AN: Still thinkin' on how to out-process Mac... yes, I hear ya, VIDZ on how ya think she doesn't deserve eagles. :D Hope y'all like my new image blend I cooked up for the story. Still having major headaches with Chapter 4 but hope y'all like. Harm is not a SEAL in this story nor does he have any other decorations other than the ones that you have seen in the show other than the ones that he gets in here. In order to become a SEAL, you need to have formally gone through the BUD/S training which I have not seen happen. Just simply following along on SEAL operations does not make you a SEAL.
COMNAVAIRFOR/COMNAVAIRPAC
NAS NORTH ISLAND
San Diego, CA
June 28, 2007
"Good morning, Captain." Animal grinned at Harm. "Have you managed to get yourself situated yet?"
"Not yet, sir. I'm bunking at my parents' house with Mattie." Harm replied, "I should be able to find something by the weekend..." he pause for a moment "Hopefully...I don't want to impose on Frank or my mother for too long."
"If you need some time to get your accomodations all taken care of, I can give you some time off." Animal mentioned as he dropped off a file on Harm's desk. "Here's the assessments for training for the Rough Raiders and the Flying Eagles squadrons. They're Pacific Fleet FRS (Fleet Replacement Squadrons)..." he paused for a moment as he ran a hand through shortly cropped hair...then continued. " They're responsible for keeping the fleet squadrons trained as well as providing training for naval aviators in type. As JAG, I want you to not only brief, but fly with them in training them with the rules of engagements. You're current on the F/A-18F, right?"
"Definitely, sir." Harm replied. At that, the vice-admiral grinned evilly.
"This is the first time. we've had a JAG cross-trained as an aviator. So you can demonstrate with flying the ROE instead of just yapping at them from the podium." Animal continued. "The VFA-41 are rotating out some flyers and taking some coneheads on board. You can start with them, when the new class rotates through the Rough Raiders and the Flying Eagles. That way the cones are already trained when the report, Then you'll report to each of the squadrons and start training the existing flight crews and command personnel of each operational squadron. That's gonna keep you quite busy. And if I have need of you, I'll make sure to rotate you back to North Island a week every other month. You'll be on the go here."
"Doesn't look like I'll get a chance to be bored here, am I? Sir." Harm grinned.
"Nope...gotta keep you lawyer types busy. Otherwise you get into trouble." Animal smirked.
"hardy har har...sir." Despite their disparity in rank. Animal and Harm were able to converse without the issues that cropped up when Harm was at HQ talking to RADM Chegwidden or now-LGEN Cresswell. Animal was more of an informal and relaxed commander. The only thing that he was ever a stickler on was during formal briefings when a senior flag officer of 4-star rank was present. While in the COMNAVAIRFOR office, the Vice-Admiral took more of an informal approach to dealing with his subordinates. Just so long as the chain of command was followed, he was OK.
"You'll start at VFA-122 Flying Eagles, in two weeks. Just keep me posted on everything. A report a week will be good enough. Don't be too loquatious either. I don't like reading 50 page reports."
"Aye, aye, sir." Harm grinned.
"Now that you know what you're doing. Secure early...you can get some house-hunting done. You don't want to impose on your mother and step-father for too long." Animal said as he headed out the door. "Get cracking on finding a place."
"Yes, sir."
UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO
SAN DIEGO, CA
JUNE 28, 2007
Jennifer Coates walked down the hallway of the Psychology Department building and out into the sunshine. Standing outside was a senior officer in summer white CNT (certified Navy twill) uniform replete with shoulderboards. Her eyes grew big as she recognized the cocky grin and the flyboy behind the Ray-Ban sunglasses. "Harm?" she said as she just about nearly dropped her books.
The officer's grin only widened. "Hey, there." he smiled as he took her books.
"How'd you know where to find me?" Jennifer asked.
"Well, I figured if I hung around the Psychology department long enough, one of two things would happen." Harm grinned. "Either a) I'd run into you or b) I'd get arrested for loitering." he smugly replied. Jen laughed at that.
"Well, you found me." She put her books on a bench and then turned around, threw her arms around Harm and gave him a slow, passionate kiss, which promptly drew the attention of several on-lookers walking past who smiled knowingly at the couple.
When they drew apart from that kiss, he asked Jen if she had eaten. "Not really, didn't have time this morning, since I got up late" ahe replied.
"Wanna go somewhere and eat?" Harm asked.
"Well, how long are you able to be out for?"
"Well, Animal told me to secure for the day and go hunting for someplace to live, but I'll be bouncing from base to base doing rules of engagement training for aviators and NFOs."
"Wow...he let you secure early?" Jen remarked, raising an eybrow.
"Well, he's a lot more easy-going than AJ." Harm remarked. Jen looked up at Harm. He did look a lot more relaxed than he had ever been at JAG HQ or in London. This was the Harm that Commander Meg Austin had said Harm was like when he was doing investigations when she was at JAG HQ. Quick to crack a joke; relaxed and easy going.
When they had found a restaurant to sit down at and after they had made the orders, Jen looked deeply into Harm's eyes. They were languid and desiring of her.
"She's gone, no she didn't sign, and I had to do it unilaterally by judge's court order. So I am free." He answered her unasked questions.
"Harm..." she started. " I got all your e-mails. And you told me you love me in each and every one of them." she reached over and took hold of his hands. "And my feelings haven't changed either." Harm looked into her deep dark expressive eyes and promptly got lost in them.
The food was barely noticed as they ate quickly so that they could get back to conversing. When they were done, Harm paid the bill and they left the restaurant together. Walking back to her car, he asked her if they could spend some time together. Her classes were over for the day, so Jen acquiesced.
They walked in the park until the late afternoon sun and warmth drove them to go back to her place. Jen dropped the books on the couch and Jen gave Harm the 50 cent tour around the home she had rented. "Harm, so this is the place. Just a nice simple 1 BR and den suite, not too far from the university for a girl like me. I can use the den for an office which is actually what I am doing right at the moment. I also work part-time at a civilian law office so that essentially pays the utilities and the rent and leaves me over some savings and food money."
Harm and Jen sat on the couch. "So..." Jen said. "What should we discuss?" Her heart pounding in her chest because she was so nervous.
Harm took her hands and said slowly, "We need to talk about us." Jen's heart warmed considerably at those words. "You're going to school right now...and I'm going to be bouncing around from base to base. We're not going to have a whole lot of time together." Harm said. "I don't want to tie you down or anything with my job being as flexible as it is in terms of location. We won't have very much time to date really or anything." He looked downcast as he tried to gauge her reaction.
"Harm." Jen replied. "I don't care that you're bouncing all over the West Coast dealing with the squadrons. At least during your times here, we'll have time to get together and enjoy each other's company. My place will be a place to come home to after your wandering to each naval air station."
Harm stared at her. "You want me to come home here." he asked her, revelling in how she would answer.
"Well...if you'll have me, I won't be living here very long. We're going to have to find a 2 bedroom and den apartment." She looked impishly up at him. Harm's heart felt like it was exploding, he was so stunned. At that look, Harm enfolded her in a big hug and a passionate kiss.
"I love you..." he murmured into her hair as he and Jen embraced.
"So..." Jennifer said, her warm smile warming Harm to the very tips of his toes. "I see we'll be looking for a 2BR and den...so captain, my captain...why don't we take a look at the paper and see what we can find and let's make some appointments."
"2BR and den?" Harm looked at her. "Are you sure we shouldn't look for a 3BR and den?" He asked Jen who gave him an arch look.
"Who said I was sleeping alone?" she gave him a lascivious look which all but made her look as if she was undressing Harm, "Especially when I have this incredible hunk of a Navy Captain. Mattie can have the other bedroom and we can utilize the den for it's intended purpose as a study."
"You mean..." Harm stuttered, a little shocked at Jen's boldness.
"Yes, I mean..." Jen said. "Now that you're free, there's nothing that I want more than to be everything to you. Now let's find our future home before your commanding officer wonders why you haven't done exactly as he's asked."
"aye, aye, Ma'am." Harm mockingly saluted her.
"Hey...Harm...I work for a living." she retorted using the age old drill instructor riposte implying that enlisteds did all the work in the Navy. She gave him a smug grin.
JAG HQ
Falls Church, VA
0800 HRS
Next Morning
June 29, 2007
Mac looked up as the yeoman dropped off a rather large package containing something from a law office in England. She opened it to find a divorce finalization judgement. So he was able to finalize the divorce papers without her signing it. That thoroughly pissed her off to no end. Harm was free to pursue that simpering enlisted bitch like a dog in heat.
And what drew him to Coates anyways? She had to have been scheming to get Harm at any point prior to her separation from the Navy. Did he commit adultery with her? Did he at any time show any hint of inappropriate behavior with one Jennifer Coates, erstwhile Legalman One during the time that they were both in uniform. There were subtle looks or glances from Coates end, that much she could reckon, but nothing concrete. And if she levelled a conduct unbecoming/fraternization charge against Harm and Coates, it would backfire and bite her in the ass. Was revenge worth her career? Would she be able to sink Harm's career and reputation and still be able to walk away from the matter without having her career sink with an Article 107 courts martial if her allegations proved contrived and false?
Mac knew Coates was attracted to Harm, based on his personality and his vigorous defence of her when he first met her during in 2003 when she was accused of being AWOL. Yet despite being AWOL and suffering 30 days in the brig, she managed to catch the big jackpot in being promoted twice. She was an ET3 (electronics technician 3rd class) when she was brought before the bench due to her being away without leave. She transferred to Legalman billet and coming in as a LN2 then was promoted to LN1. Coates was like a cat thrown off a balcony. She always seemed to land with her feet on the ground. Now what really pissed off Mac was that not only did Coates slide through like grease on teflon, but she also now had Mac's ex-husband in her little grasp.
How dare she!
Mac slammed her fist down on the table, just as Commander Roberts appeared at the door. "Something the matter? Lieutenant Colonel?" asked Commander Roberts.
"Nothing, Commander." Mac replied defensively. "Just a frustrating case."
"...from England?" Bud asked noticing the address on the manila envelope. "Well, don't let it take too much out of you. You're needed first chair on the Chief Osborne case." He turned around and headed back out."
Mac thought to herself. The cold atmosphere around the JAG HQ office was starting to get to her. She was looking forward to starting off on a new footing when she was able to get her command at the RLSO Northwest at Bangor, WA. She'd be well away from DC and not have to put up with unsociable co-workers.
JENNIFER COATE'S SUITE
Monitor Road
San Diego, CA
June 29, 2007
"Hey, Harm, I found a place that we might look into." Jen said excitedly. "3 full bedrooms, 2 1/2 bath. It's a house with a driveway big enough to park three cars. And it's in La Jolla."
Harm raised his eyebrow quizzically. "I hope it's not too close to my mom and Frank. I don't want them to feel too crowded by living right next door to them. And remember I don't have the salary of a VP of a major automotive manufacturing firm."
"It's not that bad. They're asking for $3000 a month." Jen said, her eyes shining brightly. "I think we could manage that, with my pay and yours. I make $32,000 paralegal part-time. I structure my course-load around my work schedule. So, what do you think? Could we make it?"
Harm grinned a happy-go-lucky smile "I think so." He reached for her hand and caressed it causing very strong sensations to run up and down Jen's spine. Something about being entirely smitten with this Navy captain of hers.
Jen continued speaking. "Harm, the market isn't good right now for paralegals, too many programs, too little entry-level jobs. I can't move from the one I have now, so I'm going to have to do a lot of commuting, but I intend on keeping that job." She sighed and Harm took her other hand.
"Jen. I support you fully on any decision you make. If you want to continue at the job, that's fine too." Harm looked around the room then his gaze came back to Jen. "I've got no problem with you commuting to work. And I also have no problem with living in La Jolla, provided we're not living practically on Mom and Frank's doorstep. If you want I can drive you to university to save time, or if you want to take your own car, that's fine too. I know I'm going to have a long commute down I-5 to the Hwy 75 connector to get to Coronado and North Island but I already do that anyway living at Mom and Frank's. And Mattie will have to continue to go to therapy which I think I'll put her in the school on the base as well as get her some therapy at the base hospital with her being a dependant."
Jen grinned, her eyes searching Harm's face for any sign of discontent. "So...you're OK with that? It's a better neighborhood!" Harm nodded in assent. "Well, I'll call the realtor and get a viewing. Let's have the first and last month's rent and damage deposit all ready to go so that we can go on it."
"What did I ever do without you?" Harm asked plaintively since it seemed like Jen was in the driver's seat on this one.
"Floundered around like a little lost puppy...probably." Jen smirked at him with a wink.
"Did I ever tell you how much I love you? Jen." He grinned that flyboy grin that drove her wild.
Jen smiled her lovely impish grin. "No, but you can keep telling me. I don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing you say that."
MARINERS COVE APARTMENTS
W. Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA
"Now, the building was built in 1974 and was remodeled in 2001." the realtor said. "The back of this townhome faces a greenbelt and it's got a nice yard. You have access to the clubhouse and the pool. It's one of our open layouts and you have a wide kitchen."
The floorplan for the 3 BR townhome was very nice, and compact. Harm really liked it since it was easy to keep maintained and since he would be out of the townhouse most of the time, it made sense. The 11x11 bedroom made it easy for Mattie to negotiate her way around on crutches and it made sense that they would keep that room for her. The 11x13 bedroom made a nice office area. There was patio storage as well as ample storage area in the townhouse. The Master Bedroom was nice with an adjoining 3 piece washroom and Jen latched onto the large closet that made up one wall facing the bed. She grinned. "I like this. Ample clothing space. Very nice." she murmured as she leaned against Harm.
5559 CHELSEA AVENUE
La Jolla, CA
The realtor took them through a nice little open plan single family home. This one was a little higher price than they had expected but the plan was open and there was a view of the Bay from there. There were built in shutters on the windows and in the living room there was a fireplace made of rocks mortared together. The kitchen had a nice polished marbelized stone counter. Jen fell in love with the kitchen.
REAL ESTATE OFFICE
La Jolla, CA
June 29, 2007
Harm looked at the realtor and grinned as the realtor said "Well, it's usually the wife that makes the decision..." looking at Jen.
Jennifer grinned at Harm. "Well, Harm, dear...I did like the house on Chelsea, but it just didn't sit right with me. Now the townhouse. It was spectacular though it didn't really have the view of the ocean. I liked the way that it was an open layout and that the bedrooms were accessible on the first floor. And I fell in love with the closet space." She sighed dreamily.
"Well, I guess that clinches that." Harm grinned at her as she smiled back at him. "Now, I'm busy most of the time, so I won't have time to upkeep the place. I'm in the Navy. JAG, Fleet JAG for COMNAVAIRFOR so I'm going to be hustling around bases."
"So, I'm going to be the one maintaining the place." Jen said to the realtor. "So the townhouse makes more sense in that respect."
The realtor nodded. " Yep, I was Navy back in the Viet Nam days. Got out as an E-7 CMM (Chief Machinists Mate). Put in my 20 and vamoosed into real estate. You're a..."
"Captain, USN and my lady here is formerly a YN1, Yeoman One, she's now separated from the Navy."
Jen smirked at Harm as he referred to her as "my lady".
"Well, we have the 3 BR floorplan for $2039. So first and last month's rent comes out to $4078 + 2 months security deposit. If you wish to pay in advance, we usually write out checks for 6 months at a time. When were you thinking of moving in. Since the suite is vacant, it's available now. Of course, you will be responsible for rent for the last 2 days of the month that you're tenanted in the building if you opt to move in this evening. But if you're moving in July 1st, 2007, you can take possession June 30th afternoon with no penalty or days needing to be paid. That may make it easier on you to move in through the course of this weekend.
Harm called Animal on his cell phone.
"Hi, sir?"
"Yes? Captain" Animal responded.
"Found a place to live. sir." Harm said. "Would you be able to help us move tomorrow. Maybe round up a few of the guys. I'll have drinks and pizza ready."
"That sounds like an adequate bribe, Captain." Animal said. "I'll mark myself and Liandra there and I'll get Metalman, Scooter and Kimber to give you a hand too. Knowing Metalman, he'll whine but if you kick him, he'll quit complaining. Something about pain that usually makes him shut up. See you tomorrow, Captain; Noon is it? At your Mom's place. Yes, I know where that is. I remember Mrs. Burnett from your flight-school days."
"Well, Jen, we got the Vice-Admiral helping us to move in." He finished signing the check.
"Wow, you got a vice-admiral helping you to move?" the realtor asked astounded.
"Yes, he and I go back a long ways. From flight school. He was one of the instructors there and was a good friend of mine."
"You're an aviator too?" the realtor said, his jaw dropping even more? Harm was in civilian clothes so his designator wasn't readily apparent. "And you're working as Fleet JAG for Commander of Naval Air Forces and you're getting Commander of Naval Air Forces to help you move? Wow, that must be some pull you got."
"No, sir. He says he's doing it for the pizza!" Harm replied grinning. Jen bit back laughter. They finalized the rental agreement and signed the 1 year lease. Handing over the check, Harm shook the realtor's hand.
The realtor stood up and declared. "Well, Captain, it's a pleasure doing business with you. I'll be there at noon tomorrow to hand over the keys and we'll see you there."
Harm drove Jen over to a restaurant and they had a quiet dinner together. When they finished and he drove Jen back over to her basement suite on Monitor Road, he walked her to her door. There Jen turned around and said, "Harm, looking forward to tomorrow." she said leaning up to kiss him firmly on the lips. "We'll move your stuff in first." she said. "You haven't unpacked, have you?"
"No, I've kept all my stuff packed so that I could move into whatever was available." Harm replied looking at Jen as she opened the door. "We'll have to pack your stuff. Did you want me to call my mother and tell her that I'm going to be helping you pack tonight?"
"Yes. You might want to let Mattie know too, just in case we take too long and end up finishing up in the early hours of the morning." Jen replied, pinching Harm's cheek and depositing another kiss on his lips.
Harm used Jennifer's home phone to dial his mother in La Jolla. "Yes, Mom. I'm over at Jennifer's house. We're packing for a move tomorrow. Yes, I found a place. Yes, I'm planning on moving tomorrow. Yes, I do have help coming out tomorrow to help me move. You and Frank should take it easy."
Harm heard his mother lean away from the phone and yell "FRAAAANK! HARM SAYS HE FOUND A PLACE! YOU MIGHT WANT TO GET SOME GROCERIES...WE'RE GONNA HAVE VISITORS! YES! THE VICE-ADMIRAL IS COMING!"
Harm had to pull the receiver away from his ears to keep from getting deafened. Did Mom have to yell so loud? And how did she know it was the COMNAVAIRFOR that was actually coming over to help. Oh, yes...he was the only one that he really knew at COMNAVAIRFOR HQ so naturally his mother picked Animal as the one coming over to help him.
COMNAVAIRFOR RESIDENCE.
SEA RIDGE DR.
La Jolla, CA
This was a 7 BR 5 BATH home that Animal had found not too far from the base. He had found it and laid down the money on it very quickly once he had come over to take command of COMNAVAIRFOR. It was not a big luxury house, but it suited his needs quite nicely and at a pay grade of 0-9, he was able to easily afford it and still have plenty of money left over. His family didn't lack for much, and he put a lot into savings. He was worth seven digits now with his investments and he was comfortably well-off. Unlike many people, Animal saw no need to keep up with the Joneses. Just so long as he had camera equipment, he was fine.
He dialed his erstwhile friend. "Commander Burrows!" Metalman barked.
"Commander. It's Animal."
"Yeah?" was Metalman's snarky response. Animal ignored it. That was Metalman. Usually if he behaved like that to someone else, he would be busted down to LT JG so fast his head would spin. But that's why Animal kept him in his command. He knew no-one else would put up with Metalman's shenanigans. Metalman was a top-notch naval aviator and flew with the VF-103 Jolly Rogers, but got yanked after his command tour to be a part of the staff of COMNAVAIRFOR, which was going to put him on track for Captain and RADM (LH) very shortly.
"Hey, you're free tomorrow right?" Animal questioned.
"And..." Metalman's voice sounded wary. "What have you got us into this time?"
"Dragooned into helping Hammer move."
"Helping Rabb move?" Metalman grunted. "And what's in it for me?"
"Pizza...and drinks."
"Pizza? I can order pizza in here and I don't drink. I'm a Mormon." Metalman grumbled.
"And you're also pitching in Sunday." Animal replied, an evil grin on his face as Liandra giggled seeing the expression on her husband's face.
"Says who?"
"Says my three stars to your silver oak leaf. I'll see you tomorrow at 0900 hrs" Animal said resolutely.
"if you say so..." Metalman grumbled. "I'll get Kimber too...since I'm sure you want her there as well...to pitch in..."
"I gotta call Scooter...since he's also having to pitch in..." Animal said. "It's gonna be a full day of moving and probably Sunday as well..."
"Well, I ain't missing church so you'd better make it snappy tomorrow since I have to make it for morning service Sunday. Now after morning service, I might be able to see myself pitching in for a couple hours at least..." Metalman replied. "See you tomorrow...and I'm going to sleep too...so if you got anything else...e-mail me."
"Unless it's an emergency alert." Animal growled. "Then I'm kicking in your door. See ya!"
Animal retorted and hung up.
BASE OFFICER'S QUARTERS
NAS NORTH ISLAND
June 30, 2007
0900 HRS
Animal banged full fist on the door 15 times and yelled "Hey wake up...Metalman!" Animal was dressed in jeans and a white t-shirt. He also had his Ray-Ban aviator sunglasses on. "We're going to be late".
Metalman opened the door blearily. "What the hell do you want?"
"I told you I was picking you up to help out at Hammer's today." Animal growled trying to keep a grin from breaking out.
"And I agreed to that?" Metalman groaned. "Remind me to make an appointment with the base psychologist. I might need my head examined."
"If we're gonna go get some eats before we have to help Hammer, we'd better get a move on it." Animal said. "And speak of the devil..."
"Good morning, sir." Captain Kimberly Anne Benton ran a thin hand through her red hair and smiled as she came over to Metalman's door. She was residing at the Base Officer's Quarters on the female side.
"We're off duty, it's Animal." Animal remarked. "I don't wear my stars on the weekend."
"yes, Animal." Kimber replied, looking around. "And where is Scooter? He said he was coming too."
Commander Michael "Scooter" Fenwick grinned as he peered over Animal's head. Standing 6' 2", 2" shorter than Hammer, he cut an imposing figure. He tended to work out at the Base Recreation center. Animal looked over at him. "Well, Scooter, about time you got here."
"Need any help, sir?" Commander Elizabeth Hawkes came over after her morning run. "I saw you three gathered around Metalman's door and thought you might need some help." she inquired.
"Sure, Skates, we could use some help. When did you get into town?" Animal asked. Skates was well known around the aviation community as the best damned RIO to step into the cockpit of an F-14. At odd ends, because of the retirement of the F-14 Tomcat, she now stepped into the front seat of a F-18E Superhornet through the Backseat to Stick program which allowed naval flight officers selected as top of their category to transition into the front seat. She had just completed the program and was preparing to ship out to one of the Fleet Replacement Squadrons to train up in their F/A-18E Super Hornets. "So...Skates? You up to helping Hammer move today That's what we're gathered around here for. I buy breakfast." Animal said.
"You're helping Hammer move, Small world, Admiral, sir. I flew with him off the Patrick Henry when I was in the back seat, sir. We ditched in the ocean and bobbed around like a bunch of corks for about 8 1/2 hrs until a rescue helo came over and picked me up. They didn't find Hammer for another 4 hrs." Skates said. "Where did you know Hammer from, sir?"
"Flight school, Skates. I was an instructor there. Hammer flew a hot stick back then." Animal replied. "Now let's pile in the car and get going, so we're not late to help Hammer move."
Hopping in the car, greeting Liandra there whom Skates knew well from visiting Hammer at JAG HQ, everyone piled in. Animal got onto HWY. 94 and made a 40 minute drive to Santee, CA to Mission Gorge Road and the Sonic Drive-In there. When they got there, there were three orders of SuperSONIC Double Cheeseburgers; Animal got a double order of bacon put on the burger. Liandra wanted Chili Cheese Fries and a regular Cheeseburger along with a Banana shake. Animal got one too. Everyone else opted for cola. Then they happily got on the road back to La Jolla to end up at Trish and Frank Burnett's place.
TRISH AND FRANK BURNETT'S RESIDENCE
9376 LA JOLLA FARMS
LA JOLLA, CA
"Tosh, it's so good to see you" Trish said wrapping Animal in a gigantic hug as Hammer grinned.
"Hey, Mom." Animal replied. Evidently Trish wanted every one of Hammer's friends to call her Mom. That was evident from the time that Hammer was in flight school and he invited a few of his close friends to his mother's house to have a meal or two. "Good to see you."
"And Liandra! Dear, you are looking great." Trish kissed her on both cheeks as Lia gave her a big hug.
"Glad you could make it, Admiral". Harm said. Animal gave him a glare.
"Hey...I don't wear stars on the weekend. Harm, Ditch the admiral...kiddo...It's Animal when we're not wearing uniform."
Metalman. Kimber and Scooter looked a little lost while Skates grinned up at Harm who looked extremely surprised. "Skates!"
"Hammer..."
Animal interjected. "Found this little lost lamb and dragooned her into helping you move. Hammer, Hope you got enough pizza."
Trish said. "Nonsense. I sent Frank out last night for fixins for BBQ. Why eat pizza. It's so unhealthy."
"Mom, I want to introduce you to my friends." Animal said. "This is Captain Kimberly Benton, Commander Philip "Metalman" Burrows and Commander Michael "Scooter" Fenwick.
"I'm so pleased to meet you. I hope you'll have a chance to eat some of the BBQ that Frank is out on the porch cooking up for later." Trish replied as she shook each of their extended hands.
Harm's daughter came out to see them. "Hi, Admiral." she said brightly. "How are you."
"As I told Harm, Mattie, it's Animal on weekends." Animal gave Mattie a big hug. "How's things coming?" referring to her therapy.
Mattie returned the hug. "Hey, it's going great, but it's slow going. I've been getting some really good workouts from the base therapists and it's helping...but slow."
"Keep up with it, champ. I know you can do it." Animal replied, giving her a pat on the shoulder.
"So, you all ready to move to the new place?"
"As much as I love being here with Grandma and Grandpa, I think they want their place back." Mattie grinned.
Harm started carrying boxes down to the rented moving van. "We have to go by Jen's house later." he said. Everyone started pitching in and helping with all the boxes.
"Jen?" Animal queried. "I didn't know Legalman One Coates was here in San Diego."
"She's separated from the Navy, Animal."
"Oh..." Animal queried.
"And she's taking Psychology at UofSD." Harm grinned. There was something definitely going on with Hammer, Animal thought. This was the look of a guy who knew that he had the girl of his dreams.
"Ah...and she's moving in with ya, right?" Animal said getting an evil grin on his face. "Sure, no problem, we'll help Jen too."
Harm turned beet red in embarrasment.
"No problem, she's no longer in the Navy, buddy, frat regs don't apply." Animal said cheerily. "Go get her." Animal said.
"Go get who." a cheery voice replied, as one Jennifer Coates peered around the corner. "Hi, Admiral." Animal shook his head in amazement.
"I think that's the fifth time today, I've had to tell someone to not call me Admiral." Animal sighed. "Not an admiral during weekends, Jen."
Jen smiled and reached out and gave Animal a hug. "So...how are you doing?"
"Not too bad. Keeping your hubby-to-be out of trouble during office hours," Animal grinned as Jen turned beet red.
"We haven't got that far yet." Jen replied once she was able to reply after quelling down laughter.
Trish coming back from the kitchen remarked. "Well, Jen, I hope it's soon." she said archly giving Harm a look that caused Harm to turn beet red for the second time that morning and causing Jen deep down inside to think 'I hope so...too.' silently to herself.
"Last box!" Metalman said as he deposited it on the moving van. "Do we have room to load Jennifer's stuff on the truck as well or should we just unload over at your new place, Harm!"
"Yeah, unload over at our new place first, then we'll go after Jen's stuff." Harm replied. "After we're done, Mom and Frank have a BBQ for us." Animal's ears perked up at that. "Knew Animal would notice." Harm smirked.
"Oh, food of any sort will get my husband all worked up." Lia replied to Harm.
Harm took a moment to ask Lia how the RLSO Southwest was working out. "Not too bad; not overloaded with cases, but I may have to ask LGEN Cresswell if I can transfer in about three more attorneys."
"Thought about bringing in Meg Austin and Kate Pike?"
"Commanders Pike and Austin," Lia said. "Certainly. It would be nice to have some family close by." she said thinking about Animal's brother who was currently dating Commander Meg Austin.
"By the way, How's Brian doing?" Harm asked.
Lia says. "Well, we hear from hubby's brother sporadically. He's MARCOMFOR2's commander so he gets shuttled around everytime the you-know-what hits the fan. I know he's seeing Commander Austin and things look pretty serious from the last time that Brian was in contact with us."
Harm grinned. "I guess we may be seeing wedding bells and an announcement in the near future."
Lia grinned. "That's if you and Jen don't beat them to the altar first. " she smirked. Harm grinned back.
"Hey are you two gonna quit chatting so we can get on the road." Animal complained. "We still have to drop your stuff over at the new place before you end up not being able to do Jen's stuff until tomorrow!"
"Yes, sir." Harm replied.
"I'm not an Admiral on the weekend...darn it!" Animal grumbled at which Metalman piped up.
"Y'know, I'm getting hungry again." Animal smacked him in the back of the head with the palm of his hand. "OW!"
"We got all of Jen's packing done last night. Took us until two o'clock in the morning though." Harm said. "So let's get a move on."
HARM & JEN'S TOWNHOUSE
MARINERS COVE APARTMENTS
W. Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA
1100 hrs June 30, 2007
Harm pulled up and the rest of the convoy pulled up behind him. As the realtor transferred the keys to Harm, Animal looked appreciatively at the townhouse and said so. "Hey, that's a nice place."
"Thanks. We found it with the help of the realtor. The realtor's an ex-E-7, Chief Machinist's Mate, off the USS Nathan James. DDG-80 * - (AN: If anyone has read the book by William Brinkley called "The Last Ship" will recognize this ship. It is a really thrilling book that has one hell of an ending). The realtor looked over at Animal.
"Pleased to meet you, sir." The realtor extended his hand and Animal shook it.
"Chief, since I'm off-duty right now. It's Animal." Animal said. "It's my callsign."
"I guessed that, Animal." the realtor said. "you flyboys have such great handles. When I was serving on the USS Nathan James, the Phantoms used to always give us cover when we were off the Vietnam coast. Kept us from getting shelled by NVA shore batteries." The realtor said. "Well, I have a few more appointments to keep. Good to meet you. We'll see you around."
The crew managed to get the boxes in and quickly wrapped up within about 2 hrs, guided by Harm as to where they should put it all. Then Harm and the rest of the crew got in their vehicles and headed over to Monitor Road to pick up Jennifer's belongings that were packed away.
JENNIFER COATE'S SUITE
Monitor Road
San Diego, CA
"Here we go." Jennifer said as she opened the door to her suite and the rest of the crew piled in to grab boxes and shuffle out to the moving van. There weren't a whole lot of boxes there and the basement suite was cleared out quickly. The keys were handed over to the landlord and Jen finally looked at the place for the last time. "Well..." she said to Harm. "I guess we start on our road together." She leaned into Harm for a hug. "I'll miss this place, but I'm not going to get emotional over it. Our place is Mariner's Cove."
It was time to hit the road back to Mariner's Cove Apartments and get Jen's stuff dropped off, because they had to all meet back at Trish and Frank's place for the BBQ.
HARM & JEN'S TOWNHOUSE
MARINERS COVE APARTMENTS
W. Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA
1500 hrs June 30, 2007
Harm and Jen pulled up to the Mariner's Cove Apartments as the lumbering moving van pulled to a stop and Scooter got out. The rest of the gang pulled up in Animal's car, a 2004 Impala. By 1700 hrs they were all done. They were tired, and sweaty...but they knew that the BBQ was at around 1845 so they packed themselves up and headed over to Trish and Frank Burnett's place.
TRISH AND FRANK BURNETT'S RESIDENCE
9376 LA JOLLA FARMS
LA JOLLA, CA
1830 hrs
Animal and the rest of the gang pulled in while Scooter and Harm went to take the rental van back. Harm took his Lexus with him so that he could transport Scooter back to the BBQ. In the meantime, Liandra, Skates and Jen helped with what they could in the kitchen to help Frank and Trish get the BBQ together. Animal cracked open a Pepsi (his favorite drink as he would be driving the rest of the gang, who helped Harm move, home that night, before heading back home to his own place with Lia.
There were plenty of nice smells coming from Frank's BBQ when Harm and Scooter pulled up about an hour and a half later. As the first ribs started to come in through the door on a big platter. the hungry pilots and one JAG lawyer started to dig in. Animal and Liandra noticed Jen sitting close to Harm and frequently touching his arm or making conversation with him and Lia knowingly grinned at Animal. She whispered "Harm's got it bad."
Animal snickered. "I know." as he dug into Trish's famous potato salad. "I swear, Mom!" he said to Trish as she came around to offer him a second helping of salad. "I can never get enough of this potato salad. It's terrific."
"Well, eat up, Toshio, you all have worked hard today helping Harm and his fiancee move today."
Lia looked up in surprise at Trish, "Fiancee?"
"Oh, I'm sure, it's mother intuition, that very soon, Harmon is going to ask Jennifer to marry him. A mother is never wrong about those things."
2100 HRS
The BBQ broke up about 2100 hrs and the gang said their "thanks" to Trish and to Frank for their hospitality.
"Well, Harm, I gotta get these little lost sheep over to their BOQ" Animal said as he headed for his Impala. We'll see you on Monday. Enjoy your new place . Use Sunday and get unpacked, because we got some serious work to do." Animal grinned.
"I'll see you Monday. Animal." Harm replied. "Thanks for helping Jen and I to get moved in. Appreciate it."
"No problem, tell your Mom that the BBQ was fantastic." Animal grinned back and opened the car door to get in. The rest of the gang hollered their good-byes to the Burnetts and to Jen and Harm and Mattie. Animal pulled out of the driveway and headed towards I-5.
NAS NORTH ISLAND BOQ
San Diego, CA
2143 HRS
Pulling into the BOQ, Animal said to Metalman "See you at 0645 on Monday." as Scooter and Metalman got out of the car.
"Does that mean, I'm free Sunday?" Metalman said.
"Well we got it done today." Animal replied "Skates, we'll drive you over to the VOQ since you're on your way to NAS Lemoore on Monday."
"Thank you, Animal" Skates replied as they pulled away from the sidewalk.
After dropping Skates off at the VOQ, Animal turned to Liandra and said "Let's go home, hon." as he pointed the Impala off-base.
HARM & JEN'S TOWNHOUSE
MARINERS COVE APARTMENTS
W. Point Loma Blvd
San Diego, CA
2300 HRS
Jen, Mattie and Harm entered their new townhouse and sighed as they saw the bed that was still in pieces. "Do you want to put the bed together tonight?" he sighed. "At least Mattie's bed is together, we got that done while they were still here. But our bed is still in pieces."
"How simple is it?" Jen replied. Mattie had gone to bed because she was exhausted.
"It'll probably take about 15-20 minutes to put it back together, but it's 2300 hrs." Harm said.
Jen sighed. "I think I'd rather sleep on the floor if we just lay the mattress on the floor and put some blankets over it for now. We can put the frame together tomorrow." And they both did exactly that.
Grabbing a drink, Harm quenched his thirst, while Jen got out a towel and headed up to go take a quick shower before bed time. Harm quickly used the time to strip out of his clothes leaving just his boxers and a t-shirt. When Jen came out of the ensuite of their bedroom, she looked at him. "Wow..." she said looking at him impishly. "Gotta love that hunk of a pilot." She smiled at Harm.
"Oh? Where's the pilot?" Harm teased. " I don't see one."
"You...o Captain, my dearest Captain." She dropped the bathrobe revealing a sheer negligee which caused Harm's jaw to nearly drop to the floor. She moved into his arms. "I love you, Harm." She murmured to him. "I want you."
"Are you sure?" Harm asked quietly and reverently gazing upon that heavenly form of Jennifer Coates. He could barely believe that Jen would want every bit of him. That she was giving him the most precious thing she had: her body. That their relationship had gone from friendship, to that of lovers, that they were now pledging to give of themselves their entire body and soul in an intimate relationship. That they were actually going to physically have sex and that this encounter would mean a whole new direction for the rest of their lives.
"Entirely; 100% sure," Jen purred. "I've wanted you ever since we worked together at JAG HQ. When you told me that you were finally free, I made up my mind to give myself entirely to you."
"You know that once we take this step." Harm replied. "That I'm only going to want more of you." he said. "And I'll want to make this official."
"Talk later." hushed Jen with her fingers on Harm's lip. "Make love to me...NOW!"
Harm did as she commanded. (AN: Yes, I'm going to be seriously evil and leave the explicit detail up to you imagination...so there)
