into his arms.

"AJ, please... this is difficult enough as it is..." she said drawing back.

"What is?"

"What I have to tell you."

"I thought you said you wanted to discuss something?"

"I do."

"Discussing and telling are two different things, Meredith," he informed her.

She sighed, "Okay. I have something to tell you." AJ raised an eyebrow again. She reached out and took his hands in hers. "This is so difficult..."

"Just say it, Meredith," AJ told her, a sinking feeling coming over him.

"I had a phone call yesterday from Dr. Walker. He's the Chairman of the Humanities Divisional Board at Oxford, you know."

"No, I didn't know," he replied quietly.

"AJ, they've offered me a job teaching Shakespeare at Oxford! That's like a dream come true for any Shakespearean scholar. It's what I've always wanted to do."

AJ smiled, "Then you should accept it, Sweetheart. That's a wonderful opportunity for you. How long is the assignment? One term? Two?" When she didn't answer right away, he continued, "Do you want to postpone the wedding until you get back, or should we go ahead and get married before you leave? Speaking of, when do they want you?"

She shook her head, "No, AJ, it's an appointment to the staff. They want me as a staff professor. It's a permanent position."

"Permanent?" AJ repeated.

She nodded. "AJ, you know I love you. But this is just something that comes along once in a lifetime. I'll never have another chance at this..."

AJ rose from the sofa. "Of course not. And you should take the job. It's what you want. Accept it." His tone was almost flippant. 'But someone like me comes along anytime you want him, hmm?' he thought to himself.

"What about us?" she whispered, standing up and moving behind him, slipping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his back.

"I don't care for the idea of my wife living apart from me, Meredith. If it were for a term or two, even an entire year, that would be one thing. A permanent position is something else entirely."

"And there's nothing over there for you, is there?" she hoped.

He shook his head, "No, Meredith. There isn't." He walked to the door and put his hand on the doorknob. "When do you leave?" he asked.

"Friday."

"You already accepted it, then?" Meredith nodded. "I see."

"I'm sorry, AJ." She slowly removed the engagement ring from her finger and handed it to him. "I'm truly sorry."

AJ took the ring, opened his office door, and said, "Goodbye, Meredith. I wish you all the best."

"Not even a goodbye kiss?" she whispered.

"I think not," he replied in kind.

Meredith nodded her understanding and walked out of his office... and his life.

"Tiner!" AJ snapped after Meredith left the bullpen. "Get me some lunch!" He turned back to his office and slammed the door behind him.

Sunday, 1 June 2003
1835 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac reached for the ringing phone. "Hello?" she answered.

"Hello, Colonel. It's Harriett."

Mac almost laughed. She'd been expecting Harriett to call all day. She was surprised it took her this long. "Hello, Harriett. And it's Mac, as I've told you before."

"I just wondered how your dates went this weekend? Anything good? Did you see Sean again?" Harriett probed.

Mac sighed, "Sean is no more, I'm afraid."

"What!? Why? What happened?"

"I had him come over to my apartment this afternoon. We were going to go out for dinner tonight and maybe a little more later. But while he was here, he saw my cover on the table and asked me who it belonged to. I told him that I'm a Marine. He laughed."

"Oooh, that's not good," Harriett returned.

"I finally convinced him that I was telling him the truth, and he said that women had no business being in the Marines... that we weren't as strong as men and couldn't hold our own."

"Uh oh," intoned Harriett. "I can see it coming."

Mac chuckled, "Yep, you're right. I challenged him."

"And he ended up on the floor?"

"Oh, yeah."

"Hurt?"

"Just his pride, I think," Mac replied. "But he left... said he didn't want to be with a woman who could take him down that fast."

"I'm sorry, Mac," Harriett offered her sympathy.

"It's okay. I'm just glad I found it out now, before we got involved," Mac said.

"True. So what about the other two... from Friday and Saturday?"

"They weren't much to speak of. I probably should go back in and change my profile," Mac mused aloud.

"What about it do you think you should change?"

"My best feature. Seems all these guys want to do is touch my breasts," Mac sighed.

"They try that on the first date?!" Harriett was appalled.

"Oh yeah, they do. They get their hands about broken, but they try."

"That's such a shame. Well, don't give up. I'm sure you'll find the right guy. Just give it time, Mac."

"Yeah... meantime, I'm back to Square 1."

They hung up and Mac powered on the computer and logged on.  She had 7 new notes from Match.com.  She grinned inwardly.  'Maybe I'll just leave my profile alone a little longer.'

Tuesday, 3 June 2003
1245 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Mac was sitting at her desk picking at her salad and reading a legal brief when the Admiral knocked on her door. "I'm working you so hard you can't even take a lunch break, Colonel?" he asked gruffly. He hadn't meant it to sound gruff; he'd meant it as a joke. But ever since Meredith's visit last Wednesday, his mood had been a dour one and he was having difficulty shedding the cloak of gloominess that surrounded him.

"Admiral!" Mac was startled. She started to rise to her feet, but he waved her back in her chair.

"No, no... keep your seat. Just wondered if you talked to Meredith in the last few days, Mac?" he asked, knowing the two women were friends.

She shook her head, "No, Sir. I haven't. Not since last week when she was waiting for you at lunch time. And then we only said a quick hello."

AJ sighed heavily and nodded. "Okay. I was just curious." He turned and started to walk out of her office.

"Admiral? Is something wrong, Sir?" Mac asked. He turned back to face her and shrugged. "Your _expression and whole demeanor has been a little... off... for the last week or so, Sir. I just wondered..."

"Nothing important, Colonel. Thanks for your concern." He headed back to his office. 'Nothing important, indeed. Obviously wasn't important to Meredith... so why should it be to me? Why am I even wondering if she made it to England and is settling in okay?  She dumped me!'

Mac picked up the phone and dialed her friend's office at the local University. 'Maybe Meredith will be a little more forthcoming about what's bothering him,' she thought. Mac was surprised to hear the University Operator answer Meredith's direct line. "I'm calling for Meredith Cavanaugh, please?"

"I'm sorry," the young man replied, "but Ms. Cavanaugh is no longer teaching here."

"No longer there?  What do you..." Mac stammered.  "Where did she go?"

"She accepted a position at the University of Oxford. She left last Friday for England."

"Oxford! England?" Mac repeated in disbelief. 'What on earth is going on?' Mac wondered. 'What about the Admiral? Their engagement?'  "Thank you," she replied and hung up. Mac sat at her desk for another hour before she finally got up and went to AJ's office. Tiner was away from his desk, so she just knocked on the door.

"Enter!" AJ bellowed.

Mac opened the door and walked in. "Admiral, when will Meredith be back?" she asked without preamble.

He didn't even look up. "I have no idea, Colonel," he snapped.

"But, Sir... your engagement...?"

"There is no engagement, Colonel. Dismissed."

"Aye, Sir." Mac turned and walked to the door. She turned back and said softly, "She was a fool, Sir."

He looked up at her. "Thank you, Mac," he almost whispered.  She smiled sadly and shut the door behind her as she left.



 

Thursday, 5 June 2003
1505 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harm breezed into Mac's office.  "Hey, Mac?  Want to see a movie tomorrow night?  'Bruce Almighty'... it's been out a couple of weeks now, and everyone says it's hysterical."  Mac looked up from the folder she was reading, but before she answered, Harm continued, "There's a show at 7:30 and another at 9:45.  I thought we could grab some dinner first and then go to the later show.  What time should I pick you up?"

"No can do, Harm," she shook her head.  "I already have a date for tomorrow night."

Harm's grin slipped a bit; he wasn't used to Mac's having dates anymore; not since Brumby left.  "Oh.  Well, how about Saturday night?"

She continued shaking her head.  "Have a date," she quipped.

"Who is he, Mac?  The guy from a couple of weeks ago?  Where'd you meet him, anyway?" Harm probed.

"No, actually, it isn't the same guy," Mac said without going into any further explanation.

"Oh.  Well, if he cancels on you, give me a call and maybe we can make the movie."

Mac grinned to herself, 'Cancels?  I don't think so.  Neither one of them.'  "Will do, Harm.  Thanks for the invite!" she called as he left her office.

Saturday, 7 June 2003
1035 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ had put off making this call.  He wasn't looking forward to it.  He had actually considered just writing a letter and mentioning the broken engagement in passing.  But he knew his daughter would be hurt if he did that.  So he finally broke down and picked up the phone and dialed.  He sat down on the sofa and reached over to rub the dog's belly.

"Ciao?" He heard his daughter's lilting voice over the wire. 

"Hello, Darlin'.  How's my favorite daughter?"

"Oh, Papa!  It is so good to hear from you!  And I am your only daughter," she reminded him.

He chuckled, "Yes, you are.  But you're still my favorite."

"You are sweet to say so, Papa," Francesca replied.  "How are your wedding plans coming?  Have you set the date yet?"

"No, Darlin', we haven't.  Actually..." he stopped.

"Papa?  Is something wrong?" she asked, noting his hesitancy.

"There's not going to be a wedding, Francesca," he said softly.

"What?  But why?"

"Meredith decided that she'd rather teach at the University of Oxford than be married to me," he said almost flippantly.  

"Oh, Papa!  Did you try to stop her?  Did you tell her you loved her and wanted her to stay and be your wife?" 

"She knew that, Darlin'.  If I didn't want her to be my wife, I wouldn't have made a fool of myself trying to propose.  She knows I love her."

"But did you tell her this, Papa?"

"Yes, Daughter.  I told her.  Let's change the subject, okay?  Meredith is gone, and I'm free as a bird again," AJ replied.  "How are you doing?  Any new men in your life?" he grinned to himself.  His daughter had a new man in her life every time he spoke to her lately.

"Si, Papa!  I have a date tonight and another tomorrow night!  It is such fun!  I am meeting lots of men."

"What?  You mean you're not seeing one guy steadily?  You're still seeing lots of different ones?"

"That's right.  A friend of mine at the magazine got married six months ago to a man she met on the Internet," Francesca bubbled.

"On the Internet!?"

"Si, Papa!  It is an online matching service... how do you say? Dating service. It is all very private.  The others do not receive your name or address or phone number... not even your e-mail address, unless you give it to them. There is a special server that the notes go through and it hides your e-mail address."

"Still, Francesca... are you sure it's safe?  Meeting someone like that?" her father worried.

"Oh, Papa, it is all the rage now!  I know many people who are dating from the Internet.  And I hear that it is even more prevalent in the United States!  Perhaps you should try this?"

"Not a chance, Darlin'," AJ retorted.  "And I hope you'll be mighty careful..."

"I am, Papa.  I do not give out my address or my last name or my phone number.  Only my first name and I meet the men somewhere safe.  Then we go on our date.  And they have all been very nice.  I haven't cared to date any of them again, but once was nice.  And now I have more friends!" she bubbled.

"Okay, you just be careful."

"Do not worry, Papa.  Mama does enough of that for both of you," she teased.

"Your mother knows you're doing this?" he asked.

"Si.  She is more than a little concerned."

"So am I."

"It is perfectly safe, Papa.  As long as I stay with my rules and do not give out my information until I am sure of someone.  And I am, Papa," Francesca assured him.

"What is this site called, Francesca?"  AJ decided he would check it out himself, just to be sure his daughter wasn't putting herself in danger.

"It is called Match.com, Papa.  You will sign on to it tonight and be sure it is safe, yes?" she teased.

"Damned straight, I will," he replied before catching himself.  Francesca laughed delightedly.  "Sorry about that, Darlin'."

"Do not be, Papa.  It tells me how much you love me and want to protect me.  And that is always welcome."

"I do love you, Sweetheart.  And I do wish I could protect you."

"You do a most excellent job, Papa.  And I love you, too.  Very, very much."

"Nice to hear, Daughter.  Have a nice evening, Sweetheart."

"And you, Papa. Tell Harm and Mac I said hello."

AJ hung up the phone and immediately went to his study and powered on his computer.  "Match.com, hmm?  We'll just see about that," he grumbled.  He did not like his daughter using an online dating service.  It couldn't be safe.

Saturday, 7 June 2003
1845 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ had read absolutely everything he could find about Match.com.  And everything he found was good.  He shook his head.  "There has to be a catch.  There has to be something wrong with it."  He decided that the one person of his acquaintance who knew the most about the Internet was Lieutenant Bud Roberts.  AJ picked up the phone and dialed.

"Hello?" chirped Harriett as she picked up the phone.

"Good evening, Harriett.  It's..."

"Admiral!" she recognized his voice immediately.  "Hello, Sir!  How are you this evening?"

He smiled to himself, 'Harriett always knows it's me, and she always sounds so happy to hear from me.  Makes a body feel good.'  "Just fine, Harriett, thank you.  How are you feeling today?"

"Just fine, Sir, thank you."

"Good, I'm glad.  I wonder, Harriett, is Bud available to talk for a few minutes?  It's personal."

"Of course, Admiral.  He's right here."  Harriett handed the phone to her husband.  "He says it's personal, Bud," she whispered.

Bud's eyes opened wide.  "Personal?" he whispered back in a surprised tone.  She nodded.  "Hello, Admiral," Bud said into the mouthpiece.

"Bud, are you busy?  You have a couple of minutes?" AJ asked him.

"No, Sir.  Not busy at all.  What can I do for you, Sir?" Bud replied.

"What do you know about an online dating service called Match.com?" AJ got right down to business.

Bud almost choked as he took a sip of iced tea.  "Match.com, Sir?" he blurted, bringing Harriett's attention back to him in earnest.

"Yes.  Match.com," AJ confirmed.

"I know that it's a very reputable online dating service, Sir.  I know several men who are active on it, and they have dates almost every weekend.  And I believe Harriett knows one or two women who are on it."

"So it's safe?  No one can find out an address or last name or anything unless you give it to them?" AJ asked.

"No, Sir, they can't.  It's very private... protected..."

AJ sighed.  "I don't know.  I just don't like the whole idea."

"The idea of meeting someone online, Sir?"

"Yes.  I mean, how does a woman know she can actually trust the guy she's talking to?  And then meets?"

"Well, Admiral, it does require a bit of trust, it's true.  But as long as the woman takes precautions and they meet in a public place until she feels comfortable with him, there's really not a lot of difference in meeting someone online than, say... in a bar," Bud tried to explain.  He couldn't imagine why his CO was asking about Match.com.

"What do you know about it overseas?  Anything?"

"Overseas, Sir?"

"Italy, to be specific," AJ said flatly.

"Your daughter?" Bud assumed.

"Yes.  I spoke with her this morning, and she's all up on this online dating thing.  She's going out with a different guy every night... I just don't like it."

"Every night, Sir?  Wow!"

"Well, every weekend," he corrected.

"Admiral, I haven't heard anything bad about Match.com from people who have used it.  The only bad things I've heard are from people who don't even know how it works and have never tried it or even logged on to look at it.  I wouldn't be too concerned if I were you, Sir.  I would think that your daughter would know better than to give out her personal information before she really trusts someone."

"God, I hope so," AJ sighed.  "Thanks, Bud.  I appreciate your candidness."

"Not a problem, Admiral.  If you'd like, Sir, I'll be glad to do some more research into the company itself and see what I can find."

"Kind of you to offer, Bud, but I don't want you to spend your family time doing that.  I do appreciate your offer, though.  Thanks, again."

"Good night, Sir."

"Good night, Bud."

Sunday, 8 June 2003
0915 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ thought about Match.com all night.  He'd hardly slept for doing his own research into the company.  When he still found nothing to substantiate his fears, he finally went to bed... at 0400.  Now he was on his third cup of coffee, and staring into the cold fireplace in the living room.  "Maybe if I go through the registration process and read the questions, I'll feel better about Francesca's being on this thing."  His dog looked up at him and barked.  Then he thought again, "Or feel worse!"

He decided to go for it.  "Hell, it's not like I'm going to let them post it or anything.  I just want to see what the questions are like."  He got up, went to the study, and powered on the computer.  He brought up the Internet and typed www.match.com. 

"She's cute," he said aloud, looking at the picture.  "Damn it, Chegwidden!  You can't already be horny; Meredith hasn't even been gone for two weeks!"  He clicked on Sign up for FREE and looked at the first screen.

"Username?"  He immediately typed in his user ID from work:  AdmAJCheg.  Then he thought better of it.  "What if they're wrong?  What if someone does see this?"  He certainly didn't want anyone thinking he was interested in using an online dating service.  He backspaced over the characters.  "So what should I use?  Well, if I was serious about this, it would rather be a last ditch effort."  He typed LastDitchEffort.  "No, that looks pretty pathetic."  He backspaced again.  TryTryAgain, he typed this time and laughed as he backed over the characters.

"Maybe something to do with constellations?" he muttered to himself.  He chuckled as he thought of being known as TheBigDipper.  "Talk about a double entendre," he grinned wolfishly.  "Vela, the sail."  He shook his head, thinking of some other stars and constellations.  "Carina is the keel.  Naos is ship.  Cetus is the sea monster."  He thought for a moment.  "I like that."  He typed SeaMonster.  "Yeah, that's better than Cetus," he nodded.  He entered a password and his e-mail address.  "They'd better not give that out to anyone," he threatened as he clicked on Continue.

"Damn!" he swore as he read the registration error that appeared.  "Someone's already using that name."  He backed up and tried again.  "Now what?" he thought aloud.  "What about baseball?  Strike two?" he laughed.  "Actually, it's more like strike one, ball three," he groaned.  "Marcella was the strike, and Laura, Sydney, and Meredith were the balls."  He typed StrikeOneBallThr, but it wouldn't let him complete the last word.  "This is too complicated!" he complained.  "Okay, fine!"  He backspaced and typed instead Strike1Ball3.  This time, it was accepted.

"I'm in!" he said triumphantly.  He looked at the first window.  "Well, I'm definitely a man," he said as he chose Man from the pulldown.  "Why the hell do I have to choose what I'm seeking.  I just told you I'm a man!  It should default to seeking a woman," he grumbled as she chose Woman from the next pulldown.  He chose his birthdate, entered his ZIP code, and clicked on Save and continue.

The next window that appeared asked about his appearance.  He read the description of the window to himself, ' "Combine one part sex appeal with two parts self-confidence. Shake well and serve hot. Got the idea? Now answer these questions to mix up your own love potion." '  "Love potion!?" he grunted and shook his head.  "This is ridiculous."  But he specified his height of 6'3" and his brown eyes.  He read the next question, " 'Now reveal a hint about your hair color.'  What hair?" he grumbled.  He chose Bald from the pulldown list.

"Which best embodies my body?" Looking through the choices, he chose Average.  "I'd have picked Athletic, but I don't really think I'm toned anymore.  Not really.  Yeah, Average is best."  He read the last question on that window to himself, ' "Brag a little:  What's your best feature?" '  "Hell if I know," he mumbled as he opened the pulldown to read his choices.  He decided on Judge for yourself.  

The next screen asked about his personality.  He read the description to himself, ' "Without a personality, you're just another pretty face. But you've got nothing to worry about. Answer the following questions thoroughly and thoughtfully to paint a perfect picture of the real you." '  "The real me?  Ha!" he barked.  He continued reading, ' "Here's a great opportunity to get noticed! Instead of saying, 'I enjoy dancing,' express yourself with something like, 'I'm hooked on the local trash disco scene and can't wait to take a date with me.' Have an unusual hobby or enjoy doing something in your spare time? Tell us about it!" '  AJ sighed.  "Hell, I don't know..." he said as he began typing.  "I am not writing anything flowery.  Why am I doing this anyway?" he questioned.  "Oh yeah... Francesca..."

Baseball, swimming, sailing, theatre, astronomy, reading... in no particular order.

He noticed that the favorite hotspots and favorite things were optional questions, so he skipped those.  He decided he didn't mind telling them what book he read last, though, even with its being another optional question.  'Prey' by Michael Creighton.

"My sense of humor?  Don't think my staff even thinks I have a sense of humor," he mused aloud.  He read through the choices and made his decision:  Dry/Sarcastic; blatant humor is for small-minded people.  

Then he read through the items in the turn-ons/turn-offs list and indicated his opinions.

He advanced to the next window.  "My perfect date? It ends in bed!" he chortled.  He read the explanation text, personalizing it to himself, "After I've met and click with someone, what's my idea of the ultimate date? Hmm, like I said, it ends in bed!"  He read through the choices, and decided that Relaxed fit him the best:  Quiet cuisine shared in the unequalled comfort of home and served by the best chef in town... me!.  "Hell, then we're at home and can end up in bed!" he laughed. Then he sobered a little, thinking of his daughter. "Damn, I'll bet that's exactly what those guys are thinking, too," he muttered under his breath.

He advanced to the next window. "My lifestyle," he read.  " 'Take a snapshot of your daily life, slip it in an envelope and seal it with a kiss.  When someone special sees your responses, they'll have a better idea of how the things you do make you ...you.'   Yeah, right," he grumbled. "I can't believe people actually answer all these questions," he mumbled as he chose the activities that he enjoyed as part of his exercise routine. Then he chose his food preference.

AJ answered the other questions on that window, indicating that he didn't smoke, drinks socially, lives alone, works in the Political/Govt/Civil Service/Military arena, and refused to name his salary range.  "That's no one's business but mine," he said to the computer screen.

He advanced to the window to share his background and then to the one to share about past relationships.  He read the description to himself, ' "The people in your life are there for a reason. Knowing them helps potential dates know you. Go ahead: Five quick questions, and you're almost done." '  He read the questions, " 'Why hasn't a great catch like you settled down with someone yet?' "  He read through the choices, and checked the box next to Been there, done that.  

" 'Have you ever been married or in a committed relationship?' " AJ read as he chose Divorced. He answered the question about children... yes, he has one living away from home; more? he'd have to think about that. "Pets? Who the hell cares if I have a pet?" he muttered as he reached over and patted Random's head.  He answered the question; dog.

"Who I'm looking for," he read the title of the next window and then the description. " 'There's a world of lovin' out there... or at least lots of fun dates! Describe the types of singles you'd like to meet, and we'll compare your criteria with theirs to deliver your compatibility.'  Oh, Francesca... I don't know about this. I sure hope you know what you're doing..." he sighed.

He chose his answers from the pulldown lists. "A woman, obviously. Age? Probably between 35 and 50. Radius of 50 miles sounds about right. Height? Hell, I don't care. I guess between 5'2" and 6' would be good. Eye color? Who looks at eye color?" he shook his head in amazement. "Hair color? Makes no difference; just hope she has more than I do!  Body type... slender, athletic, or average. Yeah, that's best. Hmm, ethnicities. I'd still prefer a Caucasian, I guess.  Faith? Protestant, I suppose... or Catholic. They list that with Protestant?  Interesting..."

He finished answering the questions on that window and went to the next one. "Picture? Hell, no!" he said as he skipped that choice.

"Hey, wait a minute! Didn't they say I was almost done 10 minutes ago?" he grumbled as he read the next window aloud. " 'Nothing we could help you say speaks as loudly as your own words. And since no one knows you better, here's your chance to make a great first impression. Tell us about all the things we forgot to ask — about you and someone you'd like to meet.'  What do I say? 'I'm horny; wanna get laid?' " AJ chuckled to himself. Then caught himself up short as he remembered his daughter. "Oh, Francesca..." he shook his head as he began typing.

I am an honest, emotionally and financially stable, dependable man. My daughter tells me that I am also sincere, romantic, passionate, playful, generous, affectionate, and have a great sense of humor. I enjoy going to new places, meeting new people, and having fun with my partner. I also value the more simple pleasures of life. I enjoy traveling, and I like both the beach and the mountains, but I also like to stay home. I love children and animals. I do not smoke, do drugs, or have any addictions.

I'm looking for a special woman to be my best friend and lover, and if things go well, my wife. Romance, an adventurous spirit, willingness to be open to new experiences, and spontaneity are qualities that I admire in a woman. I believe that financial and emotional stability are imperative to a good relationship. I enjoy a good dinner companion, no matter if we share a meal at home or dine out. I work hard, and I play hard, but I can lay back and enjoy a sunny spring day or a warm fireplace on a cold, blustery day, especially so with my special someone. Are you her?

AJ sat back and reread his description. "Good God! That is what I want. I've never really put it down in words before," he realized, feeling a bit shaken. He clicked Save and continue. "My headline? 'Now come up with a catchy headline to attract attention to your profile.' Oh, that's those little sayings at the top of the ads I noticed." He laughed to himself knowing no one would ever read this; he typed: Let's hit a home run!

AJ clicked to go to the final window just as the phone rang. He reached over and grabbed the receiver. "Chegwidden!"

"Good morning, Admiral; this is Harriett."

"Well, good morning, Harriett. How are you this morning?"

"Just fine, Sir. Bud and I decided this morning to have a few people over for a cookout this afternoon, and we were hoping you'd be able to join us, Sir. And Ms. Cavanaugh, of course," she added.

"I'd love to come, Harriett; thanks for thinking of me. Meredith won't be there, however."

"Oh? Is she out of town, Sir?"

"Yes; she's living in England now," AJ replied shortly. Before she could ask anything else, AJ continued, "What time should I be there, and what can I bring?"

"Oh... how about 1500 and just bring yourself, Sir!" she chirped.

"Looking forward to it, Harriett. See you this afternoon."

AJ smiled as he hung up the phone. He looked back at the computer, and not even realizing it, he clicked on Submit profile and promptly shut down his computer.

Sunday, 8 June 2003
1615 EDT
Roberts Residence
Fairfax, Virginia

"Hamburgers are ready!" called Bud. "Come and get 'em!"

"Oh, boy!" cried little AJ, the Roberts' son. "Hamburglers!" He made a bee line for his father's side.

"AJ! You have to come and get a plate and a bun first, Sweetie!" called Harriett.

Mac walked up behind the youngster and handed him her plate with an empty bun. "You just take this one, AJ, and I'll go get another one."

AJ took the paper plate and smiled, "Thank you, Auntie Mac!"

As Mac returned to the table, the Admiral handed her another plate. "You're a sucker for the little guy, aren't you?" he teased.

"Sure am," she sighed. She picked up another hamburger bun and she and AJ walked over to the grill together. "Have you heard from..." Mac started to say.

AJ interrupted her. "No," he frowned.

"I was going to say, Francesca, Sir," Mac said softly.

AJ turned to look at Mac. "I'm sorry, Mac. I guess I'm still a little..." he sighed and didn't finish his thought. "Yes, I spoke with my daughter yesterday morning," AJ smiled. "She's doing fine. Said to tell you hello, in fact."

"That was sweet of her," Mac intoned.

"How would you like your burger, Admiral?" asked Bud. "I have medium rare and medium ready; well done will take just another minute or so."

"I'll take medium rare, Bud; thank you," AJ replied.

"The same for me," Mac looked at the burgers hungrily and licked her lips in anticipation.

"So, Admiral, I thought that Meredith would be here today?" asked Harm as he walked up behind them with his own plate and empty bun.

AJ shook his head. "Nope." He headed for the picnic table to doctor up his burger.

Mac turned to Harm and said softly, "She left last week to teach in England. The engagement is off."

"No!" "Oh, man..." Bud and Harm said at the same time.

"He's still smarting from it, I think, so it's best not to say anything just now," Mac told them.

They nodded their agreement. "I can certainly understand that," Harm muttered.

Once everyone had their hamburgers fixed the way they wanted them and had filled their plates with all the extras, they sat out in the yard on the lawn chairs to eat. As Bud took another bite of his burger, he looked up at the Admiral and said, "So, Admiral, did you talk to your daughter again since yesterday morning?"

AJ shook his head. "Not yet. I thought I'd call her again today and try to talk her out of this nonsense."

The others looked up. "Nonsense, Sir?" asked Harm.

"What's she involved in, Admiral?" asked Sturgis. "Not something dangerous, I hope?"

"Match.com," AJ replied, almost caustically. Mac flinched inside as she heard him speak. "For some reason, my daughter has the idea that she's going to meet her 'Mr. Right' on the Internet. So she's joined this Match.com thing," he shook his head. "I don't know... I just can't see that it's a safe way to meet anyone."

Harriett watched Mac's reaction, but neither of them let on. Harriett knew Mac didn't want anyone to know she was a member of an online dating service. Harriett wondered if Mac was on Match.com or another one. She hoped it was Match.com. She had been quite nervous about Mac's involvement, until the Admiral called on Saturday. When he and Bud hung up, Bud had immediately logged on the Internet and researched the company thoroughly.

"Well, Sir," said Bud, "I did do a lot more looking at the company this weekend, and I can't find anything to worry about. As long as a woman, or a man for that matter, uses good judgment and doesn't give out personal information before they are completely comfortable with another member of the service, they should be just as safe as meeting someone in another way... like a bar or a park..."

AJ nodded, "I found the same thing in my research, Bud. I guess I just don't like the idea of my daughter using the Internet to find a mate."

Harm chuckled. "I hear some of the questions they ask are pretty raunchy."

Mac bit her tongue so she wouldn't reply. AJ was glad that Bud piped up first... AJ almost gave it away that he'd created his own profile!

Bud replied, "No, Sir. I went through and actually created a profile yesterday so I could read through all of the questions. None of the questions are raunchy. In fact, the answers can't be either.  They actually monitor the profiles. Any new profile or changes to an existing one are reviewed by the people at Match.com before they're posted. And if there's anything that shouldn't be there, they don't post it. They're very clear about that."

"You created a profile, Bud?" questioned Sturgis.

"Created, Sir. Not submitted. I don't want anyone but Harriett," Bud grinned.

"Good answer, Bud!" laughed his wife.

"I don't know," said AJ. "I guess it's okay; I just worry about her."

"As any father would, Sir," said Sturgis.

AJ sighed, "I suppose so."

Monday, 9 June 2003
0855 EDT
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Virginia

Harriett stuck her head in Mac's office.  "You have a minute, Colonel?" she asked.

Mac looked up and smiled, "Sure!"  As Harriett walked in, Mac continued, "Thanks again for yesterday.  The cookout was such a good idea and such fun.  Have a seat."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it, Ma'am.  We certainly did," Harriett replied as she sat down heavily.  "But I didn't get to talk to you privately to ask about your dates this weekend," she added.

"They both sorta fell flat," Mac replied sadly.  "But I haven't given up yet.  Had another note last night that looked promising."

Harm knocked on the doorframe, "Time for staff meeting.  You two coming?"

Mac looked up.  "Oh!  You're right!"  Harriett pulled herself back up and waddled to her desk to gather her papers for the meeting as Mac grabbed the files she wanted to take in the conference room with her.  

The Admiral was already in the conference room as the last of the staff entered and took their seats.  Just as he was about to begin the meeting, the Intercom buzzed.  Harm was the closest to the phone set, so he punched the button, but the Admiral spoke, "What is it, Tiner?"

"Admiral, Ms. Cavanaugh is calling for you.  She's on Line 3, Sir," Tiner said.

"Tell her I'm in a staff meeting, Tiner."

"But Admiral, she's calling from England!" Tiner informed him.

"That would be because she lives in England now, Tiner.  If she wants to talk to me, tell her to call me at home in the evening.  Not at the office," AJ snapped.  

He then nodded to Harm to disconnect the Intercom, and he did so just as Tiner was saying, "Aye, aye, Sir."

AJ took a cleansing breath before he looked around the table at his officers.  He really wished now that he hadn't taken Meredith around the office and informed everyone that they were engaged.  If he hadn't, he wouldn't now have to tell them it was off.  "In case you haven't heard or figured it out yet, my engagement is off.  I don't want to hear anything more about it.  Understood?"

Before anyone had the chance to respond, he began the meeting.  Everyone was a little subdued; they were all hurting for their CO... their friend.  It was quite obvious that the break-up was not his choice.

The meeting over, everyone filed out of the conference room.  AJ and Mac were the last two to leave.  "Admiral, would you like me to call Meredith?" she asked quietly.

AJ looked up sharply  "And why would I want you to do that?" he snapped.

Mac breathed in deeply and said, "So that perhaps she won't call you this evening?"

AJ sighed and replied quietly.  "I really would prefer she not call, Mac.  She didn't bother to let me know she arrived safely... and she's been over there for 10 days.  That was more than enough time.  I have no desire whatsoever to remain friends with her.  So I'd prefer not to have any communication from her."

"Not even friends, Sir?" Mac asked, surprised.

"Maybe if she hadn't accepted my proposal, I'd feel differently about that.  Probably would, in fact.  I'm still friends with a number of women I was involved with over the years.  But I wasn't engaged to any of them.  There's just something different about that," he mumbled.

"I can understand that, Sir.  I never hear from Mic either.  Don't guess I really want to," Mac confided.

AJ smiled sadly.  "I finally broke my own rule and proposed... and she throws it back in my face," he shook his head.

"Your own rule, Admiral?" Mac questioned.  She could just imagine what that rule was.

"Let her do the proposing!" he smirked.

Mac laughed.  "Oh!"  That was totally different than she expected.  "So you're not against the idea of marriage... you just don't want to be the one who proposes?" she clarified.

"You got it, Mac.  And I won't do it again.  That's a given," he assured her as they left the conference room.

Mac decided to call Meredith and try to convince her not to call the Admiral again.  He didn't need any more stress or frustration in his life.  

Tuesday, 10 June 2003
2055 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac decided to check her e-mail again before taking a shower and climbing in bed. She'd never received so many e-mails as she had since she joined Match.com. And she hadn't even initiated any of the contacts so far! She thought about the conversation they'd had on Sunday afternoon. "Well, it's my life," she muttered under her breath as she logged on. She was surprised to find another 12 e-mails from new men wanting to meet her. She read through them all, perused their profiles, and sent a canned reply to all but one of them:

Thanks for taking the time to write me. After looking at your profile, I don't really see a match between us. Good luck in your search for the right woman.

And she signed them all, "Theropod". The one she didn't send the canned reply to, she wrote a more personal response requesting a little more information about him. His profile was rather skimpy, but what was there sounded pretty good.  "And I kinda like his username.  AreU4Me.  Cute."

"I should do a search of my own tonight," she decided. "I haven't done one of those since last week." She went through the Match.com search windows, specifying her preferences. Because she was so specific with this search, only 4 men's profiles matched her criteria. She read through the first one. He sounded good, but his picture showed him covered with facial hair. Mac frowned. "I really prefer a clean-shaven man." She went on to the next profile, then the next... deciding against both of them.

The fourth profile caught her eye: "Let's hit a home run!" Mac laughed as she read the headline aloud... and then the username: "Strike1Ball3". She grinned, "This guy's really into baseball!" As she read his profile, he sounded better and better. "Hmm, maybe I should write him." She knew his profile hadn't come up on her search last week, so he had to be new. "Maybe I'll give him a little time to find and write to me," she decided.

Mac went to the bathroom and started the water running in the shower. As she stripped out of her clothes and stepped under the spray, she thought to herself, ' Maybe I should write him. I mean, none of these other guys have worked out, and they've all been the ones to write me first. Maybe if I initiate something with someone who came up in my search results, it'll have a better chance. I can start it out on the footing that I want. The speed that I want.' The grime of the day washed off, she toweled dry and slipped into her nightgown. "I'll do it!" she decided.

Mac sat back down in front of her computer and began typing. She decided to make her note short and to the point. She didn't care for long notes as the first communication; she preferred the shorter ones. Maybe this guy would, too.

Hi! I saw your profile on Match.com and thought I'd drop you a note. Your profile sounds wonderful and very much like what I'm looking for in a man. I'd ask, therefore, that you take a look at my profile. If you like what you read, please let me hear back from you. Thanks! ...Theropod

Mac reread the note and clicked on Send. Off it went. "Oh, I hope he answers me!" she mumbled to herself.

Tuesday, 10 June 2003
2245 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ still hadn't been able to reach Francesca. He'd been trying to call her since he got home from the Roberts' house on Sunday evening. Every time he called, he got her answering machine. He had tried a couple of times this evening, to no avail. Then his own phone rang, and he was tied up for several hours. Now that he was finally free again, it was far too late to try calling her. He decided to write her a quick e-mail. He powered on the computer and then logged on to his e-mail.

"What on earth?" he muttered as he saw three notes with odd names. He opened one of them and starting reading it, surprised to find that it was a response to his Match.com profile. "What the hell is this? I didn't submit that thing!" He quickly logged on to Match.com and found that he had, indeed, submitted his profile. It had been reviewed, approved, and posted earlier in the day. "God, no!" he groaned.

Curiosity got the better of him, and he went back to the first note. It was long. Too long. "I'll bet she'd never shut up!" he chuckled. He went to the next note. That one was short. Too short. " 'Check me out?'  That's all it says?" AJ asked in wonder. He shook his head and opened the third note. "Theropod? What the hell is a theropod?" he mumbled. "Hmm, this one looks... interesting. Short, to the point... but flattering." AJ decided to take a look at her profile.

"Voluptuous woman seeks bald man," he roared when he read her headline.  "5'11", hmm? Nice height. Strategically placed tattoo? That sounds... intriguing," he grinned. Then he read her best feature and laughed. "Her chest!?" He went to the next window and chuckled when he saw that she offered to belly dance. "Yes, Theropod, I would very much like to see you belly dance!" He continued reading and smiled broadly when he read 'The Admiral's Bride - don't I wish!!' "Maybe this girl is someone I would want to know," he thought aloud. "Don't be ridiculous, Chegwidden! You are NOT answering this." He read further. "She's a lawyer! But she doesn't want to talk about work? That's a first." He laughed when he read her comment about not letting anyone else drive her car. "That part sounds like Mac!"

He laughed again at the absurdity of the whole online dating idea. Shaking his head, he logged off and shutdown his computer. "Damn! I forgot to write Francesca!" he realized. "Oh well. Guess I'll do it tomorrow," he said as he let Random out the back door.

Wednesday, 11 June 2003
1845 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

As soon as Mac walked in her apartment, she went immediately to the computer and turned it on.  While it powered up, she went in her bedroom and changed out of her uniform.  "I hope he answered me," she said to herself.  "I really hope he answered me."  She was glad she hadn't mentioned to Harriett about the note she sent to Strike1Ball3.  What if he didn't reply?  That would be a little embarrassing to have to admit.

She went back to the computer and logged on.  She looked through all her new e-mails; there were five notes from guys she hadn't heard from before, one note from the man she requested more information from, but nothing from Strike1Ball3.  "Rats," she said.  She tried not to get discouraged.  "Maybe he's not home from work yet and hasn't even seen my note.  I did send it rather late last night. And maybe he doesn't check his e-mail every day; not everyone does."

She opened the note from AreU4Me and read it silently.  "Hmm, he does sound interesting," she decided. 

Wednesday, 11 June 2003
2115 EDT
Chegwidden Residence
McLean, Virginia

AJ thought off and on all day about the note he received from Match.com.  He'd even looked up the word theropod in the dictionary.  "Carnivorous dinosaur," it had said.  He had laughed when the image of a belly-dancing Tyrannosaurus Rex with a tattoo on its hind quarters appeared in his mind's eye.

He let the dog inside, and before he knew it, he found himself in front of his computer reading Theropod's profile again.  "She adores a bald head," he repeated her words aloud.  "I guess she must; even her headline says that."  He read through her entire profile... three times.  Then he read her note to him again.  Then he decided to read his own profile again.  Maybe he had put something in there that wasn't quite accurate.  But no, it was more on target than he remembered.  

He sighed inwardly.  "Maybe I could just reply to her.  Just once.  And see what happens."  He decided to go for it.

Hello, Theropod. Yes, I do like what I read in your profile. If you would like to correspond and see if we have other things in common, I would like that. If you are still interested, let me know.  --Strike1Ball3    

AJ read his note through again, and decided it was sufficient.  He clicked on Send.  "Sure hope that wasn't a mistake," he muttered as went to his bedroom to prepare for bed. 

Wednesday, 11 June 2003
2145 EDT
Sarah MacKenzie's Apartment
Georgetown, Washington, DC

Mac was still working on the computer when it chimed indicating that she had just received new mail.  She had ignored the chime the past two times it rang; she was too busy preparing her brief.  But this time, she decided to check her in-basket.  "It's him!" she exclaimed, seeing the note from Strike1Ball3.  

She quickly opened the note and read his response.  "Hmm, interesting.  Didn't give me any new information... but then, I didn't really ask for any.  He answered my question and that was all," she realized.  She decided to reply right away.  Maybe he'd still be logged on and see it yet tonight.  'Not likely,' she thought.  But it was worth a try.

Thanks for your reply, Strike!  

I'm rereading the description of your ideal match, and I must tell you that I, too, am looking for that special someone to be my best friend and lover... and hopefully, husband.  I am a romantic at heart, though I try to keep that a secret at work. ;-)  I do have an adventurous spirit, but I'm not a daredevil.  I'm willing to try new things... to a point.  

I am financially stable and believe I am emotionally stable, as well.  I was engaged a couple of years ago, and I went through a difficult period right after we broke the engagement.  But all is well now.  Like you, I enjoy a good dinner companion... dining out is great, so is eating in (as long as you don't expect me to cook!).

I'm glad you enjoy lazing around as much as getting up and going.  So do I.  In fact, I dream of long moonlight walks along the beach. I love walking on the beach, especially at sunrise and late at night when the stars are sparkling in the sky.  Tell me, what do you dream of?

...Theropod

Oh, Pod!  Let me assure you, I am definitely a toucher.  If I'm in a room with you at any time, I will touch you.  Your hand, your arm, your shoulder.  If I get close enough, and you have no objections, I would put my arms around you and give you a hug.  I might even steal a kiss.  I have always enjoyed long, deep, slow kisses. 

I would love to wander and explore your wonderful body. I would run my hands over your back and neck and arms, and further if that was your desire.  I would hope that I could distract you from the movie and that you would enjoy our time together.  I would want you to feel safe, warm, and happy when you are with me, Pod. 

I would hope that you would also feel the desire to explore me.  I have always enjoyed the loving touch of a woman, and I'm too much of a gentleman to stop a lady's adventures!

I hope you don't find my words too bold, Pod.  If I have overstepped myself in any way, please do let me know, and accept my sincerest apology in advance.  --Strike

P.S. I looked it up. Didn't have a clue what a theropod was!