Title: Gold Wings and Dress Whites

Author: Anaika Skywalker

Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au

Rating: PG

Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.

Author's Note: Okay I'm happy, Harm is going back to JAG (I know this because I watched the preview on the Internet. Yes us poor Aussie's are still on season eight.) Not that I had any doubts that he wouldn't end back there. I mean just how long could they keep that man out of those sexy uniforms. Okay enough of my ramblings on to the thank yous.

Winjan: Thank you so much for your review, I always look forward to your nice words.

Sann3187: Its true all good things must come to an end, thank you for your review.

Maria: Thank you for your nice words.

BJ: I'm glad you think it's a good story. I'd just like to add. I have a spell and grammar checker on my laptop that is very good and I use it quiet regularly.

Gold Wings and Dress Whites

Chapter Nineteen: Formalities and Homecomings

USS Liberty Bell

Two hours out of Norfolk

Captain Pete Mitchell walked beside his XO, they were on their way to meet the Liberty Bell's new Cag and the ships new XO. A formality they'd wanted over and done with before arriving in port.

Captain Joseph Janus was quiet, keeping his thoughts to himself.

"It's been a memorable tour, XO." Pete said making conversation.

"That it has sir," he agreed. "We've stopped a terrorist attack, found a killer, stopped a saboteur and survived having two Rabb's on board."

The Skipper laughed. "Not to mention having the JAG and an armed Gunnery Sergeant on the bridge."

Joseph chuckled. "Well they do say the Navy is more than a job, it's an adventure, sir."

"That they do," he agreed laughing.

Coming onto the flight deck they saw the Liberty Aces were present and all had made the effort to be in duty uniform instead of their usual flight suites.

Joseph noticed the Rabb's stood together but very much aloft, they remained professional.

"This is going to be hard on Harm, the Aces became his very quickly."

"He's a good officer and they respected him as much as they did you," Pete noted, adding. "I'm putting them both in for their third DFC and their RIO's in for a commendations. Landing on a dark aircraft carrier in those conditions was short of a miracle and those two pulled it off."

"That's why they're the best, sir."

The conversation was put on hold as the Cod landed and taxied to a halt. It's passengers disembarking.

Sera glanced at her husband. "Is that who I think it is?"

"It is."

"Did you know?"

"No," he answered with a grin. "At least I know the Aces will be in good hands."

"Not as good as your," she said without hesitation.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Captain Mitchell greeted to the two officers, Commander Jack Keeter and Commander Alexandra Thomas, his new Cag and executive officer. "Welcome aboard the USS Liberty Bell."

"Thank sir," both acknowledged.

"This is my XO, Captain Joseph Janus. You'll be taking over his job, Commander Thomas."

Alexandra Thomas was a woman in her thirties, who had fought hard for her position. She was medium in height, short light brown hair and hazel eyes; elfin features hid her age making her look younger than she was. She shook Janus' hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you sir."

"Like wise, Commander."

"Commander Keeter, you have bigger shoes to fill," Captain Mitchell stated. "Not only were the Liberty Aces Captain Janus' to commander, they've been under the guidance of our temporary Cag, Commander Rabb. And those shoes Commander will be hard to fill."

Jack smiled cheekily. "I think I can handle the job, sir," he said with confidence.

"Well if you can't Commander, the squadron's XO will gladly take over for you," the Skipper informed, keeping a straight face. "I believe you know her."

Jack turned and took a look, seeing whom the Skipper meant. "Yes sir I do."

Alexandra Thomas looked. "I'm a little confused, sir."

"That Commander Thomas it the lovely, Lieutenant Commander Sera Rabb, call sign Angel," Jack informed. "She's a Top Gun pilot, holds two DFC's and has the pleasure of being the only combat pilot to give our Commander and Chief a joyride in a Tomcat."

"And Commander Harmon Rabb's wife," Pete added. "Do you have a problem with that, Commander Thomas?"

"No sir, I'm sure there is a reason why the Navy is letting the Commander server with his wife," she stated.

"That Commander is a long story," he said, than turned to Janus. "I'll go and introduce the Commander to the rest of the senior staff, I'll let you break Commander Keeter to the Aces, they look ready to bolt."

"No sir, they're just a little eager to get into the air and home sir." He assured.

"Very well, carry on."

Both men came to attention as the Captain and Commander left the flight deck.

"Well Commander lets get this over and done with," Joseph Janus declared.

"Yes sir."

Both Rabb's met them half way, a casual ease to their stance. "Sir, I thought we were being sent our new Cag," Sera said with mock annoyance. "All I see is an aging test pilot."

"A bad one at that," Harm said with the same tone. "I've had to bail his sorry six out a few times."

"Well Commander's, the Navy is desperate," the Captain declared enjoying this bantering.

Sera sighed. "Could we throw him back sir, I happen to like the Cag we have."

"So do I sir," David Smith smirked as he stood next to his driver.

Becca Summers and the others of the squad also joined them. She walked behind Keeter, and than stood with Sera. "I agree we should throw him back, Commander Rabb has a cuter six."

Harm couldn't help but chuckle. "Thank you Ice."

"You're welcome sir."

Michelle Cater had a look too. "She has a point, Captain."

Joseph shook his head. "All right enough," he insisted. "Commander Jack Keeter, these unruly aviators are the Liberty Aces, Sera you know, the others are: Lieutenants David Smith, Becca Summers, Jodi Kane, Marcus Campbell, Dylan McGuire, Eric Curran, Tyler McGregor, Michelle Cater, Paul Stevens and Ensigns Rudy Michaels and Tracy McDonnell. As well as our TDY officer, from the Patrick Henry, Lieutenant Elizabeth Hawks."

"They're a good bunch, Keeter," Harm assured seriously. "A little rough around the edges, but you'll get use to them."

"Well I'm sure I'll have them wiped into shape in no time," he said with a cheekily smile.

All the Aces groaned, shook their heads and walked away.

"What did I say?" Jack asked, trying not to laugh.

Joseph chuckled. "You'll get use to them, Commander," as they followed them off the flight deck. "Harm was right through, they are a good bunch. He's done a good job with them, and they respect him. The Captain meant it when he said you'd have large shoes to fill."

"Well he's a damn good aviator, sir," Jack agreed. "And so is his wife. I look forward to flying with her."

"Commander, if I were you, I'd worry more about her taking your job," Joseph warned. "Because she will be Cag, if not of the Liberty Aces, than another squadron, but she will do it."

"Than I wish her luck sir,"

"So do I Commander, so do I," he said as they continued.

And hour out of Norfolk, the squadron had launched, Captain Janus taking the lead for the last time, a Rabb on either wing. The Cod had gone a head of them with Commander Keeter and the squadron's belongings. This was the last time the Liberty Aces would fly under the Captain's command and they were honored to be in the sky with him.

Sera looked over at the lead Tomcat. "Are you going to miss it Cag?"

"How could I not, Angel," Joseph answered her. "You're all family."

"So are you, Cag." David told him.

"Thanks Zapper."

"Keeter will look after them, Cag," Harm told him.

"I know he will, Hammer. If he doesn't I'll come back and kick his six."

"I'll help sir."

"We all will," Beth spoke up.

Joseph laughed. "Skates, if you ever get tired of flying with those Raptors let me know. I'll make sure there's a position for you on my staff."

"Yes sir."

"All right boys and girls, lets go home."

"Aye, aye sir," each and every one of them acknowledged.

Norfolk Naval Air Station

Virginia

Corey Rabb stood with the Admiral, his Uncle, and cousin, Colonel Mackenzie and Naval Officer, Lieutenant Commander Meg Austin-Smith, who was Lieutenant David Smith's wife. And at one time had been his father's partner at JAG; Mac had explained it all to him. With them also was Ally Janus, Captain Janus' wife. Family members of all the squadron members were there waiting for their love ones to arrive.

"There daddy!" Emily said excitedly, pointing up into the sky.

Colonel Matthew Mitchell looked where his daughter pointed and smiled. "That's them squirt."

The Cod landed first and taxied to a halt, followed by the squadron of Tomcats, each making a perfect landing. Taxiing into a perfect line, they stopped and shut down, pilots and RIO's climbing down, removing helmets. Making their way over to their family members, who broke to meet them half way.

Corey hurried over to his parents, hugging them both. "I've missed you."

"We've missed you kiddo," Sera told him. She held him at arms length. "You've grown,"

He blushed. "A little."

They heard a squeal and saw Emily running towards them, Harm caught her as she throw herself into his arms. Which wasn't an easy feat while still holding onto his helmet. "Hey Em."

She hugged him tight. "Hi Uncle Harm."

He stood with her in his arms and they walked towards their family.

"Welcome home Commander, Lieutenant Commander," the Admiral greeted.

"Thank you sir," both acknowledged.

"It's good to be home sir," Sera stated. "Thank you for looking after Corey."

"It was my pleasure."

Matt gave his sister a hug. "You look great, sister dear."

"Thank you brother dear," she smirked, and than hugged Mac. "Hi sister dear."

"Hi Sera, welcome home."

"Thanks."

Mac gave Harm a warm hug. "I see you made it back in one piece."

"Don't I always?"

"Well," she began, and than laughed.

"Alright, don't answer that."

"It's good to have you back Harm, JAG has been very quiet."

"Too quiet, I can't get any work done," AJ grumbled. Than noted. "You have time on the books Commander, I suggest you take it and spend some time with your wife before the Navy ships her out again."

"Yes sir, thank you sir."

"Well I wouldn't get any sense out of you anyway," he declared, than addressed Sera. "I trust you'll keep him out of trouble, Angel?"

"Yes sir," she agreed smiling.

"Good," he said sternly. "And since I'm your ride home, I suggest you both get you're six's into gear, I've got work to do back at JAG."

"Yes sir," both said. Harm putting Emily down, before he and Sera hurried off.

A few minutes later they met the Admiral and Corey by the Admiral's car, carrying their bags, still in their flight suites but minus their safety gear. "All set sir." Harm told him.

"Lets go than," he popped the boot for them.

Bags were put away and got into the car, waving to other members of the squadron who were also leaving. Corey sat up front with the Admiral, leaving his parents in the back.

Sera rested her head against the headrest as they left the base, glancing at her husband. "Do you know what I'm looking forward to the most?"

"Our bed," he guessed.

Smiling she nodded. "How did you guess?"

"The look in your eyes," Harm told her and they laughed softly.

AJ smiled as he drove, if anything their time together had brought Harm and Sera closer, and they hadn't been able to conduct their relationship at all while on board ship. Well not that anyone was admitting to, he had no doubts there were the occasional slip-ups that involved more then just what the Captain reported. No doubts, and he was very sure no one on board the Liberty Bell would make any accusations about either of them. They were family and he'd found out very quickly the crew on board the Liberty Bell was a tight knit family. Much like the family he shared at JAG.

Pulling into the driveway of the Rabb house, he turned the engine off, getting out he unlocked the boot.

Corey had gotten out and grabbed his parent's bags, hurrying toward the house, which he had keys for.

Sera and Harm got out themselves, seeing their eager son.

"Samantha and Michael came around this morning and opened the house up and did some shopping for you," the Admiral informed. "They said they'll call you later on this afternoon."

"Thank you Admiral." Sera said smiling. "For everything."

He nodded. "It's good to have you both back," he said. "Enjoy your time off."

"We shall sir," Harm agreed.

Getting back in the car, AJ started the engine. "Oh and Commander ring your mother, let her know your home safe, both of you."

"Yes sir."

"Good. Carry on."

"Aye sir."

After the Admiral backed out and drive away, Harm drew his wife into his arms. "So Mrs. Rabb, want to go inside?"

"Very much so, Mr. Rabb,"

"I though you might," he swung her up into his arms and carried her side, kicking the door shut, as she laughed at his antics. "Corey give your grandma Trish a ring and let her know we're home, please," he called out. "Your mum and I are going to be busy for a while."

"Sure dad," he called back from the family room, chuckling to himself.

Harm started for the bedroom. "Well trained son, we have there."

"The best," Sera mused. "Takes after his father."

"Of that I have no doubts," he stated. Carrying her into the bedroom, he dumped her on the bed, locking the door before joining her. "Now where were we?"

"About here," she announced and straddled him, leaning over she kissed him, thrusting her tongue past his teeth.

Groaning he rolled her beneath him. "We'll go slow next time," he guaranteed and hurried to remove her clothes with as much haste as she used to remove his. Needing to touch her, to make love to her, to be touched by her and loved by her. Getting both, making love with a firry passion that shook them both to their core.

"Harm."

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too Sera. Welcome home sweetheart."

She kissed him. "Welcome home Sailor," she whispered and she made love with him again, this time more slowly. Making every moment worth the wait.

To be continued.