Disclaimer: JAG belongs to DPB, Paramount, CBS et al. This is for fun, no copyright infringement is intended.

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- USS Seahawk, early the next morning

Webb woke with a start at the first sound of his tiny alarm clock and silenced it quickly. He heard Harm first stir in the lower bed then roll over as he switched on the light. Making as little noise as possible he climbed down and got dressed but left vest, tie and jacket on the hook. Instead he grabbed his washbag once more and quietly left the room.

When he returned Harm was still turned towards the wall and breathing evenly. Webb didn't try to talk to him. In silence he finished dressing, gathered his things and closed his bag. After one last look around to make sure he hadn't forgotten anything he sat down to check his gun. Finally he slung his bag over his shoulder, picked up his laptop in its cover and walked to the door. There he hesitated for a split second. He knew Harm wasn't sleeping any more.

Pictures came to his mind. Harm's little nod in the courtroom during Admiral Boon's court marshal to thank him for persuading the key-witness into taking the stand. His look of relief when he was told that Sergei was a prisoner but at least alive. His voice full of sympathy as they watched the tape of the Angel Shark and talked about Webb's transfer.

Webb sighed softly but then he just opened the door, stepped out and closed it behind him.

After he had waited a few minutes in the corridor a very young seaman approached him. The fresh face showed surprise that Webb was already waiting.

"Uh- Good morning, Sir. Seaman Calpony. The helicopter is ready, Sir. I'm sent to show you the way-"

"Well, then take the lead," Webb snapped not too friendly. He followed the boy - he couldn't bring himself to think of him as a man - through the labyrinth of steel towards the flight deck. Unsuccessfully he tried to shake off the strange feeling pulling at him. The feeling that he had lost something precious ... that had meant a lot to him.

At the sound of the closing door Harm opened his eyes and rolled on his back. He tugged his hands under his head. Taking deep breaths he stared at the bottom of the upper bed without seeing it. So much was going through his head he wasn't able to sort out.

What had happened last night? So much anger and pain ... how had it come so far? And why did he feel so ... sad? There was no reason to feel sad. You shouldn't feel sad because of something you never had.

Harm tried to push the pictures away. Webb's raised eyebrows as he changed places with Bobby Latham in his office at Langley and he realized that he had been tricked into helping in Admiral Boon's case. The look on his face when he told him and Renee that he had resigned his commission and would go and search for Sergei. His cold voice after he had accused him of lying under oath.

Harm blinked then he continued to stare. He could feel his heart beating. When he swallowed the sound seemed to echo in the room. Slowly he shook his head.

And he could still hear the unmistakable little sounds of a gun being checked.

Suddenly Harm sat and swung his feet from the mattress. He headed for his uniform. The trousers seemed to be all tangled up and cursing under his breath he fought to get them on. He needed two attempts to fasten his belt. Unfortunately his hurry did nothing to improve the situation. By the time he had managed to get into his shoes he had almost tore his uniform-shirt. He buttoned the last button at the door, jerked it open and didn't bother to shut it correctly.

He started to run. His steps pounded on the deck.

Webb closed his jacket with one hand and shook his head as Calpony offered again to take his bag. The young seaman opened the door to the flight deck and the sound of whirling rotor blades swept in together with a sharp gust of wind.

"Webb!" The scream drowned in the deafening noise.

Webb narrowed his eyes against the wind, braced his shoulders and grabbed his bags tighter. Calpony nodded to him.

"CLAY!"

Webb froze in the middle of his step. Then he spun around. His face showed his surprise.

Harm stumbled to a halt and rested his hands on his knees to catch his breath. The young seaman showed enough wits to shut the door so the noise sank to a bearable level. Finally Harm brought himself in an upright position and met Webb's eyes.

For a long moment they just stared at each other until Harm cleared his throat. He made a small gesture with his head and shoulder.

"Well, whatever you're up to, Clay ... don't get yourself killed."

For what seemed to be an eternity Webb didn't move a muscle. Then he gave Harm a tight-lipped smile and a short nod. After some more seconds he looked down and turned away.

The young seaman jumped and quickly opened the door then pulled it shut behind them. A few minutes later the steel vibrated under the force of the rotor blades speeding up even more and stilled again as the helo took off.

Harm stood deep in thoughts. Slowly he raised his fist and tapped a few times against the next wall. The metal was cold to the touch. After one last look to the door he walked down the corridor.

The end.

Author's note:

"Nighttalk" was "a night's talk" and I think you can't restore a badly damaged friendship in one night. So yes, it really ends here.

Once more a big thank you for all the reviews!!