Title: Starting Over
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG
Summery: Harm makes a decision about his career with the help of the Admiral. This is a 'what could have been' if Harm had decided he didn't want to return to JAG.
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: We haven't seen season nine in Australia, in fact we've only gotten so much of season eight. So what I know of season nine is what I've read on the CBS and the Paramount JAG sites. And this is just a little A/U on what could have happened. Nothing like putting a different spin on things.
Starting Over
Chapter One: Moving On
Harm hung his uniform up and gave it the once over; everything was in its place and ready for him to put on and walk back into JAG. So why did he feel like running in the opposite direction? Because he didn't belong there anymore, the Navy was where he wanted to be, but ever since the Admiral had offered him his job back he felt like he really didn't want to be at JAG.
He heard the knock on the door; leaving his bedroom he went to answer it. Opening the door he found the Admiral outside. "Good evening sir."
"Commander, can I come in?"
"Yes sir,"
AJ Chegwidden crossed the thrush hold, his cover tucked under his arm. The folder he was carrying was becoming uncomfortable in his hands. This wasn't going to be easy but it was the right thing to do.
Harm shut the door. Can I get you anything sir?"
"No thank you. Sit down Commander, I have a proposal for you."
Curious Harm did so and the Admiral sat near by putting his cover on the coffee table. The folder he gave to the younger officer.
"What is this sir?"
"The paper work required to changed your designator and transfer out of JAG," AJ informed bluntly. "Completed and signed."
Harm was surprised. "How did you know sir?"
"We've been through a lot Harm, though I don't condone what you did, I do understand why. I also know you won't be happy back at JAG," the Admiral told him. "So I called in a few favors, the USS Ticonderoga needs a Cag and you're it. You're to report to her in forty-eight hours. Your orders are included in the folder."
"Ticonderoga?"
"She's just been commissioned, I thought it appropriate to have a Rabb serve aboard her," AJ declared. "The Tyco Tigers are a squadron of young men and women who need a strong commanding officer, you Commander."
"Thank you sir." Harm said stunned.
"I'd like you to come by JAG in the morning and say goodbye, I know everyone would like to see you."
"I'm not sure sir."
"Son, they need to know you're alright."
Nodding Harm reluctantly agreed. "Yes sir."
AJ smiled sadly, Rabb had always been a fine officer. Losing him had been hard, but now he was losing him for good. "I'll see you tomorrow, son."
"Yes sir."
Seeing the younger man was still shocked by his announcement, AJ let himself out.
Harm went through the paper work the Admiral had given him, included was information on the squadron, who they were, a little about them. Leaving it on the coffee table when he was finished he returned to his bedroom and changed insignias on his uniforms. He sorted out a few things before he was finished, checking the time when he had; he put a call through to his mother in La Jolla.
She was happy to here from him. "How are you sweetheart?"
"I'm fine mom, I just received my orders."
His mother knew what was coming. "You're not going back to JAG, are you?"
"No. I'm reporting aboard the USS Ticonderoga as Cag in forty-eight hours."
"Oh Harm."
"I'll be fine mom."
"Are you sure about this, Harm?" Frank asked him, his mother had obviously put him on speaker.
"Yes. In a way I'm relieved. I didn't want to return to JAG."
"Why?" his mother asked him.
"I just feel I don't belong there any more Mom, I've changed. They've changed. I need to do this."
"As long as your sure, Harm."
"I am Mom."
"Be careful."
"I will Mom, I love you."
"I love you too, sweetheart."
He squeezed his eyes closed, and after a moment reopened them. He had to say this now while he felt he could, it was time. "Frank. Thank you."
"For what Harm?"
"For being there, even when I was being difficult. For being a father to me, even when I didn't want you to be."
"I wouldn't have been anywhere else Harm. I love you son."
"I love you too…Dad."
A heavy silence fell over them. Finally Frank spoke again his voice thick with emotion. "Make sure you keep in touch son."
"I will. By Mom, Dad."
"Bye Harm," both bided.
He hung up, feeling a weight had lifted off his shoulders. Grabbing his coat he left his apartment and drove to the Vietnam Memorial Wall, finding his fathers name. He touched the letters that made up the name. Keeping his voice low he spoke to his father. "I'm shipping out Dad, aboard the USS Ticonderoga, as Cag. The Admiral arranged it; he understands I need to be away from JAG. I don't belong there any more," he paused. "I've changed Dad, I hope for the best. I know you'd understand, the past five months haven't been easy and I need this. I need to start over. I wanted to talk to you about Frank, I know you would like him and would have wanted me to give him a chance to be a father to me. I guess I was too damn stubborn, but not any more." He paused again, hugging into his flight jacket. "I love you Dad, I'll make it back after this tour is over and tell you all about it. It seems funny me saying I'm serving aboard the Ticonderoga, Dad. I know she's not the same ship, but in a way I feel its fate another Rabb is serving on her. I have to go now Dad, I'll see you when I get home."
Turning Harm walked away from the wall, driving home to start packing.
Morning came faster than he expected, in uniform once more, but wearing a line officers star insignia. Commander Harmon Rabb Junior walked into JAG ops.
Bud was the first to notice him. "Commander," the Lieutenant hurried as fast as he could with only one good leg. "Welcome back sir," he shook Harm's hand; in doing so he noticed the star. Confused. "You're not coming back, are you sir?"
"No Bud, I'm the new Cag aboard the USS Ticonderoga."
"Congratulations sir," Bud said trying to be happy.
Sturgis and Mac came into ops and saw Harm, the Commander hurried over to his friend, smiling. "Nice to have you back, Harm," he said cheerfully.
"I'm just here to say goodbye," Harm told him. "I'm reporting aboard the Ticonderoga in the morning." He saw the shock in Mac's eyes and the hurt, both she quickly covered up. He didn't feel guilty about this decision; it was time they moved on. Mac had made it plan and clear they couldn't have a relationship, so it was time and there would be no turning back.
"You're going back to flying?" Sturgis asked him.
"I'm the Cag." Harm informed. "So I'll be doing some flying, yes."
"I wish you luck than Harm."
"Thanks Sturgis."
Coates and Tiner joined the group, as did a number of JAG staff, all hearing the news and wishing him well. All of them shocked by his decision not to return.
Admiral Chegwidden joined them. "Good to see you Commander come into my office."
"Yes sir." He followed him into the large office.
AJ gestured for him to sit down and when he had he sat across from him. "They're shocked by your announcement."
"I realize that sir, but this is something I need to do." Harm said sincerely.
"I know son, and they will come to except it as time passes."
"Yes sir."
"If you ever need anything Harm, give me a call."
"I will sir."
AJ shook his hand after they stood. "Good luck Commander."
"Thank you sir."
"You're a hell of a good lawyer son, and I feel you'll be a damn good Cag."
"It's where I belong at the moment sir."
Nodding, AJ smiled warmly. "Dismissed Commander."
"Aye sir." He came to attention, than turned on his heal and left the office. Seeing Mac was in hers, he went over to it. Knocking. "Can I come in?"
She nodded and he came in, she didn't rise from her seat. "Congratulations on your posting."
"Thank you," he felt bad they hadn't sort this all out before he left, but in the end it was for the best. They could never have the friendship they had before. "Take care Colonel."
"I will," she told him. Not moving, this time she wouldn't cry over him leaving. She'd cried enough tears when it came to Harmon Rabb Junior.
"Goodbye Sarah." Harm said softly and than turned and walked away. Out of JAG and out of their lives.
USS Ticonderoga
Adriatic Sea
Ensign Daniel Masters waited until the helio landed before approaching; the new Cag was on board. A Commander Harmon Rabb Junior. He nodded to the Commander. "Welcome aboard the Ticonderoga sir."
Harm glanced around, just standing on the deck, he felt at home. "Thank you Ensign."
A crewman collected his belongings, which included his flight gear.
"This way sir," Ensign Masters insisted and the Commander followed him off the flight deck. He took him directly to the Captain's office.
Captain Ethan Garrett stood as the Commander came in with his yeoman. "Welcome aboard, Commander Rabb."
"Thank you sir."
"That's all Ensign."
"Aye sir," he acknowledged and left the office.
Harm sat on the Captain's insistence.
Garrett had started his career as a combat pilot and still flew when possible. "I read your service record Commander, it's very impressive."
"Thank you sir."
"Admiral Chegwidden also informed me your father flew off the first Ticonderoga during the Vietnam War."
"Yes sir, until he was shot down Christmas Eve 1969." Harm revealed.
Ethan Garrett sat back in his chair. "The Admiral spoke highly of you, Commander. He said you were a damn good lawyer and an exceptional aviator. So tell me Commander why are you here?"
"Because this is where I belong, sir."
"Very well. I'll introduce you to the Tyco Tigers," he stood and waited until Rabb had and they left together. "You flew with the Raptors, correct?"
"Yes sir."
"They're a good squadron."
"Yes sir they are."
They continued on to the ready room, the squadron was present and quickly came to attention when both entered.
"At ease," Garrett told them. "This is Commander Harmon Rabb, your new Cag, call sign Hammer. I'll leave you to introduce yourselves." He turned to Rabb. "Commander when you're ready Lieutenant O'Reilly will show you to your stateroom."
"Thank you sir."
Nodding, Garrett left the ready room.
A young woman in her mid to late twenties stepped forward, dark red/brown hair, emerald green eyes. She was average in height, slim and attractive. "Lieutenant Katherine O'Reilly sir."
Harm shook her hand. "Lieutenant," he saw each and every one of them was young and eager. "Sit down Tigers," he ordered and waited until they'd done so. "While I'm in Command of this squadron you can address me as Commander, Cag or Hammer. I expect you all to give one hundred percent, if you don't I want to know why. I'm not a hard taskmaster; we'll lean about each other as we go. Never be afraid to come to me if your having problems, or if you have a question. I don't bite, though I've been told I do growl infrequently and chew out the occasional six." He paused as they laughed nervously. "I meant what I said, I'm not a hard taskmaster. We will get to know each other as this tour progresses."
"Sir." Lieutenant O'Reilly got to her feet.
"Yes Lieutenant."
"Speaking on behalf of the Tyco Tigers sir, we're not afraid of hard work or hard taskmasters," she informed. "We all joined the Navy to serve our country, we became aviators because its what we love to do. We also know we have a lot to learn, if you're willing, we will follow you, sir."
"I'm willing Lieutenant," he told her. "What do they call you O'Reilly?"
"Banshee, sir," she answered.
"Very well. From now on Banshee, when I fly. You fly my wing."
She was surprised and proud. "Aye sir."
"Sit down Lieutenant."
When she'd done so, Harm looked at each and every one of them and realized he'd made the right chose. This was where he belonged.
To be continued…. (Depending on how many reviews I get of course.)
