Title: Not A Day Goes By
Author: Amanda M. Daugherty
E-mail: country_girl_2003@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13
Classification: Story (Harm/Mac)
Spoilers: Anything in season eight didn't happen.
Summary: Do to the war some of the JAG staff is reassigned. Some for the better some for the worse.
Disclaimers: Don't own JAG or Pensacola: Wing of Gold. The song Not a Day goes By, performed by Lonestar.
***********************************************
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
"Commander can I have a word with you in my office?" Admiral Chegwidden commanded as he passed Harm's office early on Wednesday morning.
Harm immediately got up from his case files and made his way behind the Admiral to his office. As soon as they entered the Admiral went and sat down behind his large oak desk.
"Close the hatch and have a seat, Commander. As you know the situation in Iraq is heating up and unfortunately even though enlistment is higher than it's ever been because of September 11th, our numbers are still very low and the Navy is having to pull all it recourses together to insure a favorable out come."
"Understood, sir. Were do I come into this at?"
"Commander it's no secret that you are a very skilled lawyer, but even more so right now the Navy needs you in the air more than they do in the courtroom."
"Sir are you saying that they want me to return to flying?" Harm questioned his CO.
"Yes Commander. The SECNAV called me very early this morning to inform me that you will be needed at Andrews at 0700 tomorrow to catch a helo out to the USS Seahawk where you will take over the duties as CAG." With Harm's protests the Admiral continued. "I know you probably thought you'd be an active pilot, but with your training a skills we need you training guys who are younger than you and don't have as much experience. Do you have any questions?"
"Sir, will anyone else from JAG be reassigned because of the war with Iraq?"
"Yes, Commander. JAG Headquarters will be reduced to minimal staff. Lt. Roberts will be joining you on the Seahawk as the battle group JAG, of course you will be there if he needs any help. I'm sure you remember some things from you sent as career JAG."
"Yes sir."
"Also Commander Turner will be sent back down below decks. He'll join up with the USS Watertown to help track any subs that might enter the sea without the our knowledge. Right now besides a few Petty Officers and Corporals, that's all our personnel that will be deployed, but I'm sure more will be needed within the future."
"Yes sir."
"Commander try to wrap up all your current cases and hand the rest off to Col. Mackenzie. She'll distribute them to the rest of the staff. Your transport leaves at 0700 tomorrow. Good Luck Commander and Godspeed. Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir."
Harm left the Admiral's office and went straight to his own. He wasn't surprised to see that Mac was already standing in there when he returned.
"Hey Mac, did you need something?" He asked trying to conceal what was going to happen tomorrow.
"What did the Admiral want?"
"What makes you think the Admiral wanted something important?" Harm sat down and tried to get started on some case files.
"Tiner mentioned that the Admiral got a call from the SECNAV early this morning, and I already know that Bud and Sturgis are being reassigned. I'm assuming you too, because of your experience in the air."
"I report to Andrews tomorrow morning to catch a cod out to the Seahawk where I'll be taking over as the CAG."
"So at least you'll be going with Bud."
"Yeah there will be at least one friendly face around."
Harm was about to reply when he saw the Admiral enter the bullpen from his office and start to address the staff. Harm and Mac exited Harm's office and made their way over the stand over by Bud, Harriet, and Sturgis.
"Listen up people. I'm sure that you've already heard that several of our staff members will be reassigned starting tomorrow. Just so the rumor mill doesn't get too out of hand. I'd like to invite all the staff out to McMurphy's this evening to say goodbye to Lt. Roberts and Commander Rabb who will be transferring to the USS Seahawk as battle group JAG and the new CAG, respectfully, and Commander Turner who will be TAD to the USS Watertown. I expect to see most if not all staff there at 1800 to wish our fellow servicemen good luck with their new assignments. That will be all people. See you tonight."
With that the Admiral left and the rest of the JAG staff returned to their assigned duties, knowing that three of their comrades would be heading into a war zone tomorrow.
McMurphy's Bar
Georgetown, VA.
Just like the Admiral had asked most of the JAG staff was present, except a few who had small children to tend to. JAG personnel were scattered throughout the small cramped bar. Several Lts. were off to the side playing a game of darts, while others were lined up against the bar trying to pick their poison of the night, but one special group was off in the corner playing a game of pool.
"Alright this is the last time all of us will be together for awhile so lets make this night good, shall we?" Harm asked the group. With a round of nods they began to choose partners. "Hey Marine how about you and me show this group of lawyers how to really play pool?"
"Why not? I feel like kicking some squids tonight." Mac grabbed a pool stick and began to rack up the balls.
"So I guess that means that me and Bud are partners." Sturgis observed.
"I guess that means that you'll be on the losing end of this game." Mac sassed back.
"Look like someone has an attitude tonight, Col." Harm teased and took the first shot.
By the time the game was finished Harm and Mac had won with Sturgis and Bud having four balls still on the table. Just as Mac was about to suggest another game, but this time switching partners, she noticed that one of Harm's favorite songs began to play over the jukebox.
"Got a picture of you I carry in my heart
Close my eyes to see it when the world gets dark
Got a memory of you I carry in my soul
I wrap it close around me when the nights get cold
If you asked me how I'm doin' I'd say just fine
But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind"
"Come on Mac I love this song. Let's go dance." Harm drug Mac out on the small wooden dance floor followed by Bud and Harriet and Sturgis and Bobbie.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
As the song played on Mac looked at all her friends dancing and the tears falling in Harriet's and Bobbie's eyes.
"I still wait for the phone in the middle of the night
Thinkin' you might call me if your dreams don't turn out right
And it still amazes me that I lie here in the dark
Wishin' you were next to me, your head against my heart
If you asked me how I'm doing I'd say just fine
But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind"
"You know at a time like this it makes you almost glad that you don't have someone waiting for you at home at night." Harm observed noticing the same thing Mac did.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
"Why do you say that, Harm?"
"Minutes turn to hours, and the hours to days
Seems it's been forever that I've felt this way"
"Well if something happens to either Bud or Sturgis, Harriet and Bobbie are going to have to learn to love again without the one person they're meant to be with. It's kind of like my mom and dad. It would have been so much easier if my mom hadn't fallen in love with my dad. Then she wouldn't have been in pain all those years after he went down."
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
"But Harm just think that if they hadn't fallen in love, then you wouldn't have been here. Think about all the lives that you have touched in your lifetime. Can you imagine where they would be, where I would be if you'd hadn't been here? And Harm don't think that just because you don't have someone waiting for you at home, doesn't mean that people won't miss you and greave over your loss. There are so many people here in this bar tonight that you are like their older brother, their friend, or the one person they look up to? I'll miss everybody if something happens to them, but I have to say that I'd miss my best friend the most. So stay safe out there okay?"
"I'll try."
"Don't try, Harm, just do it."
USS SEAHAWK
Persian Gulf
Day One of Harm's Cruise
"Commander, Lt. the captain wishes to speak with you on the bridge, pending your arrival." Petty Officer Jen Coates greeted them when they stepped off the Cod.
"Petty Officer Coates I didn't know you were stationed on the Seahawk." Harm greeted her as they made their way toward the bridge.
"Yes sir. Thanks to you. I'm stationed here as the new JAG's legalman. However I didn't expect both of you here sir. Two JAGs?"
"Actually Lt. Roberts here is the new JAG. I'm here as the new CAG."
"Really sir, that must be exciting."
"You have no idea." Harm mumbled as they entered the bridge.
"JAG's on the bridge." Coates announced them.
"Commander Rabb, Lt. Roberts, it's good to have you both back on board." Captain John Williams shook both of their hands.
"It's good to be back, sir." Harm spoke for both of them.
"Lt. Roberts, Petty Officer Coates will show you to your quarters and to the legal office. Dismissed." Coates and Bud left the bridge. When they were gone the Captain turned back to Harm. "How's it going Harm?"
"Pretty good sir. How about you?"
Captain Williams looked over the flight deck as he spoke. "I'd be a lot better if I was somewhere else than in this damn war zone. XO?"
"Yes sir?"
"You have the bridge. Harm follow me."
"Yes Sir." Harm replied and followed him off the corridor to the conference room.
"Coffee Harm?" Captain Williams asked offering Harm a cup and the pot.
"Yes, sir." Harm grabbed a cup and walked back to the table.
"Harm how long have we known each other?"
"Since the academy."
"Good, you got that right. Now maybe you can get this right, call me John, Harm. We'd be of same rank now if it hadn't been for your time off before going to JAG."
"Alright John. What's this I hear about a new squadron?"
"Man you get right down to the point." John took a sip of his coffee. "Have you ever heard of Lt. Col. Bill Kelley?"
"The name sounds familiar. I think he was commanding a squad of marine aviators while I was in Pensacola three years ago when I was retraining on the F-14."
"Good you remember. Anyway that group of marines that he was training is now stationed on the Seahawk. It's a new thing that the Pentagon has started. They want to try and get marine aviators mixed in with naval aviators. They say it will be to our advantage. The Seahawk right now is the only carrier to have marine aviators on it and you will be the first to command both the navy and marines. If this cruise goes well then all the other carriers will get marines in their next cruise. I took the liberty of getting you all their service records so you can familiarize yourself with them. Just to let you know, they are the best aviators the marines have to offer. So don't make them look too bad."
Harm found himself laughing right along side his old academy buddy.
'Maybe this cruise wouldn't be so bad.' Harm thought as they started to tell stories from their academy days including what all their old friends were up to now.
"So Harm you getting married anytime soon?" John asked.
"You're kidding me right. You already stole Sally, so there's nobody else in the world as good as her." Harm smiled. Sally and John had been dating since they were sophomores in high school, and stayed together throughout their academy days. When John moved to Annapolis, Sally packed up and found and apartment not far from the academy and moved up there so she could be near him. They had gotten married right after John graduated. Now twenty years later they have four kids and the oldest one is just now starting college. Poor Harm hadn't even gotten married yet, the was too busy being married to the Navy.
"I'll admit she is great, but there must be somebody out there for Harmon Rabb. What about that one girl from the Academy? You and her were pretty hot and heavy back then. Even Keeter and Luke saw it."
"You mean Diane. She was murdered seven years ago."
"Oh, man I'm sorry. Has there been anyone else that's close?"
"There is one person, but she isn't interested."
"How do you know? Do I know her?"
"First of all I know because I know her, she's my best friend. And no you don't know her."
"Well who is she?"
"Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie she's at JAG with me."
"WOW you fell for a marine." John laughed.
"Stuff it buddy. It's not funny. Anyway I need to get out of here and start meeting the rest of the squad. I'll see you later." Harm threw the rest of his coffee out, waved at his old friend and headed down to the wardroom where he knew from his past experiences that all the pilots would be there swapping stories.
"Attention on deck!" Someone yelled as Harm stepped into the room.
"At ease. Incase you haven't heard I'm Commander Rabb. I'm the new CAG. I would like to see Ice, Spoon, Burner, Mad Dog, and Capone in the conference room." Harm headed out followed by the group of marines.
"Have a seat." Harm told them when they entered the room. "The reason I'm asking you guys in here is because I've never worked with marine aviators before and I just want to see what you guys are like. I'm a naval aviator so I know that we're stubborn, arrogant, and like to run our mouths about stuff. I also know most of those guys in the next room, so I know what they can do, now I want to see what you can do."
All four of them looked at their new commander and couldn't help but wish that they were back at Pensacola with Col. Kelley.
"Alright let's start with you Capt. Alexandra Jenson callsign Ice. It says here that you're qualified in the F-18 and let's see it says here that you and Spoon won the Pensacola shoot out a couple years back. That's impressive."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. Now Capt. Tucker Henry III, named after your father a wealthy business man. Why didn't you follow in his footsteps?"
"Ever since I was a little kid and my dad left me and my mom I promised that I would never be like him, and I have always loved to fly."
"Alright, says you were second in your nugget class. Why not first?"
"Well, sir, I fly by the book and in my case the guy who was first flew by the seat of his pants. It worked in our training exercises a lot better than by the book."
"What did you learn from this?"
"That you can't fly exactly by the book or by the seat of your pants, you have to fly a little bit of both."
"Then you'll fit right in here." Harm smiled at the younger man to set him at ease.
"Captain Edward Terrelli you're qualified on the huey and helo, I see. Why the call sign Capone?"
"It's after Al Capone, sir. As you hear from my voice I have that New York accent. It kind of stuck with me."
"Good. Capt. Abigail Holley callsign Mad Dog. It says here you're on loan to us from the British Air Force. Why come to America?"
"I just wanted to fly with the sir."
"Have you flown with the best, yet, Captain?"
"I'm working on it, sir."
"Last, Captain Butch Barnes callsign Burner. I assume because of afterburners."
"Yes, sir."
"It also says that you left for awhile, but came back why?"
"I had a scare in the air one night coming back from a carrier. I didn't know if I wanted to fly anymore, but after spending a couple months away from the jet fuel I found out that flying is what I really want to do."
"Good. By the way I'm Hammer in case anybody ever flies with me."
"Sir may I ask where you got that callsign?" Mad Dog asked.
"Yeah, I got it from my dad. It was his callsign during Vietnam. You guys can go join the rest of your squad. I just wanted to get to know the rest of the squad better. Dismissed."
The group of five marines walked out of the room wondering what really went on back there.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Va
15 days after Harm and Bud left
Col. Mackenzie stood nervous outside her CO's door. She didn't know how he would react to what she wanted. When she heard him beckon enter she walked into his large office and came to attention in front of him.
"Col. Mackenzie reporting as ordered sir." She knew it felt weird to say that without Harm here beside her.
"Have a seat, Col. You wanted to see me?"
"Yes sir. I was wondering if I could have a few days off. I don't know if you know, but the Seahawk is making a port stop in Indonesia and I was wanting to meet Commander Rabb there. In his last e-mail he stated that it might be nice to see a friendly face." Mac pleaded.
"I sorry Mac I know how much you'd like to see Harm, but I just can't spare you right now. With Sturgis, Bud, and Harm gone I'm short handed right now and they just called u Singer, and Imes. I just need you right here. I'm sure there will be other times for you and Harm to catch up."
"Yes sir."
"I'm sorry, Mac. I really am. Dismissed."
"Aye Aye sir." Mac snapped to attention and walked out of the Admiral's office trying not to cry.
USS SEAHAWK
Persian Gulf
One Month After they left
To say that things were stressful over the last month would have been an understatement. The US was lucky that Sadam's
troops didn't have very advanced technology in the matter of aircrafts so the SEAHAWK didn't lose many aircrafts, but several men were lost due to mechanical failures. Harm barely had time to make phone calls home, much less sit down and actually write a letter home to his parents. The most popular form of communication between him and people back home was email. Harm usually tried to e-mail his parents every other day and Mac at least once a week. On top of that we was making sure that Bud talked with Harriet and emailed her once a day, yet stayed up to date with his duties as battle group JAG. More than once Harm had to jump in and help Bud with his files. Between trying to stay in touch with people back home, his duties as CAG, and helping Bud with this cases, Harm got less than five and a half hours of sleep a day. He didn't mind it much because he knew that we was doing things that needed to be done, but the times when he was running on zero sleep and trying to make sense of the new rules of engagement he couldn't help, but wish for the times where he was just a simple lawyer back at JAG. Growing up Harm once dreamed of flying and then become a CAG, but he never dreamed that it would be like this. The one thing he looked forward to after a mission or debriefing was an email from home, either from his mom or Mac. He was lucky enough to get an email from Mac when he got back to his room.
Hey Harm,
How's it going over there? Any closer to getting to come home? Just to let you know that the staff is missing you like crazy. They keep wondering when you're going to show up late and pull one of your stunts. You really liven up the office, flyboy. I don't know how often you talk to Sturgis or even Bud, but did you hear that Sturgis popped the question to Bobbie? Of course she said yes, what girl wouldn't? I talked to Bobbie and even though Sturgis wants a big wedding, she said she just wants to get married as soon as Sturgis gets leave long enough to come home. Any clue as to when this will all be over? I guess I should be glad that you are just the CAG and not actually a pilot going on ten missions a day. At least I know you won't be getting into that much trouble. How's Bud handling all the cases were sending him? It's just like the SECNAV to say that all servicemen's files need to be updated while were in the middle of a war and shorthanded. Anyway I thought I check in and see how things are going with you? Write me back when you have the time, alright? I don't want to hear about something you've done on the news.
Night Flyboy,
Mac
The only thing Mac didn't know was that Harm was going on a mission. He didn't even have time to email her and let her or anyone else know. In fact he had just a few minutes to shower and get suited up before he had to brief the rest of the pilots that would be going along with him on this mission. If anything happened to him, Bud had letters to give to his friends and a new copy of Harm's will that he redid when he knew that he was being sent out to a war zone. This copy included instructions for his personal possessions like his plane and car, as well as a trust fund for little AJ and any future Roberts children, and a special little something for Mac if she needed it for their five year deal if he wasn't there to do his part.
"ATTENTION ON DECK!!" Lt. Randy "wildman" Cummings yelled when he spotted Harm coming through the door of the pilots briefing room.
"At ease. Have a seat gentlemen." Harm watched as his command presence had every man in the room sit down and listen to every word he had to say. "Navy intelligence tells us that a convoy of trucks that are suspected to be part of Sadam's army are headed toward a unit of marines that are stranded do to a mechanical failure on their vehicle. Our mission is to go in and provide cover for our marines until a helo can get in there and pull them out. Then we will also destroy the vehicle. Because the mission is more dangerous than any other's we've gone on I'll be leading. Skates I want you in my backseat. This will also be the first time our new strike unit will be put into place. Wildman you and Carmel will be my wingman. Ice and Spoon I want you also up there in the air with us. You decided who is leader." Harm grinned at the pair. " Mad Dog and Capone I want you guys flying the helo that gets our marines out of there. Wilson and Jailbird are tanker kings. This mission is more dangerous because Intel says Sadam's troops have just purchased anti-aircraft missiles from Russia. We don't know if this convoy has those weapons with them, but we need to take that extra percaution from here on out. We will understand that anytime we go in the air there might be Sadam's troops with those missiles so fly safe, fly smart and come back in one piece. I don't want to send any of my friends out there to get your sorry butts. Let's go fly! Dismissed." Harm told his crew and they all assembled out of the room. For the ones that were going on the mission they headed toward their planes.
Harm was halfway down the corridor when he heard Bud's voice holler for him. He stopped and turned around.
"What is it Bud?"
"Sir Col. Mackenzie just sent a case over from JAG and I really need your help on it when you're not busy."
"Alright Bud. I go up in about five minutes. As soon as I get back and get debriefed I find you and we'll work on the case."
"Thank you sir." Bud turned to leave and then thought against it. "Sir, are you sure that you're alright?" Bud asked noticing the bags around Harm's eyes and the worry lines that seemed to just appear when he took over as CAG.
"I'm fine, Bud. I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to be back at JAG doing the same old stuff day in and day out."
Bud smiled. He knew exactly how Harm felt. All he wanted to do was get home and see Harriet, and little AJ. The thing that puzzled the young Lt. was that in Harriet's e-mails she said that Col. Mackenzie told her that Harm seemed to be loving it out here. He often wrote in his e-mails that he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. As Bud turned and made his way back to the legal office he couldn't help but to wonder why the Commander was wearing one face around him and another when he talked to Col. Mackenzie.
In the Air
Bud watched from vultures row as Harm and the members of his squadron take off. He knew that they were all very well trained and they knew what they were doing, but something didn't seem right with this mission. Harm always had a tendency to get into trouble, but he just learned that Sadam had Russian intelligence with them. Captain Williams didn't have the chance to pass on the information to Harm before he launched, but they were going to try and reach them in the air. Bud just wanted Harm to know that the Iraqis probably knew that they were coming and there would be no element of surprise.
"Alright guys listen up, Wildman, you and I will take the left side for cover, so, Ice, you and Spoon will take the right side. Capone and Mad Dog I'll call you up when it's all clear for you to go in. Remember we do not fire until we see a hostile act. You will wait for clearance from me, before you do. Our marines should be just over this next ridge, so, let's get ready."
Harm and the rest of his crew flew over the ridge and sure enough you could see a small camp of marines set up and about 10 miles away from them was a small convoy of Sadam's trucks headed that way. Harm watched as an anti-aircraft missile was launched.
"They've got the goods, I repeat they've got the goods. So watch out. I've already been fired upon. Spoon, you and I will take them out. Wildman and Ice stay here and provide support. If anything happens to me, Ice you make the calls." Harm broke off and headed ahead to take out the convoy with Spoon following him.
Harm made the first pass and fired his guns taking out the last vehicle, but six more still remained. Spoon came up behind him and took out three more.
"Nice going, Spoon. I'm going to make one more pass." Harm alerted Spoon. However he never counted on what came over his radio next.
"Hammer, I've been hit. I've got damage to my left wing. I can't keep her stable. I'm going to have to put her down somewhere." Spoon's frantic voice came over.
"Remember you're training Spoon. Try to get her as far into friendly territory as possible. We'll be there in a minute to pick you up." Harm told him, but never saw the missile that was launched in his direction.
"Harm we've got a missile coming in fast on our six." Skates yelled from the back seat.
"Shit. Breaking hard right." As Harm broke hard right the missile exploded in air and fragments flew into his aircraft. On piece hit
the fuel tanks.
"Harm we're leaking fuel really bad. Should be call for Wilson?"
"No. It's too dangerous. I'm going to try and sit her down in friendly territory, close to where I hope Spoon is. We'll find him and have good old uncle Sam pick us up together."
From the front seat of his tomcat Lt. Randy Cummings watched as one of his fellow aviators went down and then watched as his CO went down behind him.
To Be Continued.....
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you know I crave feedback.
Author: Amanda M. Daugherty
E-mail: country_girl_2003@yahoo.com
Rating: PG-13
Classification: Story (Harm/Mac)
Spoilers: Anything in season eight didn't happen.
Summary: Do to the war some of the JAG staff is reassigned. Some for the better some for the worse.
Disclaimers: Don't own JAG or Pensacola: Wing of Gold. The song Not a Day goes By, performed by Lonestar.
***********************************************
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, VA
"Commander can I have a word with you in my office?" Admiral Chegwidden commanded as he passed Harm's office early on Wednesday morning.
Harm immediately got up from his case files and made his way behind the Admiral to his office. As soon as they entered the Admiral went and sat down behind his large oak desk.
"Close the hatch and have a seat, Commander. As you know the situation in Iraq is heating up and unfortunately even though enlistment is higher than it's ever been because of September 11th, our numbers are still very low and the Navy is having to pull all it recourses together to insure a favorable out come."
"Understood, sir. Were do I come into this at?"
"Commander it's no secret that you are a very skilled lawyer, but even more so right now the Navy needs you in the air more than they do in the courtroom."
"Sir are you saying that they want me to return to flying?" Harm questioned his CO.
"Yes Commander. The SECNAV called me very early this morning to inform me that you will be needed at Andrews at 0700 tomorrow to catch a helo out to the USS Seahawk where you will take over the duties as CAG." With Harm's protests the Admiral continued. "I know you probably thought you'd be an active pilot, but with your training a skills we need you training guys who are younger than you and don't have as much experience. Do you have any questions?"
"Sir, will anyone else from JAG be reassigned because of the war with Iraq?"
"Yes, Commander. JAG Headquarters will be reduced to minimal staff. Lt. Roberts will be joining you on the Seahawk as the battle group JAG, of course you will be there if he needs any help. I'm sure you remember some things from you sent as career JAG."
"Yes sir."
"Also Commander Turner will be sent back down below decks. He'll join up with the USS Watertown to help track any subs that might enter the sea without the our knowledge. Right now besides a few Petty Officers and Corporals, that's all our personnel that will be deployed, but I'm sure more will be needed within the future."
"Yes sir."
"Commander try to wrap up all your current cases and hand the rest off to Col. Mackenzie. She'll distribute them to the rest of the staff. Your transport leaves at 0700 tomorrow. Good Luck Commander and Godspeed. Dismissed."
"Thank you, sir."
Harm left the Admiral's office and went straight to his own. He wasn't surprised to see that Mac was already standing in there when he returned.
"Hey Mac, did you need something?" He asked trying to conceal what was going to happen tomorrow.
"What did the Admiral want?"
"What makes you think the Admiral wanted something important?" Harm sat down and tried to get started on some case files.
"Tiner mentioned that the Admiral got a call from the SECNAV early this morning, and I already know that Bud and Sturgis are being reassigned. I'm assuming you too, because of your experience in the air."
"I report to Andrews tomorrow morning to catch a cod out to the Seahawk where I'll be taking over as the CAG."
"So at least you'll be going with Bud."
"Yeah there will be at least one friendly face around."
Harm was about to reply when he saw the Admiral enter the bullpen from his office and start to address the staff. Harm and Mac exited Harm's office and made their way over the stand over by Bud, Harriet, and Sturgis.
"Listen up people. I'm sure that you've already heard that several of our staff members will be reassigned starting tomorrow. Just so the rumor mill doesn't get too out of hand. I'd like to invite all the staff out to McMurphy's this evening to say goodbye to Lt. Roberts and Commander Rabb who will be transferring to the USS Seahawk as battle group JAG and the new CAG, respectfully, and Commander Turner who will be TAD to the USS Watertown. I expect to see most if not all staff there at 1800 to wish our fellow servicemen good luck with their new assignments. That will be all people. See you tonight."
With that the Admiral left and the rest of the JAG staff returned to their assigned duties, knowing that three of their comrades would be heading into a war zone tomorrow.
McMurphy's Bar
Georgetown, VA.
Just like the Admiral had asked most of the JAG staff was present, except a few who had small children to tend to. JAG personnel were scattered throughout the small cramped bar. Several Lts. were off to the side playing a game of darts, while others were lined up against the bar trying to pick their poison of the night, but one special group was off in the corner playing a game of pool.
"Alright this is the last time all of us will be together for awhile so lets make this night good, shall we?" Harm asked the group. With a round of nods they began to choose partners. "Hey Marine how about you and me show this group of lawyers how to really play pool?"
"Why not? I feel like kicking some squids tonight." Mac grabbed a pool stick and began to rack up the balls.
"So I guess that means that me and Bud are partners." Sturgis observed.
"I guess that means that you'll be on the losing end of this game." Mac sassed back.
"Look like someone has an attitude tonight, Col." Harm teased and took the first shot.
By the time the game was finished Harm and Mac had won with Sturgis and Bud having four balls still on the table. Just as Mac was about to suggest another game, but this time switching partners, she noticed that one of Harm's favorite songs began to play over the jukebox.
"Got a picture of you I carry in my heart
Close my eyes to see it when the world gets dark
Got a memory of you I carry in my soul
I wrap it close around me when the nights get cold
If you asked me how I'm doin' I'd say just fine
But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind"
"Come on Mac I love this song. Let's go dance." Harm drug Mac out on the small wooden dance floor followed by Bud and Harriet and Sturgis and Bobbie.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
As the song played on Mac looked at all her friends dancing and the tears falling in Harriet's and Bobbie's eyes.
"I still wait for the phone in the middle of the night
Thinkin' you might call me if your dreams don't turn out right
And it still amazes me that I lie here in the dark
Wishin' you were next to me, your head against my heart
If you asked me how I'm doing I'd say just fine
But the truth is baby, if you could read my mind"
"You know at a time like this it makes you almost glad that you don't have someone waiting for you at home at night." Harm observed noticing the same thing Mac did.
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
"Why do you say that, Harm?"
"Minutes turn to hours, and the hours to days
Seems it's been forever that I've felt this way"
"Well if something happens to either Bud or Sturgis, Harriet and Bobbie are going to have to learn to love again without the one person they're meant to be with. It's kind of like my mom and dad. It would have been so much easier if my mom hadn't fallen in love with my dad. Then she wouldn't have been in pain all those years after he went down."
"Not a day goes by that I don't think of you
After all this time you're still with me it's true
Somehow you remain locked so deep inside
Baby, baby, oh baby, not a day goes by"
"But Harm just think that if they hadn't fallen in love, then you wouldn't have been here. Think about all the lives that you have touched in your lifetime. Can you imagine where they would be, where I would be if you'd hadn't been here? And Harm don't think that just because you don't have someone waiting for you at home, doesn't mean that people won't miss you and greave over your loss. There are so many people here in this bar tonight that you are like their older brother, their friend, or the one person they look up to? I'll miss everybody if something happens to them, but I have to say that I'd miss my best friend the most. So stay safe out there okay?"
"I'll try."
"Don't try, Harm, just do it."
USS SEAHAWK
Persian Gulf
Day One of Harm's Cruise
"Commander, Lt. the captain wishes to speak with you on the bridge, pending your arrival." Petty Officer Jen Coates greeted them when they stepped off the Cod.
"Petty Officer Coates I didn't know you were stationed on the Seahawk." Harm greeted her as they made their way toward the bridge.
"Yes sir. Thanks to you. I'm stationed here as the new JAG's legalman. However I didn't expect both of you here sir. Two JAGs?"
"Actually Lt. Roberts here is the new JAG. I'm here as the new CAG."
"Really sir, that must be exciting."
"You have no idea." Harm mumbled as they entered the bridge.
"JAG's on the bridge." Coates announced them.
"Commander Rabb, Lt. Roberts, it's good to have you both back on board." Captain John Williams shook both of their hands.
"It's good to be back, sir." Harm spoke for both of them.
"Lt. Roberts, Petty Officer Coates will show you to your quarters and to the legal office. Dismissed." Coates and Bud left the bridge. When they were gone the Captain turned back to Harm. "How's it going Harm?"
"Pretty good sir. How about you?"
Captain Williams looked over the flight deck as he spoke. "I'd be a lot better if I was somewhere else than in this damn war zone. XO?"
"Yes sir?"
"You have the bridge. Harm follow me."
"Yes Sir." Harm replied and followed him off the corridor to the conference room.
"Coffee Harm?" Captain Williams asked offering Harm a cup and the pot.
"Yes, sir." Harm grabbed a cup and walked back to the table.
"Harm how long have we known each other?"
"Since the academy."
"Good, you got that right. Now maybe you can get this right, call me John, Harm. We'd be of same rank now if it hadn't been for your time off before going to JAG."
"Alright John. What's this I hear about a new squadron?"
"Man you get right down to the point." John took a sip of his coffee. "Have you ever heard of Lt. Col. Bill Kelley?"
"The name sounds familiar. I think he was commanding a squad of marine aviators while I was in Pensacola three years ago when I was retraining on the F-14."
"Good you remember. Anyway that group of marines that he was training is now stationed on the Seahawk. It's a new thing that the Pentagon has started. They want to try and get marine aviators mixed in with naval aviators. They say it will be to our advantage. The Seahawk right now is the only carrier to have marine aviators on it and you will be the first to command both the navy and marines. If this cruise goes well then all the other carriers will get marines in their next cruise. I took the liberty of getting you all their service records so you can familiarize yourself with them. Just to let you know, they are the best aviators the marines have to offer. So don't make them look too bad."
Harm found himself laughing right along side his old academy buddy.
'Maybe this cruise wouldn't be so bad.' Harm thought as they started to tell stories from their academy days including what all their old friends were up to now.
"So Harm you getting married anytime soon?" John asked.
"You're kidding me right. You already stole Sally, so there's nobody else in the world as good as her." Harm smiled. Sally and John had been dating since they were sophomores in high school, and stayed together throughout their academy days. When John moved to Annapolis, Sally packed up and found and apartment not far from the academy and moved up there so she could be near him. They had gotten married right after John graduated. Now twenty years later they have four kids and the oldest one is just now starting college. Poor Harm hadn't even gotten married yet, the was too busy being married to the Navy.
"I'll admit she is great, but there must be somebody out there for Harmon Rabb. What about that one girl from the Academy? You and her were pretty hot and heavy back then. Even Keeter and Luke saw it."
"You mean Diane. She was murdered seven years ago."
"Oh, man I'm sorry. Has there been anyone else that's close?"
"There is one person, but she isn't interested."
"How do you know? Do I know her?"
"First of all I know because I know her, she's my best friend. And no you don't know her."
"Well who is she?"
"Lt. Col. Sarah Mackenzie she's at JAG with me."
"WOW you fell for a marine." John laughed.
"Stuff it buddy. It's not funny. Anyway I need to get out of here and start meeting the rest of the squad. I'll see you later." Harm threw the rest of his coffee out, waved at his old friend and headed down to the wardroom where he knew from his past experiences that all the pilots would be there swapping stories.
"Attention on deck!" Someone yelled as Harm stepped into the room.
"At ease. Incase you haven't heard I'm Commander Rabb. I'm the new CAG. I would like to see Ice, Spoon, Burner, Mad Dog, and Capone in the conference room." Harm headed out followed by the group of marines.
"Have a seat." Harm told them when they entered the room. "The reason I'm asking you guys in here is because I've never worked with marine aviators before and I just want to see what you guys are like. I'm a naval aviator so I know that we're stubborn, arrogant, and like to run our mouths about stuff. I also know most of those guys in the next room, so I know what they can do, now I want to see what you can do."
All four of them looked at their new commander and couldn't help but wish that they were back at Pensacola with Col. Kelley.
"Alright let's start with you Capt. Alexandra Jenson callsign Ice. It says here that you're qualified in the F-18 and let's see it says here that you and Spoon won the Pensacola shoot out a couple years back. That's impressive."
"Thank you, sir."
"You're welcome. Now Capt. Tucker Henry III, named after your father a wealthy business man. Why didn't you follow in his footsteps?"
"Ever since I was a little kid and my dad left me and my mom I promised that I would never be like him, and I have always loved to fly."
"Alright, says you were second in your nugget class. Why not first?"
"Well, sir, I fly by the book and in my case the guy who was first flew by the seat of his pants. It worked in our training exercises a lot better than by the book."
"What did you learn from this?"
"That you can't fly exactly by the book or by the seat of your pants, you have to fly a little bit of both."
"Then you'll fit right in here." Harm smiled at the younger man to set him at ease.
"Captain Edward Terrelli you're qualified on the huey and helo, I see. Why the call sign Capone?"
"It's after Al Capone, sir. As you hear from my voice I have that New York accent. It kind of stuck with me."
"Good. Capt. Abigail Holley callsign Mad Dog. It says here you're on loan to us from the British Air Force. Why come to America?"
"I just wanted to fly with the sir."
"Have you flown with the best, yet, Captain?"
"I'm working on it, sir."
"Last, Captain Butch Barnes callsign Burner. I assume because of afterburners."
"Yes, sir."
"It also says that you left for awhile, but came back why?"
"I had a scare in the air one night coming back from a carrier. I didn't know if I wanted to fly anymore, but after spending a couple months away from the jet fuel I found out that flying is what I really want to do."
"Good. By the way I'm Hammer in case anybody ever flies with me."
"Sir may I ask where you got that callsign?" Mad Dog asked.
"Yeah, I got it from my dad. It was his callsign during Vietnam. You guys can go join the rest of your squad. I just wanted to get to know the rest of the squad better. Dismissed."
The group of five marines walked out of the room wondering what really went on back there.
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church, Va
15 days after Harm and Bud left
Col. Mackenzie stood nervous outside her CO's door. She didn't know how he would react to what she wanted. When she heard him beckon enter she walked into his large office and came to attention in front of him.
"Col. Mackenzie reporting as ordered sir." She knew it felt weird to say that without Harm here beside her.
"Have a seat, Col. You wanted to see me?"
"Yes sir. I was wondering if I could have a few days off. I don't know if you know, but the Seahawk is making a port stop in Indonesia and I was wanting to meet Commander Rabb there. In his last e-mail he stated that it might be nice to see a friendly face." Mac pleaded.
"I sorry Mac I know how much you'd like to see Harm, but I just can't spare you right now. With Sturgis, Bud, and Harm gone I'm short handed right now and they just called u Singer, and Imes. I just need you right here. I'm sure there will be other times for you and Harm to catch up."
"Yes sir."
"I'm sorry, Mac. I really am. Dismissed."
"Aye Aye sir." Mac snapped to attention and walked out of the Admiral's office trying not to cry.
USS SEAHAWK
Persian Gulf
One Month After they left
To say that things were stressful over the last month would have been an understatement. The US was lucky that Sadam's
troops didn't have very advanced technology in the matter of aircrafts so the SEAHAWK didn't lose many aircrafts, but several men were lost due to mechanical failures. Harm barely had time to make phone calls home, much less sit down and actually write a letter home to his parents. The most popular form of communication between him and people back home was email. Harm usually tried to e-mail his parents every other day and Mac at least once a week. On top of that we was making sure that Bud talked with Harriet and emailed her once a day, yet stayed up to date with his duties as battle group JAG. More than once Harm had to jump in and help Bud with his files. Between trying to stay in touch with people back home, his duties as CAG, and helping Bud with this cases, Harm got less than five and a half hours of sleep a day. He didn't mind it much because he knew that we was doing things that needed to be done, but the times when he was running on zero sleep and trying to make sense of the new rules of engagement he couldn't help, but wish for the times where he was just a simple lawyer back at JAG. Growing up Harm once dreamed of flying and then become a CAG, but he never dreamed that it would be like this. The one thing he looked forward to after a mission or debriefing was an email from home, either from his mom or Mac. He was lucky enough to get an email from Mac when he got back to his room.
Hey Harm,
How's it going over there? Any closer to getting to come home? Just to let you know that the staff is missing you like crazy. They keep wondering when you're going to show up late and pull one of your stunts. You really liven up the office, flyboy. I don't know how often you talk to Sturgis or even Bud, but did you hear that Sturgis popped the question to Bobbie? Of course she said yes, what girl wouldn't? I talked to Bobbie and even though Sturgis wants a big wedding, she said she just wants to get married as soon as Sturgis gets leave long enough to come home. Any clue as to when this will all be over? I guess I should be glad that you are just the CAG and not actually a pilot going on ten missions a day. At least I know you won't be getting into that much trouble. How's Bud handling all the cases were sending him? It's just like the SECNAV to say that all servicemen's files need to be updated while were in the middle of a war and shorthanded. Anyway I thought I check in and see how things are going with you? Write me back when you have the time, alright? I don't want to hear about something you've done on the news.
Night Flyboy,
Mac
The only thing Mac didn't know was that Harm was going on a mission. He didn't even have time to email her and let her or anyone else know. In fact he had just a few minutes to shower and get suited up before he had to brief the rest of the pilots that would be going along with him on this mission. If anything happened to him, Bud had letters to give to his friends and a new copy of Harm's will that he redid when he knew that he was being sent out to a war zone. This copy included instructions for his personal possessions like his plane and car, as well as a trust fund for little AJ and any future Roberts children, and a special little something for Mac if she needed it for their five year deal if he wasn't there to do his part.
"ATTENTION ON DECK!!" Lt. Randy "wildman" Cummings yelled when he spotted Harm coming through the door of the pilots briefing room.
"At ease. Have a seat gentlemen." Harm watched as his command presence had every man in the room sit down and listen to every word he had to say. "Navy intelligence tells us that a convoy of trucks that are suspected to be part of Sadam's army are headed toward a unit of marines that are stranded do to a mechanical failure on their vehicle. Our mission is to go in and provide cover for our marines until a helo can get in there and pull them out. Then we will also destroy the vehicle. Because the mission is more dangerous than any other's we've gone on I'll be leading. Skates I want you in my backseat. This will also be the first time our new strike unit will be put into place. Wildman you and Carmel will be my wingman. Ice and Spoon I want you also up there in the air with us. You decided who is leader." Harm grinned at the pair. " Mad Dog and Capone I want you guys flying the helo that gets our marines out of there. Wilson and Jailbird are tanker kings. This mission is more dangerous because Intel says Sadam's troops have just purchased anti-aircraft missiles from Russia. We don't know if this convoy has those weapons with them, but we need to take that extra percaution from here on out. We will understand that anytime we go in the air there might be Sadam's troops with those missiles so fly safe, fly smart and come back in one piece. I don't want to send any of my friends out there to get your sorry butts. Let's go fly! Dismissed." Harm told his crew and they all assembled out of the room. For the ones that were going on the mission they headed toward their planes.
Harm was halfway down the corridor when he heard Bud's voice holler for him. He stopped and turned around.
"What is it Bud?"
"Sir Col. Mackenzie just sent a case over from JAG and I really need your help on it when you're not busy."
"Alright Bud. I go up in about five minutes. As soon as I get back and get debriefed I find you and we'll work on the case."
"Thank you sir." Bud turned to leave and then thought against it. "Sir, are you sure that you're alright?" Bud asked noticing the bags around Harm's eyes and the worry lines that seemed to just appear when he took over as CAG.
"I'm fine, Bud. I never thought I'd say this, but I can't wait to be back at JAG doing the same old stuff day in and day out."
Bud smiled. He knew exactly how Harm felt. All he wanted to do was get home and see Harriet, and little AJ. The thing that puzzled the young Lt. was that in Harriet's e-mails she said that Col. Mackenzie told her that Harm seemed to be loving it out here. He often wrote in his e-mails that he couldn't imagine being anywhere else. As Bud turned and made his way back to the legal office he couldn't help but to wonder why the Commander was wearing one face around him and another when he talked to Col. Mackenzie.
In the Air
Bud watched from vultures row as Harm and the members of his squadron take off. He knew that they were all very well trained and they knew what they were doing, but something didn't seem right with this mission. Harm always had a tendency to get into trouble, but he just learned that Sadam had Russian intelligence with them. Captain Williams didn't have the chance to pass on the information to Harm before he launched, but they were going to try and reach them in the air. Bud just wanted Harm to know that the Iraqis probably knew that they were coming and there would be no element of surprise.
"Alright guys listen up, Wildman, you and I will take the left side for cover, so, Ice, you and Spoon will take the right side. Capone and Mad Dog I'll call you up when it's all clear for you to go in. Remember we do not fire until we see a hostile act. You will wait for clearance from me, before you do. Our marines should be just over this next ridge, so, let's get ready."
Harm and the rest of his crew flew over the ridge and sure enough you could see a small camp of marines set up and about 10 miles away from them was a small convoy of Sadam's trucks headed that way. Harm watched as an anti-aircraft missile was launched.
"They've got the goods, I repeat they've got the goods. So watch out. I've already been fired upon. Spoon, you and I will take them out. Wildman and Ice stay here and provide support. If anything happens to me, Ice you make the calls." Harm broke off and headed ahead to take out the convoy with Spoon following him.
Harm made the first pass and fired his guns taking out the last vehicle, but six more still remained. Spoon came up behind him and took out three more.
"Nice going, Spoon. I'm going to make one more pass." Harm alerted Spoon. However he never counted on what came over his radio next.
"Hammer, I've been hit. I've got damage to my left wing. I can't keep her stable. I'm going to have to put her down somewhere." Spoon's frantic voice came over.
"Remember you're training Spoon. Try to get her as far into friendly territory as possible. We'll be there in a minute to pick you up." Harm told him, but never saw the missile that was launched in his direction.
"Harm we've got a missile coming in fast on our six." Skates yelled from the back seat.
"Shit. Breaking hard right." As Harm broke hard right the missile exploded in air and fragments flew into his aircraft. On piece hit
the fuel tanks.
"Harm we're leaking fuel really bad. Should be call for Wilson?"
"No. It's too dangerous. I'm going to try and sit her down in friendly territory, close to where I hope Spoon is. We'll find him and have good old uncle Sam pick us up together."
From the front seat of his tomcat Lt. Randy Cummings watched as one of his fellow aviators went down and then watched as his CO went down behind him.
To Be Continued.....
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