Title: Starting Over

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 so far everyone one likes this story and I love getting reviews. I love knowing what everyone thinks, even those who are die-hard Mac/Harm shippers. God I love teasing you guys. I'm not saying whom Harm ends up with, because to be quiet honest I haven't decided. After all this is my story and my universe, I don't have to stick with the norm.

Hopechest6: Thank you for thinking my story is well written and I hope you stick with it.

Catasa: I'm sorry you're sad, but I'm glad you love the story, more to come.

Socgrl:  Thanks, I will continue and hope to hear from you again.

NavyCB: Thank for your review, I'll keep what you said in mind. But if you've ready my other storys, then you know I don't always follow the norm.

Kiwi: I'm glad you liked it. I hope you like this one too.

Gypsy: Finally someone who doesn't mind if Mac and Harm are just friends. Thank you; thank you!!!

Bekki: Hey Aussie. I'll take you suggestion into consideration.

Kiwi: What in the world am I doing? Writing MY STORY! That's what. I hate to tell you this, but I'm not ruining the whole story, because it's MY STORY, MY UNIVERSE!!!

Benedetta: Hey I have nothing against those who are Mac/Harm shippers, but it doesn't mean I have to write it that way. If you don't believe me just read my other story Gold Wings and Dress Whites and it's prequel story Flashbacks.

Starting Over

Chapter Five: A Christmas At Sea

USS Ticonderoga

Somewhere in the Persian Gulf

Christmas Eve

A Christmas tree had been set up on board the Ticonderoga in the Ward Room, so had decorations. It was a way to get into the Christmas sprite, since they wouldn't be home for Christmas, not this year. Still the mood on board the carrier was cheerful enough, mail had arrived from home, which accounted for the Christmas presents placed under the tree.

Despite it being Christmas Eve life on the carrier went on as normal; duties were performed and missions were flown.

On the bridge it was quiet; all were waiting for the return of a patrol sent out two hours ago. The mission hasn't gone to plan and they were over due.

Captain Garret watched Rabb carefully; the Cag deep in thought, his face betrayed nothing to what he was feeling. Scuttlebutt around the ship suggested he and Lieutenant O'Reilly were more than just friends, that Rabb was being more than just her commanding officer. Fraternization between officers under the same chain command wasn't allowed. If the scuttlebutt was true both Rabb and O'Reilly could be in trouble and in the need of a good lawyer, now that would be ironic. Damn! He didn't want to lose two good officers, not with O'Reilly on the verge of getting a DFC and unbeknownst to Rabb. His promotion to Captain was becoming a strong reality; the announcement was expected any day.

Garret didn't know a lot about Rabb's past, other than what was in his service record and what his former CO had told him. What he did know was the Commander's service record read like a cross between 'Top Gun' and 'A Few Good Men'. It was obvious his Cag had made quiet a few enemies along the way and pissed off quiet a few people, the list was probably long and distinguished, and of that Garret had no doubts. But than again O'Reilly was just as bad, her stunts had earned her accolades and warning. She was good at what she did and to be quiet truthfully she and Rabb made a good pair, in the air and out of it.

"Cag?"

Harm glanced over at the Skipper. "Sir."

"What will their fuel status be?"
Without hesitation he answered, having already calculated it. "All most bingo sir."

"Damn!"

Static broke over the radio and a grabbled message came through. "Vipertwo…. radio …fuel low…" then it faded out. But it had been Lieutenant O'Reilly, which mean she and her wingman were alive.

"Skipper look!" a young bridge officer called out, pointing at the to small specks in the sky that were quickly becoming their missing Tomcats. A cheer rose up on the bridge.

Harm grabbed the horn. "Sundance one, this is Viper, your transmission is grabbled can you repeat?"

"Viper… radio antenna hit…emergency landing."

"We still didn't get all of that. Are you declaring an emergency?"

"Acknowledged…declaring…emergency…"

"Rodger Sundance one," Harm went into action. "Prepare the deck for an emergency landing."

The order was quickly carried out. The Cag and the Skipper both grabbed binoculars and stood side by side, watching the two Tomcats get closer.

"Have Mother Bird ready for a possible wet pick up," the Skipper ordered putting his binoculars down.

Harm did the same they didn't need them now both birds were close. "Here they come," he said.

They could hear the conversation going on between the pilot and the LSO as they watched on the monitor, Lieutenant Michaels – Biff; O'Reilly's wingman was landing first.

Harm held his breath and didn't release it until the Tomcat was down. "One more to go," he said to no one in particular.

O'Reilly came round and lined up, they watched her Tomcat rock slightly, then even out. Her landing was hard but she was down, another cheer was heard on the bridge.

Garret turned to Rabb. "I want a full report in an hour, Cag."

"Aye sir," he acknowledged and hurried off the bridge, going directly to the flight deck. He spoke to both planes Captain's, letting them know what he wanted before addressing the two pilots and RIO's. "Well Tiger's, you've had your fun for today."

"It was a little rough, Cag." Lieutenant Brian Michaels remarked with a grin.

"No more then usual, Cag." Katherine said calmly, with a smirk.

"Good because I want a full report in a half an hour, clear?"

"Aye, aye sir," all four said coming to attention.

Harm silently smirked to himself. "Dismissed." He ordered and watched them walk away, chuckling to himself.

An hour later both Michaels and O'Reilly were on the bridge alone with Lieutenant Johansson and Captain Leslie, the Skipper and Cag were on the other side of the map they were all gathered around.

"Here Cag," Katherine pointed out the location. "They were surface to air missiles that attacked us."

"You're sure?" Johansson inquired.

"I'm sure, one got close enough to shear off the end of my antenna," she recalled.

"And what ever else they hit us with fried our radio's," Michaels concluded.

"It's still a large area to cover."

"Don't be picky Spectra, we nearly got our six's shot off," she retorted and looked at the Cag. "I could spot it again from the air, sir."

"That's not going to happen Phantom, this is a job for the Wolverines," Harm informed and saw she was going to protest. "Your not cleared to fly a Hornet so don't ask."

That was a blatant lie and he knew it, her service record had a blacked out area that was her qualifications in the Hornet, he knew it and so did she.

Captain Leslie saw the exchange. "I'll take Phantom with me, Cag, she can sit passenger," he volunteered. "Once she's shown the Wolverines the target, I'll get us the hell out of dodge and let the rest of my guys handle the mission."

Harm glanced at them both, sighing he agreed. "All right, but don't hang around. I mean it."

"Aye sir."

"Suite up then and don't make me regret this," he ordered.

"Aye sir," all chimed and then hurried off the bridge.

Harm shook his head. "They did it to me again."

"They did," the Skipper agreed, noting. "You could have let her fly."

"I could, but I also happen to know what the mission was she flew and I'd rather not have her in the air in a Hornet."

Ethan Garret eyed him with a little surprise, then again, if anyone would know it would be ex-CIA. "That bad?"

"They were lucky to have come home," was all Harm said.

"Damn!" the Captain swore. "I'll kill those jerks next time they come calling."

"I'm sure Skipper, while I'm onboard they won't."

"Damn good thing you are then," he declared, and then ordered. "Send them on their way Cag."

"Aye sir," Harm acknowledged and than hurried off the bridge, going to the ready room where the Wolverines were waiting along with O'Reilly and Captain Leslie and the White Tigers selected. Harm gave the briefing, concluding with. "All right ladies, you have guests in the air with you, bring them home. That's not a request, it's an order," he stated. "Get to it."

They got to their feet, snapping to attention before leaving. The Cag followed them out, along with the Marines and O'Reilly.

"Make sure these ladies look after you Tonka-Toy," Harm told the Marine Captain.

"I will Cag," Mark assured, than added as the White Tigers went ahead with O'Reilly. "And I'll look after Phantom, you have my word."

"You'd better, I'd like to pin her DFC onto her uniform, not handed it to her next of kin."

"No problem Cag."

On the flight deck, Harm stood out of the way as they climbed aboard their respective aircraft. He watched one in particular.

In the cockpit of the EA-6B Prowler, Katherine glanced over at Harm they were going to have a talk when she got back. She saw him nod than leave the flight deck.

"You're wearing your heart on your sleeve, sweetheart. Don't, not with the Cag," Mark advised softly.

"I'm a big girl, Tonka-Toy, I can take care of myself," she said bluntly.

"Just don't get burnt doing it," he suggested.

"I won't."

He shook his head and prepared to take off. "Hang on Phantom we're going flying."

"We'd better be, Tonka-Toy, I'm getting bored," she declared.

"Then put the book away, because the fun begins," he informed and they were catapulted off the deck into the skies.

The three White Tigers took point, with the Wolverines guarding their six's. As they flew over the coast, O'Reilly called it in.

"Viper, Sunchaser and Wolfpack are feet dry."

"Rodger Sunchaser."

"Come right, now," she told Mark.

He did. "So what do you think, Phantom?"

"She's a little slow, but not bad," Katherine teased.

"Thanks kid."

"Hey no problem, maybe the Cag will let me give you a ride in my bird one day."

"I look forward to it."

She took note of where they were. "Wolfpack, target is approaching, five minutes dead a head."

"Rodger Sunchaser one, see you at home." Johansson acknowledged.

Mark gave his men last minute instructions then turned the Prowler, heading back to the carrier. "Well that was exciting."

"Yeah wasn't it just," Katherine remarked dryly.

"Hey give the Cag a break Phantom, he let you come this far."

She sighed. "Yeah."

Returning to the carrier, Katherine headed for the ready room to change out of her safety gear, then to the hanger to check on her Tomcat. After talking to her plane Captain, she left him to continue and went to the Cag's office. Knocking she went in.

Harm looked up. "Close the hatch, Lieutenant."

She did and stood before his desk. "I have a question sir."

"Ask away."

"Why did you order Captain Leslie to return to the carrier, sir?"

Getting up, Harm walked around his desk to her. "Kat, your not trained on Prowlers, going into a combat mission, Captain Leslie needs a crew he can count on who knows what they're doing," he said calmly. "You're a Tomcat pilot, Kat. Let the Marines and the Wolverines do their job, you did yours by showing them the target."

"So it had nothing to do with us?"

He lent against his desk, his arms crossed against his chest. "Nothing at all," he could see she wasn't totally convinced. Uncrossing his arms he drew her closer until she stood between his thighs. "I put my feelings away when I have to deal with Phantom, - Lieutenant O'Reilly, because she's an aviator under my command. I have to; I have to let you be who you are Kat, a hell'va good aviator. I can't protect you on every patrol or mission, no matter how much I wish I could. You fly because it's a part of you, just like it's a part of me."

"So do you love that part of me?" She asked seriously.

"You mean the part that could get you kill?" He answered with his own question and saw her nod. "It's part of what made me fall in love with you Kat."

She rested her forehead against his. "I'm sorry Harm, I should have trusted you."

"It's alright Kat."

Stepping back, she walked over to the door, then stopped and turned. "I guess that's what makes us so good together. I'm not afraid to love that part of you either. It's who you are." She said, then opened the door and stepped out, closing it again.

Harm smiled to himself.  It did make them good together.

Christmas Day

Captain Garret stood within the Ward Room, Christmas lights twinkled around them and for once all wore their winter blues instead of flight suites and Khakis. Lieutenant O'Reilly stood before him. "During a mission over Iran, Lieutenant O'Reilly encountered enemy fire. Her training and sills are a credit to Aviation and the finest tradition of Naval servers. Having been seriously injured by enemy fire, Lieutenant O'Reilly, without any hesitation flew her crippled Tomcat back to the USS Ticonderoga," he read. "Despite bleeding heavily, she landed her Tomcat, saving herself and her RIO. Her actions reflect greatly on herself, Naval Aviation and the United States Navy. Lieutenant Katherine O'Reilly is hereby awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross," he pined the medal onto her uniform, than shook her hand after giving her the documentation. "Congratulations Lieutenant."

"Thank you sir." She took a step back.

The Captain wasn't finished. "Commander Rabb, front and center."

Harm stood before the Skipper, wondering what this was about. "Sir."

"Commander you have been Cag on the Ticonderoga now for five months, you've become apart of our family," the Skipper began. "So, since I feel like a proud older brother," he heard the chuckling. "That's enough, I'm not that old," he remarked knowing what they were thinking as they laughed harder. When they'd become quiet he continued. "I'm honored to announce your promotion to the rank of Captain. Raise your right hand, Commander and repeat after me."

Harm did so. "I will bare truth faith and allegiance to the constitution of the United States and it's country who's Forces it directs. I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservations and I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office which I am about to enter,"

"So help me God."

"So help me God," he concluded.

"You are hereby promoted to the rank of Captain. Congratulations Captain Rabb."

"Thank you sir."

Ensign Masters handed Katherine a blue jacket with the Captain's strips on the cuffs. He took the one Harm slipped off and she waited until the Skipper changed the shoulder boards before helping Harm into his new jacket.

The Skipper smiled. "Since we are on board ship, Lieutenant O'Reilly, if you would do the honors."

She was surprised, but agreed, rising up on her toes and kissing the Cag's cheek. "Congratulations sir."

"Thank you Lieutenant."

The other members of the squadrons congratulated him under his command and the other officers attending.

Scott McGregor shook Katherine's hand, he was proud of his driver and friend. "You deserve this, Kat."

"Thanks Scott."

Karen Lindsay also shook her hand. "Well done Kat."

"Thanks Mouse."

"Mind you," the younger woman remarked with a humorist grin. "I'm glad I fly with the Cag."

Katherine smiled and saw Harm doing the same. "You just like checking out his six as he climbs in and out of the cockpit."

"That too," she smirked. "Not that you don't any chance you get."

"Of course I do,"

Harm cleared his throat. "I'm still here Ladies."

"That's why they said it Cag,' Scott noted, grinning.

"Thank you so much," he declared, than walked back over to the Skipper as they laughed.

Ethan Garret chuckled softly, he handed the newly promoted Captain a glass of eggnog. "Merry Christmas Harm."

"Merry Christmas, Skipper," he said, but his gaze was on Katherine, seeing her turn. Looking his way, smiling. That was what was making his Christmas, her love and his love for her.

"A piece of advice, Captain," Garret said bluntly, he'd seen the exchange between them. "Scuttlebutt moves quickly through a carrier, so be careful. Your career is not worth a one-night stand."

"I know that Skipper." Harm assured, but he was not looking for a one-night stand and neither was she.

The Vietnam Memorial

The Next Day

He noticed her standing there, Marine Lieutenant Colonel Sarah Mackenzie. He'd found out Harm was at sea, so he hadn't been expecting to see anyone visiting Rabb Senior today.

Mac turned away from the wall, seeing who was standing to one side. "Admiral Boone."

Tom Boone smiled. "I'm retired Colonel. Its just Tom."

She nodded silently, turning back. "I don't really know why am here," she admitted. "Harm's on the USS Ticonderoga."

"I know I still have contacts, he's dad would be proud of him."

"I think so."

Tom had a feeling there was much left unsaid between Harm and Sarah Mackenzie. "Have you heard from him?"

"We've exchanged emails over the past few months," she answered. "But nothing for a few days."

"Well they've probable been busy, war doesn't stop for Christmas," he dismissed lightly.

Mac didn't believe that was all it was, something was wrong.

"Colonel, Tom," a strong Texan accent broke into her thoughts.

She turned and saw the Admiral, coming to attention. "Sir."

Snow was falling; white flakes clung to his uniform. "Stand easy Colonel."

"How are you AJ?" Tom asked.

"The barer of bad news I'm afraid," he announced. "I just got word a F-14 from the Ticonderoga was shot down over Iraq near Baghdad."

Mac felt her heart pounding. "Harm?"

The Admiral nodded. "He and Lieutenant O'Reilly were flying a photo mission when they went down, so far they've had no word from either of them," he revealed. "A Marine unit was nearby, they saw the Tomcat hit and two chutes, so they're searching for them."

Tom frowned. "Lieutenant O'Reilly is an aviator, what was she doing flying RIO for Harm?"

"A number of officers came down with food poisoning, their RIO's among them, so she flew back seat for him," AJ explained. "You flew with her father, didn't you?"
Nodding the retired Admiral reached out and touched the letters that made up Harmon Rabb Senior's name. "Bring them home, Hammer."

To be continued…  (As I'm doing with my other story, I'm taking a break, so I'll see you all in the New Year. Don't forget to review, after all if I don't get any I don't come back and Harm and Kat will remain lost forever – AS)