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: This chapter took a little longer then I expected, mostly because I was blown away by the response of my other story 'Starting Over'. I still can't get over it. Well enough of that, thank you to everyone who reviewed and those who read by don't review, that's okay. Happy reading.
Winjan: I'm glad you liked Mac and Matt's wedding; it wasn't an easy one to write (the aircraft carrier wedding was hard to beat.) I hope you like this chapter too thank you for a nice review. And to answer you question, I'm guilty as charged. I did go back and do a little creative rewriting to help fit things in with 'Flashbacks', sorry for surprising you like that.
Jewels4: Thanks for the review; I'm glad you think it's wonderful
Debbie: Don't be sad, all things must come to an end but your right, not quiet yet. I still have a few things to accomplish yet. Thanks.
Gold Wings and Dress Whites
Chapter Twenty-five: Double Trouble
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church Virginia
Washington DC
28th August 2001
Admiral AJ Chegwidden stood next to the Captain of the Liberty Bell, today a sea of uniforms filled ops. It had nothing to do with cases though; today it had to do with honoring four aviators. Also among the uniforms was a scattering of casual dressed visitors, all there for the same reason.
"While serving aboard the USS Liberty Bell, the following officers; Commander Harmon Rabb, his RIO Lieutenant Elisabeth Hawks, Lieutenant Commander Sera Rabb and her RIO Lieutenant David Smith. Were returning from a routine patrol with their wingmen, when Commander Rabb, acting in temporary duty as Cag; received word the electrical systems on the USS Liberty Bell had been sabotaged and the flight deck was rendered dark," the Admiral read. "When for a brief moment landing lights were returned, both Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Commander Rabb ordered their wingmen to land. Their following decision was performed above and beyond the call of duty in the finest tradition of Naval services. Faced with no landing lights on the flight deck, Commander Rabb and Lieutenant Rabb chose to land on the unlit deck instead of ditching their aircraft because of low fuel. Their actions reflect great credit on themselves, Naval Aviation and the United States Navy. Commander Harmon Rabb and Lieutenant Commander Sera Rabb are hereby awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, third award."
While the Admiral pinned Harm's award to his uniform, Captain Mitchell pinned on Sera's, both being handed the documentation.
"Congratulations Commander, Lieutenant Commander." AJ said shaking their hands.
"Thank you sir."
He turned a little. "Mrs. Burnett if you wouldn't mind?"
Trish stepped forward and kissed her son and daughter-in-law's cheeks, then returned to her husband's side. They had arrived to be there for the ceremony and to help with the twins when they were born.
The Two officers stepped back, leaving Hawks and Smith before the Admiral and Captain.
Captain Mitchell took the commendations from Tiner. "Lieutenants David Smith and Elisabeth Hawks are hereby awarded commendations. Their level headedness aided their drivers to bring their aircrafts down safely," he presented them with their commendations, shaking their hands.
Taking a step back they stood once more with Harm and Sera, the four saluting the Admiral and Captain.
"At ease," the Admiral ordered. "Well done."
"Thank you sir," all acknowledged.
As he and Captain Mitchell moved back, others offered their congratulations.
Mic shook Sera's hand. "I wouldn't have like to have been in your shoes that night, Angel."
"You'd be amazed at what you can do when you have to, Mic," she told him grinning.
"Which isn't hard for Sera and Harm," Matt teased his sister.
"Be nice." Mac warned her husband.
"Yes dear."
They laughed at the bantering between the two newly married officers.
Meg Austin-Smith came over to them, her son snug at the crock of her shoulder. She'd transferred back to Falls Church to be close to her husband. "Thank you for keeping him safe for me, Sera. I didn't get a chance to say so before."
"We look after our own, Meg."
David slipped his arm around his wife as he teased his driver. "You just didn't want to break in a new RIO."
"You've got that right, Zapper."
"And he didn't want to have to break in a new driver." Harm teased.
"Commander," Pete Mitchell said joining them and their bantering. "You're lucky I didn't put Lieutenant Hawks in for the Medal of Honor for surviving flying with you."
"At least a Purple Heart," he jeered and they all laughed.
"The squadron at least deserves that for having you as Cag," Jack Keeter smirked.
"The whole Navy needs the Medal of Honor when it comes to surviving these two," a new voice commented behind them.
Those who had to turned to see who the speaker was, finding it was Alexander Nelson, the SecNav.
"Mr. Secretary." AJ greeted.
"AJ, sorry I'm late," he acknowledged. "Commanders, Lieutenants, congratulations."
"Thank you sir," they all said.
"Commander I hope you'll be staying out of the air for a while."
"Until my quals are due and unless needed, yes sir." Harm declared lightly.
The SecNav shook his head. "Perhaps you'd like an assignment where you get more flight time, Commander Rabb."
The Admiral spoke up before Harm could. "Are you suggesting I don't need Commander Rabb, sir?"
"I'm stating the Commander seems to spend more time in a cockpit then a courtroom, AJ," the SecNav declared.
"Which has made him the officer he is, Mr. Secretary," Trish Burnett stated as she and Frank came to stand next to Harm with their grandson. "And made Sera the officer she is."
"I meant no offence Mrs. Burnett," the SecNav assured.
"Of course you didn't, Mr. Secretary," she said smoothly with a smile.
The ringing phone, unnoticed by the others, was answered by the Gunny. "JAG ops, Gunnery Sergeant Galendez."
"Gunny, it's Commander Mitchell, could I speak to Commander Rabb or his wife please?"
"Yes Ma'am, hold on," he answered and put her on hold. "Commander Rabb."
Harm turned. "Yeah Gunny?"
"Phone call sir, line two. Commander Mitchell."
"Thanks Gunny," he gave his wife's hand a gentle squeeze, then headed for his office.
Trish moved closer to her daughter-in-law. "Sera?"
She managed a smile. "I'm sure everything is fine."
The SecNav meanwhile had ushered the Admiral into his office.
Captain Mitchell once more shook Sera's hand. "Good luck Angel, let me know when the twins are born."
"I will sir,' she assured. "Don't give the new squadron too much of a hard time, sir."
"Nothing they won't deserve, Angel," he smirked. "Make sure you and the rest of the Liberty Aces don't get to use to being state side. I want you all back."
"Aye sir."
He patted her arm, and then spoke briefly with Commander Keeter before leaving.
Sera left her friends talking with her mother and father-in-law, going over to her husband's office, going in after rapping lightly on the door, which she closed. Harm was off the phone. "Is everything all right?"
He went around to her. "Shawn just wanted to let us know Sam is fine and so are the twins, that we should go home and relax, either she or Michael will ring us when it's time."
"Nothing else?"
Harm drew her into his arms. "Nothing, I promise," he said calmly. "Are you all right?"
She nodded. "I suppose I'm just feeling a little selfish. Sam's doing all the hard work and I'm just going to waltz in take the twins."
"She doesn't think that's what's happening, Sera. Sam knows how much you've wanted a child of your own. Of our own, this is her gift to us. Her way of saying how much she loves you," he reassured.
"I know," she sighed, she'd been feeling this way since Michael had rang and told her Sam had gone into labor that morning. It was a little disturbing.
"Hey," Harm lifted her chin up. "Sam will be fine, the twins are going to be fine. They're only a few days early."
She managed to smile. "I guess then we're going to be parents pretty soon, Commander."
"We certainly are, Lieutenant Commander," he whispered, then lent closer and kissed her, cupping her face in his hand.
A knock on the door broke them apart; they chuckled and moved to stand away from each other.
"Enter!" Harm called.
The door opened and his stepfather came in. "Are you ready to go?"
"We are," both agreed following him out.
Saying goodbye to everyone, they left, driving home. Changing out of their uniforms into casuals they settled down on the sofa, Sera sat half in Harm's lap so he could rub her back, slow even circles.
Trish came into the lounge, smiling. "You look comfortable, Sera honey."
"I am," she'd closed her eyes, enjoying the attention her husband was giving her. "I didn't get a lot of sleep last night."
"Oh?" Trish eyed her son as she sat across from them. "Was that because of Harm or some other reason?"
"Mum!" he complained.
Sera chuckled. "A little of both," she opened her eyes. "Though mostly it was Harm."
"Thanks babe,"
"You're welcome," she closed her eyes again.
Corey and Frank also wondered in, sitting down. "Are you okay Mum?" the teenager asked.
"Fine honey."
"So Corey how's the jeep?" Frank asked him.
"It's great, I like having my own car."
"As long as he's not driving my Cobra or his father's Vette," Sera said sleepily.
Harm chuckled. "Not that we don't trust him."
Corey rolled his eyes. "Jeez thanks Dad."
"Don't mention it, Core."
The phone stated to ring. "I'll get it." The teenager volunteered and got up to do so.
"Did you finally decide on names?" Trish asked, a little anxious to know if this was the phone call they were waiting for.
"Harmon Ryan and Katherine Patricia." Sera answered opening her eyes.
Before anyone could comment, Corey returned. "That was Uncle Michael, he said things have speed up, it's time."
"Let's go than." Harm said. He got up and than helped Sera up.
"Do you need to get anything?" His mother asked.
"No. We've had everything prepared for a week." Sera admitted sheepishly.
"Well than lets go."
Harm handed Frank the keys to his Lexus. "Do you mind? Corey can direct you to Bethesda."
"No, not at all," he accepted, and then turned to Trish. "Come on Grandma."
"Just watch it Grandpa," she teased back.
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Maryland.
Commander Shawn Mitchell was waiting for them as they came off the elevator. She smiled warmly as she saw Harm's parents. "Hi Trish, Frank."
"Shawn, honey. How are you?" Trish greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm fine. We've a room for you to wait in," she informed and headed them towards it. "Everything has been going well, no problems at all." She told them as they walked into the room.
Harm dropped the overnight bag on the floor near the bed. "Is it normal for labor to speed up all of a sudden?"
"Babies have their own time table, Harm, they come when they're ready and right now the twins are read." Shawn explained.
Trish smiled at her son's nervousness. "Don't worry Harm, if they're like you were, they won't give Sam any trouble during deliver."
Sera sat up on the bed. "So now we just wait?"
"You do, I'll be back a little later on. Relax," her sister mused and hurried out.
Trish chuckled and patted her grandson on the arm. "Corey, honey, why don't you give the JAG office a ring and let them know we're at the hospital."
"Sure," he agreed and hurried out.
Both Trish and Frank sat down on the chairs provided near the bed, Harm sat on the bed near its head with Sera in his arms.
"Why don't you try and get some sleep, honey?" her mother-in-law suggested.
"It's a good idea, babe," Harm told her. "I'll wake you if we hear anything."
"Promise?"
"Promise," he kissed the top of her head. "Sleep."
She closed her eyes. "Okay,"
Harm smiled to himself, feeling her relax in his arms. Within moments she was asleep.
"Maybe we should wait outside?" Frank volunteered.
"It's okay Frank, Sera's use to sleeping on a carrier, she'll sleep any where," his stepson announced.
Corey returned, seeing his mother sound asleep. "Is Mum all right Dad?"
"She's just asleep Core," he answered. "What did the Admiral say?"
"That he'll drop by later and that he'll let everyone know," the teenager revealed. "Oh and that Uncle Matt and Aunt Mac are on they're way."
"Thanks Core."
He nodded and sat with Frank, the two chatting about car and other things.
Trish sat forward in her seat. "Are you all right, Harm?"
"Yeah Mum, I'm fine."
She smiled warmly. "Your dad would be so happy for you both. He would of loved Sera and Corey, not to mentioned spoiled the twins."
"I know Mum," he said as he gently stroked his wife's head. He felt his father was watching over them. "Do you ever wonder what it would have been like if Dad hadn't have gone down that Christmas Eve?"
"Some times, do you?"
He nodded, smiling. "I can imagine him playing ball with Corey, bouncing the twins on his knee."
Trish understood. "Where ever your father is Harm, he's looking over you all. I believe that more then ever after all you've been through. You and Sera."
Nodding he let it drop. "I'm sure he is Mum."
A few minutes later the door opened and Shawn and Michael came in, each carried a small infant, smiling happily.
Harm gave Sera a gentle nudge. "Wake up babe."
She did, still half asleep. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I just thought you'd like to meet your children."
That woke her up fully; she sat up seeing her sister and brother-in-law.
Shawn chuckled softly. She laid the infant she was carrying in Harm's arms. "This is your Daddy, Katherine," she said softly, then stepped out of the way.
Michael gentle laid the infant he was nursing in Sera's arms. "Here you go little one, this is your Mum," he said before moving back.
Tears welled in Sera's eyes; the emptiness that had been in her heart, the pain of not being able to have a child disappeared as she held her son in her arms.
Trish sat on the bed next to her. "He looks just like Harm did when he was a baby, you named him well."
"Little Harm is the smallest," Shawn revealed. "Just six pounds, where his sister weighted in a six pound two."
"How is Sam?" Sera asked.
"Exhausted, she delivered without tearing, but she'll still be a little sore for a little while. She's fine though. She's being released in the morning. The twins can go home then too, I've arranged for you to spend the night with them."
"Thanks Shawn."
"No problem."
Harm gestured Corey closer. "Would you like to hold her?"
"I don't know Dad, she's so tiny," he answered hesitantly.
"You'll be fine," his father reassured and gently laid the infant in the teenager's arms. "This is your big brother Kat, he's a little rough around the edges but he's a good guy."
Frank stood next to Corey, putting his hand on the teenager's shoulder. "Are you all right Corey?"
"Yeah," he answered smiling.
Mac and Matt chose that moment to come. "Did we miss anything?" the later asked.
"No big brother you're just in time. Come met your new niece and nephew." Shawn invited.
Moving closer they took a good look at the two newest Rabb's.
"They're so gorgeous, Sera," Mac praised holding tight to her husband's hand. Their time would come.
Harm slipped his arm around his wife and son. "We were wondering Mac, if you and Matt would be the twins Godparents."
"Of course we will,"
Sera saw the earning in Mac's eyes she knew that look. "Would you like to hold him, Mac?"
"I'd love too," she said excitedly.
Michael slipped out of the room as the twins were given to their Godparents. He went to his wife's room, going in.
She smiled as he entered. "About time you came back, how are my niece and nephew?"
"Perfect," he said as he sat on the bed next to her. "Are you all right?"
She snuggled into his arms. "I will be," she said. "Next time I do this, it'll be very different."
"It certainly will be sweetheart," he agreed kissing her forehead. "Next time it will be our turn."
To be continued…
(I went back and did a rewrite on this chapter, I wasn't real happy with it, so I hope it's turned out better. Review and let me know. Thanks – AS.)