Making a continued commitment

by fictionalmike

In 2018, I discovered the 2009 Harm-Meg marriage story "Making a Commitment" by author VISUALIDENTIFICATIONZETA. After writing 14 wonderful original chapters, Vidz had brought the story to a close. It struck me that this story had further potential. I offered to pick up the story of Harm and Meg's married life: I am delighted and honoured to have been entrusted by Vidz.

11. Chapter 11 - Welcome to America

Ch11: of "Making a Continued Commitment": "Welcome to America"

A/N: AU. This is a fictional story, in a fictional Alternative Universe, about fictional characters who entertained us in a fictional TV series between 1995 and 2005. Mike. Characters borrowed with love and appreciation for the great team who brought us "JAG"; may your following careers blossom.

A/N: AU: "they aren't mine, I'm just playing with them - apart from any fictional character created by myself". See Phase One of this story for the whole disclaimer A/N. Feel free to PM me if you spot any typos - my goal is 100% error-free. Feedback and comments are also welcome; I see plenty of followers and visitors to this story. Your opinions, critiques (and requests as PMs) are always helpful - and welcomed. (Ch 11 - all mistakes are mine!)

A/N: Originally inspired by the original story "Making a Commitment" by the excellent author VisualIdentificationZeta (summarised in Chapter One of this story). So, we now continue the further adventures of Harm and Meg, post-9/11, as they share married life with their little daughter Amanda – and an expanding family.

A/N: Publication date: 11-Sep-2021: summary: A quick update for September 11th, shorter than I had originally planned, but blame RL! After the surprise of meeting Sergei at The Wall on Christmas Eve, Harm and Megan begin to introduce the young Russian to American culture – and Jen Coates

A/N – link to Canon Episodes: also RL.

Characters from FFNET – H Rabb; Megan Austin-Rabb: Sergei Zhukov: Jennifer Coates and OC.

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Monday 24th December 2001, - 20:11hrs EST

Vietnam Memorial, Washington DC

Jen Coates had been curious to hear mention of "the Wall" and – after hearing Harm's explanation of the Rabb family history and the connections which both he and Megan shared with their fathers and Vietnam - had readily agreed to join Harm, Megan and little Amanda in the Lexus for the trip across to the Memorial. Megan had previously looked out a pair of long winter boots for Jen to wear out into the snow and she had gladly volunteered to hold Amanda. She would keep the little Rabb-child warm, whilst Harm and Megan walked down the depressingly-long walkway past the illuminated slabs of reflective black stone – designed so that those viewing the names saw themselves within the memorial.

As Harm saluted his father's name and turned to hug Megan, a polite cough sounded behind him, followed by a familiar – yet not-recently heard – voice.

"Hello, my brother".

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Harm spun round – just retaining his balance on the slippery walkway in front of the monument.

"Sergei! How lovely to see you again. But how…?"

Sergei turned, at the sound on a polite, apologetic cough. Clayton Webb approached the group.

"We've been on the road for 36 hours – your brother got himself captured by the Chechens, so I traded two box-cars of wheat and – here he is."

Harm's expression spoke the unvoiced gratitude. He simply extended his hand and thanked Webb.

"Merry Christmas, Harm ". With that, the spook nodded to Megan and then faded away into the darkness. The expanded Rabb party walked back to the Lexus as Sergei briefly updated Harm on his adventures and Harm performed the introductions.

"Sergei – my wife Megan Rabb, along with our family friend Jennifer Coates – also USN."

On looking at the slightly-younger Russian, Jen's eyes instinctively widened. Harm leaned into Megan and whispered in her ear: "No need to guess what's happening to young Jennifer's body right now?"

She smiled and playfully slapped his shoulder as she also tried to suppress a chuckle. "Behave, Mister Rabb! But I agree – she blushes beautifully!"

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Monday 24th December 2001, 21:13hrs EDT

78xx rebel Drive, Annandale, VA 22003

With warm drinks distributed and Megan putting Amanda down in her crib for the night after attending to her needs, Harm turned to Jen – who was deep in a whispered conversation with Sergei on the sofa.

"OK Coates – time for lock-up."

The resulting pout gave ample evidence of what Jennifer Coates thought of being locked up just at the point where she was developing a potential Christmas friendship! She was, obviously, still wearing the dress which Mac had donated but she obediently shuffled back along the sofa and stood up, as she quickly prepared for the walk out into the cold on her journey to Mac's home.

Sergei's eyes followed her: Harm smiled to himself – in any language it was clear to see the attraction between the two young military people.

"This could be interesting" he mused.

Jen picked up her overcoat: Sergei sprang from the sofa and helped her put it on.

"Brother, what are the Christmas plans?"

"Well, first thing tomorrow, one of us heads back across to Mac's (that's my JAG colleague, LtCol Sarah Mackenzie, who is Jennifer's "Jailer" over the holiday period) to spring Jen from her overnight cell. Then, we will hold an expanded family Christmas Day with our unexpected – but most welcome – extra family member."

Harm was pleased that the extra size of the former Brovo home would be coming to the rescue now that Sergei was likely to be staying for a while.

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As the Lexus pulled away from Rebel Drive for the short hop to Mac's apartment, Harm looked across to see that Jen's face was wet with tears.

"Problem, Coates?"

She sniffled and grabbed for a Kleenex from her purse before replying.

"Oh no Sir; tears of happiness for the first time in a long while in my life. I really owe you and your family a debt of gratitude for what looks likely to be my best ever Christmas since before my Mom died. I am blown away by the generosity of your family and colleagues. The welcome, the clothes, the shoes but most of all the way you have simply included me. Sir, this is just like a dream."

In the darkness of the car's cabin. Harm smiled to himself. His country had gained one more potential citizen, proving the enduring open nature of American culture which would triumph over the small-minded hatred of those who wished to do harm to his country.

"A Rabb family Christmas, with happiness spreading wider."

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End of Chapter 11 of "Making a continued commitment"; "Welcome to America"

Mike: England, 11-09-2021