A/N: Thanks for all the reviews so far and to everyone who has been reading. This chapter is longer than others, but it's not the last. Also I went through it as best as I could but I am sure there are things I missed. I need to find a good beta, one who knows the show and isn't bitchy about AU fics and original characters. So thanks again and enjoy this chapter.
1835 Zulu
Unknown location
Iraq
"Skittles…" Lieutenant Sullivan's voice was raspy and weak as she shivered against the cold and dirty concrete floor. If ejecting from the plane was bad enough the abuse she had Harmony had suffered at the hands of their captures was. "Skittles…" there was no reply. "Lieutenant Rabb!"
"What?" Harmony was just as weak as her RIO and the wall that divided them made it hard to communicate. Harmony did not have the energy to talk she just wanted a hot bath, a comfortable bed, and cozy pajamas.
"How are you doing?"
Harmony debated on what answer to give her RIO and best friend. "I've been better Harley." They had been together since the academy. First they were roommates and after the Admiral made a few phone calls and pulled a few strings he was able to get both Harmony and Kelly not only stationed together, but flying together.
"What do they want from us?"
Harmony could sense the fear in her friend's voice. "Whatever they want, I won't give them. I am not a traitor." A few tears rolled down her face, Harmony knew that her failure to give the Iraqi's what they wanted would most likely result in her death and Kelly's death as well. Harmony could handle dying, but she could not handle the idea of her RIO dying. It was not fair Kelly "Harley" Sullivan did nothing wrong.
Kelly's voice broke the silence again. "How is the leg?"
"It hurts like a bitch." Harmony replied. "Pretty sure it's broken. I can't put any weight on it." A few tears rolled down her cheeks. If it was broken there was a chance she may never fly again, if that was the case she prayed these bastards would kill her. "Hey Harley, look if…if I can't fly again I want you to have my seat and I want you to fly like there is no tomorrow ok. I know you're good so don't let anyone tell you otherwise. I just hope your RIO was as good as mine though that will be hard to top."
"Skittles, I won't need your seat and you will still have the best RIO out there. Ok, don't think like that."
"I am serious Harley. This isn't a joke." Harmony was spat, "you're really good Lt. Sullivan and you should have your name on a plane. I mean it."
Lt. Sullivan was silent. "I don't want to fly if you aren't with me."
"Lieutenant Sullivan!" Harmony yelled, more tears fell down her cheeks. A sharp pain in her side reminded her of her bruised and possibly broken ribs. "I am giving you an order!"
"Yes ma'am." Kelly quickly replied. "Skittles…"
"What?" She reached up and dried her tears.
"When you do get back in the Hornet can I still be your RIO?"
Harmony was not sure how to answer this. In her mind, it was already settled that she wouldn't be flying again. "Of course." It was better to agree than disagree. "You're the best damn RIO out there; no way would I replace you."
"I really don't want to fly with anyone else but you."
Harmony reached into a pocket of her G-suit and pulled out a photograph. It was the picture of her grandfather that she had scanned it into the computer and printed it out. Harmony had kept it in her flight suit since her first launch off the Seahawk. "I am flattered Lt. Sullivan, but you might not have a choice and giving up your aviation career would be stupid." There was very little light in the room, but Harmony still could make out the face of her grandfather. "Let dad know I love him." She spoke in a low voice holding the photograph close to her. "I am sorry I let you down Grandpa. I fought, I really did, I tried so hard but I failed. I am sorry. I know we don't know each other grandpa but I love you and I wish I could have met you. From what dad says, you sound awesome. If I don't make it out of here my dad is going need your help, I know you can't be there for him physically but I know you will be there for him. He has Mac too, but as much as those two love each other, it might not be enough. Mac needs him as much as he needs her so make sure he realizes that." Harmony shivered again as she lay on the cold concrete. The room smelled like urine and mold. The food they feed them was anything but edible and her growling stomach reflected that.
"Skittles, are you talking to your grandfather again?" Talking was the only thing that kept her from going insane.
"Yeah, it's not doing a whole lot of good though." Harmony weakly replied.
"You're grandfather was babe. You're dad is pretty hot too."
"Lt. Sullivan, red light! I don't need those images in my head." Harmony could feel herself blush.
"I'm sorry that was out of line, but I felt the need to let you know."
"Well my old man is happily married."
"You're step-mom is kind of hot too." Lt. Sullivan quipped.
"Harley I won't ask and please for the love of God, do not tell." She had Kelly had been good friends and always shared things with each other. They were more like sisters than shipmates were. It was good knowing she could be so close to her RIO. It made those rough nights easier. They always could tell each other anything. "Hey Harley I'm glad I met you. I could not have asked for a better RIO or even better and amazing best friend. You're like my sister from another mother."
Lt. Sullivan laughed a bit. "There will be no need for you asking me and me not telling because I like guys very much, but seriously your step-mom is so beautiful." She listened to her friend speak. "Right back at you. " Kelly's voice echoed from the other side of the wall. "Hey Skittles can I ask you something?"
"I guess."
"If you can't fly anymore what will you do?"
Harmony had to think about this one because until now she never thought not flying would be a possibility. "More than likely resign my commission and I don't know, fly drunk people to Vegas. My dad once dusted crops, I could always do that." She joked.
"What about JAG?"
Had her ribs not been hurting so much she would have laughed. "Won't happen. You have to be smart to work at JAG."
"You think you're stupid?"
"JAG isn't for me, it's not my style. I mean yeah I spent most of my life hanging around JAG and I learned how to argue pretty darn well, but I don't know if it is for me. It's hard and takes a lot of work. Law school isn't cheap either."
"The G.I Bill can pay for it. You'd make a good lawyer. If you argue like you fly than the other side is going to wish they never came to court."
"Thanks Harley, but I don't think we will have to worry about it. I mean it will take a lot more than a broken leg to keep me out of that damn plane. Before you know it we'll be launching off the Seahawk and kicking some bad guy butt." She was still holding the picture while running her fingers down it. "Hey Harley how are you feeling? You ok? That wound still bleeding?"
"It stopped bleeding but it's probably infected. Other than that, I guess I am ok. I could seriously go for a pizza right now."
"I want a Capital Bacon burger from Beltway burgers and a large Kennedy fry." Harmony mused. "Complete with a chocolate milkshake. Or I want my dad's spaghetti with Mac's garlic bread." Harmony could feel her mouth watering. "Or some of Lieutenant Sims' banana bread it has been ages since I had that. "
"The way your dad is I am surprised he allows you to eat that stuff. When we had our liberty and went to London and I saw the way he eats - if I can speak freely I will say that if my dad cooked like your dad the last thing I would want is fast food."
"Yeah he is kind of a health nut. He is usually not to happy with how I eat sometimes, but he knows how many calories I burn a day so he just deals with it. I does help I am his Princess and he has always had a hard time saying no to me. He can act all badass and everything, a few bats of my eyelashes and he melts in my hands." It was true Harmony knew she had her father wrapped around her finger, though she really did not take as much advantage of it as most people would. It still had its benefits. Her eyelids felt heavy and she tried cover up a yawn but failed. "Hey Harley talk to me, I don't know about what, but just talk to me, I'm getting tired."
"Why don't you tell me how your dad and Mac hooked up?"
"Again? Harley I have told you that story twice already." Harmony replied.
"I know, but I really like it. It's so – so romantic."
"Ok, fine. So Mac came to JAG, she and my dad met in the rose garden-"
"And she looked like some your dad knew that had died."
"I am I telling the story or are you?" Harmony replied. "But yes she looked like Diane…" Harmony said continuing the story.
1125 Zulu
USS Seahawk
Somewhere in the Arabian Sea
Harm watched as the COD landed aboard the Seahawk when it was safe he greeted Bud and now Lieutenant Tiner, he exchanged salutes with both of the men. "How was the ride?"
"Captain." Bud spoke up over the roar of launching aircraft. "It was uneventful." He looked at his friend. "How are you doing sir?"
"Not so good Bud, I am worried the longer I stay here on this ship the worse I feel. Admiral Chegwidden has some SEALs coming in on the next COD. They have an idea of where Harmony and Lieutenant Sullivan are, we just have to get in there and get out."
"We sir?" Bud asked as they stepped into the ship closing the hatch behind them.
"I'm going with them, that's my kid no way am I going to sit back and doing nothing."
"How does the Colonel feel about this sir?"
"Well she isn't too happy, but she also knows how I feel about this. Mac hasn't been feeling too well lately so she's resting right now. I feel real bad for arguing with her, but what kind of father would I be if I didn't do anything? This is my little girl we are talking about. Everyone here may think of her as a tough fighter pilot, I still see her as my little girl and right now she needs her dad."
This was a side of the Captain that only a few saw, most of them were those who were close to him at JAG like Bud, and Bud knew what Harmony meant to the Captain. "I am sure Harmony knows you will come for her. She has always known you have had her six."
Harm shook his head. "Not this time, this time I let her down. Bud I really feel like the worst father possible. I kept asking myself what kind of parent would send his daughter off like that. We're at war, it's dangerous out there."
"Captain," Bud started to speak as they walked down the narrow halls and over the knee breakers. It took some getting use to after he lost his leg, but now he was a pro. "Harmony wanted to be in the Navy, this is what she wanted to do sir."
"I know," he nodded his head, "I know. If I said no and told her she couldn't that would be just as bad, but right now I rather have Harmony hate me for saying no to her, then sitting her wondering if I will ever see her alive again."
Bud was alarmed he had never seen his friend like this before. "Sir…" he had to be careful with how he approached this. "She'll be ok, you're daughter is really bright and pretty-" he thought for a moment. "She's crafty at figuring her way out of things." It was really weird seeing the Captain like this and it made him a little uncomfortable for now Bud had to push that feeling to the side.
Harm inhaled loudly and exhaled, "I hope you're right Bud, come on I want to see how Mac is doing. She's been on ship dozens of times but she's never gotten sick until now."
As they were heading back to the bunk the Admiral approached them. Both Harm and Bud stood at attention. "As you were." He stuck his hand out to shake Bud's. "It's good to see you Commander Roberts and Lieutenant Tiner."
"You too Sir." He returned the handshake with a smile.
Tiner smiled a bit shaking the Admiral's hand as well. "You look well sir."
"As do you Tiner. I hear that Commander Roberts was brave enough to allow you to sit co-counsel in some of his cases?"
"Yes sir he has, sir." Tiner replied unable to hide his smile.
"He's done great so far sir. Lieutenant Tiner is a natural." Bud interjected on Tiner's behalf
The Admiral nodded. "I always knew you had it in you Tiner." He patted Tiner's shoulder. "Before you know it you and Roberts will be going against each other." Now it was time to get to business. "It's going to be tonight." The Admiral looked at Harm. "They have pinpointed the location of Lieutenant Sullivan and Harmony. A SEAL team is going in just after 1 a.m. I would object to letting you go, but you have already made it clear that you won't sit on the sidelines. I would rather you go with my knowledge then do it by yourself. There will be a briefing in two hours Captain. The extraction is going to be quick and hopefully painless. The faster they can get in there the better chance we have."
"What kind of condition are they both in?" Harm asked.
"That we are not sure of, once we get both your daughter and Lt. Sullivan then we can evaluate their condition. For now the main goal of the mission is to get both of them out of there."
Harm felt like his heart was going to burst out of his chest, he wanted to go in there right now, but he knew they needed the cover of darkness otherwise it would jeopardize the situation and put Harmony and her RIO in danger. Harm stood at attention and saluted Admiral Chegwidden, once dismissed her hurried off to tell Mac.
"Sir," Bud spoke up after Harm was gone. "What are the chances of Harmony and her RIO being alive, do you even think they are?"
"They damn well better be Commander or we will have a problem on our hand, or should I say they, the Iraqi's will have a huge problem on their hand."
"I have never seen the Captain so – we'll he's-"
"-A mess? Tell me about it. Every inch of me is telling him to sit this one out but that would be the pot calling the kettle black Commander. After all when my daughter Francesca was in danger I went after and if someone would have tried to stop me I would have killed them." He crossed his arms over his chest and stood firmly where he was. "Besides Commander Roberts, Captain Rabb won't be going alone."
Bud eyed the Admiral suspiciously. "Sir, are you saying what I think it is that you are saying?"
"I don't know Commander are you thinking what I am saying is what you are – oh never mind." He relaxed just a bit, his arms at his side. "I am going with them. I have known Harmony just as long as you have Roberts and I will be damned if I am not part of this rescue. I practically watched her grow up; she's like a second daughter to me."
FLASHBACK
"Commander you and the Colonel will be leaving for to Coral Sea in two hours."
Harm shifted nervously in his seat. "Ok."
"Is there a problem Commander?" The Admiral raised his voice and narrowed his deep brown eyes on the officer. He could sense resistance in the man.
"It's Valentine's Day sir, and I kind of had a date." He hung his head and looked down at the file in his hands.
"Well there will be other dates Commander but if you wish to stay here at JAG you will be packed and ready to go, do you understand that sir."
Harm stood firm at attention. "Aye, Aye sir."
"Dismissed." He watched as Mac and Harm exited his office, and sat back down just the Tiner walked in. "What is it Petty Officer?"
"Well sir I just heard that you are sending Commander Rabb out of the country."
"Not that it is any of your business Tiner but yes I am."
"Well Admiral, today is Valentine's Day."
"I know what today is Tiner, is there a point to this speech or are you just trying to pissed me off."
Tiner wavered a bit, but did not fall. "The Commander had a date sir."
"I know." He bellowed. "Tiner get to the point." He was getting pissed.
"It was the father and daughter dance at Harmony's school sir." Tiner stood tall as he looked at the Admiral. "He was suppose to take her, Harmony was his date sir."
It took a moment for all of this to sink in. How could he have forgotten? Harmony had been talking about it for weeks: getting her hair done, getting her nails down, the dress, the shoes, Mac doing her makeup. That was all the girl could talk about. "Damnit!" he slammed his fists on his desk. "Thank you Tiner you're dismissed." How was he going to fix this? Harmony was going to hate him for this, and he couldn't blame her. Closing his eyes the Admiral rubbed his temples. Then it came to him. Pressing the button on the intercom, he spoke come. "Tiner can you have Ensign Sims report to my office?"
"Damn it why the hell am I so nervous?" The Admiral thought to himself, stopping the car in front of Harm's apparent. "She's a 12-year-old girl there is nothing scary about a 12-year-old." He grabbed the corsage and stepped out of his car. The elevator ride only made it worse it gave him more time to think. Finally he found himself standing in his dress whites knocking on the door. If everything was going according to plan, Harriet was still there helping Harmony with her makeup and all that other stuff girl fuss over about. He could hear Harriet's familiar voice telling him she would be there in a moment. Then he heard what sounded like things dropping and feet scurrying around. Finally the door swung open and Harriet stood smiling. "I uhm," he held up the corsage. "Hopefully it works out." He watched as Harriet moved to the side and saw Harmony anxiously standing there.
"Hi," she waved a bit holding her small clutch purse, which matched her dress.
"I am going to have to tell Commander Rabb that I got the honor of escorting the most beautiful girl at Sidwell Friends to the dance." He held his arm out waiting for her to take it.
"Hold on Admiral, I want to get a picture." Harriet pulled out a camera. "Ok you two, stand next to each other." Once they were both standing together, Harriet snapped the picture, and the flash went off. "Perfect. You really do look beautiful Harmony." Harriet smiled grabbing her jacket. "Call me tomorrow and fill me in with all the details."
Harmony hugged Harriet. "Thank you for everything Harriet and I will call you tomorrow. Tell Bud I said thank you for lending you to me for a few hours."
Smiling like she always did Harriet returned the hug. "He didn't mind at all. Now go and have fun ok." Harriet coaxed the girl. "Oh wait, you forgot your stuff."
"Oh I will need that." Like always when her father had to leave town, she stayed with the Admiral. "I don't think sleeping in my dress would be fun." She paused.
"I will see you tomorrow Ensign Sims."
Harriet nodded. "Harmony make sure you have the Admiral home before midnight." Harriet winked at Harmony.
Harmony turned to the Admiral. "So if I don't have you home by midnight are you going to turn into a pumpkin Uncle A.J?"
A.J could not help but to laugh. "There is a possibility so let's make sure you have me home before midnight, just to be safe."
Harriet closed to the door to the Rabb loft and made sure it had been locked by jiggling the handle then was soon behind Harmony and the Admiral waiting for the elevator. "How many other girls at your school will have a two star Admiral as their date?"
"I am pretty sure it is safe to say that I will be the only one. He cleans up pretty well huh?" Harmony teased.
"This Navy SEAL has a few tricks up his sleeve. Now come on I believe there is a dance floor with our names on it."
END FLASHBACK
Coming out of his daydream the Admiral turned towards Bud. "I want you and Tiner to keep close. This could get messy and their might be lives lost. I want to make sure that the wrong people don't get in trouble for example the SEALs and anyone involved in the rescue do you understand?"
"Yes sir." Both Bud and Tiner replied at the same time.
"This rescue is going to be video recorded so that we don't have to worry about any of the he said she said crap. I would imagine that as soon as the press hears about this the Seahawk will be swarmed with phone calls and e-mails. No one is to give any information to the press at any time until both Harmony and her Rio are safe and secure, and even then I don't want a show. This is the OJ Simpson case or Anna Nicole whats-her-face, these are two of the brightest and best Naval aviators in this country. I do not want this to turn into the next Jessica Lynch ordeal. Is that clear?"
Both Bud and Tiner were still standing at attention. "Crystal sir." Bud quickly replied.
Tiner caught a glance from the Admiral. "Yes sir, oh and sir. It's Anna Nicole Smith."
The Admiral looked confused for a moment. "What the hell are you talking about Tiner?"
"You said Anna Nicole whats-her-face, her last name was Smith; Anna Nicole Smith."
The Admiral shook his head. Some things would never chance. "Dismissed."
Bud followed by Lieutenant Tiner saluted the Admiral and headed off to the Officer's Wardrobe to set up everything they might need.
0500 Zulu
Unknown Location
Iraq
They were only a few meters from the brick building and Harm knew that inside those walls was his daughter and her RIO. It would not be long now until he would be reunited with Harmony and she would be safe in his arms. All he wanted to do was hug her and promise she would be safe and he would always keep her safe. He watched one of the SEALs who was leading the raid and rescue, waiting for the sign and once he got it everything was a blur.
There was a bright flash followed by a loud explosion, it started Harmony. "Harley?"
"What was that?" Harley responded the fear and hesitation obvious in her voice.
"I don't – I don't know." She heard shouted and there were a few more explosions. Harmony was in in the corner of her small room, whatever was going on she wanted to keep out of the crossfire.
"Skittles the voices, their American."
"Are you sure?"
"Positive." Kelly replied. "I think… Harmony it's a rescue." Her voice cracked with tears.
Then she heard his voice calling hers. "DAD!" she shouted back. She grabbed the can she had from drinking and used it to bang against the floor. "Dad! We're back here!"
"Harmony?" he called out, hearing the clinking sound he started towards the sound. "Back here!" he drew the team towards a long hallway and a set of rooms, the sound was getting louder. "HARMONY!"
"D-dad we're back here, over here." She could make out the shadowy figures. "Dad." She knew right away that figure was her father.
The Admiral was right on Harm's heels. "We found them, they are back here."
"Harmony, are you ok?" Harm asked in the voice of a worried father.
"My leg, it's broken I can't put any weight on it."
"Lieutenant Sullivan how about you?" Harm peered around the wall that divided the two rooms each of them were being held in.
"I was shot after we ejected, in the shoulder. The wound stopped bleeding, but it hurts like hell and I am pretty sure it is infected, sir."
"Can you walk?" The Admiral quipped.
"Yes sir!"
"That's good," He replied. "We have to work fast Captain. Lieutenant, move back," he pulled out his gun and aimed it at the lock. Firing the gun it shattered and he swung the door open.
Harm repeated the same action, opening the door he entered the room and scooped his daughter into his arms.
Harmony hissed in pain as her broken leg flopped around a bit, her ribs felt like they were on fire as well. "Dad…" she growled. "Watch my l-leg."
He braced the leg as best as he could, they headed down the same hallway they came through, and were only feet from the door when they were fired upon.
"Move now Captain!" The Admiral shouted escorting Lieutenant Sullivan out of the door towards the remaining SEALs. "Go now!" He shouted at her firing back at a few of the Iraqi soldiers. Making sure Lt. Sullivan was safe with the SEALs the Admiral turned his attention back to the Iraqi soldiers. He could not let his guard down yet, not until Harm and Harmony were safe.
Harm was doing his best to fire back at the soldiers while protecting Harmony. Two soldiers were down and there were three more to go, Harm was pretty sure they wouldn't make it to the rendezvous point without killing the other three. He fired two shots taking one down, he watched as the Admiral took down the other. The lone gunman fired at them, he hit the Admiral in the leg, but didn't knock him down. The shot kept coming before one of the SEALs fired at the soldier killing him instantly.
"Damn it Captain GO!" The Admiral shouted at him noticing Harm was slowing do. "I will be fine! Just go!" He hobbled along as he watched Harm fade into the darkness, but when he finally reached the rendezvous point, the sight before him was horrifying. There lay harmony drenched in blood and unresponsive. "What the hell happened?" He watched as Harm was doing chest compressions on his daughter.
"Come on Harmony, come on." Harm shouted. He cupped Harmony's cold face with his bloodied hand leaving a bloody handprint on her face. "Damn it don't do this Lieutenant, stay with me!" Leaning down he gave her two breaths and continued with the chest compressions.
"Sir," one of the SEALs spoke up. "We believe Lieutenant Rabb was caught in the cross fire. They have a medevac two minuets out. They're going to get her to get her to a base hospital to stabilize her and then hopefully to the Quadalcanal."
Look at the scene before him the Admiral was not sure Harmony would make it that far. "Where is Lieutenant Sullivan?" He asked not taking his eyes off Harmony, he heard the helicopter growing closer and watched it land. A medical crops team hurried out, they got Harmony on to a stretcher and were heading back to the medevac, with Harm right behind them.
"The Lieutenant is safe and being treated by a medical team right now sir." He shouted over the roaring sound of the helicopter.
The helicopter lifted up and quickly took off disappearing into the cover of the night sky. The Admiral just hoped Harmony would not be returning to the states in a casket.
0815
USS Seahawk
Somewhere in the Arabian Sea
Mac had stayed in the bunk away from everyone else. The mood on the ship was tense and she was already not feeling well, the added tension would not help; she was only able to control her Marine attitude for so long. Hearing a knock at the door, she peaked up from a book that she really wasn't reading. "Enter."
"Colonel?" Bud spoke opening the door and walking in.
"Commander," she smiled softly. "I already told you to call me Mac I'm not a Marine anymore remember I re-," then she noticed the look on his face and stopped. "Bud? Bud what is it? What happened?"
"Ma'am," Bud said out of force of habit. "They managed to get both Lieutenant Sullivan and Lieutenant Rabb out-"
"But?" she knew there was a but, there was always a but."
"But there was a bit of a snag, as they were exiting the complex they were fired upon. Both Captain Rabb and Admiral Chegwidden fired back, they managed to take down all the gunmen-"
"BUD!" Mac shouted in a panic.
"Harmony was hit in the crossfire."
Mac felt the color drain from her face, her knees become weak, and Bud quickly caught her helping her to a chair. "Harmony isn't, Bud she's not."
"It's not good, it's not looking good. All I know is it was a pretty serious injury and when the medevac landed Captain Rabb was doing CPR."
Mac gasped and covered her mouth a few tears rolling down her cheeks. "Oh Bud…" her brown eyes were wet with tears.
"I am so sorry ma'am, I really am."
"She…Harmony…and Harm…he." She couldn't get a single word out, it was all too unreal, all she could do was hope it was all a bad dream and in the mean time think of all the good things. "Commander I uhm, I think I need to be alone for a little. I just need to think, clear my head. You understand right?"
"Yes ma'am." He replied. "As soon as I hear anything you will be the first to know. Second if you count me."
"Thank you Bud." She sobbed softly.
He nodded. "No problem and Mac…" He paused. The news had been just as hard for him, but he still had yet to let the reality of it all skin in. "Harmony is strong and she is a fighter, if anyone can make this I know she can. She's too stubborn to let this take her down, in fact she is more stubborn than the Captain and we both know how stubborn he is."
If Bud was trying to make her feel, better it worked, just a little. "I know Bud." She watched as Bud close the hatch behind her, now she could let the tears fall freely.
FLASHBACK
Harmony walked into Mac's office and froze. "Oh sorry, I uhm, I can come back later Ma'am." She nervously spoke.
"It's ok sweetheart, Lt. Roberts has something to do for me anyways." She nodded at Bud as he left the room. "Is everything ok?" She looked at the girl with concern Mac watched as Harmony rocked back and forth on her feet, it was obvious the girl was really nervous about something.
"I uh, well." Harmony bit down on her bottom lip. "I uhm, well I am…" she inhaled deeply. "Something happened today, something I am not sure how to tell my dad." Harmony chewed on her nail a bit. "I mean I love my dad, but I – this – it's kind of – I don't know.."
Mac was worried Harmony always had a great relationship with her father. She was never afraid to tell him anything. So this was a cause for alarm. "Harmony what's wrong?"
"I uhm…" she sat down. "Today I…"
"Harmony, you can tell me." She saw the hesitation in Harmony's eyes.
"Please don't tell my dad Mac, it would be weird and well I am not sure it's something I am ready to sit down and have him and I deal with. I just need, I kind of need some advice on what to do you know? I need a female's point of view before I go to my dad who is probably going to flip his lid. You know how he gets sometimes."
Mac nodded her head. "I think I can help with that, and I promise I won't tell your dad. It will be a secret between the two of us. You ok?" Suddenly she pictured the worst scenario possible. "Did someone hurt you? And if they did then I will have to tell your dad."
"I'm fine, and no one hurt me Mac, I just…" she exhaled loudly. "I got my first period today." Mac watched as it seemed like it took every ounce of energy the girl had in her to say this.
Mac looked up as she heard a stack of papers hit the floor and Bud stood with his mouth open. "I should probably go." He looked at Harmony for a moment. "Congratulations." He turned and started to leave
Harmony turned a dark shade of red, and looked at Mac before looking down at the floor. "Lt. Roberts." Harmony spoke up.
Bud stopped and turned around. "Yes?"
"It's just my period not an acceptance letter to an Ivy league college. There is no need for any congratulatory remarks. Also please don't tell my dad. Please?" Harmony begged him
Blushing, Bud nodded and cracked a smile. "Sorry I uhm, this is my first time…I mean, I should really go and…I think I hear Tiner calling for me. Don't worry your secret is safe with me."
Harmony turned back to Mac. "I know what to do Mac, I just feel strange doing it, and you know buying those things and all. I was wondering if you would not mind taking me? Asking my dad, well this is something I feel more comfortable with a female than a male."
Mac knew she had a huge case to work on, but this was just as important and she felt good knowing that Harmony was comfortable coming to her with these sorts of things. "Sure, let me just go tell the Admiral I am leaving for a little. Ok sweetie?" Walking away from her desk, she put an arm around Harmony and pulled her into a hug, kissing her temple. "Honestly Harmony, how are you feeling?"
"A little weird, I can have kids now. I mean I don't plan on going out tonight and starting my own family maybe not for another 30 years or so. I am still young and all, but you know what I mean." The girl nervously laughed. "The whole having cramps thing, isn't fun either." She mused walking with Mac.
"Good because I don't think your dad is ready for grandchildren just yet. He's still trying to overcome you being in Jr. High." Mac replied walking with Harmony. "I think I have something that will help with the cramps." She told the young girl. "We'll get some ice cream while we are out too, chocolate chip cookie dough; that's your favorite right?"
"Yes ma'am!" she smiled widely. "I like saving the cookie dough bits for last."
Mac smiled and whispered. "Me too."
Knocking on the Admirals door, she waited for him to tell her to enter. "Sir, I have to leave for about an hour or so."
"Major, you do realize that you have a negligent homicide case on your hands that you are prosecuting?" He looked at Mac and then to Harmony for a moment. "Your opening is tomorrow morning at 9 a.m."
"Yes sir, but something important came up that I have to take care of. My opening statement is also finished sir, just needs some finishing touches."
"What can be more important that a murder case Major Mackenzie?"
Harmony could tell the Admiral was mad at Mac and now she felt bad and she cast Mac an apologetic look.
"It's private sir, but I can assure you it is very important…" Harmony cut her off.
"I got first period today and I-"
"I heard more than I needed to know." The Admiral nervously spoke up. He may have been a trained Navy SEAL but nothing prepared him for that response. "Go, but make it quick."
Harmony looked over at Mac who was beat red and then turned her attention back to the Admiral. "Sorry for being so blunt Uncle A.J, I just - I really need the Majors help. Asking my dad to take me to the drug store for tampons isn't my idea of fun."
He hid a smile the serious look on her face was priceless. "I understand." He tried to stay serious. "You and the major can go and buy- the major may take you to the store. But Major be sure to make it quick, please."
Mac stood at attention and waited for the Admiral to release her.
He nodded towards Mac and watched her leave, he was about to sit back down when harmony hurried back in and hugged him before finally leaving.
END FLASHBACK
"You're dad needs you Harmony." Mac said to herself. "You can't leave him, he needs you. So you hang in there damn it. Remember I am a Marine and I can kick your butt, so don't make me do that." Mac dried a few more tears. "Most of all Harmony, where ever you are, I want you to know I love you like you are my own."
