Hammer and Hoots

by Anaika Skywalker

Harm meets the daughter of his fathers RIO, now Hammer and Hoots fly together again. Complete.

1. Default Chapter

Title: Hammer and Hoots

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email:

Rating: PG -13

Summery: Harm meets the daughter of his fathers RIO, Lt. Gibson. Now Hammer and Hoots fly together again.

Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.

Author's Note: There's not much said about Harm Sr.'s RIO, Lt. Gibson. Not even if he was killed or rescued, so I used some creativity and came up with this story concerning the Lieutenant's daughter and her friendship with Harm. I hope you enjoy it as much as my other stories.

Hammer and Hoots

Chapter One: Past and present

USS Patrick Henry – Adriatic Sea: September 1999

Captain Pike sat back in his chair, the man across the desk from him he'd known for a number of years. "I hate to lose him, Jack, but he can't stay here. It's career suicide, even after that stunt he pulled yesterday."

Captain Jack McKinley sat forward in his chair. "He wants to keep flying?"

The Cag nodded. "He and Hawks are the best."

"Are his orders written?" Jack McKinley inquired and saw his friend shake his head. "Then write them up and send him to me. I need a good XO, one who can keep the Predators in line and teach them a thing or two. The only thing is, I want his RIO too. I hate breaking up a team."

Pike nearly said no, Hawks was a damn good RIO, one of the best. But this was a good career move for both of them. The Predators were a squadron that with the right leader would be the best of the best. "All right."

"Excellent, lets go break the news to them."

Pike chuckled. Jack McKinley never seemed to change, they'd gotten older but that was about it. Still the man could out last some of the twenty some things he had in the squadron. Leaving his office they headed for the flight deck.

Jack McKinley was a strongly built man, there was some gray to his dark brown hair, but he still turned heads. He had movie star looks that had women flocking to him and he never lost the mischievous sparkled to his hazel eyes or that lady killer grin.

He spotted one of his officers, a young woman in her mid twenties. "Hoots!"

Lieutenant Andrea Gibson stopped. "Sir."

"On my six, Lieutenant."

"Aye sir." She said eagerly.

Pike shook his head, smiling. "Little young for you isn't she?" He smirked.

Jack rolled his eyes. "Oh please, I like them out of there twenties these days."

The Cag chuckled. "Sure you do."

"Knock it off." Jack told him. Sure Gibson was attractive, hell you'd have to be dead not to notice her. Even when she was wearing a flight suit, she had curves in all the right places, slim. Her mousy brown hair was pulled back into a French braid, giving one full view of her face. She had prefect check bones, soft kissable lips and sea green eyes that changed when she got ticked off. Hell, had she'd been ten, fifteen years older, he might have made a pass at her, but she was just too young and under his command.

Out on the flight deck, they found the persons they were looking for. Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. and his RIO Lt. Elizabeth Hawks. On the F-14 in front of them, Rabb's new call sigh was being painted on.

Harm acknowledged the Cag as he arrived with the Captain and Lieutenant. "Sir."

"Commander, this is Captain Jack McKinley and Lieutenant Andrea Gibson." Pike introduced. "They fly with the Predators." He informed. Then returned the introduction. "Jack, this is Lt. Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. and Lt. Elizabeth Hawks."

Jack shook their hands. "That was a gutsy move you did out there yesterday, Rabb."

"Thank you sir."

Pike smiled as he saw the call sign on the side of the Tomcat. "I'm going to miss you two, Harm."

"Are we going somewhere, sir?" Harm asked, just as curious as Beth was.

"Harm, you've got nothing else to prove to the Navy, the world, yourself or your father. You stay here your flying into a career dead end. However if you go with McKinley, you and Skates will probably fly into the history books someday."

"What the Cag is trying to say is I want you and the Lieutenant in the Predators. They're young and can use an XO who'll guide them as well as teach them. That person I believe is you, Lt. Commander and since I don't like breaking up a good team. If you go, then so does your RIO." Jack stated bluntly. "So Lt. Commander Rabb, interested in being a part of it or would you prefer to go back to JAG and fly maybe twice a year?"

Harm had heard about the Predators, their reputation preceded them. Carrier Captain's praised their attention to duty and their ability to fit in with the rest of the air wing. Not one officer in the Predators had a bad make against their record; their squadron was one of the few to have won the Navy 'E' Ribbon.

Beth had heard about them too. She nudged her driver. "Say something, Harm."

He smiled, understanding her clearly. "I guess we're going to be a part of it." He stated and held out his hand to the Captain.

Jack shook it. "Excellent. Lets go grab a cup of coffee and talk."

"Lead the way sir."

"Good man." Jack patted him on the back.

As they turned to leave, Andrea saw the call sign that had been painted on the side of the Tomcat. Hammer. She felt a shiver run up her spin. No wonder he looked familiar, he was the image of his father, she could see it now.

Jack saw her reaction. "Hoots?"

She looked away. "Sorry sir," she hurried after them.

Harm had noticed it too, he glanced to Beth, she nodded and fell back to walk with the young Lieutenant. Still something about the call sign 'Hoots' that mild around in Harm's mind, he just couldn't work out where he'd heard that before. It would come to him eventually.

Beth smiled at the younger woman, walking with her. "Skates."

"Hoots." Andrea informed. "Or Andy."

"Beth, though few call me Liz," she revealed. "How long have you been flying with the Predators?"

"Four years, I got assigned to them right out of flight school," Andrea answered. "Up until now I was the only female."

Beth laughed. "The Rose between the thorns."

Andrea smiled. "They're not all thorns, there are a few tigers. There were a lot of bears when I first joined, but now they like to think of me as their little sister. One that needs to be looked after and defended." She admitted cheerfully. "Which comes in handy sometimes."

"I bet."

"So how long have you known Lt. Commander Rabb?"

"A few years. When the Raptors were assigned to the SeaHawk, I was involved in a ramp strike. I ejected the pilot and myself, she was blown back into the flames and I went over the side. My chute got hooked and Harm pulled me to safety," Beth explained. "When he came back to flying, I asked to be his RIO."

"Came back?"

"Harm had been in a ramp strike and lost his wings, he became a JAG lawyer. After saving Captain Boone's life, he was given his wings back, but due to night blindness couldn't serve in an active squadron. Later he found out he'd been misdiagnosed and after having eye surgery, he changed designators and returned to flying, he's been on the Henry with us for five months," Beth clarified, then asked a question of her own. "How did you get a call sign like 'Hoots'?"

"It was my fathers call sign, when I joined the Predators Captain McKinley told me he'd known my dad. He said I was a lot like him; he then introduced me to the rest of the squadron. After my first training flight with them, they gave me his call sign."

"The Raptors gave Lt. Commander Rabb his fathers call sign after what he did yesterday."

"We heard about that," Andrea declared. "It's one of the reasons we're here, Radar wanted to meet the Lt. Commander."

"Radar?"

"The Captain."

Jack had over heard the inquiry, so had Pike. Who explained: "This man, Skates could sniff out the enemy position and hear incoming jets before anyone else. Hence Radar."

"Not to mention I was good at finding the ladies." Jack jeered, grinning.

"Hence the three ex-wives." Andrea taunted.

"Four smart ass," he corrected. "And I left the last one, not the other way round." He put up with them laughing at him, ignoring it. Coming to the wardroom, those who wanted coffee got it and they sat down. It was then that Jack hit Harm with the hard question. "I want an honest answer Lt. Commander, are you doing this because you love flying or because you don't want to go back to JAG?"

"Like the Cag said, I have nothing to prove. What I do now, I do because I want to. All I've ever wanted to do was be a Naval Aviator that was taken away from me. Now I have that back, I'm not letting it go," he answered straight up. "I'm not going to lie to you and tell you I don't love the law, because I do and I'm as good of a lawyer as I am an aviator."

Jack glanced at the Cag, who nodded. He looked back to Rabb. "Good, because occasionally we'll need your legal talents as well." He then looked to Gibson. "Hoots, find Spectra and see if that problem is fixed, tell him I want to be out of here by fourteen hundred."

"Aye sir," she said, then got up and hurried out.

Harm frowned, trying to shake the feeling he'd heard that call sign somewhere before.

"Still haven't figured it out have you, Harm?" Pike asked him. "Hammer and Hoots."

Then it came to him. "Hoots- Lt. Andrew Gibson was dad's RIO," he said softly. "I remember meeting him, when he and dad were assigned to the Hornet."

"When Andy was first assigned to the squadron, we were deployed to the Enterprise, I found her out on the fantail one night. She had a photo of her dad and yours. She told me he felt guilty for being rescued when your dad wasn't; it ate at him every day for the rest of his life. She also told me when she was five she and her parents were in a car accident, her mom and dad were killed instantly; she spent months in the hospital recovering, having to lean to walk again. Her Uncle and Aunt took her in and she lived with them until she joined the Navy. She still has nightmares occasionally and hates a storm, that's why the squad is very protective of her. She's the little sister they've always wanted, and she's a damn good aviator, who can handle sitting in the back seat if she has too and she has."

"Is that a nice way of saying don't hurt her?" Harm asked.

"Not that he would." Beth defended.

"I'm just telling you Lt. Commander. The Predators are a tight bunch, they survive because they know what the other is thinking," Jack told them. "They're more then just a squadron, they're a family."

"I know what that's like, so does Beth."

"Then I know you'll fit in," the Captain said calmly. "We're heading back to Pensacola, the Cag here will have your orders written up by thirteen, fifty. So pack your bags kids, you're shipping out. We'll do it in hops since you'll be bringing your F-14 back with you. The rest of the squad is to rendezvous with us at point Alpha; its location will be given to you in the air. Sorry but what we were doing out here was classified, so you'll just have to bare with us."

"We'll deal with it," Harm agreed. "Anything else, sir."

"Yeah, get rid of those Raptor badgers, your Predators now, Andy probably has a few spares in her sea bag," he remarked grinning and stood. "Have your gear packed and on the cod by thirteen, forty, and be in your bird by thirteen fifty."

"Aye, aye sir."

Captain Pike stood, as did they, he shook their hands. "Good luck Harm, Beth."

"Thank you sir."

"Out of the frying pan into the fire." Harm said in almost a whisper.

"Better then out of a warm F-14 into a cold sea," Beth remarked lightly and they both laughed. "Come on Harm lets go pack."

"Yeah," he agreed and they left the wardroom.

At thirteen, fifty, Harm and Beth were in their Tomcat on the catapult ready to launch. Their shocked friends in the squadron having said their goodbyes and wished them well, their belongings packed and on board the Cod. Which they quickly found out wasn't your average C-2A Greyhound, it had been refitted for the Predators needs.

Their Tomcat had been outfitted with external fuel tanks, which meant they were in for a long haul. Completing the checklist they were ready to go.

"Ready to fly Skates?"

"Lets do it Hammer," she answered and called it in. "Warpaint, this is Bandit two, up and ready."

"Bandit two. Warpaint. You're cleared to go."

"Rodger Warpaint."

Harm saluted the crewman and they were thrown against their seats as the Tomcat was catapulted off the deck and into the air. Behind them the Cod launched forming up on their wing, designated Bandit leader.

"Co-ordinates coming through Hammer, new heading," Beth paused, and then read out the numbers as he got them on course. "That will put us off the coast of Spain."

"Nice calculating Skates," Jack's voice came over the radio. "The USS Constellation is our land mass and point Alpha."

"And from there?" Harm asked.

"The Kitty Hawk, Norfolk, Atlantia and then home," he informed. "We over night on the Kitty Hawk, the rest of the squadron is waiting for us on the Constellation. So lets not dilly dally."

"No sir," Harm acknowledged with a smirk. He saw the look on his RIO's face. "What?"

"You're enjoying this," she noted happily. "You're a big kid, Harm."

"Thanks Beth."

Chuckling she settled back. Other then regular check-ins with the Cod, the trip was uneventful and quiet.

"Did you ring your guy?" Harm asked breaking the silence.

"Yeah, he wasn't too happy about the transfer," Beth admitted. "What about you, did you call the Colonel?"

"She wasn't home, I left a message on her answering machine."

"That's cold, Hammer," she teased becoming use to calling him by his new call sign.

He had hated doing it, but there hadn't been any other chose. "She'll get over it."

"I hope so, nothing worse then having a pissed off Marine after your six."

"Wouldn't be the first time."

"Won't be the last either," she sated, knowing him well enough.

"Probably not Skates, probably not," Harm, agreed a little solemn.

They landed on the USS Constellation without incident, meeting the rest of the squadron. Staying long enough to stretch their legs, grab a bit to eat and make use of the heads. The Kitty Hawk was different; they landed, grabbed their bags to over night and were shown directly to quarters.

Harm was throwing his bag on the bottom bunk along with his helmet when Jack strolled in, he noted Beth and Andrea, remained outside.

Jack dumped his bag and helmet on the small desk. "Harm, I'd like to bunk Andy with you," he announced. "Usually she bunks with me, but this way she can fill you in on the Predators and answer any questions you have. We're a tight bunch and until now with Andy being the only female in the squad, it was safer to bunk her with me. I'll bunk with Skates and fill her in, she said she doesn't mind, if you do say so and will make other arrangements."

"I don't mind, as long as she doesn't," Harm assured. He'd bunked plenty of times with Mac before he'd left JAG.

"Excellent," he grabbed his bag and helmet. "Hoots!"

She came in. "Sir."

"Meet your bunkmate, bring him up to speed, answer any questions he has and," he paused, grinning. "Be gentle."

She blushed even though she knew he was teasing her. "Aye, aye sir."

Jack patted her on the back and headed out. "Come on Skates, you're my bunk mate. I'll tell you all about my ex-wives."

"Should be a short conversation then sir."

He laughed heartily. "Oh Skates, you're a crack up."

She grinned. "Thank you sir," she gave Harm a wink. "Be good Hammer."

"Yes mom," he jeered and shut the hutch to her laugher.

Andy dropped her bag on the desk, turning to Harm. "Where would you like me to start, sir?"

"Well for one thing, stop calling me sir," he insisted as he began pulling off his g-suit. "Since we're bunking together, you'd better call me Harm or Hammer. Other then that, from the beginning is good, but lets grab a shower first then get started."

She nodded. "Sure," she grabbed what she needed and headed out. When she returned, Harm was back from his shower, sprawled on his bunk wearing a blue t-shirt and white boxers. He took no notice as she hung up her robe and towel and sat down on the chair nearby in only her underwear and white t-shirt. Her dog tags were hanging outside her shirt, her hair damp from the shower. "You're pretty at ease with this," she noted.

"I had a female partner at JAG when I was there, we were put into situations at times that there was not choice but to bunk together. You could say we saw each other at our best and our worse," Harm revealed. "What about you?"

"Radar has been like a dad to me, the guys are like big brothers. None would dare make a move unless I gave them a green light, not that I have," she added quickly.

He smiled lightly. "You'd better tell me all about them, then."

"You asked for it," she mused and told him all about the squadron he was now apart of and what assignments and missions they usually completed. She answered what questions he had, feeling he would have more as he settled in.

"Enough," he said putting an end to it as he yawned. "Let's get some sleep, Andy."

She nodded and stood. "You know, Hammer, you could have been a gentlemen and let me have the bottom bunk."

"What's the problem, Hoots, legs too short?" He asked teasing.

"A lot shorter then yours flyboy," she remarked.

He turned his head and found himself looking at those well toned legs and thighs, one thing he'd come to realize was Andrea was all woman and she was damn attractive. He swallowed hard, pushing those thoughts out of his head. "Want a boost?"

"Yeah, give me a leg up."

He rolled onto his side and held out his laced together hands, she used them as a step and he boosted her up into the bunk, she was lighter then he expected. "There you go, Andy."

"Thanks Harm, night."

"Night," he pulled the curtain across and rolled over, closing his eyes he fell into a troubled sleep, dreaming of a certain Marine he knew and a very attractive aviator he'd just meet.

He woke in the morning hearing Andrea moving around the room, pulling the curtain across. "Morning."

She was already in her flight suit; her hair pulled back and French braided "Morning, about time you got your sorry six out of bed."

"Actually I was planning on keeping my sorry six in bed a little longer."

"You do and I'll sit on you," she challenged.

He felt playful this morning. "Yeah right."

She grinned and crossed the distance between them, climbing on top straddling him. "You were saying?"

Harm laughed, being thankful she didn't have her flight boots on yet. "Okay, daring you doesn't work," he was willing to play her game. He ran his hands up her thighs to her waist. "However I wonder if you're ticklish."

"You wouldn't?"

His grinned widened and he attacked tickling her, she fought back, tickling him and they both tumbled onto the deck laughing hard, Harm keeping her down since he'd landed on top of her.

Neither had heard the hatch open or saw Jack and Beth enter. Their CO shook his head. "Who did you say was the oldest out of these two?" He asked her.

"At the moment, I think they've both regressed back to their childhood," Beth said grinning. "But I've heard he likes being on top."

"They're in trouble then, because so does she," Jack taunted back.

Harm got to his feet, helping Andy up, both looking flustered and embarrassed. He wasn't finished messing with her through. "And you were complaining last night about being on top."

Blushing she arched an eyebrow. "No I said my legs were shorter then yours, I said nothing about not wanting to be on top. I like the control."

"Oh crashed and burned," Jack concluded. "Sorry Hammer, Andy definitely won that round."

"This time," he yielded.

"Get dressed and met us in the officers mess, we eat then fly," the Captain ordered and left with Beth, who was still grinning.

The Captain hadn't been wrong when he said they'd eat and fly, there wasn't much time for idle chitchat.

Jack was finished first. "Harm, I'd like Andy to sit back seat for you to Norfolk."

"Any particular reason, sir?"

"Spoken like a true lawyer," he jeered and saw his new XO smile. "I want Skates to sit CP (copilot) for me in the Cod. In the Predators, all RIO's are trained to handle the Cod and there's no time like the present."

Harm glanced at Beth, she was a little taken back but agreeable. He looked back. "Then Hammer and Hoots are flying again."

"Excellent," he stood. "One more thing, from now on you're also bunking together, not that I don't doubt either women's ability to defend themselves. In my squad we protect our girls, that means you bunk with Andy and Beth bunks with me."

"Aye, aye sir."

"Good, now eat up then suit up, we leave in thirty," he announced and then turned and walked out.

They finished quickly, returning to quarters to grab bags and those who needed to suit up. They gathered on the Cod, securing bags and getting last minute details. Harm noted one thing about the Predators, they may have liked to joke but they were all professional when needed to be and had a strong bond. Andrea's RIO was a guy call Jodi Harrison. He was taller then her, then again everyone in the squad except Beth was, the two women were roughly the same height. He had the usual build of a fighter pilot, a little more muscle tone, but they were all like that. He stood with her, his arm draped over her shoulder in a friendly way.

"All right people," Jack finished the briefing. "Lets mount up and move out. Hammer you'll remain Bandit two, Speedy – Bandit three, Brick – Bandit four, Borg – Bandit five, Titan – Bandit sixand Sniper – Bandit seven. Lets fly."

As they left the Cod, the Predator's who were flying reached up and tagged a bronze sign on the way out. The words 'Liberty, honor and freedom' were on it.

Andrea came up next to Harm. "It's tradition," she informed. "We have one in the 'Frat House' too."

"Frat House?"

"The squad building at Pensacola," she grinned.

He reached up and tagged the sign easily, glancing mischievously at her. "Need a hand?"

"Smart ass," she mumbled and after a two step run up, she jumped and tagged the sign. Walking out.

Harm laughed and followed her out, going with her over to his Tomcat as they put their helmets on. They did a safety check of the aircraft, before they climbed aboard and secured, a crewman climbed up when they were.

"Ready to go sir, Ma'am," he reported.

"Thanks chief," Harm acknowledged him.

He nodded and climbed back down and secured both ladders as the engines on the Tomcat ignited and the canopy closed.

They were first up on the catapult, going quickly through the checklist.

"Radar on standby, roll SAS off. Pitch trim set for catapult?" Andrea said from behind Harm.

He worked well with her. "Pitch trim set."

"Wing sweep auto?"

"Check."

"Engine instruments normal?"

"Check," he responded.

"List complete," he concluded.

"Lets do it, Hoots," he ordered lightly.

She smiled and called it in. "Kitty Hawk, this is Bandit two, up and ready."

"Rodger Bandit two, you're clear to launch."

With a salute to the crewmen, they were catapulted off the deck into the air, Bandit three next, then Bandit leader and the rest of the squadron. The Tomcats in formation around the C-2A as they headed for NSA Norfolk, the second last stop before home.

"So where was home for you, Hammer?" She asked.

"Washington. I have an apartment North of Union Station that I've renovated," he glanced in the mirror to judge her reaction to his question. "What about you, before you joined the Navy? Where was home?"

"I was born in La Jolla, but after the accident that killed my parents, and I was released from hospital. I went to live with my Uncle and Aunt in Annandale, Virginia. I go back to visit on leave when I can, usually at Christmas if I get the chance," she revealed. "Pensacola is home though. Do you mind having to move?"

"I got told once not to become to attached to a billet, I suppose there are friends I will miss. But an apartment is just an apartment." Harm concluded.

Andrea arched an eyebrow. "So who is she?"

"Who?"

"The one you left behind?" She asked.

He smiled. "She had me chose between flying and her."

"Silly woman," she said bluntly, and then asked. "And the other? The one who stole your heart?"
He chuckled at her perceptiveness. "Not stole, Hoots I have a best friend who lives in Washington. I'll miss her, but we've been apart for six months. Our lives and careers have gone in different directions," he explained. "What about you, is there some who's stole your heart?"

"No," she shook her head, grinning. "I'm too picky I suppose."

That made Harm laugh. "You, no way."

She laughed too. "You'd be surprised, Hammer. My standards are high. Just ask the rest of these flyboys, they'll tell you."

He glanced over to the next Tomcat. "Hey Speed, are Hoots' standards on guys high?"

Lt. Commander Tony Richards' laugher came over the radio. "Damn right they are, we've taught her well."

"That and we usually scare all her dates away before they get in the door," his RIO, Lt. Zack Marshall – Zipper added lightly.

"It's not our fault she has twelve brothers and an over protective father, for them to get through first." Lt. Commander David Reese – Brick stated.

"That's thirteen brothers, one sister and an over protective father, boys," Jack added to the conversation, having been listening in.

"You mean Hammer, we were counting him as an Uncle, Radar." Lt. Commander Will Pollack – Rock, Reese's RIO teased.

"Oh now that's low guys," Beth furthered her point of view. "Not that he wouldn't make a good Uncle."

"Thanks so much Skates," Harm remarked sarcastically.

"You're welcome, Hammer," she said laughing.

"Sorry guys," Andrea put in. "He's just too damn cute to be an Uncle." She retorted and they all started laughing.

They arrived at NSA Norfolk, landing one after the other. Welcoming the chance to get out and move about. Meeting once more in the Cod as their Tomcats and the C-2A was refueled, helmets in hand.

"All right people, get out of those g-suites, go grab a bit to eat, then be back here by twelve, thirty. Rabb, Hawks, a word before you go. Okay that's it." Jack told them.

Those who needed to quickly removed their g-suites; leaving their helmets they grabbed their covers, wondering out.

"I'll wait for you and Skates outside, Hammer," Andrea told him and left.

Jack smiled at that. "I want to know what you two want to do with your apartments, Skates you have one here on base and Hammer yours is in Washington I was informed," he told them. "Since I've sent word you're coming back with us and as you know the squad is tight, and the single guys bunk together, those who are married have base homes. Andy was living with our last XO and his wife, before he transferred out. So I know she has two spare rooms at her place, if you're interested."

"Sounds good to me." Beth agreed.

Harm nodded. "I can get use to it."

"Well then talk to Andy. Now I've got a clean up crew here waiting, what about your apartments?" Jack asked.

"I only rent," Beth announced. "So the only thing in the apartment that are mine are my clothes and knickknacks, everything else was already there."

"Okay, if you don't mind someone else doing the packing, I'll need the key and they can get on with it," he informed, then turned to Harm. "Lt. Commander?"

"I own my apartment, I don't want to give it up just yet, I might rent it fully furnished," Harm answered. "So tell them to pack my personals and leave the furniture."

"Got it, same thing I'll need a key," Jack said and they quickly got them. "Lastly vehicles, I'll have them transported too."

"I don't have one," Beth announced. "I usually use a base car."

Harm handed Jack an extra two keys and a piece of paper, having though a head. "An SUV, it's in a garage near my apartment, address is written down. Everything in the garage is mine too."

"Not a problem," the Captain announced. "Go and eat." He ordered.

As they walked out, Beth commented. "I'm glad I'm not packing up."

"Why?" Harm asked her.

"Other then the fact I hate doing it. It just feels better this way," she admitted.

"Yeah," he agreed feeling a little the same way, not to mention it meant not running into anyone he knew. "It does."

Outside the Cod, they went with Andrea to the officers club, each of them using the head before finding a table and ordering. The other members of the Predators were all there having a quick meal. While they waited for their order, Harm told Andrea what had been discussed.

"I don't mind the company," she informed with a smile. "I shouldn't be in the house on my own anyway, it's family housing."

Their meal arrived along with their drinks, all of them having ordered diet Pepsi.

"How did you end up living with the former XO and his wife?" Beth inquired.

"When I first arrived, Jack insisted because I was the only woman in the squadron, I shouldn't bunk alone. So the XO, Commander Johns and his wife offered to let me stay with them," Andrea explained. "Jack stipulates the squad works well together because they've become accustomed to being together. When I joined he wanted me to have the same bond with the guys. We work together as a team because we can socialize together just as well."

"Well it won't be boring that's for sure," Harm remarked and both women frowned at him and then laughed.

"Hammer," both groaned.

After they'd eaten they all gathered back on the Cod, those who needed to suite up did so. Then Jack gave them their orders. "Hoots, take it easy on the way home. Not that I don't trust the repair crew here, I would just feel better knowing our guys have given your bird the all clear."

"Aye sir."

"Hammer," he addressed his XO. "Your first job tomorrow morning will be to find out why Hoots' Tomcat was released with bad hydraulics, because they failed and I was forced to leave here an aircraft down. I want to know why?"

"I'll get on to it," Harm informed.

"All right then, lets mount up and move out, I want to be home by dinner. There's a good movie on TV tonight I don't want to miss," Jack ordered lightly.

"Aye, aye sir," all choused and the left the Cod, tagging the sign on the way out, traditions had to up kept.

Harm and Beth walked with Andrea and Jodi towards their Tomcats. "So the Predators have their own crew to look after our aircraft?" He asked.

"Yes sir," Jodi answered him. "The Captain likes to know only one lot of hands have touched his bird, when we deploy, our crew goes with us."

"That must make you popular," Beth noted.

"At first, but its common knowledge that's how the Predators work now." Andrea stated.

As they neared their Tomcat, Jodi put his arm around his driver's shoulders. "Come on little sis, we've a bird to fly."

"See you in the air, Hammer, Skates," she bided.

Both acknowledged her with a wave and continued to their Tomcat. Once airborne, the Tomcats formed up either side of the Cod. The flight to NSA Atlantia went smoothly, they landed, refueled, used the heads, and then took off again. By the time they landed at NSA Pensacola, Harm and Beth felt like they'd been in their Tomcat for a week non-stop. Getting their gear off the Cod, their squadron's first stop was the 'Frat house', the newbie's still chuckling over the name for the squad building. G-suites were removed and stored in lockers with their helmets before they were debriefed and dismissed. All just wanted to get home and relax, so that was where everyone headed.

Harm and Beth going with Andrea, getting a lift to her place, finding the house wasn't that far away.

"We're all in the same area, saves time when we've got to be located in a hurry," she explained as they went inside, turning on the lights as they went. "I'll take you upstairs and you can fight over who has what room, they're all pretty large. The main is the biggest though."

"Well considering Harm out ranks us both, he should have it." Beth decided sweetly.

"Thanks little sister."

"You're welcome big brother."

Andrea shook her head. "You guys are going to fit in real well with us Predators."

It was after midnight when Harm work from a restful sleep, it took a moment for him to realize where he was. For the first time in nearly six months he had a king size bed all to himself, it was going to take some getting use to after the small bunks on the Henry. He lay there for a moment, going over everything, after taking showers and getting into more causal clothing, they went out for dinner, getting to know each other more. Returning home they watched TV for a while, then headed off to bed. Getting up, Harm wondered what had woken him; he left his room and went down the stair, seeing a light was on in the lounge. He went in, finding Andrea curled up on the widow seat, staring out into the night. "You okay, Andy?"

She looked back and smiled, she'd heard him come in. "Yeah, I just find it hard to sleep after a mission like that one."

He sat with her. "For me it's coming off a carrier and finding I have a bed that I can stretch out in."

She smiled warmly. "I like that feeling too, bunks aren't made for stretching out on," she said, noting. "Beth obviously has no problem adjusting?"

"Looks like it," he said, and then grinned. "Come on, I walk you up to your room." He stood and held out his hand.

She took it and stood. "Harm…" she hesitated, she didn't let go of his hand, but kept hold of it. "Dad felt guilty about being rescued when your dad wasn't."

"It wasn't his fault," he said gently. "It just happened," he drew her into his arms, feeling her arms go around him. "Dad was transferred to Russia. In the late eighty's he escaped and lived with a woman and her brother in the mountains, he died protecting her. He was free but never able to get home."

"I'm sorry he didn't Harm," she said quietly.

"So am I, Andy, he would have like you."

She looked up into his blue eyes, seeing a thousand things. Rising up on her toes, her lips brushing over his and he responded. It wasn't a forceful kiss, or demanding, it was a soft kiss and a short one. "I would have like him too, Harm," she slipped out of his arms. "I'm glad you're here."

"So am I," he said, recovering from her kiss. "Come on, let's get back to bed. I have a feeling the day is going to be a long one."

Andrea chuckled. "You're a Predator now Hammer, they're all going to be long."

"Thanks for the heads up, Hoots."

"No problem," she mussed.

Vietnam Memorial Wall, Washington DC – Christmas Eve 1999

Commander Harmon Rabb, Jr. stood before his father's name, at his side was his wingman Lt. Andrea Gibson. He'd asked her to come along, she was visiting her Uncle and Aunt for Christmas and Jack had made it a policy that no Predator traveled alone, so they'd made the trip together. Visiting his father was something he did ever year on Christmas Eve, this year was the first time he'd asked someone to join him.

He reached out and ran his gloved fingers over his father's name. "Merry Christmas dad," he said softly. Then noticed a reflection in the polished surface and it wasn't Andrea. He turned, seeing a woman standing behind them.

"Excuse me, I didn't mean to disturb you, I didn't bring anything to light this," she said holding up the candle.

"No problem," Harm dug into his pocket and brought out a lighter, lighting the candle for her. "Who are you here to honor?"

"An aviator, Lt. Harmon Rabb." She told them. Both Harm and Andrea stared at her in shock, making her smile. "You look just like him," she put the candle at the bottom of the memorial and straightened. "I knew as soon as I saw you, you were his son."

"Did you know him?" Harm asked.

"I meet him December 23rd 1969, I was a part of Bob Hope's USO tour, on the USS Ticonderoga."

"You're Jenny Lake," he guessed. "I have your album with Count Basey."

"Ahhr my jazz experiment, that was a long time ago."

"You said you knew the Commander's father," Andrea interrupted, then introduced herself. "Lieutenant Andrea Gibson, Ma'am."

"Gibson," she ran the name over in her mind, coming to a conclusion. "Your father flew with his."

"Yes Ma'am, he was the Lieutenant's RIO."

"Now thirty years later Hammer and Hoots fly together again." Harm said proudly.

Jenny Lake smiled at the young woman. "You're a RIO?"

"No Ma'am, a Naval Aviator. I fly the Commander's wing."

"Will you tell us how you meet my father?" Harm asked Jenny Lake.

"Yes of course," she agreed and they moved a little way from the memorial and she began her tale. Starting at the moment they landed on the Ticonderoga to when she'd sang while Harm Sr. and Gibson and their wing flew off on a mission while they did their show. She saw the shock and hurt on Harm's face. "I never saw him again," she said gently. "But I do know he loved your mother and you very much."

"He died in Russia, in the late eighties."

"I'm sorry," she put a comforting hand on his arm. "Your father helped me when I was at a very low point in my life and I wouldn't be here to day if it wasn't for him." She smiled and removed her hand. "He would be very proud of you."

"Thank you."

She smiled again. "I have to go, I have grandchildren to celebrate Christmas with. It was nice to met you both."

"It was nice to met you Miss Lake," Andrea said.

"I think dad would like it if you came back some time," Harm told her. "So would I."

"I'll do that, thank you." She agreed, she reached into her pocket and removed a small jewelry box. "I was going to leave these, but I think you should have them." She gave the box to him.

Harm opened it; inside was his father's wings, the ones he'd given her. "No they belong to him."

"Harm, he would have wanted you to have them," she insisted. "Keep them and pass them onto your son one day."

He hesitated and then agreed, shutting the box. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," she said, and then walked away.

Andrea followed Harm back to the wall, standing at his side; they saluted, then turned and walked towards her Uncle's car. "Are you sure you want me to come with you to the Roberts'?"

"I'm sure, besides I told Jack I'd keep an eye on you," he said with a grin.

She blushed. "I don't need looking after, Harm."

"Andy, their my friends, their son is my godson. I want you to met them. I want them to met you," he told her. "And I know you don't need looking after, but it doesn't stop me from doing it though."

She knew she couldn't argue with him. "All right." She handed him the keys. "Lets get a move on then, sir."

Chuckling, Harm took them. Returning to her Uncle's SUV, they got in and drove over to the Robert's apartment. Harm pocketed the keys when they got out and grabbed the presents they'd brought with them. Andrea had felt uncomfortable going without buying something for both the Roberts' and baby AJ, even though Harm told her she didn't have to, she did any way. At the apartment door, she knocked, since Harm wasn't able too, his hands were full.

A shocked Lieutenant Bud Roberts, who hadn't expected to see Harmon Rabb or the Lieutenant with him, opened the door. "Sir, Commander."

"Hi Bud, can we come in?" Harm asked.

"Yes sir, sorry," he held the door opened and they walked in. Shutting it. "Let me take your coats and covers."

They heard an excited squeal and Harriet Sims-Roberts came down the hallway. "Commander."

Bud took the presents and got out of the way quickly, letting his wife hug the Commander. He put the presents down, going back to take there coats and covers. "We weren't expecting you sir."

"Sorry for just dropping in," Harm apologized. "This is my wingman, Lt. Andrea Gibson," he introduced as he pulled off his gloves, putting them in his coat pocket. "Andy, this is Bud and Harriet Roberts, they work at JAG."

"It's nice to met you both," she said as she shrugged out of her coat and removed her gloves, tucking them into the pocket of her coat.

Bud took it and her cover, noticing she wore some impressive ribbons underneath her wings. He hung both the coat and cover up and waited for Harm's, noticing his mentor was now a full Commander; had a second DFC by the star on the ribbon and a couple of new ribbons then last time he'd seen him. He quickly hung up his coat and cover. "Where are you based now, sir?"

"Pensacola," Harm answered as he and Andrea followed them into the lounge. "Andy and I fly with the Predators. We're on leave, since Andy's Uncle and Aunt live in Virginia, I flew with her to Washington, and I wanted to visit the wall."

Harriet noticed the presents. "You didn't have to bring presents sir."

"Well I don't get to see my godson that much now, so I wanted him to have something from me. The two little ones are from Andy." He explained.

She smiled warmly at the young aviator. "Thank you Ma'am."

Andrea returned the smile. "I didn't mind and it's Andrea or Andy," she insisted.

"All right, then we're Bud and Harriet."

"Would you like to see him, sir, AJ has grown so much since you left." Bud said with enthusiasm.

"I'd love to Bud and please, it's Harm."

"I'll try sir."

"Don't wake him up, Bud." Harriet warned.

"I won't," her husband promised and guided the Commander towards the nursery.

Harriet put the presents under the tree, and then gestured for Andrea to sit with her. "How long has Harm been flying with the Predators?"

"Since mid September," Andrea answered. "He and his RIO, Lieutenant Hawks transferred into the Squadron. Harm is the XO."

"We've missed him, JAG has been quiet since he left. Though we've all gone on with our lives, even Colonel Mackenzie."

"You mean Mac?"

Harriet nodded. "Have you met her?"

"No, its just Hammer. Harm, has talked about her, and their friendship," Andrea answered and then revealed. "He also handles all the squadron's legal matters."

"Is he happy?" Harriet asked seriously.

"Yes," the young aviator answered. "He enjoys being XO of the Predators."

Harm and Bud returned. "He's grown so much, Harriet," the former JAG lawyer exclaimed. He sat beside Andrea. "He's going to look so cute in that t-shirt you bought him, Hoots."

Harriet smiled at his zest and the fact he addressed the young woman by her call sign. "Can I get you both something to drink?" She asked. "We have tea, coffee or if you'd like something stronger?"

"Tea is fine Harriet," Harm insisted.

"I'll give you a hand," Andrea said and followed the blond headed woman into the kitchen.

Bud sat where his wife had. "Andrea seems nice," he said making conversation.

"She's a good aviator Bud, one of the best," Harm praised. "Her father flew RIO for my dad, she has his call sign, just as I have my dad's."

"You have your dad's call sign."

Harm nodded. "The Raptors gave me dad's call sign before I transferred out."

"You've got another DFC," Bud stated.

He nodded. "I pushed my wingman Tuna out of enemy territory using his tailhook and my windscreen, it was a little hairy but we did it. It was what brought me to the attention of the Predator's Captain. He offered my the position of XO, and insisted if I went, then so did my RIO."

"Do you like it, sir?"

Harm ignored the 'sir' slip. "Yes Bud I do, I feel at home with the Predator's, they're good bunch," he said happily. "How's life at JAG?"

"It's different since you left, no one has shoot up a court room in a while," he smirked, which brought a chuckle from Harm. "I really thought, eventually you'd return to JAG."

"I nearly did, Bud. Then this transfer came through and I saw my chance to do some good, both legally and in the air," Harm announced as Andrea and Harriet returned, chatting and giggling happy. "Now we're in for it, Bud, these two have been talking."

His wingman handed him his tea. "I was just telling Harriet how we celebrated your birthday, Hammer."

"Oh God, you didn't."

"I did," she remarked sitting next to him.

Harriet handed Bud his coffee and perched on the arm of his chair, seeing her husband look curiously at her. "The squadron booked out the Officers club for the night for a private party, Andy and Beth – Lieutenant Hawks, Harm's RIO. They dressed up in harem customs, and danced for him."

"What she's failing to tell you; is their customs were mostly all veils, which they removed one at a time." Harm added.

"The guys told him we were strippers, since he couldn't see our faces properly he believed them," Andrea added. "The look on his face was classic when he found out it was us."

Bud, being a little naïve at times, glanced at Harm. "And you really didn't know?"

"Not at first, shocked the hell out of me, I didn't know Beth could move like that. Andy, now that's different," he smirked, leaving what he said as a bit of mystery. "And I'll get them back, one at a time."

Harriet and Bud didn't know what to make of that comment, so they just carried on, chatting. Finally it was time for Harm and Andrea to leave, they slipped back into the coats and took their covers.

"Thank you for coming, Harm," Harriet said. "I'm sorry you didn't get to see Colonel Mackenzie, she's visiting Chloe."

"Maybe next time Harriet," he said smiling, and then gave her a hug. He shook Bud's hand. "Look after you wife and son, Bud."

"I will sir," he assured, then turned to Andrea. "It was nice meeting you."

"You too Bud, Harriet," she said, smiling warmly. "I'll keep my eye on Hammer for you both."

Harriet gave her a friendly hug. "You have our number, so please keep in touch."

"I will. Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," both bided and Harm and Andrea left.

Harm felt more at ease; he'd been a little worried about coming back. He put his gloves back on, seeing Andrea had done the same. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For coming with me?"

She smiled and linked arms with him. "I didn't mind and I promised Beth I'd look after you."

"You did huh?"

"I did," she mussed. "Merry Christmas, Harm."

"Merry Christmas Andy," he bided. "Come on lets get out of this cold."

"Good idea, we need to get home and get some sleep, Christmas morning is an early one in the Gibson house hold."

"Really?" He asked teasing.

"Really, unless your not up for it, old man."

"Old man," he launched for her but she was already running, laughing as she did so. He laughed too, chasing after her. Perhaps this Christmas wasn't turning out so bad after all. He'd been told never to look back and he wasn't going to.

To be continued… (Before everyone rushes in and asks, I don't know if this is going to be a Harm/Mac story. I haven't decided, I'm just letting it run and see where it ends up, but you never know)