DEEP TALK 1/10
Authors: Damngunnyshot and LeE
Classification: Romance, Some Humor H/M
Disclaimers: JAG doesn't belong to us. It belongs to DPB and CBS. We were just having some fun...
A.N. from Shannon: When Lilly suggested writing a story together, I figured 'oh sure, that'll be fun. Lilly's a great writer. Shouldn't take us too long'. Two outta three ain't bad, right? It *was* fun and you *are* a great writer, and I would like to thank you for being a great co-author! Your humour has gotten me through this experience and it has been a pleasure to work with you. You, the readers, may notice inconsistencies with spellings of certain words. This used to be a direct result of an American (Lilly) co-authoring with a Canadian (me), although I think I'm rubbing off on her-she's starting to spell like a Canadian :-) LOL!!
A.N. from Lilly: Well, what a ride huh Shannon? We certainly had fun writing this, and you're right: it *was* fun, and it *did* take us longer than we expected, but hey! We got it done! :) I guess with both of us being beta readers as well as writers, it was bound to take a little longer...:) Well, if it were for me, this story would've been 1,000 pages long, so I know for a fact we never would've gotten all the ideas in paper had it not been for my great co-author that always kept us on the right track when the ideas were flying everywhere. Thanks Shannon!! As for my "inconsistencies" in spelling, well I can neither confirm nor deny that rumour (rumor?) LOL...
Feedback: If you feel inclined to do so, please send feedback to Lilly at lee_81881@yahoo.com or to Shannon at damngunnyshot@yahoo.com Thanks!
*PART 1 *
JAG HQ
0900 EST
The rumors had been circulating around for weeks. It wasn't normal for the focused and respectable Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. to listen to scuttlebutt. It just wasn't like him to pay attention to that kind of stuff. Besides, the past few years, the scuttlebutt around the office had focused on one thing only. Harm and Mac. Their turbulent relationships with their significant others had been the topic of interest for a long time after Harm returned from flying. Harm had heard a couple of sensationalist stories about the events that had taken place while they were in Australia. It seemed everyone wanted to know how the Colonel had ended up half-engaged to Commander Brumby, and consequently how Bud had ended up with a wired jaw. Harm had chosen not to deal with the situation, and had settled for a distraction, Renee.
Countless nights since that fateful ferry ride, he had tossed and turned, trying to get rid of the memories, to bury the feelings, to erase that painful look he had seen darken his partner's face as he broke her heart. On a daily basis, he had to remind himself that she had made her choice, that she didn't want him, that she loved Mic, that he had lost his chance. Numerous times he had found himself in front of his computer, getting ready to write that transfer request letter that could take him somewhere far away, where he wouldn't have to witness the consequences of his own stupidity. However, life had taught him that problems never went away magically. He had to face his demons and put them behind. He had done that many times. Ironically, Mac had always been there for him, and after Australia, he found himself trying to bury her in the past, just like he had done with his father, Diane, and flying. Thinking along these lines, he had decided, months before her wedding, to stop playing the petulant child role, and be the friend that he knew Mac needed. Time had gone by, and before he knew it, he found himself in the middle of the ocean, on a dark stormy night, fighting for his life, and praying for one last chance.
God had apparently granted his wish. Mac had rescued him, and days later he found himself turning away from her once again when she needed him most. Thinking back, he tried to justify what he had done. He tried to tell himself that he had done the right thing, that Renee needed him and that it was the honorable thing to do. 'Come on, Counselor. That's weak. You can do better than that' he thought, but decided not to dwell on it any longer. After all, they survived right? He didn't die, Mac didn't get married, and their friendship was getting back on track, right? Wrong. All they'd succeeded in doing the past year was sweeping everything under the rug, hoping it never reappeared. Unconsciously, they had both avoided the real issues, the hurt, the nightmares, the tears.
Tearing himself away from his thoughts, Harm stood up and sighed deeply. It was time for staff call, and for once he was in early. Today was the day the new lawyer was due to arrive at Headquarters. Ever since he'd heard about it through office rumors he'd walked around with a frown on his face. Everyone had noticed it, but chalked it up to the Commander's ego. Everyone thought Harm was nervous about this new guy taking his place as the top gun at JAG. Well, he was worried all right, not about someone taking first place at JAG, but in Mac's life. What if this new hotshot lawyer/pilot decided to go after Mac like Brumby had done? What would he do if....
"Ready for staff call, flyboy? Or would your rather keep standing there beautifying your office?" Mac's voice came through his door as he realized he'd been standing there for quite a while.
"What? No smart ass comment about me being early today?" he quipped, amazed at how well he had recovered from that one. Practice makes perfect.
"Nah, I've decided to go easy on you. You know, with the new guy coming in today and all, I figured you'd have all the challenge your ego can take."
"For your information, I do NOT feel challenged or threatened by this "new guy" as you call him"
Mac scoffed and answered. "Yeah, right. I bet you it'll be just like when Mic.." she trailed off quickly as she realized what she'd said. They hadn't really talked about any of that. Actually, they'd knowingly avoided talking about the events that had started the avalanche, ending up in Harm's almost dying and her almost wedding. Mic's arrival at HQ had started it all.
Harm visibly tensed at her words, and after looking away for a second he turned back towards her and opened his mouth to speak. He wasn't sure what he was going to say, but figured even adlibbing was better than nothing at all.
"Uh, Mac..."
"Good morning you two. Ready to meet the new guy?" Sturgis walked happily towards them and smiled. He noticed quickly the tension in the air and realized he'd probably avoided WWIII by interrupting.
"Good morning, Sturgis" Mac said and Harm simply nodded and offered a tight smile.
"Well, we better get going. Unless you two plan on telling the Admiral we're late 'cause we were planning his birthday party!" Sturgis said and smirked. Relieved that the tension had lessened between them, Harm and Mac laughed and walked towards the courtroom.
"Good Morning, people" the Admiral started. A chorus of 'good morning Sirs' followed and the Admiral waited for it to end.
"Well, we have a few things to discuss today, but first..." The Admiral continued and waved over toward the 'new guy' who was sitting in the chair across from Mac. Because they'd walked in late, Harm had had to sit across from Mac instead of next to her, according to the usual sitting arrangements. Because of this, Harm had ended up sitting next to JAG's new acquisition and hadn't had the time to size up his new co-worker without it being too obvious. Mac, on the other hand, had already given him the once over, to Harm's dismay. He was tall, maybe a couple inches shorter than Harm, but tall nonetheless. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes caught her attention as she realized just how much he reminded her of Harm. If Harm were sitting across from him, he would've noticed the appreciative look he gave Mac as she sat down.
"Everybody, I'd like you all to meet Commander Patrick Jackson. He has been assigned to our office and will be working with us as of today. Commander Jackson will be partnered up with Commander Turner. I'm sure you'll all do your best to make him feel welcome here at JAG"
Everyone nodded and murmured 'yes, Sirs'. Minutes later staff call came to an end. Everyone started back towards the bullpen, but the three Commanders and the Lt. Colonel stayed behind as introductions were made in a less formal manner. The Admiral looked back towards the four before exiting the courtroom, and noticed Jackson give Mac an appreciative glance. 'Damn it. I might just have to order Rabb and Mackenzie to get married if I am to avoid a Rabb-Brumby repeat' he thought and sighed as the door closed behind him.
TBC
Authors: Damngunnyshot and LeE
Classification: Romance, Some Humor H/M
Disclaimers: JAG doesn't belong to us. It belongs to DPB and CBS. We were just having some fun...
A.N. from Shannon: When Lilly suggested writing a story together, I figured 'oh sure, that'll be fun. Lilly's a great writer. Shouldn't take us too long'. Two outta three ain't bad, right? It *was* fun and you *are* a great writer, and I would like to thank you for being a great co-author! Your humour has gotten me through this experience and it has been a pleasure to work with you. You, the readers, may notice inconsistencies with spellings of certain words. This used to be a direct result of an American (Lilly) co-authoring with a Canadian (me), although I think I'm rubbing off on her-she's starting to spell like a Canadian :-) LOL!!
A.N. from Lilly: Well, what a ride huh Shannon? We certainly had fun writing this, and you're right: it *was* fun, and it *did* take us longer than we expected, but hey! We got it done! :) I guess with both of us being beta readers as well as writers, it was bound to take a little longer...:) Well, if it were for me, this story would've been 1,000 pages long, so I know for a fact we never would've gotten all the ideas in paper had it not been for my great co-author that always kept us on the right track when the ideas were flying everywhere. Thanks Shannon!! As for my "inconsistencies" in spelling, well I can neither confirm nor deny that rumour (rumor?) LOL...
Feedback: If you feel inclined to do so, please send feedback to Lilly at lee_81881@yahoo.com or to Shannon at damngunnyshot@yahoo.com Thanks!
*PART 1 *
JAG HQ
0900 EST
The rumors had been circulating around for weeks. It wasn't normal for the focused and respectable Commander Harmon Rabb Jr. to listen to scuttlebutt. It just wasn't like him to pay attention to that kind of stuff. Besides, the past few years, the scuttlebutt around the office had focused on one thing only. Harm and Mac. Their turbulent relationships with their significant others had been the topic of interest for a long time after Harm returned from flying. Harm had heard a couple of sensationalist stories about the events that had taken place while they were in Australia. It seemed everyone wanted to know how the Colonel had ended up half-engaged to Commander Brumby, and consequently how Bud had ended up with a wired jaw. Harm had chosen not to deal with the situation, and had settled for a distraction, Renee.
Countless nights since that fateful ferry ride, he had tossed and turned, trying to get rid of the memories, to bury the feelings, to erase that painful look he had seen darken his partner's face as he broke her heart. On a daily basis, he had to remind himself that she had made her choice, that she didn't want him, that she loved Mic, that he had lost his chance. Numerous times he had found himself in front of his computer, getting ready to write that transfer request letter that could take him somewhere far away, where he wouldn't have to witness the consequences of his own stupidity. However, life had taught him that problems never went away magically. He had to face his demons and put them behind. He had done that many times. Ironically, Mac had always been there for him, and after Australia, he found himself trying to bury her in the past, just like he had done with his father, Diane, and flying. Thinking along these lines, he had decided, months before her wedding, to stop playing the petulant child role, and be the friend that he knew Mac needed. Time had gone by, and before he knew it, he found himself in the middle of the ocean, on a dark stormy night, fighting for his life, and praying for one last chance.
God had apparently granted his wish. Mac had rescued him, and days later he found himself turning away from her once again when she needed him most. Thinking back, he tried to justify what he had done. He tried to tell himself that he had done the right thing, that Renee needed him and that it was the honorable thing to do. 'Come on, Counselor. That's weak. You can do better than that' he thought, but decided not to dwell on it any longer. After all, they survived right? He didn't die, Mac didn't get married, and their friendship was getting back on track, right? Wrong. All they'd succeeded in doing the past year was sweeping everything under the rug, hoping it never reappeared. Unconsciously, they had both avoided the real issues, the hurt, the nightmares, the tears.
Tearing himself away from his thoughts, Harm stood up and sighed deeply. It was time for staff call, and for once he was in early. Today was the day the new lawyer was due to arrive at Headquarters. Ever since he'd heard about it through office rumors he'd walked around with a frown on his face. Everyone had noticed it, but chalked it up to the Commander's ego. Everyone thought Harm was nervous about this new guy taking his place as the top gun at JAG. Well, he was worried all right, not about someone taking first place at JAG, but in Mac's life. What if this new hotshot lawyer/pilot decided to go after Mac like Brumby had done? What would he do if....
"Ready for staff call, flyboy? Or would your rather keep standing there beautifying your office?" Mac's voice came through his door as he realized he'd been standing there for quite a while.
"What? No smart ass comment about me being early today?" he quipped, amazed at how well he had recovered from that one. Practice makes perfect.
"Nah, I've decided to go easy on you. You know, with the new guy coming in today and all, I figured you'd have all the challenge your ego can take."
"For your information, I do NOT feel challenged or threatened by this "new guy" as you call him"
Mac scoffed and answered. "Yeah, right. I bet you it'll be just like when Mic.." she trailed off quickly as she realized what she'd said. They hadn't really talked about any of that. Actually, they'd knowingly avoided talking about the events that had started the avalanche, ending up in Harm's almost dying and her almost wedding. Mic's arrival at HQ had started it all.
Harm visibly tensed at her words, and after looking away for a second he turned back towards her and opened his mouth to speak. He wasn't sure what he was going to say, but figured even adlibbing was better than nothing at all.
"Uh, Mac..."
"Good morning you two. Ready to meet the new guy?" Sturgis walked happily towards them and smiled. He noticed quickly the tension in the air and realized he'd probably avoided WWIII by interrupting.
"Good morning, Sturgis" Mac said and Harm simply nodded and offered a tight smile.
"Well, we better get going. Unless you two plan on telling the Admiral we're late 'cause we were planning his birthday party!" Sturgis said and smirked. Relieved that the tension had lessened between them, Harm and Mac laughed and walked towards the courtroom.
"Good Morning, people" the Admiral started. A chorus of 'good morning Sirs' followed and the Admiral waited for it to end.
"Well, we have a few things to discuss today, but first..." The Admiral continued and waved over toward the 'new guy' who was sitting in the chair across from Mac. Because they'd walked in late, Harm had had to sit across from Mac instead of next to her, according to the usual sitting arrangements. Because of this, Harm had ended up sitting next to JAG's new acquisition and hadn't had the time to size up his new co-worker without it being too obvious. Mac, on the other hand, had already given him the once over, to Harm's dismay. He was tall, maybe a couple inches shorter than Harm, but tall nonetheless. His dark hair and piercing blue eyes caught her attention as she realized just how much he reminded her of Harm. If Harm were sitting across from him, he would've noticed the appreciative look he gave Mac as she sat down.
"Everybody, I'd like you all to meet Commander Patrick Jackson. He has been assigned to our office and will be working with us as of today. Commander Jackson will be partnered up with Commander Turner. I'm sure you'll all do your best to make him feel welcome here at JAG"
Everyone nodded and murmured 'yes, Sirs'. Minutes later staff call came to an end. Everyone started back towards the bullpen, but the three Commanders and the Lt. Colonel stayed behind as introductions were made in a less formal manner. The Admiral looked back towards the four before exiting the courtroom, and noticed Jackson give Mac an appreciative glance. 'Damn it. I might just have to order Rabb and Mackenzie to get married if I am to avoid a Rabb-Brumby repeat' he thought and sighed as the door closed behind him.
TBC