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: I was never really sure where I was going with this story, unlike the other ones I've written, this one had no brief; I had background research that I've collected but that was it. So if I've raved a bit I apologize, it's the Aussie in me. But thank you to everyone who has reviewed and followed along. Bard (thanks for thinking this is an interesting story), cat (thanks for the support, enjoy this chapter) Winjan (Nothing wrong with being a romantic at heart, I'm one too), Debbie (Answer to your question is no), kiwi (I couldn't resist that cliffhanger, it was good though, wasn't it?), Bekki (holy mackerel Bekki, I'm glad you didn't get rained out in Brizzie and to answer your questions; no, yes and no she won't) DD2 (Now would I kill Harm off? No, don't answer that.)
Starting OverChapter Sixteen: Together Forever
USS Ticonderoga
Atlantic Ocean
Lt. Commander Josh Taylor had been aboard enough aircraft carriers to know when the crew was tense about something. On the Ticonderoga it was because of the mishap, because the Cag and his RIO were hurt, because two of their family were fighting for their lives.
Lt. Commander Tracy Manetti was nearly running to keep up with him. She'd questioned the Admiral decision to send Taylor, after all Captain Rabb was his brother-in-law. His sister was also aboard the carrier; she'd seen the whole mishap.
Walking into sickbay, a Lieutenant in a flight suite approached. "Commander Taylor," he nodded. "Sir, I'm Lt. Scott McGregor, we meet at the Cag's house warming."
"Piper, right?"
"Yes sir, I've been flying as your sister's RIO," he informed. "I was on Vultures Row with her when the mishap happened, sir."
"Where is my sister now, Lieutenant?"
"In with Captain Rabb sir. When she leaves he seems to know it and his vitals go though the roof, so the doctors have let her stay with him."
"Has the Commander left her husband's side at all, Lieutenant?" Manetti asked concerned.
"Yes Ma'am, while he was in surgery, we convinced her to grab a shower and something to ear. She grabbed a shower, but hasn't been able to keep anything down, so we've been making sure she has fluids in her," Scott answered. "The doc isn't concerned yet, he said it's normal for her to feel sick at this point."
Josh was confused. "You've lost me, Lieutenant."
"Sorry sir, Phantom. Commander Rabb is pregnant, she only found out a few minutes before the mishap. The Cag doesn't even know yet."
He was stunned. "I think we need to see Commander Rabb, which room, Lieutenant?"
"This way sir," Scott insisted and guided them to the room the Cag had been settled in.
Josh went in, stopping sharply. His sister was seated beside the bed where Harm lay; she was asleep, leaning over, her head on her arm. Holding tight to her husband's hand. The hand she held had a drip attached, his other was in a navy blue cast.
Tracy sidestepped her fellow officer, seeing what he did. The Cag was hooked to monitor's, tubs in his nose, his face and body was bruised, and his right knee was heavily bandaged, as were his ribs. "Oh my."
Josh looked back to McGregor. "Lieutenant I'd like to speak with the doctor please?"
"Aye sir," he acknowledged and hurried away.
Going around to his sister, Josh hankered down next to her. "Kat, Katie," he gently nudged her shoulder.
She woke a little disorientated, until she realized where she was. Looking at her brother. "Josh," she released her husband's hand and hugged Josh. "I'm so glad you're here."
"So am I sweetheart," he told her, holding her tight. "Are you all right, McGregor told us you're pregnant?"
"I'm fine, sick to my stomach but I'm fine."
"All right," he kissed her forehead, not wanting to push it.
Doctor Stacy Kane came into the room, leaving McGregor near the door. "You wanted to see me Commander Taylor?"
Josh smiled reassuringly to his sister and stood, addressing the doctor. "Yes Ma'am," he and Manetti stepped out of the room with her. "How bad is Captain Rabb?"
"The Cag suffered internal bleeding, his right wrist is broken, and we removed shrapnel from his left knee. His ribs are badly bruised and he had a piece of his Hornet lodged in his side. There are bruising, lacerations. Over all he's lucky to be alive," she said bluntly.
"And Lt. Lindsay?" Manetti asked.
"The Lieutenant is in a coma, we contained the internal bleeding, removed shrapnel, she also has bruising and lacerations. Her condition is just as serious, as soon as both are stronger we'll be transferring them to Bethesda."
"And Commander Rabb?"
Josh eyed his partner, even though he knew why she'd asked the question.
The doctor sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "If you're asking did she conceive while on board the answer is no, the Commander was pregnant when she arrived. She just didn't know it."
Manetti nodded satisfied. "Thank you, Doctor."
"You're welcome. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to check on Lt. Lindsay."
Both nodded and she walked away.
Josh turned, seeing McGregor hadn't moved from near the door to the Cag's room. "Lieutenant," he gestured him over.
"Yes sir,"
He warmed his expression. "Has my sister seen Doctor Kane about her nausea?"
"Yes sir, the doctor wanted to give her something, but Kat refused. I thought I might see if I could get her some dry crackers."
"That's a good idea, Lieutenant, go and see what you can find."
"Yes sir," he agreed and reluctantly left.
"He's worried about her," Tracy noted.
"They've flown together for a while, they have a bond," he remarked. "We should report to the Admiral and get this investigation going."
She nodded, going with him. On the bridge he announced both of them as they stood at attention.
"At ease," Garret ordered. "Before you start, lets get one thing straight. This was not pilot error, the Cag is too good a pilot to have coursed the mishap."
"Sir, with all due respect," Josh began. "Not for one minute did we consider the mishap to be Captain Rabb's fault."
"Excellent, everything you need will be supplied to you, the recovered HUD taps and the engineering reports. My people are going through the wreckage with a fine tooth comb, Chief Williams will have a report for you by thirteen hundred tomorrow."
"Thank you sir," both acknowledged.
"Dismissed."
"Aye sir," both came to attention, then turned and left the bridge.
By thirteen hundred the next day they'd interviewed everyone involved or who had seen the mishap, including Commander Rabb. The Cag was stable but still unconscious; his wife barely left his side, the dry crackers having worked to settle her stomach, so they interviewed her at his bedside before convincing her to leave with them to get dinner. Lt. Lindsay remained in a coma, her husband having been flown out to the Ticonderoga on the Admiral's insistence; he was now at her side and had been there all night.
A knock came on the conference room door where Taylor and Manetti were working. "Come in," she ordered.
Chief Williams entered, standing at attention. "Sir, Ma'am, Chief Williams. I have my report."
Josh took it, quickly reading over the information. "Mechanical and computer failure?"
"Yes sir, that bird was going to fall out of the sky even if the Cag hadn't been at the stick, sir."
"What do you mean by that, Chief, it was the Cag's Super Hornet wasn't it?"
"Yes Ma'am, I only meant during the combat exercises, Commander Rabb flew the Cag's bird a few times."
"Why was that Chief?"
"It was a tactic the Cag used, Ma'am. Phantom wore the Cag's helmet and flew his bird. The Raptors thought she'd remained behind when in fact it was the Cag who had. They never knew what hit them Ma'am, Phantom was the squadron's secret weapon."
Josh smiled; it wasn't because it could have been his sister who'd struck the ramp, it was the fact the crew through so much of her and her abilities. "Are all the Hornets being checked, Chief?"
"Yes sir,"
"Very well, dismissed."
He came to attention, turned on his heal and walked out.
Josh sat down, giving the report to Manetti; he massaged his temples with one hand. "I'd want to go see how Katie is," A second knock came. "Come in," he ordered.
A young Lieutenant from sickbay came in. "Excuse me sir, Ma'am, Commander Kane said to tell you Captain Rabb and Lieutenant Lindsay are ready to be transferred to Bethesda, they're being taken out to the Cod now."
"Thank you Lieutenant,"
She nodded and left.
Standing they did also, heading for the flight deck. When they arrived they saw a crewman taking Katherine Rabb's sea bag from her, taking it to the Cod. They went over to her.
She saw them, telling David Lindsay to go on board, she waited for them. "Commander Kane didn't think it wise to wait any longer, they're both stable, so the decision was made," she informed. "Admiral Garret also told me Commander Braxton is on his way out to take over as Cag."
"We'll be back by tomorrow, if you need anything call Mac or the Admiral," Josh insisted. "I'll give Commander Braxton your regards."
"Thanks Josh," she hugged him quickly. "I have to go."
"Tell Harm we're thinking of him," Tracy said tenderly.
"I will Ma'am," she said, and then hurried aboard the Cod.
Josh and Tracy moved back as the C-2A Greyhound taxied onto the catapult and took off, taking their prays with it.
Bethesda Naval Hospital
Maryland.
Trish Burnett hugged her daughter-in-law; she and Frank had been picked up by Admiral Chegwidden himself and brought to the hospital to see their son. The young woman in her arms, looked pale and tried. "Are you all right Katherine?"
"I'm tired, but I'm fine," she assured. "My stomach has settled down and I have my appetite back."
"Appetite," her mother-in-law suddenly realized what she was being told. "You're pregnant?"
Katherine nodded. "Harm doesn't know yet, he hasn't been awake long enough."
Frank hugged her. "Congratulations, Kat,"
"Thanks Dad,"
He didn't react when she didn't leave his embrace. "Harm will be fine, honey, he's too stubborn not to be."
She chuckled through fresh tears. "Mac said the same thing,"
"Then it's got to be true," he said lightly and wiped her tear streaked cheeks. "Everything will be fine."
"Now lets see Harm, he maybe awake," Trish urged gently.
Katherine showed them into the private room. "Harm's RIO came out of her coma this morning, she asked how he was,"
"That's good to hear,"
"Mouse is too stubborn to die," Harm's gravelly voice announced.
His wife and parents hurried to his side. "She said the same thing about you," Katherine said, tears in her eyes.
"Damn right," he reached a hand up and caressed her cheek. "I told you I'd never leave you."
"Us," she corrected and took his hand putting it on her stomach.
"Us?" he seemed confused until it came clear. "You're pregnant?"
Katherine nodded. "Nine weeks."
He was surprised, then concerned. "You were flying pregnant?"
"I'm fine Harm, if I'd known I was pregnant I wouldn't have flown you know that," she reassured. "Dr Marcus said everything is fine, I saw him last night while you were sleeping."
He yielded to her, glancing at his mother. "You're going to be a grandma, mum."
"It's about time," she jeered.
"Yes Ma'am."
"Why don't we leave these two alone for a few minutes," Frank suggested.
"It's okay Dad," Katherine said as she turned a little too quickly and the room started to spin.
Harm's eyes grew wide when he realized what was happening. "Dad!" He called out frustrated because he couldn't help his own wife.
Frank quickly grabbed his daughter-in-law and helped her to sit down in the chair. "Easy honey."
"I'm okay," she forced a smile. "I've taken nine G turns without blacking out and now simply turning too fast makes me dizzy."
Trish had taken her son's hand; she didn't need to be a doctor to know his heart was racing. "Katherine is fine, Harm. Dizziness is something that many pregnant women face."
"You're sure?"
"I'm sure," she perched on the edge of his bed. "I fainted once on your father because he spun me around to fast. Scared the life out of him."
He chuckled a little, settling down again, but his gaze never left his wife.
"Harm?"
He forced himself to look to his mother. "Yeah?"
Carefully leaning forward, Trish gave him a gentle hug. "Don't do this again."
"I'll try not to Mum," he replied giving her an awkward hug because of the cast and drip. "Twice is enough."
"More then enough," she retorted through her tears.
Katherine smiled. Now she knew everything was going to be all right because they were together.
A knock at the door got their attention; Trish sat up wiping her eyes as Frank opened it. David Lindsay was outside with his wife, who was in a wheelchair.
"Is the Captain up for some visitor's?" He asked.
"Come on in," Frank insisted, giving them a warm smile.
Karen smiled, seeing Harm was awake. "About time you woke up sir," she said as her husband pushed her closer. "I hear you're going to be a dad."
"That was all the incentive I needed," he smirked and reached out to take her hand. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she smiled. "You?"
"I'll mend."
Trish got up and went over to her husband, slipping her arm around his waist.
David Lindsay was a well-built man who was older then he looked. "Do they know what happened?"
"It was mechanical and computer failure," Katherine informed having read her brother and Manetti's report. "Neither Harm or Karen were at fault, it could of happened while I was flying their bird."
Karen felt Harm squeeze her hand, commenting. "But it didn't. Good thing too, the Cag would have been unbearable to live with if anything happened to you, Kat."
"He's going to be that now I'm pregnant," she smirked and they all laughed.
Harm released his RIO's hand and took his wife's. "At least I know you're not going to be flying."
"Well only 'Sarah', at least while I can get behind the controls." Katherine teased him.
"I can excepted that,"
Taking Karen's hand too, Katherine squeezed both their hands. "I'm just glad you're both all right."
So did David, Trish and Frank. The though of losing either of them wasn't something they wanted to think about.
Harm and Kat's apartment
North of Union Station
Katherine glanced up as her husband came through the door, a month after the mishap there was no tell tale signs he'd ever been hurt, the cast was gone and he didn't walk with a limp any more. He'd also taken a position with Naval Intelligence that now kept him in Washington, at least for a while.
"Hi babe," she came out of the kitchen and over to him.
Harm drew her into his arms. "Hi darlin, how's junior?"
"Junior is fine," she answered happily. "How was your day?"
"Interesting, I finally found out what the outside of my office looks like. The mountain of paper work they stuck me with has finally become a small pile, you would have thought they'd been able to keep up with their legal work," he put his cover on a hook next to hers. "How was your day?"
"After I beat my brother in court, I took him to lunch," Katherine smirked slipping out of his arms. "I suppose now you've sorted out NI's legal problem's they'll find something juicy for you to sink your teeth into."
"I hope so, I was cleared by the mishap board and put back on the active flight list, so it's only a matter of time."
Rising up on her toes, she circled her arms around his neck before she kissed him. "Then again maybe they think you're better off behind a desk so you can be home every night with your pregnant wife."
"Maybe they do," he agreed, kissing her back. "Which means more then Captain Bamford knows what a sexy wife I have."
Katherine found herself being maneuvered towards the bedroom. "You're not hungry?"
"Oh I'm hungry, just not for food."
"Is that so," she began unbuttoning his uniform jacket. "Then you'd better join me in the bedroom where I can take care of this hunger."
"Excellent idea."
They made it half way when the doorbell rang, Ham groaned and Katherine laughed.
"Later," she whispered.
"You've got that right," he remarked leaving his jacket undone as he headed for the door.
Straightening her own clothing, Katherine headed into the kitchen.
Harm checked the spy hole, not liking what he saw; he opened the door any way. "Webb."
Clayton Webb smiled his usual flat smile. "Rabb, you're wife at home?" He saw the look he was being given, holding up the folder he was carrying. "Relax its just information she asked for."
Harm let him in. "Just remember Katie is pregnant, which means you don't borrow her for anything."
"I know, the Admiral briefed me."
"Good," Harm shut the door.
Katherine came out of the kitchen. "Hi Clayton."
"Katherine, here's the information you asked for."
"Thanks Clay," she took the file.
"You're welcome," he smiled. "Keep your husband out of trouble."
"I will," she said with a grin.
Satisfied he turned. "Night Rabb."
"Night Webb," Harm replied and showed him to the door.
"Bye Katherine,"
"Bye Clay,"
Harm shut the door, leaning against it. "Be careful around Webb,"
"I will," she went over to him, leaving the file on the counter. "So are you still hungry?"
"Staved,"
"I meant for food," she teased.
"So did I."
Katherine groaned, rolling her eyes. "Sure you did," she mused and returned to the kitchen. "Go shower while I set the table and dish up."
"Yes Ma'am,"
"Watch it Hammer, I can still kick your six."
"I know," he called out from the shower.
Laughing Katherine set the table; she was bringing dinner out as Harm walked out, now in jeans and a t-shirt. "Just on time."
"Of course."
She bit back a remark and they sat down for dinner.
"I was talking to Karen today," Harm told her.
"How is she?"
"She's thinking of resigning her commission."
"Because of the ramp strike?"
He nodded. "I told her to think hard about it, I even suggested she go into reserve service."
Katherine reached across the table and took his hand. "Karen and I have been friends for a long time, she doesn't give up unless she has a valued reason."
"I just hate to think she's going to resign because of a mishap,"
"She'll make the right decision Harm,"
"I hope so, babe, she's a good RIO."
Smiling she got up and went round to him, when he pushed his chair back she sat on his lap. "Whatever happens we'll support her."
"I know," he moved his hand over her tummy that was exposed by the high cut of her t-shirt. "Why don't you go have a shower and I'll cleanup."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure, go on."
Getting up she left him to it, Harm cleaned up and put everything away, turning off the lights he headed into the lounge and put some music on, sitting on the lounge.
Katherine came out, she wore satin pajamas that had been a present from her mother-in-law. Sitting next to her husband, she sat with her legs over his lap.
"So what was Webb finding out for you?" He asked, stroking the soft skin of her tummy under her shirt.
"He got one of my client's records declassified for me."
"The sniper?"
"Yes," she put her hand over his. "Mum asked would we'd mind if she and Frank came back when the baby is born to help out, I told her they were always welcome."
"It's her first grandchild, she's excited," he mused.
"Just like you are."
He smiled warmly. "I was sitting in my office today and suddenly it just hit me, I'm going to be a dad. I mean really hit me and I started to speculate what kind of father I was going to be."
"The best kind," Katherine assured.
Leaning closer he kissed her. "I love you Katie."
"I love you too Harm,"
To be continued….
(Please forgive any spelling or grammar mistakes the computer and I may have missed. We're trying)
