Title: Times Destiny
Author: Anaika Skywalker
Author's Email: lindsay30@austarnet.com.au
Rating: PG 13
Disclaimer: I don't own JAG; I just like to spread my wings occasionally.
Author's Note: Sorry about taking so long, I've been sick the past couple of days, which has given me time to write, but I haven't been able to sit at the computer to get on the net. So thank you to everyone who has waited patiently. K (Thanks, I'm updating when I can), Chole1 (The Admiral winning is the consensus so far), Cathy F. (Thanks, I hope you like this chapter), Winjan (I'll try not to keep you in the dark to long, I'm still working on the reason for why they've come to this time. And I knew you would work it out about David and Harm.) Bekki (Thank you, thank you. You always seem to come up with the best ideas and yours was fantastic. Actually it's beyond fantastic. It's perfect. I can't thank you enough and I hope you don't mind me using it. It was what I needed to keep this story going. Thank so much.)
Times DestinyChapter Four: Career decisions
JAG Headquarters
Falls Church Virginia
Washington DC
Lieutenant Sims knocked on the door to the Admiral's office and then went in, shutting it again, a grin still on her lips. She now understood why the Admiral had wanted to know about the office pool.
"Well Lieutenant?" The Admiral asked her.
"You did sir," she answered bubbly. "Congratulations sir."
"Thank you Lieutenant, feel free to pass the news on."
She glanced at the Colonel and Commander who nodded. "Yes sir," she said excitedly.
"Dismissed Lieutenant."
"Aye, aye sir," she turned and hurried out, busting to tell someone the news.
Mac looked to Harm, who was just as confused about the office pool, they both looked to the Admiral. "Sir?"
Harmony and David were grinning those famous 'flyboy' smiles of theirs they knew.
AJ got the impression somehow they did too. "Commander, Colonel. The officers have had a betting pool going as to when the two of you would get your heads out of your six's and announce you were getting married. It was up to five hundred dollars."
Both were a little shocked, but mostly they found it amusing. "And you won Admiral?" Mac asked rhetorically.
"Damn right."
Harmony and David started to chuckle, looking sheepish when they were stared out. "Sorry sir."
Mac smiled, as did Harm.
"Now Lieutenants," AJ began. "What are we going to do with you two?"
"Sir," Harmony glanced quickly at her RIO, who gave her a nod. She went on. "We'd like to be of some use, we're still offices of the US Navy and Naval Aviators."
"What Hammer is trying to say sir," David continued. "Is we'd like to return to flying."
That announcement didn't surprise Harm any, nor the Admiral. "Do you think you can handle a F-14, Lieutenants?" He asked them.
Harmony heard the challenge in his voice. "Admiral, my father once told me I would have loved the F-14 and he was right. He also told me it was graceful, maneuverable and treated like a lady, it'll always bring you home."
"Sounds like something you'd say, Commander Rabb," the Admiral retorted.
"Yes sir, it does." Harm agreed.
"Can you qualify to fly an F-14, Lieutenant?" Mac asked her. "Your qualifications are for fighters eighteen years more advanced then anything we have, including the F-14."
She nodded. "Ma'am, at the Academy I trained in what we called a F-24 Sparrow Hawk, it was a throwback of the Tomcat," Harmony explained. "I found that out after the Cag aboard the Patrick Henry let me take the controls of the trainer he gave me a ride in. The F-32 has the mass and maneuverability of a Tomcat, it handles take off's and landing the same when on manual control. And as Commander Rabb pointed out, its controls are very much similar to your F/A-18's and I've flown one of those."
"You have?" Harm questioned her quickly.
"Yes sir," she admitted. "For Independence Day last year, we participated in an historical flyby. Skates and I were chosen and trained to fly the Super Hornet for the ceremony."
"Well Commander?" AJ asked him. "What do you think of their chances now?"
"Sir, if the Lieutenant's can handle a Super Hornet, then I think they'll qualify on a Tomcat." Harm answered proudly.
"Very well, I'll see what I can do. I have a meeting with the SecNav in a few minutes, so I'll let you know. That'll be all."
Standing they came to attention. "Aye, aye sir." Turning they left the office.
Before Harmony walked out, she turned back to the Admiral. "Sir?"
"Yes Lieutenant."
"It was nice to see you again, Admiral."
He frowned. "Remain a moment Lieutenant."
She stepped back in and closed the door, returning to stand at ease before him. "Yes sir."
"In your time, Lieutenant," he chose his words carefully, taking what she'd just said as a statement. "My counterpart is no longer alive?"
"That's correct sir. My father became the Judge Advocate General after Admiral Chegwidden's death," she answered him.
"How Lieutenant?"
"A car accident sir. He was killed instantly by a drunk driver, his son survived the crash, but was seriously injured," she revealed calmly, not letting what she was saying effect her.
That stunned AJ. "A son?"
"Yes sir, AJ Chegwidden Junior. He's a Navy SeAL stationed at Annapolis NAS."
"We don't have Navy SeAL's at Annapolis NAS," he stated aimlessly deep in thought.
"In my time we do sir," she corrected. "AJ is someone I care deeply about, it was his SeAL team that rescued David and I from the POW camp. We grew up together, played in the JAG offices waiting for either parent to finish up for the day. We have a bond that's very special."
He heard how special in her voice. "Do you love him?"
"Yes sir I do."
"Then he's a very lucky young man."
"Yes sir he is," she said proudly. "He had Admiral Chegwidden for a father."
Smiling warmly, the Admiral nodded. "Thank you Harmony."
"You're welcome sir." She came to attention, then turned on her heal and left the office. Joining in on the impromptu celebration that was going on in ops.
"Have a nice chat?" David asked her quietly.
"I did."
"Do you think they're going to let us fly, Harm?"
"I think so."
"I wouldn't," a voice exclaimed.
She spun round frowning; she knew that voice even though the face was a lot younger then she remembered. "Webb?"
Clayton Webb stood there with arms crossed against his chest. "You shouldn't even be out in public."
Harm was instantly at his alternate daughters side. "What are you doing here Webb?"
"What am I doing here," he repeated. "You should never have brought these two here."
"And where would you have them, Webb?" Mac asked him angrily. "Locked away?"
"Sarah," he reached out for her.
"Don't you dare call me that," she ordered slapping his hand away.
"Touch my fiancée again Webb and you'll regret it," Harm warned.
"Fiancée," he glared at Mac. "You're actually going to marry Rabb?"
Harmony had heard enough, side stepping the Commander she did what he wanted to do; punched him in the nose. Knocking him to the ground.
"Son of a bitch!" Webb swore, holding his bloody nose.
Harmony rubbed her swore hand. "I can't hit you in the future, it's not possible at the moment, but when I get back. I'll be doing the same thing again."
"Lieutenant Sims," Harm called over as two Marines helped Webb to his feet, everyone else was quickly going back to work.
"Yes sir?"
"Harriet would you get some ice for the Lieutenant's hand, please?"
"Yes sir," she agreed and went to do so, a satisfied smile on her lips.
"Corporal escort Mr. Webb out," Mac suggested.
"Yes Ma'am," the young man acknowledged and he and his partner did so.
David took a look at his driver's hand. "It doesn't look broken."
"It's not," she assured.
"My office Lieutenant's, now!" Harm ordered sternly, no matter how much he wanted to praise her for doing that.
Mac went with them; shutting the door as the two Lieutenant's stood at attention before Harm.
"Would you like to explain yourself, Lt. Rabb?" He asked her.
"Sir," Harmony began. "I except full responsibility my actions was based solely on an emotional outburst."
"Which I expect you to explain to me Lieutenant!"
"It was intelligence from Webb – Director Webb, that made Lt. Hawks and I valuable targets," Harmony snapped out. "We were flying an Intel mission in the no fly zone when we were attacked."
Harm shook his head in disgust. Damn Webb. He saw Lt. Sims at the door and gestured her in.
Harriet handed Harmony an ice bag, whispering. "Nice punch Lieutenant."
"Thank you Ma'am."
Patting her shoulder she left.
Harm sighed and rubbed his temples. "Stand at ease."
"No matter what you feel against Webb, hitting him won't do any good," Mac informed. "And I suggest when you get back home to your own time you don't punch Director Webb in the nose either."
"I'll do my best Ma'am."
Harm saw the Secretary of the Navy walk past and into the Admiral's office. "Now the trouble starts."
"The SecNav?" Mac inquired.
He nodded. "Your flying career while here is in his hand's Lieutenant's," he said addressing them.
In the Admiral's office the SecNav was looking through the service records of the two Lieutenants. "Is she like her father?" Sheffield asked.
"Yes and from what Commander Rabb put in his report she's a hell'va aviator. Took on four enemy fighters form her own time on her own," AJ praised, adding. "And she's a qualified lawyer."
"Amazing," the SecNav agreed. "I'd like to meet them."
"Yes sir," AJ pressed the intercom button. "Coates have Lieutenant Rabb and Lieutenant Hawks report to my office," he ordered then released the button.
"Yes sir."
"Sir," the Admiral continued. "They'd like to serve with the Navy in this time while they're here. Lieutenant Rabb believes she can qualify to fly an F-14."
"According to her service record, she's over qualified."
A knock brought the two Lieutenants into the office; they stood at attention before the Admiral.
"Stand at ease, Lieutenants," the Admiral ordered, then introduced. "Secretary Sheffield, Lieutenant Harmony Rabb and Lieutenant David Hawks."
He smiled welcomingly at them. "It's a pleasure to meet you both."
"Sir."
Sitting back in his chair he studied them both. "Tell me Lieutenants, in 2022, who is Secretary of the Navy?"
"That would be Admiral Tuner," Harmony answered. "Sir."
AJ hid his surprise at hearing the name – Sturgis Tuner the SecNav.
Sheffield was not phased by it. "An Admiral?"
"Yes sir, Admiral Sturgis Tuner. He captained a submarine after leaving JAG," she revealed. "His appointment to SecNav came two years after his promotion."
"And while you're with us, you would like to fly?"
"Yes sir," both acknowledged.
"Explain to me why I should agree to this?"
"If I may sir," David intervened. "If myself and Lt. Rabb are at sea, then the likely hood of the public finding out about our arrival would be almost impossible."
"The Lieutenant has a point Mr. Secretary." AJ stated.
The more he thought about it, the more Sheffield agreed. "Very well, I'll organize it."
"Thank you sir."
"One more thing Lieutenant's," Sheffield, inquired. "Out of curiosity, who is President in 2022?"
"That would be Bobbi Latham sir, the secNav's wife." Harmony answered.
"Thank you Lieutenant."
"Dismissed," the Admiral ordered.
Coming to attention, they turned on their heals and left.
"I'd like to be kept appraised of their activities while they're with us," the SecNav ordered. "Have Rabb TAD to the Patrick Henry while they're on board, that's where they'll be assigned."
"Yes sir," AJ agreed, adding. "Actually sir, I wanted to talk to you about Commander Rabb and Lt. Colonel Mackenzie."
"What did they do now?"
"They got engaged."
"To each other?"
"Yes sir. With all do respect Mr. Secretary, I don't want to lose either of my best lawyers."
Sheffield sighed. "They are two of the best," he agreed. "Let me work on it."
"Thank you Mr. Secretary."
He stood. "If the Lieutenants are still with us a month after they're assigned to the Henry, bring Rabb home," he ordered, and then smiled. "We can't have Mackenzie brooding after her fiancé."
"No sir, we can't," the Admiral agreed, having also stood.
"Thank you Mr. Secretary."
"Don't worry AJ, I'll be collecting one day," Sheffield stated as he walked out.
That AJ was positive would mean doing something he was not going to like.
16:00 Zulu
Admiral Chegwidden heard laugher as he approached the conference room, pushing the door open he walked in carrying manuals and a folder containing orders. The officers got quickly to their feet. "As you were," he ordered and they sat back down. "Now what's going on here?" He asked as he dropped what he carried on the desk.
"Sir, Lieutenant Rabb was assisting the Commander and I on a few of our cases," Mac explained.
"I see, well Lieutenant perhaps I should have you assigned to JAG instead of the Patrick Henry,"
"The Patrick Henry sir?"
He opened the folder and removed the orders for both of them, handing to them. "You and Lieutenant Hawks are to report to Pensacola in forty-eight hours, from there you'll be assigned to the Patrick Henry," he also handed them the manuals they needed. Then took the last piece of paper from the folder. "Commander you'll be going TAD to the Henry."
Harm swallowed hard but nodded. "Yes sir, for how long."
"Unknown at this time Commander, but I wouldn't make waves if I were you. The SecNav is trying to work out a way to keep both you and Colonel Mackenzie at JAG."
"Aye sir."
"Then I suggest you head home, you've a lot to organize before you leave," he nodded to the younger officers. "Lieutenant's it was a pleasure."
"Thank you sir," both acknowledged.
With that he left.
Harmony saw the way Mac was looking at Harm; she gathered the manuals and orders. "We'll head back to your office, sir."
David grabbed what he needed too. "Excuse us sir, Ma'am."
Both nodded and they left quickly.
"Mac, I didn't know the Admiral was going to do this." Harm stated, referring to the orders.
"I know," she whispered. "It shouldn't bother me, but it does a little."
Getting up he drew her up into his arms. "I love you Sarah, nothing is going to change that."
"I know," she kissed him gentle. "Just promise me while you're aboard the Henry you won't do anything stupid."
"I promise," he said without hesitation. "Come on, let's go home. I think Harmony and David can handle a night on their own at my place, you and I are going to yours."
"You have the best ideas flyboy," she jeered.
"Of course I do," he mocked. "And I have a few more for tonight, when it's just you and I, alone."
"Well, what are we waiting for then?" She asked and started to gather the files they'd been working on.
Chuckling, Harm gave her a hand, leaving the conference room they returned to his office.
"Is everything all right Ma'am, sir?" Harmony asked.
"Yes Lieutenant it is," Mac reassured. "Now if you're ready, I'll get my things and we can go."
"You and David have tonight to yourselves," Harm informed after she'd headed for her office. "If you need anything, I'm sure Maddie and Jen can help you."
"Yes sir," both agreed, smiling.
He laughed. "Come on you two, it's never wise to keep a Marine waiting."
Grabbing what they needed they left the office and along with Mac headed for home. In the JAG car park, they found someone unexpected – Webb. His nose was badly bruised and swollen. He thrust a large yellow envelope at Harm. "Here, you might find this interesting reading," he snapped, then turned and walked away as fast as he could.
Curious Harm unlocked the SUV and threw his briefcase in; then opened the envelope, reading what was contained inside.
Harmony and David quickly put the manuals inside the SUV and waited for the Commander. Mac had put her briefcase in and stood beside her fiancé reading what he was. She looked at him shocked. "My God!"
"Is something wrong, Ma'am, sir?" Harmony asked.
Harm handed the documents to her. "Your father isn't David's father, you're not brother and sister, you're half cousins."
"Cousins?" David questioned. "Then my father is."
Harmony looked up. "Uncle Sergei," she said in disbelief. "But that's not possible, dad was Fleet JAG when Uncle Sergei came to America, I was a child, how could he be David's father?"
"I don't know about you, but I'm going to ask him when we get back to our own time," David stated. "It's about time I got some answers."
"It's about time we both got some answers." Harmony stated bluntly.
One month later:
USS Patrick Henry
Indian Ocean
Commander Harmon Rabb handed his bags to the crewman and followed him off the Cod.
Captain Mike Hayden greeted him on the noisy flight deck. "Commander, welcome back!"
"Thank you sir!"
"The Skipper said for you to get settled first, then come see him!"
"I'll do that!"
They left the flight deck, removing the white vests, helmets and goggles.
"How are Rabb and Hawks doing, sir?" Harm asked, thankful he didn't have to shout any more.
"You'd think they'd been with us for years," Mike remarked, nearly laughing at the question. "Hammer is a damn fine aviator, and Blades always knows how to handle her."
"Blades?"
"Hawks, we already had a Skates, so we gave him a new call sign," the Cag answered as they walked.
"No problems?"
"Nothing we haven't been able to handle."
"Oh?"
"Well it seems where they're from, they share a stateroom," Mike announced, hiding the fact he found it amusing. "It took Harmony a few days to get use to having a female roommate."
Harm held back a chuckled. "She emailed me about not being able to sleep, she's been that way since she and David were POW's, so I made a suggestion."
"So it was you who told her to sleep in one of his shirts?"
"Guilty." Harm smirked and they both chuckled. They came to his stateroom, his bags was on the bunk when they walked in.
"The Skipper wanted to know if you brought your flight gear?" Mike inquired.
Harm unzipped the smaller of the two bags and removed his helmet. "As ordered."
The Cag nodded. "I'll drop it off, I on my way to the ready room."
"Thanks," he put his helmet back in and handed the bag to him.
"I'll tell Hammer you said hello."
"And that we'll catch up as soon as I've reported to the Skipper and checked in with the carrier JAG."
"Will do," Mike agreed as they left the stateroom. "She is good, Commander. I was worried she won't be able to handle all this, not after only a few weeks at Pensacola, but it's like second nature to her."
Harm nodded. "I had a feeling it would be."
"Yeah I thought you would, we'll talk later,"
"Aye sir," Harm agreed and headed for the bridge. Reporting in.
Captain Tibias Ingles turned. "Welcome aboard Commander."
"It's good to be back, sir."
The Skipper gestured for him to follow and they didn't talk until they reached his office. "Since we isolated them both quickly the first time they were here and got that jet of theirs under guard quickly, those who don't know think Hammer is your cousin and Blades is Lt. Commander Hawk's cousin. It would be a little hard explaining it other wise."
"The Admiral filled me in," Harm announced. "I don't think we'll have any problems. Is the Nighthawk still secure?"
The Captain nodded. "It's covered by a tarp and guarded round the clock, the only ones authorized to go near it are Rabb and Hawks," he informed. "Commander, just how long am I going to have Hammer and Blades here?"
"That we don't know sir and neither do they."
"All right, Lt. Michaels is waiting for you. Dismissed."
"Aye sir," he came to attention, and then turned to leave.
"Oh and Commander."
Harm turned back. "Sir?"
"Michaels is a good kid, don't teach him any bad habits."
"I'll try not to sir," he said smiling.
"That's all I ask."
Nodding Harm left the office; this was going to be an interesting TAD. Lonely without his fiancé, but he was hoping the SecNav wouldn't keep him away from her too long. Famous last words he was sure. An hour later he'd spoke and unwillingly scared the hell out of Lieutenant Michaels, who was as green as they come. The kid was going to have to lighten up.
Harmony saw him walk into the wardroom and hurried over to him. "Commander," she hugged him and he returned the gesture.
"How are you Harmony?"
"I'm good, sir," she said stepping back.
David joined them too. "Commander."
Harm shook his hand. "David." He sat with them. "Captain Ingles and Captain Hayden have both given good reports about the two of you."
"We're doing our best," Harmony declared. "How is Colonel Mackenzie?"
"Mac is good, she said to say hi and behave."
Both chuckled. "And the wedding plans?" David inquired.
"Eloping would be easier," he smirked. "But everything will be ready for when you guys get into port."
"So quick?" Harmony arched an eyebrow. "Is there anything else we need to be told, sir?"
"No Hammer there is not," he chuckled. "Kids these days, your all the same. Even Maddie asked me that."
"Well sir, you two have danced around each other for a long time." David noted.
"Which is why we've stopped dancing," Harm announced. "And Mac wants you two at the wedding."
"And we want to be there," his now cousin declared with a grin. "It doesn't look like we're going any where."
"Well I should hope not, Mac wants you as one of her brides maids and I was hoping David would be one of my groomsman." Harm said casually.
"Really?" They both asked at once.
"Really," he answered grinning. "So I can tell Mac you both agree."
"Yes," they said at once again and stated to laugh.
"We'd love to," Harmony said happily.
"Good."
Later that evening Harm got to talk to Harmony alone, finding her on Vultures Row, he'd flown with the squadron that afternoon, so like her he still wore his flight suite. "Hi kiddo."
"Sir,"
"Harmony, drop the sir for a while," he insisted and saw her nod. "How are things going with you and David?"
She sighed. "I was just getting use to accepting him as a brother and now I've got to get use to the fact we're half cousins."
"How that effect things once you return home?"
"It won't, being half cousins isn't going to stop us from flying together."
He knew it was something else, slipping his arm around her. "So what is it that's bothering you, Harm?"
She smiled warmly, feeling close to him, talking with him was like talking to her father. "I love AJ, I do, but I love David too and it's getting a little confusing."
"Harmony, you told me you grew up with David, your feelings are going to be strong for him. You've thought of him like a brother for years."
"I didn't kiss him like a brother," she admitted.
"You kissed him?"
She nodded. "When we first arrived, we were alone in the stateroom and it just kind of happened."
He could understand that. "You were both under a lot of stress."
"I know, still. I wanted him so bad and I've never felt like that with anyone other then AJ."
Harm drew her into his arms. "It'll all work out, kiddo, you've got to believe that."
"I hope so," she whispered, resting her head against his chest. She missed her father's hugs, his advise and love.
With her in his arm, Harm once again felt a part of him wasn't so empty. He loved Maddie as a daughter, but deep down he wanted his own daughter. He wanted to watch Mac glow as she carried her, be with her as she gave birth and guided her as she grew. He wanted everything that Harmony's father had experienced.
Harmony stepped back smiling. "You're going to make a great dad one day."
"I hope so."
"You will," she reassured. "I have insider knowledge."
"Thanks Harm."
"You're welcome," she grinned that famous Rabb flyboy grin. "Come on Pappy, I believe they're playing 'Top Gun' tonight."
"So you're feeling the need for speed?" He jeered.
She laughed. "No, I think it's more like playing with the boys," she smirked and they both laughed as they left Vultures Row.
"Kiddo you've seen that movie too many times," he noted happily.
"Quite possibly." Harmony agreed and they laughed some more.
To be continued…(Sorry if this seemed a little rushed, all mistakes are mine I'm afraid, the computer did it's best)
