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: Thanks to Winjan, hopechest6, DD2, stablerchick, Bekki, Mary Kate113, for your kind words and suggestions. I've taken them into account. Oh and thanks to barb2003, all will be revealed I promise, just hang in there.

Starting Over

Chapter Ten: Heroes

USS Ticonderoga

Atlantic Ocean

Captain Garrett walked onto the flight deck; the Cag was waiting with Lt. Commander O'Reilly and Lieutenants McGregor and Lindsay. Being an aviator, the Skipper liked to keep his hours up and he'd jumped at the change to do this patrol before returning to port.

"Morning, Cag,"

"Morning Skipper."

"Everyone ready to go?"

"Yes sir," all three acknowledged.

"Lets do it than," he insisted. "Captain Rabb, I believe you're required on the bridge."

Harm forced a smiled, he'd rather be going with them, but he had offered his bird to the Skipper. "Aye sir, take care of my bird and RIO."

"Both will be returned without a scratch, Cag, you have my word." Garrett stated.

"That's all I need sir."

Groaning, Katherine shook her head. "Men," she mumbled, knowing it was what Karen was thinking but not game enough to say it, hearing them both laughed.

Harm patted her on the back. "Watch his six, Phantom."

"Aye sir."

Nodding he left.

The Skipper smiled. "Lets go flying, Phantom."

"Yes sir."

They climbed aboard their Tomcats after doing a safety check and were secured; with canopies closed they positioned their birds on the catapult. O'Reilly and McGregor prepared to launch off the deck by doing the checklist.

"Radar standby, roll SAS off. Pitch trim set for catapult," Scott said from behind his driver.

Katherine worked in sync with him. "Pitch trim set."

"Wing sweep auto?"

"Check."

"Engine instruments normal?"

"Check," she responded.

"List complete," he concluded.

"Then lets do it," she ordered lightly.

He grinned, calling it in. "Tyco control this is Sundance one, zero, five, up and ready."

"Rodger one, zero, five, your clear to launch,"

After giving the crewman a salute, they were catapulted off the deck seconds behind the Skipper, forming up on his wing.

"For the sake of the Cag and his attachment to his bird and RIO, lets make this real boring," he ordered lightly.

"Aye sir," they all acknowledged, Karen chuckling softly.

"I heard that Skipper," the Cag's voice came over the radio.

"You were suppose to, Cag," he taunted.

"Boring is kind of, well boring Skipper," Katherine declared.

"What do you recommend then Phantom?" He asked, glancing her way.

"A little game of follow the leader, Skipper, if you're up to it?"

Garrett smiled to himself, as he did up his mask, noticing in the mirror Mouse was doing the same. "Just try and keep up, Phantom."

Her laugher filled his ears. "Led on sir."

Pulling a head, he initiated a tight nine G turn and rolled down towards the sea, pulling up he skimmed the surface. Noticing out of the corner of his eye, to his right was his wingman. He pulled right back on the stick and sent the F-14 into a steep climb, gaining altitude before leaving out at angel's thirty.

"She's still with us, Skipper," Karen informed him.

The second F-14 came along side them. "Is that all you have sir?"

He chuckled. "Would you like to take the led, Phantom?"

"Don't mind if I do, sir," she retorted.

He followed her through tight nine G turns, rolls and loops that would have left a rookie pilot not knowing which way was up. Let alone where the hell they were, but not O'Reilly. He realized his wingman knew where she was and just how far from the aircraft carrier they had been the whole time. She was exceptional when it came to flying and that's why he didn't want to lose her. The Cag's voice came over his radio as her bird came up along side his.

"Skipper orders have come through concerning the Air Wing."

"We're on our way home, Cag,"

"Aye sir."

He glanced over to O'Reilly, unclipping his mask. "Time to head home, Phantom."

"Aye sir, on your wing."

Turning they headed back to the Ticonderoga, the Captain landed first.

Katherine lowed her landing gear and tailhook on approach. "Tyco, one, zero, five Tomcat, ball 2.5,"

"One, zero, five, Tomcat, Rodger Ball," the LSO acknowledged.

She landed, catching the number two wire taxiing to a halt; she opened the canopy and they climbed down.

Garrett and Lindsay came over to them; the Skipper patted his wingman on the back. "Nice flying, Phantom."

"Thank you sir,"

They left the fight deck, returning to the Ready Room, where they removed their safety gear and put it and helmets away.

Harm arrived with the print out for the Captain, handing it to him. "Sir."

Taking it, Garrett read it over, sighing. "Cag, get the squadron leaders and XO's together, twenty minutes."

"Aye sir,"

The Skipper hurried out, returning to his stateroom where he showed and dressed, then headed to the small conference room with the orders in hand. True to Rabb's orders, all the squadron leaders and XO's were waiting for him along with the Cag. Garrett went to the head of the table, his people standing. "Sit down," he ordered and did so himself; continuing when they had. "The Air Wing is to be dismissed this afternoon, all squadrons are to return to Norfolk by fifteen hundred."

"Why sir?" Lieutenant Johansson, the Wolverines XO inquired.

Sitting back, Garrett didn't let his face reveal anything. "It seems the Cag and Lt. Commander O'Reilly are required to be at the White House by oh nine hundred along with Lieutenant Galendez," he revealed. "So the Air Wing will disembark from the Ticonderoga early. Galendez will be passenger on the Cod."

"Why have we been ordered to the White House, sir?" Harm asked.

"It's a political thank you to show the country that our boys and girls are appreciated," Garrett answered. "That and the way Phantom came by her DFC; caught the First Ladies attention. And because the two of you were shot down, avoided being capture, were found and returned safely. Galendez because of his leadership and his unites success rate. The country needs heroes at the moment and that's what they're being given."

Both Rabb and O'Reilly nodded, neither though considered themselves heroes; they were merely doing their jobs. Being who they were – Naval Aviators.

"You know what that means Phantom," Mark Leslie, the White Tigers squadron leader, taunted. "You get to wear a skirt."

"Oh ha, ha," she grumbled as they all chuckled.

"Don't worry, Phantom, the Cag will be there to protect you,"

"After all it's not your fault you were born with a perfect body and perfect legs," Johansson smirked. "I mean hell, Phantom, I've seen models that don't look as good as you."

Katherine groaned. "Thanks so much, Spectra."

"You're welcome, Phantom," he stirred and the laugher continued.

"On that note," Garrett got their attention. "All squadrons will disembark the Ticonderoga at thirteen thirty, dismissed."

All stood, coming to attention as the Captain left.

"So Cag are we meeting at O'Reilly's tomorrow night?" Mark asked Harm and everyone waited for an answer.

Glancing at Katherine, who was trying hard not to laugh, he sighed and agreed. "All right, nineteen hundred and don't be late."

"You want regret this Cag," Johansson smirked.

"I already am," he said shaking his head as they left.

Katherine walked with him. "I should give Uncle Jack a ring and warn him."

"Do it from my office, I have a feeling the pay phone is going to be busy for a while."

"Thanks Cag,"

After the Tyco Tigers were informed, they headed for Harm's office where Katherine put the call through to her Uncle. Making herself comfortable in the Cag's leather chair, she got connected to her Uncle. "Hi Uncle Jack."

"Katie, sweetheart, I was just thinking of you," he said cheerfully, in a thick accented voice.

She chuckled. "There's been a change of plans Uncle Jack, we're flying into Norfolk this afternoon."

"So I'm guessing your Wetting Down is for tomorrow night, yours and the Captain's?"

"Yes sir,"

"I'll have it arranged sweetheart, what time?"

"Nineteen hundred,"

"No problem sweetheart, we'll be ready," he informed, and then added. "It's a good think I had your car ferried to Norfolk yesterday than."

"Thanks Uncle Jack."

"You're welcome honey, will I be seeing you tonight?"

"I'm not sure."

"Katie honey," he was now serious. "We need to talk darlin'."

"About what?"

"Your mum, sweetheart. She's gotten worse,"

"We'll talk about it tomorrow night, Uncle Jack," she assured, her mother wasn't something she wonted to discuss right at that point. "I'll see you then."

"All right Katie. Bye honey."

"Bye Uncle Jack," she bided and than hung up.

Harm stopped what he was doing, seeing the look on her face. "Talk to me Commander."

"Shaking her head, Katherine stood. "It's nothing sir," she moved away from his desk.

Putting the guitar down, Harm stood himself. "Try again, Phantom. I know you're hiding something."

Turning she crossed his arms against her chest, her voice came out thick with emotion. "My mother is dying of cancer."

"Kat, I'm sorry," he said as he crossed to her. "Did you just find out?"

"No, I've known for a few months. I just… I don't know. I suppose I just didn't want to believe it," she told him. She didn't notice the Captain come through the hatch, all she took notice of was Harm's hands on her arms, his sense of well-being. "I wanted to hate her for treating me the way she has, for kicking me out."

"But you can't," Harm said gently. "Not with her dying."

"No I can't," she felt tears well in her eyes. "I want her to except me and what I do," the tears started to fall. "I want her to love me again before I lose her."

Drawing her into his arms, Harm held her, letting her cry.

Captain Garrett had heard enough of the conversation to understand. 'We'll talk later,' he mouthed and saw the Cag nod. Turning he walked out, quietly shutting the hatch, this was something the whole ship didn't need to know about.

Katherine pulled away, wiping her eyes, seeing Harm's shirt at his shoulder was wet from her tears. "I'm sorry Harm."

"Kat, it's all right," he said softly, wiping her tear-streaked cheeks. "You could of come to me sooner,"

"I know,"

"Come and sit down," he drew her over to the couch and they sat together. "If you'd come to me sooner, I could of gotten you emergency leave."

"That's why I didn't," she admitted. "Uncle Jack told me Mum made him swear he wouldn't tell me, she told him she didn't want to see me."

He knew this was hard for her, him too, it bothered him to see her struggling with this. "But you want to see her."

"I want her to see I'm happy being who I am, that I followed my dreams. That I didn't just do this because of Dad, it's what I want."

"Than tell her that Kat," he said gently. "Let her see you're proud of who you are."

She nodded, feeling stronger about her decision. "Will you come with me? I may need a friend."

He grinned that flyboy smile of his. "And a shoulder to cry on?" He saw her nod. "Then I'd better pack quiet a few shirts."

Katherine chuckled, thankful he was there with her. She got up, resisting the erg to kiss him. "I have to go pack," she said, regaining her composure. "Thanks Cag."

"Any time Phantom,"

She took a few steps, then stopped and turned. "Do you happen to need a ride home once we get to Norfolk, Cag?"

"I do,"

"Then I offer my services sir," she said, copying his flyboy grin. "Uncle Jack had my car ferried to Norfolk yesterday." She revealed and then walked out.

Harm sat back and ran his fingers through his hair, he had a feeling her offer of giving him a ride him had motive behind it. It would give them time together, alone. "I wish I'd thought of it," he mussed, then got up and headed for his stateroom. He still had to pack himself.

Norfolk Naval Air Station

After dismissing the Air Wing to their awaiting family members, Harm had a few details to take care off. While he was doing that, Katherine got not only her sea bag but his too, putting them both and his guitar in the boot of her Vette.

"Giving the Cag a lift?" Mark asked her as he and his wife and kids were heading to their car.

"Yes," she turned, leaning against the midnight blue Vette. "That's what friends do Tonka-Toy."

"You're playing with fire, Phantom," he warned.

"Leave her alone, Mark," his wife Janet insisted. "Kat is a big girl, she knows what she's doing."

"Thank you, Jay,"

"You're welcome," she gave her friend a hug. "Just be careful,"

"I will," Katherine assured. "Don't give Mark too much of a hard time tonight,"

"I want, no more then he deserves anyway," she mussed. "Drive carefully."

"I will," she assured and gave two of her three godchildren a hug. "Be good,"

"We will," four-year-old Kris told her. She and her sister waved as they left with their parents, little Anthony asleep in his father's arms.

Katherine saw Harm walking towards her and wondered what it would be like to be the one waiting for him to come home to her. To have his child growing within her, a child conceived from love, to hold that child in her arms.

"Hey dreamer, ready to go?" He asked her, grinning.

She came out of her daze, smiling. "Yeah, would you like to drive?" She held out the keys.

He took them. "Tired little girl?"

"No, I just thought you'd like to drive my baby. Unless you can't handle it old man," she smirked.

"Oh I can handle it little girl, get in."

"Yes sir," she said and did, buckling up.

Harm closed the door and went round, getting in the drivers side. Pulling his seat belt on he started the Vette, backed out and drove away. Leaving the base they headed out onto the open road, where he put his foot down, but stayed within the speed limit.

"Nice,"

"Uncle Jack and I rebuilt her from scratch, it took time but I wanted her to be perfect,"

"I know the feeling, I did the same with mine," he admitted.

"So why didn't you ring and tell Bud you would be home tonight?"

"I did, just before we left. I asked him to do some shopping for me, I cleaned out my fridge before I left."

Katherine laughed. "Did you tell anyone else?"

"No, I thought after our trip to the White House tomorrow, we could stop in at JAG Headquarters and say hello,"

"You didn't even tell Mac?"

"Nope," he grinned. "It's just you and me tonight,"

"Will Bud say anything?"

Harm shook his head. "He knows better,"

She laughed and settled back; halfway they stopped at a roadhouse and changed out of their uniforms, packing them away. Starting off again, this time Katherine drove, they made it back under the three hours given for the whole trip, Harm directing her to his apartment. After locking the Vette up, they took their sea bags and his guitar and went inside, using the lift.

"Home sweet home," Harm remarked opening the door. A light had been left on, good old Bud.

Katherine followed him inside, shutting the door before looking around. "It's nice."

"I did the work myself," he put his sea bag down and the guitar case near the door. "Come on let me give you the tour."

Leaving her bag she took his hand, going with him. They walked three steps then stopped.

"The kitchen is too your left, lounge behind you," he announced, and then swung her up into his arms. "And the most important room," he carried her up the one step and behind the glass brick wall. "The bedroom."

"I love it," she whispered, but was looking at him, not the room.

"So do I," he declared and put her down, but not out of his arms.

She rose up on her toes and kissed him, being pulled closer as the kiss deepened. Now there was no holding back, no hesitation. Both knew what they wanted and both knew there in the bedroom, it was just them. Tonight there was not rules and regulations, no Captain Rabb or Lt. Commander O'Reilly. It was just Harm and Kat, and they had all night to explore their feelings and each other, neither innocent when it came to making love.

JAG Headquarters

Falls Church, Virginia

Washington, DC.

Lt. Colonel Mackenzie walked with her partner into JAG ops, laughing at the comment Lt. Commander Josh Taylor had made. They noticed everyone was watching one of the monitors and went to have a look.

A reporter stood before the White House. "As our defense forces return from duty in the Persian Gulf, the President today honored a number of our service men and women. Among them Captain Harmon Rabb, Jr and Lieutenant Commander Katherine O'Reilly," pictures of the two of them was quickly displayed, before the shot returned to the reporter. "Both who sever aboard the USS Ticonderoga, which is at this moment coming into port at Norfolk to a rousing welcome by family and friends. The Captain, the Cag aboard the Ticonderoga and the Lt. Commander were shot down over Baghdad, the two Naval Aviators, survived the hash conditions, being rescued by Australian soldiers from the 1st RAR and returned safely to their ship by Marine Lieutenant Victor Galendez," the marine's photo was also quickly displayed. "Who is also here today being honored," footage was shown of the three officers shaking hands with the President and the First Lady, who spoke briefly to them. It showed them receiving accolades that added to the ribbons that already decorated their uniforms. Then returned to the reporter. "The President announced the people of America and the world need heroes and it is safe to say today we have met but a few of our heroes. This is Shelly Long for ZNN."

During the news report, no one had seen the three officers who had walked quietly into ops, standing behind everyone else. Not until a voice remarked:

"The camera likes you Ma'am,"

"Thanks Lieutenant," she said casually.

"It'll definitely do a lot for recruitment," the second male voice added.

They all turned, Bud grinning. "Captain Rabb, Lt. Commander O'Reilly, Lieutenant Galendez. Welcome home."

"Thanks Bud," Harm said grinning, as did his companions.

They were quickly welcomed back, introductions being made so Katherine quickly knew everyone she hadn't met.

Mac gave Harm a friendly hug. "Hi stranger,"

"Hi Mac," he said warmly. "How are you?"

"I'm good, you?"

He glanced over at Katherine, who was talking with Josh Taylor. "I'm good Mac,"

She looked too, knowing the look on his face. Ignoring it, it wasn't her business. "They look like they know each other."

"They do," he remarked. "They flew black ops together."

"Oh,"

Katherine came over to them. "It's nice to see you again, Ma'am."

"You too, Lt. Commander," Mac acknowledged smiling.

The call for 'Attention on Deck' was quickly given as Admiral Chegwidden came into ops. "At ease everyone," he ordered and walked straight up to Rabb, holding his hand out. "Welcome home, Captain."

Harm shook it. "Thank you sir,"

AJ then addressed the Lt. Commander. "Young lady, your Uncle and godfather talk highly of you,"

"They tend to brag sir," she said lightly, shaking his hand when he offered it.

He laughed. "That they do," he also shook Galendez's hand. "Nice to see you again, Lieutenant."

"You too sir,"

"Well know that the three of you have interrupted my office, I doubt any more work will get done,"

"Sorry sir," Harm apologized.

"Don't be, the President is right, we need heroes and you three qualify. Enjoy your leave."

"We will sir."

He nodded and headed back to his office.

Harm patted Katherine on the back. "We have to get going too," he announced.

She agreed, addressing Mac. "The Cag and I are having our Wetting Down at O'Reilly's tonight, all are welcome. Nineteen hundred."

"I'll pass the word, Commander."

"Thank you Ma'am."

Harm turned to Victor. "See you tonight, Lieutenant?"

"Yes sir, I'm looking forward to it," he insisted.

It took them a few minutes to get out of JAG, but they did eventually, driving over to Katherine's apartment. She wanted to grab a few things before they left for La Jolla's in the morning. Harm waited as she through what she needed into a travel bag. He looked around the apartment, it was modest, only what was really needed, a few photo's and some bric-a-brac.

Katherine came out of the bedroom carrying her bag, she still wore her uniform, planning on changing at his apartment. She saw him looking around. "I spend a lot of time with Uncle Jack when home on liberty, sometimes I wonder why I even keep this place."

"It gives you privacy,"

"True," she let him take her bag. "Shall we?"

He nodded and they left the apartment, returning to his. Where they both changed out of their uniforms, hanging them up. Harm realized when he saw Katherine's uniform in his wardrobe, he liked having it there. He liked having her there, having her as a part of his life.

She circled her arms around his waist, nuzzling her face against his back. "Dreaming Hammer?"

Turning in her arms, he cupped her face in his hands. "Only of you, Phantom," he answered and kissed her, feeling her hands slip beneath his shirt, caressing his warm skin. "Don't start something you don't intent to finish," he warned.

She grinned and backed him over to the bed, pushing him onto it, she straddled him. "Oh I intend to finish," she promised. "Once I've locked on a target, I don't give up until I've accomplished my mission."

Moving quickly he rolled her beneath him. "Neither do I," he mussed and his lips grazed over hers.

"Then by all means carry on, sir," she moaned and talk was quickly forgotten for the moment. The Wetting Down didn't start for a few hours and it couldn't start without them anyway. They were the guests of honor.

O'Reilly's Bar

Fall's church, Virginia

Washington Dc.

Jack O'Reilly had never been in the military, but he could spot and officer a mile away even in civvies and the two that walked into the bar had been there before. "Good evening Colonel, Lt. Commander," he greeted. "The party has already begun, in the Ready Room."

"Thanks Jack," both acknowledged, going into the private room, nicked named the 'Ready Room' by the aviator's that frequented the bar.

Josh glanced around at those already present. "Why is it, I'm an aviator and I'm feeling out of place here?" He asked Mac.

"But you're also a lawyer," she reminded.

"So I don't have an ego as large as some of these guys?" He asked slightly offended.

"Oh no, your ego is just as big, it's just yours doesn't bruise as badly when you lose," she smirked.

"Gee thanks Mac," he groaned.

She smiled and found Harm among fresh-faced aviators she recalled being the members of the Tyco Tigers, Katherine was at his side, not that Mac had expected anything different. She hoped to god Harm knew what he was doing.

"Hey she needs a friend right now?" Josh stated quietly.

Mac arched an eyebrow. "He's being more then just her friend, Wraith,"

"That's their business, Mac, let it go," he advised.

"And when they're put up on chargers for fraternization, do you want me to let go then too?" she asked him slightly annoyed.

Josh was surprised. "And who is going to put them up on those chargers, Colonel. You? Because no one here would, they're family, and family doesn't stab each other in the back," he retorted. "Your jealous, Mac, admit it."

"I'm not admitting to anything," she defended. "So lets drop it."

"Consider it dropped," he declared.

From where he was standing, Harm watched the encounter. So things weren't sweet between Mac and her 'Toy boy Harm', he chuckled at the silly name. Bud had called Lt. Commander Taylor that, not to his face, but in an emailed he'd sent to Harm telling him all about him. Saying Taylor was like a 'toy boy' version of him, hence the name, especially with Josh being younger then Mac.

"What's up Cag?" Katherine asked, they'd agreed to keep their relationship on a need to know bases and so far no one needed to know.

"It looks like trouble in paradise with Mac and Josh."

She took a look; the body language was definitely tense. "I'm sure they'll get it together."

"Possibly," he decided and for a moment wondered whom Josh Taylor reminded him off. It would come to him, eventually.

As the night progressed embarrassing stories were told about both Harm and Katherine, food and drink was always on hand, as was a Karaoke machine.

Mac slipped out to the bathroom, returning in time to see Harm and the rest of the Tyco Tigers, doing their own version of 'Playing with the boys' from the Top Gun soundtrack. She laughed, but deep down it also hurt, Harm had never been so at ease at any Wetting Down or gathering he'd attended while at JAG

The song ended and all left the state except Scott McGregor, he dedicated the next song to his wife and began singing the Ronan Keating song 'If Tomorrow Never Comes'. The RIO could easily make a living as a singer.

She saw Josh and Katherine go out onto the dance floor and into each other's arms, which made her bristle even more. Damn she was jealous.

"Hey Mac," Harm said coming over to her.

She was a little startled. "Harm."

"Enjoying yourself?"

"Obviously not as much as you are," she retorted, not being able to help herself.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You heard me, you have everything you've ever wanted," she snarled. "You're the Cag, you've got over inflated ego driven aviators that hung to your every word and a little girl throwing herself at you."

Harm grabbed her by the arm and dragged her over to a quieter part of the room. "Do you want to explain yourself, Colonel?"

"You're throwing your career away over a little girl!"

"My personnel life, Colonel, is none of your business. Neither is my relationship with Lt. Commander O'Reilly. Who is not a little girl!"

Mac snorted. "She's what twenty-eight?"

"She will be in a couple of weeks."

She snorted again. "So that makes you a cradle snatcher, what are you going through a mid like crisis Harm," she snapped. "Feeling old, so you've found a young play thing to bed!"

Harm had, had enough. "Get out Mac. I once said you were a nasty drunk, well you're even worse when you're jealous!"

Josh and Katherine came over to them, having heard the argument, everyone had. He took hold of Mac's arm. "The Cag is right Mac, time to go."

She pulled her arm free. "Back off Wraith, I'm not through!"

"Yes you are," he said calmly. "Come on I'll take you home and you can cool off."

"I don't need to cool off!"

"No Mac," Harm snapped back at her. "You need to get laid! You hate seeing anybody happier then you, especially me. You pussy footed around for too long and lost out, move on Colonel, if you don't you're going to end up a bitter, lonely woman!" With that said he and Katherine went back to the party.

Mac felt her cheeks burn; her shame and anger welled inside her along with her loneliness and heartache.

"Come on Mac," Josh said gently. "I'll take you home."

Nodding she went with him.

From where he was sitting with Meredith and Tom Boone, AJ Chegwidden sighed.

"Had to happen," Tom remarked.

"Oh yeah," AJ took a drink of his beer. "Been a long time coming,"

"He's right through," Meredith stated casually. "Mac needs to get laid, and Josh Taylor is the man for the job."

Both man stared at her shocked and then laughed. "Hell'va wife you have their AJ," Tom sniggered.

"Damn right!" he said proudly. "Hoo-yah!"

To be continued…